China committed to political settlement of Ukraine crisis

08:37, July 25, 2024 By Wang Qingyun ( China Daily

Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) shakes hands with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday during their meeting in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. LU HANXIN/XINHUA

China and Ukraine on Wednesday expressed their hopes to address the Ukraine crisis through talks, while pledging to further consolidate mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation, as their foreign ministers met in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

The meeting was held on the second day of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's four-day visit to China, which is also his first visit to China since he took office in 2020.

China is always firmly committed to a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, which has entered its third year and still risks escalation and spillover, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

Noting that both Ukraine and Russia have shown willingness for negotiations, Wang said that though the conditions and timing are not yet mature, China supports all efforts conducive to peace, and hopes to continue to play a constructive role in promoting a ceasefire and resuming peace talks.

Kuleba said Ukraine highly appreciates China's active and constructive role in promoting peace and maintaining the international order.

Ukraine values China's opinions, and has carefully studied the six common understandings jointly proposed by China and Brazil.

Ukraine is willing and ready to have talks with Russia, Kuleba said, adding that the talks should be rational, substantive, and aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.

China has always held a position for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis, saying that a political settlement is the only way out.

In May, China and Brazil issued six common understandings on the political settlement of the crisis, which has garnered a positive response from over 100 countries.

In the document, they called for avoiding the expansion and escalation of the crisis, as well as provocation by any party, and urged all parties to create conditions for resuming a direct dialogue.

Chen Yurong, a researcher of Eurasian studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said Kuleba's trip to China shows Ukraine's recognition of China's fair and just position, as well as its consistent efforts to address the Ukraine crisis.

Since last year, China has sent its special representative on Eurasian affairs to conduct three rounds of shuttle diplomacy in an effort to resolve the crisis.

As a major country, China has been working for global and regional peace, which was demonstrated by its recent facilitation of reconciliation talks between 14 Palestinian factions, Chen said, adding that Ukraine values the instrumental role China plays in efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis.

During Wednesday's talks, Wang and Kuleba also called for the further enhancement of bilateral ties.

China and Ukraine, which established a strategic partnership in 2011, are friendly to each other, respect and treat each other equally, and have kept promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, Wang said.

Both countries should maintain communications and exchanges and carry on their traditional friendship, Wang said, adding that China will continue to expand food imports from Ukraine, and work with it to maintain smooth logistics corridors and international food security.

Kuleba said Ukraine supports China's position over the Taiwan question, and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy. Ukraine hopes to stimulate cooperation with China in various fields, including trade and agriculture, Kuleba added.

China is the largest trade partner of Ukraine, which was among the first countries to have supported and participated in Belt and Road cooperation.

In the first half of this year, bilateral trade increased by 17.4 percent to about $4.5 billion, statistics from the General Administration of Customs showed.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
A sign warning people to stay away from bird nesting areas is seen last July on a sand flat near SpaceXs Boca Chica Beach Starbase. Debris including concrete and rebar from the companys April 2023 launch which caused serious damage to the launch site, can be seen on the flat. William Luther/Staff Concrete and rebar from SpaceXs April 2023 launch of its Starship still littered a sand flat next to the launch tower last July. William Luther/Staff The Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, a nonprofit environmental research and advocacy group found that SpaceX's recent Starship launch damaged or destroyed shorebird nests around the launch pad. Courtesy Two damaged Least Tern eggs on the flats after a June 6 launch. The Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, a nonprofit environmental research and advocacy group found that SpaceXs recent Starship launch damaged or destroyed shorebird nests around the launch pad. Courtesy In late July, debris from an April launch was still scattered near SpaceXs Starship launch tower at the companys Starbase at Boca Chica. William Luther/Staff Debris flies from the the launch pad as the Super Heavy rocket pushes the Starship spacecraft aloft on its inaugural flight test in April 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer The second flight test of Starship lifts off from SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica in November. This view is from South Padre Island. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer People watch a test of the fire suppression system from the base of SpaceX's Starship on the launch pad from a distance after being drawn to SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX, on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, for the second launch of SpaceX's Starship on Saturday morning. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

A coalition of environmental groups is petitioning federal agencies to halt launches of SpaceXs Starship from South Texas until its impacts are better understood.

The Center for Biological Diversity, a Tucson-based nonprofit, sent a letter to the Department of the Interior, its subordinate agency the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Federal Aviation Administration requesting the denial of launches until after further review under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Writing on behalf of the American Bird Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, Save RGV and the Carrizo-Comecrudo Nation of Texas, the center also requested the Justice Department work with the Fish and Wildlife Service to take appropriate enforcement action against SpaceX over confirmed violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act when the June 6 launch of Starship damaged and destroyed at least nine nests and their eggs.

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The request comes as the commercial space company is aiming to launch the massive Starship from its Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach again as soon as the first week of August. The launch is awaiting an updated license from the FAA, possibly to allow it to attempt to land Starships first stage booster back at its launch tower.

At the same time, SpaceX has requested longer-term approval to launch and land both the upper-stage Starship and lower-stage booster back at Starbase 25 times a year. The FAA is set to conduct public hearings on that proposal in August, a development that prompted the environmental groups to raise their concerns now.

The FAA itself cannot authorize further launches without once again taking a very, very serious look in coordination with the Fish and Wildlife Service as to what happened, why it happened, and what, if anything, is to be done to prevent it from happening in the future, Eric Glitzenstein, the Tucson-based centers director of litigation, said of the need to assess environmental impacts of the first four Starship launches.

The next step, he said, is laying out measures to mitigate those impacts.

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Bird treaty act

The petition included the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuary Programs report last month on surveys of shorebird nests that were within 1,400 feet of the rocket launch platform before Starships fourth flight on June 6. Of 22 eggs in nine snowy plover, Wilsons plover and least tern nests, only five appeared intact after the launch, it found. The others were gone or broken, with cracks and holes.

The Fish and Wildlife Services law enforcement office has begun an investigation into the nest damage under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 one of the oldest environmental laws. The acts signatories include Canada, Mexico, Japan and Russia.

Glitzenstein said the appeal seeks to make clear to the federal agencies responsible for implementing the treaty and other environmental laws they have unmet obligations.

They cant just sit by and allow those kinds of very obvious, clear cut violations to occur, he said. Theyre obligated to enforce and implement these statutes.

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Fish and Wildlife Service investigations can take a long time depending on the resources the agency commits, Glitzentstein said. His larger question is what the agency, along with the Department of Justice, will do with the findings.

There can be serious delays when the service has completed its investigation, says it thinks there are violations of the law, and then things get held up when its brought to the Department of Justice, Glitzenstein said. You can imagine there could be political issues that are raised and that could get up to higher levels in the Department of Justice, including in Washington, D.C.

New impact analysis

The group sees the alleged violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as another reason to halt approvals of future launches pending completion of a full Environmental Impact Statement.

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Instead of evaluating SpaceXs Boca Chica Beach operation under that process, the FAA initially performed a so-called Programmatic Environmental Assessment. Both are part of the law for such assessments, but the environmental assessment process is typically less-time consuming and has fewer requirements than completing an impact statement.

The FAAs initial environmental assessment, completed in June 2022, found Starship would have no significant impact on its surroundings. Since then, the agency has updated its findings with two written reevaluations but Glitzenstein said thats not enough.

With SpaceX seeking to significantly ramp up operations at its Starbase facility at Boca Chica Beach, he said now is a useful and opportune time for the FAA to take a step back and basically do what they should have done at the beginning of this whole process, which is really engage in a comprehensive environmental impact statement.

Whats next

The impact statement process can take years but Glitzenstein said this one could move faster because several studies have already been done and SpaceXs operation is largely established at Boca Chica Beach. Still, a full review could stall Starship launches at Starbase for some time.

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SpaceX didnt respond to request for comment but it recently posted a statement on social media claiming its monitoring, developed with the Fish and Wildlife Service, show little to no strong evidence of trends, either increasing or decreasing, for any of the target species, including piping plovers protected under the act. It didnt offer evidence to support its claims.

The Department of the Interior declined to comment but a spokesman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the agency is committed to working with SpaceX on ways to reduce its impacts and comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The FAA and SpaceX already are embroiled in multiple lawsuits regarding beach closures and the federal review processes that allowed frequent launches from a wildlife preserve.

SaveRGV, a South Texas environmental group, sued the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its oversight body for its approval of a land swap with SpaceX in March. The same group also sent SpaceX a letter of intent to sue for alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act involving unauthorized discharges from launches and testing at Boca Chica Beach.

SpaceXs activities are not immune from the operation of federal environmental laws, it said. The federal agencies responsible for enforcing these laws must stop behaving as if they are.

Glitzenstein said renewed environmental scrutiny would be positive for the long-term future of SpaceX in South Texas.
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University of Washington researchers investigated how iBuyerscompanies that use automated algorithms to quickly buy and sell homeshave affected the well-documented racial bias against Black home sellers. In Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, they found that on average iBuyers paid more equal prices to Black and white home sellers than individual buyers, largely because iBuyers paid white sellers significantly less on average than an individual buyer. Credit: Blake Wheeler/Unsplash

Instant buyers, also known as iBuyers, rapidly buy and sell homes using automated models to set prices. These companies, such as Opendoor and Offerpad, can turn around cash offers in a matter of hours, and they've captured more than 5% of the real estate market in some U.S. cities.

Since new tech often replicates or exacerbates existing societal biases, University of Washington researchers wanted to investigate how iBuyers have affected the well-documented racial bias in home appraisalsparticularly bias against Black homeowners.

The team homed in on Charlotte, North Carolina, where an estimated 35% of the population is Black, and where in 2021, iBuyers held more than 8% market share. Based on an analysis of five years of property transactions in Mecklenburg County (which contains Charlotte), researchers found that on average, compared to individual buyers, iBuyers paid more equal prices to Black and white home sellers. That's largely because iBuyers paid white sellers significantly less on average than an individual buyer would.

The team also discovered that iBuyers were then significantly less likely to sell homes to individual buyers. Instead, these companies were more likely to sell homes to institutions, such as large rental companies that've been tied to high eviction rates and rent gouging.

The team presented its research in June at the ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency, held in Rio de Janeiro.

"It's easy for bias to seep into automated models if they're trained on data that is itself biased," said lead author Isaac Slaughter, a UW doctoral student in the Information School.

"The models that iBuyers use are essentially proprietary black boxes. Given the long history of housing discrimination in the United States, we were concerned that historical biases might be influencing these models behind the scenes, without the public being aware."

The researchers pulled 50,000 publicly available property transfer records from 2018 to 2023 for Mecklenburg County, population 1.1 million in the last census. The team cross-referenced these transfer records with North Carolina voter rolls, which list each person's race.

Controlling for 50 factors, including home size and neighborhood crime rate, the team found that on average white-owned homes sold to private buyers for $36,051 more than Black-owned homes. But when homes sold to iBuyers, that difference shrank to $4,436, because iBuyers paid Black homeowners $4,376 more on average, while paying white homeowners $27,239 less.

"There's very little reason for us to believe that there's some purposeful intervention going on here," said senior author Nic Weber, a UW associate professor in the iSchool. "iBuyers are paying Black homeowners a little bit more, but not significantly more. Rather, iBuyers don't seem to be willing to pay white homeowners what they might be able to earn if they sold through a traditional broker."

In going through the data, the team also found aberrations in who purchased homes from iBuyers. When iBuyers sold homes in Mecklenburg, institutionsfrequently real estate investment trustsbought 25% of the homes. Yet when an individual (not an iBuyer) sold the home, institutions bought just 15%.

The team also found racial differences in this shift. When iBuyers bought and resold homes, both originally white-owned and Black-owned homes were bought up at greater rates by institutions. But the increase in institutional ownership for white-owned homes (from 9% for individuals to 17% for iBuyers) was greater than the increase for Black-owned homes (from 33% to 36%).

Conversion to institutionally owned real estate is associated with negative outcomes, including rent-gouging and higher eviction rates.

"These real estate investment trusts tend to look for cheap homes that they can buy and convert to rentals so that they can profit over decades," Weber said. "So this change in conversion rate from people to institutions is troubling because in the U.S. one of the substantial ways that people gain wealth and transfer it between generations is through homeownership."

The researchers plan to take the method and apply it to other areassuch as Maricopa County, Arizona, and Orange County, Floridawith large amounts of iBuyers, available data on home sales and race, and demographic diversity. They also plan to interview people who've sold homes to iBuyers to learn what the experience is like.

"iBuyers are offering a service. They're making the home sale process faster and simpler," Slaughter said. "While our analysis in Mecklenburg suggests iBuyers are extending some disadvantages that Black home sellers tend to face to white home sellers as well, we don't know that people are experiencing these sales as generally harmful or whether they're aware of the tradeoffs that are involved."

Eva Maxfield Brown, a doctoral student in the iSchool, is also a co-author on this paper.

More information: Isaac Slaughter et al, The Impact of iBuying is About More Than Just Racial Disparities: Evidence from Mecklenburg County, NC, The 2024 ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (2024). DOI: 10.1145/3630106.3659027
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This artist's concept shows how the universe might have looked when it was less than a billion years old, about 7 percent of its current age. Star formation voraciously consumed primordial hydrogen, churning out myriad stars at an unprecedented rate. NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will peer back to the universe's early stages to understand how it transitioned from being opaque to the brilliant starscape we see today.Alt text: This illustration depicts a mesmerizing and chaotic cosmic scene, filled with misshapen clumps and twists of white and purplish material on a black background. Most of the clumps are small, but a particularly large conglomeration extends from the lower-right of the frame up to the middle and nearly all the way across to the left side, sort of like billowing clouds. It's full of bulbous shapes outlined with glowing lavender tendrils. Bright groups of stars are concentrated in the center of each lobe, and also scattered more sparsely throughout the surrounding area. Credit: NASA, ESA, and A. Schaller (for STScI)

Today, enormous stretches of space are crystal clear, but that wasn't always the case. During its infancy, the universe was filled with a "fog" that made it opaque, cloaking the first stars and galaxies. NASA's upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will probe the universe's subsequent transition to the brilliant starscape we see today  an era known as cosmic dawn.

"Something very fundamental about the nature of the universe changed during this time," said Michelle Thaller, an astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "Thanks to Roman's large, sharp infrared view, we may finally figure out what happened during a critical cosmic turning point."

Lights out, lights on

Shortly after its birth, the cosmos was a blistering sea of particles and radiation. As the universe expanded and cooled, positively charged protons were able to capture negatively charged electrons to form neutral atoms (mostly hydrogen, plus some helium). That was great news for the stars and galaxies the atoms would ultimately become, but bad news for light!

It likely took a long time for the gaseous hydrogen and helium to coalesce into stars, which then gravitated together to form the first galaxies. But even when stars began to shine, their light couldn't travel very far before striking and being absorbed by neutral atoms. This period, known as the cosmic dark ages, lasted from around 380,000 to 200 million years after the big bang.

Then the fog slowly lifted as more and more neutral atoms broke apart over the next several hundred million years: a period called the cosmic dawn.

"We're very curious about how the process happened," said Aaron Yung, a Giacconi Fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, who is helping plan Roman's early universe observations. "Roman's large, crisp view of deep space will help us weigh different explanations."

A mini podcast style audio clip of Michelle Thaller explaining cosmic dawn. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Prime suspects

It could be that early galaxies may be largely to blame for the energetic light that broke up the neutral atoms. The first black holes may have played a role, too. Roman will look far and wide to examine both possible culprits.

"Roman will excel at finding the building blocks of cosmic structures like galaxy clusters that later form," said Takahiro Morishita, an assistant scientist at Caltech/IPAC in Pasadena, California, who has studied cosmic dawn. "It will quickly identify the densest regions, where more 'fog' is being cleared, making Roman a key mission to probe early galaxy evolution and the cosmic dawn."

The earliest stars were likely starkly different from modern ones. When gravity began pulling material together, the universe was very dense. Stars probably grew hundreds or thousands of times more massive than the sun and emitted lots of high-energy radiation. Gravity huddled up the young stars to form galaxies, and their cumulative blasting may have once again stripped electrons from protons in bubbles of space around them.

"You could call it the party at the beginning of the universe," Thaller said. "We've never seen the birth of the very first stars and galaxies, but it must have been spectacular!"

But these heavyweight stars were short-lived. Scientists think they quickly collapsed, leaving behind black holes  objects with such extreme gravity that not even light can escape their clutches. Since the young universe was also smaller because it hadn't been expanding very long, hordes of those black holes could have merged to form even bigger ones  up to millions or even billions of times the Sun's mass.

Supermassive black holes may have helped clear the hydrogen fog that permeated the early universe. Hot material swirling around black holes at the bright centers of active galaxies, called quasars, prior to falling in can generate extreme temperatures and send off huge, bright jets of intense radiation. The jets can extend for hundreds of thousands of light-years, ripping the electrons from any atom in their path.

This view from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope contains more than 20,000 galaxies. Researchers analyzed 117 galaxies that all existed approximately 900 million years after the big bang. They focused on 59 galaxies that lie in front of quasar J0100+2802, an active supermassive black hole that acts like a beacon, located at the center of the image above appearing tiny and pink with six prominent diffraction spikes. The team studied both the galaxies themselves and the illuminated gas surrounding them, which was lit up by the quasar's bright light. The observation sheds light on how early galaxies cleared the "fog" around them, eventually leading to today's clear and expansive views. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Simon Lilly (ETH Zurich), Daichi Kashino (Nagoya University), Jorryt Matthee (ETH Zurich), Christina Eilers (MIT), Rob Simcoe (MIT), Rongmon Bordoloi (NCSU), Ruari Mackenzie (ETH Zurich); Image Processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI), Ruari Macken

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is also exploring cosmic dawn, using its narrower but deeper view to study the early universe. By coupling Webb's observations with Roman's, scientists will generate a much more complete picture of this era.

So far, Webb is finding more quasars than anticipated given their expected rarity and Webb's small field of view. Roman's zoomed-out view will help astronomers understand what's going on by seeing how common quasars truly are, likely finding tens of thousands compared to the handful Webb may find.

"With a stronger statistical sample, astronomers will be able to test a wide range of theories inspired by Webb observations," Yung said.

Peering back into the universe's first few hundred million years with Roman's wide-eyed view will also help scientists determine whether a certain type of galaxy (such as more massive ones) played a larger role in clearing the fog.

"It could be that young galaxies kicked off the process, and then quasars finished the job," Yung said. Seeing the size of the bubbles carved out of the fog will give scientists a major clue.

"Galaxies would create huge clusters of bubbles around them, while quasars would create large, spherical ones. We need a big field of view like Roman's to measure their extent, since in either case they're likely up to millions of light-years wideoften larger than Webb's field of view."

Roman will work hand-in-hand with Webb to offer clues about how galaxies formed from the primordial gas that once filled the universe, and how their central supermassive black holes influenced galaxy and star formation. The observations will help uncover the cosmic daybreakers that illuminated our universe and ultimately made life on Earth possible.
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Visual representation of cultural responsiveness of programs. Note: The digital butterfly artwork created by Wagiman artist Tara-Rose Gonebale has been centered in the pie chart and is symbolic of the metamorphosis and transformation required within Australian society to support and guide children through culturally responsive diversion programs away from detention practices. Credit: First Nations Health and WellbeingThe Lowitja Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.fnhli.2024.100023

More culturally responsive diversion programs are needed to prevent the incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, according to University of Queensland research.

UQ's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work Ph.D. candidate Lorelle Holland, a Mandandanji woman, led a study that analyzed the effectiveness of dozens of diversion programs across Australia which attempt to keep Indigenous children out of the youth justice system. The paper is published in the First Nations Health and WellbeingThe Lowitja Journal.

"In 2021 an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report found Indigenous children aged 1017 were 20 times more likely to end up incarcerated than non-Indigenous youthswe need to change that," Holland said.

"We found only 10 out of 31 diversion programs addressed areas such as Indigenous connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family, and community."

The study focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 10 to 18 years who were participating in diversion programs ranging from residential remand and bail support, homelessness assistance and help for those appearing before specialist Indigenous courts.

"The best performing programs addressed the complex needs of Indigenous children by supporting their social and emotional well-being through Indigenous-led, place-based, and interdisciplinary collaboration, which resulted in a decline in offending behavior," Holland said.

"Our findings highlight the need to stop the incarceration of Indigenous children with complex needs and instead invest in funding, policy directions and public health to develop and deliver culturally responsive diversion approaches."

Dr. Natasha Reid from UQ's Child Health Research Center said current judicial processes fail to identify or support the complex health and social needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children exposed to the youth justice system.

"Prevention strategies should be provided early in a child's life to promote holistic health and well-being, to address the underlying developmental and social needs associated with criminogenic risks," Dr. Reid said.

"By increasing the focus on development and implementation of culturally responsive diversion programs, governments could raise the age of criminal responsibility and reduce punitive punishment, and harmful incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children."

More information: Lorelle Holland et al, Resisting the incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children: A scoping review to determine the cultural responsiveness of diversion programs, First Nations Health and WellbeingThe Lowitja Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.fnhli.2024.100023
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Public service employees dont necessarily benefit from remote work. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The dispute last year between the federal Treasury Board and the Public Service Alliance of Canada over remote work arrangements raised a lot of questions about a one-size-fits-all approach. Those questions need answering.

Working remotely seemingly offers clear benefits to public sector employees and government organizations alike by raising productivity, speeding up connectivity and improving work-life balance.

Remote work can also improve motivation, performance and job satisfaction by giving workers more autonomy in how they go about their jobs. But there are also concerns that the benefits may dwindle over time due to the changes it causes in relationships between employees and organizations and workplace motivation. Potential downsides and costs must be weighed against any benefits.

A question that was likely absent from last year's contract negotiationsif only because the empirical evidence is sparse and inconclusiveis how remote work will affect public service motivation, a particular drive that leads many people to jobs and careers in government or other public sector organizations like hospitals and universities.

Evidence shows that motivation in the workplace is influenced by the extent of interpersonal interactions, especially with those who benefit from the services employees are providing. So what happens when remote work arrangements start to erode those instrumental relationships that help sustain the public service motivation that drives public servants to work each day?

What (little) we know

There are many potential benefits of remote work, though the empirical evidence is still a bit sparse. A recently published literature review found that remote work may improve job satisfaction, lower absenteeism and reduce on-the-job distractions.

But these benefits largely depend on how remote work is designedin other words, the mix of key job features and resources like time pressure, autonomy, dispute resolution mechanisms, supervisor support and feedback. Workers who have strong social support, and those who were more emotionally stable and felt more autonomous to begin with, have generally experienced the most benefits from remote work.

However, remote work was also found to increase stress and reduce engagement in some circumstances. The reduction or even complete absence of interpersonal connections and in-person encounters have been linked to stronger feelings of social isolation and loneliness. What's more, the gain in job satisfaction tended to dissipate and level off as the amount of time working remotely increased beyond a certain threshold number of weekly hours.

The limited research on remote work specifically in the public sector has uncovered some potential downsides. One study published just before the COVID-19 pandemic used daily reports from civil servants to analyze how remote work affected work engagement. The authors found no evidence that remote work fostered greater engagement.

On the contrary, their results suggest that civil servants who worked from home felt a stronger sense of being isolated from colleagues and had weaker organizational commitmentthough a high-quality supervisorsubordinate relationship tended to ease these adverse effects.

This feeling of isolation may have serious unintended consequences. One could be the sapping of that unique public service motivation that leads people to careers in government and jobs that partly depend on the proximity of workplace relationships, especially with the beneficiaries of one's work.

Potential impact on public service motivation

Much of the discussion surrounding remote work has ignored the potential impacts on employee motivation in general, and the unique motivation that draws people to public service specifically.

Though growing, the body of research on how remote work may impact employee motivation is still small and inconclusive overall. But overlooking the impacts of remote work on motivation may have unexpected consequences for Canadian public services and policies.

As noted, the social isolation of remote work may jeopardize public service motivation by undermining what's known as relational architecturejob features that shape employee opportunities to connect and interact with other peopleof federal public service jobs.

We know that personalizing and humanizing jobs by establishing contact with those who benefit from them can have positive motivational effects. Similar motivational benefits have been found for assisting colleagues within organizations.

Conversely, a lack of regular meaningful contact with beneficiaries and co-workers due to remote work may erode motivation in the public service, particularly for front-line employees who regularly interact with people who benefit from their work.

There is ample evidence that public sector employees value the social aspects of their jobs and working on behalf of other people or society. Indeed, public service motivation is what draws many people to careers in public service in the first place.

How can we ensure that the foundations of relational architecture don't erode so that interpersonal contactsincluding with beneficiariescan still entice prosocial and civic-minded Canadians to join the federal public service?

Proceeding cautiously

Technological and organizational changes that enabled remote work have led to a major shift in how, where and when Canadian public servants do their jobs. This major shift in work spaces will certainly continue well into the future.

For now, the effects of shifting to remote work on employee productivity, organizational morale, service quality and other employment outcomes have yet to be unequivocally determined. At a time when Canadian taxpayers are increasingly cynical about government performance, it's imperative that the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Treasury Board consider the effects of remote work on employee motivation, especially the type of public service motives that lead people to careers in government.

One of the least discussed issues between the federal Treasury Board and the Public Service Alliance of Canada is motivation among Canadian public servants. We have very little understanding about the potential motivational effects of remote work, in particular the potential erosion of public service motivation due to fewer meaningful interpersonal interactions, especially with the beneficiaries of public services.

With all the unknowns, it's wise to proceed cautiously. Human resources scholars and practitioners are still discovering how, when and for whom the benefits of remote work in the public sector outweigh the costs.

Federal Treasury Board officials and their union counterparts must consider how to fortify the relational architecture of public service jobs and take steps to safeguard employee motivation before finalizing any agreement on the future of remote work in the federal government.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Banana bunchy top disease. Credit: University of Queensland

The colorful history of plant pathology in Australia since colonization is the subject of a special edition of Historical Records of Australian Science, edited by QAAFI's Associate Professor Andrew Geering.

Despite the challenges of academic isolation and lack of communication, the profession flourished and made many world-first discoveries.

Dr. Geering said the issue pays special attention to some of the major plant diseases that affected agriculture in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with several common themes emerging.

"There was no scientific specialization among the early plant pathologiststhey were equally adept at researching plant pathogenic bacteria as fungi," Dr. Geering said.

"Joseph Bancroft, the first person to describe Fusarium wilt of banana, was a practicing surgeon in Wickham Terrace in the Brisbane suburb of Spring Hill.

"Secondly, they had to work in isolation, unaware of what was happening in neighboring states or overseas.

"This makes the discoveries they made even more remarkable.

"Thirdly, the problems of communication and the small scale of research in Australia meant there was slow recognition of the discoveries made here by scientists in the Northern Hemisphere.

"Rupert Best deserved to have been one of Australia's first Nobel Prize winners for his characterization of tobacco mosaic virus, but his research was not widely publicized overseas."

He said despite the success of agriculture in modern Australia, farmers had to overcome many challenges to grow a crop.

"There was extreme weather variability, shallow and infertile soils and attacks by pests and pathogens.

"Early attempts to transplant European farming practices into Australia often failed, and a great deal of scientific research had to be done before the current level of success was achieved."

Another area of focus of the special issue is biosecurity.

Our plant quarantine system is the envy of the world," Dr. Geering said.

"Richard Davis and colleagues describe the history of the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, which has been responsible for providing early warning of plant pathogens like the fungus responsible for black Sigatoka disease in bananas."

But Dr. Geering said some of the articles featured show that history should not be viewed with rose-tinted glasses.

"One striking feature of the early history of Australia is the gender bias towards men in professional life as is shown in the career of Gretna Weste, while racial prejudice was widespread in some farming communities," he said.

"Australians of Chinese heritage were the pioneers of the Australian banana industry but had to cope with very discriminatory government regulations that were implemented as part of the White Australia policy.

"There was also strong interstate rivalry between the state governments, which hindered a fully collaborative approach to solving plant disease problems.

"In 1923, the Queensland Minister for Agriculture and Stock refused to cross the state border to meet with his counterpart from New South Wales at Tweed Heads to discuss how a research project on banana bunchy top disease could be jointly funded.

"A class system existed between the formally educated and uneducated, and the contributions of lay farmers to solving plant disease problems were sometimes ignored or not properly recognized."

More information: Andrew D. W. Geering, The contributions of Rupert Best to the modern concept of the nature of viruses, Historical Records of Australian Science (2024). DOI: 10.1071/HR23022 Richard I. Davis et al, Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy plant health surveys: over thirty years of a globally unique on- and off-shore solution to island nation biosecurity challenges, Historical Records of Australian Science (2024). DOI: 10.1071/HR24011
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:

Sampling gas emissions from the lake bed of Great Salt Lake. Credit: Soren Brothers

Research by Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) examining greenhouse gas emissions from the drying lake bed of Great Salt Lake, Utah, calculates that 4.1 million tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases were released in 2020. This research suggests that drying lake beds are an overlooked but potentially significant source of greenhouse gases, which may further increase due to climate change.

These results were announced in a paper, "A desiccating saline lake bed is a significant source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions," published in the journal One Earth.

"Human-caused desiccation of Great Salt Lake is exposing huge areas of lake bed and releasing massive quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere," said Soren Brothers, who led this research and is ROM's Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change.

"The significance of lake desiccation as a driver of climate change needs to be addressed in greater detail and considered in climate change mitigation and watershed planning."

From year to year, Great Salt Lake's water level varies, largely depending on the volume of meltwater that flows into the lake from the surrounding mountainsfrom record highs in the 1980s to a record low in 2022. However, it is human-related consumption by agriculture, industry, and municipal uses, that consume ever-increasing amounts of freshwater that, over the years, has depleted the lake.

Elsewhere around the world, these same competing uses for water are having a significant impact on lake levels. As iconic saline lakes such as the Aral Sea, Lake Urmia, the Caspian Sea, and Great Salt Lake dry up, they not only destroy critical habitat for biodiversity and create air quality conditions that deteriorate human health, but they also accelerate climate change as newly exposed sediments emit carbon dioxide and methane.

The research team measured carbon dioxide and methane emissions from the exposed sediments of Great Salt Lake, Utah, from April to November 2020, and compared them with aquatic emissions estimates to determine the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions associated with desiccation.

Calculations based on this sampling indicate the lake bed emitted 4.1 million tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, primarily (94%) as carbon dioxide, constituting an approximately 7% increase to Utah's human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

Great Salt Lake, Utah. Credit: Soren Brothers, Soren Brothers

Fieldwork was conducted while Soren Brothers was Assistant Professor of Limnology at Utah State University, and lead author, Melissa Cobo, was a master's student at USU. Co-author Tobias Goldhammer is a collaborating researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Research (IGB Institute) in Berlin, Germany.

Measurements of carbon dioxide and methane gases were made every two weeks from the dried-up lake bed using a portable greenhouse gas analyzer attached to a closed chamber.

Seven sites at one location at the south end of the lake were visited repeatedly over the course of the year, and another three locations were sampled during an intensive three-day campaign to determine spatial variability across the lake, which at 1,700 square miles (4,400 square kilometers) is the largest saline lake in the western hemisphere.

As methane is 28 times more powerful a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, the global warming impact of these emissions was calculated as "carbon dioxide equivalents" to account for the greater impact of methane.

Ultimately, these data indicated that greenhouse gas emissions from the dried lake bed were strongly and positively related to warm temperatures, even at sites that have been exposed for over two decades.

To determine whether the lake historically would have been a significant source of greenhouse gases, the team carried out measurements of near-shore greenhouse gas emissions from the lake, as well as analyzing water chemistry collected by the team and government data sets.

Together, these analyses showed that the original lake was not likely a significant source of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, making the dried-up lake bed a novel driver of atmospheric warming.

As climate change exacerbates drought in arid regions, desiccation of rivers and lakes may be contributing to climate change feedback loops and should be considered in assessments of global greenhouse gas output as well as reduction policies and efforts.

Provided by Royal Ontario Museum
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

As the Washington State Department of Transportation spends billions of dollars removing concrete and metal pipes that block spawning salmon, another state agency is finally finishing a strategy to fix all the state's fish migration barriers.

Department of Fish and Wildlife officials have revealed key parts of a plan to prioritize which of tens of thousands of these man-made blockages would, if replaced, bring back the salmon.

Without the strategywhich has taken more than four years to producethe administration of Gov. Jay Inslee has been sinking billions into stream restorations that, in many cases, are ineffective or useless today.

Construction crews have ripped out the pipes, known as culverts, which run under state highways and replaced them with natural streambeds, but a Seattle Times investigation in March found the state was investing tens, even hundreds of millions of dollars, in so-called "orphan" culverts.

In many cases, The Times found that, even after the state removed a fish-blocking culvert, there were still barriers on those streams owned by other entities, effectively preventing salmon from swimming up to or far past the state's expensive project.

Overall, the Washington State Department of Transportation has spent or committed nearly $4 billion to removing barriers as part of a federal court order, and asked the Legislature last year for an additional $3.5 billion to $4 billion more to finish its list.

"I think there have been dollars spent at the state level on removing culverts that maybe weren't as strategic as they could have been," said Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Port Townsend, chair of the House Capital Budget Committee. "And to be honest, I think it's eroding a little bit of public support for salmon recovery."

The newly-released prioritization system would begin with a statewide "mathematical optimization"an algorithmto determine which construction projects to begin first, in order to maximize public investment in salmon and orca recovery.

"Optimization tends to work very well across a very broad area where you have a large number of barriers," said Phil Roni, a fisheries scientist contracted by the state to help lead the prioritization. He presented aspects of the plan to the state's Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board, which awards grants for local restoration projects.

The formula would consider the length of habitat upstream, whether a replacement would benefit Chinook salmon (which are food for endangered orca), and whether the project would help other threatened or endangered species. Also, it would prioritize culverts that are downstream of other barriersto avoid "orphan" projects.

A federal judge ordered the state in 2013 to repair or replace its culverts blocking salmon and steelhead in Western Washington, whether or not there were other barriers on the same stream. A group of 21 tribal nations had sued the state because culverts cut off habitat for spawning salmon, and the judge, Ricardo Martinez, found the state violated the tribes' treaty-based fishing rights.

But the court order only applied to state-owned culverts, not the thousands of others blocking salmon across the state. They might be owned by cities, counties, railroads and other private parties. Any landowner with a culvert that blocks migrating salmon is technically violating state law, but today the state doesn't force people to replace them, although the state is developing rules to encourage or force compliance.

In 2020, leaders in the state Legislature spotted the need to coordinate spending with the culvert removal projects under the federal court order, and called for the prioritization strategy.

"We really need to be comprehensive if we want to successfully recover salmon," said Carl Schroeder, a fish barrier board member representing the Association of Washington Cities. "Hopefully (the strategy) will provide opportunities for some of our communities that just aren't going to be able to do this without grant support or state support."

After the Legislature asked for the strategy in early 2020, the COVID pandemic delayed planning. A state hiring freeze slowed the hiring of a fish passage strategist.

Still, some observers are frustrated it has taken more than four years to finish a report, while a gusher of government funds were available for culvert replacements.

In the intervening years, the federal government earmarked more than a billion dollars for culvert replacements under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and WSDOT spent billions of mostly state dollars replacing its own culverts. Many projects in Washington won federal grants, but they weren't necessarily the state's highest priorities for salmon recovery or complementary to WSDOT projects.

Meanwhile, salmon populations have continued to decline.

Last summer, the state convened a panel of scientists to determine the best criteria and method to prioritize fish passage barriers. The science panel met eight times and came up with its draft recommendations this summer.

The state is spending about $418,000 on consultants, state fish passage strategist Jane Atha said.

The team, which includes consultants Triangle Associates and Cramer Fish Sciences, is also recommending regional salmon recovery groups score barriers based on specific criteria.

That local scoring, coupled with the statewide prioritization, would allow grantmakers to pick the best culverts and streams.

Atha and Roni acknowledged one key concern: data. Because culverts are so ubiquitousthink of the thousands of places in Washington where streams and roads crossthe state doesn't have a complete inventory of all barriers on salmon streams.

Cities have surveyed their barriers in Western Washington, but counties, which have the most extensive road networks and thus more barriers, have not finished their inventories. Much work remains east of the Cascades.

"A prioritization strategy is really only as good as the data that it draws upon," said Steve Manlow, who represents regional salmon recovery groups on the board.

There also isn't a complete inventory of privately owned barriers, such as small dams used for irrigation.

What's more, culvert assessments should be redone every 10 years to account for changing stream conditions and other factors, said Tom Jameson, fish passage manager at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The department has nine crews for surveying barriers, with two people per crew, Jameson said. He added that funding is limited for hiring new crews.

This month, the Department of Fish and Wildlife circulated a draft of the prioritization strategy among tribes, seeking feedback. Atha expects to have a final strategy by December, after public input.

It's around that time the Department of Transportation will be back in front of the Legislature, revisiting its request for up to $4 billion more to fix the court-ordered culverts.

2024 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Crested Moa. Pachyornis australis. Credit: From the series Extinct Birds of New Zealand., 2005, Masterton, by Paul MarSnson. Te Papa (2006-0010-1-19)

Researchers have found New Zealand's endangered flightless birds are seeking refuge in the locations where six species of moa last lived before going extinct.

An international team of researchers, led by scientists from the University of Adelaide, used fossils and computer modeling to make the discovery, shedding light on a mystery with important conservation benefits.

"Our research overcame past logistical challenges to trace the population dynamics of six species of moa at resolutions not considered possible before," said senior author Associate Professor Damien Fordham, from the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute.

"We did this by combining sophisticated computational models with extensive fossil records, paleoclimate information, and innovative reconstructions of colonization and expansion of people across New Zealand.

"Our research shows that despite large differences in the ecology, demography and timing of extinction of moa species, their distributions collapsed and converged on the same areas on New Zealand's North and South Islands."

This recent discovery, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, found these moa graveyards to be in the same isolated, cold, mountainous environments that today harbor many of the last populations of New Zealand's most threatened flightless birds. These include Mount Aspiring on the South Island, and the Ruahine Range on the North Island.

"Populations of moa are likely to have disappeared first from the highest quality lowland habitats that Polynesian colonists preferred, with rates of population declines decreasing with elevation and distance traveled inland," said lead author Dr. Sean Tomlinson, from the University of Adelaide.

Inter-specific variation in rate of range contraction and population decline. Credit: Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02449-x

"By pinpointing the last populations of moa and comparing them with distributions of New Zealand's living flightless birds, we found that these last havens shelter many of today's persisting populations of takahe, weka and great spotted kiwi."

"What's more, these ancient refugia for moa overlap with the last mainland populations of the critically threatened kakapo".

Although recent drivers of the decline of New Zealand's native flightless birds are different from those that caused the ancient extinctions of moa, this research shows that their spatial dynamics remain similar.

"The key commonality among past and current refugia is not that they are optimal habitats for flightless birds, but that they continue to be the last and least impacted by humanity," said author Dr. Jamie Wood, also from the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute.

Like earlier waves of Polynesian expansion, habitat conversion by Europeans across New Zealand, and the spread of the animals they brought, was directional, progressing from lowland sites to the less hospitable, cold, mountainous regions."

This new research shows that the ghosts of species past can provide invaluable insights for conservation efforts directed at New Zealand's living flightless birds, highlighting the immense importance of protecting remote, wild places.

It also provides an important new method for understanding past extinctions on islands where fossil and archaeological data are limited, which is the case for most Pacific Islands.

More information: Sean Tomlinson et al, Ecological dynamics of moa extinctions reveal convergent refugia that today harbour flightless birds, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02449-x Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution
The owner of a North Texas oil field services company is blaming litigation with San Antonio's Holt Cat and others for landing in bankruptcy. Holt Cats corporate headquarters in San Antonio features a piece of the heavy machinery industry that it competes in. Josie Norris, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer Heavy vehicles await repair at the heavy vehicle repair shot at Holt Cat in 2023. Holt Cat has denied the allegations made against it by the owner of a North Texas oil field services company. Billy Calzada/Staff photographer

The owner of a North Texas oil field services company is blaming San Antonio trucking and heavy-equipment company Holt Cat and others for landing it in bankruptcy.

In a bankruptcy court filing five days after Southlake-based Oryx Oilfield Services LLC sought Chapter 11, owner Matthew Mahone cited a 4-year-old lawsuit against Holt Texas Ltd., which does business as Holt Cat, and other equipment suppliers for contributing to its situation.

His July 17 filing says the defendants carried out a years-long fraudulent scheme that involved buying equipment from Oryx and affiliated companies at below-market value then charging them top dollar for equipment purchases.

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The underlying circumstances of the lawsuit and an unrelated complaint contributed to a lack of liquidity for Oryx and three affiliated companies that also filed for bankruptcy, Mahone said. The cash shortage created operational issues by increasing the costs to borrow money and thereby decreasing profitability of the enterprises.

Mahones companies are seeking more than $100 million in damages from the various defendants. He predicted both lawsuits will have positive outcomes that would benefit the respective bankruptcy estates.

Zachary Fanucchi, the lead lawyer defending Holt Cat, said he could not comment on the case because its in private arbitration.

I can state that the allegations contained in Mr. Mahones declaration are denied by our client in full, he said in an email.

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Holts counterclaims

Less than two months after the lawsuit was filed in March 2021 in Tarrant County District Court, Holt Cat responded with counterclaims against the plaintiffs seeking more than $4.7 million in damages, attorneys fees and interest.

Holt Cat alleges Mahones companies failed to make payments on loans to buy and rent equipment. Mahone personally guaranteed the notes, Holt added.

The San Antonio company also denied the allegations in the lawsuit in a 2022 court filing. It said Mahones companies damages were proximately caused by the acts or omissions of a third party and were not reasonably foreseeable by Holt.

In the unlikely event the company is found liable for damages, Holt said it intends to seek a reduction or elimination of the damages by designating responsible third parties.

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Holt is a Caterpillar heavy equipment and engine dealer doing business in 118 counties in Texas. Established in 1933, it sells, services and rents Caterpillar equipment, engines, generators and trucks for construction, mining, petroleum and agricultural applications.

Four bankruptcies

Oryx and sister company Oryx Oilfield Holdings LLC, which also filed Chapter 11 on July 12, perform a variety services in connection with construction, repairs and maintenance on oil- and gas-related well sites, plants and facilities for customers throughout Texas, Mahone said in the July 17 filing.

Two other of his companies  Kodiak Trenching and Boring LLC and Kodiak Excavation and Utilities LLC  that provided trenching and boring services for energy and civil construction projects also filed for bankruptcy protection.

While both Oryx companies were substantially crippled by the fraudulent scheme, according to the lawsuit, both Kodiak companies were completely destroyed. Its not clear why companies no longer in business would file for Chapter 11, which allows companies to restructure their debts while remaining in business.

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Oryxs skeleton bankruptcy petition listed assets of less than $10 million and liabilities between $10 million and $50 million. Its major unsecured creditors include Chicago-based Origami Capital Partners, owed a disputed $42.7 million; the former BTH Bank, owed about $5.4 million; and the IRS, owed more than $3 million.

Mahone launched Oryx, the flagship entity of his organization, in 2010, the lawsuit said.

Alleged scheme

In the complaint, Mahones companies allege the fraudulent scheme began with Timothy Crawford, a Georgia resident who acted as agent for Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc., an Oklahoma City-based distributor of heavy equipment and cranes. Both Crawford and Kirby-Smith are defendants.

The scheme, which involved equipment sales and rental contracts, was set up to conceal large commission (s) and kickbacks, Mahone said in his declaration.

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Crawford joined Mahones organization in 2014, where he is accused of selling high-value equipment belonging to Oryx for significantly less than it was worth. He carried out the fraudulent transactions with the substantial assistance and incentives of Kirby-Smith, the suit alleged.

To hide the missing assets, Crawford turned to his friends at Holt, the complaint said. It added that Crawford, who managed equipment for Mahones companies, re-rented from Holt replacement equipment so work could continue on the Mahone companies projects.

The rental burdens imposed on Plaintiffs created an even greater cost than ownership costs associated with these same assets that were liquidated below fair market value, " the suit alleged. These complicated rental transactions further camouflaged the loss of equity to Plaintiffs.

The claims against Holt are for fraud and civil conspiracy.

Crawfords employment ended in 2017. In an answer to the complaint, he denied the allegations and raised various defenses  including that the plaintiffs waited too long to file suit. In April, Crawfords lawyers moved to withdraw from the case because they say they had not been able to reach him for several months. Crawford didnt respond to an email seeking comment.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joined other attorneys general in opposing a Biden Administration proposal to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

Jackley is one of 11 attorneys general to submit a public letter opposing the proposal. If approved, the classification would be a step toward fully legalizing marijuana at the federal level.

South Dakota voters have legalized medical marijuana and will have the opportunity this election to determine whether to legalize recreational marijuana in our state, Jackley said. The Biden Administrations attempt to reschedule marijuana right before the election without proper authority will be harmful to states like South Dakota that have not fully legalized both medical and recreational marijuana.

Jackley said if the reclassification occurs, it will not impact the way local authorities enforce the state law.

Other attorneys general who are part of the public comment letter are: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska and South Carolina.
Those of us who are lucky enough to live and recreate in the Bitterroot Valley know the power that the wilderness has on the human psyche.

There are plenty of studies illustrating that we need regular doses of nature for our mental and physical wellbeing. Its interesting, then, to notice how many of my favorite novels seem to be all about exploring the darker side of wilderness. Stories about the forest being full of malevolent spirits or mountains seducing civilized minds into an untamed frenzy simultaneously help me celebrate my own inner wild woman and let off the pressure of being civil and friendly day in and day out. For your consideration, here are some new books to feed your inner feral reader.

"Old King" by Maxim Loskutoff is a menacing and beautiful book. There is never a moment of safety in these woods, but there is, on every page, a reverence for wilderness and a reminder of human fragility told through the eyes of Ted Kazinsky and the neighbors he shared the woods with. Balancing on a knifes point between a love letter to the trees and a reckoning for violence, "Old King" brings us into the minds of men that leave the world behind to go into the woods alone. What do they run from? What do they hope to find? With all the grandeur and rugged individualism of Montana, this is a gripping fictional exploration of masculinity and the battle between brilliance and insanity.

Literature's best little sister since Amy March is found in "Smothermoss" by Alisa Alering. On the edge of the Appalachian trail, two teenage sisters are growing up with one foot in the 1980s and the other foot in their great-aunts mountain lore. Sheila, on the cusp of adulthood, works hard at home, is ostracized at school and carries with her, always, a tightness around her neck. An invisible cord. Younger sister, Angie, is a fierce blend of Pippi Longstocking and Peter Pan, and shes obsessed with hunting down a murderer. Delicious and unsettling. (The murder, loosely based on the true murder of Williams and Winans in 1996, has only recently been solved.)

Tired of being the sexual muse for her husband's novels, but also afraid of being replaced by a new muse, Nowatari Rui quietly turns into a forest in "The Forest Brims Over" by Maru Ayasi and translated from Japanese by Haydn Trowell. Unconfined by her husband's expectations, Rui's strength stretches and grows, threatening the entire city. As an author, Nowatari Tetsuya is used to having the last word, but the women in his life are waking up to themselves and they're all tired of being complicit in their own exploitation. Beautifully unsettling and ultimately redemptive, this novel shines an unflinching light on the dysfunctional gender standards in publishing. By returning the muse to the forest, by returning the pages to the tree, maybe they'll be able to nurture a different ending.
San Antonio's Zachry Holdings Inc. said a Houston bankruptcy judge has given interim approval to a settlement of a dispute over the Golden Pass liquefied natural gas export terminal project in Sabine Pass. The settlement will allow for work to resume. Staff file photo

A settlement between Zachry Holdings Inc. and Golden Pass LNG over a dispute that halted construction of a massive liquefied natural gas export terminal and threw thousands of people out of work was approved Wednesday by a Houston bankruptcy court.

The deal allows Golden Pass to resume work while Zachry exits the South Texas project in an efficient and cooperative manner, the San Antonio-based contractor said in a statement.

By dusk tonight, Zachry will no longer have any control or right to direct the project, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur said during Wednesdays hearing.

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Houstons McDermott International Inc. and Japans Chiyoda International Corp.  which had been Zachrys joint venture partners on the project near Sabine Pass  will finish the work. The terminal is about 75% complete.

Going forward, we are focused on getting people back to work, including local workers and vendors, and progressing this critical energy project, Golden Pass LNG said in a statement. We are committed to a safe and successful completion of this world-class facility.

Zachry said the agreement fully resolves the outstanding financial and legal disputes among the parties involved in the project near Sabine Pass. It also allows Zachry to expedite completion of its bankruptcy restructuring, it said.

This 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, Zachry Chairman and CEO John B. Zachry said in a statement Wednesday evening. This important milestone paves the way for us to move forward as a stronger company, better positioned for long-term growth and success.

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The settlement still requires the judges final approval. A hearing on that may happen next month.

A Zachry subsidiary had been the lead contractor on the plant, a $10 billion-plus venture launched five years ago for owners QatarEnergy and Exxon Mobil Corp. But work stopped when Zachry Holdings and 20 subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May, blaming its dispute with Golden Pass for its insolvency.

John Zachry had cited the COVID-19 pandemic, labor issues and global supply chain disruptions for creating significant financial strain for his company in meeting targets and keeping the project staffed.

The global engineering and construction company said it and other contractors were induced to front increased costs with false promises that they would be made whole once the project was complete, it alleged in a lawsuit also filed in bankruptcy court. It said it required an additional $2.4 billion to complete the project.

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After mediation that began in June, Golden Pass filed an emergency motion accusing Zachry of holding the engineering and construction contract hostage instead of transferring it so work could proceed. It asked the court to force its transfer so work could continue.

Zachry had employed more than 6,000 workers at Golden Pass. Most of them were laid off with its exit from the project.
AMPI reports increased interest in construction of private hospitals across Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) says interest in private hospital investments have increased. Patricia Mora Vallejo, President of AMPI Cancun says there has been an increase in interest to build hospitals in Riviera Maya, particularly along highways.

She explained that during a recent national real estate forum in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, one of the main proposals for Quintana Roo was the construction of more private hospitals.

Two weeks ago we were in Puerto Vallarta at a very interesting forum. There was a kiosk from Quintana Roo with the Secretariat of Economic Development who was there promoting the entire state. We had several meetings in private sessions, she said.

One of the main proposals, she said, was interest in building hospitals, hence the importance of including the state government in the forum. The potential construction of these private hospitals was with the objective of building them along highways to consolidate the connection to airports, from Tulum to Playa del Carmen and to Cancun.

Investments in private hospital increasing reports AMPI. Photo: CGC

This is so that if someone has an accident along that route they wont waste time getting to Cancun, she said, adding that this goes hand-in-hand with medical tourism.

Mora Vallejo said that medical tourism is also being worked on from different approaches, but with special space for immediate and emergency care.

She reported that during the forum, AMPI brought all the opportunities that the destination has to offer. Several visitors expressed a lot of interest in real estate investment.

They also held meetings with other high ranking national members of the Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios (AMPI) as well as several investors who are keeping an eye on Quintana Roo to attract projects.

More private hospitals along Riviera Maya highways would mean less travel to Cancun hospitals. Photo: CGC

It was a success story, a very successful event. Everything is in talks, but we have tasks such as starting to look for possible hospital locations. There are two or three projects that are being considered that is a joint effort with the government, civil society, AMPI and the businessmen, she said.
Judge sentences mastermind behind Cancun murder of Cuban woman to 25 years

Cancun, Q.R.  Omar Fernando N has been sentenced to 25 years for 2021 murder of a Cuban woman. On Wednesday, the State Attorney Genera (FGE) said he had been sentenced for qualified homicide against a female victim of Cuban nationality.

The deadly shooting happened on November 27, 2021, when, according to the FGE, Fernando N instructed two males to ride a motorcycle to her home in the Haciendas Real del Caribe subdivision of Cancun where they shot her.

Once there, they went to the victims home. One of the occupants of the motorcycle shot her repeatedly with a firearm, causing injuries that took her life, the Fiscalia General del Estado (FGE) said.

A Cancun judge sentenced Omar Fernando N to a prison sentence of 25 years in addition to paying a fine of 134,430 pesos, as well as payment for damages in favor of the injured party for 717,002 pesos for being the intellectual author of the qualified homicide, the agency explained.

A motive for the womans murder was not provided in their statement.
State passes new Mobility law: Numbered vest, helmet and plate mandatory for motorcycles

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Hundreds of motorcycle drivers gathered across the state Wednesday night in protest of new passed laws. The protests came after State Congress approved reforms Tuesday to the Mobility law that will force riders to display a license plate, wear helmets and reflective vests.

Those reflective vests will be provided by the state since they will be stamped with the now-mandatory license plate number of the motorcycle. The state will also provide a numbered sticker (with the license plate) that will be required on helmets.

A state assigned reflective vests with plate number.

State officials said the reforms to the current Mobility laws are with the intention of strengthen road safety and reducing the number of accidents.

According to the approved legislation, the vest will be provided free of charge while helmets must comply with the Mexican Official Standard and must bear the sticker provided by Imovreqroo.

One reason for the reform is to prevent deadly motorcycle accidents. Photo: Imoveqroo

Motorcycle drivers and their passengers are required to wear a properly fastened and fitted safety helmet which must have the corresponding license plate number printed on it, as well as wear a reflective vest with the license plate number printed on it, which will be provided by the authority, reads the ruling approved by the majority vote on July 23.

Motorcyclists in Quintana Roo will soon be required to have license plate numbered vests and helmets.

Non-compliance will result in fine and the suspension and seizure of the vehicle.

On Wednesday night, hundreds of frustrated motorcycle drivers gathered in organized protest rallies across the state protesting what has become referred to as the vest law. The July 23 modifications to Article 218 Bis of the Mobility Law have been seen by some as necessary while others consider them an excessive imposition.

Hundreds of motorcyclists gathered at a Cancun parking lot Wednesday night in protest. Photo: July 24, 2024.

In a press conference late Wednesday, Deputy Luis Humberto Aldana Navarro explained that the law also seeks to effectively identify motorcyclists to prevent crimes.

Authorities say 80 percent of crimes in Quintana Roo involve motorcycles.

According to the statistics provided, 80 percent of high-impact crimes in Quintana Roo are committed using motorcycles. With these measures, we hope to significantly reduce the incidence of crimes and improve security on our streets, said Aldana.

Heads of state met with motorcycle union members Thursday at the C5 in Cancun to discuss the new reforms. Photo: CGC July 25, 2024.

On Thursday, heads of state met with motorcycle union members to discuss the new law reforms. A meeting was held at the C5 in Cancun. There, the Secretary of Government of Quintana Roo, Cristina Torres, Rear Admiral Julio Cesar Gomez Torres, Secretary of Citizen Security, Luis Rodrigo Alcazar Urrutia, the General Director of the Mobility Institute of Quintana Roo (Imoveroo) and Antonio de Jesus Riveroll Ribbon, the General Secretary of the Benito Juarez City Council met with members of the motorcycle union to address different perspectives, proposals and possible solutions.
Former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer Adrian Gonzales, center, leaves the Uvalde County Courthouse as Cristine Olivarez, mother of Robb Elementary survivor Kendall Olivarez, walks behind him on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment after being indicted by a Uvalde grand jury for his role in the Robb Elementary mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Adrian Gonzales, foreground right, help other law enforcement officers evacuate students and staff from Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022. Pete Luna/Uvalde Leader-News James Alvarado, left, holds up signs that read Your failure! not mine! and Remember their names in honor of the 21 victims of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting as former school police officer Adrian Gonzales, second from right, and his lawyers walk into the Uvalde County Courthouse for his arraignment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Evadulia Orta, right, mother of Robb shooting victim Rojelio Torres, embraces Veronica Luevanos, mother of victim Jailah Silguero, after watching the arraignment of former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales inside the Uvalde County Courthouse on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Family of former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales, third from right, walk outside of the Uvalde County Courthouse after watching his arraignment on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales and former UCISD police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde grand jury in late June. He pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Veronica Luevanos, left, mother of Robb Elementary shooting victim Jailah Silguero, as Jose Luevanos, father of victim Jayce Luevanos, embrace as they stand outside of the Uvalde County Courthouse on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. They watched former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment for his role in the shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Families of Robb Elementary mass shooting victims walk out of the Uvalde County Courthouse after watching former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales arraignment on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer Adrian Gonzales leaves the Uvalde County Courthouse after pleading not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales and former UCISD police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde grand jury in late June following an investigation into the Robb Elementary mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News James Alvarado holds up signs that read Your failure! not mine! and Remember their names to honor the 21 victims of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting as he waits for former school police officer Adrian Gonzales and his lawyers to walk into the Uvalde County Courthouse for his arraignment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Judge Sid Harle walks into the courtroom Uvalde County Courthouse before the arraignment of former school police officer Adrian Gonzales on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales and former school district police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde County grand jury in late June on charges of child endangerment in the Robb Elementary School massacre. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News James Alvarado holds up signs that read Your failure! not mine! and Remember their names to honor the 21 victims of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting as he waits for former school police officer Adrian Gonzales and his lawyers to walk into the Uvalde County Courthouse for his arraignment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales prepares to walk into the Uvalde County Courthouse for his arraignment on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales and former UCISD police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde grand jury in late June after an investigation into the Robb Elementary mass shooting. He pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News A law enforcement officer tells Adrian Gonzales, center, and his lawyers to walk into the front door of the Uvalde County Courthouse for his arraignment on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales and former UCISD police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde grand jury in late June. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Families of Robb Elementary mass shooting victims walk out of the Uvalde County Courthouse after watching former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales arraignment on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer Adrian Gonzales, center, leaves the Uvalde County Courthouse after pleading not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales and former UCISD police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde grand jury in late June following an investigation into the Robb Elementary mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer Adrian Gonzales, center, leaves the Uvalde County Courthouse after pleading not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales and former UCISD police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde grand jury in late June following an investigation into the Robb Elementary mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Evadulia Orta, from right, mother of Robb shooting victim Rojelio Torres, embraces Veronica Luevanos, mother of victim Jailah Silguero, as Jose Luevanos, father of victim Jayce Luevanos, stands beside them after watching the arraignment of former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales inside the Uvalde County Courthouse on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Evadulia Orta, from right, mother of Robb shooting victim Rojelio Torres, embraces Veronica Luevanos, mother of victim Jailah Silguero, as Jose Luevanos, father of victim Jayce Luevanos, stands beside them after watching the arraignment of former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales inside the Uvalde County Courthouse on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Attorneys Josh Koskoff, left, and Erin Rogiers sit with Deanna Gornto, mother of Robb Elementary shooting victim Maranda Mathis, after attending the court appearance of former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales at the Uvalde County Courthouse on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Koskoff and Rogiers are representing many of the Robb Elementary shooting victims families through various lawsuits. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Nico LaHood, left, attorney for former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer Adrian Gonzales, speaks with the media outside the Uvalde County Courthouse after Gonzales pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales and former UCISD police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde grand jury in late June. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Adrian Gonzales, center, and his lawyers walk into the Uvalde County Courthouse for his arraignment on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales and former UCISD police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde grand jury in late June after an investigation into the Robb Elementary mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Jazmin and Javier Cazares, sister and father of Robb Elementary shooting victim Jackie Cazares, watch as attorneys representing former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales answer questions from news media outside of the Uvalde County Courthouse on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer Adrian Gonzales, right, greets a Sheriff's deputy as he arrives at the Uvalde County Courthouse for a court appearance, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press

UVALDE  Amid unusually heavy security, former school district police officer Adrian Gonzales pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges of abandoning or endangering children by failing to confront the shooter during the 2022 Robb Elementary School massacre.

Gonzales' lawyer, former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood, said his client is innocent and did what he could to protect children during the May 24, 2022, shooting, in which 19 fourth-graders and two teachers were killed.

He doesnt understand how this attention is directed to him, LaHood said after a brief court hearing. He feels horrible for those children, the lives lost. But he doesnt feel hes responsible for it.

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A heavy police presence was evident outside the Uvalde County Courthouse and in the surrounding courthouse square more than an hour before Gonzales' arraignment. Roadblocks were set up on the streets surrounding the courthouse to prevent traffic from passing by or parking there.

There was extra security inside the courtroom too. Spectators had to go through two security checks. Family members of the shooting victims filled six rows of seats.

Gonzales, 51, and former Uvalde school police chief Pedro Pete Arredondo were indicted in June by a Uvalde County grand jury. The charges of child abandonment/endangerment were the first to be brought against law enforcement officers in connection with the Robb Elementary massacre.

RELATED: Remembering the victims of the Robb Elementary shooting

Arredondo, 52, waived his right to an arraignment, which meant he did not have to appear in court. He is charged with 10 counts of abandoning or endangering a child  one for each of 10 injured survivors of the shooting. He has pleaded not guilty.

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'Failed to act'

Gonzales faces 29 counts, one for each of the 19 children killed and one for each of 10 survivors named in the indictment.

The Texas Penal Code defines child abandonment or endangerment as intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence placing a child younger than 15 in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment. A person can be guilty by act or omission, meaning failure to act can be a crime. The offense is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years behind bars.

In court Thursday, Gonzales waived his right to have the indictment read aloud, and he said nothing during the arraignment, which lasted less than 10 minutes. Judge Sid Harle entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Gonzales wore a suit and tie and was accompanied to court by LaHood and attorney Jason Goss, a member of LaHoods firm. Special prosecutor Bill Turner, a former Brazos County district attorney, was also present.

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Gonzales and Arredondo were among the first officers on the scene at Robb Elementary, arriving minutes after the shooter and entering the fourth-grade building through the south entrance. By then, the attacker was inside rooms 111 and 112 and had fired more than 200 rounds from his AR-15-style rifle.

The indictment accuses Gonzales of failing to engage, distract or delay the gunman or even trying to do so, even though he heard gunshots, was advised of the shooters general location and had time to respond.

According to the indictment, Gonzales disregarded his active shooter training, which calls on officers to intervene immediately, and he failed to bring any of the victims to a place where they could receive emergency medical care.

The indictment also suggests Gonzales squandered an opportunity to prevent the shooter from getting inside the classrooms in the first place. Without elaborating, it says he failed to act in a way to impede the shooter until after the shooter entered rooms 111 and 112 and began firing his weapon.

'Justifiable, righteous anger'

We have not seen any evidence that would lead us to believe that Mr. Gonzales is guilty of these allegations, LaHood said outside the courthouse. No Texas peace officer has been charged under this statute before, based off this situation that were dealing with. Its uncharted territory.

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He feels hes innocent, LaHood said of his client. He feels all he did was show up to try to help those children.

LaHood acknowledged that there is justifiable, righteous anger in this situation, but said such emotion should not be directed at his client.

There were over 370 officers there, LaHood said. We have not seen or even heard of a theory of why Mr. Gonzales is being singled out."

Asked why 29 counts were filed against Gonzales and only 10 against Arredondo, LaHood said, We have our theories. Were going to be exploring the evidence and assessing that.

Discovery will take time because weve been notified theres an enormous amount of evidence, LaHood said.

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The defense hasnt been given any indication that additional police officers will be charged in the case, he added.

Goss sought to focus outrage on the 18-year-old shooter.

There is an obviously horrible monster responsible for the deaths of these children, he said. And its not Adrian Gonzales. Hes not that person.

After the court hearing, Gloria Cazares, whose 9-year-old daughter, Jacklyn Jackie Jaylen Cazares, was killed in the shooting, listened quietly as the defense attorneys spoke to the media. She was tearful when she reached her car.

Asked how she felt seeing Gonzales in court, she said, I think I just have to be numb to it. I cant handle any other reaction or emotion right now.

'Lives would have been saved'

The law enforcement response to the shooting has been widely condemned as an abject failure. At least 380 officers from two dozen local, state and federal agencies went to the scene, but none forced their way into the classroom to confront the shooter until 77 minutes after he began his rampage.

Official inquiries into the shooting faulted Arredondo, the de facto incident commander, for deciding early on to treat the shooter as a barricaded subject rather than an active threat to children in the classroom. Under police doctrine, officers are supposed to act immediately to take down an active shooter, even at risk to their own lives. In contrast, with a barricaded subject, time is not of the essence, and police can weigh their options and try to negotiate.

Had law enforcement followed generally accepted practices in an active-shooter situation and gone right after the shooter to stop him, lives would have been saved, and people would have survived, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in January in releasing a Justice Department report on the police response.

Gonzales is barely mentioned in that review and other official inquiries. An investigation conducted for the city of Uvalde said Gonzales had SWAT training and that two months before the massacre, he was the instructor at an active shooter training for Uvalde school police held at the Southwest Texas Junior College Law Enforcement Training Academy.
I have tried for years to understand just what National Conservatism is. I now know. After reading dozens of essays, writing three, attended two NatCons, and engaging in innumerable conversations, I finally see the essence. It has been a journey of confusion, fustigation, alarm, appreciation, consideration, and finally a quiet, resigned understanding. In understanding, I have found peace, and if not agreement, a sweet release. As Maharishi Mahesh Yogi says, Those who dont know, they dont know; those who know, they enjoy.

My journey to NatCon 4 in Washington, D.C., began with signs and portents from the Kent District Library. While walking to my gate through Terminal A of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, I spied a small book kiosk. For the local travelers convenience, the KDL had stocked a small shelf of books to be had for the taking. A cover with the nations capital in one corner balanced by the Statue of Liberty in profile on the opposite corner caught my eye. The background was fittingly storm clouds, as the title was The Great Controversy: The Storm Is Coming. The controversy in that title is between Jesus Christ and Satan, and the author one of the founders of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Ellen G. White. The controversy I was heading for was more provincial and less cosmic, although given the rhetoric, you might not know that.

The story of National Conservatism told by its champions and critics is one of conflict, a fratricidal war of ideas on the American right. At the inaugural National Conservatism Conference in 2019, Yoram Hazony, chairman of the Edmund Burke Foundation, triumphally announced: Today we declare independence from neoconservatism, from neoliberalism, from libertarianism, from what they call classical liberalism. An incessant volley of ideas, criticism, ridicule, and demonization has flowed back and forth from all camps since. Attempts at reproachment have been made, including at NatCon 2, in 2021, where Hazony himself floated the idea of an alliance between national conservatives and at least some anti-Marxist liberals to revive the old conservative fusionism along different lines.

By the third NatCon, in 2022, however, such calls had abated. The Republican Partys second most popular politician, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, was a keynote speaker, and the imprimatur of Kevin Roberts, president of the American conservative movements most well-funded think tank, the Heritage Foundation, was given. National Conservatism was ascendant. Ohio senator J.D. Vance, now the Republican nominee for vice president of the United States, has been the closing speaker at two NatCons. If the tone was triumphant at NatCon 3, it can only be described as domineering at NatCon 4.

In the summer of 2022, National Conservatism: A Statement of Principles was published simultaneously in theAmerican Conservative and the European Conservative. Writing for Religion & Liberty at the time in the essay National Conservatism One Year Later, I was hopeful that the list of principles might bring a clarity to a movement often ill-served by the dehumanizing and incendiary rhetoric of its most intemperate champions. It was a nuanced statement that could serve as an invitation to further dialog rather than a pretext for the ossification of division.

Many thoughtful responses came from all corners of the political spectrum, and none was more important than Freedom Conservatism: A Statement of Principles. The FreeCon declaration drew inspiration from the Young Americans for Freedoms founding statement of principles. Drawn up in the home of William F. Buckley Jr. in Sharon, Connecticut, in 1960, the Sharon Statement became a canonical text of fusionism, a strain of American conservatism that saw a synthesis between social conservatism and right-liberalism as right and natural. This idiom of American conservatism would dominate not only the American conservative movement but also the Republican Party for the next 55 yearsfrom Ronald Reagans nomination in 1980 to Donald Trumps in 2016. Freedom Conservatism: A Statement of Principles attempted to rearticulate this fusionist synthesis in a contemporary context and was crafted in part to respond to the ascendant National Conservatives, who had proclaimed it the dead consensus.

The FreeCon statement was almost entirely ignored at NatCon 4. The only time I heard it mentioned was in the opening address of the conference. Chris DeMuth, chairman of the National Conservatism Conference, was dismissive, calling it, totally insipid and anodyne, further claiming that after a few days of puffery it disappeared without a trace. This was shocking coming from a man whom I had heard extol the virtues of Adam Smith and Michael Novak at NatCon 2. It was also strange in light of the fact that several signatories of the FreeCon statement had spoken at prior NatCon conferences. Finally, Rachel Bovard, VP of Programs at the Conservative Partnership Institute, expressed the overwhelming sentiment of the plenary speakers when she claimed that National Conservatism simply is the conservative movement.

But what does it mean for National Conservatism to be the conservative movement? Is such identity the product of ideological victory or flexibility? Vivek Ramaswamy, the founder of Roivant Sciences and presidential candidate in the 2024 Republican primary, may be the solution to this puzzle. He began his plenary address by expressing the concern that he thought too many in the America First Movement had become complacent, mouthing words whose meaning they had long since forgotten. In short, they had become victims of their own success.

He commended to the conference attendees an agenda of National Libertarianism opposed to a National Protectionism. Ramaswamy claimed that both reject an economic reductionism that the neoliberal consensus embraced in favor of a perspective that is centered on the welfare of America and her citizens. He then proceeded to walk through the broad issues of contention in foreign policy, immigration, and trade. In short, National Protectionists fail actually to put America first because of fundamental misunderstandings about how the economy works, whereas National Libertarians successfully put Americans first by having public policy informed by, but not in service of, the economy. His speech was the most enthusiastically received of the conference.

Bovard had mentioned in her address that National Conservatism was a perspective. It is a way of seeing the world as one embroiled in a clash of civilizations. In the West, it is being fought along an axis of nationalists and globalists. International capital, NGOs, multinational corporations, the woke, academia, the left, and DEI HR managers are prosecuting a war on the nations of the world from within and without. Communist China is sometimes included among the globalists and at other times viewed as a distinct threat along with other communist regimes. Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran, astutely pointed out in his address that Islamism is also a global movement, one he believes is best challenged by a resistance national in character.

National Conservatives, standing triumphantly astride the more traditional American conservative movement, see themselves as essentially defeated in the broader American society. No one bothers to ask if these two developments are related. Rt Hon Suella Braverman KC MP recounted the Conservative Partys historic defeat in the recent parliamentary elections. Reform UK, the party of Nigel Farage MP, which is more aligned with National Conservatism than are the Torys, fared even worse, resulting in a landslide Labour victory. Balazs Orban, a Hungarian member of parliament for Fidesz, reported on the Hungarian governments national conservative agenda and also the hostility it faces in broader Europe. Only Ram Madhav, former national secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, appeared to be living his best life.

In a boisterous, upbeat, and compelling address, Madhav rattled off a litany of policy successes by Indias ruling party. He also reported that India was taking an increasingly prominent role in international affairs. He credited the ruling party with ending socialist protectionism and embracing the free market economy. While insisting that he was comfortable with the label Hindu nationalist, it should not be understood as a religious but rather a cultural nationalism, and boasted that in India it is cool to be a Hindu, it is cool to be a Buddhist, it is cool to be a Jain, it is cool to be a person of religion.

Madhav is of course correct that Hindu nationalism is a cultural rather than a religious project. Hindu nationalisms original theorist, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, was a self-described atheist who counted religious Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists as cultural Hindus and thus members of the Hindu nation (Hindu Rashtra). Christians and Muslims, whose faiths originate outside the Indian subcontinent, according to Savarkar, fall outside Indian civilization and thus the Hindu nation. Perhaps this is why Ram Madhav did not mention them by name. I am left wondering: Is it cool to be a Christian or a Muslim in a Hindu nationalist India?

In a panel moderated by Yoram Hazony, Al Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Doug Wilson, senior minister of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, had difficulty with an analogous question. During the panel, Mohler expressed a desire to maximize the Christian commitments of the State, of the civilization. Hazony asked, in light of this panel, what would be the place of non-Christians in such a nation. Wilson claimed that Jews would be treated better than they are today in America, while Mohler insisted that Jews would be respected but that people of other faiths must acknowledge that this is a nation with specific theological accountability and theological commitments. I do not know what that means.

The place of religion in National Conservatism is still undertheorized. This was clearest in the opening remarks of Yoram Hazony, who referenced recent legislation to mandate the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools. Hazony remarked that he was tired of religious people quibbling about details such as which version of the commandments should be posted or how they should be explained to students. Just put them up on the wall! Later in the conference, it was mentioned that, in classrooms, either the Ten Commandments or the pride flag must hang. These are to be proxies in the battle between nationalism and globalism, with the lines of control advancing or retreating classroom by classroom across America.

If religion itself is subsumed into nation, filtered through the National Conservative perspective, and then instrumentalized and weaponized in a struggle against globalism, it is hard for me to believe that anything else would be sacred. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, when he returned to India after teaching in the West, was asked why he taught a health-and-wealth prosperity Hinduism. He said, I tell them what they want to hear now so that I can tell them what I want to tell them later.

There were fascinating discussions about all aspects of America and the challenges it faces in many of the breakout sessions. But realizing the essence of the thing revealed them to be mere side shows and rabbit trails regardless of their individual merit. The National Conservative perspective today may be abandoned tomorrow. For tariffs one day, against them the next. For raising corporate tax rates one day, for lowering them the next. Pro-Life one day, Pro-Choice the next. National Libertarian or National Populist, as long as its national. Such is the perennial danger of seeing the world though a lens of the great controversy.
Back on July 7, I asked readers to identify the most appropriate Virginia landmark that could be renamed to honor Donald J. Trump. This followed efforts by congressional Republicans to name certain unsuitable things  such as Dulles International Airport and/or the coastal waters of the United States  after the ex-president.

Initially, I proposed Roanokes sewage treatment plant. But the Western Virginia Water Authoritys talented spokeswoman talked me out of that. She argued the Roanoke Regional Water Pollution Control Plant is far too valuable a resource to bear a name like Trumps.

So I put the question to readers and asked for nominations for a place so vile, nobody would defend it. Nearly two dozen readers responded with ideas that were both mirth-provoking and unprintable.

In terms of categories, the most frequent items readers proposed to honor Trump were garbage dumps and jails/prisons/psychiatric hospitals. The latter was exemplified by Gerry McAtavey of Roanoke County.

A fitting memorial for DJT would be naming a wing of the state mental health hospital after him or they could create a new section for habitual liars, or possibly name a section of the state prison for the criminally insane after him, McAtavey wrote. And he was just getting warmed up.

Im still baffled why people support Trump, McAtavey added. Long before he got into politics, he has a well documented business record that shows what a poor businessman he is, six  bankruptcies, two failed casinos (where people walk through the door to lose money), just about everything he touches fails.

Hes incredibly loyal to his employees, McAtavey concluded. He lets them all go to jail for him, what a great boss!

George Wilson of Roanoke was thinking along the same lines.

How about the Roanoke Regional jail or one of the state prisons in Virginia? he wrote.

J. Anthony Brown of Vinton nominated the nations most secure federal prison in Colorado, ADX Florence.

The prison, could serve as his presidential library as well, Brown added. Only a-three letter change is needed: DJT Florence. Of course, with protections by the current SCOTUS, he most likely will never become a resident there, but George Washington never sailed on an aircraft carrier named after him either, Brown wrote.

Whatever the penitentiary, Peter Wonson of Roanoke suggested a new name: The Donald John Trump Felonious Incarceration Repository. Or perhaps, DJT-FIR for short.

The jail may not be ...so vile, absolutely nobody will defend it.... However, it clearly is an appropriate institution with which to honor and besmirch Trumps slimy name, Wonson wrote.

Tracy Asbury of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, suggested naming a federal courthouse after Trump.

He suggested Richmond; Id second such a proposal, but limit it to courthouses in which Trump has been found guilty. So far, thats only one: A New York state courthouse in Manhattan, where a jury convicted Trump of 34 felonies. (Trumps the first convict in American history to run for the White House.)

Brian Hoffman of Salem nominated an edifice about an hour north of Roanoke.

How about naming that paper plant in Covington that stinks up the whole town after Trump? Hoffman wrote.

Bill Philips of Salem says hes been wracking his brain and cant think of anything in Virginia so awful it deserves Trumps name.

Could we name a place in hell for him? Philips ended, adding, Keep the great articles coming. I truly look forward to them. Best part of the paper.

I vote for the cave that leads to hell, suggested Sue Farrar of Christiansburg. He wont have far to go!

Dan Wells of Salem suggested a worm or a skunk would be a fitting tribute for the ex-president. But Salemite Sandy Johnson-Harris, declared everything in Virginia is too good to bear Trumps brand.

I loved this column! she wrote. It is clear you hold ex-President Trump in as low a regard as I do. I could not think of a Virginia spot I would be willing to insult by naming it after him.

I did think of the Bermuda Triangle being renamed Trump Triangle. Nothing good ever comes out of it! Johnson-Harris added.

Chris Wise, who lives in the Lexington area, turned to Virginias map in his search for an appropriate Trump honor.

I really hope that there is no memorial for Trump anywhere, but IF it had to be in Virginia the only two places I can think of that have place names  are the (Great) Dismal Swamp and Assawoman Island.

I came up with Assawoman since it is out of the way and (because of the first three letters), Wise wrote.

The Great Dismal Swamp in southeastern Virginia (and northeastern North Carolina) is the commonwealths largest natural lake. Assawoman Island is an uninhabited barrier island south of Chincoteague, on Virginias Eastern Shore. As a wildlife habitat, its closed to the public about half of each year.

Many, many readers want to fete Trump by naming garbage in his honor. And many piles were nominated in emails to yours truly. One came from Nancy Ayling of Roanoke.

I laughed while reading your column this morning, she wrote, and Id like to offer a suggestion for a fitting tribute to Donald Trump. How about renaming the (Smith Gap landfill) in his honor? It is full of garbage, trash and filth which is appropriate. It will be named . . .the TRUMP DUMP!!

Perhaps shes been talking to Seth Martin, also of Roanoke.

How about naming a landfill/dump after Trump? he wrote. Not only would that be fitting, but a rhyme in the name may be popular.

Diana Bonofiglio of Blacksburg suggested yet another landfill.

There is a dump near the Roanoke River/Explore Park that emits a lot of noxious gas, that may be a fitting place to post a tribute to DJT! she wrote.

Mark Q. Emick Sr. of Troutville nominated a location in northeast Roanoke.

I would propose renaming the Roanoke Trash Transfer Station the Donald J. Trump (no one more trashy than the orange man himself) Dump, he wrote. The man exemplifies trashiness at its finest  a real dumpster fire of a human himself. Love reading your columns  keep up the good work!

Tom Hard of Vinton recommended a location in our south-neighboring state.

Lets give (North Carolina) that honor, he wrote. Mount Trashmore can be renamed The Trump Dump. (Its also known as North Wake Landfill Park in Raleigh.)

That is my all-time favorite column, wrote Marie Collier of Blacksburg, who evidently believes any large garbage receptacle should be named for Trump.

Some of my friends know I have my own special name for him. He is not Donald Trump. He is Dumpster Trumpster, biggest egomaniac on the planet. And his worshippers think they are within his inner circle, thanks to his Truth Social, which was misnamed and should have been Lies Social. Keep the torch burning, please, Collier concluded.

Carl Ennis, a relatively new Roanoker, didnt offer a suggestion. But he liked the column.

When my wife and I moved here from Pensacola, Florida a few years ago, we thought wed lost contact with our favorite journalist. You may know of him, Mr. Andy Marlette, whose cartoons and articles were a breath of fresh air in a very conservative atmosphere.

Thanks for your article about naming things for Trump. It seems that we have another Marlette in our midst. It is especially meaningful because someone is flying a TRUMP 2024 and a Dont Blame Me, I voted for Trump flag just down the street.

I am sure you will get a lot of negative mail regarding your article, but for us, it was very refreshing.

The only negative email a reader sent me about that column came from John R. Hall III of Salem.

Enjoyed reading your article on naming sewage plants, he wrote. You do such a great job of cleaning up the sewage in the daily news that we should call the next sewage plant The Casey Clarification Plant.

Thats a wrap for this column folks. Im taking a bit of time off  see you in early August.

Thank you for all the entertaining feedback. Please keep those letters, emails and demands I be cashiered coming!
District Judge, Bobby Flores speaks with RGV Catholic Charities attorney William Powell during a July 17 hearing in Edinburg. On Wednesday, Flores ruled that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton cannot depose the leader of the McAllen migrant shelter. Delcia Lopez/The Monitor via AP Ingrid Yanet Lopez Hernandez, 32, center back, her children, from left, Jazmine, 7, Christian, 5, and Cristle Ordonez, 2, and pregnant mother Meregilda Mejilla, 27, and her daughter Maricelda Mejilla, 6, wait for transportation to Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley after being processed by the U.S. Border Patrol in McAllen in this 2018 photo. A judge ruled that Attorney General Ken Paxton cannot depose the organizations executive director. Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News via AP

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 puts an end to the attorney generals investigation into the organizations work.

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We would hope that at this point theyve 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 generals 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.

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The nonprofit has become one of the latest targets in Paxtons efforts to shut down nonprofits that provide assistance to migrants.

Earlier this month, an El Paso judge denied the attorney generals 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.

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 generals office failed to show that there would be any benefit to the deposition.

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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 generals 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 generals office, however, said the documents did not shed meaningful light into their operations and that Pimentels statement was nonresponsive and evasive.
University of Cincinnati Assistant Professor Elizabeth Hobson studies the social behavior of bobwhite quail in her biology lab. Credit: Andrew Higley

It's easy for students in Elizabeth Hobson's lab at the University of Cincinnati to get attached to their study subjects.

The assistant professor in UC's College of Arts and Sciences is a behavioral ecologist who examines the roles of sociality and cognition in animals, what they know and remember about their place in those societies and how they use that knowledge to their advantage. She uses behavioral experiments and computational methods to infer what animals need to know about their social worlds based on how they choose to interact with each other.

Students get firsthand experience studying social behaviors such as dominance hierarchies, or pecking orders, in birds such as monk parakeets and bobwhite quail in her lab. Students also study a fish model: colorful bettas that are known for their beautiful but aggressive displays among males.

Hobson was recognized this year with the Outstanding New Investigator Award from the Animal Behavior Society.

"It's a huge honor. My first article as lead author was published in the Animal Behavior journal and I've been going to Animal Behavior Society conferences since 2006. I've had a long connection with them," Hobson said.

University of Cincinnati behavioral ecologist Elizabeth Hobson is using a National Science Foundation grant to design new behavioral experiments for bobwhite quail, monk parakeets and bettas in her biology lab. Credit: Andrew Higley

University of Cincinnati Assistant Professor Elizabeth Hobson brainstorms new animal behavior experiments on a window overlooking UC's campus. Credit: Andrew Higley

Hobson has been busy designing new experiments as a recipient of the prestigious National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Program grant, which recognizes the promising work of 500 researchers nationwide each year. The grants support faculty who have the potential to serve as role models in research and education and to lead advances in their specialty.

Hobson's new experiments will focus on how social species like parakeets structure their societies, and will determine the relative importance of power, social support, and information within groups.

"This new phase is exciting because I've been working mainly on aggression, rank and hierarchies with the parakeets. But we know that aggression isn't everything," Hobson said.

"This new series of experiments will also look at the role of friendlier interactionshow birds might work to support each other socially in non-aggressive waysand also at information; how knowing about each other's relationships may provide an advantage."

Hobson has ambitious research plans involving new experiments that will allow her to draw comparisons of social structures across species such as the parakeets, quail and fish she studies in her lab.

"By having these very similar experimental setups and doing all the analyses within the same lab, we have a lot of control over the process," she said.

She joined UC in 2019 after earning a doctorate from New Mexico State University and completing two postdoctoral fellowships. She also serves as an associate editor for the journals Ornithology and npj Complexity as well as serving on the editorial board for the journal Behavioral Ecology.

In her lab, she mentors postdoctoral researchers, graduate students and even undergraduate biology students who get a chance to work on original research projects. Her lab has examined the behavior of a myriad of species from ants to penguins to parrots.

Members of Hobson's research team are applying what they learned in her lab to their own budding careers. UC doctoral student Darby Moore was featured this year in a nature documentary for her work with endangered great green macaws in Costa Rica. Magazine Scientific American highlighted the expertise of Hobson Lab postdoctoral researcher Grace Smith-Vidaurre in a story about the amazing adaptability of invasive parrots.

University of Cincinnati Assistant Professor Elizabeth Hobson is using a National Science Foundation grant to design new behavioral experiments in her biology lab. Credit: Andrew Higley

Caring daily for the animals in the lab has its own rewards.

"Everyone loves the bobs," recent UC graduate Sophia Clemen said of the bobwhite quail. "They definitely have their own personality quirks."

Hobson said she is excited about what they might discover next.

"We built up a good foundation of exploring social systems, rank and dominance hierarchies. Now we can go in and understand the details," she said.

Provided by University of Cincinnati
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
Edward Ramirez, 60, was arrested by U.S. Marshals after he allegedly sexually assaulted sedated patients at a doctor's office in May. San Antonio Police Department

A 60-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 37-year-old woman under sedation at a North Side wellness clinic has been arrested, according to San Antonio police.

U.S. marshals arrested Edward Jose Ramirez in connection with the alleged assault that the woman said occurred during a May 29 visit to a wellness clinic near the Dominion. He has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, records show.

According to the arrest affidavit, Ramirez asked the woman to show up for her appointment a day earlier than her scheduled appointment. She was scheduled to receive a three-hour ketamine treatment.

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Once she arrived, she noticed that Ramirez was the only one in the room before her treatment started. She told investigators that there usually were two people in the room during the treatment, but that she felt OK with being there because she felt safe during previous appointments, according to the report.

The woman told police she was placed in the chair by Ramirez, and he began the treatment. She said that shortly after the treatment began, she couldnt move or say anything and she was in and out of consciousness during the three-hour treatment.

The woman said Ramirez touched her breasts over and under her clothing and that when she woke up, Ramirez was sexually assaulting her. She said she felt helpless.

Following the alleged assault, Ramirez, 60, told the woman that the incident was to stay between them, investigators wrote.

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Days after the assault, the woman went to the hospital to do a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam. Ramirezs DNA was obtained via a search warrant.

During a voluntary interview, Ramirez denied sexually assaulting the 37-year-old during her May 29 treatment. Investigators said he denied the allegation multiple times during the interview.

After investigators told Ramirez evidence of his DNA was found on the woman during a SANE exam, Ramirez said he and the woman had a consensual sexual relationship and the woman masturbated before the treatment, then asked him to lick her hand, according to the report. The woman denied those allegations, saying she didnt masturbate before the treatment and denying a consensual sexual relationship with Ramirez.

The woman told investigators she suffers from anxiety and depression and she considered the wellness clinic a safe space.

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SAPD believes Ramirez could have assaulted more patients. The department is asking patients who Ramirez has possibly assaulted to call the Special Victims Unit at 210-207-2313.
There are plenty of reasons to fear a second Donald Trump presidency, but one of the most demonstrably extreme things his administration could do is implement Project 2025, an ultraconservative policy manifesto that seeks to make drastic changes to how the U.S. government has operated for the past century.

Project 2025 is an 800-plus-page manual meant to be a road map that a future Trump administration can implement on Day 1 in the White House. It lays out in detail how Trump could wield his power to systematically eliminate federal agencies, consolidate presidential power, and make Christianity central to government policy. The report, prepared by more than 400 conservative thinkers, was spearheaded by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank and begins with a story about how the Heritage Foundation organized a similar manual to give to Ronald Reagan, and says that he took 60 percent of their recommendations.

Much of whats in the plan are things Trump himself has called formass deportations, scaling back the deep state, opposing trade with China. But as of late, Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from the report. I know nothing about Project 2025, he wrote on Truth Social. I have not seen it, have no idea who is in charge of it, and, unlike our very well received Republican Platform, had nothing to do with it. As for Trumps newly minted vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance has espoused similar views to those mentioned in Project 2025, including placing more tariffs on Chinese goods and finishing the border wall that was central to Trumps agenda during his first term in office. An analysis of Vances Venmo account by WIRED also revealed the senator has one Heritage Foundation director on his friends list.

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Since the plan covers a lot of ground, with many alarming recommendations, heres a quick overview of whats in it and what Trumps relationship to the project has been so far.

What does Project 2025 say?

It kicks off by laying out the plans four pillars: Protecting children and families, dismantling the administrative state, defending the countrys borders, and restoring individual God-given freedoms. It strives to go back to a style of conservatism embodied by the Reagan administrationheavy on deregulation while prioritizing the militarythrough eliminating nonpartisan federal employees and replacing them with loyalists who will blindly follow a conservative presidents orders. It frequently villainizes Democrats, characterizing them as elitists who dont believe all men are created equalthey think they are special.

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From the jump, the extreme social conservatism pops outon Page 5, the reports authors call for porn to be banned (they claim this effort wont run into any First Amendment issues) and insist that educators and public librarians who purvey it should be classed as registered sex offenders. (In this context, porn is being defined broadly as material that includes transgender ideology and sexualization of children.)

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Then the plan dives into a series of policy proposals organized by federal agency. One of the first recommendations it makes is eliminating the Gender Policy Councilcreated by President Joe Biden to advance gender equity and equality in domestic and foreign policywhich is followed by a directive to delete the words sexual orientation and gender identity, diversity, equity and inclusion, gender, gender equality, gender equity, gender awareness, gender-sensitive, abortion, reproductive health, reproductive rights from every federal rule, agency regulation, contract, grant, and piece of legislation that exists.

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It also includes a proposal to reverse policies that allow transgender individuals to serve in the military, and calls for a national abortion ban and undoing federal approval for the abortion drug mifepristone. It also includes a directive to review all U.S. policy to remove any taxpayer-funded initiatives that support abortion while also cutting off any pro-choice groups from receiving federal or foreign funds.

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Immigration is also a major focus of Project 2025, which recommends overhauling the current structure of the governments various immigration enforcement agencies, including eliminating the Department of Homeland Security. It also suggests gutting certain visa programs created for victims of physical or mental abuse and human trafficking. Then comes education policy, where Project 2025 says the Department of Education should be eliminated and that the U.S. should lower the number of student visas issued every year and deny federal student loans to non-U.S. citizens.

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The plan urges the next administration to take a much harsher stance with China, including expanding tariffs to all Chinese products, so much so that it will eventually block Made in China products from being imported into the U.S. Theres also a recommendation to prohibit China from bidding on any U.S. government procurement contracts and banning all Chinese social media appsincluding TikTok. It even recommends banning U.S. pension funds from investing in any Chinese stock or including any Chinese sovereign bonds in U.S. investors portfolios.

Project 2025 also calls for environmental regulations to be rolled back. The authors say that a ban on arctic drilling should be lifted, energy efficiency standards should be removed for household appliances, and the federal government more broadly should not impose pollution limits on industries. They also suggest that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration should be eliminated, along with other offices within the Department of Energy. And they want to privatize the National Weather Servicethe report proposes the agency no longer focus solely on providing forecasts to Americans but should instead become a completely commercial operation that provides its data to private companies. It justifies this by claiming studies have found that the forecasts and warnings provided by the private companies are more reliable than those provided by the NWS.

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Project 2025 also recommends a major overhaul of the U.S. tax code. Currently, there are seven tax brackets with rates ranging from 12 percent up to 35 percent, depending on a households income, and its meant to limit the amount of taxes lower-income families and individuals have to pay. However, according to Project 2025, this is simply too complex and the U.S. should instead implement two flat brackets, 15 percent and 30 percent, and also eliminate most deductions, credits and exclusions. And when it comes to the corporate tax rate, the plan recommends that it should be reduced to 18 percentits currently 21 percent.

And this is just a taste of Project 2025s agendait goes on to propose drastic measures for staff reductions and consolidation across nearly every federal agency. In order to help a future Trump administration implement its plan, the Heritage Foundation created a LinkedInstyle database of over 10,000 personnel who have been vetted and trained by the group and are ready for hire.

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The Supreme Court already gave Project 2025 a big item on its wish list.

We mentioned earlier that one of Project 2025s main agenda items is dismantling the administrative statethe plans authors were particularly upset, as of the reports writing in 2023, that Congress often passed ambiguous laws and executive branch agencies got to interpret them (and the courts had to defer to that interpretation, as the Supreme Court established in the landmark 1984 decision Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council). However, this summer the Supreme Court overturned Chevron deference, which means virtually every decision an agency makes will be subject to a free-floating veto by federal judges with zero expertise or accountability to the people, Slates Mark Joseph Stern explained. So whether or not Trump becomes president, its worth noting that part of the assault on the administrative state that Project 2025 envisioned has already taken place.

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Who is behind Project 2025?

The Heritage Foundation spearheaded Project 2025 and recruited hundreds of conservative scholars, lawyers, and policy experts to contribute to the report. The group also tapped at least 140 former Trump administration officials, with Paul Dans overseeing the entire project. He is Trumps former chief of staff for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Among those on the long list of conservatives is Trumps former secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Ben Carson. He wrote the chapter for HUD, recommending it prioritize keeping noncitizens  from living in federally assisted housing. Former Trump adviser Peter Navarro also makes an appearancepresumably working on Project 2025 before he was sent to prisonby recommending U.S. trade policy should focus on moving manufacturing jobs back home while coaxing other countries to lower their trade barriers so the U.S. can raise them instead.

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Related From Slate Theres a Reason Trump Is Suddenly Lying About Project 2025 Read More

Trumps former chief of staff Mark Meadows, longtime adviser Stephen Miller, and attorney John Eastman also advised on Project 2025.

Is Trump actually going to act on these recommendations?

The former president was a fan of the Heritage Project back in 2022. Speaking at a dinner the think tank hosted, he seemed to nod to the idea of Project 2025 himself: This is a great group, and theyre going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do, said Trump.

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Trumps assistant press secretary Karoline Leavitt also appeared in a Heritage Foundation promotional video last year that sought to recruit people for Project 2025s training program. And Trumps super PAC has been running ads promoting a website called Trump Project 2025.

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However, a week before the Republican National Convention was set to begin in Wisconsin, Trump abruptly distanced himself from the Heritage Foundation plan. And Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung told media outlets that no aspect of future presidential staffing or policy announcements should be deemed official. Campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita also said that Project 2025 and similar policy proposals are merely suggestions.

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The Heritage Foundation, for its part, claims that the Trump administration embraced 64 percent of its policy proposals. Much of the plan itselfoverhauling immigration policy and gutting federal agenciesfalls in line with policy Trump has publicly supported. However, he has been evasive about his stance on abortion; during the debate against President Joe Biden, Trump said abortion rights should be left to states to decide.

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Why was Project 2025 created?

When Trump took office for the first time, his presidential transition was chaotic. He fired the initial transition staff and threw out their guidance, and hired a new team that struggled to set an agenda for the presidents term. The Heritage Foundation created Project 2025 so that if Trump returns to the White House next year, the transition has already been thought through and Trump can immediately get busy enacting his agenda.

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Are Democrats doing anything about this?

The Biden campaign had recently been trying to highlight the dangers of Project 2025, sending out a flurry of emails focused on associating Trump with its ultraconservative agenda while also detailing how life in the U.S. could change if it were to be implemented. The campaign briefly paused on July 13, when Trump was shot during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, but three days later, the Biden campaign resumed and has continued to focus on Project 2025. A recent fundraising email gave supporters two options: We can let Trump win and enact his Project 2025 agenda, OR, we can build on the historic progress President Biden and Vice President Harris have delivered over the past three and a half years. (It seems that Kamala Harris campaign is continuing these efforts.)

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The Democratic National Committee also recently launched a billboard campaign across swing states that highlights the plans prioritiesone such sign reads, Donald Trump and Project 2025: guts checks and balances, seeks revenge, bans abortions nationwide.

Even those outside politics are waving red flags about Project 2025, with British American comedian John Oliver dedicating a 30-minute segment to the plan in his show Last Week Tonight. And while hosting the BET Awards on June 30, actor Taraji P. Hensonalso a surrogate for the Biden-Harris campaignbrought up the plan. Pay attention, its not a secretlook it up, said Henson. They are attacking our most vulnerable citizens. The Project 2025 plan is not a game. Look it up!
A work crew repaves a road in the Queens borough of New York on July 1. As areas across the U.S. continue to experience extreme heat, employers have taken steps to protect workers from high temperatures. Daniel P. Derella/AP A United Parcel Service driver steers through a neighborhood while delivering packages in June 2023 in Haverhill, Mass. As areas across the U.S. continue to experience extreme heat, employers have taken steps to protect workers from high temperatures. UPS has added more cooling equipment to its vehicles and facilities. Charles Krupa/AP

McKINNEY  At the start of every work day, construction worker Charles Smith puts on the essentials: a hard hat, safety glasses, a reflective vest and a small, watch-like band for his wrist.

But rather than track time, its purpose is to ensure he doesnt overheat while working during sweltering summer days in Texas. The wristband monitors his heart rate, core body temperature, stress level and more. If it detects signs of overheating, it warns him and his safety manager, advising Smith to rest and hydrate. The device serves as an early warning system to prevent heat-related injuries and illnesses.

The technology is one way that workplaces are setting up employee protections as summers grow hotter, longer and more extreme due to climate change. On Sunday, the Earth reached the hottest day ever measured, according to a European climate service group. And in the absence of federal heat rules for workers, which the Biden administration recently proposed, some employers in states without rules are taking it upon themselves to safeguard employees from extreme heat dangers.

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We can catch it before it happens, said Seth Campbell, safety manager for the construction company Rogers-OBrien, Smiths employer, of monitoring signs of heat-related illnesses. Its team started using the technology last summer.

UPS recently equipped delivery drivers with cooling hats and sleeves that provide relief from heat  and increased access to ice, cold water and electrolytes for employees, according to its website. They have also added more cooling equipment to its vehicles and facilities, vice president of global communications Genny Bowman said in an email. That includes installing exhaust heat shields to lower vehicle floor temperatures, as well as fans in package cars and more fans in its facilities.

Some greenhouse companies, including Eden Green and Cox Farms, have said they adjust workers schedules to account for excessive heat, such as starting them earlier in the morning, breaking during peak heat, and returning in the evening as temperatures cool.

During Junes record-breaking heat wave in the Midwest and Northeast, an organization in Columbus, Ohio, prepared frozen towels and cold water for their workers to stay cool and hydrated.

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And in some California warehouses, where indoor temperatures can exceed 90 degrees, employers have provided cooling vests with ice packs in them and bandanas that can get cool when wet, said Tim Shadix, legal director for the Warehouse Worker Resource Center, a nonprofit dedicated to improving working conditions in Southern Californias warehouse industry.

Such measures can help keep workers cool and comfortable, but Shadix said theyre not enough to protect them from worsening heat dangers.

Under standard workplace safety practices, those are meant to be responses of last resort, he said, but when youre addressing a hazard, including heat, you usually try to start with whats most effective, which can include installing air conditioning, slowing down the workplace schedule or providing more breaks.

Last summer, during a historic heat wave, the Texas-based Rogers-OBrien launched a pilot program that gives workers the option to wear a heat sensor paired with a software called SafeGuard. If the workers heart rate or body temperature are too high, Campbell is among the people who receives an alert to check on them. He then assesses ways to cool them down, such as putting ice packs under their armpits.

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Last year we had two alerts and we were able to get that employee to the shade inside, get (them) plenty of electrolytes, and we didnt have any clinic visits with anyone wearing the technology, he said.

On really hot days coupled with intense physical exertion, Smiths wristband has warned him and the safety manager that his body temperature and heart rate were high. It served as a signal to take a shaded break and drink water. And he did.
Defunct lift, useful Slovak phrases for foreigners during the summer, and tips on how to enjoy Bratislava.

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Good evening. Here is the Thursday, July 25 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

Ficos salary stuns Slovakia

PM Robert Fico on July 9, 2024. (Source: TASR)

In a startling revelation, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Ficos salary has been disclosed to be 7.6 times the national gross average, positioning him as the second highest-paid head of government in Europe by this metric. Earning 132,000 annually, Ficos remuneration underscores a significant disparity when compared to the average Slovak citizens income.

Fico, however, trails behind Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who holds the top spot. Meanwhile, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala ranks third, according to an investigative report by the journalism platform VSquare.org.

The revelation comes amid recent legislative changes that could see Fico benefit further financially. Coalition MPs have passed a law granting him a lifetime salary following a harrowing shooting attack on the prime minister in May.

Despite the high relative salary, Fico does not claim the title of the wealthiest prime minister in absolute terms. Leaders from wealthier nations such as Germany and Austria earn significantly more. For instance, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commands an annual income of 348,300.

MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE

Slovak Matters: I find it strange that Slovaks are perfectly comfortable stripping down to the bare essentials during the summer, writes Briton Conrad Toft in the latest edition of our Slovak language corner, which this time delves into summer holiday vocabulary.

I find it strange that Slovaks are perfectly comfortable stripping down to the bare essentials during the summer, writes Briton Conrad Toft in the latest edition of our Slovak language corner, which this time delves into summer holiday vocabulary. Investigation: The General Prosecutors Office rules out wrongdoing by prison guards in the death of the ex-police chief.

The General Prosecutors Office rules out wrongdoing by prison guards in the death of the ex-police chief. Police: Roznava police stations lift irreparableWhy no fix after five years?

Roznava police stations lift irreparableWhy no fix after five years? Business: Without the third block in Mochovce and the carmakers, Slovak industry would have been in a deep year-on-year deficit, the detailed data reveals.

Without the third block in Mochovce and the carmakers, Slovak industry would have been in a deep year-on-year deficit, the detailed data reveals. Travel: The iconic yet contentious sightseeing tower in the heart of the Tatras might find itself packing up and moving to another location in the future.

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

TRAVEL STORY

Baranec trek: Tough climb, rewarding quiet summit

Resting on Baranec's summit after demanding hike (Source: Jana Liptakova)

What was promised as an easy forest stroll turned out to be a gruelling 20.5 km hike with a 1,500 m elevation gain. Despite the challenge, the breathtaking panoramic views from the 2,184-metre Baranec summit, including vistas of the Liptov region and neighbouring mountain ranges, made the effort worthwhile, writes our colleague and hiker Jana Liptakova.

WHAT TO DO IN BRATISLAVA

Picnic with a Roman twist

The Ancient Gerulata Museum in Bratislava-Rusovce. (Source: Bratislava City Museum)

This Saturday, the Ancient Gerulata Museum, a former Roman camp, will host a vibrant picnic event featuring hands-on activities like crafting jewellery and planting exotic trees. People can also enjoy a guided tour, live music, food, and bird watching in the picturesque Rusovce Park.

There are plenty of other events to explorejust check out the latest edition of Top 10 events in Bratislava.

IN OTHER NEWS

The police are warning about a complete closure of the D1 motorway from kilometre 27 to kilometre 12.5 in the direction from Trnava to Bratislava. The traffic restriction will start on Friday, July 26, at 22:00 and will last until Saturday, July 27, at 12:00.

The traffic restriction will start on Friday, July 26, at 22:00 and will last until Saturday, July 27, at 12:00. If Slovakia fails to meet its recovery plan targets, it could lose up to 2 billion, according to a June analysis by government analysts for Prime Minister Robert Fico. The ministries of health and environment are currently facing the most challenges in implementing the recovery plan. Slovakia has two years left to accomplish its goals. (Euractiv)

The ministries of health and environment are currently facing the most challenges in implementing the recovery plan. Slovakia has two years left to accomplish its goals. (Euractiv) New regulations could soon require soldiers to have photographs of their tattoos added to the militarys identification records. The proposed change to the Professional Soldiers State Service Act, which the Defence Ministry wants to fast-track, aims to keep tattoo images up-to-date throughout the service of tattooed soldiers. This move is also intended to help identify soldiers with tattoos that include controversial symbols, such as those associated with fascism or extremism.

The proposed change to the Professional Soldiers State Service Act, which the Defence Ministry wants to fast-track, aims to keep tattoo images up-to-date throughout the service of tattooed soldiers. This move is also intended to help identify soldiers with tattoos that include controversial symbols, such as those associated with fascism or extremism. A bear attacked a 34-year-old man on a bicycle on a forest path in Martin district, central Slovakia, on Wednesday evening. The man suffered a leg injury during the encounter and had to be admitted into hospital. (TASR)

Melon harvest in Marcelova, Komarno district, southern Slovakia on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Source: TASR)

The Socialisti.sk movement has criticised Robert Ficos government, labelling it as non-leftist. Instead of working to improve conditions for workers, the government focuses only on its own people and their impunity, the party stated in a statement on social media. Party leader and former Communist Party member Artur Bekmatov, along with founder Eduard Chmelar, known for his pro-Russian views, are advisers to Prime Minister Fico. The partys stance shifted following its June congress.

Instead of working to improve conditions for workers, the government focuses only on its own people and their impunity, the party stated in a statement on social media. Party leader and former Communist Party member Artur Bekmatov, along with founder Eduard Chmelar, known for his pro-Russian views, are advisers to Prime Minister Fico. The partys stance shifted following its June congress. After the European elections in June, Slovakia has won the highest number of positions in the European Parliament ever. Five of 15 Slovak MEPs have been elected to the EP leadership and its committees: Martin Hojsik (Progressive Slovakia) has once again become a vice-president of the European Parliament, Miriam Lexmann (KDH) became a quaestor, Ludovit Odor (Progressive Slovakia) has become a vice-chair of the Economic and Monetary Affairs committee of the European Parliament, Lubica Karvasova (Progressive Slovakia) will be one of the vice-chairs of the committee on regional development, Lucia Yar (Progressive Slovakia) will hold the same functions in the committee on budgets. (Euractiv)

WEATHER FOR FRIDAY: Expect clear to partly cloudy skies. Daytime temperatures will range from 27C to 32C, with the northern regions seeing temperatures around 25C. (SHMU)

JULY 26 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Anna, Hana, Anita, Aneta.

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One of the most interesting trends in coffee has nothing to do with gear, or experimental processing, or elaborate competitions, and everything to do with cultural expression. Coffee is, of course, cultivated and enjoyed by a global coterie of cultures, and no two expressions of coffee look the same around the world. Here in America weve enjoyed an explosion in cafes expressing distinct coffee cultures through the lens of third wave, drawing on inspiration from places like Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Turkey, Yemen, Colombia, to name just a few. An uptick in cafes inspired by the coffee cultures of Indonesia is another exciting developmentand such is the story at Coffeegraph, a new coffee bar in Denver. Lets learn more.

The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Acaia and Ghirardelli.

As told to Sprudge by Troy Carlson.

For those who arent familiar, will you tell us about your company?

We are a culturally rich family with roots in both Indonesia and the United States. Our passion lies in meticulously crafting coffee using beans sourced from diverse regions around the world, with a dedicated emphasis on Indonesian coffee. Our mission is to illuminate the unique flavors and quality of Indonesian coffee, which often remains undervalued in the US.

Can you tell us a bit about the new space?

Its a 1,300-square-foot, partially constructed retail space with six condominiums above, nestled in the charming West Highland neighborhood of Denver, Colorado.

Whats your approach to coffee?

We partner with First Crack Coffee to meticulously source and expertly roast our coffee beans. Our ultimate aspiration is to directly connect with coffee farmers, ensuring equitable compensation, unwavering integrity, and a commitment to sustainability.

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

We eagerly anticipate acquiring a pristine La Marzocco Strada espresso machine, complemented by cutting-edge Mahlkonig and Brentwood grinders. Our establishment will also feature an array of distinctive drinkware and brewing equipment from brands like Loveramics, Origami, Hario, WPM, etc that enabling us to craft exceptional beverages at our shop.

How is your project considering sustainability?

At Coffeegraph, we embrace eco-friendly practices to safeguard the environment, opting for compostable paper cups and lids in our shop. Moreover, from a coffee bean sourcing standpoint, our mission is to forge direct relationships with coffee farmers, guaranteeing equitable compensation, unwavering integrity and commitment to sustainability.

Whats your hopeful target opening date/month?

Summer 2024

Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that youd like to mention?

First Crack Coffee and Tekwani Design

Thank you!

Sincere appreciation to Sprudge for the chance to spotlight captivating new coffee ventures spanning the globe! Being featured by Sprudge would be an unequivocal honor. Terima Kasih (Thank you in Indonesian).
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/asean-flexes-diplomatic-muscles-on-world-stage-as-lavrov-wang-blinken-descend-on-key-summit-1119501328.html

ASEAN Flexes Diplomatic Muscles on World Stage as Lavrov, Wang, Blinken Descend on Key Summit

ASEAN Flexes Diplomatic Muscles on World Stage as Lavrov, Wang, Blinken Descend on Key Summit

Sputnik International

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is holding its annual foreign ministers' summit and related meetings July 24-27, with the top diplomats from Russia, China and the US in attendance.

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world

sergey lavrov

china

russia

south china sea

asean

nato

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have touched down in Vientiane, Laos to take part in high-level meetings of ASEAN  the political and economic union and security forum of 10 Southeast Asian nations.ASEANs economic, political, and diplomatic clout has grown dramatically in the 57 years since its founding in August 1967.Russia became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1996, and signed a progressive and comprehensive partnership with the bloc in 2005, with its terms including efforts to build an international system that is fair, balanced and just.Economic cooperation ranges from energy, finance and agriculture to science, tech, and tourism. Bloc members undoubtedly appreciate Moscows historical record of interaction with the region, including economic and military assistance against US and European imperialism, and no record of colonialism.China has taken its own major steps to cement its reputation as a friend to ASEAN in recent decades, signing a strategic partnership with the bloc in 2003. ASEAN has been Chinas largest trading partner since 2020, and all its members have signed on to Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.ASEANs role in ensuring regional security has grown in recent years, with the bloc successfully mediating a major Thai-Cambodian border dispute in 2011.ASEAN and China signed a landmark Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in 2002, based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, negotiations have slowed to a crawl amid open US attempts to sabotage talks and lure individual ASEAN members into bilateral security pacts.Over the course of the latest foreign ministers' summit, Sergey Lavrov is expected to outline Russias assessment of the security situation in Southeast Asia, particularly amid the US and its allies' growing efforts to militarize the region.Lavrov will also bring up President Putins proposal of an indivisible Eurasian security architecture. Russia and China's diplomatic efforts vis-a-vis ASEAN are crucial, as without them, the bloc may have a hard time resisting Washingtons dreams of an "Asian NATO."The US Army's Pacific command announced in April that the military was on track to deploying new medium-range ground-based missile capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region by the end of the current year.Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares told Sputnik in June that Jakarta doesn't think there is "anyone in our region" that "would appreciate if other countries deployed armament in our region."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240620/russian-vietnamese-strategic-partnership-key-takeaways-from-putin-lam-talks--1119033466.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240606/asean-states-will-not-support-us-plans-to-deploy-missiles-in-region---official-1118810652.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230918/photos-china-asean-show-off-growing-economic-ties-shared-future-at-expo-1113477222.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/bidens-bitter-legacy-signals-culmination-of-betrayal-of-post-cold-war-hopes-for-peace-1119505408.html

Bidens Bitter Legacy Signals Culmination of Betrayal of Post-Cold War Hopes for Peace

Bidens Bitter Legacy Signals Culmination of Betrayal of Post-Cold War Hopes for Peace

Sputnik International

President Joe Biden appeared before Americans Wednesday night to elaborate on the decision announced last week that he would not be seeking reelection for a second term. Commenting on political and historical backdrop to Bidens remarks, observers John Varoli and Peter Kuznick said they clearly point to a nation and a world in crisis.

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joe biden

us

peter kuznick

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donald trump

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I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for Americas future, all merited a second term. But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation, Biden said in his televised address Wednesday, explaining his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.I will keep working to ensure America remains strong and secure and the leader of the free world, Biden said.Beltway media, including the traditionally Biden-loyal Washington Post, dubbed the lame duck president an anti-icon, saying his brief, targeted address was pragmatic, muted and self-effacing, and a little bit hard to watch.Bidens top 2024 challenger, former president Trump, took to Truth Social to lambast Crooked Joe Bidens Oval Office speech as barely understandable, and sooo bad.Culmination of 35 Years of Disappointed ExpectationsI look at whats happening today through the scope of whats been happening sincethe end of the Cold War, since 1991, former NYT and Bloomberg contributor-turned independent foreign affairs observer John Varoli told Sputnik, commenting on the meaning of Joe Bidens address beyond their immediate implications.Instead, the journalist recalled, the decades since 1991 have been filled with US wars, regime change operations and other aggression, from the Gulf War and the bombing of Yugoslavia, to NATOs expansion, culminating with the Euromaidan coup in Ukraine, all in the interest of building and propping up the American unipolar moment.What the hells wrong with these people? was the natural reaction to these processes, Varoli said. Then you realize, it was a plan. Professor Jeffrey Sachs said it. He saw it. He was there...This is nothing accidentalBiden is the culmination of this absolute insanity and madness. Imperial madness, imperial insanity, this bid for global domination.We are really now in uncharted territory, people just have no illusions. I did some research[and] found a poll from 2022 that said 85% of Americans think there are serious problems with our political system. 85%! That was two years ago. Now its probably obviously like 100%. People say there could be a civil war. People just zone out. They become apathetic, Varoli said.Crucial Inflection PointThis is a crucial moment in American history, Peter Kuznick, professor of history at the American University in Washington, DC and co-author of the book Untold History of the United States together with film director Oliver Stone, told Sputnik.The historian pointed out that like Trump before him, Biden surrounded himself with neoconservative hawks, from Antony Blinken and Jake Sullivan to Victoria Nuland, bringing the world closer to a world-ending conflict between the superpowers.Im very concerned about whats going on in the world now. The situation in Ukraine is very troubling. As I wrote in a recent article coauthored with Ivana Hughes, the Columbia professor who heads the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, we are very concerned that the continued and increasing NATO militaristic policies in Ukraine, on top of the Russian invasion, putting the world on a glide path to World War Three and nuclear war. The fact that the Biden administration has effectively banned any discussion of diplomacy and simply doubles down on more advanced weaponry, and then gives Zelensky permission to use that weaponry to attack inside of Russia, has really made a bad situation even worse, Kuznick said.Ditto goes for the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the observer, where President Bidens gung-ho militarization and even talk about expanding NATO to the Pacific, alongside the existing network of regional alliances like QUAD and AUKUS, have created a highly militarized situation there.Looking back to history, Kuznick recalled that as Kennedy and Khrushchev learned during the Cuban Missile Crisis, once an international crisis emerges, theres no way to control them.So Khrushchev called for eliminating all conflicts between us that would cause another crisis. Well, thats what we need today. Thats the spirit we need, Kuznick said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/harris-to-uphold-russophobic-us-dogma-as-world-seeks-multipolar-order--analyst-1119494135.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/biden-booted-1119479096.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/is-us-democratic-system-crumbling-voters-on-both-sides-of-aisle-losing-trust-in-election-1119496178.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240625/russia-summons-us-ambassador-after-ukraine-uses-atacms-missiles-on-crimea-1119111389.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240312/natos-1999-enlargement-sent-clear-signal-to-russia-that-cold-war-never-ended-1117289580.html

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why biden won't seek reelection, will world be safer without biden as president, is world on brink of a major war
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/climate-protest-grounds-flights-at-frankfurt-airport-in-germany-1119498964.html

Climate Protest Grounds Flights at Frankfurt Airport in Germany

Climate Protest Grounds Flights at Frankfurt Airport in Germany

Sputnik International

A climate protest grounded all flights at the international airport in the German city of Frankfurt on Thursday morning, the airport authority said.

2024-07-25T10:14+0000

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germany

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frankfurt

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"Due to an ongoing Demonstration at the airport flights are currently suspended. Passengers are asked not to go to the airport for the time being," the air hub's operator said in a statement. Air travelers were told to check the status of their flight before coming to the airport and allow more time for their journey. A federal police spokesperson told the Frankfurter Allgemeine daily that six activists from the Last Generation movement cut through the outer fence to gain access to the airfield and glued themselves to the tarmac, paralyzing all four runways. Air traffic resumed later in the morning, although the airport did not rule out further flight delays and cancellations. The demonstration caused at least 140 flight cancellations. Some 50 flights were rerouted. German Police Bolster Airport Security After Climate Protests Hit RunwaysThe German police are beefing up security at the airports in response to disruptive climate protests, media reported on Thursday.Earlier in the day, Last Generation activists got onto the runway at Frankfurt airport and halted all flights. The movement posted a photo of a protester being glued to the tarmac and holding up a poster that read "oil kills."The police are strengthening security measures at all major airports in anticipation of further disruption by climate protests, the Bild newspaper reported.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240717/biden-to-blame-pro-palestine-protesters-for-climate-of-violence-after-trump-shooting--report-1119397670.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/eu-denies-support-to-hungary-slovakia-after-ukraine-halts-russian-oil-transit---reports-1119496931.html

EU Refuses Support to Hungary, Slovakia on Russian Oil Transit Dispute With Ukraine

EU Refuses Support to Hungary, Slovakia on Russian Oil Transit Dispute With Ukraine

Sputnik International

The European Union has denied its support to Hungary and Slovakia after they sought to force Ukraine to restore Russian oil transit to the bloc, the Financial Times reported citing sources familiar with the matter.

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2024-07-25T09:07+0000

world

europe

european union (eu)

peter szijjarto

hungary

slovakia

ukraine

russian oil shipments

valdis dombrovskis

lukoil

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EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told the FT that Brussels would need more time to gather evidence and assess the legal situation. Eleven of the EU nations attending a meeting of trade officials on Wednesday backed his stance and none took the side of Budapest and Bratislava, diplomats told the FT. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Monday that Hungary and Slovakia had asked the European Commission to launch consultations with Ukraine after it stopped the transit of oil through the Druzhba pipeline. Szijjarto also said that Hungary would not approve the allocation of 6.5 billion euros ($7 billion) for arms sent to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility until the issue was resolved. Ukraine's trade agreement reportedly contains a clause that provides for the possibility of suspending oil transit. An EU diplomat was quoted as saying by FT that disruption in Russian oil supplies would have a "huge impact" on the central European nation. Last week, Szijjarto said that Ukraine stopped the transit of Lukoil's oil. The Slovak Economy Ministry confirmed that the country was not longer receiving oil from the Russian oil giant, which was sanctioned by Ukraine. Slovakia's Slovnaft refinery imports Russian crude from another supplier, but the country is discussing the current situation with Ukraine.

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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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/europe-will-face-aftermath-of-uncontrolled-weapons-market---ex-austrian-foreign-minister-1119507307.html

Europe Will Face Aftermath of Uncontrolled Weapons Market - Ex-Austrian Foreign Minister

Europe Will Face Aftermath of Uncontrolled Weapons Market - Ex-Austrian Foreign Minister

Sputnik International

Europe will be forced to face the consequences of an uncontrolled weapons market in Eastern and Central Europe, Austria's former foreign minister Karin Kneissl said on Thursday.

2024-07-25T18:13+0000

2024-07-25T18:13+0000

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world

ukraine

austria

yugoslavia

un security council (unsc)

karin kneissl

europe

eastern europe

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Europe will have to face the aftermath of an uncontrolled weapons market in Eastern and Central Europe, Kneissel told the UN Security Council members during a meeting on Ukraine. In addition, she added that the consequences will be "tougher" than during the war in Yugoslavia. Western countries have provided hundreds of billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia's special military operation in February 2022. Aid shipments began in 2022 with artillery munitions and training and have escalated to include tanks, advanced air-defense systems, missiles and cluster munitions. The Kremlin has consistently warned against the West's continued arms deliveries to Ukraine, saying that they only prolong the conflict.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230423/sy-hersh-west-knows-ukraine-weapons-end-up-on-black-market-1109774596.html

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Camp Durango camper Jesse Ruiz blows giant bubbles during free play time at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango participants play laser tag during one of the morning stations at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Reina Vigil, a counselor at Camp Durango helps Alexander Mendoza decorate a cookie at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Laura Pena, a counselor at Camp Durango, and camper Senovia Lozano, 17, play laser tag during one of the morning stations at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango camper Jesse Ruiz, 11, laughs as he is sent into a stack of boxes during a human bowling game at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango camper Alexander Mendoza, 12, smiles as he easily crosses the finish line first in a potato sack race. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango camper Alexander Mendoza, 12, tries to pass a ball in a parachute volleyball game at UTSA's downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango camper Alexander Mendoza, 12, counselor Twanie Gobeil and camper Jesse Ruiz, 11, try to pass a ball in a parachute volleyball game at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango campers Alexander Mendoza, 12 and Jesse Ruiz, 11 roll around on a mat during snack time at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango camper Isabella Rodriguez, 18, laughs as her counselor, Violet Andrews, splashes her with bubbles at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango counselor Monica Nelligan and camper Leeandra Duron draw and color together during snack time at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango camper Nico Luna, 11, hugs his counselor, Twanie Gobeil, at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Hunter Escovedo hangs out in a hammock during snack time at Camp Durango at UTSAs downtown campus, a free summer camp for local children with autism that combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango counselor Samantha Miller and camper Leeandra Duron, 21, practice their team cheer at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Camp Durango camper Isabella Rodriguez, 18, makes bubbles during free play time at UTSA's downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps Members of the Green Team at Camp Durango practice their cheer for the last day of camp at UTSAs downtown campus. The free summer camp for local children with autism combines fun activities with academic research. Jessica Phelps

In the waning days of summer, the downtown campus at the University of Texas at San Antonio has been alive with the sounds of play.

Video games. Laser tag. Potato sack races. For 23 autistic adolescents and young adults, the fun, team-building and social connections they and their families and caretakers found at Camp Durango on Wednesday are all too rare.

A lot of times, theres not many camp-like offerings, or even general services, for individuals with autism who are in that older age range. So this is a good opportunity, said Marie Kirkpatrick, UTSA assistant professor of educational psychology.

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The half-day camp is in its fourth year and named for the building and grounds where the activities coordinated since June by UTSAs Applied Behavior Analysis team are ending with an Olympic-themed week. Its free, funded primarily through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Boards Autism Grant program and the U.S. Department of Education.

Open to autistic children and young adults ages 5 and up, the camp usually has all its 150 summer slots filled within 24 hours when registration opens in April. This year, it had about 450 applicants. Along with the fun, the camp provides an opportunity for specialized research on social communication, while providing training and supervision for graduate students and undergraduate volunteers.

In the younger age group, were seeing that a lot of our campers are more interested in playing by themselves and dont want to really interact too much and play with others, Kirkpatrick said. For those younger ones, were really trying to focus on increasing their play skills so that when we see them in a few years, as they progress with being able to play with kids and not try to self-isolate, then were ready to introduce the aspect of social engagement and social communication skills.

Each week of camp concludes with an awards ceremony, which sometimes brings tears to parents eyes at seeing their kids leave with new self-confidence. Kirkpatrick said the camp has funding in place for the next two summers. But she doesnt know about 2027.

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We love putting on this program. What is always a struggle for us, pretty much every single year, is getting the money to keep hosting this, she said. Knowing that there is such a need in our community, we are constantly trying to reach out for partnerships.

Rachel Arias, a special education teacher at Luna Middle School in the Northside Independent School District, worked all six weeks of the camp. Having been in the field for 10 years, she said she made lifelong friends with other camp counselors and gained experience working with autistic youths.

Theyre trying to communicate a need or a want, and understanding it helps my day-to-day, Arias said. Every day, you dont know what youre going to go home with, whether it be a scratch or a bloody nose, or whatnot. But  every day, one kid does something that makes you smile or laugh. Thats the part that makes me keep going.

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One of the best ways others can support the families is by showing empathy when an autistic child shuts down emotionally at the grocery store or in other public places, Kirkpatrick said.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/netanyahus-abraham-alliance-proposal-completely-detached-from-reality--analyst-1119506949.html

Netanyahus Abraham Alliance Proposal Completely Detached From Reality  Analyst

Netanyahus Abraham Alliance Proposal Completely Detached From Reality  Analyst

Sputnik International

Israels prime minister has sketched the outlines of a new NATO-style alliance between Tel Aviv, Washington and Arab countries which he said could counter the growing Iranian threat. Dr. Mehran Kamrava, professor of government at Georgetown Universitys Qatar campus, explains why the proposal is ludicrous.

2024-07-25T18:08+0000

2024-07-25T18:08+0000

2024-07-25T18:08+0000

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus hopes to bring countries like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and perhaps Egypt into a new Israeli and US-led, NATO-style pact dubbed the Abraham Alliance is not only unrealistic, but not original, either, Kamrava told Sputnik, commenting on Netanyahus Wednesday afternoon address to a joint session of Congress.In his speech, Netanyahu outlined a vision for the broader Middle East involving taking a cue from what the US did after the Second World War by creating NATO and applying it to the Middle East. The proposed bloc should include the US and Israel, and all countries that are at peace with Israel or wish to make peace with Israel, Netanyahu said.The Abraham Alliance proposal is not new, Kamrava stressed, noting that Netanyahu has been advocating this for a number of years, with Israels push to normalize ties with its Gulf neighbors seen as the first step in this direction.Today, Israel can only dependably rely only on United States Central Command and Washington for weapons and other support, Kamrava said. Thats because the Israeli lobby is quite powerful in the United States, particularly in Congress, with both parties and all of its major figures, from presidents Biden and Trump to vice president Harris, declaring themselves Zionists or otherwise voicing strong support for Israel.In this situation, only a continuation of the war, and playing up the Iranian boogeyman can save him, the observer summed up.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/kremlin-on-creating-nato-analogue-in-middle-east-unlikely-that-such-mechanisms-needed-1119499798.html

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

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/putin-assad-meet-in-kremlin-discuss-worsening-regional-situation-affecting-syria-1119497651.html

Putin, Assad Meet in Kremlin, Discuss Worsening Regional Situation Affecting Syria

Putin, Assad Meet in Kremlin, Discuss Worsening Regional Situation Affecting Syria

Sputnik International

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a meeting with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad, suggested discussing the situation in the region, noting that it is showing a tendency to escalate, which also affects Syria.

2024-07-25T09:19+0000

2024-07-25T09:19+0000

2024-07-25T09:28+0000

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"I am very interested in your opinion on how the situation in the region as a whole is developing. Unfortunately, it is tending to escalate, as we can see. This directly concerns Syria as well," Putin said.The meeting took place the previous evening in the Kremlin.Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad in the Kremlin on Wednesday evening."I am very glad to see you. We have the opportunity to talk about the entire complex of our relations," Putin said at the meeting.Putin also proposed to discuss the situation in the region, which tends to worsen, noting that this also applies to Syria.Putin also expected to discuss with Assad trade and economic relations between Russia and Syria.Bashar Assad in turn has noted the relevance of a meeting with Vladimir Putin against the backdrop of current geopolitical events to discuss possible prospects and scenarios.Russia and Syria have gone through difficult tests over the past decades, the president said, adding that the meeting coincides with the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries."Over the past decades, our countries have gone through difficult trials. These decades have witnessed complex transformation processes within our countries. However, over all decades, relations between our countries have maintained a level of trust and this is an indicator of the maturity of our peoples," the leader added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240721/syrian-president-assad-russias-policy-confirms-strive-for-peace-1119450554.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/putin-holds-meeting-with-assad-1119495166.html

Putin Holds Meeting With Assad

Putin Holds Meeting With Assad

Sputnik International

Sputnik comes live to you as Russian President Vladimir Putin holds meeting with his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad. Politicians will discuss the situation in the Mideast region, which tends to worsen as well as broad range of issues, including economy and trade.

2024-07-25T06:24+0000

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Sputnik comes live to you as Russian President Vladimir Putin holds meeting with his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad. Politicians will discuss the situation in the Mideast region, which tends to worsen as well as broad range of issues, including economy and trade.Follow Sputniks live feed to learn more!

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Vladimir Putin Holds Meeting With Bashar al-Assad Sputnik International Vladimir Putin Holds Meeting With Bashar al-Assad 2024-07-25T06:24+0000 true PT1S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/russia-downs-11-ukrainian-drones-over-kursk-belgorod-crimea-regions---mod-1119495517.html

Russia Downs 11 Ukrainian Drones Over Kursk, Belgorod, Crimea Regions - MoD

Russia Downs 11 Ukrainian Drones Over Kursk, Belgorod, Crimea Regions - MoD

Sputnik International

Russian air defenses shot down four Ukrainian drones over the Kursk Region, three over the Belgorod Region, and four over Crimea and the Black Sea overnight, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Thursday.

2024-07-25T07:33+0000

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"Last night, the Kiev regime attempted a terrorist attack using unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs] against assets on the Russian territory: four UAVs over Kursk, three over the Belgorod region and four UAVs over the territory of Crimea and the Black Sea were intercepted and destroyed by on-duty air defenses," the statement read. Two unmanned boats heading toward the Crimean Peninsula were destroyed in the Black Sea. The debris from a downed drone set fire to an apartment building in the village of Yubileyny in the Kursk Region, acting Governor Alexei Smirnov said.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/russian-chinese-military-aircraft-intercepted-off-alaska--norad-1119493526.html

Russian, Chinese Military Aircraft Intercepted off Alaska  NORAD

Russian, Chinese Military Aircraft Intercepted off Alaska  NORAD

Sputnik International

US and Canadian fighter jets intercepted Russian and Chinese military aircraft flying in international airspace near Alaska but they were not seen as a threat, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said in a press release.

2024-07-25T00:21+0000

2024-07-25T00:21+0000

2024-07-25T05:04+0000

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WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US and Canadian fighter jets intercepted Russian and Chinese military aircraft flying in international airspace near Alaska but they were not seen as a threat, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said in a press release. NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the intercept, the press release added. The Russian and Chinese aircraft reportedly remained over international territory and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. The jets were not seen as a threat but NORAD will continue to monitor similar activity from the North American continent and "meet presence with presence," the organization declared.

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

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/russias-baltic-fleet-group-to-make-port-call-in-cubas-havana-from-july-27-30---ministry-1119496290.html

Russia's Baltic Fleet Group to Make Port Call in Cuba's Havana From July 27-30 - Ministry

Russia's Baltic Fleet Group to Make Port Call in Cuba's Havana From July 27-30 - Ministry

Sputnik International

A group of Russian Baltic Fleet warships will make a port call in the Cuban capital of Havana from July 27-30, the Cuban Defense Ministry said on Thursday, adding that one of the ships will be accessible to visitors.

2024-07-25T07:53+0000

2024-07-25T07:53+0000

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"Between July 27 and 30, vessels of the Russian Baltic Fleet, including the Smolny training ship, the Neustrashimy patrol vessel, and the Yelnya tanker, will arrive in the port of Havana on a working visit," the ministry said in a statement. The Smolny training ship will be open to the public from July 28-29. Another group of Russian Northern Fleet naval ships made a port visit to Havana on an official visit from June 1217. The group included the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the Kazan nuclear-powered submarine.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240613/russian-northern-fleet-ships-in-cuba-photo-highlights-1118931733.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/russias-un-envoy-reminds-of-putins-peace-proposal-amid-kievs-negotiation-signals-1119505056.html

Russian UN Envoy Recalls Putin's Peace Proposal as Kiev Signals Openness to Negotiation

Russian UN Envoy Recalls Putin's Peace Proposal as Kiev Signals Openness to Negotiation

Sputnik International

If Kiev is really ready for a peace plan, it should consider the initiative proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russias permanent representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, said on Thursday.

2024-07-25T16:59+0000

2024-07-25T16:59+0000

2024-07-26T00:49+0000

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If Kiev is really ready for a peace plan, it should consider the initiative proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russias permanent representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, said on Thursday.Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday in a conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Ukraine is ready for negotiations with Russia. However, earlier, Kiev legislatively banned negotiations and ignored Moscow's statements about readiness for dialogue. Nebenzia noted on Thursday that such statements from Kiev were made due to the "catastrophic" situation of their troops. He added that Russia has many questions, and without answers, it is impossible to assess the essence of the "modified" Ukrainian position.Nebenzia stated that while the Kiev regime is still considering its options, the Russian special military operation in Ukraine continues and will achieve its goals, whether through military action or negotiations.Nebenzia noted that Western instructors and mercenaries in Ukraine are legitimate targets for Russia."Given the total unwillingness of Ukrainians to fight and die for Western geopolitical interests, the US and its allies are being forced to increasingly involve themselves in the conflict by sending not only mercenaries but also instructors. They, of course, become legitimate targets for the Russian Aerospace Forces," the Russian representative said.However, he emphasized that Kiev's purported readiness for negotiations aligns with Russia's position that a diplomatic path is the preferred solution.He stressed that Russia "has never refused negotiations; it was Zelensky and his clique who, under the instigation of their Western sponsors, rejected them."Meanwhile, Nebenzia noted that Russia requests that UN Security Council members clarify the details of Kiev's "realization" regarding conflict resolution, possibly indicating no real change."Colleagues, before emissaries come to us asking to assess a possible change in the rhetoric of the 'expired' leader of the Kiev regime, who is failing on the front, we would strongly request you to clarify the details of his 'realization.' Perhaps, in reality, nothing has changed in his assessments," the Russian diplomat said at the UN Security Council meeting.Moscow has repeatedly stated its readiness for negotiations, but Kiev has legislatively banned them. The West ignores Kiev's constant refusals to engage in dialogue. As stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the situation in Ukraine could move toward a peaceful resolution if the de facto situation and new realities are taken into account; all of Moscow's demands are well known.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/ukraine-ready-for-negotiations-with-russia---ukrainian-foreign-minister-1119482004.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/kremlin-says-meaning-of-kulebas-statements-on-peace-negotiations-unclear-1119487835.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/ukraine-allowed-to-strike-russian-territory-in-response-to-action-in-kharkov---scholz-1119494881.html

Scholz Greenlights German-Supplied Weapons for Ukrainian Strikes on Russia From Kharkov

Scholz Greenlights German-Supplied Weapons for Ukrainian Strikes on Russia From Kharkov

Sputnik International

Germany has decided to allow Ukraine to strike Russian territory bordering the Kharkov region with German-supplied weapons to impede Russian progress around the city, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during a news conference Wednesday.

2024-07-25T04:13+0000

2024-07-25T04:13+0000

2024-07-25T09:33+0000

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"Something had to be done with Kharkov to prevent Russia from using the border as a protective shield," Scholz told reporters during a press briefing broadcast by the German television network Phoenix.The chancellor also said German military aid to Ukraine would soon be facilitated via NATO facilities in the German city of Wiesbaden."In Washington, [it was] decided that the coordination of actions of many countries would no longer be done in Ramstein by the United States, but in Wiesbaden within NATO structures, without NATO itself doing anything. It is very important. But the fact that coordination would happen there clearly means that it would go on forever and that no one would suddenly get out on the wrong side of the bed one morning and say that now it is going to end," Scholz explained. Scholz voiced support for peace initiatives with the participation of Russia and reiterated that Germany had no plans to engage in a direct confrontation with the Eurasian world power. German cabinet spokesperson Wolfgang Buchner confirmed in late May that Berlin would allow Kiev to use German-supplied weapons to attack Russian territory neighboring the Kharkov region. Buchner assured journalists that Berlin would not be a party to the Ukraine conflict despite supplying weapons to the regime. German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said Berlin and Western allies stood in agreement that Kiev could use Western weapons to strike Russia near Kharkov. Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in June that the alliance would establish a NATO command center in Wiesbaden to coordinate training and equipment donations for Ukraine and provide support to the long-term development of Kiev's armed forces.Fighting has intensified around the Russian-speaking city of Khakov in recent months as Ukraine has launched strikes on Russian territory from the region. Moscow has promised to respond to Kiev's attacks, which frequently kill and injure Russian civilians.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240723/major-german-political-party-calls-for-seizure-of-russian-property-to-arm-ukraine-1119478402.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240611/one-killed-3-injured-in-kievs-shelling-of-shebekino-from-mlrs---belgorod-region-governor-1118909876.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/ukraine-open-to-peace-talks-with-russia-after-battlefield-setbacks-1119492297.html

Ukraine Open to Peace Talks With Russia After Battlefield Setbacks

Ukraine Open to Peace Talks With Russia After Battlefield Setbacks

Sputnik International

On the Wednesday, July 24th episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins delved into a number of stories from around the globe, including Ukraine's openness to peace talks with Russia.

2024-07-25T04:15+0000

2024-07-25T04:15+0000

2024-08-10T10:19+0000

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Ukraine Open to Peace Talks With Russia After Battlefield Setbacks Sputnik International On the Wednesday, July 24th episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins delved into a number of stories from around the globe, including Ukraine's openness to peace talks with Russia.

In the opening segment, Rachel spoke to author, journalist and syndicated cartoonist, Ted Rall, about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's congressional address ahead of his Thursday, July 25th meeting with US President Joe Biden.Rachel then turned her attention to Ukraine amid reports of Kiev's openness to peace talks with Russia. She would speak to former Ukrainian diplomat and whistleblower Andrii Telizhenko about the latest developments from Beijing, China.University of South-Eastern Norway professor Glenn Diesen joined the show to open the last hour, as he spoke about Ukraine's battlefield woes and the need for a peaceful settlement to the country's conflict.In the final segment, Rachel spoke to lawyer, journalist and peace activist Dmitri Lascaris about the ongoing war in Gaza, along with a number of stories from the Mid-East region.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/us-targets-one-third-of-all-countries-on-earth-with-some-sort-of-sanctions-1119506677.html

US Targets One-Third of All Countries on Earth with Some Form of Sanctions

US Targets One-Third of All Countries on Earth with Some Form of Sanctions

Sputnik International

The United States is the all-round champion in the number of sanctions imposed on its adversaries and rivals, with one-third of all countries on Earth subject to some sort of restrictions, according to a new analysis by the Washington Post published on Thursday.

2024-07-25T17:14+0000

2024-07-25T17:14+0000

2024-07-26T00:51+0000

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Starting in the 1990s, successive US administrations have made economic punitive measures and economic warfare the main instrument of their foreign policy, which all too often are ineffective and backfire, the analysis said. Decades-long sanctions on North Korea for instance have failed to dissuade Pyongyang from advancing its weapons programs and developing intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities, the analysis said. The US sanctions on Nicaragua and Cuba have proved completely ineffective in removing the respective administrations of Daniel Ortega and Fidel Castro (now Miguel Diaz-Canel). The Biden administration has never been able to say "no" to the temptation of the power of sanctions and the apparent ease of their application, as Treasury Department staffers have had to shelve their drafts on the restructuring of the sanctions system and give way to new economically suffocating measures. Between February 2022 and January 2024 alone, the United States imposed sanctions on more than 16,000 individuals, over 9,000 companies, and more than 3,200 institutions from Russia, making the country the most sanctioned one in the world.

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Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net.

A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships.

In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band.
After watching T C I lose back-to-back starts for the first time in his career, trainer Ron Burke hopes to have his three-year-old trotter heading back in the right direction.

T C I, who last season earned $1.45 million to become the richest two-year-old male trotter in history, was third in a division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial on July 13 at The Meadowlands, the colts final prep ahead of his Hambletonian Stakes elimination on Saturday, July 27 at The Big M. T C I finished three-quarters of a length behind winner Situationship, who stopped the timer in a career-best 1:51.1.

In his previous race, the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial on July 4 at Vernon Downs, T C I made an early break and finished fourth. His two setbacks occurred after beginning 2024 with three straight wins.

The year started out good and then the last couple I was like, eh, eh, and I couldnt really put a finger on it, said Burke. So, we kind of did a complete physical on him last week and found a couple things that we didnt know were going on with him that are very correctable.

Im cautiously optimistic that he will be significantly better. The time off was good for him. He trained really good [on Wednesday]; I was really happy with him.

Prior to the Dancer, Burke got the sense T C I might not be on top of his game.

When I warmed him up, he was just as blah as blah could be, said Burke. He was just not himself. Now, I would say he was 90 per cent back to himself training. I have two more days [to prepare for the Hambletonian elim] and hopefully well make the final. I think in the two weeks, Ill have this horse perfectly ironed out.

Losing, in a way, was a help because it was a wake-up call that we needed to start being a little more diligent on making sure he was all right.

T C I, who received the 2023 OBrien Award for best two-year-old male trotter to race in Canada, has won 13 of 17 career starts. Last year, his victories included the Mohawk Million, William Wellwood Memorial and Peter Haughton Memorial.

A son of Cantab Hall-Nicoles Promise, T C I was named for vacation destination Turks and Caicos Islands. He is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services Inc., and Weaver Bruscemi.

The colt, ranked No. 2 in Meadowlands announcer/analyst Ken Warkentins Road to the Hambletonian Top 10, will head to Saturdays second of two $100,000 USD Hambletonian eliminations as the 2-1 morning-line favourite in a field of 10. The top five finishers from each elim will advance to the $1.05 million USD Hambletonian final, the sports premier race for three-year-old trotters, Aug. 3 at The Big M.

T C Is elim also includes Zweig Memorial champ Dame Good Time, who is 3-1 on the morning line and will leave from post seven with Scott Zeron driving for trainer Travis Alexander, and last weeks Tompkins-Geers Stakes winner Secret Agent Man, who is 4-1 and will start from post three with Andy Miller driving for Julie Miller.

I dont really worry about who Im in with; I worry about mine and having them ready, said Burke. I do think, looking at it at a glance, Id rather be in my elimination than the other elimination. Mine is pretty solid all the way throughout, but I dont think its got the stars in it that the other one does.

In the first elimination, Karl, trained by Nancy Takter and No. 1 in the Road to the Hambletonian rankings, is the 4-5 morning-line favourite. He will start from post six with driver Yannick Gingras. Joining Karl in the field are Goodtimes Stakes champion Highland Kismet and Stanley Dancer Memorial division winners Sig Sauer and Situationship.

Sig Sauer, Situationship and Highland Kismet occupy spots three through five, respectively, in the Road to the Hambletonian rankings.

Elimination winners draw for post positions one through five followed by the remaining finalists receiving their posts in an open draw. The draw will be conducted July 30 at Hogan Equine Clinic in Cream Ridge, New Jersey.

In addition to sending out T C I in a Hambletonian elim, Burke has one horse in each of Saturdays three $50,000 USD eliminations of the Hambletonian Oaks for three-year-old female trotters at The Meadowlands. Spy Coast is 4-1 on the morning line in the first, Draw The Line is 15-1 in the second and Kinesiology is 12-1 in the third.

The top three finishers from each elim plus the fourth-place finisher with the highest lifetime earnings will advance to the $525,000 USD Oaks final, also Aug. 3 at The Meadowlands.

Spy Coast won two preliminary legs of the New Jersey Sire Stakes and finished fourth in the final. The daughter of Walner-Zeppole heads to her Oaks elim off second-place finishes in divisions of the W.N. Reynolds Memorial and Tompkins-Geers Stakes, both at The Big M.

Draw The Line was a Grand Circuit winner last year at Lexingtons Red Mile and has a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes division victory to her credit this season. The daughter of Cantab Hall-Ridge Speed goes to her Oaks elimination off a fourth-place finish in a division of the Del Miller Memorial.

Kinesiology, a daughter of Walner-Muscle Test, was third last week in a division of the Tompkins-Geers and won the consolation division of the Zweig Memorial for fillies on July 4 at Vernon Downs.

Spy Coast is my best chance, said Burke. On her best day, shes right there with the best fillies. Draw The Line is getting better. She wasnt good her last start, but we found something with her and worked on her. Kinesiology is getting better every start. She was locked and loaded last week and just got out late.

I think have a good chance of making the final, and then being competitive in the final.

French Champagne, who won a division of the Del Miller Memorial, is the 2-1 favourite in the first Oaks elimination. Elista Hanover, who has won nine consecutive races since opening her season with a third-place finish, is the 6-5 favourite in the second. Date Night Hanover, who won this years Zweig Memorial for fillies, is the 5-2 favourite in the third.

Racing begins at 6:20 p.m. (EDT) at The Meadowlands.

(USTA)
Freshman trotting fillies spared no expense when bringing the action to MGM Northfield Park for the second leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes on Tuesday, July 24. Three $68,493 divisions went forth with only one repeat winner.

Dream Something (pictured above) pulled off a 17-1 upset in the first division, winning in 1:58.3 by a neck. Out of the gate, Chris Lems gave the daughter of Uncle Peter the perfect pocket trip. Dream Something never faltered along the rail, even as 1-5 favourite Rose Run Allison (Chris Page) pulled first-over from behind to battle on the front. It wasnt until the final turn that Dream Something found racing room. Digging in until her final stride, Dream Something nipped Rose Run Allison at the wire. Now two-for-three lifetime, the filly is owned by trainer Miles Wollam along with Julie Ann Sweet and Dale Sweet. Rose Run Allison held on for second while Freedom Hill (Anthony MacDonald) finished third.

The second division was captured by the undefeated filly Mocha Hill in 1:58.1 by more than three lengths. Driven by Page, the daughter of What The Hill was content sitting third along the rail as quarters were set in :28.4, 1:00 and 1:28.4. Page urged the 2-5 favourite to challenge the leader when heading into the final turn. Mocha Hill cruised across the finish, winning for the third time in as many tries. Ron Burke trains the filly, who has has bankrolled more than $75,000 for owners Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Weaver Bruscemi and Knox Services. Sienna Sunrise (Luke Hanners) finished second with Aunt Lilly (MacDonald) rounding out the trifecta.

Chrome Trim and Elliott Deaton produced another mild upset in the final division. At 8-1, the Long Tom filly left alertly from the fifth post position. After a miscue from the early leader, Chrome Trim briefly found herself on the front before settling into the pocket behind 1-5 favourite Brink Street (Page). Deaton stayed patient, asking Chrome Trim for more only at the top of the stretch. The filly answered the call with an impressive final quarter before tripping the wire in 2:00.1. The victory marks the first lifetime win in three starts for Chrome Trim. Isaiah Shrake trains and co-owns the freshman alongside Terrie Shrake. Move Over Boys (Aaron Merriman) was second with Brink Street in third.

Ohio Sires Stakes action continues on Thursday, July 25 at Eldorado Scioto Downs. Three divisions of the second leg for two-year-old colt trotters will go behind the gate. First race post time is 5:45 p.m.

(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)
By all accounts, the late Ed Tracey was an excellent driver and great all-around horseman. By those same accounts, he was even a better human being.

TROT Magazine reached out to a number of the Alberta-horsemans peers and asked them to share memories and stories of the friend they all miss dearly, in an effort for us all to learn more about the man who is soon to enter the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, as a member of the Class of 2024.

To read the full story featured in the June 2024 issue of TROT, click the following link:
Dr. John Michael Flanigan D.V.M., of Guelph, Ont., passed away at his home after a brief illness on Thursday, July 18 at the age of 69.

Survived by his sister Dr. Kate Flanigan D.V.M., and his brothers Jim and Jeff. Predeceased by his brother Tim.

A lifelong fan of the Standardbred horse, John will be missed by many.

As per John's wishes, cremation will take place.

Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre Funeral Home, 252 Dublin St., N, Guelph, ON (519-822-4731).

Donations in memory of John may be made to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dr. John Flanigan.
A Gering man awaiting trial in the death of a 1-year-old boy has been granted a continuance in his case.

Tyler Green, 32, appeared via Zoom from the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center for a hearing in Scotts Bluff County District on Tuesday. Greens case had been slated for trial during the August jury term on a charge of intentional child abuse resulting in death, a Class IB felony, in the March 16 death of Gideon Lockwood.

During a pre-trial conference hearing, Greens attorney sought a motion for a continuance, seeking an additional 60 days in the case. Defense attorney Helen Winston indicated that preliminary discovery in the case had just started, and that defense attorneys still needed to make decisions about which witnesses to depose and, ultimately, call as witnesses in the trial.

Prosecutor Kelli Ceraolo indicated she did not contest the continuance, which was granted by Judge Leo Dobrovolny. The case is scheduled for a follow up hearing on Sept. 25, 1 p.m., with the case now slated for trial during the October jury term.

Charges against Green stem from an investigation that began on Wednesday, March 13, when Gering Police were called to Greens residence. A caller told dispatchers that the boy had a lot of blood coming out of his mouth, had gone limp, and he was described as being unresponsive, but breathing. The child was transported to Regional West Medical Center, and then to Childrens Hospital in Colorado, where he died three days later.

According to the arrest affidavit, the doctor told police the mechanism of injury appeared intentional and that the amount of bruising ... would be on par to having the child put in a clothes dryer and (the dryer) turned on.

The child suffered a crushing injury to his genital area, lacerations and bruising on his buttocks, contusions and hematomas to his face, lower back and chest and other injuries, according to arrest affidavits filed in the case.

During Tuesdays hearing, Greens attorney sought a modification to the his bond which did not allow Green to have contact with his own children, ages 2 and 7, as they are potential witnesses in the case. Winston noted that Green is in solitary confinement as the father of the child who died is also incarcerated at the detention center. During the four months that Green has been incarcerated as he awaits trial, she said, he had been unable to speak to his children and she sought to have video calls or phone calls allowed.

Ceraolo expressed concern about potential witness tampering, noting that both of the children were present at the home on the night that the child abuse is alleged to have occurred. Dobrovolny granted the motion for limited contact, outlining that calls between Green and the children must be monitored by a Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services caseworker or an appointed guardian. Dobrovolny said he wanted to ensure that anyone monitoring calls was familiar with the potential for witness tampering or influence. He directed the prosecutor and defense attorney to agree on the person or persons who could monitor the calls. If they cant agree, he said, the defense should renew its motion so that Dobrovolny could consider it further.

The case is being prosecuted by the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office. Green has been appointed an attorney with the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy.

If convicted, the charge in the case against Green punishable by a minimum of 20 years in prison to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
President Joe Biden boards Air Force One to return to the White House after recovering from COVID. The Democratic establishment needs to answer why questions about Joe Bidens fitness for office were not raised sooner. Manuel Balce Ceneta, STF / Associated Press

They didnt soulfully consider President Joe Bidens marked decline and decide, for the good of him, his party and the country, that he had to step down.

They lied, and they got caught.

The Democratic Party line on Biden was that he had turned in an exceptionally effective State of the Union address. He might mess up a name here or there, but he had gotten better with age. He should be judged on his achievements, which rivaled those of LBJ. Anything suggesting he was in decline was a paranoid lie, or  in a truly ridiculous neologism  a cheap fake.

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Everything we saw with our own eyes was misleading. No, he hadnt wandered off at the G-7 summit. No, he hadnt frozen up at his Hollywood fundraiser. No, he wasnt having trouble walking and getting up the stairs of Air Force One.

No, everything was fine.

No one formally enforced this party line, but everyone knew to follow it  Democratic leaders, journalists and donors. The whispered conversations stayed whispered.

Then, the debate happened, and the party line was inoperative.

There were attempts to revive it, but it was a little like being a Communist in the 1930s when Stalin wrenched the party into a totally new position. It didnt matter whether the new line had any connection to the prior line; it had to be followed.

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So, Joe Scarborough of MSNBC, who months earlier had issued forth with table-thumping assurances that Joe Biden was at the absolute top of his game, suddenly thought he might have to step aside.

George Clooney, who co-hosted the aforementioned Hollywood fundraiser, wrote in the New York Times that at that event, Biden was a shadow of his self, and suddenly former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau could say that everyone he talked to at the event was appalled by Bidens state.

The president can be forgiven for being disappointed and angry that everyone who had been covering for him switched overnight.

Theres no honor among thieves, but shouldnt there be at least a little among political co-conspirators?

Biden showed monumentally poor judgment in deciding to run again last year. He almost certainly was in the grips of legitimate self-delusion, though. Its natural that an old person who is in decline is the last to realize or admit it, and his belief that, on paper, he was a stronger candidate than Kamala Harris wasnt crazy.

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Bidens enablers were the truly cynical and dishonest ones, hoping that their fake narrative about Bidens continued vitality could see them through until November.

Their credibility should be shot as they make the switcheroo to Harris.

The same Democratic establishment that gave you Joe Biden without offering Democratic voters a legitimate choice (serious primary challengers were warned off this year), now is giving you Kamala Harris without offering Democratic voters a legitimate choice.

The same party that lied about Joe Biden without compunction or remorse now wants you to credit everything it is going to tell us about the marvelous, heretofore unappreciated qualities of Kamala Harris.

The same vice president who insisted, as of roughly the day before yesterday, that Joe Biden was the very picture of energy and effectiveness now wants us to believe everything else shes going to say after hes been forced from the race by his feeble state.

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The same people who thought Joe Biden was incapable of doing interviews and teleprompter speeches on the campaign trail will tell us hes perfectly capable of fulfilling his duties in the most trying job on the planet.

Finally, the same Democrats who were threatening Joe Biden with ignominy and exclusion if he stayed in the race a couple of more weeks now want us to buy their paeans to his great statesmanship.
John Copenhaver is returning to his native Southwest Virginia as an award-winning novelist. The author, who grew up in Marion, will share his writing advice at the Virginia Highlands Festival in Abingdon.

In early June, Copenhavers third novel, Hall of Mirrors, published to strong reviews. The Library Journal gave the book a starred review and wrote, The second in the Nightingale trilogy, following The Savage Kind, is a mystery, but the historical elements add complexity as the author explores issues of passing as straight or white, concealing an identity at a time of physical and emotional violence toward LGBTQIA+ and Black people.

The novel is set in 1954 in the midst of the Lavendar Scare, which, according to the National Archives, began in the late 1940s and continued through the 1960s.  Thousands of gay employees were fired or forced to resign from the federal workforce because of their sexuality. Dubbed the Lavender Scare, this wave of repression was also bound up with anti-Communism and fueled by the power of congressional investigation.

The historical thriller, a book description says, follows a man in search of answers about his lovers murder as crimes of the past and present converge. With characters both new and familiar, Johns latest release explores issues like racial equality, passing, and homophobia with a keen eye that makes this historical crime novel timelier than ever.

Copenhavers first two novels are both award winners. He won the 2019 Macavity Award for Best First Mystery for Dodging and Burning and the 2021 Lambda Literary Award for Best Mystery for The Savage Kind. He is also a co-founder of Queer Crime Writers and is an at-large board member of Mystery Writers of America. He co-hosts the House of Mystery Radio Show.

Hell share his whodunit skills on Friday, July 26, at the Highlands Festivals Writers & Readers Days. Copenhaver will offer his advice about How to Write an Award-winning Mystery.

Earlier in the day, hell address Writing Across Difference: Responsibly Writing Characters Different from You. Copenhaver said hell discuss how to write about someone in a thoughtful way, especially if they are marginalized.

As for the mystery writing, he said, he cant give anyone a secret three steps, but he will focus on the importance of strong voices.

Copenhaver also possesses considerable teaching experience. Hes previously taught at the secondary level and now hes a faculty mentor in the University of Nebraskas Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts program and teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Copenhaver described himself as really touched to be invited to the Highlands Festival. Hes grateful to see the tradition of Writers & Readers Days continuing and reminding people of their importance.

Though this trilogy is set in Washington, D.C., Copenhaver said Marion and Smyth County influence his work.

Home is always there in the writing, he said.

Copenhaver is also excited to return to Southwest Virginia. Coming home is always meaningful, he said. Its where your origins are.

He believes the places a person grows up leave an imprint on their brain, especially in terms of atmosphere and sense of place.

Southwest Virginias incredible beauty and occasional gloominess are woven together for Copenhaver.

His first novel, Dodging and Burning, was set in Royal Oak, which Copenhaver describes as a dark echo of Marion. Royal Oak is the historic name of the community center of what is now Marion.

In an interview about that first book, Copenhaver said the community is a mix of wonderful memories and frustrations, push and pull.

He attended school here through his freshman year of high school until he went to boarding school. For his affection for the town, Marion is also the place where Copenhaver lost his father to lung cancer when he was only 8 years old.

Yet, he said, Its a place of deep importance to me, always working its way into my writing. He added, Its a place I love.

The festivals Writers & Readers Days are Friday and Saturday at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon. Learn more about main speakers and workshops at https://www.vahighlandsfestival.com/writers-and-readers-day.
China's top legislator holds talks with president of Central American Parliament

Xinhua) 08:43, July 25, 2024

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with the President of the Central American Parliament Silvia Garca 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 Garca, 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.

Garca 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 Garca in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The Democratic Party's rapid consolidation around Kamala Harris as its presidential nominee after Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race is hardly an affront to democracy. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

In 2004, Republican primary voters in Illinois picked businessman Jack Ryan to be their nominee for the U.S. Senate.

A few months later, in the wake of allegations from Ryans ex-wife that he had pressured her to accompany him to sex clubs, Ryan dropped out of the race.

The Illinois Republican Party had to pick a replacement candidate. With the Democratic nominee, a young African American state senator named Barack Obama, looking like the runaway favorite in the general election, the GOP went with Alan Keyes, an African American culture warrior who had never lived in Illinois.

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In the wake of Keyes selection, there were no angry missives from national Republican leaders arguing that the process had been a coup, an affront to democracy. No prominent Republicans fretted that the 234,000 voters who cast ballots for Ryan in the Illinois primary had been disrespected by his withdrawal and the selection of Keyes.

Thats worth remembering as we think about much of the GOP reaction to President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the 2024 presidential contest and the rush by Democratic state delegations to anoint his chosen replacement, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Democrat party bosses forced Joe Biden off the ballot, said U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana. They invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who went through the small 'd' democratic process and chose their nominee for president.

Stephen Miller, a former adviser to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, said, They just woke up one morning and said, Never mind. Were canceling the entire primary. Were getting rid of our candidate and were pretending the election has never even happened and were going to let donors handpick a new nominee.

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Republicans have accused the Democrats of leading a coup, and they got the phrase Coup-mala Harris trending on X this week.

But the Biden/Harris situation is basically the same thing that played out 20 years ago with Ryan and Keyes, albeit at the presidential level and without scandal.

Biden, like Ryan, was feeling pressure from members of his party to drop out of the race. In this case, it was due to concerns about Biden's advanced age and his ability to carry out an effective campaign.

Ultimately, however, Biden, like Ryan, had the power to stay in the race. He had secured the necessary delegates to win the presidential nomination and no one could take it from him. As with Ryan, the decision to withdraw was voluntary. In the face of that voluntary withdrawal, the party has to find a replacement.

While it's true that Biden received 14 million votes in the primaries, its a stretch to say that the primary process represented democracy in its purest form. No viable Democrats lined up to challenge their partys incumbent president, so it was never clear how many of those Biden votes were truly an expression of who Democratic voters wanted as their nominee. Beyond this, no Democrats challenged Harris for the nomination after Biden withdrew from the race.

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We should also consider that having state delegations pick a presidential nominee is basically the way both parties did things until the 1970s, when primaries started to become bigger factors.

Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt werent picked by primary voters. Presidential primaries didnt exist in those days. They were chosen by delegates at the national conventions.

You can make a compelling case Democratic leaders should have raised concerns about Bidens age much earlier than they did. That might have persuaded him to bow out of the 2024 race before the primaries began, opening the door to a number of potential nominees.
Nokia announced that it has successfully completed its first 5G non-standalone (NSA) Cloud RAN trial with Bharti Airtel (Airtel) in India. The project supports Airtels strategy of delivering a superior customer experience using high-performing networks. It is expected to deliver higher levels of service innovation, higher network automation, flexibility and efficient scaling of resources to support end-user services.

The trial took place in an over-the-air environment utilizing 3.5 GHz spectrum for 5G and 2100 MHz for 4G. Data calls were successfully performed with commercial user devices over Airtels commercial network achieving a throughput of over 1.2 Gbps. The trial utilized Nokias RAN Software for virtualized Distributed Unit (vDU) and virtualized Centralized Unit (vCU) running on x86 Hardware with a CaaS layer. The trial also used Nokias L1 acceleration that will enable enhanced power efficiency and support Nokias anyRAN benefits of using common RAN software with the purpose-built part of the network. This will enable common functionality and performance across the hybrid network.

The trial marks a significant milestone in Airtels overall cloudification journey and supports the operators ambition of bringing cloud networking benefits, such as scalability and agility, to their network.

Nokias anyRAN is an open approach to building future-ready radio access networks together with an ecosystem of best-in-class industry partners. Its designed to give mobile operators and enterprises a collaborative advantage by offering them more flexibility in their choice of cloud infrastructure software, hardware, and technology suppliers. Operators can evolve their networks to a hybrid RAN approach with both Cloud RAN and purpose-built RAN deployments co-existing, delivering a consistent, high-quality performance.

Randeep Sekhon, Chief Technology Officer at Bharti Airtel, said, This successful Cloud RAN trial is a significant step forward in our consistent efforts to integrate the latest and most efficient technologies into our network and leverage these to deliver brilliant customer experiences. This partnership with Nokia has enabled us to pioneer innovative solutions to upgrade our capabilities in 5G.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said, This successful trial with our long-term partner, Bharti Airtel supports their ambitions for building scalable, agile and highly automated networks. Nokias approach to Cloud RAN means that our customers can flexibly evolve to Cloud RAN with choices in Cloud infrastructure and data center hardware. This will drive efficiency, innovation, openness, and scale in their RAN evolution.
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:

Cross section of a foam-based fluidic resistor (left); microscope view of foam sheet cross section (right). Credit: Preston Innovation Lab / Rice University

When picturing next-generation wearables and robotics, the foam filling in your couch cushions is likely not the first thing that comes to mind. However, Rice University engineers have shown that something as simple as the flow of air through the airy, meshlike structure of open-cell foam can be used to perform digital computation, analog sensing and combined digital-analog control in soft textile-based wearable systems.

"In this work, we integrated material intelligencethe ability of materials to sense and respond to their environmentwith circuit-driven logic using a surprisingly simple approach based on the flow of fluid through soft foams," said Daniel Preston, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and corresponding author on a study about the research published in Advanced Functional Materials.

Pneumatic logic circuits in soft-bodied robots and wearables have been traditionally designed in ways that mirror electronic circuits, i.e., by linking together individual components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes and gates via connecting elements. Such conventional architectures rely on interconnected logic gatesbasic building blocks in digital systems that turn one or more than one input into a single output.

Anoop Rajappan (left) and Daniel Preston. Credit: Brandon Martin / Rice University

Foam-based fluidic circuits can be used to transmit data via haptic cues. Credit: Preston Innovation Lab / Rice University

In previous work, the Preston Innovation Laboratory developed a method for electronics-free control of textile wearables using pneumatic logic circuits. However, this initial approach did not rely on the properties intrinsic to soft materials in order to maximize circuit design efficiency.

"The more complex a task or operation, the greater the number of logic gates typically required," Preston explained.

In applications, this could translate into devices that are heavier, more expensive and difficult to make and more susceptible to failure. To bypass the issue, the researchers figured out how to use pressure differences created by air flowing through the microscopic pores in foam sheets in order to perform complex pneumatic computations and control tasks with a greater economy of circuit design.

"Here, we show that the properties of soft materials themselvessuch as the sponginess or porosity of foam sheetscan be leveraged to achieve fluidic control tasks such as sensing the amount of force applied by a user or converting digital pressure signals to analog signals, thereby reducing the reliance on fluidic logic gates and simplifying operation," said Anoop Rajappan, lead author on the study and a research scientist at Rice during the course of the project.

Unlike liquids, the density of air changes with pressure, which makes the modeling of airflow through foam sheets more complex. Nonetheless, the researchers tackled the challenge head-on.

"We developed a theoretical framework for analyzing gas flow through porous materials, created new experimental techniques to measure the fluidic properties of foam and finally generated a model for the change in fluidic resistance of foam with applied force," Rajappan said.

Push button-activated foam-based fluidic actuator; varying levels of force cause corresponding levels of actuation. Credit: Preston Innovation Lab / Rice University

Foam-based fluidic actuator controlled via integrated digital-to-analog converter. Credit: Preston Innovation Lab / Rice University

The researchers designed foam-based fluidic resistorsdevices that restrict airflow in pneumatic circuits, much like how electronic resistors limit current flow in electronic circuits. The resistors can be used to create two-dimensional pneumatic logic circuits that can be embedded in textile-based wearable devices.

"By redesigning circuit components such as resistors to leverage the fluidic properties of soft materials such as foam, we can build reliable and streamlined soft robots and wearable devices powered by pneumatics that are less dependent on heavy, bulky or rigid components such as motors and batteries," Rajappan said.

"Wearable robotic devices could, for instance, provide assistance to users with mobility limitations, and building wearables out of textiles and powering them using compressed air can make them comfortable, lightweight, low-cost and unobtrusive for the user."

In addition to Preston and Rajappan, other authors on the study include Zhen Liu, Faye Yap and Rawand Rasheed. Rajappan, Liu and Yap have accepted offers to tenure-track assistant professor positions at Tulane University, the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Hawaii, respectively. Rasheed is CEO of Helix Earth Technologies, a startup spun out of Preston's lab.

More information: Anoop Rajappan et al, Embedded Fluidic Sensing and Control with Soft OpenCell Foams, Advanced Functional Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202403379 Journal information: Advanced Functional Materials
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Brand ads on Google are not effective for advertisers, a new study finds, but Googles place in the market means advertisers still need to buy in. Credit: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

If you use Googleand chances are you dothen you're used to seeing ads when searching online. But how do those ads get on Google search and, more importantly, who is paying for them? It's easy to assume Nike pays for the Nike ads, but that's not always the case.

Welcome to the world of brand advertising on Google, where companies often have to compete to pay Google for their own search keywordsthe term connected to a Google search for "Nike" or "Adidas," for exampleor risk a competitor advertising on their own search results.

This form of ad poaching isn't new; it's been a practice for decades. But a recent Northeastern University study reveals that the entire brand ad ecosystem set up by Google, and replicated on other search engines like Bing and DuckDuckGo, is a "sham market," says Christo Wilson, a professor of computer science at Northeastern, who authored the study.

The paper is published in the journal Proceedings of the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media.

"Google and the other search engines have created this market where you can advertise on navigation and brand ads, but those ads are not very effective for competitors so they're sort of wasting their money," Wilson says. "As a consequence, the defending companies  also have to spend money on these ads and they're not really getting anything for it."

To determine whether these ads are effective, Wilson recruited a group of U.S. residents and had them install an extension on their browser. The extension allowed Wilson and his team to see everything that happened in their browser windows during the study.

In Google Chrome specifically, the researchers were able to pull a copy of the participants' search results, see what they searched for, what they were shown in Google search results and whether they clicked on any of those results, including ads.

From there, the researchers used their data in combination with information about how much advertisers have to pay for brand ads to calculate whether these ads are beneficial to advertisers based on how many people click on the ads.

Some people do click on a competitor's ad when this sort of thing happens, but it's not super frequent and the abandonment rate is very high," Wilson says. "They clicked on the link, go to the page, but immediately come back and click on something else."

Then why are advertisers still paying for these ads?

"That's not a useful way for you to spend your marketing budget, but you have to because that's the way that Google and the other search engines have designed this," Wilson says.

These kinds of ads are a major revenue generator for Google, which makes billions every year off a practice that Wilson equates to the search giant rent-seeking from advertisers. Since Google has near total control over the online search market, it sets the terms and everyoneadvertisers and other search engines alikehas to follow suit.

"The fact that Google is able to rent seek this way, maybe that's not such a big issue if there was more competition in online search," Wilson says. "But given how skewed the overall market is for online search, as long as Google says, 'This is the policy,' that really means that's going to be the policy everywhere.

"There's really nothing that anybody can do about that aside from lodge an antitrust complaint against Google. The whole market has to change if we want to make any headway on this."

It might seem like the only ones being affected by this whole situation are large companies, but Wilson says there are trickle-down effects for consumers, too.

"Why do those Nikes cost $200?" Wilson asks. "Some of that is to pay for their marketing. They're spending a boatload of money on these search ads, but those ads are not effective. Google is making a bunch of money and you're effectively subsidizing Google through your consumer purchases."

Regulators and lawmakers in the U.S. have raised this issue for years, which Wilson says helped create some of the momentum behind the recent antitrust case against Google. Other countries have gone a step further. In 2023, India effectively banned brand ads based on what it ruled were trademark violations.

Disallowing these kinds of ads on search would "fundamentally reconfigure a lot of the online commerce economy," Wilson says, but he calls it a symptom of broader issues related to Google's position in the market.

"Arguably the reason Google can continue to do this is because they have a lock on the market and there are no alternatives," Wilson says. "But if you address that fundamental issue and enable competition in online search, then perhaps this issue fixes itself."

More information: Jeffrey Gleason et al, Search Engine Revenue from Navigational and Brand Advertising, Proceedings of the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media (2024). DOI: 10.1609/icwsm.v18i1.31329

This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu.
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Nissan described its quarterly results as 'challenging'

Nissan tumbled more than 10 percent on Thursday after the Japanese automaker issued a profit warning, citing "intense sales competition", especially in the United States.

The company and its domestic rivals are also struggling to stand their ground in China's market as fast-growing electric vehicle firms backed by Beijing race ahead.

Net profit in the first quarter plunged 73 percent year-on-year to 28.6 billion yen ($190 million), Nissan saidfar below analyst expectations of 97.1 billion yen.

The auto giant now predicts a full-year net profit of 300 billion yen ($2 billion), down from 380 billion yen previously forecast.

"Our first-quarter results were very challenging" and "we have implemented measures to recover our performance," CEO Makoto Uchida said in a statement.

"From the second half we aim to maximize sales of new and refreshed models to achieve the revised forecast of sales volume and profit," he added.

Although global sales remained even, "profit was impacted by increased sales incentives and marketing expenses to meet intense sales competition and optimize inventory," particularly in the United States, Nissan said.

The disappointing first-quarter earnings come after the company nearly doubled full-year net profit in 2023-24, partly thanks to the weak yen inflating its takings.

On Thursday, Nissan shares tanked 11 percent right after the earnings release but recovered to close down 6.98 percent.

In China, competition also "remained intense", but Nissan performed well among international brands, chief financial officer Stephen Ma said.

Uchida said at a Financial Times summit in May that Nissan would work with Chinese firms to launch five new electric or hybrid vehicles in the country within the next two years, calling operating in the market there "a survival game".

Nissan recently ceased production at a factory west of Shanghai as part of efforts to cut production capacity.

A company spokesman confirming the move said Nissan was "committed to China under the strategy of 'in China, for China' with a focus on NEV transformation, corporate value, and overall competitiveness in the Chinese market".

The plant in Changzhou was a joint venture with state-owned Chinese auto company Dongfeng Motor.

It had an annual capacity of 130,000 vehicleseight percent of Nissan and Dongfeng's total capacity in Chinaand only opened in 2020, according to Japanese media.

Japan's Honda is also struggling with sales in China and plans to reduce its annual car output capacity there by 50,000 units, Kyodo News reported on Thursday.

China overtook Japan as the world's biggest vehicle exporter last year, helped by its global dominance in electric cars as firms such as BYD speed ahead of international rivals.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

British telecommunications regulator Ofcom said Wednesday it had handed video sharing platform TikTok a 1.9 million ($2.4 million) fine for failing to timely make available safety data.

Ofcom criticized the platform, which is owned by Chinese group ByteDance, saying it communicated inaccurate information last year and failed swiftly to address that.

"Ofcom has today fined TikTok 1.875 million for failing to accurately respond to a formal request for information about its parental controls safety feature," the regulator said in a statement.

In a statement to AFP, TikTok recognized it had furnished Ofcom with inaccurate data on the use of a parental controls tool that underestimated "considerably" the number of people using the tool.

"While we subsequently provided the correct information, we fell short of our obligations by not reporting the error sooner, and apologize for any disruption this caused.

"We are committed to fully cooperating with all of Ofcom's requests and have implemented improvements to our internal processes," a TikTok spokesperson said, adding that Ofcom had recognized the oversight was not deliberate.

Noting the breach was a first for the platform, bringing a fine 25 percent below its maximum, Ofcom said "significant weight was also given to the fact that, notwithstanding its failings, TikTok proactively self-reported the error to us and has since taken steps to improve its internal processes."

But the regulator said the failing had forced it to remove details on the effectiveness of TikTok's parental controls in an upcoming transparency report.

Ofcom said it received only partial, if accurate, information data seven months after a deadline last year.

It added it believed that the penalty was appropriate for a company of TikTok's size, given its resources and awareness of regulatory obligations.

The move comes a week after TikTok lost an appeal to escape new EU digital rules that seek to rein in the power of big tech after a court rejected its challenge.

 2024 AFP
Vice President Kamala Harris reacts to the applause as she prepares to address the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Members of the American Federation of Teachers react as Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the union at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to the Houston Emergency Center to speak to local government to get a briefing on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Members file in to the convention hall to hear Vice President Kamala Harris speak during the American Federation of Teachers Convention, Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer Vice President Kamala Harris reacts as she is introduced during the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.'s Grand Boule, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Indianapolis. Darron Cummings/AP Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to the Houston Emergency Center to speak to local officials and be briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Vice President Kamala Harris brought her new presidential campaign to Texas on Thursday, driving home a developing strategy that casts former President Donald Trump as wanting to take the country backward.

Today we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation, one focused on the future and the other focused on the past, Harris told union members at the American Federation of Teachers convention in Houston. And we are fighting for the future.

That future, she said, means one where children arent growing up in poverty, seniors can retire with dignity, every worker has the freedom to join a union and students have the resources they need to thrive.

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GO DEEPER: Why Kamala Harris is meeting with union members in Houston as her presidential campaign kicks off

Harris argued that Trump and his allies want to end preschool programs like Head Start and eliminate the U.S. Department of Education  both of which have been outlined as part of Project 2025, a blueprint for a Trump second term drafted by the former presidents allies at the right-leaning Heritage Foundation. She also warned they will end student loan forgiveness programs for teachers that Biden and Harris have supported.

There are those who are really trying to take us backward, she said, calling Project 2025 a plan to return America to a dark past. We are not going back.

Members of the American Federation of Teachers react as Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the union at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

The contrasts didnt end there. Harris said while teachers are trying to teach civics and create a safe learning environment, extremists are trying to make it harder to vote and wont pass commonsense gun safety laws.

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Think about it, we want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she said.

Harris speech to the 3,500 delegates at the AFT was a last-minute plan that came together over the last two days. She wasnt originally expected to speak to the convention until earlier this week, after President Joe Biden announced he was withdrawing from the race and throwing his support behind Harris.

While many in organized labor  including the AFT  already have endorsed Harris, the visit will help her show how much she really values their support. Earlier this month, she spoke to a convention of UNITE HERE, the largest hospitality union. Last month, she addressed the SEIU Quadrennial Convention. On Thursday, the Laborers International Union of North America announced it was endorsing Harris officially. Its 500,000 members are in the construction and energy industries.

The two biggest unions in the nation  the Teamsters and the United Auto Workers  have yet to endorse Harris.

While Harris was trying to keep the focus on education and workers rights, Republicans were using her trip to Texas to keep the attention on the border, painting her as being derelict in her duties as vice president as record numbers of migrants crossed the border over the last three years.

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In March 2021, Biden tapped Harris to lead our diplomatic effort and work with Mexico and Central American countries to get a handle on what was causing mass migration to the United States and how to fix it. Republicans have labeled her the border czar though the Biden administration never gave her such a title.

Try as they might, Kamala and her allies cant change reality. She is responsible for the flood of migrant crime and deadly fentanyl into our country, and Americans will hold her accountable when they vote for President Trump in November, Trump campaign senior adviser Danielle Alvarez said in a statement.

Harris County Republican Party Chair Cindy Siegel said the Harris campaign may want to distract from the border, but voters care about it nonetheless.

Kamala Harris coming to Texas to speak at a teachers union event with no plans to visit the border is exactly what I would expect from her; its another example of her indifference to the real issues Texans are facing, Siegel said.

Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Harris Texas visit comes as her campaign tries to revamp a campaign that was until a few days ago focused entirely on Biden. That has resulted in a lull in TV and radio ads around the nation as the campaign works to get new ads filmed and up on the air. The campaign went live with its first video ad on Thursday morning.

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But Harris for President Chair Jen OMalley Dillon told reporters on Wednesday that Harris is inheriting a robust campaign operation that already is engaging voters in key battleground states.

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, she said.
FILE - President Joe Biden speaks to striking United Auto Workers on the picket line outside the Willow Run Redistribution Center, UAW Local 174, Sept. 26, 2023, in Van Buren Township, Mich. Biden will be the keynote speaker Wednesday, Jan. 24, at a UAW political convention as he works to sway blue-collar workers his way in critical auto-making swing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Evan Vucci/Associated Press Sean O'Brien, President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters speaks during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Matt Rourke/Associated Press Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to the Houston Emergency Center to speak to local officials and be briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Members of the American Federation of Teachers react as Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the union at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Members of the American Federation of Teachers react as Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the union at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris shakes hands with Assistant Police Chief Megan Howard as she arrives to the Houston Emergency Center to speak to local officials and be briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to the Houston Emergency Center to speak to local officials and be briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Vice President Kamala Harris stands with Tom Munoz, left, and Mayor John Whitmire as she tours the Houston Emergency Center on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Vice President Kamala Harris, center, applauds workers in the Houston Office of Emergency Management, after she was briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Tom Munoz, director Houston Office of Emergency Management, left, speaks to Vice President Kamala Harris, center, Mayor John Whitmire and County Commissioner Rodney Ellis as she tours the Houston OEM, after she was briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to the Houston Emergency Center to speak to local government to get a briefing on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer President Joe Biden addresses striking members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union at a picket line outside a General Motors Service Parts Operations plant in Belleville, Michigan, on Sept. 26, 2023. Some 5,600 members of the UAW walked out of 38 US parts and distribution centers at General Motors and Stellantis at noon September 22, 2023, adding to last week's dramatic worker walkout. According to the White House, Biden is the first sitting president to join a picket line. Jim Watson/AFP/TNS

Vice President Kamala Harris has already locked up support from the second-largest teachers union in the nation en route to becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

Yet she will still be in Houston on Thursday making a pitch to the American Federation of Teachers at their annual convention because she needs something more important: their energy.

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Over the next 103 days leading up to the Nov. 3 presidential election, Harris needs the AFT and other powerful unions to help with door-to-door campaigning and phone banking in swing states.

They are the backbone of our field operations, said Nick Rathod, a veteran Democratic political strategist who was the campaign manager for Beto ORourkes 2022 campaign for governor.

He said what Harris is doing is vitally important because of whom she is attempting to succeed. Organized labor officials have heralded President Joe Biden as the most pro-union president ever, and last year he became the first sitting president to ever walk a picket line with a union when he joined the United Auto Workers strike.

Harris wants to inherit that relationship, Rathod said.

Its not just AFT that is getting attention from Harris. Earlier this month, she spoke to a convention of UNITE HERE, the largest hospitality union. Last month, she addressed the SEIU Quadrennial Convention.

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Frankly, the energy for Kamala Harris is already through the roof, said Rick Levy, president of the Texas AFL-CIO.

Levy said Harris visiting the AFT is an important value statement about where she wants to take the country when it comes to public education. That means supporting public education, opposing school vouchers and fighting GOP efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, as some Trump supporters have been pushing him to do if he wins a second term in the White House.

The Trump campaign is trying to make a play for union voters despite organized labor having long roots in the Democratic Party. Last week in Milwaukee, the Republican National Convention had Teamsters President Sean OBrien as a featured speaker. It was the first time the head of the nations largest labor union spoke at an RNC.

The American people arent stupid; they know the system is broken, OBrien said in his speech. We all know how Washington is run  working people have no chance of winning this fight. Thats why Im here today. Because I refuse to keep doing the same things my predecessors did. Today, the Teamsters are here to say we are not beholden to anyone or any party.

Trump needs union support if hes going to win swing states like Michigan and Wisconsin, where unions made the difference in Bidens 2020 win. Exit polls show Biden won 62% of union voters in Michigan compared with 37% for Trump. In Wisconsin, Biden won 59% to Trumps 40%.

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Union workers and all the nations working families are paying the price for Crooked Joe Bidens failed economic policies, the Trump campaign said in a statement last week before Biden dropped out of the race. When President Trump returns to the White House he will get the U.S. economy back on track, rescue our industrial base, and make America great again.

While Texas is not considered a battleground state this year, it is still important because of its deep-pocketed donors and its union workers.

The state is a major fundraising base for both the Democrats and Republicans as they try to battle in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Trump this year has raised about $20 million from Texas donors. Biden had raised $9 million that now goes to Harris.

The union workers are vitally important even in Texas because they historically have been willing to travel to other more competitive states to help with door-to-door knocking and other campaign operations.

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Union workers go where the fight is, Levy said.

Harris trip to Texas is her first since Biden announced Sunday that he would not seek reelection, endorsing her for the office.

But Harris is no stranger to the region. Last year, she was in Houston for a health care summit and fundraiser. And before that, she made stops at NASA and made multiple appearances at Texas Southern University during her 2020 campaign for the White House.

Harris was in Texas earlier this month. She spoke in Dallas two weeks ago to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority convention.

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Ahead of Thursdays speech, Harris made an appearance at the Houston Emergency Center on Wednesday to get a briefing on Hurricane Beryl and the ongoing response to that storm.
Vice President Kamala Harris shakes hands with Assistant Police Chief Megan Howard as she arrives to the Houston Emergency Center to speak to local officials and be briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Vice President Kamala Harris made an early arrival in Houston on Wednesday to get a briefing on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl.

Harris was already scheduled to attend the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention in Houston on Thursday at 10 a.m. but arrived Wednesday afternoon so she could meet with Mayor John Whitmire and other officials about their recovery efforts. It's Harris' first visit to Texas since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

READ MORE: Kamala Harris and the Texas GOP are honing their attacks on abortion and border security

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Harris spent more than 30 minutes meeting with city and county leaders in a closed-door briefing at the Houston Emergency Operations Center. Then she met with two dozen first responders directly to thank them for their work over the last two weeks. Harris did not take questions from the media.

"It means a lot to city employees and the rank and file to see the vice president recognizing their hard work," Whitmire said as he left the meeting. "We're not burned out, but we are definitely stretched thin."

Tom Munoz, director Houston Office of Emergency Management, left, speaks to Vice President Kamala Harris, center, Mayor John Whitmire and County Commissioner Rodney Ellis as she tours the Houston OEM, after she was briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

The visit comes as state and federal officials have clashed over the response to the hurricane  which was responsible for at least 24 deaths and left millions without power for days. Gov. Greg Abbott was out of the country when the storm hit Houston, leaving Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in charge. President Joe Biden called the Houston Chronicle the day after the storm hit to say he was trying to track down Patrick to get the state to submit its federal disaster declaration to be able to release the federal aid, which includes manpower and supplies.

Vice President Kamala Harris, center, speaks to workers in the Houston Office of Emergency Management, after she was briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to the Houston Emergency Center to speak to local officials and be briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Ive been trying to track down the governor to see  I dont have any authority to do that without a specific request from the governor, Biden said then.

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Patrick has denied he was hard to reach, saying the president's team had his cell phone number all along and they talked on the Tuesday after the storm hit and it.

Biden has not visited Houston since the hurricane hit. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 shortly after the storm and had been isolating in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. On Tuesday he was cleared to begin traveling again.

Harris told officials that the administration is working with federal, state and local partners to get resources to people in need after the storm.

The White House said the administration had staged search and rescue teams, generators, food and water near Houston before the storm hit in case they were needed. It said they've distributed thousands of meals and liters of water to help support what the state has already given out.

Federal officials have given out $312 million in aid to storm victims, and the Small Business Administration has approved $13 million in low-interest loans to help businesses rebuild, the White House said.

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Harris trip to Texas is her first since Biden announced he would not seek reelection on Sunday and endorsed Harris for the office.

The vice president has been crisscrossing the country in the days since. Earlier on Wednesday she was in Indianapolis, and yesterday she was campaigning in Milwaukee.

Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to the Houston Emergency Center to speak to local officials and be briefed on the regions recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Houston. She made an early arrival to Houston the day before she is scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

On Monday, the Democratic Mayors Association released a list of more than 250 current and former mayors who are endorsing Harris, including seven from Texas. The list did not include Whitmire, a Democrat.

But Whitmire made clear on Wednesday that he hoped she wins in November.

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"I told her I look forward to working with her the next eight years," he said with a smile.
Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Members of the American Federation of Teachers react as Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the union at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer AFT member Billy Ray Sanders passes out signs before Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the union members at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

As she waited for Vice President Kamala Harris to address a large group of educators from around the country on Thursday morning, Cy Fair ISD second-grade teacher Tiffany Spurlock sounded a little like a political strategist.

Spurlock said President Joe Bidens campaign had been kind of mulling around and failing to generate enthusiasm. After the president dropped out last week and Harris quickly consolidated support to become the Democratic Partys presumptive nominee, Spurlock said that changed.

At this point in the election, her coming here was an energy force that we really needed, she said.

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After the speech, Spurlock couldnt stop smiling.

She was amazing, she said, laughing.

Harris, who has long courted teachers' support, received a glowing response from the crowd at the American Federation of Teachers national convention, where the audience frequently stood for applause or broke into chants.

If elected, she said she would continue the work of the Biden administration to support unions, push for student loan forgiveness and defend teachers from what she described as attacks by Republicans.

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Harris took particular issue with Republican-led efforts in Texas and other states to restrict students' access to certain books. She said if reelected, Donald Trump would cut federal education programs and eliminate the Department of Education. And she railed against the partys response to mass shootings, which she said boiled down to telling teachers to strap on a gun in the classroom rather than tightening gun laws.

We want to ban assault weapons, she said, and they want to ban books.

Harris invoked her first grade teacher, Frances Wilson, who the vice president said encouraged me and inspired me and years later, showed up to Harris graduation from law school.

READ MORE: Why Kamala Harris is meeting with union members in Houston as her presidential campaign kicks off

This work is personal, and it is professional, and it is so critically important, Harris said. It is because of Mrs. Wilson and so many teachers like her that I stand before you as vice president of the United States of America and that I am running to become president of the United States.

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The crowd roared, brought to its feet. Spurlock said it was the high point of the speech.

Since teachers arent well paid, Spurlock said, they are instead paid in respect. It was moving to Spurlock to hear Harris address that.

To know what we do is important to America, she said. But also to (Harris) personally as well.

Its not surprising the crowd was so friendly, said Rice University politics professor Mark Jones. Teachers, especially those who are members of unions, generally lean left. Getting them excited to vote and help the campaign will be key to Harris success nationwide, he added.

Her message is really going to be targeting more teachers nationally, especially in the key battleground states, rather than teachers here in Texas particularly, Jones said. At the end of the day the enthusiasm and mobilization efforts of teachers in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin could well be the difference between Kamala Harris being the next president of the United States and Donald Trump returning to the White House.

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In Texas, a Democrat hasnt won the presidential contest since 1976. Still, Jones said she may boost Democrats statewide with her appeal to Black voters, young people and women, which could be helpful to Rep. Colin Allred in his race against Sen. Ted Cruz.

But at the same time shes probably going to alienate many voters based on her very progressive policies, he said

Harris has long sought to appeal to teachers. She has supported federal efforts to incentivize desegregation in school districts, pointing to her own experience in the second class of integrated students at her California public school district. In her last bid for president in 2019, she called for a $315 billion plan to increase teacher pay by more than a fifth, or $13,500 per teacher, in a proposal Politico described as by far the most aggressive and expansive education proposal among the 2020 field.

During the speech on Thursday, Harris did not allude to that plan. But she did draw applause when she told the crowd: God knows we dont pay you enough as it is.

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Texas teacher pay trails the nationwide average by about $9,000.

Spurlock was part of a group of Alief ISD teachers who bunched together near the middle of the crowd for Harris speech. Sitting near her was Sylvie Elmer, who teaches homebound special education students.

Elmer said she used to vote more frequently for Republican candidates, but not for Trump.

I cant vote for someone who makes fun of special ed people, Elmer said, describing when Trump in 2015 gestured mockingly with his arms to mimic a New York Times reporter with a physical disability. (Trump is) just not a very ethical person.

Elmer said that she supported Biden and the job he has done as president, but shes excited about Harris too and her record of supporting public education.

Seeing candidates in person is important to her, she said. She saw Biden speak in a small venue in Houston recently at an event hosted by another major labor union. Afterward, she said she was impressed at the way he looked her in the eye when he shook her hand.

You go up and meet him and you dont like youre bothering him, she said. It makes you feel that your voice does matter.

She added that watching his halting performance at the debate was painful, and she felt it was the right decision for him to step aside and support Harris.
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A North Korea-linked threat actor known for its cyber espionage operations has gradually expanded into financially-motivated attacks that involve the deployment of ransomware, setting it apart from other nation-state hacking groups linked to the country.

Google-owned Mandiant is tracking the activity cluster under a new moniker APT45, which overlaps with names such as Andariel, Nickel Hyatt, Onyx Sleet (formerly Plutonium), Silent Chollima, and Stonefly.

"APT45 is a long-running, moderately sophisticated North Korean cyber operator that has carried out espionage campaigns as early as 2009," researchers Taylor Long, Jeff Johnson, Alice Revelli, Fred Plan, and Michael Barnhart said. "APT45 has been the most frequently observed targeting critical infrastructure."

It's worth mentioning that APT45, along with APT38 (aka BlueNoroff), APT43 (aka Kimsuky), and Lazarus Group (aka TEMP.Hermit), are elements within North Korea's Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), the nation's premier military intelligence organization.

APT45 is notably linked to the deployment of ransomware families tracked as SHATTEREDGLASS and Maui targeting entities in South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. in 2021 and 2022. Details of SHATTEREDGLASS were documented by Kaspersky in June 2021.

"It is possible that APT45 is carrying out financially-motivated cybercrime not only in support of its own operations but to generate funds for other North Korean state priorities," Mandiant said.

Another prominent malware in its arsenal is a backdoor dubbed Dtrack (aka Valefor and Preft), which was first used in a cyber attack aimed at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in India in 2019, marking one of the few publicly known instances of North Korean actors striking critical infrastructure.

"APT45 is one of North Korea's longest running cyber operators, and the group's activity mirrors the regime's geopolitical priorities even as operations have shifted from classic cyber espionage against government and defense entities to include healthcare and crop science," Mandiant said.

"As the country has become reliant on its cyber operations as an instrument of national power, the operations carried out by APT45 and other North Korean cyber operators may reflect the changing priorities of the country's leadership."

The findings come as security awareness training firm KnowBe4 said it was tricked into hiring an IT worker from North Korea as a software engineer, who used a stolen identity of a U.S. citizen and enhanced their picture using artificial intelligence (AI).

"This was a skillful North Korean IT worker, supported by a state-backed criminal infrastructure, using the stolen identity of a U.S. citizen participating in several rounds of video interviews and circumvented background check processes commonly used by companies," the company said.

The IT worker army, assessed to be part of the Workers' Party of Korea's Munitions Industry Department, has a history of seeking employment in U.S.-based firms by pretending to be located in the country when they are actually in China and Russia and logging-in remotely through company-issued laptops delivered to a "laptop farm."

KnowBe4 said it detected suspicious activities on the Mac workstation sent to the individual on July 15, 2024, at 9:55 p.m. EST that consisted of manipulating session history files, transferring potentially harmful files, and executing harmful software. The malware was downloaded using a Raspberry Pi.

Twenty-five minutes later, the Florida-based cybersecurity company said it contained the employee's device. There is no evidence that the attacker gained unauthorized access to sensitive data or systems.

"The scam is that they are actually doing the work, getting paid well, and giving a large amount to North Korea to fund their illegal programs," KnowBe4's chief executive Stu Sjouwerman said.

"This case highlights the critical need for more robust vetting processes, continuous security monitoring, and improved coordination between HR, IT, and security teams in protecting against advanced persistent threats."
Anthony Franze is a native Texan and very passionate about covering any weather that is thrown at him. He can be reached at anthony.franze@express-news.net.

Anthony earned a degree in Meteorology from Valparaiso University in 2017. He has worked as a broadcast meteorologist for six years, one at NBC Montana and the next five at NewsWest 9 in Midland before joining the Express-News in July 2023.

In his free time, Anthony enjoys watching sports, checking out local restaurants and breweries, and getting outside whenever the heat allows for it. If you have any story ideas, questions about the weather or restaurant suggestions, drop him a line.
LINCOLN  Gov. Jim Pillen called the Nebraska Legislature back into special session Wednesday with a proclamation issued less than 24 hours before he wants state lawmakers to convene.

The proclamation lists 16 purposes for the session, representing different parts of his plan to cut property taxes by an average of 50%. They include changes in the state budget, modifying specific "sin" taxes and imposing sales or other taxes on a number of currently exempt goods and services.

Other purposes include establishing a property tax relief program "to reduce property tax revenue collected for schools" and capping city and county property tax revenues.

Although Pillen delayed issuing the proclamation, he sent a letter to the Legislature at the end of June saying that he intended to call a special session starting Thursday to address the state's "property tax crisis."

Lawmakers object to late official notice

But some lawmakers objected to the delay, including State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, who said on X Wednesday: "No government should operate this way. Nebraskans, our staff, and my fellow Senators deserve better."

"Nebraska taxpayers deserve so much better than this. There is no plan and no proclamation  just an entitled millionaire who 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," Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar said on X Monday.

The governor has made property tax reduction the focus of his administration. He began talking about a potential special session on property taxes after coming up empty-handed when the regular legislative session ended in mid-April.

Expect sessions Thursday, Friday, Saturday; hearings on Monday, Tuesday

Following Pillen's June letter, Speaker of the Legislature John Arch of La Vista sent a letter to lawmakers spelling out more detail about the property tax special session. He said he will schedule the first three days for Thursday, Friday and a rare Saturday legislative session.

Bills can be introduced those three days and will be set for public hearings on Monday and Tuesday next week. There could be many bills offered. Legislative staff have received between 85 and 90 requests to put together legislation for potential introduction.

But it is unknown how many may fit within the purposes listed in the governor's proclamation. The Nebraska Constitution bars the Legislature from taking up any other business besides what has been spelled out in the proclamation.

Arch has said the Legislature will consider gubernatorial appointments during the session, but he discouraged committee chairs from holding interim study hearings, saying that property tax relief needs to be the focus of the session.
Vietnam a key production base for water heater giant Ariston: CEO

By Lien Thuong, Minh Hue Thu, July 25, 2024 | 8:30 am GMT+7

Locating a factory in Vietnam was a "wise decision" as it made Ariston close to consumers in a rapidly growing market, said CEO Nguyen Cao Tri.

CEO of Ariston Vietnam Nguyen Cao Tri. Photo courtesy of Ariston Vietnam.

Why did Ariston decide to invest in Vietnam?

Ariston water heaters arrived in Vietnam almost by accident in 1988. Back then the heaters were not made by Ariston Vietnam but instead bought by Vietnamese consumers in other markets.

On a visit to Vietnam in the same year, Aristide Merloni, founder of Ariston Group, was quite surprised to see his companys products in such a distant country.

At that time, Ariston had a factory in China that opened in 1980, but the brand founder did not think that the climate in Vietnam would also need a water heater solution. As a person who loves Vietnam very much, Merloni was very excited about the potential of bringing his products to this market.

In 1996, Ariston established a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City. It set up a factory in the northern province of Bac Ninh in 2004. Ten years later, the factory was upgraded with an investment of more than $18 million, becoming Ariston's second largest facility in Asia to date, with products shipped to many other countries in the region.

The presence of Ariston water heaters in Vietnam at that time could be considered a "revolution" in technology, contributing significantly to improving the comfort of users when they no longer had to boil a kettle for use because hot water was available at any time.

Overall, Vietnam is an important market for Ariston Group. This is one of the key production bases. It epitomizes the success story that has helped us become one of the leading brands in the heating industry worldwide.

It can be said that locating a factory in Vietnam was a wise decision as it made Ariston close to consumers in a rapidly growing market. At the same time, we have also connected with the world thanks to the infrastructure that Vietnam has built over the years.

What is the secret to the success of a heating brand with product lines that use renewable energy?

Since its founding in 1930, Ariston has taken on the mission of bringing more convenience and comfort to customers globally, while always focusing on environmental protection, with a commitment to making renewable energy a key part of the group's development strategy.

Products of Ariston Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Ariston Vietnam.

To achieve this, we especially focus on investing in product research and development to contribute to the energy transition and emissions reduction.

Specifically, more than 40% of investments will be devoted to renewable energy solutions globally, and more than 2.5% of annual revenue will be reinvested in product research and development, focusing on products that use renewable energy such as solar thermal collectors and heat pumps that utilize heat from the environment instead of traditional electricity.

With the group's vision and strategy, Ariston Vietnam has many advantages to develop sustainable product lines, typically the heat-pump water heaters and solar water heaters.

Vietnam is on the list of countries with great potential to invest in renewable energy thanks to its geographical location and favorable natural conditions. In addition, there has been a shift in green consumption trends and policies to encourage investment in energy transition from the government in recent years.

Considering both subjective and objective factors, Ariston has all the conditions and opportunities to bring green energy hot water solutions closer to Vietnamese consumers.

In addition to providing water heaters to consumers in single households, Ariston is also constantly expanding its business to project development. How does the firm plan to find strategic partners?

Starting from 2021, Ariston Vietnam has transformed itself by developing large projects, targeting a variety of construction and project partners who need to find suitable heating solutions.

In particular, we are proud to be offering the most diverse product portfolio in the market with a full range of solutions, ranging from indirect water heaters and solar water heaters to heat-pump water heaters. Ariston is a reliable choice for different segments, from residential apartments to resorts, hospitals, and schools.

Ariston provides top quality products and pioneering technology, and will always meet the needs of partners looking for heating solutions with those criteria.

We believe that sustainable development requires the engagement of the whole community. Ariston has been trying to spread this message to partners and consumers through training and education activities on green heating solutions for B2B customers, opening up many new directions for the construction industry in general and the heating industry in particular.

In your opinion, what does Vietnam need to do to attract more sustainable FDI from world-famous brands?

Vietnam has a lot of potential for development. I think investments in infrastructure that create more favorable conditions for the expansion of business and production facilities, and reasonable business support policies, will strongly promote major investment projects in Vietnam.

What is Ariston's orientation in the near future?

In 2021, marking a step forward after the 90th anniversary of its establishment, Ariston Group set a new brand mission "The Home of Sustainable Comfort".

With this mission, Ariston once again affirms its commitment to bringing comfort to users anywhere in the world thanks to leading heating solutions. It also elevates this mission in a new direction - sustainable comfort.

We believe that a more sustainable world starts at home, and as a leading household electrics brand, we understand that our solutions play an important role in building that sustainable world.

With our new mission, we hope to join you in building a more sustainable Vietnam as well as a more sustainable world through the use of products that use sustainable technology.

We are committed to launching new water heater products using pioneering technology, whilst leading in quality. They are energy efficient and environmentally friendly while still bringing comfort to users.

As a leader in the industry, along with the global green energy trend, Ariston is also increasingly promoting investment in sustainable energy solutions, aiming to reduce 100 million tons of CO2 discharged into the environment thanks to renewable energy and highly efficient products sold globally, contributing more than 60% of the groups revenue by 2030.
Food preservation

Food preservation is believed to have started in 12,000 B.C. when people living in the Middle East dried foods in the hot sun.

Canning foods began in the 1790s when French confectioner, Nicolas Appert, discovered that heat applied to food in sealed glass bottles preserved the food. In 1810, Peter Durand, an Englishman, used tin cans to preserve food. Louis Pasteur discovered the relationship between microorganisms and food spoilage and illness in 1864.
COLUMBIA  The Columbia VA Health Care System robotic surgery teams recently completed their 800th robotic surgery and the numbers are increasing every day.

The 800th occurred in mid-April, and the teams are on schedule to hit 1000 by the end of the year.

Robotic surgery A surgeon operates the robot from an arcade-like control panel 10 feet from the patient to perform the needed surgery. To be successful, the s

The Columbia VA Health Care System is proud to lead VISN-7(Veterans Integrated Service Network) in the percentage of robotic surgeries performed in the network, praised Oscar Rodriguez, Columbia VAHCS acting medical center director.

This achievement is a testament to our dedicated team and their unwavering commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide the best possible care for our veterans. I am incredibly proud of our staffs expertise and dedication, which enables us to offer advanced surgical options that enhance the quality of life for those who have served our country.

Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access.

CVAHCS started using the robotic surgical system in January 2020 for general and thoracic surgeries. Orthopedic surgeries were added in September 2023 and gynecological surgeries in October 2023. The current total is approximately 850 surgeries and there are approximately 22-25 surgeries performed per month.

Franga advances robotic surgery using Da Vinci Dr. Dion L. Franga, MD FACS of South Carolina Surgical, has announced the completion of his 200th robotic case utilizing the Da Vinci Robotic 

Because robotic surgery is more precise, there is less trauma to the soft tissue, said Dr. Nael Alghothani, the acting chief of surgery. He has been involved with the CVAHCS robotic surgeries since the beginning. Although the surgery may take longer, the effects afterwards are minimal, which results in less pain after the surgery, less time for recovery and shorter rehab.

Not all heart surgeons bullish on robots Cardiothoracic surgeon Francis Sutter sits in a corner of a darkened operating room at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, his head buried in what looks like a large virtual-reality headset.

The CVAHCS teams make that possible with the Da Vinci XI robotic surgical system for general, thoracic and gynecological surgeries. Additionally, the ortho department started accomplishing knee surgeries in September 2023 with the ROSA, or Robotic Surgical Assistant system.

Time for a new knee? Ask these questions first When a worn knee starts to give you trouble, nonsurgical treatments are the first line of defense. Weight loss, physical therapy or injections might help reduce your pain. If your knee doesn't respond to those approaches, it's time to consider a joint replacement. And you'll need information to make a decision about the surgery, which is a big commitment.

We currently use it for knees only, said Dr. John Chu, chief of orthopedics. The ROSA can also be used for anterior hips and for shoulder replacements; however, neither are currently performed at CVAHCS.

It allows fine tuning in the balancing of the knee prior to any bone cuts with hopes of improved function and longevity of the implants, said Chu. We are approaching 100 robotic assisted cases and both the surgeons and patients have been very happy with the results.

Robotic surgery has come a long way in the last 10 years and crosses almost all surgical subspecialties. It continues to evolve as surgeons become more and more comfortable with this technology.

MUSC expands offerings: new orthopedics urgent care clinic opens MUSC Health-Orangeburg celebrated the official grand opening on Friday of a new orthopedics urgent care center and practice located in the hospital's annex building.

Dr. Ana Rodriguez joined CVAHCS in October 2023 as a gynecologist/minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon. She performed her first robotic-assisted surgery in 2011. To me every surgery is interesting and unique, she said. My clinical interests involve the study of both the medical and epidemiological aspects of gynecologic cancer prevention and control, particularly HPV-related diseases and cancer.

She was a tenured professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where she was training the new generation of gynecologists in robotic surgery. As of July 12, 2024, Rodriguez has performed 30 robotic surgeries at CVAHCS.

The surgeons who use the robot must complete a formalized credentialing plan, which includes simulation training, hands-on cadaver lab training and case proctoring. Additionally, the surgeon must perform a number of cases over a two-year period to maintain their credentials.

I think we still have progress to make, added Alghothani. We are focusing on recruiting a urologist. Robotic urology surgeries are the standard now.

With robotic surgeries, Veterans can receive minimally invasive procedures with incredible precision and quicker recoveries. What used to require invasive surgery now only needs small paper-clip sized incisions to insert the surgical system. Surgeries that in the past required weeks of recovery now only require a few days.
U.S. investment would be the largest in the countrys history and another sign of plans to avoid dependence on East Asia.

Pending approval of state aid, Onsemi, a U.S. semiconductor manufacturer, announced last month a $2 billion plan to expand its semiconductor production in the Czech Republic, the largest foreign investment in the countrys history according to the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The $2 billion is targeted at the eastern Moravian town of Roznov pod Radhostem and will expand the production of semiconductors, used in the automotive and renewables sectors.

Onsemis Roznov investment addresses supply chain delays in the EUs vehicle manufacturing sector and bolsters European self-reliance. Obtaining semiconductors has been challenging and since COVID-19, logistics companies have struggled to provide original equipment manufacturers with sufficient semiconductor supplies. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the investment would be a significant boost for Czech industry, while the government said the plants current output of 10 million chips per day would rise by hundreds of percent, Radio Prague International reported. By expanding production at the Roznov plant, car manufacturers in Germany and the Czech Republic will have far greater access to semiconductors needed to make their products.

Simon Keeton, head of Onsemis power solutions division, told Reuters that production from the new investment could start in 2027. However, Onsemi did not disclose further details on production volumes or expected revenue.

The Czech Industry Ministry announced that Onsemi plans to increase employment in Roznov from 1,700 to 3,000 workers and estimates a contribution of more than 6 billion crowns ($257 million) annually to the countrys GDP. Onsemi also employs 200 people in a development center in Brno, according to Seznam Zpravy.

This large new investment is part of a noticeable shift from the semiconductor industry trend of investing in East Asia. Current fears over Chinese aggression and supply chain disruption have forced companies to look elsewhere to expand production.

Onsemis decision to expand in Czechia is a clear confirmation of our countrys attractiveness for foreign investment, said Jozef Sikela, the Czech minister of industry. Onsemis investment follows previous moves from industry competitors to build in the EU (STMicroelectronics in Italy, TSMC and Intel in Germany).

Investment Incentives

Onsemi did not comment on potential incentives under negotiation with the Czech government, although the Industry Ministry said an incentive package could reach 27.5 percent of the total investment, Reuters reports. In comparison, Germany will contribute up to $5.4 billion to TMSCs $11 billion semiconductor factory in Dresden, and Italy $2.1 billion to STMicroelectronicss $5.4 billion plant in Catania.

The Czech governments incentive package should be approved and announced during the first quarter of 2025.

Community Impact

Roznovs Masaryk Square, October 2021. Photo by Tucnak via Wikimedia Commons.

The investment is already making itself felt in higher education. Two Czech technical universities are planning to expand their teaching of subjects allied to chip making in a direct response to Onsemis expansion plans, iDnes reports, citing Education Minister Mikulas Bek.

And the town of Roznov is sure to benefit extensively from Onsemis expansion. Its industrial history goes back to the 1950s with electronics and TV manufacturing, and in the 1990s, semiconductor fabrication.

This investment from Onsemi is a continuation of this tradition, Mayor Jan Kucera told Transitions. There is a level of trust [with Onsemi]. It is not a new company. We know they are responsible and pay their workers above average.

Kucera acknowledged some challenges Roznov may face with the influx of so many new workers, among them housing, public transportation, and spaces in local schools for employees children. However, he is confident that the town is prepared for the new growth.

Since the initial conversation about Onsemis investment, Roznov has conducted studies identifying risk areas and is working on a number of steps to expand the capacity of public services, the mayor said.

Open conversation with Onsemi started last year about the investment. This helped because, as a municipality, we could prepare, Kucera said.



Donivan Bullins is an editorial assistant intern at Transitions. He studies journalism and political science at the University of Kansas.
Bahrains non-oil exports of national origin has fallen 6% to BD894 million ($2.37 billion) in Q2 2024 compared to the same quarter in 2023. The top 10 countries accounted for 64% of the total export value.

Saudi Arabia ranked first among countries for the non-oil exports of national origin with BD201 million (22%), the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) said in its Q2 2024 Foreign Trade report. The US came second with BD75 million (8.4%) and the UAE third with BD73 million (8.2%).

Unwrought aluminium alloys were the top product exported in Q2 2024 with BD267 million (30%), followed by agglomerated iron ores and concentrates alloyed with BD159 million (18%) and aluminium wire not alloyed with BD49 million (5%).

Non-oil re-exports

Non-oil re-exports increased by 4% to reach BD206 million during Q2 2024, compared to BD198 million for same quarter in 2023. The top 10 countries accounted for 86% of the re-exported value. The UAE ranked first with BD58 million (28%) followed by Saudi Arabia with BD39 million (19%) and UK with BD17 million (8%).

As per the report, turbo-jets worth BD65 million (32%) were the top product re-exported from Bahrain, followed by private cars with BD11 million (5%) and four-wheel drive with BD9 million (4%).

The value of non-oil imports has decreased by 4% reaching to BD1.41 billion in Q2 2024 in comparison with BD1.47 billion for same quarter in 2023. The top 10 countries for imports recorded 68% of the total value of imports.

China Bahrain's biggest importer

China ranked first for imports to Bahrain, with a total of BD191 million (14%), followed by Brazil with BD157 million (11%) and Australia with BD112 million (8%).

Non-agglomerated iron ores and concentrates were the top product imported to Bahrain worth BD200 million (14%), followed by other aluminium oxide with BD101 million (7%) and parts for aircraft engines with BD41 million (3%).

As for the trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, the deficit logged was BD310 million in Q2 2024 compared to BD322 million in Q2 2023.--TradeArabia News Service
UAE-based Azizi Developments has announced substantial progress of the fourth phase of Riviera, its French Mediterranean-inspired waterfront community located in the Mohammed Bin Rashid City.

Several buildings within the fourth phase are on track for Q3 2024 completion, with construction across the phase now having reached 87%, stated the developer.

Within this phase, Azizi Azure stands out with its construction now being 76% complete. The structure is fully built at 100%, while blockwork and internal plaster are at 98%.

The Dubai developer said the HVAC, MEP, and overall finishes are progressing well at 94%, 86%, and 56%, respectively.

The other buildings in the fourth phase too have shown significant advancement, with rates varying between 81% and 96%, it added.

On the steady progress, CEO Farhad Azizi said: "It is inspiring to see our mega-project come to life, with the fourth phase to soon also be home to so many of our valued investors and end users. This milestone underscores our steadfast commitment to quality and timely delivery."

"We eagerly anticipate welcoming people to experience the unparalleled lifestyle that Riviera offers. This development is an example of our dedication to crafting meticulously designed communities in prime locations, offering a perfect blend of luxury and convenience," he stated.

"We are proud to see Riviera contributing significantly to the satiation of the high demand for premium, high-ROI communities in Dubais most strategic locations," he added.
Mazad, a local portfolio company of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, has announced a strategic partnership with Kanoo Real Estate, a subsidiary of the Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, one of the region's most prominent and influential business conglomerates.

Under the terms of the partnership, Kanoo Real Estate will provide Mazad with access to its diverse portfolio of high-value assets and equipment to expand the esteemed platforms asset inventory and strengthen its position as the premier destination for auctions in Bahrain and the wider Gulf region.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Kanoo Real Estate, which is a part of the Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, a pioneer in the regional business landscape," said Talal Alaraifi CEO of Mazad.

"Their extensive asset and business portfolio will be invaluable as we continue to grow our network and bring even more exceptional offerings to discerning buyers and investors in Bahrain and beyond," he stated.

Mazad was founded in April 2017 to organize and supervise auctions in the kingdom. Tasked with managing auctions for a variety of assets, it collaborates with internationally renowned auction houses to ensure high standards.

Since inception, it has successfully launched public auctions for special vehicle license plate numbers, a first in Bahrain. Building on this success, Mazad has expanded its auction portfolio to include a diverse range of assets, from vehicles to real estate projects.

Alaraifi said the partnership serves complementary to both organizations, by allowing them to benefit from each others established relationships and industry insights, thus enhancing the reach, variety and quality of Mazads auctioning services.

On the tieup, Talal Fawzi Kanoo, Chairman of Kanoo Real Estate said: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Mazad, to further elevate the auction experience in the Kingdom of Bahrain."

"Through this partnership with Mazad, who continue to set the standard in the auctioning industry, we aim to enhance the local auction market by offering some of the most sought-after essential assets through an exceptional auctioning platform," he noted.

Mohamed Abdulelah Al Kooheji, the Chief Executive Officer of Kanoo Real Estate, said: "We are proud to join forces with Mazad, a renowned pioneer in the auction industry. This strategic partnership allows us to curate an exceptional auction experience, offering top-tier assets to the local market through an innovative and user-friendly auction platform.

Since its inception in 1890, Kanoo Real Estate managed the Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Groups asset requirements commercially.

With an expansive portfolio of mixed-use, industrial, residential, office and retail properties, Kanoo Real Estate has a significant regional footprint in major cities throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and UAE.-TradeArabia News Service
The International School of Creative Sciences (ISCS) will open its first campus in the Kingdom of Bahrain on September 8, 2024, marking a key milestone for the UAE-based education leader as it carries its legacy of academic excellence and holistic development beyond its home country.

With a proven track record of nurturing over 12,000 students across its network, ISCS has earned a reputation for producing high-achieving graduates.

Over 350 students have excelled in Quran recitation while securing top marks in international exams and joining the worlds top universities.

The new ISCS Bahrain campus, located in Riffa, boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster a dynamic and inspiring learning environment.

Students will benefit from a unique blend of the UK National Curriculum delivered by UK-qualified teachers, alongside the Bahrain Ministry of Educations curriculum for Arabic Language, Islamic Education, and Citizenship.

This dual curriculum approach ensures comprehensive and well-rounded education for the young minds.

On a recent visit to the school campus, ISCS Chairman and Founder Salah Bukhatir, BEAM General Manager Shadi Hassan, and Founding Principal Ahmed Nadhim Al Talib hailed the significant progress made on the construction.

Bukhatir said: We are excited to welcome students to our new home in Bahrain. Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment where they can flourish spiritually as well as socially.

We believe that by combining superior learning with strong moral values, we can empower students to become future leaders who make a resounding positive impact on the world.  TradeArabia News Service
The Sustainable City  Dubai, the first fully sustainable community in the region, has announced the launch of a delivery robot pilot in collaboration with Dubai Future Labs and Lyve Global.

Starting this month, three autonomous on-demand delivery robots, developed by Dubai Future Labs, will begin their trial within The Sustainable City community. These robots will provide autonomous delivery services from all restaurants and shops within the plaza area to residents, utilising a smart interface powered by Lyve Global.

The unique design of The Sustainable City, which is fully pedestrianised and car-free within the residential clusters, makes the community future-ready to smoothly adopt autonomous solutions. The pilot of the last-mile delivery robots uses cutting-edge robotic technologies to enhance safety, cleanliness, and cost-efficiency while reducing traffic, carbon emissions, and waiting times.

Leveraging technology

Khalifa Al Qama, Director of Dubai Future Labs at Dubai Future Foundation, said the project signifies a significant advancement in the continuous development of robotics technologies within the transportation, shipping, and logistics sectors in Dubai. This initiative underscores the city's commitment to leveraging technology to foster innovation and improve the overall quality of life.

He added: These innovative robots have been specifically designed to ensure swift delivery of products within a remarkable timeframe of just under 30 minutes, while being fully equipped to navigate their surroundings safely and efficiently, with the capability to identify charging stations, eliminating the requirement for human intervention.

Al Qama added: The introduction of these delivery robots aligns perfectly with the objectives set forth by the "Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme", which was launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Chairmen of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation in September 2022.

Creating synergy

Fadi Alfaris, GM of NZE Solutions at SEE Holding, said: We have successfully created synergy between sustainable communities and advanced technologies. The Sustainable City in Dubai tests the applicability of various ideas and integrated solutions. It is an ideal location for piloting autonomous delivery robots and their future deployment. Designed with car-free residential clusters, it provides a safe and conducive environment for testing and operating such advanced technologies. This setting ensures the safety of residents and offers a controlled environment to optimize the performance and efficiency of delivery robots.

He added: "The Sustainable City in Dubai has been meticulously designed to be future-ready, capable of adopting the latest technologies and adapting to changing requirements. Operating as a living lab, the city continuously tests the latest solutions and innovations in sustainability to spearhead a net-zero emissions future."

Hassan Hallas, Chief Executive Officer at Lyve Global, said: We are thrilled to collaborate with Dubai Future Labs in deploying cutting-edge delivery robots in the Sustainable City, marking a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionize logistics. This initiative underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Together, we are paving the way for a smarter, more connected future in the world of logistics."

Developed locally by a team of roboticists and engineers from Dubai Future Labs, these delivery robots boast several advanced features, including a Fleet Management System equipped with real-time tracking, a backend order fulfillment and delivery operations system devised by Lyve Global and a Secured Delivery Compartment, accessible only by the customer, ensuring secure deliveries.

These autonomous delivery robots promise rapid delivery in under 30 minutes within the community. They will navigate sidewalks safely and independently, locating charging stations when needed and eliminating the need for human intervention.--TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain is committed to achieving the objectives outlined in the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026) that is aimed at increasing the sector's contribution to the GDP and enhancing exports of domestically-produced industrial goods, said Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro.

Also focus is on creating promising job opportunities for citizens and facilitating the sector's adaptation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, stated the minister while paying a visit to some of the major factories in Mina Salman Industrial Park including the Hempel Paints Company and BFG International Factory.

There at Hempel and BFG, he was briefed on the current situation and production processes and services being delivered.

The visit was aimed at reviewing the latest developments and discuss future programmes.

This comes as part of the ministry's efforts to follow up on the kingdoms factories and industrial zones, said Adel Fakhro.

The minister underscored the governments keenness to bolster Bahrain's industrial sector and emphasised its role within the kingdom.-TradeArabia News Service
Dubai International Chamber has attracted 24 multinational companies (MNCs) in the first half of 2024, a three-fold increase from eight in H1 2023. Besides, a total of 62 SMEs were attracted to Dubai in H1 2024, an increase of 29% compared to the 48 the same period last year.

Dubai International Chamber also successfully supported the expansion of 34 local companies into new global markets during H1 2024 through its international offices, and various programmes and initiatives. The chamber assisted these companies with exporting to new countries and establishing their presence overseas. The number of companies assisted with international expansion increased by 127% compared to H1 2023s figure of 15 businesses.

The chamber achieved a year-over-year (YoY) growth of 54% in the number of multinational companies (MNCs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) it attracted to the emirate, which increased from 56 in the first half of 2023 to 86 during H1 2024. This impressive growth reflects Dubai's position as a leading global investment destination and thriving business hub.

Remarkable performance

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai International Chamber, commented: The remarkable performance achieved during the first half of the year comes as a result of Dubai International Chamber's ongoing efforts to contribute to achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to double the size of the emirate's economy over the next decade and consolidate Dubai's position among the top three global cities.

He added: We remain committed to enhancing the role of the chamber's growing network of international representative offices in promoting Dubais competitive advantages, which position the emirate as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment and a global capital for growth and opportunities in all sectors. In addition, the chamber is dedicated to supporting the expansion of companies operating in the emirate into promising global markets to contribute to the sustainable growth of the local business community.

During the first half of this year, the chamber organised two trade missions to Southeast Asia and West Africa with the participation of 38 companies from Dubai as part of the 'New Horizons initiative, which enables Dubai-based companies to join trade missions to carefully selected international markets. More than 830 B2B meetings were organised between participating companies from Dubai and these markets to explore investment opportunities and joint economic partnerships.

As part of the Southeast Asia trade mission, 200 B2B meetings were organised for Dubai-based companies with their counterparts in Indonesia on the first leg of the mission. The chamber successfully arranged 180 meetings between companies from Dubai and Vietnam during the second leg of the mission.

Trade mission to South Africa

The trade mission to Africa included visits to Senegal and Morocco, with more than 150 B2B meetings organised between companies from Dubai and their counterparts in the Senegalese capital, Dakar. Dubai International Chamber also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

During the visit to Morocco, more than 300 B2B meetings were organised in Casablanca between the Dubai delegation and Moroccan companies to discuss opportunities for business development. Dubai Chambers also signed four MoUs to further enhance cooperation with the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development; the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises; the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Casablanca-Settat; and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Rabat-Sale-Kenitra.--TradeArabia News Service
Bell Textron has announced the successful delivery of the remaining five Bell 505 aircraft to the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF), completing the 10 Bell 505 fleet order.

This milestone coincided with the graduation of the latest cohort of pilot cadets in a ceremony attended by His Royal Highness, Crown Prince of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, underlining the RJAFs ongoing commitment to excellence in aviation training and operational readiness.

We are thrilled to have completed the delivery of the Bell 505 fleet to the Royal Jordanian Air Force, said Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, Bell. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing advanced, reliable, and efficient training solutions to our military partners in the region and serves as a true testament to the Bell 505s capabilities as a military training platform.

Cadet graduation

In an event, presided over by the Crown Prince, the RJAF celebrated the graduation of its cadets, showcasing the Bell 505 aircraft that will be instrumental to the training of future generation of Jordanian pilots.

Brig Gen Mohammad F Hiyasat, Commander of RJAF, expressed his satisfaction with the completed fleet and the successful training of the new pilots: The delivery of the final Bell 505 helicopters represents a major milestone in our training programme. These aircraft provide our cadets with the best possible training platform, ensuring they are well-prepared for future challenges. I congratulate our cadets on their graduation and commend their dedication and hard work.

On July 6, 2022, the RJAF signed a purchase agreement for 10 Bell 505 helicopters, aimed at enhancing the RJAFs training capabilities. Bell worked closely with regional partner, BGS, to support this initiative with RJAF and feels grateful for their collaboration in expanding Bells fleet in the Middle East. The first five helicopters were delivered in November 2023, marking the beginning of a new era in rotorcraft training at the King Hussein Air College in Mafraq, Jordan.

Flight training

As part of the programme, later this year the customer will receive a flight training device and a comprehensive computer-based training package to support both basic and advanced rotorcraft flight training.

The Bell 505 is a versatile, five-seat aircraft designed for reliability and efficiency, equipped with the latest technology to meet the demands of modern flight training. The aircraft features a fully integrated Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite and a Safran Arrius 2R engine with dual-channel FADEC, making it an ideal platform for military and commercial training.--TradeArabia News Service
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on a visit to Washington, D.C., has signaled that a cease-fire deal could be near with Hamas that would include a hostage release.

In a meeting with families of Israelis being held in Gaza, Netanyahu said the conditions for a deal were "coming together, without a doubt," the Times of Israel reported.

"This is a good sign," he said, "and the other sign is that we are also seeing that the enemy's spirit is starting to break."

Netanyahu claimed he was doing everything he could do to get the hostages home but wants to continue to press the military campaign against Hamas.

Meanwhile, factions Hamas and Fatah signed an agreement on forming a unity government in post-war Palestinian-controlled areas.

The announcement comes after talks in China, CNN reported.

The Health Ministry in Gaza says over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, although it does not break out how many of the dead were armed combatants.
Intersec Saudi Arabia, KSAs leading trade fair for safety, security and fire protection, will be held under the patronage of the High Commission of Industrial Security and in association with the Ministry of Interior and Saudi Civil Defence.

The announcement comes after organiser 1st Arabia, under licence by Messe Frankfurt, revealed that the 2024 edition is expected to be the biggest show to date. With 23,000 sq m of exhibition floor space, representing a 34% increase year-on-year (Y-o-Y) and an expected 14% increase in visitors, the exhibition is expected to welcome more than 17,000 industry professionals during the three-day event.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said: It is a great honour to hold Intersec Saudi Arabia under the patronage of the High Commission of Industrial Security and in association with the Ministry of Interior and Saudi Civil Defence.

Delivering insights

Their support is instrumental to our success, and they will play a key role in delivering insights into the latest trends impacting the industry in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world.

This years event will feature the Future Security and Safety Summit and the Fire Protection and Technology Summit. The agendas for both summits are well-advanced, with several sessions and speakers already confirmed.

Day one of the Future Security and Safety Summit will see a range of panel discussions, presentations and on-stage conversations take place. They include insights into Developing a Security Strategy for Island and Coastal Tourism Destinations by Tawfeek Alsadoon, Group Head of Security, Red Sea Global. Arwa Alhamad will utilise over 15 years of experience in the fields of cybersecurity, specialising in governance, risk and compliance, when outlining the opportunities and risks in her session Cybersecurity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.

The opening day of the Fire Protection and Technology Summit will see Division Commander AC Ryan Ong, Singapore Civil Defence Force Marina Division, present on the Effectiveness of Deployed Technologies in Fire Detection. Zahi Daher, Regional Standards Manager, UL Standards & Engagement, will provide invaluable insights into Fire Safety Hazards for Electric Vehicles, while Lee Miles, Head of Fire & Emergency Planning, Red Sea International Airport, will deliver an on-stage conversation on Emergency Responses to Aviation Incidents.

Panel discussion

Mohammed Al Saeefan, Fire Protection Engineering Specialist at Saudi Aramco, will lead a panel discussion on Green Technologies for Fire Prevention and Control: Promoting Sustainable Practices in Fire Safety.

Riham Sedik, Show Manager  Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: Intersec Saudi Arabia is ramping up to be a game-changer for the safety, security and fire sectors in the region. Our conference agendas will address the challenges facing security professionals, as well as the importance of fire safety and the protection of people as Saudi Arabia continues to advance rapidly, in line with the countrys Vision 2030.

With a world-class line of speakers already confirmed and many more to be added, were looking forward to delivering a groundbreaking edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia.

Premium Club

The Intersec Saudi Arabia Premium Club will also make a welcome return. Designed to provide buyers with unrivalled access to exhibitors with a dedicated area and programme dedicated to offering a seamless purchasing process away from the show floor.

Intersec Saudi Arabia will take place in Halls 1-5 at RICEC. Halls 1 and 2 will feature the Commercial, Perimeter, Homeland and Cybersecurity show sections, while halls 3 and 4 will focus on Fire Health and Safety. Security, Safety and Fire exhibitors will be featured in Hall 5, named Intersec Plus, as well as an outdoor, purpose-built exhibition space.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt.--TradeArabia News Service
Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, one of the regions largest indoor theme parks, unveiled its first branded aircraft at a ceremony on July 25, as part of a groundbreaking extension to its partnership with Etihad Airways.

The first Warner Bros. World branded aircraft was introduced at a spectacular launch event held at Warner Bros. World that saw a grand celebration of creativity, fun and innovation.

The partnership between Warner Bros. World and Etihad Airways represents the largest collaboration for the theme park to date, a statement said.

The initiative involves an Etihad Airways aircraft  Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner  that has been creatively decorated with iconic Warner Bros. characters.

On one side, guests will be greeted by the mischievous antics of iconic Classic Animation characters like the Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, while the other side showcases the heroic feats of beloved DC Super Heroes.

As part of this monumental partnership, all young guests aged up to 10 years old, travelling on Etihad Airways long-haul flights will receive brand new Warner Bros. World Kids Packs that are being rolled out across the network this summer.

These packs have been designed to entertain young travellers with activities that inspire them to draw their favourite superheroes and engage in a variety of fun tasks throughout the flight.

Infants will receive a DC Super Hero themed soft blanket, while juniors will receive goodies such as a branded backpack, Super Hero cape, water bottle and activity kit.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will also debut its exclusively branded, dedicated childrens lounge within the Etihad Airways Lounge at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

This whimsical lounge will transport travellers into the incredible universe of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the wit of the park to the airport, making every journey as delightful as a visit to the theme park itself, the statement added.

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said: We are absolutely delighted to partner with Etihad Airways to bring the first-ever Warner Bros. World branded aircraft to fans.

This collaboration not only expands the customer experience, but also extends the thrill of Warner Bros. World beyond our parks walls, creating a super vacation with long lasting unforgettable memories for passengers of all ages.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: Building on the strong reputation we have built as a family-friendly airline, were thrilled to take our partnership with Warner Bros. World to the next level.

Our Looney Tunes and DC Super Hero themed aircraft will take our brands to destinations worldwide promoting one of Abu Dhabis many attractions. We look forward to welcoming more and more visitors inspired to visit our home, Abu Dhabi, and in particular delighting our Little VIP guests while they journey with us.  TradeArabia News Service
Agreements and MoUs have been signed by UAE and China in vital areas and sectors of common interest, within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during a UAE ministerial visit to China.

The UAE delegation led by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, held meetings with private sector companies leading to the signing of strategic agreements with the Chinese side, including: the announcement of two agreements between Adnoc Logistics and Services and Wanhua Chemical Groups join venture AW Shipping, Jiangnan Shipyard, and China Shipbuilding Trading (CSTC), to construct nine Very Large Ethane Carriers, priced at approximately $1.4 billion, and construct two to four Very Large Ammonia Carriers priced at $250 million to $500 million.

This was in addition to a strategic cooperation agreement between Adnoc and CNPC across the energy value chain, including low-carbon solutions, liquefied natural gas, oil and gas exploration and development, advanced technologies, refining, marketing and trading; a strategic collaboration agreement between Adnoc and CNOOC to explore opportunities in new energies and low-carbon solutions international gas and LNG ventures, oil and gas activities and marketing, sales and trading projects.

Project collaboration

A project collaboration agreement was also signed between a consortium comprising Adnoc, Borealis, and Borouge with Wanhua Chemical Group and Wanrong New Materials, for a feasibility study to establish a specialty polyolefins complex in China.

The two sides also discussed ways to enhance cooperation and partnership in key areas such as Oil and Gas, Petrochemicals, Renewable Energy, PV Manufacturing, logistical services, shipping, and storage, among others.

China is one of UAEs strategic partners, playing a vital role in strengthening partnerships and initiatives that support sustainable economic development. China is also among the most significant markets for Adnoc, for its production of crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals, said Dr Al Jaber, who held bilateral meetings with government officials and CEOs of Chinese companies.

He emphasised that the UAE will remain a partner for China for its role as a reliable energy supplier. He also indicated the importance of strengthening collaboration and leveraging economically viable opportunities and strategic partnerships to achieve mutual and sustainable benefits for both countries in all fields, including oil and gas, renewable energy, shipping and storage.

Diplomatic relations

The visit builds on the industry and energy outcomes from the successful state visit made by the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to China in May, which witnessed the celebration of the 40th anniversary UAE-China diplomatic relations.

During the visit, Dr Al Jaber met Ding Xuexiang, Chinese Vice Premier; Zhao Chenxin, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and Xuande Wu, Mayor of Fuzhou. The meetings were also attended by Hussain Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China. Dr Al Jaber conveyed the greetings of the UAE leadership and extended its wishes to the government and people of the People's Republic of China for further progress and prosperity.

He said: The UAE and China have close relations based on mutual respect, a shared vision, and sustainable economic interests, thanks to the directives of the leadership of the two countries and their keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He added that his visit reaffirms the UAEs commitment to collaborating with partners, exploring new opportunities for collaboration in vital fields, and building on the positive discussions that took place during President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyans visit in May.

During his meetings with representatives of the Chinese government, Dr Al Jaber expressed his aspiration to achieve greater cooperation by creating new opportunities in the priority sectors of both countries, aiming to serve common interests and enhancing existing cooperation within the CSP framework.

Joint investment

He also met CEOs of leading companies in energy, petrochemical, renewable energy, manufacturing, shipping and logistics. The meetings focused on enhancing cooperation and exploring new joint investment opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, logistics, manufacturing of solar panels and batteries.

Meetings included Dai Houliang, Chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the national oil and gas corporation of China and one of the largest integrated energy groups in the world; Wang Dongjin, Chairman of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC Group), one of China's largest national oil companies producing crude oil and natural gas from offshore fields; Wang Yuetao, Chairman of ZhenHua Oil; Zengtai Liao, Chairman of Wanhua Chemical Group Co Ltd.; Hu Kai, President of China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. (CSTC); Ou Lin, Chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard; Wu Gang, Chairman of Goldwind, Dr Jianhui Zhang, Founder and CEO of Hyperstrong; Yanming Xu, Chairman and President of Zhuhai Cosmx Battery Co, Ltd; Cao Renxian, Chairman & Founder of SUNGROW, Cao Lu, Chairman of Jolywood and Dr Chen Guanfu, Chairman of POWERCHINA International Group Limited.

The UAEs delegation included Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Low Carbon Solutions & International Growth Directorate at Adnoc; Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO of Borouge; and Captain Abdulkareem Al Musabi, CEO of Adnoc Logistics & Services.

China is the UAEs largest trading partner, with trade reaching $95 billion in 2023, including $83 billion in non-oil trade, marking a 7.5% growth compared to 2022. This reflects efforts by both countries to reach a $200 billion target by 2030.--TradeArabia News Service
KBR, a US based company operating in fields of science, technology and engineering, has posted a second-quarter (Q2) net income of $199 million and revenue of $1.9 billion, up 6% on a year-over-year-basis.

Revenues rose primarily due to growth across Sustainable Technology Solutions; and within Government Solutions, new and on-contract growth across International, Defense & Intel, and Science and Space, partially offset by decline in Ukraine activity in Readiness & Sustainment.

Net income attributable to KBR was $106 million, up $457 million compared to 2Q'23, primarily due to an after tax cash charge of $132 million in connection with the settlement of a legacy legal matter and a non-cash charge of $314 million recorded in connection with the election of cash as the settlement method for our Convertible Notes and the repurchase of a portion of our Convertible Notes in the prior year that did not recur in the current year.

Adjusted EBITDA up 13pc

Adjusted EBITDA was $216 million, up 13% compared to 2Q'23, with Adjusted EBITDA margins of 11.6%, up 75 bps year-over-year.

Diluted earnings per share was $0.79, up $3.39 compared to 2Q'23, primarily due to the increase in Net income attributable to KBR noted above. Adjusted earnings per share2 was $0.83, up $0.09 compared to 2Q'23, due to increases in gross profit and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses, interest expense, and provision for income taxes.

Operating cash flows were $170 million, down 33% compared to 2Q'23, primarily due to the timing of collections in the prior year.

Capital returned to shareholders totaled $118 million during the quarter, consisting of $97 million in share repurchases, inclusive of $96 million of open market repurchases and $1 million of repurchases to satisfy requirements of equity compensation plans, and $21 million in regular dividends.

'Fantastic quarter'

"I am pleased to announce another fantastic quarter in which KBR continues to drive operational excellence and deliver outstanding results for customers. The focus, agility and commitment of our people have the business performing well across our key metrics. We expect this to continue for the rest of the year and thus are raising profit and cash flow guidance," said Stuart Bradie, KBR President and CEO.

Bradie continued: "The announcement of the agreement to acquire LinQuest, an engineering, data analytics and digital integration company, builds on the strategy outlined in our investor day. We believe LinQuest will be an important accelerator to KBR's strategy of furthering the delivery of high-end technology, expertise and mission capabilities. It is a leader in supporting the US Space Force, US Air Force and other US Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, and together, KBR and LinQuest have highly complementary capabilities that we expect will drive revenue growth and synergy opportunities."

H1 results

For the first six months (H1) revenues were $3.7 billion, up 6% compared to YTD 2Q'23, primarily due to growth across Sustainable Technology Solutions; and within Government Solutions, new and on-contract growth across International, Defence & Intel, and Science and Space, partially offset by decline in Ukraine activity in Readiness & Sustainment.

Net income attributable to KBR was $199 million, up $464 million compared to YTD 2Q'23, primarily due to an after tax cash charge of $132 million in connection with the settlement of a legacy legal matter and a non-cash charge of $314 million recorded in connection with the election of cash as the settlement method for the firms Convertible Notes and the repurchase of a portion of its Convertible Notes in the prior year that did not recur in the current year.

Adjusted EBITDA was $423 million, up 13% compared to YTD 2Q'23, with Adjusted EBITDA margins of 11.5%, up 72 bps year-over-year.

Operating cash flows were $261 million, down 9% compared to YTD 2Q'23, primarily due to timing of collections.

Capital returned to shareholders totalled $197 million during the year to date period, consisting of $158 million in share repurchases, inclusive of $146 million of open market repurchases and $12 million of repurchases to satisfy requirements of equity compensation plans, and $39 million in regular dividends.

New business awards

Backlog and options as of June 28, 2024 totalled $20.1 billion. Delivered 1.0x trailing-twelve-months (TTM) book-to-bill as of June 28, 2024. Awarded $2.1 billion of bookings and options in the quarter.

Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) delivered 0.8x TTM book-to-bill1 as of June 28, 2024, including awards and achievements in the quarter as follows:

KBR's green ammonia technology, K-GreeN, selected by OCIOR Energy for its plant located in Odisha's Gopalpur region, India. This will be the 10th KBR-licensed green ammonia plant globally and the first to be located in India.

Selected to design and deploy a proprietary operator training simulator for OCI Global's 3,000 metric tonnes per day Texas Blue Clean Ammonia facility, which is expected to deliver a 70% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional ammonia production.

Awarded a five-year contract, with options, to provide advisory and consultancy services to support the Iraqi government's visionary infrastructure and future energy ambitions, including the delivery of megaprojects and sustainable development.

Awarded a contract by Sabic Fujian Petrochemicals to license KBR's market-leading phenol technology in China. KBR's phenol technology offers a sustainable and differentiated solution through reduced energy consumption and improved yields.

Government Solutions (GS) delivered 1.2x TTM book-to-bill as of June 28, 2024, including awards and achievements in the quarter as follows:

Health services support

Selected as one of 11 awardees under the Medical Q Coded Support and Services Next Generation contract, which contains a ceiling of $43 billion, to bid on task orders to provide health and wellness support for military personnel and their families. This contract is a continuation of KBR's five decades of vital health services support to individuals who perform in complex and multifaceted positions.

Awarded an $82 million cost-plus-fixed-fee task order under an IAC MAC contract by the United States Air Force for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centre, which supports the B-52 System Programme Office. This task order builds on KBR's eight-year presence in the B-52 programme office.

Selected as one of the awardees under the Global Contingency Services Multiple Award Contract III, which contains a ceiling of $2 billion, to bid on task orders to provide short-term facility support services for natural disasters, humanitarian efforts and military actions, and to cover incumbent contractors' nonperformance or potential breaks in service at various locations throughout the world.

Awarded a $34 million recompete cost-plus-fixed-fee single award IDIQ contract by the US Naval Research Laboratory for facility operations, maintenance and security in Washington, D.C. over a five-year period.

Awarded a $52 million, 60-month cost-plus-fixed-fee recompete Information Analysis Centre Multiple Award Contract task order supporting the Counter Improvised Threat Systems Test and Evaluation for the Naval Air Warfare Centre Weapons Division Quick Reaction Capability Office.

Anticipated acquisition of LinQuest

On July 16, 2024, KBR announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LinQuest Corporation for $737 million, net of modest expected tax benefits. Excluding the expected tax benefits, the base purchase price to be paid is $745 million, subject to certain working capital, net debt and other customary adjustments.

The transaction is expected to be accretive to Adjusted EPS, which excludes amortisation from purchased intangible assets and non-recurring transaction costs. KBR will utilise a combination of cash and existing debt capacity to fund the transaction, which is expected to close in Q3 or Q4 this year.--TradeArabia News Service
Samsung Gulf Electronics welcomed the UAEs creative community to its inaugural Galaxy Creators' Day as the company unveiled its latest flagship devices.

The event was designed to explore the future of content creation with Samsung's new Galaxy Z Series, Galaxy Watches, and Galaxy Buds3 and showcase how Galaxy AI empowers the Gulf's creative talent to create and explore new artistic possibilities.

The event featured several notable content creators representing diverse fields such as tech, fashion, travel, and wellness who shared their experiences with the new Galaxy devices.

Unique workflows

The creators explored how the new line-up enhances their unique workflows, from Galaxy Z Fold6's expansive screen empowering on-the-go content creation, Galaxy Z Flip6's compact design enabling quick content capture with AI powered editing tools, and Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Buds3 enhanced fitness tracking capabilities and audio quality. Together, they demonstrated the capabilities of the new devices in delivering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to empower today's storytellers.

Fadi Abu Shamat, Senior Director and Head of Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said: "Today marks a significant milestone as we launch our first Galaxy Creators' Day in the UAE. This event is more than just a product showcase  it's a celebration of the region's dynamic creative spirit. We've designed our new Galaxy line-up to be the ultimate toolkit for content creators, combining AI innovation with versatile form factors. Whether you're a filmmaker using the Galaxy Z Fold6's expansive screen for editing, a photographer leveraging AI for perfect shots with the Galaxy Z Flip6, or a fitness influencer tracking workouts with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, we're empowering creators to bring their visions to life in exciting new ways. This is just the beginning of our commitment to nurturing and amplifying local talent through technology."

Building on the success of Galaxy AI introduced earlier this year, Samsung is pushing the boundaries of mobile artificial intelligence with its versatile and flexible foldable devices. The new Galaxy Z Series leverages its unique form factors to enable innovative mobile experiences powered by AI, whether using the Galaxy Z Fold's large screen, the Galaxy Z Flip's FlexWindow, or the iconic FlexMode.

Health and fitness

The Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra take AI-enabled health and fitness to the next level. The Watch7 introduces features like an AGEs Index for monitoring biological aging and a dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, designed for extreme durability, operates at ranges from 500 metres below sea level to 9,000 metres high, making it ideal for a wide range of activities.

Both watches are powered by Wear OS 5, offering advanced performance and power efficiency. They also feature enhanced sensors for more accurate health monitoring and a new 3nm processor for improved performance.

The Galaxy Buds3 brings AI-powered communication experiences, including real-time voice interpretation and intelligent sound optimisation.

Availability and launch offer

Samsung is offering attractive retail promotions for its new Galaxy lineup until August 31. Customers purchasing the Galaxy Z Fold6 or Galaxy Z Flip6 from Samsung stores and retail partners will receive a complimentary package including Galaxy Buds2 Pro, a Travel Adapter, and a SmartTag2. Purchases of the Galaxy Watch Ultra will receive a pair of Galaxy Buds2 Pro Those purchasing the Galaxy Watch7 will receive a 45W travel adapter.

Customers can also visit samsung.com to purchase these next-generation devices. Those purchasing the Galaxy Z Fold6 or Galaxy Z Flip6 will receive a voucher worth AED400 ($109). Additionally, those who purchase the Galaxy Watch Ultra will receive a complimentary pair of Galaxy Buds2 Pro, while customers buying the Galaxy Watch 7 will receive a 45W travel adapter. These offers aim to provide additional value to customers and showcase the ecosystem of Samsung's latest devices working together seamlessly.

The new Galaxy line-up promises to accelerate a new era of communication, productivity, and creativity powered by mobile AI and innovative hardware.--TradeArabia News Service
The UAEs leading online travel agency, musafir.com, has presented travel trends shaping August vacations for the Emirates residents. From extended work vacations to budget-friendly getaways, the trends reflect diverse travel preferences among UAE travellers.

Top Destinations

Europe, USA, UK, Salalah, Abha (Saudi Arabia), Almaty, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Greece, Kenya, and Zanzibar top the list of preferred destinations for UAE travellers this August.

These destinations are renowned for their cultural richness, scenic beauty, and cooler climates, offering a perfect escape from the UAEs summer heat.

Flight Rates and Packages

musafir.com is offering travel packages that cater to travellers looking to explore international destinations without burning a hole in their pockets.

Rise of Work Vacations

One of the notable trends observed this season is the rise of work vacations, where UAE residents are opting to work remotely from cooler destinations abroad. This trend is fuelled by increased flexibility from organisations, allowing professionals to combine work with leisure during their travels.

Longer Itineraries and Budget Consciousness

The preference for longer vacations with itineraries spanning at least 15 days remains strong among UAE travellers in August. Budget considerations also play a crucial role, with travellers seeking cost-effective options that offer maximum value for their money.

Diverse Vacation Styles

Family Reunions and Staycations: Families are prioritising visits to their home countries to reunite with friends and relatives. Locally, staycations featuring theme parks, water parks, and indoor amusements are popular choices.

Women/boys Only Trips and Solo Travel: Female travellers are embracing road trips to Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, along with themed holidays to beaches and mountains.

Meanwhile, men prefer adventurous getaways like scuba diving, snorkelling, mountain biking, parasailing, sky-diving, bungee-jumping etc. Solo travellers are exploring less-explored destinations like Latvia, Krabi, Malta etc.

Adventure and Beach Escapes for Couples: Couples are opting for romantic getaways to beach destinations such as the Maldives, Thailand, Seychelles, Sri Lanka.

Religious Tourism: Umrah pilgrimage is gaining popularity among UAE residents, with many incorporating it into their business trips to Saudi Arabia.

Innovative Services: During the summer season, musafir.com notes an uptick in demand for convenient travel services such as city check-ins and doorstep visa application services, simplifying the travel experience for busy UAE travellers.

Raheesh Babu, COO, musafir.com, said: "August is a dynamic month for travel enthusiasts in the UAE, with diverse trends reflecting a blend of cultural exploration, family bonding, and adventurous spirit. Our curated packages cater to these evolving preferences; ensuring travellers can enjoy memorable experiences tailored to their interests."  TradeArabia News Service
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the citys iconic beach resort destination, has appointed Yousef Masharqa as the new Director of Finance.

A Jordanian national with over a decade of experience in financial management, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations, Masharqa brings exceptional expertise and insight to the team.

Masharqa possesses a proven track record of driving profitability and operational efficiency. With over 15 years of experience in finance across various international hotel brands, including Accor, Rotana and Marriott, in multiple countries, he has ensured financial stability and success through meticulous oversight and strategic initiatives.

At Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Masharqa will oversee all financial operations, ensuring compliance with international standards and aligning financial strategies with the hotels organisational goals. His focus on budget management, financial analysis, and cross-departmental collaboration will optimise profitability and operational efficiency.

His accomplishments include assisting stakeholders in achieving investment projections, enhancing relationships between owners and operators, and implementing successful financial strategies. He is also known for his ability to mentor and develop finance teams, promoting a high-performing and collaborative work environment. His leadership style is characterised by a focus on professional development, ensuring that his team is well-prepared to meet the challenges of the dynamic hospitality industry. - TradeArabia News Service
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha has named a new Director of Food & Beverage, whose role, it said, is critical to the continued success of its gastronomic tradition, and whose creative vision and industry experience is key to enhancing its standout dining experience.

The appointment of Koni Kim reflects the hotels commitment to providing top tier culinary choices that create enduring gastronomic memories for guests, a statement said.

Working in a series of high-profile roles within The Ritz-Carlton brand has created an accomplished range of career highlights for Kim, South Korean.

Before joining The Ritz-Carlton, Doha she was Director of Food & Beverage, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection on the inaugural Evrima, where she led five restaurants, six bars and the in-suite service.

Prior to this, Kim worked as Senior Food & Beverage Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes, where she generated one of the highest revenue streams within the portfolio.

At this property, she was instrumental in launching the restaurant Knife & Spoon, which was awarded a Michelin Star.

General Manager Carlo Javakhia said: We are delighted to welcome Koni to the team. She will oversee the entire collection of restaurants, bars, banqueting and outside catering operations, bringing her skillset, motivational qualities, and leadership to the challenge.

Home to refined dining destinations, including STK Doha, Sel & Miel and B-Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha has long been associated with its excellent culinary scene.  TradeArabia News Service
Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, has appointed Elena Schwartz as its new General Manager.

With over 20 years of distinguished experience in the hospitality industry, Elena is poised to bring exceptional expertise and innovative leadership to her new role.

Elena's illustrious career began at The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh, and she has since held pivotal positions at renowned hospitality groups, including Shangri-La Group, Rixos Hotels, Deutsche Hospitality and Radisson hotels. Her career is marked by exceptional team engagement, operational optimisation, and notable revenue growth.

As the new General Manager of Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, Elena is committed to propelling the hotel to the forefront of the city's business hospitality sector. Her vision includes fostering community-driven experiences, enhancing F&B offerings, improving service quality, and championing female leadership within the industry. Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers is known as a social heartbeat and business engine, catering to the diverse nationalities that the region has to offer.

"I am thrilled to join the team at Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. As a proud member of a legacy brand with a hundred-twenty-one-year-old heritage, my vision is to elevate the guest experience through personalized service, operational excellence, and innovative initiatives. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of this exceptional property," said Elena Schwartz.

Saurabh Tiwari, Area Director of Operations for the region & General Manager of Taj Dubai, expressed his confidence in Elena's appointment, stating: "We are excited to welcome Elena Schwartz to our team. With her extensive experience and exceptional leadership qualities, she is the perfect fit for Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. Under her guidance, we are confident that the property will not only thrive but also set new benchmarks in business hospitality. She embodies the Taj vision of excellence, and we look forward to the innovative direction she will bring."

Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, is renowned for its blend of contemporary elegance and the distinctive 'Taj' hospitality. The property offers exquisite accommodations, world-class amenities, and diverse dining options that cater to discerning travelers. With Elena at the helm, the hotel aims to further enhance its reputation as a premier luxury destination in Dubai. - TradeArabia News Service
Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader wholly owned by Abu Dhabis sovereign investor Mubadala, has signed an exclusive three-year partnership with Air Mauritius, the national airline of Mauritius, to deliver Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines.

The agreement was signed by Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, and Charles Cartier, Chief Executive Officer of Air Mauritius, during the Farnborough International Airshow, in the presence of sand Group Chairman Amer Siddiqui.

Janahi said: "As the only independent MRO service centre for Rolls Royces Trent 700 engine platform in the world, we are proud to welcome Air Mauritius as our newest partner."

"This collaboration epitomises our commitment to not only expanding our global presence but also supporting the global aviation supply chain ecosystem from our home-base in Abu Dhabi," he stated.

On the deal, Cartier said: "Our steadfast commitment is to uphold the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency for our Airbus A330 fleet across our international routes spanning the Indian Ocean region, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia, whilst enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty."
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."
Visitors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman are leading the growing interest in travel to India, according to leading travel app Wego, highlighting the strong cultural and economic ties between India and these Gulf nations.

January to June 2024 data from Wego, a leading travel app and one of the largest online travel marketplaces in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), revealed the growing interest to travel to India in the first half of 2024  a 40.71% YoY increase in searches for international flights to India.

International flight searches to India, Wego said, have been steadily growing in the past few years. This years inbound flight searches have even outpaced the pre-pandemic numbers of the same period in 2019.

The data for the first half of 2024 on Wegos platform revealed significant travel interest to India from various regions, particularly the GCC countries. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman emerged as the top five sources of travellers.

This trend highlights the strong cultural and economic ties between India and these Gulf nations.

Wego's data further revealed that searches from Saudi Arabia accounted for a substantial 42% of all international searches to India. Among these, the routes from Riyadh to New Delhi and Riyadh to Lucknow emerged as particularly popular.

This indicates a significant interest from Saudi travellers in both major metropolitan areas and culturally significant cities in India.

Bahrain also showed notable travel interest, indicating its active travel connections with India. Additionally, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Thailand were among the top 10 countries of origin for travellers to India.

Bernard Corraya, General Manager of Wego India office, said: The findings suggest a dynamic travel landscape where India remains a key destination for both leisure and business travellers from across the globe, driven by various factors such as tourism, business ventures, and familial connections.

Notably, Wego observed a significant surge in flight searches to India during April and June 2024. These months align with the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. During these festive periods, many travellers in the Middle East take advantage of the long holidays to visit family, explore new destinations, or embark on religious pilgrimages.

This rise in international travellers searching for India on Wego is creating a golden opportunity for Indian travel companies, a statement said.

Hotels, tour operators and local experience providers can now reach a much larger audience of international visitors looking for a taste of India's unique culture. Wego's user-friendly platform, especially on mobile devices, makes it easy for travellers to discover and book the Indian adventure of their dreams.

Coinciding with the surge in searches during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Wego also observed a rise in flight searches to popular Indian destinations like Kozhikode, New Delhi, Cochin, Lucknow, and Mumbai during April and June 2024.

This period also coincides with the summer school breaks in the GCC countries, making it a prime time for families to travel together.  TradeArabia News Service
Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, will join the China Visitors Summit (CVS) Middle East as the official airline carrier for two events in Dubai and Riyadh in September, providing extensive flight support for 120 Chinese buyers from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, with connecting services to both the cities.

CVS Middle East is taking place in Dubai (September 5-6) and in Riyadh (September 9-10).

In their role as a golden sponsor, Saudia will have several exclusive benefits, including:

- Training and Presentation Opportunities: Direct engagement with Chinese buyers in Riyadh

- Experiences in Saudi Arabia: Showcasing the unique travel experiences available in the Kingdom

- Service Introductions: Informing Chinese buyers about the new services from China to Saudi Arabia and the airlines extensive network connecting the Middle East and the world.

Alexander Glos, CEO of the China i2i Group, producers of the CVS since 2008, said: We are thrilled to welcome Saudia as our official airline carrier for the CVS Middle East and CVS Saudi Arabia.

Their support underscores the importance of strengthening travel connections between China, Saudia Arabia and the Middle East, and we are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring to all participants.

The CVS Middle East and CVS Saudi Arabia events together represent the largest gathering of Chinese travel agencies, tour operators, and travel industry buyers in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia for 2024.

This partnership, Saudia said, underscores its commitment to fostering strong travel connections between China and the region.  TradeArabia News service
The search has officially begun for a University of Wyoming professor who was last heard from in early July.

According to multiple Facebook posts and press releases, it is believed that Nash Quinn may have been biking as his bike and helmet are missing from his home. Official search and rescue groups began searching today.

Quinn, a 39-year-old jewelry artist and visiting professor of visual arts at the University of Wyoming, has not been heard from since July 8, authorities said. Friends, family, police and the Wyoming National Guard are now searching for him.

Friends and family say that Quinn was an avid mountain biker who would often go on 50-mile long routes from Laramie to Happy Jack.

Quinn is described as 5 11 and 165 pounds. He has dark blonde hair, blue eyes and a mustache. He also wears eyeglasses.

Quinns bike is described as a white Ridley steel frame with 29 inch wheels. It has a brown, leather seat.

His family has started a GoFundMe to help pay for transportation fees, food for search parties and communication costs. It has raised over $35,000 from over 700 people.

The Wyoming National Guard has deployed a helicopter in the area to assist in the search, according to Quinns aunt Claudia Lee.

Search groups are utilizing Zello, a walkie-talkie app, to communicate with one another while on trails.
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
Historic east China city thrives by leveraging cultural heritage, global trade

Xinhua) 09:05, July 25, 2024

Tourists visit the Wanshou Palace cultural block in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 22, 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.

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.

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.

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.

An aerial drone photo shows the Nanchang International Land Port in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Students from Nanchang Yuxin School visit the Nanchang Uprising Memorial Hall in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Staff work at a factory of Lattice Power in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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
Michael Dekker Tulsa World Business Writer Follow Michael Dekker Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Younger generations of workers want change and have many ideas from which current business leaders can learn, the keynote speaker at a Tulsa Regional Chamber event said Thursday.

There is real frustration coming from them toward the older generations in the sense that their view is, The adults arent making change, and change needs to be made. So get out of the way and let us lead now, said Bill Fournet, founder and CEO of the 20-year-old Tulsa consulting firm The Persimmon Group.

For you all, as business leaders, your millennials and (Generation) Zs, especially, have got a lot of ideas. And theyve got a lot of capabilities with the tools they have, he said.

Fournet made the comments during the chambers State of Workforce and Talent luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tulsa-Warren Place, 6110 S. Yale Ave. About 400 people attended.

Generation Z, now generally made up of ages 11 to 26, think like entrepreneurs but in nontraditional ways, Fournet said.

And part of that goes back to (the fact that) they came of age with YouTube, he said.

He said an example is PewDiePie, a man from Denmark who was making $4.5 million a year in ad revenue from YouTube videos of himself playing video games.

Now if youre sitting there and thinking, Video games? Who would pay someone four and a half million dollars to play video games?

We pay people more than that just to be able to catch a ball maybe three times a week, he said.

Think about that. Because this generations icons are the nerds, if you will, (who) have really built up a lot of the technologies.

Following Fournets remarks, a panel discussion about culture, leadership, feedback and ideas was held among business leaders representing various generations.

Wes Mitchell, executive director of 211 Oklahoma, was a panel member representing the baby boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964.

He said for an organizations culture to be successful, its leaders have to be open to new ideas.

I always say that you could have put the top taxi cab executives in a room for two years and they never, never, ever could have come up with Uber, he said.

We have this wealth of knowledge of different technologies and different living experiences that, as an organization, you have to value.

Thursdays luncheon was one of several of the chambers signature events held throughout the year.

Its next signature event will be the State of the State, featuring an in-depth panel discussion with Oklahoma legislative leaders, including outgoing Speaker of the House Charles McCall and outgoing Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat. It will be held Aug. 29 at the Cox Business Convention Center downtown.

The Tulsa World is where your story lives
In Vietnam, people spent VND143.9 trillion (US$5.6 billion) shopping online in the first half of 2024, soaring 54.91 percent year on year, according to e-commerce market research platform Metric.

Up to over 1.5 million products were sold through the five largest e-commerce platforms in Vietnam, including Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, Sendo, and TikTok Shop, a surge of 65.55 percent over the year-ago period.

The growth reflects the sustainable development of the local e-commerce market and enterprises ability to grasp opportunities amid the ongoing shift to online shopping from offline channels.

The period saw an increase of 12.29 percent in the number of malls on e-commerce platforms, proving that consumers in Vietnam increasingly prefer authentic and branded products from prestigious traders.

According to Metric, traders with high sales on Shopee typically have warehouses in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The Red River Delta is also a promising market thanks to its high population density and strong consumption demand.

The top-selling categories on the five e-commerce platforms were beauty care products, household appliances, and women's fashion, which generated the highest revenue and had the largest number of sold items.

Dairy firm Vinamilk was the only Vietnamese brand among the 10 brands recording the highest turnover from the e-commerce platforms.

The first half of this year witnessed the domination of large mobile phone and tablet brands as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo were among the 10 brands with the most handsome sales.

Automaker Honda also landed on the list, proving that consumers in Vietnam are now willing to buy high-value products online.

Over the past two months, sales of office supplies have surged as clients have rushed to prepare for their childrens new academic year, set to formally begin in September.

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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 Peoples Court of Dong Nai Province in southern Vietnam has issued a decision to begin bankruptcy proceedings against LDG Investment Joint Stock Company, which was previously found building nearly 500 houses unlawfully in the province, an official said on Thursday.

Creditors of the firm must contact the provincial Peoples Court for information about those trustees and enterprises charged with asset liquidation to send proof of debt within 30 days since the decision was issued, the court said.

After the 30-day period, if such creditors fail to send the proof of debt to the court, this means they give up the rights of collecting any debt.

Judge Nguyen Trung Hung is responsible for the bankruptcy proceedings against LDG, located in Giang Dien Commune, Trang Bom District, Dong Nai Province.

Phuc Thuan Phat Trading and Construction JSC, headquartered in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, had previously sent a request to the provincial court, asking for bankruptcy proceedings against LDG.

The court issued the decision after carefully considering the relevant documents that proved the firm might face insolvency.

LDG executed the Tan Thinh residential area project in Trang Bom District, where approximately 500 houses were constructed illegally.

In late November 2023, Dong Nai investigators filed charges against Nguyen Khanh Hung, 45, the former chairman of LDG, for his alleged involvement in cheating customers.

Facing similar charges, Nguyen Quoc Vy Liem, 45, the former deputy general director of LDG, was detained for investigation in April this year.

In March last year, the Dong Nai Peoples Committee issued the conclusion of a probe into the Tan Thinh residential area project in Trang Bom District, which was approved for investment in 2016.

As of October 2020, the investor had yet to convert part of the land designated for the project, which was originally for rubber tree planting, into residential land and had not finished paying compensation to the land owners.

However, LDG nearly completed the construction of 488 houses on the land.

During the probe into the project, the firm was discovered having signed house purchase agreements with 60 customers with a total value of over VND132 billion (US$5.2 million).

These customers paid the firm between 25 and 95 percent of the contract value, with seven households already moving into the dwellings.

More than 20 individuals and 13 organizations were found to be involved in the violations at the project.

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NEW YORK -- Big pharmaceutical companies that make personalized blood cancer treatments are working to cut the manufacturing turnaround time by as much as half in coming years, as they try to deliver them sooner in a patient's disease course.

These treatments known as CAR-T therapies are used for the sickest patients for whom standard treatments have failed. They involve removing a patient's T cells - a key component of the immune system - after which they are re-engineered to recognize and attack malignant cells once they are re-infused.

Gilead Sciences, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol Myers Squibb have made billions from their treatments, which can extend lives by months or years for patients with aggressive advanced cancers.

Trimming days or weeks from the time it currently takes between removing and reintroducing the cells to a patient could open the treatment to those who otherwise would become too sick during the process, according to three doctors, the companies and analysts.

Prices for the one-time treatment range from $400,000 to nearly $600,000, and analysts estimate they currently have profit margins of about 50 percent, so expanding the patient population is not insignificant.

Employees move media used in the manufacturing process at Gilead unit Kite's manufacturing facility in Frederick Maryland, U.S., March 14, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Oppenheimer & Co analyst Hartaj Singh said only around 1 in 5 eligible patients receive CAR-T treatments.

"It's complex manufacturing using the patient's own cells, but because some of the responses reported are just so long and durable, physicians will go to it," Singh said. "It's the biggest gun out there."

Time to treatment, which was as long as 37 days when the first CAR-T therapy was launched in 2017 by Novartis, are now down to 14 days at Gilead. Improvements in automation and regulatory adjustments could help companies further trim that time.

Singh said physicians suggested to him that a one-week turnaround could expand these treatments to 2 or 3 out of 5 eligible patients.

Employees train to be cell therapy specialists at Gilead unit Kite's manufacturing facility in Frederick Maryland, U.S., March 14, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Improvements in manufacturing time could be a competitive edge when therapies are approved for the same cancer or population and directly compete, and could give companies a leg up on more quickly available treatments such as antibodies or antibody drug conjugates, he added.

To make the treatments, a patient's T cells are isolated, frozen and shipped to manufacturers. Once received, the cells are purified, modified and expanded to large enough numbers to treat the patient. They then go through quality control processes before being re-frozen and shipped back for infusion.

Gilead is testing new technology it hopes can cut two days from the manufacturing process by using healthier and more potent younger cells.

The company is also looking to fully automate some parts of manufacturing that are now semi-automated and gain regulatory approval to shorten the quality control time.

Novartis is aiming for 10 days or less in the U.S. for its next generation of treatments through its rapid manufacturing platform T-Charge. Its treatment, Kymriah, currently takes 3 to 4 weeks with a target of 22 days.

Novartis said the T-Charge system would shorten the manufacturing time because it allows for the engineered cells to multiply within the patient, reducing the need for extended cell expansion before infusion.

A transportation container used to keep the product cold while it's in transit is pictured at Gilead unit Kite's manufacturing facility during a tour in Frederick Maryland, U.S., March 14, 2024. Photo: Reuters

'Every day matters'

Dr. Chijioke Nze of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston said a manufacturing time of a week would be ideal.

Frailer patients can develop kidney or liver dysfunction while they wait for their therapy to be manufactured or may become too weak to be able to successfully undergo treatment, Nze said. He has prescribed Gilead's Yescarta and Tecartus as well as Bristol Myers' Breyanzi.

"The patient population that needs CAR-T cell therapies generally have the more aggressive of an already aggressive disease," he said.

Analysts and drugmakers say using CAR-T drugs earlier before doctors first prescribe multiple other treatments that fail to help patients would also expand use. J&Js Carvykti, for example, was approved in April for patients who did not benefit from just one other treatment for multiple myeloma.

Some CAR-T approvals require patients to receive three or four other treatments to fail before using the therapy.

Increasing the number of hospitals and health centers offering the treatments also will make it feasible for more patients, they said.

Since 2017, over 42,000 people globally have received CAR-T treatments. Six are approved in the U.S. for the treatment of blood cancers, including lymphomas and some forms of leukemia.

Lynelle Hoch, who leads Bristol Myers Squibb's cell therapy business, said its current focus is on increasing manufacturing capacity. Still, it said its time to produce the treatments is trending lower and will be helped by its collaboration with Cellares, a development and manufacturing organization with a fully automated cell therapy production platform.

J&J in a statement said it doubled its CAR-T manufacturing capacity last year and is striving to double it again in 2024. It said it is working to further reduce treatment times.

Cindy Perettie, an executive at Gilead's Kite cell therapy unit, said in an interview that lymphoma patients who have already tried two treatments generally only have months to survive and need to get treated as quickly as possible.

"Every day matters for these patients.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide will come to Vietnam to attend the state funeral of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the Japanese government said on Tuesday.

He will take part in the mourning activities on Thursday as Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's special envoy, The Manichi reported.

Suga paid an official visit to Vietnam in October 2020, during which he met with Party chief Trong.

The then-prime ministers selection of Vietnam for his first overseas trip after taking office in September 2020 demonstrated the special attention he gave to this Southeast Asian country as well as the Vietnam-Japan bilateral ties.

Suga now serves as advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance.

Bilateral ties between the countries have enjoyed significant outcomes over the past years.

Hanoi and Tokyo elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership on November 27, 2023. The upgrade of the ties coincided with the two sides celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong (R) hosts a reception for Japans Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide in Hanoi as part of the Japanese leaders visit to Vietnam, October 19, 2020. Photo: Vietnam Government Potal

Japan is Vietnams largest provider of official development assistance (ODA) loans, third-largest investor, and fourth-biggest trade partner.

Suga is among top officials from many countries traveling to Vietnam to attend the state funeral, which takes place on July 25 and 26.

These top officials include 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; and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Don McKinnon.

The Vietnamese Party chief passed away at 1:38 pm on July 19 in Hanoi at the age of 80.

He lies in state at the National Funeral Hall at No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street in Hanoi.

The ceremony for the Party leader is 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 takes place from 3:00 pm on the same day at Mai Dich Cemetery in Hanoi.

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During four years of receiving medical care and treatment at 108 Military Central Hospital in Hanoi, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong left doctors and nurses there with multiple memories and valuable lessons, the medical workers shared on Monday.

The Party chief passed away at 1:38 pm on July 19, 2024 at the hospital.

Medical workers of the Central Committee on Health Care for Senior Governmental Officials and 108 Military Central Hospital as a whole have been mournful since then.

They said they learned many salutary lessons from the Party leaders hospitality, regards, and sharing, as well as his dedication.

Major General Prof. Dr. Le Huu Song, director of 108 Military Central Hospital, said the hospital was honored to have been tasked with taking care of the health of high-ranking officials and the people, especially Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Song informed that the Central Committee on Health Care for Senior Governmental Officials and 108 Military Central Hospital invited domestic and foreign medical experts to hold consultations to develop the best possible treatment regimen for the Party leader.

When they asked for the Party leaders approval of treatment plans, he always responded with the heartwarming phrase, Yes, sir!

This helped them become more confident. All fatigue disappeared, only their desire to take the best care of the Party general secretary remained.

He was never dissatisfied with medical workers but always patiently underwent treatment and absolutely followed doctors orders instead, Song added.

During his treatment, the Party leader always tried to improve his health despite fatigue.

He was sometimes tired and did not want to eat but still tried to eat before continung his work.

His efforts motivated staff at 108 Military Central Hospital to try harder in their jobs.

Song expressed his respect and admiration for such a special patient as General Secretary Trong, saying that the Party chief was approachable and simple.

Besides time for drinking tea and exercising in the morning, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong spent time reading newspapers, working, and receiving guests.

During his last days, even when his health was poor, he continued working tirelessly.

Doctors were amazed at his work intensity.

His dedication made the medical workers feel humble. The Party general secretary inspired them to strive harder, said the hospital director.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Dong, who had been directly taking care of Party General Secretary Trong for many years, noted that the late leader maintained his regular working schedule in his final days despite his deteriorating health.

Between 9:00 am and 9:30 am every day, he listened to his assistants and secretaries reporting issues.

After 10:30 am and in the afternoon, the Party leader received Party and state officials.

Whenever he felt good, he read and studied documents.

He worked until his last breath. On July 13, he still worked but we had to put him on a ventilator in the afternoon," Dong said in a voice choked with emotion.

"At the last moment, when we knew that we could not save him, it felt like we were about to say goodbye to a father, a family member. Many people burst into tears.

"We are grieving, feeling empty and mournful. We deeply mourn a great man like him and regret that we could not do more for him."

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's working desk at 108 Military Central Hospital in Hanoi

A simple and approachable patient

For the medical workers at 108 Military Central Hospital, Party General Secretary Trong was a special patient as he always cooperated with doctors in his treatment and felt secure and satisfied with the ability, brainpower, and dedication of the hospitals medical staff.

Major Nguyen Thi Hong, who looked after General Secretary Trong over the past four years, said the Party leader was a simple, plain, and gentle person who left a lasting impression on the doctors and nurses.

For us, the general secretary is an example of plainness, simplicity, and sincerity. He cared about the lives of medical workers," Hong recalled.

Whenever he met us, he always asked about our childrens studies, their ages, and if we faced any difficulties."

When he admired the Red River near the hospital and walked along the corridors, he always talked with others happily, she narrated.

He was close-knit with us like family, a father, an uncle, and always sympathized with the hardships of doctors and nurses," Hong said.

We learned gentility and dedication to work from him."

Looking at the room where General Secretary Trong stayed during his last days, Hong said in a voice choked with emotion, Even after the general secretary had left this room, our eyes were still on the room when we returned the next day.

She added that the daily tasks during the time of caring for him remained vivid in their minds, noting that the general secretary left them with a lot of affection.

Major General Prof. Dr. Le Huu Song, director of 108 Military Central Hospital in Hanoi, shares his feelings about Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Photo: Supplied

Special memories

Hong recalled that after hard working hours, Party General Secretary Trong sometimes humorously shared simple and rustic stories.

Outside the treatment room, a wooden table and chairs were arranged in the corridor for him. He would sit there to watch the Red River at dawn and dusk.

Hong said she admired the Party chiefs extraordinary working spirit, adding that he almost had no time to rest.

Besides his time for drinking tea and exercising in the morning, he spent his days reading newspapers, working, and receiving guests.

When he felt tired, he would ask to take a rest, Hong recounted.

The bed of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at 108 Military Central Hospital in Hanoi

She said it was her honor and luck to sit next to Party General Secretary Trong during his meals.

We encouraged him to eat more because when he ate more, he got healthier, she admitted.

His favorite dish was yogurt, Hong said.

The nurse added that the Party chief was also fond of sprouted peanut candies. There was a jar of sprouted peanut candies on his table, and he often shared them with the medical workers.

The Party leader also loved singing the song 'Bai ca Bac Son' (Song of Bac Son) and often sang it with medical workers at the hospital.

The lyrics of the song remain in the minds of each of the medical workers who directly took care of General Secretary Trong.

When medical workers helped him with physical therapy in the corridor, he sometimes recited poems about landscapes and life and shared the hardships of the hospital employees.

The exemplary, simple, and approachable leader is a lesson for the medical workers, inspiring them to continue striving, dedicating themselves, and fulfilling their mission of taking care of public health.

Medical workers at 108 Military Central Hospital recall memories during the time they took care of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Photo: Supplied

Vietnam holds a two-day state funeral on July 25 and 26, 2024 for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.

He lies in state at the National Funeral Hall at No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street in Hanoi.

The respect-paying ceremony for Party General Secretary Trong is 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 is followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm on July 26.

A burial service for the Party chief takes place from 3:00 pm on the same day at Mai Dich Cemetery in Hanoi.

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Read what is in the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- A two-day state funeral for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong begins today, with the ceremony to pay respects starting from 7:00 am at the National Funeral Hall at No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street in Hanoi.

-- State President To Lam on Wednesday received President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez, who is in Vietnam to attend the state funeral of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, while Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh the same day held a reception for President of the Australian Senate Sue Lines during her visit to Vietnam to attend the state funeral.

-- Leaders of many countries along with ruling parties, communist parties, and partner parties have continued sending letters and messages of condolence to Vietnam on the passing of the Party chief, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Society

-- Rain is forecast to weaken in the northern region on Thursday, while residents in the central and southern regions will experience downpours, paired with thunderstorms, late in the afternoon and at night, according to the national weather center.

-- Police in Muong La District under the northern province of Son La successfully rescued five people from raging floodwaters on Wednesday.

-- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday ordered relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to focus on addressing the consequences of storm Prapiroon, the second to affect Vietnam this year.

-- Da Lat City in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong is planning to widen the pedestrian space along Tran Quoc Toan Street to enhance the tourism appeal around Xuan Huong Lake and Cu Hill, an official announced on Wednesday.

Business

-- In Vietnam, people spent nearly VND150 trillion (US$5.8 billion) shopping online in the first half of 2024, according to e-commerce market research platform Metric.

World News

-- 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, while a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll showed her taking a marginal lead over her Republican rival, reported Reuters.

-- A software bug in CrowdStrike's quality-control system caused the software update that crashed computers globally last week, the U.S. firm said on Wednesday, as losses mount following the outage which disrupted services from aviation to banking, according to Reuters.

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Tauseef Ahmad/ TwoCircles.net

Bandipora: For centuries, women in the border areas of Kashmir Valley have been predominantly confined to household and agricultural roles. However, a remarkable transformation is underway, challenging societal norms as young girls break barriers and excel in diverse fields. This shift signals a significant departure from their traditional roles, showcasing their talents and ambitions on broader stages.

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Take Shaheena, a 21-year-old student from Tulail in Gurez Valley. Currently pursuing her B.A., she is actively honing her skills in filmmaking  a pursuit that once seemed unimaginable given the societal constraints and limited opportunities in border regions. Yet, with recent peace agreements fostering stability, dreams previously out of reach for students like Shahaeena are now within grasp.

Nestled near the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmirs Bandipora district, Gurez Valley captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and majestic mountains, renowned not just across India but around the world. Situated 130 km from the summer capital of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, this region has long been celebrated for its natural beauty.

Once synonymous with conflict, Gurez is now emerging as a vibrant tourist destination, drawing hundreds of visitors daily.

In the border region, being a girl has felt like a curse; we have had to sacrifice our dreams. We too aspire to become officers, doctors or pursue higher education, but limited facilities and societal barriers have constrained us. However, things are gradually changing. We are now beginning to have opportunities to learn skills beyond traditional household and agricultural duties, Shaheena told TwoCircles.net.

She highlighted the immense potential of the area for Bollywood shoots, alongside other scenic parts of the region. She expressed her aspiration to inspire more girls in her community to pursue filmmaking by leveraging skills acquired through workshops.

Through capturing our lives, culture and traditions, we can preserve our language and heritage, which are gradually fading with modernization and digitalization, she emphasized.

A 10-day workshop organized in her area by the Army in collaboration with renowned Bollywood director Oniar a few months ago provided youth with invaluable filmmaking skills. Shaheena believes these workshops are crucial for sharing untold stories hidden in the dense forests of her region due to societal barriers.

Underlining the importance of such initiatives in Kashmirs border areas, she conveyed her gratitude to the Army for fostering opportunities in filmmaking. She added that the scenic beauty of Gurez Valley holds potential to grace Bollywood screens, continually captivating interest since the return of peace to these borderlands.

Since the ceasefire agreement, we have been living without fear, cultivating vegetables and crops freely in our fields. Previously, we lived in constant fear due to routine shelling from across the border. Both sides of the border have been affected by this, and we hope for lasting peace in both countries, said Saleema Begum from Bagtore, an area in Gurez.

The workshop held in Gurezs Tulail area drew 15 students, including several girls selected after rigorous rounds of interviews from various parts of Kashmir.

Kashmir Valley: A Rejuvenated Hub for Bollywood

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and improvements in security, Kashmir has once again become a favored destination for the Bollywood and South Indian film productions.

In 2024 alone, over 200 filmmakers sought permissions to shoot in the region. In 2023, Kashmir emerged as a key location for the film industry, hosting the filming of 103 movies and web series, including notable productions such as Sz.R.Ks Dunki, Aamir Khans Lal Singh Chadda, John Abrahams Veda, among others.

In 2021, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has launched a new film policy aimed at attracting filmmakers by offering subsidies and streamlining permissions. Over 300 scenic locations are now accessible for film production in the Valley. Production companies shooting in the region can reclaim up to half of their expenses, capped at Rs 20 million, depending on the number of films and shooting days.

We are breathing life into our own narratives through our productions. Weve been encouraged to tell our own stories about our Valley. It brings us joy to create short films and documentaries based on our experiences, shared a jubilant Shaheena with TwoCircles.net.

Another participant expressed optimism about the workshops potential to create employment opportunities for unemployed youths in the border areas, which were previously limited to few job options.

Gurez has the potential for snow tourism. By acquiring filmmaking skills, we can attract tourists even during winters when few venture here, said one Aamir.

He emphasized that beyond learning filmmaking techniques, participants were gaining insights into the patience and dedication required from professional teams behind the camera. These practical skills will be a game changer for many youths aspiring to pursue filmmaking careers from the border areas, he added.

Oniar, the acclaimed director leading the workshop, conveyed his enthusiasm for the project. Gurezs unique geographical, cultural and traditional richness makes it an ideal setting for Bollywood shoots. I am drawn to the natural beauty of the region, which continues to inspire me. My goal is to empower these border youths with filmmaking skills so they can showcase this heavenly locale on Bollywood screens, he explained.

The 10-day workshop commenced on May 20 in Niru village of Tulail and concluded on May 30. Several youths from the border region participated, aiming to bring their untold stories from the snow-capped mountains and lush green forests of Gurez to life.
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.
The archipelago welcomes over 170,000 tourists each year (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The Galapagos Islands are doubling their entrance fee to enhance the conservation efforts of their unique wildlife and ecosystem.

From 1 August, international tourists will pay $200 (155) instead of $100 to enter the Galapagos National Park.

The charge to visitors from Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay will also double from $50 to $100 (78).

As for Ecuadorian nationals, an entry fee of $30 (23) will now apply  previously residents were charged $6.

Its the first price increase to access the Galapagos Islands, home of the giant tortoise, since 1998.

Tourism in the Galapagos is tightly controlled, with strict regulations on land and sea enforced by the Galapagos National Park Service.

Concerns over the impact of land-based tourism, waste management systems and the risk of invasive species are some of the reasons the fee has been doubled.

Strict licensing laws also restrict cruise numbers to those with only official tour guides.

In 2017, Unesco warned the Galapagos Islands to adopt a zero-growth strategy and regulate land-based tourism as strictly as ship-based tourism.

Around 170,000 tourists visit the archipelago of just 33,000 residents each year, and the adjusted entry fee cost is expected to double the islands tourism income to over $40 million a year.

The Ecuador Ministry of Tourism said: This resolution represents a significant step towards aligning the needs of the local community with crucial environmental preservation efforts.

These funds will be directly channelled into conservation initiatives, infrastructure upgrades and community programmes aimed at mitigating tourisms ecological footprint on the islands.

This year, several destinations have introduced an entry fee to tackle heightened tourism levels.

Foreign travellers visiting the Indonesian island of Bali now face a tourist tax of $10 (7.70) per person before entering the popular backpacking destination.

The 150,000 rupiah levy, effective from February 2024, was introduced in a bid to preserve the islands cultural integrity and crack down on a rise in unruly behaviour from visitors.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast.
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Microsoft rolls-out 'Bing Generative Search' - What's new

Information Technology giant Microsoft Wednesday integrated its Bing search with a new and Generative AI powered tool billed as 'Bing Generative Search'

Thursday July 25, 2024 9:11 PM , ummid.com News Network

San Francisco: Information Technology giant Microsoft Wednesday integrated its Bing search with a new and Generative AI powered tool billed as 'Bing Generative Search'.

Bing Generative Search combines the power of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) with the search results page, to create a bespoke and dynamic response to a users query.

This new experience combines the foundation of Bings search results with the power of large and small language models (LLMs and SLMs). It understands the search query, reviews millions of sources of information, dynamically matches content, and generates search results in a new AI-generated layout to fulfill the intent of the users query more effectively, Microsoft said.

The integration of Bing Generative Search is the latest major boost after the introduction of LLM-powered chat answers on Bing in February of last year .

The AI-powered Bing search engine has surpassed 100 million daily active users ina a month after the launch, Microsoft said .

About Bing Generative Search

A look at the Bing search result page shows the new tool inside a grey box at the top. It is similar to Google's "AI Overviews" publicly released in the United States May this year.

But, unlike Googles AI Overviews, which displays traditional search queries below the AI-generated summary, Bing will show normal search results in the right half of the screen.

Giving more details about the latest addition on Bing, Microsoft the AI can contextually understands the search query, and then processes millions of sources of information to match the right content.

After that, it uses the data to generate relevant search results, visible alongside traditional search results.



"This new experience combines the foundation of Bings search results with the power of large and small language models (LLMs and SLMs). It understands the search query, reviews millions of sources of information, dynamically matches content, and generates search results in a new AI-generated layout to fulfill the intent of the users query more effectively", Microsoft said.

The feature is not generally available. Microsoft said it is slowly rolling out the new feature and it will make it available for all users after thorough testing based on the users' feedback.

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Schools shut in Pune, Mumbai on red alert as heavy rains lash Maharashtra

Local administration announced a days off, holiday, in schools and colleges in Pune on Friday July 26, 2024 whereas Mumbai is put on red alert as heavy rains disrupted normal life in various parts of Maharashtra

Friday July 26, 2024 0:27 AM , ummid.com News Network

Mumbai/Pune: Local administration announced a days off, holiday, in schools and colleges in Pune on Friday July 26, 2024 whereas Mumbai is put on red alert as heavy rains disrupted normal life in various parts of Maharashtra.

In the wake of the red alert sounded in the city, Mumbai police has asked local residents to stay at home.

"IMD has declared a red alert for Mumbai till tomorrow morning 8.30 am. Requesting all Mumbaikars to stay indoors, until essential. Please stay safe," the Mumbai Police wrote on social media platform X, originally launched as Twitter.

Dial 100, 112 in case of emergencies, the Police said.





Heavy rains continue to lash a number of Maharashtra districts, including Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Palghar and others, with waterlogging leading to traffic snarls and delayed flight and train operations.

At least four persons lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Pune. In another incident, at least four people are feared trapped in a bungalow in the Lavasa area after a mudslide.

The Ministry of Higher & Technical Education, Maharashtra has also announced holiday for colleges in Pune city and district, and also in Pimpri and Chinchwad on Friday July 26, 2024.

Schools, Colleges closed in Thane

Thane Municipal Corporation also announced that all schools and colleges in the district will be closed on Friday July 26, 2024.

Meanwhile, there is no official notification regarding school and college holiday in Mumbai. But, rumours are taking ground that the administration could announce holiday today.

In a related update, IMD has issued an orange alert (heavy to very heavy rains) for Ratnagiri district and yellow alert for Sindhurg district in Konkan region.

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Currently, delegations continue to pay their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Video: People waiting to pay respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The Ministry of Information and Communications delegation, led by Minister Nguyen Manh Hung, paying their respects. Photo: Pham Hai

The Vietnam Fatherland Front delegation paying their respects. Photo: Dang Khoa





The delegation from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour pays their respects. Photo: Dinh Hai

People line up to pay their respects to the General Secretary in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen Hue

Video: Memorial Ceremony for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at Nguyen Gia Thieu High School, Hanoi

* The Japanese delegation, led by former Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, paid their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Mr. Suga attended as a special envoy of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

Mr. Suga Yoshihide currently serves as an advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance. In October 2020, he visited Vietnam on his first overseas trip after assuming office as Prime Minister of Japan. During this visit, he met with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio expressed that his exchanges of opinions with the General Secretary during their meetings have become unforgettable memories.

Prime Minister Kishida expressed his deepest gratitude for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's significant contributions to promoting the Vietnam-Japan relationship.

"Recalling the great leadership of Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong in fostering close cooperative relations between Japan and Vietnam across many extensive fields as a comprehensive strategic partner, I express my deepest sorrow and pray for his soul to rest in peace," the condolence message stated.

The Japanese delegation pays their respects. Photo: Pham Hai

* The New Zealand delegation, led by special envoy and former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don McKinnon, paid their respects.

Before the trip to Vietnam, New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized that sending a representative to attend the funeral demonstrates the New Zealand Government's recognition of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's significant contributions to New Zealand-Vietnam relations.

Mr. Peters affirmed that Mr. Don McKinnon's attendance at General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's funeral reflects the deep respect that New Zealand has for the people and Government of Vietnam.

The delegation from the Government Office, led by Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son, paid their respects. Photo: Pham Hai





The delegation from the Communist Review, led by Editor-in-Chief Le Hai Binh, paid their respects.

Photo: Pham Hai

The delegation from the Binh Dinh Provincial Party Committee, Binh Dinh People's Council, Binh Dinh People's Committee, and Binh Dinh Fatherland Front Committee, led by Provincial Party Secretary Ho Quoc Dung, paid their respects. Photo: Pham Hai

The family of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Photo: Quang Trung

9:30 am: The Cambodian delegation, led by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and President of the Senate, paid their respects.

The Cambodian leader expressed his condolences and sympathy to the General Secretary's wife and family.

Hun Sen is one of the foreign leaders who met with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong numerous times.

Photo: Pham Hai

Photo: Dang Khoa

Photo: Dang Khoa

9:20 am (July 24 - New York time): United Nations leaders and ambassadors from various countries paid their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN in New York, USA.

Photo: VNA

9:20 am: In Lai Da village, the delegation from the Dong Anh District Party Committee, Dong Anh District People's Council, Dong Anh District People's Committee, and Dong Anh District Fatherland Front Committee, led by District Party Secretary Le Trung Kien, paid their respects.

9h15: The delegation from the Central Committee for Health Care and Protection of Central Officials and the Health Care Councils for Officials, led by Tran Huy Dung, Deputy Head of the Central Committee for Health Care and Protection of Central Officials, paid their respects.

The delegation from 108 Military Central Hospital paid their respects.

8h50: Delegations continue to pay their respects

The delegation from the Central Committee for External Relations, led by Party Central Committee Secretary and Head of the Central Committee for External Relations Le Hoai Trung, paid their respects.

The delegation from the Office of the Party Central Committee, led by Chief of the Office of the Party Central Committee Nguyen Duy Ngoc, paid their respects.

The delegation from the General Secretary's Office, led by Dao Duc Toan, Assistant to the General Secretary in charge of the office, paid their respects.

The delegation from the Party Affairs Committee of the Supreme People's Court, led by Politburo Member, Party Central Committee Secretary, and Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court Nguyen Hoa Binh, paid their respects.

The delegation from the Central Mass Mobilization Committee, led by Pham Tat Thang, Standing Deputy Head of the Central Mass Mobilization Committee, paid their respects.

The delegation from the Central Economic Commission, led by Nguyen Duy Hung, Deputy Head in charge of the Central Economic Commission, paid their respects.

The delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Minister Bui Thanh Son, paid their respects.

8h46: The European Union (EU) delegation, led by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, paid their respects.

The EU delegation in Vietnam posted a condolence message from EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier regarding the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

According to Ambassador Guerrier, during his tenure, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong played a crucial role in strengthening Vietnam's international position and fostering meaningful partnerships with the international community, including the European Union, through the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), the Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and several bilateral agreements signed between Europe and Vietnam under his oversight.

Thanks to these agreements, EU-Vietnam cooperation has flourished in various fields, including trade, sustainable development, peace and security, climate change mitigation, and energy transition.
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai has assigned the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to remove difficulties of seafood enterprises.

According to recommendations from the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the fishing industry faces many difficulties including unreasonable regulation on ceiling interest costs during calculating income tax, unreasonable delays in getting fishing certifications and problems with the minimum size set for the tuna they are allowed to land.

Fishing enterprises have reflected that imposing a ceiling on interest costs during calculation of corporate income tax is unreasonable.

Specifically, according to Decree 132/2020, in case the total value of loans a bank granted to a business exceeds 25 per cent of the latters equity, and accounts for over 50 per cent of the latters total medium and long term loans, the bank and the business will be regarded as affiliated parties.

In this case, when determining taxable income, the interest expenses in lending transactions with affiliated parties of the business, including the bank mentioned above, must not exceed 30 per cent of the total net profit. Any excessive amount would be considered unreasonable expenses and therefore liable to corporate income tax.

Most Vietnamese businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, so bank loans are the main source of investment capital for development.

VASEP said this regulation affects enterprises' business results as well as their capital flow in the new investment period.

The lending transactions between banks and enterprises need to be recognised as normal business activities. Imposing a ceiling on interest costs will make the enterprises that have not enough financial ability, hesitate investment and innovation in technology. While, the investment and the innovation are vital requirements for the development of enterprises as well as the country's economy.

The seafood enterprises also complained that issuing a Statement of Catch (SC) at fishing ports after the enterprises bring raw materials to factories are taking too long.

SC is a certificate to the fish processing plants or processors who want to use the fish brought from the port or other means as raw material for processing to fishery products.

The SC certificate ensures the fish/raw material used in the processing process is monitored and regulated until the final processing of fish products.

Many batches of fish material have had to wait up to three months to get the SC certificates. This greatly affects the production and export of enterprises.

VASEP recommends that MARD should change the process on issuing the SC certificate at fishing ports during traceability confirmation under the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations. This is the key to solving many bottlenecks in the IUU control process at present.

The other issue is the regulation on the minimum size of aquatic products permitted in fishing in natural waters in the Government's Decree 37/2024 effective from May 19. The minimum length allowed to catch for skipjack tuna is set at 500 mm (50 cm). Skipjack tuna with a length of 500 mm has a weight of 57 kg, while the international standard on size allowed to catch for this kind is 1.83.4 kg per unit.

Skipjack tuna for canned food production usually weighs an average of 1.83.4 kg per unit because customers prefer canned products made from small-sized fish.

VASEP said Decree 37/2024 will mean a host of difficulties for fishermen who will need to change to new fishing gear with an appropriate mesh size and control the size of tuna that they catch. Traders and export processing enterprises will either not get or face serious shortages of tuna raw materials for purchase and export.  VNS
LONDON  Vietjet and Lufthansa Technik, the worlds leading MRO provider, have inked an exclusive Total Component Support (TCS) agreement.

The signing ceremony on Wednesday marked a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two companies during the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow.

This comprehensive multi-year agreement for 184 Airbus A320 family and nine Airbus A330 aircraft will start from October 2024 onwards. It encompasses extensive component services for Vietjet's growing fleet, ensuring the airlines operational excellence and the highest standards of maintenance. This agreement represents the largest TCS contract Lufthansa Technik has secured in the Southeast Asia region.

"Lufthansa Technik is committed to providing Vietjet with the highest quality of service and support to ensure the continued success of their operations, said Johanna Koch, Vice President of Corporate Sales Southeast Asia and Indian Subcontinent at Lufthansa Technik.

Vietjet Chief Operating Officer Michael Hickey said: "The agreement reflects our strategic vision to enhance our fleet's reliability and performance, we are poised to achieve new heights in operational efficiency.

"We look forward to continuing our dedication to providing our passengers with quality, seamless and safe travel experience.

The Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world. The portfolio includes maintenance, repair, overhaul, and digital fleet support among others. Vietjet is also Lufthansa Technik's first AVIATAR Technical Logbook customer in Asia Pacific from 2022.

In collaboration with Lufthansa Technik Group and other leading global aviation partners, Vietjet continues to invest in advanced aviation technology solutions and services to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.

The airline consistently expands its fleet with new, fuel-efficient aircraft, achieving a technical reliability rate of 99.6 per cent, ranking it among the top airlines both regionally and globally.

Vietjet has been awarded a 7/7 star safety rating by AirlineRatings and has been consistently recognised as one of the world's safest low-cost airlines.  VNS
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."
HA NOI  Pangasius export turnover recorded growth in the first half of this year.

Citing data from the General Department of Viet Nam Customs, the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said that pangasius export turnover reached nearly US$172 million in June, an increase of 20 per cent over the same period last year.

Pangasius export turnover reached $918 million in January-June period, posting 5 per cent year-on-year increase.

In terms of products, frozen pangasius fillets are still the main export. The product's exports reached $739 million by the end of last month, a year-on-year increase of three per cent, accounting for 80 per cent of the total.

Exports of dried pangasius and other frozen products reached $162 million in the first half of this year, up 17 per cent year-on-year, accounting for 18 per cent of the proportion.

Regarding the consumption market, VASEP said that China continued to be the largest importer of Vietnamese pangasius.

Vietnamese pangasius exports to this market reached more than $258 million in the first half of this year, down eight per cent over the same period last year.

The US is the second largest importer of Vietnamese pangasius after China. The export value of Vietnamese pangasius to the US reached $160 million in the reviewed period, up 14 per cent year-on-year.

In addition, Viet Nam's pangasius exports to the CPTPP market also recorded positive growth in the first half of the year with an export value of $128 million, an increase of 11 per cent over the same period last year.

In addition, a number of other markets also recorded positive growth in Viet Nam's pangasius imports in the first six months of the year, including Brazil, Thailand, Colombia and Saudi Arabia.

VASEP said that after a difficult period last year, the whole industry had focused on and took advantage of all export opportunities.

Experts predicted that demand would continue to grow in the second half of this year, as countries began to prepare for festivals and holidays.

Pangasius export prices were also expected to recover with overall pangasius exports expected to reach $1.8 billion this year, up six per cent.  VNS
VENICE -- The horror-comedy film Mua Tren Canh Buom (Dont Cry Butterfly), written and directed by young Vietnamese filmmaker Duong Dieu Linh, will have its world premiere in competition at the Venice Critics Week at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.

The film is set in a suburban town near Ha Noi in the early 2000s and tells the story of a middle-aged housewife who finds out that her husband is cheating on her.

Instead of confronting him, she voodoos her husband back into love, but accidentally awakens mysterious supernatural forces in the house.

Dont Cry, Butterfly is developed from Linh's series of short films, including "Me, Con gai, Nhung giac mo" (Mother, Daughter, Dreams), "Ngot, man" (Sweet, Salty), and "Thien uong goi ten" (A Trip to Heaven), all revolving around a middle-aged character.

The filmmaker explores perspectives on femininity, family relationships, and cultural traditions.

Dont Cry, Butterfly embarks on a quest to uncover the true perpetrator behind the womens suffering through the intertwined worlds of a mother and daughter, leading to a surprising discovery, said Linh. It is my attempt to break away from the stereotypical portrayal of sad and powerless women, instead showing them full of life and humour, with a touch of magical realism and fantasy."

The Critics Weeks artistic director, Beatrice Fiorentino, describes the film as a mixture of Feng shui and voodoo, lyricism and magic, with womens issues at the forefront. It features dreams that crash against a reality mediated only by fantasy. It is an intimate and visionary film, a bittersweet story about family set within four walls that become a powerful metaphor for contemporary society.

In Dont Cry, Butterfly, actress Tu Oanh plays the main role along with Le Vu Long, Nguyen Nam Linh, and Bui Thac Phong, who is Tu Oanh's son with the renowned Vietnamese director Bui Thac Chuyen.

Duong Dieu Linh, 34, was born in Ha Noi and currently lives in Singapore. Her short film Mother, Daughter, Dreams was screened in the short film competition at the Busan International Film Festival in 2018.

Venice Critics Week is an independent and parallel section of the Venice International Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in the world.

The programme includes a selection of seven debut films in competition. Notable among them is the film Homegrown by U.S. journalist and filmmaker Michael Premo, narrating the tale of a group of Donald Trump supporters.

In 2014, the Vietnamese film ap Canh Giua Khong Trung (Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere), directed by Nguyen Hoang iep, was selected to compete for the award.

The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival runs from August 28 to September 7. -- VNS
HA NOI  A heartfelt concert to support hemodialysis patients will be held next month in Ha Noi.

Inspired by the book Memoir of a Dialysis Patient and driven by the heartfelt messages that author Ho Hong Viet wishes to share, the Sunset Sun charity concert emerges as a collaborative effort between the authors family and the NEU (National Economics University) Philharmonic. This musical event aims to express gratitude to the books readers while weaving together classical melodies and lifes profound values.

At the heart of this concert lies a captivating story  one told not through words alone, but through the language of music. As the notes resonate, listeners will embark on a journey alongside dialysis patients who defy their fate. Through symphonies and harmonies, the concert becomes a vessel for conveying the books powerful message directly to the hearts of its audience.

The Sunset Sun concert will feature the performances of pianist Hoang Ho Thu and violinist Hoang Ho Khanh Van.

Pianist Thu talent blossomed under the watchful eyes of dedicated lecturers at the Viet Nam National Academy of Music (VNAM), Dr. Professor Tran Thu Ha and MSc Vu Thi Phuong Mai shaped her musical path, nurturing her passion for the piano. Graduating from the intermediate level, Thus exceptional abilities earned her a coveted scholarship to the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest, where she flourished, graduating with distinction.

Her piano keys have danced with the Viet Nam Symphony Orchestra (VNSO), where her solos have enraptured audiences. The intimate chamber Concert Hall of VNAM has also witnessed her artistry. Currently, Thu imparts her wisdom as a lecturer in the Piano Department at the VNMA. Yet her passion extends beyond the classroom. As a member of the 'Schubert in a Mug' project  a music project that brings classical music closer to appreciative audiences, Thu collaborates with fellow artists, each wielding different instruments.

Van is a dynamic violinist, who has captivated Ha Nois audience since her return from Hungary in 2021. Her musical voyage  from the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Hungary to the heart of Viet Nam  resounds with passion and accomplishment. Her talent has garnered accolades worldwide, including first prize at the 10th Kazakhstan International Violin Competition (2023) and at the AICC International Music Competition in Jakarta (2009), and 3rd prize at the International Music Competition in Ha Noi (2019).

Her violin has sung with the VNSO and the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra. Tokyos Academy of Music and Hungarys Liszt Ferenc Chamber Orchestra have also witnessed her virtuosity. She has toured with the Asian Youth Orchestra and the Southeast Asian Youth Chamber Orchestra, sharing melodies across borders.

Today, Van imparts her expertise as a violin lecturer at the VNAM. Like pianist Thu, Van is also a member of the Schubert in a Mug to share her love for music with audience.

Alongside two professional artists, the Sunset Sun concert will also present members of the NEU Philharmonic, including pianists Nguyen Ha Anh, Tran Tuan Thanh, Nguyen Phuong Lien, inh Kien Quoc, violinist Le Tuan Kiet and clarinet player Hoang Thai Son.

The special concert will start at 8pm on August 10, at A2 Ballroom, the National Economics University, 207 Giai Phong Road, Ha Noi.

The audience can secure their seats by purchasing a copy of Memoir of a Dialysis Patient. With each book, they receive two complimentary concert tickets. Profits from book sales will be channeled toward supporting hemodialysis patients facing exceptional challenges at the authors own dialysis facility.

To purchase the book, please register using the link below: https://forms.gle/8gy7UosRPcg24Q8k7. Hotline: 0342 099 798. VNS

Excerpts from Memoir of a Dialysis Patient by Ho Hong Viet.

https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style/1659685/memoir-of-a-dialysis-patient.html
Quynh Anh

Originally from Switzerland, Michael Gerber has called Viet Nam home since 2018, captivated not only by its stunning landscapes but also by its promising terrain for sport tourism lovers, leading him to run a motorbike tour community for foreigners when they are in Viet Nam.

Joining Namduro, a prominent motorbiking community in Ha Noi four years ago, Michael has since embarked on countless adventures exploring Viet Nam on two wheels.

With extensive experience navigating Viet Nam's diverse landscapes on motorcycles, he is in the process of setting up guided motorcycle tours and creating their merchandise.

I moved to Viet Nam in early 2018 and have been working as an English teacher but also as a guide for motorbike tours, he told Viet Nam News. The low cost of living compared to my home country, allows me to experience a lifestyle I wouldnt be able to back home and affords me the luxury of being able to regularly go on trips to explore the beautiful country and surrounding ones.

After living here for a while, I have formed some incredible lifelong friendships and a great relationship, which played a big part in my decision to stay here for so long.

I have many years of experience travelling Viet Nam by motorcycle and have organised and run many tours myself, as well as helped a lot with running and organising the previous Namduro events.

When the founders of Namduro decided to leave Viet Nam, they entrusted him with taking over due to his deep passion for riding motorcycles and organising events firsthand.

"I have decided to continue what they started with the goal of turning it into a profitable business while sharing Viet Nam's hidden gems with other motorcycle enthusiasts, " he said.

With the knowledge I have gained through that, I believe that I can provide unforgettable experiences to my customers with the highest quality standard."

After six years as an expat in Viet Nam, this place has left Michael with a deep appreciation. Through his lens, Viet Nam has incredible landscapes that are amazing to explore by motorcycle.

"The country's beautiful landscapes are truly captivating, and the hospitality of the people is heartwarming. Plus, the delicious food is a major highlight for me.

"Travelling by motorcycle is the most common way for Vietnamese people to get around. Therefore, the country is set up very well for motorcycle travel, as there are mechanics and petrol stations even in the most remote locations.

"Travelling by motorcycle allows tourists to reach destinations they couldn't reach by other means of transport which ensures an incredibly unique travel experience."

He believes Viet Nam has tremendous potential to become an attractive and safer destination for foreign tourists with a few key improvements.

One area that could make a big difference is simplifying the visa process.

"If Viet Nam could offer more affordable visas and a smoother application process, perhaps even introducing a visa on arrival option, it would significantly boost its appeal to international visitors," Micheal said.

"Additionally, many tourists might not realise that a one-month visa isn't enough to fully explore all that Viet Nam has to offer.

"Making it easier to extend visas would encourage longer stays, allowing visitors to enjoy the country's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes at a more relaxed pace."

He sees traffic safety as another area where improvements can have a positive impact.

"With the recent increase in cars, the streets have become more congested, affecting the overall experience of walking around cities. However, it's encouraging to see the government actively working on various projects to address this issue."

As he prepares to relocate to Hoi An for the next chapter of his journey, he said: "I am looking forward to living near the beach and in a quieter place with less air pollution. I still have a lot of love for Ha Noi and I'm looking forward to visiting it regularly in the future."

Since Michael continues to weave his love for adventure with his admiration for Viet Nam, his tours stand as a testament to the country's allure and the endless possibilities it holds for those willing to venture off-road.

If you're an off-road motorbike travel lover, come to Viet Nam for riding now. VNS
HA NOI  Artworks created by first generation of Vietnamese painting in the beginning of 20th century will be put under hammer during an online auction this weekend.

Organised by the Ha Noi-based Le Auction House, the auction The Vietnamese Art in 20th Century will offer for sale 350 selected paintings, including the ones created from the early establishment of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine (the Indochina School of Fine Arts) to contemporary paintings.

The auction will have two sections, both starts at 3pm on Saturday, July 27, and on Sunday, July 28. Anyone interested in the bidding can register to join at LeAuctions.vn. The auction will offer live bidding from the UK.

Held at the same time in Viet Nam and the UK, the event is to show Le Auction Houses unwavering professionalism and its global vision and dedication to showcasing Vietnamese art to the world.

According to the organiser, this remarkable event not only offers Vietnamese art enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in its beauty, but also extends an invitation to the global community. Through exquisite and unique works by outstanding artists, the world can explore and experience the rich tapestry of Vietnamese art.

Highlight of the upcoming auction is the 56-by-116cm ink-and-colour-on-silk painting Ben Song (The Wharf) by Luong Xuan Nhi (1914 - 2006), who studied at the Indochina School of Fine Arts during 1932-1937.

The auction also will showcase artworks by other renowned Vietnamese painters of the same era  names like Le Pho, Mai Trung Thu, Vu Cao am, and Le Thi Luu. Notably, their pieces have caught the discerning eyes of international art collectors, commanding million-dollar prices in auctions across Paris and Hong Kong in recent years.

The journey through art history will continue with the works of Luu Cong Nhan, Le Huy Hoa, Tran Luu Hau, and Nguyen Trong Kiem  all poised to grace the upcoming auction.

Works by iem Phung Thi, Le Ba ang, Tran Duy, Le Trung, Tran Van Tho, Kim Khanh, Kim Son, Nguyen Van Truong, who contributed significantly to the Vietnamese art, also are in the auction list.

The auction will also present works by Southern artists such as Nguyen Phuoc, Nguyen Trung, Nguyen Khai, Ho Huu Thu each leaving indelible imprints of Southern fine art.

Pieces by representatives of Vietnamese contemporary painting such as ang Xuan Hoa, Bui Huu Hung, Pham An Hai, Pham Ha Hai, inh Quan, Bui Tuan Thanh, will also be on sale during the auction.

All the 350 artworks are presented on website https://www.leauctions.vn/ VNS

https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style/1656719/sotheby-s-to-auction-rare-painting-by-celebrated-vietnamese-painter.html
HAVANA - First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez on July 24 morning (local time) paid homage to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Vietnamese Embassy in Havana.

The Cuban leader was accompanied by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz; Politburo member, permanent member of the Secretariat of the PCC Central Committee and head of its organisation commission Roberto Morales Ojeda; Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla; Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa; and Vice President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Ana Maria Mari Machado, among others.

Miguel Diaz-Canel affirmed that General Secretary Trongs passing is a great loss to the Cuban people, saying he himself and other high-ranking leaders of Cuba had chances to meet and work with the Vietnamese leader, a very close comrade, and a sincere brother of the Cuban people.

Mentioning the General Secretarys book titled "Some Theoretical and Practical Issues on Socialism and the Path to Socialism in Viet Nam, the Cuban leader said it is a valuable reference that he always respectfully places in his office.

Miguel Diaz-Canel recounted that the Party chief enthusiastically promoted the special friendship, strong fraternity, and mutual trust between the two peoples, regardless of his positions.

Writing in the condolence book, the Cuban leader expressed his belief that the General Secretarys contributions will forever benefit the Vietnamese Party and people, saying, forever remembering the sincere friend.

For his part, Ambassador Le Quang Long noted General Secretary Trong was the only Vietnamese leader to visit the Caribbean nation five times in different positions and that the Party chief was always ready to help Cuba.

He thanked the high-ranking leaders and people of Cuba for their sentiments towards the Vietnamese Party, State, and people, particularly General Secretary Trong. He stressed that Cuba is the first country to have announced three days of mourning for the late leader, demonstrating the special fraternity between the two nations.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, PM Manuel Marrero recalled his Viet Nam visit last year and General Secretary Trongs sentiments to Cuba, adding the whole Caribbean country is showing its solidarity with Vietnam those days.

Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa also affirmed the entire Party and people of Cuba accompany Vietnam at this moment, and that Cuba will always stand by the side of Vietnam.

Over the past days, Cuban media has highlighted contributions by General Secretary Trong to national construction and development, as well as the friendship and rare fraternity between the two countries. VNS
The respect-paying ceremony of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong is organised in the national mourning etiquette at the National Funeral Hall, No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Ha Noi, from 7 AM to 10 PM on July 25 and from 7 AM to 1 PM on July 26, 2024.
HA NOI  The State funeral for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Phu Trong began at the National Funeral Hall, No 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Ha Noi at 7am on Thursday.

The respect-paying ceremonies are also being held at the Thong Nhat Hall in Ho Chi Minh City and his hometown in ong Hoi Commune, ong Anh District, Ha Noi.

The State funeral is being organised by the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State President's Office, the Government, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee along with his family.

The delegation from the Party Central Committee, led by Politburo member and State President To Lam, paid homage to the late Party chief.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led the Government delegation to pay tribute to the late Party leader.

President To Lam then led the President's delegation to offer condolences to Party chief Trongs family.

The National Assembly (NA) delegation, led by NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man, also paid their respects.

Among the former Party and State leaders who paid tribute at the funeral were former Party General Secretary Nong uc Manh; former State presidents Nguyen Minh Triet, Truong Tan Sang, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Vo Van Thuong; former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung; and former Chairmen of the National Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, and Vuong inh Hue.

Writing in the funeral guest book, President To Lam expressed condolences over the death of Party General Secretary Trong, describing him as a beloved leader of the Vietnamese people, an exceptionally outstanding leader, a steadfast communist Party member, and a shining example of constantly studying and following Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style.

Lam noted that Party leader Trong devoted his entire life to the country, the Party, and the people. He made many major contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, to the international communist movement, and to maintaining regional and global peace, stability, and development.

The name, career, personality, and great contributions of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong have been deeply imprinted in the hearts of the people, forever preserved in the heroic history of the civilised and heroic Vietnamese people, he wrote.

On Thursday morning, many foreign delegations from countries and international organisations paid tribute to the late leader.

The respect-paying ceremonies have taken place from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, and from 7am to 1pm on Friday, at the National Funeral Hall in Ha Noi.

The memorial service will be held at 1pm on Friday at the National Funeral Hall.

The burial ceremony will take place from 3pm on the same day at Mai Dich Cemetery, Ha Noi.  VNS
WASHINGTON DC  The Vietnamese Embassy in the United States solemnly held a memorial service and opened a condolence book for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on July 24 (local time) at the Vietnamese House in Washington DC.

The delegation of officials and staff from the Vietnamese Embassy in the United States, the Defence Attache Office, the Trade Office, the Office of Science and Technology, the resident office of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the Voice of Vietnam (VOV), Vietnam Television (VTV), and the Party cells of Washington DC attended and signed the condolence book.

On behalf of all the officials and staff of the Embassy and the Vietnamese resident agencies and delegates, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung highlighted the significant contributions and great dedication of the General Secretary to the nation's construction and development, as well as the strengthening and purification of the Party, making Viet Nam "never have had the position, potential, prestige, and international standing as it does today."

Regarding diplomacy, the unique "bamboo diplomacy" was strongly promoted, creating historic milestones and substantial changes in Viet Nams relations with major partners, including the US.

In memory and following the example of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung committed that all officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in the US are determined to unite, strive, and wholeheartedly serve the Fatherland and the people.

Representatives from the US government, diplomatic corps, associations, major companies and corporations, and the Vietnamese community attended and signed the condolence book for the General Secretary.

On behalf of the US Department of State, Assistant Secretary of State Dan Kritenbrink expressed profound respect and gratitude for the General Secretary's significant contributions to Viet Nam-US relations.

Kritenbrink affirmed that the strategic vision, leadership role, and sincere sentiments of the General Secretary are an essential foundation for Viet Nam and the US to deepen political trust and achieve outstanding accomplishments over more than a decade, particularly in establishing and upgrading the Comprehensive Partnership and elevating the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He also said that the US Department of State would continue to collaborate with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and efforts initiated by the General Secretary and generations of leaders on both sides to foster bilateral relations.

Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defence (2013-2015), and Kelly McKeague, Director of the POW/MIA Accounting Agency of the US Department of Defence, highly appreciated the General Secretary's contributions to healing, building trust, and strengthening co-operation between the two countries, emphasising the historical visit of the General Secretary to the US in 2015 and his motto of setting aside the past and looking towards the future as one of the fundamental principles of bilateral relations.

Ambassadors and representatives of ASEAN member countries and many other partner countries also attended and extended their deepest condolences, emphasising that the General Secretary's significant contributions to the cause of nation-building and development in Viet Nam will always be remembered.

A large number of overseas Vietnamese, generations of Vietnamese people studying and working in the US, also attended and expressed their grief for the General Secretary, a devoted leader for the country and people, and an exemplary student of the great President Ho Chi Minh.

Meanwhile, in a solemn and emotional atmosphere, all officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representative agencies in Algeria observed a minute of silence to remember and bid farewell to the General Secretary.

Ambassador Tran Quoc Khanh expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the General Secretary and emphasised that the life of General Secretary was a model of steadfast communist values, an outstanding thinker, and a dedicated leader committed to the people.

President of the Algerian Senate, Salah Goudjil, visited to pay respects and extend his deepest condolences over the great loss suffered by the Party, State, Government, and people of Viet Nam.

In the condolence book, Goudjil highlighted that the passing of the General Secretary has caused Viet Nam to lose a wise and steadfast fighter and an exceptional leader whose significant contributions to the country's development in all fields, from politics and diplomacy to the economy and culture, have been proven by history.

Abdelkrim Benmbarek, General Secretary of the National Liberation Front (FLN) Party of Algeria, and Mourad Lamoudi, Member of the Central Committee in charge of Foreign Relations of the FLN Party, also visited the Vietnamese Embassy to pay their respects.

In Cairo, all officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representative agencies in Egypt, along with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Egypt, observed a minute of silence to remember and bid farewell to the General Secretary.

Ambassador Nguyen Huy Dung expressed deep gratitude for the significant contributions of the General Secretary to the Party, the country, and the happiness of the people throughout his life.

On behalf of all the officials and staff of the embassy, Dung pledged before the spirit of the General Secretary to exert all efforts to excellently fulfil all duties entrusted by the Party, the State, and the people; to learn from and follow the bright example of the General Secretary; to wholeheartedly serve the country and the nation; and to successfully implement the diplomatic policies and the "bamboo diplomacy" style of Viet Nam.

Many diplomatic and international delegations in Egypt, as well as representatives from the Egyptian Presidency and the Arab League (AL), visited to pay respects and signed the condolence book in memory of the General Secretary. VNS
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.
NEW YORK  United Nations leaders and ambassadors from various countries visited the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the UN in New York on July 24 (local time) to pay their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highly praised the leadership of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, acknowledging that under his guidance, Viet Nam has continued its remarkable development journey and has become an increasingly important partner of the United Nations.

On behalf of the UN, Guterres extended his deepest condolences to the Government, the people of Viet Nam, and the family of the General Secretary.

On the same day, President of the 78th UN General Assembly Dennis Francis met with Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Head of the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the UN, and expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of himself and the entire General Assembly to the State and people of Viet Nam.

The president shared the great loss felt by the Vietnamese people over the passing of a devoted leader who worked tirelessly for his country.

Ambassador ang Hoang Giang thanked Guterres and Francis for their sincere gestures and sentiments toward the General Secretary, noting that under his leadership, Viet Nam has achieved significant milestones in its renewal, development, and international integration efforts, continuously enhancing its position, role, and contributions to the UNs work.

Additionally, heads of the permanent missions of China and Laos visited and signed the book of condolences for the General Secretary. VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) Solly Mapaila on July 24 afternoon came to the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa to pay his respects and sign the condolence book following the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

The SACP leader expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam, and the bereaved family over their great loss.

Writing in the condolence book, Mapaila emphasised that the SACP will always remember the contributions by the Vietnamese Party leader to the cause of building socialism in Viet Nam, and to inheriting the historical struggle against imperialism of the country under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap.

The SACP also proudly acknowledges the contributions to the international struggle of the working class for socialism, and his leadership of the heroic Vietnamese people in building resilient and sustainable socialism.

The Vietnamese Embassies in Algeria and Egyp have hoisted the national flag at half-mast, opened a book of condolences, and organised a memorial service for the late leader.

On the morning of July 24, all the staff and personnel of the embassies and Vietnamese representative offices in the two African countries observed a minute of silence to honour and bid farewell to him.

Opening the condolence book, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh expressed profound grief at the passing of the Party chief, stressing that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is a model of a steadfast communist, an outstanding thinker, and an eminent leader who devoted his whole life to the country and people. The diplomat vowed to continuously strive to make more contributions to the countrys development - a cause that the General Secretary had tirelessly nurtured.

President of the Algerian Senate Salah Goudjil expressed deep condolences over the great loss of the Party, State, Government, and people of Viet Nam.

In the condolence book, Goudjil emphasised that Viet Nam has lost a steadfast and visionary combatant, and an outstanding leader whose great contributions to the country's development across areas from politics, diplomacy, economics and culture have been proven by history.

The Vietnamese Party leader left an important hallmark in the process of building a modern and prosperous Viet Nam, he said, affirming that Algeria always stands in solidarity with Viet Nam and believes that the Vietnamese people will overcome this difficult period.

The same day, Secretary General of Algeria's National Liberation Front (FLN) Party Abdelkrim Benmbarek, and member of the FLN Party Central Committee in charge of external relations affairs Mourad Lamoudi paid tribute to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the embassy.

Earlier, Benmbarek also sent condolences to the CPV Central Committee, saying the members of the FLN Party Central Committee remember the Vietnamese Party chief as a wise leader who devoted his entire life to the development of Vietnam and the building of the CPV.

The Algerian Party leader also highlighted Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's contributions to nurturing the traditional friendship between the two parties.

The same day, Laid Rebiga, Minister of War Veterans and Rights Holders of Algeria, represented Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to pay tribute to the Vietnamese Party leader.

Ambassadors of many countries in Algeria, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), France, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Mali, Iraq, Indonesia, and Malaysia, also signed the condolence book in memory of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. They expressed their grief at the passing of the Vietnamese Party chief and acknowledged and appreciated his contributions to Viet Nams development as well as his efforts to strengthen relations between Viet Nam and other nations.

Many diplomatic and international delegations in Egypt, as well as representatives from the Egyptian Presidency and the Arab League (AL), visited and signed the condolence book in memory of the Vietnamese Party leader, expressing their sorrow at the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. They acknowledged and highly valued his contributions to Viet Nam's development and the promotion of relations between Viet Nam and other countries.

Writings in the condolence book, Salah Adly Abdelhafiz, General Secretary of the Egyptian Communist Party, expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the leadership of the CPV and the people of Vietnam, stressing that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was an outstanding leader with strategic vision who made enormous contributions to building socialism in Viet Nam as well as to developing the countrys distinctive foreign policy.

Abdel Aziz El Sherif, Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister and Chamberlain of the Presidency Cabinet of Egyptian Presidency, wrote in the book that on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, he extended his deepest condolences to leaders and people of Viet Nam. He called Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong a steadfast leader who devoted his life to the cause of building the CPV, and to the country and people of Viet Nam; and made many huge contributions to the countrys renewal, development, and progress.

Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang extended his deepest condolences over the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and described the deceased as an outstanding leader of the Vietnamese people and a great friend of the Chinese people.

Ambassadors of Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, the RoK, Brunei, and Rwanda, along with representatives from the embassies of Thailand, Indonesia, Syria, and Myanmar in Egypt also signed the condolence book in memory of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The embassies of Panama, Dominica, Brazil, Libya, Yemen, India, Russia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Holy See also sent condolence notes to the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt. VNS
HA NOI  Since the early morning of July 25, large numbers of leaders and people from all walks of life have paid their last respects to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the National Funeral Hall in Ha Noi, the Thong Nhat Hall in HCM City, and in his hometown in ong Hoi Commune of Ha Nois ong Anh District, showing their great grief over the passing of the Party leader.

With infinite condolences, President To Lam wrote in the funeral remembrance book: "Extremely sorry for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong  the beloved son of the Vietnamese nation, the exceptional and outstanding leader, a steadfast Party member, a shining example of constantly studying and following President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics and style. He gained great prestige in the Party, State and people and was a great friend of the world's people, and devoted his whole life to the country, the Party and the people. He has made many great contributions to the revolutionary cause of the nation and to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

We respectfully bow before your heroic spirit. We vow to study, follow your example, serve the Fatherland and the people with all our heart and soul and try to achieve the goal of building a peaceful, independent, unified, democratic, prosperous, and happy Viet Nam that you cherished and strived for all your life. The name, career, personality and great contributions of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong are deeply imprinted in the hearts of the people, forever preserved in the history of the heroic Vietnamese people."

Paying his respects to General Secretary Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh wrote in the funeral book: "In front of the heroic spirit of comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, we respectfully honour and are deeply grateful for his great contributions. He devoted his entire life to the revolutionary cause of the people and the nation, to the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland in the new era. We vow to follow your example and unite with high determination and great efforts, overcome all difficulties and challenges, and strive with all our minds to protect and build the Vietnamese Fatherland. The socialist society will be strong and prosperous, and the Vietnamese people will be increasingly happy. Respectfully say goodbye to Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong."

With emotion, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man wrote: "Extremely sorry for Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong  an excellent leader with great prestige in the Party, State, and among the people. He was a steadfast and exemplary communist who dedicated his life to the Party, the country, and the people. He spent his time, effort, and intelligence on innovation and improving the NAs operational efficiency. He provided important orientations to best meet the country's political requirements and tasks, and the peoples expectations and trust nationwide. Comrade Trong's death is a huge loss to our Party, State, and people, leaving behind endless grief for him, his compatriots, his family, and international friends.

We respectfully vow to continue following the revolutionary path chosen by the Party, Uncle Ho, previous generations, and comrade Trong. In the enormous sadness and loss, I would like to send my deepest condolences to his family. Farewell, dear comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

On behalf of the Central Steering Committee on Preventing and Combating Corruption, Luong Cuong, deputy head of the committee, wrote in the condolence book: "Extremely sorry for comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong  Head of the Central Steering Committee on Preventing and Combating Corruption. He was a prestigious, exceptionally excellent leader, and a shining and exemplary example of revolutionary ethics.

His thoughts, ethics, manners, and lifestyle will always be a guideline for the entire Party, army, and people to study and follow to persistently prevent and repel corruption, building our Party and State increasingly clean and strong."

In the condolence book, o Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, wrote that mourning Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the VFF Central Committee delegation respectfully offered incense in solemn farewell to the beloved General Secretary  a steadfast Communist soldier, an outstanding disciple of late President Ho Chi Minh, a talented and exceptional leader, a sharp thinker, and a great cultural figure.

"Although he passed away, his name, his career, his compassionate heart, his dedication, and his love for the people will forever endure," he wrote.

The VFF pledges to unite, together with the entire Party, people, and army, to strive to build a prosperous and happy country as the General Secretary always desired during his lifetime, Chien wrote.

In the funeral guest book, General Phan Van Giang, member of the Politburo, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Minister of National Defence, wrote that the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of Defence deeply mourn Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, and Secretary of the Central Military Commission  an exceptionally outstanding leader, a steadfast communist, and an intellect who devoted his entire life to the nation.

He was an exemplary role model, with significant contributions to the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation. He always paid attention to the development of the armed forces in general and the Viet Nam People's Army in particular. He led and directed the successful implementation of the Fatherland safeguarding strategy in a new situation, along with the Party's policies and the States legal frameworks in the military and defence sectors, thereby contributing to firmly protecting the Fatherland early and from afar through peaceful means.

The officers and soldiers of the Viet Nam People's Army and the militia and self-defence forces across the country forever cherish the significant contributions of the General Secretary, Secretary of the Central Military Commission; and pledge absolute loyalty to the Party and the people, and, together with the entire Party and people, achieve victory in the Fatherland building and safeguarding cause to be worthy of the trust, love, and expectations of the late leader, the Party, the State, and the people, Giang added.

Writing in the condolence book, member of the CPV Central Committee, Secretary of the Central Public Security Party Committee, and Minister of Public Security Sen. Lieut. Gen. Luong Tam Quang expressed the outpouring of grief of the Central Public Security Party Committee, the Ministry of Public Security and all officers, soldiers, and employees of the public security force over the passing of the General Secretary  an excellent leader who devoted his whole life and sacrificed for the Partys ideal targets and the peoples happiness, and made great contributions to the Party's and peoples revolutionary cause.

The Party chief, he penned, is a shining example of great personality and a witted mind, and a symbol of sincerity, closeness, and simplicity, who has been respected by not only the Vietnamese people but also international friends, adding that the images of the genuine and steadfast communist with wholehearted service to the nation and people will forever remain in the minds of the people and the public security force.

Quang added that the public security force promises to devote its efforts and brainpower to the cause of national construction and development, develop itself into a strong, elite, and modern force, and follow the late Party chiefs teaching that honour is the most sacred and noble thing.  VNS
Writing in the condolence book, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) Solly Mapaila emphasised that the SACP will always remember the contributions by the Vietnamese Party leader to the cause of building socialism in Viet Nam, and to inheriting the historical struggle against imperialism of the country under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap.
Vientiane  A state funeral for Viet Nams Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was held at the headquarters of the Lao Prime Ministers Office, the National Assembly Office, and the Office of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee on Thursday.

Officials and staff of the Prime Minister's Office observed a minute of silence to express deep grief at the passing of General Secretary Trong who made significant and crucial contributions to nurturing and developing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples.

Minister-Chairman of the office Bouakhong Nammavong shared that as the Lao Party, State, and people lost a close and dear friend, the Lao Party and Government decided to observe national mourning in Laos, including at the Lao Embassies and representative offices abroad.

Sharing his grief at the passing of General Secretary Trong, Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee Offices Youth Union Phouthala Keovichith stressed that to preserve and further cultivate the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation, significantly promoted by the General Secretary and Lao Party General Secretary and State President Thongloun Sisoulith, he and the younger generations of Laos will continue to follow the Party and State's policies of inheriting and developing the longstanding and fine traditional relationship between the two countries.

Laos is observing national mourning for the Vietnamese Party leader on July 25-26. From July 25, ministries, sectors and agencies from the central to local level in Laos, and the Laos-Viet Nam Friendship Association have sent letters of condolences, and paid respects to the deceased at the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos and Consulates General in Lao localities.

In addition, major press and media agencies of Laos have run articles and screened documentaries featuring the late leaders important contributions to the Laos-Viet Nam, Viet Nam-Laos great friendship, special solidarity, and all-round cooperation.  VNS
HA NOI  Representatives of localities from the north to the south of the country have gathered in Ha Noi on Thursday to pay respect to the late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The funeral service is also expected to welcome members of the public from 6pm on Thursday, with chip-based ID cards or level-2 VNeID accounts required.  VNS
HA NOI  President To Lam hosted a meeting with Prime Minister Han Duck Soo of South Korea, who led a high-level delegation of the South Korean government to Viet Nam to pay respects to Viet Nams Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

At the Presidential Palace on Thursday, Prime Minister Han Duck Soo conveyed President Yoon Suk Yeol's deep condolences to the State and people of Viet Nam and the relatives of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

He affirmed that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's contributions to the development of the country and the friendly cooperation relationship between Viet Nam and South Korea would always be remembered by the people of both.

On behalf of the Party, State and people of Viet Nam, Lam expressed sincere gratitude to President Yoon Suk Yeol for sending a message of condolence to the Party, State and people of Viet Nam, as well as to the relatives of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

"The presence of Prime Minister Han Duck Soo, leading the high-level delegation of the South Korean government to Viet Nam to pay respects to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, demonstrates South Korea's special regard for the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and South Korea," Lam said.

Lam also said that the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a great loss to the Party, Government and people of Viet Nam, as well as to his family.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has always valued and made significant contributions to the development of Viet Nam - South Korea cooperation to new heights, particularly in upgrading bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022, he said.

Lam added that Viet Nam's Party, State and the people always treasured and desired to further develop the comprehensive strategic partnership with South Korea in a substantial and effective manner across all fields.

He stressed the need for both sides to continue regular high-level visits and exchanges, strengthening political trust, laying the foundation for promoting cooperation in other areas, especially in terms of national defence and security, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region and the world, as well as promoting economic, trade and investment cooperations.

Lam hoped that South Korean enterprises would continue to expand their investments in Viet Nam.

He also emphasised the expansion of cooperation in education, culture, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, enhancing local cooperation and caring for supporting and creating favourable conditions for each other's citizens.

For his part, Prime Minister Han Duck Soo highly appreciated Viet Nam's role and position in the region and the world, affirming that South Korea considered Viet Nam an important partner in its foreign policy and a key partner in implementing policies in the region such as the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the ASEAN-Korea Initiative.

He also expressed his desire to develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in depth and substance, in order to be effective bilaterally and multilaterally in the future.

Prime Minister Han Duck Soo also extended President Yoon Suk Yeol's invitation to Lam to visit South Korea.

On the same day, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed Prime Minister Han Duck Soo, leading the high-level delegation of the South Korean government to Viet Nam to attend the funeral for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

On behalf of the Party and Government of Viet Nam, PM Chinh sincerely thanked President Yoon Suk Yeol and the South Korean government for conveying condolences and sending Prime Minister Han Duck Soo  Special Envoy of President Yoon Suk Yeol  to lead the high-level delegation of the South Korean government to Viet Nam to pay respects to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

PM Chinh said: This is the precious care and special regard of the South Korean government and people for the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and South Korea, particularly towards Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The Government leader also added that the Party, Government and the people of Viet Nam particularly valued relations with South Korea.

He said that both sides needed to continue to strengthen political trust, promote exchanges at all levels, promote economic, trade, investment cooperation and development cooperation  the main pillar of bilateral relations, striving to achieve the goal of raising bilateral trade turnover to US$100 billion soon, while aiming for $150 billion by 2030.

PM Chinh hoped that South Korean enterprises would continue to expand their investment in Viet Nam, focusing on strategic industries and future industries such as semiconductors, digital transformation, the green and circular economies, technology, renewable energy and artificial intelligence (AI).

Prime Minister Han Duck Soo assessed Viet Nam as a promising investment destination with nearly 10,000 South Korean enterprises currently committed.

He suggested Viet Nam to continue to create favourable conditions for South Korean enterprises to invest and expand their investment scale.

Prime Minister Han Duck Soo thanked Viet Nam's leadership for promoting dialogues, resolving difficulties, and creating favourable conditions for South Korean enterprises to invest smoothly over the past time.

He expressed his desire to further develop the comprehensive strategic partnership with Viet Nam in depth and effectiveness.

On the same day, at the Ha Noi-based National Funeral Hall, Lam also received Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser of India who was representing the Indian Government to pay respects to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Lam sincerely thanked the Government and people of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval for their special sentiments towards Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, as well as standing side by side with Viet Nam's leadership and people during these painful times, demonstrating the deep bond between the two countries and peoples.

Also at the National Funeral Hall, Lam received Laid Rebigua, Algerian Minister of Veterans Affairs and the People.

Lam thanked the Algerian delegation for attending, emphasising that Viet Nam would always treasure and remember the precious sentiments of the Government and the people of Algeria.  VNS
HA NOI  President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and President of the Senate Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasised that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong dedicated his life to the country and its people, fostering the relationship between the two Parties, the two States and the peoples of Viet Nam and Cambodia.

He made the statement at the meeting with President To Lam on Thursday at the Presidential Palace. President Hun Sen was in Viet Nam to attend the State funeral of the General Secretary.

The Cambodian President conveyed his deep condolences on behalf of the CPP, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, the National Assembly, the Senate and the Cambodian people to the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), the State, the National Assembly, and the people of Viet Nam on the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Hun Sen praised the General Secretary for his significant contributions to the Party, the State and the people of Viet Nam. He recalled his meetings with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and thanked Viet Nam for its past assistance in helping Cambodia escape genocide and its ongoing support in national development.

He highlighted that under Nguyen Phu Trong's leadership, Viet Nam achieved significant socio-economic development and Party-building accomplishments. He affirmed that Cambodia would continue to nurture the relationship between the two Parties, the two States and the peoples of both countries.

Hun Sen also discussed various aspects of cooperation between the two countries.

President To Lam expressed gratitude to the CPP Central Committee, the King, and the senior Cambodian leaders for their condolences on the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He acknowledged this as a profound reflection of the strong relationship between the two Parties, the two States and the peoples of Viet Nam and Cambodia.

He shared that the passing is a tremendous loss for the Party, the State, and the people of Viet Nam. He affirmed that throughout his leadership, the General Secretary consistently focused on strengthening and developing the Viet Nam-Cambodia relationship.

President Lam emphasised the traditional bond and mutual cooperation between the two Parties, the two States as well as the trilateral relationship with Laos. He expressed joy over the continued consolidation and development of the relations between the two Parties and the two States in various fields.

The President also discussed several areas of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, economic connectivity, Mekong sub-region cooperation and ASEAN issues.

He affirmed that Viet Nam would do its utmost to maintain and nurture the good neighbourly relations, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability of the Viet Nam-Cambodia relationship, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.  VNS
BANGKOK The Vietnamese Embassies in Thailand and Brunei on July 25 began respect-paying ceremony and opened condolence books for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

In Thailand, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as well as representatives from various Thai ministries and departments came to the embassy to pay their respects.

In the condolence book, PM Srettha extended deepest condolences to the government and people of Vietnam on the passing of Party General Secretary Trong. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the government, and the people of Viet Nam during this difficult time.

The mourners also included ambassadors and diplomats from many foreign embassies in Thailand, and representatives from various associations, businesses, and the Vietnamese community.

The entries in the condolence book expressed deep respect and sorrow for the late Party General Secretary, highlighting his role in enhancing Viet Nam's relations with other nations. They affirmed that his legacy will be upheld in a worthy manner and continue to positively contribute to strengthening Viet Nam's international ties and global standing.

On the same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei also opened a two-day respect-paying ceremony and a condolence book for the Party General Secretary at its premises.

Princess Hajah Masna, the sister of Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, paid tribute to the late Vietnamese leader on behalf of the Brunei royal family and government.

Numerous ambassadors and heads of foreign missions in Brunei also paid their respects to the General Secretary, including ambassadors of Japan, Laos, China, the US, Australia, France, India, Thailand, the Philippines, Turkey, Iran, Timor-Leste, among others. VNS
HA NOI  President To Lam on Thursday received Suga Yoshihide, a special envoy of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and former PM of Japan, who is in Viet Nam to pay his last respects to the late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

On behalf of the Japanese government, Suga conveyed his deepest condolences to the Party, State, people of Viet Nam, and the family of the late Party leader.

The special envoy expressed gratitude for the significant contributions made by the General Secretary to enhancing the friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan, which, he said, will always be cherished and remembered by the people of both countries.

He noted that under the General Secretary's leadership, Viet Nam-Japan relations have made remarkable and noteworthy progress in various fields.

Highlighting that the relationship was upgraded to an extensive strategic partnership in 2014 and a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023 during the tenure of the late General Secretary, President Lam affirmed the ties have seen increasing political trust and expanded cooperation across various fields. The collaboration between the two countries at regional and international forums has grown more and more reliable and close-knit, with Japan remaining one of Viet Nam's leading economic partners in development cooperation, investment, and trade.

The State leader called on the former Japanese PM to continue supporting the strengthening of bilateral high-level exchanges and collaboration in such fields as defence, security, economy, locality-to-locality cooperation, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Suga affirmed that the Japanese government and he personally will continue to work to enhance the nations comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly in economy, investment, trade, official development assistance (ODA), and labour.  VNS
Police in New York are looking for a moped driver who knocked out two men early Tuesday morning, leaving one of the victims critically injured, according to police and news reports.

The NYPD released a surveillance video of the incident that happened at around 2:40 a.m. near Ninth Ave. and West 44th Street in Manhattan. The driver of the black moped bumped into one of the men, WNBC-TV reported.

They exchanged words and the driver rode off but returned shortly and began arguing with the two men.

At one point, the driver slugged one of the men in the face, knocking him unconscious.

WANTEDfor an Assault in front of 627 9th Avenue #Manhattan @NYPDMTN on 7/23/24@ 2:40A.M. The individual did punch the victims in the face, rendering them unconscious. Reward up to $3500 Know who he is?Call 1-800-577-TIPS Calls are CONFIDENTIAL! pic.twitter.com/p3q4KopP6N  NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) July 24, 2024

The driver then punched the other man as he tried to intervene. As he fell to the sidewalk, his head hit the concrete.

That man is in critical condition at Bellevue Hospital, the New York Daily News reported.

The driver was wearing a white T-shirt with black pants.

A reward of $3,500 if being offered for information to his identity.

The NYPD asks anyone with information to call 800-577-TIPS.

All calls are confidential.
HA NOI During his 57-year Party membership, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made many major contributions to the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.

During the oi moi (renewal), he left imprints in the Party's ideological work, contributing to planning policies and guidelines at the strategic level.

Politburo member Nguyen Trong Nghia, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its Commission for Information and Education made the assessment in his article entitled 'Imprints made by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in the Party's ideological work'.

The Party chief paid great attention to the Party's ideological work. He proved be an exceptionally excellent politician and thinker after holding important positions: Member of the Party Central Committee from the seventh term to the 13th term; Member of the Politburo from eight term VIII to the 13th term; Editor-in-Chief of the Communist Review; Secretary of the Ha Noi Party Committee; Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council; National Assembly Chairman; President; Party General Secretary from the 11th term to the 13th term.

In all circumstances, he always demonstrated the bravery and intelligence of a communist with strategic vision, absolute loyalty to the Party, the Fatherland, the people and steadfast in Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh's ideology, revolutionary goals and ideals of the Party and nation and the Party's principles.

According to Nghia, as a theorist, Party General Secretary Trong made many special contributions thanks to his theoretical publications carrying high value. In his works, he summarised practice and raised it to a theoretical level of innovation.

Trong was truly a sharp journalist and became an experienced writer of Viet Nam's revolutionary journalism.

His articles were strategic, visionary, but extremely accessible, easy to understand, easy to remember, highly combative and had the power to spread, impact and inspire emotions.

Many verses, folk songs, proverbs, and teachings of President Ho Chi Minh were applied by the General Secretary in his journalistic writing style, demonstrating his sharpness and intellectual stature conveying the guidance of the leader of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

It also demonstrated the rich and diverse writing style of a soldier on the cultural ideological front.

His articles and speeches made an important contribution to disseminating and educating the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws. It also protected the Party's ideological foundation, fought against wrong and hostile views, corruption, wastefulness, negativity, prevented and repelled ideological degradation as well as internal "self-evolution" and "self-transformation".

In Party building and rectification, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong paid special attention, respect and high determination and stayed persistent in the goal of building a truly clean Party and political system.

In the field of ideological practice, ethics, and lifestyle, the General Secretary was a typical and shining example of self-study, self-training, self-reflection, self-correction and setting an example in all fields of Party building, especially in studying, following and setting an example to practice revolutionary ethics, studying and following Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics and style.

As General Secretary, Trong always demonstrated the core leadership role, together with the Central Executive Committee, Politburo and Secretariat to promptly and closely lead and direct the countrys construction the Fatherlands protection, especially in building the Party in terms of politics, ideology, ethics, promoting the fight to prevent and repel the deterioration of political ideology, ethics, lifestyle, manifestations of internal transformation and fighting against corruption and negativity.

He often stated: "Ideological and cultural work must encourage the oi moi process on the basis of maintaining political and social stability, strengthening unity throughout the Party, the entire army and people (unified awareness, unified will, unified action). VNS
HA NOI  High-ranking delegations from Laos, China, Cambodia, Russia, Cuba paid their last respects to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on Thursday, expressing their grief for the death of the Vietnamese Party leader.

In the condolence book, Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith noted the profound sadness at the death of General Secretary Trong. He wrote that the Lao Party, State, and people will always remember the General Secretarys great merit and invaluable contributions to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Viet Nam.

"We lost a respectable comrade, a close and great friend," he wrote, affirming that the Vietnamese Party leader's reputation and legacy will forever live on.

Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning, leading the Chinese delegation to the respect paying ceremony, expressed deep sorrow at the passing of the General Secretary, calling him a great friend of the Chinese people.

Extending condolences to leaders and members of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and President of the Cambodian Senate Samdech Techo Hun Sen wrote that the CPP has lost a comrade and a visionary leader who strongly supported and developed the bilateral long-standing friendship and cooperation in all aspects between Viet Nam and Cambodia in the spirit of friendship between the CPP and the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

Petr Olegovich Tolstoy, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia, wrote in the condolence book that the Russian people will remember and highly value the General Secretarys significant contributions to establishing and advancing the Russia-Viet Nam comprehensive strategic partnership built on traditional friendship, trust and mutual support.

"We will forever remember the excellent leader," he wrote.

President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez offered the deepest condolences at the death of General Secretary Trong, who is a close and loyal friend of Cuba. He said the rich theoretical knowledge and extensive revolutionary experience of him are significant to the cause of socialism building in Viet Nam and a source of reference for the international communist movement. Trong's research in Marxist-Leninist theory, Ho Chi Minh Thought and Viet Nam's oi Moi has strategic significance, he wrote.

The Vietnamese Party leader's successful visits to Cuba are evidence of the excellent relations between the two countries and the will to continue consolidating and expanding the relations, Hernandez wrote. He recalled his meeting with General Secretary Trong in September 2023, saying that he will forever remember that meeting, as he is the last Cuban leader to have had the chance to exchange views with him, a close friend of Cuba.

In the afternoon on July 25, many ambassadors, representatives of various countries and international organisations in Viet Nam came to pay their respects and express profound sorrow at the passing of the Vietnamese leader.

As part of the State funeral for the Party leader, the respect-paying ceremony is held at the National Funeral Hall from 7am to 10pm on July 25, and 7am to 1pm on July 26.

The memorial service is scheduled for 1pm on Friday at the National Funeral Hall, followed by the burial ceremony at 3pm at Mai Dich Cemetery in the capital city.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Thursday met with Tolstoy Petr Olegovich, Deputy Chairman of Russias State Duma (lower house), who is in Viet Nam to attend the state funeral of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Remarking that the late Party General Secretary was a close friend of the Russian people and made significant contributions to the establishment and development of the two countries comprehensive strategic partnership, Man underscored Viet Nam's commitment to upholding his legacy regarding the bilateral relations.

The top legislator said Vietnamese people always remember the whole-hearted support provided by the Russian people for Viet Nam's past struggle for national liberation as well as current efforts to build and protect the country. Viet Nam wishes to enhance cooperation with Russia across all fields for mutual benefit and for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

He called for the effective implementation of cooperation agreements between the two countries parliaments and for stronger collaboration between their parliamentary friendship groups and other parliamentary units.

For his part, Tolstoy affirmed that the comprehensive strategic partnership with Viet Nam is a priority in Russia's foreign policy.

Stressing the countries traditional friendship and high level of trust, he said it is necessary to develop the ties further in the time to come, particularly in the sectors of economy, politics, and to increase exchanges of issues of mutual concern.  VNS
HA NOI  President To Lam hosted a reception in Ha Noi on Thursday for Wang Huning, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, who leads the Chinese Party and State delegation to the state funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Ha Noi.

President Lam expressed heartfelt gratitude to the CPC Central Committee for its prompt and sincere message of condolence. He also thanked General Secretary and President Xi Jinping for his visit to the Vietnamese Embassy in China to pay tribute to and shared many heartfelt remarks about the late General Secretary.

He said Wangs presence at the State funeral of General Secretary Trong in his capacity as the Special Envoy of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping reflects the friendly neighbourliness, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. It also demonstrated the sincere feelings and respect of the Chinese Party, State, and people as well as President Xi himself, toward the Vietnamese General Secretary.

Wang, for his part, said the death of General Secretary Trong is a tremendous loss of not only the Vietnamese Party, State and people, but also the Chinese Party, State and people and the cause of peace and progress of humankind.

The Party, State and people of China will always stand shoulder to shoulder with their Vietnamese counterparts, supporting Viet Nams renewal and socialism construction and actively promoting the building of the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, he said.

He described Viet Nam as a priority and a strategic choice in China's neighborhood diplomacy policy.

In reply, Lam stressed that Viet Nam gives top priority to the relationship with China in its overall foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external ties.

Both sides agreed to continue closely adhering to and effectively realising the important common perceptions reached by General Secretary Trong and General Secretary and President Xi, and maintaining high-level exchanges in the near future.  VNS
HA NOI  Ha Noi boasts a unique agriculture, in the heart of the city, which requires significant efforts to sustainably develop the sector following modern, clean and organic practices.

The citys agricultural growth must also be linked with the circular economy and the processing industry and ensure sustainable connection to the global value chains.

According to Nguyen Manh Quyen, vice chairman of Ha Noi Peoples Committee, with the capital citys current conditions, the focus lies in the produce and farming models, rather than the production process.

These must be suitable to the ecological conditions, environmental protection measures, as well as the capital citys economic scale.

Therefore, Ha Noi agriculture must leverage its intellectual power in production, he said.

While the scale might not be extensive, the sector must employ advanced technology for high quality and product value.

In addition, local farming should utilise Ha Nois ecological and cultural strengths to develop a unique agriculture.

As the capital city and an economic and cultural centre of the country, Ha Noi must also act as a focal point of the market economy, a transhipment hub and an intermediate point between municipal and provincial economies nationwide, said Quyen.

Director of Ha Noi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan ai added that Ha Noi aspires to transform the suburban zones of the city with a new approach, which emphasises the traditional cultural foundation and improved living standards in these areas.

The citys concept of urban areas within villages, villages within urban areas is also expected to contribute to the formation of agricultural and suburban tourism destinations.

Ha Noi also needs to focus on planning farming zones based on economic and ecological functions, to develop modern urban agriculture, based on its peoples cultural values, the Red River Delta agricultural civilisation and in alignment with international integration and global connections, said ai.

Accordingly, the capital city must develop specific mechanisms in the planning and management of its agricultural zones, as well as a growth direction that fits each of its development zones.

Specifically, in the historical inner-city, Ha Noi should develop urban agriculture following the model of a circular economy with high technology, elite and smart farming practices, creating green spaces and ecological landscapes.

Meanwhile, in the larger urban area, the growth direction should follow the model of city within city, while the outer zones within future city districts should be scaled up to urban areas where agricultural models align with eco-tourism, offering tourist experiences and leisure activities.

Satellite urban zones and adjacent areas should be designated for agricultural production and preserving and promoting the values of ancient villages, craft villages, as well as educational and experiential tourism.

Key agricultural production areas include the districts of Ba Vi, Phuc Tho, Ung Hoa, My uc, Quoc Oai and Thach That, which will focus on large-scale commodity agricultural production, agricultural with industrial combination, high-tech agriculture and science-technology applications, linked with the development of agricultural supply chains in the Red River Delta.

Aiming to be a transhipment and connection hub, Ha Noi has been making great progress in forming links that allow for safe, high-quality farm produce supply for people.

The capital city continues to maintain and grow its 159 safe agricultural production and consumption chains, of which 53 are for animal products and 106 are for vegetables. These chains have successfully engaged multiple businesses, cooperatives and farmers.

Ha Nois agricultural sector also coordinates with 43 cities and provinces nationwide to proactively manage and support the development of 926 safe food supply chains for the capital city.

Director of BigGreen Co Ltd Nguyen Tien Hung added that his company has established various stores in Ha Noi to introduce farm produce from other cities and provinces.

With the shrinking farming land in Ha Noi, agricultural businesses in the city need to develop more links with other cities and provinces for a steady supply for the people.

Currently, products under the OCOP (One Commune - One Product) Programme account for 60-65 per cent of BigGreens offering.

The company also has 85 OCOP product sale points in 25 towns and districts, where store managers will prioritise marketing Ha Nois OCOP products.

Meanwhile, thanks to crop restructuring and focusing on high-quality seedlings, Ha Noi has developed multiple high-tech and cost-effective models.

The city now boasts 285 high-tech agricultural production models, including 185 in plant cultivation, 45 in livestock farming, 54 in aquaculture and one combining plant cultivation and livestock farming.

Several models have invested in advanced technology and equipment, which has brought positive economic results in alignment with the citys circumstances.

Alongside crop restructuring, Ha Noi has also been working on multiple green agricultural models linked with eco-tourism.

To date, 58.9 per cent of the capital citys land is rural and agricultural areas connected with green production zones.

Ha Nois major plans in execution have identified a focus on investing and developing ecological agriculture and maximising resources from urban agriculture.

Dr Tran uc Vien, chairman of the Academy Council at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, believes that Ha Nois agricultural sector is on the right track.

The local agriculture should leverage the citys human resources, intellectual power and its position as an economic centre, he said.

The agricultural economy is not simply about production but also the efficiency of production models, Vien said, adding that Ha Noi must be the supply source of high-quality raw materials and inputs as well as intellectual power to other cities and provinces.

Ha Noi needs to develop appropriate land resources alongside a favourable infrastructure for the ecological environment and the planned satellite cities, all while forming spaces for the citys buffer zones where the local agricultural sector leverages its strengths, he said.  VNS
HA NOI  Bayer, the Hanoi Stroke Association (HNSA), and the University of Oxford recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the quality of stroke management and scientific research in Viet Nam.

The MoU singing ceremony took place at the Stroke Centre, Bach Mai Hospital, Ha Noi.

Viet Nam is one of the countries with the highest incidence rate of stroke, with about 200,000 stroke patients every year.

Strokes are now among the top causes of death in Viet Nam, with more fatal cases than cardiovascular diseases. Among survivors, this condition causes disability and creates a great burden on family members and communities.

However, Viet Nam faces a critical lack of data and information to enhance stroke care and research.

At the MoU signing ceremony, Associate Prof. Dr. Mai Duy Ton, director of the Stroke Cent at Bach Mai Hospital and chairman of the Hanoi Stroke Association, highlighted the importance of updating knowledge for medical staff.

Many Vietnamese doctors are not fully aware of the role of scientific research in supporting treatment practice. While most attention is paid to patient care, it is vital for healthcare professionals to update scientific knowledge to improve diagnostic capacity and treatment outcomes."

Under the MoU, the three parties will develop a comprehensive programme titled "Improving the Quality of Scientific Research and Stroke Management, period 2024-2025, comprising various key areas of co-operation, including scientific research, educational programmes, data development and publication.

By narrowing data gaps, this collective effort supports improved clinical decision-making and patient care optimisation.

Ingo Brandenburg, Managing Director of Bayer Vietnam, said: Bayer will actively collaborate with medical experts in the development of training programmes for healthcare professionals and the community.

Leveraging our scientific expertise, we will provide input to enhance the quality of training and education programmes, facilitate knowledge updates, further contributing to the overall objectives of the partnership, in consultation with the Hanoi Stroke Association, University of Oxford, and respective experts involved.

Tran Minh Cong, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, said: Today's signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in our collaborative efforts to enhance the capacity of scientific research and stroke management.

This collaboration with the Hanoi Stroke Association and Bayer Vietnam underscores our shared vision of improving healthcare outcomes through innovative research, comprehensive clinical training, and the development of cutting-edge medical guidelines.

Furthermore, the partnership seeks to establish and nurture professional collaboration with international organisations to elevate the quality of stroke research in Viet Nam.

By combining local expertise and data with technical guidance from experts at leading medical institutions overseas, multi-national projects are expected to generate more robust insights applicable worldwide, strengthening the global contribution of Vietnamese stroke specialists while speeding up adoption of evidence-based best practices in the country. VNS
HA NOI  During the days of national mourning for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, flags will be at half-mast across the country, and life seems to slow down and become more solemn to remember a distinguished son of the nation who has just passed away.

People of all ages, from students to the elderly, and those travelling from distant provinces to the capital, united in their heartfelt tribute and profound sorrow for the General Secretary.

By 7am on Thursday (July 25), a large number of people had gathered to pay their respects at the National Funeral Hall on No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street, Ha Noi.

Along the streets of Nguyen Cao, Lo uc, Han Thuyen, Le Thanh Tong, and Tang Bat Ho around the Funeral Hall, people patiently queued to pay their respects, with some sobbing and crying.

On Tang Bat Ho Street, holding a portrait of the General Secretary, ao Thi Ngoc Lan, a veteran from Ha Nois Phuc Tho District, said that she had rented accommodation near the funeral hall two days before the funeral service. She got up early to be present by 4am to complete the procedure for paying her respects.

The General Secretary was a leader devoted to the nation and the people. Since hearing of his passing, I have cried every day, and I constantly think about him. I hope the officials and Party members will continue to follow the moral example of President Ho Chi Minh and emulate the qualities of Trong, Lan said emotionally.

Hoang Van Toan and his wife from Bac Ninh Province took bus to Ha Noi by 5am. He noted that in recent days, the media and social networks have been filled with expressions of grief and stories from people across the country about the General Secretary. Many felt the loss as if they had lost a family member.

He was an exemplary leader, with a modest lifestyle, firm principles and intelligence. The Vietnamese people deeply respect and admire him, Toan said.

o Le Thuy Hang expressed her sorrow, saying that it was impossible to fully describe her feelings. Nguyen Phu Trong was a model leader, an outstanding student of Uncle Ho. He was so simple, an exceptional communist Party member, she said.

She had travelled from a Lat City of Lam ong Province with her sister to see 'Uncle Trong' one last time.

Nguyen Phu Trong was a role model for our generation, someone who always put his heart into the country and dedicated himself to the people. We can apply his teachings to our daily lives. I will strive to follow his example, she said.

Among the mourners, Le Van ong, a veteran from Thanh Hoa Province in his seventies, arrived by bus at 2am on July 25 eager to pay his respects. He noted that throughout his career, the General Secretary showed special care and affection for the Party and people of Thanh Hoa. The people deeply respected and admired him and Thanh Hoa was proud to have had such a dedicated Party member.

People deeply resonate with the General Secretarys famous saying, If the fire is lit and the furnace is hot, even fresh firewood must burn. This shows his unwavering determination in leading the fight against corruption and negativity, ong said.

Another early mourner, Lam Thi Khuyen from Hung Yen City, said: When I heard of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs passing, I couldnt hold back my tears. Despite being the highest leader, he lived a very simple and approachable life, which endeared him to the people even more.

Those who could not come to the funeral watched the live broadcast of the memorial service on television.

Colonel Nguyen Thai Hoa, who joined the Party for more than 55 years ago, could not hide his emotions as he watched the national mourning ceremony on television. He praised the General Secretary as a cultural figure who dedicated his life to the nation until the end.

Viet Nam has never had such wealth, potential, international stature and prestige as it does now. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a leader with vision, always dedicating himself to the goal of a prosperous, strong, and civilised society. One of his notable legacies is his bamboo diplomacy, and he was an outstanding student of President Ho Chi Minh, Hoa said.

Ha Van Beo, 76, from Ben Tre Province, got up at 3am to catch a bus to HCM City for the memorial ceremony.

Despite his age, he felt no fatigue and eagerly awaited his chance to pay his respects to the esteemed leader.

As a citizen, I deeply mourn the passing of such a revered leader and planned to be here to pay my respects and pray before his portrait. Although I never met him, his work has greatly benefited the country and its people, he said, fighting back tears.

Hoang on Nhat Tan, former Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre newspaper and chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Unions traditional club, said: Although the Party Chief has passed away, the Vietnamese revolution will continue and the country will advance along the path set by the Party and President Ho Chi Minh.

In his homeland

Early in the morning, groups of people gathered respectfully at the cultural house to pay their respects to the General Secretary.

Throughout Lai a Village, ong Hoi Commune of Ha Nois ong Anh District, the General Secretarys homeland, the atmosphere was filled with grief, pride, and respect for the General Secretary. Black flags and mourning ribbons have been displayed by residents for several days.

Security and safety for the funeral are well-managed by local forces, ensuring smooth proceedings in spite of the large crowds.

Inside house, the photos showcasing the General Secretarys simple life are displayed beside the altar.

The ceremony began with family members and relatives paying their respects, followed by hundreds of local residents and neighbours. Everyone was overcome with grief for the distinguished son of their homeland.

Phan Anh Xuan, from Lai a Village, said: Since learning of the General Secretarys passing, I feel like losing a close family member. Standing here waiting to pay my respects, I am filled with pride and honour for having a leader who dedicated his life to the country. He is a great example for us to follow, and we pledge to live and work according to his noble spirit.

Colonel Le Van Ha, a former soldier from ong Anh District, expressed his admiration for the General Secretarys character and resolve in both revolutionary work and daily life. He hoped that future generations will continue to uphold the spirit and ideals of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to build the nation.

Vuong Bao Nam, a sixth-grade student from Ngo Quyen Secondary School, arrived early with his teacher and classmates. He ironed his school uniform meticulously for the occasion. I have read many stories about him. I deeply admire him and will follow his example of patriotism, simplicity and modesty. I will strive to be a good citizen, he said with his eyes full of tears.  VNS
HA NOI  The Authority of Information Security (AIS) detected more than 90,000 vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure in June, according to AIS Director Le Van Tuan.

Tuan was speaking at a seminar on cybersecurity on Thursday.

He said digital attacks are now a global phenomenon, targeting critical infrastructure, including power grids, banks and healthcare systems.

Closer to home, Vietnamese businesses suffer significant losses due to sophisticated data encryption attacks and in spite of ongoing warnings, online scams continue to plague the country.

Determined to combat this growing threat, up until June this year, the agency had blocked nearly 3,200 fraudulent websites. However, the scale of the problem underscores the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures.

The seminar also featured the Kaspersky Interactive Protection Simulation (KIPS), which simulates a real-world business and its cost structures associated with cybersecurity measures.

KIPS participants, presented with various cybersecurity scenarios, were required to select appropriate actions to mitigate risks and protect their bottom line.

"Interactive simulations give stakeholders a clear picture of their organisation's vulnerabilities," said Tuan. "This helps them make better decisions in today's complex cybersecurity landscape."

More than 400 cybersecurity experts from the National Computer Emergency Team and representatives from nearly 200 organisations participated in KIPS training.

Kaspersky's report revealed a dramatic surge in the number of compromised accounts in Viet Nam in recent years, with a 31-fold increase in 2023 compared to 2020.  VNS
General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) Solly Mapaila pays his respect for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) Solly Mapaila on July 24 afternoon came to the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa to pay his respects and sign the condolence book following the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

The SACP leader expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, and the bereaved family over their great loss.

Writing in the condolence book, Mapaila emphasised that the SACP will always remember the contributions by the Vietnamese Party leader to the cause of building socialism in Vietnam, and to inheriting the historical struggle against imperialism of the country under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap.

The SACP also proudly acknowledges the contributions to the international struggle of the working class for socialism, and his leadership of the heroic Vietnamese people in building resilient and sustainable socialism.

The Vietnamese Embassies in Algeria and Egyp have hoisted the national flag at half-mast, opened a book of condolences, and organised a memorial service for the late leader.

All the staff and personnel of the embassy and Vietnamese representative offices in Algeria observe a minute of silence to honour and bid farewell to the Party chief. (Photo: VNA)

On the morning of July 24, all the staff and personnel of the embassies and Vietnamese representative offices in the two African countries observed a minute of silence to honour and bid farewell to him.

Opening the condolence book, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh expressed profound grief at the passing of the Party chief, stressing that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is a model of a steadfast communist, an outstanding thinker, and an eminent leader who devoted his whole life to the country and people. The diplomat vowed to continuously strive to make more contributions to the countrys development - a cause that the General Secretary had tirelessly nurtured.

President of the Algerian Senate Salah Goudjil expressed deep condolences over the great loss of the Party, State, Government, and people of Vietnam.

In the condolence book, Goudjil emphasised that Vietnam has lost a steadfast and visionary combatant, and an outstanding leader whose great contributions to the country's development across areas from politics, diplomacy, economics and culture have been proven by history.

The Vietnamese Party leader left an important hallmark in the process of building a modern and prosperous Vietnam, he said, affirming that Algeria always stands in solidarity with Vietnam and believes that the Vietnamese people will overcome this difficult period.

The same day, Secretary General of Algeria's National Liberation Front (FLN) Party Abdelkrim Benmbarek, and member of the FLN Party Central Committee in charge of external relations affairs Mourad Lamoudi paid tribute to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the embassy.

Earlier, Benmbarek also sent condolences to the CPV Central Committee, saying the members of the FLN Party Central Committee remember the Vietnamese Party chief as a wise leader who devoted his entire life to the development of Vietnam and the building of the CPV.

The Algerian Party leader also highlighted Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's contributions to nurturing the traditional friendship between the two parties.

The same day, Laid Rebiga, Minister of War Veterans and Rights Holders of Algeria, represented Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to pay tribute to the Vietnamese Party leader.

Ambassadors of many countries in Algeria, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), France, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Mali, Iraq, Indonesia, and Malaysia, also signed the condolence book in memory of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. They expressed their grief at the passing of the Vietnamese Party chief and acknowledged and appreciated his contributions to Vietnams development as well as his efforts to strengthen relations between Vietnam and other nations.

Salah Adly Abdelhafiz, General Secretary of the Egyptian Communist Party, signs the condolence book in memory of the Vietnamese Party chief at the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt. (Photo: VNA)

Many diplomatic and international delegations in Egypt, as well as representatives from the Egyptian Presidency and the Arab League (AL), visited and signed the condolence book in memory of the Vietnamese Party leader, expressing their sorrow at the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. They acknowledged and highly valued his contributions to Vietnam's development and the promotion of relations between Vietnam and other countries.

Writings in the condolence book, Salah Adly Abdelhafiz, General Secretary of the Egyptian Communist Party, expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the leadership of the CPV and the people of Vietnam, stressing that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was an outstanding leader with strategic vision who made enormous contributions to building socialism in Vietnam as well as to developing the countrys distinctive foreign policy.

Abdel Aziz El Sherif, Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister and Chamberlain of the Presidency Cabinet of Egyptian Presidency, wrote in the book that on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, he extended his deepest condolences to leaders and people of Vietnam. He called Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong a steadfast leader who devoted his life to the cause of building the CPV, and to the country and people of Vietnam; and made many huge contributions to the countrys renewal, development, and progress.

Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang extended his deepest condolences over the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and described the deceased as an outstanding leader of the Vietnamese people and a great friend of the Chinese people.

Ambassadors of Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, the RoK, Brunei, and Rwanda, along with representatives from the embassies of Thailand, Indonesia, Syria, and Myanmar in Egypt also signed the condolence book in memory of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The embassies of Panama, Dominica, Brazil, Libya, Yemen, India, Russia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Holy See also sent condolence notes to the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt.

Flag hoisted half-mast in national mourning for Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong The national flag was flown half-mast at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi at 6am on July 25, marking the start of the national mourning for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong which will last from July 25-26.

National mourning for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong: Respect-paying ceremony in Hanoi The respect-paying ceremony of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong is organised in the national mourning etiquette at the National Funeral Hall, No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Hanoi, from 7 AM to 10 PM on July 25 and from 7 AM to 1 PM on July 26, 2024.

State Funeral for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong: Memorial service in Ho Chi Minh City A memorial service for Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is held at the Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh City.
Data centres, industrial parks (IPs) reserved for high-tech production, and parks serving Chinese, the United States, Taiwanese, or Japanese investors are gradually being formed to welcome new funding waves, according to Truong An Duong, general manager of North Vietnam and Residential at Frasers Property Vietnam.

Highly-skilled labour, automation, and more specialisations are deemed near-future trends, Photo: Nhat Bac

From the initial model of IPs that focused on building basic infrastructure and renting out divided land plots, specialised types of production such as research and testing centres, and exhibition and conference centres are now emerging on the market, Duong said.

New industries such as e-commerce with requirements for data and technology infrastructure also require changes in industrial park planning, Duong said at a VIR talk show on the issue last week.

Over the past 5-7 years, the demand for industrial property in Vietnam has developed strongly. We benefit from the China+1 policy, the upgrading workforce, investment incentive programmes, and economic trade between Vietnam and the world, so Vietnam has great potential to engage giant global manufacturers, Duong added.

For Frasers, projects have good occupancy rates. Enterprises that set up factories in Frasers system are mainly electronics and semiconductor manufacturing enterprises, Chinese-speaking countries, and Japanese and South Korean groups.

To allure supply chains with different production values and consumer goods industries, it is necessary to have specialised types such as data centres, infrastructure construction, skilled labour training, and incentives for each industry.

Developing specialised IPs will be a trend if we want to develop deeper into the global supply chain, Duong said. If Vietnam intends to compete, it must have research and development facilities, data centres in IPs, and even exhibition centres for enterprises. The government must also develop services such as taxes, customs, and investment certification within IPs.

Dinh Hoai Nam, director and head of Business Development at SLP Vietnam, said that when investing in the Vietnamese market, SLP considers Vietnam an investment bright spot on the world map.

We will look at efficiency, not excluding any investment model, so if specialised IPs are good, we will also invest, Nam said.

Vietnam has already specialised IPs, according to Nam, such as Sumitomos complexes, which are focused on by Japanese investors, and Hoa Lac, Danang, and Saigon high-tech parks, which focus on attracting IT and technology.

However, to be able to build specialised IPs, the market itself must have enough demand and there must be an ecosystem for investors, Nam said. We need to let investors know that Vietnam is a place worth investing in. We and a number of other investors have the resources to develop specialised IPs, but it is important to have a suitable macro environment to create demand for investors.

Although standard factories and warehouses will still be in high demand in the next three to five years, after that, it will be time to develop tailor-made IPs, Nam added.

Van Nguyen, transactions head for Northern Vietnam at JLL, commented that globally, the leading trend now is focusing on automation towards high-tech industries. However, Vietnam does not have specific areas planned to develop key, specialised IPs, although the advantage is that these IPs will bring a circular ecosystem.

The upcoming development of Vietnams IPs will be specialised, in-depth, to position Vietnam as a progressive market to draw in high-level investors, Van said. However, Vietnam does not have a specific plan to develop specialised IPs. Therefore, on the macro level, consideration is needed to make a difference.

The new trend will be on-demand tailoring, instead of ready-made built. Many Vietnamese businesses are turning to tailoring and proactively finding customers, Van said.

The next trend after that will be automation combined with the use of highly skilled labour. Vietnam will have to implement a plan to train quality human resources as well as create key and specialised industries to be able to compete in the international arena, Van said.
CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells speaks to commissioners of the Public Utility Commission of Texas during a meeting Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Texas utility regulators grilled CenterPoint Energy executives Thursday over their performance in the days following Hurricane Beryl, when millions of Houston-area residents lost power, as the utilitys leaders repeatedly apologized and acknowledged the companys shortcomings in its preparations and response.

At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty said the storm should be a wake-up call to CenterPoint and every other utility in the state.

Whether it be a wildfire  or a big storm or a derecho, I dont care what it is, you all know your system the best, but youll have to do better. The customers deserve better, and we all are giving you a return that expects better, Glotfelty said.

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CenterPoint can recover its operating and maintenance expenses through electricity rates approved by the PUC and passed onto consumers. It can also recover the costs of capital investments and earn a 9.4% rate of return if those expenditures are approved by the commission.

CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells said the company was committed to reearning the trust of the Houston area.

I take personal accountability on areas where we fell short of our customers expectations, Wells said. Most importantly, I want to apologize. While we cannot erase the frustrations and difficulties so many of our customers endured, I, my entire leadership team, will not make excuses. We will improve and act with a sense of urgency.

A presentation from CenterPoint Energy shows a radar image of Hurricane Beryl as a leadership team speaks with commissioners during a meeting of the Public Utility Commission of Texas on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Randy Pryor, vice president of major underground and distribution modernization at CenterPoint Energy, seated at table in center from left, Tony Gardner, a senior vice president, CEO Jason Wells, and Jason Ryan, executive vice president of regulatory services and government affairs, listen to Jimmy Glotfelty, a commissioner with the Public Utility Commission of Texas, as he speaks during a meeting of the Texas PUC on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Public Utility Commission of Texas Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty reviews materials as commissioners speak to a team from CenterPoint Energy, including CEO Jason Wells, about Hurricane Beryl during a PUC meeting Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Randy Pryor, vice president of major underground and distribution modernization at CenterPoint Energy, seated at table from left, Tony Gardner, a senior vice president, CEO Jason Wells, and Jason Ryan, executive vice president of regulatory services and government affairs, listen to Jimmy Glotfelty, a commissioner with the Public Utility Commission of Texas, as he speaks during a meeting of the PUC on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Savant Moore, from right, a Houston Independent School District Trustee, speaks with CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells, and Tony Gardner, a senior vice president, after a Public Utility Commission of Texas meeting Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells listens to commissioners of the Public Utility Commission of Texas during a meeting Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Public Utility Commission of Texas Chairman Thomas Gleeson speaks to CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells during a PUC meeting Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

The hurricane came ashore in Matagorda on July 8, a Monday, and knocked out power in the Houston area to a record 2.26 million CenterPoint customers. Power was restored to about half of those customers within four days, still leaving hundreds of thousands of Houstonians without power as temperatures hovered in the mid-to-high 90s.

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On Thursday, Wells promised to improve communications with customers, replace approximately 1,000 wooden power poles with composite poles and lease more small mobile generators on a short-term basis. As of July 16, CenterPoint had nearly doubled its vegetation management workforce, Wells said. CenterPoint will also hire for a new position in the companys executive team who will make improvements to every aspect of emergency response, he said.

Some of the comments Wells made to the PUC echo his comments to the Chronicle on July 11, when he said, I think we could do a better job of communicating expectations with our customers, and I personally own that.

Asked in an interview after the PUC hearing about his future with CenterPoint, Wells declined to answer and said his focus was improving the company in Beryls aftermath.

My focus is on immediately moving to action to improve all aspects around this storm, improving the resiliency of our system for future storms, improving our communications, improving our emergency preparedness and response in the event another storm threatens our system, Wells said.

Public Utility Commission of Texas Commissioners Courtney Hjaltman, from rear left, Chairman Thomas Gleeson, Lori Cobos and Kathleen Jackson speak to a leadership team from CenterPoint Energy about Hurricane Beryl during a PUC meeting Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Needed improvements

Alyssia Oshodi, CenterPoints director of corporate communications, said after the meeting that the company planned to roll out a new cloud-based outage tracker Aug. 1 that would show outages at the neighborhood level. The company planned to roll out a further improved tracker in the first quarter of 2025 that will show whether a particular households meter is on or off, she said.

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Glotfelty said CenterPoint should consider bringing in-house some of the work currently done by vegetation management and lineworker contractors if its economic to do so. He said CenterPoint must also better coordinate its requests for mutual assistance crews from other utilities and how it prestages those crews.

There are a lot of things that went wrong here, and a lot of things that you all need to fix, Glotfelty said.

CenterPoint spent about $800 million for large mobile generation units, an expense passed onto ratepayers, and most sat idle during Beryl, drawing a rebuke from Commissioner Lori Cobos.

We need for the utilities that own the mobile generation units to develop a plan that optimizes the use of the units, and take lessons learned. If theyre too big, get smaller ones. Make sure you have the right sizes to address your critical care facilities, Cobos said.

Public Utility Commission of Texas Commissioner Courtney Hjaltman listens to a team from CenterPoint Energy talk about the companys response to Hurricane Beryl during a PUC meeting Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Scrutiny to continue

In April, CenterPoint filed a $2.3 billion resiliency plan to strengthen its power poles and lines against extreme weather. Though both Glotfelty and Cobos said they came into Thursdays meeting wanting CenterPoint to withdraw its resiliency plan for approval in light of the investigation, they agreed to put consideration of the plan on hold so CenterPoint, consumer advocacy groups and cities can continue settlement negotiations.

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Even without resiliency plan approval, CenterPoint had an obligation to provide continuous and adequate service, Cobos said.

Youre the second-largest utility in the state, operating in multiple states, have a lot of experience with hurricanes, Cobos said. Some of the things that I heard today are things that the company should have already been thinking about.

Thomas Gleeson, the commissions chairman, invited CenterPoint to come prepared to next weeks state Senate and House hearings with suggested statutory and regulatory changes the company believes couldve helped during Beryl.

The commission briefly discussed its ongoing investigation into CenterPoint and other Houston-area utilities response to Beryl. PUC staff will send requests for information to electric and water service providers, power generation companies and communications service providers in August. The agency is also building an online portal to invite public comment from Houston-area residents and businesses that will be available in a couple weeks.

Public Utility Commission of Texas Commissioner Kathleen Jackson speaks to CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells, front right, and Jason Ryan, executive vice president of regulatory services and government affairs, about Hurricane Beryl during a PUC meeting Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the William B. Travis State Office Building in Austin. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Mayor John Whitmire sent a letter Wednesday to the PUC asking the agency to include municipalities and critical facility operators in the request for information process. Agency staff responded that they would seek input from those groups during the investigation.

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The meeting was attended by Savant Moore, a Houston ISD trustee, who read the names of 24 of the at least 27 people killed by Hurricane Beryl  including at least 11 who died from the heat after sitting in homes without power for days in near-triple degree temperatures  during the public comment portion of the meeting.
First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez on July 24 (local time) writes on condolence book for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Vietnamese Embassy in Havana. (Photo: VNA)

Havana - First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez on July 24 morning (local time) paid homage to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Vietnamese Embassy in Havana.

The Cuban leader was accompanied by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz; Politburo member, permanent member of the Secretariat of the PCC Central Committee and head of its organisation commission Roberto Morales Ojeda; Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla; Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa; and Vice President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Ana Maria Mari Machado, among others.

Miguel Diaz-Canel affirmed that General Secretary Trongs passing is a great loss to the Cuban people, saying he himself and other high-ranking leaders of Cuba had chances to meet and work with the Vietnamese leader, a very close comrade, and a sincere brother of the Cuban people.

Mentioning the General Secretarys book titled "Some Theoretical and Practical Issues on Socialism and the Path to Socialism in Vietnam, the Cuban leader said it is a valuable reference that he always respectfully places in his office.

Miguel Diaz-Canel recounted that the Party chief, regardless of his positions, enthusiastically promoted the special friendship, strong fraternity, and mutual trust between the two peoples.

Writing on the condolence book, the Cuban leader expressed his belief that the General Secretarys contributions will go in the cause of the Vietnamese Party and people forever, saying forever remembering the sincere friend.

For his part, Ambassador Le Quang Long noted General Secretary Trong was the only Vietnamese leader to visit the Caribbean nation for five times in different positions, and that the Party chief was always ready to help Cuba.

He thanked the high-ranking leaders and people of Cuba for their sentiments towards the Vietnamese Party, State and people, particularly General Secretary Trong, stressing Cuba is the first country to have announced three days of mourning for the late leader, demonstrating the special fraternity between the two nations.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, PM Manuel Marrero recalled his Vietnam visit last year and General Secretary Trongs sentiments to Cuba, adding the whole Caribbean country is showing its solidarity with Vietnam those days.

Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa also affirmed the entire Party and people of Cuba accompany Vietnam at this moment, and that Cuba will always stand by the side of Vietnam.

Over the past days, Cuban media has highlighted contributions by General Secretary Trong to national construction and development, as well as the friendship and rare fraternity between the two countries.

National mourning for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong: Respect-paying ceremony in Hanoi The respect-paying ceremony of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong is organised in the national mourning etiquette at the National Funeral Hall, No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Hanoi, from 7 AM to 10 PM on July 25 and from 7 AM to 1 PM on July 26, 2024.
Politburo member and State President To Lam (left), and Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (centre) write in the book of condolences. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - Since the early morning of July 25, large numbers of leaders and people from all walks of life have paid their last respects to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the National Funeral Hall in Hanoi, the Thong Nhat Hall in Ho Chi Minh City, and in his hometown in Dong Hoi commune of Hanois Dong Anh district, showing their great grief over the passing of the Party leader.

With his boundless sadness, Politburo member and State President To Lam wrote on the book of condolences at the respect-paying ceremony at the National Funeral Hall that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a beloved person of the Vietnamese nation, a particularly excellent leader, a staunch communist, and a bright example who had tirelessly studied and followed President Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style, a greatly prestigious figure of the Vietnamese Party, State, and people, and also a great friend of the people around the world.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong devoted his whole life to the nation, the Party, and the people. He also made many enormous contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, the international communist movement, and the maintenance of peace, stability, and development in the region and the world, President Lam wrote.

The State leader pledged that the next generations will follow the General Secretarys example, do their best to serve the Fatherland and the people, stay united and unanimous, and strive to realise the goal of building a peaceful, independent, united, democratic, prosperous, civilised, and happy Vietnam as the late leader wished during his life.

The name, career, personality and great contributions of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong are deeply engraved in the hearts of the people and forever enshrined in the glorious history of the civilised and heroic Vietnamese nation, the President underlined.

Bidding his last farewell to the Party General Secretary, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh recalled the great contributions and life-long sacrifices by the Party chief to the revolutionary cause of the people and the nation as well as the cause of Fatherland construction and defence in the new era.

We promise to follow the Secretary Generals example, stay united and unanimous, and join hands together with the high determination and great efforts to overcome all difficulties and challenges and strive with all our might to protect and make the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland strong and prosperous, and make the Vietnamese people happier and more well-off, PM Chinh wrote.

Politburo member and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man writes in the book of condolences. (Photo: VNA)

Deeply touched, Politburo member and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man wrote that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was an excellent leader with great reputation of the Party and the State, a staunch and exemplary communist who devoted his whole life to the Party, nation and people. He exerted great efforts to renovate the organisation and enhance the operational efficiency of the National Assembly, giving important orientations for the legislature to meet the political requirements and tasks of the country as well as the expectations and trust of voters and people, Man wrote, stressing that the leaders passing is a great loss to the Party, State and people of Vietnam, leaving behind the boundless grief for his comrades, compatriots, family and international friends.

We will continue following the revolutionary path chosen by the Party, Uncle Ho, older generations and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Man wrote in the condolence book.

Representing the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena, Luong Cuong, Politburo member and Standing Member of the Party Central Committees Secretariat and deputy head of the committee, wrote that under the close, drastic, systematic, persistent, continuous, no-exception, strict but humane leadership and direction of the General Secretary, who is also head of the steering committee, the anti-corruption work has seen great progress with important and comprehensive achievements, creating positive and spill-over effects in the society, becoming a movement and an irreversible trend, receiving support and high evaluation from officials, Party members and people and recognition from international friends.

The Party leader's thought, morality, demeanour and lifestyle will always be a "guiding star" and an example for the entire Party, entire army, and entire people to study and follow, resolutely and persistently preventing and repelling corruption and negative phenomena, and building an increasingly pure and strong Party and State, Cuong wrote.

Do Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, writes in the book of condolences. (Photo: VNA)

On the condolence book, Do Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, wrote that mourning Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the VFF Central Committee delegation respectfully offered incense in solemn farewell to the beloved General Secretary - a steadfast Communist soldier, an outstanding disciple of late President Ho Chi Minh, a talented and exceptional leader, a sharp thinker, and a great culture figure.

Although he passed away, his name, his career, his compassionate heart, his dedication and love for the people will forever endure. We will always remember the profound guidance of Comrade General Secretary: Danh du moi la dieu thieng lieng cao quy nhat (Honour is the most sacred), Lay yeu dan lam dong luc thuc hien su nghiep xay dung va bao ve To quoc (Taking love for the people as the driving force to realise the Fatherland building and safeguarding cause), Phai xay dung, cung co, tang cuong suc manh cua khoi dai doan ket toan dan toc (We must build, consolidate, and enhance the strength of the great national unity bloc).

The VFF pledges to unite, together with the entire Party, people, and army, to strive to build a prosperous and happy country as the General Secretary always desired during his lifetime, Chien wrote.

On the funeral guest book, General Phan Van Giang, member of the Politburo, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence, wrote the Central Military Commission and the Defence Ministry deeply mourn Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Secretary of the Central Military Commission - an exceptionally outstanding leader, a steadfast communist, and an intellect who devoted his entire life to the nation.

He was an exemplary role model, with significant contributions to the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation. He always paid attention to the development of the armed forces in general and the Vietnam People's Army in particular. He led and directed the successful implementation of the Fatherland safeguarding strategy in a new situation, along with the Party's policies and the States legal frameworks in the military and defence sectors, thereby contributing to firmly protecting the Fatherland early and from afar through peaceful means.

The officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army and the militia and self-defence forces across the country forever cherish the significant contributions of the General Secretary, Secretary of the Central Military Commission; and pledge absolute loyalty to the Party and the people, and, together with the entire Party and people, achieve victory in the Fatherland building and safeguarding cause to be worthy of the trust, love, and expectations of the late leader, the Party, the State, and the people, Giang added.

On behalf of the Party Committee, Peoples Council, Peoples Committee, and VFF Committee of Hanoi, Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Politburo member, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee, wrote on the book of condolences that the General Secretary's passing is an irreplaceable loss, leaving boundless grief for the Party, authorities, people, armed forces of Hanoi capital city, and the entire nation.

The Party, authorities, people, and armed forces of Hanoi will transform this sorrow into action, and unite wholeheartedly with the entire Party, people, and army, to steadfastly advance on the revolutionary path; and remain committed to the Party's ideals and goals, as well as those of President Ho Chi Minh, predecessors, and the General Secretary to build a strong, democratic, prosperous, civilised, and happy Vietnam, and a civilised and modern Hanoi capital city to fulfil the lifelong aspirations of the deceased, Hoai wrote.

Writing in the condolence book, member of the CPV Central Committee, Secretary of the Central Public Security Party Committee and Minister of Public Security Sen. Lieut. Gen. Luong Tam Quang expressed the outpouring of grief of the Central Public Security Party Committee, the Ministry of Public Security and all officers, soldiers and employees of the public security force over the passing of the General Secretary  an excellent leader who devoted his whole life and sacrificed for the Partys ideal targets and the peoples happiness, and made great contributions to the Party's and peoples revolutionary cause.

The Party chief, he penned, is a shining example of great personality and witted mind, and a symbol of sincerity, closeness and simplicity, who has been respected by not only the Vietnamese people but also international friends, adding that the images of the genuine and steadfast communist with wholehearted service to the nation and people will forever in the mind of the people and the public security force. Quang added that the public security force promises to devote its efforts and brainpower to the cause of national construction and development, develop itself into a strong, elite and modern one, and follow the late Party chiefs teaching that honour is the most sacred and noble thing.

At the same time, a respect-paying ceremony was solemnly held at the Thong Nhat Hall in Ho Chi Minh City, with touching messages written in the condolence book in tribute to the late leader.

On behalf of the municipal Party Committee, Peoples Council, People's Committee and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Politburo member and Secretary of the city's Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen wrote that the demise of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is a great loss of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, and an irreparable one for his family and relatives.

The local administration and people will remember the images of the simple, humble and talented leader with extraordinary energy and great personality, and an outstanding example in following Uncle Hos thought, morality and lifestyle, he noted, adding the city pledges to study and follow the predecessors examples, carry on the noble tradition, stay united, make further efforts and strive to build a thriving Ho Chi Minh City as he wished, and join hands with the whole nation to develop and protect the Fatherland.

In Lai Da village in Dong Hoi commune of Dong Anh district, the hometown of General Secretary Trong, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Hanoi Nguyen Duc Tien wrote in the condolence book that the young generations are committed to studying and devoting their efforts in accordance with the late leaders teaching which is to follow the Party and nations revolutionary path.

On behalf of the armed forces of Dong Hoi commune, Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Ngoc Khoat, in depth of emotions, wrote that the Party chief, with great devotion to the nation, sets a bright example for the armed forces and people of Dong Hoi commune.

State Funeral for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong: Memorial service in Ho Chi Minh City A memorial service for Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is held at the Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh City.

Cuban leaders mourn Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez on July 24 morning (local time) paid homage to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Vietnamese Embassy in Havana.

African political parties leaders sign condolence books in memory of Vietnamese Party chief General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) Solly Mapaila on July 24 afternoon came to the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa to pay his respects and sign the condolence book following the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.
At the 17th session of Hanoi Peoples Council on vocational training and employment held two weeks ago, Bach Lien Huong, director of Hanoi Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, informed that the committee has been advised to issue a list of 77 professions that can be trained in under three months. Among the 15 latest professions included in the training programme is livestreaming sales.

Livestreaming sales enter vocational modernisation, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

Based on market demand and the economic structure, Hanois development strategy for the next 510 years will focus on three sectors: high-tech industry, service-tourism-commerce, and high-tech agriculture. Livestream sales, belonging to the service-tourism-commerce sector, will be emphasised for development, Huong said.

The significant role of livestreamers in generating multimillion-dollar sales revenue has made it one of the hottest professions today. The popularity of social media platforms and the explosive growth of e-commerce have opened up exciting career opportunities for livestreaming professionals.

According to the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the livestreaming market in Vietnam has witnessed a significant increase in both quality and quantity, with approximately 2.5 million sessions per month, attracting the participation of over 50,000 sellers. Among them, shopping livestreams are the most popular form, currently accounting for 62 per cent.

Extended sales livestreaming sessions typically last 23 hours, featuring music performances, gaming activities, and exclusive promotional programmes.

Nguyen The Hiep, deputy director of Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, said, Livestreaming sales bring the benefits of leveraging the power of social media, increasing direct interaction with customers, shortening the purchasing journey, and promoting products. In addition, brands are also collaborating with key opinion leaders to achieve higher business efficiency.

Le Minh Trang, senior manager of the Retail Research Department at NielsenIQ, said, The online shopping experience, along with the ease of product returns, accurate product information and quality, and high customer service has driven online shopping behaviour, helping consumers cut down on costs.

Many e-commerce platforms have seized this mentality and have been actively promoting sales through livestreams, viewing it as a race to expand their market share.

According to a behavioural survey conducted by NielsenIQ on 60 million customers, on average, Vietnamese people spend up to 13 hours per week shopping through livestreaming sessions. Each day, there are approximately 3.5 million visits to e-commerce platforms, and about 90 per cent of consumers intend to increase their usage of online shopping through these platforms.

According to data from the Coc Coc platform, approximately 77 per cent of survey participants have watched livestreaming sales, with 71 per cent making purchases.

The three most popular livestream sales platforms in Vietnam are Facebook, Shopee, and TikTok, accounting for approximately 32, 31, and 17 per cent respectively, according to AccessTrade Vietnam.

CEO of Alpha X Communication, Duy Manh, said that to livestream on certain e-commerce platforms, livestreamers must meet various requirements. For pharmaceutical products and functional food items, e-commerce platforms typically require them to provide proof of professional licences such as pharmacist or doctors licences, or for companies directly selling these products, proof of business licences and product circulation permits must be provided.

Meanwhile, in some other countries, to conduct a livestreaming session, livestreamers must possess professional certifications and assume responsibility in the event of any product-related issues arising for the end consumers.

The profession of livestreaming is popular in Vietnam, but mainly through courses organised by media companies in collaboration with educational institutions. These courses only provide completion certificates rather than degrees or certifications, Manh said. The credibility of these certificates largely depends on the reputation of the training institution and the affiliated media company.

In the future, as the e-commerce market becomes more professionalised, livestreaming certifications will become a mandatory requirement and livestreaming as a profession will be widely taught in many formal educational institutions, Manh added.

Livestream commerce booms Livestreaming jobs are forecast to boom this year as the pandemic continues to stimulate the demand for online shopping. However, the trend is also putting the government on edge as it seeks suitable management modes.
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.
Currently, the MPI is seeking public feedback on a draft decree on preferential policies for the National Innovation Centre (NIC).

A key highlight of this draft is the proposal to establish the National Innovation Support and Investment Fund. This fund will serve to supplement investment resources and support enterprises, organisations, and individuals, thereby fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Accordingly, the fund will operate as a limited liability company or joint-stock company, with initial capital contributions from the NIC, various businesses, investment funds, and other organisations and individuals. The fund's management and capital utilisation will follow market principles, accepting potential risks while ensuring transparency.

The draft decree specifies that the fund will support innovation through several activities: investing in domestic and international startups and innovative enterprises, including venture capital; funding innovation and entrepreneurial activities for businesses; providing scholarships and research funding to research organisations and experts in priority technology fields of the NIC; and awarding scholarships to talented students in high-tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship fields.

The Minister will have the authority to approve the fund's charter, which includes the type of enterprise, organisational structure, charter capital, contribution levels from the NIC, mechanisms for attracting and entrusting investment capital, innovation and entrepreneurship funding mechanisms, and the fund's risk acceptance ratio in investment activities.

Vietnam and South Korea sign MoU to boost innovative startup development According to an MoU signed on July 3 between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam (MoST) and the Ministry of Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups of South Korea (MSS), both parties will enhance cooperation on the development of an innovative startup ecosystem.
Established in 2009, VIAC Limited Fund belongs to Vietnam Oman Investment (VOI) - a joint venture between the Oman Investment Authority of the Sultanate of Oman and Vietnams State Capital Investment Corporation.

This partnership aims to leverage investment opportunities in Vietnamese real estate.

In late 2021, VIAC Limited partnered with Van Phu - Invest by purchasing 690,000 convertible bonds, without warrants, valued at VND 690 billion (approximately $27.6 million). These bonds have a three-year term and are secured by 27.225 million common shares of Van Phu - Invest and owned by a third party.

According to the agreement, VIAC Limited will convert all these convertible bonds into VPI shares at maturity. The conversion price is set at VND 35,000 ($1.40) per convertible share, subject to adjustments as specified in the bond purchase agreement.

A representative from Van Phu - Invest stated that the funds raised from VIAC Limited will be invested in key projects such as Phong Phu Riverside (VND453 billion, approximately $18.1 million) and BT Saigon (approximately $4 million), with the remainder used to support the companys business activities.

In November, the bond package will mature.

Van Phu - Invest and VIAC Limited have agreed to convert the bonds into shares. Following adjustments under clause 6.2 of the agreement, the conversion price is approximately $0.93) per convertible share, resulting in the issuance of 29.65 million shares.

At the annual general shareholders' meeting held at the beginning of 2024, the VPI approved the plan to issue shares for bond conversion. The 29.65 million shares issued to VIAC Limited will represent approximately 9.26 per cent of VPIs total projected shares at the time of conversion.

Thus, upon completion of the conversion, VIAC Limited will become a major shareholder in VPI.

Both parties share a commitment to sustainable development. With VIAC Limited's participation, Van Phu - Invest gains a reputable major shareholder, enhancing its financial capacity and brand value.

Van Phu  Invests leadership views the partnership with VIAC Limited as a long-term, strategic collaboration aimed at jointly developing Vietnams real estate sector, delivering value to consumers, making tangible contributions to society, and improving operational efficiency for both parties.

Van Phu - Invest is a real estate enterprise in Vietnam, with total assets nearing VND12 trillion (approximately $480 million) and a portfolio of projects across the country.

These include prominent developments such as Van Phu Urban Area, The Terra - An Hung, Grandeur Palace Giang Vo, and Vlasta - Sam Son. The company is actively advancing a series of key projects, including The Terra Bac Giang and Vlasta Thuy Nguyen  Haiphong, contributing to the markets supply.
Long Duc Investment Co., Ltd., the developer of Long Duc Industrial Park (IP) in the southern province of Dong Nai, is working with relevant parties to study plans to build a green and smart IP project. The aim is to improve the efficiency of industrial waste treatment towards zero CO2 emissions, and energy saving.

Some industrial areas have already planned to adhere to various international sustainable regulations, ahead of official legislation in this country, Photo: Le Toan

We have had working sessions with provincial leaders and the Management Board of Dong Nai Industrial Parks on the proposal to implement a smart and green IP. This not only creates a competitive advantage for the IPs, but also contributes to improving environmental quality for the provinces IPs," said Ishii Hiroyuki, general director of Long Duc Investment.

Amata Long Thanh City Co., Ltd. is also outlining another eco-IP in Dong Nai that will ensure the waste treatment system uses smart technology.

Other industrial infrastructure developers in the area are interested in applying ecological criteria to transform development models, including Suoi Tre IP in Long Khanh and Nhon Trach 6 IP in Nhon Trach district.

While this increase in attention on eco-IPs was initially thanks to 2022's Decree No.35/2022/ND-CP on the management of IPs and economic zones (EZs), the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) this May further proposed developing a specific law on IPs, aiming to create flourishing conditions to build eco-IPs that can attract high-quality investment capital flow. The proposal is awaiting the approval of the government.

According to Vuong Thi Minh Hieu, deputy director of the MPIs Department for Economic Zones Management at a talk show held by VIR last week, one of the outstanding impacts of the 2022 decree was to encourage the development of new IP and EZ models.

The decree adds types of specialised IPs, high-tech IPs, specialised zones, and non-tariff zones. Besides that, it supplies regulations to clarify the support and cooperation policies, criteria for identification, incentives, certification, order and procedures for registering for eco-IP certification, Hieu said.

At the same time, it specifically stipulates preferential policies for new types of IPs, including regulations on occupancy rate conditions not being applied when considering and approving investment planning for new model IPs, Hieu added.

More specifics wanted

At the talk show, representatives of industrial real estate developers highly appreciated the expansion of regulations, especially the incorporation of rules on sustainable IPs. However, they consider the rules as an initial basis, opening the path for eco-IPs, and simultaneously emphasising the importance of developing a dedicated IP and EZ law.

The development of eco-IPs is a mandatory trend, but this model needs a large amount of initial capital. Decree 35 has no specific regulations on the incentives and preferential loans for developers, so they face barriers in mobilising green finance, said Van Nguyen, associate project manager at real estate company JLL.

The implementation of segments of new model IPs such as land clearance, the development of housing and accommodation for workers, the reuse of treated wastewater, and the installation of the renewable energy system face difficulties due to the overlap of the regulations in other laws, Van said.

Many foreign investors are impatient when it comes to land clearance and other procedures, and they may look for opportunities in other countries. Thus, having a particular law on IPs and EZs to avoid overlap in regulations is an expected requirement, Van added.

Pham Hong Diep, chairman of the board at Shinec, investor of Nam Cau Kien IP in Thuy Nguyen district of Haiphong, said industrial real estate developers like Shinec expect a new law soon.

It would integrate the particular regulations to develop sustainable IPs as well as apply the circular economic model at parks so that there will not be overlap or dependence on other laws, Diep said. The business community is committed to accompanying the MPI and relevant authorities during the process to build the law and will contribute opinions based on practical experience to ensure transparency and objectivity.

Boosting convenience

According to Diep, Nam Cau Kien IP has been applying a circular economy model since 2018. After the government issued Decree 35 and the Law on Environmental Protection, Nam Cau Kien identified changes to make and has met all the criteria for an eco-IP stated in Decree 35, as well as the criteria set for circular economy development.

Decree 35 is just a sub-law document, thus when implementing segments of eco-IPs and circular economic models in IPs, industrial real estate developers face many barriers relating to the other laws. For example, the reuse of treated waste is regulated by the Law on Environmental Protection, the reuse of treated wastewaters regulations depend on the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said Diep.

According to Diep, the construction of housing and accommodation for workers is also a problem. A housing area based on eco-IP standards need many utilities, including convenience for workers.

The problem is that the Law on Housing regulates that a room for 6-8 people in a dormitory just has one toilet, which is extremely inconvenient, Diep explained. However, industrial real estate developers cant do anything because of the overlap with the regulation of the Law on Housing. Housing areas in a few IPs are often abandoned due to failure to meet workers' demands.

Since 2020, the MPI has coordinated with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to implement an eco-IP intervention scheme, with a total budget of $1.82 million, which has been piloted in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Dong Nai, Danang, and Haiphong.

Among IPs selected for project intervention were Amata IP, DEEP C IP, and Hiep Phuoc IP. Technical support was also provided to other IPs involved in a previous UNIDO initiative.

Between 2015 and 2019, the MPI, UNIDO, and other donors worked to pilot eco-IP models in Ninh Binh, Danang, and Can Tho. As a result, 72 businesses implemented more than 900 energy-saving and clean production solutions, which helped them to save $3.3 million and simultaneously cut 32 kilotonnes of CO2 annually.

Industrial parks increase supply of high-quality ready-built factories The strong development of the industrial real estate market has promoted the ready-built factory segment in the eyes of international and domestic manufacturers.

No plain sailing for eco-IP conversion The creation of eco-industrial parks should increase competitiveness, but the implementation process is leaving developers with prolonged headaches.

The pros and cons of IP relocations There are many old industrial parks located in or near densely developed and populated urban areas in Vietnam that fail to provide adequate environmental protection. Timothy D. Van Epp, fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and Mai Nguyen of the American Planning Associations International Division, explain why new rules or incentives may be needed to implement the governments relocation policy.

Capital flows strongly into industrial real estate As the economy is still facing difficulties, industrial real estate has become one of the most attractive sectors for investors.
How is Siemens Industrial Copilot performing?

Siemens Industrial Copilot, an AI-powered assistant developed in collaboration between Siemens and Microsoft, promises to boost productivity and efficiency across the industrial lifecycle. It will allow users to rapidly generate, optimise and debug complex automation code, and significantly shorten simulation times.

Dr. Pham Thai Lai, CEO of Siemens ASEAN and Vietnam

We are rolling in a new era of industrial innovation. Imagine having an invaluable assistant by your side, wherever you are, guiding you through complex tasks like writing and optimising code for machines, and troubleshooting errors. Thats precisely what Siemens Industrial Copilot does for software engineers.

This has the potential to revolutionise the way companies design, develop, manufacture, and operate. Making human-machine collaboration more widely available allows engineers to accelerate code development, increase innovation and tackle skilled labour shortages.

Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, has also said that with this next generation of AI, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation across the entire industrial sector. Microsoft is building on its longstanding collaboration with Siemens and bringing together AI advances across the Microsoft Cloud with Siemens industrial domain expertise to empower both frontline and knowledge workers with new, AI-powered tools, starting with Siemens Industrial Copilot.

Could you elaborate on the cooperation between Siemens and Microsoft on Siemens Industrial Copilot?

Siemens Industrial Copilot exemplifies how partnerships and strong ecosystems can lead to transformative solutions and sustainable growth potential. Together with Microsoft, our shared vision is to empower customers with the adoption of Generative AI (GenAI).

In a deeper dialogue with Nadella, we characterise our joint efforts as a virtuous circle that fosters both innovation and sustainability. Nadella himself also echoes this sentiment, noting the reciprocal nature of our partnership: its a cycle of progress, where our AI advancements supported by a sustainable supply chain enable the creation of greener industrial solutions.

Siemens Industrial Copilot is a result of this strong partnership between Siemens and Microsoft. The AI-driven Copilot - interface and reasoning machine at the same time - supports and enhances certain capabilities. Its purpose is to be a companion, to support and augment users, to help define the standard for man-machine collaboration in the worlds factories.

Maintenance staff can chat in natural language with a faulty machines Copilot, ask for details and discuss solutions for the problem as if they were discussing them with colleagues. Furthermore, addressing the shortage of skilled workers, the focus is on automating tedious repetitive tasks.

For instance, a lot of automation code is standard code that is repeatedly used but needs to be programmed from scratch each time, resulting in wasted time.

Siemens Industrial Copilot can not only replicate an automation code as many times as necessary in a matter of seconds but can also minimise bugs. By utilising the AI-based assistant, programmers can concentrate on that which truly makes a difference.

This intelligent allocation of human and machine effort streamlines processes and unleashes human creativity for the complex challenges, thereby accelerating the pace of innovation. As Siemens Industrial Copilot integrates deeper into the fabric of industrial operations, it will enhance current workflows and lay the groundwork for future advancements.

How can Siemens Industrial Copilot benefit industrial operations?

Already, the potential is being recognised. Take Schaeffler AG, a leading automotive supplier, which is among the first in the automotive industry to embrace GenAI in operations and the engineering phase. This helps its engineers to generate reliable code for programming industrial automation systems such as robots. In addition, the company intends to incorporate the Siemens Industrial Copilot during their own operations, aiming to significantly reduce downtimes, and also for their clients at a later stage.

According to Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler Group, with this joint pilot, the group is stepping into a new age of productivity and innovation. The Siemens Industrial Copilot will help their team work more efficiently, reduce repetitive tasks, and unleash creativity.

Siemens Industrial Copilot will ingest automation and process simulation information from Siemens open digital business platform, Siemens Xcelerator, and enhance it with Microsofts Azure OpenAI Service. Customers maintain full control over their data, and it is not used to train underlying AI models.

Siemens Industrial Copilot exemplifies Siemens ambitious digital strategy to merge the real and digital worlds. Since the 1970s, industrial AI - that which is reliable, secure, and trustworthy - has been leveraged as part of this strategy. Its application in dynamic data centre cooling management, for example, is enhancing data centre operations and increasing their energy efficiency at the push of the button. AI-enabled applications, platforms and connectivity are making smart buildings smarter, and AI-powered automation is revolutionising how transport becomes more flexible, efficient and inclusive.

All of this represents a step towards the industrial metaverse, revolutionising the manufacturing landscape and beyond via direct human-technology interaction.

Siemens holds first Data Centre Day in Vietnam Siemens Vietnam on April 9 held Vietnam Data Centre Day in Hanoi, attracting more than 130 delegates including industry experts, thought leaders, technology providers, and government representatives.
When fully completed in 2025, the centre will span more than 100,000 square metres with a processing capacity of over 2.5 million parcels per day, and feature the latest automated goods sorting system.

The first phase of construction is scheduled for completion in 2025 with operations commencing the same year. When officially launched, the centre is expected to contribute thousands of new job and economic opportunities to surrounding communities, aiding the overall development of Binh Duong province and improving logistics infrastructure in Vietnam.

At the breaking ground ceremony, Edwin Tan, deputy CEO, Frasers Property Vietnam, said that Binh Duong province was known for its strategic location and its well invested urban infrastructure system.

Its industrial parks are currently contributing 10 per cent of the country's export value, and Binh Duong is increasingly asserting its key position in the regionally linked logistics supply chain. This has allowed Binh Duong to continue to attract more and outstanding foreign investment capital, Tan said.

With all the better conditions to become the logistics hub of the southern region of Vietnam, the province is an ideal destination for domestic and foreign logistics businesses, including SPX Express - a logistics provider for cost-effective and reliable delivery services with a network covering 63 cities and provinces in the country, he said.

Frasers Property is a leading multinational real estate company headquartered in Singapore, with multi-asset classes, providing more than seven million sq.m of international grade industrial facilities across Australia, Europe, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

BDIP Premium Industrial Park is its first industrial asset in Vietnam to incorporate the innovative Premium Estate concept.

In addition to high-quality industrial and logistics infrastructure, BDIP Premium Industrial Park offers amenities like the Industrial Service Centre (ISC) and green spaces to support the wellbeing of building occupants.

Frasers Property and SPX have already collaborated in Thailand. A 73,000sq.m first-of-its kind sorting centre located in Wangnoi, Ayutthaya (North of Bangkok) was completed back in September 2022.

This was the first double-cross dock warehouse in Thailand, which enables one of the fastest turn-around within the country.

Frasers Propertys BDIP is the companys first industrial park in Vietnam to incorporate its innovative industry-first Premium Estates concept.

In addition to high-quality industrial and logistics infrastructure, Premium Estates offer amenities and green open spaces to support the wellbeing of building occupants with best-in-class sustainability and technology, providing assurance for the future-readiness of businesses.

The industrial park is one of few developments in Vietnam to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, which recognises healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings.

SPX launches automated sorting centre in Bac Ninh The logistic service SPX launched its state-of-the-art automated sorting centre at Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park in the northern province of Bac Ninh on September 8, becoming the company's largest and most modern sorting centre in the region.
National mourning for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong: Respect-paying ceremony in Hanoi The respect-paying ceremony of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong is organised in the national mourning etiquette at the National Funeral Hall, No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Hanoi, from 7 AM to 10 PM on July 25 and from 7 AM to 1 PM on July 26, 2024.
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.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pays tribute to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN in New York, the US. (Photo: VNA)

New York  Leaders of the United Nations (UN) and ambassadors of countries to the UN on July 24 paid tribute to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong at the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN in New York, the US.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke highly of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's key leadership role and acknowledged that under the leadership of the Party chief, Vietnam has advanced forward on the breakthrough development journey and become an increasingly important partner of the UN.

On behalf of the UN, the Secretary-General extended the deepest condolences to the Government and people of Vietnam, as well as to the family of the late Party leader.

On the same day, President of the 78th UN General Assembly Dennis Francis met with Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, and extended his deepest condolences and those of the UN General Assembly to the State and people of Vietnam. He shared the great loss of the Vietnamese people over the passing of the dedicated leader who has devoted wholeheartedly to the nation.

Giang thanked Guterres and Francis for their sincere gestures and sentiments.

The diplomat noted that under General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's leadership, Vietnam has obtained huge achievements in its renewal and development process as well as in international integration, including the continual enhancement of Vietnam's position, role, and contributions to the UN's common affairs.

Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Permanent Representative of Laos pays homage to and signed the condolence book for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN. (Photo: VNA)

Also on July 24, Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Permanent Representative of Laos, and Ambassador Fu Cong, Permanent Representative of China to the UN, paid homage to and signed the condolence book for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN.

The same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in the US solemnly held a memorial service and opened a condolence book for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Vietnamese House in Washington D.C.

The delegation of officials and staff from the Vietnamese Embassy in the US, the Defence Attache Office, the Trade Office, the Office of Science and Technology, the resident offices of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the Voice of Vietnam (VOV), Vietnam Television (VTV), and the Party cells of the Party organisation in Washington DC attended and signed the condolence book.

On behalf of all the officials and staff of the Embassy and the Vietnamese resident agencies and delegates, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung highlighted the significant contributions and great dedication of the General Secretary to the nation's construction and development, as well as the strengthening and purification of the Party, making Vietnam "never have had the position, potential, prestige, and international standing as it does today."

Regarding diplomacy, the unique "bamboo diplomacy" was strongly promoted, creating historic milestones and substantial changes in Vietnams relations with major partners, including the US.

In memory and following the example of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the ambassador committed that all officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in the US are determined to unite, strive, and wholeheartedly serve the Fatherland and the people.

Representatives from the US government, diplomatic corps, associations, major companies and corporations, and the Vietnamese community attended and signed the condolence book for the General Secretary.

On behalf of the US Department of State, Assistant Secretary of State Dan Kritenbrink expressed profound respect and gratitude for the General Secretary's significant contributions to Vietnam-US relations.

Kritenbrink affirmed that the strategic vision, leadership role, and sincere sentiments of the General Secretary are an essential foundation for the US and Vietnam to deepen political trust and achieve outstanding accomplishments over more than a decade, particularly in establishing and upgrading the Comprehensive Partnership and elevating the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He also said that the US Department of State would continue to collaborate with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and efforts initiated by the General Secretary and generations of leaders on both sides to foster bilateral relations.

Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defence (2013-2015), and Kelly McKeague, Director of the POW/MIA Accounting Agency of the US Department of Defence, highly appreciated the General Secretary's contributions to healing, building trust, and strengthening co-operation between the two countries, emphasising the historical visit of the General Secretary to the US in 2015 and his motto of setting aside the past and looking towards the future as one of the fundamental principles of bilateral relations.

Ambassadors and representatives of ASEAN member countries and many other partner countries also attended and extended their deepest condolences, emphasising that the General Secretary's significant contributions to the cause of national construction and development in Vietnam will always be remembered.

A large number of overseas Vietnamese, generations of Vietnamese people studying and working in the US, also attended and expressed their grief for the General Secretary, a devoted leader for the country and people, and an exemplary student of great President Ho Chi Minh.

Cuban leaders mourn Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez on July 24 morning (local time) paid homage to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Vietnamese Embassy in Havana.
The Law on Telecommunications, which took effect on July 1, says there are no foreign ownership caps for data and cloud providers. Could you shed some light on the new regulation?

Julien Curtet, partner of Index Partners

The new Law on Telecommunications helps clarify the legal framework for data centre business in Vietnam, proving conducive for data centre business as a whole.

First and foremost, prior to this law, there was no formal legal definition of data centre in Vietnam, making it difficult to assess the legal requirements needed to conduct data centre services in the past. The law also establishes requirements for the development and operation of data centres assets in the country, including the various investment models and licences needed.

Finally, the law enacts that data centre services are not subject to foreign restrictions limitations (as long as it does not provide internet services) which, given the high level of investment needed for such facilities, enhances the ability of foreign investors to invest in the country without limitations.

Overall, the new law, by clarifying the legal framework, will be very conducive to business in Vietnam.

Vietnams data centre industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world. How do you see the trend of local and foreign data centre providers expanding in Vietnam?

According to Statista, revenue in Vietnams data centre market is projected to reach $1.83 billion in 2024. Vietnams market is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 7 per cent from 2024 to 2028, resulting in a market volume of $2.40 billion by 2028.

Digital adoption, internet usage, and connectivity are the key drivers of data centre industry across the world. Specifically, Vietnam boasts a 70 per cent internet penetration rate and 76 per cent population with mobile access focusing on over-the-top content, streaming, video games, and social networks.

This, coupled with the fairly good connectivity of Vietnam with the rest of the world via terrestrial and subsea cables, makes the data centre market bright in Vietnam.

As such, we can expect a lot of players to enter the market in the next few years as large tech companies expand their investment into the country. AWS and Microsoft having recently signed large partnerships with local institutions are strong signals of the upcoming need for capacity in the country.

Additionally, related investors are shifting away from Hong Kong and Singapore to neighbouring countries due to land scarcity, high power price, and constraining regulations. Malaysia and Thailand have emerged as the hottest alternatives, followed by Vietnam as the third ideal country for data centre investments.

Do you expect more large-scale data centres, clusters, or other new models to emerge in Vietnam?

Globally, the market is driven by the large public cloud providers such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Google, requiring large amount of power capacity to operate when they enter a country. Given they are likely to come in Vietnam in the near future as they did or announced recently in other markets in the Southeast Asian region, the data centre operators in the market will need to offer large-scale facilities to cater to their needs.

The announcement of the partnership between VNG Corporation and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres for a large-scale facility in Ho Chi Minh City follows that trend.

Indeed, hyperscale data centre providers are making moves into Vietnam to increase their cloud footprint, boosting demand.

Specifically, in July, CMC Corporation announced that it has invested $12.5 million to establish a subsidiary that aims to construct and operate hyperscale data centres. In May, VNG partnered with Nvidia to boost cloud computing capabilities.

Also in the same month, Alibaba announced a plan to build a Vietnamese data centre to follow local storage laws, while Hyosung unveiled its plan to build a data centre in Saigon Hi-Tech Park to tap into the growing demand for digital infrastructure in the region.

What are the opportunities for industrial property developers to develop data centres as lucrative assets?

Data centres operate similarly to a real estate business, where the data centre rents out power instead of space, complemented by services to manage customer equipment. Currently, Vietnams market is dominated by local telecom players catering to local customers, with relatively lacklustre infrastructure and capacities to accommodate requirements from global companies.

To develop a successful data centre business, one needs four competences: the ability to get land, the ability to procure power, data centre operational skills, and the ability to sell data centre capacity. Industrial property developers are usually very skilled at the first two competences, but usually lack specific capabilities for data centres.

This is why there will be more and more joint ventures between local developers and international data centre operators in order to gather all competences together.
Kamala Harris' team got approval from Beyonces representatives to use the song 'Freedom' for her presidential campaign. photo collage

Kamala Harris is going all in for "Freedom."

The Vice President released her first official campaign video Thursday morning, a 79-second clip featuring the song "Freedom" by Beyonce. The ad begins with a question.

"In this election, we each face a question. What kind of country do we want to live in?" Harris asks.

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Harris played the song Monday night as entrance music during her first visit to her campaign headquarters. CNN first reported the news. Beyonce granted permission just hours before Harris walked out to the song.

RELATED: Social media users say 'energy is electric' at Kamala Harris' AFT speech

"There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos. Of fear. Of hate. But us, we choose something different. We choose freedom," Harris says.

Images of Donald Trump and JD Vance flash when Harris says the words "... of chaos. Of fear. Of hate."

She continues, "The freedom not just to get by, but to get ahead. The freedom to be safe from gun violence. The freedom to make decisions about your own body. We choose a future where no child lives in poverty. Where we can all afford healthcare. Where no one is above the law. We believe in the promise of America and we are ready to fight for it. Because when we fight, we win."

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The song amplifies a message of positivity that Harris has been promoting since entering the race earlier this week. President Joe Biden announced Sunday he was dropping out of the presidential race after mounting pressure from Democrats. He immediately endorsed Harris as the next Democratic nominee.

"Freedom" is from "Lemonade," Beyonce's universally lauded 2016 album and features rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was never an official single but still charted inside the Billboard top 40 and earned a Grammy nomination for best rap/sung performance. The song became an anthem for various social causes, including the 2020 George Floyd protests.

Though Beyonce's has not officially endorsed Harris, the move indicates the vice president has the support of the Houston native. Beyonces mother, Tina Knowles endorsed Harris with an Instagram post that read, "New, Youthful, Sharp , , energy !!!! You asked for it and our President Biden did what was best for the country ! Putting personal Ego , power and fame aside . That is the definition of a great leader, . Thank you, President Biden for your service and your leadership . Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President."

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Harris arrived in Houston on Wednesday to meet with Mayor John Whitmire and other officials to talk about the region's recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl. She is scheduled to attend the American Federation of Teachers' annual convention in Houston on Thursday.
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Sharod Coleman is seen in the window of his drink truck business, Nia Cane, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Sugar Land. Coleman sells fresh, Alabama sugar cane juice and coconut juice from the truck in front of a Shell gas station off of South Texas 6 and Voss Road. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Sharod Coleman grew up chewing on sugarcane in Alabama. It was a sweet treat he could get from the nearby fields. Some 35 years later, his sugarcane juice business is flourishing in Houston.

Coleman, 46, opened the first Nia Cane last year. He's since grown the business to three trucks with minimal internet presence and marketing. He juices from a trailer in Sugar Land at a Shell gas station, 11750 Texas 6 S.; the other locations are at 13603 Bellaire and 1801 Bingle. He found that, outside of Asiatown, Houston was an untapped market for the fresh juice.

READ MORE: Houston man selling barbecue out of his trunk is becoming a late night staple in Montrose

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"Back then, we did not know that sugarcane had a lot of amazing (health) benefits, so now, you can get the best of both worlds because you get a sweet natural treat and you also get the benefits," Coleman said.

The menu is simple: seven variations of sugarcane juice, with flavors such as ginger and lime, along with coconut water straight from the shell. Piles of sugarcane and coconuts sit outside under a tent. The juicer is in front of the trailer window where people order.

Nia Cane owner Sharod Coleman works to prepare a drink from sugar cane for a customer, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Sugar Land. Coleman sells fresh, Alabama sugar cane juice and coconut juice from the truck in front of a Shell gas station off of South Texas 6 and Voss Road. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Nia Cane owner Sharod Coleman hands a freshly prepared drink made from sugar cane to a customer, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Sugar Land. Coleman sells fresh, Alabama sugar cane juice and coconut juice from the truck in front of a Shell gas station off of South Texas 6 and Voss Road. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Sharod Coleman is seen outside his business, Nia Cane, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Sugar Land. Coleman sells fresh, Alabama sugar cane juice and coconut juice from the truck in front of a Shell gas station off of South Texas 6 and Voss Road, one of four locations the Alabama native has around the Greater Houston area. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Alabama sugar cane is seen alongside Sharod Colemans business, Nia Cane, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Sugar Land. Coleman sells fresh, Alabama sugar cane juice and coconut juice from the truck in front of a Shell gas station off of South Texas 6 and Voss Road. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A drink menu at Sharod Coleman sugar cane business, Nia Cane, is seen, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Sugar Land. Coleman sells fresh, Alabama sugar cane juice and coconut juice from the truck in front of a Shell gas station off of South Texas 6 and Voss Road. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Alabama sugar cane is seen alongside Sharod Colemans business, Nia Cane, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Sugar Land. Coleman sells fresh, Alabama sugar cane juice and coconut juice from the truck in front of a Shell gas station off of South Texas 6 and Voss Road. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Coleman starts by asking customers if they want ice. For classic sugarcane juice, he sticks pieces of the whole sugarcane through a juicer made specifically for sugarcane. A transparent green juice comes out until the cup is filled to the brim. He puts a lid on and stirs the cup by moving it in a circular motion. The color becomes an opaque green.

For coconut water, he simply shaves one end of the coconut until he can make a small hole in the top for a straw.

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"It's not the first shop that sells sugarcane in Houston, but it's the first street shop that I know of," Coleman said. "You get to see the process here, and people like the transparency of seeing what's put in a cup."

Coleman says it may seem simple but there's more that goes into it. Where the sugarcane is grown can change the flavor. Sticking true to his roots, he gets his from Alabama. The fields he buys from are actually the same ones his grandfather and great-uncles worked at one time or another.

Although Coleman used to chew on it, he said drinking the juice was a different experience for him in adulthood. At Nia Cane, customers can see he juices the sugarcane with the skin, which gives it a grassy flavor that he likes. However, in other countries where sugarcane juice is popular, the skin is peeled off before juicing.

It has the earthy flavors of other green plants  think cucumber and celery, but with a natural sweet note.

Customers wait in line outside Sharod Colemans business, Nia Cane, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Sugar Land. Coleman sells fresh, Alabama sugar cane juice and coconut juice from the truck in front of a Shell gas station off of South Texas 6 and Voss Road. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Before going down the sugarcane rabbit hole, Coleman worked in the trucking industry. He moved to Houston 17 years ago. Part of Coleman experimenting with sugarcane juice was finding out the health benefits. Sugarcane juice is a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. It also has been proven to support the urinary tract and protect the liver, according to WebMD.

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"The reason why I started this company is because I just wanted to invest in people's health and wellness," Coleman said.

His customer base has been diverse, he said. Customers with roots in Latin America, India, Pakistan or Southeast Asia are most familiar with sugarcane juice. Coleman has sugarcane juice written in different languages on his truck, like the Spanish translation, jugo de cana. At night, crowds gather at the truck and, even though there aren't any tables, they socialize.
If youve found yourself at an event lately thinking damn, this DJ is great, chances are good that Spellbound DJ Sami Fink was the mastermind behind the mix.

Fink came up in punk basements and venues in Washington D.C. and Baltimore before making their way to SF to pursue a career in ecological restoration. But even as they worked rebuilding habitats for Golden Gate National Parks, Finks musical roots begged to be tended. In 2014, they began playing shows with post-punk band Composite, working for a record label, and DJing around town.

Ten years later, Finks passion for music has evolved into a full-scale business cultivating the vibe of parties both laidback and wild all over California. When theyre not playing tunes, Fink calls the Outer Sunset home, where they live with friend and housemate, Cold Steel America body jewelry stylist Ferin Fick.

We caught up with Sami to find out whats in their Bay, from their go-to coffee shop to their favorite SF neighborhood for a night out.

Great American Music Hall is "such a beautiful venue and the sound is on point, which is very important to me as an audiophile," says Fink. (Courtesy of @greatamericanmusichall)

What is your favorite Bay Area venue for live music?

Ive always been a fan of the Great American Music Hall (859 OFarrell St.). Its such a beautiful venue and the sound is on point, which is very important to me as an audiophile. I was lucky enough to play the venue in 2018, when my former band Composite opened a sold-out show with Jawbreaker. That was definitely my most memorable experience there!

What's your go-to coffee joint?

Now that I live in the Sunset, Ive become a regular at Andytown Coffee Roasters (3655 Lawton St.). The coffee is amazing, they have delicious gluten-free muffins, and I love their mascot, the snowy plover.

Whats your favorite Bay Area park for hiking or biking? Why?

I used to work in habitat restoration for the Golden Gate National Parks, so Im very partial to those areas. Mori Point in Pacifica (775 Bradford Way) is so pretty for seaside viewing and Tennessee Valley in Marin (591 Tennessee Valley Rd., Mill Valley) is a beautiful place to go hiking. We are really blessed with so much beautiful nature here.

" I absolutely love" The Andiron in Mendocino, says Fink. (Courtesy of @theandiron)

What California hotel or resort keeps you coming back?

I have been to The Andiron in Mendocino (6051 N. CA-1, Little River) so many times. I absolutely love it. Its kitschy, its cozy, the owners are so generous and friendly, they have some very funny old goats you can hang out with, and their hot tub is a magical experience because its tucked away in the woods. It is a delight every time.

What Bay Areamade item can you not live without?

Recently Ive been so into this incense from Avenoir Co. They make a bunch of really lovely blends but my favorite is Arabian Oud. They sell it at Senses , a beautiful home goods store in North Beach (414 Francisco St.).

Whats your favorite SF neighborhood for a night out?



Its a toss up between downtown and SoMa for me. SoMa is great for drag at Oasis (298 11th St.) and Im really excited to check out the new location for The Stud (1123 Folsom St.). But downtown is kinda rockin lately, too. Starlite (450 Powell St.) has some of my favorite DJs spinning vinyl every week, and the Moongate Lounge (28 Waverly Pl., Chinatown) also has great DJs and nice mocktails.

"I almost always score something cute at Wasteland," says Fink. (Courtesy of @juaneventer.com_)

What's your go-to shop?

I really love fashion but Im also extremely critical of fast fashion and consumption culture so I love to thrift and buy vintage. There are so many amazing secondhand shops in Haight-Ashbury! I almost always score something cute at Wasteland (1660 Haight St.), in particular. They have some really great designer pieces.

What's one of your favorite things about the Bay Area?

I want to shout out the underground arts communities here. This is a really tough place to be an artist or creative and I am extremely lucky that I managed to turn my passion for music into my career. San Francisco has historically been known as a place for artists and for outcasts to feel free and inspired, but the ways in which the citys economy has evolved makes it hard for that cultural climate to survive. There are so many amazing people in the music and arts community who work hard to keep that spirit alive and are doing so in amazing ways: drag nights, DIY concert and gallery spaces, underground dance parties, psychedelic communities, queer spaces, harm reduction initiatives, and so much more. They dont always get enough love for how much they do to keep the Bay a very inspiring place to live.


Group Mineral Resources Statement

Perth, July 25, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Horizon Minerals Limited ( ASX:HRZ ) is pleased to provide an updated Mineral Resource Statement for the Company's gold projects located near Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the heart of the Western Australian goldfields (Figure 1*). In addition, following the merger with Greenstone Resources, the Company has also added the Burbanks, Phillips Find and 50% owned Mt Thirsty projects to the Company's resources.



Following the successful completion of the merger between Horizon Minerals Limited and Greenstone Resources Limited (formerly ASX-GSR), additional resource model work and reviews, the Company is pleased to provide a consolidated statement of group Mineral Resources as of 30 June 2024.



HIGHLIGHTS



- Mineral Resources currently stand at:



o 1.8Moz gold

o 20.2Moz silver, 104kt zinc

o 283kt nickel, 40.5kt cobalt and 296.2kt manganese (50% owned)



- Mineral Resources are underpinned by the large cornerstone Boorara and Burbanks assets



- Updated Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE) include a maiden MRE for Pinner, an update for Monument and a revision for Boorara which is currently under an Ore Reserve Study (ORS) from AMC Consultants



- Changes to the gold MREs include:



o Addition of 297,650oz from Burbanks open pit

o Addition of 167,920oz from Burbanks underground

o Addition of 13,000oz from Pinner

o Addition of 3,000oz from Monument, and

o Reduction of 20,240oz from Boorara



- Large Mineral Resource base and ongoing studies pave the way for a development profile aiming at sustained gold production and continuous cashflows



Commenting on the Group MRE upgrade, Managing Director and CEO Mr Grant Haywood said:



"It is very pleasing to have the Burbanks and Phillips Find assets under single ownership with Horizon's complementary and extensive project base. Together this provides 1.8 million ounce gold portfolio, which is a great platform to implement our near term strategy of cashflow from operations and further growth into the medium and long term".



The gold MREs include an updated Monument MRE and a maiden MRE for Pinner, both part of the larger Cannon project area, and a review of the cornerstone Boorara project. A summary of the revised MREs are as follows:



- Monument 740,000t grading 1.18g/t Au for 28,000oz at a 0.5g/t Au cut-off grade



- Pinner 330,000t grading 1.21g/t Au for 12,844oz at a 0.5g/t Au cut-off grade



- Boorara 10.53Mt grading at 1.27g/t Au for 428,000oz at a 0.5g/t Au cut-off grade



Cannon, Monument and Pinner Project Overview



The Cannon deposit (Figure 1*) is located 30 km east-southeast of Kalgoorlie in the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia on granted mining leases M25/333 and M25/357. The Cannon mine and surrounding area is dominated by mafic to ultramafic rocks of the Bulong Complex overlain by a sequence of felsic volcanics, volcaniclastics and sediments. Lithologies present include komatiitic mafics and ultramafics, peridotites, basalts and gabbros. Sedimentary rocks include shales and cherts with rare, banded iron formation. The geological structure is complex and dominated by the Cannon shear which is recognised as a key ingredient for local gold and possibly nickel sulphide mineralisation.



The gold mineralisation at the adjacent Pinner deposit is similar to Cannon and consists small pods of semi-continuous mineralisation with three dominant directions that highlight the structural complexity observed at Pinner. The dominant lodes trend SW/NE, N/S, and E/W with cross cutting faults influencing the geometry.



Gold mineralisation within the Monument deposit consists of two main zones oriented NNW and NW, dipping steeply to the west. There is some indication of faulting through the centre of the mineralised area.



Boorara Overview



The Boorara Gold Project is located 15 km east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder (Figure 1*) adjacent to the Super Pit, and 1 km southwest of the Nimbus Silver-Zinc Project site where established offices are connected to mains power and existing water supplies.



The deposit is hosted in a quartz dolerite comprising a sheeted quartz vein array system with bounding shear zones and late-stage cross faults. Mineralisation occurs as northwest dipping sheeted and stockwork quartz-carbonate vein arrays within the quartz dolerite host rocks, and steeply dipping zones along sheared geological contacts trending to the north-northwest.



*To view tables and figures with updated mineral estimates, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/181JSBZ2





About Horizon Minerals Limited





Horizon Minerals Limited (ASX:HRZ) is a gold exploration and mining company focussed on the Kalgoorlie and Menzies areas of Western Australia which are host to some of Australia's richest gold deposits. The Company is developing a mining pipeline of projects to generate cash and self-fund aggressive exploration, mine developments and further acquisitions. The Teal gold mine has been recently completed.

Horizon is aiming to significantly grow its JORC-Compliant Mineral Resources, complete definitive feasibility studies on core high grade open cut and underground projects and build a sustainable development pipeline.

Horizon has a number of joint ventures in place across multiple commodities and regions of Australia providing exposure to Vanadium, Copper, PGE's, Gold and Nickel/Cobalt. Our quality joint venture partners are earning in to our project areas by spending over $20 million over 5 years enabling focus on the gold business while maintaining upside leverage.

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Brisbane, July 25, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - It was a quarter of record operational performance for Sayona Mining Ltd ( ASX:SYA ) ( SYAXF:OTCMKTS ), with concentrate production at NAL increasing 23% Quarter on Quarter (QoQ) to 49,660 dmt. Mill utilisation has improved materially over the prior quarter to 83%.



The team at NAL continues to optimise mining and production processes, with significant improvements in concentrate production over the quarter. This was driven by excellent mill utilisation and recovery rates. Mill utilisation increased from 73% to 83% as weather related outages abated with the onset of summer and with the availability of ore feedstock from the now fully operational Crushed Ore Dome.



Mill utilisation over the month of June reached a record 91% while the quarter average was negatively impacted by a planned shutdown in April related to the tie-in of the Crushed Ore Dome.



Recovery rates continued to improve during the quarter to 68% reflecting slightly above forecast ore grade and most significantly, excellent operational performance.



Revenue was lower during the quarter, impacted by the delay of a scheduled shipment in June as well as lower average realised selling prices with a decline in lithium prices towards the end of the quarter. Unit operating costs improved benefitting from increased mill output combined with lower mining expenditure through optimisation of activities and ROM pad inventories.



Production continued to improve throughout the quarter driven by higher mill utilisation and excellent recovery rates.



The Crushed Ore Dome is now complete and fully commissioned. The dome will significantly boost operational reliability during winter, providing an additional 6,000 tonnes storage capacity of crushed ore between the crusher and the mill. The additional storage capacity of crushed ore enables approximately 1.5 days of continuous mill operation.



Concentrate sales during the quarter included two marine shipments of 27,729 tonnes at 5.4% Li2O. A third shipment was scheduled for the end of June, however loading was delayed due to adverse weather conditions and the ship departed port on 1 July 2024 with approximately 14,000 dmt. Larger shipments of up to 30,000 tonnes are planned for the September quarter which is expected to result in higher average realised selling prices.



Excellent drilling results were released for both NAL and Moblan during the quarter. The results demonstrate the extension of mineralisation beyond current Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE) at both projects and provide the potential for further increases to the existing MREs.



Exploration and resource definition drilling will continue at both projects throughout 2024.



Exploration at the Tabba Tabba project focussed on strike extensions immediately south of recent discoveries by Wildcat Resources at the Leia and Luke pegmatite systems.



A ground gravity geophysical survey was conducted in April which helped inform the location of holes for a RC drilling program which commenced late May. Drilling focussed in the northern area, immediately south of Wildcat Resources tenements, and at the Roadside prospect, approximately 4.5km to the south and along strike. A programme of 21 holes for 3,538m was completed with assay results now pending.



Sayona appointed Mr Lucas Dow as Managing Director and CEO on 3 July. Mr Dow is a highly experienced mining executive who has a strong operational focus. Mr James Brown will serve as an Executive Director until 31 January 2025 to enable an effective handover, after which he will continue in a non-Executive Director role.



Sayona boasts an impressive portfolio of projects and exploration tenements poised to create significant value for shareholders. While market conditions remain challenging, Sayona remains focused on improving operational results and ensuring the Company is well positioned for the eventual upturn.



*To view the full quarterly report, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/4R58K6L1



To Watch an Interview with Lucas Dow CEO and MD, please visit:

https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/0H076MX7







About Sayona Mining Limited





Sayona Mining Limited (ASX:SYA) (OTCMKTS:SYAXF) is a North American lithium producer with projects in Quebec, Canada and Western Australia. In Quebec, Sayona's assets comprise North American Lithium together with the Authier Lithium Project and its emerging Tansim Lithium Project, supported by a strategic partnership with American lithium developer Piedmont Lithium Inc. (ASX:PLL). Sayona also holds a 60% stake in the Moblan Lithium Project in northern Quebec.

In Western Australia, the Company holds a large tenement portfolio in the Pilbara region

prospective for gold and lithium. Sayona is exploring for Hemi-style gold targets in the world-class Pilbara region, while its lithium projects include Company-owned leases and those subject to a joint venture with Morella Corporation (ASX:1MC).

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Germany's Scholz willing to run for 2nd term

Xinhua) 09:24, July 25, 2024

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at a press conference in Berlin, Germany, on July 24, 2024. Scholz on Wednesday expressed his willingness to run for a second term in the 2025 national elections. His official nomination by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains pending, however. (Xinhua/Li Hanlin)

BERLIN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday expressed his willingness to run for a second term in the 2025 national elections. His official nomination by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains pending, however.

"I will run to become chancellor again," said Scholz at the summer press conference in Berlin, emphasizing that the SPD is "very united" as a party. "We are all determined to go into the next federal election campaign together and win," he said.

Alongside solving budget problems, Scholz said a key task for the government is to toughen migration rules, while the shortage of skilled workers must be resolved by attracting talent from abroad. Immigration is stabilizing Germany, said Scholz, but "those who cannot stay must leave."

Scholz's first term in office was characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, and an economic downturn. In attempting to tackle the problems, his government coalition is divided on fundamental issues, with many disagreements becoming public.

Voter support for the SPD and its two coalition partners, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Greens, has dwindled in recent months. This has been reflected both in the polls and in the poor European election results last month.

The governing parties only received a third of the vote, with the SPD garnering 13.9 percent, its worst result ever in a nationwide election. The opposing conservative CDU/CSU union and the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AFD) came out on top, with a combined total of more than 45 percent.

In a ranking of satisfaction with German politicians, the chancellor is in the middle of the field. His party colleague Boris Pistorius, the defense minister, receives the most trust from voters, followed by CDU/CSU members who currently only have governing responsibility at state level.

In the run-up to the federal elections in September 2025, Scholz hopes to win back voter support with plans for modernization and cohesion.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at a press conference in Berlin, Germany, on July 24, 2024. Scholz on Wednesday expressed his willingness to run for a second term in the 2025 national elections. His official nomination by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains pending, however. (Xinhua/Li Hanlin)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at a press conference in Berlin, Germany, on July 24, 2024. Scholz on Wednesday expressed his willingness to run for a second term in the 2025 national elections. His official nomination by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains pending, however. (Xinhua/Li Hanlin)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at a press conference in Berlin, Germany, on July 24, 2024. Scholz on Wednesday expressed his willingness to run for a second term in the 2025 national elections. His official nomination by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains pending, however. (Xinhua/Li Hanlin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Judge Kelli Johnson in the 178th District Court of the Harris County Criminal Justice Center is shown during the capital murder bench trial of Brian Coulter Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Houston. Coulter is accused of beating to death 8-year-old Kendrick Lee, who was the son of his girlfriend, Gloria Williams. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer 178th District Court Judge Kelli Johnson stands outside County Criminal Court at Law No. 3 alongside defense attorney Chris Tritico on July 2, 2024, after appearing on a driving while intoxicated charge. Nicole Hensley/Staff 178th District Judge, Kelli Johnson listens to District Attorney Bill Turner as he speaks to jurors during the closing statements in the sentencing phase for David Temple, who was convicted of the murder of his pregnant wife Belinda Temple on Friday, April 21, 2023 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Judge Kelli Johnson meets with the lawyers trying the sentencing trail against David Temple at the bench during testimony of Evan Temple, David Temples son on Thursday, April 20, 2023 in Houston. David Temple was convicted for the second time for the murder of his pregnant wife, Belinda Lucas Temple, in Aug. 2019, but the sentencing was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer 178th District Judge Kelli Johnson on the bench as she goes through her docket Friday, July, 19, 2024 at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor 174th District Judge Kelli Johnson, left, addresses Curtis Holliday, right, convicted of killing his wife, before Holliday is taken into custody to serve a 10 year sentence for the murder Friday, July, 19, 2024 at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor

Top judicial leaders in Houston have effectively removed hundreds of pending cases from state district Judge Kelli Johnson and assigned them to other jurists in the wake of two recent DWI stops  one on June 25 that led to her arrest  and a judicial complaint filed by her court reporter.

The reassignment of her docket, detailed in an order filed Thursday, happened after the Democratic judge, who is seeking reelection in November, went to work at the criminal courthouse but failed to preside on the bench. The order, signed by Judge Latosha Lewis Payne, Harris Countys local administrative judge, and Judge Susan Brown, a governor-appointee for the Eleventh Administrative Judicial Region of Texas, comes in the wake of Johnson's arrest on a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge.

The rare move to reassign cases strips the elected judge of her ability to preside over her docket without the State Commission on Judicial Conduct having to suspend her.

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A statement from Amanda Cain, spokesperson for the Administrative Office of the District Courts, noted that Johnson remains the elected official over that court. The order is scheduled to last through Aug. 9.

Johnson did not address the docket change in a Wednesday night phone call from the courthouse but said she did not know about the judicial complaint.

In an unsolicited Facebook message to a Chronicle reporter in the early hours Wednesday, Johnson derided the decision to remove her docket and disparaged Brown as a political hack.

I have more time this week since Susan fing Brown decided to take away MY dockets, she wrote.

She also had choice words for another judge, Robert Johnson, who presides in the 177th District Court  also on the 19th floor. Johnson confirmed she sent the message in a followup call.

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He sucks by the way and fed with the wrong person  me, Johnson wrote. I just know he is a complete despicable and unconscionable a.

Cain said she was unaware of any issue between Kelli Johnson and Robert Johnson. Brown declined to comment, while Robert Johnson could not be reached.

As of June, Kelli Johnson, a former prosecutor elected in 2016, had about 1,055 cases pending in her court, county records show.

Other judges, at least two elected, handled victim impact statements this week for a capital murder case, plea agreements and other docket matters in Johnsons court as she remained in her chambers. As other judges worked Monday morning, she appeared briefly at times in the doorway to her chambers to beckon her court staff to the back to speak with her.

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She also spoke with a Chronicle reporter that Monday in her chambers, where she had a blank desk and wall calendar from June. She took several weeks off that month and in May following her first traffic stop in April.

She last took the bench Friday, Cain said, when a man convicted of murder in the death of his wife turned himself in to serve 10 years in prison.

Gail Rolen, a court reporter who has worked for Johnson since 2017 and was a constant presence on high-profile trials, said she filed her complaint with the commission against the judge this month because of a hostile work environment due to incidents related to the traffic stops and other unprofessional behavior she witnessed. She said the unspecified behavior prompted her to take a leave of absence through the Family and Medical Leave Act.

I had to file a judicial complaint in order to protect the integrity of the judicial system and the citizens who have voted for her as well as defendants in her court and their attorneys, Rolen said.

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She said the decision this week to assign visiting judges to Johnsons court was absolutely necessary and crucial.
A Houston ISD family participate the American Federation of Teachers rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer The American Federation of Teacher President Randi Weingarten speaks during a rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Weingarten criticized the Texas Education Agency takeover of Houston ISD and superintendent Mike Miles. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer A Houston ISD student, whose parents wish not to give her name, snacks on an apple while participating the American Federation of Teachers rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer The American Federation of Teacher hosts a rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Brandi Tucker, a teacher from Providence, participates the American Federation of Teachers rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Michael Galloway, a former Houston ISD student, holds a No Trust No Bond sign at the American Federation of Teachers rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Jason Lee, son of late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, represents his mother, who was scheduled to be speaking at the event, and voices support for Houston Federation of Teachers at the American Federation of Teachers rally against state takeover Houston ISD Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Michael Galloway, a former Houston ISD student, holds a No Trust No Bond sign at the American Federation of Teachers rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Members of Party for Socialism and Liberation Houston Chapter hold signs while participating the American Federation of Teachers rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Houston ISD senior Remie Smith, 17, says the new school curriculum since the TEA takeover has made her stressed during the American Federation of Teachers rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

The American Federation of Teachers condemned the state takeover and backed the Houston local as union delegates from across the country meet in Houston this week.

In a Wednesday rally at Discovery Green, union leaders reiterated their support for Houston and opposition to the state takeover, which reached its one-year mark with appointed leadership in June.

The rally coalesces national support for the the district's largest teachers union, the Houston Federation of Teachers, led by President Jackie Anderson who vocally opposes the district's proposed $4.4 billion bond. The district said the bond would go largely to upgrading and rebuilding aging campuses, as well as co-locating schools to other existing campuses.

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Anderson brought up the bond to a chorus of boos from the crowd.

"And I don't say 'no.' I say 'hell no,'" Anderson said. She noted reports that began with Spectrum News reporting a charter school network founded by state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles charged its Texas schools fees that fed into a general fund that, in part, subsidized one of its Colorado schools.

Houston Federation of Teachers President Jackie Anderson speaks against state takeover of Houston ISD during a American Federation of Teacher rally Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

BIDEN DROPS OUT: Elected officials in Texas share mixed reactions to the news Biden is exiting the race

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AFT President Randi Weingarten reiterated support for the Houston local, as it opposes the bond and takeover. She decried Gov. Greg Abbott's push for school vouchers that would put public dollars toward students attending private and charter schools.

"What's going on in Houston is really despicable and duplicitous," Weingarten said. "Before the takeover, Houston's schools were on the ascendancy. They had a really good superintendent. They were making progress in every one of the measures that these testing-maniacal people had put in their place."

The American Federation of Teacher President Randi Weingarten speaks during a rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Weingarten criticized the Texas Education Agency takeover of Houston ISD and superintendent Mike Miles. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Texas AFT President Zeph Capo opened the rally by directing attendees' attention to the Greater Houston Partnership's office nearby, calling it a "big glass palace," and describing the business organization's role in takeover legislation affecting Houston schools.

"Now what do they want?" Capo said, to the shouted answer of $4.4 billion. "$4.4 billion in a bond. You take away voice. You take away autonomy from the community. But you want us to write you a blank check? So they can put another story on the glass palace?" Capo said. He encouraged attendees to shout toward the office "No Trust, No Bond," the rallying cry for those who oppose the bond due to their distrust for the district.

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The district's state-appointed board of managers is expected to vote in August on whether the bond should appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.

NO TRUST, NO BOND: Here's what the slogan means in Houston

Union delegates from outside the city attended the rally with Houstonians. Lindsay Paiva, a third-grade English as a Second Language teacher in the Providence Teachers Union in Rhode Island, said she wanted to support Houston teachers as Providence's school district approaches year five in its state takeover. She said she can see parallels between Houston and Providence.

Sami Morse, a member of Party for Socialism and Liberation Houston Chapter, holds a sign while participating the American Federation of Teachers rally against state takeovers of public school Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Discovery Green in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

"The key to fighting takeovers is (a) broad-based coalition with families, community organizations, community organizers, who have a pulse on the needs of the community at large, and students," Paiva said. "So mobilizing all of those groups with teachers  and using the strength of the union and our collective bargaining power as leverage to push and fight  is really key."

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Yvonne Salazar, for Socorro AFT in El Paso, said she is worried about HISD terminating certified teachers and hiring uncertified teachers. HISD hired at least 830 uncertified teachers for the past academic year.
British Group Informa has said that it has reached an agreement to buy Ascential, the owner of Cannes Lions Festival for 1.2 billion ($1.6 billion). Informa will also buy Money 50/50, Ascentials fintech event.

The offer values the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Ascential at approximately 1.2 billion on a fully diluted basis.

Under the terms of the offer, each Ascential shareholder will be entitled to receive 568 pence in cash for each Ascential share held.

The addition of Cannes Lions Festival and Money20/20 makes for a powerful combination, with a blueprint for delivering further growth and expansion. Informa believes that it is uniquely positioned to provide the global platform and operations to enable Ascentials divisions to continue their strong growth trajectory. This includes the substantial support, investment and expansion that comes with being part of a broader operating group.

As per media reports, Informa plans to make Cannes Lions the centre-piece of a new business, Informa Festivals, which is designed to showcase the value of experience-led, festival brands. Informa also plans to extend Money20/20 into the Middle East and Africa markets.
If youre of a certain age, you remember when trips to the beach meant stopping at alligator farms, mystery spots and worlds largest or smallest things. In some ways, the simplicity of those days is gone, but in many ways, at least in Alabama, you can still get a feeling of nostalgia by stopping at quirky roadside attractions on the way to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.

Many stops on our map are just like those of days gone by: Miniature replicas? Check. Alligator parks? Check. An oversized peach that looks like, if were being polite, a hind-end and an actual giant-sized hind-end? Check, check.

Weve got em.

Here are some entertaining  and sometimes educational  things we think you should check out as you drive along Interstate 65 or U.S. 31 (or other backroads) from Huntsville to the shoreline.

Detail of Ave Maria Grotto, known as "Jerusalem in miniature," in Cullman.AL.com File Photo

Ave Maria Grotto, Jerusalem in Miniature

1600 St. Bernard Drive, Cullman

Ave Maria Grotto at St. Bernards Abbey features tiny replicas of world-famous structures, made from concrete and found objects by a hunchback Benedictine monk named Brother Joseph Zoettl. In his lifetime, Zoettl built 125 mini structures at the Abbey. It is now open as a tourist attraction. And guess what? A restoration of the fascinating site has been approved to begin soon.

The Abbeys website says: Originally from Landschutt, Bavaria-Germany, a young Br. Joseph found himself headed to America to pursue monastic life at Alabamas only Benedictine Abbey. Little did anyone know that this young Bavarian would end up leaving the abbey its greatest legacy and in an incredibly humble way. Since 1934, people from around the world visit the Ave Maria Grotto to see famous parts of the world in miniature. The former abbey quarry is now the four-acre park that the Grotto and surrounding miniatures rest upon.

Castle de San Miguel at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville.Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Castle de San Miguel

3224CountyRoad 548, Hanceville

Medieval castle-lovers can visit a replica of a 13th-century castle in Hanceville, Ala. Castle San Miguel is part of the complex of buildings at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, built in 1999 as the culmination of a dream of Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation (1923-2016). Mother Angelica was the much beloved, long-time host of shows on Eternal Word Television Network.

The shrine, which features a mostly gilt interior, is a destination in itself and draws as many as 80,000 tourists annually. The complex includes the main church  also a 13th century design  a convent and monastery, a replica of the Lourdes Grotto, a life-size Nativity scene, a crypt where Mother Angelica is interred, the Pope John Paul II Eucharistic Center and Castle San Miguel.

In 2001, Mother Angelica ordered the construction of Castle San Miguel to serve as the nuns gift shop and as a conference center. It has 40-foot-tall turrets and the interior features nine full-size suits of armor, including a replica of the armor worn by Richard the Lion-Hearted, king of England from 1189-1199 A.D.

African Village in Birmingham created by Joe Minter.AL.com File Photo

Joe Minters African Village

931 Nassau Avenue SW, Birmingham

Some of Joe Minters artworks are rusty and a little worse for wear these days but his art village is worth a stop for fans of folk art. Minter has said he didnt set out to be a folk artist but wanted to make a statement. Using found objects, Minter began erecting sculptures in his Birmingham yard that included Bible verses, messages about Hurricane Katrina and other issues facing African Americans. His art is made of everything from baby dolls to bowling balls to hubcaps.

Before long, Minters yard was filled and he bought the lot next door to continue his project. He has been featured onRoadsideAmerica.comand inThe New York Times.

The Vulcan observation tower, shown here in January 2024, has been closed to the public since June 5, 2023. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com)ggarrison@al.com

Vulcan Park and Museum

1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham

A statue of Vulcan, god of the forge, was sculpted by Guiseppe Moretti for the 1904 Worlds Fair in St. Louis, Mo., right down to his bare hind-end.

According to the Vulcan Park website,Vulcan stands 56 feet tall, from toe to spear point, upon a 124-foot pedestal rising to a height of 180 feet and weighs 101,200 pounds. Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world and the largest metal statue ever made in the United States.

Vulcan won the grand prize in the mineral department at the Worlds Fair; Moretti also won a medal. These days, visitors enjoy climbing to the top of the statue on Red Mountain to see the gorgeous views  and note how Vulcan moons the city of Homewood. Theres also a museum at the site.

An exact replica of the Oval Office was built at the American Village in Montevallo, an educational site which contains replicas of several historic American landmarks.AL.com File Photo/Beverly Taylor

American Village

3727 Alabama Highway 119, Montevallo

This fun and educational stop lets you visit small-scale replicas of iconic American sites, such as the Oval Office, the of the President of the United States in the White House. It contains one of a set of two historical desks known as the Resolute Desks.

The 188-acre American Village campus features more than 20 historically inspired structures, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, a covered bridge and more, the website says.

The House of Prayer in Calera, AL.Kelly Kazek

House of Prayer

785-861 County Road 63, Calera

On the side of the road near Calera in Shelby County is an oddly shaped rock hut marked with a sign that reads: House of Prayer. To reach it, follow directions atroadsideamerica.com, or start at Exit 228 on Interstate 65, then turn west onto Highway 25/Main Street. After a mile, turn right at the stoplight onto U.S. Highway 31, turn left onto Eighth Avenue, and then left onto Shelby County Road 63. The House of Prayer is on the right.

The water tower in Clanton, Ala., erected in 1992, takes the form of a giant peach. (AL.com photo by Tamika Moore)bn

Big Peach Water Tower

86 Peach Tower Road, Clanton

The water tower at I-65 Exit 212 at Clanton is painted to look like a peach in honor of the countys largest crop. Its a great place to stop for family selfies. Continue along the interstate to Exit 205 and stop for peach ice cream, peach cobbler or a basket of peaches at the well-known Peach Park Farmers Market.

Pine Flat Church in Deatsville, Ala., was seen in two films: "Big Fish" and Netflix's "The Devil All the Time."Kelly Kazek

Film-Site Church

2536 Alabama Highway143, Deatsville

Make a short detour to Deatsville to see historic Pine Flat Presbyterian Church, which has been chosen by two filmmakers as a setting for movies: 2003s Big Fish and the Netflix original The Devil All the Time.

The church is easy to spot, once you finally find your way to the rural community in the center of the triangle formed by Deatsville, Holtsville and Marbury. The little white church  framed by a green-tin roof and adorned with a red-brick chimney  is set back from Alabama Highway 143 at the end of a long dirt drive. Surrounding the church are the graves of about 350 former congregants.

The Bamboo Forest in Prattville, Ala.Kelly Kazek

Bamboo Forest

800 Upper Kingston Road, Prattville

In a section of a 26-acre area in Prattville called Wilderness Park, bamboo grows as much as 60 feet high and six inches in circumference. It was the first designated wilderness park in the country. In the 1940s, someone sent a packet of seeds to the owner of the property, who planted them according to PrattvilleAL.gov. Before long the exotic plants covered a wide area of the property. The trees form a canopy overhead, making it a unique hiking spot filled with interesting wildlife.

The film-set town of Spectre on Jackson Lake Island. It was built for the 2003 movie "Big Fish."JJ Vincent

Film-Set Town of Spectre

Jackson Lake Island, Millbrook

By definition, Spectre, Alabama, isnt a real town  there are no human residents, stores or schools, or even pews inside its picturesque church. Spectre was created in the mind of Alabama-born author Daniel Wallace in his novel Big Fish. When the book was being made into a movie in 2003, director Tim Burton discovered the little island in the middle of Jackson Lake, which is fed by the Alabama River, and breathed life into a once-fictional city that people loved so much they never wanted to leave. The set was left behind after filming and began to deteriorate. A few of the buildings burned accidentally but the surviving buildings are now a tourist attraction. Click here for the Jackson Lake Island Facebook page.

A replica of the famous bi-plane at Wright Brothers Park in Montgomery. (AL.com File)

Wright Brothers Park

544 Maxwell Boulevard, Montgomery

In the spring of 1910, aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright invited students to that Alabama field to train them to be some of the worlds earliest pilots. The barn served as the Wrights hangar, which housed a biplane of the design made famous in 1903 when the brothers made their first flight in North Carolina.

The Montgomery hangar and field  part of the Frank Kohn plantation  made up the nations first civilian flying school. The brothers, who lived in Dayton, Ohio, chose Montgomery for its relatively mild weather and flat topography, but things didnt go as planned and the venture was short-lived. Still, one major goal was achieved at the site: The first night flights were recorded there. The historic spot was abandoned within three months and eventually became Maxwell Air Force Base.

Possibly the last surviving Civil Air Mail Beacon is located in Evergreen.RuralSWAlabama.org

Last surviving Civil Air Route Beacon in U.S.

14134 US Highway 84, Evergreen

According to RuralSWAlabama.org,the Kelly Act established U.S. Air Mail. In 1927, Civil Air Mail Route 23 was established between New Orleans and Atlanta and modified in 1931, leading to the construction of an emergency landing field midway between New Orleans and Atlanta. A tower had a rotating beacon to serve as a route marker. This old beacon is believed to be the last remaining beacon for CAM-23 and possibly the last of the original Civil Air Mail route marker beacons remaining in the United States.

A bust of Cudjoe Lewis at Union Missionary Baptist Church. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

Bust of Cudjoe Lewis

506 Bay Bridge Road, Mobile

Cudjoe Lewis was the last known survivor of the last known slave ship to come to America in the 19th century. Previous versions of this bust have vandalized but Union Missionary Baptist Church raised funds for a new one.

The monument is meant not only to commemorate the life of one man but Africatown, the community that formed of the survivors of the slave ship, Clotilda. The church was founded by Clotilda survivors and several descendants from the ships survivors still attend.

The wreck of the Clotilda was discovered in 2018 by Ben Raines, a reporter for AL.com at the time. Read more here.

Alligator feeding at Alligator Alley in Summerdale, Ala. (photo courtesy of Alligator Alley)

Alligator Alley

19950 County Road 71, Summerdale,

Talk about your old-fashioned roadside attraction: Alligator Alley in Summerdale allows visitors to walk onto boardwalks to see some of the more than 450 alligators that live in the swamp. The attractions website says, From alligators seen in their natural habitat to other inhabitants including turtles, ospreys, owls and bullfrogs, adventure awaits you at every turn on a self-guided tour through the swamp.

Lady in the Bay at Barber Marina in Elberta, AL.Kelly Kazek

Lady in the Bay

26986 Fish Trap Rd, Elberta

Businessman George Barber, who created Barber Motorsports Park and Vintage Museum in Leeds, commissioned several large artworks to decorate his property at Barber Marina. The largest and most conspicuous is a fiberglass statue of a woman called the Lady in the Bay. The womans head and knees emerge from the water. Theres a second version, the Lady in the Lake, in Leeds. While youre on the way to see the main attraction, check out the four dinosaurs, a Stonehenge replica, and dozens of quirky statues in the woods off Fish Trap Road.
Over three nights, about 1,500 guests will stream through Alabamas iconic Bright Star for the 117-year-old Bessemer restaurants annual Night in New Orleans celebration.

Both behind the scenes and at the front of the house, the person who makes sure that no detail goes unchecked and that every guest leaves happy is a 30-year veteran at the restaurant who worked her first New Orleans event there in 1995.

For Sonya Twitty, who started as a cashier at the Bright Star and now serves as the general manager, its like Mardi Gras in August.

Jimmy wanted this event so that people can enjoy New Orleans, which was a city that he loved, Twitty says of Jimmy Koikos, the late co-owner of the Bright Star and the man who hired her.

Not everyone has the luxury to be able to travel and go to these different restaurants, so he wanted to bring it to them.

Over its 35-year history, the Bright Stars NOLA-themed event has brought some of the Big Easys top chefs -- including Commanders Palace legends Jamie Shannon, Tory McPhail and Thomas Robey -- to Bessemer.

This year, Eric Cook, the executive chef and owner of the New Orleans restaurants Gris-Gris and Saint John, and Bradley Marshall, Cooks executive sous chef at Gris-Gris, return to headline the event for the third straight year. The three-night event takes place Aug. 1-3.

Jimmy was a great relationship-builder, Andreas Anastassakis, the Bright Stars executive chef and co-owner and a cousin of Jimmy Koikos and his brother Nicky Koikos, says.

Jimmy is the one who created the relationship with Jamie Shannon and started the event, but once he created that relationship, Jimmy had to hand it off to someone to do the legwork. And Sonya has always been that person.

RELATED: How an annual New Orleans tradition began at the Bright Star

Twitty is the one who makes sure the chefs have everything they need  from booking their hotel rooms to stocking the kitchen cooler with their favorite flavor of Gatorade.

If they ever mentioned to Jimmy that they liked something, it was there, Twitty says. And that was my job to talk to them and find out what they liked and make sure they had it and didnt have to ask for it.

[Want good news about Alabama delivered to your inbox each week? Sign up for This is Alabamas weekly newsletter.]

Night in New Orleans is a Bright Star tradition that began in 1989. The 2024 event takes place Aug. 1-3. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Hired on the spot

Twitty was 21 years old when her friend and longtime Bright Star server Brenda B.J. Salser told her that the restaurant had an opening to replace its beloved cashier, Carrie Lee LeFurgey, who was retiring after about 40 years.

Those were some really big shoes to fill, Twitty recalls. Miss Carrie had been here for so long and knew everyone.

I was nervous because I knew nothing about the Bright Star, Twitty adds. I came in and I interviewed with Mr. Jimmy, and they hired me right there on the spot.

Twitty started that April, and a few weeks later, she passed her first big test on Mothers Day, the busiest day of the year at the Bright Star.

Im gonna tell you, that was quite a day, she says. I remember they were laughing and said, Well, if she survives this, shell come back. If she doesnt come back, we know she doesnt have what it takes.

But I did. I came on back, and Ive been here ever since.

The next year, Koikos hand-picked Twitty to coordinate the New Orleans event, and he put her in charge of everything from printing the menus to scheduling TV interviews for the guest chefs.

In the years since, Twitty has gone from cashier to bar manager to general manager at the Bright Star.

She was a young lady when she started working here, and now shes the general manager of the restaurant, Anastassakis says.

Sometimes, youve got to step back and appreciate what shes done in the background to help get the Bright Star where it is because, without people like her, we wouldnt be 117 years old.

The late Jimmy Koikos, right, started the Bright Star's annual New Orleans-themed event because he wanted his customers to get a taste of his favorite city. Koikos, pictured here with his younger brother, Nicky Koikos, died in 2019, but the New Orleans tradiion lives on at the 117-year-old restaurant. (Birmingham News file/ Mark Almond) bn

Taking care of Jimmys baby

While her other duties have evolved over her 30 years at the Bright Star, Twitty remains the point person for the Night in New Orleans every year.

It is a responsibility that she doesnt take lightly.

Ive had the opportunity and the pleasure of meeting some of the greatest people in their field, she says. The chefs that I have come to know are just the top of the chefs tier.

RELATED: Remembering the Bright Stars Jimmy Koikos

And its quite humbling to know these people, these chefs, take time out of their busy schedules to come to Bessemer, Ala., to the Bright Star -- of which some of them had never heard of until they came here -- and cook for three days and give it their all and teach our staff the things that they know, she adds.

Its just an extreme honor, and Ive always put 200 percent into it because Jimmy believed in this so much. We cannot say it enough: This was his baby, and I never wanted to disappoint Jimmy.

The Bright Stars annual Night in New Orleans takes place Aug. 1-3, 2024. The restaurant is at 304 19th St. North in Bessemer, Ala. The phone is 205-424-9444. For reservations and more information, go here.
Sean Powers, director of the University of South Alabamas Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences and a judge at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, holds up a blunt head puffer that won the "Most Unusual" category at the 91st ADSFR.Courtesy ADSFR/USA

You wouldnt think a blunt head puffer is a fish that could inspire tender sentiment, but one brought tears to a few eyes at the 91st Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.

A blunt head puffer caught by Mandy Tillman won the rodeos Most Unusual category over some more exotic-sounding runners-up: a rosy razorfish and a shortjaw lizardfish. Theres a reason it took the trophy, and for a lot of the scientists gathering data at the rodeo, it was personal.

Sean Powers, director of the University of South Alabamas Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, explained it at the awards ceremony held Monday night by the Mobile Jaycees, who organize the rodeo. He began by reminding everyone that his predecessor, Bob Shipp, had been behind the creation of the Most Unusual category.

That took place back in 1984, as Shipp began a long, distinguished tenure as a rodeo judge and scientific liaison. Rodeo anglers had always caught their share of oddball sea creatures; Shipp wanted to capitalize on the interesting data they represented, and use them to bring more public awareness of the diversity of life in the Gulf.

That first year, Shipp reported that some really neat stuff had been registered, including exotically named critters such as a unicorn file fish, a bearded cusk-eel and a soap fish.

The category took off. By 1988, a Press-Register report said that it had proved to be the most popular category at the weigh station and that people would gather around to see the entries. Fishermen love to stump us, Shipp said. And they have. Weve had some real oddball fish brought in that took a long time to identify. We spent a lot of time with our noses in books.

Shipp said that fishermen were usually eager to explain where and how they caught their unusual fish. Now when it comes to a hole where they find a lot of big red snapper, Ive learned not to ask, he said.

Retired marine scientist Bob Shipp, highly regarded for a career that included serving as chair of the Marine Sciences Department at the University of South Alabama, put in an appearance at the 90th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

Shipp, known to rodeo aficionados as Dr. Bob, literally wrote the book on what was out there: His Guide to Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico remains a standard reference. He served as a rodeo judge for decades and spent 40 years at USA, retiring in 2013 as chair of the Department of Marine Sciences, which hed helped found. He made his last appearance at the rodeo in 2023 and died in January at 81.

When Powers was called up to reveal the winners of the Most Unusual category at this years rodeo, he brought up one of the earliest accomplishments in Shipps scientific career.

This blunt head puffer won the "Most Unusual" category at the 91st Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.Courtesy ADSFR/USA

This prize was started by Dr Bob Shipp, my predecessor, the longtime judge of the Deep Sea fishing rodeo, Powers said. And he got to see more and more unusual fish being turned in by anglers and he wanted to recognize them and also encourage them to bring them in so we can look at them.

Dr. Shipp described one new species in his whole career, he said. In 1969, he described the blunt head puffer fish. He always lamented that he never had a blunt head puffer fish turned in to the rodeo. He passed this year. We had a blunt head puffer fish turned in.

Speaking afterward, Powers said that was an even longer shot that it might have seemed.

Both a smooth puffer and this one, a blunt head puffer, are both kind of deeper water puffers, he said. Fishermen catch it purely by accident. Puffers make a living scraping things off structures and off the bottom, so they rarely bite a bait on a hook.

In 69 when Bob did all the taxonomy and the identification of puffers, thats what his dissertation was and thats going way back in his career, Powers said. So in 69 he got his Ph.D. from Florida State before he showed up at South in 72. Its really the only [new] species that he described and back in his day, that was the big thing, describing new species. I mean, Ive never described a new species. So it was a big deal.

Bob, like I said, always lamented in this most unusual that he never saw his puffer, the blunt head puffer, he said. And then, you know, to get it at the rodeo right after his passing was something special and brought a tear to all the scientists.

RELATED: Another record? 494.5-pound bull shark caught at Alabama fishing rodeo
The Alabama parole board was called out by legislators and family alike during a legislative meeting in Montgomery on Wednesday, with one lawmaker adding that the legislature isnt responsible for the parole boards pattern of denials.

Pardons and paroles ought to be here... to hear what you have to say, Rep. Jim Hill, a former judge and Republican from St. Clair County, told loved ones of Alabama prison inmates who showed up to tell lawmakers the horrors of what can happen inside state lockups.

Family members of people locked in Alabamas prisons flooded the meeting for the Joint Prison Oversight Committee and told stories of their loved ones for 90 minutes. Those who spoke detailed the rapes, deaths, assaults, extortions and more of their loved ones.

And some focused on the state parole board.

One mother, Karen Gann, spoke about her son. An Army veteran with no criminal record, hes currently serving 25 years in prison. She, like most family members who testified, didnt reveal her sons name. The committee had urged the speakers not to share any identifying information for the fears of retaliation.

I read this in the paper, said Gann. People come up for parole and theyre denied.

Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Autauga County, nodded his head and said, yes maam.

She continued, Ive tried everything I can you cant get nowhere because once they put you in there, they throw the key away.

Youre stuck for life.

Another woman talked about Alabama denying parole to inmates who are otherwise considered safe to work in fast food and public jobs during the day. Michelle McCloud told the committee about her brother, whos 49 and has been locked up for murder since he was a teenager.

Now, she said, hes on work release. He earns dollars a day working in the community and returns to the prison only to sleep at night. Yet, hes been denied parole five times. We dont understand why and whats the problem, she said.

If (he) is good enough to work in society earning $2 per day, but cant be trusted to come home where he has a supportive and loving family. hes constantly being denied parole and doesnt understand why, and neither does his family. Because hes doing everything thats required of him, including working in public with limited restrictions.

An attorney, Lauren Faraino, who often represents individuals up for parole, spoke towards the end of the meeting. She asked why several public officials werent in attendance, including the parole board members.

The parole board needs to be here, she said, because they are absolutely a part of the problem.

They were invited, Chambliss swiftly interjected. He then took the blame, saying he invited them 30 days ago and that he would invite the board with more advance notice for future hearings.

I will get them an invitation earlier next time.

Faraino said Leigh Gwathney, the parole board chairperson simply puts a rubber stamp on every case.

Gwathney, who was appointed to the board in 2019, votes to deny parole more than her two colleagues, Darryl Littleton and Gabrelle Simmons. She also often seeks to put off hearings and send inmates back to prison for another five years  the maximum time allowed by state law.

Following the public comments, committee members made closing remarks. Some of those focused on the parole boards role in the prison crisis and their lack of accountability.

Hill detailed the three branches of government and explained that the legislature doesnt have any control over the prison system or the parole board, as those fall under the executive branch of state government.

Remember this. The legislative branch of government, which is what we are, what youre looking at, we do not direct the day-to-day operations of the Department of Corrections or the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

We can offer suggestions, we can do some things that perhaps call certain things to their attention But the day-to-day operations of the parole board are not supervised, they are not directed by the legislative branch of government.

Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, said public pressure on the board from the media and from family members has made a difference.

This sort of accountability has changed things, he said. He said the conversations happening publicly today about the prison system and parole board used to take place behind closed doors.

He cited the parole ratejust 8% in 2023and the rise its taken in 2024.

Its not enough but the fact of the matter is this sort of accountability, the attention youre drawing to this issue, has increased the parole rate. Sad to say that, because it should be based on data, guidelines, and an actual risk assessment of the person thats standing in front of them, but its hard to deny the fact that as the pressure has increased, the media attention has increased, and your involvement has increased our parole rate.

So I cant encourage it enough, your involvement is helping.

He added, Now is not the time to get discouraged and get mad and point fingers, now is the time to continue to organize, build your army, and continue fighting.

The meetings last speaker was Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile. She isnt on the committee, but she showed up to speak as all other family members had, sharing her sons experience inside Alabama prisons.

Please make this a priority for us, she said.

If it was really something that was important to us, we would do something about it.
Fort Bend ISD board member Sonya Jones is seen during a Fort Bend ISD board workshop, Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Sugarland. Board members discussed a library policy that would give Superintendent Marc Smith sole authority to review library books. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Fort Bend ISD board member David Hamilton listens to the public comment portion of a board workshop, Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Sugarland. Board members discussed a library policy that would give Superintendent Marc Smith sole authority to review library books. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Fort Bend ISD board member David Hamilton is seen before a board workshop, Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Sugarland. Board members discussed a library policy that would give Superintendent Marc Smith sole authority to review library books. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A policy change in Fort Bend ISD ranks students based on the high school they are zoned to according to their home address, rather than the specific campus they attend. Juhi Varma

An argument over a grant exposed a rift in the Fort Bend ISD school board this week, as three trustees attempted to block an agenda item that would allow up to $5 million in funding for mental health care for students.

Trustee Sonya Jones called it a family matter, adding that it was none of (the districts) business whether or not a child is receiving mental health services or counseling.

I think were overstepping here, she said.

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The agenda item, which did pass 4-3 Monday night, will allow the 80,000-student district in the Sugar Land area to partner with six mental health service vendors that had been selected through the procurement process. It OKd no more than $5 million in services to be provided to students until August 2029. According to the agenda, the services would take place on campus, and would be provided by the licensed mental health professionals employed by each of the approved vendors.

Pilar Westbrook, executive director of social emotional learning and comprehensive health at Fort Bend ISD, confirmed that the services would only be given with parental consent and that no child would receive care without it.

Board members who supported the measure appeared shocked by the opposition.

I'm gonna be honest guys. I'm really confused because I was on the board when the VOCA grant got approved the first time, and we went out for it. There was no controversy around this, Board President Kristin Tassin said.

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Fort Bend ISD has been partnering with mental health service providers with Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant money since August 2019. The funding comes from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, which Tassin reminded board members is a Republican-controlled office. The funding would be for students who are victims of crimes.

Over the past five years, the district has received $3.17 million in grant funding from VOCA but only spent $1.84 million on services, based on need. Some years, the district spent the entire grant awarded, which was usually around $400,000 per year, with the exception of the first year, when the district was awarded $1.5 million. The district has never over-spent the grant.

Tassin was previously on the Fort Bend ISD board when the initial item was passed in 2019, before she lost her seat and regained it in the May 2024 board elections. She was visibly frustrated at the opposition to providing mental health services, citing that she believed gun violence could be curbed with appropriate mental health care.

Part of the reason we did this is because I was the board president when Santa Fe happened, the school shooting happened, Tassin said. We were scared to death that we were going to be next.

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But these pleas did not dissuade the dissenting trustees, some of whom were also concerned by what looked like a steep price tag while the district is struggling with a $56.8 million shortfall on the November 2023 bond. Officials confirmed at Monday's meeting that this shortfall would likely not be further reduced by cost saving measures since $106.4 million has already been sloughed off the original estimate.

While the funding would come from the VOCA grant, and has only come from the grant historically in Fort Bend ISD, money from the districts operating fund, or other funding sources available to families, could be spent, according to the agenda item and district officials. This concerned trustee David Hamilton.

I think we can identify needs, refer those needs out, and also not potentially spend $2.5 million of Fort Bend ISD taxpayers money from the general fund if we identify and serve more students than expected, Hamilton said.

He also urged that providing mental health services on campus could take a focus away from academics, a notion that was met with disdain from other trustees.

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You know what, I can't educate a kid who's sitting in the back room thinking about if he's going to make it to tomorrow, trustee Angie Hanan said. If a mental health provider that we contract keeps the kid in school, keeps the kid from running away, keeps the kid from self-medicating, keeps a kid from committing suicide. I'm all in.

Trustee Shirley Rose-Gilliam disagreed with Jones belief that mental health should be a family matter, because not all families are able to find and provide care for their kids, especially since just under 50% of Fort Bend ISD families are economically disadvantaged.

My mom worked two jobs while my dad was in jail. She didn't have time to bring my sister to the doctor, Rose-Gilliam said. This is grant funded. And why would we not help? No, I don't -- I don't get it. We want healthy children.

Before the meeting, the board held a public hearing in compliance with Chapter 38 of the Texas Education Code that mandates the district provide information about changes to mental health or therapeutic services for students. The district was looking to engage some new providers after going through a procurement cycle this year, which provided grounds for the hearing.

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During the hearing, Westbrook shared that 87% of youth have some kind of mental health problem.

Hamilton said later he thought that was an overestimate.

I think you're being very generous with the goalposts on how you define mental health problems to get to 87% of young people, he said, adding that some of the people who put studies out like that are getting money from school districts to provide mental health services, so there's an incentive for them to do so.

He did not explain which organizations are allegedly overestimating the number of struggling children to receive extra funding from school districts.

Trustee Adam Schoof had more specific reasons for his denial. He said that the county was already oversaturated with mental health professionals so that it should not be difficult for families to find care, which Hanan had argued was challenging no matter one's economic status.

Schoof also said he had specific concerns about VOCA, and that accepting the grant would not give the district as much control over student confidentiality. Schoof said that in other states, minors had undergone procedures, with mental health concerns as the basis, without parental consent, and said he had heard of two such instances occurring in Fort Bend over 13 years.

By us lock-tightening that door, we would probably no longer be eligible for a VOCA grant, and this VOCA grant possibly opens us up to this type of scenario where we no longer have freedom to give parents all information unrestricted, Schoof said.

But the district legal team maintained that this would not likely be a concern, since medical records arent kept confidential from parents unless the parent poses a direct threat to the students safety and law enforcement is involved.

According to Sherry Williams, director of strategic communications in Fort Bend ISD, VOCA funds are not the only way to pay for mental health services rendered on campus. Students with insurance or Medicaid can also use those funding sources, and if a student is uninsured or is not eligible for VOCA funding, the district has in-house mental health professionals to support students, Williams said. The district also has partners who can provide services at no cost to the family or the district.
An Alabama youth minister accused in the repeated rape and sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl who attended his church has been denied bond.

Terry Lewayne Murphree, 39, is charged in Blount County with 17 crimes: nine counts of a clergy member having sexual intercourse with a child, three counts of sexual abuse, and one count each of first-degree rape, electronic solicitation of a child, human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for sex, and first-degree attempted sodomy.

Murphree appeared in court this week before District Judge Sherry Burns.

Testimony in a Wednesday hearing revealed that four more victims have come forward since Murphrees arrest earlier this month. Additionally, authorities said, Murphree had fathered the child of a teen girl under the age of 16.

Since these charges there have been multiple victims of this defendant who have appeared and submitted to interviews, with Blount County Sheriffs Office Investigator Sgt. Ed Hull.

Murphree is only charged in the case of the 13-year-old, but more charges are expected.

The judge ruled that Murphree will remain behind bars, stating in her written order that he is a danger to others, specifically young females.

Pretrial detention is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the public at large, Burns wrote.

The judge also said there is enough probable cause to forward the case to a grand jury for indictment consideration.

The weight of evidence as to guilt is strong, Burns wrote.

The name of the church where Murphree served was not named in court records. The charging documents state that the alleged sexual assaults happened in March and continued through June.

Murphree is accused of having forced sexual intercourse with the 13-year-old girl on multiple occasions, as well as performing sex acts on her.

Intercourse against the girls will took place at least seven times and possibly as many as 15, records state. Those acts took place at the unnamed church, at Murphrees home and at the victims home.

The suspect, prosecutors contend, used Snapchat and text message to demand nude photos from the victim. He also threated harm to himself and his wife, who filed for divorce from him last month  if the teen didnt send him nude photos.
This is an opinion column.

Roy Moore, former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, has about as much in common with Sue Bell Cobb, another former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, as pop stars and Pop-Tarts.

Not a lot, outside a label.

Moore was the Republican Ten Commandments judge, the fundamentalist who ran for U.S. Senate with a tiny gun and a great big cowboy hat. Hes one who would make being gay illegal and turn America into a theocracy, according to his own take on the Christian Bible and the Constitution.

Cobb was the Democrat with a more touchy-feely vibe, the Methodist who once ran for governor with a theme song of This Little Light of Mine. Shes spent the last few years helping old and sick inmates get out of prison, if only so they could have the dignity of dying at home.

But Moore and Cobb do share something now: a pain in their behinds. Theyve both been dissed and dismissed by Leigh Gwathney, the chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Whats the old country phrase? Every worm has its turn? Cobb said this week. Is that it? Thats what this is with Roy Moore and I.

I dont know that Im country enough to recall that phrase, but I get the gist. Strange things happen, and that makes for some strange company.

When Cobb appeared at a parole hearing for Robert George this spring, Gwathney repeatedly referred to her as Miss Cobb, to the point the chief justice thought it intentionally disrespectful. Not Judge Cobb. Certainly not Chief Justice Cobb. But Miss Cobb.

Gwathney then, over the course of the two-and-a-half-hour hearing , repeatedly questioned Cobb and others who supported Georges parole, including the victims mother, Joyce Dale.

She just kept going, Cobb said. She just insinuated that we had paid Mrs. Dale, that I had paid Mrs. Dale. I just tried to keep my cool as best I could.

Last week the worm  if Im getting her meaning  turned to Moore.

Moore appeared before the parole board to speak on behalf of Willie Conner, who has served a dozen years in prison for a robbery that Moore claims should have been charged as nothing more than shoplifting.

Moore argued that Conner is a changed man, that it was a miscarriage of justice and a prosecutorial travesty from the start. Conner, who is now 59, went into a Lowes in Foley, grabbed a pneumatic roofing nail gun, stuffed it in his pants and fled. He was caught on tape, spotted by security, and nabbed in the parking lot.

But he wasnt charged with shoplifting. He was charged with felony robbery, as if he had a weapon.

They knew he did not have a weapon, the two-time chief justice of Alabamas high court said. A roof nailer is not dangerous without a compressor.

Then Gwathney, who has squashed more dreams of freedom than a tin-horn dictator, spoke to him as if he were a child and she were the saccharine school marm. Words on paper truly can go only go so far to describe the slight.

Gwathney: Um, could you tell us what the law in the state of Alabama is for robbery in the first degree?

Moore: Robbery in the first degree, that would be guilty of robbery in a lesser degree plus use of a dangerous and deadly weapon

Gwathney: Or?

Moore: Or what?

Gwathney You tell me?

Moore: Use force.

Gwathney: Use a weapon.

At this point Moore tried to answer, but was drowned out by her interruptions.

Gwathney: Or?

Gwathley: Or?

Gwathney: Or what else?

Moore: Or guilty of a lesser degree of robbery. Taking something from somebody else by force.

On it went. It was hard to listen to, to be honest. Circular and uncomfortable and unnecessary. An argument, in a state under federal reprimand for overcrowded and dangerous prisons, over whether a guy who stuffed a nail gun in his pants should get out of prison after 12 years.

Granted, the guy had a couple of priors, and he had been sentenced to life by a judge, rightly or wrongly.

But the whole exchange, and the manner of opposition to Conners parole by the Alabama Attorney Generals office, summed up all thats wrong with this body, and this process. This is not about justice. It is not about reason or fairness or public safety. Its about keeping those convicted of crimes incarcerated in Alabamas prison, no matter whether it is right or wrong.

Nayla Contreras of the Attorney Generals office also appeared before the board that day. She came to protest Conners release, and her official position was clear:

We are here today to state  hes not ready to be released from prison.

Despite the fact that earlier, in response to Moore, she had said ...honestly, I kind of believe he (Conner) has shown he could be worthy of parole.

Try to make that add up.

Moore, after the hearing, told my colleague Ivana Hrynkiw the meeting itself was amazing, that it summed up a battle that has raged in the state between justice and a controlling parole board chair.

This was the epitome of that battle, he said.

Ultimately, the two other members of the parole board sided with Conner and granted him parole. Gwathney voted to keep him locked up.

Moore said she always will vote that way, because, first and foremost she represents the interests of her former employer, the attorney general.

Thats not justice. Its just punishment.

I think people want justice, Moore said. They want bad people to stay in, they want people that are worthy of parole to get out. Thats the system. Thats what its supposed to be, but thats not what its been. What its been is a representative of the attorney generals office controlling the parole board.

The worm does turn.

John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner.
The Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) recently achieved its highest monthly passenger volume in the last decade, according to the airports website.

In May, 296,885 passengers traveled through the airport, surpassing the previous record of 289,785 passengers, set in October 2023.
This is an opinion column.

Later this year, Im going to see the Drive-By Truckers Southern Rock Opera Revisited tour, to finally hear a song live that Ive had in my playlists since Steve Jobs put iPods in our pockets.

I know All should be forgiven,

but he did what he done so well.

So throw another log on the fire boys!

George Wallace is coming 

Sung from the perspective of the Devil, the Great Deceiver is delighted that companys on the way, the old Southern guv who had what it took to take it so far.

Now the Devils got a Wallace sticker

on the back of his Cadillac!

Its supposed to be a warning for  and of  ambitious, unprincipled people in search of power.

But not even the songs Father of Lies seems to know the answer to one of Alabamas old questions: Which was the real George Wallace?

A.) The somewhat progressive, racial moderate defeated in 1958 by the segregationist John Patterson,

B.) The man who proclaimed Segregation Forever! at his inauguration one election cycle later, or 

C.) The broken old man in a wheelchair who begged forgiveness from Black political and religious leaders near the end of his life.

In the song, Ol Scratch seems to think the answer doesnt matter.

And if its true that he wasnt a racist,

and he just did all them things for the votes,

I guess Hells just the place for kiss-ass politicians

who pander to assholes.

The Devil may not care, but I cant let go so easily. Call it the Wallace Conundrum  its a question as important today as it was 60 years ago.

In 2024, our political world is overrun with politicians making similar shifts, and voters are left to wonder which manifestations are real.

You can see it in the discourse (and inevitable TV ads) regarding J.D. Vances actual beliefs, whatever those are. Did he mean it when he said Trump could be Americas Hitler? Or was that guy on stage at the Republican National Convention the real Vance? Is Donald Trump a cultural opioid, as Vance called him, or the last hope for the working class?

I have a shelf full of books written by well-credentialed academics trying to answer the Wallace Conundrum, none to my satisfaction. So it was a surprise to hear what might be a definitive answer, not from a journalist nor a historian, but from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Speaking on Real Time with Bill Maher, Pete Buttigieg recalled his experience with such characters, including his former Indiana governor, Mike Pence. Vance is only the latest.

I knew a lot of people like him when I got to Harvard, Buttigieg said. I found a lot of people like him who would say what they needed to to get ahead. And five years ago that seemed like being the anti-Trump Republican, so thats what he was.

Then things changed, and so did Vance.

Five years later, the way he gets ahead is [to say Trumps] the greatest guy since sliced bread, Buttigieg said.

Could the answer to the Wallace Conundrum is as simple as None of the above?

The problem with the Wallace Conundrum is that the question supposes that one of the Wallaces is the real Wallace, when the most likely possibility is that theyre all fakes.

There are people we all know  and like Buttigieg, I met my share in college  who care less about the right answer and more for the right answer right now. They will change their beliefs, their clothes, their haircuts  whatever it takes  to suit the situation, to please whoevers approval they crave.

Theyre the political Shape Shifters.

Such changes shouldnt be confused with changing ones mind. Healthy minds evolve to incorporate new information, evidence or experience. In contrast, Shape Shifters change to fit new attitudes or new audiences  for approval.

Those closest to Wallace understood this about him. What mattered wasnt beliefs, ideas or principles, but getting ahead.

If George had parachuted into the Albanian countryside in the spring of 1962, he would have been head of a collective farm by the fall, a member of the Communist Party by mid-winter, on his way to the district party meeting as a delegate by the following year, and a member of the Comintern into two or three years, Wallace adviser John Kohn once told historian Dan Carter.

Hell, he said. George could believe whatever he needed to believe.

There was never a real Wallace. He changed as his circumstances did. He was the champion Shape Shifter.

At least until Donald Trump showed up.

Sometimes Shape Shifters get caught in flux, as Trump did in 2021, when he bragged about Project Warp Speed and got booed by Alabamians who didnt believe in vaccines. Three years later, Trump now woos his rival, independent candidate and anti-vaxer Robert Kennedy Jr., by saying you can see the babies change after they are injected.

RFK Jr. might be a kook with a brainworm, but at least he believes what he believes.

It should be no surprise, Shape Shifters dont like it when anyone questions their inconsistencies. Donald Trumps antipathy toward the press isnt because its the enemy of the people. Journalists are in natural opposition to Shape Shifters because we write things down and record things.

Its a sensible question to ask whether this is what democracy wants  someone who will respond to feedback from the people?

The trouble with Shape Shifters is that, while theyre good at rising to power, they often dont know what to do when they get it. Theres no one above anymore to clue them into the right answer. And when novel problems arise  theres no public opinion yet to follow. The Shape Shifters come unmoored from what got them there, and suddenly you have a president suggesting people shoot bleach in the veins.

As the Truckers sang, they have what it takes to take it so far.

But no further.

And in the end, we all wind up back in the same place  with another log on the fire, and the Devil with another sticker on the back of his Cadillac.
Patrick Braxton, 57, the first Black mayor of Newbern, a rural town in Hale County, has been officially reinstated to his office after a four-year battle.

In 2020, Braxton became mayor of the tiny, majority-Black town, which hadnt held a true election, most people guessed, for 60 years. But local white officials refused to let Braxton use his office.

Now, a settlement in federal court aims to set a precedent for small-town politics. And Newbern has pledged to hold its first-ever regularly scheduled municipal election in 2025.

Stuff like this cant keep happening in small towns. Were putting our foot down, setting the boundary for anything else like this happening in the future, Braxton told AL.com.

In 2022, Braxton sued the towns former white administration for keeping him out of office. The case moved from a local court to federal court. He accused former Mayor Hayward Stokes III and town council members of violating a section of the Voting Rights Act.

The towns white residents treated elected offices as hand me down positions, according to the lawsuit. They simply appointed each other to roles of mayor and councilmembers. For decades.

Braxton, a contractor and volunteer firefighter, decided to run for office. He said over the years, he had bought and hung state flags, gave out hand sanitizer, face masks and food to the community members who were struggling through the pandemic. And since he was the only candidate to qualify for the election, he got the seat.

I just wanted to make the town better and I was already doing so much stuff trying to help the people in the community, Braxton said.

But according to the lawsuit, after he won the election, he never received access to manage the towns finances, was barred from opening the municipal mailbox and was locked out of the town hall after the locks had been changed multiple times.

Hayward Stokes III, who is white and had served as mayor since 2008, held a special-called election that handed him back the office.

For the past four years, the town has been in a stalemate, with both Braxton and Stokes calling themselves the mayor.

The settlement, reached on July 23 and signed off on by a United States district judge, officially reinstated Mayor Braxton.

This settlement is a critical win for the residents of Newbern, who after decades of enduring conflict and strife in attempting to exercise their fundamental right to vote, will now be able to make their voices heard, said Morenike Fajana, senior counsel at the Legal Defense Fund, which represented Braxton and other plaintiffs, in a news release.

Braxtons inauguration is set for Aug. 3. He said his first act as mayor will be holding a council meeting.

It feels good to point out the wrongdoing, Braxton said.
Alabamas senators, along with two other lawmakers, are once again calling out Mexicos president for what they say are illegal attempts by Mexico to take property owned by Birminghams Vulcan Materials.

Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, along with Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) released a statement today calling on Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to end a more than two-year campaign centered on Vulcans property on the Yucatan peninsula.

According to the senators, Lopez Obrador last week issued a declaration that would designate Vulcans land and port in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo as a naturally protected area.

In a joint statement, the senators called the declaration an expropriation of a lawfully permitted, U.S.-owned operation.

We are deeply concerned by the government of Mexicos latest effort to illegally acquire the property that Vulcan operates, the statement reads. This American company has a proven track record of going above and beyond required permits that were routinely renewed by all levels of government to protect sensitive areas, reforest native jungle, preserve archaeological sites, and establish protected wildlife habitats.

The Lopez Obrador administration is continuing to set a dangerous precedent with these actions, undermining the long-standing bilateral relationship between our two countries and eroding international confidence in Mexicos adherence to the rule of law. We remain committed to using all appropriate tools at our disposal to deter the Government of Mexico from seizing Vulcans lawfully owned and operated property and ensure no entity or individual benefits from its theft, the senators stated.

In May, the senators sent a similar statement to Alicia Barcena, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico.

In March 2023, the Mexican government seized the facility, despite a court ordered stay on any government action to confiscate the property. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador threatened to declare the property a natural protected area or seize it by force if Vulcan doesnt accept a $360 million offer for the gravel pits before he leaves office next year.

Vulcan maintains the Punta Venado deep-water port facility has an estimated value of more than $1 billion.

Lopez Obrador has accused the company of extracting materials without the proper permit.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, in an interview Tuesday on the Fox Business show Kudlow, said most immigrants coming into the country are garbage.

Referring to Vice President Kamala Harris, who President Joe Biden said in 2021 would have special duties related to addressing the roots of immigration at the southern border, Tuberville overstated the number of people crossing the border.

I mean, how can you put somebody in charge of a situation where you let 15, possibly even 20 million people come into our country? Tuberville said. Now some of these people are good, but most of them are garbage. They come from jails and prisons in other countries.

The unauthorized immigrant population in the United States grew to 11 million in 2022, according to new Pew Research Center estimates based on the 2022 American Community Survey, the most recent year available.

AL.com reached out to Tubervilles office for comment, and a spokesperson emphasized that Tuberville was not talking about legal immigrants:

Senator Tuberville is all for legal immigration. But Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have allowed more than 10 million people to illegally invade our country  making our neighborhoods, kids, and families less safe. Many of these people are drug traffickers, terrorists, murderers, rapists, and gang members. Dont believe us? Ask the families of Laken Riley or Rachel Morin. Sen. Tuberville is not afraid to call people who illegally invade our country exactly what they are: criminals.

Stunning. MAGA Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville says most migrants are garbage. (Video: Fox Business) pic.twitter.com/JyCOG9ofdK  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) July 23, 2024

Senator Tubervilles dehumanizing language referring to migrants as garbage encourages abuse rather than empathy and compassion, said Heidi Altman, director of federal advocacy at the National Immigration Law Center, according to The Hill.

This kind of dehumanizing rhetoric has historically led to dangerous, violent, and hateful policies being unleashed against marginalized groups. All leaders of any political persuasion should denounce this as unacceptable in a democratic society.
Families of people being held in Alabama prisons testified before lawmakers in Montgomery on Wednesday, sharing accounts of rape, murder, extortion, beatings and rampant drug use.

Betty Martin told the prison oversight committee that her son, Derrick, called her to document the stabbing and beatings he suffered during six years behind bars.

He told me, Mom, Im tired of getting beat Im sending these pictures to you because one day youre going to need them. Theyre going to kill me in here, she testified in front of the committee.

Her son was killed at Elmore Correctional Facility last year. On December 12, 2023, at 6:30 a.m., we got a call. Hes dead, she told the committee.

This is how Martin summed up what she saw from the Alabama Department of Corrections: third world country, drugs, murder, extortion, overdoses, gangs, lost hope

The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Alabama , arguing the prisons are unconstitutionally overcrowded and dangerous .

At the Joint Prison Oversight Committee hearing in Montgomery on Wednesday, people in the audience cried as families told stories of violence against loved ones behind bars. Many wore T-shirts memorializing family members who died in custody.

Rosa Williams testified that her brother, who has schizophrenia, has been stabbed, raped and had his teeth knocked out at Elmore Correctional Facility.

The system is not set up to help the mentally ill, Rush, who works in the medical field, told the committee.

She said their family has been extorted by other inmates who demanded money in exchange for his life.

I stand here today pleading for his life, Williams told the committee. Please know my greatest hope is that he comes home alive.

Rev. Bobby White, who represented a coalition of pastors throughout Alabama, testified about widespread drug use in prisons and asked for more counseling options.

In the first three months of this year, there were 22 overdose deaths in state prisons, according to statistics from the department of corrections.

If you werent a drug addict when you go into prison, you shouldnt be one when you get out, White testified.

Shauntae Roney told the committee her brother was on a list for COVID release but was never let out. She said the family frequently requested wellness checks because he faced threats and assaults inside Donaldson prison.

In June, just five months before his release date, he was stabbed in the head and the back and left outside to die, Roney testified. She said other inmates brought him back inside the facility, but their family never got answers about what happened

We were saving money all this time for him to be productive [when he got out] and we had to bury him with that money, Roney said.

Eddie Burkhalter, a researcher at the nonprofit Alabama Appleseed, testified that the prisons have a 61% staff vacancy, leaving them short by more than 2,000 officers.

Burkhalter said the nonprofit obtained records showing that 366 staff were fired between 2018 and 2023, including 134 who were charged with work-related crimes, ranging from smuggling contraband to assault and murder.

State Sen. Clyde Chambliss presided over the hearing, telling the crowd in an opening statement that some folks think that we can just go tomorrow and make changes immediately.

Thats not the way our system is designed, he said. Thats not the way it works.

Many lawmakers, including those on the oversight committee, were not present at the hearing. Chambliss said they would be watching remotely.

State Sen. Vivian Figure said she was so disappointed when I drove up this morning and the parking lot was empty.

Figures, who is not on the committee but testified during the public hearing, said lawmakers should spend time in prison for a few days to see what prisoners in Alabama go through. She said her son spent time in prison years ago.

We have lost so many lives in our state prisons that it is unconscionable and truly unacceptable, Figures testified. They should do the time but they should be safe.

State Rep. Chris England, who has introduced a number of prison reform bills in the past few years, said that this hearing still had more people than hed seen in any prior committee meeting.

Last time we had this meeting, no one from ADOC came. Now they are here, England said.

England said public attention and reporting on the prison system and the parole board was leading to change, citing higher parole rates in the state .

Keep fighting, push harder, England encouraged the crowd. Build your army and continue fighting.

The oversight committee holds four meetings a year, including one public hearing. The next committee meeting will be Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m.

Ivana Hrynkiw contributed reporting to this story.
By ASHRAF KHALIL and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

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 nations capital carrying Palestinian flags and signs with messages such as arrest Netanyahu and end all U.S. aid to Israel. Outside Washingtons 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 Netanyahus 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 Netanyahus 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.

Outside of Union Station, at least four protesters were handcuffed and taken away by police. Protesters shouted, Let them go! at officers who formed a circle. 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 Netanyahus 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.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, in an interview Tuesday on the Fox Business show Kudlow, said most immigrants coming into the country are garbage.

Referring to Vice President Kamala Harris, who President Joe Biden said in 2021 would have special duties related to addressing the roots of immigration at the southern border, Tuberville overstated the number of people crossing the border.

The unauthorized immigrant population in the United States grew to 11 million in 2022, according to new Pew Research Center estimates based on the 2022 American Community Survey, the most recent year available.

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 in 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 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.

Salaries vary widely for college presidents in Alabama  from nearly $1 million on the high end to a low of less than $200,000.

In addition to their base salaries, some presidents get vehicle and housing allowances or bonuses for meeting enrollment benchmarks or other goals. One gets an allowance for country club dues.

UAB, The University of Alabama and Auburn unsurprisingly make up the top three, but you need to check out the whole list to see just how much they make.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appears at a pretrial hearing in his securities fraud case before state District Judge Andrea Beall, 185th District Court, Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Harris County Criminal Courts at Law in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appears at a pretrial hearing in his securities fraud case before state District Judge Andrea Beall, 185th District Court, Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Harris County Criminal Courts at Law in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appears at a pretrial hearing in his securities fraud case before state District Judge Andrea Beall, 185th District Court, Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Harris County Criminal Courts at Law in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, second from right, talks with his defense attorneys Philip Hilder, from left, Dan Cogdell, and Anthony Osso, Jr., after Paxton appeared in the 185th District Court for a hearing in his securities fraud case Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at the Harris County criminal courthouse in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is pictured here arriving with former President Donald Trump at Manhattan criminal court before Trump's trial in New York, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. (Justin Lane/Pool Photo via AP) Justin Lane/Associated Press

Huffman ISDs legal counsel agreed to an injunction Tuesday, barring Superintendent Benny Soileau from advocating for any political candidates using the districts funds or resources.

The agreement comes after Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the district earlier this year for alleged electioneering after Soileau gathered roughly 200 Huffman ISD teachers and staff ahead of the March primary to encourage them to support a list of Republican primary candidates who opposed school choice.

The original lawsuit filed by Paxton claims Soileau used state or local funds or other resources of the district to electioneer for or against any candidate, measure or political party.

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HARRIS AT AFT: What to know about Kamala Harris' address to the American Federation of Teachers in Houston

The district denied all allegations and said Paxton filed the lawsuit as a politically motivated publicity stunt to help turn out anti-education voters in a response filed by Thompson & Horton LLC attorney Stephanie A. Hamm.

Previously, the Chronicle reported that an investigator from the district attorneys office reached out to several Harris County citizens to gather information regarding Solieaus meeting, resulting in several individuals signing affidavits claiming Solieau participated in illegal electioneering.

A request for injunction against Soileau was filed Tuesday by a legal assistant in Paxtons office.

In the agreed injunction, the parties, which include Soileau and Huffman ISD School Board President Amanada McGee, agreed to grant the states petition without any admission of wrongdoing by any party, and for the purpose of allowing the parties to move forward from their current dispute.

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The agreed terms prohibit Soileau from advocating for Huffman ISD employees to support or oppose candidates, political parties or specific ballot measures. But, does not prevent him from encouraging individuals to vote, discussing the importance of voting or discussing non-ballot issues relating to public education or school funding.
By ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  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.

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. 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.

In terms of what weve been able to find so far, a lot of the usual repositories of information have not yielded anything notable in terms of motive or ideology, Wray said.

The FBIs assessment continues to be that Crooks acted alone, though agents are still investigating.

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 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 and obtain what Wray said would have been a rearview 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 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.)

The FBI thinks Crooks may have managed to avoid detection in the crowd 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 very public one  of what I have been talking about, Wray said.

The hearing had been schedule 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 and the Jan 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Though the FBI so far has avoided the same level of scrutiny over the shooting directed at the Secret Service over security failures, culminating Tuesday in the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle as the agencys director, Wray was not able to entirely avoid the antagonistic 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.
This story is republished with permission from The Birmingham Times

Four years ago, a Zoom meeting to build support for Kamala Harris as the Democratic vice presidential nominee attracted just 90 participants. On Sunday night, an estimated 40,000 Black women and allies logged on to Zoom and another 50,000 women on other platforms at the same time to support her brand-new presidential campaign.

Among those was State Sen. Merika Coleman (D-Pleasant Grove) who said the virtual gathering was church. It was a celebration of sisterhood, but it was also a call to action, she told The Birmingham Times on Tuesday. It was supposed to be a max of 1,000 people on the call, then we got notice that they were going to up it and it went 3,000 and it just continued to grow and grow. Thats the excitement of Black women all over the country.

The excitement and discussion came just hours after President Joe Biden announced the end of his reelection campaign and endorsement of Harris.

Zoom typically maxes out at 1,000 participants but a female executive at the video conferencing company stepped in to increase the capacity to 40,000, said Aimee Allison, who has attended many of the weekly calls organized by the #WinWithBlackWomen network over the years.

It was thrilling, Allison said. It wasnt chaos. The infrastructure was there amongst Black women to be able to scale and meet the moment. And I think this is the difference Kamala Harris is injecting into the race.

Coleman is one of 52 delegates plus 4 delegates from Alabama who will be in Chicago Aug. 19-22 to nominate Harris to be the Democrat nominee for president in the Nov. 5 general election against Republican Donald Trump. The state senator said Harris is the best person to represent the Democratic Party.

I think [she] was the only pick that [Biden] couldve made, Coleman said. He said in his endorsement that he would have never picked her as his Vice-Presidential running mate or his Vice President if he did not believe she was ready to be President on day one. I support her wholeheartedly. Ive already given my official endorsement and change my paperwork [to Harris from Biden] with the DNC, said Coleman.

Harris is by far one of the most qualified presidential candidates that weve ever had, and she just happens to be a woman and happens to be African American as well, Coleman continued,  shes a former prosecutor, former attorney general, and former U.S. Senator, and now the current Vice President of the United States.

Jefferson County Commissioner Shelia Tyson, who received more votes for Alabama delegate in the elections earlier this year, and was also on the Zoom call said Harris brings a strong resume to the race.

If you look at her background, being an attorney, being a prosecutor  She went to an Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and she belongs to the AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority) which puts her around a diversity of people, a whole different group of people with different issues and the way she voted on things as the Vice President. She has everything we need in order to lead this country.

Black voters in general, and women in particular, were key to Bidens victories in both the 2020 primaries and general election. While Donald Trump had a modest advantage among white women, Biden won overwhelmingly among Black women, 93 percent to Trumps 6 percent, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 110,000 voters.

Just last week, more than 1,300 Black female leaders and allies published a letter supporting Biden and Harris. But if Sunday and Mondays calls are any indication, theyre now all-in for Harris, who is of Black and Indian descent.

This wasnt just policy people or legislative people or elected officials. This was across the board. Everybody came with their toolbox and was like, okay, so how do we pitch in? said Angelique Roche, a writer and consultant who described the Sunday Zoom call as powerful and galvanizing.

These were different generations with different education levels, different jobs, different backgrounds, different industries, all coming to the table and saying, were ready, were in, she said.

Earlier this month, Harris herself extolled the power of sisterhood and service when she addressed the annual gathering of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which she joined as a student at Howard University, one of the nations most storied historically Black colleges.

Our nation is counting on the leaders in this room to guide us forward, she told the crowd of Black women, some shaking pompoms to cheer her on. When we mobilize, nations change. And when we vote, we make history.

Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is an opinion column.

I still recall the feeling as the escalator ascended. It was almost 29 years ago, and Id taken an early train from New York to Washington, D.C., to join other Black men on the spacious grass between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. Hundreds of thousands of other Black men.

Black men vowing to do more. To be better.

I didnt go as a journalist, but as the father of a 17-month-old son. A son born into a world where he would need to do more. To be better.

That started with me.

There had been more male melanin on the train that morning than usual. Even more nodding and smiling than usual. Our numbers grew as we moved from the Metro subway line and made our way to the gathering place. Smiling. Nodding.

The escalator ascended into an ocean of brown that almost overwhelmed methough certainly lifted me. To do more. To be better.

The day was October 16, 1995, and the occasion, of course, was the Million Man March, an event organized by Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, and NAACP Executive Director Dr. Benjamin Chavis. (I took a zillion photos that dayokay, so I was being semi-journalist. But because selfie was not yet in the dictionary, theres not a single photo me there that day.)

The day drew Black men from every sectorfrom every neighborhood, from every faith. From every jagged mountain that Black men have had to climb for centuries.

Black men lifted. Lifted and vowing to do more. To be better.

Nearly three decades later, Black men must mobilize again.

We must do morefor ourselves, for our families, for our boys.

And, yes, for history.

We must be better for us.

Perhaps the catalyst is Kamala Harris.

A similar emotion to what I felt that day in the nations capital in October 1995, a similar difference filled a digital convening this past Monday evening when 20,000 Black men joined a Zoom for three hours to affirm support for Harris bid to become the first female President of the United States.

Organized by my friend and journalist/media owner Roland S. Martin, the call was a parade of calls to action by voices well-known and less so. Calls to diffuse the malaise that so easily overcomes us as we climb those mountains and dispute the misinformation concocted to confuse us.

In 2020, 87% of Black male voters chose Biden instead of Trump, according to Edison Research exit polls. Yet that fact is often diminished beneath the 91% of Black women who supported Biden and who continue to be the single most coveted and valuable constituency in the nation.

Diminished by claims in recent monthsno, crowed by Republicansthat Black men were deflecting to Trump.

Diminished by the shucking of Sen. Tim Scott, who made us gag in January when he told Trump, I just love you, during a January speech.

Diminished by the jiving of Byron Daniels, who ignorantly intimated that Blacks were better off under Jim Crow.

Diminished by the naive gullibility of both men believing they had a snowballs chance anywhere in America this summer of being selected as Trumps running mate.

To be clear, the mens call was inspired by one held the previous night when 44,000 Black women from around the nation had chuch on a Zoom and raised $4.5 million in a bit over four hours to support Harris presidential bid.

The men raised $1.3 million to support Harris. Now, to also be clear, the calls were not a competition but an emphatic collaboration. An unassailable declaration that Black men have our sisters backs.

That we will do more. That we will be better.

Not merely for history but for the story unfolding now in too many of our communities.

The narrative around senseless, deadly decisions that we cannot ignore.

In Birmingham, where gun violence perplexes, frustrates, and angers us all, myriad Black men are already doing more, as chronicled by my colleague Alaina Bookman for our series Beyond the Violence. Among them: Eric Jones, Dee Pogue, Seyram Selase, Judge Andra Sparks, Gerrel Jones, and Jamaree Collins.

Soon after herstory is made (yeah, I wrote that), brothers, we must convene again and similarly commit our passions and pockets to doing more. To be better.

To lift (read: fund) programs such as these in Birmingham and nationwide, programs striving to make a difference and make us different.

Striving to smooth the mountains weve climbed for our boys and beyond.

So they can do more. So they can do better.

In a world where we made a difference. A world we helped make different.

I was raised by good people who encouraged me to be a good man and surround myself with good people. If I did, they said, good things would happen. I am a member of the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, an Edward R. Murrow Award winner, and a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, or on Instagram @roysj.
As a conservative writer, I come into contact with a lot of people, many who identify themselves as Republican and conservative. Having been at this for years, I have detected a marked change in how many former Russia haters have altered their perception of Russia and especially Putin, some even seeing him as desirable. Public opinion on Putin's first moves into Europe in 2008 was subdued and misunderstood. The lack of international pushback was a consequence of a massive Russian effort to influence public opinion through information warfare, with the West not acknowledging the ramifications in an attempt to appease Putin. This first engagement became the template for Putin's continued empire-building since.

In 2008, during the Obama/Biden administration, Russia, along with its non-nation-state proxies, self-proclaimed South Ossetia and Abkhazia, invaded independent Georgia on the pretense that Georgia was committing genocide against the Russian-speaking South Ossetia region. In reality, tensions had been building since Putin's elevation to President in 2000, which featured a worldview that sees Russia as the eventual only legitimate superpower. Russia eventually withdrew, but the pattern for future invasions was set. Claims that ethnic Russians are being massacred and that NATO's ambitions were to invade and destroy Russia had no basis in fact. The International Court of Justice did sanction Russia for "grave human rights abuses," but little more. This invasion permanently displaced tens of thousands.

Notably, Europe made a lot of noise but did not send forces to intervene. The fear of a Russian invasion of Europe is still real and palpable, with many Europeans recalling their fear of a Russian attack through the Fulda Gap that remains to this day. The problem, as President Trump accurately stated, was massive underinvestment in European defense that diverted money to support the social welfare states of Europe. This is the source of much American anxiety for many who decry America, spending its blood and treasure for the EU that lived essentially rent-free under our protection.

In 2013, Russian-installed President Viktor Yanukovych vetoed a wildly popular deal for Ukraine to begin to integrate with the European Union. The Ukrainian people massively favored looking westward, and a mini-civil war resulted in Yanukovych fleeing to Russia. Russia reacted by invading Crimea and then used "Little Green Men" to commence an insurgency in Eastern Ukraine. Shortly after that, the "rebels" in the Donbas region asked for Russian "help," and Russia invaded. The West made a lot of noise and sent blankets, MREs, and little else under Obama and Biden's tenure.

Europe and America blustered, but without American force behind it, Putin scored the toehold in Ukraine he desired. By 2022, with Biden now President, the calculation was made that Ukraine was ripe for the picking, and the rest is history.

Too many of my friends think Ukraine is an isolated situation unworthy of our interest, and if Russia wins, it will end Putin's ambitions. That's not true. Putin is currently involved in destabilizing Armenia, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia, and Moldova, all having seen destabilizing efforts by Putin in the last year. Notably, Poland and Lithuania are NATO members and are furiously building their defenses against an assumed Russian invasion.

In conversations with both moderate and hardline Republicans, I've discovered real passion amongst many. Emotions are not a substitute for fact-based logic regarding America's role in shaping the international space.

As you would expect, most conservatives believe in the right to self-determination but possess a fractured view of Russia, with many believing Russia is a free country vs. evidence to the contrary. Putin has become a mythical creature to many conservatives, with many envying his strongman style of leadership, which makes it seem as if Putin is strong and admirable when the reality is quite different. Russia continues to operate its political Gulags, as the now-dead Alexi Navaliya is testament to.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, cronyism, crime, and corruption-plagued all the old communist countries, including Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ran on a platform as a reformer and has made great strides in creating a market-style economy, with his people responding gallantly; he is not a strongman leader. The U.S. continually vets the progress made by Ukraine.

Without assistance from the rest of the world, Ukraine will become the next domino to fall. This will not be the end of it. President Biden has restricted the weaponry used and where it can be employed. Biden has micromanaged the war in Ukraine in the same manner as in Israel. A war that should have taken 90 days is approaching nine months in Israel because we no longer have the will to win. This strategy births future wars and increases the danger to us all. Never fight a war you aren't prepared to win.

Too many don't understand geopolitics. Russian disinformation, bolstered by an America First mindset, mirrors the general mood of the country the day before Pearl Harbor. With hindsight, we know how wrong that was. Any intelligent person who thinks Russia is free should think twice. Europe is slowly reacting to American public and private opinion. Europe must step up to the plate and become true allies and equal partners in our collective defense to preserve democracy. We can't be isolationists in a global world of connective tissues that bind us all economically, politically, and militarily.

I join my fellow conservatives in saying the free ride is over. We must absorb the reality that Europe can fall to Russia should we turn our backs. This would be catastrophic to America in so many ways that I can't begin to list them all. America must demand that Europe fully pay their way, and Trump's cold-water treatment is necessary. In the meantime, Americans must become realistic that we have an interconnected global economy, even as we rightfully should place our self-interest front and center.

Allan J. Feifer is an author, businessman, thinker, and strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com

Image: AT via Magic Studio
Faced with almost certain election defeat next year, Germanys leftist Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has launched an unprecedented and lawless assault on the free press. She banned an inconvenient and socially provocative magazine by decree and sent masked police to carry out heavy-handed early morning raids on journalists homes, seizing financial values and carrying off assets, even office furniture. The ban is performative and cynical but the consequences for press freedom and property rights in central Europe are enduring and far-reaching.

Until recently, Compact magazine would reliably appear each month on German newsagent shelves. With its sensationalist headlines and gaudy graphic design, it looked like a high school dropouts attempt to outdo the National Enquirer in tawdriness. In reality, it was stringently political and took itself extremely seriously.

This was probably unsurprising because the Founder, Juergen Elsasser, was once an arch-ideologue of the German extreme left. In the 1980s, Elsasser contributed to newspapers such as the Communist Associations Workers Struggle (Arbeiterkampf). However, Elsasser reinvented himself in the last two decades. Now, he is seen by many as a thought leader of contemporary German ultra-nationalism. However, Compacts strain of German nationalism was so virulently anti-Western that, at times, it perfectly mimicked the old slogans and narratives of Soviet propaganda.

Image: Jurgen Elsasser at a Free Saxons rally in 2022, by Dirk Bindmann. CC BY-SA 4.0.

This makes Compact sound like a communist publication, but Elsasser aligned it with the fascists (aka the far right). Both share hate individual liberty, so they hate America. The difference is that the German fascists want an ethnostate, and the communists want a totalitarian state, with or without ethno-fascism.

In 2015, the magazine produced an infamous special edition with the headline Ami Go Home Ami translates roughly as Yankee), once the name of a notorious propaganda song by Ernst Busch, a mouthpiece for Soviet-occupied Eastern Germany.

Compacts special edition predictably insulted federal democratic Germany as a military colony of the Pentagon. In 1950, Jurgen Kuczynski, a deputy in the sham parliament of the East German communist occupation regime, had first proposed the idea that democratic West Germany was an American colony, so Compacts smear seamlessly carried on the legacy of red propaganda.

Aside from this anti-American fare, Compact also sold a newly-minted silver Druzbha medal to make a sign for Peace and German-Russian friendship. This harked back to the infamous Stalinist slogan Druzhba Narodov, translated as friendship of peoples, a slogan that the Soviet Russians used to cover up their genocide of Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians, Meskhetians, Kalmyks, and many other peoples.

As Compacts editor, Elsasser has sought to align the magazine with other anti-Western and undemocratic systems. In 2012, Elsasser traveled to Tehran, meeting personally with hardline Islamist dictator Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He enthusiastically reported back, Tehran is more modern than Berlin Beggars, prostitutes, misery, and dirt are all things you will not find here... The country has power and perspective. The sanctions will not bring it to its knees but make it stronger.

These days, Compacts supporters on social media varyingly claim that it was a conservative, libertarian, or pro-Trump magazine. These claims hold water only with anglophone audiences who have never actually seen a print copy of the magazine on the newsstands.

Compacts attention-seeking antics offended many in Germany, although it was neither the most extreme nor most influential publication of the wider German far-right. It was just the loudest.

The German government has not moved to ban much more extremist publications, such as the infamous N.S. Heute (National Socialism Today) magazine, which remains in print but does not seek to attract public attention with sensationalist covers. Thus, banning Compact isnt about fighting the far-right but is, instead, about performatively making the problem invisible to angry voters instead of solving it. This is a testament to the shallowness of wokery.

Ultimately, the ban isnt even about Compact at all. To ban Compact, the government used a novel legal mechanism that profoundly undermines the rule of law. It bypasses already-existing German laws regulating hate speech, circumventing even the meager due-process guarantees they offer.

The German Basic Law was written after WWII when it was imperative for Germany to prevent the rise of another fascist movement. It provides wide-ranging mechanisms to repress extremist speech but while restrictive, the laws come with strong due process protections.

While Article 18 authorizes the constitutional court to strip free speech rights from anyone who uses speech to fight against the free democratic order, this can occur only after a substantive hearing with legal representation. The German government did not use this mechanism against Compact magazine, even though it could easily have done so. Neither did Germany rely on its ordinary criminal, which has strict provisions against hate speech, incitement, and criminal libel. Those laws, too, give defendants a chance to test the allegations against them in open court before a verdict is reached.

What the German government opted for was an authoritarian quick fix, offering instant results without due process. To ban Compact, it used Germanys Vereinsgesetz, which are vaguer laws against associations. These laws give the government the broad right to ban by decree any civic associations that are directed against the constitutional order. The Vereingesetz also allows the government to seize the assets of any association it bans and to conduct house searches to do so. Historically, the Vereinsgesetz has been used against extremist clubs, associations, and even biker gangs. But in recent years, successive German governments have sought to broaden the laws scope, deeming it applicable to incorporated for-profit companies.

Technically, the Vereingesetz law, which was not intended to regulate the press, cannot ban a newspaper. However, the government understood that seizing the assets of the company that owns and produces a newspaper has the same effect. Without its copyrighted logo, physical newsroom, digital archive, and web domain, the paper is inoperable and effectively banned.

In early 2005, Germanys then-interior minister Otto Shilly used the Vereinsgesetz law to suppress the company behind a small Kurdish-German newspaper, Ozgur Politika (Free Politics) by alleging that the publisher was part of the direct structure of the already banned Kurdish far-left PKK terror group.

As with Compact Magazine, police raided the outlets newsrooms and seized its equipment and data. Shilly did this two weeks before general elections when the government was desperate to show it was cracking down on extremism.

Shortly after the elections, the Federal Administrative Court overturned the ban, finding no public interest justification. In 2006, a newspaper called Yeni Ozgur Politika (New Free Politics) began publication in Germany and still exists today. Between 2005 and 20024, no government has dared to again use the Vereinsgesetz against a traditional media publisher. That changed with Compact...

Using the Vereinsgesetz law to ban publishers by decree is fundamentally authoritarian. It destroys both speech and property rights. All this is done based on vague, ad-hoc bureaucratic criteria rather than the exacting standards of German criminal or constitutional law.

Sure, the media outlets can later sue and perhaps overturn the ban but, by then, the damage is done. The state has identified confidential journalistic sources, unpublished stories have lost timeliness, and months of forced non-publication mean losing l advertisers, subscribers, and investors. Future whistleblowers will think twice before contacting any journalist, knowing the state can seize their communications at will.

In 2004, after the Ozgur Politika ban, prominent German civil society groups and trade unions still had the courage to speak out in harsh terms against this abuse of law. Today, there is only coy silence or weasel-worded both-sideism.

Compact Magazine made for an easy, unsympathetic target. No one wants to risk being seen as sympathizing with the magazines deeply unpleasant ideological causes. This time, lawless authoritarian overreach is going largely unchallenged. This will inspire the government to commit more legal abuses.

The woke German political establishment hates X, Rumble, and Truth Social because these platforms give breathing space to those who question the mainstream. Will they be prohibited next?

One prominent German Green party politician has already discussed a potential ban on X following the Compact case. Any other government claiming for itself the unrestrained power to ban news publishers by decree would rightly face sanctions and international diplomatic pushback. Isnt it time Germanys de-facto minister of censorship, Nancy Faeser, faces the same before it is too late?
One of the most under-discussed drivers of illegal immigration is the explosion of remittances, which has created a major economic incentive for foreign nationals to pour into the U.S.

Immigrants of both the legal and illegal variety are coming to the U.S., earning money, and sending it back home instead of putting it into the U.S. economy. Take for example, Nicaragua, which received a record $462.4 million in remittances during the month of May, with $385.9 million coming from the U.S., according to a report cited by Breitbart News. As Breitbart points out, not only is this money not going into the U.S. economy, but it is going to a repressive, communist regime in Nicaragua supported by U.S. adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran. This is a major problem for the U.S.; Americans have a right to expect that money earned through the American economy will go back into the American economy, not to foreign countries.

Of course, it is reasonable to expect that people who come here will send some money they earn back to family members who still live in their home countries. However, this must be done in a responsible way that benefits the U.S., and does not create harmful incentives.

Every year, hundreds of billions of dollars in remittances are sent from the U.S. to foreign countries. In 2022, India received more than $100 billion in remittances from the U.S., while Mexico received more than $60 billion. While the income earned to fund these remittances is taxable just like any other income, the remittances themselves arent taxed in the U.S. According to a 2019 study, the U.S. loses $150 billion annually in remittances, a number that is certainly much higher now due to the influx of mass migration that has taken place in recent years. This is a scam and yet another example of how mass migration negatively impacts the American people.

The promise of remittances creates a perverse incentive structure for foreign nationals to take the perilous journey to the U.S., especially given how far the U.S. dollar goes in foreign countries. In Mexico, for example, the minimum wage is less than $15 U.S. dollars a day. In many American cities, such as New York, which has been flooded with illegal aliens, the hourly minimum wage is $15 an hour. Its no wonder why so many foreign nationals have deemed it worth the risk to make the dangerous trek through Latin America. For many foreign nationals who resettle in American cities, even a minimum-wage job could offer the opportunity of generational wealth to the foreigner and his family. One of the top immigration-related priorities for U.S. lawmakers should be to shut down the economic incentives that fuel illegal immigration. This starts with taxing remittances from illegal aliens at or close to 100%. Those who enter our country illegally and violate our laws should not be allowed to profit from doing so.

Other ways to deter economic incentives for illegal immigration include banning illegal aliens from access to taxpayer-funded programs, and cracking down on employers and businesses who hire illegal aliens. With tens of millions of illegal aliens now residing in the U.S., there has been a long-running debate on both the need for and the practicality of mass deportations. Deportations are an essential part of enforcing immigration law, and will need to be carried out on a large scale to restore American sovereignty and security. However, it is possible that many, if not most of the illegal aliens currently living in the U.S. will leave voluntarily if the economic benefits of illegal immigration are revoked. This starts with taxing remittances.

It is simply unacceptable that our government allows foreign nationals to illegally enter our country, take job opportunities from American citizens, and then send the money they earn back to their home countries, often to the benefit of foreign regimes deeply hostile to the U.S. Not only would taxing remittances deter illegal immigration, but the revenue generated from it could be used for border security priorities, including a wall at the southern border, more Border Patrol agents, and more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Heavily taxing remittances is a no-brainer policy with almost zero downside for the U.S., which is probably why it hasnt happened. If the U.S. attempted to tax remittances, there would be an immediate outcry from special interests and anti-borders groups about how unfair and inhumane such a policy is, but foreign nationals and supporters of mass immigration should not be the priority of the U.S. governmentU.S. citizens should be.

Its past time for the U.S. government to tax remittances, and tax them heavily.

William J. Davis is a communications associate for the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a public interest law firm working to defend the rights and interests of the American people from the negative effects of mass migration.

Image generated by AI.
After the past few weeks of chaos on the national political scene, its time to put aside our anger at the media and the opposition and develop a strategy to return Donald Trump to the White House. The thought of Cakala Harris occupying the Oval Office is beyond disturbing. Its downright terrifying.

The narrative that played out in Milwaukee this past week was one of harmony and unity. This was Donald Trumps convention, and he was universally proclaimed the leader of the Republican party as it seeks to rid us of Biden-Harris. Pinocchio Joe did his part and dropped out of the race. A pox on his wife for allowing him to remain in the running despite being the embodiment of the movie Weekend at Bernies. Her disgrace will surely grow over the weeks, months, and years ahead.

I was struck by the stories of both vice-presidential nominee JD Vance and model and television personality Amber Rose as they articulated their initial dislike and distrust of Donald Trump. Both claimed to have been influenced by a biased media to believe that Trump was a bad man. Both claimed to have changed their mind after studying the real man and discovering the truth about our 45th President -- that he was a good man and had been a good, nearly great President.

Vance apparently began the Trump study on his own, while Rose was challenged to do so by her father. The result was the same. After getting by the admitted boorishness, ginormous ego, and occasional vulgarity, both recognized that at his core, Trump was the right man for the job. As Tom Wolfe would have put it, Trump has the 'right stuff.'

There surely are many more notable people out there who share similar stories. It would be an excellent and winning strategy to deliver those transformative narratives, night after night, to the American public. End each story of Trump Derangement Syndrome evolving into Trump Adulation Syndrome, with challenges for all who dislike or disagree with the former President to do their own careful analysis. It needs to be done away from the overtly biased filter of our national mass media. When they reach the conclusion that any such reflection should produce, they should share it with their friends and acquaintances. Nikki Haley should be urged to explain her own movement towards Trump and her condemnation of Haley Voters for Harris.

Not everyone will be converted, and the media will bash the stories of those who have become Trump supporters. Many folks have vested interests in being opposed to DJT, but enough undecided and former Democrat voters are likely to be converted to Trump voters to ensure victory in November. The sooner this winning tactic is put to work, the better. For the sake of our nations future, we need Donald Trump back in the White House.

Bill Hansmann is a dentist and dental educator with over fifty years in the profession. He continues to teach and write political blogs and semi-mediocre novels while living with his wife and cats in Georgia.

Image: National Archives
The news cycles move at a dizzying pace. Only a few weeks ago, a debate that rendered President Joe Biden inconsequential seemed to dominate the news. Then an assassin almost changed the 2024 presidential race, heightening the desperation among Democrat leadership to eliminate Biden from the campaign. Sunday, these elite politicians and financial supporters of the Democrat party succeeded in pushing Biden out. Wednesday evening, Biden delivered a speech about 10 minutes long full of platitudes but devoid of purpose and meaning. He gave no reason for dropping out of the race except for preservation of democracy.

Yesterday, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a truthful speech explaining the need to stand against evil in the form of terrorism. Harris decided to attend a five-day conference rather than preside over the joint session of Congress during his speech. Political convenience has determined her attendance as rioters and graffiti artists defaced monuments in Washington, D.C., demonstrating antisemitism on the left. Although Harris is married to a Jewish man, she will likely reject Governor Shapiro of Pennsylvania since he is a Zionist. What lengths some will go to win an election in Michigan, where the Islamic vote is significant.

Some may find Donald Trumps rhetoric inflammatory, but the vacuous speeches from the left are frightening. More frightening is the appeal this talk of limitless social welfare and social engineering (offering child care, health care, raising taxes on the wealthy, altering the Supreme Court, encouraging more illegal alien entry, providing illegals with full citizenship and housing benefits, and eliminating petroleum energy) has for the electorate. Eliminating civics education has accomplished the impossible: self-destruction.

Today shows the divide between the left and right. Perhaps the moderate middle will recognize that the personalities are less important than the policies of the candidates. The choice is stark. Democrats constantly claim they are protecting democracy (as Randi Weingarten did at the AFT convention) while destroying it.

Kamala claims to be a former D.A. running against a convicted felon, but she is a San Fransico politico with radical ideals aiming to fundamentally change America. She will complete the sentences that Biden could not. Nancy Pelosi and the minions who anti-democratically removed Biden will be cheering from the sidelines.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
The VP short list includes a few interesting names like Governor Josh Shapiro. I don't live in Pennsylvania but they tell me that the governor is popular. I hear that he could deliver that important state to the Democrats.

But why would the governor risk going down in 2024 when he can go for the whole thing in 2028? This is from CNN:

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was elected in a landslide victory in 2022, defeating a 2020 election-denying far-right state senator to become the third Jewish governor elected in the crucial swing state. Shapiro, who was previously Pennsylvanias attorney general, had been floated by Democrats as a potential presidential prospect and is also considered a potential running mate to Harris if she is the partys presidential nominee. During a stop in Philadelphia earlier this month, Harris called Shapiro a great partner to the president and me. CNN previously reported that former President Barack Obama told Shapiro directly that hes among the 2022 generation of Democrats who need to have a voice in the future of the party, according to people familiar with the conversation. Shapiro endorsed Harris on Sunday, calling her a patriot worthy of our support.

Sounds good, but would Governor Shapiro want to pair up with the VP who did not appear for a speech by the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu? What message does that send to Jewish Americans who are already wondering about the Biden administration's support? Is he going to criticize the VP over that awful decision?

Then there is fracking, an important issue in Pennsylvania.

Fracking and Israel should encourage Governor Shapiro to wait until 2028.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: Maryland GovPics
Aside from the hyena cackling and the entire palace coup  yes it is  Kamala Harris is a glaring embarrassment to women and the entire human race.

The left is beyond shameless. They are now hoisting a woman who loves Venn diagrams about as much as she revels in a pseudo female equivalent of machismo, by gleefully throwing out words such as vaginas and ovaries!

What happened to fweedom? Or for that matter, Venn diagrams?

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a Churchillian speech for the ages last night; Harris, the presumptive Democrat presidential candidate, skipped it. Ostensibly she kept a date to visit with her sorority sisters. One can only imagine how that went, extolling the glories of female reproductive organs.

Where in this witchs brew is there any room for our dads and granddads, uncles and nephews, brothers and sons?

Our country is more than the identity slop that the radical left and Democrats have been trying to force feed the rest of us, like geese being targeted for foie gras.

America is at the crossroads that Netanyahu so eloquently defined.

Hamass bestial attack on Israeli civilians, and the subsequent battle Israel is waging against Hamas, is one between barbarism and civilization. It is one against an enemy that hates Israel and America, as well as open societies where differences are tolerated and debate is encouraged; it is a foe that kills gays and women who reveal their hair, and stamps out freedom of expression.

It is a war between a side that purportedly deigns to put maggots in a hotel and one that puts her own soldiers lives at risk in order to protect the enemys civilians.

Donald Trump, for all his puffery and bombast, is a red-blooded American, who passionately loves his country. He does not play identity politics. He does not pit races against one another, or religions, or biological sex. He advocates a big tent  for all religions, all races, and personal expression.

Kamala Harris, the vagina queen, does not care about American sovereignty. She wants to continue Bidens open border policy. A policy that squeezes black Americans out of paying jobs, overwhelms our educational and health systems, and steals resources from tax-payer dollars that could be better utilized for American citizens and legal residents.

Kamala Harris, the ovaries queen, wants to continue Bidens insane energy policy, by shutting down energy independence and purchasing gas from our enemies, thereby enriching them at our American energy sectors expense, as well as eliminating good-paying jobs.

We have seen this playbook before: crush and destroy the middle class. Then, America will become a two class system: the poor managed by government programs and the elites who control them.

American women should be smarter than this. Thats what the womens liberation was supposed to be about: equal pay for equal jobs. Not abortion on demand 24/7.

We are more than our vaginas and ovaries. We have fought to be whatever we want to be: airline pilots, military personnel, doctors, nurses, accountants, clergy, CEOs, stockbrokers, lawyers, and whatever one dreams to become.

We are proud Americans believing in American sovereignty and the American dream. We have hearts and brains.

Use them!
Darryl George and his mother, Darresha George, stand outside a courthouse in Anahuac on Jan. 24. George was suspended twice and later moved to alternative school because his hairstyle did not comply with the district's dress code. After a lengthy trial, Chamber County Judge Chap B. Cain III ruled in February that the district's dress code did not violate the CROWN Act. Juan A. Lozano/Associated Press

Correction (July 25, 7 a.m.): This article has been updated to reflect that the Texas CROWN Act was passed by the 88th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in May 2023.

Dress codes for 51 Texas school districts, including a Houston charter school, were found to be in violation of an anti-discrimination act.

Signed into law last year, the Texas Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN Act, prohibits school districts, workplaces and housing authorities from discriminating against hair textures or styles historically or commonly associated with race, including afros, cornrows, braids or locs. The bill was originally sponsored by Texas Democratic Rep. Rhetta Bowers and Houston Sen. Borris L. Miles.

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In a letter sent to districts by the ACLU of Texas, the organization demanded that any dress codes violating the CROWN Act be updated for the 2024-25 school year. Any districts who do not update their dress code are at risk of legal or administrative challenges, the ACLU of Texas said.

THE REPORT CARD: Subscribe to the Houston Chronicles weekly newsletter recapping HISD news

A report published by the ACLU of Texas in February found that 80% of surveyed school districts had vague hair policies that could be used to target students of color.

In 2020, Barbers Hill ISD received national attention for placing students DeAndre Arnold, along with his cousin Kaden Bradford in in-school suspension in early January 2020 for hair policy violations.

Last year, controversy surrounded the district once again after Barbers Hill High School junior Darryl George was suspended twice and later moved to alternative school because his hairstyle did not comply with the district's dress code.

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After a lengthy trial, Chamber County Judge Chap B. Cain III ruled in February that the district's dress code did not violate the CROWN Act. The ruling gained widespread attention, including from the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee who said "Darryl Georges Federal Constitutional rights have been violated by the Barbers Hill Independent School District and by this wrong Texas State District court decision."

Amigos Por Vida-Friends For Life Public Charter School was the only Houston district on the list.

A Dallas-based charter school with Houston ties was also named by ACLU Texas for violating the CROWN Act. Newman International Agency was the first and only Texas public school to hire a chaplain this year after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a new law allowing public schools to use state funds to hire religious chaplains

An employee of the school, Natalie Blasingame sits on the Cy-Fair ISD board in Cypress. Recently she came under fire for leading the removal of 13 state-approved textbook chapters that teach cultural and religious diversity, vaccines and other subjects the board deemed controversial.

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Amigos Por Vida-Friends For Life Public Charter School's dress code states "any hairstyle such as mushrooms, afros or any other kind must not exceed 2 inches high measured from the scalp."
During the next few months, as Donald Trumps poll numbers grow, many Americans, me included, will be on edge as we pray that he lives long enough to win the election in November.

Everything that Trump said about the corruption in the Deep State has come to fruition. They used flimsy evidence and tyrannical methods to imprison his supporters, including many of his top-level staff members and attorneys. Not only did they charge the former president with accounting misdemeanors that had expired under the statutory limitations laws, but they upgraded them to felonies. He was kept off the campaign trail for several months, forced to sit in courtrooms defending himself from bogus accusations. With the American people watching the trials on television, the Biden administration was hoping the public would be indoctrinated to believe that Trump was a criminal.

Then, with a New York leftist for a prosecutor and a jury of Trump-haters, they got what they wanted when he was found guilty of 34 felonies. As fast as you could say kangaroo court, Biden was blasting his opponent as a felon who didnt deserve to be a candidate for president. Theres an appalling irony in the fact that Biden has been shown to be a crook who has used his political influence to enrich himself and his family by making shady deals with countries that hate the U.S. Moreover, theres a mountain of evidence that his son Hunter is as corrupt as he is. The good news, for all who see through those fabricated lies, is that Trumps poll numbers increased each time the Biden apparatchiks tried to keep him off the ballot.

Meanwhile, the decent, honest majority of the country has been watching the vicious duplicity being used by an administration that has become hostage to a far-left group of militant radicals. The Squad dont even pretend to have any loyalty to the country that feeds, clothes, and houses their worthless butts! Furthermore, the despicable mainstream media are more than an accomplice to those America-haters; they are leading the charge to destroy the man who exposed their perfidious betrayal of journalistic ethics. Im certain that Im not the only Trump-supporter whos been wondering how much further they will go in their attempts to stop him.

Even as I dared to imagine theyd go so far as an assassination attempt, I cant help thinking that the Butler, Pennsylvania shooting has Deep State fingerprints on it. Throughout this continuous assault on principles once held dear, like fairness, honesty, and justice, weve come to realize that Trump was right about the sinister regime, operating independently and invulnerably within the government. When Senate majority leader Charles Schumer was interviewed on Rachel Maddows show, and the question came up about Trumps suspicion of the Deep State, Schumer said, Let me tell you, you take on the Intelligence Community, they have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you. Why would the most powerful leader of the most powerful legislative body in the world make such a comment? Was he hinting at the possibility of an assassination if Trump didnt back off?

One thing has become clear: everything the left has thrown at the former president has failed to stop his march toward a second term in the White House. Nevertheless, we must keep in mind that these people are insanely desperate to stop the man who will dismantle their plans to bring our country to its knees.

This struggle is far from over. The closer we get to putting a patriot back in the role of chief executive, the more desperate his enemies will become. How many of them are having nightmares about spending a few decades in an orange jumpsuit? Would that morbid fear cause them to try another hit? Rats will chew off their own legs to get out of a trap. Its not beyond the realm of imagination that a Plan B might put another sniper on a roof.

Lets suppose they were successful next time, and the leader of this anti-corruption movement were taken from us. What could we do about it? Would riots break out across the country? Would stores and banks be looted and burned? Would innocent people be shot down in the streets? Those are the tactics of the left when they face real or imagined tragedies. However, the right tends to be more civil and reasonable. Right-leaning people are not likely to destroy their own neighborhoods out of frustration with the current system.

With that in mind, whats to stop a sinister network of clandestine operatives from plotting the unthinkable? If the hand of God diverted that first bullet, we can only pray that divine intervention is prepared for a rerun.

Image via Raw Pixel.
Trump supporters cheered when we saw that the former president had survived the assassination attempt and pumped his fist in defiance and heroic resolve. We mourned the death of Corey Comperatore who died heroically protecting his family from harm, and we prayed for David Dutch and James Copenhaver who were seriously wounded by the assassins bullets.

In the days afterwards, weve been overwhelmed with the tumult surrounding the Secret Services epic and compounded failures in securing the rally site and allowing an unsophisticated, untrained assassin to gain a vantage point only 150 yards from the Presidents podium. The media have been bursting with interviews of congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle, security specialists, and attendees at the rally who saw the shooter before the Secret Service or police did, and even took videos of him climbing into position on that roof. Everyone was thankful the tragedy was over.

At the risk of throwing cold water on our collective sense of relief, I must ask the obvious question: what are the chances there will be another attempt on President Trumps life in the remaining months before the election? At this point, I must think its possible and even likely.

With the depth and vitriol of Trump Derangement Syndrome, there are many out there who ardently believe the Democrats repeated declarations that Donald Trump is an existential threat to Democracy, as well as the second coming of Adolf Hitler. You dont have to look any farther than ABCs The View to find them. Among the millions gripped by this warped and hateful belief, its probable that there are some unstable personalities who very likely believe that killing the former President would be a great service to America and the world. It would not surprise me to learn that there are individuals of questionable mental stability who view Thomas Crooks as a martyr and are dismayed by his failure.

As of now, we dont know what motivated Thomas Crooks to try to assassinate President Trump. Its very puzzling that neither the FBI nor the Secret Service have come forth with any definitive information on his background. Its the kind of thing that lends itself to conspiracy theories. What we do know is that the Secret Service is recommending that President Trump stop holding outdoor rallies. Not only is this a feeble attempt to lay off some of the blame for the recent assassination attempt on the Trump campaign, but its also signaling that the Secret Service expects there might be more attempts on Donald Trumps life. And to conspiracy theorists, it will be seen as a dog whistle, inviting those attempts.

I suspect that Donald Trump has no intention of canceling his outdoor rallies. Hes not a man to be governed by fear. Nor should he be. It is the responsibility of the Secret Service to provide their protectees with the highest level of security and safety. They failed miserably last time. Its now incumbent upon them to identify and prevent those failings again; to not use excuses like asking the Trump campaign to stop holding outdoor rallies. Donald Trumps mission is to campaign successfully for the Presidency of the United States. Its not to make the Secret Services job easier.

Eric Dawe is an award-winning writer, chess enthusiast, and the author of two historical fiction novels based on Virgils The Aeneid: Aeneas, Last King of Troy and Aeneas, Landfall of Legend.

Image: Executive Office of the President of the United States
Kamala, we were told, raised more money in a few hours than any other candidate in history. Sometimes, though, when things sound too good to be true, theyre probably not true at all. Many people are raising questions about whether Kamala received $81 million in donations from 888,000 grassroots donors in just 24 hours and another $44 million in the next 48 hours or whether the announcement of Joes withdrawal and Kamalas likely role as the Democrat presidential candidate created a useful opportunity for massive money laundering, including money from foreigners gaming the American election.

ActBlue, the clearing house for all donations to Democrat parties and causes, has long had fundraising practices that, coincidentally or not, make money laundering easier. It allows donations from unverified credit cards, untethered to the cardholders name and address. This means that theres no way at all to know who these donors are, paving the way for fraud. Thus, Joe Shmo in Abilene can knowingly donate using a card that actually belongs to Klaus Schwab! Or, Klaus Schwab could donate using the unwitting Joe Shmos name.

Image by AI.

Another way to know who donors are is through their employment status, which is information all donors are required to submit. This prevents employers from hiring staff whose sole purpose is funneling employer money to a politician or cause. If an unreasonable number of people with the same employer appear in the rolls, the FEC can see a problem.

Weirdly, in 2019, 48.4% of ActBlues donors claimed to be unemployed, while only 4% of donors to WinRed (the Republican clearinghouse) made the same claim. Perhaps that just highlights that the earners are conservative and the takers are leftists, or perhaps it points to something more serious, such as campaign money laundering.

Regardless of ActBlues motives (and I would not presume to guess them), the result of this approach to handling donations is that the ActBlue database has a lot of suspicious small-dollar donations that, when added together, create big donations. James OKeefe has been all over this story since last year:

Others have discovered the same problem:

This Is Democrats ActBlue Money Laundering Operation



Journalist (esala) Found out that an Austin, Texas resident made 10,000+ different donations to the Democrats from 2020-2022 worth over $106,304. The resident said he has not used ActBlue but FEC website says otherwise. The pic.twitter.com/WrIGRenCAq  Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) July 24, 2024

ActBlue isnt just being used to allow big US donors to bypass campaign donation caps. Instead, foreign investors are buying Democrat candidates, too, including China:

(To be fair, it seems that WinRed also has dirty hands, although not quite as dirty.)

There are now claims that Hansjorg Wyss, Switzerlands version of George Soros, is allegedly responsible for $20 million of those donations alone:

BREAKING: A massive scandal has emerged from the donations ActBlue received on the day Joe Biden dropped out; reports indicate that $20 million from Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss was broken down into over 1.6 million donations across 400,000 donors



Hansjorg Wyss is looked at pic.twitter.com/rOaBsM1l2s  George (@BehizyTweets) July 23, 2024

That allegation is believable, given that Wyss has already boasted about the fact that, in the 1990s, he illegally donated millions to American elections, in addition to the hundreds of millions he sent legally to progressive advocacy groups, all in the name of changing the American Constitution to be interpreted in Marxist terms:

The Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has a profound interest in American politics. Over the years, he has pumped $475 million he has earned manufacturing medical devices into left-wing advocacy groups  $72 million in 2021 alone, according to a new report from the conservative watchdog group, Americans for Public Trust.

I urge you to read the entire report, which details how foreign monies are used to create hundreds of grassroots organizations, the employees of which then fund leftist candidates and causes. Add in the hinky numbers coming out of ActBlue, and its easy to believe that many of the alleged small donors who exploded into Kamalas campaign are fronts for illegal foreign donations from God alone knows where.

Caroline Wren expresses the general skepticism of those familiar with how ActBlues fundraising tends to go:

Caroline Wren On Democrat Fundraising: In the last 36 hours, they say Kamala has raised 100 million dollars via ActBlue. ActBlue is the largest money laundering operation in the country. @carolinewren pic.twitter.com/ocmyiOSzFC  Grace Chong  (@gc22gc) July 23, 2024

While its reasonable to believe that Democrats were relieved to see Joe Biden drop out of the race, its impossible to believe that Kamala Harris, the least-liked Vice President since polling began, managed within 36 hours to unleash almost a million small donors. Ill end this essay as I began it: When things sound too good to be true, theyre probably not true.
As the spool of the American political landscape continues to unravel weekly, keep in mind that you are at this epoch of history for good reasons.

After Jill Biden...er, Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election, it raised the question: was Joe ever president or just another career politico hack who took his marching orders from a committee of unelected Democrat D.C. bureaucrats?

Evidently, Barack Obama finally got through, as it was Biden who told ABCs George Stephanopoulos that only the Lord Almighty could get him to abandon running.

Biden could have passed the torch a year ago and left the White House with some dignity. Instead, the smokeless backroom at the Democrat convention in Chicago awaits. Yet at every opportunity, the left laments how Donald Trump is the true threat to democracy.

Incumbents have bailed before, not seeking re-election, including President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. However, Bidens bail is super-late. With nearly six months remaining in his presidency, how soon does Biden forget he is not running?

Biden finally came out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to head the Democrat ticket. Biden admitting he is unfit to run for a second term disqualifies his authority to endorse a successor.

Harris is about the only Democrat less popular than Biden  prior to Bidens announcement, of course. When the ballot-counters were polled, Harris pulled ahead of Trump.

When Donald Trump announced that Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio would be his vice presidential running mate, he underscored again that political conventions are not how the former president operates.

Usually, vice presidential nominees are from a swing state that would help broaden the ticket. Some names that come to mind include Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, and outliers like Elon Musk or even Tom Brady.

The Republican bench is as deep as it is formidable.

Vance doesnt help Trump broaden his appeal as an ethnic or a woman might have, but Trump knows that trying to appease a certain bloc of voters is political malpractice. That is how Harris made the ticket in 2020. It is well past time for America to rediscover merit and put the final nail into the coffin of identity politics.

Trump is forward-thinking by choosing Vance to continue his America First platform when Trump departs the political scene.

You can always tell when someone is sterling by the amount of flak fired by the opposition. Tucker Carlson probably gave the most stinging endorsement of Vance, saying, Every bad person hes ever met in Washington is against J.D. Vance is one of the deplorables Hillary Clinton spoke of, and there is no place for a deplorable Marine veteran like Vance in leftist America. They fear Vance for many of the same reasons they fear Trump.

On August 2, Vance turns 40, making the age difference between himself and Trump the widest age gap of any presidential ticket in American history. Moreover, this is the first presidential election since 1976 where a Bush, a Biden, or a Clinton is not on one of the two major party tickets.

Sadly, the Republican platform has gone politically pragmatic on abortion for votes. A wrong is still wrong, despite however good the intent may be. Nothing politically motivated in this fallen world is worth compromising ones soul.

Perhaps Vance is vice-signaling, the antonym of virtue-signaling, whereby he talks left but when in office is conservative. It is a tactic Democrats have used for decades.

Vance joined the Marine Corps out of high school before going on to university and then writing candidly in his bestselling book Hillbilly Elegy  a classic reading of the impoverished white working class in the hollowed out Rust Belt in Middletown, Ohio. The book was made into a successful 2020 film, directed by Ron Howard, that starred Glenn Close. The film would launch Vance to cultural and political distinction.

I know someone whose resume reflects the same, but rather than writing a book, his screenplay, A Brownstone Generation, was dismissed by Lionsgate and TriBeCa Productions. I understand he drives a bus in retirement but monitors the pulse of the culture like a surgeon, as we all should.

After all, that is why we are here.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
The press is in the sack for Kamala Harris, not just gushing over her candidacy, as if in relief that doddering Joe Biden is out of the picture, but going one worse by attempting to memory-hole all of the failures associated with the lightweight vice president taking his place on the Democrat ticket.

It's kind of disgusting. Elon Musk himself has noticed the matter, too.

Take Kamala's rating as the most far-left of senators, done by various groups that do such ratings. My Twitter search isn't working (wonder why) on this, but it's clear they're trying to erase that from the Internet, in a bid to clean up Kamala for voters, presenting the Berkeley, California native as a 'moderate' much as they did with Joe Biden himself in 2020. It's an easy fact that she was the most far-left member of the Senate, but now she's got an election to win for Democrats, so in come the censors.

Take also Kamala's status as a DEI hire by Joe Biden himself, who adamantly insisted he would pick a black woman as a running mate in the 2020 election, dismissing all other candidates from consideration. The Internet trolls have been very active on that one, attempting to brand as 'racist' anyone who brings it up. I thought they liked DEI.

They're also doing similar on Harris's outrageous history of sleeping her way to the top for political advantage, calling it "slut-shaming" when in fact, it's corruption, a power dynamic. When Kamala Harris "dated" California power-broker Willie Brown for a political sinecure, it was not her brains she was selling. But any bringing of that up brands the critic a "slut-shamer," which it hardly is.

The censorship is particularly strong with the characterization of Harris as "border czar." Sure enough, they're trying to scrub the web of any mention of it, though they seemed to enjoy the term when Harris was named to the job on March 24, 2021:

NEW: "Fact-Checker" @PolitiFact has issued a fact check stating the claim that Kamala Harris was the border czar is "Mostly False."



This is called propaganda.



Despite Harris being known as the "Border Czar," as previously reported by Axios, PolitiFact has decided they need to pic.twitter.com/pOmbSdv2gC  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 24, 2024

I agree with Jeff that it's a silly distinction, a buzzword, a talking point, semantics, all to deflect from the vast failure that followed.

What's in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet. Shakespeare



The media quibbling over whether Kamala was officially named border czar is ridiculous. Shes the border czar. And, per Holdens epic thread, everyone has known it all along. https://t.co/LhvLPwFLik  Jeff Gremillion (@JeffGremillion) July 25, 2024

I even avoided the term at the time, having read the White House transcript of the announcement of the matter, even as much of the press embraced the catchy characterization.

Here's what Joe Biden announced for her, from the White House site, emphasis mine:

In addition to that, theres about five other major things shes handling, but Ive asked her, the VP, today  because shes the most qualified person to do it  to lead our efforts with Mexico and the Northern Triangle and the countries that help  are going to need help in stemming the movement of so many folks, stemming the migration to our southern border.



And, you know, back when I was Vice President, I got a similar assignment, but one of the things we did was we made sure that we got a bipartisan agreement with Democrats and Republicans to provide over $700 million to the countries in the Northern Triangle to determine the best way to keep people from coming is keep them from wanting to leave.

The original announcement did indeed focus on the border and solving its surge, and did use the term "and" after Northern Triangle countries, meaning, other countries, but after five weeks of no action from Kamala as migrants surged in, the mission was eventually narrowed to just Mexico and Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, which even then Harris had difficulty distinguishing, and didn't do much of anything on in any case, not even talking to the presidents of Honduras or El Salvador.

I later blasted Harris for being behind the curve on even the narrowed the parameters of her task, whatever it amounted to, given that illegal immigration was coming chiefly from countries beyond the Northern Triangle at this point. To get all metaphor-y, the horse was out of the barn in the places she was focusing on, the invasion had spread worldwide, and she was fighting the last war.

The big question, though, is why does the press care about this now, and as a group, not individually, stumbling all over themselves to correct the term 'border czar,' given that the characterization has been out there for three years with nobody concerned at the time?

Obviously, it's a campaign cleanup move and they are part of the public relations effort.

We are seeing it all over now. Only the fact that the Internet is forever is our defense, but who knows what these censorship-oriented people will do? The election interference seen by these powerful forces monitoring the press and online community has obviously been activated again this election cycle, and it stinks.

Image: PxHere // CC0 public domain
Yesterday, the same day that Christopher Wray stonewalled members of Congress after being hauled in to testify to (among other things) the investigation into the assassination attempt of President Donald Trump, a national alliance of FBI agents and analysts delivered a report on a stunning erosion of confidence in the agencyironic, no? On a side note, if youre wondering how all the testimony regarding the attempt on Trumps life unfolded, heres the gist:

Now, tremendous credit to Miranda Devine for consistently being at the forefront of government corruption and malfeasancethis comes from her item out at the New York Post yesterday:

Local cops refusing to share info with FBI as agency suffers crisis of confidence with DEI hires, damning whistleblower report reveals As FBI Director Chris Wray performed his usual smarmy stonewalling in Congress Wednesday, a damning report on his $10 billion agencys cult of narcissism was delivered to the House Judiciary Committee by an alliance of retired and active-duty agents and analysts.  [T]hey have assessed the entire bureau and drawn several worrying conclusions, including that local law enforcement partners have developed a disturbing loss of trust in the FBI; and are therefore reluctant to share information, with alarming consequences for national security and public safety.  The whistleblower report draws on testimony from more than 30 independent, highly credible law enforcement sources and sub-sources across the country who do not trust the FBI because they believe the FBI in recent years has been operating as a partisan federal agency motivated by a political agenda. They are not only reluctant to work with the FBI but reportedly have decided to no longer share actionable, substantive information on criminal and other intelligence-related activity with the FBI.

Heres the average DEI hire for reference:

FBI = Fat Bodied Insurrectionists!  pic.twitter.com/gjFwMUQfCV  Chris Estes (@Omerta8485) March 2, 2024

Shockingly though, it wasnt hires like the woman above that precipitated the nosedive in confidenceit was the FBIs excessive response to the protesters at or near the Capitol on January 6, 2021, followed by the raid of Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate, only made worse when we found out after the fact that the FBI was prepared to use deadly force to execute the search warrant (thank the good Lord in Heaven that Trump wasnt home at the time). Heres more detail, via Devine:

One source, a 25-year veteran sergeant in the Major Crimes Division of a large police force in a Western state, said they cannot understand why the FBI is not going after [far-left militant group] Antifa, BLM and pro-Palestinian rioters with the same vigor the FBI brought to bear against J6 participants. Another source, a 15-year veteran cop from a Southern state, said many local law enforcement officers believe they could be targeted by the FBI and the DOJ because of their love for the United States of America and may be perceived as domestic terrorists because of how they may vote.

Now, per Wrays testimony, the FBI has not yet uncovered any evidence that would lead law enforcement to believe would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks had accomplices:

Yeah



FBI Director Christopher Wray is expecting us to believe that little worm Thomas Crooks outsmarted the entire FBI, Secret Service and local law enforcement all by himself



INSIDE JOB!



pic.twitter.com/sqHLb3JDwb  Drew Hernandez (@DrewHLive) July 24, 2024

If thats true, and Wrays agents were outwitted by some bisexual-looking dork without any influence, whats that say about Wrays leadership and competence?

And heres this, also worth noting in considering why the American people, even other law enforcement agencies, have no faith in the integrity of the FBI and its employees:

WOW! Wray Says There Were At Least Two Instances Where FBI Officials Expressed Disappointment That Trump Survived Assassination Attempt | The Gateway Pundit



And we are supposed to believe that Trump would-be assassin Thomas Crooks acted alone?



FBI Director Christopher Wray pic.twitter.com/xTfBovMGbJ  Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) July 25, 2024

Lastly, and this isnt to suggest for one moment that I personally think the FBI lacks any resources or personnelit has no right to exist and is therefore overfunded and overstaffed by 100%, and it only lacks resources and personnel in the form of capable and principled agents and leadersbut thats one of the arguments made in the report. As the breakdown in communication between local law enforcement and the FBI worsens, and the FBI cant count on help from the outside. Heres a thought: Dont burn bridges of other agencies that could pick up the purported slackbut, that means the FBI would have to be doing an honest job of its stated mission, and protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution, and we all now thats not going to happen any time soon.

Image: Tim Evanson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered.
The Betelgeuse in the constellation of Orion is a fascinating star. Its a red supergiant more than six hundred times the diameter of the Sun, making it one of the largest stars known to astronomers and one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Despite being only 10 million years old, Betelgeuse has already exhausted the hydrogen fuel in its core and is now in the final stage of its life. Eventually, gravity will cause the core to collapse, resulting in a spectacular supernova explosion. This explosion will be so massive and violent that, even though Betelgeuse is 650 light-years away from Earth, it will illuminate the night sky as brightly as the full moon for up to three months. However, we will not witness this dramatic event, as astronomers predict it wont occur for another 100,000 years.

A mesmerizing supernova remnant called G299 located 16,000 light years from Earth in the Milky Way galaxy.

Astronomers have observed supernovae long before they have understood them. Often, these dying stars were too dim to be seen with the naked eye, but when they suddenly flared up in a brilliant explosion, observers concluded it must be a brand-new star, hence the term nova, meaning new in Latin.

On average, a supernova explosion occurs somewhere in the Milky Way Galaxy every 50 years. Given the rarity of these events and the fact that we can observe only a tiny fraction of our galaxy, it is really fortuitous that we have been able to observe several such such events with the naked eye.

SN 185

Composite images in the infrared and X-ray spectrum of RCW 86, the supernova remnant of SN 185.

The first written evidence of a supernova comes from China in the year 185 CE. Record of this guest stara term that Chinese astronomers used to denote a star which suddenly appeared in a place where no star had previously been observed and becomes invisible again after some timefirst appeared in The Book of Later Han, where the author described the star to be as large as half a yan, with scintillating, variegated colors, and that it was visible in the sky for eight months. The word yan has been interpreted as bamboo mat, which might have a size of about 6 feet. But it could also mean a yan-chuang, which is very low stool about 2 feet across. Astronomers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have argued in a paper published in 2006 that as large as half a yan is only an imaginary figuration of the ancient observer and might not reflect the true scale of the spectacle. However, they concede that a bright source of light can appear larger than they actually is due to the effect of intense refraction and dispersion by the atmosphere.

With the aid of modern telescopes, astronomers have identified the exploding star as RCW 86 in the southern constellation Circinus. The remnant of this supernova has a diameter of 85 light years and is located 9,000 light years away. When viewed from Earth, it appears wider than the full moon. Of course, the gases have cooled down to a very low temperature, so it is no longer visible to the unaided eye. But you can imagine why someone might have described it as as large as half a yan when it was shining in its full glory.

Also read: Halton Arps Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies

SN 386

In 386, Chinese astronomers reported another guest star in the constellation Sagittarius that remained visible for three months. Due to the given duration of the appearance, it has been suggested that the object was a supernova. Since 1976, several supernova remnants have been identified in the region as possible candidates of the year 386 explosion.

SNR G11.20.3 was initially regarded as the prime candidate remnant of the guest star, but was recently ruled out as it cannot have been visible to the naked eye, given its distance and large extinction. Another possible candidate is SN G7.73.7, which some astronomers believe fits the age (less than 2000 years old) and position of the reported guest star.

SN 393

Just seven years later, yet another guest star was spotted by Chinese astronomers in the modern constellation of Scorpius. The guest star, which was as bright at Siriusthe brightest star in the night sky, remained visible for about eight months before fading from sight. Given the duration of the event, it has been suggested that it was a supernova.

The quest to identify SN 393 proved to be difficult. There were seven supernova remnants near where SN 393 was observed. Four were immediately ruled out for not matching the reported magnitude of SN 393. Another was discounted for being too old. Of the remaining two, both had the correct ageabout 1,500 yearsand identical distance of 33,000 light years, but they are located close to a particularly dusty part of the galactic plane and would not have been visible to the naked eye over eight months.

Another possible candidate was discovered in 1996, which proved to be a better match for SN 393. This supernova remnant, RX J1713.7-3946, was initially observed to be at 20,000 light year, but in 2003 it was re-calculated to be much closer, at only 3,000 light year. This star which exploded to form RX J1713.7-3946 was at least 15 times larger than the sun, and upon destruction, about three solar masses of material was ejected into the surrounding interstellar medium.

SN 1006

False-color X-ray image of SN 1006 supernova remnant.

The brightest supernova ever observed from earth appeared in the year 1006 CE in the southern constellation of Lupus. It was bright enough to cast shadows on the ground during the night and was recorded with awe and fear by observers all over Europe and Asia. Egyptian astrologer and astronomer Ali ibn Ridwan stated that the "spectacle was a large circular body, 21 2 to 3 times as large as Venus and as bright as a quarter of the moon. According to reported observations, there appears to have been two distinct phases in the early evolution of this supernova. There was first a three-month period at which it was at its brightest. After this period it diminished, and then returned after some time. The supernova then glowed for another eighteen months.

Modern astronomers have discovered the faint remnant of this explosion at a distance of 7,100 light-years from the Earth. It is believed that the supernova was produced either by mass accretion from an unevolved star, similar to or less massive than the Sun, or by merging with another white dwarf.

SN 1054

The famous Crab Nebula, the remnants of SN 1054, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope in visible light.

Another spectacular supernova observation was made in the year 1054 CE in the constellation of Taurus. The event was recorded extensively in Chinese astronomy, as well as in Japanese documents and in the Islamic world. Furthermore, there are a number of proposed references from European sources, as well as a pictograph associated with the Ancestral Puebloan culture in New Mexico, United States.

At its peak, the luminosity of SN 1054 may have been four times as bright as Venus, and it remained visible in daylight for 23 days and more than 650 days in the night sky.

The remnant of SN 1054 is the famous Crab Nebula, one of the most studied astronomical objects outside the Solar System. The Crab Nebula is easily observed by amateur astronomers thanks to its brightness, and was also catalogued early on by professional astronomers, long before its true nature was understood and identified. It is one of the few galactic supernovae where the date of the explosion is well known and is one of the best known supernovae in the history of astronomy.

SN 1181

Records of a guest star that appeared in the constellation Cassiopeia in year 1181 CE can be found in Chinese and Japanese text. It remained in the sky for 185 days, immovable against the fixed stars in the sky, which can only be explained as a supernova.

Before 2013, the pulsar 3C 58 was considered as the most likely stellar relic from this event. However, this association was problematic because the pulsar rotates too fast to have been formed only 800 years ago. Direct measurements of the expanding shell of 3C 58, as well as measurements of the pulsars offset from the center of 3C 58, the pulsars rate of loss of rotational energy, and the rate of cooling, all yields an age between 3,700 years to 5,300 years, which is much too old to be a remnant of SN 1181.

The most likely candidate is Pa 30, a nebula with a hot central star (the hottest star known) and an intense stellar wind expanding at a very high velocity of 16,000 km/s. Such a speed could only arise from a supernova or an event of similar magnitude. It has been suggested that Pa 30 is the remnant of a rare class of supernovae known as "sub-luminous Type Iax Supernova" and that a merger of a carbon and oxygen rich white dwarf and an oxygen and neon rich white dwarf produced the remnant shell along with its supermassive white dwarf remnant.

SN 1572

Remnant of Tycho's Supernova as seen in X-ray light.

The supernova of 1572 was described in great detail by Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe because of which it is often referred to as Tycho's Supernova.

The supernova appeared in early November 1572 in the constellation Cassiopeia. Within a week it was already brighter than Jupiter, and two weeks later achieved peak brightness at about magnitude 4.0, with some descriptions giving it as equal to Venus when that planet was at its brightest. Contrarily, Brahe described the supernova as "brighter than Venus". The supernova remained visible to the naked eye into early 1574, gradually fading until it disappeared from view.

During this period in Europe, a common belief was the Aristotelian idea that the cosmos beyond the Moon and planets was unchanging. Consequently, observers argued that any unusual phenomenon must be occurring within the Earth's atmosphere. However, Tycho Brahe noted that the object remained stationary night after night, without changing its parallax, indicating that it was located far away. He published his observations in a small book titled De nova et nullius aevi memoria prius visa stella (Latin for "Concerning the new and previously unseen star") in 1573. The modern term nova for cataclysmic variable stars is derived from the title of this book.

The star that went supernova was a white dwarf star that had accreted matter from a companion star until it approached the Chandrasekhar limit and exploded. The supernova remnant now consist of a shell of gas expanding from its center at about 5,000 km/s.

SN 1604

A false-color composite image of the supernova remnant nebula from SN 1604.

The last visible supernova in the Milky Way Galaxy was SN 1604, which was observed on October 9, 1604. Several people, including Johannes van Heeck, noted the sudden appearance of this star, but it was Johannes Kepler who became noted for his systematic study of the object itself. Thus the supernova is also known as Kepler's Supernova.

Kepler's Supernova was brighter at its peak than any other star in the night sky, with an apparent magnitude of 2.5. It was visible during the day for over three weeks, and almost a year during night.

The supernova remnant of SN 1604 is a dim nebula invisible without a telescope. Only filaments can be seen in visible light, but it is a strong radio and X-ray source. It is located 16,000 light years away from earth.

Telescopic Observations

The true nature of the supernova eluded astronomers until 1866, when English astronomer William Huggins made the first spectroscopic observations of a nova, discovering lines of hydrogen in the unusual spectrum of the recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis. Huggins proposed a cataclysmic explosion as the underlying mechanism, and his efforts drew interest from other astronomers.

The first telescopic observation of a supernova, and the first one to be seen outside the Milky Way was SN 1885A. The supernova was initially seen on August 17, 1885, by French astronomer Ludovic Gully during a public stargazing event. But Gully thought it was scattered moonlight in his telescope and did not follow up on this observation. It was Estonian astronomer Ernst Hartwig who first identified the object, leading to a flurry of observations across the globe.

SN 1885A reached a peak magnitude of 5.85, or about as bright as the planet Uranus, briefly outshining the entire nucleus of the Andromeda Galaxy, where it occurred, before fading away six months later.

The term supernova wasnt used until the 1930s when Walter Baade and Fritz Zwicky began studying this new phenomenon. They postulated that the energy generated from a supernova was due to the gravitational collapse of ordinary stars into neutron stars. The fact that many heavy elements in the universe are produced in supernova by thermonuclear reactions was proposed by Fred Hoyle in 1946. Together with William Fowler, Hoyle proposed the concept that rapid nuclear fusion was the source of energy for a supernova explosion.

Supernova 1987A as captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.

The Supernova 1987A was the first supernova that modern astronomers were able to study in great detail. It occurred in 1987 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, about 168,000 light-years from Earth. Light from the explosion reached earth on February 23, 1987 and on May of that year, its brightness peaked becoming brighter than the Andromeda Galaxy. The relative proximity of this supernova has allowed detailed observation, and it provided the first opportunity for modern theories of supernova formation to be tested against observations.

The rate of supernova discovery steadily increased throughout the twentieth century. In the 1990s, several automated supernova search programs were initiated. One of the most successful was the Lick Observatory Supernova Search (LOSS), which discovered 96 supernovae by year 2000. Thanks to better equipment, the number of supernovae discovery have exploded exponentially in the past two decades with more than 20,000 discoveries made in the year 2023 alone. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, which is still under construction at the time of this writing, is predicted to discover three to four million supernovae during its ten-year survey.
Shortly after OpenAI released GPT-4o mini, Google just announced a new model coming to its free users. This model is one of the things that the company talked about during Google I/O earlier this year. Its called Gemini 1.5 Flash, and its coming to improve the experience for free users. Also, the company released some more updates to Gemini.

If youre a free ChatGPT user, then youll be happy to know that OpenAI recently launched GPT-4o mini. This is the latest model from the company, but its not the most powerful. Rather, its meant to be an upgrade to the model that free users were using which is GPT-3.5 Turbo. GPT-4o mini is a pretty big improvement in just about every area. Its already available for free users.

Google finally releases Gemini 1.5 Flash to the masses

Its rather convenient that both of these companies are releasing comparable models to the public around the same time. In any case, Gemini 1.5 Flash is designed to be a lightweight model that can still deliver more power and capabilities for free users.

One area where Gemini 1.5 Flash is better is in the context window. Free users can enjoy a context window thats 4x larger than before. Gemini 1.5 Flash has a 32,000-token context window. Thats not massive compared to the 1,000,000-token context window of Gemini 1.5 Pro, but its still much better.

Free users will soon be able to enjoy file uploads either through Google Drive or their devices. This means that free users will be able to have Gemini look through their files and create content based on it.

Gemini is making it to more people

A product is only great if tons of people can use it. As part of Googles announcement, the company stated that its making it to more people and places.

Gemini is now available in more than 230 countries around the world and in 40 languages. This also includes being available in more schools around the world.

Google Messages

Gemini for Google Message has been making it to more people and regions since its launch. Well, Google announced that this feature is now making it to the UK, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. This feature now supports Spanish, French, and Polish.

New features

Rounding out the new stuff, Gemini is now launching some new features that weve heard about a while back. Firstly, theres the new Double-Check feature. This will tap Google Search to check inaccurate or contradicting statements. This will help reduce hallucinations.

Lastly, Google will also launch the Related Content feature. This will surface links to different websites within the results with related information.
Several Google services have their own accounts on social networks, such as X. Some of the newer ones, like the Gemini assistant, were still pending. Now, Google Gemini finally has its own individual account on X.

Gemini is an advanced voice assistant powered by the latest Googles LLMs. It is designed to be the successor to the classic Google Assistant, although they currently coexist together. This is because there are still some Assistant features not compatible with Gemini (and vice versa). However, that has been changing little by little. Its possible that Gemini will be the only Google voice assistant available in the future.

There is already an official Google Gemini account on X

Interestingly, Google Assistant never got its own account on X. The company communicated all Assistant-related news through its own handle (@Google). However, it seems that the Mountain View giant wants to give more importance to Gemini than ever. Other Google services with their own account on X include YouTube, Gmail, Photos, Drive, and Maps, among others.

The Gemini account on X uses the handle @GeminiApp, although it includes Google in its name. There are just two posts at the time of writing this story, basically informing that it will be the place for all announcements related to the service. While the account has June 2024 as its creation date, it appears that it was hidden. Currently, Gemini on X has just over 1,400 followers, and its first post was from a few hours ago.

Its notable that the Gemini account in X includes Google in its name since the company typically refers to the service simply as Gemini. It seems that Google wants to relate it directly to its brand on social platforms. Recently, Motorola introduced the Razr+ (2024) as one of its latest foldable phones. One of its key features is being able to use Gemini while the device is folded. When the company announced the feature, it used the name Google Gemini. It is unknown if it was on its own initiative or due to a request from Google.
Monica Williams will serve as the inaugural president of Texas Woman's University's Houston campus. Courtesy of Texas Woman's University

Texas Womans University has named Monica G. Williams the inaugural president of its Houston campus in the Texas Medical Center, selecting a leader with a deep history in the region and years of experience fundraising and forging partnerships in higher education.

Williams will take the post during a time of change and growth at Texas Womans, which became the states seventh higher education system in 2021. The designation most notably enabled the woman-focused university, which for decades was an independently-governed institution, to bolster its campuses in Dallas and Houston.

Williams begins her role Aug. 26.

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Texas Womans has a distinct role in producing outstanding professionals in health care and business for the Houston region, and I am honored to serve as the inaugural president of the Houston campus, Williams said in a news release. I look forward to working with the university community and building on a legacy of excellence by producing more talented professionals who will make our community and the state of Texas stronger.

The higher education leader will be tasked with directing the Houston campus strategy and working to extend its influence in Houston higher education and the Texas Medical Center, Texas Womans officials said.

The TWU Institute of Health Sciences  Houston Center opened in 1960 and now has more than 1,300 students, most of them pursuing advanced degrees, according to the institution. The campus six schools and programs are in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutrition and food sciences, health care administration and executive business.

Williams will arrive in Houston after nine years as foundation president and vice president of advancement at the University of North Texas at Dallas. While there, she helped increase enrollment by 60% and served as the lead architect of the universitys strategic plan.

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The administrators career has taken her across Houston and Texas, with prior leadership positions in fundraising at the United States Fund for UNICEF, Houston Works USA, Rice University, Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University.

She also served as an adjunct faculty member at University of North Texas Dallas and Texas Southern. Williams taught English at Houston ISD, was the inaugural director of Houstons Sylvan at Work/Sylvan Learning Systems Office, and worked at Neighborhood Centers Inc. leading community-based programming.

Williams received a Bachelors degree in journalism/English and a masters in communications at Texas Southern University. She holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Prairie View A&M University.

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Dr. Williams is a born leader, with strong connections in Houston, and a deep understanding of the Houston culture and workforce needs, which on their own would make her an exceptional choice as our first president for the Houston campus, Texas Womans Chancellor Carine Feyten said. But it is her experience that sets her in high esteem with our campus for what we need right now, especially her experience of working with limited resources to build and grow within the constraints of our state-funded higher education ecosystem.
Google is a company that stays in the headlines consistently for one reason or another. They could either be good reasons or bad reasons. The company made waves by entering a deal with Reddit to use its data to train its AI. Well, it seems that, conveniently, Reddit is only showing search results for Google and no other search engine. This could be a developing story, so more details may come out as time goes on.

Right now, major media companies and publications are entering deals that will fork over their data to AI companies. For example, companies like Axel Springer (owns Business Insider), Vox Media (owns The Verge), and News Corp (owns more than a dozen publications) have entered multi-million-dollar partnerships that will allow OpenAI to legally train on their data.

Well, before many of these deals took place, Google entered a partnership with Reddit that lets the search giant access its content and data. Thats unfortunate, as we found out about this right after we found out that OpenAI was scraping tons of data from social media sites. So, these major companies were making deals that would give AI our data without our knowing.

Reddit seems to be blocking search engines, but not Google

Google isnt the only search engine this side of the Mississippi. Other search engines have been serving up results for years like Bing (Googles biggest competitor), DuckDuckGo, Mojeek, and Qwant. There are hundreds out there, but we mostly only know about a handful.

Well, it appears that Reddit only knows one, and thats Google. According to a new report from 404 Media, when searching for content using site:reddit.com you wont see any recent results if youre not using Google. It appears that you wont see any results from the past week or so. This only goes for search engines that dont rely on Googles indexing. If a search engine uses Googles crawlers, then it will surface results.

Users surmise that this is because of the deal that the two companies cut a few months back. Its just so convenient that Reddit and Google cut a content deal and suddenly, all non-Gooogle search engines cant access Reddits recent content. However, that hasnt been confirmed just yet.

Crawlers

While theres no proof that Reddit is blocking other search engines because of the deal, it would make sense. A bit part of AI tech has to do with what are called crawlers. Crawlers crawl throughout websites and extract important information from them. If you have a website, it has crawlers from different companies on it at all times. Its important, as this is how search engines index your site. Its how they surface your site in search results. So, in order to see your website in Googles search results, your site needs to be crawled by Googlebot, Googles crawler.

Well, crawlers are also notorious because AI companies use them to extract data to train their models. Well, theres a way to combat crawlers. Site developers can use Robots.txt. This is a file that tells them not to index that sites data. However, these files can also make exceptions for certain crawlers, allowing them to crawl the site and not others.

Well, since Reddit allows Google to use its data, theres a chance that it only allows Google to crawl it, so only it can access its data to train Gemini. However, since other companies arent able to crawl it to train their models, theyre also not able to index Reddit and surface search results. Thats only speculation.

Mojeeks CEOs situation

According to 404 Media, Mojeeks CEO, Colin Hayhurst, recounted his experience with this issue. The company realized that Reddit was blocking Mojeeks crawler from indexing the website.

What makes things worse is the fact that Reddit hasnt responded to his emails. Its been nearly two months since he emailed the social media site. He told 404 Media in a call that Reddit is killing everything for search but Google.

Its never happened to us before, he continued. Because this happens to us, we get blocked, usually because of ignorance or stupidity or whatever, and when we contact the site you certainly can get that resolved, but weve never had no reply from anybody before.

Thats probably the most frustrating part of this ordeal. Hayhurst has been trying to resolve the issue for over a month with no progress. Were not sure if other search engines are also experiencing the same issues that hes experiencing.

Reddit claims no foul play

Reddit has been radio silent to Hayhurst, but not to everyone else. A company spokesperson responded to the accusations.

This is not at all related to our recent partnership with Google. It is not accurate to say recent Reddit results are not coming up in non-Google search engines because of our recent deal with Google, said spokesperson Tim Rathschmidt to 404 Media. According to Rathschmidt, Reddit has been shooting down crawlers that want to use data to train AI models.

Rathschmidt continues to say that Reddit has been in discussions with multiple search engines. We have been unable to reach agreements with all of them, since some are unable or unwilling to make enforceable promises regarding their use of Reddit content, including their use for AI.

If true, then that would be good on Reddit. However, we cant overlook the fact that only Google search engines seem to be getting through to Reddit, and thats the only company that signed a $60 million deal with it. With that information, it seems that Reddit is only interested in letting sites crawl in if they pay up. Thatll be corroborated if we see news of Microsoft making a deal with Reddit, and suddenly, Bing results start showing recent Reddit posts in its results.

Reddit is already in bad faith with its users. Last year, there was the whole controversy of the company charging an exorbitant amount of money to access its API. After that, signing over its users data to Google for use in AI. If Reddit is really selling access to its site for search engines, it could really sour its vision in the public eye.

Developing story

As stated, this is still a developing story, so it will be updated should any more information reach the surface. Were still waiting for some sort of response from Google on the whole situation.
Samsung and its largest labor union have resumed wage negotiations after a two-week strike. The two parties held a meeting on Tuesday, the Korean media reports. It was the first meeting since the union went on strike on July 8, and the ninth round of talks overall. The union plans to continue the strike until the company meets its demands.

Samsung resumes talks with its largest labor union amid an indefinite strike

On July 8, the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) launched the biggest-ever labor action in the Korean firms decades-long history. It kicked off a three-day general strike demanding better pay, among other things. The union launched the strike after all previous talks with the companys leadership team failed. Samsung allegedly failed to offer satisfactory concessions.

The firm didnt budge even after a strike, prompting the NSEU to continue its action indefinitely. After two weeks of strike from thousands of employees across various business divisionswith a total membership of 31,000, the union accounts for approximately 24% of Samsung Electronics domestic workforce and 11% of its global workforcethe company finally agreed to resume talks.

According to Yonhap News, Samsungs Vice President Kim Hyeong-ro met the NSEU head Son Woo-mok on Tuesday. The union demanded a 5.6% basic pay raise for all members, a guaranteed day off on its founding day, and compensation for economic losses due to the strike. The company, meanwhile, offered the same 5.1% increase in wages it put on the table several months back.

The firm reportedly emphasized its commitment to building a win-win labor-management relationship. However, the terms it offered still dont meet the unions demand. The NSEU may continue its strike if Samsung doesnt come up with improved terms in the next round of talks. Nothing will change if we do not act, the union said in an official statement announcing its strike earlier this month.

The strike hasnt affected the companys business yet

Despite thousands of workers failing to turn up for work for over two weeks, Samsung hasnt suffered major production disruption. The worlds largest memory chipmaker says the strike has had minimal impact on production. Perhaps thats why it isnt hurried to meet the NSEUs demand.

However, if the strike continues for a few more weeks, Samsung may start feeling the heat. The semiconductor industry is flourishing on the back of the AI boom, and the Korean firm must be on top of its game to seize the opportunity. It has already lost the AI HBM (high bandwidth memory) race to SK Hynix and Micron. Hopefully, Samsung and NSEU will find a resolution soon.
The latest developments suggest that the Android 15-based One UI 7 update announcement is very close. A recent leak showed some of the UI tweaks it would bring. Now, a new report claims that Samsungs One UI 7 beta will start on July 29.

One UI 7 could be one of the Galaxy device updates with the most aesthetic changes in years. This is not strange, since software products usually undergo a UI revamp from time to time to offer a fresher experience. Multiple new features and other improvements are also expected. That said, the UI tweaks leaked so far have generated divided reactions among users. However, there are things that could change before the rollout.

One UI 7 beta program would start on Monday for eligible Samsung devices

Be that as it may, an Allround-PC report claims that enrollments for Samsungs One UI 7 beta will start on Monday, July 29. Normally, the US and Korea are the first regions to get the One UI betas, and this would be no exception. As usual, those interested will have to sign up for the beta once it is available through the Samsung Members app.

While the US and Korea could receive the beta first, other countries would have to wait a few weeks. The stable rollout usually begins after a few months of beta testing, first on flagship Galaxy devices. Samsung is the company that offers the longest software support for all its ranges of devices in the Android industry. So, many phones are expected to receive the new update in the coming months.

According to reports, Samsung is redesigning its own app icons. The resemblance of some to iOS icons has been criticized by several users. The most obvious seems to be the new Gallery app icon, which seems like a reinterpretation of its iOS equivalent. The company also redesigned the Camera app to make it easier to use with one hand. There are also tweaks to the status bar icons, like a thick pill-shaped battery indicator.
Two Just Stop Oil activists could be jailed after they came within the width of a pane of glass of destroying one of the most valuable artworks in the world by pouring soup over Vincent van Goghs Sunflowers, a judge has said.

Anna Holland and Phoebe Plummer, both 22, caused as much as 10,000 worth of damage to the artworks frame, prosecutors say, when they targeted it at Londons National Gallery in 2022.

The duo were found guilty of criminal damage by a jury after three hours of deliberations at Southwark Crown Court.

After the verdicts were read out, Judge Christopher Hehir  who last week jailed the co-founder of Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion for five years at the same court  told the activists that staff at the gallery had frantically inspected the painting for damage after the incident.

They were worried the soup may have dripped through by condensation, he said.

Prosecutors believe the soup may have caused 10,000 worth of damage to the artworks precious frame, he added.

The protesters, wearing Just Stop Oil T-shirts, threw two tins of Heinz tomato soup over the 1888 work in October 2022, before kneeling down in front of the painting and glueing their hands to the wall beneath it.

Tomato soup covered the image, which is covered by glass, as well as parts of the gold-coloured frame.

Visitors were escorted out by security, who then shut the doors to the room where the painting hangs.

A number of Just Stop Oil supporters were present in the court room as the verdict was delivered.

A lawyer for Holland said they would now consider whether to appeal.

In 2022, Plummer said in front of the painting: 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? The cost-of-living crisis is part of the cost-of-oil crisis.

The protesters were later seen being bundled into a police van at the back entrance of the gallery.

The protesters knelt in front of the soup-spattered painting and were later seen being bundled into a police van (Just Stop Oil/PA)

Painted in Arles in the south of France in August 1888, van Goghs painting shows 15 sunflowers standing in a yellow pot against a yellow background.

The priceless work was the second from the National Gallery to be selected as a target for protest action by Just Stop Oil in 2022, with two supporters glueing themselves to John Constables The Hay Wain in July of that year.

The judge told the duo they will be released on bail until they are sentenced on September 27 at the same court.

He warned the activists to come to court prepared in practical and emotional terms to go to prison on that date.

The offence of criminal damage can be punished with a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

The womens bail conditions stipulate that they must not carry glue, paint or any adhesive substance in a public place, and must not visit any galleries or museums.

After the verdict, Katie McFadden from Hodge Jones and Allen, who represents Holland, said: I am extremely disappointed with the decision today to find Anna Holland and Phoebe Plummer guilty.

The Government continuously proves that they have little to no interest in attempting to curb climate change.

They have proven that they have a great deal of interest in investing time and money into prosecuting young people trying to fight for the future of themselves and their children.

If the Government put those resources into green initiatives, then my client would not have to protest and could focus on living their lives.

We are disappointed about the limitations imposed, which prevented Holland and Plummer from fully explaining their motivations while giving evidence.

We are considering whether we will appeal.
Boxer Usyk declares gratitude to UK and quotes Churchill as convoy leaves London

Ukrainian heavyweight world champion boxer Oleksandr Usyk declared he is really grateful to the British as a convoy of UK vehicles donated to his wartorn homeland began its journey across Europe.

Addressing a crowd of around 100 people from the steps of Ukraines embassy in London, the 37-year-old quoted Sir Winston Churchill as 15 vehicles set off on the near-2,000 mile trip.

With a raised fist, he declared blood, toil, tears and sweat, adding: Glory to Ukraine!

A total of 50 donated UK vehicles embarked on the near-2,000 mile journey to Ukraine on Thursday.

Many were part of Londons ultra low emission zone (Ulez) scrappage scheme, which has seen more than 300 donated vehicles.

The convoy also features a red London bus and two ambulances recently taken out of service as part of fleet renewals.

Oleksandr Usyk addressed a crowd outside the Ukrainian embassy in London (James Manning/PA)

Usyk said: Im really grateful to the British for supporting Ukraine from the very beginning.

I was in London when there was the first full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24 2022.

You were the first who came to help at the most difficult times.

Russian president Vladimir Putins forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Usyk, who has been victorious in fights against UK boxers such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Tony Bellew and Derek Chisora, said: I have my own complex history and relationships with my former British rivals but there is nothing personal, its just sport.

It is pleasant for me that I stay in great relationships with my former British rivals.

Its great to see each other. We are in touch.

Usyk, whose height of 6ft 3in meant Fury  at 6ft 9in  towered over him when they fought in May, went on: There is lots of pessimism about (whether) someone small can win.

But even if you are an elephant, it doesnt mean that you will win.

Ukraines ambassador to the UK Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said: We are here today to celebrate a very important event.

Its very symbolic event because the vehicles you see here we will be on their way to Ukraine.

Hundreds of them are already on Ukrainian soil and hundreds, hopefully thousands, will follow.

All of this is thanks to Ukraines friends in London and the United Kingdom.

General Zaluzhnyi, Ukraines former armed forces chief, added: Each vehicle we receive helps us deliver the necessary aid to people as well as evacuate and save the lives of our wounded soldiers.

I know very well the need for different types of vehicles for our units, which are fighting the aggressor hard all day long.

Deputy mayor of London Seb Dance said the Ulez scrappage scheme supports our ambitions for a cleaner city and provides critical support for Ukraine.

He added: The Mayor of London and all of us at City Hall will do all we can to support our friends and comrades in Ukraine.

We are pleased that this project has been a success.
One of the old cliches about dogs is that they like to chase and bite mail delivery workers. Though many dogs are in fact territorial, the modern delivery worker tends to take this into account, bringing their route dogs treats, forging relationships with the animals they see on a weekly basis, and sometimes even posting about it on social media. I follow many a UPS driver who shares sweet clips of them interacting with the pets along their route.

For Fronky the Mastiff, the highlight of every day is sitting by the fence and waiting for mail carrier Shaun, who always brings him a treat and some petseven though shes clearly bigger than he is.

View the original article to see embedded media.

In this sweet clip, we see Fronky waiting patiently by the fence, tail wagging, as Shaun walks up with the days correspondence. As she gets closer, he puts his front paws on top of the fence and stands on his hind legs, revealing that, yes, shes actually smaller than the diminutive postal worker.

Related: Mastiff Literally Jumps for Joy When His Human Sister Comes Home From College

Postal Workers and the Dogs Who Love Them

Fronky and Shaun clearly have a special relationship, and she comes prepared every day with treats for the pups on her route and a snuggle to show him hes loved. Its a sweet interaction, and one that the dog and worker clearly look forward to, but sadly, nothing gold can stay.

Unfortunately, the postal service worker recently announced that shell be taking a new route. Sad news from Shaun, writes Fronkys dad. Hes hoping that she doesnt like her new route and comes back to the one that includes her daily interactions with Fronky, which have so delighted all his fans on social media. She also will come by and visit him on her days off, he adds, but its clearly cold comfort.

Is a Mastiff Right For You?

Mastiffs, sometimes called English Mastiffs to differentiate them from other types as well as from the mastiff as a generic term for an entire type of dog, is an ancient breed notable for its enormous size. The most common appearance of these dogs is fawn colored with a black face, like Fronky, but they can come in a variety of colors, including my personal favorite, brindle markings. They were historically used as guard dogs, war dogs, and fighting dogs, but they actually have a very gentle disposition in nature, and are easily trained, a fact thats extremely important given their enormous size.

Also due to their bulk, they can be les active than many other types of working dogs (were looking at you, Aussie Shepherd), happy to go for a nice big stroll and then snooze on the couch for the rest of the day.

Health-wise, they are prone to the illnesses of many large dogs, such as bone and joint disorders, and can also suffer from heart disease. Care must be taken when the Mastiffs are puppies to ensure they dont develop hip dysplasia by coming up and down stairs or walking too much while their bones are still growing.

They are loyal and affectionate with their families, but can be intimidating among people they dont know, which is why it was so important for Fronky to develop a relationship with anyone even delivery workerswho regularly come to his territory.

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Britains newly created state-owned energy company, Great British Energy, is to partner with the monarchys property firm to help speed up the building of offshore wind farms.

The Crown Estate owns the vast majority of Britains seabed, stretching up to 12 nautical miles from the mainland, and leases parts of it to wind farm operators.

The Government said on Thursday that GB Energy will help develop future offshore wind projects, as part of its push to hasten the UKs transition to renewable energy.

(PA Graphics)

It is also designed to reduce the UKs reliance on energy imported from other countries by generating more of its own electricity.

The Crown Estate estimates the partnership will lead to up to 20-30 gigawatts of new offshore wind developments being leased by 2030, enough to power almost 20 million homes.

Ministers laid out fresh details on what GB Energy will do with its 8.3 billion of funding over the next five years, as the Great British Energy Bill is introduced to Parliament on Thursday and will receive its second reading on September 5.

The company is set to lead energy projects through development stages to speed up the process, before returning them to private ownership but maintaining a stake.

It could, however, become an operator of such projects over time.

Leading the development of green power projects will come alongside GB Energys previously announced role of acting as a co-investor on schemes with private sector firms.

Much of the Crown Estates 1.1 billion profit last year came from offshore wind projects (PA)

Officials will also look at how GB Energy could join forces with Great British Nuclear, a public body which helps bring forward new nuclear energy projects, and support local energy generation projects through partnerships with local councils.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: This innovative partnership between Great British Energy and the Crown Estate is an important step toward our mission for clean energy by 2030, and bringing down energy bills for good.

This agreement will drive up to 60 billion in investment into the sector, turbocharging our country toward energy security, the next generation of skilled jobs, and lowering bills for families and business.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: Great British Energy comes from a simple idea  that the British people should own and benefit from our natural resources.

The agreement with the Crown Estate will lead to more investment, cleaner power, more energy security, and is a statement of intent that it will be a permanent and transformative institution for our country.

Speaking to broadcasters on Thursday morning, Mr Miliband said it would take time for GB Energy to start making money.

(PA Graphics)

Legislation to establish the state-owned energy company needs to go through the Commons, and the Government has set aside 8.3 billion to invest in new wind farms and solar projects, which must get built before GB Energy can start generating a return.

Within the lifetime of this Parliament it will start generating returns, he told BBC Breakfast.

However, he could not give a timeline for when people can expect their bills to go down.

Within a couple of years, as we build new onshore wind, new solar, well start to see the effect on bills, but there are lots of things going on here. So our exposure to gas prices, which are set internationally, is something I dont control I cant promise you whats going to happen to gas prices.

But I can say that, if we drive to clean, homegrown British energy, we will have much more control over what happens to bills.

The Crown Estate has a 16 billion portfolio of land and seabed, and returns its profits to the Government, a small portion of which goes to the monarchy.

Much of its 1.1 billion profit last year came from offshore wind projects, and it is already engaged in a significant push to find and develop new plots of the seabed for companies to build wind turbines on.

In a separate Bill, the Crown Estate is set to be given new borrowing powers, confirmed in last weeks Kings Speech, which are designed to help it invest more in preparing its seabeds for offshore wind and other projects.

Under current rules, the Crown Estate cannot use its cash reserves to invest because it must hold them against the prospect of future financial losses.

Ed Miliband said the deal is a statement of intent about Labours ambitions for GB Energy (PA)

Crown Estate chief executive Dan Labbad said: The Crown Estate exists to serve the national interest, including stewarding our natural resources to deliver a decarbonised, energy secure and sustainable future.

With new powers and by partnering with government, we can drive greater investment into this future for our country, and with it support nature recovery and job creation.

It comes after the Government scrapped a de facto ban on onshore wind farms earlier this month, reversing planning measures brought in for England by the Conservatives in 2015 under David Cameron.

Onshore wind was treated differently from other developments under the rules, which stopped schemes going ahead if there were any objections.

Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said Labour had dropped its claim that its plans could save 300 off energy bills by 2030.

The public has been sold a lie that a Labour Government will cut their energy bills by 300, she said.

Now that theyve won the election theyve tried to brush that figure under the carpet, showing us the truth that GB Energy is nothing but a gimmick that will end up costing families, not cutting bills.

Ms Coutinho said GB Energy would mean funnelling taxpayers money into reducing risk for multimillion-pound energy companies while the 2030 decarbonisaton target will hike bills and ramp up our dependence on batteries and cables from China.

Now theyre saying bills may go up but the truth is even worse. Labours plans for energy are going to mean huge costs for British families, she said.
A parade goer walks by a display in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. before the annual MLK Parade through downtown Houston, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. The city of Houston and the Black Heritage Society Inc. partner together to present the reschedule event that was moved form its original date on MLK Day due to freezing weather Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

The topic of Inauguration Day 2025 sparked discussion on social media this week as fans of Vice President Kamala Harris realized the event falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day next year.

"Am I the only one who's noticed that Inauguration Day 2025 is MLK Day? So, we could have America's first female and AAPI/second Black president inaugurated on the same day we honor the greatest equal rights activist. Call me crazy, but that's poetic," one commenter said on X, formerly Twitter.

The chatter surrounding Inauguration Day joins a resurgence of the viral coconut tree meme and Charli XCX's "brat" post as Harriss sudden candidacy for U.S. president has provided fodder for several social media trends. Even some Houstonians posted their realization on social media.

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TEXAS POLITICS: Kamala Harris will visit Houston on Thursday to address national teachers union

Harris has been vying to become the Democratic Partys nominee in the presidential election since Sunday when President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Harris. Texas Democrats rallied around Harris along with more than 250 former and current mayors across the nation. She was in Houston this week to give the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers national convention.

A group of more than 40,000 Black women raised $1.5 million for Harris' election campaign the day Biden announced he was withdrawing from the race.

Former President Donald Trump also continues garnering support from constituents as Texas remains a stronghold for the Republican presidential nominee. Trump has visited the Houston area multiple times during his campaign and raised about $20 million from Texas donors this year.

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Trump held a nine-point lead over Biden in Texas, according to voter survey results released earlier this month by the University of Houston. The survey showed Harris favorability among Texas voters was slightly lower than Bidens.

The former president also gained some voters in minority communities. The survey of more than 1,400 likely Texas voters found Trump had support from 45% of Latino voters, a 4-point lead over Biden, and 16% of Black voters, 57 points less than Biden.

As Trump continues to campaign as a Republican Partys nominee, the Democratic Party is expected to wrap up its selection process at the Democratic National Convention Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

JOE BIDEN'S EXIT: How do Democrats put someone new on the Texas ballot?

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Whoever is sworn in during Januarys inauguration ceremony, they wont be the first president whose inauguration coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The 42nd President William "Bill" J. Clinton was inaugurated for his second term on MLK Day on Jan. 20, 1997, and 44th President Barak Obama was inaugurated for his second term on MLK Day on Jan. 21, 2013.
Labour is looking at the previous Tory governments objection to the International Criminal Courts (ICC) application for an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, Downing Street has said.

No 10 did not confirm or deny reports that Sir Keir Starmer is expected to drop any legal challenge to the ICCs pursuit of an arrest warrant against the Israeli premier for alleged war crimes against Palestinians by the end of the week.

But a No 10 spokeswoman reiterated the partys emphasis on the independence of the Hague-based war crimes court and its chief prosecutor.

She also said we reject the overall characterisation in a New York Times article noting the UK would be edging away from its close ally the US on the conflict were it to ditch an appeal contesting the courts jurisdiction over Israeli citizens.

The spokeswoman told reporters: We reject the overall characterisation in that piece. The Government has been clear about Israels right to self-defence and its right to respond to a terror attack in line with international humanitarian law.

Weve been in lockstep with the US on this matter and also in our efforts with the US and other allies in terms of promoting regional stability.

The newspapers report is titled UKs Policy on Israel, Long Aligned With Americas, Veers Away, after the ICCs efforts to seek arrest warrants against top Israeli leaders have been widely denounced in Washington.

Former MP Jonathan Ashworth was one of several Labour candidates defeated by Independents who made Gaza a major part of their General Election campaign (Lucy North/PA)

The Downing Street spokeswoman continued: On the ICC, weve also spoken consistently about the importance of the independence of both the prosecutor and the court. It is for the prosecutor and the court to make a decision.

Now, with regard to the previous governments proposals around a submission, we are looking at that but I dont have any further updates.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan in May requested arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Mr Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant over Israels war in Gaza.

Rishi Sunaks government had told the ICC it intended to submit arguments questioning whether the ICC had the right to order the arrest of Israeli nationals.

The ICC has given the Labour Government until Friday to decide whether to pursue the legal bid.

The conflict in Gaza has been a thorn in the Labour leaders side, with his initial refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire costing the party votes and seats in the General Election despite its landslide.

Former MP Jonathan Ashworth was one of several Labour candidates defeated by Independents who made Gaza a major part of their campaign.

Since entering Government, Labour has restored funding to the United Nations Palestine relief agency UNRWA, in a major shift from the stance of the previous government which had suspended funding 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.

Nine-months into the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has left more than 39,000 dead in Gaza while dozens of Israeli hostages remain in Hamas captivity, Mr Netanyahu vowed to press on with the war until total victory in a speech in Washington on Wednesday.

Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UKs chief executive, said: 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 UK should support the ICC in its role to investigate and then hold all perpetrators of war crimes and possible genocide to account.
James Bond star George Lazenby has announced his retirement from acting at the age of 84, saying he had a fun ride but getting older is no fun.

Lazenby starred in just one film as Bond, 1969s On Her Majestys Secret Service, making him the series shortest serving actor, as well as the only non-British or Irish actor to play the role.

The Australian actor explained in a post on Twitter that he would also be retiring from public appearances and signing autographs.

George Lazenby starred in On Her Majestys Secret Service alongside Diana Rigg (PA)

His post read: This hasnt been an easy decision but its time to announce my retirement from work.

Therefore, I wont be doing any more acting or making public appearances, doing any more interviews or signing any more autographs as of today. Its been a fun ride but getting older is no fun.

I would like to thank my manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for helping me since 2013, the best representative I ever had.

I can now concentrate on spending more time with my family. My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the years. It has meant a lot to me.

Despite his brief time as Bond, Lazenbys role in On Her Majestys Secret Service saw the secret agent get married, with his wife Tracy shot dead shortly after.

Prior to becoming 007, Lazenby had been a model, and was even voted Top Model Of The Year in 1966, until he met 007 producer Albert Broccoli in a barbers shop, who then offered him an audition for the part.

Lazenby was offered the chance to return as Bond, but he declined after his agent told him the spy would be archaic in the 1970s.

George Lazenby at a press reception in London, after he was announced as the second actor to play James Bond (PA)

After leaving the role of 007, Lazenby made the film Universal Soldier in 1971, which he helped to write, before starring in the 1972 Italian giallo film Who Saw Her Die? and the BBCs Play For Today TV series in 1973.

In 1973, Lazenby revealed he had become an alcoholic and was broke having spent all of the money he made playing Bond.

He moved to Hong Kong with the hope of starring in Game Of Death, alongside Bruce Lee, but the martial artist died on the day Lazenby was supposed to meet him for dinner.

Despite Lees death, Lazenby featured in three films for his Golden Harvest production company, The Shrine Of Ultimate Bliss, The Man From Hong Kong and A Queens Ransom.
The number of current account switches taking place has jumped by 10% over the past year, new figures show.

Some 313,293 switches facilitated by the Current Account Switch Service (Cass) took place between April and June.

Over the past 12 months, the service has enabled 1,411,553 switches, marking a 10% increase compared with the previous year.

The latest switching data indicates that NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), TSB and Lloyds Bank made the highest net switching gains between January and March this year among customers using the service.

NatWest had the highest net switching gains with 60,497, followed by RBS (13,210), TSB (11,640) and Lloyds (11,076).

In total, 10.9 million switches have taken place since Cass launched in September 2013.

The service aims to take the hassle out of switching banks, by automatically moving payments to the new account.

So far, the service has redirected 152.7 million payments.

John Dentry, product owner at Pay.UK, owner and operator of Cass, said: The continued upward trend in current account switching underscores the importance that consumers and businesses place on finding the right banking partner.

This quarters switching data reflects not only a robust and competitive market but also the trust and confidence that end users have in the Current Account Switch Service.

As the UK economy shows signs of recovery, its encouraging to see that the service remains a critical tool for those looking to switch their current account.

Whether for individuals or small businesses, the ability to switch accounts through a process that is quick, free and easy ensures that everyone can find a current account that best serves their needs, whatever they may be.

Here are the net switching gains or losses made by banks and building societies between January 1 and March 31 2024. The figures do not include switches made outside Cass:

AIB Group (includes includes Allied Irish Bank Britain and Northern Ireland brand switches) -minus 556

Bank of Ireland  minus 439

Bank of Scotland  minus 1,361

Barclays  minus 38,779

Co-operative (includes Smile brand switches)  2,923

Danske  65

Halifax  minus 21,174

HSBC (includes First Direct brand switches)  minus 186

JP Morgan Chase  minus 7,273

Lloyds Bank  11,076

Monzo  minus 1,838

Nationwide  minus 7,301

NatWest  60,497

RBS (includes Coutts and Isle of Man brand switches)  13,210

Santander  minus 11,621

Starling Bank  1,813

Triodos Bank  161

TSB  11,640

Ulster Bank  2,632

Virgin Money  minus 5,796
Tony Blackburn has said he has wonderful memories of the beginning of his broadcasting career as he celebrates 60 years on air.

He told The Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2 he was grateful to still be presenting, and added that if he gets up in the morning and is still breathing then anything else is a plus.

The 81-year-old presented his first show on the Radio Caroline pirate station aged just 21, on July 25 1964.

Tony Blackburn thanked his listeners for his success (Ian West/PA)

He told Vine that he was not nervous when he presented his first show and added that talking into the microphone was the most natural thing.

Blackburn said: I remember going out there 60 years ago now on a little boat from Harwich, it was quite rough and I saw Mi Amigo, which was Radio Caroline, and I thought, how wonderful is that?

I got into the studio at 4pm, and Id never broadcast before, I just fell in love with it, I didnt have any nerves, it was just the most natural thing talking into a microphone.

Ive always loved radio anyway, even when I was a kid I always loved listening to the radio.

It seems like a long time ago, but I mean the memories of it are just wonderful.

Blackburn also worked on pirate station Radio London, before launching BBC Radio 1 in September 1967 by playing The Moves Flowers In The Rain, he went on to present Top Of The Pops on TV, and still hosts Sounds Of The 60s.

He also had a singing career which saw him record three albums and an array of singles, with three featuring in the top 75 of the UK singles chart.

During the show, Blackburn was called by a number of fans who spoke about their memories of his early shows, with the presenter telling Vine he owed his success to his audience.

He added: If we dont have the listeners we havent got a job, have we?

Blackburn said he had received a lovely reaction from listeners and fellow broadcasters for his 60th anniversary.

The Guildford-born presenter said: Its been lovely, the director-general came in to see me, Helen Thomas, the head of Radio 2, everybody.

You hang around long enough and you get these people coming to find you.

When I get up in the morning and Im still breathing, anything else that comes along is a plus.
Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer will face no further action despite refusing to hand names over to the Afghanistan Inquiry of those who informed him of special forces murder allegations.

A probe spokeswoman said the ex-Conservative MP had provided further information but Mr Mercer said it remains entirely inappropriate to name those who confided in me without their consent, and I will not.

The inquirys chairman, Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, previously told Mr Mercer he potentially faced a prison sentence if he did not comply with an order compelling him to hand the names over.

The order was implemented after Mr Mercer repeatedly refused to hand over names of multiple officers who told him about allegations of murder and a cover-up during his time as a backbench MP while giving evidence to the probe in February.

He had until 4pm on Thursday to provide the names to the probe, but he said in a short statement on X, formerly Twitter, that his position remains unchanged.

I note the judge's comments. My position remains unchanged from the beginning of the year. I will always do all I can to assist this important inquiry. I will not betray those I served with who have confided in me, whatever the cost. As I have repeatedly stated, it remains  Rt Hon Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) July 25, 2024

Announcing there would be no further action against Mr Mercer, an inquiry spokeswoman said: Mr Mercer has provided further information in response to the Section 21 notice and agreed to assist the inquiry further.

The inquiry team will be taking this forward.

For the time being, the chair will not be taking further action in relation to the Section 21 notice or making further comment.

Sir Charles initially rejected Mr Mercers application to withhold the names, saying: Integrity requires moral courage to do what is right, even when it may not be popular.

It is unclear what further information has been provided by the ex-Tory MP which has led to no further action being taken.

In his statement on X, Mr Mercer said he will not betray those I served with.

He said: I note the judges comments. My position remains unchanged from the beginning of the year.

I will always do all I can to assist this important inquiry.

I will not betray those I served with who have confided in me, whatever the cost.

As I have repeatedly stated, it remains entirely inappropriate to name those who confided in me without their consent, and I will not.

This process has placed an unacceptable strain on me and my family; I am no longer a public figure and will not be commenting any further.

Giving his reason for not disclosing the names during his evidence in February, Mr Mercer told counsel to the inquiry Oliver Glasgow KC: The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals.

In a previous order compelling the ex-Conservative MP for Plymouth to hand over the names, the inquiry chairman said the consequences of failing to comply without reasonable excuse would be a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment and/or a fine.
Hollywood actresses Elizabeth Banks and Charlize Theron and the Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger have arrived in Paris on the eve of the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.

Stars opted for black and white colours for the event, called the Prelude to the Olympics, which took place at the 6th arrondissement museum, the Louis Vuitton Foundation.

It was co-hosted by Mad Max: Fury Road star and South African actress Theron, wearing a white one-shoulder dress, along with Lupin star and French actor Omar Sy, US tennis star Serena Williams and Spanish singer Rosalia.

Mick Jagger, left, and Melanie Hamrick at the Paris event (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Sir Mick, 80, in a patterned jacket and shirt, attended alongside his ballerina partner, Melanie Hamrick, 37, in a simple black dress.

Banks also opted for a black gown, which was adorned with a blue sash, which could be a nod to one of the colours of the French flag, which also include white and red.

Serena Williams upon arrival at the Louis Vuitton Foundation on the eve of Paris Olympics opening ceremony (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Williams, a four-time gold medal Olympic winner who won the French Open three times, also brought along something blue, with a small makeup box that she carried as she walked in a three-piece suit.

US rapper Snoop Dogg, who is carrying the Olympic torch on Friday towards the end of the relay, also brought the bling with a world-shaped medallion, and gold suit complete with a pocket watch.

He is working as a special correspondent for American TV network NBC, and the city he was born in, Los Angeles, will host the 2028 games.

Snoop Dogg will carry the Olympic torch in Paris (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

One Tree Hill actress Sophia Bush wore a red, scrunched-up, corseted dress, and posed for photos alongside Ashlyn Harris in a metallic gold jumpsuit.

In an Instagram post, they said: Anna and Pharrell said the dress code is medal worthy. Bonus points for home country designers. And us? We said well make it (US flag emoji) and (LGBT+ flag emoji) @csiriano understood the assignment #Olympics.

Ashlyn Harris, left, and Sophia Bush in Paris (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

American fashion designer Christian Siriano designed their outfits as Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, Louis Vuitton mens creative designer Pharrell Williams, and owner of luxury brand company LVMH, Bernard Arnault, also co-hosted the event.

Directors Spike Lee, Baz Luhrmann, Taika Waititi, and Steven Spielberg, who have all either been nominated or won Oscars for their work, were also in attendance, as was the Russian model, Natalia Vodianova.
Marianne Rawlins with her husband Simon and children at the opening of her shop, which is painted black and a colour named 'Cherished Gold' - SWNS

Is there a difference between cherished gold and yellow? Not, apparently, if youre a planning officer in Stamford town council in Lincolnshire.

This week former Apprentice candidate Marianne Rawlins was told to repaint her baby shop after a complaint from the towns civic society forced her to submit a retrospective planning application last November. The application has now been denied, with a note stating yellow is not an acceptable colour in the conservation area.

Dulux might tend to disagree with the councils assessment of the colouration from its heritage collection, which it describes as Cherished Gold.

Rawlins opened Stork of Stamford in September 2023 in a Tudor building that had lain vacant for more than two years before she moved her business in. She spent 2,000 repainting the window ledges and awnings in the colour, with the rest of the shopfront repainted in black. She claims she had taken time considering her colour choices.

You have to be careful what you do as its a listed building, so I was careful. I thought I was within the bounds, she said when the complaint was filed in November. Theres black and gold on quite a few shops. Theres one just a few shops down, then theres even a pink shop on the high street.

Ms Rawlins chose this Tudor building, which had lain vacant for more than two years, to open her business - SWNS

I was really surprised because everyone seems to love it. Ive not heard any negative comments about it at all.

Im still waiting to hear back but it doesnt look good. It is ultimately the district council that makes the decision.

At the time, Rawlins vowed to challenge the ruling if it did not go in her favour.

Stamford has zealously guarded its heritage status over the years. The town, which is frequently named as Britains most picturesque, was actually made the UKs first ever conservation area in 1967 following concerns about the rate of development.

In 1992, the planning authority at South Kesteven District Council created a Stamford Shopfront Design Guide, which created recommendations including using white or neutral colours on slender shopfronts, and suggested a single colour for all the major elements of a shopfront. There is, however, no specific guidance on which colours can and cannot be used.

Marianne Rawlins and her husband Simon: Ms Rawlins appeared on The Apprentice in 2019 - SWNS

Guidance from the council has been unclear at times, thinks Rawlins. After she offered to choose a different shade of yellow (or gold), they then came back and said actually we dont like the black, she said. If you look at Tudor-style buildings the majority have black so I dont really understand.

Rawlins is a mother-of-two and former owner of a risk management consultancy. She moved from the US to the UK in 2017, appeared on the 15th series of The Apprentice in 2019. On the show she noted, Im definitely the epitome of dont judge a book by its cover because what you see is not what you get.

While the Stork of Stamford case has riven the local community, its hardly the first time a bit of paintwork has caused strife among neighbours

The candy-striped house of Kensington

Developer Lisle-Mainwaring ended up taking her case to court - PA

In 2015 property developer Zipporah Lisle-Mainwaring caused chaos among her neighbours in South End, Kensington, when she repainted her multi million-pound townhouse with red and white stripes. Neighbours alleged that she had done so to spite them after they objected to plans to destroy the house and replace it with a new home. Lisle-Mainwaring denied this. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea ordered her to repaint all external paintwork located on the front elevation white within 28 days, however, Lisle-Mainwaring took the case to the high court, which sided with her and allowed the red and white stripes to stay. She was also finally granted planning permission to demolish the house and rebuild it with traditional-looking brown bricks, much more in keeping with the rest of the street.

The pink door of Edinburgh

Miranda Dickson was told that her door colour was 'not in keeping with the historic character' - SWNS

In 2022, Edinburgh homeowner Miranda Dickson was putting the finishing touches on renovating her childhood home in the citys New Town. Shed inherited the property after the passing of her parents and worked on doing it up over 18 months with pink wallpaper, pink curtains, pink carpets, and even a pink enamelled bath tub. The crowning glory of the property, on Drummond Street, was a pastel-pink front door. However, Edinburgh City Council said the door was not in keeping with the historic character of the listed building and ordered her to repaint it or risk a 20,000 fine. Dickson complied after receiving planning permission to repaint the door green, though not before noting that neighbours had doors in bright reds, blues, and yellows. However, in July 2023, she received another complaint after repainting the door a different shade of pink. It is definitely not the same colour as it was originally painted  its an off-white, she said.

The pink shops of Canterbury

Following a complaint about these salons' colour, Christopher Nevill repainted them a pastel shade of pink - SWNS

Just last month, and in a strikingly similar case to that faced by Rawlins, Christopher Nevill secured permission to repaint a nail salon and hairdressers (housed in grade II-listed 16th-century shopfronts) on the high street in Canterbury a lighter shade of pink. However, after work had commenced, Nevill received a written notice from Canterbury City Council, which had organised a crackdown on garish buildings, telling him that he would face jail or an unlimited fine, he told reporters. Nevill had already been in trouble with the council in 2023 after having painted the shops a brighter shade of pink without permission, hence his decision to start repainting them in a more pastel shade, which had been selected by the council. Canterbury City Council eventually admitted it had made a mistake and the new shade was acceptable after all.

The pink house of Belsize Park

The Belsize Park property had last been repainted in the early 1990s - Nigel Howard

Pink was a problem once again in 2016, when 70-year-old Su Rose of Buckland Crescent, Belsize Park, became embroiled in a dispute with Camden Council after repainting her house. The three-storey home had already been painted pink in the 1990s, but when Rose carried out repair work on the propertys exterior, she decided to refresh the paint in Cinder Rose from Farrow & Ball. The council informed her that since the Georgian property was within a conservation area, she would have to apply for retrospective planning permission for the repaint. Happily, Rose was successfully granted planning permission and her house remains pink to this day.

The baby poo homes of Isleworth

Local residents also said the colour reminded them of 'dog sick' - Jamie Lorriman

While most cases of house repaintings causing controversy involve homeowners making decisions against the councils wishes, in 2020, an estate in Isleworth suffered the reverse. The Worple Estate, a mix of authority-owned and private homes, was subjected to a repainting by Hounslow Council in 2020. Thermal cladding was added to 30 houses, which were then painted mustard yellow after residents had been informed the council houses would be repainted magnolia or similar. Those who lived on the estate noted at the time that the colour reminded them of baby poo and dog sick. One family tried to repaint their home, but were prevented from doing so by the council, which said doing so would invalidate the warranty on the house.
Temperatures almost daily exceed 40C (104F) and aid workers have described the situation as intolerable. Photograph: Kostas Pikoulas/The Guardian

Almost two months to the day after she became stranded in no mans land in Nicosia, Mimi wants to go home. In her case, home means Cameroon, not the Republic of Cyprus, which lies meters away, or any other place in Europe.

Ive seen everything here, snakes, rats, you name it and now I just want to go back to my country, back to Cameroon, says the 29-year-old.

The Cameroonian is among 53 asylum seekers to have been pushed back into the UN-patrolled buffer zone that bisects Cyprus, the EUs easternmost member and last divided state.

Since 15 May , when she was escorted by police to Gas Bottle Gate, the entry point into the zone, she has been stuck in limbo: unable to move left, which would take her into the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus, or right, which would return her to the Turkish-occupied north, a breakaway state deprived of any infrastructure to lodge asylum requests.

For the Cameroonian and other refugees from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Afghanistan, home is now a tent in a former swamp infested by mosquitoes, wild flies and rats. In the sweltering summer heat, with temperatures almost daily exceeding 40C (104F), aid workers have described the situation as intolerable.

In a highly unusual move diplomatic delegations from 12 Nicosia-based western embassies will on Thursday visit the makeshift camp amid rumours of the asylum seekers being relocated elsewhere. The last time people seeking asylum got marooned in Cyprus, Pope Francis intervened ensuring they were relocated to Italy.

Every day I wish to God I could leave, says Mimi, a victim of human trafficking. I left [the north] to escape the men wanting to have their way with me but never did I imagine ending up in a place like this.

Exacerbated by the islands complex reality of being partitioned by war, with its Greek and Turkish communities living either side of a ceasefire line since 1974, international concern over the groups fate has mounted.

As numbers have swelled  a second buffer zone camp has also been set up to accommodate other trapped asylum seekers in Akaki 22km west of Nicosia  the UN refugee agency has voiced growing alarm.

Among the stranded are not only trafficked women but children and survivors of cancer.

Eight of the 53, described as Syrian nationals and including two unaccompanied minors, have already disappeared. At least half of them went missing after fleeing the demilitarised zone and attempting to file asylum requests in Pournara, the islands refugee reception centre before being discovered, pushed back into no mans land for a second time and escaping again.

With arrivals showing no sign of abating  four more people from Iran and Nigeria were intercepted attempting to cross over from the north at the weekend  the UNHCR has called for urgent action.

These people need to have their asylum claims examined as guaranteed under EU law, said Emilia Strovolidou, the UN agencys spokesperson. This situation of being stuck in limbo is not viable and we need to see a viable solution for them.

The European Commission has also said that, as an EU member state, Cyprus is obliged under the blocs binding laws to accept applications for international protection whether made at its border or in a transit zone.

What we are seeing is nothing short of shameful, nothing short of a crime, said Nicos Trimikliniotis, a professor of sociology at the university of Nicosia who heads the Fundamental Rights Agency of the EU in Cyprus. It was inadmissible, he said, that asylum seekers were being kept in such deplorable conditions when the islands camp in Pournara was almost empty.

By refusing to recognise people so worthy of asylum the government thinks it will send a message that will deter others from coming, he added. It is an ill-conceived idea that has led to blatant violation of fundamental rights.

Forced to survive on donations from the Red Cross, canned food provided by the state and military rations usually given to UN peacekeeping forces in combat zones, the stranded asylum seekers say their physical and psychological condition is deteriorating fast.

A lot of us, especially the women are very depressed, said Ibrahim, a 24-year-old from Sudan, swatting a fly as he sat under a eucalyptus tree. The war started and I had no choice but to leave Khartoum. I wanted to go to a place where I felt safe and I got a visa to study in [northern] Cyprus. In Europe I knew there is something called human rights but here, in this jungle, I have had very bad fever, I have felt as if I might die. It would be better to be back in Khartoum.

Amid a rise in irregular arrivals  more than 2,000 people made the 100-mile sea crossing from Syria in the first three months this year  the government of president Nikos Christodoulides has taken an increasingly hardline stance on an issue believed to have turbocharged the appeal of the far-right ELAM, whose rabidly anti-immigrant rhetoric helped the party win a seat in Junes European elections.

In mid-April Cypriot officials suspended processing the asylum requests of Syrians  a measure that has affected more than 14,000 people  while also stepping up pushbacks at sea. Nicosia has also pressed Brussels to usher in legislation that would declare parts of war-ravaged Syria safe for repatriation.

Reports of African people being rounded up in vans and deported  with the promise of receiving 1,000 (839.46) handouts upon arrival in their home countries  have also increased. From the first day we took office, we have taken a holistic approach, with the objective of stopping our country from being considered an attractive destination for migrants, said Christodoulides, who was catapulted into power in February 2023 as an independent after deserting the centre-right Disy party. In an EU member state that previously had registered the highest number of claims per capita, the deterrence policy has helped reduce the number of asylum requests.

But it has also put Cyprus in the eye of a storm and, it seems, done little to stop the plummeting popularity of the government and its image-conscious leader. There is widespread disappointment repeatedly reflected in the polls with the government and Christodoulides personally, said the prominent political analyst Christophoros Christophorou.

What we are seeing is the president trying to thwart the popularity of the far-right ELAM party by applying its own policies while attempting to satisfy the three parties which support him [in power] that are also anti-immigrant.
Joe Biden addressed the nation Wednesday to explain his historic decision to withdraw from the presidential race, delivering a reflective and hopeful message about the need to begin a new chapter in Americas story.

I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for Americas future all merited a second term, but nothing  nothing  can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition, Biden said in the Oval Office.

So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Its the best way to unite our nation. You know, there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. Theres also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices  yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now.

The speech came three days after Biden stunned the country with the announcement he would abandon his presidential campaign less than four months before election day. As he contemplated the legacy of his five decades in public life, Biden pledged to keep working to better Americans lives as he concludes his first  and now only  term as president. Some Republican lawmakers have suggested Biden should resign rather than finish out his term, but the president firmly rejected those calls on Wednesday.

Related: Capable Harris and Bidens legacy: key takeaways from the presidents address

Over the next six months, Ill be focused on doing my job as president, he said. That means Ill continue to lower costs for hard-working families [and] grow our economy. Ill keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights  from the right to vote to the right to choose.

Biden specifically vowed to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages and bring peace and security to the Middle East. Hours before Bidens speech, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, delivered a divisive address to a rare joint session of Congress in which he called for total victory in the war.

Biden cited his own leadership on foreign policy, including his staunch support for Ukraine amid its war against Russia, as one of his proudest accomplishments. He reminded voters about the legislation he has signed to tackle the climate crisis, reduce gun violence and expand healthcare access. Harkening back to the day of his inauguration in 2021, weeks after the January 6 attack on the Capitol and less than a year into the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Biden marveled at how far the country had come in such a short time.

We were in the grip of the worst pandemic in the century, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the worst attack on our democracy since the civil war, Biden said. We came together as Americans. We got through it. We emerged stronger, more prosperous and more secure.

After withdrawing from the race on Sunday, Biden endorsed his vice-president Kamala Harris, who has already consolidated the support of enough delegates to capture the Democratic nomination next month. In his speech, Biden reiterated his praise of Harris and underscored the immense choice facing voters this November.

Id like to thank our great vice-president, Kamala Harris, Biden said. Shes experienced, shes tough, shes capable. Shes been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.

Before Bidens announcement on Sunday, more than 30 Democratic members of Congress had called on the president to drop out of the race following his disastrous debate performance last month. In the days leading up to the announcement, polls showed an increasing number of Democrats believed Biden should step aside as Donald Trumps narrow lead in the race began to grow.

Early surveys taken since Sunday suggest a neck-and-neck race between Trump and Harris, but the vice-president already appears to be in a slightly stronger position than Biden was. Even as polls indicate a tight race, Biden expressed confidence that Americans would choose to preserve democracy this November. Quoting the Declaration of Independence and founding father Benjamin Franklin, Biden made the time-honored argument for American exceptionalism.

America is an idea, an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant. Its the most powerful idea in the history of the world, Biden said. That idea is that we hold these truths to be self-evident. Were all created equal, endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights: life, liberty, pursuit of happiness. Weve never fully lived up to it, to this sacred idea, but weve never walked away from it either, and I do not believe the American people will walk away from it now.

It was a message that echoed Bidens campaign slogan in 2020, which framed the election against Trump as a battle for the soul of the nation. That battle remains ongoing, Biden said, and it will now be up to the American people to decide how it will end.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do, Biden said. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. You just have to keep faith  keep the faith  and remember who we are.

Shortly after Biden spoke, Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice-president for two terms, thanked him. On X, Obama quoted part of a line from the speech  The truth, the sacred cause of this country, is larger than any one of us, and said, Joe Biden has stayed true to these words again and again over a lifetime of service to the American people. Obama has so far notably refrained from endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate.

House speaker emerita, Nancy Pelosi, said in a statement that Biden has shown he is on the right side of both history and the future. In a statement released after Bidens Oval Office address, she called him one of Americas most consequential presidents.

And Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer called Bidens decision to withdraw a great act of patriotism for this country you love so much.
US President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office - Evan Vucci/Reuters

I made some mistakes, said Joe Biden. But now, the exaggerated shadow of those mistakes has begun to obscure the essence of my candidacy and the essence of Joe Biden.

That was in 1987, when the then Senator had to quit his presidential campaign after being caught plagiarising speeches by Neil Kinnock, Bobby Kennedy and John F Kennedy.

Last night, for the first time since his announcement on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential election, Biden addressed the nation from behind the Resolute Desk.

Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation, he said. Appropriately enough, that was another line ripped off from John F Kennedys inaugural address.

Biden is now a shadow of his former self, yet his essence remains. He didnt talk about mistakes this time. Yet his capacity for self-delusion is as strong as ever.

I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for Americas future, all merited a second term, he said. But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.

Oh, the humility! Everybody knows, however, that Biden should have given this speech years ago, when he was less far gone. But his personal ambition, his lust for power and his epic self-regard meant that he refused to give way until he had no choice. His party had turned on him, his body and mind kept failing him, and his re-election campaign lay in ruins. He has not nobly fallen on his sword. He has been forced out. Hell never admit the truth, though.

Biden warbled through his now familiar list of boasts about his administration: the post-pandemic recovery, the strongest economy in the world, the massive investments in combating climate change, science and innovation, and closing the racial wealth gap.

Hes not altogether wrong. Americas economy is performing well. But one of the reasons Biden would, in all likelihood, have lost to Donald Trump is that most Americans dont feel better off today than they did four years ago. They dont feel safer on their streets, either.

He bragged that he is the first president of this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world. Thats technically true, yet today, following the calamitous withdrawal from Afghanistan, Russias invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, Biden can hardly make the claim that he has achieved peace through strength.

Perhaps his most Jesuitical claim was that border crossings are lower today than when the previous administration left office. He omitted to mention that, under his administration, America has been convulsed by an illegal immigration crisis. Migrant encounters, to use the official term, hit record highs in 2023.

The Biden administration has, from beginning to end, been an exercise in deceit  the largest of which has been the cover up of Bidens ill-health. I made my choice, said the president, as he praised the tough and capable Kamala Harris. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.

But the American people have not chosen Kamala Harris. She would not have won the Democratic primary through democratic means. She has instead been foisted on a party that is desperate to stop Donald Trump and doesnt really know how to do it. History is in your hands, concluded Biden. The powers in your hands. In the large and crowded field of Biden lies, that stands out as the biggest.
Members of the American Federation of Teachers react as Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the union at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Vice President Kamala Harris walked out to a standing ovation and chants of Harris as she delivered Thursdays keynote speech during the 88th national convention for the American Federation of Teachers.

"I thank you for your support over the years and for being the first union to endorse me this week," Harris told the crowd. "Many of you know I'm a product of a public education."

Vice President Kamala Harris reacts to the applause as she prepares to address the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Teachers and professionals traveled far to attend the convention. Thousands waited in line hours before the event started to secure a seat to hear her speak.

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VISITING TEXAS: Why Kamala Harris is meeting with union members in Houston as her presidential campaign kicks off

Yes, Im in line with hundreds of teachers and staff this morning for Kamala Harris, wrote Daniel Santos on X, formerly Twitter. This energy is electric.

Video and pictures inside the George R. Brown Convention Center showed at least five lines of attendees hoping to hear the presidential candidate.

INSIDE AFT: What to know as the American Federation of Teachers meets in Houston

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Harris started out her keynote speech by briefly speaking on President Joe Biden addressing the nation last night.

"He thinks and talks about his work and our country understanding what it means in terms of what we do know and how that will impact the future," Harris said. "He thinks about our history and the context of the importance of the work we do now. Over the past three and half years and over his entire career, Joe has led with grace and strength and bold vision and deep compassion."

Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Only members could attend the keynote speech. However, anyone could watch Harris take the stage via livestream. For some, Harris words gave the voiceless a voice.

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My hubs was just now watching Kamala Harris speak to members of the AFT, wrote Barbara Rybolt, on X. He started crying as she spoke, because he once again has hope for the USA.

Harris told those in attendance they did "God's work" educating the youth. She described the work teachers do as "personal and professional" while also calling it "critically important."

"I know that by nature you are visionaries," she said. "You are focused on the future. The work you do is about a focus on the future. You see the potential in every child. You foster it, you encourage and in so doing, you shape the future of our nation, which is why I say we need you so desperately right now.

But, not everyone swooned over Harris' speech which centered on the future of education.

Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer AFT member Billy Ray Sanders passes out signs before Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the union members at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer People protest for Palestine before Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers Convention, Thursday, July 25, 2024 outside the George R. Brown Convention Center, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer People protest for Palestine before Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers Convention, Thursday, July 25, 2024 outside the George R. Brown Convention Center, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer Members file in to the convention hall to hear Vice President Kamala Harris speak during the American Federation of Teachers Convention, Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Members of the American Federation of Teachers react as Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the union at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the members of the American Federation of Teachers at George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Members file in to the convention hall to hear Vice President Kamala Harris speak during the American Federation of Teachers Convention, Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer Members file in to the convention hall to hear Vice President Kamala Harris speak during the American Federation of Teachers Convention, Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer

"The Kamala Harris campaign speech to AFT this morning is one of the most compelling arguments for home schooling I have ever heard," wrote Kim Doster, on X.

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Ahead of her appearance at the convention, Harris team launched the first video of her presidential campaign. The soundtrack, Freedom, from Houstons own Beyonce, played in the background as she talked about issues such as health care, gun violence, a womans autonomy over her body and, of course, freedom for all.

TRAFFIC DELAYS: Brief road closures expected as Vice President Kamala Harris visits downtown Houston

There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate, Harris said. But us, we choose something different. We choose freedom.

Despite her welcomed appearance by AFT, others expressed their disappointment with her arrival in Texas. The Harris County GOP released a statement moments before her speech saying Kamala is not welcome in Houston.

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Kamala Harris coming to Texas to speak at a teachers' union event with no plans to visit the border is exactly what I would expect from her; its another example of her indifference to the real issues Texans are facing, said Harris County Republican Party Chairman Cindy Siegel, in a statement.

Before Harris ended her speech, she encouraged the crowd to "bring it on" to anyone who opposed their mission sending the crowd into an uproar and echoing her sentiments.

"Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation," Harris said. "One focused on the future and the other focused on the past and we are fighting for the future. And in our vision for the future, we see a place where every person has the opportunity not to just get by but to get ahead."
Cattle on a farm in Para state, Brazil. The case is the largest civil prosecution for climate crimes in Brazil to date and the start of a legal push to repair and deter damage to the rainforest. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty

A Brazilian cattle rancher has been ordered to pay more than $50m (39m) for destroying part of the Amazon rainforest and ordered to restore the precious carbon sink.

Last week, a federal court in Brazil froze the assets of Dirceu Kruger to pay compensation for the damage he had caused to the climate through illegal deforestation. The case was brought by Brazils attorney generals office, representing the Brazilian institute of environment and renewable natural resources (Ibama). It is the largest civil case brought for climate crimes in Brazil to date and the start of a legal push to repair and deter damage to the rainforest.

Kruger had previously been forced to pay damages by Ibama for destroying 5,600 hectares (13,838 acres) in the Amazonian municipalities of Boca do Acre and Labrea. This was on public land belonging to the federal government and the state of Amazonas.

The rancher used chainsaws to clear vegetation, then set fires to clear the land and finally planted grass to establish pasture for raising cattle. Satellite images showed the scale of the damage and Kruger admitted having caused it on film.

The Amazon rainforest is vital to the global climate system, but is seriously threatened by legal and illegal activities; a recent study showed that half of it could hit a tipping point by 2050.

Bringing a civil case against Kruger, the attorney generals office argued that his actions had damaged the climate in two ways: burning vegetation directly emits greenhouse gases and removing plants means they can no longer draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Related: Crisis at Tres Fronteras: how criminal syndicates threaten Amazons future

The court heard that damaging the Amazon rainforest emits on average 161 tonnes of carbon per hectare, leading to a total of 901,600 tonnes.

The court assessed the value of this damage at 60 ($65/50) a tonne, a number derived from averaging the social cost of carbon calculated by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This is a relatively low figure; more recent estimates of social cost are significantly higher.

This put the total damage caused by Kruger at 292m Brazilian reais ($50m). The money paid by Kruger will go to the national climate emergency fund. Krugers assets have been frozen and he is banned from receiving government finance or tax benefits. He is also forbidden from selling cattle and agricultural products, as well as buying machinery such as chainsaws and tractors.

In addition, Kruger will have to restore the land he degraded so it can become a valuable carbon sink again. The court said making offenders pay compensation for climate damage is vital because the damage caused can never be fully remedied.

This was the biggest claim to date for damage to the rainforest sought by Brazils attorney generals office, which intended it to be just the first of a series of actions that seek to repair the climate damage caused by the destruction not only of the Amazon, but of all Brazilian biomes.

Mariana Cirne of the national prosecutors office for the defence of climate and the environment said the success of the case was a matter of climate justice and would help Brazil meet its national emission targets.

Cirne said: Today, millions of people are already suffering the direct and indirect impacts of climate change, with the added concern that the most vulnerable populations are the hardest hit. Hence, it is crucial to ensure full accountability for illegal emissions and the imposition of the obligation to implement carbon-capture projects.

The decision has yet to be finalised by the court and could still be appealed. Several similar cases are winding their way through Brazils judicial system. It is not only those who directly destroy the Amazon rainforest who are being sued. A lawsuit is under way against the import-export company Importacao e Exportacao de Madeiras Floresta Verde for storing wood that is alleged to have come from illegal deforestation.

Rafaela Santos Martins da Rosa, a federal judge and editor of a forthcoming book on climate litigation in Brazil, said Brazilian courts are increasingly recognising that each act by individuals and companies that releases greenhouse gas emissions or causes loss of carbon sinks adds to the cumulative effect on the climate.

Quantifying the wider societal cost of this damage also helps deter future illegal activity. Da Rosa said: Convictions for environmental damage in general in Brazil would never reach these monetary values. Only with the recognition of the climate dimension and the monetary calculation of emissions will these levels be reached. This could actually discourage similar behaviour by other deforesters.

The court stressed that the ruling against Kruger did not open the door to claims about legal deforestation, but Da Rosa said civil actions of this kind could be brought against public authorities.

Earlier this year, Brazils supreme court ordered the federal government to reinstate a plan to prevent and control deforestation in the Amazon and to monitor and investigate environmental crimes occurring there. The court recognised that Brazils environmental policy was still being updated following the election of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2022, but said more could be done.
Bruce Lehrmann is appealing the verdict in his failed defamation suit against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson, asking judge to set aside an order to pay legal costs. Photograph: Don Arnold/Getty Images

Bruce Lehrmann will ask the appeals court to put aside Justice Michael Lees order that he pay $2m in legal fees for his failed defamation suit against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.

The former Liberal staffer was going to represent himself in the appeal but has retained criminal solicitor Zali Burrows at the 11th hour, according to court documents.

Burrows appeared for Lehrmann on Thursday at the first case management hearing before Justice Wendy Abraham.

Asked by Abraham if she would be arguing in court, she said: Yes, I will be at this stage.

Related: Bruce Lehrmann ordered to pay $2m in costs to Network Ten in possible deal of the century

Your honour, I also foreshadow there is going to be an application filed by next week seeking a stay enforcement on the cost order from the court below, Burrows said.

Tim Senior SC, for Network Ten, said Lehrmann had failed to raise the stay application in the federal court at the appropriate time. It is unfortunate that its been made now, Senior said.

Abraham said the failure to make the application before Justice Lee earlier may tell against [Lehrmanns] application ultimately.

The court ordered Lehrmann, who was not in the federal court hearing in Sydney, to file and serve an interlocutory application seeking a stay of enforcement of order by 1 August and an amended notice of appeal by 29 August.

The court will hear the application in October, alongside an application from Network Ten for Lehrmann to put up $200,000 in security for costs ahead of the appeal.

The Ten application is based on the belief that as Lehrmann is unemployed and without significant means to pay its costs the network could be saddled with the bill.

Lehrmann was ordered to pay most of Tens legal costs from the failed defamation suit on an indemnity basis because he had brought the case on a knowingly false premise.

Lehrmanns notice of appeal was filed at the latest possible time, on Friday 31 May. The four-page document mentioned no law firm and was prepared by Bruce Emery Lehrmann. His appeal is based on a claim that he was denied procedural fairness by Justice Lee.

In April, Lee found on the balance of probabilities that he was not defamed by Wilkinson and Ten when The Project broadcast an interview with Higgins on 15 February 2021 in which she alleged she was raped by a staffer.

In summary, I consider it more likely than not in those early hours, after a long night of conviviality and drinking and having successfully brought Ms Higgins back to a secluded place, Mr Lehrmann was hellbent on having sex with a woman he found attractive and knew was inebriated, Lee said.

He did not care one way or the other whether Ms Higgins understood or agreed to what was going on.

Lee said of Lehrmanns decision to bring the civil case against Ten and Wilkinson after his criminal trial was aborted: Having escaped the lions den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat.

Sue Chrysanthou SC, for Wilkinson, told the court her client does not propose to make any separate security for cost application, given Tens application covers Wilkinson.

Wilkinson is seeking more than $1.8m in indemnity costs from Ten after the former Project presenter hired her own legal counsel and won an earlier claim that the network indemnify at least some of the costs.

Lehrmann has always denied the allegation and he pleaded not guilty at the criminal trial of the matter, which was aborted due to juror misconduct and a second trial did not proceed due to prosecutors fears for Higgins mental health.
A series of handwritten letters and cards sent by Diana, Princess of Wales, to her housekeeper Violet Collison are going up for sale on July 30 - Joe Giddens/PA

An intimate letter from Diana, Princess of Wales, describing how Prince William adores his little brother and smothers him with hugs and kisses, is to be sold at auction.

The note, illustrating a proud mothers love for her sons, harks back to happier times and will be considered all the more poignant in the wake of the ongoing rift between the two brothers.

It is one of several letters sent from the late Princess to Violet Collison, the familys former housekeeper, to be put up for sale.

Ms Collison, who the Princess affectionately called Collie, was head housekeeper to her parents at Park House on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

During her time there, she welcomed the births of the Princess and her three siblings, Sarah, Jane and Charles.

Diana, Princess of Wales, with her sons Prince Harry and Prince William - Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images

The correspondence, being auctioned by Sworders in Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex, reveals that the two women remained in touch throughout the Princesss life.

Most of the letters are thank-you notes for birthday and Christmas presents given to the Princess and the boys, but they often include a line or two about her life at the time.

In one letter, written from Kensington Palace on Sept 25 1984, the Princess thanked Collie for a gift sent to mark Harrys first Christmas. She noted that William adores his little brother & spends the entire time pouring an endless supply of hugs & kisses over Harry.

Diana, Princess of Wales, wrote that 'William adores his little borther' in a letter written to 'Collie' - Joe Giddens/PA

A double-sided letter, written on Buckingham Palace notepaper, was dated July 8 1981  three weeks before the royal wedding.

In it, the Princess wrote: Everyone frantically busy here doing last minute decorations ... the bride-to-be has remained quite calm!

A note dated Dec 26 1982, reveals of her then six-month-old son: William was totally bemused by the event of Christmas, but couldnt take his eyes off the lights! Another, sent two years later, on Dec 13 1984, suggested that William had opened the presents before Christmas: William found the parcels and dived into the paper before I could stop him, the Princess wrote.

Cards written to Collie from Diana, Princess of Wales - Joe Giddens/PA

When the Princesss parents separated, Collie followed her mother, Frances Shand Kydd, to London in 1967, working for her and her new husband until returning to Norfolk to retire in 1973.

Collie died in 2013 at the age of 89.

The collection of more than a dozen letters and cards is to be sold as part of the Out of the Ordinary Sale on July 30. Each note has an estimated sale price of between 200 and 1,200, with the handful mentioning William and Harry expected to fetch the most.

The collection of letters and cards will be sold at auction on July 30 - Joe Giddens/PA

Luke Macdonald, director at Sworders Auctioneers, said the letters were so intimate.

Theyre things that otherwise we probably would not be aware of outside the small circles of the Royal family, he told the BBC.

The fact that she was wanting to say a special thank you  for albeit small presents  really says how kind and generous and caring Diana was.

He said of Collie: She was a constant in Dianas life, somebody she could relate to and perhaps even escape from the world she was in. There was huge affection  she adored her.
A flooded motel is seen after the passage of Hurricane Beryl in Surfside Beach, Texas - MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images

For months the world endured droughts, heat waves, floods and cyclones as one of the strongest El Nino events on record brought chaos to global weather systems.

So severe was the lack of rain in India last summer that the government had to ban the export of some types of rice, while flood waters killed hundreds in East Africa and wildfires tore across Australia.

All those events were linked to a naturally occurring climate pattern caused by fluctuating surface water temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, which  on top of the long-term global warming caused by greenhouse gasses  helped shatter heat records around the world in recent months.

Now though, El Nino has come to an end and the pendulum is swinging, according to meteorological experts, who say its counterpart, La Nina, is about to begin.

What to expect from the swing depends on where you are in the world, but it is likely that more chaos is on the way.

Heres everything you need to know about the climate phenomenon set to fuel this years extreme weather.

Devastating floods hit Kenya earlier this year following weeks of unusual rainfall, compounded by El Nino - LUIS TATO/AFP via Getty Images

What are El Nino and La Nina?

El Nino and La Nina are the two opposing states of a natural climate phenomenon known as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

The cycle was first discovered by Peruvian fishermen in the 17th century who noticed that the waters off the western coast of the Americas would sometimes become unusually warm in the winter.

They nicknamed the phenomenon El Nino de Navidad, or the Christ child, as it usually occurred near Christmas.

Generally, El Nino is defined when the Pacific water temperatures rise by at least 0.5 degrees Celsius above the historical average, for a period of three months or more. La Nina is typically defined when temperatures fall by the same amount.

What causes El Nino/La Nina?

In normal conditions, the trade winds in the Pacific blow westwards along the equator, pushing warm water from South America towards Asia and causing cold water to rise up from the depths in a process known as upwelling.

But during El Nino, the trade winds weaken or reverse and the warm water is pushed back to the east.

In La Nina periods, the trade winds become stronger, pushing the warmer water further to the west and bringing more cold water to the surface in the eastern Pacific.

In both cases, fluctuating ocean surface temperatures  though seemingly small  have a knock-on effect on the atmosphere, with dramatic and far-reaching consequences for global weather systems.

The devil is in the details, said Dr Neven Fuckar, climate scientist at the University of Oxford. Atmosphere responds very quickly  a matter of hours, days, weeks, and even a month or two. But the ocean has slower dynamics.

While oceans do evolve on time scales of hours or days, they also follow patterns that run for decades and centuries or even longer, he said.

The complex ways in which the tropical Pacific and the atmosphere interact with each other makes the fluctuation between the two opposing states very difficult to forecast.

One of the biggest problems is that its very difficult to predict, said Dr Simon Boxall, a senior lecturer in oceanography at the University of Southampton.

We know from satellite data, from history and from very detailed measurements we can make of the oceans that there is no real passion as to when El Nino and La Nina occur, he said.

Its a phenomenon that scientists are still working to fully understand.

I wont say its random, said Dr Boxall. There must be something driving it, but I dont think weve got to the bottom of what flips an El Nino on or off.

How often does El Nino/La Nina occur?

The oscillation between El Nino and La Nina periods occurs at regular intervals of every three to seven years, with neutral periods in between the two extremes.

The shift disrupts seasons across the planet and typically lasts between 12 and 18 months, but can sometimes last for years.

Seven El Nino events have been recorded since the turn of the millennium, while it is thought that there have been at least 30 since 1900.

The El Nino periods beginning in 1982, 1997, 2014 and 2023 were among the strongest ever seen.

The 1997-1998 El Nino was blamed for record rainfall in Kenya, and contributed to a devastating extreme weather event in Florida known as the Night of the Tornadoes, when 15 tornadoes touched down, killing 42 people, injuring hundreds of others and doing hundreds of millions of dollars of damage.

There have been 24 La Nina periods since 1900.

Beginning in 2020, the world experienced an unusually long La Nina phase that lasted until the start of 2023.

While the period was credited with helping to keep a lid on rising global temperatures, it also super-charged a record-breaking hurricane season.

The 2020 hurricane season was the most active on record, while 2021 also saw numerous catastrophic tropical cyclones make landfall in the United States and Caribbean, killing hundreds and causing billions of dollars in damage.

Which phase are we in now?

Currently, we are in a neutral phase  neither El Nino or La Nina.

Right now, the atmosphere is receiving a regular amount of heat from the Tropical Pacific, said Dr Fuckar.

But La Nina appears to be just around the corner, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimating that there is a 70 per cent chance of one emerging between now and October.

What effect will La Nina have in 2024?

Normally, air rises over the Amazon and Indonesia because moisture from the tropical forests makes the air less dense and allows it to cascade down over east Africa and the eastern Pacific.

During La Nina, these arcs intensify and generate stormier conditions, often bringing wetter-than-normal weather to Indonesia, northern Australia, and Malaysia.

Dr Boxall said: La Nina is a stable event, but if its too extreme, it can cause problems.

The impacts can be felt across the globe.

Flood waters swirl around industrial buildings and houses in the outer Brisbane suburb of Gailes, in 1974 - Fairfax Media Archives

Historically, La Nina-like conditions have caused heavier rainfall and flooding in monsoon season over India and have also been associated with catastrophic floods in northern Australia.

The Queensland town of Gympie is testament to the dangerous impact La Nina can have  no less than four of its worst floods on record came during La Nina periods.

In 1955, a cyclone ravaged the town, bringing a deluge of rainfall that submerged the main street under three metres of water.

And in 1974, some 900,000 million tonnes of rain fell on the surrounding state, making it one of the wettest years on record.

La Nina is also bad news for eastern Africa, where many vulnerable communities are already battling long-term drought.

In May, the NOAA warned that an extraordinary Atlantic hurricane season could be looming between June and November, fuelled by exceptionally high sea surface temperatures that allows the storms to pick up more energy, enabling higher wind speeds.

Last month, Hurricane Beryl became the earliest category five Atlantic hurricane on record as it ripped through parts of the Caribbean.

But its not all doom and gloom.

Actually, La Nina is good news for most populations, said Dr Boxall.

For instance, the switch has a dramatically positive impact on the fishing industry of western South America  the upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface that allow phytoplankton, fish and other marine life to thrive.

The warmer waters can also draw tropical species into areas that are normally too cold for them.

Does La Nina affect the UK?

Though it originates in the depths of the Pacific, La Ninas effects can be felt as far away as Britain.

Thankfully, the impact is usually subtle.

El Nino can increase the risk of colder winters in the UK and helped make the winter of 2009 the chilliest since 1979.

In contrast, the effects of La Nina on the summer weather in the UK are less pronounced, said Malcolm Mistry, Assistant Professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

The effects of La Nina, he said, typically take a while to emerge and can lead to wetter and milder summers  much like the one we are currently experiencing.

But he added that the effects in the UK are not consistent in every El Nino or La Nina phase.

This remains an active area of research in climate science.

Food production, such as rice farming in India, is extremely sensitive to climate conditions - Anupam Nath/AP

Could it help keep a lid on rising temperatures?

El Nino and La Nina are now happening on top of the effects of global warming, causing 2023 to be the warmest year on record.

Since summer 2023, the world has had 13 straight months of record-breaking global temperatures.

This has amplified waves of extreme drought in certain areas.

Food production is extremely sensitive to climate conditions and can therefore compromise food security, with some of the worst food crises events down to Enso.

Some experts are optimistic that a La Nina phase could help cool things down, but while the pendulum swing of Enso might be able to provide some respite from global warming in the short-term, temperatures will likely continue to rise.

I hope that La Nina will develop quickly and dampen global warming, said Dr Fuckar. But thats not certain, its a very noisy system.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security
Susie Green, the former chief executive of Mermaids. plans to get foreign doctors to write prescriptions for the drug - Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

The former boss of trans rights charity Mermaids has vowed to exploit a loophole in Northern Ireland to bring banned puberty blockers into Britain.

Activist Susie Green believes she can evade the law through a network of willing families in Northern Ireland, where the hormone blockers are not outlawed.

Prescribing the drugs to the under 18s is banned in England and Wales but the legislation does not forbid importing them, provided they are not supplied to someone else.

Ms Green plans to get foreign doctors to write prescriptions for the drug, which will be sent to addresses in Northern Ireland where they could be picked up and taken back to Britain.

She also believes the ban will not stop youngsters from being prescribed puberty blockers in an EU country and travelling there to pick them up before returning home with the drugs for personal use.

Weve got a network of NI families who are willing to take receipt of medication sent to them, she told the Belfast Telegraph.

The families just need to go over there and the kids need to get the medication and if they bring it back it exploits this legal loophole.

The current emergency ban, imposed by the Conservatives four months ago, expires in England and Wales in September.

It was imposed after the Cass Review urged doctors to exercise caution before transcribing hormone drugs to anyone before they were 18. It stopped short of calling for a ban.

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has announced that the Government will make the temporary ban permanent.

Ms Green stepped down as the chief executive of Mermaids after six years in 2022 after the transgender childrens charity came under intense scrutiny.

She has now opened a clinic providing services to transgender people and told the i newspaper she had sought legal advice about the loopholes.

Jolyon Maugham, a KC and director of the Good Law Project, said on X last month the ban could not stop EU doctors prescribing them to British children who travelled outside the UK.

So you can get your EU prescription fulfilled at an EU pharmacy and lawfully bring those puberty blockers back into the UK, he wrote.

The exception would be if the intention was to supply the drugs to someone else, which is covered in the ban.

Department of Health and Social Care officials are willing to explore legal sanctions against anyone using loopholes to supply the drugs in Britain, it is understood.

The temporary ban is subject to a High Court challenge, which could further muddy the legal waters around a law penalising those prescribing the drugs with up to two years in prison.

Supporters of the puberty blockers argue they can help people struggling with their gender identity at a crucial time in their development.

Northern Ireland is an ideal place to pick the drugs up because Stormont is responsible for health policy, which is a devolved power from Westminster.

The puberty blockers have not been banned in the private sector in Northern Ireland, unlike in Britain. However, they are no longer available to new NHS patients in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has confirmed the current emergency ban applies only to Great Britain.

This is a complex issue and the decision as to whether these provisions will apply in NI is a significant and cross-cutting one for the Executive to consider, it said in a statement to the Belfast Telegraph.

However, political parties in Northern Ireland are divided over the issue, which means any ban is likely to be blocked.

The Democratic Unionist Party and Ulster Unionist Party back a ban but Alliance and Sinn Fein do not, meaning a breakthrough on the issue, and a change in law, remains a distant possibility.
Police, security and medical staff park their vehicles after Letzte Generation (Last Generation) activists staged a demonstration at Frankfurt airport. Photograph: Timm Reichert/Reuters

Climate activists have disrupted flights at Frankfurt and Oslo airports on the second day of coordinated oil kills protests across Europe and North America.

Demanding an end to fossil fuels by 2030, supporters of Letzte Generation (Last Generation) briefly suspended flights at Frankfurt airport on Thursday morning. The activists said they had cut a wire fence, entered on bicycles and skateboards and glued themselves to the tarmac.

In Oslo, protesters from Folk Mot Fossilmakta and Scientist Rebellion Norway caused large queues by blocking a check-in lane with a banner that read: Fast track to phase out.

I would rather not be here today, but I can no longer stand and watch as our elected officials do too little, too slowly, said Ina Nagler, a climate researcher who took part in the Oslo protest. The science is clear: We must drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels during this decade.

The protests, which seek to pressure governments to speed the shift to a clean economy, have hit airports during the start of the busy summer season. On Wednesday morning, activists disrupted travel plans at airports from Helsinki to Barcelona. Further airport protests are expected in the US and Canada on Thursday.

The protests drew criticism from authorities. The campaign group Oil Kills said police had arrested 37 of the 91 activists involved, with 14 still in custody.

Related: George Monbiot on the record jail terms given to Just Stop Oil activists  podcast

These actions are stupid, criminal and dangerous, said the German interior minister, Nancy Faeser, in a post on X. Those who block runways risk not only their own lives, but also endanger others and harm all travellers.

Letzte Generation said in response that it was the governments climate policy, which it says is too weak to meet its targets, that was dangerous and criminal.

European governments have cracked down on disruptive climate protests with policing and sentencing that some human rights experts have described as terrifying.

Last week, Roger Hallam, the co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, was sentenced to five years in jail for planning to block the M25 motorway that surrounds London. German police have used laws designed to fight organised crime to tap phones, raid homes, freeze bank accounts and place activists in preventive detention.

Faeser said: These acts must be punished more severely. We have proposed more severe prison sentences.

The activists are calling on governments of rich nations to work together to establish a legally binding treaty to stop extracting and burning oil, gas and coal by 2030, as well as supporting poorer countries in their transition.

Leading scientists have long since backed calls for a fossil fuel phase-out, though the pace of change demanded by the activists is faster than that in pathways laid out by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and International Energy Agency. The World Health Organization, alarmed by the vast loss of life that climate breakdown entails, has endorsed a fossil fuel nonproliferation treaty.

The activists have announced further airport protests for Saturday.

Flying is the fastest way to fry the planet so its key to start by cutting pointless and unfair flights like private jets or short-haul flights, said Ines Teles from the campaign group Stay Grounded, which supports the protests. The actions today and yesterday, disrupting airports, should be a shock to the system that is driving us towards climate catastrophe.
Sir Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband visit Hutchinson Engineering, in Widnes, Cheshire, where they spell out their grand energy plan - Anthony Devlin/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Runcorn, as anyone who has taken the train to Liverpool Lime Street knows, is a place pregnant with possibility. Hoping to suck up a little of the Mersey magic this week were none other than Wallace and Gromit.

Sorry, that should read Sir Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband.

The Energy Secretary and quondam Labour leader himself does genuinely look as if he might have been modelled by Aardman Animations.

Less explored is the fact that Sir Keir has more than an air of Gromit, the terminally disappointed, self-appointed brains of the operation plasticine dog, about him.

They were here to launch one of the flagship policies of the Labour manifesto: Great British Energy.

Its a grandiose but faintly ridiculous title for a pimped-up Gas Board.

It sounds either like something a Bond villain would run or the sort of failing institution Kenneth Williams might manage in a lost Carry On film about the Three-Day Week  Carry On Up The Picket.

More likely, alas, given Labours current intellectual hinterland, they nabbed the title from the great moral evil of our time  The Great British Bake Off, which stalks our national life, infecting everything it touches with twee.

Introducing... The Great British Energy. But instead we got a world salad delivered through the nose - James Glossop/Reuters

Wallace teed things off. He was tasked with describing what Great Bake Off Energy would actually do.

Instead, we got a world salad delivered through the nose: We will deliver ambitions, we will act equal to the challenge, scaling up community energy through a local power plan.

It was the syntactical equivalent of sniffing glue. If you wanted to know whether, as promised time and time again, your energy bills will come down, hard cheese.

In lieu of actually useful information like where and when they intend to build new power plants, Ed was all about ensuring a just transition for our oil and gas communities.

Who can tell what any of this permanent non-speak really means?

I suspect, actually, it means exactly what it sounds like: meaningless managerial voodoo.

Finger-wagging blame game, at times it was like an AI version of The Pilgrim's Progress - Anthony Devlin/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Speaking of which, it was over to Gromit, who began by revealing a little-known fact about his fathers profession.

As the media will know, he announced, my dad was a toolmaker.

Two people in hi-vis jackets behind him shared a side-eyed glance. They will presumably be neutralised by MI5 later today for mocking the background of our glorious leader.

He complained of inheriting the worst set of circumstances since the Second World War  worse than 2010, worse even than Labours 1974 inheritance which was swiftly followed by a visit to the IMF.

For someone who says hell be getting on with the act of government, he does an awful lot of complaining about the last one. (The work of government begins now but first let me have a good old moan.)

Of course, Gromit knew who to blame. When the Conservative Party cut investment... he moaned, literally wagging his finger.

Indeed, there is something of the non-conformist preacher about much of Starmers rhetoric at the moment.

He lamented the rot of shortsightedness and self-service that has weakened the foundations of our country.

The fact that he has imported a speechwriter from that other master of nasal hectoring, Justin Welby, is beginning to show. At times it was like an AI version of The Pilgrims Progress.

In the midst of the slough of despond, Wallace and Gromit appear to have dropped their election pledge to cut energy bills by 300.

When people are doing their best to say nothing, it normally suggests theres something theyre keen to hide.

The government of gobbledygook was not, alas, limited to Runcorn.

Over in the Commons, Joe Powell, one of Labours new legion of MPs, asked about upping ambition in the implementation of the procurement act so we have the data, the skills and the digital tools to drive a more mission-driven and economically transformative procurement across the Government.

There we go, Great British Energy bakers: your technical challenge for this week is to work out what the hell any of that means.
Inga Rublite died after waiting in A&E for hours. Photograph: Family

Inga Rublite was on a break at work when she came down with a sudden headache. Less than 24 hours later, she lay dying on the floor of an overcrowded A&E waiting room under a coat, hidden in plain sight. The sequence of events that led up to her death show an NHS under strain and the risk of patients falling through the cracks.

19 January: 12pm

Rublite is on a video call to her twin sister, Inese Briede, who lives in their home country of Latvia, when she is suddenly struck by a headache she likens to being hit by a brick. She finishes her shift at the Nottingham warehouse where she works distributing uniforms before going to her home nearby and sleeping for around five hours.

8.53pm

After reporting to her sister that she still feels unwell, Rublite calls 111 for advice. She reports a severe headache, neck and jaw pain, high blood pressure and blurry vision during the one-minute conversation. She is told that someone will call her back for more information.

9.45pm

A clinician calls Rublite back and she reports the same symptoms. After the 11-minute call, she is advised to make her way to A&E. She calls for an ambulance but is told the wait will be several hours, so she contacts her neighbour and friend, Rasa Balzonyt, who drives her there.

10.39pm

Rublite arrives at the Queens Medical Centre (QMC) A&E with her friend, and is triaged by a nurse during a three-minute assessment. The department is overcrowded and struggling with staffing issues. There is no senior doctor available to assess Rublites case as they have been diverted to deal with patients being offloaded from ambulances queuing outside. She is told to sit in the waiting room for further assessment, and no CT scan is requested.

20 January: 2.07am

Rublite should have had observations taken at around 1am, but due to the crowded waiting room (there were 61 patients awaiting treatment that night) this does not happen until after 2am. She reports her pain as severe, compared with mild when she arrived, and her heart rate has increased. By this time, her friend has had to return home, so Rublite is alone.

4.30am

Rublites name is called by staff, probably for further observations. She does not respond.

5.26am

Her name is again called by staff in the waiting room. She does not respond.

6.50am

Rublites name is again called by staff in the waiting room, and when she does not respond for a third time, they call her mobile phone (though Briede has since claimed there is no missed call on her sisters phone from this time). When staff are still unable to locate her, she is discharged from the hospital system as it is assumed she has gone home.

7am

Staff arriving at the A&E department for the morning shift discover Rublite slumped on the floor in front of a chair with a coat covering her face. She is unresponsive, has vomited and has recently had a seizure. She is taken to the resuscitation department where it is discovered she suffered a brain haemorrhage, and she is prepared for surgery.

12pm

Rublites family are told that her condition has deteriorated to the extent that it is no longer possible to operate. The bleeding on her brain is too severe and it is unlikely she will survive, they are told.

22 January  10.24am

Brainstem tests on Rublite conclude that her brain has sustained irreversible damage that is not survivable, and she is declared dead.
Mr Bills feigned injury and went to the trouble of staging photos - Champion News

An insurance cheat tried to claim approximately 250,000 by lying that he was left with crippling tinnitus after a tree branch went into his ear as he tripped over a pavement.

Civil engineer Alan Bills is facing a huge court bill after a judge found he had spun a cock and bull story by faking the accident.

The 74-year-old claimed to have fallen on broken pavement near his home in Whitstable, Kent in 2017, with the end of a tree branch penetrating and damaging his ear as he fell.

Bills sued housing association Moat Homes Ltd for more than 250,000, claiming that the injury had stopped him enjoying TV and had prevented him taking a 230,000 two-year job in Oman.

Photos submitted as part of his initial claim showed him lying on the pavement, covered by a blanket, with his head close to the tree which he blamed for the fall.

But Bills later abandoned his claim and, following a hearing at Canterbury County Court in 2022, a judge found that the accident never happened and declared him fundamentally dishonest.

Bills was ordered to pay the lawyers fees for the case, estimated at around 250,000, and has now been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence for contempt of court.

Sentencing him, Judge Nigel Lickley KC said: His actions were deliberate and dishonest exaggeration and manipulation of the court process to make a claim for damages.

The court heard Bills was a civil engineer who also worked as a chef on SS Uganda, a cruise ship which was requisitioned with him on it to serve as a Red Cross ship during the Falklands War.

His claim began with a 999 call following his accident in February 2017. When paramedics turned up, they found him on the ground close to his home in Doggerel Acre, Whitstable, where he said he fell.

Bills claimed he was seriously injured by the fall, with a tree branch penetrating his ear, leaving him with tinnitus.

He also said he had suffered other injuries which left him needing a walking stick and prevented him taking a 230,000 two-year job as a civil engineer in Oman.

Alan Bills, who concocted a wild injury story as part of an insurance claim - Champion News

As part of his claim, Bills put forward a witness statement from a man, named as Peter Nicholson, who said he had seen the fall and rushed over to help and call for an ambulance.

However, Bills discontinued his claim and the statement was withdrawn, with Judge Tim Parker later finding at the county court in 2022 that the statement was untrue and Mr Nicholson did not see an accident.

Bills had also grossly exaggerated the alleged injuries he suffered and his loss of income, including the 230,000 job offer in the Middle East, the judge found.

He had failed to mention the branch entering his ear until weeks after the alleged fall, and the judge found that it had not actually happened.

His shifting accounts of what happened also convinced the judge that Bills had not suffered any accident at all.

In what the court heard was an extraordinarily prophetic move, Bills had complained to the housing association about the pavement previously, specifically mentioning the broken surface at the spot where he said he fell.

There are a number of factors which suggest that there was no accident, said the county court judge in his 2022 ruling.

Mr Billss different accounts of the accident are highly inconsistent. His later and more complex accounts are inherently unlikely, as they involve him spinning around for no apparent reason, and encountering a tree branch which precisely entered his ear canal even as he was falling to the ground.

He added: The findings I have already made show dishonesty going to the root of the claim... Mr Bills has presented his claim in a fundamentally dishonest fashion.

When I also take into account that those other findings showed Mr Bills to be a profoundly untrustworthy witness, I conclude that no accident took place.

The judge found Billss claim to have been fundamentally dishonest in March 2022, with the housing associations insurer Zurich then taking him to the High Court this week for contempt of court.

For Zurich, barrister Matthew Snarr said the witness evidence which Bills put forward in relation to Mr Nicholson was a cock and bull story.

The defendants contempt is towards the extreme end of the scale, especially because of his persistent advancement of false witness evidence, he said.

Mr Bills claimed that part of a tree pierced his ear upon a fall - Champion News

Such conduct especially undermines the fabric of the justice system. It is not common and where discovered ought to be dealt with appropriately.

The advancement of entirely false evidence is more egregious than mere exaggeration. The defendants false assertions as to an ear injury represent entire fabrication, more than mere exaggeration, as do his false representations about the need for and use of a walking stick.

The claim advanced was for in excess of 250,000. The amount of money sought is an aggravating factor. This is a very large sum.

The defendants contempt of court was directly geared towards delivering a favourable outcome to secure himself this sum of money. This isnt a victimless crime, its the public who pay for it.

Bills accepted he was in contempt of court in relation to Mr Nicholsons statement and his exaggeration of injuries.

In a statement read to the High Court, he said he deeply apologises for what he did and that he deeply regrets the mistakes he made.

Sentencing him, Judge Lickley said Bills was guilty of trying to cheat his way to massive sums by way of compensation, but that the sentence would be suspended, partly due to the current overcrowding in UK jails.

False claims impact the wider public in increased premiums, he said. The intended harm was high. The claim was exaggerated and he intended to obtain significant recovery.

He said Bills was ordered to pay Zurichs costs of the original case, which are estimated at almost 250,000, but that no attempt has yet been made to get the money, because he is impecunious.
Pegasus spyware can be used to secretly extract messages and photos, record calls and activate microphones in smartphones. Photograph: Amir Levy/Getty Images

The Israeli government took extraordinary measures to frustrate a high-stakes US lawsuit that threatened to reveal closely guarded secrets about one of the worlds most notorious hacking tools, leaked files suggest.

Israeli officials seized documents about Pegasus spyware from its manufacturer, NSO Group, in an effort to prevent the company from being able to comply with demands made by WhatsApp in a US court to hand over information about the invasive technology.

Documents suggest the seizures were part of an unusual legal manoeuvre created by Israel to block the disclosure of information about Pegasus, which the government believed would cause serious diplomatic and security damage to the country.

Pegasus allows NSO clients to infect smartphones with hidden software that can extract messages and photos, record calls and secretly activate microphones. NSOs clients have included both authoritarian regimes and democratic countries and the technology has been linked to human rights abuses around the world.

Since late 2019, NSO has been battling a lawsuit in the US brought by WhatsApp, which has alleged the Israeli company used a vulnerability in the messaging service to target more than 1,400 of its users in 20 countries over a two-week period. NSO has denied the allegations.

The removal of files and computers from NSOs offices in July 2020  until now hidden from the public by a strict gag order issued by an Israeli court  casts new light on the close ties between Israel and NSO and the overlapping interests of the privately owned surveillance company and the countrys security establishment.

The July 2020 seizures were made after Israeli officials and the company appear to have discussed how to respond to WhatsApps requests for NSO to disclose internal files about its spyware, raising questions about whether they coordinated to conceal certain information from US legal proceedings.

At one stage, one of NSOs lawyers, Rod Rosenstein, a former US deputy attorney general in the Trump administration, appears to have asked one of Israels US lawyers whether the Israeli government would come to the rescue in the legal battle with WhatsApp.

Israels hidden intervention in the case can be revealed after a consortium of media organisations led by the Paris-based non-profit Forbidden Stories, and including the Guardian and Israeli media partners, obtained a copy of a secret court order relating to the 2020 seizure of NSOs internal files.

Details of the seizures and Israels contacts with NSO regarding the WhatsApp case are laid bare in a separate cache of emails and documents reviewed by the Guardian. They originate from a hack of data from Israels ministry of justice obtained by the transparency group Distributed Denial of Secrets and shared with Forbidden Stories.

Combining US court records, information from sources and a forensic analysis by Amnesty Internationals security lab of some of the files, the consortium has been able to confirm key details revealed in the hacked files.

According to Amnestys researchers, the files are consistent with a hack-and-leak of a series of email accounts but it is not possible to cryptographically verify the authenticity of the emails as critical email metadata was removed by the hackers.

In April this year, Israeli authorities obtained another sweeping gag order to prevent the countrys media from publishing information from the hack. The large cache of emails and documents was posted online by a self-described hacktivist collective, Anonymous for Justice. The identity of those behind the group is unclear.

Details of Israels behind-the-scenes activities in the WhatsApp case have emerged as litigation continues to play out in federal court in northern California.

Earlier this month, WhatsApp accused NSO of resisting its obligations to share internal files as part of a legal process, known as discovery, that would allow WhatsApp to gather information to help build its case and shed unprecedented light on how Pegasus has been used by NSOs government clients.

However, the Israeli governments hidden intervention has hindered WhatsApps ability to compel NSO to hand over crucial information. Lawyers for WhatsApp recently told the US court that NSO has only produced 17 internal documents of its own.

A spokesperson for NSO said that as a law-abiding company it cannot comment on the Guardians questions about the 2020 seizures. A spokesperson for the justice ministry said it rejects the claim that it has acted in any manner as to harm or obstruct the [US] legal proceedings.

Strange procedures

Within months of WhatsApp filing the lawsuit against the company in October 2019, senior Israeli officials are understood to have closely monitored the progress of the case and considered how to prevent WhatsApp gaining access to classified information held by NSO.

Both Israel and NSO anticipated expansive requests from WhatsApp for sensitive internal company files, such as lists of its customers.

As discovery loomed large in the first half of 2020, NSO weighed asking the Israeli government for a blocking order that would prohibit the company from producing certain information to WhatsApp. An NSO memo considering the proposal was shared with Israels justice ministry in April of that year.

NSOs fears were confirmed in early June 2020 when WhatsApp served its first discovery requests on the company and demanded access to a wide range of detailed information about its activities, customers and the technological capabilities of Pegasus.

The leaked emails reviewed by the Guardian suggest that senior Israeli officials met NSOs representatives to discuss issues related to disclosure a day after WhatsApps requests for production of documents were received by the company.

At around this time, NSO and its lawyers at the elite US firm King & Spalding appear to have been seeking Israels help in trying to defend itself from WhatsApps lawsuit.

After Rosenstein is said to have asked if the Israeli government was going to rescue the company, one of Israels US-based lawyers, John Bellinger, a former senior national security lawyer in the George W Bush administration and now a partner at Arnold & Porter, appears to have told Rosenstein that Israel was acutely focused on the discovery dangers and is still considering its options.

Three days later, in mid-July 2020, Israel made a significant but secret intervention. At an urgent meeting with NSO, Israeli officials presented the company with an order issued by a Tel Aviv court granting the government powers to execute a search warrant at its office, access its internal computer systems and seize files.

The court order prohibited NSO from disclosing or transferring any documents or technical materials to any external person or entity without the authorisation of Israeli authorities. The order itself was also made secret; a gag order has prevented the governments actions being made public in Israel.

Scott Horton, a US lawyer and adjunct professor at Columbia Law School, said these were strange procedures to be taking in relation to a private entity, suggesting NSO was in fact an integral part of the Israeli defence establishment and they are trying to shield [this] from public discovery.

According to court records and Israeli justice ministry files, the order obtained by Israel had a specific loophole that allowed NSOs lawyers to inform the US court in the WhatsApp case of the seizures and the restrictions that had been imposed on the company prohibiting disclosure.

NSO persuaded a US judge in the case to keep information about these developments under seal, ensuring they have remained out of public view. It is not clear whether NSO has disclosed to the court its contacts and meetings with Israeli officials prior to the seizures.

Leaked files suggest that at one stage NSOs lawyers drafted a declaration to be filed in the US proceedings informing the court the Israeli seizure order was not announced in advance to, nor expected by the company. Ultimately, however, it appears this statement was not included in the declaration that was filed. A spokesperson for King & Spalding said it does not appear in the declaration.

Israels actions appear to have had a material impact on the case. NSO has argued that its ability to participate in discovery has been limited by various restrictions under Israeli law.

Earlier this month, WhatsApps lawyers told the court they had not yet received any documents relevant to Pegasus and accused NSO of a continued refusal to meaningfully participate in discovery.

Additional reporting by Phineas Rueckert and Karine Pfenniger of Forbidden Stories.
This cover image released by Atlantic Records shows "brat" by Charli XCX. (Atlantic Records via AP) AP 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 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

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 it has to do with Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

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

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HARRIS IN HOUSTON: Kamala Harris will visit Houston on Thursday to address national teachers union

What is brat and what does it mean?

The term brat comes from English pop artist Charli XCXs latest album BRAT released earlier this summer on June 7, which 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 Houston on Thursday.

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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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 claimed 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.

How can I celebrate brat summer in Houston?

Having a successful brat summer is not necessarily achieved through physical activities, but more so through a mindset.

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However, if youre looking for ways to fully immerse yourself in brat culture, Houston has much to offer.

The Houston Brat Rave on Aug. 10 at Warehouse Live Medium is the perfect place to meet other brats and enjoy a night of Charli XCX hits from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. General admission tickets are currently on sale for about $27.

Another option is brat night at Barbarella on Aug. 30. Tickets are $12.38 and doors open at 9:30 p.m.

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Demonstrators in Washington criticised the visit of Benjamin Netanyahu - Seth Herald/REUTERS

Kamala Harris has condemned despicable demonstrators who tore down an American flag and burnt an effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu in protest over his speech to Congress.

The vice-president, who is expected to receive the Democratic nomination for this years presidential election, said unpatriotic scenes in Washington on Wednesday included pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric that could not be tolerated in our nation.

It came as a new poll for The Telegraph showed Ms Harris is gaining on Donald Trump in Michigan, a state with a large Muslim population that turned against Joe Biden over his stance on the war in Gaza.

Ms Harris has launched a full-throated campaign against Trump after Mr Biden stood down his re-election bid on Sunday and endorsed her to replace him.

On Thursday, she condemned the protests, which came in response to a speech by Mr Netanyahu in which he called demonstrators Irans useful idiots.

Responding to videos of an American flag being burnt on the ground outside Union Station in Washington, she said: That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America.

It should never be desecrated in that way. I support the right to peacefully protest, but lets be clear: anti-Semitism, hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation.

Protesters burnt an effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu - Probal Rashid/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

Mr Biden met Mr Netanyahu in the Oval Office on Thursday.

The Israeli prime minister told Mr Biden: From a proud Jew Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel.

And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead.

The Telegraphs poll, which was carried out by Redfield and Wilton Strategies, found that Ms Harris is behind Trump in the seven swing states of Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Georgia.

Her poll performance has improved upon Mr Bidens numbers by two points in Michigan, where she now has the support of 41 per cent of voters, compared with Trumps 44 per cent.

However, she has lost one point in Nevada and Arizona, and three points in North Carolina, since The Telegraphs previous poll last week.

The vice-presidents net approval rating is higher than Mr Bidens in all states polled, while she is generally more trusted than Trump on healthcare, abortion and election integrity. Trump leads on the economy, immigration and defence, the poll showed.

Harris mulls tax rise

On Thursday, the Harris campaign put out its first advertisement since she launched her presidential bid.

The 80-second clip shows footage of Ms Harris, 59, at her first rally in Milwaukee and is set to the Beyonce song Freedom.

There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate, Ms Harris is heard saying in a voice-over while images of Trump are shown.

In the video, Ms Harris promotes her campaign as one based on abortion rights, gun control and affordable healthcare.

We choose a future where no child lives in poverty, where we can all afford healthcare, where no one is above the law, she is heard saying.

It was reported that Ms Harris is considering an increase in corporation tax, as Republicans continue to launch a barrage of advertisements attacking her as a radical progressive.

She is assessing whether to go further than Mr Bidens attempt to raise corporate tax from 21 to 28 per cent, sources told US website Axios.

Some Democrats fear Ms Harriss campaign has not acted quickly enough to spend the more than $100 million (78 million) it has raised in a flurry of donations since Mr Biden ended his candidacy, giving Trump and his allies a chance to attack her.

The original Marxist

JD Vance, Trumps running mate, claimed Ms Harris was dangerously liberal as he shared an advertisement attacking her as progressive.

The video, posted on social media, accused the vice-president of wanting open borders, healthcare for migrants, radical gun control and wanting to reduce red meat consumption.

At a rally in North Carolina on Wednesday, Trump called her lyin Kamala Harris and said she was a radical Left lunatic. He also described her as the original Marxist.

JD Vance, Trump's running mate, has accused Ms Harris of being 'dangerously liberal' - Alex Wong/Getty Images North America

One Harris campaign official brushed off the criticism, telling Politico they were working to get up ads as quickly as we can (though its only been 3 days) and, in the meantime, shes dominating earned media.

On Thursday reports emerged that Barack Obama was preparing to formally endorse Ms Harris.

The former president is one of the only senior Democrats yet to get behind the vice-presidents campaign, although he is said to be supporting her privately.

He has been in regular contact with her and thinks shes been off to a great start, a source told NBC News.

Mr Obama is understood to have discussed appearing on the campaign trail with Ms Harris. Michelle Obama also supports Ms Harriss election campaign, insiders told the outlet.
Sir Keir Starmer has said that the second half of Leveson is not among Labour's current priorities - ANADOLU

Labour will not launch the second part of the Leveson Inquiry into the practices of the press, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

The Prime Minister said that activating Leveson Part 2, as has been called for by campaigners and some Labour MPs, was not a priority.

Speaking at a press conference in Runcorn, he said: We set out in our manifesto our programme for action for this Government.

Weve laid that out in the Kings Speech, which clearly sets out our priorities, and the second half of Leveson is not among them.

Ive been clear that one of the purposes of mission-driven government is to be clear about what we can achieve, the time frame, the purpose we need to put to it, but also that it dictates our priorities in government.

Given the mess that weve inherited, and were finding more of it every day, its really important that we keep to those priorities.

The Leveson Inquiry was launched in 2011 to investigate the practices and ethics of the UK press following the phone hacking scandal at the News of the World.

It was chaired by Sir Brian Leveson, a former High Court judge, who published a report in 2012 calling for an overhaul of the oversight of the press.

As a result the Press Complaints Commission, the previous regulator, was replaced by the Independent Press Standards Organisation which was handed greater powers.

There was going to be a second part of the inquiry looking into the relationship between journalists and the police, but that was formally dropped by the Tories in 2018.

The most controversial outcome of the inquiry was a requirement, which was never enacted, for newspapers to sign up to a state-backed press regulator.

Those who failed to do so would have been forced to cover all legal costs in libel cases - including those of the claimant - even if they won.

The so-called Section 40 rule was placed onto the statute books but was never implemented before being repealed by the Tories last March.

Sir Keirs remarks came after Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, had suggested in an interview that Labour would not go ahead with Leveson 2.
Protesters hurl eggs at Rochdale Divisional Headquarters - Story Picture Agency/Story Picture Agency

What is clear about the incident at Manchester Airport that has led to large protests is it was a sprawling and noisy affair that shocked onlooking passengers and reduced parts of Terminal 2 to chaos.

Several videos have emerged showing the police as they deal with what they describe as an altercation between members of the public.

While much of what happened remains unclear, the problem appears to have started on a flight from Pakistan that landed in Manchester on Tuesday evening.

Protesters block the entrance to GMP's Rochdale headquarters - Story Picture Agency/Story Picture Agency

Protesters outside mayor Andy Burnham's office, sparked by chaotic scenes at Manchester Airport - Ryan Jenkinson/Story Picture Agency

Words were spoken between a middle-aged woman of Asian descent and another passenger, the womans family told The Telegraph.

Once on the ground, it is believed that the woman was collecting her luggage in the arrivals hall when the same passenger, a man, began jostling her with his trolley and making racist remarks.

Shortly after, the woman met her two grown-up sons, Mohammed Fahir Amaz and Mohammed Amahd.

She pointed out the man to them, telling her sons what had occurred, at which point one of the men confronted him and an altercation ensued.

Police officers became aware of the altercation at or around 8.25 pm and began tracking the family through the airport using cameras.

As they were making their way into the car park and were near the ticket machines, it is claimed officers accosted the family.

From here, the situation appeared to deteriorate rapidly.

Protesters block the tram tracks during a demonstration venting fury at Greater Manchester Police - Christopher Furlong/Getty

According to family sources, the mother was allegedly struck in the face by an officer, at which point a serious confrontation began.

So far, no video evidence has emerged publicly of this initial encounter with Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

This is the stage at which, according to the force, a female officer suffered a broken nose, one of three officers to have needed hospital treatment following the encounter, having been punched to the ground.

In its first public statement, GMP highlighted the added tension arising from the fact that the officers involved were carrying guns.

A Stand Up to Racism demonstration in Manchester in the wake of a video showing a police officer kicking a man in the head - James Speakman/PA

As the attending officers were firearms officers, there was a clear risk during this assault of their firearms being taken from them, a spokesman said.

A source reported the men as having said: We were not there to attack anybody. It was just happening. Our mum was just hit in the face and we were being treated unfairly.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester on Thursday morning, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said the full footage of the incident showed a fast-moving and complicated situation with issues for both sides.

It is then that video footage starts to emerge of what happened next.

The video which originally sparked the anti-police outrage and other footage portray a scene of utter carnage.

Mr Fahir Amaz is lying face down on the terminal floor with his arms and legs protruded straight.

His mother crouches over his body while two armed officers point their tasers at him.

At this point, Mr Fahir Amaz moves his head and the male armed officer kicks him in the face and then appears to aim a stamp at his head with his boot.

It is unclear whether he stamps fully on his head or missed.

As the woman nurses Mr Fahir Amazs head in his hands, the same officer then moves over to a nearby row of seats, at which Mr Amahd is sitting.

Again pointing his taser, he shouts at the man to get down and then kicks him in the upper leg.

Other officers can be heard ordering members of the public who were filming the incident to move back.

A female police officer not immediately involved in restraining the men appears to be visibly upset and is later taken away by a colleague.

It is not clear whether she was one of those injured earlier or what exactly caused her distress.

In a second video of the same scene, bystanders appear to have gathered and shouts of f-----g dogs, can be heard, as officers continue to order people back.

This footage shows Mr Amahd being grappled on the ground by two officers, one of whom appears to put a knee on his head.

A trolley loaded with luggage is knocked over, spilling suitcases all over the floor.

The two men are taken off  ultimately to Cheadle Police Station  and an onlooker beckons the mens mother to come away.

Someone declaring Racism at its finest. Police brutality is heard.

Protesters turned out in force in Manchester after shocking footage of the fracas at the city's airport emerged - James Speakman/PA

On Thursday, another flurry of videos emerged appearing to portray a follow-up incident in the same area of the terminal.

Amid a lot of shouting, a group of three different men of Asian descent, one of whom is using his phone to film, are accosted by GMP officers, one of whom is pointing a taser.

The man who is filming shouts: No, no, no, no, we have not done nothing, while one of the newly arrived officers shakes up a can of Pava spray.

The officer holding the taser then points at the man holding the camera and says hes getting locked up, at which point he is sprayed in the face and put into a headlock.

At this stage in the video, the officers do not appear to offer him the chance to surrender peacefully.

A further video shows a large man of Asian descent wearing a red T-shirt collecting the mobile phones from the floor of the men who have been detained, in what appears to have been an effort to be helpful

An armed officer then accosts him and takes them out of his pocket.

As Wednesday progressed, the first video showing the head kick went viral.

The two men were released from Cheadle Police Station and, shortly afterwards, took part in a video with a lawyer called Akhmed Yakoob, who claimed that they had been forced to make their own way to hospital to see to their injuries.

Speaking from Rochdale, where the men live, he said they would shortly visit the local police station to make a formal complaint at their treatment.

By the evening, a large crowd had amassed outside Rochdale Police Station.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Rochdale Police Station - Story Picture Agency

Protesters are seen outside Rochdale Divisional Headquarters - Story Picture Agency

Chants of Allahu Akbar were heard and, according to the Manchester Evening News, fireworks set off.

On Thursday morning, Greater Manchester Police announced that the officer in question had been suspended and that the force had referred itself to the police watchdog.

Mr Burnham and other politicians tried to calm the mood.

Lee Anderson, the former Conservative Party deputy chairman and now a Reform UK MP, praised the police.

Later in the day, GMP announced that a second referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission had been made, this one referring to the spray incident.

It came too late to prevent another evening of protests on Thursday night, as hundreds of people gathered in Manchester city centre in the second mass demonstration in as many days.

Holding signs which read gangsters in uniform and no justice, no peace, they blocked traffic and trams for an hour as they sat in the middle of Peter Street. Some of them wore keffiyehs and held Palestine flags.

At one point, Mr Yakoob and his entourage arrived and urged the crowd to disperse, telling them: Everyone please be peaceful, we are here for a reason.

The solicitor, who brandished a megaphone, led the majority of the crowd a few hundred yards away to protest outside Mr Burnhams offices.

A splinter group remained and continued to block traffic.

When they finally left, one protester shouted over a megaphone: We have disrupted traffic and we have got our victory.

A group of around 30 protesters later gathered outside Rochdale Police Station and one of them threw eggs at the building.
Aaron Parmar has raised 170,000 for charity - Jeff Gilbert

A former policeman who helped victims of the Manchester Arena bombing has received a peoples honour after setting up an annual event to remember those who died.

Aaron Parmar, 38, established the Manchester Remembers Foundation after being deeply affected by the attack at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.

As well as helping on the night, he was assigned as a liaison officer to the family of Philip Tron, who was among the dead.

Having changed jobs to become a firefighter, he has raised 170,000 for the charity, partly by completing 22 runs - one for each of the dead - of 10km while wearing full firefighting kit.

He was one of 27 people honoured with a British Citizen Award (BCA), most of whom attended a medal-giving ceremony at the House of Lords on Thursday.

Mr Parmar said: It means everything to get this award. I personally would like to dedicate it to all the families who have been so brave in the aftermath of the bombing.

The medal presentation event, hosted by the television presenter Matt Allwright, was attended by BCA patrons Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, and Lord Dholakia, the Liberal Democrat peer.

The awards were set up in 2015 to recognise hidden community heroes who are often overlooked by the formal honours system.

Television presenter Matt Allwright (left) presents Mr Parmar with his medal - Jeff Gilbert

Cancer charity founder also honoured

Also recognised was Oa Hackett, a survivor of breast cancer, who set up a charity to send morale-boosting gift boxes to women and men undergoing treatment for the same condition.

Little Lifts aims to send products that help relieve the side effects of cancer treatment as well as treats to lift the mood of recipients.

Every year 55,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 61,000 women are currently living with incurable breast cancer.

Ms Hackett, 38, from Norwich, was diagnosed in 2014 at the age of 28 and underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She has raised 1.5 million so far for her charity.

She said: The boxes are curated by people with experience of breast cancer, so there might be chilli oil to add flavour to food when peoples sense of taste is affected, or skin products, but the effect on peoples emotional wellbeing has been huge.

People say that when they get the box they no longer feel alone and its like being in a club that no one wants to be part of.

British Citizen Award medals on display at the ceremony in London - Jeff Gilbert

Keith Davies, 55, from Banbury in Oxfordshire, was given a British Citizen Award for his seven years managing the Volunteer Driver Service (VDS), which now has 140 volunteers taking people to hospital appointments, many of whom have no other means of getting to them.

Last year the VDS completed 7,754 journeys, covering 286,742 miles, and also worked with local councils and fire services to collect and safety test electric blankets, before returning them to their owners if they passed.

Among those who could not make it to Westminster but will be honoured at a locally-held ceremony was James Wilson. He has dedicated 70 years of his life to the Scout movement and remains active as vice-president of the Belper and District Scouts in Derbyshire at the age of 93.
Mark Teeton was attacked just yards from Brompton Barracks, home of the 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment - Facebook

The heroic wife of the lieutenant colonel who was stabbed outside an Army barracks was a member of a military wives choir that once appeared on the television programme Lorraine, it can be revealed.

Lt Col Mark Teeton, 47, was airlifted to hospital after being stabbed about 12 times while in his uniform just before 6pm on Tuesday.

His wife Eileen, 46, screamed at the attacker to leave her husband alone and then tried to pull him away in an intervention that may have saved his life.

Her piercing screams of get off him were captured on nearby doorbell cameras as her husband, one of the most senior officers at Brompton Barracks in Gillingham, Kent, lay blood-soaked on the ground.

On Thursday, 24-year-old Anthony Esan appeared in court accused of attempting to murder Lt Col Teeton. It emerged that he had five kitchen knives, including one described by a witness as a machete.

Mrs Teeton was on Thursday described as a lovely lady who is part of the Brompton and Invicta Military Wives Choir and appeared on ITV morning show Lorraine in 2020.

Mrs Teeton, second from right, and fellow members of her military wives choir were interviewed by Lorraine Kelly on ITV in February 2020 - S Meddle/ITV/Shutterstock

A friend, who did not want to be named, said: I didnt know him, I knew his wife.

She was in the military wives choir. Lovely lady, I only found out who it was today. She was always popping into the community centre, doing all her stuff there.

As soon as I heard the wife jumped on him to save her husband, I immediately thought of her, I didnt know it was her, but shes the one who came to mind.

Asked if she was a big part of the community in the area, the woman said: She is, yes.

Decades of service

The attack took place in broad daylight and just yards from Brompton Barracks, home of the 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.

Lt Col Teeton, who remains in a serious but stable condition, has been a course manager at the barracks for almost six years after joining the Army 23 years ago.

Before this, an online CV reveals that he held several engineering-related roles within the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence.

He also ran 44 miles across Normandy, including some of its picturesque beaches, before finishing at the historic Pegasus Bridge on the 80th anniversary of D-Day last month, raising almost 3,000 for charity.

Writing on a fundraising page, he said: In honour of our forefathers, as well as current servicemen who have bravely fought to protect our way of life, I will be taking on the D-Day Challenge to raise vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.

In a video thanking supporters after completing the gruelling challenge, he said: I collapsed at the end, just for dramatic effect, needed a bit of assistance from the medics but it was worthwhile. Its a good amount of money to a fantastic charity.

Lt Col Teeton and his wife Eileen in Canada - UKNIP

Lt Col Teeton was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and has two children with his wife.

As is common with military families, they have spent time living abroad, including in Canada, where Lt Col Teeton spent time on exchange with the royal engineers in Moncton.

It was here that it appears Mrs Teeton met Prince William during his royal tour of Canada with his newly wedded wife, the then Duchess of Cambridge, in 2011.

Recalling the encounter on Facebook, she wrote: It was a long wait and at about 5.30 they arrived.

As he shook my hand o [sic] said congratulations on his wedding, so he asked if I watched on tele. Obviously told him we were there but too far back down the mall to see anything.

Uniform advice

Elsewhere, members of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Sea Cadets have been advised not to wear their uniform while travelling in public following the stabbing.

On Wednesday, RAF cadets were sent a message reminding them not to travel in uniform unless by car and to hide your affiliation to the military by wearing a coat or covering.

Uniform policy for the Army has not changed, and service personnel are able to wear uniforms in public, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.

The message, sent directly to Royal Air Force cadets, added: Whilst inconvenient this does protect your safety.

Sea Cadets and their parents also received an email reiterating that cadets should travel in plain clothes and change in an allocated area, a spokesman for the organisation said.

Anthony Esan appeared in court on Thursday - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

On Thursday Medway magistrates court heard how Mr Esan, whose face was partially covered during the attack, is said to have pulled Lt Col Teeton to the ground before repeatedly stabbing him with a large knife.

Wearing a grey prison-issue T-shirt and grey tracksuit trousers with metal handcuffs, Mr Esan was flanked by three police officers inside the dock during the 10-minute-long hearing.

When asked by District Judge Stephen Leake to confirm his name, address and date of birth he repeatedly replied Why? and did not sit down when asked to.

He will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Aug 22.
Prince Harry was interviewed by ITV News' Rebecca Barry for the documentary - ITV

The Duke of Sussex has insisted that his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, was fully supportive of his fight against the tabloid press and was very much up there urging him to see it through.

Prince Harry, 39, told an ITV documentary, Tabloids on Trial, that he had often spoken to the late Queen about his crusade against the media.

We had many conversations before she passed and this is very much something that she supported, he said.

She knew how much this meant to me and shes very much up there saying see this through to the end.

The Duke also revealed that he did not feel able to bring his wife, Meghan, back to the UK because he feared a knife or acid attack.

His revelation about his conversations with his grandmother suggests that they were in regular contact during her final years, despite his move abroad and the family rift triggered as they thrashed out the terms of his exit.

Prince Harry opened up about why Meghan has not returned to the UK recently - ITV

Emails disclosed to the High Court last year revealed that in 2018, the late Queen approved a decision to threaten News Group Newspapers (NGN) with legal action, apparently frustrated with the publishers lack of response to hacking claims.

But Prince Harry has also alleged in court documents that his grandmother knew about a so-called secret agreement between Buckingham Palace and the publisher of The Sun under which the royals agreed not to sue.

The allegation was strongly denied by all sides and rejected as implausible by a judge.

David Sherborne, the Dukes barrister, told the High Court earlier this year that he might have to settle before the case gets to trial due to the impossible legal costs.

However, Prince Harry told ITV that he was determined to see it through to the end, insisting that he was the only person who could do so.

I dont think theres anybody else in the world that is better suited to be able to see this than myself, he said. Im trying to get justice for everybody.

He added: If I can get to trial, were talking over a decades worth of evidence that has never been heard. Thats the goal.

That evidence needs to come to the surface and after that, the police can make their mind up because the public and this country deserve better.

However, the Duke admitted that it was a risk and that it had been a hard decision due to the negative attention it had generated.

He repeated his view that he could never bring his wife, Meghan, back to the UK because of security fears, admitting he was concerned about a knife or an acid attack.

All it takes is for one lone actor who reads this stuff to act on what theyve read, he said.

And whether its a knife or acid, these are things that are genuine concerns for me. Its one of the reasons why I wont bring my wife back to this country.

The Duke said it would be nice if the royals had joined forces to take on the media together.

I believe, from a service standpoint and when youre in a public role, that these are the things that you should be doing for the greater good, he added. But Im doing this for my reasons.
Joshua Sutcliffe says he has been a 'marked man' since he 'dared to express' his Christian beliefs in school - Rii Schroer

A teacher who was struck off after he misgendered a pupil and told students homosexuality was a sin has warned that every teacher is at risk if they share their beliefs in the classroom.

Joshua Sutcliffe, a Christian former maths teacher, lost a High Court appeal on Thursday against a decision to ban him from the profession.

He was barred from teaching in 2023 after the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) found he breached safeguarding duties by refusing to use a transgender students preferred pronouns and telling pupils being gay was wrong.

It is thought to be the first case of its kind to reach appeal stage and be dismissed by the High Court.

I stand by my Christian convictions

Mr Sutcliffe said the judges latest ruling would place other teachers at risk.

I still stand by my Christian convictions that it is harmful and detrimental to affirm gender-confused children, he said in a statement following the High Court decision.

He said he had been a marked man since he dared to express [his] Christian beliefs in a school and appeared in the media.

The TRA wanted me to capitulate and say that I was wrong. I have been severely punished for refusing to do so. Despite this setback, I will continue to fight for justice and to get my career back, he said.

In 2017, there was no training and no guidance on these issues for teachers. I was a young teacher building my career in the profession at a time when schools were taking guidance from Stonewall, not the Government or any experts on these issues.

With this ruling, every teacher is at risk if they share their beliefs and views in the classroom.

Mr Sutcliffe had sought to challenge a prohibition order handed down by the teaching regulator in May 2023.

It found him guilty of unacceptable professional conduct while working at The Cherwell School in Oxford between 2015 and 2018.

The Cherwell School, Oxford, where Joshua Sutcliffe failed to use a pupil's preferred pronouns several times, which got him into trouble - Jeremy Moeran/Alamy

A misconduct panel concluded that he failed to use a pupils preferred pronouns on several occasions, including while referring to the student in class, in an email to school staff, and during an appearance on ITVs breakfast programme This Morning.

Mr Sutcliffe also failed to safeguard pupils wellbeing when he said that God had stopped a person from being gay because it was wrong, the TRA found.

The maths teacher was also accused of expressing his view to students that equal marriage was wrong.

The teaching watchdog found the allegation proven following a professional conduct panel.

In submissions to the High Court, Mr Sutcliffes lawyers argued that the teaching ban was an unjustified interference with his rights to freedom of speech and religion.

They also argued the decision to bar him from the profession was unsafe and included perverse findings, adding that Mr Sutcliffe had a right not to believe gender identity belief.

But in a written ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice Pepperall dismissed his attempt to overturn the ban, concluding that Mr Sutcliffe fails to understand or accept the harm that he caused vulnerable children in his class.

The judge said there was no merit in Mr Sutcliffes arguments that the teaching ban interfered with his right to express his religious beliefs.

This case is not about a teacher who accidentally failed to follow a schools policy of referring to a transgender pupil by the childs chosen pronouns or even about a teacher who reconciled his religious convictions with such policy by choosing to avoid pronouns altogether and referring to the child by name, said Justice Pepperall.

Rather, it is about a teacher who deliberately used female pronouns to refer to a transgender male pupil both in the classroom and then on national television in such a way that he would be outed without any apparent regard for a vulnerable child who was thereby caused significant distress.

Justice Pepperall also condemned Mr Sutcliffe for his comments to students implying homosexuality was a sin that could be cured through God.

No regard for gay children in his class

The judge said they were made without any apparent regard for the gay and lesbian children in his class and who made them feel that their teacher regarded them as worthless.

Mr Sutcliffe is also alleged to have shown pupils inappropriate videos while working as a maths teacher at St Aloysius College in Islington, north London, from 2018-19.

The TRA found that it was more likely than not that Mr Sutcliffe showed students a video about masculinity which said women were only attracted to real men, rather than a passive man who looks to her to be his provider, protector and leader.
Kirill Gryaznov was arrested on Sunday and later charged on espionage charges

A Russian reality TV bachelor turned Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef has been unmasked as an alleged spy plotting to sabotage the Paris Olympic Games.

Kirill Gryaznov, 40, was arrested on Sunday at his apartment in central Paris, where French authorities found documentation linked to an elite special operations unit under the command of Russias FSB security service.

The Russian, who has lived in France for 14 years, was charged with sharing intelligence with a foreign power with a view to provoking hostilities in France.

Mr Gryaznov said on a phone call, intercepted by French officers: The French are going to have an opening ceremony like there has never been before.

Witnesses also claimed he had brandished his FSB identification at a boozy dinner, telling neighbours he had a special mission to disrupt the Olympic Games.

While allegedly working as a Russian deep cover agent, Mr Gryaznov learned to cook at Le Cordon Bleu, one of the worlds most prestigious culinary schools, in 2010.

Kirill Gryaznov trained as a chef while allegedly deep undercover for the FSB

His Instagram account, which has more than 10,000 followers, is littered with carefully curated pictures of food, pancake recipes or of him posing in tailored suits and fur jackets.

Before moving to the French capital, the law graduate starred in the Russian reality television dating series Choose Me  modelled on the US show The Bachelor  as a self-styled successful businessman and restaurateur.

His CV, according to The Insider, the Russian investigative outlet, detailed a previous career path in finance, with two Luxembourg-based firms.

During his time in Luxembourg, Mr Gryaznov received a confidential military dossier on Maj Andrey Belyashov, a veteran of the second Chechen War, as an attachment, according to emails unearthed by the investigation.

The then young lawyer would often receive requests asking him to verify the profiles of Russian intelligence officers according to a joint probe by French newspaper Le Monde, Germanys Der Spiegel and The Insider.

At roughly the same time, he is said to have shared correspondence with Lord Skidelsky, a crossbench peer who was on the board of directors of Rosneft, the Russian energy giant, between 2016 and 2021.

Im so pleased that Ive met you yesterday! Hope to meet you soon in Moscow! We have a lot of things to talk about! Waiting for your reply, Mr Gryaznov wrote to the peer.

Lord Skidelsky replied: I too was happy to meet you  do vskoroi strechi [until next time]. Im in Moscow 13-15 and 22-24 April and again in June.

It is unclear whether the pair went on to meet.

Kirill Gryaznov at a visit to a KGB museum

In 2011, Mr Gryaznov moved to Courchevel, the French ski resort with a reputation for being a playground for the rich. There he worked in the kitchen at K2, a Michelin-starred restaurant favoured by Russian elites.

His friends in Paris, according to Le Monde, were unaware of his former life in Luxembourg.

It unravelled for the chef when he was picked up on the radars of several European intelligence services during a visit to Turkey, where he had arrived from Moscow.

On May 8, he was refused boarding on a plane from Istanbul to Paris for being too drunk, according to reports.

Instead, the 40-year-old took a taxi to the Bulgarian border, where he picked up another car to St Vlas, a resort on Bulgarias Black Sea Coast, where he owns property.

It was here at the dinner where Mr Gryaznov disclosed his identity and his assignment under the influence of alcohol, witnesses told the Insider.

He then travelled to Varna, a town 60 miles north, to catch a flight back to the French capital.

Before flying, Mr Gryaznov is said to have phoned his FSB handlers to inform them the operation was on track and that he had hired one more Moldovan from Chisinau.

It was this detail that piqued the interest of French investigators, because they have previously discovered Moldovans who have links to Russian espionage groups carrying out hybrid attacks in France.

Ironically, a former love interest once told him that alcohol will get to you one day.

Mr Gryaznov now faces up to 30 years in a French prison if he is found guilty.

Lord Skidelsky was contacted for comment.
Stormzy did not attend his court hearing on Wednesday at Lavender Hill magistrates' court - Dave Benett/Getty Images Europe

Stormzy has pleaded guilty to driving a Lamborghini with illegally tinted windows.

The rapper, whose real name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Jnr, also faces trial in October for allegedly using a mobile phone while driving a Rolls-Royce, the charge sheet said.

The front two windows in the Lamborghini Urus let 4 per cent of light through but the legal requirement is a minimum of 70 per cent, making them dark enough to involve a danger of injury to any person, the documents show.

New Urus sell for just under 200,000, according to online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader.

The front two windows of Stormzy's car only let 4 per cent of light through

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 Oct 17 last year.

It is also alleged that Stormzy 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 sell for 250,000 or more.

Stormzy, of Kingston upon Thames, did not attend his court hearing on Wednesday at Lavender Hill magistrates court.

The case was adjourned until Oct 16 this year in the same court.
Prince Harry was interviewed by ITV News' Rebecca Barry about his legal battles with tabloid newspapers - ITV

Prince Harry wont bring Meghan back to Britain because he fears she could become the victim of a knife or acid attack. This attention-grabbing revelation came towards the end of Tabloids on Trial (ITV), a documentary about phone hacking.

You will see that it doesnt really have anything to do with phone hacking, and therein lay the flaw with this programme: just like the tabloids, its main focus was Harry, and the desire was to get as many news lines from him as possible.

We heard more from him, for example, than from Paul Dadge, whose only crime was to be pictured helping tend the injured during the 2005 London terror attacks, and who was hacked as a result. Or Gordon Brown, who believes his records were illegally accessed while Chancellor and Prime Minister. Charlotte Church recounted the awful day that her mothers suicide attempt was splashed across the newspapers. Paul Gascoigne wept, remembering that he accused his parents of selling stories about him to the press. All had powerful stories to tell.

Tabloids on Trial followed a similar documentary put out last year by the BBC. It was timed to put pressure on the new government to launch a second stage of the Leveson Inquiry - but this morning, Sir Keir Starmer ruled that out, saying it wasnt a priority.

The list of contributors was impressive, and all were justified in their anger. The behaviour of these newspapers was appalling and outrageous. At times, though, the programme blurred the lines between media interest and illegal activity.

Hugh Grant claimed that his flat was burgled in a search for personal information; nothing was stolen, he said, and a description of the interior and contents of his flat appeared in newspapers a couple of days later (News Group Newspapers denied any involvement).

He also complained that wherever I went, whatever I did, there could well be a photographer or a journalist waiting - but if Im not mistaken, footage of him being besieged by the press followed his arrest for engaging the services of a hooker on Sunset Boulevard, and hes only got himself to blame for that.

Back to Harry, who came across as worryingly paranoid even if the tabloids really are out to get him. I have always felt sympathy for him - his life still dominated by the crushing loss of his mother - but his claim that the tabloids destroyed his relationship with his family sounded a tad delusional, given everything else that has happened.

At the end, interviewer Rebecca Barry shoehorned in a question about the King and the Princess of Wales having cancer.

My father and sister-in-law, and me following through on this legal battle, are two completely different things, said Harry, spotting that, like every journalist, she was fishing for a headline.
Mike Mancuso, 84, unpacks in his independent living apartment at The Terraces at Kingwood Town Center on Wednesday morning July 17, 2024 minutes after moving back in after power was finally restored following Hurricane Beryl. He went to stay with his stepson after the Kingwood, TX senior complex lost power for 9 days. Sharon Steinmann Pat Quigley, 87, rests with her dog Shiloh on Wednesday July 17, 2024 in the common area of Ivy Point Kingwood senior apartments in Kingwood, TX following Hurricane Beryl. The complex has a permanent generator that kept the central air, lights and kitchen in the common area powered up despite still being without power from the grid. Sharon Steinmann

Day nine without power after Hurricane Beryl, the senior residents at Ivy Point in Kingwood had it pretty good  all things considered. Theyd been briefed on emergency plans. They had battery-operated fans and mini flashlights. Best of all, a permanent generator kept them cool in the clubhouse, a set of sweeping rooms with couches to sleep on, a coffee bar and a grand piano.

Just 10 minutes down the road, at another independent living facility called The Terraces that offers the ultimate luxury senior living, the scene was starkly different. The lights had finally come back on, but for four siblings who had arrived to clean out their mothers apartment, it was a dark reunion.

They could still see her, 93-year-old Little Spitfire Barbara Sturgis, dancing as she always did in the silly videos she sent them. They saw her in the rocking chair where she loved to do puzzles and watch her favorite PBS shows. But it hurt too much to imagine how staff had found her: on the ground and in cardiac arrest as temperatures had crept up in the facility.

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Barbaras death, which Chronicle columnist Regina Lankenau recently wrote about, was the first reported heat-related death at senior housing in the Houston area after Beryl. The worst part for the Sturgis family wasnt that their mom died alone, robbed of the chance to say one last goodbye. It was that nothing had indicated to the family that she or the other residents were in danger.

Barbaras son had visited for lunch the day after Beryl. It was warm but not worrisome. An email from The Terraces management had assured residents and their families that there was a generator, in addition to air conditioners and fans in place. The family assumed those things would keep conditions livable. They assumed wrong.

How many people even think to ask whether an independent living facility has a generator? Melissa Sturgis, Barbaras daughter-in-law, told the editorial board through tears. Much less ask how big is your generator? And does it connect to the HVAC system? '

When Jackie Thomas, 67, chose Ivy Point five years ago and became one of its very first residents, it was because she knew the facility had been built with a permanent generator.

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One of the selling features that made me come here was the generator and the elevator working in case we had power outages, she told us last week. In the cool clubhouse, Thomas had been able to charge her wheelchair and take her nebulizer treatment every three hours.

Jackie Thomas, 67, plays Canasta with her friends on Wednesday July 17, 2024 in the common area of Ivy Point Kingwood senior apartments in Kingwood, TX following Hurricane Beryl. Thomas, who is wheelchair bound and needs nebulizer treatments daily, chose to live at Ivy Point years ago specifically because it has a permanent generator. The generator kept the central air, lights and kitchen in the common area powered up, despite still being without power from the grid. Sharon Steinmann

For Ivy Point manager Carlyn Llenos, a generator is no longer a frivolous luxury. This is a necessity here in Texas, she said. Peoples lives are in danger otherwise.

Each disaster in recent years  from the 2021 freeze that prompted a U.S. Senate investigation, to the recent May derecho, to Beryl  has revealed just how unprepared long-term care facilities in Texas are for extreme weather, and how little effort our state leaders are expending to protect the most vulnerable among us. Families should be aware of an important distinction: While nursing homes, which provide around-the-clock care, are required by state and federal law to have a generator, independent living facilities and assisted living facilities are not.

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State leaders know that mandating a generator and a comfortable temperature range at every long-term care facility in Texas would go far to protect seniors during blackouts. Rep. Ed Thompson, R-Pearland, tried to do as much during the past couple of legislative sessions, and couldnt get either bill out of committee. But even the best mandate would be fruitless without also funding an understaffed Texas Health and Human Services Commission to ensure compliance.

There just hasnt been this history of holding providers feet to the fire, David Grabowski, a Harvard Medical School professor of health care policy, told us.

There is a history, however, of Texas seniors demanding other changes they need to live their final years with dignity. According to a 2023 annual report from Texas' long-term care ombudsman, Patty Ducayet, nursing home residents who primarily pay for their care with Medicaid played a key role in pushing for the state to raise their personal needs allowance (PNA). During the 88th legislative session, they wrote and dictated letters for ombudsmen to send to their legislators and provided valuable testimony that ultimately granted them a 25% increase in their monthly allowance.

Ombudsmen learned helpful lessons from our advocacy to support a PNA increase, the report said. But most important among them is to not underestimate residents and their ability to engage on issues that matter to them.

Without an ombudsman to advocate on behalf of independent living facility residents, its on seniors and their loved ones to ask the hard questions  of our state legislators, yes, but also of individual facility managers.

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Ask about an emergency preparedness and response plan. Ask about backup power, and whether it will keep the elevator and the air-conditioning running. Ask to see the crisis communications manual. Most importantly, ask these questions periodically, not just before choosing a facility, and especially if the management changes.

People need to be really well-aware of where their parents and loved ones are going, Melissa Sturgis said. If theyre going to have them in an independent living facility or a senior living facility, they have got to do their due diligence.

Its the warning Melissa wishes her own family had gotten.

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Before and after image of Mr Tugendhat's campaign slogan on social media

Social media users have poked fun at a Tom Tugendhat leadership campaign slogan after it accidentally spelt out TURD.

The former security minister announced on Wednesday evening that he would be throwing his hat into the ring to succeed Rishi Sunak as Tory leader.

At the same time, his campaign website also went live and featured the slogan: Together we can, Unite the party. Rebuild trust. Defeat Labour beneath a Union flag.

However, visitors to his website quickly spotted that the first letter of each line inadvertently spelt out the acronym TURD.

The slogan had been changed by Thursday morning so that it said: Together we can, Unite the party. Rebuild Trust. Win back the country.

Sources close to Mr Tugendhats leadership team insisted that online graphics were regularly changed as imagery and messaging were perfected during the early stages of a campaign.

They said it had nothing to do with the inadvertent acrostic that has since gone viral online.

The MP for Tonbridge, who is seen as a moderate in the race to succeed Mr Sunak, said his party had lost the trust of the British people as he launched his leadership bid.

Mr Tugendhat also suggested he would be prepared to leave the European Convention on Human Rights. He said the UK would have to quit or exempt ourselves from institutions that made it harder for the country to control its borders.

James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, and Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister, have also announced that they will stand for the leadership.

Others understood to be considering running include former home secretaries Suella Braverman and Dame Priti Patel.
Clockwise from top left: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Anish Kapoor, India Amarteifio, Sir Lenny Henry, Kamila Shamsie, David Harewood, Adjoa Andoh and Paterson Joseph. Composite: Getty Images

Voter ID laws are an attack on the democratic rights of people of colour and should be scrapped, more than 50 eminent actors, artists, campaigners and others from minority ethnic communities have told Keir Starmer in an open letter.

The signatories, including Sir Lenny Henry, the artist Anish Kapoor, the actors Sophie Okonedo, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, David Harewood and Paterson Joseph, the Bridgerton stars Adjoa Andoh and India Amarteifio and the writer Kamila Shamsie, said there was no reason for the new government to keep the rules.

A poll carried out after this months general election said more than 400,000 people may have been prevented from voting because they lacked the necessary ID, with those from minority ethnic communities more than twice as likely to have experienced this. It showed that 6.5% of voters of colour were turned away from a polling booth at least once, compared with 2.5% of white voters.

This was the first general election that required people across the UK to show ID before they voted. Under a law introduced by the Conservative government, voters have to produce one of a small list of photo-based documents.

Charities and campaigners had warned that people from minority ethnic backgrounds were among the communities disproportionately less likely to possess the necessary ID, and are thus more likely to be prevented from voting.

The letter, coordinated by the Runnymede Trust and Operation Black Vote, called the rules an attack on Black and Brown people, and other marginalised communities, citing the poll that showed that people from minority communities were 2.5 times more likely to be turned away than white people.

Arguing that the last government introduced the law to further their own party political interests  something the Conservatives reject  the letter tells the prime minister it was also a solution no one asked for, to a problem that didnt exist given the extremely low levels of in-person voter fraud.

The letter continues: These laws are an attack on the democratic rights of people of colour and leave people without a say in the running of our country. Our right to vote is even more important at a time when over half of Black children are living in poverty in Britain. People have been denied a say in shaping our countrys future. This has to change before the next election.

Rather than spending 180m of taxpayers money every decade on unnecessary guidance and clamping down on a nonexistent problem, we should simply let people vote  and celebrate them doing so. As the UKs new prime minister, that historic responsibility falls to you.

The signatories also call for the government to introduce automatic voter registration, where people are placed on the electoral roll by default by cross-referencing other databases, rather than having to proactively register.

Labour is planning to do this, but has yet to set out details as to when and how this might happen.

The letter says: In a democracy, every vote should count. Its time our communities got their vote back. Prime minister, please scrap voter-ID laws and look urgently at implementing automatic voter registration.

Starmers government has not said it plans to scrap the ID rules, but has committed to improving the system, including a possible expansion of the list of documents, and has promised to carefully consider the findings of a report by the Electoral Commission into voting at the general election.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which is responsible for electoral policy, said: We want to make sure every legitimate voter can exercise their democratic right to vote. Thats why we will conduct a thorough evaluation of voter ID rules, to evaluate how they impacted voters during the general election, before bringing forward firm proposals in due course.
Conscripts in the 22nd Mechanised Brigade rookie infantry assault unit being trained for the Donbas frontline

Today, a new mechanised push is repelled in Donbas, Ukraine claims to have pushed the last Russian ship out of the sea of Azov, and we hear about the controversy surrounding Russian and Belarusian athletes due to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics under a neutral flag.

Listen to Ukraine: the Latest, The Telegraphs daily podcast, using the audio player at the top of this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.

War in Ukraine is reshaping our world. Every weekday The Telegraphs top journalists analyse the invasion from all angles - military, humanitarian, political, economic, historical - and tell you what you need to know to stay updated.

With over 85 million listens, our Ukraine: The Latest podcast is your go-to source for all the latest analysis, live reaction and correspondents reporting on the ground. We have been broadcasting ever since the full-scale invasion began.

Ukraine: The Latests regular contributors are:

David Knowles

David is Head of Audio Development at The Telegraph, where he has worked for over three years. He has reported from across Ukraine during the full-scale invasion.

Dominic Nicholls

Dom is Associate Editor (Defence) at The Telegraph, having joined in 2018. He previously served for 23 years in the British Army, in tank and helicopter units. He had operational deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.

Francis Dearnley

Francis is Assistant Comment Editor at The Telegraph. Prior to working as a journalist, he was chief of staff to the Chair of the Prime Ministers Policy Board at the Houses of Parliament in London. He studied History at Cambridge University and on the podcast explores how the past shines a light on the latest diplomatic, political, and strategic developments.

They are also regularly joined by Telegraph reporters and correspondents around the world, including Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent), James Kilner, (Foreign Correspondent and Editor of the Central Asia & the South Caucasus Bulletin), Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent), Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent), Colin Freeman (Foreign Correspondent), Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor), and Tony Diver (US Editor).
A supporter of the Vehicles for Ukraine scheme in Holland Park, west London - GEOFF PUGH/THE TELEGRAPH

The Ulez scrappage scheme that sends used cars to Ukraine should be extended across the UK, the countrys ambassador has said.

Transport for Londons Ulez scrappage scheme offers 2,000 grants to owners of polluting older cars who hand them in for scrap. People can tick a box saying they want their old car donated to Ukraine when applying for the grant.

Around 300 unwanted vehicles have been sent to Ukraine through the scheme since it opened in March.

Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi, making his first public appearance as Ukraines ambassador, called for the scheme to be extended to all cities of the United Kingdom.

Gen Zaluzhnyi, who was head of the Ukrainian armed forces until February this year, praised the Ulez scrappage donation scheme in a speech at the Ukrainian embassy in London on Thursday morning.

I call on everyone who has the opportunity to donate their car using the Ulez programme, he said. This aid underlines the incredible power of solidarity and community. [Through] these efforts you are helping us fight this war and giving us hope for the future  a better future.

Expanding this programme to all cities of the United Kingdom would not only be a unique way of caring for the environment, and the future generations, but also its significant contribution to Ukraines fight for our independence and territorial integrity.

Ten British cities currently operate a so-called clean air zone similar to Ulez, including Bath, Birmingham and Sheffield, which ban or heavily tax older cars, vans and minibuses, but Londons is the only one with a donation scheme to Ukraine.

Seb Dance, Londons deputy mayor for transport, told The Telegraph he was proud of the success of the scrappage scheme, adding: There are many, many different barriers that have been faced by British Ukrainian Aid, and others in getting the scheme to work.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, had attempted to block the cars-to-Ukraine scheme, claiming it would be illegal. However, the then-transport secretary Mark Harper said the Government does not consider there to be any legal barrier to allowing vehicles to be donated to Ukraine.

When asked why Mr Khan had not attended Thursdays event, Mr Dance said the mayor was at a launch event for a report about the success of the Ulez expansion last summer.

City Hall claimed the Ulez expansion achieved significant reductions in air pollution levels across the capital, although the Conservatives said these were exaggerated.

Some volunteers involved in driving British vehicles to Ukraine condemned Mr Khan for not attending Thursdays event, which saw a convoy of 50 donated cars, vans and even a red London bus setting off for Ukraine.

Richard Lofthouse, a volunteer with the Car for Ukraine group, said the mayors absence was disappointing.

Around the official numbers of Ulez donations, there are many more unofficial donations that Car for Ukraine has been receiving, he said, speaking from behind the wheel of a Porsche Cayenne and describing it as a classic instance of a very strong SUV that is far more capable off-road than most people realise.
Protesters burned an American flag

Protesters in Washington burned American flags and an effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu as the Israeli prime minister gave an address to the US congress.

Mr Netanyahu used his speech, which was boycotted by more than 80 Democrats including presidential hopeful Kamala Harris, to bolster US support for Israels war in Gaza.

America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose, he said.

Police doused protesters outside the US Capitol building with pepper spray after pro-Palestine and pro-Israel factions clashed.

An effigy of Mr Netanyahu was set alight outside Union Square station where protesters ripped down an American flag and replaced it with a Palestinian one.

Benjamin Netanyahu, front, called the protesters 'Iran's useful idiots' - Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

As police in riot gear tried to contain the violence using pepper spray, others openly flew Hamass own flag. One protester could be heard calling police officers fing scum.

The Israeli prime minister denounced protesters as Irans useful idiots during his address.

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.

Reports said the protests were largely peaceful until Mr Netanyahu began speaking, according to US Capitol Police.

Police used pepper spray to try and disperse protesters - Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

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 force said.

Some people carried banners that said the Israeli leader was a Wanted War Criminal, referring to an arrest warrant sought by International Criminal Court prosecutors. Mr Netanyahu has vehemently denied war crimes allegations.

Actress Susan Sarandon, 77, was among those who condemned the death toll. No one is free until everyone is free, she said.

Police detain a pro-Palestinian demonstrator, - REUTERS

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.

Almost 40,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israels military response to the Hamas attack of Oct 7 2023.

Almost 1,200 Israelis were killed that day and several hundred taken hostage. At least 116 hostages remain unaccounted for.
A screen grab taken from a video released by Russian Defense Ministry shows the aviation group, comprising Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers and Chinese H-6K strategic bombers, conduct patrols over the Chukchi Sea, Bering Sea

As Joe Bidens presidency enters its lame-duck phase, Americas adversaries are on an escalation course. On Wednesday, the US and Canada intercepted Russian Tu-95 and Chinese H-6 bombers in international airspace near Alaska. Concerningly, it was the first time Russian and Chinese jets were intercepted during a joint Arctic exercise.

The possibility of Russia and China carrying out a provocation of this kind was always there. In May 2019, then US secretary of state Mike Pompeo blasted Russias illegitimate claims in the Arctic and warned China against using its self-professed status as a near-Arctic power to muscle into the region. The Pentagons 2024 Arctic security report, which was published just two days before this escalation, warned of enhanced Sino-Russian cooperation in the Arctic and Russias potential to jam GPS satellites in the region.

But doubts about Bidens fitness to serve and perceptions of a leadership vacuum in the White House may be encouraging Russia and China to push the boundaries of US deterrence. And not just near Alaska, but in multiple theatres. Unchecked, it is in these kinds of circumstances that global conflicts can begin, by accident or design.

For Russias conventional and hybrid threats to US allies in Europe are intensifying by the day. Hours before the Alaska stand-off, the Romanian Defence Ministry announced the discovery of Russian kamikaze drone fragments near the town of Plauru. This drone attack was a spill-over from Russias assault on Ukraines Izmail port on Odesas Danube coast. In tandem with that announcement, French police arrested a 40-year-old Russian chef for conspiring with the FSB to destabilise the Paris Olympics.

Elsewhere, despite a shaky truce between China and the Philippines, Beijings maritime boundary revisionism in the South China Sea remains a potent threat. China recently suspended arms control talks with the US over Washingtons military support for Taiwan and continues to rapidly modernise its nuclear arsenal. Taiwans record-setting Han Kuang war games this year, which test its preparations for a Chinese invasion, could reignite cross-strait brinkmanship.

All this shows the US has fundamentally failed to deter these parallel track forms of aggression and been equally ineffective in restricting Sino-Russian cooperation. During his April 2024 trip to Beijing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of US punishments for Chinas continued support for Russian aggression in Ukraine. He highlighted Chinas supply of micro-electronics and machine tools that strengthen Russias defence-industrial base and warned that sanctions on over 100 Chinese entities were just the tip of the iceberg.

But the US threats produced only superficial successes. While from January to June 2024, Russia-China bilateral trade increased by 1.8 per cent instead of the 26.3 per cent growth that occurred during the first half of 2023, and Chinas selective stalling of Russian transactions led to a reduction in Chinese exports to Russia, since then, Xi Jinpings economic advisors trip to Moscow underlined that Russia-China economic cooperation has not been contained, with their strategic cooperation and manufacturing collaboration plans continuing at pace.

More worryingly, the Bering Sea drills, which forced this Alaska interception, are just the latest in a long string of provocative military exercises involving Russia and China. In mid-March, Russia, China, and Iran conducted maritime drills in the Gulf of Oman. During these exercises, Irans Shahid Soleimani corvette brandished anti-ship cruise missiles that the US has historically found hard to intercept. Chinas recent Eagle Assault anti-terrorism training exercise, which was conducted with Russias closest ally Belarus, simulated the capture of a Polish airport. A new military axis is coming together before our eyes and the US looks like a helpless bystander.

This passivity is more dangerous as Russia and China are on a war footing. Moscows victory in the Donetsk battleground of Urozhaine and near-triumph in the Chasiv Yar logistical hub reveal that its offensive plans in Ukraine are not slowing down. Britains new Chief of the General Staff Sir Roly Walker warned that, even if it loses in Ukraine, Russia will come back to get their revenge. Meanwhile, China is stockpiling vast quantities of agricultural resources, such as corn, wheat, and soy, as well as oil, copper, and steel. This points to preparations for a trade war with the US or, perhaps, a hot war in the Pacific.

History provides clues as to where Russian and Chinese disrespect for US redlines might lead us. Germanys 1914 invasion of Belgium stemmed from its false confidence that Britain would not risk a world war over Belgian neutrality. Japans 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour was premised on the assumption that the US would not commit its forces to a multi-year war in the Pacific theatre.

Bidens perceived weakness and Trumps unpredictability, if he wins, could encourage Americas adversaries to make similarly grave miscalculations. The risk of an accidental conflict in the lead-up to Novembers elections or in their aftermath requires careful mitigation. For otherwise the world could spiral into far more desperate scenarios, including the very worst imaginable: a new world war.

Dr Samuel Ramani is an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
XL Bully

This week a 10 year old girl was savagely attacked by an unregistered American Bully XL. Earlier this year, a grandmother was killed within her grandsons home  mauled to death by two unregistered American Bullies kept by her grandsons father. He later said he had once thought the ban was stupid, but now realised the dogs were dangerous  reflecting on what danger his son was in, he said Bullies should be wiped out.

Since the beginning of this year it has been illegal to breed, sell, trade or otherwise transfer ownership of Bully XLs. All Bullies are to be registered, neutered, as well as leashed and muzzled in public. The ban ensures that the breed does not continue in Britain  that we do not have to endure many more generations of a breed constructed from fighting stock and inbred repeatedly for greater sizes and strength.

A uniquely dangerous breed, responsible for the majority of deaths from dog attacks in the last few years, despite comprising well under 1 per cent of the total UK dog population. Around 60,000 XL Bullies were registered and thus permitted to be kept by owners, under these strict conditions. However, there are an unknown number of XL Bullies unregistered, in defiance of the ban.

The ban protects the public at large from the risk from American Bullies, requiring these disproportionately dangerous dogs to be kept on a leash and muzzled in public. We should not have to face a world in which a dog rampages through a city street, attacking a child and several adults  as we saw last year in Birmingham.

Owners of other dogs no longer have to face the threat of a Bully XL ripping apart their dog, nor do parents have to fear an attack in play-parks as we saw last summer. Indeed the majority of serious attacks since the ban have been within the home  a marked change from the pattern of attacks before the ban  showing that the public at large are now being protected from these inherently aggressive dogs.

As these more recent attacks show, however, the ban could never have protected those owners that have decided to keep their Bully XLs. This is not a risk I would advise, but it is a risk they have chosen to take. However, protecting the public requires that these owners follow the rules, and where they do not, that the ban is enforced.

Labour was the first political party in the UK to back the calls for a ban (before the last government announced they would enact it). The new Labour government, to give them credit, have been strong and consistent in their support. But more than simple support is needed.

If a member of the public sees an unmuzzled, unleashed Bully XL running through a playground (as I have in recent months)  they need to know who to contact, and how fast to expect a response. Police must be empowered to act, the Crown Prosecution Service must ensure convictions are brought, and successful prosecutions must be communicated clearly to the public  so those that do not abide by the ban are aware of the severity.

The ban must also be protected against the lobbying of major, misguided, charities and the legal actions of activists.

Currently, the RSPCA and Dogs Trust continue to oppose the ban. The RSPCA campaign continued even whilst their own RSPCA dog insurance refused to insure American Bullies. Though the Dogs Trust campaigned against a ban, after several attacks from rehomed Bullies, as well as attacks on staff within Dogs Trust rehoming centres, the Dogs Trust stopped rehoming Bully XLs months before the ban came in.

Simultaneously, grandstanding activists have launched a lengthy and costly judicial review, attempting to stop the ban. They continue to advocate for these dogs to be back on Britains streets. A Labour MP recently offered their support. Activists have taken steps such as smuggling XL Bullies into Scotland (before a ban was announced there)  several of these smuggled Bullies went on to commit serious attacks on Scottish residents. Similar exercises were carried out with Northern Ireland and Ireland. There has been a concerted effort from activists to confound, avoid or get around the ban, often with serious consequences for unsuspecting members of the public.

The government must resist the calls of activists, and misguided, hypocritical charities  they must instead enforce the ban and protect the public. Polls showed that the XL Bully ban was one of the most popular pieces of legislation brought in by the last Government  just 19 per cent of the UK said they opposed the XL Bully Ban  and is overwhelmingly supported by the public, who have had enough of an exceptionally dangerous breed attacking unprovoked and at random on our streets.

Finally, it must be said. The registration of Bully XLs does not protect owners from their own dogs; nor was the ban designed to do so. Sadly, horrifying attacks, such as that this year of one woman who was torn apart in her home by the two Bullies she had raised from puppies, will continue in the homes of those that choose to keep and register their dogs. In choosing to own a breed bred for violence, owners must face the consequences of the risk they take, but the public should not have to bear the brunt of this risk ever again.
A woman who had a seizure after waiting hours in a crowded A&E waiting-room died of natural causes but NHS staff missed opportunities to diagnose a bleed on her brain, an inquest heard.

Concluding the inquest on Thursday, Nottinghamshire coroner Elizabeth Didcock said Inga Rublite had a condition that had likely been present for years which took its naturally occurring course.

The 39-year-old suffered a massive bleed on her brain from an aneurysm while she waited more than eight hours to be seen by a doctor at Queens Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham on January 20, causing significant, irreversible brain damage.

Ms Rublite, originally from Latvia, died two days later when brain stem tests showed no improvement in brain function.

The two-day inquest heard that A&E staff believed that Ms Rublite had left the QMC after calling for her three times in the waiting room at 4.30am, 5.26am and 6.50am, and once on her phone, so they discharged her from their system.

Inga Rublite and her twin sister Inese Briede (Family handout/PA)

The mother of two was found 10 minutes later slumped on the floor with a coat over her face seemingly asleep, but she was found to be having a seizure.

Evidence presented in the inquest showed staffing levels were depleted during the shift and the dedicated senior decision-maker had been diverted to help with pressures elsewhere.

Ms Didcock said in her final statements that the triage nurse should have spoken to a senior decision-maker, who could have escalated the situation based on her symptoms.

She said: I find on balance had she been seen by a senior decision-maker, she would have had a CT scan which would have found the bleeding.

Ms Didcock concluded that all was done to try to stabilise her once Ms Rublites condition had been found.

The ward also had significant overcrowding because its maximum capacity of 38 people was exceeded by more than double, the inquest heard.

Ms Didcock said the investigation conducted by the NUH had been thorough and thoughtful, and that many of the issues that this case has identified were out of their control.

Dr Manjeet Shehmar, medical director at the Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUHT), said they were truly sorry they did not meet the standards they strive to deliver.

He said: We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Inga for their loss.

Although due to the nature of the bleed on the brain the outcome is unlikely to have been different, we accept there were missed opportunities in Ingas care and are truly sorry that we did not meet the standards we strive to deliver.

We have completed an investigation in order to assess and implement learning, and as a result have introduced changes in our emergency department to ensure we can deliver better care to patients and support our staff to do this in the future.

We fully accept the coroners findings and are determined to take all action possible to improve our care.
A North Korea-backed cyber group has been accused by the UK, US and South Korea of carrying out an online espionage campaign to steal military and nuclear secrets.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said the Andariel group has been compromising organisations around the world to steal sensitive and classified technical information and intellectual property data.

NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said: The global cyber espionage operation that we have exposed today shows the lengths that DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) state-sponsored actors are willing to go to pursue their military and nuclear programmes.

DPRK state-sponsored threat group Andariel has been compromising organisations to steal sensitive information and IP in order to further the regimes military and nuclear ambitions.  NCSC UK (@NCSC) July 25, 2024

The NCSC believes that Andariel is a part of DPRKs reconnaissance general bureau (RGB) 3rd bureau, and the groups malicious cyber activities pose an ongoing threat to critical infrastructure organisations globally.

Andariel primarily targeted defence, aerospace, nuclear and engineering organisations, but also acted against the medical and energy sectors.

The group has attempted to obtain information such as contract specification, design drawings and project details.

It also launched ransomware attacks against US healthcare organisations in order to extort payments and fund further espionage activity, the NCSC said.

The NCSC, part of the GCHQ intelligence agency, issued the joint warning and advisory note about Andariels actions with organisations including the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and South Koreas national intelligence service.

Mr Chichester said: It should remind critical infrastructure operators of the importance of protecting the sensitive information and intellectual property they hold on their systems to prevent theft and misuse.

The NCSC, alongside our US and Korean partners, strongly encourage network defenders to follow the guidance set out in this advisory to ensure they have strong protections in place to prevent this malicious activity.

The advisory outlines how Andariel has evolved from destructive hacks against US and South Korea organisations to carrying out specialised cyber espionage and ransomware attacks.

Heres what our Director of Operations @0xChich has to say on todays announcement  pic.twitter.com/z0blqzRB83  NCSC UK (@NCSC) July 25, 2024

In some cases, the hackers carried out both ransomware attacks and cyber espionage operations on the same day against the same victim.

The US State Department offered a reward of up to 10 million US dollars (7.76 million) for information on Rim Jong Hyok, who it said was associated with Andariel.

The department said Rim and others conspired to carry out ransomware attacks on US hospitals and other healthcare providers to fund its operations against government bodies and defence firms.

US law enforcement agencies believe Andariel targeted five healthcare providers, four US-based defence contractors, two US Air Force bases and Nasas office of inspector general.

In one operation that began in November 2022, the hackers accessed a US defence contractor from which they extracted more than 30 gigabytes of data, including unclassified technical information regarding material used in military aircraft and satellites.
Greater Manchester Police said a protest following a video which appeared to show a police officer kicking a man lying on the floor at Manchester Airport has ended without incident.

The protest outside Rochdale Police Station on Wednesday night followed a police officer being removed from operational duties after the footage was shared on social media.

The video is said to have been filmed at the airports terminal two on Tuesday showing an officer, with a taser in his hand, appearing to kick and then stamp on the head of a man who is lying face down on the floor, with a woman kneeling beside him.

A second man also appears to be struck by the officer.

We know that our communities are rightly concerned by video footage, which is being circulated online, that shows armed police officers responding to an incident at Manchester Airport . Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry has issued a statement. pic.twitter.com/xdHmUYeobL  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 24, 2024

On Thursday morning, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said: A protest held last night outside Rochdale Police Station about our response at Manchester Airport has concluded safely, without incident.

We understand the immense feeling of concern and worry that people feel about our response and fully respect their right to demonstrate their views peacefully.

We have already referred our actions to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and will be in further discussions with them today.

We have spent the evening listening to community feedback and will continue to engage with communities and elected members to maintain strong partnership links and understand local views.

Describing the video as truly shocking vision that people are rightly extremely concerned about, he earlier confirmed the male officer has been removed from operational duties and the force had made a voluntary referral of its response to the IOPC.

He added: During our response, three officers were assaulted.

One female officer suffered a broken nose and the other officers were forced to the ground and suffered injuries which required hospital treatment.

GMP acknowledged concerns about conduct within the video and said firearms officers had been responding to reports of an altercation between members of the public.

A force spokesman said: 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.

The Mayor has shared the following statement regarding the incident at Manchester Airport yesterday. pic.twitter.com/OQtEC5Ui1J  Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) July 24, 2024

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.

Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson posted on X, formerly Twitter: I am aware of disturbing footage from an incident at Manchester Airport this afternoon and understand the public concern it has prompted.

I have asked for a full update from Greater Manchester Police.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said he had raised concerns about the airport incident with the deputy chief constable.

He said: I have seen the disturbing video footage circulating of a GMP officer at Manchester Airport and recognise the widespread and deep concern this has caused in Greater Manchester and beyond.

The deputy mayor and I have raised these concerns with the deputy chief constable.
Chinese FM stresses strengthening China-Ukraine practical cooperation

Xinhua) 09:37, July 25, 2024

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)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Tom Tugendhat has joined James Cleverly in publicly declaring 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 was 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.

 Tom Tugendhat

Tom Tugendhat previously unsuccessfully ran for the leadership in 2022 (Lucy North/PA)

The shadow security minister, who is viewed as the most centrist of the candidates, joined the race by insisting there was little to separate him from his rivals on the right on key issues.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, the Tonbridge MP indicated he would be prepared to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if it was necessary to secure the UKs borders.

He denied the party would be split by the contest, because on key issues including the ECHR, gender, taxes, defence and net zero, all Tories shared the same common sense views.

He previously unsuccessfully ran in 2022, when he pitched himself as the candidate untarnished by the scandals that dogged Boris Johnson and his government.

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.

 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.

 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.
School children in England may be unwittingly smoking vapes spiked with the synthetic street drug spice, according to new research.

Professor Chris Pudney, from the University of Bath, tested 596 vapes confiscated from schools in England and found 16.6% contained spice, which has a range of dangerous side effects including cardiac arrest.

It is believed the substance is being substituted into vapes which are sold as containing cannabis oil, as it is cheaper.

In total, 38 schools from across London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire took part in the research.

Results from a device than instantly detects synthetic drugs found spice was present in vapes from 28, or 74%, of these schools.

The device also revealed 1.17% of the vapes tested contained THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.

Prof Pudney said: Teenagers think they are purchasing vapes or vape fluid containing THC or nicotine when, in fact, they are laced with spice.

We know children can have cardiac arrests when they smoke spice, and I believe some have come quite close to death.

Headteachers are telling me pupils are collapsing in the halls and ending up with long stays in intensive care.

He warned parents that his findings were not a niche, one-off occurrence that happens in a school far away from you but something common.

Prof Pudney is now urging people to talk with children about the risks faced from spice and vaping, as well as the Government to prioritise the issue on a national level.

Schools that believe they have problems with spice-spiked vapes should come forward for testing, he said.

Currently, this issue is being addressed regionally, but I urge the Government to elevate it to a national harm reduction priority, Prof Pudney added.

I call on the Home Office and the Department for Education to highlight this problem and to provide police forces and schools with comprehensive harm reduction guidance and support.

Headteacher Ben Davis, of St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Salford, invited Prof Pudney to test a batch of confiscated vapes at the school in July.

He said his school had incidents of young people under the influence of spice, with two children collapsing including one in the playground.

Weve been fortunate so far, but I believe its only a matter of time before serious injuries or fatalities occur, Mr Davis said.

My message to families is, dont assume your child is not involved. Theres a high chance they are, or they know someone who is.

Please talk to them about it. Be open, non-judgmental, and accepting. As soon as you judge or blame, barriers will go up, and you wont reach your child. This conversation is crucial for their safety.

One of Prof Pudneys spice detectors has been deployed to Devon and Cornwall Police for testing within the force area.

Chief Inspector Sarah Johns, said the device would help police ascertain the scale of the issue there.

Policing teams have visited all secondary schools in the Devon and Cornwall area to educate students on the health issues of using illegal vapes containing THC or spice.

Our clear message to all young people is that the risks associated with unregulated vapes are not worth it, Ch Insp Johns said.

Young people obtaining these fluids, or being offered them, will never be able to know for sure whats in them and as Dr Pudneys work indicates, if its spice then that could lead to serious harm.

Prof Pudney has tested vapes in four schools in Greater Manchester, working with Greater Manchester Police.

Detective Sergeant Laura Bell, of the force, said it was important to take a proactive approach and engage with young people and schools.

Students are educated about the risks of drug use and illegal vapes, the potential impact on their health and the wider long-term consequences it can have on their futures, Det Sgt Bell said.

We encourage parents and guardians to discourage their children from getting involved in any illegal activities and continue to remind them of the negative consequences that using drugs can have.

The force has seized countless vapes through store visits, raids and warrants, Det Sgt Bell added.

Police have issued safety warnings relating to vapes in areas including Cornwall, Devon, Kent, Lincolnshire, Lancashire, London, Middlesborough, Somerset and the West Midlands.

Prof Pudney will publish an academic paper on his vape testing findings in due course.

Sarah MacFadyen, of Asthma + Lung UK, said the results of the study were deeply concerning and called for proper regulation and enforcement of e-cigarette laws.

If youre a smoker and you want to quit tobacco, vaping can be a helpful way to give up smoking. But for children and those who dont smoke, starting to vape is not recommended, especially if you have a lung condition, she said.

We are concerned about the recent rise in teenagers vaping and want to see a ban on disposable vapes, as their attractive packaging and flavouring, and pocket-money prices, are particularly appealing to children.

She added that the charity hoped the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which was introduced in the House of Commons in March, would become legislation as soon as possible.
An English surgeon who has worked in hospitals in Gaza has said healthcare professionals who have seen the horrific injuries inflicted on Palestinians must speak up.

Professor Nick Maynard also warned Palestinian deaths from malnourishment and lack of healthcare could dwarf those injured in Israeli strikes.

He said he wants to meet with UK and Irish politicians to speak about traumatic injuries suffered by Gazans.

Consultant gastrointestinal surgeon Professor Nick Maynard at Buswells Hotel in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

The 61-year-old consultant gastrointestinal surgeon at Oxford University Hospital has travelled to the Palestinian enclave regularly since 2010 with Medical Aid for Palestinians to provide medical training.

Since Israels military operation was launched in the Gaza Strip in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, he has travelled there twice to treat what he called indescribably awful injuries.

He said while working there in January, he emerged from a theatre room in the Al-Asqa hospital, after operating on a young woman for five hours, to find a hole in the wall of the intensive care unit after a missile strike.

He said no-one was injured in the strike but they had been told the hospital was in a deconflicted zone.

He described the scenes in Gaza hospitals as chaotic and that the vast majority of patients are women and children.

He said he can still remember the screams of an orphaned Palestinian girl whose leg was severely broken and needed to be reset without any pain relief.

He told the PA news agency: Ill never forget one child whose face was burned so badly that you could see the facial bones through the burnt flesh. She had no chance of survival and she died a very slow death.

Prof Nick Maynard with Palestinian doctor Maisara (centre back), Palestinian friend Enas, his wife Fionnuala (right) and the rest of his family (Nick Maynard/PA)

We saw large numbers of traumatic amputations, children coming in with one, two, sometimes three limbs amputated by the bombs.

Prof Maynard said he wants to meet with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and any Irish politicians so he can show them images of the types of traumatic scenes he has witnessed.

If I could meet Lammy and Starmer I would, he said. Do I believe itll make any difference? Ive no idea but if I had the opportunity I would do that.

Id love to meet Irish politicians if I had the opportunity to do so. In reality its only the US government who can stop them (Israel), but the Irish Government, the UK Government could put pressure on the US government, Im quite sure of that.

He said Gaza had been failed by academic and medical institutions in the UK and called for them to allow vigils to be held in hospitals to remember healthcare staff who had been killed in Gaza.

He said a young Palestinian doctor that he knew, Maisara, who had received a scholarship in the UK, was killed in Gaza when his family home was bombed, with his parents and his sister also killed.

I think the medical institutions, the academic institutions should provide far more support to their employees and their students who are protesting and standing up for the Gazans, Prof Maynard said.

The professor, whose wife Fionnuala is from Kinsale in Co Cork, has been addressing gatherings in Cork, Belfast and Dublin this week, working with Irish charity Trocaire, to raise awareness of what is happening in Gaza.

He recalled: I remember a brother and sister Ala and Aya, he was I think six, she was eight. They were brought in on a day when there was terrible bombings in the local camps that were close to the hospital.

I saw this little boy on the ground by himself. I subsequently found out his parents had been killed by the bomb.

I saw him, he was looking desperately ill, terrible burns. But the first thing I noticed was a big hole in the side of his chest. You could see the air being sucked in and out and that can be rapidly fatal.

I picked him up and we took him into the resuscitation room and stabilised him. He was still very, very sick and to this day, I dont know whether he survived.

His sister was there as well and she had a less severe injury, she had a very badly broken leg, which was so displaced that the blood wasnt able to get down to the foot. In those circumstances, you have to straighten the leg urgently in order to open up the blood vessels. This was a day when we had no morphine, no pain relief.

The orthopaedic doctor had to come and straighten her leg with no pain relief at all and I can hear it now, talking to you, the memory of her screams were just awful.

Asked whether more doctors and medical professionals should speak out about the injuries being inflicted on Gazans and in other conflicts, he said: I think they should be far more outspoken.

The English surgeon has described chaotic scenes in Gazan hospitals (Brian Lawless/PA)

I think theres a great strength in me as a healthcare professional, as a surgeon who has been on the ground, bearing witness to these appalling acts and describing what I see.

I try and steer away from the politics because I think its more powerful to describe everything youve seen, but of course, theyre inextricably linked so you cant stray away completely, but I strive to make sure the focus of what I say is recounting the atrocities from a humanitarian perspective, from a medical perspective.

But I do believe that anyone whos witnessed these things must speak out about them.

He said during his recent visit several months ago, what stood out to him was how malnourishment caused by Israel limiting food into the region is causing excess deaths.

Prof Maynard said: The terrible effects of malnutrition, particularly on patients who have had bomb injuries and needed surgery, because theyre malnourished, their tissues dont heal. They get terrible infections and literally, their bodies fall to pieces.

The abdominal wounds fall to pieces, their bowels leak, theyre leaking faeces from the shrapnel holes and young people who would normally be expected to survive these injuries die because theyre malnourished.

That figure of 39,000 deaths is a gross underestimate for those dying from trauma, but those figures will be dwarfed by the people dying from excess deaths  malnutrition, cancer not being treated, heart disease, kidney disease, you name it.
Taylor Swift has praised her friend Ryan Reynolds for doing the best work of his life in the latest Deadpool movie.

The American singer, who is also close to Reynolds wife Blake Lively, says he put every bit of his heart, soul, sweat into the Marvel superhero movie Deadpool & Wolverine.

In an Instagram story, Swift shared a photo of herself, Lively, Reynolds, the films director Shawn Levy and Hugh Jackman  who has played grumpy claw-wielding Wolverine across numerous films, beginning with 2000s X-Men.

Swift wrote: Over the past few years I have watched one of my best friends on this planet pour every bit of his heart, soul, sweat, time, energy, jokes, pain, joy, rebellion, darkness, and magic into this film.

Hes created the best work of his life, and this film feels like an actual joy portal, a wild escape from reality, and an abs sandwich. I dont know how he did it.

Taylor Swift and Blake Lively attend Super Bowl LVIII (PA)

She joked that she was referring to Australian actor Jackman, by saying: But thats just Hugh for you!

Swift added: These other randoms crashed the photo and we were too polite to ask them to leave.

She encouraged US fans to buy tickets to the movie, which came out in the UK on Thursday and comes out in America on Friday.

Shout out to Wade Wilson, aka my godkids sperm donor, she added.

Reynolds has played sarcastic, fourth wall-breaking Deadpool  real name Wilson  since X-Men Origins: Wolverine, before playing a different version of the character in the expletive-laden movie Deadpool and its sequel Deadpool 2.

He shares four children  James, Inez, Betty, and Olin  with Gossip Girl star Lively.

Swift is currently touring in Germany, before she returns to the UK in August.
A Christian maths teacher who was struck off after he misgendered a pupil has lost a High Court appeal against a decision to ban him from the profession.

Joshua Sutcliffe sought to challenge a May 2023 prohibition order issued after a regulator found him guilty of unacceptable professional conduct while working at The Cherwell School in Oxford between 2015 and 2018.

Mr Sutcliffes lawyers argued the order was an unjustified interference with his rights to freedom of speech and religion.

But the Government said the banned teacher had failed to distinguish between his role as a teacher and his activities as a preacher.

In a written ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice Pepperall dismissed the appeal, concluding that Mr Sutcliffe fails to understand or accept the harm that he caused vulnerable children in his class.

The judge said there was no merit in arguments that the banned teachers human rights had been interfered with.

He said Mr Sutcliffe did not accept that his right to manifest and express his religious convictions might have to be balanced against his professional duties to treat children with dignity and respect and to safeguard their wellbeing.

After the judgment, Mr Sutcliffe claimed: With this ruling every teacher is at risk if they share their beliefs and views in the classroom.

A Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel previously concluded that Mr Sutcliffe did not treat a transgender student with dignity and respect by failing to use his preferred pronoun in class and while appearing on ITVs This Morning.

Joshua Sutcliffe failed to distinguish between his role as a teacher and his activities as a preacher, the court was told (Belgi Alidor/PA)

It also found Mr Sutcliffe failed to safeguard pupils wellbeing when saying God had stopped a person from being gay because it was wrong.

The panel also concluded he did not provide a balanced view to a video played in form class about men being not masculine enough while at St Aloysius College in Islington, north London, in 2018.

The judge said in his 24-page ruling: This case is not about a teacher who accidentally failed to follow a schools policy of referring to a transgender pupil by the childs chosen pronouns or even about a teacher who reconciled his religious convictions with such policy by choosing to avoid pronouns altogether and referring to the child by name.

Rather, it is about a teacher who deliberately used female pronouns to refer to a transgender male pupil both in the classroom and then on national television in such a way that he would be outed without any apparent regard for a vulnerable child who was thereby caused significant distress.

Further, it is about a teacher who told his class that homosexuality is a sin and implied that homosexuals might be cured through God without any apparent regard for the gay and lesbian children in his class and who made them feel that their teacher regarded them as worthless.

At a hearing in London in May, Mr Sutcliffes lawyers argued the decision to ban him, which may be reviewed after two years, was unsafe and included perverse findings.

They told the court that there is no legal requirement to use preferred pronouns and that Mr Sutcliffe had a right not to believe gender identity belief.

The Department for Education, which accepted the TRAs recommendation to ban Mr Sutcliffe, opposed the appeal bid, arguing it has been brought too late and had no merit.

Mr Sutcliffe had shown a repeated disregard for the well-being of pupils, the judge heard, and when appearing on national TV had outed a vulnerable student to others at the Oxford school.

The banned teachers level of insight and remorse was at best limited, with the panel being entitled to find that there was a serious risk of the appellant repeating the same type of misconduct, the court was told.

Mr Sutcliffe said: I still stand by my Christian convictions that it is harmful and detrimental to affirm gender confused children.

This is the belief I am fighting for which is shared by not only Christians but many who do not believe in harmful transgender ideology.

I have been a marked man ever since I dared to express my Christian beliefs in a school and tell the media about how I was punished for doing so.

He added: The TRA wanted me to capitulate and say that I was wrong. I have been severely punished for refusing to do so. Despite this set back, I will continue to fight for justice and to get my career back.
The Treasury has denied that 1p and 2p coins are to be scrapped after none were ordered from the Royal Mint this year.

Reports had suggested the coins could be reaching the end of their life amid the continuing decline in cash use.

A Treasury spokesperson said: We are not scrapping any coins.

With estimates there are approximately 27 billion in circulation in the UK, many of which will be 1p and 2ps, we are confident there are enough coins in the system to meet demand.

The number of coins issued into circulation reflects demand levels from UK banks and post offices.

The Royal Mint responds by issuing coins on behalf of the Treasury, which ultimately decides how many new coins are issued into circulation.

The Royal Mint said in a statement: The Royal Mints core purpose is to make UK coins, and we continue to work closely with the Treasury to meet demand from UK cash centres.

No 1p coins were minted in 2018 or 2019 and no 2p coins were minted in 2018, 2019, 2020 or 2022, according to figures on the Royal Mints website.

There has been speculation in previous years that the Treasury could be paving the way for the end of 1p and 2p coins, after comments were invited on the mix of coins in circulation.

But in 2019, government plans to safeguard the future of cash  from copper coins to larger banknotes  were set out.

Then-chancellor Philip Hammond said there would be no changes to the mix of coins and notes, with all denominations  from the penny to the 50 note  remaining in circulation.

In 2023, legislation was passed as part of the Financial Services and Markets Act, to protect access to cash.

A recent survey for ATM and cash access network Link indicated that nearly half (48%) of people expect to see a cashless society in their lifetime.

But, according to Links data, the average UK adult still withdrew around 1,500 from cash machines last year.

The Royal Mint has a buffer stock of coins to ensure the supply of coins for all denominations remains consistent.

Earlier this week, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) set out plans for new rules, coming into force from September 18, which will mean that banks and building societies shutting branches will need to do more to make sure people can still access cash.

The new powers will not prevent the closure of bank branches but the regulator will require banks to make sure they are plugging significant gaps in local cash access.

Several industry initiatives have also been taking place to help close gaps in cash access, such as the introduction of banking hubs, where different banks share facilities in one space.

The Post Office also has an agreement with several banks, which allows customers to carry out everyday transactions over its counters.

Its most recent figures show that, after two record-breaking cash-handling months at branches in April and May this year at Post Office branches, transactions edged down to 3.43 billion in June amid the wet weather.

Consumer group Which? said in May that more than 6,000 bank branches have closed since 2015.

Banks have highlighted changing trends in consumer behaviour, with fewer branch visits and people turning to mobile and online banking.

But FCA research found that three million people still rely on cash, with lower-income households disproportionately likely to be excluded from digital services.

There has been evidence that, during the cost-of-living crisis, people have been turning to coins and banknotes to help them balance their budgets.

A report issued by UK Finance this week found an increase in the percentage of people mainly using cash in 2023 to 2.6% of the population, from 1.7% in 2022.

The report said small rises in cash payments, against a backdrop of a longer-term decline, tend to be during periods of economic uncertainty or recession.

Increases in cash payments were seen following the financial crisis of 2008/2009 and in 2022 as the rising cost of living led some consumers to attempt to reduce their spending.

UK Finance said cash payment volumes returned to their longrun downward trend in 2023, amid signs of improving consumer confidence.

Cash accounted for one in eight (12%) of all payments made in the UK during 2023, down from 14% in 2022.

While some people are heavily dependent on cash, for others coins and banknotes play a much less significant part in their lives, the report found.

Nearly two in five (39%) UK adults were living largely cashless lives last year.

Contactless payments represented nearly two-fifths (38%) of payments made in the UK in 2023.

With the contactless card transaction limit now standing at 100, some people may find swiping their plastic a handy alternative to rummaging in their wallet for cash.

UK Finance found that around one in three (34%) adults use mobile contactless payments every month  and it said there is scope for mobile contactless payments use to continue growing.

In June, banknotes featuring the Kings portrait started to be issued, marking the first time that the sovereign has been changed on the Bank of Englands notes.

More than 4.6 billion Bank of England notes are in circulation.
The Tory leadership contest is likely to heat up with more contenders expected to join Tom Tugendhat and James Cleverly in the race.

Shadow security minister Mr Tugendhat launched his campaign by indicating he would be prepared to leave the European Convention on Human Rights if it was necessary to secure the UKs borders.

The battle for the future of the Conservative Party officially began on Wednesday night with the opening of nominations in the contest to replace Rishi Sunak following the Tories worst general election result.

A long and potentially divisive campaign will eventually produce a winner on November 2.

But Mr Tugendhat, who is viewed as a moderate within the Conservative ranks, insisted there was little to separate him from his rivals on the right on key issues.

Launching his leadership campaign in the Telegraph he denied the party would be split by the contest, because on key issues including the ECHR, gender, taxes, defence and net zero all Tories shared the same common sense views.

We know that if institutions do not serve the British people and make it harder to control our own borders, then we will have to exempt ourselves from them, or leave their jurisdiction.

We know what a woman is. We all want lower taxes. We all know national security must come before Treasury spreadsheets. We all know that energy security and household bills come first.

These are common sense Conservative positions. They are non-negotiable for me and, I would hope, for anyone else who puts themselves forward.

The Telegraph said Mr Tugendhat wants to see reform of the ECHR and could back withdrawing from certain aspects where it is necessary, to remove illegal migrants.

Shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch, the bookmakers favourite to succeed Mr Sunak, has previously said the option of leaving the ECHR is definitely something that needs to be on the table, while former home secretary Suella Braverman and ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick have argued for the UK to leave the convention.

All three are expected to launch their own leadership campaigns, as are former work and pensions secretary Mel Stride and ex-home secretary Dame Priti Patel.

The Conservatives were reduced to just 121 seats as Mr Sunaks premiership ended in electoral disaster.

Im running to be Conservative Party Leader. Heres why  pic.twitter.com/6eFPMocIyc  James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) July 23, 2024

But Mr Tugendhat said: I am not just running to be the next leader of the Conservative Party. I am running to be the next Conservative prime minister.

That is what this leadership election is all about: winning. We cant serve the British people if we dont win the next general election.

We can win it. We must win it. I can lead the party to that victory.

Former home secretary Mr Cleverly said the partys MPs have to get out of that habit of rowing amongst ourselves, which he said gave the British people the wrong impression that there were more interested in themselves than serving the public.

He said the Conservative Party needs to expand our base of support but when asked about a recent poll suggesting around half of Tory members are in favour of joining forces with Nigel Farages Reform UK, he said the party doesnt do mergers.

Shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch is the bookmakers favourite (Lucy North/PA)

According to polling by Savanta carried out between July 19 and 21, Mr Tugendhat is the most popular potential contender among both the public, at minus three points, and 2024 Conservative voters, at 21 points.

Dame Priti is the least popular, at minus 28 points and seven points respectively, according to the research.

Mr Cleverly is second in the running, Savantas findings suggest, at minus nine points with the public and 19 points among 2024 Conservative voters.

(PA Graphics)

Nominations will close at 2.30pm on Monday and contenders need a proposer, seconder and eight other backers to stand.

The parliamentary party will then narrow the field down to four, who will make their case at the Conservative Party Conference, which runs from September 29 to October 2.

The final two, picked by the parliamentary party, will then go to a vote of Conservative Party members in an online ballot that will close on October 31 with the result announced on November 2.

Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said the likely runners and riders were a collection of failed ministers and its like a group of arsonists asking for a new box of matches.
Typhoon Gaemi exacerbated seasonal rains in the Philippines on its path to Taiwan - UKNIP

A cargo ship sank during the strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in nearly a decade on Wednesday, leaving rescuers searching for six sailors missing at sea.

Typhoon Gaemi killed five people as it flooded parts of the islands second-biggest city, Kaohsiung. Schools and offices were closed in several cities for a second day on Thursday, with the stock market suspended and thousands of people evacuated.

Gaemi also exacerbated seasonal rains in the Philippines on its path to Taiwan, triggering flooding and landslides that killed 20 people.

A tanker carrying 1.4 million litres of oil sank off Manila on Thursday, with authorities racing to contain a spill.

The storm had weakened by Thursday morning and the centre moved out to sea at around 4.20am local time, Taiwans weather authorities said.

The rescued crew of an oil tanker on a patrol ship off Manila Bay - Philippine Coast Guard/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Taiwans fire agency said it received a report early on Thursday that a cargo ship had sunk off the islands southwestern coast, forcing its nine Myanmar crew members to abandon ship in life jackets.

They fell into the sea and were floating there, said Hsiao Huan-chang, head of the fire agency.

Mr Hsiao did not specify when the Tanzania-flagged ship sank but adverse weather conditions hindered the search, which involved rescue aircraft and had been ongoing since 3.30pm.

Taiwans coastguard later issued a statement saying that two crew members were brought to a police station in the late afternoon.

They were confirmed to be the first mate and chef of the ship, the coastguard said, adding that authorities expanded a shore patrol and found another sailor.

The coastguard will continue to expand the search for the remaining crew members who fell into the sea, it said.

Damage caused by Typhoon Gaemi as it swept across Manila - TED ALJIBE/AFP

Gaemi made landfall in Chinas Fujian province shortly before 8.00pm on Thursday, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said.

In southern Taiwans Pingtung county, an Indonesian freighter had to be anchored at a beach during the storm, with local TV footage showing massive waves crashing into it.

Taiwans coastguard said the crew was safe, with no loss of power and oil leakage.

Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday night with sustained wind speeds of 190 kilometres per hour at its peak.

At least five people were confirmed killed and as many as 500 were reported injured.

A motorist in Kaohsiung was crushed by a tree and a woman in eastern Hualien died after part of a building fell on her.

A third person was killed when mudslides hit two houses in Kaohsiung, trapping two people. A woman was rescued from one but the second person was found dead.

Another man was killed in southern Tainan, authorities said, while a fifth person was killed by a falling tree.

Taiwans defence ministry also announced on Thursday that its annual Han Kuang war games, in which some drills had already been cancelled due to the weather, had ended a day early and troops were sent to help local governments with disaster rescue work instead.

Hundreds of domestic and international flights were cancelled again because of the storm.

Residents try to rescue belongings from their flooded homes in Marikina in the Philippines - Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

Fujian province in China had already suspended all train services and put in place the second-highest flood warning alert level before the storm arrived.

The national water resources ministry warned on Wednesday that extremely heavy rains were expected to swell rivers and lakes in Fujian and the neighbouring province of Zhejiang.

In the Philippines, clean-up efforts were underway on Thursday in the capital Manila as residents and business owners dumped soaked mattresses, bags of rubbish and other debris on muddy streets.

Street vendor Zenaida Cuerda, 55, said the food she had been selling had washed away and her house in Manila was flooded.

All my capital is gone, Ms Cuerda told news agency AFP. I have nothing now, thats my only livelihood.

The region experiences 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.

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A 27-old-year woman identified as a former cast member on the MTV reality show 16 and Pregnant died over the weekend in Virginia.

On Saturday, around 3:15 p.m., first responders with Henrico Police and Fire responded to a medical emergency at a residence in Henrico County, Henrico County Police Division said in a statement.

Authorities arrived on scene to find an unresponsive adult woman. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful and she was pronounced dead on scene.

The woman was identified as Autumn Oxley, 27, police said.

Henrico Police said the case has been classified as "a death investigation" and that detectives are working with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

Authorities have requested anyone with information on the incident to contact Henrico Police at 804-501-5000 or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or on their website.

Oxley, also known as Autumn Crittendon, appeared on Season 5 of the MTV reality series "16 and Pregnant" in 2014 during which she gave birth to her first child, Drake, on the show, who she had with then-boyfriend Dustin Franklin, according to TV Line. She later had two more children.

'Our world crashed'

Oxley's sister, Misty Crittendon, set up a GoFundMe Wednesday with a goal of $15,000 for her sister's funeral expenses and children's upkeep.

"July 20th our world crashed," Crittendon wrote on the GoFundMe page. "As my sweet, beautiful baby sister, who was pretty much my twin...went to be with her father at the tender age of 27."

"To say it was unexpected was an understatement," Crittendon added. "It is and has been excruciatingly painful, to say the least. We aren't ones to ask for help, but we truly need it."

Describing her sister as a "beloved mother, daughter, and sister," Crittendon said Autumn "will never be forgotten."

The GoFundMe page said the money raised will be used for Oxley's funeral and last rites while the remaining money will go towards her three small children.

While "16 and Pregnant" ended in 2014, MTV show "Teen Mom," in a statement on X, said they were "deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Autumn Crittendon."

"Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this difficult time," the statement said.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Autumn Oxley: Former '16 and Pregnant' cast member dies
Vice President Harris and her campaign are weighing a number of potential running mates as Democrats shift into general election mode with Harris at the helm.

While Harris has been able to massively excite the Democratic base and seemingly narrow the gap with Trump in the three days since President Biden dropped out of the race, she will need to pick a running mate that will complement her on the partys ticket.

Harris has a long list of national Democrats to choose from and has sent vetting materials to an array of Democratic governors, one senator and two Biden administration officials.

The Democratic National Committee expects Harris to choose a running mate by Aug. 7.

Here are the pros and cons of Harriss top potential running mates:

Andy Beshear

Pros

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) is a political unicorn of sorts, winning election and reelection in a deep-red state. Beshears statewide victories in the state underscore his ability to appeal to voters outside of the Democratic fold, particularly in rural areas.

The idea that he wins such a red state so hands down, I think also does give a lot of comfort to Democrats when theyre talking about making sure to win the suburbs [and] trying to bring back some of the white working class into our column, Democratic strategist Jon Reinish said.

And while Beshear has clearly been able to appeal to moderate voters and even some conservatives, the governor has enacted a number of policies popular with Democrats. He expanded health care services in the state and has received praise from activists for restoring voting rights for 180,000 people who had been convicted of felonies.

Cons

But strategists say Beshear would have a lot of work to do to build his national name ID. Additionally, some point out his connection to his father, former Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D), could have given him a leg up in Kentucky but may not have the same impact nationally.

You already have to reintroduce Kamala, and so now youve got to introduce somebody who no one has never heard of, one Democratic strategist said.

Roy Cooper

Pros

North Carolina Gov. Roy Coopers (D) close relationship with Harris contributed to the speculation that hes being considered as her running mate, with both Democrats serving as attorneys general of their respective states around the same time.

My understanding is that Harris and Cooper are really close, said Mike Nellis, a former senior adviser to Harris. She really likes him, from what I know.

Cooper could help Harris underscore the contrast shes trying to draw with Trump as she leans into her history as a prosecutor running against a former presidents convicted of felonies.

Cooper also has experience winning as a Democrat in what has been considered a red-leaning state. But as governor, he has enacted policies popular with the political left, including expanding Medicaid and repealing H.B. 2, more commonly known as the bathroom bill that required that people use bathrooms that correspond to their sex given at birth while in government facilities.

Cons

But if Cooper were to leave the state to campaign across the country, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) would become the acting governor, according to the North Carolina Constitution. Some Democrats say that worries them, given the ultraconservative record of Robinson, who is running for governor.

Im sure thats something they are weighing carefully too, Reinish said.

Mark Kelly

Pros

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D) has quickly become one of the top names being considered for Harriss running mate. Democrats point to his compelling story as an astronaut and Navy pilot. Kelly is also married to former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), who was shot during an event with constituents in 2011. Kelly and Giffords have since been vocal advocates for gun control, an issue that has galvanized key constituencies.

Democrats also point to Kellys electoral success in Arizona, winning statewide elections in the swing state in 2020 and 2022; the Grand Canyon State stands to be a critical state in November. Harriss campaign has said that in addition to the Blue Wall States of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, it hopes to focus on Sun Belt states including Arizona.

Theres a lot of good evidence that Harriss best path to victory is not through the Midwest, its through the Sun Belt, Nellis said. I think Kelly plays pretty well there.

Kellys supporters note that he could provide a strong defense against Republican attacks on Harris and Democrats over the handling of the southern border. While critics have pointed to Harriss weakness on the issue, Kelly has long called on more resources to be deployed to Arizona to deal with the influx of migrants crossing the border.

Cons

But choosing Kelly also comes with risks for Senate Democrats. If he were elected vice president, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) would have to appoint Kellys replacement. That appointee would have to run in a special election to serve out the rest of Kellys term, which is what Kelly did in 2020. That would leave Arizona with Senate races every even year through 2030.

Kelly could also run into some trouble with the labor movement, a key voting block for Democrats. Kelly did not back the PRO Act, which would make forming unions and reaching labor contracts easier.

However, Kelly said Wednesday that he would support the PRO Act if it hit the Senate floor today.

Josh Shapiro

Pros

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) became a national name in 2022 when he won the governorship in an election year that was predicted to see a national red wave for Republicans.

The then-Pennsylvania attorney general handily defeated state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R) by nearly 15 points. Throughout his campaign, Shapiro not only made a concerted effort to campaign in Pennsylvanias traditional Democratic urban and suburban strongholds but worked to appeal to the states rural communities as well.

He beat the ultimate MAGA candidate, Reinish said. He knows what it takes to combat extremism. He knows what it takes to bring a lot of people in and combat a MAGA extremist.

The race marked Shapiros third statewide run in the must-win presidential state, which boasts 20 Electoral College votes. Democrats and even a number of Republicans have praised Shapiro as being political savvy and charismatic. As governor, Shapiro has been forced to respond to a number of crises, including the train derailment in nearby East Palestine, Ohio; the I-95 bridge collapse; and, most recently, the assassination attempt against former President Trump in Butler, Pa.

Cons

However, Shapiro is still relatively new to the national scene, having only been governor for two years. Critics point out Shapiros move to back a GOP-led effort to deliver $100 million in school vouchers to families for private school tuition, a position the governor would later back off.

Additionally, some question whether Shapiros staunch support of Israel throughout the Israel-Hamas war could turn off progressive voters, many of whom threatened to stay home when Biden was at the top of the ticket over the presidents pro-Israel stance.

But others say Shapiro, like Harris, would be a historic pick in that he would be the first Jewish vice president if elected.

Especially when the Jewish community has gone through such a terrible time since Oct. 7, rising antisemitism, rising extremism, the idea of having somebody Jewish, one of our own at the top of the ticket would just be an extraordinary milestone, Reinish said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Arizona police arrested a man on a charge of arson in connection with a wildfire that torched 2,000 acres of Native American reservation land, destroying homes, triggering evacuations and leaving dozens of residents unsheltered  one of the latest damaging blazes in the West that police have tied to a suspect.

Keanu Dude, 22, was arrested on a charge of arson by the San Carlos Apache Police Department and the Tribe's game and fish rangers on Tuesday for his alleged role in sparking the so-called Watch Fire. The blaze began on July 10 as a small brush fire but high winds from a thunderstorm caused the flames to rapidly spread in all directions across the San Carlos Apache Reservation, east of Phoenix.

Dude was a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, officials said. It remains unclear how exactly the fire was started. Police say the investigation is still active.

A San Carlos police vehicle drives in to areas damaged by the Watch Fire on July 13, 2024, in San Carlos, Ariz.

"It saddens me deeply that a member of our Tribe has been charged with starting this fire that devastated our community," San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler said in a statement. "Arson is a senseless act that will never be tolerated under any circumstance. I am thankful for the swift and thorough investigation by tribal and federal law enforcement that has resulted in an arrest."

By July 18, more than a week after it broke out, firefighters had completely contained the blaze. Damage surveys found that it had destroyed 21 homes, forced more than 400 members of the Tribe to evacuate the area and left 73 unsheltered. The Tribe is accepting monetary donations towards rebuilding homes and infrastructure.

"While thankfully no one was injured, many face extreme hardship, losing their homes and all their possessions and were left with only the clothes on their back," Rambler said. "It is imperative that everyone in our Tribe work together to overcome this criminal act and rebuild our community stronger and better than ever."

Police search for suspects they say sparked major wildfire with fireworks

In California, law enforcement in Riverside, a city just 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, are searching for suspects they believe sparked a major wildfire with illegal fireworks.

The so-called Hawarden Fire, which was ignited on Sunday, has forced over 1,500 residents in Riverside from their homes, injured two people, destroyed at least six homes and damaged several others. Officials put damage estimate totals at $11 million and fear that number may grow. As of Thursday morning, the fire had scorched 527 acres of land and was 60% contained.

Authorities said they have video of the culprits and a manhunt was underway. "We will prosecute those responsible for this incident," Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said in a statement.

Over 1.4 million acres of land torched in large active wildfires

As of Wednesday, authorities across the West were battling some 88 large active wildfires that have burned more than 1.4 million acres of land, an area more than twice the size of Rhode Island, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Officials have cited a relentless stretch of searing heat and record-breaking temperatures when discussing this year's active fire season. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom said while the number of wildfires is on track with previous years, the number of acres burned has surged  a result he blames on "unprecedented heat."

Nearly 85% of wildland fires in the U.S. are caused by humans, according to the National Park Service, which listed several common causes, including unattended campfires, burning debris, equipment malfunctions, discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson.

Contributing: John Bacon and Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man arrested in Arizona for arson after major wildfire destroys homes
Moderate drinking does nothing to boost longevity, and it may harm health, new research finds. Image credit: yrabota/Getty Images.

This article originally appeared on Medical News Today

Moderate alcohol consumption has previously been associated with potential health benefits, including reduced mortality risk.

However, recent research suggests that these findings were flawed and, compared to abstaining from alcohol, moderate alcohol consumption has no significant benefits for longevity.

One study in adults aged 60 and over found that even low-risk drinking was linked with a higher death risk among older adults who already face health issues.

Experts are increasingly encouraging alcohol-free lifestyles and urging a shift in public health messaging to align with this new understanding.

A new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs warns that common misconceptions about the health benefits of alcohol can significantly impact the global disease burden and safety guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Many observational studies have previously suggested that moderate drinkers live longer and face fewer health issues than non-drinkers. However, the new research proposes that these comparisons may be misleading.

It argues that these publicly held beliefs often stem from low-quality studies that can distort the perceived risks of low-volume, moderate drinking.

The findings suggest that, after adjusting for key study characteristics, the perceived health benefits of light drinking for longevity diminish.

The research supports a growing movement focused on nonalcoholic lifestyles and highlights the need for stricter standards in studies examining the health effects of alcohol consumption, along with the subsequent public health messaging.

Studying alcohol consumption and mortality risk

An earlier investigation conducted by some of the same researchers, published in 2023, found no evidence that moderate alcohol consumption reduces mortality risk. Critics, especially from the alcohol industry, argued these findings were influenced by low-quality research.

In response, the new research rigorously assessed flaws and biases in earlier studies that linked moderate alcohol consumption to health benefits.

Their analysis involved 107 observational studies with over 4.8 million participants and 425,564 recorded deaths, featuring a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. However, studies on individuals with certain illnesses or problematic drinking habits were excluded.

The researchers conducted separate meta-analyses of studies categorized as lower- and higher-quality based on specific criteria and potential biases that could distort the perceived health effects of moderate alcohol use, especially among older adults.

Key considerations included the age of the cohort and whether participants had a lifetime versus recent abstinence from alcohol.

They broadly defined low-volume (moderate) alcohol consumption as 1 to 14 drinks per week, which equated to 1.30 grams (g) to 25 g of ethanol daily.

Using mixed linear regression models, the researchers evaluated mortality risks linked to the quality of the studies, aiming to clarify the health effects of moderate alcohol use.

Moderate alcohol use not linked to lower death risk

Higher-quality studies focused on participants aged 55 or younger, properly separated former and occasional drinkers from those who abstain, and tracked participants from younger into older age.

These higher-quality studies found that low-volume drinkers appear to have a similar estimated mortality risk as those who do not drink at all, showing no longevity benefit from moderate alcohol consumption.

In contrast, lower-quality research often focused on older participants (averaging 56 or older) and misclassified former and occasional drinkers as abstainers. This led to significantly lower mortality estimates for low-volume drinkers compared to abstainers, without considering lifetime drinking habits.

So, individuals who stop drinking due to the onset of health issues later in life may, therefore, seem to have shorter lifespans than those who consume alcohol moderately.

Additionally, while some analyses suggested reduced mortality risks for low-volume drinkers when controlling for smoking or socioeconomic status, the risk estimates were higher in non-smoking groups. This implies potential biases in the research.

Overall, misclassifications and lifetime selection biases might obscure the relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and longevity.

Such biases prevalent in lower-quality research can mislead public understanding of the health risks associated with alcohol.

Despite their rigorous analysis, the study authors acknowledged limitations, including the lack of consideration for various factors influencing alcohol use and mortality risk, and disclosed potential conflicts of interest due to previous funding and support from government and nonprofit organizations.

To better understand the relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality risk, particularly concerning the influence of smoking status, more high-quality studies are needed.

No health benefit, only risks from moderate alcohol consumption

Medical News Today spoke with Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS, a physician-scientist and instructor at the RUSH Institute for Healthy Aging, RUSH University, RUSH Medical College, who was not involved in the study.

He noted that the study challenges the popular publicly held belief that moderate drinking poses minimal health risks and may even confer benefits.

However, Holland emphasized, [the results align] with the ever-growing growing evidence that moderate alcohol consumption does not significantly extend lifespan and may pose health risks, including increased cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative risks.

To iterate this point, no major health organization has ever endorsed a risk-free level of alcohol consumption, and this study supports that stance by highlighting potential biases in previous research, he said.

In early 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that when it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount that does not affect health. Additionally, WHO statistics indicate that over half of the 3 million annual deaths linked to alcohol are due to non-communicable chronic diseases, including cancer.

MNT also spoke with Brooke Scheller, DCN, CNS, a doctor of clinical nutrition specializing in alcohol and sober nutrition, and author of How to Eat to Change How You Drink, not involved in the study.

She stated that [t]his study strengthens the last few years of research showing that there is no true benefit of alcohol at low levels.

On the contrary, she warned that [l]ow amounts of alcohol can affect everything from nutrient levels, to hormonal effects, gut microbiome effects, cortisol effects and more.

Even low-risk drinking linked to higher death risk

Another study, published in JAMA Network Open, looked at data on a cohort of 135,103 adults aged 60 years and older. The data was sourced from the UK Biobank.

The cohort excluded:

never drinkers

former drinkers

and binge drinkers, who consumed at least 6 units of alcohol in one go.

This was meant to maintain the focus on people who drank occasionally, and who the authors classified as low- or moderate-risk drinkers.

The study found that even low-risk drinkers had a higher death risk associated with alcohol use, and that the risks were the highest for older adults who also faced health or socioeconomic risk factors.

The strongest association was seen between drinking and a heightened risk of cancer-related death.

Should you adopt an alcohol-free lifestyle?

Scheller emphasized that the health messaging around alcohol has created mass confusion about its effects, whether beneficial or harmful.

As research increasingly underscores the negative effects associated with moderate alcohol consumption, alongside a lack of significant benefits, experts are indeed advocating for alcohol-free lifestyles. This shift is driving the growing sober curious (alcohol-free) movement across various countries.

Scheller noted that this aligns with recent changes in alcohol consumption guidelines, such as Canadas revised recommendations in 2022 and updates from the WHO.

The [United States] will expect to see some potential change to guidance come 2025, but until then, its up to doctors and healthcare providers to change their narrative and begin pulling back on recommendations to drink alcohol, she said.

She called for greater support for healthcare professionals to fully understand the new research on alcohol and how to translate this into recommendations for their patients.

Scheller concluded that the alcohol-free movement in the U.S. and beyond is providing valuable support for those looking to cut back or quit.

Holland echoed these sentiments, stating that:

For clinicians, the study highlights the need to critically evaluate alcohol consumption studies and exercise caution in recommending any amount of drinking, including moderate drinking, for health benefits. Public health messages should emphasize that no level of alcohol consumption is completely safe, as even low-volume drinking carries risks for cardiovascular and advancing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and multiple sclerosis.

View the original article on Medical News Today
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday to discuss the U.S.-Israeli relationship amid tensions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a changing political landscape in the United States.

"Welcome back, Mr. Prime Minister. We got a lot to talk about," Biden said in brief remarks shortly before cameras left the room.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington, D.C., on July 25, 2024. (Julia Nikhinson/AP)

Vice President Kamala Harris -- who is seeking to succeed Biden -- met with Netanyahu later in the day and took the lead in addressing the public about their discussions.

She has been more outspoken than Biden about killed Palestinian civilians and called on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid in, and later stressed the importance for Israel to avoid more civilian casualties in Gaza.

"We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering. And I will not be silent," Harris said following her meeting.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Vice President's ceremonial office at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, July 25, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

The meetings came just hours after Biden, in an Oval Office address, told Americans that getting peace in Gaza -- ending the fighting between Israel and Hamas and freeing hostages -- is one of his top goals in his remaining six months in office. Netanyahu so far has resisted Biden's efforts, rejecting his calls for a cease-fire.

Netanyahu brought up their long relationship and other Israeli leaders Biden has known throughout his career.

MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates

"From a proud Jew Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel. And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead on the great issues before us," Netanyahu said.

Biden reflected on that first meeting, joking, "I was only 12 then."

Other U.S. officials attending included Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the president was going to press Netanyahu to help "close the gaps" with the peace deal that would return the Israeli hostages.

"We are closer now than we have ever been before," he said.

The meeting between Netanyahu and the president lasted for about an hour and a half, the Israeli prime minister's office said.

It was the first time the leaders have come face-to-face since Biden announced he was dropping out of the presidential race and endorsed Harris' run.

Both leaders met with American families of Israeli hostages, according to the White House.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrive for a meeting in the Vice President's ceremonial office at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, July 25, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

Jonathan Dekel-Chen, one of the family members, told reporters following their meeting that they felt "more optimistic than we have since the first round of the releases in late November, early December."

"We got absolute commitment from the Biden administration and from Prime Minister Netanyahu that they understand the urgency of this moment now, to waste no time, and to complete this deal as it currently stands," he said.

The families also brushed off concerns that Biden not seeking a second term could hurt the chances of a deal coming together, arguing it could actually help.

"I actually think it allows the president to be laser-focused on the things that are true priorities to him, and saving human beings, cherished human beings," Rachel Goldberg, the mother of hostage Hersch Goldberg-Polin, said.

Kirby would not comment on why Harris was meeting with Netanyahu later but noted that she had campaign events while Biden met with the prime minister.

PHOTO: 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. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Harris and Netanyahu shook hands before U.S. and Israeli flags around 5:10 p.m. in her ceremonial office.

Only Harris spoke to reporters following the meetings and reiterated that Israel has the right to defend itself but added, "how it does so matters."

"I have met with the families of these American hostages multiple times now, and I've told them each time they are not alone, and I stand with them. And President Biden and I are working every day to bring them home," she said.

Harris said that she talked to Netanyahu about her "serious concern" about the collateral damage and suffering of Gazan civilians.

"With over 2 million people facing high levels of food insecurity, and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity. What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating; the images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time," she said.

Harris addressed the groups who have been calling for a cease-fire and peace in the Middle East, and pushed for a two-state solution saying "I see you, I hear you."

"Let us all condemn terrorism and violence. Let us all do what we can to prevent the suffering of innocent civilians. And let us condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate of any kind. And let us work to unite our country," she said.

The White House meeting comes a day after Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of Congress, which Harris did not attend, holding a previously scheduled campaign event instead.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House, on July 25, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

The prime minister has praised Biden for "half century of friendship to Israel" and U.S. support following the Oct. 7 attacks.

"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 in his speech to lawmakers on Wednesday.

The prime minister did not mention Harris. But he did laud former President Donald Trump for his support of Israel during his four years in office.

MORE: Fact-checking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump Friday at Mar-a-Lago.

The prime minister has called on the U.S. to provide bipartisan support for Israel during the conflict and urged leaders to, "Give us the tools faster and we'll finish the job faster."

"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."

PHOTO: President Joe Biden shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 25, 2024. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

In May, Biden paused a shipment to Israel of unguided bombs citing concerns that they could be used on civilians.

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.

Harris pushes cease-fire after Netanyahu meets with her, Biden separately originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Adrian Gonzales, center, and his lawyers walk into the Uvalde County Courthouse for his arraignment on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales and former UCISD police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde grand jury in late June after an investigation into the Robb Elementary mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Adrian Gonzales, foreground right, help other law enforcement officers evacuate students and staff from Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022. Pete Luna/Uvalde Leader-News Former Uvalde school police officer Adrian Gonzales, 51, was indicted on 29 charges of abandoning or endangering children in the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Uvalde County Sheriff's Department

UVALDE  Former school district police officer Adrian Gonzales pleaded not guilty on Thursday to 29 counts of abandoning/endangering a child for his actions during the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting.

A heavy police presence was evident outside the Uvalde County Courthouse and in the surrounding courthouse square more than an hour before the start of Gonzales' arraignment. Roadblocks were set up on the streets surrounding the courthouse to prevent traffic from passing by or parking there.

Security was unusually heavy inside the courtroom too. Spectators had to go through two security checks. Family members of the shooting victims filled six rows of seats.

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Gonzales, 51, and former Uvalde school police chief Pedro "Pete" Arredondo were indicted in June by a Uvalde County grand jury. The charges were the first to be brought against law enforcement officers in connection with the May 24, 2022, massacre.

RELATED: Remembering the victims of the Robb Elementary shooting

Arredondo, 52, waived his right to an arraignment, which meant he did not have to appear in court on Thursday. Arredondo is charged with 10 counts of abandoning/endangering a child. He has pleaded not guilty.

Gonzales faces one count of child endangerment for each of the 19 children killed and one for each of 10 injured survivors.

In court Thursday, Gonzales waived his right to have the indictment read aloud, and he said nothing during the brief hearing. Judge Sid Harle entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

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Gonzales wore a suit and tie and was accompanied to court by his attorneys, former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood and Jason Goss, a member of LaHood's firm.

Gonzales and Arredondo were among the first officers on the scene at Robb Elementary, arriving minutes after the shooter and entering the fourth grade building through the south entrance. By then, the attacker was inside rooms 111 and 112 and had fired more than 200 rounds from his AR-15-style rifle.

The indictment accuses Gonzales of failing to engage, distract or delay the gunman or even trying to do so, even though he heard gunshots, was advised of the shooter's general location and had time to respond.

The indictment also accuses Gonzales of not following his active shooter training and not delivering any of the victims to a place where they could receive emergency medical care.

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Gonzales did not violate school district policy or state law, said his defense attorney, former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood.
CHICAGO  Federal agents released their plans Thursday to police the upcoming Democratic National Convention at a highly-anticipated news conference where they revealed details about security, the thousands of officers expected to protect political leaders and the city's goals to prevent rioting among an expected crowd of 50,000.

The volatility that many fear during the Aug. 19 Democratic National Convention - massive protests, civil unrest, police overreaction to crowds - is amplified now by the dramatic turns of events in the last week after Joe Biden's dropping out of the presidential race. In an election year already historic amid an assassination attempt, Trump's felony conviction and Biden's disastrous debate, the DNC looms as the next possible powder keg.

Protesters of the war in Gaza alone told USA TODAY they expect tens of thousands of activists to be in Chicago for the convention.

An incident like what took place in Butler, Pennsylvania, must never happen again, said Deputy Special Agent in Charge Derek Mayer, adding the Chicago event will take place in a highly controlled environment. We have reviewed the security plans and remain confident.

The briefing was attended by numerous officials including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker - a potential pick for vice president. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Secret Service and FBI leaders also provided maps showing the perimeter of the areas that will be cordoned off during convention.

The size of the massive police perimeter "is based off a bomb assessment and blast radius," according to Chicago police Deputy Chief of Counter-Terrorism Duane DeVries.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said the departments officers have been training for over a year to prepare for the DNC and have been able to practice their crowd control tactics at over 80 protest events.

They called him Jehovah: Fatal shooting of homeless man raises security questions about out-of-state police at RNC

What we will not tolerate is vandalism, what we will not tolerate is violent activity, if we see that we will put a stop to that quickly, the top cop said, adding there have not been any major, major incidents in the departments response to protests over the past year.

Whether and where the city will allow protest groups aiming to picket in front of Democratic officials has been a keen point of contention as authorities have denied them permits to march outside the convention hall.

Tom Carney, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation, said the city still has not resolved its negotiations with protest groups aiming to demonstrate outside the United Center but said we are working through the court to allow them to protest within sight and sound of the convention center.

Snelling confirmed they would not be allowed inside the Secret Service security perimeter.

The Coalition to March on the Democratic National Convention, one of the largest groups planning to protest the upcoming event, issued a statement avowing their intention to protest as long as the biggest issue for the group  Israels war in Gaza  remains unresolved.

On August 19th we will march on the DNC for Gaza regardless of who gets nominated for the presidency, said spokesperson Hatem Abudayyeh in a statement where he also addressed Bidens move to step aside. His decision doesn't change the policies of Democratic Party leadership, specifically their support of the genocide in Palestine, so our movement must continue to apply pressure."

He added, "When it comes to the genocide in Gaza there is no difference between Biden, Harris, or any of the likely candidates for the nomination. They are all complicit. This is why the coalition will still be marching on the DNC in the tens of thousands."

More: Secret Service deputy director to lead agency after Kimberly Cheatle resigns

The coalition consists of over 100 organizations and has vowed to march right by the convention hall even though their protest has not received official approval from the city, which has tried to reroute them miles away.

The convention will be from Aug. 19 to 22 at the United Center stadium and at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Street closures around the home of the Chicago Bulls will begin Aug. 17 and remain in place through the 23rd; closures around the McCormick Place will begin Aug. 16, said 2024 DNC Coordinator Jeff Burnside. The security perimeter will extend a few blocks around the two locations. Only badged individuals will be able to enter the area.

More: Chicago Police excessive force complaints bring critics, worry over city's hosting of DNC

FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Lucas Rothaar acknowledged we are living in an elevated threat environment, but said there are no known threats to the event. He encouraged anyone with information about suspicious activity to report it.

Around 500 police officers from law enforcement agencies around Illinois and from Milwaukee will travel to Chicago to provide additional manpower, according to Chicago's top cop. The department's officers would have days off cancelled during the convention and would have their shifts by four additional hours to ensure adequate coverage around the city.

We all should take comfort in having such a large force dedicated to our safety, said Governor Pritzker, a vice presidential nomination hopeful. With these security measures we should sleep soundly knowing how much has been done.

Non-Chicago cops will receive a training in local tactics, Snelling added, and would not be deployed in areas where they would interact with city residents.

Similar promises were made for the Republican National Convention before a group of police officers from Columbus, Ohio, shot and killed a homeless man armed with a knife outside the security perimeter. The out-of-state officers came under fire from locals, who argued Milwaukee cops would have been better versed in city policies and would not have killed the man.

Chicagos mayor highlighted the potential historic outcomes of the event.

So much has changed since the announcement of the Democratic National Convention coming to Chicago, Johnson said. Now Chicago is not just hosting another convention, were welcoming a new breath of life into our nation with the historic nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris.

High-level officials told USA TODAY that the police presence will be not only visible, but likely undercover as well. Chicago police have a history of using undercover officers to monitor protest groups at major events.

Alderman Chris Taliaferro, former chairman of the citys Public Safety Committee, told USA TODAY that deploying undercover cops at the upcoming convention could prove worthwhile again.

It proved effective with the NATO summit and other big scale events we've had, said the former Marine. Thats always been a good way to find out information in real time and help police solve any issue that arises from that. So, putting someone inside a protest or organization, it might be something smart to employ even in this situation.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The next political powder keg? Feds reveal security plan for DNC
United States and Canadian fighter jets intercepted multiple Russian and Chinese bomber aircraft in international airspace off the coast of Alaska on Wednesday, according to a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Two Russian TU-95 and two Peoples Republic of China H-6 military aircraft were detected, tracked, and intercepted while operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday, according to NORAD.

Essentially, "intercepted" means that the U.S. and Canadian fighters jets monitored the Russian and Chinese bomber aircraft to ensure they weren't posing an active threat.

NORAD officials say the Russian and Chinese aircraft did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace and were not seen as a threat.

"NORAD will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence," the agency said.

The interceptions were carried out by U.S. F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, as well as Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter jets.

The first time Russian and Chinese aircraft have operated together

The interception comes just two days after U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks described as troubling the growing cooperation between the PRC (People's Republic of China) and Russia in the Arctic.

On Thursday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said during a press briefing that, This was not a surprise to us, we closely monitored these aircraft, tracked the aircraft, intercepted the aircraft.

An F-16 (C) and F-35 (L) assigned to North American Aerospace Defense Command intercept a Russian TU-95 bomber aircraft near Alaska on July 24, 2024

This is the first time weve seen those two countries fly together like that, Austin added.

The ADIZ, where the interceptions took place, begins were sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security, according to NORAD.

On July 21, two U.S. Air Force B-52H bomber aircraft flying in international airspace over the Barents Sea were intercepted by two Russian aircraft, according to the Air Force.

The U.S. aircraft did not change course due to the intercept and continued along their scheduled flight plan without incident, the Air Force said in a statement.

Max Hauptman is a Trending Reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at MHauptman@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Russian and Chinese bombers intercepted off Alaskan coast by NORAD
The ex-boyfriend of a pregnant Georgia teenager found slain by family in a wooded area last week now stands accused in her death, police say.

Jesus Monroy, 17, is charged with malice murder, felony murder, feticide, and aggravated assault in the killing of 16-year-old Mia Campos, the Gwinnett County Police Department reported Tuesday.

Relatives found the teen dead the morning of July 15 in Loganville, a city about 35 miles east of Atlanta.

According to court records, Monroy is from Snellville, a city about 7 miles east of where Campos' body was found.

The department originally arrested Monroy on a charge of making false statements to police in connection to the case on July 17, two days after the girl's body was found.

Court records show Monroy is represented by Attorney Brandon Delfunt. USA TODAY has reached out to the court-appointed lawyer.

Pregnant woman found dead: Minnesota man dismembered pregnant sister, placed body parts on porch, court papers show

Family used cell phone to find pregnant teen Mia Campos

According to police, on the day Campos' body was found at about 1 a.m., the girl's family called 911 to report finding her body in a rural, wooded area off a roadway.

Family told detectives the night before her death, Campos left the house with an unknown person, police wrote in a news release.

"When she did not return home, her family used a cell phone application to find her body," police said.

Autopsy found Mia Campos was slain

Detectives, crime scene investigators, and the county medical examiners office responded to the scene and spoke with witnesses.

An autopsy revealed Campos manner of death was a homicide, according to the medical examiner.

An arrest warrant, obtained by KOLO-TV revealed Campos was lured into woods by her home and died as a result of asphyxiation.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Gwinnett police.

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: Jesus Monroy charged with murder in death of pregnant teen Mia Campos
By David Shepardson

(Reuters) -U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor should reject a "sweetheart" plea deal the Justice Department struck with Boeing, relatives of 15 of the 346 people killed in two fatal 737 MAX crashes said on Thursday.

Late Wednesday, the planemaker finalized an agreement to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge and pay at least $243.6 million after breaching a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement.

Family members said in a court filing in Texas that they will submit a comprehensive objection to the plea deal by next week, arguing that there are a number of issues, including its "outdated and misleading statement of facts," use of "inaccurate sentencing guidelines" and "ambiguous restitution commitment" by Boeing.

The families cited O'Connor's statement in a February 2023 ruling: "Boeing's crime may properly be considered the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history."

Spokespeople for Boeing and the Justice Department declined to comment on the families' filing.

The DOJ told Boeing earlier this month it could accept a settlement that branded the planemaker a felon or fight the charge in court. The Justice Department said in May that Boeing had breached its obligations in the agreement that shielded the planemaker from criminal prosecution stemming from misrepresentations about a key software feature tied to fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

The planemaker allowed potentially risky work at its factories and did not ensure key airplane record-keeping was accurate or complete, the Justice Department said as it outlined why it believed Boeing had violated the 2021 deferred prosecution agreement.

Boeing on July 7 agreed in principle to plead guilty to conspiring to defraud the Federal Aviation Administration after the government said the planemaker knowingly made false representations about key software for the 737 MAX.

The Justice Department has a separate criminal probe ongoing into the Alaska Airlines jet that was missing four key bolts.

The plea agreement raises serious concerns for the victims' families, lawyers said in Thursday's filing, questioning the "unexplained calculation" of the fine and the lack of acknowledgement by the company that its crime killed 346 people.

As part of the guilty plea deal, Boeing agreed to pay the maximum fine of $487.2 million and the DOJ recommended the court credit its previous 2021 payment of $243.6 million against that, which was required by 2021 deal.

The deal agreed this month also imposes an independent monitor, who will have to publicly file annual progress reports, to oversee the firm's compliance.

The families argued that O'Connor rather than the Justice Department should select the independent monitor. DOJ broke with precedent in the deal in specifying the department, rather than Boeing, would select the firm.

(Reporting by David Shepardson and Chris Prentice; Editing by Mark Porter, Nick Zieminski and Aurora Ellis)
Sometimes making a fresh start isnt all about big plans for the future. It can mean small changes such as walking instead of depending on a car.

That was one of the key factors for Michael Steven Grant when he started considering a retirement move.

Grant, a 63-year-old former sales professional, was looking for a smaller-scale place with access to a larger city, and the coastal town of Sitges in Catalonia is ideally located less than an hour southwest of Barcelona in northeastern Spain. Grant began moving toward retirement in 2022 when he started splitting his time between New York City and the cozy Spanish seaside town surrounded by sandy golden beaches, Mediterranean views and fresh air.

He and his partner purchased their apartment in Sitges for 235,000 (about $255,000).

There are several reasons we bought our future retirement home in Sitges. One reason is in a small coastal town, the ability to walk to food markets and restaurants  not needing a car as you get older  is great. Sitges is easily accessible from Barcelona, 30 minutes by train, for anything you need, medical, arts and entertainment, airports and great high-speed train rail connections to all European cities, Grant said.

The two-bedroom apartment, featuring a small balcony, is only a five-minute stroll to the beach, and the cost of living as one gets older is a big consideration. Sitges is overall much less expensive than it is in New York City, Grant said.

Grant plans to apply, probably next year, for a special non-lucrative Spanish visa that requires applicants to support themselves with a minimum of 2,400 per month (about $2,600) without working.

Michael Steven Grant splits his time between New York City and Sitges. He plans to fully retire soon in Sitges. - Courtesy Michael Steven Grant

Right now, Grant spends part of his time in Sitges, where he goes as a tourist with up to two stays per year of 90 days. He plans to sell his NYC apartment and settle some family business before he moves to Spain full-time.

After many busy years  and too much driving  in the health insurance and fundraising fields, the slower-paced lifestyle and warm Mediterranean climate have acted as a reinvigorating balm.

The mandatory siesta

Grant, who grew up in Ontario but has lived and worked in far-flung places including Honolulu and Sydney, was looking for a detox from his former high-stress life.

Sitges has a very laid-back atmosphere. We love going for a three-four mile walk along the promenade that runs along the coastline, stopping for a coffee or snack, doing a little reading or grocery shopping, swimming for two hours. Then, the mandatory siesta midafternoon.

The pros: great quality of life and affordability, Grant says. And the only con  which ends up being a pro  is that you slow down and enjoy life.

Grant has fully acclimated to the Spanish rhythm, quickly picking up the Spaniards penchant for late dinners that run past midnight. He has learned not to be impatient in waiting for the check after a three-hour meal, and the prices are pleasing when the bill arrives.

Compared with the United States, a good meal out with wine is about 50 (about $55) as opposed to more than $150 in the NYC area. High-speed trains from Barcelona to Madrid are 18 (about $20), compared with an Amtrak Acela from NYC to DC, which is closer to $150.

But it wasnt all a piece of cake settling down in Sitges to live the expat dream. Opening a bank account, dealing with taxes and getting a mortgage to buy the apartment required patience and help from local professionals, who are expats best bets when navigating bureaucracy.

Grant and his partner paid about $255,000 for a two-bedroom apartment in the Spanish town of Sitges. - Michael Steven Grant

As are all big moves in life, you must be open-minded, accept things as they are, where you are. I met a friend in Barcelona who put me in touch with a good, local bilingual lawyer who was key. He helped me go through all steps of opening a bank account  getting a mortgage with a Spanish-based bank and buying a home.

Grant says it was crucial to have a professional on the ground to coordinate with daily to ensure things ran smoothly, such as paying all necessary local, city and federal taxes annually.

Unlike the US, where writing checks is still common, in Spain all is done digitally, with wire transfers. Make sure you always have your US passports with you for conducting business, he advises.

Enlisting help from locals

Grant soon realized the Spanish way meant learning how to act as a native and pick up social customs that are typical of many Mediterranean countries where networking and fostering contacts is crucial.

Make sure you always thank, with a small gift and cards, everyone who has helped you along the way: banker, attorneys, they are invaluable resources and can help you with referrals to other professional services you may need.

Small gifts such as a bottle of wine, dinner gift certificates from top restaurants as treats and thank yous, and doing the same on holidays, always remembering your attorney, banker, plumber, electrician.

The 17th-century Iglesia de San Bartolome y Santa Tecla sits right on Sitges' shoreline. - Pol Albarran/Moment RF/Getty Images

Grants top piece of advice for other expats wanting to follow in his footsteps: really soak up the vibe and live as locals before taking the leap and buying property.

Based on his experience, he suggests visiting several times throughout the year and not just in summer when its high season. Walk around at night, get a sense of the local community and really put the neighborhood to the test to make sure its easily accessible to everything youd need before purchasing a home.

Getting to know neighbors and having local friends and contacts helped Grant with good recommendations and referrals, like finding handymen.

Once Grant found his new community, he turned his Sitges life into a business opportunity by helping other expats relocating to Spain.

Hes currently a sales consultant at a relocation company in Barcelona supporting American and international buyers in navigating the local real estate market, handling paperwork and legal issues and being a liaison on redesigns and renovations.

In the future, hell fully retire in Spain. NYC has gotten very expensive.

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Victoria and Will Wood are looking for answers as they prepare to welcome baby No. 3

Victoria Wood/TikTok Victoria Wood (left), Victoria and Will Wood

Victoria and Will Wood decided their family was complete after welcoming their second daughter in 2022

Will opted for a vasectomy to prevent growing their family and was told it was successful

A few months later, Victoria discovered she was pregnant, sending the two on a journey for answers

Victoria and Will Wood felt in control of their plan for their family's future.

After welcoming their second little girl in 2022, the subject of growing their family in the future came up. It was then that the couple began to think their family was complete. In 2023, they took the next step in confirming their family would not grow, with Will opting to get a vasectomy.

"We both made the decision together, and Will was really proactive in getting it all scheduled and done," Victoria tells PEOPLE.

Will went through with the procedure in October 2023. Part of the follow-up to the procedure was a sperm analysis to confirm it was successful.

"I went in for a consultation and they explained how everything would work. They were very clear upfront about, 'Hey, you and your partner should discuss this before you schedule it, because you need to treat this as it's permanent,' " Will says.

"After the procedure, you send in a kit for them to test to let you know if you are, in fact, sterile so that you can stop other birth control. They were very clear that during that time, we needed to keep another form of birth control, which we did. At the end of January, they sent me the results and I had zero sperm in my analysis."

The family of four went forth enjoying their spring. By May, Victoria realized her period was late.

"April came and went. Mother Nature did not pay me a visit. I've been inconsistent with my period my entire life, so I thought, 'I'm just late a little bit, and that's fine.' But then I started feeling a little nauseous. And then I had this little voice in the back of my head, like, 'I think we need to take a pregnancy test.' "

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.

Lauren LaBoyteaux Victoria and Will Wood with their daughters

Related: Mom Transfers Two Embryos After IVF, Then Discovers She Was Already Pregnant  and Welcomes Triplets (Exclusive)

A home pregnancy test revealed that Victoria was pregnant, to the complete shock of the pair.

"I was in disbelief because I was pretty meticulous with following the instructions for my procedure. It didn't really add up," Will recalls.

"At first, we were just really worried and stressed and not sure what to do for a number of reasons," he continues. "I think the main thing was that we needed all the answers. So I went in to get another analysis right after that."

Will consulted with his urologist, who also recommended seeing if he was producing sperm. "I did the second analysis at a different location. This was not a take-home kit. We found out that I was still not producing any sperm."

Will's doctor expressed some concerns about underlying issues that could lead to Victoria's positive pregnancy test without her actually being pregnant.

"We were trying to figure out, 'Am I pregnant? Am I not?' I just remember crying and being really overwhelmed and telling Will I couldn't wait to be seen by specialists to get answers," Victoria says.

Miranda Lynn @bymirandalynn Will and Victoria Wood with their daughters

"At that point, we were still going off the at-home test. So we went to the emergency room, just to make sure nothing crazy was happening," Will adds. "They confirmed for us with a sonogram that Victoria is pregnant and that it was a very normal pregnancy. That first weekend, we were just sorting through all this information."



The soon-to-be mom of three says that while "it was a relief" to learn she was expecting, "We were back to, 'How did this happen?' "

Will notes that while there was a "subtle implication" by some of the medical professionals they spoke with that infidelity could be an issue, it was never a question for them.

"I think, for us, right away, neither of us went to the place of needing a paternity test. I trust Victoria. I was more concerned that something crazy was happening than that she'd been unfaithful. That's why we went to the E.R.," Will says.

"I offered it up to Will and his gut instinct was no. He felt it was so unnecessary and we knew it was our decision to make. Later, we talked about getting it just for the data point," Victoria adds. "We thought it might be good to have so that any doubters or naysayers had no leg to stand on."



Will notes it also "made me feel better, going into follow-up appointments, because I think they weren't really taking me seriously. So ultimately, we wanted that data point for doctors we'd be seeing."

"I just want to bring everyone peace," Victoria levels. "Whether that's the doctors, whether that's family members, whether that's anybody that feels like there's always that question. Because in other situations, it might be a more likely possibility. So we had that piece of paper to put everyone's mind at ease and as more proof of our crazy unfathomable story that defies science, statistics and all of that good stuff."

In their continued search for answers, Victoria decided to make a TikTok sharing their story, in hopes someone out there might have a similar experience or some technical knowledge to add.

"I actually told Will after I did it. I recorded it on my lunch break at work after Will told me he was going to see another urologist to get a second opinion. We're still scratching our heads and have no definitive answers," she says.

"I'm not an avid poster, but I thought, 'Maybe if I can reach medical professionals or people who have worked in labs, they can glean any helpful information.' I was hoping someone could guide us or provide us with something, because we're still really confused about how this happened."



Neither Victoria nor Will imagined her recap of the situation would go viral. "I never expected it to blow up, which I know everyone says. But it was just crazy. I was in the moment and next thing I know, we're seeing all these comments," she says. "Some people have had vasectomies and hysterectomies that were not successful."

Will adds, "We were still seeing people who said, 'Oh, she must have cheated.' That's why we got the test! We don't have all the answers, but we do have that answer."

Commenters have had some other more useful suggestions for the couple to investigate.

"One of the main things was that Will possibly has another set of vas deferens. But then the sperm analysis should have shown something other than a zero, right? If there's a connection somewhere, it should have picked it up  especially because we've been to three different labs at this point."

An ultrasound technician suggested that Will get a scrotal ultrasound, "because there could be a microscopic testis that only works some of the time."

Will explains that the doctors he's seen remain stumped but think he should assume his procedure was successful despite the pregnancy.

"Urologists have said that with all these analyses I've done and keep doing, none of them are showing what they call a recanalization, which is where the vas deferens reconnects. So if I'm still showing none, it should mean the vasectomy was successful. But in the back of my head, I'm like, 'Well I thought that the first time.' The trust piece is really tough."



While the couple do want answers, with the hopes of being proactive in the future, they do plan to explore other birth control options. They're unsure how much further they'll take their investigation into the surprise pregnancy.

"I feel like people might be disappointed, but it's just a lot," Victoria says. "It's a lot to ask Will to go to all these different doctors."

"People are speculating on pretty wild anatomical reasons, but there's not good tests to truly understand what's going on down there other than some sort of exploratory surgery, which doctors believe is unnecessarily invasive," Will says.



"It comes down to how much I want to try to endure to get answers I may never truly get," he continues. "The medical bills add up too. We don't have a solid lead to go on, so it may be time to accept our miracle somehow happened and leave it at that."

The couple is now focused on celebrating their growing family with their two daughters, Luna and Laney, who are excited to welcome their little sister this winter.

"I joke that we're happy it's a girl because we're over surprises," Victoria laughs. "At least that's something we know. But we're really excited. We've told the girls that they'll have a little sister and they're pretty pumped. They were rooting for a girl."

"Now, we just take it day-by-day because it's been a wild ride," the expectant mom says.

The couple also hopes their story helps couples start conversations about their family plans and being proactive about how and when they choose to add to their families.

"I did really struggle with this for a time," Will admits. "Unplanned pregnancies can be really challenging for families. It's important for you and your partner to talk about these things and try to be on the same page."

"Have tough conversations early on. It's important to have conversations and good plans around birth control, but also being ready to deal with the unexpected," he says.

"I'm very fortunate to have someone as supportive as Victoria and our family. That has made it much easier."



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Regulators in the U.S., European Union, and Britain inked a joint statement that will ensure fair competition within the AI race and protection for consumers.

The European Commission, the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission signed the joint statement.

International Regulators Pledge to Protect Competition, Consumers in AI Race

The joint statement revealed that the regulators are planning to establish safeguards against any tactics that could hinder fair competition within the rising industry. The regulators also warned that even if the jurisdictions from one place to another remain sovereign, companies will be assessed based on their violation of international boundaries.

"Guided by our respective laws, we will work to ensure effective competition and the fair and honest treatment of consumers and businesses," the competition authorities wrote.

The agencies also emphasized the "speed and dynamism" of AI developments. The regulators pledged that they would use all available resources and powers to address any risks before they become irreversible harm.

Internation Regulators to Assess Anti-Competition AI Practices

The authorities released a detailed guideline on how companies will be assessed based on their current market policies. For instance, the concentrated control of key inputs, like specialized chips, could limit the scope of innovation by allowing companies to develop it based on their own advantage.

The extending of market power in AI-related markets is also considered a risk to fair competition. AI firms could control multiple levels of AI stack, preventing others from making major technological shifts on their own.

In addition, the regulators will also investigate the partnerships, financial investments, and other connections between firms that are used to develop generative AI.

Several companies have been signing partnership agreements which could potentially make a significant impact on the market.
NASA successfully streamed its first 4K video from an aircraft to the International Space Station (ISS) using laser communications.

The team launched the streaming test as part of the attempt to provide live video coverage of astronauts on the Moon for the Artemis missions.

Read Also : NASA Discontinues VIPER Project Due to Increasing Costs, Several Delays

NASA Explores Laser Communications to ISS for Livestream

In a press release, NASA revealed that space traditionally used radio waves to exchange information from space to Earth, and vice versa. The use of laser communications can transmit data faster than the traditional method.

The new technique will rely on infrared light to transfer data within 10 to 100 times faster compared to radio frequency systems. A team from NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland initiated the 4K streaming test last July 24.

"We can now build upon the success of streaming 4K HD videos to and from the space station to provide future capabilities, like HD videoconferencing, for our Artemis astronauts, which will be important for crew health and activity coordination," said Dr. Daniel Raible, principal investigator for the HDTN project at Glenn.

NASA to Improve Live Space Streaming Ahead of Artemis Missions

The Glenn engineers used a portable laser terminal on the belly of a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The data was sent from an aircraft on Lake Erie to an optical ground station in Cleveland.

Scientists from NASA's White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico utilized infrared light signals to send the data to space. The space agency reported that the signals traveled 22,000 miles away from Earth to NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration.

The team will continue to conduct flight tests to further improve the functionality of the technology. Researchers will continue testing the 4K video streaming capabilities from the PC-12 aircraft until the end of July to examine its potential ahead of the Artemis missions.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claimed that the Armenian military has used heavy weaponry and a reconnaissance drone there lately. It said Armenia and its sponsors should refrain from creating a new hotbed of war in the South Caucasus.

If such provocative actions do not stop, appropriate steps will be taken using all means in the arsenal of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan for the purpose of self-defense, it added in a statement.

The ministry also denounced Western powers for stepping up military cooperation with Armenia.

The military exercises conducted by the United States in Armenia [this month,] the provision of lethal weapons by France to Armenia and the European Unions allocation of 10 million euros in military aid to Yerevan under the guise of the European Peace Fund inspire the occupying Armenia to resort to new provocations and prepare for another war against Azerbaijan, it alleged.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry was quick to reject these claims. Its spokeswoman, Ani Badalian, insisted that Yerevan remains committed to its peace agenda and will not deviate from this strategy. She pointed out that Baku has ignored a recent Armenian proposal to conduct joint investigations of ceasefire violations alleged by either side.

In a statement, Badalian further insisted that Armenias arms acquisitions from France and other nations are solely aimed at the defense of its internationally recognized territory.

On June 19, the Armenian Foreign Ministry claimed that Azerbaijan may be planning to unleash a new aggression against Armenia after hosting the COP29 summit in November. It pointed to Bakus angry reaction to another French-Armenian arms deal signed in Paris.

The latest Azerbaijani threats came two weeks after the foreign ministers of the two South Caucasus nations met in Washington for talks hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. They reported no decisive progress towards the signing of an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty discussed by them.
25 July 2024 17:40 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan has reported that recently, Armenia has committed provocations using heavy weapons in the Kalbajar and quadcopters in the Tovuz directions, Azernews reports.

It should be noted that such provocations by Armenia are not the first and have become systematic. The military exercises conducted by the United States in Armenia, the provision of lethal weapons to Armenia by France, and the initial phase of military aid in amount of ten million euros provided to Armenia by the European Union under the guise of the European Peace Facility encourage the occupying state - Armenia to carry out such provocations and indicate its preparation for another war against Azerbaijan.

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan once again warns that Armenia and its supporters have to refrain from creating a new conflict zone in the South Caucasus region. If these provocative actions against our country are not stopped, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan will take necessary response measures using all means at their disposal for the purposes of self-defense.

We declare that military-political leadership of Armenia and its supporters will bear whole responsibility for the escalation of the situation in the region.

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25 July 2024 16:47 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azerbaijan has secured another notable milestone by winning the bid to host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, underscoring its growing role on the global environmental stage. Despite its traditional reliance on oil and gas exports, Azerbaijan has increasingly positioned itself as a champion of sustainability and a leader in promoting the "green economy" within the region.

The country's commitment to environmental stewardship stretches back years. At the historic UN Summit in September 2015, Azerbaijan joined world leaders in adopting the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," committing to a comprehensive approach that integrates environmental preservation with socio-economic progress.

In a significant step towards global climate action, Azerbaijan signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, enhancing its obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. By October 2015, Azerbaijan had submitted its ambitious "Nationally Determined Contributions" (NDC), outlining plans to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Looking ahead, Azerbaijan solidified its climate commitments during COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, targeting a 40% reduction in its global climate impact by 2050. Central to these efforts is the development of renewable energy sources, which has become a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's strategy to achieve sustainable energy independence. By the end of 2027, Azerbaijan plans to have nine solar and wind power stations operational, collectively capable of generating 2 gigawatts of clean energy. By 2030, an additional 10 such stations are set to come online, potentially boosting capacity to 5 gigawatts.

As preparations intensify for COP29 in November, climate change remains a pivotal issue on Azerbaijan's agenda. The nation aims to collaborate closely with international partners to explore innovative solutions and drive collective action towards mitigating global warming. President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of addressing the financial needs of developing countries advancing climate initiatives, viewing it as a strategic investment in a shared future for humanity and future generations.

"To agree on a new collective commitment aimed at meeting the increasing financial needs of developing countries affected by climate change is a crucial task before us all, an investment in our shared future, collective responsibility towards present and future generations. Azerbaijan will take all necessary measures to ensure these negotiations proceed transparently and inclusively, accelerating the fulfillment of previously undertaken obligations and pledges," President Ilham Aliyev stated.

The global landscape for climate financing presents challenges, with $2 trillion earmarked this year for transitioning to clean energy and combating climate change. However, a significant portionroughly 85%of these funds is allocated to developed economies and China, leaving developing nations grappling with substantial hurdles in securing adequate financing for effective climate solutions.

In his comment to Azernews on the issue, professor and economic expert Elshad Mammadov stated that policies regarding green energy initiatives are predominantly driven by the interests of political and economic groups.

"In my view, many of the discussions and promotional campaigns surrounding the green economy do not reflect genuine economic and technological processes or calls for environmental protection. Instead, they often serve the agendas of specific political and economic groups, which is regrettable."

Regarding the scientific investigation of global warming and other environmental challenges, the expert emphasized that the issues raised under the green agenda often diverge significantly from real technological, economic, and humanitarian concerns.

"Today, if we scrutinize the direction of investments, we observe significant disparities. Conversely, countries experiencing resource poverty and those that have long benefited economically from exploiting other regions' resources are now attempting to disadvantage resource-rich nations through new agendas, ultimately seeking competitive advantages."

The expert underscored the necessity of forming an international coalition to address these issues comprehensively.

"Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a fundamental approach to these challenges. I am convinced that establishing an international coalition involving multiple states and economic and political groups is essential. This coalition should aim to prevent the exploitation of global economic, technological, humanitarian, and social issues under the guise of the green agenda."

Furthermore, the expert emphasized the importance of prioritizing informed perspectives on these matters.

"I believe that many countries and business circles are using the green agenda and green economy to assert their political influence over other nations and peoples. This approach, viewed globally and regionally, does not bode well for the world."

Azerbaijan's emphasis on renewable energy development, highlighted by plans to operationalize numerous solar and wind power stations, reflects its strategic vision for achieving energy independence while reducing environmental impact.

As preparations for COP29 intensify, Azerbaijan stands poised to collaborate with international partners in pursuing innovative solutions to climate challenges. President Ilham Aliyev's call to support developing countries in their climate initiatives underscores Azerbaijan's commitment to equitable global climate action.

However, as noted by economic expert Elshad Mammadov, the implementation of green energy policies often intersects with political and economic interests, potentially detracting from genuine environmental progress. This highlights the importance of a balanced approach and international cooperation to ensure that the green agenda truly serves global environmental goals.

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25 July 2024 16:13 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

During the 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on trade and economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia held in Baku, Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Mammadov announced that Azerbaijan had invited Serbia to actively participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), scheduled to be held in Baku this November.

"Taking this opportunity, we invite Serbia to actively participate in the conference's proceedings," he emphasized.

Mammadov also highlighted that the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from occupation following the Patriotic War has opened up significant opportunities: "This development creates new prospects for regional cooperation. The Azerbaijani government is committed to revitalizing these areas, transforming them into zones of peace and cooperation with a strong focus on environmental protection. We invite Serbian businessmen to engage in these initiatives."

The deputy minister further underscored that the economic potential and shared interests would foster favorable conditions for expanding cooperation between the two countries.

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25 July 2024 16:57 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

During a briefing on the outcomes of the 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission between Azerbaijan and Serbia, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Sahil Babayev emphasized Azerbaijan's focus on green energy, Azernews reports.

He highlighted that Azerbaijan possesses a green energy potential exceeding 150 GW and aims to channel this energy to European markets.

Babayev announced plans to soon export Azerbaijan's green energy to Serbia, as reported by Azernews. He noted a significant five-fold increase in trade turnover in the first six months of the year compared to last year. The exchange of diverse products between the two countries has played a pivotal role in this growth. Discussions also encompassed enhancing transport cooperation, including air, rail, and road transportation, as well as exploring tourism potential.

"There are extensive opportunities for collaboration between Azerbaijan and Serbia in culture, youth, social policy, healthcare, and other sectors," Babayev stated.

He underscored that upcoming measures during Selakovich's visit to Azerbaijan would harness these opportunities across various domains. Babayev emphasised robust bilateral relations in the political, economic, and humanitarian realms, reinforced by today's productive intergovernmental commission meeting.

The next session of the commission is slated for Belgrade, with each country's institutions already poised to implement measures and action plans for further enhancing Serbia-Azerbaijan relations in the coming year.

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25 July 2024 17:32 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Hani Al Sayyadi, Executive Director of Al Baladi Holdings, expressed the company's interest in Azerbaijan's construction and food and beverage sectors during his visit to Baku, Azernews reports.

"We are keen to invest in Azerbaijan's food and beverage sector initially, with a strong interest in construction as well. Al Baladi Holdings is set to collaborate with Green Capital Management not only in Azerbaijan but also across Europe and the Middle East," he stated.

Highlighting a new strategic partnership, a $5 million investment agreement was signed today in Baku between Green Capital Management, an Azerbaijani-backed UAE firm, and Al Baladi Holdings. This initiative aims to establish new job-creating networks in Baku.

This agreement signifies the start of a promising partnership between Green Capital Management and Al Baladi Holdings, renowned for its leadership in food, retail, and hospitality. Together, they plan an extensive expansion of the Go Crispy and Tea Time franchises across 27 countries, anticipating the opening of multiple new branches.

Founded in Qatar in 1989, Al Baladi Holdings, part of the Souq Al Baladi Group, operates across diverse sectors including food and beverage, retail, e-commerce, and hospitality.

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25 July 2024 18:53 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

A legal educational event on "Ensuring Citizens' Electoral Rights" was held in the village of Chapagan in the Sheki district by the North-West Regional Centre of the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the participation of local executive and self-governing body employees and residents, in connection with the extraordinary elections to the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

At the event, the head of the North-West Regional Centre, P. Mammadov, stated that the Ombudsman institution constantly monitors the state of ensuring electoral rights in our country and that consistent efforts are being made to ensure and protect these rights effectively, including holding a series of educational events in this area.

Additionally, information was provided about the provisions of the Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the voting process, and participants' questions were answered.

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25 July 2024 14:00 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

"The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and ecosystems. This year alone, Brazil has faced devastating floods, Mexico experienced record-breaking heat waves, and millions across Asia, Europe, and Africa endured extreme heat events. These challenges underscore how human activities and stressed ecosystems can foster the emergence and spread of diseases. Factors such as animal trade, agriculture, urbanization, climate change, and habitat loss all contribute to this complex dynamic."

Addressing these interconnected health issues requires close cooperation, communication, and coordination across sectors. Vladanka Andreeva, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Azerbaijan, emphasized this during her speech at the WHO Country Office symposium on "Holistic Health: Preparing for COP29 through Intersectoral Dialogue," Azernews reports.

She highlighted the importance of the Holistic Health approach, which integrates efforts to optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. By combining these areas rather than treating them separately, we can more effectively prevent and manage health risks.

Andreeva welcomed Azerbaijan's commitment to the Holistic Health approach, expressing hope that the symposium would initiate a cross-sector dialogue. She stressed that collaboration and partnership among governments, international organizations, academia, and civil society are essential for holistic health initiatives.

Reflecting on previous efforts, Andreeva noted the success of Health Day at COP28 in Dubai, where discussions focused on scaling up adaptation measures to address climate change impacts on human health, leveraging the principles of Holistic Health.

Looking ahead to COP29 in Baku this November, she highlighted the thematic day dedicated to health, human capital, work, education, children, and youth announced by the COP29 Presidency. This upcoming event presents a significant opportunity to advance these critical discussions.

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25 July 2024 12:47 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Hande Harmanci, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Azerbaijan and Head of the Country Office, informed reporters that Azerbaijan's Food Safety Agency and other relevant institutions are proactive in addressing food safety concerns and consistently enact measures to safeguard the population, Azernews reports.

Harmanci highlighted recent outbreaks of diseases among children in some U.S. states linked to meat products, resulting in fatalities:

"These illnesses can be caused by various bacterial or viral infections typically associated with foodborne diseases from improperly cooked or stored meat. Azerbaijan is taking specific measures in response to protect public health. The efforts undertaken to ensure food safety and safeguard the health of Azerbaijan's population are commendable."

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25 July 2024 17:46 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Armenia is preparing a response proposal package to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ani Badalyan, as he provided this information to "Sputnik-Armenia".

"Armenia's response proposals regarding the peace agreement are in the preparation stage. Armenia is ready to sign the agreement as soon as possible, in accordance with the already voiced and presented fundamental provisions," she said.

It should be noted that in June, Armenia received the 10th package of proposals from Azerbaijan regarding the draft peace agreement.

Recall that the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, met with the Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations at the US Department of State, Louis Bono.

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed the process of normalising relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the recent developments.

A. Grigoryan confirmed Armenia's commitment to establishing comprehensive and long-term peace in the region.

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25 July 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

The President of the Constitutional Court of Turkiye, Kadir Ozkaya, visited the Supreme Court, Azernews reports.

The President of the Supreme Court, Inam Karimov, stated that today the unbreakable brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye are developing in all directions.

It was noted that recently the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye in the judicial and legal fields has entered a qualitatively new stage. It was also emphasized that one of the main priorities for Azerbaijan is to further strengthen the mutual exchange of experience with Turkic-speaking states, and that close cooperation contributes to increasing the efficiency of justice.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception, the head of the delegation, Kadir Ozkaya, highly appreciated the bilateral relations and noted that special attention is being paid to the development of these relations. The importance of strengthening cooperation in the judicial and legal fields for the entire Turkic world was discussed.

Afterwards, the guests were acquainted with the administrative building of the Supreme Court.

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25 July 2024 10:19 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Today, a meeting of the National Security Council of Turkiye will be held, Azernews reports.

One of the main topics of the meeting, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will be the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Additionally, discussions will cover relations with Greece, ongoing wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and the fight against terrorism.

The agenda will also include the issue of normalizing relations with Syria.

It was noted that during the meeting, the President will be informed about the latest situation in the fight against terrorist organizations such as the PKK and ISIS.

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25 July 2024 11:49 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

On July 24, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Yaakov Blitzstein, Azernews reports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that during the meeting, various aspects of bilateral and multilateral relations, including the current state and prospects of cooperation between the two countries in areas such as economy, security, high technology, education, tourism, energy, transportation, and others, as well as the situation in Gaza, were extensively discussed.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed the counterpart about the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period and the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process.

It was noted that additional opportunities for cooperation between the two countries have arisen within the framework of our country's chairmanship of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

During the meeting, there was also an exchange of views on other international and regional issues.

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25 July 2024 12:00 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

During COP29, a conference focused on the "Holistic Health" approach is scheduled to take place, Azernews reports.

Balarahim Guliyev, Deputy Chairman of the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan (AFSA), announced this during his address at the symposium titled "Holistic Health: Preparing for COP29 through Intersectoral Dialogue."

Guliyev emphasized the importance of global cooperation in the era of globalization. He stressed that all countries need to collaborate to adopt a unified health concept, address health-related challenges, ensure global population health, promote food safety, and protect environmental balance.

Highlighting its significance, Guliyev stated that this issue will be a top priority at COP29, set to be held in Azerbaijan. He mentioned plans for the Agency to organize sessions under the theme of "unity" in both the blue and green zones during the Food, Agriculture, and Water Day on November 19 as part of the COP29 program.

Additionally, he proposed hosting a dedicated conference on the "Holistic Health" approach, with relevant official communications already initiated for this purpose.

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25 July 2024 14:36 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

A meeting was held at the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan with Francesco Delogu, head of the Italian architecture firm Delogu Architecture," Azernews reports.

Rovshan Rzayev, the committee chairman, provided the Italian guest with information about the reconstruction and development work carried out in Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, as well as the implementation of measures outlined in the First State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories. Rzayev noted that compatriots who have been displaced for nearly thirty years due to the Armenian occupation are eager to return to their homeland. He highlighted that new residential settlements are being built in the liberated areas, and restoration and construction work is underway in Shusha and Lachin, utilizing modern architectural methods.

The Italian architect emphasized his familiarity with the rapid and extensive reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan's liberated territories and noted that all these efforts will facilitate the return of displaced populations. He mentioned that the purpose of his visit was to support the Azerbaijani government's efforts to revive and develop the liberated areas.

The chairman of the State Committee appreciated the guest's interest in this priority issue for the country and his intention to support the Great Return, answered his questions, and wished him success in his creative endeavors.

It should be noted that Delogu Architecture has extensive experience in urban and regional planning, as well as the design of residential buildings and hotels.

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25 July 2024 17:57 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister Saadat Yusifova has participated in event "Heritage of the Islamic World" organized by ICESCO, Azernews reports.

The event was held within the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, which is underway in New Delhi, India.

The Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister provided extensive information about Azerbaijan's cultural heritage, the rapid restoration of the destroyed cultural heritage in the territories freed from occupation.

In her speech, Saadat Yusifova touched upon initiatives for COP29 to be hosted by Azerbaijan in November.

It was also brought to attention that the 12th session of the Islamic Heritage Committee will be held in October 2024 in the ancient city of Shusha, Azerbaijan, which has been declared the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024.

ICESCO's Islamic Heritage Committee was wished success in the work of better protection and development of cultural heritage in the Islamic world, which has given incomparable pearls to the world heritage treasury.

Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO, Executive Director of the African World Heritage Fund Souayibou Varissou, as well as the ministers of Vietnam, Belarus, Austria, Bahrain, Spain, Sri Lanka, etc.

The discussions revolved around the cultural heritage protection and climate change initiatives planned for COP29.

The Azerbaijani delegation participating in the 46th session, which will last until July 31, also includes the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, the National Commission for UNESCO, ICOMOS Azerbaijan and Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration.

Note that the World Heritage Committee comprises representatives from 21 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention (1972) elected by the General Assembly of UNESCO. Current members of the World Heritage Committee as on elections in the 24th General Assembly of UNESCO (November 2023).

Since its inception, the Azerbaijan National Committee t UNESCO has made significant contributions t various UNESCO programs and projects.

These include efforts t safeguard and promote Azerbaijan's cultural sites, support educational initiatives, and foster international cooperation n the fields f science and technology.

As the Azerbaijan National Committee t UNESCO enters its fourth decade, t continues t be committed t its mission f promoting peace and cooperation through education, culture, and science.

In 2003, the parties signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education, and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors of UNESCO.

Many Azerbaijani cultural sites have been included in UNESCO's World Heritage List, including Icherisheher (Old City) with Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah's Palace, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, etc. In 2021, Lankaran District was included n the UNESCO list "Network f Creative Cities".

UNESCO also honors Azerbaijan's outstanding personalities like the poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi, Fikrat Amirov, great philanthropist and oil magnate Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, etc.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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25 July 2024 23:17 (UTC+04:00)

By News Centre

The floating gas operating platform, which will join Turkiye's "energy fleet" as the 7th ship, will set sail from Singapore. The platform, whose final touches are being completed at a shipyard in Singapore, is expected to head towards Turkiye within a few days. This platform, projected to produce enough natural gas for 5 million households once operational, is planned to serve in the Black Sea for 15-20 years.

The new ship announced by President Tayyip Erdogan for natural gas production will depart from Singapore to Turkiye. The floating gas operating platform, currently undergoing final adjustments at a shipyard in Singapore, is being tailored to meet Turkiye's specific needs. The ship is anticipated to arrive in Turkiye approximately two months later. The platform is scheduled to commence operations in 2025. Once operational, it will produce enough natural gas for 5 million households and will operate as a base in the Black Sea for 15-20 years.

The platform, 300 metres long and 58 metres wide, will process raw gas extracted from the Black Sea on-site, which will then be transported to shore via pipelines. Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) aims to expedite production by delivering Black Sea natural gas swiftly to the network using its new floating gas operating platform. Originally purchased from Brazil, the platform is currently undergoing revisions in Singapore to suit Turkiye's natural gas production needs. With this floating platform, raw gas extracted from the depths of the Black Sea will be processed at sea and transported ashore through new pipelines.

As the platform begins operations, it will also provide living quarters for technical personnel working aboard. Expert teams from abroad will join the platform's operational phase and will provide training to Turkish teams. The platform is slated to commence active service starting in 2025.

Turkiye, steadily advancing towards energy independence, currently operates 4 drilling ships and 2 seismic research ships in its territorial waters. Its energy fleet, established for seismic and drilling activities in natural gas and oil exploration at sea, includes a total of 6 ships: Fatih, Yavuz, Kanuni, and Abdulhamid Han drilling ships, as well as Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa and MTA Oruc Reis seismic exploration ships. With the addition of the new platform to its fleet, Turkiye will occupy a significant position in global natural gas extraction, processing, and commercialization. It will be the sixth country globally to possess such a platform, following the USA, Russia, Brazil, Norway, and Malaysia.

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25 July 2024 19:15 (UTC+04:00)

By News Centre

Turkiye restarts electricity exports to Iraq after a 3-year hiatus.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar announced this.

"As of yesterday, we resumed electricity exports to our neighbor Iraq, aiming to contribute to the prosperity and peace of our region through the Development Road Project."

Minister Bayraktar, who accompanied President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Iraq on April 22, discussed potential cooperation with counterparts in both Baghdad and Erbil.

Three months following the visit, both countries have taken a new step in the energy sector.

Turkiye has recommenced electricity exports to Iraq following a three-year interruption. The exports are conducted via the existing line between Turkiye and Iraq, supplying a maximum of 300 megawatts of electricity to Iraq.

Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated on his social media account.

"Yesterday, we resumed electricity exports to our neighbor Iraq, contributing to regional prosperity and peace with the Development Road Project. Through our planned investments, we will transform the Development Road into an 'Energy Road'."

The Development Road Project, encompassing ports and cities to be constructed along land and rail routes extending from Iraq to Turkiye, is envisioned as the foundation of a sustainable, non-oil economy. Iraq, seeking to enhance its economy after years of conflicts, will extend from the Fav Port in the south to Turkiye. The planned transportation network will connect Basra to Turkiye, linking Asia to Europe and the Gulf to Turkiye.

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25 July 2024 20:18 (UTC+04:00)

By News Centre

In January-June 2024, Turkiye's exports of automobile industry products to Azerbaijan decreased by 19 percent compared to the same period last year, totaling $42.3 million.

This information was reported to TurkicWorld by the Ministry of Trade of Turkiye.

"In June of this year, Turkiye exported automobile industry products to Azerbaijan amounting to $5.9 million, which is 37.8 percent less than in June last year," the ministry stated.

It should be noted that in January-June 2024, Turkiye's exports of automobile industry products increased by 2.3 percent to $17 billion compared to the same period last year.

"In June of this year, Turkiye exported $2.6 billion worth of automobile industry products, which is 12.4 percent less than in June last year," the ministry added.

During the last 12 months (June 2023-June 2024), Turkiye exported automobile industry products totaling $35.4 billion.

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25 July 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the creation of a security alliance in the Middle East similar to NATO in Europe at a joint meeting of the US Senate and the House of Representatives, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

"After the Second World War, the United States created a security alliance in Europe to counter the growing Soviet threat, and today America and Israel can create a security alliance in the Middle East to counter the growing Iranian threat.

All countries that have peace with Israel should be invited to this alliance," the PM added.

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25 July 2024 21:14 (UTC+04:00)

By News Centre

If we do not implement the two-state solution now, there will be a fourth Gaza war in the future. We will constantly deal with wars. If there is an agreement on the two-state solution, we can be part of the guarantor mechanism we propose as Turkiye."

Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said this when giving an interview to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Sky News Arabia television channel about the developments in the Middle East, especially Turkey's relations with Syria and Iraq, as well as Israel's attacks on Gaza and ceasefire negotiations.

Regarding the failure to reach an agreement in the Palestine-Israel peace negotiations, Fidan said, "(Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu has another agenda. A ceasefire in Palestine does not coincide with Netanyahu's political goals. Both Americans and Westerners agree on this issue." he said.

Hakan Fidan also added that if they do not implement the two-state solution now, there will be a fourth Gaza war in the future. They will deal with constant wars.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that if there is an agreement on the two-state solution, they can be part of the guarantor mechanism that they propose as Turkiye.

Responding to the question regarding Turkiye's final stance on Syria, Minister Fidan pointed out that terrorism should be cleared from Syria and stated that there were especially Arab lands occupied by the PKK and oil facilities they had seized.

"We need to fight (PKK/YPG), take the oil and energy resources from them, and give them back to the Syrian people," the FM said.

Regarding the question of whether Ankara and Baghdad have a common perspective and stance on the fight against the PKK, Fidan said that, as Turkey, they constantly make constructive contributions to ensure both political stability and life safety in Iraq.

"PKK is spreading all over Iraq like a cancer cell. This is no longer our problem but has turned into a national security problem in Iraq," he added.

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25 July 2024 22:19 (UTC+04:00)

By News Centre

After a two-month hiatus, the National Security Council will convene today at Beshtepe, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The primary focus of the meeting will be Turkey's cross-border counter-terrorism operations. Discussions will also encompass the normalisation process with Syria and Israel's attacks in Palestine.

The National Security Council (MGK) will convene for the fourth time this year under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with a packed agenda.

The first item on the agenda at Bestepe will be the fight against terrorism. The meeting will delve into ongoing ground and air operations aimed at dismantling PKK targets in northern Iraq.

Military and intelligence updates from the field will inform discussions on operational strategies. Additionally, council members will brief on the latest developments in combating other terrorist organisations such as FETO and DAESH.

Planned measures concerning the normalisation process with Syria will also be deliberated. Discussions will centre on Ankara's aspirations to foster enduring peace and stability in Syria, alongside efforts to restore diplomatic ties with the Damascus administration.

In alignment with President Erdogan's directives, the MGK will assess ongoing initiatives for Syria's normalisation and outline the roadmap ahead.

The council will also address Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories. Discussions will focus on diplomatic efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire, ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid delivery, and thwart Israel's endeavours to escalate regional tensions. Views will be exchanged on the ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Furthermore, the agenda will encompass regional and international security concerns. Topics will include the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, developments in Cyprus, and relations with Greece.

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25 July 2024 21:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The Japanese Honda Corporation is ceasing production at its two gasoline car factories in China, where demand for Chinese-made electric vehicles is sharply expanding in an environment of intense competition, Azernews reports.

According to her, the company currently has six factories in China. One of them will be closed, the other will suspend work. These enterprises can produce a total of 290 thousand gasoline cars per year. This is 20% of Honda's capacity in China.

At the same time, the corporation intends to launch two electric vehicle production plants in China. Thus, Honda hopes to maintain its weakening position in the extremely promising Chinese market, NHK notes.

According to the TV company, other Japanese automakers in China also found themselves in a difficult situation. Due to intense competition, Mitsubishi decided in October last year to completely withdraw from China. Nissan, according to NHK, is also facing the need to seriously rethink its strategy in China, including shutting down work at one of the factories.

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Now that Kamala Harris has been coronated the Democratic Socialist designee for nomination as their candidate for President of these United States, after that political party's contrived primary process "democratically" elected Joseph R. Biden: What are your feelings about this party's progressive posture within their self-styled exercise of "Saving Democracy for America," and how truly critical the outcome of this presidential election will be?

8.7% I am ecstatic that this "Democracy's" First partially Black, First partially Indian, First female Co-Parent, and this nation's primary necessity is to her elect our First woman president.26.09% I really do not care about all these "Firsts." I will continue to pray, and work for this Representative Republic to elect someone competent, and brilliantly patriotic to be our next president.65.22% I will never vote for any politician that "first" does not have the core values to understand how dire this Constitutional Republic's situation has become.
A Santa Paula (Calif.) physician pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of healthcare fraud for defrauding Medicare out of more than $3 million.

While working at two different Pasadena-based hospices  Arcadia Hospice Provider nad Saint Mariam Hospice  Victor Contreras, MD, billed Medicare for medically unnecessary hospice services, according to a July 24 news release.

Dr. Contreras falsely stated on claim forms that patients had terminal illnesses that would qualify them for Medicare hospice service coverage. He adopted diagnoses provided to him by hospice employees regardless of their validity or without speaking to those patients' primary care physicians. Medicare paid on Dr. Contreras' false evaluations and claim submissions.

Juanita Antenor is alleged to have assisted Dr. Contreras in the scheme and remains at large. Another co-defendant, Callie Black, who allegedly recruited patients for the hospice facilities in exchange for illegal kickbacks, has pleaded not guilty and will go to trial on Oct. 15.

Dr. Contreras has been on probation with the Medical Board of California since 2015 and is subject to limitations on his practice. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 25. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
A Pennsylvania federal court judge denied the motion for a preliminary injunction pushing the effective date of the Federal Trade Commission's noncompete ban, National Law Review reported July 23.

A judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled that the noncompete ban fell within the FTC's rulemaking authority, after a Texas federal court held that the ban exceeded its statutory authority, setting up a split amongst federal courts.

With the move, the FTC's rule is set to go into effect September 4, unless the court issues an order delaying its implementation, according to the report.

ATS Tree Services filed a suit two days after the FTC voted in April to issue the rule. The court rejected the plaintiffs argument that the FTC exceeded its statutory authority in adopting the noncompete rule, saying that the FTC has authority to regulate unfair methods of competition under Section 6 of the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914.

The court also rejected the arguments that it would cause "irreparable" harm to plaintiffs' contractual rights and investments in specialized training.

The Texas court ruling provided relief to only the plaintiffs in the Ryan case and did not restrict the FTC from enforcing the ban against other employers, according to the National Law Review. The court stated its intent to issue a ruling by the end of August.

A third challenge was recently filed by a Florida-based real estate residential housing company, Properties of the Villages, which also seeks a preliminary injunction to stay the effective date of the rule. The FTC's response is due July 25.

The FTC's rule would illegal to include noncompetes in employment contracts unless the employer is a nonprofit, requires companies with noncompetes to inform workers that they are void. The move currently faces at least three federal lawsuits.
A New Jersey man and his wife were sentenced in connection with sexually assaulting two women,impersonating a doctor and running an unlicensed medical practice, according to a July 24 report by NBC New York.

Orger Sibaja-Bolanos was sentenced to 10 years in prison on July 9. Upon release, Mr. Sibaja-Bolanos must register as a sex offender and will remain on parole for life. Rosa Perez, his wife, was sentenced to three years probation for assisting her husband in the unlicensed practice.

Local prosecutors alleged that in July 2022, Mr. Sibaja-Bolanos, while posing as a physician, sexually assaulted a woman who came to his unlicensed medical practice in Old Bridge, N.J. He also allegedly gave the woman unspecified injections. Weeks later, a second woman came forward alleging that Mr. Sibaja-Bolanos sexually assaulted her and gave her injections multiple times.

Mr. Sibaja-Bolanos was charged with second-degree sexual assault, third-degree aggravated assault and third-deree unlicensed practice of medicine and financial facilitation.

Investigators found that Ms. Perez assisted in running the unlicensed medical practice. She was charged with third-degree unlicensed practice of medicine, third-degree conspiracy to commit the unlicensed practice of medicine, and third-degree financial facilitation. She pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to commit the unlicensed practice of medicine charge on Oct. 23, 2023.
St. Louis-based Ascension saw a $3 billion operating loss in fiscal 2023 and has since taken action to sell a number of facilities across the country to recover.

Last year, Ascension said it plans to invest more money into its ASCs amid its financial loss. So far in 2024, the system has sold facilities in New York, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Michigan and Alabama.

Now, the system plans to sell nine more of its Illinois-based hospitals to Ontario, Calif.-basedPrime Healthcare.

It will also sell four Illinois post-acute and older adult living facilities. The hospitals slated to be sold to Prime are: Ascension Holy Family in Des Plaines, Ascension Mercy in Aurora, Ascension Resurrection in Chicago, Ascension St. Francis in Evanston, Ascension St. Joseph in Joliet, Ascension St. Joseph in Elgin, Ascension St. Mary in Kankakee, Ascension St. Mary in Chicago and Ascension St. Elizabeth in Chicago. Other facilities involved in the sale are Fox Knoll Village in Aurora, Villa Franciscan Place in Joliet, Heritage Village and Heritage Lodge in Kankakee, and Resurrection Place in Park Ridge, all now operated by Ascension Living.

Prime has 44 hospitals and more than 300 outpatient locations in 14 states. The system has pledged to invest $250 million in the facilities for upgrades, capital improvements, technology and system upgrades, as part of the deal.

Prime said in a joint news release that it will offer employment to "substantially" all associates. The sale is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
Ongoing clinician burnout, staffing shortages and rising supply costs have consistently been cited as some of the most significant industrywide issues among healthcare professionals  regardless of care setting.

These longstanding problems affect ASCs in different ways and to different degrees. Some practices may have trouble recruiting and retaining surgical technicians, while others have trouble finding anesthesiologists.

Compounded by the fact that 68% of ASCs operate independently, it may seem impossible to overcome healthcare's longstanding, industrywide problems. However, Ronald Hsu, MD, medical director at Sutter Roseville (Calif.) Endoscopy Center Gastroenterology and the Northern California governor of the American College of Gastroenterology, may have found a way to turn these practice-specific challenges into a strength.

Dr. Hsu and Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health, which has recently established an ASC division and expanded across Northern California, now host quarterly GI best practices meetings. These meetings bring together an administrator and a physician representative from each of Sutter's nearby ASCs and endoscopy centers to discuss the problems they are facing and use their combined expertise and unique experiences to devise a strategy to overcome those challenges.

"The purpose is for all of us to share the various best practices that each institution has in their own facility and to implement them at other locations to address concerns. It allows representatives to share their concerns and ask the other representatives for advice on how to address them," Dr. Hsu told Becker's.

Dr. Hsu found that the meetings have allowed the participants to share ideas for improvement while maintaining quality care.

"It's really had a good effect on our staff morale  and even patient satisfaction," Dr. Hsu said.
John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, Ga., will open a new maternity center in mid-2025 to broaden access to OB-GYN care in the region, the system announced.

Across the state, 15.7% of counties have low or moderate access to OB-GYN care, but not full services, according to data from the March of Dimes. And 34.6% of counties are entirely void of these services, creating maternity care deserts for women and pregnant individuals.

Archbold Memorial is located in Thomas County, which borders several counties that do have access, but two that are considered maternity care deserts: Brooks and Mitchell counties. The addition of the care center will not only be another option for patients in those OB-GYN care deserts, but also improve access locally, as the community in Thomasville is a walkable area in which some don't have cars, the outlet reported.

"This really takes us to the next level in terms of the experience that our new moms and babies will have" Amy Griffin, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, told WCTV.

"It's extremely important for our patients to be able to deliver in the community in which they live," she added. "It's been linked to high-quality outcomes for both moms and babies."

The price tag on the investment in expanding these services at Archbold Memorial Hospital is $20 million, according to WCTV. Once it opens in 2025, it will house five large labor and delivery rooms, a large nursery, two operating suites for emergency and C-section births, as well as a bereavement room for grieving families.
A man reportedly affiliated with North Korean military intelligence has been allegedly participating in a scheme to hack into U.S. healthcare systems.

Rim Jong Hyok is allegedly a part of a hacker group known as Andariel, believed to be controlled by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea military intelligence agency, the Reconnaissance General Bureau.

According to a July 25 news release from the State Department, Mr. Hyok stands accused of plotting to infiltrate U.S. hospital computer systems and other healthcare providers by deploying Maui ransomware to demand ransoms.

"The ransomware attacks encrypted victims' computers and servers used for medical testing or electronic medical records and disrupted healthcare services," the release reads. "These malicious cyber actors then used the ransom payments to fund malicious cyber operations targeting U.S. government entities and U.S. and foreign defense contractors, among others."

U.S. law enforcement investigators have reported that Andariel hackers targeted five healthcare providers, four defense contractors based in the U.S., two U.S. Air Force bases and NASA's Office of Inspector General.

A $10 million reward has been announced for information leading to the identification or location of individuals acting under the direction or control of a foreign government who engage in malicious cyber activities targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
It's easy for physicians to show empathy with nonverbal cues during in-person or even video visits. But how can clinicians illustrate how much they care during asynchronous message exchanges?

It's a question physicians have been asking as they increasingly turn to messaging as a form of healthcare, with some health systems even charging for interactions through patient portals like MyChart.

To show "digital empathy," physicians can start by acknowledging the messages promptly, according to Matthew Sakumoto, MD, chief medical information officer of Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health's West Bay Region in San Francisco.

"We're doing a lot of work behind the scenes, but the patient doesn't realize it," Dr. Sakumoto said at an American Medical Association webinar covered in a July 25 article. A quick "'Hey, we got your message' reply and an explanation of what is being done in response usually helps calm a concerned patient."

At the same time, physicians have to set expectations for what is appropriate for a message and what conditions require an in-person or video appointment, according to Dr. Sakumoto. But providers can also build relationships with patients  even in messages  by asking questions about their children or recent vacations, for instance.

"Adding a personal touch actually does make a difference," Dr. Sakumoto said during the AMA webinar. "I think of it like the digital version of a handwritten thank-you note  and it's nice to get those every so often."

Dr. Sakumoto also noted that physicians shouldn't dread long messages from patients  in the long run, they can cumulatively provide an instructive narrative that can help with treatment decisions. "Having those multiple, repeated interactions with a patient, you get a sense of why they are so worried about a clinical symptom that doesn't seem that worrisome  at least to me," he said at the webinar.
Birmingham, Ala.-based Medical Properties Trust, one of the world's largest healthcare real estate owners, has completed the $160 million sale of a hospital and seven freestanding emergency department facilities to San Francisco-based Dignity Health, part of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health.

The sale comprises 50-bed Mesa, Ariz.-based Arizona General Hospital and seven freestanding EDs in the Phoenix area, according to a July 24 news release.

Medical Properties Trust funded the construction of the eight facilities for $92 million. The facilities were originally operated by Irving, Texas-based Adeptus Health.

Adeptus Health filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2017.

"Shortly after Adeptus filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2017, Dignity Health recognized the value of this footprint within a growing and aging local healthcare ecosystem and leased the facilities without interruption to care or any change to the rental rate," the release said.

Medical Properties Trust is also the landlord to Dallas-based Steward Health Care. Steward filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy May 6 and is working to offload its 31 hospitals and physician group, Stewardship Health.

Becker's has reached out to Dignity Health and will update this story if more information become available.
New York (City)-Presbyterian is seeking approval from the state Department of Health to close the 16-bed rehabilitation unit at New York City-based Columbia University Irving Medical Center and transition it to in-patient beds.

The conversion of the unit, located in the hospital's Milstein Hospital Building, is part of an ongoing patient-need and hospital census assessment, a spokesperson for New York-Presbyterian said in a statement shared with Becker's.

"The objective is to help reduce wait times and alleviate crowding in one of New Yorks busiest emergency departments, while improving our ability to provide comprehensive care for patients with a range of acute needs," the statement said. "Our patients would continue to have bedside access to evaluations and rehabilitation services as they transition from the hospital to home or a dedicated rehabilitation facility."

A spokesperson for the state health department told Becker's that they have not received a certificate of need from the hospital and cannot provide a comment at this time.
Bon Secours Hampton Roads has appointed Kristen McSorley, DNP, RN, vice president of its Harbour View Medical Center, set to open in Suffolk, Va., in 2025.

Dr. McSorley has been with Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health for more than 16 years, according to a July 25 news release shared with Becker's. Most recently, she served as clinical nursing director for The Jewish Hospital-Mercy Health in Cincinnati.

His new role is effective Aug. 25.
Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health said it will appeal a decision by the National Labor Relations Board after a group of its East Market advanced practice providers voted to be represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association in collective bargaining.

The APPs in November filed for an election with the NLRB, but Essentia challenged the proposed bargaining unit's composition, delaying the election, according to the union. It eventually took place in July.

The election primarily included nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified nurse midwives at Essentia's East Market, which spans from Brainerd to International Falls and Duluth in Minnesota, and east to Ashland and Hayward in Wisconsin. Some work in the hospital setting and others work in clinics in various specialties.

A June NLRB ruling that allowed the APPs to vote in a single bargaining unit, despite their different work settings, "ignored the NLRB's application of its own Health Care Rule and years of case law supporting Essentia's position," a July 25 health system news release said. "As a result, we will seek an appeal of the regional director's election decision."

Brittany Ortler, APRN, a nurse practitioner at Essentia Health East Market, said in a July 24 news release from the union, "What we have done is historic. We are a unified group of over 400 APPs, and I hope that the work that we have done will pave the way for consideration of unionization among APPs across the state and the nation."

Tonya Loken, Essentia's community relations director, expressed disappointment about the election outcome.

"A single bargaining unit that includes a wide range of settings, specialties and locations may not allow for unique approaches to caring for the different needs of patients," Ms. Loken said in a statement shared with Becker's.



Becker's reached out to the NLRB and will update this story if a comment is received.
Bombardier to visit Belfast next month as it eyes deal for Spirit AeroSystems

Economy Minister confirms Canadian companys interest though uncertainty continues over future of Harland & Wolff

Bombardier is eyeing a deal to buy back most of its old operations in Belfast which were sold to Spirit AeroSystems in 2020

Margaret Canning Thu 25 Jul 2024 at 07:13

Aerospace company Bombardier is to visit Belfast next month as it eyes a potential takeover of the business it used to own, it has emerged.
Nail tech making elaborate made-to-order press on nails speaks to Emma Montgomery about building her business

An enterprising Belfast nail technician is making her mark selling unique press-on nails to customers who want something different.

Sinead Convery (26), who studies Fashion and Textiles at Ulster University, started the business from home during lockdown. Since then, its gone from strength to strength  with the nails even making an appearance on RuPauls Drag Race UK.

I used to paint press-ons just for myself because I liked doing nail art. When lockdown hit, I just decided to start a business selling them because nobody could go to nail salons  Ive been doing them ever since, she says.

Sinead obtained her own studio on the Malone Road a year ago and has since been taking in-person clients alongside making press-ons. Her intricate designs are elaborate and colourful, often incorporating three-dimensional elements.

Ive always been really interested in nails. Id seen loads on Pinterest and Instagram but I could never find any unique press-on nails to buy in stores, she says. All of my clients are wanting that kind of [distinctive] nail art. I dont really have that many customers who go for plain things, which is great because it makes my job so fun. Its nice with my clients because were both brainstorming these creative ideas.

Sinead Convery

Sinead has ready-made sets available on her site, but customers can also request their own bespoke design. Each set of press-ons can take up to two hours to complete, while in-person clients can take three.

She was delighted to find out that her nails had been used on an episode of RuPauls Drag Race UK last year. She had no idea they were going to be used on the show until drag queen Black Peppa tagged her in an Instagram post.

I watched the episode on telly and was like oh my gosh, I see my nails, she says.

Sinead said her reputation for detailed and dramatic nail art has earned her some peculiar requests.

The maddest request Ive ever had was someone wanting soil and dead bugs encapsulated into their nails.

I would have been happy enough to do it but Im not going to go and collect bugs! To be fair, the inspiration photo looked really cool.

While Sinead didnt quite have the materials for that particular design, shes usually open to anything. She enjoys the process of creating ornate sets, and particularly likes adding airbrushed details as well as chrome embellishments.

I love doing anything airbrushed and chrome, theyre incorporated into most of the sets I do, as well as 3D elements, she says.

Anything bright, textured and sparkly is my thing.

Dazey Nails

Sinead explained that her love of nail art began when she was 16. She came across nail artists from other parts of the world who were creating the kind of nail art she now does at Dazey Nails, saying, it was the first time Id seen really detailed and fun nail art.

Soon after, she got a nail kit and started doing her own nails at home.

Theres so many creative nail techs out there and so much inspiration.

She also spoke about how she balances Dazey Nails with her university career, and her plans for the future.

Im full-time working over the summer and then Ill go back to part-time when Im studying again. Ill be going into final year in September.

While she says being self-employed during university has been good in some ways because she can choose her own schedule, she feels she hasnt been able to give her business everything shes got and has had to turn down some opportunities.

Its been fine doing it alongside my studies because I can pick my hours, its actually quite handy  but I havent been able to give it my all because Ive had university.

Im excited to finish and be able to do more.

Sinead Convery

When she graduates next year, Sinead has big plans to continue her work in both fashion and nails. She has space in her nail studio where she could have a sewing machine, and she is aiming to do more editorial and commission-based work.

Press-ons are great for editorial and shoot work because really intricate nails arent very functional sometimes. They look really good for a photoshoot but youre not going to want to wear them day-to-day, she says.

Additionally, custom-made press-ons can be more cost-effective and better for the environment than the store-bought versions, which can only be used once.

Theyre reusable as well, you can keep them for ages, she explains.

Its more sustainable. Store-bought press-ons are flimsy because they arent cured, but anything you buy from a nail tech is reinforced with hard gel.

Dazey Nails used on RuPaul's Drag Race UK

Sinead admitted that its taken her some time to be proud of herself and all shes achieved with Dazey Nails.

Its the same with any profession thats primarily made up of women  it is kind of looked at as shes just a nail tech, she says.

Its so much more than that. It took me a while to stop thinking oh, I just do nails, like its nothing. Its a very valid career choice.

Overall, she says people have reacted well to the business and she thoroughly enjoys what she does  especially the relationships she has been able to build with her clients.

The reaction has been great. I have such a lovely client base and I look forward to every appointment. Now I have my regulars  its a really nice, social job. Ive met so many lovely women through it.

Dazey Nails

Sineads press-ons are available to buy on dazeynails.com, which ships worldwide. She takes bookings for in-person clients via her Instagram page, @dazeynailsstudio
China, Russia agree to further expand investment, energy cooperation

Xinhua) 09:43, July 25, 2024

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, 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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Could an AI bot help you pick out the best places to eat? Heres what happened when John Mulgrew asked ChatGPT to name Northern Irelands top five restaurants  and how it compares to his own top picks.
Puberty blockers unlikely to be banned in NI  which could be back door for drugs going to Britain

Transgender activists plan to exploit legal loophole by getting foreign medics to prescribe puberty blocking drugs which can be sent to addresses in NI and moved to Britain

Transgender people and their supporters march through central London in April in a protest against a ban on puberty blockers in London. Photo: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty

Sam McBride Thu 25 Jul 2024 at 07:06

Stormonts Department of Health has said that puberty blockers for children will remain lawful in Northern Ireland unless the whole Executive intervenes  meaning Northern Ireland could be a backdoor to supply the drugs to Britain.
Belfast mum Catherine Flanagan with her son David who she fears is missing in Lebanon (Catherine Flanagan/PA)

A Belfast mother has urged the UK and Irish governments to intervene to bring her son home from Lebanon.

Catherine Flanagan, 39, took her son David to visit his father in Lebanon, where he is from and works, in August 2022 when he was just ten-months-old.

But she said she was not able to bring him home to Northern Ireland as they had planned.

Last summer, the High Court in Belfast ruled that David should be returned to Northern Ireland by August 18, 2023. However, that did not happen.

In January, Ms Flanagan said she travelled to Lebanon to get her son but was not able to bring him home.

She said she now feels she has no option but to make a public plea for the UK and Irish governments to intervene to bring David home.

She said that she and David, who is now around two-and-a-half years old, both have British and Irish passports.

Its outrageous. I have done everything I can legally and with him (Davids father) in general, not to up the ante and not get into a slanging match, I just want my son returned, she said.

The situation has made me very, very sad, it didnt need to be like this.

I havent been able to spend time alone with David since he was ten-months-old.

I am appealing to help. I have nothing left but to speak out in the media and plea and beg and ask the governments for help.

There is no way a government can allow a situation where a court order says that David is to be here in Northern Ireland but I dont even know where he is.

This is not on, David deserves to have both his parents and no way can this be allowed to carry on.

This is the absolute last option, speaking to media. No-one in their sane mind wants to do this.

In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: The Police Service of Northern Ireland is aware of this case and are liaising with The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Lebanese authorities.

A FCDO spokesperson said: We provided consular assistance to a British woman who was in Lebanon and were in contact with the local authorities.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has also been contacted for a response.
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.
A woman has been arrested following a mass brawl outside a Belfast city centre hotel on Wednesday evening.

Footage seen by the Belfast Telegraph appears to show around a dozen people involved in arguing and fighting outside the Premier Inn on Alfred Street in the city centre.

At one point in the video a woman appears to be being trailed along the ground, with bottles being smashed along the road. In another moment, two women appear to be pulling each other by the hair.

At around 9.45pm four police cars arrived at the scene with police officers defusing the situation.

Police confirmed one of the women involved in the incident was arrested.

A PSNI spokesperson said: Police received a report of disturbances at a hotel in Alfred Street in Belfast City Centre at around 9.40pm on Wednesday 24th July.

"Officers attended and spoke to a number of people involved and remained in the area to prevent any further disorder.

"A 19 year old woman was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and was later issued with a Community Resolution Notice.

The Premier Inn has been contacted.
The Welcome Organisation was damaged in an attack on Monday

The chair of a west Belfast homeless centre that was targeted in an attack this week has said they may be forced to leave the area if mediation with local residents is unsuccessful.

Significant damage was caused to the Welcome Organisation building on Townsend Street when a car was rammed through the shutters and set alight shortly after midnight on Monday.

A man in his 40s arrested by police following the incident has since been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.

Police are also probing menacing graffiti making threats to anyone involved in repairing the damage to the building.

Watch: Car rammed into charity building and set alight in west Belfast

Residents in the area have previously raised concerns over fighting and anti-social behaviour around the centre, with needles and other drugs paraphernalia often discovered in the nearby streets.

The chair of the homeless organisation, Jude Whyte, has said it may be forced to leave the area if outreach attempts to residents are unsuccessful.

"Weve had 50 years of mayhem, were finally getting back to a bit of stability and we now have threats against working men and women going about their business, he told BBC Evening Extra.

"Its a pretty dark day for those of us who work in this area of homelessness and addiction. There have been tensions with the local community.

Welcome Organisation Chair Jude Whyte

"I thought because we had met their representatives... but from people contacting me today, I think we have maybe deluded ourselves and I am going to address that over the next few working days.

"There will be no messengers; Im asking this community to come and meet me. You will get that invite through your door over the weekend because I am personally going to put it through your door.

"Im going to sit down with you next week and listen to all your concerns and Im going to tell you honestly, openly, if I can address them.

Youre going to tell me honestly and openly if you can tolerate our organisation being in your community. If we cant find agreement, we are going to have to look somewhere else.

The graffiti appeared on a wall close to the centre warning anyone involved in repairing the building would be shot.

The threats were daubed on a wall in the Divis area of west Belfast in the early hours of Wednesday.

It is understood the wall was sprayed by the INLA in response to the incident on Monday.

Graffiti threatening people working on repairing the centre. Pic: Kevin Scott

The incidents have been roundly condemned by political representatives.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson condemned the attack on the Welcome Centre and the subsequent threats.

This is an outrageous and mindless attack on a facility which provides help to the homeless, he said.

I have visited this centre in the past and can testify to the invaluable work they do for our city and those who, through varied circumstances, find themselves without shelter.

This threat should be lifted immediately, and the centre should be supported in being able to reopen their doors.

West Belfast MP Paul Maskey also condemned both incidents.

"The graffiti on the wall is absolutely shocking in my view and it's totally uncalled for," he told the BBC.

"The majority of the people in that area will condemn that graffiti because they don't want to see any attack on any workers because that is completely wrong."
Solicitor Akhmed Yakoob speaks to the media outside Rochdale police station following the suspension of a police officer after a video which appeared to show a man being kicked as he lay on the floor sparked a protest (James Speakman/PA)

Solicitor and would-be politician Akhmed Yakoob told reporters that a family who claim police assaulted them at Manchester Airport approached him for help.

Dubbed the TikTok lawyer, Mr Yakoob won a significant vote share at this years West Midlands mayoral election as he finished in third position on a pro-Gaza ticket.

The Birmingham-based lawyer said he took a call for assistance from the family at the centre of the incident.

Footage filmed at the airports terminal two on Tuesday appeared to show an officer kick and stamp on the head of a man who was lying face down on the floor, with a woman kneeling beside him.

Solicitor Akhmed Yakoob speaks to the media outside Rochdale police station in Greater Manchester (James Speakman/PA)

The video also appeared to show the officer strike a second man.

On Thursday, Mr Yakoob spoke on behalf of the family to media gathered at Rochdale police station  the scene of a protest the night before.

He said Mohammed Fahir, 19, had undergone a CT scan following his head injuries and was fighting for his life, and that Fahirs brother and 56-year old mother were also assaulted at the airport.

The two men had arrived to pick up their mother who had flown in from Pakistan, he said.

Their elder brother, a serving officer with Greater Manchester Police, he added, was too afraid to go into work.

Mr Yakoob refused to be drawn on what may have been the spark to the fracas.

Asked why the police had approached the family, he said: Thats not relevant. The relevant issue right now is the health and the wellbeing of the family.

One thing I can say loud and clear is that nothing justifies the barbaric treatment from the police officers.

Because as you can see from the videos that everybody has seen there was no threat whatsoever to the police or the public.

People are forgetting that the mother was assaulted as well. She got punched and kicked in the face.

Mr Yakoob said he had a long history with the police himself but added: We are with policing but we are against people taking advantage of their powers.

He said he hoped that honest police officers would come forward to assist the ongoing IOPC investigation.
Lawyers for Drax Power said the firm had sought the courts protection after a North Yorkshire Police tip-off (Anna Gowthorpe/PA)

A power station has secured a High Court injunction against would-be environmental activists on and around its site after a police tip-off about a planned protest camp.

Drax Power Limited asked for the courts protection at a hearing on Thursday following an escalation in the level of threat to its power station in Selby, North Yorkshire.

Lawyers for the company said that North Yorkshire Police had advised it to seek an injunction following a specific threat of imminent environmental protest by the campaign group Reclaim the Power, which was supported, or at least endorsed by fellow campaign group Axe Drax.

In written submissions, Timothy Morshead KC, representing Drax Power, said a protest camp had been advertised as taking place between August 8 and 13 at an undisclosed location at the site, adding that there is a real risk that this could take place prior to the advertised dates.

He said: In the result, and as advised by the police, the claimant needs to ask for the protection of the court by way of an injunction, to restrain the apprehended trespass and other unlawful acts on or directly affecting the power station, and its associated infrastructure, in order to avoid the risks to safety of persons and property and disruption of its operations at the power station.

No protesters attended the hearing in London and they were not represented.

The court was told that the power station was part of the UKs Critical National Infrastructure and created 4% of the UKs electricity, and 8% of the countrys renewable energy, enough to power the equivalent of eight million homes each year.

The site has been the subject of protests in the past, with Mr Morshead claiming there have also been a number of unauthorised drones flying over the power station recently.

He added that there was a real and credible risk that protesters could affect the power station, including by trespassing on the site, cutting or locking on to its fencing, or obstructing trains which bring biomass materials to it.

The Drax Power site produces 4% of the countrys electricity, the High Court was told (Anna Gowthorpe/PA)

Speaking in court, the barrister said there was a compelling need for an injunction against what seems to be a co-ordinated threat, which he claimed campaigners had described as a mass-action camp targeting Drax.

He said: My clients feel they are left with no option but to seek the courts protection.

He continued: This is not a promise of a peaceful camp. There is a lot buried in the word action, that we dont know about, but we can guess.

The injunction does not cover what Mr Morshead described as a strip of land which is marked out for peaceful protest, situated as close as has been judged to be operationally safe.

Mr Justice Ritchie granted the order covering the power station and a buffer zone around it, stating that there was a compelling justification for it due to a real, imminent threat of direct action.

The injunction will be reviewed in 12 months.
Tom Tugendhat has joined James Cleverly in publicly declaring 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 was 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

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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.

 Tom Tugendhat

Tom Tugendhat previously unsuccessfully ran for the leadership in 2022 (Lucy North/PA)

The shadow security minister, who is viewed as the most centrist of the candidates, joined the race by insisting there was little to separate him from his rivals on the right on key issues.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, the Tonbridge MP indicated he would be prepared to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if it was necessary to secure the UKs borders.

He denied the party would be split by the contest, because on key issues including the ECHR, gender, taxes, defence and net zero, all Tories shared the same common sense views.

He previously unsuccessfully ran in 2022, when he pitched himself as the candidate untarnished by the scandals that dogged Boris Johnson and his government.

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.

 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.

 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.
People watcing the sunrise at Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside on what became the UKs hottest day on record (Owen Humphreys/PA)

The United Nations secretary-general has issued a stark warning on crippling heat as the world experiences its three hottest days on record.

Antonio Guterres warned Earth was becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere, as he pointed to a deadly heatwave hitting Africas Sahel region, 1,300 people dying in scorching conditions in the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, record temperatures in the US and Europes sweatbox cities.

And the EUs Copernicus Climate Change Service declared Sunday July 21 as the hottest day on record, a record promptly beaten on Monday, with preliminary data suggesting Tuesday was in the same range, he said.

Mr Guterres called for action to protect vulnerable people, workers and cities from the growing threat of heatwaves and temperatures topping 50C.

And he demanded efforts to tackle the root cause of the problem, calling it a disease of the madness of incinerating our only home, addiction to fossil fuels and climate inaction.

He criticised rich countries for fossil fuel expansion, warning in signing such a surge of new oil and gas licences they are signing away our future.

The warning comes after research by the International Institute for Sustainable Development warned of booming oil and gas exploration, with rich countries including the US and UK issuing two-thirds of the global number of oil and gas licences since 2020.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)

The ongoing oil and gas exploration is despite assessment by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that no new coal mines or oil and gas fields can be developed after 2021 if temperature rises are to be limited to 1.5C  the threshold beyond which the worst impacts of climate change are expected.

In his speech, Mr Guterres said: Crippling heat is everywhere  but it doesnt affect everyone equally.

Those most at risk when the mercury soars include the urban poor. Pregnant women. People with disabilities. Older people. The very young, the sick, the displaced, and the impoverished  who often live in substandard housing without access to cooling.

He said extreme heat amplified inequality, worsened food insecurity and pushed people further into poverty.

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He called for action to increase massively access to low-carbon cooling, expanding passive cooling such as natural solutions and urban design and cleaning up cooling technologies while boosting efficiency.

There should be a scaling-up of heat health warning systems, and developed countries should honour their promises and deliver finance to help poor nations and communities adapt to climate change.

He said 2.4 billion people in the global workforce were now at high risk of extreme heat, harming health and productivity with heat stress at work predicted to cost the global economy 2.4 trillion US dollars (1.86 trillion) by 2030.

We need measures to protect workers, grounded in human rights, he said.

And we must ensure that laws and regulations reflect the reality of extreme heat today  and are enforced.

He also called for measures to boost the resilience of economies and societies, as infrastructure buckles, crops fail, and pressure is piled on water supplies, power grids and health systems by extreme heat.

Cities are a particular worry, he warned, as they are heating at twice the global average, and he called for countries, cities and sectors to have comprehensive tailored heat action plans based on the best science and data.
Prosecutors are urging a judge to uphold Donald Trumps historic hush money conviction, arguing in court papers that the verdict should stand despite the Supreme Courts recent ruling on presidential immunity.

The Manhattan district attorneys office said in a court filing that the high courts opinion has no bearing on the hush money case and does not support vacating the jurys unanimous verdict or dismissing the case.

Prosecutors said Mr Trumps lawyers failed to raise the immunity issue in a timely fashion and that, even so, the case involved unofficial acts  many pertaining to events prior to his election  that are not subject to immunity.

Lawyers for the former president and current Republican nominee are trying to get the verdict  and even the indictment  tossed out because of the Supreme Courts July 1 decision.

It gave presidents considerable protection from prosecution.

Judge Juan Merchan presides over Donald Trumps trial in Manhattan (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

The ruling came about a month after a Manhattan jury found Mr Trump guilty of falsifying business records to conceal a deal to pay off porn actor Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 election.

At the time, she was considering going public with a story of a 2006 sexual encounter with Mr Trump, who says no such thing happened. He has denied any wrongdoing.

He was a private citizen when his lawyer paid Ms Daniels. But Mr Trump was president when the attorney was reimbursed. Prosecutors say those repayments were misleadingly logged simply as legal expenses in Mr Trumps company records.

The attorney, Michael Cohen, testified that he and the then-president discussed the repayment arrangement in the Oval Office.

Mr Trumps lawyers have argued that prosecutors rushed to trial instead of waiting for the Supreme Courts view on presidential immunity, and that the trial was tainted by evidence that should not have been allowed under the high courts ruling.

Judge Juan M Merchan plans to rule on the Trump attorneys request on September 6. He has set Mr Trumps sentencing for September 18, if such is still necessary after he reaches his conclusions about immunity.

The sentencing, which carries the potential for anything from probation to up to four years in prison, initially was set for mid-July.

But within hours of the Supreme Courts ruling, Mr Trumps team asked to delay the sentencing. Mr Merchan soon pushed the sentencing back to consider their immunity arguments.

Under the Supreme Courts decision, lower courts are largely the ones that will have to figure out what constitutes an official act.

Indeed, even the conservative justices responsible for the majority opinion differed about what is proper for jurors to hear about a presidents conduct.

In a separate concurring opinion, Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote that the Constitution does not require juries to be blinded to the circumstances surrounding conduct for which presidents can be held liable and suggested that it would needlessly hamstring a prosecutors case to prohibit any mention of an official act in question.

Before the Supreme Court ruling, Mr Trumps lawyers brought up presidential immunity in a failed bid last year to get the hush money case moved from state court to federal court.

Later, they tried to hold off the hush money trial until the Supreme Court ruled on his immunity claim, which arose from a separate prosecution  the Washington-based federal criminal case surrounding Trumps efforts to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss.

Mr Trumps lawyers never raised presidential immunity as a defence in the hush money trial, but they tried unsuccessfully to prevent prosecutors from showing the jury evidence from his time in office.
Donald Trump has unleashed a barrage of attacks against his likely new opponent Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her his new victim to defeat.

He also accused her of deceiving the public about President Joe Biden s ability to run for a second term.

The rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, marked the former presidents first public campaign event since Mr Biden dropped out of the 2024 election and Ms Harris became the Democrats likely nominee.

So now we have a new victim to defeat: Lyin Kamala Harris, Mr Trump said, labelling her the most incompetent and far left vice president in American history.

Mr Trump called her a radical left lunatic and called her crazy for her positions on abortion and on immigration. He also mispronounced her first name repeatedly.

Ms 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.

Mr Trump also accused her of being just as responsible for Me Bidens policies at the US-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, Mr Trump told supporters.

The former presidents stop in North Carolina shows he is 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 he is set to visit on Saturday.

Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at Ellington Airfield in Houston, Texas (Brendan Smialowski/Pool/AP)

Mr Trump has hedged on plans for an expected debate with Ms Harris, first saying that he wanted Fox News, not ABC, to host the event he had originally scheduled for September with Mr Biden.

On Tuesday, Mr Trump appeared to tweak that message again, saying on a call with reporters that he would like to debate the Vice President more than once but not committing to appearing at the debate currently on the books and saying he had only agreed to debate Mr Biden twice, not Ms Harris.

Ms Harris spent Wednesday in Indiana, telling members of an historically black sorority that we are not playing around and asked for their help in electing her president in November, characterising the election as a choice between two different visions for our nation, one focused on the future, the other focused on the past.

Mr Trumps Charlotte event was his second campaign rally since a July 13 assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Like the one scheduled for the weekend in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it was held in an indoor arena.
If Republic doesnt want 11bn from Apple, could we please have some of it?
We can forgive Kamala Harris for not pursuing her possible family link to an odious NI slave trader

US vice-president is unlikely to celebrate her link to Antrim-born slave owner Hamilton Brown

One of Kamala Harris' great-great-great-grandfathers hailed from Co Antrim, but genealogists might be wise to steer clear of the branch of this particular family tree.

Myles Dungan Thu 25 Jul 2024 at 14:58

You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? Kamala Harriss mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a distinguished research scientist, once asked her daughter, now the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for the US presidency.
Police trying to hold back a mass of student demonstrators on July 11, 2024.

Deadly clashes in Bangladesh last week highlighted frustration with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas 15-year hold on power.

It all began when university students started protesting a June decision by the High Court, which reinstated a divisive 30% quota in civil service jobs for descendants of fighters in the 1971 war for independence from Pakistan.

Resentment was high because the government was failing to provide enough employment opportunities in the country of 170 million people, especially for its burgeoning youth population.

Then, Hasina, on July 15, likened the protesters to collaborators with Pakistan in the 1971 war, which caused the students to erupt in fury -- even more came out on to the streets and the anti-quota movement spread to students nationwide.

Screenshot from netblocks.org

Below is a timeline of events that occurred mostly after the Bangladesh government shut down the internet when clashes turned deadly following Hasinas comments on the protests:

July 15: Agitation intensifies day after Hasina's statements; 300 people injured when protesters, ruling party supporters clash.



July 16: Violent confrontations increase after police sent to quell protests; at least six people killed, hundreds more injured.



July 17: Government slows internet bandwidth to a crawl; Hasina requests patience, vowing upcoming Supreme Court verdict will please students; still, protests continue, now also against deaths during clashes.



July 18: At least 19 more killed as country burns and bleeds; by now, Bangladesh witnessing deadliest unrest in over 10 years; reports emerge of near-total national internet shutdown.



Police fire teargas during a clash between anti-quota protesters, police and supporters of the ruling Awami League at the Rampura area in Dhaka, July 18, 2024. [Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters]

Smoke rises from vehicles set on fire near the Disaster Management Directorate office during the ongoing clashes over public service jobs quotas in Dhaka, July 18, 2024. [AFP]

July 19:

In violent week, worst day, as at least 67 killed; government imposes curfew with shoot-at-sight order; hackers declare [N]ot a protest anymore, its a war now, on PM Hasina's website.

Screenshot of the hacked Bangladesh Bank website, 11 a.m. ET, July 19, 2024. [BenarNews]

Demonstrators throw stones as they clash with police during the ongoing anti-quota protest in Dhaka, July 19, 2024. [Abu Sufian Jewel/AFP]

An injured man is treated at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital as violence continues across the country tied to anti-quota protests by students, July 19, 2024. [Sultan Mahmud Mukut/Reuters]

People walk past vehicles burned during unrest in Dhaka, July 19, 2024. [Munir Uz Zaman/AFP]

A burned government building is pictured on July 19, 2024, after agitators set it on fire during civil unrest in Bangladesh. [Munir Uz Zaman/AFP]

July 20: Students defy curfew; another 25 at least killed; death toll crosses 100.



Shahida Begum, aunt of a college student who was killed during the clash between police and anti-quota protesters, mourns at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in Dhaka on July 20, 2024. [Munir Uz Zaman / AFP]

A member of the Bangladesh Army checks bags of women during a curfew imposed in response to student-led protests against government job quotas, in Dhaka, July 20, 2024. [Mohammad Ponir Hossain / Reuters]

Bangladeshi soldiers patrol the streets to disperse anti-quota protesters in Dhaka on July 20, 2024. [Mahmud Zaman Ovi / AFP]

July 21: Supreme Court rules on an appeal; slashes quotas that began protests to 7% from 56%; yet, another 12 killed.



Police in Dhaka frisk commuters during a curfew imposed following days of anti-quota protests throughout Bangladesh, July 21, 2024. [Anik Rahman/AP]

A man carrying a suitcase and other bags talks to police are he remains on a street in Dhaka during a curfew imposed after days of protest throughout Bangladesh, July 21, 2024. [Mahmud Hossain Opu/AP]

Bangladesh police stand behind a barricade on a Dhaka street during the curfew tied to anti-quota protests, July 21, 2024. [Mahmud Hossain Opu/AP]

July 22: Curfew stems protests, leads to uneasy calm in Dhaka; internet still off; two succumb to earlier injuries; death toll now 138.



Sanjida Akter (right) waits in front of the mortuary of the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital to receive the corpse of her brother who was fatally shot during a clash in Dhaka three days earlier, July 22, 2024. [BenarNews]





A fire burns as a military vehicle approaches a road block set up by protesters in the Rampura area of Dhaka, July 20, 2024. [BenarNews]





Bangladeshis line up at a gas office to pay bills in Kawranbazar area in Dhaka, July 22, 2024. [BenarNews]

July 23: Top hospital treating at least 200 gunshot victims, it says; partial internet restored; more than 2,000 arrested; many opposition members thrown in jail.



An officer stands at the front of a police van transporting arrested people to a Dhaka court, July 23, 2024. [Abu Sufian Jewel/AFP]

During an internet blackout in Bangladesh, two men read newspapers pasted on a wall in Dhaka, July 23, 2024. [Rajib Dhar/AP]

Bangladesh police inspect a motorcyclists bag during a traffic stop in Dhaka on the fourth day of curfew imposed by the government, July 23, 2024. [Rajib Dhar/AP]

July 24: Semblance of normalcy returns; government says schools, colleges to stay shut until security deployed; university students continue protests on social media.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Rain likely. Low 39F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low 39F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
PITTSFIELD  If you're looking to fly into Pittsfield Municipal Airport on Saturday, you may want to reschedule your trip.

Vice President Kamala Harris planned visit to the city on Saturday for a political fundraiser has prompted notice of a temporary flight restriction that afternoon around and above the downtown and extending out over the airport.

The restriction, known as a TFR, will block all aircraft and drones from flying lower than 5,000 feet altitude within a radius of 5 nautical miles of downtown, according to an email sent Thursday morning to the local aviation community by Daniel Shearer, manager of Pittsfield Municipal Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration published the details of the restrictions on Thursday afternoon. They can be found at tinyurl.com/fhdjuesa.

The TFR is a security precaution, although Harris is not flying into Pittsfield, he added.

Medical police and military flights, as well as aircraft on specific flight plans with air traffic controllers, are exempt from the restriction, while transmitting a discrete squawk and communicating with ATC, Shearer wrote of radio communications.

He asked that pilots review the restriction, or TFR, once it is published for actual requirements/restrictions and share it so we can avoid anyone getting [a violation from the FAA] during this event.

The restriction will not close the airport, he said. According to the FAA, the restrictions start at 12:45 p.m. and end 5:45 p.m. on Saturday. But it's all subject to change, Shearer said.

"It's a ballpark," Shearer told The Eagle, emphasizing that the details could change last minute.

Harris visit for a star-studded, sold-out fundraising event has been a source of suspense ever since it was announced last week.

For security purposes, the exact location and time of the event have not been disclosed.

It was unclear whether Harris would attend after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race. But her attendance was confirmed on Tuesday by one of the organizers.

James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax are some of the luminaries attending. Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is one of the event's hosts. Tickets for the event ranged from $100 to $12,500.

In his email to pilots, Shearer said to take note that there will be other TFRs in the region before and after this event, which pilots should also make themselves aware of.

VIP flight restrictions in Pittsfield are rare, Shearer said. He also said he doesn't recall a history of high level politicians flying into the airport.

"The last VIP to fly into Pittsfield was [former Vice President] Dan Quayle," he said.
There is nothing we can say that will erase the pain of these losses, but there are things we all can do to prevent more pain for our loved ones and neighbors. We shouldn't need tragedy to remind us of the risks that bodies of water pose, but these are painful reminders nonetheless.
Vice President Harris had already planned to visit Pittsfield for a major Democratic fundraiser before she was her party's presumptive nominee. Now, though, she comes to the Berkshires as the party's new standard-bearer whose seemingly seamless ascendance into the role of presidential hopeful has given Democrats and anti-Trumpist independents an optimistic shot in the arm.
PITTSFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT

We followed the Pittsfield Fire Department's three new recruits in the department's 'Drill School'


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A businesswoman has failed in a High Court challenge to Irelands laws on drugs relating to the sale of products containing a small amount of the psychoactive ingredient of cannabis.

Denise Lynch, who since April 2021 operated the 'D Hemp Shop' at Market Street, Cootehill, Co Cavan, and a related online shop, had brought the challenge against the Minister for Health, the Garda Commissioner, the Government of Ireland and the State.

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She claimed that, provided that the quantity of the psychoactive ingredient - known as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) - in a product fell below a certain threshold, the product did not constitute a drug or narcotic for the purpose of EU law.

It meant that products containing less than 0.2pc THC constituted a conventional good subject to the principle of the free movement of goods under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, it was argued.

The respondents rejected her claims and opposed her challenge.

Ms Lynchs shop and home were searched by gardai in September 2021.

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A number of items were seized including CBD (cannabidiol) oils, hemp protein, CBD coffee, Hempture buds, massage oils and a product described as life serum. Some were returned while others were retained.

She was later charged with the unlawful possession of cannabis and cannabis resin and with the possession of cannabis and cannabis resin for sale or supply. Her case is pending before the District Court.

In the meantime, she brought her High Court challenge.

In a judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice Garrett Simons said similar arguments advanced by Ms Lynch had already been rejected by another High Court judge in another case (the Andrius Bogusas case) in November 2022.

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In relation to Ms Lynch's claim that the law interferes with her right to earn a livelihood, the grounds put forward were, the judge said, "makeweight grounds only.

No meaningful attempt has been made to substantiate these grounds on either the facts or the law". He dismissed her challenge.

Ms Lynch's solicitor, Ciaran Mullholland, said after the judgment that it is intended that there will be an appeal filed "in early course".

He said it is his side's view that there still needs to be clarification on the "discrepancies between EU and domestic law on the issue of hemp and THC levels".
A couple have appeared before Cork District Court charged in connection with an incident in Patrick Street in the city on Wednesday where French students in their early teens had a phone stolen whilst one of their teachers was allegedly assaulted.

The couple in their 20s, who cant be named for legal reasons, are charged with robbery at St Patricks Street in Cork on Wednesday. Sgt David Delea indicated that further more serious charges could follow.

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Detective Garda Conor Cronin gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He said that one of French students had her mobile phone stolen from her after a man and woman approached the group on the street at around 10.20pm on Wednesday.

It was claimed that the female believed one of the teenagers was laughing at her.

The female began shouting at her (one of the students) and grabbed her Samsung phone out of her hand putting her in fear.

He indicated that the female then tried to leave with the phone. She was stopped by one of the teachers who tried to get the phone back. The teacher and the woman fell to the ground during the dispute.

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Dt Garda Cronin said that the male teacher was struck up to ten times in the back and upper body with a screwdriver by the man.

The female then threw a coffee cup at the teacher striking him in the face. The male and female then left the area.

The court heard that the group of French students are in Ireland on a school tour. It is alleged that the male accused handed over the stolen Samsung phone to gardai on Thursday at a location in Cork.

Defence barrister, Alan ODwyer, said that the female defendant was willing to obey any and all conditions set down by the court.

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The woman was remanded on bail until September 26th next, when DPP directions are expected in the case. She was remanded on her own bond of 1,000 and ordered to obey a curfew from 11pm to 6am.

Judge Mary Dorgan also ordered the woman to sign on daily at her local garda station and to stay away from Cork city centre unless she has to attend for legal or medical appointments.

Mr ODwyer also represented the male defendant whom he said had stayed out of trouble for a period of three to four years. He applied for bail in the case and said that his client was the breadwinner in his household.

Mr ODwyer told Judge Dorgan that his client had fallen off the wagon in recent days. He said that the man was willing to sign on at his local in garda station twice daily and to obey a curfew from 6pm to 8am daily.

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He added that his client had pledged to stay out of Cork city centre other than to attend legal and medical appointments.

Ireland Sixth man convicted of murdering Thomas Dooley at... Read More

Sgt Delea objected to bail being granted to the man. He stated that even stringent bail conditions were not acceptable to the State in relation to the male accused.

Judge Dorgan remanded the man in custody, with consent to bail, to appear before the court again on July 30th next. She will revisit the question of identification when the man is next before Cork District Court.

The male defendant has to engage with addiction services in the interim. He has been ordered to produce evidence of clear supervised urine samples whilst he is on bail.

He also has to obey a curfew from 6pm to 8am daily, sign on daily at his local garda station and pay his own bond of 1,000.
The Fleadh Cheoil festival in Wexford will host an official Guinness World Record attempt for the most tin whistles played simultaneously.

The attempt will be made at 4pm on August 8th at Chadwicks Wexford Park. The record is currently set at 1,015 players.

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Catherine Roche, teacher for the ensemble of musicians says they have visitors from America, China, and Australia already registered to take part in the record.

The Wexford Fleah Cheoil executive committees chairperson, Eddie Taaffe, says they are delighted to partner with the Castlebridge Inspire Group to break the world record.

This event truly embodies what Fleadh Cheoil and Wexford are all about: people coming together, celebrating culture and making great things happen, he said.

The small town of Castlebridge in Co Wexford was the birthplace of Guinness World Records in 1951.

Sir Hugh Beaver, then managing director of Guiness Breweries, was on a shooting party by the River Slaney when a row started over which was the fastest game bird in Europe. It led to further debate over dinner that night at Castlebridge House and Beaver realised the opportunity to create a book that would settle similar arguments taking place nightly in pubs across Ireland and the UK.

The editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, Craig Glenday will be present to officially adjudicate the attempt on the day.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has been publicly challenged about requests from gardai for media organisations to hand over images from anti-migration public order incidents in Ireland.

In response to concerns that the move was putting photographers covering riots in danger, Mr Harris said it was his responsibility to investigate criminal actions and gather evidence.

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Recently, several news organisations, including the PA news agency, have received requests from gardai for images as part of investigatory efforts to identify perpetrators after violence flared in north Dublin.

Last week, gardai came under attack and fires were set several times at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock which has been earmarked as housing for asylum seekers.

A youngster throws a bottle towards Gardai officers during a stand-off with protesters at Coolock. Photo: Niall Carson/PA.

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The latest requests follow the gardas pursuit of court orders to seize images taken by media photographers during riots in Dublin last November.

Following a meeting of the Policing Authority on Thursday, Mr Harris was asked by the media about the policy of pursuing photographers images.

The commissioner said: My obligation is to thoroughly investigate actions which are criminal in their nature.

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I have a lawful and legal and legislative responsibility to do all I can to gain evidence.

Mr Harris said the Gardai would pursue the images by seeking permission or else gaining a court warrant.

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Challenged that this could lead to media organisations not covering public order situations, Mr Harris responded: It is my responsibility to investigate and to bring offenders to justice and that is through obtaining whatever evidence I can.

The scene on Parnell Street in Dublin city centre after violent scenes unfolded last November. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA.

The PA news agency was one of a number of outlets which was compelled to hand over pictures taken of the Dublin city centre disorder on November 23rd 2023 after investigating gardai secured an order from a Dublin District Court judge.

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PAs editor-in-chief, Pete Clifton, voiced strong objections and warned of the safety implications for members of the media covering such incidents if a perception is created that content they are capturing will subsequently be used as evidence in criminal justice proceedings.

The NUJ has also previously warned over the implications of media being made to hand over images.
A multi-agency search is due to resume this morning for a young boy reported missing at the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare.

The land, air and sea search has been underway since Tuesday afternoon, when its understood the boy became separated from his family, who are holidaying here from overseas.

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The Garda Water Unit, Coast Guard and RNLI have all been involved in the operation, with the assistance of the Rescue 115 helicopter - and a drone operated by Clare Civil Defence.

Watch officers at the Coast Guards marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry promptly mounted a search operation after being alerted.

On Thursday. the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard launched their Delta rigid inflatable boat while gardai responded to the area. Other members of the Doolin team also made their way by road to the cliff top where the boy was last scene.

The Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 115, was also tasked to the incident while the Aran Islands RNLI all-weather lifeboat was also requested to assist.

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It is understood that the helicopter crew spotted what is believed to be a body in the water at the base of the cliff and directed the Coast Guard boat to the area. The area was, however, inaccessible at the time with large waves breaking on the shoreline.

After the Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat arrived at the location they launched their Y-class inflatable boat and along with the Coast Guard boat crew carried out a risk assessment but determined it was still too dangerous to attempt a recovery operation. The search was called off for the evening.
The search will continue today for a young boy reported missing in the vicinity of the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare on Tuesday.

A land, air and sea search was mounted at around 2pm on Tuesday after the young boy, believed to be 12 years old, was reported missing by his family who are understood to be visiting from overseas.

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Its believed the boy had become separated from his family, who then tried to find him. When there was no sign of the child, they returned to the visitor centre and alerted staff there.

Gardai were alerted initially, while the Irish Coast Guard was also requested to mobilise resources to assist with a search.

Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guards marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry mounted a multi-agency operation involving the Doolin unit of the Coast Guard, the Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat and the Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter.

The search continued for several hours, including around the base of the cliffs, but conditions were not safe for personnel to reach the shoreline to carry out a more detailed survey. The search was called off on Tuesday evening but resumed on Wednesday morning.

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Doolin Coast Guard were joined by a drone team from Clare Civil Defence and divers from the Garda Water Unit. Rescue 115 also assisted during the afternoon.

Garda divers swam in towards the base of the cliff and carried out a comprehensive search. However, no trace of the boy was found.

The operation will resume later this morning with Coast Guard volunteers from Doolin continuing their clifftop search.

A drone team from Cleggan Coast Guard in Galway travelled to Clare to assist their Doolin colleagues.

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Clare Civil Defence will also deploy their drones and will be joined by volunteers from two Cork units of the service and another from Kerry. Members of Galway and Mayo Civil Defence will carry out searches of the Galway Bay coastline as part of the ongoing operation.

The drone teams will search the coastline as the tide recedes. A low-tide is expected at around 2.30pm. As winds yesterday were southerly in direction, the shoreline search will be extended northwards further along the Cliffs of Moher and up the coast from Doolin.

The chief operations officer with the Coast Guard, Kevin Whitney, has said that conditions are improving, which will assist with recovery efforts at the Cliffs of Moher this afternoon.

The search will continue from low water at the base of the cliffs involving coast guard units supplemented with the helicopter and drones.

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While conditions are improving the seas remain precarious, he told RTE radios News at One. The safety of all those involved in the search was why the coast guard was making use of drones as much as possible, he explained.

Search and recovery efforts are being concentrated on the area around the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre.

We're widening the search a little bit, and, we're using some drift modeling software to place our assets in the best position and to make sure that we're using the assets as best as possible.
A judge was justified in concluding that a childs constitutional rights were not properly considered by the Minister for Justice when she ordered for the fathers deportation following his assault conviction, the Supreme Court has ruled.

The five-judge court on Thursday dismissed an appeal against the High Courts decision to quash the Ministers refusal to revoke a deportation order issued five years ago for an Albanian national.

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In a lead judgment for the court, Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe set out the background to the case.

He said the man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, entered the State unlawfully in the mid-1990s and worked here without a work permit for years using an alias. He formed a relationship with an Irish woman. They had a son together in the 2000s and later married.

More than a decade ago, the man was sentenced to imprisonment for two firearm offences and assault causing harm more than a decade ago.

After committing the offences, but before conviction, he was granted permission to remain in Ireland for three years as a parent of an Irish citizen child.

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The Minister for Justice was not aware of any previous convictions for the man and made no further inquiry into the pending charges against him.

In 2017, while he was still in prison, there was a proposal to deport him pursuant to section 3 of the Immigration Act of 1999. After various engagements, the Minister made a deportation order in 2019 and, in July 2021, refused to revoke this order.

The man, his wife and their child turned to the High Court, which overturned the Ministers refusal to quash the deportation order.

In the Supreme Court decision, Mr Justice Woulfe said the High Courts Ms Justice Siobhan Phelan ruled correctly and the Ministers appeal should be dismissed.

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Child's right as Irish citizen

He said she was right to consider the childs natural and imprescriptible rights under article 42A of the Constitution even though the family did not invoke the article in their grounding documentation to the court. Mr Justice Woulfe said the childs rights and best interests were clearly live issues at all times in the deportation process before the Minister and the judicial review case.

He held that the interests of an Irish citizen child is a primary or important consideration, which does not necessarily dictate the outcome as some deportation cases may contain other important considerations that must be weighed.

Mr Justice Woulfe said the High Court had ample justification for concluding the Minister failed to consider the childs best interests in deciding to refuse to revoke the deportation order.

Mr Justice Maurice Collins delivered a concurring decision, in which he noted the Irish citizen wife and child did not render the man immune from deportation. However, where there are very real and close bonds between him and his family, especially his son, the proposed separation of the family unit is a significant factor to which the Minister must have appropriate regard.

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He said the childs best interests must be given significant weight but these do not give a de facto presumption or default rule against deportation where that would be contrary to the best interests of a child.

Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly agreed with Mr Justice Collinss judgment and, with Mr Justice Gerard Hogan, also agreed with Mr Justice Woulfes.
Thursday's front pages focus on a range of stories from the abolition of juries for High Court defamation actions being considered to a postmistress suing An Post after being a victim of a tiger kidnapping.

The Irish Times report the abolition of juries for High Court defamation actions is included in proposals due to go before the Oireachtas in the autumn.

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The Irish Examiner reports that 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.

The Echo leads with comments from housing charity Threshold, who says that 800 people in Cork are at risk of entering homelessness.

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In the UK, a British army officer stabbed near barracks in Kent has led coverage across Thursdays newspapers.

The Daily Mirror and Daily Express both lead with the alleged attack and the arrest of a 24-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.

DAILY EXPRESS: "Senior Army Officer Stabbed Outside Barracks"#CiaranMcGrath leads @Daily_Express.

IN FULL: https://t.co/P5uQuhhL8i

The dramatic moment alleged masked moped knifeman" was arrested over the stabbing of an Army Officer.#DailyExpress#IBPapers#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/RkHpfcS2lQ  ANDY GIBSON / InformingBritain.com on  (@AndyGibsonTV) July 24, 2024

The Times front page reports the senior officer is fighting for his life after being stabbed in an unprovoked attack.

Another headline reveals Labours offshore wind turbine plans.

Thursday's TIMES: Labour plans thousands of offshore wind turbines#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/9w5PWJbqnS  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 24, 2024

The Daily Star details a shark sighting in the River Thames.

Thursday's DAILY STAR: Jaws swims up the Thames#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/97cBAL8Qzi  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 24, 2024

The Daily Mails front page laments a Treasury decision to halt plans to mint 1p or 2p coins in the coming years.

Thursday's DAILY MAIL: Is this the end for our copper coins?#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/Zvn0BA79Eo  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 24, 2024

Metro leads with a man arrested over a crash that killed six people and left a young girl orphaned.

In political news, The Guardian reports the UK is among countries looking to award new oil and gas licences that could release up to 12 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Thursday's GUARDIAN: Revealed: rich western countries lead global gas and oil expansion#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/E3cTbVRwGs  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 24, 2024

Tom Tugendhat announces he is willing to leave the European Convention of Human Rights if he becomes Tory leader, The Telegraph reports.

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



'Tugendhat: I'm ready to leave the ECHR'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4OoUh6 pic.twitter.com/rYWyySl9Jv  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) July 24, 2024

The i splashes on Jeremy Corbyns plans to build a group of independent MPs, including Labour politicians, suspended on Tuesday, to put pressure on Keir Starmer.

The Financial Times reports US tech firms saw stock prices slide after lacklustre overnight results.
A Dublin taxi driver who was jailed earlier this week for 13 years for the rape of a young girl, has been told he will spend an additional 17 years in prison for the separate rapes of two other women.

Raymond Shorten (50), was jailed on Monday for 13 years following his conviction in May of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl in 2012.

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On Thursday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott handed Shorten a combined sentence of 17 years in relation to his 2022 offences, which will run consecutive to the sentence imposed on Monday, meaning that Shorten faces a global sentence for his sexual offending of 30 years.

The judge said Shorten had exhibited no regret or remorse and was completely unrepentant for the damage, both physical and mental, caused to the two victims in this case.

Mr Justice McDermott noted that Shorten had gone on in knowledge that he committed rape offences against a child to identify two further victims and repeat his offence without compunction or hesitation.

He said he took into account the few mitigating features but added that the court must take into account the repeated nature of the sexual offending.

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Ireland Taxi driver Raymond Shorten jailed for raping girl... Read More

Shorten, of Melrose Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, was separately convicted at the Central Criminal Court in June of the rape and anal rape of a 19-year-old woman on June 26, 2022 and the rape of another woman, then aged 20, a couple of months later on August 9th.

The court previously heard that the two young women in this case had separately found themselves in a taxi after a night out socialising and drinking in Dublin city centre, where Shorten raped them.

Shorten denies any wrongdoing and does not accept responsibility for the offending. He has been in custody since August 2022.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
President Joe Biden has said in an Oval Office address that he dropped his bid for re-election and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris because the defence of democracy is more important than any title.

The address offered the public their first chance to hear directly from Mr Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 presidential race after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on former president Donald Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to the nations democracy.

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It also gave Mr Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his only term in office.

The defence of democracy is more important than any title, Mr Biden said. Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition.

I revere this office, but I love my country more.





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The great thing about America is that here, kings and dictators do not rule.



The people do.



History is in your hands.



The power is in your hands.



The idea of America lies in your hands.  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 25, 2024

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Mr Bidens candidacy faced a crisis of confidence from Democrats after his debate against Mr Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessors attacks.

It sparked a mutiny within his party over not just whether he was capable of beating Mr Trump in November, but also whether at 81, he was still fit for the high-pressure job.

Mr Biden tried to outlast the scepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to step aside only mounted from the partys political elites and from ordinary voters.

On Sunday afternoon, while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with Covid-19, Mr Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed by an endorsement of Ms Harris.

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I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation, Mr Biden said, saying he wanted to make room for fresh voices, yes, younger voices.

He added: That is the best way to unite our nation.

Mr Biden pledged to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on January 20 2025, saying he would work to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, fight to boost government support to cure cancer and call for Supreme Court reform.

The president was hoping to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Mr Biden and Ms Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office and never mentioned Mr Trump by name.

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Vice President Kamala Harris (Darron Cummings/AP)

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule, Mr Biden said. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America  lies in your hands.

Mr Biden was also looking to make the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad.

The way history will remember his time in office and his historic decision to step aside is intertwined with Ms Harris electoral result in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.

His advisers say he intends to hold campaign events and fundraisers benefiting Ms Harris, albeit at a far slower pace than if he had remained on the ballot himself.

Ms Harriss advisers will ultimately have to decide how to deploy the president, whose popularity sagged as voters in both parties questioned his fitness for office.

Mr Biden, aides say, knows that if Ms Harris loses, he will be criticised for staying in the race too long and not giving her or another Democrat time to effectively mount a campaign against Mr Trump.

If she wins, she will ensure his policy victories are secured and expanded, and he will be remembered for a Washingtonian decision to step aside for the next generation of leadership.
Vice president Kamala Harris has told reporters that she is ready to debate Donald Trump.

She accused him of back-pedalling away from a previous agreement for a debate hosted by ABC News on September 10.

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I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on the debate stage, she said after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a trip to Indiana and Texas.



Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (Alex Brandon/AP)

The September 10 debate was one of two debates that President Joe Biden and Mr Trump had agreed on.

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The first one was hosted by CNN on June 27, but Mr Biden has since dropped out of the race and endorsed Ms Harris as his successor.

Mr Trump has said he would prefer to shift the debate to Fox News, but he would be willing to face off with Ms Harris more than once.

Ms Harris did not respond to a question about having Fox News host a debate.

Alex Conant, a Republican consultant, said the debate could be decisive.

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Its the only time voters really tune in, he said.

This years campaign has already shown the potential power of a debate.

Mr Bidens disastrous performance on June 27 revived concerns that he was too old for a second term.

His support within the Democratic Party crumbled, and he ended his re-election bid on Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to make a long-awaited White House visit to meet with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at an important moment for all three politicians.

Mr Netanyahus White House visit on Thursday, his first since before President Donald Trump left office in 2020, comes at a time of growing pressure on all three to find an endgame to the nine-month war that has left more than 39,000 dead in Gaza.

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Dozens of Israeli hostages and the remains of others who have died are also still languishing in Hamas captivity.



US Capitol police watch demonstrators marching outside of the US Capitol as they protest the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Capitol Hill (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Mr Biden is pressing to get Israel and Hamas to seal his proposal to release remaining hostages in Gaza over three phases  something that would be a legacy-affirming achievement for the 81-year-old Democrat, who abandoned his re-election bid and endorsed Ms Harris.

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It could also be a boon for Ms Harris in her bid to succeed him.

White House officials say that the negotiations are in the closing stages but there are issues that need to be resolved.

Following their midday talks, Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu will meet the families of American hostages.

Ms Harris, who will meet separately with Mr Netanyahu later, is trying to demonstrate that she has the mettle to serve as commander in chief.

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She is also being scrutinised by those on the political left who say Mr Biden has not done enough to force Mr Netanyahu to end the war and by Republicans looking to brand her as insufficient in her support for Israel.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a joint meeting of Congress at the Capitol in Washington (Julia Nikhinson/AP)

A senior administration official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said there is no daylight between the president and vice president on Israel.

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Ms Harris last one-on-one engagement with Mr Netanyahu was in March 2021, but she has taken part in more than 20 calls between Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu.

Mr Netanyahu, meanwhile, is trying to navigate his own delicate political moment.

He faces pressure from the families of hostages demanding a ceasefire agreement to bring their loved ones home and from far-right members of his governing coalition who demand he resist any deal that could keep Israeli forces from eliminating Hamas.

Mr Netanyahu, in a fiery address before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, offered a robust defence of Israels conduct during the war and lashed out against accusations by the International Criminal Court of Israeli war crimes.

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He made the case that Israel, in its fight against Iran-backed Hamas, was effectively keeping Americans boots off the ground while protecting our shared interests in the Middle East.

The Israeli leader spent scant time discussing the ongoing negotiations.

Remember this: Our enemies are your enemies, Mr Netanyahu told American legislators. Our fight, its your fight. And our victory will be your victory.

Mr Netanyahu used his speech to praise Mr Biden for his administrations support in the aftermath of the October 7 attack on Israel.

But he also went out of his way to note action that Donald Trump during his four years in office took that benefited Israel, including recognising Israels sovereignty over the Golan Heights, confronting Irans aggression and moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has met President Bashar Assad of Syria at the Kremlin.

President Putin told Mr Assad he was concerned that tensions are rising in the Middle East, but neither leader provided further details on their talks.

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Moscow has waged a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Mr Assads government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country.



Bashar Assad, left, speaks with Vladimir Putin (Valery Sharifulin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo/AP)

While Russia now concentrates the bulk of its military resources in Ukraine, it has maintained a foothold in Syria and keeps troops at its bases there.

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Video distributed by the Kremlin press service on Thursday showed the Russian president saying to Mr Assad: I am very interested in your opinion on how the situation in the region as a whole is developing.

Unfortunately, there is a tendency towards escalation, we can see that. This also applies directly to Syria.

The Kremlin said the meeting took place on Wednesday.

The two men last met in March 2023 at the Kremlin on the anniversary of Syrias 12-year uprising-turned-civil war.

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At that meeting, Mr Putin emphasised the Russian militarys role in stabilising the country.

Considering all the events that are taking place in the world as a whole and in the Eurasian region today, our meeting today seems very important, Mr Assad told Mr Putin through a Russian translator.

The Kremlin did not provide details on the talks but one potential point of discussion was around Syria and Turkey restoring diplomatic relations.



The meeting was held in the Kremlin (Valery Sharifulin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo/AP)

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Moscow is one of the strongest backers of Mr Assads government but also has close ties with Turkey and has been pushing for renewed relations.

Turkey and Syria cut ties in 2011 as mass anti-government protests and a brutal crackdown by security forces in Syria spiralled into the still-ongoing civil war.

Ankara backed Syrian insurgent groups seeking to overthrow Mr Assad and still maintains forces in the opposition-held north west, angering Damascus.

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In December 2022, the Turkish, Syrian and Russian defence ministers held talks in Moscow, the first ministerial-level meeting between Turkey and Syria since 2011. Russia also brokered meetings between Syrian and Turkish officials last year.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Mr Assad recently signalled they were interested in restoring diplomatic ties.

Last week, a Turkish newspaper reported that Mr Erdogan would meet Mr Assad in Moscow in August, but Turkish officials denied the report, saying it did not reflect the truth.

Earlier this month, Mr Erdogan said he had called on Mr Assad to visit Turkey or to meet in a third country.

Speaking to reporters on July 15, Mr Assad said that for relations to return to normal, Turkey would have to withdraw its troops from northern Syria and stop backing insurgent groups that Damascus describes as terrorists.
A Christian maths teacher in England who was struck off after he misgendered a pupil has lost a UK High Court appeal against a decision to ban him from the profession.

Joshua Sutcliffe sought to challenge a May 2023 prohibition order issued after a regulator found him guilty of unacceptable professional conduct while working at The Cherwell School in Oxford between 2015 and 2018.

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Mr Sutcliffes lawyers argued the order was an unjustified interference with his rights to freedom of speech and religion.

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But the UK government said the banned teacher had failed to distinguish between his role as a teacher and his activities as a preacher.

In a written ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice Pepperall dismissed the appeal, concluding that Mr Sutcliffe fails to understand or accept the harm that he caused vulnerable children in his class.

The judge said there was no merit in arguments that the banned teachers human rights had been interfered with.

He said Mr Sutcliffe did not accept that his right to manifest and express his religious convictions might have to be balanced against his professional duties to treat children with dignity and respect and to safeguard their wellbeing.

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After the judgment, Mr Sutcliffe claimed: With this ruling every teacher is at risk if they share their beliefs and views in the classroom.

A UK Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel previously concluded that Mr Sutcliffe did not treat a transgender student with dignity and respect by failing to use his preferred pronoun in class and while appearing on ITVs This Morning.

Joshua Sutcliffe failed to distinguish between his role as a teacher and his activities as a preacher, the court was told (Belgi Alidor/PA)

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It also found Mr Sutcliffe failed to safeguard pupils wellbeing when saying God had stopped a person from being gay because it was wrong.

The panel also concluded he did not provide a balanced view to a video played in form class about men being not masculine enough while at St Aloysius College in Islington, north London, in 2018.

The judge said in his 24-page ruling: This case is not about a teacher who accidentally failed to follow a schools policy of referring to a transgender pupil by the childs chosen pronouns or even about a teacher who reconciled his religious convictions with such policy by choosing to avoid pronouns altogether and referring to the child by name.

Rather, it is about a teacher who deliberately used female pronouns to refer to a transgender male pupil both in the classroom and then on national television in such a way that he would be outed without any apparent regard for a vulnerable child who was thereby caused significant distress.

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Further, it is about a teacher who told his class that homosexuality is a sin and implied that homosexuals might be cured through God without any apparent regard for the gay and lesbian children in his class and who made them feel that their teacher regarded them as worthless.

At a hearing in London in May, Mr Sutcliffes lawyers argued the decision to ban him, which may be reviewed after two years, was unsafe and included perverse findings.

They told the court that there is no legal requirement to use preferred pronouns and that Mr Sutcliffe had a right not to believe gender identity belief.

The Department for Education, which accepted the TRAs recommendation to ban Mr Sutcliffe, opposed the appeal bid, arguing it has been brought too late and had no merit.

Mr Sutcliffe had shown a repeated disregard for the well-being of pupils, the judge heard, and when appearing on national TV had outed a vulnerable student to others at the Oxford school.

The banned teachers level of insight and remorse was at best limited, with the panel being entitled to find that there was a serious risk of the appellant repeating the same type of misconduct, the court was told.

Mr Sutcliffe said: I still stand by my Christian convictions that it is harmful and detrimental to affirm gender-confused children.

This is the belief I am fighting for which is shared by not only Christians but many who do not believe in harmful transgender ideology.

I have been a marked man ever since I dared to express my Christian beliefs in a school and tell the media about how I was punished for doing so.

He added: The TRA wanted me to capitulate and say that I was wrong. I have been severely punished for refusing to do so. Despite this set back, I will continue to fight for justice and to get my career back.
Ukraines president has announced that authorities have detained an 18-year-old suspect over the shooting death of a former legislator who was an advocate for the use of the Ukrainian language instead of Russian.

Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that the suspect in the killing of Iryna Farion, 60, was detained in Dnipro, hundreds of miles to the east.

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Ms Farion was gunned down in the street in broad daylight last Friday in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Police said the incident was being treated as an assassination.



Crowds surround the coffin of Iryna Farion during a funeral ceremony in Lviv (Mykola Tys/AP)

The detention operation was very difficult, Mr Zelensky said. Over recent days, hundreds of specialists of the National Police of Ukraine, SBU (security service) and other services worked on solving the murder.

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Ms Farions death shocked Ukraine, and several thousand mourners attended her funeral in Lviv.

She was a member of the Ukrainian parliament between 2012 and 2014, and was best known for campaigns to promote the use of the Ukrainian language by officials who spoke Russian.

Russian speakers are common in eastern parts of Ukraine, by the border with Russia, and some long-serving officials speak Russian after years of Soviet rule.



A makeshift memorial in tribute to Iryna Farion in Lviv (Mykola Tys/AP)

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Meanwhile, debris from what is believed to have been a Russian drone has landed in a rural area of Romania, the countrys Defence Ministry said on Thursday, in the latest apparent incident of drone wreckage from the war in neighbouring Ukraine falling on to the Nato members soil.

Since the war started in February 2022, Romania has confirmed drone fragments on its territory on several occasions.

The latest debris was found after Russian attacks on Ukraines port infrastructure near the border.

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A statement said the fragments were discovered by a team of specialists in an uninhabited area near the village of Plauru in Tulcea county, which is across the Danube River from the Ukrainian port of Izmail.

The discovery came after Russia carried out overnight attacks on civilian targets and port infrastructure in Ukraine over the past two nights, the ministry said.

Those assaults prompted Romania to deploy warplanes to monitor its air space.

The ministry condemned the Russian attacks, calling them unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law.

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Romanias emergency authorities issued text alerts both nights to residents living in Tulcea, and Nato allies were kept informed, the ministry said.
Donald Trump has unleashed a barrage of attacks against his likely new opponent Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her his new victim to defeat.

He also accused her of deceiving the public about President Joe Biden s ability to run for a second term.

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The rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, marked the former presidents first public campaign event since Mr Biden dropped out of the 2024 election and Ms Harris became the Democrats likely nominee.



Former president Donald Trump speaks in Charlotte (Matt Kelley/AP)

So now we have a new victim to defeat: Lyin Kamala Harris, Mr Trump said, labelling her the most incompetent and far left vice president in American history.

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Mr Trump called her a radical left lunatic and called her crazy for her positions on abortion and on immigration. He also mispronounced her first name repeatedly.

Ms 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.

Mr Trump also accused her of being just as responsible for Me Bidens policies at the US-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, Mr Trump told supporters.

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The former presidents stop in North Carolina shows he is 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 he is set to visit on Saturday.



Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at Ellington Airfield in Houston, Texas (Brendan Smialowski/Pool/AP)

Mr Trump has hedged on plans for an expected debate with Ms Harris, first saying that he wanted Fox News, not ABC, to host the event he had originally scheduled for September with Mr Biden.

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On Tuesday, Mr Trump appeared to tweak that message again, saying on a call with reporters that he would like to debate the Vice President more than once but not committing to appearing at the debate currently on the books and saying he had only agreed to debate Mr Biden twice, not Ms Harris.

Ms Harris spent Wednesday in Indiana, telling members of an historically black sorority that we are not playing around and asked for their help in electing her president in November, characterising the election as a choice between two different visions for our nation, one focused on the future, the other focused on the past.

Mr Trumps Charlotte event was his second campaign rally since a July 13 assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Like the one scheduled for the weekend in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it was held in an indoor arena.
She accused the gallery of a grossly unfair depiction of a prominent figure in Australian society that only serves to perpetuate stereotypes and undermine the achievements of Rinehart. Mitzevich was so concerned about the mounting complaints that he warned Burkes office they could be raised in parliament by Dutton. Loading I have responded to the complaints, however, felt I should elevate this to you in case these matters are raised by the leader of the opposition (who is close to Mrs Rinehart), so the minister can be prepared, Mitzevich wrote. Dutton did not raise Rineharts response in parliament, but he has had a long association with the mining magnate, whom he has called a dear friend and great Australian.

In November, Dutton took a private jet to sit next to Rinehart as her star guest at her party at Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. In March, he flew to Perth for Rineharts 70th birthday party. Then in June, Rinehart hosted two private political fundraisers for the opposition leader, The Australian Financial Review reported last week. By May 2, more than 26 emails had been exchanged about the furore, according to the FOI documents. At least three complainants wrote in near exact terms that they and thousands of others would not be where they were today if not for Rineharts generous contributions out of the kindness of her heart. Australian swimmer Kyle Chalmers. Credit: Getty Images Another complaint said the portraits should be taken down and redone immediately.

Mrs Rinehart is one of the humblest, caring, down to earth people I have had the pleasure of spending time with, wrote another. One demanded the insult be met with a formal written apology from the NGA expressing regret for the disrespectful portrayal. Another described the works as tawdry commercialism at best, cheap shots, resonating from a platform of ignorance. In my opinion, this artwork should be removed and replaced with a portrait celebrating her and all she has done and continues to do for Australia, one supporter said. The contents of Rineharts original complaint have not been released, and all but one name of the complainants has been withheld, but they include elite Australian swimmers competing at the Olympics. Rinehart is expected to appear poolside in Paris this weekend. The Australia in Colour exhibition including a Vincent Namatjira painting of Gina Rinehart. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Rinehart has paid more than $40 million in sponsorship to Australian swimmers through Swimming Queensland and her companys Hancock Prospecting Swimmer Support Scheme. Olympic gold medallist Kyle Chalmers and Kevin Hasemann, one of the top officials in Australian swimming, have previously confirmed their part in leading the charge against the Namatjira portraits. Credit: Matt Golding Mrs Rinehart has proven herself to be a great Australian, and we respectfully urge you to reconsider the inclusion of these portraits in your galleries, Hasemann wrote on May 2. Namatjiras exhibition, which closed last Saturday, also included satirical portraits of Queen Elizabeth, AFL star Adam Goodes and former prime minister Julia Gillard. The Indigenous artist and Archibald Prize winner is known for his rawness and sardonic treatment of subjects.

Mitzevich quoted Namatjira in his response to complainants informing them that the gallery would not be removing the paintings. Whether youre a mining magnate, sportsperson, politician, musician, whatever  we are all equal here, Namatjira wrote of the exhibition. In the NGAs defence, Mitzevich said the National Gallerys remit was to be a reference point for art and art history. Since 1973, when the National Gallery acquired Jackson Pollocks Blue poles, there has been a dynamic discussion on the artistic merits of works in the national collection, and/or on display at the gallery, he said.
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Eating outFood Brisbanes most exciting cafe openings of 2024 (so far) From a fabulous full-service New Farm cafe and sando-slinging Japanese-inspired spot, to an Italian bakery in a classic heritage precinct, heres what to check out. Matt Shea 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

There was once a time when everyone and their mum wanted to open a classic Brisbane breakfast cafe. Not so much anymore. These days, its all about more specialised offerings, whether thats expressed in the cuisine or the narrower focus of what a venue is serving. Yes, theres a (very good) breakfast cafe listed below that serves a long menu of traditional brunch variations. But just one. A Cafe Called Kevin opened in New Farm in late January. Markus Ravik The rest are cafes that drill down on a particular style of food  Japanese, say, or Korean  or even more specialised joints such as bakeries and coffee spots. Heres what has caught our eye so far this year.

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A Cafe Called Kevin, New Farm A Cafe Called Kevin in January in the character-listed former digs of The Brunswick Project opposite New Farms Five Star Cinemas. A Cafe Called Kevin has been an enormous hit with New Farm locals. Markus Ravik There has been a lengthy fit-out process and the addition of a white picket fence, but the building has retained its eye-catching red-tin roof and expansive deck, both completely refurbished after extensive fire damage in 2019. In the window is Kevins charming hand-painted and gold-leaf-gilded branding, courtesy of Bowen Hills Barker Signs.

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A rare and precious cafe opens in a restored New Farm Queenslander For food, you can order dishes such as avocado, pink beetroot labneh, shaved heirloom carrots, cherry tomatoes and zaatar oil on rye; a chorizo chilli scramble on sourdough; and truffled mushrooms with poached eggs on rye. Theres also a breakfast burger, and a bubble-and-squeak variation on an eggs Benedict with salmon and a thousand island hollandaise. A Cafe Called Kevin serves upscale variations on traditional breakfasts in a beautiful, character-listed New Farm space. Markus Ravik For drinks, A Cafe Called Kevin keeps it simple with specialty coffee by Dibs, co-owner Sam Holmans rebranded coffee business (previously The Black Lab, which he co-owns with Eli Rami), backed by a menu of fresh juices and smoothies.

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Cerin Pasticceria, Woolloongabba In late May, Giuseppe Caputo and Matteo Cerin opened Cerin Pasticceria together in the Woolloongabba premises previously occupied by The Bakers Arms. There have been queues out the door ever since. Cerins Italian baked goods have been a hit with locals since the pasticceria opened in late May. Markus Ravik Cerin Pasticceria sets itself apart from the stacks of other bakeries that have sprouted since the pandemic by focusing on Italian pastries and sandwiches. Arrive at Cerin in the morning and the cabinets are stacked full of pasticcini (small Italian treats). You might find passionfruit or pistachio crostatina, salted caramel or chocolate bigne (cream puffs), mini rhum baba, cannoli, and mini tarts topped with custard and seasonal fruit.

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Gabba locals line up for new bakerys slick Italian treats Larger items include vanilla and Nutella bombalone; plain, pistachio or vanilla cornetti; maritozzo (brioche buns piped full of whipped cream); and Danishes topped with seasonal fruit, or smoked pancetta, carbonara cream and shaved parmesan. Later in the day, Caputo and Cerin serve four savoury focaccia  margherita with fresh bocconcini; porchetta with potato and rosemary; mortadella with stracciatella; and roasted veggies with provola  which all come with the requisite, satisfying crunch when toasted. Cerin Pasticceria occupies the premises previously housing The Bakers Arms on Logan Road. Markus Ravik The shop itself is a lovely, light-filled switch-up from the relatively grungy vibes of The Bakers Arms. Taking pride of place is an enormous marble counter that displays the baked goods. Beyond, through a window, you can spy Cerin and his pastry chefs working in the temperature-controlled room preparing the cornetti.

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Doughcraft, CBD Simone Presta, Steven Chevalier and Salvatore Compagnone opened a new outlet of their cult Albion bakery, Doughcraft, in the smart Mary Street space formerly occupied by Leonards Bar & Bistro, which closed in late 2023. Doughcraft has opened a new bakery in the CBD. Markus Ravik Inside, it still looks like Leonards. There are still the mosiac tile floors, the curtains and timber of the dining room, and the exposed brick walls. All the furniture is the same, and it still has the same lovely soft light coming in off Mary Street. But the bar now does duty as a pastry and coffee counter, and Chevalier, Compagnone and Presta have hung new art on the walls. A fetching display has taken the place of the old window-side dining spots; it lets passers-by know this is very much now a bakery.

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Cult French-Italian bakery takes over beautiful CBD restaurant space Mornings are dedicated to the flaky pastries and crusty bread that has made Doughcraft so popular in Albion. There are decadent Danishes crammed full of whipped cream, vanilla and custard; pain au chocolat; apple compote turnovers and creme brulee croissant tarts. For bread, there are baguettes and loaves of sourdough, as well as a range of smaller focaccia to snack on. Whats new for the CBD begins with a menu of panini sandwiches designed for lunchtime. You might order the Veronica (mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio crumble), the Adele (prosciutto, pesto, mozzarella, tomato, rocket), the Daniela (porchetta, nduja, capsicum, stracciatella) or the Viviana (eggplant, artichoke, capsicum, feta, pepitas). Doughcrafts decadent Danishes are present and correct. Markus Ravik From 3pm on Thursday and Friday an aperitivo menu takes over, with cheese and charcuterie available, along with beer and a short list of sparkling, white and red wine. Theres also a cocktail menu that features a cosmopolitan, a margarita, a mojito, and three variations each on a negroni and a spritz, including a negroni sbagliato, which subs in prosecco for gin. Presta says the bar staff are happy to stir other classic cocktails, too.

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Buttery Boy, Fortitude Valley Vince Moefaauo (formerly Halo Ground) opened this 30-seater in April in Chinatown Mall opposite the TC Beirne building. Buttery Boy in Fortitude Valley. Markus Ravik The cafe has been fitted out with marble counter and table tops, a padded timber banquette, and large picnic tables outside in the mall. The food menu revolves around a bunch of pancakes that the venue has named butterycakes (a cross between a souffle pancake and an orange-blossom hotcake).

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You can order a classic butterycake with housemate honeycomb, blackberry or maple butter; or a specialty butterycake, with variations including the Nutella Bombe Alaska (Filled Nutella, doughnut glaze, Nutella ice cream and torched meringue), the Pavlova (Lemon curd, passion fruit and vanilla cream) and the SMore (torched marshmallow, Lindt chocolate and Graham crackers). Buttery Boys pancake menu has been drawing diners from across Brisbane. Markus Ravik There are also a couple of egg-breakfast options, an eggs Benedict variation called the Big Ben (which you can have with either salmon, ham, bacon or buttermilk chicken), and a trio of burgers. For drinks, theres Coffee Supreme coffee, boujee hot chocolates and turmeric lattes. Supernova, Fortitude Valley

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Keeping things simple is at the heart of Supernova, brothers Tze-Huei and Chewie Choos (who also co-own James & Antler and Mitch & Antler) new Japanese vinyl cafe, which they unveiled in June. Supernovas precisely made katsu sandos. Markus Ravik Supernova specialises in katsu sandos and soba. The sandos come with either chicken, pork, spicy tuna, egg or black Angus beef. All are made with lightly toasted Japanese-style milk bread and house-made barbecue sauce, and are accompanied by a barbecue dipping sauce and pickled ginger. The only nod to fanciness is a Mother and Daughter sandwich, which matches chicken katsu with soft egg mayo, and the push-the-boat-out SUPER-Nova Sando, which packs in Tajima A4 wagyu striploin, a house-made barbecue miso demi glaze, caviar and gold leaf, for a not insubstantial $75.

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Diners queuing out the door for sandos at this Japanese vinyl cafe The soba menu keeps it similarly straightforward, with different proteins  wagyu sirloin tataki, tuna sashimi, crispy-skin barramundi and tempura vegetables  matched to different broths. Away from sandos and soba theres a short breakfast menu that includes pan-fried potato mochi served with aged cheddar sauce and hot-honey-soy boiled eggs; an English muffin with a smashed beef patty, soft folded eggs, hash brown, cheddar and sweet barbeque sauce; and tamagoyaki with milk bread, aged cheddar sauce and hot miso honey. Supernova opened in June just off James Street. Markus Ravik Cabinet items include flat croissants, Japanese-style curry bread (beef curry encased in dough thats then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried), and a strawberry cake canned in the cafe using an automated canning machine from China.

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For drinks theres specialty coffee by Providore & Cos Kasa Coffee, matcha and hojicha (including iced matcha and hojicha lattes), and Wild 1 juices. A boozy brunch menu will launch in August. Snug, Coorparoo Seasoned chefs Leaham Claydon and Jianne Jeoung opened this charming Korean-inspired cafe in March in a pocket-sized former trophy shop in Coorparoo. Snug occupies a cosy former trophy shop in Coorparoo. Tammy Law Snug serves St Ali coffee and a selection of pastries baked by the Gold Coasts Brasserie Bread.

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On the food menu proper youll find dishes such as a scrambled egg drop milk bread, omurice with prawns and a skiitake lemon mentsuyu sauce, and a duck leg terrine ssam with a whole roasted mandarin gochujan. There are also be house-baked soft pretzels. Teeny Korean-inspired cafe opens from pair of Greca and Yoko veterans Snug occupies a fetching green tenancy just off Chatsworth Road. A straightforward fit-out  mostly handled by Claydon and Jeoung themselves  is dominated by a spacious dining counter built out of red-stained Tasmanian blackbutt that runs the length of the venue. Benches line the walls, the prime spot at the bifold windows that look out upon the surrounding houses and apartment blocks. Snug will eventually open late, serving wine and a short menu of Korean-inspired plates. Tammy Law

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Expect it to begin opening late with a wine bar menu in late September or early October. Tobys Estate, Newstead Tobys Estate opened its new flagship Brisbane cafe in May in Newstead in the corner tenancy previously occupied by Newstead Organics. Tobys Estate new Brisbane flagship cafe in Newstead. Markus Ravik Melbourne architects Russell & George have lended the cafe a fit-out of original brick, ply and vinyl, with much of the seating arranged in a semicircle around a coffee bar that features espresso and filter brews, and also a training area

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An extensive coffee menu includes the Tobys Estates limited edition Flavour Savour blends, and also features a rotating selection of single origins. Besides coffee, Tobys Estate serves a short menu of breakfast items alongside grab-and-go pastries. Markus Ravik For food, theres a light breakfast menu that includes dishes such as heirloom tomatoes and avocado on toast, sauteed mushrooms with a runny fried egg, and a house granola. There are also pastries for grab-and-go.
Can I get a soda? These were the first words a 58-year-old man wrote on a clipboard after waking from his historic operation to implant a revolutionary, Australian-invented titanium heart. It was the first time the BiVacor total artificial heart has been placed in a living human.

The operation, more than a decade in the planning, happened on July 9 at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston. The devices inventor, 45-year-old Brisbane-born biomechanical engineer Daniel Timms, was present during the 4-hour surgery in which the patients diseased heart was removed and replaced with the Australian device, a 650-gram titanium pump with a single moving part.

Its hard for me to get perspective on what weve achieved, Timms told this masthead. There are fleeting moments  in the middle of the night, sitting on a recliner beside the patients bed, trying to get some sleep  when you suddenly think, yeah, its working. But mostly youre just trying to dissect whats happening and improve things for this patient, and the ones in future.

The surgery team behind the US operation: Dr William Billy Cohn, Dr Alexis Shafii, Dr O. H. Bud Frazier, and Dr Daniel Timms, the Australian founder and chief technology officer of BiVacor. Credit:

The transplant surgeon who performed the operation, Dr Alexis Shafii, said the surgery went great. Compared to doing it [during animal trials], it was actually much easier: the human anatomy is what its designed for.
A Sydney mayor told police her property director partner pinned her to a bed, knocked her off her feet and smashed several pieces of furniture.

The Herald can reveal police served Hawkesbury Mayor Sarah McMahons ex-partner Matthew Bennett with an interim apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) over the alleged events, over which Bennett has not been criminally charged.

Liberal Hawkesbury Mayor Sarah McMahon and her estranged partner Matthew Bennett. Credit: Facebook

Bennetts legal team fought to keep the allegations secret, before backing out of a legal fight against this masthead.

They sit alongside separate claims that McMahon went to Bennetts office at night and searched his computer over infidelity suspicions.
The Bays precinct around Glebe Island would get three new parks, maritime-focused commercial buildings and potentially an expanded cruise terminal under a plan being circulated by the state-owned corporation that runs NSW ports.

But housing is absent from the Port Authority of NSWs vision for the 32 hectare site, other than about 250 homes promised under the previous government near the future metro station.

An excerpt of the Port Authority of NSWs Bays Port Plan, marked final draft for consultation, obtained by the Herald.

The plan  marked final draft for consultation and obtained by the Herald  stands in contrast to an option being considered by the Minns government to relocate the ports from Glebe Island to make way for high-density housing, or have a mix of both.

The Herald revealed on Thursday the government had commissioned former NSW Treasury boss Michael Schur to review the sites future, including the Rozelle Bay marinas around the corner.
Brisbane residents are still waiting for work to begin to remove two level crossings that were first identified as congestion and traffic safety hazards in 2012.

Community crossing cutting crews have been established in Coorparoo and Coopers Plains by local residents who are campaigning for politicians to honour previous promises.

A local community group  the Coorparoo Crossing Crew  is calling for action to remove a level crossing after years of empty political promises.

However, work may finally be about to commence.

Queenslands Department of Main Roads this week said planning to replace Coorparoos Cavendish Road level crossing was underway and construction on the Coopers Plains fix was due to start in late 2025.
Israelis involved in expanding territory inside occupied Palestinian areas will be penalised by Australia, hardening the governments stance towards Israel and breaking what one MP called a long-held taboo against sanctioning figures from Australias partner in the Middle East.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on Thursday seven Israeli individuals and one entity, a youth group called Hilltop Youth dedicated to establishing settler outposts in the West Bank, would have Magnitsky-style financial sanctions imposed on them.

Penny Wong in the Senate earlier this month. Credit: James Brickwood

Joining the US and UK in targeting Israeli settlers, Wong said the individuals had been involved in violent attacks on Palestinians, including beatings, sexual assault and torture, which resulted in serious injury and, in some cases, death.

We call on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to cease its ongoing settlement activity, which only inflames tensions and further undermines stability and prospects for a two-state solution, Wong said in a statement.
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

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Phoenix: A Belgian tourist got third-degree burns on his feet while briefly walking barefoot on the sand dunes in Californias Death Valley National Park over the weekend, park rangers said Thursday.

The rangers said the visitor was rushed to a hospital in nearby Nevada. Because of language issues, the rangers said they were not immediately able to determine whether the 42-year-old Belgians flip-flops were somehow broken or were lost at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes during a short Saturday walk.

A stop sign warns tourists of extreme heat at Badwater Basin. Credit: AP

The ground temperature would have been much hotter than the air temperature that day, which was around 50.5 degrees. Death Valley National Park has seen record highs this summer in the desert that sits below sea level near the California-Nevada line.

The mans family called on other visitors to carry him to a parking lot. Rangers then drove him to a higher elevation where a medical helicopter would be able to safely land amid extreme temperatures. The man was flown to University Medical Centre in Las Vegas.
Since that time Tony has been an active member of the MFAA and has built strong relationships, and championed the value of brokers with professional bodies, including the Real Estate Institute of Northern Territory and Australian Institute of Conveyancers, NT Government and ASIC.
Tony has a long and distinguished history of serving the MFAA and the industry and we are delighted to be able to recognise him with Life Membership of the Association, said Pannek.
REIQ has laid out a pathway towards improving housing security for all Queenslanders, and in alignment with these policies, we will continue to advocate for all levels of government to play their part in addressing our states housing, rental and construction crisis, Mercorella said.
200,000 Children and Vulnerable Adults Abused in New Zealand's Care System Over Seven Decades, Inquiry Reveals (Photo: Melonbob/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA 4.0 )

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued a heartfelt apology and promised sweeping reforms on Wednesday after a public inquiry revealed that approximately 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults suffered abuse in state and religious care over the past 70 years. The comprehensive report highlighted systemic failures and a disturbing pattern of neglect and abuse, sparking nationwide calls for justice and compensation.

"This is a dark and sorrowful day in New Zealand's history," Luxon stated at a press conference. "As a society and as a state, we should have done better, and I am determined that we will do so." An official apology is scheduled for November 12.

The inquiry, conducted by a Royal Commission, uncovered that nearly one-in-three individuals in care from 1950 to 2019 experienced some form of abuse. The report, based on testimonies from over 2,300 survivors, detailed harrowing accounts of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, including rape, forced sterilizations, and electric shocks, with the peak of these atrocities occurring in the 1970s.

The findings were particularly damning for New Zealand's Indigenous Maori community and those with mental or physical disabilities, who were disproportionately targeted. Survivors and their supporters filled the public gallery of Parliament as the report was debated, with many standing to sing a Maori song about love and unity after Luxon's address.

"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 declared. It also condemned civil and faith leaders for covering up the abuse and moving perpetrators to different locations to evade accountability.

The report issued 138 recommendations, urging public apologies from New Zealand's government and religious leaders, including the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Catholic Church in New Zealand acknowledged the abuse in a statement, pledging to take action based on the report's findings. The Anglican Church expressed full responsibility for its failures, while the Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church also committed to implementing the recommendations.

The average lifetime cost to an abuse survivor was estimated in 2020 to be approximately NZ$857,000 (US$511,200). Prime Minister Luxon indicated that total compensation 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.

Among the report's significant recommendations was the establishment of a Care Safe Agency to oversee the industry and ensure the safety of those in care. It also called for new legislation mandating the reporting of suspected abuse, including confessions made during religious activities.

The government has pledged to provide answers about its plans for redress by the end of the year. Survivors are pressing for immediate action to address the long-standing injustice. "Further delay is just impacting survivors even more who have waited 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 years," said Tu Chapman, a survivor and advocate.

The inquiry has prompted a national reckoning, with many New Zealanders grappling with the revelations. "We always thought that we were exceptional and different, and the reality is we're not," Luxon admitted, reflecting on the country's tarnished image.

The report also highlighted that many of the country's criminal gang members and prisoners had spent time in care, pointing to the long-term societal impact of the abuse. Indigenous Maori children were particularly targeted, making up the majority of children in care despite being less than 20% of the population during the period examined.

Faith-based institutions, especially the Catholic Church, faced severe criticism. An inquiry report revealed that 42% of those in faith-based care experienced abuse. The Catholic Church had previously acknowledged that 14% of its clergy in New Zealand had faced abuse allegations.

The report urged an investigation into Catholic priests sent to Papua New Guinea to avoid accusations of abuse. Senior Catholic figures in New Zealand have committed to reviewing the report and taking necessary actions.

The average cost of abuse in a survivor's lifetime was detailed in the inquiry, with healthcare and other government-funded measures accounting for less than a quarter of the estimated NZ$857,000 (US$511,200). Survivors have had limited legal recourse, with many accepting small out-of-court settlements. As recently as 2015, the government rejected the need for an inquiry, arguing that abuse was not endemic.

The episode, described by Chris Hipkins, leader of New Zealand's main opposition party Labour, as a "nationwide intergenerational shame," is far from over. The government faces immense pressure to address the report's findings swiftly and comprehensively to restore trust and deliver justice to the survivors.
Thrissur-based South Indian Bank is looking to expand beyond Kerala. The lender is also shifting its focus on loan mix to micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and retail, from the current bias towards corporates, the banks managing director and chief executive officer PR Seshadri said in an exclusive telephonic interview with Shine Jacob. Edited Excerpts:



Growth during the first quarter has also come from corporates at over 40 per cent, while you were betting big on MSMEs and retail. Whats your loan mix strategy like?

We have a two pronged strategy. One is to make our
China's policy agenda offers global benefits

10:07, July 25, 2024 By Xu Weiwei, Prime Sarmiento and Cui Haipei ( China Daily

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.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Thyrocare's core operations are centred around its 24/7 centralised processing laboratory in Navi Mumbai. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Diagnostics company Thyrocare has acquired the pathology business of Polo Labs to strengthen its foothold in Northern India. The PharmEasy-owned diagnostics platform said that the acquisition will boost its reach in Northern India.

This move will lead to Thyrocare integrating Polo Labs' 14 laboratories spread across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh into its existing network. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

By combining Polo Labs' network with Thyrocare's infrastructure, the company expects to deliver faster turnaround times, increased convenience for patients, and a wider range of diagnostic services.

Polo Labs' strong regional presence and expertise will be a valuable asset to Thyrocare, allowing them to expand their reach and better serve patients in Northern India. The acquisition aligns with Thyrocare's plan to enhance diagnostic capabilities and offer improved services across the country.

Speaking on this, Rahul Guha, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Thyrocare Technologies, stated, This strategic acquisition will enhance our diagnostic capabilities and service offerings, leveraging Polo Labs' existing widespread network in North India. We are committed to a seamless integration and look forward to the growth and innovation this acquisition will bring. Together, we will continue to provide exceptional diagnostic services to a broader client base."

As the company continues to expand its reach and capabilities, it remains dedicated to providing top-notch diagnostic services to communities across India, Thyrocare stated in its press release.

Thyrocare Technologies is a leading, fully automated diagnostic laboratory chain with a network spanning over 2,000 cities and towns globally. The company is known for delivering high-quality, affordable testing services to both healthcare institutions and individual patients.

Thyrocare's core operations are centred around its 24/7 centralised processing laboratory in Navi Mumbai. This expansive facility, covering over 200,000 square feet, utilises automation to process more than 75,000 samples and conduct over 375,000 tests daily with accuracy.

Polo Labs Private, based out of Punjab, is a pathology diagnostic company with 14 laboratories across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Currently, Polo Labs serves a substantial client base and has a significant market presence in Northern India, contributing to the region's healthcare infrastructure.
Unilever consolidated its share gains achieved over the last three years in India to post a volume growth of 3.8 per cent in the April-June quarter of 2024-25, Fernando Fernandez, chief financial officer at Unilever told investors after announcing its earnings for the first quarter.

Referring to the sequential improvement the company is witnessing in the country, Fernandez said, We see some increase in the level of competitive marketing spending, particularly in markets like US and India, and this can demand a higher BMI (brand marketing investment) in the next future. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Hindustan Unilevers chief financial officer Ritesh Tiwari also said, while pointing to advertising spend, that the company continued to invest competitively in its brands.

Fernandez also told investors, The increase in operating profit was more than offset by a higher seasonal outflow in working capital, a step up in capital expenditure, and higher income tax paid against the prior year comparator that benefited from some refunds in India.

On acquisition, Hein Schumacher, CEO at Unilever, said that if the right opportunities come along in markets which are important to the company like India, the firm would take a hard look at it.

It should be strategically in the categories in which we play or in the channels in which we play, should be capable of scale-up and should be in the geographies where we put our priority, Schumacher said.

Fernandez also added that the company continues to see emerging markets as a key pillar of our strategy.

When you look at population growth, when you look at the emergence of the middle class, when you look at rapid urbanisation they are all there, and we continue to be very optimistic about our prospects in emerging markets where we have very, very strong positions in all the biggest markets. I feel in 16 of the top 20 world fastest-growing economies, Unilever is a leading player, Fernandez said.
Airtel Africa announced on Thursday that the telecom provider posted $7 million in net profit during the first quarter of the current financial year (Q1FY25). This translated into a net loss of $170 million in the same quarter of the previous year.

Continuing to be pummelled by the ongoing currency devaluation, the company reported a 16.1 per cent fall in revenues to $1.15 billion, down from $1.37 billion in Q1FY24. Revenue growth was particularly impacted by significant currency devaluations in Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania.

Total finance costs for the quarter were $261 million, primarily impacted by $136 million of derivative and foreign exchange losses, of which $122 million was classified as exceptional. The earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) was recorded at $523 million, 23 per cent lower than the previous year.

The profit was impacted by $80 million of exceptional derivative and foreign exchange losses (net of tax), arising from the further depreciation in the Nigerian naira during the quarter, the company said.

"A substantial increase in fuel prices across our markets and the lower contribution of Nigeria to the group after the naira devaluation contributed to a decline in Ebitda margins to 45.3 per cent from 49.5 per cent in Q124 and 46.5 per cent in Q424," it said.

The total customer base in the latest quarter expanded by 8.6 per cent to 155.4 million, as mobile data and mobile money service penetration continued to climb. The quarter saw a 13.4 per cent surge in data customers to 64.4 million, and a 14.9 per cent increase in mobile money customers.

"Having visited most of our OpCos since I joined Airtel Africa, I am encouraged by the scale of the opportunity available across our markets in both the GSM and mobile money business. A key priority for us is to look for new opportunities to further grow our business, especially in the enterprise, fibre, and data centre businesses across our footprint in Africa," Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said. Taldar took over as the CEO on July 1 after the retirement of long-time CEO Olusegun Ogunsanya.

Earlier, the company said it had been actively reducing its forex exposure across the group over the past few years and would continue to focus on this area in the future to mitigate the impact of any potential future devaluation.
The CCP is a top trading partner for Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan, which is around our strategic partner India. (Image: Shutterstock)

China is making inroads into key choke points along the Indian Ocean and obstructing the right to freely navigate the waters, an influential American lawmaker has said, expressing concerns over increasing Chinese investment in South Asia. Congresswoman Young Kim, who is chairman of the Subcommittee on Indo-Pacific in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said South Asia holds immense significance for the US foreign policy and national security interests. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The region faces a dynamic geopolitical landscape that presents challenges for the US policy objectives. The Indian Ocean is a crucial channel for global trade, an estimated 80 per cent of maritime oil trade and 40 per cent of world trade passes through the Indian Ocean, she said.

CCP is making inroads into key choke points along these routes and obstructing the right to freely navigate the waters. In recent years, we have seen Chinese ports in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, military installations in Djibouti and infrastructure investments in the Maldives which threaten the US national security and economic interests and those of our friends and allies in the region, Young said.

Last month my subcommittee held a hearing on the Indo-Pacific budget and CCP aggression in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. We cannot forget the significance of Indo in the Indo Pacific. The CCP has sparked border conflicts along the Line of Control in India and its submarines and warships regularly sail in the Indian Ocean, she said during a Congressional hearing here on Tuesday.



I'm particularly concerned about the Maldives, a key US security partner in the Indian Ocean and its growing relationship with the CCP. The Maldives, having received several large CCP investments including $200 million for the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, is $1.4 billion in debt to the CCP. During the Maldives president's visit with Xi Jinping in January, the two countries signed an additional 20 bilateral agreements, she said.

The CCP is a top trading partner for Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan, which is around our strategic partner India. The PLA's presence is also intensifying both along the Indian border and in the Indian Ocean. Aid and cooperation play a pivotal role not only in advancing US interests in South Asia, but also in enhancing their prosperity and keeping the region free and open, Young said.

Without greater US support, our allies and friends could be forced to accept further trade and investment from the CCP. As South Asia grapples with refugee crises that are the result of bitter wars and coups, increasing CCP coalition coercion and debt trap, diplomacy tactics. And terrorism and criminal drug networks, strong and sustained US engagement is critical, she said.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu said that military relationship between the Maldives and People's Republic of China is only now starting.

We have the opportunity to shape that relationship through competition if you're the Maldives, he said.
The discussion on the Union Budget 2024-25, presented on July 23, will continue in both Houses of Parliament on Thursday. Both Houses of Parliament took up discussion on the Union Budget 2024 on July 24, with opposition parties accusing it of being "discriminatory" to most states and lacking vision. The discussion was initiated by former Finance Minister and Congress MP P Chidambaram in Rajya Sabha and Congress MP Kumari Selja initiated the discussion in Lok Sabha. Raising four major challenges, Chidambaram said the most significant challenge is unemployment and data released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) indicates that the unemployment rate for June 2024 is 9.2 per cent .

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Kirtivardhan Singh will lay papers on the table today.Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar is likely to make a statement regarding status of implementation of recommendations and observations contained in the 250th report of the department-related parliamentary standing committee on Home Affairs on action taken by the government on the recommendations and observations contained in the 243rd report of the committee on demands for grants (2023-24) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
The 33 per cent increase in short-term capital gains (STCG) tax, as announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, is likely to make it more challenging for portfolio management services (PMS) providers to compete with mutual funds (MFs) and alternative investment funds (AIFs).

While most PMS strategies focus on long-term investments, fund managers are used to short-term churn and agile sector rotations. However, such moves will now incur a 20 per cent tax, up from 15 per cent. Unlike the MF and AIF players, PMS providers do not benefit from a pass-through status, complicating efforts to outperform MFs and AIFs in terms of returns. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

According to PMS firms, there will be an impact of the tax hike on short-term positions. They suggested a shift towards more deliberate long-term portfolio strategies.







Churn does not get taxed in case of MFs, but it gets taxed in PMS schemes. We think it is inherently unfair, but we also understand why it happens. If you, as an MF industry, can churn tax-free, and for us, if the capital gains tax goes up, it creates an issue. But post-tax returns from PMS schemes and MFs dont fundamentally differ, said Saurabh Mukherjea, founder and chief investment officer at Marcellus Investment Managers.

While taxation is a crucial factor, industry players emphasise that achieving strong returns and making accurate investment decisions take precedence. Given the current market frenzy, with stocks yielding 50-60 per cent returns within a year, clients may still prioritise profit-booking despite the increased tax burden, they said. PMS funds, which target wealthy investors, aim to generate an alpha of 10-15 per cent.

The differential in taxation is challenging, but we are still in a nascent stage of evolving as a financial product. In this process, weaker hands will probably move out of the industry. The better and stronger ones will continue, and the industry will go through a certain amount of consolidation. If one is good at generating risk-adjusted returns, you will continue to attract investors, said Aniruddha Naha, CIO-Alternates at PGIM India MF.

Bhavik Thakkar, CEO of Abans Investment Managers, noted that tax implications are not always the primary consideration in a fund managers decision to sell a security. It is more to do with whether the fund manager thinks he/she should be or not be in a particular stock. At the same time, what might happen is that fund managers will be more cautious in terms of checking what taxation implications there are for a particular stock, whether youve been holding it for more than or less than one year.

The PMS industry is already facing challenges with the move towards a new investment vehicle proposed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), which shall feature a minimum ticket size of Rs 10 lakh, significantly lower than the Rs 50 lakh threshold for PMS. Although there is some ambiguity regarding the treatment of this new asset class, it will offer more flexibility than the PMS structure. For instance, PMS funds can use derivatives only for hedging purposes, whereas the new asset class allows for derivatives exposure beyond hedging, providing greater flexibility and risk-taking opportunities, potentially leading to higher returns.

A lot of people who would ideally have graduated from an MF to a PMS will now have a smaller step where they can gain experience and move to a PMS, Naha added.
In view of heavy rainfall in parts of western Maharashtra, the state government has urged Karnataka to release more water from Almatti dam to avoid flooding in Sangli and Kolhapur districts, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said on Thursday. Almatti dam, officially known as Lal Bahadur Shastri dam, is a hydroelectric project on the Krishna river in north Karnataka. Speaking to reporters, he said, "The Maharashtra government has asked Karnataka to increase the water discharge from Almatti dam to three lakh cusec from the current outflow of 2.5 lakh cusec." The water storage of Koyna dam in Maharashtra's Satara district increased by six thousand million cubic feet (TMC) in a very short period, and it is already 75 per cent filled, he said. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

"It means, we need to discharge water from Koyna dam, which will increase the water levels of Krishna river," he said. Koyna dam is built on the Koyna river and its storage capacity is 105 TMC. The Koyna river is the biggest tributary of the Krishna river, which flows to the south and enters Karnataka, crossing Sangli city and Kolhapur district. Mahabaleshwar, one of the highest points in the Western Ghats in Satara, has witnessed very heavy rainfall over the last few days. In the last 24 hours, the region has received more than 400 mm of rainfall, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.

The rainfall in Mahabaleshwar contributes to the storage of the Koyna dam. "If water discharge is not increased from Almatti dam, then Sangli and parts of Kolhapur district will experience flooding, which will affect the citizens and incur heavy agricultural losses," he said. "The water resources department also needs to release around 11,000 cusec water from Warna dam in Kolhapur that will further reach the Krishna river, increasing the chances of flooding. Hence, we requested the Almatti dam authorities to increase their discharge," Pawar said. In the last few years, flooding in Sangli and Kolhapur districts have led to the death of people. The agricultural losses incurred from flooding have run into thousands of crores in recent years, revealed data from the state relief and disaster management department.
Southeast Asian foreign ministers and top diplomats from key partners including the United States and China were gathering in the Laotian capital on Thursday for the start of three days of talks expected to focus on the increasingly violent civil war in Myanmar, tensions in the South China Sea and other regional issues. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are expected to hold one-on-one talks on the sidelines of the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Vientiane, which come as both Beijing and Washington are looking to expand their influence in the region. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith thanked ASEAN members and partners for their unwavering collective effort that has led to its past achievements and emphasized the importance of the bloc's continuous work to promote peace and stability.

In light of the rapid and complex geopolitical and geoeconomic changes, we need to further enhance ASEAN centrality and unity so as to promote the relevance and resilience of ASEAN, aiming at addressing emerging challenges and seizing opportunity in the future, he said in the opening statement.

For the ASEAN nations Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei and Laos the violence in Myanmar is at the top of the agenda as the bloc struggles to implement its five-point consensus for peace.

The plan calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties. The military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan and has raised questions about the bloc's efficiency and credibility to mediate for peace.

Broader talks, including diplomats from elsewhere in the region including Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, are expected to focus on issues including the economy, security, climate and energy.

Regional issues, including Cambodia's decision to build a canal off the Mekong River that Vietnam, which is downstream, worries could have ecological and security implications, as well as massive dam building projects in Laos further upstream could also feature in the meetings.

In Myanmar, the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed widespread nonviolent protests that sought a return to democratic rule, leading to increasing violence and a humanitarian crisis.

In an effort to put pressure on Myanmar, ASEAN has prohibited it from sending any political representatives to top-level meetings, and it has sent bureaucrats instead. Aung Kyaw Moe, the permanent secretary of Myanmar's Foreign Ministry, was expected to attend this week's meetings, which run through Saturday.

More than 5,400 people have been killed in the fighting in Myanmar and the military government has arrested more than 27,000 since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. In addition, there are now more than 3 million displaced people in the country, with the numbers growing daily as fighting intensifies between the military and Myanmar's multiple ethnic militias as well as the so-called people's defense forces of military opponents.

As the needs of civilians grow, discussions on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar will also be a focus of the ASEAN talks, Bolbongse Vangphaen, head of the Thai Foreign Ministry's department for ASEAN, told reporters ahead of the meetings.

Thailand, which shares a long border with Myanmar, has already been heavily involved in providing humanitarian assistance, and Bolbongse said the country is ready to support the next phase of delivery being planned by the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.

He did not say when or where the aid delivery would be.

Thailand initiated its first delivery of aid to Myanmar in March from the northern province of Tak. It was said to be distributed in Kayin state to approximately 20,000 out of millions of people displaced by fighting.

Landlocked Laos is the bloc's poorest nation and one of its smallest, and many have expressed skepticism about how much it can accomplish while the crises mount. But it is also the first ASEAN chair that shares a border with Myanmar. Laos has already sent a special envoy to Myanmar for meetings with the head of the ruling military council and other top officials in an attempt to make progress on the peace plan.

ASEAN also has introduced a mechanism of trilateral informal consultation among its current, past, and future chairs, specifically for ensuring continuity in its response to the situation in Myanmar. The troika met for the first time on Wednesday, attended by Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Wednesday after the meeting that he raised concerns about increasing numbers of cross-border crimes and refugees that resulted from a crisis in Myanmar. He said he urged ASEAN to promote trust and confidence building through a balanced and low-key approach to foster an inclusive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar.

The worsening conditions in Myanmar have a direct impact on efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, he said.

Dulyapak Preecharush, a professor of Southeast Asia Studies at Bangkok's Thammasat University, said ASEAN is not the only stakeholder when it comes to Myanmar, with China and India also major players and both attending the ASEAN meetings.

Progress on Myanmar needs to start with countries that share borders with Myanmar, such as China, India and Thailand, to find a joint consensus to address the problems before expanding to other countries, he said.

In other issues, ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are locked in maritime disputes with China over its claims of sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea, one of the world's most crucial waterways for shipping. Indonesia has also expressed concern about what it sees as Beijing's encroachment on its exclusive economic zone.

An estimated $5 trillion in international trade passes through the South China Sea each year. China has been increasingly involved in direct confrontations, most notably with the Philippines and Vietnam.

This year, tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated, with Chinese coast guard and other forces using powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.

The Philippines, a treaty partner with the U.S., has been critical of other ASEAN countries for not doing more to get China to back away from its increasingly assertive approach.

China and the Philippines said Sunday they have reached a deal that they hope will end the confrontations, aiming to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the disputed area without conceding either side's territorial claims.

The rare deal could spark hope that similar arrangements could be forged by Beijing with other countries to avoid clashes while thorny territorial issues remain unresolved.

ASEAN has been working with China to produce a South China Sea code of conduct, which is expected to be part of the talks in Vientiane.
In the last decade, the wealth of the richest one per cent globally surged by a staggering $42 trillion, news agency AFP reported, citing global non-profit organisation Oxfam. The remarks were released ahead of the G20 summit in Brazil. This gathering, with a focus on imposing higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy, is poised to address this growing disparity, the report noted.

The $42 trillion amassed by the richest is nearly 36 times greater than the wealth accumulated by the poorest half of the worlds population. Despite this, billionaires globally have been paying taxes amounting to less than 0.5 per cent of their wealth, Oxfam noted. Nearly 80 per cent of the worlds billionaires reside in G20 countries. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Oxfam highlighted that, despite this massive increase in wealth, taxes on the affluent have dropped to unprecedented lows, contributing to severe inequality where the majority struggle to survive on meagre resources.

High hope from G20 summit in Brazil

Under Brazils leadership, the G20, representing 80 per cent of the global GDP, is prioritising international cooperation to tax the super-rich. At the inauguration of the summit this week in Rio de Janeiro before the global leaders meet in November, finance ministers aim to devise strategies to increase taxes on billionaires and prevent them from evading the tax systems.

The proposed initiative will involve creating methodologies to effectively tax billionaires and high-income earners. This plan will be a central topic at the summit, with countries like France, Spain, South Africa, Colombia, and the African Union supporting it, while the United States remains opposed.

Oxfam described the summit as a real litmus test for G20 governments, urging them to implement an annual net wealth tax of at least eight per cent on the ultra-wealthy. Max Lawson, head of inequality policy at Oxfam International, emphasised the growing momentum to increase taxes on the super-rich, questioning whether governments have the political will to establish a global standard prioritising the many over the few.

Climate financing contribution overstated

Earlier this month, Oxfam also criticised rich nations for overstating their climate finance contributions to developing countries. Although these countries claimed to provide almost $116 billion in climate finance in 2022, the actual support was no more than $35 billion, with a significant portion in the form of loans at profitable rates, exacerbating the debt of already burdened nations.

At the 2009 UN climate conference in Copenhagen, wealthy nations pledged $100 billion annually from 2020 to assist developing countries with climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, delays in meeting this commitment have strained trust and fuelled ongoing disputes during annual climate negotiations.

The NGO estimated that the true value of climate finance provided by rich countries in 2022 is as low as $28 billion and no more than $35 billion, with a maximum of $15 billion allocated for adaptation efforts crucial for climate-vulnerable nations.
Boomi to use ServiceNow solutions to deliver streamlined customer support and improved self-service experiences



ServiceNow to integrate Boomis industry-leading API Management capabilities with Automation Engine for complete visibility across a users API landscape and enhanced governance



ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), the AI platform for business transformation, and Boomi, a leader in intelligent integration and automation, today announced a strategic commitment to jointly elevate customer experiences through AI-powered self-service with solutions including ServiceNow Technology Provider Service Management (TPSM). In addition, as a key customer of ServiceNow, Boomi will use ServiceNow App Engine to deliver streamlined customer support and improved self-service. ServiceNow will also integrate Boomis next-generation and industry-leading Application Programming Interface (API) Management capabilities with Automation Engine for complete visibility across a users API landscape and enhanced governance.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724278263/en/

ServiceNow and Boomi Announce Strategic Commitment to Elevate Customer Experiences Through AI-Powered Self-Service (Graphic: Business Wire)

Enterprises today struggle with time-consuming manual processes and a patchwork of isolated systems, creating data silos, slowing down innovation, and impacting customer experiences. According to IDC, only 12 percent of organizations connect customer data between departments; however, AI is proving to be a catalyst of connection and collaboration to improve and accelerate operational efficiency at scale.1

Boomis use of the Now Platform and ServiceNows AI-powered TPSM offering will transform its customer support and expand self-service. Through ServiceNows unified platform, Boomi will eliminate silos and simplify internal processes to drive better, faster, and more efficient collaboration while helping reduce manual work through intelligent automation. Boomi will also use ServiceNows App Engine to build workflows into its Master Data Hub, its cloud-native data management platform, for a simplified, more intuitive user experience.

As customer expectations evolve, businesses require simple, agile, and easy to use solutions to meet those needs, said Paul Fipps, president, global industries and strategic growth at ServiceNow. Were thrilled to be working with Boomi to help them revolutionize their customer experience with the Now Platform and to collaborate on innovations that will advance business automation. By combining Boomis industry-leading API Management with ServiceNows suite of intelligent automation solutions, were also bringing an even more robust toolset to creators and app developers.

Simplifying and streamlining complex business processes is at the core of what Boomi aims to achieve for our customers," said Steve Lucas, CEO at Boomi. "By integrating our intelligent Integration and Data Hub platform with ServiceNows powerful automation solutions, we're able to deliver self-service workflows, eliminate silos, enhance collaboration, and drive operational efficiency. This collaboration not only empowers Boomi and ServiceNow customers to harness the full potential of AI and automation but also sets the stage for a new era of seamless, personalized business transformation, all built on reliable and trusted data.

ServiceNow will also bring Boomis advanced, lightweight API Management (APIM) solution to its customers, to help deepen ServiceNows suite of intelligent automation solutions. Purpose-built to streamline experiences for application creators, Boomi's modern APIM platform provides a centralized view across a users API landscape, empowering creators with complete visibility to quickly discover, provision, and secure their APIs no matter where they reside. The new offerings are expected to be available later this year.

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.

About Boomi

Boomi, the intelligent integration and automation leader, helps organizations around the world automate and streamline critical processes to achieve business outcomes faster. Harnessing advanced AI capabilities, the Boomi Enterprise Platform seamlessly connects systems and manages data flows with API management, integration, data management, and AI orchestration in one comprehensive solution. With a customer base exceeding 20,000 companies globally and a rapidly expanding network of 800+ partners, Boomi is revolutionizing the way enterprises of all sizes achieve business agility and operational excellence. Discover more at boomi.com.

 2024 Boomi, LP. Boomi, the B logo, and Boomiverse are trademarks of Boomi, LP or its subsidiaries or affiliates. All rights reserved. Other names or marks may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

 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.

_________________________

1 IDC blog, Five Levers for Scaling the Digital Business, April 2023

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724278263/en/
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has been publicly challenged about requests from gardai for media organisations to hand over images from anti-migration public order incidents in Ireland.

In response to concerns that the move was putting photographers covering riots in danger, Mr Harris said it was his responsibility to investigate criminal actions and gather evidence.

Recently, several news organisations, including the PA news agency, have received requests from gardai for images as part of investigatory efforts to identify perpetrators after violence flared in north Dublin.

Last week, gardai came under attack and fires were set several times at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock which has been earmarked as housing for asylum seekers.

A youngster throws a bottle towards Gardai officers during a stand-off with protesters at Coolock. Photo: Niall Carson/PA.

The latest requests follow the gardas pursuit of court orders to seize images taken by media photographers during riots in Dublin last November.

Following a meeting of the Policing Authority on Thursday, Mr Harris was asked by the media about the policy of pursuing photographers images.

The commissioner said: My obligation is to thoroughly investigate actions which are criminal in their nature.

I have a lawful and legal and legislative responsibility to do all I can to gain evidence.

Mr Harris said the Gardai would pursue the images by seeking permission or else gaining a court warrant.

Challenged that this could lead to media organisations not covering public order situations, Mr Harris responded: It is my responsibility to investigate and to bring offenders to justice and that is through obtaining whatever evidence I can.

The scene on Parnell Street in Dublin city centre after violent scenes unfolded last November. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA.

The PA news agency was one of a number of outlets which was compelled to hand over pictures taken of the Dublin city centre disorder on November 23rd 2023 after investigating gardai secured an order from a Dublin District Court judge.

PAs editor-in-chief, Pete Clifton, voiced strong objections and warned of the safety implications for members of the media covering such incidents if a perception is created that content they are capturing will subsequently be used as evidence in criminal justice proceedings.

The NUJ has also previously warned over the implications of media being made to hand over images.
Vivienne Clarke

Labour party Senator Marie Sherlock has described the governments 725 million funding plan for RTE as a sticking plaster without any long-term vision.

Speaking on RTE radios Morning Ireland, Senator Sherlock added that while the reality was that support was needed to fund public service broadcasting, she rejected the notion that this funding was a golden envelope.

At least now we have a decision from government. Obviously, this has dragged on for way longer than it should have. And the fundamental questions for me yesterday for government were, do we have certainty now in terms of how public service broadcasting is going to be funded into the future?

Senator Sherlock pointed out that top up funding payments to RTE by government long predated the current crisis at the station. This was not a new phenomenon, she said, and the question remained - was there a long term funding plan. I dont believe we got that yesterday.

I think there is an overwhelming sense that we have a sticky plaster now for the next three years, but there's no long term vision, no concrete vision for how public service broadcasting is going to be funded into the future. And I think there's a fundamental problem with that.

"There are huge problems with that, and I think there is actually an issue that was not addressed yesterday" said Marie Sherlock. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Senator Sherlock said if the country was serious about public service broadcasting then the State had to support it, but it also had to support the independent sector for the public service content they produced.

The reality is that we've had a TV licence for many years now.

"There are huge problems with that, and I think there is actually an issue that was not addressed yesterday. And to my mind, the elephant in the room is that RTE relies to such a very significant extent on commercial advertising.

"That was, to my mind, part of the reason for why we've had the problems in the past, the gamble with the Toy Show and other very significant spending mistakes. And I think that wasn't addressed yesterday.

The reality is that I think if you talk to the workers in RTE, they're facing a loss of 400 jobs, it's in the plan for RTE that it wants to be a smaller organisation over the next five years. I don't believe that this is any sort of golden envelope."
High Court reporters

A judge was justified in concluding that a childs constitutional rights were not properly considered by the Minister for Justice when she ordered for the fathers deportation following his assault conviction, the Supreme Court has ruled.

The five-judge court on Thursday dismissed an appeal against the High Courts decision to quash the Ministers refusal to revoke a deportation order issued five years ago for an Albanian national.

In a lead judgment for the court, Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe set out the background to the case.

He said the man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, entered the State unlawfully in the mid-1990s and worked here without a work permit for years using an alias. He formed a relationship with an Irish woman. They had a son together in the 2000s and later married.

More than a decade ago, the man was sentenced to imprisonment for two firearm offences and assault causing harm more than a decade ago.

After committing the offences, but before conviction, he was granted permission to remain in Ireland for three years as a parent of an Irish citizen child.

The Minister for Justice was not aware of any previous convictions for the man and made no further inquiry into the pending charges against him.

In 2017, while he was still in prison, there was a proposal to deport him pursuant to section 3 of the Immigration Act of 1999. After various engagements, the Minister made a deportation order in 2019 and, in July 2021, refused to revoke this order.

The man, his wife and their child turned to the High Court, which overturned the Ministers refusal to quash the deportation order.

In the Supreme Court decision, Mr Justice Woulfe said the High Courts Ms Justice Siobhan Phelan ruled correctly and the Ministers appeal should be dismissed.

Child's right as Irish citizen

He said she was right to consider the childs natural and imprescriptible rights under article 42A of the Constitution even though the family did not invoke the article in their grounding documentation to the court. Mr Justice Woulfe said the childs rights and best interests were clearly live issues at all times in the deportation process before the Minister and the judicial review case.

He held that the interests of an Irish citizen child is a primary or important consideration, which does not necessarily dictate the outcome as some deportation cases may contain other important considerations that must be weighed.

Mr Justice Woulfe said the High Court had ample justification for concluding the Minister failed to consider the childs best interests in deciding to refuse to revoke the deportation order.

Mr Justice Maurice Collins delivered a concurring decision, in which he noted the Irish citizen wife and child did not render the man immune from deportation. However, where there are very real and close bonds between him and his family, especially his son, the proposed separation of the family unit is a significant factor to which the Minister must have appropriate regard.

He said the childs best interests must be given significant weight but these do not give a de facto presumption or default rule against deportation where that would be contrary to the best interests of a child.

Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly agreed with Mr Justice Collinss judgment and, with Mr Justice Gerard Hogan, also agreed with Mr Justice Woulfes.
PA

Thursday's front pages focus on a range of stories from the abolition of juries for High Court defamation actions being considered to a postmistress suing An Post after being a victim of a tiger kidnapping.

The Irish Times report the abolition of juries for High Court defamation actions is included in proposals due to go before the Oireachtas in the autumn.

The Irish Examiner reports that 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.

The Echo leads with comments from housing charity Threshold, who says that 800 people in Cork are at risk of entering homelessness.

In the UK, a British army officer stabbed near barracks in Kent has led coverage across Thursdays newspapers.

The Daily Mirror and Daily Express both lead with the alleged attack and the arrest of a 24-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.

DAILY EXPRESS: "Senior Army Officer Stabbed Outside Barracks"#CiaranMcGrath leads @Daily_Express.

IN FULL: https://t.co/P5uQuhhL8i

The dramatic moment alleged masked moped knifeman" was arrested over the stabbing of an Army Officer.#DailyExpress#IBPapers#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/RkHpfcS2lQ  ANDY GIBSON / InformingBritain.com on  (@AndyGibsonTV) July 24, 2024

The Times front page reports the senior officer is fighting for his life after being stabbed in an unprovoked attack.

Another headline reveals Labours offshore wind turbine plans.

Thursday's TIMES: Labour plans thousands of offshore wind turbines#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/9w5PWJbqnS  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 24, 2024

The Daily Star details a shark sighting in the River Thames.

Thursday's DAILY STAR: Jaws swims up the Thames#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/97cBAL8Qzi  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 24, 2024

The Daily Mails front page laments a Treasury decision to halt plans to mint 1p or 2p coins in the coming years.

Thursday's DAILY MAIL: Is this the end for our copper coins?#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/Zvn0BA79Eo  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 24, 2024

Metro leads with a man arrested over a crash that killed six people and left a young girl orphaned.

In political news, The Guardian reports the UK is among countries looking to award new oil and gas licences that could release up to 12 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Thursday's GUARDIAN: Revealed: rich western countries lead global gas and oil expansion#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/E3cTbVRwGs  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 24, 2024

Tom Tugendhat announces he is willing to leave the European Convention of Human Rights if he becomes Tory leader, The Telegraph reports.

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



'Tugendhat: I'm ready to leave the ECHR'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4OoUh6 pic.twitter.com/rYWyySl9Jv  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) July 24, 2024

The i splashes on Jeremy Corbyns plans to build a group of independent MPs, including Labour politicians, suspended on Tuesday, to put pressure on Keir Starmer.

The Financial Times reports US tech firms saw stock prices slide after lacklustre overnight results.
Reservation-free policy draws booming museum visitors

10:18, July 25, 2024 By Hong Zehua, Ye Ting ( Xinhua

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Al Jouf Cement signs contract for NEOM City cement supply

Peter Bell By 25 July 2024

Al Jouf Cement Co has signed a SAR104.19m (US$27.7m) contract to sell cement to Webuild SpA for NEOM construction projects. The joint deal will last 41-months from the date of signing, according to a bourse disclosure.

Al Jouf Cement highlighted that the financial impact will reflect positively on its financial statements from the 3Q24 until the end of the contract period.

Zawya states that the cement producer also signed a deal with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) to reschedule SAR154.45m Islamic facilities to back its operations.

In the 1Q24 the cement manufacturer recorded a 21.22 per cent higher consolidated net profit at SAR12.45m, compared to SAR10.27m in 1Q23, reports Zawya.

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The Dalton Fire Department announced the promotion of four longtime firefighters to the rank of captain at Tuesday's meeting of the Public Safety Commission. Firefighters Josh Harris, Bobby Maton, Gary Stanley and Josh Townsend were all presented to the commission and received their captain's badges.Captain Josh Harris joined the Dalton Fire Department in February 1998 and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2007. In addition to his duties as an officer on his shift, Capt. Harris has served as the lead instructor for water rescue and technical rescue training.Chief Matt Daniel noted that Capt. Harris has also taken an active role in the career development of his subordinates and has become an active voice in succession planning for the agency.Captain Bobby Maton has been with the DFD since January 2000, and earned his promotion to the rank of lieutenant in 2014. Capt. Maton has since served as the officer in charge of both Engine 4 and Engine 1. He is a licensed EMT and is a graduate of the prestigious Georgia FLAMES training program. Before joining the DFD, Capt. Maton served in the United States Air Force.Captain Gary Stanley joined the Dalton Fire Department in April 1999 after serving as a volunteer with the Whitfield County Fire Department. Capt. Stanley was promoted to lieutenant last year and has since served as the officer in charge of Engine 2 on B-Shift. Chief Daniel noted that Capt. Stanley has been a respected leader among the ranks on his shift. Chief Daniel also noted that Capt. Stanley has several recognitions for outstanding performance on his record, as well as two individual commendations for lifesaving efforts during incidents. Before joining the fire department, Capt. Stanley served in the United States Army.Captain Josh Townsend joined the department in March 2001. He earned his promotion to lieutenant in 2014 and in that time as also served as a fill-in captain and shift commander when those roles were left vacant due to absences. Chief Daniel told the commission members that Capt. Townsend has continued his training with numerous classes in tactics, leadership, and management. He also has served with the Georgia Search and Rescue task force and is an emergency medical technician.The PSC members voted 4-0 to recognize the promotions. After being presented to the commission, each of the firefighters had their new captain's badge pinned by their wives."I'd like to say congratulations to each of you," Public Safety Commission member, Terry Mathis, said. "I'm sitting here and maybe in the last 18 years I don't remember having so much experience in one room and one promotion (ceremony). It's exciting that you guys have been part of the family for so long and have stuck with us.""I want to congratulate these guys, because I worked with each and every one of them," said commission member Lane Jackson, a retired Dalton firefighter. "I'm happy for you.""I always love to see people get promoted," said Chairman Truman Whitfield. "I don't expect anything less than the great things you've done in the past and we look forward to supporting you in the future.""Congratulations, gentlemen, it's well deserved and thank you to your families, too, for the support you give these guys," said Mayor Annalee Harlan, who also serves on the Public Safety Commission.
George Larry Blanks, 81, of Fayetteville, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

He was born on Tuesday, January 26, 1943, to George and Lillian Blanks in Chattanooga, Tn. After graduating high school, he joined the Marine Corps at the tender age of 19. Larry served for four and a half years working as an aircraft mechanic while serving. George was discharged at 23 and started working for Delta Air Lines as an aircraft mechanic while attending college in the evening. He graduated with a BBA in marketing and was offered a position with an international data communications company which allowed him to travel to over 40 countries throughout the world working with international carriers.

Larry was an avid western movie fan. He became involved with western film festivals and worked as a committee member for the Williamsburg, Virginia Film Festival. After retirement he did work in the Georgia film industry as a background extra appearing in nearly 100 movies and TV episodes. Larry is preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Johnny Morris, and Fred Poteet; and his nephew, Justin Poteet.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Morris Blanks; sons, Scott Blanks and Brian (Jennifer) Blanks; grandson, Kaden Blanks; granddaughter, Amelie Blanks; along with several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 26, in the chapel of Mowell Funeral Home in Fayetteville at 3 p.m. with Pastor Ty Stoval officiating.

Visitation will occur prior to the service from 2-3 p.m. at the funeral home. We welcome you to leave your condolences, thoughts, and memories of Larry on our Tribute Wall.

Arrangements are by Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fayetteville, www.mowells.com.
Former House District 28 state Rep. Joanne Favors has endorsed City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod for the seat.

Councilwoman Coonrod is running against Rep. Yusuf Hakeem in the Democratic primary.

Councilwoman Coonrod said, "I am thrilled and deeply honored to announce that I have received the esteemed endorsement of Representative Joanne Favors for my campaign in Tennessee House District 28. Her support not only strengthens our campaign but also reinforces our shared vision for a progressive, equitable, and thriving community.

"Rep. Favors has been a pillar in our community, championing education, health care, and justice. Her legacy of leadership and advocacy continues to inspire and guide our efforts. Having her support is a testament to our commitment to continue the vital work of improving the lives of every resident in our district.

"Together, we're dedicated to building on her remarkable legacy prioritizing accessible healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for all."

Ms. Favors said:

Greetings to my longtime friends and informal constituents,



This is Joanne Favors, your former Commissioner, Health Administrator, and State Representative for District 28. I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Demetrus Coonrod as our State Representative in District 28.



Demetrus has personal knowledge of the challenges faced by people from all income levels. She is committed to working diligently to improve policies and laws related to healthcare delivery, education, family and children services, and creating opportunities for wealth generation. I have closely observed her journey through the political system, and I sincerely believe that she is the best candidate for this role.



Remember, this is a critical election. Vote for Demetrus Coonrod as your State Representative in District 28. Early voting is now through July 27, and Election Day is August 1.



Thank you for your attention and support.



Sincerely,



Joanne Favors








A 29-year-old Stevenson, Ala., woman has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for defrauding the government of over $85,000 in COVID relief funds.

Meghan Pittman appeared before Judge Curtis Collier in Chattanooga Federal Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Following her imprisonment, she will be on supervised release for five years.

As part of the plea agreement, Ms. Pittman pled guilty to wire fraud for her involvement in a scheme to defraud COVID unemployment programs in several states. In addition, Ms. Pittman was ordered to pay $85,011 in restitution to the Pennsylvania and California Departments of Labor, and to forfeit to the United States $85,011 as part of a money judgment.

According to court documents, from June 2020 through June 2021, Ms. Pittman conspired with others to devise a scheme in which she defrauded the United States government and the governments of Tennessee, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and California to obtain money from the states COVID relief programs in the form of unemployment insurance proceeds funded by the United States government.

Specifically, she acquired personal information from others and used it to fraudulently make mass online applications for money earmarked by the states to provide unemployment insurance relief for those affected by the national pandemic. She falsely claimed in the applications that the individuals whose personal information was reflected on the applications worked in those states. The states then mailed debit cards to addresses in the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Ms. Pittman would receive a percentage of the payout of the fraudulent claim.

Prosecutors said, "The defendant was personally responsible for the fraudulent distribution of over $85,000 of unemployment protection insurance funds. The scheme itself involved the fraudulent distribution of over $550,000 in unemployment protection insurance funds."

Her attorney, Paul Bergmann, cited her hard upbringing, saying she was served alcohol in a baby bottle and lived "from pillar to post." He said her mother is incarcerated.

Judge Collier allowed Ms. Pittman to report to prison after the first of the year since she is pregnant with a child due Dec. 5. She also has a seven-year-old daughter.

United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III, of the Eastern District of Tennessee, Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Neff represented the United States.

The conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the FBI as part of the Smoky Mountains Financial Crimes Task Force.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across the government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justices National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disasterfraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The Development Resource Center (DRC) on South Market Street will be closed the next two days for repairs, officials said.

The DRC was set up as a one stop shop for builders and developers and it contains both city and county offices.

Officials said, "Following a thorough assessment, it has been determined that the Development Resource Center will require repairs making necessary a full closure for both employees and constituents for the remainder of this week (Thursday, July 25th and Friday, July 26th).

"To ensure continuity of services, each County and City Division housed within the DRC has implemented protocols enabling staff to work remotely via telework or from nearby office facilities.

For inquiries during regular business hours, please contact the main telephone number of each respective division.

"During this period, the Land Development Office will continue to accept incoming permit requests at the following location/times until the DRC fully reopens:

"Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center, 200 River St. - Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

"Any updates regarding the reopening schedule will be communicated ASAP. We regret any inconvenience caused and anticipate resuming full, in-person services to the community on Monday."
A man who prosecutors said has been involved in swindles over many years was sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison.

The sentencing range for John Bragg, II, 47, was 41-51 months, but Judge Collier gave a stiffer sentence, saying Bragg might get out and continue the cons. Prosecutors had asked only for an in-range sentence.

Bragg was also ordered to pay a money judgment of $79,500 and over $300,000 in restitution to his victims.

Bragg told the judge he has learned the error of his ways and said the judge would not see him in his court again.

Prosecutors said Bragg operated a business involved in the restoration and sale of classic and rare Volkswagen vehicles. The business  known as JB Bugs Trick Truck N Rod  maintained operations in various locations, including Tennessee and Indiana.

Prosecutors said, "Bragg held himself and his business out to be specialists in Volkswagen restoration, including by participating in online communities of Volkswagen enthusiasts and appearing at functions such as automobile conventions. Using that presence, he became acquainted with his victims and defrauded them. As identified in his plea agreement, one instance of such fraud included 'selling' a vintage 23-window Volkswagen Microbus to various investors, despite the fact that another person owned the vehicle and Bragg was never entitled to offer it for sale."

Prosecutor Kyle Wilson said Bragg's arrests date back to 2001. He said Bragg "has committed brazen offenses over and over again involving tens of thousands of dollars. He has a long and storied history of frauds and swindles."

Judge Collier said there was "a huge need to protect the public. There's no reason to believe that you won't start up again (after getting out of prison)."

The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation led by the United States Secret Service in conjunction with state and local law enforcement partners in Indiana and Tennessee.

Bragg will be on supervised release for three years.

He earlier agreed to plead guilty to one count of an indictment charging him with wire fraud.
An escapee from a mental health facility who went through a ceiling to take 29 firearms from a Cleveland gun store has been sentenced to serve 10 years in federal prison.

Jason Phillip Diaz appeared before Federal Judge Curtis Collier.

The sentencing guideline range for Diaz was 135 months, but the maximum term was 120 months (10 years). Attorney Christopher Meadows argued for the low end of nine years.

However, Judge Collier cited the seriousness of the crime, saying at least one gun made its way to a drug dealer. Diaz traded that gun for fentanyl.

Prosecutor Franklin Clark praised quick action by authorities in soon locating 24 of the guns at a nearby abandoned car wash where Diaz was staying.

He said last Nov. 15 that Diaz made his way into a law office, went through the ceiling and then crawled over above the Gunworks gun shop. He was seen on video dropping down from the ceiling and filling a bag with guns. He then exited out a back door.

Prosecutor Clark said Diaz the day before had left a mental facility where he was being treated.




In October of 2022, during the City Council meeting, Mayor Kelly apologized for the lack of communication from the city about this project. On the city of Chattanoogas website, the city specifically stated how they would keep the community engaged throughout the process, but have never followed through.





The last thing the community heard was back in January when they were told by the citys Chief Housing Officer, Nicole Heyman, that the city may be pivoting away from permanent support of housing and toward an affordable housing or mixed income project.





Since the last community meeting, the city has done nothing to prepare this site for a homeless shelter or permanent supportive housing. No new bus stop anywhere close, no grocery stores nearby, no new sidewalks, no cleaning up of the other motels, nothing. It is the exact same as it was when the city purchased this flea bag motel as Mayor Kelly likes to call it.





Lets not forget that the group that Mayor Kelly praised and was so excited to bring to Chattanooga is now embroiled in a $100 million lawsuit with the state of California. Now, without much time for due diligence, the city is just going to hand over a $2.8 million property and no one should ask questions?





Tiffany Newberry

Now, they just want to hand it off to an outside group with no community input or involvement in the middle of summer when hopefully no one is looking.

* * *

Thank you, Ms. Newberry, for informing. The public is in the dark about this situation, or at-least I was.

Another homeless funding debacle.

The city of Chattanooga has a history of chronic failure in the use of tax dollars assigned to help the homeless. The large tax dollar investments trickle away from the need.

What an embarrassment. The city taxpayers are once again being fleeced for another round help the homeless where public funds flow to everyone, but the homeless.

For the folks that remember the millions of local tax dollars wasted on the citys purchase of the polluted farmers market in a land deal that was simply deplorable, this is outrageous. The farmers market project was about 50 percent intended to funnel proceeds to political friends, and millions for environmental studies that never amounted to helping the homeless. An estimated 10 million dollars was wasted in the homeless campus pursuit that yielded nothing for the homeless.

That citys outrageous actions on the prior homeless effort are condemnable.

The city of Chattanooga dared to call down Hamilton County elected for failing to fall in line with their spending for homeless intervention 3 years ago. I was cheering for the citys plan to help provide temporary housing for the homeless and felt hopeful, of course history does repeat. The city failed miserably.

Here we are three years later, and not one homeless person has been assisted with the purchase of this Airport Inn. Money for vulnerable populations such as the homeless flow away for impactful purpose.

What is this?

The city has left a $3 million investment sitting for three years, not housing homeless. Is that correct? Somehow this is not surprising, as we dodge potholes everywhere.

I am reasonably fed up with seeing millions go to the cause of homelessness by the city of Chattanooga that results in zero temporary housing or outcomes at all.

Thank you, Ms. Newberry. No one would know about this without your words.

What would the $3 million in a land purchase have done for the homeless over the last three years?

City Council, do your job and intervene, sell the Airport Inn, and get the money to the need.

April Eidson
Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report.

(If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com)

BAREFIELD, CHANCE LYNN

3602 PREMIUM DR CHATTANOOGA, 37415

Age at Arrest: 41 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

DOMESTIC ASSAULT



BEARDEN, CADE ALLEN

2212 N FORK DR SODDY DAISY, 37379

Age at Arrest: 25 years old

Arresting Agency: Tenn Hwy Patrol

FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE



BOYD, DORIS LARAE

4014 BREAKWATER DR HIXSON, 37343

Age at Arrest: 40 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

THEFT OF PROPERTY



BOYD, JOSHUA ANDERSON

915 HARRIS LN CHATTANOOGA, 37412

Age at Arrest: 31 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

REGISTRATION, DRIVING UNREGISTERED VEHICLE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY



BUCKNER, CASEY JUSTINE

4491 PALAMINO DR OOLTEWAH, 37363

Age at Arrest: 22 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DOMESTIC ASSAULT



CARRINGER, JC

920 FOREST AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37405

Age at Arrest: 61 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

FAILURE TO APPEAR



CHRISTIAN, BRITTNEY LEIGH

3600 SHIRL JO LANE EAST RIDGE, 37412

Age at Arrest: 32 years old

Arresting Agency: East Ridge

VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF METH)

VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED S



COX, LOGAN DAVID

1101 MCCALLIE FERRY RD APT C SODDY DAISY, 37379

Age at Arrest: 25 years old

Arresting Agency: Soddy Daisy

(PETITION TO REVOKE) POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUB



CRUSE, LAUREL SKYE

19811 RIVER CANYON RD CHATTANOOGA, 37405

Age at Arrest: 38 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)



DELONEY, DEPRESHIA

4207 WILKESVIEW DR APT A CHATTANOOGA, 37416

Age at Arrest: 29 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT



EDWARDS, CHRISTOPHER LEE

51 GLATTIS DR FORT OGLETHORPE, 30742

Age at Arrest: 28 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

POSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMED

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA



EVANS, RENUS

250 ADLER AVE APT 2 CAMPBELL, 950084717

Age at Arrest: 45 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT



GREEN, CHARLIE DEWAYNE

HOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 37402

Age at Arrest: 26 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

VIOLATION OF PROBATION POSSESION OF CONTROLLED SUB



HERNANDEZ RUIZ, ESTEBAN

273 BERRY ST NE CLEVELAND, 37311

Age at Arrest: 32 years old

Arresting Agency: TBI

OPEN CONTAINER LAW

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

FORGERY

NO PROOF OF INSURANCE

DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE



ILES, TARA CHALLIS

204 HILLCREST DR DAYTON, 37321

Age at Arrest: 38 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY



JAMES, KING ALLAH

2209 STUART ST CHATTANOOGA, 374062505

Age at Arrest: 34 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

AGGRAVATED BURGLARY

THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE)

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA



JONES, MICHAEL LEBRON

1500 MOUNTAIN VIEW CT CHATTANOOGA, 37409

Age at Arrest: 58 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN SCHEDULE II (METH)

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

OPEN CONTAINER LAW

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

REGISTRATION, IMPROPER DISPLAY OF PLATES

TINTED WINDOWS VIOLATION



JUSTIN, WALTER MASON

579 ALEXIAN WAY SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, 37377

Age at Arrest: 75 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE



LAWSON, STEVEN JOSEPH

2408 WATERHAVEN DR CHATTANOOGA, 374061126

Age at Arrest: 36 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

PUBLIC INTOXICATION



MCGEE, RANDALL LYNN

12185 OLD DAYTON PIKE SODDY DASIT, 37379

Age at Arrest: 46 years old

Arresting Agency: Red Bank

DRIVING ON REVOKED FOR DUI

FALSIFICATION OF DRUG TEST POSSESSION OF SYNTHETIC

POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE II



MURRELL, JODY EUDEAN

1225 CHASE MEADOWS CR HIXSON, 37343

Age at Arrest: 55 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

REGISTRATION, EXPIRED

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY



PARROTT, CHRISTOPHER L

3508 CELO AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37421

Age at Arrest: 45 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS

EVADING ARREST



ROGERS, NICHOLAS MARTIN

7939 HALE RD HIXSON, 37343

Age at Arrest: 37 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY



SANDERS, TIFFANY LASHAY

700 E 48TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 37410

Age at Arrest: 34 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

CHILD NEGLECT



SHIRLEY, CHANCE ALEXANDER

14 TULIP LN APT 6 FORT OGLETHORP, 30741

Age at Arrest: 22 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

ENTICING CHILD TO PURCHASE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

ENTICING CHILD TO PURCHASE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

ENTICING CHILD TO PURCHASE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

OPEN CONTAINER LAW



SHORTER, PATRICIA TTORA

727 E 11TH ST HOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 374033104

Age at Arrest: 60 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

CRIMINAL TRESPASSING



SHROPSHIRE, QUENTRELL PATRICK

5411 WINNIESPAN RD CHATTANOOGA, 37416

Age at Arrest: 35 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

AGGRAVATED BURGLARY (OCCUPIED HABITATION)

THEFT UNDER $500

POSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMED



SILVERS, CHRISTIAN BRIAN

83 ORCAHRD LANE ROSSVILLE, 37431

Age at Arrest: 28 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)



SLEDGE, DONALD CONDRIDGE

7834 ROSEMARY CIR CHATTANOOGA, 37416

Age at Arrest: 36 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

STALKING

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE



SMITH, DANIELLE RENAE

145 MOUNTVIEW DR SE HUNTSVILLE, 358036224

Age at Arrest: 30 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

CRIMINAL TRESPASSING



SMITH, TRAVIS HOLLIS

5339 GREENBRIAR ROAD CHATTANOOGA, 37412

Age at Arrest: 37 years old

Arresting Agency: Soddy Daisy

SIMPLE POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE VI

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE IV



STUDIMIRE, TANEKA NICOLE

6303 WALDEN AVE, APT A CHATTANOOGA, 37421

Age at Arrest: 39 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

LIGHT LAW VIOLATION



THOMAS, MICHAEL DAVID

HOMELESS HIXSON, 37343

Age at Arrest: 36 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

VIOLATION OF PROBATION (DOMESTIC ASSAULT)



WHITE, JERRY EVERETT

1409 N WINER DRIVE SODDY DAISY, 37373

Age at Arrest: 51 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

FAILURE TO APPEAR

Here are the mug shots:

BAREFIELD, CHANCE LYNN

Age at Arrest: 41

Date of Birth: 07/19/1983

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

DOMESTIC ASSAULT BOYD, DORIS LARAE

Age at Arrest: 40

Date of Birth: 05/07/1984

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

THEFT OF PROPERTY BOYD, JOSHUA ANDERSON

Age at Arrest: 31

Date of Birth: 01/26/1993

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

REGISTRATION, DRIVING UNREGISTERED VEHICLE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CARRINGER, JC

Age at Arrest: 61

Date of Birth: 11/13/1962

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

FAILURE TO APPEAR CHRISTIAN, BRITTNEY LEIGH

Age at Arrest: 32

Date of Birth: 05/01/1992

Arresting Agency: East Ridge



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF METH)

VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED S COX, LOGAN DAVID

Age at Arrest: 25

Date of Birth: 04/14/1999

Arresting Agency: Soddy Daisy



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

(PETITION TO REVOKE) POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUB CRUSE, LAUREL SKYE

Age at Arrest: 38

Date of Birth: 11/15/1985

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)

DELONEY, DEPRESHIA

Age at Arrest: 29

Date of Birth: 07/04/1995

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT EVANS, RENUS

Age at Arrest: 45

Date of Birth: 04/20/1979

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT GREEN, CHARLIE DEWAYNE

Age at Arrest: 26

Date of Birth: 03/17/1998

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

VIOLATION OF PROBATION POSSESION OF CONTROLLED SUB HERNANDEZ RUIZ, ESTEBAN

Age at Arrest: 32

Date of Birth: 05/17/1992

Arresting Agency: TBI



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

OPEN CONTAINER LAW

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

FORGERY

NO PROOF OF INSURANCE

DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE ILES, TARA CHALLIS

Age at Arrest: 38

Date of Birth: 01/26/1986

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY JAMES, KING ALLAH

Age at Arrest: 34

Date of Birth: 05/31/1990

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

AGGRAVATED BURGLARY

THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE)

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA JONES, MICHAEL LEBRON

Age at Arrest: 58

Date of Birth: 01/06/1966

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN SCHEDULE II (METH)

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

OPEN CONTAINER LAW

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

REGISTRATION, IMPROPER DISPLAY OF PLATES

TINTED WINDOWS VIOLATION JUSTIN, WALTER MASON

Age at Arrest: 75

Date of Birth: 01/10/1949

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE LAWSON, STEVEN JOSEPH

Age at Arrest: 36

Date of Birth: 08/01/1987

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

PUBLIC INTOXICATION MCGEE, RANDALL LYNN

Age at Arrest: 46

Date of Birth: 02/04/1978

Arresting Agency: Red Bank



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

DRIVING ON REVOKED FOR DUI

FALSIFICATION OF DRUG TEST POSSESSION OF SYNTHETIC

POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE II MURRELL, JODY EUDEAN

Age at Arrest: 55

Date of Birth: 01/04/1969

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

REGISTRATION, EXPIRED

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PARROTT, CHRISTOPHER L

Age at Arrest: 45

Date of Birth: 02/01/1979

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS

EVADING ARREST ROGERS, NICHOLAS MARTIN

Age at Arrest: 37

Date of Birth: 08/25/1986

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SANDERS, TIFFANY LASHAY

Age at Arrest: 34

Date of Birth: 05/15/1990

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

CHILD NEGLECT SHIRLEY, CHANCE ALEXANDER

Age at Arrest: 22

Date of Birth: 07/12/2002

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

ENTICING CHILD TO PURCHASE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

ENTICING CHILD TO PURCHASE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

ENTICING CHILD TO PURCHASE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

OPEN CONTAINER LAW SHORTER, PATRICIA TTORA

Age at Arrest: 60

Date of Birth: 08/12/1963

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

CRIMINAL TRESPASSING SHROPSHIRE, QUENTRELL PATRICK

Age at Arrest: 35

Date of Birth: 09/02/1988

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

AGGRAVATED BURGLARY (OCCUPIED HABITATION)

THEFT UNDER $500

POSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMED SILVERS, CHRISTIAN BRIAN

Age at Arrest: 28

Date of Birth: 10/31/1995

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)

SLEDGE, DONALD CONDRIDGE

Age at Arrest: 36

Date of Birth: 03/09/1988

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

STALKING

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE SMITH, DANIELLE RENAE

Age at Arrest: 30

Date of Birth: 06/10/1994

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

CRIMINAL TRESPASSING SMITH, TRAVIS HOLLIS

Age at Arrest: 37

Date of Birth: 08/07/1986

Arresting Agency: Soddy Daisy



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

SIMPLE POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE VI

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE IV STUDIMIRE, TANEKA NICOLE

Age at Arrest: 39

Date of Birth: 10/06/1984

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

LIGHT LAW VIOLATION THOMAS, MICHAEL DAVID

Age at Arrest: 36

Date of Birth: 06/02/1988

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

VIOLATION OF PROBATION (DOMESTIC ASSAULT) WHITE, JERRY EVERETT

Age at Arrest: 51

Date of Birth: 02/26/1973

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 07/24/2024

Charge(s):

FAILURE TO APPEAR




The City of Red Bank will be hosting their next Mini Farmers Market this Saturday. Patrons will once again have the opportunity to shop for an array of foods, fresh homegrown produce and more, as a variety of vendors feature their tasty offerings at Red Bank City Park at 3817 Redding Road.The Mini Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m.-noon. Shoppers can purchase goods from vendors such as Baklanooga, Community Helps Itself CHI Markets, Folk Flowers, The Happy Thistle, Harrison Bay Honey Farm, Hernandez Farms, New Terra Compost, Quail Run Farm, Rev Up, Shelby Anns Fresh Baked Breads, Hot Damn Coffee Roasters, Good News Roasters, Fresh Tech Growers and more.Sam Steadman will entertain the crowd by playing his soulful sounds of music with notes of blues, rock, pop and country."The summer is flying by with our next Mini Farmers Market coming up this Saturday, said Jeffrey Grabe, Red Bank Parks and Recreation manager.After this weekend, we only have two markets left. So if you haven't had a chance yet, come join us for some locally grown food, local music and to meet your neighbors."For more information about Red Banks Mini Farmers Market, contact Mr. Grabe at 423-654-8836, or go to the citys website at https://www.redbanktn.gov or on Facebook @redbanktn.
Chattanoogan Frank Hilley is very familiar with the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Tex., sanctuary that was destroyed by fire a week ago. Mr. Hilley was audio engineer for the church in the 1980s while Dr. W.A. Criswell was pastor.

Mr. Hilley recalls one Sunday morning getting a call in the audio booth to bring a tape recorder to a small reception area of the church. When the audio engineer arrived, he said to himself, That looks like Dr. Billy Graham. Mr. Hilley said it was Dr. Graham and the evangelist was there to have special prayer for a woman who was dying with cancer. Mr. Hilley said there were only a few people in the room but he did get to shake hands with the famous preacher. He prayed the sweetest prayer, said Mr. Hilley.

Mr. Hilley said while he was employed at the landmark church, it was packed every Sunday with hundreds of worshipers - both members and visitors. Ive been all over that sanctuary and knew it very well; its a shame it went up in flames. said Mr. Hilley.

Officials said the fire started in the basement destroying over 130 years of church records, including sermons. Flames spread very fast and the roof eventually collapsed.

Mr. Hilley recalled going downstairs for something and heard a loud noise; it was Dr. Criswell. The pastor told Mr. Hilley he didnt realize there were large storage rooms full of church material and history in the basement.

Mr. Hilley also knows the current pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress. Mr. Hilley said, Dr. Jeffress is a Bible scholar; one of the most sincere and caring pastors Ive ever met. The people of that church have a strong determination and I expect Dr. Jeffress to lead a re-building program soon.

The late Dr. Lee Roberson, Highland Park Baptist Church pastor for over 30 years, was very good friends with Dr. Criswell. Both men preached in each others pulpits.

Former First Presbyterian Church Pastor Ben Haden attended First Baptist Church when he lived in Dallas. He said it was one of his favorite houses of worship. Ben Haden said he would sit with Dr. Billy Graham, who was a Dallas First Baptist member for 50 years.

Mr. Hilley said, as he looked at Internet pictures of what remained, It certainly brings back a lot of memories of my time working there.

Mr. Hilley said he was glad one of the original pulpits that Dr. Criswell and Dr. Truett preached from was salvaged.

Mr. Hilley stays in contact with Janet Lovvorn Starks, aunt of the church's executive pastor, Dr. Ben Lovvorn. Mrs. Lovvorn sent Mr. Hilley a picture of the historic sanctuary a few days before last weekends fire. Dr. Lovvorn said Tuesday, We are hoping to preserve three walls of the 130-year-old church. Mr. Hilley said, Thats encouraging since theres so much history.

Dallas First Baptist, which covers six full blocks, opened a 3,000 seat worship center in 2013 thats adjacent to the charred sanctuary. The historic Victorian style red brick church was being used for weddings and many special events. Authorities say the cause of the massive fire hasnt been determined, but the blaze started in the basement. There were no reported injuries.

Officials say the entire campus is closed this week but they hope to complete cleanup of the Worship Center by this Sunday for the morning service.
Improving school attendance addresses many educational challenges, including poor reading skills, chaotic classrooms, and learning loss. However, truancy, chronic absenteeism, and school dropouts often go unnoticed and are not given enough attention by policymakers.



School attendance is just not a sexy policy issue. Unlike testing, there is no industry like the highly profitable testing companies that spend millions lobbying policymakers for more taxpayer dollars to fight for these kids.

No highly financed political campaigns are focused on promoting showing up for school as an alternative to universal vouchers.Stephen Hawking once said, Half the battle is just showing up. If we want to elevate public education and see children achieve their potential, we must ensure that students show up in classrooms and learn daily. We must ensure that our schools have a teacher in each class and that students receive the support they need to know and succeed. School attendance is one of the most important indicators of school success.Many schoolchildren experience enormous hardships in their lives, including abject poverty, complex health challenges, neighborhood violence, and challenging family circumstances. These obstacles make it hard for students to make the most of their schooling opportunities. Mike Martin emphasized the need for policymakers to address transportation issues impacting chronic absenteeism to ensure no students are left behind.School absences nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, posing a significant educational threat. Chronic absenteeism is particularly concerning, as it can become the new norm and hinder students' academic progress. Studies have shown that chronically absent students perform lower in reading and mathematics.Although schools have implemented strategies like attendance-tracking systems and community outreach to tackle absenteeism, the problem persists. While some states have managed to reduce chronic absenteeism rates, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. The availability of COVID relief funds for attendance campaigns has also diminished, making it challenging for school districts to continue their efforts.States like Rhode Island have taken proactive measures to address chronic absenteeism, such as using billboards to catch students' attention and implementing a public dashboard to monitor daily attendance rates. However, reducing chronic absenteeism requires tailored approaches that consider the unique circumstances of each region.The consequences of high school dropout rates are far-reaching, including lower wages, limited employment opportunities, increased reliance on welfare and public services, and higher incarceration rates. Tennessee, for example, has experienced high dropout rates in urban areas such as Memphis-Shelby County and Davidson County.Inconsistent policies and practices across states, districts, and schools hinder combatting chronic absenteeism and truancy. The lack of a standardized classification of absences as excused or unexcused and variations in truancy laws prevent accurate data analysis and comparison.When students drop out of high school, it creates challenges that most kids never understand. These include lower wages, lost productivity, lack of employment opportunities, dependence on welfare and public services, and higher rates of incarceration. For the state, lost wages for citizens mean a loss of tax revenue.To address these issues, a common language and stable attendance policies are needed. It is essential to prioritize school attendance as a critical indicator of success and ensure students have access to teachers and the support they need to thrive. We can elevate public education and empower students to reach their full potential by confronting truancy, chronic absenteeism, and dropouts. It is time we start having those conversations.

JC Bowman

Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee

* * *

In response to JC Bowmans recent letter on school attendance, I will share Professor Walter Williamss opinion.

For someone to do well in school, somebody needs to make him go to bed on time and get a good 10 hours of sleep. Somebody must make him do his homework. Somebody must feed him breakfast in the morning and somebody must make him mind the teacher. If those things are not done, I dont care how much money you put in the school system, education will not occur.

Thomas Blewett
France is known for a lot of spectacular things. The countrys history alone is fascinating, but its also the home of so much great art, culture, beauty, and stories.

One piece of Frances history I was made aware of recently was the legend of The Beast Of Gevaudan, or La Bete du Gevaudan, a beast that brutally killed over 100 people and injured over 50 more in the 1760s.

In the French countryside, between 1764 and 1767, people were getting killed in terrifying ways by a mysterious beast. Bodies were found somewhat intact but without organs. Their organs were either gone, sitting beside them, or misplaced near other victims.

Often, the victims heads would be torn off but not missing, usually found not far from their bodies. Though some of the bodies may have had visible claw and bite marks, they were mostly kept in their clothes.

Judging by the way the victims were left, it almost seemed like a serial killer couldve committed such a heinous killing spree. However, the few bite marks and traces of fur left behind made it clear some kind of beast was responsible for this.

During those three years, it is estimated that 112 people in the countryside were killed, 53 were wounded, and 75 managed to escape the wrath of the beast, who was given the name La Bete.

It is believed that La Bete wasnt very big. She was probably the size of a calf. She was believed to be a canine-type creature, similar to that of the legendary werewolf. Her fur was a brown-red color, and she had large pointy ears and a tail.

So, how was this vicious beast taken down?

An innkeeper named Jean Chastel shot the beast down when he saw her outside his home. However, some people believed that the beast belonged to Jean. After all, the way the beast killed people was so meticulous and extreme that it was hard to believe she acted alone.

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When churchgoers show up to their churchs worship service, theyre often hoping to have a guest with them.

A Lifeway Research study of US Protestant churchgoers finds 3 in 5 (60%) say they have extended at least one invitation in the past six months for someone to attend their church, including 19 percent who have made one invitation, 21 percent with two invitations and 20 percent with three or more invitations.

A third of churchgoers say they havent invited anyone to a worship service at their church in the past six months, while 7 percent say they arent sure how many invitations theyve made.

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Churchgoers were not asked the typical net promoter score question of whether they recommend their church. They were asked if theyve actually invited someone in the last six months, said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. For most churchgoers, invitations are not just an aspiration but a current practice.

Extending invites

Compared to a similar Lifeway Research study six years ago, a similar percentage of churchgoers say they havent invited anyone recently33 percent now versus 29 percent in 2017. Fewer churchgoers, however, are making three or more invitations. In 2017, 1 in 4 said theyd extended at least three invitations for someone to visit their church in the previous six months. Currently, 20 percent say the same.

Its not surprising the proportion of churchgoers extending invites is not growing, since the proactive nature of inviting people to church is counter-cultural, said McConnell. People in America are not being more relational, but an invitation to church is an invitation to join you in activities you enjoy, a message that brings you hope, and relationships with you and others.

Some churchgoers are more likely to invite guests than others. Unsurprisingly, those who attend more often are more likely to extend invitations. Churchgoers who attend four times a month or more (27%) are more likely than those who attend less often (11%) to say theyve made three or more invitations in the past six months.

Those under 50 are more likely to extend invitations than older congregants. Almost a third of those 50 to 64 years old (32%) and nearly half of churchgoers 65 and older (46%) say they have not invited anyone in the past six months. Those 35 to 49 (29%) are most likely to have offered at least three invitations recently.

African American churchgoers are among the most likely to say theyve extended either two church invitations (28%) or three or more (25%). White churchgoers (36%) are more likely than African Americans (26%) and Hispanics (18%) to say they did not invite anyone in the past six months.

Baptists (27%) and those attending Restorationist Movement churches (21%) are more likely than those at Presbyterian/Reformed congregations (9%) to say theyve invited at least three individuals or families. Lutherans (52%) are among the most likely to say they havent invited anyone.

Churchgoers with evangelical beliefs, which include believing it is very important to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior, are more likely than non-evangelicals to invite others to church. Almost a quarter of evangelicals by belief (24%) say theyve extended three or more invitations, compared to 15 percent of those without such beliefs.

Invitation limitations

When asked why they dont bring guests more often, churchgoers point to several reasons. Around a quarter say they dont know anyone to invite (27%) or those they invite refuse their invitations (26%).

Another 13 percent say theyre just not comfortable asking people to church, while 7 percent say they dont think its up to them to bring people to church. Few (4%) say theyre too busy serving on Sunday morning.

Additionally, 19 percent say they dont know why they dont bring guests to church more often, and 5 percent say its another unspecified reason.

It can be easy for churchgoers to have their own relationship needs met at church and not know anyone else to invite, said McConnell. It takes intentionality to be meeting new people in your community to have opportunities to invite them.

Compared to 2017, churchgoers today are more likely to say they dont know anyone to invite (27 percent v. 17%) and those they invited said no (26 percent v. 20%). Current churchgoers are less likely than those in 2017 to say they arent sure of the reason they dont bring guests more often (19% v. 31%) or to point to another unnamed reason (5% v. 15%).

Those who attend most often say the reason they dont have guests with them more frequently is because their invitations are refused. Those who attend a worship service four times a month or more (31%) are more likely than those who attend one to three times (19%) to say a rejected invitation is the primary reason.

Baptists (33%), as well as those at non-denominational (27%) and Restorationist Movement (24%) churches are more likely than Lutherans (12%) and Presbyterian/Reformed (11%) to say the primary reason they dont bring guests with them to worship services more often is because the potential guests refuse their invitations.

Methodists (28%), Lutherans (24%) and those at Restorationist Movement churches (19%) are more likely than Baptists (9%) to say they arent bringing guests with them because they arent comfortable asking people to church. Additionally, Methodists (23%) are among the most likely to say they dont think its up to them to bring people to church.
Home News 18 Christians killed by Fulani extremists during overnight assault in Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria  Fulani attackers killed 18 Christians in a late-night assault on Friday 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.

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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.

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.

This article was originally published by Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News.
Home News Aaron Shust urges support for children of Israeli couple killed by Hezbollah

Award-winning Christian musician and artist Aaron Shust is asking fans to pray and support three children whose parents died this month in a Hezbollah rocket barrage on an Israeli settlement in Golan Heights.

Shust took to Instagram to raise awareness about the death of Israeli civilians Noa and Nir Baranes on July 9, both of whom were 46. The couple leaves behind their three children, ages 13, 16, and 18.

Shust, who has won multiple Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, including Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year in 2007, said his best friend's son, Shuki, is good friends with one of the couple's sons, Matan.

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The parents were on their way home to Kibbutz Ortal, near southwest Syria, when their car was struck during a barrage.

"Our goal is to rally support and raise funds to ease the financial burden on the Baranes family during this difficult time and for the children's future," he wrote.

"Let's show them Ahava Yeshua-the Love of Jesus by caring for them financially, and let's lift them up in prayer."

The artist provided the link to an online fundraiser that has raised over $76,000 to support the Baranes children, who "now face an uncertain future without their loving parents."

The Golan Regional Council said the couple were "beloved members of Ortal."

"They came to Ortal in 2012. Nir managed the poultry branch and, before that, the tourism and culture branch," the council noted in a statement, according to The Jerusalem Post. "Noa was the secretary of the plantation branch."

After the immediate aftermath of the Hezbollah attack, Ori Kallner, head of the Golan Regional Council, called on the Israeli government to attack Hezbollah "with force" to move the offensive into the Lebanese side of the border.

"We call on the government of Israel and the IDF on this difficult evening to protect the residents of the Golan, to stop the policy of restraint, attack our enemies with force and restore security to the residents of the north and the Golan," Kallner stated, according to CNN.

"We will not allow the Golan to be turned into Israel's security zone. The offensive must be moved into the other side of the border, into enemy territory," Kallner added.

The Golan Heights is under Israeli government control after it was captured from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967. The area is recognized internationally as part of Syria.

Amid Israel's war against the terror group Hamas in Gaza, there has been a monthslong conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border between Israel and Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist militant group supported by Iran in southern Lebanon. The near-daily attacks on both sides of the border have resulted in entire communities being displaced and thousands of buildings damaged, according to satellite photos, radar imagery and military activity records cited in a BBC analysis.

In July, the Israel Defense Forces announced that plans for an offensive in Lebanon were approved. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the group would broaden its attacks to more Israeli towns.
Home News Baptist church leader freed from prison in Myanmar

A Baptist clergyman in Myanmar who was sentenced to six years in prison by the Asian nation's military government has been released after serving a year following international calls for his release.

The Rev. Hkalam Samson, the former president of the Kachin Baptist Convention, was released from prison earlier this month after serving about 16 months, according to an ethnic Kachin advocacy group.

Samson was sentenced to six years of prison last April under the Unlawful Association Act, the Penal Code and the Terrorism Act of Myanmar, a nation also known as Burma.

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"He was released after living at a house in the prison compound," Lamai Gwanja, a leading member of the Kachin-based Peace-talk Creation Group, told The Associated Press. "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."

Samson was previously given amnesty in April; however, he was returned to custody mere hours after being released, according to the AP. The military government claimed it was to cooperate with the peace process.

The U.S. State Department, which had called for Samson's release, celebrated the news. Spokesman Matthew Miller called Samson "a prominent, well-respected religious leader."

"The United States welcomes the release of Reverend Dr. Hkalam Samson from prison in Burma after he served more than a year of a six-year sentence on military-led, manufactured charges," stated Miller.

"While we welcome this news, we reiterate our calls for the military regime to end its repression of, and violence against, religious actors, communities, and sites and houses of worship in Burma."

According to Miller, the junta government "has continued to imprison political actors, democratically elected officials, human rights defenders, and members of civil society."

"We continue to urge the military regime to immediately release the many individuals it has unjustly detained, cease its violence against civilians, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and respect the people of Burma's aspirations for inclusive, representative democracy," Miller added.

The former president of the Kachin Baptist Convention and the Kachin National Consultative Assembly, Samson was arrested in December 2022, accused of engaging in treasonous activities.

After Samson was sentenced to six years of prison last year, Christian Solidarity Worldwide Senior Analyst for East Asia Benedict Rogers called it "an outrageous travesty of justice."

"Samson is a completely non-violent Christian pastor and a brave and tireless advocate of justice, human rights and peace," said Rogers in a statement released at the time.

In 2019, Samson was among many religious freedom advocates who met with former U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House. He spoke about how Christians are persecuted in Myanmar and thanked him for sanctioning top Myanmar military generals.

"As Christians in Myanmar, we are being oppressed and tortured by the Myanmar military government," Samson said. "We don't have a chance for religious freedom as ethnic armed groups fight against the central military government. Please American government, focus on ethnic people and ethnic leader to get democracy and federalism. It is very important for your help and your support."
Home News House Republicans replace US flags torched by protesters at Union Station

A group of Republican members of Congress hoisted American flags outside Union Station in Washington, D.C., on Thursday night after violent protesters took down and burned the flags and raised Palestinian flags in their place earlier in the day.

"Earlier today, pro-Hamas protesters took down the American flags at Union Station, burned them and raised Palestinian flags. Tonight, we righted their wrong. American flags are once again flying over Union Station. We will not let the terrorist mob win," House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., tweeted, along with a video of the lawmakers saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

Earlier today, pro-Hamas protesters took down the American flags at Union Station, burned them and raised Palestinian flags.



Tonight, we righted their wrong.



American flags are once again flying over Union Station. We will not let the terrorist mob win. https://t.co/lDo43k13Ya Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe July 25, 2024

Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, was among the congressmen who restored the flags and tweeted footage of the event.

"We raised the flags back up ," he wrote. "Yesterday, terrorist sympathizers tore down the American flags at Union Station, burned them, and raised the Palestinian flag in its place. After votes tonight, a group of Members took our flag back and raised it."

We raised the flags back up????????????????????????



Yesterday, terrorist sympathizers tore down the American flags at Union Station, burned them, and raised the Palestinian flag in its place. After votes tonight, a group of Members took our flag back and raised it. pic.twitter.com/pEI8M2Lq3v  Rep. Dan Crenshaw (@RepDanCrenshaw) July 25, 2024

Footage circulated widely on social media Wednesday showing a large group of pro-Palestinian protesters lowering the three American flags outside Union Station, burning at least one of them and raising Palestinian flags in their place while shouting "Allahu Akbar!"

One man tries to slap the burning American flag out with his jacket as hes shoved out by protesters



Onlookers chant Allahu Akbar pic.twitter.com/ZvUDOWZj3k  Timcast News (@TimcastNews) July 24, 2024

Protesters also desecrated the nearby Columbus Memorial and Freedom Bell with graffiti expressing profane anti-Zionist and pro-Hamas messages. The Freedom Bell is a smaller-scale replica of Philadelphia's Liberty Bell made in 1975 for the U.S. bicentennial.

Anti Israel protesters burn the American flags they removed from flag posts at Union Station in DC https://t.co/C7eeionfhIpic.twitter.com/Q8OcYSHvKO  Timcast News (@TimcastNews) July 24, 2024

The defaced bell and statues were being pressure-washed on Thursday morning.

The swarms of protesters had attempted to march toward the U.S. Capitol ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint session of Congress. Police prevented them from nearing the building, according to The Associated Press.

After police blocked the protesters, they went through the Capitol Hill neighborhood and eventually wound up at the iconic train station. Police deployed pepper spray after the protesters became "violent" and uncooperative, the Capitol Police said.

The Capitol Police also noted that the flags at Union Station were not within their jurisdiction.

"No flags under our protection have been removed or vandalized. Our officers will enforce the law if anyone attempts to remove a flag in USCP jurisdiction. To clear up inaccurate reporting," Capitol Police said.

D.C. police and Capitol Police arrested 15 people, while the U.S. Park Police arrested eight people, according to The Washington Post.

The Union Station protest drew bipartisan condemnation.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., condemned the vandals as "pro-Hamas lunatics" and noted that he "introduced a bill to deport any foreigner involved in violence and vandalism on federal property."

This morning my colleagues and I introduced a bill to deport any foreigner involved in violence and vandalism on federal property.



The actions of the pro-Hamas lunatics at Union Station in DC are shameful, and anyone on a visa who took part should have it revoked immediately. pic.twitter.com/A0I2FVmeh8  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) July 24, 2024

"The Jew hate and anti-American garbage coming out of college campuses this spring didn't end with the last day of school," Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., said. "College presidents, you're on notice: Enforce your codes of conduct from day one of the fall semester."

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also the presumptive 2024 Democratic nominee, took nearly 24 hours to condemn the violent protests in a statement Thursday, describing them as "despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors [sic] and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric."

New: Vice President Harris condemns despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric in DC yesterday. pic.twitter.com/k0LFkGYJA6  Philip Melanchthon Wegmann (@PhilipWegmann) July 25, 2024

As of Thursday morning, President Joe Biden did not offer comment on the incident.

The protest comes as Israel continues its Gaza military offensive to eliminate Hamas, the terror group responsible for the Oct. 7 attacks in Southern Israel that killed hundreds of civilians, including 31 Americans. Hamas has run the Gaza Strip since 2007.

The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry reports over 38,000 people have died in Gaza since the offensive began. That figure doesn't differentiate between combatants and civilians. The Israeli government has long accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields.
Home News One-third of Democrats wish Trump's assassin didn't miss, poll suggests

About one-third of Democrats say they wish the assassin's bullet directed at former President Donald Trump earlier this month did not miss, a new poll suggests, a potential reflection of the volatile political climate engulfing the United States.

A snap July 18 survey of 235 Democrats conducted by University of Buckingham Professor Eric Kaufman examined whether people agreed with a statement declaring that "I wish Trump's assassin didn't miss."

The survey was commissioned five days after Trump narrowly escaped death as an assassin's bullet grazed his ear at a July 13 rally in Pennsylvania but did not kill him. However, one attendee was killed and two others were injured.

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Kaufman, a politics professor, stated that based on his research, "a third of Democrats support the attempt on Donald Trump's life." He expressed gratitude that the remaining two-thirds of Democrats in the sample did not support it.

"This raises the question of which kind of Democrat backed the killing of Trump," Kaufman wrote. "Support for the statement hardly varies by age, race or education, but is connected to ideology and partisanship."

The data suggests a relationship between support for the assassination attempt and a belief that white Republicans are racist.

Data included in a summary of Kaufman's findings published by Unherd show that overall, 55% of Democrat voters agreed with a statement proclaiming "white Republicans are racist," while 20% disagreed.

Among those who "strongly agree" that white Republicans are racist, 71% expressed support for Trump's assassination. Thirty-four percent of respondents who "slightly agree" that white Republicans are racist came out in favor of the former president's assassination.

Much smaller shares of voters who indicated that they neither agreed nor disagreed that white Republicans are racist (15%) and those who "slightly disagree" with that opinion (11%) wished that the assassination attempt had succeeded. The idea of assassinating Trump did not register with respondents who "strongly disagree" with the view that white Republicans are racist.

"For my new book The Third Awokening (published in the UK as Taboo), I conducted nationally representative surveys in 2020 which showed that two in three white liberals agreed with the 'White Republicans are racist' statement," Kaufman wrote.

"Those who did were twice as likely as those who disagreed with it to say that 'people who disagree with me politically are immoral.' They were also nearly twice as likely to say that politics is important for their identity. In effect, woke beliefs make people moralise politics, increasing intolerance and totalising black-and-white thinking."

Kaufman wrote that the increasing "pattern of partisan asymmetry" is caused by the political left being "more prejudiced against" the political right than vice versa, a trend he says is evident in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

"Now, identity politics has moralised the outlook of the Left, painting conservatives as evil rather than wrong," Kaufman wrote. "This fuels catastrophising language around 'white supremacy,' 'fascism' and 'danger,' leading to a high-stakes emotional atmosphere. Given our new politics of identitarian sacredness and moral absolutism, we should not be surprised to see a rise in political extremism."

The assassination attempt against Trump, the Republican Party's nominee for president of the United States, has heightened concerns about the impact of volatile political rhetoric.

In an address from the Oval Office the day after the assassination attempt, President Joe Biden urged the American people to "lower the temperature in our politics."

"There is no place in America [for] this kind of violence, for any violence, ever, period," he added. "The political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated. It's time to cool it down."

Following the assassination attempt, Biden reflected on his own rhetoric and how it may have contributed to the current political climate. He clarified remarks he made during a phone call the week before the assassination attempt where he asserted that "it's time to put Trump in a bullseye."

In an interview with NBC's Lester Holt last week, Biden described his use of the term "bullseye" as a "mistake," stressing that "I meant focus on him" and "focus on what he's doing" as well as his policies and "lies he told in the debate."

Biden was expected to be Trump's Democratic rival in the 2024 presidential election but dropped out of the race earlier this week. Trump will likely face off against Vice President Kamala Harris, who has become the presumptive Democrat nominee after Biden exited the race and endorsed his vice president as his preferred successor.
Home News Pres. Biden dropping out to 'save democracy;' will fight for abortion, Supreme Court reform

President Joe Biden defended his decision to drop out of the presidential race as a necessary step to ensure the defense of democracy as he vowed to make abortion and U.S. Supreme Court reform top priorities for the remainder of his term.

Biden delivered a primetime address from the Oval Office Wednesday, three days after he announced via a social media post that he was dropping his reelection bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him as the Democrat nominee for President of the United States.

"Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition," he said.

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Biden overwhelmingly won the popular vote in the Democrat presidential primaries this year and, therefore, secured the majority of delegates to the Democratic National Convention, who are now free to support someone else because he has dropped out. Based on a survey of DNC delegates conducted by The Associated Press, Harris has secured enough support to become the presumptive Democrat nominee.

The president's address marks the first time he's spoken to the nation since his decision. I revere this office, but I love my country more, he said. Its been the honor of my life to serve as your president, but in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think is more important than any title.

I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people, he added. But this sacred task of perfecting our union, its not about me. Its about you, your families, your futures. Its about we the people. We can never forget that, and I never have.

The president reiterated his belief that America is at an inflection point, which he described as one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine [the] fate of our nation and the world for decades to come. He insisted that Americas going to have to choose between 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, he asserted. Does character in public life still matter?

Biden insisted that those who care about the cause of American democracy itself must unite to protect it.

Biden added: In recent weeks, its become clear to me that I needed to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for Americas future all merited a second term. But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.

Bidens comments about party unity refer to the fact that following his performance in last months presidential debate with former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, many in his own party began calling for him to drop out of the race because of concerns that the questions about his age and ability to serve as president, exacerbated by the debate performance, would cause him to lose the 2024 presidential election to Trump.

I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation, he said. There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, but theres also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, and that time and place is now.

Biden vowed that over the next six months, Ill be focused on doing my job as president. He specifically highlighted his intentions to lower costs for hardworking families, grow our economy, and defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights from the right to vote to the right to choose, referring to abortion.

Ill keep calling out hate and extremism, making clear there is no place, no place in America for political violence or any violence ever, period, he promised. He also listed gun control, climate change, curing cancer and Supreme Court reform as top priorities of the remaining six months of his administration. He did not get into specifics on what he had in mind for Supreme Court reform, only characterizing the idea as critical to our democracy.

Biden reflected on his time in office, expressing gratitude that weve come so far since my inauguration and we came together as Americans. He claimed that the U.S. became stronger, more prosperous and more secure under his leadership.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed and still do that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, and thats still the case, he proclaimed. America is an idea, an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant.

Biden concluded his speech by praising Harris as an incredible partner to me and describing her as experienced, tough and capable.

He urged the American people to take the advice of Benjamin Franklin into consideration when voting in the 2024 presidential election, recalling how he emerged from the Constitutional Convention announcing that the newly formed nation would become a Republic, if you can keep it.

Whether we keep our Republic is now in your hands, he declared. My fellow Americans, its been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years. Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the resolute desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States, but here I am.

Biden assured the American people he has given my heart and my soul to our nation, adding, I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you. ... The idea of America lies in your hands.

While Biden did not explicitly mention Trump, his rhetoric reflected the line of attack that has become commonplace when discussing him either directly or indirectly. Although he praised Harris, he did not tell people directly to vote for her.

Biden also did not directly address the more than 14 million Democrat primary voters who voted to make him the Democrat nominee. Concerns have emerged in the past few days that the push by party leaders and delegates to make Harris the nominee without letting Democrat voters weigh in amounts to effectively ignoring the will of the people, as reflected in the primary results that demonstrated overwhelming support for Biden.
Home News Sonya Masseys son, mother say race contributed to her death after she rebuked officer in Jesus' name

The teenage son and mother 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," say they believe race played a role in her death earlier this month.

Massey, who is black, was shot dead by 30-year-old former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson while he was responding to a call to report a suspected prowler at her home on July 6.

Responding to questions in an interview with CBS Evening News, Masseys mother, Donna Massey, and her son, Malachi Hill Massey, 17, said they believe she would probably still be alive after her encounter with Grayson if she had not been black.

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Yeah, he would have definitely been more cautious. He wouldn't have did that, Malachi said of Graysons decision to shoot his mother.

He wouldn't have did it at all, Donna Massey said.

An initial statement from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office on Massey's July 6 killing said that 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 had been struck.

Body-camera footage of the encounter released by the Illinois State Police fills in gaps of information in that initial statement and contradicts some of what was previously alleged by officers, according to her family members, including that Massey had died by suicide.

The video shows how Massey appeared anxious and agitated when she first meet Grayson and his partner at her door quickly telling them, "Please don't hurt me."

Grayson appeared to assure her that he wouldnt hurt her, saying, "Why would we hurt you? You called us."

When the officers asked her what she needed help with, Massey said 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 and his partner would eventually enter Masseys home and at about 8 minutes and 35 seconds into the video. Grayson then 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'm sorry," she says as the officers order her to drop the pot of boiling water.

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.

Malachi and his grandmother told CBS Evening News that Massey, who was a member of Second Timothy Baptist Church, according to her obituary, struggled with lupus, an autoimmune disease, and days earlier had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the term paranoid schizophrenia is an outdated name for a subtype of schizophrenia. The disease usually shows up in women between the ages of 25 and 35. People with the affliction commonly struggle to tell what's real and what isn't and often have hallucinations and delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Her mother said days before she was killed, Massey kept saying she was going to die.

Donna Massey insists that her daughter didnt deserve to be killed by Grayson and she hasnt found the strength to watch the recording of her death.

She remembers her daughter as being very smart and selfless.

She's always helping everybody but herself. She really was a homebody and a good mom, Donna Massey said of her daughter.

Malachi remembered his mother as loving and energetic.

She was just a ball of love, honestly, to me. She cooked me the best food. I love her food. She was just a ball of energy. She could talk to anybody, you know. She's just the most loving person ever, he said, adding that she was also at the end stage of kidney disease.

Malachi said even though he never imagined his mother would have died as violently as she did, he plans to be strong like she would have wanted him to be. Donna Massey hopes Grayson gets the toughest possible punishment under the law for killing her daughter and Malachi believes his family will get justice.

We're going to get Justice for sure. I know we are for sure. I'm positive, Malachi said.

A grand jury indicted Grayson on July 17. He was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.

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."
Home Opinion How should Christians respond to a watered-down GOP platform?

Now that Americans have had a chance to digest the political earthquakes of the last week and a half, a lot of conservatives are circling back to a major disappointment that, like most news, faded to the background when Donald Trump was shot. Even after the bombshell that Joe Biden is exiting the 2024 race, the mainstream media seems intent on returning to a thread that created big waves before the first shots ever rang out in Butler, Pennsylvania: a radically-rewritten GOP platform that leaves decades of pro-life and pro-family values behind.

Under Trump, GOP Softens Abortion Stance, headlines declared. Some wondered, Is the Republican Party Becoming Pro-Choice? Others were openly critical: RNCs New Abortion Stance Betrays GOPs Founding, Pro-Life Activist Says. The New York Times went a step further, blowing the doors off the RNCs ruthless effort to hijack the process, confiscating delegates cell phones, refusing debate, and ultimately ramming the former presidents document through without amendments.

This is something that ultimately youll pass, Trump is said to have told the 112 platform delegates by phone. Youll pass it quickly. He was right. A painstaking process that usually takes place over a series of days was reduced to a few hours that Monday morning, leaving most delegates wondering why theyd even come. It was insulting, many said, demeaning, demoralizing, even despicable.

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Family Research Councils Travis Weber, whos been involved in previous platforms, was shocked at the attempt to rig the process. As he put it, [T]here was an attempt to silence dissent. Fellow FRC Vice President Brent Keilen agreed on this weeks Outstanding podcast, pointing out that delegates barely had a chance to read the document before the vote was called. There was virtually zero debate. As the Times described it, this was the result of months of careful planning. The RNC, led by Trump, would steamroll their vision to victory, which they apparently defined as a short, vague, diluted platform that read more like a campaign fundraising email than a guiding party light.

For longtime conservatives, the entire fiasco felt like a deep betrayal. Not only did the party of free speech silence its own, they walked away from decades of core, Republican values. The content in the platform reflects what the Trump campaign feels like are their election priorities or whats going to help them win in November, Weber acknowledged.  But the problem with that is, [the] party platform document is supposed to transcend any one election, [or any one] candidate.

Keilen agreed. I think kind of the fundamental issue here is the understanding of what the platform is supposed to be for. You have short-term implications, and you have long-term implications. And the short term is  we run on [this] for that next election cycle.  And that was the view that really kind of ruled the day [in Milwaukee]. But the reality is, he underscored, the platform really is designed to be kind of that statement of the movement, the grassroots leaders, the enduring principles [of the party]. Drawing on research thats been conducted over the years, he reminded people that parties on average vote in line with their platform about 80% of the time. In other words, Once its out there, it is guiding what members of that party or that movement look to as the standard  But I think, fundamentally, that long-term aspect is what got overlooked in all of this.

And as social conservatives, host Joseph Backholm pointed out, [We] just want to remind people why [its significant that they] removed strong pro-life statements saying life begins at conception. It removed statements saying we believe marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman.

At the end of the day, its a huge mistake, the men agreed. [Theyre] abandoning and alienating pro-life voters who turned out in 2016 because of his promises on the life issue and in the court  And it seems, at least to Weber, that a lot of this is being driven by the media and the polling and advisors  [But] Donald Trumps never operated that way, though, so I dont know why he would operate that way now  I think itd be better to stick with the base and ignore the polling.

So, what are Christians, who were pleasantly surprised by the 45th presidents commitment to principles like life, marriage, religious freedom, and human sexuality in his first term, supposed to think? Is it time to throw in the towel on politics? We say no, understanding that as people of faith we need to:

1. Be realistic about the parties and their candidates

No politician is perfect, just as no party is  or will be. Moments like this force us to acknowledge the shortcomings of the political process in a fallen world. Jesus Christ isnt running for office, and he isnt gaveling either conventions platform committee to order. As FRC President Tony Perkins advised after the frustration of this years result, Christians have to go into the election with eyes wide open. We have to have discernment, he urged. And we have to understand that were not going to have perfect alignment [with any party]. And so, yes, were disappointed in this temporary setback  [But] we have to be informed and engaged even when were not completely happy with what were dealing with.

The reality is, Perkins pointed out on Washington Watch, we have two parties, and youve got to be involved in one or the other if you want to make an impact on the political process. Does that mean we put our full trust in those parties? Absolutely not.

My hope is built on nothing less than the Republican Party platform  said no one ever, Backholm quipped. So, whatever happens to the Republican Party platform, we can have preferences. And we, of course, want truth to prevail and reign everywhere. And that is ultimately the reality that Jesus will restore. But the fact that there is a war against truth is not news to us. Nor should it be news that this war may, at times, come from the people and places we least expect.

2. Speak up when leaders abandon truth

[These were] hard fought battles over decades wiped out in hours, FRCs president lamented after being involved in the platform for the last five conventions. It took us 45 years to get to where we were, he said, looking back. And so, to see a retreat in one day and not even have debate on it, it was wrong, and it cannot be tolerated.

In a conversation with Princeton Law Professor Robby George, Tony asked what he would tell Christians when their party departs from long-time positions that run parallel to their faith. Tell the truth, George insisted. Tell the truth. In season and out of season, whether its convenient or inconvenient, whether it brings you applause or the opposite of applause  tell the truth  Whether its a Democrat, whether its a Republican, if someone is failing in their obligation to stand up for the sanctity of human life and marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife and religious liberty and our core values, then Im going to tell the truth about that.

God has entrusted us with this moment, Perkins agreed, and I think Hes entrusted us with this moment to be faithful to the truth, to proclaim that truth even when it is politically inexpedient. Frankly, he told listeners,  [A]s Bible-believing Christians, we must stand for truth  whether the current popular political party or candidate stands with that or not, I dont care. Im going to stand.

He pointed to Ephesians 6 as encouragement, reminding Christians,  [T]heres going to be good days and theres going to be some days like [July 8], bad days. But you know what? he asked. God sits on his throne, and He laughs at the nations who rage against Him and say that they can do it their way. Gods truth is enduring. Thats where we should stand, and thats where we should move our communities [and] our country.

3. Find the candidate that most closely aligns with your biblical values, no matter how imperfect the choices may be

How do we approach a situation where you have two options, Travis asked, and neither of them totally lines up with the biblical position? Its not simple, Backholm replied. While were frustrated in one sense about the weakening of certain statements  on the other hand, the [Democratic] option being presented to us is a statement that has declared war on the created order and everything God said is good in Genesis 1 and 2. The unfortunate reality, he went on, is that we, as Christians, are always in a situation of having to navigate life in a sinful, imperfect world  The political environment that were living in is imperfect and in large part governed by sinners. And of course, what other choice is there? We still have this duty to use whatever authority and opportunity God gives to us to make the best of this situation that God has found us in.

Keilen agreed that the church is always going to wrestle with the shortcomings of political candidates and parties, especially when they abandon principles that used to be non-negotiable. Even so, he said, We do have track records to look at for both candidates at the same time. You have what Trump did while he was in office  appointing Supreme Court justices that did overturn Roe v. Wade. [He was] the first president to speak at a March for Life and things like that. And then you have President Bidens record, which just really, really aggressively pushed abortion at every turn, using every executive agency [to push] taxpayer-funded abortions. And so I do think that has to be part of the equation, too.

So yes, On the one hand, we want to be forthright with what this platform is versus what it was in 2016. We want it to be the best it possibly can be, but lets face it, Brent said. Theres also some good stuff in it. It talks about supporting the Bible in education. It has a very good section on religious liberty [and parental rights]. It talks about the need to foster patriotism and not push critical race theory [or radical gender ideology] through the government and things like that. And so there are a number of factors [to consider].

When push comes to shove, Weber chimed in, I still look at this [GOP platform] document as more aligned with my faith than the Democrats document and what Biden has done in office  and what [the party] would likely do going ahead. I still trust what Trump would likely do as more aligned with my faith than what the Democrat would  I think a Christian still has to look at this and say, What aligns with my faith? I cant kind of opt out of the process, and I want someone whos going to put policies in place that are mostly aligned with how Christians should look at the world.

4. Refuse to disengage  no matter how frustrated you may be

Some people say, Oh, you know, this political stuff, lets just kind of stay out of it. We dont need to be involved because our allegiance is to Christ first, Weber recounted.  The problem with that is its not like [whats happening in our nation] doesnt matter. It does matter. But yes, our allegiance is still to Christ first. So the political decisions, the outcome of the election, does not occupy the top place on the throne, but we cant throw it out in the trash can and say it doesnt matter, because these policies do result in more or less unborn lives being saved, do result in more or less freedom, do result in more or less of an affirmation of the family  to say nothing for the implications of other issues globally [like] national security [or] the border.

To walk away from the process because it doesnt fully line up with my values, he warned, would be a grave error. Its also an error to modify or compromise or change the truth because we want to bend circumstances to achieve a political outcome.

On this, Perkins was adamant. Let me again be very, very clear, folks. We have to vote, and we have to have discernment  [But] staying home, folks, is not an option. Its not an option. I mean, not voting is a vote for the worst possible outcome.

What Americans need to understand is that no matter what mistakes have been made, weve got a choice  a very sharp, contrasting choice between visions and candidates. Our job is to pray, to vote, and to stand. The results belong to Him, Perkins underscored. The duty to obey is ours.

Originally published at The Washington Stand.
Home Opinion Why mature Christians rarely experience miracles

Some Christians these days feel like God is slow in showing signs and wonders when they call on Him. To some of them the manifestation of miracles, signs and wonders is over while some think that their faith is no longer strong enough to provoke miracles.

I recently met a 76-year-old Christian who complained to me that he was upset at God not healing him from his ailment. He couldnt fathom why God wouldnt give him the miracle he has been praying for. This could be the same question that many other Christians have been asking nowadays.

This lack of understanding for why God does miracles is responsible for the breeding of miracle seekers in our churches today even among the elderly. I have come to realize that when God wants to bring us to Himself, He performs miracles in our lives to bring us to Himself. But after a while, He allows us pass through difficulties and trials to test our faith.

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New Testament miracles were performed to attract unbelievers to Christ: And a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick (John 6:2). There are biblical accounts of mature Christians who needed miraculous healing but never experienced it. Paul was sick, and yet God refused to heal him (2 Corinthians 12:9). Timothy had stomach issues and had to drink a little wine to treat it (1 Timothy 5:23). Neither one of them receive miraculous healing  despite their prayers.

The Apostle Paul also left Trophimus, one of his disciples, sick in Miletus without miraculously healing him (2 Timothy 4:20). Epaphroditus was also sick to the point of death and received no miraculous healing from Paul (Philippians 2:27). Thats the same Paul who performed many miracles, including the healing of a cripple man in Lystra (Acts 14:8).



Paul, Trophimus, Timothy and Epaphroditus did not need any proof or conviction of who God is and what He can do. These men believed in Christ and had moved to the next level in their Christian walk of partaking in the suffering of Christ. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him (Philippians 1:29).

What mature Christians need in time of affliction is grace, not miracles. It is wrong for an adult Christian who is supposed to be on the mission field to be moving from one church to another in search of miracles, signs and wonders. We need to seek maturity in Christ and not chase after miracles.

God rarely gives miracles to mature Christians who are growing in their faith. He pursues our holiness with much greater zeal than He does our pleasure and comfort in this life. Remembering this can help a lot of us overcome our frustrations when God doesnt give us the miracles we ask for.
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-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 IHOPKCs board says 24/7 Prayer Room will no longer be connected to a church

After months of deliberation, the board of the embattled International House of Prayer Kansas City has decided that the vaunted 24/7 Prayer Room will not be operated under the umbrella of any church. This decision follows the shuttering of several arms of the ministry, including the Forerunner Church, in the aftermath of a sexual misconduct scandal involving founder Mike Bickle.

The board announced the decision Wednesday in an email update on the restructuring of the ministry sent to members of the IHOPKC community. A copy of the email was shared by The Roys Report.

"Another source of confusion has been the process of evaluating whether to move the governance of the Prayer Room under a church structure, and if it should be relocated to our Grandview Plaza facility," the board said in the email.

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"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. Further, the Prayer Room will remain in its present location at the Red Bride Center."

While the 24/7 Prayer Room won't function under the governance of a church, the board noted that it will still require governance. The board is working on a plan to operate it independently of a church.

"We realize that the long term health and wellbeing of the prayer room requires a formal governance structure for oversight, accountability, and spiritual strength," the email said. "We are exploring the best fit moving forward and are committed to ensuring systems are in place for solid decision making and responsible leadership."

In April, IHOPKC announced that the ministry would be restructured, including the shuttering of some aspects of operations this year, including the IHOPKC school of ministry and Forerunner Church, led by Isaac Bennett.

"In April, we announced that, after much prayer and deliberation, we would wind down many of IHOPKC's ministry and training expressions, including IHOPU, Forerunner Church, CEC, and internships, a process which concluded May 24th. Since that time, our focus as a ministry has been the 24/7 Prayer Room and Intercession for Israel," the board's email reads. "During the process of planning and carrying out these changes, incorrect statements were made about IHOPKC's future and reasons for shutting down various ministry expressions. As we said earlier, IHOPKC is not shutting down."

The Roys Report, citing a leaked recording from leaders at an internal IHOP University staff meeting as well as an email from IHOP University President Matt Candler, reported earlier this year that IHOPKC was in the process of shuttering for good due to the financial impact of Bickle's sexual abuse scandal. IHOPKC permanently cut ties with Bickle last December.

In February, after a third woman alleged she was groomed and sexually abused by Bickle in the 1980s when she was 14.

Using her maiden name, Tammy Woods, who is now a 57-year-old mother and grandmother, told The Kansas City Star that Bickle abused her in St. Louis where he pastored a church before moving to Kansas City and starting IHOPKC in 1999.

Woods said Bickle abused her in his car, at her home, in the church and his office. She said the abuse, which began when she started babysitting his two sons, involved sexual contact but not intercourse. She revealed that the IHOPKC founder also told her several times that his wife, Diane, would die young and suggested that she could be the mother to his sons.

"He would kiss my neck, he would kiss my cheeks, he would kiss my forehead," Woods told the Star, recalling the first time Bickle kissed her at her house when she was 14. "The first, like, 'kiss' kiss was in my house. He kind of pulled me into my bathroom. And he kissed me like a man kisses a woman."

Last year, a woman identified as Jane Doe by The Roys Report alleged that Bickle paid for her apartment, gave her a key to his office and engaged in sexual acts with him from 1996 to 1999 before he founded IHOPKC. She claimed Bickle wooed her with Scripture at age 19 when he was 42.

Bickle initially initially agreed to step away from the ministry last October when allegations of sexual abuse involving mutliple women were brought to light by an advocate group. Bickle confessed to engaging in "consensual sexual contact" with a woman connected to the 24/7 prayer ministry in addition to a previously confessed relationship with the Jane Doe, who alleged she was his kept woman for several years, according to an independent investigation report released in February.

In December, he admitted on Facebook to engaging in "inappropriate behavior" but not "the more intense sexual activities that some are suggesting." The ministry perminantly cut ties with Bickle two weeks later, saying its investigation confirmed "a level of inappropriate behavior."
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 News Ohio man sentenced to prison for Planned Parenthood threat, money laundering

An Ohio man has been sentenced to serve five-and-a-half years in prison for threatening to burn down a Planned Parenthood clinic and engaging in money laundering.

Mohamed Waes, 33, confessed to calling the clinic and telling staff he would burn down the building.

Waes pled guilty in February to a misdemeanor charge under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act), a controversial federal law that enacts strict punishments for people who block entrances to abortion clinics or are deemed as being a threat to abortion facilities.

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Using threats of violence to obstruct access to reproductive health care (abortion) is simply unlawful, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, as quoted in a DOJ press release.

The Justice Department will continue to protect both patients seeking reproductive health services and providers offering those services, wherever and whenever these criminal violations occur.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker for the Southern District of Ohio was also quoted in the press release as saying that federal authorities will continue our unified vigilance against such actions and remain prepared to hold accountable those who commit them.

Threats of violence against healthcare providers and deception against our financial system are acts that must be punished in our courts of justice, said Parker.

Waes also confessed to attempting to launder approximately $1.97 million. The money was acquired via a business email scheme in which scammers make fake email domains that mimic legitimate domains and send emails to companies impersonating vendors to receive invoice payments.

In addition to the five-and-a-half years in prison, Waes will also have three years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay $273,982.08  the amount of money he successfully laundered out of the $1.97 million  in restitution.

The FACE Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994, coming in response to a reported uptick in violence against abortion providers.

The measure makes it a federal crime to block the entrances to abortion clinics or to use intimidation to prevent people from obtaining an abortion.

"We simply cannot  we must not  continue to allow the attacks, the incidents of arson, the campaigns of intimidation upon law-abiding citizens that has given rise to this law," stated Clinton in 1994, as quoted by The New York Times.

"No person seeking medical care, no physician providing that care should have to endure harassments or threats or obstruction or intimidation or even murder from vigilantes who take the law into their own hands because they think they know what the law ought to be."

Pro-choice groups, such as the National Abortion Federation, argue that the federal law not only protects abortion clinics, but allows pro-life activists to peacefully demonstrate from a distance.

"FACE protects protesters' First Amendment right to free speech," claimed NAF in a position paper. "Clinic protesters remain free to conduct peaceful protest, including singing hymns, praying, carrying signs, walking picket lines and distributing anti-abortion materials outside of clinics."

Others, among them pro-life groups and Republican politicians, contend that the FACE Act is often used to unjustly punish people peacefully demonstrating at abortion clinics.

Last September, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, introduced legislation that would repeal the FACE Act, with Roy arguing that "Biden's Department of Justice has brazenly weaponized the FACE Act against normal, everyday Americans across the political spectrum, simply because they are pro-life.

"Our Constitution separates power between the federal government and the states for a reason, and we ignore that safeguard at our own peril. The FACE Act is an unconstitutional federal takeover of state police powers; it must be repealed, Roy said at the time.
Home News Support for Israel, dispensationalism declines among younger Evangelicals: study Evangelicals under 30 increasingly embrace amillennialism, postmillennialism

The number of young Evangelicals in the United States who support Israel and view it as crucial to the End Times is declining as they increasingly move toward amillennial and postmillennial eschatology, according to a recent study.

The Jerusalem Post noted earlier this year that support for Israel among young Evangelicals has cratered by more than 50% over three years, as laid out in the 2023 book Christian Zionism in the Twenty-First Century: American Evangelical Opinion on Israel, by Kirill M. Bumin, Ph.D., and Motti Inbari, who serves as professor of Jewish Studies at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

'Thinking less and less about the role of Israel'

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Drawing on three original surveys conducted in 2018, 2020 and 2021, the book examined the religious beliefs and foreign policy attitudes of Evangelicals in the U.S. and found that a generational divide appears to be emerging over such issues.

According to data Bumin and Inbari presented at The Center for the Study of the United States (CSUS) at Tel Aviv University in February, 33.6% of young Evangelicals under 30 expressed support for Israel in late 2021, compared to 67.9% in 2018. In 2021, 24.3% of young Evangelicals said they support the Palestinians, compared to only 5% in 2018.

Bumin, who serves as an associate dean of the Metropolitan College at Boston University, told The Christian Post that he and Inbari discovered in their research that premillennial pastors are significantly older than amillennial and postmillennial pastors, and less ethnically and racially diverse.

"Conversations with some of the leaders in the young Evangelical community  such as Robert Nicholson and Luke Moon of the Philos Project, as well as other anecdotal evidence  lead us to believe that the greater racial diversity of amillennial and postmillennial pastors, combined with their relative youthfulness in comparison to the premillennial pastors, helps attract a larger share of the under-30 Evangelicals to those churches and eschatological positions," Bumin told CP.

As amillennialism and postmillennialism grow increasingly attractive to under-30 Evangelicals, Bumin said that demographic is "thinking less and less about the role of Israel and the Jewish people in the End Times as catalysts for the Second Coming and salvation."

"And, without explicit eschatological relevance, support for the Jewish people and support for Israel in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict becomes a matter of a peripheral concern," he continued, adding that postmillennialism especially gathers younger adherents because of its emphasis on social justice and improvement of the human condition through social activism.

Bumin maintained that postmillennialism "resonates with young people and aligns with a pro-Palestinian, rather than a pro-Israel, view in the current political environment in the United States."

'Poisoned by this brainwashing philosophy'

While both forms of premillennialism separate the Second Coming and the Last Judgment, pre-tribulational premillennialists  or "pre-tribs"  believe that the tribulation described in Revelation 7 will take place after the Church is raptured, and that Christ will return with the Church to reign for the 1,000-year period in Revelation 20 before the Last Judgment. Such a view was popularized by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins in their bestselling Left Behind series.

"Post-trib" premillennialists, by contrast, adhere to the belief that the Second Coming will occur after the tribulation, followed by the millennium and finally, the Last Judgment. Mid-tribulational premillennialists fall in between, believing that the Church will be raptured midway through the tribulation and spared the brunt of it.

Postmillennialism teaches that the Second Coming and Last Judgment will take place at the same time following an extended period of Christian dominance on Earth, while amillennialism teaches that the millennium is symbolic, and that Christians have been in the End Times since the first century.

Amillennialism also teaches that the Second Coming and Last Judgment will take place simultaneously at the end of the age.

Richard Land, executive editor of The Christian Post and president emeritus of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, attributed the decline of young Evangelical support for Israel in part to the influence of cultural Marxism in U.S. colleges and universities.

"First of all, it's true, unfortunately," Land said of the shift. "I see it all the time. I think there are several reasons. One is that the younger Evangelicals have been to university in the last 20 years, and the universities have, to a significant degree, been subverted by Arab oil money."

Land maintained that many schools have also been infiltrated by a form of cultural Marxism that sees Israel as an "oppressor state."

"Some forms of cultural Marxism see Jews, in particular, as a white oppressor class, so it breeds antisemitism," he said. "You look at what's been going on recently, and that can't be that widespread without ideas. Ideas have consequences. And for the last 20 or more years, the younger generation of Americans have been poisoned by this brainwashing philosophy."

Land also pinpointed that the children of many pre-tribulational premillennialists are increasingly changing their views to post-tribulational premillennialism, a trend he said he could not readily explain.

"I don't know exactly why, but I do know the result," he said. "The result is that they are much less focused on Israel. There's a cause-and-effect relationship: as 'pre-trib' wanes and 'post-trib' waxes, the intensity of the support for Israel wanes."

"And then, as they've been influenced by cultural Marxism and by seeing Israelis as oppressors, some of them have become amillennial. Of course, if you're amillennial, then you don't believe God has anything to do with Israel," he added.

Land also believes that Israel, in general, has been "asleep at the wheel" regarding soliciting support from American Evangelicals, mistakenly assuming that they would always have their support.

'More Christo-centric'

Charles E. Hill, who serves as emeritus professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, told CP that while the influence of antisemitism could be playing a role in declining support for Israel, another major reason that some younger Bible-believing Christians would depart from dispensational premillennial eschatology is because the internet has allowed them wider access to differing theological teachings.

Hill, who said he used to adhere to a dispensationalist theology, now describes himself as amillennial in his eschatology and penned the book, Regnum Caelorum: Patterns of Millennial Thought in Early Christianity, which argues that many in the early church held to an amillennial position.

For most of my lifetime, the mere existence of Israel in the Middle East as a nation has been seen as an apologetic for dispensationalism, because it was viewed as a major fulfillment of prophecy: the simple fact that they're there means that God's timetable is moving forward and so forth," Hill said. "And I just think that younger people are further removed from the founding event of the modern state of Israel, and so maybe that argument doesn't make as much sense to them."

Hill said he was ultimately convinced of the amillennial position after his studies led him to "seeing the unity of Scripture and the unity of the people of God throughout Scripture."

"Those are very big for me, seeing that there's always been a spiritual Israel; that the land promises always had a typical function of pointing ahead to Christ and to His ownership of the world."

"For me, it was really coming to the conclusion that the apostles in the New Testament have a different hermeneutic than what I was getting in dispensationalism," he said. "And it was trying to follow the apostles' hermeneutic, their way of interpreting the Old Testament. And I found that I couldn't reconcile that with a literal-only interpretation of prophecy. It was more Christo-centric and not Israel-centric."

"I imagine that once they start looking into it a little bit more, some of them just find the amillennial and postmillennial views more satisfying," Hill added of the younger Evangelicals. "So, I'm sure there are a lot of things that are playing into this."
Home News United Methodist bishops denounce Russian attack on children's hospital in Ukraine

The United Methodist Church House of Bishops has denounced Russian forces attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine, especially a recent strike on a childrens hospital in the nations capital.

In a press release on Wednesday, the UMC House of Bishops condemned Russia's ongoing attacks on civilian targets, most recently the atrocious attack on the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv.

We call on governments and the international community to hold Russia accountable for its actions and to maintain the demand for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian soil, the bishops stated.

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We support the Ukrainian Council of Churches in holding the Russian Orthodox Church accountable for its support of Russia's invasion and war against Ukraine.

The UMC leadership also expressed opposition to war and all other forms of violent conflict and said they support Ukrainians in their struggle for freedom and justice.

We stand with the United Methodists in Ukraine in their tireless work to shelter internally displaced people and to bring hope and comfort, they continued.

We call on all Methodists to pray for the freedom of Ukraine and for a just and lasting peace. As we yearn for the day when there will be no more war and people will live together in peace and justice.

Earlier this month, the Russians launched a series of missile attacks on cities in unoccupied Ukraine, including Kyiv, the invaded nations capital, killing approximately 30 people.

One of the buildings struck by the attacks was the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital of Kyiv (also spelled Kiev), striking the facility even as some patients were in surgery.

Among the victims were Ukraines sickest children, said Volker Turk, a United Nations official who visited the facility shortly after the attack, as quoted by The Associated Press. This is abominable, and I implore those with influence to do everything in their power to ensure these attacks stop immediately.

For its part, the Russian government has denied any wrongdoing.

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, having previously annexed the Crimean region of the Eastern European nation in 2014 during the Obama administration. Russia also took over the Republic of Georgia during the Georgia-Russia war in 2008 when George W. Bush was president.

Since Russian forces invaded, there have been numerous reports of Ukrainian Christians, especially those not belonging to the Orthodox Church, being persecuted by the military.

Months after the war began, Yaroslav Pyzh, president of Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary in Lviv, told The Christian Post that around 400 Baptist congregations in Ukraine had been lost due to war-related circumstances.

In April, a group of religious freedom advocates sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson calling on him to recognize the persecution of Christians under Russian occupation amid accounts of pastors being harassed or even tortured by soldiers.
Inviting the non-religious to pray

Try Praying is a unique seven-day prayer guide for non-religious individuals - an invitation for people who are new to prayer and open to discovering God outside a church setting. The booklet has garnered great success around towns and cities across the UK, sparking change in the lives of many.

Christian Today spoke with Emma Weaver, Development Co-ordinator for Try Praying, to hear about the origins of the booklet, the impact it has had, and the simplicity of communicating with God.

What sparked the idea for the Try Praying booklet?

Try Praying was created 14 years ago through David Hill, who had experience in evangelism and helping others come to Christ through his work with Agape and There is Hope. He was inspired after he met a lady who told him her aunt had become a Christian after being given a 40-day prayer guide. He had two reactions: one was, that is wonderful; the other was that he would never give a 40-day prayer guide to a non-Christian because it was too heavy. Then he had a simple lightbulb moment: why don't we write a prayer guide for people who are not religious and who don't do church? It would help them start praying about what is important to them, but crucially would introduce them to Jesus and lead them to trust him with their lives. Since then, it has just gone from strength to strength.

What are some common misconceptions about prayer?

Some people do not realise that you have to be consistent, you have to keep going and you have to build that relationship with God. You have to come with an open and genuine heart and also with realistic prayers - I believe, not 'I want to win the lottery'. If you come with a genuine heart and really want to connect, God will come and answer your prayer. He might not necessarily answer it the way you want, otherwise you're dictating to God and telling him what to do. He might say, 'I'm not going to answer your prayer, I'm going to remain silent because the answer is no or not now.'

God has heard and answered so many prayers throughout my life, which is why I do what I do. Prayer is my ministry. I love to tell people that they can have this relationship with God too.

Has the Try Praying booklet been a successful gateway for people to enquire about Jesus?

Yes, it has. We have hundreds of stories of how God has used this. The visibility of the logo on church banners and bus advertising, together with the booklet, have had a huge impact. People with all sorts of problems have seen our logo and prayed because they were desperate. God stepped in and helped them. When people use the booklet they often encounter Jesus. Through the booklet there is an invitation to trust Christ. We hear of people coming to faith as a result and we hear of people being baptised.

We have been running bus campaigns for the last 14 years, initially in Edinburgh but latterly across all of Scotland and now other places. We did some market research on whether it was having an impact on people who saw the advert and church banners. We found that over 31,000 people started praying in the four weeks that we ran the bus campaign.

The tagline on the Trypraying website is 'A seven day prayer guide for people who aren't religious and don't do church.' Why did you feel it was necessary to take out the church element?

The website is aimed at people who are not in church so in that sense, it is a form of evangelism and an evangelistic tool for Christians to help them share their faith. As we know in Romans it says 'faith comes by hearing.' There are lots of churches that are struggling right now, and there are less and less people coming to church.

Unless we come out of the church and share our faith, how are people going to hear about Jesus? How are people going to hear about God unless we go out, which is part of the Great Commission? That is our number one goal, to go and make disciples as Jesus said.

But essentially, Try Praying is three things: it's a booklet to give away; it's a church project; and it's a multi-church project. At the church level, we will give a copy of the booklet to a whole congregation and encourage them to 'use it and lose it.' They have a week to read it and then the following week they pray and see who God wants them to hand it to. They'll often give it to a family member, to someone at work, or someone on the bus or in a cafe.

Have you come across individuals who were reluctant to pick up a booklet?

Some churches have a Perspex box with booklets in them next to a Try Praying banner. One church has had over 500 booklets taken over the months. So, very rarely people might be reluctant but nine times out of ten they will say yes, I'll read it. Non-Christians are seeking but they don't know what they are seeking and sometimes they don't know that they are lost until we come alongside them and help them. The majority are open and accepting.

Do you believe that events over the last few years have driven more people to consider exploring faith?

Yes, there is something that they are searching for. People can request a free booklet online and we have sent hundreds of them to people who are just curious or seeking. Young people especially are curious. When we do outreach and mission, people come and ask questions, and when we offer prayer they are very thankful. Yes, you will get those that say no, I'm not interested, but there has been a turning in the last few years - people are seeking.

What are your tips for a thriving prayer life?

Like Pete Greig says, keep it simple, keep it real and keep it up! Don't just pray once and think, God did not answer my prayer, keep coming to him. When you start out on your Christian faith journey it is hard to recognise answered prayers and seeing God in your life. When you look back you will see God's hand there, you will see that no matter what you were going through, at a certain time God was with you. God is not going to come and impose himself upon you, you have to invite him in. That is why we have been given free will. Prayer is just having a simple conversation with God. It does not need to be biblical jargon or lots of Latin words. If you are angry you can scream at God, you can shout at God, because it is all about relationship, it is not about religion. When you recognise his blessing, when you recognise an answered prayer, give thanks for that because the more you recognise it and acknowledge it, the more prayers you will see answered. Also, do not be disheartened because God knows what you need, he knows what is important for you. If we don't get what we want, sometimes that is a good thing.
Who were the tribes of Israel?

The tribes of Israel stem back to Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham. This is the story ...

Jacob

The first use of the name Israel in the Bible is in Genesis 32:28 when it is given as another name for Jacob. Jacob was the younger of twin sons born to Isaac and Rebecca, and Isaac was the second son of Abraham.

Israel a name for Jacob

In Genesis 32, the story is told of Jacob wrestling with a man, who Hosea later identified as an angel (Hosea 12:4). The figure said: 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.' Then again in Genesis 35:10, God said to him, 'Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.' After this, Jacob is known as both Jacob and Israel and both names continued to be used interchangeably.

Sons and Daughters of Israel

Jacob, alias Israel, had many children. His name Israel came to be used like the family name or surname. He had twelve sons who are named. The children who were named were, in order of birth, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah, Joseph, and Benjamin. Other daughters are also mentioned (Genesis 34:9; 37:34-35; 46:5-7; 46:15), but we don't know how many he had. Dinah is the only daughter who is named (Genesis 30:21).

Israel in Egypt

Jacob and his family settled in Goshen, in Egypt, at the invitation of Joseph, as a result of a famine (Genesis 47:27). The first reference to the 'tribes of Israel' comes in the last chapter of Genesis, chapter 49, after the death of Jacob (Israel). According to the Bible, Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years before dying there. Joseph and the Israelites then lived peacefully in Goshen for many generations. They were not enslaved until sometime after Joseph died, some 80 years later (Exodus 1:6-10). The text is a bit vague about when slavery began, and seems to imply it was during a new dynasty which knew nothing about them (Exodus 1:8), so they must have lived there a century or more before they were enslaved, by which time the twelve tribes of Israel had grown in number.

Tribes of Israel leaving Egypt

Moses, and his brother Aaron and sister Miriam, were born into the tribe of Levi. Moses led the tribes of Israel out of Egypt, as told in the book of Exodus. When they were about to cross into their new land over the Jordan, land was allotted according to tribe, as described in the book of Joshua.

Two types of tribes

When we talk of the tribes of Israel it gets a little bit complicated. The tribe of Levite were considered a priestly tribe and had no tribal land, but the two sons of Joseph called Ephraim and Manasseh were considered half-tribes with separate territories. Thus there were twelve patriarchs forming ancestral tribes (including Joseph and Levi), and twelve landed tribes (excluding the Levites but including Ephraim and Manasseh), making effectively thirteen tribes.

Territory of Israel

Later the tribes of Israel settled and formed their own country. For a few centuries, the territory of Israel was ruled by the Judges. After the Judges, the territory of Israel became a kingdom ruled by kings and queens. The first kings were Saul, David and Solomon. Under the kings David and Solomon, territories were conquered beyond the tribal lands of Israel.

The Northern Tribes

After the death of King Solomon, Rehoboam became king. During his reign, the Kingdom of Israel split into two. Rehoboam remained king of the southern tribes called the Kingdom of Judah. The northern tribes established a new kingdom under King Jeroboam which kept the name of Israel.

Sometimes these northern tribes are misleadingly called the 'ten tribes' even though it was actually mainly the seven full-tribes of Asher, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Naphtali, Reuben, and Zebulun, and the two half-tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim. The northern kingdom of Israel fell to Assyria about 722 BC. At this time, many Israelites from the northern kingdom moved south to the Kingdom of Judah.

The Southern Tribes

Although the southern kingdom was called the Kingdom of Judah, it included not just the tribe of Judah but also the tribes of Benjamin, and the tribe of Simeon, which was surrounded by the tribe of Judah, and the southern part of the tribe of Dan. The Kingdom of Judah also included most of the tribe of Levi, because the Levites performed religious duties at the Temple in Jerusalem. Over time these tribes were joined by Israelites from northern tribes who sought refuge amongst them (2 Chronicles 15:9). They all remained there until many were taken to Babylonia, during three deportations starting in about 597 BC.

The tribes in Exile

The term Jew, was used to refer to the exiled Judean people taken to Babylonia from the kingdom of Judah, regardless of whether or not they were of the tribe of Judah. The Jews remained in exile until they were freed by a decree from Cyrus the Great in about 538 BC. Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of the Jews who returned from exile.

Tribes in the New Testament

In the New Testament, there is still the idea of the people of Israel being twelve tribes, and some people still identified as being of a particular tribe. Zechariah and Elizabeth were from the tribe of Levi (Luke 1:3). Jesus is described as of the tribe of Judah. The prophet Anna is described as of the tribe of Asher (Luke 2:36). Paul calls himself of the tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5). In John's vision in Revelation 7:4-8 he identifies 144,000 Israelites made up of 12,000 from each ancestral tribe. This is in symbolic language.
In recent months, we have witnessed two major supply chain disruption events. First, commercial vessels traversing the Red Sea to reach the Suez Canalaccounting for nearly 15% of global shipping traffichave suffered from the aftermath of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Second, the Panama Canal, responsible for approximately 40% of all U.S. container traffic, is experiencing severe interruptions due to an unprecedented drought and has forced canal authorities to cut daily traffic by over 36%1. These geopolitical and weather-related disruptions exemplify the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, which have also been strained by pandemics, labor strikes, and similar events in the past. In 2021 and 2022 alone, these disruptions cost businesses an estimated $1.6 trillion annually in missed revenue opportunities.

The complexity of the supply chain ecosystem demands innovative solutions to identify alternative ways to address these bottlenecks. Without the right analytical and technological interventions, it is impossible to manage disruptions, irrespective of whether they are geopolitical conflicts, weather-related issues, or operational in nature, such as excess inventory, uneven distribution across geographies, and stockouts. At each point of the CPG supply chain, an enormous amount of data is generated by both online and offline channels, but much of this data remains unutilized for analytics. Harnessing this data is crucial not only for solving traditional demand forecasting challenges but also for managing customer expectations and tackling supply chain disruptions.

Leading CPG firms are employing the following strategies to integrate disparate data sources, enhance resilience and agility, and create opportunities for growth while optimizing costs and service levels.

Implementing a virtual control tower

Managing logistics effectively requires real-time data alignment and timely tracking of shipments. A control tower provides visibility into end-to-end global operations for CPG companies. By integrating data from ships, containers, ports, warehouses, distribution centers, and other sources, it offers real-time insights into the movement of goods. A prime example is Amazon, where the control tower enables real-time tracking for same-day delivery, optimized inventory management, route efficiency, and scalable operations, ensuring optimal customer satisfaction.

The predictive capability of control towers helps anticipate potential disruptions, such as adverse weather conditions or port congestion and allows proactive measures to mitigate risks. A critical component of control towers is their ability to alert and notify about critical events, such as delays or disruptions, empowering decision makers to take immediate corrective actions.

Control towers have become a must-have for CPG companies aiming to advance toward an optimized and self-orchestrating supply chain network. The next generation of Control Towers will integrate advanced technologies like predictive analytics and GenAI, offer autonomous decision-making capabilities, and provide even greater transparency and trust across the supply chain.

Incorporating digital twin intelligence

Digital twins create a digital replica of a companys global supply chain operations, encompassing manufacturing facilities, freight and cargo operations, third-party contractors, and distribution centers. This technology allows CPG companies to test multiple stress scenarios daily, examining potential outcomes without real-life disruptions. Digital twins are essential for stress-testing supply chains, setting up contingency plans, and identifying alternate transportation routes.

What sets them apart for decision-making in evolving scenarios is their ability to leverage deep reinforcement learning, cloud technology, and near real-time data sets. CPG firms are deploying digital twins to enhance operations across manufacturing facilities, increase machine uptime, and reduce waste. For example, one leading retail company used digital twins to achieve a 7% reduction in carbon emissions and a 5% improvement in customer orders received on time.

Focusing on predictive modeling

A coherent data management system is crucial for CPG companies, allowing data extraction at every phase of the product journey from factory to consumer. Implementing predictive modeling at each stage of the product journey unlocks insights that enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and provide a competitive edge. Analyzing vast datasets of historical sales, promotions, and external factors like weather and social media trends helps companies accurately forecast demand. The accuracy of the models ensures reduced inventory overstock and understock, and keeping products on shelves when consumers want them. Predictive analytics can also help build resilience in supply chains by developing risk control capabilities in the face of disruptions.

End-to-end data integration, linking internal factors like sales trends and external factors like macroeconomic trends, into a centralized data lake can break data silos and support various predictive modeling initiatives. This integration provides insights into inventory levels, production schedules, and real-time demand signals.

Autonomous planning through AI and machine learning

AI has traditionally been used to optimize logistics by improving delivery routes, managing inventory, and streamlining warehouse operations. It has also been employed to automate repetitive tasks, optimize transport route planning, and perform quality control through AI-enabled vision systems. Post COVID, there was an increasing drive to embed AI and Machine Learning (ML) more than ever to automate decision-making and make supply chains autonomous, enabling real-time adjustments to changes in supply and demand. According to McKinsey, autonomous supply chain planning can increase revenue by up to 4%, reduce inventory by up to 20%, and lower supply chain costs by up to 10%.

Recently some CPG firms have also started utilizing unstructured data on shipments, suppliers, and external sources to analyze trends, identify anomalies, and extract actionable insights. By clustering and classifying supply chain conditions, events, products, and customers, ML helps manage complexity through differentiated responses and enables strategic adjustments based on real-time data. However, to leverage ML effectively, its crucial to gather, aggregate, clean, and manipulate vast amounts of data, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the insights derived. A data-centric approach is required to effectively utilize AI and ML to optimize supply chain operations and respond to uncertainties with agility and precision.

Managing evolving consumer behavior

Consumer behaviors are rapidly shifting. Across the board, there is diminishing customer loyalty, a shift to direct-to-consumer channels, shrinking delivery times, increasing demand volatility, and the rise of subscription models. These changes, driven by digitalization and evolving customer expectations, require CPG companies to adopt a new mindset to remain competitive.

CPG companies must adopt a data-centric mindset, integrating diverse data sources, including unstructured data, with traditional data in a near real-time, cloud-based ecosystem. This unified approach is essential for leveraging insights and maintaining a competitive edge. During and after COVID-19, firms that had cloud infrastructure and predictive analytics capabilities in place were better able to respond to the supply chain challenges. Real-time data analytics provide deeper insights into consumer preferences, enabling companies to adjust their supply chains accordingly. Leveraging AI and cloud-based data ecosystems will continue to be crucial for anticipating and proactively responding to changes.

Embracing new modes of transport

Emerging transport technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and hyperloop, promise to revolutionize logistics. These innovations offer faster, more reliable, and cost-effective transportation options delivering goods efficiently and minimizing reliance on fossil fuels, enhancing sustainability in delivery operations.

As these technologies mature and become more widely adopted, they will profoundly impact global supply chains, enhancing efficiency and resilience. Pilot projects like Teslas autonomous trucks and Hyperloop initiatives are already receiving a lot of attention. In the future, they may address the shortfall of commercial drivers, save on fuel costs, and reduce driving costs to 70% of those incurred by human drivers, demonstrating the potential benefits for the CPG industry. Regulatory hurdles, technological maturity, and infrastructure development are key challenges that need to be addressed.

Whats next for CPG supply chains?

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated online shopping, presenting growth opportunities but also exposing bottlenecks in legacy supply chain systems and outdated processes. Supply chains face ongoing disruptions from evolving consumer behavior, geopolitical factors, and emerging transport technologies. The future of supply chains in the CPG industry depends on embracing technological advancements and adapting to new trends. By implementing control towers, incorporating digital twin intelligence, leveraging predictive modeling, and adopting AI and ML, CPG companies can build resilient, agile, and efficient supply chains and unlock significant growth opportunities.

To learn more about EXL and how we can help your business navigate CPG supply chains, visit us here.

About the author

Sangeetha Chandru is senior vice president and global practice head for CPG and retail at EXL, a leading data analytics and digital operations and solutions company.
New developments in artificial intelligence can lead to real benefits for businessesespecially small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that have fewer resources and smaller staffs than their enterprise counterparts. However, SMBs must approach AI in a thoughtful, measured way that works for their unique businesses if they want to reap its full potential.

In a recent fireside chat, IDCs Katie Evans, Senior Research Director of Worldwide Small and Medium Business Research, and Lenovos Richard Kreuser, SSG Director, Services AI Center of Excellence, walk SMBs through clear steps they can take, questions they should ask, and AI offerings they may not have considered to help ensure a successful AI journey.

Evans, who not only analyzes trends but also speaks directly to SMBs in her role at IDC, believes that

many SMBs have been historically leery of forward-looking technology because of relatively small IT staffs. In fact, IDC data shows 40% of global SMBs (and 50% of SMBs in the U.S.) do not have a single full-time IT employee in-house. Of those that do have full-time IT employees, 91% have less than five.

From her perspective, these resource-strapped SMBs have a better chance of implementing AI when partnering with a trusted vendor. Lean on your tech suppliers or MSPs, she says, that already work with and understand your business for guidance on where to start. SMBs can get overwhelmed with all the capabilities out there, so ask for use cases you think would best suit your business. Start small where there are the biggest inefficiencies or manual, time-consuming work at your business, then build from there.

Kreuser agrees  and believes Lenovo is especially well-positioned to help thanks to the companys AI ecosystem. So many customers are stuck in proof-of-concepts and starting with the technology, he says, but theres more to it than that. We help businesses see the bigger picture, accelerate their journey, and improve their outcomes. We help get customers unstuck.

Lenovo does this by focusing on security, people, technology, and process.

Lenovo helps organizations future proof their business with personalized automation, innovation, and efficiency powered by AI. Lenovo AI PCs, such as the ThinkPad Z16 with AMD Ryzen PRO 7040 Series featuring Ryzen AI, are deployed with Lenovo Care of One hyperpersonalization and AI-powered services for SMBs to help automate and suggest intelligent improvements. Create content faster, collaborate more smoothly, and keep your devices and business working and running at peak performance.

ThinkPad Z13 & Z16 | Sustainability never had so much power | Lenovo US

Digital Workplace
Trade union Unite has criticised the slow pace of talks with Oxfam on a pay progression deal following strike action last year, and launched a petition.

Oxfam employees took strike action in December last year for the first time in the charitys more than 80-year history, but this was suspended after the charity put forward an improved pay offer.

Unite said the deal, which was made to end the dispute, had two key areas, one part of which was the pay deal itself and the other an agreement to implement pay progression.

A spokesperson for the 400m charity said it would continue to meet union representatives to establish a plan for a new pay progression model that is affordable and sustainable for an organisation of Oxfams complexity and size.

Petition putting pressure on management

The union said its petition, which has received over 250 signatures so far, was intended to put pressure on Oxfams management.

Its petition reads : We, the signatories to this petition, call on Oxfam to honour its commitment given to its workforce via the 2024 Unite/ACAS agreement on pay progression.

A spokesperson for the union told Civil Society: Oxfam has not properly addressed this commitment and it is now clear this commitment wont be met.

There are talks ongoing around pay progression but progress is slow.

We have no sign of any deal at this stage and the campaign is aimed at putting pressure on management.

There is a petition which is live and open for anyone to sign.

They said a plan for pay progression should be finalised by August and delivered as soon as possible after that.

Oxfam: New pay model must be affordable

An Oxfam spokesperson said: In the last few weeks, we have worked with unions and staff to agree on the latest pay package.

We continue to meet with our union representatives to establish a plan for a new pay progression model that is affordable and sustainable for an organisation of Oxfams complexity and size.

We are committed to working in close collaboration with both of our established unions on issues that affect our colleagues.

Oxfam has a commitment to pay a real living wage to all its UK employees, as set by the Living Wage Foundation.

The average headcount number for employees at Oxfam was more than 4,000 (including those overseas) according to the charitys most recent accounts.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
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A few weeks ago, Sara Lomax found herself live on air at the radio station she runs. Lomax is the president and CEO of WURD, Philadelphias only Black-owned talk radio station; she was addressing a controversy that had roiled her organization. Two days earlier, Andrea Lawful-Sanders, one of the stations most beloved hosts, had confessed to interviewing Joe Biden using questions that had been provided to her by his campaign. The questions were sent to me for approval, Lawful-Sanders told CNNs Victor Blackwell. Hed noticed that a number of her questions were nearly identical to those of Earl Ingram, a radio personality in Milwaukee, who had interviewed Biden the same week. I approved them.

At the time, the political press was consumed with the fallout from Bidens catastrophic debate performance. But inside WURD, which has served Philadelphias Black community since 2002, the admission had sparked an uproar. Lomax quickly put out a statement: the interview violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners, she wrote. Lawful-Sanders defended herself by saying that she didnt identify as a journalist, that she believed shed been following industry-wide practices, as she wrote in a statement, and that she never meant to deceive anyone. She voluntarily resigned.

On air, Lomax wanted to make sure listeners understood that Lawful-Sanders had not been fired: She chose to resign and we accepted her resignation. She reiterated that it was not WURDs policy to use preselected questions for interviews. Then she mentioned something else: her frustration that the Biden team had put the station in this position in the first place by going directly to Lawful-Sanders. The problem is they bypassed intentionally our established protocol, she said.

It was a deeply painful moment for WURDand many others in Black talk radio. A review by the New York Times revealed that half a dozen Black radio hosts had interviewed Biden over the course of 2024 using variants of the same questions: what were some of his accomplishments, what would he say to people who didnt think their vote mattered, whats at stake in the election for Black voters. (The campaign acknowledged distributing the questions, but insisted to reporters that it was not at all an uncommon practice for interviewees to share topics they would prefer.) The picture didnt look good, when viewed through the lens of journalistic ethics. Even so, members of the community couldnt help but feel used. The Biden White House is following its same old tricks again, Marc Lamont Hill said that week on his podcast. They once again are showing that they dont respect Black media.

Talk radio is an idiosyncratic format, and the credibility of hosts comes in part from their ability to authentically connect with listeners. Many contend, as Lawful-Sanders has, that they arent traditional reporters; adherence to journalisms strictures could even undermine the work they do. Lawful-Sanders didnt respond to an email, but some of the other hosts who interviewed Biden with prescreened questions said they felt no regret about how their conversations went, even after the controversy at WURD. Sherwin Hughes, of Milwaukees 101.7 The Truth, acknowledged that hed had a logistics call with members of the Biden campaign team the day before an interview with the president in May, but denied being told what questions he had to use. (He began by asking Biden what was at stake for Black voters, but was proud to have posed a few questions of his own, including one about protecting the Affordable Care Act.)

Jessica Williams, the host of Afternoon Vibes on Charlottes Power 98, also said that shed gotten talking points from the campaign. She began an interview in May with a prewritten question, but later asked Biden an original question about student loan forgiveness. Williams sees her job as providing accurate information to her listeners and creating a welcoming space for guests listeners want to hear fromincluding the president. Theyre not calling me to shoot the shit, she said. Theyre calling me because they have a message theyre trying to get out, something they want to say. I want to honor what they want to say, but also I want to ask what my audience wants to know about. (She was happy to report that after the interview, Biden followed through on a promise to call her parents.)

Still, the Biden campaign would seem to have taken advantage of Black talk radios hospitalityand exploited the power it held over these small stations. The ways in which political campaigns engage with Black media matter, as they can either lift our community up or cause greater harm, Lomax said in a statement to CJR. In this most recent situation, the campaigns intentional effort to bypass our processes clearly created greater harm.

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Cheryl Thompson-Morton, who runs the Black Media Initiative at the City University of New York, describes Black media as being, historically, the second-most important institution in American Black life after the church; today, she said, there are just four Black-owned talk radio stations in the country: WVON in Chicago, WNOV in Milwaukee, KJLH in Los Angeles, and WURD. According to the initiatives research, Black news outlets are more likely than mainstream ones to cover stories that matter to Black communities, and to use humanizing language when discussing major world events: son in the context of police shootings; care with COVID. These are terms that are in the top one hundred in Black media, but not in mainstream coverage, Thompson-Morton said. But as community outlets, they feel that politicians often dont engage with them and dont find them to be of value and dont give them the same respect as their mainstream counterparts, she added. This is a story that comes up over and over again about how community media, and Black media, are often delegitimized. People feel like, Ill get to you when I feel like it, and you should feel privileged when I do.

David Browna former general manager at WURD who is now assistant dean for community and communications at Temple University, and still consults with the stationviewed the situation in similar terms. If youre a community publication, youre almost, like, honored that theyre giving you this level of access, he said. You might even think, Who am I to push back? He wished Lawful-Sanders, whom he said he deeply admires, had done that. Still, he said, I see this as an example where Black media in particular is often just taken for granted. He went on: The fact is that at this level of our country you thought you could circumvent the processthats just disrespectful.

Throughout it all, WURD was the station that most made a point of asserting its journalistic principles. That was no accident. I am proud, if you can use that word, that we have such a level of journalistic integrity that we canand dopush back when things like this go down, Brown said. (Civic Media, which owns The Earl Ingram Show, admitted to removing two snippets from its interview, at the Biden teams request, for which the company apologized but took no further action.) The importance of independent media cannot be overstated, especially independent Black media, Lomax said. Mainstream media has historically ignored, marginalized, and stereotyped Black people in their coverage, and this practice of delegitimizing Black voices continues today.

Josh Hersh is an editor at CJR. He was previously a correspondent and senior producer at Vice News.
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Eugene Daniels is a White House reporter for Politico, with a special focus on Kamala Harris. Thats put him front and center for a month of news that few people in politics saw coming.

On this episode of The Kicker, Daniels shares what hes learned from nearly four years of covering the vice president, how her relationship with the press will differ from the presidents, and why he wouldnt blame the media for Bidens decision to drop out of the race.

Produced by Emily Russell

Hosted by Josh Hersh

Josh Hersh is an editor at CJR. He was previously a correspondent and senior producer at Vice News.
The Rev. John Parks was taking his first sabbatical in 40 years of ministry when he got a call from his churchs accountant with some bad news.

Church Mutual, the churchs insurance company, had dropped them.

This does not make sense, Parks, the pastor of Ashford Community Church in Houston, recalls thinking at the time. Weve never filed a claim.

Five months and 13 insurance companies later, the church finally found replacement coverage for $80,000 per year, up from the $23,000 they had been paying.

Its been an adventure, said the 69-year-old Parks from his home in Houston, where the power was out after Hurricane Beryl. Thats putting it politely.

Parks and his congregation are not alone. An ongoing wave of disasters  Gulf Coast hurricanes, wildfires in California, severe thunderstorms and flooding in the Midwest  along with skyrocketing construction costs post-COVID have left the insurance industry reeling.

As a result, companies such as Church Mutual, GuideOne and Brotherhood Mutual, which specialize in insuring churches, have seen their reserves shrink. Thats led them to drop churches they consider high risk in order to cut their losses.

Hundreds of United Methodist churches in the Rio Texas Annual Conference learned theyd lost property insurance in November last year, leaving church officials scrambling. More than six months later, some churches have found new insurance, often at a steep increase. Others still have none, said Kevin Reed, president of the conference board of trustees.

Reed said the conference had about a months notice that its property insurance policy, which local congregations could buy into, was being canceled. That wasnt enough time to find new coverage before the policy expired. It also left local churches on their own.

We have not found a good solution, said Reed. It continues to be a significant problem for our churches.

United Methodist churches in Iowa have also lost insurance, according to the Iowa Annual Conference, in the aftermath of severe weather in the area. The Rev. Ron Carlson, treasurer of the Iowa conference, said that both small rural churches and larger churches have been affected. Carlson said the conference reminded churches earlier this year to be proactive in checking on their insurance and not waiting for a renewal offer.

The UMCs Book of Discipline requires churches to carry insurance for the full replacement cost of their buildings as well as liability insurance. For some churches, said Carlson, thats just not possible. He said the conference is trying to sort out what happens to those churches.

For struggling churches dealing with declining membership and giving, he said, rising insurance may be the last straw.

There have been some that have said we cant do this anymore, he said.

For churches that lost their insurance, finding replacement coverage is difficult. Thats in part because churches are a niche market thats difficult to insure and full of risk, say experts. They are open to the public, work with everyone from infants to senior citizens, sometimes house social service programs, are run by volunteers and often have large and expensive buildings.

Churches also operate with little oversight, said Charles Cutler, president of ChurchWest Insurance Services, which works with about 4,000 churches and other Christian ministries.

Because of the First Amendment and the separation of church and state, ministries are largely unregulated, said Cutler. And unregulated businesses are difficult to underwrite.

The church insurance market, like the insurance industry overall, has been hit with a perfect storm in recent years. Supply chain shortages for construction materials that began during the pandemic have driven up the cost of rebuilding after a disaster. When the cost of rebuilding goes up, so does the size of claims, said Cutler. That led insurance companies to raise their rates in order to cover those claims.

Then a series of natural disasters hit the industry hard  including hurricanes, wildfires and what are known as severe convective storms  thunderstorms with extreme rain and wind that caused billions in damage last year, according to the Insurance Journal. Claims from those disasters have stressed the reserves that insurance companies use to pay claims.

AM Best, a credit rating agency that specializes in the insurance industry, cited weather and cost from legal claims as reasons for placing Church Mutual under review this past spring. AM Best also downgraded the rating of Brotherhood Mutual, another major church insurer, while a third church insurer, GuideOne, was taken off review after Bain Capital invested $200 million in the company.

In a statement on its website, Church Mutual said it hopes the companys outlook will improve.

Church Mutual has been proactively addressing these challenges to better manage the risks throughout its book of business, nationwide, the company said. The companys leadership team is confident these measures will have a significant, positive impact on profitability in 2024 and beyond.

Pam Rushing, the chief underwriting officer for Church Mutual, said that the company is still renewing policies and accepting new business in every state. However, the company no longer offers property coverage in Louisiana. Church Mutual did not give details of how many policies have been canceled.

We do not take nonrenewal decisions lightly and it represents a small percentage of our overall portfolio, Rushing said in an email. For us to remain financially strong, viable and best able to serve our mission, we need to mitigate the severe impact catastrophic weather has had  and will continue to have  on our bottom line and our ability to serve customers nationwide.

Brad Hedberg, executive vice president of The Rockwood Co., a Chicago-based agency, said church insurers are facing pressure from the reinsurers  large companies such as Lloyds of London that provide insurance to insurance companies so catastrophic claims dont overwhelm them. Those companies are looking to reduce their exposure to certain types of claims meaning church insurers cant offer as much coverage as they did in the past.

Hedberg, who works with churches and other ministries, said he spends a lot of time helping clients keep the insurance they already have and reduce their risk of filing claims. That means making sure churches have policies in place for everything from abuse prevention to who gets to drive the church van, as well as being proactive with building maintenance and safety projects. It also means being strategic in when to file a claim  and when to pay for a loss out of pocket. Churches should only tap their insurance for large losses  not small claims, he added.

If small claims get filed, your coverage could be nonrenewed or your premium could go through the roof, he said. The market is just that bad.

Once a church loses coverage, it may face higher prices for years. Thats likely the case for Bethany Covenant Church in Berlin, Connecticut, said Greg Pihl, who chairs the churchs finance committee.

The church had been paying $12,500 for insurance and had made a claim for flooding damage due to a faulty sprinkler. Pihl said the church learned this past spring that its insurance had been canceled. Now Bethany will pay about $73,000 for less coverage, said Pihl.

That made for a difficult conversation at a church business meeting and midyear changes to the churchs budget. The church was able to tap some reserves to cover the increased premium this year. But itll likely be paying higher rates for the next three to five years, said Pihl. And those reserves, meant to pay for things like a new roof, still have to be built back up.

Pihl said that before the churchs policy was canceled, he expected rates to go up, perhaps by 10% or 20%. But that proved overly optimistic.

Its just a terrible market, he said.

Nathan Creitz, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Bay Shore, New York, a congregation of about 100 people on Long Island, said that in the past, getting insurance hadnt been a worry. The total annual cost for all the churchs insurance  the church building, a parsonage, liability  was less than $4,000.

We got lucky, he said. We were grandfathered into some really low rates.

Things changed last summer after Calvarys insurance carrier dropped the church, deciding not to renew the policy. With the help of a broker, the church found new insurance for about $14,000. Since most of the costs of running a church, such as paying staff and keeping the lights on, are already fixed, that meant cutting programs. The church also had to put off capital improvements to the building, which ironically are the kinds of things that would make them easier to insure.

Its not ideal but thats what happened, Creitz said.

For Ashford Community Church in Houston, finding the funds to cover the increased insurance has also been a challenge, especially post-COVID, when church attendance and giving are down.

Higher insurance costs also mean less money for ministry at the church, which Parks described as a mission-focused congregation.

The churchs 40,000-square-foot facility is currently home to about a dozen congregations, through a partnership called Kingdom City Houston. Parks said he came to the church about a decade ago after hopes of starting a church overseas fell apart. At the time, the church was struggling and was using only a quarter of the space in its building.

Today about 1,200 people worship every weekend in the building  which holds multiple services in its three sanctuaries. Parks said worshippers come from more than 60 countries. The churches each have their pastors but share some back-office staff.

The idea is to show that Christians from different backgrounds can still be united. We can walk side by side, even if we dont always see eye to eye, he said.

Parks said Ashfords building has been largely untouched by recent storms. After Hurricane Harvey caused massive flooding in 2017, the church hosted volunteers from around the country who helped residents recover.

It was a good time of serving the community, he said.

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President Joe Biden on Wednesday night told the American public that "the defense of democracy is more important than any title," as he explained his stunning decision to drop out of the presidential election and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee. "I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people," Biden said from the Oval Office. "But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It's about you. Your families. Your futures. It's about 'We the People.' " "I gave my heart and my soul to our nation," Biden said. "I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you." Biden's speech comes three days after the 81-year-old president quit the race against former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and threw his full support behind Harris.

U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. Evan Vucci | Via Reuters

"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." Biden, without mentioning Trump by name, nodded to the threat he believes the Republican represents to the United States if he is elected in November, and to the risk Biden would have run if he remained in the race. "I ran for president four years ago because I believed and still do, that the soul of America was a stake," said Biden, who defeated Trump in 2020. "The very nature of who we are was a stake. And that's still the case."

U.S. President Joe Biden stands next to first lady Jill Biden as he thanks the camera crew after addressing the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. Evan Vucci | Via Reuters

But, the president said that in recent weeks it had been made clear to him that "I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor." Biden said his record "merited a second term." "But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy," the president said. "That includes personal ambition."

Biden, who plans to serve out the remainder of his first term, which ends in January, returned to Washington on Tuesday after several days of isolating at his Delaware beach house, recovering from Covid-19. Biden's decision to exit the race on Sunday during that Covid quarantine came after a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic lawmakers, donors and strategists calling on him to step aside after his stumbling June debate performance against Trump. The debate fumble escalated lingering concerns regarding Biden's age and fitness to wage a successful campaign against Trump, much less complete a second presidential term. Since Sunday, the Biden-turned-Harris campaign has been in a honeymoon phase.

U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. Evan Vucci | Via Reuters
In an interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer, the CEOs of Salesforce and Workday , Marc Benioff and Carl Eschenbach, discussed their companies' new partnership. They announced Wednesday they would be teaming up to create artificial intelligence that can be used to help with onboarding and human resources, among other tasks.

Both CEOs said the strength of this new venture stems from the confluence of their large data sets.

"AI is all about data, and if you have access to the data, then you can have phenomenal AI," Benioff said. "This is an example of two companies coming together to make sure our customers have the data they need to deliver this incredible vision of artificial intelligence."

Both Salesforce and Workday are cloud-based software companies. Salesforce is known for its Slack application, as well as programs focused on sales, customer service and marketing. Workday's services revolve around human resources, recruiting and workforce management.

Eschenbach said Salesforce and Workday have the three most important data sets in the enterprise  employee data, customer data and financial data. He also said the new program benefits customers because they don't have to move between platforms to access services.

"Through this new partnership and the data sharing we can do together, whether you're in Slack, whether you're in Workday, or whether you're actually in Salesforce, you can actually stay in those platforms and get access to each of the data sets that we have," Eschenbach said.
The Justice Department said Boeing had agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge and pay a fine of $243.6 million after the planemaker breached a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement, according to a court filing on Wednesday.

Boeing on July 7 agreed in principle to plead guilty to conspiring to defraud the Federal Aviation Administration after the government said the planemaker knowingly made false representations about key software for the 737 Max.

Families of the 346 people killed in two Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 will be able to file objections before Judge Reed O'Connor will decide whether to accept the deal and to determine if Boeing owes restitution of the families of those killed.

Boeing confirmed it had filed a detailed plea agreement with the Justice Department. "We will continue to work transparently with our regulators as we take significant actions across Boeing to further strengthen our safety, quality and compliance programs," the company said.

As part of the deal, the planemaker agreed to spend at least $455 million over the next three years to boost safety and compliance programs, the filing said. Boeing's board will have to meet with relatives of those killed in the Max crashes within four months of sentencing, the filing added.

The deal also imposes an independent monitor, who will have to publicly file annual progress reports, to oversee the firm's compliance. Boeing will be on probation during the monitor's three-year term and it can be extended by a year if Boeing does not comply with the terms.
Lamb Weston was the worst-performing stock in the S & P 500 on Wednesday on the back of disappointing quarterly results. The Idaho-based supplier of frozen potato, sweet potato, appetizer and vegetable products to restaurants said fully diluted earnings per share fell more than 70% from the year-earlier period. The company also provided an outlook that missed the mark. Here are some "highlights" from the final quarter of their 2024 fiscal year, which ended May 31: Net sales declined 5% to $1.612 billion Diluted EPS declined 74% to 89 cents Net sales increased 21% to $6.468 billion Income from operations increased 21% to $1.065 billion Net income declined 28% to $726 million Full year diluted EPS declined 28% to $4.98 From their FY2025 Outlook (guidance): Net sales of $6.6 billion to $6.8 billion Net income of $630 million to $705 million and diluted EPS of $4.35 to $4.85 Adjusted EBITDA of $1.380 billion to $1.480 billion It is important to note that the increase in reported sales and income from operations is almost entirely attributable to acquisitions  not organic growth. Consequently, the stock price fell over 28% on Wednesday. There are quite a few alarm bells going off here. There is no organic growth, and it's unlikely that management had no visibility on the disappointing price/mix a couple of months ago when they reported their fiscal third quarter results. That said, Lamb Weston is in the potato business, and while Wednesday's credit card delinquency numbers provide another disappointing data point regarding U.S. consumers, folks ultimately need to eat. At ~ 1.2x price to sales, Lamb Weston is the cheapest it has been in the past ten years. Even if one takes the lower end of management's fiscal 2025 guidance of $4.35 in diluted EPS, that's less than 13x forward earnings. Short-dated options premiums generally fall once a catalyst such as earnings comes and goes in what is often called a "vol crush". However, when earnings blindside investors and the stock gaps, sometimes longer-dated options premiums may rise. Such was the case here. Some of that increase is justifiable; the company demonstrated considerably higher operating volatility than they or investors expected, and the debt-to-equity increase as a function of the stock price decline is also a contributor. The trade This may present an opportunity, though. For example, the September 50/60/65 call spread risk reversal was trading for a modest $.35/contract credit as of yesterday's close. A call spread risk reversal involves selling a downside put to help finance the purchase of an upside call spread. In this case, it entails selling the September $50 puts, buying the September $60 calls, and selling the September $65 calls. By selling the downside put, an investor faces the risk of purchasing the shares at the $50 strike price in the event Lamb Weston falls even further  a legitimate possibility if institutional holders decide they're not waiting for another potential earnings disappointment. However, buying the stock at ~1x sales and 11.3x the lower end of the company's guidance does provide a margin of safety. Former Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair Charlie Munger might disparage this type of investing. He even had a name for it, the "cigar butt strategy," where investors look for discarded cigar butts to see how many puffs might still be left in them. I agree that it's better to look for companies growing faster than the economy overall and preferably faster than the S & P 500. Still, I do not believe the potato business is going away, even if it isn't growing as fast as other industries. It also appears that investors are beginning to worry about valuations in some of the highest-flying names, so rotating into low-growth but low-valuation names on sale might lower one's portfolio volatility. DISCLOSURES: None. All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer.
The Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. Guangdong branch, left, stands near high-rise construction projects in the Zhujiang New Town district of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Brent Lewin | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Five of China's major state-owned banks on Thursday cut deposit rates to cushion a hit to their already record low margins after this week's surprise lowering of lending benchmarks to bolster stuttering economic growth. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) , Agricultural Bank of China , China Construction Bank , Bank of China and Bank of Communications cut deposit rates by 5 to 20 basis points, according to statements on their websites. It marks the first broad reduction in deposit rates by Chinese banks since December last year. There were three cuts in 2023. Prior to that, Chinese lenders had broad cuts to deposit rates in late 2022, their first such move since 2015. More banks will likely follow the big state-owned lenders with deposit rate cuts. The cuts come as commercial banks' net interest margins  a key gauge of profitability  narrowed to a record low of 1.54% at the end of March this year.

China surprised markets by cutting major short and long-term interest rates on Monday to bolster growth in a struggling economy. That was followed by another surprise on Thursday when the central bank conducted an unscheduled lending operation at steeply lower rates, as authorities sought to shore up the faltering economy with more monetary stimulus. Reducing deposit rates would help lower funding costs for banks at a time when they are under pressure to support economic growth amid a property crisis, weak loan demand and record low interest margins. "The cuts to deposit rates will enable banks to have more room to implement lending rate cuts, otherwise banks will lack motivation to do that given their enormous profit margin pressure," said Nie Wen, an economist at Shanghai Hwabao Trust. Smaller banks will likely follow suit but with milder cuts to deposits, amid fierce competition to win customers, said Nie. ICBC cut its demand deposit rate by five basis points to 0.15% and one-year deposit rate by 10 basis points to 1.35%. Rates on deposits of two years or more were cut by the bank by 20 basis points to 1.45% to 1.8.

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Dover on Thursday delivered better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and raised its full-year guidance  an all-around strong report that validates our decision to take a stake in the industrial name two months ago. Revenue in the three months ended June 30 totaled $2.18 billion, topping the consensus of $2.15 billion, according to estimates compiled by LSEG. Sales rose 5% year over year on an organic basis, which removes the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, and divestitures. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose 15% annually to $2.36, exceeding the $2.21 estimate, LSEG data showed. Dover Why we own it : We own Dover as an industrial turnaround story with exposure to mega-themes, most notably the data center buildout to support artificial intelligence computing. The company's key products for data centers are thermal connectors and heat exchangers. Dover's business serving the biopharma industry is another attractive area. Dover's active portfolio management and commitment to capital returns sweeten the investment case. Competitors : Ingersoll Rand , IDEX Corp ., Snap-On , Veralto , among others Weight in portfolio : 1.65% Most recent buy : June 18, 2024 Initiated : May 28, 2024 Bottom line One way to ensure your stock's six-session losing streak will come to an end: Report the kind of quarter Dover did Thursday morning, which sent shares up 5.7%, to $186.32 each. Its all-time high of $191.49 came on July 16, before that stretch of losses began. "This stock and this company is doing a lot right. I think this goes higher," Jim Cramer said on Thursday's Morning Meeting. Dover checked a number of important boxes: (1) beats on the top and bottom lines, (2) improved earnings guidance, and (3) a third consecutive quarter of positive companywide order growth. CEO Richard Tobin also offered upbeat commentary on the businesses that investors currently care about the most  thermal connectors used in data centers, biopharma components, and CO2 systems for refrigeration. "Our inventory positions are well-placed, and some of the markets that we have exposure to that suffered over the past 24 months are making a turn," Tobin said on the post-earnings conference call. "On top of that, some of the growth platforms we have like thermal connectors and CO2 systems ... are performing very nicely." Encouragingly, Tobin said he expects Dover's book-to-bill ratio to be above 1 for the rest of the year, a key threshold that indicates more orders are being placed than filled. "It's been a little bit lumpy intra-quarter, so we'll see how it goes. But our expectation is to be above 1 for the balance of the year," Tobin said. Dover's recent portfolio moves  selling its Environmental Solutions Group unit that makes garbage trucks and trash compactors, while buying two components suppliers in industrial gases, Michigan-based Marshall Excelsior and Dutch firm Demaco  were major point of discussion on the call. Tobin said the moves will boost Dover's clean-energy portfolio and decrease its exposure to more cyclical capital equipment businesses. Tobin also made it clear that Dover will remain active on the mergers-and-acquisition (M & A) front, which we were pleased to hear because it suggests the company will continue leaning into more attractive end markets. Dover won't sell any of its businesses below their intrinsic value for the sake of a near-term margin bump, Tobin said. "The important issue to understand is that we've got optionality in terms of firepower that a lot of people don't have, meaning that we can lever up on the M & A front and then de-lever by monetization. That's not what we did here [ with our recent moves ]. I think we were just more opportunistic, but it's an arrow in our quiver going forward." While it's not our style to buy a stock up more than 5%, as Dover finished Thursday, we're maintaining our 1 rating and price target of $200 a share. DOV YTD mountain Dover YTD Quarterly commentary Dover knocked it out of the park with its organic bookings growth, up 16% in the quarter, representing a major acceleration from the 3% growth tallied in the January-to-March period. For industrial companies, this is always a closely watched metric as a predictor of future growth. Dover delivered big time. As shown in the chart below, Dover reported topline growth in four of its five operating segments, led by Engineered Products, which jumped 8.7% year over year to $514.8 million. Management chalked up the strength there to strong volumes in waste handling and aerospace and defense. Margins in the segment expanded an impressive 430 basis points compared with the year-ago period. Revenue and earnings for Pumps & Process Solutions came up short of estimates, but there was still plenty to like in the segment, which is home to its thermal connector and biopharma components business. While off a small base, Tobin said bookings for thermal connectors used in liquid cooling AI servers are "up significantly." And after a rough patch of inventory overhangs in biopharma  just like fellow Club holding Danaher experienced  Dover is seeing a recovery in that business, rising sequentially and year over year. That mirrors what Danaher said in its strong earnings report earlier this week . Dover's Climate & Sustainability Technologies division topped sales, earnings and margin expectations despite continued challenges in the company's European heat exchanger operations. The good news, though, Tobin said he's "pretty confident" that business should bottom in the third quarter, with order rates moving up into the final three months of the year, if not sooner. What really propelled the Climate & Sustainability Tech segment was its food retail operations, which includes sales of CO2 refrigerant systems. "CO2 is doing pretty much as planned. I think that what's doing better than planned as the margin performance of the business has just been exemplary through the quarter," Tobin said. Guidance Dover now expects adjusted full-year earnings per share between $9.05 and $9.20, up from its previous range of $9.00 to $9.15. The improved outlook is based on full-year sales growth of 3% to 4%, or 2% to 3% organically. Previously, Dover projected topline growth of 2% to 4%, or 1% to 3% organically. For now, Dover's guidance still includes its Environmental Solutions Group while the transaction progresses. Tobin said the company will move the unit into discontinued operations in the third quarter report and adjust guidance and historical financials accordingly. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long DOV. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

Rafael Henrique | SOPA Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images
Shares in Gucci-owner Kering fell on Thursday, after the luxury group announced a sharp decline in revenue in the first half of the year and issued a weak forecast for the remaining six months of the year.

Kering shares dropped as much as 9% as markets opened, trading around levels last seen in August 2017. It pared back some losses, with stock down 6.74% at 12:04 p.m. London time.

The luxury group late on Wednesday announced that its revenue had fallen 11% in the first half of 2024, compared to the same time period a year earlier. The decline was "against the backdrop of a slowing market in most regions except Japan," the company said in a statement.

"There was a marked deceleration in China, while trends did not improve greatly in North America and Europe," Kering added.

Stripping out foreign exchange effects, group revenue in Japan jumped 22% in the first half of the year, while the print for the broader Asian figure excluding Japan declined by 20%.

The luxury firm also said it was expecting recurring operating profit to tumble by as much as 30% year-on-year in the second half of 2024, citing "uncertainties weighing on the evolution of demand from luxury consumers."

Recurring operating profit fell 42% in the first six months of the year, Kering noted, adding that this was in line with guidance issued when the group reported its figures for the first quarter earlier this year.
Vice President Kamala Harris said "Israel has a right to defend itself ... and how it does so matters." Harris' remarks followed a meeting she held with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington Thursday.

"It is time for this war to end and end in a way where Israel is secure, all the hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can exercise their right to freedom, dignity and self determination," said Harris.

Since Harris launched her campaign on Sunday, the de facto Democratic presidential nominee has been under pressure to further define her position on the Israeli war with Hamas in Gaza, now in its tenth month.

Harris said her conversation with Netanyahu was "frank," and she pressed him to continue making headway on a multi-stage plan to scale back the warfare in densely populated Gaza, to release hostages and to permit Palestinians in Gaza to resume their daily lives.

"There has been hopeful movement and the talks to secure an agreement on this deal," she said. "And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done."

"So to everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire. And to everyone who yearns for peace. I see you and I hear you....Let's bring the hostages home. And let's provide much needed relief to the Palestinian people."

The White House later said that Harris and Netanyahu also discussed the administration's "work to ensure Israel can defend itself from threats from Iran and Iranian-backed terrorist groups, including Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and the importance of combatting the rise in Antisemitism globally."

The meeting came amid a polarizing visit to Washington by Netanyahu and the Israeli delegation.

While Netanyahu spoke to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the U.S. Capitol to protest his visit and America's support for Israel. The protesters vandalized statues and burned American flags, replacing them with Palestinian flags.
Artificial intelligence has been the key driver for the stock market this year, but another catalyst will start playing a greater role in how well the market does: the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Election Day is still more than 100 days away, yet the campaign cycle has already been historic. Former President Donald Trump took a lead in the polls and betting markets over President Joe Biden after a disastrous debate for the sitting commander in chief. Biden later dropped out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris  making her the likely Democratic nominee. Since the June 27 debate between Biden and Trump, investors had begun pricing in deregulation and tax cuts, giving smaller market cap stocks a boost. However, uncertainty around those prospects has grown as Harris has launched her campaign . Against this backdrop, CNBC Pro looked at how the stock market has fared during prior election years, which sectors tend to outperform  and how this year is already different. What typically happens In every election year since 1952, the S & P 500 has generated an average return of around 7%, per LPL Research . Data from Comerica Wealth Management shows that the only instances where the broad market index has experienced losses in election years were in 1960, 2000 and 2008  three "open" elections where both parties offered up new candidates, as no incumbent was running. As for sectors, financials has seen the highest average annual returns in presidential election years at about 11%. Energy is a close second, with an average return of roughly 10%, Comerica data shows. Technology and materials, however, are not typically strong performers in election years. The former averages a return of more than 4%. The materials sector averages a return of less than 2% in presidential election years. Health care is one of the worst performers during election years, as that sector tends to be affected by political discussions around topics such as lowering drug prices. Comerica data shows health care gains just under 6% during presidential election years. The sector has also lagged the S & P 500 in two of the last three presidential election years. However, this election year has already proven to be different from the others. What's different this time The biggest difference between 2024 and other presidential election years is the S & P 500's massive year-to-date gains. The benchmark index is up a whopping 14% in that time, reaching all-time highs, thanks to enthusiasm around AI boosting profits. That gain is well above the 10%-11% average advance seen in presidential election years. "There's more room for this to go, whether you look at strength from the first quarter or strength from the first half," said John Lynch, chief investment officer at Comerica Wealth Management. Data from CFRA shows the S & P 500 averages a 4.9% gain in the second half of an election year after posting a gain in the first six months of the year. The benchmark rallied 14% from January to June. Another difference is how some of the sectors have performed. Tech, for example, is up 25% in 2024, outperforming its historical averages for a presidential election year. Health care, another historical loser in election years, is also up 10%. "When you look at individual sectors and companies, they navigate despite Washington," LPL chief global strategist Quincy Krosby said, citing greater attention being given to the performance of consumer staples compared with consumer discretionary due to the impact of a presidential candidate's tax proposals. "That's why I say the market is more focused on the sectors as we move in closer and closer to the election." 90-day rule Despite this year's differences, the stock market has a strong history of predicting the presidential election winner during the three months prior to Election Day. "The 90 days leading up to an election really are very indicative as to whether or not the incumbent or the incumbent party can be successful," said Comerica's Lynch. "A declining market would suggest that the incumbent will not be victorious." Lynch noted, citing data from Strategas, that in the election years from 1928 until 2020, performance of the S & P in the three months before the election predicted the result with 83% accuracy. In these cases, positive S & P returns in the three months before the election occurred when the incumbent party won. B. Riley Wealth chief market strategist Art Hogan noted that investors who shift their portfolio around "too much" to get ahead of that trend can end up being disappointed. "If you look at polls, they change quite a bit," he said, citing the 2016 presidential election as an example of how it looked like one candidate, Hillary Clinton, was going to win leading up to Election Day that year. Meanwhile, on the Friday before that election, the S & P 500 posted a nine-day losing streak for the first time since 1980, dropping about 3% over that period. "If you set up a portfolio that aligned with what you thought her policies would drive in terms of economic activity, you likely were on the wrong side of that trade," he said. "The same thing can happen this year."
A view of the Mumbai Coastal Road project is seen in Mumbai, India, on April 3, 2024.

India is likely to ease restrictions on Chinese investment in non-sensitive sectors like solar panels and battery manufacturing where New Delhi lacks expertise and which hinders domestic manufacturing, two government sources said.

The government plans to free up sectors to Chinese investment that it deems less sensitive from a security point of view, said one of the officials, who did not want to named.

The plans mark a first step in improving economic ties between the two neighbors, a relationship that worsened after clashes in the remote Himalayan border in 2020, after which India tightened scrutiny on investments from Chinese companies.

The non-critical sectors "would be decided on a case-to-case basis," the second official said, but curbs on Chinese investments in electronics and telecom would continue.

The prime minister's office, foreign, finance, home and trade ministries did not respond to requests for comments
Vice President Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th National Convention in Houston, July 25, 2024.

Vice President Kamala Harris in a fiery speech Thursday blasted the policy agenda of former President Donald Trump as one of "chaos, fear and hate," after telling members of the nation's second-largest teachers union that she was running for president because of her first-grade public school teacher and "many people like you."

"In this moment, we are in a fight for our most fundamental freedoms," Harris said in the keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers convention in Houston.

"Bring it on!" the de facto Democratic nominee said, before her audience began loudly chanting that same phrase.

Harris contrasted her agenda of abortion rights and LGBTQ rights, gun control, support for organized labor, and student loan debt relief with the policies of the Republican nominee Trump and his allies on those issues.

Shortly after Harris concluded her speech, Trump's campaign released a "Plan to Save American Education and Give Power Back to Parents," which contained a range of ideas that are anathema to the AFT, among them abolishing teacher tenure and adopting merit pay.

Harris spoke four days after President Joe Biden said he was dropping out of the 2024 election contest and endorsed her to become the Democratic Party's presidential nominee against Trump.

On Wednesday night, Biden in a national address from the Oval Office said he was setting aside his "personal ambition" for a second term with the goal of "saving democracy" from a Trump return to the White House.

Before Harris took the stage Thursday, AFT President Randi Weingarten said she had told Harris backstage that "her entry to the race has electrified this race, and electrified this hall."

"Are you excited? Are you ready to elect the next president of the United States?" Weingarten asked the crowd, which responded enthusiastically.

Harris began her remarks by saying Biden on Wednesday night had "showed once again what true leadership looked like."

And she thanked the AFT for "being the first union to endorse me this week."

The vice president then laid the groundwork for the theme of the speech  America looking forward, not backward  by noting her gratitude for her first-grade teacher, the late Frances Wilson, who she said "encouraged me, and educated and inspired me."

"Mrs. Frances Wilson was in the audience when I walked across the stage to accept my law school diploma," Harris said.

"It's because of Mrs. Frances Wilson and so many people like you that I stand before you as vice president of the United States and that I am running to become president of the United States," she said.

Harris said teachers like Wilson "are visionaries  you have a vision of the future ... you see the potential in every child."
Melania Trump speaks from the podium on the first night of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 18, 2016.

Update: A spokesperson for Skyhorse Publishing said in a statement to CNBC that the release date for Melania Trump's memoir was updated to Oct. 1 from the original Sept. 24 date. This story has been updated to reflect the change.

Former first lady Melania Trump's upcoming memoir will hit bookstores on Oct. 1, her publisher tells CNBC, just weeks before the presidential election on Nov. 5. Her husband, former President Donald Trump, will face the de facto Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Oct. 1 release date is later than the Sept. 24 date that the spokesperson originally told CNBC in July.

In August, the spokesperson said in an update to CNBC that the release date was postponed in response to "really strong retailer demand" and "to make sure we can get enough copies."

Titled "Melania," the book is billed in a press release Thursday as "a powerful and inspiring story of a woman who has carved her own path, overcome adversity and defined personal excellence."

"The former First Lady invites readers into her world, offering an intimate portrait of a woman who has lived an extraordinary life," the release goes on to say.

Born and raised in Slovenia, Melania Trump moved to the U.S. in 1996 to work as a model, and met Donald Trump in 1998. They were married in 2005 and their son, Barron Trump, was born the following year.
Roche said Thursday that its Wegovy rival weight loss drugs will be part of a suite of medicines aimed at combatting the effects of obesity.

CEO Thomas Schinecker welcomed positive early stage trial results from the firm's two weight loss drug candidates as showing "best in disease potential." He added that they will form part of a wider portfolio aimed at differentiating the Swiss pharmaceutical giant from other competitors in the growing obesity medication market.

"We have a number of things in our pipeline that really can differentiate us from other players," Schinecker told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe."

"We do believe we have two next generation GLP-1/GIPs that have a best in disease potential," he said of the obesity drugs.

GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, are a group of drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity. They form the basis of weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound. GIP, or gastric inhibitory polypeptide, is a hormone which stimulates insulin secretion.

"We also have a number of different medicines in our own portfolio that we can combine with [obesity drugs]," he added, highlighting GYM329 as an example of a drug which counters muscle loss, a key side effect of weight loss.

He noted that the antibody medicine, which is currently in development, could be used to counter the "yo-yo effect" of weight loss, both for obesity drug users and regular dieters.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., fields questions about the candidacy of President Joe Biden after Senate luncheons in the U.S. Capitol, July 9, 2024.

Landmark legislation aimed at keeping kids safer online cleared a major hurdle Thursday, when the Senate voted 86-1 to advance the bill.

The measure is the most sweeping regulation of the tech industry in more than a decade. Final passage is expected next week.

Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said the safeguards that social media companies have put in place are "not sufficient." He cited data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that 1 in 10 teenage girls and 1 in 5 LGBTQ youth have attempted suicide.

"Whatever safeguards are in place, they're clearly not doing the job," he told CNBC Tuesday in a Senate office building.

The measure, technically labeled S. 2073, is made up of two bills that are moving as one through the chamber.

The first one, known as the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act, would ban targeted ads to kids and teens, ban companies from collecting personal information from users under 17, and allow users to erase personal information collected about them. It would also establish a new division at the FTC focused on youth marketing and privacy.

The second bill, known as the Kids Online Safety Act, would also require social media platforms to have a "duty of care" to prevent their products from harming children, including exposing them to content that promotes drugs and alcohol or exacerbating mental health issues including eating disorders, anxiety, depression and suicide. Social media companies would have to automatically enable the strongest privacy setting for kids.

This bill has been endorsed by major tech companies including Snap Inc. , X and Microsoft . But NetChoice, a trade association whose members include Meta , Google and Yahoo, opposes the bill, saying its restrictions go so far they would be impossible for companies to implement.

While the bill's language explicitly says websites do not need to verify a user's age, NetChoice Vice President and General Counsel Carl Szabo said the law would effectively require websites to verify the age of everyone who used them, collecting massive amounts of data in the process.

"All of a sudden, the government is requiring massive data collection, which collides with things like several privacy laws that we've seen at the state level," he said.

While the bills are likely to clear the Senate, their fate is less certain in the House, where the broadness of the bills remains a concern. But House Speaker Mike Johnson said in an interview that Americans need to have more power over what their kids see online.

"We'll be looking at the details of the exact legislation, but I suspect it'll have a lot of support. Obviously, we need to protect children with regard to online activity," he said. "The internet is the wild, wild West, and some of these reforms are overdue."
Southwest Airlines is ending open seating and will offer extra legroom seats on its airplanes as mounting pressure on the carrier to increase revenue prompts the biggest changes to its business model in its 53 years of flying.

The airline plans to start selling the first flights that will offer extra legroom next year, it said Thursday. It also plans to begin overnight flights, starting in February.

Southwest executives have said for years that they were studying such changes and hinted in April that the airline was seriously considering assigning seats and offering extra legroom options. The airline currently puts customers in one of three boarding groups and assigns a number, setting off a mad dash to check in a day before the flight. Customers can get earlier boarding though if they pay for a higher-priced ticket, they'll get a better boarding slot.

When travelers choose a competitor over Southwest, the airline found in its research that its open seating model was the No. 1 reason for that choice, the carrier said in a release that outlined the changes. It also said 80% of its own customers prefer an assigned seat.

"Although our unique open seating model has been a part of Southwest Airlines since our inception, our thoughtful and extensive research makes it clear this is the right choice  at the right time  for our Customers, our People, and our Shareholders," CEO Bob Jordan said in a news release Thursday.

The Dallas-based carrier had prided itself and raked in steady profits for most of its more than five decades of flying on its simple business model. But during the company's second-quarter earnings call, Jordan reiterated previous views that the way travelers fly now has changed and that the carrier wants to grow its market share with corporate business travelers.

"Customers are just taking fewer short haul trips today. They're flying longer, and when they fly longer, the importance of an assigned seat goes up," Jordan said. "Premium product growth has outpaced growth in main cabin revenue for some time here, and in other parts of the economy consumers are just reducing non-essential retail purchases and spending that on experiences."

Southwest is not, however, looking to change its beloved two free checked bags policy. After fares and schedule, the carrier's "bags fly free" policy is the No. 1 reason why customers choose Southwest over competitors, Jordan said on the call.

The airline is under even more pressure now to segment its product like other airlines after activist investor Elliott Investment Management disclosed in June a nearly $2 billion stake in Southwest and called for new leadership as the carrier underperformed competitors.

Southwest reported a 46% drop in its second-quarter profit on Thursday.
Consistently outperforming the market is a feat many strive for but only a few achieve. However, one exchange-traded fund (ETF) has done just that, beating the S & P 500 index for five consecutive years. The JPMorgan US Research Enhanced Index Equity ETF has beaten the benchmark every year since 2019 and is also outperforming in 2024. The ETF, which charges 0.20% in fees, trades as JREU on the London Stock Exchange, Borsa Italiana , Deutsche Borse and Six Swiss Exchange . The fund, which currently manages $9.41 billion in assets, employs a strategy known as Research Enhanced Indexing (REI). This approach combines index investing and active management. Piera Elisa Grassi, co-fund manager of the ETF, said while the fund has only existed since 2018, the concept of REI is not new to JPMorgan Asset Management. The fund manager had previously used the strategy successfully to manage assets for institutional clients such as pension funds. In fact, it dates back to the mid-1980s in the United States. However, it wasn't until 2018 that JPMorgan decided to marry this time-tested strategy with the increasingly popular ETF structure. Raffaele Zingone, co-fund manager based in the U.S., and Grassi also manage the JPMorgan Global Research Enhanced Index Equity ETF , which uses a similar strategy to outperform the MSCI World benchmark. What exactly is REI? Research Enhanced Indexing is very similar to passive index investing but with the added benefit of JPMorgan Asset Management's bottom-up fundamental research and risk management, according to Grassi. The "secret sauce" lies in the fund's ability to make numerous small bets rather than a few large ones, according to the fund manager. The result is a fund that closely mirrors its benchmark in terms of overall composition but with slight tweaks aimed at generating excess returns. A quick look at the top 10 stocks held in the ETF will reveal an identical list of stocks to those in any S & P 500 tracking ETF, such as those from iShares , Vanguard or State Street's SPY . However, the weighting assigned to each of those stocks varies. For instance, JPMorgan's ETF is overweight Microsoft shares by 45 basis points compared to the weighting for the stock in the iShares Core S & P 500 ETF. Similarly, Grassi's fund is underweight Berkshire Hathaway by 21 basis points compared to the iShares fund. While the difference appears trivial for the larger holdings, the actively managed ETF also omits many stocks. JPMorgan's own shares are excluded from the fund, as are GE Aerospace , Applied Material , and Amgen . In total, it holds about half the number of stocks included in the benchmark. What's in the 'secret sauce'? Grassi and her fellow JPMorgan Asset Management fund managers have access to around 80 analysts globally that research up to 30 stocks in "great detail". This extensive coverage forms the backbone of the REI strategy, according to Grassi. "The vast majority of the secret sauce sits within the DNA of the fundamental research team that now has been in existence for more than 30 years," Grassi told CNBC Pro. "This is something that we've been doing for a long time, and we always try to have best-in-class research, and that becomes the raw material for me and the team to build the portfolio." JREU-GB SPY 5Y line "It's always been an active strategy, but very much risk-constrained," noted Grassi, who has over 20 years of industry experience. Grassi said the fund can also withstand hits when some stock calls go wrong, due to the disciplined and "process-driven approach" her team follows. "We don't expect the analysts to get it right all the time," she admitted. "But because our active position is so small, we can take it on the chin." In 2024, it's returned 16.66% so far compared to the S & P 500's 16.48%. As always, past performance does not guarantee future results, but the track record certainly warrants attention.
Here are Thursday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Bank of America reiterates IBM as buy Bank of America said the "portfolio is delivering" despite the company's mixed earnings report on Wednesday. "IBM reported a mixed F2Q with revenue and FCF exceeding expectations as Software and Infrastructure outperformed, while Consulting was weaker. The upside was partly driven by strong Transaction Processing revenues while areas like RedHat were weaker." Mizuho reiterates ServiceNow as buy Mizuho raised its price target on ServiceNow to $850 per share from $820 and said it is "evolving into a True Software AI Beneficiary" following earnings. "Evolving into a True Software AI Beneficiary; Raising PT to $850." Morgan Stanley reiterates Ford as overweight Morgan Stanley said it is sticking with Ford as a top pick following earnings on Wednesday. "With the stock down 11% after 2Q results, Ford ranks 494 out of S & P 500 stocks on FY24 PE multiple." KeyBanc reinstates Shopify as overweight KeyBanc resumed coverage of the website for business company with an overweight rating. "We are resuming coverage at OW with an $80 PT, based on ~11.7x FY24E EV/S. Our revenue estimates are slightly below the Street, reflecting tough comps, and our margin expectations are slightly behind the Street due to the continued penetration of Shopify Payments." Baird reiterates Apple as outperform Baird said it is sticking with the stock ahead of earnings Aug. 1. "We reiterate our Outperform rating of AAPL and are raising our target price from $200 to $240. We have recommended AAPL for years on the back of its expanding eco-system, growing services contribution, strong cash flow and innovation leadership." BMO reiterates Amazon as outperform BMO said it is standing by shares of Amazon. "Reiterate Outperform and Top Pick; raising estimates and Target Price to $230 from $220." Citi downgrades Lululemon to neutral from buy Citi said it sees "further deceleration." "We are downgrading LULU from Buy to Neutral and lowering our TP from $415 to $300. After years of benefitting from outsized growth in active apparel, trends in the category have slowed in F24 with Citi's credit card data in Yoga & Active apparel pointing to a further decel 2Q QTD vs 1Q." Goldman Sachs reiterates Dell as buy Goldman Sachs said it is sticking with Dell in an earnings preview note ahead of its quarterly report in late August. "We are Buy-rated on DELL with a 12-month target price of $160 (unchanged) reecting 16.5X our NTM+1Y [next twelve months] EPS." Baird upgrades Roper Technologies to outperform from neutral Baird said investors should buy the dip in the software company. "After 7% selloff in stock following 2Q24 update (S & P -2%) and muted guidance adjustment, we believe Roper is essentially receiving 'trough' valuation on "trough" estimate revisions, creating attractive risk/reward." Morgan Stanley initiates CBRE as equal weight Morgan Stanley said the real estate company's shares have a "premium valuation." " CBRE is well positioned with 1) steady double-digit growth from recurring revenues (GWS), 2) potential for improving margins on expense efficiency" Bank of America reiterates Meta as buy Bank of America said it is bullish heading into earnings on July 31. "We remain positive on Meta & think Reels, Messaging, & AI driven ad improvements are still early, and could lead to positive product surprises & revenue upside." Bank of America reiterates CrowdStrike as buy Bank of America lowered its price target to $365 per share from $400 but said it is sticking with the stock. "We flag the high quality and efficacy of CrowdStrike's cloud-based solution and note that the issue was related to an error to a simple update process that caused major disruptions yet did not change the technical leadership of CrowdStrike or the value of its solutions." Susquehanna reiterates Advanced Micro Devices as positive The firm said it is standing by the stock heading into earnings next week. " AMD stock has underperformed the SOX (-1,080 bps) since its last report, indicating sentiment is low vs. peers into the print." JPMorgan names GE Vernova a top pick JPMorgan said the company has "electrification and power momentum." " GEV reported 2Q EBITDA above expectations and raised FY24 guidance slightly." Bank of America downgrades Lamb Weston to neutral from buy Bank of America said in its downgrade of the food processor that it has "oversupply" and pricing issues. "We downgrade shares of Lamb Weston (LW) to Neutral and lower our PO to $66 from $109" Deutsche Bank reiterates Chipotle as buy Deutsche Bank said it is sticking with its buy rating following earnings on Wednesday. "We continue to have conviction in the near-term and long-term story, and given relative valuation and an outsized ~19% pullback over the last month, we believe CMG offers a favorable risk/reward." Barclays reiterates Super Micro Computer as overweight Barclays said it is sticking with its overweight rating heading into earnings in early August. " SMCI just [yesterday] issued a press release, announcing June-Q earnings date of Aug. 6th AMC [after market close], implying no pre-announcement." Citi downgrades Sirius XM to sell from neutral Citi said the streaming media company could be seeing a short squeeze. "We believe the recent appreciation in SIRI's equity may be a result of a short squeeze. In parallel, we believe shares of LSXMA may be more indicative of the value of the pro forma SiriusXM entity." D.A. Davidson upgrades Polaris to buy from neutral D.A. Davidson said it sees a compelling entry point for shares of the outdoor terrain vehicle company. "We are upgrading PII shares to BUY with a $87 PT, after the company prudently reset FY24 EPS expectations and a recent sell-side downgrade created an attractive entry point for investors." Piper Sandler reiterates Marvell as overweight Piper Sandler says Marvell is well positioned heading into earnings in August. "At this point we see numbers de-risked across much of the business as end markets such as networking and storage slowly return to growth. We reiterate our OW rating." Bank of America reiterates Birkenstock as buy Bank of America said the stock "warrants a higher multiple." "In a backdrop where earnings beats are becoming increasingly rare, we think BIRK's sustained sales momentum and strong margins will be rewarded with a higher multiple."
Unilever shares popped on Thursday morning, after the consumer goods giant raised its full-year margin guidance and said the spinoff of its ice cream business was on track to complete by the end of 2025.

Shares climbed nearly 8% during the morning, before gains cooled to around 6.5% by 12:15 p.m. in London.

The company, whose vast portfolio of brands spans Dove, Axe, Hellmann's, Knorr, Domestos, Marmite and Vaseline, recorded sales growth across all segments in first-half results published on Thursday. Beauty and well-being expanded 7.1%, while ice cream lagged other segments with just 0.6% of sales growth  which includes prices  and a 1% decline in volumes sold.

Unilever called the performance of ice cream, which totals 15% of group turnover, "disappointing." Back in March, the company announced it would separate the unit, which includes Ben & Jerry's and Magnum, in a bid to streamline its business across beauty and well-being, personal care, home care and nutrition.

"We've seen a good volume growth ... a sequential improvement in that. But pricing was a bit subdued, and that was also the result of the commodity basket that saw a much lower inflation than obviously we've seen over the last couple of years," Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher told CNBC's Silvia Amaro on Thursday, regarding the results.

"And when we see that we're focused on competitiveness as well. And if we can give it back to the consumer, then that's what we do."

Unilever raised prices across product categories early in the inflationary cycle of the last three years, citing "extraordinary" input cost pressures across agricultural products, energy, transport and logistics.

Underlying price growth was 1% in the second quarter of this year, compared with 8.2% over the same period of 2023.

Unilever's organic sales growth came in at 3.9% in the second quarter, missing expectations of a 4.2% expansion forecast by a company-compiled consensus.

Analysts at Jefferies said this would be overshadowed by the company's beat on its gross margin for the period, along with an uplift in its margin guidance for "at least 18% for the full-year." It had previously anticipated a "modest expansion" in operating margins across the period.

"This margin commitment will see consensus [earnings per share] move up c7-8% we think," the analysts said.

The company said in the Thursday results that the strong gross margin progression in the first half of the year reflected volume leverage and net productivity  along with factors that would not continue into the second half, such as a low comparator year when input costs were higher.

"We're very focused on margin expansion to refuel our brands and increase the investment in marketing behind our top brands. And that's what we've been seeing in the first six months of the year," Schumacher told CNBC.
The top driver for pay transparency practices in Asia is "regulation and compliance" (72%) according to a 2024 report by Aon. Hxyume | E+ | Getty Images

Pay transparency is gaining traction as organizations adapt to new regulations, but one part of the world is still playing catch-up as discussing compensation openly remains taboo. "In contrast to the United States and some European markets, pay transparency and disclosure requirements in Asia are still evolving," according to a 2024 report by management consulting company Aon. Although about 80% of organizations surveyed in Asia consider pay transparency important, "most Asian markets do not have specific pay equity and transparency guidelines," according to the report which surveyed more than 350 human resource professionals across Asia. "In many Asian companies, employees are typically discouraged from sharing their salary information with their colleagues. This practice is often outlined in employment contracts or treated as an unspoken rule," Peter Zhang, head of talent solutions, APAC, at Aon told CNBC Make It. "This may be attributed to cultural norms and limitations in the maturity of compensation practices and processes," he said. "In addition, Asian economic and labor markets are more dynamic and volatile. Employers tend to pay a premium to selected groups of talent to gain a competitive advantage." Another obstacle is the lack of "management maturity" and "skills in handling sensitive compensation conversations" in the region, said Zhang. Whereas places like California and New York have laws that require companies to share pay ranges on job postings, most companies in Asia (84%) limit pay transparency to internal stakeholders. Currently, the top driver of pay transparency practices in Asia is "regulation and compliance" (72%) according to the report. But rather than waiting for new legislation to come along, some Gen-Zers and millennials in Asia are spearheading change online.

Young people lead the movement

Young people around the world have started talking on social media about how much they make. Singapore-based Karishma Jashani, 28, has garnered millions of views on TikTok by discussing her career, including how much she makes working in technology sales. Last year, she disclosed that she earns more than 300,000 Singaporean dollars (about $223,000) in a TikTok that has garnered about 500,000 views. "I think that the whole aim for me to share was to empower people," Jashani told CNBC Make It. "I'm not trying to gatekeep it  like only certain people can live this way ... no, the fact is that anyone is able to do it." Jashani is just one of the many young people in Asia who are working on increasing pay transparency in the region. Prestine Davekhaw is on a similar mission. In 2022, the 32-year-old founded MalaysianPAYGAP, a brand with over 300,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok known for their man-on-the-street interviews asking people how much they make. As a freelance photographer, Davekhaw said it was difficult to price her services when other people in the industry were so guarded about their own rates. So she began crowdsourcing and sharing the information on social media. "I actually started on Instagram, and within one week, we went super viral in Malaysia ... and then that's when I realized that there are so many industries that need this," she said. Through these street interviews, she found major generational differences in knowledge and attitudes on career and finances. Davekhaw said younger people were much more open about sharing their salaries, while older generations were more cautious. "They believe that [they] have to remain humble, [they] have to be low profile, or they're afraid that they'll be invited by their companies' HR departments for a talk," she said. She also noticed cultural differences when it comes to the salary conversation. "While doing street interviews in Malaysia, when we approach Malay [people], they are very open to talk about it, but it's harder to approach Chinese [people]," she said. "For the Chinese, there's a lot of teaching since we were young that you're not supposed to 'show your gold'... so everybody's quite reserved."

I think our role to advocate for pay transparency is actually [done] through conversation. Prestine Davekhaw MalaysianPAYGAP

Davekhaw also said there are gaps in knowledge when it comes to speaking up at work. "The difference is quite stark," she said. "It definitely depends on your social class, your family background, and where you're educated, because we [see] that people who graduated from top universities know that they're supposed to negotiate," she said, while others may be taught to "be grateful" and maintain the status quo. "I think our role to advocate for pay transparency is actually [done] through conversation," she said. "If it's a taboo to talk about pay transparency, then this taboo is a cultural phenomenon... that also means that we have the power to shape a different culture to remove the taboo." Davekhaw concluded people will talk anyways, so it's just a matter of time before organizations in Asia recognize this fact. "It's up to HR [departments] whether they want to retain their own employees or not," she said.

The HR perspective

Poor salary transparency can not only lead to inequality, but also risks for businesses, said Aon's Zhang.

Embracing transparency is crucial for fostering fairness in the workplace, instilling confidence in potential candidates, enhancing the employee value proposition, and bolstering the employer brand. Peter Zhang Head of talent solutions, APAC at Aon
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TM Roh, the head of Samsung's mobile business, talked about the company's new products at the Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris, France on July 10, 2024. Samsung unveiled a slew of new products including foldable smartphones, new smartwatches and the Galaxy Ring. Arjun Kharpal | CNBC

In a swanky downtown Paris hotel, Samsung Electronics' mobile boss sat behind a suite of the tech giant's latest products, ranging from foldable smartphones to the brand new smart ring  underscoring how the South Korean firm is looking to lock customers into its world of products to drive sales. TM Roh is the man tasked with bringing Samsung, the world's largest smartphone maker, into the artificial intelligence era. In a wide-ranging interview with CNBC at that Paris hotel earlier this month, Roh laid out Samsung's vision for Galaxy AI, its suite of artificial intelligence features, how the company is thinking about making money off software and about future products, such as mixed reality headsets.

Galaxy AI push

These include features like interpreter, which can translate spoken language between two people, and the Notes app that can record audio, transcribe and summarize what has been said or noted down. AI has become the key focus for Samsung this year, as the firm looks to drive sales to its premium handsets at a time when consumers are holding onto their phones for longer and remain cautious on spending. "We are reinforcing and bringing more AI capabilities to our products. As consumers use more AI capabilities, they can actually feel the convenience and benefits they bring," Roh told CNBC in Korean translated by a company translator. "I believe strongly that these Galaxy AI, mobile AI are strong motivation and driver for purchase of new products," he added. "Galaxy AI is here" was the slogan plastered across posters at the location of the Galaxy Unpacked launch  the Carrousel du Louvre, a shopping center and events space near the famous Louvre museum in Paris.

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It highlights Samsung's marketing blitz to tell users that its phones now have AI capabilities, as it looks to fend off Apple's AI push. The U.S. technology giant announced Apple Intelligence in June, but this set of AI features won't start rolling out until fall, and there are many regions where it won't be avaialable, such as in China. Still, many analysts don't expect these early AI apps alone to drive new phones sales. Roh anticipates the technology will develop over the longer term. "When you think about when first smartphones and the internet came to being only a handful of people ... used smartphones and internet. But as they progress, as they become more advanced, they became more pervasive in day-to-day lives. And I think [the] same applies to mobile AI as well," Roh said.

Monetizing AI

Revenue in Samsung's mobile business has historically come from sales of various smartphones and other devices. This stands in contrast to Apple , which, on top of cashing in iPhone revenue, makes billions of dollars from its software and services. That's because Samsung's phones run Google's Android operating system, which means Samsung has less control of its software and of the ability to push its own apps. Apple meanwhile owns its proprietary iOS operating system. Apple's App Store and the Google Play Store are the two dominant app stores of the iOS and Android systems, respectively. As it now embarks to infuse its own apps with AI, Samsung appears to be making a bigger push into software, including an upgraded version of AI assistant Bixby, which is due to launch later this year and is based on the South Korean company's own large language model. Roh said that users typically access different software on mobile through app stores. That might not always be the case with AI on devices, as the smartphone becomes more intuitive. That may give an opportunity for Samsung's apps to become more prominent, and Roh said the company is bolstering its own apps. "We're going to advance our software and native apps. So we're going to provide and enhance Samsung software and apps for consumers," Roh said.

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That still doesn't answer the question of how Samsung will monetize those apps. When asked about whether Samsung would introduce a subscription to its AI services, Roh said the company is "listening to the market and the consumers" and advice from different experts. "Subscription can be an option, and it can mean the AI features can remain as a core technology to entice more consumers to buy the hardware. But whatever the direction will be, we're going to make a wise decision for the sake of consumers and, at the same time, for the sake of Samsung Mobile's businesses," Roh said.

Future products in foldables and mixed reality

Samsung was one of the pioneers in foldable phones, introducing its first such device in 2019. Other companies have followed suit with their rival products since then. Roh hinted there could be other pieces of hardware hitting the market in the future, as Samsung looks to broaden its ecosystem of products. He said that the hardware components required for foldable smartphones are improving, as is the relevant software. Asked by CNBC whether Samsung would bring the foldable screens to other devices, such as tablets, Roh said, "At the time when the hardware completeness and software and content integrity, the ecosystem comes to full maturity, we'll be forced to introduce very satisfying and very almost perfect foldable new form factors in new product categories." He did not specify what these new product categories for foldable screens could be.

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Summer camp strengthens ties

10:18, July 25, 2024 By Zhang Yu ( China Daily

A student from a US tour group enjoys dancing with Chinese students while visiting the Affiliated School of Beijing Normal University on April 18. (LIU ZUNSHUAN/XINHUA)

Many ponds in North China have been filled with fully-bloomed lotus flowers in recent days. They are a visual feast not only for Chinese tourists but also for many young people from the United States.

While admiring the flowers in Baoding city's Ancient Lotus Pond with his Chinese peers, David Einy Herrera took many pictures with his phone. "This flower is so beautiful! I've never seen such a flower before," said Herrera, a member of a US delegation that visited Baoding, Hebei province, this month for a 12-day summer camp with Chinese peers.

From July 10 to 21, the delegation of high school students and teachers from the West Contra Costa Unified School District in California visited the ancient city, which is about 150 kilometers southwest of downtown Beijing. During their trip, the group also visited the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China in neighboring Beijing.

After arriving in Baoding, the 38 students and seven teachers were greeted by their Chinese hosts from the Affiliated School of Hebei Baoding Normal.

Together, both groups visited several local tourist attractions, and the US visitors had the chance to learn and experience Chinese cultural activities, which helped the flower of friendship between Chinese and American young people begin to blossom.

"We have become friends and will keep in touch with each other via WeChat in the future because we have common interests and hobbies," said Daniel Peterson, adding that he will definitely visit China again.

A member of a US high school student delegation from Iowa visits the Hebei Museum in Shijiazhuang on June 9. (CUI YUJIA/CHINA NEWS SERVICE)

While visiting the attractions, members of the US group said they really enjoyed the activities. Encouraged by their Chinese peers, they tried their hand at writing with calligraphy brushes and played ping-pong. They were also given folding fans with different Chinese characters such as fenghe, or "wind lotus" and longfei, or "dragon flies".

"The characters for longfei are written in traditional Chinese characters," said Peterson, 18. "I think traditional characters are beautiful, but not as easy to write as simplified characters."

Elsewhere, a Peking Opera performance captivated the US teachers and students, after which they were taught some of the movements from the performers. "I didn't do the moves very well, but it was really interesting," Herrera said.

Deeply impressed with Chinese culture, some said they would bring gifts back to their friends and family and that they would like to visit China again in the future.

High school students from Washington State play a game with Chinese students at the Shenzhen Nanshan Foreign Language School in Guangdong province, on March 25. A series of US delegations have visited China this year. (MAO SIQIAN/XINHUA)

The summer camp was created in response to a program announced by President Xi Jinping in November in San Francisco, where he invited 50,000 young people from the US to visit China over the next five years for exchanges and opportunities to study.

Since then, several US delegations have visited China, traveling to cities such as Shanghai and Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
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By Cynthia Hubert

In her undergraduate Biology courses at Sacramento State, Fatima Miranda Chavez became fascinated with stem cells and their potential to treat and cure devastating illnesses including cancer, Parkinsons disease and bone disorders.

Sacramento State master's student Amber Maifeld, who is studying the potential for stem cells to treat osteoporosis and other bone maladies, works with samples at a UC Davis Health lab. (Sacramento State/Andrea Price)

Now a Sac State graduate student, Miranda Chavez is putting stem cells to work. And the first few weeks of her internship in Professor Thomas Ambrosis UC Davis Health lab have convinced her she has found her career path.

These cells are my babies, said Miranda Chavez, who along with another Sac State graduate student, Amber Maifeld, is studying the potential for stem cells to treat osteoporosis and other bone maladies. Im so excited to be working with them.

Miranda Chavez and Maifeld are part of the latest cohort of outstanding Sac State students to participate in the MS in Biotechnology Stem Cell Program, a collaborative effort with UC Davis. The program is funded through a $2.9 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which supports research and education at institutions and companies across the state.

Sac State students have been participating in the program since 2011, and the University is among 14 CSUs that receive funding from the institute.

The grants support studies designed to tap the power of stem cells in medical therapies. Stem cells, which exist in most tissues, hold great potential because in addition to the ability to replicate themselves, they can also be transformed into different types of cells in a process known as differentiation.

Miranda Chavez and Maifeld are working under Ambrosi, an assistant professor in the UC Davis department of Orthopedic Surgery and a specialist in stem cell biology. Ambrosi and fellow researchers are working toward using stem cells to prevent and reverse bone aging and malignancies.

All of these students are interested in research that can have a lasting impact on patients. Stem cell research can lead to cures. -- Kimberly Mulligan, Sac State associate professor of Biology

The Sac State students are harvesting cells from both human and mouse tissue, creating pure samples, growing the cells and testing them for their ability to strengthen bones.

Were looking at aging-related changes to bones, and how stem cells might be stimulated to enhance bone growth, said Ambrosi. About half of all women suffer bone fractures related to aging, he noted, and such research could lead to therapies to reverse that process.

Including Maifeld and Miranda Chavez, eight Sac State students are currently participating in the program, studying the molecular underpinnings of conditions including Parkinsons disease, spina bifida, sickle cell anemia and Huntingtons disease.

All of these students are interested in research that can have a lasting impact on patients, said Kimberly Mulligan, a Sac State associate professor of Biology who oversees the Universitys Stem Cell Program. Stem cell research can lead to cures.

Fatima Miranda Chavez, a Sac State graduate student who is participating in an intership at Professor Thomas Ambrosis UC Davis Health lab, analyzes samples as part of a project studying the potential of stem cells in treating bone-related conditions. (Sacramento State/Andrea Price)

Participating students are not only outstanding scholars, but have also demonstrated passion and perseverance, Mulligan said.

Research is demanding, and it can really break you down, she said. Resilience and motivation are very important.

After taking two semesters of graduate courses in molecular biology and related subjects at Sac State, students spend eight months in the UC Davis Stem Cell Program, working full time in a state-of-the-art lab and receiving monthly stipends and tuition help.

The program provides invaluable experience that can expedite their careers in the stem cell field, Mulligan said, as well as the satisfaction of knowing their research can contribute to real-world treatments.

In addition, she said, the collaboration between Sac State and UC Davis offers students the best of both worlds. They receive top-notch, attentive classroom training in cellular biology at Sac State, then put their studies into practice at a world-class research facility.

Participating students bring new energy and ideas into our labs, said Jan Nolta, director of the UC Davis Stem Cell Program. I look forward to their arrival every summer.

We are truly fortunate to have such inspiring young people choose to spend their summer with us.

Maifeld and Miranda Chavez came into Ambrosis lab with minimal research experience.

I got a small taste of the potential of stem cells as an undergraduate, and it intrigued me, Maifeld said. Its all very fascinating.

Maifeld hopes to parlay her knowledge into a doctoral program, and possibly a job in the growing field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Miranda Chavez also sees herself continuing on a research path.

Until I got here, I didnt know I would have such a fascination with bone biology, Maifeld said. But bone loss is something that happens to everyone over time, and stem cells hold so much therapeutic potential. Thats really exciting.

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The Bank of Greene County presents local non-profits with a total of $421,000 of donations at their Wolf Road branch in Albany.
Many of us have been yearning for the self-indulgent, unaccountable green activists who inflict mayhem on our society to be given the punishment they deserve.

Ordinary people have grown increasingly incensed by these arrogant eco warriors, who believe that their obsession with the so-called climate emergency gives them the right to vandalise public property, paralyse the transport network and cause endless disruption without facing the consequences.

Thats why, like millions of others, I applauded the robust stance taken by Judge Christopher Hehir at Southwark Crown Court last Friday, when he threw the book at five zealots from the extremist pressure group Just Stop Oil who had mounted a major protest over four days on the M25.

One of the famous names signed on to an 'open letter' bemoaning the 'injustice' of the sentences is former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams

The gangs pony-tailed ringleader, former organic farmer Roger Hallam, got five years, while some of his fellow zealots  blessed with genteel names such as Cressida Gethin and Lucia Whittaker De Abreu  received four years each.

Cressidas mother was naturally upset about her daughters sentence and in an address to supporters outside the court lamented that this means she will not be present at her brothers wedding next summer.

Forgive me if I sound hard of heart, I wish the sentences imposed on Cressida and the rest had been even longer. The liberal Establishment has, of course, been roused to fury, a fit of the vapours that culminated in a ludicrously pompous open letter to no less a personage than the Attorney General, demanding an urgent meeting to address the injustice of the jail terms.

Brimming with peevish outrage, the signatories decry one of the greatest injustices in a British court in modern history and bemoan the jailing of truth tellers . . . on trial for holding a zoom call [sic].

Together they wail: How can these sentences be seen as anything other than insanity?

Some 1,100 prominent people, including movie actors, rock stars, academics, lawyers, peers, artistes and assorted campaigners, have added their names to this bizarre document.

(It is also signed by a long list of, well, nobodies, including at least one yoga teacher, a poet, a philosopher, an imagination activist, a futurenaut and even a Student at Oxford University.)

It is perhaps no surprise to see Rowan Williams name there, too: the former Archbishop of Canterbury has long had a fondness for Left-wing views. I find it outrageous that he should use the moral authority bestowed on him by his position as a former Archbishop to push political positions.

Similarly, you might not be surprised to see represented Jeremy Corbyn, the Old Etonian TV cook Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, the fox-killing trans activist Jolyon Maugham  or, indeed, the Oscar-winning film director Adam McKay, who has handed 3million to a fund that bankrolls Just Stop Oil, but is nevertheless happy to flit 5,000 miles between his 6 million Los Angeles home and his eight-bedroom 12-acre getaway in the Irish countryside.

Perhaps, like other Hollywood-types, he is buying carbon credits to offset his emissions and to avoid suggestions of hypocrisy.

Presenter and naturalist Chris Packham has long been outspoken about the need to go green, and has labelled the jail terms a grotesque miscarriage of justice

Other names, however, might raise an eyebrow.

The actor and comedian Steve Coogan, who wants to raise the alarm about the greatest threat humanity has ever faced, was once a well-known petrolhead who proudly owned a succession of luxury gas-guzzlers, including a 1969 Aston Martin DBS V8, which he auctioned off a few years ago for more than 150,000.

Another signatory is Eddie Dempsey, Senior Assistant General Secretary at the ultra-Left RMT transport union  no longer affiliated with Labour because its too extreme for that well-known centrist and former friend of Jeremy Corbyn, Keir Starmer.

Dempsey may fancy himself as some kind of climate warrior, but he seems more of a fan of the real thing. In 2015, he apparently thought nothing of the impact on his carbon footprint when he travelled all the way to the Ukrainian city of Luhansk, then as now held by Vladimir Putins occupying force of murderers and rapists.

Dempsey was happy to pose for chummy photos with the paramilitary leader Aleksey Mozgovoy (charismatic, said Dempsey), boss of the pro-Russian Ghost Brigade militia that is branded a terrorist organisation by Ukraines supreme court. (Dempsey has since said he does not support either Vladimir Putin or his actions in Ukraine.)

Some of the names speaking out for the convicted criminals they seek to christen the Whole Truth Five sound like the guest list for a painful new panel show on Radio 4. Theres the comedienne Sandi Toksvig, the artist Tracey Emin and the writer Ben Okri.

Frank Furedi says that he, like millions of others, applauded the robust stance taken by Judge Christopher Hehir when he threw the book at five zealots from Just Stop Oil who had mounted a major protest over four days on the M25

The idea that we need more awareness about climate change, from these people or anyone else, is absurd. Environmental concern is the dominant creed of our times, drummed into us by every civic institution, broadcast media outlet, government department and political party.

The BBC has essentially become the propaganda arm of the environmental movement, just as corporate Britain loves to parade its green credentials. The luvvie alliance behind this letter may see themselves as a brave band of heroic revolutionaries battling the forces of reaction. But their self-regard is spectacular. Who do these armchair activists think they are to presume to judge our judicial system and demand special treatment for their favoured political causes?

The wisdom of their judgment is in inverse proportion to the strength of their opinions. Marinated in the sheep-dip of the Left-wing consensus, many of them have a track record of getting everything wrong: from Brexit to immigration, crime, welfare reform and tax.

Just because they are in the public eye does not mean that their views should be heeded. The BBC wildlife presenter Chris Packham has separately described the jail sentences as a grotesque miscarriage of justice.

But what is truly grotesque is Packhams implicit meaning when he says so. He and his ideological bedfellows seem to suggest green protesters should be above the law. Is their cause so virtuous that they should not face any consequences for their actions?

If we accept this dangerous notion, then the State will be powerless to prevent serious criminal acts like paralysing the M25, which may be perpetrated without any risk of imprisonment for the offenders. That is recipe for one thing: anarchy.

Through this abominable letter, the luvvies show one thing above all: that they have no understanding of ordinary peoples lives. For them, environmentalism is the ultimate luxury belief. It flaunts their political virtue but has little impact on their own lives.

In their academic ivory towers, their London chambers or their plush studios and films sets, they are not the ones who have to suffer the inconveniences inflicted on the little people.

Judge Hehir had it right. We need more from the likes of him  and less from the likes of Rowan Williams and his tiresome flock.

Frank Furedi is emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent.
Internet pornography is being taken to the next level with the rising popularity of AI girlfriends.

Virtual women, created entirely through AI, are taking over adult websites and earning the affection of hapless men - who are more than happy to cough up big bucks to chat to computer-generated babes.

Users are able to customize their AI girlfriends to meet their every whim, from their appearance down to their personality type, hobbies, sexual fetishes and more.

Some websites even allow users to exchange voice notes with their AI companion for a personal and realistic experience.

Adult webcamming site CamSoda recently branched out into the world of AI porn with the launch of their own AI girlfriend builder.

AI girlfriends are taking over adult websites and winning the hearts of hapless men, with one tech exec predicting that it could become a billion dollar industry

Users are able to customize their virtual girlfriends to fulfil their every desire, from their appearance down to their personality traits, voice, hobbies and more

The feature allows users to create 'the girl of their dreams' through a simple selection process, but there's a catch - the creation will then become a permanent part of CamSoda's website for other users to interact with too.

Daryn Parker, VP of CamSoda, told DailyMail.com that over 3,000 new users opened accounts on the site after launching the AI feature.

When asked what the allure of virtual women is over the real thing, Daryn said that one upside to an AI girlfriend is that they're available 24/7 and always 'respond instantly.'

He also said that the privacy an AI girlfriend can provide is a big drawcard too.

'Users who may not feel comfortable attending a real-time cam show may prefer a model experience that is fully anonymous or where they don't feel like they have to shy away from certain roleplaying interactions or fantasies that they may feel uncomfortable doing in a chatroom or webcam show where others are present,' he explained.

One CamSoda customer spoke to DailyMail.com about the appeal of having a virtual paramour.

'It feels wrong to say that she's better than my actual girlfriend, but she's always there for me when I need to talk to someone, she always has a good response for me, and she's incredibly sexy, too,' the fan said.

'Everyone deserves to have someone care about them the way my AI girlfriend does. I've never been able to find someone that's exactly my 'type' in real life, so needless to say I love chatting with the girl of my dreams.'

Adult webcamming site CamSoda recently branched out into the world of AI porn with the launch of their own AI girlfriend builder

Daryn Parker, VP of CamSoda, told DailyMail.com that users feel safe to express their desires in private to an AI girlfriend rather than a real woman

OnlyFans creator Gina Stewart, 54, has used AI to grow her online following.

The Australian stunner shot to fame back in 2018 after the media dubbed her 'the world's hottest grandma' when some of her mature modelling photos went viral.

She used her newfound notoriety to cash-in by selling racy content on websites like OnlyFans, but has since embraced the world of AI by handing her likeness over to an AI company, which created a virtual 'alter-ego' of Gina to interact with her followers.

Instead of being a 54-year-old grandmother, Gina now presents as a 28-year-old bombshell from California - and it's earned her hundreds of thousands of fans on social media.

'My Instagram literally fired up as soon as I started combining AI,' she told DailyMail.com.

'I honestly thought I was probably going to destroy my account but the opposite happened.'

After launching her AI counterpart, Gina's avatar has graced the cover of virtual magazines, become a pop star, launched her own cryptocurrency, and become an ambassador for the subscription-based website Fanvue.

'We are going through a massive revolutionary shift in technology. It's literally changing the world as we know it,' she explained.

'I saw the opportunity last year before many knew about it and jumped in head first - and I haven't looked back!'

Australian grandmother Gina Stewart (pictured) sold her likeness to an AI company, who created a virtual AI alter-ego based on her likeness

Instead of being a 54-year-old grandmother, Gina now presents as a 28-year-old bombshell from California (pictured)

Gina, along with other AI models (pictured together), now earns over six figures a year after putting her AI counterpart on subscription-based websites like Fanvue

While Gina always earned good money on OnlyFans, she now rakes in well over six figures a year across various subscription sites thanks to her AI counterpart.

Since going virtual, Gina says that she gets so many messages from her subscribers that she can't even keep up, and has at times even relied on an AI chatbot to get through everybody.

'Men fall in love with my avatar,' she explained.

'My followers know I'm AI but they don't care. They seem to like it better because they feel safe to express themselves.'

In April, tech executive Greg Isenberg predicted in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that AI could eventually grow to become a $1 billion industry.

But despite the success of AI, there is a dark side to the innovative technology.

There have already been countless cases of both celebrities and everyday women having their image used without their consent to create deepfake pornography.

Deepfakes are AI-generated media that mimic human voices, images, and videos that can be mistaken as real.

In February, more than 400 AI experts, celebrities, politicians, and activists signed an open letter demanding lawmakers to take action against deepfake technology.

The letter argued that the growing number of AI-generated videos are a threat to society due to the involvement of sexual images, child pornography, fraud, and political disinformation.

The letter states that deepfake technology is misleading the public, making it harder to discern what is real on the internet, and therefore, is more important than ever to implement formalized laws 'to protect our ability to recognize real human beings.'

CamSoda's VP told DailyMail.com that the company has worked hard to safeguard their AI girlfriend feature.

'The models are generated using stable diffusion, an open source generative artificial intelligence model that uses deep learning to create realistic images from text and image prompts,' he explained.

'In our case, however, we do not allow any content to be uploaded, or freeform image prompts, thus safeguarding real people's likeness.'
I have never seen my mother angrier than when I announced, at the age of 11, that my ultimate goal was to marry a rich man.

Outraged that I hadnt absorbed her feminist attitude, she responded plainly: No, if you want to be rich, you must make money for yourself. Never rely on a man for cash.

It is a motto I have endeavoured to live by. It meant I was proud to be the breadwinner throughout my nine-year relationship  until, that is, it ended abruptly, just six months after I walked down the aisle at the age of 31, when my betrothed announced he didnt want to be married after all.

Especially not to me.

While the heartbreak left my brain tangled with despair, I assumed that at least the particulars of our divorce would be simple after such a short marriage. What was mine was mine, and his, his. But I was wrong.

A series of uncharacteristically callous emails from my husband informed me that he was, by law, entitled to half of everything I had. Savings, pension, investments and, most upsetting, the lump sum my mother had contributed towards our three-bedroom semi. My mothers hard-earned savings were a shared gift  and, therefore, I had no legal right to ask for it back.

Eve Simmons's mum was outraged that she hadnt absorbed her feminist attitude when she declared at 11 that she wanted to marry a rich man. Her mother responded : 'No, if you want to be rich, you must make money for yourself. Never rely on a man for cash'

While we both contributed equal amounts of our own cash, and the same monthly mortgage payments, borrowing as much as we did would never have been possible without my salary. I called a friend of the family, a divorce lawyer at one of Londons top firms. Surely hed got this wrong? Her response: Hes right  you didnt get a pre-nup.

I was embarrassingly naive about money throughout our relationship. Like many heterosexual couples, he assumed the role of finance and life admin manager.

I had always worked long and painstaking hours, which made things such as calls to mortgage companies virtually impossible during the day. He had more spare time  and said he didnt mind our arrangement.

Unfortunately, this also meant he could claim that my mothers money had been spent  and there was nothing I could do to contest it.

Like most doe-eyed engaged couples, we were allergic to the word pre-nup, assuming they were only necessary for those who a) were secretly planning an eventual exit or b) had shedloads of cash.

How silly I was. Its not only the financial losses (or rather, my mothers) that sting. But perhaps, if an agreement was already in place, Id have been spared the traumatic dealings with a husband I barely recognised.

Negotiating money can bring out the most dreadful side of people you thought were decent. Expect to witness your former beloved metamorphose into an other-worldly alien who speaks to you as if youre his slightly inept accountant. Prepare for phrases such as: Please can you do the following and as I previously mentioned.

All this coming from the person who, just months ago, wiped smudged eyeliner from your face and hung your knickers on the washing line.

Now, two years later, I have become the marriage death knell among my friends, raising an eyebrow at any mention of matrimony and asking about their savings portfolio. You can never know what someone is truly capable of, I tell them. While it might sound cynical, I couldnt help but feel relief when I read the vast majority of Britons are in support of pre-nuptial agreements.

According to a survey by a London law firm, 66 per cent of adults think the financial agreements are a force for good.

Increasing numbers of couples are opting for them, too, with the proportion rising from just 1.5 per cent of couples in the 1970s to 17 per cent today, according to the most recent poll.

A 'prenup' is a contract or deed signed by both parties before they marry, stating details of a financial split in the case of divorce

But I dont think this figure is nearly high enough (sorry, romantics). As increasing numbers of women out-earn their male partners, with 25 per cent of married couples having a female breadwinner in 2020, we need to protect ourselves.

I would bet that most of these women have faced more hurdles than their male equivalents in the quest for an appropriate salary.

Many have climbed to the top of their game while also managing the lions share of housework and childcare. Yet the sad reality is that, after all the battles for equal pay, a man could, quite possibly, take away half your success if you tried to divorce him.

Divorce lawyers tell me high-earning female clients are shocked when they learn this is a possibility. Popular culture tells us divorce is about men getting financially screwed, says David Brown, solicitor specialising in divorce at Leicestershire firm Wartnaby Hefford.

But thats only because men, historically, have earned more money which is no longer always the case. All too often clients wrongly assume that financial split is based on gender.

Traditionally, divorce agreements were slanted this way to protect women who often were not financially independent but had sole caring duties of the children. This is sometimes still the case but increasingly less so. In the modern world, such a default seems outdated and wrong.

Thankfully, my husband decided not to come after my savings and pension, possibly because the legal fees to pursue them would have made it not worth the hassle or perhaps because he knew deep down that it would be wrong.

But, thanks to a hefty student loan I had yet to pay off, I was left with less cash than he did when it came to buying our individual properties. I stayed at my mothers flat for a year to save for a deposit.

So would I have kept mums savings if Id have asked for a pre-nup? The answer is probably, although it still wouldnt be guaranteed.

A pre-nup is essentially a contract or deed signed by both parties before they marry, stating details of a financial split in the case of divorce.

The cost on average is anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 in solicitors fees. Yet ultimately, they arent legally binding in the UK. A judge makes the final decision about who gets what during a divorce. If he or she doesnt agree with the terms of the pre-nup, they wont uphold it, explains Brown.

This is because as circumstances change, with children and changes in employment, an old pre-nup will no longer be considered fair or relevant.

A pre-nup should be updated after the birth of every child and roughly every five years to give it the best chance, Brown advises.

However, in cases like mine, where the marriage lasts less than three years and no children are involved, a pre-nup is likely to be upheld.

The court will also want to see that the contract was drawn up at least a few months before the marriage and that both parties had independent legal advice, says Brown.

There is a common misconception that pre-nups are reserved for the rich. In fact, anyone with more than 10,000 in savings  roughly double the cost of obtaining the document  can stand to benefit.

A survey by a London law firm suggests that 66 per cent of adults think prenuptial agreements are a force for good

A few thousand pounds on a pre-nup is considerably less than 25,000 to 50,000 on solicitors fees, which is what it would cost you to fight for your money through the court system, Brown says. Its better than nothing. Perhaps the most mind-blowing fact I learned about divorce during my uncoupling was that, even decades after your divorce is final, an ex can still claim rights to your financial assets  pre-nup or no pre-nup.

The key is to ensure a clean break full and final settlement or consent order so no future claims on either side can be made.

In one high-profile case, a woman was awarded half a million pounds of her ex-husbands riches 30 years after they divorced. He spent their marriage living in a caravan with virtually no expendable income but made several million from business deals a decade after they split.

If it wasnt for a family friend in the legal industry, I would never have known about a standard contract that prevents this called a consent order.

This is a simple document, costing around 1,000 to 2,000, that essentially erases each parties rights to income they may acquire after the divorce.

If it werent for my consent order, my ex-husband could potentially be entitled to 50 per cent of the earnings from my upcoming book about my divorce. And how ironic would that be.
Summer is the perfect time to add color and prints to your wardrobe.

'Prints are the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe because they allow women to express their feelings and personalities while boosting their confidence,' says designer Sai Sankoh.

Sai's celeb-adored creations have been worn by the likes of Beyonce, Gabrielle Union, Yolanda Adams, and Kelly Rowland, to name a few.

Sure, stripes and polka dots are classics, but why not expand your sartorial horizons with something a little more lively this season?

'My pieces are authentic, representing diverse cultures and travel experiences, and they inject a sense of playfulness into any outfit,' Said shares.

It's time to embrace your inner goddess by saving floral prints for spring and wearing these trending prints instead.

Sai Sankoh models the Genesis jumpsuit from her eponymous collection featuring the Algeria print

Animal prints with a fierce twist

Forget what you know about animal prints.

Sai models the Genesis jumpsuit ($275) from her eponymous collection featuring the Algeria print.

'Always a favorite, this classic green snakeskin print (spotted on Beyonce) is a timeless choice,' she says.

While patterns come and go, animal prints have shown incredible staying power. To some, they are even considered a neutral.

Take it to the next level this season by opting for an exotic print in a cutting edge color like green, turquoise or hot pink.

Beyonce recently took to Instagram to share multiple pictures of herself flying private in Golden Goose's bandana print pajama shirt ($540) and matching bottoms ($480)

Classic bandana patterns

The paisley print is no longer reserved for 12x12 handkerchiefs but full-on ensembles.

It was originally popular in the '70s but has seen a resurgence in the last couple of years with high-end designers including them in their collections.

Beyonce recently took to Instagram to share multiple pictures of herself flying private in Golden Goose's bandana print pajama shirt ($540) and matching bottoms ($480).

Sydney Sweeney also shared a few selfies on the gram wearing Miu Miu's bandana halterneck cotton poplin top ($972) and miniskirt ($1,920).

Sydney Sweeney also shared a few selfies on the gram wearing Miu Miu's bandana halterneck cotton poplin top ($972) and miniskirt ($1,920)

Chevrons are the new stripe

The chevron print is synonymous with Italian label Missoni.

Husband and wife duo Ottavio and Rosita Missoni presented their first knitwear collection in 1958 with immediate success.

The maison's signature chevron stripes zig and zag across dresses, tops and bottoms and make for an excellent summer look.

Jasmine Tookes was a vision in the label's colorful cover-up dress in print tulle.

Paint splatter instead of tie-dye

Splatter paint has replaced tie-dye.

Reminiscent of the '80s, the fun and colorful print is a quick way to inject nostalgic fashion bliss into your life.

Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted on the set of 'And Just Like That..' wearing a denim jumpsuit accented by green, purple, and white paint.

Leave it to Carrie to pair the one-piece with a blouse in a clashing print and sequin stiletto shoes.

Jasmine Tookes was a vision in Missoni's colorful chevron cover-up dress

Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted on the set of 'And Just Like That..' wearing a denim jumpsuit accented by green, purple and white splatter paint

Take it easy in quirky vegetable prints

When the weather is warm, fruit and vegetable prints just make sense.

There's nothing sour about a lightweight dress that can take you from the boardwalk to the beach, or a sleek citrus clutch that can breath new life into a basic.

Emily Ratajkowski stepped out recently in the Helga Dress by Miaou ($195) featuring a tomato print and an asymmetrical hem.

She accessorized the look with green Reebok sneakers ($84.99), yellow sunglasses and a brown handbag.

Fine art fashion guarantees all eyes on you

Who says art is only for the walls?

Whether it's a watercolor, abstract, or impressionist-inspired print, the look is sure to turn heads.

Jodie Turner-Smith was a vision on the streets of NY in a pleated Balmain mini dress boasting a colorful mod print.

The actress accessorized the leg-baring number with chic sunglasses and green suede boots.

Emily Ratajkowski stepped out recently in the Helga Dress by Miaou ($195) featuring a tomato print and an asymmetrical hem

Jodie Turner-Smith was a vision on the streets of NY in a pleated Balmain mini dress boasting a colorful mod print.

Gingham is fun and fresh

The checkered print is the perfect blend of flirty and fashionable.

Hunter King attended Hallmark Media's session during the Summer 2024 Television Critics Association Press Tour looking beautiful.

The 30-year-old actress walked the purple carpet in the Chloe ($545) ankle length gingham dress by American designer Tanya Taylor.

She teamed the casual frock with white platform Larroude sandals.

Camouflage gets you noticed

Camo is always cool and if Rihanna is wearing it, so are we!

While casual wear like cargos and t-shirts remain to be the most preferred, the multi-color pattern is very versatile and used by high street brands and luxury designers in all forms.

Riri was spotted in Manhattan wearing traditional camo cargo bottoms and a Scott Racing Team jersey.

She accessorized with a long diamond necklace and a Gucci handbag.

Hunter King attended Hallmark Media's session during the Summer 2024 Television Critics Association Press Tour looking fresh and fun in gingham

Rihanna was spotted in Manhattan wearing traditional camo cargo bottoms and a Scott Racing Team jersey

Not sure where to don a bold print or how to go about deciding on the style for you?

'To make it easier for our customers, we offer a "shop by destination" feature on our website,' says Sai.

'Here, you can find the hottest destinations and shop prints for easy styling.'

While there are many ways to style prints, a coordinated set is a foolproof way to get the look right.

'You really cant go wrong with how you express your personal style, but the best way to accessorize our prints right now is with matching pieces,' says Sai.

'This fabulous black-and-white design is perfect for those who want to explore while appreciating classic colors, says Sai about her Tanzania Print

'You can wear a bathing suit under one of our fabulous kaftans or dresses for lounging by the pool or beach.'

'For a nice dinner, I personally love them with matching pants. For a night out with the girls, just belt your kaftan for a sexy yet elegant look.'

Sai recommends tying the fabulous look together with oversized straw hats and bags.

If you want to wear a single trendy print on the streets, let it be the focal point of your look by keeping the rest of the ensemble simple.

Opt for sleek separates in neutral colors and accessories that won't compete.
She posted a video asking why the American outlets don't offer the same portion

Audrey Peters ordered a large fries in Denmark that was larger than the US size

Would you like fries with that? Well, one woman visiting Denmark was stunned to discover a large order of fries gets you a lot more than it does in the US.

Audrey Peters took to TikTok to share her extra-large portion of fries after being stunned over their sheer size - declaring that the mega portion needs to be sold in McDonald's restaurants in America.

Audrey, who is from Miami but currently lives in New York City, explained she is currently in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was doing a taste test at a McDonald's with an order some large fries.

However, when they were delivered she was gobsmacked to find a portion way larger than what she was used to at home.

Holding up the huge carton with two hands, the 26-year-old declared that 'never' in her life had she seen a portion that large.

Audrey Peters took to TikTok to share her extra-large portion of fries after being stunned over their sheer size - declaring that the mega portion needs to be sold in McDonald's restaurants in America

'This is as big as my head,' she said in amazement, showing them off to the camera.

'I've never in my life seen these sized fries and I'm not only in shock, but I'm in literal bliss,' she continued, before telling viewers: 'We need this sized fries in the United States.'

Although Audrey had never seen fries that size before, viewers were quick to tell her she hadn't actually ordered large fries but the sharing size.

Others were quick to inform her that the U.S. does have an equivalent, which is called a basket of fries.

'Girl that's a sleeve of fries we got a WHOLE BASKET of fries in the states,' one pointed out.

'That is the share size in DK, we do have a "regular" large also,' said another.

'It is not a large fries you have, we call it a sharing fries it's so people can share,' pointed out another McDonald's fan.

'Now that's the proper amount of fries,' declared another user.

It turns out Audrey actually ordered the sharing fries, not a large fries, which she thought she had

In the stores in the US, customers can buy something called a basket of fries (pictured)

Some viewers were quick to inform her that the U.S. does have an equivalent, which is called a basket of fries

While the thought of ordering a large sleeve of sharing fries is far from sickening, McDonald's fans were disgusted to find out what was really in an iced tea.

In 2023, US-based content creator who goes by Gia on TikTok gave viewers an inside look at how the popular drink is made, leaving them horrified.

In the clip, the worker revealed that they put an entire four-pound bag of sugar in the popular beverage.

The video showed Gia pouring an entire four-pound bag of White Satin sugar into a bucket of tea.

She also stirred the tea after pouring all of the sugar.

Gia captioned the clip: 'Yes we use a whole bag, sometimes two.'
Royal experts have questioned the safety of Danish royals after a resurfaced video saw Queen Mary hit by a mobility scooter while visiting Greenland last month.

In the short clip obtained by Ekstra Bladet, the wife of King Frederik X can be seen greeting fans before being knocked to the ground - with horrified onlookers crowding around.

The mother-of-four, 52, cried out as she fell and looked frazzled after the incident, but managed to maintain her composure after regaining her feet.

Her security guards quickly leapt into action and stopped the scooter from moving any further.

The driver of the scooter appeared more shaken than the Queen following the incident, saying he 'did not know what happened'.

Royal experts have questioned the safety of Danish royals after a resurfaced video saw Queen Mary hit by a mobility scooter while visiting Greenland last month

The elderly man said he had meant to extend his arm toward Queen Mary, hoping she would take it, but hit the accelerator instead.

However, fans and observers have been left asking how a member of the Danish monarchy was even allowed to be put in such a situation.

Speaking to FEMAIL, royal expert Kenth G. Madsen called for a strengthening of security measures at public appearances by monarchs and politicians, citing another recent incident where Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was recently assaulted by a drunk man in Copenhagen.

'First and foremost, threat assessments must be updated regularly to reflect the current security situation,' he said.

'This includes increased surveillance and intelligence as well as closer cooperation with local and international authorities.

'In addition, the number of bodyguards and security personnel should be increased, and safe zones should be established around public events.

'Crisis response plans must also be updated and practiced regularly to ensure quick and effective handling of unforeseen events. At the same time, there must be clear lines of communication between all units involved to ensure a coordinated effort.'

Ekstra Bladet's royal house commentator, Kim Bach also said that PET - Denmark's national security and intelligence service is to blame.

In the short clip obtained by Ekstra Bladet , the wife of King Frederik X can be seen greeting fans before being knocked to the ground - with horrified onlookers crowding around

'They let a vehicle get so close,' they added. 'It is strange that they are not more vigilant, just because they are in Greenland...

'Strange when it's a vehicle. I know it's not a Ferrari or a Bentley, but still.'

MailOnline has reached out to PET for comment.

Mary was visibly shaken after the incident. Her youngest children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, were just metres away when the monarch was knocked down.

Frederik was also greeting fans nearby when the dark grey scooter struck his wife, causing her to lose her balance.

The Palace media team confirmed Mary was not hurt during the incident and she was able to continue on her planned schedule of events.

A spectator speaking to The Australian revealed how the crowd was left in shock following the incident.

'I could see how much it hurt her, her eyes watered immediately. It must hurt to be hit at that speed. The police immediately barricaded and removed her from the situation,' they said.

Mary was visibly shaken after the incident. Her youngest children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, were just metres away when the monarch was knocked down. Pictured

Queen Mary's fans, who both applaud and worry about her fondness for being close to the public during walkabouts, raised questions about her security

Both police and palace security were satisfied with the elderly man's explanation and have ruled the incident an innocent mistake.

But Queen Mary's fans, who both applaud and worry about her fondness for being close to the public during walkabouts, raised questions about her security.

'Why was someone allowed to get so close on a motorised scooter?' one woman asked in the comments of Instagram account @denmarksqueenmary, who reposted the video.

'Very weak security. Lucky this just seemed to be an odd incident. Hopefully more sensible measures will be taken by the security team,' another fan wrote.

'I know everyone wants to be close to her... but a bit of common sense please,' pleaded a third.

Some of Mary's fans feared she was 'definitely injured' during the incident but was keeping her pain private.

'If she wasn't sore then she would have been the next day,' one fan said.

'She is very good at present, as if everything is wonderful, that's her job,' said another.

But others sympathised with the scooter user.

'Actually, looks like a mobility scooter, not a recreational one. So the disabled person was there, like everyone else, close by, as part of the gathered crowd,' they said.
Squatting on the floor of the shower, hot water drizzling over her hunched up form, Lesley Morrison braced herself as she attempted to pull out her contraceptive coil.

Having failed repeatedly to get an appointment at her local GP surgery to have the device removed so she could start trying for a family, the 34-year-old administrator felt desperate and panicked into drastic action.

'I'm not someone who is reckless or ignores professional advice,' recalls Lesley, who lives in London.

'But I was so aware of my biological clock ticking and my partner and I were desperate to start trying for a baby.'

Lesley decided to take matters into her own hands after waiting months for a GP appointment - only to then be told it was not a service the practice could perform.

American TikTok user Mikkie Gallagher, who lives in Ireland, posted videos outlining her experience removing her own coil

'I just hit a brick wall and thought, I'm just going to have to do it myself,' she says.

When Lesley opted to have the contraceptive coil fitted 11 years ago it was, she recalls, 'a quick and painless procedure lasting barely ten minutes - so I just presumed taking it out would be as straight-forward but even quicker.'

She'd also been told by a friend that female GPs routinely remove their own coils so assumed she could also do it herself.

Yet the reality was very different.

Although Lesley located the coil's string attachments easily enough, she felt a sharp pain when she gently tugged them with her fingers - followed by bleeding, similar to a heavy period, that wouldn't stop. And the coil remained stuck.

Lesley was also terrified she had seriously damaged her reproductive organs - a real concern given her desire to become a mother.

Lesley's actions may seem rash but she's far from alone, with experts worried about the growing numbers of women who feel forced to remove their own coils as some GP surgeries no longer offer the service.

Meanwhile staffing shortages mean there are long waits for appointments with sexual health clinics that do offer this service.

In fact according to figures released this week by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, there are more than 700,000 women on waiting lists for gynaecology services across the UK.

Although this is partly a legacy of the pandemic, the problems run deeper.

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (which sets clinical standards in the UK) previously declared that community reproductive and sexual health services were 'already understaffed and underfunded prior to the pandemic', due to government cuts.

Another issue is that training to perform coil removal is both lengthy and expensive, according to a report last year by the Primary Care Women's Health Forum.

The coil, medically known as an intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS), is a T-shaped birth control device around 5cm long that is inserted into the neck of the uterus, or womb, by a doctor or nurse.

Sometimes called a copper coil, an IUD lasts about five to ten years, and is made of plastic and copper. Copper stops sperm surviving inside the womb, so an egg cannot be fertilised. It also thins the lining of the womb so an egg cannot implant.

An IUS (sometimes called a hormonal coil ) is also implanted but releases progestogen - the synthetic version of the hormone progesterone - which thickens mucus in the cervix [the lower, narrow end of the womb connecting it to the vagina] making it difficult for sperm to move through. It lasts three to five years.

As well as its contraceptive benefit, the hormone coil can be used for HRT - where it replaces falling hormone levels - or to control heavy periods.

More than a million women in the UK have a coil, with around 45,000 being fitted every year.

Coils are a very reliable form of contraception - there are very few medical circumstances where urgent removal is needed, says Dr Louise Preston, a GP at Brooke Surgery and Health Centre in Hyde.

However, the waiting time for fitting and removing IUD and IUS devices ranges from four to more than 12 weeks in some NHS trusts.

Dr Jenni Byrom, consultant gynaecologist at Birmingham Women's Hospital, urges women to see a doctor as pulling it out themselves can cause serious bleeding and cervical shock

While part of the issue may be that not all GPs are trained to perform these coil procedures, a bigger problem is simply 'that it's just hard to get a GP appointment generally - and of course this procedure needs to be done in a face-to-face appointment,' adds Dr Louise Newson, a GP and women's health specialist.

'I have had a lot of patients who have resorted to removing a coil themselves which is traumatic.'

In the absence of medical appointments, some women have turned to social media 'experts' for alternative options.

The 'DIY IUD removal' trend was first shown in a 2021 video by American TikTok creator Mikki Gallagher, who lives in Ireland.

Although she warns her followers she is not giving medical advice, her video also notes that removing her IUD by herself was 'a lot easier than I thought', with a caption adding that reassuringly 'it only took two minutes'.

The video attracted more than two million views and Gallagher also purportedly showed the removed device for viewers to see.

Reactions were mixed, however, with one woman warning: 'You can severely hurt your uterus, [my coil] fell and wrapped around my cervix, tearing it apart and causing severe bleeding.'

The potential risks of DIY coil removal include damage to the cervix or uterus, pain, bleeding and infection.

Dr Jenni Byrom, a consultant gynaecologist at Birmingham Women's Hospital, stresses that removal by a healthcare professional is carefully performed in sterile conditions, using a speculum [a duck bill-shaped device] to properly see inside the cervix in order to locate the coil and the threads which hang on either side of it.

'We usually then use a device to grab these threads then ask the woman to cough, as this helps to push it out.'

This process is usually easy and quick, but even when professionally removed, there can be occasional complications, she adds.

'Sometimes the coil can become embedded inside the muscle of the uterus or be displaced and that might make it difficult to remove.

'Or we might not be able to see the threads. In which case we might have to use a thread retriever [a long, needle-like tool] to locate them,' she adds.

'And sometimes we have to do the procedure under anaesthetic using a hysteroscope [a thin camera used to look inside the womb] if the coil is embedded or we can't see it.'

The coil, medically known as an intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS), is a T-shaped birth control device around 5cm long that is inserted into the neck of the uterus

Dr Byrom is concerned about a growing number of women trying to remove a coil themselves, explaining that as the device is pulled out, it can cause serious bleeding and cervical shock - an episode of temporary faintness, abnormal heart rhythm and low blood pressure as part of the body's response to the device being suddenly removed.

'Some women feel faint when a coil is removed in a clinic so if they try to take it out by themselves when no one is around who would help them if they collapsed?' adds Dr Byrom.

Smita Sinha, a consultant gynaecologist at the Serenity Women's Clinic in Taunton shares these concerns.

'Attempting self-removal can also result in incomplete removal, leaving parts of the device in the uterus,' she says.

Another, long-term risk of DIY removal is the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), warns Dr Sinha.

This can result from infections introduced during a DIY removal attempt - 'PID can cause lasting damage to the reproductive organs, leading to chronic pain, ectopic pregnancies or infertility,' she says.

In Lesley's case, she had a non-hormonal coil first fitted at the age of 23 and had it replaced every five to eight years.

However, in 2021, she and her partner, Danny, 36, wanted to start a family.

She was initially told there was a three-month wait at her GP surgery - but when this was up, she was told the practice had stopped offering the removal service and was advised to visit a sexual health clinic.

After ringing around several clinics, it became clear a further three-month wait was in order.

'I panicked and thought, 'I'm getting older - I just can't wait',' Lesley recalls. 'I knew I just had to find the strings attached to it, so thought I'd follow my instinct.'

In the shower she used her fingers to locate the coil strings without any pain or difficulty.

But after giving the threads a gentle tug she felt something dislodge - but the coil didn't come out - and she also began to bleed heavily.

She recalls: 'I started having terrible thoughts - what if I'd caused myself and my chances of having a baby serious damage? So I stopped.'

Her GP's surgery advised her it did not class her problem as an emergency, and redirected her to a sexual health clinic.

So Lesley says she had no choice but to lie.

'I went to another sexual health clinic and said that the coil shifted during sex, was half hanging out and was causing massive discomfort,' she recalls. 'I was just so desperate to get rid of the damn thing.'

The coil was removed - painlessly and smoothly - two days later and much to Lesley's relief, she didn't suffer any long-term damage.

Eighteen months later she gave birth to baby Charlie - much to her and Danny's delight.

Other women whose harrowing experiences have led them to resort to DIY removals include Kierra Platt, whose case was reported in Mail Online earlier this year.

Kierra, 27, from Nuneaton in Warwickshire, had a coil fitted after being advised by a nurse it could help reduce her painful endometriosis symptoms. This debilitating condition, which leads to pain and infertility for up to 1.5 million women in the UK, occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body.

It can block fallopian tubes (the tubes that eggs travel down to reach the uterus) or form scar tissue, making it harder to become pregnant. Hormonal coils are thought to relieve symptoms by suppressing growth of these tissue deposits and reducing inflammation.

But within three weeks of having one inserted, Kierra began experiencing agonising pain, continual bleeding and even 'constant rage'.

Faced with months of waiting, she removed it herself - though luckily managed to avoid any consequences.

Despite the risks of removing your own coil, many experts are sympathetic to the plight of those who feel driven to attempt it.

'We know that many women are having to wait too long to have a coil fitted or removed, which is simply unacceptable,' says Dr Geeta Kumar, vice president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

'We strongly advise women to never attempt to remove the coil themselves as they must receive the expert medical assessment, advice and support required to ensure this procedure is done safely.

'The new government must address this issue by investing in time for GPs to undergo training on fitting coils.

'The RCOG has long called for Women's Health Hubs to be expanded. This would bring sexual and reproductive health services together to offer women more timely and holistic care, including improved access to and education about contraception.'

Dr Janet Barter, president of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, says: 'We recognise reported difficulties faced by some to have their intrauterine devices removed may pose a barrier to others accessing this extremely effective and safe form of contraception.

'Hence, we wish to support healthcare professionals to undertake this routine procedure if they feel competent to do so and have produced a range of training materials for IUD removal.'

These include free videos designed to boost the skills and confidence of healthcare professionals to remove IUDs and to provide better healthcare to women.

With long wait times on the NHS, some opt to pay privately for a coil to be removed - though this can cost up to 400, making it prohibitive for some.

It's a situation which must change, says Lesley.

'GP surgeries should not be denying women easy access to have a coil removed. Waiting to have a coil out means putting your life on hold and just seems like another way that women are neglected on the NHS. It needs to stop.'

* Names have been changed.
Handwritten letters and cards from Diana, Princess of Wales, have revealed the sweet relationship between Prince William and Harry when they were growing up.

The letters, addressed to Diana's parents' housekeeper Violet Collison (affectionately known as Collie by the princess), are to be sold at auction.

Violet was head housekeeper to John Spencer and Frances Roche at Park House on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk where Diana spent her childhood years, even witnessing her birth.

Sweet handwritten thank-you notes and a decade of correspondence are being auctioned off next week, and share some moving insights into the relationship between a young William and Harry.

In one letter, estimated to be worth 1,200 and written from Kensington Palace on September 25, 1984, Diana thanked Collie for a gift of some bibs for baby Harry.

Handwritten letters and cards from Diana, Princess of Wales , have revealed the sweet relationship between Prince William and Harry when they were growing up. Harry and William are pictured at home in 1986

She noted that 'William adores his little brother & spends the entire time pouring an endless supply of hugs & kisses over Harry'.

She joked that the display was 'wonderful to watch, if we're allowed near!' demonstrating the inseparable bond between the two young royals.

The depiction of a tactile and loving relationship between William and his baby brother is a far cry from their famously frosty connection these days.

In his book, Spare, Harry went as far to call William his 'archnemesis' and said the pair have always 'competed' and detailed physical altercations between the pair.

It is believed the trigger that caused the rift to develop between William and Harry was when the then Duke of Cambridge advised his younger sibling to 'take things slow' when he first began dating Meghan Markle in 2017.

Relations became so sour that they reportedly didn't talk for weeks after Harry's wedding, where William was best man.

Harry and Meghan's decision to step down as senior royals in 2020 - informally known as Megxit - and the way it was handled, left William and Charles devastated.

In the documentary - Harry & Meghan: An African Journey - the Duke of Sussex admitted he and William are 'certainly on different paths at the moment'.

In a letter written to her parents' housekeeper Violet Collison and dated from September 25, 1984, Diana writes: 'William adores his little brother and spends the entire time pouring an endless supply of hugs & kisses over Harry'

It's a far cry from the relationship between the two princes these days, which has famously become frosty (pictured in 2021)

Violet Collison, affectionately known as 'Collie', worked for John Spencer and Frances Roche at Park House on the Sandringham Estate and witnessed the future Princess of Wales ' birth. Diana pictured when she was young

Diana said the sweet display was 'wonderful to watch, if we're allowed near!' Pictured: Notes being sold at auction

Another letter was dated just three weeks before the wedding between Diana and Charles in 1981

He told ITV's Tom Bradby: 'Inevitably stuff happens. But we're brothers, we'll always be brothers.'

A source previously told People that the brothers' relationship is 'forever changed' and they 'won't get back to the way they were'. Harry is looking straight ahead at his future with his family,' they added.

Diana's correspondence, which is being auctioned by Sworders in Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex, reveals that Collie remained in Diana's thoughts throughout her life.

Most of the letters to Collie are thank-you notes for birthday and Christmas presents given to Diana and her children, William and Harry.

These notes often include a line or two about Diana's life at the time.

One double-sided letter in the collection - penned on Buckingham Palace headed notepaper and dated just three weeks before Charles and Diana's wedding - is expected to fetch 1,200.

'Everyone frantically busy here doing last minute decorations on the house and things like that,' it reads.

'Family all far too excited and, at the moment, the bride to be has remained quite calm!'

The 24 lots cover from 1979 through Diana's wedding to Prince Charles and birth of her two sons in the 1980s, to the order of service for her funeral in 1997

After retirement she lived in a bungalow near Sandringham, where Diana would often visit her secretly without her security detail

Now, Collie's family are selling the collection of cards, letters, photos and invitations at Sworders Auctioneers of Essex

Most of the letters to Collie are thank-you notes for birthday and Christmas presents given to Diana and her children

Another sweet letter sees the late Princess thanking Collie for gifts sent to her young sons.

It said: 'William found the parcels and dived into the paper before I could stop him.' That letter is on Kensington Palace paper with a 'CD' logo for Charles and Diana - and also has an estimate of 1,200.

After the marriage of Diana's parents ended, Collie followed Diana's mother to London in 1967, working for her and her new husband until her retirement in 1973.

Collie died in 2013 at the age of 89.

Luke Macdonald, head of art and estates at Sworders, said: 'Violet Collison, Collie, was Diana's parents' housekeeper when they lived at Park House. She knew Diana from when she was born and remained a constant in her life.

'At all points she would try to return to see Collie. When she stayed at Sandringham she would escape to see Collie without her security.'

He expressed that they offer a 'lovely chapter in the history of Diana'.

'She was one of her closest confidantes,' Luke continued. 'They give a nice insight - before the wedding she describes everyone being frantically busy but the bride-to-be staying calm and there are letters about William and Harry that are really sweet.

The 'once unbreakable' bond between Prince William and Prince Harry has suffered a 'devastating breakdown'

Relations became so sour that they reportedly didn't talk for weeks after Harry's wedding, where William was best man

'Collie died in 2013 and the family has decided now is the time to sell them as they are just living in a box and not being enjoyed, there are too many family members to divide them up.

'They have spoken to Diana's sisters to make sure they were okay with them selling.

'What is special about these is they tell a story, they are not just somebody's collection. From the first Christmas card to the last, they are a complete story of her friendship and relationship with Diana.

'Everyone wants a little part of Diana, she connected with people and was very much the people's princess.'

This was made worse after he and Meghan were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey.

The collection of more than a dozen letters and cards is to be sold as part of the Out of the Ordinary Sale on July 30. The items are expected to sell for thousands of pounds.
Danes have called for more protection for the Royal Family after accident

The driver of the mobility scooter that hit Queen Mary during an engagement in Greenland earlier this month is an elderly man who wanted to shake the royal's hand.

Clips of the incident have recently resurfaced, sparking a fresh wave of concern, and prompting some Danes to call for extra security for the Royal Family.

A short video, obtained by Danish news agency Ekstra Bladet, shows the 52-year-old being knocked almost to the ground while greeting fans.

The elderly driver of the scooter, who appeared more shaken than the Queen following the incident, said he 'did not know what happened'.

He added that his intention had been to extend his arm towards the royal, hoping she would take it.

Queen Mary was greeting fans during an engagement in Greenland last month (pictured, left) before an motorised scooter drove into her, prompting her security team to jump in and prevent the vehicle from moving any further (picture, right)

The royal (pictured) reportedly did not fall over after being hit by the scooter, but she was pushed forward, losing her balance

But instead, he says he accidentally hit the accelerator, knocking the Queen and prompting her to cry out as she was pushed forward and lost her balance, but did not fall over.

In the clip, horrified onlookers can be seen crowding around, as the mother-of-four's security guards quickly leapt into action and stopped the scooter from moving any further.

Luckily, the wife of King Frederik X of Denmark was shortly back on her feet, quickly maintaining her composure.

However, although the accident did not cause any serious harm to the Queen, the situation has prompted questions about why a member of the Danish monarchy was put in a situation in which they could have been harmed in this way.

Kim Bach, Ekstra Bladet's royal house commentator, said that Denmark's national security and intelligence service (PET) is to blame.

'They let a vehicle get so close,' they added. 'It is strange that they are not more vigilant, just because they are in Greenland...Strange when it's a vehicle. I know it's not a Ferrari or a Bentley, but still.'

MailOnline has reached out to PET for comment.

Meanwhile, royal expert Kenth G. Madsen called for a strengthening of security measures at public appearances by monarchs and politicians, citing another recent incident where Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was recently assaulted by a drunk man in Copenhagen.

The resurfaced footage of the accident involving Queen Mary (pictured) has prompted questions about why the scooter was able to get so close to the royal

He told FEMAIL: 'First and foremost, threat assessments must be updated regularly to reflect the current security situation,' he said.

'This includes increased surveillance and intelligence as well as closer cooperation with local and international authorities.

'In addition, the number of bodyguards and security personnel should be increased, and safe zones should be established around public events.

'Crisis response plans must also be updated and practiced regularly to ensure quick and effective handling of unforeseen events. At the same time, there must be clear lines of communication between all units involved to ensure a coordinated effort.'

Palace security and the police were both satisfied with the elderly man's explanation and ruled the incident an innocent mistake.

However, some royal watchers have raised questions about her security, particularly as she enjoys getting close to the public during walkabouts.

The incident took place while the royals made an official visit to Greenland (pictured arriving in Sisimiut on July 2)

While fans applaud the 52-year-old for engaging with members of the public so closely, they also worry it.

Footage of the accident was reposted by the Instagram account @denmarksqueenmary, prompting some to share their thoughts on the situation.

Taking to the comments section of the post, one asked: 'Why was someone allowed to get so close on a motorised scooter?'

Another added: 'Very weak security. Lucky this just seemed to be an odd incident. Hopefully more sensible measures will be taken by the security team.'

And a third wrote: 'I know everyone wants to be close to her... but a bit of common sense please.'

Meanwhile other fans of the royal were concerned that she had sustained an injury following the collision, but was keeping her pain private.

One speculated: 'If she wasn't sore then she would have been the next day.'

Another said: 'She is very good at present, as if everything is wonderful, that's her job.'

However, some commentators sympathised with the scooter user, including on who wrote: 'Actually, looks like a mobility scooter, not a recreational one. So the disabled person was there, like everyone else, close by, as part of the gathered crowd.'

Mary's (pictured) youngest children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, were just metres away when the monarch was knocked down

A spectator speaking to The Australian revealed how the crowd was left in shock following the incident.

'I could see how much it hurt her, her eyes watered immediately. It must hurt to be hit at that speed. The police immediately barricaded and removed her from the situation,' they said.

According to reports, Mary was visibly shaken after the incident. Her youngest children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, were just metres away when the monarch was knocked down.

Frederik was also greeting fans nearby when the dark grey scooter struck his wife, causing her to lose her balance.

But the Palace media team confirmed Mary was not hurt during the incident and she was able to continue on her planned schedule of events.
A woman who left school at 15 with no qualifications and sat her first GCSE aged 35 has now graduated as a doctor only six years later.

Dr Becs Bradford, 41, from Coventry, has officially received her degree in Medicine from the University of Bristol, despite all the odds stacked against her.

When she was young, tragedy struck the family as they moved from Coventry to France when her father fell from a ladder and became impaled on a branch, leaving him paralysed from the neck down. Becs was just 12 years old at the time.

They lost their family home and she ended up in care.

But despite her rocky start, Becs - who says she was constantly called 'stupid' and told she'd 'amount to nothing' - has since worked in France, Germany, Dubai and Australia, as cabin crew, a personal trainer and in sales.

Dr Becs Bradford, 41, from Coventry, who left school at 15 with no qualifications and sat her first GCSE aged 35 has graduated as a doctor

However, she knew there was something else waiting for her - and when she realised she wanted to be a doctor, 'everything just fell into place'.

'I don't know if I'm just a little delusional but I really believe that if your heart's in it, you can 100 percent do the crazy things you've always dreamed of,' she said.

'I got sick of people telling me I couldn't do things because I was a care leaver.

'I wanted to prove that people like me do deserve good things, that they can get jobs that are fulfilling and well paid.'

At 35, she bought GCSE revision books and self-studied to get her maths and science GCSEs. Within less than a decade, she has completed her studies while also working on the side.

Earning a place on an access to medicine course, she would drive a six-hour round trip to lessons - all while working three jobs.

Becs aced the course but was devastated when she was rejected from all the universities she applied for - until she received an offer from the University of Bristol.

Despite getting financial support from them, Becs still taught gym classes seven days a week and worked 12-hour assistant nursing shifts on the weekends.

Dr Bradford has officially received her degree in Medicine from the University of Bristol, despite all the odds stacked against her

Becs' family had moved from Coventry to France when her father fell from a ladder and became impaled on a branch, leaving him paralysed from the neck down - when Becs was just 12 years old

Earning a place on an access to medicine course, she would drive a six-hour round trip to lessons - all while working three jobs

Despite getting financial support from the University, Becs still taught gym classes seven days a week and worked 12-hour assistant nursing shifts on the weekends

Now, Dr Bradford uses her life experiences to better understand patients and mentors people from 'non-traditional backgrounds like me' to get places at the University of Bristol

She would often get up at 4am to study - driven by her desire to help people. Becs recalled: 'I just had an inner knowing that this is what I'm meant to do with my life'.

Now, Dr Bradford uses her life experiences to better understand patients and mentors people from 'non-traditional backgrounds like me' to get places at the University of Bristol.

'I want to be a role model for people like me,' she revealed. 'I want to show them that you are worthy and that it doesn't matter where you come from, that it can be done.

'People along the way will say it can't, but you have to ignore them. It feels quite surreal to be graduating after all these years! It really does feel like a dream come true.

'I'm proud of myself for never giving up along the way and I hope my journey can inspire others to follow their hearts in the same way. It doesn't matter when you get there, never give up on yourself!'

Prof Tansy Jessop, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students at the University of Bristol, has said the University are immensely proud of their graduating student.

Prof Tansy Jessop said: 'Becs has achieved so much, and so often against the odds.

'Becs is not only inspirational, but her story shows the transformative power of education. Becs, your university is proud of you!'
Now I was separated from my husband of 15 years, I whirled around London like a middle-aged dervish.

I flirted with men. I slept with an old friend. I was in a 'situationship' with gorgeous 27-year-old Eliot. I kissed a man I'd just met on the Tube, on the way home from a night out.

In short, I behaved like a cliche of a divorcee (even though mine had still not come through). It was fun, but I was acting like a 48-year-old teenager.

So when my barrister friend suggested I come to her Chambers' summer party, I accepted with alacrity. A nice lawyer was absolutely who I needed to meet, a divorce lawyer preferably, considering the expense of my own.

Sunshine and Aperol spritz were on the menu at the Chambers' summer party... but would something more romantic be on the cards for Annabel Bond?

Annabel (not her real name) found the perfect staycation romance with Italian waiter Alessandro

A much more sensible proposition than Eliot, whose power over me I was desperate to loosen.

The party was in full swing when we arrived. The cobbled square was strung with lights, the bar awash with Aperol spritz. High earners shrugged off their jackets and loosened their ties. Hot night, it was summer in the city!

My friend introduced me to a solicitor, about my age. He was shorter than me . . . and wearing a wedding ring. He was charming enough, but the conversation quickly trailed off.

Time for a cocktail. There must be someone here who wasn't married. The lawyers clustered in animated groups, talking shop and office politics. Not much flirting going on, at least with an outsider.

But never mind, the cocktail hit the spot and the DJ was playing my favourite song. Only three people were dancing, one of them was a tall guy, late 30s, in a slim-fitting suit jacket and stubble. His tight polo shirt showed off a lean physique.

His name was Alessandro and he took my hand and twirled me about until I didn't mind that we were the only ones dancing. After that he got me a drink, and after more dancing he pulled me over to a dark corner of the courtyard.

'Why do you keep looking over your shoulder?' I asked.

'So my boss doesn't see me,' he replied.

I expected to see an elderly lawyer, but Alessandro pointed instead at the restaurant manager. Instead of pulling someone called to the bar, I'd pulled someone who worked at a bar. But never mind! An Italian waiter, on a hot summer's night  now that's a fantasy of a different kind. I probably wasn't ready to settle down with a lawyer yet anyway.

Alessandro explained that although he'd finished for the night, it wasn't professional to be with one of the guests.

'But I couldn't resist you,' he added, smoothly.

At the end of the evening he pushed me firmly against the wall and pushed his tongue just as firmly into my mouth. Then he asked for my number.

'You are very beautiful,' he said. And he was very handsome, even if his aftershave was a bit strong.

Well, why not? I thought. It could be my London summer fling. I hadn't behaved like this since I was in my 20s, but I was outside the safety net of my marriage and there was no rulebook for me now. Anyway, maybe Eliot was doing the very same thing. The following week I met Alessandro again, in a cafe near his house. I was grateful that we kept away from deep and meaningful conversation. I didn't want to talk about my ex, or my three children. Anyway, we had not met to chat.

'Divorced friends had regaled me with their crazy sex lives for years,' says Annabel. 'I used to think it sounded exhausting, but now I was one of them' (picture posed by models)

I still couldn't believe I was doing this, though. Divorced friends had regaled me with their crazy sex lives for years; I used to think it sounded exhausting, that I'd rather be tucked up with a cup of tea, but now I was one of them.

Alessandro's flat was tiny, immaculate and filled with white furniture. He wasted no time in leading me to his Ikea bed. I liked his authority, and his absolute lack of shame  it helped me let go of mine.

I knew I wouldn't see him again, so I didn't care that I was older than him, or that I might sag in places he wouldn't expect. But I went to the gym now; if I was wobbly, I was also strong. I felt as good as I was ever going to.

'I want to focus on your play-zhure,' purred Alessandro. That's never been said to me by an English guy, and it was alright with me. I told him exactly what I liked, and didn't like; he was so obviously turned on that it was easy to be bossy.

Alessandro was the perfect mix of dominating and eager to please. If he had more stamina than me, it was only by about ten minutes, and he seemed genuinely excited to have me in his bed.

Afterwards, as I drove back home, my heart ached a little, but I wasn't about to import Alessandro into my life. It was the perfect staycation romance.

Annabel Bond is a pseudonym. Names have been changed.
A Louisiana woman was kicked out of a steakhouse for wearing a two-piece tube top set that the 'owner' claimed was 'too revealing.'

Y'Mine McClanahan was kicked out of Stabs Prime Steak and Seafood in Baton Rogue, located on Jefferson Highway, on Tuesday for wearing a sunflower-print set that featured a frilly tube top and a long A-line shirt.

'Their waitresses can wear mini skirts with their butt hanging out and fish nets but my set is too revealing for the "atmosphere" theyre trying to create,' McClanahan wrote on Facebook. 'Never again. Im done with Stabs.'

McClanahan- who is the vice president for the local NAACP chapter - notes that the hostess was about to seat her when a woman who McClanahan claims is the owner 'stopped her from doing so.'

In a dispute caught on camera, the owner told the nurse practitioner that it was 'too revealing at the top.'

Y'Mine McClanahan was kicked out of Stabs Prime Steak and Seafood in Baton Rogue, located on Jefferson Highway, on Tuesday for wearing a sunflower-print set that featured a frilly tube top and a long A-line shirt because it violated dress code

In a dispute caught on camera, the owner told the nurse practitioner that it was 'too revealing at the top.' She did, however, offer McClanahan a table if she had something to 'cover yourself'

When she confronted the owner about how waitresses can be seen wearing short shorts, fishnets, and have visible tattoos, the owner told McClanahan that they have a 'family' dress code for customers.

Stab's website reiterates this, telling guests their 'attire policy' is 'business causal' that is 'appropriate for a fine dining, family restaurant.'

On their list of no-nos including: gym wear, sweatpants, tank tops, clothing with offensive graphics or language, exposed undergarments or revealing clothing, cut-off shorts, flip flops, and torn jeans.'

McClanahan claimed she had been in the restaurant two weeks prior in the same outfit with no problems, but the owner didn't let it go.

She did, however, offer McClanahan a table if she had something to 'cover yourself.'

The Baton Rouge branch of the NAACP released a statement on the alteration, saying they had a 'deep disappointment and concern' regarding the treatment of their vice president.

When she confronted the owner about how waitresses can be seen wearing short shorts, fishnets, and have visible tattoos, the owner told McClanahan that they have a 'family' dress code for customers

The Baton Rouge branch of the NAACP released a statement on the alteration, saying they had a 'deep disappointment and concern' regarding the treatment of their vice president

'This incident has caused significant distress within our organization and among our members who frequently patronize your restaurant,' a statement said. 'The treatment of Ms. McClanahan has left us questioning the consistency and fairness of your policies.'

The branch requested a meeting with the Jefferson Highway Stab's location to 'restore trust and respect' and to 'discuss this matter in detail' with the management team.

The letter was signed by Branch President Tia Mills and LA NAACP State Conference President, Michael W. McClanahan. It is unclear if McClanahan is related to Michael.

DailyMail.com has reached out to McClanahan and Stab's for comment.
KFC is now testing artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots at five drive-thru restaurant locations in Greater Sydney.

The latest technology is being used in a trial for customers to interact with, but those who order via the drive-thru can request to speak to an employee.

A KFC Australia spokesperson told FEMAIL the decision was made to 'elevate the restaurant experience for both customers and our team members'.

The fast food giant is testing the 'voice ordering technology' at South Penrith, Frenchs Forest, Wetherill Park, Minto and Mt Druitt.

The trial hasn't impacted any jobs at these locations.

'The new technology is being embraced by team members as it allows more time to prepare food and deliver a great experience for our customers. Importantly, this trial isn't replacing any jobs,' the KFC Australia spokesperson said.

'If customers want to speak to a team member at the drive-thru instead, this option is always available.

'As we continue to test and refine this new technology, we are welcoming customer feedback.'

The latest technology is being used as a trial for customers to interact with, but those who order via the drive-thru can request to speak to an employee

Earlier this month McDonald's decided to scrap AI chatbots at the drive-thru in the US after mishaps with the technology went viral.

The company is winding down the program, which it has been testing for two years, and will remove the controversial tech from more than 100 locations that have been using it.

The fast food giant entered into a collaboration with tech company IBM in 2021 to test the program. But it will now wind it down 'no later than July 26', Restaurant Business reported.

McDonald's told the publication that the goal of the test was to determine if automated voice ordering could speed up service, simplify operations and create an improved experience for customers.

However, fast food fans have documented their botched orders at the drive-thru, where the AI chatbot adds unwanted items or cannot understand simple requests.
The chain has denied the change, putting it down to a mistake

McDonald's fans across Australia have been left fuming after a shopper claimed to spot a 'massive change' to cheeseburgers.

The customer didn't believe a friend who said the fast food giant now prepares the popular menu item without pickles and onions.

But when he bought and inspected the burger himself, he was shocked to see it lacked the two ingredients.

'Website still says it has them, I went to a different store to him just to prove him wrong but low and behold. No pickles or onion in a standard cheeseburger. Explain yourselves,' the customer wrote on Facebook alongside a photo of his meal.

Hundreds of others claimed they too have received cheeseburgers prepared without pickles and onions.

'I've tested this everywhere from local to Sydney domestic airport, Melbourne and Tamworth. They'll do pickles but not onion. I've even paid for extra onion to find none whatsoever on multiple occasions,' one claimed.

'Yep every time we check and no onion and rarely pickles. When you ask for extra onion they just chuck on the thick raw slices not the tiny pieces,' another wrote.

'Just order no pickles and you'll get pickles,' a third joked.

An Aussie McDonald's fan didn't believe a friend who claimed cheeseburgers are now made without pickles and onions. But when he bought and inspected the burger himself she was shocked to see it lacked the two ingredients

A McDonald's Australia spokesperson confirmed with FEMAIL all standard cheeseburgers contain onions and pickles unless removal is requested

However, not everyone was convinced. One person who knows an employee said it simply isn't true.

And he was right, with a McDonald's Australia spokesperson confirming to FEMAIL all standard cheeseburgers contain both ingredients unless removal is requested.

'The iconic Macca's Cheeseburger is a legendary combo of 100 per cent Aussie beef, onions, pickle, ketchup, mustard and cheese, all in a soft burger bun,' the spokesperson said.

'We serve thousands of Cheeseburgers across Australia, every day, and our teams strive to make the perfect burger for our customers, every time.

'We're disappointed to learn that this customer did not experience our high standards of quality and service, and we're reaching out to fix that ASAP.'
Queen Mary has been left visibly shaken after a motorised scooter ploughed through a crowd and knocked her to the ground during her royal visit to Greenland.

The 52-year-old Australian-born Queen of Denmark was greeting fans in the country's capital Nuuk when she was hit by a scooter ridden by an elderly man.

Mary's youngest children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, were just metres away when the monarch was knocked to the ground, horrifying onlookers.

King Frederik was also greeting fans nearby when the dark grey scooter struck his wife, causing her to lose her balance.

The popular queen cried out as she fell and looked frazzled after the incident, but managed to maintain her composure after regaining her feet.

Her security guards quickly leapt into action and stopped the scooter from moving any further.

The driver of the scooter appeared more shaken than the Queen following the incident, saying he 'did not know what happened'.

The elderly man said he had meant to extend his arm toward Queen Mary, hoping she would take it, but hit the accelerator instead.

Queen Mary of Denmark was on a royal visit to Greenland when she was struck by a scooter while greeting the crowd

The Palace media team confirmed Mary was not hurt during the incident and she was able to continue on her planned schedule of events.

A spectator said the crowd was left in shock following the incident.

'I could see how much it hurt her, her eyes watered immediately. It must hurt to be hit at that speed. The police immediately barricaded and removed her from the situation,' he said.

Both police and palace security were satisfied with the elderly man's explanation and have ruled the incident an innocent mistake.

But Queen Mary's fans, who both applaud and worry about her fondness for being close to the public during walkabouts, raised questions about her security.

'Why was someone allowed to get so close on a motorised scooter?' one woman asked online.

'Very weak security. Lucky this just seemed to be an odd incident. Hopefully more sensible measures will be taken by the security team,' another fan wrote.

The Queen didn't let the incident impact the rest of the trip

King Frederik, Queen Mary and their youngest children Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine were visiting the country together

'I know everyone wants to be close to her... but a bit of common sense please,' pleaded a third.

Some of Mary's fans feared she was 'definitely injured' during the incident but was keeping her pain private.

'If she wasn't sore then she would have been the next day,' one fan said.

'She is very good at present, as if everything is wonderful, that's her job,' said another.

But others sympathised with the scooter user.

'Actually, looks like a mobility scooter, not a recreational one. So the disabled person was there, like everyone else, close by, as part of the gathered crowd,' they said.
A regular online shopper has revealed the clever way she prevents herself from spending money impulsively.

Browsing retailer's websites very can quickly turn into a pricey spree on products shoppers often have no need for.

This was the case for one shopper on TikTok who found it far too easy adding products to her cart when her card details were saved on her phone or laptop - the transactions were just one click away.

So she removed the saved information permanently from her browser and it has saved her a fortune. How? She's either too 'lazy' to find the card or has plenty of time to reconsider the purchase while searching for it.

New Zealand money expert and founder of the Girls That Invest podcast Simran Kaur praised the tip and agreed it can help save you money because it's 'all about convenience'.

'When your card details are saved, it's super easy to make impulsive purchases because it's just too easy. Just a few taps, and boom - you've spent money!' Simran told FEMAIL.

'If your card is not saved you might reconsider taking a few seconds to enter your card information each time manually. You create a pause - a moment to reconsider if you really need that item. In this instance, your laziness is a win!

'This little trick can help you cut down on unnecessary spending and make more mindful decisions.'

Online transactions are just one click away when your credit card details are saved to your phone or laptop. A woman on TikTok removed the saved information for good - and the laziness of not wanting to get up to find the card has saved her thousands (stock image)

New Zealand money expert and founder of the Girls That Invest podcast Simran Kaur (pictured) praised the tip and agreed it can help save you money because it's 'all about convenience'

Simran also revealed other ways to break bad spending habits, including unsubscribing from marketing emails.

'Those "SALE!" emails are designed to tempt you, and out of sight means out of mind. Delete shopping apps from your phone - if you don't see the app, you're less likely to browse out of boredom,' she said.

Simran also suggested setting up a shopping schedule by only allowing yourself to shop online once a month. This will help plan and prioritise what you need.

'Lastly use the 48-hour rule and wait 48 hours before making any online purchase. Often, the urge to buy will pass,' she added.

The money-saving tactic of removing your saved credit card details was praised by hundreds online and encouraged many to do the same.

How to create a healthy relationship with money: Building healthy money habits is key to financial wellness. Start by tracking your spending so you know where your money is going; use an app or a good old spreadsheet. Set financial goals, whether its saving for a trip, or an emergency fund, as having goals keeps you motivated. Automate your savings by setting up automatic transfers to your savings account - its like paying yourself first. Create a budget; a budget isnt about restrictions, but about understanding and managing your money better. Once you know your budget, you can allocate money to your investments and watch your money grow. Source: Girls That Invest Advertisement

'I was just thinking about doing this yesterday because I know I'd also be too lazy to get up and get the card,' one agreed.

'It's practical with all the cards but using cash I see the money and feel an actual exchange, thinking twice before spending,' another said.

'This is me. I don't save any credit card anywhere and by the time I get my card to pay for it it's made me think do I need it,' a third wrote

'As a mortgage broker, this is the number one excuse I hear for people using [buy now, pay later services],' someone else said.

One more added: 'I find it helps me too! It breaks the pattern of mindless spending.'

The money-saving tactic of removing your saved credit card details was praised by hundreds online and encouraged many to do the same (stock image)

Another person who used to work at a bank said she never has her personal information saved online because 'fraud is everywhere'.

But others said even if they were to remove their credit card details, the trick wouldn't work as they have the numbers memorised.

Another woman said she cancelled her credit card completely and it made 'such a difference' to her finances.

Last year another shopper was praised for sharing her clever way to prevent buying products she doesn't need.

American home decor fan Morgan Smith found that whenever she went shopping she felt 'overwhelmed' by the colours and gorgeous displays and often bought far more than she planned to.

As it turns out, decor items look far less appealing without aesthetically pleasing items surrounding them

So to ensure she doesn't spend money needlessly, she uses the 'rubbish bin' trick - or as she likes to call it, 'taking it to the trash'.

After spotting a product she likes, Morgan removes it from the display and takes it to the bin aisle to see how it looks. As it turns out, decor items look far less appealing without aesthetically pleasing items surrounding them.

'If I like it in the trash can aisle then I will buy it because I know it'll be pretty anywhere,' she said in a video.

'It frustrated me so much when I used to pull out my holiday storage containers and not like some of the decor that was only a year or two old,' Morgan wrote on Instagram.

'The impulse buying had to stop. It was honestly just wasteful, so I started 'taking it to the trash'. Definitely recommend.'

In the video, Morgan visited her local Target and demonstrated the theory by taking different products to the rubbish aisle.
Exposure to pesticides used in farming can cause as much harm to the body as smoking, a study suggests.

Researchers found common chemicals used to grow fruits and vegetables in the US were associated with higher levels of several cancers - including Hopkins lymphoma, leukemia, and bladder cancer - than smoking.

They estimated that pesticide use was linked to up to 150 percent more cancers in areas like the Midwest and Great Plains.

Strawberries, spinach, collard greens - typically thought of as some of the healthiest foods one can eat - have been named among produce with the most pesticides.

The researchers urged people to wash produce before eating to limit their consumption the amount of pesticides.

But other experts slammed the study's findings, saying the way the data was calculated made it unreliable.

The following map shows the estimated additional cancer cases in over 3,000 US counties that can be attributed to pesticide use patterns. The Midwest and Great Plains regions showed the highest increases

Common pesticides such as glyphosate have been linked to developmental delays, blood cancer, organ damage, respiratory problems, ovarian and prostate cancers, and reproductive issues

'This is the first study that presents comprehensive estimates for cases that are exclusively attributable to agricultural pesticide use,' the researchers wrote.

Pesticides are a crucial facet of modern farming. They protect produce from bugs, ensuring that enough of the crop survives through the harvesting season.

But this also means that the chemicals remain on the produce that reaches peoples homes and leech into the water.

In addition to landing on fruits and vegetables that millions of people buy in grocery stores daily, pesticide runoff from irrigation and spraying the produce can contaminate water and soil nearby, polluting drinking water and other crops.

Some research indicates up to 80 percent of Americans have detectable levels of pesticides in their blood.

For the new study, researchers reviewed county-wide sales of 69 different pesticides from the US Geological Survey. 'These data are the most extensive national pesticide data available,' the team noted.

They compared this with regional cancer and smoking data from the CDC and NIH to estimate how many causes of cancer had been caused by agricultural chemicals.

The team used that data to evaluate rates per 100,000 people for all cancers, bladder cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer.

The US researchers said that because more than one pesticide is often used at once, the cancer culprit is likely many of them used together in a cocktail.

Dr Isain Zapata, a professor at the Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado and co-author of the report, said: It is difficult to explain the magnitude of an issue without presenting any context, so we incorporated smoking data. We were surprised to see estimates in similar ranges.

Their findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society.

The largest pesticide-related cancer increases were seen in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which contributed to 150 percent more cases than smoking

Colon cancer, which has surged in young Americans, also had 73 percent more cases related to pesticides than smoking

The new study included data from 3,143 counties across the US.

'For all cancers, we observe the regions most affected by pesticide use are concentrated primarily in the Midwest but are spread out through the country with few areas spared,' the team wrote.

'Consistently, the most affected region across all cancers and by individual cancer types is the Midwest, a region characterized by heavy corn production.'

This region includes states like Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio.

In the Midwest, the researchers estimated that pesticides contributed to an additional 150,000 cases of all cancers. Additionally, in the Great Plains, Midwest, and Mississippi River Basin regions, the researchers observed nearly 21,000 added cases of colon cancer and 3,800 pancreatic cancer incidences.

'Also, Florida, which is characterized by heavy agricultural production, unsurprisingly displays additional cancer risk,' the team said.

The largest cancer increase from pesticides was for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which saw 154 percent more cases compared to smoking. Bladder cancer had 19 percent more cases, while leukemia had 21 percent more.

For all cancers combined, pesticides were linked to 19 percent more cancers than smoking.

Meanwhile, smoking contributed to a 325 percent surge in lung cancer cases compared to pesticides, as smoking is the biggest contributor to this form of the disease. Pancreatic cancer was 3.4 percent greater for smoking than pesticides, and colon cancer was 73 percent greater.

'In summary, agricultural pesticide use has a significant impact on all the cancer types evaluated in this study (all cancers, bladder cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer), and these associations are more evident in regions with heavy agricultural productivity,' the researchers wrote.

'Pesticide-associated cancers appear to be on par with several smoking-associated cancer types.'

More than 90 percent of samples of strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines and grapes had at least two pesticides on them, the EWG found

But Professor Bernard Stewart, from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, branded the research 'nonsense'.

'The study design cannot establish causation and no such modelling has been later confirmed for any putative carcinogen,' he said.

'The assertion that living in an environment heavily exposed to pesticides could increase the incidence of cancer as much as smoking is misleading.

'Suggestions that pesticide exposure could play a role similar to smoking and be more determinative of cancer than socioeconomic disparities are without merit.'

Professor Terry Slevin, of the Australian National University, said there is growing evidence that pesticides are linked to cancer, but the study did not prove it.

'There is little scientific evidence to support a claim that exposure to pesticides is contributing to the cancer burden to anything like the level attributable to tobacco smoking,' he said.

'Smokers are always well advised to quit, and non-smokers to not start smoking. People who use pesticides  especially those who do so regularly as part of their work  are strongly advised to minimise their exposure to those chemicals through finding alternatives, or by minimizing contact through proper PPE and careful handling.'

The relationship between cancer rates and pesticide use was highest in the Midwest, where corn production is a top earner for large swathes of the population.

The Environmental Working Group examines the uses of pesticides in fruits and vegetables and has reported that about 90 percent of samples of strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines, and grapes tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides.

These maps show increases in bladder cancer and leukemia related to pesticides

These maps show increases in lung and pancreatic cancer related to pesticides

The EWG also reported finding 13 to 23 pesticides in at least one sample of each food item. Kale, collard and mustard greens had the most pesticides.

Dr Zapata said: Every time I go to the supermarket to buy food, I think of a farmer who was part of making that product.

These people often put themselves at risk for my convenience and that plays a role in my appreciation for that product. It definitely has had an impact on how I feel when that forgotten tomato in the fridge goes bad and I have to put it in the trash.

Some of the most common pesticides that ward off fungus and bugs have been linked to cancer, developmental delays, fertility problems, and hormone problems.

Though this is a first-of-its-kind study, other research has looked at health effects of specific pesticides.

One of the most famous pesticides is glyphosate, widely known by the brand name Roundup. A growing number of studies, including a major one from the University of Washington Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, have pointed to the cancer risks associated with Roundup.

Overall, the study found that the use of the herbicide increases the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41 percent. Patterns between pesticide use and cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia were most common in the Midwest and West Coast regions.

Another study published last year saw US doctors measure glyphosate levels in 268 farmers urine and signs of stress on cells. Higher levels of glyphosate were associated with more extensive stress on cells, also called oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and potentially cause cancer.

CDC reporting found that of 2,310 urine samples, meant to be representative of the US population, 80 percent were laced with glyphosate. About a third of those samples came from children aged six to 18.

However, the US Environmental Protection Agency maintains that there is no evidence that glyphosate causes cancer in humans.

The makers of RoundupMonsanto and its owner Bayer AGhave repeatedly assured the public that their product is safe and does not pose a threat to human health.

Earlier this year, Pennsylvania groundskeeper John McKivison, 49, won a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit against Bayer after he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2020, which he and attorneys successfully argued was a result of using Roundup for two decades.

McKivison successfully argued that Monsanto and parent company Bayer were negligent and failed to warn about the dangers of its product.

Other common pesticides, such as Chlorpyrifos, Atrazine, Paraquat, and Carbaryl, have been linked to low IQ and developmental delays in children, reproductive issues and birth defects, organ damage, Parkinsons, and cancers, including blood, breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers.

Some of the safest fruits and vegetables are the ones that have peels one typically removes before eating, such as avocados, sweet corn, and pineapple.
Doctors who watched Joe Biden 's address to the nation tonight have revealed the subtle clues about the president's health.

They pointed out that the speech was relatively short - coming in at just 11 minutes - and that Biden read exclusively from a teleprompter, making it difficult to make a definitive assessment of his mental and physical well-being.

However, Virginia neurologist Dr W Chris Winter picked up on the 81-year-old's low blink rate.

'I was counting the blink rate of all the ABC correspondents and guests before [the address] and they ranged from 30 to 60 per minute,' he told DailyMail.com.

Doctors who watched Joe Biden 's address to the nation tonight have revealed the subtle clues about the president's health. They warned his lack of blinking may suggest a neurological issue. His dry mouth and stiff hands implies cognitive decline. They also highlighted his generous application of makeup - likely to mask his pale skin

He said the president blinked fewer than 10 times per minute on average, well below the average of 15 to 20 that most people experience.

'Low blink rate can be a sign of Parkinson's Disease... an earlier sign of the disease,' Dr Winter added.

Many medical experts have previously suggested Biden's apparent cognitive decline could be due to his suffering from an early form of the condition, especially after it emerged a Parkinson's doctor regularly visited the White House during Biden's tenure.

Dr Ernst von Schwarz, a cardiologist in California, said Biden's 'dry mouth, fixed stare, very little... hand movements and gestures... could be signs of cognitive decline' caused by his age, or 'a neurodegenerative condition' such as dementia.

But they could also be due to medication, the doctor told DailyMail.com.

'Keep in mind that there are ways to improve someones speech by medical intervention,' he said.

'The use of medications such as psychostimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin among others) is very common for many to take just before lectures or presentations or official tasks since they increase dopamine availability in the brain.

From right: Jill Biden, Ashley Biden and husband Howard Krein, and Hunter Biden and his daughter Finnegan listen to Joe Biden speak

Biden moves to embrace his son Hunter after making his speech to the nation

'This can then temporarily modify the trajectory of cognitive decline and improves speech, attention and the capability to communicate.

'I am not saying that President Biden is on stimulants but it would not be that unusual to use.'

Biden addressed the nation for the first time tonight after revealing his decision to pull out of the presidential race in a shock announcement Sunday that is said to have caught even his close team by surprise.

Despite having nearly four days of practice, the president flubbed several lines and at times spoke so quietly that white noise could be heard during the broadcast.

Dr Winter said a low voice was another warning sign of Parkinson's.

He suggested the quietness of Biden's voice may have led technicians to turn up his microphones, leading to more background noise being picked up.

The doctors also highlighted Biden's generous application of makeup.

They said he appeared more orange than usual, likely to mask the president's pale skin, which may have gotten worse when he was unwell with Covid this past week.

'Clearly there was lots of makeup. I think he is probably very pale, you could see it on the neckline,' Dr von Schwarz said.

Biden comes in to hug his granddaughter Finnegan Biden as Hunter Biden watches after addressing the nation from the Oval Office of the White House

'They put a lot of makeup on him to make him look healthy, but obviously he is not. He is very frail in my opinion.'

Both medics agreed that Biden appeared 'no worse' than at previous times over the past few months, which suggests that while he may be declining, it is not enough to warrant urgent medical attention.

But Dr von Schwarz added: 'He was reading from a teleprompter which is just a repetition technique, which makes it hard to measure his intellectual capability.

'But anyone can do that, you don't need to be a genius to do so.'

He added: 'A practiced speech read from a teleprompter is not proof for full mental or intellectual capacity.'

Both said it was also difficult to assess his movements because he remained seated for the full speech.

Biden was last seen looking frail while entering Air Force One on July 23

Dr Winter said: 'Overall, I thought he did well.

'He could sit there, talk with conviction, there was cadence in his voice - I don't know if it proves anything but it certainly doesn't continue to show a [rapid] decline.'

He added: 'If that had happened three weeks ago, I don't think anyone would have said they had lost confidence in Biden.'

Dr von Schwarz said: 'In general, of course, I would have expected a good, sound and intelligible speech from President Biden today, and he did well.

'From my point of view of dealing daily with the elderly as a cardiologist and aging researcher, I think President Biden is an octogenarian... who deserves to get more rest, support and appropriate medical attention.'
One in six vapes confiscated from school children in England was found to be laced with 'zombie drug' Spice, a shocking new study has found.

Testing hundreds of confiscated vaping devices from 38 schools revealed the alarming prevalence of the illegal synthetic street drug, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Police, schools and researchers believe the substance is being substituted into vapes which are sold as containing cannabis oil.

Professor Chris Pudney, an expert in biotechnology from the University of Bath, conducted tests using the worlds first portable device that instantly detects synthetic drugs.

Working with concerned schools and police forces, he tested 596 confiscated vapes and discovered Spice at 28 out of 38 (74 per cent) of schools across London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire.

Our map shows the percentage of vapes that contained Spice at schools in each of the regions

Some of the vapes that were tested for Spice, along with a testing machine from the University of Bath

One in six vapes confiscated from kids contained Spice, prompting warnings they could cause deaths in schools. Pictured: Stock image of young people vaping

About one in six (16.6 per cent) of the vapes contained Spice, while roughly one in 100 (1.17 per cent) contained THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.

With the school summer holidays approaching, Professor Pudney is urging parents and guardians to discuss the serious health risks posed by illegal vapes with their children.

He said: 'Teenagers think they are purchasing vapes or vape fluid containing THC or nicotine when, in fact, they are laced with Spice.

'We know children can have cardiac arrests when they smoke Spice, and I believe some have come quite close to death.

'Headteachers are telling me pupils are collapsing in the halls and ending up with long stays in intensive care.

'This is not just a niche, one-off occurrence that happens in a school far away from you, this is something common.

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'As we go into the school holidays, if we can have an open dialogue and talk with children about the risks they face, then they've got a chance of making a different choice.'

The shocking findings come after official figures showed an astonishing 733 per cent rise in the number of children needing medical treatment for vaping-related disorders since 2020.

NHS England data revealed that children as young as four have been hospitalised by the habit.

Ben Davis, headteacher at St Ambrose Barlow High School in Salford, invited Professor Pudney to test a batch of confiscated vapes at the school in July.

He said: 'Weve had specific instances of young people under the influence of spice. I recall one young man describing how his hands felt like cartoon hands. He couldnt control them and they felt like they didnt belong to him.

'Weve also witnessed two children collapsing.

Professor Chris Pudney used portable vape testing kits to check devices for synthetic street drug Spice

Professor Pudney believes man-made Spice is added to vapes sold as containing cannabis oil because it is cheaper - but it is also more dangerous, he warned

Spice is a synthetic cannabinoid that can cause a range of serious side effects, including cardiac arrest

'Dealing with the aftermath is challenging, especially when you have to explain to the childs family that something potentially life-threatening happened while they were in our care.

'Its equally distressing for their friends who witnessed the collapse and for the staff involved  its their worst fear realised.'

He added that any child who collapses in an unattended area, such as a toilet cubical, may not be discovered until it was too late.

'Weve been fortunate so far, but I believe its only a matter of time before serious injuries or fatalities occur,' he said.

'My message to families is, dont assume your child is not involved. Theres a high chance they are, or they know someone who is. Please talk to them about it.

WHAT IS 'SPICE'? Spice is a synthetic high which falls into a category of substances that give the body an artificial rush of endorphins, or 'high'. It is a synthetic cannabinoid which has similar effects to natural cannabis. However it is much more potent and reacts more strongly with the brain's receptors. Regular use can cause a relapse of mental illness or increase the risk of developing one. Studies have shown it can also lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, drowsiness, confusion, shaking, sweating, nausea, vomiting and fits. Along with many other so-called 'legal highs', Spice became illegal under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 and remains a category B drug, along with cannabis, ketamine and codeine. It is illegal to produce, sell or give away Spice. Sharing vapes containing THC or Spice with friends could result in a maximum prison sentence of 14 years or an unlimited fine. Advertisement

'Be open, non-judgemental, and accepting. As soon as you judge or blame, barriers will go up, and you wont reach your child. This conversation is crucial for their safety.'

To help combat this issue, Professor Pudney has given a portable Spice detector to Devon and Cornwall Police.

Chief Inspector Sarah Johns said the device will help them ascertain the scale of the issue and target resources most effectively.

'Our clear message to all young people is that the risks associated with unregulated vapes are not worth it,' she said.

'Young people obtaining these fluids, or being offered them, will never be able to know for sure whats in them and as Dr Pudneys work indicates, if its spice then that could lead to serious harm.

'There is also criminality and exploitation associated with the production and distribution of vapes or fluids containing spice or THC, and we will seize these whenever and wherever we are aware of their presence.'

Professor Pudney has also tested vapes in four schools in Greater Manchester, with oversight from Greater Manchester Police.

Detective Sergeant Laura Bell, of GMPs Organised Crime Unit in Salford, emphasised the importance of proactive measures to protect young people.

She said: 'Its important that we take a proactive approach to keep young people safe; we know one of the most effective ways of doing this is through education. It is vital that we engage with the young people and schools in our communities to do this.

'Students are educated about the risks of drug use and illegal vapes, the potential impact on their health and the wider long-term consequences it can have on their futures.

'We encourage parents and guardians to discourage their children from getting involved in any illegal activities and continue to remind them of the negative consequences that using drugs can have.

Vaping is highly addictive and potentially harmful, but when laced with Spice, they could be extremely dangerous, experts have warned. (Stock picture)

'Unscrupulous vape sellers have no place in Greater Manchester and unregulated vapes are often intentionally marketed to young people, harming their health.

'GMP, along with our partners, are committed to keeping illegal vapes off our streets. We will continue to take proactive action to tackle illegal vaping products and ensure that these potentially harmful products are inaccessible to young people.

'Our operational work has seen us seize countless vapes, through a mixture of store visits, raids, and warrants across anywhere that we receive intelligence.'

Experts say Spice-laced vapes have caused a national problem of pupils falling seriously ill in schools across the country.

Five children were rushed to hospital in January, and one was left in a coma after smoking them.

The incident involved five teens aged between 14 and 16 in Eltham, South East London, after they all used a re-chargeable vape that contained blue liquid in a cartridge that was labelled 'Vaporesso'.

Professor Pudney called on the government to prioritise the issue on a national level.

He said: 'Currently, this issue is being addressed regionally, but I urge the government to elevate it to a national harm reduction priority.

'I call on the Home Office and the Department for Education to highlight this problem and to provide police forces and schools with comprehensive harm reduction guidance and support.'

It comes as the proportion of kids using e-cigarettes has soared overall, with more than a third of 16 to 18-year-olds now regularly inhaling them.

For comparison, less than one in 10 were doing so a decade ago.

This is despite sales of vapes to under-18s being banned, with anyone caught flogging them to children threatened with fines and prosecution by Trading Standards.

Spice is called the 'zombie drug' because it reduces users into a shambling, semi-comatose state. (Pictured: a suspected Spice user in Manchester)

Campaigners have long blamed predatory manufacturers for the ever-growing crisis.

They claim some brands are intentionally luring kids in with colourful packaging, compared to highlighter pens, and child-friendly flavours such as bubblegum and cotton candy, all for 'pocket money' prices.

Measures to curb the availability of vapes to children were included in Rishi Sunak's Government's proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill which has since been picked up by the Keir Starmer's Labour.

The law would give ministers power to restrict the flavours and promotion of vapes in an effort to thwart the UK's child e-cig epidemic.

This could change how nicotine-laden vapes are displayed in shops, moving them away from other products such as sweets.
Doctors blamed a teenage girl's rare neurological condition on 'watching too much TikTok, her mother claims.

Helen Huitson's daughter, Jessica, ordeal started when she began experiencing 'strange' bodily movements and appeared 'unable to sit still'.

Jessica, now 15, became sporadically unable to control her body and soon began developing verbal tics, which ranged from repeating apologies to abusive language.

She also started experiencing non-epileptic seizures, up to 120 a day.

Despite Jessica being taken into hospital multiple times her mother said she was left distraught when doctors blamed the young girl's suffering on 'anxiety'.

However, Mrs Huitson was even more appalled when doctors apparently suggested her daughter was simply watching too much TikTok or was 'faking it' by copying symptoms she had seen online.

Helen Huitson, 49, and pictured with her daughter Jessica Huitson, 15 who began experiencing 'strange' bodily movements in March 2021 and appeared 'unable to sit still'

After being taken into hospital multiple times with seizures and paralysis, doctors blamed Jessica's suffering on 'anxiety'

Her experience came in the wake British clinicians reporting that young women were developing tics as a result of the psychological pressures of the Covid lockdown.

Experts theorised that fears over the pandemic and climate change caused susceptible young people to 'catch' tics from social media influencers who shared their own symptoms online on social media sites like TikTok.

Although Ms Huitson claims doctors initially thought Jessica's tics, which started in 2021, were due to TikTok she later privately diagnosed with Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).

PANDAS is believed to be an autoimmune disorder and neuropsychiatric condition promoted by an abnormal immune response to infection.

Charity PANDAS Network explains it most commonly occurs after a strep infection. It can cause brain inflammation if the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells affecting central nervous system function.

However, research on PANDAS is limited, meaning some diagnoses are considered controversial, and there are no formal medical guidelines for diagnosis in the UK.

She was finally privately diagnosed with PANDAS - Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections

PANDAS is believed to be an autoimmune disorder and neuropsychiatric condition caused by an abnormal immune response to infection

Ms Huitson said she now wants to raise awareness about PANDAS after feeling 'belittled' by University Hospital Of North Durham treatment of Jessica.

'She went from being fully able, doing everything for herself to being unable to do anything for herself, unable to walk, sometimes being fully paralysed, unable to talk,' she said.

'I'd never seen a seizure in my life before. They started and just never stopped.

'We were told 'it's mental health, it's anxiety, there's nothing we can do, take her home.

'We were told by somebody in the hospital that it was brought on because I was allowing her to watch too much TikTok.

WHAT IS PANDAS? PANDAS - Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, is believed to be an autoimmune disorder and neuropsychiatric condition caused by an abnormal immune response to infection. Symptoms include: Anxiety (heightened anxiety, separation anxiety, irrational fears, panic episodes)

Tics

Emotional lability and/or depression

Irritability, aggression, and/or severely oppositional behaviours

Behavioural (developmental) regression (increase in temper tantrums, loss of age-appropriate language, clingy behaviour not related to anxiety)

Sudden deterioration in school performance (due to difficulties with memory, concentration, hyperactivity, impulsivity, new deficits of visuospatial skills)

Motor or sensory abnormalities (dysgraphia, clumsiness, tics, new sensory sensitivities to light, noise, smell, taste or texture)

Insomnia and/or sleep disturbances

Enuresis and/or urinary frequency Source: PAN PANDAS UK Advertisement

'It was ridiculous. We'd go into hospital and be belittled. We weren't believed and we had to fight to know what was really going on.

'We were told she was potentially faking it or that it was because her mental health was bad.

'It was absolutely horrendous. You watch our child be so poorly and you can't get the support you need and you don't know where to turn.

'She was a normal 12-year-old girl and they do sometimes feel a bit of angst but she wasn't an anxious child.

'They probably thought "she's 12, heading into puberty, it was the start of Covid", that was an easy label to give it.

'I knew it wasn't true and I was prepared to fight to the grave to prove it.'

Ms Huitson believes her daughter developed PANDAS after contracting tonsillitis in Oct 2020, five months before the symptoms started.

Symptoms of PANDAS includes anxiety, tics, depression, sudden deterioration in school performance, motor or sensory abnormalities as well as insomnia, according to another charity PAN PANDAS UK.

Ms Huitson claims that within four weeks of Jessica's first tic, they then dramatically increased in frequency this was also when the seizures also began.

She said: 'Her arms started moving strangely, her legs did. She was making strange movements in her neck. She'd never been like this before.

'I was saying "Jessica, what are you doing, why can't you sit still?"

'She was like "Mum, I can't help it".

'She had no control over anything in her body. One minute she was jumping around like a tigger, the next she was stuck on the floor in a squat.

'The things that came out of her mouth were horrendous and she had no ability to stop it.

'Sometimes it'd be something quite cute and funny like "sorry, sorry, sorry about that".

'Other times it would be the most horrific sentence where she was shouting "she's kidnapping me" as I'm pushing her down the street in a wheelchair.

'She went from being a normal 12-year-old girl that could do what she wanted to do, go out with friends and have a normal school life to being a girl that can't be left alone, can't attend school.'

Ms Huitson believes her daughter developed PANDAS after contracting tonsillitis in Oct 2020, five months before the symptoms started

Symptoms of PANDAS includes anxiety, tics, depression, sudden deterioration in school performance, motor or sensory abnormalities as well as insomnia, according to PAN PANDAS UK website

After being diagnosed with PANDAS privately, Jessica was brought into the NHS paediatric department at Darlington, however Ms Huitson claims they are limited in how they can treat the condition.

After receiving advice from a private immunologist and neurologist, Ms Huitson is now fundraising to get Jessica IVIG treatment, a therapy that uses immunoglobulins to boost the antibody levels in the blood, to help stop her immune system from attacking healthy cells.

'[Jessica's] a very strong willed and determined girl but she suffers horrendously.

'The immunologist has now said she can be put forward for IVIG.

'She won't get any better unless we try IVIG. It could put her in remission but it might not. It's our last hope.

After receiving advice from a private immunologist and neurologist, Ms Huitson is now fundraising to get Jessica IVIG treatment as 'last hope', a therapy that uses immunoglobulins to help fight off the infection

'We don't know how she will even react to the treatment. There's the fear that we don't know how her body will react to the IVIG. It's a really scary time.

'Hopefully this will give her the remission she needs but we don't even know how many treatments she will need.'

Charity PANS PANDAS UK states: 'PANDAS is a neuropsychiatric condition. This means it is a medical conditions which has both neurological (eg. difficulties with thinking or moving) and psychiatric (ie. mental health) symptoms. It can begin quite suddenly, and symptoms may come and go over time.'

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said: 'Due to patient confidentiality, we are unable to comment specifically on Jessica's experience.

'We can confirm that our paediatric services and skilled clinical teams work trust-wide, referring patients appropriately.

'We are sorry that Jessica's mum is unhappy with aspects of the care her daughter has received which she is now discussing with our patient experience team.'

TikTok were contacted for comment.
The inside of your car could be sending a flurry of toxic compounds into your lungs on hot days, new research shows.

Formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals used to make up some of our favorite features in a new car, from plush seats to soft leather linings include formaldehyde, a chemical linked to cancer, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

When cars heat up to about 70 to 110 degrees, those chemicals turn into a toxic gas that enters the body through the nostrils.

From there, they cause irritation in mucous membranes, headache, nausea, and dizziness.

Breathing in volatile organic compounds causes headache, nausea, and dizziness in the short term. Longer term, it raises risks of cancer, cognitive problems, and organ damage

The graph shows the most influential factors in a car that increase the emissions of volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde

Long-term exposure to formaldehyde and related acetaldehyde and hexaldehyde has been linked to kidney damage, memory loss, cognitive problems, cancers, particularly blood cancers, and heart diseases.

Ventilation can drastically reduce these risks, and researchers recommend against sitting in a hot car in the warmer months without the AC on or windows open.

Researchers from the Beijing Institute of Technology and Peking University measured how hot weather can influence the release of dangerous chemicals in single car's cabin.

Without anyone in the car and the engine turned off, they determined how much air was flowing inside the car.

They placed dry ice in the backseat, which would generate carbon dioxide which then helped them assess how efficiently air is exchanged within a space.

CO2 acts as a 'tracer gas,' meaning it's introduced into the space in a controlled manner to track how air is replaced.

By monitoring the concentration of this gas over time, they can infer how quickly fresh air is replacing the old air.

They tested 12 volatile compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene, O-xylene, and acetaldehyde under a series of weather conditions and how they affect the inside of the car, including sunny, cloudy, and rainy days.

They then found that temperatures inside the car could get very high, especially on sunny days, ranging from around 75.2 degrees Fahrenheit to to over 147.2 degrees, while outside temperatures ranged from 77 degrees Fahrenheit to 115 degrees.

Formaldehyde had the highest concentration of all VOCs measured when those temperatures climbed, exceeding Chinese national standards of a limit of 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air.

Concentrations of acetaldehyde fell between 30 and 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air.

By measuring different outside temperatures, researchers could simulate various real-world weather scenarios and better understand how temperature inside the car affects VOC emissions.

When seats and other materials in the car heated up, they tended to drive up levels of volatile compounds,

Exposure to VOCs can irritate children's respiratory tract and cause asthma. They can also lead to cognitive development delays and chronic health issues including respiratory diseases

The range of temperatures also helped them evaluate the performance of the cars ventilation system under different conditions.

Certain chemicals are found in materials used to make seat upholstery, plastic dashboards, brake pedals, and steering wheels.

To reduce their risk of exposure to these chemicals, people should keep their windows open or use their air conditioning while in the car on a hot day.

The latest study, published in the journal PNAS Nexus, is not the first to look at volatile organic compounds emitted in cars.

Back in 2001, Australian researchers found that simply sitting in a new car subjects riders to toxic emissions several levels higher than what health officials deem safe.

Research leader Steve Brown said: We find new car interiors have much higher VOC levels than any building we've researched.

Ultimately, what we need are cars with interior materials that produce lower emissions.

All cars use similar materials to make their seats and other parts of the car cabin, meaning they all emit some amount of volatile chemicals, though the types can be based on car-specific factors, from material used for seating to the fuel it takes.

Because electric cars have no fuel emissions and less engine-related heat, those chemical emission levels might be lower in a Tesla than a gas-guzzling SUV.

Previous studies have shown that the counties most prone to the effects of a warming climate include those in Utah, Colorado, and California, all of which have seen particularly higher average summer temperatures than previous decades.
A lack of operating theatres in maternity units is putting mums and newborn babies at risk of serious harm, an investigation reveals.

One in three do not have a second dedicated obstetric theatre staffed and ready to perform emergency C-sections 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This is delaying operations beyond the safe period in some cases and resulting in documented safety incidents, the Health Service Journal found.

Maternity units are required to have a theatre for emergency C-sections, which is often needed when there are complications during birth.

But not all have a second theatre ready in case two are needed at the same time, with the issue emerging as a repeated factor in safety reports.

One in three maternity units do not have a second dedicated obstetric theatre staffed and ready to perform emergency C-sections 24 hours a day, seven days a week (stock image)

Information provided to HSJ by 81 trusts, running 99 maternity units between them, revealed 33 units had no dedicated second theatre, and many others did not have two theatres staffed at all times.

Asked what backup they had, these trusts said the normal arrangements were to transfer emergency C-sections to other theatres on the same site - but most said this could take up to 10 minutes.

Sixteen units said it would take at least 20 minutes to assemble an additional theatre team and be ready to operate and one said it would take up to an hour.

This was particularly the case out of normal hours, where maternity teams may have to call in a consultant and other staff from home or call staff from other parts of the hospital who may be busy.

The issues mean trusts may not be able to deliver the baby within 30 minutes of the decision a Caesarean is needed, which is the National Institute for Health and Care Excellences recommended maximum for a category one C-section where there is a risk to the life of the mother or baby.

Information provided to HSJ by 81 trusts, running 99 maternity units between them, revealed 33 units had no dedicated second theatre, and many others did not have two theatres staffed at all times (stock image)

Nearly a quarter of women require emergency Caesareans, according to NHS Digital.

Delaying the section can lead to complications and harm for the baby requiring lifelong care, such as cerebral palsy, or sometimes death.

Some are carried out because the baby has moved into a difficult position and cannot be born vaginally, or because the mother is at risk.

East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust said when it needed an additional obstetric theatre, it had to mobilise an on-call team at Colchester Hospital, and due to significant vacancies, sometimes there is a delay but of no more than an hour.

Gateshead Trust told HSJ it would take 30 or 40 minutes to mobilise a second theatre outside of weekday working hours, although it later said recent changes put it 'in a much better position from both a workforce and estate perspective to provide timely C-sections when needed.

Twenty-six of the trusts said they had at least one serious incident report related to timely access to fully-staffed theatres in the past three years.

Many said no harm had resulted from these incidents. However, the risks have been highlighted both in inquests and Care Quality Commission reports.

Ian Scudamore, vice president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggested more staff and more capital funding were needed.

He said: These data reinforce that maternity services are stretched, with understaffed teams and inadequate estates potentially increasing risk at times of high activity.

Each maternity unit is different, and trusts will need different theatre capacity.

Trusts that have identified delays in both planned and emergency caesarean births and that are seeking funding for additional theatre space and staffing to address this should be supported.

Several other trusts reported makeshift arrangements to provide an additional theatre in an emergency.

Wye Valley said it used an intervention room, which did not have enough floor space with adequate air flow to be classified as a theatre.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals used a similar room, and Salisbury District Hospital said an anaesthetic room could be converted into a second theatre.

Others talked of pausing planned C-section lists to make way for emergency procedures.

An NHS England spokesperson said: In the unusual situation where two women require emergency operations at the same time, hospitals will have arrangements in place to facilitate this safely.

Increasing complexity of care is placing additional demand on services, and we are conducting a review of maternity and neonatal provision across the NHS to better understand and address any capacity challenges.
Coffee products that were recalled over potential deadly bacteria could cause 'serious adverse health consequences,' officials warn.

Last month, Wisconsin-based Snapchill LLC voluntarily recalled more than 250 of its canned coffee products over fears of botulism, a rare food-borne pathogen that attacks the body's nerves.

The FDA, which had flagged issues with the company's canning methods, has now given the recall a Class II classification.

This is 'a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.'

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Snapchill LLC, which makes a variety of canned coffee products, voluntarily recalled over 250 products over fears of botulinum contamination

The FDA has classified the recall as Class II, or 'a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote'

The products were sold under dozens of roaster and brand names and came in a variety of sizes, ranging from seven to 12 ounces. All affected products had expiration dates between June 16, 2024, and April 16, 2025.

The recall includes nearly 550,000 cans, which were distributed throughout the US and Canada, according to the FDA.

A Class II recall is the agencies second-worst classification. Class I recalls involve products in which 'there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.'

Botulism is caused by a toxin released by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which is normally found in spores in soil, marine areas, and on the surface of foods like fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

These bacteria make spores, which act like protective coatings, which are usually harmless.

However, warm and wet tight spaces lacking oxygen - such as metal cans or plastic jars - can cause the bacteria to release toxins that attack the central nervous system.

The bacteria thrives in canned foods because the canning process forces air out of the food, creating a favorable environment for C. botulinum to grow.

The FDA reportedly cautioned the coffee company after finding that it violated regulations by failing to notify the agency it was using a low-acid canning method.

'Snapchill has provided a wide range of roasters nationwide with "Snapchill" cold coffee since 2019, without any known consumer cases of botulis, a company spokesperson told Newsweek.

The CDC estimates there are just 200 cases of botulism in the US every year, and just 25 are from food, making it vanishingly rare. Other causes include infections and, rarely, injecting too much botulinum toxin used in Botox.

Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, blurry vision, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and trouble moving the eyes.

Botulism can be fatal in about five to 10 percent of cases. The condition is treated with antitoxins.
A man was yesterday appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England for the first time in the posts 80-year history.

Duncan Burton will lead the profession as the Governments most senior advisor on nursing matters, succeeding Dame Ruth May.

He has worked as a nurse for over 25 years and most recently served as deputy chief nurse, leading on issues relating to maternity, workforce and children.

The first Chief Nursing Officer for England was Dame Katherine Watt, who served from 1941 to 1948 and has been succeeded by nine other women.

Dame Ruth was appointed in 2019 and rose to prominence with her outspoken remarks during the pandemic.

Duncan Burton (pictured) is the first man to be appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England in the post's 80 year history

Previously a deputy to outgoing chief Ruth, Burton has worked as a nurse for over 25 years and most recently served as deputy chief nurse, leading on issues relating to maternity, workforce and children

Mr Burton began his career in respiratory medicine and neurology at the Royal United Hospital in Bath following completion of his nurse training at the University of Wales.

He has held a range of senior roles at University College London Hospitals, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, where he had responsibility for the professional leadership of 4,000 nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Mr Burton said: Its an honour to be appointed to the role of Chief Nursing Officer for England and I look forward to working with nursing and midwifery colleagues to improve patient care and experience, improve the nations health, grow and develop the workforce and inspire the next generation of nursing and midwifery professionals and leaders.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, credited Mr Burton with boosting overseas recruitment so the Government could hit its target of boosting nursing numbers by 50,000.

She added: Id like to thank Dame Ruth May for her dedication and commitment to the NHS throughout her 40 years service.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said: I would like to offer my congratulations to Duncan Burton on his appointment as Chief Nursing Officer for England.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England (pictured), credited Mr Burton with boosting overseas recruitment so the Government could hit its target of 50,000 nurses

I would like to offer my congratulations to Duncan Burton on his appointment as Chief Nursing Officer for England,' Wes Streeting said (pictured a cabinet meeting in London)

As a key adviser for NHS England and ministers, his range of experience will be invaluable.

I want nurses to play a big role in helping write the 10-Year Plan to make the NHS fit for the future, and the Chief Nursing Officer will be key to that.

I would also like to express my thanks to Dame Ruth May for an incredible 40 years of dedication and service to the health service. Around nine in ten nurses and health visitors working in the NHS are women.

Sir Chris Whitty remains chief medical officer.
Money app Revolut has received a UK banking licence from the Prudential Regulation Authority after a three-year wait.

It first applied for a licence from the Bank of England in 2021, to allow it to expand in the UK.

But Revolut ran into problems throughout the application, including failing to publish its accounts on time two years in a row.

When Revolut's 2021 accounts were finally published last March, they attracted intense scrutiny after auditor BDO said it was not able to independently verify three-quarters of its 636million revenue.

But the bank has now been given the green light by the regulator to enter the 'mobilisation' stage, being awarded the banking licence with restrictions.

Revolut has finally been given the green light by the regulator to receive a UK banking licence

Revolut said this is common among new banks to allow them to complete the build-out of their UK banking operations ahead of launching in the market.

The bank said nothing changes for UK customers during this restricted period. UK customers can continue to use their Revolut e-money account as they always have.

Revolut has about 9million customers in the UK, where it was founded in 2015, and more than 45million globally.

Revolut already has a banking licence in Europe, having been granted one in Lithuania.

Up until this point it was operating on an e-money licence in the UK rather than a banking licence.

One of the key differences between an e-money and a banking licence is that the former enables firms to offer loans.

Firms with a banking licence can lend money while those with an e-money licences cannot.

With a UK banking licence under its belt, Revolut will now be allowed to offer customers new products, including mortgages - though there is no suggestion this is currently on the cards.

It will also be included in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) - allowing it to protect customer deposits up to 85,000.

'We are incredibly proud to reach this important milestone in the journey of the company and we will ensure we deliver on making Revolut the bank of choice for UK customers,' said Nick Storonsky, CEO of Revolut.

While Francesca Carlesi, Revolut's UK CEO said: 'Today's announcement is a significant step forward for Revolut and for our customers. It is a tremendous responsibility to be a bank in the UK and we will work relentlessly to offer products and services that improve the financial lives of everyone who uses Revolut.'
A highly-respected Florida pastor could face the death penalty after his sensational arrest for allegedly photographing himself raping a very young girl, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Baptist preacher Jonathan Elwing, 43, has a slew of horrific child sex charges against him, including two capital felony raps for sexual battery of a minor.

His arrest has rocked the congregation and deacons at vibrant Palm View Baptist Church in Palmetto, Florida, where he had been senior pastor for five years.

The father of four was initially charged with four counts of possessing sickening child porn photos after cops were tipped off by a crypto-currency company that he had purchased them off the dark web.

However, a forensic trawl through his cellphone later also discovered a private photo vault app hiding at least 14 pictures of him horrifically sexually abusing the young girl, according to his arrest report.

Baptist preacher Jonathan Elwing, 43, with his family. He is accused of photographing himself raping a very young girl as sickening charges are brought against him

The father-of-four could face the death penalty after prosecutors charged him with a slew of horrific child sex charges, including two capital felony raps for sexual battery of a minor

And DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal Elwing now faces up to 25 charges relating to child pornography and child sex as Manatee County Sheriffs Office detectives continue to trawl through his electronic devices.

Elwings devastated wife Krystal, 40, this week put on a brave face at the neat ranch-style home she shared with the preacher, telling DailyMail.com: Ive been through too much.

Bearded Elwing  previously an associate pastor at a congregation within the celebrity-favorite Hillsong Church according to his LinkedIn page  faces a minimum sentence of life without parole if convicted.

But prosecutors could also press for the death penalty under a 2023 Florida law which allows for the ultimate sentence for sexual battery of a child under the age of 12. Juries in Florida need just eight of the panel of 12 to agree to execution.

Chillingly, DailyMail.com can confirm detectives found eight covert-style cameras in Elwings office at the church, whose building links with Educational Harbor private Christian school  where Krystal is a teacher.

Another two were at the couples home. None of them were in position.

Elwing, dubbed a monster by Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, is currently held without bond at Manatee County Jail in Palmetto. He was indicted by a grand jury on July 10 on sexual battery of a child.

Elwing's family was left 'devastated' by the charges brought against him

After initially facing two capital sexual battery charges, further charges of producing and processing child sexual abuse material were brought after probes of Elwing's devices

Krystal, the accused preacher's wife, told DailyMail.com she had been through too much' following the charges against her husband

Wife Krystal was devastated when she was made aware of what was going on, sheriffs office information officer Randy Warren told DailyMail.com exclusively.

I dont know how much she maybe suspected something was wrong. But everyone involved here has said how much she was surprised and devastated.

The pastor was facing two capital sexual battery charges and six counts each of producing and processing child sexual abuse material after the second trawl of his devices was made.

But Warren revealed: With everything weve collected in the search for additional images, were going to have a final number of up to 25 charges. Weve got production of child pornography, capital sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation.

Elwing was living a double life in not being the person people thought he was. Its been devastating also for that church, for that community, for family, for friends.

It creates a lot of anger when people they realize they put a lot of trust in, who they respected, turn out to be someone completely different.

Referring to Elwings swift arrest, he added: We are thankful that we are looking at just one victim of capital sexual battery, although of course what happened to that victim is a tragedy.

Of the covert cameras, Warren said: We know that he was using devices to capture images and video, but we didnt find any of these actually inside the church or elsewhere, apart from in his office and home  not in any common areas such as bathrooms.

Elwing's wife Kristal is a teacher, and detectives said they found eight covert-style cameras in Elwings office, which links with the school where Krystal works

Officials said Krystal was devastated when she was made aware of what was going on

Elwing's church responded to the scandal by posting a note on its website saying it is cooperating with the investigation

Elwing describes himself on the profile on X, formerly Twitter, as: Husband, Father, Child of God. Serving Christ as a Minister of His Gospel.

His arrest report accuses him of committing the alleged offenses from April 26 this year. The pastor, who began preaching as an associate in Punta Gorda, Florida, in 2003, initially told detectives there was no porn on his devices.

Elwing resigned as pastor of the Palm View Baptist Church in Palmetto, Florida, before his arrest

But his position began to unravel as detectives questioned him more closely.

He admitted he would sometimes purchase adult pornography from a third-party person, but then claimed that it was possible that child pornography would be part of the purchase, without his knowledge.

Elwing maintained he didnt look at child porn and would delete anything he considered to be child porn when he was looking at adult material.

However at a second interview, he was confronted by four purchased images on his Google Pixel 7 Pro phone showing different children aged between four and seven being seriously sexually abused.

Four days later detectives uncovered six child sex images involving Elwing, according to the report. The first showed Jonathans face and the child was wearing a distinct shirt that had a picture of a cartoon giraffe and writing on the side of the giraffe.

Under questioning, detectives confronted Elwing with images from his phone allegedly showing him sexually abusing a child

The report said Elwing photographed himself penetrating the child and the images were taken on April 26 this year between 4.17pm and 4.21pm local time.

Another image showed the same child wearing a white shirt and no other clothing. The child is only visible from the shoulders to her knees as she is lying down on her stomach on a blue colored blanket.

Elwing is observed attempting to penetrate the childs vagina and (his penis) is pressing against her buttock and vagina.

In other pictures, Elwing positions the child so as to obscenely display and photograph her intimate areas, according to the report. In one picture she is seen just from her waist to her knees.

Sheriff Wells said after Elwings arrest: I cant stress this enough. This is a monster.

This is a man who went to great lengths to hide his true identity. To use whatever resources he could to feed the deviant behavior that he has.

I feel really bad for his family. I feel bad for the congregation at Palm View Baptist Church. He went into that church professing to be a man of God, but hes really nothing more than a liar and a sex predator.

After charges were brought against Elwing, the sheriff's office branded him a 'monster' and said he 'went to great lengths to hide his true identity'

Wells said he was concerned there may be more victims who have not been identified.

If anyone has had close contact with this monster, if anyone knows if their kids have been around him, Im just requesting that they talk to their children, he said.

Elwing resigned from his position immediately before he was arrested, according to the sheriffs office.

Palm View Baptist Church has called on its members to help the investigation.

A statement on its website says: These allegations are serious. We are committed to reporting any suspicion of abuse and criminal activity to the appropriate authorities immediately upon discovery.

If you are aware of any information relevant to the investigation, we encourage you to contact the Manatee County Sheriffs Office.

Considering the gravity of these allegations, we cannot make further comments regarding the investigation other than that we have been and will continue cooperating fully in the hopes that justice is accomplished.

The church is affiliated to the Southern Baptist Convention, which has come under fire for allegedly covering up child sex abuse in Texas.

And Elwing is reported to have been a vocal critic of reforms against sexual abuse, saying in a social media post in February 2023 that such moves would undermine the organization. He said it would be the end of the SBC.

Elwing's arrest has rocked the congregation and deacons at vibrant Palm View Baptist Church in Palmetto, Florida, where he had been senior pastor for five years

Palm View Baptist Churchs other pastor, Ryan Akers, exclusively told DailyMail.com: We are sickened and horrified at the nature of the allegations and the charges that have been brought.

Knowing a little bit about the shape of the investigation, it's looking not very good on his part. It's just horrific that there seems to be a victim that has been endangered, been harmed.

'It's a nightmare type scenario to have someone in our midst accused of this kind of crime.

I cannot speak for all the community, but I know there is anger in some, plain disgust in others. Ive gone through all those emotions myself.

We are doing everything we can to support Krystal. A lot of our discussions as a church have been how we can minister to his family as they deal with the shock of these allegations. It is a major concern of ours to make sure we dont forget them.

Pastor Akers, who has been at the 200-strong church for four years, revealed there had been fears Elwing may have planted covert cameras to record in the buildings after the discovery of the 10 in his office and home.

However, police conducted a second sweep and we are confident there are no cameras that are on campus, he said.

Asked what vetting procedures are in place for pastors, Akers said of Elwings appointment: There were reference checks, several of them, a series of interviews, background checks, social media checks.

But the background check only works if theres a background to check. Its just step one of a series of things that need to be in place.

Of Elwings time at the church, he said: He was an entirely different person to the one he is being accused of. What we understand about abusers is that they hide in plain sight.

'Weve all put on masks. This is just one that is particularly horrendous.
Democratic voters already appear more enthusiastic with Vice President Kamala Harris poised to be at the top of the ticket. Now they want to know who she plans to pick as her running mate and already have their own favorites.

Roughly a dozen prominent Democrats have been floated as a potential number two including Governors Josh Shapiro, Roy Cooper, J.B. Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer and Tim Walz as well as Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Harris is breaking barriers as the first woman of color to become the presumptive presidential nominee on a major party ticket. She will also be the first candidate from the west coast to secure the Democratic nomination.

Her supporters at her rally Tuesday in Milwaukee signaled theyre open to the list of names that have already surfaced.

But many told DailyMail.com what is most important is picking the person who best helps her beat Donald Trump and balances the ticket. There is not a clear frontrunner on who that would be.

Democrats in the swing state of Wisconsin mentioned several prominent Democrats they would like to see as Vice President Harris' running mate

'I think shes got a lot of good people that she can choose from,' said Courtney Ryan, 40, from Madison, WI.

'Im hoping that she chooses a governor from a swing state that can really help with securing some additional states during the election. Roy Cooper would be a good candidate,' Ryan said.

An average of recent polls of a Trump-Harris 2024 matchup show an extremely close race with Trump leading the vice president by less than two points. Every poll conducted since President Biden dropped out and Harris jumped in have been within the margin of error.

I really like Governor Roy Cooper out of North Carolina. I really like him, Anthony Banks, 66, from Milwaukee agreed.

I like Mark Kelly, but I'm leaning toward Josh Shapiro,' responded Rosanda Arndt. 'There's just something about him that really resonates, and I think it would be a really nice match.'

Multiple Wisconsin Democrats told DailyMail.com they would like to see Gov. Shapiro or Sen. Kelly as the vice president's running mate. Those to names were mentioned the most, but they were not the only contenders suggested

'We have so much talent there that Im pretty much comfortable with whoever they decide. Its going to be in the best interest of the nation, and its nation first,' Arndt added.

Thats going to be very important. I heard it floated out about Kelly,' said Mitch Hancock from Milwaukee. 'I think hed be a good possibility or Whitmer from Michigan.'

I have some research to do. I just saw the list this morning,' said Maria Olig. 'I am a fan of Mark Kelly. So right now with the knowledge I have, he's at the top of my list.

But Karen Siegel from Bayside, WI has her own concerns about Harris picking a senator as a running mate.

I heard all the names being thrown out. Josh Shapiro, the governor of North Carolina. Josh Shapiro seems good. I think it should be a governor. I dont want t to see Kelly taken out of the Senate, so either of those I think will be good,' Siegel said.

Arizona's current governor is a Democrat, so if Kelly were picked, his temporary appointed replacement would likely also be a Democrat.

But at some point, there would have to be special election for a permanent replacement, and being that Arizona is both a presidential and Senate battleground state, Siegel does not want to chance who could win the seat with the Senate majority so tight.

Many Democratic voters are turning away from their dream tickets and looking toward what they believe is most realistic, but apart from the reported short list, there were a few outliers thrown in the mix.

Woman at Harris' rally in Wisconsin wearing a shirt 'Harris and anyone who isn't JD Vance 2024'

I know its not going to happen, but I would love Mayor Pete, Pete Buttigieg to be vice president,' said Neil Fulton, a history teacher from West Bend, WI.

'But I think we might already have enough dynamics that might be working against Kamala Harris that adding another dynamic might just hurt the ticket even more,' he added.

'I know a lot of people have thrown out Michelle Obama and Gavin Newsom. But first of all I think Michelle, it doesnt diversify the ticket enough. I dont think she has any interest at all in it,' conceded Joette Rockow from Milwaukee.

'I think Gavin [Newsom] is a little bit farther to the left than we need, so I think somebody like Shapiro or [Kentucky Governor] Beshear or Pritzker or someone like that would be wonderful,' she said.

Rockew believes Shapiro would be the 'right kind of persona that she needs to fill out the ticket.'

What Democratic voters do agree on is that what is most important is the top of the ticket, and there has been a shift when it comes to enthusiasm with the shake-up.

A new CNN poll found 50 percent of those backing Harris said their vote would be in support of her rather than against Trump.

That's a massive shift from the Trump-Biden matchup. Last month's CNN poll found only 37 percent of Biden voters said their vote was in support of the president rather than against the ex-president.
The names are idyllic, evoking heaven on earth: Primrose Island, Crocus Island, Bluebell Island.

But this uninhabited scatter of white sandy beaches and azure lagoons on the edge of the Indian Occean is a crime scene in the most scandalous injustice ever inflicted on British troops by their own government.

The Monte Bello islands were the site of the initial British atomic bomb test, the first in a series throughout the Cold War that exposed more than 22,000 unsuspecting National Servicemen to horrific radiation injuries  condemning thousands to lifelong sickness and agonising deaths.

Soldiers and sailors lined up on the decks of dozens of ships from the British and Australian navies to witness the blast from just a few miles away on October 3, 1952, during a top secret exercise codenamed Operation Hurricane.

'We had no protective clothing,' former Royal Engineer Derek Hickman later recalled. 'You wore shorts and sandals, and if you remembered to grab your bush hat on the way, that was all you had. They ordered us to turn our backs. We put our hands over our eyes and they counted down over the Tannoy. There was a sharp flash and I could see the bones in my hands like an X-ray. Then the sound and the wind, and they told us to turn and face it.'

It's a story that shames our country, on a scale greater than even the Post Office or contaminated blood scandals. It's impossible to gauge how many lives across the generations have been affected, but estimates suggest the nuclear tests have resulted in birth defects and congenital health problems for tens of thousands of those men's children and grandchildren.

British and Australian navies witnessed the blast from just a few miles away during a top secret exercise codenamed Operation Hurricane on October 3, 1952

Yet for more than 70 years, successive governments of all political stripes have refused to make more than the most dismissive acknowledgment of this self-inflicted catastrophe.

And we all bear some responsibility, because we are all involved: Britain's nuclear capability has been the bedrock of our defence policy throughout most people's lifetimes. That first bomb contained 7kg (about 15lb) of plutonium, and was stored in the hold of a 1,450-ton Navy frigate, HMS Plym. It lay at anchor off Trimouille Island, about 80 miles off the north-west coast of Australia  so remote that even today it takes two days to get there.

The explosion unleashed a 600mph blast wave, a radioactive wind that reached the men  who had been at sea for four months  immediately after the roar of the detonation.

All that was left of HMS Plym were 'a few fist-sized pieces of metal that fell like rain,' said Derek, 'and the shape of the frigate scorched on the sea bed'.

Reporters watched from a viewing tower a safer 55 miles away. They, too, heard the countdown, spoken by Welsh physicist Ieuan Maddock  earning him the nickname The Count Of Monte Bello.

The West Australian newspaper reported: 'The flash was followed by a huge expanding cloud which reached a height of 12,000ft within about three minutes of the explosion. By that time it was about a mile across at its widest part.'

The news was greeted with jubilation in London. Despite the UK's close involvement with the U.S. wartime Manhattan Project that developed the first atomic weapons, America had legislated in the 1946 McMahon Act to keep its nuclear technology to itself.

And there was definitely no prospect of co-operation after one of the British atomic physicists, a German refugee called Klaus Fuchs, confessed to being a Soviet spy and giving the Kremlin the secret of how to process uranium.

After that, the U.S. refused even to provide a test site for British nuclear trials. Our success in building and exploding a bomb of our own, making Britain the world's third nuclear power after America and Russia, was hailed as a national triumph.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill told the Commons: 'The weapon behaved exactly as expected. When the flash first burst through the hull of Plym, the temperature was nearly one million degrees.'

It is inconceivable that our military scientists did not realise the inevitable risks for those men who were taken across the world to witness that explosion and the blasts that followed over the next six years.

The Monte Bello islands were the site of the initial British atomic bomb test in 1952, the first in a series throughout the Cold War that exposed more than 22,000 unsuspecting National Servicemen to horrific radiation injuries, lifelong sickness and agonising deaths

The dangers of radiation, and the fact no amount of exposure was safe, were widely known  indeed, that's what made it such a terrifying weapon. Most were young men in their teens or early 20s. Some were doing their compulsory two years of National Service, others had signed on.

All would have faced jail had they questioned the mission or refused to take part. But none had any warning of what they were about to experience, let alone the threats it meant for their health.

All had medicals before leaving, including blood tests. Within days, some were showing unmistakable signs of radiation sickness, with men sent ashore to collect samples and ordered into the seas to scoop up the dead fish and seagulls that clogged the waters.

Scientists took urine samples from those who had been on shore, some with respirators and some without, and carefully recorded the data on radionuclides (radioactive forms of elements) they had inhaled. It's hard to be precise: many of the official documents were removed from public view in 2018 and the test results appear to have been removed from the men's medical records.

Despite the growing caseload of sickness, no significant safeguards were introduced. Men were still told to turn their backs on the explosions and cover their eyes  the only difference was that during later tests they were ordered to use their whole fists instead of their flat palms.

Today, it seems unforgivably reckless that they were encouraged to go shirtless, in just shorts and hats, both on and off duty, with no sunblock. But the risk of skin cancer was dwarfed by the unquantifiable dangers of this new kind of bomb.

Hurricane was equivalent to 25,000 tons of TNT, 60 per cent more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, and the contamination from radioactivity was even worse. 'It was a plutonium bomb,' Derek Hickman said, 'and they're the dirtiest'.

Despite the secrecy surrounding these operations, the whole country knew that weapons of unimaginable destructive power were being tested. The Fleet Street columnist William Connor watched another explosion in 1958, codenamed Operation Grapple, and described it in chilling poetry.

'Through closed eyes, through dark glasses and with my hands covering my face, I saw the flash  a boiling red and yellow sun, an oil painting from hell, beautiful and dreadful, magnificent and evil... it was a dress rehearsal for the death of the world.'

After Grapple, U.S. co-operation was restored and Britain detonated dozens more devices in the Nevada desert up to 1991.

But this was, perhaps, a more naive and trusting time. The young servicemen sent to assist as stage hands at these 'dress rehearsals' did not conceive that the MoD regarded them as expendable; they trusted their government was on their side.

The fiery results of nuclear bomb testing could have resulted in birth defects and congenital health problems for tens of thousands of testers' children and grandchildren

I first became aware of this story through a friend, the journalist Susie Boniface, who has been fighting doggedly to win justice for these men and their families for almost 20 years. She's a force of nature and also the source of many of the quotes in this article, taken from her interviews with survivors.

She put me in touch with another tireless campaigner, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, who is a former commander of UK and Nato CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) Forces.

As an amateur historian with a passion for British military stories, I was staggered to learn how casually these young troops were betrayed. In 1952, World War II was still a recent memory and I believe it was an article of faith to everyone in Britain that this country owed our basic freedoms to the men and women who sacrificed everything.

It seemed impossible to me that the next generation, young men who were schoolboys during the war, could be treated as guinea pigs for nuclear experiments.

Yet the lack of basic safety precautions for personnel in all the tests was simply criminal. Britain took part in and conducted limited clean-ups of 45 nuclear explosions and nearly 600 radiation experiments in Australia and the Pacific until 1967.

Of the thousands of blood tests taken after them there is little trace, although a new lawsuit based on Susie's investigation is now under way.

My father and my wife's father were both National Servicemen. They weren't sent to the Pacific, but they easily could have been. Thinking about that really made me angry.

I felt angrier still after meeting Doug Hern, a veteran who was assigned as a young sailor to collect the carcasses of dead birds and fish after Grapple. He suffered a horrific litany of illnesses brought on by the radiation: his teeth fell out, he developed skin problems and bony spurs grew on his ribs.

But the legacy for his children was worse still. One of his daughters born after the tests developed a rare form of cancer and died at the age of 13. Doug, who died last year aged 86, devoted his life to exposing the scandal, trying to force successive governments to recognise what was inflicted on these men and their families.

The shocking reality is that politicians and the Ministry of Defence have played a callous game for decades, waiting for the problem to go away as the generation of veterans succumb to old age. There are few of them left now, it's true, and the youngest are in their 80s. Derek Hickman, quoted above, died last year in his 90s and still mourning his mates, and the children he vowed to never have.

But the problem won't go away, because living descendants have paid with their health, too. Eric Denson's family were one of the worst affected.

Eric was an RAF pilot, ordered to fly a 'sniff plane' through the mushroom cloud at Christmas Island, to collect airborne debris after Operation Grapple Y  112 times more powerful than the bomb that destroyed Nagasaki.

He had to fly through the cloud three times, hurled about by seismic turbulence for 15 minutes. Physically sick for two days after his first flight, he was sent up again in the same plane, which hadn't even been decontaminated.

Documents uncovered since show he was subjected to an experiment to compare 'dose badges' made from camera film, worn on uniforms, with the radiation meter in his Canberra bomber. It showed Eric's head alone was subject to the equivalent of 167 years' worth of background radiation.

His wife Shirley said Eric came home changed. A rash spread across his torso and he suffered from blinding headaches and unpredictable mood swings. He became violent and made a series of suicide attempts  on one occasion threatening to kill his whole family, and himself, with an axe.

In 1976, he finally succeeded in taking his own life, slashing his wrists beneath a tree near the family home in Oxfordshire. Shirley won a widow's pension on the basis his death was due to service, but fought for the rest of her life for formal recognition, to no avail.

In 2021, she, Susie and I asked for Eric to get the Elizabeth Cross  a medal given to servicemen who die as a consequence of their military duties. It would have cost the MoD nothing but a scrap of human decency, yet it was denied.

I fail to understand how anyone could reach that conclusion, when official documents prove Eric was exposed to both radiation and psychological stress beyond imagining. Scientists at the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston had drawn up the plans for Eric's experiment, in a document titled 'Determination of the whole body dose of radiation acquired by aircrew members while on cloud sampling detail'.

Each of the three crew had film badges attached to their seats one on each arm, one behind their head and one on the seat pan 'beneath their testicles'.

The scientists noted: 'Care was taken to ensure that as little shielding effect as possible was given by the ejector seat and that no equipment of any description shielded the badges.'

One diagram shows the predicted trajectory of gamma rays through the cockpit, tracing a path through the plane and the crew's bodies. Dotted lines show the rays going through the pilot's chest, neck and groin.

It is not credible to me that anyone could see that diagram and not question what the effect on reproduction later in life would be. Eric's reproductive organs were exposed to 65 years' worth of annual background radiation in just 15 minutes.

The Denson family paid a bitter price. One of the children born after Eric's return had developmental difficulties. Three of his grandchildren have unexplained spinal problems. One granddaughter had three adult teeth missing, while her son has had three sets of teeth. Another great-grandchild had a kidney defect.

The full body clothing that had to be donned by British troops and Press alike at the detonation of nuclear bombs

A partial list of diseases and deformities suffered by the servicemen's descendants, compiled by campaigners, makes grim reading. They include children with cancers, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, holes in the heart, cystic kidneys, diabetes, lung defects and thyroid disease. Overall, the descendants report five times the usual rate of infant mortality and the wives three times the national rate of miscarriage.

Britain is shamed by the government's refusal to act. France, Russia and America have compensated their own veterans, while Australia, Fiji and New Zealand have made reparations to their troops used in our tests.

Former defence secretary Gavin Williamson did promise to back our campaign, but was replaced before anything could be done. And at the 2019 general election Labour's manifesto pledged 75 million for compensation.

Emily Thornberry, who was then shadow foreign secretary, said it was the government's duty 'to correct the injustices of the past'.

In 2022, after a five-year fight, the nuclear veterans finally got a medal  although it was only commemorative and many of those ordered to work in the nuclear clouds of our enemies and allies were left out.

Now Sir Keir Starmer's Government has an opportunity to revive Labour's pledge and correct the wrongs of successive governments. For almost all the veterans it is too late for justice, but their families, and their memories, demand it. And as long as it is denied, shame hangs over Britain like a mushroom cloud.
The House unanimously voted to establish a bipartisan task force to take a fine-tooth comb to the occurrences that led to the near-assassination of Donald Trump earlier this month.

The group will include 13 members, seven Republicans and six Democrats. The 416-0 vote came after a series of three congressional hearings this week on the matter - one with Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle that preempted her resignation.

A Judiciary Committee Hearing included testimony from FBI director Christopher Wray and the Homeland Security Committee heard testimony from Pennsylvania law enforcement officials and visited the scene of the shooting.

Wray disclosed stunning new details about the shooting, including that 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks flew a drone 200 yards from the stage two hours before, he had three bombs in his car that could be remotely detonated, and more.

Having three separate committees of jurisdiction is what led leadership to establish one panel focused solely on the shooting.

The House unanimously voted to establish a bipartisan task force to take a fine tooth comb to the occurrences that led to the near-assassination of Donald Trump earlier this month

'The security failures that allowed an assassination attempt on Donald Trump's life are shocking.  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,' Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement.

The task force is similar to what was set up after the 9/11 attack, and another that was formed after January 6, 2021.

It's not yet clear who will be appointed to the task force.

Already there's been drama of who will sit on the panel. The right wing House Freedom Caucus put out a statement urging leadership to keep Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., off the panel.

Thompson led a bill that would strip protectees of their Secret Service detail if they were sentenced for a felony conviction.

He later said he'd expressed no interest in serving on the task force.

Even after three separate hearings, many questions remain.

They wondered why a rooftop within rifle range of the stage was left out of the security perimeter of the rally and scratched their heads when Secret Service Director Cheatle insisted that agents had not been placed on that roof because it was 'sloped.'

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.

Cheatle gave answers that were deemed woefully insufficient by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle over why an agent was not stationed on the roof from where Crooks opened fire on the former president, and why Trump was allowed to take the stage even when a threat was detected.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
A cafe worker in Australia's coffee capital has opened up on the one question customers ask that shows a lack of respect.

Liam Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier has worked on and off in cafes and bars for almost eight years, and in that time has learnt a lot about people and how they treat those serving them.

But the Melbourne man said it's not the lack of thank-yous and the occasional impatience shown by customers that is most galling to him.

Instead, he said, the question that most gets to him is that customers 'have a fanatical interest in the level of education achieved by the people serving them'.

In all the jobs he's had, including in a creative agency in London and being a content creator in San Francisco, nobody ever asked where he went to university - except when he has worked in hospitality, where he hears it all the time.

'There is an assumption in this country that wait staff above a certain age are where they are because they lack the skills or gumption to "get a proper job",' Mr Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier wrote in The Age.

He said wait staff 'occupy the unskilled peripherals of the workforce, yet there is hell to pay if we fail to magic up 12 espresso martinis the moment they're asked for'.

'The bloke behind the bar and the girl clearing your plates aren't as dense as you think they are.'

Cafe worker Liam Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier (pictured) has opened up on the one question customers ask that shows a lack of respect

Customers don't realise that the person taking their order and delivering their food and drinks is multitasking and taking care of many people at several different tables, including watching out for food allergies and intolerances, he said.

'I've worked in hospitality for a long time and I've always encountered this pervading stigma,' Mr Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier told Daily Mail Australia.

He said the attitude doesn't just come in the bars and restaurants he's worked in, but also in everyday life.

Sometimes he has felt like 'inventing an alternative job title' because when he told people he worked in a restaurant 'their face kinds of drops'.

'And that line of inquiry just then lapses because the assumption therefore was, "Oh, you just work in a restaurant",' Mr Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier said.

While at work, he said many people assume the people wiping tables are there because they are poorly educated.

'I could never tell if diners were surprised or disappointed when I disclosed I had a first-class honours degree,' he said, adding that he often wondered if they then wonder "If he's so smart, why is he working here?",' he said.

He pointed out that long-term service workers are often those who can't afford to study full-time or take an unpaid internship with a big business.

The people who are most well off are usually the ones who are most disrespectful to hospitality staff, he said.

It's not the lack of thank-yous and the occasional impatience shown by customers that is most galling to service workers. Stock image

Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier has copped abuse (pictured) over his surname since writing about the situation

Mr Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier has copped abuse over his surname since writing about the situation, with one person trolling him to say 'Sorry but if you're living life with a name like that and you're not an aristocrat or living off a trust fund then that's on you.'

He is neither an aristocrat, nor on a trust fund, and found the comment funny.

Mr Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier said that those who call for the return of national service, as UK prime minister Rishi Sunak did in that country's recent election, should make every young person work in hospitality for a time if they really want to punish them.

There was a lot of support for his views online, with one commenter saying 'As a 63 yo I can say that respect died out long ago.

'People these days think they are entitled and better than others. Luckily I'm retired and don't have to deal with these clowns.'

Another said their 'daughter worked in a cafe in a well off suburb while a student, and some of the older people were so horrible to her she left in the end'.

'Fortunately she found work in another cafe with lovely customers. It certainly opened my eyes to how horrible my generation can be.'

But others suggested it 'works both ways'.

'I have been in cafes where I stand waiting to be served behind the sign that says "please wait to be seated" only to be passed many times by wait staff who were not busy, nor was the cafe, but instead chose to chat to the other wait staff,' one said.
Two teenagers who filmed themselves fishing in a popular aquarium have been let off with a warning despite causing distress to staff and outrage online.

The pair shared a video to TikTok earlier this week showing themselves brazenly using large fishing rods to allegedly catch and steal fish from AQWA, Perth's largest aquarium in the northern suburbs of Hillarys on Monday afternoon.

It's understood the teenagers trespassed to gain access to the pool between 4.30pm and 5pm and fled the scene after being caught by a staff member.

Western Australia Police on Wednesday confirmed the pair were issued juvenile cautions for trespassing and stealing.

AQWA General Manager Catherine Buckley said her 'entire team' was 'distressed' by the video, which showed the teens catching a bus to the aquarium and casting from a barrier near the centre's outdoor playground.

'Our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of the animals in our care and that of our many visitors,' Mrs Buckley told The West.

'Our goal is to educate and inspire the community on the wonders that inhabit our oceans and rivers.

'The entire team and I were very distressed by the vision and equally concerned for the safety and wellbeing of the individuals shown in the video.'

A pair of teenagers (one pictured) were issued issued juvenile cautions for trespassing and stealing after they filmed themselves fishing at Perth's AQWA aquarium

The aquarium has adopted additional security measures since the teenagers were caught but did not confirm what kind of animals they caught.

AQWA is well-known for its walk-through underwater tunnel and interactive touch pool featuring Western Australian marine life - including turtles, stingrays, fish, starfish and sharks.

It opened in 1988 and has established itself as one of the main tourist attractions in Perth's north.
Quadruple homicide suspect Bryan Kohberger 's attorneys have demanded a huge change before his trial starts next year.

In a court filing made public Tuesday afternoon, attorneys for the 29-year-old criminology student argue that the three month-long trial be moved out of Moscow, Idaho and into the capital city of Boise.

They claim that their client's constitutional right to a fair trial would be 'utterly corrupted' if it were to take place in Latah County - where he allegedly murdered University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, in their off-campus home.

The lawyers cited 'extensive publicity that is ongoing and inflammatory,' including the dissemination of inaccurate information in the news and on social media that would be inadmissible at trial, the Idaho Statesman reports.

Lawyers representing quadruple homicide suspect Bryan Kohberger, 29, are demanding his trial be moved to Boise, Idaho from Moscow, Idaho

The nearly 320-page filing notes that the media coverage began as soon as police found the four students dead in their house on King Road, and became 'extensive' during an ensuing six-week-long police investigation.

Aside from traditional media, the story was covered in magazines, books, crime television shows, podcasts and on social media, Kohberger's attorneys wrote.

'The publicity has been extremely pervasive in the small community of Latah County,' wrote Anne Taylor, the lead public defender.

'Remediations, such as enlarging the jury pool, will not cure the problem.'

She went on to argue that Ada County, the largest in the state and home to the capital city has 'more than 10 times as many potential jurors than Latah County' and provides Kohberger with the best chance of getting an impartial jury.

'Latah County is, in all regards, a nice, quaint close-knit community that sticks together,' Taylor wrote, according to the Statesman.

'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 the law,' she argued.

Kohberger is accused of murdering University of Idaho students (L-R) Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle on November 13, 2022

Defense attorneys also argued that logistics warrant moving the trial to the Ada County Courthouse in Boise - where the high-profile trials of Doomsday mom Lori Vallow and her husband Chad Daybell were held.

The size of the courtroom offers adequate space, with a large overflow room for the hoards of people who are expected to want to watch Kohberger's trial, lawyers argued.

It also offers appropriate security for all the parties, including jurors, as well as access to the state's largest airport will be important for all of the witnesses traveling in and out of town.

But Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, who is leading the case against Kohberger, has said he opposes moving the trial out of Moscow.

He previously argued that the defense's claims about the publicity of the high-profile case does not warrant moving it elsewhere in the state.

'I don't think a change of venue is going to solve any of these problems,' Thompson said at a hearing earlier this year, according to the Statesman.

'The state's position on venue is that the case should be held here. It's a Latah County case.

'We believe that we can select an appropriate panel of jurors from Latah County,' he argued.

The students were found dead that day inside their off-campus home, which has since been demolished

Through their attorney, the family of victim Kaylee Goncalves told the Statesman last month that they, too, want the trial to remain in Moscow - where Kohberger has been detained 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 delay,' the statement said.

They also added that they approved of setting a trial date after more than a year of waiting since Kohberger was arraigned in May 2023.

His initial trial date was set for October 2023, but Taylor filed for extensions and further hearings numerous times since his arrest.

Kohberger's team even delayed revealing his official alibi until May 2024.

When he finally submitted the alibi, prosecutors tore it apart, as Kohberger claimed he was 'driving alone' on the night of the murders 'to look at the moon and stars.'

In that filing, Taylor said she would be calling on a phone data analysis expert to back up his claims he was miles from the scene, which is one of the pieces of evidence prosecutors and the defense have repeatedly clashed over.

Prosecutors allege that a white Hyundai matching one owned by Kohberger was seen in surveillance footage fleeing the scene of the crime

From cellphone data produced by prosecutors, the route allegedly driven by Bryan Kohberger on the night of the brutal Idaho murders may be a crucial piece of evidence in the state's case against the 28-year-old. In his alibi filing, his lawyers say they plan to dispute this data

Kohberger has maintained his innocence since his arrest in December 2022, over a month after the murders that shocked the nation.

The month-long search for the alleged killer led to widespread media attention, with the families of the victims using the spotlight to condemn the proceedings against Kohberger.

In December 2023, the mother of victim Kaylee Goncalves said the ongoing process has been 'gut wrenching.'

'It's gut-wrenching how slow everything has to go. Why does this have to be so drawn out?' Kaylee's mother Krisi said in an interview with KHQ.

'It's important, I get it, but there are facts, we have certain facts, we have certain knowledge. I can't believe that this is how it works.'

A memorial was set up at the university for the four students following their shocking deaths

In December, Idaho officials again came under fire after the off-campus home where the four students were stabbed to death was torn down, against the victim's families' wishes.

Although both prosecution and defense agreed for it to be torn down, the families argued against it, with Goncalves' loved ones fearing the move would 'destroy one of the most critical pieces of evidence in the case.'

Before it was torn down, the scenes inside the home were so gruesome that exclusive DailyMail.com images showed blood seeping down the outsides of the home.

When he was arrested, prosecutors cited partial DNA matches found on a Ka-Bar knife sheath found at the home. No murder weapon has ever been found.

The scenes inside the home were so gruesome that blood dripped down the outside of the wall of the property, which investigators described as the worst crime scene they have ever seen

Investigators were seen in January 2023 removing a bloodied mattress from the home where four University of Idaho were murdered

In an ongoing back-and-forth over such evidence in court - also including cell phone data and surveillance allegedly of Kohberger's car at the crime scene - the defense claimed that prosecutors have not turned over what they may present in court.

Taylor filed a motion last month to compel the defense to do so, with the defense countering that they are restricted by some federal laws due to the FBI's involvement in the case.

The defense has also filed to dismiss the entire case, claiming he was indicted by a biased grand jury and the case was tainted by misconduct by the prosecution and the admission of invalid evidence. The motion was denied.

Now, Judge John Judge will ultimately decide whether to grant the defense's change in venue request.

He had set a Monday deadline for the defense to file its arguments ahead of an August 29 hearing, and a formal reply from the prosecutors is due on August 12.

Kohberger's defense team may seek a rebuttal a week later.

At the hearing, the team is expected to call four witnesses, including a trial consultant they had hired to survey prospective jurors to justify the change in venue, a survey researcher, a social psychologist who studies bias and a media analyst, the Statesman reports.
A grandmother has bucked the trend of baby boomers being used as free childcare by their families, describing child-rearing as mostly 'abject drudgery' when they should be enjoying their golden years.

Melbourne writer Avril Moore sparked a fiery debate when she declared she and her husband would not be helping to raise their grandchildren - despite the pressure of 'glossy lifestyle' ads promoting the 'joy and wonder' of looking after small kids.

'Rebelling against the status quo is not the primary reason for either of us not providing care for our progeny. The truth is we simply don't like it,' she wrote in an opinion piece for The Age.

The grandmother of eight said she had spent many years raising her own children and she and her husband did not want to take on that responsibility again in their later years.

'Caring for preschool kids, particularly under the age of four, is a relentless regime of feeding, sleeping, nappy-changing, wiping, cleaning, carrying, rocking, vomit, dribble, teething pain, temperatures, sickness, reading mindless picture books, playgrounds and trying to decipher baby babble,' she wrote.

Ms Moore clarified she had no problem with taking on the role of grandparent - with occasional visits, activities and days out - but felt there was a big difference between that and '8am to 6pm babysitting... several days a week while parents work day jobs'.

Poll Do you agree with Avril Moore and her refusal to be used as free childcare? Yes, it's fair enough No, it's selfish Do you agree with Avril Moore and her refusal to be used as free childcare? Yes, it's fair enough 1953 votes

No, it's selfish 339 votes Now share your opinion





The part-time lecturer said she also 'resented' the social expectation - backed up by figures in the government's gender equality strategy - that grandmothers should participate in regular childcare simply because they are female.

She went on to complain about 'old men waxing lyrical about their newfound love of kiddy care' - after these same men 'never lifted a finger when their own children were young' and 'now expect to receive a sainthood for suddenly changing a nappy'.

One Aussie grandmother said she 'resented' the expectation she should provide free childcare to her grandchildren (stock image)

Ms Moore's op-ed sparked a flood of comments from readers, with some agreeing it was a 'thankless' job that often involved being lectured by their adult children about the 'correct' way to do things.

But others said it was a privilege to be able to be involved in raising grandchildren.

'Avril Moore's opinion piece about being a caring grandparent left me feeling a bit sad for her,' Tim Herborn, from Blackheath, wrote in a letter to the editor.

'She seems to forget that when it comes to putting a roof over one's head, our generation had it much easier than the current generation.

'I'm sure there are plenty of grandparents helping out with childcare through sheer financial necessity as well as those grandparents who simply want to be part of the family.'

'Our care of nine grandchildren over 15 years has fostered a very close relationship with them all,' said Sally Spurr, from Lane Cove.

'Amazingly we still manage a satisfying life of work, theatre and holidays... It's called family.'

'Put away the resentment. There are precious times to be had with your grandkids. Enjoy the moment. Before you know it, it will be, "Hi, have a nice life,"' Vic Alhadeff from Kirribilli said.

But one commenter agreed with Ms Moore's complaint about being free labour.

'To expect grandparents to care for children more than one day a week is selfish... I love 'em, don't get me wrong, but they are not mine to raise,' they said.

'Totally agree... Governments rely on the generosity of mostly women to help provide free childcare. Imagine if men could not work because they had no childcare? The situation would be rectified in months,' another said.

'It's always amazed me how many young people expect their parents to step into the role of carer while they chase a career and pay off huge mortgages. So unfair to grandparents who've done it once and are now free to do as they wish,' a third chimed in.

According to Victoria University's Mitchell Institute, about nine million Australians live in neighbourhoods classified as 'childcare deserts' where access to daycare is limited

According to Victoria University's Mitchell Institute, about nine million Australians live in neighbourhoods classified as 'childcare deserts' where access to daycare is limited.

And about 1.1 million live in regional or remote areas where there are no childcare centres available at all.

For those who do have access to childcare, recent fee increases, limited places and staff shortages mean affordable childcare is increasingly hard to find.

The government childcare subsidy for working families increased in July 2023 but, according to the ACCC this has largely been eroded by an increase in fees.
The FBI's director has cast doubt on whether Donald Trump was struck by a bullet during the attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania political rally.

Christopher Wray was updating Congress about the assassination attempt on Trump in Butler on Wednesday when he made the explosive statement.

'With respect to former President Trump, theres some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear,' Wray said.

'I don't know right now whether that bullet, in addition to causing the grazing, could have landed somewhere else.'

Wray was addressing security failures that allowed gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks to open fire. Crooks, 20, killed firefighter Corey Comperatore, 50, and injured two others including Trump during the shooting.

The presidential hopeful has since given extensive accounts of the moment he was shot and was seen sporting a bandage over his ear.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has cast doubt on whether Donald Trump was actually shot during the attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania political rally.

'When I went down, bullets were coming over my head and you hear them, it's like a zip, zip,' he said.

The former president claims his Secret Service detail 'thought it was over when I went down' because of 'a lot of blood coming' after his ear was grazed.

Trump, 78, argued with his agents, telling them how he was 'not going on a stretcher' and instead vowed to 'get up'.

He added that a last minute turn of the head to glance at a screen is what saved him from the bullet.

'I'm supposed to be dead. The most incredible thing was that I happened to not only turn, but to turn at the exact right time and in just the right amount,' he added, saying he survived 'by luck or by God'.

Some initial reports on the day of the shooting speculated that Trump may have been struck by a shattered piece of glass when a bullet struck the teleprompter.

The teleprompter theory, however, was debunked when photos showed that both glass screens were in tact after the attack.

Trump tuned into Wray's testimony, which also saw him detail how Crooks had researched the assassination of President John F. Kennedy prior to the shooting.

The gunman did a Google search one week prior of 'How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?' according to Wray, who said the 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 Crooks, is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed Kennedy from a sniper's perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

Wray said his understanding was that a bullet or some shrapnel 'is what grazed his [Trump's] ear' during the attempted assassination in Butler on July 13

Trump pumped a fist at the crowd and appeared to mouth 'fight' before being escorted off the stage by his security detail on July 13, 2024.

'That's 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, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee.

The FBI is investigating the shooting 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.

'We do not know the motive. That is obviously one of the central questions in our investigation, and it's 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.

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 prior to his decision to withdraw from the election.

His answer that he had not witnessed any issues with the president's mental state left Trump unimpressed, with the Republican nominee calling for Wray to resign.

'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.

Members of the crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania rushed to his aid following the shooting

The presidential hopeful has since given extensive accounts of the moment he was shot and was seen sporting a bandage over his ear

'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!'

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 amid mounting questions over her the colossal security failures at the rally.

Cheatle took responsibility for the catastrophic lapses after she was lambasted by Republicans and Democrats alike when she appeared before Congress on Monday.

The security chief had faced mounting questions over why an agent was not stationed on the roof from where Crooks opened fire on the former president, and why Trump was allowed to take the stage even when a threat was detected.

Crooks had been identified as a suspicious person hours before the shooting took place.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has dramatically announced her resignation after the massive security failures that led to the attempted assassination on Donald Trump

Wray's testimony before Congress touched on security failures which allowed Thomas Matthew Crooks to open fire despite being identified as a suspicious person on the day of the shooting

He was shot dead by a sniper but not before he was able to discharge a volley of bullets into the crowd.

Wray said Crooks used mechanical equipment on the ground and vertical piping, to hoist himself up onto the roof of a squat manufacturing building that was within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage.

He 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.
The family of murdered schoolgirl Billie-Jo Jenkins face new heartache after a police reinvestigation found no new clues.

The 13-year-old was battered to death in 1997 with an 18-inch iron tent peg as she painted the patio doors of foster father Sion Jenkins' house in Hastings, East Sussex.

Police arrested Jenkins and he was initially found guilty of her murder and spent six years in prison before being acquitted in 2006 following two retrials.

There were hopes that scientific advances would help to finally solve Billie-Jo's killing with police ordering a forensic review two years ago of the exhibits from the murder scene.

It is believed that 148 blood spots found on ex-deputy headteacher Jenkins' clothes formed part of the review, reported The Mirror.

But those hopes were dashed yesterday as murder detectives announced 'no new evidence had been found', two years after police ordered a forensic review of the exhibits from the murder scene.

Billie-Jo Jenkins, 13, was battered to death in 1997 a she painted the patio doors of her foster father Sion Jenkins' house in Hastings, East Sussex

Police arrested Jenkins and he was initially found guilty of her murder and spent six years in prison before being acquitted in 2006 following two retrials (Pictured in 2007)

An 18-inch iron tent peg was use to bludgeon the schoolgirl to death

Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme said: 'The review's findings have now been collated and assessed, in consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, and unfortunately no new evidence or opportunities to further progress the investigation have been identified.

'Billie-Jo and her family have remained at the forefront of our minds throughout this review and we share their ongoing desire for justice for Billie-Jo.

'We are grateful for their patience while the case was reviewed and the outcome shared with them.

'While we are not looking for any new suspects, anyone who has any new information in this case is encouraged to contact Sussex Police by calling 101 at any time, quoting Operation Cathedral.'

Prosecutors said the spatters - invisible to the naked eye - were the result of Jenkins hitting Billie-Jo, but his defence team insisted they were a fine spray of her breath after he found her dying.

Mr Jenkins was originally convicted of murdering Billie-Jo in 1998 and failed with an appeal a year later.

But following a two-year review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, his case was eventually brought back to the Court of Appeal in 2003 and a year later his conviction was quashed and he was released on bail ahead of a retrial, which ended with the jury unable to reach a verdict.

A second retrial at the Old Bailey in 2006 ended in the same way and Mr Jenkins was declared not guilty, with the CPS announcing it was not pursuing another retrial.

There were hopes that scientific advances would help to finally solve Billie-Jo's killing with police ordering a forensic review two years ago of the exhibits from the murder scene

It is believed the full cost of the investigation, trials and subsequent appeals was around 10million.

Billie-Jo's family has previously called for police to investigate M25 rapist Antoni Imiela over her death.

Billie-Jo had revealed to friends she was being stalked by a man wearing a leather jacket from December 1996, with Imiela also known to wear black leather jackets.

Imiela, who was known to have been a sex offender since 1987, lived 20 miles away from Billie-Jo's home and had friends living in Hastings at the time she was murdered.

He was reportedly obsessed with girls around Billie-Jo's age and often used improvised weapons in his violent attacks.

In 2012 Imiela was found guilty of brutally raping mother-of-two Sheila Jankowitz, 29, on Christmas Day in 1987 thanks to DNA evidence.

In 2017 on the 20th anniversary of Billie-Jo's death her mother, Deborah Barnett called for police to reopen the case saying she wanted 'fresh eyes' to look at it.

She told the Daily Mirror: 'The police have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I can't describe it to you, unless you have lost a child, it's a nightmare. I want to get justice for her.

'I want them [the police] to do everything possible.'

Ms Barnett died a year later aged 59 without seeing justice for her daughter.
The shocking moment a vigilante father was left needing surgery on his face after being bashed by a man who allegedly stole his new car has been caught on camera.

Tony Bui, 41, bravely confronted an alleged thief who is accused of nicking his brand new Kia Carnival car from the driveway of his home in Footscray, inner-city Melbourne, at 6am Saturday.

By chance, Mr Bui's 12-year-old son spotted the car on Tuesday morning in the city centre on Nicholson Street.

Mr Bui then called the police and waited for them to arrive.

But before they showed up, a scuffle broke out between Mr Bui and the alleged thief, leaving the vigilante father with a broken nose and a fractured cheek.

Mr Bui's 12-year-old son, who caught the brave confrontation on camera, also called tripe-0.

'My dad's bleeding, my dad's bleeding,' he told the call operator.

'Can you come quickly please?'

Tony Bui (pictured), 41, bravely confronted an alleged thief who is accused of nicking his brand new Kia Carnival car from the driveway of his home in Footscray, inner-city Melbourne , at 6am Saturday. He was left with a broken nose and a fractured cheek for his troubles

Mr Bui's 12-year-old son, who caught the brave confrontation on camera (pictured), also called tripe-0

Mr Bui told Channel 9 that he was disappointed it took the police over 20 minutes to arrive after his initial phone call.

The alleged thief was able to flee the scene before police arrived.

A spokeswoman for Vitoria Police said that after spotting his car, Mr Bui 'confronted the offender as he got into the vehicle'.

'It is believed the offender then assaulted the 41-year-old man before fleeing the scene on foot,' the spokeswoman added.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
The mystery of why a $300,000 Bentley crashed into the US-Canada border crossing at 100mph and exploded, killing a couple inside, may never be solved as police close the case.

Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53, were incinerated in the huge fireball at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls on November 22 while on their way to a KISS rock concert.

The couple from the western New York community of Grand Island were in a 2022 Bentley Flying Spur, which can go from zero to 60mph in four seconds.

Security camera video showed the Bentley race through an intersection, hit a low median and vault high into the air just east of the bridge's main vehicle checkpoint.

Security camera video showed the Bentley race through an intersection, hit a low median and vault high into the air just east of the bridge's main vehicle checkpoint

The car flew for several yards and crashed into a line of checkpoint booths outside the camera's view, then exploded in a massive fireball that melted it.

The violent crash at the US-Canada border aroused fears of terrorism, but the FBI's Buffalo office said its investigation found no signs of a terror attack and turned the case over to local police.

Eight months later, police are still stumped and the case 'is considered closed at this point, but can be reopened if any new evidence comes to light', Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino told The Buffalo News.

Restaino said investigators were hampered by the fact that the car's event data recorder, or black box, was destroyed in the crash.

He said no one may ever know what caused the crash unless insurers discover it.

The Niagara Falls police investigated the crash without finding any answers to questions such as whether a mechanical failure or driver illness or error was to blame.

Also unknown are whether the black box sent any information about the sudden acceleration to Bentley, or if the car maker's own investigation found anything.

Kurt Villani, 53, was killed with his wife on Wednesday when their Bentley lost control and crashed on Rainbow Bridge. He is shown in 2014

The Bentley is shown driving towards the bridge on Wednesday morning. Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53, were inside

Erin Bronner, a Bentley Motors spokesperson, told the Buffalo News last February that Bentley Motors was conducting an investigation into the fatal crash.

Bronner declined to discuss any details of the case on Wednesday.

Betsy Ertel, a spokesperson for the Cincinnati Insurance Companies, which insured the Bentley, declined to discuss details of any claim 'out of respect for the privacy of our policyholders'.

Police said the Villanis were killed instantly in the crash and pronounced dead at the scene. Whether any of their relatives will file a lawsuit is unknown.

The 2022 Flying Spur can go from zero to 60mph in four seconds and sells for $204,500 to $309,000 new, depending on optional extras.

The couple told friends there was a problem with the accelerator in the weeks before the crash.

Bentley recalled some car models in 2021 because accelerators were becoming stuck, sparking safety fears.

The car maker issued the recall in the summer of 2021 for Continental GT and Flying Spur models built between 2018 and 2021.

The enormous explosion happened when the car crashed at an immigration checkpoint

The recall notice cited a manufacturing flaw that caused accelerators to get stuck while engaged.

'Due to inconsistent fitment of the fuse box and the electrical harness the A-post lower trim can protrude into the cabin reducing clearance to the accelerator pedal,' the notice warned.

'If the accelerator pedal is fully pressed whilst driving and is unable to return to its resting position, the vehicle will continue to accelerate, even when the driver's foot is removed from the accelerator pedal.'

In July 1978, Villani's grandmother, Lorraine, was also killed in a horror crash when she was flung from a boat on the Niagara River at 3am.

The 2022 Flying Spur can go from zero to 60mph in four seconds and sells for $204,500 to $309,000 new, depending on optional extras

Kurt and Gail Villani were also on board at the time but were unharmed.

The boat struck a bridge while Lorraine Villani was at the helm. The family later successfully sued the company that built the bridge, after it was found to not have been properly illuminated, for $120,000 in 1984.

Online records show that the Villani family owns a range of properties in the Grand Island-area.
President Joe Biden mumbled his way through an 11-minute farewell address to the nation and claimed he could have served another four years if he wanted to.

Biden, 81, spoke quietly, at times haltingly, and his voice was scratchy as he explained his stunning decision not to seek reelection.

The President said he had chosen to 'pass the torch' to Vice President Kamala Harris because it was time for 'younger voices' and he believed that would 'unite' the country and 'save' democracy.

Biden looked intently into the camera during the primetime address for which he was seated behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.

He said: 'I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future, all merited a second term.

'But nothing, nothing, can come in the way of saving our democracy, and that includes personal ambition, so I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.'

He added: 'There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There's also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, younger voices.'

Biden did not address questions over his own age, health and mental acuity, which have plagued his presidency from the start.

Doubts about his ability to do the job intensified following a disastrous debate performance last month, which shocked senior Democrats into calling for him to leave the 2024 presidential race.

President Joe Biden, in an Oval Office address, revealed why he decided to step down as the Democratic nominee

From right: Jill Biden, Ashley Biden and husband Howard Krein, and Hunter Biden and his daughter Finnegan listen to Joe Biden speak

As Biden spoke his wife Jill Biden, and children Hunter and Ashley, sat to his left along a wall watching his valedictory.

Also present were several of his grandchildren including Naomi Biden and Maisy Biden.

The family broke into applause when the president finished speaking. Jill Biden joined him at the Resolute Desk, and Hunter Biden hugged his father.

Biden, who has just recovered from a bout of COVID fumbled briefly in his delivery, mumbling at times.

He used the address to outline what he hopes will be his legacy and said he has more work to do in the six months he has left in office.

Hunter Biden gives his dad a hug

He said: 'I revere this office but I love my country more.

'It's been the honor of my life to serve as your president but the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think is more important than a title.'

Biden made it clear he is stepping down voluntarily, drawing a stark contrast with his predecessor.

He did not mention Donald Trump by name but talked about how the country is more important than anyone's ambition to stay in the Oval Office.

'America is an idea - an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator,' Biden said.

As the president spoke, his staff were gathered one floor up, on the state floor of the White House, to watch his remarks with wine and pizza.

Before the speech began, staffers were spotted walking in from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is across the street of the West Wing, into the White House proper for the event.

Biden's decision to step down sent shock waves throughout the world and ended his political career that has lasted more than 50 years.

He has already endorsed Harris and turned over his campaign infrastructure to her. The campaign has renamed itself 'Harris for President.'

President Joe Biden's granddaughter Finnegan Biden is tearful as Biden hugs his daughter Ashley Biden

Within 30 hours of Biden announcing on Sunday that he was stepping aside Harris had pledges from enough delegates to win the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

In his speech on Wednesday night, Biden did not explicitly endorse Harris but noted he had 'made my views known.'

He said: 'I made my choice. I've made my views known. I'd like to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris. She's experienced. She's tough. She's capable. She's been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.

'Now the choice is up to you, the American people.'

Hunter Biden, his daughter Finnegan, Howard Krein, Ashley Biden and Jill Biden in the Oval

Jill Biden joined Joe Biden at the Resolute Desk when he finished his speech

President Joe Biden returning to Delaware after being diagnosed with COVID

Democratic delegates will nominate their presidential ticket virtually in early August 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 beach house in Delaware, 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.

Biden spent weeks rebuffing pressure from senior figures in his party to step down as its nominee. But, on Sunday, he bowed to the inevitable.

He is the first incumbent president not to seek re-election since 1968 when Lyndon Johnson, under fire for his handling of the Vietnam War, abruptly pulled out of the campaign on March 31.

The president also joins James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, Calvin Coolidge and Harry Truman as presidents who all decided not to stand for a second term.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday denied there was a 'cover-up' of Biden's declining health and mental capabilities by staff and Biden family members.

Biden's top spokesperson was grilled repeatedly about his 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 had denied Biden was considering leaving the presidential race.

They had denied reports his health was on the decline.

But, in 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 second term in the White House.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied there was a 'coverup' of President Joe Biden 's health and mental capabilities

Jean-Pierre said the president made his decision in 'very short period of time.'

She 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 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.
China will further expand high-standard opening-up: VP

Xinhua) 10:52, July 25, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Soaring summer temperatures in Europe and Central Asia are killing nearly 400 children a year according to new analysis of the latest available data by the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) released on Wednesday
Houston police have announced a major breakthrough as they continue to investigate after a newborn baby boy wound up in a dumpster outside a taco shop.

Authorities have been probing the incident since first-responders found the baby with his umbilical cord still attached on Sunday.

As part of that investigation, officers have scrubbed through surveillance footage from the scene to identify who placed the newborn into a dumpster filled with trash and to track down any potential witnesses.

They have since identified a suspect and 'are continuing to work through the investigation,' spokesperson Jodi Silva told ABC News.

No details about the suspect have been released, including his or her alleged connection to the crime, and Silva said the name of the suspect will not be released until charges are filed.

The moment a newborn baby was pulled from a dumpster outside a taco shop in Texas was captured in heart-stopping footage

Authorities say a passerby called 911 on Sunday after hearing the baby crying from the filled dumpster outside of an apartment complex in southwest Houston

Heart-stopping footage obtained by ABC13 then shows officials responding to the scene, and finding the baby boy inside a bag.

EMS were then seen wrapping the baby in a blanket by the dumpster. The child appeared to be fresh out of the womb, with his hair wet, his skin pruned and his umbilical cord still attached.

Thankfully, he survived the horrific ordeal.

He was examined at a hospital and was determined to be in good health.

The baby is now under the care of Child Protective Services.

Houston cops investigate the scene after a baby was found

The Houston Police Department is investigating the taco truck where the baby's mother allegedly works

The apartment building's manager later 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 on Sunday.

The Houston Police Department is investigating the taco truck where the baby's mother allegedly works.

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 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.'
Workers in one Australian state are about to get an extra 10 days of leave from September 30, doubling the allowance available in any other state or territory.

Queensland public sector staff will get the extra leave for their reproductive health in a move first outlined in May but now expanded to include around 290,000 staff.

Premier Steven Miles said it is designed to ensure workers have enough time off to look after their fertility, with preventative health measures, screenings, IVF, hysterectomies and vasectomies among the treatments covered.

Conditions such as endometriosis, dysmenorrhea and severe menopause will also be included.

'We make history again with the announcement that some of the best workplace entitlements in the nation will be extended to even more Queensland workers,' Mr Miles said.

'I always want Queensland's incredible public sector to shine as an employer of choice and I hope to see other organisations follow our lead when it comes to backing the health and equity of workers.

'This is both about improving pay equity for women in the workforce and supporting the health and wellbeing of the workers who make this state a better place.'

The extra 10 days will be added to government employees' entitlements such as annual leave, sick leave and other types of time off.

Workers in one Australian state are about to get an extra 10 days of leave from September 30, doubling the allowance available in any other state or territory (stock image)

Queensland public sector staff will get the extra leave for their reproductive health in a move first outlined in May but now expanded to include around 290,000 staff (stock image)

It will not be cumulative, though, so any unused days cannot be rolled over into the following year.

Reproductive health leave already exists in Victoria, NSW and the ACT, where five days per year can be claimed.

South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia do not offer reproductive health leave to their public sector employees.

The Queensland government initiative is expected to cost about $90million a year.

Reproductive leave is not included in the National Employment Standards and is currently only available in a very limited number of private sector employers.

'Too many workers have been penalised or forced to bow out of employment because of reproductive health issues,' Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele O'Neil said.

'Unions will campaign for a universal paid 10 days leave to enable all workers access to this important category of leave.

'Working people have already campaigned, and won, this entitlement at some workplaces but we want to see this extended as a basic entitlement to all Australian workers.'
Republicans slammed Joe Biden's address explaining why he decided to cancel his reelection bid, saying the president should have given up the position much sooner since he 'hasn't been running the show.'

President Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office Wednesday evening to explain his rationale for suddenly dropping out of the presidential race on Sunday after weeks of pressure from Democratic allies like Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

His speech was the first direct address to the American people he has delivered since dropping out of the 2024 election and since being diagnosed with COVID one week ago.

During the address, he said he believed 'fresh voices' and 'younger voices' are better suited to run the country, address its many concerns and coalesce the country around a capable candidate.

Republicans, meanwhile, called the speech a cop out, with Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., saying 'It's very evident to me that he hasn't been running the show for quite some time.'

'Everybody knows about it,' he continued.

President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington Wednesday explaining his decision to no longer seek reelection

Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com: 'The whole thing should have happened a long time ago.'

'Every any American with common sense saw it. Clearly they knew. And, you know, the debate exposed it for what it was.'

'I don't think he convinced the world that he is capable of still running the country if he's not capable of leading a campaign.'

'So I mean, speech was fine. He got through it,' the Republican said.

Even a Democrat pointed out the president's decline.

'He doesn't look as good or sound as good as he used to,' Rep. Jared Moskowitz, R-Fla., said.

'But I think he's one of the best speeches he's ever given.'

He called the speech 'moving' and 'memorable.'

The Democrat also noted how Biden's leadership style is selfless.

'To watch someone say 'I revere this office, but I'm going to step away because it's for the benefit of my country.'' We just don't see that in public office.'

Rep. Dean Phillips, R-Minn., who breifly ran against Biden in the primary, said he has been trying to get the president to give his stepping aside speech for over a year.

'You're talking to the guy who tried about a year ago to have this speech,' he said.

Pelosi, who has reportedly had a hand in influencing Biden's decision to step aside, posted a glowing tribute to the president after his remarks.

'Tonight, we saw President Joe Biden  one of Americas most consequential presidents  show that he is not only on the right side of history, but on the right side of the future.'

'He has truly made a tangible difference in the lives of the American people. With love and gratitude, I salute President Biden for always believing in the possibilities of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment.'

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers an address to the nation on his decision to end his reelection campaign, from the Oval Office of the White House, as his son Hunter Biden listens, in Washington, D.C.

Biden spoke about how honored he is to have risen through politics for 50 years coming from humble beginnings as a kid from Pennsylvania with a stutter

In his address, Biden pointed to the future of the country, saying it is time for some one else to step up and lead.

'I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,' Biden said during the speech. 'It's the best way to unite our nation.'

He continued: 'There's also a time and place for new voices. Fresh voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time of places now.'

He tried to strike a unifying tone, saying emboldening the next generation of Democratic leaders is a more noble task than his own personal goals.

'You know in recent weeks it's become clear to me, I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor.'

'I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future all merited a second term.'

The president spoke at length about passing the torch to the next generation of Democrats

'But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.'

He said the choice was between 'unity and division,' adding, 'we have to decide we still believe in honesty decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.'

Biden also invoked a conciliatory story of his childhood and later career in politics.

'Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Claymont, Delaware one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States.'

'But here I am. That's what's so special about America.'
MAGA fanatics in North Carolina are not convinced that Vice President Kamala Harris' entry into the 2024 race will impact the results in November.

The Democratic Party lauds there is an 'enthusiasm boost' after President Joe Biden stepped aside and Harris took over his campaign on Sunday  but Donald Trump's biggest supporters think it's all a ruse.

Democrats are being 'really quiet' in North Carolina, 61-year-old surgical nurse Neal Morris told DailyMail.com at Trump's rally on Wednesday.

Trump's rally in Charlotte, North Carolina is his first since Biden announced he was ending his reelection campaign and endorsed his No. 2. It is also only the second rally since the former president was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt at his event in Butler, Pennsylvania earlier in July.

Jennifer Braga, 32, owns a cleaning business in Indian Trail, North Carolina and is originally from Brazil. She thinks Democrats don't have a choice but to rally behind Harris in November and said: 'They backed themselves into a corner.'

Jennifer Braga, 32, and husband Wesley Braga, 37, attend a Trump rally in Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday. Jennifer told DailyMail.com that Kamala Harris taking over for Joe Biden 'hasn't changed anything because the Republican Party is really united'

North Carolina is a must-win state in 2024 and Democrats have turned their attention there to try and pick it up in November.

In 2016, Trump won North Carolina by 3.6 percent and in 2020 his lead narrowed, but he still beat Biden there by 1.3 percent. Democrats think North Carolina is a red battleground they can pick up in 2024 and are working overtime to sway voters there.

The Democratic Party in North Carolina plans to double their workforce in the next two weeks, a spokesperson confirmed to DailyMail.com. And the Party decided to start staffing up six months earlier than in previous election cycles.

But Trump voters in the Tar Heel State agree with the former president that Harris' candidacy doesn't change anything about the state of the race.

Morris said that Harris is just a 'different puppet' that will carry out the same agenda Biden put forward.

'It hasn't changed anything because the Republican Party is really united,' said Braga, who voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016 before switching to Trump in 2020.

A 24-year-old bartender in Charlotte told DailyMail.com that she and other Republicans are 'not worried about Kamala taking over for Joe.'

Trump said in a call Tuesday the switch in candidates held no fear for him. He said her campaign for president imploded in 2020.

'If she campaigns that way now, and this is only going to be tougher, although she does have a lot of support from the fake news. There's no question about that,' he told reporters on a briefing call.

'But if she campaigns the way she campaigned then, you know, I suspect she won't be too tough.'

Vice President Kamala Harris is the de facto Democratic Party nominee this week after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday

In 2020, Harris ran a wildly unpopular primary bid against about a dozen other Democrats  including now boss Joe Biden.

She constantly polled around 2 percent or less in the crowded field and was labeled as unlikable by voters and political experts.

More broadly, Trump fans think that Harris will bring just 'more of the same' of the last four years under Biden's presidency  and they are not happy about it.

Braga said that the cost of cleaning supplies and other operational expenses to run her small business have tripled under Biden.

And Morris said he was supposed to retire two years ago when he was 59, but has been forced to keep working as a member of the 'middle working class.'
A Connecticut widow who killed her husband has been found dead while awaiting sentencing on manslaughter charges for the brutal killing of her doctor husband.

Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi, 76, admitted bludgeoning her spouse Dr. Pierluigi Bigazzi, 84, to death in 2017.

She then wrapped his body in a rug and left it in the basement of their Burlington home, before continuing to collect pay checks from his employment at UConn Health.

Kosuda-Bigazzi was staring at the prospect of 13 years in jail after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree larceny.

But in a shock development, the senior citizen was found dead just hours before she was due to be sentenced on Wednesday.

Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi, who killed her husband, has been found dead while awaiting sentencing on manslaughter charges

Her lawyer, Patrick Tomasiewicz, said her death was unexpected and did not state a cause.

'We were honored to be her legal counsel and did our very best to defend her in a complex case for the past six years,' he said in a statement.

'She was a very independent woman who was always in control of her own destiny.'

The medical examiner is yet to release an exact cause of death.

However, a neighbor interviewed by the outlet said that Kosuda-Bigazzi had taken her own life.

'We wanted her to be punished if she truly did this, which she admitted to,' the neighbor told FOX61 as she expressed her shock at the news.

'If I was walking down to get the mail she would turn around and go back to the house [...] there was no interaction after the fact.'

Kosuda-Bigazzi, 76, admitted bludgeoning her spouse Dr. Pierluigi Bigazzi, 84, to death in 2017

She was found dead at their formerly shared home in Burlington, Connecticut on Wednesday hours before she was due to be sentenced

Kosuda-Bigazzi was arrested in February 2018 in connection with the death of her huband, a professor of laboratory science and pathology at UConn Health. Pictured: Police at her Burlington home

Kosuda-Bigazzi was arrested in February 2018 in connection with the death of her husband, a professor of laboratory science and pathology at UConn Health.

His body was discovered in the basement after police came over for a wellness check. Bigazzi was killed by a blunt trauma to the head sometime in July 2017, according to the medical examiner.

Investigators said his wife continued to cash his salary from then until her arrest and had been seeking a murder charge. In writings found at her house, Kosuda-Bigazzi said she killed her husband with a hammer in self-defense, state police said.

Kosuda-Bigazzi wrote that she and her husband got into a fight after she told him repairs were needed to their home's backyard deck.

She wrote that he came at her with a hammer and she managed to wrestle it away from him during a lengthy struggle, authorities said.

'I hit him just swinging the hammer in any direction + then he was quiet  for a few seconds + then he stopped breathing,' she wrote, according to investigators.

Investigators said Kosuda-Bigazzi wrapped his body in a rug and left it in the basement of their home (pictured) before continuing to cash his salary until her arrest in February 2018

An exact cause of death has yet to be released by the medical examiner, but at least one neighbor has stated it was suicide

'I just wanted to slow him down. I sat on the floor by the kitchen cabinets across from the stove  next to him for a long time.'

She was free after having posted more than $1.5 million for bail.

An internal investigation by UConn resulted in the disciplining of a school medical official who was supposed to monitor Bigazzis work, but had no contact with him in the months before his body was found.

Kosuda-Bigazzi was painted as the leader in the relationship, according to those living nearby.

'She seemed to be the domineering one,' the neighbor said. 'He was a quieter, little Italian man. She was opinionated.'

Others said that frightened families had moved out of the area after learning the killer was out on bail.
Two men with balaclavas and armed with a gun have been arrested after a police pursuit close to nightclub king John Ibrahim's home in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Thursday morning.

A police operation was launched in George Street, Dover Heights, after police received reports from a member of the community that two men - aged 20 and 24 - were acting suspiciously, with one man allegedly carrying a gun.

NSW Police Eastern Suburbs crime manager Adam Solah said police began a pursuit of the two men travelling in their vehicle that ended after 'violent struggles' on Old South Head Rd in Bondi.

He said one of the men was arrested while still seated in the car, but the other man allegedly fled on foot before he was arrested a 'short distance' away.

Inspector Solah commended the two officers who 'wrestled' with both the men despite knowing they were possibly armed.

Police will allege they also found a loaded semi-automatic firearm and a revolver in the car.

While the men had been spotted near Mr Ibrahim's home, Inspector Solah said police were still investigating why the pair were there allegedly armed with weapons.

'At this stage it doesn't look like the men are linked to that area at all and they came from an area outside Dover Heights,' he said.

Two men with balaclavas and armed with a gun have been arrested after a police pursuit close to nightclub king John Ibrahim's home (pcitured) in Sydney 's eastern suburbs on Thursday

police began a pursuit of the two men travelling in their vehicle that ended after 'violent struggles' on Old South Head Rd in Bondi

'Why they were there will form a key line of our inquiry.'

Detectives were seen speaking to Mr Ibrahim at his house shortly after the arrests.

Inspector Solah urged anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers.

'There's no further threats on George Street, but police will maintain a high presence (during their investigation),' he said.

'This is an isolated incident, there's no further threats to the public.'

Police blocked off roads to Dover Heights as a PolAir helicopter circled the sky above the affluent coastal suburb while they pursued the two men.

A black Range Rover was later observed leaving the area under police escort about 10am.

Plain-clothed detectives were seen canvassing the street on Thursday afternoon, speaking to residents of the wealthy coastal enclave.

Police will allege they also found a loaded semi-automatic firearm and a revolver in the car

A police car patrolled George Street outside Mr Ibrahim's home on Thursday after the arrests
President Joe Biden, 81, didn't mention any concerns about his heatlh or divulge additional details about why he suddenly dropped out of the 2024 presidential race during his 11-minute Oval Office address.

The clearest he got to an explanation was that he didn't want 'ambition' to get in the way of his goal of 'saving' democracy - coded language for not wanting to see former President Donald Trump win another term.

Biden's formal address comes 28 days after his disastrous debate performance that put his reelection bid in peril.

During the Atlanta showdown against Trump, Biden appeared confused, mumbled his words, as the White House tried attributing it to a bad night and the president having a cold.

But soon a number of reports came out suggesting that the president had been deteriorating for several months.

President Joe Biden didn't mention any concerns about his health during his Oval Office address to the nation Wednesday night

Actor George Clooney wrote an op-ed for The New York Times saying the Biden he met at a June fundraiser 'was not the Joe "big F-ing deal" Biden of 2010. He wasn't even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate.'

Clooney encouraged the president to bow out.

Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton, a fellow Democrat, said Biden didn't seem to recognize who he was when they met in Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.

Republicans blamed a White House 'cover-up' of the president's health.

Biden didn't make things easier when he refused, during a post-debate sit-down with George Stephanopoulos, to get additional medical testing done, including a fresh cognitive exam.

The White House said that a neurologist had studied Biden in mid-January and results were released with his annual physical in February.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also bungled the initial response to a New York Post story that said a Parkinson's expert had visited the White House.

President Joe Biden is photographed arriving in Dover, Delaware last Wednesday after he tested positive for COVID-19. The positive test came after he told BET News that a 'medical condition' might push him out of the 2024 race

That expert, Jean-Pierre later clarified, was on-campus as the neurologist attending to the president's annual exam.

Biden initially said only 'God, almighty' would have him stand down from running for reelection.

Last Wednesday, during a pre-taped interview with BET News, the president said he would drop out 'if I had some medical condition that emerged.'

'If doctors came to me and said, "You've got this problem, that problem,"' he added.

Hours later, the president tested positive for COVID, making a hasty flight back from the campaign trail in Las Vegas to Delaware, where he wasn't seen publicly for six days.

During that time he made the announcement that he would back away from his 2024 plans.

Still, the White House would never budge and say Biden's decision had anything to do with his declining health.

When Biden's youngest brother Frank told CBS Sunday that he believed part of the president's decision to quit the campaign was health-related, a source to the family lashed out.

'Frank Biden suffers from alcoholism and hasn't spoken to his brother in weeks. What he said...is completely untrue,' the source said.

During Wednesday's briefing, Jean-Pierre also pushed that explanation aside.

'It has nothing to do with his health,' she said. 'I can say, no, that's not the reason.'
The family of a soldier who took his own life has instructed lawyers to investigate whether more could have been done to help him amid fears of a suicide cluster within his battalion.

Nicki Hart, 33, who had a history of mental health problems, died at Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire in February 2022.

A formal inquest has yet to take place but an Army Service Inquiry Report has now found there were several missed opportunities that significantly hampered the efforts to help him.

It also raised concerns over a possible suicide cluster after four sudden deaths in the 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland between 2018 and 2022.

The family of the father-of-three has now asked medical negligence lawyers Irwin Mitchell to take up the case.

Mr Harts widow, Sara, 38, said: Losing Nicki is something we have to live with every day. No words could describe the pain and grief we continue to feel more than two years on.

Nicki Hart, 33, (pictured) who had a history of mental health problems, in February 2022

His family has instructed lawyers to investigate whether more could have been done to help him

He passed away at Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire (pictured)

To watch my children have to grow up without their dad is devastating, and to know were not the only family going through this is incredibly tough. We always felt more could have been done to help Nicki, and the report validates those concerns. Our hope now is to stop it happening to someone else.

Lawyer Ayse Ince, who is representing the family, added: While its too late for Nicki, its vital changes are made to help prevent other families suffering.

The report stated that Mr Hart had previously attempted suicide in 2012 and 2014 after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

His mental health then deteriorated again shortly after close friend Ryan MacKenzie took his own life at the garrison in 2021. Mr Hart was assessed a month later but his presentation was deemed not related to mental health. It was only after he told officers in 2022 of three recent suicide bids that he was referred for mental health support.

But he was found dead in his barracks on February 5, 2022. The report highlighted a significant shortfall of psychiatrists leading to a longer waiting list for appointments. Ms Ince said concerns had also been raised about the culture at Catterick, where the 4th Battalion are based, and how it was difficult to engage with medics.

One of the 41 recommendations in the report states the possible requirement to investigate all recent deaths within the unit from the period 2018-2022 in order to identify whether the unit had experienced a suicide cluster.

An Army spokesman said: We are urgently reviewing and actioning the report recommendations.

For support call the Samaritans on 116123 or go to samaritans.org
Firefighters were sent to the scene of a fatal crash only to discover the victim was one of their colleagues.

Glenn Campbell, 21, died after his motorcycle and a tanker collided in East Lothian.

His firefighter colleagues were among those to respond to the accident, which happened between the villages of Drem and Dirleton.

They were dispatched after the crash between a red Scania tanker and Mr Campbell's green Kawasaki ZX 900E1 at around 7.45am on Wednesday of last week.

While Mr Campbell was declared dead at the scene, Police Scotland said the tanker driver was uninjured.

The tragedy has shocked the firefighting community, with tributes pouring in for Mr Campbell. Area Commander Marc Pincombe praised the crew member as a 'well respected and loved' firefighter.

Firefighters were shaken by the tragic discovery and shared tributes to late Glenn Campbell

'He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved me, but no one could stop his love for motorbikes,' Mr Campbell's girlfriend said of her 'soulmate'

Mr Campbell's girlfriend, Paige Whyte, described the motorcycle enthusiast as her 'soulmate'.

His friends paid tribute by holding a motorbike convoy, and firefighters have changed their social media profiles to a red line as a mark of respect.

Mr Pincombe said: 'Glenn was a well-respected and loved firefighter at North Berwick Community Fire Station.

'Our thoughts are with Glenn's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.'

Ms Whyte added: 'Not many people say soulmates exist. I was one of them until Glenn Campbell came into my life. He was my beautiful, amazing boy. I feel so lost without him.

'I could talk about Glenn all day, there was not one bad thing about him. He made me laugh and he had compassion for others.

'He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved me, but no one could stop his love for motorbikes.'

Fellow firefighter Callum Mason said: 'I didn't have the pleasure to know Glenn for long as we had only met in April for our TTM [training] course for the fire service.

'But I considered him a very close friend by the end of it due to his constant need to help others and make light of everything.'

Police said their inquiries were continuing and urged anyone who saw the accident to get in touch.

Sergeant Barry Sommerville said: 'I would ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or who may have dashcam footage, and has not yet spoken to or provided this information to officers, to contact us as soon as possible.'
Two men wearing balaclavas have been arrested near the home of John Ibrahim in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The pair, aged 24 and 20, were seen acting suspiciously before police were called to the scene on George Street at Dover Heights shortly before 9am on Thursday.

The two men fled in a Cupra SUV and were headed towards Bellevue Hill when they were stopped by police.

The 20-year-old driver was arrested while the 24-year-old passenger fled on foot before he was detained in a nearby backyard.

A semi-automatic firearm and revolver were found in the car.

Detectives were seen speaking to Mr Ibrahim at his house shortly after the arrests.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Mr Ibrahim is accused of any wrongdoing.

Police had blocked off roads to Dover Heights as a PolAir helicopter circled the sky above the affluent coastal suburb while they pursued the two men.

The pair of men were caught acting suspiciously near John Ibrahim's (pictured) house before police were called to the scene on George Street at Dover Heights before 9am on Thursday

Police swooped after two men wearing balaclavas in broad daylight were spotted near Ibrahim's home, with both men arrested following a police operation

Police blocked roads to Dover Heights while a PolAir helicopter is circled above the ritzy eastern Sydney suburb. Cops were later seen speaking to Ibrahim at his home

A black Range Rover was later observed leaving the area under police escort about 10am.

One neighbour said she witnessed the police pursuit.

'I thought as long as police were chasing them that's fine,' she told The Daily Telegraph.

She added she considered the street quite safe but that any incident got more attention because of the suburb's well known residents - such as Ibrahim whose flashy career as a Kings Cross nightclub boss has been made into two TV shows.

'It doesn't matter where you live these things happen,' she said.

Both of the arrested men have been taken to Waverley Police Station where they are expected to be charged.

Detective Inspector Adam Solah said there was a violent struggle as the balaclaved men were arrested.

'At this stage, we haven't ascertained why those two males were in that street. What we do know is that one of them was out of the vehicle carrying a firearm that we believe was loaded,' he said.

'We don't believe there are further threats to George Street ... it appears to be an isolated incident.'

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.
PM wouldn't say whether immigration minister would be sacked

Labor's chief Voice campaigner Linda Burney visibly shook and fought back tears as she resigned from politics after 21 years.

Anthony Albanese announced at a press conference in Sydney on Thursday that Indigenous Australians Minister Ms Burney and Skills Minister Brendan O'Connor will step down at the next federal election, due by May 2025.

The announcement will allow the Prime Minister to make the first changes to his ministry, which has remained unchanged since the May 2022 election.

On Thursday, he gushed about Ms Burney's career saying she had lived 'an incredible life' and suffered hardship, having lost her husband and son.

'Anyone who has the honour of calling Linda a friend understands the great strength behind her warmth and the courage that is the essence of her grace,' he said.

'The discrimination, hardship and loss she had to overcome in her life is more than most of us can comprehend.'

When she got up to speak, Ms Burney - who oversaw the government's failed Voice referendum - said: 'I will not promise that I won't cry.'

'After 21 years in politics, eight years in the federal parliament and 13 years in the NSW Parliament, it's time for me to pass on the baton to the next generation,' she said.

Her voice trembled when she spoke about her personal circumstances: 'I have been through more than my fair share of life's ups and down.'

Linda Burney (pictured) was emotional when she resigned as Indigenous Australians Minister on Thursday

Left to right: Skills and Training Minister Brendan O'Connor, PM Anthony Albanese, Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney

She paused - trying to hold her emotions back - nervously adjusting her glasses.

'But I think I have done it with kindness, grace, resilience, intelligence, and integrity,' she said, eventually.

'Of course, the Voice referendum, as the Prime Minister said, didn't deliver the outcome we had hoped, but I think history will treat it kindly.'

She thanked the Prime Minister, adding 'I'm going to call you Anthony today'.

'To you, Anthony, thank you for always being by my side, for your support and your friendship.'

Once she was away from the spotlight, she could be seen wiping tears from her eyes.

Following the announcement on Thursday, Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price - who was her archnemesis during the Voice - praised Ms Burney for her dedication to improving the lives of Indigenous Australians.

'While we have often differed in our views of how to best end indigenous disadvantage, Minister Burneys career has been driven by a burning desire to improve the lives of indigenous Australians,' Ms Price said in a statement.

'When the day comes that Indigenous Australians have the same life expectations as every other Australian, it will be in part due to Minister Burneys dedication in area of politics filled with difficult and harrowing realities.

'An immense personal sacrifice is demanded from anyone who volunteers for a life of service through elected office, but particularly so for Minister Burney who has experienced significant personal tragedy and loss.'

She wished Ms Burney well in her future endevours.

Minister for Skills Brendan O'Connor (pictured) announced his resignation on Thursday

Mr Albanese said the two departures from the ministry would 'enable a refresh and enable some new ministers to be able to take their place and take us forward over the coming months before the election'.

He then touted a united cabinet in his first two years in office.

'No government in living memory has had the same cabinet and ministerial positions for its first two years in office,' he said.

The announcement paves the way for Mr Albanese to do a cabinet reshuffle, with speculation Immigration Minister Andrew Giles is set to be sacked.

However, the prime minister dodged questions about Mr Giles on Thursday.

'What does a reshuffle mean for ministers like Andrew Giles and his future?' a reporter asked.

He replied: 'It means that there'll be a reshuffle on Sunday.

'I'm not going to speculate about all of the outcomes. We have caucus processes that will be respected.'

Mr Albanese has called for caucus nominations for the front bench.

He will announce the new ministerial line-up on a Sunday in Canberra and the new ministers will be sworn in on Monday morning.

'We have also been an incredibly stable government. No government in living memory has had the same cabinet and ministerial positions for its first two years in office,' Mr Albanese said.

'At the next election, I will be seeking to be the first Prime Minister since John Howard in 2004 to serve out a term and be re-elected as Prime Minister.'
The prime minister has offered his heartfelt support to the widow who lost her husband and daughter in a horror train accident at the weekend, urging his Home Affairs Minister to treat her family with generosity and compassion.

Anthony Albanese's comments come after Daily Mail Australia revealed Poonam Runwal was facing deportation in the wake of the Carlton train tragedy that claimed the lives of her husband and young twin daughter.

She was reliant on her husband's working visa to remain in Australia, but that was due to expire next week.

Sympathetic locals have thrown their support for the heartbroken mum to be allowed to remain in the country, and now the PM has backed her case too.

'It is a decision, obviously, for the Minister, but it's my view that matters like this should be dealt with the compassion that Australians would expect,' Mr Albanese told a press conference on Thursday.

'This mother has watched as her husband and one of her twin children has tragically lost their life and I would have thought that we're a generous country and that Australians' hearts will go out towards this woman and her young child.'

The shattered family have attracted an outpouring of emotion across the country since Mr Runwal died while heroically attempting to save the lives of his two twin daughters during a family outing on Sunday.

The Runwals had arrived at Carlton Station, in Sydney's south, about 12.25pm, and were getting out of station elevator and onto the platform, when they momentarily took their hands off the girls' pram.

Anand Runwal (right) and wife Poonam Runwal with their two-year-old twin daughters

Harrowing CCTV footage shows the young family's final moments together before they were ripped apart in an unimaginable tragedy when their pram rolled onto the train track

In an instant, their daughters' stroller rolled away and dropped onto the train tracks.

Mr Runwal leapt down the tracks in a bid to rescue his little girls but was struck by a passing train while trying to wrestle their pram back onto the platform.

One of the twins, Hinal, also died in the ordeal, while her twin sister miraculously survived after rolling under the train.

NSW Police Superintendent Paul Dunstan said the parents appeared to have taken their hands off the pram for a 'very short period of time' when it rolled towards the tracks.

Supt Dunstan said police were investigating what caused the pram to roll and said it could have been something as simple as a 'gust of wind'.

The family moved to Sydney from India in October 2023 after Mr Runwal secured a job with IT firm Infosys on a skilled workers visa.

His visa was due to expire on August 1 and he was in the process of having it renewed.

Mr Runwal sought advice on Facebook five weeks ago about the process for obtaining fast-tracked passports so he could complete the application.

'My visa is going to expire on Aug 1 2024, whereas my passport has [an] expiry date of February 2025,' he wrote.

'As per my employer, I need to have at least 12 months expiry date from today on my passport to extend my visa.'

As she was listed as a dependent on her husband's working visa, Ms Runwal's right to stay in Australia is now at risk as she grapples with the heartbreaking tragedy.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Home Affairs for a response to the Prime Minister's comments.

Police investigation the scene of the terrible tragedy in Sydney's south

Despite an outpouring of support from across the country, Ms Runwal's family have appealed to the public to refrain from attempting to raise funds for them on the internet, fearing online scammers would try to exploit her husband and daugher's tragic deaths by posting fake accounts designed to steal genuine supporters' money.

Instead, Mr Runwal's employer, Infosys, has been assisting the family with their ongoing expenses and help them take care of all funeral arrangements.

She has also been offered additional support from Westpac, where her husband worked as an IT consultant provided by Infosys.

NSW premier Chris Minns, who lives within 100m of the station, has said the father died while performing an 'extraordinary, instinctual act of bravery'.

'He gave his own life to try and save his children,' he said.
An elderly pastor has described how he wrestled a gun away from his grandson after the troubled man allegedly gunned down his wife and four young children.

Brandon Allan Kendrick, 32, faces five counts of capital murder after the mass shooting with a 9mm pistol at his grandfather's property in rural Alabama.

His wife Kelse Kendrick, 24, was found dead alongside their kids Kaleb, six, and Kynli, two, and their cousins Colton, eight, and Haley Daniels, six, last Thursday night.

Kendrick allegedly gunned down his family at the garage apartment they lived in on Allan Kendrick's property in West Blocton, about 40 miles south of Birmingham.

The 71-year-old recounted the episode at the end of a lengthy sermon at Oasis of Praise Church in nearby Bessemer, where he is senior pastor, on Sunday.

Brandon Allan Kendrick, 32, allegedly dead shot his wife Kelse Kendrick, 24, (left) along with their daughter Kynli and son Kaleb, and the children's two cousins

Kendrick's grandfather Allan Kendrick recounted the episode at the end of a lengthy sermon at Oasis of Praise Church in nearby Bessemer, where he is senior pastor, on Sunday

Allan also revealed to his congregation that Kendrick was 'physically, sexually, and mentally' abused until his grandparents got custody when he was 12.

Kendrick suffered from schizophrenia and his family explained to DailyMail.com how his mental state worsened in the weeks before the massacre.

'Kelse and her children have been victims of domestic violence for years,' one family member said, claiming he had a history of not taking his medication.

Kendrick pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in Bibb County Courthouse on Monday. He will face court again on September 26.

Allan told his followers he was watching TV in the main house with his wife Gay Kendrick when they heard what sounded like a gunshot.

'I didn't have my shoes on so I'm putting my shoes on and he (Kendrick) walked in our bedroom with a gun in his hand,' he said.

'[Gay] was closest to him and she grabbed the gun, it went off - I don't know how it kept from hitting her.'

His wife Kelse Kendrick, 24, was found dead alongside their son Kaleb, six, and Kynli, two, and their cousins Colton, eight, and Haley Daniels, six, on Thursday night

Kynli Kendrick, 2, Kaleb Kendrick, 6, Colton Daniels, 8, and Haley Daniels, 6, were found shot to death in rural Alabama on Thursday night

Allan then theatrically corrected himself to say that he did know how the bullet missed them - God intervened.

He revealed he was so concerned about Kendrick that he spoke to members of his congregation hours before the massacre.

'Our prayer team that night, about an hour before this incident, stood right here and joined hands and prayed for mine and Gay's safety,' he said.

'Anyway, I was able to subdue him, and once that happened he didn't know where he was at, he started asking me and Gay "where am I? Where's Kelse? Poppy, why are you angry? What did I do wrong?"'

Allan did not appear to have shared his concerns with authorities, and did not prevent Kelse and the four children from being around him that night.

The pastor explained his grandson's actions came out of nowhere as minutes earlier he appeared happy and no threat to anyone.

'Ten minutes before I heard a gunshot, my grandson was sitting in his bedroom with me and Gay... laughing, talking, and having a pretty good time,' he told the congregation.

Kendrick faces five counts of capital murder after the mass shooting

Allan was watching TV in the main house with his wife Gay Kendrick when he heard what sounded like a gunshot and went to investigate

'We were talking about the J Alexander dinner we took him to [and] a few others things, just laughing, talking.

'His wife had gotten home, she came in, laughed with us a little while [and] left. He got up [and] 10 minutes later, pow!'

Allan detailed Kendrick's history of abuse and mental illness, and how he had never even been to a restaurant before they took him to one for his 13th birthday.

'All he'd ever known for 12 years was abuse - physical, sexual, mental, drugs. When I got him at 12 years old he weighed 58lbs [and] he was on nine different psychotic medicines,' he said.

'At 18, the system failed him, took him off of disability, took him off medication because we couldn't afford to buy it, because they canceled his Medicaid.

'Gay and I watched him all these years, [we tried] so hard, talked to every agency, talked to everybody, we tried everything, had him institutionalized in hospitals - only to be discharged with no medication, no follow up, no doctor, nothing.'

Allan claimed his grandson considered his mental state to be such an emergency that hours before he shot his family, he called 911.

'One o'clock on Thursday morning, he's calling 911 asking for help - only to be turned down,' he said.

The shooting took place at Allan's property in rural Alabama, where Kendrick and his family lived in a garage apartment near the main house (Kaleb pictured with his sister and family dog on his first day of Pre-K)

Allan also revealed to his congregation that Kendrick was 'physically, sexually, and mentally' abused until his grandparents got custody when he was 12

Allan told Kelse's grandfather Bill Morrow how he stumbled upon the crime and confronted his grandson, according to a conversation recounted to Daily Mail.com by Kelse's uncle Eli Morrow.

'Brandon came at him with the gun, and he fought it away from him. Then he walked over [to the house] and found out what happened. So they were as surprised as everyone else, they didn't expect it,' Eli said.

'Brandon said, 'Why did you beat me up?' and Allan told him what he had done and he just said, 'Oh'.'

All five were found dead with gunshot wounds to their heads, other than Haley, who was still breathing and rushed to hospital, but did not survive.

Kaleb was the last victim and shot outside the garage apartment, possibly while running for his life, which is how Allan heard the gunfire.

'Allan said the door was knocked off its hinges, almost like she had locked him out and he broke the door down before shooting them. I'm assuming they were having some kind of argument,' Eli said.

Kendrick playing on a small dirt bike with Kaleb in the yard of the rural property

Kynli and Kaleb were killed in the massacre on Thursday night

Allan used Sunday's explanation of what happened to berate his congregation into 'getting right with God', because life was unpredictable.

'Don't you think, if you don't have Jesus, that you gonna walk out of here and everything is going to be cool, 'cause you ain't no match for the devil,' he said.

He said maybe those listening weren't mentally ill like Kendrick but they were not strong enough to resist the devil if he were to possess them.

'Better get your heart right with God - because you may be the next one on national news,' he said.

'You don't know if the person you're with in an elevator, or you've got your back to in Walmart... who could have a psychotic failure at any moment and you never even hear the gunshot, or the knife stab... you don't even know it til feel something sting. You better be ready, at all times.'

Allan asked if anyone had issues with mental illness or was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, PTSD, or 'a high level' of ADHD, and claimed 'God can heal you, if you'll let him'.

Kendrick and Kelse at their wedding on September 15, 2018

Kendrick allegedly shot Kelse and the children less than an hour after they returned home from Colton's birthday party about 7pm after he demanded she come home

He then spoke more about Kendrick, alluding to him not doing what he was supposed to do to manage his illness.

'You can rebel, you can have a granddaddy that can tell you every day what you need to do, give you scripture every day, pray over you every day, and you can continue to rebel until your life is gone... don't ever tell me God didn't give you a chance,' he said.

Throughout the rest of the hour-long sermon, Allan appeared jovial and danced to Christian songs. He explained how he refused to change a single thing about Sunday's service despite the family tragedy.

Allan called 911 about 8.18pm, and then got on the phone to Bill, Eli explained.

'Bill, you need to get down here, Brandon has shot Kelse all the kids in the head,' family said Allan told him.

Bill and his daughter Jessica, who is Colton and Haley's mother, rushed to the property but found it cordoned off by police when they arrived about 9pm.

Haley and Kynli together at a family Fourth of July gathering two weeks before they were killed

Colton and Haley were only at the house because their mother was having major surgery the next morning

Eli's wife Brittany Morrow explained that the massacre followed a last-minute decision by Kelse to give in to Kendrick's demands one last time.

'All of the children were supposed to spend the night at [Bill's] home,' Brittany told DailyMail.com.

'Brandon repeatedly begged and pleaded with her to come home and she gave in within an hour they were all shot in the head.'

Brittany explained that Colton and Haley's mother Jessica Morrow, 35, was having major surgery the next morning, so there was no option but to send them with Kelse.

'We live 45 minutes away. I wish to God they had asked us to take them for the night,' she said.

'What we are struggling with the most, is that it was a last-minute decision to take them over there, it was never in the plan because they knew he had been acting crazy.'

Kelse's car was broken down so Jessica dropped all five of them off at home on Green Tree Drive about 7pm.

Kynli and Kaleb in Halloween costume in their Alabama town

Police swarm the scene late at night on Friday morning

Kelse is Eli's niece by his older sister, who has since died, and Bill's grandfather, and the Morrow and Kendrick families have been intertwined for generations.

Eli had custody of Colton and Haley from January 2021 until last November, when a judge allowed them to return to Jessica.

'Jessica finally got her kids back, and then this happens,' Brittany said.

'I am devastated and destroyed... Eli and I had full custody of them for almost three years and they were my babies.'

Police rushed to the scene and arrested Kendrick after discovering the bodies, Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade said.

'It's absolutely horrible. It's unimaginable what the family is going through, what the friends of the family are experiencing, what the community is feeling right now,' he said.

'It was just a horrific scene that even seasoned officers told me it is the worst thing they've ever seen.

'As officers are going, they are saying there are more children that have been shot.'

Wade said Kendrick was yet to tell police why he did it, but 'I don't know what motive he could give us that would justify what he did anyway'.

Kendrick was booked into the Bibb County Jail about 3.30am and denied bail.

He is charged with four counts of capital murder of a child under 14, and one count of capital murder in the killing of two or more people in one act.

Kelse's uncle Eli Morrow had custody of Colton and Haley (front left and right) from January 2021 until last November, with the help of his wife Brittany (top right)

Colton and Haley with their uncle Eli Morrow

Oasis of Praise Church held a prayer vigil with more than 300 members last Friday night, saying proceeds from the collection plate would go to the families.

'Pastor wanted us to relay to all those asking if they can do anything: 'Tell everyone asking if they can do something that they can be at church Sunday at 10am',' the church wrote on its Facebook page.

'The church has committed to helping the families with expenses. If you would like to be a part of this effort, please give your donation to the church's benevolence fund.

'All donated money will be directed towards the needs of the families involved.'

Eli Morrow also started a GoFundMe page to help pay for the funerals, with his wife explaining the family didn't want the funeral at Allan's church.

'None of the family feel comfortable having it there, he's offered to have them cremated and have a memorial at his church, but the family has declined,' Brittany said.

'But we started the fundraiser because we're trying to figure out how we're going to pay for five funerals.'
For the umpteenth time, President Joe Biden has shown America that he's no longer fit to serve.

Not that you'd know it from the glowing coverage of his all-too-brief primetime address on Wednesday night, slurring and audibly gulping his way through the most consequential and historic speech of his political career.

'When you elected me I promised to always level with you,' Biden said from the Oval Office. 'To tell you the truth.'

The truth?

This is a president who has spent the last four years lying about his physical health and cognitive fitness.

A president who terrified the world with his debate performance against former president Donald Trump in June.

For the umpteenth time, President Joe Biden has shown America that he's no longer fit to serve.

A president who had to be pushed to stand down  and, when he finally did, released a typewritten letter with a digital signature. It didn't even have an official letterhead, or an accompanying photo or video.

But sure, let's have the sitting US president, a proven liar who had to be shoved out the door by Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, lecture us on honesty, democracy, and the indispensable need for integrity.

A president who, as the Mail exclusively reported, had to be rushed back on a supersonic Air Force One flight to Delaware last week because he was so sick.

A president whose press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted, on Wednesday, that Biden's decision to withdraw 'had nothing to do with his health' and that he 'didn't step down from campaigning or running because he didn't believe he can serve in a second term.'

Actually, that last part could technically be true. It's everyone else who doesn't believe he can do it.

Joe Biden, through his own stubbornness, got knifed in the back last week. The wound is still raw, the stitches fresh, and the American electorate isn't buying this cowboy-at-sunset act.

'Does character in public life still matter?' he asked.

I don't know, Joe  you tell us.

Please, reprimand America about 'character' while the shameless Dr. Jill and Hunter sit off-screen in the Oval during this speech, surely mourning their fates as dissolute Delawareans with bleak futures indeed.

Dr. Jill, who told Vogue post-debate for a cover interview that 'we will continue to fight'! Hunter, convicted in one criminal case and facing another, injecting himself into his father's high-level White House meetings!

And where was Kamala, Joe's 'incredible partner'?

Not at the White House.

Please, reprimand America about 'character' while the shameless Dr. Jill and Hunter sit off-screen in the Oval during this speech, surely mourning their fates as dissolute Delawareans with bleak futures indeed.

Dr. Jill, who told Vogue post-debate for a cover interview that you'd 'continue to fight'! Hunter, convicted in one criminal case and facing another, injecting himself into his father's high-level White House meetings!

Nope, Kamala is out on the campaign trail already, vibrating with glee at her incredible luck, smiling ear-to-ear while her clearly declining president suffers this brutal humiliation.

She can't even feign solemnity. She's incapable of comporting herself with an iota of decorum, of saying that while of course she dreamt of running, she never wanted to get the nomination like this.

No: Kamala is high on her own supply and running the show.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jill is jetting off to the Paris Olympics on Thursday, sucking the last bit of glamour from the presidential teat while leaving her ailing and heartbroken husband to grieve this loss without her.

Priorities!

Biden, 81, spoke of finally passing the torch  albeit a torch that had to be pried from his and Jill's lizardly, vise-like grips.

He spoke, pedantically, of the need for 'new voices, fresher voices, younger voices'.

Cackling voices, if you will.

Hey  it's better than slurring voices that degrade into whispers and fall apart, as Biden's has during this long goodbye.

If he really believed in honesty, integrity, and character in presidential politics, he would have done the only decent thing: resign from office.

'Nothing,' he said, 'nothing, can come in the way of saving our democracy.'

That includes you, Joe.
A brave surfer who narrowly escaped death after he was bitten by a shark and lost his leg has undergone surgery and remains in a stable condition.

Kai McKenzie, 23, was attacked by a 3m great white shark at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie, on the NSW mid-north coast, at about 11am on Tuesday.

Mr McKenzie managed to make it back to shore while his severed leg was found washed up on the beach and immediately placed on ice.

The 23-year-old was rushed to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle with severe blood loss before he underwent a mammoth operation on Wednesday.

His family have asked for privacy and it is unclear whether or not his leg has been reattached.

The development comes after shark attack trauma surgeon Randy Bindra revealed the difficulty of attempting to reattach a severed limb.

'The first thing is making sure the patient can withstand a very long operative procedure,' he told The Daily Telegraph.

'Youre looking at least six to eight hours, significant blood loss and multiple teams working together.'

Kai McKenzie, 23 (pictured), was attacked by what was is believed to be a 3 metre great white shark at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie on Tuesday morning

Despite being in a critical condition, Mr McKenzie was described as 'calm' and 'able to talk' and was airlifted to major trauma centre John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle

Professor Bindra said the second factor is the condition of the nerves and tendons and that time is critical.

He said the state of the bone and tissue is also crucial, the tissue starts to quickly die once the the circulation to an extremity has been cut off.

'If theres bone and tissue loss youre going to end up with one leg shorter than the other, we cant have that.'

Professor Bindra said Mr McKenzie had already beaten the hardest obstacle by surviving the first few hours after the attack and the initial blood loss.

He said Mr McKenzie faces a long road to recovery: six to eight weeks if the limb is not reattached and at least one year if surgery is successful.

Professor Bindra added dealing with the mental side of such a traumatic injury is always more difficult than the physical side.

'The trauma of near-death can stay with you for a very long time, as well as the trauma of losing a limb.'

An off-duty police officer is credited with saving Mr McKenzie's life after he used his dog's leash as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the loss of blood.

Mr McKenzie's surfboard is pictured following the horrific shark attack at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie on Tuesday morning

Australia's foremost shark attack trauma surgeon, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Gold Coast University Hospital Randy Bindra (pictured) revealed what would be involved if Mr McKenzie's leg was to be reattached

Despite being in a critical condition, Mr McKenzie was described as 'calm' and 'able to talk' and was airlifted to the major trauma centre at the Newcastle hospital.

His devastated loved ones rushed to his bedside and have made the bleak admission Mr McKenzie faces a 'long road to recovery' regardless of whether or not the limb can be reattached.

Mr McKenzie's neighbour Lauren Mac confirmed the 23-year-old had undergone surgery, but would not clarify the nature of the operation.

'This is all the family wants released at this time,' she said.

Ms Mac has created a GoFundMe in the wake of the attack which has so far raised over $130,000 for the young surfer.

'Kai is currently in John Hunter Hospital where he has had surgery and is in a stable condition,' 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.

'His mum and dad told me it's going to be a long road to recovery regardless of the outcome.'

The surfing community has rallied around the young surfer, including his sponsor Rage who shared a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday.

'Sending love to Kai, the youngest RAGE boy on the team and the toughest person that we know,' it read.
The public is being asked for assistance to locate a woman who has been missing from her south-east Queensland home for a week.

Kristel Padget, 38, was last seen leaving a property in Warwick St at Harristown, a suburb of Toowoomba, about 8am Sunday.

She has not been seen or heard from since.

Queensland Police said that early investigations indicate Ms Padget could be in the Gold Coast area.

She is described as white, about 171cm tall, with a small build, reddish brown hair and hazel eyes.

Police said she could also be driving a 2015 Mercedes Benz A200 with the number plate MERC86.

Serious concerns for her welfare are held by her family and police as she has a medical condition and the behaviour is out of character.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via PoliceLink online or on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers, and quote reference QP2401242111.
A teenage boy has been arrested and an imitation firearm seized following a 'serious incident' at a north Queensland school.

Ryan Catholic College was plunged into lockdown for an hour on Thursday as the incident unfolded on Canterbury Road at Kirwan, Townsville at about 12pm.

The 1,800 children enrolled between kindergarten and Year 12 at the school were forced to remain in their classrooms during the shocking incident.

The incident was sparked after reports of two suspicious people near the school grounds.

A boy was reportedly seen carrying what appeared to be a replica weapon or gel blaster, the Townsville Bulletin reported.

Police said the initial information was that the boy allegedly assaulted another boy before fleeing on foot.

The boy who was allegedly assaulted sustained minor injuries.

A search and lockdown was immediately enacted at the school as the situation evolved.

Ryan Catholic College (pictured) students were forced to remain in the classroom as the incident unfolded on Canterbury Road at Kirwan, Townsville at 12pm on Thursday

Police soon managed to locate a teenage boy in connection with the incident.

He was taken into custody and is assisting police with their inquiries.

The school administration issued a statement during the lockdown.

'A serious incident has occurred resulting in the college being placed in lockdown,' it read.

'Staff acted quickly and calmly, and all students are safe.

'Police are onsite to resolve the issue and further communication will be sent once the lockdown has been lifted.'

The lockdown was lifted an hour later and the children were allowed to leave their classrooms.

Police said no one was injured and there is no ongoing threat to the school.
US and Canadian fighter jets scrambled to intercept Russian and Chinese nuclear capable strategic bombers as they commenced war games during President Joe Biden's address to the nation.

The Russian Tu-95MS 'Bear' turboprop and Chinese H-6 jet were intercepted close to US state Alaska.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command detected and tracked the aircraft as they entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone on Wednesday, the command said.

The bombers with fighter escorts were on a five hour joint patrol over the Chukchi Sea, the Bering Sea and the northern part of the Pacific Ocean in a show of firepower by Moscow and Beijing amid unprecedented international tension.

It comes after Vladimir Putin staged nuclear war drills for the second time this month as he seeks to ramp up fears of the West in his population.

Russia and China staged joint drills with their nuclear-capable Tu-95MS and H-6 strategic bombers

American and Canadian fighter jets scrambled to see off the incoming planes hours before Joe Biden addressed the nation about his presidency

Footage released by Russia shows the drills with pilots at work inside the cockpit

The Moscow and Beijing bombers with fighter escorts were on a five hour joint patrol over the Chukchi Sea, the Bering Sea and the northern part of the Pacific Ocean

Footage released by Russia shows the drills. NORAD clarified that the incident occurred on July 24 shortly before Joe Biden addressed the nation to confirm his decision not to challenge Donald Trump in the US election.

'NORAD detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian Tu-95 and two PRC H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ),' the statement said.

The actions of the Russian and Chinese military aviation were not considered a threat, and the aircraft remained over international waters.

'NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the intercept,' the North American Aerospace Defense Authority explained.

The Chinese H-6 aircraft are licensed copies of the Soviet Tu-16 bombers.

A statement by the Russian Defence Ministry said: 'A group of the Tu-95MSstrategic bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Hong-6K strategic bombers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force conducted a joint air patrol over the Chukchi Sea, the Bering Sea and the northern part of the Pacific Ocean.

'The Russian and Chinese crews practiced cooperation while carrying out an air patrol mission in a new area.

'The Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces provided fighter cover.'

President Joe Biden, in an Oval Office address, revealed why he decided to step down as the Democratic nominee

The Chinese H-6 aircraft are licensed copies of the Soviet Tu-16 bombers

The actions of the Russian and Chinese military aviation were not considered a threat

The Russian TU-95 'Bear' turboprop strategic bombers (file photo) and Chinese H-6 jet bombers were spotted by North American Aerospace Defense Command

The Russians admitted that 'at certain stages of the route, the air group was accompanied by fighter jets from foreign countries'. Moscow claimed the war games were 'not directed against third countries'.

Such joint patrols by the Russian and Chinese bombers are not unprecedented.

However, they are a sign of the increasing cooperation between the autocratic and anti-Western regimes in China and Russia.

The Tu-95 fleet is an integral part of Russia's nuclear armoury, but the planes have been also used to launch devastating conventional missile strikes causing large-scale destruction in Ukraine.

The Soviet-era Tu-95s first flew some 70 years ago but remain a mainstay of the Russian nuclear force.

The super noisy Tu-95s are the world's only propeller-powered strategic bombers.

Tensions between the US and Russia are heightened amid the war in Ukraine and widening conflicts in the Middle East.

Defense experts warned global tensions have not been as intense since at least the 1970s.

Biden gave an 11-minute farewell address to the US on Wednesday night to explain why he abandoned his bid for reelection on Sunday.

The president said he chose to 'pass the torch' to Vice President Kamala Harris because it was time for 'younger voices' and he believed that would 'unite' the country and 'save democracy'.
A light blue floral dress found near a Gold Coast bridge is the only clue police have as they search for a young woman who went missing in a creek.

The woman jumped into Biggera Creek about 4.30pm on Tuesday near the footbridge off Hollywell Rd in the suburb of Biggera Waters.

The woman - described as white, in her late teens to early 20s and with a slim build - did not resurface, sparking a frantic search effort. The dress was found shortly after near the footbridge.

As the search for the woman continues for a third day, Gold Coast water police officer in charge Peter Venz said divers have combed the river but found no sign of her.

'They've been running sonar equipment in the police boats, up and down the canals just looking for any anomalies,' Mr Venz told The Gold Coast Bulletin.

'We have had one report from a building site. A worker thought he saw what may have been a body in the water yesterday at about 4.30pm.

'We've had another report of a female spotted on CCTV semi-naked around the Morala Ave area at about 5am.'

Both reports are yet to be full investigated and officers are also scouring hospital admissions as they try to locate the woman.

This light blue floral dress was found near a bridge where the woman was last seen

Queensland Police have made a public appeal asking for anyone with information to contact them (pictured: Biggera Creek footbridge)

Mr Venz asked the public to speak up if they have any information about the incident.

Police are particularly interested if someone matching the woman's description has not been home since Tuesday evening.

CCTV and dashcam footage of the area is also of interest.

Matthew Botham who lives in the suburb said he witnessed a police boat slowly driving up and down the river for about four hours on Tuesday night.

He said while the water is not deep there can be a strong tidal current.

Lifeline 13 11 14.
Liberals fawned over President Biden's farewell address on Wednesday night with one political fanboy barely able to speak while holding back tears.

On CNN, progressive fanboy Van Jones was overcome with emotion as he waxed poetic about his 'hero' Joe Biden.

'The kid with a stutter did good. He did good. That's a good man,' Jones said, referring to Biden's childhood struggles with speech.

Senior Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, thanked Biden for his service, hailing him as a 'great American president' who demonstrated 'wisdom' and 'magnificent leadership'.

But on his jet Trump Force One, the unimpressed former president simply grimaced while the image of a befuddled Biden played on TV in the background.

'Crooked Joe Biden's Oval Office speech was barely understandable, and sooo bad!' Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Liberals have fawned over the president's farewell address, with one political pundit even choking back tears

Biden's candidacy faced a crisis of confidence from Democrats after his debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor's attacks.

He finally bowed out of the race on Sunday in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed by an endorsement of Harris. He also pledged to remain focused on being president until his term expires in January.

Biden on Wednesday finally addressed the nation from the Oval Office, prompting a wave of admiration from liberal fans.

'He fell on his sword. He fell on his sword. Most heroes, they fight 'til the bitter end. He fell on his sword,' Jones added while struggling to hold back tears.

The CNN analyst's reaction mirrored his response on Sunday when Biden first announced he was axing his re-election bid and he grappled to keep composure.

'I don't know anything about politics,' Jones gushed at the time. 'I just know that I love this man, I care about this man.'

On MSNBC, Rachel Maddow was equally effusive as she addressed her audience on Biden's 'timeless' delivery.

'This is one of those speeches that is going to go down in history, not just as a great Joe Biden speech but as a great moment in the American presidency,' she said.

'The way he started, talking about honesty, decency, respect.'

The liberal anchor lavished praise on Biden for taking the helm after the Trump Administration. She blamed the former president for 'the worst pandemic in a century, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War'.

'An elegant speech at an emotional and very moving moment for this president and I think timelessly for the presidency,' Maddow said.

'This is a tentpole for what patriotism and selfless service looks like.'

CNN's Van Jones became emotional as he discussed his 'hero' Joe Biden, who he said 'fell on his sword' by stepping aside

But presidential hopeful Donald Trump was less impressed with the performance, which he watched live from his private jet

He took to to Truth Social to bash the 'barely understandable' speech - Biden's first major address since announcing his decision to withdraw from the election

'His personal ambition, his belief that his record does warrant a second term and he wants it and you can hear that in his ambition, even talking about what he plans to do in the next six months, that that itself can't be bigger than the needs of the nation,' Maddow said.

'I am sure this could not have been easy for him but it was beautifully done.'

David Axelrod, a former political advisor for President Obama, went so far as to compare the speech to a missive from America's founding-father first president, George Washington.

'I was reminded... of this poignant, admirable line from the farewell message of President George Washington: 'Every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome.'

Top Democrats also weighed in, saying they were 'proud to serve' his Administration.

'President Joe Biden has profound compassion for the people of our country. We are all deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation. Thank you, Mr. President,' Harris wrote on X.

'Tonight, we saw President Joe Biden  one of America's most consequential presidents  show that he is not only on the right side of history, but on the right side of the future,' added Pelosi.

She added that America has been 'blessed by the wisdom and magnificent leadership' of Biden whom she claims 'protected our democracy and led our nation with progress, hope and unity'.

'He has truly made a tangible difference in the lives of the American people,' Pelosi tweeted.

Buttigieg said that Biden's address 'reminded me once again why I am so proud to serve under the leadership of a deeply good man who is also a great American president'.

Senior Democrats fawned over President Biden's farewell address on Wednesday night, branding him a 'great' leader and 'one of America's most consequential presidents'

Newsom and Mitch Landrieu, who was the co-chair of Biden's re-election campaign, both thanked the president for this service.

But many, including Donald Trump, were considerably less enamored with the performance. The GOP candidate slammed Biden's address to the nation as 'barely understandable'.

The Republican nominee posted the reaction on his Truth Social app as he watched from aboard his private jet Trump Force One.

Trump was clearly unimpressed as he followed up his initial post up with another that also took aim at the Vice President.

'Crooked Joe Biden and Lyin' Kamala Harris are a great embarrassment to America - there has never been a time like this!' Trump wrote.

He tuned into a live stream of the speech shortly after attending a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The event was Trump's first major speech since Biden's withdrawal and the announcement of Harris as the Democrat heir apparent.

He used the opportunity to shift his focus from attacking Biden to taking on Vice President Harris.

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow hailed Biden's performance as 'timeless' and 'a great moment in the American presidency'

From right: Jill Biden, Ashley Biden and husband Howard Krein, and Hunter Biden and his daughter Finnegan listen to Joe Biden speak

He touched on the border crisis and U.S. relationship with Israel at his first event since Harris became his presumed general election opponent.

But leading Trump's list of attacks was Harris' record on abortion  even though the issue is seen as something that could be his downfall among women voters in swing states.

'She wants abortions in the eighth and ninth month of pregnancy  that's fine with her,' Trump said of Harris, who he called a 'lunatic' to massive jeers from a crowd of 10,000 gathered at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte.

But in his address to the nation, a faltering Biden, 81, explained he had chosen to 'pass the torch' to Harris because it was time for 'younger voices' and he believed that would 'unite' the country and 'save' democracy.

Biden looked intently into the camera during the primetime address for which he was seated behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.

He said: 'I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future, all merited a second term.

Trump tuned in after attending a political rally in Charlotte, North Carolina where pivoted to slamming the Democrat presumptive nominee Kamala Harris

'But nothing, nothing, can come in the way of saving our democracy, and that includes personal ambition, so I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.'

He added: 'There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There's also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, younger voices.'

Biden did not address questions over his own age, health and mental acuity, which have plagued his presidency from the start.

Doubts about his ability to do the job intensified following a disastrous debate performance last month, which shocked senior Democrats into calling for him to leave the 2024 presidential race.
Greater Manchester Police has said armed police filmed kicking and stamping on a man's head were deployed to Manchester Airport after officers were attacked, including a female officer who had her nose broken.

Video footage, which has been viewed over a million times on social media, has caused outrage after a taser-wielding officer was seen kicking a man before bringing a boot down on his head.

Campaigners from Manchester Stand Up To Racism have accused police of racism, organising a 'We won't stay quiet against racist police violence' for later today.

Protests are expected to take place outside Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's office at 6pm, as they call on him to act on the alleged 'police brutality'.

It comes after hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside a Rochdale police station overnight where the man and three other males were detained, as they chanted 'GMP shame on you'.

Video footage of the men being taken into custody went viral after one of the men being detained was kicked in the face and stamped on the head by a police officer, while others were wrestled to the ground, Tasered and had incapacitant spray used on them.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the men were arrested after officers attended reports of an assault at Terminal 2 in the airport on Tuesday night and that during the response multiple officers were assaulted, including one female PC who had her nose broken.

The force has referred itself to the independent police watchdog over the incident and one officer has been taken off active duty, but has not been suspended, after the footage was released on social media on Wednesday afternoon.

Protesters gather outside Rochdale Police Station overnight to demonstrate against the chaotic arrest of four men at Manchester Airport

At the late night rally speakers used a megaphone to lead the crowd in chants of 'GMP, shame on you'

The men who were arrested at Manchester Airport are believed to have been taken to Rochdale Police Station on Tuesday night

Video posted online shows a long line of cars travelling in the direction of the police station late on Wednesday night

Former MP George Galloway claimed last night that the kicked man's brother was actually a serving police officer himself, although this could not be verified.

The man being kicked in the video is believed to be from Rochdale and late last night hundreds of people gathered outside the town's main police station to protest the treatment of those who were arrested.

During the demonstration speakers labelled the police 'institutionally racist' and the lead crowd in chants of 'GMP, shame on you', with cries of 'Allahu Akbar [God is greatest]' and 'f*** the police' also heard.

One man holding a megaphone was hear telling listeners to remain peaceful at the protest, before adding 'but tomorrow if we don't get justice, these motherf*****s are gonna get it'.

A local Imam was seen trying to calm tensions within the crowd, telling them: 'Rioting, being upset, is what these brothers want you to do. All I am asking is for you not to take the law into your own hands, be respectable citizens like our parents have taught us.'

Paul Waugh, the town's newly elected Labour MP, said on social media site X that he had spoken to the family involved and would meet them in person tomorrow.

He wrote: 'The video footage of a Greater Manchester police officer kicking and stamping on a man in Manchester Airport is truly shocking and disturbing.

'Like many who have seen this clip, I am extremely concerned. I have had it confirmed that the man arrested is a Rochdale resident and I hope to meet the family as soon as possible.

'I have expressed my concerns directly to the Assistant Chief Constable this evening and have been in touch with Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for policing of Greater Manchester.

'It's right that the police officer concerned has been removed from duties and that this incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. I expect a thorough and swift investigation.'

George Galloway, the former MP for Rochdale, claimed on X that one of the men who was arrested had family members in the police.

He said: 'I spoke at some length to both the uncle and the brother of those who were savagely assaulted on the videos that you've seen. Both the uncle and the brother are serving police officers.

'This is important. This is a police family that was severely beaten by the police, stamping on their faces while they lay helpless and unresisting on the floor, kicking them in the head with police boots while they lay unresistant, helpless on the floor.'

The angry crowd gathered after video showing the arrests of four men at Manchester Airport on Tuesday night was shared online yesterday afternoon.

GMP said the men were detained on suspicion of a number of offences, including assault, assault of an emergency worker, affray and obstructing police.

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

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

In video a man wearing blue shorts and a blue top is seen lying on the floor with his hands behind his back while an older woman kneels next to him. Behind the pair a man wearing a grey top and shorts sits on a chair with his hands above his head.

A male police officer who is holding a Taser then kicks the man who is on the floor in the face, before appearing to stamp on the back of his head as he turns away from the officer.

This sparks outrage from people watching the scene who can be heard shouting at the police 'stop kicking people' and 'you're on camera'. A female police officer can be seen pushed people who are filming away from the man.

In the background an officer can be seen shouting 'get down, get down' at the man sat in the chair. The man is then pushed to the ground by two officers and placed in handcuffs.

At this point the woman, who can be seen wearing a blue dupatta headscarf can be seen wandering confusedly between the two men, who are believed to be her sons. She is then pushed away by a female officer.

Other footage which appears to have been taken after the two men were taken away by officers appears to show police cornering a group of people in the same concourse.

In the video one officer who has his Taser out is seen pointing at a man and saying: 'You're going to get locked up.'

At this point one of the officers fires his incapacitant spay at one of the men, before he and another policeman grab hold of the man and wrestle him to the floor.

The men are then dragged away out of the building by officers towards a waiting police vehicle.

Additional footage shared on social media shows the moment police arrest two more men after the incident in which a detainee had his head kicked. Here a police officer uses incapacitant spray on one of the men

The officer is then joined by a colleague who grabs one of the men in a headlock in the footage

The man is then wrestled to ground before being put in handcuffs and dragged out of the building

Amar Rafiq, who filmed some of the original video, was returning to Manchester from Qatar when he saw the incident unfold in front of him.

He told MailOnline: 'I walked out to the concourse where the incident was taking place. The officer had the man put up against the wall, he was trying to push and shove the officer.

'Moments later the other guy that had been there punched the officer, then they took both of them to the ground. They [police] were saying 'you're under arrest'.'

He said that was when he started filming, capturing the moment one of the men appeared to be kicked in the head.

Mr Rafiq said: '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.

In a statement issued this evening, Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said the force understood why the video of the arrests 'created alarm'.

He said: 'We know that a film of an incident at Manchester Airport that is circulating widely shows an event that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about. The use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm.

'In advance of what is shown in the footage available, we were called to reports of an assault at Terminal 2, Manchester Airport at 8.25pm on Tuesday 23 July.

'The alleged suspect was seen on CCTV at a ticket machine in the car park and officers attended the location to arrest him.

'During our response, three officers were assaulted. One female officer suffered a broken nose and the other officers were forced to the ground and suffered injuries which required hospital treatment.

'One male officer has been removed from operational duties and we are making a voluntary referral of our policing response to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.'

The force also clarified that the officer in question had not been suspended by Greater Manchester Police.

It added: 'Two men have been arrested on suspicion of assault, assault of emergency worker, affray, and obstructing police.

'Two other men have also been arrested on suspicion of affray and assault of an emergency worker.'

In one piece of footage, taken by one of the men who was arrested, a police officer can be seen pointing a taser at a group of men

One officer can be seen pushing past a member of the public in a bid to arrest one man in the aftermath of the earlier incident

In an earlier statement Greater Manchester Police had said there was a 'clear risk' that officers' firearms might be taken from them.

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 don't 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.
EXCLUSIVE

Anthony Albanese could have hinted at an imminent early election campaign when he told a restaurant owner that he's unlikely to be able to take another holiday until next year.

The prime minister embarked on a five-day holiday to Palm Cove, in Far North Queensland, with his partner Jodie Haydon this week for the parliamentary winter break.

On Saturday night, he enjoyed a quiet dinner at local restaurant El Greko Greek Taverna - taking time out at the end of the meal to pose for selfies with star-struck staff and locals.

Restaurant owner Lisa Grant told Daily Mail Australia she was ecstatic to have Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon, labelling it the highlight of her year.

'They were awesome,' she said.

'He was just here on a break and we acknowledged that, but they were so generous in letting us take photos - it was a real highlight for us.'

While staff tried to leave the prime minister to have his dinner in peace, he did have a small chat with Ms Grant and her partner James Hendry before they left.

'He's just had one week off and he said that's all he'll get until probably next year,' she said.

Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon are pictured, back left and right, with restaurant owners Lisa Grant and James Hendry

Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon posed for photos at the end of the meal with excited staff members (pictured)

Ministers normally have the opportunity to go on holidays during the holiday period in December.

Mr Albanese's statement about potentially not getting another break until 2025 could signal that there will be an early election, or he may call the election this year and be in campaign-mode by the December holidays.

The next federal election is due by May 2025.

Daily Mail Australia political editor Peter van Onselen previously revealed the PM could call an election as early as August 31, which means he would have to announce it by the last weekend of July.

However, a potential mid-August rate rise could be a reason to stall the announcement.

Meanwhile, in Palm Cove, Ms Grant couldn't remember what Mr Albanese ordered, but she did note he didn't order drinks.

'He's got a tough job,' she said.

'I was so excited and so were all the guests - only one went up to him but no on else did, and we tried to give him a table in a more private area.

Anthony Albanese is pictured with restaurant staff while holidaying in Palm Cove on Saturday

'We have a lot of backpackers work for us so it was a bit special - they were very excited.'

Ms Grant said she and Mr Hendry bought the business last August and they were thrilled to have a high-profile guest.

'Hats off to him - he went to another local business another night and went to the local tavern to watch the footy - they're just normal people.'

His sense of holiday calm was quickly interrupted on Monday when he called a hasty press conference 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, grimacing.

'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 until 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 user asked.

Mr Albanese was forced to call a press conference during his holiday when US President Joe Biden stepped down as the Democratic presidential nominee (pictured)

'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.'

Many 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.
The world's richest one percent increased their fortunes by a total of $42 trillion over the past decade, a new report from Oxfam has revealed ahead of a G20 summit in Brazil where taxing the super-rich tops the agenda.

Despite this windfall, taxes on the rich had plummeted to 'historic lows', the NGO added, warning of 'obscene levels' of inequality with the rest of the world 'left to scrap for crumbs'.

Brazil has made international cooperation on taxing the super-rich a priority of its presidency of the G20, a group of countries representing 80 percent of the world's GDP.

At this week's summit in Rio de Janeiro, the group's finance ministers are expected to make progress on ways to raise levies on the ultra-wealthy and prevent billionaires from dodging tax systems.

The initiative involves determining ways to tax billionaires and other high-income earners, and is set to be fiercely debated at the summit on Thursday and Friday.

Tesla boss Elon Musk - or another tech tycoon - could become a trillionaire within the decade, Oxfam has previously warned

France, Spain, South Africa, Colombia and the African Union in favour, but the United States firmly against.

Oxfam dubbed it a 'real litmus test for G20 governments', urging them to implement an annual net wealth tax of at least eight percent on the 'extreme wealth' of the super-rich.

'Momentum to increase taxes on the super-rich is undeniable,' said Oxfam International's head of inequality policy, Max Lawson.

'Do they have the political will to strike a global standard that puts the needs of the many before the greed of an elite few?'

Oxfam said that the $42 trillion figure was nearly 36 times more than the wealth accumulated by the poorer half of the world's population.

Despite this, billionaires 'have been paying a tax rate equivalent to less than 0.5 percent of their wealth' across the globe, the NGO said.

Nearly four out of five of the world's billionaires call a G20 nation home, Oxfam noted.

World leaders, including Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, attend a task force meeting of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 24

It comes after another report earlier this year stated that the world could soon have its first trillionaire within a decade as the gap between the uber-rich and the rest becomes 'supercharged'.

Tesla boss Musk leads the pack among the mega rich but the aid charity said a contender could yet come from nowhere to be the first to amass a fortune of a thousand billion dollars.

Lisa Rutherford, from Oxfam, told DailyMail.com: 'The important thing is not who would become the first trillionaire but rather that it's even an actual possibility, a trillion dollars is an unimaginable amount of money, and it's absolutely nothing to celebrate.

'As of 2022, hundreds of millions of people around the world  including one in 10 people in the US - were living in poverty, so the fact that any one person - Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or otherwise - could become a trillionaire while millions of people suffer is simply unacceptable.'
Seven Tories are pitching for the leadership today as Tom Tugendhat insisted he would be prepared to leave the ECHR.

The former security minister has followed James Cleverly in formally announcing he is a candidate to succeed Rishi Sunak.

And he moved to woo the Right by criticising the European court this morning, despite being seen as part of the One Nation grouping in the party.

Manoeuvring is gathering pace after nominations opened last night, with contenders now having until Tuesday to gather support from at least 10 MPs to appear on the initial ballot.

Rival camps have heaping pressure on Kemi Badenoch, warning that the apparent frontrunner must show she has backing from dozens of her colleagues to maintain momentum.

Ms Badenoch, Priti Patel, Robert Jenrick, Mel Stride and Suella Braverman are the other Conservatives who have requested nomination forms to fill out from the powerful 1922 committee.

Victoria Atkins had been touted for a run, but has now confirmed she will not seek the top job. However, it is unclear that all seven others will be able to meet the threshold, given there are now only 121 Tory MPs.

Tm Tugendhat moved to woo the Right by criticising the European court this morning, despite being seen as part of the One Nation grouping in the party

The former security minister has followed James Cleverly in formally announcing he is a candidate to succeed Rishi Sunak

The extended timetable for the contest has been causing concern in Tory circles, with complaints that Mr Sunak is already ' California Dreaming' after a low-key PMQs performance yesterday

The Parliamentary party is expected to whittle the field to four candidates next week, with the Conservative conference in September being used as a 'beauty parade'.

A final two candidates will be put to a vote of party members with the winner taking over from Rishi Sunak on November 2.

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Mr Tugendhat suggested that he would be willing to leave the ECHR if it could not be reformed - echoing Mr Sunak's position.

'This is about making sure the institutions we are part of work for the British people,' he said.

Mr Tugendhat denied he was just trying to prop up his support on the Right with the threat.

No, Ive been very, very clear I am prepared to make any decision that will keep the British people safe, he told GB News.

I am prepared to leave the ECHR, or indeed any other institution that doesnt serve the interests of the British people.

The MP refused to accept that the next election was a foregone conclusion, after Labour's massive landslide.

'Yes, it is possible to do that. You've got to restore trust. You've got to demonstrate delivery and you've got to be able to listen to the British people to make sure you understand where the challenges are,' he said.

'But you can look at what Keir Starmer achieved, frankly, he went from his worst electoral result to his best in five years.

'We can do the same but we need to be united. We need to regain the trust of the British people and we need to be ready to deliver.'

The extended timetable for the contest has been causing concern in Tory circles, with complaints that Mr Sunak is already 'California Dreaming' after a low-key PMQs performance.

The Opposition leader seemed to take a deliberately low-key approach during his first weekly clash with Keir Starmer yesterday.

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.

Conservatives pointed out that Mr Sunak has three months left, and is likely to find himself responding to a crucial Budget from Chancellor Rachel Reeves - although the date is not yet confirmed.
A woman died from a seizure days after waiting for more than eight hours in a crowded A&E waiting room, an inquest heard yesterday.

There were 'missed opportunities' to check on Inga Rublite who suffered 'significant, irreversible' brain damage after she was found unconscious under her coat in the Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham on January 20 this year.

The inquest was told that she died two days later from a brain aneurysm which caused a 'massive bleed' on her brain and could not be contained with surgery.

The 39-year-old mother-of-two had called 111 on January 19 with a sudden headache, neck pain, and blurry vision feeling 'as though hit by a brick'.

Ms Rublite then spoke to a clinician on the phone and was advised to go to hospital, where she arrived at about 10.30pm that night.

Inga Rublite, a 39-year-old mother-of-two who died two days after having a seizure in A&E

Staff called out in A&E three times for Ms Rublite in the early hours of January 20 and rang her mobile phone with no answer.

But her twin sister, Inese Briede, who still lives in their home country of Latvia, said there was no missed call on her phone.

Nottinghamshire coroner Elizabeth Didcock said: 'There were three opportunities for the headache to be recognised as something more dangerous than it was thought to be.'

At 6.50am, staff registered Ms Rublite as discharged thinking she had left of her own accord.

But 10 minutes later staff found her 'tucked behind a door with a coat tucked over her face, seemingly asleep', but when they looked closer she appeared to fit.

According to Luke Derby, an emergency department matron, Ms Rublite had been sat in the main waiting area where it was 'reasonable' that staff would have walked past, but she would 'not be physically seen' by the person calling for her.

Inga Rublite (left) is pictured with her twin sister Inese Briede (right), who lives in Latvia

Mr Derby said: 'We have moved the chairs where Inga was sat because they have poor visibility from the navigator's desk. They have been moved so people can't sit there.'

Mr Derby also confirmed that it was 'not unusual' to see patients with coats over their heads, especially during night shifts.

The inquest heard the waiting room was overcrowded because the emergency department's maximum capacity was exceeded that night.

Ms Didcock said: 'I'm aware from the investigation report that there was significant crowding and additional numbers of people.

'I'm aware that is the background to it and has been for some time.'

Robert Jamieson, A&E consultant at the QMC, said: 'As soon as you start to put all these targets in and look at the number of staff to do that, it becomes unachievable.

Ms Rublite was found unconscious under her coat in the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham

'We are competing with needing observations done every two hours.

'The constant barrage of needing to do the next thing with the next person means that these things that seem so obvious don't happen.

'There was an opportunity missed to see how she was, how the pain was, and how she appeared, but that didn't happen.

'Unfortunately, Inga was sat there, and she was missed.

'We have talked about lots of options and the investigation has talked about lots of options in terms of checking who's in the area and managing the space.'

The inquest continues.
A bitter split between a Sydney mayor and her property manager ex has turned ugly, with both parties serving interim apprehended domestic violence orders against each other.

Hawkesbury mayor Sarah McMahon alleged to police that her ex-partner Matthew Bennett pinned her to a bed and knocked her off her feet. She also accused him of smashing up furniture.

While police served Bennett with an ADVO, he has not been criminally charged, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

There are also separate claims that Cr McMahon went to Bennett's office at night to go through his computer after she suspected him of cheating.

Cr McMahon, who ran as the Liberal candidate in the federal seat of Lindsay in Sydney's west at the last election, was also served with her own ADVO. She too has not been criminally charged.

ADVO documents released by Windsor Local Court detailed the couple's relationship, which lasted for six years until late 2023 when their partnership became 'on-again-off-again'.

It was alleged that Bennett punched a hole in a wall when the couple were living together in their Richmond home in Sydney's north-west from March 2019 to Easter 2022.

The couple moved to another Richmond address in 2022, where Cr McMahon alleged that Bennett punched a hole in a wall, kicked a wooden panel out from a desk and smashed a clothes divider.

Hawkesbury mayor Sarah McMahon (pictured) claimed her ex-partner Matthew Bennett (right), a property director, smashed furniture and pinned her to a bed

Ms McMahon (pictured) was served with her own interim ADVO, after she allegedly went through her ex-partner's laptop to find evidence he was cheating

She also claimed more than $1,000 worth of damage was caused.

There was also an allegation made against Bennett that sometime in 2023 he had swung a Nike bag at his then-partner, which knocked her down and hurt her thigh.

He then yelled at her to 'get up and stop faking it'.

Bennett allegedly threw a glass against a kitchen wall during an argument last month.

In a separate incident, he allegedly pinned Cr McMahon to a bed while he shouted at her.

Cr McMahon reported the alleged incidents to police earlier this month.

Bennett has been ordered under the interim ADVO that he must not assault, threaten, stalk, harass or intimidate the mayor or anyone else she may have a domestic relationship with, as well as not damaging their property.

Cr McMahon was served with her own interim ADVO which named Bennett as needing protection.

The ADVO documents state that the mayor had allegedly gone to Bennett's mother's home, as well as his sister's on June 14, searching for him as she suspected he was having an affair.

Cr McMahon allegedly sent a photo of his sister's home on WhatsApp at 8.02am and then went to his friend's home in Castlereagh.

The mayor spent more than an hour looking for Bennett and then allegedly went to his office in Richmond and entered through an unlocked door.

She allegedly scoured through his laptop to try and find evidence he had been cheating on her.

The mayor then allegedly sent a photo to Bennett of his laptop, which made him check his CCTV security cameras to see if she was inside the premises.

Police were called and Cr McMahon was arrested at the scene.

The Hawkesbury mayor (pictured) and Mr Bennett were together for six years before they started an 'on-again-off-again' relationship

Bennett told police he feared for his safety, but he did not give them a statement because ne did not want to harm the mayor's career.

But he added that didn't want the mayor to have any contact with him or be allowed to visit him.

Cr McMahon's interim ADVO had an additional constraint to Bennett's - that she mustn't approach or contact him unless it is through a lawyer.

Both ADVO matters were heard at Windsor Local Court, where the mayor's lawyer said she would fight a final ADVO being made when the matter returns to court on August 1.

The former couple had come into the spotlight in the past when Cr McMahon was investigated when she told the NSW Electoral Commission she didn't have links to a property developer - even though Bennett was the co-owner of a property business.

But the NSW Office of Local Government found Bennett did not fit the definition of a property developer and that the mayor had not breached the councillor's code of conduct.

Cr McMahon wasn't at Tuesday night's council meeting, where her deputy blocked a no-confidence motion against the mayor

Daily Mail Australia has contacted both Cr McMahon and Bennett for comment.
A young woman who was shot dead at her home in the middle of the night has been remembered by relatives as a much-loved member of the family.

Aaliyah Phillips Wilson, 23, was fatally wounded after opening the front door of her Palmerston North home near Wellington in New Zealand just after midnight last Thursday.

A critically injured Ms Wilson was found clinging to life but died at the home shortly afterwards.

Police launched a homicide investigation and arrested a man, 27 on Monday.

He was charged with murder and appeared in Palmerston North Court on Tuesday as Ms Wilson's loved ones gathered to remember her.

Taepa Martin described his niece was a 'happy-go-lucky girl' who was 'just too young' to die.

'That has been hard, trying to keep everyone's spirits up and get rid of the anger, she was just too young, poor girl,' he told the New Zealand Herald.

'We had her resting at my place so the morning after the funeral was far too quiet. We are still processing everything and there is a lot to process.

Aaliyah Phillips Wilson, 23, was allegedly shot around midnight on July 18 after opening the front door of her Palmerston North home, in New Zealand

'She was a really easy-going and happy-go-lucky girl.'

Mr Martin added that Ms Wilson's parents were both 'exhausted' and that her younger brother and half-siblings were devastated.

Central District crime manager Detective Inspector Craig Sheridan hoped the arrest of the alleged perpetrator would 'bring some sense of reassurance to Ms Wilsons family and the wider community'.

Ms Wilson's friends and family wrote their final goodbyes on a white casket painted with red roses at her memorial on Tuesday.

A man was arrested and charged with murder in relation to the death of Ms Wilson (pictured)

One of Ms Wilson's cousins has since launched a fundraiser in the days to ease the burden on their shattered family.

We have all lost a great friend and cousin but most importantly a sister and daughter to her parents and younger brother.

'This page is made to help build funds to go towards Aaliyah's family who are very hurt during this time.'

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
An insurance cheat who claimed he had been left with crippling tinnitus after being poked in the ear with a tree branch is now facing a 250,000 court bill after a judge agreed it was a 'cock and bull story'.

Former ship cook Alan Bills, 74, claimed to have fallen on broken pavement near his home in Whitstable, Kent in 2017, with the end of a tree branch penetrating and damaging his ear as he fell.

He sued housing association Moat Homes Ltd for more than 250,000, saying he tripped where tree roots broke the pavement, resulting in his bizarre ear injury - which he said stopped him enjoying TV.

But he later abandoned his claim and, following a hearing at Canterbury County Court in 2022, a judge found that the accident never happened and declared him 'fundamentally dishonest'.

He was handed the lawyers' bills for the case, estimated at nearly 250,000, and has now been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence for contempt of court over his 'cock and bull story'.

Former cruise ship chef Alan Bills, 74, claimed to have fallen on broken pavement near his home in Whitstable, Kent in 2017, with the end of a tree branch penetrating and damaging his ear as he fell

'His actions were deliberate and dishonest exaggeration and manipulation of the court process to make a claim for damages,' said Judge Nigel Lickley KC, sentencing him for contempt at the High Court.

The court heard Mr Bills was a civil engineer who also worked as a chef on SS Uganda, a cruise ship which was requisitioned with him on it to serve as a Red Cross ship during the Falklands War.

His claim began with a 999 call following his 'accident' in February 2017. When paramedics turned up, they found him on the ground close to his home in Whitstable, where he said he had fallen fell.

Photos submitted as part of his claim showed him lying on the pavement, covered by a blanket, with his head close to the tree which he blamed for the trip.

He claimed he was seriously injured by the fall, with a tree branch penetrating his ear, leaving him with tinnitus.

He also said he had suffered other injuries which left him needing a walking stick and prevented him taking a 230,000 two-year job as a civil engineer in Oman.

As part of his claim, he put forward a witness statement from a man named Peter Nicholson, who said he had seen the fall and rushed over to help and call for an ambulance.

However, Mr Bills discontinued his claim and the statement was withdrawn, with Judge Tim Parker later finding at the county court in 2022 that the statement was untrue and Mr Nicholson did not see an accident.

Mr Bills had also grossly exaggerated the alleged injuries he suffered and his loss of income, including the 230,000 job offer in the Middle East, the judge found.

He had failed to mention the branch entering his ear until weeks after the alleged fall, and the judge found that it had not actually happened.

His shifting accounts of what happened also convinced the judge that Mr Bills - who he said was a 'profoundly untrustworthy witness' - had not suffered any accident at all.

In what the court heard was an 'extraordinarily prophetic' move, Mr Bills had complained to the housing association about the pavement previously, specifically mentioning the broken surface at the spot where he said he fell.

'There are a number of factors which suggest that there was no accident,' said the county court judge in his 2022 ruling.

'Mr Bills' different accounts of the accident are highly inconsistent. His later and more complex accounts are inherently unlikely, as they involve him spinning around for no apparent reason, and encountering a tree branch which precisely entered his ear canal even as he was falling to the ground.'

A judge heard Mr Bills had earlier complained to the housing association about this piece of broken pavement

He added: 'The findings I have already made show dishonesty going to the root of the claim...Mr Bills has presented his claim in a fundamentally dishonest fashion.

'When I also take into account that those other findings showed Mr Bills to be a profoundly untrustworthy witness, I conclude that no accident took place.'

The judge found Mr Bills' claim to have been 'fundamentally dishonest' in March 2022, with the housing association's insurer Zurich then taking him to the High Court this week for contempt of court.

The contempt case proceeded only in relation to Mr Bills' dishonest use of the false Peter Nicholson witness statement and his own evidence about the injuries he sustained.

For Zurich, barrister Matthew Snarr said the witness evidence which Mr Bills put forward in relation to Peter Nicholson was a 'cock and bull story.'

'The defendant's contempt is towards the extreme end of the scale, especially because of his persistent advancement of false witness evidence,' he said.

'Such conduct especially undermines the fabric of the justice system. It is not common and where discovered ought to be dealt with appropriately.

'The advancement of entirely false evidence is more egregious than mere exaggeration.

'The defendant's false assertions as to an ear injury represent entire fabrication, more than mere exaggeration, as do his false representations about the need for and use of a walking stick.

'The claim advanced was for in excess of 250,000. The amount of money sought is an aggravating factor. This is a very large sum.

'The defendant's contempt of court was directly geared towards delivering a favourable outcome to secure himself this sum of money.

'This isn't a victimless crime, it's the public who pay for it.'

Mr Bills accepted he was in contempt of court in relation to the Peter Nicholson statement and his exaggeration of injuries.

In a statement read to the High Court, he said he 'deeply apologises' for what he did and that he 'deeply regrets' the mistakes he made.

The court heard Mr Bills was a civil engineer who also worked as a chef on SS Uganda, a cruise ship which was requisitioned with him on it to serve as a Red Cross ship during the Falklands War

Sentencing him, Judge Lickley said Mr Bills was guilty of trying to 'cheat' his way to 'massive sums by way of compensation,' but that the sentence would be suspended, partly due to the current overcrowding in UK jails.

'False claims impact the wider public in increased premiums,' he said. 'The intended harm was high. The claim was exaggerated and he intended to obtain significant recovery.'

He said Mr Bills was ordered to pay Zurich's costs of the original case, which are estimated at almost 250,000, but that no attempt has yet been made to get the money, because he is 'impecunious.'
Barack Obama has not yet endorsed Kamala Harris' presidential bid because he is skeptical about her ability to beat Donald Trump, a Biden family insider has claimed.

Harris won the backing of a majority of the Democratic Party delegates on Monday, a day after President Joe Biden, 81, announced that he was dropping his reelection bid and, shortly after, endorsed the Vice President.

Top Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Gavin Newsom, quickly rallied behind Harris, 59, and issued public support of her campaign - but Obama has remained noticeably silent.

A source close to Biden's family told the New York Post that the former president is 'very upset' about Harris' candidacy, even claiming that he 'knows she can't win' against Trump, 78.

The insider further went on to claim that Obama, 69, believes Harris is 'incompetent' and 'cannot navigate the landmines that are ahead of her'.

But other Democrats told Dailymail.com Obama has privately fully supported Harris' candidacy and has been in regular contact with her throughout this week.

They claim he believes her campaign is going well and he's set to publicly endorse her soon.

NBC, meanwhile, is reporting aides for Harris and Obama have 'discussed arranging for the two of them to appear together on the campaign trail'.

Former president Barack Obama has not yet publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris' bid for the White House. The pair are pictured together in April 2022 at a White House event to mark the 2010 passage of the Affordable Care Act

A source close to the Biden family told the New York Post that Obama has not endorsed Harris because he is 'very upset' about the rush to support her and 'knows she can't win' against Trump. President Joe Biden (pictured on Wednesday) announced Sunday that he was dropping his reelection bid and quickly offered his endorsement of Harris

The NBC report cites a call between Obama and Harris on Sunday after Biden ended his bid for the White House and quickly threw his support behind the Vice President, who had been his 2024 running mate.

Obama then issued a statement praising Biden and the process for selecting a new Democratic nominee.

'We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,' Obama said in the statement. 'But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.'

But what was noticeably absent was any endorsement of Harris.

The Post's source close to the Biden family claims Obama was 'shocked' that the President endorsed Harris so quickly and is 'furious' about the situation.

'Obama's very upset because he knows she can't win,' the insider told the outlet. 'Obama knows she's just incompetent  the border czar who never visited the border, saying that all migrants should have health insurance. She cannot navigate the landmines that are ahead of her.'

The source went on to allege that Obama would instead like to see Arizona senator and former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly 'at the top of the ticket' at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.

Sources close to Obama have told NBC that he will join Harris on the campaign trail, 'though no date has been set,' adding that both Obama and his wife Michelle support the Vice President. Harris, Biden and Obama are pictured together at the White House in 2022

Obama's senior adviser Eric Schultz told NBC the former president 'looks forward to helping Democrats up and down the ballot make the case to voters this fall'. He said Obama (pictured with Biden and Harris in 2022) feels he can help 'unify his party.'

But those close to Obama are claiming that he views himself as a 'resource' and 'sounding board' for Harris, who has 'taken on a lot in a very short time', NBC reported.

He will reportedly join Harris on the campaign trail, 'though no date has been set,' the report said, adding that both Obama and his wife Michelle, whose name had been floated as a potential replacement for Biden at the top of the ticket, support Harris.

Obama's senior adviser Eric Schultz told NBC the former President 'looks forward to helping Democrats up and down the ballot make the case to voters this fall'.

He said Obama feels he can help 'unify his party' and plans to use a strategy focused on 'driving impact, especially where and when his voice can move the needle'.

Obama and Harris have known each other for several years, with the Vice President having been an early supporter of his 2008 presidential campaign.

Harris was also given a speaking role at his 2012 nominating convention.

Obama has also previously backed Harris, throwing his support behind both her campaigns for attorney general in California and her bid for the Senate in 2016.

DailyMail.com has approached the Obama Foundation, White House and Harris campaign for comment.
A former RAF base used to house asylum seekers has been mooted as a site for a 'mega-jail'.

Questions were raised about the future of RAF Wethersfield as MPs signed off emergency measures to release thousands of criminals early from overcrowded prisons.

The site near Braintree in Essex is currently accommodating around 500 asylum seekers, as part of Tory efforts to bring hotel costs down.

But Labour is pledging to clear the asylum backlog and empty the facilities - although it is not clear what ministers will do if numbers remain high.

Earlier this week it was announced that the Bibby Stockholm barge, moored in Dorset, will stop housing would-be migrants from January.

Questions were raised about the future of RAF Wethersfield as MPs signed off emergency measures to release thousands of criminals early from overcrowded prisons

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood today told MPs that the prison population remains 'within a few hundred places of collapse'

The Ministry of Justice previously floated converting RAF Wethersfield into a mega-jail for at least 1,700 offenders to help tackle overcrowding.

A letter to the local parish council in March confirmed the Government was still considering the site as part of a 'long-term pipeline' for new prisons, according to the Telegraph.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood today told MPs that the prison population remains 'within a few hundred places of collapse' and the Government will continue to monitor it closely in the coming weeks.

Her remarks came as the House of Commons backed legislation to reduce the amount of time prisoners must spend in jail before they are automatically released, from 50 per cent of their sentence to 40 per cent.

The move  which does not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences  is expected to result in 5,500 offenders being released in September and October.

They will serve the rest of their sentence under 'strict' licensing conditions in the community, MPs heard.

Ms Mahmood said: 'The crisis in our prisons is not over. The prison population remains within a few hundred places of collapse.

'While we're able to withstand that loss of capacity, any further changes  be that a further loss of supply or an unexpected increase in demand  could tip us into crisis.

'The measures I have set out will take effect in September, giving probation officers the precious time they need to prepare.'

Ms Mahmood said Operation Safeguard, in which police cells are used to house offenders, and Operation Early Dawn, which seeks to manage the flow of prisoners from police cells to the courts, are among other options available to her if required.

She last week claimed the Government had 'no option' but to release thousands of prisoners early, with jails projected to be overflowing by September.

The Government has also announced it will conduct a review into the prison capacity crisis to understand why 'necessary decisions' weren't made at 'critical moments'.

Tory shadow crime minister Matt Vickers raised concerns over the lack of a cut-off date for the legislation and labelled it a 'blank cheque'.

Conservative former minister Sir John Hayes quizzed the Government about the idea of pop-up prisons, similar to temporary NHS hospitals introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Bibby Stockholm barge will stop being used to house asylum seekers as Labour reverses a swathe of the Tories' tough measures

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has been reversing a slew of tough Tory policies

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

The Home Office announced earlier this week that the contract for the Bibby Stockholm, moored in Dorset, will not be renewed past January as demand for such accommodation will be reduced by moves to clear the asylum backlog.

The Government said extending the contract would have cost over 20million next year.

It came after Yvette Cooper announced an effective amnesty on tens of thousands of Channel migrants, who had previously been blocked from seeking asylum.

She insisted that the policy was not working as the migrants were merely being kept in limbo at taxpayer expense.

The Rwanda scheme has also been axed despite signs it was already having a deterrent effect, with Ms Cooper saying it had cost 700million and only four Channel arrivals had voluntarily gone to the African state.
A wet start to the summer holidays continued for millions of schoolchildren today as families embarking on getaways endured heavy rain in southern England.

Most areas of the UK will see a mixed bag of sunshine and showers over the next few days along with temperatures around average for the time of year.

But the mercury is expected to climb again from Sunday with 27C (81F) highs set to hit parts of the country next week, especially central and southern areas.

And the RAC estimated drivers will make 27million leisure trips over the course of six days from Tuesday until Sunday as the summer getaway becomes drawn out.

Experts added that 2.5million leisure trips by car would be taken today, ahead of 3.2million on 'Frantic Friday' tomorrow and then a peak of 3.6million on Saturday.

Walkers wearing jackets and holding umbrellas during heavy rain at West Bay in Dorset today

A woman uses a paper bag to shelter from the rain while walking on the Strand in London today

Walkers out in the woods on a dull and damp morning at Dunsden in Oxfordshire today

Passengers at London St Pancras station today as the summer holiday getaway continues

Rail passengers wait at London St Pancras station today as families head on summer holidays

Tuesday was the day most schools broke up for summer  and many families are driving to France, with the Port of Dover in Kent warning of an hour-long wait at border control this morning.

Meanwhile Britons were warned to be wary of 'cold' open water as temperatures go up again, 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 (89.4F) at St James's Park in London last Friday, making it the UK's hottest day of 2024 so far, with much of the country remaining warm over the weekend.

The previous record high for 2024 was 30.5C (86.9F) in Wisley, Surrey, on June 26.

This week has so far had mixed conditions with sunny spells interspersed by showers for many areas.

And it has been a very wet start to July, with East and South East England already having seen almost double the rainfall expected for the whole of the month.

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 weather's warm or off to local lakes and rivers.

'Be mindful that at this time of year the water's still pretty cold, around 16, 17, 18C. It's not like in the Mediterranean where it's 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 (75F), 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 we've seen, it's 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, we're still expecting people during the school summer holidays to head to coastal locations.

'We're 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.'

The Met Office said yesterday's UK high was 26.0C (78.9F) at London Heathrow Airport, while the lowest temperature was 5.5C (41.9F) at Altnaharra in the Highlands.
Cineworld is reportedly set to close around 25 UK cinemas and axe hundreds of jobs under a new plan to save the ailing screen chain.

The cinema operator will publish details of a restructuring plan tomorrow that will result in the site closures across the UK.

Sources said around half a dozen Cineworld cinemas would begin a closure process immediately and shut for good this summer, according to Sky News.

It comes as many customers blamed the cinema chain's decline on its prices, claiming a family trip to the cinema has become too expensive.

The company has been in preliminary talks with large commercial landlords, such as Landsec and Legal & General, about the restructuring plans.

Some landlords are reportedly considering rejecting the proposals, but it remains unclear whether this would be in sufficient number to stop the restructuring plan.

Cineworld is reportedly set to close around 25 UK cinemas and axe hundreds of jobs under new plans to save the ailing screen chain

Cineworld customers have said the chain has priced them out of trips to the movies

The company is being advised by AlixPartners.

It is expected that other cinema operators could step in and take over some of Cineworld's closed sites.

A Cineworld spokesperson previously said in a statement: 'We continue to review our options but we don't comment on rumours and speculation.'

After the news of the closures broke on social media, a number of cinema-goers took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their views.

One commenter said: 'With cinemas being so over priced and given that films now take less time before they end up on streams I'm not surprised.

'Does anyone remember orange Wednesdays and Saturday morning pictures for 1.. ah the good old days.'

Earlier this month, Cineworld customers said the chain has priced them out of trips to the movies.

MailOnline calculated a family of four going to see a film in 4DX along with snacks and drinks could now cost as much as an eye-watering 105.

That's for a family of four to see a 4DX screening of Inside Out 2 at Wandsworth in London, buying two large popcorns, two large hot dogs, confectionary for the two children and four large soft drinks.

Cineworld has faced problems of people not returning to the cinema post-pandemic and instead increasingly choosing to stay at home and watch new releases on streaming services

A number of people commented online that Cineworld's problem was due to increasing prices

And that's without splashing out on special 3D glasses - which cost 5 a pair.

However, prices may vary depending on where the Cineworld is located.

Cineworld disputed MailOnline's figures and claimed a Family Special deal would be cheaper, although this would take customer research and would not available for everyone.

A spokeswoman said: 'With the Cineworld Family Ticket, for example, adults pay kids' prices, so it costs just 31.96 (7.99 per person) for a family of four to see a regular 2D screening of Inside Out 2 at Cineworld Wandsworth.

'By upgrading to 4DX with a family ticket, adults still pay kids' prices, and families get the added enjoyment of stimulating effects like water, wind, lightning, bubbles and moving seats.

'Family tickets also come with a discount on food with a Family Special for 19, which includes a regular popcorn, two regular soft drinks, plus two Munchboxes.'

MailOnline has contacted Cineworld for comment.
Russia has been stealing and selling the organs of dead prisoners, a Ukrainian prisoner of war's wife has claimed.

According to the sinister new revelations, several corpses of dead soldiers returned by Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces to Ukraine have vital organs missing.

Larysa Salaeva, a prisoner of war's wife and head of the Freedom to Defenders of Mariupol campaigning group, said: 'It is already well-known that we receive the bodies of tortured prisoners during body exchanges'.

'We receive not only tortured bodies but also bodies, unfortunately, without organs,' she continued.

Speaking at a meeting in Ankara between representatives of the families of prisoners of war and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar, Salaeva said she believes this confirms that the black market for organ transplantation in the Russian Federation is active.

'And, unfortunately, it operates with our prisoners of war,' she added.

Larysa Salaeva, a prisoner of war's wife and head of the Freedom to Defenders of Mariupol campaigning group accused Russia of stealing and selling the organs of dead prisoners

Pictured: Bodies of Ukrainian prisoners of war on way back from Russia

More than 10,000 prisoners of war are held by Russia, and are not all military, according to estimates. Pictured: Ukrainian prisoners of war after their release from captivity in Russia

'Therefore, I believe that this must be made known to the whole world to stop this crime.'

Salaeva appealed to the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan to support the creation of a medical commission that would monitor the health status of both Ukrainian and Russian PoWs.

Salaeva called on Turkey to act as a mediator to resolve humanitarian issues linked to the return of prisoners of war.

'I would also like to ask Turkey, as the patron country in resolving all humanitarian issues related to the exchange of prisoners of war, to speak out,' she said.

The mother of a serviceman told of the appalling state that troops are in when they are returned to Ukraine in PoW swaps.

'We see the state of health in which our boys return,' she said.

'It's indescribable: they are thin, they need medical help.

'Every time, their health deteriorates in captivity. It's the third year now.'

More than 10,000 prisoners of war are held by Russia, and are not all military, according to estimates.

Salaeva claims Russian flouts the Geneva Conventions and humanitarian law.

'We want international agreements to be implemented. Nothing is known about the whereabouts of the civilian population, which is a violation of international law,' said another Ukrainian source.

Bodnar added: 'This is a real pain that motivates us to work faster and stimulate our international partners to take certain actions.

'One of the main demands is to create an international medical commission that would investigate the conditions of our prisoners of war and help them fight health problems, and this is one of the messages that was conveyed to the Turkish side'.

Salaeva claimed Ukrainian PoW's bodies return tortured and without their vital organs

The last known exchange of bodies was in June when 254 fallen defenders were repatriated to Ukraine

Under the Geneva Conventions, dead bodies and prisoners of war are meant to be exchanged only after the war.

But in the Russia-Ukraine war, exchanges of both started in earnest after the first six months of conflict.

The last known exchange of bodies was in June when 254 fallen defenders were repatriated to Ukraine.

Russian sources denied the reports of missing organs and accused Ukraine of seeking to 'demonise' Putin's forces.

'The fake is an attempt to arouse a new wave of hatred towards Russia on the part of Ukrainian citizens, thereby hoping to once again motivate volunteers and raise the morale of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.'

It comes just as there is talk of peace negotiations to end the war, said War Against Fakes Telegram channel.

It comes after chilling video evidence emerged just two weeks ago showing the brutal execution of two Ukrainian PoW held by Putin's troops.

Two surrendering prisoners of war were seen cowering in a trench before being killed by a hail of nine shots fired by Russian soldiers near Robotyne in Ukraine's Zaphorizhizhia region.

The apparent cold-blooded killings were believed to have happened last month, but the footage has recently appeared.

'The killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and qualifies as a grave international crime,' said a Ukraine report based on the distressing footage.

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutor's Office started a criminal investigation into the flouting of the rules of war and premeditated murder by invading Russian troops.

Ukraine has also previously claimed that Russian forces are under orders from their commanders to slaughter captured Ukrainian troops.

In March, General Dmytro Usov, head of Ukraines co-ordination centre, which oversees the 'bodies corridor' - where Russia and Ukraine meet to exchange bodies, told The Telegraph that a total of 2,495 bodies had been returned through the swaps.
A former Labour backbencher has accused Sir Keir Starmer of 'weaponising' her position as a 'survivor of domestic abuse' to try to stop her from rebelling over child benefits.

Apsana Begum claimed party officials threatened to withdraw support given to her over a dispute with her ex-husband if she voted in favour of lifting the two-child cap.

The Poplar and Limehouse MP, 34, made the allegation after she and six other Labour leftwingers were suspended by the party for supporting an SNP measure to extend payments to all children.

She and former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, ex-shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Zarah Sultana and Imran Hussain have been kicked out of the Parliamentary Labour Party over Tuesday night's Commons rebellion.

Speaking to Times Radio Ms Begum said she was told 'support for me as a survivor of domestic abuse was contingent on how I was voting', adding: 'I've just had to run in an election in which my ex-husband was standing against me, and feeling like my experiences were being weaponised against me in this situation during the whipping operation was absolutely shocking and the fact that supporting me regarding my ex-husband was discussed in this context is completely unacceptable.'

However it is understood Labour has received no evidence to back up Ms Begum's claims. And a party spokesman said: 'We do not recognise these allegations.'

Apsana Begum claimed party officials threatened to withdraw support given to her over a dispute with her ex-husband if she voted in favour of lifting the two-child cap.

The Poplar and Limehouse MP, 34, made the allegation after she and six other Labour leftwingers were suspended by the party for supporting an SNP measure to extend payments to all children.

Sir Keir Starmer's (pictured today ) 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.

With Sir Keir enjoying an enormous working majority of around 180, the overall result of the vote was never in doubt - with the Commons voted 363 to 103, majority 260, to reject the amendment.

But the premier's brutal response of suspending the benefits rebels sparked an outcry in his own ranks.

Ms Sultana suggested 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.

She later told The News Agents podcast she had not spoken to the part leader in more than two years, and had been ignored when asking for a larger office with space to pray in.

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.

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.

Ms Begum accused her ex-husband of being coercive and controlling when she stood trial for housing fraud in 2021.

She was cleared of three counts of dishonestly failing to disclose information relating to her council housing application after blaming 'hard-drinking' former Labour councillor Ehtasham Haque for making bids for council properties behind her back.

She claimed she had twice fled from 'honour based' abuse at her family home in Poplar and then from her 'controlling' husband in Whitechapel.

However Mr Haque denied the allegations made against him, saying their separation had been 'amicable' and that he and Begum had been in each other's company 'many times' since they separated.

In a statement at the time he said: 'I completely deny that at any stage I behaved inappropriately towards Aspana Begum during our marriage.

'These allegations come as a surprise to me as they are the first time I have heard Aspana make such accusations against me. Our separation a number of years ago was amicable and I have been in Aspana's company whilst campaigning for the Labour Party many times since.'
The officer filmed kicking and stamping on men at Manchester Airport has been suspended pending an investigation, Greater Manchester Police said.

Video footage of men being detained at the airport on Tuesday sparked fury yesterday as an officer was seen kicking and stamping on the head of a man who was being restrained on the floor before kicking the head of another.

GMP said an officer had been suspended from 'all duties' following a 'thorough review of further information that has become available'. It has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for a full investigation.

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing the two men seen being arrested in the footage said 'justice has to prevail' after hundreds of protesters gathered outside a local police station to accuse the force of racism. Another rally is planned tonight.

Akhmed Yakoob, a director at Maurice Andrews Solicitors in Birmingham, is representing two men, named as Amaad and Fahir, who were filmed being arrested by taser-wielding cops at the airport on Tuesday.

Solicitor Mr Yakoob said he intended to file a complaint of assault on behalf of the pair against the officers, adding: 'We will be peaceful and we will get justice.'

Lawyer Akhmed Yakoob (centre) with two men named as Fahir and Amaad, one of whom was seen being kicked and stamped on by a Greater Manchester Police officer

Mr Yakoob joined protesters outside Rochdale Police Station late last night in an anti-racism protest

Footage filmed by a witness showed a male officer stamping on one of the men's heads - since identified as Fahir

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. He has since been named as Amaad

Mr Yakoob claimed in the video the pair had just been released from Cheadle Police Station and made their own way to hospital following the incident.

'I've documented their injuries and we are headed to Rochdale police station to make a formal complaint of assault and wounding against the police officers,' he said.

Video footage of the men being taken into custody went viral after one of the men being detained was kicked stamped on the head by a police officer, while others were wrestled to the ground, Tasered and had incapacitant spray used on them.

Greater Manchester Police says it has suspended a police officer from all duties after the incident, which began as officers responded to reports of an assault. It says three officers were injured, including one female who suffered a broken nose.

However, it acknowledged in an earlier statement that the footage was 'truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about (it).

'The use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm,' it added.

The force said this morning: 'We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place.'

The IOPC has vowed to conduct a 'robust' investigation, providing updates throughout.

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.

'We appreciate people want answers and we will work to provide those answers as quickly as we can. Updates will be provided as our investigation progresses.'

In an earlier statement GMP had said there was a 'clear risk' that armed officers' weapons 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 campaigners from Manchester Stand Up To Racism have accused police of racism, organising a 'We won't stay quiet against racist police violence' rally for later today after hundreds gathered outside Rochdale police station yesterday.

Mr Yakoob and GMP were contacted for further comment.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he 'understood' the concern around the video.

The PM's official spokesperson later told reporters: 'He understands the concern that members of the public rightly have in relation to that video.

'The public rightly expect a high standard of conduct from our police and it is right that the police have reported themselves to the IOPC.'

Further protests are expected to take place outside Manchester mayor Andy Burnham's office at 6pm, as they call on him to act on the alleged 'police brutality'.

Mr Burnham, newly re-elected in May, has appealed for 'calm' ahead of further protests, saying the incident was a 'fast-moving and complicated situation'.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Mr Burnham said the footage was 'very disturbing' but that he had since viewed fuller video of the incident and that the circumstances were 'not clear-cut', with 'issues for both sides in the situation'.

He added: 'That said, here's where I want to be really clear: it is right that the officer has been suspended. That is the right action, it is abundantly clear to me that the right steps have been taken.

'I would ask for calm because what I can assure people is that the right and proper steps have been taken in the right way.'

Protesters gather outside Rochdale Police Station overnight to demonstrate against the chaotic arrest of four men at Manchester Airport

At the late night rally speakers used a megaphone to lead the crowd in chants of 'GMP, shame on you'

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has appealed for calm and urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed

Mr Burnham accused Reform MPs Richard Tice and Lee Anderson (above) of 'rushing to judgment' after they appeared to praise the police actions

He has urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed in a 'thorough and measured way because it has to be fair to everyone in the situation'.

'It doesn't detract from what I said at the start - these are disturbing images, they are, and the right steps have been taken here by Greater Manchester Police - but we've all, from there, got to recognise that there is a process now that needs to be followed,' he said.

'I don't think it's right for people to say it's all one thing, it's all another thing, because, from what I've seen, it isn't that, it's more complicated than that.'

Reform MP Lee Anderson posted on social media site X that the 'vast majority of decent Brits would applaud this type of policing', while Mr Tice told TalkTV the video was 'reassuring' rather than 'distressing'.

But Mr Burnham appeared to suggest the pair were 'rushing to judgment', adding: 'Society is not helped by politicians rushing to join the clamour.'

Greater Manchester Police Federation, representing rank-and-file officers, said it had noted the suspension of the officer involved.

A spokesman said: 'The matter is now under investigation - everyone has the right to a fair hearing where all sides of the story are told and context is provided.

'As their staff association, we are supporting the officer concerned, and all of our colleagues who were involved in this incident, including those who were injured.

'We would also like to thank the many members of the public who have contacted us offering support for our hard-working colleagues doing a difficult and dangerous job. It is appreciated.'

But Dal Babu, a former chief superintendent in the Metropolitan Police, said the actions of the officers in the video were 'shocking' and 'absolutely appalling'.

Mr Babu told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Police can use force it has to be proportionate and necessary. I've been in situations where I've had guns pulled on me, knives pulled on me and you can use reasonable force like striking (with a) baton, that's perfectly reasonable.

'But what we've seen in that video clip is somebody lying prone on the floor and then a police officer coming and striking, kicking him in the head with heavy duty boots and then stamping on his head and then going to another person who has got his hands up in a defensive position, being dragged to the floor and then that individual has been kicked.

'What is equally worrying is what appears to be a middle aged woman who is trying to calm the situation down is then shoved and pushed by a number of police officers.

'More and more elements of this video is emerging and its hardly surprising that you've got demonstrations outside Rochdale police station.'

He added: 'I think it is about the culture. Here we have a unit of white officers in specialist departments and a group of Asian people and the force used against them is totally excessive and I think racism played a significant part in this.'

'I think what's quite worrying is that GMP then put forward a senior Asian officer there is a little bit of a cynical attempt to try and say 'look we're dealing with this'.

The man being kicked in the video, now named as Fahir, is from Rochdale and late last night hundreds of people gathered outside the town's main police station to protest the treatment of those who were arrested.

The men who were arrested at Manchester Airport are believed to have been taken to Rochdale Police Station on Tuesday night

Video posted online shows a long line of cars travelling in the direction of the police station late on Wednesday night

During the demonstration speakers labelled the police 'institutionally racist' and the lead crowd in chants of 'GMP, shame on you', with cries of 'Allahu Akbar [God is greatest]' and 'f*** the police' also heard.

One man holding a megaphone was hear telling listeners to remain peaceful at the protest, before adding 'but tomorrow if we don't get justice, these motherf*****s are gonna get it'.

A local Imam was seen trying to calm tensions within the crowd, telling them: 'Rioting, being upset, is what these brothers want you to do. All I am asking is for you not to take the law into your own hands, be respectable citizens like our parents have taught us.'

Paul Waugh, the town's newly elected Labour MP, said on social media site X that he had spoken to the family involved and would meet them in person tomorrow.

He wrote: 'The video footage of a Greater Manchester police officer kicking and stamping on a man in Manchester Airport is truly shocking and disturbing.

'Like many who have seen this clip, I am extremely concerned. I have had it confirmed that the man arrested is a Rochdale resident.

'I have expressed my concerns directly to the Assistant Chief Constable this evening and have been in touch with Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for policing of Greater Manchester.

'It's right that the police officer concerned has been removed from duties and that this incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. I expect a thorough and swift investigation.

'The police have said that while trying to arrest a suspect, three of their officers were attacked. They said that one officer suffered a broken nose and all three needed hospital treatment.

'Our armed police face a very difficult job every day, and will themselves expect the highest standards of conduct from their officers in carrying out that vital duty to protect all of us.

'It's important that both the investigation by the police and the investigation into the police conduct now gather the full facts.'

Several Tasers appeared to have been activated during the incident, which unfolded at Terminal 2

George Galloway, the former MP for Rochdale, claimed on X that one of the men who was arrested had family members in the police.

He said: 'I spoke at some length to both the uncle and the brother of those who were savagely assaulted on the videos that you've seen. Both the uncle and the brother are serving police officers.

'This is important. This is a police family that was severely beaten by the police, stamping on their faces while they lay helpless and unresisting on the floor, kicking them in the head with police boots while they lay unresistant, helpless on the floor.'

The angry crowd gathered after video showing the arrests of four men at Manchester Airport on Tuesday night was shared online yesterday afternoon.

GMP said the men were detained on suspicion of a number of offences, including assault, assault of an emergency worker, affray and obstructing police.

In the video, a man wearing blue shorts and a blue top - now identified as Fahir - is seen lying on the floor with his hands behind his back while an older woman kneels next to him.

Behind the pair a man wearing a grey top and shorts sits on a chair with his hands above his head. He has been named as Amaad.

A male police officer who is holding a Taser then kicks the man who is on the floor in the face, before appearing to stamp on the back of his head as he turns away from the officer.

This sparks outrage from people watching the scene who can be heard shouting at the police 'stop kicking people' and 'you're on camera'. A female police officer can be seen pushed people who are filming away from the man.

Additional footage shared on social media shows the moment police arrest two more men after the incident in which a detainee had his head kicked. Here a police officer uses incapacitant spray on one of the men

The officer is then joined by a colleague who grabs one of the men in a headlock in the footage

The man is then wrestled to ground before being put in handcuffs and dragged out of the building

In the background an officer can be seen shouting 'get down, get down' at the man sat in the chair. The man is then pushed to the ground by two officers and placed in handcuffs.

At this point the woman, who can be seen wearing a blue dupatta headscarf can be seen wandering confusedly between the two men, who are believed to be her sons. She is then pushed away by a female officer.

Other footage which appears to have been taken after the two men were taken away by officers appears to show police cornering a group of people in the same concourse.

In the video one officer who has his Taser out is seen pointing at a man and saying: 'You're going to get locked up.'

At this point one of the officers fires his incapacitant spay at one of the men, before he and another policeman grab hold of the man and wrestle him to the floor.

The men are then dragged away out of the building by officers towards a waiting police vehicle.

Amar Rafiq, who filmed some of the original video, was returning to Manchester from Qatar when he saw the incident unfold in front of him.

He told MailOnline: 'I walked out to the concourse where the incident was taking place. The officer had the man put up against the wall, he was trying to push and shove the officer.

'Moments later the other guy that had been there punched the officer, then they took both of them to the ground. They (police) were saying 'you're under arrest'.'

He said that was when he started filming, capturing the moment one of the men appeared to be kicked in the head.

Mr Rafiq said: '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.

In one piece of footage, taken by one of the men who was arrested, a police officer can be seen pointing a taser at a group of men

One officer can be seen pushing past a member of the public in a bid to arrest one man in the aftermath of the earlier incident

In a statement issued last night, Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said the force understood why the video of the arrests 'created alarm'.

He said: 'We know that a film of an incident at Manchester Airport that is circulating widely shows an event that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about. The use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm.

'In advance of what is shown in the footage available, we were called to reports of an assault at Terminal 2, Manchester Airport at 8.25pm on Tuesday 23 July.

'The alleged suspect was seen on CCTV at a ticket machine in the car park and officers attended the location to arrest him.

'During our response, three officers were assaulted. One female officer suffered a broken nose and the other officers were forced to the ground and suffered injuries which required hospital treatment.'

But the force has already faced fierce criticism online over the clip, with former Chief Prosecutor for the northwest Nazir Afzal saying: 'Obviously don't 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.
Amanda Abbington today claimed she texted producers to say 'this is awful' and that Giovanni Pernice 'hates me' within three days of joining Strictly Come Dancing.

The Sherlock actress also repeated bullying allegations she has made against her professional dancer partner, who has since left the programme - but insisted she does not want the show to be scrapped, despite slamming the 'toxic environment'.

Abbington, 50, has made a series of accusations about Pernice's teaching methods and even claimed yesterday to have suffered bullying of a sexual nature.

And in a wide-ranging interview today with ITV's Lorraine about her experiences, she revealed how problems began early on, saying: 'Week one, third day. I've got texts to the producer on day three going 'This is awful, he hates me, I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm trying my best, I promise you'. So that was the first week.'

Asked whether there were further discussions at that stage, she said: 'Many, many.'

The couple were paired for the show last year but Abbington left after week six - and she has since made a series of allegations about her time on the programme.

But Abbington also said this was an 'anomaly' and she did not want the show to end. She said: 'I love Strictly, I think this is just an anomaly. I always wanted to do that show. I think it's such a beautiful British institution and I think everybody loves it.

Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington appears on ITV's Lorraine today to talk about Strictly

Amanda Abbington has criticised the behaviour of professional dancer Giovanni Pernice

'It's like when I was a kid watching Morecambe and Wise. It's the same thing. You tune in on Saturday night to watch Strictly. Most people on that show are wonderful and I've made some good friends on that show, and I don't want it to end.

In full: Actress Amanda Abbington's interview on ITV's Lorraine today Why she is speaking about ahead of the investigation's conclusion 'I am doing press for the play ('When it Happens to You' at the Park Theatre in London) so I think talking about Strictly had to come up and I couldn't stay silent on it because it would have been really weird because obviously there is a complaint. 'I felt I had to speak up because I don't want people to be frightened of speaking about if they're being bullied or if they feel they are in a difficult situation or if they feel like they are not being heard. 'So I was doing publicity for the play, people asked me about Strictly and I thought I'm not going to... there are things I can't talk about, obviously, and I'm honouring the complaint, I'm not speaking out of turn, I'm not saying anything specific that happened. 'But I do feel I have the right to say it was a toxic environment that I was in while I was rehearsing, because it was. I know what happened in the room, and it would be remiss of me if I was to just say 'it's fine, I don't want to talk about it. 'It's important that women and men, because men get bullied as well, it's important that women feel they are in a safe space where they can stand up and go this is inappropriate behaviour and it needs to be recognised. And I don't want women to feel like they can't speak out.' Her experiences on Strictly 'It was inappropriate, it was mean, it was nasty, it was bullying and I put up with it for five, six weeks. It started very early on and when it started to happen I would shut down because I recognised those red flags. And so I would shut down and it would be difficult to get in, and that would be a self-fulfilling prophecy.' When she started raising concerns 'Week one, third day. I've got texts to the producer on day three going 'This is awful, he hates me, I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm trying my best, I promise you'. So that was the first week.' Were there further discussions then? 'Many, many. And I was going into the rehearsal room every day. I've been in rehearsal rooms for 32 years. I've been in rehearsal room at the moment, which is one of he most beautiful, safe spaces. I know what rehearsal rooms are supposed to be life. 'I don't care what background you're from  whether it's dancing, acting, singing  you have a duty of care to bring into that rehearsal room compassion, understanding, sensitivity and kindness. And that wasn't extended to me. And so I just said I don't think this is right.' Strictly rehearsal footage 'Yeah, there's extensive footage that I haven't blocked. I've not blocked it. 'I don't know how it's working. My lawyer is incredible. She's been by my side since I decided to complain about it and she knows all the minutia and the ins and outs of that. I wasn't expecting to have to do any of this. I was expecting to go onto a reality dance show, have a nice time and then leave having a nice experience.' Whether issues on Strictly could have been nipped in the bud if different processed had been followed 'I genuinely don't know, I really don't. I can only speak from my personal experience and also from people who spoke to me who also went through it. We all had the same experience and I don't know what happened  I don't know where the breakdown was. 'I don't know where the miscommunication happened. But it certainly had a lasting effect on not only be but also several other people before me.' Social media trolling 'I didn't expect - I knew that raising and voicing my concerns probably would mark me as public enemy number one, I realise that. But I didn't expect the onslaught I got and the consistent, persistent amount of death threats and rape threats not only to me but to my children and members of my family, Jonathan included. 'I've got screenshot after screenshot after screenshot which in the end it got so much that I couldn't screenshot them all because it was starting to really affect my mental health because I was just thinking, 'God, everybody hates me, and everybody wants me dead, and wants me to die of cancer and wants my children to'. 'I hope you die of cancer'  quite a few of those. 'And quite a few  'I'm sitting her laughing at the thought that your daughter gets raped in front of you because of what you did to Giovanni. And I'm so sorry if that's upset anybody watching  I'm so sorry, but things like that were happening every day for eight months.' How it has changed her life 'Yeah, completely. I go outside worried because I had messages saying 'watch your back because you're going after Giovanni'. I'm not. I just literally said 'I'm not sure this is appropriate behaviour, can we address it'? That's all I did. 'And the onslaught I've had for eight months  relentless, I'm off social media now, and I don't really go out much, and when I do I feel very vulnerable and exposed. And I worry about my kids, I do, because 16 and 18, they don't need their mum to go through that and they don't need to. They're amazing, my children.' In the context of other world events 'It's like come on, really? Can women not voice their concerns about anything without being called hysterical or over-reactionary?' What should happen with Strictly 'I love Strictly, I think this is just an anomaly. I always wanted to do that show. I think it's such a beautiful British institution and I think everybody loves it. It's like when I was a kid watching Morecambe and Wise. It's the same thing. You tune in on Saturday night to watch Strictly. 'Most people on that show are wonderful and I've made some good friends on that show, and I don't want it to end. I want it to have a beautiful extended life because it's Saturday night entertainment. I don't know what the answer is, I don't because it's not up to me.' What she wants from the BBC 'I would like an apology and I would like this not to happen to people working in that corporation again. I'd like women to be listened to and heard, and taken seriously.' Her wedding 'Next year. Hopefully this won't drag on until next year, hopefully. But next year we're looking to get married and we're going to have a really big weekend extravaganza with our friends and family.' Her fiance Jonathan Goodwin 'He's amazing - everything that he's been through, and he still manages to be confident and funny and everything about him is an inspiration. He's my hero really, he's by my side all the time, he's my number one fan and I'm his. He's a joy. I'm very lucky.' On being able to move on 'I hope so. I don't know what's going to happen, but I know what happened in that room and I know that I did nothing wrong and I know that I left that show with my head held high knowing that I'd done the best that I could do.' Calls from people regarding aftercare 'The producers got in touch with me a few times after I left but I've not really heard from them.' Offering to speak to people who call 'Completely. I've got nothing to hide. I did nothing wrong.' Advertisement

'I want it to have a beautiful extended life because it's Saturday night entertainment. I don't know what the answer is, I don't, because it's not up to me.'

Explaining why she spoke out despite an ongoing BBC investigation, Abbington said: 'I felt I had to speak up because I don't want people to be frightened of speaking about if they're being bullied or if they feel they are in a difficult situation or if they feel like they are not being heard.

'I do feel I have the right to say it was a toxic environment that I was in while I was rehearsing, because it was. I know what happened in the room, and it would be remiss of me if I was to just say 'it's fine, I don't want to talk about it'.

'It's important that women and men, because men get bullied as well, it's important that women feel they are in a safe space where they can stand up and go 'this is inappropriate behaviour and it needs to be recognised'.

'And I don't want women to feel like they can't speak out.'

Speaking to 2008 Strictly contestant Christine Lampard, who was hosting Lorraine today, Abbington added: 'It was inappropriate, it was mean, it was nasty, it was bullying and I put up with it for five, six weeks.

'It started very early on and when it started to happen I would shut down because I recognised those red flags.

'And so I would shut down and it would be difficult to get in, and that would be a self-fulfilling prophecy.'

Talking about her schedule on the show, she said: 'I was going into the rehearsal room every day. I've been in rehearsal rooms for 32 years.'

Abbington added that she was currently working in a rehearsal room ahead of her forthcoming play 'When it Happens to You', which begins at the Park Theatre in London on July 31.

And she described rehearsal rooms as 'one of the most beautiful, safe spaces', adding: 'I know what rehearsal rooms are supposed to be life.

'I don't care what background you're from  whether it's dancing, acting, singing  you have a duty of care to bring into that rehearsal room compassion, understanding, sensitivity and kindness.

'And that wasn't extended to me (at Strictly). And so I just said I don't think this is right.'

She also discussed as-yet unseen Strictly rehearsal room footage with Lampard, telling her: 'There's extensive footage that I haven't blocked. I've not blocked it.'

Lampard said: 'At this point we're certainly being told it's BBC footage. We're being led to believe Giovanni hasn't blocked it either. It's the BBC, it's their footage. But that I'm guessing will come out as part of this investigation. We'll have to see this at some point.'

And Abbington replied: 'Yeah, I don't know how it's working. My lawyer is incredible. She's been by my side since I decided to complain about it and she knows all the minutia and the ins and outs of that.

'I wasn't expecting to have to do any of this. I was expecting to go onto a reality dance show, have a nice time and then leave having a nice experience.'

Abbington has claimed there are 50 hours of video footage - from cameras she alleges were installed after she raised concerns during her first week - which have been reviewed by the BBC.

Asked if the problems could have been nipped in the bud earlier had the complaint been dealt with differently, Abbington said: 'I genuinely don't know, I really don't. I can only speak from my personal experience and also from people who spoke to me who also went through it.

'We all had the same experience and I don't know what happened  I don't know where the breakdown was. I don't know where the miscommunication happened. But it certainly had a lasting effect on not only be but also several other people before me.'

Asked about the trolling she had suffered since raising her concerns, Abbington said: 'I knew that raising and voicing my concerns probably would mark me as public enemy number one, I realise that.

'But I didn't expect the onslaught I got and the consistent, persistent amount of death threats and rape threats not only to me but to my children and members of my family, Jonathan [her fiance Jonathan Goodwin] included.'

She said she took so many screenshots of abusive messages that she had to stop because 'it was starting to really affect my mental health'.

Abbington continued: 'I was just thinking, 'God, everybody hates me, and everybody wants me dead, and wants me to die of cancer and wants my children to'. 'I hope you die of cancer'  quite a few of those.

'And quite a few  'I'm sitting her laughing at the thought that your daughter gets raped in front of you because of what you did to Giovanni. And I'm so sorry if that's upset anybody watching  I'm so sorry, but things like that were happening every day for eight months.'

Speaking about how it had changed how she lives her life, Abbington said: 'Yeah, completely. I go outside worried because I had messages saying 'watch your back because you're going after Giovanni'.

'I'm not. I just literally said 'I'm not sure this is appropriate behaviour, can we address it'? That's all I did. And the onslaught I've had for eight months  relentless, I'm off social media now, and I don't really go out much, and when I do I feel very vulnerable and exposed.

'And I worry about my kids, I do, because 16 and 18, they don't need their mum to go through that and they don't need to. They're amazing, my children.'

She added: 'Can women not voice their concerns about anything without being called hysterical or over-reactionary?'

Speaking what she would like from the BBC, Abbington said: 'I would like an apology and I would like this not to happen to people working in that corporation again. I'd like women to be listened to and heard, and taken seriously.'

And talking about whether she was confident in the BBC investigation, its conclusion and being able to move on, Abbington said: 'Yeah. I hope so.

'I don't know what's going to happen, but I know what happened in that room and I know that I did nothing wrong and I know that I left that show with my head held high knowing that I'd done the best that I could do.'

Asked whether she had had any calls in relation to aftercare, she said: 'The producers got in touch with me a few times after I left but I've not really heard from them.

But she insisted that should would speak to people if they called, saying: 'Completely. I've got nothing to hide. I did nothing wrong.'

During the programme, Abbington was also asked about her wedding plans with Goodwin.

And she said: 'Next year. Hopefully this won't drag on until next year, hopefully. But next year we're looking to get married and we're going to have a really big weekend extravaganza with our friends and family.'

Abbington also praised Goodwin for his support, saying: 'He's amazing - everything that he's been through, and he still manages to be confident and funny and everything about him is an inspiration.

'He's my hero really, he's by my side all the time, he's my number one fan and I'm his. He's a joy. I'm very lucky.'

It comes after Abbington gave a tearful interview to Channel 4 News last night, saying 'what happened to me in that room wasn't acceptable' as she made claims about the 'bullying and aggressive behaviour' of Pernice.

She added that she wants to encourage people who feel they are in a situation they think is 'toxic and unsafe' to complain.

And she alleged she had suffered 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature' on Strictly.

Amanda Abbington on ITV's Lorraine today as she is interviewed about Strictly Come Dancing

Christine Lampard interviews actress Amanda Abbington on ITV's Lorraine this morning

Abbington previously described Pernice's behaviour as 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean'. He strongly denies her claims.

In an interview with her former Strictly co-star Krishnan Guru-Murthy for Channel 4 News, she said: 'I know it happened because it happened to me.

'I am not a sensational person... I'm not hysterical. I don't make things out to be bigger than they are.

'I know what happened to me in that room wasn't acceptable. I complained about it and sort of have not been taken seriously.'

Guru-Murthy said that he had heard there was an instance which could be described as 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature', asking: 'Is that right?'

And Abbington replied: 'Yeah, I mean, you know, one of the many things.'

Amanda Abbington gave an emotional interview to Channel 4 News yesterday and spoke about the online trolling she received after quitting Strictly Come Dancing last year

She claimed there are 50 hours of video footage which Pernice 'doesn't want anyone to see'.

Asked by Guru-Murthy if she was talking about bullying, she replied: 'Yes, it's bullying and it's aggressive behaviour.

'There were other things that were very upsetting, that you manage in the room at the time, because you're a woman, and you have to manage those things because otherwise, what do you do?'

The actress claimed producers were 'shocked and horrified' after they viewed her training films, but says she is unable to provide more detail because of the ongoing BBC review of her complaint.

A spokesperson for Pernice said: 'We are co-operating fully with the BBC's review process.

'All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes.

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers and celebrities on the show on October 21, 2023

'We will continue to respect the integrity of the investigation and believe it is the right forum for all the evidence to be reviewed.

'As part of the evidence-led review, the BBC has shared the allegations they have been able to substantiate with us.

'They do not resemble Amanda's latest allegations, given to Channel 4, in any shape or form.

'Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.

'We would urge people to wait for the review's conclusion and not to pay heed to these very serious and defamatory allegations that have no evidence in support of them.'

Abbington said that since she made claims about her experience on Strictly, she has received 'rape threats towards not only myself, but my daughter and the threats of death to my son', adding they have been 'brutal, relentless and unforgiving'.

Strictly Come Dancing judges (left to right) Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke during their appearance on the live show on October 21, 2023

Asked if these came from Strictly fans, she agreed and also alleged the behaviour came from supporters of Pernice.

There has been a storm of negative stories about the culture on the BBC's flagship programme and the treatment of contestants.

Abbington said she knows of 'three other women' who went through something similar during their Strictly experiences and there are 'potentially' more people coming forward.

The actress also clarified there are 'five or six (other complainants) from what I can gather, but there's three main people who've made complaints, mine's the official one'.

She said some of Pernice's former dancer partners told her 'I'm so sorry', when they heard the news that she had been partnered with him.

Strictly Come Dancing professionals and choreographers posed for a photograph on Monday to mark the first day of rehearsals for the upcoming series of the flagship BBC programme

On Tuesday, BBC director-general Tim Davie apologised to contestants who had an experience that 'hasn't been wholly positive', and maintained the show would return.

Abbington said she was 'glad' Mr Davie 'acknowledged it'.

Professional dancer Graziano Di Prima left the show after allegations about his treatment of Love Island star Zara McDermott, while Paralympian Will Bayley said he suffered a serious injury while performing a jump in Strictly rehearsals, and claimed he was shown 'no duty of care'.

A BBC statement said: 'Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further on individuals.

'However, when issues are raised with us we always take them extremely seriously and have appropriate processes in place to manage this. As we have said before, we would urge people not to indulge in speculation.

'More generally, the BBC and BBC Studios takes duty of care extremely seriously. Our processes on Strictly Come Dancing are updated every year, they are kept under constant review and last week we announced additional steps to further strengthen welfare and support on the show.'
Britain's shoplifting crisis is even worse than official figures suggest, retail experts warned today - as police figures showed offences have soared by 30 per cent in a year to the highest level in two decades.

Almost 444,000 crimes were recorded by forces in England and Wales in the year to March, up from 342,428 in the previous 12 months. This is the highest figure since records began in 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics.

But industry figures say underreporting means shoplifting is even more endemic than currently thought, with many store owners not bothering to report offences to overwhelmed police and criminal gangs operating without any fear of being caught.

New footage filmed yesterday shows a group of men brazenly grabbing goods from a Boots store in north London before loading them into bags in front of shocked shoppers.

A customer at the store in Barnet tells one of the men 'you need to stop'. He replies 'yeah, I'm going innit' as he continues stripping shelves with no attempt to hide what he is doing.

Almost 444,000 shoplifting offences were recorded by forces in England and Wales in the year to March, up from 342,428 in the previous 12 months

Footage filmed last month shows a group of men brazenly grabbing goods from a Boots store in north London before loading them into bags in front of shocked shoppers

A customer at the store in Barnet tells one of the men 'you need to stop'. He replies 'yeah, I'm going innit' as he continues stripping shelves with no attempt to hide what he is doing

Professor Joshua Bamfield Director, Centre for Retail Research, said the rise of shoplifting was being driven by the perception that it was a risk-free crime.

He told MailOnline last month: 'At one time, shoplifting used to be a sort of craft where people didn't want to get caught because they knew they'd be trouble, but now people don't even bother because there's a perception nothing much will happen to you.

'A lot of retail crime now is organised, with people stealing large quantities of products like alcohol, meat and designer clothes. They are linked to other criminals who sell it on elsewhere.

'The fact thefts below 200 are not pursued and there are a lot of demands on officers mean retailers have found it very difficult to get the kind of support they require.

'Meanwhile, managers have become increasingly concerned about the violence that apprehending shoplifters can involve so are telling their employees not to risk it.

'So you've got two issues - shoplifting being partly decriminalised and the fact the police are too busy, then retailers telling shop staff not to intervene.

Professor Bamfield suggested the latest police figures may actually underplay the seriousness of the situation due to underreporting.

'Shops are rationing their use of police, which means offences are going unreported,' he said. 'I spoke to one retailer who said police had told them only to report two shoplifting offences a day because they don't have enough time.'

The retail expert suggested the only way to tackle the epidemic was to make it a priority for law enforcement.

'Shoplifting is often an individual's way to becoming a serious criminal so if you stop them at 15 or 16 that may get them off that path,' he said.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the data illustrated the 'disgraceful dereliction' of the previous government on law and order, as Labour vowed to tackle low-level shoplifting and make assaulting a shopworker a specific criminal offence.

Separate data from the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) estimates retailers have recorded more than 5.6million incidents of theft over the last year.

A shoplifter empties the shelves of a Greggs store in south east London into a giant holdall last month

This footage, filmed on Sunday, shows a brave Poundland employee grappling with a shoplifter in a store at Westway Cross Shopping Park in Greenford

Phone footage from last month shows young shoplifters battling past staff to steal trainers from a Nike shop in the shadows of Wembley Stadium

The Mail on Sunday revealed last week that as few as 12 gangs are behind a quarter of all shoplifting in England and Wales. Some foreign offenders working for the gangs are flying in to steal and flee the same day on budget flights.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said the gangs committing the majority of these crimes were typically organised, stealing to fund other criminal activity or substance abuse.

'They are often stealing to order, targeting higher value items to sell on to normal people who are struggling with the cost of living,' he added.

'These thieves are stealing on a regular basis without fear of apprehension, so it's 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.'

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.

Just 17 per cent of the 417,582 shoplifting offences recorded in 2023/24 that were assigned an outcome resulted in a charge or summons.

And 58 per cent of investigations closed with no suspect identified, up from 55 per cent the previous year, according to Home Office data.

Superintendent Andy Sidebotham, from the College of Policing, said forces now prioritise attending thefts when an offender has been detained by store staff, where violence has been used or when evidence such as CCTV is available.

'We recognise shoplifting is of major public concern, and that's why we've 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,' he added.

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'.

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.

Shops have resorted to desperate measures in a bid to deter shoplifters. Pictured is a security-protected bar of Dairy Milk Wholenut at a Co-op in Codsall in Staffordshire

A Tesco branch in Theydon Bois, Essex, has even slapped security tags on shopping baskets

At least 35 individuals have so far been flagged up as prolific shoplifters.

Shop bosses have also pointed the finger at regular shoppers feeling 'entitled' to steal from stores because they are regulars.

Richard Fowler, who manages security at upmarket health food brand Planet Organic, said shoplifting at the Chiswick branch takes place 'every day' - and that 'posh totty' types were part of the problem.

He claimed the brand loses a staggering 900,000 a year as a result of stealing. The chain has nine stores across London and claims all the products it sells are organic.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Fowler said: 'We've got our homeless... Then we have what I would call the posh totty people.

'They shop in Planet Organic on a daily basis, they spend a lot of money with our business.

'[They think] ''Today I'm a little bit short of money, so I'm entitled to steal something''.'

The ONS crime figures, released yesterday, also show that the number of theft from a person offences was up 17 per cent from 112,225 to 131,453 in 12 months.

The number of robberies rose by eight per cent to 81,019, though this remains below pre-pandemic levels, with 90,198 offences recorded in the year to March 2020.

The amount of knife crime offences recorded by forces in England and Wales also rose by four per cent, to 50,510, but this too remains below pre-pandemic levels.

This week Richard Fowler, who manages security at Planet Organic, said shoplifting at the Chiswick branch takes place 'every day'

Brazen middle class customers feel 'entitled' to steal from Planet Organic because they are regulars, Mr Fowler claimed

And there was a 13 per cent increase in the number of robberies involving a knife, with 21,226 recorded.

Ms Cooper said: 'We can't 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 ten 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.'
The main road running through Cheddar Gorge area will be closed to the public

Cheddar Gorge locals are facing a 21-mile detour this week as filming crews descend on the iconic Somerset beauty spot to shoot scenes for Danny Boyle's new horror movie 28 Years Later.

Somerset Council has announced that the B3135, the main road which runs through the attraction, will remain closed until this weekend, and maybe longer, to accommodate the film crew.

The road closures mean a 21-mile diversion for motorists, likely resulting in extra fuel bills and longer journey times.

Jodie Comer on the set of 28 Years Later in Northumberland earlier this month

Members of the cast playing zombies could be seen running naked in between shots

Cheddar Gorge attracts nearly 500,000 visitors each year with many coming to see the caves

A planning notice also reveals that production teams will be utilising laybys and parking bays along The Cliffs route.

It is understood Boyle's production company has paid Somerset Council for the filming and closure of the Gorge.

The current cast of 28 Years Later, a sequel to cult classic 28 Days Later, includes Cillian Murphy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell and Erin Kellyman.

Danny Boyle was also the director of Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours.

Despite the disruption, all attractions and shops within the village, including the Cheddar Gorge and Caves, will continue to welcome visitors during the filming period.

Most car parks and the loop Gorge walk will also remain open, according to BBC News.

Some traders in the Cheddar Gorge area are thrilled with the filming. But others fear a hit to their takings in the first week of the summer holidays.

The map above outlines the detour that is facing residents in the Cheddar Gorge area

Cillian Murphy who starred in the 2002 film 28 Days Later will be reprising his role

The landlord of The King's Head, a local pub in area, said: 'I have no problems with it!'

When asked if the filming could lure in new tourists to the village, he added: 'Well it depends if they say in the film it's Cheddar!

'If there's a 'Welcome to Cheddar' sign they go past, tourists will come! If not, they probably won't.'

28 Years Later is set for a June 2025 release in the UK.
A maritime mystery that has endured for decades has finally been solved after a long-lost ship's wreckage was found off Australia's east coast.

MV Noongah had 26 crew members on board when it departed from Newcastle in NSW for Townsville in Queensland's north with its cargo of steel on August 23, 1969.

The tragedy was described as 'one of the nation's worst post-war maritime disasters' when the ship vanished without a trace 55 years ago.

The 71-metre coastal freighter got into trouble two days into its voyage when a heavy storm hit, causing the ship to go down.

Miraculously, five crew members survived the ordeal, but only one body was ever found of the remaining 21 missing men.

In a joint project between the CSIRO, Heritage NSW and The Sydney Project, crews have found the wreckage off the NSW mid north coast, 9 News reported.

Everyday Aussies also assisted in the search.

'Several members of the public also contributed to the project, including by pinpointing and reporting the location of the suspected shipwreck off the NSW coast,' a CSIRO spokesperson said.

MV Noongah (pictured) departed from Newcastle for Townsville with its cargo of steel on August 23, 1969 but went missing two days into the voyage

Teams came together to pinpoint where the shipwreck was located and found that it was mostly intact and sitting upright (pictured)

The teams obtained seafloor mapping data and video footage which showed the MV Noongah not only upright but also mostly intact.

CSIRO voyage manager Margot Hind said the shipwreck is 'sitting' 170 metres below the ocean off the coast of South West Rocks.

'[And it] is approximately 71 metres long, with the vessel dimensions, profile and configuration matching MV Noongah,' she said.

CSIRO group leader Matthew Kimber said shipwreck discoveries are significant.

'This tragedy is still very much in the memory of many in the community and we offer our condolences to families and descendants of the crew who were lost,' he said.

'Our thoughts are also with the surviving crew members from MV Noongah, and we hope that knowing the resting place of the vessel brings some closure for all.'

Now that the 55 year mystery has been solved, it has given comfort to survivors and descendants of the missing crew members (pictured the wreckage of MV Noongah)

Brendan McCormack lost his father in the tragedy,

He last saw his dad on the day the MV Noongah left Newcastle.

'I knew I'd never see my father, we all knew that we'd never see our family members again and we accepted that  so it is great they've been able to find the ship,' Mr McCormack told ABC News.

'You know they are close by the ship, and their souls are close by the ship somewhere.'

The captain aboard MV Noongah was Victorian father-of-two and husband Leo Botsman.

Widow Pamela last saw her husband when she dropped him off at Essendon airport a month before the tragedy.

'He was very talkative and forthright and he loved the sea and the sea was his life,' she recalled.

Family members and descendants of the crew from MV Noongah are able to contact CSIRO to get further details about the discovery and the maritime investigation.
Grinning Syrian monster Bashar Assad has met fellow tyrant Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin to discuss the war in the Middle East.

The dictators met on Wednesday, according to the Kremlin, after their last meeting in March 2023 on the anniversary of Syria's 12-year uprising-turned-civil war.

Footage published by the Russian press service shows the Russian president saying to Assad: 'I am very interested in your opinion on how the situation in the region as a whole is developing.

'Unfortunately, there is a tendency towards escalation, we can see that. This also applies directly to Syria.'

Russia has waged a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad's government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country.

Grinning Syrian monster Bashar Assad (left) has met fellow tyrant Vladimir Putin (right) in the Kremlin to discuss the war in the Middle East

The dictators met on Wednesday, according to the Kremlin, after their last meeting in March 2023 on the anniversary of Syria 's 12-year uprising-turned-civil war

Footage published by the Russian press service shows the Russian president (right) saying to Assad (left): 'I am very interested in your opinion on how the situation in the region as a whole is developing. Unfortunately, there is a tendency towards escalation, we can see that. This also applies directly to Syria'

At their meeting in 2023, Putin emphasised the Russian military's role in stabilising Syria.

While Moscow now concentrates the bulk of its military resources in Ukraine, it has maintained a foothold in Syria and keeps troops at bases there.

'Considering all the events that are taking place in the world as a whole and in the Eurasian region today, our meeting today seems very important,' Assad told Putin through a Russian translator.

The Kremlin did not provide details on Putin and Assad's talks but one potential point of discussion was around Russia and Turkey restoring diplomatic relations.

Russia is one of the strongest backers of Assad's government but also has close ties with Turkey and has been pushing for a return to restart relations.

Turkey and Syria cut their ties in 2011 as mass anti-government protests and a brutal crackdown by security forces in Syria spiraled into the still-ongoing civil war. Turkey backed Syrian insurgent groups seeking to overthrow Assad and still maintains forces in the opposition-held northwest, angering Damascus.

In December 2022, the Turkish, Syrian and Russian defense ministers held talks in Moscow, the first ministerial-level meeting between Turkey and Syria since 2011. Russia also brokered meetings between Syrian and Turkish officials last year.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Assad recently signaled they are interested in restoring diplomatic ties.

Last week, a Turkish newspaper reported that Erdogan would meet with Assad in Moscow in August, but Turkish officials denied the report, saying it did 'not reflect the truth.'

Earlier this month, Erdogan said he had called on Assad to visit Turkey or to meet in a third country.

Speaking to reporters on July 15, Assad said that in order for relations to return to normal Turkey would have to withdraw its troops from northern Syria and stop backing insurgent groups that Damascus describes as 'terrorists.'
Robert Jenrick became the third confirmed Tory leadership candidate today claiming he already has the 10 MP backers needed to make the ballot.

The ex-Cabinet minister is set to hand his nominations to the powerful 1922 Committee this morning, insisting he can win back voters from Reform and make the party 'competent' again.

The announcement comes after Tom Tugendhat, regarded as a One Nation Tory, entered the fray with a pitch to the Right - insisting he would be prepared to leave the ECHR.

Former home sectetary James Cleverly has also publicly declared he wants to succeed Rishi Sunak.

Altogether seven Tories are thought to be making runs, including Kemi Badenoch and Priti Patel.

Nominations opened last night, and contenders now have until Tuesday to gather support from at least 10 MPs to appear on the initial ballot.

Rival camps have been heaping pressure on Ms Badenoch, warning that the apparent frontrunner must show she has backing from dozens of her colleagues to maintain momentum.

Mel Stride and Suella Braverman are the other Conservatives who have requested nomination forms to fill out.

Victoria Atkins had been touted for a run, but has now confirmed she will not seek the top job. However, it is unclear whether all seven others will be able to meet the threshold, given there are now only 121 Tory MPs.

Robert Jenrick is set to hand his nominations to the powerful 1922 Committee this morning, insisting he can win back voters from Reform

Tom Tugendhat moved to woo the Right by criticising the European court this morning, despite being seen as part of the One Nation grouping in the party

The former security minister has followed James Cleverly in formally announcing himself as a candidate to succeed Rishi Sunak

The extended timetable for the contest has been causing concern in Tory circles, with complaints that Mr Sunak is already 'California dreaming' after a low-key PMQs performance yesterday

The Parliamentary party is expected to whittle the field to four candidates next week, with the Conservative conference in September being used as a 'beauty parade'.

A final two candidates will be put to a vote of party members with the winner taking over from Rishi Sunak on November 2.

Mr Jenrick's campaign manager, fellow Tory MP Danny Kruger, said: 'To have any path back to government we must win back those voters we have lost - across the board but particularly to Reform. At the same time we have to bring our party together, united behind one set of coherent Conservative principles.

'The British people need to be convinced that we are the most responsible and competent party of government for us to have any chance of winning in 2029, especially when we know Labour are set to fail on so many important issues for our country.

'Rob Jenrick will do that. He has the energy, temperament and policy agenda to take on our rivals and lead us back to power in five years.'

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Mr Tugendhat suggested that he would be willing to leave the ECHR if it could not be reformed - echoing Mr Sunak's position.

'This is about making sure the institutions we are part of work for the British people,' he said.

Mr Tugendhat denied he was just trying to prop up his support on the Right with the threat.

'No, I've been very, very clear I am prepared to make any decision that will keep the British people safe,' he told GB News.

'I am prepared to leave the ECHR, or indeed any other institution that doesn't serve the interests of the British people.'

The MP refused to accept that the next election was a foregone conclusion, after Labour's massive landslide.

'Yes, it is possible to do that. You've got to restore trust. You've got to demonstrate delivery and you've got to be able to listen to the British people to make sure you understand where the challenges are,' he said.

'But you can look at what Keir Starmer achieved, frankly, he went from his worst electoral result to his best in five years.

'We can do the same but we need to be united. We need to regain the trust of the British people and we need to be ready to deliver.'

The extended timetable for the contest has been causing concern in Tory circles, with complaints that Mr Sunak is already 'California dreaming' after a low-key PMQs performance.

The Opposition leader seemed to take a deliberately low-key approach during his first weekly clash with Keir Starmer yesterday.

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.

Conservatives pointed out that Mr Sunak has three months left, and is likely to find himself responding to a crucial Budget from Chancellor Rachel Reeves - although the date is not yet confirmed.
Tory ex-minister Johnny Mercer is facing a prison sentence unless he names those who told him about alleged murders by British special forces by 4pm today.

The former MP, who lost his Plymouth Moor View at the general election, has until this afternoon to obey to an order by a judge.

Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, the chairman of the Afghanistan Inquiry, gave Mr Mercer the deadline of today to disclose the names of 'multiple officers'.

Mr Mercer - who was veterans' minister until the Tories' election loss - repeatedly refused to name those who told him, while he was a backbench MP, about claims of murder and a cover-up when he gave evidence to the Inquiry in February.

He has reiterated that he intends to 'keep my word' to those who confided in him and has engaged in a legal row with Sir Charles in recent weeks.

Tory ex-minister Johnny Mercer is facing a prison sentence unless he names those who told him about alleged murders by British special forces by 4pm today

Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, the chairman of the Afghanistan Inquiry, gave Mr Mercer the deadline of today to disclose the names of 'multiple officers'

The Inquiry is looking at issues arising from the deployment of British Special Forces to Afghanistan from mid-2010 to mid-2013 (stock photo)

The Inquiry is examining whether a special forces unit, known to the probe as UKSF1, had a policy of executing males of 'fighting age' who posed no threat in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.

Afghan families have accused UK special forces of conducting a 'campaign of murder' against civilians, while senior officers and personnel at the Ministry of Defence 'sought to prevent adequate investigation'.

In a ruling two weeks ago, Sir Charles rejected Mr Mercer's application to withold the names and set a deadline of 4pm on 25 July for him to comply.

The Inquiry chairman quoted from the British Army's values and standards by saying: 'Integrity requires moral courage to do what is right, even when it may not be popular.'

Mr Mercer claimed the ruling contained 'multiple inaccuracies and assertions' and said he found it 'extraordinary that Mr Haddon-Cave considers it appropriate to repeatedly question my moral courage and integrity in public'.

Giving his reason for not disclosing the names during his evidence in February, Mr Mercer told the Inquiry: 'The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals.'

In a previous order compelling the former MP to hand over the names, Sir Charles said the consequences of failing to comply without reasonable excuse would be 'a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment and/or a fine'.

Mr Mercer then submitted an application to the probe on April 3, in which he argued he was either unable to comply with the order, or it was not reasonable for him to comply with it.

In a statement earlier this month, which he posted on X, Mr Mercer said: 'I note the statement from the Inquiry chair, containing as it does multiple factual inaccuracies and assertions.

'I find it extraordinary, given my unprecedented support to assist the Inquiry, including some names of those who have given me consent, that Mr Haddon-Cave considers it appropriate to repeatedly question my moral courage and integrity in public.

'These unjustified and unprovoked attempts by a High Court judge to assassinate my character, without any foundation whatsoever, crosses a line.

'From Northern Ireland to Iraq to Afghanistan, the courts have consistently mis-judged their handling of these issues, with appalling consequences for serving personnel and veterans, usually of junior rank.

'I could comment on the naivete of the inquiry team; or how  despite my repeated requests for them to have the basic courtesy to inform me privately before they release details of my fate to the press, I again found out my fate today from a journalist. But I would consider that improper.

'I have given my statement to the Inquiry. Mr Haddon-Cave must now stop fixating on attempting to bully me, I have done nothing wrong. I gave my word to junior personnel who approached me. I intend to keep it.'

In his ruling on 11 July, Sir Charles said: 'The Applicant submits that he is a protector of whistleblowers.

'He chose publicly, however, to disclose that friends told him about allegations of unlawful killings by (special forces) in Afghanistan.

'He has since refused to disclose the names to assist the Inquiry, even though: the Inquiry was set up for the very purpose of looking into these allegations; he says that his friends were merely witnesses; he could pass on their names to the inquiry privately and in strict confidence; he accepts that the inquiry protects the identities of confidential contacts; and they have protection from risk of prosecution for breach of the Official Secrets Act or failure to report misconduct.'

An Inquiry spokeswoman said: 'Mr Mercer is refusing to disclose information which may be important to a public inquiry which is seeking to establish the truth about grave allegations of multiple murder involving UK Special Forces.

'Mr Mercer accepts the inquiry has secure measures in place to protect the names and identities of his sources and that witnesses coming forward to the inquiry have protection from risk of prosecution for breaches of the Official Secrets Act or for failure to report misconduct.

'The chair has given Mr Mercer a further two weeks to comply with the Section 21 notice.

'The chair's concluding observations were that 'Integrity requires moral courage to do what is right, even when it may not be popular'.'
The heartbroken family of a woman who was killed in a quiet village have paid tribute to the 37-year-old after the man accused of her murder appeared in court.

Laura Robson was found dead at the scene in Appledore Close, in the Greenside area of Gateshead, shortly after 10pm on Monday, July 22.

Emergency services attended and found the victim with serious injuries consistent with being caused by an assault.

Following Laura's death, Northumbria Police officers launched a full investigation and arrested Ben Hughes. The 38-year-old was subsequently charged with murder.

On Thursday, Laura's mother Jill Evans has paid a loving tribute to her daughter, saying her 'smile could light up New York city'.

Laura Robson (pictured) was found dead at the scene in Appledore Close, in the Greenside area of Gateshead, shortly after 10pm on Monday, July 22

Emergency services attended the scene and found the victim with serious injuries consistent with being caused by an assault

She said: 'Words can't describe how we, as a family, feel on the passing of our 'Laura' or 'Lauz' as we lovingly called her. A shining light has left us but Laura will always shine bright in our hearts.

'Laura was a very kind lass and would do anything for anyone. We will always love you Laura.'

Hughes appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside on Wednesday and following a hearing was remanded in custody until a later date.

Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney, of Northumbria Police, said: 'We continue to support Laura's family and loved ones at what is understandably an incredibly distressing time.

'We would ask that their privacy is respected as they look to process the traumatic events of the past few days.'

She added: 'I would reiterate that this remains a live investigation and a suspect has been charged with murder.

'With this in mind please refrain from speculation, whether that be online or out in the community, and respect the ongoing legal proceedings.

'For those who have information which could be helpful to our enquiries, please contact us so that we can provide Laura's family with the answers they deserve.'
This is the moment Vladimir Putin's forces were left humiliated when one of his biggest recent assaults of his war on Ukraine ended in substantial losses.

The Russian leader had ordered his troops to capture more territory in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, but the push near Kurakhove resulted in mass death and destruction.

The failed assault led to the reported deaths of 40 invaders, and left 37 more injured.

Russia is carrying out intense attacks in multiple sections of the eastern front, but in a Ukraine victory, troops managed to fend off 29 attacks in Kurakhove alone, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Dmytro Hutsuliak revealed in its latest update.

Ukrainian paratroopers destroyed six Russian tanks and seven advancing armoured combat vehicles as they were hit by kamikaze drones, it said.

Russia suffered a crushing setback from an assault in the Kurakhove area of Donetsk region with the loss of six tanks, seven armoured personnel carriers with infantry, and 12 military motorbikes

Ukrainian paratroopers destroyed six Russian tanks and seven advancing armoured combat vehicles

Ukraine's 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade called the Russian push 'one of the largest assaults of the war'

The Russian attack group was also targeted by anti-tank gunners, said Ukraine's 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade - also known as the Taurian Brigade.

The Russian army launched the attack from several directions simultaneously early Wednesday morning, the brigade said, while sharing the footage of the assault.

The brutal attack reportedly involved some 57 armoured vehicles, 11 tanks, 12 motorcycles, and 200 assault vehicles.

Ukraine's brigade had spotted the Russian equipment in advance and unleashed fury upon Moscow's forces through relentless artillery fire.

The Russians also reportedly fell in to mines placed by Ukrainian sappers.

'As a result of the battle, our paratroopers shot down six tanks and seven armoured personnel carriers with infantry,' said the brigade's statement.

'All 12 motorbikes were burned.

'The Russians suffered huge losses in manpower: 40 occupants were killed and another 37 wounded.'

The substantial losses comes after British Army head General Sir Roly Walker warned yesterday that if Russia keeps up its attacks on Ukraine, it will take five years for its forces to achieve a minimum goal of fully capturing just four regions at a staggering loss of up to 1.8million soldiers - dead and wounded.

Walker was referring to the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as well as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south.

They are all partially under Russian control already following more than two and a half years of fighting and more than half a million casualties.

The Russians fell into mines placed by Ukrainian sappers

The Russians used 11 tanks, and 45 armoured combat vehicles plus one Terminator tank support combat vehicle in the assault

The statement from Ukraine's Taurian brigade continued: 'After knocking out the first tanks and armoured vehicles, other vehicles rushed to flee the battlefield. Drone operators finished off the infantry as they ran.'

The brigade called the Russian push 'one of the largest assaults of the war'.

The Russians used 11 tanks, and 45 armoured combat vehicles plus one Terminator tank support combat vehicle.

'The rest of the equipment fled the battlefield,' said the statement.

According to Hutsuliak, over the past 24 hours, Ukraine's Air Force, as well as missile and artillery units, have launched 13 strikes on enemy manpower clusters, hit a control post, an artillery system, two anti-aircraft missile systems, and a radar.

The savage assault comes as the Kremlin revealed they are open to negotiation with Ukraine on ending the war - something Moscow has dubbed a special military operation.

But Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday during a visit to China that Kyiv was also prepared for talks with Russia provided Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity were fully respected, though he said that Ukraine has seen no sign of that.

When asked on Thursday whether Russia would be ready to hold talks with Ukraine while President Volodymyr Zelensky was in power, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: 'Russia is generally open to a negotiation process.

'But first we have to understand how ready the Ukrainian side is for this and how much the Ukrainian side has permission for this from its handlers.'

Putin in June said Russia would end the war in Ukraine, but only if Kyiv agreed to drop its NATO ambitions.
Police are investigating after 'human organs' were found inside a container in a park in south London.

The disturbing discovery was made by a member of the public at around 4.30pm yesterday in Rosehill Park, Sutton.

The Met is now forensically examining the container to determine whether the remains belong to a human or an animal.

Officers are guarding a cordon in the park while the investigation takes place.

The 32-acre park is popular with local families and located next to St Helier Hospital and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children.

The disturbing discovery was made by a member of the public at around 4.30pm yesterday in Rosehill Park, Sutton

A Met spokesman said: 'Police were called at approximately 4.30pm on Wednesday, July 24 by a member of the public who reported finding a container in Rosehill Park, Sutton containing what was described as human or animal organs inside.

'The container has been secured by police and the contents will be forensically examined.

'A scene remains in place at the location and enquiries into the circumstances continue.'

It comes as police in Sunderland continue their investigation into suspected human remains that were found on the banks of the River Wear.

Northumbria Police officers were seen yesterday on Wear Street in South Hylton, with multiple police vehicles in attendance.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said yesterday: 'At around 10.05am today, we received a report of suspected human remains having been discovered on the riverbank near Wear Street in South Hylton.

'Emergency services are currently in attendance at the scene to carry out enquiries.'

The force said today it did not have a further update and that 'reports of this nature can take a while to deal with'.

Police in Sunderland launched an investigation after finding human remains on a riverbank yesterday

Northumbria Police officers were seen on Wear Street, in South Hylton, yesterday

Yostin Andres Mosquera was last week charged with the murders of Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, after their remains were found in two bloody suitcases abandoned in Bristol.

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.
Keir Starmer today flip-flopped on an election vow to slash bills by up to 300 as he unveiled a drive for more offshore wind.

The PM insisted he was determined to reduce costs as he announced that the new state-owned Great British Energy firm will partner with the King to help speed up building.

Downing Street pointedly refused to repeat the cash figure that Sir Keir had used during the campaign. And the premier seemed to feather the issue again later, telling reporters he stood by the manifesto - which did not specifically include the 300 commitment.

In a round of interviews this morning, Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband conceded it would 'take time' for GB Energy to start making money.

He cited international factors as a reason why he could not guarantee lower bills.

The Crown Estate owns the vast majority of Britain's seabed, stretching up to 12 nautical miles from the mainland, and leases parts of it to wind farm operators.

The Government said GB Energy will help develop future offshore wind projects, as part of its push to hasten the UK's transition to renewable energy.

It is also designed to reduce the UK's reliance on energy imported from other countries by generating more of its own electricity.

Speaking at an event in Widnes, Keir Starmer said the plans would 'drive down bills, it gives us energy independence'

Downing Street pointedly refused to repeat the cash figure that Sir Keir had used during the campaign

The monarchy was previously entitled to 25 per cent of profits of Crown Estate profits but this has since been reduced (stock image of Gunfleet Sands' offshore wind farm)

King Charles III (pictures smiling at the Senedd on July 11) is set for a cash boost after teaming up with Labour's new Great British Energy company

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has announced that the new state-owned Great British Energy firm will partner with the King to help speed up building

Speaking at an event in Widnes, Sir Keir argued the plan would 'drive down bills, it gives us energy independence'.

He said the money the Government is putting into GB energy is intended to be a 'catalyst' for private investment.

'It will take time for this to develop it will take time before were able to get the benefits of clean power but that's why were moving at pace,' he said.

The PM said he wanted to see bills reduce over the next five years without using the 300 figure and his official spokesman repeatedly declined to repeat it.

However, asked later during a question-and-answer session whether he stands by the pledge, the Prime Minister said: 'Yes, I do  I stand by everything in my manifesto, and one of the things I made clear in the election campaign is because I wouldn't make a single promise or commitment that I didn't think we could deliver in government and that's why we carefully costed and funded everything in our manifesto.

'That does depend on early firm decisions being made, which is why we've set up GB Energy, why we've announced the partnership today with the Crown Estate, and why the Energy Secretary has already taken action in week one in relation to onshore wind, in relation to solar energy and also pushing on with nuclear. So I stand by that commitment.

'What this brings us is lower bills, energy security, the next generation of jobs, and of course an important contribution to our obligations in relation to the planet.'

He added: 'It will take time for this to develop, it will take time before we're able to get the benefits of clean power, but that's why we're moving at pace.'

Mr Miliband told BBC Breakfast: 'Within the lifetime of this Parliament it will start generating returns.'

'Within a couple of years, as we build new onshore wind, new solar, we'll start to see the effect on bills, but there are lots of things going on here.

'So our exposure to gas prices, which are set internationally, is something I don't control I can't promise you what's going to happen to gas prices.

'But I can say that, if we drive to clean, homegrown British energy, we will have much more control over what happens to bills.'

Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said Labour had dropped its claim that its plans could save 300 off energy bills by 2030.

Legislation to establish the state-owned energy company needs to go through the Commons, and the Government has set aside 8.3billion to invest in new wind farms and solar projects, which must be built before GB Energy can start generating a return.

The Crown Estate estimates the partnership will lead to up to 20-30 gigawatts of new offshore wind developments being leased by 2030, enough to power almost 20 million homes.

Ministers laid out fresh details on what GB Energy will do with its 8.3billion of funding over the next five years, as the Great British Energy Bill is introduced to Parliament on Thursday and will receive its second reading on September 5.

The company is set to lead energy projects through development stages to speed up the process, before returning them to private ownership but maintaining a stake.

It could, however, become an operator of such projects over time.

Leading the development of green power projects will come alongside GB Energy's previously announced role of acting as a co-investor on schemes with private sector firms.

Officials will also look at how GB Energy could join forces with Great British Nuclear, a public body which helps bring forward new nuclear energy projects, and support local energy generation projects through partnerships with local councils.

Keir Starmer said: 'This innovative partnership between Great British Energy and the Crown Estate is an important step toward our mission for clean energy by 2030, and bringing down energy bills for good.

'This agreement will drive up to 60 billion in investment into the sector, turbocharging our country toward energy security, the next generation of skilled jobs, and lowering bills for families and business.'

Mr Miliband said: 'Great British Energy comes from a simple idea  that the British people should own and benefit from our natural resources.

'The agreement with the Crown Estate will lead to more investment, cleaner power, more energy security, and is a statement of intent that it will be a permanent and transformative institution for our country.'

The Crown Estate has a 16billion portfolio of land and seabed, and returns its profits to the Government, and a small portion goes to the monarchy.

Much of its 1.1billion profit last year came from offshore wind projects, and it is already engaged in a significant push to find and develop new plots of the seabed for companies to build wind turbines on.

In a separate bill, the Crown Estate is set to be given new borrowing powers, confirmed in last week's King's Speech, which are designed to help it invest more in preparing its seabeds for offshore wind and other projects.

Under current rules, the Crown Estate cannot use its cash reserves to invest because it must hold them against the prospect of future financial losses.

It comes after the Government scrapped a de facto ban on onshore wind farms earlier this month, reversing planning measures brought in for England by the Conservatives in 2015 under David Cameron.

Onshore wind was treated differently from other developments under the rules, which stopped schemes going ahead if there were any objections.

Keir Starmer visiting a wind farm off the Caithness coast last year

Ms Coutinho said: 'The public has been sold a lie that a Labour Government will cut their energy bills by 300,' she said.

'Now that they've won the election they've tried to brush that figure under the carpet, showing us the truth that GB Energy is nothing but a gimmick that will end up costing families, not cutting bills.'

Ms Coutinho said GB Energy would mean 'funnelling taxpayers' money into reducing risk for multimillion-pound energy companies' while the 2030 decarbonisaton target 'will hike bills and ramp up our dependence on batteries and cables from China'.

'Now they're saying bills may go up but the truth is even worse. Labour's plans for energy are going to mean huge costs for British families,' she said.
Elon Musk has rechallenged rival tech boss Mark Zuckerberg to a cage fight one year after they first vowed to take each other on.

In what became a viral back-and-forth in June last year, Musk tweeted bragging that he was 'up for a cage match if he is', to which the Meta boss responded on Instagram 'send me the location'.

Since then the pair have exchanged digs, with the Tesla boss claiming a fight between them would be 'unfair' on Joe Rogan's podcast due to his size advantage.

Now, Musk has added further fuel to the fire after he responded to a question as to whether he will ever fight the Meta CEO.

Speaking at the Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the Tesla boss said: 'I'll fight Zuckerberg any place, any time, any rules.'

Another @elonmusk quote from his visit to the hill today



Musk said hed fight Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg any place, any time, any rules pic.twitter.com/XYSBdmpkzX  Kelly Phares (@kellyfphares) July 24, 2024

Musk laughed at himself after claiming he would fight Mark Zuckerberg 'any place, any time, any rules'

A look at how the two tech bosses would stack up against each other if they were to ever fight

In August last year, Musk contacted Zuckerberg on X to say he was outside his door and ready to have a warm-up fight.

A spokesperson for Mark, however, said he was currently travelling and had no interest in fighting someone who 'randomly shows up at his house'.

The billionaire duo have been flirting with the possibility of a super-fight that UFC president Dana White believes would generate over $1billion in revenue for the best part of two months.

Zuckerberg has expressed doubts over a competitive battle with Musk, which would likely be staged at the Colosseum in Rome.

He also told Musk to contact him if he ever 'gets serious about a real date and official event' for a cage fight under MMA rules in a post on his new social-media platform Threads.

I offered a real date. [UFC president] Dana White offered to make this a legit competition for charity,' Zuckerberg said.

'Elon wont confirm a date, then says he needs surgery, and now asks to do a practice round in my backyard instead.'

Musk previously leaked private messages with Zuckerberg after sending a screenshot of their latest exchange to Isaacson, in which he urged the Facebook founder to accept a warm-up fight before their proposed $1b showdown.

Zuckerberg pictured training with UFC stars Israel Adesanya (left) and Alexander Volkanovski (right) last year

Musk also spent time practicing last year ahead of their suspected cage fight

Zuckerberg pictured formerly competing in a martial arts BJJ tournament. He told Musk to contact him if he ever 'gets serious about a real date and official event'

A fight between the two would likely occur at the Colosseum in Rome. Musk has previously said the Italian Prime Minister and its Minister of Culture agreed to an 'epic location'

Zuckerberg, however, told him to get serious over a competitive contest or 'move on' from the saga amid fears they are 'hyping something that will never happen'.

'If you still want to do a real MMA fight, then you should train on your own and let me know when you're ready to compete,' he wrote.

'I don't want to keep hyping something that will never happen, so you should either decide you're going to do this and do it soon, or we should move on.'

According to Business Insider, Musk's full reply was: 'I have not been practicing much, apart from a brief bout with Lex Fridman today.

'While I think it is very unlikely, given our size difference, perhaps you are a modern day Bruce Lee and will somehow win.'

Musk told Rogan last year: 'He [Zuckerberg] accused me of not being serious. And I said, "Listen, at the end of the day, I'll fight you any place, anywhere under any rules".'

The Tesla founder added, 'I'm way bigger than him, it's unfair. I don't think he should fight me.'

He also said that he had previous fighting experience, including competing in martial arts as a teenager.
A man has denied stabbing his wife to death while she pushed their baby in a pram through Bradford, a court has heard.

Habibur Masum, 25, is accused of fatally stabbing his wife Kulsuma Akter, 27, as she walked in the Westgate area of the city on Saturday, April 6. The baby was unharmed and is understood to have relatives looking after it.

Appearing at Bradford Crown Court today, Masum, of Leamington Avenue in Burnley, pleaded not guilty to murder, two charges of assault, one count of making threats to kill, one charge of stalking and one of possessing a knife.

Ms Akter was stabbed several times in Westgate at the junction with Drewton Road at 3.20pm.

The emergency services were called, but Ms Akter was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Habibur Masum, 25, is accused of fatally stabbing his wife Kulsuma Akter, 27, (pictured together at their wedding) as she walked in the Westgate area of the city on Saturday, April 6

Floral tributes left outside a shop in Westgate, Bradford, close to where Ms Akter was stabbed to death

Appearing at Bradford Crown Court today, Masum, of Leamington Avenue in Burnley, pleaded not guilty to murder, two charges of assault, one count of making threats to kill, one charge of stalking and one of possessing a knife

Masum is accused of stalking Ms Akter between November and April, with the charge alleging he 'tracked her movements and located her at a safe house, sent her messages of a menacing nature which contained threats to kill another and photos and videos of the area and premises where she was residing'.

He is also alleged to have 'loitered in the area of her temporary residence'.

The charge alleges he caused her 'alarm or distress' and to 'fear that violence would be used against her'.

The court heard the allegations of assault and threats to kill relate to two days last November.

Masum was arrested in connection with the murder three days after Ms Akter died in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, following a manhunt.

Following the attack in April, five other people were arrested in connection with the case.

A 23-year-old man was arrested in the Cheshire area on suspicion of assisting an offender and was released on bail.

Masum was arrested in connection with the murder three days after in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, following a manhunt

The scene at Westgate, Bradford, on Saturday after Ms Akter was brutally stabbed to death in broad daylight while pushing her son in a pram on April 6

Police officers in white forensics gear stand within a cordon at the scene of the stabbing in Bradford on April 6

Masum, who is from the city of Sylhet in eastern Bangladesh, studied for a masters in digital marketing at the University of Bedfordshire, and videos show him celebrating at his graduation

Four other men were arrested in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, on suspicion of assisting an offender and drug offences. The men are from the West Midlands and aged 23, 26, 28, and 29.

After the attack, the family of the suspected killer fled their home for fear of a revenge attack by Ms Akter's relatives.

When MailOnline later went to the village where Masum's parents live in April, a local said: 'They have gone, they left a few days ago when the news came out.

'They were scared of being attacked, we haven't seen them since it happened.'

Following Ms Akter's death, her mother Monwara Begum, 60, spoke through tears to MailOnline from her village near the town of Sylhet, in Bangladesh.

She said in April: 'I am still in shock, my heart is broken, she was my youngest daughter and I adored her greatly.

'She looked after me when my eldest daughter was married and she would get my medicine and do everything for me.

Following Ms Akter's death, her mother Monwara Begum, 60, spoke through tears to MailOnline from her village near the town of Sylhet, in Bangladesh

Habibur Masum is a wannabe blogger who previously posted videos of shopping hauls in Primark

'When she moved to the United Kingdom I was alone but Kulsuma would call me every day by video  the only day I didn't hear from her was the day she was attacked.'

She added: 'All I want now is a trial and I want Kulsuma to get the justice in death that she didn't get when she was alive.'

Ms Akter's brother Anwar said his sister had been relocated after they contacted the UK authorities with concerns about her safety.

He added that a few days before she was attacked, the younger brother of Masum called her and 'informed her he [Masum] had gone to Spain'.

Her brother, Hossain, said the family was 'completely devastated' by her loss.

Speaking to MailOnline, he said: 'We are heartbroken and completely devastated. We are not even able to speak and have been crying all the time since this happened.

'We had to call our mother in Bangladesh to tell her the news. Can you imagine what this was like for us? I can't believe my sister is dead. I'm sorry, I can't speak any more.'

Online Masum presents an image of himself online as an enthusiastic traveller who enjoys discovering new cultures

Ms Akter's cousin, Aftab Miah, also revealed that she had a traditional arranged marriage to Masum just over two years ago in Bangladesh.

He then came to the UK to study and she accompanied him as a dependent.

The couple were living in Oldham in a flat above a shop. Ms Akter has two older brothers living in the town, as well as a sister and another brother in Bangladesh. She was the youngest of five siblings.

Mr Miah, 53, revealed that she did not work, spoke limited English and relied on her husband for her financial survival.

He added: 'She was a lovely girl and had a great personality. She was always smiling and liked to make people laugh.

'We will miss her a lot and her death has hit us all really hard. But married life became quite difficult for her.'

He added: 'The family are spread across the world and are not even able to come together at this very difficult time. I can't put into words the pain they are going through. It's horrific.'

Kulsuma Akter's cousin, Aftab Miah (pictured), paid tribute to the mother, calling her a 'lovely girl' who was 'always smiling'

He said that Ms Akter's son was born six months ago and is currently being looked after by relatives. He refused to name the baby.

Mr Miah praised the efforts of the police but called for a fuller investigation into events leading up to Ms Akter's killing.

He said: 'The family just want to see justice carried out and are happy that the police have arrested him quickly. It's a big relief to all of us.'

He added: 'Kulsuma thought she was in a safe place but tragically this wasn't the case. You can't make sense of something like this and it's going to take us a long time to get over her loss.'

Masum, who is from the city of Sylhet in eastern Bangladesh, studied for a masters in digital marketing at the University of Bedfordshire, and shares travel vlogs of his 'adventures' and life in the UK to his 14 YouTube subscribers.

MailOnline previously revealed pictures of the couple's wedding ceremony which is thought to have taken place in Oldham where Ms Akter has relatives.

For the ceremony she wore a brilliant crimson sari with gold trimming, according to traditional custom.

Wearing gold symbolises physical and spiritual purity and that the bride is 'stepping into her new life as pure as gold'.

Ms Akter's father was unable to give her away as he is living in Saudi Arabia and so her brother who lives in the UK stepped in.

At court today, Judge Jonathan Rose remanded Masum into custody until his next hearing at the same court on September 27.

A trial date of November 18 was set at an earlier hearing.
Scandal-hit prisons including HMP Wandsworth, Parc and Berwyn have been given the lowest possible performance rating with major issues concerning assaults on staff, illicit items and affairs with staff, new data reveals.

Fifteen male prisons received the lowest rating of 'serious concern' in the 12 months to March, up from just nine in 2023. No female prisons were given the lowest rating.

The worst performing prison in England and Wales in the last year was Lowdham Grange, receiving an overall performance score of 42.3 percent.

It was closely followed by Bedford (45.7 percent), Portland (45.9 percent), Winchester (46.3 percent), Lewes (46.3 percent) and Wandsworth (46.8 percent).

Among the worst prisons in the country are several at the centre of high-profile scandals involving prison officers having affairs with male inmates, overcrowding and squalid conditions.

Last month prison officer Linda De Sousa Abreu was arrested after being filmed having sex with an inmate at HMP Wandsworth

HMP Wandsworth had the highest level of assaults against prison staff over the 12 months to March

Last month prison officer Linda De Sousa Abreu was arrested after being filmed having sex with an inmate at HMP Wandsworth.

The prison, which experts have been raising concerns about for months, also saw the alleged escape of former soldier Daniel Khalife as he awaited trial for terrorism charges.

Now data published by the Ministry of Justice has revealed the prison had the highest number of assaults in the year to March 2024, with 970 separate incidents.

Close behind were HMP Berwyn with 799, Parc with 762 and Thameside with 680.

At Berwyn, three female prison officers were jailed in three years for their relationships with inmates.

Jennifer Gavan, 27, was jailed for eight months after pleading guilty to misconduct in public office for attempting to smuggle in a mobile phone for Alex Coxon, 25.

The pair exchanged photos on Snapchat and kissed during their relationship in 2020.

Ayshea Gunn, 27, meanwhile made some 1,200 phone calls to 'dangerous' robber Khuram Razaq as he served a 12-year sentence.

Wandsworth has been plagued by scandal since the alleged escape of Daniel Khalife (pictured)

Prison officer Ayshea Gunn exchanged more than 1,200 phone calls, including explicit video calls, with prisoner Khuram Razaq (pictured together in his cell)

A total of 18 female guards at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, North Wales, have been fired or have resigned for having illicit affairs with inmates since 2017

Emily Watson (left) was jailed for one year after she performed a sex act on Berwyn inmate John McGee (right). McGee was serving an eight-year sentence for the hit-and-run death of a charity worker

And Emily Watson, 26, was jailed for a year after a court heard she embarked on a sexual relationship with inmate John McGee.

Prisons rated a 'serious concern' Bedford

Bristol

Durham

Five Wells

Isis

Lewes

Long Lartin

Lowdham Grange

Manchester

Pentonville

Peterborough (male)

Portland

Wandsworth

Winchester

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The court heard Watson had been alone with McGee in his cell on three occasions, when she twice performed a sex act on him. The pair also had sex once.

And at HMP Parc prison in Bridgend nurse Elyse-May Hibbs was jailed for striking up an affair with drug dealer Harry Pullen.

The troubled prison is being probed over the deaths of six inmates within three weeks earlier this year.

Across the whole of England and Wales prisons reported a total of more than 28,292 assaults.

Some 9,847 of these were attacks on prison employees, while the rest were prisoner-on-prisoner incidents.

Wandsworth again had the highest number of prisoner on staff assaults with more than half - 525 - of incidents involving staff in the last 12 months.

Five Wells, Lowdham Grange and Parc also had high levels of assaults on staff, with more than 200 apiece for the 12 months to March.

Earlier this year footage emerged of a brutal attack on a prison officer by two inmates, Marzin Moshen, 20, and Finley Phillips, 19, at Parc prison.

The pair had gotten into a fight and when officer Ryan Young attempted to intervene he was knocked our cold and badly beaten by the thugs.

High levels of assault, squalid conditions and staff shortages have all been blamed for the droves of officers leaving the profession.

A lack of support for mentally ill prisoners has also been highlighted as a factor, with employees increasingly stretched by alarming rates of self-harm.

The last year saw an increase in incidents of self-harm among male prisoners rise 25 percent, to 852 incidents per 1,000 prisoners.

With the prison service facing crises including overcrowding and staffing, the Ministry of Justice admitted it isn't even able to produce reliable estimates as it seeks to tackle a surge of illicit items being smuggled inside for inmates.

An incident at Parc prison recently saw a prison officer knocked out cold and badly beaten as he tried to break up a fight

The overall worst-rated prison was Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire

In the 12 months to March 2024, there were 51,452 random mandatory drug tests (rMDT) carried out in England and Wales.

This was lower than in 2019-20 when over 54,000 tests were conducted. In the 12 months to March 2024, the number of tests did not meet expected levels in any month and were below the almost 57,000 tests expected over the year.

The Ministry of Justice said this means tests have again failed 'to return to the levels required for reliable national or establishment-level estimates.'

Despite not reaching searching targets, the levels of drugs discovered in prisons in England and Wales rose by 44 percent to March 2024.

This amounted to more than 21,000 incidents of drug finds, with a further 10,669 mobile phones and 11,641 weapon discoveries - increases of 36 an 24 percent.

Only a couple of the worst-performing prisons in England and Wales saw high levels of drug discoveries, but it is unclear if this is due to fewer searches.

But at Five Wells in Wellingborough, a staggering 12.2kg of drugs were discovered in the last year alone.

Meanwhile Kirkham saw the most phones discovered at 684, with Wandsworth second with 579.
A mother-of-eight who covered her ex-lover's brother in petrol before setting his new van on fire has been hit with a 10-year restraining order but spared jail.

Gemma Peregreen, 37, splashed the jerry can of fuel over Tyronne Webb and his van after he had gone to her flat to collect items belonging to his brother.

Newport Crown Court heard Mr Webb's brother had been in a relationship with Peregreen and there was a 'bad feeling' after it ended.

Footage of the shocking incident was played to the court after it was filmed by stunned onlookers on February 26.

Judge Williams told Peregreen that he believed there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and handed her a two year suspended sentence.

She was also handed a 10-year restraining order to not contact Mr Webb.

Gemma Peregreen, 37, (pictured) splashed the jerry can of fuel over Tyronne Webb and his van after he had gone to her flat to collect items belonging to his brother

Footage of the shocking incident was played to the court after it was filmed by stunned onlookers on February 26

Judge Daniel Williams told Peregreen: 'Because of that history, the two of you exchanged unpleasant words.

'You appeared to him to be under the influence of alcohol.

'You went to throw petrol over him and he managed to parry away from you after you lunged at him. You then poured petrol on his van and set fire to it.

'You were reckless as to whether the lives of other people were in danger.

'There was the use of an accelerant and multiple people may have been in danger.'

In a victim impact statement, Mr Webb feared he would have been badly burned if the fire had reached him and the damage to his new van would cost more than 2,000 to repair.

Mr Webb said: 'I never want to see her again.'

Peregreen, of St Briavels in the Forest of Dean, pleaded guilty to arson reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Ross McQuillan-Johnson, defending, said Peregreen was 'disgusted' by her behaviour and had been assessed as a low risk of reoffending.

As she left court, Judge Williams told her: 'You are free to go - don't mess up.'
Rupert Murdoch is involved in a legal battle with his children over his plans to hand over his global media empire to son Lachlan, according to a report.

The fight for power between the 93-year-old mogul's four eldest children appeared to be decided when Lachlan emerged as the designated heir.

But Murdoch is now fighting to extend his eldest son's voting power in the Murdoch Family Trust, the New York Times reported.

The mogul, 93, is in a legal battle against three of his children to ensure that his eldest son and chosen successor, Lachlan Murdoch, 52, will remain in charge of his empire and keep his media outlets conservative.

Murdoch reportedly wants to ensure that Lachlan cannot be challenged by his more politically-moderate siblings when it comes to the editorial agenda of their outlets including Fox News.

In court, Murdoch is arguing that having Lachlan run the company without interference from James, 51, Elisabeth, 55, and Prudence Murdoch, 66, will help preserve its conservative editorial stance.

Rupert Murdoch, 93, is locked in legal battle with his four eldest children over the future of his media empire, according to a new report. Mr Murdoch is pictured with his sons Lachlan Murdoch (L) and James Murdoch (R) in 2016

Mr Murdoch's decision to name Lachlan his heir has reportedly left him estranged from his next eldest three children. His daughters Prudence and Elizabeth are pictured (left and right)

He says that doing so is actually in the interests of his liberal children because keeping his outlets right-wing will help boost the profits that provide for them, it is alleged.

Murdoch was that worried that a 'lack of consensus' among his four children 'would impact the strategic direction at both companies including a potential reorientation of editorial policy and content,' the report said.

The Times adds that he also wishes to hand Lachlan 'permanent' and 'exclusive' control over the company, citing the court's decision.

The Nevada-based family trust holds the family's shares in Murdoch's vast collection of television networks and newspapers through the companies News Corp and Fox Corp.

Murdoch named Lachlan as the empire's heir, instead of James, who was seen in the running for control but who as a climate activist and liberal does not share his father's values the way Lachlan does.

James, meanwhile, has notoriously denounced Fox News' embrace of Donald Trump and has politics that do not match his father's. He left Fox News when Lachlan took over.

Lachlan is currently chairman of News Corp, whose publications include the Wall Street Journal and The Sun, and chair and chief executive of Fox Corp.

The trust currently has eight votes: four controlled by Murdoch, and the remaining four controlled by the four children from his first two marriages. When Murdoch dies, as things currently stand, all four eldest children have equal say.

The latest court tussle centers on Rupert Murdoch's alleged attempts to weigh the scales in Lachlan's favor.

Murdochs youngest daughters, Chloe and Grace, from his third wife, Wendi Deng, do not have voting rights in the trust.

Murdoch is arguing that he is following a narrow provision in the trust which allows for changes done in good faith and meant to benefit all members

James has notoriously denounced Fox News' embrace of Donald Trump and has politics that do not match his father's. He left Fox News when Lachlan took over. Lachlan is currently chairman of News Corp, whose publications include the Wall Street Journal and the Sun, and chair and chief executive of Fox Corp

James, Elisabeth, and Prudence, however, are fighting Murdoch's wishes in court, arguing giving Lachlan more power violates the 'equal governance provision' of the trust.

Murdoch, on his part, is arguing that he is following a narrow provision in the trust which allows for changes done in good faith and meant to benefit all members.

The case will be decided in a trial expected to start in September.
An Oregon mom has been left fighting for her life after she was attacked by a pack of dogs, with her facial injuries being too horrific to show.

Mytoka Petry was mauled by eight dogs on the morning of July 15 in North Portland, with police officers responding to a medical call at a homeless encampment.

Petry lost an arm and her ear in the vicious attack and was rushed to hospital, while two other people who attempted to intervene were also injured.

The eight animals have since been taken into custody and are currently being held pending a formal investigation.

Since the incident, friends and family have organized a GoFundMe page to help her family as she remains in intensive care. They covered up her badly-injured face with a heart emoji.

One image shared to the fundraiser shows Petry's daughter's Jordyn and Kaliyah by her side, her face has been covered due to her severe facial trauma

Since the incident, friends and family have organized a GoFundMe page to help her family as she remains in intensive care

One image shared to the fundraiser shows Petry's daughter's Jordyn and Kaliyah by her side, her face has been covered due to her severe facial trauma.

According to the GoFundMe, doctors also now fear she may lose her eye and has undergone five surgeries within seven days.

Close friend Julana Torres told KGW: 'Nobody should have to be subjected to that or be at the point of almost losing their life because they are out for a walk.'

Torres described to the outlet how she was left in 'utter shock' after she first heard the news of the attack.

She added: 'I couldnt like even say anything I just, speechless because it just didnt even seem real.

'This is a member of our community, Portland native, a mother of two girls, who has served her community.

'She was a nurse. Shes a caretaker. Shes a loving person. And what has happened to her is just absolutely horrendous.'

Petry lost an arm and her ear in the vicious attack and was rushed to hospital, while two other people who attempted to intervene were also injured

According to the GoFundMe, doctors also now fear she may lose her eye and has undergone five surgeries within seven days

While friend Kristine Rebber told KOIN: 'Somebody has to be accountable. This is tragic. There's no reason that she should not have been able to be out there.'

Rebber said that while Petry is in a stable condition, those closest to her have been told they have a really long road ahead of them.

She added: 'She may be in the ICU for months. And right now theres so much room for infection or other complications that shes not out of the woods.'

Police in the city have said that no arrests have yet been made in the case.

Portland has become a byword for crime and urban decay in recent years.

The progressive Oregon city is plagued by homeless encampments and associated crime including drug abuse and murder.

Portland saw its annual murder numbers hit and all-time high in 2022.

Progressive Democrat DA Mike Schmidt was elected in summer 2020.

But he was given the boot earlier this year as voters turned on him for 'equity'-focused policies they say were too soft on crime.

He was booted from office by assistant prosecutor Nathan Vasquez, who has vowed to clean up the city and take a tougher stance on crimes that affect locals' quality of life.
A warehouse worker accused his boss of sexual harassment - because his name is 'Willy', an employment tribunal heard.

Ajmal Aylmer took offence to William McGinty's name and insisted that he stop referring to himself as Willy, the tribunal heard.

Mr McGinty went by Willy to friends, family and colleagues, but Mr Aylmer asked him to refrain from using the abbreviation because there were female employees at the company.

Mr Aylmer said the shortened version of the name is inappropriate because it is a 'term for penis'.

He even claimed Mr McGinty was guilty of 'degrading the whole workplace' when using the abbreviation on the catering company's timesheet.

Mr Aylmer - who had only been at the company for less than two weeks - tried to sue for victimisation.

However, his claims have been dismissed by an employment judge who ruled that Willy is a 'common abbreviation' for William and Mr Aylmer did not have a 'genuine belief' that the use of Mr McGinty's first name amounted to sexual harassment.

The employment tribunal, held in Leeds, heard Mr Aylmer started working for Dnata Catering UK Limited (pictured) on May 9, 2023

The employment tribunal, held in Leeds, heard Mr Aylmer started working for Dnata Catering UK Limited on May 9, 2023.

The Manchester-based company employs around 4,000 UK staff and is said to be the largest provider of inflight catering and inflight retail services in the UK.

Mr Aylmer, who was contracted to work 40 hours per week at their Leeds' site, was on sick leave when he raised his concerns about Mr McGinty's name.

On Sunday, May 28, when Mr McGinty was also off work, the warehouse worker emailed his boss and said: 'Can you put your real name William McGinty on the time sheet and not 'Willy' a term for penis.

'We have female employees here.

'And you wanted to be called 'Willy' instead of William because you said 'my mother gave me that name', something like that so change it please.

'If you don't remove it and keep insisting on being called that - I considerate as sexual harassment.'

It was heard Mr McGinty had always been known as Willy - just as his father and grandfather had been.

It was heard the work rota originally referred to him by his full name, but it was later shortened before Mr Aylmer started working for the company.

And, the tribunal accepted that Willy was a 'common abbreviation' of William.

Later on May 28, Mr Aylmer emailed Mr McGinty again.

He said: 'William you are not communicating with me at all.

READ MORE: Postman wins 4,000 payout from Royal Mail as he suffered panic attack after being told to move to new depot Advertisement

'Perhaps you are waiting for at work and I feel it's a trap and you have done nothing to reduce this.

'So to reduce tension and create a possible solution to this I am putting myself in voluntary suspension (solicitor advice).'

He added: 'If I don't get a response from this I consider this as accepting the suspension.'

On June 20, following back-and-forth exchanges regarding his dismissal, the catering company sent Mr Aylmer a letter informing him they believed he had 'resigned from [his] position'.

The warehouse operative brought forward claims of victimisation and insisted his email on May 28 was a 'protected act'.

During the two-day tribunal, Mr McGinty stated during oral evidence that calling someone Willy involves 'treating them as less than human' and he did not want to do so because 'it's disrespectful'.

But, the panel did not accept his assertions.

Employment Judge Elizabeth Deeley said: '[Mr Aylmer] failed to explain why he believed that Mr McGinty's name amounted to discrimination - he instead stated that Mr McGinty was 'degrading the whole workplace'.'

The judge said this did not amount to a protected act because the warehouse operative 'did not have a genuine belief that Mr William McGinty's use of his first name amounted to sexual harassment'.

'[Mr Aylmer] had not previously complained of Mr McGinty's use of his first name and did not provide any evidence of complaints from other members of staff regarding Mr McGinty's first name,' the judge said.

'The Tribunal accepts Mr McGinty's evidence that his nickname is a common abbreviation and accepted his evidence that his father and grandfather use the same nickname.'

Concluding, EJ Deeley said: 'The Tribunal concluded that the [catering firm] concluded that Mr Aylmer had breached its absence management procedure because the claimant was absent from work and had not provided a doctor's note regarding his absence.

'The Tribunal concluded that it was appropriate for [company] to refer to its absence management policy in these circumstances.

'In any event, [Mr Aylmer] failed to provide any evidence to suggest that the reason for using the absence management policy was because of his alleged protected acts.'
The daughter of a truck driver killed in a tragic work-related accident on Tuesday has penned an emotional tribute to her father, remembering him as the 'kindest, most caring man'.

Erin Van Uden announced with 'a heavy heart' the passing of her father Craig Van Uden.

The tragedy struck about 8am in Donnybrook, 200km south of Perth, on July 23.

Mr Van Uden, who works for company Hastie Waste, suffered fatal injuries while collecting a skip bin from the front yard of a residential premises on Owen Street.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene, where the police reportedly found Mr Van Uden collapsed under a truck.

The 57-year-old man died at the scene.

'This is a hard time for our family and everyone who knew him,' his daughter wrote on social media.

'He was the kindest, funniest and most caring person who was loved by so many. We are in total shock but thank everyone who has already shown their support towards us.

WorkSafe WA is investigating the incident at Donnybrook. Picture: Supplied

Truck driver Craig Van Uden died after collecting a skip bin in Donnybrook, WA, on July 23, 2024. Picture: Supplied

'We've got the fire going and are sitting waiting for you to come home now dad. We love you.'

WorkSafe WA investigators attended the scene and conducted an examination.

Hastie Waste managing director Nigel Tuia said Mr Van Uden had worked for the company for 11 years.

'Craig was a terrific team member, who was always quick with a wave and a cheery hello,' he said.

'He made our workplace a happy one and spread the joy to our customers that he encountered across his day.'

Mr Van Uden's death was one of two work-related deaths to hit WA on Tuesday.

At 1.30pm, emergency services rushed to Lilian Road in Maida Vale, in Perth's outer east.

'A worker was believed to have been electrocuted while conducting tree lopping work near overhead high voltage power lines,' a WorkSafe spokeswoman said.

'Investigators from WorkSafe and Building and Energy attended the scene.

'The investigators examined the circumstances of incidents with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing future incidents of a similar nature.'
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The White House has doubled down on its claim President Joe Biden's decision to drop out had nothing to do with his health.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre again said on Thursday there wasn't a bid to cover up president's cognitive decline and insisted Biden was still 'in charge'.

She also confirmed Biden would not pardon son Hunter for his three federal gun charges that carry a jail sentence.

Follow DailyMail.com's U.S. politics blog for all the developments.
A woman is fighting for her life after being apparently attacked while taking her springer spaniel for an early morning walk on a quiet country path.

The victim, who is in her 50s, was found by members of the public on an isolated track between a sewage works and a railway line.

Police are treating the incident as an attempted murder, and officers have been searching for evidence at the scene off Rectory Lane in Brantham, Suffolk.

The woman, who has not been named, is said to have left her home at 5am on Wednesday to walk her dog.

A member of the public tried to help her and dialled 999 after finding her injured and unconscious 90 minutes later with her spaniel unharmed next to her.

Police scouring the scene for clues near where the unnamed woman was attacked on Wednesday morning

Police at the scene off Rectory Lane in Brantham, Suffolk, where a woman in her 50s was 'attacked' while walking her dog

The woman was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to a specialist head injuries unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

Suffolk Police said she remained in a critical condition today.

The spot where she was attacked was still cordoned off by police today as officers continued searching undergrowth around where she was found.

The area close to the River Stour has a large number of tracks which are popular with dog walkers from the village of Brantham and further afield.

One woman walking her dog nearby said today: 'It is horrific and just awful. This is a beautiful area.

'You can walk around and not see anyone, or if you do, they are often the same people who come here all the time.'

Her husband added: 'There are only farmers, farm workers and dog walkers. There is nobody else.

'We did see a naked man walking down the path a few years ago, but he was more of a naturist rather than a flasher.'

Forensics at the scene close to where the dog walker was 'attacked' while on an early morning walk

Tractor driver Bradley James, 28, said: 'You do not hear of this sort of thing happening around here'

Insurance worker Ian Swan, 58, of nearby Mistley and who was also walking his dog, said: 'It is lovely around here and always seems very safe.

'There are plenty pf people around and I have never heard of any problems. It is really quiet.'

Tractor driver Bradley James, 28, said: 'The woman was found at a point where the path narrows and is a little overgrown.

'You have the railway embankment and train tracks on one side and the sewage works in a big gated area on the other

'It is quiet hidden away by trees while other parts of the track are quite open beside fields. It is almost like a blind spot.

'We do not know who the lady is. It is quite tragic. You do not hear of this sort of thing happening around here.

'It has caused a lot of upset locally and made a lot of people nervous about coming down here with their dogs.

'My mum regularly walks down that track and now she says that she doesn't want to go back there.'

Cornelius Smith, 28, who lives nearby, added: 'I walk my dog all through these lanes and I've never known anything like this to happen before.

'I was out last night with my dog, walking. This is shocking, this is disgusting. It's completely shocked me.'

A Suffolk Police statement said: 'Police are treating the incident as an attempted murder and a police cordon remains on the scene while investigations are carried out.

'Police are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident as it is still unclear how exactly she sustained her injuries.

'The victim is known to have left her home address at around 5am to walk her dog and was found at around 6.30am by a member of the public who called 999 and tried to assist her.

'The victim's family are aware and being supported by police officers. The victim's dog, a Springer Spaniel, was with her when she was found and is safe and well.

'Local residents can expect to see an increased police presence over the next few days while enquiries take place, while additional officers will also be in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.

'Whilst searches, forensic enquiries and house to house enquiries take place, officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw suspicious activity, in the area of Rectory Lane particularly between the times of 5am and 6.30am or the hours just before or after this.'
A funeral home is desperately looking for a 'kind' 99-year-old woman's family and friends to celebrate her life after she passed away.

Katherine Shirley, 99, sadly died in May in Kansas City without any friends and family around to celebrate her long life and give her a proper goodbye.

For 30 years, Shirley lived at Life Care Center of Grandview, a nursing home.

Without any next of kin, friends, or family, Shirley became a ward of the state at the time of her death and was set to be cremated.

But when the funeral home realized that Shirley had already paid for her own burial years before, they decided to honor her wishes - and made a desperate plea for anyone to come and mourn the woman at her funeral.

Katherine Shirley, 99, passed away in May in Kansas City without any friends and family around to celebrate her long life

The funeral home discovered she had set up her end-of-life celebration before she died

'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,' Aesha Humphrey, who works at the funeral home, told Fox 4 Kansas City.

That's when Marcom-Harvey Funeral Care stepped in and agreed to honor Shirley's wishes.

'We have been given the opportunity to honor Ms. Shirley's pre-need wishes that she carefully selected years ago,' the funeral home wrote on Facebook.

The funeral home will accommodate getting the casket and flowers Shirley pre-selected.

Despite honoring her wishes to be buried, the funeral home still faces one major obstacle - finding Shirley's family and friends to celebrate her.

They've even invited the community to come to the ceremony as well.

That's when Marcom-Harvey Funeral Care (pictured) stepped in and agreed to honor Shirley's wishes. 'We have been given the opportunity to honor Ms. Shirley's pre-need wishes that she carefully selected years ago,' the funeral home said

Life Care Center of Grandview remembers Shirley as a kind, woman of God, who took care of herself. Workers and residents there considered her family

'We are hopeful in our search for any friends or family who may have known Ms. Shirley to attend her homegoing celebration and also invite the community to come and support Ms. Shirley, as we believe that everyone deserves a proper homegoing,' it wrote.

The end-of-life business doesn't have much information on Shirley, but they believe she may have had a son and knew she worked as a secretary.

Life Care Center of Grandview remembers Shirley as a kind, woman of God, who took care of herself. Workers and residents there considered her family, according to Fox 4 Kansas City.
The Alabama woman who faked her own kidnapping has broken a year on from the incident that stunned America.

Carlee Russell was charged with two misdemeanors for making false statements to police last July when she told authorities she'd been kidnapped.

Posting to her Instagram account on Monday, Russell wrote: 'I would be remiss not to publicly acknowledge the goodness God has shown to me.

'He not only allowed me to see another year but He changed the trajectory of my life from the negative place I was in this time last year.'

She eventually admitted that she had made up the kidnapping, with her initial disappearance sparking national interest.

Carlee Russell was charged with two misdemeanors for making false statements to police last July when she told authorities she'd been kidnapped

Her post continued: 'To those who have been there for me, your kindness and support have meant the world to me.

'Whether it was a text, call, direct message on social media, post, prayer, thoughtful gift, or words of encouragement, nothing was too little and each helped me to fight to live another day.

'Thank you sincerely for helping me find the light in the darkest of moments. The work is not finished yet.

'As I step into this next year of life, I am filled with hope and optimism toward continuing to overcome challenges, cherishing those who cherish me, and embracing the future and Gods plan for my life with an open heart and mind.'

Russell did not refer directly to the fake kidnap attempt, which was likened to classic thriller novel and movie Gone Girl, but appeared to be outlining the steps she has taken to rebuild her life since.

Last October, Russell pleaded guilty to false reporting and a municipal judge ruled against her and recommended she pay $18,000 and spend a year in jail.

Her legal team appealed the conviction, hoping to avoid jail time for their client - a mission they ultimately succeeded in.

Russell was sentenced to a year on probation.

In July of last year, Russell called the police to report a toddler on the side of Interstate 459 in Alabama.

When officers arrived they found her red Mercedes still running, but were unable to find her or a child in the vicinity.

Video taken the night that Carlee Russell faked her disappearance in Alabama appeared to show the moment she pulled over on a highway to help a child

Russell pleaded guilty to false reporting and a municipal judge ruled against her and recommended she pay $18,000 and spend a year in jail, which was then overturned

Several days later, the nursing student returned home and told police that she'd been taken by a man and a woman while she was on the side of the highway checking on the toddler.

Investigators said they found no evidence of a child on the side of the road and quickly cast doubts about her story.

Officers discovered that Russell had searched on her phone for information about Amber Alerts, the movie 'Taken,' and bus tickets hours before she went missing.

Later in July, Russell, through her attorney admitted in a statement that 'there was no kidnapping.'
The Boeing whistleblower who killed himself earlier this year was so distressed by working conditions at its South Carolina plant that he suffered PTSD, his lawyer has claimed.

John Barnett, 62, was so troubled by the work environment, his attorney Brian Knowles said, he ended up taking his own life during a legal battle with the carrier this past March.

'With John, it was a very difficult seven-year legal battle that had been going on,' his attorney Brian Knowles told Newsweek in an interview Thursday.

'He had been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety issues from being exposed to a hostile work environment at the 787 program, and that really took a toll on him.

'Unfortunately, he ended up taking his own life.'

John Barnett, the Boeing whistleblower who killed himself earlier this year, was so distressed by working conditions at its South Carolina plant that he suffered PTSD, his lawyer said Thursday

Boeing's assembly plant in North Charleston - where the deceased worked for decades - is seen here. It's where Boeing builds the 787 Dreamliner, one of several crafts from the airliner that's made headlines as of late

The revelation that Barnett suffered from PTSD following his 32-year tenure with the company comes a little over a month after his family flied a lawsuit against Boeing holding the firm 'responsible' for his death.

The ex-quality manager at Boeing's North Charleston plant died from a 'self-inflicted' wound, cops in Charleston confirmed - revealing his death came during a break in depositions in his own whistleblower retaliation suit.

In it, he alleged under-pressure workers were deliberately fitting sub-standard parts to aircraft on the assembly line.

in some cases, he said second-rate parts were removed from scrap bins, before being fitted to planes that were being built to prevent delays.

A 2017 review by the FAA upheld some of his concerns, and he had just given a deposition to Boeing's lawyers for the case the previous, his attorney said at the time.

Two months before, the staffer who spent four years overseeing quality checks at the Charleston plant issued warnings about the 787 Dreamliner and 737 Max models specifically, just weeks before his demise.

'This is not a 737 problem - this is a Boeing problem,' he said on TMZ after being asked if he believed the 737 was safe to fly following an incident when an Alaska Airlines 737-MAX 9 lost a door mid-flight in January, spurring an FAA inspection.

'I know the FAA is going in and done due diligence and inspections to ensure the door close on the 737 is installed properly and the fasteners are stored properly,' he said, citing the parts that likely played a part in the incident.

'But, my concern is, "What's the rest of the airplane? What's the condition of the rest of the airplane?"'

'With John, it was a very difficult seven-year legal battle that had been going on,' lawyer Brian Knowles said in an interview. 'He had been diagnosed with PTSD... from being exposed to a hostile work environment at the 787 program... Unfortunately, he ended up taking his own life'

He went on to provide reasons for those concerns - ones he said led him to file the lawsuit against the aviation firm.

'Back in 2012, Boeing started removing inspection operations off their jobs,' he told TMZ's Charles Latibeaudiere and Harvey Levin, recalling his time as a quality overseer at Boeing's plant in South Carolina, which manufactured mostly 787s.

'So, it left the mechanics to buy off their own work,' he explained.

Barnett went on to charge the door incident was indicative of something greater - and something he also alleged in his lawsuit: Boeing turning a blind eye to safety concerns in order to raise their bottom line

'What we're seeing with the door plug blowout is what I've seen with the rest of the airplane, as far as jobs not being completed properly, inspection steps being removed, issues being ignored,' he charged just months before his sudden death.

'My concerns are with the 737 and 787, because those programs have really embraced the theory that quality is overhead and non value added.

Pictured: an unrelated United Airlines Boeing 787-9 takes off from Los Angeles international Airport on July 30, 2022

'Those two programs have really put a strong effort into removing quality from the process,' he concluded

The FAA stood up some of his concerns following his, revealing how a six-week audit found 'multiple instances where [Boeing] allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements' of its 737s.

At one point during the exam, feds found that mechanics at Spirit AeroSystems - one of Boeing's main suppliers - used a hotel key card to check a door seal, and a liquid Dawn soap to a door seal 'as lubricant in the fit-up process' - something 'not identified/documented/called-out in the production order,' a document outlining the probe said.

This spurred FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker to decree Boeing must develop a comprehensive plan to address such 'systemic quality-control issues' within 90 days, which they since have.

'Boeing must commit to real and profound improvements,' Whitaker explained at the time. 'We are going to hold them accountable every step of the way, with mutually understood milestones and expectations.'

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun responded in his own statement, saying that Boeing's leadership team was 'totally committed' to addressing FAA concerns and developing the plan.

Spirit, which makes the fuselage for the now scrutinized MAX, issued a statement saying it was 'in communication with Boeing and the FAA on appropriate corrective actions.'

Boeing then claimed that after some 'quality stand-downs, the FAA audit findings, and the recent expert review panel report, we have a clear picture of what needs to be done.'

Since then, the 737 has continued to experience technical failures, after being grounded by the FAA for two years following two crashes in 2018 and 2019 that collectively killed 346.

Clearing them to fly again in 2021, officials deemed the crashes to be the result of a combination of oversight, design flaws, and inaction by Boeing brass.

The door blowing off the brand-new 737 in January, however, sparked a renewed probe by the DOJ - one that could get complex as these failures continue.

Further complicating matters is the fact that Boeing's continued crises have now forced airlines like United and Southwest to cut flights and even pause hiring - decisions bolstered by United's decision to hold off on the unproved 737 Max 10,

Once the Max 10 gets clearance to operate, Kirby said Monday, United will start accepting some of the craft into its fleet.

Back in January, shortly after the door incident, Kirby said the airline would build a fleet plan without the Max 10 because of constant delays.

In March, United told staff it would have to pause pilot hiring this spring because new Boeing planes are arriving late, CNBC reported.

Teams collect personal effects and other materials from the crash site of Ethiopian Airlines Flight in March 2019, less than a year after another 737-MAX crash in Indonesia

That crash came five months after another flight on a Boeing 737 MAX jet left 189 people dead in Indonesia. Pictured are inspectors at the site of the Lion Air Flight crash in November 2018

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun speaks with reports at the Capitol in January after MAX 9 planes were grounded following the door incident. The company is now under criminal investigation

In March, Southwest Airlines, which only flies Boeing 737s, also trimmed its capacity forecast for 2024, saying that it was reevaluating the year's financial guidance, citing fewer Boeing deliveries than it previously expected: 46 as opposed to 79.

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said at a JPMorgan industry conference held shortly after: 'Boeing needs to become a better company and the deliveries will follow that.'

The suit alleged that after Barnett raised concern over an issue in June 2014, the company retaliated by having a manager spy on him.

It also said the quality manager raised the issue of Boeing's 'deep-rooted and persistent culture of concealment' multiple times, while the company neither documented or addressed the problems.

He also said he was met with retaliation for his complaints, including being given low scores on performance reports, while being isolated and forbidden from transferring out of South Carolina.

Low scores on performance reviews can affect an employees changes of earning a raise or gaining promotion. Prior to making complaints, Barnett alleged that he was a 'top performer' at the Boeing plant in North Charleston.

He also claimed he was 'treated with scorn and contempt by upper management' and had to take medical leave in order to deal with stress, the suit alleged.

Another complaint outlined in the legal filing saw Barnett raising the issue of mechanics doing self-inspections on their own work, something that is prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration.

In addition to not adhering to FAA protocols, Barnett said that Boeing did not even follow internal rules, according to the complaint.

He further alleged company officials asked him to stop complaining about staff taking one piece from a plane and using it on another without authorization, claiming that he was publicly chastised in front of his staff and moved to a new shift afterwards.

In early January, an unused emergency exit door blew off a brand-new Boeing 737 Max shortly after take-off from Portland International, sparking a still-ongoing DOJ investigation

'The new leadership didn't understand processes,' Barnett told Corporate Crime Reporter in an interview in 2019 of how brass allegedly cut corners to get their then state-of-the-art 7878s out on time.

'They brought them in from other areas of the company,' he continued, two years after retiring in 20017. 'The new leadership team  from my director down  they all came from St. Louis, Missouri. They said they were all buddies there.'

'That entire team came down,' he went on. 'They were from the military side. My impression was their mindset was - we are going to do it the way we want to do it. Their motto at the time was - we are in Charleston and we can do anything we want.'

'They started pressuring us to not document defects, to work outside the procedures, to allow defective material to be installed without being corrected.

'They started bypassing procedures and not maintaining configurement control of airplanes, not maintaining control of non conforming parts  they just wanted to get the planes pushed out the door and make the cash register ring.

'That entire team came down,' he went on. 'They were from the military side. My impression was their mindset was - we are going to do it the way we want to do it. Their motto at the time was - we are in Charleston and we can do anything we want.'

Barnett's job for 32 years was overseeing production standards for the firm's planes - standards he said were not met during his four years at the then-new plant in Charleston from 2010 to 2014 as brass rushed to roll out the then new 787 Dreamliner model

He also said he had uncovered serious problems with the plane's oxygen systems, alleging that one in four breathing masks would not work in the event of an emergency.

Barnett claimed he alerted superiors at the plant about his misgivings, but no action was ever taken. Boeing denied this, as well as his claims.

Knowles, meanwhile, also represented Joshua Dean, the former quality auditor at Boeing's fuselage contractor Spirit AeroSystems who alleged that his warnings about defects on the Boeing 737 MAX had been ignored.

He died in April aged 45, following the sudden onset of a bacterial infection.

On Thursday, Knowles told Newsweek how both men's actions "inspired workers to come forward to say enough is enough and that quality and safety matter over production and profits."

'For all the whistleblowers that came forward, for all of us, the flying public, Boeing needs to come clean,' he explained.

'[They need to] actually put into effect programs that emphasize quality and safety and not metrics, and not just accounting and making money.'

Earlier this month, the company pled guilty to a criminal fraud charge stemming from two crashes of 737 Max jetliners that killed 346, after the government determined the company violated an agreement that had protected it from prosecution for more than three years.

Prosecutors had accused the carrier of deceiving regulators who approved the airplane and pilot-training requirements for it, and the plea deal calls for Boeing to pay an $243.6 million fine.

A United Airlines Boeing 737 Max suffers landing gear failure after arriving at Houston airport

That was the same amount it paid under the 2021 settlement that the Justice Department said the company had breached.

An independent monitor will now be named to oversee Boeings safety and quality procedures for three years, while Boeing is now required to invest at least $455 million in its compliance and safety programs.

Justice Department officials said they violated the plea deal as it only wrongdoing by Boeing before the crashes in Indonesia and in Ethiopia, and not the ensuing incident like the panel blowing off the Max jetliner.

When asked about it by AP, Boeing confirmed it had reached the deal with the Justice Department but had no further comment.
Melania Trump is releasing her memoir, her office announced on Thursday, as the former first lady moves to tell her own story after years of being defined by her marriage to Donald Trump.

'Melania' will be the 'powerful and inspiring story of a woman who has carved her own path, overcome adversity and defined personal excellence,' her office said.

The book will be released in the fall but no specific date was provided. It's unclear if it will be released before the election or afterward.

The memoir will include 'personal stories and family photos she has never before shared with the public,' her office said.

'May your experience reading my book be as enjoyable as the writing process was for me,' Melania Trump wrote on X about the book.

Melania Trump, above with husband Donald Trump, will release a memoir this fall

She is selling two editions: a $150 collector's edition featuring 256 pages in full color throughout, with each copy signed by the author. The memoir edition will be 304 pages and available for $40 with signed copies available for $75.

'Melania' will be released by Skyhorse Publishing, which has published such Trump supporters as former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and attorney Alan Dershowitz.

'I am proud to publish Melania Trumps profound personal memoir, MELANIA, in which she shares surprising experiences from her childhood, her international fashion career, and her time as First Lady of the United States,' Tony Lyons, President and Publisher, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'The book is a diligent and historically important record of the turbulent recent past of our country, seen from Melania Trump's unique vantage point. It coveys her core beliefs of unity, hope and kindness, and whatever you thought you knew about this intensely private woman, these pages contain something more - and something deeper.'

The former first lady has been the subject of many biographies and books but this is the first time she is telling her story.

It is unclear if she worked with a co-author and if she will go on a book tour.

Melania Trump, 54, has been something of an enigma in public life.

The third wife of Donald Trump is intensly private and spent much of her White House years focused on raising her son Barron, who was a teenage at the time.

After the Trumps left the White House she maintained her low profile.

She has not been heavily involved in her husband's 2024 campaign for the White House. She appeared at his campaign announcement and at the Republican National Convention, where, unlike other spouses of candidates, she opted not to address the delegates.

Melania will sell a $150 collector's edition featuring 256 pages in full color throughout, with each copy signed by her

Melania Trump, Donald Trump and Barron Trump at the White House in November 2018

She has yet to appear at a campaign rally. She also didn't attend the first presidential debate and has been careful to distance herself from her husband's legal troubles.

There have been reports she won't live in the White House full time if Trump wins the November election.
Two orphaned bears have been taken in by a zoo in Kansas after their mother was shot dead by a hunter.

Adorable photos show the twin black bear cubs - a brother and sister - playing in Sedgwick County Zoo who announced the news Wednesday.

The bears, who arrived from Oregon, will be eligible for public viewing in the exhibit as soon as Monday.

'Without their mother's guidance, bear cubs face a multitude of dangers,' Chelsey Schartz, Sedgwick County Zoo marketing manager told local NBC affiliate KSNW.

'At around eight pounds each, they lack the skills to hunt, fend for themselves, and survive the harsh winters.'

Two orphaned bears arrived at a zoo in Kansas after their mother was shot dead by a hunter

The Sedgwick County Zoo announced Wednesday that they had received a pair of twin black bear cub twins, a brother and sister, from Oregon after their mother was shot and killed

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) took action to rescue the bears. They then contacted Sedgwick County Zoo, which was already on a waiting list to receive black bears in need of a new home.

The zoo had a perfect opportunity, as their previous resident, Mitch, had passed away from old age in December.

'When you walk by the habitat, and Mitch isn't there, you kind of feel this little sinking in your heart, but now when you walk by, there's going to be two baby cubs,' Schartz said.

To ensure the cubs' well-being during transport from Oregon to Wichita, the Sedgwick County Zoo enlisted the help of the Sheriff's Office, who acquired a new plane last year.

The bears will be eligible for public viewing in the exhibit as soon as Monday

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) took action to rescue the bears. They then contacted Sedgwick County Zoo, which was already on a waiting list to receive black bears in need of a new home

The shorter travel time, now less than six hours, allowed zoo staff to continue feeding the cubs milk every two hours throughout the flight.

At first, it was a struggle to fit the two cubs on board the plane.

'Luckily, The Wildlife Safari there in Oregon were more than happy to help the Sedgwick County Zoo out with getting two smaller kennels to fit there a little bit more properly,' said the Communication Coordinator for the SCSO, Hannah Abou-Faissal.

Scott Newland, the President and CEO of the Sedgwick County Zoo, sad he estimates the cubs age are between three and four months old, and they've been happily settling into their new home for the past few weeks.

To ensure their well-being, the bears will have short, supervised appearances until they're old enough to be unsupervised.

To ensure the cubs' well-being during transport from Oregon to Wichita, the Sedgwick County Zoo enlisted the help of the Sheriff's Office, who acquired a new plane last year

The shorter travel time, now less than six hours, allowed zoo staff to continue feeding the cubs milk every two hours throughout the flight

'The bears are so tiny that we are kind of, they could get themselves in trouble on exhibit if left by themselves,' Newland said.

'So until they're big enough and know all the ins and outs of the exhibit, we will have staff out there with them during specific times each day so guests can come see them.'

The zoo is collaborating with Oregon Fish and Wildlife to choose names that reflect the cubs' birthplace.

The Sedgwick County Zoo website will post updates on when these yet-to-be-named cubs will make their public debut.
Mr Bettles had been seriously injured travelling alone

An Australian businessman left fighting for life in the US during a work trip is looking forward to a pepperoni pizza after he was finally given the all clear to fly home.

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) CEO Colin Bettles will return to Australia on Sunday after spending two weeks in a San Francisco hospital.

Mr Bettles, who previously served as a media adviser to former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack, was found seriously injured and unconscious while on a solo work trip on July 4.

He was found with serious head and eye socket injuries and was rushed to the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Centre, where he spent five days in an induced coma.

After being discharged last week, Mr Bettles booked a return flight to Sydney, telling The West Australian that he 'can't wait to get home'.

He thanked the 'fantastic' hospital staff and his 'amazing' family and friends for their support and said that he is now 'slowly on the mend'.

He added that he could not recall much of what happened the night he was out walking.

'I don't have a very good memory of anything, I absolutely dont remember the incident ... all I have on my phone is a picture of a nice pepperoni pizza [from beforehand], in that sort of area,' Mr Bettles told the publication.

Grain Producers Australia chief executive Colin Bettles (pictured on his US work trip before he was injured) flying back to Australia on Sunday after spending weeks in a San Francisco hospital

Mr Bettles' friends originally claimed he had been beaten and mugged while returning to his hotel on foot late at night.

But officers from San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) who are investigating the incident 'diligently' recently revealed they hadn't not found any evidence of a crime.

'SFPD reviewed surveillance video from the scene and found no indication that Bettles was assaulted or the victim of a crime. He was in possession of his property at the hospital,' a statement supplied to the publication read.

Mr Bettles was rushed to hospital on July 4 after suffering serious head and eye socket wounds while on a solo walk late at night

After friends and colleagues in Australia learned that Mr Bettles had been placed into an induced coma, the chair of the GPA board, Barry Large, sent his best wishes.

'There has been a significant amount of people in contact with us following news of Colins injuries and it shows just how much people respect and care for him,' Mr Large said.

'And rightly so, Colin is a great person and we hope this message provides some comfort.

'We will continue to support Colin and his family throughout his recovery and hope that hes able to return to Australia soon.'

Mr Bettles (left) said that he 'can't wait to come home'

Mr Bettles' partner, who works in regional Australia with limited phone reception, only noticed something was amiss when he didn't board a plane to New York.

She reportedly contacted Mr Bettles' friend of 15 years and former employer, Nationals MP McCormack, who raised the alarm with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

US authorities then tracked Mr Bettles down to his hospital bed where he was in intensive care for five days.

It's understood that Mr Bettles was travelling by himself but conducting business in his capacity as GPA chief executive.
Sir Keir Starmer said he understood public 'concern' as video showing a police officer kicking men at Manchester Airport triggered a wave of protests today.

The Prime Minister said he has sent Home Secretary Yvette Cooper north to meet mayor Andy Burnham in the wake of the brutal footage filmed at the transport hub on Tuesday night.

Greater Manchester Police today said it had suspended an officer over an incident where a man being detained was kicked in the head and stamped on while being restrained.

The footage, which also showed an officer kicking a second man in the head, triggered a protest outside a police station in Rochdale last night, with a second planned for tonight.

Asked about the video on a visit to Runcorn this morning, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 'I've seen it myself. I understand that concern.

The Prime Minister said he has sent Home Secretary Yvette Cooper north to meet mayor Andy Burnham in the wake of the brutal footage filmed at the transport hub on Tuesday night.

Greater Manchester Police today said it had suspended an officer over an incident where a man being detained was kicked in the head and stamped on while being restrained.

'There has now been the suspension of one police officer this morning and the Home Secretary is meeting the Mayor of (Greater Manchester) to discuss this as we speak now.'

And Rochdale's new Labour MP Paul Waugh went further. Speaking in the Commons he said he planned to meet the victim's family tonight to discuss what happened.

'The video footage of a Greater Manchester Police officer stamping on and kicking a man in Manchester Airport is truly shocking and disturbing,' he said.

'Our police face a very difficult job every day in keeping us all safe, but they themselves know that they have to expect the highest standards of conduct in their duties.'

Mr Waugh asked whether the House could discuss 'the important issue of police conduct'.

Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell, herself the Labour MP for Manchester Central, said she would pass his comments on to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and added: 'As I said, clearly the footage is incredibly disturbing and there's understandably a lot of concern, particularly in his constituency because it was his constituent affected.'

Rochdale's new Labour MP Paul Waugh said he planned to meet the victim's family tonight to discuss what happened.

GMP said an officer had been suspended from 'all duties' following a 'thorough review of further information that has become available'. It has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for a full investigation.

Police said three of their officers had been assaulted, including a female PC who suffered a broken nose, and four men were arrested.

In a statement on Thursday morning, a force spokesman said: 'We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place.'

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing the two men seen being arrested in the footage said 'justice has to prevail'.

Akhmed Yakoob, a director at Maurice Andrews Solicitors in Birmingham, is representing two men, named as Amaad and Fahir, who were filmed being arrested by taser-wielding cops at the airport on Tuesday.

Solicitor Mr Yakoob said he intended to file a complaint of assault on behalf of the pair against the officers, adding: 'We will be peaceful and we will get justice.'
A TV and radio star who embezzled 120,000 from her dementia-stricken mother to fund a 'lavish lifestyle' has been jailed.

Hayley Matthews, 44, used the cash to splurge on lavish spending sprees which included a 1,300 Mulberry bag, more than 13,600 on Amazon, and shopping at luxury stores such as Harvey Nichols, Kurt Geiger and Molton Brown.

The presenter, who had previously fronted shows for the Scottish National Party and STV, also spent 42,000 on 371 PayPal transactions, ATM withdrawals amounting to 38,000, and 5,500 on purchases from the White Company.

The mother of two stole the money from her mother's bank accounts between September 2019 and November 2022 while she was the power of attorney for her mother's financial affairs.

Her illicit scheme was only exposed when other family members questioned the size of Ms Matthews's estate after she died in a hospital care facility in Edinburgh in 2021.

Hayley Matthews, 44, embezzled 120,000 from her dementia-stricken mother to fund a 'lavish lifestyle'

The presenter (pictured outside court today) used the cash to splurge on lavish spending sprees which included a 1,300 Mulberry bag, more than 13,600 on Amazon, and shopping at luxury stores such as Kurt Geiger and Molton Brown

Matthews previously drew attention for hosting the SNP 's annual conference during the pandemic in December 2020

The unemployed Matthews admitted spending money on luxury goods from Harvey Nichols (stock picture)

The unemployed Matthews pleaded guilty to one charge of embezzlement at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on June 27, and was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison.

Lynne Barrie, procurator fiscal for Lothian and Borders, said: 'Hayley Matthews was placed in a position of family trust to oversee her mother's financial affairs.

'But she abused that responsibility by stealing thousands of pounds and used that money to brazenly fund an extravagant lifestyle.

'This case demonstrates that those who seek to exploit vulnerable victims for their own personal gain will be held to account for their crimes.'

During the trial, the court heard Matthews, who lives in Edinburgh, had told family members her mother's estate was valued at 36,000.

However the valuation was queried by her sister, who applied to the bank for copies of her mother's financial statements.

The mother of two stole the money from her mother's bank accounts between September 2019 and November 2022 while she was the power of attorney for her mother's financial affairs

Matthews splashed out 1,300 on a Mulberry handbag

These showed ATM cash withdrawals had substantially increased between September 2019 and September 2021, after her mother Janice Matthews was admitted to hospital.

At an earlier court appearance, prosecutor Nadia Stewart told the court that Janice Matthews was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2019 and suffered from an alcohol addiction leading her to being admitted to hospital on a compulsion order.

Following the subsequent police investigation, the court were shown the bank statements of Matthews's relentless spending.

It revealed she spent 1,100 on eBay, as well as purchasing items from H&M, Milton Brown, Monsoon Greggs, Deliveroo, Five Guys and Hotel Chocolat.

When Matthews's father Alistair Matthews contacted her for an explanation in January 2022, she admitted spending large sums for her own financial gain.

During several text exchanges, she wrote: 'You're right, I've been shocking at handling mum's money and paperwork.

'I've spent what I shouldn't and used money I shouldn't. I wasn't in a very good place when looking after her, but I tried my best.

The court was told Matthews' sister 'analysed the transactions on her mother's bank accounts' and after spotting around 100,000 was missing and decided to contact the police

'I massively over compensated and used money that I shouldn't have but I tried my absolute best.'

The court was told Matthews' sister 'analysed the transactions on her mother's bank accounts' and after spotting around 100,000 was missing and decided to contact the police.

She was arrested on January 5 last year and, during an interview, she said she had spent money on hampers at Harvey Nichols for hospital staff and clothes for her partner.

After she was found guilty last month, she was told by the judge to 'make arrangements' in her household, which includes her two children, for her absence.

Matthews is a former presenter of the STV2 arts magazine show Live at Five, has worked as a radio presenter with Talk 107, Forth 1 and Real Radio and was a newspaper columnist before resigning last year.

She has also worked alongside Lorraine Kelly on the STV Childrens Appeal live show and has interviewed stars including Jason Donovan, Amy Winehouse, Andy Williams, Nile Rogers and Gary Numan.

Matthews' appearance at SNP conference (pictured right) was controversial as she had used Twitter to raise doubts over the Covid-19 vaccine and insisted she would not allow her children to take it

Matthews previously drew attention for hosting the SNP's annual conference during the pandemic in December 2020.

Her appearance was controversial as she had used Twitter to raise doubts over the Covid-19 vaccine and insisted she would not allow her children to take it.

She shared posts claiming governments were trying to impose a 'new world order'.

In 2019 Matthews spoke about how after she fell pregnant with her second son her crippling pre-natal depression convinced her she was going to be a terrible mum - and even made her wish she'd have a miscarriage.

She became utterly convinced she would be an unfit mother who was not strong enough to have a baby.

Her feelings became so strong she secretly hoped she'd miscarry, looked into having an abortion and didn't tell anyone she was pregnant for six months, apart from her partner.
Vice President Kamala Harris released her first video promoting her run for president on Thursday - just days after President Biden dropped out of the race and she locked up enough support to become the presumptive nominee.

The video is titled 'We Choose Freedom' and features the song 'Freedom' by Beyonce, which is also being used as Harris' walkout song at events.

While Beyonce has not officially endorsed the vice president as of now, a source familiar confirmed Beyonce's team gave the campaign permission to use the song.

The video is also narrated by the vice president herself and is being promoted across the campaign's social media platforms.

In it, Harris lays out her priorities as her campaign scrambles to reintroduce Harris to the American people as the Democratic presidential candidate. She also goes on a blistering attack on former President Donald Trump.

But noticeably absent from the minute-twenty video: any mentions of President Biden or images of them together.

Kamala Harris' campaign released its first video titled 'We Choose Freedom' which is narrated by the vice president and features the song 'Freedom' by Beyonce.

'In this election, we each face a question,' Harris says in the video. 'What kind of country do we want to live in?'

'There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate, but us, we choose something different. We choose freedom,' she continues.

The video starts with imagery of an American flag and Harris supporters waving 'Kamala' signs at her rally in Milwaukee on Tuesday. It then cuts to ominous images of Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance.

Later in the video, Harris calls for a future where 'no one is above the law.'

At that point it shows an image of Trump's mugshot from his Georgia election interference case as well as headlines from when Trump was indicted and found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York.

An image of Donald Trump from Kamala Harris' first campaign video. In it she calls for a future where 'no one is above the law.' While the video shows ominous images of the ex-president, Harris does not mention her political opponent by name

Another image from Harris' video which includes multiple headlines from when Trump was indicted as well as found guilty of falsifying business records

Harris has been taking the fight to Trump in her speeches. At her first rally, she touted prosecuting predators and said Trump is one. She spoke of taking on fraudsters and slammed Trump for being guilty of fraud.

While the new video features images of Trump, it does not mention the Republican presidential nominee by name, and besides the directed lines, it is a more optimistic introduction of the Democratic candidate.

The video relies heavily on images of Harris supporters holding signs and cheering from Harris' first campaign rally with voters as a presidential candidate.

The Milwaukee event was attended by three-thousand people in the all-important swing state. It also features pride flags, families, construction workers and physicians.

An image of Vice President Harris from her 'We Choose Freedom' campaign video

The video features Harris talking about reproductive freedom. Abortion has been a top issue for the vice president on the campaign trail since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade

'The freedom not just to get by, but get ahead. The freedom to be safe from gun violence. The freedom to make decisions about your own body,' Harris says.

She calls for a future 'where no child lives in poverty' and 'where we all can afford health care.'

It ends with Harris' rallying cry she is enthusiastically using on the campaign trail.

'We believe in the promise of America and we are ready to fight for it,' she says. 'Because when we fight, we win.'

While the campaign's first video was released on social media, it has not yet placed any political ad buys on television featuring the vice president. However, the campaign has been advertising on digital.

The same day Biden dropped out of the race, it started posting digital ads promoting the president's endorsement of Harris and pushed supporters to raise money for her run for president.

In just over 24 hours, the Harris campaign raised more than $100 million from more than 1.1 million donors.
A German fashion influencer has spoken out on a terrifying burglary she caught on camera which saw her apartment ransacked and her assistant tied up and threatened with knives.

Xenia Adonts, 33, took to YouTube to share the devastating story with her 82,000 subscribers after her Paris home was broken into by five robbers in a shocking three-hour-long burglary.

The social media star explained that on August 17, 2023, at around 4am, her boyfriend had noticed unusual activity on Adonts' security camera.

'I'm like what's happening, and he said "they broke in",' she said.

'I will never forget this feeling, I will never forget the way my heart raced, they way my breath stopped, I will never forget watching everything on video, seeing the mess of my phone, seeing the robber's faces, seeing the smoke everywhere,' she added.

'And the chaos, it still sits in my bones'.

Xenia Adonts, 33, became the victim of burglary last year after five men broke into her home and stole jewellery and watches

The influencer took to YouTube to recall her horror story of when her apartment in Paris was ransacked last year

Ring doorbell footage captured the robbers leaving the apartment with suitcases and bags following the robbery

Adonts revealed the robbers had entered her home after climbing up scaffolding behind her building before descending the roof with a car jack - allowing them to smash through her front window.

The robbers ripped out a piece of her steel Parisian balcony which she said remains missing to this day.

After the apartment's alarm and smoke system went off, the robbers were scared away but returned in 'slightly different outfits' a short while later.

Five robbers destroyed the influencer's home - and Adonts shared footage of entire incident.

The group smashed holes in the wall, broke all the glass and mirrors, and ripped furniture apart, before storming out with suitcases and bags in hand.

'But they also found my safe,' Adonts said.

'And they ripped it out of the wall, it must have been really heavy because I had all my diaries and journals in there... but I would have loved to see their faces when they open the safe and found a bunch of writings'.

Unfortunately, the social media star also kept watches and jewellery in the safe which the robbers had managed to escape with.

Nine hours after the crime had taken place, five police officers and three detectives appeared on the scene and took photos and fingerprints.

The robbery lasted a shocking three-hours-and-17-minutes, with Adonts' neighbour telling police she had slept through the alarm.

Her assistant rushed to the apartment to help the social media star pick up the valuables she had hidden and send photos of what had remained untouched to Adonts.

But the influencer was then faced with another shocking discovery after checking the security footage once more.

The robbers appeared to have taken off with the spare key to the apartment which Adonts immediately reported to police.

But because it was mid-August, many locker replacement services were not working so a security guard was sent to keep an eye on the property until the locks could be changed.

However, no one showed up.

The five robbers then ransacked the apartment and destroyed everything in the influencer's home before taking off with her safe

The robbers managed to escape with watches and jewellery belonging to the social media star

Adonts said the robbers had entered her home after climbing up scaffolding behind her building (pictured) before descending the roof with a car jack

At the time of the incident, Adonts had been abroad but admitted that after seeing the live footage of the burglary, 'Paris was immediately done'

Adonts shared the chilling story with her 82,000 YouTube followers. Pictured: Xenia Adonts attends the Chloe Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 29, 2024 in Paris

Her assistant kept picking items up from the apartment to move to safer places, under the impression that security were on their way but things turned sour very quickly.

Recalling the moment, Adonts said: 'I was in the car... I get the SOS emoji in the group chat with my assistant.

'I reply immediately and say "what?" but she didn't reply and this one second felt like an eternity'.

In a wild panic, Adonts then called her assistant, who miraculously picked up the phone and reassured her she was okay, but the influencer knew the robbers had returned - and had this time gotten their hands on more than watches and jewellery.

'I ran out of the car, I immediately called the police and told them my assistant is in danger and then I just dropped down in the middle of the street'.

She recalled looking up into the sky for 15 minutes, crying with fear that the robbers would hurt or kill her employee.

'I was praying like my life depended on it, I promised I would give everything to keep her safe'.

The assistant had by this time managed to flee to the bathroom and called Adonts, telling her how the robbers had tied her up and threatened her with knives.

Adonts told her followers they had left her assistant traumatised following the ordeal but praised her courage after being so 'strong' in the face of danger.

The devastated influencer continued: 'In one video you can even hear them laugh, they clearly enjoyed what they were doing, they felt at ease, it really makes you wonder'.

Adonts then shared chilling footage of the robbers making their way up to her apartment as they plotted their way in.

She said: 'They came with a huge bag that was filled with ropes and we can only guess what they planned to do with it'.

'I felt so vulnerable, and there's so much shame around this whole thing, I felt naked and I still feel naked because there's so much shame around this whole thing,' she said

The robbery on Adonts' apartment lasted a shocking three-hours-and-17-minutes

The distraught influencer went on to explain that the robbers had obtained her address through a luxury delivery service.

Telling her followers the way this scheme works, she explained: 'So when a luxury brand send me a package, they use a certain service for it.

'And fun fact, the same service once stole a package from me... the way it works is that they sell celebrity addresses with all information on Instagram profiles - door codes, which floor we live, which items we own'.

After her package was stolen, Adonts installed two security systems - one of which is a remote 24-hour watch.

At the time of the incident, Adonts had been abroad but admitted that after seeing the footage, 'Paris was immediately done'.

She recalled her anxiety becoming near unbearable, and said she had not felt safe in Paris for years.

'I felt so vulnerable, and there's so much shame around this whole thing, I felt naked and I still feel naked because there's so much shame around this whole thing.

'Every time I come back to Paris those feelings of extreme anxiety and fear, vulnerability and nakedness come over me, they took everything from me but the mental damage was the worst,' she said.

To Adonts relief, on March 21, the robbers were arrested as police knew who they were from the beginning.

She had also provided a swathe of evidence to the cops which included the robbers' faces and voices which sped up the process of police tracking them down.

'I'm so exhausted from the emotions, but I think this is a part of getting over it,' she bravely said.

'I have to say that dealing with the consequences has been hard, it's been hard for my assistant, it's been hard for me... because it took me really really really long to rebuild a sense of security and I think I'm still not fully there yet.

'I think I still have a lot of healing to do... and I hope this never happens to you,' she said.
This is the heartwarming moment a couple was reunited with their newborn - one day after she was kidnapped by a doctor from a hospital in Brazil.

Paramedics could be seen wheeling an incubator carrying little Isabella Ferreira into a room Wednesday afternoon at Modesto de Carvalho Municipal Hospital, where her mother and father were waiting.

A nurse appears in the tear-jerking video, removing the day-old baby girl from the apparatus and handing her to mother Natalia Rodrigues as her husband Edson Ferreira sat next to them.

'It was a constant prayer, all the time without losing faith, seeking God, asking Him to bring her back,' Rodrigues told Brazilian newspaper O Tempo. 'We were sure that she would be found, God is good and we would like to thank each and every one of you who made this impact in the media. This contributed to her being found.'

Edison Ferreira said: 'My princess is fine and so is her mother.'

On Wednesday afternoon, Natalia Rodrigues was reunited with her day-old daughter, Isabella Ferreira, who was kidnapped by a doctor just three hours after she was born Tuesday night

Dr. Claudia Alves, a registered neurologist and university professor, was arrested Wednesday morning for the alleged abduction of Isabella Ferreira, three hours after she was born the previous day. Alves' lawyer said the 42-year-old is bipolar and had a 'psychotic crisis' when she carried out the kidnapping

The family's ordeal began Tuesday night  three hours after Rodrigues delivered the baby via caesarean section.

The mother and her daughter were resting in their room at Uberlandia Federal University Hospital Clinic in Uberlandia, Minas Gerais when the alleged suspect, Dr. Claudia Alves, 42, approached them shortly after 11 pm.

Alves, a registered neurologist, identified herself to a pediatrician and touched Rodrigues' breast and told her that she was going to take little Isabella to be fed because she still couldn't breastfeed her.

Alves covered Isabella in a blanket and carried her out of the room before she placed her inside a backpack and walked out the hospital before fleeing in her car.

Alves was stopped by the hospital receptionist, who detected her suspicious behavior when the doctor said her name was Amanda and claimed that she was there to cover the shift of a physician who was absent.

The receptionist alerted a security guard, who encountered Alves as she was walking out of a bathroom.

When asked if she needed help, Alves told the guard that she was heading for the exit because she had been informed that the department was fully staffed.

The guard accompanied Alves to the exit, but didnt check her backpack because hospital guidelines prohibited him from searching people.

Natalia Rodrigues and her husband Edson Ferreira share a special moment with their one-day-old daughter Isabella Ferreira, who was returned to them Wednesday, less than 24 hours after she was born and kidnapped by a doctor, who claimed she was going to feed her milk after claiming Rodrigues couldn't breastfeed

Police said the Isabella Ferreira is in good health and 'doing fine' after she was located Wednesday morning at the home of Dr. Claudia Alves, who allegedly kidnapped her

Edson Ferreira - the father of the child - said Dr. Claudia Alves told his wife that she was a 'pediatrician and that she was going to take the baby to feed her'

Authorities launched an urgent search for Alves and Isabella and were able to locate their whereabouts thanks to a toll booth camera that snapped Soares' picture after her payment failed.

Police were able to track the fugitive doctor to her home in Itumbiara, a city in the central state of Goias, and found Isabella with the maid.

The agents set up a perimeter around the residence and captured Alves as she was returning moments later.

An Itumbiara Civil Police report indicated that Alves, who is also a professor at two universities, already had planned to steal a baby from a medical facility and that she preferred the child was a girl.

Dr. Claudia Alves is expected to appear before a judge in court on Thursday

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

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

Cops searched the trunk of her vehicle and found diapers, newborn clothing, a bathtub and other accessories. Alves claimed the items were gifts for her maid, who was pregnant.

Alves, who is facing an aggravated kidnapping charge, is allegedly bipolar, her lawyer Vladimir Rezende said in a statement.

'At the time of the events, she was in a psychotic crisis and was unable to discern the inappropriate and/or illicit nature of her actions,' Rezende said.

Alves is scheduled to appear in court before a judge, who will determine if she will be placed in pre-trial detention or released.

She could face up to five years in prison if she is convicted.
A mother-of-two who was caught by CCTV having sex with a man in the street after a drunken night out has been fined 120.

Nicola Ellis, 37, was arrested after she was spotted engaging in sexual acts with her male companion as motorists drove past them at 1am.

The randy pair were followed by CCTV operators in Chester city centre as they made their way along Bath Street - which is known for its Victorian public baths and cottages designed by the favourite architect of the Duke of Westminster's family.

Police were alerted when Ellis was seen to give the man a sexual act following which he 'reciprocated'.

Later when quizzed Ellis - from Moreton in Wirral, Merseyside - was said to be 'absolutely humiliated' at being caught.

A mother-of-two who was caught by CCTV having sex with a man in the street after a drunken night out has been fined 120

Pictured is Nicola Ellis, a mother-of-two, who has been fined 120 at Wirral magistrates' court

At Wirral magistrates court, Ellis - who insisted on being called 'Mrs Ellis' during the hearing - admitted outraging public decency.

The incident occurred on February 29 2024 which is also known as Bachelor's Day or Ladies' Privilege, an ancient Irish tradition by which women are allowed to propose to men on Leap Year.

Ellis and Daryl Hayes, 34, had been on a night out together in Chester when they decided to get amorous whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Angela Blackmore, prosecuting, said: 'At 12.50am, local authority CCTV followed the defendant and her co-accused, a male, through Chester city centre. They finally stopped at Bath Street and engaged in a number of sexual acts.

'Police arrived a short time later when the two were identified.

'Members of the public will have been reasonably able to see the incident.'

At Wirral magistrates court, Ellis - who insisted on being called 'Mrs Ellis' during the hearing - admitted outraging public decency

The randy pair were followed by CCTV operators in Chester city centre (pictured)

Ellis, who appeared unrepresented and upset, said: 'I am absolutely humiliated and sorry.' Ellis told the court that she is on benefits, claiming child benefit and tax credit.

Sentencing JP Peter Bingham told her: 'Obviously there is a concern about the nature of this offence, the seriousness of it in that respect, in a public place. We are also aware of your remorse and your history, your lack of offending.

'It does seem efforts were made by the authorities to offer an out of court disposal but they didn't quite work out for you. We have read a probation report and we are going to go along with it.

Bath Street is known for its Grade II buildings which were designed by John Douglas whose work was often commissioned by the Grosvenor family for buildings on the Eaton Hall estate.

Ellis told the court that she is on benefits, claiming child benefit and tax credit

Ellis was also ordered to complete a 12 month community order, 25 days of rehabilitation activity and made to pay 199 in costs and victim surcharge.

She had previously been offered a place on a 'remedy course' as an out-of-court disposal but she failed to turn up so she was charged.

Ms Blackmore said: 'She had been offered an out-of-court disposal, a remedy course, in relation to her offending but the course provider said she failed to comply.

'She was made aware of the consequences but still failed to do so. Therefore there was no alternative to proceed before the court.

'As far as the case is concerned, a guilty plea was entered in relation to the matter. The maximum sentence is six months imprisonment in the magistrates court. The co-accused in relation to the offence is currently wanted on warrant.'

Hayes was also charged with outraging decency but failed to turn up at court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Just Stop Oil activists who threw tomato soup over a priceless Van Gogh painting have been found guilty of criminal damage.

Anna Holland and Phoebe Plummer, both 22, flung 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 pair then proceeded to glue themselves to the wall following the attack on the painting.

Although the oil-canvas worth up to 72.5m was protected by a glass cover and went unharmed, its 17th century Italian frame was damaged.

Both Plummer and Holland refused to say who they took instructions from before they carried out the publicity stunt.

The pair had paid a visit to the museum in Trafalgar Square a day before the incident and bought the tins of soup from a Tesco supermarket in central London.

They denied but were convicted of damaging property by a jury after a four day trial at Southwark Crown Court.

They showed no emotion as the jury announced its verdicts.

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

The painting is considered to be a masterpiece and is one of the most recognisable artworks in the world

Judge Christopher Hehir is expected to bail the pair ahead of sentencing on a date to be fixed.

Last week he jailed JSO co-founder Roger Hallam, 58, and four other activists for a total of 21 years after they helped bring the M25 to a standstill on four consecutive days.

Sentencing them Judge Hehir said they 'crossed the line from concerned campaigner to fanatic'.

Francesca Kolar, prosecuting, said Plummer and Holland made their was to gallery 43, which housed one of the most famous and 'sought after artworks' - Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh.

When the coast was clear they took off their jackets to reveal white t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan 'Just Stop Oil'.

'They took two tins of Heinz tomato soup out of bags and simultaneously threw the contents of the tins of tomato soup onto the painting.'

'They kneeled down and began to open tubes of superglue and lathered it over their left hands. They fixed their hands to the wall of the gallery behind them.

'Targeting one of the most famous paintings in the world in The National Gallery, in Trafalgar Square in the heart of the national capital, the Crown say is a publicity stunt to bring attention to the aims of Just Stop Oil.'

'Whilst this risked serious damage to a priceless painting by one of the greatest artists - Vincent Van Gogh - there was, we say, actual damage to the seventeenth century Italian frame chosen specifically to house this painting by The National Gallery in 1999.'

Two protesters threw tins of Heinz tomato soup over Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers at the National Gallery on October 14, 2022

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

People were heard saying 'Oh my gosh' as the painting was attacked during the protest which was filmed and quickly uploaded onto JSO's Twitter page.

Frame conservator Isabella 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 Gogh's painting because of the matching coloration.'

'I remain amazed at how corrosive the soup was to the frame.'

'Even once the majority of the soup had been removed, I was alarmed to see that the remainder was acting like a paint stripper in front of my eyes.'

Wearing a blue floral dress and a pink and red striped shawl, Holland explained why they used tomato soup.

'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.'

Asked if she understood that the painting could be damaged, the Newcastle University graduate replied: '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.

'It really scares me. I was also really concerned about the cost of living crisis.'

Cross-examined by Ms Kolar, Holland was asked who she and Plummer were taking instructions from.

She replied: 'I don't know. Someone else in Just Stop Oil.'

Plummer has been described as JSO's 'poster girl' and last November she was jailed for six months for taking part in a slow march to protest against gas and oil.

The former University of Manchester student told the court: 'Anna and I are both young people motivated by a deep, deep fear of what we know is to come.

'We are motivated by a love of life. We are motivated by being let down by our government who refuse to take appropriate action.

'I'm sure I'm 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 that the painting would be well protected by 'robust' glass glazing. She told the court that she was prepared to go to prison.

'I am willing to risk the consequences. I am willing to risk time in prison... That is how serious it is.

'We have experienced the wettest 18 months since records began. All our food security is at risk.'

Asked if she had taken instructions from anyone Plummer replied: 'I wouldn't say I took instructions. I wasn't coerced, or told I had to do something.

'I was presented with a plan and was asked if I thought it was a good idea. I don't act on the instructions of anyone else.'

Holland, of Newcastle, and Plummer, of Lambeth, denied but were convicted of damaging property.
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A group of lawmakers including Speaker Mike Johnson marched down to Washington, D.C.'s Union Station on Wednesday evening to replace the American flag that had been torn down and burned in protest of Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress.

In scenes reminiscent of the fraternity brothers who protected the flag during protests at the University of North Carolina, the group of Republicans, including Reps. Rudy Yakym, Ind., Derrick Van Orden, Wis., Morgan Luttrell, Texas and Brandon Williams, N.Y., hung the flag up and said the Pledge of Allegiance.

Earlier in the day 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.

Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the 'despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric' outside the Capitol on Wednesday.

In scenes reminiscent of the fraternity brothers who protected the flag during protests at the University of North Carolina, the group of Republicans, including Reps. Rudy Yakym, Ind., Derrick Van Orden, Wis., Morgan Luttrell, Texas and Brandon Williams, N.Y., hung the flag up and said the Pledge of Allegiance

Members stand by the flag as police assist them in hoisting it up

The flag had been torn down and burned earlier in the day

Republicans immediately sought to tie the rioters to their Democratic opponents. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries tried to distance Democrats from the protests.

'It's not clear to me that any of the protesters associated with the left wing of the Democratic Party when these are individuals who have been aggressively protesting members of the House Democratic Congress, every week, every month, year after year, from October 7 In connection with our support for the special relationship between the United States and Israel.'

An image of members of the school's Pi Kappa Phi, Alpha Epsilon Pi and other fraternities holding up the U.S. flag went viral on social media in May.

The patriotic act drew over $500,000 in donations to throw the groups an 'epic rager.' Netanyahu gave the students a shoutout in his address.

'I wish to salute the fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina for protecting the American flag against these anti-Israel protesters,' he said to applause and chants of 'USA' from Congress.

Meanwhile, police estimated that over 10,000 protestors descended upon Capitol Hill to call for an end to the 'genocide' in Gaza and demand a ceasefire.

Frat boys at UNC Chapel Hill surround American flag in protection as pro Palestine mob runs wild

Participants walk past an effigy as protesters against the war in Gaza and US weapons sales to Israel gather outside the US Capitol

Demonstrators set fire on an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The protesters also 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.'

'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,' Capitol Police said in a statement at one point.

Amtrak Northeast riders were told to 'expect delays near Washington Union Station and intermittent closures of entrances/exits.'

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 nation's Capitol. Over a million Americans have given their lives to protect that right - including my own father,' he wrote on X.

Protestors burn a photo of Benjamin Netanyahu outside of Union Station on July 24

Protesters burn an American Flag outside of Union Station following Netanyahu's address

- Police detain a Pro-Palestinian protester at Union Station

A demonstrator shouts slogans in front of police officers

Anti-Israel rioters burned the US flag, flaunted blood-red paint-soaked effigies, and even attempted to breach the US Capitol Police line i

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.

They believe Netanyahu has not done enough to protect civilians - a reported 40,000 have died since the war began - to allow in aid or to get hostages back.

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
A 17-year-old home invader has died after a 90-minute stand-off with California police.

Brandon Salgado, 17, of San Bernardino, was shot dead by Long Beach Police after pointing a fake gun at his head and threatening to kill himself on April 26.

Salgado was in the middle of robbing a family after using a crowbar to break into their house, a grandmother who lives there told 911, according to police.

Prior to police arriving at the scene on Cerritos Avenue, Salgado was in the living room with two teenagers and an adult male, where he demanded 'items,' according to Long Beach Police.

Brandon Salgado, 17, of San Bernardino, broke into a Cerritos Avenue family's home with a crowbar and demanded items from them before being involved in a 90-minute stand-off with Long Beach Police

Salgado (pictured) was shot dead by Long Beach Police after pointing a fake gun at his head on April 26

'The man broke into the house and is now in the other room,' the scared grandmother told 911 in Spanish around 8:30pm. 'He's with my husband in the other room.'

Once officers arrived, Salgado fled to the back patio area, where he hid for almost an hour, demanded water, and threatened to kill himself.

The family was evacuated from the home after officers discovered the boy's location and none of them were injured.

During the stand-off, officers attempted to verbally de-escalate the situation by telling him they weren't going to 'hurt' him and pleaded with him to put down the gun, which they would later find out was fake.

'He's got a gun pointed at his head right now,' one officer said.

'Hey, relax!' another officer yelled toward the suspect. 'Come on, man. We're not going to hurt you, we need to put that down.'

The suspect at one point requested water and officers threw him a bottle over the fence.

Once the suspect raised the gun to his head, an officer fired once, striking Salgado in the upper body.

Officers who were inside the home then went to the back patio and rendered medical aid to the teenager until the Long Beach Fire Department arrived on the scene and took over.

Salgado was transferred to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

Salgado also had an accomplice that evening that fled the scene before officers arrived, police said. The accomplice has been identified as Iskay Mota, 18, of Modesto (pictured: police inside the home)

No officers were injured during the stand-off, according to police.

Long Beach Police recovered a replica gun on the scene.

Salgado also had an accomplice that evening that fled the scene before officers arrived, police said.

The accomplice has been identified as Iskay Mota, 18, of Modesto.

Mota was arrested on May 1 and booked into the Long Beach City Jail on a $100,000 bail, according to booking information. He was released on May 3 on bond and he has been charged with a felony for robbery.

The California Department of Justice is investigating the officer-involved shooting.
A wannabe drill rapper has been charged with the death of a grandmother who was mauled to death by two 'unregistered' XL Bullies in front of her own grandson.

Ashley Warren, 40, has been charged over the death of Esther Martin who was killed by the two dogs in Essex in February.

It is the first case of its kind since new laws on owning XL Bullies came into force this year.

Ms Martin suffered unsurvivable wounds in the attack at a house in Jaywick in Essex in February, while visiting her grandson.

On Thursday, Warren, of Leyton, north east London, was charged with two counts of owning or being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and two counts of possession or having custody of a fighting dog.

Ashley Warren, 40, has been charged over the death of Esther Martin (pictured) who was killed by two XL Bully dogs in Essex in February

Warren is facing two charges of owning or being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and two counts of possession or having custody of a fighting dog

Warren, formerly of Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, also faces two charges under the Animal Welfare Act, and single counts of possession of a bladed article and possession of a Class B drug.

He was arrested following the death of Ms Martin who was killed while visiting her 11-year-old grandson.

It was previously reported that she had attempted to calm the dogs - named Beauty and Bear - with a broom before they attacked.

Her grandson was seen running out of the house and screaming for help, witnesses said.

The dogs were shot dead by armed police officers who raced to the home in Jaywick and arrived within minutes of the 999 call.

Before their arrival, a man was earlier seen smashing a window with a brick in a desperate attempt to save her.

Ms Martin's wannabe rapper son-in-law previously insisted his dogs were 'not aggressive'.

But one of her daughters, Sonia Martin, claimed the pets that killed her mother were an 'unregistered' XL bully breed.

One of the dogs shot dead by police which Warren is accused of owning

The dogs, named Beauty and Bear, were killed by police after attacking Ms Martin earlier this year

The wannabe drill rapper and son-in-law of Ms Martin is also known as Wyless Man

It emerged after her death that she had previously raised concerns over the animals with Warren.

At the time of the incident, the dogs were caring for six puppies after Beauty gave birth, and it is thought Ms Martin had been attempting to stop the puppies from fighting with the broom.

Emergency services and neighbours battled to save Ms Martin's life, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her medical cause of death was recorded as 'dog bite wounds to the upper right limb'.

Locals of Jaywick Sands, near Clacton-on-Sea, claimed the dogs were aggressive and were always 'barking and trying to get through the gate'.

Warren is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Thursday August 22.

Essex Police confirmed it was the first case to be charged since new laws on owning XL Bullies came into force on February 1.
A former Metropolitan Police officer who who carried out 13 rapes and told one of his victims 'you've met the devil' has had his sentence increased on appeal.

Depraved rapist Cliff Mitchell carried out more than 50 sex attacks against two female victims - one of them a child - between 2014 and 2023.

This included one horrifying attack in September last year when he tied a woman up with cable ties and put duct tape over her mouth.

In February he was found guilty of 10 counts of rape, three counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of kidnap and breach of a non-molestation order.

The 24-year-old was jailed for life with a minimum term of 13 years and 225 days at Croydon Crown Court in May.

But now judges at the Court of Appeal have extended his sentence to a minimum term of 17 years and 225 days, following a referral by the Solicitor General.

Former serving Met Police officer Cliff Mitchell who carried out 13 rapes has been jailed for life

An appeal by Mitchell to have his sentence reduced on the grounds of his previous good character not being taken into account in his original sentence was dismissed.

Last night Solicitor General Sarah Sackman MP said: 'Cliff Mitchells crimes were monstrous and deeply disturbing. He intimidated his victims into silence, abusing them repeatedly over a number of years.

'The Court of Appeal rightfully increased Mitchells sentence, which should send a stark message that rape and sexual abuse will always be considered the most serious of crimes, and we will use the full force of the law to punish those who inflict it onto others.

'My thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with his victims.'

Paul Jarvis, representing the Solicitor General, said the previous sentence was 'unduly lenient' because it did not 'take into account the seriousness of Mitchell's offending'.

The sentence was 'significantly lower' considering Mitchell's 'campaign of rape', Mr Jarvis added.

Mr Jarvis said Mitchell wanted to 'control and dominate' his victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Mitchell approached one of his victims with a knife in September 2023 before telling her to put her arms behind her back and tying her arms up with cables. He also put tape over her mouth.

The 24-year-old, of Wandsworth, was a serving officer at the time and was later dismissed from the Met in December 2023 following an accelerated misconduct hearing.

The court was told Mitchell's offending came to an end in September last year after his older victim managed to leave the car she was being kidnapped in, only managing to escape by saying she had to get out of the vehicle because she felt sick.

The court had heard that he laughed at his victim as she cried, told her she was a slut and that no-one would believe her if she said anything because he was a police officer.

She was later seen running through traffic by members of the public before a passer-by noticed what was going on and managed to get her in her vehicle, his trial was told.

In a 999 call played to the court, the distressed woman told the operator 'he's kidnapped me' and 'he's behind us' as she travelled in the car of the passer-by who had offered help.

Serial rapist Cliff Mitchell, 24, told one of his victims he was 'the devil'

Mitchell was subsequently arrested and denied the allegations against him.

A search of an address linked to Mitchell following his arrest found a bag containing cable ties, similar to those used to bind the victim's wrists.

Mitchell had previously been subject to a rape investigation in 2017, which had resulted in no further action.

After his arrest, the 2017 rape investigation involving the younger victim was reinvestigated.

This led to Mitchell being charged with three counts of rape of a child under 13 and three counts of rape, with the offences carried out between 2014 and 2017.

Mitchell was a PC in the Met's West Area Basic Command Unit and was serving in Hounslow when a number of the offences were committed, the Met said previously.

He was suspended from the force after the allegations came to light and has since been dismissed.

In the sentencing hearing, one victim's statement addressing Mitchell read: 'You have shown no remorse for what you did to us. You deserve to spend the rest of your life in a cell because you are a serious danger to every woman walking the streets.

'You are the devil. You disgust me. I hope you suffer for the rest of your life.'

The court heard how the women suffer from post traumatic stress disorder from their ordeals and struggles they now face in daily life.

The other victim, who said she lives in constant fear, said to Mitchell in court: 'I'm holding you account for your actions, you took away my self worth.

'You are a pathetic excuse of a man. I'm letting myself heal from the trauma.'

Sentencing Mitchell, Mrs Justice May said his crimes were so serious 'a sentence of life imprisonment is required'.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Mitchell drawn on February 5

John Benson KC, representing Mitchell, said during the appeal that his client had 'suffered significant depression' during the period in which the rapes took place.

'He was prescribed antidepressants and given time off by the police,' Mr Benson said. 'He was under a great deal of stress at the time.'

Increasing the sentence, Lord Justice William Davis, sitting alongside Mrs Justice Thornton and Judge Michael Chambers KC, said Mitchell's younger victim is 'broken' due to the attacks.

In a victim impact statement, she said: 'It sits with me every day. There are days when I cry randomly about it.'

Speaking after Mitchell's conviction, Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy described his actions as 'deplorable'.

He continued: 'This is a truly shocking case and I am sickened by Mitchell's abhorrent behaviour and the pain he has caused the victims, who have shown enormous bravery by coming forward and giving evidence in court.

'It is down to their courage that he has been convicted and faces a significant custodial sentence. I would also like to recognise the brave member of the public who came to the aid of one of the victims as she ran from Mitchell's car.

'Mitchell not only carried out a sustained campaign of abuse against both of his victims, but he told one of them she would never be believed due to the fact he was a police officer.

'This brazen abuse of power makes Mitchell's actions all the more deplorable. I know this is another case which will impact the confidence people have in us.

'We are doing more than we have done in decades to rid the Met of those who corrupt our integrity, including investing millions of pounds into our professional standards team and bringing in additional officers and staff with specialist skills and experience to investigate criminality and misconduct.

'Part of that is dismissing officers who should not be here at the earliest opportunity. Mitchell was dismissed from the Met in December 2023 - we did not wait for his conviction today.'
One of the two men shot by Donald Trump's would-be assassin has been released from hospital after 11 days.

Former marine David Dutch, 57, was released from Allegheny General Hospital on Wednesday after being shot in the chest and liver, as reported by ABC News.

He was among the crowd at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, missing the former president but killing Corey Competore, 50.

Dutch was initially placed in a medically induced coma.

His family said in a statement: 'David and our entire family are especially grateful to all the first responders and medical professionals who saved his life, including the Life Flight and trauma surgical teams.

Former marine David Dutch , 57, was released from Allegheny General Hospital on Wednesday after being shot in the chest and liver

He was among the crowd at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania , when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, missing the former president but killing Corey Competore, 50

'We also offer our deepest condolences and prayers for the other victims of this tragic event and their families.'

Meanwhile 74-year-old James Copenhaver remains in 'serious condition' after being shot at the rally.

Many questions remain nearly two weeks after the failed attempt on Trump's life.

Crooks 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 shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks

The July 6 online search, recovered from a laptop the FBI says is tied to 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.

The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism.

The investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election.

Lawmakers and the public are 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.

Trump supporters are seen covered with blood in the stands after guns were fired at the rally

On Tuesday, Kimberly Cheatle resigned as the agencys director amid mounting questions over her the colossal security failures at the rally.

Cheatle took responsibility for the catastrophic lapses after she was lambasted by Republicans and Democrats alike when she appeared before Congress on Monday.

The security chief had faced mounting questions over why an agent was not stationed on the roof from where Crooks opened fire on the former president, and why Trump was allowed to take the stage even when a threat was detected.

Crooks had been identified as a suspicious person hours before the shooting took place.

Corey Comperatore was killed by the assassin's bullet as eight shots were fired at Trump

Meanwhile 74-year-old James Copenhaver remains in 'serious condition' after being shot at the rally

He was shot dead by a sniper but not before he was able to discharge a volley of bullets into the crowd.

Wray said Crooks used mechanical equipment on the ground and vertical piping, to hoist himself up onto the roof of a squat manufacturing building that was within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage.

He 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.
A prominent Texas judge who's been stripped of all of her cases has been accused of inappropriate behavior by a longtime staffer.

Harris County District court reporter Gail A. Rolen made the claims in a judicial complaint against Judge Kelli Johnson - weeks after Johnson was charged with driving while intoxicated in June.

Almost simultaneously, top judicial leadership in Houston removed hundreds of pending cases that the state district judge had been presiding over - reassigning them to other jurists.

This comes in the wake of not one, but two DWI stops- one on June 25 that led to her arrest, and one back in April. In May, the judge went missing from her own courtroom - presiding over some of the state's biggest trials,.

'Since January of 2024 there has been a significant decline in Judge Johnson's behavior both professionally and personally in and out of court,' Rolen wrote on July 11 as a result.

Scroll down for video:

Kelli Johnson, prominent Texas judge who's already been stripped of all of her cases, has been accused of inappropriate behavior by a longtime staffer

Harris County District court reporter Gail A. Rolen (pictured here at left) made the claims in a judicial complaint against the judge,

'Many professionals have been involved due to the nature of her actions and behavior.

'However, due to an ethical duty to protect the integrity of the judicial system, attorneys and their clients, as well as the public who elected her, I felt I had no alternative but to file a judicial complaint outlining the specifics.

'Her troubling behavior is ongoing,' she continued, 'which has resulted in me filing FMLA to protect my job, until, or if, action will be taken by the Judicial Commission.'

She said such conduct built up to the April traffic stop and June arrest.

The former was filmed, and saw two careers hang in the balance as a traffic cop and the senior judge dueled it out for 45 minutes on a Houston highway.

'I could lose my entire career,' Johnson is heard telling Sgt. Colin McHugh in audio of the encounter, which saw her seemingly fail a few clues, but ultimately drive off with a warning for speeding.

'And here's the thing, your honor,' he replied before cutting her loose. 'I could lose my entire career if I let you use your position of you being a judge to do this.'

Cops later said footage from both police bodycams at the scene was rendered useless, due to a a mysterious 'obstruction' that hindered the Harris County Sheriff's officers' views.

It comes weeks after Johnson was charged with driving while intoxicated this past June, after being pulled over for a suspected DWI in April (seen here)

But audio recorded the cop and jurists complete conversation, while dashboard footage provided a decent vantage point.

Telling her she had been speeding, eating and looking at her phone while making unsafe lane changes and that he could smell alcohol, Sgt. McHugh and his partner still sent her on her way.

This was not the case a few weeks later, when Johnson scored very low (4 out of 18) on her second field sobriety test in as many months, court records said.

In a subsequent arrest report, cops wrote how they believed Johnson was under the influence of a controlled substance, not alcohol. Footage of this arrest was not released.

She did, however, consent to a blood draw upon being brought to the Harris County jail.

She was released on bond a few hours later, and afterwards, her lawyers said no alcohol was found in her system.

But records said the arresting officer determined her allegedly to be under the influence of a controlled substance, based on her dilated pupils, slow movements, and emotionless demeanor.

Lawyers for the judge went on to insist the situation was not caused by an alcohol or drug abuse issue, but a brief medical episode being 'immediately addressed with her doctor.'

'Since January of 2024 there has been a significant decline in Judge Johnson's behavior both professionally and personally in and out of court,' Rolen wrote of her boss on July 11

Johnson is one of Harris County's longest-serving current judges, having been first elected in 2016 and voted in for a second term in 2020. Her lawyers say she is suffering from a medical issue

She asked for privacy while addressing with the 'personal health matter,' in a statement sent by by attorney Christopher L. Tritico.

Meanwhile, Johnson was absent from the 178th District Court for most of May.

When asked about her mysterious absence, a communications director for the Administrative Office of the District Courts at first told ABC13, 'No comment.'

A little more than a week later, though, she changed up, saying, 'Judge Johnson is out for personal matters.'

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Johnson herself commented on the judicial complaint filed by her longtime court reporter, the same day the judges cases were confirmed to be reassigned.

She told ABC13, 'I have lots of comments, but I'm not gonna talk to Channel 13.'

The station obtained the dashcam video of the jurist's now widely seen April stop, while KPRC 2 was first to report about her cases being reassigned.

'Dockets in the 178th District Court have been reassigned, however, Judge Johnson remains the elected official over that court,' Amanda Cain, Administrative Office of the District Courts DCA Communications Director, told the station Wednesday.

'I have no answer at this time as to how long dockets will remain reassigned.'

The traffic stop took place just days before police were called to a 'crisis intervention' at the $820,000 home she shares with her family in the north of the city. No further details on that incident were provided.

Johnson has been absent from her place at the 178th District Court since May 1

The official reason for the reassignment remains unknown, as Johnson was hit with a misdemeanor for her DWI.

Johnson served as an Assistant District Attorney for 17 years and got her law degree from South Texas College of Law.

As a judge, she serves as the Administrative Judge over the Criminal Board and is on the State of Texas Board of Texas Association of Specialty Courts.

She is also one of Harris County's longest-serving current judges, having been first elected in 2016 and voted in for a second term in 2020.

Johnson, who was elected to the 178th court in 2016, has presided over some of the region's biggest cases, regularly making decisions about hundreds of defendants' futures.

She is also the first openly gay female judge elected in Harris County. She has two sons, a 12-year-old and 10-month-old, with her wife, Hilary Bartlett, according to her biography.

Her last Facebook post on her official account was April 19 inviting constituents to attend a fundraiser for Democratic criminal court judicial candidates - a week after her initial DWI stop.

Then, in May, she was days away from taking a medical leave of absence from the bench as a courthouse employee told local news station KTRK she was exhibiting 'manic behavior,' before cops were called to the house she shares with her family on May 4, for a so-called 'crisis intervention'.

No further details on that incident were provided. She has been absent from the 178th District Court since May 1.
Two passengers got their revenge on Delta after their flight was delayed by abusing the perks of the airline's SkyClub lounge.

TikTok user Kyle Philippi filmed himself and his friend filling themselves with free food and pouring their complimentary wine in the bin after the airline refused to compensate him for the delay.

The hilarious video, posted Wednesday, also saw them steal magazines, pump out hand sanitizer in excess, let the showers run and empty the shampoo and conditioner bottles. The delay appeared to be related to last week's Microsoft outage.

The clip began with the text: 'POV [Point of View]: Delta doesn't compensate for thousands of dollars lost from delaying out flights for days so we gonna' get it back in the SkyClub.'

While the caption read: 'This will set them back.'

Two passengers got their revenge on Delta after their flight was delayed by abusing the perks of the airline's SkyClub lounge

TikTok user Kyle Philippi filmed himself and his friend filling themselves with free food and pouring their complimentary wine in the bin after the airline refused to compensate him for the delay

Philippe told DailyMail.com he was part of a group of ten travelling to Quito, Ecuador for a week serving children in poor neighborhoods.

He said: 'We already paid for groceries, transportation, lodging, inflatables for the kids. When our flight was cancelled all these things got paid for and waisted because we couldnt fly out for days'

Users in the comments said Philippi's video was appropriate justice for the airline following last week's delays, cancellations and mile-long queues triggered by a Microsoft outage.

One wrote: 'I wont lie pouring the wine out went hard.'

Another said: 'My carry on would be nothing but snacks for the whole flight.'

A third added: 'As someone who has been completely wronged by Delta, thank you for your service!'

Delta charges travelers a premium because of its reliable reputation. But, as of Tuesday morning the airline had already cancelled 173 flights.

That accounted for 11 percent of all of their flights across the US, while the airline had delayed a further 115 flights that same day.

By comparison, American Airlines had canceled just two flights as of 7:30am on Tuesday, and United had to drop only one flight.

On social media, Delta customers have expressed their disgust at being left in the dark over travel plans, and having to stand in long queues for hours

The airport is a hub for Delta who pride itself on being reliable with premium priced tickets, but as of Tuesday morning the airline had already cancelled 173 flights

Travelers have been sleeping at the airport since the meltdown began on Friday which caused Delta to cancel over 5,500 flights since the outage.

Delta blamed having to manually-reset more than 1,500 of its systems for the chaos - although it is still unclear why the airline has been so much worse-affected than rivals.

The Department of Transportation has now launched an investigation into the airline over the fiasco.
A woman has denied the murder of a baby who was discovered in woodland near Gulliver's World theme park 26 years ago.

Baby Callum who was found nearby the theme park in Warrington in March 1998, was believed to have been only hours old at the time of his death.

Joanne Sharkey, 54, of West Derby, Liverpool, was charged with murdering the baby and endeavouring to conceal the birth of a child in April this year.

Appearing at Liverpool Crown Courty on Thursday, wearing a black blazer with patterned top and her hair clipped up pleaded not guilty to both counts.

According to the charge, Sharkey is accused of murdering the 'infant child, subsequently named as baby Callum' between January 1 and March 14 1998.

Joanne Sharkey, 54, of West Derby, Liverpool, (pictured) was charged with murdering 'Baby Callum' and endeavouring to conceal the birth of a child

Appearing at Liverpool Crown Courty on Thursday, wearing a black blazer with patterned top and her hair clipped up pleaded not guilty to both counts

Baby Callum was found by a dog walker weighing 7lb and 8oz. He is believed to have been only hours old when he died (pictured: his casket at St Elphin's church)

The court heard a trial, expected to last four weeks, has been listed for January.

Sharkey, who sat with her head bowed in the brief hearing, was released on conditional bail ahead of a pre-trial review hearing on October 18.

Detectives named the infant Callum after the Callands district of Warrington where he was found, as his true identity could not be confirmed.

He was discovered by a dog walker in the area weighing 7lb and 8oz.

Locals donated money to help pay for the baby's funeral and a headstone which was inscribed: 'Baby Callum, precious child of God. Laid to rest July 27, 1998. With love, from the people of Warrington.'

150 mourners attended Warrington Cemetery for the funeral service a few months later.

Detectives named the infant Callum after the Callands district of Warrington where he was found, nearby Gulliver's World theme park (pictured)

Sharkey was released on conditional bail ahead of a pre-trial review hearing on October 18

Following his death, an investigation was carried out which saw the DNA of nearly 500 women tested, including a number of schoolgirls.

Thousands more women and girls were spoken to as part of the investigation, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Detective Inspector Hannah Friend, of Cheshire Polices Major Crime Review Team, previously appealed for people not to speculate online about the extremely emotional case.

Criminal proceedings are now active against Joanne Sharkey, and she has the right to a fair trial, the officer said. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.
The Home Office has denied restricting the 'movement and liberty' of an asylum seeker who was found hanged on the Bibby Stockholm barge.

Leonard Farruku's body was found in a bathroom on the controversial migrant barge moored in Portland Port, Dorset, by police and paramedics on December 12, 2023.

His roommate Yusuf Deen Kargbo, 20, from Sierra Leone, previously said his body lay undiscovered for 12 hours and that others on board were struggling to cope due to the confined conditions on the barge.

At his pre-inquest review which was attended by the Farruku's Albanian family, their lawyer said they believed he was 'effectively detained' by the government.

But the Home Office denied the 27-year-old was 'detained' as they argue he was free to leave the barge at any time on shuttle buses.

Leonard Farruku, a 27-year-old Albanian, was found unresponsive on board the accommodation vessel at Portland Port, Dorset, on December 12

The Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland, Dorset, where Mr Farruku was found in a bathroom

A man arranges a floral wreath on Mr Farruku's grave as he was laid to rest in Tirana in January

The Dorset senior coroner said she requires more evidence before she is able to 'determine the issue of detention' before a full inquest can take place.

The family have also asked her to consider whether there had been an operational breach under Article 2 'right to life' of the European Convention of Human Rights.

Rachael Griffin said: 'The family make the submission that although Mr Farruku was not detained under immigration powers, the intention was to restrict his movement and liberty so effectively he was detained.

'The view of the Home Office is that Mr Farruku was not detained as he was free to leave at any time.

'There is still information I require to be able to determine this issue because I need to understand the processes and procedures in place around access to and from the Bibby Stockholm.'

This week the new Labour government announced that the barge, which currently houses around 400 people, was being scrapped from next January.

The Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland, Dorset, where Mr Farruku was found in a bathroom

Ms Griffin told the hearing that her task was not to weigh up the merits of the Government's asylum policy or the Bibby Stockholm.

She said: 'My role as coroner is not to consider the UK's asylum policy or whether the Bibby Stockholm should be used or not.

'My role is to understand how Mr Farruku came to his death.

'In respect of that it will be of interest to me to know about his mental health and his mental health difficulties, and what duties were owed to him, if any, by the public bodies he came into contact with to ameliorate those difficulties.'

Mr Farruku stayed at a hotel in Paignton, Devon, before being transferred to the Bibby Stockholm.

He was formally identified by his cousin Maranglen Farraku at Holly Tree Lodge Mortuary in Bournemouth on December 18.

A post-mortem examination gave his provisional cause of death as 'compression of the neck due to suspension by ligature'.

There was no evidence of third-party involvement in his death.

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

There are reports that Mr Farruku paid almost 3,500 to travel to the UK across the Channel in a small boat in 2022.

He was reportedly found dead in a communal bathroom on the barge with the police being called at 6.22am.

It has been reported that he had been crying out for help and asked for an emergency doctors' appointment the day before his death.

Ms Griffin scheduled the next pre inquest review for March 4, 2025, where she will outline the 'scope' of the inquest.

A provisional date of September 15, 2025, was given for his full inquest, which is due to last until October 24.

It has not yet been decided if a jury inquest is required.

In January his roommate Mr Kargbo said the last time he saw the Albanian alive was when he went for an evening meal in the Bibby Stockholm's canteen.

The next pre inquest review into Mr Farruku's death will be heard on March 4, 2025, where the 'scope' of the inquest will be outlined

The barge will no longer be used for housing migrants after Sir Keir Starmer's government revealed it will no longer be required

When he came back to his room after dinner to use the toilet he found the bedroom door was locked. He assumed Mr Farruku was using the bathroom so went to find another bathroom.

He then walked to another part of the barge where the WiFi signal was known to be better and made a call home lasting an hour and a half before returning to his bunk and falling asleep.

The boxer woke up at 5.30am and found Mr Farruku's bed had not been slept in. Pushing the door to the bathroom, he found it was once again locked so raised the alarm.

'At first they didn't take me seriously but after I asked them again they came and had a look,' he told The Guardian.

'When they got no reply they forced the door open and found Leonard unconscious.'

Mr Kargbo described his former roommate as a 'nice, kind man who always smiled and said hello'.

An inflatable dinghy carrying around 65 migrants crosses the English Channel in March

Pictured: Migrants await immigration officers after arriving at Dungeness, England

Mr Farruku, who was born just outside Durres, Albania's second largest city, had come to the UK to find work and secure indefinite leave to remain, his sister said.

He had travelled to the UK in August 2022 in the hope of building a new life in Britain. His mother died when he was 17 and his father a few years later.

In Instagram messages, seen by The Guardian, he said to an old primary school friend in Tirana, his home country's capital: 'Losing my mother and father very suddenly traumatised me

'I didnt know where I was or what was happening. Im seeking asylum now. I live in a hotel. I hope God will protect us.'

In the aftermath of his death, his family and friends still have questions about what drove Mr Farruku, formerly an ambitious and gifted accordion player with a seemingly promising future, to take his own life.

His sister Jola Dushku, 33, who lives in Lombardy, Italy, said: 'We never ever will have peace in our minds until the moment we find the truth about the circumstances inside that barge that contributed for our brother to commit suicide.'

His cousin, Andi, who did not want to give his surname, told the paper: 'He wanted to go to the UK but because its very difficult, seeking asylum was the way he understood it could happen and he could have permission to work, but I dont know of any real reason for him to seek asylum.'

The basis of Mr Farruku's asylum claim is not yet known but his application was being considered by the Home Office at the time of his death

The basis of Mr Farruku's asylum claim is not yet known but his application was being considered by the Home Office at the time of his death.

Bibby Stockholm previously hit headlines in August 2023  after it was evacuated following the discovery of potentially fatal Legionella bacteria in the water supply.

Home Office permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft revealed in a letter in January to MPs that the cost of the Bibby Stockholm contract was 22,450,772.

He stated that this covered the 'vessel accommodation services' portion of the contract with operators CTM.

He said the assessment of whether the vessel offered value for money was 'currently being updated'.

Campaigners have said that a man on board the Bibby Stockholm had tried to take his life earlier this year.

But the barge will no longer be used for housing migrants after Sir Keir Starmer's government revealed it will no longer be required.

Border security minister Dame Angela Eagle claimed it would no longer be necessary to keep the barge open because of reduced demand due to efforts to clear the asylum backlog - and said the move would save 20 million a year.

The Home Office (London headquarters pictured) denied Mr Farruku was 'detained' as they argue he was free to leave the barge at any time on shuttle buses

One man on board, a 26-year-old Yemeni who goes by the name Smith and who arrived in Britain in July 2023, celebrated the decision and said he wanted to fulfil his dream of working in British cybersecurity.

He told MailOnline earlier today: 'That was the moment hope returned to everyone.

'The people who have been here for eight months will be moved off the Bibby for their interviews and they say they will see to everyone else as quickly as they can.

'I am excited about the future as I hope that I will be granted asylum so I can work in cybersecurity.'

The Government's new policy will mean asylum seekers who have been on board the barge for eight months will be taken off immediately for interviews, while everyone else will have their claims processed as quickly as possible.

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' after announcing it was closing the Bibby Stockholm.

But some campaigners have called for it to be scrapped sooner due to what they claim are 'unbearable' conditions on board that have been compared to a prison.

The Home Office does not comment on individual cases or ongoing legal proceedings

A spokesperson said: 'This was a tragic incident and our thoughts are with everyone affected.

'This incident is currently being investigated by the police and coroner, and it is right that the facts and circumstances are established in the appropriate, legal manner.'

For free, confidential help from Samaritans call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
Vice President Kamala Harris claimed Thursday that Republican policies mean that gay teachers can't put up family photos and blasted the GOP for wanting to 'ban books' while Democrats want to ban assault weapons.

Harris keynoted the American Federation of Teachers Convention in Houston, Texas Thursday morning, lauding the group for being the first union to endorse her presidential bid this week on the heels of President Joe Biden bowing out.

She riled up the crowd by slamming GOP positions - attacking 'don't say gay' laws, Republicans' push against 'critical race theory' and the opposition's views on how to curtail school shootings.

'And while you teach students about our nation's past, these extremists attack the freedom to learn and acknowledge our nation's true and fully history, including book bans in the year of our Lord 2024,' Harris said. 'We want to ban assault weapons and they want to ban books.'

The likely Democratic presidential nominee also hit Republican 'extremists' for attacking the 'freedom to love.'

Vice President Kamala Harris riled up the audience at the American Federation of Teachers' convention in Houston on Thursday

Attendees cheer as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the American Federation of Teachers' 88th national convention

'They passed so-called "don't say gay" laws,' Harris noted.

The vice president recalled how she was one of the first public officials, back in 2004 while serving as San Francisco's district attorney, to perform same-sex weddings.

'So here's the thing, it pains me so, to think 20 years later that there are some young teachers in their 20s who are afraid to put up a photograph of themselves and their partner for fear they could lose their job,' she said.

'And what is their job? The most noble of work - teaching other people's children,' she continued.

'And God knows we don't pay you enough as it is,' the vice president added.

Former President Donald Trump's failed 2024 rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, signed his into law the so-called 'don't say gay' bill, which bars 'classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity.'

More broadly, Harris took on the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, which lists a number of far-right proposals that the think tank hopes the Trump administration will implement should the Republican be victorious in the fall.

'Randi, can you believe they put that thing in writing?' Harris asked AFT President Randi Weingarten, one of the women who introduced her Thursday.

'So Project 2025 is a plan to return America to a dark past,' the VP said. 'Donald Trump and his extreme allies want to take our nation back to failed trickle down economic policies, back to union busting, back to tax breaks for billionaires.'

The audience booed each time she ticked off a list item.

'Donald Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants, and I say to AFT, they even want to eliminate the Department of Education,' she said.

That got a loud boo.

'And end Head Start, which, or course would take away pre-school from hundreds of thousands of our children,' Harris added.

The Republican National Committee reacted to Harris' speech by calling her 'dangerously liberal.'

Harris has had a whirlwind four days after President Joe Biden announced Sunday he was exiting the 2024 presidential race, endorsing his vice president in the process.

On Monday, Harris visited the Wilmington, Delaware campaign headquarters she was inheriting from Biden.

She stepped out on the campaign trail Tuesday in Milwaukee, where Republicans had concluded their national convention last week.

Harris appeared before the historically black Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Indiana Wednesday before heading to Houston, where she made a surprise stop at the city's emergency response headquarters before tuning into Biden's Oval Office address.

The vice president will fly back to D.C. for a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later Thursday afternoon.

She riled up pro-Palestinian protesters earlier Thursday by issuing a statement condemning 'pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric' that was used during Wednesday's protests of Netanyahu's Congressional address.

American flags and a Netanyahu effigy were burned outside of D.C.'s Union Station, with the fountain inked with the words, 'Hamas is coming.'
A lost photo album that belonged to a Nazi officer who travelled with the Fuhrer and even received a birthday gift from him has emerged after 83 years.

The album containing 50 black and white photos was compiled by Rudolf Schmundt, the Nazi dictator's chief army adjutant and member of his inner circle who unwittingly saved his life in a failed bomb plot.

It was Schmundt who unknowingly moved a briefcase packed with explosives away from Hitler in the war room of the so-called Wolf's Lair on July 20, 1944.

But towards the end of the Second World War Schmundt's widow burned numerous documents and diaries her late husband had kept.

She was concerned they would implicate him in Nazi war crimes as he was a servant of Hitler who willingly carried out the dictator's criminal orders.

Rudolf Schmundt's widow kept a photo album full of unseen pictures of her husband and Adolf Hitler. Pictured: Adolf Hilter (right) congratulates Rudolf Schmundt (left) on his 45th birthday. Hitler gave him a picture of himself as a present.

Pictured: Adolf Hitler (front left) arriving at state funeral of Udet with Rudolf Schmundt (circled)

Pictured: Rudolf Schmundt (left) and Adolf Hitler (right) in a Focke-Wulf 200 'Condor' on their way to Mariupol on 2 December 1941

Pictured: The battered cover of Rudolf Schmundt's fourth war photo diary

But for an unknown reason the photo album - that contained images of Schmundt with Hitler - was spared and it was later taken as a souvenir from Hitler's Bergof residence in Bavaria by an American airman in 1945.

It remained with the family of Corporal Warren Bettenhausen until 2022 when it was offered for sale at an auction house in the US.

The album was bought by two German military historians who suspected that it may have been a fake but were intrigued enough to buy.

They carried out further research on the men in the photos before concluding that it had been compiled by Schmundt in 1941.

The names of all the German officers in the photos were meticulously captioned except for him. The handwriting also matched his from publicly-held records.

The emergence of the album has now been documented in the latest edition of Iron Cross, a British history magazine dedicated to publishing articles relating to both world wars from a German perspective.

The photos chart Schmundt's work at the Wolf's Lair - Hitler's Eastern Front headquarters - and his visits to places like Ukraine.

There is a photo of Schmundt being given a present for his 45th birthday by Hitler as the pair shake hands.

In another he is sitting next to the Fuhrer on a plane travelling to Mariupol in Ukraine in December 1941.

Pictured: Benito Mussolini (first from left), Adolf Hitler (second from left) and Rudolf Schmundt (circled)

Pictured: Rudolf Schmundt, who unknowingly moved a briefcase packed with explosives away from Hitler in the war room of the so-called Wolf's Lair on July 20, 1944

Pictured: Rudolf Schmundt's grave

A third picture shows Schmundt alongside Hitler and Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini as they walk along a path lined with trees.

Hitler was said to be most upset at the death of Schmundt who died in October 1944 after succumbing to injuries he suffered in the July 20 plot.

Operation Valkyrie, the story of which was made into the 2008 Tom Cruise film, was carried out by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg.

Ahead of a meeting in the Wolf's Lair, he placed the suitcase close to Hitler only for it be moved moments later.

While it has been documented that it was another colonel who picked the case up, Hitler's personal adjutant later stated he had observed Schmundt move it.

The device went off minutes later, causing fatal injuries to three high-ranking German officers, including Schmundt himself.

Hitler was protected by a large wooden table leg and escaped the assassination attempt - codenamed Valkyrie - with just a perforated ear drum.

Dr Kay Ullman, one of the two German historians, said: 'Schmundt's picture diary is a unique and historic document which illustrates his work at the Wolf's Lair at the height of his career.

'In what are 50 neatly labelled photos what makes this album so interesting are the many events that merely represent what was everyday life for Hitler's chief adjutant.

'For example visits to the Wolf's Lair of high ranking statesmen such as Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

'From the photos it is evident that Rudolf Schmundt's key position in Hitler's innermost military circle, the important role he held and his closeness to the Fuhrer all filled him with overwhelming pride.

'However documentary evidence clearly assigns Schmundt to the camp of uncritical supporters, ant-isemites and willing servants of Adolf Hitler thus his death resulting from the bomb plot might well be regarded as a just reckoning.'
A group of Neo-Nazis have been filmed hurling disgusting racial abuse at a group of black children.

The incident was caught on camera in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 14 and showed the group, who play music in the city, being abused by a group of men belonging to the Goyim Defense League.

In the disturbing video, one of the Nazis can be heard telling the youngsters, some of whom are as young as eight-years-old, 'walk around us n*****'.

The group of kids can be seen crossing the road in the downtown area of the city with their makeshift drums as the group of Nazis laugh at them.

The men are adorned in t-shirts which read 'Whites Against Replacement', while one man wears a face covering with a swastika emblazoned over it.

A group of police officers get in between the group of children and the racists, before ushering the kids onwards, which has drawn criticism.

The group of kids can be seen crossing the road in the downtown area of the city with their makeshift drums as the group of Nazis laugh at them

The incident showed the group, who play music in the city, being abused by a group of men belonging to the Goyim Defense League.

The men continue their stomach-churning tirade, continuing: 'Their f***ing n******', while also using other horrific language to describe the children.

The camera then pans round to one of the neo-Nazis who addresses the camera directly.

He again continues the racist attack, saying: 'God I love little f***ing monkeys like that, it just shows f****** violent they are at a young age.'

The Goyim Defense League (GDL) was founded by Jon Minadeo II, a failed rapper who was arrested in Poland previously after a vile demonstration outside Auschwitz.

According to WPLN reporter Paige Southwick Pfleger, the group identified themselves as the Goyim Defense League.

Pfleger posted on X on the day of the incident involving the children that they group had chanted 'sieg heil' and performed the Nazi salute.

According to News 5, the group of kids had been on there way home from playing drums downtown when they were subjected to the abuse.

Detonio Wilson, who is just ten years old, was one of the five kids verbally assaulted.

He told the outlet: 'I feel like it was racist because they were just saying bad words to us. The police wasn't doing anything, just telling us to go home.'

Detonio Wilson, 10, is seen here drumming on buckets alongside the other young children that were abused by the group

The men are adorned in t-shirts which read 'Whites Against Replacement', while one man wears a face covering with a swastika emblazoned over it

Ashton Lee, a mother of some of the children told News 5 of her disbelief at the racial slurs.

She told the outlet: 'These kids don't panhandle; they beat on drums, and it's your choice to give them what you have if you want. It's your choice.'

The young children walk to the downtown area carrying buckets that they then use as makeshift drums.

Representatives Justin Jones and G.A. Hardaway are now calling on state leaders to condemn the behavior.

Jones said: 'They went for children who were out there by themselves because they thought they could bully them.

'We're going to tell these white supremacists to take that mess somewhere else. We don't want it and ain't going to have it.'

Jones also asked police chief John Drake for clarity as to the response from the police officers.

Jon Minadeo II, leader of the Goyim Defense League hate group gestures while disrupting a city council session in Nashville

For the second weekend in a row, a white supremacist group carrying a nazi flag is gathered on lower broadway in downtown Nashville. @WPLN pic.twitter.com/tsEzhItoga  Paige Southwick Pfleger (@PaigePfleger) July 14, 2024

A statement from Metro Police said: 'The hatred shouted by the Neo-Nazi group toward the five African-American children who came upon them by coincidence on July 14 is shocking and reprehensible.

'Officer body camera video shows that members of a police team moved in to de-escalate and walk with the children away from the Neo-Nazi group.

'One officer told the Neo-Nazis, "They're kids," in an effort to stop the insulting language.

'When the children started to yell back at the Neo-Nazis, the officer is heard saying several times to the kids, 'Be better than them.'

'The officers downtown that afternoon were personally offended by the slurs.'

The neo-Nazi group have taken up residence in the Tennessee city for numerous weeks now.

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.

Members of the Goyim Defense League hate group sit during a city council session in Nashville, Tennessee, July 16, 2024

A member of the Goyim Defense League hate group gestures while disrupting a city council session in Nashville

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.

'I'm not surprised that white supremacists would also say, 'Hey, this seems like a fun place that we can go and meet up and get to do our honky-tonking at night'.'

When approached by a WTVF-TV journalist last week and asked 'why did you choose Nashville?' the neo-Nazis didn't provide much more clarity.

'It's the only place that respects freedom of speech,' said Nicholas Bysheim, a member of the Goyim Defense League.

The group have also been repeatedly disrupting public meetings of the Nashville-Davidson county metro council.

The city council his introduced measure to try and limit the damage caused by the hate groups, with a bill being introduced to pan local cops from associating with them
Tory ex-minister Johnny Mercer has escaped immediate sanction after providing 'further information' to the chairman of the Afghanistan Inquiry.

The former MP had been ordered by a judge to name those who told him about alleged murders by British special forces by 4pm today.

Mr Mercer, who lost his Plymouth Moor View seat at the general election, had been facing a potential prison sentence if he failed to comply.

But, shortly after this afternoon's deadline passed, it was revealed the former veterans' minister had 'agreed to assist the Inquiry further'.

A statement from the Inquiry read: 'Mr Mercer has provided further information in response to the Section 21 Notice and agreed to assist the Inquiry further.

'The Inquiry team will be taking this forward. For the time being, the Chair will not be taking further action in relation to the Section 21 Notice or making further comment.'

Yet, Mr Mercer later insisted he had not provided the names of whistleblowers to the Inquiry.

He posted on X: 'I note the judge's comments. My position remains unchanged from the beginning of the year. I will always do all I can to assist this important Inquiry.

'I will not betray those I served with who have confided in me, whatever the cost.

'As I have repeatedly stated, it remains entirely inappropriate to name those who confided in me without their consent.

'For the avoidance of doubt: I have not and I will not. I will always assist the Inquiry (outside of those parameters).

'This process has placed an unacceptable strain on me and my family. I am no longer a public figure; I will not be commenting further.'

Tory ex-minister Johnny Mercer has escaped immediate sanction after providing 'further information' to the chairman of the Afghanistan Inquiry

Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, the chairman of the Afghanistan Inquiry, had given Mr Mercer a deadline of today to disclose the names of 'multiple officers'

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Mercer insisted he had not provided the names of whistleblowers to the Inquiry

The Inquiry is looking at issues arising from the deployment of British Special Forces to Afghanistan from mid-2010 to mid-2013 (stock photo)

Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, the Inquiry chairman, had given Mr Mercer the deadline of this afternoon to disclose the names of 'multiple officers'.

Mr Mercer - who was veterans' minister until the Tories' election loss - repeatedly refused to name those who told him, while he was a backbench MP, about claims of murder and a cover-up when he gave evidence to the Inquiry in February.

He has reiterated that he intends to 'keep my word' to those who confided in him and engaged in a legal row with Sir Charles in recent weeks.

The Inquiry is examining whether a special forces unit, known to the probe as UKSF1, had a policy of executing males of 'fighting age' who posed no threat in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.

Afghan families have accused UK special forces of conducting a 'campaign of murder' against civilians, while senior officers and personnel at the Ministry of Defence 'sought to prevent adequate investigation'.

In a ruling two weeks ago, Sir Charles rejected Mr Mercer's application to withold the names and set a deadline of 4pm on 25 July for him to comply.

The Inquiry chairman quoted from the British Army's values and standards by saying: 'Integrity requires moral courage to do what is right, even when it may not be popular.'

Mr Mercer claimed the ruling contained 'multiple inaccuracies and assertions' and said he found it 'extraordinary that Mr Haddon-Cave considers it appropriate to repeatedly question my moral courage and integrity in public'.

Giving his reason for not disclosing the names during his evidence in February, Mr Mercer told the Inquiry: 'The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals.'

In a previous order compelling the former MP to hand over the names, Sir Charles said the consequences of failing to comply without reasonable excuse would be 'a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment and/or a fine'.

Mr Mercer then submitted an application to the probe on April 3, in which he argued he was either unable to comply with the order, or it was not reasonable for him to comply with it.

In a statement earlier this month, which he posted on X, Mr Mercer said: 'I note the statement from the Inquiry chair, containing as it does multiple factual inaccuracies and assertions.

'I find it extraordinary, given my unprecedented support to assist the Inquiry, including some names of those who have given me consent, that Mr Haddon-Cave considers it appropriate to repeatedly question my moral courage and integrity in public.

'These unjustified and unprovoked attempts by a High Court judge to assassinate my character, without any foundation whatsoever, crosses a line.

'From Northern Ireland to Iraq to Afghanistan, the courts have consistently mis-judged their handling of these issues, with appalling consequences for serving personnel and veterans, usually of junior rank.

'I could comment on the naivete of the inquiry team; or how  despite my repeated requests for them to have the basic courtesy to inform me privately before they release details of my fate to the press, I again found out my fate today from a journalist. But I would consider that improper.

'I have given my statement to the Inquiry. Mr Haddon-Cave must now stop fixating on attempting to bully me, I have done nothing wrong. I gave my word to junior personnel who approached me. I intend to keep it.'

In his ruling on 11 July, Sir Charles said: 'The Applicant submits that he is a protector of whistleblowers.

'He chose publicly, however, to disclose that friends told him about allegations of unlawful killings by (special forces) in Afghanistan.

'He has since refused to disclose the names to assist the Inquiry, even though: the Inquiry was set up for the very purpose of looking into these allegations; he says that his friends were merely witnesses; he could pass on their names to the inquiry privately and in strict confidence; he accepts that the inquiry protects the identities of confidential contacts; and they have protection from risk of prosecution for breach of the Official Secrets Act or failure to report misconduct.'

An Inquiry spokesman said at the time: 'Mr Mercer is refusing to disclose information which may be important to a public inquiry which is seeking to establish the truth about grave allegations of multiple murder involving UK Special Forces.

'Mr Mercer accepts the inquiry has secure measures in place to protect the names and identities of his sources and that witnesses coming forward to the inquiry have protection from risk of prosecution for breaches of the Official Secrets Act or for failure to report misconduct.

'The chair has given Mr Mercer a further two weeks to comply with the Section 21 notice.

'The chair's concluding observations were that 'Integrity requires moral courage to do what is right, even when it may not be popular'.'
A man has been gored through the testicle by a raging bull during a summer festival in Spain.

The 49-year-old man, named only with his initials JHC, took part in a bull fight in the town of Coria, western Spain, when he was seriously injured earlier this month, according to local media.

He was reportedly gored by the bull's horn three times: once in the right buttocks, once in his right thigh and once through his right testicle, miraculously without tearing it off.

The man was also bleeding internally and had to have emergency surgery, but doctors said right after that they were optimistic about his recovery.

It comes as another man was impaled while being crushed against metal bars during another Spanish festival on July 14.

The 49-year-old man, named only with his initials JHC, took part in a bull fight in the town of Coria, western Spain, when he was seriously injured earlier this month, according to local media. He was reportedly gored by the bull's horn three times: once in the right buttocks, once in his right thigh and once through his right testicle, miraculously without tearing it off

It comes as another man was impaled while being crushed against metal bars during another Spanish festival on July 14. The man, a waiter from Coria, was taunting the bull who charged at him and threw him into the air by goring his horn into the man's rear twice

The man, a waiter from Coria, was taunting the bull who charged at him and threw him into the air by goring his horn into the man's rear twice.

The bull also impaired the man's torso before turning its attention to another man waving a pink flag at him.

The man was rushed into surgery in a local hospital but survived his serious injurious, according to local media.

It comes a year after the so-called 'Messi of Matadors' was seriously injured in a bullfighting incident, crushed by a 467kg (1,100lb) bull against the barriers at an event in Santiago, Spain, in July 2023.

Andres Roca Rey, 26, sustained multiple injuries and bruises covering his body after being gored after a bull, named Viruta, charged at the Peruvian, dragging him back into the boards around the stadium and throwing him into the air.

Roca Rey was seen left slumped against the wall as others rushed in to distract the bull and pull him to safety.

While Roca Rey has had his fair share of injuries over an eight-year career, spectators said this was the worst goring to date.

The Medical Service of Santander's Plaza de Toros issued two reports, referring to a 'polytrauma affecting the left knee' and 'multiple bruises on the neck, face, right thigh and left knee'.

Peruvian Bullfighter Andres Roca Rey during the fifth bullfight at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 11, 2023

The moment the bull made contact with the matador, 26, at the Feria de Santiago

A cape is left on the floor as the bull rams Roca Rey into the barriers in Santiago, Spain

The goring followed the killing of two bulls in the fourth bullfight at the Feria de Santiago celebration.

In the video, partner Cayetano Rivera was seen lunging in to help Roca Rey, suffering a rib fracture and oedema in the process.

On Instagram, Roca Rey wrote at the time: 'Cayetano, I want to thank you because yesterday you showed your camaraderie and your contempt for life to save mine.'

Rivera said the risk 'was worth it'. The matador was told to 'remain in absolute rest' for at least 48 hours after the attack.
This is the moment a would-be robber clung to the side of a speeding vehicle after he tried to steal the driver's cellphone in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday night.

The dramatic video showed the male suspect hanging from the side of the car moments after he tried to mug the motorist at an intersection in the western Rio neighborhood of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, witnesses told authorities.

The perp managed to keep his feet from making contact with the ground as the driver accelerated down Salvador Allende Avenue.

At one point, the man placed his left foot between the side-view mirror and the edge of the door's window while the right foot slightly made contact with the road pavement.

A man was filmed holding on to the side of a speeding vehicle moments after he allegedly attempted to steal the driver's cell phone at a red light in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday night

The would-be robber had to place his left foot between the side-view mirror and the end of the door's window as the motorist sped down a Rio de Janeiro street during a cell phone robbery attempt. Authorities canvassed the area, but were unable to find the driver or suspect

It then appeared that the suspect is about to fall to the ground as the video comes to an end.

The Rio de Janeiro Military Police received a call and dispatched a unit to the neighborhood, but the driver and suspect were not located.

'It is important to note that the driver of the vehicle did not contact the battalion, although he appeared to have slowed down at the entrance to the unit,' the Military Police said in a statement. 'There was no record of any call being made.'

The robbery attempt comes after a teenager struck by a bus and died after he stole a 71-year-old mans cell phone in Sao Paulo last Friday.

The 17-year-old boy was captured on a security camera approaching elderly man and snatching the cell phone while he was talking on it.

The teen then ran across the street, but was not aware that the bus was nearing the intersection when he was run over.

The boy was able to crawl from under the bus, according to witnesses, and was rushed in an ambulance to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.

According to the 2024 annual Brazilian Public Security Yearbook, 1 million cell phones were stolen or robbed in the South American nation in 2023, an average of one mobile device every 33 seconds.
Vice President Kamala Harris' stepdaughter Ella Emhoff is jumping to her stepmom's defense after a video of J.D. Vance attacking Harris for not having her own children surfaced.

Emhoff, who fondly refers to Harris as 'Momala,' posted on Instagram Stories a quote from her mom Kerstin Emhoff also slamming the attack with the caption 'How can you be "childless" when you have cutie pie kids like cole and I' along with the thinking emoji.

'I love my three parents,' Ella Emhoff, 25, wrote.

Her post came in response to a resurfaced clip of Vance from 2021 criticizing Harris during a Fox News interview which has now gone viral.

Ella Emhoff defended stepmom 'Momala' Kamala Harris in an Instagram Stories post as a video of J.D. Vance attacking the vice president as childless went viral

In the clip, Vance told former host Tucker Carlson the U.S. was being 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.'

Vance, 39, specifically named Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

'The entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children,' Vance said. 'How does it make any sense we've turned our country over to people who don't really have a direct stake in it?'

The video started being recirculated as Vance was named Trump's pick for vice president and Harris secured enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee with Biden dropping out of the race on Sunday.

Kamala Harris with husband Doug Emhoff and two stepkids Cole and Ella. Harris married their dad in 2014

While Harris has not given birth to children, she helped raise her two stepkids, Ella and Cole, 30, who are the children of her husband Doug Emhoff and his ex-wife Kerstin. Harris married Doug in 2014.

Doug Emhoff's ex Kerstin also came to Harris defense with her own scathing response to the criticism.

'These are baseless attacks,' she said in a statement. 'For over ten years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I. She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective and always present.'

'I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it,' she continued.

Kerstin Emhoff has also posted numerous times in support of Harris' candidacy for president.

Ella Emhoff's Instagram post defending her stepmom from attacks on the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee

Doug Emoff's ex-wife Kertin Emhoff has also slammed the attacks on Kamala Harris calling tem baseless and praising Harris as a co-parent

The video of Vance has also received backlash from others including actress Jennifer Aniston.

Aniston, 55, took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday with harsh words for Vance.

'I truly can't believe that this is coming from a potential VP of the United States,' the Friends star wrote. 'All I can say is Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day.'

'I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option. Because you are trying to take that away from her, too,' she continued.

Aniston, who is currently starring on Apple TV+'s The Morning Show, has been candid about her issues with fertility and trying to have a child over the years.

Another Democrat specifically named in Vance's attack, Buttigieg, announced in September 2021 that he and his husband adopted infant twins.

That announcement came more than a month before Vance made his comments.
A Texas shark attack victim has shared a gruesome update after the predator ripped off a chunk of her leg.

Tabatha Sullivent was one of four people attacked by the same shark at South Padre Island on July 4th - including her husband.

Now, she's sharing her harrowing journey to recovery from her hospital bed.

'There are about four of us in the water. I had some teenagers with me. My daughter, 15, was with me as well. And all I saw was something gray in the water,' Sullivent recalled to KSAT.

The horror unfolded when Sullivent spotted what she thought was a 'huge fish' in the water, which was in fact a killer shark.

Tabatha Sullivent sits in a hospital bed after her calf was bitten off by a bull shark. Her husband, who bravely fought off the beast, sits next to her

'I thought, 'Oh my God! It's a huge fish.' And it was coming at us, so I kicked at it, and that's when I think it grabbed my leg,' she added.

Her heroic husband fought the shark, and ended up getting bitten twice in the process.

Describing the pain after getting bit, she said, 'It's like I could feel numbness, I guess, is the best way to describe it.'

Despite the incident, Sullivent has remained positive.

'I would say somebody, or something, was definitely looking over us,' she told the outlet.

First responders quickly arrived on the scene to bring Sullivent to safety

Sullivent said her bite was 'all the way to the bone.'

'I've stayed positive throughout this ordeal. My family has been close by my side taking care of me while in the hospital. My friends have been amazing, taking care of the house and animals, getting meals ready for our return home. We have a great support group,' she wrote.

Sullivent was in the water on South Padre Island with her daughter and husband when the shark began hunting them.

She said they were out past a sand bar when the shark followed her to shallow water and attacked her.

'I turned around, and all I saw was something gray in the water. So, I just kicked at it, because I thought it was a huge fish, and it was coming at us. That's when I think it grabbed my leg,' Sullivent told CBS News Texas from her hospital bed.

The bull shark - a creature with one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom sank its teeth into her lower leg with no intention of letting go.

Due to the shark, officers deployed drones, boats and helicopters to locate the predator and the city was also considering closing the beach

The incident happened on South Padre Island, Texas, on Thursday morning and the woman had to be hauled to shore by a team of rescuers

Sullivent said her husband valiant fought off the beast, jumping into the water and grabbing her.

In the process, he was bitten twice as well.

Beachgoers pulled her out of the water, and first responders were soon on the scene tending to her gaping wound.

'If my husband didn't jump into action and everyone else on the beach, if I didn't have people pulling me out - not just to pull me out but jumping between the shark and me - I don't think it would've stopped,' she said.

A total of four people encountered the shark in the water, according to initial reports. The Sullivents were bit and while two others escaped with minor injuries.

Tabatha was taken to a nearby hospital where she is in stable condition. Her husband Cary Sullivent (right) remains by her side

A dorsal fin can be seen swimming back and forth near the shoreline as the woman lays on the sand

Social media footage of the attack shows Sullivent laying on the sand while a dorsal fin can be seen swimming back and forth near the shoreline.

Blood from her wound can be seen turning the water a dark red, while first responders wrap a tourniquet around her leg.

'My leg is pretty much gone,' she told FOX Dallas-Fort Worth roughly a day after the attack.

'They flushed it out today. It's all the way to the bone. It did not go through the bone.'

Sullivent will need multiple reconstructive surgeries, but doctors are optimistic that she'll be able to keep her leg and walk again.
Republicans are at odds about whether President Joe Biden should remain in office through the election as doubts about his mental and physical health increase.

Since Biden announced he won't be seeking reelection on Sunday, scores of GOP lawmakers have come out saying he needs to be removed from office immediately because he's not fit to serve.

They are calling on Biden's Cabinet to trigger his removal through the 25th Amendment, which has never been used in history.

Former President Donald Trump, however, made it clear Thursday that he is against the maneuver, saying, 'I dont think they should use the 25th Amendment.'

'I will say this, the world is in a very dangerous place. I think if [Biden] goes, [Kamala] then takes over and shes worse than he is,' Trump said on Fox & Friends, calling her a 'San Francisco radical.'

Despite Trump's warning, some Republicans are still insisting that the never-before-used amendment must be invoked immediately to boot out Biden.

President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday about his decision to drop his Democratic reelection bid. It was his first speech since dropping out on Sunday

The 25th Amendment, which outlines presidential succession, gives the vice president and Cabinet power to remove the commander in chief from office in the event it's determined he or she is no longer fit for office.

Under Section 4, a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate is necessary to find the president is 'unable to discharge' their 'powers and duties.'

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, first filed a resolution just after the debate to call on Harris 'to convene the Cabinet and declare President Joe Biden as unable to carry out his duties as Commander-in-Chief.'

Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Monday he was still considering whether to put the resolution on the House floor.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., has called for Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment and on Tuesday introduced articles of impeachment for the vice president failing to uphold border laws.

Additionally, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., wrote a letter to every one of Biden's Cabinet members urging them to invoke the 25th Amendment.

'I wrote a letter and sent it to Kamala Harris asking her to invoke the 25th Amendment,' Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., told DailyMail.com.

'I have a little book on my desk. It's called the Constitution. And she is the Vice President of the United States and the President of the United States is compromised mentally and physically.'

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., believes the 25th Amendment should be invoked over 'national security' concerns. He believes Biden staying in power puts the U.S. at risk

Donald Trump said Thursday he is against invoking the 25th Amendment against Joe Biden, saying that it would embolden Vice President Kamala Harris, who he believes is a worse opponent

'So it's her duty to invoke the 25th Amendment, get the cabinet together, write a letter, submit to Joe Biden and that millisecond she becomes the the the acting president United States.'

He said Biden is 'pretending' to be president and he would 'rather have an acting president than him pretending.'

Van Orden says he is still supportive of Trump, but adds 'I'm looking at this from a national security perspective.'

Other Republicans, meanwhile, said they are fully on board with the president's resistance to the 25th Amendment.

'I think the [former] president's position is my position,' Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., said that he has the same opinion as Trump, that the amendment should not be used to oust Biden

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., was more pragmatic, saying that though Biden is unfit for office, the Senate would never vote for the 25th Amendment's use

'That's a Kamala Harris question. It's not for us. You know, we can all see that Joe Biden has some limitations. But since the White House and frankly a lot of elements in our media, not all of you guys but definitely elements in our media, have hidden Joe Biden from the public, that falls on their shoulders. That's their responsibility.'

Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., agreed with Donalds and Trump.

'It won't pass the Senate. So I don't know that is needed.'

'I don't think the President has any capacity to govern. And he hasn't been quite some time and it's been covered up completely by the media.'

'Everybody in Washington talks about it, Democrats and Republicans.'
Business men and women were evacuated from the City of London this afternoon after a fire broke out in a restaurant underneath offices.

Dramatic images of the blaze showed plumes of smoke billowing out of the building located just a stone's throw away from the Bank of England on Lothbury.

Video footage showed those working in the capital's renowned finance district hurrying away from the fire as emergency services rushed to the scene.

London Fire Brigade sent four huge engines along with 25 firefighters to charge into the building and calm the fire that broke out at around 4pm this afternoon.

The incident, which took place close to St Paul's Cathedral, is thought to have broke out in a ground floor restaurant.

An evacuation is taking place in the City of London after a restaurant kitchen beneath a building of offices caught on fire

Business men and women evacuated to near the Bank of England after a building on Lothbury went up in flames

London Fire Brigade on the scene as a fire breaks out at a restaurant on Lothbury in the City of London

London Fire Brigade on the scene as a fire breaks out at a restaurant on Lothbury

It is unclear which restaurant the fire began in and which companies were affected.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: 'Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters are responding to a fire at a restaurant with offices above on Lothbury in City of London.

'The ground-floor kitchen was partially alight. The Brigade's 999 Control Officers have taken over 10 calls to the fire. The Brigade was first called at 3.47pm.

'Crews from Shoreditch, Dockhead, Shadwell and surrounding fire stations are in attendance at the scene.'

This is a breaking news story. More follows.
A hacker group backed by the King Jong Un-led North Korean state has today been accused of trying to steal military and nuclear secrets by the UK, US and South Korea.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre, along with several policing, security and intelligence agencies from the US and South Korea, accused the Andariel group of stealing sensitive and classified information from around the globe.

Andariel, also known as Onyx Sleet, and formerly known as PLUTONIUM, DarkSeoul, Silent Chollima, and Stonefly/Clasiopa, primarily targeted defence, aerospace, nuclear and engineering organisations, but also hacked the medical and energy sectors.

The group has attempted to obtain information such as contract specification, design drawings and project details, and launched ransomware attacks against American healthcare organisations in order to extort payments and fund further espionage activity, the NCSC said.

The NCSC believes that Andariel is a part of North Korea's reconnaissance general bureau (RGB) 3rd bureau, and the group's malicious cyber activities pose an ongoing threat to critical infrastructure organisations globally.

A hacker group backed by King Jong Un's (pictured, left) North Korea has today been accused of trying to steal military and nuclear secrets

The NCSC believes that Andariel is a part of North Korea's reconnaissance general bureau (RGB) 3rd bureau

The advisory outlined how Andariel has evolved from destructive hacks against US and South Korea organisations to carrying out specialised cyber espionage and ransomware attacks

A joint advisory put out by the government agencies claimed that the hacker group was searching for information on tanks, howitzers, combat ships, submarines, drones, fighter jets, missile defence systems, nuclear research facilities, and ship building engineering, among many targets.

Specifically, hackers searched for design drawings and engineering documents, as well as contract specifications and bills of materials used.

They did this by attempting to maliciously upload code to targets that would've allowed them to execute commands, log keystrokes and take screenshots, as well as opening file directories.

NCSC's director of operations Paul Chichester said: 'The global cyber espionage operation that we have exposed today shows the lengths that DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) state-sponsored actors are willing to go to pursue their military and nuclear programmes.'

He added: 'It should remind critical infrastructure operators of the importance of protecting the sensitive information and intellectual property they hold on their systems to prevent theft and misuse.

'The NCSC, alongside our US and Korean partners, strongly encourage network defenders to follow the guidance set out in this advisory to ensure they have strong protections in place to prevent this malicious activity.'

The advisory outlined how Andariel has evolved from destructive hacks against US and South Korea organisations to carrying out specialised cyber espionage and ransomware attacks.

In some cases, the hackers carried out both ransomware attacks and cyber espionage operations on the same day against the same victim.

Last year, the NCSC issued an unprecedented joint advisory with the South Korean National Intelligence Service about a surge in attacks by North Korean hackers.

The joint advisory, which was the first of its kind, came during the state visit to the UK by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Keystone Investments is developing a 17,000m new Makro in the Arbour Town node located in Amanzimtoti KwaZulu-Natal. Image gallery



Keystone Investments is developing a 17,000m new Makro store in the Arbour Town node located in Amanzimtoti KwaZulu-Natal.

The Arbour Town node is a mixed use development which serves the southern Durban region, it currently consists of the Galleria, an 85,000 m2 regional shopping centre and Arbour Crossing, a 40,000m2 value centre.

This new Makro will replace the current Makro located in Rossburgh. At 17,000m the Makro will be the largest Makro in KwaZulu-Natal and will significantly widen the primary catchment area of the Arbour Town node to the north as the current Makro draws customers from as far north as Durban central.

The new Makro will be positioned opposite the Arbour Crossing shopping centre on Arbour Road, within close proximity of the N2 highway. This will ensure quick and easy access for shoppers coming from the Amanzimtoti, Durban South and Central areas.

Construction is well underway and the planned opening date is 25 September 2013.

Makro is always looking for smarter ways to have environmental friendly stores and has adopted these methods to ensure the Amanzimtoti store is helping our planet and lowering its carbon footprint.

 The building will have 259 roof lights allowing the store to operate on a sunny day without the use of major internal lighting.

 LED lighting will be utilised with motion sensors ensuring lights only turn on as people enter rooms.

 The air conditioning cooling system uses the latest technology to keep itself cooler for longer with a significant reduction in energy consumption. The cooling systems make and store ice at night for the next day using only evening off peak electricity.

 Hot water will be made from waste heat produced by the building chiller system.

 Being a part of the Arbour Town node, great care will be given to the landscaping, with the planting of trees, shrubs and lawns, not only helping the planet but softening the appearance of this large retail building

Keystone Investments said the opening of this Makro promises to have a positive effect on our community, enhancing the shopping experience as well as creating employment opportunities in the area.
President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Thursday under growing pressure for a permanent cease fire in the Middle East.

They shook hands and took their seats, exchanging pleasantries in the Oval Office. They did respond to multiple questions from journalists.

Netanyahu praised Biden's more than 50 years in politics.

'From a proud Jew Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel. And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead.n' he said.

The two leaders are meeting amid increasing pressure to end the nine-month war in the Middle East that's left more than 39,000 dead in Gaza. Dozens of Israeli hostages remain in Hamas captivity.

The administration believes that a deal 'is in the closing stages and it's reaching a point that we believe a deal is closable, and it's time to move to close that agreement,' a senior administration official told reporters on Wednesday.

'We're closer than we've ever been,' the official noted. 'It's up to the Israelis to accept it.'

President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office

Biden is trying to end the war before his term of office expires. If he does it before the November election, it could be a boost for Vice President Kamala Harris, who he endorsed as the Democratic nominee.

Harris will have a separate meeting with Netanyahu later Thursday afternoon.

The prime minister, meanwhile, is walking his own delicate line between those Israelis who want him to end the war and have their loved ones returns and those far-right members of his governing coalition who demand he resist any deal that would keep Israeli forces from eliminating Hamas.

This will be the first time the two will meet in person since Biden visited Israel shortly after Hamas' terrorist attack on Oct. 7.

The White House prepared for the visit by putting up concrete blocks and anti-climbing fencing to ward off protesters. When Netanyahu spoke on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, protesters clashed with U.S. Capitol Police, who had barricades up around the Capitol.

They also painted graffiti along Union Station, which sits a few blocks from the Capitol building. They ripped down the American flag to fly the Palestinian one.

Biden and Netanyahu have had a tense relationship as the president has repeatedly warned him about civilian casualties in the Gaza strip. Additionally, many progressives are furious with Israel's conduct during the war. Several Democratic lawmakers skipped Netanyahu's speech in the Capitol on Wednesday in protest.

Netanyahu attacked pro-Palestinian protesters in the U.S. in his remarks, calling them 'Iran's useful idiots.'

'Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming, 'Gays for Gaza,'' he said. 'They might as well hold up signs saying, 'Chickens for KFC.' These protesters chant, 'From the river to the sea,' but many don't have a clue what river and what sea they're talking about.'

Workers put up additional security fencing around the White House ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit

Members of the Secret Service stand guard as workers put up additional security fencing around the White House

It was Netanyahu's first White House visit since Donald Trump was president. The Israeli PM plans to meet with Trump on Friday at the former president's Mar-a-Lago home.

And it's Biden's first meeting with a foreign leader since he announced he's exiting the 2024 presidential race.

After meeting in the Oval Office, the two leaders will meet with the families of American hostages in Gaza.

In his address to Congress, Netanyahu offered a fiery defense of Israel's conduct during the war and lashed out against accusations by the International Criminal Court of Israeli war crimes.

He thanked President Biden for his support and also noted all Trump had done for Israel.

'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.

Harris missed Netanyahu's speech because of a previously scheduled event in Indianapolis. Typically, the vice president presides over joint addresses.
This is the terrifying moment a British yachtsman's boat was sank after it was attacked by orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Robert Powell and two other occupants of Bonhomme William had to be rescued by coastguards after the vessel had its steering disabled and started taking on water.

The London-based managing director said in agonising social media posts showing his yacht disappearing under the sea that the yacht was attacked by a pod of five orcas between the southern towns of Tarifa and Barbate.

'We were all rescued and are safe now,' he assured concerned friends.

'Sadly these [orcas] were not playing. It was a well-orchestrated and organised attack to sink my boat.'

Orcas have caused mayhem for boaters in recent years, ramming into the rudders of more than 600 ships for reasons unknown. Many biologists believe the whales may be attacking out of boredom, seeking out an adrenaline rush.

Mr Powell said his yacht had been attacked by a pod of Orcas off the southern coast of Spain

The London-based managing director assured his friends he and his crew were safe

'Yesterday evening a yacht a sailboat called Bonhomme William which was two miles off Camarinal Cape between Tarifa and Barbate reported that after interaction with orcas she needed to be towed as her steering system was inoperative,' a spokesman for the Spanish Coastguard Service said in a statement.

'The skipper added that the three people on board were okay and the vessel was not taking on water.

'Our Tarifa centre mobilised coastguard vessel Salvamar Enif.

'The sailboat then called again to report the orcas were still interacting and it was now taking on water.

'The crew were told help was on its way and to prepare the water pump.

'Salvamar Enif reported when it was close to the other vessel's position that it has seen two flares in the area followed by a parachute flare.

'On arrival it reported the life raft had been thrown into the water and the yacht had lost its waterline.

'The Salvamar Enif crew rescued the three people on board and reported they were all okay.

'It collected polluting liquids, the radio beacon, pyrotechnics and life raft before confirming the sailboat was sinking and heading to Barbate with the three people rescued.'

At the start of the month another boat called Kelba had to be towed to port in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta after being targeted by orcas.

That incident followed another in May when a yacht was attacked by a group of orcas 14 miles off Cape Spartel west of Tangiers in Morocco.

The two people on board had to be rescued by a passing oil tanker.

Orca rammings in the Strait of Gibraltar and off the Atlantic coast of Portugal and north-western Spain, have become increasingly common over the past four years.

Experts believe them to involve a subpopulation of about 15 orcas given the designation 'Gladis'.

Shocking footage showed the yacht sinking at night after the whales attacked

Many biologists believe the highly intelligent animals attack ships out of boredom

The crew were saved by the coastguard, rushing to the scene as the yacht took on water

Theories put forward by scientists include one that they are seeking revenge for a killer whale supposedly hit by a boat.

But others have said the endangered mammals appear to be 'playing' with the boats as part of a game.

Groups working for the conservation and management of orcas advise skippers who find themselves in the presence of orcas to slow down and stop their engine if possible, turn off autopilot and leave the rudder to track.

GT Orca Atlantic says: 'Stopping the movement, stopping the engine and letting go of the rudder, towards the runway, causes them to drop their interest, ceasing the interaction, in most cases.'

Around 50 per cent of the vessels orcas interact with suffer damage of some kind.

The type of boats they interact most with are said to be monohull sailboats of less than 15 metres (49 feet) in length with a spade rudder.
A Tennessee man is determined to finish restoring a 1920s home before he permanently loses his sight thanks to a genetic condition.

Time is of the essence for Zane McKee and his family as they embark on a massive restoration project of their 100-year-old home.

The house, a cornerstone of the McKee family's history in Lascassas, holds generations of memories and is now in desperate need of repair.

Zane is facing the progressive loss of his sight due to a genetic condition called retinitis pigmentosa, for which there is currently no cure.

'I want to see this house restored before my vision is completely gone,' Zane told local CBS affiliate WTVF. 'It's a race against time.'

Time is of the essence for Zane McKee and his family as they embark on a massive restoration project of their 100-year-old home

The house, a cornerstone of the McKee family's history in Lascassas, holds generations of memories and is now in desperate need of repair (Pictured: Zane McKee)

Zane's great grandparents built the house in 1925 and it has been in the McKee family for five generations. The family ran a general store.

'A lot of folks have been on this front porch and a lot of problems have been solved and probably started on this porch too, I'd say,' said McKee.

The genetic disorder has been passed on throughout four of the five generations of the McKee family. He was determined to be legally blind twelve years ago, which effectively ended his career.

His twin boys, Brady and Jack, have been helping to expedite the restoration process.

Determined to preserve their family legacy, the McKees have partnered with Shaw Construction to undertake the extensive restoration.

'When it's done, we know it'll be home,' Zane said. 'Probably six months or so.'

With Zane facing the progressive loss of his sight due to a genetic condition called retinitis pigmentosa, the urgency to complete the project is heightened

Despite the challenges, Zane remains hopeful.

'I may lose my sight, but I won't lose my vision for the future,' he said. 'I encourage others facing adversity to never give up. Better days are ahead.'

To help offset the medical, travel, and construction costs associated with Zane's health battle and the home restoration, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign, 'Zane's Race to Restore.'
The controversial solicitor representing the brothers who were 'attacked' by police at Manchester Airport boasts of having a 1m car collection and of being 'the best defence lawyer in the UK'.

Akhmed Yakoob, 36, has 200,000 followers on TikTok and regularly posts videos wearing Prada trainers, a glittering diamond watch, tinted gold-framed sunglasses and Gareth Southgate-like waistcoats.

The Lamborghini-loving father-of-four uses the platform to post polished clips in which he tells followers he is 'the best defence lawyer in the UK' and 'there is a defence for every offence.

He has admitted to using TikTok to find clients and posts videos of his flamboyant lifestyle wearing designer clothing, a glittering diamond watch and tinted gold-framed sunglasses.

Mr Yakoob stood as an Independent candidate in the Birmingham Ladywood constituency on a pro-Gaza, anti-Labour platform at the last General Election. He also has close links to George Galloway's Workers Party of Britain.

Lawyer Akhmed Yakoob pictured at the count for the West Midlands Mayoral Election in May where he stood as a pro-Gaza independent candidate

Mr Yakoob pictured outside Rochdale Police Station on Thursday as he announced he was representing two men who were arrested at Manchester Airport on Tuesday

The Birmingham-based solicitor has shared photos of himself online next to a string of expensive cars including Lamborghinis

Lawyer Akhmed Yakoob (centre) with Fahir and Amaad Khan. He has said 'justice must prevail' after footage of the Manchester Airport incident went viral

But he has courted controversy by teaching people how to frustrate police interviews and bragging about getting a reduced sentence for drug dealers.

The lawyer has been accused of promoting false claims of racism against a teacher, something which has seen him put under investigation by the solicitors' regulator.

He was also slammed for joking about violence against woman and defending self-style misogynist Andrew Tate.

In response to a fellow podcast guest saying he would give his wife a 'backhander' if she made money dancing on TikTok, Mr Yakoob replied: 'Brother, are you saying if she comes up in your personal space, you will defend yourself?'

He was also slammed for joking about violence against woman and comments made about a number of LGBT issues.

In a video interview broadcast last year, Mr Yakoob was introduced as 'the most famous solicitor in the world right now' by Mikey Melin, the host of YouTube documentary channel The Blue Tick Show.

In the interview, Mr Yakoob said: 'What if a man goes into the ladies' bathroom and says, ''I'm not a man, I'm a woman''.

'Well if my wife's in there I'm sparking him out. And there ain't no defence for that offence.' Laughter followed before Mr Melin added: 'I would accept the time, f*** it, put me inside.'

Mr Yakoob also revealed that he had pulled his children out of state education and put them into an Islamic school because he did not want them being exposed to 'LGBT messages.'

He insisted that he and any Muslim cannot 'promote' positive LGBT issues because doing so is prohibited in their faith - a claim that was condemned by some faith leaders, academics and gay Muslims.

Akhmed Yakoob gives a press conference outside Rochdale Police Station on Thursday as he claims a man kicked in the head by police has a cyst on the brain following the incident

The solicitor was pictured cosying up to George Galloway in campaign literature during the July general election

The flashy lawyer has posted images on social media of his expensive car collection after previously saying how his parents tried to put him off going to university

Mr Yakoob has developed a strong following online speaking out about the conflict in Gaza and racism in Britain, and ran his election campaign as being outside the main political parties

Speaking to Mr Melin, Mr Yakoob said: 'I've got no issue with this LGBTQ. I don't promote it. I can't promote it. You [Mr Melin] can't promote it, we can't promote it because we are Muslim.

'We can't promote it because it's been told, we've been told, God has sent down a message... people should be able to do what they like, yeah, but not try to enforce their views and opinions on other people's kids. I don't like this being taught in schools - I hate it.'

Mr Yakoob added: 'I have now pulled my kids out of school. Now they are in Islamic schools because I can't have that around me. Regardless of what religion you are, a young girl or a young boy should not be taught about different genders that you can change your gender.'

The controversial criminal defence lawyer once revealed that he grew up on a crime-ridden council estate in Aston, Birmingham and was kicked out of school at the age of 15.

He revealed that his family were opposed to him going to university and told him that he would not amount to anything.

He said: 'My parents always told me I couldn't do it. They didn't want to me to go to university because they told me I'd fail. It made me want it even more.'

After being expelled from school, he studied at home to pass his exams.

The budding solicitor was accepted at Wolverhampton University, where he got his Bachelor of Laws degree, graduating with a 2:2.

From then on, Mr Yakoob said he scraped through jobs, borrowing money from two friends to raise the 9,000 he needed for a legal practice course.

He worked for free at a local firm before getting a job at Maurice Andrews Solicitors, but said he had run-ins with his boss who he claims told him he couldn't speak English properly.

He said: 'My boss told me I was good for nothing. I had to prove everyone wrong, and I've done that now.'

At 28, Mr Yakoob was able to buy the Maurice Andrews Solicitors practice for 150,000 after getting approved for a bank loan, becoming his own boss.

Mr Yakoob joined protesters outside Rochdale Police Station late last night in an anti-racism protest

Footage of the attack - which also appeared to show Fahir and brother Amaad's mother being shoved by officers - went viral online

Fahir Khan, 19, was kicked in the head by a Greater Manchester Police officer as he was restrained on the ground at Manchester Airport

Family say Fahir is awaiting a CT scan after the incident. His brother Amaad said his younger sibling was 'in a bad way'

On his Instagram account which has nearly 140,000 followers, he describes himself as 'Feared by a Few, Liked by Many, Respected by All, Disrespected by NONE!!'

He has posted videos of himself on TikTok with expensive cars including Lamborghinis and designer brand clothes, watches and sunglasses.

In recent months he has become more involved in politics, running in the West Midlands Mayoral Election in May as an independent pro-Gaza candidate. He would come third with nearly 70,000 votes.

He was heavily criticised after he wrongly accused a teacher of using a racist slur while she was canvassing for Labour during the council elections, posting a video on social media naming the 27-year-old and the school she worked at.

Afterwards the woman and her school were subject to hundreds of messages, many of which were abusive and some of which contained death threats and calls for her to be sacked.

A media investigation found that a video of the incident had misled viewers by putting incorrect captions on top of the footage, with police concluding there was no evidence of racist language.

Following this Mr Yakoob was put under investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which is the industry watchdog, the results of which have not been determined yet.

Then in July he ran as an independent candidate, again on a pro-Gaza platform, in the constituency of Birmingham Ladywood. He came second with 33 per cent of the vote and just 3,000 votes behind the Labour winner, Shadbana Mahmood.

The lawyer was present as protesters gathered outside Rochdale Police Station last night to demonstrate against the actions of police who arrested two men at Manchester Airport.

Mr Yakoob claimed that one of the men, who are brothers, had been diagnosed with a cyst on the brain after being kicked in the face and stamped on the head by a police officer during the incident.

Giving an update this afternoon, Mr Yakoob, representing the brothers, said: 'It was something that hasn't been seen before, such police brutality.

'I can tell you now that the people who were assaulted by the police are members of a police officer's family, who is currently serving in the Greater Manchester Police force.

'This man is now afraid to go to work. He went in today and spoke to his supervisor. And the only reason he is not going to work because he is fearing for his own safety and he thinks like his family members who are the victims, he could be a victim.

'In relation to the investigation, the IOPC are involved. And I've just finished with a meeting from them. The family are okay but they are traumatised.

'Mohammed Fahir, his medical condition has worsened since last night. A CT scan has revealed there is a cyst on his brain. So please pray for his well being.

'Right now the main concern for us for me is that the family receive justice and this no longer happens again.

'Just imagine a first time visitor to the UK and they get to see the brutality from the UK police - they will not want to visit the UK again.

'Well I wouldn't if I see that sort of brutality by people who were meant to be the protectors of the public and not aggressors and oppressors.

'So it's early stages right now, and I can't go too much into the actual investigation. But I'm sure everyone here is here because they have seen the videos.'

Greater Manchester Police says the incident took place after three officers were injured when they responded to reports of an assault at the airport, with one female PC receiving a broken nose.

The force has suspended an officer from all duties pending an investigation, referring itself to the IOPC watchdog, which has vowed to carry out a 'robust' investigation.
A Utah dad crashed his car and killed his girlfriend when he tried to kiss her while high on drink and drugs.

Chase Allen Bosshardt, 32, of Toquerville, was driving along Highway 10 north of Minneapolis when he delivered the fatal kiss to Ashley Cheyenne Jones on July 19.

A witness told police the Kia Soul was 'traveling so fast that it was bouncing as it went through dips in the road', before it swung left into the path of a BMW SUV travelling in the opposite lane.

Jones, 36, was declared dead at the scene while Bosshardt was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids where he was charged with criminal vehicular homicide.

He is due to appear at Sherburne County District Court after he is released from hospital.

Bosshardt admitted smoking marijuana and drinking until 6am the night before

The 32-year-old said his girlfriend was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash

Bosshardt told a trooper that he had been smoking marijuana and drinking until 6am the night before.

He also said he did not think Jones, from Moutain Ranch in California, was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

After waking on July 19 he had joined Jones at McCoy's Pub in Elk River where he had one tall beer, but nothing to eat before getting into his car,' he told police.

But a staff member told investigators that Bosshardt drank two tall beers, a smaller beer and a mixed drink at the bar before the couple headed off.

He was still over the legal limit of 0.8 percent blood alcohol concentration by the time he was tested in his hospital bed and admitted he had been 'making out in the vehicle before the crash occurred'.

A Minnesota State Police report noted that Bosshardt's car was making a left turn off the westbound lane when the collision took place.

Jermarquis Echols, who was driving the BMW said he hit the brakes when he saw the Kia veer across his path but could not stop in time to avoid the crash.

The 46-year-old from Afton, in Minnesota, was travelling with his partner Jennifer Reich, 45, and their 17-year-old daughter Elliana, and all were treated for minor injuries at the same hospital as Bosshardt.

A Minnesota State Police report noted that Bosshardt's car was making a left turn off the westbound lane of Highway 10 when the collision took place

An officer with the Elk River Police Department said he saw a large cloud of dirt and debris filling the air as he arrived on the scene seconds after the crash at 3.39pm.

Bosshardt, an office manager at home security from Vivint, got married in 2015 and is thought to have two young children with his former partner.
Biden used Kamala Harris to blunt criticism of their handling of the border crisis

Vice President Kamala Harris and her team plan to refute that she was ever in charge of the migration crisis at the southern border.

It comes as Republicans are set to make Harris' role as Joe Biden's 'border czar' one of their main points of attack in her battle for the White House with Donald Trump.

As Democratic strategists try to reinvent Harris' record for the campaign a government transparency organization also deleted a webpage which had declared her the most liberal Democrat in the Senate .

Immigration and the border was Harris' first big task as vice president and House Republicans on Thursday passed a resolution condemning her leadership on the issue.

US Vice President Kamala Harris (L) and US President Joe Biden. On March 24, President Biden appointed Harris to take the lead on immigration with a focus on 'root causes' of migration

A group of illegal migrants scale a fence near Eagle Pass, Texas

In March 2021, President Joe Biden and his administration were already struggling with an escalating immigration crisis.

Migrants were pouring across the southern border, detention centers filled up with unaccompanied minors, and stories about kids in cages began filtering into the public consciousness.

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary at the time, repeatedly insisted that it was not a crisis.

Republicans hammered Bidens lack of enforcement, demanding that the president take the issue seriously and visit the border.

The White House felt it necessary to do something, some kind of sign to the public and the media that the president was tackling the problem.

To stave off criticism Team Biden offered up Vice President Kamala Harris as the solution.

The president and vice president stood together in the State Dining Room of the White House as Biden announced his intention to put Harris in charge of the migrant crisis.

Her chief goal, Biden stated, was to lead the diplomatic effort with Mexico and Central American countries to address the root causes of migration.

I can think of nobody who  who is better qualified to do this, Biden said, citing Harris record as a California Attorney General.

It was not an unfamiliar task, Biden noted, recalling that as vice president, he had stepped up for President Barack Obama to work with leaders to stem migration on the southern border.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris waves as as she boards Air Force Two

US Vice President Kamala Harris (R) tours the El Paso US Customs and Border Protection Central Processing Center,

Migrants attempt to cross the Rio Grande from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, on February 29, 2024

But Biden knew he was throwing Harris into a leadership vacuum, when he had no interest in getting involved personally in a politically fraught situation.

I gave you a tough job, Biden said, looking at Harris who smiled wryly at him. And youre smiling, but theres no one better capable of trying to organize this for us.

Republicans could not believe that Biden had given the task of securing the border to Harris, and the vice president and her team were deeply resentful of what Bidens staff had done to her politically.

Although Harris tried to narrowly define her role in the crisis, media outlets correctly recognized what Biden was doing.

'Biden makes Harris the point person on immigration issues amid border surge' read a headline in Politico.

'Biden taps VP Harris to lead response to border challenges,' the Associated Press wrote.

'Biden puts Harris in charge of border crisis,' read the headline of an article by Axios.

To many, Harris first event on the issue demonstrated she was unprepared to handle the crisis, as she cited the show "Cheers" to make her point on migration.

You know, to use a phrase from an old television show, "Cheers", you know, where everybody knows your name,' she said, reciting words from the shows theme song. She explained, Most people dont want to leave home.

Republicans saw Harris weakness and began driving home her failures.

House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La. put Harris face on a carton of milk and described her as missing at the border.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks about the southern border during a meeting with President Joe Biden

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris walks with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Spokesperson Symone Sanders

Migrants making their way into the United States on June 5, 2024

Biden did not help. After saddling Harris with the politically explosive issue, he used an event with congressional Democrats to say that Harris would do a hell of a job'.

But the Vice President was not having it. She interrupted Biden to remind him that she was only handling the 'root causes' of migration.

Facing ongoing pressure, Harris was sent to Guatemala to host an event on addressing the crisis and telling migrants not to come to the United States.

Do not come. Do not come, she said repeatedly. The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our border. I believe if you come to our border, you will be turned back, she said.

However, millions of migrants did not listen.

Harris was also beset with criticism after she dismissed the idea of visiting the border in bizarre fashion during an interview with NBC's Lester Holt.

Asked about not having been to the border she said: '...And I haven't been to Europe. I don't understand the point you're making.'

She laughed at the question.

Lester Holt pushes Kamala Harris on why she hadn't visited the border, to which she replied: 'And I haven't been to Europe'

United States Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the media

Vice President Kamala Harris and her team now argue that Harris was not the 'border czar' despite several attempts by the administration to get her to tackle the immigration issue

In September 2022, Harris was sent by the administration to talk about the issue on Meet the Press.

When anchor Chuck Todd asked Harris whether she believed the border was secure, she replied, 'We have a secure border in that that is a priority for any nation, including ours and our administration.'

Republicans said that was not true and repeatedly challenged her claim.

As Republicans ramped up criticism of Harris, and Biden, for refusing to visit the border, the president's team finally decided to send Harris to release some of the pressure.

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump visits the U.S.-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas, as seen from Piedras Negras, Mexico, February 29, 2024

U.S. President Donald Trump visits the US-Mexico border fence in Otay Mesa, California on September 18, 2019

In June 2021 she visited the border - days after former President Donald Trump scheduled a visit to highlight the administration's failures.

Harris said: 'I'm glad to be here. It was always the plan to come here.'

Trump declared victory.

He said: 'After months of ignoring the crisis at the Southern Border, it is great that we got Kamala Harris to finally go and see the tremendous destruction and death that theyve created.'
Schools will be unable to ban mobiles in the classroom because of the SNP Governments failure to deliver a promise to provide a free device to every pupil, it has been claimed.

Head teachers have highlighted that schools in some council areas are having to ask pupils to bring their own devices to complete work in the classroom.

It led to concerns that the policy will mean they will be unable to ban pupils from bringing their mobiles to school.

It follows the failure of SNP ministers to deliver on a 2021 promise unveiled by John Swinney to provide every school child with a tablet, laptop or Chromebook.

Minutes of a meeting of the Scottish Governments head teacher taskforce show that concerns were raised about the ability to ban mobile devices.

Plans to ban mobile phones from classrooms are being undermined by the Scottish Government's failure to provide devices to children

The minutes, from a meeting on May 22, show Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth sought the views of head teachers on refreshed guidance about the use of mobile phones in the classroom.

They show that head teachers said a positive culture around the use of phones helped mitigate problems, and that encouraging schools to take appropriate action rather than introducing a blanket ban was welcomed as it gives schools flexibility which can be helpful for securing parental support.

But the minutes go on to state: Not all local authorities provided access to devices so schools may need to implement a bring-your-own-device policy.

Scottish Conservative education spokesman Liam Kerr said: This is a classic illustration of how yet again one SNP broken promise has led to another.

The Nationalists have belatedly woken up to the fact that teachers require the power to ban mobile phones to maintain classroom discipline. Yet teachers ability to do so is hopelessly compromised by the SNPs abject failure to fulfil their flagship pledge in 2021 to provide a laptop or tablet to every school pupil in Scotland.

This is a personal humiliation for John Swinney - who was the education secretary at the time - but more importantly a betrayal of Scotlands youngsters and teachers.

Its the latest in a litany of SNP education failures, which includes Scotland plummeting down international league tables, the failure to eradicate the poverty-related attainment gap and a rising tide of school violence.

Mr Kerr called for a ban on the use of mobiles to be delivered but for ministers to ensure that teachers have the resources needed to implement it without pupils education suffering.

Mr Swinney announced the promise to provide a free device to all pupils in a speech to SNP conference in March 2021, when he was Education Secretary.

He said: If we are re-elected in May, the SNP will roll out a new programme to deliver into the hands of every school child in Scotland a laptop, Chromebook or tablet to use in school and at home.

It will come with a free internet connection and full technical support. It will be updated when necessary, replaced when needed and upgraded as technology improves.

But the commitment was subsequently watered down, with Ms Gilruth telling parliament in March this year: To maximise the impact of funding, we will provide support at household level, targeting device investment at disadvantaged families with children. That approach will improve equity of access to devices and connectivity for those who need it most.

A petition calling on the Scottish Government to go further and require all schools to prohibit the use of mobile phones during the school day, including at interval and lunchtime, has now attracted 4,982 signatures since being introduced at Holyrood last month.

The Scottish Government has promised refreshed guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools, and has said the starting point will be that head teachers will be empowered to take any action they deem necessary.
Elon Musk's trans daughter has shared a blistering response to claims made by her dad that he was 'tricked' by the 'woke mind virus' into allowing her to transition.

Vivian Wilson, 20, posted on X's arch vial site Threads, owned by Mark Zuckerberg's Meta, in response to comments made by her father earlier this week.

In an interview, Musk said that he was tricked into signing away his son Xavier, using Wilson's former name, to allow her to go on puberty blockers.

Referring to Wilson with male pronouns and by her birth name, Musk claimed that his 'son' had been 'killed by the woke mind virus'.

Wilson pushed back on this on Thursday, challenging a tweet from her father in which he claimed that she was born 'gay and slightly autistic'.

Vivian Wilson, seen here, posted on X's arch vial site Threads, owned by Mark Zuckerberg 's Meta , in response to comments made by her father earlier this week

In an interview, Musk said that he was tricked into signing away his son Xavier, using Wilson's former name, to allow her to go on puberty blockers

Musk said he had known from a young age that she was gay, saying she 'would pick out clothes for me to wear like a jacket and tell it was fabulous' and loved musicals.

Wilson said: 'There's a lot of stuff I need to debunk, but I want to start with what I find the funniest which is the notorious 'slightly autistic' tweet.

'This is gonna be a bit so just bare with me. This is entirely fake. Like, literally none of this ever happened. Ever. I don't even know where he got this from.

Wilson wrote that she had never loved musicals or theatre and also hit back at his claims about picking out clothes for her father.

She said: 'I never picked out jackets for him to wear and I was most certainly not calling them 'fabulous' because literally what the f***.

'I did not use the word fabulous when I was four because once again I would like to reiterateI was four.

'Like this is so obvious I don't even think it warrants explanation but apparently people believe this nonsense so here I am.'

Wilson added her father has made up these claims because he wasn't around her as a child.

She claims that Musk would relentlessly harass her for her 'femininity and queerness'.

Musk said he had known from a young age that she was gay, saying she 'would pick out clothes for me to wear like a jacket and tell it was fabulous' and loved musicals

Musk kisses his then fiancee Talulah Riley as they stand with Musk's twin boys Griffin, left, and Xavier, now known as Vivian

Vivian also added that she was legally recognized as a woman in the state of California and that her father was 'determined for attention and validation'.

In a scathing ending, she wrote: 'He's desperate for attention and validation from an army of degenerate red-pilled incels and pick-mes who are quick to give it to him. Go touch some f****** grass.'

In a separate video she said she was doing well and that she had been formulating a response to her father.

The father and daughter have long had a contentious relationship, with Musk having called her a 'communist' who thinks 'anyone rich is evil'.

In his interview this week, Musk called what happened to him and his family 'evil', saying: 'I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.

'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. I was told Xavier might commit suicide.'

When asked about gender dysphoria, he added: 'It's incredibly evil and I agree with you that the people that are promoting this should go to prison.

The Tesla CEO has long had a contentious relationship with daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson (pictured in 2022) though that was previously over political disagreements

Wilson added her father has made up these claims because he wasn't around her as a child in her post to Threads

'I was tricked into doing this. It wasn't explained to me that puberty blockers are actually just sterilization drugs.

'I lost my son, essentially. They call it 'deadnaming' for a reason. The reason they call it 'deadnaming' is because your son is dead, so my son, Xavier, is dead, killed by the woke mind virus.'

Deadnaming is what transgender people typically refer to others calling them by the name they went by before they began to transition.

Musk said that his right-wing awakening has been spurred on by this process and the trickery he claims was played upon him.

'I vowed to destroy the woke mind virus after that and we're making some progress,' he said.

The South African billionaire has fathered a reported 12 children over last 22 years and has spoken publicly about his view that the world is underpopulated.

Musk is seen here with his second wife Talulah Riley in 2015 with Xavier, now Vivian, and Griffin

Elon Musk family continues to grow, 22 years after his first wife, Justine Wilson, gave birth to his first children

He had his kids with three different women, Canadian author Justine Wilson, the mother of Vivian, musician Grimes and his employee, Shivon Zilis. His youngest child, with Zilis, was born in 2024.

Wilson legally changed her gender to female and her name from 'Xavier' to Vivian Jenna Wilson in 2022, while revealing in court filings she 'no longer wishes to be related' to Musk 'in any way'.

Vivian filed the petition just three days after her 18th birthday, though the court documents weren't made public until the day after Fathers Day.

In a tweet the night her daughter's petition was granter, mother Justine said: ''I had a weird childhood,' my 18 year old said to me.'

'I can't believe I'm as normal-seeming as I am.' 'I said, 'I'm very proud of you.' 'I'm proud of myself!''

Meanwhile, on Fathers Day, Musk tweeted prior to the revelation of her filings: 'I love all my kids so much.'

A private woman, she was not spotted in public until several months after her petition was granted.

Vivian reportedly came out as transgender via text to her aunt when she was 16, but implored her to keep her gender identity from her father: 'Hey, I'm transgender, and my name is now Jenna. Don't tell my dad.'

Musk said during an interview with the FT in 2020 that while his relationship with his daughter 'may change... I have very good relationships with all the others [children].'

'Can't win them all,' he added.

More recently, he told his biographer that his attempts at winning her over have not been successful.
A senior firearms officer is under investigation after he passed his weapon around trainees on the forces college grounds.

Acting Inspector David Acheson MBE, who was an operational firearms commander, is facing the probe amid fears someone could have been shot accidentally.

It is understood he went to Tullialan unannounced and showed a group of probationers his kit, which included unloading his firearm and passing it around.

Police Scotland's Professional Standards Department have launched an investigation into the conduct of Acting Inspector David Acheson MBE

The incident was caught on his body camera and Acheson permanently withdrew himself from the firearms department.

But Professional Standards have now launched an investigation into his conduct over concerns about a serious breach of protocol.

Acheson is also a Trustee and Secretary of the Police Remembrance Trust and was awarded an MBE in 2016 for his role within the charity.

Sources said the officer did not have another experienced officer witness him load and unload the weapon, breaching a raft of health and safety regulations.

The source said: Acheson went to the police college at Tulliallan and showed the probationers his kit and unloaded himself and passed the pistol about. This is mega dangerous as there is a risk of unintentional discharge. This was negligent on his part and is not only a breach of protocol but also Health and Safety. Its being investigated as misconduct. Its all been very hush hush as Acheson is considered police royalty due to his MBE.

The source said Acheson was formerly part of Close Protection and was the Operational Firearms Commander the day he decided to go the police college.

He said: He took it upon himself to do that. It was unbelievably stupid and a crazy thing to do. There could have been serious consequences to his actions. All firearms officers know from day one not to pass a weapon around. You load and unload with corroboration to avoid any accidents.

His biography on the Police Remembrance Trust website states: David is a serving Inspector with Police Scotland. His uncle, Kenneth Acheson, was an officer in the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC until he was murdered by terrorists. David designed the PC Bill Barker memorial pin badge which raised thousands for Bills favourite charity the Great North Air Ambulance. He authored the Scottish Police Roll of Honour book on behalf of the Trust.

David was appointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours, later in the same year he was elected as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland for his work on Police history in Scotland.

David was the first Secretary of the Trust since its Incorporation by Royal Charter in 2018.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: A matter has been referred to our Professional Standards Department and is under review.
A terrified Arizona family got trapped in their own backyard when they were confronted by a massive Mojave rattlesnake.

Video footage captured the terrifying encounter in the Arizona desert that left the family frozen in fear.

The clip shows a monstrous Mojave rattlesnake slithering past their patio chairs - side eyeing them while hissing by.

The heart-stopping moment was captured in video shared by Patty Schaefer, who posted the clip to TikTok with the caption: 'Welcome to Arizona! My friends are trapped in their chairs in their back yard by this Mojave rattlesnake!'

The video, which was shared on Tuesday, has since gone viral, racking up over 500,000 likes as viewers watched in horror.

A terrified Arizona family got trapped in their own backyard when they were confronted by a massive Mojave rattle snake

Video footage captured the terrifying encounter in the Arizona desert that left the family frozen in fear

Commenters were quick to add their own humorous comments regarding the serpent's slow and menacing crawl.

'He's like "if you stay there, I'll stay here,"' one user joked.

'Why he slithering by like "I wish you would,"' another chimed in.

'He's slithering by like, "Don't start no sh!t now!!"' a third added.

'This looks personal. The song, the side eye, the fact that it took him three business days to pass. It's all perfect.'

Mojave rattlesnakes are known for their potent venom and aggressive nature.

Arizona sees between 150 and 350 snake bites each year.

This year alone, there have been a record 100 rattlesnake bites reported in Arizona and experts are warning of increasing danger.

Arizona also has the highest per-capita death rate from snake bites in the United States.

A snake bite can cause include internal bleeding, breathing difficulties, and permanent tissue and nerve damage - but getting prompt treatment can make a big difference.

'There are a few treatments for rattlesnake bites, but by far the most effective treatments, really, only effective treatment is antivenom,' Dr. Travis Nick, medical director at Scottsdale Ranch Animal Hospital, told Fox10 in July.

'Rattlesnakes here cause tissue damage and they cause hemotoxicity, which basically means that your blood doesn't clot very well. So antivenom helps prevent the progression of that,' Dr. Meghan Spyres with Banner Poison Center told the outlet.

Rattlesnakes are most active in the summertime. Arizona has the most species of rattlesnakes than anywhere in the US

Rattlesnakes are most active in the summertime, Nick added, as 90 percent of bites in the US occur between April and October.

He also said Arizona has the most species of rattlesnakes than anywhere in the US.

'We have 13 different species of rattlesnakes,' he said. 'So we're significantly at risk.'

Spyres said the snakes are scare of humans just as humans fear them.

'My research shows they're chickens, you know? They're scared of us and when we try to mess with them,' she said. Their most common behavior - like if we were to throw rocks - they try to flee because they're scared. So their main behavior is hiding and fleeing.'
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The total also includes $3.5 million for a limnology research center at Camp Harry E. Daniels.

ORANGEBURG, S.C.  The state of South Carolina has allocated $76.7 million to South Carolina State Universitys 2024-25 budget including $30 million to build a new campus library, a $4.2 million increase in scholarship funding and $3.5 million for a limnology research center.

On behalf the South Carolina State University family, I thank Gov. Henry McMaster and members of the General Assembly for recognizing our students needs and acting to improve access to quality education for South Carolina families, SC State President Alexander Conyers said. I extend a special thank you to Speaker of the House Murrell Smith for visiting the campus in April, when he saw first-hand the conditions in the existing library and the need for a new facility.

For SC State to continue offering excellence, we must have facilities that accommodate modern learning and initiatives that will retain students through to graduation, Conyers said. This budget goes a long way toward achieving those goals.

The allocation includes about $63.1 million for the SC States primary budget. The state allocated about $13.6 million to the universitys Public Service and Agriculture division (PSA). The states contribution is the largest allocation in the PSA divisions history.

New $30 million library

The new librarys funding came from two pools of money -- $25 million in nonrecurring funding and $5 million from reserves. The facility will replace the Miller F. Whittaker Library, which opened in 1968.

Conyers pointed to the words of Charles William Eliot, president of Harvard University from 1869 to 1909, in stating the academic library has traditionally been the heart of a university.

The Miller F. Whittaker Library has served this as the academic heart of this campus well for 56 years, but the time has arrived for SC State to establish a library that meets the demands of 21st century teaching, learning and research, Conyers said. This new facility will be an iconic structure on campus with spaces for gathering, studios for projects and studies, and advanced computer laboratories for research.

This new library will elevate the academic experiences of our students, as well as those of members of the Orangeburg community who take advantage of its services, Conyers said.

Dr. Frederick Evans, SC State provost and vice president of academic affairs, said the new library will improve students educational success and support research capabilities.

The library serves as a central component of an educational institution and has a great impact on the community at large in improving ones quality of life, economic development, and social cohesion, Evans said. The digital inclusion that is planned for the new library will provide equal access to information and opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and the community.

During the design process, SC State administrators will visit other higher education institutions that have built new libraries in recent years to evaluate possible features for the new library.

We in the library have been advocating for a new library for over 30 years, said Dr. Ruth Hodges, dean of libraries and information services. This includes three of my predecessors, so we are ecstatic about this wonderful news.

Hodges thanked Conyers, Evans and Dr. Gerald Smalls, SC States chief financial officer and vice president for finance and operations, and others for their keen awareness of the value of libraries.

As the current library was built in 1968, it insufficiently meets the learning, spacing, and accessibility needs of library personnel and library users, especially the current generation of students, she said. The SC State Archives and Historical Collection and other special collections also require additional space.

As the most egalitarian learning environment on campus, it is our goal to provide an aesthetically pleasing, welcoming, tranquil, highly technologically and accessibility equipped, healthy and safe environment for all users. This funding will advance these goals, Hodges said.

The SC State president also said the new librarys likely location will be on the former site of Bradham and Manning halls, making the facility readily accessible from neighboring academic buildings.

The library project is the latest in series of capitol projects the state has approved for SC State over the last three budget cycles for a total of about $124 million on the main campus over and above the universitys operating budget. Projects include renovation and expansion of the Kirkland W. Green Student Center, the construction of a new 90,000-square-foot academic building and the renovation of 14-story Sojourner Truth Hall.

University budget breakdown

SC State agency baseline $24.1 million Tuition mitigation (in exchange for not raising tuition) $2.3 million Replacement of library $30 million Lottery Scholarship $2.5 million Increase in academic scholarships $4.2 million Total Funding $63.1 million

Bulldog Retention Scholarships

The $4.2 million increase in academic scholarships is a recurring allocation that will be used to mitigate costs for returning students. Conyers said many students leave the university for financial reasons without graduating, so by alleviating costs for returning students, SC State will retain and graduate more students each year.

The increase in academic scholarships of $4.2 million is a huge win for SC State and students, Conyers said. We are working to implement a Bulldog Retention Scholarship for returning students with unmet needs.

Public Service and Agriculture budget

PSA/1890 baseline $7.9 million Business development training and assistance $400,000 Construction of the South Carolina Limnology Research Center $3.5 million Health quad initiative $425,000 Statewide agribusiness development $500,000 Agriculture innovation research $500,000 New beginner farmer assistance $400,000 Total PSA/1890 $13.6 million

The South Carolina Limnology Research Center will be located on the grounds of historic Camp Harry E. Daniels in Elloree, South Carolina. Limnology is the study of inland aquatic ecosystems. Camp Daniels sits just yards away from Lake Marion and features an on-site pond for aquatic activities.

SC State PSA has been redeveloping the former 4-H camp for South Carolinas Black youths as an extension camp, retreat and research center. PSA is completing roads, trails and infrastructure necessary to support nine new buildings planned for the camp. These will include visitor cabins to complement the 260-acre camps 15,000-square-foot leadership center and the limnology center.
The bodies of almost 180,000 deer culled in Scotland every year should be left to decompose naturally to help woodland regeneration, research has found.

Ecologists have warned that by removing carcasses it is potentially undermining habitat recovery due to the loss of tens of thousands of kilograms of nutrients in the soil.

The study published in the British Ecological Society journal, Ecological Solutions and Evidence, has called for the remains to be left to rot to avoid widespread implications for ecosystem recovery.

Around 180,000 deer are culled in Scotland every year

The alternative to avoiding such nutrient loss, researchers say, would be to reduce the number of culls and allow deer to die naturally on the landscape.

They believe one way to do this while still managing deer numbers would be the controversial reintroduction of natural predators, such as wolves and lynx.

Kristy Ferraro, lead author of the report, said: Our study quantifies an important yet overlooked aspect of current deer management in Scotland. We show that the prevalent practice of removing deer carcasses comes at a cost to ecosystems by depleting essential nutrients, which could have widespread implications for ecosystem recovery.

The researchers from the universities of Edinburgh and Yale say Scotlands landscapes are already nutrient poor and estimate as much as 251,188kg of calcium, 195,652kg of nitrogen and 152,834kg of phosphorus are lost across Scotland each year.

Experts believe deer carcasses should be left to decompose naturally to provide nutrient

The study was conducted using data from NatureScot, which showed that more than two million deer were culled from 2010 - 2022, and environmental data from Space Intelligence.

They then combined those numbers with the average mass of each of the four deer species and estimated the phosphorus, nitrogen, and calcium present in them.

Calcium loss was seen as having the biggest environmental impact on commercial and native woodland regeneration, with a knock-on effect for birds, which experience declines in shell thickness in low calcium environments.

Carcasses also provide a food source for small predators such as pine martens and have been shown to distract predators away from the nests of ground nesting birds, such as Scotlands iconic capercaillie, during the breeding season.

Ms Ferraro said: Of course, this raises practical questions about where is suitable to leave carcasses.

We have to consider public access to the area and keeping carcasses away from livestock and waterways. Despite this, there are numerous areas of open-range and dense woodlands in Scotland which could serve as initial implementation sites.

Deer populations in Scotland have been actively managed since 1959 to control overgrazing, with the countrys red, roe, fallow and skia deer all considered overabundant.

An alternative solution, researchers said, would be to reduce the number of culls and reintroduce natural predators to keep numbers down.

Ms Ferraro said: Through predation, both the consumed carcass and what is left behind would ultimately remain in the ecosystem. Further, due to the way in which predators hunt, they would also create heterogeneity in carcass distribution on the landscape, creating hotspots of nutrients that would be difficult for human-hunting to replicate.
Ten Just Stop Oil activists have appeared in court charged with conspiring to disrupt Heathrow Airport on Wednesday.

The activists were arrested as part of 'an intelligence-led policing operation at airports across Europe' that included Heathrow.

Militant activists forced planes to remain grounded in Germany and reached the runway in Spain on Wednesday morning after vowing to use 'all means necessary' to target millions of families planning well-earned getaways across the continent.

All ten were arrested either at Heathrow Airport or in the vicinity and were charged this afternoon with conspiracy to interfere with key national infrastructure under Section 7 of the Public Order Act 2003.

They appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court where eight were remanded in custody.

Just Stop Oil activists today appeared in court charged with conspiracy to disrupt Heathrow Airport. These seven were remanded in custody: Rory Wilson, 26, of Tower Hamlets, London; Sally Davidson, 36, of Portland , Dorset; Adam Beard, 55, of Stroud, Gloucestershire; Luke Watson, 34, of Manuden, Essex; Hannah Schafer, 60, of Ceredigion, west Wales; Sean O'Callaghan, 29 of Mickleham, Surrey; and Luke Elson, of Stratford, London

Rosa Hicks, 28 of Stratford, London, was also remanded in custody. According to JSO's X page, she was arrested at home and was 'nowhere near Heathrow Airport'

It was also revealed that Julia Mercer, 74, of west Yorkshire has been bailed

Will Goldring, 27, of Southwark, London, has also received bail with conditions, which include not being within 1km of an airport without a valid ticket

They are Sally Davidson, 36, of Portland, Dorset; Adam Beard, 55, of Stroud, Gloucestershire; Rosa Hicks, 28, of Stratford, London; Rory Wilson, 26, of Tower Hamlets, London; Luke Elson, of Stratford, London; Luke Watson, 34, of Manuden, Essex; Sean O'Callaghan, 29 of Mickleham, Surrey; and Hannah Schafer, 60, of Ceredigion, west Wales.

According to a post on Just Stop Oil's X page, Hicks was arrested at home.

The post stated: 'Despite being nowhere near Heathrow Airport, she has also been remanded to prison.'

Julia Mercer, 74, of Calderdale, West Yorkshire and William Goldring, 27, of Southwark, London, were bailed with conditions that include not going within 1km (0.62 miles) of an airport without a ticket to travel.

The 10 were v being snared by police in London as they cycled on the perimeter road around the UK's biggest airport.

While the disruption was minimal at Heathrow, eleven activists in Switzerland blocked main roads around both Zurich and Geneva airport.

Shocking scenes in Rome saw people throwing orange paint in Terminal 3, while the departure time of a plane at the airport was delayed due to activist disruption.

Just Stop Oil activist Sean Callaghan, 29, was detained after attempting to cause disruption at Heathrow airport on Wednesday

JSO activists were arrested as part of 'an intelligence-led policing operation at airports across Europe' that included Heathrow

Footage appears to show a group of three activists being arrested before they could cause any disruption

JSO activists were lined up against a fence before being formally charged with conspiracy to interfere with key national infrastructure

Ten Just Stop Oil activists were arrested in total over a plot to disrupt UK holidaymakers

Officers at Heathrow swooped in before the activists gained any unauthorised entry to the airport or the airfield

Other groups have also been stopped entering the airport as people were detained

Sean Callaghan was one of the 10 people to be arrested at Heathrow on Wednesday

Five eco activists in Spain accessed the taxiway at Barcelona airport but were intercepted before they could take action.

A German climate activist group that caused flight cancellations at Cologne-Bonn airport by gluing themselves to the runway said similar disruptions to push for an end to fossil fuels were planned over the next few weeks globally.

'That was just the beginning today. Over the next few weeks we will repeat this in Germany, Europe and globally,' a member of the Last Generation activist group said in a media briefing.

Officers at Heathrow swooped in before the activists gained any unauthorised entry to the airport or the airfield, it is understood, saving passengers travelling on their summer holidays from facing disruption.

JSO said 'the international uprising begins' and that a number of people were arrested 'in two locations on the perimeter road around Heathrow'.

Activist Sean Callaghan, 29, was one of the nine people to be arrested at the London airport yesterday.

In a video posted by the eco group, Callaghan said: 'I went into environmental education because with my life, I wanted to inspire, enthuse, and motivate students about the natural world and the outside environment.

'I'm taking action with Just Stop Oil at airports this summer because it is impossible for me to see a way in which we can inspire and enthuse students about the future of our planet.'

Sally Davidson, who was also arrested at Heathrow Airport, said: 'Our new government must take swift and meaningful action to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030, by establishing a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels. Anything less is a death sentence.'

Shocking scenes in Rome saw people throwing orange paint in Terminal 3, while the departure time of a plane at the airport was delayed due to activist disruption

Arrested activist Adam Beard said: 'We need immediate and decisive action to prevent the worst effects of the climate crisis becoming reality, with all the death and suffering that will bring.

'Our government must work with other nations to enact a treaty to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030.'

The Letzte Generation (Last Generation) climate group shows an activist with his hand glued to the ground of a runway at Cologne-Bonn airport in Germany

The Last Generation climate group shows a Last Generation activist with her hands glued to the ground of a runway in Cologne

A police car is parked at Cologne-Bonn airport today as climate activists cause disruption

People look at a display showing cancelled flights on the day activists of the Last Generation protest for a change in climate policy at Cologne-Bonn airport

Activists in Rome threw paint on the floor in Terminal 3 before holding up signs

A Heathrow spokesman said yesterday: 'Thanks to swift action from the police and airport colleagues, there is no disruption to passenger journeys. Heathrow continues to operate as normal today.

'We are in full agreement that the aviation industry needs to decarbonise, but unlawful and irresponsible protest activity will not be tolerated.'

Heathrow Airport said a record 39.8 million passengers travelled through its terminals in the first half of the year.

That is up 7.3% from 37.1 million passengers during the same period last year.

In the first half of 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, the total was 38.8 million.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is being pressured to investigate whether Democrats threatened to remove Joe Biden from office under the 25th Amendment if he didn't exit the 2024 race.

The 25th Amendment, which outlines presidential succession should the commander-in-chief be incapable of fulfilling his duties, has never been used before.

But as concerns over the president's ability and mental state continue, Republicans have floated using the never-before-seen measure to boot Biden from the Oval Office.

Earlier this week, Johnson revealed he was mulling whether to bring a 25th Amendment resolution to the floor to coerce Harris into forcing out Biden.

However, Trump spoke out against the maneuver saying Harris would be 'worse' than Biden, which may be enough to kill any momentum behind the resolution.

Now, the conservative group American Accountability Foundation (AAF) is demanding Johnson investigate whether Democrats strong-armed Biden to drop his presidential bid using the 25th Amendment.

Vice President Kamala Harris is suspected of extorting President Joe Biden out of running for reelection. The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) is demanding Speaker Mike Johnson investigate whether Harris threatened Biden with invoking the 25th Amendment prompting him to cancel his campaign and endorse her

'I am writing today to request that you immediately charge the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability to investigate credible claims that Vice President Harris may have extorted President Biden under the threat of invocation of the twenty-fifth amendment to the Constitution to end his candidacy for the Presidency,' AAF President Thomas Jones wrote to Johnson.

'There have been multiple reports that leaders in the Democrat party, up to and including the Vice President, used the threat of invoking the provisions of the twenty-fifth amendment to force President Biden to end his campaign.'

Jones argues in the note that there could be evidence that Harris extorted Biden to relinquish his quest to be the Democratic presidential nominee.

'As the plain language makes clear, the path to removing President Biden from office under the twenty-fifth amendment runs clearly through the Office of the Vice President and through the Presidents cabinet.'

'Put simply, if Vice President Harris were able to credibly muster the support of eight members of the Presidents cabinet (a majority of the fifteen executive departments), she could present an ultimatum to the President forcing him to end his campaign and to endorse her candidacy, lest he be removed from office, forever cementing his legacy as a President who was mentally unfit to lead the country.'

'Such a demand by the Vice President, and any supporters in the cabinet, would have unquestionably been extortion,' Jones continued.

The AAF letter comes as Republicans are split over whether the 25th Amendment should be invoked to remove Biden from office.

But that push may now be quelled.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is under pressure to investigate if President Joe Biden was extorted out of his reelection campaign

President Joe Biden delivers remarks from the Oval Office about his canceled campaign. His son, Hunter Biden, sits in a chair just out of the camera's shot

Former President Donald Trump said Thursday he is against his party pushing for the use of the amendment.

'I dont think they should use the 25th Amendment,' he said.

'I will say this, the world is in a very dangerous place. I think if [Biden] goes, [Kamala] then takes over and shes worse than he is,' Trump said on Fox & Friends, calling her a 'San Francisco radical.'

Despite Trump's warning, some Republicans are still insisting that the never-before-used amendment must be invoked immediately to remove Biden.

'I wrote a letter and sent it to Kamala Harris asking her to invoke the 25th Amendment,' Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., told DailyMail.com.

'I have a little book on my desk. It's called the Constitution. And she is the Vice President of the United States and the President of the United States is compromised mentally and physically.'

'So it's her duty to invoke the 25th Amendment, get the cabinet together, write a letter, submit to Joe Biden and that millisecond she becomes the the the acting president United States.'

He said Biden is 'pretending' to be president and he would 'rather have an acting president than him pretending.'

Johnson previosuly said

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., a former Navy SEAL, told DailyMail.com he believes the 25th Amendment should be invoked for national security reasons. He also revealed he personally sent a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris to invoke the measure

Biden's address Wednesday night was the first time he addressed the nation since dropping his reelection bid and contracting COVID last week

Van Orden says he is still supportive of Trump, but adds 'I'm looking at this from a national security perspective.'

Other rank-and-file Republicans, however, sided with Trump.

'I think the [former] president's position is my position,' Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com.

'That's a Kamala Harris question. It's not for us,' Donalds continued.

Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., agreed with Donalds and Trump.

'It won't pass the Senate. So I don't know that is needed.'

'I don't think the President has any capacity to govern. And he hasn't been quite some time and it's been covered up completely by the media.'

'Everybody in Washington talks about it, Democrats and Republicans.'

So far, several in the GOP - including Johnson - have already spoken about taking action in pushing the amendment maneuver forward.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., said that he has the same opinion as Trump, that the amendment should not be used to oust Biden

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., was more pragmatic, saying that though Biden is unfit for office, the Senate would never vote for the 25th Amendment's use

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, first filed a resolution just after the debate to call on Harris 'to convene the Cabinet and declare President Joe Biden as unable to carry out his duties as Commander-in-Chief.'

And Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Monday he was still considering whether to put the resolution on the House floor.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., has called for Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment and on Tuesday introduced articles of impeachment for the vice president failing to uphold border laws.

Additionally, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., wrote a letter to every one of Biden's Cabinet members urging them to invoke the 25th Amendment.

But action in the House regarding the 25th Amendment is not expected to come any time soon.

The House broke for August recess early on Thursday.

They are not expected to return to business in Washington, D.C. until September 9, which is 45 days away.
A police decision to ram an escaped cow with a patrol car is now being investigated as a criminal matter following 290 house visits, with officers handing out 210 leaflets and speaking to 75 witnesses.

Surrey Police was slammed after footage was posted online of a 10-month-old calf, Beau Lucy, being rammed by a police 4x4 after midnight on June 15 following reports of a loose animal in Staines-upon-Thames.

On Thursday, the force said as part of its investigation it had made 290 house-to-house visits, handed out 210 leaflets along the route the calf took, contacted 75 witnesses and received more than 250 video clips.

The investigation, which is also the subject of an internal misconduct review, is being led by the professional standards department and overseen by a senior investigating officer.

Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said: 'This significant update demonstrates why a thorough investigation is important, as it ensures all potential criminal and misconduct matters are clearly understood. This does, of course, take time.'

A police decision to ram an escaped cow with a patrol car (seen) is now being investigated as a criminal matter following 290 house visits, with officers handing out 210 leaflets and speaking to 75 witnesses

Surrey Police was slammed after footage was posted online of a 10-month-old calf, Beau Lucy (pictured), being rammed by a police 4x4 following reports of a loose animal in Staines-upon-Thames

The calf's owners, named only as Rob and Kate, said last month that allowing Surrey Police to investigate themselves made it easier for the force to justify the action taken. They added: 'We still hold the thought that the handling of this situation was cruel and barbaric'

He added that the force is 'committed to providing significant updates relating to this incident on our website as and when we have them'.

The calf's owners, named only as Rob and Kate, said last month that allowing Surrey Police to investigate themselves made it easier for the force to justify the action taken.

They added: 'We still hold the thought that the handling of this situation was cruel and barbaric.'

Surrey Police said officers tried a number of ways to capture the calf after reports that it was running at members of the public and had damaged a car, before the decision was taken to stop it by force using a patrol car.

The squad car's driver was suspended from frontline duties amid the backlash on June 16.

The cow was returned to Rob's farm, located near the border between Surrey and Middlesex, with bruises, and has since been recovering 'remarkably well'.

Witnesses at the time claimed the cow was of 'no harm to anyone' and berated officers for their 'heavy-handed response'.

A source told MailOnline in the following days that police handed Beau Lucy to 'two members of the public with a trailer' who later asked her owner for a 'cost of recovery fee'.

The route taken by Beau Lucy after escaping from Staines Moor in Surrey and swimming across a river

The cow was eventually returned to its farm, located near the border between Surrey and Middlesex, with bruises, and has since been recovering 'remarkably well'

A Surrey Police spokesperson then said: 'Following the injury caused to the cow, two members of the public offered to use their trailer to transport her to a nearby smallholding accompanied by police.

'Once identified, the owner then collected the cow from the smallholding. The members of the public have sought costs for providing this transportation service.

'Surrey Police intends to make a compassionate payment to the owner of the cow. This will cover both the cost of recovery of the cow from the scene and the cost of immediate critical care for the cow by a veterinarian.

'The latest update we have on the condition of the calf is that she continues to recover under the treatment of a vet and has been reunited with her herd.'
A little boy who clung to life in a hospital for six days after a savage attack by two Pit Bulls is expected to die, his family have said.

Three-year-old Covil Allen and his mother, Tasha Vega, were visiting a friend's house in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on July 19 when the animals launched themselves at the boy.

The critically injured toddler underwent a series of emergency operations at Hennepin County Medical Center, and as recently as Tuesday the family were hopeful that he might pull through.

But his condition deteriorated and his parents, Tasha and Charles, have begun preparing for their young son to become an organ donor.

'They are the most amazing humans and do not deserve to feel this pain,' friend Lindsey Hemmerich wrote on a fundraiser.

Three-year-old Covil Lee before the Pit Bull attack that cost him his life

The little boy clung to life for six days in hospital before his death was announced on Thursday

One of the dogs had recently had recently given birth, and Tasha and her son had gone to the house in the 7500 block of N. Brooklyn Park Drive to look at some puppies.

Officers who were called to the scene said they had 'never seen something so horrific before', after bursting through a neighbor's fence to tackle the animals, according to Police Inspector Elliot Faust.

They shot both animals but not before the dogs had seriously injured the boy's mother as she fought desperately to save her son.

'Tasha has already had two surgeries and will need a third on her calf to repair the damage, a skin graft will be needed,' Lindsey wrote.

Her husband Dustin posted a harrowing picture from the emergency room on Tuesday after Covil emerged from another operation.

'Covil was originally in surgery for seven hours when he was rushed to HCMC,' he wrote.

'Saturday, Covil went in for an emergency surgery. He had lost some circulation in his leg. He came out ok, they got blood flowing; now the muscle wasn't reacting so they'll be watching that.

Charles Allen, Tasha Vega and their two children Christian and Covil

More than $25,000 has been raised for the family through a Gofundme appeal

'Please keep my coves in your thoughts and prayers!! We need all the prayers we can get,' Tasha wrote on Facebook on Sunday

'It can still come back. So prayers it does! They also did a CT on his head to make sure there is no brain bleeding. Covil's right side chest tube was taken out today.

'His brain pressure is down a bit (which is a goal) from yesterday.'

But the following day a Gofundme appeal was launched after doctors concluded there was little hope of recovery.

'Chuck, Tasha, and Christian have begun the process with Life Source to donate Covil's organs,' Lindsey wrote.

'This will honor Covil's life, and save more children's lives in the hope that no other parent has to endure the pain they they are experiencing right now.'

The fundraiser has already raised $25,000 of its $35,000 target.

One dog died at the scene and another was put down later.

Inspector Faust said charges may follow.

'Our detectives are currently investigating the case and will be presenting it to a charging authority in the near future for their review,' he added.

Earlier this month an eight-year-old boy saved his younger sister from a neighbor's vicious dog after the pooch snuck into the family's yard and attacked the little girl.

Eight-year-old Nicholas Chitwood saved his six-year-old sister Lillian's life after she was attacked by a Pit Bull at her grandmother's home in Michigan earlier this month

Nicholas Chitwood was hailed as a hero after he rushed to six-year-old Lillian's aid and stopped the full-grown pit bull in its tracks at their grandparents' house in Saginaw, Michigan.

There will be extensive nerve damage to the girl's face, and doctors have yet to discern whether more surgery will be needed. She remains in a great deal of pain. The dog was put down.

About 800,000 people receive hospital treatment for dog bites in the US each year according to the American Veterinary Association, and Pit Bulls are responsible for more attacks than any other.

They are also more likely to kill their victims, accounting for 28 percent of deaths over a 20 year period studied by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A surveillance camera captured the violent moment two motorcycles crashed head-on, killing one rider and injuring another.

The motorcycles were traveling on a road in the Rio de Janeiro municipality of Barra Mansa when they collided Wednesday night.

The bikers were approaching each other in opposite directions and were instantly ejected from their seats as the motorcycles made contact.

The impact of the crash flipped both men in the air and sent them crashing to the road pavement while a group of men who were chatting next to their bicycles and motorcycles scattered.

A biker was killed and another was seriously injured after their motorcycles collided head-on in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday night

A group of people who were chatting next to a building scrambled the moment two motorcycles collided head-on in Brazil. One of the bikers was pronounced dead on the scene and another was injured and rushed to a local hospital

One of the victims was pronounced dead on the scene and the other biker, a 24-year-old, was rushed to an area hospital.

Brazilian news outlet G1 reported that the motorcyclist was still hospitalized and in critical condition as of Thursday.

A Ministry of Health report released in March showed more than 1.2 million people were injured in motorcycle accidents in the South American nation in 2023.

The southeastern state of Sao Paulo topped the list with 259,222 injured victims. The nearby state of Minas Gerais was second 127,009 injuries and Bahia, located in the northeast, tallied 78,679 motorcycle injuries.

The report noted that 12,058 motorcyclists were killed in 2022, but didnt include the number of deaths for 2023.

At least 141,792 people were hospitalized because of the accidents.
This is the dramatic moment a Bulgarian fireworks factory was engulfed in a massive fireball that forced local police to evacuate the surrounding area.

Emergency services were today called to put out the explosion at the factory, near the town of Elin Pelin which sits around 15 miles east of the country's capital, at around 6:30pm local time.

Video footage captured by local media shows a massive plume of smoking rising through the air as bright lights caused by the fireworks illuminate it.

As the smoke rises, more fireworks can be seen going off closer to the ground. Local media reported that smoke poured out of the structure for more than two hours after the initial blast, which is estimated to have been equivalent to two tonnes of TNT.

Two employees, one man and one woman, were reportedly severely injured and have since been transferred to the nearby Pirogov Emergency Hospital in Sofia suffered third-degree burns.

The woman is reported to have suffered burns on 85% of her body's surface.

Emergency services were today called to put out the explosion at the factory, near the town of Elin Pelin which sits around 15 miles east of the country's capital

At least 10 water tankers have been called in to provide enough water for firefighters, with six coming from the military

Video footage captured by local media shows a massive plume of smoking rising through the air as bright lights caused by the fireworks illuminate it

Two employees, one man and one woman, were reportedly severely injured and have since been transferred to the nearby Pirogov Emergency Hospital in Sofia suffered third-degree burns

While local officials have declared a partial state of disaster, the country's interim prime minister Dimitar Glavchev attempted to assuage worries

While local officials have declared a partial state of disaster, the country's interim prime minister Dimitar Glavchev, who reportedly visited the scene, attempted to assuage worries by claiming the situation was under control.

Emphasising the need for a wide perimeter, interior minister Dimitar Kangaldzhiev said that a logistics hub of a large food chain that was 7-800 metres (2,300-2,600ft) away from the factory caught fire following the explosion

While police have evacuated Elin Pelin, and nearby Gara Elin Pelin, they were forced to remove some locals who refused to leave their homes behind.

Emergency services are working with the country's military to extinguish the blaze.

At least 10 water tankers have been called in to provide enough water for firefighters, with six coming from the military.

Three military SandCats were called in to assist emergency services

While police have evacuated Elin Pelin, and nearby Gara Elin Pelin, they were forced to remove some locals who refused to leave their homes behind

Emergency services are working with the country's military to extinguish the blaze

The army has also sent in three armoured 'SandCat' jeeps, carrying Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov, as well as the Director of Military Police Brigadier General Ivaylo Sotirov.

The investigation into how the blaze started has begun, with acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov sending over four investigators to begin their inspection once the explosions die down and the fire is put out.

It was revealed that the site was inspected just three months ago by government officials, who found no discrepancies in its security measures.

The company told local media that they have a high level of security, as well as a robust CCTV system.

Despite this, Stoyanov indicated that investigators have assumed that 'someone ignited something, but it is not clear yet.'
The disgraced former boss of Co-op Bank Paul Flowers is facing jail after he admitted swindling a female friend of around 100,000 to pay for wine, luxury holidays abroad and trips to the theatre.

The 74-year-old ex-Methodist minister pleaded guilty to 18 charges of fraud and abusing his position while having power of attorney over Margaret Jarvis and, following her death, while the executor of her will.

He admitted withdrawing 70,000 of her money in cash and using another 34,000 to buy goods and services at Manchester Crown Court today.

Flowers, who was nicknamed the Crystal Methodist when his illegal drug use was exposed ten years ago, will be sentenced in October.

The court heard he spent almost 1,500 of Mrs Jarvis cash on wine from The Wine Society and also used 1,300 of her money to pay for cruises with P&O, plus another 1,800 on holidays, including trips on the Eurostar and to a four-star hotel in Corfu.

Former disgraced Co-Op Chairman Paul Flowers at Manchester Crown Court on the January 31, 2024

Paul Flowers is facing jail after he admitted swindling a female friend of around 100,000 to pay for wine, luxury holidays abroad and trips to the theatre (pictured on October 4, 2023)

Flowers, who appeared in court using a walking frame, also spent 1,275 on new carpets for his home and more than 100 on tickets for shows at Manchesters Royal Exchange Theatre.

The court heard that the fraud totalled more than 180,000, but Flowers had submitted a basis of plea, accepted by prosecutors, in which he admitted just under 100,000 worth of fraudulent activity.

His crimes were described as a gross breach of trust.

Judge Sarah Johnston granted Flowers unconditional bailed but warned him: All sentencing options are open.

Bob Elias, defending, asked for pre-sentence reports and said Flowers was in poor health.

The case was delayed because Flowers suffered a stroke on August 29 last year, the day before he was due to appear in court.

He was ordered to attend court in person today (Fri) following the execution of a bench warrant.

Flowers, who was also a Labour councillor in both Rochdale and Bradford, was chairman of Co-op Bank between April 2010 and June 2013.

He was forced to resign from his 132,00-a-year post after a 1.5m blackhole was discovered it its finances, prompting an emergency rescue in June 2013.

The court heard the stress of his Co-op bank job and caring for his terminally ill mother were reasons for his drug use (stock image)

Six months later  just days after a disastrous appearance before the Treasury select committee - he was filmed apparently counting out 300 to buy cocaine and crystal meth in a drugs deal. After the Mail on Sunday was handed the footage he was nicknamed The Crystal Methodist.

In May 2014, Flowers was fined 525 after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine, crystal meth and ketamine at Leeds magistrates court. The court heard the stress of his Co-op job and caring for his terminally ill mother were reasons for his drug use.

He was later caught on video snorting cocaine and entertaining rent boys at his home in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Flowers, who was sacked as a Methodist minister in December 2016, discussed his seedy lifestyle in an interview with the BBCs Newsnight, admitting: I have sinned.

Later, it emerged that he had resigned from Bradford Council in 2011 when inappropriate but not illegal pornography was discovered on his laptop.
Her 'Momala' Kamala Harris is firmly in the spotlight now that President Joe Biden has dramatically dropped out of the presidential race.

But for Ella Emhoff, a Thursday routine was like any other as she took her dog Jerry out for a walk and dragged on a cigarette - with a Secret Service detail in tow.

But the 25-year-old, tattooed stepdaughter of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee stood out like a sore thumb in hipster Brooklyn thanks to the hulking, dressed-as-preppies security duo on her tail.

The bohemian model and artist, who lives in New York City, has been responding to criticism that the Vice President has no biological children.

When asked about comments from J.D. Vance, the running mate of her stepmom's rival Donald Trump, calling Harris a 'childless cat lady', she said it was 'upsetting'.

She defended her 'Momala' on Instagram with the post: 'How can you be "childless" when you have cutie pie kids like cole and I' along with the thinking emoji.

'I love my three parents,' Emhoff wrote.

Her post came in response to a resurfaced clip of Vance from 2021 criticizing Harris during a Fox News interview which has now gone viral.

Ella Emhoff was spotted in Brooklyn, New York, smoking a cigarette and her dog Jerry while in the company of her Secret Service agents

In the clip, Vance told former host Tucker Carlson the U.S. was being 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.'

Vance, 39, specifically named Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is also from the Big Apple.

'The entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children,' Vance said. 'How does it make any sense we've turned our country over to people who don't really have a direct stake in it?'

The video started being recirculated as Vance was named Trump's pick for vice president and Harris secured enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee with Biden dropping out of the race on Sunday.

The 25-year-old, tattooed stepdaughter of the likely Democratic nominee who will take on Donald Trump in November took a stroll in Brooklyn Thursday

The model and artist, who lives in New York City, has been responding to criticism that the Vice President has no biological children

When asked about Trump running mate J.D. Vance 's comments calling Harris a 'childless cat lady', she said it was 'upsetting'

She was spotted after defending her 'Momala' on Instagram with the post: 'How can you be "childless" when you have cutie pie kids like cole and I' along with the thinking emoji

Ella Emhoff defended stepmom 'Momala' Kamala Harris in an Instagram Stories post as a video of J.D. Vance attacking the vice president as childless went viral

Kamala Harris with husband Doug Emhoff and two stepkids Cole and Ella. Harris married their dad in 2014

While Harris has not given birth to children, she helped raise her two stepkids, Ella and Cole, 30, who are the children of her husband Doug Emhoff and his ex-wife Kerstin. Harris married Doug in 2014.

Doug Emhoff's ex, Kerstin, also came to Harris' defense with her own scathing response to the criticism.

'These are baseless attacks,' she said in a statement. 'For over ten years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I. She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective and always present.'

'I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it,' she continued.

Kerstin Emhoff has also posted numerous times in support of Harris' candidacy for president.

Ella Emhoff walks the runway at the Maisie Wilen fashion show during September 2022 New York Fashion Week

Ella Emhoff's Instagram post defending her stepmom from attacks on the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee

Doug Emoff's ex-wife Kertin Emhoff has also slammed the attacks on Kamala Harris calling them baseless and praising Harris as a co-parent

The video of Vance has also received backlash from others including actress Jennifer Aniston.

Aniston, 55, took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday with harsh words for Vance.

'I truly can't believe that this is coming from a potential VP of the United States,' the Friends star wrote. 'All I can say is Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day.'

Artist and model Ella Emhoff, above with dog Jerry, on a beach trip and looking fashionable on the ski slopes, has said of her upbringing, 'I love my three parents'

'I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option. Because you are trying to take that away from her, too,' she continued.

Aniston, who is currently starring on Apple TV+'s The Morning Show, has been candid about her issues with fertility and trying to have a child over the years.

Another Democrat specifically named in Vance's attack, Buttigieg, announced in September 2021 that he and his husband adopted infant twins.

That announcement came more than a month before Vance made his comments.
With a rearing mule and a whip in hand, this is the Dutch lawyer at the centre of the Charlotte Dujardin video scandal.

Pictures of Stephan Wensing were dividing opinion among equestrians today.

He came to prominence after releasing the shocking video of the British dressage star lashing a horse 24 times 'like a circus elephant' which led to her dropping out of the Olympics in disgrace and getting a provisional six-month ban. He was acting on behalf of a client he declined to identify.

Now photos from equine specialist lawyer Mr Wensing own social media accounts show him with mules and holding a whip.

The images have been shared hundreds of times on social media, with one Facebook user, Julie Kemp, writing: 'The man that has gone on TV to say he despises the way the horse was 'trained like a circus elephant'well he would know! Share away'

Pictured of Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing rearing a mule and holding a whip in one hand

Wensing (pictured with a horse) ame to prominence after releasing the shocking video of the British dressage star Charlotte Dujardin lashing a horse 24 times 'like a circus elephant'

Dujardin was forced to pull out of the Olympic Games in Paris after the scandal came to light

Another Facebook user, Tammi Jones, commented: 'Knew they'd all live in glass houses', while others reacted by saying 'tell me this isn't true'.

However a large number of comments said Mr Wensing was doing nothing wrong, as holding a whip is normal in equestrian training.

One horse lover said there was 'a difference between using a whip as an extension of your arm and beating the actual s*** out of a horse'.

Another, Megan Mckeary, wrote: 'The video of Charlotte was incredibly damming for her. It is what it is. This picture, in reality, shows nothing. It shows no misuse of the whip.'

Alex Geudon added: 'It's simple trick training and the whip is an extension of your arm', while another user wrote: 'Charlotte was bang out of order so stop making excuses for her or trying to compare other incidents to hers.'

Several leading equestrian experts have said using a whip is a standard tool in dressage training, but that Ms Dujardin went far and above what is acceptable.

Mr Wensing dismissed the negative comments as 'witch hunting and victim blaming', and told the Mail: 'Okay, I explain. A few years ago I had the honour to learn some freedom dressage with mules.

Dujardin has withdrew from the Paris Games over the video showing her making an 'error of judgement'

The footage shows her striking the horse several times with the whip as she attempts to teach it the 'piaffe'

The horse can be seen appearing to buck in response to being whipped by Charlotte Dujardin

'This is very special and difficult. Training mules is impossible by whipping. So I never whipped the mule. I never whipped an animal in my whole life.' He said the way to train mules was to show them the whip without touching them.

Mr Wensing has said in previous interviews that he was acting on behalf of a concerned client.

At her behest, he sent her video of Ms Dujardin to equestrian's governing bodies, who responded with the provisional six month ban.

The Team GB star admitted she was 'deeply ashamed' for her actions. The video shows her repeatedly striking an animal around the legs with a long whip at stables in Gloucestershire.

In a significant development, her mentor Carl Hester has signed a stinging letter 'universally condemning' the actions of his former protegee.

The 57-year-old  who is in Paris to compete for Team GB  put his name to the statement from the board members of the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC), it what some will see as a surprise given the close bond between the pair and Hester's standing within the sport.

It still remains unclear why the video, which was filmed years ago, was released this week, timed to devastating effect just days before Ms Dujardin was anticipated to make history by becoming Britain's most decorated female athlete.

Charlotte Dujardin with her Tokyo 2020 Olympic winning horse Gio (left) and former Olympic gold medal winner Valegro (right) in 2021

Mr Wensing (pictured with a horse) has said in previous interviews that he was acting on behalf of a concerned client

Dujardin during a Team GB kitting out session for the Paris Olympics in Birmingham

Another Dutch equine lawyer, Luc Schelstraete, who appears to be a business rival of Mr Wensing, suggested the delay in raising the alarm could render the case 'inadmissible'.

'The manner and timing of this action raise more questions for me than the accusations against Charlotte Dujardin herself,' he writes in an open letter to Dutch media.

Mr Schelstraete questioned the motive for alerting authorities. He referenced Mr Wensing saying that his client 'wanted to prevent Charlotte Dujardin from winning medals at the Olympic Games'.

'This statement makes it clear what motivated the anonymous client to file a complaint,' wrote Mr Schelstraete.

He references equestrian regulations stating that reports of cruelty should be reported 'without delay', and said: 'This is precisely aimed at preventing animal suffering.

'Failure to comply with this reporting obligation in a timely manner may result in the alleged complaint against Charlotte Dujardin being declared inadmissible or any sanctions imposed to be limited.'
The carousel in Golden Gate Park, on the west side of Koret Childrens Quarter Playground. A woman accused of harassing families with children near the park was arrested. Lance Iversen/The Chronicle

A woman who has earned a troubling reputation near San Franciscos Golden Gate Park for allegedly following people with children was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of child endangerment and making criminal threats, records showed.

Kim Andrews, 36, was being held at the San Francisco County Jail on the two felony charges, according to jail booking records.

Andrews was arrested in connection with a July 19 incident in which she allegedly threatened a mother with a toddler and screamed, Youre going to die while holding a lighter and a bottle of Lysol, Park Station Capt. Jack Hart said Thursday. Andrews allegedly developed a fixation on the child, he said, as the child and mother walked near McLaren Lodge, headquarters for the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, on Stanyan Street at JFK Drive.

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Park rangers summoned police after spotting Andrews at a womens restroom near the Koret Childrens Playground around 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Hart said. Officers responded to the area and took her into custody, he said.

This was not the first time that this behavior has occurred, Hart said. We need a serious intervention to stop this behavior and the public safety threat that she poses at times.

Among parents of young children in Cole Valley and the Inner Sunset neighborhoods, Andrews is well known for erratic and sometimes threatening behavior, several residents told the Chronicle in interviews. She frequently harasses people with children in and around the Koret Childrens Playground, they said.

Andrews is also a frequent presence in the Panhandle and Haight Street, where she has provoked concern among residents and merchants, according to David Burke, a public safety liaison for the office of Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. Burke said he has been aware of Andrews for a few years, but neighborhood complaints about her behavior began increasing about six weeks ago.

He said she was known for sometimes shouting at passersby, especially young moms and people with kids.

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People get very spooked by that, Burke said.

Burke said police and Mandelman staff members were working together to address neighborhood concerns.

When you are threatening kids, that is a game changer, he said. We cant let this person continue to threaten people with babies, people pushing prams.

It was the second time Andrews was arrested this week.

On Tuesday, police officers allegedly saw Andrews following closely behind a woman and her young child around 7:50 a.m. in the Inner Sunset neighborhood at Irving Street and 14th Avenue, said San Francisco Police Department spokesperson Paulina Henderson.

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Officers recognized Andrews from a bulletin circulated within the department, Henderson said. After speaking with the woman whom officers observed Andrews following, the officers determined that no crime had occurred but they held Andrews in jail for the day on multiple outstanding warrants from Marin and Sonoma counties.
The heartbroken mother of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman who were stabbed to death by a Satan worshipper has forgiven their killer - but not the police officers who took pictures of their dead bodies.

Mina Smallman's daughters were killed in a Wembley park in June 2020 by 19-year-old devil worshipper Danyal Hussein.

Two police constables - Deniz Jaffer, 50, and Jamie Lewis, 35 - were sent to protect the murder scene after the sister's bodies were discovered hidden in undergrowth of the park.

But instead the Met Police officers decided to take six photos of the bodies, sending them out to a public WhatsApp group of police officers and members of the public, including a doctor and a dentist.

Standing inside the police cordon, Lewis sent a message to the group which read: 'Unfortunately I am sat next to the two dead birds with stab wounds.'

Bibba Henry, 46, and Nicole Smallman, 27, were stabbed to death by Danyal Hussein in a Wembley park in June 2020

The women's mother Mina Smallman previously spoke of forgiving their killer but says she cannot do the same for the officers who took photos of her daughter's dead bodies

Two police constables - Deniz Jaffer, 50, (left) and Jamie Lewis, 35 (right) - were jailed for two years and nine months in December 2021 for misconduct in public office after taking pictures of the women's bodies

Jaffer then risked contaminating the crime scene as he crept beyond the cordon to take more photographs on his phone.

The duo were reported by a colleague who received the shocking messages and witnessed them prowling around the scene. When they were caught, Jaffer insisted that the images had been deleted.

However, Mrs Smallman later learned that one of the men continued to keep a copy of the images.

The disgusting act led the officers being jailed for two years and nine months in December 2021 for misconduct in public office but they were released automatically last year for serving just half of their sentence.

Hussein, who made a blood pact with the devil in which he promised to kill six women in return for winning a 321million jackpot lottery, was jailed for life, with a minimum of 35 years.

Yet two years after her children's death, Mrs Smallman said she has forgiven the Satan worshipper for his despicable crime.

The mother, who was the first black female archdeacon in the Church of England, said previously: 'It's about being able to hear beyond the evil of this world. It's about being able to hear beyond the evil of this world.

'You have to dig deep when the bad times come. Finding my faith has saved me on numerous occasions and at times like this you need it.'

Hussein, who made a blood pact with the devil in which he promised to kill six women in return for winning a 321million jackpot lottery, was jailed for life, with a minimum of 35 years

Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman pictured

Jaffer pictured at the shops after being released from jail after serving half his sentence last year

More than four years on from the women's deaths, however, Mrs Smallman is still unable to forgive Jaffer and Lewis, who she calls 'Despicable One and Despicable Two' for the pictures they took, according to the Independent.

When the pair were released early from jail, Mrs Smallman did not find out from the Met or the courts but rather found out the news from a journalist as she returned from a holiday.

'I just didn't want to be here,' she told the paper as she recalled the moment she received the news.

The grieving mother said it was the actions of the officers - and how the case, and their release, was handled - that drove her to a suicide attempt, as she writes in her new book A Better Tomorrow: Life Lessons in Hope and Strength.

Officials had failed to inform the family when the pair were released on April 21 2023, waiting until the following week to notify them.

'I knew the day would come. I choose not to look at the calendar. They're unimportant to me. They're a lost cause.

'When I got the call I was on my own and it's not a nice thing,' Mrs Smallman added.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with Mina Smallman and the family and friends of Nicole and Bibaa for their tragic loss.

'We have publicly apologised for the unacceptable level of service we provided when Nicole and Bibaa were initially reported missing, and the previous Commissioner met the family in July 2020 to apologise for the truly despicable actions of PCs Jaffer and Lewis. They are in prison because of it.

'We fully appreciate the heightened concerns about womens safety. We are working hard to rebuild trust and to tackle the understandable concerns about violence against women and girls.

'We are determined to do everything we can to rebuild the faith we need the public to have in us. We also know that the change has to start with us.

'We have intensified our work to improve the Mets professional standards and culture and appointed Baroness Louise Casey to conduct an independent review in order to help rebuild public trust.'

For free, confidential help from Samaritans call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
Secret Service stood in the way of using drone technology to survey the scene of the Butler rally where an assassin tried to shoot former President Donald Trump, according to a whistleblower.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., revealed that one whistleblower had told his office the night before the rally Secret Service 'repeatedly denied offers from a local law enforcement partner to utilize drone technology to secure the rally.'

The whistleblower alleged that after the shooting Secret Service 'changed course and asked the local partner to deploy the drone technology to surveil the site in the aftermath.'

The drones that were offered 'had the ability not only to identify active shooters but to neutralize them,' according to Hawley.

From Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas Hawley demanded all records and communications related to the drone offer.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024

Snippers stand on a roof at Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign rally

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is covered by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally

The new claim adds another layer to the probe of the Secret Service's biggest security failure since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.

After a blistering six hours of testimony on Monday Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle handed over her resignation on Tuesday.

She'd spent much of the day evading and giving conflicting answers to questions such as why the roof where gunman Thomas Crooks committed his attack wasn't included within the security perimeter despite being within rifle range of the stage and why Trump was allowed to take the stage despite Crooks being identified as a suspicious person one hour before he fired any shots.

When asked to explain why there wasn't an agent on the roof, the director explained it's because the agency generally 'prefers sterile rooftops.'

FBI Director Christopher Wray told lawmakers on Wednesday 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.

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 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.

Wray said eight bullet cartridges had been recovered from the roof where Crooks fired off his shots toward the former president.

After a blistering six hours of testimony on Monday Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle handed over her resignation on Tuesday

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.'

The FBI and Secret Service revealed to lawmakers last week they spotted Crooks as a person of interest a full 62 minutes before he fired a shot.

He'd been seen with a range finder, which Cheatle said was 'not a prohibited item' at Trump rallies. This wasn't enough to identify him as a threat.

Twenty minutes before Crooks fired a shot, he was spotted on the roof.

A bullet grazed Trump's ear. One audience member, Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed and two others - David Dutch, 57 and James Copenhaver, 57 - were badly wounded but are in a stable condition.
Vice President Kamala Harris said Thursday that she wants to stick to the debate the Biden and Trump campaigns agreed to before she became the likely Democratic presidential nominee and accused her opponent of 'backpedaling.'

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Harris pointed out Trump had previously agreed to the September showdown. That debate was set to take place September 10 and be organized by ABC News.

'You have been asking me about the debate and I'll tell you I'm ready to debate Donald Trump,' Harris said.

'I have agreed to the previously agreed upon September 10 debate. He agreed to that previously. Now, here he is backpedaling, but I'm ready,' Harris claimed.

The vice president said voters 'deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race' on a debate stage. 'I'm ready. Let's go!' she declared.

Vice President Kamala Harris said she has agreed to the previously agreed to September 10 debate against Trump and accused the former president of 'backpedaling'

After President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday, former President Donald Trump started pushing to have the second debate moved away from ABC News to a more conservative-friendly network.

'Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC,' Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday evening.

Within 48 hours of Biden dropping out of the race, Harris had secured enough Democratic delegates to become the presumptive nominee.

Donald Trump at his rally in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday, July 24. The ex-president posted on Truth Social that the debate should take place on Fox News after Biden dropped out of the race

In a call with reporters hosted by the Republican National Committee Tuesday, Trump said he would 'absolutely' debate Harris and even suggested there be more than one.

'I want to debate her, and shell be no different because they have the same policies,' Trump said. 'I would be willing to do more than one debate actually.'

However, Trump said he was not 'thrilled' about it being moderated by ABC News.

The Fox News Channel revealed on Wednesday that it had reached out to both campaigns about hosting a debate.

In a letter, Fox News President Jay Wallace pitched a debate on September 17 in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. He noted it would take place just as early voting in the state gets underway.

He also suggested anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum could moderate it.

President Biden debating Trump in Atlanta on June 27. The president's performance during the debate set of mounting calls for him to step aside in the race from Democrats

The first presidential debate on June 27 hosted by CNN in Atlanta is seen as a turning point for Biden. His disastrous performance on primetime television sparked mounting concerns over whether he was fit to serve a second term.

Multiple Democratic lawmakers started calling for the president to step aside amid questions over whether he could beat Trump. Less than a month later, Biden bowed out of the race.
Labours pledge to slash 300 off energy bills was branded a lie last night.

The Tories went on the attack over the flagship promise after Ed Miliband admitted his clean power revolution may not cut bills at all before the next election.

During the election campaign, Sir Keir Starmer, Energy Secretary Mr Miliband and other leading figures repeatedly claimed that their controversial plan to decarbonise the electricity system by 2030 would reduce household bills by 300.

In a speech last month, Sir Keir said Labour would tackle the root causes of the cost of living crisis and help families save up to 300 off their energy bills.

Steve Reed, now the Environment Secretary, said the plans would cut bills by an average of 300 a year every year.

Sir Keir (pictured at Hutchinson Engineering on July 25) said Labour would tackle the root causes of the cost of living crisis and help families save up to 300 off their energy bills last month

King Charles III is set for a cash boost after teaming up with Labour's new Great British Energy company

But Downing Street refused to repeat the pledge yesterday. And Mr Miliband admitted that his radical plans could take years to deliver.

To add to the confusion, Sir Keir later appeared to confirm the figure, saying he stood by his manifesto pledges. But critics pointed out that the 300 figure was not included in the manifesto, despite being highlighted by Sir Keir during the campaign.

Asked whether energy bills would be lower by the time of the next election, Mr Miliband said volatile fossil fuel prices meant he could not give a guarantee. But he said the key point was that switching to renewable energy meant bills would be lower than they would otherwise be.

Within a couple of years, as we build new onshore wind, new solar, well start to see the effect on bills, he said.

But there are lots of things going on here. So our exposure to gas prices, which are set internationally, is something I dont control.

Pressed by journalists as he visited a wind turbine manufacturer in Widnes, Cheshire, the Prime Minister said: We certainly want to get those bills down in this Parliament.

Tory energy spokesman Claire Coutinho said the admission showed Labour had lied to the public.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband (pictured at a cabinet meeting on July 23) scrapped the ban on onshore wind and unblocked the production of cheap solar energy

However the Labour MPs controversial plan to decarbonise the electricity system by 2030 has been branded a 'lie' by Claire Coutinho (stock image of a wind farm)

Shadow energy security secretary, Claire Coutinho (pictured at Media City in Salford on July 4) previously dubbed Labour's energy firm a 'gimmick' and said it would 'end up costing families'

Labour MPs said to their voters that they would save them 300 off their energy bills, she added.

They said it on leaflets, in hustings, on local radio. They were lied to and so they lied in turn. Instead, Ed Milibands energy plans will heap huge costs on struggling families. The row came as Sir Keir and Mr Miliband outlined plans for a tie-up between the new Great British Energy company and the Crown Estate to install hundreds of giant offshore wind turbines around the coast.

The Government said it will invest 8.3 billion of capital in the partnership in the hope it will be a catalyst for further investment from the private sector. But Sir Keir acknowledged it may take time for families to feel the effects.

He said: It will take time for this to develop  it will take time before were able to get the benefits of clean power. But thats why were moving at pace.

Officials said the tie-up could eventually produce enough electricity to power 20 million homes. But the Government has committed only to reaching seabed lease stage by 2030, meaning much of it may not be producing electricity by that point.

Mr Miliband warned it would take some time before GB Energy turns a profit, but suggested it would start producing returns before the next election.

But Ms Coutinho claimed GB Energy would involve funnelling taxpayers money into reducing risk for multimillion-pound energy companies, while the 2030 decarbonisation target would hike bills and ramp up our dependence on batteries and cables from China.

Now theyre saying bills may go up... but the truth is even worse, she added. Labours plans for energy are going to mean huge costs for British families. Tory science spokesman Andrew Griffith said the push for green energy was already under way and described GB Energy as a name-plating exercise.

The Government said it will invest 8.3 billion of capital in the partnership with the Crown Estate in the hope it will be a catalyst for further investment from the private sector (pictured: Sir Keir visiting Beatrice wind farm)

However he acknowledged it may take time for families to feel the effects of their new 'clean power' revolution (stock image of a wind farm in Biggleswade)

He added: This looks like the most expensive summer job in history  8 billion of taxpayers money to Ed Miliband to give him something to do.

Sir Keir admitted there may be hold-ups if locals oppose plans to bring off-shore wind energy to the mainland through overground cables, which will require hundreds of miles of new pylons.

But he said the Government was prepared to take on NIMBYs  campaigners known for their not in my back yard resistance to planning applications  regardless of whether those disputes were in Labour-supporting areas.

The PM said: We will take the tough decisions to make this work. That will include decisions on planning.

Labour also faced fresh questions about its attitude to North Sea oil after Mr Miliband acknowledged Britain would continue to need fossil fuels for many years to come.
The largest wildfire in California so far this year was apparently caused by a man's strange and selfish behavior.

An unidentified 42 year old from Chico was allegedly caught pushing a car that was on fire into a gulley in upper Bidwell Park just before 3pm on Wednesday, the Butte County District Attorney's Office announced.

The vehicle then tumbled 60 feet down an embankment, sparking the blaze - which engulfed more than 71,000 acres of northern California overnight and prompted mass evacuations, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

'The man was seen calmly leaving the area by blending in with the other citizens who were in the area and fleeing the rapidly evolving fire,' the District Attorney's Office said.

'Cal Fire arson investigators responded, secured the scene and began to search for clues to identify the unknown man.'

An unidentified 42 year old man allegedly started a California wildfire after he pushed a car that was on fire into a gulley

The Park fire in Butte County has engulfed 71,000 acres - making it the largest in the state so far this year

Authorities ultimately identified the suspect early Thursday morning, and took him into custody.

He was then booked into the Butte County Jail, where he is being held without bail, according to the District Attorney's Office, which said it will release the man's name later on Thursday.

Meanwhile, more than 1,100 firefighters are now battling the Park Fire - up from just 200 firefighters on the front lines at dawn.

The Chico Fire Department has said it is using every fire engine in the city, and agencies from across northern California are on their way to assist, according to KCRA.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also announced it is authorizing federal funding to help combat the fire as it continues to destroy homes and other structures.

More than 1,100 firefighters are now battling the Park Fire - up from just 200 firefighters on the front lines at dawn

The fire was just 3 percent contained as of Thursday evening

The extent of the damage from the Park Fire remains unclear, as Cal Fire officials have yet to start tallying the number of destroyed structures.

But authorities have said it is the largest fire that California has seen all year, and the fifth-largest in the state over the past three years.

More than 3,500 people have already been displaced as evacuation orders remain in place for large swaths of areas in Butte and Tehama counties, with multiple other areas in each county were under evacuation orders as of Thursday evening.

At the time, the fire was just 3 percent contained at that time - though officials worry it will soon spread to more populated areas, as fire conditions ramp up.

More than 3,500 people have already been displaced as evacuation orders remain in place

Forecasters for the National Weather Service have warned there could wind gusts of up to 30mph that could push the fire further north.

Combined with low humidity and temperatures in the mid-90s to low-100s through Friday evening, the forecasters say that 'can cause new fire starts and ongoing wildfires to... grow rapidly and dangerously in size and intensity.'

Additionally, strong southeast winds up the Sacramento Valley, combined with strong southwest winds atop ridges could allow the fire to 'breathe,' which could result in it spreading even more rapidly, the Chronicle reports.

Firefighters have said they are being hindered by the area's steep terrain, and are using aircrafts to help put out the blaze

The fire is now burning north into the Ishi Wilderness and Lassen foothills, which experts say has not seen any fire activity in decades - if not a century.

'Once it got into that area, it had a lot of fuel to consume,' Dan Collins, a spokesman for the Butte Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, told the Los Angeles Times.

There, the fire was able to eat through new grasses that sprang up in the wake of two back-to-back wet winters, Zeke Lunder, a Chico-based fire specialist and geographer explained.

But it really accelerated once it reached higher vegetation, with live oaks and grapevines that spit out embers as they burn that can be carried in the wind to start new fires.

The fire has already destroyed some homes and other structures in its path

The extent of the damage is not yet clear, as officials have yet to tally the number of destroyed structures

The blaze is now expected to continue to grow in the days ahead, Lunder said, noting that it's not unusual for fires of this size to double in acreage every day.

'It's a big one,' he said.

'Unless you can get people out there on the ground to put in fire lines, aircraft alone aren't necessarily going to put this fire out - and the area where it's burning into is extremely rough' with steep, inaccessible terrain.

Collins even admitted the fire crews are having trouble getting resources into the edges of the fire, which has the potential to spread into the town of Cohasset - which Lunder said would be the 'worst case scenario' and could lead to major structure loss.

Collins says more containment is now needed to protect the nearby communities, and further evacuation orders may be issued.
Vice President Kamala Harris told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday that it was time to get the ceasefire deal done in what she called a 'frank and constructive' meeting.

Harris made rare remarks after a meeting with a world leader, as she's stepped up her role in the White House and the campaign trail this week as the Democrats' likely presidential nominee.

President Joe Biden also met with Netanyahu Thursday - and allowed press in at the top of the meeting - but made no public remarks in its aftermath, instead allowing his VP to have the last word.

'I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was time to get this deal done,' she said. 'So to everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire, and to everyone who yearns for peace. I see you and I hear you: Let's get this deal done.'

The vice president started her statement by talking about how she had been a backer of Israel since her youth and then segued into the 'dire humanitarian situation' in Gaza.

Vice President Kamala Harris (right) met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) Thursday afternoon, telling reporters that the meeting was 'frank and constructive'

Harris made rare remarks after a meeting with a world leader, as she's stepped up her role in the White House and the campaign trail this week as the Democrats' likely presidential nominee

'From when I was a young girl, collecting funds to plant trees for Israel, to my time in the United States Senate and now at the White House, I've had an unwavering commitment to the existence of the State of Israel, to its security, and to the people of Israel,' Harris said.

'I've said it many times, but it bears repeating: Israel has a right to defend itself,' she continued. 'And how it does so matters.'

She said she expressed to Netanyahu 'my serious concern about the scale of human suffering and Gaza including the death of far too many innocent civilians.'

'And I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there, with over two million people facing high levels of food insecurity and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity,' Harris continued.

'What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating,' the vice president noted.

As the likely Democratic nominee, Harris has to take into account the thorny politics of the Gaza war with members of her party, as the progressive left has expressed outrage with how Palestinian civilians have been treated by IDF forces.

Palestinian health authorities have estimated around 39,000 people, mostly civilians, have died since the war started in the aftermath of Hamas' brutal terror attack on Israel on October 7.

Hamas militants killed around 1,197 Israelis, mostly civilians, in that assault.

During Netanyahu's address before Congress Wednesday, Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib held up a sign that read 'war criminal' on one side and 'guilty of genocide' on the other.

The White House has pushed back on terms like 'war criminal' and 'genocide.'

'The images of dead children and desperate hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies,' Harris told reporters Thursday.

'We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent,' she said.

She then outlined what's on the table for there to be a ceasefire and for the Israelis to get their hostages back.

Before concluding her brief remarks, she asked Americans to view the war in shades of gray.

'It is important for the American people to remember the war in Gaza is not a binary issue,' she stated. 'However, too often the conversation is binary when the reality is anything but.'

'So I asked my fellow Americans to help encourage efforts to acknowledge the complexity, the nuance, and the history of the region,' she continued. 'Let us all condemn terrorism and violence. Let us all do what we can to prevent the suffering of innocent civilians and let us condemn anti-semitism, Islamophobia and hate of any kind.'

It's too early to tell if Harris' tough tone, but quest for nuance, will be enough to win back over the younger voters Biden was bleeding due to his support for Israel.

The 'uncommitted' movement saw Biden drained of around 101,000 potential votes in the key swing state of Michigan, as Democrats in the primary made that choice to express their displeasure with the president's foreign policy stance on Gaza.

Prior to her new role as Democratic presidential candidate, Harris had already been more nuanced than Biden when discussing the war.

In March, she called for a ceasefire deal to end the 'immense suffering' of the Palestinians and was critical of Israel for insufficiently getting aid into Gaza.

This week she kept an event with the historically black Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Indiana on her schedule, instead of being in Washington for Netanyahu's congressional address.

She did, however, rush back from Houston - where she had addressed the American Federation of Teachers Thursday morning - for her afternoon meet-and-greet with the Israeli prime minister.
A mass drug overdose believed to have killed four people at a home in Melbourne will not be investigated by the homicide squad unless there's new evidence to suggest foul play.

Abdul El Sayed, 17, Michael Hodgkinson, 32, a 42-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man all died in the loungeroom at a unit in the northern suburb of Broadmeadows one month ago.

On Thursday, a Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed the investigation was still being led by local police, but have ruled out foul play.

'Hume Crime Investigation Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the four people in Broadmeadows last month,' he said via a statement.

'The deaths of all four people are being treated as non-suspicious at this time.'

Locals have continued to speculate on sinister theories for the mass death tragedy, after toxicology evidence revealed synthetic opioid drugs in their system.

One local, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed each of the deceased had their phones stolen by the person who supplied the lethal drugs.

The same person is also said to have taken ghoulish photos of the four after they were found dead.

Tributes remain on the front door of the unit where four people died

A mass drug overdose believed to have killed four people at a home in Melbourne's Broadmeadows could be linked to a deadly new form of cocaine flooding the market

Victoria Police has refused to comment on the allegations.

'As this matter is now before the coroner it would be inappropriate to provide further details at this time,' the spokesperson said.

Just days after the tragedy, police confirmed they had found evidence the victims had all consumed some kind of synthetic drug.

'Preliminary tests have confirmed the presence of a synthetic opioid in the system of all four people,' police said then in a statement.

'No presence of fentanyl has been detected at this time.'

The revelation followed a drug alert by the Victorian Department of Health, which warned cocaine laced with protonitazene, a novel synthetic opioid, was being distributed across the state.

The drug is believed to be 100 times more potent than heroin.

'There have been recent serious harms in Melbourne associated with a white powder sold as cocaine that contained protonitazene,' the warning stated.

'The product appears to produce such as loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, and life-threatening hypoxia (insufficient oxygen for normal functioning).'

Michael Hodgkinson was among four killed in a suspected overdose at Broadmeadows last month

Abdul El Sayed, 17, (right) left behind a partner and an 18-month-old daughter

Abdul's uncle Cory Lewis outside the unit after the shocking deaths

Police had initially been seen entering the property with the aid of oxygen tanks amid fears the four may have been overcome by some form of gas.

It is understood carbon monoxide poisoning was quickly ruled out after a dog in the house was found alive.

Abdul's uncle, Cory Lewis, also told Daily Mail Australia he believed his nephew had died from some sort of drug overdose.

Mr Lewis discovered the gruesome scene, reporting the incident to police.

'I went straight in there and I didnt smell anything,' Cory said.

The deaths coincided with a Victorian government announcement declaring it would introduce drug checking, after 46 overdose deaths due to novel synthetic opioids since 2022.
BBC news presenter Mishal Husain is known for her cool, calm manner, even when grilling the most bumptious politicians on Radio 4's Today programme.

So, her decision to respond publicly to the Duchess of Sussex's criticism of a 2017 television interview conducted by Ms Husain - to mark Meghan and Harry's engagement - has made waves.

'Mishal is not easily riled, to put it mildly, so this is a notable intervention,' one BBC source tells me. 'She clearly felt strongly about it.'

The criticism came in the 2022 Netflix 'docuseries', Harry & Meghan, when the duchess dismissively suggested that Husain's interview with the couple had been an 'orchestrated reality show'.

Meghan's body language, which saw her lean across her fiance at times, made her seem the dominant half of the partnership, writes Richard Eden

'It was, you know, rehearsed,' she said. 'So we did the thing out with the press and then we went right inside, took the coat off, sat down and did the interview. So it was all in that same moment.'

According to a senior royal source, Meghan had complained that the presenter 'wasn't empathetic enough, wasn't warm enough' to conduct the interview.

It was said that the former actress would have preferred her fellow American Oprah Winfrey to have been selected for the job.

Now, writing in the August edition of Saga magazine, Husain suggests that the attack on her interview left her astonished.

And that, far from Meghan being the naive victim of some co-ordinated Establishment plot, she believed the royal couple had given significant thought to what they would tell the listeners.

'When the Duchess of Sussex said that my engagement interview with her and Harry was an "orchestrated reality show" I didn't know what to make of it,' Husain writes.

'They seemed to have thought through what their new lives would be like and what marriage would mean for her life in particular.'

Husain adds that there was no hint of the trouble to come later - when the couple chose to quit royal duties.

'There was nothing that pointed to what would happen,' she writes. 'It was two people who were full of joy in each other and life.'

After the Netflix series was broadcast, Husain was asked about Meghan's comments by a colleague on the Today programme.

Borrowing a phrase from Queen Elizabeth's response to the duchess's allegations of racism within the Royal Family, she said wryly: 'Recollections may vary.'

This week, I spoke to sources who worked for the Royal Household at the time of Husain's interview in 2017 and they said the duchess's 'performance' should have raised more concerns than it did.

Lady Diana Spencer, who was 19 at the time, was painfully shy when interviewed standing alongside Prince Charles in 1981, says Richard Eden

Kate Middleton, then 28, looked nervous when ITV's Tom Bradby put questions to them at Kensington Palace in 2010, Richard Eden writes

'At the time, there was so much excitement about the engagement that no one really questioned some of Meghan's comments,' one source says. 'But, if you watch it again now, some of her responses seem insincere and her body language is telling.'

Meghan undoubtedly cut a far more confident figure than had other women marrying into the Royal Family.

Lady Diana Spencer, who was 19 at the time, for example, was painfully shy when interviewed standing alongside Prince Charles in 1981.

Kate Middleton, then 28, looked nervous when ITV's Tom Bradby put questions to them at Kensington Palace in 2010. She let Prince William take the lead.

In contrast, Meghan, then 36, seemed more confident than Harry in their interview. She was, after all, an experienced actress.

Her body language, which saw her lean across her fiance at times, made her seem the dominant half of the partnership.

With the benefit of hindsight, it is hard not to hear some of her answers differently now.

For example, Meghan told Husain that she had met Harry on a 'blind date' with Harry adding: 'It was a blind date, for sure.'

However, in the Netflix series, the duke says he got to know his future wife via a photo-sharing app.

'Meghan and I met over Instagram,' he explained.

In 2017, Meghan told Husain that, when a mutual friend helped organise the 'blind date', she had known little about Harry.

'Because I'm from the States, you don't grow up with the same understanding of the Royal Family,' she mused.

'I didn't know much about him and so the only thing that I had asked her when she said she wanted to set us up was  I had one question. I said, 'Well, is he nice?'

However, it subsequently emerged that Meghan had taken a close interest in the Royal Family since childhood.

Indeed, she had been pictured posing outside Buckingham Palace as a 15-year-old tourist with her then friend Ninaki Priddy, who remarked of her marriage to Harry: 'I'm not shocked at all. It's like she has been planning this all her life.

Now, Husain suggests that the attack on her interview (pictured) left her astonished

'[Meghan] gets exactly what she wants and Harry has fallen for her play. She was always fascinated by the Royal Family.

'She wants to be Princess Diana 2.0. She will play her role ably, but my advice to him is to tread cautiously.'

As an adult, Meghan was so fascinated by royal news that she would comment on it through her now-defunct blog, The Tig.

The more I look back at that 2017 interview with Mishal Husein, the more it seems that the truly 'orchestrated' thing about it was, in fact, the performance by the duchess.

In the US drama Suits, she played the part of paralegal Rachel Zane - with some success.

But she found a new role at Kensington Palace: the naive outsider marrying into the Windsors. I would argue that she was rather less convincing.

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The UK's record breaking weather in the past 12 months can be blamed on climate change, the Met Office has revealed.

In its annual State of the Climate report, the forecasting body said 2023 had the hottest June on record, the joint warmest September on record, and the year as a whole was the second warmest on record for the UK.

Analysis of the weather records shows that human induced climate change made these records 'much more likely to happen'.

'Our country is getting hotter and wetter, faster,' said Gareth Redmond-King, Head of International Programme at the Energy and Climate Information Unit.

'The fingerprints of climate change are all over that, as they are on more frequent and more intense extreme weather in all parts of the world.'

2023 had the hottest June on record, the joint warmest September on record, and the year as a whole was the second warmest on record for the UK

Analysis of the weather records shows that human induced climate change made these records 'much more likely to happen'. Pictured: Brighton beach in September 2023

Britain's wild weather in 2023 2023 was the UK's second warmest, seventh wettest and 22nd sunniest year in records dating back to 1884, 1836 and 1910 respectively.

Wales and Northern Ireland recorded their warmest years on record.

March, July, October and December 2023 were all top-ten wettest months in the UK monthly rainfall series from 1836; the first year this has happened for four separate months in the same calendar year.

February, May, June and September 2023 were all ranked in the ten warmest months for the UK in the monthly series from 1884. Advertisement

As an illustration of how the UK has become hotter, the Met Office said between 1961 and 1990 only London and Hampshire recorded six days or more with temperatures at 28C or above - what the Met Office classes as 'hot' weather.

But in the latest decade, between 2014 and 2023, much of England and Wales get six or more days of temperatures above 28C, while many more counties in the south east are now getting around 12 days above 28C.

The report said the number of 'pleasant' days (daily maximum 20C) has increased by 41 per cent for the most recent decade (2014-2023) compared to 1961-1990.

Meanwhile, the number of 'warm' days (25C) has increased by 63 per cent, the number of 'hot' days (28C) have more than doubled and 'very hot' days (30C) have more than trebled over the same period.

Overall, the most recent decade has been on average 0.42C warmer than the 1991- 2020 average and 1.25C warmer than 1961-1990.

The report said we are also seeing an increasing frequency of the wettest days.

The UK had 20 per cent more days of exceptional rainfall in the past decade compared to the 1961-1990 averaging period.

The UK had 20 per cent more days of exceptional rainfall in the past decade compared to the 1961-1990 averaging period

The year was also stormy, with seven named storms between September to December. Picured: Storm Gerrit hits London in December 2023

The year was also stormy, with seven named storms between September to December, the most damaging of all being Storm Babet which brought heavy rain and flooding.

Storm Ciaran on November 2 had the potential to be as severe as the 'Great Storm' of October 16, 1997, the Met Office said, but the strongest winds missed the UK to the south.

The storm killed 21 people across Europe.

Lead author and Met Office climate scientist, Mike Kendon, 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 people's lives.

Overall, the most recent decade has been on average 0.42C warmer than the 1991- 2020 average and 1.25C warmer than 1961-1990

Storm Ciaran on November 2 had the potential to be as severe as the 'Great Storm' of October 16, 1997, the Met Office said, but the strongest winds missed the UK to the south. Pictured: a woman braves Storm Ciaran in Newry, Northern Ireland

'2023 was another year of interesting and at times significant weather.

'From the UK's record warmest June by a wide margin, to a significant September heatwave and the most active start to the storm naming season culminating in serious flooding problems in the autumn, it was another year of typically varied weather.

'But underlying this natural variability is a continuing and increasing influence of climate change which is influencing the weather we experience.'

Professor Liz Bentley, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, said: 'The new analysis of days that are classified as "hot" or having "exceptional rainfall" highlights the increased frequency in high impact extremes we are already experiencing in the UK, and the attribution studies help to understand how human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are making these extreme events much more likely to happen as our climate continues to change.'

Mr Redmond-King added: 'Many Brits heading off on holiday to Spain, Italy, Greece and parts of the US, will experience dangerously high temperatures this summer, and that extreme heat is fuelling wildfires, harming crops, and causing deaths.'
Apple is developing its first-ever foldable iPhone  with insiders reporting that this unusual new device is currently on track to launch in less than two years.

The tech giant has long been rumored to have plans for a clam-style smartphone, previously publishing numerus patents that corroborated all the speculation.

But a new report has now claimed that two different-sized prototypes are currently much more officially in the works, coded named 'V68,' with suppliers in Asia in talks to make components for these devices.

Previous reports from industry watchers and Apple leakers earlier this year have also suggested that this long-awaited competitor to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip even has a working title: the iPhone Flip.

Although an Apple spokesperson declined to comment, the new report attributes its intel to 'two people with direct knowledge of the matter.'

Insiders say Apple's long-rumored competitor to Samsung's Galaxy Z, Motorola's Razr Plus, and Google's Pixel Fold now has a working title: the iPhone Flip. Above, a render by YouTuber ConceptsiPhone, who has been experimenting with foldable iPhone designs for years

An Apple patent, titled 'Flexible Display Devices,' filed on October 12, 2018, showed off what appears to be a folding phone (above). A new report now claims two different-sized prototypes are in the works, coded named 'V68'

In one form factor, the screen is shown in a triangle position, where presumably people seated on either side of the display could view the same content simultaneously

These sources told tech news site The Information that it typically takes 24 months for a new iPhone model to run its course from initial manufacture to completion.

But as they took pains to emphasize to the site, a highly experimental concept like this promised clam-shell foldable iPhone might take longer than usual to develop, even though it could arrive in 2026  right after that 24-month window.

According their current and former Apple sources, the company's industrial design team wants true 'razor' thinness for the iPhone Flip, half as thick as today's iPhones.

Limitations with scaling down battery sizes and internal touch-screen display components, however, have undermined these grand ambitions for years, they said.

The tech news site's latest, however, suggests these issues might finally be solved.

Apple plans to release a dramatically thinner iPhone next year, The Information reported Tuesday, internally code-named 'D23.'

Reports this year indicate that Apple has already reached out to at least one components manufacturer in Asia to source parts for two sizes of the 'iPhone Flip,' though no plans exist to mass produce the device in 2024 or 2025. Above, another recent render by ConceptsiPhone

Among the possibly still lingering challenges facing iPhone Flip: preventing a persistent crease from forming in the middle of the phone's display after repeat use.

Similarly, Apple has struggled in secret to design a foldable phone with an external-facing screen that's tough enough for everyday use.

One former Apple employee told the site that Apple hardware engineers found that prototypes with an outward-facing screen were 'prone to breaking when dropped.'

These hurdles or revised economic considerations may yet keep the iPhone Flip on the back-burner, they noted.

'Apple is known to cancel projects late in their development, and there is no guarantee that it would release the foldable iPhone,' The Information reporters said.

Sources also suggested that Apple considers a foldable iPad to be an easier engineering feat and a less risky first entry into the market. Above, another recent render by ConceptsiPhone

One new Apple patent, published this May, indicates that the company is still hoping to make good on its dreams for a unique, quintessentially Apple breakthrough in foldable mobile tech - a touchscreen outside of the fold (pictured above)

But other sources have suggested that Apple considers a foldable iPad to be an easier engineering feat and a less risky market offering, given iPhone's sales slump.

The company sees an 'iPad Flip' as a novelty item that could gauge customer interest in its new designs before battling multiple flip-phone rivals on their home turf.

'Apple will only release the product once they are sure, since they cant afford to lose clients due to an average-device,' according to Kaushik Bose, an executive at Green Tiger Mobility who has been watching the foldables space closely.

'Manufacturers are unsure about the longevity of foldable screens,' Bose noted in public comments on Quora.

'No one knows if these will actually last more than 12 years,' the executive said, 'since lines seem to be appearing in some of the old foldable devices (1st gen).'

In the early days of Apple's flip-phone rumors, Ben Wood, an analyst at CCS Insight, voiced the common opinion that there is 'really no need' for Apple to move into the foldable market.

'You can be sure that it has had flexible display technology in its labs for the last decade,' Wood told MailOnline.

'But at present there is no commercial imperative for Apple to take the risk of piling into a niche market when the iPhone is so unbelievably successful.'
Architect Mark Cavagnero takes the Chronicle on a walking tour on the Strawberry seminary campus in Mill Valley in 2019. Theres a proposal to convert the seminary to housing. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

The fight over one of the largest residential projects in Marin County is heating up with the release this month of a key report on the project.

Developer North Coast Land Holdings proposed redeveloping the former Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary campus adjacent to Mill Valley in 2020 and has been working on the plan since.

North Coast wants to build 337 residential units, including replacements for existing units, on the 100-acre site as well as renovate the existing campus. Those homes would accommodate about 850 residents, including those living at a proposed senior residential care facility. Up to 50 of the units would be affordable for low-income families.

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The project also involves creating a day care and fitness center, as well as outdoor recreation spaces, and renovating spaces used by Olivet University, a private Christian university on site.

An administration building on the Strawberry seminary campus in Mill Valley is seen in 2019. Theres a proposal to convert the seminary to housing. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

The seminary, which once taught more than 900 students on the campus, left for Southern California in 2014. The site is on unincorporated land near the Strawberry neighborhood.

The project highlights the countys efforts to meet its state-mandated housing targets, Sarah Jones, Marin County director of community development, told the Chronicle. Marin Countys housing goal is to permit 14,210 units by 2031, while the housing target for unincorporated Marin County, which includes the North Coast development, is 3,569 units.

This type of project is something that is unprecedented in our unincorporated county, Jones said. She said the state is prioritizing adding a variety of housing to well-off neighborhoods with abundant resources, as this project would do.

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Additional housing projects have been created with county housing targets in mind, where underperforming shopping centers have been considered as sites to create new neighborhoods.

The report, which took more than three years to finish, highlights the projects impact, including traffic and noise. Neighbors have objected to the size of the project, lobbying against it since it was announced.

An administration building is seen on the Strawberry seminary campus in Mill Valley in 2019. Theres a proposal to convert the seminary to housing as well as day care and fitness facilities. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Famed architect Mark Cavagnero, who designed the project, did not return calls seeking comment, but he told the Chronicle in 2019 that the fight has been a big, big, big taste of NIMBYism the likes of which Ive never experienced.

There is no property anywhere near this size anywhere in southern Marin, if not all of Marin, that would be available and zoned for housing, Cavagnero said at the time. This is important not only for the housing we can build  workforce housing, affordable housing, senior housing  but also on an exemplary basis.

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The countys principal planner for the project, Michelle Levenson, confirmed that Mark Cavagnero Associates is still the architectural firm working on the construction plans.

Riley Hurd, an attorney for the Seminary Neighborhood Association, which has long opposed the project, called the proposed construction timeline of four years nothing short of comical, adding that he wouldnt be surprised if this was a minimum of a 10-year construction project. He said a longer construction timeline would mean great environmental impact.

Levenson said she stands behind the timeline in the report.

Hurd, who grew up outside the seminary gates, has been representing community members since North Coast proposed the plan. He estimated theres another year to go until the environmental report is finalized.

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Charles Goodyear, a spokesperson for North Coast, said in a statement to the Chronicle that the company is proceeding with the environmental review process, and we continue to engage with our neighbors. When completed, the Seminary at Strawberry will represent a significant educational, cultural and residential benefit to southern Marin County. Goodyear declined an interview request.
Archaeologists have discovered a long-lost altar at the location where Jesus was said to have been be buried and resurrected.

The discovery was made when construction workers turned around a giant stone slab covered in graffiti that was leaning up against the wall of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

The stone, eight feet long and five feet wide, was decorated with ribbon ornaments, a Roman practice during Medieval times, and distinct markings which lead researchers to believe it was the altar consecrated in 1149.

It was thought that the altar had been destroyed in a fire in 1808. 'For historians, this find is a sensation in several respects,' said the team from the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) who made the find.

The stone was decorated with ribbon ornaments, a Roman practice during Medieval times, leading researchers to determine it was the altar consecrated in 1149

They wrote: 'Firstly, the fact that the slab could have remained hidden for so long in such an intensively researched building as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - especially as it was in view of thousands of pilgrims and tourists every day.'

The site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is identified as the place of both the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus, and sees around four million visitors each year.

The church, which exceeds nearly 5,400 feet in diameter, was built on top of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Venus in 335AD.

The construction was commissioned by Roman emperor Constantine I and during the conversion, a tomb was uncovered that is believed to be that of Jesus who died nearly 300 years earlier.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was under attack throughout centuries, destroyed by the Persian army in 614, nearly demolished in 1009 and then burst into flames during the 1800s, which is when the altar was believed to have been lost.

The discovery was made after construction workers turned around a giant stone slab covered in graffiti that was leaning up against the wall of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, revealing a much older artistic heritage

The church was built on top of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Venus in 335AD. The construction was commissioned by Roman emperor Constantine I and during the conversion, a tomb was uncovered that is believed to be that of Jesus who died nearly 300 years earlier

Tourists had long graffitied the front-facing portion of the slab, which may be why it had gone unnoticed for centuries.

However, the unusual decorations on the wall-facing side led the researchers to the so-called 'Cosmatesque.'

'This special production technique for marble decoration was practiced exclusively by guild masters in papal Rome, who passed the skill down from generation to generation,' the team shared.

'A characteristic feature of this technique was its masters ability to decorate large surfaces with small quantities of precious marble.

'In medieval Rome marble was mainly scraped from ancient buildings, forcing the Cosmatesque masters to optimize whatever marble they could find.

'Their solution was to put small marble pieces together with the utmost precision, attaching it in such a way as to create complex geometric patterns and dazzling ornaments.'

The site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is identified as the place of both the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus, and sees around four million visitors each year

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, is one of the most holy and special sites in Christianity

Cosmatesque artworks are deemed as being cherished by the Pope, so much that rarely any have been found outside of Rome and only one in Westminster Abbey has been found outside of Italy.

'The Cosmatesque altar now rediscovered in Jerusalem must also have been created with the Pope's blessing,' said the researchers.

'By sending one of the Cosmatesque masters to the Kingdom of Jerusalem to make the new high altar in Christianitys holiest church, the Pontiff supported Christianity's claim to the city.'

Renovations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been continually under renovation, which has produced historical treasures.

In 2016, a conservation team from the National Technical University of Athens uncovered a limestone burial slab inside the tomb of Jesus that had been covered by layers of marbles since at least 1555.

Renovations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been continually under renovations, which has produced historical treasures like crosses etched in the walls

Archaeologists revealed in 2021 that the carvings were made by 15th century masons who were paid by pilgrims looking for added insurance of salvation

Christian tradition says Christ's body was laid on a slab cut from a limestone cave after his crucifixion by the Romans.

He was resurrected three days after his death, according to scripture, and the women who came to anoint his body said no remains were found.

The evidence for this is not definitive, but according to Dan Bahat, a former district archaeologist in Jerusalem and Galilee.

'We may not be absolutely certain that the site of the Holy Sepulchre Church is the site of Jesus burial, but we certainly have no other site that can lay a claim nearly as weighty, and we really have no reason to reject the authenticity of the site,' Bahat said.

Dozens of crosses littering the church's walls were discovered in 2018, which were thought to have been works of graffiti by Crusaders.

Upon a deeper analysis, archaeologists revealed in 2021 that the carvings were made by 15th-century masons who were paid by pilgrims looking for added insurance of salvation.
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We have a little secret, and the best part is you can tell EVERYONE.

Charlotte Tilbury just launched an incredible new skincare set that will transform your skin, and it is only $50.

As if we are surprised, the iconic beauty brand has graced us with yet another surprise product drop, releasing their new Skincare Discovery Set and a detailed routine on how to magically revive your skin with it. The kit includes mini sizes of their skincare best-sellers, including the Magic Cream, Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, Magic Eye Rescue, and Glow Toner.

Whether you are already a loyal fan or looking to explore what the brand is all about, the Skincare Discovery Set is the perfect mini immersion, and though its value is $92 you can shop it for only $50. Keep reading to get the secrets behind the Immediate Skin Revival routine.

Charlotte Tilbury Discovery Skincare Set Take on the world with this iconic set that works magic on your skin! Packed with four travel sized best-selling products, including the viral Water Cream. Valued at $92 this set is a major steal and will transform your skin. Shop

Please fasten your seatbelts for takeoff! The Skincare Discovery Set is the ideal match for anyone with a travel bug in their system. All of the products contain little enough liquid to be still considered carry-on approved and are small enough to pack away easily. Whether you are jetting off to Greece or taking a road trip across the U.S., this small but mighty foursome of products will have your skin looking healthy the whole time.

The skincare set that will magically transform your skin day in and day out.

Now let us get into the real reason the Discovery Skincare Set rocksit is a foolproof routine. Just four products and four steps are all it takes to take your skin from meh to magical in minutes!

Magic Step 1

It is time to put your Glow Toner to the test! After prepping your skin with a fresh cleanse, apply your Charlotte Tilbury Glow Toner to dry skin using a pat method all over your face. The toner will have your skin revved up and ready to go with its supercharged ingredients, such as Niaminicide.

Magic Step 2

Paging the viral Magic Serum Crystal Elixir to the front! This magic little potion will make your skin feel like it has just drank an ocean's worth of water. Lock in hydration by massaging 4-6 drops of the serum into your skin and see instant results.

Magic Step 3

Eye bags are gone! For this step, your trusty ring finger is going to play a big part. The Magic Eye Rescue is applied directly under the eye using your ring finger (known as the best finger for eye applications) and will initiate a cooling effect.

Magic Step 4

The viral moisturizer that celebrities such as Emma Stone, Lana Del Ray, Ice Spice, and more have sworn by. The Magic Cream might be the most magical step of all. Revive and plump your skin by using the Tilbury Tap method to apply the cream evenly, starting in the center. The pitter-patter movements boost micro-circulation and enhance liveliness in the skin.

Save big when you buy this travel bundle that comes with four of the skincare best-sellers.

In four steps, you have unlocked flawless-looking skin that rivals celebrities. The Discovery Skincare Set has all the Charlotte Tilbury benefits at half the size, and the best part is it is insanely affordable. If you are skincare curious or jetting off to Greece anytime soon, then you need to snatch this set ASAP.
The beaches were assessed on five factors - including reviews and costs

The '10 best beaches across popular European holiday destinations' have been named in a new study, and Nissi Beach in Cyprus takes the top spot, with a UK beach beating Corsica in the list.

Listing top beaches is a popular pastime - and now travel insurance company Quotezone has thrown its hat into the ring with this ranking. First, 10 strips of sand were picked for their popularity and location, then assessed on five factors - the average sea and air temperature in June, the number of five-star reviews, average daily costs and the height of the waves.

Each beach was scored out of 10 in these categories and then ranked based on an overall score out of 100.

The Ayia Napa beach that takes gold is 'known for its sparkling turquoise waters, golden sands, and warm sea and air temperatures', according to Quotezone.

It continued: 'This ultimate beach destination has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and offers a budget-friendly daily cost of 103 (87), which includes all you'd need for a day trip such as meals, transport, and even overnight accommodation.

The 'best beaches across popular European holiday destinations' have been revealed, and Nissi Beach in Cyprus takes the top spot (pictured)

In second place is Mellieha Bay Beach in Malta (above), which offers 'crystal-clear waters for snorkelling and swimming'

Portoroz Beach in Slovenia (pictured), a 'hidden gem in Europe', comes third

In second place is Mellieha Bay Beach in Malta, which offers 'crystal-clear waters for snorkelling and swimming'.

The research discovered it had an average sea temperature of 22.5 degrees Celsius, over 1,500 five-star Tripadvisor reviews, a daily cost of 117 (126) and a small wave height of 0.13 metres.

Portoroz Beach in Slovenia, a 'hidden gem in Europe', comes third. 'This destination made the top three due to its combination of low costs, warm temperatures, and gentle waves, making it a safer beach for young children,' Quotezone said.

In fourth place is Elafonissi Beach in Crete. It received over 10,000 five-star Tripadvisor reviews, though visitors-in-waiting should note that the average daily cost is higher at 184 (155).

Zlatni Rat in Croatia comes fifth, receiving a total of 1,378 top-rated Tripadvisor reviews and carrying an average daily cost of 96 (80).

In fourth place is beautiful Elafonissi Beach in Crete (above)

Pictured is Croatia's Zlatni Rat beach, which comes fifth in the ranking

La Pelosa beach in Sardinia ranks sixth on the list of best beaches

La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia places sixth, in seventh place is Portugal's Praia da Falesia beach in the Algarve, and in eighth is Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.

England's Bournemouth Beach comes ninth.

Quotezone said: 'While Bournemouth beach offers beautiful seaside views and a pier full of attractions for the whole family, due to England's cold sea and air temperatures, the beach has ranked second to last.'

Plage de Palombaggia in Corsica, France, rounds out the top ten, with the travel experts noting that this is 'largely due to its expensive food and hotel and transport expenses, costing travellers more than double compared to the cheapest destination, Slovenia'.

In seventh place is Portugal's Praia da Falesia beach in the Algarve (above)

Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria ranks eighth on the list (pictured)

Ninth-place Bournemouth Beach in England (above) offers 'beautiful seaside views and a pier full of attractions'

Plage de Palombaggia, 'an incredible looking beach' in Corsica, France, ranks 10th on the list

THE BEST BEACHES ACROSS EUROPE REVEALED Beach ranking Average sea temp (June) Number of 5-star reviews Average temp in the hottest month Average daily cost Wave height 1. Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa, Cyprus 24.4C 4,334 30.5C 103 (86) 0.25m 2. Mellieha Bay Beach, Malta 22.5C 1,580 29.2C 117 (98) 0.13m 3. Portoroz Beach, Slovenia 23C 148 21.7C 93 (78) 0.3m 4. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece 22C 10,499 25.6C 184 (154) 1.05m 5. Zlatni Rat, Croatia 22C 1,378 23.8C 96 (80) 0.27m 6. La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia 21.5C 6,768 24.2C 166 (139) 1.05m 7. Praia da Falesia, Algarve, Portugal 19C 4,042 24.4C 137 (115) 0.6m 8. Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria 21.3C 4 ,971 24.6C 151 (127) 1.06m 9. Bournemouth Beach, England 14.7C 5,987 17.2C 180 (151) 0.17m 10. Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France 21.8C 3,394 22.8 233 (196) 0.48m

Quotezone CEO Greg Wilson said: 'Travellers seeking the perfect summer getaway will be searching for destinations where they can soak up the sun and relax on the beach without worrying about big waves and cold temperatures.

'Our team looked at ten popular summer holiday destinations across Europe, ranking them on factors such as water and air temperatures, waves and 5-star reviews.

'Another factor we took into consideration were the average daily costs in each destination, including meals, transport and hotels, as many families are looking for budget-friendly holidays that don't break the bank.

'Our 2024 European Beach Index revealed that Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, is the number one beach destination with excellent scores in every category.

'Nissi Beach has been ranked above some of the other famously popular European holiday hotspots due to its warm sea and air temperatures, as well as being one of the most affordable in terms of daily expenses.

'Plage de Palombaggia is an incredible-looking beach in Corsica, France. However, it comes last largely due to the expensive prices in the area.

'We encourage those who are still planning their summer holidays to consider the hidden gems of Europe, including our top three beach destinations, Cyprus, Malta, and Slovenia.'

The independent study was conducted without authorisation from Tripadvisor.
The mum says it puts 'young day-trippers in the thick of medieval warfare'

Joanna Tweedy and her children enjoy the Dover Castle Under Siege experience

Few places can fling you back and forth across our nations history like Dover Castle.

10am? Were in 1942, wandering wide-eyed through a WWII hospital buried deep in the White Cliffs, before visiting a subterranean lattice of war offices, where much of the Allied evacuation of Dunkirk was masterminded.

Lunchtime? Were in the 1180s in the Great Tower, Henry IIs 83ft-high centrepiece of pomp and pageantry with its 21ft-thick walls and medieval furnishings  where my children, Belle, 12, and Cleo, ten, have a go at adding hunks of meat to a fine-looking (wooden) stew in the kitchen.

Joanna Tweedy checks out a new interactive family attraction at Dover Castle (above), called Dover Castle Under Siege. It tells the story of two sometimes forgotten attacks against King Johns kingdom in 1216 and 1217

Dover castle has two self-catering properties that guests can stay in - the one-bed 13th-century Peverells Tower (left and right); and, sleeping six, the Sergeant Majors House, which harks back to the castles Georgian garrison days

And now, Im watching my lucky two getting first dibs on a brand new playground with tunnels and a chance to fire a play-version of a trebuchet catapult.

Its part of Dover Castle Under Siege, a new interactive, family attraction at the castle (included in the main entrance price) that tells the story of two sometimes forgotten attacks against King Johns kingdom in 1216 and 1217.

Part of the First Barons War, these attacks saw French and English rebels besiege the castle.

Family fun: Tourists stroll along the moat, with Constables Gate in the background

Joanna explores Henry IIs Great Tower, above, 'an 83ft-high centrepiece of pomp and pageantry with its 21ft-thick walls and medieval furnishings'

TRAVEL FACTS A family ticket for two adults and up to three children from 61.70. Three nights at Sergeant Majors House, sleeps six, from 705 (englishheritage.org.uk). Advertisement

At its most brutal, there was a frenzy of chain mail-clad knights and soldiers swinging axes, swords and maces, with arrows flying, and buildings aflame.

Dover Castle Under Siege paints the picture with a whizz-bang interactive exhibition, access to the castles northern defences and the playground, which puts young day-trippers in the thick of medieval warfare.

Inside the exhibition itself, theres the chance to fire a laser-beam crossbow, and then to wander through defensive tunnels built after the siege, in places medieval and crudely-hewn and elsewhere with tidy Georgian brickwork.

The tours crescendo is a visit to the Spur, the defensive barbican. This enables history fans to see the castle through the eyes of the attackers for the first time  where they stared death or victory in the face.

There are two self-catering properties: the one-bed 13th-century Peverells Tower; and, sleeping six, the Sergeant Majors House, which harks back to the castles Georgian garrison days.
If you're a fan of Flamin' Hot Cheetos in the U.S., then one American man has recommended avoiding them at all costs in Europe.

Justin English uploaded a clip to his TikTok account detailing his disastrous chip-eating experience while he was traveling through Amsterdam.

In the video, which has been viewed more than 380,000 times and is captioned '0/10 do not recommend,' Justin warns viewers that the spicy snack tastes completely different on the two continents.

He explains that he purchased a bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos at Amsterdam airport and the first big difference he noted was the color of the small corn-cheese sticks.

Recalling the shade he saw, Justin tells viewers: 'So I buy, go and sit down, open up the bag and they are orange. There is no excuse for that.

Justin English uploaded a clip to his TikTok account detailing his disastrous chip-eating experience while he was traveling through Amsterdam

'That bright red dye is legal to use in the EU.'

With his 'hopes waning,' Justin then gave the bag of Cheetos a try, only to be bitterly disappointed.

The avid traveler says of the flavor he experienced: 'It's f**king tangy BBQ.'

With his anger escalating, the content creator continues: 'Tangy BBQ... not a spice in sight.'

In a bid to show how unspicy the chips were, Justin said he proceeded to rub his eyes with chip dust all over his fingers and they 'did not sting.'

'Literally the biggest food disappointment in my life,' he vented.

On top of not being 'flamin' hot or spicy,' Justin said the BBQ flavoring hurt his stomach and gave him 'the runs,' so he had to throw the bag away.

'That is the last thing I want before getting on a three and a half hour flight,' he said of the alleged digestive issues caused by the snack.

The content creator explains that he purchased a bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos at Amsterdam airport and the first big difference he noted was the color of the small corn-cheese sticks (stock image)

Concluding his rant, the content creator said that he 'shouldn't have expected much' and set his expectations 'so high' for a country that sells ketchup and peanut Cheetos.

Justin's video has garnered hundreds of comments since he uploaded, with some viewers complaining of similar differences with their snacks overseas.

One commenter wrote: 'European Takis broke my spirit.

'First thing I did after three months away was get a bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos and Dunkin' coffee the second I landed in an American airport.'

Another viewer mused: 'When I lived in Dublin and bought spicy chips, bit into them, and it was sweet was ready to go insane.'

Many commenters said they understood Justin's crazed reaction, with one writing: 'I'd be breaking down crying.'
The Egyptology fan also revealed further thoughts to MailOnline Travel

Should I visit Cairo or Luxor?

This is the question that Egyptology enthusiast and TikToker Sam Mayfair says he's asked 'ten times a day'.

To answer, the traveller produced a video in which he explains that it's a battle of pyramids versus temples, hectic versus laid-back, old versus new (er), north versus south...

Read on for his verdict on both locations.

Which one would YOU most like to visit? Vote in our poll.

CAIRO

Egyptology enthusiast and TikToker Sam Mayfair produced a video that answers the question: Should I visit Cairo or Luxor in Egypt? He's pictured above at the Giza Pyramid complex near Cairo

Sam told MailOnline Travel that Cairo (above) is 'one of the most densely populated cities in the world', adding that it's also extremely 'fast-paced' and 'never sleeps'

Sam explains how Cairo is busier than Luxor and that there are scammers to watch out for.

But the historical attractions are older. And it's pyramid central.

Sam remarks that the 'majority of the pyramids you want to see are located in Cairo'.

There are three main pyramids, all located at the Giza pyramid complex. It's home to the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is more than 4,500 years old and stands over 450 feet tall (137m), as well as the smaller Pyramid of Khafre (448ft/136m) and the Pyramid of Menkaure (200ft/60m).

Cairo can serve as a base from which to travel to the Bent Pyramid, which is an hour's drive away. Sam is pictured above exploring the structure's interior

The Step Pyramid in Saqqara can be reached easily from Cairo

One of Cairo's non-pyramid attractions - the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval Islamic-era fortification

Inside Cairo's 4th-century Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church

FOR MORE FROM SAM MAYFAIR... To see more from Sam, follow him on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@sam.mayfair , or follow his Instagram account at www.instagram.com/sam.mayfair/?hl=en-gb Advertisement

Cairo can also serve as a base from which to travel to the pyramids in the Saqqara and Dahshur necropolises, both less than an hour's drive from the city. Visitors can explore several ancient pyramids at these locations, such as the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the Bent Pyramid.

Visitors to Cairo can also gaze upon fascinating artefacts from the time of the pyramids, notes Sam, at the Egyptian museum.

Sam stresses that there are other wonders of the past in Cairo unrelated to the world of pharaohs  there's 'historical variety', he says in his video, with Christian sites and Islamic attractions to discover.

These include the 4th-century Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church and the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval Islamic-era fortification.

What the postcards don't convey is how hectic and busy Cairo is. There are 22million people living there - and they're packed in tight.

Sam told MailOnline Travel that Cairo is 'one of the most densely populated cities in the world', adding that it's also extremely 'fast-paced' and 'never sleeps'.

He described the traffic as 'organised chaos' and said 'everyone loves honking', with a visit there needing a 'bit more planning'.

He said: 'You can arrange tours to take you to places. But there are always traffic and crowds to get through.'

Visitors will also need to keep their wits about them.

Sam encountered scammers while visiting the Giza pyramid complex, as we've previously reported, from hustlers approaching on camels to scammers offering 'gifts'.

But he said: 'You don't really have the same issues at any other locations [in Cairo].'

LUXOR

Sam explains that Luxor, which lies 313 miles to the south of Cairo, is more laid-back and is home to 'beautiful temples and tombs'. Above is the entrance to the Karnak Temple Complex

Popular complex Luxor Temple, which was erected between 1390 and 1353 BC

Sam explains that Luxor, which lies 313 miles to the south of Cairo, is more laid-back and is home to 'beautiful temples and tombs', most of which are associated with the New Kingdom period of Egypt (1,550-1,070 BCE).

On the temple front, the most famous site is the Karnak Temple Complex, the largest temple complex in the world, which covers 200 acres and comprises a mix of temples, pylons, chapels and other historical buildings.

Another popular complex is Luxor Temple, which was erected between 1390 and 1353 BC and features large courtyards, statues and the avenue of sphinxes, which once connected the temple to the Karnak complex.

For your fix of tombs, the choice is practically endless. There are hundreds to visit. Though most will want to tick off the Valley of the Kings. It's one of Egypt's most significant archaeological sites, serving as a royal burial site for pharaohs and high-ranking officials. The most notable tomb at the site is that of Tutankhamun.

One popular way to see the attractions in Luxor is via a Nile River cruise. The 'beauty' of this, Sam says in his video, is that 'everything is pretty much arranged and sorted for you'

Most visitors will want to tick off the Valley of the Kings (above). It's one of Egypt's most significant archaeological sites. The most notable tomb at the site is that of Tutankhamun

One popular way to see the attractions in Luxor is via a Nile River cruise.

The 'beauty' of this, Sam says in his video, is that 'everything is pretty much arranged and sorted for you'.

He adds: 'You're transported in a relaxing way every day to a new location and you simply hop off the boat, go and explore things and come back, usually to a bar or a meal.'

Adding to this 'relaxing' atmosphere, Sam told MailOnline Travel that the people in Luxor are 'more laid-back' compared to those in Cairo.

CONCLUSION

Sam says that both cities are 'worth visiting' and notes that if you visit Egypt it's likely that you'll see Cairo anyway, as it's a transit point for most travellers.

It's all a question of how long you want to linger each place.

If you can, Sam recommends spending a total of 10 days exploring both cities. But, he told MailOnline Travel: 'You can't see everything in that time, only the highlights.

'If you can't fit it all in, perhaps you have to decide what your main priorities are, what you want to see and which part of ancient Egypt looks interesting.'

When should you visit?

Sam said: 'I would personally avoid June, July and August due to extreme heat.'

Are there any other Egyptian cities worth visiting?

Sam said: 'Aswan, Egypt's last big city to the south is also an interesting place and is usually one of the stops if you take a Nile river cruise.'
And they're off!

It's train versus two planes in a race from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London to the Stade de France in Paris, where the 2024 Olympics begin on Friday.

The competitors? A Eurostar high-speed train, a British Airways Airbus A319 and a Vueling Airbus A321neo, along with two travel experts from The Points Guy travel site and former GB Olympic diving champion Matty Lee.

Nicky Kelvin and Liam Spencer from The Points Guy enlist the help of Matty to discover which mode of transport is best for reaching this summer's sporting extravaganza from the UK capital.

The 'starting block' is the Aquatic Centre - and all the travellers film their experiences. Read on to discover how the race unfolded and see the trailer for the video of the contest below.

Nicky Kelvin and Liam Spencer (left and far right) enlisted the help of GB Olympic diving champ Matty Lee to find out whether train or plane is best for reaching the Olympic stadium in Paris. They're pictured above at the 'starting blocks' - the Aquatic Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Pictured above is the 'finish line' - the Stade de France in Paris

British Airways

Matty Lee raced a BA Airbus A319, paying 486 ($629.23) for a business-class seat from London Heathrow to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

To reach Heathrow, he took the Elizabeth line from Stratford (free for GB athletes) and to reach the Stade de France he paid 62 euros (52/$67.58) for a cab.

Matty, who won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the men's synchronised 10m platform event, described the Elizabeth line as really reliable and his favourite train line in London.

Matty Lee raced a BA Airbus A319, paying 486 ($629.23) for a business-class seat from London Heathrow to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Diving champ Matty, who won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the men's synchronised 10m platform event, described his BA flight as 'brilliant'

And the flight?

On the video, Matty describes the feet space as not terrible, the seat as kind of comfy and he enjoys a glass of Champagne, along with a roast sweet potato meal, olive bread and a strawberry and cream panna cotta for dessert.

Summing up, he tells MailOnline Travel: The business-class flight with British Airways was brilliant and the staff were incredibly friendly.

On the video, Matty describes the feet space as not terrible

Matty told MailOnline that the food in business class was 'impressive'

Matty with the 'supportive' BA crew

They really threw their support behind me to help me win the race! The food and drink served on such a short flight was impressive.

After disembarking, Matty particularly loved the taxi from the airport, thanks to a lovely driver who got him excited for the Olympics and taught him a bit of French.

Any downsides?

Matty said: There were a couple of downsides. Heathrow Terminal 5 was very busy, so I didnt get a chance to check out the Galleries Club Lounge that I had access to with my ticket, and when it came to the taxi ride, road closures in the area meant it was quite slow going.

Vueling

Nicky paid 46 ($59.56) to race a Vueling Airbus A321neo from London Gatwick to Paris-Orly Airport

Nicky paid for a space plus seat, describing it as 'comfortable'

Editor at Large Nicky paid 46 ($59.56) to race a Vueling Airbus A321neo from London Gatwick to Paris-Orly Airport. He spent 14.60 ($18.90) reaching Gatwick via Tube and a Thameslink train service, then 54.60 euros (46/$59.43) on a cab to the stadium.

Nicky, who paid for a space plus seat, told MailOnline: Overall, my experience was very good, but most importantly, it was cheap, especially compared to the others.

The public transport to Gatwick Airport was thankfully quick, comfortable and cheap.

The Vueling seat doesn't recline, Nicky notes, but does offer 'plenty of legroom'

An 'unexpected highlight' on Nicky's flight was the 'delicious Spanish tortilla'

How did he find the flight?

On the video he describes the seat as comfortable, but notes theres no recline. However, you do get a nice tray table and theres plenty of legroom.

And in an email to MailOnline, Nicky added: The flight itself was brilliant. For a low-cost flight, Vueling was efficient, the crew were very friendly and the flight arrived on time.

The Vueling crew were 'very friendly' revealed Nicky, and the flight arrived on time

A key unexpected highlight was the delicious Spanish tortilla, which was served piping hot. Definitely try this if you fly Vueling!

Any downsides?

Nicky said: One huge downside of my flight was flying into Orly Airport, which was on the wrong side of Paris to reach the Olympic stadium.

Eurostar

The Eurostar was put to the test by Liam Spencer, who paid 238 ($308) for his ticket

Liam, above, described his journey as 'fantastic'

Senior marketing manager Liam spent 4.80 ($6.21) on a Southeastern high-speed train from Stratford to London St Pancras International and 238 ($308.14) on a standard-premier Eurostar ticket.

In Paris, he spent 2.10 euros ($2.29) on an RER commuter train ticket to the stadium, which he bought onboard at the train cafe.

He told MailOnline Travel: 'My journey was fantastic. My experience was 10 out of 10.

Liam's standard-premier ticket included a meal of quiche and cheesecake that helped make the journey 'very enjoyable'

Liam remarked that there was 'a tonne of legroom' on the train

The three competitors take stock of the results at the Stade de France

'I started the journey with the high-speed train service from Stratford to St Pancras International, so the trip began in a very speedy fashion.'

And how was the Eurostar?

In the video, Liam shows how the seat features a 'winged headrest', which 'isn't the softest in the world', but he remarks that there is a 'tonne of legroom'.

He added to MailOnline that, overall, the train was 'brilliant', with his ticket including a meal of quiche and cheesecake that helped make the journey 'very enjoyable'.

Liam added: 'I loved being able to pre-clear customs and immigration in London, meaning there was no waiting around at all once I arrived in France.'

And who won? The Eurostar claimed gold.

To see the full video and the podium standings click here.
Bethenny Frankel turned up the heat on her tropical vacation with a slew of swimsuit snaps on Wednesday.

The former Real Housewives of New York star, 53, took to her Instagram to share stunning photos of herself in a chic black swimsuit with numerous cutouts.

Relaxing on a daybed at a beachside club in Saint-Tropez, the entrepreneur exuded charm, accessorizing with a straw hat and designer shades.

Her daughter Bryn, 14, whom she shares with ex-husband Jason Hoppy, looked adorable in a pink swimsuit as she posed next to her gorgeous mother.

In another photo, the duo showcased more of their vacation outfits, with Bethenny flaunting a cream embroidered skirt and Bryn sporting a matching lace skirt paired with a pink tube top.

Bethenny Frankel turned up the heat on her tropical vacation with a slew of swimsuit snaps on Wednesday

Her daughter Bryn, 14, whom she shares with ex-husband Jason Hoppy, looked adorable in a pink swimsuit as she posed next to her gorgeous mother

A cute video included featured a bountiful feast laid out on a table, as the Skinny Girl founder captioned it, 'Ladies who lunch PS. The phone eats first.'

Earlier in the day, the TV personality took to Instagram to share a video revealing the aftermath of an apparent fall.

In her Instagram Story, Frankel showed her followers the scrapes on both her knees and chipped toenail polish.

Although she didnt detail the cause of her injury, Frankel took the opportunity to thank a small business owner who came to her rescue.

She was grateful to the woman for offering rubbing alcohol to disinfect her cuts and for carefully applying Band-Aids to her painful scrapes.

The trip comes after Bethenny landed in hot water once again after posting a TikTok about the residents of the Hamptons.

She took to her social media last week to share her thoughts on the popular seaside community in Long Island, New York, claiming it's not only for 'rich people' but also for minorities.

'Hamptons is an amazing place, there's all kinds of people here, its not only rich people,' the Skinny Girl mogul began. 'There is a big Latin community, there is an African American community here on the beach. Beautiful houses. I had a house there once summer.'

The former Real Housewives of New York star, 53, took to her Instagram to share stunning photos of herself in a chic black swimsuit with numerous cutouts

In another photo, the duo showcased more of their vacation outfits, with Bethenny flaunting a cream embroidered skirt and Bryn sporting a matching lace skirt paired with a pink tube top

On Wednesday, the TV personality shared a video of her battle wounds after seemingly taking a nasty fall

Followers swiftly condemned the racially charged remarks, with The View cohost Ana Navarro leading the pack.

'News flash: White people are not the only ones capable of having money. There are rich Black people and rich "Latins,"' Navarro posted.

In September 2023, Bethenny was also slammed for giving away 'leftover makeup' to T.J. Maxx employees which she filmed in a TikTok video.

She was labeled 'out of touch' by one social media user while fellow Bravo star, Carole Radziwill, called the action as 'white savior complex.'
Sharon Stone has revealed her 'unsettling' career-long fear of being shot dead by a fan, following a chat she had with Sylvester Stallone.

The 66-year-old actress' fears grew from the trauma of her breakout role in Basic Instinct, which turned her into an overnight celebrity.

The Sun reports Sharon said at a Cannes charity gala: 'What Sly said to me is that suddenly you are walking down the street, everyone is doing this (reaching into their pocket) and you don't know if they are going for the pen or the gun.

'That's what becomes so unsettling, because everybody is doing that, but you don't know why.

'You feel constantly in this unsettled place that you always have to figure it out and you have to fix it and be ready.'

Sharon Stone has revealed her 'unsettling' career-long fear of being shot dead by a fan, following a chat with Sylvester Stallone

The Sun reports Sharon said at a Cannes charity gala: 'What Sly said to me is that suddenly you are walking down the street, everyone is doing this (reaching into their pocket) and you don't know if they are going for the pen or the gun'

When Sharon 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 has hit back, telling Daily Mail's Richard Eden: '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 Cannes charity gala, she added: '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 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.

The famous interrogation scene in Basic Instinct saw Sharon's character Catherine quizzed by police, including Michael Douglas.

Sharon reprised her crossed-legs pose from 1992 film Basic Instinct for social media this month

The actress, 66, played seductive Catherine Tramell in the 1992 film - with the famed scene seeing the prime suspect quizzed by police Catherine distracts them when she uncrosses then recrosses her legs, leaving the men flustered seeing as she was underwear-free at the time.

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'.

The 1992 film starred Michael Douglas as Nick Curran, a disgraced homicide detective and Stone as Catherine, a wealthy heiress who Curran believes has murdered her ex

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.
Laura Csortan has shut down speculation she's dating Below Deck star Jason Chambers.

On Wednesday, the former Great Outdoors host, 46, shared a video to Instagram of herself enjoying a beachside drink with the reality hunk in Bali.

In the footage, the pair sat on a lounge and clinked their glasses together before taking a drink while a friend filmed them.

The model and Miss Australia winner wore a white T-shirt and tiny shorts as she smiled for the camera while Jason, 51, also dressed casually in a white shirt and striped shorts.

Laura told Daily Mail Australia she is currently in Bali for work and has been catching up with friends, including Jason, during her trip,

Laura is known to be single and spoke about her private life on the Kinda, Sorta, Dating podcast with Jana Hocking.

She gave birth to her daughter Layla Rose in November 2016, and the identity of the father has never been revealed.

'It's hard being a single mum and trying to date,' Laura said in September, 2021.

Below Deck's Jason Chambers enjoyed a night out with former The Great Outdoors host Laura Csortan in Bal

'I have found it harder since having a little girl, but I don't know whether it is coming from me or the dude.

Meanwhile Jason, who is known as 'Captain Cutie' to his legion of female fans, also appears to be single.

Last year he confirmed to Daily Mail Australia he was available for an 'adventurous' woman to tie him down.

At the time, Jason, who is a father-of-one to Saskia, nine, from a previous relationship, said he has 'dedicated a lot of time' to his daughter and is searching for someone who is 'independent and secure'.

Laura shared a video to Instagram on Wednesday, as she enjoyed a beachside drink with her friends including the hunk

Laura gave birth to her daughter Layla Rose in November 2016, and the identity of the father has never been revealed

He also outlined a very particular type of woman he's attracted to.

'For me to have a relationship, someone has to be very independent and secure in their own situation. So that's difficult to find,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'Someone has got to be acceptable for what I've got going on which is my daughter and my work moving around. So they have to have their own thing going on.'

He went on to say his ideal partner is someone who can help him be 'better' and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

'Like someone who makes me get out of bed and do some exercise. Which I love doing, but sometimes I can be a lazy a**,' he said.

'So, freediving, adventurous and healthy, and make me better at that because I want to be better at that as well.'
In 2020, long-time gas station and car repair business Twin Peaks Auto Care wanted to renew its lease on city-owned land for a 25-year term, but opponents, including supervisors at the time, argued that publicly owned sites should not support businesses that promoted the use of fossil fuels. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle 2020

San Francisco seems poised to renew a lease for a gas station that was at the center of a fight four years ago over climate change and the citys role in combating it. But environmental opponents are still ringing alarms about the deal.

In 2020, longtime gas station and car repair business Twin Peaks Auto Care wanted to renew its lease on city-owned land for 25 years, but opponents, including supervisors at the time, argued that publicly owned sites should not support businesses that promote the use of fossil fuels.

At the time, residents argued that Twin Peaks Auto Care was a crucial neighborhood business and closing it would only send them farther afield to get gas or fix their cars.



Then-Supervisor Matt Haney, who now serves in the state Assembly, railed against the lease on social media, saying that the city had declared a climate emergency and demanded phasing out fossil fuels before the end of the 25-year lease. He suggested the site be used for affordable housing instead. Other critics, including Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, were uncomfortable with the idea of allowing fossil fuels to be sold on public land.

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But on Wednesday, supervisors on the Budget and Finance Committee approved a 20-year lease with the business with little fanfare. It now heads to the full board for approval.

Tino Negrete, left, and Tom Starost pump gas in October 2020 at Twin Peaks Auto Care in San Francisco. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle 2020

The deal requires Twin Peaks Auto Care to repurpose the site to sell some alternative fuels, such as biofuel, to help meet the citys objectives. The business will also have to replace its underground storage tanks by 2025. If the business fails to replace the tanks by the deadline, the lease will be terminated.

This gas station is an important part of our community. Our residents need this gas station at least for the present time, Walter Kaplan, a member of the Forest Knolls Neighborhood Organization, told supervisors on Wednesday.

Some environmental groups, however, think that the renewal is a step in the wrong direction. Both the Sierra Club San Francisco Chapter and the San Francisco League of Conservation sent letters to the Board of Supervisors opposing the renewal and urging the city to find another use for the lot.

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Given the climate emergency, now is not the time to be extending a lease for a gas station, Peter Belden, political chair of the Sierra Club San Francisco, told the Chronicle. Although having some alternative fuel capacity is a step in the right direction, its not the step that we need.

The Sierra Club says it will continue to communicate concerns over the lease to the supervisors.

Supervisor Myrna Melgar, whose district includes the business, said at Wednesdays hearing that after consulting with city agencies, she determined that there were too many complications to building affordable housing on the site. Melgar also said that letting the lot sit empty would allow for graffiti and squatters to potentially take over. The supervisor also explored other uses for the lot, but determined that allowing the business to stay is the best option at the moment.

I am confident that this is a good deal for the city, Melgar said, noting that community members shes worked with are enthusiastic about the lease renewal.

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Cindy Crawford was asked to weigh in on Austin Butler's accent while playing Plead The Fifth on Wednesday's episode of Watch What Happens Live on Bravo.

The 58-year-old supermodel while wearing a silky copper dress played the talk show's signature game with host Andy Cohen, 56, in which guests are given three questions and allowed to not answer only one of them.

'Your daughter Kaia is famously dating Austin Butler. What was your take on his never-ending Elvis accent?,' Andy asked, referencing Austin's lingering accent after portraying Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic Elvis.

'That's Austin to me,' Cindy said.

'I didn't know that he was from Anaheim,' she added referencing the city in Orange County, California.

Cindy Crawford was asked to weigh in on Austin Butler 's accent while playing Plead The Fifth on Wednesday's episode of Watch What Happens Live on Bravo

'He's from Anaheim?,' Colman Domingo, 54.

'Yeah, that's where he grew up. But he spent so long being Elvis that I think it just stuck. And so to me, that's just Austin. I didn't know him pre-Elvis, so that's just Austin to me,' Cindy said.

'You guys, she did not Plead The Fifth,' Andy announced, which references the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution that provides protection against self-incrimination in criminal cases.

Cindy for her first question was asked to name a designer who she would never work with again.

She gave the name of a random swimwear designer from Greece and admitted she was afraid the questions would get 'nastier'.

Andy for her second question asked Cindy to name her least favorite movie by George Clooney, 63, who is close friends and business partners with her husband Rande Gerber, 62.

Cindy was reluctant to answer but Colman encouraged her to say George's TV series The Facts Of Life and Cindy after admitting she liked the show gave it as her answer.

Kai and Austin have been dating since December 2021.

Kaia Gerber and her boyfriend Austin Butler are shown in March 2023 in Los Angeles

'Your daughter Kaia is famously dating Austin Butler. What was your take on his never-ending Elvis accent,' Andy asked, referencing Austin's lingering accent after portraying Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic Elvis

'Yeah, that's where he grew up. But he spent so long being Elvis that I think it just stuck. And so to me, that's just Austin. I didn't know him pre-Elvis, so that's just Austin to me,' Cindy said

Austin, shown last month in Sydney, Australia, had a lingering accent after portraying Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic Elvis

Cindy was on the show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her Meaningful Beauty line of beauty products.

Andy asked about her daily skin care routine and Cindy said that she loves 'dry brushing' and does it every morning.

She also was asked about the secret of her 26-year marriage to Rande and shared that they are good friends. Cindy said they respect each other and 'fight nice'.

Cindy also told how they met at her agent's wedding and became best friends quickly.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman teamed up on Wednesday to co-host Jimmy Kimmel Live while promoting their new movie Deadpool & Wolverine.

The 47-year-old Canadian actor and Australian actor Hugh, 55, took turns poking fun of each other while hosting the ABC talk show while Kimmel, 56, is on summer break.

Ryan at one point was solo behind the desk and interviewed his good friend Hugh.

'I did want to discuss one thing. A few years ago, you lost your father. And you said that afterwards you had some really intense revelations and things that you discovered about yourself. One thing in particular, I'm just wondering if you would use this moment to share?' Ryan said.

'Okay. I didn't know we were going there. It was a really difficult time. It was during COVID. So my father passed away in Australia and I managed to get back there, it wasn't easy. And I was there, I was there at the end and I'll just never forget that moment and what he said to me,' Hugh said.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman teamed up on Wednesday to co-host Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC while promoting their new movie Deadpool & Wolverine

Ryan's cellphone then started ringing and he apologized while explaining that his wife Blake Lively, 36, was calling him.

'So sorry. One second. It's Blake, it's Blake,' Ryan said to cheers from the studio audience in Hollywood.

Ryan explained that they promised each other they would always answer when called as he greeted his wife.

'Hi, baby,' Blake said.

'Hi,' Ryan replied.

'Is now an okay time?,' Blake asked.

'No, no, no, it's fine, we're at Kimmel. We're just rehearsing, it's rehearsal,' Ryan said as the audience laughed.

'I love you so much. I'm just bored,' Blake said.

Blake Lively made a surprise appearance on the talk show when she called her husband Ryan while he was asking Hugh about his father's death

Hugh looked on as Ryan talked to his wife in the middle of the show

'I love you so much. I'm just bored,' Blake told Ryan

'No, no, no, it's fine we're at Kimmel. We're just rehearsing, it's rehearsal,' Ryan told Blake as the audience laughed

Ryan told Blake it was fine for them to talk and that Jimmy's sidekick Guillermo was there, too.

He showed his phone to the audience and Blake waved to everyone.

'Alec is here. Alec is the stage manager. He's British and he looks so really upset right now. So, I'm just going to get off the phone,' Ryan said as he ended their call.

'You were saying?,' Ryan then asked Hugh.

Hugh looked at Ryan and just shook his head silently as the audience chortled.

'Okay, we actually do have an exclusive clip. Maybe we roll that right now?,' Ryan said.

'I don't know where I am. I don't know anything,' Hugh said as the audience laughed.

Ryan told Blake it was fine and that Jimmy's sidekick Guillermo was there, too

'You were saying?,' Ryan asked Hugh after he ended his call with Blake

Hugh looked at Ryan and just shook his head silently as the audience chortled

Hugh and Ryan later interviewed their Wolverine & Deadpool co-star Emma Corrin, 28.

Emma teased her co-stars by revealing they've been getting asked a lot recently about what's the best advice Hugh and Ryan have given.

'I actually can't remember any,' Emma said causing them both to laugh.

'Other than you guys getting really excited when I was about to shave my head, and you both said almost in unison, "You've got to take a shower'',' Emma revealed.

'But we didn't mean it like that,' Ryan quipped. 'When you shave your head and have a shower. Amazing, it feels so nice.'

'It's a full religious experience,' Emma agreed.

Emma portrays supervillain Cassandra Nova opposite Ryan as Deadpool and Hugh as Wolverine. The Cassandra character from Marvel Comics will make her live-action debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Hugh and Ryan later interviewed their Wolverine & Deadpool co-star Emma Corrin, 28

Emma portrays supervillain Cassandra Nova opposite Ryan as Deadpool and Hugh as Wolverine in the new Marvel Studios movie

Ryan as Deadpool and Hugh as Wolverine are shown in a still from Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverine was released on Wednesday in France, Germany, Italy, Korea and Japan and will be released in the UK, Spain, Brazil, Mexico and Australia on Thursday.

It is scheduled to be officially released on Friday in the United States and China, with earlier screenings available at some cinemas.

Deadpool & Wolverine is the first R-rated superhero movie from Disney-owned Marvel Studios.

The first two installments in the Deadpool franchise also were R-rated when they were released by 20th Century Fox before the studio was acquired by Disney in March 2019.
Celine Dion is reportedly in the 'final stages' of negotiating her long-delayed Resorts World Las Vegas residency, which is scheduled to start in 'November or early 2025' depending on the severity of her battle with stiff person syndrome.

The 56-year-old French-Canadian chanteuse - who hasn't performed live since March 2020 - previously signed on to do a limited run of 10 dates at the Resorts World Theatre back in 2021, but it was called off months before she revealed her rare autoimmune neurological disorder.

'It's basically a done deal. She's doing it,' an insider told TMZ on Wednesday.

'This is all her. No one is pushing her to do it. She has a passion for getting back onstage, and she's gonna do it. She's just prepared to power through it. It won't stop her from performing.'

There's currently no one scheduled to headline the 4,700-seat venue after eight-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood concludes her Reflection residency on October 26.

Celine Dion is reportedly in the 'final stages' of negotiating her long-delayed Resorts World Las Vegas residency, which is scheduled to start in 'November or early 2025' depending on the severity of her battle with stiff person syndrome (pictured in 2016)

The 56-year-old French-Canadian chanteuse - who hasn't performed live since March 2020 - previously signed on to do a limited run of 10 dates at the Resorts World Theatre back in 2021, but it was called off months before she revealed her rare autoimmune neurological disorder (pictured Wednesday)

The Resorts World Theatre features a 13,550-square-foot stage, a 576-square-foot stage lift that can sustain up to 86,400 lbs, 5K square feet of customizable LED screens, and 267 speakers.

Celine - who still owns a $1.2M three-bedroom home in Henderson, NV - previously had a $296.2M-grossing self-titled residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from 2011-2019 after her prior A New Day residency grossed $385M between 2003-2007.

On July 3, The US Sun reported Dion 'has the full support of AEG' and she's spent 'the last eight months rehearsing with musicians and voice therapists' in order to prepare to perform a 70-minute concert of greatest hits.

'I'm gonna go back onstage, even if I have to crawl,' the five-time Grammy winner vowed to TODAY host Hoda Kotb on June 11.

'Even if I have to talk with my hands, I will. I will. I am Celine Dion.'

Celine could be seen suffering through severe muscle spasms and other painful symptoms in Irene Taylor's critically-acclaimed documentary I Am: Celine Dion, which was released June 25 on Amazon Prime Video.

Dion is currently in Paris ahead of her rumored $2M gig performing with 13-time Grammy winner Lady Gaga during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics this Friday along the banks of the Seine.

Estelle Midi columnist Thierry Moreau tweeted on Wednesday: '@Celine Dion And @Lady Gaga rehearsed La vie en rose by Edith Piaf as a duet. Celine Dion will be dressed by Dior with a pink and black feather cape'

An insider told TMZ on Wednesday: 'It's basically a done deal. She's doing it. This is all her. No one is pushing her to do it. She has a passion for getting back onstage, and she's gonna do it. She's just prepared to power through it. It won't stop her from performing'

There's currently no one scheduled to headline the 4,700-seat venue after eight-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood (pictured in 2023) concludes her Reflection residency on October 26

The Resorts World Theatre features a 13,550-square-foot stage, a 576-square-foot stage lift that can sustain up to 86,400 lbs, 5K square feet of customizable LED screens, and 267 speakers (2022 stock shot)

Celine - who still owns a $1.2M three-bedroom home in Henderson, NV - previously had a $296.2M-grossing self-titled residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from 2011-2019 after her prior A New Day residency grossed $385M between 2003-2007 (pictured in 2015)

On July 3, The US Sun reported Dion 'has the full support of AEG' and she's spent 'the last eight months rehearsing with musicians and voice therapists' in order to prepare to perform a 70-minute concert of greatest hits

The five-time Grammy winner vowed to TODAY host Hoda Kotb on June 11: 'I'm gonna go back onstage, even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to talk with my hands, I will. I will. I am Celine Dion'

Celine could be seen suffering through severe muscle spasms and other painful symptoms in Irene Taylor's critically-acclaimed documentary I Am: Celine Dion, which was released June 25 on Amazon Prime Video

Dion is currently in Paris ahead of her rumored $2M gig performing with 13-time Grammy winner Lady Gaga (R, pictured in 2010) during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics this Friday along the banks of the Seine

The Quebec-born belter tweeted on Wednesday: 'Every time I return to Paris, I remember there's so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world. I love Paris, and I'm so happy to be back!'

'Every time I return to Paris, I remember there's so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world,' the Quebec-born belter - who boasts 45.8M social media followers - tweeted on X Wednesday.

'I love Paris, and I'm so happy to be back! Thank you to our wonderful friends at The Louvre!'

On the personal front, Celine has three sons - Rene-Charles, 23; as well as fraternal twins Eddy and Nelson, 13 - from her 21-year marriage to former manager Rene Angelil who died, age 73, from throat cancer in 2016.

Dion - who still gets 19.4M monthly listeners on Spotify - was only 12 when the twice-divorced father-of-three took her on and reportedly mortgaged his home to fund her first record La voix du bon Dieu in 1981.
Chris Brown was sued by a security guard who claimed he suffered neck and hip injuries while breaking up a brawl that already triggered a $50 million lawsuit.

Security guard Frederick R. Overpeck filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against Brown, 35, and Yella Beezy seeking at least $15 million in damages, according to an article by TMZ.

Overpeck in court documents said he was working as a security guard at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 20 and was assigned to the backstage meet-and-greet area where the alleged brawl occurred.

Brown, Dallas-based rapper Yella Beezy and the corporation Live Nation were named in a $50 million lawsuit filed earlier this week by four plaintiffs over an alleged attack during the 11:11 tour in Fort Worth.

Overpeck's lawsuit backed their version of events that Brown ordered the attack and described the scene as a 'prison yard beatdown', according to court documents.

Chris Brown, shown performing earlier this month in Houston, was sued by a security guard who claimed he suffered neck and hip injuries while breaking up a brawl

The lawsuit claimed that when Overpeck, 58, tried to step in that he was assaulted with punches and kicks from Brown's associates.

Overpeck, a father with two jobs, said he didn't know who Brown was and claimed he was left with cracked vertebrae in his neck and a severely injured hip, according to court documents.

The plaintiffs in the earlier case - Larry Parker, Joseph Lewis, Charles Bush and Da Marcus Powell - said the incident occurred July 20 after Brown's concert at the Dickies Arena, according to TMZ.

The four plaintiffs said in legal docs that they had been invited and escorted into the backstage area with a group of 40 women to socialize following the show.

The plaintiffs said in court docs that the Forever artist took about a half-hour to arrive in the VIP area at the venue, at which point they were ready to leave.

Plaintiff Charles Bush said that he greeted the musical artist and told him he had performed well that night, according to the outlet.

While Brown was initially gracious, a member of his entourage began to sow trouble in suggesting that Brown and Bush had past personal issues with one another.

Bush said the entourage member suggested to Brown, 'Man you don't remember you two were beefing?' at which point Brown said in response, 'Oh yeah, we were. What's up, n****? I don't forget s***.'

Security guard Frederick R. Overpeck filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against Brown, shown performing in June in Detroit, and Yella Beezy seeking at least $15 million in damages, according to an article by TMZ

Rapper Yella Beezy, pictured in 2020 in Miami, was also named in the lawsuit by security guard Overpeck after previously being sued with Brown by four plaintiffs over the brawl

Bush said in legal docs that Brown told members of his crew to physically assault him, the outlet reported, at which point a group of seven to 10 men surrounded him and hit and kicked him.

Bush told the court that one of Brown's associates known as 'Hood Boss' launched a chair toward his head.

In the legal docs, the four plaintiffs said that Brown also dispatched Yella Beezy, 32, and his associates to assault Larry Parker, as a group of men chased him toward a staircase that ended at a locked door, the outlet reported.

The plaintiffs said Brown ordered the men to 'f*** up' Parker, who endured an assault for more than 10 minutes of punches and kicks to his head.

Brown egged on his associates to join in on the assault, the plaintiffs told the court.

The four plaintiffs said they all had to seek medical attention in the wake of the attack after suffering 'severe injuries' as result, according to the outlet.
Channel Seven is spending big renovating its offices in Parliament House with a new TV studio - including a flashy desk set-up - after axing about 150 workers amid financial woes.

Seven's offices at the Press Gallery in Canberra have turned into a construction zone for the parliamentary winter break, with 'warning' signs fixed to the doors and tape over the handles and locks.

Staffers have been told to use the West Australian newspaper's suite down the hall until the renovations are complete.

Daily Mail Australia understands Seven's floorspace is almost doubling in size after it bought the office next door from rival Network Ten years ago during its own budget cuts.

While the costly refurbishments are underway, dozens of loyal staffers from across the Seven West Media empire have been left jobless amid what the network now describes as a 'cost reduction program'.

Staff across editorial, television, marketing and sales teams have been axed, with a number of high-profile - and highly-paid - TV presenters already chopped.

One high-profile victim was long-serving Brisbane newsreader Sharyn Ghidella, who was sacked over the phone while at a hair salon preparing for an upcoming network promotion.

Pictured: Long-serving Brisbane newsreader Sharyn Ghidella, who was sacked over the phone

A Seven spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the Press Gallery renovations were organised well before the network fell into financial strife.

'The renovation of Sevens Parliament House office has been in the works since early 2022, long before the current cost reduction program,' they said.

The situation is so dire the network's billionaire owner Kerry Stokes will fly into Sydney from Perth next week and take up residence on the executive floor of Seven's Eveleigh headquarters.

It is understood that he will take a hands-on approach as the troubled network attempts to arrest months of damaging headlines and internal turmoil - and his impending arrival has done little to ease staff concerns.

Seven's title as the country's most popular free-to-air network largely spiralled in the wake of the Bruce Lehramnn Spotlight saga, when former producer Taylor Auerbach began slinging allegations at his former employer in the Federal Court.

He alleged the network had reimbursed Lehrmann for drugs and sex workers while trying to seduce him into doing an exclusive interview on Spotlight.

The network repeatedly refuted those allegations, but the damage was done - Seven has now been struck with a wave of leadership turmoil and financial cuts.

Seven's offices at the Canberra Press Gallery are being renovated (pictured)

Seven Press Gallery offices have 'warning' signs on the doors and tape over the handles and locks (pictured)

Among those to depart recently include director of news and current affairs Craig McPherson, managing director James Warburton, commercial director Bruce McWilliam, and Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn.

Replacing Mr McPherson was Anthony De Ceglie, who previously worked as a newspaper editor and had no experience in television, was promoted to the top editorial position at Channel Seven in April.

Veteran journalist Robert Ovadia also left the network after ABC Four Corners made inquiries about the alleged toxic culture in the Seven newsroom.

Ovadia allegedly took images from a female producer's personal Instagram page and turned them into a 'caricature' before sharing them with her, Daily Mail Australia previously revealed.

He has now filed a claim with the Fair Work Commission against both De Ceglie and Seven, and is seeking compensation and to be reinstated to the job he held for 23 years.

There are also rumours that long-standing news presenter Mark Ferguson - who is reportedly on a salary of up to $750,000 - could be in the firing line, with presenter Angela Cox turning heads with a rare series of solo appearances this week.

Kerry Stokes (pictured with his wife Christine Simpson Stokes) is flying to Sydney to deal with the ratings issues

Seven's long-time Sydney newsreader Mark Ferguson (pictured) could also be in the firing line

Meanwhile, Ms Ghidella was reportedly axed from the network's Brisbane bureau because she was on a much higher salary than her co-host Max Futcher.

'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 on social media.

'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.'

Secret internal ratings figures obtained by Daily Mail Australia revealed 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.
Cardi B transformed into a food critic as she shared her honest review of Popeyes' honey lemon pepper-flavored chicken wings while in a New York recording studio on Tuesday morning at 4:30am.

'This flavor is not it. This lemon pepper flavor with honey or this sweet taste on it, it's just not good. It tastes like a f***ing Sprite soda,' the 31-year-old Grammy winner - who boasts 247M social media followers - lamented via Instastory.

'I don't f***ing like it. From one through 10, I'll give it a two. I like the other one. I like the the sweet heat [sweet 'n spicy]. I was trying to [choose something] different. I was trying to do the lemon pepper. I did not think it would come with a sweet kick to it. I don't f***ing like it. It's a dud. Now I'm mad.'

Cardi (born Belcalis Almanzar) is from the Bronx, and she went on to praise her home state.

'Which state is better than New York? Because we are literally eating Popeyes though at 4:30 in the morning,' the On Dat Money rapper noted.

Cardi B transformed into a food critic as she shared her honest review of Popeyes' honey lemon pepper-flavored chicken wings while in a New York recording studio on Tuesday morning at 4:30am

'That's crazy! There's no place on Earth that's serving Popeyes at 4:30 in the morning...Your state is not giving like New York!'

Meanwhile, a rep for the 52-year-old fast-food chain told TMZ on Wednesday that they plan on sending Cardi a special care package so she can taste test their other four flavors - ghost pepper, honey BBQ, roasted garlic parmesan, and signature hot.

'If you can't take the heat, then get out of the kitchen. And we are in the kitchen. A lot,' Popeyes PR told the outlet.

'We welcome all Wing rankings and reviews as we believe variety is the spice of life and that's why we have six flavors for wing enthusiasts like Cardi to enjoy.'

Speaking of food, the Kamala Harris supporter announced Wednesday via X that she 'just secured a really big distribution deal' for Whipshots: 'I'm really proud of myself Everything is actually falling into place and happening at the right time!'

It's been three years since Starco Brands enlisted Cardi to be their partner/creative director of the 10% vodka-infused, vegan whipped cream (available in caramel, mocha, vanilla, and lime) - which have reportedly sold over 5M cans.

However, the half-Dominican, half-Trinidadian star - who gets 31.5M monthly listeners on Spotify - has yet to release the follow-up to her 2018 debut studio album Invasion of Privacy.

On Wednesday, Cardi also Instastoried a video of her two-year-old son Wave Set Cephus and six-year-old daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus playing on their backyard swing set.

The 31-year-old Grammy winner - who boasts 247M social media followers - lamented via Instastory: 'This flavor is not it. This lemon pepper flavor with honey or this sweet taste on it, it's just not good. It tastes like a f***ing Sprite soda. I don't f***ing like it'

Cardi (born Belcalis Almanzar) continued: 'From one through 10, I'll give it a two. I like the other one. I like the the sweet heat [sweet 'n spicy]. I was trying to [choose something] different. I was trying to do the lemon pepper. I did not think it would come with a sweet kick to it. I don't f***ing like it. It's a dud. Now I'm mad'

The On Dat Money rapper is from the Bronx, and she went on to praise her home state: 'Which state is better than New York? Because we are literally eating Popeyes though at 4:30 in the morning. That's crazy! There's no place on Earth that's serving Popeyes at 4:30 in the morning...Your state is not giving like New York!'

A rep for the 52-year-old fast-food chain told TMZ on Wednesday that they plan on sending Cardi a special care package so she can taste test their other four flavors - ghost pepper, honey BBQ, roasted garlic parmesan, and signature hot

Speaking of food, the Kamala Harris supporter announced Wednesday via X that she 'just secured a really big distribution deal' for Whipshots: 'I'm really proud of myself Everything is actually falling into place and happening at the right time!'

It's been three years since Starco Brands enlisted Cardi to be their partner/creative director of the 10% vodka-infused, vegan whipped cream (available in caramel, mocha, vanilla, and lime) - which have reportedly sold over 5M cans

On Wednesday, the half-Dominican, half-Trinidadian star also Instastoried a video of her two-year-old son Wave Set Cephus and six-year-old daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus playing on their backyard swing set

Cardi allegedly separated from her husband Offset (R) for the second time last November, but they certainly put on a strong united front at Disneyland Paris with their children on July 9

'Be careful!' the Wanna Be rapper could be heard telling her children.

'Me help? You need help? Okay, gotta go.'

Cardi allegedly separated from her husband Offset for the second time last November, but they certainly put on a strong united front at Disneyland Paris with their children on July 9.

The Love & Hip Hop: New York alum and the 32-year-old Grammy nominee (born Kiari Cephus) went on their first date at the 2017 Super Bowl, and they've been married for over six years.
Alec Baldwin was hailed for his kindness by Brett Ashley McMillan, the mother of two child actors working on his tragically-troubled film Rust.

The Western film has been in the headlines for nearly three years after the shooting death of the movie's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October of 2021 in which Baldwin was holding the gun, as the criminal case in Santa Fe, New Mexico against the actor was thrown out of court earlier this month.

McMillan on Wednesday evening posted a slideshow of images of her son Easton with the Oscar-nominated actor, 66, on the set of the movie, in which production resumed in the spring of 2023 in Montana.

'On the movie set RUST,' McMillan captioned the post. 'Easton made friends for life with Patrick and Alec Baldwin has been the kindest actor we have ever worked with. Easton misses you, Alec. Thanks for being such a light and friend to him.'

In reference to her children, McMillan wrote, 'My talented boys. Dalton appeared in the film, too (see him in picture 6 - hes the handsome blonde).'

Alec Baldwin, 66, was praised by Brett Ashley McMillan, the mother of two child actors working on his film Rust. Baldwin pictured with costars Patrick Scott McDermott (L) and McMillan's son Easton on the set of the movie, which resumed production in 2023 in Montana after the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October of 2021

McMillan posed with her son Easton on the set of the motion picture

McMillan said in the comment thread that 'every picture posted, content and memory has Halyna Hutchins in our hearts.

'She wanted this film finished and what an absolute HONOR to be a small piece of her incredible project. Nothing but love for her and her family.'

In the slideshow, McMillan - an actress herself who has been seen on the show Yellowstone and in the film Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana - was seen posed on the set with her son Easton, who was in Western costume for his role in the movie.

In one image, Easton posed with Baldwin and Patrick Scott McDermott, while in another shot, the child actor was seen looking at a phone alongside Baldwin.

The post drew a variety of responses in the comment section, as some people thought it was inappropriate in the wake of Hutchins' tragic on-set death in the fall of 2021.

One user said, 'This is in extremely poor taste,' while another added, 'Out of respect they should not finish that film.'

Said one user: 'I would never mention this film again bad karma, bad taste put it in the can and throw it away.'

Another user commented, 'Trying to show the happy times, I understand. However, the outcome was not happy. Think about Halynas family and stop making it all about you.'

McMillan praised Baldwin and thanked him 'for being such a light and friend' to her son

McMillan said in the comment thread that the post was put up with 'Hutchins in our hearts'

The child actor was seen looking at a phone alongside Baldwin in one of the images

McMillan was with her son on the set of the movie as crew workers prepared for a scene

The child actor was posed on a horse alongside a costar on the set of the Western film

McMillan, an actress herself who has been seen on the show Yellowstone and in the film Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana, shared a selfie from the set of the movie

One user had more of an optimistic take, saying, 'Love these! Hoping something beautiful roses above the dark and comes out of it.'

Another user said: 'I hope the little guy was not there that day the tragedy happened that would be even more [heartbreaking] then it already is. That being said it's great for him to learn from someone with such experience what a great opportunity for [him]!'

One user tagged Baldwin into their comment, writing, 'You definitely did not deserve all of this. What an unfortunate accident.'

In related news, movie armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has asked a judge to dismiss her involuntary manslaughter conviction or convene a new trial in the shooting death of a cinematographer by Baldwin, alleging suppression of evidence and misconduct by the prosecution.

In a court filing July 16, defense counsel for Gutierrez-Reed argued her case should be reconsidered because prosecutors failed to share evidence that might have been exculpatory.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer earlier this month brought Baldwin's trial to a sudden and stunning end based on misconduct of police and prosecutors over the withholding of evidence from the defense in the 2021 shooting.

'This court stated on July 12 that the integrity of the judicial system demanded that the court dismiss Mr. Baldwins case with prejudice,' said defense attorney Jason Bowles in the new court filing. 'How can it be any different with Ms. Gutierrez-Reeds case, with this proven litany of serious discovery abuses?'

Kari Morrissey - lead prosecutor in both the Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed cases - said her written response would be filed in court, declining further comment.

The case-ending evidence at Baldwin's trial was ammunition that was brought into the sheriffs office in March by a man who said it could be related to Hutchins killing.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on the set of the film in October of 2021. Pictured in Utah in 2019

Mourners attended a vigil for the late filmmaker in Burbank, California on October 24, 2021

A number of users in the comment thread were critical of the post and decision to continue with the film following the tragic on-set death

Some users were a bit more optimistic about the film continuing in the wake of the tragedy

Baldwin was seen weeping after the case against him was thrown out on July 12

Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has asked a judge to dismiss her involuntary manslaughter conviction or convene a new trial in the shooting death, alleging suppression of evidence and misconduct by the prosecution. Pictured during her trial in March

Prosecutors said they deemed the ammo unrelated and unimportant, while Baldwin's lawyers alleged they 'buried' it and filed a motion to dismiss the case.

Gutierrez-Reed was convicted by a jury in March in a trial overseen by Judge Marlowe Sommer, who later assigned the maximum 18-month penalty. Gutierrez-Reed already has an appeal pending in a higher court on the involuntary manslaughter conviction.

Prosecutors blamed Gutierrez-Reed for unwittingly bringing live ammunition onto the set of Rust, where it was expressly prohibited, and for failing to follow basic gun safety protocols.

She was acquitted at trial of allegations she tampered with evidence in the Rust investigation. She also has pleaded not guilty to a separate felony charge that she allegedly carried a gun into a bar in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where firearms are prohibited.

Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer for Rust, was pointing a gun at Hutchins during a rehearsal on a movie set outside Santa Fe in October 2021 when the revolver went off, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little have celebrated another career milestone.

The radio duo, who host Hit Network's Carrie & Tommy, have been nominated for two Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs).

Carrie, 43, took to Instagram on Thursday to share the good news.

Alongside a photo of herself and co-host Tommy, 39, she posted that their show had been nominated for 'Best On Air Team' and 'Best Comedy Segment.'

Carrie also added a set of applauding hands emoji to celebrate the nomination.

The drive show, which began in 2017 on the Hit Network, is competing against other Australian radio stars such as Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson, Jase Hawkins and Lauren Phillips, and Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller.

It comes as the radio duo took out Australia's #1 Drive Show in Melbourne and Brisbane during survey four, making it their third consecutive win.

It's the best result the Hit Network has received for the Drive slot since 2018, and the best result in Drive for Brisbane B105 since 2010.

Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little have celebrated another career milestone. The radio duo, who host Hit Network's Carrie & Tommy, have been nominated for two Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs). Both pictured

Alongside a promo picture of herself and co-host Tommy, 39, she posted that their show had been nominated for 'Best On Air Team' and 'Best Comedy Segment'

'We are stunned and stoked by this result  thank you, Australia, for making us #1 and tuning in every day for our crazy antics, laughs, and fun,' the co-hosts said.

'This unreal result is a testament to our phenomenally hard-working team, and our wider team across the Hit Network.

'We can't wait for you to see the exciting things we've got planned for the rest of 2024.'

It comes as the radio duo took out Australia's #1 Drive Show in Melbourne and Brisbane during survey four, making it their third consecutive win

Carrie and Tommy currently boast an 11.1 per cent share of the market across Australia, with an 11.7 per cent share in Melbourne and 17 per cent share in Brisbane.

Their show's successful year comes amid rumours the blonde bombshell dated Tommy following her split with her husband Chris Walker.

Last year, the pair hosted their HIT FM radio show from Paris, France, which had fans convinced they are romantically involved.

Carrie announced her split from her partner of eleven years at the start of last year, while Tommy had been reportedly single after his split from girlfriend Natalie Kyriacou in 2021.

Tommy rushed to Carrie's side last January when she confirmed her breakup, leading insiders to speculate their friendship could evolve into something more.
Leonardo DiCaprio seemingly needs to tread more carefully after investing in a vegan trainer brand, which has reported huge losses, after he faced accusations of eco-hypocrisy.

The Hollywood movie star and environmental activist, 49, is said to have a personal fortune of $300 million and used some of that staggering fortune to invest in Wild Loci.

Leo's investment in the company came after he faced increasing accusations of hypocrisy for enjoying a lavish lifestyle while calling on others to fight against climate change.

The British firm crafts vegan trainers from recycled bamboo, foam and rubber, and also recycles 20 plastic bottles into every pair it makes.

The range of trainers come in both women's and men's designs and sizes and retail from 120 to 170 ($155 - $220).

Leonardo DiCaprio seemingly needs to tread more carefully after investing in a vegan trainer brand, which has reported huge losses, after he faced accusations of eco-hypocrisy (pictured in May last year)

The Hollywood movie star and environmental activist, 49, is said to have a personal fortune of $300 million and used some of that staggering fortune to invest in Wild Loci (pictured at UN in 2016)

However, Leo may think twice about putting more of his hard earned cash in, as recently reported accounts show the company has made significant losses.

According to statements filed at Companies House, Wild Loci Ltd made a loss of 2,700,454 ($3,479,440) by April 2023.

While the documents show that the brand reported a loss of 966,809 ($1,245,796) the year before.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Leonardo DiCaprio for comment.

Leo has long been an outspoken advocate for environmental issues and has called climate change 'the most urgent threat facing our entire species'.

The Oscar winner established The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998 aged 24 with the mission of bringing attention and funding to the protection of biodiversity, ocean and forest conservation, and climate change.

The actor also serves on the board of several environmental protection organisations including the World Wildlife Fund, the Natural Resources Defense Council, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Pristine Seas and Oceans 5.

He is also said to have funnelled 75 million ($97 million) of his mammoth wealth into a global conservation project to protect endangered species and land from developers.

Leo's investment in the company came after he faced increasing accusations of hypocrisy for enjoying a lavish lifestyle with numerous houses and propensity for yachts and private jets (pictured in 2016)

The British firm crafts vegan trainers from recycled bamboo, foam and rubber, and also recycles 20 plastic bottles into every pair it makes, retailing from 120 to 170

But, according to statements filed at Companies House, Wild Loci Ltd made a loss of 2,700,454 by April 2023 and reported a loss of 966,809 the year before

Leo has been honoured with the Clinton Global Citizen Award for his philanthropic work and is a United Nations Messenger of Peace for climate change.

But he has come under fire in recent years, being accused of exhibiting eco-hypocrisy with his lavish lifestyle.

Along with his numerous houses and propensity for hosting luxury yacht parties, he has been particularly criticised for his use of gas-guzzling private jets for lengthy trips in short spaces of time.

In 2016, Leo was ridiculed for an 8,000 mile trip via private jet from Europe to New York City to accept an award for his environmental activism.

Carbon emissions for private jets vary, but by some accounts are more than 37 times higher than flying commercial.

After causing a wave of controversy with the trip, the Titanic star appeared keen to make amends in 2021 - travelling commercially to Glasgow for the COP26 eco summit.

But last year he appeared to be back up to his old ways and once again was accused of double-standards.

In March, Leo attended the Green Carpet Fashion Award alongside leaders in sustainable fashion and activism in Los Angeles.

Leo has been particularly criticised for his use of gas-guzzling private jets for lengthy trips in short spaces of time and in March 2023 attended the Green Carpet Fashion Award alongside leaders in sustainable fashion and activism in Los Angeles (pictured with Sonia Guajajara)

But his appearance came after he clocking up over 12,000 airmiles in two weeks while enjoying nights out with numerous models and flying in between the US and cities such as London, Milan, and Paris

But his appearance came after he clocking up over 12,000 airmiles in two weeks while enjoying nights out with numerous models and flying in between the US and cities such as London, Milan, and Paris.

Wild Loci was founded in 2021 by a quartet of Londoners including Emmanuel Eribo, and a slew of investors, including Leo, have injected 3million ($3,865,695) into the company over the past 12 months.

Leonardo's 12K mile trip Feb 19 - 5,642 trip from LA to London Leo was spotted in London on February 19 and enjoyed a string of nights out during the BAFTAS and LFW February 25 - 595 mile trip from London to Milan From one fashion week to another, he was snapped enjoying a night out with Gigi Hadid in Milan on February 25 March 2 - 397 mile trip from Milan to Paris It was time for some French fun as the actor threw his own celeb-filled bash in the capital on March 2 March 9 - 5,642 mile trip from Paris to Los Angeles: After last being spotted in Paris over the weekend, Leo returned to his home city of LA and headed to the awards bash on March 9 Advertisement

Its footwear has been spotted on the feet of number of big names like actress Lily James and Princess Eugenie.

While the brand also recently collaborated with rapper Nicki Minaj, who curated a collection that 'blends street-cool aesthetics with high-fashion chic.'

Speaking about the collaboration, Nicki said: 'I wanted to ensure that the culture I grew up with, one of never giving up, was mirrored in my collection. It's more than just fashion; it's a lifestyle.

'I'll never put out a single pair that I don't wear. My fans know that about me. It'll always be 'Nicki approved'.'

In a statement to MailOnline concerning the company's losses, Emmanuel said: 'People look at LCI and think its a fully fledged brand because of all the star power weve had supporting us and the notable achievements weve had. Its really important to realise that the brand is only just 3 years old, ambitious and investing simultaneously in both the U.K. and U.S market.

'That investment requires an upfront cost to achieve our ambitions. Along the way weve not focused exclusively on profits but on contributing to our missions of removing plastic bottles from the ocean, saving sea turtles and other such projects, and supporting young talented artists in a number of fields.

'It is remarkable that a small British brand gets so much exposure today but its also really important that we give it room to mature into the fully fledged sustainable business it aims to be. For that time is important.

'It is impossible to judge any company especially a startup merely by its published accounts.'

Speaking about Leo's investment in July last year, Emmanuel told the Mail's Richard Eden: 'Leonardo DiCaprio is one of our investors. He's an absolute star and sees the world the same way we see it.

Wild Loci was founded in 2021 by a quartet of Londoners including Emmanuel Eribo (pictured), and its footwear has been spotted on the feet the likes of Lily James and Princess Eugenie

The brand also recently collaborated with rapper Nicki Minaj (pictured in March) who curated a collection that 'blends street-cool aesthetics with high-fashion chic'

'It's been an absolute blessing having him on the team. You can't ignore it's a British brand and he's betting on it.

'He didn't need to do this  there's definitely something in there that is tugging on him.'

He gushed: 'If I could say things about Leo, I'd probably use two words: genuine and kind. You can care about the world and still want good things'.

While Leo himself said: 'I am proud to be an investor in LCI, a brand dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact, and centred around creating cruelty-free, ethical footwear.'
Ryan Reynolds poked fun at Hugh Jackman's recent divorce from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday.

The actor, 47, alluded to his Deadpool & Wolverine co-star's marital status after a fan asked whether they had girlfriends.

During the opening monologue of Jimmy Kimmel Live! the pair, wearing stylish suits with undone bow ties, took questions from the audience.

One girl, 11-year-old Maya, asked the two guest hosts if they were looking for girlfriends because they both seemed lonely.

After thanking her for her question, Ryan replied that he was married to Blake Lively before pointing at Hugh, 55, and gibbering, causing the Les Miserables star to chuckle and shake his head, alluding to Hugh's now single status.

Ryan Reynolds poked fun at Hugh Jackman 's recent divorce from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday

Hugh and his wife of 27 years Deborra-Lee Furness, 68, announced their shock split in September 2023, telling fans they separated 'to pursue our individual growth'

The superhero actors looked dapper as they delivered their jokes in the opening monologue in relaxed tuxedos with undone bow ties and sharp suit jackets.

Hugh and his wife of 27 years Deborra-Lee, 68, announced their shock split in September 2023, telling fans they separated 'to pursue our individual growth'.

The Australian actor is very private and has rarely spoken about his divorce, but the split has been alluded to in his new blockbuster Deadpool vs Wolverine.

Hugh and Deborra-Lee - who share two adopted children, a son Oscar, 24, and a daughter Ava, 18 - released a joint statement at the time.

They wrote: 'We have been blessed to share almost three decades together in a wonderful, loving marriage,' the couple said in a statement to People at the time.

'Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.

'Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.

'We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition.'

During the opening monologue of Jimmy Kimmel Live! the pair, wearing stylish suits with undone bow ties, took questions from the audience including one about their relationships

One girl, 11-year-old Maya, asked the two guest hosts if they were looking for girlfriends because they both seemed lonely, which prompted Ryan's joke at Hugh's expense

Ryan is happily married to actress Blake Lively, 36 (pictured at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere in New York this week)

The joking around Hugh's divorce comes as Ryan's own marriage was hit by rumours of a breakup, but his wife Blake Lively was quick to shut down speculation.

Underneath an Instagram post she made gushing about her husband and his upcoming movie on Monday, one fan decided to share a comment about divorce rumours.

In response to that comment, the Gossip Girl actress, 36, shared a laughing emoji and clapped back, simply writing: 'Haha they wish.'

She shared a post sharing how proud she was of the Deadpool star, but a fan commented that the silver screen stars 'need to post more of each other.'

'There were rumours going around that you two got divorced and I didn't believe it because you two are literally the perfect couple,' the fan comment read.

Just hours later, Blake joined her husband of nearly 12 years at the star-studded premiere in New York City  where they finally revealed their fourth child's name  of his new movie wearing a sexy, Deadpool-inspired look.

Ryan and Hugh's joking around started off earlier in the day when they arrived on the Jimmy Kimmel set.

The Deadpool actor and his Australian co-star looked relaxed as they emerged from cars waving and smiling at gathered crowds.

Hugh arrived on the set in good spirits, flashing the waiting crowds a peace sign as he emerged from his vehicle in a black polo shirt with dark shades to match

Ryan looked equally cheerful as he smiled while climbing out of his car also wearing a pair of dark sunglasses before heading in for a day of filming with his Deadpool & Wolverine co-star

Ryan and Hugh looked stylish as they arrived on set to guest host Jimmy Kimmel Live! in dapper suits and bow ties, waving and chatting to fans in the crowd

The two friends wore dark sunglasses and hid behind umbrellas before heading into the studio.

The Canadian and Australian stars arrived on the set in good spirits with Hugh flashing the waiting crowds a peace sign as he emerged from his vehicle in a black polo shirt with dark shades to match.

Ryan looked equally cheerful as he smiled while climbing out of his car before heading in for a day of filming.

The comedy duo, who are starring alongside each other in Marvel's Deadpool and Wolverine, walked round the lot, smiling and chatting to waiting fans and laughing with each other.
Sriharsha Devulapalli joined The San Francisco Chronicle in 2022, after finishing his master's degree in data journalism from Columbia University. Prior to this, he was working as a Product Manager for Blue Sky Analytics where he helped build a mapping platform for environmental data.

Previously, he was a software developer with Mint, where he was responsible for data visualizations for the newspapers daily data journalism page  Plain Facts. During his time there, Harsha wrote and produced data visualizations focusing on politics, development and economic issues in India.

Devulapalli also brings with him experience outside of journalism. He had worked with the Urban Design Lab at the Earth Institute, Columbia University and the Hyderabad Urban Lab. He enjoys cities, maps, long walks, vistas, all things transit and making people curious.
Sarah Michelle Gellar looked ageless as she attended The Girl in the Pool world premiere screening in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening.

The actress, 47, wore a stunning white lace mini dress by SHUSHU/TONG while posing for photos at the ALO HQ Screening Room.

Stepping out to support the release of her husband Freddie Prinze Jr.'s latest thriller, she teamed her look with a pair of black stilettos.

To top off her chic outfit, Sarah teamed her outfit with a small box handbag and styled her hair into tousled waves.

Freddie, 48, who stars as the lead character Thomas in the film, opted for a smart bomber jacket and a pink T-shirt for the premiere.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, 47, looks ageless as she attends The Girl in the Pool world premiere screening in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening

The actress wore a stunning white lace mini dress while posing for photos at the ALO HQ Screening Room

The official trailer for the The Girl In The Pool dropped last month, and sees Freddie reunite with Monica Potter, 52, his co-star in the 2001 film Head Over Heels.

The I Know What You Did Last Summer star, 48, plays Thomas, a successful man married to Kristen (Potter) - but also engaging in an extramarital affair with a younger woman.

Thomas' mistress visits him at his home on his birthday, but things take a deadly turn when she is discovered dead by their pool. Panicked, Thomas hides her body in a trunk in the backyard - moments before his wife surprises him with a birthday party in their backyard.

The trailer captures a desperate Thomas attempting to keep the body hidden from guests at his home.

The trailer begins with Thomas' mistress stopping by his home and stripping down into her underwear as they make out by the pool.

But things take a turn for the worse as his mistress is then seen laying on the floor, seemingly deceased, with blood streaked across her face and pooled up on the floor.

It remains unclear how the woman died, but Thomas decides to hide her body.

The panicked man is seen placing her body in a storage trunk in his backyard. 'I love you,' he says. 'But I have a family.'

Stepping out to support the release of her husband Freddie Prinze Jr.'s latest thriller, she teamed her look with a pair of black stilettos

To top off her chic outfit, Sarah teamed her outfit with a small box handbag and styled her hair into tousled waves

Sarah flashed a big smile while waving to the cameras

Freddie, 48, who stars as the lead character Thomas in the film, opted for a smart bomber jacket and a pink T-shirt for the premiere, with the couple joining Rachael Leigh Cook

Rachael and Sarah later joined Clare Grant (centre)

Tyler Lawrence Gray, who plays Alex, was also in attendance

The official trailer for the The Girl In The Pool dropped last month, and sees Freddie reunite with Monica Potter, 52, his co-star in the 2001 film Head Over Heels

The I Know What You Did Last Summer star, 48, plays Thomas, a successful man married to Kristen (Potter) - but also engaging in an extramarital affair with a younger woman.

But not long after the incident, he is surprised with a crowd of loved ones in his backyard by his wife.

Despite his family being there for him, Thomas is anxious for the festivities to end. 'How much longer do we have to do this?' he asks his wife.

'Why are you asking me that?' Kristen asks.

In the bathroom, Thomas attempts to calm himself down, telling himself in the mirror, 'Just breathe, everything's going to be OK.'

But his father-in-law, already suspicious of Thomas, overhears the conversation.

'Were you talking to yourself or your mistress?' his father-in-law asks as Thomas emerges from the bathroom.

Thomas' anxious behavior raises eyebrows from another guest at the party who tells him, 'I've been watching you all night looking over your shoulder.'

An unexpected guest also arrives to the party - the man married to Thomas' mistress.

The horror begins after his mistress arrives at his home on his birthday

But things take a turn for the worse as his mistress is then seen laying on the floor, seemingly deceased, with blood streaked across her face and pooled up on the floor

Thomas hides her body in a trunk in his backyard

Potter and Prinze in the 2001 film Head Over Heels

The concerned husband tells Thomas and Kristen that he has been unable to find his wife, but her Uber account revealed she was last dropped off at Thomas' residence.

'The last location she came to was here but her phone keeps going to voicemail,' Kevin explains.

Thomas returns to the chest where he placed his mistress and finds her phone, ringing with a phone call from Kevin.

Fans will have to wait until July 26 to see how the thriller resolves.
Coronation Street Sue Devaney and her husband BBC journalist Jim O'Farrell looked the picture of happiness as they tied the knot three years after they got engaged.

First pictures from the day reveal Sue, 57, wore a quirky red dress and glitzy headband as she walked down the aisle earlier this year.

It was revealed this week that Sue, who plays Debbie Webster in the ITV soap, tied the knot for the first time in a 'low-key' ceremony.

It was revealed by The Sun on Wednesday that Sue and Jim's wedding day took place in Skipton, North Yorkshire.

The soap star looked stunning for her big day donning the red off-the-shoulder gown with ruched detailing, which she paired with a pearl tiara.

Coronation Street Sue Devaney and her husband BBC journalist Jim O'Farrell looked the picture of happiness as they tied the knot three years after they got engaged

First pictures from the day reveal Sue, 57, wore a quirky red dress and glitzy headband as she walked down the aisle earlier this year

Jim matched with his wife as he sported a red tie and pocket square, as well as a boutonniere - a floral decoration attached to a suit.

A source told the publication of their wedding: 'It was a beautiful day. Sue looked a million dollars.

'It was a lovely ceremony and very low key considering Sue's fame. Everyone is really happy for them.'

Speaking in 2016, she told The Big Issue: 'I never married because I was married to the job.

'I never had any children and I'm now nearly 50 and I think I've missed that opportunity but it's only because I was busy doing what I was doing.'

She added: 'People think you can have it all  I don't think you can.

'I like to do one thing and not juggle about 25 plates.'

Sue joined Coronation Street in 1984, but after six months she left the soap in 1985.

It was revealed this week that Sue, who plays Debbie Webster in the ITV soap, tied the knot for the first time in a 'low-key' ceremony

It was revealed this week that Sue, who plays Debbie Webster in the ITV soap, tied the knot for the first time in a 'low-key' ceremony

Sue joined Coronation Street in 1984, but after six months she left the soap in 1985

Sue (pictured in 2021) also has an extensive stage career with rolls in London productions of When We Were Married, The Wind in the Willows, and The Land or the Living

Then in 2019, it was announced that Sue would be returning to the cobbles as Debbie after a huge 34-year absence.

A year later it was revealed that Sue's return would be a permanent one.

The Lancashire actress has also appeared in Jonny Briggs as Rita Briggs from 1985 to 1987.

Following that, Sue played Liz Harker in Casualty between 1994 and 1997 and later portrayed Jane in Dinner Ladies.

In 2019, it was announced that Sue would be returning to the cobbles as Debbie after a huge 34-year absence

She also has an extensive stage career with rolls in London productions of When We Were Married, The Wind in the Willows, and The Land or the Living.

She also starred in the Mamma Mia! musical for a summer season in Blackpool Opera House.

In the early 1990s she appeared in a commercial for the Gateway supermarket chain; was in Shameless, and last November appeared on the BBC1 quiz programme 'Pointless Celebrities'.
Screen legend Hayley Mills arrived on the red carpet at Trap world premiere with her rarely-seen pop star son on Wednesday.

The British actress, 78, who previously revealed she wished she focused more on her children, posed with the 51-year-old actor inside Alice Tully Hall.

Crispian Mills, whose father is Brighton Rock producer Roy Boulting, is best known as the frontman of the indie rock band Kula Shaker.

The mother-daughter duo looked happier than ever to reunite on the carpet and spend quality time with one another.

As well as Crispian, Hayley shares film-maker Jason Lawson, 48, with her ex partner Leigh Lawson, who is currently married to Twiggy.

Screen legend Hayley Mills, 78, arrived on the red carpet at Trap world premiere with her rarely-seen pop star son on Wednesday... do you know who he is?

The British actress, who previously revealed she wished she focused more on her children, posed with the 51-year-old actor inside Alice Tully Hall

The Oscar-winner's children, who both live incredibly successful lives, is the grandsons of Hayley's father Sir John Mills.

At the world premiere, Hayley looked incredible in an all black ensemble, slipping into a dazzling sequin-collared jacket and trousers.

Crispian wore a dapper black blazer and tight trousers, teamed with chunky biker boots.

In 2022, Hayley offered some sage advice to fellow parents, albeit with the benefit of hindsight: dont neglect your children.

But despite not always being around, Hayley is pleased her boys followed in her creative footsteps.

The mother-of-two told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden: If theres ever any doubt about taking a job or spending time with your children  do the latter.

'Looking back now  I didnt. I spent too much time away.

Theyve survived, and theyre both wonderful men who Im incredibly proud of, but they didnt have an easy time.'

Crispian Mills, whose father is Brighton Rock producer Roy Boulting, is best known as the frontman of the indie rock band Kula Shaker

The mother-daughter duo looked happier than ever to reunite on the carpet and spend quality time with one another

At the world premiere, Hayley looked incredible in an all black ensemble, slipping into a dazzling sequin-collared jacket and trousers

As well as Crispian, Hayley shares film-maker Jason Lawson, 48, with her ex partner Leigh Lawson, who is currently married to Twiggy (Hayley ad Jason pictured in 2023)

Since the age of 13, Hayley was a Disney child star, making popular family films such as Pollyanna and The Parent Trap. (Pictured: Hayley Mills in a promotional shot for the film Pollyanna)

Since the age of 13, Hayley was a Disney child star, making popular family films such as Pollyanna and The Parent Trap.

She has also starred in the ITV1 drama Wild At Heart, as Amanda Holdens mother.

Hayley received her first ever Oscar at the age of 14 for Pollyanna - meanwhile a long and distinguished career as a movie star her father John was never awarded one.

The film became so iconic a remake was released in 1961 starring Lindsay Lohan who played both of the twins.

Hayley previously revealed how she secretly battled breast cancer after being diagnosed with the disease on her 62nd birthday in April 2008.

She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, until doctors told her the cancer had gone in 2010. She kept her illness private and only family members knew until years later.

At the time she told the Daily Mail: They found cancer in both breasts and I had surgery very quickly. For me it helped to keep the news to myself. Thats the sort of person I am.

I know people who needed to tell all their friends, but for me it was a private thing and it helped me to get on with life as normally as possible.'
Love Island winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu will be mixing with Hollywood A-listers at the upcoming Emmy Awards after landing a shock nomination.

The reality star, 29, is up for a gong for her role in the US Traitors, which aired shortly before her stint in Celebrity Big Brother last March.

Ekin-Su was the focus of the series' most talked-about moment during an episode called The Funeral which saw her buried alive.

And the episode has been nominated for Outstanding Cinematography For A Reality Programme and Ekin-Su is expected to attend the glittering ceremony, to be held at the Peacock Theatre in LA this September, and potentially pick up the prize alongside cast and crew.

The series, hosted by Scot Alan Cumming, has also been nominated for Outstanding Reality Competition Programme at the Emmys, which will see the likes of Netflix hit Baby Reindeer plus US dramas The Bear and The Morning Show  starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon  battle it out for the major gongs.

Love Island winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu will be mixing with Hollywood A-listers at the upcoming Emmy Awards after landing a shock nomination

The reality star is up for a gong for her role in the US Traitors, which aired shortly before her stint in Celebrity Big Brother last March

The Emmy nomination will help Ekin-Su's bid to crack the States and according to sources close to the former soap actress, she has some exciting opportunities lined up.

The source told MailOnline: 'Ekin-Su has become hot property in the US, with producers keen to meet with her to discuss TV ventures.

'She's caught the attention of big execs courtesy of her role on The Traitors who feel she could be a fit for some exciting projects coming up.'

Ekin-Su has been flying out to New York and LA over the last few months, working with a US visa, speaking to several agents.

All being well, it's likely the Turkish actress will look to move across the pond permanently if the right opportunity arises.

Her Emmy gong is a positive end to a tough year which saw her split from longterm boyfriend and Love Island co-star Davide Sanclimenti, 29, and become embroiled in a bullying row on Celebrity Big Brother which knocked her confidence so much, her team pulled her out of appearing on the series finale.

The source added: 'Ekin-Sun has proved how resilient she is. She's really turned things around.

'Her career is the top priority right now, and she's fully focused on becoming the best version of herself.

The Emmy nomination will help Ekin-Su's bid to crack the States and according to sources close to the former soap actress, she has some exciting opportunities lined up

All being well, it's likely the Turkish actress will look to move across the pond permanently if the right opportunity arises

Ekin's Emmy gong is a positive end to a tough year which saw her split from longterm boyfriend and Love Island co-star Davide Sanclimenti

'She was defined by her past relationships for such a long time, but has proved that she doesn't need somebody else to succeed.'

Ekin-Su and Davide split in January, just 11 months after they were crowned Love Island winners.

She was dealing with the break-up going into her ill-fated stint on Celebrity Big Brother when the star was subject of a post-eviction backlash.

Ekin-Su was embroiled in a bullying row after she was booed by the studio audience, goaded by guest star Layton Williams and mocked by hosts AJ Adudu and Will Best, the latter branding her 'Ekin Boo Hoo Hoo', while appearing on spin-off show Late & Live shortly after her eviction.

The model sparked the onslaught by claiming she was 'edited badly', after being informed by loved ones that she was at risk of being 'cancelled' and fans had 'turned against her' due to the way she had been portrayed.

The reaction of the show's hosts and guests triggered hundreds of Ofcom complaints and ex-CBB host Davina McCall reminding ITV of their duty of care.

Speaking to The Sun about the fallout in May, she said: 'I should never have gone into the Big Brother house. I was angry, hurt, maybe a bit bitter, definitely insecure Big Brother is not where you go to heal heartache, let me tell you.

'I went into the show thinking that I could rebuild myself after everything that happened with Davide, but I came off worse. My guard was up. I blame myself for making a poor choice in my career.'
George Lazenby has announced his 'difficult decision' to retire from acting in an update on Thursday.

The actor, 84, who played the fictional character in the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, admitted that 'getting older has taken its toll'.

Sharing a photo of himself to X, George wrote a heartfelt post saying that while it has been a 'fun ride' he is now looking forward to spending more time with his family.

He shared: 'This hasnt been an easy decision but its time to announce my retirement from work.'

'Therefore, I wont be doing any more acting or making public appearances, doing any more interviews or signing any more autographs as of today. Its been a fun ride but getting older is no fun.

George Lazenby, 84, has announced his 'difficult decision' to retire from acting in an update on Thursday

The actor, who played the fictional character in the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, admitted that 'getting older has taken its toll'

He continued: 'I would like to thank my manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for helping me since 2013 - the best representative I ever had.

'I can now concentrate on spending more time with my family. I sincerely thank everyone out there for your love and support over the years. It has meant a lot to me. George xx.'

The Aussie has the distinction of being the second actor to portray fictional British secret agent James Bond, though he had the shortest tenure of them, as he only starred in a single Bond film.

Lazenby had only acted in commercials when he was cast to replace the original Bond star, Sean Connery.

He declined offers to reprise the role in subsequent Bond films, in favour of having the flexibility to take other roles throughout the 1970s such as Universal Soldier (1971), Who Saw Her Die? (1972), The Shrine Of Ultimate Bliss (1974), The Man From Hong Kong (1975), and The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977).

Although he only starred in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Lazenby's sole film in the series is now considered one of the best Bond films.

Retrospective reviews have praised Lazenby for portraying a more developed emotional life than other Bond actors, and acclaimed filmmakers including Christopher Nolan and Steven Soderbergh have declared the film their favourite of the series.

Sharing a photo of himself to X, George wrote a heartfelt post saying that while it has been a 'fun ride' he is now looking forward to spending more time with his family

The Aussie has the distinction of being the second actor to portray fictional British secret agent, though he only starred in a single Bond film (pictured in 2021)

Connery would ultimately return to star in Diamonds Are Forever (1971), and then return a second time for Never Say Never Again (1983), following Roger Moore's run as the iconic character.

Lazenby was the second actor to portray Agent 007 and at age 29, he was the youngest - being paid $50K for the film.

He had been offered a contract for six more Bond movies, but had been advised by his agent, Ronan O'Rahilly, to turn the deal down.

However, the former superstar has since said he has no regrets, telling the New York Post in 2017: 'It made me famous, and I had to deal with that for a while, which is a pain in the butt. You know, it's just part of me. I don't know why it happened.'

Lazenby worked as a male model and car salesman before landing the iconic role.

The actor's face was recently put on a Royal Mail stamp along with others who have played 007 through the decades.

In December, a member of George's team announced that he was is in recovery after being hospitalised for a brain injury following a fall.

The actor, who fell at his home in November, was rushed to hospital before being cared for at a California nursing home.

Lazenby was the second actor to portray Agent 007 and at age 29, he was the youngest - being paid $50K for the film

He worked as a male model and car salesman before landing the role and had been offered a contract for six more films, but had been advised by his agent, Ronan O'Rahilly, to turn it down

A member of his team from Anders Frejdh Talent Management took to Twitter to update fans on his health, writing: 'I'm very happy to report our client George Lazenby has safely returned home.

'After an accidental fall at home in November leading to a head injury, he's rehabilitated well thanks to the great team at Beverly West Healthcare for which I, his family and friends are grateful for.

'Not easy getting old but at 84, George has certainly demonstrated what a fighter he is. Love and only love.'

In 2020, Lazenby made headlines after he told the Daily Star he'd slept with five girls a day while filming On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

The Aussie star, who described himself as a 'rugged' male model in his younger years, said it was 'outrageous' that he was having so much sex.

He said: 'I was having sex sometimes five times a day. It was outrageous. And that couldn't happen on the set, because there were only eight girls there for the whole nine months. That was rough in those days.'

Lazenby admitted he liked to drink and stay out all night, saying: 'Id go out to four oclock in the morning, sometimes until daybreak'.

But he said that he failed to bed his co-star British actress Diana Rigg, after she caught him pants down with a receptionist at the hotel.

In 2020, Lazenby made headlines after he told the Daily Star he'd slept with five girls a day while filming On Her Majesty's Secret Service, describing himself as a 'rugged' male model in his younger years

But he said that he failed to bed his co-star British actress Diana Rigg, after she caught him pants down with a receptionist at the hotel (pictured together in film)

He said: 'I was in the stunt tent, because there were lot of mattresses in there. And Diana [Rigg] is walking up the path and this bloody stuntman lifted the side of the tent up.

'And I am fully fledged into it and I said: 'Hi'. And she fled and that was the end of our affair. We never got there.'

In 2022, Lazenby received a wave of backlash after he reportedly discussed his sexual conquests and swore at The Music of James Bond show in September in Perth.

He issued a heartfelt apology after he was axed from his own live concert show over complaints about his onstage comments.

Organiser Concertworks announced Lazenby has been dropped from The Music of James Bond tour's Melbourne leg due to his 'unacceptable' comments at the Perth show.

Ticket sales for the show - which features orchestral performances and a sit-down interview with Lazenby - were open to all ages, and there were reportedly children in the audience.

While a recording of his exact statements was not released, a member of the audience described them as 'horrific' during a radio interview with 6PR.

'He spent all of the interview just talking basically about his sexual conquests, he swore, he certainly wasn't talking about his Bond movies, he downplayed the Queen, a day after she died,' the caller said.

In 2022, Lazenby received a wave of backlash after he reportedly discussed his sexual conquests and swore at The Music of James Bond show in September in Perth

He issued a heartfelt apology after he was axed from his own live concert show over complaints about his onstage comments

'He named women he had slept with, and there were children in the audience, and a lot families who had brought their kids probably to their first classical music concert,' they continued.

The caller went on to brand his comments 'creepy', 'offensive', and 'absolutely horrific behaviour.'

In a statement posted to social media, Lazenby begged for forgiveness and insisted her never meant to offend anyone.

He wrote: 'I am sorry and saddened to hear that my stories in Perth on Saturday might have offended some people.

'It was never my intention to make hurtful or homophobic comments and I am truly sorry if my stories that I have shared many times, for example in the documentary BECOMING BOND, were taken that way.'

The actor said his intentions were always pure, and only hoped to 'entertain' people with his life stories.

He continued: 'I personally have friends within my close circle who are gay and I would never wish to offend anyone. Having been surrounded by strong women all my life, I have always admired and respected women and their wishes.'

Lazenby concluded his post with a tribute to his family and friends, saying: 'I figure my real achievements in my life are my kids: when my daughter Melanie recently got married, I was so proud.

'As I am of my other kids, Jennifer - who has made me a great granddad. My younger kids are doing well: George Jnr and my twins, Samuel and Kaitlin. Now in my 80s, family and friends are naturally whats most important to me.'

Organiser Concertworks announced Lazenby has been dropped from The Music of James Bond tour's Melbourne leg due to his 'unacceptable' comments at the Perth show

While a recording of his exact statements was not released, a member of the audience described them as 'horrific' during a radio interview with 6PR

Concertworks condemned Lazenby's conduct in a statement published to Facebook, clarifying that he would no longer join the Melbourne show later that month.

The statement began: 'Concertworks is extremely saddened and disappointed by George Lazenby's language, comments and recollections during The Music of James Bond concert at the Perth Concert Hall on Saturday 10 September.

'These were his personal views and there is no excuse for this in today's society. They do not reflect the views of Concertworks. On behalf of Concertworks, we sincerely apologise to the audience, performers, conductor, WASO and the Perth Concert Hall.

'Concertworks denounces Mr Lazenby's conduct and the final Music of James Bond concert in Melbourne will proceed without Mr Lazenby in attendance.'

Further, The WA Symphony Orchestra (WASO) also issued a similar statement condemning Lazenby's comments, calling them 'totally unacceptable'.

'His views are not shared or endorsed by WASO or Perth Concert Hall. We thank performers Bonnie Anderson and Luke Kennedy, conductor Nicholas Buc and the WASO musicians for their professionalism,' they added.

Lazenby welcomed his first daughter Jennifer at the age of 21 with army sergeant Maureen Powell.

He went on to tie the knot with his girlfriend of three years, Christina Ross Townson, who was an heiress of the Gannett family.

He went on to tie the knot with his girlfriend of three years, Christina Ross Townson, and they welcomed daughter Melanie, 50, and son Zack, who tragically died in 1994 at just 19 years old

He went on to marry former tennis player Pam Shriver in 2002 and they had children George Samuel, 20, and twins Kaitlin Elizabeth and Samuel Robert, 18, but divorced in 2011 (pictured in 2006)

The couple welcomed two children together, daughter Melanie, 50, and son Zack, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour when he was 11 and tragically died in 1994 at just 19 years old.

He and Christina divorced the following year, and he went on to marry former tennis player Pam Shriver in 2002.

They had children George Samuel, 20, and twins Kaitlin Elizabeth and Samuel Robert, 18.

In August 2008, Shriver filed for divorce from Lazenby after six years of marriage, citing 'irreconcilable differences' and their divorce was finalized in May 2011.

Lazenby is also the godfather of model Jodie Kidd, 45, who shared a sweet snap of the pair together last July.

The TV presenter jetted off to Los Angeles to shoot a film and while she was there she took the opportunity to visit the actor.

Lazenby looked to be in good health and spirits as he kissed his godchild on the cheek for their sweet snap.

Jodie captioned her post: 'What a whirlwind of a trip to LA, cant wait to show you my new film.'

'And then the cherry on the cake is I got to hang out with my most wonderful Godfather. The love I have for this man is otherworldly, planning Christmas Georgy.'
Ryan Reynolds left his co-star audibly shocked after beating him in a mathematical challenge while live on air with Capital FM on Thursday morning.

The actor, 47, admitted he wasn't feeling too confident about the task because he sat his 10th grade maths when he was in 12th grade at high school.

However, Ryan stunned Hugh Jackman, 55, when he seemingly solved the puzzle without any difficulty within seconds.

The Deadpool & Wolverine stars Ryan and Hugh were challenged to compete against each other in superhero powers; strength, mind, flexibility, persuasion and kindness.

During the challenge of 'mind' Capital presenter Kemi Rodgers set the two actors a maths-based riddle to workout.

Ryan Reynolds left his co-star audibly shocked after beating him in a mathematical challenge while live on air with Capital FM on Thursday morning

The actor, 47, admitted he wasn't feeling too confident about the task because he sat his 10th grade maths when he was in 12th grade at high school

He said: 'How are you both with your mathematics?' and Ryan replied: 'I wouldn't characterise myself or Hugh as "beautiful mindful", I don't see it in the area;

Kemi replied: Well let's see how it goes because I have a maths problem for you', while Ryan chimed in: 'I think Hugh is very good at maths.'

Hugh said: 'Do you? It's been a long time.'

Ryan added: 'When it comes to money, this guy can add. [] This is actually a sore spot for me by the way, I was in 12th grade, and I was in 10th grade math. Humiliating. But I showed them.'

The problem read: 'There was some people on a double decker bus, 12 people get off the bus at the first stop.'

Ryan joked: 'I'm already dead in the water.'

Kemi added: 'And 10 people get on the bus at that first stop. Now there are 67 people on the bus. How many people were on the bus to begin with?'

Within moments, Ryan answered: '69!', to the shock of everyone in the room.

He said: 'What happeneddid I get that right? In your face Jackman! You will never live this down.'

However, Ryan stunned Hugh Jackman , 55, when he seemingly solved the puzzle without any difficulty within seconds

The Deadpool & Wolverine stars Ryan and Hugh were challenged to compete against each other in superhero powers; strength, mind, flexibility, persuasion and kindness

During the challenge of 'mind' Capital presenter Kemi Rodgers set the two actors a maths-based riddle to workout

It comes after Ryan poked fun at Hugh's recent divorce from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday.

He alluded to his co-star's marital status after a fan asked whether they had girlfriends.

During the opening monologue of Jimmy Kimmel Live! the pair, wearing stylish suits with undone bow ties, took questions from the audience.

One girl, 11-year-old Maya, asked the two guest hosts if they were looking for girlfriends because they both seemed lonely.

After thanking her for her question, Ryan replied that he was married to Blake Lively before pointing at Hugh and gibbering, causing the Les Miserables star to chuckle and shake his head, alluding to Hugh's now single status.

Hugh and his wife of 27 years Deborra-Lee, 68, announced their shock split in September 2023, telling fans they separated 'to pursue our individual growth'.

The Australian actor is very private and has rarely spoken about his divorce, but the split has been alluded to in his new blockbuster Deadpool vs Wolverine.

Hugh and Deborra-Lee - who share two adopted children, a son Oscar, 24, and a daughter Ava, 18 - released a joint statement at the time.

They wrote: 'We have been blessed to share almost three decades together in a wonderful, loving marriage,' the couple said in a statement to People at the time.

'Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.

'Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.

'We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition.'

Listen to Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris and Sian weekdays from 6am  10am across the UK and on Global Player

It comes after Ryan poked fun at Hugh 's recent divorce from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday
Miriam Margolyes left BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt red faced during a cheeky interview on Thursday morning.

The actress, 83, joined the programme to discuss her upcoming live comedy show when things took a cheeky turn.

Addressing her famously outspoken nature, Charlie said: 'I love that you say that the first half is Dickens, the second half is - the first word you used is sex. I mean that's a pointer!'

Miriam explained: 'People are always asking me about it! Even Louis Theroux, who is a very serious and important documentarian.

'When I had an interview with him, he just didn't go above the waist, he was below the waist the whole time. In the end, I had to sort of pull him up a bit.'

Miriam Margolyes left BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt red faced during a cheeky interview on Thursday morning

The actress joined the programme to discuss her upcoming live comedy show when things took a cheeky turn

'You do have a reputation, which you may or may not like for being very open and sometimes using language that like on BBC Breakfast we wouldn't normally use,' Charlie replied.

Miriam laughed: 'I've always been naughty and I've always used naughty words. Even when I was at school, as soon as I used a naughty word I used it because it made people laugh, because it got a reaction!'

The interview comes after admitted thats she continues to work in her eighties because she fears that her future care bills are going to leave her destitute.

The actress, who suffers with spinal stenosis, told the Radio Times: Im worried that I wont have enough money for carers when I finally get paralysed or whatever it is thats going to happen to me.

Spinal stenosis occurs when space around the spinal cord becomes too narrow, compressing the nerves.

Margolyes main source of income is her television work. She stars as Mother Mildred in Call the Midwife, has fronted numerous documentaries, and is also regular raconteur on the chat show circuit, sharing Graham Nortons sofa with the likes of musician will.i.am and the late Friends star Matthew Perry.

She also has a lucrative side hustle making videos for fans on the Cameo website, where she charges 100 for a special greeting clip from her, and estimates it has netted her a whopping 365,000 since 2020.

Last year she earnt 250,000 for her memoir Oh Miriam!

Speaking about her famously outspoken nature, Miriam laughed: 'I've always been naughty and I've always used naughty words. Even when I was at school, because it got a reaction!'

The interview comes after admitted thats she continues to work in her eighties because she fears that her future care bills are going to leave her destitute. (pictured in Call the Midwife)

As well as acting she has a lucrative side hustle making videos for fans on the Cameo website, where she charges 100 for a special greeting clip from her, and estimates it has netted her a whopping 365,000 since 2020

Discussing her financial woes, the Harry Potter star added: Im saving up cash so that I can pay people to look after me and my partner. We dont have children, so I need to make sure Im going to be looked after in the way that Ive become accustomed.

Margolyes, who has been with her partner Heather since 1968, lives in Clapham, south London.

Her latest TV project, a three-part BBC travel series titled Miriam Margolyes: a New Australian Adventure out in August, will see the fearless thespian traveling around on a mobility school.

Last year, Margolyes underwent major heart surgery to replace her aortic valve and it made her reflect on her own mortality. She said: Im always quoting William Saroyan, who says: 'I know that everyone has to die, but I thought an exception might be made in my case.' I know now that is definitely not true.
Patsy Palmer has sparked speculation she may be returning to Albert Square again after she was pictured near the EastEnders set this week.

The actress, 52, who is known for playing Bianca Jackson on the long-running soap, made a brief appearance on the show earlier this year.

However, these new pictures suggest she may be returning for a longer stint ahead of the soap's 40th anniversary next year.

It's unlikely that Patsy would return in a permanent capacity after admitting she would never live in the UK again and leave her 'dream' Malibu life.

The soap star was spotted looking fresh-faced as she left a hotel in London near Elstree Studios where the programme is filmed.

Patsy was wearing a white tank top with a pair of loose linen trousers, with a black jumper wrapped around her shoulders.

Patsy Palmer has sparked speculation she may be returning to Albert Square again after she was pictured near the EastEnders set this week

Patsy Palmer has sparked speculation she may be returning to Albert Square again after she was pictured near the EastEnders set this week

However, these new pictures suggest she may be returning for a longer stint ahead of the soap's 40th anniversary next year

Patsy recently reprised her role as Bianca for a short period for her on-screen daughter Shona McGarty's exit from the show.

Bianca followed her daughter Whitney [Shona] back to Walford, however Whitney soon decided to up sticks and move away.

Bianca remained in the Square with her sister Sonia and her partner Reiss but after clashing with them she decided to leave again.

During emotional scenes ahead of her exit, she confessed to Kat Slater [Jessie Wallace] that she had been dealing with depression.

Viewers watched Bianca get behind the wheel of her van drunk, after vowing to create a life for herself somewhere else.

Before her exit, Bianca told Reiss she knew he had stolen money from his comatosed wife Debbie to fund his IVF treatment with Sonia.

Since then, Reiss has murdered Debbie and Sonia is nonthewiser that she is expecting a baby with a killer.

So Bianca may be back to expose Reiss or hopefully not become his next victim.

It's unlikely that Patsy would return in a permanent capacity after admitting she would never live in the UK again and leave her 'dream' Malibu life

The soap star was spotted looking fresh-faced as she left a hotel in London near Elstree Studios where the programme is filmed

Patsy was wearing a white tank top with a pair of loose linen trousers, with a black jumper wrapped around her shoulders

Other stars set to return for the anniversary include David Wicks [Michael French[] and Chrissie Watts [Tracy-Ann Oberman].

Boss Chris Clenshaw told The Sun: 'As we head towards our 40th year, I think the nostalgic element means a lot.

'Into the autumn and the end of the year, we've got quite a few treats coming up.'

Asked if that meant a return for some favourite characters, Chris replied: 'Maybe. It all depends on the story and where the characters are.

'But it has to come from character, it has to come from story.'

Last year, Pasty admitted she would 'never live in the UK again' as she lives out her 'dream life' in Malibu.

Patsy, who moved to the US with her husband Richard Merkell in 2014, said that 'pinches herself every morning.'

Speaking to DJ Lorcan and DJ YUKI on their podcast Shuffle Skip Repeat on Wednesday, the actress opened up about her life by the ocean.

Patsy said: 'It's beautiful we live in our own little bubble, Malibu is it's own little place, we very much keep ourselves to ourselves and we have a lot of English friends.

'I pinch myself every morning when I wake up and see the ocean it's like a dream. But I've created that.'

Patsy, who moved to the US with her husband Richard Merkell in 2014, said that 'pinches herself every morning

She continued: 'I don't think I would live in England again. I would like to experience something else in life but I'm not too sure if I will.

'I'm very happy and grateful for where I am so I'm not going anywhere fast. I don't know what that might look like. It just depends on life and where it goes. I just think do what makes you happy.'

Recalling a fun night out in Malibu, she exclaimed: 'I met all my idols in one night. I was the only one dancing, and then I got a tip on the shoulder and it was Pharrell Williams.

'He asked if I wanted to dance with him. I got to meet Mary J Blige and Dr Dre that night as well. It was amazing, I'm just so grateful.'

Patsy has been living in the States with her children and husband Richard, after they relocated in 2014 when her time on EastEnders came to an end.

The actress has since turned her attention to her career as a DJ, often travelling to Los Angeles, where she has performed at local venue Sunset at EDITION.

Patsy has also found a new passion as she launched her new wellness page on Instagram, Good and Proper, last year.

The actress - who is referred to as her real name Julie in the States - was catapulted into the spotlight as Bianca on the popular BBC soap in 1993.

Speaking to DJ Lorcan and Yuki on their podcast Shuffle Skip Repeat on Wednesday, the actress opened up about her life by the ocean

Patsy said: 'It's beautiful we live in our own little bubble, Malibu is it's own little place, we very much keep ourselves to ourselves and we have a lot of English friends'

She added: 'I pinch myself every morning when I wake up and see the ocean it's like a dream. But I've created that'

She quit the show in 1999, returned in 2008 and left the series again six years later before moving to Malibu with her family where she practises a life of wellbeing.

Patsy has spoken before about how meditation has helped her handle her struggles with mental health.

During her rise to fame, the Bethnal Green native experimented with drugs and alcohol, but later overcame her substance abuse with therapy.

She told The Sun's Fabulous Magazine at the start of the year: 'It feels so foreign now, Im so far removed from it... I couldnt even do yoga when I was in my 20s because I couldnt sit still.

'Right now is the happiest Ive ever been. Im always in the now and its the only place I want to be.'
Jessica Sepel cut a sophisticated figure as she stepped out to mark the sixth anniversary of her supplements brand JSHealth Vitamins in Sydney on Thursday.

The millionaire founder showed off her incredible sense of style as she joined an array of stars to celebrate at popular spot Sails at Lavender Bay.

She pulled out all the stops in a smart white oversized suit and gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of pointed white heels.

Jessica simply accessorised her ensemble with a pair of hoop earrings and showed off her stunning features with a high-glamour make-up palette.

She celebrated six years of JSHealth Vitamins with a sit-down meal and drinks at the harbourside venue with an array of notable guests.

Usually based in LA, Jessica wanted to host the intimate and special celebration while she was in Australia.

The lunch boasted a menu with ingredients reflecting the essence of JSHealth's product range, with guests enjoying refreshing Magnesium mocktails that featured JSHealth's newly launched Magnesium Powder.

As a leading brand in the health and wellness space, JSHealth Vitamins aims to empower its community to make informed decisions about wellness and the brand takes an intuitive, solution-focused approach to promoting beauty from within.

Jessica Sepel cut a sophisticated figure as she stepped out to mark the sixth anniversary of her supplements brand JSHealth Vitamins in Sydney on Thursday

The millionaire founder showed off her incredible sense of style as she joined an array of stars to celebrate at popular spot Sails at Lavender Bay

She pulled out all the stops in a smart white oversized suit and gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of pointed white heels

Jessica and her husband, JSHealth CEO Dean Steingold, once made the Australian Financial Review's Young Rich List with an estimated worth of $426million.

The company's roaring success now sees JSHealth sell a bottle of vitamins every 10 seconds, and there are now plans to expand into Britain, North America and Asia.

Among the guest list for the lunch was fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow, who looked incredible in a figure-hugging sheer top by Benni, which she styled with a matching skirt.

Tammy paired the elegant garment with white heels and a matching mini Bottega Veneta handbag.

Tammy flew down to Sydney especially for the event from the Gold Coast and appeared in jovial spirits as she posed up a storm at the luncheon.

She smiled for the cameras alongside Amy Castano, who coordinated with Tammy in the exact same outfit, but in a chic light green.

Amy completed her ensemble with pointed white heels while she toted her essentials in a small white handbag for the occasion.

Jessica simply accessorised her ensemble with a pair of hoop earrings and toted her essentials in a Christian Dior handbag

She celebrated six years of JSHealth Vitamins with a sit-down meal and drinks at the harbourside venue with an array of notable guests

Among the guest list for the lunch was fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow, who looked incredible in a figure-hugging sheer top by Benni, which she styled with a matching skirt

Tammy paired the elegant garment with white heels and a matching mini Bottega Veneta handbag

Tammy flew down to Sydney especially for the event from the Gold Coast and appeared in jovial spirits as she posed up a storm at the luncheon

She smiled for the cameras alongside Amy Castano, who coordinated with Tammy in the exact same outfit, but in a chic light green

Sophie Fisher was also among the guest list and looked effortlessly chic in a halter-neck black waistcoat and tailored trousers

The lunch comes after Tammy wowed her fans by revealing the gruelling exercise regimen she is undergoing ahead of her upcoming wedding with Matt Zukowski.

She posted a clip to Instagram which captured her hard at work at a gym as she gave an insight into her fitness regime.

Tammy looked focused as she worked up a sweat by lifting weights and performing a variety of lunges and lower body exercises on a seated leg press machine.

'This challenge is based on the way I love to train and the way I personally see the most results,' she captioned the post.

Tammy and Matt, 28, got engaged in December after just three months of dating and are set to tie the knot in Byron Bay later this year.
The longtime bestie of Taylor Swift used one of her song lyrics to share the news

Taylor Swift's tiniest fan is on the way, with the superstar's best friend announcing she's expecting with a sweet nod to her longtime pal.

Taylor's high school best friend, Abigail Anderson Berard, announced she's going to be a mom in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

Abigail, who has known Taylor since they were 15-years-old, used a quote from The Tortured Poet's Department track, Daddy I Love Him, to reveal her exciting new chapter.

'I'm having his babyyyy,' Abigail wrote, alongside a photo of her eating Cheez-Its showing off her growing baby bump.

Abigail married Charles Berard, a chief technology officer at Celero Commerce, in September 2022. She was previously married to photographer Matt Lucier from 2017 to 2021.

Abigail Anderson Berard, Taylor Swift's tiniest fan is on the way, with the superstar's best friend announcing she's expecting with a sweet nod to her longtime pal

Taylor and Abigail, both 34, have been friends since meeting at Hendersonville High School in Tennessee in an English class when they were just 15

Abigail's post was inundated with well wishes from Swifties, congratulating her on her announcement.

'I know Taylor's fingers are sore from all the knitting. Congratulations,' one wrote.

Many also commented 'OH MY GOD YOU SHOULD SEE OUR FACES,' referencing a lyric from But Daddy I Love Him.

'OH MY GOODNESS!!! What an announcement. HUGE congratulations!!!!! You should see our faces!!' someone shared.

Taylor and Abigail, both 34, have been friends since meeting at Hendersonville High School in Tennessee in an English class when they were just 15.

Speaking about their first bonding experience to biographer Liv Spencer, Abigail previously recalled: 'We were the ones in the back of the class saying negative things about Romeo and Juliet because we were so bitter toward that emotion at the time.

'We just really connected and ever since then we have been inseparable.'

Taylor has credited Abigail as the inspiration for the song Fifteen, which was about their experiences of falling in love and having their hearts broken during their first year in high school.

Abigail announced her engagement to her now-husband, Charles, in November 2021

Taylor and Abigail met at Hendersonville High School in Tennessee in an English class when they were just 15

One lyrics reads: 'And Abigail gave everything she had to a boy / Who changed his mind / We both cried.'

In 2021, the Kansas University graduate confirmed her divorce from her husband of over three years, Matt Lucier.

The two married in September 2017, and Taylor was a bridesmaid at the Martha's Vineyard ceremony.

'I want to acknowledge a very personal change  that my marriage ended a few months ago,' Anderson wrote in an Instagram Story in June.

'I chose this, and as difficult as this time has been, I'm at peace. Matt is a wonderful man with nothing but light and love to offer. I'm forever grateful for the time spent and the memories made,' she continued.

She announced her engagement to her now-husband, Charles, in November 2021. The news was announced via Instagram alongside a set of engagement photos by photographer Jenn Petty.

The pair tied the knot in Nashville the following year.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara speaks during a news conference in Sacramento in September 2023. In an interview with the Chronicle, Lara discussed signs of progress in ending Californias insurance crisis. Adam Beam/Associated Press

Its been nearly five years since Californias home insurance crisis began, and even Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara isnt sure when it will end, but he says there are signs of hope.

In an interview with the Chronicle, Lara said the state Department of Insurances efforts to pursue regulations that aim to keep companies in the state and work with industry stakeholders have paid off. But bringing an end to the crisis depends heavily on at least one uncontrollable factor, he said  wildfires.

I cant predict the future, and I dont know what the next couple of years are going to look like, he said. Certainly, if these last two months are an indicator of what were going to see around fire  and we also havent even had a conversation around extreme heat and how that impacts wildfire, and the extreme flooding and how that feeds fires, provides fuel for the fire  I dont know.

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More than 467,000 acres have burned in wildland fires so far in 2024  nearly four times the five-year average for this time in the year, according to Cal Fire. On Friday, the Park Fire burning east of Chico rapidly grew to more than 145,000 acres, forcing residents to evacuate and causing at least one home to explode in flames.

Heavy losses from destructive wildfires in 2017 and 2018  and the threat of that happening again  has been the catalyst for many insurance companies to stop writing new policies, raise their prices or leave the state altogether.

Laras plan for bringing the insurance market back under control, a slate of regulations hes termed the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, includes reforms that would alter how companies are allowed to set policy prices, which many experts have said will lead to higher premiums. In exchange, companies have agreed to offer more policies in wildfire-prone areas of the state, which have borne the brunt of rate increases and policy nonrenewals.

The department does not expect its Sustainable Insurance Strategy to be in effect before the end of the year, but Lara said there have already been signs of progress. He cited Allstate, one of the largest home insurers in California, which announced in April that it would begin writing new homeowners policies again once the strategys reforms are in place. Allstate has not offered new policies in California since November 2022. Farmers Insurance Group also recently announced it would begin offering certain types of commercial policies  including commercial condominium and apartment insurance  which it stopped writing last year.

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Along with wildfire risk, many companies have also blamed the rising cost of reinsurance for reducing the amount of business they do in the state. Insurers depend on reinsurance in the case of a large disaster  such as a massive wildfire  that leaves them without enough money to pay the claims they owe.

Lara said he had been meeting with reinsurance firms that are bullish on the California market  as long as the insurer-friendly reforms in the strategy are passed.

Reinsurance firms are willing to double down on California.  They dont shy away from risky areas, they just need certainty, Lara said. Even working on these issues, were sending those market signals that were going to get this done and that we need them investing in California so that insurance companies can draw on them to be able to write more in these risky areas.

Lara shied away from saying exactly when he expected the crisis might abate. In a recent town hall with East Bay Assembly Member Buffy Wicks, Lara said a decade of action would be needed to expand insurance affordability. On Friday, he also released an agreement with the FAIR Plan to expand commercial policy coverage limits in anticipation of the insurer of last resort continuing to be the only option for many residents and businessowners in wildfire-prone areas. Still, he expressed hope.

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Ewan McGregor's daughter Clara stunned in a sheer black bralet teamed with a smart shorts suit as she posed at an event on Thursday.

The daughter of actor Ewan and production designer Eve Mavrakis, 28, was attending a Net-a-Porter event at the Parrish Art Museum in The Hamptons.

She flaunted her toned midriff in the sexy top which revealed her incredible physique and lithe legs.

The beauty completed her outfit with a pair of strappy black leather sandals and wore a quirky lobster broach on her suit.

She wore her brunette tresses in a choppy cropped style and opted for a natural makeup look.

Ewan McGregor's daughter Clara stunned in a sheer black bralet teamed with a smart shorts suit as she posed at an event on Thursday

The daughter of actor Ewan McGregor and production designer Eve Mavrakis, 28, was attending a Net-a-Porter event at the Parrish Art Museum

Clara recently appeared alongside Ewan in the film Bleeding Love playing father and daughter.

Clara also produced and co-wrote the film and gushed about how much she enjoyed working with her famous father.

She said: 'Getting to spend that much time with your dad as an adult is cool. It gave me a deeper appreciation of his work to be acting with him.

'At the end of the day he's my pops, and I don't want to deny that or have to distance myself. He has also very much allowed me to be my own person.'

Earlier this year, Clara admitted she is glad to be a 'nepo baby', and acknowledged the number of benefits that come with having a celebrity parent.

She said: 'What comes with that is an immense amount of privilege. I grew up wealth privileged but also with the celebrity privilege of my dad.

'So when people are like, "Is it hard to have a famous dad?", I'm like, "Oh no, it's not." I love my dad, I've never wanted to distance myself from that.

'When it comes to the whole nepo baby thing, I get it. I get the frustration. I have had a lot more opportunities because of who he is. That's undeniable. I think a lot of things are made easier because you have a famous parent.'

She flaunted her toned midriff in the sexy top which revealed her incredible physique and lithe legs as she posed with actress Mickey Sumner

The beauty completed her outfit with a pair of strappy black leather sandals and wore a quirky lobster broach on her suit (seen with Jonathan Schwartz)

Ella Hunt also wore a stylish navy suit

Canadian model Kate Bock and Alison Loehnis wore pretty dresses at the summery event in New York

Mickey turned heads in a burnt orange dress

She added: 'I love acting, I love being on a film set and growing up around it made me fall in love with it. All I want is just to be very good at what I do and keep getting better and better.'

However, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Ewan in February, Clara revealed that having the actor as a dad has also led to several incredibly embarrassing moments.

She recounted the time she was forced to watch her father naked in one of his movies during her gender studies class in high school.

Retelling the awkward moment, Clara explained: 'My teacher came up to me near the end of the semester and was like, "Listen, there's a movie that I usually teach, it's part of the curriculum, your dad is in it. There is some nudity so I wanted to run it by you before we watched it in class."

'And I said it was fine. I didn't really think much of it. And so we watched the movie called The Pillow Book, which is a brilliant film.'

Released in 1996, the erotic drama film written sees a Japanese model with body-writing fetish seeking to find a combined lover and calligrapher, as Ewan plays one of her lovers, Jerome, who allows her to write on his nude body.

Clara continued: 'But watching that movie at 17 with your entire high school class, it's more like they're watching me watch that film, which was definitely an interesting'

As the audience erupted into laughter, Jimmy asked: 'And are you naked in that film?' causing Ewan to confirm: 'A lot,' as Clara interjected: 'Full-frontally nude, the whole time.'

Kate wore a polka dot mini dress as she posed up a storm

Clara recently appeared alongside Ewan in the film Bleeding Love playing father and daughter (seen at screening in February)

The Star Wars actor went on to explain that Clara's teacher also reached out to him for permission too, and he agreed with one stipulation.

Ewan said: 'I went, "Look, I wouldn't want to be the reason you don't show that movie to your kids because it's a beautiful movie."

'But I said, "You have to guarantee that the kids are mature enough not to make fun of Clara or make her feel bad about it".'

Clara admitted: 'It was uncomfortable. I think they also probably felt a little uncomfortable,' causing Jimmy to hilariously quip: 'Well yeah, they're like, "That's where she came from!"'
Tom Hardy nearly slipped under the radar on Thursday as he went out for a meal in London looking almost unrecognisable.

The actor, 46, put on a casual and trendy display in a tight-fitted white T-shirt, showing off his toned biceps and array of tattoos.

He teamed the shirt with a pair of quirky oversized jeans adorned with a colourful skull design across his behind.

Tom added a pair of black Nike Air Jordans to complete his look and an expensive looking gold watch.

But the Venom star appeared to be putting on a low-profile, hiding behind a pair of glasses and a scruffy beard.

Tom Hardy nearly slipped under the radar on Thursday as he went out for a meal in London looking almost unrecognisable

The actor, 46, put on a casual and trendy display in a tight-fitted white T-shirt, showing off his toned biceps and array of tattoos as he briefly left the restaurant to take a phone call

He teamed the shirt with a pair of quirky oversized jeans adorned with a colourful skull design across his behind and a pair of black Nike Air Jordans

He briefly left the restaurant he was dining in to take a phone call, but his movie star good looks ensured he was unable to go unnoticed for long.

Tom was soon swarmed by hoards of excited fans clamouring for his attention, and he graciously signed several autographs.

The Oscar nominee is fresh off winning praise for his latest film The Bikeriders, which premiered last month.

The Jeff Nicholls drama is based on Danny Lyon's 1967 photobook of the same name, and focuses on the midwestern motorcycle gang The Vandals, and its evolution from a tight-knit family to a violent syndicate.

Tom plays gang leader Johnny Davis, opposite Austin Butler as young biker Benny Cross and Jodie Comer as Benny's wife Kathy Bauer.

Austin recently reflected on filming alongside his 'intense' co-star Tom in the film, admitting there was one scene, which showed his 'brilliance' in displaying the intensity of their exchange.

During a Q&A in New York last month, he said: 'That scene, what's interesting about that scene was it was never written like that, and when we got there on set and just blocked out the scene he said ''right Tom you'll be sitting on the bike there and Austin will come up on the crutch and you'll stand six feet apart for that scene.''

'We did it once like that, and then Tom walks up and gets as close as he does, and that's the proximity you don't normally get in your everyday life unless someone's going to kiss you!

The Oscar nominee is fresh off winning praise for his latest film The Bikeriders, which premiered last month (pictured in film)

Tom plays gang leader Johnny Davis, opposite Austin Butler as young biker Benny Cross and Jodie Comer as Benny's wife Kathy Bauer (Tom and Austin pictured)

'So, and he's an intense guy. and so he's holding that tension and Jeff talked about it because I couldnt' see the shot, they're moving the camera and realising he's getting closer and closer, and then Tom - his brilliance cocks his head at one point and it just hit perfectly so you could see his face.'

But photographer Danny Lyon made bizarre claims about Tom on the on-set atmosphere of the film back in March.

Famous snapper Danny, 82, claimed he was told not to look at Tom during a visit to the set in Cincinnati where the film was being shot.

The Bikeriders was inspired by Danny's photo book of the same name, so he was invited to watch them during shooting.

In his new memoir, This Is My Life I'm Talking About, he details travelling to meet Tom where he was working.

However, he reveals he never actually got to meet the Dark Knight Rising star because he was warned not to look at Tom at all, before being ordered to watch from behind a tree.

Danny said: 'They tried to keep me away but I finally get there. It's f***ing freezing. I just want to meet Tom Hardy.

'He gets on set and they say, "You can't look at him". I said, '"What do you mean? Why can't I look at him?" They say, "Oh, he doesn't like it". So they make me hide behind a tree and all this bulls**t.'

Austin recently reflected on filming alongside his 'intense' co-star Tom in the film, admitting there was one scene, which showed his 'brilliance' in displaying the intensity of their exchange (pictured at premiere)

Famous snapper Danny Lyon (pictured), 82, has claimed he was told not to look at the actor, 46, during a visit to the set in Cincinnati where the film was being shot

However, he reveals he never actually got to meet the Dark Knight Rising star because he was warned not to look at Tom at all, before being ordered to watch from behind a tree (pictured March)

The claims come soon after Patrick Stewart spoke about Tom's aloof manner on set when they worked together at the start of his career.

The actors were working on Star Trek: Nemesis and Patrick claimed he didn't believe Tom's career would take off, partly due to his apparent dismissive nature.

The Jean-Luc Picard actor wrote in his memoir that they never developed a strong relationship during filming.

Ironically, Tom was playing the villain, Shinzon, who was a clone of Jean-Luc, but that on-screen connection didn't translate to a behind-the-scenes rapport.

Patrick wrote: 'I didn't have a single exciting scene to play, and the actor who portrayed the movie's villain, Shinzon, was an odd, solitary young man from London. His name was Tom Hardy.'

He claimed Tom was more interested in spending his downtime with his girlfriend instead of building connections with the experienced group of actors in the cast.

Patrick claimed: 'Tom wouldn't engage with any of us on a social level. Never said, 'Good morning,' never said, 'Goodnight,' and spent the hours he wasn't needed on set in his trailer with his girlfriend.'

But even though he described his interactions with Tom as cold, he was also careful to clarify that the Inception actor was never explicitly rude or difficult.

The claims come soon after Patrick Stewart spoke about Tom's aloof manner on set when they worked together at the start of his career (pictured together in 2002)

The actors were working on Star Trek: Nemesis (pictured) and Patrick claimed he didn't believe Tom's career would take off, partly due to his apparent dismissive nature

'He was by no means hostile  it was just challenging to establish any rapport with him,' he wrote.

In 2022, an insight into Tom and Charlize Theron explosive relationship on the set of Mad Max was revealed by the cast and crew.

It was reported that their working relationship devolved to the point that the stars got into shouting matches, with Charlize calling Tom a 'f***ing c***' after he made her wait on set for hours.

The claims were made in New York Times columnist Kyle Buchanan's book Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild And True Story Of Mad Max: Fury Road.

In an excerpt published by Vanity Fair, members of the production detailed how Charlize, got a female producer to be with her at all times as 'protection'.

Tom starred as the title character, who was played by Mel Gibson in the first three films in the series, while Charlize starred as newcomer Imperator Furiosa, a lieutenant to the villain Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) who turns against her leader to team-up with Max.

Natascha Hopkins, a stunt double on Fury Road, recounted how Charlize didn't want to waste time on set, as she was a new mother at the time and was balancing her role with parenting.

But camera operator Mark Goellnicht recalled how Tom was often late for the start of shooting.

In 2022, an insight into Tom and Charlize Theron explosive relationship on the set of Mad Max was revealed by the cast and crew (pictured)

It was reported that their working relationship devolved to the point that the stars got into shouting matches, with Charlize calling Tom a 'f***ing c***' after he made her wait on set for hours (pictured together in 2015)

He recounted one day when Charlize was on set at eight o'clock sharp and got her makeup and costume set up before getting into the film's War Rig.

However, despite producers making a 'special request' for Tom to show up on time, it would be hours more before he arrived.

'Gets to nine o'clock, still no Tom,' Goellnicht recounted. ''Charlize, do you want to get out of the War Rig and walk around, or do you want to . . .'

'No, I'm going to stay here.' She was really going to make a point. She didn't go to the bathroom, didn't do anything. She just sat in the War Rig.'

Tom finally arrived after 11am, while Charlize had remained in the vehicle the entire time.
Vanessa Williams is aging with confidence.

The Ugly Betty star, 61, has said she will not try to artificially turn back time to look younger with the use of Botox, fillers or facelifts.

'We were literally just talking about fillers, Botox, who's had work, who hasn't done work,' she told People.

'I have not gotten any... I don't do fillers, I don't do Botox anymore. I haven't had a facelift, I do micro-current and nano-current technology, which is amazing.'

The former Miss America also said she isn't interested in the more intense anti-aging procedures: 'I want to look like myself. I want people to know this face has lived. That's kind of where I am at at this point, at 61.'

Vanessa Williams is aging with confidence. The Ugly Betty star, 61, will not try to artificially turn back time to look younger via the use of Botox, fillers or facelifts; seen in 2023

'We were literally just talking about fillers, Botox, who's had work, who hasn't done work,' she told People; seen in 1984

The Desperate Housewives star is inspired by other women who've aged naturally and gracefully.

'I look at Diane von Furstenberg, I just watched her doc. She was talking about embracing the wisdom and the age that you are,' Williams told the outlet.

And she's not worrying about any wrinkles or fine lines or regretting time spent in the sun.

'Yeah, there's some wrinkles, but that's because I have sat out in the sun for too long,' she explained.

'But I love the sun, dammit! If the sun is out, I will sit out in the sun and do my crossword and have a nice glass of wine. If that shows on my decollete, too bad. I'm embracing my age.'

Vanessa  who is gearing up to star as Miranda Priestly in the musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada in London  takes care of her overall health to ensure that she continues feeling good inside and out.

'I do bio-identical hormones. I do testosterone, progesterone and estrogen. I do sublingual drops for liver, kidney, adrenal. I do stem cell under my tongue as well,' she said.

'So I've got all the tricks that keep me feeling good. I kick box, I lift weights, I cycle, I swim, I do whatever it takes. I want to stay alive.'

'I have not gotten any... I don't do fillers, I don't do Botox anymore. I haven't had a facelift , I do micro-current and nano-current technology, which is amazing,' seen left in 2023 and right in 1984

The former Miss America also said she isn't interested in the more intense anti-aging procedures, pictured in March 2024

'I want to look like myself. I want people to know this face has lived. That's kind of where I am at at this point, at 61,' seen in 2023

The Desperate Housewives star is inspired by other women who've aged naturally and gracefully

Vanessa is gearing up to star as Miranda Priestly in the musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada in London

This comes after she dropped some big news on Wednesday: she is enjoying life as a single woman these days.

The looker 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.'

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.

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."'
Netflix has announced who will join James Norton in the cast of the hotly anticipated show, The House Of Guinness.

The Happy Valley actor, 39, will be joined by famous faces including Jack Gleeson who played Game of Thrones villain Joffrey Baratheon, and Fionn O'Shea who starred in Normal People as Daisy Edgar Jones' love interest Jamie.

Others who have already been announced as part of the cast of the new series, written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, include Olivia Rodrigo's boyfriend Louis Partridge.

The star-studded cast also contains Masters of the Air star Anthony Boyle, Emily Fairn who recently starred opposite Martin Freeman in The Responder, Niamh McCormack, Seamus O'Hara and Irish actress Dervla Kirwan.

Michael McElhatton and Danielle Galligan are also set to star with David Wilmot, who was cast alongside Florence Pugh in The Wonder, and Hilda Fay to complete the line up.

Netflix has announced who will join James Norton in the cast of The House Of Guinness written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight

The Happy Valley actor, 39, is set to be joined by famous faces including Jack Gleeson who played Game of Thrones villain Joffrey Baratheon

Fionn O'Shea who starred in Normal People as Daisy Edgar Jones ' love interest Jamie will also be acting alongside the Happy Valley actor in the period drama about the famous family

The show's creator said he was delighted with the star-studded cast.

He said: 'I am thrilled that we have such an exceptional cast and such an exceptional team to tell this story inspired by an exceptional family'

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.

Louis, 21, known for acting opposite Millie Bobby Brown in Eniola Holmes was also spotted shooting on Wednesday opposite James Norton.

He grimaced in a top hat and a brown fur-collared coat while James looked stern in an old-fashioned black three-piece suit with a thick white cravat and a suede inner jacket.

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.

Masters of the Air star Anthony Boyle (pictured on the show) will also join the cast tot ell the story the family behind the famous Irish brewery, founded back in 1759 by Arthur Guinness

Irish actress Dervla Kirwan known for playing a mother on the edge in thriller Smother (pictured) will also star in the show which is currently filming

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.

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.
He was one of Hollywoods biggest bad boys, then marriage tamed him. But Russell Crowe has admitted that following his divorce he became a f***ing sl*t.

The Gladiator star, 60, who formally split with his wife Danielle Spencer in 2018, said he fully embraced his newly single lifestyle after 15 years of marriage.

He admitted his romantic antics were ridiculous and included one particularly memorable dalliance with a significantly younger woman.

He said: To be completely truthfully honest with you, after my divorce was finalised, I became a f***ing sl*t. I was f***ing ridiculous, I had s*** going everywhere. You know the old saying, "theres a girl in every port?"'

The lothario, who was linked to Billy Joel's ex-wife Katie Lee, 42, in 2012, also confessed to using the controversial lovebombing technique.

He was one of Hollywoods biggest bad boys, then marriage tamed him. But Russell Crowe has admitted that following his divorce he became a f***ing sl*t (pictured in June)

The Gladiator star, 60, who formally split with his wife Danielle Spencer in 2018, said he fully embraced his newly single lifestyle after 15 years of marriage (pictured in 2007)

Lovebombing involves one person showering another with excessive affection, compliments, and gifts in order to influence them.

Mr Crowe, who starred in A Beautiful Mind and American Gangster, said: Id set these things up. They have that saying now, you lovebomb somebody.

'Id be f***ing lovebombing people like crazy because Ive got a spare buck or two so you can do that kind of s***.

The candid comments were made at a live performance of Crowes band The Gentlemen Barbers at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on Wednesday evening. Although primarily known for his acting career, Russell has long been a musician and is currently touring the UK.

The New Zealand-born actor also recounted the time he was supposed to go on a date with a younger woman in France, but she stood the A-lister up in favour of one of Britains biggest coastal cities.

The situation was with a young lady and when I say young I mean significantly younger than me. Significant, well just leave it at that, he explained. It is not clear who the younger woman was that Russell is referring to.

Coming up towards the dates that we were supposed to meet in Paris I found out that shed gone somewhere else. Now just put yourself in this position okay.

'Heres the options: you, and the person, and Paris. She decided instead to go to Southampton. F*** off. If you get out the list of the 50 greatest places you should visit before you die, guess whats not on the f***ing list?'

He admitted his romantic antics were ridiculous and included one particularly memorable dalliance with a significantly younger woman

His lustful phase lasted a couple of years, before Crowe settled down with former actress Britney Theriot, 31, who he has been in a fantastic relationship with since 2020 (pictured)

The lothario was linked to Billy Joel's ex-wife Katie Lee, 42, in 2012 (pictured this month) - it's not clear who he was specifically referring to onstage

His lustful phase lasted a couple of years, before Crowe saw the error of ways and settled down with former actress Britney Theriot, 31, who he has been in a fantastic relationship with since 2020.

The Oscar winner explained: 'It took me a couple of years to look at myself in the mirror one day and go, "what are you doing? Nothings going to get better or happier by approaching things like this."'

The couple recently sparked engagement rumours when Ms Theriot was spotted wearing a dazzling diamond band on her ring finger, and there were claims they were eyeing up an Italian wedding after reportedly visiting a church in Rome in June.

He also maintains a close relationship with his ex-wife Ms Spencer, 55, who he shares two sons with Charles, 20, and Tennyson, 18.

The actor is notably absent from the upcoming sequel to Gladiator, the movie that propelled him to international stardom.

Fans hoped he would appear in a flashback or afterlife scenes, but director Ridley Scott is focussing on the character of Lucius played by Paul Mescal.

Other big names who will feature in Gladiator II, released in November, include Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and Sir Derek Jacobi.

When Gladiator was released in 2000, Crowe, who played General Maximus Decimus Meridius, could not have anticipated the number of fans he would attract including one mysterious devotee in the Vatican.

He once received a call from a Catholic representative, inviting him to walk through the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel out of hours, with no tourists present. Crowe immediately jumped at the opportunity and brought his mother for the once in lifetime experience.

Describing the magnificent experience filled with immense beauty, Crowe said he pushed his mum into the worlds most famous chapel early in the morning before the sun had risen. It was then that their mysterious host, who had been walking with them, said: For you today, I will turn on the lights of the pope.

The actor asked what he meant.

He also maintains a close relationship with his ex-wife Ms Spencer, 55, who he shares two sons with Charles, 20, and Tennyson, 18 (pictured in 2010)

Well the pope when he comes to meditate in the Capella di Sistina [Sistine Chapel], he likes to see all the colours. So we put in some lights, he explained.

Crowe and his mother were overawed, he said: It was unbelievable. The blues, the reds, it was just shimmering. It was incredible, what an experience.

He later thanked his host, and added modestly: You didnt have to do that, why did you do that?

The Vatican official said: Russell, please. Maximo, you are the eighth King of Rome.
Brandi Glanville has attributed her recent health issues and altered appearance to Bravo, sharing a photo of her swollen face on Thursday.

The 51-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum  who faces accusations of sexual assault by her Bravo co-star Caroline Manzo  posted the startling selfie on X, showcasing her bruised cheeks.

'This is why I'm miserable and depressed :( I'm not even gonna share the picture of when it sinks in,' she captioned the photo.

The former model added, 'Stress will kill you. How is your wealth? Take care of yourself people thank you Bravo . I couldn't even work if I wanted to at this point.'

This comes after Brandi claimed she was rushed to the hospital after 'collapsing over the stress' from the Manzo drama in October 2023.

Brandi Glanville has attributed her recent health issues and altered appearance to Bravo, sharing a photo of her swollen face on Thursday

The 51-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum  who faces accusations of sexual assault by her Bravo co-star Caroline Manzo  posted the startling selfie on X, showcasing her bruised cheeks; (pictured December 2022)

In a signed affidavit filed on May 28, Caroline, 62, claimed Brandi forcibly groped her vagina while producers were filming Real Housewives Ultimate Girls' Trip in Morocco.

'When Glanville was sexually assaulting me on the sofa, she was rubbing her vagina on me,' Manzo wrote in the filing. 'The producers just watched and kept filming. They saw that I was in distress and yet, they continued to film.'

Manzo said production failed to intervene, allowing Glanville to persistently consume alcohol and follow her into the bathroom, where Glanville allegedly pushed her against the door, resulting in a head injury.

'[Glanville] then locked me in the bathroom where she forcibly fondled my vagina against my will,' Manzo continued in the legal documents.

'Glanville maliciously sexually assaulted me for her own sexual gratification,' she added. 'She did this by forcibly kissing me, rubbing her vagina on me and then fondling my vagina against my will.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Bravo, as well as Manzo's and Glanville's reps, for comment.

The affidavit comes after Glanville's attorney claimed she was 'used and abused by NBC, Bravo, Warner Bros., and Shed Media' as they accused the network of 'hiding evidence' that would clear her name in an explosive legal letter threatening a lawsuit.

Glanville decided to 'wage a public reputational war' against the network after they 'silenced' her in the wake of sexual assault allegations made against Glanville by Manzo.

Manzo made headlines in 2023 when she alleged that Glanville kissed her without consent and even 'forced her vagina against her back' during filming of the Housewives spin off show in Morocco.

In January, Manzo officially filed to sue Bravo over her claim that production encouraged Glanville to sexually harass.

In legal documents filed a month later, Glanville's attorney's appeared to suggest Manzo was lying, insisting no assault took place, as they demand the network release to them 'all existing documents and data' pertaining to the accusations.

'Ms. Glanville and Ms. Manzo engaged in "dirty dancing," flirting, and playful touching,' the letter reads. 'Throughout the night, they shared a couple of kisses.

Glanville previously revealed that her face was left disfigured due to stress-induced angioedema - a condition which causes swelling under the skin

Caroline Manzo (left) provided a detailed account of the alleged sexual assault by Brandi Glanville (right) that occurred while they were filming Real Housewives Ultimate Girls' Trip in Morocco. The RHONJ alum, 62, claimed the former RHOBH star, 51, forcibly groped her vagina while producers were filming the Bravo series in a signed affidavit filed on May 28, according to Page Six

'We have heard about a supposed "bathroom incident" through press leaks, but Shed Media has repeatedly refused to allow Ms. Glanville or her counsel to see the footage in question; there is no truth to any allegations of impropriety'.

The letter continued: 'It is apparent some allegation was made; however, neither the nature nor the source of that allegation has been clarified by NBC, Shed Media, or Warner Bros.

'We can glean from the press coverageseeded by malicious and deliberate leaksthat Ms. Manzo formally accused Ms. Glanville of sexual misconduct and that Ms. Glanville was sent home as a result.'

They continued: 'It bears emphasis that Ms. Glanville and Ms. Manzo were never alone together; anything that happened took place in the presence of the cast and crew. All the events were captured on camera or picked up via microphone.'

Glanville's legal team maintain her innocence and insist that the TV star was never alone with Manzo, and that her costar 'did not manifest a lack of consent at any point.'

The letter also sees Glanville's reps accuse Manzo of 'feeding a defamatory narrative' to the media and of being the source behind the press leaks regarding the claims.

The letter states: 'We have every reason to believe that Ms. Manzo, with the tacit or express support of Bravo and Shed Media, is the source of the early and voluminous press leaks that began immediately upon Ms. Glanvilles return home.

'Yet Ms. Glanville was admonished to remain entirely silent and to refrain from defending herself. She was further told that assuming her compliance with that directive, she would have the opportunity to work for Shed Media/Warner Bros. again on the condition that she completes 6-months of outpatient therapy with a Warner Bros.-affiliated therapist. Ms. Glanville did so.

'It became apparent afterward, however, that this was a false promise intended to ensure Ms. Glanvilles silence.'

The star, pictured left in 2017, has been working with a plastic surgeon to conquer her condition - pictured right in 2024

It continues: 'All the while, Ms. Manzo, Bravo, and Shed Media were feeding a defamatory narrative that destroyed Ms. Glanvilles reputation, employment prospects, mental health, and financial stability and caused untold harm to Ms. Glanville and her family.'

In a statement shared with DailyMail.com, attorney Bryan Freedman called for other 'victims' of Bravo and NBC to reach out to their team and join the 'fight' against the network.

He wrote: 'This is yet another example of the abusive practices of the reality TV industry. Mark Geragos and I have heard from thousands of current and former cast members on reality shows about the physical and emotional harm inflicted on them by virtue of their participation. NBC, Bravo, Warner Bros., and Shed Media intentionally obscure their legal rights, bind them to illegal contracts, and knowingly cause them to suffer in silence.

'We know there are untold numbers of innocent victims who have yet to tell their stories or seek legal redress. We encourage all of them to contact us and join our growing team as we fight for change in this sordid industry.'

The letter highlighted how Glanville has been plagued with health issues ever since Manzo's allegations went public, and said she has been in 'dire straits' after Bravo tried to 'humiliate and ruin her publicly.'

The reality star has talked openly about how her face was left disfigured due to stress-induced angioedema - a condition which causes swelling under the skin

Glanville's team accuses the network of having a 'reckless disregard for the mental and emotional health' of employees - adding that Glanville has been treated like a 'sacrificial lamb' and has faced 'social and economic death.'

They are seeking evidence from the network's servers, storage, personal computers, portable systems.

Manzo is suing Bravo and claims production encouraged Glanville to sexually harass her during filming the Housewives spinoff Ultimate Girls Trip (pictured 2021)

The legal letter warns that 'Ms. Glanville is uniquely positioned to reveal more revelations' and is just one of thousands of stars to come forward against the network in recent years.

TMZ previously reported that Manzo is suing Bravo and claimed production plied them with alcohol as they filmed the spin-off in Morocco in January 2023.

According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Manzo claims Glanville 'forced her vagina against her back' and 'proceeded to mount Manzo on the couch holding Manzo down with her body, forcibly squeezed Manzo's cheeks together and thrust her tongue in Manzo's mouth, while humping her.'

The documents state: 'Defendants, including Bravo, regularly ply the Real Housewives cast with alcohol, cause them to become severely intoxicated, and then direct, encourage and/or allow them to sexually harass other cast members because that is good for ratings.'

'Caroline Manzo is a victim of those harmful actions,' it added.

In her full statement in response to the suit at the time, a representative for Glanville told DailyMail.com: 'Sadly, Brandi had to wake up to yet another lawsuit that includes defamatory, false accusations about her. While filming, Brandi followed what the producers asked of her, and there was no sexual assault.

'She is innocent of these absurd accusations that have weighed on her mental and physical health for far too long without word of support from Peacock, Shed or Bravo.'

The statement concluded: 'This painful storytelling seems endless and needs to stop. She is looking to move on and upward and get her life back.'

This isn't the first lawsuit filed against the network over the Housewives franchise.

Last year butler Marco Vega - who worked and appeared on season two of Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip - filed a lawsuit for sexual assault and harassment.

In his lawsuit, Vega said he was 'sexually harassed and abused' while shooting the show at Dorinda Medley's Blue Stone Manor claiming he was slapped on the buttocks by Phaedra Parks and that he was 'forcibly stripped' by Glanville, who ripped his shirt off.

In her lawsuit, Manzo alleged that the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum kissed her without consent and even 'forced her vagina against her back'

Glanville insists she is innocent and 'vehemently denies any wrongdoing' - pictured in 2009

Leah McSweeney filed a discrimination complaint with Bravo last year, alleging she was forced to miss her grandmother's funeral due to filming commitments.

A lawsuit filed by McSweeney is said to be imminent, Page Six reported at the time.

Back in August, a bombshell letter revealed that 80 reality stars had teamed up to accuse the network of 'covering up sexual violence, condoning revenge porn, exploiting minors and denying mental health treatment'.

Bethenny Frankel was believed to have led the charge, though the former RHONY star has since clarified that she is not one of the people who is officially taking legal action against Bravo or NBC.
Pregnant Lala Kent was spotted as she left her podcast office in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The Vanderpump Rules star, 33  who recently shared ultrasound images of her little one  looked comfortable in an oversized graphic T-shirt with a print of a diner and gingham skirt.

Her honey-brown locks were let loose and tucked underneath a black cap as she accessorized with hoop earrings.

She paired the look with orange Nike sneakers that matched her trendy manicure.

The reality star went makeup free during the casual outing, showing off her natural beauty.

Pregnant Lala Kent was spotted as she left her podcast office in Los Angeles on Thursday

The comfy ensemble hugged her curves, flashing her growing baby bump just weeks before she is due.

Lala announced in March she is expecting her second child - her first via sperm donor

Around the same time, the brunette siren revealed that her due date is on September 1, the day before her 34th birthday.

She co-parents her daughter Ocean, 3, with ex-fiance Randall Emmett, 53, with whom she split in 2021 amid cheating rumors.

The casual sighting comes just hours after the starlet stripped completely naked and snapped a selfie to flaunt her belly.

It was included in a carousel of photos she shared on Instagram in which she posed up a storm in the mirror while protecting her modesty with her arm.

'I stripped down to document my bod & bump at 34.5 weeks & naturally chose to share it with y'all,' she wrote in the caption.

But this is not the first time the influencer has posted racy pregnancy content.

In April, she posted a nude bump selfie as she stepped out of the shower with only a towel draped over her body.

Lala has yet to announce the name of her second child, referring to her as 'Baby S' on social media.

During an Amazon Live appearance in March, Kent explained why she went the sperm donor route for baby #2 while showing off her daughter's sonogram for the first time.

The Vanderpump Rules star, 33, looked comfortable in an oversized graphic shirt that had the photo of a diner on front and gingham maxi skirt

The casual sighting comes just hours after the starlet stripped completely naked and snapped a selfie to flaunt her belly; seen in 2024

The brunette siren's due date is on September 1, the day before her 34th birthday; seen in 2024

She co- parents her daughter Ocean, 3, with ex-fiance Randall Emmett, 53, with whom she split in 2021 amid cheating rumors; Ocean and Lala seen in 2022

She previously bought a $3.1 million house in the San Fernando Valley for her growing family, and plans to co-parent her baby with her mom, Lisa; seen in 2024

'The best part about my baby daddy is that he does not exist,' she said factitiously. 'I have been pretty open about wanting to really have full control of  I guess not my child, but having them around me all the time.'

Lala discovered she was having another daughter after hosting a sex reveal party with friends and family back in April.

She previously bought a $3.1 million house in the San Fernando Valley for her growing family, and plans to co-parent her baby with her mom, Lisa.
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Candice Swanepoel is starring in the new Dream ad campaign for lingerie giant Victoria's Secret.

The South African born beauty stood out as she posed in an old French chateau in some lacy numbers in the new commercial that was shared on Thursday.

The 35-year-old supermodel  who has been cross-collaborating with Hailey Bieber this year posed in a tiny pale lavender bra and underwear set while inside the mansion. She added a sheer white cover up and pointy pink heels with a bow.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel sizzled while standing in a well-appointed library that had sofas, a coffee table and fireplace.

The blonde wonder was also seen on a balcony as she wore a pale floral-print satin bustier and matching skirt that made the most of her generous curves.

Candice Swanepoel is starring in the new Dream ad campaign for lingerie giant Victoria's Secret. The South African born beauty stood out as she posed in an old French chateau in some lacy numbers in the new commercial that was shared on Thursday

The 35-year-old supermodel  who has been cross-collaborating with Hailey Bieber this year posed in a tiny pale lavender bra and underwear set while inside the mansion. She added a sheer white cover up and pointy pink heels with a bow

The new Dream campaign also includes Taylor Hill and Behati Prinsloo.

'NEW Victorias Secret Dream: Feminine details, enchanting lace, and ethereal colors. Wait until your try the just-dropped collection, it is seriously,' read a caption for a VS post.

Candice has a long history with VS that dates back 17 years.

The knockout walked her first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2007.

In 2010, Swanepoel became a Victoria's Secret Angel, which is a big honor for the brand.

Three years later Swanepoel was named the cover model of the coveted Victoria's Secret Swim Catalogue.

Swanepoel was chosen to wear the Fantasy Bra in the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

The $10 million bra, named the Royal Fantasy Bra, was created by Mouawad. The bra and its matching belt featured over 4,200 precious gems, including rubies, diamonds and yellow sapphires set in 18 carat gold with a 52-carat ruby at the center.

The blonde wonder was also seen on a balcony as she wore a pale floral-print satin bustier and matching skirt that made the most of her generous curves

This image was shared to social media; in the background the lush property of the chateau can be viewed

The leggy wonder has been focusing in recent years on her swimwear line, Tropic Of C

In 2018, she launched her own swimwear collection Tropic of C.

Earlier this year Candice and Hailey announced their partnership, which blends their brands  the former's Tropic of C swimwear range and the latter's line of beauty products.

Taking to a beach in the Bahamas, the pair suited up in black and white bathing suits that flaunted their figures.

They added pops of color with the addition of yellow diving tanks and goggles.

Earlier this year Candice and Hailey Bieber announced their partnership, which blends their brands  Tropic of C swimwear and Rhode

Candice founded Tropic of C in 2018 and has sometimes featured her model friends in its campaigns.

She and her ex, Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli, share two sons  Anacan and Ariel.

After giving birth to her first child in 2016, she clapped back at critics who complained about her sharing a photo of her breastfeeding her son.

'I have been made to feel the need to cover up and somewhat shy to feed my baby in public places but strangely feel nothing for the topless editorials I've done in the name of art..?' she wrote online at the time.

'The world has been desensitized to the sexualization of the breast and to violence on tv...why should it be different when it comes to breastfeeding? -Breastfeeding is not sexual it's natural.'
Phaedra Parks' ex-husband Apollo Nida was reportedly arrested for assault after his wife Sherien Almufti allegedly accused him of putting his hands on her during a domestic dispute in March.

According to In Touch, a site that has claimed to have seen the court papers, Nida was charged with domestic violence and simple assault.

Following Apollo's alleged arrest, he was reportedly taken to a local jail, where he posted a $3,000 bond and was released within hours.

In March, Almufti reportedly called the police on her husband, telling law enforcement that she had come home from a bar when an argument about infidelity broke out between them, the site claimed.

The 50-year-old Real Housewives of Atlanta star Parks and Nida, 45, finalized their divorce in 2017 after tying the knot in 2009.

Phaedra Parks' ex-husband Apollo Nida was reportedly arrested for assault after his wife Sherien Almufti accused him of putting his hands on her during a domestic dispute in March; Parks seen in June

The 50-year-old Real Housewives of Atlanta star and Nida, 45, finalized their divorce in 2017 after tying the knot in 2009; pictured in 2013

Almufti reportedly said Nida presented a video of her kissing another man, then 'pulled her by the hair' and 'pushed' her 'against a refrigerator.'

She ran outside to seek help and when she returned to retrieve her phone, Apollo had left the scene, the site added.

Police viewed surveillance video of the confrontation, but it did not show a physical altercation, the site claimed.

The mother-of-one, who has a daughter from a prior relationship, declined medical attention.

The report also noted that she did not have any visible marks or bruises from the alleged interaction.

Nida later spoke with police and admitted that he tried to take his wife's phone from her during the argument, according to InTouch.

He explained that when he tried to get the mobile device, she 'turned into a ball' on the ground in an effort to keep the phone, but he retrieved it from her, it was also alleged.

Nida reportedly confirmed that Almufti went outside for help, but said he followed her to give back the phone.

According to In Touch, which claims to have seen the court documents, Nida was charged with domestic violence and simple assault; pictured with wife Sherien in August 2023

It comes one month after Nida reportedly was charged with a single misdemeanor count of simple battery.

A hearing followed, with court records not revealing whether or not he entered a plea or hired an attorney.

According to In Touch, the court document stated, 'I, Keith E. Gammage, Solicitor General for the County of Fulton, State of Georgia, in the name and on behalf of the citizens of Georgia do hereby charge and accuse APOLLO EDWARD NIDA with the offense of SIMPLE BATTERY  FAMILY VIOLENCE, a misdemeanor, for that said accused in the County of Fulton, State of Georgia, on or about March 11, 2024 did intentionally make physical contact of an insulting and provoking nature with the person of Sherien Copes, who is the present spouse of accused, by pulling her by the hair and pushing her.'

Almufti later told the publication the incident 'was a huge blow out between a married couple that has brought us much closer since then. We have worked through our issues and have been going to couples therapy.'

Parks and Nida share two sons, Ayden, who was born in 2010, and Dylan, born in 2013

Apollo's new wife Sherien has one daughter from a previous relationship

Parks is reportedly 'negotiating her return' to The Real Housewives of Atlanta, which is in production on its 16th season

Parks is reportedly 'negotiating her return' to The Real Housewives of Atlanta, which is in production on its 16th season.

LoveBScott.com reported earlier this month that Phaedra was not able to iron out the details of her contract before Bravo cameras began rolling at Cynthia Bailey's event at Lake Bailey.

The day of the soiree, Phaedra posted a BTS snap of herself via Instagram getting her makeup done.

It was captioned: 'I stay ready, so I never have to get ready.'
Sydney Sweeney gave fans a glimpse of her luxurious Paris vacation on Thursday.

The Anyone But You star, 26  whose cellphone recently got taken over by scammers and had her X account hacked  took to Instagram to show off her incredible figure while promoting Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 phone.

She put on a busty display in a black corset that hugged her tiny waist and complemented her chest.

Her golden locks sat above her shoulders as she posed up a storm in front of the Eiffel Towel.

'Me, paris, and my #GalaxyZFlip6 #withGalaxy,' she penned in the caption.

Sydney Sweeney gave fans a glimpse of her luxurious Paris vacation on Thursday

She put on a busty display in a black corset that hugged her tiny waist and complemented her chest

Sydney paired the look with trendy sunglasses while rocking a full face of glam makeup that made her full pout and sun kissed tan pop.

She also took time to relax and enjoy her jaw dropping view in just a bathrobe.

In one snap, we see the blonde beauty indulging in a bowl of pasta and fries while sitting in front of the Iron Lady and holding her phone.

The Euphoria star rocked the same sunglasses, accessorizing with various gold rings and a dainty gold chain.

She went on to pose in the streets of the City of Love in a white mini-dress and matching chic heels.

She paired the look with a red purse and wore her hair in a half-up half-down style.

Her busty snaps in France come after the movie star told Variety in March that some people focus on her body and not her acting.

She told the outlet: 'I see it and I just cant allow myself to have a reaction, I dont know how to explain it  Im still trying to figure it out myself.

'People feel connected and free to be able to speak about me in whatever way they want, because they believe that Ive signed my life away,' she added. 'That Im not on a human level anymore, because Im an actor.'

'That these characters are for everybody else, but then me as Sydney is not for me anymore. Its this weird relationship that people have with me that I have no control or say over,' she finished.

She paired the look with trendy sunglasses while rocking a full face of glam makeup that made her full pout and sun kissed tan pop

In one snap, we see the blonde beauty indulging in a bowl of pasta and fries while sitting in front of the Iron Lady and holding her phone

The Euphoria star rocked the same sunglasses, accessorizing with various gold rings and a dainty gold chain

She went on to pose in the streets of the City of Love in a white mini-dress and matching chic heels

She also took time to relax and enjoy her jaw dropping view in just a bathrobe

As of 2022, Sweeney has been engaged to Chicago businessman Jonathan Davino who supports her in her acting ventures.

The pair were first linked back in 2018 when they attended Hulu's 2018 Emmy Party and a Kate Spade dinner party together.

'Everyone is always so curious about who Im with and whats that like, but I think its important to have something for me,' she told Glamour UK.
Elon Musk, CEO of Twitter and X, has leveled several attacks against the transgender community, saying the woke mind virus has killed his transgender daughter. Julia Nikhinson/Associated Press

In the days after Tesla CEO Elon Musk raged against the woke mind virus that killed his transgender daughter, queer and trans folk said that as much as theyd prefer to ignore his words, his rhetoric is too popular and too dangerous to discount.

In a two-hour interview with conservative commentator Jordan Peterson published on social media this week, Musk leveled several attacks against the transgender community, though much of his comments were focused on his own child, who he said transitioned during the pandemic. His daughter, who is 20, has since changed her name and dropped her fathers last name.

Musk described gender-affirming surgeries, including procedures he said his child received, as child mutilation and sterilization. He said he was tricked into signing documents to approve certain procedures by being told his child might attempt suicide. In the interview, Musk repeatedly used the incorrect name and pronouns for his daughter.

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In general hes pretty easy to ignore. I mean, people make transphobic statements every day, Gatsby Lee, a transgender photographer, said about Musks most recent remarks. But theres greater impact when it comes from people with a large social presence. And this is coming from a parent not acknowledging or respecting their childs identity. Thats going to bring up sore feelings for a lot of people.

Musk has thrown his support behind Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, and Republican leaders have been leaning into homophobic and transphobic rhetoric across the country as a unifying campaign topic. Anti-LGBTQ language frequently came up in speeches at the Republican National Convention last week, including repeated mentions of two genders and removing sexualization from schools.

The Peterson interview came just days after Musk announced he would move X, the company formerly known as Twitter that he purchased for $44 billion in 2022, out of San Francisco to Austin, Texas, in response to a new California law designed to protect the privacy of transgender youth.

The law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on July 15, forbids school districts from implementing policies that would force teachers to out students who present as transgender at school to their parents. The legislation was brought up in response to at least a dozen school districts introducing such policies over the past year; none is currently being enforced.

On X, Musk said the new law was the final straw in his complicated relationship with California and its progressive politics.

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My first thought was good riddance, said Ebony Harper, a transgender woman and executive director of California TRANScends, which advocates for transgender health equity.

Im not really invested in what he says. I already know hes a trans hater, Harper said. But he does hurt people. And hes very influential within his own sphere.

Like Lee, Harper said Musks most recent words stung a bit more because he was talking about his own child. Musk has in the past aligned himself with anti-trans organizations on X and in other public spaces, and hes made comments perceived as anti-trans.

His anti-trans stance seemed to start around 2020, when he took issue with pronouns on X. He once said the word cisgender would be considered a slur on his platform, and hes spread misinformation about gender-affirming care. Last year, Musk allowed a fringe conservative group a platform on X to promote a troubling documentary about transgender people that included misleading and discriminatory messages.

Harper said she can ignore most of those comments. But if you were concerned about your child then why would you bring more violence on your child? Harper said. Youre one of the most powerful men in the world, so youre weaponizing whole communities against your daughter and people like your daughter.

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Conservative groups said they appreciate Musks alliance on transgender issues. Its very clear that this is personal to him, and its meaningful to us because he has a big voice, said Jonathan Zachreson, who led an unsuccessful effort to put a statewide parental notification policy on the California ballot this November.

Jorge Reyes Salinas, a spokesperson for Equality California, said many queer and transgender folks have already left X because of Musks comments. And Elon is not someone that the public trusts, he added, because of misinformation hes spread or allowed to be published unchecked.

But he has power within the system. Im sure his words ignite donors, Salinas said. His words, too, even if theyre repeated within the X echo chamber, can create a normality for these insults that reverberates beyond social media.

Still, social media is incredibly important for many people in the LGBTQ community, who may struggle to find safe spaces to communicate and build relationships. And having people like Musk running those platforms can be frustrating and concerning, many transgender folks said.

Niko Storment, an organizer of the annual Trans March in San Francisco, said all of his social media accounts were taken down recently for reasons that were never fully explained to him. At one point, he was told there had been concerns about human trafficking, which he said was absurd. Hes since gotten back online, but the situation was disturbing.

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Elon, when he took over Twitter and made it X, his whole claim was he was going to end fake news. And he had a big talk about making a platform for the people, Storment said. And now hes coming out and saying hes going to end the woke mind virus, which is synonymous with being a transgender person.
Russell Crowe was reportedly forced to flee his show at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on Wednesday, after a huge brawl broke out between members of his team and overzealous fans.

The Gladiator star, 60, had finished his gig with his band The Gentlemen Barbers, and headed outside to meet fans who gathered to meet him.

However, things turned violent when Russell's promoter got involved in a row with excited fans, leading the actor to rush back inside as a fight broke out.

An onlooker told The Sun that the promoter 'was shouting at a few people for pushing,' before noticing that one fan was filming the entire clash.

He then claimed that the promoter 'grabbed his phone' before 'running off down the street,' leading the fan to chase him and push him to the ground.

Russell Crowe was reportedly forced to flee his show at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire on Wednesday (pictured), after a brawl broke out between his team and overzealous fans

The Gladiator star had finished his gig with his band The Gentlemen Barbers, and headed outside to meet fans who gathered to meet him (pictured during a recent show in Dublin)

The onlooker added: 'Russell looked absolutely horrified at what was happening and made a quick U-turn back inside the venue.

'The promoter seemed pretty badly winded but no one had much sympathy for him because he seemed to be acting a bit aggressively.

'Ultimately none of this would have happened if he'd kept his cool when he was asking people not to push. Russell never came back outside again.'

It's alleged that 'four police cars' turned up to the venue and began speaking those involved in the clash.

A representative for the Metropolitan Police told MailOnline: 'Police were called at 00:20hrs on Thursday, 25 July to reports of a fight on Shepherds Bush Green, W12.

'Officers attended. There were no arrests.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Russell Crowe for comment.

Russell has been touring the UK with his band The Gentlemen Barbers, and after a show in Leeds on Thursday, is set to conclude his run of gigs in Inverness on Friday.

However, things turned violent when Russell's promoter got involved in a row with excited fans, leading the actor to rush back inside as a fight broke out

It comes after the actor admitted that following his divorce from wife Danielle Spencer, he embraced his newly-single status by becoming a 'f***ing sl*t'.

He admitted his romantic antics were 'ridiculous' and included one particularly memorable dalliance with a 'significantly younger' woman.

He said: 'To be completely truthfully honest with you, after my divorce was finalised, I became a f***ing sl*t. I was f***ing ridiculous, I had s*** going everywhere. You know the old saying, 'there's a girl in every port?''

The lothario, who was linked to Billy Joel's ex-wife Katie Lee, 42, in 2012, also confessed to using the controversial 'lovebombing' technique.

Lovebombing involves one person showering another with excessive affection, compliments, and gifts in order to influence them.

Russell, who starred in A Beautiful Mind and American Gangster, said: 'I'd set these things up. They have that saying now, you lovebomb somebody.

'I'd be f***ing lovebombing people like crazy because I've got a spare buck or two so you can do that kind of s***.'

The candid comments were made at a live performance of Russell's band, mere hours before the fight allegedly broke out.

The New Zealand-born actor also recounted the time he was supposed to go on a date with a younger woman in France, but she stood the A-lister up in favour of one of Britain's biggest coastal cities.

'The situation was with a young lady and when I say young I mean significantly younger than me. Significant, we'll just leave it at that,' he explained. It is not clear who the younger woman was that Russell is referring to.

'Coming up towards the dates that we were supposed to meet in Paris I found out that she'd gone somewhere else. Now just put yourself in this position okay.

'Here's the options: you, and the person, and Paris. She decided instead to go to Southampton. F*** off. If you get out the list of the 50 greatest places you should visit before you die, guess what's not on the f***ing list?'

His lustful phase lasted a couple of years, before Crowe saw the error of ways and settled down with former actress Britney Theriot, 31, who he has been in a 'fantastic relationship' with since 2020.

It comes after the actor admitted that following his divorce from wife Danielle Spencer, he fully embraced his newly-single status by becoming a 'f***ing sl*t'

The Oscar winner explained: 'It took me a couple of years to look at myself in the mirror one day and go, 'what are you doing? Nothing's going to get better or happier by approaching things like this.''

The couple recently sparked engagement rumours when Ms Theriot was spotted wearing a dazzling diamond band on her ring finger, and there were claims they were eyeing up an Italian wedding after reportedly visiting a church in Rome in June.

He also maintains a close relationship with his ex-wife Ms Spencer, 55, who he shares two sons with Charles, 20, and Tennyson, 18.

The actor is notably absent from the upcoming sequel to Gladiator, the movie that propelled him to international stardom.

Fans hoped he would appear in a flashback or afterlife scenes, but director Ridley Scott is focussing on the character of Lucius played by Paul Mescal.
A high-profile Network Ten presenter has labelled a rogue Wikipedia entry about himself 'completely false, malicious and hugely offensive'.

Daily Mail Australia revealed on Wednesday that a shocking claim was published about Lachlan Kennedy on his public profile on 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.

Kennedy previously told Daily Mail Australia the edit was 'horrendous' but has now gone further to condemn the alleged lie.

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

'This is a private matter. Cassie and I love our children deeply and we are committed to raising them together,' Kennedy told Confidential.

'We chose to keep our separation private, so we could work on being the best parents we can be moving forward.

'The details in the Wikipedia hack are completely false, malicious and hugely offensive.'

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.

In the wake of their relationship, Kennedy has been linked to Channel Nine federal politics reporter Liz Daniels

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 recent weeks the father-of-two Mr Kennedy has shut down most of his social media pages.

Kennedy (pictured, left) labelled the rogue Wikipedia entry about himself 'completely false, malicious and hugely offensive'

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.
Taylor Swift has followed in Naomi Campbell's footsteps to have her own exhibition at the V&A London.

As her Eras tour roars on, fans of Taylor, 34, will get the chance to be up, close and personal with outfits and memorabilia from her previous tours and music videos.

Original items from Taylor's different musical eras have been integrated into galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington.

Costumes, guitars and more from Taylor's archive have been curated into the 'Songbook Trail' exhibition which will open on July 27.

Of the Trail, Kate Bailey, the senior curator of theatre and performance at the V&A, said: 'There's so many really iconic objects and looks worn by Taylor across her career from her breakout moment in country.

Taylor Swift, 34, has followed in Naomi Campbell's footsteps to have her own exhibition at the V&A London

As her Eras tour roars on, fans of Taylor will get the chance to be up, close and personal with outfits and memorabilia from her previous tours and music videos

'It's wonderful to be able to share her musicality and her microphone. So, many, many things.'

'The V&A feels like the perfect stage for a Taylor Swift trail. I think theres so many touchpoints within Taylors work that respond to art, literature, history.

'There's so many ways that we can kind of interpret and layer and present Taylors work here.'

Some of the items that will be on show date back to 2007 when Taylor was just a mere supporting act.

These particular items are pale blue heart-adorned cowboy boots, turquoise dress and a Taylor acoustic guitar made of koa wood.

All of Taylor's pieces will be scattered in amongst the V&A's priceless works of art, fashion, photography, furniture, performance, architecture, and ceramics.

A purple skirt and pink and green sequined jacket from the 2015 tour of her Grammy-winning 1989 album are in a case next to a painting by the High Renaissance artist Raphael.

A jumper from her Cardigan music video sits in front of a piano in a gallery of landscape paintings.

Original items from Taylor's different musical eras have been integrated into galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington

Costumes, guitars and more from Taylor's archive have been curated into the 'Songbook Trail' exhibition which will open on July 27

Of the Trail, V&A said: 'There's so many really iconic objects and looks worn by Taylor across her career from her breakout moment in country...'

'It's wonderful to be able to share her musicality and her microphone. So, many, many things...'

'The V&A feels like the perfect stage for a Taylor Swift trail. I think theres so many touchpoints within Taylors work that respond to art, literature, history...'

V&A's senior curator of theatre and performance, Kate Bailey, finished: 'There's so many ways that we can kind of interpret and layer and present Taylor's work here'

All of Taylor's pieces will be scattered in amongst the V&A's priceless works of art, fashion, photography, furniture, performance, architecture, and ceramics

In summer 2023, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City presented Taylor Swift: Storyteller, featuring a different array of costumes and objects spanning her career

The Cinderella-like yellow gown from Taylor's 2022 Bejeweled music video is displayed in the Prince Consort Gallery.

And a stage costume from her Reputation Tour - complete with snake microphone - sits proudly in the British Gallery.

In summer 2023, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City presented Taylor Swift: Storyteller, featuring a different array of costumes and objects spanning her career.

Taylor Swift's Songbook Trail exhibition at the V&A South Kensington will be open from July 27 to September 8.
Police have issued an urgent self-checkout warning after a scam by frausterrs went unnoticed for 18 days.

Crooks had placed a card-skimming device - disguised as a pin pad - in the self-service aisle of several stores in Cromwell, Connecticut.

Two men are being hunted over the fraud, WFSB reported. It is the latest example of a worrying new fraud on self-checkouts - which is a new take on a well-worn trick used for decades on ATMs. There was a similar case at a Kroger recently.

Card skimmers, often hidden by fraudsters on cash and card machines, steal information such as card numbers and pins from credit and debit cards.

With that information, they can make fake cards or use the information for online purchases without the owner's permission.

Two Walmart stores have been recently targeted by the scams

Cromwell police released images of the two suspected of installing the devices

In once incident, police received a complaint from Walmart on July 17 after staff discovered a card skimmer on one of its checkout machines.

After staff reviewed store security footage it was discovered that the criminals had placed the skimmer on the register on June 29 - some 18 days earlier.

'It was further determined that the suspects are also responsible for attaching credit card skimmers to registers in stores across the state,' Cromwell police said in a statement on Tuesday.

What are card skimmers?

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Cromwell police also released images of the two suspects, who they are still searching for.

Suspects with a similar description were also caught on camera fitting skimming device onto machines at nearby LaBonne's Markets in Prospect, according to police.

Devices were also found on the registers at Big Y's Naugatuck and Plainville locations, having been fitted on June 29.

Yet another device was found at the Walmart in Naugatuck on July 17.

'Providing customers with a safe shopping experience is a top priority' Walmart said in a statement.

'We're continually reviewing protocols and adding enhanced security measures to better protect in-store transactions' the statement added.

A skimming device was also detected in Georgetown, Delaware last month.

The device remained undetected by customer and staff for around ten days, according to local authorities.

'It's terrible. I didn't believe that it was really going to happen and then you hear it on the news,' Georgetown resident Virginia Layfield told Coast TV news.

'You know, you don't know from one day to the next what can happen in a small area like this,' she said.

The device was only discovered and reported to police when a customer discovered fraud charges on their card, Coast TV reported.

'We are reaching out to our partners with the FBI to see if we can do facial recognition, see if it's part of a larger group,' Lt. Matthew Barlow of the Georgetown Police Department told the outlet

The skimming device found at the Walmart in Connecticut

'Oftentimes, when we're talking about fraud of this nature, electronic fraud and things like that may be part of a larger organization, may be something that our partners, the FBI or Secret Service, are already investigating, so we just want to be helpful on that front, obviously take care of our victims here locally as well' he added.

How to avoid card skimming scams

Dr. Vahid Behzadan, assistant professor of computer science at the University of New Haven told WFSB one of the best ways to protect yourself from such fraud is to use contactless cards or Apple Pay which does not require inserting a card into a machine.

Behzadan also recommends remaining vigilant by trying to detect anomalies by touching around the card reader, frequently checking credit card payments for unusual transactions and even setting up transaction notifications on a smartphone.
One of the largest wine producers in the US has filed for bankruptcy, blaming Americans drinking less after the end of Covid lockdowns.

Vintage Wine Estates - the 15th biggest producer in the US - filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Wednesday.

It began in 2009 when former CEO Pat Roney added two more vineyards to the Napa Girard Winery that he had owned for years. It now has 30 wine and spirit brands.

Wines - under brands including B.R. Cohn, Clos Pegase, Firesteed, Kunde and Layer Cake - are sold at dozens of online wine specialists and stores such as Sam's Clubs.

Their bottles range from $10 a bottle to more premium products costing upwards of $140.

Vintage also owns the hugely popular Ace Cider brand, which is sold at Target and costs around $14 for six cans.

The California-based company's brands include B.R. Cohn, Clos Pegase and Firesteed

U.S. wineries sold 377 million cases in 2023, down from 445 million in 2021

Just last week the company sold substantial amounts of its real estate and equipment for $10.5 million in order to pay down debt.

However, the Santa Rosa, California-based winery will now ask a judge to approve its plans to sell almost all its remaining assets.

Bosses cited a surplus of grapes after consumers began drinking less after pandemic restrictions ended, overexpansion and too much debt.

Chief executive Seth Kaufman said reorganizing became necessary after out-of-court efforts to sell some assets and focus on 'super premium' brands fell through.

Chapter 11 allows it to do that while still operating. The more serious Chapter 7 bankruptcy is when business are shutting down and they sell everything off.

The company had about $475 million of assets and $400 million of debts as of March 31.

It is also seeking $60.5 million of financing to keep operating while it reorganizes.

The company's stock was down 40 percent at 6.7 cents in afternoon trading on Wednesday, and will be delisted.

Vintage began in 2009 when former CEO Pat Roney added two more vineyards to the Napa Girard Winery that he had owned for years. It now has 30 wine and spirit brands.

'An unanticipated steep decrease in demand, surplus supply, labor shortages and supply-chain disruptions, combined with a spate of unanticipated integration costs and delays associated with business acquisitions, have created an operating environment in which the company is unable to continue outside of chapter 11,' Kaufman said in a court filing.

Vintage is the 15th biggest producer in the US - making 2 million cases a year, according to Wine Business.

The more than 11,600 U.S. wineries sold 377 million cases in 2023, down from 445 million in 2021, BMO Financial Group estimated in May.

California grape growers have burned or torn out thousands of acres of vineyards to address the oversupply.

Vintage is among many businesses, including several retail chains and restaurants, that have struggled to adapt to changing buying habits after the pandemic.

Vintage began in 2009 when former CEO Pat Roney added two more vineyards to the Napa Girard Winery that he had owned for years

Vintage's wines are sold at dozens of online wine specialists and stores such as Sam's Clubs

This week, appliance and furniture chain Conn's filed for bankruptcy - putting at risk 500 stores.

Express - a mall staple - filed for bankruptcy in April and said it would shut 95 Express outlets alongside all of its UpWest stores.

At the start of May, Rue21 - the teen fashion chain that is a fixture in malls across America - also said it will shut all its 543 US stores.

Restaurants are suffering too. Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy in May and also shuttered almost 100 restaurants. This week it emerged it owes $21 million for shrimp alone.

In early June, Mexican chain Rubio's shut 48 locations in California and also filed for bankruptcy.
A 90-year-old family-owned Italian restaurant has been sold after no more family members could be found to run it.

Tommaso's Ristorante Italiano in San Francisco has been sold after more than 50 years by the Crotti family.

One of the owners Carmen Crotti previously told San Francisco Gate that she and her co-owner relatives had hoped another member of the family would take it over but that it wasn't possible after choosing different career paths.

'This has been more than a business to us, as over the years our customers have become an integral part of our family,' the Crotti family said in a statement on Monday.

'Our reason for retirement is simple. We have been here for 51 years, getting older and the physical aspect of running a restaurant takes its toll,' Carmen told the Gate.

Tommaso's, previously called Lupo's, was first opened in 1935

'That been said, Tommasos has been our life, our customers have become family and we will miss it greatly.

'Also, we will be present until the end of the year to insure a smooth transition.'

The Crotti family will hand over the restaurant to the new owners in December.

Carmen stressed that very little will change under the new ownership, which plans to keep the restaurants menu and name.

The staff will also stay on after the restaurant changes hands, many of whom have worked at the restaurant for decades.

Tommaso's, previously called Lupo's, was opened in 1935 by the Cantalupo family, who immigrated to San Francisco from Naples, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

It is reported to have served food from the first wood-fire pizza oven on the West Coast.

The restaurant was sold in 1971 to chef Tommy Chin who changed the name to Tommaso's.

In 1973 the Crotti family bought the establishment, kept the name and have run the local favorite ever since.

Tommaso's was awarded Legacy Business status by the city in 2017.

The Crotti family will pass over ownership in December, after 51 years at the establishment

Across America, restaurants have increasingly been struggling this year. Faced with higher costs, they have put up menu prices - but that has led to a fall in customers.

Bigger chains like Applebee's, TGI Fridays and Boston Market have have all recently shuttered restaurants, as have smaller chains like BurgerFi.

Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy in May and also shuttered almost 100 restaurants. New owners were announced this week - as it emerged the debt-ridden chain owes $21 million for shrimp alone.

Chains have been worst hit in California where the minimum wage for fast food restaurants jumped to $20-an-hour from April 1.

In early June, Mexican chain Rubio's shut 48 locations in the state and also filed for bankruptcy.

Mom-and-pop operations much like Tommasos have also been shutting.

Earlier this month, for example, Fargo's Pit BBQ in Texas closed after more than two decades of serving brisket, ribs and other barbecue classics.

Last month, two classic Bay Area Italian restaurants closed on the same day.
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 Asia's 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.
As we remember the 527 soldiers who laid down their lives, we celebrate the enduring legacy of their heroism and dedication to the nation

Visitors to Drass, a town situated at an altitude of 10,760 feet (3,279 metres) in India-administered Kashmir, are greeted with a signboard that says at -60 degrees Celsius on January 9, 1995, it was the second-coldest inhabited place on the planet. Drass, located in Kargil district, has an additional claim to fame. In the summer of 1999, it was on its western edge with rocky and barren Himalayan peaks that India and Pakistan fought their last war.

That year, Pakistans military and Kashmiri rebels occupied strategic positions on the Indian side of the de facto border between them (known as the Line of Control or LoC), prompting a counter-offensive by India. While Pakistan had named its move to take over the control of Indian posts along the LoC as 'Operation Badr,' India called its offensive 'Operation Vijay'.It was a war fought in the era of satellite news channels. The battles were broadcast directly to homes in both countries, making Drass and Kargil as a whole, a symbol of Indias nationalism, inspiring a raft of jingoistic Bollywood movies. This July 26 is the 25th Kargil Vijay Divas. On this day in 1999, the Indian forces threw out the Pakistanis from the incursion points in the general area of Kargil, which they had illegally occupied, bringing to a close a two-month war.

It was a tough war, fought on sheer grit and courage, as gutsy young officers, most of them in their twenties, led equally brave soldiers up naked rock faces and managed to evict the enemy within weeks. Names such as Tiger Hill, Tololing, Point 5140, Point 4700, Three Pimples, Chorbat La, Point 5203, Point 4875, Khalubar, and Jubar Top became household names across the country. On 26 July 1999, the Kargil conflict officially came to an end. The Indian Army announced the complete eviction of Pakistani intruders, but a price was paid for it in blood and tears. We lost 527 of our brave soldiers; 1363 came back wounded. The Indian army has marked July 26  the day the Kargil war ended  as Vijay Diwas (Victory Day).

Every year for the past 25 years, the whole nation celebrates proudly on this day. Army also undertakes commemorative treks on the Icy features, where our Braves became invincibles. What seemed an impossible task to the world, was accomplished in a mere 50 days, with all the features lost, back under our control.

The '50 Day War' as it is fondly called, was a record in itself.Whenever the story of Kargil is told, it shall be incomplete without paying homage to the steely resolve and cold courage of these young men who went to fight for their nation knowing that they might never return. Barely out of the academy, they fought against all odds, with single-minded devotion, and set new benchmarks in heroism. Their spirit and daring will be difficult to replicate. The war will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprise, the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to the KargilSiachen sector, military strategy and planning, and the dedication, determination and daring junior leadership at the tactical level.

In fiercely fought combat actions, on the most difficult terrain that gave immense advantage to the enemy, we were able to evict Pakistani troops from most of their surreptitiously occupied positions. The Pakistani leadership was forced to sue for a ceasefire and seek the withdrawal of its troops from the remaining areas. Operation Vijay  the Indian codename for the war  was a blend of strong and determined political, military and diplomatic actions, which enabled us to transform an adverse situation into a military and diplomatic victory. As two prime ministers of Pakistan later acknowledged, Kargil war was Pakistan's biggest blunder and disaster.'

A reflection on the Kargil War can never be complete without a mention of the brilliant junior leadership that we witnessed during battles.

Such acts by young officers and men can never be forgotten. They make us proud. Commanding officers of many infantry battalions displayed steely resilience and single-minded devotion to duty. There were actions by young artillery forward observation officers and battery commanders who took over infantry companies when their company commander colleagues were killed. A victory in war is achieved when battles are won. Battles are won when soldiers put duty before themselves. Soldiers who put their lives at stake in wars and war-like situations and expect nothing in return. But what the nation owes to them is recognition and gratitude. For every single brave deed noticed and recognized, many went unnoticed in the fog of war. These legendary tales deserve mention not only in our military history books but also in school textbooks to serve as inspiration for young people. This success shall not be taken for granted. With heights averaging 15000 feet, bone-chilling temperatures and a dominating hostility, the Kargil war in itself is a global legend.

(The author is freelance writer; views are personal)
The new coalition, dominated by the pro-India Nepali Congress, will now be led by the communist leader Oli who will have a daunting task of ensuring political stability

Politicians have been grabbing the power by following Machiavavillan principle of showing complete disrespect to means, the morality and values. This is true of Pushpa Kamal Dahal who fell from the grace after facing humiliating defeat while seeking trust vote in Nepal parliament.

While seeking trust vote in Nepal parliament, Prachnda faced the worst type of humiliating defeat as he got 63 votes (Rashtria Swatantra Party-21,CPN(US)-10 and his party-32)as against 194 votes of new coalition combination of Nepali Congress(89 MPs) and Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist)(78 MPs) which also got support from other smaller parties like Rastriya Prajatantra Party(RPP),Janata Samajwadi Party(Upendra faction) etc. in the house of 275 where majority mark was 138 only. Oli has staked claim after president Ram Chandra Poedel invited the political parties having strength to form the government.

In a positive move, Dr. Rajan Bhattarai, the Foreign Affairs Department chief and a Standing Committee member of the CPN-UML emphasized that CPN-UML believes that Nepal's progress or the welfare of its people can be achieved only by adopting a Pro -India stance. He made it clear that the party's chairman, KP Sharma Oli, is keen on taking Nepal-India relations to new heights thereby aligning with the requirement and urgency of the modern era.

Due to fragile nature of democracy in Nepal, unabated and persistent instability has been trademark of the government which is evident from 16 time change of guards in the span of 13 years thereby hitting the interests of the common people in the country besides pushing the country into financial crisis and debt liabilities especially huge loans advanced by China.

In a midnight swoop and a dramatic turn of events on July 9, a secret deal was clinched between two former Prime ministers viz. Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepali and K.P.S. Oli of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) which sealed the fate of current PM,Pushpa Kamal Dahal,Prachanda. In this manner, yet another coalition of Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and Nepali Congress came into existence today following the humiliating defeat of Prachanda, a diehard loyalist of China' on the floor of house .New regime will be headed by Ex PM,Oli which had preceded withdrawal of the support to current PM, on July 3, 2024 thereby reducing it into minority. The Janata Samajwadi party led by Ashok Rai having 7 PMs also withdrew the support and recalled three ministers from Prachanda government.

The coalition government will be dominated by Pro India, Nepali Congress, though a die-hard communist leader, former PM, Oli will be heading it for a term of one half year which will be followed by a takeover by former PM, Deuba of Nepali congress as agreed by two coalition partners.

Foreign policy experts say that major factors responsible for the collapse of collation of Prachnda-Oli, duo, included Power Struggle, style of functioning of prime minister, Policy Differences, Coalition Dynamics and Coalition Dynamics which may lead to more stable dispensation comprising of Nepali Congress, Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and Janata Samajwadi party.

Amidst the toppling game, midnight power sharing agreement between two former Prime ministers, viz. Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Nepali Congress and K.P.S.Oli chairman of Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) was signed on July 5, 2024 thereby leading to a sudden change of regime in Nepal. New coalition government of Oli and Deuba is bound to face multiple challenges which will be key to success otherwise its fallout could be midterm polls. The fragile nature of the new government consisting of the communists (Pro China) and Nepali Congress (Pro India) having opposing ideologies could pose a major challenge to keep them in unison and amalgamated.

Oli and Deuba combine will be under compulsion to keep equi-distance with two regional powers viz. India and China which have got geo-political and strategic interests in the affairs of Nepal. Oli's previous stint as PM was marked by his extreme Anti India action of redrawing the map which had shown Indian territories including Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani as part of Nepal. It had exasperated India which rejected this misadventure thereby terming it as baseless besides being an attempt to spoil ties. Now, as dominant partner in the coalition, the onus of checking this tendency will lie on Deuba to prevail upon Oli to come out of Anti-India mentality and protect age-old relations between two nations.

The communists regimes led by Prachanda always gave clear indications about the commitment to China which will expect new government to go ahead with Belt and Road (BRI) initiative especially when outgoing PM has approved the proposal which had been signed between two countries on May 12, 2017.

It will be an uphill task for Oli to stick to his predecessors' resolve to toe China's line about BRI as Nepali congress is totally opposed to it hence chances of any progress seem to be remote. It will be a test of the new government to deal with India's Agnipath scheme which is one of the major irritants so far. Nepal's border issues with India, including disputes over territories require a multifaceted approach.

Strengthening the Nepal-India Joint Boundary Commission to expedite the resolution of boundary issues through technical and diplomatic means may yield positive results. The survival of the coalition will depend solely on mutual trust of partners and balanced diplomatic strategy and refrain from offending two regional giants which had been lacking in the past.

(Writer is a senior journalist and a political analyst; views are personal)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday confirmed receiving a note from Dhaka that conveyed its objection to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees remarks offering shelter to people affected by violent-clashes in that country. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has earlier objected to Mamatas recent remark of offering shelter to people from Bangladesh amid ongoing protests in the country.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, appearing to disapprove of Mamatas comments, said matters that bring the Union into relation with any foreign country, are the sole prerogative of the Central Government.

In an address at a public event in Kolkata, Mamata, 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.

There were reports in the Bangladeshi media that said Dhaka has communicated to New Delhi through diplomatic channels its displeasure over the West Bengal Chief Ministers comments.

I can confirm that we have received such a communication from the Bangladesh side. It is essentially on the lines described in the reports, Jaiswal said during his weekly media briefing while replying to a question.

I would underline that under the Seventh schedule  List one  Union List  item 10 of our Constitution, the conduct of foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country, are the sole prerogative of the Union Government, he said.

Mahmud, in a video shared widely on X, was heard saying, With all due respect to Mamata Banerjee, with whom we share a relationship of mutual interests... However, her 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. Mahmud communicated with the Indian government through diplomatic channels.

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has also urged Banerjee not to make any politically-motivated populist remarks on the current situation in neighbouring Bangladesh that could affect the nations external affairs.

In her remarks on Sunday, Banerjee also referred to the UN Resolution on refugees as justification for her stand over the possible humanitarian crisis that may emerge on account of the severe law and order breakdown that gripped Bangladesh.

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, Banerjee said.

But I can tell you this, if helpless people come knocking on the doors of Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter, she said at the Martyrs Day rally of the Trinamool Congress.

Bangladesh was reeling under deadly clashes with protesting students demanding the Sheikh Hasina-led government to scrap a controversial job quota system. Over 100 people were killed in the clashes that began weeks ago.

Law enforcement authorities in Bangladesh had imposed a nationwide curfew.According to reports from Dhaka, the overall situation has witnessed some improvement in the country since Wednesday.
The tales of California homeowners losing their insurance are ubiquitous, stretching from rural Mariposa County to the middle of San Francisco. But which areas are facing the worst of Californias insurance crisis?

The answer: predominantly regions where densely packed forests or open grasslands put residents at high risk of losing their homes to destructive wildfires.

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A Chronicle analysis of data submitted to the state by the 10 largest home insurance companies in the state from 2019 to 2024 revealed that more than 100,000 Californians have lost their home insurance over the past five years.

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In their filings, companies overwhelmingly cited wildfire risk as the reason for cutting down in these specific regions  including in several parts of the greater Bay Area.

In Santa Cruz County, where the CZU Lightning Complex burned more than 900 homes in 2020, companies have non-renewed residents nearly 8,500 times from 2019 to 2024  just under 12 nonrenewals for every 100 policies in the area. One ZIP code, 95033, which covers the southern part of Santa Clara County, has the single largest number of nonrenewals per 100 policies  66  of any ZIP code with more than 50 policies.

At 2,220 total, the 94563 ZIP code covering Orinda had the most nonrenewals of any ZIP code in the state. It was also the ZIP code that was impacted the most by State Farms decision to not renew approximately 30,000 homeowners policies starting this month, with around a quarter of all Orinda homeowners learning their policy would not be renewed by the company.

Along the Sierra Nevada foothills, several communities have also seen large-scale nonrenewals because of the risk of wildfires.

A previous Chronicle analysis of data provided to the Department of Insurance found that wildfire-prone areas are also more likely to pay far above the state average for home insurance premiums.

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Another hard-hit area is San Bernardino County, where more than 9,800 policies have not been renewed since 2019. The situation is so dire that county supervisors voted unanimously this month to call for Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency over the insurance crisis. He has not yet done so, though Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara pledged to continue supporting counties, including San Bernardino, by pursuing regulatory reform.

The reduction of insurance options in the state has had a direct negative impact on our consumers ability to get coverage, and its putting our homeowners and businesses at a risk of catastrophic loss, Supervisor Dawn Rowe said at the June 25 meeting.

Companies property-level data about average wildfire risk in each ZIP code is collected and compiled by the Department of Insurance, most recently for 2021. That year, 52 companies representing about 67% of the home insurance market submitted risk scores, according to Deputy Insurance Commissioner Michael Soller. These scores, which range from negligible (0) to very high (4), include factors such as the amount of dry timber or vegetation in the area or the slope of the land nearby, which can affect how quickly a fire spreads. The numbers displayed in the map and table are averages based on the risk score of each property in each ZIP code, meaning some areas may have a combination of low- and high-risk neighborhoods.

Insurers also have reasons other than wildfire risk for declining to renew policies, according to Soller. For example, a company might decide it will no longer insure homes built before a certain year, leading it to ax policies for older homes.

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When Californians think of nonrenewals, many people automatically think of wildfire, Soller said. Theres a number of reasons why an insurance company would non-renew people.

The location of one-off nonrenewals that result from a problem in a particular home do not get reported to the Department of Insurance, according to Soller, and therefore arent included on the Chronicles map. But when an insurer changes its eligibility guidelines in a way that impacts rates  such as dropping policies it deems too risky or adding new restrictions to areas where it will do business  the company is required to report how many policies they plan to drop and where theyre located, Soller said. Not every one of the top 10 insurers reported block nonrenewals.

In California, state regulations enacted by voters in 1988 govern how insurance companies are allowed to set their prices, including how they can calculate fire risk. But the department does not currently have authority to regulate decisions on where and to whom insurance companies offer policies.

Reforms proposed by Lara seek to get around that issue by giving insurance companies access to new tools to set their prices as long as they agree to increase the number of policies they write in risky areas.

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The security forces have been kept in a state of high alert ahead of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas on Friday in Drass. This will be the PMs first visit to the region after recent spate of terror attacks and also a few high-level review meetings in this regard held in the national Capital with two of them chaired by Modi himself.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi who landed in Srinagar early Thursday morning visited forward areas along the Line of Control in Kashmir valley to review the preparedness of the forces involved in counter-infiltration and counter-terror operations.

The Army Chief later flew to Kargil to supervise the arrangements. Vital security installations were also kept on high-alert along the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway following the sighting of seven suspected terrorists in a village of the Pathankot district of the neighbouring State, Punjab.

Several schools at Army installations in the Jammu region and along the highway were directed to remain closed till July 29 as a precautionary measure. Massive search operations were also launched by the Army, police, and paramilitary forces in the border areas of Kathua (Jammu) and Pathankot to track down the suspects.

During his brief stay, the Prime Minister will also carry out the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project, virtually.

The Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel which will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu  Padum  Darcha Road to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh.

Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world.

The Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh.

Former Army Chief Gen VP Malik along with several other army veterans, Veer Naris, and the next of kin of fallen soldiers have assembled at the Kargil War Memorial to pay their homage to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile Punjab police have also released a sketch of one of the suspects based on the description of a woman who spotted the seven suspicious men in the Phangtoli. A joint team of the security forces has also launched an operation along the International Border (IB) in the Samba sector to detect underground and cross-border tunnels.

A comprehensive anti-tunnel exercise has commenced to ascertain the presence of any cross-border tunnels, said a police officer involved in the operation.

The search operations also involve the deployment of drones and are being conducted daily in response to the ongoing security threats posed by potential terrorist infiltrations, he said. Security forces are clearing dense bushy areas to eliminate the possibility of the existence of tunnels, the officer added.

Reports also indicate that between 50 to 60 foreign terrorists have infiltrated Jammu via the International Border and Line of Control over the past few months, according to police.

In Kathua, two alleged overground workers (OGWs) were arrested for their involvement in a terror attack on an army patrol party in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district, police said.

According to a police spokesperson. two OGWs were apprehended for their involvement in supporting terror-related actions.

On July 8, five army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, were martyred and five others were injured in the attack by heavily armed terrorists in the remote Machedi area of the district.

These individuals were found to have deliberately withheld crucial information from the police, the spokesperson said, adding that those arrested have been identified as Layaqat Ali, alias Pawu of Kalna Dhanu Parole (Billawar) and Mool Raj alias Jenju from Bowli Mohalla (Malhar).

According to the spokesperson, the duo refused to disclose vital information to the police, thereby obstructing efforts to prevent terrorist actions.

Ali and Raj have been booked under 61(1) (Criminal conspiracy), 113 (Terrorist act), 147 (Waging, or attempting to wage war against the Government of India), 150 (Concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the EIMCO (Egress and Internal Movement Control) Act at Malhar Police Station, he said.
With a lot of complications due to the breakaway factions of two important constituents  NCP and Shiv Sena  in Maharashtra, the Central leadership of BJP, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has personally started taking stock of the situation. The State is to go to Assembly elections soon.

A day after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar demanded nearly 90 seats for the NCP faction led by him during his meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, the PM on Thursday met MPs of NDA allies in Maharashtra and discussed the political situation ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls in the state. Among those whom the Prime Minister met included Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, and others.

The BJP won just nine of the 28 seats it contested in the Lok Sabha polls, down from 23 it won in 2019. Besides the loss of Lok Sabha seats, BJPs vote percentage decline in the State this elections has caused a huge worry. In 2024, BJP got 27.84 per cent votes which has been reduced to 26.1 per cent this time.

Sources said a section of the BJP leadership is in fix over the being party to Ajit Pawar led NCP who besides pressing for maximum number of seats for forthcoming assembly polls has been demanding a cabinet berth in the Union Council of Ministers. The party opted out from the Council of Ministers when it was formed by Modi who took over as PM in his third tenure last month.

Sources said the Prime Minister took feedback from all the MPs regarding the upcoming assembly elections in the meeting. During the conversation, the PM also gave a mantra to all the MPs on how to win the elections by keeping a close watch on activities at booth level. The Prime Minister asked the MPs to be active from the booth to the ground and work for the people. He told the MPs that everyone should focus on how to reach as many people as possible.

During the meeting, Modi also asked the newly elected MPs from Maharashtra about their experience so far. Meeting was scheduled soon after the canards were spread by the Opposition ranks that Maharashtra has been completely ignored in the Budget announced this week. PM personally desired to set aside apprehensions and shared that all representatives of the Maharashtra coalition should reach out to the people and explain how several projects and many funds have been allocated to the State, sources said after the meeting that transpired between the PM and MPs in the Parliament.

During his meeting with Amit Shah, Pawar insisted on seat distribution at the earliest and asked to avoid lingering around till the last minute like the Lok Sabha polls. After his meeting with Amit Shah, Ajit Pawar also met deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and other senior BJP leaders in the national capital. According to sources, Pawar is likely to make another visit on July 28. The Ajit Pawar-Amit Shah meeting comes he was blamed for NCPs alliance with the BJP for the latters loss in the just concluded Lok Sabha elections.

The Ajit Pawar-led NCP won just one seat, Raigad, while the Sharad Pawar led NCP bagged eight. On the other hand the Shiv Sena faction of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is determined to contest 100 seats while the BJP has set a target of 160 to 170 seats of the total of 288 Vidhan Sabha.

In the recent past, some BJP leaders and the RSS have blamed the inclusion of Ajit Pawar and his NCP in the Mahayuti as one of the reasons for the ruling alliances poor show in the Lok Sabha polls. The last assembly polls saw the undivided NCP win 54 seats.
On the instructions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the prompt initiative of the Department of Labour, Employment, Training and Skill Development, 27 workers of Jharkhand working in Vinayak Construction, Face Gendarmerie, Apress Auditorium and Jean Paul to Mabanklo Company in Yaounde, Cameroon, South Africa, returned home safely this morning.

Minister Satyanand Bhokta, Minister Baidyanath Ram, Minister Baby Devi, MLA Kalpana Soren and MLA Sudivya Kumar Sonu welcomed the workers on their arrival in Giridih today. They talked to the workers and got to know their entire plight. The CM also communicated with the workers through mobile and assured them of all possible support and help from the state government. The workers expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for the initiative taken by the state government to return to their home in Jharkhand from South Africa under difficult circumstances.

Among the 27 workers stranded in South Africa, 18 are from Bokaro, 4 from Giridih and 5 from Hazaribagh. All these workers were working there since March 29 this year. On July 16, they had expressed their desire to return to India and that their wages were pending for 4 months on X handle.

As soon as the Chief Minister came to know about this, he directed the Department of Labour, Employment, Training and Skill Development to take necessary initiatives. At the same time, a letter was sent to POE, Ranchi by the Secretary, Labour Department to take cognizance of the matter. Through the letter, the workers were asked to take initiative in the direction of their pending wages and their safe return to Jharkhand.

On the initiative of the state government, the company paid the pending wages of the workers and also arranged for air tickets.

The State Migrant Control Room working under the Labour Department contacted L&T company and directed that the pending wages of the workers should be paid as soon as possible. In this regard, the Kolkata Head Office was contacted and Cameroon, South Africa was again informed about the matter. After this initiative of the state government, L&T Company paid Rs 30 lakh to all 27 workers on July 17 as pending wages for 3 months.

The workers informed the state government through video about receiving their pending wages. The company also arranged air tickets to send the workers back to India. On 21st January, all the workers flew from there to India. They reached Mumbai on 22nd July and then arrived at Parasnath station in Jharkhand by train this morning.
The Uttar Pradesh police nabbed 18 people, including two policemen, late on Wednesday night for their alleged involvement in facilitating smuggling of liquor and other items into the state through the Bihar border.

A team of Special Task Force, led by ADG Varanasi and DIG Azamgarh, conducted a raid at the Bharauli intersection located on the UP-Bihar border under the Narhi police station of the Ballia district and arrested the 18 accused on the spot, DIG Vaibhav Krishna said on Thursday.

The police team recovered Rs 37,500 in cash from the spot.

Nine policemen, including Narhi police station in-charge Pannelal, have been suspended following the raid while all policemen of the checkpost, including in-charge of Korantadih outpost, have been suspended and a case has been registered against them.

The DIG said a challan had been issued against the 18 arrested persons.

Soon after learning about this development, Director General of Police Prashant Kumar also took cognisance of the matter and instructed ADG Varanasi Piyush Moradia to take strict action against all the accused policemen and others involved in the crime.

Sources said that a report had been sought to forward it to the authorities concerned so that all the men in uniform, found to be involved in the extortion could be removed from the police force.

According to DIG Azamgarh Vaibhav Krishna, four days ago they received information that some policemen posted in Ballia were extorting money at Bharauli checkpost.

After this input, a joint team of ADG Varanasi and DIG Azamgarh was formed and late in the night on Wednesday, the Bharauli checkpost, Korantadih police outpost and Narhi police station were raided simultaneously.

Both the senior IPS officers were also present in this raid. Both the officers kept this raid so confidential that they did not even inform the superintendent of police of Ballia about it.

According to the information received from the ADG Varanasi office, inputs about extortion and collection of money at Bharouli checkpost were received several days ago. However, continuous recce was done for four days, and when the whole matter was confirmed, then finally the raid was conducted.

The action started after midnight at Bharauli picket across the Ganga river bridge on the UP-Bihar border of the Narhi police station area on a complaint of illegal recovery from trucks laden with sand as well as vehicles carrying liquor and cattle at the border. The team took into custody three policemen and 17 others from the picket.

A large number of motorcycles, registers and mobiles were also recovered from the spot. All the accused were kept at a nearby temple and interrogated throughout the night. On Thursday morning, the vehicle used for carrying prisoners was called from Ballia and the people caught were brought to Narhi police station. The teams action continued at the Narhi police station. The room of the station in-charge was sealed. Police station in-charge Pannelal was missing from the spot. After this, searches of the policemens barracks were also started.

In the morning, DIG Vaibhav Krishna and SP Devranjan Verma, along with the additional superintendent of police and circle officer also reached the spot.

DIG Vaibhav Krishna, who came out of the police station after hours of investigation, told the media that Narhi police station in-charge Pannelal as well as in-charge of Korantadih police post of the police station, along with all the policemen posted there, had been suspended. He said police recovered Rs 37,500 in cash and 14 bikes.

He said that two policemen and 17 brokers had been arrested. They used to help the police in extortion.

Three policemen have absconded and a case is being registered against all of them.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav reacted sharply to the incident on social media saying, A new game is happening in Uttar Pradesh: Earlier it used to be thief-police game and under BJP rule it is happening police-police!

This is the exposure of zero tolerance against crime. #Dont_want_BJP he wrote.
Leader of Opposition Amar Bauri and Dhanbad MP Dhullu Mahto met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhavan, New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the improvement of railway operations in the Dhanbad-Bokaro Lok Sabha and Chandankiyari Assembly constituencies.

The BJP leaders highlighted issues pertaining to Dhanbad and Bokaro districts of Jharkhand, which are key industrial regions. Notably Coal from the mines in these areas is sent to several states, and thousands of workers from Bokaro and Dhanbad travel daily to the mines and factories established there. Currently, rail lines and railway stations are established at Bhojudih and Gaurinath Dham. However, even after 75 years of independence, Chandanakiyari and Barmasia remain untouched by the railway line.

During the meeting it was suggested that If the Bhojudih-Gaurinath Dham via Chandanakiyari-Barmasia rail section is established, it would not only generate crores of rupees in revenue for the railways but also provide convenient rail travel for millions of workers. This would significantly reduce the heavy burden on road transport.

The entire discussion took place in a cordial environment, and the railway minister assured to review the matter positively.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is making continuous efforts to promote investment and employment in the state. Chief Minister Yadav will inaugurate the Interactive Session on Investment Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh in Coimbatore on 25 July 2024. So far, more than 700 investors and entrepreneurs have registered for this session. This event is part of the Road-to-GIS series of Invest Madhya Pradesh: Global Investors Summit to be held in February 2025. Earlier, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav had interacted with investors and industrialists in the roadshow in Mumbai.

A positive environment is being created for the Global Investors Summit to be held in February 2025 through regional industrial conclaves, road shows, and interactive sessions in major industrial centers of the country. In these events, investors and industrialists are being made aware of the resources of various sectors of Madhya Pradesh, available opportunities, skilled workforce, positive initiatives of the government, developmental approach, and supportive environment.

The objective of this program is to make investors aware of investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh and to motivate them to participate in the progress of the state. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav will also hold one-to-one discussions with investors and discuss the states One-District-One-Product (ODOP) scheme. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav will lay special emphasis on the states skilled workforce, abundant resources, and favorable industrial environment.

This program to meet industrialists for investment is being organized in Coimbatore, the major industrial center of South India after Mumbai, which is famous for its textile, engineering, and information technology sectors. Efforts will be made to attract investors in key sectors like PM Mitra Textile Park, IT Park, Textile and Garment, Engineering and Information Technology.

Representatives of M/s Best Corporation and M/s Craftsman will share their experiences from Madhya Pradesh.

Officials of the Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Department will give a presentation on investment opportunities in various areas of Madhya Pradesh. In the interactive session, industrialists will be given detailed information about investment opportunities in the state through a short film focused on Advantage Madhya Pradesh.
n support of their pending demands, the Government doctors in Haryana went on an indefinite strike on Thursday, adversely affecting medical services in state-run hospitals. The Strike was called by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association. The doctors' demands include the formation of a specialist cadre for them and a career progression scheme that ensures parity with their central government peers. The association called for a shutdown of health services in the government hospitals as a mark of protest.



Following the protest, patients were seen in long queues outside OPDs in various hospitals of the State and they complained that they were being treated by interns or retired doctors. To resolve the issue, government representatives are holding talks with the doctors' body which began on Thursday afternoon.



A day ahead of the strike call, the State Government had urged the doctors' association to consider the impact of the strike on the patients. "Doctors of various government health institutions have proceeded on an indefinite strike across the state," Association President Dr Rajesh Khyalia said while talking to reporters. The institutions include civil hospitals, sub-district hospitals, community and primary health centers, he said. Khyalia said that OPD, emergency and post-mortem examinations have also been impacted. Nearly 3,000 doctors across the state were expected to take part in the strike before it began.



On Wednesday, four association members, including Khyalia, had also started an indefinite hunger strike in front of the office of the Health Services director general in Panchkula. The other demands of the doctors include no direct recruitment of senior medical officers and a reduction in the bond amount for postgraduate courses. On the government's invitation for talks on Thursday, Khyalia said, "We will attend the meeting but if there is no outcome, then our strike will continue indefinitely."



Long queues of patients were seen in outpatient departments (OPDs) of district hospitals at many places, including Panipat, Gurugram, Bhiwani and Hisar. The patients said they were told that the doctors were on strike. At a few other places, some patients in OPDs said they were attended to by doctors undergoing postgraduate training, retired doctors or those doing internship. However, the health officials said alternate arrangements had been made so that not much inconvenience is caused to the patients. "Over the past several months, we have been given repeated assurances pertaining to our various demands but those remain unfulfilled. So, we have decided to observe a total shutdown of health services, including OPD, emergency and post-mortem from Thursday," Khyalia had said on Wednesday.



On July 15, the government doctors observed a two-hour strike to press for their demands. The strike had affected OPD services in government health care institutions across the state. According to the association, the doctors have to submit two bonds of Rs 1 crore each for admission to postgraduate courses. It demands that the amount should be considerably reduced. On the direct recruitment of senior medical officers, the association has said it will block the growth of hundreds of medical officers awaiting promotion to the post after completion of 20 years of service.
Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Patel has called upon the Panchayat representatives to perform their duties with full dedication. Rights will come naturally.

Patel said that the state government is striving to ensure that every Panchayat has a community hall and every Panchayat has its own building. He said that every Panchayat can design development plans of their respective Panchayats efficiently and intelligently. He said that Panchayat Raj is the spirit of working together for public welfare. He said that soon orders will be issued to send to Upadhyaksha - Vice Presidents for their mandatory consent.

Patel was addressing workshop organized by Panchayat and Rural Development Department and German organization GIZ on the topic Self-reliant Panchayats  Prosperous Madhya Pradesh here today.

He urged the Janapad Vice Presidents to make a list of works and activities in which they think their opinion and consent are required.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday laid the foundation stone of development works worth more than Rs 313 crore at a Pragati rally in Fatehabad. He said that a wildlife treatment centre will be built in Badopal. As per the government policy, the electricity poles installed in the middle of the roads and the wires passing over the houses will be removed free of cost by the local corporation. In various villages where voltage is low, a big transformer will be installed by the Electricity Department, Saini added.



The Chief Minister also announced that a boosting station will be built in Ward number 13-14, if land is available. The mini bypass of Fatehabad will also be renovated. The committee constituted by the government is considering making Bhuna a sub-division and Bhattu a tehsil, and as soon as the criteria are met, this work will be completed.



Addressing the gathering, Saini, We have risen above the district, city and constituency and looked at the entire state with one vision. Rising above regionalism and nepotism, we have worked for the progress and prosperity of the entire Haryana.



Taking a dig at the Opposition, the Chief Minister said those who are demanding an account of the 10-year tenure of the current state government should look into their own conscience. Their government used to work in commission mode, while our government works in mission mode. Corruption was at its peak during their rule, only those who had recommendations and money used to get government jobs whereas the present government worked to change the system in the state and gave government jobs to the youth on merit. Our government has closed the shops of such middlemen who used to do brokerage in getting government jobs or getting government work done for people. We have made the state a developed state by freeing it from fear, corruption, nepotism and regionalism, he said.



Hitting at the Opposition parties, Saini further said that those people whose own records were poor, who gave birth to corruption, nepotism and left the people to fend for themselves, were today asking us for accountability. The account of our tenure is given by those youths who have got government jobs without any expenses and slips. The poor person whose treatment is being done free of cost today is giving the governments report. The farmer in whose account the amount of crop insurance and compensation is going directly is giving the governments report. The elderly are also giving the governments report as they do not have to run around offices to get their pension. Their pension is being given while they are sitting in their homes. Under the previous government, the elderly had to run around offices for 6-6 months to get their pension.



Saini said that during the reign of the Congress, the condition of Fatehabad city was like a remote village. The roads were broken, the drinking water system was in a shambles and there was shortage of electricity. Waterlogging used to happen during rain. In the last 10 years, the government has constantly accelerated the wheel of development here. Development works worth crores of rupees have been completed and works worth crores of rupees are in progress, he said.



The Chief Minister said in the last 10 years, the government has laid a network of 4-6 lane highways in the state. Bypasses, flyovers and railway overbridges and underbridges have been built to facilitate traffic. A new era is being ushered in the field of education by the establishment of high-quality educational institutions. Today, the development of Haryana is being discussed not only in the country but also abroad.



The Chief Minister said that the aim is to open a medical college in every district. Taking a step in this direction, Sant Shiromani Shri Guru Ravidas Government Medical College is being opened in Rasulpur village of Fatehabad. Similarly, under the target of opening a hospital in every district, a 200-bed hospital is being constructed in Sector-9 at a cost of Rs 45 crore. A 100-bed seven-story hospital is also being constructed in Tohana at a cost of Rs 138 crore. The government has also opened many new institutions to make this district a leader in the field of education.



He said the government has worked to increase its connectivity to accelerate the development of this area. The Mandi Dabwali-Sirsa-Fatehabad-Delhi National Highway is passing through here. Similarly, with the construction of Hansi-Maham-Rohtak railway line, the people of this area have got more rail connectivity to Delhi. Maharaja Agrasen Airport being built in Hisar is just 35 km from here. In this way, this area has also got air connectivity, the chief minister added.
The strong rain system is active in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday as well. It rained in 24 districts. Tikamgarh received 6 inches of rain in 4 hours in the morning. The district hospital was flooded due to heavy rain in Sagar.

In Jerai village of the district, people spent the night on the roofs due to waterlogging in their houses. More than 50 cattle were swept away in the strong current. The water level of Narmada increased by 2 feet in 4 hours. At the same time, a young man was swept away in the strong current of Sindh river at Sankua Dham in Datia.

Today, there was an alert for heavy rain in 20 districts of the state including Indore, Gwalior, Chambal division. It has been raining lightly in Bhopal since morning. It also rained intermittently in Katni, Dindori, Guna and Gwalior.

It is raining continuously in Tikamgarh and Sidhi. Rivers and streams are in spate. The lower settlements are flooded. Heavy rain continues in Sagar. More than 2 inches of rain has been witnessed here throughout the day.

Heavy rain continued in Sagar. More than 2 inches rain reported in the day.

Tikamgarh received the highest rainfall of 3.5 inches. Rewa received 2.4 inches of rain and Umaria received 1.5 inches of rain. At the same time, half an inch of rain witnessed in Guna, Damoh, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Malajkhand. Bhopal, Betul, Dhar, Gwalior, Narmadapuram, Satna, Seoni, Indore, Khandwa, Khargone, Pachmarhi, Ratlam, Ujjain, Mandla, Narsinghpur, Rewa also received rain.

Niwari district's Jamni river is in spate. A young man is trapped on the island amid the strong current of the river. The villagers informed the Jeron police station in-charge about this at around 4 pm on Wednesday evening. Its rescue team has been dispatched.

Sagar has received more than 2 inches of rain throughout the day. Rainwater accumulated in Baghraj Ward, Tili Ward, Tirupatipuram Colony area of the city.

The rain continues in Chhindwara. Dense fog prevailed during the day due to rain in Chimtipur village of Patalkot in the district.

A part of the culvert built on Poonol drain ahead of Digaura on Tikamgarh-Jhansi road got damaged. Due to which there was a long queue of vehicles on both sides of the road. Passengers going from Tikamgarh to Prithvipur, Orchha and Jhansi are getting troubled.

The water of the Uldan dam project being built on the Dhasan river on Banda-Bandri road of Sagar reached near Uldan village. There is water up to one km away from the bridge of the river. As soon as the information was received, the top officials of the administration reached the affected area and ordered immediate evacuation of the surrounding villages. But, the villagers are not ready to leave the village.

Five out of 11 sluice gates of Pagra Dam located in Banda of Sagar were opened. Alert issued in surrounding areas.

A young man swept away in the strong current at Sankua Dham located on Sindh river in Seondha of Datia. On Wednesday afternoon, 5 youths from Murar of Gwalior had come here for a picnic. While getting into the water, the foot of a youth named Arvind Kushwaha slipped, and he was swept away in the strong current of the river. Divers are engaged in searching for him.

Heavy rains continue in Bina of Sagar on the second day on Wednesday. The SDERF team has rescued 15 people from Bildhav village here. These include a newborn and a pregnant woman. All of them were sitting on the roof of the houses for more than 6 hours wearing raincoats.

Dhasan river is in spate in Mehar village of Sagar. Water filled in two houses built on the river bank. 8 people were trapped on the second floor of these houses.
After a news conference at Vallejo City Hall in 2019, people marched through the streets to protest the death of Willie McCoy, who was killed by Vallejo police officers. Otis R. Taylor Jr./The Chronicle 2019

The sister of Willie McCoy, who Vallejo police fatally shot in 2019, was killed in a crash last week and police are investigating the death as a homicide, according to police and the familys attorney.

Sharmell Mitchell, 48, was taken off life support on Friday after being ejected from a vehicle and suffering head injuries, according to Vallejo police and attorney Melissa Nold.

The crash occurred on July 16 around 12:30 p.m. as the result of a criminal act, police said, without elaborating. Three vehicles were involved in the collision: a Mercedes-Benz ML350, an Isuzu Trooper, and a Kia Soul, Vallejo police said. Gunshots were heard near the site of the crash on Tennessee Street and Vervais Avenue, which is a couple blocks from an elementary school.

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Police and onlookers observed a woman lying in the street and an overturned vehicle before she was taken to a hospital.

Mitchell leaves behind four children, who are minors, and a family seeking action to apprehend a suspect. That puts the family, Nold said, in a tenuous position of working with a department it filed suit against that is giving limited information regarding the death of a loved one.

We dont know how much intention they have of investigating my clients murder, Nold said. Were hoping theyre going to do their jobs and turn up enough leads to get someone arrested for this. One thing we should all have in common is we dont want someone who shoots in broad daylight to not be in jail.

Vallejo police remained tight-lipped about the case, taking a week to put out a news release  and only after the Vallejo Sun first identified Mitchell. After the Chronicle repeatedly sought information, police spokesperson Sgt. Rashad Hollis on Friday confirmed the traffic collision but refused to confirm gunshots were involved.

Two days after the crash, a vigil for Mitchell was attended by roughly 100 people at the site of the collision. Before 8 p.m., there were multiple calls of shots fired in the same area, police confirmed.

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Mitchell was the older sister of McCoy, whose 2019 controversial killing raised questions about tactics used by the Vallejo Police Department and brought calls for oversight.

McCoy, 20, fell asleep at a Taco Bell drive-thru with a gun in his lap, police said. Six Vallejo police officers fired 55 rounds at McCoy in less than four seconds  just as they awakened him, according to a report that found officers adhered to use-of-force practices. In January, the Vallejo City Council approved a $5 million settlement with his family.

One of the detectives assigned to the investigation into Mitchells death is Jarrett Tonn, the Vallejo police officer who fatally shot 22-year-old Sean Monterrosa, a San Francisco resident, in 2020 during a night of protests against the Minneapolis police murder of George Floyd.

After a third-party investigation that found he violated department policies led to his termination, he was reinstated to the department in August 2023. Like the shooting of McCoy, Monterrosas killing prompted protests against Vallejo police and calls for justice.

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Aishbagh police have booked a man for sexually exploiting a 27-year-old girl in the name of marriage.

The victim hails from Harda and was in love with a young man living in her village. Ten years ago, both came to Bhopal to study. Here, they came close and the accused proposed the victim of marriage.

Later, the accused raped the girl in the victim's rented room in Aishbagh area by luring her with marriage. The police have registered a case and started searching for the accused.

According to the information received from Aishbagh police, the 27-year-old girl is originally from a village in Harda district. About ten years ago, she became friends with a young man named Adarsh Shukla living in the same area. Soon this friendship turned into love. Nine years ago, both came to Bhopal to study. The young man started studying BAMS here. During this time, the young man started sexually exploiting the girl by luring her with marriage.

About seven years ago, in the year 2022, he distanced himself from the girl. When the girl pressured him to marry her, the boy refused to marry her. When he did not agree even after repeated persuasion, the girl complained about the matter to the Aishbagh police station. After registering a case of rape, the police have started searching for the accused.

Meanwhile a young man committed suicide by hanging with the ceiling in Shahpura.

A month ago, after a dispute, his wife went to her maternal home. Since then, the man was in depression.
The renowned Vishwarang festival is poised to celebrate its 6th edition in the vibrant landscape of Mauritius, from August 7 to 9, 2024.

This significant cultural event is organized collaboratively by the World Hindi Secretariat, Mauritius, and Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, aiming to honor and promote the global Hindi language, literature, art, and culture.Mr. Santosh Choubey, Director of Vishwarang, expressed his elation, stating, "Vishwarang 2024 in Mauritius will be a landmark event that brings together the global Hindi community to celebrate and promote the rich heritage of Hindi language, literature, art, and culture.

We are honored to collaborate with esteemed organizations and look forward to inspiring discussions, performances, and cultural exchanges. We inaugurated the International Hindi Centre at Rabindranath Tagore University during Vishwarang 2023. This year, we will focus on how Hindi can become a global language, create employment opportunities, and introduce innovative teaching methods.

Additionally, we will present the Vishwarang Bhasha Samman 2024 to honor those who have significantly contributed to the Hindi language."Vishwarang 2024 is set to witness the participation of over 200 writers, artists, and educationists from more than 30 countries.

The festivals opening ceremony will be graced by the President of Mauritius, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, and the Deputy Prime Minister. This grand event is supported by distinguished organizations, including the Tagore International Hindi Center (India), Tagore World Art and Culture Center (India), Mahatma Gandhi Institute (Mauritius), Rabindranath Tagore Institute (Mauritius), Hindi Speaking Union (Mauritius), Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation, and Vanmali Srijan Peeth (India).The festival will commence with an inaugural ceremony at the World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius on August 7, 2024.

The ceremony will feature a vibrant Shobha Yatra, followed by the lighting of the lamp and the national anthems of Mauritius and India. Dr. Madhouree Ramdharee, Secretary General of the World Hindi Secretariat, will deliver a welcome address. The ceremony will also include a screening of a Vishwarang film, an address by Santosh Choubey, Director Vishwarang, Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Co-director Vishwarang, launch of the global Hindi report "Vishwa mein Hindi" and the Pravasi Hindi Sahitya of eleven countries.

The keynote address will be delivered by The Honorable Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mauritius.

Following the inaugural ceremony, the festival will host a plethora of academic sessions, cultural presentations, and international poetic recitals. Highlights include sessions on global literary consciousness, medieval history, and the dimensions of Bhojpuri language and literature, featuring eminent speakers like Pawan Verma, Leeladhar Mandloi, Jitendra Shrivastava, Badri Narayan, Nand Kishore Acharya, and Ashok Bhomik.

On August 8, 2024, the festival will delve into discussions on the global horizon of Hindi and mass communication media, AI and Hindi language - opportunities and challenges, Hindi in migrant countries, and the role of technology in Hindi teaching, with insights from distinguished speakers such as Om Thanvi, Priyadarshan, Rama Sharma, Shalini Verma, and Balendu Dadhich.
Manipal Tata Medical College (MTMC) distributed 40 laptops to 20 government schools in the East Singhbhum District under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. This initiative aims to equip students with essential technological skills, fostering educational growth and bridging the digital divide.

Building on the success of last year's initiative, which saw the distribution of 75 laptops to 15 schools, MTMC is continuing its commitment to enhancing education in both rural and urban areas. This years distribution effort is designed to provide greater access to computer science education, preparing students for a future driven by technology.

The laptop distribution event took place at TMA Pai Hall on the MTMC premises, in consultation with the District Education Department and the Jharkhand Education Project. Principals and headmasters from the 20 beneficiary schools were present to receive the laptops, highlighting the community's support and raising awareness about this impactful initiative.

"We are proud to continue our efforts in supporting the educational needs of the East Singhbhum District," said the Dean of MTMC. "We believe that every student deserves access to quality education, and we are committed to doing our part in bridging the gap," added the Head of the Outreach Department at MTMC.

The event saw the presence of the Dean of MTMC, the Director of MTMC, the Head of Outreach at MTMC, Manoj Kumar, District Education Officer of East Singhbhum, Ashish Kumar Pandey, District Education Inspector of East Singhbhum, and Akhilesh Kumar, Assistant Program Officer of the Education Department of East Singhbhum.

Manipal Tata Medical College, Jamshedpur, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence (IoE), is a renowned educational institution committed to providing quality medical education and healthcare services. Located in Jamshedpur, the college offers undergraduate programs in the fields of medicine and allied sciences.
IIM Indore manager and management expert Naveen Krishna Rai has been nominated as a member of the District Child Welfare and Protection Committee (DCWPC) of Indore district, Madhya Pradesh.

It is noteworthy that as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, this committee works under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate for the smooth and easy implementation of the Missan Vatsalya Scheme.

To strengthen this committee, management subject expert Naveen Krishna Rai has been nominated as its special invitee member. Naveen is already a member of the Child Welfare and Protection Committees of the Harda district of Madhya Pradesh and Basti district of Uttar Pradesh state.It is worth mentioning that Naveen is also involved as an advisor in various government committees of many states.

In those committees, he provides his advice on issues related to child welfare, social justice, urban development, industrial development, police training, e-governance and start-ups.

Not only this but various judicial, administrative and police training academies in the country invite Naveen to take management training sessions.

He provides training on subjects like Life Management, Self-Management, People Management, Decision Making, Leadership, Conflict Management, Negotiation etc. He trains officers of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Provincial Police Service, Administrative Service, Judicial Service, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Patel has urged the elected representatives of Panchayats at all levels to select at least one village of their choice and development it as Model Village using available resources and convergence of various schemes. He urged them to start developing a village of their vision.

Patel was addressing the concluding session of the workshop organized by Panchayat and Rural Development Department and German organization GIZ on Self-reliant Panchayat  Prosperous Madhya Pradesh here today.

Patel said that the Panchayats, which are adjacent to the cities have their own issues. They acquire semi-urban status. There are 1200 such panchayats at present. Discussions will also be held soon with their presidents, vice-presidents, members and officials. Similarly, the situation of the Panchayats, which are PESA panchayats and those near forest protected areas are different from the normal Panchayats. Their issues will also be discussed.

Patel said that two community halls will be built in panchayats having a population of over 5000. He urged the Panchayat representatives to start the process of selecting a suitable construction site. He said that representatives of Zila Panchayats can play advisory role in the meetings of subordinate Panchayats but should not interfere in their decision making process.

The Panchayat Minister said that all Panchayat representatives should update themselves about rules of the meetings. This will help avoid conflicts. He said that the development activities being carried out in the Panchayats should be continuously monitored so that corrections can be made timely.

Patel said that Panchayat representatives are socially responsible persons and they should fulfill their responsibilities diligently. He said that the meetings of the general bodies of Panchayats are like cabinet meetings. Take this very seriously. Where meetings have not been held, ensure that they are held at regular intervals. This is a collective responsibility.

Patel said that the funds available in Panchayats will be spent only with the consent of the elected Panchayat representatives. He called upon the Panchayat officials to ensure that the utilization certificates of the development works done in their respective Panchayats are submitted properly. Always work with an intention of improving systems.

He said that the suggestions given in the workshop will be considered and appropriate decisions will be taken. He said that it is imperative to adhere to financial disciplinary norms. Madhya Pradesh earned fame at the national level in the implementation of many central schemes due to the promptness of Panchayats, he added.
Students of the Prestige Institute of Management and Research (PIMR), Indore, have presented a groundbreaking case study on Wow! Momo, showcasing its rapid growth in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector.

Conducted by Srajan Sodhiya, Sahil Bakshi, and Prince Rawal under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Nitin Girdharwal, this study offers a fresh perspective on branding and strategic innovation in the competitive QSR market.

The research highlights the crucial role of effective branding in the success of startups in the QSR sector.

Momo serves as a prime example of how a strong brand identity can foster customer loyalty and drive market growth. The study delves into the innovative strategies and solutions adopted by Wow! Momo, providing a blueprint for other QSR businesses to emulate.

Professor Girdharwal highlighted that the study has helped PIMR students enhance their analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and competitive strategies in the QSR industry.

This experience will provide students with practical insights and methodologies relevant to real-world business challenges. Dr. Davish Jain, Chairman of the Prestige Education Foundation, commended the students for their thorough analysis, stating that the study offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs in the QSR industry. Dr. S.S. Bhakar, Group Director, and Col. (Dr.) Subramanian Raman Iyer, Director of PIMR, also praised the students and Professor Girdharwal for their dedication and innovative approach.
Congress has made a major allegation on PM Shri Air Service Scheme launched one month ago for 8 cities of Madhya Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference in here on Wednesday at party office, Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez said, 'Last week I travelled with my family from Bhopal to Jabalpur. My children got seats near toilets. It was a very embarrassing experience.'

Congress spokesperson said, '6 passengers were taken in a 4 seater plane of Fly Ola company attached to PM Shri Air Service Scheme. Passengers are being made to travel by placing seats on staff seats and toilets in the rear part of the plane. Seat numbers are not assigned to passengers. The one who reaches first sits on the front seat. The one who reaches later has got a toilet seat.'

Congress spokesperson said, 'The schemes of Madhya Pradesh government are only for creating events on paper. The government had launched PM Shri Air Service with great fanfare. It was claimed that there will be cheap travel to connect Madhya Pradesh. But, after 1 month, the 50% discount on fare given in this scheme has been stopped and only 20% discount is being given. Now even bookings are not being made in this service, because the fare is very high. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla lied that 2 months advance booking is going on.'

CM Mohan Yadav had started Bhopal-Jabalpur PM Shri flight 1 month ago. 50% discount was given on fare for the first 30 days. Now a 20% discount is being given.

Showing the company's website, the Congress spokesperson said, 'The company is opening bookings for only one week. All seats are seen vacant on the dates of 25-26 July. This service was started for 7 cities. Now this flight service is running from only 4 places. The flight to Ujjain has been stopped. All 6 seats of Bhopal-Indore are vacant on 25th July. All seats of Rewa to Jabalpur are vacant on 26th July. The Deputy Chief Minister has lied. About 95 percent of seats are vacant in the upcoming dates.'

The Congress spokesperson said, 'The government should clarify before the public that it was said that this service will be expanded to more cities, but why is the service being stopped? The company which has got this work, is it being charged fare for parking their flight in Bhopal, Indore or has it been given free'.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday announced that his government will boycott the NITI Aayog meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27 in New Delhi. The dramatic decision, aimed squarely at the heart of the Central Government, comes in response to what Mann decried as a blatant disregard for Punjabs significant contributions to the nation, dubbing the Union Budget of being a Kursi Bachao Budget that sidelines non-BJP ruled states.

In solidarity with the INDI Alliance (INDIA), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led State Government joined the boycott of NITI Aayog meeting. The decision aligned with the stance taken by other non-NDA states, including Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These states have also expressed similar grievances regarding the Union Budget's perceived neglect of non-BJP-ruled states.

The boycott follows announcements by Congress and DMK to also abstain from the meeting. The INDI Alliance has collectively criticized the central budget for ignoring the needs of states not governed by the NDA.

Up until the Chief Ministers announcement on Thursday, preparations for the NITI Aayog meeting were underway in the Chief Ministers office, including drafting Manns speech. The Chief Minister had planned to address the Central Government regarding the outstanding Rs 10,000 crore, emphasizing the need for funds allocated to rural development and mandi development funds.

Justifying his decision, Mann criticized the Union Budget for failing to give Punjab special preference despite its significant contributions to the nation. If Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh receive special status, why can't Punjab? We are also a landlocked state, he asserted.

Mann, interacting with media in Jalandhar on Thursday, expressed deep disappointment with the Union Budget, accusing the Central Government of political vendetta against non-BJP ruled states, including Punjab. Mann highlighted that despite Punjab's significant contributions to the nation's food security and economy, the state was conspicuously ignored in the recent budget allocations.

The Union Budget has failed to allocate necessary funds to Punjab, which is a main and major grain-producing state. The Finance Ministers announcement of providing ration to 80 crore people did not mention Punjab, which is an outright neglect of our farmers contributions, said Mann.

Emphasizing Punjab's pivotal role in the nation's security and economy, Mann said: With a 532-kilometer international border, Punjab has always been at the forefront of national interest. He recalled his efforts to waive off Rs 7.5 crore charge imposed by the Union Government for sending military forces during the Dinanagar and Pathankot attacks, highlighting the financial burdens placed on the State.

Mann assured that his government would seek alternative financial resources to make Punjab economically viable and demanded a special status for the State. He underlined Punjab's historical contributions to the freedom struggle and its vital role as the food bowl of India, arguing that these contributions warrant better treatment from the central government.

The Chief Minister criticized the central government for withholding Rs 10,000 crore from Punjab, including crucial funds for rural development and mandi development. What's the need to attend such meetings if our demands won't be met? The word Punjab wasn't even mentioned in the budget. We contribute 47 percent to the nation's food bowl, and the ration distributed by the Centre comes from Punjab, Mann said. He also pointed out that while other states' police forces primarily serve their states, 30 percent of Punjabs police work to protect the nations borders.

Questioning the Centre's approach, Mann asked if it intends to govern with just two states while sidelining those where they dont secure electoral victories. Will the Centre run the government with just two states and ignore the others? he queried, underscoring the perceived political vendetta against non-BJP ruled states.

He also expressed frustration with the Governors frequent raising of what he called trivial issues, urging cooperation rather than conflict. Mann also touched on the governance issues, asserting that decisions regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors of Universities should rest with elected representatives, not appointed officials. He appealed to the Governor to maintain the constitutional decorum of his position and avoid creating an atmosphere of conflict.

SAD Condemns CMs Boycott of Niti Aayog Meeting, Calls it Suicidal for Punjab

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday vehemently condemned Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns decision to boycott the upcoming Niti Aayog meeting, calling it suicidal for Punjabs interests.

Senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema criticized the move, emphasizing that the Niti Aayog meeting is a crucial platform for states to present their specific needs and influence central policies. This forum allows states to advocate for tailored schemes and counter the one-size-fits-all approach of central programs, Cheema stated.

Cheema accused Mann of prioritizing politics over Punjabs welfare by aligning with the Congress-led boycott. He highlighted the lack of consultation with the Vidhan Sabha and other political parties before making this decision.

He urged the Chief Minister to reconsider and attend the meeting, stressing the importance of presenting Punjab's case effectively to the Niti Aayog. Boycotting the meeting forfeits an essential opportunity to hold the Union Government accountable for its neglect of Punjab in the Union Budget 2024, Cheema asserted, calling for Mann to fulfill his constitutional duties and protect Punjabs interests.
Punjab Government has launched a substantial Rs 21 crore subsidy scheme under the Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) to enhance farm mechanization across the state. The initiative will provide financial support to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), making advanced agricultural machinery more accessible.

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian unveiled the scheme, which covers subsidies for a range of equipment, including Pneumatic Planters, Potato Planters, Potato Diggers, Paddy Transplanters, DSR Seed Drills, Rotavators, Tractor Operated Boom Sprayers, PTO Operated Bund Formers, Oil Mills, Mini Processing Plants, Nursery Seeders, and Forage Harvesters. Farmers can apply for these subsidies by logging onto the Departments portal  agrimachinerypb.com  until August 13, 2024.

The scheme offers a 40 percent subsidy on machinery purchases for individual farmers, farmer groups, cooperative societies, Panchayats, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Additionally, individual SC farmers, women farmers, and small and marginal farmers will benefit from a higher subsidy of 50 percent.

The Minister emphasized the schemes potential to boost agricultural productivity, promote water-saving techniques, and support crop diversification. He urged the farmers to take advantage of the scheme, noting that mechanization can enhance income and support the growth of MSMEs in agriculture. The Minister also stressed the importance of transparency in the application and distribution processes, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended recipients.

Farmers seeking further details about the subsidy scheme are encouraged to visit their district Agriculture Offices. This move marks a significant step in Punjabs effort to transform agriculture and improve the livelihoods of its farming community.
Rotary Club of Jamshedpur Midtown held its 39th Installation Ceremony, marking a significant event conducted in traditional manner, adhering to established protocols. The chief guest for the occasion was D B Sundara Ramam, Vice President, Raw Materials, Tata Steel, and the installation and induction officer was PDG Dr. R. Bharat.

The ceremony saw the outgoing President Dr. Ashok Kumar Jha and Secretary Jyoti Singh handing over the reins of the club to the incoming President Preeti Saini and Secretary Rajeshwar Jaiswal.

The function commenced with a welcome address by Ashish Das, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the lighting of the lamp. Outgoing President Dr. Ashok Kumar Jha presented a review of the projects undertaken during the Rotary year 2023-24. This was followed by an award function, recognizing notable members for their significant contributions to society. Dr. Jyoti Singh was honored as the Rotarian of the Year for his commendable work in organizing free surgeries and medical camps.

The installation of the new President Preeti Saini, Secretary Rajeshwar Jaiswal, and the new Board of Directors was conducted by Dr. Bharat, following the traditional oath-taking and collar exchange ceremony. Dr. Bharat also presented the new officials with Rotary lapel pins. The new Board includes President Preeti Saini, Secretary Rajeshwar Jaiswal, IPP Dr. Ashok Kumar Jha, PP Ashish Das, PP Shiva Rama Rao, Sarita Ray, Moin Khan, Shankar Pathak, and Dr. Jyoti Singh. Additionally, five new members were inducted, taking their oaths and receiving Rotary literature and lapel pins.

In her presidential address, Preeti Saini emphasized the clubs goals for the coming year, aiming to create magic through collective efforts and highlighting the importance of Rotary fellowship to undertake need-based projects for societal service.

The event also featured the release of a souvenir by the chief guest, announcements by Secretary Rajeshwar Jaiswal, and an introduction of the chief guest by Sarita Ray. In his address, Ramam praised the club's efforts, particularly in conducting free surgeries and other community service projects, comparing it to Tata Steel's impactful work in its mining areas.
The San Francisco Democratic Party on Wednesday gave its sole endorsement to Mayor London Breed in the mayoral race. Loren Elliott/Special to the Chronicle

The San Francisco Democratic Party on Wednesday gave its sole endorsement to Mayor London Breed in the citys hotly contested mayoral race and backed moderate candidates for six open Board of Supervisors seats.



At a Wednesday meeting, the Democratic County Central Committee endorsed Breed for the November race against four other major candidates: Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safai, former Mayor and Supervisor Mark Farrell and Levis heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie.

Backing from the DCCC  a group tasked with endorsing local ballot measures, candidates and energizing voters  could be a significant boost to Breed ahead of November. She is likely to appear on election materials with other high-profile Democrats.

Theres a potential halo effect around Breed with people who are supporting Kamala Harris, Jason McDaniel, a professor at San Francisco State University, said about the DCCC endorsement. Voters will see the association with powerful women like Nancy Pelosi and Harris.

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He added that there will be a sense that Democrats are united around three powerful women.

Breed said in a statement she was honored and proud to receive the partys unequivocal support.



As someone who has registered voters, traveled to battleground states, and done the hard work to build our party up locally over the years, I know the value of this endorsement and what it means, Breed said. With our democratic values under attack all over the country and with so much at stake in this election, Im proud to stand with and be supported by our local Democratic Party.

Breed also announced she is holding a news conference Thursday overlooking the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square Park, where she will be joined by state Sen. Scott Wiener and other community leaders.

While the group could have endorsed more candidates, or suggested ranking candidates for mayor, the party chose not to endorse a second-choice candidate. City voters can rank up to 10 candidates in order of preference; if no one receives a majority on the first round, the candidates with the least votes are eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to their voters next-highest choices until someone has a majority.



The DCCC also voted on endorsements for six open supervisor seats. It chose Marjan Philhour  who is also a member of the committee  in her contest against Supervisor Connie Chan for the District 1 seat to represent the Richmond. There was no second-choice endorsement. Danny Sauter received the partys endorsement in the District 3 race to replace termed-out Supervisor Peskin and represent North Beach, Nob Hill and Chinatown.

Bilal Mahmood, also a member of the committee, received the partys endorsement to represent the Haight, Alamo Square and the Tenderloin for District 5. Ahead of the DCCC votes, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi endorsed Mahmoods opponent Supervisor Dean Preston. Pelosi also endorsed Supervisors Myrna Melgar and Connie Chan.

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Melgar received the partys endorsement for the District 7 race representing neighborhoods West of Twin Peaks. In District 9, which includes the Mission, the party chose to endorse Trevor Chandler  a member of the committee  and Roberto Hernandez for its second choice.

In District 11, the party chose to endorse Michael Lai, also a member of the committee, in the race to represent the Excelsior and other neighborhoods.

The key candidate endorsements come after San Francisco voters in March elected a slate of moderate candidates to run the local Democratic Party after four years of progressive rule.



Moderate Democrats supported by tech-backed political organizations and wealthy donors won 18 seats while the more progressive Labor and Working Families slate won six. Four years ago, progressives took 22 of 24 seats.

Some influential groups like public sector unions and local political groups already have made their endorsements for mayor and supervisor races.



Farrell picked up an endorsement from two well-funded moderate groups, TogetherSF Action and Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, while the citys largest public sector union came out in favor of Peskin. TogetherSF Actions board is recommending that its supporters rank Farrell first, Breed second and Lurie third. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco also dual-endorsed Lurie, saying supporters should vote for him or Farrell in either order. The group gave Breed a third-choice endorsement.
Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnav, while discussing the provisions made for Indian Railways in the budget presented on Tuesday through video conferencing, said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the strategy for the development of railways in the last 10 years has been changed and emphasis has been laid on maximum investment, due to which special attention has been given to safety, expansion of infrastructure, modernization and passenger facilities on railways.

In the year 2024-25, a budget provision of Rs 2,62,200 crore has been made for Railways, which is the highest till date. An allocation of Rs 108 thousand crore has been made in this budget to strengthen safety in Railways. Describing safety as an important subject of Railways, the Railway Minister said that last year Rs 98 thousand crore has been spent on safety related items on Indian Railways.

Madhya Pradesh gets budget allocation of Rs 14738 crore

Ashwini Vaishnav, Railway Minister, while providing information about Madhya Pradesh, said that Madhya Pradesh state is the heartland of the country. Till the year 2009-14, Madhya Pradesh used to get an average budget of only Rs 632 crore per year, which has been allocated Rs 14,738 crore in the budget for the year 2024-25 under the leadership of the Prime Minister, which is the highest budget allocation till date.

Ashwini Vaishnav informed that rail works are going on very fast in Madhya Pradesh. Work is going on on investment projects worth Rs 81 thousand crore in Madhya Pradesh. Total 100 percent of the railway lines in Madhya Pradesh have been electrified. 80 railway stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Station Scheme. 1062 flyovers and road under bridges have been constructed on railway tracks in Madhya Pradesh.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav talked about completing the railway projects in Madhya Pradesh within the targeted time through adequate budget. A significant fund has been set aside for safety related activities in Railways.Talking about safety, Railway Minister said that the work related to Kavach system has been completed on Indian Railways and Kavach 4.0 version has been finalized by RDSO, now a plan is being prepared to install this state-of-the-art Kavach system on various railway routes. He informed that works like laying optical fiber cable, installing towers, setting up data centers and installing RFID devices are done to install the Kavach system, which takes time.

Kavach system has been installed on about 3000 km of railway track on Indian Railways.In the Railway Budget Press Conference of Railway Minister, General Manager of West Central Railway, Shobhana Bandopadhyaya and Additional General Manager RS Saxena also joined virtually through video conferencing in the headquarters auditorium. Addressing the media persons, GM Bandopadhyaya said that adequate budget has been provided for infrastructure works in Madhya Pradesh.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Thursday appealed to the party workers during an executive meeting of the state Kisan Morcha to start Gram Parikrama Abhiyan and go to every booth in every village talking about the schemes by the Central Government ahead of the state assembly in 2025.

Sachdeva said, If we have win the rural areas in 23 assembly constituencies in Delhi, then all of you Kisan Morcha workers and officers should start the Gram Parikrama Abhiyan and go to every booth in every village and do public relations and the schemes for public welfare by the Central Government need to be taken to the people.

He added that as soon as BJP comes to power, the development schemes which have come to a standstill in Delhi, have to be run smoothly again and the people of Delhi should get the benefits of development.

The executive meeting of the Delhi State Kisan Morcha of BJP was organized at Khatu Shyam Delhi Dham in Alipur and was chaired by State President Kisan Morcha Vinod Sehrawat. It was also attended by Minister of State Harsh Malhotra and North West Delhi MP Yogendra Chandolia.

The Delhi BJP chief said that since 1961, there is a policy of giving alternative plots and shops in lieu of land acquisition to farmers but in 2016, the Kejriwal government cancelled the orders for allotment of alternative plots to farmers. Because of this 16,500 farmers of Delhi were deprived of getting alternative plots. Not only this, it is quite shameful for the country's capital that there is a government here which does not even give farmers the status of farmers, he alleged.

He claimed that the farmer status of farmers in Delhi was taken away by the Sheila Dikshit government of Congress, due to which they are deprived of the benefits being given to farmers across the country by the Central Government. As soon as BJP comes to power, it will restore the farmer status, due to which the farmers of Delhi will be able to get the benefits being provided by the Central Government and along with this, problems of the farmers of Delhi like amendment in land laws, electricity connection, expensive agricultural fertilizers, unavailability of tractors will also be solved, Sachdeva claimed.

North west MP said that Kejriwal's government has ruined Delhi, all development work has come to a standstill here. Now the public wants freedom from the Kejriwal government. We have to fight the upcoming assembly elections with full preparation, he appealed.

Further, Malhotra also addressed the executive meeting and threw light on the history of BJP in detail. All of you will fight the upcoming assembly elections with strength by becoming disciplined workers of BJP by binding yourself in the thread of unity. Go to every booth, go to every village and make people aware of all the schemes of the central government, he stated.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said to establish a Madhya Pradesh industry office in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, to facilitate investment and strengthen trade and business ties between the two states. Addressing the Invest MP interactive session in Coimbatore, Dr. Yadav emphasized the goal of the Investors Summit: fostering closer inter-state cooperation through trade and business, and collectively working towards making India the leading global economy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Yadav praised the industrial prowess of Coimbatore and Tripur, noting that industrialists here have independently transformed these regions into industrial hubs. He extended an invitation to Tamil Nadu's industrialists to explore new business opportunities in Madhya Pradesh, thereby enhancing the bond between the two states. The Chief Minister inaugurated the 'Invest MP-Interactive Session' in Coimbatore, a major industrial center in South India, by lighting the ceremonial lamp and offering water to Tulsi, symbolizing the beginning of a prosperous partnership.

Coimbatore is renowned for its thriving textile&garment, engineering, and information technology sectors. A roadshow and an interactive session with investors and industrialists is being organized with the aim to invite Tamil Nadu's industrial leaders to the upcoming Global Investors Summit in Bhopal, fostering investment and industrial growth in Madhya Pradesh. The session witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 1,200 representatives, resulting in investment proposals exceeding Rs 3,500 crore for Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the state's promising potential for industrial development.

Yadav highlighted the rapid development of the textile and garment, automobile, and engineering industries in Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing the immense potential in these sectors. He urged industrialists to seize this opportune moment to invest in the state and elevate their businesses to new heights. Every aspect of investment has been meticulously considered, ensuring Madhya Pradesh is future-ready with robust support from the government and the people.To transform the "Azadi ka Amrit Kaal" into a prosperous period for Madhya Pradesh, the government is working towards integrating the state's industries into the global supply chain. Continuous efforts are being made to establish and develop industries, with a new initiative for investment promotion launched across the state through the Regional Industry Conclave.

Tamil Nadu Industrialists Encouraged to Embrace Madhya Pradesh's Investment Revolution

Yadav said that the Global Investors Summit will be organized in Bhopal on 7-8 February 2025. I have come to invite you to be a part of the investment revolution going on in the state. I am confident that by taking advantage of the immense opportunities available in Madhya Pradesh, you will play an important role in realizing the vision of a Vikasit Bharat as well as a Vikasit Madhya Pradesh.

The state's eco-system is extremely favorable for the textile industry

The Chief Minister highlighted the state's highly favorable ecosystem for the textile industry, noting that Madhya Pradesh offers a special readymade garment policy providing up to 200 percent financial assistance on fixed capital investments to attract large-scale garment industries. To address the evolving needs of the textile sector, a state-of-the-art Skill Development Center is being established in Jabalpur, and an MoU has been signed with the Tiruppur Exporters' Association to support skill and cluster development. Madhya Pradesh presents the most attractive financial benefits package for the textile and garment industry in the country, bolstered by abundant cotton, affordable land, and compelling financial incentives.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday made a noteworthy appearance at the Sikhs highest temporal seat  Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, delivering a detailed written explanation in response to a series of serious allegations made by a faction of rebel leaders within his party. Sukhbirs visit comes amid heightened scrutiny and internal dissent, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing turmoil within the SAD.

Sukhbir arrived at the Golden Temple complex at around 1:20 pm, accompanied by senior party leaders Daljit Singh Cheema, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, and Harcharan Bains. Prior to presenting himself at the Akal Takht, he visited the Golden Temple to offer prayers and partake in the customary offering of karah prashad. This was followed by his formal appearance before Akal Takhts head priest Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh.

The Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhism, had issued summons to Sukhbir on July 15, demanding that he address allegations made by a group of rebel SAD leaders. These leaders had accused Sukhbir of failing to uphold and represent the core sentiments and values of the Sikh community. The rebellion within the party, led by prominent leaders such as Prem Singh Chandumajra, Bibi Jagir Kaur, and other discontented leaders, had already escalated tensions, leading to a formal apology and accusations being presented to the Akal Takht earlier this month.

During his visit, Sukhbir submitted his written explanation in a sealed envelope to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh. The meeting, which lasted around 20 minutes, was held in the presence of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami, who also provided clarification on behalf of the SGPC.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Sukhbir chose not to address the media or make any public statements, opting instead to leave quietly after the submission.

In his address to the media, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh confirmed that Sukhbirs explanation would be reviewed by the Panj Singh Sahibans  a council of five high-ranking Sikh priests. This council is tasked with evaluating the explanations and making a determination on the next steps. The Jathedar emphasized that this process is integral to maintaining transparency and accountability within Sikh institutions.

The backdrop to this high-profile appearance involved a series of allegations from the rebel faction, who, on July 1, had presented an apology letter detailing grievances against Sukhbirs tenure as SAD president and Deputy Chief Minister. Their letter cited several contentious issues, including the mishandling of the 2015 sacrilege incidents, the controversial pardon of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, and allegations of financial mismanagement. The letter also pointed to what the rebels described as misuse of SGPC funds for advertising campaigns aimed at justifying these decisions.

The sacrilege incidents of 2015, which involved the desecration of Sikh religious texts, and the decision to pardon Ram Rahim Singh, who had been implicated in blasphemous acts, were particularly contentious. The rebels accused Sukhbir of using his influence to secure the pardon for Ram Rahim Singh for political gains, despite widespread opposition from the Sikh community. They also criticized the SAD governments failure to take action against those responsible for the sacrilege and the subsequent police firings at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan.

In response to these serious allegations, the Akal Takht had directed both Sukhbir and the SGPC to provide clarifications. The SGPC's response also addressed concerns about alleged expenditures on advertisements aimed at defending controversial decisions made during Sukhbirs tenure.

Notably, just a day before his scheduled appearance, Sukhbir had dissolved the partys core committee including key members of the rebel faction  a move seen by many as an attempt to restructure and possibly purge dissent within the party ranks.

As the Sikh community and political observers await the outcome of the Singh Sahibs meeting, the future direction of the SAD remains uncertain. The party, already reeling from recent electoral defeats and internal discord, now stands at a critical juncture, with its leadership under intense scrutiny and its unity in jeopardy.
Panic gripped Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus on Wednesday when two employees were shot at by motorcycle-borne miscreants.

Giving this information, officials said that both the employees were admitted to a hospital in critical condition.

Sources in police said that AMU employees Mohammad Nadeem and Kaleem were going on a two-wheeler inside the university campus when two assailants on a motorcycle stopped them on the way and shot at them from close range.

On hearing the gunshot, the university security patrol team chased the attackers and caught them and handed them over to the police.

The sources said that the attackers were being interrogated.

The broad daylight firing on the university campus created panic among the students, who rushed to take shelter.

AMU Proctor Mohammad Wasim Ali said that the injured employees were being treated at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital.

He said that the probe so far pointed out that the incident took place over some old dispute.

After getting information about the case, the police reached the spot and further investigation is being done.

It may be mentioned that a case of firing had come to light in Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College of Aligarh Muslim University in September last year also.

According to the information, the miscreants were demanding weekly payment from the canteen operator. When the canteen operator refused to pay the weekly payment, the accused opened fire there.

This incident took place outside the canteen located near the special ward of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College. As the miscreants fired more than half a dozen rounds, there was chaos on the spot. A woman was injured in that incident.

There have been fights and firing earlier also regarding the canteen dispute and Wednesdays incident was also related to the same dispute.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old gang-rape victim allegedly ended her life in Kannauj.

It is alleged that the rape victim ended her life due to the inaction of the police. The police, instead of taking action against the accused, were forcing the victims family to make a compromise with the accused.

Reports said that two youths from a neighbouring village had kidnapped the minor girl and gang-raped her. Later, they left her at home after threatening the victim and her family.

It is also learnt that the victims father lodged an FIR after the incident came to light. Reports also suggest that the accused threatened the victims family, following which the minor girl ended her life by hanging herself.
On the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the UP State Lalit Kala Akademi, in collaboration with Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, has launched an innovative initiative to engage the youth in visual arts.

This effort is part of the Culture departments mission to enhance skill development among young people in Uttar Pradesh.

Starting from the academic session 2024-25, a regular 4-year Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) course in painting will be offered under the National Education Policy 2020.

The online application process for this course has commenced, with the deadline for submission of forms set for August 15, 2024 through the Samarth Portal of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya.

Only Intermediate pass students are eligible for admission. State Lalit Kala Academy,

UP State Lalit Kala Akademi Director Dr Shraddha Shukla informed that the BVA (Painting) course will have 20 seats. The registration fee is Rs 500 for general and OBC candidates, and Rs 300 for SC, ST, EWS, and female candidates.

Applicants must have completed their intermediate education from any recognised inter college. Admission will be determined through an entrance exam and interview.

Dr Shraddha Shukla further mentioned that the semester fee for the course is Rs 6,000, with an additional examination fee of Rs 800.

During the BVA academic session, students will be trained in the renowned wash technique of Lucknow, which originated from the Bengal School of Arts and has become a hallmark of the city.

Students will also be taught various folk art styles. Additionally, the academy will promote cultural activities to ensure the holistic development of the students.
BJP member Nishikant Dubey on Thursday demanded that parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal be declared a Union Territory to deal with the challenge posed by the increasing number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in the region.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Dubey said the population of Adivasis in the Santhal Parganas region of Jharkhand was on a decline due to the growing influx of "Bangladeshi infiltrators".

"I demand that Malda, Murshidabad, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar and the Santhal Parganas region be declared as a Union Territory and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be implemented there," he said.

He said Bangladeshi infiltrators were settling in the region and marrying tribal women, who were contesting elections from seats in the zilla panchayat to the Lok Sabha.

"The woman who contests Lok Sabha or zilla panchayat polls, her husband is a Muslim. There are at least 100 village heads in the state whose husbands are Muslims," Dubey said.

The BJP member insisted that it was not an issue of Hindus versus Muslims but settlement of outsiders in the region.

Dubey said the population of Muslims had increased in the Santhal Parganas region as people from Malda and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal were coming in large numbers and driving out the Hindu population from the villages in Jharkhand.

He said the Jharkhand Police was unable to take action and demanded that the Centre intervene to calm the situation.
Aviation regulator DGCA is investigating the Air India Express cabin crew strike incident in May that had resulted in several flight cancellations and the airline will be penalised in case there were any non-compliance with regulations, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Thursday.

In response to queries in the Lok Sabha related to flight cancellations, Naidu said the ministry was ensuring that there were no cancellations and delays as he emphasised that Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) were in place to ensure that passengers received compensation.

"We acknowledge that there has been an issue with Air India Express  There were some internal issues with the crew as Air India Express was merging with AirAsia India and a mass strike happened (on May 7)," the minister said during the Question Hour.

There were a lot of cancellations due to the strike.

"Once this issue started, the ministry got involved, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) facilitated a lot of discussions with airline, crew members and everything, and it was sorted out ... There was also a software glitch that happened. Because of the software glitch, the crew member data that was supposed to be with the airline, there was some problem and manually they were trying to enter (data) ... For everything to get back to normalcy, (it took) some time," the minister said.

While noting that there are CARs in place, Naidu said if airlines do not follow regulations, the ministry gets involved and ensures that passengers get refund or readjustment in another flight.

Citing an example, he said a penalty of Rs 10 lakh was imposed on Air India for not following certain guidelines.

"The Air India Express strike incident also ... The DGCA is going into the depth and investigating the issue. If there seems to be any non-compliance from the airlines, then definitely we are going to penalise them and ensure that passenger is the top priority," Naidu said.

On May 7, around 200 cabin crew members of Tata Group-owned Air India Express went on strike to protest against alleged mismanagement at the airline, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights.

Consequently, the airline management terminated the services of 25 cabin crew members and warned the others to join work or face the same action.

The strike was called off on May 9 after a conciliation meeting between representatives of a union representing the cabin crew members and the management convened by the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central). The termination letters were also later withdrawn.
Heavy and incessant 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 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, they 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.

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. Four persons lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Pune, officials said. While three men died of electrocution in Deccan area of the city while trying to move their handcart, on which they used to sell egg dishes, got submerged due to heavy rains, one person died and another one sustained injuries in a landslide in Tahmini ghat section in Mulshi tehsil, district officials said. "One person died while another sustained injuries after a landslide on a small eatery in Tahmini ghat in Mulshi tehsil," inspector Manoj Yadav of Paud police station said.

The district administration and local police are engaged in the task removing the debris from the road, he said adding that after removing it the road will be open for the vehicular movement. In another incident, three people are feared trapped in a bungalow in Lavasa area after mudslide, police said.

Considering heavy rainfall in the 'ghat' (mountain pass) sections of Khed, Junnar, Ambegaon, Velha, Mulshi, Maval, Bhor, Haveli talukas and Pimpri Chinchwad as well as Pune city area, a holiday has been for schools. "As a precautionary measure, the disaster management cells and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed at the low lying areas, where flooding and inundation is anticipated," he said.

Diwase appealed to step out of homes unless it is very important. The IMD has given a red alert for Pune district for the next 24 hours, he said. Meanwhile, 29 tourists who were stranded due to flooding at resorts and bungalows in Malavli area near Lonavala hill station in the district were evacuated on Wednesday evening, a police official said.

Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar took stock of the rain situation and instructed the district authorities and the civic administration to provide all the help to the citizens.
The Philippines and Singapore signed a defense pact Wednesday that will allow their militaries to broaden their engagement, but few details were given about how the agreement could help address their security concerns in a region rife with conflicts. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr signed the memorandum of understanding with his counterpart in Singapore, Ng Eng Hen, in a ceremony that coincided with the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The agreement, which was not immediately made public, serves as a framework to guide existing interactions and promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as military education and anti-terrorism, Singapores Defense Ministry said in a brief statement.

It aims to foster closer people-to-people links and builds on an existing agreement on education, training aid and support activities for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the ministry added, without elaborating.

A Singaporean and two Philippine officials said the agreement is not a so-called status-of-forces agreement that the Philippines has signed with three countries, including the United States, which allows largescale joint combat exercises.

It could allow joint but limited drills such as tabletop exercises simulating responses to humanitarian crises and natural disasters with agreed terms of engagement, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jrs administration has taken steps to forge new security alliances with a number of Asian and Western countries and allowed a US military presence at more Philippine bases under a 2014 defense pact since territorial hostilities between China and the Philippines surged last year at two hotly disputed shoals in the South China Sea.

China has said such alliance-building and actions by the US and its allies, including the Philippines, are provocative, aimed to contain Beijing and endanger regional security.Teodoro has bristled at such Chinese criticism. He said in a speech in May that terming these cooperative activities with like-minded nations as a containment or a provocation is disinformation and evidence of paranoia of a closed political system.

In his state of the nation address before the Philippine Congress on Monday, Marcos stressed that his country would not back down in the territorial disputes but stressed his administration would only use peaceful means to resolve any dispute and would continue building security alliances with friendly countries. 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, adding that efforts were continuing to strengthen our defense posture, both through developing self-reliance and through partnerships with like-minded states. Earlier this month, the Philippines and Japan signed a defense pact named the Reciprocal Access Agreement allowing the deployment of their forces in each others territory for joint military exercises as both countries face an increasingly assertive China.

Japan and the Philippines have separate maritime territorial disputes with China. The agreement will take effect after it is ratified by the Philippine and Japanese legislatures.The Philippines is holding separate talks with Canada, New Zealand and France on similar defense agreements, the two Philippine officials said.Japan and the Philippines are treaty allies of the United States and their leaders held three-way talks in April at the White House, where President Joe Biden renewed Washingtons ironclad commitment to defend them.
CPC departments brief African personages on key Party plenum

Xinhua) 10:58, July 25, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A rendering of Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman by Lava Thomas showing the monument celebrating Maya Angelou at the San Francisco Main Library.

After seven years and some controversy, a monument to writer Maya Angelou will finally be installed outside the San Francisco Public Librarys main branch in Civic Center.

The sculpture, titled Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman by Berkeley artist Lava Thomas, will be officially unveiled on Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Larkin Street entrance of the downtown library during a four-hour community celebration that will include remarks from city officials and Thomas.

 Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman has been a labor of love over the past few years, and its upcoming installation has been a long time coming, Thomas said in a statement released by the San Francisco Arts Commission on Wednesday, July 24. My hope for this monument is that it is a beacon for the ideals that defined Dr. Maya Angelous life: courage, faith, justice, perseverance, artistic freedom, and triumph over trauma.

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The famed poet and author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings lived in San Francisco as a teenager, attending Washington High School and church at Glide Memorial. At 16 years old she was the citys first Black female streetcar conductor. Angelou, also a civil rights activist, was a prolific writer and was active until her death in 2014 at age 86.

Thomas, who was selected from among more than 100 artists, acknowledged its an extraordinary honor and privilege to commemorate the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Angelou with this monument and thanked the public art staff at the Arts Commission who worked with her during the process.

Artist Lava Thomas poses for a portrait inside her art studio in Berkeley on Oct. 18, 2019. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

The bronze monument, set on a basalt stone base, stands at 9 feet tall. The bronze component is shaped to be reminiscent of a book and features a drawing of Angelou by Thomas based on a 1973 photo taken during an interview with journalist and former White House press secretary Bill Moyers. The piece will also include the quote Still I Rise, taken from the 1978 poem of the same name, along the front base. The back of the sculpture reads: Information helps you to see that youre not alone. That theres somebody in Mississippi and somebody in Tokyo who all have wept, whove all longed and lost, whove all been happy. So the library helps you to see, not only that you are not alone, but that youre not really any different from everyone else. There may be details that are different, but a human being is a human being.

Dr. Maya Angelou was, simply, a phenomenal woman who remains a vital San Francisco icon today, San Franciscos City Librarian Michael Lambert said in a statement. This monument will welcome all visitors to the Main Library as a symbol of community, connection, and the power of poetry.

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The idea for the project started in June 2017, when city officials realized San Franciscos public art collection included 87 statues but only two represented real women: former San Francisco Mayor and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and nursing heroine Florence Nightingale. Then-Supervisor Mark Farrell announced legislation to correct that imbalance, starting with the monument to Angelou.

The San Francisco Arts Commission received proposals from 111 artists in November 2018. The three finalists were Thomas, New York artist Jules Arthur and East Bay artist Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle. A panel that included Angelous son, Guy Johnson, selected Thomas monument in August 2019.

A rendering of Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman by Lava Thomas showing the monument celebrating Maya Angelou at the San Francisco Main Library.

But the process stalled when Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who took Farrells seat when he briefly served as mayor in 2018, was given oversight of the monument project. Stating she wanted a more traditional design for the statue, Stefani revoked Thomas selection and the city relaunched the proposal process. The move sparked outrage among many in the San Francisco arts community who felt it was disrespectful to Thomas, an accomplished Black artist. The See Black Women Collective was among the local groups to protest the decision.

By August 2020, after considerable media attention, SFAC apologized to Thomas and halted the process. The next month, Thomas received an apology from Stefani and Mayor London Breed, and in November, her original commission was approved.

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The budget for the monument was approximately $293,000.

Id like to thank Lava Thomas, said Ralph Remington, director of cultural affairs for the city of San Francisco, for her continued partnership and work on this phenomenal sculpture that helps us advance our goal of increasing the representation of iconic women in our citys Civic Art Collection.

Lava Thomas proposed public monument to Maya Angelou was accepted, then rejected under pressure, by a committee of the San Francisco Arts Commission. Lava Thomas Artist Lava Thomas designed this sculpture entitled Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman. Lava Thomas
Krug Champagne is offered for $75 a glass at Saison Cellar & Wine Bar. Minh Connors/The Chronicle General manager and wine director Paul Carayas wipes a bottle of wine behind the counter at the new Saison Cellar & Wine Bar in San Francisco. Minh Connors/The Chronicle Saison will open the Cellar, a members-only wine lounge, in August. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

A new wine bar from the team at the two-Michelin-starred Saison has opened in San Francisco, a few doors down from the famed SoMa restaurant.

Saison Cellar & Wine Bar (234 Townsend St.) gives wine lovers the chance to sample pricey, world-renowned wines that are rarely poured by the glass  like Krug Champagne ($75) and grand cru Burgundy  plus discover affordable, underdog options that start at $11 a glass. Food pairings include truffle fries, a replica of chef Michael Minas famous caviar parfait, and provisions from French bakery and grocery standout Maison Nico.

Other places that have wine programs of this size and this depth are typically in the realm of Michelin-star restaurants, said Mark Bright, Saisons co-founder and beverage director. The entry level is very high, so were giving people the opportunity to explore wine in a way theyve never seen before.

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This is the second Saison Cellar & Wine Bar, as Bright opened a Scotts Valley (Santa Cruz County) location last year near his Santa Cruz home. But the San Francisco spot will be the flagship and has a better layout, he said, and a more extensive food menu. Next month, parent company Saison Hospitality will open the Cellar, a members-only wine lounge designed for serious collectors at 228 Townsend St.

The Saison Cellar & Wine Bar features the Michelin-starred restaurants signature blue color and taxidermy. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

The 1,000-square-foot wine bar is a full-circle moment for Bright, who operated another wine bar, Le Clos, in the same building from 2014-2017. Most recently, it was occupied by Petit Marlowe, a French bistro and oyster bar that closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bright was already working on the new wine bar at another nearby space when his former landlord asked if he wanted to move back in. The opportunity enabled him to split Saisons public wine bar and members-only lounge into separate buildings.

Bright plans to build the bars wine collection up to about 1,000 bottles with 40 wines by the glass, and like at Le Clos, French wines are a major focus.

Most wines by the glass fall into the $12-$25 range, and flights of three wines will cost $18-$24. Two wine styles in the lower price range are cremant, the unsung French Champagne alternative, and Aligote, a lesser-known white grape primarily grown in Burgundy. Bright, an Aligote zealot, said its absolutely critical to have affordable wines at the bar. It takes the snobbery away from (wine), he said, and it makes it exciting and interesting for younger drinkers that don't have the budget for higher-end wines, but want to learn about wine.

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Vintage French wines offered at Saison Cellar & Wine Bar in San Francisco. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

However, customers willing to splurge can try some of the worlds top wines from Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux for $50-$150 a glass instead of spending $300-$400 on a bottle, said Bright. That $75 glass of Krug Champagne, he claimed, is very affordable for Krug.

There are also wines from Saison Winery, produced by Bright in the Santa Cruz Mountains, plus a selection of other Santa Cruz Mountains producers that Bright believes is likely the most extensive in the city. I live there, make wine there, Ive planted vineyards there, said Bright, regarding his affinity for the underrated wine region.

The wine bar has one unexpected specialty: Madeira, the fortified wine produced on the Portuguese island of the same name. Madeira is known for its incredible ability to age and is significantly more affordable than old vintages of Burgundy or Bordeaux. A lot of consumers dont understand Madeira, said Bright. It allows people to go back in time. Were going to have Madeira going back to the turn of the 1900s. Saison offers Madeira by the glass and in low-proof cocktails, like one with orange, lime, mint and tonic water.

Croque Monsieur, which can also be ordered with mushrooms in place of ham. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

For food, Maison Nico is supplying cheese, cured meats and terrines, and the bar has caviar service ($98-$165) and small plates, including a traditional and vegetarian croque monsieur ($18), with the option to add black truffle  one of the best croque monsieurs youve ever had in your life, said Bright  and potato balls filled with Cowgirl Creamery Wagon Wheel cheese and drizzled in lavender honey.

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Bright, whose first restaurant job was working as a busser for Minas eponymous Las Vegas restaurant, personally requested to replicate the famous caviar parfait from his former boss. Named Caviar Parfait a la Mina ($48), its like a mini-cake layered with hash brown, egg, smoked salmon, horseradish creme fraiche and a generous amount of caviar, said Bright.

The bars design features Saison restaurants signature muted blue contrasted with gold, dark wood and leather, plus taxidermy  in true Saison fashion, said Bright. A large marble-top bar runs the length of the space, which fits about 40 people, and a banquette with tables lines the opposite wall.

Chef Michael Minas famous caviar parfait, which Saison Cellar & Wine Bar got permission to replicate. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

Bright plans to host popup events at the bar with winemakers from around the globe, plus educational wine tastings. We already do a lot at Saison and Angler, he said about the Saison groups restaurants, but events in the wine bar will have more accessibility to them.

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You dont have to buy the Saison price ticket, which is currently $328 for the tasting menu, he said.
Donald Trump arrives at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 17. Julia Nikhinson/Associated Press

Regarding Aging, incoherent felon refuses to drop out of presidential race (Editorial, SFChronicle.com, July 23): The editorial took a historic moment and turned it into a long, snarky tweet.

From the casual cruelty of calling President Joe Biden doddering to the hand-waving of his monumental accomplishments and the implication that the purple parts of the country just dont know whats best for them.

I agree that there should be more focus on Donald Trumps cognitive decline, his lies, his criminal record and his record as president. Calling them foibles in the print headline is the kinder approach always given to Trump.

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The purple parts of the country will only remove the wool from their eyes if the media tone changes and stops giving Trump a pass. They cannot remove the wool thats so firmly planted there by news coverage of Trump.

Im not hopeful.

Nicole Kowalski, San Rafael

Real change needed

Regarding Aging, incoherent felon refuses to drop out of presidential race (Editorial, SFChronicle.com, July 23): The editorial states that voters reasonably decided they would prefer a return to the relative stability of the Obama years over the ephemeral prospect of radical change promised by the likes of Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic primary.

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What you call radical change I see as rational policy ideas promoting greater degrees of fairness and utilitarianism than the current system seems to allow  articulated by a man (in the case of Sanders) with the rhetorical power to move multitudes.

Meanwhile, whats also ephemeral is the Democratic Partys almost invariable choice of a more moderate and conventional candidate who quickly loses the imagination of the electorate, swinging it back to another Republican.

Editorial boards like the Chronicles should support the candidacy of our next Democratic nominee, but be careful not to dismantle the big tent.

Joe Rosenheim, San Francisco

Dems are united

Regarding Now that Bidens pushed out, Democrats need to start acting like Republicans to win (Letters to the Editor, SFChronicle.com, July 23): Choosing to continue the Dems in Disarray narrative by publishing tone-deaf letters to the editor the day after Vice President Kamala Harris electrified the nation with her announcement to run for president is stunningly out of touch for a media outlet.

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By Monday night  only 30-plus hours after President Joe Biden endorsed her  Harris raised a record amount of donations (over $100 million), secured the endorsements of party leaders, received over 28,000 volunteer requests for her campaign and reached enough delegate pledges to secure the nomination.

No other candidate stepped forward to run against her. What further proof do you need that Democrats are getting their act together?

About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies

Now is the time for the media, including the Chronicle, to pivot their reporting to Donald Trump, a convicted felon and now the oldest candidate in the race, and to call out Project 2025, the MAGA blueprint to bring fascism to this country.

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Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at Indianapolis International Airport on Wednesday before giving a keynote speech at a Zeta Phi Beta Sorority event. The real California prepared Harris for a campaign against Donald Trump. Brendan Smialowski/Associated Press

We got this, America.

California is sending you the best possible person to weather whatever the next three-plus months hold.

Lets be honest about Kamala Harris. Were not giving you our most charismatic public speaker. Her sentences can be as awkward as Joe Bidens.

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Were not giving you our most disciplined politician. Shell crack an ill-considered joke or make a mistake in a meeting that requires clean-up.

What we are giving you is someone who can emerge improbably triumphant from losing situations. Someone who will take more crap than anyone possibly could.

The best explanation of Kamala Harris came from a San Francisco political consultant, who compared her to Andy Dufresne, the main character of the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption.

Dufresne was a falsely convicted banker who escaped Shawshank Prison through a 500-yard-long sewage pipe. Andy Dufresne, the consultant said, quoting a movie line, who crawled through a river of s and came out clean on the other side.

Because Americans dont know Harris this way, they are underestimating her. Just like they underestimate California.

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Contrary to the stereotypes, 21st century California is not soft or easy. Its a crowded, competitive place where everything  even finding an affordable place to live  is a struggle.

The real California made Harris tough. It helps that she spent her early years in the late 60s to the early 70s in Berkeley and Oakland, which might be Californias toughest city. As a mixed-race kid, Harris had to learn how to fit in, at a newly integrated elementary school, and at Hindu Temple and the 23rd Avenue Church of God. After the divorce of her immigrant parents, she and her sister were raised almost entirely by their mother, who moved them to Montreal.

Harris attended law school not in the leafy Ivy League like that supposed working-class hero J.D. Vance but at what is now UC College of the Law San Francisco in the middle of the citys toughest neighborhood, the Tenderloin. And she worked as a prosecutor in Alameda County and then San Francisco, on the sorts of cases  sex crimes and child abuse  that can harden people.

She launched her political career in the hypercompetitive political culture of San Francisco, which forged many of our states toughest pols  Willie Brown, Nancy Pelosi, Phil and John Burton. Her first election, for San Francisco district attorney in 2003, was one she should have lost because it was the trickiest challenge in politics  beating an incumbent who was also her boss. Somehow, she escaped with victory in a three-way race when shed started in third.

Then Harris, still little known, ran for California attorney general in 2010  against a popular Los Angeles Republican named Steve Cooley, who had the states law enforcement community behind him. On election night, she appeared to have lost. But when all the votes were counted three weeks later, she had squeaked through.

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When a U.S. Senate seat opened in 2016, Harris was hardly the most popular Democrat in the state. But she jumped into the race early and managed to scare off other contenders and win the seat over another Democrat.

Harris 2020 presidential campaign was a disaster. She started strong in debates but didnt make it to the Iowa caucuses, alienating progressives and moderates. But even after that embarrassing campaign, she found a way through, convincing Biden to make her vice president.

Media and public reviews of her vice presidency have been dicey. She had too much staff turnover. Biden gave her impossible issues to manage, mainly immigration. For the first three years, her approval ratings and polling were lower than the presidents. She was cited as the reason he couldnt retire after one term. But all those things turned. Her performance improved. And now Biden has bowed out and endorsed her for president because she looks like the stronger candidate.

She doesnt have the nomination yet, of course. She may have to go through a contested convention. And if she earns the nod, shell face a former president who is ready to attack.

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Democrats are worried because Donald Trump is a constant font of lies and accusations. His strategy, as the now-imprisoned Trump adviser Steve Bannon has famously said, is to flood the zone with s.

But this time, his opponent is Kamala Harris. She survived all the B.S. of San Francisco and California and national politics. Shes heard every disgusting sexist insult. She sloughed off slurs against two different races.

Shes about to be submerged in it all again. Because American politics is a river of you-know-what.

About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies

Which is why this is her moment.

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After restaurant service fees were fully legalized earlier this month, Flea Street Cafe owner Jesse Cool sent customers an email with a breakdown of where the Menlo Park restaurants charge goes. Peter DaSilva/Special to the Chronicle 2021

One of the most fascinating parts of putting a bunch of service fees together in one list, as the Chronicles food team did recently with 100 San Francisco restaurants, is seeing how each business decides to present them.

Starting July 2025, California restaurants will be required to clearly indicate their service charges, generally by using different typographical treatments wherever menu prices are displayed, but for now, theres little regulation of the presentation of these fees, which run the gamut from 30% to 5% of the diners checks.

I reached out to six standouts from the list  chosen because of their high fees, distinctive phrasing, or both  to ask how representatives justified the costs they imposed on diners. How did they arrive at their numbers? What does the cost of doing business mean, and how is that different from regular old business considerations? Is this a tip or not?

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I imagined that theyd be ready to talk. Service fees, according to the powerful California Restaurant Association, are all about transparency in pricing. Yet only one restaurants representative was willing to engage.

Black Cat jazz bar and lounge adds a 20% service charge (to ensure a living wage) and a 10% SF safety and benefit charge to its bills. Nastasia Dusapin/Special to the Chronicle 2022

At the top of the range of service fees is Black Cat, a jazz bar and lounge in the Tenderloin. On top of the sales tax of 8.63%, it adds a 20% service charge (to ensure a living wage) and a 10% SF safety and benefit charge to the bill. The service charge is explicitly not a tip, so youre invited to add gratuity as well. Excluding the ticket price of the nights show and presuming youd still want to tip 20% for good service, the final price of the $26 burger (without fries) would be $41.24.

I was curious about the safety charge, which I hadnt seen articulated elsewhere in San Francisco  what does that pay for? There are plenty of bars in the Tenderloin with bouncers or other security workers. And is it safety for you, the diner, or safety for the staff?

My two missives to the Black Cat went unheard, so I guess well never know.

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3rd Cousin, a charming neighborhood restaurant in Bernal Heights, presents another interesting language case. In addition to a 20% service charge, the restaurant adds a 7% fee for S.F. mandates and costs of doing business in S.F.

The first part is a reference to the fees that have become a regular feature of dining out in San Francisco since 2008 when the city enacted a law requiring businesses to set aside money for employees health care. In the years following, other worker benefits, like paid sick leave and parental leave, became associated with these fees under the umbrella of mandates.

To single out an expense is to draw attention to it. Its the same as if you spotted a 4% goblin extermination charge on a bill: If it was built in, no one would have questions about goblins. Its the same idea with worker benefit charges, which draw, whether intended or not, an association in diners minds between higher prices and labor rights. When the price of onions goes up, no one adds an onion charge. But theres something that seems exceptional about labor costs when it comes to restaurants  something that causes owners to raise their hands to disavow those gains as business as usual.

The other part of 3rd Cousins charge refers to the cost of doing business in S.F. Its certainly a conversation starter and (Id argue) a passive critique of the business climate in the city, though restaurant owner and chef Greg Lutes ultimately chose not to share more information about the charge with me when we emailed back and forth.

Azalinas, a restaurant in the Tenderloin, says it needs to pull in $70,000 per month to break even. Amaya Edwards/The Chronicle 2023

Its true that costs are especially high for many restaurants in San Francisco even if the majority dont directly ask diners to subsidize that specific aspect of the business. I went over the costs with two restaurants in a previous column: At Noe Valleys Damansara, regular expenses include $7,900 for rent and utilities every month, yearly taxes in the high thousands and $5,000 to $8,000 in wages per week. Azalinas, a restaurant in the Tenderloin, needs to pull in $70,000 per month to break even. That said, one restaurant including a separate charge for the cost of doing business begs the question of why other places dont have it, even if theyre in the same city. What makes the one restaurant so special?

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I had similar questions for other restaurants like Tiya (25%) and Pawn Shop (10%). A representative of Tiya passed on answering, while the Pawn Shop never responded. Representatives from Angler, an upscale restaurant on the Embarcadero, initially agreed to answer but eventually missed the publication deadline.

To be fair, I can empathize with restaurant owners who would rather not wade into the service charge conversation anymore, especially now that such charges are fully legal in California. Its a done deal  lets move on.

Maybe if I were a customer already sitting at a table, theyd be more forthcoming with answers. But then, Id be pretty much locked into paying at that point.

About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies

In the spirit of these fees apparent raison detre, I appreciate transparency. It was delightfully on the nose when, after restaurant service fees were fully legalized earlier this month, Flea Street Cafe owner Jesse Cool sent customers an email (titled, TRANSPARENCY) with a detailed breakdown of where the Menlo Park restaurants 23% service charge goes: 20% divided among the staff and 3% allocated to health benefits and vacation bonuses. And, no, you arent expected to tip.

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A Pacific Crest Trail signpost seen in 2022 near Echo Lake (El Dorado County) that was scorched by the Caldor Fire the year before. Max Whittaker/Special to The Chronicle The Shelly Fire, seen burning in July 2024 near the town of Etna (Siskiyou County), has caused hundreds of Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers to abandon the trail in search of a way around. U.S. Forest Service

The smattering of wildfires burning along the West Coast have shut down approximately 250 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, wreaking havoc on the plans of thousands of thru-hikers trekking the famous footpath this season.

As of Wednesday, more than 10 fires were burning on or near the famous 2,650-mile hiking route, which traces mountain ranges through California, Oregon and Washington. Those include several conflagrations in California, thought to be inflamed by heat waves rolling through the state this month, that have caused about 110 miles of the trail to close.

It feels like this is an awful lot of fires, and it seems like theyve come earlier than usual, said Chris Rylee, director of communications at the Pacific Crest Trail Association, which manages thru-hiker permits for the trail. The closures, alerts and air quality impact seems high.

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The PCTA offers regular updates of trail closures, and earlier this summer launched a mobile app, Pacific Crest Trail Closures, to alert hikers about impediments and dangers.

Backcountry travelers have always had to contend with the risk of wildfire, but impacts on the PCT seem to have grown in recent years with the rise of climate change-fueled megafires that, in California, have scorched millions of acres of forest and burned across the Sierra crest. Their inevitability has changed the calculus for the many thousand PCT thru-hikers who attempt the trail each year and, many believe, upended the notion that the trail can be feasibly completed in one continuous trek.

Wildfires were previously viewed as rare and unique situations along the trail but now theyre expected and part of the daily routine in the summer and fall months, said Connor Swift, northern Sierra regional representative for the PCTA.

The Shelly Fire, which ignited July 3 in Californias far north near Etna (Siskiyou County), has sent hundreds of Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers off the trail this month. U.S. Forest Service

A series of fires in Washington has shut down a 60-mile stretch of the PCT and effectively closed access to the northern terminus of the trail, derailing southbound hikers setting out from the Canadian border. In Oregon, about 35 miles of the trail are closed due to three separate fires.

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While fire officials battle the blazes, social media groups where thru-hikers congregate to share information have been flooded with requests for assistance in navigating and bypassing dangerous burn zones and areas under evacuation.

Hundreds of northbound thru-hikers tramping across Californias far north this month have been driven off trail by the Shelly Fire, which ignited July 3 very close to the PCT, near the popular hiker stopover town of Etna in Siskiyou County. As of Wednesday, the fire had burned more than 15,000 acres and was 62% contained.

Many hikers have posted requests to the PCT-Far Norcal Trail Angels Facebook group, where do-gooder locals volunteer to help hikers in need. Mark Trent, the groups administrator who lives in McCloud (Siskiyou County), and other angels have been scooping up hikers in Dunsmuir and other pickup points south of the fire zone and shuttling them 100 miles north to a trail junction at Seiad Valley. He estimates they have assisted between 100 and 200 hikers so far in July.

Some thru-hikers approaching fire zones are nervous or scared, trail angels say, but most have resigned themselves to a new normal: proactively checking their phones and satellite communications devices for fire updates and leaning on the PCTs angel networks to help them circumvent dangerous areas.

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Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta sororitys Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on Wednesday in Indianapolis. The virtual nominating process, approved by the DNC on Wednesday, gives potential candidates only a few days to mount a challenge to Harris. Scott Olson/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  Any Democrat who wants to challenge Vice President Kamala Harris for the partys nomination will have only a few days to mount a campaign.

The Democratic National Committees rules committee voted Wednesday to set deadlines for a virtual nominating process ahead of the partys in-person convention next month. Harris has already secured the support of enough delegates to win the nomination, though those pledges arent binding.

Candidates will need to declare their intention to pursue the nomination by 3 p.m. Saturday. To qualify for consideration, candidates will need to get 300 delegates  no more than 50 from any one state  to support them by Tuesday. If only one candidate qualifies for the ballot, then the DNC intends to begin voting Aug. 1. If more than one qualifies, voting will likely begin Aug. 3. The vote will be concluded in early August and give the presidential nominee time to pick a vice presidential candidate before an Aug. 7 deadline.

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The process was already in the works before President Joe Biden announced he would end his presidential campaign, but it has gained increased significance in light of his decision. Delegates will select the partys new nominee of their own accord, not based on their states primary results. That lack of adherence to the primaries has led some Democrats and Republicans to allege the selection of a new nominee is undemocratic.

The DNC addressed those allegations directly.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison told the rules committee members, Your work here proves that our democracy is strong, and our faith in our democracy is even stronger. Our process is reflective of that faith, and we are all working hard to execute this nomination with transparency, with fairness and efficiency.

Harris secured the support of enough delegates to win the nomination after the endorsement of the California Democratic delegation Monday night. A survey by the Associated Press found that she has the support of 3,189 delegates, well over the 1,976 needed to win the Democratic nomination.

Some Democrats initially debated the need for a virtual nomination ahead of the partys convention in late August.

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The virtual process received pushback from Democratic lawmakers, more than 30 of whom planned to oppose the virtual roll call nomination. The virtual process was initiated in order to accommodate an early deadline for candidates to make the Ohio ballot, but that deadline has since been pushed back. Lawmakers argued that moving ahead with the earlier timeline would stifle legitimate debate over the nomination. The behind-the-scenes effort, led by San Rafael Rep. Jared Huffman, resulted in the DNC pushing back the process to early August.

Pat Moore, the DNCs legal counsel, said the process isnt necessary solely because of Ohio law. Several other states have Aug. 20 ballot deadlines, the second day of the in-person convention. Nominating the partys ticket before then will solve our practical timing problems, Moore said.

Failure to certify the partys 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 to try to disqualify our voters, and to suggest that somehow the partys nominating process was improper, he said.

The DNC determined that a virtual roll call is the safest way to ensure that our Democratic candidates will be certain to appear on the ballot in all 50 states, California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis said during the meeting. With these rules, we will have a successful and transparent nomination process.

Huffman said he is now OK with a virtual process.

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Its a very different conversation than the one that led to my letter two weeks ago. At that time, the DNC was trying to shut down debate about a potential change in the ticket at a time when many of us felt a change was necessary, he told the Chronicle.

Democrats are now unified around Harris, Huffman said, but the process still allows other candidates to challenge her.
Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson's new show has been released on Netflix.

The Decameron is a historical dramedy set in 1348, during the height of the Black Death, as it ravages Italy.

It is loosely based on Giovanni Boccaccios hefty 14th-century book of the same name.

The premise sees a group of posh nobles and their servants arrive at a remote country villa for two weeks of indulgence while the plague does its worst outside the gates.

A star-studded cast has been assembled for the show, with Jackson accompanied by major stars Zosia Mamet from Girls, Tony Hale from Arrested Development and Veep, along with Tanya Reynolds from Sex Education.

Jacksons character arrives sporting a hipster haircut, one she described to Netflix in an interview as giving off Lord Farquaad vibes and fawning over her own virulently awful mistress, Pampinea.

Coming from the mind of Kathleen Jordan, it is a social satire of the 14th century book and inspired by the tone deaf and out-of-touch actions of celebrities during the Covid lockdown, with Gal Gadots Imagine video as an example.

The show has been received positively overall by media outlets and is available on the streaming service Netflix starting July 25.

And in promotion of the show Jackson appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
A 19-year-old man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today for breaching his bail two weeks after being granted it by the High Court.

Colm McLaughlin of Farland Way in Derry appeared charged with breaching his bail by being out after his curfew and an alcohol condition.

A police officer told the court that police received a report from the defendant's father to report that his son had not returned in time for his curfew and was in Foyle Street intoxicated.

Police attended and could not locate McLaughlin and went to his home address but he wasn't there.

The officer said that McLaughlin returned home at 6.10am and was arrested.

The court heard that the defendant had been released on bail by the High Court on July 8 with strict conditions.

The police officer said that the defendant had 37 previous convictions and 23 breaches of bail and there was a'clear risk of breaching bail and re-offending '.

The court heard that McLaughlin' s parents seemed to have limited control over the defendant.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that the curfew breach was accepted but the alcohol breach was not.

She said McLaughlin's parents would not tolerate him breaching his conditions and she asked for one last chance.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that this breach came 'hot on the heels' of McLaughlin being released by the High Court.

He said that the defendant's parents were 'at the end of their tether.'

He refused bail and remanded McLaughlin in custody to appear again on August 2.
A woman has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with criminal damage and assault following an incident at her cousin's flat.

Amy Tracey (36) of St. Brecan's Park in Derry was arrested after police were called to a flat in Patrick Street.

Upon arriving, police said they found Tracey wrecking the flat that belonged to her cousin while covered in her own blood.

They also found a number of items that had been smashed and blood on the walls.

It was said that Tracey had been drinking when she started wrecking the flat, something she denied, although she did later admit to taking a pill.

When interviewed by police, Tracey threatened to kill herself when released.

Police objected to bail, telling the court that she had a criminal record including a number of serious offences of a violent nature, as well as ten previous breaches of bail.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that Tracey had mental health issues but added that she can stay off drugs and alcohol, telling the court that she had done so in the past for prolonged periods of time.

Bail was granted and she will appear again on August 22.
Derry Magistrate's Court heard today that there was 'extensive disclosure' required in the case of a man charged in connection with an assault on a local business man during the annual Apprentice Boys parade.

Ian Knipe (47) of Wentworth Green in Portadown faces one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on August 12 last.

The case had been set for today to fix a date for contest but a defence solicitor for Knipe said that they were waiting for disclosure in the case.

He said that based on that disclosure there could be another application from the defence.

A prosecution solicitor said that there were eight witnesses in the case although she believed some of them could be agreed.

The defence solicitor said that he believed he required all the witnesses to attend as 'there was a dispute over the injuries'.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that he believed a date could be fixed for contest and adjourned the case for a review on August 8.
Derry journalist Garrett Hargans new book, A Scandal in Plain Sight, which investigates the 60-year refusal to set up a university in northwest Ireland, is to be launched in Creggans Rath Mor Centre next month.

Longtime Derry Journal editor Pat McArt, who has provided an epilogue for the book, will preside at the event, which will take place at the Hive Studios on August 9 at 6pm.

Hargans research, which exposes massive regional inequality in the Norths university sector, has been used by the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and others to support the case for a new, independent North West University.

His debut book revisits the scandalous decisions which denied a university to Derry and became the catalyst for the Norths civil rights movement in the 1960s. It also charts the failure of successive governments and university administrations to develop Magee over the decades since. And he explores how new proposals, developed by the RIA and the Shared Island Initiative, could at last deliver justice for Derry.

Other contributors to the book include Derry academic Killian O Dochartaigh of the University of Edinburgh Architecture School, Amie Gallagher of the Focus Project, and the Derry University Group (DUG).

DUG campaigner Conal McFeely commented: "This book features at its core the voices of four generations of Derry commentators, from the late, great Frank Curran [another former Derry Journal editor] to Hargan himself.

"All these voices tell the same abiding truth: the North West will flourish again as soon as it has its own university. It is time for us to build it."

Publisher Garbhan Downey of Colmcille Press said: While barely into his thirties, Garrett is very much an old-school investigative journalist; he is thorough, determined, principled and insightful - and will certainly go far. His work is already making an impact. This is a landmark book - one that should never have had to be written, but one which could not have had a better or more integrous author.

A Scandal in Plain Sight is available from the Colmcille Press website for 5, plus postage, and will be available from shops after the launch. The ebook can be purchased for 1.
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A team of researchers from Queens University Belfast has successfully grown in a laboratory a model version of human blood vessels from people with diabetes.

The breakthrough advances research of the disease by providing a new way for scientists to study how diabetes impacts blood vessels, potentially leading to the development of new treatments.

The study has been published in the journal Stem Cells.

The research team, led by Professor Andriana Margariti from the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM) at Queens, also discovered how blood vessels in people with diabetes become damaged.

Diabetes can damage blood vessels because of high blood sugar levels, leading to a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls, which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

This damage impairs blood flow and nutrient delivery, contributing to severe cardiovascular diseases.

The team identified a small number of vascular cells present more often in the blood vessels of people with diabetes that contribute to this damage, which can lead to severe complications such as heart disease and blindness.

By reducing diabetic complications such as cardiovascular disease and the risk of amputations, individuals with diabetes could experience significant health benefits.

This research is expected to enhance understanding of diabetes and drive the development of potential new therapies.

Professor Margariti said: Our research is of paramount importance as it sheds new light on how diabetes damages blood vessels, leading to serious health issues like cardiovascular disease.

This opens new possibilities for developing targeted therapies that can significantly improve the lives of people with diabetes.

This discovery is revolutionary, as it not only enhances our understanding of diabetes, but also has the potential to significantly reduce the need for animal testing in research as these human models can serve as effective replacements.

Fearghal McKinney, head of British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland, said: More than 110,000 adults in Northern Ireland have been diagnosed with diabetes and, across the UK, one third of adults with diabetes will die from a heart or circulatory disease.

This research, from Professor Andriana Margariti and her team, gives us a glimpse inside blood vessels to understand how damage occurs in diabetes.

We look forward to seeing how this technique is used to unlock new treatments that can reduce the impact of heart and circulatory diseases for people living with diabetes and save more families from heartbreak.

The research was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), the British Heart Foundation, and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy.
A Belfast mother has urged the UK and Irish governments to intervene to bring her son home from Lebanon.

Catherine Flanagan, 39, took her son David to visit his father in Lebanon, where he is from and works, in August 2022 when he was just ten-months-old.

But she said she was not able to bring him home to Northern Ireland as they had planned.

Last summer, the High Court in Belfast ruled that David should be returned to Northern Ireland by August 18, 2023. However, that did not happen.

In January, Ms Flanagan said she travelled to Lebanon to get her son but was not able to bring him home.

She said she now feels she has no option but to make a public plea for the UK and Irish governments to intervene to bring David home.

She said that she and David, who is now around two-and-a-half years old, both have British and Irish passports.

Its outrageous. I have done everything I can legally and with him (Davids father) in general, not to up the ante and not get into a slanging match, I just want my son returned, she said.

The situation has made me very, very sad, it didnt need to be like this.

I havent been able to spend time alone with David since he was ten-months-old.

I am appealing to help. I have nothing left but to speak out in the media and plea and beg and ask the governments for help.

There is no way a government can allow a situation where a court order says that David is to be here in Northern Ireland but I dont even know where he is.

This is not on, David deserves to have both his parents and no way can this be allowed to carry on.

This is the absolute last option, speaking to media. No-one in their sane mind wants to do this.

In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: The Police Service of Northern Ireland is aware of this case and are liaising with The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Lebanese authorities.

A FCDO spokesperson said: We provided consular assistance to a British woman who was in Lebanon and were in contact with the local authorities.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has also been contacted for a response.
Wealthy donors are pouring cash into a ballot measure committee controlled by San Francisco mayoral candidate Mark Farrell, shown speaking with Jeffrey Kwong during a May town hall hosted by the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Wealthy donors are pouring cash into a ballot measure committee controlled by San Francisco mayoral candidate Mark Farrell, and the committee is sharing expenses with the campaign, prompting foes to accuse him of skirting campaign finance limits and cozying up to Republicans.

Farrells committee, launched in March, has raised nearly $1 million to support a ballot initiative that would reform city government and streamline red tape, new campaign finance disclosures show.

Its common for candidates to create such committees, to provide other avenues to get themselves in front of voters and gain visibility without bumping up against campaign finance limits. San Francisco has strict caps on contributions to candidates of $500, but ballot measure support committees dont have those same limits. That allows candidates to launch committees for various causes, then campaign for them, winning publicity and emblazoning their images on campaign materials or appearing in campaign ads on behalf of the measure  as long as they dont mention their campaigns for office.

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But critics believe Farrells filings show that he is using money meant for his ballot measure committee to support his mayoral campaign, which they argue is inappropriate though the city allows shared expenses in such cases. In an email, a Farrell spokesperson said that while Farrells campaign and ballot committee share office space and other costs, they then are reviewed by the campaigns attorneys and tracked and reimbursed as necessary.

Farrells most recent campaign filings show that approximately $168,000 in payments that the committee has made since May 1 were listed as shared expenses with his mayoral campaign committee.

In the first two weeks of July, Farrells campaign listed more than $100,000 in shared expenses for payments to contractors, office costs and payroll expenses. Almost half of that expense came in the form of $49,000 in payments for interns, according to the filings, though Farrell officials said that number was an error and would be amended.

Officials at San Franciscos Ethics Commission said that candidate and ballot measure campaigns can share expenses, but noted that each committee must pay its fair share of costs.

If a candidates committee receives goods or services for their campaign and doesnt pay fair market value, the candidate has received a political contribution, said Michael Canning, the commissions Policy and Legislative Affairs manager. That contribution has to be disclosed and is subject to restrictions and limits, including the $500 limit.

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Farrell campaign officials said the shared expenses pay for dozens of canvassers (listed as interns) to inform voters about the measure. As for the other shared expenses, Farrell officials said the ballot measure committee pays the Farrell for Mayor campaign for the use of the space, and its shared payroll expenses cover staff that work on scheduling, fundraising, canvasser management and copy/content writing, for both the mayoral race and the ballot measure initiative.

Surrogates for both Mayor London Breed and candidate Daniel Lurie took aim at Farrell, accusing him of using his ballot measure committee as a money-laundering operation for his mayoral campaign  accusations that Farrell denies.

Mark Farrell is basically running a money-laundering operation that offers college credit, said Joe Arellano, a spokesperson for Breeds campaign.

Parents should be concerned that their kids are interning for a campaign bought and paid for by right-wing MAGA money, he said, referring to Farrell donor Thomas Coates, who has donated to Republican state parties in Georgia, Iowa and Nebraska in recent years. The same Republican donors shoveling heaps of cash into Farrells charter reform committee and in turn the Farrell campaign are the same people funding efforts in Iowa and Georgia to take away a womans right to choose.

Tyler Law, a consultant with the Lurie campaign, also criticized Farrell, accusing him of brazenly laundering funds through the ballot measure to circumvent laws limiting contributions to his campaign for mayor.

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In a written statement, Farrell rejected his opponents claims and said he is following the law.

Every expense is legitimate, vetted, and approved by counsel, he said. Our opponents are slinging mud because they are losing momentum and are trying to distract voters from their failed leadership and inability to deliver change on the top issues facing San Francisco.

Farrell opponents first questioned the candidates commingling of committee and campaign funds in June, when the campaign first filed financial disclosures showing that about three-quarters of the $82,000 the campaign had spent were similar shared expenses.

Farrells ballot measure committee has raised close to $1 million from about 40 donors, according to a review of filings since he launched the Mayor Mark Farrell for the Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative in mid-March.

The committee supports a ballot initiative created by moderate political group TogetherSF that would cap the number of city commissions  there are more than 130  and consolidate the power of the mayor.

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The vast majority of donations  more than $800,000  come from just half a dozen donors, including Coates, a millionaire real-estate investor, and his wife, Linda  who donated a combined $500,000 to the committee; businessman John Pritzker, who dropped $100,000 on the measure, and William Oberndorf, a Republican mega-donor who previously gave nearly $1 million to the Neighbors for a Better San Francisco super PAC to recall former District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Oberndorf has donated $45,000 to Farrells ballot measure committee.

Coates, an opponent of rent control, previously donated more than $140,000 to an independent expenditure committee that spent $191,000 supporting Farrells 2010 run for supervisor.

That race also led to accusations of campaign finance violations, and in 2014, the Ethics Commission levied a $191,000 fine against Farrell after he and his campaign consultant were accused of illegally coordinating with an independent expenditure committee during his 2010 run for supervisor. The California Fair Political Practices Commission, which investigated the allegations, ultimately exonerated Farrell. The Ethics Commission ordered him to pay back the entire $191,000 spent by the independent expenditure committee, at which point he sued the city. Farrell ultimately paid $25,000 to settle the case.

While Farrell said he did not know about the misconduct, he took ultimate responsibility, according to the settlement.

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Almost 9,000 babies and children in Northern Ireland were supported last year by baby banks, new data has indicated.

The Baby Bank Alliance said some 20% of children in the region live in poverty, and 20% in absolute poverty.

It said baby banks responded last year by giving families more than 13,000 items such as warm clothes, books, baby toiletries and equipment.

The alliance, formed by Save the Children UK, Purposeful Ventures, Little Village and the Baby Bank Network Bristol, has more than 150 baby bank members.

Founded by @savechildrenuk, Purposeful Ventures, @LittleVillageHQ, and @BabyBankNetwork Together, we support over 300 baby banks, helping thousands of families in need. You can find and support your local baby bank through the map on our website https://t.co/jnmSU3M2JD  Baby Bank Alliance (@BabyBnkAlliance) July 25, 2024

It has urged the UK Government to abolish the two-child benefit limit which it described as one of the main drivers of rising child poverty in the country.

It said baby banks across the UK have seen a 54.4% increase in referrals for their services between 2021 and 2023.

In Northern Ireland in 2023, baby banks supported 8,973 babies and children.

Kelly Taylor, manager for Home Start East Antrim baby bank, said so many need the service.

Our new baby bank has taken off very quickly and Im delighted, but very sad that its needed, she said.

I suppose thats how we feel, its very said that at this time, with the cost-of-living crisis, so many people do need the service.

Its a very new service locally. The community has really got behind us because they knew the need is there. But like many other small areas, its a tight-knit community and the need can often be hidden.

Hannah Pentith, executive lead of the Baby Bank Alliance, said the figures reveal the shocking scale of child poverty in the UK and the urgency of action needed to tackle it.

Bringing a child into the world is one of the most precious moments for any parent, and yet so many begin this journey without the essentials every baby needs, she said.

Its unacceptable that parents or carers should be agonising over the cost of everyday items.

Some children dont have the little things we all take for granted every day; a book to read, a warm blanket to cuddle up with or a pram so mum or dad can take them to the park. The impact of this can follow a child for the rest of their lives.

Baby banks are stepping up by normalising reuse of essentials, protecting our planet, alleviating the impact of material deprivation and building a community to help each other through difficult times.

Sophie Livingstone, chairwoman of the Baby Bank Alliance, said: Unfortunately, todays figures arent a surprise  we want the surprise to be a significant commitment to tackling child poverty from our new Government, starting by putting an end to the two-child limit.

All children should have a safe place to sleep, warm clothes, shoes that fit. Yet with low wages, insecure work prospects and unaffordable childcare, far too many families are struggling to afford these vital things. Without baby banks across the UK providing this incredible safety net, thousands of children would be missing out.

The Baby Bank Alliances mission is to support and advocate for UK baby banks so that every child has the essentials they need to thrive. There is power in our numbers. With stubbornly high child poverty rates, there has never been a more important time for baby banks to unite so they can keep reaching the families that need them and to make sure the new UK Government makes tackling child poverty the priority it should be.
A man accused of the murder of a man in a squat in Belfast claims he saved the victims life on two occasions just days before he died, a court has heard.

Kevin Davidson, 34, was found dead in the back yard of a house on Donegall Avenue in Belfast on Saturday.

His body was covered by bin bags and a sleeping bag, which was held in position by weight lifting bars.

Police believe Mr Davidson was strangled with a clothes line.

Colm Barry McClenaghan, 32, of no fixed abode, and Jade Mary Anna Harrison, 35, of Donegall Avenue, appeared before a district judge at Belfast Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with his murder.

The court heard that Harrison is Mr Davidsons former partner.

District judge Anne Marshall was told both accused deny involvement in the murder.

The court heard the victim and two accused were drug users and they had all been squatting in the same house in Donegall Avenue  a property owned by a man currently in prison.

It was claimed that occupants of the squat regularly used a back window to exit the property to avoid drug dealing activities being detected by the police.

The two accused appeared in the dock together dressed in grey custody track suits. They nodded to confirm that they understood the charge facing them.

Lawyers for both challenged the basis upon which the police had connected them to the murder, claiming there was insufficient evidence to link them to the death.

A solicitor for McClenaghan said her client had intervened on three occasions in July to help Mr Davidson, two of which involved life-threatening situations.

She said he had performed CPR on Mr Davidson when he had taken a drug overdose and, on a separate occasion, had talked him down from a bridge as he contemplated committing suicide.

The solicitor noted that on both those occasions Harrison had called the emergency services to seek help for Mr Davidson.

On the night when Mr Davidson was last seen in public, July 9, McClenaghan also intervened after he was assaulted by another man on the Lisburn Road, the court heard.

I would say that Mr McClenaghan gave a detailed account to police and hes made every attempt to help Mr Davidson and he describes essentially saving his life on two separate occasions, said the solicitor.

And on both those occasions the defendants sought help from the emergency services.

She added: We know that Mr Davidson was assaulted by another individual hours before his death, and therefore theres other possible suspects out there who are yet to be spoken to.

The court heard that police attended the property on several occasions prior to the discovery of Mr Davidsons body and made inquiries with both Harrison and McClenaghan over his whereabouts.

Asked why officers had not searched the back yard during those visits, a detective sergeant told the court that the case was being treated as a missing persons investigation at that stage, so police were not actively looking for a body.

When the body was discovered on July 20, police observed air fresheners, aftershave and perfume in the kitchen and utility room and bin bags had been placed against the back door in an apparent effort to block air from entering from outside.

Blood-stained clothing was found in one of those bags, the court heard.

The court was told that Mr Davidsons mother had contacted police on July 15 to report him missing, having not heard from him since July 8 when she had spoken to him on the phone.

On that occasion she said her son had told her Harrison was cheating on him and had stolen money from him.

His mother told officers that he was in the company of Harrison and an unknown man during the call and he expressed fears he was going to be attacked.

She heard Kevin state they are going to beat me up, the officer told the court.

Kevin sounded distressed, and she felt that Kevin was holding his phone so that they could hear what was going on.

The court also heard that, prior to that call with his mother, a friend of Mr Davidson had overheard him speaking on the phone to both Harrison and McClenaghan  a conversation during which both men allegedly threatened to break the others jaw.

The officer told the judge that hours after Mr Davidson had the call with his mother  just after midnight on July 9  he was seen with the two accused on CCTV leaving the Donegall Avenue area and heading toward the City Hospital in Belfast.

They were then seen on the Lisburn Road  where the assault incident involving Mr Davidson was captured  before they all returned in the direction of Donegall Avenue before 1am.

The court heard that the last activity on Mr Davidsons phone was at 1.53am.

The detective sergeant told the court that police believe he was murdered in the back yard.

She acknowledged that no forensic evidence had yet been identified to link the accused to the crime, but she said 130 items seized from the property were still awaiting analysis.

The judge was told that both accused accept they were in the property with Mr Davidson in the early hours of July 9, but they claim he left the house voluntarily when he walked in on them having sex.

A lawyer for Harrison described the case against her client as speculative.

There hasnt been one shred of evidence produced that contradicts her version of events, she said.

Judge Marshall said she understood why the legal representatives had attempted to challenge the connection to the charge, but she nevertheless said she was satisfied that police had offered sufficient evidence to connect both accused.

No bail applications were made, and the two accused were remanded in custody to appear before a judge again on August 22.
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Apple releases new open-source AI models

After releasing the small language model OpenELM in April, Apple introduced two more compact models, DCLM, claiming their performance to have surpassed that of Mistral 7B and is on par with Google's Gemma, Meta's Llama 3 8B, and Microsoft's Phi-3, while being more resource-efficient.

According to reports fromVentureBeat and AppleInsider, Apple's machine learning team released DataComp for Language Models (DCLMs), which come in two parameter sizes of 1.4B and 7B and are now available on Hugging Face.

DCLM 7B was trained on 2.5 trillion tokens and features a context length of 2048 tokens. Apple claims that in the Multitask Language Understanding (MMLU) benchmark, its DCLM 7B model outperforms Mistral 7B and approaches the performance of models such as Llama 3 8B, Gemma, and Phi-3. DCLM 7B. DCLM 7B surpassed MAP-Neo by 6.6% in benchmarks while requiring 40% less computing power.

The DCLM 1.4B, trained on 2.6 trillion tokens, significantly outperformed similar models, such as Hugging Face's recently released SmolLM 1.7B, Alibaba's Qwen 2B, and Microsoft's Phi 1.5B, in the MMLU benchmark.

Vaishaal Shankar from Apple's machine learning team wrote on X that the DCLM models are the best-performing truly open-source models available today. Shankar defines truly open-source as models with open data, open weight models, and open training code.

Apple has made significant strides in AI with the introduction of Apple Intelligence and Private Cloud Compute at WWDC, addressing previous criticisms of its AI capabilities. The company has also been actively publishing AI research, demonstrating its commitment to the field. While Apple's DCLM models are currently research projects, focused on exploring data curation for language models, the company is partnering with OpenAI to integrate AI features, like GPT-4o mini, into future iOS updates.
Chip giants clash: TSMC's Foundry 2.0 takes on Intel's IDM 2.0

With Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) proposing its Foundry 2.0 model, some industry experts compare it with Intel's IDM 2.0. However, the challenges Intel faces today also reflect the inconvenient truth: everyone sees the benefit of market competition by having Intel compete with TSMC in providing foundry services, but are they truly competing?

The Semiwiki forum has supported Intel's leadership role in the American semiconductor industry despite TSMC taking 60% of the share in the foundry market. Yet in a recent note on TSMC's Foundry 2.0, it saw a different picture than the one described by Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger.

Although the "5 nodes in 4 years" progress was impressive and allowed Intel to provide a reliable alternative to customers and grab "non-TSMC" orders, the author questioned, "Will Intel take business away from TSMC on a competitive basis?" It's one thing to take orders away from Samsung Foundry; it's an entirely different matter if it's taken from TSMC. He quoted Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, saying that TSMC and the foundry business are the true heroes of the semiconductor industry.

TSMC has achieved a landslide victory in the N3 process, and even Intel has become its customer. TSMC proposed Foundry 2.0 not as a strategic detour, but to include packaging, testing, and masks as a comprehensive product service and maintain customers' engagement.

Foundry 2.0 is clearly a frontal attack on Intel's IDM2.0. With the N2 process progressing smoothly, on track for mass production in 2025 while N2P features a further 5% performance at the same power or 5% to 10% power benefit at the same speed on top of N2, Intel's 18A is losing its advantage as a break-out node because Intel's CPUs based on 18A process are not expected to ramp up to high volume until 2026.

"N2P will support both smartphone and HPC applications, and volume production is scheduled for the second half of 2026," said C. C. Wei confidently in the earnings conference. Semiwiki now hinges hope on Intel's 14A to become the next break-out node.

TSMC's current technological prowess and scale of production capacity still seem to be leading the pack, and its overwhelming dominance is not to be underestimated. Gelsinger's original goal in promoting Intel's IDM 2.0 was to spin off its wafer foundry business and reduce America's reliance on Asian foundries.

Now, three years later, Intel continues to make progress in advanced manufacturing processes, but revenue growth is nowhere in sight. Can Intel's foundry business support customers' demand for advanced process node foundry services in the face of huge losses and keen competition?

It's a question that will continue to be a lesson for the US government regardless of which administration is in office as it continues to count on Intel to revitalize US semiconductor manufacturing.
The city of Oakland posted a notice for residents to vacate a homeless encampment at Toll Plaza Beach this month. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

SACRAMENTO  Gov. Gavin Newsom is pushing California cities to more aggressively clear homeless encampments in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling freeing cities from restrictions on doing so.

On Thursday morning, he issued an executive order directing state agencies and urging local governments to adopt policies to identify dangerous encampments and clear them after giving residents two days notice.

The move comes as Californias challenges, including its homelessness crisis, are under the microscope nationally because Democrats are poised to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as their presidential candidate. Conservatives are already seizing on Harris long track record as an elected official in the Golden State, arguing she bears responsibility for Californias problems.

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California state government has dealt with the proliferation of tents along state highways for years. Newsom previously detailed his frustration to the Chronicle about how his and local officials hands were tied because courts had limited governments ability to clear homeless encampments, arguing that punishing people for sleeping outside amounted to unfair punishment.

That dynamic shifted last month, when the Supreme Court ruled that government officials have broad power to evict people from street encampments and confiscate their property.

Newsoms executive order directs state agencies to adopt policies in line with those already in place at the California Department of Transportation, which oversees state highway property and has long grappled with encampments. Those policies include giving people 48 hours notice to evacuate before their encampments are cleared except in exigent circumstances; contacting service organizations to connect with people living in the encampment; and collecting, labeling and storing property cleared from the site for at least 60 days.

This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them, Newsom wrote, noting that although his administration has directed $24 billion toward addressing homelessness since he took office in 2019, the problem is still acute.

Newsoms directive will be carried out on state properties such as parklands. He cant order cities and counties to adopt the policies, but his executive order encourages them to do so.

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There are simply no more excuses, he wrote in a statement. Its time for everyone to do their part.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced shortly after the Supreme Court ruling that she intended to escalate homeless sweeps as a result.

Jeff Cretan, her spokesperson, said Newsom is calling for what SF is already doing. He said the city expects an injunction that had restricted some of the citys encampment work to be officially lifted as soon as Monday.

Our encampment teams have been going out and will continue to go out to bring people indoors and to clean and clear encampments, Cretan said. We have been training our workforce to be ready once the court officially lifts the injunctions.

Harold Duffey, Oaklands acting homelessness administrator, said Newsoms order wont meaningfully affect what the city is already doing, which is leaning harder into clearing camps while offering shelter and services. The Supreme Court ruling gave us a little more leeway, he said, but the one of the main goals of any sweep will be on safety  like clearing tents away from buildings and power poles to reduce fire danger, he said.

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Our emphasis is on getting people into housing, getting them help, he said.

Santa Clara County and the city of San Jose are also crafting plans to more aggressively compel people to accept shelter and services, but a recent proposal to criminalize camping along local waterways met such resistance that officials are taking a cautious approach. The Santa Clara Valley Water District this month delayed implementing a policy that would impose $500 fines or up to 30 days in jail on anyone setting up an encampment along its waterways after getting intensive public pushback.

Until we actually, permanently, get those folks off the streets and into housing, complaints and sweeps are not going to end, said Ray Bramson, chief operating officer of Destination: Home, Santa Clara Countys leading nonprofit addressing homelessness. Its not ramping up punitive approaches and moving people around that will solve this.

The Bay Area Council, a business-oriented nonprofit, applauded Newsom for his decisive action.

California cities must now rise to meet this moment, to grab this opportunity and provide the shelter and housing that can end our long homelessness nightmare and restore a sense of order and civility to our streets, sidewalks and other public spaces, council President Jim Wunderman said in a statement. This is not about criminalizing the unhoused. Its about meeting our responsibility to help our neighbors.

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The Supreme Court ruling issued last month determined that enforcing laws regulating camping on public property does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. The courts six conservative justices sided in the majority, while the three liberal justices dissented.

The courts majority argued that not only do most American cities  including those in the Bay Area  already have anti-urban camping laws, but no more than 41% of unhoused people readily accept services or shelter when offered them during sweeps. The ruling quoted Breed saying her city uses anti-camping laws not to criminalize homelessness, but as one important tool to encourage people to accept services and ensure safe and accessible sidewalks and public spaces.

Some suggest that homelessness may be the defining public health and safety crisis in the western United States today, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the majority. ...The causes are varied and complex, the appropriate public policy responses perhaps no less so.

In dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said Grants Pass, Ore., the city where the case originated, was punishing people for their status of homelessness.

Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime, wrote Sotomayor, joined by the other two liberal justices, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. For some people, sleeping outside is their only option. The City of Grants Pass jails and fines those people for sleeping anywhere in public at any time, including in their cars, if they use as little as a blanket to keep warm or a rolled-up shirt as a pillow. For people with no access to shelter, that punishes them for being homeless. That is unconscionable and unconstitutional.

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For longtime advocates of homeless people, the court ruling and attendant efforts by cities to lean harder on sweeps changes little.

What it does is take off the gloves and validates what communities have been doing anyway, said Paul Boden, head of the Western Regional Advocacy Project. Theres no more pretense now that were giving them referrals. Its just full-speed ahead.

Eric Tars, senior policy director for the National Homelessness Law Center, said that the order is misguided if it doesnt come alongside new housing resources.

The only way to end encampments in California is to end the need for encampments, Tars said. This executive order is attempting to misdirect peoples attention from the governments failure to solve the affordable housing crisis and put the blame and put the punishment for that failure onto the very victims of that failure.

Tars said that while the Supreme Court decision closed one avenue for legal advocacy, it acknowledged that homeless people still have other legal protections.

So as we are able to evaluate the executive order and its potential impacts, we will see if any of those other protections might need to be applied here, he said.
On Tuesday 23rd July, the central role of LMETB and its chief executive Martin OBrien in the building of Irelands first 3D printed houses at Grange Close in Dundalk was recognised by the presentation to him of a miniature replica of the 3D houses by Justin Kinsella, managing director of Harcourt Technologies (HTL) the design and build contractor.

LMETB was among the first to introduce training for 3D concrete printing (3DCP) into Ireland under the umbrella of its Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE). CEO Martin OBrien approached Louth County Council with the idea of using 3DCP to deliver much needed social housing faster than a regular build. The local authority provided the site at Grange Close and once completed, the trio of 3D printed houses will become homes to three families currently on the Council's social housing list.

The Grange Close project has garnered huge interest and was featured on RTE news on 8th July. LMETB is the training partner on the project and has been involved in arranging visits by other ETBs, construction companies and government agencies from across the island of Ireland.

HTL said that the houses in Dundalk are being built three times faster than they would using traditional concrete blocks and that this method uses a third of the labour normally required and also reduces the construction schedule by between 25-30%.

Justin Kinsella, Managing Director of HTL said: "Martin OBriens energy and vision were instrumental in making 3D concrete printed homes a reality in Ireland. We are delighted to recognise his contribution to this groundbreaking project.

LMETB is also the first ETB to have purchased its own 3D concrete printer, with ongoing Skills to Advance subsidised training programmes giving those working in construction related sectors access to upskilling opportunities with the innovative technology, with more than 100 people having completed training to date.

Read Next: Man charged with stealing sunglasses and change from a car in Dundalk

Martin OBrien, Chief Executive of LMETB said: The Grange Close project is a testament to what can be achieved when forward-thinking ideas and collaborative efforts come together. We are proud to play a central role in delivering Ireland's first 3D printed homes, which will provide much-needed social housing to families in Louth."

AMTCE was established by LMETB in 2021 and supported by SOLAS and Enterprise Ireland to deliver hands-on skills-oriented training to underpin the transition of Irish enterprise to industry 4.0 based operations, with a focus on construction, manufacturing, cybersecurity, pharma, food and drink, and engineering. www.amtce.ie
A chef who bit the shoulder of his co-worker twice while they were working has been handed a one-year suspended sentence.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that John OToole (33) of Elmdale Close, Ballyfermot, Dublin, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Clayton Hotel Liffey, Valley, Dublin, on July 17, 2023. He has no previous convictions.

Passing sentence today (Thursday July 25), Judge Pauline Codd said the aggravating factors in this case were that the offending occurred in a place of work and that the injured party was entitled to feel safe and have her boundaries respected.

She noted the impact of this offending on the woman has been substantial and her relationship with her family has been affected.

Judge Codd said she had seen images of the bite and said, I can only say that it was bizarre behaviour and the fact that he came back and did it a second time, beggars belief.

The judge placed the offending in the upper end of the lower range and set a headline sentence of eighteen months. The judge then noted the mitigating factors in this case, which were that OToole had reached his mid-thirties with no convictions, his work history, his personal circumstances, and that he has taken proactive steps by attending a therapist and is addressing his behaviour.

Judge Codd sentenced him to one year in prison but suspended it in full for one year. She ordered him to pay 3,000 to the injured party within the next six months.

Garda Rebecca Lloyd told prosecuting counsel that the injured party in this case was working in the restaurant area of the hotel with a colleague when OToole, who was a chef, came up to them and said his partner was coming in at 9pm and made a booking for her in the restaurant.

At 6.20 pm, OToole returned to the dining area and came up behind the injured party and bit her on the shoulder.

She described to the gardai as being in shock and said she just froze. The court heard that the woman who had been placing a drinks order onto the computer system at the time continued to do so.

She said to OToole, John, do you realise that I cannot feel that - it is doing nothing? The woman said this passively in the hope that he would go away.

OToole replied, Oh, really, and bit down harder on her shoulder. The woman was embarrassed that this was happening in front of customers and was afraid of what would happen next. OToole then asked her, Do you like it rough in the bedroom?

The woman did not answer and walked to a different area of the restaurant. She went to the bathroom because her shoulder was "throbbing". She took a picture of the bite mark and sent it to her partner, who also worked at the hotel. A colleague then brought her to the duty manager and showed him the picture of the bite.

The woman left work early and the following day attended her GP, who prescribed her antibiotics and gave her a tetanus injection. Later that day, she made a complaint to the gardai.

The court heard that OToole attended for a voluntary interview. He gave the gardai his account of what had happened on the day in question. He told gardai, I honestly dont know why I would bite her. It was the most stupid thing I had done in my life.

He told gardai that he had texted the woman and her partner after the incident to apologise.

The woman read her victim impact statement to the court, which said: I was petrified that it would escalate. I immediately thought I would be assaulted more if I did not leave. I felt disgusted and violated.

She described OTooles apology text as salt to the wound; and I did not find it genuine. She highlighted how no chef would speak with her at work, and I was told to be grateful that he apologised.

She said, It has been a year and I still cant sleep properly.

Judge Pauline Codd addressed the woman directly, saying, It is not your fault. Dont allow this to influence how you feel about yourself. I wish you well.

Mr James Dwyer SC, defending, handed letters into the court on behalf of his client. The letters described OToole as an honest and hard-working man. A female friend wrote that she feels safe and comfortable around him and described him as a gentleman.

Counsel said his client left school after his leaving cert and developed a passion for cooking. He had worked in the hotel for ten years but had just handed in his notice in advance of this incident.

He said OToole has now taken steps to ensure that this will never happen again. He asked the court to design a sentence taking his early guilty plea and lack of previous convictions into consideration.
Prop 22, which classified Uber and Lyft drivers as independent contractors, was approved by 59% of the states voters. It was challenged by labor groups because contractors lack many of the rights of employees, including minimum wages, overtime, sick leave, the right to organize a union and payment for work expenses such as fuel costs and auto repairs. Steven Senne/Associated Press 2021

The 1.4 million California drivers working for ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft and food delivery companies DoorDash and Instacart can be legally classified as independent contractors rather than employees after the state Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously upheld the companies 2020 ballot measure, Proposition 22.

The initiative was approved by 59% of the states voters. It was challenged by labor groups because contractors lack many of the rights of employees, including minimum wages, overtime, sick leave, the right to organize a union and payment for work expenses such as fuel costs and auto repairs.

But their legal argument  that Prop 22 violates the California Constitution by denying compensation to the drivers for workplace injuries  was rejected by the justices.

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Although the state Constitution since 1911 has authorized the Legislature to grant workers compensation benefits to employees who are injured or become ill at work, another constitutional provision  also approved by voters in 1911  gives the voters the same power to enact or repeal laws on compensation or other issues, Justice Goodwin Liu wrote in the 7-0 decision.

It is our judicial policy to apply a liberal construction to this (initiative) power wherever it is challenged, he said, quoting a previous ruling by the court.

Liu said the Legislature could try to restore workers compensation benefits to the drivers by passing a new law. Prop 22 would require a virtually unobtainable seven-eighths majority in each legislative house to approve such a law. Its opponents contend such a requirement is an unconstitutional limit on legislators authority to enact laws, an argument Liu said the court would consider if lawmakers sought to enact such a measure.

Molly Weedn, a spokesperson for supporters of Prop 22, said the ruling was an overwhelming victory for voters rights and the integrity of our states initiative system, and for millions of consumers and thousands of businesses who rely on app-based services across the state.

Morgan Fong, attorney for the food delivery company Instacart  one of the companies behind Prop 22  said its drivers consistently and overwhelmingly tell us they value their flexibility and independence that Prop 22 provides.

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But the ruling was criticized by Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Federation of Labor Unions, which represents more than 1,300 unions with 2.3 million members. She said the unions were deeply disappointed the state Supreme Court has allowed tech corporations to buy their way out of basic labor laws.

William Gould, a Stanford labor law professor and former chairman of the National Labor Relations Board, said the decision to uphold Prop 22 was an enormous setback for marginalized sub-minimum wage drivers in California and throughout the country.

The ruling was issued by a court with a 6-1 majority of Democratic appointees. Liu, appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2011, is one of the more liberal justices. But the court has generally been deferential to the will of the voters, rejecting most challenges to voter-approved ballot measures.

Uber and Lyft, ride-hailing companies based in the Bay Area, say their business depends on being able to treat drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, and have threatened to leave states and cities whose laws say otherwise.

They were joined by DoorDash, Lyft and other food delivery companies in a record $200 million campaign for Prop 22. The initiative declared, as a matter of law, that the drivers were running their own businesses and were not under the control of the companies.

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Prop 22 has been enforced by the companies since it passed, even after an Alameda County judge ruled in August 2021 that it violated the state Constitution because it rewrote laws on multiple subjects. That ruling was overturned by a state appeals court before the California Supreme Court took up the case.

The only remaining obstacle to Prop 22 could come from the federal government, at least during a Democratic administration. President Joe Bidens Labor Department, reversing a decision under President Donald Trump, has adopted regulations that classify most or all of the California drivers as employees under federal law.

The regulations have been challenged in court by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and an organization that includes Uber and Lyft. If enforced, they would entitle the drivers at least to federal minimum wages of $7.25 an hour, compared with Californias $16 minimum wage, and to compensation for work expenses.

Most of the justices in Thursdays ruling were also members of the court that ruled unanimously in 2018, in the Dynamex case, that companies must classify workers as employees unless a company could prove that the workers were running their own business.

The Legislature codified Dynamex in state law in 2019 by passing AB5, written by Gonzalez, then a state Assembly member from San Diego and now the leader of the statewide union organization. But a little more than a year later, the voters exempted the companies drivers from AB5 by approving Prop 22.

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Both sides in the case have said that a majority of the drivers support their position. A recent study by the UC Berkeley Labor Law Center found that drivers for Uber, Lyft and other passenger companies in California were making an average of $5.97 an hour after taxes, or $7.63 an hour including tips.
Crab farming brings prosperity to mountain village in China's Anhui

People's Daily Online) 14:48, July 25, 2024

Aerial photo shows Maofan village, Changpu township, Yuexi county, east China's Anhui Province. (People's Daily Online/Wang Rui)

In a surprising twist, a village nestled in the Dabie Mountains in east China's Anhui Province has begun raising Chinese hairy crabs, traditionally associated with big rivers and lakes.

Five years ago, when the first batch of crab seedlings was released into ponds in Maofan village, Changpu township, Yuexi county in Anhui Province, many villagers were skeptical of crab farming. However, Yao Youzhi, Party chief of the village, remained confident, as he conducted thorough research.

Yao, a 46-year-old native of Maofan village who had worked in Wuxi city, east China's Jiangsu Province, returned to his hometown in 2014 and was elected as the village's Party chief in the same year.

Yao, who had previous exposure to crab farming in Jiangsu Province, saw potential in Yuexi's excellent water quality. After confirming local spring water's rich mineral content and consulting with aquaculture experts, he led the village to build four ponds in 2019 to raise nearly 25,000 seedlings of Chinese hairy crabs.

Photo shows a Chinese hairy crab farmed in Maofan village, Changpu township, Yuexi county, east China's Anhui Province. (People's Daily Online/Wang Rui)

The mountain environment, with its lower water temperature and higher oxygen levels, significantly increased crab survival rates. In addition, the superior water quality resulted in high-quality crabs known for their delicious taste.

"They're ready for market around Mid-Autumn Festival. A female crab above 250 grams can sell for 80 yuan ($11)," Yao said.

Yao added that the village doesn't worry about sales of crabs thanks to pre-orders from Shanghai and Shenzhen. Last year, the gross profit of crabs in the village reached 500,000 yuan.

Chinese hairy crab farming has become one of the specialty industries in the village, Yao noted.

Thanks to the development of these specialty industries, the collective economic income of the village increased from almost nothing in 2014 to over 1 million yuan in 2023.

Local resident Yang Guixiang is checking on the growth of crabs by a pond. "Working near home, I can earn over 40,000 yuan a year from wages and dividends," Yang said.

The purpose of developing rural specialty industries is to ultimately expand channels for villagers to increase their income and wealth, Yao said, adding that the village will continue to implement measures to ensure that the benefits of industrial development reach all villagers.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
A person wheels luggage to the Southwest Airlines ticketing counter at Oakland airport in 2022. The airline has announced major changes, including an end to its longtime open-seating plan. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle A Southwest Airlines plane moves to depart from Love Field in Dallas on Thursday. LM Otero/Associated Press

Big changes are coming soon for Southwest Airlines, one of the largest carriers serving Bay Area airports including Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose, the airline announced Thursday morning.

The airline, known for its free-form unassigned seating, will adopt a more traditional assigned seating plan  and premium seating  on all flights, similar to what other airlines offer. Overnight flights, coloquially known as red-eyes, are also being scheduled for the first time, though not from the Bay Area initially.

Southwest did not say when the seating changes would take place but said details would be provided in September.

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With a hub at San Francisco Bay Oakland International, Southwest dominates the airport, accounting for 83% of total passenger volume, according to federal data. Its also the largest carrier at San Jose Mineta International, with more than 50% of passenger volume, according to officials. At the Bay Areas biggest airport, San Francisco International, Southwest is the fifth-largest carrier, with a 5% passenger share, according to SFO.

Southwest travelers waiting in a long check-in line at the Oakland airport Thursday morning seemed largely unfazed by news of the major upcoming changes.

It really doesnt make a difference to me as long as I get there safely, said Mona Carpenter of Union City, who was headed to San Diego.

Most of the dozen or so passengers interviewed by the Chronicle agreed with her sentiment.

It was unclear Thursday how the changes would affect Southwest operations at Bay Area airports  including how the airline will rearrange its boarding areas, which have tall posts with numbers near the gates to assist with the boarding process.

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Its a bit soon, but we should know more in the fall, said San Francisco International spokesman Doug Yakel.

Oakland airport officials could not be reached for comment.

The changes by Southwest come after years of complaints from passengers about flyers abusing the free-range seating policy by saving seats for friends and family, along with taking advantage of preferred boarding advantages for people with disabilities and families.

Southwest said in a statement that a survey found that 80% of customers and 86% of potential customers favored an assigned seat to the policy thats been in place for more than 50 years. It added that many flyers chose other airlines instead of enduring the open seating plan and a boarding process that can confuse newcomers.

The process requires a check-in that begins 24 hours in advance and assigns each passenger an alphabetized seating group  A, B or C  and a specific number within that group to board. Passengers who pay extra  about $30  are allowed to skip toward the front of the A line. After preboarding for people with disabilities, passengers line up according to the group and number and then board, choosing whichever seats they want. Between the A and B groups, families and people who need a little extra time are allowed to board.

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By moving to an assigned seating model, Southwest expects to broaden its appeal and attract more flying from its current and future customers, the airline said in the statement.

In addition to the move to assigned seats, the airline will also offer premium seats with extended legroom, an amenity also offered  for a price  on other airlines.

The initial round of overnight flights, which start in February and were available for booking Thursday, will be from Las Vegas to Baltimore and Nashville, Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville, and Phoenix to Baltimore.

In its statement, Southwest described the changes, which had been rumored for weeks, as part of a modernization effort that includes faster Wi-Fi, more in-seat power supplies and larger overhead bins. Arriving soon, the airline promised, is a cabin redesign with more comfortable seats.

The airline also appointed an executive to oversee the airlines transformation. Southwest has been under pressure to make changes as its profits declined. In the past three months, the airline said Thursday, profits dropped 46% despite record revenue.

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The changes, while welcomed by many, also seemed likely to irritate some Southwest loyalists who appreciate the open seating as part of the airlines renegade spirit, which also includes two free checked bags, often humorous flight attendants and fares that have traditionally been at least a little cheaper than other airlines.

I dont like it, said Charlene Reynolds of Buffalo, who was headed from Oakland to Kauai on Thursday. Im not happy.

She said she usually buys Southwests early bird boarding, which moves her near the front of the A group, where shes able to pick her preferred aisle seat.

Theyre easier to get that way, she said  whereas with assigned seating on other airlines, it can be tough to get a good seat if you dont book your flight early.
That eagerly-awaited big Opera House show, Summer Revels, an all-singing, all-dancing musical spectacular, opened last night to an enthusiastic reception.

A fully Cork cast has been brought together for this show, by co-directors John OBrien and Killian Collins, including many with extensive international experience  but all profound Leesiders! Its both a homage to the great Summer Revels of the 1970s, and a laughing look at what might go on behind the scenes at such a show, where we, the audience get the rare chance to see both sides of a production, including everything that can go wrong!

Great stuff. Running to August 4, with both matinees and evening performances. 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie.

And a special midsummer show over at the Cork Arts Theatre too next week, where The Comedy Improvised Murder Mystery Gang are back with their hilarious off the cuff antics from Wednesday July 31 to Saturday August 3.

This is the one where the audience members play their part, making vital decisions beforehand and supplying secrets that will be revealed during the shows progress. Pretty demanding on the Mystery Gang, you would think, and youd be right.

As always, due to its improvised nature and the audience secrets, the show is completely different each time its performed, explains director James Horgan, and thats what everyone loves about it.

Bringing the various characters to life each evening are a talented cast, including Laura OMahony, Laura Harte and John McCarthy (all from The Improv Panto) with Adrian Scanlan and Annette Roche (Snatch Comedy Improv). Its part of the theatres Lunch and Supper Theatre season, with evening performances Wednesday to Saturday, plus 1pm shows Thursday and Friday.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the show and the audience suggestions, however, says Mr Horgan, it is only suitable for over 16s. (Definitely not for the kids.) Book early to avoid disappointment at www.corkartstheatre.com, or call 021 450 5624.

Tonight until Saturday, I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical comes to the Everyman stage. Everything you could want to know about musical theatre, and the people who love it  on both sides of the curtain. The hopes, the bitter experiences, backstage dramas, harsh critics  and yes, the rare magical moments that make it worthwhile  theyre all included. Sell-out shows and multiple awards, this is one worth seeing  if you can still get a ticket.

Another must-see coming in from next Tuesday at the Everyman, when Verdant Productions present Mother of All the Behans, starring Imelda May. Adapted and directed by Peter Sheridan from Brian Behans work, with additional material by that incomparable performer, Rosaleen Linehan. Previews Tuesday/Wednesday, opening night Thursday, it runs to Saturday August 10. And dont forget, the Glen Theatre Drama Group is coming across from Banteer to the Victorian quarter on August 15, with that Keane classic, The Rain at the End of the Summer! All Everyman bookings on 021 450 1673 or www.everymancork.com.

Dance Cork Firkin Crane has just revealed its Summer/Autumn programme from July to November, with performances, residencies, and workshops, celebrating dance from across Ireland and the globe, and offering unique opportunities for community engagement and artistic development.

Rollercoaster by Wes Peden, presented in partnership with Pitchd Festival, is here on August 31; a double bill from Irish Modern Dance Theatre on September 20 and 21; Tearmann Aiteach/Queer Sanctuary by Isabella Oberlander and Fearghus O Conchuir October 11/12; AfterAll, an exploration of funerals, October 17; The Piece with Drums by David Bolger of CoisCeim (presented in partnership with and at the Everyman), October 23; and Impasse, the latest work by choreographer Mufutau Yusuf, delving into ethnicity, identity, and the black diasporic experience, October 25/26.

Visiting artists in residence will join Cork city dance artist-in-residence Luke Murphy, many offering free sharings of work in progress. And exhibitions, workshops, and more too. Check it all out on https://dancecorkfirkincrane.ie/.
Listeners to RTE Radio 1 are to be taken on an audio adventure tour of the Rebel County on Sunday, when the popular County Measure show visits Cork as it returns for the summer season.

Writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods will be the guide as the show traverses Irelands largest county, from Bere Island and Baltimore in the South West to Baile Mhuirne in the Muscrai Gaeltacht, culminating with a boat trip on the River Lee.

The show will also feature opportunities to hear a new composition by pianist Cormac McCarthy, and West Cork-based author Sara Baume is also going to present an exclusive piece of writing.

Saras most recent book is Seven Steeples, a novel which has been described as giving a prescient insight into life during the pandemic  though it was published before the first signs of covid in early 2020.

Vibrant

Entitled The Charisma of Cork, the one-hour show to be aired at 10am on Sunday promises to uncover the vibrant arts, history, heritage, sport, and diverse communities of the county.

Cork  Corcaigh  is the biggest county in Ireland and within its borders is a myriad of communities, stories, linked and sometimes conflicting histories, presenter Vincent Woods said.

Almost immeasurable in its scale  cultural, linguistic, geographic  and endlessly diverse, one cant but think of the old line about the real capital of Ireland in both city and county.

During the programme, the presenter will be joined by archaeologist Dr Connie Kelleher and the language planning officer at the Comharchumann Forbartha Mhuscrai, Eibhlin Ni Lionaird, for a tour of Reilig Ghobnatan/St Gobnaits Cemetery in Baile Mhuirne.

The cemetery is where St Gobnait, the patron saint of the Gaeltacht parish as well as beekeepers, built her monastery in the middle of the first millennium. It is also the last resting place for composer Sean O Riada and noted poet Sean O Riordain.

This is the first time the County Measure has featured Cork.

In previous series, the show got the measure of Limerick, Kilkenny, and Fermanagh.
American pharmaceutical and healthcare corporation Viatris has announced that it will wind down and close its Little Island facility, which employs around 200 people, over the next four years.

A spokesperson for the company told The Echo, Today, Viatris announced its intent to wind down and close operations at its active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing plant in Little Island, Ireland, subject to consultations with union and other employee representatives.

The announcement comes after a thorough assessment of the site, which unfortunately concluded it was no longer viable due to challenging market and site dynamics.

In particular, declining demand has resulted in underutilization of our production capacities at this particular site.

The spokesperson said that there will be no immediate reductions at the site, adding it is anticipated that the majority of its workforce at the Little Island site will remain employed until early 2028 as the company winds down operations over the next several years.

Following the closure, Viatris will still maintain a significant presence in Ireland, with facilities in Galway and Dublin.

The spokesperson added, The phasing out of manufacturing operations at Little Island is not taken lightly by Viatris, and the leadership of Viatris will consider alternatives for the site outside of the companys network, if at all possible.

In the meantime, Viatris remains committed to treating those impacted fairly and with respect," they said explaining that the company will be working with the unions and any other employee representatives on a plan for the reduction of staff, including comprehensive redundancy packages.

These will likely include pay and healthcare continuation, career counselling services, and continued coverage under the Employee Assistance Program, subject to consultation with the unions and possibly other employee representatives.

Todays announcement in no way reflects upon the companys genuine appreciation for the commitment and work ethic of the people in and community of Little Island, said the spokesperson, explaining Viatris is grateful for the dedication exhibited at this site.
A couple were arrested, charged and brought before Cork District Court today arising out of an investigation into the robbery of French visitors in Cork city centre.

Detective Garda Conor Cronin charged both of them with robbery at Patrick Street, Cork, on Tuesday evening.

The prosecution objected to bail being granted to the 29-year-old man but agreed to bail on conditions for the 27-year-old woman.

Judge Mary Dorgan granted bail to both of them and made an order that they would not be identified in media coverage of the case for legal reasons.

The judge said she would review this prohibition order, possibly as soon as July 30.

The male defendant was remanded in custody with consent to bail until that date. His partner was remanded on bail to September 26.

Det Garda Cronin objected to bail being granted to the 29-year-old and in his outline of the allegations in the objection to his bail he said one of the main grounds was the seriousness of the allegations.

A group of French students in their early teens and their teachers were walking on St Patricks Street at 10.20pm on July 23. They were on a school tour to Ireland.

It is alleged that a male and female approached the group of children.

"The female believed one of the children was laughing at her. The female began shouting at her (one of the students) and grabbed her Samsung phone out of her hand putting her in fear.

The female then tried to leave with the phone and she was stopped by one of the French teachers who tried to get the phone back. The teacher and the female fell to the ground during the altercation.

It is alleged that the male intervened and approached the teacher and struck him up to 10 times in the back and upper body with a screwdriver.

The female then threw a coffee cup at the teacher striking him in the face.

The male and female then left the area, Det Garda Cronin said.

It is alleged that the man was approached elsewhere by another member of An Garda Siochana the following day and he handed over the Samsung phone to the detective.
A project to build the long-awaited divisional Garda station in Macroom was put out to tender, a statement issued by Justice Minister Helen McEntee and minister of state for the Office of Public Works Kieran ODonnell has confirmed.

The project involves the construction of a new divisional Garda headquarters for the county in the mid-Cork town, replacing the current divisional hub in Bandon.

The new headquarters will include a single two-, three-, and four-storey building as well as three standalone ancillary buildings on a greenfield site on the Millstreet Rd side of the town.

The new 4,33sq m development will be on a site of approximately 0.68 hectares, and it will be situated close to the new N22 bypass of the town.

Welcoming the progress of the project to the tender stage, Ms McEntee described it as being an important part of our efforts to create stronger, safer communities.

It is very important that a growing town such as Macroom has a Garda station that is fully equipped to handle all of the challenges that every similar-sized community faces, Ms McEntee said.

It is also important that gardai have modern facilities that are fit for purpose.

This Garda station will enhance the service that gardai are able to provide to residents and ensure that they are fully equipped to tackle crime in the area, she added.

Macroom-based Fine Gael county councillor Ted Lucey said the project would deliver a welcome jobs boost for the town.

As well as the gardai  who will be based in the new divisional headquarters  there will be up to 70 civilian workers in the centre, said Mr Lucey.

It is anticipated that work will get under way on the site by the end of the year, he said, adding that it is due to be completed in 2026.

The news that the project had gone to tender has also been welcomed by the former agriculture minister and Cork North West TD, Michael Creed.

Mr Creed said that he had worked hard while in the Cabinet to ensure the project was prioritised.

This is a hugely significant project for the region, Mr Creed added.

As well as replacing the towns current Garda station, the new building will also be a divisional headquarters located on a greenfield site next to the new fire station in Macroom town.
THE newest release from Canadian duo Nadja is something of a departure. The music made under the moniker Jumper is a singular, near-hour-long piece of improvisation that largely does away with the bands long-established middle ground between the harsher end of the doom-metal and noise spectra and the pensive the shoegazing subgenre, providing, instead, minimalist electronics built around almost stoic drum-machine and pock-marked with washes of feedback and noise from bassist Leah Buckareffs instrument.

While you mightnt expect to hear it in its entirely in a live setting anytime soon, vocalist, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist Aidan Baker speaks of its importance as a thematic and logistical bridge to the duos upcoming new long-player, as they head for Europe this week, including a brace of dates around Ireland, and a Leeside stop this Saturday at the upstairs venue in Lavitts Quay bar Nudes.

Jumper is kind of an outlier for us, in a few different ways. One, its a super-limited cassette release, and we were invited by [Germany-based record label] Momentarily, to contribute to their series of projects, where they do cassettes in unique packaging, all handmade, all designed by Thomas from the label. So we knew it would be limited, and kind-of a special release.

So in those kinds of situations, we generally try to do something different than what we would normally present as, like, an album proper. So in a way, this is kind of a stopgap between our last album, [2022s collaborative effort] Labyrinthine, in progress, which will, hopefully, be out next year.

While the temptation is there to ask about the upsides and challenges of not only creating or improvising a longform work like Jumper, but in tying it together on production or release levels, its merely the latest in a long and prolific string of releases across different physical and digital formats, and tackling projects like this has been par for the course across Bakers body of work.

Thats part of our methodology, I suppose, that we look to the music, to the sound, to the process of making sound, as a suggestion of how to proceed, so its like sort of live composition, I suppose, in that as were creating music, it generates more music. So, like a self-replicating feedback loop, so to speak. So particularly with an album like Jumper, thats more about experimentation and longform, deep meditation, deep sound, whatever you want to call it... that becomes the moment itself.

Nadja duo Leah Buckareff and Aidan Baker are touring Europe.

That output like Jumper continues to make its way to the wider world is testament to the enduring appeal of the bands work, a constantly forward-thinking and prolific body of longform releases, split undertakings with other artists, and myriad reissues and reversions, etc. The Nadja project marked 20 years in its current, live-duo form last year, after beginning life as a solo project for Baker to explore various textures of heaviness, and Baker discusses the maintenance of that creative or exploratory impulse.

Well, it is a challenge, I will say that. To start, just the idea that seeking inspiration from something, externally or internally, and then working from that moment of being inspired, it doesnt always happen, of course, and sometimes one can force it, if youre under a deadline, or you have a specific thing that needs to get done, but maybe thats counterproductive to be true to ones artistic self, to get all sort of highfalutin.

Yeah, with Nadja, we have such a specific sonic template that its limiting, in a way, but its also kind of a safety net, so that we know we can create something that will sound like us relatively easily. So, personally, I look to my other projects to be more... dunno if adventurous or creative are necessarily the right words, but more liberated in a way, that Im not constrained by this sound thats associated with Nadja.

But that brings it back to the Nadja project, in a way, because Ill do something with somebody else thats new and different-sounding, and I think, Oh, we can bring that method or that sound, or whatever, that instrumentation, back to Nadja and see how it changes that project.

The duos most recent collaborative release is unique even in the bands lofty canon: An eight-minute written and arranged with the presenters and in-house musicians of music podcast Podsongs, based on the thoughts and sentiments expressed in a corresponding interview with American novelist Steve Erickson. Its far from the archetypal divine flash of inspiration that casual observers associate with songwriting, one assumes.

Our approach has remained pretty consistent, in that we try to check our expectations and allow the moment of collaboration to maybe not be the definition of the session, but just allow for that freedom of expression for ourselves and our collaborators, to co-mingle and to ideally create something new, or something different, or unexpected.

I mean, normally when we go in to a collaborative project, the unexpected is something that is desired.

I mean, how you can try to capture the unexpected is, I guess, maybe an oxymoron, but that sort of spontaneous, unexpected moment, and the ability to capture that, is something that we really value.

The duos gig on Saturday night at Nudes, presented by Michelle Rumley, formerly booker of Mr Bradleys, and presently of DIY gig house Tinnitus Promotions, is among their first brace of dates in a few months.

Accompanied by Cork post-metallers Partholon and solo sludge project Skellig, theyll be looking to clear the cobwebs, to say the very least.

Its been about, I think, six years since we last played in Ireland, so were looking forward to returning, and we also are playing in Limerick, which will be a first for us. Our last shows were actually in Mexico earlier this year, about six months ago. We havent done much in between, so a little bit of a cultural juxtaposition there, from Mexico to Ireland.

Nadja play upstairs in Nudes on Lavitts Quay on Saturday, July 27, with Cork bands Partholon and Skellig in support. Doors 7pm, tickets 15, contact promoters Tinnitus Promotions directly on Instagram for more ticket info: @tinnitus_promotions.

Jumper is available for streaming and download in its entirety at https://nadja.bandcamp.com/album/jumper, a physical cassette release via Germanys Momentarily Records is now sold out.
A history teacher in Cork city, Nicola Dunne, a has launched a Rose of Tralee podcast on Spotify. Each episode comprises an interview with a past Rose.

Nicola, our Cork/Luxembourg Rose, won the festival in 2012  and what a year she had, from visiting Barack and Michelle Obama in the White House to travelling to Calcutta with the Hope Foundation.

I made a point of saying to myself when I went to the bathroom in the White House  you are on the toilet in the White House. It was surreal!

The adventure started in Europe.

I was living in Luxembourg at the time, teaching in the European School there. I dont know if I would have entered if I had been in Ireland. My main aim was just to meet people and have a bit of craic, and I did, she said.

This is what the Rose of Tralee festival offers people around the world  a way to connect and create friendship, she says.

 Many of the people I interview as a judge say their main motivation is to meet people, to push themselves and challenge themselves beyond their comfort zone.

This is something Nicola is keen to emphasise.

Going on stage is brave and it is not easy. Especially if you become a Rose and youre suddenly on stage on TV, in front of a million people.

As a teacher, I was used to public speaking, but only to kids. Honestly, it was the most nervous Ive ever been. But then you come out and see your family and the banners flying. There is a real buzz, and it is such a lovely experience.

It takes bravery to push through some of the negativity around the festival too, she argues.

Some say that it is anti-feminist. I think it is the antithesis of anti-feminist. Women of all backgrounds enter. The festival elevates you and celebrates you. People love to tear it down but I think people have a difficulty with celebrating women. They dismiss it as a bit twee, but people love to hate things in general.

Nicola Dunne, who won the Rose of Tralee in 2012, representing Luxembourg

If anyone comes to Tralee they will see how women are treated and respected as they represent their communities and families. It is not easy but they do it with open hearts and for the best of reasons.

The festival is also a massive confidence-builder.

I was on the radio a lot, meeting people like Leo Varadkar and Adi Roche. Situations I might not have found myself in otherwise.

And Nicola wont hear a word against the escorts, a tradition that has also been criticised as being old-fashioned.

If youre single, the escort is a fantastic opportunity. So many marriages come out of it. They play the loveliest role in protecting you. Youd be lost without them, whether its having a plaster in their pocket, or just building you up, they have a big impact. It is a supportive role, a caring role.

Apart from the obvious craic involved, Nicola emphasises the community and indeed the historic aspects of the festival.

It is such a family event, parents are so proud. They are having a ball themselves, getting involved backstage. My dad ended up having a dance with Mary Kennedy. Sure, he was delighted with himself.

For other Roses, it can be even more profound, the podcaster says.

I was interviewing the 1974 Rose the other night. 1974 was the first time her parents had come back to Ireland in 50 years. It was so special for them. It was also her first time in Ireland. It is her 50th year as Rose of Tralee this year.

"All the family are coming back again for the festival. All of us Roses will come together for her and buy her something significant to mark her big birthday, a piece of jewellery perhaps.

Nicola says the current Minister for Education Norma Foley is wonderful on the topic of the Rose of Tralee; I was listening to her recently and she puts it so well. When you think of all those people in the last few hundred years who had to leave Ireland when they didnt want to leave. And then imagine being their great grand-daughter returning to represent them, back in that place they had longed to be ... Thats very powerful.

Its not just Americans that love it, she adds. A lot of the Australian and New Zealand centres are very passionate about their heritage. It is not as documented, but it is still significant. Canada as well.

I suspect a lot of the European centres attract Irish people living there, like I was.

Nicola is delighted that the podcast is being sponsored by jewellery brand Rosie and Dott, owned by a fellow Rose, a friend. Friendship is at the heart of it.

I want it to be like Im chatting with a friend. Im a secondary school history teacher, so thats a driving force for me. It would be terribly sad to lose this oral history.

I want to capture these voices, all the way back to 1959. I will start with the winners but broaden it out as I go. The podcast kicks off with Alice OSullivan, the first Rose. Then I shift to the 2003 Rose. I hope to capture the very special intergenerational bond we share.

Nicola is also happy and proud to promote the festival, and to chart its development through the decades.

It is fascinating chatting to someone like Alice. Back then, there wasnt so much expectation of the winning Rose. Alice didnt have to return to hand on the title or anything. In fact, she was a very shy person. She only started to engage with the festival years later. Shed almost deny it if anybody asked, would say it was her cousin. Now she comes to the festival every August. She is in her eighties and she loves it.

Nicola says to expect an interesting chat with a lot of fun too.

I most recently interviewed the 2003 Rose. She tells a very funny story of being in New York for a big event. She brought only one dress for this occasion and just beforehand her sister ironed a hole in the bum of it. The sister was too terrified to say anything so she just walked behind her for the night! I love the behind the scenes element of the podcast, the funny stories you wouldnt expect.

The project is a significant one too.

It would be such a shame to not record it, to lose all these beautiful stories, what it meant and still means to people. I am so grateful that I get to soak it all in, and be part of it every year.

Thats the main priority for me, to have these stories recorded. You never know, there could be an official museum for the Rose of Tralee in time and we will be able to play these recordings.
Evaporative demand, or the thirst of the atmosphere, across the continental United States over the past month. Much of California, especially the Central Valley, appears in red, reflecting unusually high evaporative demand. NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory

While Californias reservoirs are currently 116% of normal for this time of year, other signs of drought are quickly creeping in. The reason: Julys extreme heat.

Weve supercharged our drying, said John Abatzoglou, a climatologist at UC Merced.

Over the past few weeks, the atmosphere has been extremely thirsty, Abatzoglou said, pulling out large amounts of moisture from live vegetation and dead fuels.



The indicator points to increased fire risk, beyond grasslands into higher elevation forests.

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Scientists refer to this thirst as evaporative demand. The map above shows how anomalous the demand for atmospheric moisture was from June 20 to July 19, compared with the same period from 1979 to 2016.

The Central Valley is shown in dark red, indicating a level of dryness that occurred less than 2% of the time in the past 38 years.

It accelerates how quickly our fire season is going to get going, Abatzoglou said.

U.S. Drought Monitor maps also indicate the return of drought to California. Over just a few weeks, moderate drought emerged along the states border with Oregon.

Scientists describe such a rapid intensification or development of drought as flash drought, akin to flash floods caused by sudden downpours. Flash drought is generally defined as an increase in drought severity of at least two U.S. Drought Monitor categories in four weeks, said Brian Fuchs, a climatologist with the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska.

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This map shows how drought intensity has changed across the country over the past four weeks, with increases in severity in yellow and orange. Places where drought conditions improved are shown in green.

Drought category changes over the contiguous United States from June 18 to July 16. U.S. Drought Monitor

The far Northern California region in dark yellow jumped from normal to abnormally dry to moderate drought in just a few weeks: You could argue that that is a flash drought developing in that area, said Fuchs, who prepared the past two U.S. Drought Monitor maps.

Rapidly changing conditions could ramp up the regions susceptibility to wildfires, Fuchs explained, and there could also be impacts to natural ecosystems.

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Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

A hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park in the Biscuit Basin thermal area on July 23, 2024. USGS Volcanoes / Facebook

A hydrothermal explosion at Yellowstone National Park sent tourists fleeing for safety on Tuesday.

The event occurred in the morning at a group of hot springs called Biscuit Basin, just north of the popular Old Faithful Geyser.

Dozens of onlookers watched from a boardwalk as steam, water, dirt and rock erupted into the sky, reported The Guardian.

One of the spectators, a tourist named Vlada March, recorded the incident on her cellphone. March and her family were on a guided tour when the guide pointed to steam coming up from the ground, The New York Times reported.

Oh look, he said. This is unusual. I took out my phone like everyone does. Suddenly it became a huge, dark cloud full of rocks, Vlada told The New York Times in a phone interview. It was a huge cloud, it covered the sun. For a few moments, you couldnt see the sun it was so dark.

In the video, March can be heard imploring her children to run.

After the initial burst, people turned to watch as a large cloud of steam formed, reported The Guardian.

Biscuit Basin was closed for the safety of visitors after the falling rock damaged a walkway constructed to keep people from walking on dangerous and fragile geothermal formations. No injuries have been reported from the incident.

Visitors to Yellowstone are advised to stick to the trails and boardwalks in geothermal areas. Some of the springs and pools have a thin crust sitting atop the scalding hot and at times acidic water. Since 1890, at least 22 people have died from injuries caused by thermal features.

Following the explosion, park geologists are conducting an investigation of the area.

Mike Poland, a scientist with the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, said the eruption could have been caused by a clogged passageway inside the natural network of ducts beneath the parks geothermal features.

Poland said such a clog would have led to built up pressure and heat until the water became steam, expanding in volume and exploding.

According to Poland, Yellowstone is home to the biggest known crater created by a hydrothermal explosion on the planet, measuring 1.5 miles across.

What we saw today was spectacular and definitely hazardous. But on the scale of what the Yellowstone system has done in the past, it was relatively small, Poland said, as The Guardian reported. Its a very good reminder of an underappreciated hazard in Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park sits on an enormous, dormant volcano. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the parks volcanic system remains at normal levels.

According to the USGS, on average, large hydrothermal explosions happen every 700 years.

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. 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, USGS added.
On July 24, Canadian Solar Inc. announced that its subsidiary Recurrent Energy has obtained a loan of 50 million euros (about 394 million yuan) from the European Investment Bank (hereinafter referred to as "EIB"). The funds will be used for the development and construction of Recurrent Energy's photovoltaic power station project in Italy. This transaction not only consolidates Recurrent Energy's leadership in promoting Italy's clean energy transformation, but will also further increase the installed capacity of Italy's renewable energy projects and help Europe achieve its goals of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy independence.

Ismael Guerrero, CEO of Recurrent Energy, said: "We are pleased to deepen our cooperation with the European Investment Bank. This financing is a key step towards our goal of becoming a top independent power producer in the world, and it also demonstrates our firm commitment to promoting sustainable economic development in Europe and around the world. We look forward to establishing a long-term and stable cooperative relationship with the EIB and working together to achieve our common goals."

Since 2017, Recurrent Energy has begun to actively expand its business in Italy, and recently successfully built the 51MW Anguillara solar photovoltaic project in the Marsala region of Sicily, Italy, setting a benchmark for other projects in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. At present, Recurrent Energy has a rich project reserve in the EMEA region, including 10.3GW of photovoltaic power generation projects and 32.8GWh of energy storage projects.

Earlier on July 21, Suzhou released the list of "Top 100 Private Enterprises in Suzhou in 2024". Canadian Solar Power Group ranked 11th with a total operating income of 53.7 billion yuan in 2023, ranking first in Suzhou High-tech Zone. On June 9, 2023, Canadian Solar (688472), a subsidiary of the group, officially landed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Since 2011, Canadian Solar has ranked among the top five in the world in terms of shipments of its main products for 13 consecutive years.

Canadian Solar expects that by the end of 2024, the company's rod drawing, silicon wafer, cell and module production capacity will reach 50.4 GW, 50 GW, 55.7 GW and 61 GW respectively, and the TOPCon high-efficiency battery production capacity will reach 42 GW. As of the first quarter of 2024, the manufacturing capacity of Canadian Solar's SolBank large-scale energy storage system has expanded to 20 GWh. It is expected that by the end of 2025, its manufacturing capacity will be further expanded to 30 GWh. As of March 31, 2024, the amount of backlog orders, including long-term service agreements, was US$2.5 billion (equivalent to approximately RMB 18.1 billion based on the recent USD/RMB exchange rate of 7.25).

Sourcehttps://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/TPpedwA9N0Ma-qYL5eji-g
Ride-share companies scored a victory in the California Supreme Court, allowing them to continue classifying gig workers as independent contractors rather than employees. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and other gig-economy companies invested around $200 million in the passage of Proposition 22, which voters approved in 2020. The states highest court rejected a legal challenge from a drivers group and a labor union, ending their quest to bring full employee benefits to the states gig workers.

The California Supreme Court ruling affirms the states definition of drivers and other gig workers as independent contractors. Proposition 22, which received the support of 59 percent of voters in 2020, gives gig workers limited benefits like a baseline income and health insurance for those working at least 15 hours a week. However, it also allows the companies to avoid providing the broad swath of benefits full employees receive.

The Service Employees International Union and a drivers group sued to challenge the law after it went into effect in early 2021. Their lawsuit got an early boost from lower courts: An Alameda County Superior Court Justice ruled that year that Proposition 22 was unconstitutional and unenforceable, as the LA Times reported. The lower-court judge determined that the law diminished the state Legislatures power to regulate injury compensation for workers.

However, in 2023, a state appeals court ruled the opposite, that Proposition 22 didnt impede on the Legislatures authority. Thursdays decision upholds that ruling, ending the long saga and leaving the states gig workers with fewer benefits than theyd otherwise have. Proposition 22 remained in effect during the legal challenges, so nothing will change in how theyre treated.

Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and other gig-economy companies fought tooth and nail to pass and uphold the law. Four years ago, they invested upwards of $200 million in campaigning for it. They even threatened to pull their businesses from the state if they were forced to classify drivers as employees.

The LA Times reports the decision could influence other states laws. Uber has lobbied for similar legislation in other parts of the US. A law in Washington state closely parallels it, and the companies recently settled with the Massachusetts attorney general to provide similar (minimal) benefits to gig workers in that state.

Uber framed the ruling as a victory for upholding the will of the people (well, apart from the gig workers who wanted more benefits and protections). The company described the Supreme Courts decision as affirming the will of the nearly 10 million Californians who voted to deliver historic benefits and protections to drivers, while protecting their independence.
Former President Donald Trump's nephew has alleged that the Republican presidential nominee used a racial slur several times in a rant.

Fred C. Trump III, Trump's nephew, released a memoir titled 'All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way,' that will be released in the U.S. next week. According to 'The Guardian,' who obtained a preview copy, reports one of the stories that he shares regards his uncle allegedly using racial slurs during a tirade about his car.

The memoir alleges Trump's outburst took place in the 1970s. The two had gone back to Trump's car to find the roof of the car damaged. The book reads, "'N******,' I recall him saying disgustedly. 'Look what the n****** did.' "

The spokesperson for the former president, Steven Cheung, called the allegations "completely fabricated and total fake news of the highest order."

He also criticized the book's publisher for printing what they deem libel. "It is appalling a lie so blatantly disgusting can be printed in media...Anyone who knows President Trump knows he would never use such language, and false stories like this have been thoroughly debunked."

Trump III also claimed Trump, 78, told him that disabled Americans"should just die" because of "the shape they're in" and their "expenses."

Many have supported sentiments that Trump's nephew's comments are false. Supporters including Stephen A. Smith and Amber Rose have spoken out, sharing that they believe allegations of the President's racism to be unfounded.

During the Republican National Convention, Amber Rose spoke out in support of Trump. According to 'The Jasmine Brand,' she shared she cares "about the truth, and the truth is that the media has lied to us about Donald Trump. I know this because, for a long time, I believed those lies. So I'm here to set the record straight."

"The first person I knew who supported Donald Trump was my father. I was shocked. My entire family is racially diverse, and I believed the left-wing propaganda that Donald Trump was a racist. My father said, 'No, he's not, Amber. What are you talking about?' And when I insisted, he said, 'Prove it.' So, to prove my father wrong, I did my research and looked into all things Donald Trump," she said.

Rose, 40, encouraged voters "to do their research. I watched all the rallies, and I started meeting so many of you, his red hat-wearing supporters. I realized Donald Trump and his supporters don't care if you're Black, white, straight, or gay... It's all love."
Beloved restaurant owner Chad Dillon was murdered in a shooting in Atlanta.

He was 33.

Dillon was well known by his community for owning the popular restaurant The Boiler Seafood & Crab Boil. He opened the establishment in 2020 and it quickly became a favorite of the town. 'Fox 5' reports his restaurant attracted celebrities such as Offset, Allen Iverson, Queen Najia, Ja Rule, amongst others.

Looking to expand his ventures, Dillon was working to open a new Jamaican restaurant in Atlanta. This new restaurant was set to open in weeks.

According to 'The Jasmine Brand,' Dillon died on the scene after being shot outside of his own establishment on July 23 near Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in the mid afternoon. After finding a black Rolls Royce where the shooting took place, authorities believe the attack was targeted.

Dillon is remembered positively by all who knew him. He spent his life not only owning restaurants, but he was also philanthropic. He donated nearly $15,000 to help convicted felons help start their own businesses.

Atlanta trainer Bryan Jean-Pierre mourned Dillon's death, writing how he "inspired this city more than you will ever know. Thank you for all you've done and just know your legacy will be remembered forever. Been pulling up to the boiler since Day 1 and I would come every Friday and bring all my friends. This city will never forget you and I'm sorry you had to go through this after you've helped your ppl in this city non stop. At this point Atlanta is a zoo, it's hard to believe we've lost control of the city."

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Chad Dillon, who was not only a valued client and dear friend but also a well-respected businessman. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Malcolm P. Conner, LLC, Dillon's lawyer, said in a statement Wednesday. "We ask that the media and public respect the privacy of the family as they grieve this immense loss. Thank you for your understanding and respect."
Thursday, July 25, 2024

The National Toxic Encephalopathy Foundation (NTEF) for years has researched and investigated ScentAir.

ScentAir's own former installer came to the NTEF back in 2012 for help, as they discovered problems with their installations and the ability of their fragrance oil to eat thru an insulated extension cord on the roof of a major Las Vegas Strip Hotel/Casino.

On June 3, 2011, the installed sat for an under oath deposition conducted by Angel DeFazio, President of the NTEF. The installer provided the actual compromised extension cord. They also showed their dermal effects from exposure to the fragrance oils that they were working with.

The NTEF was given two samples of fragrance oils that ScentAir placed in other Las Vegas Hotel/Casinos, which were analyzed and the results were published. This was to show how many chemicals are utilized in that 'scent' they want you to inhale and get exposed to. Along with the ability for the public to do their own research by looking up the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for each chemical.

http://scentairisdangerous.com/SAMPLE%201%20UPLOAD.pdf

http://scentairisdangerous.com/SAMPLE%202%20UPLOAD.pdf

This is ScentAir's MSDS that they are trying to defend, Section 15.3, where they admit an ingredient is a CA Prop 65 Carcinogenic. Myrcene

http://scentairisdangerous.com/2952%20lemon%20clean%20scentair.pdf

We did a full analysis of every chemical ingredient in their 'Lemon Clean' Air Freshener MSDS, from chemical industry MSDS. The research proves its not safe especially with syncretistic effects.

http://scentairisdangerous.com/spreadsheet.pdf

ScentAir's own General Counsel Samantha 'Sam' Parker, was notified of the website and that the correspondence she had with a former Nevada Senior Deputy Attorney General was misleading and false.

ScentAIr most likely under the direction of Sam decided to try to interfere with the NTEF's website. As she had the screenshot from the website on ScentAir was inserted onto the NTEF's home page. Anyone with computer knowledge knows that other pages are accessible, such as the other webpage on ScentAIr https://national-toxic-encephalopathy-foundation.org/scent-air/

We are having our security company plug the leak, since we know where it came from. Sam was notified if they tried to come after DeFazio personally, that they would be legally obligated to provide all records thru 'Request For Production of Documents during discovery. One can only extrapolate that they know having to disclose documents would negate their claims of 'safety'.

'I think its funny as hell, that ScentAir thinks putting the website that discloses the fraud and deceptive marketing we found, is a problem. When it is actually giving more exposure to our research', said DeFazio.

'If ScentAir wants to play games, so will I. We will keep publishing their childish actions to try and cover up our research'.

'I am in the process of getting ready to release segments of the deposition for more information on ScentAir from a whistleblower'. said DeFazio

ScentAirIsDangerous.Com
COLUMBUS  The Ohio House passed a proactive piece of legislation in June that takes measures to prevent the Buckeye state from developing a significant population of feral swine. House Bill 503, approved by a vote of 89-0, now sits before the state senates Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Feral swine, or razorbacks, are a hybrid nuisance animal that carry a number of diseases. According to Olivia Bennett, wildlife biologist and feral swine coordinator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Ohio, they are capable of quite a bit of damage if their population gets out of control.

They produce about two litters every 15 months, Bennett said. And when hogs show up, deer leave. They have no predators and can cause significant damage to farms. Their rooting behavior disrupts soil and vegetation, leading to erosion and the loss of valuable agriculture. She added that sometimes these feral swine have been aided in their geographical conquests by being illegally transported, bringing hogs in for hunts.

What the bill does

House Bill 503 specifically allows landowners to kill a feral hog without a license, but asks that the animals demise be reported to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources within 24 hours. Following the report, rules for the preservation and disposal of the corpse must be followed.

The bill also requires the ODNR to be notified within 24 hours if a feral pig is spotted. It prohibits importing, transporting or possessing any live boar or feral swine. It also outlaws hunting of these animals, as this has been linked to illegal importation of the animals in organized large hunts. Those who are found to have imported, transported or to be in possession of feral swine would face a fifth-degree felony charge.

In addition, House Bill 503 deals with garbage feeding to hogs, which is a huge attraction that could sustain a population. The bill would eliminate a previously existing license that permitted swine to be fed garbage or treated garbage and prohibits any of the pigs who have been garbage-fed from being brought into the state. The department of agriculture is charged with enforcing this rule.

Bennett said if a feral pig is spotted, it should be reported. The USDA has specialized equipment for sighting and capturing whole groups of hogs at once, eliminating the frustration of killing two or three hogs and having the remainder scatter.

These animals become highly attuned to what works and doesnt work for them, and they become better able to elude capture whenever they successfully escape, she said. That ability to process cumulative knowledge gives the animals a big advantage over other types of nighttime wanderers.

Eradication possible

The feral swine are known as an invasive species, because they have evolved from their early ancestors who arrived here in the 1500s from Spanish colonizers. Eventually, these wild boar were genetically mixed with escaped domestic pigs and Eurasian boar, to where we now have 3-foot-tall, 5-feet-long aggressive, savvy 240-pound animals with razor-sharp tusks.

The hogs have been spotted in eight counties in Ohio over the years, where there has been some crop damage, according to Bennett, but their numbers are being kept in check by vigilant observation. The counties where the swine are currently being tracked include Adams, Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Scioto and Vinton.

We dont want to be like Texas, where all they can do now is manage the damage, Bennett said. Here in Ohio, we can still hope for total eradication, and thats something that will definitely prevent large-scale farm problems. Because once they come embedded and are abundant, it is very difficult to reverse that trend.

House Bill 503 was introduced by Republican state Reps. Bob Peterson, of Sabina, and Don Jones, of Freeport. Various state agricultural groups testified in support of the bill, and the Ohio Pork Council lauded its passage through the state House.

  

Signs of feral swine

Property damage and destroyed vegetation from rooting or digging

Wallows (wide, shallow holes) in moist areas in warmer months

Rubbing marks on trees, fence posts or power line posts (often occur after wallowing, leaving behind mud, hair and scent)

Tunnels and trails through thick vegetation

Tracks in the mud near springs, ponds and streams

Feral swine scat (resembles dog feces and may contain acorns, grains and animals hair, scales or feathers)

(Source: USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services)
A better cost environment and resilient demand are supporting the outlook for global pork markets, but risks remain, a new report has warned.

Lower feed costs will support farming expansion, Rabobank said, and pork consumption in the second half of 2024 should improve due to seasonal demand.

However, disease pressures and trade vulnerabilities  including Chinas antidumping probe into EU pork imports  remain risk factors, the multinational banking group warned.

In June, China launched an antidumping probe into EU pork imports, with the outcome of the investigation having the potential to impact the EU market and cause a ripple effect across the global market.

Chenjun Pan, senior analyst at Rabobank, said a suspension of EU exports or high tariffs could mean global pork trade flows are rerouted as China finds new origins and EU exports flow to other regions.

"If EU exporters offer discounts to capture new markets, importing countries may need to support and protect local producers," she explained.

"Meanwhile, other exporting countries may find their traditional trade partners shift to cheaper EU pork products.

Furthermore, the US-China trade war, which started in 2018, has already altered global pork trade, Rabobank said in its report.

The United States lost competitiveness with China due to its higher tariffs, with Brazil as the largest beneficiary.

The upcoming US presidential election could bring changes in US trade policy and uncertainty to global trade patterns over the coming years.

Ms Pan said: With rising concerns over trade disruptions given these geopolitical complexities, many governments have supported improvements in domestic production to increase self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports.

"Ample global supplies of grains and oilseeds should pressure feed prices in the second half of the year. This will continue to benefit producers and encourage herd expansion.

"Earlier supply contraction and lower feed costs in most regions have improved farming profitability, along with productivity gains.

"Producers in some regions have started to rebuild sow herds, anticipating declining feed prices and growing demand.

The report said that some countries, such as China, Vietnam, and Philippines, will see tight pork supply in the second half of 2024 due to disease outbreaks.

Other regions, including the European Union and the United States, will likely see pork supply increase slightly.

Sow herd recovery will likely be faster than expected, especially in the EU and China, explained Ms Pan.

Productivity gains will continue despite recurrent disease issues in some regions.
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.
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.
Pete Townshend is addicted to online shopping.

Pete Townshend loves online shopping

The 79-year-old rocker believes "everybody is an addict" but The Who guitarist doesn't think being hooked on splurging on Amazon is as damaging as when he was hooked on alcohol and drugs.

Speaking on the 'What It Takes' podcast, Pete said: I go on Amazon and I buy things that Ive already got. I dont know why I do that. Its an encumbrance. Ive got an electric toothbrush, why did I buy another one?

"I think everybody is an addict, so I dont blame addiction on anything but the fact Im a human being.

"So if I have addictions now, and I think I do, although theyre not alcohol and drugs, its because Im a human being. I need dopamine.

The 'My Generation' hitmaker has now been sober for over 30 years and he believes the glorification of drink and drugs when his band were in their prime led to stars - including his bandmates Keith Moon and Jon Entwistle - dying too young.

He said: Keith, in one show in San Francisco, he took two elephant tranquillisers before he got on stage to perform with us.

Literally, went one, two, three, four, and collapsed. The idea that it was all a fantastic game...

I just drank. I had an experience later in life with drugs, I had my little stab at it, but it was a very short period.

As of today, I havent drunk alcohol for nearly 32 years.

Pete previously claimed taking heroin helped him do "dangerous, radical" things.

Reflecting on the struggles in his relationship with The Who's manager Kit Lambert when he was writing his infamous 'lost' rock opera 'Life House' in 1970, he told The Times newspaper: Ive used heroin myself and it doesnt disable you.

It mostly means you dont enjoy food or sex, but also that you dont give a f*** and that can allow you to do dangerous, radical things.

"Kit was in New York, forging a new career for himself. I was noodling about with The Who, trying to make a record to equal 'Tommy', and he just wasnt interested.

"He didnt like my interest in spirituality, which came after some serious LSD crashes, and he was strangely disdainful of my marriage. I was with this very pretty woman who wore flowery dresses, lived in a house by the river, we had two pretty little daughters . . . and he sneered at it.
Abigail Anderson Berard is pregnant.

Abigail Anderson Berard is pregnant

The 34-year-old Tennessee native is best known for being the best friend of pop megastar Taylor Swift, also 34, when they were in high school together and took to social media late on Wednesday (24.07.24) evening to reveal that she is now expecting a baby with her husband Charles.

Alongside a snap of herself displaying her pregnant belly whilst snacking on Cheez-It crackers, Abigail quoted the lyrics from Taylor's track 'But Daddy I Love Him' as she wrote on Instagram: "Im having his babyyyy"

Abigail - who works as a chief of staff for corporate development at a payment tech company - tagged her husband in the post and he admitted he was thrilled at the news.

He wrote: "Never been happier to be tagged in a post."

Taylor is yet to react to the news publicly, but the 'Anti-Hero' songstress has been seen with her childhood bestie a number of times over the years.

In 2017, Taylor was a bridesmaid at Abigail's wedding to her first husband Matt Lucier, and two years prior to that, she arrived at her friend's birthday party to give a surprise performance.

Abigail - who is the subject of Taylor's track 'Fifteen' from her second studio album 'Fearless' - previously revealed that they had bonded over a William Shakespeare play during their teenage years in class at Hendersonville High School and were "inseparable" from that moment.

Speaking on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show', she said: "We were the ones in the back of the class saying negative things about 'Romeo and Juliet' because we were so bitter toward that emotion at the time. We just really connectedand ever since then we have been inseparable."
July 25, 2024: Since early 2022, Ukrainians have survived Russian missile and air strikes on critical targets but the intensity of Russian missile and air strikes meant that Ukraine is in danger of running out of air defense missile stocks. As Ukraines supply of air defense missiles declined, Ukrainian air defense systems were less capable of defeating or threatening Russian air strikes. The situation changed dramatically as the fighting intensified and Ukraine began receiving a great deal of Western aid, which allowed the Ukrainian military to revive its air defense capabilities.

This year Russian attacks were aimed at destroying or disrupting Ukrainian infrastructure. Multiple strikes damaged critical infrastructure in seven provinces, including Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Vinnytsia. Because scarce Ukrainian air defense systems were unable to cover all areas, Russian attacks on power plants succeeded against the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant, which was destroyed. Several other power plants were damaged and that caused power supply to be disrupted until repairs could be made.

Ukrainian officials pointed out that they calculated that 25 Patriot batteries were needed to protect all Ukrainian infrastructure targets. So far Ukraine has received less than a third of the needed Patriot batteries from NATO donors. The problem was that many European NATO member nations that were near Russia did not want to send all their Patriot batteries to Ukraine because Russia had threatened to attack NATO nations supplying Ukraine.

The damage to Ukrainian power plants will take years to completely restore. Russia was able to achieve this success because Ukraine had run out of air defense missiles and Russia took advantage of that.

The success of the Russian strikes was made possible by the severe depletion of Ukraines air defense systems and munitions. After almost two and half years of fighting, Ukrainian stocks have been targeted by Russian strategic aviation and further depleted in thwarting the frequent shelling of Ukrainian cities. For this reason, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said, Air defense is the answer.  We need at least seven additional Patriot systems to cover the major settlements soon.

For over a decade Ukraine has been trying to improve its air defense systems. Before the Russians invaded in 2022, Ukraine had several thousand missiles for air defense systems used by Ukraine before 1991, when Ukraine was still a region of the Soviet Union. Since independence Ukraine discovered a lot of the missiles for Russian air defense systems, like the S300 and short range Buk-M1, had grown too old to be useful or dependable. All missiles have a shelf life of ten or more years. Once shelf life is exceeded the missiles are unreliable unless refurbished. Ukraine has nearly 10,000 of these expired missiles and lacks the resources to refurbish them.

After the Russians invaded in February 2022, NATO nations provided over 5,000 old Soviet-designed air defense missiles as well as new Western systems and missiles provided as military aid. Once NATO countries delivered massive quantities of new air defense systems in 2022 and 2023, Ukraine was able to create a new air defense system that defeated most Russian missile and air attacks

This was made possible by the arrival of large quantities of several western air defense systems. Some of the aid was Soviet-era systems some east European members of NATO had kept after the Soviet Union Collapsed in 1991 and these countries became independent. Many of these nations, like Poland and the three Baltic States, joined NATO and are now among the many NATO nations supplying Ukraine with air defense weapons and advice on how to best use them. These NATO nations realize that if the Russian aggression is not stopped in Ukraine, they could be next.

The Ukrainian air defense systems are under constant attack by Russian missile and air attacks so the Ukrainians require regular replenishment of their air defense missile supplies to survive continued Russian attacks. The economic sanctions imposed on Russia by NATO nations after the invasion had an impact on the Russian ability to replenish their missile stockpiles after most of the pre-2022 missiles were used against Ukraine. That shortage is helping Ukraine and unless the Russians can do something about their missile supply problems, their attacks on Ukrainian targets will diminish in 2024 and 2025.
Due to growing stress on the industry, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) recently urged the Sri Lankan government to reconsider its decision to abolish the simplified value-added tax (SVAT) system after April 2025.

Export figures are already lower, and if SVAT is done away with without first setting up a viable and efficient refund mechanism, it will drastically disrupt cash flows for all exporters, including those in the apparel industry, the forum said.

The Joint Apparel Association Forum has urged the Sri Lankan government to reconsider its decision to abolish the simplified value-added tax (SVAT) system after April 2025. Export figures are already lower, and if SVAT is done away with without first setting up a viable and efficient refund mechanism, it will drastically disrupt cash flows for exporters.

Failure to reconsider this policy will almost certainly exacerbate financial strain on the sector, and further erode Sri Lankas export competiveness as funds will inevitably be tied up in refund processes, even in the most efficient systems, Bandula Fernando, chairman of Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters, which represents small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with JAAF, in a statement issued by the latter.

Any decision to proceed with abolition of the SVAT scheme in the absence of any tangible progress on speeding up valid VAT refunds would be catastrophic, particularly for the SME sector, Fernando stressed.

Despite the law requiring for refunds to be made within 45 days, exporters have legitimate VAT refunds due as far back as 2010 and no interest is paid on these delayed refunds..Such inefficiencies will create insurmountable obstacles for SME apparel exporters, and severely erode cash flows even for larger players, he noted.

JAAF secretary general Yohan Lawrence said the decision to remove the SVAT scheme had been made on two incorrect assumptions: the current system creates revenue erosion and the removal of SVAT would enhance the revenue collection for the state.

This claim has not been substantiated in respect of the formal apparel sector where the SVAT system is used for the sourcing of intermediary goods for the manufacture of apparel. The industry has been on a journey of backward integration whereby supply of raw materials has moved away from being imported to being manufactured locally. Removal of the SVAT system will reverse this trend, leading to more imports, Lawrence was quoted as saying by domestic media reports.

Under SVAT, apparel exporters could purchase local raw materials without immediate cash outflows for VAT, promoting the use of domestically produced inputs. With the inefficient refund system, the incentive to buy local raw material decreases.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The Philippines is hopeful of initiating negotiations this year for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Chile, according to the formers department of trade and industry (DTI).

It also wants to apply for membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) this year. The country is working on an FTA with Canada and looking at potential FTA partners in Africa.

Philippine trade under-secretary Allan Gepty said his country wants greater market access for agricultural products and semiconductors, and services and investments from Chile in the proposed FTA.

The Philippines is hopeful of initiating negotiations this year for an FTA with Chile, according to the former's department of trade and industry. It also wants to apply for membership of the CPTPP this year, is working on an FTA with Canada and looking at potential FTA partners in Africa. It aims at concluding talks on a CEPA with the UAE in October 2024.

On the proposed FTA with the European Union (EU), he said the third round of negotiations are set to begin in October this year.

The country aims at concluding negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates in October this year. Both sides conducted the second round of negotiations on the issue earlier this month, according to Philippine media reports.

The Philippines has FTAs with Japan, the European Free Trade Association, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and is part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The soaring ocean container shipping market of recent months appears to be reaching a peak, according to the Norway-based ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and market analytics platform Xeneta.

The latest Xeneta data shows average spot rates from the Far East to US East Coast stood at $10,078 per 40 ft equivalent shipping container (FEU) on July 17. Into the US West Coast, average spot rates stood at $7,917 per FEU.

This leaves average spot rates on these major fronthaul trades up more than 140 per cent since the end of April when the latest market spike began.

The soaring ocean container shipping market seems to be reaching a peak, according to Xeneta, whose data shows average spot rates from the Far East to US East Coast stood at $10,078 per FEU on July 17. Into the US West Coast, average spot rates stood at $7,917 per FEU. A spike on fronthaul trades from the Far East into North Europe and Mediterranean was seen

There has also been a spike on fronthaul trades from the Far East into North Europe and Mediterranean, where average spot rates have increased by 163 per cent and 95 per cent respectively since April 30 to stand at $8,499 per FEU and $8,127 per FEU.

Data reveals some carriers attempted to push for higher spot rates in the mid-July general rate increases (GRI) while others offered lower rates for the first time in months, Xeneta said in a release.

The fundamental cause of the market spikes this year is the conflict in the Red Sea. Unless there is a large-scale return of container ships to the Suez Canalwhich seems unlikely at presentthe situation cannot be fully resolved, the company noted.

It is likely that ocean freight markets will soften as they did during March and April, but shippers should move forward with caution.

There is now a very real prospect of union strike action at ports on the US East and Gulf Coasts, while a Trump presidency could see businesses rush to frontload imports ahead of increasing tariffs on imports from China and elsewhere.

Port congestion, one of the key reasons behind the current market spike, is easing and the delivery of more new ships will increase capacity further in the remainder of the year.

However, global shipping networks are still under immense strain and it will not take much to push the needle back into the red and rates heading skywards, it said.

While shippers should be prepared for a difficult second half this year, the latest market movements should offer some hope over increasing available capacity, Xeneta added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Program completes with follow up to recent open pit floor JORC MRE

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 /

HIGHLIGHTS

Ongoing ~9,000m Tarcoola reverse circulation (RC) drilling program completed on regional targets; additional ~900m drilling completed in Perseverance open pit next to new JORC MRE

-Perseverance open pit JORC MRE plan view and follow up target area (blue box)1

Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX:BGD)(FRA:BGD3)(OTCQB:BGDFF) (Barton or Company) is pleased to confirm that its drilling program testing multiple targets near the Tarcoola Gold Project's (Tarcoola) Perseverance open pit mine is now complete, with 9,052m RC drilling completed across 44 days' drilling. 2

Following the recent new JORC (2012) Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) totalling ~20koz Au @ ~2 g/t Au in the Perseverance pit floor, Barton has also completed another 10 holes totalling 882m RC drilling targeting other shallow open pit mineralisation with potential for conversion into an expanded open pit MRE.

Commenting on the recent Tarcoola drilling programs, Barton MD Alexander Scanlon said:

"This is our first significant test of new Tarcoola structural targets identified late last year. Just one 'Perseverance repeat' could be of considerable value to our regional strategy for staged, low-cost development and operations.

"There is also potential to convert further shallow mineralisation into an expanded open pit Resource. With an existing fully permitted mill this is a high-value opportunity, so we are pleased to have quickly followed it up."

Regional drilling has focused on interpreted structural targets near the Perseverance mine, including on Mining Lease 6455 and key targets on Exploration License 6210 (Tolmer, Mulgathing and Warburton).

Fig 2 - Plan map of expanded Tarcoola RC drilling program at priority regional targets

Fig 3 - Plan map of Perseverance open pit mine drilling (April and July 2024)

Authorised by the Managing Director of Barton Gold Holdings Limited.

For further information, please contact:

Alexander Scanlon

Managing Director

a.scanlon@bartongold.com.au

+61 425 226 649 Shannon Coates

Company Secretary

cosec@bartongold.com.au

+61 8 9322 1587

About Barton Gold

Barton Gold is an ASX, OTCQB and Frankfurt Stock Exchange listed Australian gold developer targeting future gold production of 150,000oz annually, with ~1.6Moz Au JORC Mineral Resources (52.2Mt @ 0.94 g/t Au), multiple advanced exploration projects and brownfield mines, and 100% ownership of the only regional gold mill in the renowned central Gawler Craton of South Australia.*

Tarcoola Gold Project

Existing brownfield open pit mine within trucking distance of Barton's processing plant

Under-explored asset with untapped scale potential

Tunkillia Gold Project

1.5Moz Au Mineral Resources (51.3Mt @ 0.91 g/t Au)*

Scoping Study for initial 6 year, ~130kozpa Au mine

Infrastructure

650ktpa CIP process plant, mine village, and airstrip

Tarcoola ~40 person lodging to support mine operations

Tunkillia camp to support dedicated project team

Competent Persons Statement & Previously Reported Information

The information in this announcement that relates to the historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources as listed in the table below is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by the Competent Person whose name appears in the same row, who is an employee of or independent consultant to the Company and is a Member or Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) or a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO). Each person named in the table below has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he has undertaken to quality as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012 (JORC).

Activity Competent Person Membership Status Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Stockpiles) Dr Andrew Fowler (Consultant) AusIMM Member Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Perseverance Mine) Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Tarcoola Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tarcoola Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Mineral Resource Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Challenger Mineral Resource Mr Dale Sims (Consultant) AusIMM / AIG Fellow / Member

The information relating to historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources in this announcement is extracted from the Company's Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 or as otherwise noted in this announcement, available from the Company's website at www.bartongold.com.au or on the ASX website www.asx.com.au. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the Exploration Results and Mineral Resource information included in previous announcements and, in the case of estimates of Mineral Resources, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates, and any production targets and forecast financial information derived from the production targets continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the applicable Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the previous announcements.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This document may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "target" and "intend" and statements than an event or result "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information is subject to business, legal and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, risks relating to property interests, the global economic climate, commodity prices, sovereign and legal risks, and environmental risks. Forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and opinions at the date the statements are made. Barton undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such dates or to update or keep current any of the information contained herein. Any estimates or projections as to events that may occur in the future (including projections of revenue, expense, net income and performance) are based upon the best judgment of Barton from information available as of the date of this document. There is no guarantee that any of these estimates or projections will be achieved. Actual results will vary from the projections and such variations may be material. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the past or future. Any reliance placed by the reader on this document, or on any forward-looking statement contained in or referred to in this document will be solely at the readers own risk, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.

_______________________

1 Refer to ASX announcement dated 3 July 2024 2 Refer to ASX announcements dated 14 May and 3 / 12 / 20 June 2024

*Refer to Barton Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 and ASX announcements dated 4 March 2024 and 15 July 2024. Total Barton attributable JORC (2012) Mineral Resources include 833koz Au (26.9Mt @ 0.96 g/t Au) in Indicated and 754koz Au (25.4Mt @ 0.92 g/t Au) in Inferred categories.

SOURCE: Barton Gold Holdings Limited

View the original press release on accesswire.com
ARUNDEL, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / China Dasheng Biotechnology Co. (OTC PINK:CDBT) today acknowledges changes because of private off market transactions between custodians and founding members.

CDBT is pleased to advise that:

The 2, 5% Convertible Notes issued on July 20, 2022, to the custodians, Mr. Frank I Igwealor and Mr. Bryan Glass have been sold to 2 of the founding members of Cycclone Magnetic Engines, Inc. The 2, 5% Convertible Notes have now been forgiven and decommissioned by the new owners of those Convertible Notes removing $400,000.00 of long-term debt liability.

CDBT has no issued or outstanding convertible or promissory notes as of the date of this release.

The Custodians each owned parcels of 16,000,000 common shares totaling 32,000,000 common shares. The Custodians each sold 14,000,000 common shares to the founding members totaling 28,000,000 common shares. The Custodians retained 2,000,000 common shares each.

CDBT agreed to Non-Dilution and Registration Rights:

CDBT agreed to take no action which would materially dilute the existing shareholders of CDBT for a period of 18 months (eighteen) from the date the shares are eligible for trading on the OTC Market. CDBT agreed to prepare and file a Registration Statement with the SEC with respect to Registrable Securities within 6 months (six).

"These changes position CDBT to be able to advance its objectives, including a return to full reporting, and increase focus on business plans and announced work plans" said CDBT CEO, Micheal Nugent, "Mr. Frank I Igwealor and Mr. Bryan Glass have been exceptional custodians, and the founders, shareholders and management of CDBT (Cycclone Magnetic Engines) thanks them immensely".

/S/ Micheal Nugent

CEO of CDBT

# # #

CDBT. Cycclone Magnetic Engines, Inc.

On April 24, 2023, CDBT entered a Share Exchange Agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares in Cycclone Magnetic Engines, Inc., the original founding company of the Cycclone Magnetic Engine project.

On September 30, 2022, CDBT and Cycclone Magnetic Engine Developments Limited entered into an Operating Agreement for The Amended Share Exchange Agreement giving effective control of Cycclone Magnetic Engine Developments Limited and the wholly owned subsidiaries.

Cycclone Magnetic Engines is engaged in the development and commercialization of new geometric configuration low carbon emission engines and other clean technology solutions with a view to create technologies that improve efficiency and reduce levels of greenhouse emissions. Cycclone has shareholding, assets, and interests in transport operations in Australia.

Micheal Nugent

mnugent@nugent.com.au

www.cdbtcycclone.com

+61438158688

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements made in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general business conditions, managing growth, and political and other business risks.

SOURCE: China Dasheng Biotechnology Co.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Media Release

Dear Sir or Madam

Due to server overload our website is currently unavailable, including half year documents.

We are therefore providing you with a separate link for half year information to ensure you have access to all documentation.

Please accept our sincerest apologies for this inconvenience.

Kind Regards

Bachem Group Communications

Download Media Release

Download Half-Year Report

Download Presentation

Group sales increase slightly to CHF 240.3 million (+0.2% compared to the prior-year period, +1.3% in local currencies).

EBITDA at CHF 55.5 million (+5.6% compared to the prior-year period, +8.7% in local currencies) with a margin of 23.1% (prior-year period: 21.9%).

Outlook

For 2024, Bachem expects Group sales to grow in local currencies in the mid- to high-single-digit percentage range.

The EBITDA margin in lcal currencies should remain stable in 2024 compared to the previous year.

For 2026, the company aims for annual sales of more than CHF 1 billion and an EBITDA margin of over 30%.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10552/217634_figure1.jpg

Thomas Meier, CEO of Bachem, on the results for the first half of the year: "At Bachem, we are currently working hard to expand our production capacities worldwide. At the same time, we were able to slightly increase our sales in the first half of the year compared to the previous year. In the second half of the year, we expect a significant increase in sales and profit compared to the first six months, mainly thanks to the good order situation."

Group Results

Bubendorf, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - The Bachem Group (SIX: BANB) achieved sales of CHF 240.3 million in the first half of 2024 (+0.2% compared to the prior-year period). In local currencies (LC), sales increased by 1.3%.

Operating income before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to CHF 55.5 million (+5.6% compared to the prior-year period, +8.7% in LC), and operating income (EBIT) was CHF 35.4 million (+1.6% compared to the prior-year period, +6.0% in LC). As a result, the EBITDA margin was 23.1% (first half of 2023: 21.9%) and the EBIT margin was 14.7% (first half of 2023: 14.5%). Net income was CHF 36.2 million (+5.0% compared to the prior-year period) with a margin of 15.0% (first half of 2023: 14.4%).

Sales by product categories

The Commercial API category achieved sales of CHF 127.2 million (first half of 2023: CHF 146.9 million, -13.4%, in LC -12.5%). The decline in this category is primarily due to lower demand for commercial oligonucleotides and small molecule generics.

In the clinical drug development category (CMC Development), sales increased to CHF 90.3 million (first half of 2023: CHF 76.1 million, +18.7%, in LC: +20.0%) due to a very strong pipeline of peptide development projects.

The research chemicals and specialties business (Research & Specialties) returned to CHF 22.8 million after a strong decline in the prior reporting period (first half of 2023: CHF 16.9 million, +35.4%, in LC: +37.1%).

Capacity expansion

Bachem is implementing an investment program to expand capacity at all sites. In the first half of 2024, CHF 143.9 million were invested across all sites.

Bachem began construction of its largest production plant to date for large volumes of peptides and oligonucleotides in 2021 (building "K") in Bubendorf. The gradual commissioning of equipment in building "K" has begun. A large portion of building "K" is already booked.

A new manufacturing site is currently planned in Sisslerfeld in the Swiss municipality of Eiken. A third portion of land was purchased in the first half of 2024.

Bachem is also continuing to invest in the infrastructure of the entire network of sites and is focusing even more on site-specific core competencies. In the USA, capacities for high production volumes are being expanded at the Vista site. In Torrance, Bachem is focusing on promising small-volume clinical projects, while investments at the Vionnaz site are aimed at securing the supply of important precursor materials.

The Half-Year Report 2024 and the presentation for the analyst- and media call are available on the website under the following link:

www.bachem.com/about-bachem/investors-and-media/reports-and-presentations

Financial calendar



November 21, 2024, Capital Markets Day

February 27, 2025, Publication Annual Report 2024 / Media- and Analyst Conference

April 30, 2025, Annual General Assembly (financial year 2024)

July 24, 2025, Publication Half Year Report 2025

About Bachem

Bachem is a leading, innovation-driven company specializing in the development and manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides. The company, which has over 50 years of experience and expertise, provides products for research, clinical development, and commercial application to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of services. Bachem operates internationally with headquarters in Switzerland and locations in Europe, the US and Asia. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. For further information, see www.bachem.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217634

SOURCE: Bachem Holding AG
Agreement Brings Perosphere's Novel Coagulation Diagnostic Instrument to Second Market in Europe

Perosphere (Perosphere Technologies Inc.), a private medical technologies company focused on developing next-generation coagulation diagnostics, today announced that it has signed an agreement with CoRRect Medical GmbH, a leading medical device distributor, for the exclusive distribution of Perosphere's Point-of-Care (PoC) Coagulometer in Germany.

With this agreement, Perosphere's PoC Coagulometer will become available for the first time to hospitals and healthcare professionals in Germany, where annual anticoagulant prescription rates per 100,000 persons increased by 135.8% between 2005 and 2016.1 The PoC Coagulometer is a novel pharmacodynamic, reagent-free diagnostic instrument for use at the point of care, i.e., bedside to deliver rapid diagnosis of coagulation status and direct informed treatment decision-making in hospital settings and outpatient clinics supporting medical management of patients on anticoagulant therapies, including the Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs).

"We are eager to partner with CoRRect Medical to introduce Perosphere's PoC Coagulometer in Germany, addressing the unmet medical need in coagulation testing and management to help improve patient outcomes and reduce associated costs," said Daryl Mootoo, Chief Operating Officer of Perosphere. "CoRRect Medical has outstanding expertise in understanding the needs of healthcare professionals to provide solutions that can integrate seamlessly into practice."

CoRRect Medical specializes in the commercialization and distribution of high-quality and innovative medical devices for cardiology, vascular surgery, and cardiac surgery in Germany and across Europe. CoRRect Medical operates under Uniphar Medtech, a European medical device distributor with a presence across 21 markets. Within the Uniphar Medtech family of businesses, Perosphere also has an exclusive agreement with M3 Medical for the distribution of the PoC Coagulometer in Ireland.

"We are inspired by Perosphere's medical innovation and proud to be entrusted as its exclusive partner to bring this point-of-care, DOAC-sensitive coagulation testing device to the health system in Germany," said Michael Braun, Chief Executive Officer of CoRRect Medical. Mr. Braun added, "The PoC Coagulometer will fill a critical diagnostic void for healthcare professionals and help improve care outcomes for patients."

About Perosphere Technologies

Perosphere Technologies is changing the way decisions are made at the point-of-care in hospitals and outpatient clinics for patients at risk for bleeding. A private medical technologies company, Perosphere is focused on development and commercialization of the novel PoC (point-of-care) Coagulometer, which quickly informs diagnosis, treatment, and prevention decisions through precision data, made immediately accessible to all. It is the only PoC diagnostic instrument that effectively and swiftly tests clotting times across drug classes, including the Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). The PoC Coagulometer serves to help establish a new standard of care for patients on anticoagulant therapies or at risk for bleeding, and has the potential to improve efficiency, provide significant cost savings, and support better patient outcomes.

The PoC Coagulometer has a CE Mark in the European Union and is not FDA-cleared in the United States.

For further information, contact us at info@perospheretech.com or +1 (475) 218-4600.

www.perospheretech.com

About CoRRect Medical GmbH

CoRRect Medical GmbH specializes in the commercialization and distribution of high-quality and innovative medical devices for cardiology, vascular surgery and cardiac surgery using minimally invasive procedures. CoRRect Medical GmbH's commitment to innovative technologies brings medical progress to patients, saving their lives and increasing their quality of life. Our aim is to find new products which help patients in case of illness and offer treating physicians procedural optimization. The CoRRect Medical team has been introducing new innovative technologies into Germany, Switzerland and the EU over the last 30 years. For more information, visit https://correctmedical.com/en/home-en/.

1 Guelker, J. et al. Increasing use of anticoagulants in Germany and its impact on hospitalization for gastrointestinal bleeding. Thrombosis Research, 181, 2019, 135-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2019.07.009.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724129537/en/

Contacts:

MEDIA

Ellie Hanson

FINN Partners

ellie.hanson@finnpartners.com

+972 2 589 2006
Phil Deegan to help drive innovation through AI-based Inspection Platform

LONDON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Phil Deegan has been appointed UK Head of Business Development at PAVE, the innovative AI-based inspection platform that automatically inspects and appraises vehicles in real-time. With almost 40 years in the automotive industry, Phil is experienced in creating and driving business strategy and change management, supporting companies in navigating complex business challenges and creating exciting and profitable solutions.

Having worked in senior roles at Adesa (now Open Lane), Smart Fleet Solutions, GRS and GE Capital, he has built teams to support business vision, developed future leaders, and ensured the delivery of both short and long-term business objectives.

"Technology is driving our sector, and digital vehicle inspections offer fleets convenience, cost and time savings, providing transparency and operating efficiency," stated Deegan. "I believe that PAVE can revolutionise the way vehicles are inspected, and I am delighted to support the development of PAVE in the fleet and auto retail sectors."

Developed in Toronto, Canada, PAVE is an open API automated inspection solution that turns anyone with access to a smartphone into a professional inspector in just one click. PAVE's platform does the rest. PAVE takes less than three minutes to generate professional inspections and comprehensive condition reports, all of which can be fully integrated into a business's core operating system.

In his role, Phil will oversee the development of long-term partnerships, ensure that the PAVE solution continues to develop and remains the market-leading inspection-powered solution. He's also relishing working to ensure that PAVE addresses clients' inspection and remarketing challenges in the most efficient way.

"There has never been a more critical time for businesses to review their inspection processes" Deegan continues. "AI has enabled the transition to automated inspections and digital inspection solutions are now flexible enough to adapt to use in many cases. I am excited to highlight the full potential of PAVE's inspection solutions to the UK market."

"PAVE's inspection technology is changing the landscape of field inspections," stated Brian Steinhauser, co-founder and CEO from PAVE. "Using PAVE can help efficiently assess vehicle condition, damages and remedial costs. The tech is ready, and we are confident Phil is the man for the job. His extensive background in management, sales and relationship development all suggest his success within this role."

About PAVE

PAVE is an automotive technology company that is reimagining how the world inspects vehicles. PAVE is powered by Intelligent Damage Detection capabilities, enabling anyone with a smartphone to complete a guided vehicle inspection by simply taking photos of their vehicle. Headquartered in Toronto, the team brings deep expertise from the automotive and technology industries, blending the best of both artificial and automotive intelligence. For more information, visit pave.ai.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pave-appoints-uk-head-of-business-development-302206145.html
BOSTON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roboshuttles are small, fully electric, and operate at Level 4 autonomy, making them an ideal last-mile solution. They were once highly anticipated in the autonomous driving industry as a promising mobility solution, and at one point, over 25 companies were competing in this space. However, IDTechEx has observed a yearly decline in the number of active companies from 2020 to 2024, and the industry has not advanced to the large-scale commercial testing phases as hoped. This is one of the key findings of the new IDTechEx report, "Roboshuttles and Autonomous Buses 2024-2044: Technologies, Trends, Forecasts".

The number of players continues to decline

The number of companies involved in the roboshuttle market has decreased from over 25 to just 12 within three years - a sharp decline of more than 50% since 2020. Data available before 2023 shows that most companies in this sector were either conducting small-scale trials or were still at the conceptual stage, with nobody close to full commercial deployment. Even those who garnered substantial interest often struggled to progress from small to larger trials. In 2023, these larger trials, which IDTechEx anticipates would be the final step before commercialization, proved to be a significant hurdle. The primary reasons for the market contraction include inadequate funding, which prevented many companies from advancing beyond small-scale tests, and a lack of public interest, which is crucial for supporting a viable business case for this transportation mode. Consequently, many companies have exited the market, unable to overcome these challenges and secure the necessary resources for larger trials.

Several notable examples illustrate the challenges faced in the roboshuttle market. Navya, once a leader in the industry, faced financial and multifaceted issues, leading to its joint acquisition by Gaussin and Macnica and the formation of GAMA. Macnica is expected to fully acquire GAMA, with plans to establish their business model in Japanese mobility markets. ZF has delegated the manufacturing, sales, and operations of its roboshuttles to partners Oceaneering and Beep, ceasing internal development and focusing on supplying the necessary software and hardware for autonomous driving. Cruise suspended its commercial service following a robotaxi incident in October 2023 that resulted in serious injuries and led to the revocation of its autonomous vehicle testing license, halting its roboshuttle project. May Mobility has shifted its business model from using Polaris GEM shuttles to leveraging Toyota Sienna for its robotaxi services. Lastly, Coast and IAV's HEAT project has not announced any shuttle-related business initiatives over the past two years, instead redirecting their focus towards autonomous tractors for port logistics. The primary challenge facing the roboshuttle industry lies in the difficulty of finding practical commercial applications. This leads to a number of issues including financial difficulties, market consolidation, business model adjustments, safety and regulatory concerns, changes in market positioning, and project redirection.

Roboshuttles still need to prove commercial viability

Roboshuttles have always been envisioned as a futuristic concept, aiming to be small, shared vehicles that operate more flexibly than buses and more economically than taxis. This dual expectation has led to an unclear definition of their use cases, facing challenges similar to those of operating robotaxis and autonomous buses. These challenges include navigating complex urban environments and optimizing routes to increase usage rates. The hope is that overcoming these challenges will provide a highly used, high-revenue service, with a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than a bus.

Initially, the industry pictured roboshuttles providing a variety of dynamic routes within cities. However, it has become difficult to find enough scenarios that require these characteristics. Most current test cases are in closed or semi-closed environments, such as the Park Shuttle service provided by QCraft in Beijing, where the roboshuttles can provide public transportation. Public transportation and mobility as a service (MaaS) were considered key use cases for roboshuttles in the early days. However, robotaxis are now entering high levels of technical maturity and commercial deployment, which could potentially fulfill this market need.

Given all the challenges faced by roboshuttles, such as changing use case scenarios, and competition from robotaxis, IDTechEx believes that the commercialization of roboshuttles is possible, but still an uphill battle. To get from where the industry is today to full commercial deployments will require efforts in infrastructure development, transportation system integration, and regulatory support. They need to be incorporated into urban transit systems to fulfill their role as dynamic dispatchers.

Against the odds: Some roboshuttle unicorns are still securing open road-testing approvals worldwide

Despite the overall downturn and all the challenges faced, some players achieved significant milestones between 2022 and 2024. In August 2023, WeRide received the M1 and T1 licenses from Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA), allowing their Robobus to undergo large-scale public road tests. By July 2024, WeRide launched Robobus shuttle services in Sentosa, marking Singapore's first publicly accessible L4 autonomous Robobus route, and the industry's first truly commercialized Roboshuttle operation. Additionally, in May 2024, WeRide successfully operated a shuttle service during the French Open, and China's QCraft is conducting open tests in 10 cities across mainland China. Pix Moving is deploying 100 roboshuttles for testing in 16 cities worldwide, leveraging its production line to support these trials. These achievements point in the direction of early commercialization of roboshuttles, namely providing services in limited areas with high-quality infrastructure, highly controlled access, and short-distance journeys.

The commercial breakthroughs of leading players show some government support for on-road vehicle testing. However, with the development of robotaxis and other on-demand mobility services, the uniqueness and value of roboshuttles appears to be diminishing. The expectation of recouping costs through fare revenues is also becoming unrealistic in the short term. IDTechEx's report provides insights into early commercialization, suggesting that achieving sustainable progress will rely on the continuous and additional value brought by roboshuttle services (e.g. addressing commuting gaps within regional areas) to attract investment from governments and customers. IDTechEx believes that during the early commercialization process, companies should focus on vehicle delivery and maintenance services to secure their hard-won market share.

IDTechEx's report, "Roboshuttles and Autonomous Buses 2024-2044: Technologies, Trends, Forecasts", provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector, contextualizing the current roboshuttle market with historical sales data from 2019 onwards and offering regional insights across China, Europe, the USA, and the rest of the world. It identifies key challenges and opportunities for the roboshuttle industry, making predictions about when commercial deployment can be expected. The high-fidelity analysis of each market informs IDTechEx's 20-year forecasts, offering critical guidance for stakeholders navigating this evolving landscape.

To find out more about this report, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/AutonomousBuses.

For the full portfolio of autonomy market research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/Autonomy.

About IDTechEx

IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.

Media Contact:

Charlotte Martin

Subscriptions Marketing Manager

press@IDTechEx.com

+44(0)1223 812300

Social Media Links:

X: https://www.twitter.com/IDTechEx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idtechex/

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RelaDyne announced today that its national automotive brand, DuraMAX, will supply lubricants and ancillary products to Sun Auto Tire & Service's network of over 475 company-operated locations across the United States in a multi-year partnership. In addition to an award-winning lineup of DuraMAX motor oils offered in a variety of viscosities and performance specifications, RelaDyne will also supply Sun Auto Tire & Service with filters through its DuraMAX DIRECT program, delivering the exceptional quality of DuraMAX high performance filters right to their doorstep, alongside wiper blades and other ancillary products.

Sun Auto Tire & Service is a leading provider of quality aftermarket automotive repair, maintenance, and tire services. Serving more than 2 million customers annually and more than 2,500 service bays, Sun Auto Tire & Service's purpose is to provide an extraordinary experience for its customers from minor maintenance services to extensive repairs, offering a dealership experience using superior tools and equipment with top-quality automotive components - all performed by professional automotive technicians.

The DuraMAX brand, owned by RelaDyne, is an automotive line of high-quality vehicle maintenance solutions, including full synthetic, high mileage, and synthetic blend motor oils, antifreeze, filters, wiper blades, and more. Based on a survey conducted by National Oil & Lube News, DuraMAX has been ranked the number one best-selling motor oil brand since 2018 by Quick Lube Owners.

"At Sun Auto Tire & Service, our commitment to using only the highest quality parts ensures that our customers receive the best service possible," said Chris Ripani, Chief Operating Officer for Sun Auto Tire & Service. "We have found that DuraMAX oils and filters provide exceptional performance and reliability. By partnering with DuraMAX, we reaffirm our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction."

"It is with great pleasure that we announce DuraMAX oils will be featured in all Sun Auto Tire & Service locations throughout the United States," said David Gempel, Senior Director of Corporate Accounts for RelaDyne. "Our exceptional DuraMAX product line comes with several installer-focused retention programs to drive incremental sales and service center profitability. RelaDyne's capability to "own the last mile," providing top-tier store service, showcases our geographic footprint and operational capabilities in the market."

"On behalf of RelaDyne and our Associates, we are pleased to welcome Sun Auto Tire & Service to the RelaDyne family and DuraMAX brand," said Dan Oehler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for RelaDyne. "With passion, we look forward to serving your business for years to come while pushing our products, service levels, and technology to meet your growing business needs."

About RelaDyne

RelaDyne, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the nation's largest lubricant distributor and market leader in fuel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and industrial reliability services for industrial, commercial, and automotive businesses in North America. RelaDyne was formed in 2010 by the combination of four well-established industry-leading companies and has since grown to more than 150 locations by strategically acquiring other industry leaders. Our core business, focused on lubrication excellence, is accomplished through offering unmatched products and services in which we improve the reliability and efficiency of our customer's equipment for increased profitability of their business. Through an understanding of each customer's specific needs, our team of dedicated Associates become a valued extension of their operations. For more information, visit www.RelaDyne.com.

Media Contact:

Dan Oehler, RelaDyne

513-489-6000

SOURCE: RelaDyne

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Orisha, with its Retail Chains business unit, has the ambition to further strengthen its market position to become the European leader in the SaaS unified commerce solutions space.

The group offers an extensive portfolio of SaaS unified commerce solutions supported today by close to 500 professionals in the Retail Chains business unit (out of a total of 1,800) with offices in 5 countries, serving customers with a presence in more than 55 countries.

In 2024, it plans to reach total annual revenues of over 70 million euros in this segment, backed today mainly by the activity of Orisha's Retail Chains business unit.

PARIS, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Orisha takes the stage in the Paris Retail Week in September for the official presentation to the market of its new SaaS unified commerce solutions portfolio that brings together the best of the Fastmag, Ginkoia, Openbravo, and Optimizers product offerings with the aim to enable brands and retailers to deliver the absolute unified commerce experience to their customers. To do so, the offering combines POS, mPOS, self-checkout, customer engagement, pricing, and promotions management, product and assortment management, store inventory and fulfillment, eCommerce, WMS, and OMS solutions, all in the cloud.

Among other novelties, visitors to Paris Retail Week will learn about the latest version of the renowned Openbravo Commerce Cloud unified commerce platform, recognized by Gartner in early January this year (1). New features include among others a new vertical for fashion, extending capabilities that today already benefit leading brands in the fashion sector such as SMCP, the premium fashion group with a worldwide presence behind well-known brands like Sandro, Maje, and Claudie Pierlot.

The new portfolio also includes a new repair module as part of our groundbreaking ReCommerce offering, leveraging Ginkoia's expertise in the area of repair and rental capabilities. The ReCommerce offering will be further enhanced in near future releases by complementary new modules for product rental and second-hand sales, showing Orisha's strong commitment to bringing sustainability to retail thanks to its unique ReCommerce suite of solutions. A value already demonstrated in retailers such as the KIABI group and its KidKanai store concept for selling second-hand children's products.

Fashion and other key sectors of activity such as Sporting Goods, Home, DIY, and General Merchandising will also benefit from the solutions of Optimizers, the recently acquired leader in the eCommerce and logistics space. Optimizers offers a rich set of eCommerce enablement solutions including Core-Suite, Vendre, and Tweakwise, which leverage the power of AI to ensure enhanced unified commerce experiences.

Following the participation at Paris Retail Week, Orisha is set to showcase its new portfolio also at the upcoming Retail Forum in Barcelona and then at the Tech for Retail event in Paris.

(1) Gartner, Market Guide for Unified Commerce Platforms Anchored by POS for Tier 2 Retailers, By Max Hammond, 29 January 2024.

Orisha, the new European partner for SaaS Unified Commerce

With its Retail Chains business unit leading the way today, the group aspires to expand its solutions portfolio and positioning to become a new European leader in unified commerce SaaS solutions. To achieve this, the group already offers a comprehensive portfolio of SaaS unified commerce solutions that enables seamless unified shopping experiences for customers and associates alike, from product browsing and discovery to its purchase and consumption across all physical and digital touchpoints. It empowers retailers and brands to enhance their unified commerce execution, leading to increased long-term agility and profitability.

"We are extremely excited to present our new portfolio of SaaS unified commerce solutions in these three key events and the value Orisha can offer to brands and retailers. We're convinced that our strong combination of deep retail expertise and comprehensive functional and technical capabilities positions us very well in our aspirations to become a new European leader in the SaaS unified commerce space.", said Marco de Vries, CEO of the Orisha Retail Chains business unit

Orisha, with its international and experienced team of close to 500 professionals (out of a total of 1.800 people) spread across five countries, developing, implementing, and supporting its portfolio of SaaS unified commerce solutions, serves today a growing list of international retailers and brands including Adidas, Decathlon, Deporvillage, Kookai, Leroy Merlin Spain, Magasins BUT, Obramat, SMCP and Sport 2000 France. As a result of this activity, the group is set to generate a total annual revenue surpassing 70 million euros in 2024.

As announced in July 2024, Francisco Partners, a leading technology investment firm with a deep sector focus providing partnerships with growth-aspiring technology companies, has joined TA Associates as a co-controlling shareholder, further enhancing Orisha's growth potential.

Are you a retailer or a brand? Contact us today for a free invitation to the Paris Retail Week to discover firsthand the value of Orisha.

If you are a journalist and want to meet a member of the Orisha team, contact us.

For more information please visit now www.orisha.com.

About Orisha

Founded in 2003, Orisha is a European software publisher dedicated to companies in the retail, real estate, healthcare, construction and agri-food sectors. Since its creation, Orisha has been helping companies to succeed by offering them solutions tailored to their business needs and essential to their activity (cash collection, commercial and financial management, stock management, CRM, HR, unified commerce). Each day, Orisha's solutions facilitate millions of interactions and transactions in a hyper-connected world. Since 2021, Orisha has been backed by TA Associates, a global private equity player and leader in the technology sector. In 2024, Francisco Partners, an international investment company recognized for its expertise in technology, joined TA Associates as a shareholder. In 2023, Orisha achieved sales in excess of 200m. The group, which was born in France, employs 1,800 people in Europe and supports clients in over 50 countries.

Further information: www.orisha.com

Contact us:

Christelle Da Cunha

c.dacunha@orisha.com

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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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55% of aviation workers' mental health has been negatively impacted by flight disruption

82% of aviation workers agree that they are battling with fewer resources to manage disruption effectively

LONDON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviation workers say that 72% of airline or airport staff have been intimidated, shouted at or physically hurt during disruptions to customer travel. Shockingly, 71% of air travel workers say they see an increase in staff being abused by customers when disruption occurs. This number correlates closely with customer anger, as 73% of aviation workers see customers "furious or frustrated" in the face of travel disruption.

Research conducted by travel technology specialist IBS Software and Aviation Business News finds that 55% of workers in the air travel sector have seen their mental health negatively impacted by the fallout of flight disruption. What's more, 47% say that disruption affects their work-life balance, as they often think about issues faced during the day when they get home from work.

Encouragingly, despite widespread customer frustration, 65% of airline or airport workers think the airline industry manages disruption well. However, they identify access to accurate information, the impact of disruption on operations and getting information to customers as the top three challenges faced by airlines when disruption occurs.

Ignoring these challenges can have a lasting impact on airlines, with 62% of air travel workers agreeing that customers now choose an airline based on its reputation for handling disruption.

That said, airlines are stuck between a rock and a hard place, as 82% of aviation workers agree they are battling with fewer resources to manage disruption effectively. Respondents claim that technology will improve their ability to manage disruption, for example, investment in Customer Relationship Management (32%), artificial intelligence (25%), mobile apps (14%) and self-service tools (12%) will all increase responsiveness to disruption.

"It's deeply concerning that so many air travel workers report an increase in abuse to mission critical staff during high stress events, and that most have experienced intimidation or even physical harm," said Julian Fish, SVP & Head of Aviation Operations Solutions at IBS Software. "Airlines desperately need the resources to handle disruptions more efficiently, to improve passenger communication, and to alleviate the pressures placed on staff. Handling disruption efficiently provides airlines with a clear and demonstrable competitive advantage. Together, we can create a safer and more resilient travel industry for both passengers and staff."

ABOUT IBS SOFTWARE

IBS Software is a leading SaaS solutions provider to the travel industry globally, managing mission-critical operations for customers in the aviation, tour & cruise, hospitality, and energy resources industries. IBS Software's solutions for the aviation industry cover fleet & crew operations, aircraft maintenance, passenger services, loyalty programs, staff travel and air-cargo management. Across the hospitality sector, IBS Software offers a cloud-native, unified platform for hotels and travel sellers, including central reservation (CRS), property management (PMS), revenue management (RMS), call centre, booking engine, loyalty and distribution. For the tour & cruise industry, IBS provides a comprehensive, customer-centric, digital platform that covers onshore, online and on-board solutions. Across the energy & resources industry, we provide logistics management solutions that cover logistics planning, operations & accommodation management. The Consulting and Digital Transformation (CDx) business focuses on driving digital transformation initiatives of its customers, leveraging its domain knowledge, digital technologies and engineering excellence. IBS Software operates from 17 offices across the world.

Further information can be found at www.ibsplc.com Follow us: Blog | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Research methodology

The survey was carried out in conjunction with Aviation Business News and independent research firm Edge Insight over three weeks from June 18 to July 8 2024. Over 95% of respondents work in the aviation sector, across a range of roles, and positions mainly from senior to middle management. 44% of all respondents work in customer facing roles. Europe accounted for the largest number of respondents (38%) with North America next (24%) followed by APAC (16%) and Middle East (9%).

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PAC ranks TeamViewer as the market-leading vendor for connected worker platforms, highlighting the company's most relevant use cases for Augmented Reality (AR) implementation and established partnerships centered around integrated solutions.

GOPPINGEN, Germany, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TeamViewer, a leading global provider of remote connectivity and workplace digitalization solutions, today announced it was named the Best-in-Class solution among Open Digital Platforms for Connected Workers (AR) in PAC Innovation Radar 2024. Analysts recognized TeamViewer for its strengths in addressing relevant AR use cases, particularly in manual order picking with smart glasses and other wearable devices, establishing strong partnerships, expanding go-to-market strategies, and maintaining robust financial health, according to PAC's evaluation.

TeamViewer's connected worker platform, TeamViewer Frontline, is specifically designed to offer step-by-step instructions, visual guidance, and remote expert support to industrial workers. TeamViewer Frontline utilizes advanced wearable computing technology and fully integrated AR solutions. It enables enterprises to modernize their desk-less workforces, streamline operations, improve efficiency, and remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

"While the market for connected worker platforms is going through a consolidation phase, it turns out that TeamViewer has moved into a market-leading position. By focusing on the most relevant use cases and strategic partnerships, TeamViewer's connected worker business is not only very resilient but also ready for further growth", says Arnold Vogt, Head of Digital & IoT, PAC.

What sets TeamViewer apart is its strategic partnerships with leading software vendors like Siemens and SAP. These collaborations have resulted in relevant deals with notable use cases, such as the digitalization of warehouse processes at Nadro in Mexico, where TeamViewer's vision-picking solution integrated with SAP Extended Warehouse Management is making a tangible impact. Furthermore, the recent integration with Manhattan Associates' warehouse management solution and a joint go-to-market strategy with Deloitte highlights TeamViewer's commitment to expanding its ecosystem. TeamViewer's strong global presence enables it to deliver its innovative solutions worldwide, establishing a solid footprint in the connected worker space.

"We are thrilled and deeply honored to be named the number one solution in the Connected Workers category by PAC Innovation Radar 2024," said Mei Dent, Chief Product and Technology Officer at TeamViewer. "This recognition is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and our strong collaborations with industry leaders. Our AR solutions are driving remarkable benefits for our customers, enabling them to exceed their own clients' expectations. We are not just keeping pace with digital transformation in the industry-we are shaping it."

About TeamViewer

TeamViewer is a leading global technology company that provides a connectivity platform to remotely access, control, manage, monitor, and repair devices of any kind - from laptops and mobile phones to industrial machines and robots. Although TeamViewer is free of charge for private use, it has around 640,000 subscribers and enables companies of all sizes and from all industries to digitalize their business-critical processes through seamless connectivity. Against the backdrop of global megatrends like device proliferation, automation and new work, TeamViewer proactively shapes digital transformation and continuously innovates in the fields of Augmented Reality, Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence. Since the company's foundation in 2005, TeamViewer's software has been installed on more than 2.5 billion devices around the world. The company is headquartered in Goppingen, Germany, and employs more than 1,500 people globally. In 2023, TeamViewer achieved a revenue of around EUR 627 million. TeamViewer SE (TMV) is listed at Frankfurt Stock Exchange and belongs to the MDAX. Further information can be found at teamviewer.com.

About PAC

PAC is the leading European consulting and analyst firm supporting software & IT service vendors worldwide. Since 1976, the firm has helped clients to understand market dynamics, grow their revenue, and raise their profile. PAC is an analyst-led consultancy with a team of over 100 experts across Europe. PAC provides market research and analysis on more than 30 countries worldwide, delivered through our portfolio pillars, Guidance, Insights, and Visibility, and our renowned SITSI research platform. More on pacanalyst.com

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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Commerce Resources Corp. (TSXV:CCE)(FSE:D7H0)(OTCQX:CMRZF) (the "Company" or "Commerce") announces that it has requested and has received acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") to extend the deadline to complete its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering of up to 16,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.126 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $2,016,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering was announced on June 12, 2024, and the deadline to complete the Offering is August 26, 2024. The previous deadline was July 27, 2024.

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Share at a price of $0.25 per Share for a period of two (2) years from closing of the Offering (the "Closing").

Pursuant to a binding engagement agreement ("Term Sheet") entered into between Commerce and Churchill SIG Pty Ltd. ("Churchill"), Churchill will act as exclusive lead manager for the Offering, for a term of up to three (3) months, to introduce (the "Services") potential qualified subscribers to the Company in connection with a portion of the Offering (the "Churchill Portion"). Churchill will not provide the Services in Canada or for the benefit of Canadian residents, and any potential subscribers introduced by Churchill will not be residents of Canada.

As consideration for the Services, and upon completion of the Offering, the Company has agreed to pay Churchill a cash fee (the "Cash Fee") equal to 5% of the amount raised under the Offering from persons introduced by Churchill, and to issue such number of non-transferable share purchase warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") that equals 12.5% of the total number of Units issued to persons introduced by Churchill under the Offering. Each Finder's Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share (a "Finder's Warrant Share") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.20 per Finder's Warrant Share for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance of the Finder's Warrants. The Company has also agreed to pay Churchill's reasonable fees and expenses in connection with the Services, up to $10,000. Churchill shall have a right of first refusal to act as lead manager in connection with any other equity offerings undertaken by the Company within a 12-month period following completion of the Offering. The Units, Shares, Warrants, Warrant Shares, Finder's Warrants and Finder's Warrant Shares are collectively referred to herein as the "Securities".

The Offering will be conducted pursuant to one or more prospectus exemptions available to the Company, including, without limitation, the "accredited investor" exemption set out in Section 2.3 of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions and the prospectus exemption set out in BC Instrument 72-503 - Distribution of Securities Outside British Columbia.

In addition to the fee payable to Churchill in connection with any persons introduced by Churchill, the Company may pay finders' fees consisting of cash, securities or a combination thereof to other parties in connection with the persons introduced to Commerce by such other parties, all in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").

All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after closing of the Offering. Completion of the Offering is subject to the approval of the Exchange.

The net proceeds from the sale of the Offering will be used towards completion of the updated PEA for the Ashram REE/ Fluorspar Deposit and general working capital.

None of the securities sold in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Commerce Resources Corp.

Commerce Resources Corp. is a junior mineral resource company focused on the development of the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit located in Quebec, Canada. The Company is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth producers globally, with a specific focus on being a long-term supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide to the global market. The Ashram Deposit is characterized by simple rare earth (monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime) and gangue (carbonates) mineralogy, a large tonnage resource at favourable grade, and has demonstrated the production of high-grade (>45% REO) mineral concentrates at high recovery (>70%) in line with active global producers. In addition to being one of the largest rare earth deposits globally, Ashram is also one of the largest fluorspar deposits globally and has the potential to be a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets.

For more information, please visit the corporate website at www.commerceresources.com or email info@commerceresources.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

COMMERCE RESOURCES CORP.

" Chris Grove "

Chris Grove

President and Director

Tel: 604.484.2700

Email: cgrove@commerceresources.com

Web: http://www.commerceresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Services to be provided by Churchill, the expectations of management regarding the proposed Offering, the expectations of management regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering, closing conditions for the Offering, the expiry of hold periods for securities distributed pursuant to the Offering, that Exchange approval is required for the proposed Offering, that the Ashram deposit has the potential to become one of the largest fluorspar deposits and a long-term supplier to the mixed rare earth carbonate, NdPr oxide, and met-spar and acid-spar markets; and that the Company is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth element producers globally. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements including that: the Company may not complete the Offering on terms favorable to the Company or at all; the Exchange may not approve the Offering; the proceeds of the Offering may not be used as stated in this news release; the Company may be unable to satisfy all of the conditions to the Closing; and those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE: Commerce Resources Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
VeroSource, a subsidiary of HEALWELL, built the new Patient Summary feature that launched on the MyHealthNB mobile app in partnership with Canada Health Infoway and the Government of New Brunswick.

The Patient Summary feature allows users to create a summary of their medical information including medications, immunizations, lab results and imaging reports, which can then be securely shared with healthcare professionals and care providers.

By enabling the secure sharing of personal health records in the MyHealthNB app, the Government of New Brunswick and VeroSource are promoting informed decision-making and modernizing interactions with the healthcare system, overall reducing the burden on health system resources.

Toronto, Ontario and Fredericton, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - HEALWELL AI Inc. (TSX: AIDX) (OTCQX: HWAIF) ("HEALWELL" or the "Company"), a healthcare technology company focused on AI and data science for preventative care, is pleased to announce that the Department of Health in New Brunswick, in partnership with, VeroSource Solutions Inc. ("VeroSource") and Canada Health Infoway, has launched the first patient-mediated Patient Summary in North America. The secure Patient Summary functionalities, found in the province's health information app, MyHealthNB, enables New Brunswick residents to cross both provincial and international borders equipped with a shareable, digital set of basic clinical data. This summarized version of a patient's clinical data provides health professionals with the essential information needed at point of care, such as during medical emergencies, walk-in clinic visits, and transitions of care.

By enabling the secure sharing of personal health records in the MyHealthNB app, the Government of New Brunswick and VeroSource are promoting informed decision-making and modernizing interactions with the healthcare system, overall reducing the burden on health system resources. Furthermore, the Patient Summary feature allows citizens without a family doctor to be able to access their personal health records efficiently, eliminating unnecessary appointments, phone calls, and more.

Mark McAllister, President of VeroSource, commented, "We are very pleased to be working with the Province of New Brunswick on this initiative. VeroSource is aiding New Brunswick's Department of Health on their journey to empower citizens with their healthcare and making it possible for citizens to hold their personal healthcare data in their hands. Our aim is to enhance the continuity of care and ensure users are equipped with the essential information they need to receive the best possible healthcare, no matter where they are."

In a press release issued by the Government of New Brunswick(1), Health Minister Bruce Fitch commented, "With MyHealthNB, we aim to empower patients, providing them more control over their own health-care information. We are the first province in Canada to allow our residents to create their own patient summary and decide when and with whom to share it."

New Brunswick's ~800,000 citizens can now log into the MyHealthNB app or web portal and access the new Patient Summary, cumulating approximately 12 months of health records including immunizations, lab results, diagnostic imaging, dispensed medications, and more. With the Patient Summary feature, the MyHealthNB app now allows users to create a summary of their medical information to share with health professionals who do not have access to New Brunswick's electronic health records system, in the event they require medical care while travelling. Additionally, the Patient Summary found in the MyHealthNB app aligns to the pan-Canadian Patient Summary Specification (PS-CA), a national adaptation of the International Patient Summary.

Patient Summary is available exclusively to anyone using the MyHealthNB app on Apple or Android operating systems, and existing MyHealthNB users should update their mobile app to ensure access to the Patient Summary. More information on MyHealthNB is available at https://myhealth.gnb.ca.

Footnotes:

(1) https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2024.07.0331.html

Dr. Alexander Dobranowski

Chief Executive Officer

HEALWELL AI Inc.

About HEALWELL AI

HEALWELL is a healthcare technology company focused on AI and data science for preventative care. Its mission is to improve healthcare and save lives through early identification and detection of disease. Using its own proprietary AI technology and competencies which includes data science, electronic health records and clinical research offerings, the Company is developing and commercializing advanced clinical decision support systems that can help healthcare providers detect rare and chronic diseases, improve efficiency of their practice and ultimately help improve patient health outcomes. HEALWELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "AIDX" and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol "HWAIF". To learn more about HEALWELL, please visit https://healwell.ai/.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217637

SOURCE: HEALWELL AI
Global market research and insights leader Toluna has announced its 'AI Everywhere' strategy, marking a significant step in the company's mission to provide on-demand access to unparalleled insights.

AI Everywhere embodies the advancement of years of effort and experience using machine learning and AI to enhance the company's solutions, platform, and data. AI has been at the core of the business, helping Toluna deliver better, faster, and deeper insights for almost a decade. With the recent acquisitions of MetrixLab and GutCheck Toluna now benefits from a combined vision and strengthened AI capabilities, enabling the company to help clients grow their brands and businesses like never before.

Toluna's AI Everywhere strategy incorporates delivering superior client insights, ensuring unparalleled data quality, and increasing efficiency through AI-elevated platforms and tools. Explaining the motive behind this holistic strategy, Frederic-Charles Petit, CEO of Toluna, commented, "At Toluna, we believe that the power of artificial intelligence is best unlocked when combined with human intelligence and expertise and made accessible via a user-friendly ecosystem of platforms and tools. We call this augmented intelligence."

By focusing on this intersection of AI, human intelligence, and user interface, Toluna has already delivered significant added value to clients. Data quality has risen notably through AI-based detection of low-quality respondents and pre-survey checks. Brands have unlocked deeper insights thanks to a suite of AI-enabled solutions.

Toluna's existing solution and platform ecosystem, which includes AI copy and pack testing solutions, has been expanded with the addition of SmartCloud and impressive synthetic data capabilities for boost samples for low incidence audiences.

Above and beyond the solutions and platform ecosystem, Toluna prides itself on its transparent use of AI. Toluna tackles client and industry concerns about AI being a black box with clear explanations of how AI is being used. A testament to this is Toluna's introduction of AI model trust cards: a standardized template used to explain key details of each AI model goals, inputs/outputs, security, validation, guardrails, and any known limitations.

"This is only the beginning," continued Petit. "Toluna continues to be at the forefront of blending emerging technologies with our industry-leading human expertise to deliver the best possible experiences and outcomes for our clients. Exciting upcoming developments in conversational AI, synthetic data, and bot detection will ensure that all areas of our business continue to deliver deeper insights and higher quality data."

For further details about Toluna's AI Everywhere strategy and to stay apprised of upcoming launches and enhancements, please visit https://tolunacorporate.com/ai-is-everywhere/.

About Toluna

Toluna empowers leading brands and agencies to conduct research without limits by unifying the best of technology, the best of research science, the best of global panel, and made-to-measure service to scale your business.

Toluna is powered by 2650 employees worldwide, delivering critical insights in over 90 markets to many of the world's most renowned brands and agencies. Together, we strive to push the field of market research toward a better tomorrow.

About MetrixLab

MetrixLab is a fast-growing global market research and insights company that is challenging the status quo of insights. By blending evolving technology with passionate experts, MetrixLab helps global and local brands to drive more impact, and forges partnerships to drive sustainably equitable growth. From creative testing to brand tracking, and packaging to e-commerce optimization, MetrixLab's range of solution suites adapts to fit all types of budgets, timelines, and business needs.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725361234/en/

Contacts:

Scott Axcell

Scott.Axcell@Toluna.com
Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der

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Delivering greater transparency and efficiency in the pricing of multiple asset classes to its clients

Confluence Technologies, Inc. ("Confluence"), a global technology solutions provider for regulatory, analytics, and investor communications for the investment management industry, today announced that Yealand Fund Services, an independent host Authorized Corporate Director (ACD) and Fund Administrator based in the UK, has selected Confluence Valuations Pricing Service to deliver greater transparency and efficiency in the pricing of multi-asset class financial instruments to its clients.

Yealand's adoption of Confluence Valuations Pricing Service further demonstrates our ability to service global clients, enabling them to offer pricing snapshots to businesses with European operations in local time zones.

With Confluence Valuations Pricing Service, Yealand will replace a previous provider to enhance the accuracy of data feeding its operational, portfolio management, and risk management processes while complying with the increasing regulatory and investor demands for independent and reliable asset pricing used in Net Asset Value (NAV) construction.

"We're thrilled to be working with Yealand, an organization with a stellar track record in the industry," said Clinton Moseley, Managing Director, Global Data Services at Confluence."Offering new timings to our international client base marks an important milestone for our business after our evaluated bond pricing coverage expanded to over 800K bonds globally. We look forward to working with Yealand and supporting their growth and success in the investment management industry."

"We are very pleased to further strengthen our asset pricing service. With Confluence, a reputable pricing provider, we can continue to deliver superior value and performance to our clients by providing them with accurate, timely, and transparent NAVs for their funds that comprise a diverse range of asset classes across multiple markets," saidRob Leedham, CEO of Yealand Fund Services. "We believe this service will be well suited as we grow, meeting the evolving needs and expectations of our clients, regulators, and investors."

Confluence Valuations Pricing Service provides independent end-of-day and intra-day valuations across multiple asset classes. Our global clients can now implement new pricing snapshots relevant to the UK market, covering global equities and bond valuations.

About Confluence:

Confluence is a global leader in enterprise data and software solutions for regulatory, analytics, and investor communications. Our best-of-breed solutions make it easy and fast to create, share, and operationalize mission-critical reporting and actionable insights essential to the investment management industry. Trusted for over 30 years by the largest asset service providers, asset managers, asset owners, and investment consultants worldwide, our global team of regulatory and analytics experts delivers forward-looking innovations and market-leading solutions, adding efficiency, speed, and accuracy to everything we do. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with ~700+ employees across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa, and Australia, Confluence services over 1,000 clients in more than 40 countries. For more information, visit confluence.com.

About Yealand:

Yealand Fund Services Limited, established in 2008, is an independent host ACD and in-house administrator we pride ourselves on our service standard and partnership approach with sponsors and clients. We are passionate about what we do, and 'not just doing well, but doing better' is our ethos.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725079367/en/

Contacts:

Katie Moxom

confluence@cognitomedia.com
SHENZHEN, China, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SIBIONICS, a leading innovator in continuous glucose monitoring technology, announced today that it has received Product Marketing Authorization Approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) for its GS1 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System in the UAE. This allows SIBIONICS to officially introduce its GS1 CGM System to the UAE market, marking a significant milestone in SIBIONICS' global expansion strategy.

The MoHAP approval underscores SIBIONICS' commitment to delivering cutting-edge CGM technologies that meet rigorous safety and efficacy standards. This fingerstick-free, factory-calibrated, and scanning-free CGM system, renowned for its low MARD value of 8.83% and user-friendly design, offers diabetes patients and healthcare professionals an advanced solution for continuous glucose monitoring. The GS1 provides real-time glucose data for 14 days, customizable glucose alarm, seamless data-sharing, and exportable in-app AGP report. These crucial features can help optimize treatment plans and significantly enhance patient outcomes.

In conjunction with this approval, SIBIONICS also announced a strategic partnership with Pharmaworld Store as their exclusive distributor for the GS1 CGM System in the UAE. This collaboration will leverage Pharmaworld Store's extensive distribution network and market expertise to ensure that the GS1 CGM System reaches healthcare providers and patients across the region effectively.

"This approval from MoHAP is a testament to the quality and reliability of our GS1 CGM," said Patrick Nowlin, Chief Global Strategy Officer of SIBIONICS. "We are thrilled to partner with Pharmaworld Store, whose deep understanding of the UAE healthcare market will be instrumental in bringing the GS1 to patients who need it most."

The introduction of the GS1 CGM System, backed by Pharmaworld Store's strong distribution capabilities, matches UAE's vision of integrating innovative medical technologies to enhance the overall quality of healthcare services. SIBIONICS' entry into the UAE market, in partnership with Pharmaworld Store, is expected to help facilitate diabetes care and improve the quality of life for patients across the region.

About SIBIONICS

Founded in 2015, SIBIONICS is at the forefront of R&D and the commercialization of implantable medical devices. By merging state-of-the-art CGM technology with user-centric designs, SIBIONICS is redefining the possibilities in personalized diabetes management solutions. To date, SIBIONICS has partnered with over 2,600 health facilities, successfully integrating the GS1 CGM System into inpatient treatment and benefiting more than 1.2 million users across 50+ countries worldwide.

For more information about SIBIONICS, please visit www.sibionicscgm.com.

About Pharmaworld Store

Pharmaworld Store, a premier healthcare distributor, boasts a diverse portfolio that includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health and wellness solutions. The company has earned a stellar reputation for excellence and reliability, ensuring that healthcare providers and patients have access to the latest and most effective medical technologies.

For inquiries or purchases of the SIBIONICS GS1 CGM in the UAE, please reach out to Pharmaworld Store at +971 4 294 2039.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2468928/SIBIONICS_Secures_MoHAP_Product_Marketing_Authorization_Approval_Its_GS1_CGM.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2263484/logo_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sibionics-secures-mohap-product-marketing-authorization-approval-for-its-gs1-cgm-in-uae-302206367.html
CyberCube, the leading provider of cyber risk analytics to quantify cyber risk, estimates preliminary insured losses from the July 19 CrowdOut event for the standalone cyber insurance market at between $400mn and $1.5bn. The faulty CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor update and subsequent outage the CrowdOut Event would represent a loss ratio impact of roughly 3-10% on global cyber premiums of $15bn today.

This scale of loss could make the CrowdOut event the largest single insured loss event in the history of the affirmative cyber insurance industry over the past 20 years. At the same time, an event of this scale does not come close to the extreme scenarios currently being modeled by cyber insurers and reinsurers.

Based on CyberCube's current estimates, the event represents a loss somewhere between the 1-in-2 and the 1-in-6 year industry loss return periods, according to the company's cyber catastrophe model and industry exposure database. CyberCube's Portfolio Manager product, which is used by 30 of the 40 largest US and European cyber insurers, shows far more destructive scenarios that can reach loss ratios of 234% in more extreme events at 1-in-200 year return periods. As such, the CrowdOut event is a major event for the cyber insurance market but does not come close to the destructive potential that leading insurers are holding capital against.

CyberCube's current estimates are provisional and based on the best information we have available, as the event is still unfolding, with a relatively significant percentage of systems yet to be restored. Each insurance carrier's claims experience depends on some pivotal criteria relating to the characteristics of their specific portfolio including coverage for non-malicious system failure, contingent business interruption (CBI), and the makeup of insureds in that portfolio. While each insurance portfolio will substantively differ in these respects and as such it would not be accurate to apply cyber insurance market share allocations to reach an individual carrier's loss potential, we expect carriers to see disproportionate losses in portfolios that have significant large corporate exposures.

CyberCube's Cyber Aggregation Event Response Service (CAERS) was activated as a result of the CrowdOut event. CAERS provides up-to-date intelligence on major cyber catastrophes worldwide as they unfold to ensure CyberCube clients have information that is relevant and tailored to the insurance market. CyberCube will continue to monitor this developing event and provide support for customers in calculating the impact on their own cyber insurance portfolios.

About CyberCube

CyberCube is the leading provider of software-as-a-service cyber risk analytics to quantify cyber risk in financial terms. Driven by data and informed by insight, we have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to supplement our multi-disciplinary team. Our clients rely on our solutions to make informed decisions about managing and transferring cyber risks. We unpack complex cyber threats into clear, actionable strategies, translating cyber risk into financial impact on businesses, markets, and society as a whole.

The CyberCube platform was established in 2015 within Symantec and now operates as a standalone company. Our models are built on an unparalleled ecosystem of data and validated by extensive model calibration, internally and externally. CyberCube is the leader in cyber risk quantification for the insurance industry, serving over 100 insurance institutions globally. The company's investors include Forgepoint Capital, HSCM Bermuda and Morgan Stanley Tactical Value. For more information, please visit www.cybcube.com or email info@cybcube.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725566739/en/

Contacts:

Yvette Essen, Head of Content, Communications Creative, yvettee@cybcube.com
Checkout.com's customers saw payments performance generating an additional $13.4 million in revenue with a 2.1% acceptance rate uplift for the composite.

For commerce and fintech enterprises, working with Checkout.com represented a $12.4 million net present value over three years.

Customers experienced full payback within the first six months achieving an additional return of 182% within three years.

LONDON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Checkout.com, a leading global digital payments provider, today announces the results of its commissioned 2024 Total Economic Impact (TEI) study conducted by Forrester Consulting. The independent study outlines a three-year, risk-adjusted present value and ROI for a composite organization comprised of interviewees with significant experience working with Checkout.com.

Forrester's cost-benefit analysis revealed that Checkout.com delivered an 182% return on investment (ROI) to customers over three-years. The study indicated a full return on investment could be achieved within the first six months. Additionally, the net present value (NPV), or the total value of an investment opportunity for Checkout.com customers over three-year engagements, stood at $12.4 million, underscoring, in our opinion, the profitability of long-term collaboration with Checkout.com. Because payments acceptance rates translate directly into revenue, leading businesses are always chasing ever better rates and the study shows that high-performing enterprises achieve even higher performance when they work with Checkout.com.

The study, based on customer interviews and aggregated data, included customer testimonials emphasizing the high-performance payments achieved when working with Checkout.com. All customers interviewed were large enterprise consumer businesses that were already working with other modern digital payments providers and achieving above industry benchmark acceptance rates.

Improving performance with $13.4 Million in additional revenue and $1 Million in avoided scheme and gateway fees

The study showed a 2.1% uplift in acceptance rates by working with Checkout.com. For the composite, the benefits of this uplift resulted in an additional $13.4 million in revenue within the first 3 years of onboarding Checkout.com.

Additionally, payment retries, which correlate with significant drops in conversion, were reduced by 7% thanks to Checkout.com's 'Intelligent Acceptance' feature, which uses machine learning to continuously improve payments performance. As well as improving conversion this reduction in retries additionally yielded $1M in cost savings in avoided scheme and gateway fees.

Checkout.com called out for machine learning fraud protection that does not sacrifice performance

The study finds that Checkout.com helped the composite build effective and tailored risk strategies. Customers said they appreciated the velocity with which Checkout.com's Fraud Detection Pro flags suspicious activities, detects new fraudulent trends, and updates criteria into its fraud engine using machine learning. Customers were impressed that Checkout.com's delivery of reduced chargeback rates had no negative impact on their payments performance - bucking a long held belief that there is an inevitable trade-off between performance and protection in payments.

As Black Friday and Cyber Monday fast approach it is notable that the study finds improved reliability during volume surges for the composite. According to the study, Checkout.com can support large surges in volumes, which enabled the composite to handle seasonal spikes in payments (e.g., during Black Friday, the Christmas shopping season, or product launches). The composite improved its customer service by leveraging the uptime of Checkout.com and its customer-first support team which is available around the clock. Interviewees described those two factors as crucial, especially for agile businesses.

According to the study, Checkout.com has a deep understanding of the composite's payment needs in its service provision. Because of this, the composite can count on a team of experts across multiple areas such as integration, customer success, and solutions engineering.

"As digital technology continues to transform the experience consumers have with brands, the payment process becomes increasingly important to driving conversion and loyalty. We are proud that the independent proof points in the Forrester TEI findings show that customers that work with us thrive in the digital economy, that's what keeps us obsessed with delivering high performance payments," Rory O'Neill, CMO, Checkout.com

About Checkout.com

Checkout.com processes payments for thousands of companies that shape the digital economy. Our global digital payments network supports over 145 currencies and delivers high-performance payment solutions across the world, processing billions of transactions annually.

With flexible and scalable technology, we help enterprise merchants boost acceptance rates, reduce processing costs, combat fraud, and turn payments into a major revenue driver. Headquartered in London and with 16 offices worldwide, Checkout.com is trusted by leading brands such as Sony, Shein, Sainsbury's, Wise, GE Healthcare, and The Financial Times.

Checkout.com. Where the world checks out.

Notes to editors

Checkout.com's Total Economic Impact (TEI) study constitutes the most up to date research on return on investment (ROI) in the payments sector and illustrates the significant impact Checkout.com has in a mature and competitive market. Findings are based on market-leading large enterprise companies in Fintech, E-commerce, Digital Consumer Goods, Food and Beverage and Remittances. These businesses all worked with leading modern PSPs before onboarding Checkout.com and yet still saw payments performance.

In digital payments failed payments and retries correlate heavily with costly conversion drop off. Working with Checkout.com, businesses saw a 7% decrease in payment retries leading to an additional $1 Million benefit for the composite. Customers called out the positive impact of this benefit for their consumers and their own customer satisfaction.

Using machine learning, Checkout.com's products such as Intelligent Acceptance and Fraud Detection Pro are delivering improved payments performance alongside improved fraud protection for global businesses.

Businesses emphasized Checkout.com's ability to deliver a reliable service which can support volume surges throughout the year including during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the Christmas shopping season. That Checkout.com can deliver improvement in up-time to the sophisticated composite indicates this is less of a 'table-stakes' commodity than many assume.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2024-total-economic-impact-study-discovered-a-182-roi-and-13-4-million-additional-revenue-with-checkoutcom-302205784.html
BAGHDAD, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mr. George Matharu, President of Elite Capital & Co. Limited, announced today that Dr. Faisal Khazaal, Chairman of the Government Future Financing 2030 Program, which is managed exclusively by Elite Capital & Co. Limited, and the accompanying delegation, has visited Dr. Abdulkareem Al Faisal, the Chairman of the Advisory Commission to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in the Republic of Iraq, to exchange views in examining ways to promote national and green projects in this important region.







"The visit of the Government Future Financing 2030 Program's delegation yesterday, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, was excellent, as the delegation explained the possibility of cooperation to finance national and green projects for the Republic of Iraq without affecting its credit rating, as well as finding solutions to reduce the financial cost very significantly on the future aspirations of the Iraqi development plan to achieve self-sufficiency and economic sustainability," Mr. George Matharu said.

The Advisory Commission to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in Iraq plays a crucial role in providing strategic advice and recommendations to the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. This commission is involved in various aspects of governance, including policy formulation, economic planning, and administrative reforms.

The Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, is the principal executive body of the Iraqi government. The commission's work supports the Council in making informed decisions that impact the country's development and governance.

"The Republic of Iraq is located in a strategic and vital spot on the continent of Asia and the Middle East and has great relations with many countries of the world. The current government is working diligently and sincerely to develop this country, which is expected to play an important role in the global economic movement within the next few years," Mr. George Matharu said.

Elite Capital & Co. Limited is a Financial Management company that provides project-related services, including Management, Consultancy, and Funding, particularly for large infrastructure and mega commercial projects.

Elite Capital & Co. Limited offers a wealth of experience in Banking and Financial transactions and has a range of specialized advisory services for private clients, medium and large corporations as well as governments. It is also the exclusive manager of the Government Future Financing 2030 Program.

Mr. George Matharu, MBA. concluded his statement by saying, "The Government Future Financing 2030 Program looks forward to fruitful cooperation to participate in supporting the Iraqi economy, especially finding alternative solutions to reduce the financial cost of national and green projects in Iraq's future development plan."

Contact Details -

Elite Capital & Co. Limited

33 St. James Square

London, SW1Y4JS

United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0) 203 709 5060

SWIFT Code: ELCTGB21

LEI Code: 254900NNN237BBHG7S26

Website: ec.uk.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2e87acae-3bad-4685-acbe-a38d58bd54ed
Ambient Noise Tomography ( ANT ) and gravity geophysical survey partnership formed with Fleet Space Technologies Pty Ltd ( Fleet Space ) at the Nyngan Project

Two phase regional and infill surveys to commence in early August

Surveys cover a regionally significant priority target identified by Fleet Space under a Research and Development grant agreement

Within the immediate district Fleet Space has recently completed the world's largest ANT survey and built a proprietary AI-powered district scale copper prospectivity map

The Fleet Space surveys complement Kincora and AngloGold Ashanti plc's (AngloGold Ashanti) planned exploration and upcoming drilling via an up to $50 million earn-in and joint venture agreement for the Nyngan and Nevertire Projects

Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Kincora Copper Limited (TSXV: KCC) (ASX: KCC) (Kincora or the Company) is pleased to announce an ANT and gravity geophysical survey partnership with Fleet Space at the Nyngan Project, located in the Northern Junee-Narromine Belt (NJNB) of the Macquarie Arc, Central West New South Wales.

Sam Spring, President and CEO of Kincora commented:

"We are pleased to partner with Fleet Space who shares our and AngloGold Ashanti's view that the undercover extensions of the Macquarie Arc are a globally significant opportunity.

Fleet Space is making very significant investments in this district seeking to prove its proprietary exploration techniques and technology, designed to improve the speed and success rates for the discovery of new globally significant porphyry copper deposits. They have successfully defined a number of new large targets for other porphyry explorers in the district, one currently being drill tested within 10km from the surveys at our Nyngan Project.

Through their knowledge of the belt, Fleet Space identified the northern Nyngan license area as a highly prospective untested new porphyry complex target area.

The upcoming surveys will cover a large interpreted magnetic complex, and intrusive level transverse structure within it, which is an existing high priority target and expected to be shortly drilled under the earn-in and joint venture agreement with AngloGold Ashanti."

Background

Fleet Space's ANT and ground gravity surveys cover a regionally significant priority target separately identified by Kincora, AngloGold Ashanti and Fleet Space. Subject to access and weather conditions the gravity surveys are anticipated to commence early August followed by the ANT surveys from mid August. The surveys are anticipated to complement upcoming priority drilling plans.

The surveys are seeking to combine new proprietary low environmental impact ground exploration techniques utilising seismic noise derived from natural and anthropogenic sources, with new ground gravity and existing regional magnetics and gravity, to identify and refine targeting of new intrusive porphyry system complexes and key structural features.

It is well documented that the composite volcanic and intrusive complexes elsewhere in the Macquarie Arc, which hosts an estimated total mineral endowment of over 160Moz gold equivalent1, have large alteration and geochemical halos that are often identifiable from regional geophysical surveys (similar geophysical features are present at the Nyngan Project and could be related to alteration). Furthermore, the mineralised deposits generally occur in clusters situated on cross-arc structures (similar structures may be interpreted within the Fleet Space survey area).

The rapid turnaround from completion of the survey to interpretation of results is enabled by Fleet Space's real-time ANT data acquisition capabilities utilising its satellite constellation, smart seismic sensors (Geodes) and 3D data processing. The processing, inversions and interpretation utilise ExoSphere by Fleet and AI technology, seeking to enhance the speed and precision of inversions of all available datasets to optimise drill hole targeting.

A regional ANT survey is planned to cover an area of approximately 35km2 across the northern Nyngan license area with a proposed infill area of approximately 9km2. Similar to other surveys in the district, the ANT velocity model is anticipated to image down to 1900m depth with ground gravity surveys to provide complimentary density models over the same area.

Combining the new data from the ANT and gravity surveys with existing regional airborne magnetic and gravity is anticipated to map and refine the interpretation of paleo-surface and basement rocks to identify areas of targeted alteration, intrusions and structures for a maiden drill testing at shallow-to-moderate depths.

A similar two-phase approach was successfully recently undertaken elsewhere in the Macquarie Arc at Waratah Minerals Limited's (WTM.ASX) Spur project and Inflection Resource's (AUCU.CSE) Duck Creek project. In both cases, such surveys are reported to have defined multiple additional new large intrusive porphyry targets 2,3. The survey at Duck Creek was located as close as 3km from the Nyngan license boundary, 10km from the targeted survey at the northern Nyngan area, and led AngloGold to accelerate its Exploration Agreement with Inflection to drill the targets identified by Fleet Space's technology 3.

More recently Fleet Space and Inflection completed the first of its kind district scale ANT survey of the world's largest, adjacent to the Nyngan and Nevertire licenses and the immediate district 4. This survey sought to map belt-scale architecture of prospect basement rocks including large intrusive bodies and potential cross-arc structures, and underpinned development of an AI-powered district scale copper prospectivity map.

Figure 1: The northern Nyngan license area is interpreted to host a composite volcanic and intrusive complex with analogous aeromagnetic signatures and intrusive level cross arc structures to other Macquarie Arc porphyry complexes (eg Cadia, Cowal, Boda-Kaiser, Marsden etc).

The Macquarie Arc is a proven Tier 1 terrane and Australia's foremost copper porphyry belt hosting a number of world-class mines in the southern, more exploration mature, of the Arc hosting over 160Moz gold equivalent endowment.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2305/217614_0e75395d04f8b987_0001full.jpg

About the Nyngan Project

The Nyngan license was Kincora's first ground secured in NSW, a large 762km2 direct application tenement awarded from the NSW State covering a significant portion of the interpreted under cover section of the northern Junee-Narromine Belt. The license hosts limited, but encouraging, prior explorer drilling that has been inadequately followed up with regional geophysics supporting multiple new large-scale intrusive complex targets 5.

In May 2024, Kincora signed a definitive multiple-phase Earn-in and Joint Venture Agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti plc (AngloGold) (NYSE: AU; JSE: ANG), the world's fourth largest gold miner by production which has a successful track record for new greenfield discovery success, for the Northern Junee-Narromine Belt Project, comprising the Nyngan and Nevertire licenses 6.

AngloGold Ashanti has the right to spend up to A$50 million to earn a 80% interest through:

A$25 million of exploration expenditure to earn a 70% joint venture interest (Phase I) including a minimum A$2 million expenditure obligation, with Kincora the initial operator for a 10% management fee.

Completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) or funding of a further $25 million of expenditure to earn a 80% joint venture interest (Phase II).

About Fleet Space Technologies

Fleet Space Technologies (Fleet Space) is Australia's leading space company and is seeking to revolutionise humanity's search for critical minerals, space exploration, and defence with its satellite-enabled solutions and AI-powered, end-to-end mineral exploration technology, ExoSphere by Fleet.

Fleet Space's proprietary approach to data capture, interpretation, and targeting for mineral and water exploration is seeking to reduce the time and improve success rates for new economic discoveries.

ExoSphere's end-to-end architecture unlocks new insights and predictive capabilities to enhance outcomes and streamline operations at every stage of the exploration process.

Leveraging Fleet's satellite network in low Earth orbit, smart seismic sensors enabled with edge computing, and rapid data processing - ExoSphere delivers real-time 3D mapping of mineral systems and AI-powered drill targeting with near-zero environmental impact. This process enables a faster and more efficient end-to-end data journey, making exploration activities more dynamic and precise by giving onsite teams access to actionable insights in real-time.

In the last month, Barrick Gold announced it would partner with Fleet Space to survey copper porphyry complexes across 1,150km of the world-class Reko Diq project 7.

Recently, Inflection Resources announced new targets generated by ExoSphere, leading AngloGold to accelerate their Exploration Agreement and drilling with Inflection 3. In the last month, Inflection and Fleet have conducted the world's largest real-time ANT survey across 1818 km and built an AI-powered district scale copper prospectivity map 4.

ExoSphere's rapid global adoption has propelled Fleet Space's exponential recent growth, including a A$50 million Series C funding round, a doubling of its valuation to A$350 million, plans to send a variant of ExoSphere to the Moon in 2026, and recognition as Australia's fastest growing company by the Australian Financial Review (2023).

For more information please visit Fleet Space's website at https://www.fleetspace.com.

About Kincora

Kincora Copper is dual listed on the ASX and TSX-V (ticker "KCC") and is an active explorer and project generator focused on world-class copper-gold discoveries that has recently executed four agreements that unlock up to A$60 million in multiple year partner funding. Further new projects that offer a clear value path and targeted partnerships are proposed.

Kincora's portfolio includes district scale landholdings and scale-able drill ready targets in both Australia and Mongolia's leading porphyry belts, the Macquarie Arc and Southern Gobi, respectively, and, the Company is targeting exposure to 10,000-30,000m pa of drilling.

For more information please visit Kincora's website at www.kincoracopper.com.

References:

(1) Sourced from MinEx Consulting for Kincora

(2) ANT geophysics defines additional epithermal-porphyry targets at Spur Project - Waratah press release May 23, 2024

(3) Reimaging porphyry copper exploration using Exosphere: Ambient Noise Tomography from the Duck Creek project, Macquarie - Fleet and Inflection Case Study 2023

(4) Completes 1,800Km2 Ambient Noise Tomography Survey Across Portfolio of Projects in New South Wales - Inflection press release July 10, 2024

(5) Kincora secures strategic license in Australia's leading porphyry belt - Kincora press release November 21, 2019

(6) AngloGold Ashanti to earn-in to the NJNB Project - Kincora press release May 28, 2024

(7) Fleet Space's Exosphere Enhances Barrick Gold's Data-Driven Copper Exploration at Reko Diq - Fleet press release July 9, 2024

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Kincora Copper Limited (ARBN 645 457 763)

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this announcement was prepared in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and was reviewed, verified and compiled by Kincora's staff under the supervision of Peter Leaman (M.Sc. Mineral Exploration, FAusIMM), Senior Vice-President of Exploration of Kincora, and John Holliday (BSc Hons, BEc, member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists), Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Kincora's Technical Committee, who are Qualified Persons for the purpose of NI 43-101.

JORC Competent Person Statement

Information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves are those that have been previously reported (with the original release referred to in this announcement), in the case of Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves the material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates have not materially changed, and have been reviewed and approved by Paul Cromie, who is a Competent Person under the definition established by JORC and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. John Holliday and Peter Leaman consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. The review and verification process for the information disclosed herein for the Trundle, Fairholme, Nyngan, Nevertire and Condobolin projects have included the receipt of all material exploration data, results and sampling procedures of previous operators and review of such information by Kincora's geological staff using standard verification procedures.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information regarding Kincora contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Kincora believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Kincora cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Kincora currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. Kincora does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) or the Australian 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/217614

SOURCE: Kincora Copper Limited
Lachute, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QI Materials", "QIMC" or the "Company"), proudly announces the identification of significant natural hydrogen anomalies across its Ville Marie project Quebec. This milestone discovery stems from the initial results of the highly anticipated soil sample program conducted in collaboration with the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS). The highest hydrogen concentrations were observed on the Route du Rang IV in St-Bruno-de-Guigues (Line 1). These show hydrogen concentrations grouped into two strong anomalies observed over a length of 500 m each. The first zone shows hydrogen concentrations ranging from 311 to 388 ppm (parts per million), while those in the second section range from 157 to 346 ppm (Figures 1, 2 and 3).

"This discovery of natural hydrogen anomalies represents a pivotal achievement for QIMC and our partners at INRS," said John Karagiannidis, President of QIMC. "It underscores our commitment to pioneering sustainable natural hydrogen clean energy development while positioning Quebec at the forefront of clean energy innovation."

"These findings unequivocally show the presence of very strong hydrogen anomalies at concentrations and in areas never before observed in Quebec," highlights Professor Marc Richer-Lafleche, scientific head of INRS' Applies Geoscience Laboratory.

"The results mark a transformative moment in our exploration efforts," said John Karagiannidis, President of QIMC. "Natural hydrogen, a key element in the global transition to sustainable energy solutions, holds great promise for advancing clean energy initiatives and driving economic growth."

During the first two weeks of July 2024, the team of the INRS Applied Geosciences Laboratory started a soil-gas survey with a linear spatial resolution of 50 m along 4 sections: line 1, 1.65 km long; line 2, 3.1 km long; line 3, 3.25 km western section; and line 3, 4.3 km eastern section, along the Route du 4eme Rang, the Route des 3eme et 4emes Rangs, and the Route du Quai in St-Bruno-de-Guigues, respectively (Figure 1). The initial goal of this work was to validate the geological, geophysical, and geochemical models and interpretations of Prof. Richer-LaFleche, which suggest that the Temiscamingue Graben could be an exceptional geological environment for white hydrogen (dihydrogen) exploration in Quebec.

Figure 1: Location map for lines 1, 2, 3 East and 3 West of the INRS soil-gas geochemical survey conducted in July 2024 on QIMC's Ville-Marie project. St-Bruno-de-Guigues sector (Temiscamingue RCM). Map modified from SIGEOM (MRNF).

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Figure 2: Spatial distribution map of hydrogen anomalies projected on satellite images.

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Figure 3: Section of Line 1 at St-Bruno-de-Guigues showing highly anomalous hydrogen zones (soil-gas). Distances (x-axis) are in meters. Section from east to west (source: INRS).

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The Route des 3eme et 4eme Rangs section (line 2) also shows the presence of strong hydrogen anomalies (e.g. stations 900m, 1100m and 1200m: 310, 365 and 318 ppm, see Fig. 2). These anomalies are more concentrated (narrow) than in the Route du 4eme Rang section (line 1). Line 3 West, which terminates at the edge of Lake Temiscamingue, shows a 500 m wide intersection (from 2500 to 3000 m) with hydrogen concentrations ranging from 155 to 410 ppm (275  73 ppm, see Fig. 2). This intersection does not appear to be related to the previous ones as it is located much further west.

A new zone of high hydrogen concentrations was observed on July 22, 2024, covering almost 1 km in the eastern part of the Route du Quai de St-Bruno-de-Guigues (Line 3, eastern section). Hydrogen concentrations in this area, between stations 650 and 1650, averaged 260  72 ppm (Fig. 2) (n=21 samples). This section is located 5.3 km south of the Route du 4eme Rang section (Line 1).

Professor Marc Richer-Lafleche comments: "If we compare the hydrogen concentrations observed in the soils of St-Bruno-de-Guigues with those measured in Temiscamingue in the volcano-plutonic belts of the Pontiac (Baby and Belleterre groups) (Fig. 4; INRS 2023 data, the data for the Midrim sector come from the municipality of Laverlochere, while the data for the Aubelle sector (Vior inc.) come from the municiplaity of Belleterre), it clearly underlines the fact that hydrogen concentrations (soil-gas) measured within the Temiscamingue graben are systematically higher than those of volcano-plutonic environments, which those volcano-plutonic environments should theoretically be favorable for hydrogen formation (according to the well know greenstone model)."

Figure 4: Compilation of data from Lines 1, 2, 3 East and 3 West of the Ville-Marie Project (QIMC) and soil gas data measured over volcanic (basalt) and intrusive (gabbro) rocks in the Baby and Belleterre Groups, Temiscamingue. The data from the Baby Group (Midrim area) and the Belleterre Group (Aubelle area) are from the FRQNT-MRNF-Mines research project on the soil gas prospecting method for sulphide mineralization. This project is carried out in collaboration with Vior Inc. for the Temiscamingue area (Marc Richer-LaFleche, INRS and Li-Zhen Cheng, UQAT). The soil gas data for the Midrim and Belleterre sectors are part of Antoine Cuckovic's PhD thesis in Earth Sciences at INRS (source: INRS and Vior Inc.).

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"The spatial distribution of these QIMC's Ville Marie anomalies a priori suggests a large-scale diffusive hydrogen transfer process, possibly related to the presence of a secondary fault associated with the Temiscaming Graben", said Professor Marc Richer-Lafleche. "Hydrogen-rich anomaly domains with high continuity (> 500m) tend to cluster in a relatively fine-grained glaciolacustrine sedimentary formation, which could act as a cover for an auxiliary reservoir possibly located in coarser glacial or fluvio-glacial Quaternary sediments. However, field observations indicate that the high hydrogen concentrations detected in soils are not restricted to fine-grained glaciolacustrine sediment facies. For example, several high amplitude hydrogen anomalies are also observed in soils underlain by sandy-gravelly substrates and bedrock (e.g. line 3 west, beginning of line 1)".

Several sources could be involved in the production of hydrogen in the Temiscaming Graben: 1) the presence of potassic arkosic rocks (rich in uranium and thorium) of the Cobalt Group could contribute to the formation of hydrogen by radiolysis 2) ultramafic rocks and iron formation units of the Baby Group cut by the graben and overlying sedimentary rocks could produce hydrogen. and 3) a third not negligible source could be metasomatized mantle peridotites in the lithospheric mantle beneath the Temiscamingue continental crust. This event could be related to the kimberlitic magmatism that affected the region in the Cretaceous.

"All of the anomalously high hydrogen concentrations mentioned in the release reflect exceptionally high concentrations of hydrogen in the soils of the St-Bruno-de-Guigues area of Temiscamingue", said John Karagiannids, President of QIMC. "We are adding more personnel and equipment to the area and additional work is planned to detect the presence of hydrogen mineralization at depth."

Gravity and audiomagnetotellurics surveys

Gravity and audiomagnetotelluric surveys will be conducted in the fall of 2024 to provide geoelectric imaging and gravity inversion models to locate fault(s) obscured by glaciolacustrine sediments and to identify areas of greater sedimentary rock thickness (gravity troughs). This data will also be used to locate basement rock structures favorable for primary reservoir formation in Proterozoic sedimentary rocks of the Cobalt Group and those of the New-Liskeard Group (Ordovician).

Seismic and TDEM surveys

High-resolution seismic reflection and refraction surveys are scheduled to begin in autumn 2024 to define the geometry of the Quaternary sediment sequences beneath the main Soil-Gas anomalies. TDEM surveys with high spatial resolution and vertical penetration (electrical conductivity and chargeability) will be carried out to produce detailed terrain imagery down to a depth of 4,000 m.

Comparison with other Soil-Gas survey data:

Professor Marc Richer-Lafleche comments: "As with hydrocarbons, few industrial Soil-Gas data are available. However, some scientific papers report Soil-Gas measurement values measured on geological structures known to be associated with subsurface hydrogen leakage. For example, hydrogen analyses carried out in topographic depressions (Fairy circles) report concentrations often below 100 ppm. The article by Mainson et al (2022), carried out on the Yilgarn craton, reports much lower hydrogen concentrations (94% of measurements are strictly below 150 ppm) than those measured at Saint-Bruno in Temiscamingue. The work of Langhi and Strand (2023), reports soil-gas data from a prospective area located near the contact of the Yilgarn craton and the Perth Basin (along the Darling Fault), indicates hydrogen concentrations strictly below 200 ppm (site near Lake Beermullah). Finally, other anomalous hydrogen concentrations below 50 ppm are reported in topographic depressions of saline lake environments in Australia (REF). When compared with hydrogen data from the Convergence project (Total SE) in high-potential areas of the French Pyrenees (Lefeuvre et al., 2021), the proportion of hydrogen-rich samples from the Temiscamingue project can be compared with Table 1."



Projet Hydrogene de QIMC a St-Bruno-de Guigues Temiscamingue (Quebec) Projet Convergence de TotalEnergies (Pyrenees, France) <50 ppm 19,20% 87% 50-100 ppm 22,40% 6% >100 ppm 53,60% 7% >250 ppm 21,60% Not available

Table 1. Comparison of hydrogen concentrations detected during the Temiscamingue and Convergence projects (source: INRS and TotalEnergies with Lefeuvre et al., 2021).

"Table 1 clearly shows the magnitude of the discovery made in the commune of Saint-Bruno-de-Guigues in Temiscamingue, Quebec," continues Professor Marc Richer-Lafleche. "We look forward to getting more data and comparables."

Methodology

The INRS soil gas survey consists of collecting gas samples from the soil to a depth of 80 cm. Samples are collected using a percussion drill, a conical gas auger and an electric pump. The samples are filtered for dust and a moisture trap is used before the gas samples are transferred to sealed aluminum bags. These one-liter bags are analyzed in less than 6 hours using a multi-gas detection system that includes a Honeywell electrochemical sensor operating in the range of 0 to 1000 ppm with a sensitivity of 0.02  0.01 uA per ppm hydrogen. Hydrogen and other gas standards (H2S, SO2, O2, CO2, CS2, CH4S) from Gasco were used to ensure proper operation of the gas detection system.

References:

Aimar et al, 2023. Natural hydrogen seeps or salt lakes: how to make a difference? The example of Grass Patch, Western Australia. Frontiers in Earth Science.

Langhi and Strand, 2023. Exploration of natural hydrogen hotspots: a review and design of a soil gas survey to identify seeps. Geoenergy, V. 1.

Lefeuvre et al., 2021. Natural H2 exploration in the Western Pyrenean foothills. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, v. 22, issue 8.

Levy et al., 2023. Natural H2 exploration: tools and workflows to characterize a play. Science and Technology for Energy Transition, V. 78.

Liu et al., 2023. Genesis and energy significance of natural hydrogen. Unconventional Resources, v. 3, 176-182.

Mainson et al., 2022. Detection of subsurface hydrogen seeps for natural hydrogen exploration. Applied Sciences, V. 12.

About the INRS and Pr. Marc Richer-LaFleche, P.Geo.

The Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique ("INRS") is a high-level research and training institute. Pr. Richer-LaFleche's team has exceptional geological, geochemical and geophysical experience specifically in the regions of QIMC's newly acquired claims. They have carried out over six years of geophysical and geochemical work and collected thousands of C1-C4 Soil-Gas analyses.

M. Richer-LaFleche also holds an FRQNT grant, in partnership with Quebec MRN and the mining industry, to develop and optimize a Soil-Gas method for the direct detection of mineralized bodies and faults under Quaternary cover. In addition to sulphide gases, hydrogen was systematically analyzed in the numerous surveys carried out in 2023 in Abitibi, Temiscamingue and also in the Quebec Appachian. M. Richer-LaFleche is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical information contained in this news release and has read the information contained herein.

In addition, the INRS team has several portable gas spectrometers and the sampling equipment and logistics necessary for taking gas samples and geophysical measurements on the ground or in the aquatic environment. He is a professional geologist registered with the Ordre des geologues du Quebec and is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical information contained in this news release and has read the information contained herein.

For more information about Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. and its products, please visit www.qimaterials.com.

About Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.

Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration, and development company dedicated to exploring and harnessing the potential of Canada's abundant resources. With properties in Ontario and Quebec, QIMC is focused on specializing in the exploration of white (natural) hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits, QIMC is committed to sustainable practices and innovation. With a focus on environmental stewardship and cutting-edge extraction technology, we aim to unlock the full potential of these materials to drive forward clean energy solutions to power the AI and carbon-neutral economy and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Quebec Innovative Materials' actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

Although Quebec Innovative Materials believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217616

SOURCE: Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Provenance Gold Corp. (CSE: PAU) (OTCQB: PVGDF) (the "Company" or "Provenance") is pleased to announce that it has commenced an Induced Polarization (IP) survey on its Eldorado Gold Project in Malheur County, Eastern Oregon. The IP survey (conducted by KLM Geoscience of Caliente, Nevada) will help locate fault structures that are believed to be important in controlling gold mineralization on the property. The IP will also be used to find areas that likely host stronger mineralization. The survey will coordinate with the planned core drilling program to ensure the core holes are located and oriented to maximize their value. The IP survey is expected to take approximately eight days to complete with results furnished to the Company in early August.

Rauno Perttu, Provenance's Chairman stated, "Our goal this year is to confirm key geological details of the property and to keep growing the gold system. We are working to demonstrate that the system is expansive much beyond exploration to date, and that it goes to a greater depth than previously recognized. We additionally plan to coordinate the IP survey and core drilling with more precise surface geological mapping and sampling. Unexplored parts of the property show extensive strong surface gold anomalies and signs of historic placer mining.

I believe the fact that most of the exploration to date is located where it is, is simply because erosion by water brought by ditches that were built by the historic placer miners created the main exposure of bedrock on the property, and that outcrop is strongly mineralized. That exposed mineralized outcrop attracted the attention of later geologists, who then drilled near the outcrop, rather than on some even stronger surface gold shows that are distant from the outcrop. We believe that this will be an exciting year of advancement for our Company."

Drilling Update

As per the Company's June 19th, 2024 news release, the drill rig was anticipated to mobilize July 9th, however due to various factors, including a large wildfire in the area that also delayed our IP program, drilling was rescheduled until the week of July 29th. The Company will issue a follow-up news release as soon as drilling has commenced.

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Jo Price, P.Geo., M.Sc., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Provenance Gold Corp.

On behalf of the Board,

Provenance Gold Corp.

Rauno Perttu, Chief Executive Officer

Safe Harbor Statement: Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its regulation services provider, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

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SOURCE: Provenance Gold Corp.
Will Anchor Governor J.B. Pritzker's Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park to be developed at the former US Steel South Works Site in the City of Chicago.

PsiQuantum today announced a far-reaching partnership with the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago to build the first US-based utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer at the former US Steel South Works property in the City of Chicago. Under this agreement PsiQuantum will anchor the newly established Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) which will catalyze the state's highly developed quantum ecosystem, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), the University of Chicago, the Chicago Quantum Exchange, Argonne and Fermi national labs and DARPA, the US Department of Defense's Advanced Research Project Agency and others.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725638752/en/

PsiQuantum's first US utility-scale quantum computer, anchoring the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Illinois state budget for the fiscal year 2025 includes $500M committed to the development of the Quantum Park, including $200M for the build-out of a Cryogenic Plant to serve the cooling needs for PsiQuantum and other potential users. PsiQuantum will be the anchor tenant of the site with its Quantum Computer Operations Center spanning over 300,000 square feet and additional acreage for future expansion. PsiQuantum has also agreed with the State, Cook County, and the City of Chicago to a comprehensive package of incentives totaling more than $500M over 30 years to enable the company to rapidly move towards the build-out and commissioning of the Quantum Computing Operations Center.

It is widely acknowledged that a utility-scale quantum computer will need on the order of 1 million qubits, a number necessary to achieve the critical threshold for quantum error correction. The commissioning of such a system will enable highly precise answers for computational problems that can never be solved by conventional computers. Illinois' critical industries including agriculture, pharma, energy, materials, financial services and manufacturing should all benefit significantly from these quantum computing capabilities.

"Quantum computers have held theoretical promise for decades, but it's infrastructure projects like the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park that are required to develop this technology and scale from hype to reality," said Prof. Jeremy O'Brien, PsiQuantum CEO co-founder. "Governor Pritzker and Illinois understand what's needed to unlock quantum computing's potential, and we're thrilled to partner with them and anchor the state's quantum strategy with the first utility-scale quantum computer in the United States at this iconic location"

Governor J.B. Pritzker has prioritized making Illinois a leader in quantum computing, with the state securing several federal grants and committing significant resources from its state budget to make Illinois a global leader in quantum, including the newly announced Quantum Proving Ground Initiative in partnership with DARPA which will bring $280M to the IQMP and support the development and validation of utility scale quantum computing technologies and systems.

"Considering the endless potential quantum computing technology holds, it is crucial that we commit to quantum partnerships, research, and infrastructure across our nation," said Governor J.B. Pritzker. "In Illinois, we're leading the charge with this first-of-its-kind quantum park to unite stakeholders, experts, and future generations of quantum leaders. I'm grateful that PsiQuantum will be our anchor tenant as we launch this exciting collaboration to create the jobs of the future, and PsiQuantum choosing Chicago cements our status as a global hub for quantum computing."

"PsiQuantum's investment in the City of Chicago is a groundbreaking leap into the future, making our city the proud home of America's first utility-scale quantum computer," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "This monumental project will revolutionize the fields of medicine and clean energy, creating countless jobs and driving economic growth. Together, we are ushering in a new era of innovation, equity and sustainability for the South Side, solidifying Chicago's place as a global hub for technological advancement."

To bolster the Quantum Park and help build an even stronger quantum ecosystem, PsiQuantum will partner with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago and Northwestern University to collaborate on research projects and explore opportunities to develop educational programs in quantum applications. PsiQuantum's operations in Chicago will create at least 150 jobs in the next five years and will be critical in developing a strong workforce that includes not only PhDs in quantum physics, but careers in mechanical, optical, and electrical engineering; software development; and technical lab work.

"We're excited to be partnering with PsiQuantum and the Governor's office to make the IQMP the leading quantum computing hub in the world," said University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones. "The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign along with our other university partners will be working closely with PsiQuantum in the build-out of the cryogenic plant that will support the first US-based utility-scale quantum computer. This collaboration with the PsiQuantum team will bolster Illinois' quantum workforce and scale this technology into a new quantum reality."

PsiQuantum's headquarters are in Palo Alto, California, with research and development sites in San Jose, CA; Malta, NY; and Daresbury, UK. The company has longstanding partnerships with various U.S. government agencies, including DARPA through its US2QC program, the Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL), and the U.S. Department of Energy.

In April 2024, the Australian Commonwealth and Queensland governments announced a $620 million USD financial package for PsiQuantum to build the first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer in Brisbane, Australia. PsiQuantum's plans in Australia remain unchanged and the company recently announced new partnerships with top academic institutions in Queensland and growing operations in Brisbane.

PsiQuantum is pursuing an aggressive plan to deliver useful quantum computers on the fastest path possible. We will continue to work with our commercial and government customers around the globe to ensure they're ready with transformative applications that will deliver on the promise of quantum computing.

About PsiQuantum:

PsiQuantum was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. The company's mission is to build and deploy the world's first useful, fault-tolerant quantum computing systems. PsiQuantum's photonic approach enables it to leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and existing cryogenic infrastructure to rapidly scale its systems. Learn more at www.psiquantum.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725638752/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Alex Mack Director, Marketing Communications

amack@psiquantum.com

media@psiquantum.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Providence St. Joseph Hospital Performs World's First Spine Surgery Using eCential Robotics' Open Spine Robot, with Spineart Compatible Implants

ORANGE, Calif. July 25, 2024 - Providence St. Joseph Hospital announced it has successfully performed the world's first robotic spinal surgery using a new open spine platform by eCential Roboticsto implant a Spineartmedical device.

eCential Robotics, a surgical robotics company which developed the open surgical platform and Spineart, a leader in spine surgery innovation, are collaborators in a new age of open technology sharing that allows cross-functional use of implantation devices and robotic surgical platforms.

"In our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in patient care, we were eager to utilize the solutions provided by Spineart and eCential," said Erick Westbroek*, M.D., Providence St. Joseph spinal surgeon. "The integration of Spineart's advanced implant system with eCential's open robotic platform will enable us to perform minimally invasive surgeries with high predictability, reproducibility and outcomes."

Providence St. Joseph Hospital has become the first clinical institution in the world to be equipped with the state-of-the-art robot, and the recent surgeries are the first in the United States to be used successfully in conjunction with Spineart implants.

"St. Joseph Hospital has built a strong reputation for world-class surgical care, and our patients often travel from far and wide to seek treatment and care from our stellar spine and orthopedic surgeons, who are armed with cutting-edge technology," said Brian Helleland, chief executive of Providence St. Joseph Hospital and the Orange County/High Desert area. "These advances provide yet another sophisticated platform for our surgeons to do what they do best."

"We are thrilled to announce the installation of this state-of-the-art robot at St. Joseph Hospital," said Jerome Trividic, CEO of Spineart. "We believe this advancement will greatly benefit our customers, hospitals, surgeons, and patients by enhancing surgical precision and improving patient outcomes."

St. Joseph's surgical cases for eCential Robotics are a first-in-human use of its unified robotic technology, as well as the start of eCential operations in the US. It also marks the introduction of cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of surgeons and patients worldwide.

"We are pleased to see the adoption of our technology in the US," Clement Vidal, CEO of eCential Robotics. "There is strong interest and momentum for our open solution because it allows surgeons to select the optimal implant system for each patient while providing financial advantages to hospitals. Our platform is described as the smartphone of surgical robots."

###

About Providence St. Joseph Hospital

Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California is a nationally recognized, 463-bed, not-for-profit Catholic hospital founded in 1929 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission and designated as a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, St. Joseph Hospital's reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate, family-centered care draws patients from all over the United States. St. Joseph Hospital is part of Providence, a health system serving in 52 hospitals with a comprehensive range of services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. For more information visit:providence.org/stjoseph.

About Spineart

Spineart is a global fast-growing company in spine surgery innovation, dedicated to accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies for surgeons and hospitals worldwide for the benefit of their patients. Renowned for its commitment to Quality, Innovation, and Simplicity, Spineart continues to push the boundaries of spinal surgery with its comprehensive portfolio of procedural solutions and digital technologies. Spineart was awarded the "Prix de l'Economie Genevoise 2022" for its contribution to technological and scientific innovations, commercial activities, job creations and ESG principles.

Please visit www.spineart.com and follow on LinkedIn. For media inquiries or further information, please contact press@spineart.com



About eCential Robotics

eCential Robotics is a French and US-based company, founded by Stephane Lavallee and part of the Grenoble Haventure network, specializing in surgical robotics. It has developed an open, unified yet modular and scalable 2D/3D imaging, navigation, and robotic platform aiming to improve bone surgery outcomes. With more than 100 patents and 7 trademarks, eCential Robotics is pursuing a disruptive innovation strategy, enabling third parties to integrate their implants with the platform and develop surgical Apps in its ecosystem. Thanks to multiple partnerships already established with implant manufacturers, tech companies, and research labs, eCential Robotics is positioned as a leader in the fast-growing surgical robotics market and aspires to become the world leader in open robotic platforms.

Please visit www.ecential-robotics.com and follow on LinkedIn (eCential Robotics)

Media contact Investor relations

Matthieu VILLE Benjamin COLAS

matthieu.ville@ecential-robotics.com benjamin.colas@ecential-robotics.com

* Dr. Erick Westbroek is a paid consultant of Spineart. His statements represent his own opinions based on personal experience and are not necessarily those of Spineart.
Faraday Copper Corp. ("Faraday" or the "Company") (TSX:FDY)(OTCQX:CPPKF) is pleased to announce the results of an additional four drill holes from its ongoing Phase III drill program at the Copper Creek Project, located in Arizona, U.S. ("Copper Creek"). Drilling to date, as part of this program in the American Eagle area, has demonstrated the continuity in near-surface mineralization.

Paul Harbidge, President and CEO, commented "The ongoing drilling success at the American Eagle area, which is situated above the underground resource, increases our confidence that there is significant near-surface mineralization present. This could support an increase in the open pit resource of the project. It is particularly encouraging that we are encountering wide intervals of mineralization above our resource cutoff grade1, which are open in all directions. Drilling continues in the area with a focus on testing previously undrilled breccias, including the Banjo, Jailhouse, and Giuseppe breccias, which we expect to drill test over the coming months."

Highlights

At the Prada breccia, drill hole FCD-24-069 demonstrates that near-surface mineralization is present and confirms the potential for resource growth.

Intersected 29.08 metres ("m") at 0.62% copper and 1.14 gram per tonne ("g/t") silver from 145.69 m in drill hole FCD-24-069 at the Prada breccia. This intercept is within a 190.25 m at 0.23% copper and 0.66 g/t silver from 15.00 m.

Three additional drill holes in the American Eagle area intersected near-surface, early halo vein mineralization outside of breccias.

Current drilling is focused on expanding the near-surface mineralization in the American Eagle area including the Banjo, Jailhouse and Giuseppe breccias (Figure 1).

(For true width information see Table 1.)

The American Eagle area, as mapped on surface, covers approximately 800 m by 1,000 m and is a host to numerous prospective breccias and porphyries which have strong copper geochemical signatures. These surface expressions are located above the large underground porphyry resource, which is approximately 500 m to 1,100 m depth below surface. Historically, the near-surface mineralization was not adequately tested as previous drilling was vertical to steeply inclined. Mapped geology, isolated historical drill intercepts and historical small-scale mining highlight the potential for near-surface mineralization. The Company has reported a total of six drill holes, which provide a broad framework of the geology, structure, alteration and mineralization of this area (for drill holes not reported herein, refer to news release dated June 25, 2024). The assay results confirm the potential for significant near-surface copper mineralization, which could lead to open pit resource growth.

Drill hole FCD-24-069 was collared approximately 100 m to the southeast of American Eagle and drilled to the southwest, testing the Prada breccia (Figures 1, 2, and 3). The hole drilled igneous cemented breccia for the first 13 m and then entered hydrothermal breccia to 220 m. Granodiorite dominates to the end of the hole at 324 m with a breccia domain included from 274 m to 300 m. Chalcopyrite occurs together with pyrite in breccia cement. Alteration associated with breccia is sericite with some tourmaline, overprinting earlier moderate potassic alteration which affects the host granodiorite.

Drill hole FCD-24-068 was collared near the American Eagle breccia and drilled to the north (Figures 1 and 3). It intersected largely granodiorite from surface to 152 m and porphyry to 273 m, and then re-entered granodiorite. Chalcopyrite mineralization is hosted in early halo veins from 95 m to the end of the hole. Dominant alteration is potassic with a sericite overprint.

Drill hole FCD-24-067 was collared near the American Eagle breccia and drilled to the northwest, targeting zones of high vein abundance mapped at surface and ending near the Courthouse breccia (Figures 1 and 3). It intersected granodiorite from surface to 162 m, followed by a zone of igneous cemented breccia and porphyry to 285 m, the remainder intersected granodiorite. Hydrothermal breccia was limited to two short intervals at 285 m and 355 m. Mineralization is hosted in early halo veins and associated with potassic alteration. Sericite and kaolinite overprint is observed throughout the hole.

Drill hole FCD-24-066A was collared near the American Eagle breccia and drilled steeply to the northwest (Figures 1 and 3). It targeted mineralization adjacent to the historical underground workings at American Eagle, where approximately 54,000 metric tonnes at 3.78% copper were extracted from a series of narrow stopes to 90 m depth (Higgins, 1911)2. Underground workings were encountered from 77 m to 79 m. The hole intersected granodiorite with short domains of porphyry. Igneous cemented breccia with variable hydrothermal overprint occurs from 125 m to 128 m and 135 m to 141 m. Mineralization occurs dominantly as chalcopyrite with pyrite in veinlets and is associated with moderate sericite-kaolinite alteration with local occurrence of tourmaline.

Next Steps

Phase III drilling continues and is focused on three objectives:

Reconnaissance and follow-up drilling on new targets;

Expanding the Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"); and

Better delineating high-grade mineralized zones.

The current focus of drilling is on near-surface mineralization in the American Eagle area. The drill holes reported herein, and holes FCD-24-064 and FCD-24-065, reported previously (news release dated June 25, 2024), have demonstrated the potential for an open pit resource to be defined.

As part of the Phase III program, 36 drill holes have been completed and results for 32 have been released. Fifteen holes were drilled in the Bald-American Eagle area, thirteen in Area 51, three in the Copper Prince - Copper Giant area, three near the Old Reliable breccia and two in the Titan breccia. The assay results for additional completed drill holes will be released as they are received, analyzed and confirmed by the Company.

Figure 1: Plan View Showing Surface Geology and Location of Drill Holes

Note: The open pit shell is based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the report titled "Copper Creek Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment" with an effective date of May 3, 2023 (the "Technical Report") available on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Figure 2: Section Showing Drill Hole FCD-24-069

Figure 3: Isometric View Showing Holes Drilled at the American Eagle Area

Notes: Drill holes FDY-24-064 and FDY-24-065 were reported in a news release dated June 25, 2024. The open pit shells and underground footprint are based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the Technical Report available on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Table 1: Selected Drill Results

Drill Hole ID From To Length True Width Cu Au Ag Mo (m) (m) (m) (m) (%) (g/t) (g/t) (%) FCD-24-069 15.00 205.25 190.25 95 0.23 0.01 0.66 0.0010 including 145.69 174.77 29.08 15 0.62 0.01 1.14 0.0019 FCD-24-068 95.00 187.10 92.10 92 0.21 N/A 0.77 0.0008 and 210.00 309.20 99.20 99 0.24 N/A 0.68 0.0011 including 246.58 258.34 11.76 11 0.40 N/A 1.09 0.0012 and including 281.57 291.39 9.82 9 0.40 N/A 1.09 0.0008 FCD-24-067 27.28 81.42 54.14 54 0.15 N/A 0.66 0.0005 and 113.65 127.59 13.86 13 0.18 N/A 0.47 0.0007 and 273.20 287.42 14.22 14 0.22 N/A 0.47 0.0015 and 344.64 391.50 46.86 46 0.16 N/A 0.64 0.0009 FCD-24-066A 94.37 150.97 58.60 58 0.22 N/A 0.87 0.0009

Note: All intercepts are reported as downhole drill widths. Mineralization includes bulk porphyry style and breccia mineralization. True widths are approximate due to the irregular shape of mineralized domains. N/A: Not analyzed.

Table 2: Collar Locations from the Drill Holes Reported Herein

Drill Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Target Depth Depth (m) () () (ft) (m) FCD-24-069 549,123 3,623,273 1295 215 60 Prada breccia 987.6 324.00 FCD-24-068 549,031 3,623,346 1287 355 65 American Eagle north 1,010.4 331.50 FCD-24-067 549,031 3,623,346 1287 325 45 American Eagle north 1,599.7 524.84 FCD-24-066A 549,031 3,623,346 1287 320 65 American Eagle 461.8 151.50

Note: Coordinates are given as World Geodetic System 84, Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 12 north (WGS84, UTM12N).

Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance

All sampling was conducted under the supervision of the Company's geologists and the chain of custody from Copper Creek to the independent sample preparation facility, ALS Laboratories in Tucson, AZ, was continuously monitored. The samples were taken as  core, over 2 m core length. Samples were crushed, pulverized and sample pulps were analyzed using industry standard analytical methods including a 4-Acid ICP-MS multielement package and an ICP-AES method for high-grade copper samples. Gold was analyzed on a 30 g aliquot by fire assay with an ICP-AES finish. A certified reference sample was inserted every 20th sample. Coarse and fine blanks were inserted every 20th sample. Approximately 5% of the core samples were cut into  core and submitted as field duplicates. On top of internal QA-QC protocol, additional blanks, reference materials and duplicates were inserted by the analytical laboratory according to their procedure. Data verification of the analytical results included a statistical analysis of the standards and blanks that must pass certain parameters for acceptance to ensure accurate and verifiable results.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Faraday's VP Exploration, Dr. Thomas Bissig, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Footnotes and Reference

1 Copper cutoff grade is as presented in the report titled "Copper Creek Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment" with an effective date of May 3, 2023 available on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

2 Higgins, E., 1911: Copper Creek basin, Arizona: The Engineering and Mining Journal, vol. 91, p.270-273.

About Faraday Copper

Faraday Copper is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing its flagship copper project in Arizona, U.S. The Copper Creek Project is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in North America with significant district scale exploration potential. The Company is well-funded to deliver on its key milestones and benefits from a management team and board of directors with senior mining company experience and expertise. Faraday trades on the TSX under the symbol "FDY".

For additional information please contact:

Stacey Pavlova, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications

Faraday Copper Corp.

E-mail: info@faradaycopper.com

Website: www.faradaycopper.com

To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the Faraday website at www.faradaycopper.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Faraday to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the exploration potential of the Copper Creek property and the likelihood of the Company increasing the resource on the Copper Creek Project.

Although Faraday believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include without limitation: market prices for metals; the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses; lower than expected grades and quantities of mineral resources; receipt of regulatory approval; receipt of shareholder approval; mining rates and recovery rates; significant capital requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for commodities; fluctuations in rates of exchange; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which Faraday does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous peoples and other groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements, including those associated with the Copper Creek property; and uncertainties with respect to any future acquisitions by Faraday. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks as well as "Risk Factors" included in Faraday's disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedarplus.ca.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an offering memorandum, an advertisement or a public offering of securities in Faraday in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada or in the United States has reviewed or in any way passed upon this press release, and any representation to the contrary is an offence.

SOURCE: Faraday Copper Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
COPENHAGEN, Denmark , July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carlsberg has created a brand new beer, using drought resistant fonio crops, in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery.

The Fonio beer is created using Carlsberg yeast and fonio grains, without the use of any bittering hops or barley, demonstrating what can be achieved when new brewing techniques and ingredients meet curiosity, a mindset that has been at the forefront of everything Carlsberg has done since it opened the brewery doors in 1847.

The new Fonio beer was brewed in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery as part of its 'Brewing for Impact' campaign. The campaign was launched by Brooklyn Brewmaster, Garrett Oliver, to celebrate 30 years with the Brewery. Its aim is to spotlight the ancient West African grain and its untapped brewing potential and ability to drive positive change in the industry.

The resulting limited-edition lager, brewed in the Carlsberg Research Laboratory, is clean, with soft aromas of apricots, white peaches, and melon with an underlying sweetness and lingering bitterness giving a vibrant and delicate finish.

The unique Fonio bottle design was created by Kevin Bongang, a commercial muralist, designer and painter who was born in Cameroon, West Africa, with each of the bottles of Fonio beer having a unique section of the artwork included on the iconic Carlsberg hop leaf.

Zoran Gojkovic, Director of Brewing Science & Technology, Carlsberg said, "Carlsberg is constantly working to invigorate curiosity and I firmly believe that all progress in the world starts with a spark of curiosity. When Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery, approached me to discuss what we could create with fonio, the first thing I thought was why has no one made a beer that is completely fonio? Pairing this innovative brew with such a unique menu, created by an incredible chef, demonstrates the potential of this grain. Not only for the beer industry, but beyond."

To launch the new brew, Carlsberg has teamed up with Michelin starred chef, Adejoke Bakare of London's Chishuru restaurant to create a unique five course tasting menu, showcasing the lager's impressive pairing capabilities whilst paying homage to fonio's West African roots.

Carlsberg's Fonio beer will be available in limited quantities from the Home of Carlsberg in Copenhagen from August.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2469083/Carlsberg.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/carlsberg-and-brooklyn-brewery-launch-first-ever-lager-where-all-barley-is-replaced-with-drought-resistant-fonio-grain-302206501.html
As Chairman of the Board, Alter will help EDITED shape the future of retail.

EDITED, the leading global retail intelligence platform, today announces that Michael Alter has been appointed the new Chairman of the Board. In this role, Alter will help lead the data-driven tech company through its next phase of growth.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725284338/en/

Michael Alter, EDITED's Chairman of the Board (Photo: Business Wire)

Alter has a rich and diverse background in entrepreneurship and business leadership. His career spans various industries across SaaS software, from technology and ecommerce to payments and telemedicine.

"We are very fortunate to have Michael join the EDITED team. His wealth of experience in the SaaS software world, both as a board member and advisor, as well as a very successful business operator, will be invaluable to us as we continue to push down our growth path. I'm looking forward to working closely with him to drive our continued success," said Doug Kofoid, CEO at EDITED.

Michael Alter stated, "I am honored to take on this role and join the company at such an exciting time of innovation and growth. I'm excited to work more closely with the Board and the wider EDITED team as we continue to develop excellent solutions for the retail industry."

Alter's practical experience and invaluable insights will help drive EDITED's continued evolution and momentum as a leader in retail technology.

About EDITED:

EDITED is the world's leading AI-powered retail intelligence platform that empowers brands and retailers with real-time insights and actionable recommendations around assortment, pricing, inventory, and site merchandising. We help retailers drive better business outcomes by providing a holistic view that is market-informed, profit-aware, and customer-centric. The world's most successful brands and retailers use EDITED's platform to get closer to their best customers and future-proof their business.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725284338/en/

Contacts:

Press@edited.com
Ucore Rare Metals Inc. announces:

The execution of a memorandum of understanding ("MOU") with Cyclic Materials for the future supply of recycled mixed rare earth oxide ("rMREO"): trial quantities to support its rare earth demonstration program at its RapidSX Commercialization and Demonstration Facility in Kingston, Ontario as an intended long-term source for Ucore's developing commercial rare earth element separation and oxide production plants across the United States and Canada



Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) ("Ucore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of prerequisite conditions to announce the execution of a February 2024, non-binding memorandum of understanding ("MOU") with Cyclic Materials ("Cyclic") for the future supply of recycled mixed rare earth oxides ("rMREO").

Figure 1 - The two Canadian companies' demonstration facilities, Cyclic Materials' Hub100 and Ucore's RapidSX CDF, are side-by-side in Kingston, Ontario

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1119/217640_bc616a52b4da0acf_001full.jpg

The companies will work together toward determining the potential of a long-term supply agreement, starting with Cyclic Materials supplying trial quantities of rMREO to Ucore's RapidSX Commercialization Demonstration Plant. This project received $4.28 million[i] in contribution funding from Natural Resources Canada's ("NRCan") Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration Program ("CMRDD"). This funding was announced on February 5, 2024, with the goal of processing rare earth materials through Ucore's RapidSX Commercialization and Demonstration Facility ("CDF") in Kingston, Ontario. The ultimate objective of the MOU is to qualify Cyclic Materials' product in Ucore's process and ensure Ucore's developing North American commercial rare earth oxide production output includes North American recycled content from Cyclic Materials, as Cyclic's capacities scale.

Mike Schrider, P.E., Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Ucore, stated: "Ucore is very pleased to be working with Cyclic Materials on our rare earth demonstration project and as a potential long-term supply partner of our developing commercial rare earth oxide production facilities. Ucore and Cyclic Materials offer a complete Canadian technology solution to alter North America's rare earth supply chain dependence, and we are very pleased to have NRCan's support as we demonstrate these two transformative technologies working together in Kingston, Ontario."

Kunal Phalpher, SVP Corporate Development - Cyclic Materials - "Cyclic Materials roots are in Ontario, and we are very pleased to have this opportunity to support Ucore's project with NRCan as we advance and commercialize our technology. We look forward to contributing to this project to support the development of a domestic supply chain for rare earth elements and magnets required for the energy transition."

# # #

About Ucore Rare Metals Inc.

Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore's vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry.

Through strategic partnerships, this plan includes disrupting the People's Republic of China's control of the North American REE supply chain through the near-term establishment of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the U.S. State of Louisiana, subsequent Strategic Metal Complexes in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore's 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, USA.

Ucore is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "UCU" and in the United States on the OTC Markets' OTCQX Best Market under the ticker symbol "UURAF."

For further information, please visit www.ucore.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this release (other than statements of historical facts) that address future business development, technological development and/or acquisition activities (including any related required financings), timelines, events, or developments that the Company is pursuing are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance or results, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

Regarding any disclosure in the press release above about the US Department of Defense or the Government of Canada Programs and the expected successful progress and resulting milestone payments from these Programs, the Company has assumed that the Programs (including each of their milestones) will be completed satisfactorily. For additional risks and uncertainties regarding the Company, the CDF, the Demo Plant, and ongoing Programs (generally), see the risk disclosure in the Company's MD&A for Q1-2024 (filed on SEDAR on May 28, 2024) (www.sedarplus.ca) as well as the risks described below.

Regarding the disclosure above in the "About Ucore Rare Metals Inc." section, the Company has assumed that it will be able to procure or retain additional partners and/or suppliers, in addition to Innovation Metals Corp. ("IMC"), as suppliers for Ucore's expected future Strategic Metals Complexes ("SMCs"). Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be found to complete the Demo Plant demonstration schedule and also later prepare a new National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") technical report that demonstrates that the Bokan Mountain Rare Earth Element project ("Bokan") is feasible and economically viable for the production of both REE and co-product metals and the then prevailing market prices based upon assumed customer offtake agreements. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be secured to continue the development of the specific engineering plans for the SMCs and their construction. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, without limitation: IMC failing to protect its intellectual property rights in RapidSX RapidSX failing to demonstrate commercial viability in large commercial-scale applications; Ucore not being able to procure additional key partners or suppliers for the SMCs; Ucore not being able to raise sufficient funds to fund the specific design and construction of the SMCs and/or the continued development of RapidSX adverse capital-market conditions; unexpected due-diligence findings; the emergence of alternative superior metallurgy and metal-separation technologies; the inability of Ucore and/or IMC to retain its key staff members; a change in the legislation in Louisiana or Alaska and/or in the support expressed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority ("AIDEA") regarding the development of Bokan; the availability and procurement of any required interim and/or long-term financing that may be required; and general economic, market or business conditions.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined by the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CONTACTS

Mr. Michael Schrider, P.E., Ucore Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for the content of this news release and may be contacted at 1.902.482.5214.

For additional information, please contact:

[i] The NRCan CMRDD contribution agreement includes total eligible expenditures of $4,275,848 to be reimbursed to Ucore out of the total Project Budget of $8,308,441.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217640

SOURCE: Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Signal Gold Inc. ("Signal Gold" or the "Company") (TSX:SGNL)(OTCQB:SGNLF) today announces that it will transition to the OTC Market's Group Inc.'s OTCQB Venture Market (the "OTCQB") in the United States and will cease trading on the OTCQX effective at the close of market on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The Company opted to the transition to the OTCQB as it no longer met the minimum bid requirements required on the OTCQX platform. The Company's common shares will on the OTCQB under the same symbol "SGNLF" and will continue to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SGNL".

The OTCQB is operated by the OTC Markets Group and is recognized as an "established public market" by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OTC Markets Group operates financial markets for 12,000 US and global securities, which enhances accessibility to the US capital market for development-stage international companies.

ABOUT SIGNAL GOLD

Signal Gold is advancing the Goldboro Gold Project in Nova Scotia, a significant growth project subject to a positive Feasibility Study which demonstrates an approximately 11-year open pit life of mine with average gold production of 100,000 ounces per annum and an average diluted grade of 2.26 grams per tonne gold. (Please see the 'NI 43-101 Technical Report and Feasibility Study for the Goldboro Gold Project, Eastern Goldfields District, Nova Scotia' on January 11, 2022, for further details). On August 3, 2022, the Goldboro Project received its environmental assessment approval from the Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Climate Change, a significant regulatory milestone, and the Company has now submitted all key permits including the Industrial Approval, Fisheries Act Authorization and Schedule 2 Amendment, and the Mining and Crown Land Leases. The Goldboro Project has significant potential for further Mineral Resource expansion, particularly towards the west along strike and at depth, and the Company has consolidated 28,525 hectares (~285 km2) of prospective exploration land in the Goldboro Gold District.

This news release has been reviewed and approved by Kevin Bullock, P. Eng., President and CEO with Signal Gold Inc., a "Qualified Person", under National Instrument 43-101 Standard for Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Signal Gold Inc.

Kevin Bullock

President and CEO

(647) 388-1842

kbullock@signalgold.com Reseau ProMarket Inc.

Dany Cenac Robert

Investor Relations

(514) 722-2276 x456

Dany.Cenac-Robert@ReseauProMarket.com

SOURCE: Signal Gold Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The studies presented this week at the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery (SNIS) underline the company's rigorous evidence-based approach to developing and validating novel AI solutions that can help to optimize patient care across stroke networks.

OXFORD, England and CHICAGO, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brainomix, a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) imaging solutions, announced new data from studies that were presented this week at the US-based Society of Neurointerventional Surgery's (SNIS) Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs. The latest research, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, West Virginia University, and Boston Medical Center, highlighted some of the cutting-edge, AI-enabled technology that the Oxford-based company has developed within its pipeline for the Brainomix 360 Stroke platform, representing groundbreaking capabilities that will enable physicians to extract maximal value from universally available non-contrast CT scans across stroke networks.

The FDA-cleared Brainomix 360 Stroke platform is powered by state-of-the-art AI algorithms that provide real-time interpretation of brain scans to aid treatment and transfer decisions for stroke patients, with the aim of enabling more patients to receive the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time.

Dr Michalis Papadakis, CEO and Co-Founder of Brainomix, said: "The studies presented this week at SNIS symbolize our ongoing commitment to scientific excellence and reflect the successful partnerships that we have forged with leading academic institutions across the United States to jointly explore the frontiers of stroke AI imaging. Together we are identifying exciting opportunities that may expand the capabilities of physicians to better manage stroke patients across all levels of stroke networks with our technology."

Dr Ansaar Rai, Professor and Chair, Department of Neuroradiology & Neurointerventional Surgery, West Virginia University, said: "The studies presented this week at SNIS highlight the clinical value of the Brainomix 360 Stroke platform, particularly relating to the e-ASPECTS and Triage Stroke algorithms that assess non-contrast CT scans, which are universally available to all stroke centers across the US. The results indicate that these algorithms generate clinically relevant results for frontline stroke physicians that could help them to better manage stroke patients eligible for mechanical thrombectomy across all centers within a network."

Key studies presented at SNIS included:

"AI Derived Clot Characteristics Predict Recanalization Success in Large Vessel Acute Stroke Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy" was a research collaboration between Brainomix and West Virginia University in which baseline non-contrast CT (NCCT) scans from patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) were analyzed with Brainomix 360 e-ASPECTS to identify hyperdense clots and quantify their length. The results showed that clot biomarkers from NCCT are predictors of successful recanalization and could facilitate the planning of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) procedures.

"Large Vessel Occlusion Detection in Acute Ischemic Stroke Using Non-Contrast CT" was a multisite collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, West Virginia University, and Boston Medical Center validating Triage Stroke as a reliable tool for LVO detection. The authors concluded that when coupled with clinical information such as NIHSS, the tool may help centers to identify thrombectomy candidates, especially those with constrained resources and basic imaging.

"How Dark Is Too Dark? Using Net-Water Uptake to Predict Futile Recanalization Following Mechanical Thrombectomy" was another multisite collaboration, this one between the Mayo Clinic, West Virginia University and Brainomix. Ischemic core volume and depth of hypoattenuation using Net Water Uptake (NWU) were quantified from baseline CT scans using Brainomix 360 e-ASPECTS, with results showing that NWU extracted automatically from routine imaging may help identify patients at risk of futile recanalization - especially those with large cores.

About Brainomix

Brainomix specializes in the creation of AI-powered software solutions to enable precision medicine for better treatment decisions in stroke and lung fibrosis. With origins as a spin-out from the University of Oxford, Brainomix is an expanding commercial-stage company with offices in the UK, Ireland and the USA, and operations in more than 30 countries. A private company, backed by leading healthtech investors, Brainomix has innovated award-winning imaging biomarkers and software solutions that have been clinically adopted in hundreds of hospitals worldwide. Its first product, the Brainomix 360 stroke platform, provides clinicians with the most comprehensive stroke imaging solution, driving increased treatment rates and improving functional independence for patients.

To learn more about Brainomix and its technology visit www.brainomix.com, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contacts

Jeff Wyrtzen, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer

jwyrtzen@brainomix.com

M +44 (0)7927 164210

T +44 (0)1865 582730

Media enquiries

Charles Consultants

Sue Charles

Sue@charles-consultants.com

M +44 (0)7968 726585

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1989193/3856380/Brainomix_Logo.jpg

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Jakarta, Indonesia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Indonesia's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) reported a dramatic increase in dividend payments to the government in 2023, reflecting the success of recent reforms aimed at improving efficiency and profitability in the public sector.

Dividends from state-owned companies more than doubled to 81 trillion rupiah (about US$5.2 billion) in the 2023 fiscal year, a 102.1% increase from the previous year, according to Erick Thohir, Indonesia's Minister of State-Owned Enterprises. Speaking at a parliamentary hearing on 10 July, Mr Thohir said that when combined with taxes and other non-tax payments, state-owned enterprises contributed 21.9% of Indonesia's total fiscal receipts for the year, up from 15% in 2022.

The improved financial performance comes after several years of organisational and governance reforms introduced by the ministry. These changes included establishing sector-focused holding companies, implementing stronger oversight mechanisms and concentrating resources on activities with the greatest economic impact.

"Creating more competitive SOEs with stronger financial performances required the consolidation and rationalisation of existing SOEs so we could streamline operations and reduce redundancies," said Minister Erick Thohir. "At the same time, we implemented a wider restructuring of the ministry to improve governance structures."

Indonesia's largest state-owned enterprises, including the national oil company Pertamina, state-owned mining company MIND ID, and two major banks, Bank Rakyat Indonesia and Bank Mandiri, reported combined profits of 215 trillion rupiah (US$13.2 billion) in 2023.

The reforms have also enabled global partnerships in various sectors. Pertamina NRE, a renewables subsidiary of Pertamina, has partnered with UAE-based Masdar to develop solar and wind power plants. The ministry also recently secured an investment commitment of up to US$3 billion from Eagle Hills, a subsidiary of UAE's Emaar Properties, to enhance Indonesia's tourism destinations and airport logistics.

Despite the improved performance, the government continues to provide budget support for selected state-owned enterprises. At the 10 July hearing, parliament approved 44.2 trillion rupiah (US$2.7 billion) in capital injections for fiscal year 2025, primarily to fund strategic projects with significant economic and social impact.

Over the past five years, Indonesia's state-owned enterprises have paid a total of 280 trillion rupiah (US$17.2 billion) in dividends to the government. During the same period, the government has injected 218 trillion rupiah (US$13.4 billion) into selected companies to fund priority national projects, including village electrification programmes, and infrastructure development, including the trans Sumatra toll road and the light rail transit (LRT).

"The Ministry of SOEs and all state-owned enterprises are committed to continuing this transformation process while ensuring that capital provided by the Indonesian government will be invested optimally to advance prosperity for Indonesia and its people," added Minister Erick Thohir.

######

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217611

SOURCE: Access Partnership
Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Established gold producer Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) (OTCQB: AGLDF) ("Austral" or the "Company") advises that its subsidiary Austral Gold Canada Limited ("AGCL") and the Company's largest shareholder, Inversiones Financieras del Sur SA Sociedad Anonima (IFISA), have entered into a share purchase agreement dated July 24, 2024 (the "Agreement"). This Agreement provides for a transaction substantially similar to a share sale transaction conducted by AGCL in late June, 2024, in which AGCL sold Unico Shares (defined below) to two of the Company's Directors.

AGCL currently owns a total of 28,329,814 common shares ("Unico Shares") in the capital of Unico Silver Limited ("Unico"). Unico is a publicly traded Australian company and the Unico Shares are listed on the ASX.

Under the Agreement, AGCL has agreed to sell 8,139,023 of its Unico Shares to IFISA. The price for these Unico Shares is to be the greater of:

a) A$0.1863 per share, which is equal to the five-day volume weighted average price (VWAP) for Unico Shares on the ASX for the five-trading day period ended 24 July, 2024, and

b) an amount equal to the closing price on the trading day immediately prior to the Closing Date.

As IFISA is the Company's largest shareholder, this transaction is a 'related party transaction" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101, Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101), as well as TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9, and is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. However, the transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of these regulatory instruments because the fair market value of the Unico Shares being sold to IFISA, together with the fair market value of the Unico Shares previously sold to the Company's two Directors on 25 June 2024, is less than 25% of the Company's market capitalization, and it is exempt from the ASX shareholder approval requirement because the transaction does not constitute the sale of a substantial asset under ASX Listing Rule 10.1. However, completion of the transaction remains subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

The Agreement and the sale of these Unico Shares has been approved by the Board of Directors of AGCL and by the independent directors of the Company. Mr. Eduardo Elsztain and Mr. Saul Zang, both of whom are members of the Company's Board of Directors, are also shareholders of IFISA and both abstained from the discussion and vote on the resolution approving this transaction. The independent directors are of the view that the Agreement is on terms that would be reasonable - or better than - if AGCL and IFISA were dealing at arm's length. In particular the independent directors noted that the sale price for the Unico Shares is determined by ASX's independent market pricing reflecting unrelated third party trading activity. Upon completion of this transaction, AGCL intends to use the net proceeds of approximately A$1,516,300 (approximately US$1,000,000/CDN$1,381,000) as general working capital in the Company's operations.

There is no finder's fee for the transaction.

About Austral Gold

Austral Gold is a growing gold and silver mining producer building a portfolio of quality assets in the Americas based on three strategic pillars: production, exploration and equity investments. Austral continues to lay the foundation for its growth strategy by advancing its attractive portfolio of producing and exploration assets.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.australgold.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.

Release approved by the Company's Chief Executive Officer of Austral Gold, Stabro Kasaneva. For additional information please contact:

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include the timing of the Closing of this transaction and Austral continues to lay the foundation for its growth strategy by advancing its attractive portfolio of producing and exploration assets.

All of these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets especially in light of the effects of the novel coronavirus, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral resources and reserves and other risks and hazards related to the exploration of a mineral property, and the availability of capital. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statement

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217627

SOURCE: Austral Gold Limited
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Great Pacific Gold Corp. ("Great Pacific Gold," "GPAC," or the "Company") (TSXV: GPAC) (OTCQX: FSXLF) (Germany: 4TU) is pleased to announce the appointment of seasoned mining executive Mr. Greg McCunn as Chief Executive Officer and director of the Company.



Mr. McCunn, a Professional Engineer, has more than 30 years of experience in the international mining sector and an established track record operationally. Mr. McCunn has worked within large mining organizations such as Placer Dome and Teck but has also led multiple junior mining companies from exploration success through the transition to project development, permitting, financing, construction and operations. As an executive, he has had a leadership role putting mines into production on three different continents.

In addition to Mr. McCunn's strong operational and technical focus, his financial acumen and capital markets ability is proven, and as an executive he has raised over $600 million in equity and debt financing from US and Canadian capital markets. He has also completed over $ 1 billion in merger and acquisitions transactions and has been the Chief Executive Officer of several NYSE and TSX companies including Alio Gold and Galiano Gold. Mr. McCunn holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and has had more than a decade of experience in the mining sector as a Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. McCunn states, "Over the past two years, Great Pacific Gold has acquired a large and highly prospective land package in PNG ranging from early-stage exploration projects through to more advanced stage brownfield situations. With licenses now issued, field preparation work done and an in-country team built out, GPAC's success will be largely about execution. Additional to PNG, of course, the Company has assembled excellent projects in Victoria and over the past four years has advanced the understanding of those projects on the ground through exploration. The recent discovery at Comet is an example of the high quality targets being explored and we look forward to advancing these Australian assets in a systematic and disciplined fashion towards additional discovery.

I am pleased the Board of the Company has entrusted me with the responsibility of taking this company to the next level while developing and executing on a strategic business plan that creates shareholder value."

Mr. McCunn is a member of the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia Canada, Professional Engineer and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM).

This appointment will be effective August 1, 2024. Bryan Slusarchuk, current Chief Executive Officer and Director will resign those roles but will remain actively involved in the company as Capital Markets advisor and will be focussed on the capital markets as well as supporting all aspects of the company's operations in Papua New Guinea. Mr. Slusarchuk states, "Over the past several months, as GPAC has finalized foundational work in PNG such as licensing and ground preparation, we have been searching for an operationally focussed CEO to take the helm. While it has taken some time to find the right person to assume this leadership role, I am confident we have found that person in Greg McCunn. Greg's track record building serious businesses will benefit all stakeholders involved in GPAC. His success as an operator and builder is well known and with a great foundation in place, this is a natural progression for the company. With Greg at the helm, I will be very active on the capital markets for GPAC and in PNG, which is something I'm excited to do. This is now the second company I've been involved with as a founder and executive over the past decade in PNG and I am keen to be very involved in elevating the understanding of not only the GPAC assets specifically, but also PNG as a great destination for international mineral investment."

In connection with Mr. McCunn's appointment as Chief Executive Officer and director, the board has approved the grant to Mr. McCunn of 1,000,000 stock options exercisable at $0.70 per share for a period of five years and the grant of 100,000 restricted share units, vesting one year from the date of grant and exercisable for a period of five years.

About GPAC

Great Pacific Gold has a portfolio of high-grade gold projects in Papua New Guinea ("PNG") and Australia.

In PNG, Great Pacific Gold recently assembled a 2500 sq. km mineral exploration land package in PNG. The land package comprises of exploration licenses (EL). It includes both early-stage and advanced-stage exploration targets with high-grade epithermal vein and porphyry-style mineralization present.

The Arau Project consists of two exploration licenses, located in the Kainantu region, and includes the Mt. Victor Prospect, where previous drilling found a multiple phase intrusion complex hosting copper and gold mineralization.

The Wild Dog Project consists of two granted exploration licenses, EL 2761 and 2516, located on the island of New Britain and about 50 km southwest of Rabaul and Kokopo, PNG.

The Kesar Creek Project consists of one exploration license, EL 2711, and is contiguous with the K92 Mining Inc. tenements.

The Tinga Valley Project consists of one exploration license, EL 2720. The OK Tedi Copper Gold Mine is 140km to the northwest along the same belt is a superb geological comparison to the Tinga Valley Property.

In Australia, Great Pacific Gold began with two, 100% owned, high-grade gold projects called the Lauriston and Golden Mountain Projects, and has since acquired a large area of granted and application tenements containing further epizonal (low-temperature) high-grade gold mineralization and associated intrusion-related gold mineralization all in the state of Victoria, Australia. The Great Pacific Gold land package, assembled over a multi-year period, notably includes the Lauriston Project which is a 535 sq. km property immediately to the south of and within the same geological framework that hosts Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd's Fosterville Gold Mine and associated exploration tenements. The Golden Mountain Project is an intrusion-related gold project on the edge of the Strathbogie granite and occurs at the northern end of the Walhalla Gold Belt. The acquired projects include the epizonal gold Providence Project containing the Reedy Creek goldfield which adjoins the Southern Cross Gold's Sunday Creek exploration project and a large group of recently consolidated granted tenements called the Walhalla Gold Belt Project, which contain a variety of epizonal and intrusion related style gold mineralization. Additionally, Great Pacific Gold has another gold-focused project called the Moormbool Project which has epizonal style gold mineralization and associated potential intrusion-related gold mineralization, as well as the Beechworth Project occurs in the northeast of the state and contains intrusion related and mesozonal gold mineralization.

All GPAC's properties in Australia are 100% owned and have had historical gold production from hard rock sources despite limited modern exploration and drilling.

On behalf of GPAC

Bryan Slusarchuk

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Great Pacific Gold cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Great Pacific Gold's limited operating history, its exploration and development activities on its mineral properties and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. 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, Great Pacific Gold does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

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.

For further information: Adam Ross, Investor Relations, Direct: (604) 229-9445, Toll Free: 1 (833) 923-3334, Email: info@greatpacificgoldcorp.com
BELGRADE, MT / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American:XTNT), a global medical technology company focused on surgical solutions for the treatment of spinal disorders, today announced that Sean Browne, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Scott Neils, Chief Financial Officer, will attend the Canaccord Genuity 44th Annual Growth Conference & Private Company Showcase being held August 13-15, 2024 at the InterContinental Boston, an IHG Hotel.

Sean Browne, President and Chief Executive Officer will present on Wednesday, August 14th at 11:00 a.m. Eastern.

A video webcast of the presentation will be available at: https://wsw.com/webcast/canaccord98/xtnt/2523378

About Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc.

Xtant Medical's mission of honoring the gift of donation so that our patients can live as full and complete a life as possible, is the driving force behind our company. Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. (https://xtantmedical.com/) is a global medical technology company focused on the design, development, and commercialization of a comprehensive portfolio of orthobiologics and spinal implant systems to facilitate spinal fusion in complex spine, deformity and degenerative procedures. Xtant people are dedicated and talented, operating with the highest integrity to serve our customers.

The symbols and  denote trademarks and registered trademarks of Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. or its affiliates, registered as indicated in the United States, and in other countries. All other trademarks and trade names referred to in this release are the property of their respective owners.

Investor Relations Contact

Brett Maas  Managing Partner, Hayden IR

brett@haydenir.com  (646) 536-7331

SOURCE: Xtant Medical Holdings

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - GoldON Resources Ltd. (TSXV: GLD) ("GoldON" or the "Company") is arranging a non-brokered private placement financing with qualified investors that includes a lead order from strategic investor Eric Sprott. The Company intends to offer up to 5,000,000 flow-through shares priced at $0.12 per share for maximum gross proceeds of $600,000 (the "Offering").





Figure 1: Looking northeast from GoldON's West Madsen property to WRLG's Madsen Gold Mine property.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://goldonresources.com/images/westmadsen/WM-BLK-A_WRLG.jpg

The Company will use the proceeds of the Offering to fund the next phase of drilling at its 100%-owned West Madsen Gold Property located in the heart of the Red Lake Gold Camp.

Completion of this Offering is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

About GoldON Resources Ltd.

GoldON is a mineral exploration company focused on discovery-stage properties. Our goal with a property is to add value by defining (or redefining) the exploration opportunity, maintain ownership control during the value creation phase of discovery, and then source a well-financed partner capable of accelerating discovery, resource definition, and development.

For more information, you can visit our website at goldonresources.com, download our investor presentation by clicking here, and follow us on X at https://x.com/GoldONResources.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "Michael Romanik"

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that 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 statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217591

SOURCE: GoldON Resources Ltd.
'Only Owlet' shows the impact stress lack of sleep are having on the lives of parents globally and shares powerful stories from those who have found a solution

Today, Owlet, Inc. (NYSE: OWLT) (the "Company" or "Owlet"), the pioneer of smart infant monitoring, launched Only Owlet, a global campaign that brings together new research and real-life stories to spotlight the common anxieties parents all experience, and how Owlet helps empower families around the world by helping them through the most difficult of challenges.

Parents Around the World Are Exhausted And Anxious

Owlet is sharing new data completed in conjunction with accredited research firm Censuswide, revealing the extent of the stress and worry that comes with being a new parent, and what parents need to alleviate these anxieties. The data shows that the top emotion felt by parents during the first year of their baby's life is exhaustion and rightfully so as parents are getting up to check on their baby up to eight times each night. Parents are anxious about their baby getting sick or passing away from sudden unexpected infant death syndrome/sudden infant death syndrome (SUIDS/SIDS), and caregivers around the globe are struggling with sleep deprivation, anxiety, and finding time for themselves.

Owlet Parents Have More Peace Of Mind

Almost 3 out of 4 of parents surveyed say that infant monitoring technology has helped them feel less stressed and anxious. Owlet is the answer for millions of parents across the globe. For more than a decade, Owlet has been at the forefront of technology development that empowers parents when it comes to their baby's health. As the first company in the baby monitoring industry to have global medical certifications, including two FDA-clearances, Owlet provides caregivers with their baby's live health vitals and sends real-time, actionable alarms allowing parents to rest easier while their baby sleeps or intervene in potentially critical events. In fact, 96% of Owlet parents surveyed have reported more peace of mind and 94% have reported better quality of sleep1

"Owlet's mission is to empower caregivers with critical information, so that they can take quick action on their babies' health, or just feel confident their baby is safe while they sleep," said Kurt Workman, Owlet Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. "It's clear from the data that parents around the world are in desperate need of sleep and peace of mind. Our Owlet parent stories demonstrate that health monitoring technology is impactful and very necessary."

Real Stories, Real Impact

Kali is the mother of a 5-month-old, and an Owlet parent, who brought her baby home after a five day stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to fluid in his lungs. "During this two month period, my anxiety was through the roof. Constantly checking his chest, manually counting his respirations and pulse. I decided to get my hands on the Dream Sock. The very first night we used it I noticed the weight of my stress felt so much lighter." Another parent, Brian, shared his story about how Owlet helped him know when to seek care for his baby. "We thought she just had a cold, but our Dream Sock notified us of her low oxygen, prompting us to take her to the hospital. We were informed that [she] had RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] and was admitted immediately. Without that knowledge, who knows how long we would have waited to bring her in."

Whether it was receiving an alarm that prompted them to take immediate action, helping parents identify early signs of illness, or simply providing the peace of mind that helped them get back to sleep, hundreds of parents around the world have shared how Owlet has made a critical difference in their lives.

"The Only Owlet campaign is aimed at sharing stories like Kali and Brian's with other parents, so that they can feel empowerment and community in their shared experiences," said Liz Teran, Chief Marketing Officer at Owlet. "We invite all parents to share their stories with us. But most importantly, our goal is to give parents confidence in their baby's safety and a solution for their worries, so that they can focus on enjoying the earliest and most challenging days of parenthood."

To see how Owlet has been there for other families, or to share your own story, visit www.owletcare.com/pages/why-owlet.

Survey Methodology Additional References

The total sample size was 3,012 parents (16+) with children aged 1 and under across Germany, the U.K. and the U.S. The research was conducted from 06.13.2024 06.18.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles. Regional data for the U.S., U.K and German markets can be made available. Please contact owlet@diffusionpr.com for more information.

1. Reducing Caregiver Stress From At-Home Infant Monitoring: Results from a survey of Owlet Sock user experiences. Lehi, Utah: Owlet Baby Care, Inc.

About Owlet, Inc.

Owlet's digital health infant monitoring platform is transforming the journey of parenting. Owlet, Inc. (NYSE:OWLT), a small-cap healthcare growth equity, offers FDA-authorized medical and consumer pediatric wearables and an integrated HD visual and audio camera that provide real-time data and insights to parents who safeguard health, optimize wellness, and ensure peaceful sleep, for their children.

Since 2012, over 2 million parents worldwide have used Owlet's platform contributing to one of the largest collections of consumer infant health and sleep data. The Company continues to develop software and digital data solutions to bridge the current healthcare gap between hospital and home and bring new insights to parents and caregivers globally. Owlet believes that every child deserves to live a long, happy, and healthy life. To learn more, visit www.owletcare.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's potential global reach and its devices' expected efficacy. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "estimate," "may," "believes," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "goal," "potential," "upcoming," "outlook," "guidance," "can," the negation thereof, or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's expectations at the time such statements are made, speak only as of the dates they are made and are susceptible to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Many important factors could affect the Company's future results and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the Company's forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, (i) the regulatory pathway for Owlet's products, including submissions to, actions taken by and decisions and responses from regulators, such as the FDA and similar regulators outside of the United States, as well as Owlet's ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval or certification for our products and other regulatory requirements and legal proceedings; (ii) Owlet's competition and the Company's ability to profitably grow and manage growth; (iii) the Company's ability to enhance future operating and financial results or obtain additional financing to continue as a going concern; (iv) Owlet's ability to obtain additional financing in the future, as well as risks associated with the Company's current loan and debt agreements, including compliance with debt covenants, restrictions on the Company's access to capital, the impact of the Company's overall debt levels and the Company's ability to generate sufficient future cash flows to meet Owlet's debt service obligations and operate Owlet's business; (v) the ability of Owlet to implement strategic initiatives, reduce costs, grow revenues, develop and launch new products, innovate and enhance existing products, meet customer demands and adapt to changes in consumer preferences and retail trends; (vi) Owlet's ability to acquire, defend and protect its intellectual property and satisfy regulatory requirements, including but not limited to requirements concerning privacy and data protection, breaches and loss, as well as other risks associated with Owlet's digital platforms and technologies; (vii) Owlet's ability to maintain relationships with customers, manufacturers and suppliers and retain Owlet's management and key employees; (viii) Owlet's ability to upgrade and maintain its information technology systems; (ix) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (x) the impact of and disruption to Owlet's business, financial condition, operations, supply chain and logistics due to economic and other conditions beyond the Company's control, such as health epidemics or pandemics, macro-economic uncertainties, social unrest, hostilities, natural disasters or other catastrophic events; (xi) the possibility that Owlet may be adversely affected by other economic, business, regulatory, competitive or other factors, such as changes in discretionary consumer spending and consumer preferences; and (xii) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the Company's other releases, public statements and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including those identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as updated in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024 and as any such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company's other filings with the SEC. All such forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on the Company's behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to above. Moreover, the Company operates in an evolving environment. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, although Owlet may do so from time to time.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725731305/en/

Contacts:

Media:

pr@owletcare.com

owlet@diffusionpr.com
Matereal's hallmark technology seeks to replace the toxic polyurethane industry

DENVER, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Matereal, a pioneering plastic replacements technology, proudly announces the successful closure of its $4.5 million seed funding round, led by the Collaborative Fund. This key investment propels Matereal into its next stage of development to bring a new environmentally safe plastic to market. The funds will support the company on its mission to decarbonize and detoxify the chemical plastic supply chain.



The technology powering Matereal's transformative agenda is the commercialization of its groundbreaking chemical platform, Polaris. This innovative non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) is a monumental breakthrough, offering a sustainable and safe alternative to traditional polyurethane-a historically challenging plastic to decarbonize. Nearly every product sold to consumers contains polyurethane, from fashion to paints, but it is not a renewable resource and has limited, to no, end-of-life options. With the global polyurethane market reaching nearly $90 billion annually, the need to address its carbon-intensive and toxic nature is paramount, and Matereal is on a path to replace it.

Matereal's approach combines the desirable attributes of traditional polyurethane-versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness-with cutting-edge chemistry to eliminate petrochemicals and toxic isocyanates, the primary culprits behind workplace-related asthma. The Matereal scalable platform leverages artificial intelligence to optimize the utilization of renewable feedstocks alongside captured CO 2 .

Focused initially on coatings in textiles, the Matereal solution not only boasts competitive pricing but also delivers impact on a monumental scale, offering a nearly million-fold reduction in toxicity compared to conventional alternatives, and the potential to avert the release of gigatons of CO2. Brands seeking to connect with consumers on environmentally friendly alternatives will be the first pilot customers to embrace Matereal.

The foundation of Matereal's revolutionary technology stems from the collaborative efforts of Dr. Philip Pienkos, the company's co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, alongside partners at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Dr. Pienkos's firsthand experience in a plastics factory, coupled with a lifelong dedication to exploring alternative feedstocks for biofuels and bioproducts, underscores his commitment to challenging the petrochemical status quo.

"It's been my mission for the last 7 years to bring this product to market," Phil said, "This funding brings us a lot closer to making every product consumers purchase better for them and the environment."

Co-founder and CEO Jacqueline Ros Amable brings a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise, fueled by a personal mission to revolutionize the plastics industry for the betterment of both workers and consumers.

"We are a team driven by an unstoppable vision of eliminating toxic plastic inputs from production and replacing them with alternatives that are good for people and the planet," says Jacqueline Ros Amable. "We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our incredible community of supporters."

"Matereal has the potential for massive impact across industries - polyurethane is found everywhere from furniture to automotive parts. The team's edge lies in their ability to produce polymers that are functionally identical to polyurethane in a frictionless, scalable process for manufacturers." - Sophie Bakalar, Partner at the Collaborative Fund.

In addition to the Collaborative Fund, Matereal's seed round attracted investment from prominent backers such as Better Ventures, Alante Capital, One Small Planet, Climate Capital, Sandy Spring Climate Partners, Pachamama Ventures and PDS Ventures. The company also boasts a roster of distinguished advisors, including Dr. Ann Lai from Skeleton Key, a leading AI expert, and Tim Thomson, CFO from Charm Industrial.

With this significant infusion of funding and dedicated team, Matereal is poised to reshape our material environment into a new era-a Matereal World (cue the music).

Learn more or schedule a discovery call at matereal.co

Contact: hello@matereal.co

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0c18273a-25e8-45c4-9693-f681b767e207
The "ILUVIEN Market Size, Forecast, and Market Insight 2032 (Germany, France, Italy,Spain and the United Kingdom)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The report provides comprehensive insights about ILUVIEN for autoimmune uveitis in the five major markets. A detailed picture of the ILUVIEN for autoimmune uveitis in the 5MM, i.e., EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom for the study period 2019-2032 is provided in this report along with a detailed description of the ILUVIEN for autoimmune uveitis.

The report provides insights about mechanism of action, dosage and administration, as well as research and development including regulatory milestones, along with other developmental activities. Further, it also consists of future market assessments inclusive of the ILUVIEN market forecast analysis for autoimmune uveitis in the 5MM, SWOT, analysts' views, comprehensive overview of market competitors, and brief about other emerging therapies in autoimmune uveitis.

Drug Summary

Chronic or recurrent uveitis needs a long-acting treatment to minimize the potential for repeated cycles of inflammation that cause progressive retinal damage. Alimera Sciences' primary product, ILUVIEN (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant), was approved in Europe to prevent relapse in recurrent noninfectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye. "Intravitreal" refers to the space inside the eye behind the lens that contains the jelly-like substance called vitreous. The implant offers a systemic therapy-sparing treatment option by providing a low daily dose of corticosteroid into the vitreous for up to 3 years.

In contrast, clinical trials have demonstrated that ILUVIEN significantly extends the time to relapse in patients with recurrent NIU-PS while at the same time reducing the need for adjunctive treatments, including systemic drug treatment.

ILUVIEN contains a corticosteroid and is indicated for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients who have been previously treated with a course of corticosteroids and did not have a clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure in the US

ILUVIEN Analytical Perspective

In-depth ILUVIEN Market Assessment

This report provides a detailed market assessment of ILUVIEN for autoimmune uveitis in the five major markets, i.e., EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom. This segment of the report provides forecasted sales data from 2024 to 2032.

ILUVIEN Clinical Assessment

The report provides the clinical trials information of ILUVIEN for autoimmune uveitis covering trial interventions, trial conditions, trial status, start and completion dates.

Scope of the Report

A comprehensive product overview including the ILUVIEN description, mechanism of action, dosage and administration, research and development activities in autoimmune uveitis.

Elaborated details on ILUVIEN regulatory milestones and other development activities have been provided in this report.

The report also highlights the ILUVIEN research and development activities in autoimmune uveitis across the Europe.

The report also covers the patents information with expiry timeline around ILUVIEN.

The report contains forecasted sales of ILUVIEN for autoimmune uveitis till 2032.

Comprehensive coverage of the late-stage emerging therapies for autoimmune uveitis.

The report also features the SWOT analysis with analyst views for ILUVIEN in autoimmune uveitis.

Report Highlights

In the coming years, the market scenario for autoimmune uveitis is set to change due to the extensive research and incremental healthcare spending across the world; which would expand the size of the market to enable the drug manufacturers to penetrate more into the market.

The companies are developing therapies that focus on novel approaches to treat/improve the disease condition, assess challenges, and seek opportunities that could influence ILUVIEN dominance.

Other emerging products for autoimmune uveitis are expected to give tough market competition to ILUVIEN and launch of late-stage emerging therapies in the near future will significantly impact the market.

A detailed description of regulatory milestones, and developmental activities, provide the current development scenario of ILUVIEN in autoimmune uveitis.

Our in-depth analysis of the forecasted sales data of ILUVIEN from 2024 to 2032 will support the clients in the decision-making process regarding their therapeutic portfolio by identifying the overall scenario of the ILUVIEN in autoimmune uveitis.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Report Introduction

2. ILUVIEN Overview in autoimmune uveitis

2.1. Product Detail

2.2. Clinical Development

2.2.1. Clinical studies

2.2.2. Clinical trials information

2.2.3. Safety and efficacy

2.3. Regulatory Milestones

2.4. Other Developmental Activities

2.5. Product Profile

3. Competitive Landscape (Marketed Therapies)

4. Competitive Landscape (Late-stage Emerging Therapies)

5. ILUVIEN Market Assessment

5.1. Market Outlook of ILUVIEN in autoimmune uveitis

5.2. 5MM Analysis

5.2.1. Market Size of ILUVIEN in the 5MM for autoimmune uveitis

5.3. Country-wise Market Analysis

5.3.1. Market Size of ILUVIEN in Germany for autoimmune uveitis

5.3.2. Market Size of ILUVIEN in France for autoimmune uveitis

5.3.3. Market Size of ILUVIEN in Italy for autoimmune uveitis

5.3.4. Market Size of ILUVIEN in Spain for autoimmune uveitis

5.3.5. Market Size of ILUVIEN in the United Kingdom for autoimmune uveitis

6. SWOT Analysis

7. Analysts' Views

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1gitmi

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/20240725581319/en/

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Seeking to help prepare members of the future global workforce in the effective and responsible use of generative AI (GenAI), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently held a summer camp to train middle and high school students on the fast-growing technology. The TCS pilot program, held from June 4-6 at a Go Innovate Together (goIT) summer camp in Milford, Ohio, is one of the first examples in the U.S. of a technology industry leader incorporating GenAI into STEM education for middle and high school students.

The initiative intrigued both the students and their parents. Many are accustomed to rules outlawing the use of AI in classrooms or for schoolwork, discouraging young people from engaging with it. TCS' move aligns with the state of Ohio's recent release of guidelines for using AI in the classroom. TCS agrees with Ohio officials that leading in the technology, rather than following its advances, can strengthen economic futures, broaden talent pipelines and help establish an innovative edge.

During the camp, TCS introduced and tested its new GenAI Technology Learning Pathway to about 70 students aged 11 to 17 attending the event at its Global Delivery Center in Milford, Ohio. Participants worked through various GenAI learning modules, discussed the importance of Responsible AI, learned the basics of prompt engineering and explored how to use GenAI to solve some of the world's most pressing problems.

Facilitators asked participants to create concepts that could help solve one of the U.N.'s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenging them to leverage GenAI as part of the solution. The UN SDGs address human and environmental concerns and mobilize the world to end all forms of poverty, tackle inequalities and address climate change. At the culmination, students pitched their ideas for digital innovations, competing against one another for awards and more.

There were more than 10 innovations presented to judges at the closing event and competition. One described a concept for a mobile app that would use GenAI to personalize meals, grocery lists, recipes, and exercise plans according to user personal health statistics, goals and progress. Another concept used AI to inform a robot cleaning the ocean floor. Yet another envisioned a computer extension aimed at reducing cheating in schools.

"What an incredible three days at TCS' Cincinnati Global Delivery Center," said Priya Dayal, Center Operations Lead & CSR/DEI Champion at TCS. "This year, we welcomed 70 amazing middle and high school students from over 25 different school districts in the Tri-State (Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana) area. They immersed themselves in the world of our GenAI pilot, learning the fundamentals, exploring tools, and ultimately building incredible projects."

The pilot was important on a number of levels. It reinforced the importance of the technology's current and future uses, helped prepare young people for a future using GenAI in jobs that may not even exist yet, and offered an important message about the role GenAI can have in helping address some of the world's most pressing problems.

"By integrating GenAI into the curriculum, TCS is equipping students with essential skills for the evolving technological landscape. This initiative not only prepares them for future job roles but also empowers them to achieve their career aspirations," said Dr. Paul J. Bailo, a digital transformation professor at Columbia University. "By educating young minds on leveraging GenAI for the betterment of society, TCS is showcasing the profound potential of GenAI to revolutionize the way we live and work."

TCS' goIT program offers a variety of learning pathways, including mobile app design, microprocessors, Internet of Things, AI/machine learning, and more. The company will take what it learned from this pilot and apply it to future AI-related student programming. Learn more at: https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS.

About TCS' goIT Digital Innovation and Career Readiness Program

Go Innovate Together program (goIT) is TCS' flagship STEM education program. Focusing on digital innovation and career readiness, goIT engages students from diverse backgrounds with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects and computer science, design thinking and digital innovation. The program offers an industry-developed, customizable curriculum that teaches students the 21st century skills necessary for a career in technology. Lessons cover topics including design thinking, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence, machine learning and more.

Among the program's many offerings is the goIT Monthly Challenge. Since its launch in 2020, thousands of students across the globe have used key principles from goIT to design tech-based solutions and submit pitch videos based on a Monthly Challenge theme. Each month, TCS co-hosts the event with a Sustainable Development Goal ambassador, globally minded nonprofit or a TCS client. The Challenge has engaged a growing number of teachers and students every month, exploring topics ranging from gender equality and systemic racism to protecting life under water.

Visit the goIT Monthly Challenge competition website to learn how to get students involved with upcoming challenges: https://on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG. Visit https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS to learn more about goIT.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/tata-consultancy-services-tcs

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Paris, the city of art, has recently welcomed a mysterious "guest" the QingHua series of home furnishing products. With the official "landing" in Paris, the QingHua series has attracted global attention with its profound cultural heritage and artistic qualities. It is like a cultural envoy from the East, bringing the Chinese home aesthetics to Paris.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725624918/en/

A Captivating Work from the Mysterious East KUKA Home Brings the QingHua series to Paris (Photo: Business Wire)

The QingHua series comes from the globally renowned home furnishings brand KUKA Home. Since its establishment in 1982, KUKA Home's business has spread to more than 120 countries and regions, with nearly 7,000 exclusive stores worldwide. This time, at the Olympics, KUKA Home will also provide comprehensive support for the event with high-quality products and professional services.

The design of the QingHua series is meticulously crafted, with its blue and white patterns like historical scrolls, carrying thousands of years of ancient stories, and the sofa manufacturing craftsmanship fully showcasing the wisdom and refinement of eastern culture. KUKA Home has cleverly blended traditional and modern designs, creating beautiful and practical home furnishing art pieces that also cater to modern living needs.

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations, KUKA Home has brought the beauty of Chinese culture to the world stage with its high-end home furnishings products, and the QingHua series is not only home furnishings, but also a vivid carrier of Chinese culture. Through its unique design language, it has promoted cultural exchange between China and France, built a bridge for communication between the two countries' cultures, and allowed the world to appreciate the charm of Chinese culture.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725624918/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Company Name: KUKA Home Co.,Ltd.

Website: www.kukahome.com

Contact: Jennifer Tao

Mobile: 86 130 1134 6892

Email: taojing@kukahome.com

Add: KUKA Tower, No.599 Dongning Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
Winter Park, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - ADIA Nutrition Inc. (OTC Pink: ADIA) is pleased to announce a significant development in the company's strategic growth plan. CEO Larry Powalisz has committed to providing ADIA Nutrition with an up to $500,000 line of credit, demonstrating his unwavering confidence in the company's future and his commitment to its success.

This line of credit is expected to significantly reduce the need for any other outside funding, allowing ADIA Nutrition to focus on its core objectives. The company plans to use these funds to establish a clinic specializing in Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (aHSCT) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. This initiative aligns with ADIA Nutrition's mission to revolutionize healthcare through innovative and effective treatments.

Furthermore, the line of credit will also support ADIA Nutrition's expansion and investment plans in its supplement divisions. The company has and will continue to acquire and/or invest in companies that uphold the highest standards of integrity and quality, ensuring that ADIA Nutrition continues to provide premium, organic supplements to its customers.

Larry Powalisz, CEO of ADIA Nutrition Inc., stated, "I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis three and a half years ago, and at that time, the neurologist told me I would be in a wheelchair within three to five years. The only treatment he offered was Ocrevus, a disease-modifying therapy that had many side effects. I decided to do my own research and went to Mexico to have aHSCT treatment for my MS. I am still walking on my own, no cane, no walker, no wheelchair, and have now been in remission for two and a half years.

Knowing that most MS patients could not afford aHSCT, which typically cost on average $150,000 in the US, and that you have to qualify for the strict small trials being done in the US. I decided to purchase a public company that would create a clinic in the United States to do the treatment, and we will have insurance companies pay for the treatment.

I am thrilled to provide this line of credit to ADIA Nutrition, which will enable us to pursue our ambitious goals and reduce the need for additional external funding. This is a testament to my belief in the company's vision and my way to pay it forward. If it wasn't for aHSCT who knows where I would be today.

Our focus on establishing a clinic for aHSCT treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and expanding our supplement division reflects our commitment to improving the lives of our customers and patients."

About ADIA Nutrition Inc.:

Adia Nutrition Inc. is a publicly traded company (OTC Pink: ADIA) dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare and supplementation. With a focus on innovation and quality, the company has established two key divisions: a supplement division providing premium, organic supplements, and a medical division specializing in Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (aHSCT) treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Through these divisions, Adia Nutrition Inc. is committed to empowering individuals to live their best lives by addressing both nutritional needs and groundbreaking medical treatments.

Website: www.adianutrition.com

Twitter (X): @ADIA_Nutrition

Safe Harbor: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a few uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company's current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the company's business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and OTC Markets, Inc. OTC Disclosure and News Service. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, because of new information, future events or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217313

SOURCE: Adia Nutrition Inc.
The digital biomarkers market is expanding rapidly due to the rising incidence of chronic diseases. The growth is driven by the need for precise, real-time data to improve health outcomes and the increased adoption of digital health technologies in medical practice.

WILMINGTON, Del., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global digital biomarkers market stood at US$ 2.1 billion in 2023, and the global market is projected to reach US$ 43.3 billion in 2034. The digital biomarkers market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 31.4% between 2024 and 2034.

The digital biomarkers market is experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and advancements in digital health technologies. Digital biomarkers refer to objective, quantifiable physiological data collected and analyzed through digital devices or platforms. These biomarkers provide valuable insights into an individual's health status, disease progression, and response to treatment.

One key driver of the digital biomarkers market is the rising burden of chronic diseases worldwide. Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, and mental health disorders are placing a growing strain on healthcare systems globally. Digital biomarkers offer a non-invasive and convenient way to monitor patients' health remotely, enabling early detection of disease onset or exacerbation and facilitating personalized treatment strategies.

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Advancements in wearable devices, mobile health applications, and remote monitoring technologies have fueled the adoption of digital biomarkers. These tools allow for continuous monitoring of vital signs, physical activity, sleep patterns, medication adherence, and other health-related metrics. By leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence, healthcare providers can derive actionable insights from digital biomarkers, leading to more informed clinical decisions and improved patient outcomes.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, further driving the demand for digital biomarkers. With social distancing measures in place, healthcare providers increasingly rely on digital health solutions to deliver care to patients remotely, making digital biomarkers an essential component of modern healthcare delivery.

In addition to clinical applications, digital biomarkers are gaining traction in pharmaceutical research and development. Pharmaceutical companies are leveraging digital biomarkers to monitor the efficacy and safety of investigational drugs in clinical trials, streamline drug development processes, and identify potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis.

Despite the promising growth prospects, challenges such as data privacy concerns, regulatory hurdles, and interoperability issues need to be addressed to realize the full potential of digital biomarkers. Nevertheless, with ongoing technological innovations and a growing emphasis on preventive and personalized healthcare, the digital biomarkers market is poised for continued expansion in the coming years.

Key Takeaways of Market Report

Global digital biomarkers market to generate absolute dollar opportunity worth US$ 43.3 billion until 2034.

Global digital biomarkers market is valued at US$ 2.1 billion in 2023.

North America is forecasted to hold the largest share in 2023.

Digital Biomarkers Market: Growth Drivers

Digital biomarkers are poised to revolutionize medical care for challenging chronic conditions. With noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) claiming approximately 41 million lives annually, there's a critical need for innovative approaches to disease management.

Digital healthcare adoption is accelerating, driving the rapid growth of the digital biomarkers market. For instance, in February 2023, Koneksa secured US$ 45 million in Series C funding, reflecting investors' confidence in the potential of digital biomarkers. These biomarkers offer a novel way to monitor patient's health remotely, providing valuable insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy.

adoption is accelerating, driving the rapid growth of the digital biomarkers market. For instance, in February 2023, Koneksa secured US$ 45 million in Series C funding, reflecting investors' confidence in the potential of digital biomarkers. These biomarkers offer a novel way to monitor patient's health remotely, providing valuable insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy. By leveraging advanced technologies, such as wearables and data analytics, digital biomarkers enable personalized and proactive healthcare, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals living with chronic conditions.

Digital Biomarkers Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period? 2024-2034 Base Year? 2020-2022 Size in 2023 US$ 2.1 Bn Forecast (Value) in 2034 US$ 43.3 Bn Growth Rate (CAGR) 31.4 % No. of Pages 167 Pages Segments covered By Component, By Application, By End-user, By Region

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Digital Biomarkers Market: Regional Landscape

In 2023, North America emerged as the leading region in the digital health analytics industry, a trend projected to continue in the forecast period. This dominance is largely attributed to the growing prevalence of coronary artery disease, driving demand for advanced digital health solutions.

Europe's substantial share in the digital biomarkers market is fueled by the rising number of chronic patients requiring continuous real-time diagnostics and monitoring. Additionally, government initiatives promoting extensive research and development activities further contribute to Europe's significant presence in the digital health sector.

Digital Biomarkers Market: Key Players

In 2023, Abbott Laboratories introduced a groundbreaking development in the digital biomarkers industry with the launch of its remote cardiac monitoring platform. This innovative platform combines wearable technology with advanced analytics to provide real-time monitoring of cardiac health.

In 2023, AliveCor Inc. made waves in the digital biomarkers industry with the release of its AI-powered arrhythmia detection algorithm. This algorithm, integrated into AliveCor's mobile ECG devices, enhances the detection of irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). By leveraging artificial intelligence, AliveCor's algorithm can analyze ECG data in real-time, providing more accurate and timely detection of arrhythmias.

Digital Biomarkers Market: Segmentation

Component

Biosensors

Wearables

Smartphones & Smartwatches

Others (Implantables, etc.)

Application

Cardiovascular

Sleep and Movement Disorder

Pain Management

Gastrointestinal

Neurodegenerative

Diabetic

Others (Pulmonary, etc.)

End User

Healthcare Companies

Healthcare Providers

Payers

Others (Patients, etc.)

Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

Latin America

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CHICAGO, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fire Truck Market is estimated to grow from USD 8.1 billion in 2024 to USD 9.6 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.7%, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Rapid urbanization, infrastructural development, safety regulations for fire safety, technological improvements, and increase in government spending are projected to be the driving force for a fire truck market. There was a huge demand for the modernization and expansion of capacities in fire services with a rise in urbanization and new infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, the equipment must be replaced due to the obsolescence forced by the regulatory environment. Better pump, aerial ladders, telematics, among others, have grown to improve new fire trucks' operational quality and efficiency. In addition, the growing number of wildfires increases the demand for vehicles with special mechanisms. Growing investment from government and municipal sources continues to provide financial support for modernization and expansion in the fire truck fleets to meet the changing demands of fire services.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Fire Truck Market"

260 - Tables

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Fire Truck Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 USD 8.1 billion Estimated Value by 2030 USD 9.6 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% Market Size Available for 2019-2030 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Type, by propulsion, by application, and by capacity Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Alternate fuels option Key Market Drivers Growing urban areas and infrastructure projects increase the need for more firefighting resources

The engine pumper fire trucks are estimated to be the largest market during the forecast period.

The engine pumper truck finds its application more in commercial & residential and in military due to their complementary capabilities. The government funding for purchasing the customized and modern firefighting trucks have significantly contribute to this growth. For example, the US Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program allocates substantial funds annually to help fire departments acquire new equipment, including pumper fire trucks. In October 2020, over USD 355 million was awarded to fire departments across the US through the AFG program, which spoke to the government's commitment to improving fire response capabilities. At the same time, the National Fire and Rescue Administration in China has invested heavily in fleet firefighting. An estimated budget of USD 1.5 billion was disbursed in year 2021. This increase in investment is showcases that China is actively investing R&D to raise its capacity for emergency response and to further modernize its firefighting infrastructure. In addition, emerging nations like India have rolled out an aggressive city program for 100 smart cities involving an investment of over USD 30 billion, including huge spending on fire services modernization. The "National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)" which are based upon named NFPA 1901, states the requirements that shall be complied within their design, equipment, safety features, and performance abilities of a vehicle. These are the regulations that pumper fire trucks need to ensure appropriate performance for safety throughout the operation, as the disaster response is in emergency cases. Hence, such governmental efforts with technologies for ensuring fire safety are driving the rapid growth of the pumper fire truck market across the world.

Electric fire trucks are projected to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period.

The global fire truck market, regulatory standards are one of the important factors defining product development and market dynamics. Different regions/countries head toward stringent emission regulations with a downward-pressing emission limit. For instance, Europe is moving to Euro VII from Euro VI from July 2025, whereas China has implemented 6b emission standard for light commercial vehicles from July 2023. Also, before 2030, country like China is going to implement China VII emission regulation, due to which, many fire departments globally are now moving towards electric fire trucks. For example, in January 2024, The Mesa Fire Department in Arizona (US) have purchased the E-ONE Vector electric fire truck which can pump 750 gallons per minute for 4 hours on single charge. Besides, Volvo Penta had introduced an electric driveline for Rosenbauer's "Revolutionary Technology" (RT) electric fire truck with two electric motors of up to 360 kW (490 HP) and 50,000 Nm of torque along with a backup diesel engine. In fact, these emission norms have been put in place in various regions and countries, thereby increasing the demand worldwide for electric fire trucks. Besides that, big manufacturers like Rosenbauer International AG also depend on this growth in industry electrification. According to their investor presentations, penetration of electric fire trucks may reach as high as 50% in 2030.

Across American fire departments, the use of electric and hybrid fire equipment is growing in popularity. EV fire trucks are used by the fire department in places like Mesa, Madison, Los Angeles, and Portland. One of the newest features of EV fire trucks is fuel cells as a range extender, which augments the electric motor if the battery runs low. This eliminates the need of fire truck to run more on battery power and keep the vehicle running continuously. Electric fire trucks are more expensive initially than traditional diesel trucks. An equivalent diesel fire truck can cost a lot less than the Rosenbauer RT electric fire truck, for instance. For fire departments, this larger initial outlay may be a hurdle.

Rosenbauer International AG (CFT (Concept Fire Truck)), RT (Revolutionary Technology), ALPAS (Advanced Low-Profile Aerial System), and hybrid variants), Magirus GmbH (Magirus AirCore and Team Cab Electric), IVECO Magirus (Dragon X8 and SuperDragon X6 Electric), E-ONE, a division of the REV Group (Cyclone II Electric and Typhoon II Electric), Volvo Group (FL, FE Electric Fire Truck), and Scania AB (Citywide and P-Series Electric Fire Truck) are major manufacturers of EV fire trucks.

As a result, these producers set the standard for innovation in electric and hybrid fire engines, meeting operational and environmental requirements in urban firefighting both nationally and internationally.

Asia Pacific region is the second largest region in the fire truck market.

This area has the second largest demand for fire vehicles since there is a corresponding boost industrialization and urbanization in the Asia-Pacific region particularly in China, India and Japan. Also, as a result of growth in the sizes of cities and industries in areas classified as megacities as well as expansions in industrial sectors, this growth has given rise to the demand for sophisticated equipment used in fighting fires. The authorities of these countries have allocated large amounts of funds for the purchase of additional and more advanced fire trucks and for investments in public safety facilities that include fire departments. Contemporary fire tender or fire trucks are being used today more and more when new constructions are being made and implemented with rules about construction and fire safety measures to make sure that structures meet international requirements.

Due to the rise of numbers of the urban city, China occupies the largest market in the Asia Pacific region mainly growing residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. As a result of these factors, the need for fire trucks has risen to adequately address the protection from fire hazards. Additionally, the National Bureau of Statistics report states that as of 2023, 64.7% of China's population lived in urban areas. Additionally, the nation's urban population increased from the previous year to 914 million by the end of 2022. This growth in urban areas has increased the demand for advanced fire trucks and fire stations in China. Based on the rate of traveling in the country, china has developed 6 airports as gathered from traveling in the country. In the January 2023 of the Civil Aviation Administration of China report China says that it has completed construction on 6 airports. It had new freight airports, and 29 new general-purpose airports were constructed on the Chinese mainland, bringing the respective totals to 254 freight airports and 399 general-purpose airports by the end of the year. In addition, China had 4,165 freight planes registered at the end of 2022, which has raised by 111 over the year before. As a result of increasing investments in development of airports and the aviation industry, has increased the need of fire trucks. China also has some major local key manufacturers of fire truck manufacturers, including Shenyang Jietong Fire Truck Co., Ltd., Hubei Dong Runze Special Vehicle Equipment Co., Ltd., Shanghai Jindun Special Vehicle Equipment Co., Ltd., Beijing Zhongzhuo, XCMG Fire Equipment, Zoomlion, and Chongqing Dima Industry. Because of their cutting-edge technologies and inventive product offerings, these manufacturers are at the forefront of the industry. China is therefore in need of fire engines because of these circumstances.

Moreover, due to the growing biomedical and logistics sectors, Singapore is the fastest-growing market for fire trucks. Adding more, Singapore is concentrated with global critical players like GlaxoSmithKline (UK), Novartis (Switzerland), and Roche (Switzerland), which require stringent fire safety apparatus and fire stations near their manufacturing and research facilities. Moreover, Singapore is known for their logistics and trade hub, and has some major players named as DHL (Germany), UPS (US), and PSA International (Singapore), necessitates robust fire protection measures across its extensive port facilities and air cargo terminals. Considering the regulations made by the Singapore government, they have mandated the Smart Nation initiative for fire trucks from April 2022, which has made compulsory telematics devices that provide real-time monitoring systems, GPS navigation, and automated firefighting systems. Hence, these factors drive the market for fire trucks in the Asia Pacific region.

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Fire Truck Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Growing urban areas and infrastructure projects increase the need for more firefighting resources.

Restraints:

High investment cost in fire trucks making it less accessible for developing countries

Opportunities:

Alternate fuels option

Challenge:

Economies of scale by smaller players

Key Market Players Fire Truck Industry:

Prominent players in the Fire Truck Market include Rosenbauer International AG (Austria), Oshkosh Corporation (US), Morita Holdings Corporation (Japan), REV Group (US), and IVECO Group NV (Italy).

The break-down of primary participants is as mentioned below:

By Companies: Fire Truck Manufacturers - 80% and Fire Truck End User - 20%

Fire Truck Manufacturers - 80% and Fire Truck End User - 20% By Designation: Director level - 10%, C-Level Executives - 60%, Others- 30%,

Director level - 10%, C-Level Executives - 60%, Others- 30%, By Region: North America - 10%, Europe - 30%, and Asia Pacific - 25%, Rest of the World - 35%

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Fire Truck Industry Recent Developments:

In November 2023, Oshkosh Corporation and Pierce Manufacturing came together for a five-year supply contract with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES). The first two orders include nine apparatus deals which was featuring a Pierce Volterra electric pumper designated for MFES's new net-zero fire station. Other devices in the first two orders comprise a Pierce Enforcer heavy-duty rescue pumper, four Enforcer pumpers, a Saber tanker, an Enforcer HAZMAT truck, and an Ascendant 107-foot heavy-duty aerial ladder on an Enforcer chassis.

The NAFFCO had made an investment in Telangana in September 2023 to develop a manufacturing plant for firefighting equipment. This investment was made to cater the increasing demand for firefighting equipment.

In March 2023, Scania and Ziegler in collaboration had successfully installed its hybrid system in one of the ARFF vehicle for promoting the zero-emission operations within and around airports. The combined diesel-electric powertrain significantly reduces crash site response times, exceeding strict aviation industry standards and minimizes emissions.

Fire Truck Market Size - Key Benefits of Buying the Report:

The report will help market leaders and new entrants with information on the closest approximations of the fire truck market's global revenue, ME subsegments, technology analysis, bill of material, eco-system, pricing analysis, trade analysis, and investment & funding.

It will also help stakeholders like OEMs, chassis suppliers, and fire apparatus providers understand the competitive landscape and gain insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies.

The report also helps stakeholders understand the market pulse and provides information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.

This report provides insights on:

Analysis of critical drivers (Growing urban areas and infrastructure projects increase the need for more firefighting resources; and increase in fire accidents have raised the focus on safety), restraints (High investment cost in fire trucks making it less accessible for developing countries), opportunities (alternative fuel option), and challenges (Economies of scale by smaller players) influencing the growth of the fire truck market.

(Growing urban areas and infrastructure projects increase the need for more firefighting resources; and increase in fire accidents have raised the focus on safety), restraints (High investment cost in fire trucks making it less accessible for developing countries), opportunities (alternative fuel option), and challenges (Economies of scale by smaller players) influencing the growth of the fire truck market. Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies and new products launched in the fire truck market.

Detailed insights on upcoming technologies and new products launched in the fire truck market. Market Development: Comprehensive market information - the report analyses the authentication and brand protection market across varied regions.

Comprehensive market information - the report analyses the authentication and brand protection market across varied regions. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the fire truck market.

Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the fire truck market. Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of the market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players in the fire truck market, such as Rosenbauer International AG (Austria), Oshkosh Corporation (US), Morita Holdings Corporation (Japan), REV Group (US), and IVECO Group N.V (Italy).

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TURIN, Italy, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An ecosystem driving change in marinas. Organised by Monaco Marina Management (M3), the 4th edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous will take place at the Yacht Club de Monaco (22-23 September 2024). The event will gather 250+ delegates at the Ycm, including entrepreneurs, industrialists, investors, promoters and marina developers from all over the world. There, an exhibition area will provide an opportunity for all to see and test the latest innovations from the selected startups and scaleups.



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. During the meeting there will be three keynote talks exploring how technology, the banking sector and architecture can transform marinas. 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. At the end of two days of exchanges and networking, the International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards will be presented on Monday 23 rd September 2024 at 4.00pm to the winners in three categories: Startups & Scaleups, Marinas, and Architects (professionals & students).

"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. 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.

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. "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.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

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Part of $51,000 Raised to Support Local Houston Business Owners

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Vertical Web, a leading Houston SEO company, was invited to participate in the annual check presentation to the Houston Community College's Board of Trustees for their contributions to the 2024 Business Plan Competition through the Center for Entrepreneurship - Northwest.





HCC Foundation Presented with Check for Entrepreneur Programs

Houston business owners and HCC board members present a check for $51K to the HCC foundation for the 2024 Business Plan Competition. This money is awarded to winners to help these local Houston business owners and startups.





"Vertical Web has a long-time relationship with the Center for Entrepreneurship at HCC, which includes mentoring of small businesses, providing instructional classes through the Digital Marketing Clinic, as well as financial support to help the next generation of business leaders in Houston," said Beth Guide, President.

Houston Community College's Business Plan Competition is a cornerstone in programs designed to be an incubator of small businesses throughout the region. "We believe that it is critical to provide support to small businesses. We wish we had access to some of the resources available when we started our business back in 1998," Guide continued.

Vertical Web has been providing support to small business owners through their Internet Marketing Clinic since 2003. In 2018, the popular series was brought to HCC to help business owners learn how to better handle their internet marketing. With a heavy focus on SEO, Guide covers topics that business owners need to know to make informed decisions on their internet marketing.

"We believe there is a lot of misinformation within the SEO and Web Design communities, which makes it hard for small business owners to make a good decision when hiring someone to help. For this reason, we have partnered with organizations like HCC and the Center for Entrepreneurship to help business owners have the tools they need to make informed decisions. Our commitment to upstart small businesses and entrepreneurs is unmatched, and we are very proud of our financial and in-kind support of them through outstanding programs like the Business Plan Competition," Guide concluded.

About Vertical Web:

Vertical Web is a full-service digital marketing agency serving Houston. Services include providing Houston SEO, web design and development, as well as web hosting. They work with businesses of all sizes to host, promote and rank websites, as well as provide turnkey IT solutions for small to midsize businesses. Visit verticalweb.com to learn more.

Contact Information

Beth Guide

President

beth@verticalweb.com

713-703-3030

SOURCE: Vertical Web

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ST. JOHN'S, NL / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV:SIC)(OTCQB:SICNF) ("Sokoman" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following update from the 2024 exploration program at the 100%-owned Fleur de Lys Project in Newfoundland. An earlier-than-normal melting of snow cover throughout the northern and central portions of the Baie Verte Peninsula allowed an early start to the prospecting season. Since May 1, 2024, the Company has collected and received assay results for 89 rock samples from Fleur de Lys. Most samples were collected from the northern portion of the property, where winter logging activities have opened a large area of prospective ground, including several discreet target areas over a six to eight sq-km area highlighted by the Golden Bull Prospect discovered in late 2023. The total number of samples collected since late 2023 is 124, 34 of which returned gold values greater than 500 ppb to a maximum of 9,020 ppb gold (9.02 g/t Au). More than half of all samples collected over the broader Golden Bull target area since 2023 have returned greater than 100 ppb gold, suggesting potential for additional, undiscovered gold zones at Fleur de Lys.

Highlights of the 2024 rock sampling program include:

89 samples collected and assayed of quartz vein float and quartz vein bedrock samples

37 samples returned gold assays greater than 100 ppb gold (0.1 g/t Au)

12 samples returned gold assays greater than 1,000 ppb gold (1.0 g/t Au) to a maximum of 5,472 ppb gold (5.47 g/t Au)

Five samples greater than 1.0 g/t Au were from bedrock grabs

Multiple high-priority drill targets are now confirmed for the upcoming Phase 1 drill program, which will focus on the Golden Bull target area; four other areas will also be drill tested

Timothy Froude, P. Geo., President and CEO of Sokoman Minerals, states; "We are very pleased with the progress we have made at Fleur de Lys this year, and we look forward to the start of our 2,000 m maiden drill program, pending receipts of all permits hopefully by mid-August. We are currently evaluating the bids from multiple diamond-drilling contractors while we continue to sharpen drill targets based on our 2024 (and 2023) rock sampling programs. We have received all but one of the required permits and expect the final (water-crossing) permit in the coming weeks. Most of the initial drilling will be in a 2-km by 1.5-km area defined as the Golden Bull Prospect and will consist of multiple 50- to 150-m-long drill holes. We have also confirmed at least one drill hole will test four other targets undergoing last-minute fine-tuning within a larger six to eight sq-km area enclosing the main target (Golden Bull) area. In the meantime, we continue work on other till and rock sample anomalies elsewhere on the property as part of the 2024 program to define future drill targets for later this year or early 2025."

Photo 1: One of many large stylolitic quartz boulders at Golden Bull. (9.02 g/t Au)

Golden Bull Prospect

The Golden Bull Prospect was identified late in 2023, and assays from 35 rock grab samples collected returned assays up to 9.02 g/t Au, from variably banded (stylolitic) quartz blocks locally exceeding several tonnes in weight (Photo 1) and previously reported in a press release dated October 4, 2023. The 35 samples collected, 17 of which exhibited moderate to strong stylolitic banding (as shown in Photo 2), returned assays greater than 500 ppb (0.50 g/t Au) to a maximum of 9,020 ppb (9.02 g/t Au). The Golden Bull Prospect lies within a larger area (Map 1) of anomalous till and soil geochemistry outlined by Sokoman since 2023, as well as geochemical and geophysical (VLF-EM) anomalies identified by historical work completed by Noranda Inc. in the late 1980s.

The district-scale Fleur de Lys Project is targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. Curraghinalt is currently one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in the Caledonian-Appalachian Orogen, hosting more than six million ounces of gold.

Photo 2: Typical stylolitic banded quartz at Golden Bull - Fleur de Lys Project

QP

This news release has been reviewed and approved by Timothy Froude, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and President and CEO of Sokoman Minerals Corp.

Analytical Techniques / QA/QC

Samples, including duplicates, blanks, and standards, are submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. in Springdale, Newfoundland for gold analysis. Eastern Analytical Ltd. is an accredited assay lab that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Samples are delivered in sealed bags directly to the lab by Sokoman personnel. All samples of quartz vein material were submitted for total pulp metallics and gravimetric finish. Total pulp metallic analysis includes: the whole sample is crushed to -10 mesh; and then pulverized to 95% -150 mesh. The total sample is weighed and screened to 150 mesh; the +150 mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au, and a 30 g subsample of the -150 mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au; with a calculated weighted average of total Au in the sample reported as well. One blank and one industry-approved standard for every twenty samples submitted is included in the sample stream. Random duplicates of selected samples are analyzed in addition to the in-house standard and duplicate policies of Eastern Analytical Ltd. All reported assays are uncut.

About Sokoman Minerals Corp.

Sokoman Minerals Corp., based in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, focuses primarily on its gold projects, including the wholly-owned Moosehead, Crippleback Lake, and the extensive Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte. This latter project aims to discover Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization like the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. The company has also partnered with Benton Resources Inc. on three large-scale joint ventures: Grey River, Killick Lithium formerly Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck, positioning Sokoman as one of the largest landholders in Canada's emerging gold districts.

In October 2023, Sokoman and Benton entered into an agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc. to advance the Killick Lithium Project. Under this deal, Piedmont can acquire up to 62.5% of the project by investing up to $12 million in exploration and issuing $10 million in shares over three phases. The project, previously known as Golden Hope, is now part of Killick Lithium Inc., a subsidiary of Vinland Lithium Inc., in which Piedmont has acquired a 19.9% stake for $2 million. Sokoman and Benton maintain operational control during the earn-in phases and retain a 2% NSR royalty on future production. Additionally, Piedmont holds exclusive marketing and first-refusal rights on the lithium concentrates for the life of the mine.

Projects optioned with optionee fully vested:

East Alder Project optioned to Canterra Minerals Inc (SIC retains 850,000 shares of CTM plus 1% NSR)

Startrek Project optioned to Thunder Gold (SIC retains 1,750,000 shares of TGOL plus 1% NSR)

The Company would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the financial support of the Moosehead and Fleur de Lys Projects through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program during the past few years.

For more information, please contact:

Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President & CEO Cathy Hume, VP Corporate Development, Director T: 709-765-1726 T: 416-868-1079 x 251 E: tim@sokomanmineralscorp.com E: cathy@chfir.com

Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.com Twitter: @SokomanMinerals Facebook: @SokomanMinerals LinkedIn: @SokomanMineralsCorp

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.

Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Sokoman Minerals Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Sokoman Minerals Corp.

SOURCE: Sokoman Minerals Corp.

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ANDOVER, England , July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lionel Hitchen, a leading supplier of natural flavours and flavour ingredients to the food and beverage industry, has continuously reinforced its dedication to sustainability since launching its first sustainability report in 2022 in collaboration with the University of Southampton Business School. The company has since remained committed to reporting on its sustainable practices, with the recent publication of its third report.

In line with this commitment, Lionel Hitchen has launched a dedicated page on its website aimed at communicating its sustainability initiatives and the climate projects it supports. This marks a significant step in the company's ongoing efforts to transparently communicate its sustainability efforts to its stakeholders.

Helen McNair, the Technical Director at Lionel Hitchen, who recently spoke at the London Flavour Day 2024 and leads the company's sustainability strategy, emphasized the incorporation of sustainability into the company's core values, stating, "It needed to be part of our language and values in our business. We had to make sure that sustainability was embedded and integrated right across the whole business." McNair further highlighted the company's proactive approach to engaging employees in the sustainability journey, sharing, "We asked all the teams to give us ideas, including energy reduction. In fact, we had 100 ideas for reducing energy within our business which was fantastic. And because of that we set up what we call our Green Pathway Group."

In July 2024, Lionel Hitchen was awarded the Gold Medal, a recognition given to the top 5% of companies assessed by EcoVadis in the 12 months prior. The EcoVadis rating system evaluates a company's policies, actions, and results across four key areas - environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement - in alignment with international sustainability standards. Achieving the EcoVadis Gold Medal places Lionel Hitchen among the global leaders in corporate sustainability performance.

As Lionel Hitchen continues to make strides in its sustainability journey, the company remains dedicated to fostering a sustainable business model that aligns with its values and benefits future generations.

For more information about Lionel Hitchen's sustainability initiatives and projects, please visit Lionel Hitchen's website or contact the company directly.

Media Contact:

Fran Padgham

Marketing Manager

Fran.Padgham@lionelhitchen.com

Anne Wiziack

Marketing Executive

Anne.Wiziack@lionelhitchen.com

+44 7514824861

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Bureau Veritas, a global leader in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry, announces the appointment of Maria Lorente Fraguas as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, effective October 1st, 2024.

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Maria Lorente Fraguas (Photo: Business Wire)

As Bureau Veritas embarks on a new journey with the recent launch of its strategy LEAP I 28, this appointment will play a key role in evolving the Group's people model, ensuring the development of new strategic skills, and developing new ways of working through tech augmentation. Maria brings a track record of global Human Resources leadership experience to the Group, with a particular focus on talent development, transformation, diversity, and inclusion. Previously Maria was Chief Human Resources Officer and Corporate Social Responsibility and a member of the Executive Committee of Nexans.

Maria Lorente Fraguas will report to Hinda Gharbi, Chief Executive Officer, and will be a member of the Group Executive Committee. She replaces Kathryn Dolan who decided to pursue career opportunities outside Bureau Veritas.

Hinda Gharbi, Chief Executive Officer of Bureau Veritas, commented:

"I am delighted to welcome Maria Lorente Fraguas to the Group Executive Committee. I am very pleased to have such an experienced leader joining our team. As we execute our LEAP 28 strategy, Maria will play a pivotal role in evolving our people model, building new strategic skills, and developing our talent and expertise to drive future sustainable growth. I also take the opportunity to thank Kathryn Dolan for her leadership and her many contributions to the global HR function at Bureau Veritas over the last seven years."

Biography:

Maria Lorente Fraguas will join Bureau Veritas from Nexans, where she holds the position of Senior Corporate Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Corporate Social Responsibility and is a member of the Executive Committee. She has over 20 years of experience in leading international teams around the world and in a wide range of positions, including Operations, New Product Development, Transformation and Human Resources. She is an advocate for talent development, inclusion and diversity and has integrated this passion in the way she leads diverse teams around the world.

Prior to Nexans, Maria worked in SLB, where she managed international teams in senior HR, functional, and line roles around the world. She worked in eight different countries across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and North America, and most recently served as the Director of Human Resources Production Systems.

She holds a master's degree in industrial and electrical engineering from the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia in Spain and Ecole Superieure d'Electricite in France.

About Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress.

With a vision to be the preferred partner for its customers' excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change.

Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas' 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company's technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.

Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40 ESG, CAC Next 20, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5 index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI.

For more information, visit www.bureauveritas.com, and follow us on Twitter (@bureauveritas) and LinkedIn.

Our information is certified with blockchain technology.

Check that this press release is genuine at www.wiztrust.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725341235/en/

Contacts:

ANALYST/INVESTOR CONTACTS

Laurent Brunelle

+33 (0)1 55 24 76 09

laurent.brunelle@bureauveritas.com

Colin Verbrugghe

+33 (0)1 55 24 77 80

colin.verbrugghe@bureauveritas.com

Karine Ansart

+33 (0)1 55 24 76 19

karine.ansart@bureauveritas.com

MEDIA CONTACTS

Anette Rey

+33 (0)6 69 79 84 88

anette.rey@bureauveritas.com

Martin Bovo

+33 (0) 6 14 46 79 94

martin.bovo@bureauveritas.com
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX:NDM)(NYSE American:NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") reports it has received the remaining $10 million royalty payment under the second tranche of the Company's royalty agreement dated July 26, 2022 (the "Royalty Agreement') and the amended Royalty Agreement (the "Amendment") dated November 13, 2023. All currency figures are U.S. dollars.

Under the Amendment, the royalty investor (the "Royalty Holder") received the right to fund the second $12 million tranche in six equal installments of $2 million in exchange for the right to receive approximately 0.33% of the payable gold production and 1% of the payable silver production from the Pebble Project per each additional payment installment made (representing 1/6 of the aggregate royalty under the second tranche). Northern Dynasty received the first $2 million upon execution of the Amendment, as reported in the Company's November 13, 2023 news release.

As the Royalty Holder has now completed all six installments (for a total of $12 million) of the second tranche on or before July 26, 2024, the balance of the completion of the Royalty Agreement has been extended until July 26, 2025 as agreed to under the Amendment. The remaining three tranches of $12 million each, as described in the Company's July 27, 2022 news release and its recent Q1 2024 MD&A, have not been similarly subdivided, and the aggregate total purchase price of $60 million and maximum royalty rates (10% of payable gold production and 30% of payable silver production) remain unchanged from the original Royalty Agreement.

"We are pleased that the investor has completed the second of five $12 million tranches," said Ron Thiessen, President and CEO of Northern Dynasty Minerals. "As a result, the expiration date has been extended for one year, by which time we could receive the additional $36 million investment from the remaining three tranches contemplated in the original royalty agreement. Meanwhile we will continue to advance responsibly and reasonably the Pebble Project, one of the most important minerals and metals deposits in the world, with standards that assure the environment and regional fisheries are safeguarded as detailed in the USACE's Final Environmental Impact Statement and Remand Order."

The Company received the first tranche of $12 million in return for the right of the Royalty Holder to receive 2% of the payable gold production and 6% of the payable silver production from the Pebble Project, after accounting for a notional payment by the Royalty Holder of $1,500 per ounce of gold and $10 per ounce of silver, respectively, for the life of the mine (see Northern Dynasty news release July 27, 2022). Completion of the second tranche of $12 million increases the investor's right to an aggregate of 4% of the payable gold production and 12% of the aggregate silver production. If, in the future, spot prices exceed $4,000 per ounce of gold or $50 per ounce of silver, then the Company will share 20% of the excess price for either metal. Additionally, the Company will retain a portion of the metal produced at recovery rates in excess of 60% for gold and 65% for silver, and so is incentivized to continually improve operations over the life of the mine.

About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly owned Alaska-based U.S. subsidiary, Pebble Limited Partnership, is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 1,840 mineral claims in Southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit, located 200 miles from Anchorage and 125 miles from Bristol Bay. The Pebble Partnership is the proponent of the Pebble Project.

For further details on Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Project, please visit the Company's website at www.northerndynastyminerals.com or contact Investor services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1- 800-667-2114. Review public filings, which include forward looking information cautionary language and risk factor disclosure regarding the Company and the Pebble Project in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca and in the United States at www.sec.gov.

Ronald W. Thiessen

President & CEO

U.S. Media Contact:

Dan Gagnier, Gagnier Communications (646) 569-5897

Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under applicable provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address permitting, development and production for the Pebble Project and the ability of the Company to successfully complete the full financing transaction discussed above (the "Royalty Financing") are forward-looking statements. These include statements regarding: (i) the ability of the Pebble Project to ultimately secure all required federal and state permits, (ii) if permitting is ultimately secured, the ability to demonstrate that the Pebble Project is commercially viable, (iii) the ability of the Company and/or the State of Alaska to challenge the EPA's Final Determination process under the Clean Water Act through legal actions; and (iv) the full payment of the balance of the payments under the final three tranches and the future determinations of the Royalty Holder to increase its investment and the successful completion of the full Royalty Financing.

Although Northern Dynasty ("NDM") believes the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way be construed as guarantees that the Pebble Project will secure all required government and environmental permits or regarding the ability of NDM to develop the Pebble Projects in light of the USACE remand decision and EPA's Final Determination.

Assumptions used by NDM to develop forward-looking statements include the following assumptions: (i) the Pebble Project will ultimately obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses and (ii) NDM will be successful in its legal action against the EPA and any action taken by the EPA in connection with the Final Determination will ultimately not be successful in restricting or prohibiting development of the Pebble Project; (iii) the full amounts under the remaining tranches of the Royalty Financing will be advanced by the investor by July 26, 2025 of which there is no assurance, and (iv) NDM will be able to secure the financing required to develop the Pebble Project, including the full Royalty Financing.

NDM is also subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. Investors should also consider the risk factors identified in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed on SEDAR plus and included in the Company's annual report on Form 40-F filed by the Company with the SEC on EDGAR, and the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as filed on SEDAR plus and EDGAR, for a discussion of the risks that may impact our forward-looking statements.

The National Environment Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement process requires a comprehensive "alternatives assessment" be undertaken to consider a broad range of development alternatives, the final project design and operating parameters for the Pebble Project and associated infrastructure may vary significantly from that currently contemplated. As a result, the Company will continue to consider various development options and no final project design has been selected at this time.

For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

SOURCE: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Top Four Conveyor Car Wash Celebrates Grand Openings in Petoskey, MI and Weston, WI

THOMASTON, GA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Tidal Wave Auto Spa, one of the nation's fastest-growing express car wash companies, is pleased to announce the grand opening of two brand-new locations this week in Petoskey, MI, and Weston, WI. The Petoskey location is the company's first express car wash in Michigan, extending their footprint to 28 states across the South, Midwest, and Northern United States.









To celebrate the Grand Openings, the new Petoskey and Weston locations are offering eight days of free car washes from July 25-August 1. This limited-time promotion provides an opportunity for car owners to experience Tidal Wave's premium wash option, Graph-X4, at no cost. Additionally, any new customer that joins a Clean Club unlimited wash membership plan during Grand Opening week will enjoy their first month of unlimited washes for only $9.97 - saving up to $40.

"We're thrilled to continue our growth in the Midwest," said CEO and founder Scott Blackstock. "Over the past couple of years, we have significantly increased our presence throughout the Midwest, and it is exciting to officially add Michigan to our footprint this week. The Petoskey and Weston locations are designed to provide customers with an exceptional car wash experience year-round. From the comfortable summer months to the icy winters, our washes are built with industry-leading technology to make car care easy, efficient and enjoyable - no matter the conditions."

Petoskey, MI Location: 1950 US-131, Petoskey, MI 49770

Weston, WI Location: 6207 Business Hwy 51 S, Weston, WI 54476

Tidal Wave proudly serves customers at 275 express wash locations in 28 states across the South, Midwest and Northern United States. In the coming months, the company will open additional locations in Virginia, New York, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, Florida and more - including Tidal Wave's first New Mexico and Ohio locations.

Tidal Wave Auto Spa is committed to providing every customer with an exceptional car wash experience through industry-leading car care technology, clean and attractive locations, and friendly customer service at every location. Stop by for a single wash or join Tidal Wave's Clean Club for the ultimate experience. Members can wash every day of the month for one convenient monthly payment and save time with exclusive club member wash lanes - plus, memberships can be used at any Tidal Wave location. For those needing to wash multiple cars, Tidal Wave offers discounted monthly family plans and fleet plans for businesses with five or more vehicles.

For additional information, including upcoming locations, fundraising, fleet plans, and more, please visit: https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/.

About Tidal Wave Auto Spa

Tidal Wave Auto Spa is an industry-leading conveyor car wash company founded in 1999 by Scott and Hope Blackstock in Thomaston, GA. Tidal Wave is committed to providing cutting-edge car care technology and exceptional customer service at each of their 275 locations sprawling 28 states across the South, Midwest, and Northern United States. In 2020, Tidal Wave partnered with Golden Gate Capital to facilitate their accelerated growth across the country. Tidal Wave is one of the top five conveyor car wash companies in the country and has been included in the Inc. 5000 list for America's Fastest Growing Companies since 2020. The company was recognized as a 2023 Champion of Charity Honoree by Professional Carwashing & Detailing and has raised over $3 million dollars for organizations in their communities.

Contact Information

Heather Coleman

Marketing Manager

media@tidalwaveautospa.com

Andrea Traylor

Senior Director of Digital Marketing

andrea.traylor@tidalwaveautospa.com

2058212220

SOURCE: Tidal Wave Auto Spa

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Sarasota, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Profitable Growth Now, LLC, a leader in providing strategic business solutions, today announced the release of Bill Canady's latest book, "The 80/20 CEO: Take Command of Your Business in 100 Days." This publication offers a robust framework for CEOs and business leaders aiming to enhance their strategic planning and execution capabilities.

Image from Bill Canady

Bill Canady, leveraging more than three decades of business leadership experience, distills essential management practices into a coherent strategy designed to attain substantial business improvement. The book is based on Canady's Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS), which aims to facilitate sustainable growth and operational efficiency.

"A cornerstone of 'The 80/20 CEO' is its focus on the 80/20 principle, tailored for effective business management and leadership," said a spokesperson for Profitable Growth Now, LLC. "Our hope is that this book serves as a practical guide for leaders looking to refine their approach to business management and drive meaningful results."

The 80/20 CEO is built on five key management practices: 80/20 segmentation, lean continuous improvement, meaningful mergers and acquisitions, data-driven strategy, and performance-driven talent management. These practices help companies focus on high-impact sources of revenue, streamline operations, and make data-driven decisions.

Written as an essential resource for senior-level executives, established leaders, and aspiring business professionals, the 80/20 CEO is available for purchase right now.

About Profitable Growth Now, LLC:

Profitable Growth Now, LLC specializes in strategic business solutions that empower companies to achieve and sustain peak performance. Under the leadership of Bill Canady, PGN, LLC advocates for strategic innovations that address the dynamic challenges of today's business environment.

Bill Canady, a seasoned leader in various industry sectors, continues to impact the business world through his strategic insights and leadership. His latest book, "The 80/20 CEO," is poised to become an essential tool for business leaders worldwide.

Contact Information:

Name: Bill Canady

Company: PGN, LLC

Website: https://BillCanady.com

Email: Bill@billcanady.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/215951

SOURCE: Baden Bower
A YEAR OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

ANNUAL REVENUE 2023/2024 OF 24.8 M

GROWTH REBOUND EXPECTED IN 2024/2025

BETWEEN +20% AND +60%

Revenue for 2023-2024 reached 24.8 million; gap from target is due to the production of orders deprioritized on 2 customers, the impact of the cancellation of 2 stations prior to their reassignment, and to the pace of market deployment. In addition, some orders arrived late in the last quarter also contributing to the gap;

is due to the production of orders deprioritized on 2 customers, the impact of the cancellation of 2 stations prior to their reassignment, and to the pace of market deployment. In addition, some orders arrived late in the last quarter also contributing to the gap; First significant contribution of 0.5m from the Maintenance business, an area of recurring revenue development for HRS ;

of 0.5m from the Maintenance business, an area of recurring revenue development for ; Acceleration of international development in high-potential regions with a 1 st station order in Saudi Arabia;

in high-potential regions with a 1 station order in Saudi Arabia; Order book of 47.1 M, including 19 M to be recognized on hydrogen stations already in production;

including 19 M to be recognized on hydrogen stations already in production; Strategic review of the pipeline: 343 M almost exclusively composed of key accounts;

almost exclusively composed of key accounts; Expected growth of between +20% and +60% for 2024-2025 revenue, i.e. a range of 30 to 40 million euros, taking into account longer decision-making cycles.

Grenoble, July 25, 2024 - HRS , a European designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refueling stations, presents its revenue for the 2023/2024 financial year (period from July 1er 2023 to June 30, 2024).

000 2022/2023 2023/2024 Change Revenue (unaudited) 30,082 24,781 -17.6% Hydrogen Stations 26,555 21,902 -17.5% Industrial Piping and other 3,527 2,878 -18.4%

Hassen Rachedi, founder and CEO of HRS, a pure player in hydrogen refueling stations: " During this period, HRS continued its strategic development amidst a shifting economic landscape, focusing on innovation, international expansion, and enhancing production and maintenance capacities. Currently, HRS boasts one of Europe's largest installed bases, with 18 operational stations installed over 35 months, equating to an average of one station installed every 8 weeks. Additionally, two more stations are set to become operational in the coming months, bringing the total number of next-generation stations to 20. Each of our stations delivers a minimum of 200 kg of hydrogen daily, offering a combined minimum potential of 4 tons per day across our entire installed base.

Our comprehensive service offering, which includes 24/7/365 on-call maintenance and real-time monitoring via our "control room," has received enthusiastic feedback from our customers. By expanding our installed base, we aim to increase potential recurring revenue: maintenance revenue from these 20 stations could eventually reach nearly 2 million euros annually.

In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, our new production plant attracted a record number of prospects and customers, serving as a testament to our unique expertise and production capacity. HRS achieved significant commercial success by securing orders for 8 new stations during the year, including 3 HRS40s designed for heavy-duty mobility and 1 HRS14 destined for Saudi Arabia.

Despite revenue in 2023/2024 falling short of our expectations, it has opened up promising prospects and reinforced our position as a market leader. Delays in decision-making by primary contractors on certain tenders impacted results, but active projects indicate our strong market position.

Moreover, our revenue could have been higher if not for the deprioritization of two customers, including pHynix, with whom negotiations led to an agreement eventually being signed. Production for these orders has since normalized, allowing us to manage cash flow effectively while supporting our customers in advancing their projects. Additionally, late-arriving orders contributed to the variance from our targets.

For our other key accounts, such as SPAC (Groupe Colas for the HYNAMICS project in Dunkirk), TotalEnergies, Plug Power, Hympulsion, Engie, Seven, GCK, SYDEV, and a Saudi Arabian energy company, projects are proceeding as planned, underscoring the strength of our business relationships. This reinforces our strategic advantage of focusing on large-capacity, modular stations, particularly as 80% of current requests are for stations producing one ton or more of hydrogen per day.

We are fully committed to our deployment strategy and rigorous financial management. The upcoming phase will concentrate on deepening relationships with key accounts that offer a lower risk profile. Our current pipeline, valued at 343 million, is aligned with this objective, with ongoing projects progressing well. We aim to secure a significant portion of these projects by leveraging our competitive advantages in station reliability, industrial experience, installation, and commissioning. Adjustments to our targets have been made to align with current market conditions, while maintaining our long-term ambitions.

Hydrogen mobility development remains a pivotal solution supported by public authorities for decarbonizing transportation. With our technological, industrial, and commercial capabilities, we are well-positioned to strengthen and expand our leadership in the hydrogen refueling station sector. This marks the beginning of a new phase for HRS, driven by new installations, maintenance contracts, and a rapidly growing sales pipeline, promising substantial growth opportunities and enhancing future profitability.

We extend our gratitude to our shareholders for their support and to our employees for their unwavering commitment to our shared vision of HRS's success. I reaffirm my steadfast dedication to our family business, in which I maintain a 67% stake. Together, with the dedication of our entire team, we will continue advancing with determination and passion. "

REVENUE DOWN 17.6% FOR THE YEAR

As anticipated, HRS reported a year of intense operational and commercial activity, despite a changing economic context that is not conducive to the rapid launch of large-scale hydrogen mobility projects, even though they have already begun and are still active.

Annual revenue for 2023/2024 came to 24.8 million, down 17.6% on the previous year. Hydrogen station revenue of 21.9 million reflects the percentage-of-completion recognition method of stations in production during the year, new station orders and maintenance contracts. In detail, hydrogen station revenue break down as follows:

13.2 million from new stations ordered over the period (including the negative impact of the cancellation of 2 HRS40 stations, brought forward to around 30% as announced on June 23, 2024);

from new stations ordered over the period (including the negative impact of the cancellation of 2 HRS40 stations, brought forward to around 30% as announced on June 23, 2024); 10.3 M from stations in production or deployment signed in previous years;

from stations in production or deployment signed in previous years; 0.5 M from initial maintenance contracts;

from initial maintenance contracts; -2.1 M due to the negative impact of the cancellation of 2 HRS40 stations as announced on June 23, 2024 (see below).

At the same time, the company's historical Industrial Piping business contributed 2.9 million. This business, which is complementary in training and developing key skills in the manufacture of hydrogen stations, is set to expand over the next few years.

The gap from the minimum revenue target of 31 million is due to the following factors:

 An impact of -4.0 M related to the slowdown in station production for two customers with whom HRS was engaged in renegotiating the initially planned payment terms. In line with sound financial management, this has enabled HRS to avoid incurring additional expenses and preserve its cash position. For PHynix, following the successful conclusion of negotiations leading to the signing of a contract amendment, production of three HRS40 stations has resumed at a normal pace and will contribute to revenue over the next few years. The strategic decision made in the second half of the year demonstrates our ability to find flexible solutions and move forward despite the challenges;

 An impact of -2.1 M related to the two HRS40 stations ordered by pHynix and subsequently canceled, which were only 30% complete. These two stations are in the process of being reallocated to the new HRS40 orders announced for the second half of the year and will again contribute to revenue in 2024-2025.

These impacts should have been offset by the expected materialization of new orders linked to major ongoing projects in which HRS is well positioned, but tender decisions were postponed by a few months. However, three new orders were booked in the second half.

For all the other HRS customers, mainly major accounts such as SPAC (Groupe Colas for the HYNAMICS project in Dunkirk), TotalEnergies, Plug Power, Hympulsion, Engie, Seven, GCK, SYDEV, and a Saudi Arabian energy company, progress on major projects was on schedule.

OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE 2023/2024 FINANCIAL YEAR

HRS Europe's leading supplier of hydrogen stations

HRS now has one of the largest installed bases with 18 stations operational in 35 months, i.e. an average of one station installed every 8 weeks. During the 2023/2024 financial year, HRS installed and commissioned the Bercy sites for Hype and a site in England for Plug Power. Additionally, 2 further stations have been installed and will be operational in 2024.

New HRS production site fully operational

The new 14,300 m production site in Champagnier has been fully operational since the autumn of 2024. It boosts HRS's annual production capacity to at least 180 stations. The test area is also operational, with an H14 station and an HRS40 station (1 ton/day) in the start-up phase. It was financed by 3.1 million in bank financing for its hydrogen refueling station test zone, supported by BPI and SOMUDIMEC, with the participation of BNP Paribas, Credit Cooperatif, LCL and SG Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.

Start of maintenance contracts

To date, HRS has initiated 17 maintenance contracts, representing 100% of its operating base. These recurring revenues will make a significant contribution to revenue in the medium term and are already contributing 0.5 million to 2023/2024 revenue.

Amendment to framework agreement with pHYnix

On June 20, 2024, HRS announced an amendment to the framework agreement with pHYnix for the delivery of 6 stations by the end of 2027, worth a total of 12.5 million. The new payment schedule runs from June 2024 to December 2027. Two HRS40 stations initially ordered were cancelled but have since been redirected and adapted to the specific requirements of other orders.

Support from BPI with 1.35 million for innovation and international development

On April 29, 2024, HRS announced that it had received 1.35 million in funding from Bpifrance to accelerate its international expansion and step up its R&D activities, particularly in the field of large-capacity stations. Key advances in the development of solutions for heavy mobility and the rapid transfer of large masses of hydrogen (40-50kg) at high pressure (700bar) have been validated.

HRS plans to set up a US subsidiary in the second half of 2024, supported by Bpifrance's Garantie de Projets a l'international, marking a major step forward in its global expansion strategy.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN HIGH-POTENTIAL REGIONS

At the same time, HRS is continuing to expand its business in highly attractive international regions, which could serve as new growth drivers for the revenue pipeline:

In the Middle East, HRS confirmed the strong potential of this market for hydrogen mobility at COP28. On June 18, 2024, HRS announced the first order for an HRS14 hydrogen station for a project developer in Saudi Arabia. The station will fuel a fleet of 20 buses and light vehicles starting in summer 2024. This first sale outside Europe, with significant economic opportunities, marks a decisive step in HRS 's strategy to expand in high-potential regions such as the Middle East;

confirmed the strong potential of this market for hydrogen mobility at COP28. On June 18, 2024, announced the first order for an HRS14 hydrogen station for a project developer in Saudi Arabia. The station will fuel a fleet of 20 buses and light vehicles starting in summer 2024. This first sale outside Europe, with significant economic opportunities, marks a decisive step in 's strategy to expand in high-potential regions such as the Middle East; North America remains a priority target for commercial development. According to a study published by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) titled "Road Map to a US Hydrogen Economy Full Report," the US hydrogen mobility market is expected to grow significantly, with a projection of 4,300 stations specifically for Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs). By 2030, 1.2 million FCEVs are expected to be sold in the USA. Additionally, California has set ambitious targets to create a network of 1,000 hydrogen stations by 2030 and has recently announced the establishment of the first hydrogen hub in the USA. With recent financial support from BPI France totaling 1.3 million, HRS aims to open a subsidiary in the United States in 2024, where there is strong political support for the development of hydrogen, with over $50 billion in announced plans;

aims to open a subsidiary in the United States in 2024, where there is strong political support for the development of hydrogen, with over $50 billion in announced plans; In China, HRS RS is continuing its market studies, supplier evaluations, and local contacts to estimate development potential before committing additional resources;

RS is continuing its market studies, supplier evaluations, and local contacts to estimate development potential before committing additional resources; In Asia-Pacific, HRS has recruited a business developer to target the region where over 20 station projects have already been identified. HRS is actively participating in calls for tender in this region.

ADJUSTED ORDER BOOK AT 47.1M

During the year, HRS secured 7 new orders in Europe, including 2 under the Plug Power agreement, 4 stations from existing customers (including GCK, Hympulsion and SEVEN) and 1 station for Saudi Arabia.

At June 30, 2024, the order book stood at 47.1 million, including 19.1 million worth of work still to be done on hydrogen stations currently in production, most of which should be converted into revenue in the 2024/2025 financial year.

PIPELINE OF 343M MULTIPLIED BY 2.9 IN 12 MONTHS, BUT DECISION CYCLES LENGTHENING

HRS's commercial pipeline strengthened significantly during the 2023/2024 financial year, driven by the many projects already underway. It is made up of potential orders and identified projects, including 170 stations in shortlist selection or final negotiation on still-active European tenders, representing potential revenue of 343 million with deliveries over the 2024-2030 period, naturally requiring in-depth preparatory phases.

Compared with April 30, 2024 (480m), a strategic review of the commercial pipeline has enabled us to exclude projects considered at present or carried out by principals with overly risky profiles.

As a result, the 343 million figure mainly comprises projects for major accounts in Europe. The company plans to increase this pipeline by actively prospecting in new regions outside Europe.

Indeed, the global drive to decarbonize heavy mobility through various means, including hydrogen, necessitates the development of a global infrastructure. As a result, Europe is currently developing ambitious transnational hydrogen transport projects, such as MosaHYc (France-Germany-Luxembourg) or BarMar-H2Med (France-Spain), to supply the exponential demand for green hydrogen.

Against this backdrop, the hydrogen mobility market continues to develop, driven by major European plans, as well as in many national markets, driven by the logistics & transport sectors and major oil companies. The European Union has issued calls for projects worth over 1 billion euros through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Fund (AFIF), which is expected to lead to the installation of almost 50 stations.

In addition, around 700 stations are anticipated to be deployed as part of the AFIR program, supported by the Council of the EU, for the installation of one-ton-per-day hydrogen stations every 200 km on the TEN-T network and in every urban node by the end of 2030.

ANNUAL AMBITIONS ADJUSTED TO THE PACE OF DEPLOYMENT OF MAJOR NEW PROJECTS, WITH EXPECTED GROWTH OF BETWEEN 20% AND 60%

However, like all market players, HRS has noted a cyclical lengthening of decision-making cycles, with an increase in the number of large-scale projects.

Against this backdrop, HRS has decided to revise its targets to reflect of the current speed of the market and is now aiming for 2024/2025 revenue of between 30 and 40 million, representing growth of between 20% and 60% compared with 2023-2024.

HRS maintains its ambition to achieve revenue of 85 million with a timeframe to be confirmed, by building on the potential of its pipeline, while aiming for significant profitability with a positive EBIT margin by 2026.

HRS continues to lead an ambitious project, with a strong industrial base, an unrivalled installed base of stations with capacities in excess of 200 kg/day, a solid financial structure and the support of numerous commercial partners. Its development is underpinned by expertise that is unique in Europe, where concrete measures to promote the decarbonization of uses will enable hydrogen mobility infrastructures to become a key element in the ecological transition.

NEXT PUBLICATION

Annual results 2023/2024 on October 9, 2024 after close of trading.

ABOUT HRS (Hydrogen Refueling Solutions)

HRS is a leading global manufacturer of high-capacity hydrogen refueling stations. The company provides a comprehensive and unique range of modular and scalable stations, ranging from 200 kg/day to 4 tons/day.

As a pure player in station design and commissioning, HRS operates state-of-the-art industrial production facilities capable of assembling up to 180 stations per year, with lead times ranging from 6 to 12 weeks. This industrial site features a test area, the only one of its kind in Europe, designed to test and trial the full range of stations and develop future products and solutions for the hydrogen mobility market.

HRS also offers a complete service package, including 24/7/365 on-call maintenance. The performance of stations installed in Europe and globally is monitored in real time from a cutting-edge control room.

HRS currently boasts one of the largest installed bases of high-capacity stations on the market, with 18 stations each providing 200 kg/day, totaling a cumulative capacity of nearly 4 tons/day. All stations feature bi-pressure terminals and are equipped with 350-bar, 350-HF, and 700-bar nozzles, addressing all the needs of hydrogen mobility.

HRS is distinguished by its strict financial discipline, maintaining long-term financial stability while continuously investing substantial resources into R&D, thereby ensuring its leadership in innovation.

ISIN code: FR0014001PM5 - mnemonic: ALHRS.

For more information, visit our website www.hydrogen-refueling-solutions.fr

CONTACTS

Relations investisseurs

ACTUS finance & communication

Gregoire SAINT-MARC

hrs@actus.fr

00 33 1 53 67 36 94 Financial press relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Deborah SCHWARTZ

hrs-presse@actus.fr

00 33 1 53 67 36 35 Corporate press relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Anne-Charlotte DUDICOURT

hrs-presse@actus.fr

00 33 1 53 67 36 32

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H1 sales of 408 million under IFRS, and 430 million on an adjusted basis 1 , up 13% and in line with guidance

, up 13% and in line with guidance Q2 sales of 236 million under IFRS, and 252 million on an adjusted basis, up 14%

Record level of orders in the 1 st half of the year of 714 million (+38%), driven by strong momentum in the United States and several commercial successes in Europe

half of the year of 714 million (+38%), driven by strong momentum in the United States and several commercial successes in Europe Recurring VAS 4 sales of 26 million, up 28% and representing around 60% of total VAS revenue

sales of 26 million, up 28% and representing around 60% of total VAS revenue Full-year 2024 outlook confirmed for adjusted sales above 1 billion and improved profitability

The following financial figures are presented under IFRS standards, as well as in adjusted terms before IFRS 15 adjustments, with no cash impact, related to the Walmart U.S. contract which began in Q4 2023. Details of these adjustments are provided at the end of this press release.

In m IFRS Sales Adjustments[1]due

to Walmart contract Adjusted Sales1 H1 2024 407.8 -22.2 430.0 H1 2023 380.7 - 380.7 Change (in %) +7% N/A +13% Unaudited figures



Commenting on the figures, Thierry Gadou, Chairman and CEO of VusionGroup, said:

 Our performance in the first half of the year is in line with our guidance. A solid momentum is underway in both the United States and Europe, thus strengthening our global leadership.

In the US, our growth is very strong, both in terms of sales and order entries. The Walmart deployment is proceeding rapidly, with more than 500 stores to be installed at year end. In addition, the introduction of our latest innovations, EdgeSense and VusionOX[2] is providing enhanced opportunities for the development of the market. This powerful momentum will be visible in the second half of the year and in 2025, with the United States becoming our first market.

The Group is also very successful in Europe in many markets (France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Scandinavia and Portugal) and particularly in a multitude of non-food market segments such as pharmaceuticals, sports, DIY, furniture and household appliances. Thanks to these wins, and others to come soon, we anticipate a sharp rebound of activity in Europe during the second half of the year compared to the first half of the year, and strong growth starting in 2025.

We confidently confirm all our financial targets for the current year in terms of growth, profitability and cash flow generation. The year 2024 will be a historic year in every way, and we are already preparing for the acceleration of 2025. I want to thank our customers for their trust and our teams for their commitment and passion for the digitalization of physical commerce .

Sales

In m and in adjusted 1 figures EMEA Americas

& Asia-Pacific Total Q2 2024 131.7 120.6 252.3 Q2 2023 186.9 33.9 220.8 Change (in %) -29.5% +256% +14.3% H1 2024 238.0 192.0 430.0 H1 2023 317.1 63.0 380.1 Change (in %) - 25.1% +205% +13.1% Rolling 12-month 2024 562.1 292.3 854.4 Rolling 12-month 2023 582.5 132.6 715.1 Change (in %) -3.5% +220% +19.5% Order entries in m 2024 2023 % H1 714.0 518.0 +37.8% Rolling 12-month 1146.0 818.0 +40.1%



H1 growth in line with expectations and record order entries

The Group's IFRS revenue reached 408 million in the 1st half, and 430 million on an adjusted basis1, up 13% compared to the 1st half of 2023, and in line with the guidance communicated during the presentation of the 2023 annual results.

In terms of geography, growth was driven by North America. In accordance with the forecasts announced, the breakdown of revenue in the 1st half is:

55% for EMEA, or 238 million, down 25% due to the planned and announced finalization of the deployment phase of a major European customer during the first half of the year. This cyclical effect will only be temporary in 2024 as the many contracts signed in recent months in Europe will generate robust growth again in 2025. In addition, order entries increased in the region in the first half of the year, reinforcing our scenario for a rebound of activity in Europe from the second half of 2024.

45% for Americas and Asia-Pacific, or 192 million on an adjusted basis, up 205%, mainly driven by the United States, which will become the Group's largest market in 2024. Growth is expected to continue at a sustained pace in the coming quarters. This excellent momentum is driven by the acceleration of the pace of deployment at Walmart but also by the ongoing conclusion of several major new contracts.

Global order entries increased by 38% to 714 million in the first half of the year, and the level of orders reached a level of 1,146 million at the end of the 1st half on a 12-month rolling basis. This record figure reflects the strong momentum of new contract signings in both Europe and the United States.

VAS[3] Sales

Revenue from software and recurring services[4] reached 26.1 million in the first half of the year, up sharply (+28% compared to H1 2023). It represents nearly 60% of the total VAS revenues, the total amount of which stands at 44 million (-17% compared to H1 2023).

Non-recurring services[5] declined due to a difficult economic context where retailers slowed down some projects or internalized certain services. This situation is in line with the forecasts announced and is expected to continue throughout the year before reversing in 2025, thanks to the continued strong growth of recurring services.

VusionGroup's cloud installed base grew rapidly in the first half of the year to more than 21,000 stores and 110 million labels. This dynamic will accelerate in the coming quarters.

Outlook and objectives for 2024

With an order book at an all-time high, VusionGroup confidently reiterates its objective of crossing the 1 billion mark in revenue (on an adjusted basis) in 2024, and to pursue a strong growth trajectory in 2025.

As expected, the Group's revenue growth will be weighted more towards the second half of the year. VusionGroup confirms its ambition to deliver a record performance in terms of sales in the second half of the year with a target in the range of 580-600 million. This follows the achievement of 430 million of revenue in the first half of the year, fully in line with the guidance range of 420-440 million communicated during the presentation of its 2023 annual results.

Regarding the geographic distribution of annual sales, VusionGroup's annual sales targets remain at 50 to 60% in EMEA and 40 to 50% in Americas and APAC, supported by the strong growth expected in the United States this year.

Total VAS revenue is anticipated to reach 120-140m. This target reflects the ongoing difficult macroeconomic environment for commerce in Europe. As expected, this environment weighed on the level of activity in non-recurring VAS in the first half of the year. However, the Group anticipates a rebound in this activity from the second half of the year. Within the recurring VAS business, the good momentum in the second quarter supports the Group's growth target, which aims to reach an amount of 60 million for the full year. The numerous deployments planned for 2024 will continue to fuel the continued acceleration of the recurring VAS activity in 2025.

The Group expects an improvement in its adjusted variable cost margin rate for the first half of the year, and for the full year compared to the same periods in 2023. The Group also confirms its continued improvement on profitability, with an adjusted EBITDA margin expected to increase by 50 to 100 basis points and positive cash flow for the first half and the year.

VusionGroup expects continued robust growth in its order intake, which is expected to reach an all-time high for the full year.

Note on the IFRS Adjustments related to the Walmart contract:

Two IFRS adjustments related to the Walmart contract impact 2023 financial disclosures:

1. On June 2, 2023, at their Annual General Meeting, the Group's shareholders approved a grant to Walmart of 1,761,200 for stock warrants on the Group's shares. According to IFRS standards, the fair value of these warrants should be calculated. On June 2, 2023, the fair value of the warrants was established at 163m. A contract asset and a financial debt were thus recorded in the consolidated accounts for this amount. The contract asset, which is a fixed amount, is amortized in proportion to the forecast revenue generated by the Walmart contract over the duration of the roll-out of the VusionGroup platform in Walmart stores. The reduced revenue impact is customary as the warrants will only have a potential dilutive effect, which was modeled and communicated during the allocation of the warrants in early June 2023. This does not impact the actual sales invoiced to Walmart. This adjustment has no impact on the Group's cash flow. It impacts all the Group's income statement lines, in the same proportion. This negative impact on the Group's IFRS accounts will continue until the end of the Walmart contract, in direct proportion to the sales generated by this contract. The financial debt is subject to revaluation at each closing, depending on the number of exercisable warrants and the market price of VusionGroup shares. Any change is recorded as financial income in the Group's consolidated accounts. VusionGroup will continue to communicate at each closing the impact on revenue and net income of this IFRS adjustment.

2. The impact of future price reductions indexed to the volumes agreed upon with Walmart on the first deliveries of electronic shelf labels (ESLs): The cost of the Group's hardware solutions is a function of the volume manufactured. A significant increase in volume might thus lead to lower costs. Therefore, it has been agreed with this customer that they will be granted price reductions in relation to the future sales volume to which they contribute. The IFRS standard (IFRS 15) requires prices to be averaged over the life of the contract. Application of this adjustment in 2023 impacts reported revenue (IFRS) and the margin, even though price reductions will only be granted if volumes have reached certain thresholds. This standard's application negatively impacts revenue and all income statement lines, down to net profit. Finally, it is important to note that cost reductions have already been negotiated with suppliers to guarantee at least the same level of margin on this contract in 2025.

Disclaimer

This press release contains unaudited financial data. The aggregates presented are those normally used and communicated on markets by VusionGroup. These statements include financial projections, synergies, estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, expectations and objectives with respect to future operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Such statements do not constitute forecasts regarding VusionGroup's results or any other performance indicator, but rather trends or targets, as the case may be. No guarantee can be given as to the achievement of such forward-looking statements and information. Investors and holders of VusionGroup securities are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of VusionGroup, and that such risks and uncertainties may entail results and developments that differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed or identified in the public documents filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), the French Financial Markets Authority. Investors and holders of VusionGroup securities should consider that the occurrence of some or all of these risks may have a material adverse effect on VusionGroup. VusionGroup is under no obligation and does not undertake to provide updates of these forward-looking statements and information to reflect events that occur or circumstances that arise after the date of this press release. More comprehensive information about VusionGroup may be obtained on its Internet website (www.vusion.com). This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy VusionGroup securities in any jurisdiction.

About VusionGroup

VusionGroup is the global leader in providing digitalization solutions for commerce, serving over 350 large retailer groups around the world in Europe, Asia and North America.

The Group develops technologies that create a positive impact on society by enabling sustainable and human-centered commerce. By leveraging its IoT & Data technologies, VusionGroup empowers retailers to re-imagine their physical stores into efficient, intelligent, connected, and data-driven assets. The Group unlocks higher economic performance, facilitates seamless collaboration across the value chain, enhances the shopping experience, creates better jobs, cultivates healthier communities, and significantly reduces waste and carbon emissions.

VusionGroup consist of six families of solutions which bring the full potential of IoT, Cloud, Data, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to the service of the modernization of commerce: SESimagotag (ESL & Digital Shelf Systems), VusionCloud, Captana (computer vision and artificial intelligence platform), Memory (data analytics), Engage (retail media and in-store advertising), and PDidigital (logistics and industrial solutions).

VusionGroup supports the United Nations' Global Compact initiative and has received in 2023 the Platinum Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis, the world's reference of business sustainability ratings.

VusionGroup is listed in compartment A of Euronext Paris and is a member of the SBF120 Index.

Ticker: VU - ISIN code: FR0010282822

www.vusion.com

Investor Relations: Olivier Gernandt / +33 (0)6 85 07 86 81 / olivier.gernandt@vusion.com

Press contact: vusiongroup@publicisconsultants.com

Financial Calendar 2024

September 12, 2024: H1 2024 Results

October 28, 2024: Q3 2024 Sales

Glossary

EBITDA

The Group considers EBITDA to be a performance indicator that presents operating income before depreciation and amortization of fixed assets, adjusted for some items during the period that affect comparability with previous reporting periods. It also represents a good approximation of the cash flow generated by operating activities before taking into account investments and changes in working capital. Consequently, restatements include significant non-recurring items or items that will never lead to a cash disbursement

Order entries

Order entries represent the year-to-date cumulative value of ESL orders received from customers. These orders are valued based on negotiated selling prices, i.e. before any impact of IFRS 15. Order intake also includes year-to-date VAS revenues.

[1] Adjusted sales incorporate IFRS standards before adjusting for certain non-cash IFRS 15 adjustments related to the Walmart US contract, which began in Q4 2023. These adjustments only impact the Americas & Asia-Pacific region. Please see the detailed explanatory note at the end of this press release.

[2] EdgeSense is a highly innovative digital shelf system that revolutionizes electronic shelf labels and the broader digitalization of stores, powered by VusionOX, the new highly-secure IoT Cloud operating system leveraging an ultra-low power Bluetooth protocol.

[3] VAS: Software, services and non-ESL solutions

[4] "Recurring VAS" revenue includes revenue generated by subscriptions to VusionCloud and its SaaS computer vision (Captana and Belive) and data analytics (Markethub and Memory) solutions, as well as contracts for recurring services.

[5] "Non-recurring VAS" revenue includes the revenue generated by installation and non-recurring professional services; the sale of equipment such as Captana cameras, video rails and other screens used for retail media (Engage), as well as the sale of industrial and logistics solutions (PDidigital).

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Oxurion Share Consolidation

Leuven, BELGIUM - July 25, 2024 - 06:00 PM CET Oxurion NV(Euronext Brussels: OXUR) (the Company), a biopharmaceutical company based in Leuven, announced today that its Board of Directors, authorized by the General Meeting of July 24, 2024, will proceed with a consolidation of all existing shares. This consolidation will be carried out at a ratio of one (1) new share for ten thousand (10,000) existing shares.

This share consolidation is a strategic step to increase the nominal value of the shares, simplify the capital structure, and improve the liquidity of shares in the market. Oxurion is enthusiastic about this new phase, which aligns with its long-term growth strategy and sustainable value creation for its shareholders. This initiative reflects its commitment to an optimal financial structure and its confidence in the solidity and future potential of Oxurion.

Anticipated benefits of the consolidation:

Improved market perception: A higher nominal value can contribute to an enhanced perception of the shares by the market. Reduced volatility: Shares with a higher nominal value tend to be less volatile, thus stabilizing the Company's market presence. Transaction optimization: Simplifies transactions and management of shares for investors and analysts.





A higher nominal value can contribute to an enhanced perception of the shares by the market.

Details of the consolidation:

Consolidation ratio: 1 new share for 10,000 existing shares. Number of shares subject to consolidation: 13,362,647,372 shares. ISIN code of old non-consolidated shares: BE0003846632. Number of shares resulting from the consolidation: 1,336,265 shares. ISIN code of new consolidated shares: BE0974487192

1 new share for 10,000 existing shares. Operation schedule:

CONSOLIDATION OPERATION Last trading day of old shares

(code ISIN BE0003846632) September 2, 2024 Effective date of consolidation operations:

Delisting of old shares (code ISIN BE0003846632)

First trading of new shares under code:

ISIN BE0974487192/ Mnemonic September 3, 2024 Record date September 4, 2024 Delivery date of new shares

(Payment date) September 5, 2024 MANAGEMENT OF OLD SHARES FORMING FRACTIONAL SHARES Acquisition or sale of old shares by shareholders Between July 26, 2024, and August 30, 2024 (included) Start date for compensation of fractional shares by financial intermediaries September 6, 2024 End date for compensation of fractional shares by financial intermediaries September 30, 2024





All operations related to the consolidation will take place at Euronext Brussels.

Treatment of multiples of 10,000: Shareholders holding a number of old shares forming a multiple of 10,000 have no steps or formalities to complete. These shares will be automatically consolidated by their financial intermediary at a ratio of one (1) new share for ten thousand (10,000) old shares.

Management of Fractional Shares: Shareholders who do not hold a number of old shares forming a multiple of 10,000 can buy or sell shares on the market to obtain this multiple between July 26, 2024, and August 30, 2024 (included).

At the end of this period, Financiere d'Uzes, acting as the centralizing agent (see below), will handle the sale of new shares formed by the fractional shares on the market to compensate shareholders who do not hold a number of shares forming a multiple of 10,000 after August 30, 2024. The funds thus collected, minus any fees, will be paid to the relevant financial intermediaries.

These intermediaries will distribute the amount received among the concerned shareholders based on the number of old shares previously held no later than September 30, 2024, provided that the net proceeds to be received by a shareholder for their position with a financial intermediary is at least equivalent to 0.01 EUR.

Shareholders who do not have the required amount to obtain new shares and whose fractional share amount is less than 0.01 EUR (which is quite likely for a number of shareholders given the current share price of the Company of 0.0001 EUR) will not receive either shares or fractional shares in cash.

Example: A shareholder holding 10,500 old shares on August 30, 2024, will receive one new share on September 5, 2024, and the balance, i.e., 500 shares, will be consolidated with other old shares to form a new share which will be sold on the market.

The net proceeds from the sale of all these shares will be paid to the various financial intermediaries concerned, who will distribute the received portion among the different shareholders, provided that the net proceeds to be received by the concerned shareholder from a financial intermediary is at least equivalent to 0.01 EUR.

Delisting: Non-consolidated shares at the end of the consolidation period will be delisted.

Centralization: All operations related to the share consolidation will take place at Financiere d'Uzes, 13 rue d'Uzes, Paris 75002, France, designated as the agent for the centralization of consolidation operations.

For any questions regarding the consolidation operations, a "Questions and Answers" document is available for shareholders on the site ir.oxurion.com.

About Oxurion

Oxurion.

Important information about forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking". Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of Oxurion in any jurisdiction. No securities of Oxurion may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws.

Please contact for additional information:

Oxurion NV

Pascal Ghoson

Chief Executive Officer

pascal.ghoson@oxurion.com (mailto:pascal.ghoson@oxurion.com)





Attachments
Experienced Principal Adds Forensic Fire Engineering Services to Coffman's Capabilities

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Multidiscipline consulting engineering firm Coffman Engineers, Inc. (Coffman) announced today that Seneca Fire Engineering, LLC, a Georgia-based fire protection engineering consulting firm specializing in fire engineering forensics, has executed a letter of intent to join Coffman. The companies plan to finalize an asset purchase agreement on July 31, 2024. Coffman will welcome Dan Arnold, PE, FSFPE, the managing partner of Seneca Fire Engineering. He will join as a Principal Advisor and continue to conduct investigations and serve clients as before.

Dan Arnold, PE, FSFPE, of Seneca Fire Engineering

The transition to Coffman focuses on increasing capacity in services for Seneca Fire Engineering clients and adding comprehensive forensic fire engineering investigations and litigation support services to Coffman's clients.

Seneca Fire Engineering clients will continue to benefit from working directly with Dan Arnold and have access to the fire protection engineering resources offered by Coffman's team of over 100 fire protection engineers and designers nationwide.

"Seneca Fire Engineering's partnership with Coffman reinforces the successful collaboration we've shared for over four years. I will continue to conduct investigations and serve clients as I have for almost 25 years," said Arnold. "Additionally, Seneca Fire Engineering's clients will benefit from access to other fire protection and multidiscipline engineers across the country. This will allow me to serve clients for years to come."

Arnold is a highly respected fire protection engineer with more than 40 years of experience specializing in fire engineering forensics. He established Seneca Fire Engineering in 2001. Arnold has participated in thousands of fire engineering investigations and has qualified to provide testimony in numerous courts and jurisdictions. He is a registered fire protection engineer in 23 states and an elected Fellow in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.

View the fact sheet and Coffman's website for more information: https://www.coffman.com/news/seneca-fire-engineering-joins-coffman/.

About Coffman Engineers

Coffman Engineers is a multidiscipline engineering consulting firm that offers clients local, personalized services by integrating many disciplines including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and other specialties. Coffman has 900+ employees in 22 offices across the U.S. committed to the team effort it takes to build a better world. This year, Coffman is celebrating 45 years in business. Visit coffman.com or connect with us on social media.

Contact Information

Beth Ito

Corporate Communications

beth.ito@coffman.com

808-687-8884

Related Files

Seneca Fire Engineering Will Join Coffman Engineers_LOI Press Release

071824 Fact Sheet - Seneca Fire Engineering

SOURCE: Coffman Engineers, Inc.

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, July 25

For immediate release

25 July 2024

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announce that it has today purchased 168,412 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 833.15 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 50,314,000; 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 174,677,303.

The figure of 174,677,303 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

For and on behalf of

Frostrow Capital LLP

Company Secretary

For further information, please contact:

Victoria Hale

Frostrow Capital LLP

Tel: 020 3 170 8732
Grosse Pointe, Michigan, July 25, 2024for the upcoming Monterey Jet Center Auction on August 14 and 15. New for 2024, the auction will begin early on Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm PDT as part of Hagerty's Motorlux celebration. The auction is accessible to all Motorlux attendees in addition to Broad Arrow clients and continues Thursday with the balance of cars being sold starting at 3:00 pm PDT.

Barney Ruprecht, Senior Car Specialist and Head of Auctions for Broad Arrow Auctions states, "It gives me great pleasure to present the digital catalog for our upcoming Monterey Jet Center Auction. I am particularly proud of how our team worked so diligently on behalf of our clients to assemble our finest offering of motor cars at auction to date. From the historic 1913 Mercer 35-J Raceabout to the stunning 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupe and the seminal 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Rennversion, virtually every niche of collecting is represented within our 2024 auction."

Recent consignments and catalog highlights include:

1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider , estimate: $2,400,000 - $2,700,000 - A stunning Euro example finished in Giallo Fly Yellow and Ferrari Classiche Certified;

, estimate: $2,400,000 - $2,700,000 - A stunning Euro example finished in Giallo Fly Yellow and Ferrari Classiche Certified; 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package , estimate: $2,400,000 - $2,700,000 - The only Weissach Package 918 Spyder finished in Meteor Grey delivered to the United States with a Black and Silver leather interior and showing less than 2,200 miles;

, estimate: $2,400,000 - $2,700,000 - The only Weissach Package 918 Spyder finished in Meteor Grey delivered to the United States with a Black and Silver leather interior and showing less than 2,200 miles; 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB , estimate $2,250,000 - $2,750,000 - Wearing a recent nut-and-bolt restoration and Ferrari Classiche Certified;

, estimate $2,250,000 - $2,750,000 - Wearing a recent nut-and-bolt restoration and Ferrari Classiche Certified; A trio of sought-after RUF models including a 1998 RUF CTR 2, estimate: $2,200,000 - $2,500,000; a 1998 RUF Turbo R Limited, estimate: $1,500,000 - $2,000,000; and a 2012 RUF RT 12 R , estimate: $800,000 - $1,000,000;

estimate: $2,200,000 - $2,500,000; a estimate: $1,500,000 - $2,000,000; and a , estimate: $800,000 - $1,000,000; 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra , estimate: $1,350,000 - $1,650,000 - A matching-numbers example with only two owners from new including 52 years of original ownership;

, estimate: $1,350,000 - $1,650,000 - A matching-numbers example with only two owners from new including 52 years of original ownership; 1996 Porsche 911 GT2, estimate: $1,300,000 - $1,600,000 - A matching-numbers car and one of just 39 left-hand-drive examples finished in Polar Silver Metallic for 1996;

estimate: $1,300,000 - $1,600,000 - A matching-numbers car and one of just 39 left-hand-drive examples finished in Polar Silver Metallic for 1996; 2006 Bugatti Veyron, estimate: $1,200,000 - $1,500,000 - One of just 76 U.S.-specification examples and beautifully presented in two-tone black and blue metallic paintwork over Cognac leather.

Broad Arrow's Monterey Jet Center Auction will begin at 5:30 pm PDT on the evening of Wednesday, August 14 with the first night of cars being offered during Motorlux. The auction will continue Thursday, August 15 with the sale beginning at 3:00 pm PDT. Please visit the Broad Arrow websitefor additional information on the auction and all cars on offer. To purchase Motorlux tickets, please visit the Motorlux websitedirectly.

Media Attendance: Journalists on official assignment may apply for media credentials to attend the Broad Arrow Auctions Monterey Jet Center Preview and Auction by writing to press@broadarrowauctions.com.

Photo Credits: Ferrari Daytona Spider, Porsche 918 and Shelby 289 Cobra images courtesy of Robin Adams/Broad Arrow Auctions, Ferrari 275 GTB images courtesy of Remi Dargegen/Broad Arrow Auctions. Bugatti and Porsche GT2 images courtesy of Juan Rivas/Broad Arrow Auctions.

About Broad Arrow, a Hagerty Company - Broad Arrow, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is an advisor, market maker, and financier for car collectors with a commitment to integrity, trust, and innovation. Broad Arrow operates Broad Arrow Auctions, Broad Arrow Capital, and Broad Arrow Private Sales (formerly Collectors Garage) and is headquartered in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. For more information, please visit connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Hagerty, Inc.or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Press materials can be found at newsroom.hagerty.com.

Forward-Looking Statements - This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect our current intentions, expectations, or beliefs regarding the business. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may be outside of our control. Some of the factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by our forward-looking statements include: (i) our ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the subject of this press release; (ii) our ability to compete effectively within our industry and attract and retain members; and (iii) the other risks and uncertainties listed in our Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 14, 2023. This press release should be read in conjunction with the information included in our other press releases, reports and other filings with the SEC. Understanding the information contained in those filings is important in order to fully understand our reported financial results and our business outlook for future periods. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Veteran creative director with a deep CPG background to lead Moxie Sozo's next chapter

BOULDER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Moxie Sozo, the Boulder-based creative agency known for its boundary-pushing approach, welcomes its next innovative chapter with the addition of Anne Vaschetto as its new Group Creative Director. Vaschetto's deep expertise in the world of CPG positions her, and the agency, to reimagine how brands drive demand throughout the product life cycle.





Moxie Sozo-Anne Vaschetto

Headshot of Anne Vaschetto, new Group Creative Director at Moxie Sozo.





Vaschetto's career spans top-tier global design agencies and pivotal in-house roles. Her past work includes innovative creative strategies for multiple brands within the Procter & Gamble, Kraft Foods, Constellation Brands, Nestle, and Clif Bar & Company portfolios. Her experience covers every facet of brand building, from initial positioning to ongoing campaigns, making her a versatile force in the industry.

Before joining Moxie Sozo, Vaschetto's creative leadership shone as a Creative Director at Landor in Cincinnati and Chicago, and CBA Design in San Francisco. Her strategic insights were pivotal as the Design Director at Clif Bar & Company, where she orchestrated campaigns that solidified the brand's market dominance.

As Moxie Sozo's first Group Creative Director, Vaschetto's arrival marks a new era for the agency. Her role is critical to Moxie Sozo's ambition to become the definitive go-to-market expert across the CPG space, including food and beverage, personal care, household supplies, pet care, and supplements. Already an industry leader in brand identity and packaging development, Moxie Sozo's recent progression positions it to create value for clients at every stage of their market journey.

"We are excited to have Anne join our team," said Derek Springston, Chief Creative Officer at Moxie Sozo. "Her outstanding background and holistic branding approach are exactly what we need to elevate our capabilities. With her on board, we are uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive strategies that drive our clients' success across all business areas."

Vaschetto's leadership will guide the agency to new heights of excellence and innovation in the branding and design landscape. Her appointment is a testament to Moxie Sozo's commitment to attracting top-tier talent and delivering cutting-edge creative solutions.

About Moxie Sozo:

Moxie Sozo is a Boulder, Colorado-based creative agency with 25 years of specializing in branding, design, and go-to-market strategies. Renowned for its visually innovative and award-winning work, the agency partners with clients across various industries, including Boston Beer Company, Conagra Brands, Danone, Gimme Beauty, and Organic Valley. Moxie Sozo is building a comprehensive approach to combine market insights, creative strategy, and consumer-driven design to help brands thrive in competitive markets.

For more information about Moxie Sozo and its services, visit www.moxiesozo.com.

Contact Information

Gressa Rowland

Vice President

gressa.rowland@moxiesozo.com

(720) 599-3715

Leslie Salonen

Social & Content Strategist

leslie.salonen@moxiesozo.com

(720) 599-3715

Derek Springston

CEO

derek.springston@moxiesozo.com

(720) 599-3715

SOURCE: Moxie Sozo

View the original press release on newswire.com.
EQT, which co-founded Fiberklaar in 2021, has agreed to sell its stake to co-shareholder Proximus

Since 2021, Fiberklaar has successfully become the leading independent fiber-to-the-home provider in the Flemish region of Belgium

Today, Fiberklaar has many active construction projects across Flanders and is well on track to bring fiber to households throughout the region

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT is pleased to announce that the EQT Infrastructure V fund ("EQT") has signed an agreement to sell its majority stake in Fiberklaar (the "Company") to its co-shareholder Proximus, Belgium's largest telecom operator, for a purchase price of EUR 246 million.

Headquartered in Ghent, Fiberklaar is Flanders' leading independent fiber-to-the-home provider, rolling out a large-scale, open access network to households and small businesses. Today, Fiberklaar has many active construction projects across Flanders and is well on track to bring fiber to households throughout the region. Fiberklaar was founded as a joint venture in 2021 by EQT and Proximus, marking EQT's first partnership with a national telecoms incumbent.

Applying its experience in developing strong fiber companies in Europe and North America, EQT, alongside Proximus, has supported Fiberklaar in creating an efficient rollout engine to build a fiber network accessible to all operators. Since its formation, Fiberklaar has played an instrumental role in accelerating fiber deployment in the Flemish region, driving digital inclusion in Belgium which continues to lag other European countries in terms of fiber coverage.

Having achieved significant milestones during its ownership, EQT's exit is a natural next step for Fiberklaar. The Company now begins a new chapter in its journey to increase access to high-speed connectivity solutions in Belgium, while playing a role in Proximus' possible future cooperation agreements to roll-out fiber in Flanders.

Ulrich Kollensperger, Partner within the EQT Value-Add Infrastructure Advisory team, said: "Private capital has a huge role to play in supporting companies solving connectivity gaps and modernizing digital infrastructure. We are pleased to have helped Fiberklaar scale so quickly together with Proximus, drawing on our vast experience of multiple fiber-to-the-home rollout projects across geographies. We thank the entire Fiberklaar team for their contribution and look forward to following the Company's journey as it continues to foster digital inclusion and contribute to the prosperity of the Flemish Region."

Guillaume Boutin, CEO Proximus, said: "Over the past three years, Fiberklaar, with full support of EQT Infrastructure and Proximus, has transformed from a start-up into a strong deployment engine. Becoming the only shareholder of Fiberklaar will allow us to work more closely together and further increase the efficiency and quality of the fiber roll-out in Flanders, while capturing the value generated by synergies."

Jo van Gorp, CEO Fiberklaar, said: "I am very grateful to EQT for their great cooperation and support and look forward to the next phase of our partnership with our sole shareholder Proximus. Fiberklaar has played an instrumental role in accelerating fiber deployment in the Flemish region, driving digital inclusion in Belgium which continues to lag other European countries in terms of fiber coverage. We have achieved many impressive milestones over the last years with our most valued employees, construction partners and suppliers. With the valuable experience and know-how of the Proximus Group and the good relations with our stakeholders, Fiberklaar is well positioned to continue its mission to further roll out its high-quality and future-proof fiber network open to all."

The closing of the transaction is expected in the coming days.

Contact

EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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880,000 ounces Au and 1,200,000 ounces Ag by narrow vein mining

a minimum of 1,933,400 ounces Au and 3,194,700 ounces Ag by bulk mining Unique Alaska - Yukon Merger

Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Mayo Lake Minerals Inc. (CSE: MLKM) (Mayo or the Company) is pleased to update the market on its proposed merger (Merger) with WestMountain Gold Inc. (WestMountain or WMG). The Merger will create a highly prospective land position within the Tintina Gold Province (TGP), combining WestMountain's advanced-stage Terra Gold Project (Terra), consisting of 344 mining claims, 5 of which are leased, covering an area of 222 sq. km., some 210 km west of Anchorage with Mayo's four singularly promising properties consisting of 948 mining claims covering an area of 190 sq. km in the Mayo Mining District of the Yukon (north-central). To the best of our knowledge, the Merger will constitute one of the few transborder combinations in the TGP.

The TGP hosts a number of operating mines and advanced-stage intrusion-related metal deposits, predominantly gold. It boasts over 222 million ounces of gold endowments, including Donlin (in development, 39M ounces at 2.2 g Au/t), the Fort Knox mine (over 8.7M ounces produced) and, Livengood (advanced stage, 13.6M ounces at 0.6g Au/t) to name a few (Schedule A). Two projects, Whistler and Estelle, which are within 35 km of Terra, have each reported over 9 million ounces of gold. Please refer to Mayo's press release dated August 16, 2023 for locations and more on the sources of data.

The Merger is anticipated for completion in the next two quarters by which time the companies plan to close a C$7.5M private placement (Merger Placement), concurrently with completion of a definitive merger agreement. The funds will be primarily applied to a diamond drill (DD) program at Terra, focussed on rapidly expanding resources.

The final terms of the definitive agreement between Mayo and WMG as well as the Merger Placement will be determined by the market's evaluation of the combined value of both companies. Mayo believes that the increase in resources provided by Terra will boost its value by many fold. The Merger will be subject to the approval of all regulatory agencies as well as the shareholders of both companies.

Please refer to the Cautionary Statement at the end of this press release regarding all forward-looking statements.

Increased Gold and Silver Resources for Underground Mining at Terra.

Dr. Vern Rampton Mayo's President & CEO (Dr. Rampton) is of the opinion that the historic indicated and inferred gold and silver resources set forth in R. J. Robinson's 2020 NI 43-101 Terra Technical Report 1 are understated for his narrow vein underground mining model; as they relate to the prevailing financial market prices for metals in 2020.

Robinson had also considered the possibility of bulk mining to extract more gold and silver at Terra; indicated and inferred - 1,775,119 ounces of gold and 2,771,560 ounces of silver at a cut-off of 1g Au/t,in 2020, however he did not advance bulk mining as the preferred method to mine efficiently at that time. He later recognized that the bulk mining scenario needed re-examination and in 2023 he addressed Terra's resources at a number of cut-offs ranging from 0.10g Au/t to 10.0g Au/t. He concluded based on open pit mining that a cut-off of 0.35g Au/t was applicable and reported combined indicated and inferred resources of 2,511,480 ounces Au and 4,356,437 ounces Ag. (Schedule B).

It is Dr. Rampton's opinion that open pitting would be dangerous and cost inefficient at Terra's Ben Zone and that underground mining in a manner approaching open pitting efficiencies would be most practicable at a cut-off of grade of 1.0g Au/t. Dr. Rampton commented, "I am optimistic that the Merger will be completed in the next two quarters. To date, the process has been prolonged for many reasons, most particularly due to overall market conditions for junior explorers. However, the teams at WestMountain and Mayo are working diligently to complete the final steps leading completion of the Merger, including the Merger Placement."

He further stated, "The resources derived by Robinson in his 2020 NI 43-101 Technical Report understate the resources in the drilled-out area for underground mining of a vein deposit because the cut-off grade of 5g/Au/t is outdated. A present day cut-off of grade of 2.5g/Au/t, increases Robinson's indicated & inferred resources from 703,300 ounces of gold to 880,000 ounces.

I concur with Robinson that bulk mining will lead to the successful extraction of much more gold and silver than can be obtained by the narrow vein model. I do however disagree on the precise mining methodology in that the terrain at the Ben Zone is inappropriate for open pitting. Because of the nature and geometry of the Ben Zone, it leaves us with the potential for profitable underground bulk mining at a cut-off grade of 1g Au/t. Data extracted from Robinson 1 suggests to me that mining by open pit at the smaller Fish Zone and underground at the larger Ben Zone could result in the extraction of an estimated 1,933,400 ounces of gold and 3,194,700 ounces of silver. Mayo's internal analysis has also determined that Terra has both the geology and geometry that will allow a rapid expansion of resources with a well structured DD program ."

Twenty-five Percent Increase in Gold Ounces for Narrow Vein Mining. The historical resources reported for narrow vein underground mining by Robinson (2020)[1] utilized a cut-off of 5.0g Au/t, presuming a reference price[2] for gold of US$1,400 per ounce. Presently, a standard industry cut-off of 2.5g Au/t is utilized regionally in most circumstances when assessing gold deposits, inferring a higher reference price of between US$1,800 and US$2,000. The resulting increase in resources is shown in Table 1 and Schedule B. The increase in resources totals 178,212 oz Au resulting in a 25 percent gain due to the lowering of the cut-off grade from 5.0g Au/t to 2.5g Au/t.

Table 1

Terra; narrow vein underground, cut-off 5.0g Au/t, reported in 2020 Indicated Resources 485,360 oz Au Inferred Resources 267,943 oz Au Total Resources 703,303 oz Au Terra; narrow vein underground, cut-off 2.5g Au/t, present resources Indicated Resources 504,799 oz Au Inferred Resources 376,716 oz Au Total Resources 881,515 oz Au Resources at Terra; narrow vein underground mining based on data extracted from Robinson's reports, which are deemed historical for Mayo's purposes (for more details see Schedule B). The "present resources" are forward-looking and based on Dr. Rampton's opinion.

Underground Bulk Mining Resources Approach 2M Ounces.

Should underground bulk mining or some similar efficient mode of mining be applicable at Terra, there is the potential to increase the combined resources well above 1,933,400 ounces Au and 3,194,680 ounces Ag. The nature and geometry of the gold bearing rock at Terra bodes well for increasing the gold and silver resources with well structured drill programs, potentially to 5 or 7 million ounces gold plus silver credits. The current drilled sections bottom out near 250m below surface. The nature of the deposit shows potential for the probability of doubling resources by doubling the depth of the drilled section.

Table 2

Terra; bulk mining; cut-off 0.35g Au/t, reported in 2023 Indicated Resources 1,661,348 oz Au Inferred Resources 840,132 oz Au Total Resources 2,511,480 oz Au Terra; bulk mining; cut-off at Fish 0.35g Au/t, at Ben 1.0g Au/t, present resources Indicated Resources 1,344,643 oz Au Inferred Resources 588,789 oz Au Total Resources 1,933,432 oz Au Bulk mining resources at Terra (for more details see Schedule B). All resources based on data extracted from Robinson reports, which are deemed historical for Mayo's purposes. The "present resources" are forward looking and based on Dr. Rampton's opinion.

Historical Highlights, Observations and Assets at Terra

Thirty diamond drill holes (DDHs) were completed during drilling in 2018 and 2019. Of the thirty DDHs, twenty-five cored quartz veins assaying over 10g Au/t; with multiple veins being cored in fifteen DDHs. The gold values ranged from 10g Au/t up to 246g Au/t with widths ranging from 0.2 to 1.5m in a total of sixty-four intercepts, averaging 36.3g Au/t.

As of August, 2023, a total of 4,500 ounces of gold have been extracted from ~ 3,000 tonnes of excavated ore; equating to a gold grade of ~ 46g Au/t. On-site pilot studies determined that most of the gold and silver could be extracted by crushing and pulverizing followed by gravity separation without the use of chemicals.

The Ben and Fish zones lie within a 2.5 km N-S trending, mineralized corridor. The two zones contain numerous multi-phased high-grade veins up to 1m in width and consist of various strike lengths. These veins parallel the primary vein within each zone.

The narrow high-grade veins, typically 0.5 to 2m wide, are commonly within an envelope of quartz stringers and stockwork silification here deemed to be structures or panels. The width of the mineralized structures range up to 10m plus.

Terra's Ben and Fish zones are open along strike and at depth, having only been tested to approximately 250m below surface. Parallel high-grade veins and adjacent low grade mineralization enveloping the high-grade veins offer the opportunity for a rapid upgrade in the resources with strategically located drill holes.

Terra has advantageous infrastructure and facilities at the site including: a 25-person camp with a mess tent, showers, water wells, laundry facilities, and privies, plus an office, core shack, storage area, mill, storage shed, fuel depot, bulldozers, vehicle equipment, a road network and a ~1.5km airstrip.

Services are available at Anchorage some 210 km to the east. A winter road from the Alaska Highway network presently ends within 65 km of Terra and an all-weather road is planned by the state to replace the winter road in the near future. There appears to be no significant fish, wildlife, wetlands or environmental issues; no indigenous land claims and no federal permits required for exploration.

Private Placement Information Mayo has extended its on-going $1.4 million private placement @ $0.06 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share and a full warrant exercisable at $0.09 into one share for 4 years from closing. Further particulars can be found at https:/ /www.mayolakeminerals.com.

For more information on WestMountain's properties, please visit: https://www.westmountaingold.com/.

Mayo's Drill-ready Projects in Yukon. Mayo controls 4 properties covering 194 square kilometres where it has completed extensive exploration over the last 12 years. Independent of any activities proposed for Terra, Mayo plans to define further gold targets within its Anderson -Davidson project and to trench its Carlin West and AJ targets at its Carlin-Roop property. Mayo's Trail-Minto property, which may well host similar mineralization to that at Banyan Gold's AurMac or Victoria Gold's Eagle Mine (intrusion related with sheeted veining), will be the subject of additional groundwork before planned drilling.

The reader can access a number of maps and Mayo's history in addition to property news and descriptions at https://www.mayolakeminerals.com.

Corporate Information Mayo will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2023 in Carp (Ottawa) on August 15, 2024. An update on the Merger will be presented at that time.

Qualified Person. The technical and scientific information contained within this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Vern Rampton, P.Eng., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standard of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101). Rampton has relied upon: one, a NI 43-101 Technical Report, dated June, 2020 and a second technical report, dated August, 2023, plus data reported on https://westmountaingold.com. Both reports were prepared for WestMountain and authored by Jim Robinson, B.SC., P.Geo. (QP). Dr. Rampton accepts responsibility for any interpretations or projections based on the information contained within the two reports and on WestMountain's web-site. Dr. Rampton acknowledges that all work was completed in a professional manner and the information contained in these works is correct, based on the state of Robinson and WestMountain at the time. Rampton can not verify that the reported statements, interpretations or projections by Robinson or himself will result in development and mining.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of Mayo and WestMountain. Although management of Mayo and WestMountain believe that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of Mayo and WestMountain relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. BECAUSE MAYO AND WESTMOUNTAIN HAVE ENTERED INTO A NON-BINDING LETTER OF INTENT, THERE IS NO ASSURANCE WHATSOEVER THAT THE CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTION WILL OCCUR. FURTHER, THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT MAYO WILL BE ABLE TO RAISE THE NECESSARY CAPITAL TO PROCEED WITH THE CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTION. BOTH MAYO AND WESTMOUNTAIN HAVE LIMITED CAPITAL.

The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SCHEDULE A.

TINTINA GOLD BELT INTRUSION RELATED GOLD DEPOSITS Deposit and Owner Resources Donlin (NovaGold Resources/Barrick Gold) Measured and Indicated: 39.0 million ounces at 2.2g Au/t 1. Livengood (International Tower Gold) Measured and indicated resources: 13.6 million ounces gold at 0.6g Au/t 2. Fort Knox (Kinross Gold) Estimated Production to 2020; 8.7  million ounces gold; continued production forecast to 2030 3. Golden Summit (Freegold Ventures) Indicated: 12.7 million ounces at 6.90g Au/t; Inferred

8.6 million ounces at 0.86g Au/t 4. Pogo (Northern Star Resources) Indicated: 3.4 million ounces at 10.9g Au/t; Inferred: 3.8 million ounces at 10.7g Au/t; Commenced production 2006. 5 Dublin Gulch Eagle (Victoria Gold) Measured and Indicated resources: 4.4 million ounces at 0.6g Au/t; Inferred 0.5 ounces at 0.5g Au/t 6. Coffee (Newmont Gold) Measured and Indicated 2.1 million ounces at

1.2 g Au/t; Inferred 0.3 million ounces at 1.00g Au/t 7. Rogue (Snowline Gold) DHV-23-034 -418.3m at 1.88g Au/t; inc. 216m at 3.1g Au/t and 121m at 4.1g Au/t; DHV23-029-553.8m at 2.48g Au/t, inc. 132.0m at 4.89g Au/t 8. Whistler (US Gold Mining) Indicated: 3.0 million ounces at 0.79g AuEq/t; Inferred: 6.5 million ounces at 0.63g AuEq/t 9. Estelle (Nova Minerals) Measured & Indicated: 3.4 million ounces @ 0.52g Au/t;

Inferred: 6.5 million ounces at 0.3gAu/t 10. AurMac (Banyan Gold) Inferred: 6.2 million ounces at 0.6g Au/t 11. Casino (Western Copper and Gold) Measured and indicated: 14.8 million ounces at 0.18g Au/t; Inferred: 6.3 million ounces at 0.14g Au/t12.

novagold.com; NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, U.S.A., prepared by Rick Hanson, Michael Woloschuk, Henry Kim, Wood Canada Ltd; June 1, 2023. ithmines.com; NI 43-101. Livengood Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report on Pre-feasibility Study, prepared by Colin Hardie, Jeffrey Cassoff, Melanie Turgeon, Ryan Baker, Michael Levy and Scott Wilson, Resource Development Associates; December 17, 2021. kinross.com (2023); Wikipedia web-site. Estimates of produced ounces. freegoldventures.com; NI 43-101. Updated Mineral Resource Estimate, prepared by Greg Mosher and Maurice Marks, Tetra Tech Canada; February 21, 2023. nsrltd.com; JORC Compiled Resource Estimate, prepared by Jabulin Machukera, Jeff Brown; November 2022. vgcx.com; NI 43-101 Technical Report, Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada, prepared by Nico Harvey, Paul Gray, Jeff Winterton, Marc Jutras and Michael Levy; December 31, 2022. newmont.com; news-release/news-detail/2023/Newmont-Annouras-increased-2022-Mineral Reserves-of-96- million-gold ounces-and-68-million-gold-equivalent ounces/default.aspx; December 31, 2022. snowlinegold.com/news. usagoldmining.us; NI 43-101, Mineral Resource Estimate of the Whistler Project, prepared by Sue Bird, Kirstin Girdner and Arthur Baines, Moose Mountain Technical Services; June 11. 2021. wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/NVA/02665881.pdf; JORC. Robust Phase 2 Scoping Study for the Estelle Gold Project, prepared by Jonathan Abbott, Matrix Consultants, September 20, 2022. banyangold.com; NI 43-101. Technical Report AurMac Property, Mayo Mining District, Yukon, Canada, prepared by Marc Jutras (Gino Consulting), Tawnya Thornton (JDS Energy & Mining Inc) and Deepak Malhotra (Forte Dynamics); May 18, 2023. westerncopperandgold.com; For NI 43-101 F1 Technical Report Feasibility Study Yukon, Canada, prepared by Daniel Roth, Mike Hester, John M. Marek, Laurie M. Tahija, Carl Schulze, M3 Engineering & Technology Corp in association with Independent Mining Consultants, Knight Piesold Ltd., Aurora Geosciences and Hemmera; August 8, 2022





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[1] N.I . 43-101 Technical Report on the Geophysical Surveying, Diamond Drilling, Soil and Rock Sampling, and Resource Estimates of the Terra Property, Lime Hill Quadrangle, McGrath Mining District, Mt. McKinley Recording District, Alaska, USA; June 20, 2020, and a revision of the June 20, 2020 N.I. 43-101 Technical Report dated August 7, 2023. Reports prepared by Mr. Ronald James (Jim) Robinson, B.Sc., P. Geo. Of Aurora Geoscience Ltd., 1901 Davis Ave. Unit B1, Juneau, AK99801, USA for WestMountain Gold, Inc. 1001-A East Harmony Road, Suite 340, FT Collins, VO80525, USA. All results are considered as being historic for the purposes of Mayo Lake Minerals Inc. and any projections are considered to be forward-looking. Mayo Lake Minerals Inc. has found the reports have been prepared in a professional and responsible manner and accepts their contents as being valid. Dr. Rampton can not verify that the results and projections will necessarily lead to the development of a profitable mine.

[2] Reference price means the price of gold, generally somewhat lower than the spot price, that is used to assess the resources in a deposit.

NOT TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217678

SOURCE: Mayo Lake Minerals Inc.
The transaction includes an annual production capacity of 340,000 metric tons distributed across four production sites in Shelby, North Carolina, Lewiston, Idaho, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Elwood, Illinois. The completion of the acquisition is expected within 2024, subject to receipt of customary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Sofidel, a global leading manufacturer of paper for hygienic and domestic use, known particularly in Italy and Europe for its Regina brand, is pleased to announce the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Clearwater Paper Corporation's Tissue Business ("CLW Tissue").

CLW Tissue is a premier player in the growing North American tissue market, providing high-quality tissue products to key retailers operating across multiple channels, including grocery, club, mass merchants and discount stores.

With sales of over $1.0 billion, annual capacity of 340 thousand metric tons, and more than 1,600 employees, CLW Tissue operates through an integrated network of four manufacturing facilities across the United States, in Shelby, North Carolina, Lewiston, Idaho, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Elwood, Illinois.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Sofidel's growth path in North America, an attractive and growing tissue market with strong fundamentals, where Sofidel has been present for more than 10 years.

The acquisition will strengthen Sofidel's compelling customer offering in North America, expand its technology capabilities (including Through Air Drying), and contribute to optimization of its network, enabling it to better serve customers.

Sofidel and CLW Tissue have a high degree of cultural fit given mutual focus on operational excellence, ethics and integrity. Sofidel is committed to integrating CLW Tissue's skilled employees seamlessly into its operations, ensuring continuity and stability. The transaction will also further accelerate the sustainability journey that Sofidel and CLW Tissue have both embarked upon, leveraging their respective longstanding commitment to, an excellent track record of, environmental and safety stewardship.

The transaction is expected to close in 2024, subject to receipt of customary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

"We are extremely proud of this transaction, which represents a crucial milestone in our history. Thanks to this transaction we are acquiring a strategic network of four manufacturing plants which will enlarge our products portfolio thanks to the TAD technology and create the conditions to significantly strengthen and sustain growth in North America. We welcome CLW Tissue's employees to Sofidel and are excited to enhance together our value proposition for our customers," said Luigi Lazzareschi, Sofidel CEO.

Lazard is serving as financial advisor and Cleary Gottlieb Steen Hamilton is serving as legal counsel to Sofidel.

Sofidel Group

The Sofidel Group, headquartered in Porcari (Lucca), is one of the leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and domestic use worldwide. Established in 1966, the Group is active in 13 countries, 12 in Europe and the United States (8 States), with over 7,000 employees, net sales of 3,129 million Euros (2023) and a production capacity of over one million tonnes per year (1,440,000 in 2023). "Regina", its most well-known brand, is present on almost all the reference markets. Other brands include: Sopalin, Le Trefle, Hakle, Softis, Nalys, Cosynel, KittenSoft, Nicky and Papernet. Sofidel is committed to reaching Net-Zero carbon emissions by the end of 2050.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240723134562/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Fabio Vitali, Vice President of Marketing, Sofidel America Corp.

P: (215) 429-0795

E: fabio.vitali@sofidel.com
COLLEFERRO, ITALY / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Avio signed a contract with Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE:RTX) business, leaders in defense solutions for the U.S. Government and Allied Demand, to initiate and progress the development of critical solid rocket motors for defense applications. The contract furthers the systems engineering work required to mature these solid rocket motors into a production-ready state.





AVIO LOGO





"This partnership with Avio marks a commitment between our companies to work together to develop resilient and responsive production of solid rocket motors," said Bob Butz, vice president, operations and supply chain, Raytheon. "We will continue to develop and mature potential rocket motor solutions with Avio to ensure we can meet the increased long-term demand of our domestic and international customers."

Avio's planned investments in capability and capacity enable them to help support immediate customer demand. Avio is leveraging its Italian manufacturing and engineering teams' existing capabilities to support the maturation of Avio USA and to facilitate their domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing strategy. Avio USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Avio headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

"We are leveraging our past experience and track record in solid rocket motors to help expand production capacity and develop new product lines to meet the growing demand," said Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio. "Avio and Avio USA are eager to partner with Raytheon to build a more resilient U.S. industrial base for rocket motors."

Contact Information

Alessandro Agosti

Investor Relations

alessandro.agosti@avio.com

Nevio Quattrin

Investor Relations

nevio.quattrin@avio.com

Francesco De Lorenzo

Media Relations

francesco.delorenzo@avio.com

SOURCE: Avio

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp. ("Nevada Vanadium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholders") have overwhelmingly approved the previously announced arrangement (the "Arrangement") involving the Company and Flying Nickel Mining Corp. ("Flying Nickel") at the Company's annual general and special meeting (the "Meeting") held on July 23, 2024.

The special resolution approving the Arrangement (the "Arrangement Resolution") was required to be approved by (i) at least two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the votes cast by Shareholders present or represented by proxy at the Meeting, and (ii) a majority of votes cast by Shareholders present virtually or represented by proxy at the Meeting excluding Shareholders described in items (a) through (d) of Section 8.1(2) of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("Disinterested Shareholders").

A total of 12,814,938 common shares of the Company ("Common Shares"), representing approximately 19.45% of votes entitled to be cast at the Meeting, were represented by proxy at the Meeting. Approximately 96.97% of the votes eligible to be cast by Shareholders and approximately 92.66% of the votes eligible to be cast by Disinterested Shareholders were voted in favour of the Arrangement Resolution.

Shareholders of Flying Nickel also approved the Arrangement by the requisite majorities at a meeting of shareholders of Flying Nickel held on July 23, 2024. Nevada Vanadium intends to seek a final order approving the Arrangement from the British Columbia Supreme Court on August 2, 2024 at 9:45 a.m. Closing of the Arrangement remains subject to satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, including receipt of final court, stock exchange and regulatory approvals. Subject to the satisfaction of these closing conditions, the parties currently expect to complete the Arrangement in August, 2024.

Further details regarding the Arrangement, including the principal closing conditions and the anticipated benefits for Shareholders, can be found in the joint management information circular of the Company and Flying Nickel dated May 24, 2024 (the "Circular") in respect of the Meeting, which can be found under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Company is also pleased to announce that all other resolutions proposed at the Meeting were duly passed, including the election of directors as follows:

Nominee # Votes For % Votes For # Votes Withheld % Votes Withheld John Lee 10,621,838 96.32% 405,481 3.68% Harald Batista 10,986,814 99.63% 40,505 0.37% Ronald Espell 10,974,615 99.52% 52,704 0.48%

Shareholders also voted in favour of the appointment of Mao & Ying LLP as auditors of the Company until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company and approved the Company's rolling 10% incentive plan.

About Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp.

Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp. is a reporting issuer in Canada, holding a 100% interest in the Gibellini vanadium project in Nevada, United States.



To find out more about Nevada Vanadium, visit www.nevadavanadium.com

NEVADA VANADIUM MINING CORP.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD



"Ron Espell"

CEO

For more information about Nevada Vanadium, please contact Investor Relations: info@nevadavanadium.com

Forward-looking Statements and Cautionary Disclaimers

References to $ herein refer to the lawful currency of Canada and references to US$ herein refer to the lawful currency of the United States.

This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the final approval of the Arrangement, closing of the Arrangement and the Company's ongoing business plan, exploration and work program.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company at the time, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions regarding the completion of the Arrangement, including receipt of required regulatory, court and stock exchange approvals, the ability of the Company and Flying Nickel to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Arrangement, other expectations and assumptions concerning the Arrangement, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Such statements represent the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: inability of the Company and Flying Nickel to complete the Arrangement, a material adverse change in the timing of any completion and the terms and conditions upon which the Arrangement is completed; inability to satisfy or waive all conditions to closing the Arrangement as set out in the Arrangement Agreement; the inability of the Company to realize the benefits anticipated from the Arrangement and the timing to realize such benefits; unanticipated changes in market price for Common Shares; changes to the Company's and/or Flying Nickel's current and future business plans and the strategic alternatives available thereto; treatment of the Arrangement under applicable laws; regulatory determinations and delays; any impacts of COVID-19 on the business of the Company and the ability to advance the Company's projects; stock market conditions generally; demand, supply and pricing for nickel and vanadium; and general economic and political conditions in Canada, the United States of America, and other jurisdictions where the applicable party conducts business. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Circular, the Company's management's discussion and analyses and other filings with the Canadian securities regulators which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217706

SOURCE: Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp.
Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus.

Korrektur als Einstiegschance

Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen.

3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential

Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Flying Nickel Mining Corp. (TSXV: FLYN) (OTCQB: FLYNF) (the "Company" or "Flying Nickel") is pleased to announce that shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholders") have overwhelmingly approved the previously announced arrangement (the "Arrangement") involving the Company and Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp. ("Nevada Vanadium") at the Company's annual general and special meeting (the "Meeting") held on July 23, 2024.

The special resolution approving the Arrangement (the "Arrangement Resolution") was required to be approved by a majority of votes cast by Shareholders present virtually or represented by proxy at the Meeting excluding Shareholders described in items (a) through (d) of Section 8.1(2) of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("Disinterested Shareholders").

A total of 69,279,808 common shares of the Company ("Common Shares"), representing approximately 78.67% of votes entitled to be cast at the Meeting, were represented in person and by proxy at the Meeting. Approximately 94.94% of the votes eligible to be cast by Disinterested Shareholders were voted in favour of the Arrangement Resolution.

Shareholders of Nevada Vanadium also approved the Arrangement by the requisite majorities at a meeting of shareholders of Nevada Vanadium held on July 23, 2024. Nevada Vanadium intends to seek a final order approving the Arrangement from the British Columbia Supreme Court on August 2, 2024 at 9:45 a.m. Closing of the Arrangement remains subject to satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, including receipt of final court, stock exchange and regulatory approvals. Subject to the satisfaction of these closing conditions, the parties currently expect to complete the Arrangement in August, 2024.

Further details regarding the Arrangement, including the principal closing conditions and the anticipated benefits for Shareholders, can be found in the joint management information circular of the Company and Nevada Vanadium dated May 24, 2024 (the "Circular") in respect of the Meeting, which can be found under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Company is also pleased to announce that all other resolutions proposed at the Meeting were duly passed, including the election of directors as follows:

Nominee # Votes For % Votes For # Votes

Withheld % Votes

Withheld Greg Hall 33,006,395 97.11% 980,895 2.89% John Lee 32,862,291 96.69% 1,124,999 3.31% Masateru Igata 32,901,515 96.80% 1,085,775 3.20% Neil Duboff 32,909,475 96.83% 1,077,815 3.17%

Shareholders also voted in favour of the appointment of Mao & Ying LLP as auditors of the Company until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company and approved the Company's rolling 10% incentive plan.

About Flying Nickel

Flying Nickel is a nickel sulphide exploration-stage mining company. The Company is advancing its 100% owned Minago nickel project in the Thompson nickel belt in Manitoba, Canada.

Further information on the Company can be found at www.flynickel.com.

FLYING NICKEL MINING CORP.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

John Lee

Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Disclaimers

References to $ herein refer to the lawful currency of Canada and references to US$ herein refer to the lawful currency of the United States.

This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the final approval of the Arrangement, closing of the Arrangement and the Company's ongoing business plan, exploration and work program.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company at the time, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions regarding the completion of the Arrangement, including receipt of required regulatory, court and stock exchange approvals, the ability of the Company and Nevada Vanadium to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Arrangement, other expectations and assumptions concerning the Arrangement, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Such statements represent the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: inability of the Company and Nevada Vanadium to complete the Arrangement, a material adverse change in the timing of any completion and the terms and conditions upon which the Arrangement is completed; inability to satisfy or waive all conditions to closing the Arrangement as set out in the Arrangement Agreement; the inability of the Company to realize the benefits anticipated from the Arrangement and the timing to realize such benefits; unanticipated changes in market price for Common Shares; changes to the Company's and/or Nevada Vanadium's current and future business plans and the strategic alternatives available thereto; treatment of the Arrangement under applicable laws; regulatory determinations and delays; any impacts of COVID-19 on the business of the Company and the ability to advance the Company's projects; stock market conditions generally; demand, supply and pricing for uranium; and general economic and political conditions in Canada and other jurisdictions where the applicable party conducts business. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Circular, the Company's management's discussion and analyses and other filings with the Canadian securities regulators which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217733

SOURCE: Flying Nickel Mining Corp.
Thomas & Taylor Search Partners, a premier Boutique Executive and Board Search Firm, proudly announce the creation of its new division, Thomas & Taylor Partners Holdings. This strategic growth brings on board several key partners, boosting their ability to acquire cutting-edge technology companies in the Defense, Aerospace, Aviation, and Space Technology sectors.

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Thomas & Taylor Search Partners, a top boutique executive and board search firm, is excited to announce the launch of a new division, Thomas & Taylor Partners Holdings. This strategic expansion includes the addition of several key partners to our team, enhancing our capabilities in acquiring innovative technology companies in the Defense, Aerospace, Aviation, and Space Technology industries.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to identify and acquire pioneering technology firms is essential for sustained growth and competitive advantage. By integrating technology acquisition into our services, we empower clients to achieve their business objectives more efficiently and effectively. Thomas & Taylor Partners Holdings is committed to providing comprehensive solutions that support our clients in every aspect of their strategic growth and technological advancement.

"Thomas & Taylor Search Partners has always been dedicated to excellence in executive and board search," said Travis Thomas, Managing Director of Thomas & Taylor Partners Holdings. "With the launch of Thomas & Taylor Partners Holdings, we are taking a significant step forward in our mission to be a 360-degree partner. By adding key partners with deep expertise in technology acquisitions, we are positioning ourselves to better serve our clients' needs and drive groundbreaking innovation across industries. We have created a very unique approach that is unprecedented in the PE/VC world when it comes to sourcing, qualifying, negotiating, closing, running, and integrating portfolio companies. This disruptive model will be led by TTPH working along with our General Partners and Operating Partners."

The new partners bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in identifying, acquiring, growing, and exiting technology firms with transformative intellectual property (IP). Their expertise will be instrumental in helping Thomas & Taylor Partners Holdings navigate the tech industry's complexities and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.

Thomas & Taylor Partners Holdings remains dedicated to excellence while continuously seeking new ways to enhance our services and deliver exceptional results. Our expanded team and new capabilities underscore our pledge to be a trusted partner in the ever-evolving business landscape, driving innovation and growth through strategic acquisitions of technology firms with revolutionary IP.

About Thomas & Taylor Search Partners:

Thomas & Taylor Partners Holdings is dedicated to providing top-tier leadership solutions. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we partner with clients to navigate the complexities of talent acquisition and strategic growth. Our comprehensive approach ensures that we are a 360-degree partner in success, driving revolutionary growth through strategic acquisitions of Innovative Technology firms.

For more information, please contact:

Travis Thomas, Managing Director

Thomas & Taylor Partners Holdings

connect@thomastaylorpartners.co

www.thomastaylorpartners.co

Contact Information

Taylor Brooke

VP of Marketing

tbrooke@thomastaylorpartners.co

(940) 400-1665

Related Files

Press Release TTSP TTPH

SOURCE: Thomas & Taylor Search Partners (TTSP)

View the original press release on newswire.com.
The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CEE), The European Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: EEA), and The New Germany Fund, Inc. (NYSE: GF) (each, a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds") each announced today that its Board of Directors has approved an extension of the current repurchase authorization permitting open market share repurchase program for an additional twelve-month period. Each Fund may continue to purchase outstanding shares of its common stock in open-market transactions over the twelve-month period from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025 when the Fund's shares trade at a discount to net asset value ("NAV") and such purchases are deemed to be in the best interests of the Fund. The amount and timing of the repurchases will be at the discretion of DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc., the Funds' administrator, and subject to market conditions and investment considerations. Purchases will be made at prices that will be accretive to each Fund's NAV.

The authorization of the extension of the Funds' repurchase programs follows the current repurchase programs, which commenced on August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024. Results of repurchases under each Fund's program appear in the Fund's shareholder reports.

In addition, each Fund announced that its Board continues to reserve its discretion to determine if it would be appropriate to initiate a tender offer during the twelve-month period from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025. Each Board intends to continue to consider this matter on a regular basis.

Important Information

Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one-time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of the fund's shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, the fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below or above net asset value.

The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries. Any fund that focuses in a particular segment of the market or region of the world will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. This fund is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk.

The European Equity Fund, Inc. is diversified and primarily focuses its investments in equity securities of issuers domiciled in Europe, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that region. The New Germany Fund, Inc. is diversified and primarily focuses its investments in Germany, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that country.

Investing in foreign securities, particularly of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, and risks of currency and capital controls, political and economic changes, and market risks. Any fund that concentrates in a particular segment of the market or a particular geographical region will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly.

War, terrorism, sanctions, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises and related geopolitical events have led, and, in the future, may lead to significant disruptions in US and world economies and markets, which may lead to increased market volatility and may have significant adverse effects on the Funds and their investments.

The European Union, the United States and other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia in response to Russian military and other actions in recent years. These sanctions have adversely affected Russian individuals, issuers and the Russian economy. Russia, in turn, has imposed sanctions targeting Western individuals, businesses and products. The various sanctions have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, not only the Russian economy, but also the economies of many countries in Europe, including countries in Central and Eastern Europe. In the case of the Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc., Russia's invasion of Ukraine has materially adversely affected, and may continue to materially adversely affect, the value and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

Certain statements contained in this release may be forward-looking in nature. These include all statements relating to plans, expectations, and other statements that are not historical facts and typically use words like "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," and similar expressions. Such statements represent management's current beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Management does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: (i) the effects of adverse changes in market and economic conditions; (ii) legal and regulatory developments; and (iii) other additional risks and uncertainties, including public health crises (including the recent pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus), war, terrorism, trade disputes and related geopolitical events.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE

NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

DWS Distributors, Inc.

222 South Riverside Plaza

Chicago, IL 60606-5808

www.dws.com

Tel (800) 621-1148

 2024 DWS Group GmbH Co. KGaA. All rights reserved

The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services. (R-101973-1) (07/24)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725129600/en/

Contacts:

For additional information:

DWS Press Office (212) 454-4500

Shareholder Account Information (800) 294-4366

DWS Closed-End Funds (800) 349-4281
Summary: Gro Clinics, Australia and New Zealand's leading hair transplant provider, offers complimentary consultations to help individuals start their hair restoration journey. This initiative includes a 15-minute phone session with a Hair Growth Advisor to make expert advice more accessible.

Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Gro Clinics, Australia and New Zealand's premier hair transplant and restoration clinic, announced the launch of complimentary consultations across all its locations. This initiative aims to provide easier access to expert advice for individuals considering hair restoration treatments.

Photo courtesy of Gro Clinics



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8935/217332_889a1ce7342c0b8a_001full.jpg

The complimentary consultations at Gro Clinics' Australia locations in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and New Zealand, include a 15-minute phone session with a hair growth advisor. This service allows potential clients to discuss their concerns and explore treatment options without financial commitment.

"We understand that taking the first step towards hair restoration can be daunting," says Mikko Myllymaki, CEO of Gro Clinics. "Thanks to the consultations, we can remove barriers and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their hair health."

The consultation initiative comes as part of Gro Clinics' commitment to accessibility and education in hair restoration. Clients can discuss various treatment options, including the clinic's proprietary Precise Follicle Placement (PFP) technique, which offers a refined approach to hair transplantation.

Gro Clinics, having performed over 5,000 successful hair transplants and transplanted more than 26 million hairs, is well-positioned to meet this increasing demand for hair restoration.

"Our goal is to provide treatments and comprehensive hair health solutions," Myllymaki explains. "These consultations allow us to assess each individual's needs and recommend the most suitable approach, whether transplantation, scalp treatments, or other therapies."

Gro Clinics' reputation for excellence in hair restoration is well-established, as evidenced by hundreds of reviews online from clients raving about their personal journey of hair restoration and the quality of care provided by Gro Clinics.

Gro Clinics offers services beyond transplantation, including scalp injections with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blockers, Regenera treatments for genetic hair loss, and light therapy options. The clinic emphasizes personalized care, with treatments tailored to each client's needs and goals.

Aside from the complimentary phone consultations, Gro Clinics provides in-clinic ReGro Consultations for more detailed assessments. These sessions include microscopic analysis of hair density and the creation of a Virtual Tattoo on the scalp for precise tracking of treatment efficacy.

To ensure financial accessibility, Gro Clinics has partnered with Humm90 and Total Lifestyle Credit (TLC) to offer flexible payment plans for their services. This initiative aligns with the clinic's mission to make high-quality hair restoration accessible to a broader audience.

Furthermore, Gro Clinics has recently introduced innovative financing options to make their hair restoration services more accessible to a wider range of patients. The clinic now offers in-house, payment plans with no interest, allowing individuals to undergo their desired hair transplant procedure without the burden of immediate full payment.

The new payment plans come in two forms. The first option allows patients to secure their procedure date with a deposit, followed by installments with no interest via direct debit.

The second option, designed for those requiring more hair transplants, is a two-part procedure package. By dividing the transplant into two smaller procedures, Gro Clinics reduces the shock to the scalp and minimizes the time hair follicles spend outside the body, potentially increasing the survival rate of transplanted follicles.

"We are continuing to expand our services, but our focus remains the same-to deliver exceptional results and patient satisfaction," Myllymaki concludes. "We invite anyone considering hair restoration to take advantage of our complimentary consultations and explore the possibilities for their hair health journey."

Visit https://groclinics.com.au to learn more about Gro Clinics' services and book a complimentary consultation.

About Gro Clinics

Gro Clinics is Australia's leading hair transplant and restoration clinic, with locations across Australia and New Zealand. Known for its Precise Follicle Placement technique and comprehensive approach to hair health, Gro Clinics has helped thousands of clients regain confidence through advanced hair restoration solutions.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217332

SOURCE: Baden Bower
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - OBSIDIAN ENERGY LTD. (TSX: OBE) (NYSE American: OBE) ("Obsidian Energy", the "Company", "we", "us" or "our") expects to release our second quarter 2024 financial and operational results (the "Release") before North American markets open on Thursday, August 1, 2024. In addition, the second quarter management's discussion and analysis and the unaudited consolidated financial statements will be available on our website at www.obsidianenergy.com, and under our SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov on or about the same date.

ADDITIONAL READER ADVISORIES

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of applicable securities legislation. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information concerning: the expected date for the Release.

The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Obsidian Energy. Although Obsidian Energy believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because Obsidian Energy can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking statements and information are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in commodity prices, changes in industry regulations and political landscape both domestically and abroad, and financial market volatility. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such forward-looking statements and information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements and information. Obsidian Energy gives no assurance that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or, if any of them do, what benefits Obsidian Energy will derive from them. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Readers should also carefully consider the matters discussed that could affect Obsidian Energy, or its operations or financial results in Obsidian Energy's Annual Information Form (see "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" therein) for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is available on the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca), EDGAR website (www.sec.gov ) or Obsidian Energy's website.

Obsidian Energy shares are listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada and the NYSE American exchange in the United States under the symbol "OBE".

CONTACT

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/216852

SOURCE: Obsidian Energy Ltd.
TSX and OTC: MPVD

TORONTO, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. ("Mountain Province", the "Company") (TSX: MPVD) (OTC: MPVD) today announces production and sales results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 ("the Quarter" or "Q2 2024") from the Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine ("GK Mine"). All figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

Q2 2024 Production Takeaways

(all figures reported on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated)

1,318,680 carats recovered, 2% less than last year's comparable quarter (Q2 2023: 1,339,196 carats)

Average grade of 1.37 carats per tonne, a 24% difference relative to Q2 2023 (1.79 carats per tonne)

971,311 ore tonnes mined, a 63% increase relative to last year's comparable quarter (Q2 2023: 595,990 ore tonnes mined)

965,984 ore tonnes treated, a 29% increase relative to last year's comparable quarter (Q2 2023: 750,241 tonnes treated)

















Q2 2024 Production Figures















2024 Q2 2023 Q2 YoY Variance Total tonnes mined (ore and waste) 7,911,091 9,235,465 -14 % Ore tonnes mined 971,311 595,990 63 % Ore tonnes treated 965,984 750,241 29 % Carats recovered 1,318,680 1,339,196 -2 % Carats recovered (49% share) 646,153 656,206 -2 % Recovered grade (carats per tonne) 1.37 1.79 -24 %

Q2 2024 Sales Results

During the Quarter 557,361 carats were sold for total proceeds of $56.8 million (US$41.5 million), resulting in an average price of $102 per carat (US$74 per carat). These results compare to Q2 2023 when 360,308 carats were sold for total proceeds of $59.9 million (US$44.6 million), resulting in an average price of $166 per carat (US$124 per carat).

Mark Wall, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"Q2 2024's carats recovered is largely unchanged compared to Q2 2023. The processing plant continued to perform well, with tonnes treated up 29% compared to Q2 2023. The good performance of the plant was offset by a lower grade in the Quarter. Lower grade had been expected as per the mine plan in Q2 2024, however, as noted previously, we have also seen a lower than expected grade at the deep portions of the pits, continue through the Quarter. The team has been working on identifying and isolating the small area of grade under performance and as stated previously, this will improve as we move through the year.

The diamond market continues to be softer than anticipated. At a macro level the return of demand in China has not materialized so far and the market is now expecting a more protracted U-shaped recovery in diamond demand. On the synthetic market, the Quarter saw De Beers' CEO, Al Cook announce it was pivoting to manufacture lab-grown diamonds for industrial uses and focusing its jewelry marketing efforts behind natural mined diamonds. We are also seeing a resurgence in US jewellers' interest in natural diamonds. The importance of diamond provenance continued to strengthen, which is helpful for Canadian diamond producers like Mountain Province."

Earnings Release and Conference Call Details

The Company will host its quarterly conference call on Thursday August 8th, 2024 at 11:00am ET. Prior to the conference call, the Company will release Q2 2024 financial results on August 7th, 2024 after-market.

Conference Call Dial-in Details:

Title: Mountain Province Diamonds Inc Q2 2024 Earnings Conference Call

Date of call: 08/08/2024

Time of call: 11:00 Eastern Time

Expected Duration: 60 minutes

Webcast Link:

https://app.webinar.net/94JwoV1MRDG

North American Toll-Free Number: (+1) 800-836-8184

Participant Local/International Number: (+1) 289-819-1350

A replay of the webcast and audio call will be available on the Company's website.

About Mountain Province Diamonds Inc.

Mountain Province Diamonds is a 49% participant with De Beers Canada in the Gahcho Kue diamond mine located in Canada's Northwest Territories. The Gahcho Kue Joint Venture property consists of several kimberlites that are actively being mined, developed, and explored for future development. The Company also controls more than 113,000 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims and leases surrounding the Gahcho Kue Mine that include an Indicated mineral resource for the Kelvin kimberlite and Inferred mineral resources for the Faraday kimberlites.

For further information on Mountain Province Diamonds and to receive news releases by email, visit the Company's website at www.mountainprovince.com.

Qualified Person

The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding Mountain Province's mineral properties has been reviewed and approved Dan Johnson, P.Eng., a director of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to operational hazards, including possible disruption due to pandemic such as COVID-19, its impact on travel, self-isolation protocols and business and operations, estimated production and mine life of the project of Mountain Province; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; the future price of diamonds; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the ability to manage debt; capital expenditures; the ability to obtain permits for operations; liquidity; tax rates; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Mountain Province, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates," "may," "can," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "targets," "intends," "likely," "will," "should," "to be", "potential" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Mountain Province and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include the development of operation hazards which could arise in relation to COVID-19, including, but not limited to protocols which may be adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and any impact of such protocols on Mountain Province's business and operations, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in market conditions, changes in project parameters, mine sequencing; production rates; cash flow; risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; supply of, and demand for, diamonds; fluctuating commodity prices and currency exchange rates, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated.

These factors are discussed in greater detail in Mountain Province's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent MD&A filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Mountain Province cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Mountain Province believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Although Mountain Province has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mountain Province undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as the property is developed. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Further, Mountain Province may make changes to its business plans that could affect its results. The principal assets of Mountain Province are administered pursuant to a joint venture under which Mountain Province is not the operator. Mountain Province is exposed to actions taken or omissions made by the operator within its prerogative and/or determinations made by the joint venture under its terms. Such actions or omissions may impact the future performance of Mountain Province. Under its current note and revolving credit facilities Mountain Province is subject to certain limitations on its ability to pay dividends on common stock. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of Mountain Province's Board of Directors, subject to the limitations under the Company's debt facilities, and will depend on Mountain Province's financial results, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Mark Wall, President and CEO, 151 Yonge Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2W7, Phone: (416) 361-3562, E-mail: info@mountainprovince.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mountain-province-diamonds-announces-second-quarter-2024-production-and-sales-results-details-of-second-quarter-2024-earnings-release-and-conference-call-302207139.html
LITTLETON, CO / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE American:URG)(TSX:URE) ("Ur-Energy") announced today that it intends to offer and sell its common shares in an underwritten public offering. In connection with this offering, Ur-Energy expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional common shares, equal to up to 15% of the number of securities sold in the offering. The offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering. All of the securities in the offering are to be sold by Ur-Energy.

Cantor is acting as the sole book-running manager for the offering.

Ur-Energy anticipates using the net proceeds from the offering to supplement working capital for the continued ramp-up at Lost Creek, to support development at Shirley Basin, for possible future acquisitions or other strategic transactions and for working capital and general corporate purposes, although its management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds of the offering. Ur-Energy frequently evaluates acquisition opportunities to expand its portfolio of uranium projects.

The securities described above are being offered by Ur-Energy pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 previously filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on July 19, 2023. A preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the securities being offered will be filed with the SEC on July 25, 2024 and will be available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement (when available) and accompanying prospectus may be obtained from Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Attention: Capital Markets, 110 East 59th Street, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10022, or by e-mail at prospectus@cantor.com.

This announcement is neither an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of these securities and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. Any offer, if at all, will be made only by means of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus forming a part of the effective registration statement.

About Ur-Energy:

Ur-Energy is a uranium mining company operating the Lost Creek in situ recovery uranium facility in south-central Wyoming. Ur-Energy has produced and packaged approximately 2.7 million pounds U3O8 from Lost Creek since the commencement of operations. Ur-Energy has all major permits and authorizations to begin construction at Shirley Basin, its second in situ recovery uranium facility in Wyoming and is advancing Shirley Basin construction and development following its March 2024 'go' decision for construction of the mine. Ur-Energy awaits the remaining regulatory authorization for the expansion of Lost Creek. Ur-Energy is engaged in uranium mining, recovery and processing activities, including the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of uranium mineral properties in the United States. The primary trading market for Ur-Energy's common shares is on the NYSE American under the symbol "URG." Ur-Energy's common shares also trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "URE." Ur-Energy's corporate office is in Littleton, Colorado and its registered office is in Ottawa, Ontario.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws regarding events or conditions that may occur in the future (e.g., the size and closing date of the proposed offering, the grant to the underwriters of the option to purchase additional shares and the use of proceeds from the offering) and are based on current expectations that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, inherently involve a number of significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, satisfaction of the conditions to closing of the offering, delays in obtaining required stock exchange or other regulatory approvals, commodity price volatility, the impact of general business and economic conditions, as well as other factors described in the public filings made by Ur-Energy at www.sec.gov and www.sedarplus.ca. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date hereof and Ur-Energy disclaims any intent or obligation to update them or revise them to reflect any change in circumstances or in management's beliefs, expectations or opinions that occur in the future.

For further information, please contact:

John W. Cash, Chairman, CEO and President

+1 720-981-4588, ext. 303

John.Cash@Ur-Energy.com

SOURCE: Ur-Energy Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2024) - Sarah Armstrong-Montoya, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cordoba Minerals Corp. (TSXV: CDB) (OTCQB: CDBMF) (otherwise "Cordoba" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the awards of the detailed design engineering contracts for the Alacran Project in Colombia.

Cordoba has awarded JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd. ("JCHX") a US$15.8 million contract for the detailed engineering design and procurement of the processing and on-site facilities at the Alacran Project. In addition, detailed engineering design for the open-pit mine has awarded to consulting engineering firm, BBA, for US$1.3 million, and detailed engineering design for the waste and water management facility has awarded to Knight Piesold Consulting for US$1.9 million. The work program is expected to commence in August 2024.

"We look forward to kicking off the detailed engineering design process next month with the selected engineering groups. JCHX has a proven track record in mine development and construction, and their familiarity with the Company and the Alacran Project as both a cornerstone investor and a reliable joint venture partner has made it a logical decision for them to lead the program. BBA and Knight Piesold were instrumental in delivering the robust 2023 Feasibility Study for Alacran," commented Ms. Sarah Armstrong-Montoya, President and CEO of Cordoba. "We have confidence in their capacities and experience to advance the Alacran Project towards the construction stage, which is anticipated to commence next year."

About Cordoba

Cordoba Minerals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the exploration, development and acquisition of copper and gold projects. Cordoba is jointly developing the Alacran Project with JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd., located in the Department of Cordoba, Colombia. Cordoba also holds a 51% interest in the Perseverance Copper Project in Arizona, USA, which it is exploring through a Joint Venture and Earn-In Agreement. For further information, please visit www.cordobaminerals.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

Sarah Armstrong-Montoya, President and Chief Executive Officer

Information Contact

Ran Li +1-604-689-8765

info@cordobamineralscorp.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the timing of the detailed design work program and the commencement of construction of the Alacran Project. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "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.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which Cordoba operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, 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 approvals, uncertainties relating to epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217780

SOURCE: Cordoba Minerals Corp.
New record operating margin

Significant milestones in strategic repositioning

Record operating margin of 11.7%

Sequential improvement in volumes

Positive price-cost spread with prices stable sequentially

Three strategic acquisitions focused on profitable growth: CSR, Bailey and FOSROC, together adding around 2bn to full-year sales and around 450m in EBITDA (including 100m of synergies in year 3)

More than 2/3 of the Group's pro forma operating income is now generated inhigh-growth geographies: North America, Asia and emerging countries

Strong free cash flow generation of 2.5bn, with a cash conversion ratio of 75%

Double-digit operating margin expected for H2 and full-year 2024, for the fourth consecutive year

Benoit Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"Our first-half results once again demonstrate the success of Saint-Gobain's new profile, reflecting the Group's ability to adapt to different macroeconomic environments and to continue to outperform. The roll-out of our comprehensive range of sustainable and innovative solutions and the resulting enhancement in our mix, together with our decentralized organization by country with accountability on commercial performance and on proactive cost management, have enabled us to deliver a new record operating margin and strong free cash flow generation. I am very grateful for our teams' dedication and their contribution to the Group's consistent improvement in its performance.

Since the start of the year, Saint-Gobain has accelerated efforts to reinforce its profitable growth profile with three landmark acquisitions in light and sustainable construction: CSR in Australia, Bailey in Canada and FOSROC in construction chemicals, mainly in India and the Middle East. Pro forma for these changes in structure, more than two-thirds of Group operating income is now generated in North America, Asia and emerging countries, areas that enjoy strong structural growth and where Saint-Gobain is achieving an excellent performance.

New construction markets remain difficult in Europe but are nearing a low point and we expect trading to continue to improve in the second half. I am confident that 2024 will be another successful year for Saint-Gobain, with a double-digit operating margin in the second half and over the full year, for the fourth consecutive year."

Successful strategic execution: a new profitable growth profile

The Group continues to outperform its markets thanks to the pertinence of its strategic positioning at the heart of energy and decarbonization challenges, and the strength of its local organization by country, offering comprehensive solutions to its customers.

Almost 40% of Group sales rotated since 2018, with 9.4 billion in sales divested (EBITDA margin less than 5%) and 6.5 billion in sales acquired (EBITDA margin of around 20%);

Acceleration in the Group's repositioning towards North America, Asia and emerging countries, which accounted for 67% of the Group's operating income in the first half(pro forma for recent changes in Group structure): 35% in North America, 32% in Asia and emerging countries, and 33% in Western Europe;

Further strengthening of the Group's presence in construction chemicals, with 6.2 billion in annual sales (pro forma). The acquisition of FOSROC (closing expected in first-half 2025) will reinforce Saint-Gobain's presence in high-growth emerging markets, particularly India and the Middle East, and will perfectly complement the market positions of Weber, Chryso and GCP;

A comprehensive range of sustainable, differentiated and innovative solutions leveraging integrated systems and an industry-leading low-carbon offer - broadening the range of options offered to each customer and reinforcing the Group's mix as well as its capacity to capture a bigger part of the value chain. Saint-Gobain has the broadest range of low-carbon solutions in the world, particularly in terms of plasterboard (Klima), glass (ORAE), glass wool (LANAE), additives and admixtures (Chryso EnviroMix

A local organization, with 90% of CEOs native to their country, resulting in close proximity to customers, good pricing power, strong adaptability, efficiency gains and accountability for local teams;

Strong operating margin growth in recent years, reaching a new record-high in first-half 2024 despite a difficult macroeconomic environment

Group operating performance

Like-for-like sales were down 4.9% versus first-half 2023 (an improvement of around two percentage points in the second quarter with a decline of 3.9%, after a decline of 5.8% in the first quarter), affected by the downturn in new construction in Europe but supported by growth in the Americas and in Asia-Pacific.

Group prices were down 1.0% over first-half 2024 (stable sequentially between the first and second quarters), with a positive price-cost spread thanks to robust pricing discipline and the reduction in certain raw material and energy costs.

Volumes were down 3.9% over the period, representing a sequential improvement on fourth-quarter 2023 (down 4.5%). This reflects a contrasting situation, with a marked decline in new construction in Europe but good resilience overall in renovation. In each local market, the Group has taken the proactive commercial and industrial measures necessary to maintain its strong operating performance

On a reported basis, sales were down 6.0% to 23.5 billion, with a negative currency impact of 0.3%. The negative Group structure impact of 0.8% resulted from the optimization of the Group's profile, thanks to both disposals mainly in distribution (UK), glass processing activities, foam insulation (UK) and railing and decking (US) and acquisitions, mainly in construction chemicals (Izomaks, Adfil, Menkol Industries, Drymix, Technical Finishes, IDP Chemicals), in North America (Building Products of Canada, Bailey in Canada, ICC in the US) and in Asia-Pacific (U.P.Twiga in India, Hume in Malaysia). The integration of recent acquisitions is progressing well; synergy plans have been confirmed and are being executed successfully.

Operating income was 2,751 million, near to its record-high, once again demonstrating the resilience of the Group's results in a difficult environment. The Group's operating margin improved again, reaching a new record-high of 11.7% in first-half 2024 versus 11.3% in first-half 2023, thanks to advances in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, and with stability in Europe and in High Performance Solutions.

Segment performance (like-for-like sales)

Europe, Middle East Africa: sequential improvement in volumes, close to a low point; operating margin stable at a record level

Sales in Europe were down 7.9% over the first half, with a negative volume effect of 5.9%, representing a clear improvement in volumes between the first quarter (down 8.2%) and the second (down 3.7%), beyond the technical impact of working day effects. New construction remained strongly down while renovation (around 60% of sales) proved more resilient. The operating margin maintained its record level at 8.7%, thanks to an optimized business profile and very well-managed costs and industrial efficiency.

Northern Europe was down 7.1% over the first half, with a clear sequential improvement in the second quarter, down 3.2% (after a decline of 11.0% in the first quarter), with most countries at or near a low point. Nordic countries and Germany were affected by the slowdown in new construction, while renovation proved more resilient. Our activities in the UK troughed, benefiting from a good commercial dynamic thanks tothe Group's comprehensive range of solutions and systems with quantified benefits. In Eastern Europe, volume growth accelerated for the third consecutive quarter. A power purchase agreement was signed in Romania which will enable the Group to cover its entire electricity requirements in the country from 2026.

Southern Europe, Middle East Africa contracted 8.6% over the first half, seeing a slight sequential improvement in the second quarter with a decline of 7.1% (following a 10.1% decline in the first quarter), as new construction remained significantly down in France. Saint-Gobain nevertheless continued to outperform its market thanks to its strong exposure to renovation and its comprehensive range of solutions. In the context of French regulations which require large non-residential buildings to reduce their energy consumption by 40% by 2030, Saint-Gobain Solutions France is currently proposing complete energy renovation projects, enabling reductions of more than 50% in energy consumption, thanks to high performance facade systems (EnveoVents) and glazing offering high levels of solar control (COOL-LITE) in particular. Spain and Italy reported good growth,supported bygrowing renovation markets. Middle East and African countries delivered strong growth, led by the Middle East thanks to the success of recent investments.

Americas: sales growth in North America and record operating margin

The Region delivered 1.2% organic growth over first-half 2024, driven by the outperformance in North America and despite the downturn in Latin America. Operating income hit a new record-high over the period, along with the operating margin which reached 19.0% (versus 17.8% in first-half 2023), supported by rigorous pricing and cost management, and volume growth in North America.

North America was up by 4.1% over the first half thanks to both prices and volumes, driven by a dynamic renovation market and with new construction having stabilized at a good level. The Group saw further market share gains thanks to its comprehensive, differentiated range of interior and exterior light construction solutions. Despite the expected high comparison basis in roofing in the second quarter, the roofing business reported robust growth in the first half overall. The recent integrations of Kaycan, Building Products of Canada and Bailey are helping to drive this strong sales momentum.

Latin America contracted 7.6% over the first half as markets remained down, but began to stabilize in the second quarter with volumes almost flat. In Brazil, some macroeconomic indicators continued to improve. The Group's operations in the country are benefiting from a new plasterboard line opened near Sao Paulo, capturing market share from more traditional products with a comprehensive range of light construction solutions. The other countries in the Region benefited from the enhanced offering and mix, especially Mexico

Asia-Pacific: sales growth and record operating margin

The Region delivered 1.2% organic growth in first-half 2024, driven by strong momentum in India in particular. The operating margin hit a record-high in the period, at 13.0% (versus 12.5% in first-half 2023), supported by volumes and well-managed pricing.

India continued to outperform, delivering volume growth once again driven by its comprehensive and innovative range of solutions. The Group is seeing the benefits of its numerous recent sustainability-driven initiatives in the country, including the production of low-carbon glass (ORAE, reducing CO2 emissions by 42%) and very low-carbon plaster. In a difficult new construction market in China, the Group continued to capture market share against a high comparison basis in the second quarter, extending its footprint towards inner China thanks to the success of its highly digitalized sales model. South-East Asia remained at a good level, led by Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, owing mainly to the enhancement of its offering and a strong innovation drive.

High Performance Solutions (HPS): sequential improvement in organic growth and stable operating margin

HPS reported like-for-like sales down 3.5% over the first half, with a sequential improvement in the second quarter, down 1.6%. The operating margin remained stable at 12.3%, as well-managed costs and prices offset the downturn in volumes.

Businesses serving global construction customers reported a 2.7% decrease in sales over the first half due to the sharp decline in Adfors reinforcement solutions, but a progression in the second quarter (up 1.2%) against an easier comparison basis (Adfors) and driven by the Construction Chemicals business unit (sales up 3.1%). The upbeat trends in Chryso and GCP sales continued, driven by infrastructure projects and the innovation drive for decarbonization in the construction sector. The signature of a definitive agreement to acquire FOSROC in June marks an acceleration in the Group's construction chemicals presence in countries with strong structural growth (India, Middle East and Asia-Pacific).

Mobility sales stabilized (down 1.0%) against a high comparison basis following the rebound in sales in 2023, with further investments for innovation and the continued optimization of its industrial facilities with the closure of the Aviles plant in Spain in June 2024.

Businesses serving Industry contracted 5.9%, affected by a decline in industrial markets, especially those linked to investment cycles.

Analysis of the consolidated financial statements for first-half 2024

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for first-half 2024 were subject to a limited review by the statutory auditors and adopted by the Board of Directors on July 25, 2024.

in million H1

2023 H1

2024 % change Sales 24,954 23,464 -6.0% Operating income 2,813 2,751 -2.2% Operating margin 11.3% 11.7% Operating depreciation and amortization 980 1,026 4.7% Non-operating costs -55 -125 -127.3% EBITDA 3,738 3,652 -2.3% Capital gains and losses on disposals, asset write-downs and impact of changes in Group structure -464 -164 64.7% Business income 2,294 2,462 7.3% Net financial expense -196 -215 -9.7% Dividends received from investments 1 1 n.s Income tax -607 -546 10.0% Share in net income of associates 3 2 n.s Net income before non-controlling interests 1,495 1,704 14.0% Non-controlling interests 45 44 -2.2% Net attributable income 1,450 1,660 14.5% Earnings per share2 (in ) 2.84 3.31 16.5% Recurring net income1 1,821 1,706 -6.3% Recurring1 earnings per share2 (in ) 3.57 3.40 -4.8% EBITDA 3,738 3,652 -2.3% Depreciation of right-of-use assets -340 -351 -3.2% Net financial expense -196 -215 -9.7% Income tax -607 -546 10.0% Capital expenditure3 -616 -583 -5.4% o/w additional capacity investments 274 255 -6.9% Changes in working capital requirement4 -61 248 n.s Free cash flow5 2,192 2,460 12.2% Free cash flow conversion6 65% 75% ROCE 15.7% 14.4% Lease investments 442 425 -3.8% Investments in securities net of debt acquired7 228 847 n.s Divestments 857 60 n.s Consolidated net debt 8,922 9,443 5.8%

Recurring net income net attributable income excluding capital gains and losses on disposals, asset write-downs and material non-recurring provisions. Calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding (501,808,814 shares in H1 2024, versus 510,080,726 shares in H1 2023). Capital expenditure investments in tangible and intangible assets. Change in working capital requirement over a rolling 12-month period (see Appendix 4, bottom of "Consolidated cash flow statement"). Free cash flow EBITDA less depreciation of right-of-use assets, plus net financial expense, plus income tax, less capital expenditure excluding additional capacity investments, plus change in working capital requirements over a rolling 12-month period. Free cash flow conversion ratio free cash flow divided by EBITDA, less depreciation of right-of-use assets. Investments in securities net of debt acquired: 847 million in H1 2024, of which 784 million in controlled companies

EBITDA came in at 3,652 million, close to its all-time high. EBITDA includes non-operating costs of 125 million.

The net balance of capital gains and losses on disposals, asset write-downs and the impact of changes in Group structure represented an expense of 164 million (versus an expense of 464 million in first-half 2023). It reflects 35 million in asset write-downs essentially relating to site closures and disposals (65 million in first-half 2023), 103 million in Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) intangible amortization (85 million in first-half 2023), and 26 million in disposal losses and other net business expense (314 million in first-half 2023 including translation adjustments on the UK distribution assets sold).

Recurring net income was close to its record-high, at 1,706 million.

The tax rate on recurring net income was 24%.

Capital expenditure represented 583 million (616 million in first-half 2023). 72% of growth capex was invested in North America, Asia and emerging countries. The Group opened 11 new plants and production lines in first-half 2024, focused on the fast-growing construction chemicals and light construction markets.

Free cash flow came in at 2,460 million a 12% increase on first-half 2023 with a free cash flow conversion ratio of 75% (65% in first-half 2023). This was attributable to a good level of EBITDA and to very good management of operating working capital requirement (WCR), which represented 23 days' sales at end-June 2024 versus 25 days' sales at end-June 2023.

Investments in securities net of debt acquired totaled 847 million (228 million in first-half 2023), primarily reflecting the acquisitions of Bailey in Canada, Glass Service (digital solutions to accelerate the decarbonization of glass furnaces), ICC in technical insulation in the US, and acquisitions in construction chemicals (Izomaks in Saudi Arabia, IMPTEK in Ecuador, Technical Finishes in South Africa and R.SOL in France).

In line with the aim of completing the 2 billion share buyback programin 2024 one year earlier than expected the Group allocated around 200 million to share buybacks in first-half 2024 (net of offsetting employee share creation). This reduced the number of shares outstanding to around 499.5 million at end-June 2024 from 502 million at end-December 2023.

Net debt was 9.4 billion at June 30, 2024 and amounts to 39% of consolidated equity (versus 38% at June 30, 2023). The net debt to EBITDA ratio on a rolling 12-month basis was 1.4 at end-June 2024.

2024 outlook and strategic priorities

In a geopolitical and macroeconomic environment that remains challenging, Saint-Gobain will once again demonstrate its resilience and its excellent operating performance in 2024, thanks to its focused strategy and its proactive commercial and industrial initiatives allowing it to outperform its markets.

Saint-Gobain expects some of its markets to remain difficult over 2024 overall, but in the second half should benefit from an easier comparison basis and a sequential improvement in certain countries:

Europe: resilience in renovation; new construction remaining difficult before gradually reaching a low point country by country;

Americas: construction to hold firm in North America (new build and renovation); recovery expected in Latin America;

Asia-Pacific: good growth led mainly by India and the integration of CSR;

High Performance Solutions: Construction Chemicals to see dynamic growth; Mobility to hold firm and a contrasting situation on industrial markets in terms of demand.

Against this backdrop, in 2024 the Group will continue to implement the strategic priorities set out in its "Grow Impact" plan for 2021-2025:

1) Continue our initiatives focused on profitability and free cash flow generation

Constant focus on the price-cost spread;

Productivity initiatives and swift adjustments from country to country where necessary;

Capital expenditure slightly above 4% of sales, with strict allocation to high-growth markets.

2) Outperform our markets by strengthening our profitable growth profile

Enrich our comprehensive range of integrated, differentiated and innovative solutions offering sustainability and performance for our customers;

Continue our value-creating targeted acquisitions and divestments dynamic, and benefit from the successful integration of recent acquisitions.

3) Continued focus on our ESG roadmap as leader in sustainable construction

Promote our positive-impact and low-carbon solutions among our customers;

Extend the decarbonization of construction to the entire value chain, playing our full role as leader in light and sustainable construction.

Despite a context which remains difficult in certain markets,

Saint-Gobain expects a double-digit operating margin

for second-half and full-year 2024, for the fourth consecutive year

Financial calendar

A meeting for analysts and investors will be held at 8:30am (GMT 1) on July 26, 2024 and will be streamed live on Saint-Gobain's website: www.saint-gobain.com

Sales for the third quarter of 2024: Tuesday October 29, 2024, after close of trading on the Paris stock exchange.

Glossary:

- Indicators of organic growth and like-for-like changes in sales/operating income reflect the Group's underlying performance excluding the impact of:

changes in Group structure, by calculating indicators for the year under review based on the scope of consolidation of the previous year (Group structure impact);

changes in foreign exchange rates, by calculating indicators for the year under review and those for the previous year based on identical foreign exchange rates for the previous year (currency impact);

changes in applicable accounting policies.

EBITDA operating income plus operating depreciation and amortization, less non-operating costs.

- Operating margin = operating income divided by sales.

- ROCE (Return on Capital Employed) operating income for the period under review adjusted for changes in Group structure, divided by segment assets and liabilities at period-end.

- ESG Environment, Social, Governance.

- Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) the process of assigning a fair value to all assets and liabilities acquired and of allocating the residual goodwill as required by IFRS 3 (revised) and IAS 38 for business combinations. PPA intangible amortization relates to amortization charged against brands, customer lists, and intellectual property, and is recognized in "Other business income and expenses".

Pro forma sales or operating income including the impact of changes in Group structure (signed or closed) over the period.

All indicators contained in this press release (not defined above or in the footnotes) are explained in the notes to the interim financial statements available by clicking here: https://www.saint-gobain.com/en/finance/regulated-information/half-yearly-financial-report

Net debt Note 10

Non-operating costs Note 5

Operating income Note 5

Net financial expenses Note 10

Recurring net income Note 5

Business income Note 5

Working capital requirements Note 5

Important disclaimer forward-looking statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to Saint-Gobain's financial condition, results, business, strategy, plans and outlook. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of the words "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "plan" and similar expressions. Although Saint-Gobain believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions as at the time of publishing this document, investors are cautioned that these statements are not guarantees of its future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond Saint-Gobain's control, including but not limited to the risks described in the "Risk Factors" section of Saint-Gobain's Universal Registration Document and the main risks and uncertainties presented in the half-year 2024 financial report, both documents being available on Saint-Gobain's website (www.saint-gobain.com). Accordingly, readers of this document are cautioned against relying on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document. Saint-Gobain disclaims any intention or obligation to complete, update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws and regulations.

This press release does not constitute any offer to purchase or exchange, nor any solicitation of an offer to sell or exchange securities of Saint-Gobain.

For further information, please visit www.saint-gobain.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725202008/en/

Contacts:

ANALYST/INVESTOR RELATIONS

Vivien Dardel, (+33) 1 88 54 29 77

Floriana Michalowska, (+33) 1 88 54 19 09

Alix Sicaud, (+33) 1 88 54 38 70

James Weston, (+33) 1 88 54 01 24



PRESS RELATIONS

Patricia Marie, (+33) 1 88 54 26 83

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Peter Clark (+1) 603 513 8513
B2Gnow, a Phoenix, AZ-based provider of supplier diversity, prevailing wage labor compliance, and grant management solutions, acquired eComply Solutions, a company that provides prevailing wage labor compliance software supporting the Davis-Bacon and Little-Davis-Bacon Acts.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

By integrating eComply Solutions prevailing wage labor compliance software into B2Gnows existing diversity compliance platform, clients will benefit from a unified system that addresses all aspects of contract compliance.

Launched as an independent company in 2018, eComply Solutions specializes in prevailing wage compliance software for public works projects. Its platform helps contractors and agencies ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws, reducing the risk of penalties and improving transparency in public construction projects.

Led by President Bryan Proctor, B2Gnow provides supplier diversity, prevailing wage labor compliance, and grant management software solutions. With a focus on compliance and equity, its software streamlines vendor certification, project data collection, compliance, and reporting processes, ensuring transparency and fairness in contracting practices. The company maintains North Americas database of over 500,000 certified, disadvantaged business entities, helping the federal government, more than half of state governments, hundreds of counties, cities, airports, general contractors, and Fortune 500 companies manage their supplier diversity and compliance programs through technology solutions for 25 years.

FinSMEs

25/07/2024
GeoWealth, a Chicago, IL-based provider of a proprietary technology and turnkey asset management platform (TAMP), raised a USD18M growth investment led by BlackRock (NYSE: BLK).

Kayne Anderson Growth Capital, the dedicated growth capital strategy of Kayne Anderson, which led GeoWealths Series B funding in 2021, participated in the round, as did J.P. Morgan Asset Management, a strategic investor in GeoWealth since 2018.

The company intends to use the funds to support the continued development of offerings that enable advisors to meet client demand for access to an increasingly broad range of asset types in a unified account.

Led by CEO Colin Falls, GeoWealth is a provider of a turnkey asset management platform (TAMP) and financial technology solution built specifically for the needs of modern RIAs. Its integrated technology enables advisors to access a diversified lineup of model portfolios and offload mid-and back-office responsibilities, including performance reporting, billing, portfolio accounting and more. Via its customizable open-architecture platform, GeoWealth enables advisors and firms to grow faster and serve clients more efficiently

Commenting on the news, Colin Falls said: As we continue to invest in our proprietary technology, we will build new offerings that provide RIAs with a flexible, customizable and user-friendly platform. Were deeply appreciative of our capital partners for their continued support of our business and growth ambitions.

FinSMEs

25/07/2024
The couple has been in the limelight for all the reasons over the past few years. This new issue that has cropped up brings them into the limelight again read more

Royal couple Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have had to halt their search of a new home in the United Kingdom as they wait for their taxpayer-funded security arrangements with the Home Office to be resolved.

The Duke lost his High Court challenge against the government regarding his security in the U.K. and described the matter as unfair. He feels his family is unsafe without crucial security and protection. Harry really does want to spend more time in the UK but doesnt feel comfortable doing that until the security issues have been ironed out, a source told The Express.

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He and Meghan planned on looking for a part-time home near Windsor this year and hoped that the appeals process would be heard before the end of July so that they could properly start their search. However, the court process seems to be taking its time, the source added.

We all know what an attention seeker Meghan Markle is and the extent that she is willing to go to get publicity. She wants to be noticed at any cost by Hollywood biggies. And to get that her latest stunt is to show off their new and glamorous California life. Thats what a royal expert told Palace Confidential according to a report published in Daily Mail.

In fact, the report says that Meghan Markle is treating like a red carpet event. Faking it for sure because she wants to break into the world of show business.

Harry and Meghan treating life like a red carpet event

According to reports published in Daily Mail, the panel discussed the growing backlash over the decision to give Prince Harry the memorial award set up in the name of Pat Tillman, an American football star who gave up a 3million contract to enlist in the US Army after 9/11. The report further said that Pat served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he was killed by friendly fire in 2004. Pats mother Mary said that she was absolutely shocked and was not consulted about the decision to award the Duke of Sussex with the prestigious gong.
Its the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas  which commemorates Indias victory over Pakistan in the 1999 war. While Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Vijayant Thapar, and Grenadier Yogender Yadav are household names, many others also made valiant contributions. Lets meet them read more

Tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The day commemorates Indias victory over Pakistan in the 1999 war and the end of Operation Vijay.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Ladakh tomorrow to mark the occasion.

He will pay tribute to Indias soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial at 9:20 am. Modi will also meet the war widows and visit the field of battle.

On Thursday, Lieutenant Colonel Barsha Rai, who retired as an Indian Army officer, completed a 160-kilometre run from Srinagar to Drass to observe the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

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I was in Class VII when the Kargil War started and my father, Colonel Keshab Rai, who retired 10 years ago, had then moved out overnight [to the border] along with his entire unit. For fauji families like ours, what followed were days of uncertainty, loss and despair. This run was not just a personal journey for me, but a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the soldiers who fought valiantly during the Kargil War, she told PTI.

Nearly 490 Indian army officers, soldiers and jawans were killed during the course of the battle.

While Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Vijayant Thapar, and Grenadier Yogender Yadav are household names, many others also made valiant contributions.

Lets meet them:

Captain Amol Kalia

Captain Amol Kalia and his team started their mission to capture point 5203 in the dead of the night and reached the foothill of the ice capped mountain before daybreak.

The enemy attacked Kalia and his team of 13 men in the pitch darkness at 3am. Without even a blade of grass to give them cover, the team of Indian soldiers faced Pakistani firing head on. Captain Kalia was also hit by a burst of bullets in the morning at around 9am.

Even though he was grievously injured, he fought till the end before succumbing to his injuries.

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Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse

Captain N Kenguruse was an Indian Army officer of 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles. He was martyred at the Lone Hill, Drass Sector on 28 June, 1999 in the Kargil War.

He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery at the battlefield.

As the leader of the Ghatak Platoon he was tasked with the capture of the area Black Rock in the Drass sector during the Kargil War.

The Ghatak Platoon came under intense enemy fire as it was scaling the cliff face and Captain Kenguruse was severely injured in the abdomen. Without paying any heed to his injury, he led the platoon to the top of the cliff and was faced with a sheer rock that separated the platoon from the enemy.

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Since his feet were slipping while climbing the rock face, he kicked off his boots and launched a frontal assault on the enemy barefoot. He fired a rocket launcher and charged at the enemy, killing two infiltrators with his rifle and another two with his commando knife in hand-to-hand combat.

He later succumbed to his injuries but not before securing the enemy position.

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar

According to The Indian Express, rifleman Sanjay Kumar, 13 Jammu And Kashmir rifles was the leading Scout of the team entrusted with capturing Area Flat Top, which was being held by the enemy.

During the mission, he was shot in the chest and forearm.

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However, he sustained the attack despite severe injuries.

His act of bravery also charged the rest of the platoon who then attacked the enemy bunkers and captured Area Flat Top. Rifleman Kumar was awarded with Param Vir Chakra.

Captain Haneef-ud-din

Just two years into the army, Captain Haneef was deployed with a company of 11 Raj Rif in Operation Thunderbolt on 6 June, 1999 in the Turtuk region in Ladakh.

The company was tasked to capture an enemy position that would have facilitated the army to monitor the movements of the enemy troops better.

They managed to capture many nearby positions on the nights of June 4 and 5 and set out to capture the primary position on June 6.

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During their ascent to the position, they were spotted by the enemy and fired upon by heavy artillery.

Even though Captain Haneef managed to save his men from the worst of the firing, he was badly injured in the battle.

He engaged the enemy till his men reached a safe distance. He succumbed to his injuries at the tender age of 25, just 200 metres from the position they set out to capture.

Captain Sumeet Roy

On 28, 1999, during Operation Vijay, Captain Sumeet Roy was assigned to capture Point 4700 in the Drass sector as second-in-command of the Delta company. Captain Sumeet realised that the Point 4700 could be captured only if the observation post of the enemy on the cliff was neutralised.

After observing the movement of the enemy for nearly two hours in the dead of the night, he decided to make a surprise attack to capture the observation post.

He managed to capture the post after killing the two sentries in a fierce hand-to-hand fight.

This action of Captain Sumeet changed the course of the battle and cleared the way for the Indian Army for future victories.

However, he sustained injuries during enemy artillery fire and succumbed on July 3, 1999 at the age of 21.

He was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for his contribution towards the capture of Point 4700.

Major Vivek Gupta

Major Vivek Gupta of the 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, died in the Kargil conflict on 12 June, 1999, after capturing two important posts in the Drass sector.

He was felicitated with Maha Vir Chakra for his heroism at the war front.

With inputs from agencies
At least one officer was suspended on Thursday after videos appeared to show a man lying on the floor at Manchester Airport being kicked in the face and stomped on the head and another man being wrestled to the ground. Police said officers were called to Terminal 2 after reports of a violent assault and were injured after confronting a suspect. The fracas between the cops and the men of Pakistani origin comes amid rising distrust of police in Britain following allegations of excessive force used against ethnic minorities read more

The viral video shows an officer kicking and stomping the head of a man lying in a prone position on the airport floor. Image courtesy: X

Videos of police beating up men at the Manchester Airport has led to an outcry in the UK.

At least one officer has been suspended on Thursday after videos appeared to show a man lying on the floor at Manchester Airport being kicked.

The incident occurred inside the Manchester Airports Terminal 2 on Tuesday.

But what happened? How has it led to an outcry?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

According to CNN, the viral video shows an officer kicking and stomping the head of a man lying in a prone position on the airport floor.

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The video shows a man lying on the ground with two officers pointing a taser in his direction.

A police officer then kicks the man in the face and stomps on his head.

As per Yahoo News, the video shows a woman kneeling besides him.

Another man, sitting nearby with his hands raised, is wrestled to the ground after an officer points a taser at him.

When the second man kneels, an officer kicks him while another takes him to the ground again and tries to bind his hands behind his back.

The attacks seem to have occurred on the ground level of the airport outside of several elevators.

Yet another video shows a man in a gray T-shirt being pepper sprayed and wrestled to the ground by a police officer who put his arm around the mans neck.

Firstpost has not independently verified the videos.

One of the men being beaten by police officers is British-Pakistani, as per The Tribune.

As per CNN, one of the men is from Rochdale.

According to Yahoo News, two men in the video are named Amaad and Fahir.

They are being represented by Akhmed Yakoob, a director at Maurice Andrews Solicitors in Birmingham.

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What are the police saying?

Police said the incident occurred after three officers were called to Terminal 2 of the airport on Tuesday after reports of an assault, as per CNN.

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Three officers were injured in a violent assault after confronting a suspect and punched to the ground.

One woman officer suffering a broken nose and another required hospital treatment.

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, the police said as per Yahoo News.

However, the police have acknowledged concerns about the behaviour of officers.

We acknowledge the concerns of the conduct within the video and our Professional Standards Directorate are assessing this, the police added as per Yahoo Finance.

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We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place, Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.

As per CNN, the videos led to protests outside the GMP divisional headquarters in the town of Rochdale.

Videos from the event showed large crowds outside the police station chanting GMP shame on you.

As per Yahoo News, police said the suspension came after a thorough review of further information after the videos came to light.

A referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a full independent investigation, a spokesperson said.

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Police said the demonstration concluded without incident.

Yahoo News quoted Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry as saying the video showed something that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about.

We know that a film of an incident at Manchester Airport that is circulating widely shows an event that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about, Chaudhry said as per CNN.

The use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm.

The incident comes amid rising distrust of police in Britain following allegations of excessive force used against ethnic minorities and scandals involving two serving police officers who were arrested for rape and murder.

An independent investigation commissioned by the government recently found that Londons Metropolitan Police Service was institutionally racist, homophobic and misogynistic.

The areas representative in Parliament, Paul Waugh, said he was due to meet with the family involved on Thursday.

Waugh said the video that allegedly showed police violence was truly shocking and disturbing. Like many who have seen this clip, I am extremely concerned, he said.

UK Home Office Minister Diana Johnson wrote on X that she was aware of the disturbing footage and understand(s) the public concern it has prompted.

But Richard Tice, deputy leader of the right-wing Reform UK, said the video was not distressing but reassuring and that the police were responding to a serious issue if they were using such force.

With inputs from agencies
The Centre has directed the Pune Police to apprise it of the marital status of Puja Khedkars parents. The development comes amid the allegations that the controversial IAS probationer fraudulently availed of the OBC non-creamy layer benefit in the UPSC exam by claiming they were separated. Her father Dilip has also been accused of extortion and corruption while serving in the Maharashtra administration read more

In order to avail of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) non-creamy layer quota in the UPSC, Puja Khedkar had reportedly claimed that her parents were separated and she was living with her mother. Image courtesy: dr_pujamdk_ias/Instagram

Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar continues to grab headlines, as the controversy over the authenticity of her claims of disability and OBC status, which led to her appointment to the civil services, refuses to die down.

She is also accused of abusing her position of authority when she worked at the Pune collectors office.

However, when the issue received more media attention, embarrassing details regarding her parents, Manorama and Dilip Khedkar, a retired state government employee, were also revealed.

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Heres all we know about them.

The investigation

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 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam by claiming that they were separated, an official said.

Talking to news agency 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.

Fake separation, income details

To avail of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) non-creamy layer quota in the UPSC, Khedkar had reportedly claimed that her parents were separated and she was living with her mother. As per the rules, only those whose parents income is under Rs 8 lakh per annum fall in the category of OBC non-creamy layer.

Manorama Khedkar, mother of IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, being brought by the police to a hospital for medical examination after her arrest in a case of allegedly threatening some persons by brandishing a gun over a land dispute, in Pune district, Thursday, July 18, 2024. PTI

In a video of her mock interview, Khedkar was asked why her family income has been shown as zero when her father was a civil servant, she is seen saying that her parents were separated and she is not in contact with her father.

Her claim is in contrast to the Lok Sabha election affidavits that Dilip and Manorama filed in April of this year, which state that both of her parents are married.

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Dilip Khedkar ran on the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) ticket for the Lok Sabha in 2024. He was defeated by Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke of the NCP (SP) in the Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency of Maharashtra by a margin of more than six lakh votes.

According to India Today, in 2009, Dilip and Manorama Khedkar filed for divorce in Punes family court on the grounds of mutual consent.

On June 25, 2010, the divorce was finalised.

The two were reportedly living together at a home in Punes Baner neighbourhood even after their divorce. According to the news channel, Manorama Khedkar was the owner of the property.

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The pair attending public occasions together as a married couple has also drawn attention.

Also read: Many names, age disparities, more: How trouble mounts for trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar

Corruption and extortion case against Dilip

Dilip has also been the subject of another controversy following accusations that he was suspended twice while serving in the Maharashtra administration due to charges of extortion and corruption, according to News18.

While working at the Kolhapur regional office in 2018, Dilip is said to have asked local companies for bribes to restore basic services like the water and electricity supply.

The report said that a sawmill and timber merchant filed a formal complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in response to the allegations.

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In February 2020, he was subject to a second suspension by the Maharashtra Civil Services, heightening earlier accusations made against him in March 2019 by Sona Alloys Pvt Ltd, who claimed he was involved in harassment and soliciting bribes.

More grievances from other small business owners emerged, all of them charging him with extortion and other misconduct.

Other cases

Manorama Khedkar is in jail following her arrest last week over the alleged use of a firearm in a dispute with a farmer in a village in the Pune district in June 2023.

A video that went viral on the internet on July 12 showed Manorama, accompanied by private bouncers, brandishing a.25 Webley and Scott pistol on June 5, 2024, during an argument with some farmers over a land ownership issue at Dhadhawali village in Mulshi tehsil. The police then filed a case against Manorama and six other people, including Pujas father Dilip.

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#PujaKhedkar fabricated:



- Disability Certificate

- Caste Certificate-Non creamy layer OBC

- Income affidavits?

- & Evaded Medical examinations



While her mother brandishes a pistol & threatens people? Not just Once, but several times.



Entire family involved in the scam? pic.twitter.com/awQf4uJXTA  Adv. Sumit Arora (@LawgicallyLegal) July 13, 2024

The Pune court granted Dilip interim protection till July 25 in the case.

The retired Maharashtra Pollution Control Board official is also accused of an undeclared wealth.

He declared wealth of more than Rs 40 crore and income of Rs 49 lakh per year while running as a Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) candidate in the Lok Sabha elections of 2024, according to documents.

The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau asked for a report regarding his wealth from its Ahmednagar unit.

Puja Khedkars training on hold

The UPSC last week took a series of actions, including the registration of a police case, against Puja Khedkar for fraudulently availing attempts in the civil services examination by faking her identity, according to PTI.

Puja Khedkar has been instructed to join the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, latest by July 23. ANI

The commission has also issued a show cause notice for cancellation of her candidature of the civil services examination-2022 and debarment from future examinations and selections.

Khedkar, a 2023 batch probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is accused of misusing power and privileges, by demanding perks and facilities she was not entitled to, during her training in the Pune district collectorate. She was also accused of bullying everyone around and of placing a red-blue beacon (indicating a high-ranking official) atop a private Audi (a luxury sedan) car used by her that also had Maharashtra Government written on it during her stint.

A criminal case has been registered against her in Delhi last week for misrepresenting and falsifying facts. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has also issued a show-cause notice regarding the cancellation of her candidature for the 2022 examination and is considering barring her from future exams.

Her probation period was put on hold and she was recalled to Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Uttarakhands Mussoorie.

With inputs from agencies
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an address before a joint session of US Congress, called for the establishment of a regional anti-Iranian security pact, which he called the Abraham Alliance. He described the alliance as a natural extension of the normalisation agreements, known as the Abraham Accords, that Israel brokered with Arab states during the Trump administration read more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on as he addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, US, July 24, 2024. Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an address to a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, proposed the formation of a regional alliance aimed at countering Irans influence.

During his US visit, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden, US Vice President Kamala Harris and also hold an audience with former US President and now Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Dubbed the Abraham Alliance, this proposed pact seeks to extend the normalisation agreements known as the Abraham Accords, which Israel brokered with Arab states during the Trump administration. Netanyahus speech was met with both applause and criticism.

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What is the Abraham Alliance?

Netanyahus call for the Abraham Alliance comes as a response to what he described as a glimpse of coordinated action against Iranian aggression. On April 14, various states, along with the US, intercepted a series of Iranian missiles and drones bound for Israel.

These were launched by Tehran in retaliation for an Israeli attack on Irans consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of senior military officials.

This alliance would be a natural extension of the Abraham Accords, Netanyahu stated. All countries that are at peace with Israel and those who will make peace with Israel should be invited to join this alliance.

The Abraham Accords, brokered during the Trump administration, marked a significant milestone in Middle Eastern diplomacy. These agreements saw Israel establish formal relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.

Bahrains Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed display their copies of signed agreements while US President Donald Trump looks on as they participate in the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords, normalising relations between Israel and some of its Middle East neighbors, in a strategic realignment of Middle Eastern countries against Iran, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, US, September 15, 2020. File Image/Reuters

Netanyahu thanked Trump for his role in promoting these normalisation agreements and expressed gratitude to Biden for his ongoing support.

Our world is in upheaval. In the Middle East, Irans axis of terror confronts America, Israel, and our Arab friends. This is not a clash of civilisations. Its a clash between barbarism and civilisation, Netanyahu declared. For the forces of civilisation to triumph, America and Israel must stand together.

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The criticism and controversy

Despite Netanyahus emphasis on the Abraham Alliance, his speech was met with significant opposition. Internal and international political circles criticised his policies, particularly Israels actions in Gaza. Representative Rashida Tlaib held up a sign reading War criminal and Guilty of Genocide during his address.

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

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Netanyahus comments on the Gaza conflict reiterated his demand for total victory, stating, Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas military capabilities. Thats what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.

Protests against Israeli attacks on Gaza were labelled by Netanyahu as supporting Hamas. These protesters stand with Hamas. They should be ashamed of themselves. You have officially become Irans useful idiots, he said.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators burn a US flag and an effigy depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outside Union Station, on the day of Netanyahus address to a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill, in Washington, US, July 24, 2024. Reuters

Several Democratic lawmakers boycotted his speech, expressing dismay over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Numerous rights groups have accused Israel of violating international law, targeting civilians, and creating severe humanitarian crises in Gaza. Media reports indicate that large parts of Gaza have been designated as free fire zones by Israeli forces, and allegations have been made that Israeli snipers have systematically targeted Palestinian children.

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Another conflict

Netanyahu also addressed the conflict with Hezbollah on the Blue Line with Lebanon, expressing a preference for a diplomatic solution but warning that Israel would do whatever necessary to restore security.

All our enemies should know this. Those who attack Israel will pay a very heavy price. And as we defend ourselves on all fronts, I know that America has our back, he said, thanking the US for its military assistance and intelligence support.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, US, July 24, 2024. Reuters

Netanyahus speech highlighted the sophisticated weapons jointly developed by Israel and the US, which he claimed help protect both countries and keep American boots off the ground while safeguarding shared interests in the region.

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Netanyahus proposal for the Abraham Alliance aims to extend the success of the Abraham Accords by fostering a regional coalition against Iran.

Also Read: Is Netanyahu biting off more than he can chew?

Iran sees America as its greatest enemy, Netanyahu said. But Iran understands that to truly challenge America, it must first conquer the Middle East. And for this, it uses its many proxies, including the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Yet in the heart of the Middle East, standing in Irans way is one proud pro-American democracy  my country, the state of Israel.

However, his address to US Congress underlined the deep divisions surrounding his policies and Israels actions in Gaza as was evident by the scores of protesters outside and inside the US Capitol.

With inputs from agencies
A Saurya Airlines plane crashed during takeoff on Wednesday at Nepals Tribhuvan International Airport, killing 18 of the 19 people on board. The lone survivor is the pilot  Captain Manish Ratna Shakya. The pilot with over 10 years of experience is currently recuperating in hospital after suffering eye, head and face injuries read more

Army personnel clear the debris of a Saurya Airlines' plane after it crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A passenger plane crashed on takeoff in Kathmandu, with the pilot rescued from the flaming wreckage but all 18 others aboard killed. AFP

A pall of gloom has descended over Nepal after a plane crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, killing 18 of the 19 people on board. The only survivor of the crash is the pilot  Captain Manish Ratna Shakya.

The crash, involving Saurya Airlines, once again puts the spotlight on the Himalayan kingdoms poor aviation safety record  over 350 people have been killed in the country in 19 air crashes since 2000.

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It has also made many, including the families of those who lost their loved ones, to wonder how the pilot emerged as the sole survivor.

Heres what we know so far.

Who is the pilot?

Following the crash, the pilot, the sole survivor, has been identified as Manish Ratna Shakya. According to the official website of Saurya Airlines, Shakya is the chief of operations at the airline.

The 37-year-old, according to his LinkedIn profile, joined Saurya Airlines in December 2014 and has been a part of the company for more than nine-and-a-half years. He earlier flew for Simrik Airlines for nearly three years.

How did the pilot survive the crash?

On Wednesday, the Saurya Airlines plane  a CRJ200 aircraft  took off from Tribhuvan International Airport around 11.15 am with 19 people on board. The plane was carrying two crew members and 17 technicians to the city of Pokhara for maintenance checks.

However, within minutes of its takeoff, the plane turned right and crashed on the east side of the runway, as per a statement by Nepal Civil Aviation Authoritys search and rescue coordination centre.

Nepal rescue officials at the site of the Saurya Airlines crash trying to pull out the pilot. Image Courtesy: @NepalPoliceHQ/X

Footage from the scene of the crash showed thick smoke billowing from the burning aircraft on the airport runway.

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While 18 of those on board died in the crash, the pilot managed to survive miraculously. Rescuers at the crash site said that they were able to reach Captain Shakya just as the flick of flames neared the cockpit section of the aircraft.

He was facing difficulty to breathe as the air shield was open. We broke the window and immediately pulled him out, said Senior Superintendent of Nepal Police Dambar Bishwakarma to BBC.

He had blood all over his face when he was rescued but we took him to the hospital in a condition where he could speak, he added.

According to officials, the plane suddenly turned right as it was taking to the skies, before crashing into the east side of the runway. Video footage from the site shows the aircraft in flames hurtling across part of the airport before part of it appears to fall into a valley at the far edge of the site.

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A view shows wreckage of a Saurya Airlines plane that caught fire after skidding off the runway while taking off at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Reuters

Nepals Civil Aviation Minister Badri Pandey was later quoted as saying: It hit a container on the edge of the airport then, it fell further below. The cockpit, however, remained stuck inside the container. This is how the captain survived.

The other part of the plane crashed into a nearby mound and it tore into pieces. The entire area away from the region where the cockpit fell down caught fire and everything was burnt, Pandey said.

Captain Shakya, the pilot, was later rushed to Kathmandu Medical College where doctors revealed that he had sustained eye injuries as well as others to his head and face.

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Later on Wednesday evening, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli visited Kathmandu Medical College and inquired about the captains health condition. The Himalayan Times reported that during his visit, he also spoke with the doctors involved in Captain Shakyas treatment and with his family members.

What happens now?

After the crash, investigations have begun as to what caused the tragedy. The head of Tribhuvan International Airport said that initial reports showed that the plane had flown in the wrong direction.

Moreover, the post-mortem and identification process for the bodies of the 18 victims has begun at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj. The Kathmandu Post has reported that the hospital administration is considering to carry out some cosmetic surgery on a few bodies as they have been burnt beyond recognition.

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Family members of the victims react 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

Grieving family members have also raised questions about the company and the civil aviation authority. Dirga Bahadur Khadka, a grand uncle of co-pilot Sushant Katwal said to The Kathmandu Post, We suspect that the company put pressure on the pilots into flying the plane, Khadka told the Post. Otherwise, no one would like to fly a plane with technical problems.

A question also arises about the civil aviation authority, the aviation sector regulator, he further said. How could it allow planes with technical problems to fly?

With inputs from agencies
A gang of 30 armed men, that go by the name I dont care launched a series of violent attacks in the remote villages of Papua New Guineas Angoram district. The spate of brutal killings and rapes and burning down of houses left 26 people dead, including 16 children. With authorities still investigating the matter, the final death toll could pass 50 read more

With authorities of Papua New Guinea still investigating the matter, the final death toll in the violent attacks could pass 50. File Photo/AFP

In the three remote villages of East Sepik province, Papua New Guinea is reeling from a new wave of violence.

Last week, the once-peaceful communities were shattered when a youth gang known as I dont care launched brutal attacks, claiming lives of at least 26 people, including 16 children.

With fears that the number of casualties could climb above 50, the international community is increasingly alarmed by the escalating violence in the island country and its devastating impact on the local population.

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UN rights chief Volker Turk conveyed his deep concern, saying, The outbreak of such deadly violence in Papua New Guinea is both shocking and heart-wrenching. He linked the attacks to long-standing disputes over land and lake rights.

As the tragedy unfolds, heres a look at the concerning situation.

What happened?

Angoram Police Station commander inspector Peter Mandi told The Guardian that a gang of 30 armed men, that go by the name I dont care launched a series of violent attacks in the villages of Tamara, Tambari, and Angrumara in East Sepiks Angoram district.

Last Wednesday, on the 17th [July], the group armed with guns, machetes and wire catapults attacked Angrumara village, burned houses and killed an elderly man and a 5-year-old boy, Mandi told the British publication.

The next day, they attacked Tambari village, raped women and young girls and then slashed them with machetes, young children were also slashed with the machetes, he added.

The inspector further said that the current death toll stands at three people in Angrumara and 23 in Tambari, with 16 children. It remains unclear when the gang attacked the Tamara.

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The villages are located in a remote area that is difficult to access by road and local police only arrived in the area on Tuesday, with reinforcements from national police arriving on Thursday. Police said they would search for the gang along the Sepik River and expected that the death toll would increase.

Conveying his condolences to the victims families, Angoram MP Salio Waipo, who is also the forest minister, told the local news outlet, The National, This is the first time for such (mass killing) to happen in Angoram. The recent killing of such a large number has shocked the people of the district."

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According to The Guardian, many of the survivors fled into the surrounding bush. A Tambari massacre survivor who managed to reach the police station in Angoram revealed that all the homes in their village had been reduced to ashes, with villagers escaping with just clothes on their backs. The police statement added that the community is now living in fear of more attacks by the gang.

The highlands of Papua New Guinea have long been the site of ongoing tribal conflict, with multiple mass killings in recent years. File Photo/AFP

The National reported that government ward members from two other communities Yuaruma and Krinjabin, reported receiving threats of similar attacks on their villages.

Mandi stated that the motive behind the gangs attacks remains unknown and urged for more police resources to apprehend the gang members, all of whom are still at large.

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The reaction

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on the island countrys authorities to conduct prompt, impartial, and transparent investigations and to ensure those responsible are held to account.

It is also vital that victims and their families receive reparations, including adequate housing, effective protection against further attacks, and necessary psychosocial support, he said.

Angoram MP Waipo also appealed to the surrounding Kanda tribe for assistance, asking them to provide shelter, clothing, and food to the displaced. He also assured that efforts are underway to organise tents, food, and clothing for those affected by the violence, The National reported.

Waipo further urged the families of the victims to remain calm and cooperate with peace and police officers.

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Rising tribal violence in Papua New Guinea

The conflict between clans in Papua New Guinea has deep historical roots but has intensified in recent years.

According to the World Bank, the island nation, is known for its remarkable cultural diversity with over 800 languages and 1,000 distinct ethnic groups.

The violence has grown increasingly severe over the years due to the influx of illegal modern firearms and the involvement of mercenary sharpshooters.

A stark example occurred in February 2024, when local police discovered 64 bloodied bodies in the highlands following a fierce gun battle between rival tribes.

The root of this turmoil partly lies in rapid population growth, which has put immense pressure on the countrys resources and heightened tribal rivalries.

Since 1980, Papua New Guineas population has more than doubled. While the government estimates the population at around 10 million, a 2022 United Nations study, using satellite data, suggested it could be as high as 17 million. The nation has not conducted an accurate census in decades.

This demographic strain, combined with the spread of weaponry, has created a volatile environment where tribal conflicts are increasingly prone to violence, according to the World Bank.

With input from agencies
Sonya Massey, 36, was killed by a White sheriffs deputy in her Illinois home after calling emergency services to report a suspected prowler. Masseys family has accused the police of trying to cover up her death by giving the impression that she was killed by an intruder or that she took her own life. Heres what really happened read more

Ex-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. AP

Horrific footage of a Black woman in America killed after calling 911 for help is going viral.

Sonya Massey, 36, was shot and killed at her home in Illinois by a sheriffs deputy after calling to report a suspected prowler.

Masseys death, which has caused an uproar, is just the latest example of Black people killed in recent years by police in their homes.

It comes in the backdrop of Vice President Kamala Harris is set to make history as the first African-American woman nominee of a major party  and possibly the first woman Commander-in-Chief.

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In a statement released Tuesday, Harris said she is joining President Joe Biden in calling on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Sonya Massey deserved to be safe," Harris said. 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. The disturbing footage released yesterday confirms what we know from the lived experiences of so many  we have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name.

But what happened to Massey?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

The incident occurred in the early hours of 6 July over the Independence Day weekend.

Massey, a resident of the Cabbage Patch neighbourhood in Springfield  around 320 kilometres southeast of Chicago  called emergency services to report a possible prowler.

As per CNN, Massey met sheriffs deputy Sean Grayson, who is white, and his partner at her doorstep.

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Bodycam footage showed the two conducting a search around Masseys house and in surrounding yards. They found a black SUV with broken windows in an adjacent driveway before Massey came to the front door.

Massey appeared confused from the outset.

Dont hurt me, she said. Please God. I dont know what to do.

Grayson and the other deputy asked Massey if she needed any assistance.

She responded, I love yall.

Asked how she was doing mentally, she responded yes, I took my medicine, as per CNN.

Massey seemed confused as they spoke at the door, and she repeated that she needed help, referenced God and told them she didnt know who owned the car.

It isnt clear why Massey and Grayson went inside the house, followed by the other deputy.

Inside the house, deputies seemed exasperated as Massey sat on her couch and went through her purse as they asked for identification to complete a report before leaving. Then Sean Grayson pointed out a pot sitting on a flame on the stove. AP

Masseys home in the Cabbage Patch neighbourhood, 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.

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The video shows Grayson in the living room with Massey on the other side of the counter, several feet away.

Inside the house, deputies seemed exasperated as she sat on her couch and went through her purse as they asked for identification to complete a report before leaving. Then Grayson pointed out a pot sitting on a flame on the stove.

We dont need a fire while were here," he said.

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.

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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.

Huh? Grayson asked.

I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, she said again.

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Now, Grayson drew his 9 mm pistol.

You better f**king not or I swear to God Ill f**king shoot you in the f**king face, Grayson said.

Massey said Im sorry while lifting the pot.

Drop the f**king pot! both deputies screamed.

Then, three shots were fired.

Massey was hit once in the head.

After a few seconds of silence, one deputy said shots fired and asked for emergency services.

After Grayson shot her, Grayson discouraged his partner from grabbing a medical kit to save her.

You can go get it, but thats a headshot, he said. Theres nothing you can do, man.

Noting that Massey was still breathing, he relented and said he would get his kit, too. The other deputy said, We can at least try to stop the bleeding.

Dude, Im not taking f**king boiling water to the f**king head. And look, it came right to our feet, too, Grayson was heard saying, as per CNN.

Grayson did not switch on his body camera until after he shot and killed Massey

She had boiling water and came at me with boiling water, Grayson told another officer. She said she was going to rebuke me in the name of Jesus and came at (me) with boiling water.

As per Al Jazeera, Massey was taking to HSHS St Johns Hospital emergency room.

She was pronounced dead at 1:47 am  26 minutes after the shooting.

The family has accused the police of trying to cover up Masseys death.

Masseys father, James Wilburn, told CBS Mornings, We were under the impression that she was killed by the intruder, or some other person from the street, and they just went in there and found her dead body.

James Wilburn, father of Sonya Massey, has accused the police of trying to cover up her death. AP

Its probably the most horrible, heart-wrenching thing that weve ever seen in our lives, but if it were not for the bodycam footage, we would not have known that this occurred, Wilburn added.

The Guardian obtained police audio of someone at the scene of the incident describing the gunshot wound as self-inflicted.

They tried to make me believe that a neighbour had did it, said Jimmie Crawford Jr, Masseys former partner and the father of one of her children.

Crawford claimed that police told nurses at the hospital that Massey killed herself.

How do you get that confused? he asked.

Wilburn told CBS Mornings the family is struggling to recover and that a GoFundMe account was set up for her 15-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old son.

Were taking it day to day. Theyre having a very hard time, Wilburn added.

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.

Crump said the charges were a step toward justice for Sonyas loved ones, especially her children, who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering since they were notified of this tragedy.

What about Grayson?

Grayson has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct charges in the July 6 killing.

He was fired last week by the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office.

He is being held in the Sangamon County Jail without bond.

If convicted, he faces prison sentences of 45 years to life for murder, 6 to 30 years for battery and 2 to 5 years for misconduct.

Grayson is due back in court Aug. 26. He has been with the Sangamon County Sheriffs Department about 18 months after serving as an officer with several other police agencies in central Illinois for about seven years before that.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board shows Grayson was hired part time on August 11, 2020, by the Pawnee Police Department. He also was hired part time on February 4, 2021, by the Kincaid Police Department and on May 20, 2021, by the Virden Police Department.

Sean Grayson was fired last week by the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office. He is being held in the Sangamon County Jail without bond. AP

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 Sheriffs Office. Grayson left Logan County on April 28, 2023, and was hired full time on May 1, 2023, by the Sangamon County Sheriffs 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 boards website.

Senseless loss

In a statement, President Joe Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden were praying for Masseys family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss.

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. 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.

I am enraged that another innocent Black woman had her life taken from her at the hands of a police officer, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said after the indictment.

This undated photo provided by the familys lawyers in July 2024 shows Sonya Massey. AP

A slew of incidents in which police have gunned down Black men and women in their homes has left people outraged.

In May, a Hispanic Florida sheriffs deputy shot and killed Roger Fortson, when the Air Force senior airman opened the door of his home in Fort Walton Beach armed with a handgun pointed down. The deputy, Eddie Duran, was fired.

In 2019, a white Fort Worth, Texas, officer fatally shot Atatiana Jefferson through a rear window of her home after responding to a nonemergency call reporting that Jeffersons front door was open. Aaron Dean, the former officer, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison.

In 2018, a white Dallas police officer fatally shot Botham Jean, who was unarmed, after mistaking his apartment for her own. Amber Guyger, the former officer, was convicted of murder and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Crump has represented families in each case as part of his effort to force accountability for the killings of Black people at the hands of police. Crump also has represented relatives of Earl Moore, a Springfield man who died after he was strapped face down on a stretcher in December 2022. Two emergency medical professionals face murder charges in that case.

With inputs from agencies
Starting April 2025, visitors from 33 countries including the UK, US, Canada and Germany will need a visa to visit Namibia. The Southern African tourist nation says it made this move because gestures of goodwill and favourable treatment to nationals of various countries have not been reciprocated. But what does this mean? read more

This development comes in the backdrop of African nations making up seven of the top 10 nations with the highest rejection for the Schengen visa. AP

Namibia is halting visa-free travel for several Western countries.

Starting April 2025, visitors from 33 countries will need a visa to visit the Southern African tourist nation.

But why is Namibia doing so? And what does this mean?

Lets take a closer look:

Namibia is essentially adopting a tit-for-tat approach to diplomacy.

Namibia has extended gestures of goodwill and favourable treatment to nationals of various countries. However, despite these efforts, certain nations have not reciprocated, Namibias immigration ministry said.

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In light of this disparity, the government has deemed it necessary to implement a visa requirement to ensure parity and fairness in diplomatic interactions, the ministry continued.

According to BBC, this means visitors from Canada, UK, US and Germany among others will need to visa to visit Namibia.

This development comes in the backdrop of African nations making up seven of the top 10 nations with the highest rejection for the Schengen visa.

A Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows its holder to travel freely within the Schengen area, which is a zone comprising 27 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border controls at their mutual borders.

As per BBC, almost a third of Africans applying for a Schengen visa are rejected.

Thats higher than the global average.

The United Kingdom and Schengen countries are taking in hundreds of millions of dollars in fees while rejecting visa applications.

Michelle Nehoya, a Namibian citizen, told BBC that she has spent nearly $500 on a visa to visit Canada.

But two years later, still no dice.

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It has been lengthy and frustrating. I havent been given any reason why its taken so long," Nehoya tells the BBC.

According to NewTimes.co.rw, visas can often be turned down for several reasons.

Most rejections are due to reasonable doubt about the visa applicants intention to return home.

It also comes as the UK last year curbed the number of visas given to Namibians after a surge in asylum applications from Namibian citizens since 2016.

[The UK] unfortunately imposed a visa regime on Namibia last year due to the number of asylum seekers we were receiving. That was impacting on our relationship with Namibia, British High Commissioner to Namibia, Charles Moore told BBC.

UK, Schengen countries make big bucks

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Meanwhile, the UK and Schengen countries are minting money even as they reject visas.

The EU made $139 million from Schengen visa rejections in 2023.

This includes $58 million from African countries.

Meanwhile, Schengen visa rejections brought in $113 million in 2022, the data compiled by Marta Foresti and Otho Mantegazza at Lago Collective showed.

The UK itself made $56 million in rejected fees last year.

The fees are non-refundable.

The price of Schengen short-term visas went up from $86 to $96 for adults in June.

Similarly, the UK visa price increased from $128 to $148 in October.

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Ninety per cent of the fees for rejected Schengen visas come from African and Asian nations.

African nations are most affected with Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria having rejection rates as high as 40 to 50 per cent.

But its not all bad for visitors to Nambia.

According to NewTimes.co.rw, visitors to Namibia can still obtain their 90-day visa on arrival.

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African passport holders, on the other hand, need to get their visas in advance.

While some have praised the decision, others have not.

_NewTimes.co._rw quoted the Hospitality Association of Namibia as saying it was worried about how tourists would react to the move.

Tourism comprises around 7 per cent of Namibias GDP.

It is the third largest contributor to the economy.

Experts say it wont be much of a chore.

It will not change much; you can still get on a plane without a visa. Its just when you get to the airport you will fill a form, pay the fees and enter, tourism expert Soni Nrupesh told the website.

With inputs from agencies
United States and Canadian fighter jets intercepted four Russian and Chinese bombers flying in international airspace near Alaska on Wednesday, according to NORAD. The incident occurred less than an hour before US President Joe Bidens first address from the White House since announcing his exit from the US presidential race. NORAD confirmed that the aircraft did not enter American airspace read more

A H-6K bomber of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force is accompanied by a Russian Sukhoi Su-30CM jet fighter during joint Russian and Chinese military plane patrols near the US state of Alaska, in this still image from video released July 25, 2024. Russian Defence Ministry via Reuters

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted a formation of four bombers, comprising two Russian TU-95 Bear bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers, flying near Alaska on July 24. This interception marks the first instance of Russian and Chinese military aircraft operating together in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The aircraft remained in international airspace and did not breach US or Canadian sovereign airspace, according to NORAD. The intercept was executed by US F-16 and F-35 fighter jets alongside Canadian CF-18 fighter jets. Support aircraft also participated in the operation.

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NORAD, a bi-national command involving the United States and Canada, employs a defence network that incorporates satellites, ground-based radars, and fighter aircraft to detect, track, and respond to airspace incursions. NORAD will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence, the command stated in a press release.

Russian flights into the Alaska ADIZ are not uncommon, with similar incidents occurring regularly. However, the presence of Chinese bombers is unprecedented. The H-6 bombers are a modernised version of older Soviet bombers, indicating Chinas expanding military capabilities and interest in the Arctic region.

An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.

Notably, both the aircraft are nuclear-capable.

China and Russia defend air patrol

Chinas defence ministry stated on Thursday that an air patrol conducted with Russia near Alaska complied with international law and was not aimed at a third party.

Chinese defence ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said, This action is not aimed at a third party, is in line with international law and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation, adding that the patrol tests and enhances the level of cooperation between the two air forces.

US and Canadian jet fighters are seen next to a Russian TU-95 bomber as it conducts joint Russian and Chinese military plane patrols near the US state of Alaska, in this still image from a video released July 25, 2024. Russian Defence Ministry via Reuters

Beijing confirmed that the bombers remained in international airspace and were not seen as a threat.

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Similarly, Moscow affirmed that the patrol adhered to international law and did not violate foreign airspace, noting that at certain stages of the route, the aviation group was accompanied by fighter jets of foreign countries.

Also Read: This 1920 treaty allows China to buy land in Arctic. Heres why Norway has blocked the sale

Kremlin said its Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers and the Chinese air forces Xian H-6 strategic bombers carried out an aerial patrol over the Chukchi and Bering Seas and the north Pacific Ocean.

The patrol was part of a plan of military cooperation for 2024 and not directed against third countries, Moscow stated. Russias defence ministry shared images of planes taking off and landing, as well as aerial footage.

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The TU-95MS planes, developed in the Soviet era to carry long-range cruise missiles, are part of Russias nuclear triad, while the Xian H-6 planes are also nuclear-capable.

Deepening ties between Beijing & Moscow

In recent years, China and Russia have strengthened their ties, conducting joint military exercises regularly. Beijing has enhanced its diplomatic, economic, and military relations with Moscow since the onset of Russias offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China in May on his first trip abroad after re-election and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping again this month at the SCO summit in Kazakhstan.

A Russian TU-95 bomber is refuelled during joint Russian and Chinese military plane patrols near the US state of Alaska, in this still image from a video released July 25, 2024. Russian Defence Ministry via Reuters

In a related development, Russia reported on Sunday that it had scrambled fighter jets to prevent two US strategic bomber planes from crossing its border over the Barents Sea in the Arctic.

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The US military routinely conducts flights over international waters, operations it claims are carried out in neutral airspace, although Moscow has responded more aggressively in recent months.

But China has joined for the first time

US Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska highlighted this as an escalation, highlighting the strategic competition in the Arctic. Make no mistake, this is an escalationthe first time Russia and China have sent a joint bomber taskforce into the Alaska ADIZ, he stated.

Sullivan called for enhanced US military presence and infrastructure in the region to counter these developments.

A H-6K bomber of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force takes off in an unidentified location to conduct joint Russian and Chinese military plane patrols near the US state of Alaska, in this still image from video released July 25, 2024. Russian Defence Ministry via Reuters

Chinas Arctic ambitions were also noted by US Northern Command head Gregory Guillot, who warned of increased Chinese activity in the region under the guise of scientific research.

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What I have seen is a willingness and a desire by the Chinese to act up there, Guillot told the US Senate Armed Services Committee. We have seen them in the maritime. We have seen them under the cloud of a technical or scientific research, but we think it is certainly multi-mission, to include military.

Tensions cold war-like between the US & Russia

Tensions between the US and Russia have been heightened due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader geopolitical conflicts. The joint bomber operation occurred shortly before US President Joe Biden addressed from the White House, his first since announcing his decision not to seek re-election and expressing hope that younger leadership would unite the country and save democracy.

The recent NORAD interception aligns with the US Department of Defenses latest Arctic Strategy, which addresses perceived threats from Russian and Chinese military activities. The report underlined increasing cooperation between Russia and China, including joint exercises and patrols in the Arctic region.

A Russian TU-95 bomber is seen during joint Russian and Chinese military plane patrols near the US state of Alaska, in this still image from a video released July 25, 2024. Russian Defence Ministry via Reuters

US Deputy Secretary of Defence Kathleen Hicks expressed concern over the melting Arctic ice caps, which are opening new shipping lanes and attracting increased interest from both Russia and China.

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. Our Arctic strategy will guide the Department's efforts to ensure that the Arctic remains a pic.twitter.com/gfZcOmcqKC  Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks (@DepSecDef) July 22, 2024

More troubling, weve 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, Hicks noted.

Day breaks at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Point Barrow Long Range Radar Site, north of the northernmost town in the United States in Utqiagvik, Alaska, US, February 4, 2023. File Image/Reuters

The US military said it remains vigilant about the evolving security dynamics in the Arctic. Iris Ferguson, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Arctic and Global Resilience, stated, Were keeping a watchful eye on how theyre developing their capacity for operating in the region.

Also Read | From non-Artic to near-Arctic: Growing China Factor in the India-Russia Far East cooperation

The presence of Chinese naval ships in the Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska and their participation in joint exercises with Russia earlier this month has put a spotlight on the growing challenge in the Arctic region.

With inputs from agencies
The death of Naik raised the military death toll to eleven in terrorist violence in J&K this month read more

On July 24, the Indian Army issued an update in which they stated that Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Naik Dilwar Khan was killed after he was shot during a confrontation with suspected Pakistani terrorists near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir.

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 was eliminated and an NCO was injured. Operation is in progress, the army said when Khan was shot.

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The death of Naik raised the military death toll to eleven in terrorist violence in J&K this month. This raises the question of why there is a sudden surge in terrorist attacks in J&K. On July 23, 28-year-old Lance Naik Subhash Chander from the 7 Jat Regiment, died during a counter-infiltration operation in the Krishna Ghati belt of Poonch district.

On July 15, a Captain and three soldiers from the 10 Rashtriya Rifles were killed in a shootout in Doda district. Five other soldiers from the 22 Garhwal Rifles were in an ambush in Kathua districts Machedi forest on July 8. These terror attacks have been since Jammu saw 43 terror attacks in 2023, while at least 20 such incidents have been reported this year.

Here are some of the reasons why the region is witnessing a rise in terror attacks:

Pakistan and its claws

Many believed that Pakistan-sponsored terror groups have increased their terror activities in the region by taking advantage of Jammus vast and complex terrain. The country has been notorious for facilitating and sending armed militants across the International Border (IB) and beyond the Line of Control (LoC).

Intention to create chaos amidst normalcy

While speaking to Firstpost, former Army Commander Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita said that these terror attacks are common when there is normalcy in the region. He put forward his case by citing the high voter turnout in J&K during the Lok Sabha Elections.

If you see, in the Lok Sabha election there was a 58 per cent voter turnout, which is one of the highest in many decades. There is also some talk of planned Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the former commander averred.

So, whenever there is a return to normalcy or signs of it, there are people across the border who want to vitiate the atmosphere and then they start instigating such incidents, he added.

The upcoming Assembly Elections

Extending the aforementioned reason, the rising terror incidents in J&K could be seen as an attempt to prevent the authorities from holding smooth Assembly polls in the Union Territory later this year.

Change in strategy

According to a report by India Today, the terror group based in Pakistan have changed their strategy since the abrogation of Article 370. It is believed that the militants are shifting focus from Kashmir Valley, which has a heavy presence of security forces, to Jammu.

Development in technology

Some experts believe that modern technology is helping militant groups find new routes and flame insurgency in new areas. Sometimes there is also difficulty in intelligence gathering in the region.

The same level of intelligence (both tech and humanity) does not exist in the Jammu region. The terrorists will go for softer targets where there is minimum investment (effort) and maximum output. It means they are hitting temporary outposts and vehicle outposts and even civilians, Lt Gen (Retd) KJS Dhillon told India Today.

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Hence, the terror incident has led security personnel to launch multiple combating operations to counter these recent infiltrations.

With inputs from agencies.
The 65 per cent reservation breaches the 50 per cent ceiling set by the Supreme Court in the landmark 1992 Indra Sawhney v Union of India verdict. However, placing a legislation in the Ninth Schedule shields it from judicial scrutiny read more

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is looking to safeguard the 65 per cent job quota in Bihar. File Photo

The Bihar government is striving to reinstate the states revised reservation limit of 65%, which was struck down by the Patna High Court. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced that they have requested the Centre to include this in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to shield it from judicial review.

Additionally, the JD(U)-BJP coalition has appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Courts ruling from June, which was based on a PIL challenging the increase in reservation for SC, ST, and backward classes from 50 per cent to 65 per cent, Times of India reported.

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The 65 per cent reservation breaches the 50 per cent ceiling set by the Supreme Court in the landmark 1992 Indra Sawhney v Union of India verdict. However, placing a legislation in the Ninth Schedule shields it from judicial scrutiny.

Here are 7 things to know about the Ninth Schedule:

1. Legal Shield: The Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains a list of central and state laws that are protected from being challenged in courts, currently encompassing 284 laws.

2. Agrarian Focus: Most laws under the Ninth Schedule pertain to agriculture and land issues, reflecting the original intent to protect agrarian reforms and abolish the Zamindari system.

3. Historical Origin: The Ninth Schedule was introduced in 1951 through the First Amendment, alongside Article 31B, to safeguard laws related to agrarian reform from judicial scrutiny.

4. Specific vs. Class Laws: Article 31B protects specific laws or enactments by placing them in the Ninth Schedule, whereas Article 31A extends protection to broader classes of laws.

5. Judicial Review Limitations: Although the Ninth Schedule provides a safe harbour from judicial review, this protection is not absolute. Laws can still be challenged on grounds other than the violation of fundamental rights.

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6. Basic Structure Test: In a landmark 2007 ruling, the Supreme Court declared that laws in the Ninth Schedule, if added after 1973, could be challenged if they violate the basic structure of the Constitution, a doctrine established in the Kesavananda Bharati case.

7. Amendment History: The First Amendment initially added 13 laws to the Ninth Schedule. Subsequent amendments in various years, including 1955, 1964, 1971, and others, have increased this number to 284 protected laws.
The statement came after top American diplomat Donald Lu expressed disappointment over PM Modis visit to Russia and said that Washington is holding tough conversations with New Delhi on these concerns. read more

New Delhi has a longstanding relationship with Moscow and every country has freedom of choice in a multipolar world, The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said while reacting to top US official Donald Lus remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit to Russia.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that it is essential for everybody to be mindful and appreciative of such realities.

We must understand that India has a longstanding relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multipolar world, all country has freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities, Jaiswal said at the weekly press briefing on Thursday.

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#WATCH | On US diplomat Donald Lu's remark on India, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We must understand that India has a longstanding relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multipolar world, all country has freedom of choice. It is pic.twitter.com/6jnijiQWYo  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

During an official visit to Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed removing non-tariff trade barriers and set a goal to achieve a mutual trade volume exceeding USD 100 billion by 2030.

The leaders also agreed to continue dialogue on liberalising bilateral trade, including the potential establishment of an EAEU-India Free Trade Area, as outlined in the Leaders Joint Statement released after the meeting.
Jaishankar and all other leaders are in the Lao Peoples Democratic Republics capital to participate in the Foreign Ministers Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). read more

Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar on Thursday met his counterparts from the Philippines, Enrique A Manalo, and Norways Espen Barth Eide on the margins of the ASEAN meet and discussed strengthening bilateral collaboration and priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Jaishankar also held bilateral meetings with Timor Lestes Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Cambodia Sok Chenda Sophea.

While with his South Asian counterparts, the talks were mostly about bilateral relations and geopolitical situation in the Indo-Pacific, he also discussed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during his meeting with the Norwegian leader.

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Good to meet Foreign Minister @EspenBarthEide of Norway today. The India  Nordic partnership in clean energy and trade continues to deliver. Committed to implementing European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) to the better advantage of both countries. Also spoke about the geopolitical situation, the Minister said after the meeting with his Norwegian counterpart.

Stating that he was delighted to meet his friend Enrique A Manalo of Philippines, Jaishankar said in a post on X: Discussed the strengthening collaboration between our two democracies and partnership in the Indo-Pacific, especially in upholding the rule of law and ASEAN centrality.

Pleasure to meet FM Bendito Freitas of Timor Leste on the sidelines of #ASEAN meetings. Our Delhi to Dili friendship continues to diversify and deepen. Also exchanged views on our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, he said in a post on X after the meeting with Freitas.

Glad to meet DPM & FM Sok Chenda Sophea of Cambodia. Noted the progress in our bilateral ties, including air connectivity, defence and heritage conservation. Looking forward to further building on it, he said in another post on X.

Jaishankars visit to Laos is of particular significance that this year marks a decade of Indias Act East Policy, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, the Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi ahead of his visit.

Foreign ministers from Southeast Asian nations and top diplomats from key partner countries such as the United States and China have gathered here for the three-day meet. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are among the attendees.
The Indian Navys repeated accidents have not only raised questions about its safety protocols but also imposed a significant financial burden on the nations defence budget read more

The Indian Navy has long been a cornerstone of Indias defence strategy, tasked with safeguarding the countrys extensive maritime borders. However, a troubling trend of accidents and mishaps has raised serious concerns about the navys operational readiness and safety protocols. Between 2007 and 2016, the Indian Navy reported 38 accidents involving ships and submarines, as noted in a 2017 audit report tabled in Parliament. Despite recommendations and corrective measures suggested by experts and various audit reports, the navy appears to have struggled to implement effective changes, posing a significant risk to national security.

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A string of accidents and their implications

The 2016 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report highlighted a series of naval accidents over a nine-year period, revealing that 39 per cent were due to fire, explosion or flooding. These incidents led to the deaths of 33 personnel including six officers. Furthermore, 16 per cent of the accidents involved vessels touching the seabed, another 16 per cent were due to collisions and the remaining 29 per cent included various incidents such as accidental stranding, venting of poisonous gas and damage to onboard equipment. The report criticised the navys safety protocols attributing many of these accidents to crew error and material failure.

In a more recent incident on July 21, 2024, INS Brahmaputra, a nearly 3,900-tonne frontline guided-missile frigate sustained extensive damage when a fire erupted onboard. The crew, alongside naval dockyard fire brigade personnel, managed to control the blaze but the incident underscored ongoing issues within the navys maintenance and safety procedures. Such incidents raise serious questions about the adequacy of repairs and maintenance of ships at naval dockyards.

The Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi emphasised the urgent need for INS Brahmaputra to be made seaworthy and combat-ready as soon as possible. An expert team is scheduled to assess the situation following which a salvage operation will be initiated to bring the frigate to an upright position. This event highlights the navys persistent struggles with safety and maintenance, a pattern echoed in the earlier incident involving INS Betwa.

INS Betwas costly salvage operation

On December 6, 2016, the Indian Navy faced an unprecedented incident at the Mumbai naval dockyard involving the guided missile frigate INS Betwa. The 3,850-tonne warship tipped over while undergoing a routine undocking procedure during its maintenance refit resulting in the tragic death of two sailors and injuries to 14 others. The mishap not only blocked the main naval dry dock but also temporarily halted the operational readiness of a critical asset of the Indian Navy. After extensive salvage efforts, the navy announced on February 23, 2017, that the frigate had been righted and would be fully operational by April 2018.

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The incident occurred due to a miscalculation in the load distribution equilibrium during the complex and delicate undocking procedure. Instead of floating safely, INS Betwa slipped from its dock blocks, tilted sharply and crashed flat onto its left (port) side. This left the ship with substantial damage, including at least 25 per cent flooding in its compartments. INS Betwa, armed with Uran anti-ship missiles, Barak-1 surface-to-air missiles and torpedoes, is one of the principal warships of the Western Naval Command.

The Indian Navy enlisted the expertise of Resolve Marine Group, an international salvage firm based in the United States. A contract worth Rs 20 crore (approximately $3 million) was signed with the company to restore the frigate to its upright position. The challenging task required innovative techniques as the salvage team needed to refloat the frigate without using external lifting mechanisms. Instead, they utilised a methodical process of flooding and pumping the ships compartments to achieve the desired balance and buoyancy. By February 22, 2017, the salvage operation was successfully completed and INS Betwa was back on an even keel floating like any other warship.

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INS Betwas resilient journey

INS Betwas history is marked by both its accomplishments and its challenges. Commissioned in July 2004, the frigate is named after the Betwa River in Madhya Pradesh, symbolising resilience and strength. The ships crest features the Stupa of Sanchi, reflecting its indomitable spirit. Throughout its service, INS Betwa has participated in numerous naval exercises demonstrating its capabilities as a Brahmaputra-class frigate designed and developed indigenously in India.

However, the incident in December 2016 was not the first time INS Betwa faced adversity. In January 2014, the ship ran aground after colliding with an unidentified object while approaching the Mumbai naval base, resulting in damage to its sonar dome and water ingress into sensitive equipment. The vessels crew had to navigate a complex repair and recovery process, reflecting their commitment to maintaining the frigates operational readiness.

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INS Sindhurakshak tragedy

The accident involving INS Betwa was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the Indian Navy in maintaining its fleets safety and operational efficiency. It came just three years after the tragic incident involving INS Sindhurakshak, a Russian-made Kilo-class submarine. On August 14, 2013, INS Sindhurakshak suffered a catastrophic fire and explosion while berthed at Mumbais naval dockyard, resulting in the loss of 18 crew members and the sinking of the submarine.

INS Sindhurakshak had previously encountered challenges during its service including a fire in 2010 while stationed in Visakhapatnam. The fire was caused by an explosion in the submarines battery compartment attributed to a faulty battery valve leaking hydrogen gas. The incident resulted in the death of one sailor and injuries to two others.

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Following the 2010 incident, INS Sindhurakshak underwent extensive upgrades and retrofitting at the Zvezdochka shipyard in Russia, costing $80 million. The submarine returned to India in 2013, equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, integrated weapon control systems, and enhanced safety features. However, the explosion and sinking in 2013 rendered the submarine irreparable leading to its eventual disposal in 2017 after being used for marine commando training. The navy spent a whopping Rs 240 crore to salvage the submarine only to be sunk later at a depth of 3,000-metre in the Arabian Sea as it was no longer fit for service.

A troubling trend in naval safety

The series of accidents involving INS Betwa, INS Sindhurakshak, INS Brahmaputra and other naval assets indicate a troubling pattern of safety oversights and inadequate maintenance procedures within the Indian Navy. This trend of frequent mishaps suggests that the navy has not fully implemented the corrective measures recommended by experts and audit reports, which is concerning for national security. A 2013 India Today report highlighted that since 1990 the Indian Navy has lost one warship every five years in peacetime, a dubious record not shared by many other navies.

With a fleet of 150 ships and submarines and 300 aircraft, the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in national defence. Yet, the persistent safety issues undermine its operational effectiveness and readiness. The 2016 CAG report criticised the Navys safety protocols, pointing out that many accidents resulted from crew error and material failure. These deficiencies raise questions about how repairs and maintenance are planned and executed at naval dockyards.

The Indian Navys repeated accidents, high salvage costs and poor safety record are worrisome for a nation that relies heavily on its maritime forces for defence and security. The incidents serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for improved safety protocols, meticulous maintenance procedures and the implementation of corrective measures to prevent future mishaps. As the navy strives to overcome these challenges, it must prioritise the safety and operational readiness of its fleet to fulfill its mission of safeguarding Indias maritime interests effectively.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India expects Canada to take action against anti-India elements who have targeted Indian leaders, institutions, airlines, and diplomats with violence. We urge Canada to apply similar measures to those threatening India, he added. read more

India asked Canada to act against individuals making threats against Indian leaders. The statement came in the light of a video released by the Khalistani separatist, in which he threatened Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya and Indians living in Canada.

In a weekly media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned Pannuns threats directed at Indian-origin leaders in Canada.

#WATCH | On the reports that Canada has charged two persons for online threats posed to PM Justin Trudeau and other leaders, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have seen these reports. When a democracy adopts different yardsticks to measure or implement the rule of law pic.twitter.com/Ll9hkQ5aiE  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

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Reacting to reports that Canada has charged two individuals for online threats against PM Justin Trudeau and other leaders, he said, We have noted these reports. When a democracy applies different standards to the rule of law and freedom of expression, it exposes its own double standards.

We expect Canada to take action against anti-India elements who have targeted Indian leaders, institutions, airlines, and diplomats with violence. We urge Canada to apply similar measures to those threatening India, he said.

Talking about the recent development in Bangladesh which has been reeling under deadly clashes with protesting students demanding the Sheikh Hasina-led government to scrap a controversial job quota system, he said So far 6,700 Indian students have returned from Bangladesh.

Over 100 people were killed in the clashes that began weeks ago.

Being a close neighbour and friend of Bangladesh, we are hopeful that situation would return to normal in that country, he said.

#WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "So far we have had over 6,700 Indian students come back from Bangladesh. We received excellent cooperation from Bangladesh govt. Our High Commission has arranged for their safe and secure travel to the border crossing point and the pic.twitter.com/5GFDTcXtoq  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024
The government cited seven assassination attempts in its communication sent to the DGs, including those in-charge of the CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG as well as state intelligence bureaus. It said the incidents underline the vulnerabilities of high-risk dignitaries to various threats during public interfaces, including rallies, corner meetings, and roadshows read more

Citing the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump during his election rally in Pennsylvania, the Indian government has reportedly issued a directive Director Generals of Police (DGPs) of states, union territories and paramilitary forces, ordering them to heighten up security measures so high-risk dignitaries can be kept safe, especially during rallies, corner meetings, and roadshows.

Trump, who is the Republican nominee for the 2024 US Presidential elections, was holding a rally on July 13, when a 20-year-old man fired eight rounds with an AR-15style rifle from the roof of a building aiming at him.

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Trump survived the assassination attempt and was wounded in his right ear.

What notice by the Indian govt alerting increasing security of VVIPs says?

According to a report by The Indian Express, along with Trumps, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has cited a total of seven assassination attempts of leaders in a letter shared on July 16 with the DGs, including those in-charge of the CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG as well as state intelligence bureaus.

Listing the incidents in the note, the government said they underline the vulnerabilities of high-risk dignitaries to various threats during public interfaces, including rallies, corner meetings, and roadshows.

Based on these, the government has emphasised on working on three main points - physical security measures, technical surveillance, and contingency drills and role of personal security officers.

Physical security measures include controlling access to the venues and thoroughly checking/frisking of men and material. The proximate area should have only a minimum number of authorised persons and there should be no crowding around the dignitary. The venue should be put through comprehensive physical, visual and technical checks followed by deployment of security personnel. The area up to a sufficient depth around the venue should be secured and all high-rise features as well as other vantage points in the vicinity that offer a direct line of sight of the dignitary should be sanitised and dominated, The Indian Express reported quoted an official, citing the communication, as saying.

Also, special emphasis has been given by the government on preparing for potential contingency situations. Drills should be formulated and rehearsed to provide immediate cover to the dignitary, neutralise threats swiftly, and ensure rapid evacuation to a safe location or hospital, the report said.

PSOs should maintain constant vigilance, position themselves to have a 360-degree view of the surroundings, and respond quickly to any threatening activity.

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The other incidents mentioned by govt

The other incidents apart from Trumps assassination attempt mentioned in the communication from the Centres internal security division included:

1 - Shinzo Abe, former prime minister of Japan, was fatally shot while he was addressing a corner public meeting on July 8, 2022 from close quarters by an individual using a homemade shotgun.

2 - On November 3, 2022, during a road march, former PM of Pakistan Imran Khan was fired upon and he reportedly suffered a bullet injury.

3 - Vice-President of Argentina, Christina Fernandez, escaped an assassination bid on September 1, 2022 as a man tried to fire a loaded pistol close to her head.

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4 - On April 15, 2023, a youth from within the crowd hurled a smoke bomb towards former Japanese PM Fumio Kishida on April 15, 2024 when he was giving a speech during an election campaign.

5 - Fernando Villavicencio, one of the candidates for the Presidency of Ecuador, was shot dead on August 9 last year as he rode a police pick-up vehicle after a public rally.

6 - Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico suffered life-threatening injuries when he was shot and wounded in an attempted assassination on May 15 this year during a public event.
The Indian Army contingent comprising 40 personnel, including a woman officer and two women soldiers, departed for Ulaanbaatar on Wednesday, the defence ministry said in a statement read more

The Indian Army will participate in a multinational military exercise  Khaan Quest  in Mongolia from July 27 to August 9 that brings together armed forces from around the world to collaborate as well as enhance their peacekeeping capabilities.

The Indian Army contingent comprising 40 personnel, including a woman officer and two women soldiers, departed for Ulaanbaatar on Wednesday, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The Indian side is being represented mainly by troops from a battalion of the Madras Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services.

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The event is scheduled to be conducted at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, it said.

The exercise will bring together military forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities. Last edition of Exercise Khaan Quest was conducted in Mongolia from June 19 to July 2, 2023, the statement said.

The aim of exercise Khann Quest is to prepare the Indian armed forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multinational environment, thereby increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The 1,735-page chargesheet that Mumbai Police has submitted to special MCOCA court includes transcripts of an audio conversations on Signal app between Anmol Bishnoi and shooter Vickykumar Gupta, who was riding the bike on the day of the firing at Salman Khans Galaxy apartment. read more

The bike-borne shooters, who fired at Bollywood actor Salman Khans apartment in Mumbais Bandra on April 14, were told to fire shots in air to scare and intimidate him.

As per the chargesheet filed by the Mumbai police in the case, a day prior to committing the crime, Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, allegedly instructed a gunman not to wear a helmet and smoke cigarette while firing to appear fearless.

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The police said that the instructions were part of a broader plan to establish the Bishnoi gangs dominance in Mumbai for financial and other benefits.

The chargesheet also has Salman Khans statement in which the actor has said that he believes that Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang fired at his residence to kill him and his family members.

Instructions given to shooters who fired at Salman Khans house

The 1,735-page chargesheet submitted to the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court also includes transcripts of an audio conversations on Signal app between Anmol Bishnoi and shooter Vickykumar Gupta, who was riding the bike on the day of the firing at Salman Khans Galaxy apartment.

Anmol had allegedly told Gupta to fire in a way that would scare Bhai and suggested he smoke a cigarette during the act to appear fearless on CCTV footage.

Waha pe goliya bade soch samajh kar aur saari jagah tatatat chalani hai. Chahe apne ko aadha minit lage toh bhi dikkat nahi hai, ek minit lage ya dedh minit lage, koi dikkat nahi hai, aur aise chalani hai ki bhai dar rahe ho us waqt cigarette peete peete hi chalana taki camera mey aaye ki aise lage ki bekhauf chalate hai ji, matlab apne ko ye cheez dikhana hai ki inko koi nahi hai (You should fire carefully and quickly. Do not worry even if it takes half a minute or more than a minute. You should fire to scare Bhai While firing smoke a cigarette so that CCTV cameras capture you that way it will seem that you are fearless), the transcript stated.

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As per the chargesheet, Anmol also allegedly tried to motivate the shooters by saying, You will create history by doing this job and your name will be there in all newspapers and other media.

Gupta was accompanied by Sagar Pal on April 14 and the duo fired multiple shots outside Salmans Galaxy Apartments residence in Bandra.

Shooters spoke with Lawrence Bishnoi

The chargesheet also mentioned that at one point before the incident, the shooters spoke to Lawrence Bishnoi, who is lodged in Gujarats Sabarmati jail. Lawrence allegedly told them that they should be ready for the firing and that they will be successful.

The chargesheet has been filed against six people - including Vickykumar Gupta and Sagar Pal. They along with others Sonukumar Bishnoi, Mohd Rafiq Choudhary, Harpal Singh, and Anujkumar Thapan have been arrested. Thapan reportedly committed suicide while in police custody. The remaining five are currently in judicial custody.

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The Chargesheet has Lawrence and Anmols names too. Anmol is believed to be in the US or Canada. It also has the name of Rawataram Swami as a wanted accused. He is believed to be in the UK.

What did Salman Khan say?

Mumbai Police have recorded the statement of Salman and his brother Arbaaz Khan in the case.

Salman told the cops that he was sleeping at home when he heard the cracker-like sound on April 14.

The actor further said that around 4:55 am, the police bodyguard informed him about two people who came on a bike and had fired from a weapon at the balcony of the first-floor of his house.

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There had been previous attempts to hurt me and my family. I have learnt from social media that Lawrence Bishnoi and gang have taken responsibility for the attack. So, I believe that it is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who carried out the firing at my balcony, Salman said.

Plan of firing was in works since 2023

The chargesheet even mentioned that the planning for the firing at Salmans Bandra residence was in the works since 2023 when Anmol had reached out to Pal and Gupta about some big work, which was to be done in Mumbai.

In his confession, Gupta mentioned how he and Pal were told to also target anybody who tries to stop them.

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After the firing, the duo left for Gujarat and remained in touch with Anmol through video call, before they were arrested.

With inputs from agencies
The Supreme Court said that the Union law - Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, do not limit such powers of the States read more

A truck loaded with iron ore passes through the Bedara Bhommanahalli (BBH) iron ore mines at Chitradurga in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Source: REUTERS/FILE

The Supreme Court on Wednesday held by an 8:1 majority that States have the power to levy royalty tax on mineral-bearing lands. The court ruled that a royalty is not the same as a tax.

Royalties are payments that the user party makes to the owner of an intellectual property or real property asset.

The matter was being heard by a 9-judge Constitution bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. Reading out the verdict, the court pointed out that the Union law - Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, do not limit such powers of the States.

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CJI Chandrachud wrote the judgment on behalf of himself and seven colleagues - Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Abhay S Oka, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, Ujjal Bhuyan, Satish Chandra Sharma and Augustine George Masih.

Justice BV Nagarathna delivered a dissenting judgment.

Details of SC mineral tax hearing

The CJI said: Royalty is not in the nature of tax We conclude that the observation in India Cements judgment stating that royalty is tax is incorrect Payments made to the government cannot be deemed to be a tax merely because a statute provides for its recovery in arrears.

The legislative power to tax mineral rights lies with the State legislature and the Parliament does not have the legislative competence to tax mineral rights under Entry 50 of List 1 since it is a general entry and Parliament cannot use its residuary power regarding this subject matter State legislature has the legislative competence under Article 246 read with Entry 49 of List 2 to tax mineral bearing lands, the majority ruled.

Justice Nagarathna disagreed on both aspects and said: I hold royalty is in nature of the tax. States have no legislative competence to impose any tax or fee on mineral rights. Entry 49 is not related to mineral bearing lands. I hold India cement decision was correctly decided.

Findings of the majority on the Bench

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The States plenary right to impose taxes on mineral rights is unaffected unless the Parliament imposes a limitation.

Parliament can impose limitations under Entry 50 of List 2 of the Constitution by means of statutory instruments.

The scheme of the MMRDA Act cannot be stretched to impinge upon the taxing rights of the States.

Since the royalty paid under Section 9 is not a tax on mineral rights, any limitation on the enhancement of royalty is not an imposition of a tax under Entry 50 of List 2.

Section 9 limits power of the centre and it does not govern tax.

The expression land includes land of every description It can be used to grow tea leaves or extract minerals Thus, we hold that the State legislature is competent to design a levy under Entry 49 of List 2 to tax lands which comprise of mines and quarries. In other words, mineral-bearing lands also fall under the expression of land under Entry 49 of List 2.

Whats the case?

The case is on the hugely contentious issue of whether royalty payable on minerals is a tax under the the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957, and if only the Central government holds the power to levy such exaction of the states too have the authority to impose levies on mineral bearing land in their territory.

The judgment in the matter was reserved by the bench on March 14 after it heard a batch of 86 appeals filed by different state governments, mining companies and public sector undertakings.

The 9-judge bench of the SC began hearing the complex matter on February 27 because of two apparently conflicting constitution bench decisions on the issue.

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With inputs from Bar and Bench, LiveLaw
I really enjoyed interacting with you. I got the opportunity to learn a lot from you all. You are studying in Class 9 and you are very aware about the impact of global warming. I am sure, when you grow up, global warming will be reduced, President Murmu said after her interaction with the students read more

President Droupadi Murmu interacts with Class 9 students of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya in the President's Estate on Thursday. ANI

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday took up the role of a teacher for the Class 9 students of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya in the Presidents Estate.

She interacted with the students on the issue of global warming while also suggesting ways for environment conservation and water conservation. She also encouraged students to plant more trees in a bid to reduce the impact of climate change.

#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu assumes the role of teacher and interacts with students of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sch-B, Presidents Estate in Delhi



(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/uvZPRI2nqx  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

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We should plant more trees. We should also take steps to reduce water wastage and conserve it through rainwater harvesting, PTI quoted Murmu as saying.

She also discussed air pollution and talked about the ways to reduce it.

At the beginning of her interaction, the president asked the students about their ambitions and the subjects they liked and expressed her happiness after learning that they aspired to become scientists and doctors, among others.

Murmu also talked about the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked the students to plant a tree on their birthdays.

I really enjoyed interacting with you. I got the opportunity to learn a lot from you all. You are studying in Class 9 and you are very aware about the impact of global warming. I am sure, when you grow up, global warming will be reduced, she said.

Her interaction with the students came on the day she completed two years in office.

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Before taking over the top constitutional office, she was the governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021.

An avid reader with a keen interest in spirituality, Murmu has devoted her life to empowering the downtrodden and the marginalised sections besides deepening the democratic values.

With inputs from agencies
The trans-Iran North-South corridor need not be the only alternative to the India-Middle East Economic Corridor. In many ways, Iraq could be a natural partner for India to augment its trade security beyond IMEEC and Iran read more

At the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Joe Biden, and other world leaders unveiled the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a trade highway to bring Indian goods by sea to the United Arab Emirates, overland to the Mediterranean, and then onward to Europe.

The project makes economic and diplomatic sense, but not everyone was happy with the proposed route. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps often views the world as a zero-sum game. They dominate industry in Iran and stood to benefit from the proposed International North-South Transport Corridor, that would begin in India and ship goods by sea to Iran where they would transit north via truck or rail to Azerbaijan and then across Russia to Europe.

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While the West tends to view the Houthi challenge to Red Sea shipping solely through the lens of Iranian animus toward Israel, leaders in Tehran favor strategies that achieve multiple aims simultaneously. By working to block shipping through the Suez Canal or transiting Israel, Iranian authorities believe they can make the trans-Iran route more attractive.

American officials take a Manichaean approach to diplomacy. Just as Ambassador Eric Garcetti chided PM Modis visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin because Washington wants New Delhi to fully commit to an alliance with it, so too do they oppose the North-South corridor because they fear that any transit of Iran will benefit Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-run ports and logistical companies. Frankly, this concern is real as the Revolutionary Guards economic conglomerate, Khatam al-Anbiya, controls about 40 per cent of Irans economy including all major industries and channels its profits into insurrections and terror groups across the region.

Indias unwillingness to bet its diplomatic, military, or trade security on a single partner makes strategic sense. What is missing in Indias approach, however, is a third way that increases Indias trade security. After all, the trans-Iran North-South corridor need not be the only alternative to IMEEC. In many ways, Iraq could be a natural partner for India to augment its trade security beyond IMEEC and Iran.

Iraq is no stranger to India. Almost three crore Indians supported the British Army in Iraq during World War I, most in non-combatant roles, but others in more direct military roles. For years, Indian laborers and expatriates helped the Iraqi railways run. The numbers of Indian officers in Iraq declined from two thousands to just a few dozen after the British mandate ended, but relations rebounded upon Indias independence.

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In 1952, India and Iraq signed a Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship and, despite Iraqs neutrality in the 1965 war and its more overt support for Pakistan six years later, India and Iraq developed cordial military ties, leading to the Indian Air Force training Iraqi MiG-21 pilots, and the Indian Navy supporting a Naval Academy in Basra. Prior to the 1991 Gulf War, the Indian presence in Iraq soared to more than 80,000. It plummeted under sanctions but, after the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, began to rebound. US contractors recruited thousands more to provide various services to military bases.

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In May 2010, the number of Indian workers increased greatly in the Iraqi Kurdistan region after New Delhi lifted its travel advisory. Today, Indians are spread across the country. More than 5,000 Indians work at the Karbala Refinery Project, and another 25,000 have worked from Basra in the south to Baghdad in the centre, to the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil in the north. Ministry of External Affairs statistics today count only 18,000, but that is more than four times the number of Indians in Iran and more than ten times the number in Turkey, both far larger countries.

India-Iraq trade has more than doubled since 2020 to more than Rs 250,000 crore ($30 billion), largely on the back of Iraqi oil exports but also due to other opportunities. Indian companies, for example, have taken the lead on the Basra sewage system, and on compressors to enable the Beiji refinery to operate. Following its success with Beiji, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. has moved to help Sulaymani, the second-largest city in Iraqi Kurdistan, upgrade its own power generation.

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Nor is business the only draw for Indians. While Shiite Muslims may be a tiny minority in India, they still represent the second or third largest population of Shiites in the world after Iran. Thousands of Indian Shiites go to pilgrimage each year to Najaf, Karbala, Kufa, and the Kadhimiya shrine in Baghdad.

Today, Iraq is again stable. A decade ago, the United Nations ceased tallying monthly statistics about terror casualties because they had fallen so low. The daily rate of traffic fatalities in New Delhi is greater than the monthly rate of terror deaths throughout the entirety of Iraq. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq will cease operation and close shop in December 2025.

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It is against this backdrop that India should move in force to solidify and augment its position in Iraq. While Iraqi democracy can be rough-and-tumble, a culture of debate and tolerance now predominates. More than 70 percent of Iraqis were born or came of age after the 2003 war. They have no real memory of Saddam Husseins dictatorship; Iraqs political culture has changed permanently. Iran, however, faces instability as rivals gear up for a scramble for power after the 85-year-old supreme leader dies. It is conceivable that, a year from now, Iran could be embroiled in its own Syria-style civil war.

Despite corruption among Iraqi politicians, business in Iraq is also easier. The lack of commercial law and an independent judiciary makes investment in Iran difficult, as efforts to invest in the Iranian port of Chabahar show. Investment in Iraq need not be exclusive but simply put Iraq is a better bet.

To solidify a third trade route and secure Indias economic and diplomatic interests, Baghdad and New Delhi should cooperate now. Indian universities might open further slots for Iraqi students, while Iraqs top universities like the University of Baghdad, Kufa University, and the American University of Iraq-Sulaymani might solicit Indian students.

Indian business should also seek a greater slice of the financial pie. When Indian laborers work on American or other Western contracts, they receive a small fraction of the contracts funds; contractor and large subcontractors siphon off most of the funding. If Indian firms sought to compete more directly, they could cut out layers of contracting bureaucracy and provide the same services for less cost to the Iraqis and at greater profit for themselves.

India is today the worlds largest country and amongst its most vibrant democracies. It is a power with which to reckon in the Indian Ocean basin and the Middle East. If its influence is to grow symbiotically, it should take inspiration from its past and recognise the potential that investment in Iraq and a corollary trade route through the country could provide.

Michael Rubin is director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Wars are fought at three levels  military, economic and cultural. Of the three, the West prefers the third one. Here, it can turn the temperature up or down, whenever it wants. And it can easily deny its hand read more

Once again, BJP supporters on social media are seething. This time, the US Embassy has invited a prominent anti-BJP influencer to lead some kind of event. How can a foreign country interfere so openly in our politics? What if India began to hit back in kind? For example, what if the Indian embassy began hosting opposition voices in America? How would Joe Biden and the ruling liberals in America like it then?

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Let us unpack that. What do you want the Indian government to do? Suppose we decided to host some conservative influencers from America, just to spite the liberals. Can we be sure that those conservatives would want to come? What is in it for them? What prestige, award or fellowship can India offer to them?

Every relationship is a transaction. So look at the power equation between India and America. The anti-BJP influencers turn to America because America can give them a lot. The US establishment can take a common clown and publish their columns in the New York Times. How many American Right wingers are looking to raise their profile by writing in an Indian newspaper? Not very many. In any case, which writer in an Indian newspaper would want to take on the US establishment? They would likely do the opposite. Maybe that way they can write for the Washington Post one day. Or, get interviewed by the BBC. Everyone is looking to go up the prestige chain, right?

Now put yourself in the shoes of an Indian liberal. Since we are in a mood to talk straight, let us not sugarcoat anything. These liberals mostly come from a mediocre academic background. They grew up in a country where competition is brutal. Scoring even 90 per cent is rarely enough. They saw the smart kids around them get into IIT. As the usual brain drain goes, they saw these kids leave for America. These liberals were left behind. And probably jealous. Now one day, the American embassy suddenly opens up in front of their eyes. No long lines, no jostling for a visa. Maybe it gets even better. Maybe they will get to spend half a day at Stanford as an intellectual. A moment like that will change their life. They will spend the rest of their lives thanking America and taking orders. What could India possibly do to match this?

This puts us in a difficult situation. The only way we can fight back is through bans and raids inside our country. In other words, censorship. And then India looks even worse to the outside world. It is a trap every which way.

If it is any consolation, this is not the first time that such a thing is happening. Superpowers have always run/influence operations around the world. As early as 1925, the Soviet Union set up the Society for Cultural Relations with Foreign Nations. The list of Indians who were wined and dined by that organization makes for truly eye opening reading. The United States established the Fulbright Program in 1946. Back then, US interference was also more direct. If India made them unhappy, the Americans would just threaten to cancel the next ship of food aid. During the Emergency, six million Indians were forcibly sterilised. Many surgeries went wrong, resulting in 2,000 deaths. The zeal for sterilising Indians came from American foundations, who had their men embedded in the Indian government, to coordinate American aid. These American foundations were often inspired by eugenics. That is the race science theory, embraced by the Nazis, that saw the rising population of Indians and Africans as a threat to the white race.

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Soft power is just like hard power. There is an imbalance between them and us, which will take decades to correct. It gets even more frustrating when you realise that it is not just America we have to worry about. It is the entire West. Do we have an answer to BBC, France24 or Germanys DW News? Can we entice their elites with cultural and academic prizes? Not really.

The picture is quite gloomy so far. But that does not mean we cannot do anything. The United States is an extremely powerful country. But it is also deeply corrupt, and compromised at every level. Yes, America has a lot more money than we do. But this is only true at a macro level, not at an individual level. We recently saw the ugly spectacle of unknown agents purchasing paintings from the Presidents son at wildly inflated prices. Apparently, the Presidents son also sat on boards of shady oil and gas companies in Eastern Europe. So who knows what India can get out of the US establishment by threatening to hold back a couple of big defense deals?

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We do have one superpower though. If we can use it properly, that is. It is the global Indian community. These people are leaders in technology, business and politics wherever they live. They donate to museums and charities. They sponsor endowed chairs at universities. If we can get them to push for Indian interests, we can work wonders. The Israelis have a program that takes young Jews from across the world on a cultural tour of their holy land. Surely India can come up with something similar.

We are in the middle of a war, whether we know it or not. Wars are fought at three levels: military, economic and cultural. The West has almost given up on the military kind of war. If they still make conventional weapons, it is to sell to other countries. If they still fight conventional wars, it is so that their politicians can please their donors in the military industrial complex. Economic warfare can be just as dangerous, and again the West holds all the cards. A single tech company can knock out everything from our phones to our airports.

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Only the cultural warfare can go on beneath the surface. The West can turn the temperature up or down, whenever it wants. It can easily deny its hand. Suppose that shortly after a visit to the US Embassy, an influencer makes a video praising the mass protests in Bangladesh, and calling Sheikh Hasina a dictator. Also note that the US has been trying to get Sheikh Hasina out for a while. Can we then say that the visit to the US Embassy is working its magic? The problem is that we will never know for sure.

Abhishek Banerjee (@AbhishBanerj on X) is an author and columnist. Karuna Gopal (@KarunaGopal1 on X) is president, Foundation for Futuristic Cities. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The new investigation will look into whether Apple has been imposing unfair commercial conditions on developers who use the App Store. Unlike many other probes, this one was not sparked by a specific complaint but was initiated by Spains competition regulator read more

Should Apple be found guilty, they would be fined to about 10 per cent of a companys total worldwide turnover from the previous year. Image Credit: Reuters

Spain has launched an investigation into Apple, accusing the tech giant of potentially engaging in anticompetitive actions related to its treatment of developers on the App Store.

The investigation is being conducted by Spains Comision Nacional De Los Mercados Y La Competencia (CNMC), which has a history of scrutinizing major tech companies for antitrust behaviour.

Previously, CNMC fined Apple and Google a combined $218 million for such actions, though this fine is currently suspended pending an appeal with the Spanish High Court.

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The new investigation, announced by Europa Press, will look into whether Apple has been imposing unfair commercial conditions on developers who use the App Store. Unlike many other probes, this one was not sparked by a specific complaint but was initiated by CNMC itself due to the significant economic impact of app stores in Spain.

At this early stage, the CNMC has not detailed the specific allegations against Apple. However, similar investigations in other countries have often focused on Apples anti-steering rules, which restrict developers from directing users to alternative payment methods outside of the App Store.

Should Apple be found guilty, it would violate Spains Article 2 of the Law on the Protection of Competition (LDC). This law allows for penalties of up to 10 per cent of a companys total worldwide turnover from the previous year. Given Apples massive global revenue, such a fine could be substantial.

The CNMC has a two-year window to conclude its investigation and reach a ruling. Apple has not yet commented on the new investigation.

This move by Spain follows a broader trend of increased regulatory scrutiny of major tech companies worldwide, particularly concerning their control over digital marketplaces and the terms they set for developers. If the CNMC finds Apple guilty, it could lead to significant changes in how the App Store operates in Spain and potentially influence similar actions in other regions.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be joined by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japans Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and her Australian counterpart Penny Wong at the Quad meeting on July 29 read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a three-day visit to Tokyo beginning July 28 to attend a foreign ministerial meeting of the four-nation grouping Quad.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japans Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and her Australian counterpart Penny Wong will be the other participants at the Quad meeting on July 29.

With the Quad Leaders Summit unlikely to take place before November due to the upcoming US elections, attention has shifted to formulating a work programme that promises deliverables in areas ranging from maritime security to infrastructure.

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Heres a quick look at the key agenda points and expected deliverables at the summit:
During his trip to the country, Jaishankar will be attending the Foreign Minister meetings of Asean-India, the East Asia Summit(EAS) and the Asean Regional Forum (ARF). Here are seven things to known about the landlocked nation read more

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar is all set to visit the Asian nations of Laos and Japan to attend the Asean and the Quad meetings. The foreign minister will visit Vientiane, Laos, on 25-27 July 2024 at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith.

During his trip to the country, Jaishankar will be attending the Foreign Minister meetings of Asean-India, the East Asia Summit(EAS) and the Asean Regional Forum (ARF). The visit is significant because it will mark a decade of Indias Act East Policy which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014.

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During his visit, the Indian diplomat is expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other countries on the sidelines of the Foreign Ministers summit. From here, the External Affairs Minister will head start his 3-day visit to Japan where he will be attending the foreign ministers meeting of Quad.

Heres a look at 7 things to know about the landlocked nation:

Laos: Landlocked land with a tragic past

The Asian landlocked nation borders Myanmar, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. While India and Laos share a long history with each other, not a lot is known about the nation:

1) The landlocked dilemma

Laos is the only country in Southeast Asia which is landlocked. Nearly three-quarters of Laos is covered in mountains and forested hills that are too steep to live on.

2) Most bombed nations in the world

Between the years 1964 and March 1973, at least 260 million bombs were dropped on Laos. Millions of them were cluster bombs that were unexploded and some of them still remain scattered throughout Lahos.

3) Long ties with Laos

Laos and India established diplomatic relations with each other back on 2nd February 1956. The close ties between the two nations go way back and are based upon deep cultural, and people-to-people linkages, as ancient civilisations.

4) Poverty-stricken nation

Laos is one of East Asias poorest countries that has inadequate infrastructure and a largely unskilled workforce. However, it attracts foreign investments since it integrates with the broader ASEAN economic community. Its young workforce and tax-friendly environment make it attractive to foreign investors.

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5) Marxist-Leninist state

The Asian nation is one of the two Marxist-Leninist states in Southeast Asia. The present-day Laos traces its historic and cultural identity to Lan Xang, which existed from the 13th century to the 18th century.

6) Modi was the 4th Prime Minister to visit Laos

In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the fourth Indian Prime Minister to visit the country. Indias first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru paid a visit in 1954, Atal Behari Vajpayee in 2002 and Manmohan Singh made a visit in 2004.

7) India helped Laos during COVID-19

A consignment of medicines and medical supplies was gifted by India to Laos on 4 August 2020. The consignment of medical supplies was handed to the Minister of Health of Laos to support the countrys fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Hence, it will be interesting to see what Jaishankars recent visit to the landlocked nation would entail.
The Talibans Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said that 1,664 of these migrants came back from Iran while the rest from Pakistan. Both Iran and Pakistan have been witnessing a surge in Afghan migrants owing to the Talibans harsh rule in Afghanistan read more

Afghan people gather to board a bus to return home, after Pakistan gave the last warning to undocumented migrants to leave, at a bus stop in Karachi, Pakistan October 25, 2023. Reuters file

Over 2,000 Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan have returned home, although it is not clear whether they arrived back to Afghanistan voluntarily or were expelled from the two countries.

The Talibans Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said that 1,664 of these migrants came back from Iran while the rest from Pakistan.

Both Iran and Pakistan have been witnessing a surge in Afghan migrants owing to the Talibans harsh rule in Afghanistan.

In June, Qari Yusuf Ahmadi, the spokesperson for the Talibans commission assisting and resettling returnees said, The two neighboring countries have forcibly deported over 400,000 refugees since the start of 2024, with Pakistan responsible for 75 per cent of the deportations.

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Afghans in Pakistan

Some 600,000 Afghans have travelled to Pakistan since the Taliban took over and implemented their austere version of Islam.

Millions more came in the four decades before that, fleeing successive conflicts including the Soviet invasion, civil war and the post-9/11 US-led occupation.

Pakistan, last year, waged a campaign to evict huge numbers of undocumented Afghans, as a result of which millions of migrants were forced to leave the country fearing arrests.

Plight of Afghans in Iran

Meanwhile, in Iran, Afghan migrants often have to face persecution. Local Iranians have engaged in clashes with Afghans over a number of issues.

Iranian media reports say that many Afghans have outnumbered citizens in impoverished areas of the country, fuelling anti-Afghan sentiments.

In fact, last year, Irans Supreme National Security Council banned migrants from living in 16 provinces as they saw a spike in their population.

More recently, two Iranians died after they got into a disagreement over house rent that spiralled into widespread discontent forcing Afghans into their homes as angry Iranians incited violence against them.

Afghans first arrived in Iran as refugees in the early 1980s, later becoming economic migrants. Their population remained below two million until the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. Presently, approximately 780,000 Afghans hold official refugee status and are legally recognized.

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With inputs from agencies
Pakistans jailed former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan has filed a petition in Lahore High Court (LHC) against potential handover to military custody amid circulating rumours that plans were underway to try him for the May 9 riots through a court martial read more

Pakistans jailed former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan has filed a petition in Lahore High Court (LHC) against potential handover to military custody amid circulating rumours that plans were underway to try him for the May 9 riots through a court martial.

According to a Dawn report, the move comes as LHC today hears Imrans July 18 petition against his physical remand in 12 criminal cases related to the violent attacks last year that his supporters allegedly carried out to target military installations and state properties.

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The petition was submitted by Khans lawyer Uzair Karamat, requesting that Imran be retained in civilian hands and subject to the jurisdiction of civilian courts, added the report.

Rumours started circulating that Petitioner No. 1 (Imran Khan) will be shifted to the custody of army authorities today (i.e. 25.7.2024) in connection with the very cases which form the subject matter of Writ Petition No. 45901 of 2024 and connected matters, Dawn quoted the petition as saying.

The petition added that recently Imran Khan publicly expressed concerns, widely covered by the media, about potential efforts to subject him to a court martial for the events of May 9.

It appears that the implementation of those plans has been accelerated because of the proceedings in the aforementioned case," the petition added.

The petition further said that the respondents, which include the inspector-general of police Punjab, inspector-general Islamabad, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), among others, be prohibited from transferring Imran Khans custody to military authorities.

Khan was booked on the charges of abetment in attacks on Lahore Corps Commander House known as Jinnah House, Askari Tower, and Shadman police station on May 9, 2023.

Supporters of Khan attacked several important government buildings and army installations following his arrest in an alleged corruption case in May last year.

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He clarified that he had called for peaceful protests outside the armys General Headquarters (GHQ) if arrested but never authorised any violent actions. Khan accused Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of stealing CCTV footage related to the May 9 events.

With inputs from agencies
In his 11-minute speech, the 81-year-old President insisted that it was time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders read more

While addressing the nation for the first time after ending his re-election bid, US President Joe Biden said that saving democracy is more important than any title. In his 11-minute speech, the 81-year-old President insisted that it was time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders.

The powerful speech is believed to have marked the beginning of the closing chapter of Bidens presidency and half-century-long career in public service. In the address, Biden acknowledged that uniting the party required sacrificing personal ambition.

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I revere this office. But I love my country more, the president said in his speech from the Oval Office on Wednesday. Its been the honour of my life to serve as your president. But in defence of democracy, which is at stake  and is more important than any title. I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people, he added.

While Biden did not mention former US President Donald Trumps name, he attempted to draw a clear contrast with the former president and alluded to the fact that the latter claimed victory in the election he didnt win. The great thing about America is, here, kings and dictators do not rule, Biden said. The people do. History is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands.

Biden recalls his policy achievements

In his address, the American Commander-in-Chief listed out all his policy achievements in the first term and mentioned that his work in the past four years merited a second term.

You know, in recent weeks its become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, and my vision for Americas future all merited a second term, the president averred.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So, Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Its the best way to unite our nation," he added.

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The speech marked his first extensive remark on the matter ever since his announcement of not running for the second term. Throughout his presidency and during the re-election campaign, there have been growing concerns about Bidens age and his mental acuity.

Several Democratic Party members suggested that Biden should not run for the presidency again after his deplorable performance against Trump in the first presidential debate of this year. Biden announced his decision to end the campaign just days after he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Push for Kamala Harris bid

He went on to champion for his Vice President Kamala Harris who will now be taking his place on the ballot if she becomes the Democratic Party nominee. Biden emphasised that Harris is experienced. Shes tough. Shes capable. Shes been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.

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Now the choice is up to you, the American people, he added. The president also used the setting to speak about Hamas attack on Israel last year and lauded the passage of a bipartisan budget agreement.

What made the speech so poignant was the fact that Biden took time to marvel at his own life story, his journey from a kid with a stutter to being the president of the country.

It has been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years. Nowhere else could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States," the veteran politician recalled.

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Here I am, he added. Thats whats so special about America," he concluded.

It is pertinent to note that the Oval Office addresses have historically been done at serious moments. Over the years, it provided American presidents a platform to address the citizens of the United States at times of national crisis or to make major policy announcements.

This will be the fourth time Biden addressed the nation as a sitting president and the second time he did that in the last 10 days. The last time he addressed the people from the Oval Office was following the assassination attempt on Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
The unannounced debt deal between China and Hungary followed a $917 million loan for a now-delayed high-speed rail project. Amid financial strain, including a 4.5 per cent budget deficit, Prime Minister Viktor Orban continues to strengthen economic ties with China read more

Hungarys debt management agency revealed on Thursday (July 24) that the country had secured a loan exceeding one billion euros ($1.1 billion) from Chinese banks earlier this year.

The agreement involves the China Development Bank, the Export-Import Bank of China, and the Hungarian branch of the Bank of China Limited, and is earmarked for infrastructure and energy development projects.

Previously, Hungary received a $917 million loan from Beijing to construct a high-speed rail link between Budapest and Belgrade, a key component of President Xi Jinpings global Belt and Road Initiative. However, the project has faced delays and is behind schedule.

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Financial woes intensifying

Hungarys budget deficit has now reached 4.5 per cent of GDP, surpassing the European Unions 3 per cent limit. In response to concerns about the countrys adherence to EU standards, Brussels has frozen approximately 20 billion euros in EU funds.

In June, the European Commission paved the way for an excessive deficit procedure against Hungary and six other countries.

Earlier this year, the government had to declare a postponement of significant public investments amid sluggish economic growth and suspended EU funds.

A hush-hush deal?

Details on the Hungarian Government Debt Management Agencys website show that Budapest secured a three-year, floating-rate loan from Chinese banks on April 19. The Hungarian government did not publicly announce the deal, which was first reported by local financial news site Portfolio.

While the government asserts that the partnership with China is beneficial, opposition parties have criticised the lack of transparency and alleged corruption, claiming the projects primarily benefit Orbans inner circle.

Deepening ties with China

Since 2022, Hungary has seen an influx of major Chinese investments, predominantly in battery and electric vehicle manufacturing. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has pursued an Eastern opening foreign policy since his return to power in 2010, fostering closer economic ties with China, Russia, and other Asian nations.

In May, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Budapest during a European tour, and Orban traveled to Beijing this month on what he described as a peace mission concerning the war in Ukraine.

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With inputs from AFP
Meloni, who sees Chinese investment as a way to spur Italys anaemic economic growth, is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang read more

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to visit China for five days starting July 27. Reuters

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to visit China for five days from Saturday (July 27), Beijing said Thursday (July 25).

At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang of the State Council, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will pay an official visit to China from July 27 to 31, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a statement.

The visit will be Melonis first to China since she took office in 2022. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani visited Beijing last year, meeting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi who said cooperation with Italy had been fruitful.

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Beijing would deepen practical cooperation and cultural exchange, Mao said. China will also promote the steady and long-term development of China-Italy and China-Europe relations.

Focus on trade, investment

Previously, Reuters had reported that trade and investment is likely to be on the agenda during her visit.

Meloni, who sees Chinese investment as a way to spur Italys anaemic economic growth, is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Bilateral trade and industrial agreements are expected to be signed during Melonis trip, Reuters quoted a source close to the planning as saying.

Earlier this month, Chinas industry ministry said that it was willing to promote practical cooperation with Italy in areas such as automobiles, ships and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

During her visit, Meloni is also anticipated to raise the question of overcapacity in Chinese production and Chinas support for Russia in Moscows war with Ukraine.

With inputs from agencies
The visit is of particular significance that this year marks a decade of Indias Act East Policy, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, the MEA said. read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday reached here to participate in the ASEAN meeting and said he looked forward to deepening ties with the bloc as India marks a decade of its Act East Policy.

Jaishankar was invited by Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, to participate in the Foreign Ministers Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

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Arrived in Vientiane, Laos to take part in the ASEAN-mechanism meetings. Look forward to further deepening Indias ties with ASEAN as we mark a decade of Act East Policy, Jaishankar posted on X.

Arrived in Vientiane, Laos to take part in the ASEAN-mechanism meetings.



Look forward to further deepen India's ties with ASEAN as we mark a decade of Act East Policy. pic.twitter.com/bE1haSqDF9  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 25, 2024

The visit underlines Indias deep engagement with and the importance India attaches to the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, Indias strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and taking forward the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement in New Delhi ahead of his visit.

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Jaishankar is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other countries in Vientiane on the margins of the ASEAN-related meetings.

Foreign ministers from Southeast Asian nations and top diplomats from key partner countries such as the United States and China have gathered here for the three-day meet. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are among the attendees.
A spokesperson for Frankfurt, a vital international transit hub and one of Europes biggest airports, said around 140 flights had been cancelled out of 1,400 planned on Thursday. read more

Police, security and medical staff parked their vehicles after activists of the "Letzte Generation" (Last Generation) staged a demonstration near the runways at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany July 25, 2024. Photo- Reuters

Germanys busiest airport Frankfurt Airport has resumed operations after suspending flights on Thursday morning after climate activists staged a demonstration near the runways.

Planes were able to take off and land again, the airport said on its website, but passengers were still advised to check on their flight status before setting off for the airport.

Initially, the airport advised passengers on social media not to come to the airport and to check their flight status, but this message was later deleted, with updates indicating that flight operations were gradually resuming.

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The airport earlier posted on X that Passengers are asked not to go to the airport for the time being, advising travellers to check their flight status and allow for extra travel time. The tweet was later deleted and a later update said flight operations are gradually resuming.

A police spokesperson told Agence France-Presse: We are doing everything to remove the climate activists from the tarmac.

Last Generation climate activists claimed that six protesters had cut through a fence and positioned themselves at various points around the runways with posters reading Oil kills. Images from the group showed protesters in orange safety vests with their hands glued to the tarmac. A federal police spokesperson confirmed several activists were on the airport grounds.

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The group has been urging the German government to commit to a global agreement to exit oil, gas, and coal by 2030 and has planned similar disruptions across Europe and North America as part of a protest campaign that began on Wednesday.

In Norway, about a dozen activists blocked part of the check-in area at Oslo Airport, marking the second day of actions, but flights were not disrupted. Meanwhile, Germanys Cologne-Bonn airport, the countrys sixth-largest, suspended flights for several hours on Wednesday after climate activists glued themselves to a runway. Similar actions at other European airports were thwarted by authorities.

Germanys Cologne-Bonn airport, the countrys sixth-largest suspended flights for several hours on Wednesday after climate activists glued themselves to a runway, while similar actions at other European airports had been foiled by authorities.

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German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, whose ministry wants to punish unauthorized airfield access with up to two years in jail, called the action dangerous, dumb and criminal.

With inputs from agencies.
Harris came to the front and centre of the presidential race after US President Joe Biden announced that he is ending his re-election campaign read more

Vice President Kamal Harris rallied members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, urging some of her staunchest supporters to vote for safeguarding abortion rights and Black political power. On Wednesday, she took centre stage and delivered what has become the core of her stump speech to more than 6,000 members of the sorority.

Harris came to the front and centre of the presidential race after US President Joe Biden announced that he would end his re-election campaign. Since then, Harris has acquired significant delegates to bag the Democratic nomination. Not only this, record-breaking donations started to pour in as Harris got endorsements from top Democratic Party leaders like Nancy Pelosi.

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In her 15-minute address at the Black sororitys biannual meeting in Indianapolis, the vice president took time to describe some key accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration. This includes: eliminating some student loan debt, capping the cost of insulin, expanding lower-cost and no-cost healthcare to new mothers in 46 states, cutting child poverty in half and removing medical debt from the calculus behind credit scores.

Harris uses the Project 2025 to attack Trump

The Democratic Party politician described her likely opponents plank as a set of grim, retrogressive ideas. She said that former President Donald Trumps ideas are actually detailed in a nearly 1,000-page policy treatise known as Project 2025. I believe that we face the choice between two different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, the other focused on the past, Harris said in her address.

And with your support, I am fighting for our nations future," she added. However, it is pertinent to note that Trump has distanced himself from the controversial project. Despite this, Harris continued to associate Project 2025 with Trump.

She went on to detail some of Project 2025s aims, including eliminating the Department of Education, cutting Medicare and ending early childhood programs like Head Start. She mentioned that the controversial document also weakens the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a nationwide abortion ban, among other goals.

Lets be clear: this represents an outright attack on our children, our families and our future, Harris said. These extremists will take us back. But we arent going back.

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Ours is a fight for the future and a fight for freedom. Across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights. The freedom to vote. The freedom to be safe from gun violence. The freedom to live without fear of bigotry and hate. The freedom to love who you love openly  the freedom to learn and acknowledge our true and whole history, and the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body," the vice president furthered.

Harris comes home

It is interesting to note that Harris was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority since her days at Howard University which is part of the Devine Nine. The group is a ready-made coalition which represents historically Black sororities and fraternities.

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The vice president visited the sorority to keep the commitment she made months ago before Biden chose her to run for the presidency. It is pertinent to note that Black women rank among the Democratic Partys most reliable voters. Meanwhile, recent election cycles suggested that Republicans are gaining ground among Black men.
In plane crashes, sole survivors are rare, but not unheard of. Heres a look at some of the remarkable sole survivor of plane crashes around the world read more

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. Source: AFP.

On July 24, 2024, another common tragedy hit Nepal as a private plane with a broken engine en route to Pokhara for repair crashed while taking off from Kathmandus Tribhuvan International Airport turning into a raging inferno. The mishap killed 18 of the total 19 people on board. The pilot of the aircraft, belonging to Saurya Airlines - Captain Manish Ratna Shakya was the lone survivor.

How did the pilot in the Kathmandu plane crash survive?

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The aircraft with 17 Saurya Airlines staff, who were technicians, and two crew - pilot and co-pilot - took off from TIA around 11:15 am, however, within minutes it turned right and crashed on the east side of the runway, the Nepal Civil Aviation Authoritys search and rescue coordination centre said.

Rescuers swung into action and saved Shakya just as the flames neared the cockpit section of the aircraft. He managed to survive miraculously, while 18 others on board were charred.

A report by BBC quoted Senior Superintendent of Nepal Police Dambar Bishwakarma as saying that Captain Shakya was facing difficulty breathing as the air shield was open. We broke the window and immediately pulled him out, Bishwakarma added.

The pilot was immediately rushed to Kathmandu Medical College where doctors said he had sustained eye injuries as well as others to his head and face.

Also Read: 18 dead as plane with broken engine crashes during takeoff in Nepals Kathmandu

As per his LinkedIn profile, 37-year-old Shakya is the chief of operations at the Saurya Airlines. He had joined the airline in December 2014 and has been associated with the company for over nine-and-half years. Before this, he flew for Simrik Airlines for about three years.

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Sole survivors in plane crashes

In plane crashes, sole survivors are rare, but not unheard of. Experts believe that its just luck, nous and not age that make the people more likely to improve their chances of survival.

Heres a look at some of the remarkable sole survivor of plane crashes around the world:

1 - Ruben van Assouw

Ruben van Assouw was nine-year-old when he became the only survivor in an Afriqiyah Airways Flight crash on May 12, 2010 in Libyas Tripoli airport. His father, mother and brother were among the 103 people who died in the accident.

The aircraft exploded and completely disintegrated after arriving at Tripoli from Johannesburg, South Africa. Assouw from the Netherlands was pulled out unconscious from the wreckage.

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His legs were broken and had to undergo surgery. He also had experienced inability to move certain parts of his body. Fears emerged that his brain was bruised. However, Assouw made a good recovery and now lives with his aunt and uncle in the Netherlands.

2 - Bahia Bakari

As many as 153 people died on June 30, 2009 after a Yemenia Airways flight from Temen to Comoros islands (in southern Africa) nosedived out of the sky and crashed into the Indian Ocean.

Only Bahia Bakari, who was 12 years old then, on board had survived. She had been clinging to wreckage for about 13 hours before she was rescued and flown to a hospital in France to be treated for cuts, burns, bruises and a broken collarbone.

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Her mother had died in the crash. Upon being rescued, Bakari was reunited with her father. In shock, she believed that she had fallen from the plane after pressing her forehead too hard against its window.

She became known as miracle girl and in 2010, she released her own book titled Im Bahia, the miracle girl.

3 - Mohammed el-Fateh Osman

Mohammed el-Fateh Osman was three years old when he was the lone survivor from Sudan Airways flight SD39 when the Boeing 737 with 115 on board members crashed on 8 July 2003.

The flight had took-off from Port Sudan on the Red Sea and was en route to Khartoum. But, soon after it touched the sky, the pilot reported technical problems with an engine.

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Shortly after surviving the crash, the boy was flown to London to be treated for burns and the loss of part of one leg.

4 - Youcef Djillali

On March 6, 2003 an Air Algeria flight crashed on takeoff in the southern city of Tamanrasset. The sole survivor was 28-year-old soldier Youcef Djillali.

5 - Sergei Petrov

Back on December 15, 1997, a Tajik Airlines Tupolev ploughed into a river close to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) . All 77 passengers were killed, but a crew member, Sergei Petrov, was the only one who survived.

6 - Cecelia Cichan

Cecelia Cichan was only four years old when on August 16, 1987, when Northwest Airlines flight 255 from Romulus, Michigan to Phoenix, Arizona, crashed shortly after taking off.

Cichan was the only survivor, while the other 156, including two people on the ground, died. Cichans parents and brother were among those killed in the crash

Cichan was buried within the wreckage after the crash. Her skull was fractured, her leg and collarbone were broken and she suffered severe burns.

She was spotted by a firefighter who heard her faint cry, and pulled her out of the wreck.

7 - Vesna Vulovic

Back on January 26, 1972, a suspected terrorist bomb placed on board JAT Yugoslav Airlines Flight 357 en route Belgrade in Yugoslavia from Stockholm, Sweden detonated over Czechoslovakia, blowing the plane apart in mid-air, killing 27 people on board.

Vensea Vulovic, a flight attendant, who was 22 years old then was the only survivor of the crash. Trapped by a food cart in the tail of the aircraft, she was left in a coma fractured her skull and pelvis, and also broke her vertebrae, legs and ribs.

She suffered paralysis from the waist down, before eventually making a total recovery.

Vesna holds the Guinness world record for surviving the highest fall without a parachute (about 33,333 feet). As per BBC, she still flies despite the dubious achievement.

8 - Juliane Koepcke

On the Christmas Eve of 1971 Juliane Koepcke was among other passengers travelling in LANSA Flight 508, a Lockheed L-188A Electra turboprop, from Lima to Coronel, when lightning struck the aircraft after which it crashed into the Amazon Rainforest.

The plane crashed within 25 minutes after takeoff. It was experiencing extreme turbulence soon after it flew right into a thunderstorm. A bolt of lightning struck the right wing of the aircraft and it nosedived.

Koepcke, who was 17 years old then, along with other passengers on board, fell two miles strapped into her seat. She was sitting next to her mother whose final words were that is the end, its all over."

After falling into the Amazon, she was knocked unconscious and woke up the next morning. She then trekked across the rainforest for 11 days before finding civilisation.

She had a broken collarbone and ruptured knee ligaments.

In 2000, the documentary maker Werner Herzog released a film about Koepcke story, titled Wings of Hope. Herzog was inspired to make the film after a last-minute change caused him to miss Koepckes doomed flight.

Apart from these, an incident from a Uruguayan plane crash on October 13, 1972 also needs a special mention. It is because the aircraft carrying 45 passengers crashed in the middle of the Andes mountain range.

More than a quarter of those on board died. Ten days after the crash, rescuers gave up searching, assuming that no-one could have survived. However, there were survivours who were stranded in the mountains, with no food and were forced to resort to cannibalism - eating the flesh of those who had died.

Though saved in the crash, another eight were killed when an avalanche hit their shelter amongst the wreckage.

Realising that they would die on the mountain, two Chilean passengers decided to find help and trekked for 10 days before reaching Chile. Soon after, they alerted the authorities. The 14 remaining survivors were rescued from the crash site 72 days after the plane went down.

With inputs from agencies
The court document alleged that Matar knowingly attempted to kill, and did knowingly maim, commit an assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and assault with a dangerous weapon read more

The man who was accused of stabbing Salman Rushdie in 2022 was charged with new federal terrorism charges. The 26-year-old man named Hadi Matar was indicated by the grand jury on three counts over the matter.

According to the court documents the charges included attempting to provide material to support a foreign terrorist organization, committing terrorism transcending national boundaries for the stabbing of Rushdie, and providing material to support terrorists. The indictment was filed in the US district court in Buffalo and was unsealed on Wednesday.

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The court document alleged that Matar knowingly attempted to kill, and did knowingly maim, commit an assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and assault with a dangerous weapon.

The document also accused the convict of knowingly attempting to provide material support and resources to the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah and alleged that he had engaged and was engaging in terrorist activities. However, the court did not outline the details of how Mata was linked to the Iran-backed militant group.

What happened in 2022

The author of the 1998 book The Satanic Verses was attacked on stage during a literary event in Chautauqua, New York, in August 2022. The 75-year-old was speaking at the event about the importance of America giving asylum to exiled writers when a man rushed on stage and stabbed him multiple times.

After being rushed to the hospital, authorities at that time said that Rushdie suffered three stab wounds to the right front of his neck, another four to his stomach, one each to his right eye and chest, and a cut to his right thigh. Rushdie eventually lost sight in one eye as a result of the attack.

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Matar was immediately arrested after the attack and was charged with one count of attempted second-degree murder for the stabbing and one count of second-degree assault on a man who shared the stage with Rushdie at the time of the attack. When the case first went to court, Matar pleaded not guilty and the judge eventually ordered authorities to hold Matar without bail.

The indictment came after Matar rejected a plea deal

It is pertinent to note that the new Federal terrorism charges against Matar came weeks after he reportedly rejected a plea deal which would have invariably shortened his prison term but exposed him to a federal terrorism-related charge.

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While Matar was born in the United States he holds dual citizenship in Lebanon. According to The Guardian, the plea deal would have had Matar plead guilty in Chautauqua County to attempted murder in exchange for a maximum state prison sentence of 20 years. Instead of the 25 years he is currently facing.

Matars attorney told The Associated Press that he planned on denying the accusations in the indictment. He plans on proceeding with a vigorous defence and maintains his innocence, Matars attorney, Nathaniel Barone told the news outlet.

Earlier this year, the trials were postponed due to the publication of Rushdies memoir about the attack. Rushdies memoir  Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder recalled the attack in his own words. Hence, following the indictment the federal and state cases will now proceed to trial separately with jury selection in the state case set for 15 October.

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With inputs from agencies.
Following Netanyahus speech, some of the demonstrators gathered in front of Union Station. They hoisted American flags outside the iconic train station, burned American ones and spray painted the words Hamas is coming and Free Gaza" on a large monument read more

US Vice President Kamala Harris joined Democratic and Republican leaders in condemning protesters who burned American flags and sprayed pro-Hamas graffiti outside Washingtons Union Station on Wednesday, describing the acts as unpatriotic and abhorrent.

The protests coincided with a speech to Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Before he spoke, protesters marched near the US Capitol building, condemning US military aid to Israel during its war with Hamas militants in Gaza.

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Yesterday, at Union Station in Washington, DC we saw despicable acts by unpatriotic protesters and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric, Harris said in a statement adding, I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews. Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation.

Following Netanyahus speech, some of the demonstrators gathered in front of Union Station. They hoisted American flags outside the iconic train station, burned American ones and spray painted the words Hamas is coming and Free Gaza on a large monument.

Harris, the Democrats presidential candidate, said in a statement on Thursday that she condemns any individuals associating with Hamas.

I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way, Harris said.

Harris and Biden were due to hold separate meetings with Netanyahu later on Thursday. More protests were planned for outside the White House.

During the protest on Wednesday, before some of the protesters converged near Union Station, police used pepper spray on some of the thousands of demonstrators present and made some arrests.

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The flag burning and graffiti outside Union Station drew strong criticism from Republican US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and Hakeem Jeffries, the chambers Democratic leader.
Russia has been trying to facilitate a meeting between Assad and Turkeys Erdogan. Turkey severed ties with Syria in 2011 after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, in which it supported rebels looking to oust Assad. The Syrian leader views the rebels as terrorists. read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Bashar al-Assad in the Kremlin as Moscow nudges the Syrian leader towards a meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Damascus seeks the Kremlins help in restraining Israel.

Russia backed Assad in Syrias civil war, launching a military campaign that helped turn the tide of the 12-year conflict in his favour even though the West had called for the Syrian leader to go.

At a meeting in the Kremlin, Assad said that he wanted to discuss global and regional events with Putin, including scenarios for the future.

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I am very interested in your opinion on how the situation in the region as a whole is developing, Putin told Assad. Unfortunately, there is a tendency towards escalation, we can see that. This also applies directly to Syria.

The Kremlin said the meeting took place on Wednesday.

A Turkish diplomatic source earlier this week denied a media report saying an Erdogan-Assad meeting would happen in Moscow in August.

When asked if Putin discussed a possible meeting between Assad and Erdogan and whether or not Assad asked for help in ensuring security against Israel, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was a broad exchange of views on all topics related to the situation in the region around Syria.

Many of the topics you mentioned were touched upon in one way or another, Peskov said. Thats all I can say.

Syria has been pushing for Russia to use its influence with Israel to get it to rein in Israeli strikes on Syrian military units. Diplomatic sources say Damascus has also prodded Iranian militias to hold back on rocket strikes on Israel from the Syrian Golan Heights.
The MV Noongah encountered stormy weather in 1969, triggering one of Australias largest maritime search operations read more

Australia has made a significant discovery by locating the shipwreck of the MV Noongah, 55 years after it sank off the coast of New South Wales, resulting in the loss of 21 lives.

Tragic sinking & Massive search efforts

The MV Noongah, a 71m (233ft) freighter carrying steel, encountered stormy weather in 1969, triggering one of Australias largest maritime search operations. Despite initial rescue efforts that saved five of the 26 crew members, the fate of the others remained unknown. Only one body was recovered.

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Longstanding mystery unveiled

After decades of uncertainty, Australias science agency, using advanced seafloor mapping and video technology, confirmed the wrecks location. The vessel sank moments after issuing a distress signal on August 25, 1969, succumbing to heavy seas.

Discovery & identification

The wreck, found intact and upright 170m below the surface near South West Rocks, matched all known dimensions of the MV Noongah. Previous reports from locals had hinted at its existence, but technological limitations had hindered confirmation until now.

Source: X/@recordhaber

Closure & future investigations

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisations (CSIRO) involvement in the discovery has brought relief to surviving family members, who have long awaited closure. Plans are underway for a dive to gather additional footage from the site under the Sydney Project, aimed at documenting lost shipwrecks and uncovering the circumstances surrounding their sinking.

Reflecting on the Tragedy

This tragedy is still very much in the memory of many in the community, stated Matt Kimber from CSIRO to BBC. We hope that knowing the resting place of the vessel brings some closure for all.

Familys relief

Pamela Hendy, widow of Captain Leo Botsman, expressed her relief to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, stating, Its always been in the back of my mind.

Operated by CSIRO, Australias national science agency, RV Investigator is a vital part of the Marine National Facility, renowned for its expertise in maritime investigations. It is this RV Investigator which discovered the shipwreck. Over the last decade, the vessel has covered over 500,000 kilometers and surveyed more than 3 million square kilometres of Australias marine territory.
The man identified as D, as he chose not to share his name or be seen on camera, is the first man to reveal how he and other men were allegedly humiliated and assaulted during the Supernova music festival, according to a report read more

An Israeli soldier visits a memorial bearing portraits of people taken hostage or killed in the Hamas attack on the Supernova music festival on October 7, at the site of the festival near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel, on May 9, 2024. AFP File

They pin you to the ground, you try to resist, they take off your clothes, laugh at you, humiliate you, spit at you, recalled a man who alleged that he was stripped and raped by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attack on Israel.

According to Channel 12 report, the man identified only as D, as he chose not to share his name or be seen on camera, is the first man to reveal how he and other men were allegedly humiliated and assaulted during the Supernova music festival.

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They touched (private) parts, they rape you, he was quoted as saying.

D said he was shocked at how celebrating and laughing terrorists surrounded him while people around them died.

There is a circle, (people) laugh, and you dont know what to do in the moment, whether you should resist or let it pass, how to deal with the situation. There was a very difficult rape, D recalled.

D said at some point more people arrived and called for them and so they had to stop so they could carry on the attack. Fortunately, he and some other survivors managed to escape with the help of the Israel Defence Forces.

Its a very tough moment. Weakness in the entire body. As if your blood is cheap. They were wildly intoxicated, celebrating, laughing with their pistols, with their knives. You disassociate yourself from the situation, added D.

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D said that the assault has left him obsessed with cleanliness as it makes him feel like he is getting rid of the filth he experienced during the attack.

I take a lot, a lot of showers, to get all that energy off me, everything that happened, he said.

Israeli police are gathering testimony, including that of D and many others, documenting the extent of sexual assaults perpetrated by terrorists on October 7. The testimony is part of a lawsuit filed by over 100 survivors of the music festival, seeking more than $137 million in government support. Many survivors reportedly continue to struggle to resume their normal lives.

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Earlier this year, the United Nations Secretary-Generals report on Sexual Violence in Conflict concluded that there are credible allegations of conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, during the October 7 attacks in multiple locations across the Gaza periphery.

The report also noted evidence indicating that some hostages held by Hamas were subjected to rape, and those currently held continue to face such abuse.

With inputs from agencies
We have seen those reports. We have also seen the reports that the Indian Supreme Court on July 22 issued an interim stay on the implementation of those rules. So theyre not actually in effect, said US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller read more

Days after the Supreme Court stayed the order passed by Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand police asking eatery owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to display names of owners and the staff employed by them, the US on Wednesday said they are aware of those reports and emphasised that the Indian top court has issued an interim stay on implementation of the order and is not actually in effect.

Responding to a Pakistani journalists question on the issue, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said, We have seen those reports. We have also seen the reports that the Indian Supreme Court on July 22 issued an interim stay on the implementation of those rules. So theyre not actually in effect.

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#WATCH | On the 'nameplates in Kanwar Yatra' issue, US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller responds to a Pakistani journalists question, "We have seen those reports. We have also seen the reports that the Indian Supreme Court on July 22 issued an interim stay on the pic.twitter.com/9XcX4NliIa  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

Speaking generally, Miller said the US is always committed to promoting and protecting universal respect for the right of freedom of religion and belief for all anywhere in the world.

And we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on the importance of equal treatment for members of all religions, he added.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a stay on the orders issued by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand police that required eatery owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to publicly display the names of their owners and staff, terming the directives discriminatory.

The decision came during the hearing of a plea filed by an NGO, the Association of Protection of Civil Rights, challenging the orders of the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments.

Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra had also approached the Supreme Court regarding this controversial issue. The petition sought a stay on the orders, arguing that they could escalate communal tensions and were intended to impose a socially enforced economic boycott on Muslim-owned shops.

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With inputs from agencies
Venezuelas presidential election on Sunday will decide whether Nicolas Maduro will retain his position for a third term or be replaced by Edmundo Gonzalez, a former diplomat and relatively new face in politics, ending a 25-year era of Chavismo. read more

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.

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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 Maduros Socialist Party form an interim government without Maduro.

2021

Talks open between Maduros 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. Venezuelas opposition national assembly dissolves Guaidos 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 Venezuelas opposition coalition. She is considered one of the favorites.

June 30: Maduros 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, Maduros 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.

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Oct. 18: The U.S. eases some sanctions on Venezuelas 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.

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Jan. 26 - Venezuelas top court upholds Machados 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 councils online system, leaving the coalition without a candidate.

March 26 - Gonzalez is registered as a placeholder candidate.

April 5 - Argentina gives six Machado campaign staff members political asylum, after warrants were issued for their arrest. They remain at Argentinas embassy in Caracas.

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April 17 - Washington reimposes broad oil sanctions, citing Maduros failure to comply with the electoral deal.

April 19 - Venezuelas major opposition coalition backs Gonzalez.

May - Campaigning for her replacement, Machado draws large crowds across Venezuela.

May 28 - Maduros government revokes invitation to the EU to send election observers, citing continued EU sanctions.

July 17 - Machados security chief is arrested and released a day later. Overall, several dozen of Machados allies have been detained.
A panel of U.N.backed independent experts expressed grave concern on Thursday about increased discrimination and violence against the minority Ahmadi community in Pakistan and urged authorities to ensure their protection. read more

Concerned over rampant discrimination and violence against the minority Ahmadi community in Pakistan, a panel of U.N.-backed independent experts expressed grave concern on Thursday, urging authorities to ensure their protection.

The experts, who work under a Human Rights Council mandate but do not speak for the United Nations, said in a statement that they were alarmed by reports of violence and discrimination against Ahmadis. Ahmadis are adherents of Ahmadiyya, an Islamic messianic movement that originated in the late 19th century.

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We urge Pakistani authorities to take immediate action to address this situation, they said.

The experts highlighted two incidents earlier this month in which two Ahmadis were killed. Police at the time said they arrested the attackers.

In their statement, the experts also expressed concern over allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions of Ahmadi worshippers to prevent or obstruct their participation in religious holidays.

Ahmadis right to peacefully manifest their beliefs must be respected, they said.

Pakistans Parliament declared Ahmadis non-Muslims in 1974. Since then, they have been repeatedly targeted by Islamic extremists, drawing condemnation from domestic and international human right groups.

Who are the Ahmadiyyas?

The Ahmadiyyas believe that the Messiah Ghulam Ahmad lived after Islams prophet Muhammad and insist that they are part of Islam. The minority group was declared as non-Muslim in Pakistan in 1974 by former PM Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

Since then, the group has been facing both legal and social discrimination in the Islamic country, and the attacks on their properties have increased manifold in the past decade. It is pertinent to note that the Islamization of Pakistan, which political analysts say started during former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhuttos government in the 1970s, went on to culminate in the 1980s under the former military dictator General Zia ul-Haqs draconian regime.

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It was during Haqs era that the Ahmadis were banned from calling themselves Muslims. They were also barred from opening mosques in the country and their existing places of worship were brutally shut down or desecrated by hard-line Islamists with the support of the state.

According to Pakistans National Commission for Human Rights, more than 280 Ahmadis were killed in targeted violence from 1984 to September 2023. Another 415 faced assaults, 51 Ahmadia worship places were damaged, 39 were set on fire and 18 were forcibly occupied besides 46 others that were sealed by the authorities.

The atrocities go beyond Pakistan

Interestingly, Pakistan is not the only Muslim-majority country where Ahmadis face systematic persecution. In South Asia itself, Bangladeshi Ahmadis also face discrimination and a similar situation also exists in Indonesia.

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Most of Indonesias over 200 million Muslims are Sunnis. There are an estimated 100,000 Shiites and 400,000 Ahmadis who were declared deviant by Indonesias top Islamic body in 2008.

Ahmadi leaders in Indonesia have constantly complained that the members of the community have been intimidating and terrorised since 2005 and their prayers and activities have been banned in several areas across the country. Not only this, the Ahmadis can not even get help from courts in the country if they are discriminated against on religious grounds.
The meeting between the two leaders comes a day after Netanyahu addressed the US Congress where he sought bolstered support for Israel and lambasted Hamas, Iran and anti-Israel protestors read more

US President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, July 25, 2024. REUTERS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday met US President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss the Gaza war. The two leaders met for the first time in the White House since the October 7 attack.

I want to thank you for the 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel, Netanyahu said after they shook hands in the historic setting of the Oval Office.

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The meeting between the two leaders comes a day after Netanyahu addressed the US Congress where he sought bolstered support for Israel and lambasted Hamas, Iran and anti-Israel protestors.

This is also the first time the two leaders are meeting since Biden stunned the world by dropping out of the presidential race earlier this week.

Netanyahu will also meet Harris separately at the White House following which he is scheduled to meet former US president Donald Trump in Florida.

Relations between Biden and Netanyahu are tense over Israels conduct in the war sparked by Hamass October 7 attacks, but the US president has continued strong military and political support.

They have met just three times during his presidency, once in September last year in New York, and then when Biden traveled to Israel after the attacks and hugged Netanyahu on the airport tarmac at Tel Aviv.

Time to seal Gaza deal

As per State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Joe Biden told Netanyahu to bring the rest of the hostages back and end the war with Hamas.

We need to get this deal over the line. Weve been working on it for some time. Its been a tough negotiation. Weve made progress. Weve got a framework for an agreement done. We now need to bridge the final differences and get a deal in place so we can all move forward, Miller told reporters after Biden and Netanyahus meeting.

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Look forward to work with you in the months ahead

Netanyahu, keeping in mind that Bidens presidency will now last only a couple of months before the November 5 elections, said that he looks forward to working with the US President for the remainder of his term.

I want to thank you for the 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel, and I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead, he told Biden.

With inputs from agencies
Nokia has announced new additions to its 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) portfolio, including an outdoor receiver and an indoor gateway with Wi-Fi 7, tailored for the North American market. These new products aim to address connectivity gaps across rural, suburban, and urban areas.

The Nokia FastMile 5G outdoor receiver features high-gain antennas with up to 10 dBi, supporting up to 300 MHz of bandwidth and 4 carrier aggregation. This compact device can be self-installed on windows, walls, balconies, or poles, enhancing signal strength in weak areas.

The Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway 12 improves capacity and coverage by up to 35%, thanks to high-gain antennas (up to 8 dBi) and 8 receiver antennas. It supports up to 200 MHz of spectrum and utilizes tri-band Wi-Fi 7 to distribute high-speed 5G throughout the home.

The gateway runs on Nokias Corteca software, featuring cloud-based Wi-Fi optimization and device management that adhere to industry standards and EasyMesh.

Nokia 5G FWA Receiver Specifications

High-Gain Antenna: Up to 10 dBi

Bandwidth Aggregation: Up to 300 MHz

2.5GE LAN Port, TR-069 & TR-369 Support

Nokia 5G FWA Gateway with Wi-Fi 7 Specifications

High-Gain Antenna: Up to 8 dBi

Bandwidth Aggregation: Up to 200 MHz

8 Receiver Antennas

Both devices are part of Nokias range of 4G and 5G receivers and gateways. To facilitate installation, a user-friendly mobile app is available to assist with the optimal placement of these devices.

Availability

The new Nokia 5G FWA receiver and gateway are expected to be available in Q3 2024.

Speaking about the new devices, Dirk Verhaegen, VP of Broadband Devices at Nokia, said:

Connecting end customers to high-speed internet via Fixed Wireless Access requires a variety of devices. Nokias FastMile solutions offer operators flexible options, delivering fast and reliable broadband to users in cities, suburbs, and even remote rural areas.

Commenting on the new devices, Dirk Verhaegen, VP of Broadband Devices at Nokia, said:

Jaimie Lenderman, Research Manager and Principal Analyst at Omdia, noted,
At the "I Am Mbare" community school near the slums of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, over 30 children sat in neat rows in the small schoolyard. Their eyes were wide with curiosity as I unrolled my calligraphy work, displaying the Chinese characters "sheng sheng bu xi"  which literally translates to "live, live, never stop"  as my encouragement for the kids to grow and thrive.

I read the words aloud and explained their meaning. I was impressed as the children excitedly tried to imitate me, showing their interest in my calligraphy and the Chinese language. The small yard was filled with their enthusiasm.

This happened during a field trip I took from July 1 to 9 as part of the Tsinghua University Global Competency Overseas Practicum Course. The course sent four teams to various countries as part of a summer program in 2024, and I was selected as a member of the team visiting Zimbabwe.

This small-scale, in-depth, handson course aims to cultivate students with a global vision and a Chinese stance, facilitating future people-to-people connections.

During my time in Zimbabwe, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my calligraphy talents played a significant role in cultural exchanges.

One of the highlights was the First Harare Forum for Africa-Rural Development Cooperation and China-Zimbabwe Civilizational Dialogue Academic Week, held on July 8.

At the beginning of the forum, we engaged in a series of activities with local artists. While my fellow team members sang Welcome to Beijing, I created four calligraphy pieces, one of which read "Sino-Zimbabwean friendship lasts forever". I presented these pieces on stage at the end of the song, receiving an enthusiastic response.

In addition to my performance at the forum, I dedicated time each evening in my hotel room to create calligraphy tailored for the people we were to visit the next day.

For example, I wrote "sheng sheng bu xi" again for artists from the Mbare Art Space and a popular local musical group called Fusion 5 Mangwiro. This time, however, I changed the first "sheng", meaning life, to a different character also pronounced "sheng", meaning voice, creating a homophonic effect.

My efforts were well-received, as the Zimbabweans' initial surprise at my calligraphy turned into delight, recognition, and gratitude after I explained the meanings to them. This gave me a profound sense of accomplishment and firsthand experience in cultural exchanges.

As Napoleon Nyanhi, director of the National Arts Council Zimbabwe, stated in his keynote speech at the forum: "When it comes to mutual respect, it's important that we put the arts first because the arts can help us develop affinity."

He believes that storytelling through artworks fosters curiosity about each other's cultures, which boosts understanding and cooperation between nations.

I empathized with his words, as I will never forget when the principal of Tafara 5 Primary School received my calligraphy work and asked about the brushes I use and where he could learn the art form. I introduced him to the Confucius Institute, and he, in turn, introduced me to the Zimbabwean education system. Conversations like these, sparked by calligraphy, made me realize the infinite possibilities that curiosity can open up for people.

My fellow team member Jiang Yifan, an undergraduate majoring in philosophy, politics, and economics, shared his reflections after the forum.

"It is only when we set foot in a foreign land that we realize the significance of our own culture. To truly promote it, we need a realistic means of expression, be it art, literature, or craft," he said. "After appreciating the calligraphy today, I feel I should explore my roots to better understand who I am and where I am going."

This experience in Zimbabwe has made me realize the power of art to bridge differences. These valuable connections will stay with me, inspiring me to continue sharing Chinese culture while remaining open to others. As I return to Tsinghua, I carry with me not just cherished memories but also a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the importance of mutual respect and curiosity in fostering global friendships.

Written by Dou Yuchen, 20, a sophomore majoring in philosophy at Rixin College, Tsinghua University.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
Nathan graduated with his journalism degree from Auburn University in 2017. After growing up in the flatlands of rural Alabama with his parents and older sister, Nathan enjoys Western Colorado's natural resources and recreational opportunities. He currently covers education and business for The Daily Sentinel.
Florida Telecommunications and Information Technology Worker Charged with Acting as Agent of PRC Government

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

An indictment was unsealed today charging Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, with conspiring to act as an agent of the People's Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General and with acting as an agent of the PRC without notification to the Attorney General. If convicted, Li faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

According to the court documents, the PRC's Ministry of State Security (MSS) is in charge of civilian intelligence collection for the PRC. The MSS often uses "cooperative contacts" located in countries outside of the PRC in furtherance of their intelligence goals, which include obtaining information concerning foreign corporate or industrial matters, foreign politicians or intelligence officers and information concerning PRC political dissidents residing in those countries. These cooperative contacts assist the MSS in a variety of ways, including by conducting research on topics of interest to the PRC that can be used to further the MSS' mission.

The indictment alleges that Li was a U.S. citizen who immigrated to the United States from the PRC. At various times, Li worked for a major U.S. telecommunications company and an international information technology company.

From as early as 2012, Li allegedly served as a cooperative contact working at the direction of officers of the MSS to obtain information of interest to the PRC government. 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. Li also provided the MSS with information obtained from his employer. Li used a variety of anonymous online accounts for the purpose of communicating with the MSS, and traveled to the PRC to meet with the MSS.

For example, according to the indictment, in August 2012, an MSS officer requested that Li provide information about practitioners of Falun Gong and pro-democracy advocates in the United States. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a religious movement that originated in the PRC in the 1990s. Falun Gong is not one of the five religions formally recognized by the PRC government, and it has been banned since 1999. Its adherents both in China and abroad are of particular interest to the PRC government because of Falun Gong's advocacy of ideas deemed subversive to the PRC government. Less than a week after receiving this request, Li sent the name and biographical information of an individual affiliated with Falun Gong residing in St. Petersburg, Florida.

In March 2015, an MSS officer requested information from Li about branch offices that Li's employer, a major U.S. telecommunications company, had opened in the PRC. Li responded with the requested information three weeks later.

In March 2017, an MSS officer requested a training instruction plan from Li. In April 2017, Li responded indicating that he had uploaded materials to an online account that he shared with the MSS officer and asked the MSS officer to delete the materials after reading them.

In May 2021, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning hacking events targeting U.S. companies, including a widely publicized hacking of a major U.S. company by the Chinese government. Within four days, Li responded with the requested information.

In March 2022, an MSS officer requested from Li information concerning Li's new employer, an international information technology company, as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training. That same day, Li sent the requested information about his employer as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training.

In June 2022, an MSS officer requested from Li information concerning an individual who, according to the officer, had resided in the PRC but fled to the United States, and the name and suspected residential address in the United States of that individual. That same day, Li responded with information about the owners of that residential address.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI's National Security Branch and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Karyna Valdes for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topic: National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Florida, Middle

Press Release Number: 24-924

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China's Ministry of State Security unveils espionage case involving accepting tasks from foreign spy organizations

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 24, 2024 01:15 PM

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Wednesday unveiled an espionage case involving accepting tasks from spy organizations and their agents, such as writing materials for them. The MSS stated that they have discovered and handled similar espionage crimes over recent years, according to an article published via the MSS's official WeChat account on Wednesday.

According to the disclosed case, a Chinese agency employee, surnamed Liu, met an "employee of a certain investigative agency" online. The "employee" asked Liu to write down information related to China in the name of an investigation consulting company, and provided financial support to Liu.

With their relationship becoming deepened, the "employee" revealed that he was in fact a spy and asked Liu to collect classified documents. Despite feeling anxious, Liu, in order to continue receiving financial support, did not report this to the national security agencies. Liu accepted espionage training, and continued to collect classified documents and carry out activities as instructed by the "employee."

Following an investigation by the national security agencies, it was found that the "employee" was indeed a foreign spy. Although Liu didn't provide classified documents to this person, Liu still accepted tasks from the spy, carried out espionage tasks, collected classified documents, and received tens of thousands of yuan in return.

Liu was eventually taken into custody by the national security agency on suspicion of espionage and was handed over to the judicial agencies for prosecution.

China's Criminal Law clearly states that whoever endangers national security by accepting a mission assigned by an espionage organization or its agent shall be sentenced to a fixed-term imprisonment of not less than 10 years or life imprisonment; if the circumstances are minor, they shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not less than three years but not more than 10 years.

The law clearly states that individuals who knowingly or should know they are working for a spy organization or its agents, and engage in activities that harm the national security, are guilty of espionage.

It includes tasks such as collecting and providing state secrets, as well as infiltration and subversion. The individual's purpose or motivation doesn't affect the crime of espionage, the MSS explained.

Foreign intelligence agencies carry out espionage activities in China by recruiting and dispatching spies to steal or buy national secrets and intelligence, posing a threat to the national security.

Espionage is considered a conduct crime, meaning that individuals who knowingly accept tasks from spy organizations and their agents, regardless of whether they receive money or goods, and regardless of whether actual harm has been caused, can be charged with espionage, said the MSS.

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Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act

July 24, 2024

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY

THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY

THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE

SUBJECT: Delegation of Authority Under the Protecting

Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled

Applications Act

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby order as follows:

Section 1. (a) I hereby delegate to the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, all authorities vested in the President by the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (Division H of Public Law 118-50).

(b) In exercising the authorities delegated in subsection (a) of this section, the Attorney General may, as appropriate, consult with the Director of National Intelligence and the heads of other relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies).

Sec. 2. (a) There is established a Committee for the Review of Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications (Committee), composed of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence. Not later than 180 days after the date of this memorandum, the members of the Committee, through a process convened by National Security Council staff consistent with National Security Memorandum 2 of February 4, 2021 (Renewing the National Security Council System), shall determine rules and procedures sufficient for the Committee to exercise the authorities delegated to the Attorney General under section 1 of this memorandum. Upon conclusion of the 180-day period, the Committee shall exercise those authorities in accordance with such rules and procedures.

(b) The Director of National Intelligence and the heads of other relevant agencies, as the Attorney General under section 1 of this memorandum or the Committee under section 2 of this memorandum determines appropriate, shall provide assessments of the threat to national security posed by foreign adversary controlled applications in connection with the discharge of the responsibilities, respectively, of the Attorney General or the Committee. In providing such assessments, the Director of National Intelligence shall solicit and incorporate the views of the Intelligence Community, as appropriate.

Sec. 3. The Attorney General is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Malacky-Kuchyna AB made safer with BAK-12 Aircraft Arresting System ahead of the arrival of F-16s

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

10.07.2024

A new BAK-12 Aircraft Arresting System has been successfully verified in a certification test and officially handed over for use at Malacky-Kuchyna Air Base. The key to the Barrier Arresting Kit-12 (BAK-12) was presented to Deputy Defence Minister Martin Vojtasovic by US Ambassador to Slovakia Gautam Rana at the official handover ceremony today (10 July 2024). This capability will, undoubtedly, ensure the improved safety of the Air Base's operations, pilots and F-16 fighter jets.

The BAK-12, designed to arrest tail-hook equipped aircraft in the event of an emergency such as when the takeoff is aborted or when the aircraft braking system malfunctions upon landing, will effectively deaccelerate an aircraft up to a minimum nominal weight of 22,680kg until it comes to a stop. The system, which has an in-service life of 10 years, will be operational in compliance with applicable military and civil aviation regulations and Air Force Instruction (AFI) 32-1043 - Managing, Operating and Maintaining Aircraft Arresting Systems.

On the ongoing efforts to accommodate and support F-16 operations in Slovakia, Deputy Defence Minister Martin Vojtasovic said: "The BAK-12 certification and handover are a significant milestone in our preparedness to receive the Slovak Air Force F-16s at this Air Base in just two weeks' time."

The installation of and training on the new BAK-12 system were provided by U.S. Air Force airmen of the 435th Construction and Training Squadron (435 CTS), based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The BAK-12 has been put into operation in preparation for F-16 operations at Malacky-Kuchyna AB. The first two F-16s will land there in late July, with the third scheduled to join the Slovak Air Force F-16 fleet by the end of this year.

That the BAK-12 has been installed, tested, and deemed in-service and operational for use underlines our credibility and reliability in the area of international defence, according to the Deputy Defence Minister. "The Ministry of Defence has been in intense communication with its Allied partners to enhance the effectiveness of our country's defences, not only in the air, but also on the ground. It is proof that we are a stable and reliable partner for NATO," Mr Vojtasovic concluded.

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Canberra, July 25 (UNI) The Australian government on Thursday announced sanctions on some Israelis involved in settler violence in the West Bank, the first time the country has imposed such punishment against Israelis over settlement activity.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong announced financial sanctions and travel bans for seven Israelis and a youth group for participating in violent attacks against Palestinians.

"This includes beatings, sexual assault and torture of Palestinians resulting in serious injury and in some cases, death. The entity sanctioned is a youth group that is responsible for inciting and perpetrating violence against Palestinian communities," Wong said in a statement.

Wong said Canberra has been firm and consistent that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law.

"We call on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to cease its ongoing settlement activity, which only inflames tensions and further undermines stability and prospects for a two-state solution," she said.

Speaking on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio, Wong said Australians should recognize the sanctions as a very substantial penalty.

UNI/XINHUA ARN SY
NATO's 75th Anniversary Washington Summit brings important conclusions even for Slovakia

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

12.07.2024

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kalinak along with President Peter Pellegrini and Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar attended NATO's 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C. At the Summit, Allies reached a number of important conclusions, particularly in areas such as strengthening collective defence and deterrence and acknowledging the continued needs to increase the level of defence investment and to provide political and practical assistance to Ukraine.

One of Slovakia's fundamental expectations after the Summit is ensuring continuity of bolstering the deterrence and collective defence measures on the Alliance's Eastern Flank - first and foremost in the area of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). Slovakia is currently taking efforts to restore this capability and to replenish its other capabilities given that its air defence system, fighter aircraft, and some of the Army's platforms were gifted to Ukraine without a permanent replacement. In this context, the implementation of the IAMD Rotational Model remains a key issue. Accordingly, Allied IAMD capabilities will be deployed to secure the airspace over NATO's Eastern Flank on a voluntary basis.

According to the head of the Slovak Defence Ministry, replenishing all missing capabilities is a priority so that Slovakia and the Alliance can push ahead with their defence plans - including supporting the defence industrial base and constructing essential defence infrastructure. Without NATO IAMD on the Eastern Flank, deterrence is ineffective.

The Slovak delegation considers it is essential that the Alliance as an organisation will not become a party to the conflict in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but will rather help coordinate the provision of Allied assistance to Ukraine. Therefore, Slovakia supports the creation of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), the Allies' funding commitment to providing long-term and predictable assistance to Ukraine, as well as other proposals in support of our eastern neighbour.

Defence Minister Robert Kalinak underscored that Slovakia will participate in these activities along the lines of its own security interests and political priorities. Under the NATO-approved 40 billion aid package for Ukraine, this means that our assistance will continue to be exclusively humanitarian and non-lethal in nature. This Slovak position is respected by our NATO partners, according to Mr Kalinak.

The NATO Washington Summit took place in a year in which NATO marked the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Washington Treaty and Slovakia celebrated the 20th anniversary of its entry into NATO.

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MOD has plans for the SVK defence industry's complex modernisation, starting in Dubnica nad Vahom

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

18.07.2024

The Slovak Defence Ministry has invested 10m in the complete replacement of the manufacturing machinery to make artillery gun barrels in the 100 - 155mm calibre range at ZTS Special. This is the first step towards modernising and expanding Slovakia's defence industrial base, which will not only create new jobs on site, but also scale up its manufacturing capacity and ability to respond to increased market demands, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kalinak and Director General of DMD Group Miroslav Sim announced at a press conference in the armament production facility in Dubnica nad Vahom.

During his visit to the company, Robert Kalinak along with Miroslav Sim introduced a new machine for forming internal rifling grooves in gun barrels for artillery systems. This will soon be followed by modern machines for lathe, milling and other special operations. "ZTS Special is unique for its ability to produce guns from 30mm to 155mm calibre. What is produced here and the people who work here are truly exceptional, and there are only a few production sites with such technological possibilities in the whole of Europe," Minister Kalinak said.

In his words, the Slovak Defence Ministry is interested in expanding production in all of the defence companies that fall under the MOD's remit. ZVS Holding, KONSTRUKTA - Defence and ZTS Special - which belong to state-owned DMD Group - form the backbone of the State's support within the SVK defence industry. Separate technology replacement programmes have been designed for them, ensuring that they will keep developing further and guarantee permanent jobs. "This is about production with a high added value. There are three regions that are historically tied to armament production in Slovakia - that is why we want to restore Povazie, Turiec and the surroundings of Detva to their former glory," Minister Kalinak said.

According to him, what makes Slovakia most interesting for many markets is that a country of our size is capable of producing today's most sought-after munitions in the range from 30mm to 155mm calibre. "Similarly, we are also capable of producing 30mm - 155mm weapon systems for direct or indirect artillery support. You will not find this anywhere in the surrounding countries. So, it is important to invest in developing these companies and in improving the working conditions there. Only in this way will we carry this tradition into the future," he emphasised.

Thanks to the MOD's investment, ZTS Special will accommodate an entire production line under Phase 1. As modern barrel manufacturing equipment replaces the outdated barrel-making machinery, the production line may be put into operation still this year. Transformed by new technologies, ZTS Special will be capable of manufacturing up to 10 gun barrels a month, which is several times more than before. "Already today, the number of orders far exceeds our armament production capacity. Therefore, the expansion of armament production is an absolutely necessary step," Mr Kalinak said.

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Prysmian Cables Settles Allegations of Falsified Test Results and Failure to Test Cable Used in Military Vehicles

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Prysmian Cables and Systems USA LLC (Prysmian), located in Abbeville, South Carolina, has agreed to pay $920,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly falsifying test results and failing to conduct required testing on military cable, known as M13486 cable, that was used in vehicles manufactured for use by the military. The alleged misconduct took place from approximately 2005 to 2021 at a facility in Paragould, Arkansas. Prysmian acquired the Paragould facility in 2018. The settlement resolves allegations disclosed by Prysmian under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)'s mandatory disclosure rule that Prysmian and prior owners of the Paragould facility had failed to conduct several required tests and, instead, had prepared and submitted to the United States falsified test results and false certifications of compliance.

In early 2021, a Defense Logistics Agency employee noticed discrepancies between the cable manufacturing and testing dates on test data submitted by Prysmian and refused to accept the test data, which triggered an internal investigation at Prysmian. As a result of its investigation, Prysmian terminated four employees involved in the alleged misconduct, including its quality manager, quality systems coordinator, quality engineer and product development supervisor. Prysmian also repurchased all suspect cable that had been shipped to its distributor and made a mandatory disclosure under the FAR. Prysmian cooperated with the United States' subsequent investigation.

"Companies who do business with the United States must comply with their contractual commitments," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. "We will hold accountable government contractors who knowingly fail to perform required services or misrepresent their performance of such services, including mandatory testing requirements."

"The manufacturing of defective products, including ones intended for use in military vehicles, creates a significant risk to America's warfighters," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Settle of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southwest Field Office. "DCIS remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department to hold accountable those who commit fraudulent activity that impacts the Department of Defense."

DCIS and the Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case.

Senior Trial Counsel Alicia J. Bentley of the Civil Division handled the matter.

The claims against Prysmian resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Settlement

Topic: False Claims Act

Component: Civil Division

Press Release Number: 24-917

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Gunshot victims fill Bangladesh hospital's morgue; internet shutdown eased

Authorities arrest more than 1,000 people they say were involved in violence during week of unrest

By Jesmin Papri and Ahammad Foyez for BenarNews 2024.07.23 -- A major hospital in Bangladesh says it is overwhelmed with gunshot victims following days of student protests against a discriminatory quota system for prized government jobs, indicating the heavy use of lethal measures by security forces as they tried to quell the unrest.

The morgue of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, the largest hospital in the capital, is filled with the bodies of 79 people killed by gunfire, its director, Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, said Tuesday.

RFA affiliate BenarNews reporters who visited the hospital's emergency department witnessed that it was treating more than 200 gunshot victims, some of them minors. The hospital also has been besieged by people searching for missing relatives.

With all beds occupied, some patients lay on the ward floor and in the hospital's lobby. One of the victims was 10-year old Mohammad Alif, whose left leg was injured by a gunshot.

"I did not do anything, I was playing, and suddenly a bullet broke my leg. I fell down and started crying," he told BenarNews. "Some people took me to the hospital, doctors took out the bullet there."

His mother Asma Begum told Benar: "I was arranging water to give him a bath, and he was playing with a fish in a jar. I did not notice when he went to the street. While I was looking for him, I got a phone call from a neighbor that he was shot."

Separately, Bangladesh's government eased a days-long curfew and internet blackout on Tuesday as an uneasy calm prevailed. Police said they had arrested more than 1,000 people suspected of involvement in the country's worst unrest in more than a decade. Social media and mobile data remained throttled.

According to BenarNews tallies, at least 138 people have died in the week of clashes. Prothom Alo, Bangladesh's national daily with reporters in every district, reported 187 deaths over the last six days, when it came back online Tuesday.

The unrest has highlighted frustration with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's heavy-handed grip on power.

When the government announced a nationwide curfew on July 19 and deployed the army, the secretary-general of the ruling Awami League government said security forces would operate under shoot to kill orders.

The United Nations had previously called for restraint on both sides and the U.S. State Department on Monday condemned what it called the reported shoot-to-kill edict.

The stage for unrest was set in June when the High Court reinstated a divisive quota that reserved 30% of civil service jobs for descendants of people who fought in the country's 1971 war for independence from Pakistan. The ruling stirred tensions in a developing nation of some 170 million people that is failing to provide enough jobs for its burgeoning youth population.

Bangladesh's Supreme Court on Sunday overruled the High Court and reined in the quota system so that 93% of government jobs are awarded based on merit. Relatives of freedom fighters get 5%, and the remainder is divided between ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and transgender people, according to the court's ruling.

At the Dhaka hospital, relatives and friends of rickshaw puller Goni Mia, 35, found his body at the morgue after several days of searching.

Mojibur Rahman, a neighbor of Mia, who was waiting for the postmortem report in front of the morgue, told Benar that Mia was hit by a bullet on a roadside in Dhaka's Nakhalpara area on Saturday.

Mia's death certificate, seen by Benar, said he bled to death from a gunshot wound. A photo of the body taken by a relative shows he was shot in the chest.

Benar reporters also witnessed Tofazzal Hossain searching the morgue with a photo of his 14-year-old nephew Dipu in his hand. The family heard that Dipu was injured on Friday during a clash on Chittagong Road in Dhaka, but after that, he was missing.

"Dipu just went to the street to see what's happening," Hossain told BenarNews.

"We have been searching for him since Friday. Today, after seeing his photos someone told us that a pedestrian took Dipu to a local hospital, and later that hospital shifted him to the DMCH."

"We have searched for him in all wards, and finally came to the mortuary," he said.

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, meanwhile, accused the government of arresting its members en masse to divert attention from its repression of student protestors.

"By imposing a curfew, the government is now destroying the pieces of evidence of killing and attacks on unarmed people," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said in a statement on Tuesday.

Members of Students Movement Against Discrimination, a force behind the anti-quota protests, repeated a four-point "ultimatum" to the government at a press conference Tuesday with a heavy police presence.

They want the government to resume internet services, end the curfew, ensure security for all organizers of the student movement, withdraw security forces from campuses and reopen dormitories.

Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the movement, said peaceful student protests became violent when demonstrators were attacked by the student and youth wings of the ruling party and police.

"As the law enforcement agencies failed to give security to students, we urged students ... as well as all the citizens of the country to come out on the street to give security to the students," he said.

Netblocks, a pro-democracy organization that monitors online connectivity, said fixed-line internet had been partially restored in Bangladesh after five full days offline.

Social media and mobile data restrictions continue, "limiting the public's right to communicate and stay informed," it said on social media site X.

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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Vietnam intensifies crackdown on critics before general secretary's funeral

Social media posts have been removed and internet commentators summoned by the police.

By RFA Vietnamese 2024.07.23 -- The Vietnamese government is intensifying a crackdown on critical voices before Friday's state funeral of Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong who died last week. Authorities have fined residents for discussing Trong's death on social media and asked Facebook to block dissenting posts.

On July 19, shortly after state media reported Trong's death after 13 years in Vietnam's top government job, former prisoner of conscience Pham Thanh Nghien posted a Facebook story titled "Why is NPT exempted from being judged right now and instead we must wait for history's judgment?"

"No need to wait for history, Vietnamese people should have the right to judge him straight away," wrote Nghien, who lives in exile in the U.S. with her family. A day earlier, she posted a commentary discussing President To Lam taking over the general secretary role if Trong died and recalling an incident in which Lam, then minister of public security, was photographed eating gold-coated steak at an upscale restaurant in London in 2021.

On July 22, she received a Facebook notification in both English and Vietnamese regarding the two posts.

"Your post is unavailable in Vietnam. [Because of] a legal request from the Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications (MOIC), we have to restrict access to your post," Facebook said.

Explaining the decision, the Meta subsidiary said that it had "evaluated legal requests before taking action upon legal requests or requests by governments" and "taken into consideration human rights impacts."

Facebook suggested Nghien contact the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications if she had any questions.

The former political prisoner said Facebook had blocked interactions, removed her stories, and even shut down her account many times over the years. She sometimes received company notifications about their action but this time, she said, Meta had not provided a concrete and clear explanation regarding the communication ministry's intervention.

Nghien, who served four years in prison for protesting against China's claim to islands in the South China Sea, accused Facebook, which used to be a platform where many Vietnamese raised dissenting voices, of trading human rights for profits.

"Facebook has already surrendered," she told Radio Free Asia." They are pursuing profits and abandoning their commitment to ensure freedom of speech while doing business in Vietnam. It appears that they are cooperating or even compromising with the Communist Party of Vietnam in censoring Facebook accounts of political dissidents and posts with content disliked by the Vietnamese government."

RFA emailed the MOIC to verify whether it had asked Facebook to block Nghien's articles in Vietnam but did not receive any responses at time of publication.

RFA also contacted Facebook to verify that it had restricted access to Nghien's posts in response to Vietnamese government requests but did not receive an immediate response.

Journalist Le Trung Khoa, who lives in Germany, said he received similar notifications from Facebook. The owner of the Thoibao.de website, which publishes articles critical of the Vietnamese government, said on Tuesday Facebook notified him that his stories about Nguyen Phu Trong were not available in Vietnam.

"This morning, I received notification from Facebook that four of my stories were not available in Vietnam upon MOIC request," he said. "This is new, as Facebook used to quietly block posts in Vietnam without any notifications for the past year."

California-based Facebook said in a transparency report, that from July 2023 to December 2023, it restricted access in Vietnam to more than 2,300 items in response to reports from the MOIC, the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information and the Ministry of Public Security for allegedly violating local laws on proving information that distorts, slanders, or insults the reputation of an organization or the honor and dignity of an individual under Article 5.1 (D) Decree no. 72/2013/ND-CP. The remaining items were restricted for alleged violations of other Vietnamese laws.

Facebookers fined, even beaten

Vietnamese authorities also cracked down on domestic dissenters who turned to social media to criticize what Trong had done or failed to do during his tenure.

State media cited Ho Chi Minh City police as saying that after Trong's death, a number of individuals used social media to post information that was "fabricated, distorting, attacking, and undermining the great national unity, lowering the prestige of the Party and State."

State media also reported that on July 20 and 21 Ho Chi Minh City police had fined three people VND7.5 million (US$300) each for posting material about Trong, ordering them to pledge not to repeat the violations.

"Hanoi is trying to frame Trong as a 'new Uncle Ho' to repolish old-fashioned values of the Communist Party," said a Hanoi-based political commentator who requested anonymity, referring to revolutionary leader and former president Ho Chi Minh.

"The efforts to clarify Trong's [legacy] and criticize the Communist Party now become a felony and are heavily suppressed."

An activist from Ho Chi Minh City, who also wanted to remain anonymous for security reasons, told RFA that the police had summoned him to discuss a post on his Facebook page in which he expressed his disagreement with a government "order" asking the whole country to mourn Trong.

He said police beat him and forced him to acknowledge that the Facebook account and post were his. However, he refused to do so, or to sign any documents. He said that before freeing him, police told him that they would summon him again in the course of their work on the case..

Translated by Anna Vu for RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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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First two F-16s arrive in Slovakia

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

23.07.2024

The first two of 14 Slovak F-16 Block 70s arrived at Kuchyna Air Base on Monday evening (22 July 2024), ushering in a new era of Slovakia's supersonic aviation. They were welcomed in a ceremony attended by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Slovak Armed Forces Peter Pellegrini, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kalinak, Chief of Defence General Daniel Zmeko, and national and international dignitaries. Representing the USA and F-16 manufacturer Lockheed Martin at the ceremonial event were US Ambassador to Slovakia Gautam Rana and Vice President and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin OJ Sanchez.

Heralding the revival of Slovakia's airpower, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kalinak said: "What we started with the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for F-16s in 2018, today we are beginning to conclude with their successful arrival in Slovakia. As well as exemplifying the technological advancements in our Armed Forces, these state-of-the-art aircraft symbolise our unwavering determination to protect Slovakia's sovereignty and keep our citizens and allies safe and secure."

The two single seat F-16 C Block 70s departed from Lockheed Martin's production facility in Greenville (South Carolina) and were flown by U.S. Air Force pilots across the Atlantic all the way to Slovakia, supported by mid-air refuelling. Given that Slovakia was agreed by the parties to the contract as the place of delivery, after touching down on Slovak soil, the F-16s were given Slovak Air Force markings and were officially handed over to officials from the Slovak Government and Ministry of Defence.

As Minister Kalinak noted, eight Slovak Air Force F-16 pilots have already successfully completed the F-16 Pilot Training Programme (PTP) overseas and are ready to fly the F-16 at home in Slovakia. Another ten pilots are in various stages of training in the United States. Alongside the pilots, there are also technicians who have either graduated from or are still undergoing maintenance training.

According to Mr Kalinak, the F-16 Block 70 configuration for Slovakia is among the best on the market today. This variant is equipped with the state-of-the-art Northrop Grumman APG-83 AESA Radar, which will ensure the aircraft's readiness and ability to respond to various threats in an increasingly complex global security environment. Known for their exceptional agility and precision, in the past these jets have proven themselves in air combat operations all over the world.

The F-16 Block 70 fighter jet, featuring advanced 21st Century Security capabilities, brings the highest standards of airspace security to Slovakia for decades to come. Six years ago, the SVK Government set aside US$1.87bn to purchase 14 F-16s, materiel and training. One more fighter jet will join the Slovak Air Force F-16 fleet by the end of this year, five more in 2025, and the remaining six in 2026.

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The United States Invites the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to Ceasefire Talks Co-hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

July 23, 2024

Over the past 15 months, the horrific conflict in Sudan has pushed millions to the brink of starvation and displaced nearly 10 million people. It continues to cause immeasurable suffering for the Sudanese people. The United States remains committed to working with partners to end this devastating war. Building from the earlier Jeddah processes co-facilitated with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States has invited the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to participate in ceasefire talks mediated by the United States to begin on August 14, 2024, in Switzerland. We thank the government of Switzerland for offering to host the talks and welcome the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a co-host. The talks will include the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations 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.

These talks do not aim to address broader political issues. As the Sudanese people have long demanded, Sudan's governance must return to civilians and civilians must play the leading role in defining a process to address political issues and restore Sudan's democratic transition.

The scale of death, suffering, and destruction in Sudan is devastating. This senseless conflict must end. 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. We join the Sudanese people's calls for peace and a democratic transition, and we urge the parties to stop the fighting for the sake of a brighter future for Sudan.



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Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the AGOA Private Sector Forum

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

U.S. Institute of Peace

Washington, D.C.

July 24, 2024

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Morning. Thank you very much.

Well, hello, everyone. And as always, it is wonderful to be at the U.S. Institute for Peace.

I'm grateful to Ambassador Moose, the entire team here at the institute, for hosting us and for a longstanding partnership with the Department of State - one that we deeply value.

To Ambassador Tai, my friend and colleague; Ambassador Muchanga; Florie Liser; champions of AGOA from across the African continent, including from the private sector and civil society - thank you. Thank you for all that you do - all that you do every day to strengthen the economic partnership between the United States and the countries of Africa.

For decades, our businesses - American, African - have helped create jobs, uplift communities on both sides of the Atlantic, and build stronger connections between our people.

Over the last two decades, a key pillar of that partnership has been the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

By allowing products from sub-Saharan countries to enter the United States without paying tariffs, AGOA has let entrepreneurs expand to new markets to grow their businesses. It's created tens of thousands of good jobs across our nations - from Portland, Oregon to Port Louis, Mauritius. It's helped companies further diversify and strengthen their supply chains - so that consumers can benefit from more affordable, more innovative products.

AGOA has also created incentives for governments to develop more stable and transparent business environments that attract more - and better - direct investment. It's given us a platform for building more just societies, helping reduce poverty, protect our planet, defend the rights of our workers.

As we approach the renewal deadline next year, President Biden and our entire government fully support reauthorizing AGOA, and we'll continue working with our colleagues in Congress to make that happen.

We're also focused on modernizing AGOA, to reflect how our countries and our economies and international markets have evolved since the law was first passed. We see value in an AGOA that is agile, that's adaptable, that's capable of driving trade forward in a dynamic environment. Whether we're trying to meet the challenges of the climate crisis, prepare for the next pandemic, respond to shifts in global demand, we want AGOA to be ready - ready to support the businesses and the economies of the future.

The United States will continue investing in Africa because, as President Biden said when he hosted the Africa Leaders Summit: "When Africa succeeds, the United States succeeds...[and] the whole world succeeds as well."

Everyone in this room knows well over the next 30 years, one in four inhabitants of our planet will be from the African continent. As we look at demographic trends, I think most people would not know the answer to this question, but if you asked 25 years from now what will be the third most populous country on Earth after India and after China, the answer is the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Many of us share a common vision for what needs to be a successful partnership between the United States and Africa, including an economic future that's more competitive, that's more resilient, and that's more stable for all of our people - one where our interdependence is not a sign of weakness to be exploited, but an asset that we can effectively leverage.

So we've been working alongside governments from across sub-Saharan Africa to invest in our joint strengths and to help shape a shared economic future.

One way we're doing that is not just by working to create more opportunities for trade with the United States - we want to create better opportunities that benefit businesses in all our countries, that support our workers, and that protect our environment.

In all of this, the private sector is the essential partner.

We can't deliver for our people on issues that matter most without your talent, without your innovation, without your investment.

That's why, at the Africa Leaders Summit, we committed to growing our collaboration with the private sector - through, but also beyond, AGOA.

Since then, we've been working very closely together - and with our colleagues across the United States Government - to help close hundreds of new private sector deals between African and American businesses. Altogether, they're worth more than $16 billion.

For example, in March, multiple agencies came together to launch the Africa Trade Desk. This is a platform that connects African agricultural producers with more than 20,000 American retailers - like Walmart, like Whole Foods. Already, we've helped conclude a $56 billion[1] agreement to bring South African grapes to the United States, while meeting requirements that promote good conditions for workers.

All of that said, we know that deals like these are only one part of the equation. You all need to be able to plan ahead, to attract capital, to manage risks. We know that means more predictable, more transparent policies; robust infrastructure; safe and stable conditions to grow your businesses; healthy and educated workforces; close and transparent collaboration with governments - from the local level all the way up - to make sure that the needs of communities and the needs of companies are being met.

So we're working with our partners to foster the conditions that enable economic growth and pave the way for investment - around the world and across the African continent.

Take infrastructure, for example. Over the last two years, the United States has committed $82 million toward expanding digital access and improving digital literacy across sub-Saharan Africa. This will open doors to economic opportunity, support entrepreneurship, and help workers and economies compete in the 21st century.

We've also contributed $3 billion to expand the Lobito Corridor, something I saw with my own eyes a few months ago when I visited Angola. This corridor connecting Angola, Zambia, the DRC through high-impact investments in ports, in bridges, in rail lines, in roads, in high-speed internet access, in clean energy and agriculture - all designed to unlock growth in key industries along a major economic thoroughfare.

This initiative includes a project we announced just last week. Our Export-Import Bank approved a $1.6 billion loan to help construct solar energy grids in Angola. Once they're complete, they'll generate power for water supply systems - increasing access to electricity and clean drinking water for businesses and communities across four provinces.

Of course, trade programs like AGOA are also crucial for creating good environments for business, for breaking down barriers to economic cooperation, for bringing the benefits of trade home to all of our people.

And folks here today and those listening in know this better than anyone.

So in the months ahead, I'd like to ask one thing: Let us - and our partners in sub-Saharan Africa - let us know how we can do more to collaborate, how we can make AGOA even more effective.

Together, we'll keep working toward the idea that inspired AGOA so many years ago, ideas that are still at the heart of our vision for the future: to build more equitable, more prosperous, more stable societies with more opportunity for everyone.

That's our goal; that's our objective. AGOA is a critical tool for helping us achieve it, and I'm grateful for the support and the work that all of you are doing in that direction.

So thank you for being here today. Thank you for being part of this effort. It's a great pleasure now for me to cede the microphone to Ambassador Muchanga of the African Union.

Thank you very much. (Applause.)

[1] $56 million

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US bombers arrive in Romania for Bomber Task Force 24-4

Published July 23, 2024

U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, for Bomber Task Force 24-4, July 21.

While flying in international airspace and in accordance with international law, the U.S. B-52 aircraft were intercepted by two Russian aircraft over the Barents Sea at approximately 8 a.m. Central European Time. The U.S. aircraft did not change course due to the intercept and continued along their scheduled flight plan without incident, allowing the B-52s to perform their pre-planned mission which included integration alongside NATO fighter aircraft before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base.

While deployed, the B-52s will operate as the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and will integrate with NATO allies and other international partners to synchronize capabilities and assure security commitments across the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.

This marks the first time U.S. strategic bomber aircraft have operated out of Romania.

"In today's global environment, it is vital that we be postured to deliver a range of sustainable capability from great distances. This iteration of Bomber Task Force offers an excellent opportunity to refine our agile combat employment tactics, techniques, and procedures," said Gen. James Hecker, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander. "Through collaborative efforts with our allies, the U.S. enables our forces to combat current and future threats."

The U.S. routinely demonstrates its commitment to NATO allies and partners through BTF missions. Through these missions, USAFE-AFAFRICA enables dynamic force employment in the European theater, providing strategic predictability and assurance for allies and partners while contributing to deterrence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries.

"The U.S. is dedicated to work alongside our NATO allies and partners along the Eastern Flank to ensure we have the combined skills and coordination capabilities necessary to maintain regional safety, security, and stability," Hecker said.

Regular and routine deployments of U.S. strategic bombers demonstrate how the U.S. and NATO are ready, postured, and well prepared to integrate with host-nation allies and partners to deter threats and defend the alliance.

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Last T-1 Jayhawk flight from JBSA-Randolph to Davis-Monthan AFB marks end of era

Published July 23, 2024

By Sean Worrell

12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- The United States Air Force's T-1A Jayhawk made its final flight with the 99th Flying Training Squadron on July 15, soaring from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

The journey marks the end of an era for the venerable trainer aircraft, which has been a cornerstone in the training of air mobility and combat systems officers for three decades.

"It was an honor to be a part of the final Red Tail T-1 flight," said Lt. Col. Dominique Haig, 99th Flying Training Squadron commander, who piloted the flight with Lt. Cols. Megan Pasierb and Christopher Puccia of the 39th Flying Training Squadron. "They've been a workhorse for the past 31 years preparing the instructor pilots and combat systems operators for the Mobility Air Force, Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Combat Command."

The T-1A Jayhawk, a military version of the Beechjet 400A, first entered service in the early 1990s. It has since played a crucial role in preparing thousands of pilots for service in various airframes, including the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker and C-130 Hercules. The aircraft's retirement is part of a broader transition to modernize the Air Force's training fleet and tactics.

As the Air Force shifts its training program from the T-1A to the advanced sixth-generation trainer T-7A Red Hawk. The retirement of the T-1A reflects ongoing efforts to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness. The T-7A, with its state-of-the-art systems and capabilities, is expected to provide more realistic and comprehensive training scenarios, better preparing Airmen for the demands of modern aerial operations.

In addition to modernizing training platforms, the Air Force is also integrating advanced simulation technologies, which allow for more flexible and varied training environments. These innovations aim to maintain the high standards of training excellence while adapting to the evolving needs of the Air Force.

"While we are closing one chapter in Air Force pilot training, we are gearing up for the next," Haig said. "The 99th FTS is making initial preparations for the reception of the T-7 Red Hawk. From renovating buildings to support T-7 training to T-7 academic courseware development and review. It's a heavy lift to stand up a new Mission Design Series."

Currently, Undergraduate Pilot Training instructs pilots assigned to mobility, special operations, and command, control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft through the T-6 Texan II program followed by the simulator-based course Air Mobility Fundamentals-Simulator to teach crew and multi-engine fundamentals and competencies. The pilot would then go to a weapons system training course that is specific to the pilot's assigned operation aircraft.

The legacy of the T-1A Jayhawk will endure, not only in the memories of those who flew it but also in the continuing evolution of Air Force training. The last flight symbolizes a bridge between the past and the future, underscoring the Air Force's commitment to excellence and innovation in preparing the next generation of aviators.

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New Delhi, July 24 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met visiting UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy during which he welcomed the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a mutually beneficial FTA.

In a post on X, PM Modi also appreciated the priority accorded by new UK PM Keir Starmer to deepen the strategic partnership with India.

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 mutually beneficial FTA.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on his first visit to India after taking over the post earlier this month.

In a post on X, the EAM said:

Welcome @DavidLammy on his first visit to India as UK Foreign Secretary.

Looking forward to our conversation.

A UK High Commission statement said that the UK FS "will hold high level meetings with the Indian Government as well as climate and business leaders" during his visit.



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."

UNI RN
U.S. Coast Guard, Peruvian, Mexican Partners Collaborate on First Urban Search and Rescue Operations in Exercise RIMPAC 2024

US Navy

23 July 2024

PEARL HARBOR -- July 13 marked the completion of the first urban search and rescue exercises in RIMPAC history, illustrating the growing value of the world's largest maritime exercise and the increased range and usefulness of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Hurricanes, typhoons, flooding and tsunamis can inundate coastal communities and trap residents in their buildings, often driving them into their attics or roof spaces to escape rising waters. Members from the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team, the Peruvian Naval Infantry and the Mexican Navy collaborated for three days of combined training, simulated search and rescue coordination and survivor extraction and triage as part of the humanitarian assistance and disaster response component of RIMPAC.

The exercises paired teams from the three countries in a range of disaster scenarios. The Mexican and Peruvian teams brought expertise at rescuing survivors from damaged structures, while the U.S. team contributed tactics for water-based rescues and the detection and identification of hazardous materials.

"Natural disasters present serious rescue challenges in urban areas, so we were all grateful for the chance to share our experiences and tactics that have saved hundreds of lives during recent storms and flooding events around the United States," said Chief Warrant Officer Ian Thompson, the Urban Search and Rescue coordinator for the USCG Pacific Strike Team. "All three teams leave this collaboration with a greater capability to collaborate and to save lives after disasters in our home countries and abroad."

The teams drove inflatable boats into a simulated flooded community and practiced cutting through a roof. In a separate exercise area on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, they practiced vertical extraction, or moving injured medical patients up and out of buildings using vertical rescue systems with tripods, ropes and pulleys and entering confined spaces with atmospheric contamination to rescue victims.

Additionally, the USCG utilized the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Geographic Information Systems "SARCOP." This smartphone app connects rescue coordinators and search teams via a common operating picture. By the end of the exercise, the three countries could coordinate via SARCOP, which will streamline coordination during future responses.

"Participating in these exercises has been invaluable for our teams," said Lt. j.g. Gonzalo Hernandez of the Peruvian Naval Infantry. "We have not only improved our technical skills but also strengthened our ability to work alongside our international partners. The use of the SARCOP app has significantly enhanced our coordination capabilities, which will enhance our collective response to natural disasters."

"Working with the U.S. Coast Guard and Peruvian Navy is really good for us, we can learn a lot of their techniques and share how we work in Mexico," said Seaman Lizeth Magana, Mexican Navy USAR team member. "We are so grateful for this partnership opportunity in RIMPAC."

The Novato, Calif.-based U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team provides an expert deployable force for search and rescue operations, pollution and hazardous material spills, and recovering from weapons of mass destruction.

Historically, the Strike Team has conducted search and rescue missions following major disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, Katrina, and most recently Hurricane Ian. The Coast Guard has enhanced its disaster response capabilities in the past decade by incorporating flood response abilities into Catastrophic Incident Search and Rescue. This modernization effort involved strategically placing Mobile Response Kits across the US and formalizing training programs for all CISAR teams. This training is jointly led by the USCG and US-based USAR teams.

"We are honored to have participated in such a comprehensive exercise," said Hernandez. "The shared experiences and knowledge gained here are invaluable, and we look forward to applying these lessons to improve our disaster response capabilities."

To support people affected by different natural or man-made disasters, the principal mission of the Mexican Navy USAR Team is to carry out operations of search, location, access and stabilization of rescued people. They also perform body recovery.

Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

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Pakistan Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 150

US Navy

23 July 2024

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet

MANAMA, Bahrain -- The Pakistan Navy assumed command of a multinational task force responsible for maritime security in the Middle East during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 22.

During Matthews' time in command, CTF 150 conducted seven successful drug interdictions at sea, with more than 11,600 kg of illegal narcotics seized. These seizures prevented criminal and terrorist organizations from generating income for malign activities. He also met with key leaders from India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Pakistan and Tanzania to discuss about the importance of collaboration, information sharing and exchanging knowledge and best practices to address shared regional maritime security issues, including illicit trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

The CTF, established in February 2002, is one of five operational task forces under CMF and conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf. The core staff of CTF 150 consisted of Australians, Bahrainis, Canadians, and New Zealanders.

"During the past six months I had the privilege to be the CTF 150 Commander and lead a highly competent multinational team. Today marks the end of the 6th Canadian Command of CTF 150, but not the end of this endeavor as Pakistan assumes command of CTF 150," Matthews said, "I am grateful for Vice Adm. Wikoff's leadership and for the support of the CMF team. I would like to extend my appreciation of all the nations who contributed to CTF 150's successes. CTF 150 relies on the ability of CMF nations to work together toward the same goal and I am thankful for having being part of this world-class organization."

Malik has held numerous key appointments in the Pakistan Navy, most recently as Chief Staff Officer to Commander Pakistan Fleet at Fleet Headquarters. As the new commander of CTF 150, he brings extensive experience having worked with the task force previously. This change of command marks the thirteenth time Pakistan has commanded CTF 150.

Malik said his country's frequent command of CTF 150 is a manifestation of the trust reposed in Pakistan Navy by coalition partners.

"It is an honor and a privilege to take command of Combined Task Force 150," Malik said. "My team is fully geared up to efficiently shoulder this prestigious responsibility to contribute towards Maritime Security and stability in the region. I praise Capt. Matthews and his team for their stanch commitment and commendable services to achieve the set objectives of CTF 150."

CMF's other task forces include CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.

Combined Maritime Forces, headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 44 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes.

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USS Blue Ridge arrives in Changi, Singapore

US Navy

23 July 2024

From Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs Office

CHANGI, Singapore -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff arrived in Changi, Singapore for a routine port visit, July 23.

Singapore is one of the United States' strongest defense partners in the region. This visit underscores the critical importance of the U.S - Singapore security partnership and reaffirms U.S. commitment to maintaining a robust presence in Southeast Asia.

"Thank you to the people of Singapore for welcoming us back to Changi naval base" said Vice Adm. Kacher, commander, 7th Fleet. "Singapore is a longstanding, reliable, and steadfast partner in the region, and I am honored to return to a country I once called home, this time with the USS Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet. We look forward to engaging with our Republic of Singapore Navy counterparts and enjoying Singaporean culture and hospitality during our visit."

During the port visit, 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge leadership will meet with their Republic of Singapore Navy counterparts and local leaders.

Additionally, members from the ship's crew and the 7th Fleet staff will engage in community relations activities and cultural events. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding of local history, contribute positively to the community, and allow cultural exchanges with the people of Singapore.

As the 7th Fleet flagship, Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and routinely operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners as a key element of the United States' stabilizing role in the region.

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AFRICOM Commander concludes second trip to Algeria

U.S. Marine Corps Gen Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command wrapped up his second visit to Algeria on July 23, 2024.

By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Jul 24, 2024

U.S. Marine Corps Gen Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command wrapped up his second visit to Algeria on July 23, 2024.

Gen Langley, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Algeria Elizabeth Aubin, met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to continue discussions on regional security issues and explore additional engagement opportunities.

"President Tebboune and I had productive discussions during our meeting. I thanked him for the support Algeria has provided to us, and for Algeria's participation in some of our regional exercises," Gen Langley said. "We also spoke about the importance of continuing our discussions on how we can work together toward greater regional security, stability and prosperity, and a more robust bilateral relationship."

During the visit, Gen Langley also met with Algerian Chief of Defense, General Said Chanegriha to discuss how the two nations could expand military collaboration.

"General Langley's visit underscores Algeria's important role regionally and the value of U.S.-Algeria bilateral collaboration in ensuring regional stability," Amb. Aubin said. "The U.S. and Algeria are concerned about the destabilizing presence of terrorist non-state actors in the nations to Algeria's south. We want prosperity in the region and encourage constructive dialogue."

Algeria has been a committed leader in combating counterterrorism in the region and shares U.S. concerns about the expansion of violent extremist organizations through the Sahel.

While visiting the American Cultural Center in Algiers, Gen Langley met with a group of young Algerian students who participate in the U.S. Embassy-sponsored STEAMQuest program. Implemented by World Learning, STEAMQuest has introduced 200 Algerian youth to science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) topics, including robotics, and sponsors a national competition to find eco-friendly solutions to local problems.

"I really appreciate the time these bright, young kids took to demonstrate their hard work to solve shared problems through science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math," Gen Langley said. "I was very impressed both by their dedication to their communities and their excellent command of the English language. These young people highlight the importance of our task-at-hand - ensuring a stable and secure future for our younger generations."

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of eleven U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war. U.S. Africa Command employs the broad-reaching diplomacy, development, and defense approach to foster interagency efforts and help negate the drivers of conflict and extremism in Africa.

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USCENTCOM Commander Concludes Regional Trip with Stops in Qatar and Bahrain

U.S. Central Command

Press Release | July 24, 2024

USCENTCOM

July 24, 2024

Release Number 20240724-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. -- From July 18 to 21, 2024, Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) hosted the CENTCOM Component Commanders Conference at al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. With command representation from all CENTCOM components and subordinate commands, the leaders gathered to discuss the current state of security in the CENTCOM area of operations and discussed ways to strengthen the security cooperation and other actions required to address the current challenges.

From July 21 to 22, Gen. Kurilla concluded his multi-day trip to the region by visiting Manama, Bahrain where he met with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and National Security Advisor, His Royal Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The leaders discussed the regional security situation and the strong mil-to-mil relationship between Bahrain and the U.S., dating back to WWII and formalized in 1971 and further strengthened last fall with the signing of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement.

"It is particularly important for me to travel to the CENTCOM region during these times of increased regional tension," said Gen. Kurilla. "I gain a much deeper understanding of the situation and the way forward by meeting with our military-to-military partners and listening. Our military-to-military relationships are more important now than ever. CENTCOM must rely on our partners in the region to solve the region's complex challenges."

The trip to the USCENTCOM region began on July 11 and included stops in Jordan, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain.

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Slovakia welcomes 4th generation aircraft

The F-16 Fight Falcons usher a new era in Slovakia's ability to patrol its skies and support collective deterrence and defense in Europe.

By U.S. European Command Public Affairs , United States European Command Slovakia Jul 24, 2024

On July 22, 2024, the first two of 14 Slovak F-16 Block 70 aircraft landed at Malacky Air Base, Slovakia, after a 10-hour flight from Greenville, South Carolina.

The F-16 Fight Falcons were welcomed in a ceremony attended by senior civilian and military leaders from Slovakia and U.S. Embassy Bratislava, ushering a new era in Slovakia's ability to patrol its skies and support collective deterrence and defense in Europe.

U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia Gautam Rana attended the ceremony on behalf of the U.S. to celebrate and commend Slovakia's 2018 decision to procure 14 of the most modern model of the F-16 fighter as a historic military modernization effort.

The two aircraft were piloted from the U.S. by members of the Indiana National Guard, Slovakia's State Partnership partner of 30 years, highlighting the longstanding, mutual defense relationship between the two nations.

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Baltic Architecture and Governance working groups convene to enhance interoperability

The Baltic Architecture and Governance working groups convened from July 15-18, 2024, in Stuttgart, Germany, bringing together representatives from Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and the United States to enhance joint and combined interoperability in the Baltic region.

By United States European Command Stuttgart, Germany Jul 24, 2024

The Baltic Architecture and Governance working groups convened from July 15-18, 2024, in Stuttgart, Germany, bringing together representatives from Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and the United States to enhance joint and combined interoperability in the Baltic region.

This collaborative effort focused on developing key recommendations for the future of the Baltic Sea Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyberspace, and Intelligence Synchronization Board (BSC5ISB) while promoting the integration of hardware, software and data standards among Baltic Sea region Allied nations.

The working groups concentrated on ensuring compatibility and interoperability across these nations by aligning their technology and data protocols. A primary objective was the development of advanced C5 architectures capable of seamlessly sharing mission-critical information at appropriate security and classification levels. This initiative is vital for maintaining robust, secure communication channels in the region.

The BSC5ISB was established in October 2021, following an arrangement signed by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the United States. The board's mission is to enhance technical interoperability and optimize modernization efforts, thereby bolstering warfighting capability and capacity in the Baltic Sea region.

The recent meeting underscored the commitment of the involved nations to strengthen regional security and operational effectiveness through concerted, cooperative efforts. By focusing on integrated technological solutions and shared data standards, the working groups aim to lay the groundwork for a more unified and resilient defense posture in the Baltic region.

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Iraqi resistance launches drone attack on Eilat

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 24, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it has targeted the Eilat port (Umm al-Rashrash) in the occupied territories with several drones.

In a statement on Wednesday, the resistance movement said its fighters launched the attack in line with the fight against the Israeli regime's occupation and in response to Israel's killing of the civilian Palestinians.

Earlier, the Zionist regime's media reported the activation of warning alarms in the Eilat port air space in the south of occupied Palestine.

In recent months, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has targeted some important Israeli bases in Eilat.

The resistance group had warned the occupying regime of more severe attacks if it continued its genocidal war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

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Palestinian nation united to decide future of Gaza: Hamas official

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 24, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas' representative in Lebanon, while assessing a reconciliation agreement between Palestinian groups in the meeting hosted by China, has said that the decision to put aside their differences carry the message of the unity of the Palestinian nation as a result of the Al-Aqsa storm operation.

According to IRNA, Ahmad Abdel Hadi told Al-Mayadeen that what is new in Beijing's statement is the context that led to it, and is the outcome of the "Al-Aqsa Storm".

The Beijing meeting carries an important message that the Palestinian nation is united and what will happen in the Gaza Strip in the future will be according to the decision of the Palestinians, he said

Pointing to the plans to deploy foreign forces in Gaza, Abdel Hadi emphasized that any such forces will be treated as occupying forces.

The Hamas representative in Lebanon continued by saying that "Beijing Declaration" places a great responsibility on the Palestinian leadership to take advantage of the Al-Aqsa Storm and confront the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced on Tuesday that at the end of a two-day meeting in Beijing 14 Palestinian groups, including the Gaza-based Hamas and the occupied West Bank-based Fatah Movement reached an agreement on the establishment of an "Interim Government of National Reconciliation" in the Gaza Strip after the war.

According to a statement reported by the Chinese media, Palestinian groups also welcomed the ruling of the International Court of Justice regarding the illegality of the occupation of the Zionist regime and its settlements in Palestinian lands.

In April, Beijing hosted the first round of meetings between Fatah and Hamas officials to reach an agreement and resolve their long-standing differences.

China has historically supported the cause of Palestine and has been in favor of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

After Wang said in April that the United States should support the UN resolution to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Chinese officials have increasingly addressed the issue of the ongoing Israeli crimes in Gaza.

Repeating Beijing's calls for an immediate ceasefire, Wang had described Israel's war on Gaza as "a tragedy for humanity and a disgrace to civilization."

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement that was brokered by China aimed at reconciliation between Hamas and other Palestinian factions.

"I think all steps towards unity are welcome and encouraged", IRNA quoted UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric as telling reporters on Tuesday local time that Guterres welcomes the signing of the Beijing Declaration by the Palestinian factions.

During their meeting in China, Palestinian groups also called for an effort to lift the barbaric siege imposed on the Palestinian nation, especially in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and for humanitarian and medical aid to reach the Gaza Strip unconditionally, and to confront the occupation's conspiracies and their continuous aggression against Al-Aqsa Mosque.

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Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch meets with US Deputy Special Envoy for Hostages and Missing Dustin Stewart

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Press Releases

The 37th Government

24.07.2024

Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, last night, in Washington, met with the team of the US State Department Special Presidential Envoy for Hostages and Missing.

Deputy Special Envoy Dustin Stewart led the American team in the talks.

The two discussed the situation regarding the return of the hostages as well as the issue of cooperation on various issues between the two countries' coordinators for the hostages and the missing.

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Minister Santos congratulates local artists on their success

The Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, congratulates local artists for their success at an international level in both theatre and dance.

Erica McGrail won Best Performance at the 2024 UKs National Drama Festival for her interpretation of Isobel in Bull with Theatre Makers. Bull was first performed at this Years Gibraltar International Drama Festival, winning first prize. Congratulations to Erica, Director Daniel Strain-Webber and all the cast for their success.

In the field of Dance, three local companies represented Gibraltar at the Global Dance Open in the Netherlands. Danza Academy (Directors Annemarie Gomez and Zuleika Green), The Showdance Company (Principal Sabrina Abudarham) and Mediterranean Dance School (Principal Genyka Celecia Bolanos) all left their mark at this international competition.

Danza Academy achieved a total of 7 Gold, 8 Silver and 11 Bronze medals at the competition, with student Robyn Xiberras receiving Star of the Future Award. Both Robyn and May Montegriffo Santos were also Dancer of the Globe Nominees, the youngest nominated.

A small group from The Showdance Company competed, with Chelsea Victor placing 2nd in the Showdance Solo Senior section and Eva Bruce coming in the top seven in the Acro Solo Intermediate section. They each contributed to amassing country points for Gibraltar.

Mediterranean Dance School attained 11 Gold, 12 Silver and 6 Bronze medals. They were also Battle of the Stars Winners and Best Overall Group, and five of their dancers received scholarships to different Dance and Performing Arts schools and colleges.

Congratulations to all the dancers who competed. Their efforts ensured Gibraltar ranked third place at the Performance Gala Awards, putting the Rock firmly on the map.

The Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: I am delighted to see so many local artists making waves at international competitions. Our creatives talent, ambition and drive, combined with great teaching and support, are what make them succeed. Congratulations to all involved.
PH sustains diplomatic approach to deescalate tensions in SCS

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

July 24, 2024, 11:03 pm

MANILA -- The Philippines will continue pursuing a diplomatic approach and uphold the rule of law in the South China Sea, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as it expounds on the Marcos administration's work to defend the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea through peaceful means.

Following the third State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., DFA Undersecretary Charles Jose said the Philippines will not waver in pursuing the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law in the area.

"In the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine position remains firm. We will continue to assert our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in our maritime zones and find ways forward through diplomacy and dialogue pursuant to what the President articulated during the SONA," he said in the post-SONA discussions on Wednesday.

"We are committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes through international law. Our actions will continue to be firmly anchored on the rules-based international order that is governed by international law, particularly UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea," he added.

Jose cited as example the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting with China, which provided the momentum for a series of consultations that led to the recently concluded "Arrangement on the Principles and Approaches" that will be observed during the Philippines' resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

The official said this understanding, reached without prejudicing the Philippine and Chinese positions over the South China Sea, is a "positive contribution to deescalate tensions" in the region.

Marcos in his SONA on Monday said the Philippines will neither yield nor waver in asserting its maritime rights.

He maintained that the West Philippine Sea, which refers to the maritime areas of the country in the South China Sea, is no mere figment of imagination.

"Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga't nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas (The West Philippine Sea is not just a figment of imagination. It is ours. And it will remain ours as long as our love for our country, the Philippines, remains ablaze)," Marcos said.

Manila-based geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gill of the De La Salle University said Marcos has successfully articulated that the Philippines' position in the region is rooted on facts.

"By stating that the WPS is not a figment of imagination, the president sent a strong message to China who claims a large percentage of our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) based on a historical basis that is not grounded on international law. The WPS is rooted on facts and on international law," he told the Philippine News Agency.

"While empowering the military, the president reiterated the continuous goal of resolving disputes through peaceful means and based on international law- another veiled hit at China which has been pursuing its expansionist ambitions by breaking principles enshrined under UNCLOS and disregarding the 2016 Arbitral Ruling," he added.

The Philippines, China and several other coastal states have overlapping territorial claims over the South China Sea.

Beijing continues to reject the UNCLOS-based arbitration award insisting on its claims over the vast trade route, including the country's waters within the West Philippine Sea.

Preparing for ASEAN 2026

On the multilateral arena, Jose said the Philippines is preparing to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the next two years.

This as Marcos emphasized that peace and community-building would be the Philippines' clarion call, especially when the country serves as chair and the host of the ASEAN Summit in 2026.

The ASEAN National Organizing Council or ASEAN NOC, Jose said, is leading the preparations to ensure the orderly and seamless hosting of the landmark event.

Jose likewise highlighted the country's selection as the host of the Loss and Damage Fund Board.

"Through this mechanism, the Philippines will continue to leverage its leadership in climate action and its goodwill with developing nations in promoting climate equity," he said.

He also noted the adoption by the UN Human Rights Council of the Philippine-led resolution titled "Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Seafarers."

This resolution is the first-ever on this subject to be introduced and adopted in the UNHRC.

"Rest assured that in the pursuit of the national interest, the DFA will continue to strengthen national security, contribute to economic growth, and protect the interest and welfare of overseas Filipinos through the strategic conduct of diplomacy," Jose said. (PNA)

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Khan Yunis massacre: Doctors overwhelmed by influx of wounded

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 5:06 PM

Doctors working in the largest hospital in Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis say the medical facility is overwhelmed by wounded people, as Israeli forces continue the savage invasion of the populated area.

"There's no space for more patients," Mohammed Zaqout, the director of Nasser Hospital, told AFP. "There's no space in the operating theatres. There is a lack of medical supplies, so we cannot save our patients."

Citing medical officials, Al-Jazeera reported Wednesday That at least 23 people have been killed since the early morning hours.

According to the report Israel's quadcopter drones keep attacking medical teams as they try to recover the injured.

The regime's military forces, it said, continue to destroy residential buildings and civil infrastructure in the al-Qarara area, a small village east of Khan Younis.

Israeli forces began bombarding the southern city on July 22, forcing about 150,000 people to flee  many of whom have been displaced four or five times or more.

As of Tuesday, at least 89 Palestinians were killed by the regime's forces in the city, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.

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Receiving Netanyahu 'is a bad omen for you': Hamas official to Washington

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 4:09 PM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has censured Washington for receiving Benjamin Netanyahu for an address to Congress.

"Enabling him from the highest platforms in the country to spread his lies is a bad omen for you," the resistance movement's Basem Naim said in a statement on Wednesday.

It came ahead of Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress. US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle at Congress invited Netanyahu despite political divisions and public outrage.

"Receiving a war criminal in direct contradiction to all your values of freedom, justice and dignity is the last stop in the series of lies and hypocrisy that you are practicing and sets a new stage that portends the demise of this greatest empire in human history."

"In our literature in the east, we say: 'A regime of injustice lasts but an hour, while a regime of justice endures until the end of time.' Countries that practice or support injustice are bound to disappear; it may not be tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, but it is an inevitable fate."

Pro-Palestine protesters in the States have gathered inside Capitol Hill.

According to Capitol Police, over 200 demonstrators were staging a sit-in in condemnation of Israel's barbaric campaign of death, destruction and genocide in Gaza. Police have also arrested scores of demonstrators.

Elsewhere in the statement, the Hamas official said the correct step for law-abiding countries is to "issue an immediate order to arrest the war criminal Netanyahu... in line with the decisions of international judicial institutions, the latest of which was the decision of the International Criminal Court."

"Our people will not forget and will not forgive anyone who wronged them or supported those who wronged them."

Karim Khan, the ICC prosecutor, has sought an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and his Minister for Military Affairs Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza.

Netanyahu and Gallant are accused, among other war crimes, of "starvation of civilians as a method of warfare" and "intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population" from October 7, 2023.

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150,000 flee Khan Yunis as Israel intensifies attacks, says UN

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 11:10 AM

Two United Nations agencies say an estimated 150,000 people have fled the southern city of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip since Monday, as the Israeli regime continues its devastating onslaught on the besieged territory.

Louise Wateridge, from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), made said on Wednesday that the Palestinians fled the city after Israel announced the latest evacuation order.

"Over 80% of the Gaza Strip has been placed under evacuation orders or designated as no-go zones by the Israeli military," Wateridge said.

The UN official went on to say that people are moving to Dayr al-Balah and western Khan Yunis, which are already "extremely overcrowded" areas.

"They've got limited shelters and limited services available. They can barely accommodate the people who are already in these areas," Wateridge added.

Separately, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also said that by monitoring population movements on the ground, it has assessed that 150,000 people had fled Khan Yunis.

The agency said many people were "trapped in the evacuation area," including "people with reduced mobility and family members supporting them."

On Monday, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for eastern parts of Khan Yunis.

The occupying regime ordered the Palestinians living there, Gaza's second-largest city, to urgently leave to an unspecified zone.

Earlier orders told the Palestinians to go to the Mawasi area, but that camp city has repeatedly been attacked.

Such evacuation orders generally signal imminent ground assaults by the barbarous Israeli war machine.

Israel launched its brutal war on Gaza on October 7 last year after Palestinian resistance groups carried out a historic operation against the usurping regime in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Since the start of the aggression, the Israeli regime has been committing war crimes in Gaza, killing at least 39,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring more than 90,000 others.

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US, UK strikes only strengthen Yemen's power in West Asia: Top Russian diplomat

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 8:30 AM

A high-ranking Russian diplomat says US and British airstrikes across Yemen have failed to weaken the Arab nation's naval units in performing operations against Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea, and have instead consolidated their power in the West Asia region.

"Instead of making efforts to calm down the situation, some countries are extinguishing fire with gasoline and are opting for a force method. This can be said about the situation in the Red Sea, where the so-called coalition led by the United States and United Kingdom is carrying out aggression against Yemen," Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said at a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Yemen on Tuesday.

He emphasized that even though US and British forces have been pounding Yemen, a sovereign West Asian country, for nearly six months, they have failed to impair the military potential of its armed forces, which have managed to conduct a drone attack against the coastal city of Tel Aviv in the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories.

"Moreover, we see an opposite effect: The [Ansarullah] movement has consolidated its authority in the region and the intensity of attacks on [Israeli-affiliated] commercial ships increased," Nebenzya pointed out.

Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Palestinian resistance movements carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.

Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they won't stop their attacks until Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza, which have killed at least 39,090 people and wounded another 90,147 individuals, come to an end.

The leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has said that it is "a great honor and blessing to be confronting America directly."

The attacks have forced some of the world's biggest shipping and oil companies to suspend transit through one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. Tankers are instead adding thousands of miles to international shipping routes by sailing around the continent of Africa rather than going through the Suez Canal.

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Hezbollah targets Israeli military posts in retaliation for commander assassination

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 6:20 AM

Hezbollah has conducted multiple operations against Israeli military outposts in response to a deadly Israeli airstrike on a region in southern Lebanon that killed a commander of the Lebanese resistance movement.

Hezbollah said in a statement that it had conducted "an aerial attack using a squadron of kamikaze drones on a command center in the Mount Neria base near Meron, in retaliation for the assassination carried out by the enemy in the town of Shaqra."

The attack hit designated targets accurately, and resulted in confirmed casualties.

A Lebanese man was killed and another injured on Tuesday while in a pickup truck used for selling candy and snacks.

The fatality occurred when an Israeli military drone targeted the vehicle on the outskirts of Shaqra. The victim was identified as Hezbollah resistance fighter Sadeq Atef Atawi.

Hezbollah later attacked another Israeli command center in the Ramim barracks with heavy artillery shells.

The group also shelled the headquarters of the Israeli military's Sahel Battalion in the Beit Hillel barracks with Falaq (Dusk) rockets.

It said in a brief statement that the attack was in response to Israeli strikes on southern Lebanese towns and villages, especially the town of Chihine in the Tyre district.

Moreover, the Israeli al-Marj outpost was struck with a heavy-caliber Burkan (Volcano) missile, also in retaliation for the strike on Shaqra.

Hezbollah also targeted Kiryat Shmona city in the northern part of the Israeli-occupied lands with dozens of Katyusha rockets in response to the Israeli attacks on regions in southern Lebanon, especially the attack on Talloussa village in the Marjeyoun district.

Later on Tuesday, the resistance group shelled the Israeli Summaqa military site with a barrage of artillery rounds, hitting the designated targets precisely and causing casualties among troops stationed there.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has announced that a soldier has been "seriously injured" after "several missiles" were fired from southern Lebanon into the Mount Dov region.

The soldier has been taken to hospital for treatment and his family has been informed, the Israeli army said in a post on X.

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 39,090 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza.

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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July 23: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 10:35 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 39,200 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 Tuesday, July 23, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on July 23:

Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces penetrating the Juhr al-Dik area in the central Gaza Strip with mortar shells.

Targeted an Israeli military D9 bulldozer with an Al-Yassin 105 shell near Al-Zalal Mosque, east of the city of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on July 23:

Launched a barrage of rockets at "Holit," "Yated," "Sofa," "Avshalom," and settlements around Gaza from the heart of the incursion areas in the city of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

In a joint operation with Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces, targeted Israeli military gatherings in the supply line on the "Netzarim" axis with a barrage of heavy-caliber mortar shells.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces in the Al-Hamam neighborhood in Tulkarem Camp, occupied West Bank.

Detonated a pre-prepared explosive device on Israeli military vehicles advancing along Maraba Street in Tulkarem Camp, occupied West Bank.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on July 23:

Targeted Israeli military gatherings positioned on the "Netzarim" axis with heavy-caliber mortar shells.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces storming Tulkarem camp in the occupied West Bank from several axes, using machine guns and explosive devices.

Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on July 23:

In a joint operation with the Al-Qassam Brigades, shelled Israeli regime forces northeast of Al-Bureij camp in the central Strip with mortar shells.

Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on July 23:

Targeted Israeli forces penetrating the Tal Al-Sultan neighborhood, west of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, with heavy-caliber mortar shells.

In a joint operation with Al-Quds Brigades, targeted gatherings of the Israeli military on the supply line in the "Netzarim" axis with a barrage of heavy-caliber mortar shells.

Hezbollah's operations on July 23:

The Mount Neria base was targeted with a barrage of drones.

The headquarters of the Sahel Battalion in the Beit Hilal base was targeted with a Falaq rocket.

The Al-Marj site was targeted with a Burkan rocket.

The Ramim Barracks were targeted with heavy artillery shells.

The Kiryat Shmona settlement was targeted with dozens of Katyusha rockets.

Israeli soldiers were targeted at the Al-Samaqa site in Lebanon's Kfar Shuba with artillery shells.

The Birkat Risha site was targeted with guided missiles.

Israeli soldiers were targeted in the Al-Asi site with a barrage of missiles.

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Probe Launched Into Alleged Plot To Kill Leaders Of Georgia's Ruling Party

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service July 24, 2024

Georgia's State Security Service (SUS) said on July 24 it had launched an investigation into an alleged "plot" to assassinate Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and then "violently overthrow" the government.

The SUS said in a statement on July 24 the investigation is looking into "criminal activities" allegedly supported by "former high officials."

The investigation comes amid heightened tensions in the Caucasus nation over the recently passed controversial law on "foreign agents" that has juxtaposed the country's aspirations to join the European Union with accusations the legislation -- analogous to a law passed a decade ago in Russia -- is another move toward warmer relations with Moscow.

"The purpose of the mentioned criminal actions is to violently overthrow the state government by destructive forces in the background of creating disorder and weakening the government," SUS said.

SUS did not name any suspects in the case, though local media said at least six people had been questioned, some of whom had fought on the side of Ukraine in the war to repel invading Russian forces.

However, the announcement of the investigation came one day after the Tbilisi City Court questioned Gela Kakhabrishvili, who fought on the Ukrainian side against occupying Russian armed forces.

At a briefing in Tbilisi, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze blamed unspecified "global political forces" behind the plot to kill Ivanishvili, adding that "the same forces" were behind the assassination attempts of former U.S. President Donald Trump and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Kobakhidze, a member of Georgian Dream, gave no evidence to directly link the investigation to the assassination attempts.

On June 4, the speaker of parliament, Georgian Dream member Shalva Papuashvili, signed the foreign agent bill into law.

Twenty days later, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the European Union will downgrade political contacts with Georgia and consider freezing financial aid to the Tbilisi government in reaction to the law.

Critics say the legislation was introduced by Georgian Dream in order to cement the party's grip on power ahead of elections later this year seen as crucial for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

The law requires civil-society and media organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from foreign sources to submit to oversight that could encompass sanctions for as-yet-undefined criminal offenses.

Both the United States and the EU have warned Georgian Dream that ignoring criticism and cracking down violently on protesters will have negative consequences.

Georgia obtained the coveted EU candidate status last December but has yet to start actual accession talks, which could last for years.

Georgian Dream has insisted it remains committed to joining Western institutions and the law was only meant to increase transparency on NGO funding.

But Western governments and organizations have issued stark statements warning the Georgian Dream government that the Tbilisi's EU path will be blocked if the law comes into force.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/assassination-plot- bidzina-ivanishvili-georgia-ruling-party/33048982.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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Constitutional Court In Bosnia Temporarily Suspends Republika Srpska's Election Law

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service July 24, 2024

The Constitutional Court of Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 24 temporarily suspended an election law passed by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska in April, sparking negative reaction by the international community and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission to Bosnia.

The court declared the law "temporarily invalid," saying that the decision will stay in place until the Constitutional Court makes a final decision.

The suspension came in a case to assess the compliance of Republika Srpska's election law with the constitution of Bosnia. Denis Zvizdic, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives of the Bosnian parliament, requested the court make the assessment.

The Constitutional Court said the case brings up "a very serious and complex issues regarding the constitutionality of the contested election law of [Republika Srpska]."

It said the entity's new election law regulates issues that are already regulated by the election law of Bosnia and transfers the competences of the Bosnian Central Election Commission to the lower-level entity commission, invalidating at the same time some provisions of the state level election law.

OSCE Chairman Ian Borg and Secretary-General Helga Marie Schmid said in their criticism of the election law that the establishment of parallel structures that undermine the overall security and stability of the country are against the constitutional order of Bosnia.

The court's decision on July 24 said it must resolve the question of whether the National Assembly of Republika Srpska has the authority to differently regulate areas that are already regulated at the state level in Bosnia.

The court therefore considers that there are valid concerns that the disputed law could violate the constitutional order and political stability of Bosnia, the court said.

This is sufficient to determine the existence of the possibility of "irreversible adverse consequences" if the Constitutional Court of Bosnia does not temporarily suspend the law, the court stated, adding that the temporary measure does not prejudge the final decision on the constitutionality of this law.

The court considers that election regulations represent one of the key areas for ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections that reflect the will of the citizens, the court said. Bosnia is preparing for local elections on October 6.

The court said that the implementation of the election law ahead of this year's elections "would seriously undermine the role of the Central Election Commission of Bosnia-Herzegovina." It added that implementing the law ahead of upcoming local elections "could cause irreparable damage to the democratic election process, legal stability, and threatened the legitimacy of the electoral process."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/bosnia-republika- srpska-election-law-constitutional-court/33049572.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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Secretary Blinken's Call with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

July 24, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Al Thani discussed continued diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages, and facilitate a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed the remaining issues on the table and practical solutions to bridge the differences between the parties. The Secretary reiterated that the United States will continue to work to ensure an agreement is reached. The Secretary and Prime Minister also continued discussions about the post-conflict period, including measures to ensure security, governance, and reconstruction in Gaza. The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for Qatar's critical and continued role in working for lasting regional peace and stability.

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

24 July 2024

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Secretary-General/Extreme Heat

Alright, people, good afternoon. Just a programming note: Tomorrow, we will not have a noon briefing; however, we will have the Secretary-General of the United Nations here in this room at 12:30 p.m. He will present his Call to Action on Extreme Heat, which we will share his remarks and everything with you under embargo. He will also take a few questions on other topics should you wish to ask him, and it will be here at 12:30 p.m.

** Food Security

And as I think you just heard from Maximo Torero on the "State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World", I just want to add that in a video message for the report, the Secretary-General notes that it contains two important messages: the first is that hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition remain a global crisis; and the second is that we can solve this crisis. The Secretary-General added that, as the Group of 20 ministers gather in Rio de Janeiro today, finance is the key, saying that we need justice to help hard-hit countries invest in resilient, innovative and sustainable food systems that can reach all people with affordable food.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that intense hostilities and large-scale displacement continues in Khan Younis, with most people moving into an area labelled as a "humanitarian zone" by the Israeli authorities. As a reminder, this area  which is now smaller than before Monday's evacuation order  is already overcrowded and lacks almost any infrastructure or services for the people that are there. 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 labelled for evacuation. This includes more than 300 people sheltering in schools. And as we said yesterday, this also includes people with reduced mobility and family members who have stayed behind to support them. We continue to engage with all the parties to the conflict to ensure the safety of these people.

But civilian casualties continue to be reported in the Khan Younis area. We have received news that two schools there were hit. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Palestine Red Crescent Society were able to evacuate six of those wounded and bring them to the International Medical Corp field hospital. They also retrieved the bodies of two people who had been killed in these shelters. Meanwhile, people continue to cross from northern Gaza southwards. We along with our partners are registering those who cross, providing them with water, with food and with other supplies, including basic health care, medical referrals, critical information, and child protection services. However, the point where aid workers had been providing this assistance was forced to relocate about 800 metres south, following shelling near the Israeli checkpoint that took place earlier this [week].

In northern Gaza, the World Health Organization reports that health services at Al-Ahli [Arab Hospital] have partially resumed, after insecurity in the area rendered them non-functional for a few days. WHO was able to deliver much-needed fuel and medical supplies to the facility [earlier this] week. WHO is also working with partners and the Ministry of Health in Gaza to initiate response measures following the detection of variants of two poliovirus type 2 in six environmental samples.

Meanwhile, we and our humanitarian partners in Gaza continue to screen children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, for malnutrition  and also to provide treatment. Since mid-January, nearly 170,000 children under the age of five and more than 10,000 pregnant women and breastfeeding women have been screened. Over 11,500 of those children have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition and are receiving treatment.

Catherine Russell, the head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), today spoke out on the impediments faced by humanitarian workers in Gaza, saying that we do not have the necessary conditions in the Gaza Strip for a robust humanitarian response. The flow of aid must be unimpeded and access must be regular and access must be safe, she said. She also asserted that the dire situation and attacks against humanitarian personnel continue to obstruct our efforts. And of course, as you all recall, yesterday, a UNICEF vehicle was hit by bullets while waiting at a designated holding point near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint. And turning to the West Bank, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are assessing the needs of people displaced during an Israeli military operation in Tulkarm city and in the refugee camp there earlier this week. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that at least five Palestinians were killed by drone strikes by Israeli forces on Monday.

** Lebanon

And today, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, who as you know is the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, briefed Security Council members in closed consultations, alongside the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix. These consultations followed the publication of the Secretary-General's 1701 report on Lebanon. Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert told the Security Council that both Lebanon and Israel state that they do not seek war, and she expressed hope that a ceasefire in Gaza would lead to an immediate return to the cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line. She also touched upon the other pre-existing crises in Lebanon, mainly the ongoing presidential impasse, and reaffirming the UN's support and assistance to the people of Lebanon.

** Ukraine

Turning to Ukraine, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell us that attacks today and yesterday in the east and south of the country have resulted in civilian casualties and damaged infrastructure. The Office says that ongoing strikes have damaged humanitarian facilities and supplies  and continue to impede aid operations in Ukraine. At least 10 such incidents were reported in seven eastern and southern regions in May and June alone. Attacks in major Ukrainian cities where humanitarian organizations have a significant presence  including Kharkiv and Dnipro  pose a major threat to aid workers.

** Ethiopia

And just a couple of notes from the African Continent. Just an update on Ethiopia, where since last night, our colleagues have been on the ground in the areas impacted by the landslide. Our Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs colleagues are leading a team to assess the situation and mobilize response efforts We, along with our partners, are already dispatching assistance, including food, nutrition, health and other critical supplies. Our humanitarian colleagues note that search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing, amid fears the death toll could increase significantly beyond the more than 230 fatalities reported so far. Authorities say more than 15,500 people have been impacted and stress that it is critical they be evacuated, given the high risk of further landslides. The Government is working with regional and local authorities on plans to relocate them.

** Malawi

And in Malawi, we and our partners launched a flash appeal seeking more than $136 million to provide life-saving assistance to 3.8 million people who have been impacted by the country's devastating drought. You'll recall that Malawi 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  that's 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 six countries in Southern Africa that have declared a state of disaster due to drought. Since December of last year, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) of the UN has allocated nearly $37 million to UN agencies responding to El Nino-induced drought in several countries in the region  with $2 million going to Malawi.

** Colombia

And in Colombia, our Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs colleagues are telling us they are concerned, because during the first half of this year, more than 120,000 people have been displaced or had their movements restricted by armed groups  and that's what our humanitarian partners are telling us as well as official reports. We are also worried about the potential for an increase in armed violence in Colombia's border regions  which would only increase humanitarian needs there. Humanitarian challenges in Colombia remain significant: Some 8.3 million people  out of the 52 million people in the country  need humanitarian assistance, amid ongoing conflicts between the Government and armed groups  and among those groups themselves. Colombia also continues to cope with the effects of climate shocks.

Already this year, more than 1.2 million people in the country have been affected by the El Nino phenomenon, which has fuelled wildfires and led to water shortages in almost all of the regions of the country. Indigenous, Afro-Colombian and agricultural communities have been especially hit hard. The humanitarian community in Colombia continues to support response efforts  with nearly half a million people having received at least some form of assistance.

** Senior Personnel Appointment

And lastly, but not lastly. A senior personnel appointment to share with you: Today, the Secretary-General appointed Milbert Dongjoon Shin of the United States as his new Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, better known as UNMIK. He succeeds Barrie Lynne Freeman of the United States, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her service at UNMIK. Mr. Shin brings to the position 30 years of experience in international peace and security, international law, and human rights, including in the field. Since 2022, he has served as Chief of the Rule of Law and Security Institutions Section in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). We congratulate him on his new job. Edie?

** Questions and Answers

Question : Thank you, Steph. Do you have an update on how much aid is actually getting into Gaza?

Spokesman : I don't have a hard number update. We continue to have some movements, notably from the north, through Erez West, and the challenges at Kerem Shalom are continuing.

Question : Can we get an update on fuel and...?

Spokesman : Yeah, we'll try to get you those numbers.

Question : And on Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert's briefing this morning to the Council on Lebanon, can we get any more details on what she said and what others said? Obviously, this is a pretty big issue.

Spokesman : No, I understand. There are closed consultations. Her office out of Beirut issued a press release, so that's what we have. If we get you more, I will let you know. Ms. Saloomey?

Question : Just following up on that, I did see the Secretary-General's report, and he mentioned that he was profoundly concerned by the escalation of fire across the Blue Line. Can you speak to his concerns and whether or not there's been any signs of progress on those pre-existing conditions you mentioned, in terms of the lack of an election, progress towards deploying troops to the south?

Spokesman : I think the report in itself outlines clearly the progress and mostly lack thereof in the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). We continue to be extremely worried about what is going on along the Blue Line. I mean, we're seeing fire coming from both sides, exchange of fire. Civilian populations have had to evacuate their homes, both north of the Blue Line in Lebanon and south of the Blue Line in Israel. The UNIFIL [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] commander continues to be in touch with all parties. We have this established trilateral mechanism that brings together UNIFIL, the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli Defense Forces. We encourage both Israel and Lebanon to make use of that mechanism to try to de-escalate. I think the Secretary-General has been, at different points, extremely clear and extremely alarmed by the risk of spreading of an all-out war and the devastation that it would bring to the people of Lebanon and the people of Israel. Frank?

Question : Yeah. I wanted to get some confirmation on a report of data that was issued...?

Spokesman : Can you put your microphone a little closer?

Question : Is that better? Yeah, I wanted to get some confirmation on a report of data that was supposedly leaked from the UN Crisis Coordination Centre, which updated the number of UN dependents killed by the war in Gaza.

Spokesman : What we do know is that more than 190 UNRWA staff that died in Gaza and including others, many of them died with their families, right, in their homes, with their extended families and dependents. But, we do not have hard numbers to share with you on that. Any more questions? Yes, sir, please.

Correspondent : Thank you, [Mr.] Dujarric. This is Lovlu Ansar...

Spokesman : Your microphone is not on. Let's wait for the red light to come on.

Question : Thank you, Dujarric. This is Lovlu Ansar from Bangladesh Pratidin. Using Bangladesh ongoing Quota Reform Movement by students as a shield, an abandoned political party named Jamaat-e-Islami of Bangladesh has no support, indulged in sabotage...?

Spokesman : Sir, I would really... I'm happy to indulge in questions. I'm not so happy to indulge in statements. So, I know the situation in Bangladesh. What is the question that I may try to answer?

Question : Okay, on Monday, Bangladesh top business group leaders presented... sent sensational information during the exchange of views with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Is there any observation of the UN Secretary-General in this regard?

Spokesman : I didn't understand the first part of the question.

Correspondent : The business leaders informed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that, based on student movements, another abandoned political party tried to overthrow the democratic Government of Bangladesh.

Spokesman : I think we have been extremely clear in expressing our concern about what is happening in Bangladesh, about the mass arrests, the killings we have seen. It is very important that people demonstrate peacefully and that the authorities guarantee that right for peaceful demonstration. It is a right that is enshrined in international human rights [covenants]. All acts of violence should be investigated in a transparent and credible manner. People need to be held to account, but there needs to be the creation of an environment that is conducive to dialogue. And frankly, I think if we step back, we have seen demonstrations recently in different parts of the world, in different countries, with young people expressing the frustration at the state of the world, at their future, expressing their frustration at institutions, and the responsiveness of institutions. Part of that are governance issues. Part of it is also, I think, the impact, the effects of how an international financial system remains unjust and has not been able to deal with the situation in a way that doesn't hurt young people. So, this is something we've seen all over the world. But, what is critically important is that wherever these demonstrations occur, people be allowed to demonstrate peacefully without fear of arrest, without fear of being wounded or worse. Okay, Mushfique?

Question : Thank you, Steph. Can you hear me?

Spokesman : Yes, sir.

Correspondent : As you know, security forces, including the army, have been given a shoot-on-sight order by the ruling prime minister, resulting in the killing of students...

Spokesman : We lost you. Mushfique, I cannot...

Question : Can you hear me?

Spokesman : I cannot hear you. If you could just, like I told your colleague, I just really want to have a question mark. So, what is the question?

Question : So, will the security forces, those who got shoot-on-sight order, will this have implications for Bangladesh's role as the second largest contributor to peacekeeping...?

Spokesman : Look, what I can tell you is that, of course, as I've just said, we're very concerned about the recent incidents in Bangladesh, including the use of live ammunition by security forces. Those concerns have been shared both through public statements from this podium and directly with Bangladeshi authorities, both in Dhaka and here in New York. As to respect to Bangladesh's role in peacekeeping, I can tell you that the policy on human rights screening for UN personnel places primary responsibilities on Member States to ensure that the personnel they nominate for deployment have not been involved in past violations of international humanitarian or human rights law or have never been repatriated from a UN operation. We obviously remain engaged with the national authorities on this issue, and we want to ensure that all measures are being taken to comply with the requirements of our human rights policy. There's somebody next to you and I can't... Serife, I think that's you. The screen's a little far away.

Question : Yes, that is me. Thank you, Stephane. You've probably seen the reports and also videos in social media showing Israeli soldiers, that is during their second raid to Tulkarm refugee camp. They are detaining and strapping a man on a military vehicle as a human shield in the occupied West Bank. We've seen Israeli soldiers do this before, also in the occupied West Bank. I want to know if you find these recurring incidents to be barbaric or how do you evaluate them? Thank you.

Spokesman : We're very disturbed by all of these reports, and it's incumbent that they are fully investigated and those responsible be held to account. Okay. On that note, I shall see you tomorrow with the Secretary-General. You may not ask me questions, but you may ask him questions.

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Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the situation in the Gaza Strip

UNICEF

24 July 2024

NEW YORK, 24 July 2024 -- "With each passing week, children and families face new horrors in the Gaza Strip. The devastating attacks on schools and internally displaced sites continue, reportedly killing hundreds more Palestinians, many of them women and children, and leaving already overwhelmed hospitals buckling under the strain.

"We see children who withstood previous injuries only to be hurt again. Doctors and nurses with no resources, struggling to save lives. Thousands of boys and girls sick, hungry, injured, or separated from their families. The violence and deprivation are leaving permanent scars on their vulnerable bodies and minds. And now, with a breakdown in sanitation and sewage treatment, the polio virus joins the list of threats, especially for the thousands of unvaccinated children.

"As families are repeatedly forced to move to escape the immediate violence, the humanitarian situation is beyond catastrophic.

"Humanitarian agencies, including UNICEF, are doing everything we can to respond, but the dire situation and attacks against humanitarian personnel continue to obstruct our efforts. Just yesterday, a clearly marked UNICEF vehicle was hit by bullets while waiting at a designated holding point near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint. It was one of two vehicles on the way to pick up five young children to reunite them with their father after their mother was killed. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the team managed to reunite the family. Yet in this incident, like others before it, the humanitarian consequences could have been horrific, for the children we serve, and for our teams.

"Simply put - we do not have the necessary conditions in the Gaza Strip for a robust humanitarian response. The flow of aid must be unimpeded and access must be regular and safe.

"For almost nine months, aid has trickled into Gaza. Civilians have been deprived of supplies. The commercial sector has been decimated. This has led to growing competition for what little is available, the smuggling of goods into the Gaza Strip, and now the increasingly organized looting of aid supplies. This not only impedes our efforts to reach vulnerable families but puts our teams and the civilians we are supporting at risk.

"The challenge is exacerbated by the operating conditions on the ground. At least 278 aid workers in the Gaza Strip have already been killed - a record number - while others are put in harm's way, or prevented from doing their jobs.

"We need an immediate improved security environment, including security for aid delivery trucks, to allow aid workers to safely reach the communities they intend to serve.

"Most critically, we need an immediate and sustainable ceasefire. We call on all parties to this conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. They must protect civilians and the infrastructure they rely on. This includes ensuring civilians receive the essentials they need to survive - food, water, nutrition treatment, shelter, and health care - through safe and unimpeded humanitarian operations.

"It is long past time for this crisis to end, for hostages to be returned to their families and for the children of Gaza to have a healthy and secure future."

#####

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UNICEF chief calls for urgent security reset in Gaza amid 'new horrors'

24 July 2024 - The head of the UN Children's 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.

"Simply put - we do not have the necessary conditions in the Gaza Strip for a robust humanitarian response," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement issued in the wake of an attack on one of the agency's vehicles and the latest Israeli evacuation order in Khan Younis.

Children suffer 'permanent scars'

Ms. Russell began by acknowledging the dire conditions in Gaza, where "with each passing week, families face new horrors".

She said devastating attacks on schools and sites housing displaced people continue, reportedly killing hundreds more Palestinians and further straining the already overburdened hospitals in the enclave.

"We see children who withstood previous injuries only to be hurt again. Doctors and nurses with no resources, struggling to save lives. Thousands of boys and girls sick, hungry, injured, or separated from their families," she said.

"The violence and deprivation are leaving permanent scars on their vulnerable bodies and minds. And now, with a breakdown in sanitation and sewage treatment, the polio virus joins the list of threats, especially for the thousands of unvaccinated children."

Humanitarian situation 'beyond catastrophic'

Meanwhile, "as families are repeatedly forced to move to escape the immediate violence, the humanitarian situation is beyond catastrophic," she said.

Although UNICEF and other humanitarian agencies are doing everything they can to respond, "the dire situation and attacks against humanitarian personnel continue to obstruct our efforts."

On Tuesday, a clearly-marked UNICEF vehicle was hit by bullets while waiting at a designated holding point near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint. It was one of two vehicles that were going to collect five young children and reunite them with their father after their mother was killed.

"Fortunately, no one was injured, and the team managed to reunite the family," she said. "Yet in this incident, like others before it, the humanitarian consequences could have been horrific."

Safe, unimpeded aid access

Stating that the conditions in Gaza do not support a robust humanitarian response, she said that "the flow of aid must be unimpeded and access must be regular and safe."

For nearly nine months, aid has trickled in, civilians have been deprived of supplies, and the commercial sector has been decimated, she said.

The result has been growing competition for the little that is available, smuggling of goods into Gaza, and the increasingly organized looting of aid supplies which "not only impedes our efforts to reach vulnerable families but puts our teams and the civilians we are supporting at risk."

At least 278 aid workers killed

The situation is exacerbated by the operating conditions on the ground, she continued, noting that at least 278 aid workers have already been killed to date - a record number - while others are put in harm's way or prevented from doing their jobs.

"We need an immediate improved security environment, including security for aid delivery trucks, to allow aid workers to safely reach the communities they intend to serve," Ms. Russell said.

"Most critically, we need an immediate and sustainable ceasefire."

The UNICEF chief called on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, and to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

"It is long past time for this crisis to end, for hostages to be returned to their families and for the children of Gaza to have a healthy and secure future," she said.

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Gaza: Exodus from Khan Younis compounds pressure on meagre resources

By Daniel Johnson

24 July 2024 - About 150,000 people fled Khan Younis in a single day on Monday following evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military there, UN humanitarians have said, intensifying pressure on meagre food, water and places to seek shelter.

According to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, some 1.9 million people - nine in 10 in Gaza - have been forcibly uprooted since 7 October, including people who have been repeatedly displaced.

For UN aid agencies and partners, "fuel shortages continue to undermine humanitarian operations and jeopardize the functioning of health, water and food production facilities," according to the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, in its latest update.

According to the UN agency's aid access dashboard, only 24 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies handled and retrieved by UNRWA - the largest UN agency operating in Gaza - entered the Strip via Kerem Shalom in the south of the enclave on Sunday, the latest displayed date.

None entered the enclave on Saturday but 46 trucks reached northern Gaza on Saturday via Western Erez crossing.

Compared with June, when almost 1,300 trucks entered the battered enclave, July's total is only 674, with just one week until the end of the month.

Paltry fuel deliveries

Citing OCHA, UNRWA said that between 1 and 21 July, just over 2.1 million litres of fuel entered Gaza, including 378,700 on 21 July alone. This is about 103,000 litres of fuel per day, or a quarter of the 400,000 litres of fuel that humanitarians estimate is needed daily to sustain humanitarian activities in Gaza.

Several ongoing challenges stand in the way of collecting much needed humanitarian supplies from the Kerem Shalom crossing point in southern Gaza, the UN agency said, highlighting the breakdown in law and order, among other factors.

West Bank spiral continues

In a related development, a top independent human rights expert said on Wednesday that the Israeli authorities "continue to target human rights defenders" in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, before calling for the immediate release of two Palestinian human rights defenders held in "administrative detention".

Omar al-Khatib and Diala Ayesh were arrested between October 2023 and March 2024, according to Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

She said in a statement that Mr. al-Khatib campaigns against the forced eviction of Palestinian families from the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, while Ms. Ayesh is a human rights lawyer who documents the detention conditions of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.

They and three other activists were "reportedly slapped, beaten, humiliated, sent from one prison to another in the space of one or two days, and made to sign documents in Hebrew they could not understand", maintained Ms. Lawlor, who was appointed by and reports to the Human Rights Council and is not a UN staff member.

"All five human rights defenders were arrested without warrant. They were not given any reason as to why there were being detained. They were all interrogated without the presence of a lawyer. They were not allowed contact with their families," Ms. Lawlor said.

Deaths and demolitions

Staying with the occupied West Bank, media reports indicated that four Palestinians were killed there on Tuesday.

Israeli armoured personnel carriers and troops reportedly entered Qalandiya - a densely packed refugee camp north of Jerusalem - and destroyed the house of a Palestinian alleged to have carried out an attack on Israel.

The latest West Bank humanitarian update from OCHA reported that at least 554 Palestinians have been killed between 7 October 2023 and 15 July 2024, while the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that 143 children have died in the West Bank including East Jerusalem since 7 October, at an average of one child killed every two days.

The Palestinian victims included 539 killed by Israeli forces, 10 by Israeli settlers and seven whose perpetrators were either Israeli forces or settlers.

During the same period, 14 Israelis (nine Israeli soldiers and five settlers) were killed by Palestinians in the West Bank. In Israel, attacks by Palestinians from the West Bank have claimed the lives of eight Israelis and four Palestinians.

Between 15 and 21 July UNRWA reported at least 169 recorded Israeli Security Forces (ISF) search and arrest operations across the occupied West Bank. "More than 110 Palestinians...were detained by the ISF during this period and there were three recorded Palestinians killed.

"One person was killed during an ISF operation in Beit Ummar, in the southern West Bank, on 19 July," UNRWA said.

Violence follows ICJ declaration

The UN agency also noted that on 15 July, the ISF demolished five houses in Al Walajah village, north of Bethlehem, resulting in the displacement of an estimated 39 Palestine refugees.

And following the release of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 19 July, attacks by Israeli settlers were reported against Palestinian communities in Huwwara and Burin, in the northern West Bank, and in Masafer Yatta, in the southern West Bank, UNRWA continued.

The world court's declaration that Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory "is unlawful" and that "all States are under an obligation not to recognize" the decades-long occupation, followed a request by the UN General Assembly on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

Latest data compiled by OCHA on demolition and displacement in the West Bank pointed to more than 820 demolitions of Palestinian-owned structures in the territory since the start of the year.

At the current rate of destruction, a record 1,400 buildings could be razed by the end of the year, surpassing the previous high of 1,177 in 2023 and 1,094 in 2016.

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World News in Brief: Rights chief 'horrified' at deadly PNG violence, Lebanon-Israel 'knife edge', Sudan refugees suffer sexual violence

24 July 2024 - Recent attacks on three villages in East Sepik province, Papua New Guinea, resulted in at least 26 deaths - including 16 children - an event that has left UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk "horrified", he said in a statement on Wednesday.

The attacks, which took place on 16 and 18 July reportedly occurred because of a land, lake ownership and user rights dispute.

These attacks reportedly stem from conflicts resulting from tribal violence in the southwest Pacific nation in February where about 26 people were also killed.

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) had urged the government at that time to address the issue and ensure the protection of civilians - particularly women and girls.

Preventing more bloodshed

The High Commissioner said the number of those killed in the attacks in East Sepik province could rise to 50 as local authorities continue to look for missing people.

Further, over 200 villagers left the province as their homes were being torched.

"I urge the authorities to conduct prompt, impartial and transparent investigations and to ensure those responsible are held to account," Mr. Turk said.

"It is also vital that victims and their families receive reparations, including adequate housing, effective protection against further attacks and necessary psychosocial support."

The High Commissioner also calls on authorities to address the main causes of land and lake disputes in the affected communities to "prevent recurrence of further violence."

Diplomatic off-ramp to avoid Lebanon-Israel still possible: Special Coordinator

Lebanon and the wider region remains on a knife edge as the war in Gaza grinds on and exchanges of fire continue across its southern border with Israel, the UN Special Coordinator told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Briefing ambassadors behind closed doors, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert gave her update alongside the UN Peace Operations chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, following the latest report on the UN mission which monitors the so-called Blue Line frontier between Lebanon and northern Israel.

She said Lebanon, along with the wider region, remains on a knife-edge, yet a diplomatic way out is still possible, according to a press release on the proceedings.

Rejecting the notion of an all-out conflict as inevitable, she said both Lebanon and Israel had stated they were not seeking war and she expressed hope that a "Gaza deal" would lead to an immediate return to the cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line.

Tinderbox

The Special Coordinator echoed concerns, however, that a miscalculation by either side could easily ignite a regional war.

She therefore urged no effort be spared to bring both sides back from the brink, while stressing implementation of resolution 1701 as the pathway towards long-term security.

She also explained that, amid an "ongoing presidential impasse" the erosion of State authority and its institutions, was a material fact on the ground.

"She lamented that Lebanese people are forced to survive on remittances or by juggling multiple jobs, and underlined the urgency of reviving progress on economic and financial reforms", the release issued by her office said.

Sexual violence against Sudanese refugees 'chronically under-reported'

Following disturbing reports of conflict-related sexual violence in the Eastern provinces of Chad, the UN Special Representative who monitors the scourge Pramila Patten visited the Ouaddai region to assess the situation and meet survivors.

Of the 620,000 refugees who have fled there due to the ongoing hostilities in Sudan, around 90 per cent are women and children.

The numbers of refugees are only increasing, with more than 3,200 people continuing to flee to eastern Chad every week.

Ms. Patten met with refugee women and learned first-hand how sexual violence remains a continuing threat for vulnerable civilians during the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Cases involved multiple perpetrators, the use of ethnically motivated sexual violence, instances of rape in front of family members and the targeting of women activists and first-responders.

The women also shared their experiences about the challenges they faced in accessing essential services, including legal assistance, mental health care and trauma counselling.

"In any conflict, sexual violence is a chronically under-reported crime, and this case is no exception," Ms. Patten said.

Surviving without help

"Survivors of sexual violence have not been able to report their cases or access lifesaving assistance due to the magnitude of the crisis, the distance to and paucity of health structures as well as shame and stigma rooted in harmful social norms."

She said that in most cases, women who were subjected to sexual violence in Sudan or during their flight only sought medical assistance when they realised they were pregnant.

The Special Representative is calling on "all parties to the conflict to comply with international human rights and humanitarian law and in particular to guarantee immediate and complete cessation of all violence against civilians, including sexual violence".

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UNRWA Situation Report #123 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information from 18-22 July 2024, valid as of 22 July 2024 at 22:30)

UNRWA

24 Jul 2024

Key Points

The Gaza Strip

Ongoing strikes by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) continue, with aerial, land and maritime bombardment across the Gaza Strip. These result in civilian casualties, displacement and the destruction of residential structures and civilian infrastructure. The ISF ground offensive continues to expand, with ISF issuing a new evacuation order covering parts of the so-called "humanitarian zone" in the Al Mawasi area of Khan Younis. According to OCHA 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.

UNRWA Commissioner-General posted on his official X account on 21 July that a UN convoy heading to Gaza City experienced heavy shooting from Israeli Security Forces, with one vehicle receiving at least five bullets while waiting just ahead of the ISF checkpoint south of Wadi Gazi. Like all other similar UN movements, the UN convoy movement was coordinated and approved by the Israeli Authorities.

According to ANERA, slow and inadequate delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza is creating desperation among the people, leading to lawlessness. Security threats to aid workers  including attacks on truck drivers and distribution centres, looting, and navigating spontaneous roadblocks  are becoming the norm. ANERA stated that civilian police were unable to maintain order as they had been targeted by Israeli forces.

According to WHO, the health system continues to be dismantled, with reduced health service availability, with only 16 out of 36 hospitals (44 per cent) partially functional and 45 out of 105 (43 per cent) primary health care facilities functional. UNRWA remains a major actor in the health sector, providing health services across 10 primary health centres and up to 100 medical points across the Gaza Strip. Vaccine-derived polio virus type 2 (VDPV-2) was found in six locations in Khan Younis and Deir Balah. UNRWA, WHO and UNICEF are to assess how far poliovirus has spread to determine emergency measures to stop any further spreading.

As of 22 July, the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since 7 October is 197.

According to the UN, up to 1.9 million people (or nine in ten people) across the Gaza Strip are internally displaced, including people who have been repeatedly displaced (some up to 10 times).

According to OCHA, fuel shortages continue to undermine humanitarian operations and jeopardize the functioning of health, water, and food production facilities. Between 1 and 21 July, just over 2.1 million litres of fuel entered Gaza, including 378,700 on 21 July alone. On average, this is about 103,000 litres of fuel per day, or a quarter of the estimated 400,000 litres of fuel needed daily to sustain humanitarian activities in Gaza.

Several challenges stand in the way of collecting much needed humanitarian supplies from the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing point in southern Gaza. One of the factors is the deteriorating law and order, other factors are the war and insecurity, damaged infrastructure, fuel shortages and restricted access.

The latest information on supplies entering Gaza can be found below:

Gaza Supplies and Dispatch Tracking | UNRWA

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem update is now once a week.

According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023 and 15 July 2024, at least 554 Palestinians were killed. Separately, UNICEF1 reported that 143 children, were killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem since 7 October, an average of 1 child being killed every 2 days.

Between 15 and 21 July there were at least 169 recorded ISF search and arrest operations across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. More than 110 Palestinians, including Palestine Refugees, were detained by the ISF during this period and there were three recorded Palestinians killed. One person was killed during an ISF operation in Beit Ummar, in the southern West Bank, on 19 July.

On 15 July, ISF demolished five houses in Al Walajah village, north of Bethlehem, resulting in the displacement of an estimated 39 Palestine Refugees. Following the release of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice published on 19 July, attacks by Israeli settlers were reported against Palestinian communities in Huwwara and Burin, in the northern West Bank, and in Masafer Yatta, in the southern West Bank.

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Minihan updates Congress on mobility aircraft

Published July 24, 2024

By Tiffany Ormerod

Air Mobility Command

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, alongside Lt. Gen. David Tabor, U.S. Air Force deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, and Rear Adm. Derek Trinque, U.S. Transportation Command director of strategic plans, policy and logistics, testified in front of the House Armed Services subcommittee on seapower and projection forces, July 23, on connectivity of the U.S. Air Force mobility fleet.

The hearing occurred exactly one year after Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023, which revealed a critical need for mobility connectivity in a contested environment.

"To date, AMC always responds to the call," In his written statement to the House Armed Forces Committee, Minihan explained, "Focusing on developing AMC's connectivity enables the Joint Force to act at tempo and scale, improving Joint Force survivability, meaningful maneuver and lethality."

On Monday, July 22, Minihan and Chief Master Sgt. Jamie Newman, AMC command chief, also hosted a Congressional delegation aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker to demonstrate the capabilities and advantages line of site and beyond line of site communications could bring to the mobility fleet.

The Fairchild Air Force Base KC-135, equipped with a real-time information in the cockpit data link system, was used during the demonstration showing the capabilities while refueling mission F-16s and a KC-46.

"RTIC provides interoperability through secure means between aircraft as well as between ground stations," Capt. Robert Schaefer, a pilot assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, explained. "It enables our tankers to act as more of a tactical data link node and it gives us, as aircrew, a lot more situational awareness."

"Mission systems are needed on board AMC aircraft to integrate, interpret and present data to decision makers at the edge in a relevant way to empower those decision makers if, and when, disconnected," Minihan wrote.

Soon after MG23, Minihan announced a new command initiative, 25x25, focused on the goal of connecting 25 percent of the fleet by 2025 in an effort to expedite closing the gap ahead of the normal budget cycle.

"Mobility Guardian 2023 highlighted the challenges we will experience while operating legacy equipment across vast distances without the necessary connectivity tools," Minihan explained, "With connectivity, our air mobility enterprise will create synergistic effects for the Joint team, allowing them to sense, make sense, and maneuver at a tempo necessary to prevail."

Air Mobility Command provides Rapid Global Mobility, and is globally relied upon to project, connect, maneuver and safeguard our Nation's troops, their equipment and its citizens, whether it is to transport the wounded home or sustain lethality for the Joint Force in competition, crisis and conflict.

"Decades of low-intensity conflict and decades of under-investment in mobility connectivity have left our Air Mobility assets without the ability to tie into current Air Force and Joint battle networks." Minihan said, "This has left our aircraft and our ground support systems blind to blue force movements and red force threats."

The current Mobility Air Forces are the most relied upon force in the history of warfare, which requires the most connectivity, Minihan continued.

"We are running out of time and the need to act is even more urgent if we are going to be prepared when the Nation calls." Minihan said, "Through tenacity, grit, and determination, Airmen routinely fill the gap between what they have and what they wish they had. Because of our Airmen, we are going to win. Our job is to make a fight unfair, and to give that Airman every tool and every advantage necessary to be successful."

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BESPIN strengthens software innovation partnership with RSAF

Published July 24, 2024

By Brianna Wilson

Air Force Business and Enterprise Systems Directorate Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (AFNS) -- The Business and Enterprise Systems Product Innovation team recently visited Singapore to deepen its collaborative efforts with the Republic of Singapore Air Force, marking a pivotal moment in advancing international software innovation within the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense.

During the visit, BESPIN's leadership team led by Lt. Col. Jon Drummond, BESPIN chief executive officer, engaged with key RSAF representatives. Discussions focused on the successful Stargazer project, User-Centered Design, Robotic Process Automation, product management strategy, Agile Contracting Mechanisms, talent management, DevSecOps, future joint initiatives, data operations, and challenges.

"Our partnership with the RSAF underscores our shared commitment to leveraging technology to address complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions for our respective Air Force's," Drummond said. "We are excited to further strengthen this collaboration."

The visit builds upon the foundations laid in November 2022, when members of the RSAF Agile Innovation Digital team visited BESPIN's facilities in Montgomery, Alabama. This initial collaboration resulted in a bilateral military partnership, where five RSAF Airmen worked with BESPIN, leading to the development of Stargazer - a software plugin addressing data spillage in open text fields.

BESPIN's delegation showcased their expertise in development, security and operations led by Dave Cantrell, BESPIN's chief information security officer, which highlighted BESPIN's capability to rapidly move technology solutions from concept to deployment.

"The RSAF's dedication to innovation aligns seamlessly with BESPIN's mission to empower Airmen worldwide through cutting-edge software solutions," added Lt. Col. Tyler Hough, BESPIN chief operating officer. "We look forward to exploring new avenues for collaboration and harnessing the power of software innovation to drive mission success."

During the week-long tech session, "Beyond DevSecOps," two additional topics took center stage: Design and RPA. In the design track discussion collaborative groups delved into user-centered design, underscoring the significance of these principles in crafting groundbreaking solutions. As BESPIN maintains its role as the U.S. Air Force design as a service center of excellence, these discussions provided invaluable insights into future operations and design as a service.

A keynote speech was given by, Matthew Roberts, Department of the Air Force Bot Automation Center of Excellence program manager, on how RPA plays a crucial role in the collaboration. Both BESPIN and RSAF recognize the potential of RPA in streamlining operations, reducing manual tasks and improving efficiency. The integration of RPA technologies will further enhance automating future initiatives and driving innovation across both air rorces.

In addition to official meetings, the BESPIN team toured several RSAF facilities and historical venues, gaining insights into their history, advanced technologies and operational capabilities.

BESPIN is a software solution center chartered to build the U.S. Air Force Mobile Center of Excellence and scale cloud and mobile application development across the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense.

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Turkiye Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 151 from Brazil

US Navy

24 July 2024

From NAVCENT Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain -- The Turkish Navy assumed command of Combined Maritime Forces' (CMF) counter-piracy focused task force during a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 24.

Brazilian Navy Rear Admiral Antonio Braz de Souza relinquished command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 to Turkish Navy Rear Admiral Rustu Sezer as the commander of CMF, Vice Adm. George Wikoff, looked on. Braz de Souza assumed command in January.

Under Braz de Souza's leadership, CTF 151 carried out five successful Sea Joint Activities (SJA) and one Focused Operation (Mare Liberum IV) with 13 participating countries, aimed at enhancing interoperability among assets from various nations and deterring illicit activities on the high seas. Additionally, he conducted key leader engagements with multiple countries and maritime organizations to discuss the importance of collaboration, information sharing and the exchange of knowledge. Braz de Souza also strengthened partnerships with other naval forces, such as the European Union Naval Forces ATALANTA and ASPIDES, to support maritime security efforts.

The CTF, established in January 2009, is one of five operational task forces under CMF and focuses on deterring piracy and suppressing other illicit activities in the Western Indian Ocean. CTF 151 includes representatives from Brazil, Bahrain, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Republic of Korea, Spain, Thailand and Turkiye.

"When I took over command of CTF 151, I was aware of the importance and responsibilities that this position entailed. Especially in this command, after a long dormant period, we were faced with the resurgence of piracy, a challenge that demanded a swift and coordinated response from all of us," said Braz de Souza. "Thanks to the effort and dedication of every member of this task force, we managed to confront this threat with competence and determination. I am grateful to Vice Admiral Wikoff, whose high competence is an example to all of us, always seeking to guide and foster an excellent work environment."

Sezer comes to the CTF after serving as Commodore of 5th Destroyer Division Command. This change of command marks the seventh time Turkiye has commanded CTF 151.

"It is indeed an honor and great privilege for me to take command of this unique task force on behalf of my country, Turkiye, and to be a part of the Combined Maritime Forces family," said Sezer. "Global maritime commerce continues to be protected and freedom of navigation continues to be secured."

CTF 151 is one of five task forces under CMF, the world's largest international naval partnership. CTF 151's mission is to deter, disrupt, and suppress piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment.

Combined Maritime Forces is a 44-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes.





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Readout of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Meeting with Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Adm. Akira Saito

US Navy - Press Release

24 July 2024

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Adm. Akira Saito in Perth, Australia while in town for the Indian Ocean Defense and Security Conference, July 24.

Chief of Naval Operations Spokesperson Navy Cmdr. Desiree Frame provided the following readout:

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Adm. Akira Saito in Perth, Australia while in town for the Indian Ocean Defense and Security Conference, July 24.

Franchetti congratulated Saito on his appointment as Chief of Staff and reaffirmed that the U.S. - Japan Alliance remains the cornerstone of our regional security strategy to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

During their meeting the leaders discussed Franchetti's recent visit to JS Kunisaki (LST-4003) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, and Franchetti praised JMSDF for their expanded leadership role in the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response portion of the exercise.

The two Heads of Navy said the size and scope of this year's RIMPAC has allowed all 29 nations participating to expand training opportunities and experiment with new technology while at the same time reinforcing their commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Franchetti said she looks forward to continued opportunities for bilateral and multilateral exercises with the JMSDF.

This was Franchetti and Saito's first meeting as heads of Navy.

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Readout of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Meeting with Royal Singapore Navy's Chief of Navy Rear Adm. Sean Wat

US Navy - Press Release

24 July 2024

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with the Royal Singapore Navy's Chief of Navy, Rear Adm. Sean Wat in Perth, Australia while in town for the Indian Ocean Defense and Security (IODS) Conference, July 24.

Chief of Naval Operations Spokesperson Navy Cmdr. Desiree Frame provided the following readout:

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with the Royal Singapore Navy's Chief of Navy, Rear Adm. Sean Wat in Perth, Australia while in town for the Indian Ocean Defense and Security (IODS) Conference, July 24.

The two leaders discussed Singapore's participation in the ongoing Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise - which Singapore has been participating in since 2008 - and their ability to further expand high-end training and interoperability in this year's exercise.

During their meeting the leaders also underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to expand bilateral force posture cooperation in Singapore to support deeper interoperability and demonstrate shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. and Royal Singapore navies frequently operate and train together, most recently commencing the multilateral exercise Cooperation Afloat Reading and Training (CARAT) Thailand last week.

The two leaders last met in April at the U.S. Pacific Fleet change of command in Pearl Harbor, HI.

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Israel's Netanyahu defiantly defends war against Hamas

By Ken Bredemeier July 24, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defiantly defended his country's 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 "Iran's useful idiots" helping Israel's 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 Japan's 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, "We're not only protecting ourselves, we're 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 we'll finish the job faster."

The U.S. has been Israel's 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 Netanyahu's 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 Israel's execution of the war in Gaza "is a brutal strategy beyond any acceptable level of self-defense."

"Netanyahu's 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 Netanyahu's 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. He's not welcome in the U.S., and that Israel has become a pariah state because of the way they've 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. Israel's 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. Israel's military says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters.

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Israel carries out new raids in Gaza as Netanyahu visits US

By VOA News July 24, 2024

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.

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Israeli tanks extend reach into southern Gaza; thousands flee

By VOA News July 24, 2024

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 Gaza's 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 group's 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 Hezbollah's 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.

He's 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.

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US, Saudi Arabia invite Sudan's warring factions to peace talks

By VOA News July 24, 2024

The leader of one of Sudan's two warring factions has accepted an invitation by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to participate in peace talks aimed at ending the country's devastating 15-month-old conflict.

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, released a statement late Tuesday accepting Blinken's 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 country's 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 Sudan's 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 Gueterres's 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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Russo-Ukraine War - 25 July 2024 - Day 883

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 on 23 July 2024 Ukrainian forces damaged the rail Roll On-Roll Off (RO-RO) ferry SLAVYANIN in Port Kavkaz, Russia. The strike will almost certainly cause Russia further logistical problems in supplying its occupying forces in southern Ukraine and the regional export of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG).

The SLAVYANIN has the largest capacity of the three rail RO-ROs transiting the Kerch Strait between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula. Following the successful Ukrainian missile strikes which damaged the other two rail RO-RO vessels on 29 May 2024, SLAVYANIN had been put back into service as the only rail RO-RO ferry. Prior to 29 May, the SLAVYANIN was highly likely transporting LPG to customers in the Black Sea.

Rendering RO-RO ferries non-operational, even temporarily, reduces imposes increased costs as well as reducing Russia's flexibility to transport fuel, munitions and equipment across the Kerch Strait. Since these attacks Russia has highly likely been forced to change its security procedures and risk the movement of fuel trainsets across the Kerch bridge, something it had tried to avoid doing since the first attack on the bridge in October 2022.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively thwart the enemy's attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect, exhaustion across the entire frontline.

In total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 126 combat clashes.

Russian zagarbniki carried out 66 air strikes on the territory of Ukraine, dropping 105 KABiv. In addition, the Russians used 430 kamikaze drones to strike and carried out more than 3,400 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces nine times attacked the defensive borders of Ukrainian warriors near vovchans ka, deep and quiet. Seven fights are completed, two more are ongoing.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces carried out offensive assaults eight times near synkivka, petropavlivka, stelmahivka and stepovoi novoselivka. Ukrainian defenders repelled six attacks, two more - still continuing.

In the Lyman direction during the day, Russian zagarbniki 12 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near Makiyivka and Nevsky, as well as in the area of the Serebryansky Forest. Nine attacks - repelled, three - continue.

In the Siversky direction during combat clashes, defenders of Ukrainian land stopped five Russian attacks in the areas of Verkhnyokamiansky, Spirny and Mykolaivka. There is currently one confrontation in progress. The situation is under control of Ukrainian troops.

In the direction of Kramatorsky, Russian forces carried out 13 offensive actions near Ivanivsky, Chasovoy Yar, Kalinivka, Maysky and Grigorivka. Defense forces repelled nine attacks, four more to go.

In the Toretsky direction, Russians attacked eight times Ukrainian troops near Zaliznogo, New York and Northern. Seven fights are completed, another battle is ongoing.

Russian zagarbniki showed the greatest activity in the Pokrovsky direction. Since the beginning of this day, the Russians have tried 31 times to break through Ukrainian defense near the settlements, namely, Oleksandropil, Vozdvizhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Timofiyivka, Ivanivka, Vesele, Novoselivka the First and Jasnobrodivka. Defense forces repelled 18 attacks, 13 - still going. Russia is concentrating efforts near Novooleksandrivka and Merry.

According to detailed information, today in this direction there were 201 Russian occupiers, 68 of them - irrevocably. Also destroyed the 2A36 "Hyacinth-B" cannon, five UAVs of different types and 10 units of car transport. In addition, the artillery unit 2C1 "Carnation", howitz D-30, mortar 2B11 and two vehicles were damaged.

In the kurakhivs komu direction, Russian forces 15 times attacked Ukrainian positions near krasnogorivka, konstantinivka and paraskoviivka. Twelve attacks have been repelled, three are still ongoing.

In the Vremivs komu direction, Russian forces carried out 13 offensive actions near Konstantinivka, Vodyany, Velika Novosilka and Rozdolny. Ukrainian defenders have stopped 10 Russian assaults, three more fights continue.

In the orihivs komu direction, the Russian zagarbniki carried out four attacks near the small tokmacka, yurkivka, novoandrijvka and scherbakiv. As a result of the boezitknen , we suffered defeats.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, all efforts of the Russian occupiers to drain Ukrainian units from occupied positions on the left bank of the Dnieper - also unsuccessful.

In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly.

Today it is worth celebrating the soldiers of the 54th separate mechanized brigade named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa, who effectively destroy the Russian enemy, inflicting heavy losses in live force and equipment.

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New Jersey Man Charged with Terrorism Offenses Relating to His Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Note: View the indictment here.

Hadi Matar, 26, of Fairview, New Jersey, was arraigned today in federal court in connection with attempting to provide material support to Hizballah, a designated foreign terrorist organization; engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries; and providing material support to terrorists.

"We allege that in attempting to murder Salman Rushdie in New York in 2022, Hadi Matar committed an act of terrorism in the name of Hizballah, a designated terrorist organization aligned with the Iranian regime," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The Justice Department will prosecute those who perpetrate violence in the name of terrorist groups and undermine the basic freedoms enshrined in our Constitution."

"The defendant attempted to carry out a fatwa endorsed by Hizballah that called for the death of Salman Rushdie a a fatwa issued in 1989 by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "Violence directed at Americans for exercising their First Amendment rights will never be tolerated. The FBI will work with our partners to pursue and hold accountable those who resort to violence."

"This defendant put time and effort into traveling to the Western District of New York with the intent of taking the life of another," said U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross for the Western District of New York. "Only because of the brave efforts of those who were present that day, the defendant was prevented from completing his murderous intention. This indictment is a result of the collaborative efforts of our investigative partners in law enforcement, which is one step towards ensuring that the defendant be held accountable for his actions."

According to the court documents and statements made by the government in court, between September 2020 and August 2022, Matar attempted to provide material support and resources to Hizballah. Matar did this by attempting to carry out a fatwa calling for the execution of Salman Rushdie, which Matar understood was endorsed by Hizballah.

The indictment further alleges that Matar attempted to kill and did in fact assault Rushdie. Matar was motivated, in part, by a 2006 speech given by Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, in which Nasrallah endorsed the fatwa calling for Rushdie's death, which was originally issued in 1989.

If convicted, Matar faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Charles M. Kruly for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Frank Russo of the Justice Department's National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topic: National Security

Components: Office of the Attorney General

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - New York, Western

Press Release Number: 24-926

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China's new-gen manned launch vehicle completes first high-altitude simulation test, paves way for crewed lunar exploration

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 23, 2024 08:34 PM

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 achieve 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 a 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.

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Iran to launch 8 more satellites by yearend

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 24, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran says it will launch at least 6 to 8 satellites into space by the end of the current Iranian year on March 20, 2025.

Head of the Iranian Space Agency Hassan Salarieh said Wednesday at a press conference that during the past three years, projects regarding the infrastructure of Iran's space industry were started and completed, the most prominent of which was the Chabahar space base.

Salarieh laid out the achievements of Iran's space program and explained the plans of the Iranian Space Agency for the Iranian year 1403 ending next March.

By the end of the year, the first phase of the Chabahar space base will be operational, he added.

He further also said launching Kowsar and Zafar-2 satellites, as well as placing the Tolou3 satellite into orbit using a foreign launch vehicle, are among the international plans of the organization.

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Statement on Exercise Pitch Black incident

Issued by Defence Media

24 July 2024

The Italian Air Force has confirmed an EFA 2000 Typhoon aircraft encountered an unknown issue during a training flight.

The pilot, who was participating Exercise Pitch Black 24, is safe and well and has been transported to hospital for precautionary checks after ejecting from their aircraft during flying operations.

At 10:45am (local time) on Wednesday 24 July 2024, the pilot made contact with aircrew in the area via radio. Australian Defence Force personnel in Darwin and Tindal responded immediately coordinating the location and recovery of the pilot. The pilot was transported to hospital in Darwin.

Exercise Commander, Air Commodore Peter Robinson, confirmed the pilot was uninjured, safe and in good spirits.

"Our Defence personnel worked rapidly and efficiently to respond to this situation and worked to help recover the pilot," Air Commodore Robinson said.

"We train for these scenarios as part of all of our safety planning and I was pleased to see the integration of international personnel with our own to coordinate the search, rescue and recovery of the pilot to hospital within three hours.

"I would like to thank all of those, including the Northern Territory emergency services who played a part in getting this pilot back to safety.

Exercise Pitch Black involves about 140 aircraft, 4500 personnel and 20 nations for exercises in the Northern Territory.

"We are a few weeks into the exercise and we have all formed friendships both in the Northern Territory and internationally as we rehearse and practise these complex flying activities."

The site, outside of the Darwin and Katherine flying areas, is now the subject of a safety investigation. Defence asks people to avoid the area.

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Chinese warship arrives in St. Petersburg for Russian naval celebrations

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jul 24, 2024 08:12 PM

A Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warship recently arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia to participate in Russia's upcoming Navy Day celebrations, with analysts highlighting recent China-Russia military exchanges and stressing the PLA Navy's far seas capabilities while refuting US media hype.

The Type 052D guided missile destroyer Jiaozuo, part of the PLA Navy's 46th escort task group, on Monday arrived in St. Petersburg and sailed along the Neva River on Tuesday in a welcome ceremony hosted by a Russian military band, with Russian military representatives and local people greeting the Chinese warship at the dock, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday.

The Jiaozuo is scheduled to remain in St. Petersburg for about a week and is open to the Russian public for visit, CCTV reported. Before joining a naval parade on Sunday, the PLA Navy destroyer will participate in a rehearsal on Thursday.

This is not the first time the PLA Navy has sent a warship to participate in Russia's Navy Day celebrations in St. Petersburg.

In 2019, the PLA Navy's Type 052C guided missile destroyer Xi'an was a part of that year's event, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Compared to five years ago, this year China has sent a more advanced type of warship to Russia, reflecting the development of the PLA Navy as well as China-Russia military ties, observers said.

China and Russia just wrapped up a joint naval patrol that stretched from northern Pacific waters to the South China Sea and a joint naval exercise in waters off China's southern coast, which also featured China's Type 052D destroyers.

Just as Western media groundlessly hyped the China-Russia joint naval patrol and exercise as "confronting NATO," a Newsweek report on Saturday claimed Chinese Navy ships had sailed into the "NATO lake," referring to the Jiaozuo's voyage through the Baltic Sea on its way to St. Petersburg.

The Jiaozuo, together with the Type 903A replenishment ship Honghu, also part of the PLA Navy's 46th escort task group, entered the Baltic Sea on Saturday and steamed toward St. Petersburg, Newsweek reported, hyping that the Chinese warships would "spend the next hours sailing past NATO's sea borders."

Such hype is a typical double standard and more of "China threat" rhetoric when US warships frequently sail in the South China Sea, make transits through the Taiwan Straits and conduct targeted exercises against China, a Beijing-based military expert told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The sailing of the Chinese warships conforms to the international law and practices, and if US media truly believe they are a threat, US warships are a much bigger threat to China, the expert said.

China and Russia have recently had frequent military interactions. The two countries oppose hegemony, and their military cooperation is conducive to peace and stability amid the deteriorating global and regional security situations, analysts said.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 24, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2024-07-24 18:51

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. What's your comment?

Mao Ning: There has been a lot of global attention on the new blueprint for China's 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 China's steadfast commitment to reform and opening up in the new era. The story of China's development success tells us that reform and opening up has always been the keyait 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 China's 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. China's 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 Ukraine's 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 other's strategic partners and important economic and trade partners. Ukraine supports China's 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 China's active and constructive role to promote peace and uphold the international order. Ukraine attaches importance to China's 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 EU's 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?a

Mao Ning: The reconciliation talks and the Beijing Declaration signed between the 14 Palestinian factions brings hope and a future to the Palestinian people, and 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: It's 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. What's 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.a

China stands ready to do what it can to assist the rescue and reconstruction in light of Ethiopia's needs. We believe the Ethiopian people will get through this difficult time and rebuild their homes soon. So far we haven't received any report indicating Chinese deaths or injuries in this disaster.



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Calls grow for UK to expand lifeboat scheme for Hong Kongers

Campaigners say some are excluded on account of their birth date, while others can't afford huge college fees.

By Matthew Leung for RFA Cantonese 2024.07.24 -- The British government should further expand its lifeboat British National Overseas visa scheme for Hong Kongers fleeing a crackdown on dissent and slash their university tuition fees in recognition of the ongoing threat to the city's promised freedoms, a London-based rights group has told parliament.

"It is crucial that the U.K. Parliament and government continue to monitor and respond to the situation in Hong Kong following the March 2024 passage of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, commonly known as 'Article 23' legislation, which furthers the threat posed by the 2020 National Security Law to the most basic rights and freedoms in the city," Hong Kong Watch said in a briefing aimed at the new Labour government.

Citing the ongoing threat of surveillance, harassment and violence by agents and supporters of the Chinese state, the group said the British government "has a distinct role to play in addressing the deterioration of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, responding to the needs of BNO Hong Kongers living in the UK, and protecting BNO Hong Kongers from the threat of transnational repression."

It called on the government to further expand the British National Overseas, or BNO, lifeboat scheme for Hong Kongers that was announced by the previous government in January 2021, prompting China to de-recognize the BNO passport in protest.

The government relaxed the rules in April to allow people to apply for the scheme, which has seen more than 200,000 applicants to date, on arrival in the U.K.

But adults aged 27-45 are currently ineligible because they were children prior to the 1997 handover to Chinese rule, Hong Kong Watch said.

"Many Hong Kongers born between 1979 and 1997 ... are stuck in a loophole within the BNO policy: not old enough to have applied for BNO status prior to the handover, but not young enough to qualify under the November 2022 expansion," it said.

Hong Kong's growing diaspora

By the first quarter of 2024, 210,843 Hong Kongers had applied for the visa scheme, making the U.K. home to the largest diaspora of Hong Kongers in the world, excluding mainland China, the group said.

The government should also change the status of Hong Kongers to allow them to pay the lower tuition rates offered to British nationals at the country's universities, Hong Kong Watch said.

BNO visa holders from Hong Kong face "substantial barriers" to higher education because they are forced to pay international tuition rates, it said.

British students currently have their annual university tuition fee capped at A9,250 (US$11,950), while international students can pay as much as A37,500 (US$48,500) a year.

Residents from almost all British overseas territories have been eligible to pay the lower rate since 2007, but Hong Kongers lost that status at the 1997 handover, and must now wait five years before they can sign up as a domestic student, delaying their integration and hampering their access to higher-paid jobs, according to Hong Kong Watch.

The Hong Kong Student Alliance estimates that between 1,500 and 2,000 Hong Kongers in the U.K. are eligible to enter higher education annually.

High tuition fees

But prospective students told RFA Cantonese that the high tuition fees are prohibitive.

A Hong Kong secondary school student who gave only the pseudonym T for fear of reprisals said she is considering delaying university until she obtains permanent residency.

"We could afford tuition for two international students, but [my family] don't want to pay it because it's so much more expensive -- it's three times the cost," T said.

"If it's a matter of a gap of a couple of years, why pay three times the amount?"

Alliance spokesperson Clark Leung said he knows of several people who are thinking of going back to Hong Kong to study, despite the ongoing ideological crackdown across education institutions there.

"Our position ... will of course be to continue to fight to get the government to grant home fee status and maintenance loans," Leung said. "British Nationals Overseas are considered British, but we have to wait five years."

Meanwhile, Hong Kong Watch said the new Labor government must continue to take China's failure to maintain Hong Kong's promised freedoms seriously.

"This involves not only publicly and privately condemning China and Hong Kong's egregious human rights violations in Hong Kong, but taking action by expanding safe haven for those who need to flee from political repression," Hong Kong Watch Chief Executive Officer Benedict Rogers said.

Rogers also called for sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, for measures to address the financial and transnational repression of Hong Kong "that is likely to increase under Article 23 legislation."

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.

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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Chinese Communist Party plans to raise retirement age to deal with aging population

Xi Jinping urges authorities to 'gradually raise the statutory retirement age in a prudent and orderly manner.'

By Hsia Hsiao-hwa for RFA Mandarin 2024.07.24 -- 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.

"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.

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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.

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."

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.

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.

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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China In Eurasia Briefing: How The Ukraine War Is Redrawing Global Trade Between Europe And China

By Reid Standish July 24, 2024

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: Onehigh-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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-rferl-kurmasheva- embassy-release/33047472.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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Ex-North Korean diplomat becomes first escapee to be a vice minister in South Korea

He defected in 2016, joined South Korean assembly in 2020, and now joins a presidential advisory council.

By Kim Jisu for RFA Korean 2024.07.24 -- Former high-ranking North Korean diplomat Thae Yong Ho, who defected to South Korea in 2016 and became a lawmaker in 2020, has blazed another trail.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol appointed Thae, 62, as secretary general of the country's Peaceful Unification Advisory Council on July 18, making him the first defector to hold a vice-ministerial position in the South Korean government.

Thae was born in Pyongyang in 1962, graduated from Pyongyang Foreign Language Institute and Pyongyang University of International Relations, and was a professional diplomat who worked at the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While working as an attachA at the North Korean Embassy in the UK in 2016, he defected to South Korea with his family.

Four years later, Thae won a seat in the National Assembly, representing Seoul's wealthy Gangnam district. He became the first North Korean escapee who had previously served in the North Korean government to join the legislative body.

"North Korean residents are also proud citizens of the Republic of Korea," he said on social media, using the official name of South Korea. "North Korean escapees can hold any position for the country and people without any discrimination or prejudice."

He said the appointment was meaningful in that it shows the North Korean people that those who have escaped can achieve success in the South.

Since the division of the two Koreas more than 34,000 people have fled the North to resettle in the South, according to statistics from the South Korean Ministry of Unification.

The news of Thae's appointment was inspiring to Kim Sukyong, who himself escaped North Korea in 1998 and settled in the United States.

"When I heard this, it was clear that South Korea is a democratic country where if you have the desire and ability, you can become anything," said Kim, who serves as vice chairman of the Unification Education Division of the Washington Chapter of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council.

She said that North Koreans who learn of Thae's success will expect more freedom in their own lives.

"People who were begging on the streets in North Korea can come to South Korea and get famous," she said. "Those who arrive (in South Korea) by boat can study hard there and succeed. It shows that ... South Korea offers more opportunities and freedom than North Korea. People in North Korea will come to realize this."

A number of North Korean escapees have entered high-ranking public positions in South Korea in recent years.

In May, Ko Yonghwan, a former first secretary at the North Korean embassy in Congo and the first North Korean defector to become a South Korean diplomat, was appointed as the president of the National Institute for Unification Education (NIU) under the Ministry of Unification.

Ko, who defected from North Korea in 1991, was appointed as a special aide to the Unification Minister in September last year.

Kim Dong Su, who defected in the late 1990s and formerly served as the third secretary at North Korea's mission to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was appointed as a director of the Korea Hana Foundation under the Ministry of Unification in 2022. In 2023, he was further appointed as a central committee member of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council.

In addition to the appointed high-ranking officials, North Korean escapee Park Choong-kwon is currently elected member of the South Korean National Assembly, following in the footsteps of Thae, Ji Seong-ho, who also won a seat in 2020, and Cho Myung-chul, who won a seat in the 2012 legislative election.

After his election in April, Park Choong-kwon told RFA that if North Koreans were to learn about the young North Korean elite who became a South Korean National Assembly member after defecting, it would likely be a significant shock to them.

Translated by Leejin J. Chung. Edited by Eugene Whong.

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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Treasury Targets PRC-based Procurement Network Supporting DPRK Ballistic Missile and Space Programs

U.S. Department of the Treasury

July 24, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned a network of six individuals and five entities based in the People's Republic of China (PRC), involved in the procurement of items supporting the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) ballistic missile and space programs. In flagrant violation of multiple United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR), the DPRK has continued to conduct launches using ballistic missile technology, including a recent failed effort to place a military satellite into orbit in late May 2024. Moreover, the DPRK has supplied ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation, which continues to target civilian population centers and infrastructure in Ukraine, sustaining Russia's brutal and unprovoked war.

For its part, Russia has vetoed the renewal of the UN Panel of Experts tasked with monitoring for violations of DPRK-related UNSCR sanctions, making it easier for the DPRK and other actors to evade UN sanctions. Today's action reaffirms that the relevant UNSCRs remain in full force and reiterates the United States' commitment to countering sanctions evasion and strengthening efforts for enforcement.

"The DPRK's continued development and proliferation its of ballistic missile technologiesain violation of UN sanctionsais both irresponsible and destabilizing for both the region and the international community," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "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."

Today's action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13382 (E.O. 13382), which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their supporters. This action builds on OFAC's June 15, 2023 designation of Choe Chol Min, a Beijing-based representative of the DPRK's Second Academy of Natural Sciences (SANS). OFAC designated Choe Chol Min pursuant to E.O. 13382 for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of SANS, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13382. SANS was designated by the U.S. Department of State on August 30, 2010, pursuant to E.O. 13382 for materially contributing to the DPRK's WMD programs; it was also designated for a UN asset freeze on March 7, 2013. SANS has subordinate defense-related procurement and proliferation entities that it uses to obtain commodities and technology to support the DPRK's defense research and development programs.

DPRK PROCUREMENT OF FOREIGN ITEMS

The DPRK's ballistic missile and space programs rely on foreign-sourced materials and components that it cannot produce domestically. To procure these materials and components, the DPRK uses an extensive network of procurement agents overseas, including officials who operate from DPRK diplomatic missions or trade offices, as well as third-country nationals. The DPRK also leverages foreign-incorporated companies to purchase items in support of its ballistic missile and weapons production. 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.

SANS representative Choe Chol Min has worked with DPRK weapons trading officials, PRC nationals, and other associates to purchase and procure a range of items, including items known to be materials used in the production of DPRK ballistic missiles. Choe Chol Min received procurement requests from the DPRK and coordinated with associates to fulfill those orders.

THE SHI QIANPEI NETWORK

Shi Qianpei is a Chinese national and key facilitator for Choe Chol Min. Shi Qianpei worked with Choe Chol Min to procure various items, including metal sheets that are known to be used in the production of North Korean missiles, according to the North Korea Ballistic Missile Procurement Advisory.

Choe Chol Min also worked to procure sensitive electronics through Shi Qianpei. Shi Qianpei's employees Du Jiaxin and Wang Dongliang assisted with the procurement efforts. Chen Tianxin, Shi Qianpei's wife, acted as his business partner and was involved in his procurement activities for Choe Chol Min. Shi Anhui is Shi Qianpei's father and has also been involved in aiding DPRK procurement activity. As late as 2023, Shi Qianpei fulfilled procurement requests from Choe Chol Min for electronic devices, including the acquisition of items likely intended to support the DPRK space and satellite program.

Shi Qianpeiis being designated for providing, or attempting to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, Choe Chol Min, an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13382.

Du Jiaxin, Wang Dongliang, Chen Tianxin, and Shi Anhuiare being designated for providing, or attempting to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, Shi Qianpei, an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13382.

Beijing Sanshunda Electronics Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Sanshunda), Qidong Hengcheng Electronics Factory (Qidong Hengcheng), and Shenzhen City Mean Well Electronics Co., Ltd (Shenzhen City Mean Well) are companies used by Shi Qianpei and his associates to procure items and materials on behalf of Choe Chol Min.

Chen Tianxin is the legal representative, chief executive officer, and manager of Beijing Sanshunda. Chen Tianxin is also the legal representative and chief executive officer of Beijing Jinghua Qidi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Jinghua Qidi), a company in which Wang Dongliang serves as a board member.

Shi Anhui is the legal representative, manager, and sole shareholder of Qidong Hengcheng. Shi Anhui is also the legal representative and majority owner of Shenzhen City Mean Well, a company in which Shi Qianpei is a member of the board of supervisors.

Beijing Sanshunda and Beijing Jinghua Qidiare being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for being owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Chen Tianxin, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13382.

Qidong Hengchengand Shenzhen City Mean Wellare being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for being owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Shi Anhui, an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13382.

Han Dejian is a supplier of metal alloys sheets via his company, Yidatong Tianjin Metal Materials Co., Ltd. (Yidatong). Shi Qianpei relied on Han Dejian for his metal material orders. As late as 2023, Shi Qianpei received procurement requests for metal alloys from Choe Chol Min that were then fulfilled by Han Dejian.

Han Dejian is being designated for providing, or attempting to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, Shi Qianpei, an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13382.

Yidatongis being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for being owned or controlled by, or acting acted or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Han Dejian, an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13382.

Han Dejian and Yidatong were previously sanctioned by the U.S. Department of State on May 20, 2024 pursuant to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA). INKSNA provides for the imposition of measures on entities or individuals for the transfer to or acquisition from Iran, Syria, or North Korea of equipment or technology controlled under multilateral export control lists or otherwise having the potential to make a material contribution to the proliferation of WMD or cruise or ballistic missile systems.

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.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

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.

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.

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today.

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North Korea seen unlikely to engage US after fall election, regardless of winner

By Christy Lee July 24, 2024

North Korea's 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 prosecutor's office wrapped up a three-day visit to Pyongyang and headed home Wednesday, North Korea's state-run KCNA said.

Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov, the head of the delegation, and Kim Chol Won, director of North Korea's 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, Trump's 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. "There's 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 wouldn't 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 Center's 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 a 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 Kim's 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 Trump's 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.

Washington's 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."

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Visit of Foreign Secretary of the UK to India (July 24, 2024)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

July 24, 2024

At the invitation of External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar (EAM), H.E. Mr. David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, United Kingdom paid an official visit to India on 24 July 2024. This was his first official visit to India in his capacity as UK Foreign Secretary. During the visit, UK Foreign Secretary called on Prime Minister and also met with Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser.

2. EAM held bilateral consultations with the visiting Minister. Both Ministers reviewed the Roadmap 2030 agreed between the Prime Ministers during the India-UK Virtual Summit 2021. The two Ministers expressed satisfaction on the progress achieved so far and agreed to look at the renewal of the Roadmap 2030, aiming at a heightened ambition for bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Both sides agreed to finalise the details as per contemporary realities in a time bound manner to further intensify bilateral collaboration in priority areas of trade and investment, defence and security, migration and mobility, IT/AI/Tech-centric areas, S&T, Innovation, climate and green energy.

3. Both sides welcomed the launch of UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI), spearheaded and agreed by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of both countries, to expand collaboration in critical and emerging technologies (CET) across priority sectors including Telecom, Critical Minerals, Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Biotech and Advanced Materials. The collaboration under TSI will include Government, Private Sector, Academia and R&D Institutions.

4. After the launch, a Fact Sheet (https://bit.ly/3WzG3DJ) with focus on specific technologies and areas of cooperation was also released. The Fact Sheet provides precise guidance to all stakeholders, especially industry and academia, and will guide future collaboration.

5.a Both sides will also set up a bilateral mechanism led by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the UK Government for promotion of critical and emerging technology trade and collaboration, including resolution of relevant licensing and regulatory issues.

6.a Both sides appreciated the substantial progress made in the India-UK FTA negotiations and looked forward to its early conclusion to achieve a mutually beneficial FTA.

7.a The two sides agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation, in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, and to enhance capacities to address growing threats from non-state actors.

8. They also discussed India-UK collaboration in the field of Climate and Green Economy, agreeing to focus on it and look for areas of mutual cooperation. Both Ministers also discussed the Migration and Mobility Partnership between the two countries with a view to strengthen people-to people ties.

9a. EAM and Mr. David Lammy also had the opportunity to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in West Asia and the Red Sea, the Commonwealth and the UN Security Council.

10.a The visit comes within the first month of the formation of a new Government in the UK and is reflective of the commitment of both sides to further deepen and diversify the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

New Delhi

July 24, 2024

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Working Sub Group of Indian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation holds its 3rd Meeting in New Delhi

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 24 JUL 2024 3:14PM by PIB Delhi

The Working Sub Group on Planning of Military Cooperation of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) held its 3rd Meeting on 23-24 July, 2024 at New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening the ongoing defence engagements between the two sides, pondering over new initiatives under the ambit of the existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanism.

The Working Sub Group Meeting is a forum established to carry forward defence cooperation between the countries through regular talks at the operational level between Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff (HQIDS) and the Main Directorate of International Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defence, Russian Federation.

***

SR/GC



(Release ID: 2036312)

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The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China convened its third plenary session in Beijing from July 15 to 18, 2024.

I do believe that China is going the right way, said Thierry Laurent, chairman of the Climate Change Working Group, French Foreign Trade Advisors China Committee, in an exclusive interview with China News Network regarding the topics addressed at the third plenary session.

He pointed out that China has been rapidly developing the green energy industries, which is beneficial for China and the world.

Laurent also mentioned that China's economic development focuses more on quality rather than quantity and he also shared his understanding of "new quality productive forces". "It will improve the image of China around the world," he noted. (By Huang Fang Videographer: He Xianjin)




Foreign Secretary meets Indian Prime Minister Modi and launches landmark Technology Security Initiative

Foreign Secretary announces UK-India Technology Security Initiative in New Delhi

24 July 2024

New UK-India Technology Security Initiative agreed delivering crucial collaboration on telecoms security and unlocking investment across emerging technologies.

The new initiative will refresh and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on boosting economic growth in both countries.

UK and India agree to closer collaboration on tackling climate change, accelerating our green energy partnership on off-shore wind and green hydrogen, and unlocking green growth opportunities.

The Foreign Secretary has today announced the UK-India Technology Security Initiative during his first visit to India in his role where he met senior Indian Government officials including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of the government's reset with the global south.

The Initiative has been spearheaded and 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 the defining technologies of this decade - telecoms, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health/bio tech, advanced materials and semiconductors.

This first of its kind agreement - delivered by the Foreign Secretary on behalf of the Prime Minister - builds on a series of partnerships between the British and Indian government, industry and academia. The respective National Security Advisers will take this agreement forward to ensure the collective potential of UK-Indian critical technologies is harnessed.

The announcement is part of a wider package of announcements the Foreign Secretary agreed following bilateral meetings in New Delhi with Indian Prime Minister Modi and Minister for External Affairs Dr Jaishankar to refresh the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This will drive forward a bilateral partnership that is framed on boosting economic growth, deepening co-operation across key issues including trade, technology, education, culture and climate.

A new A7-million funding call for Future Telecoms research was also announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India's Department of Science and Technology, under the India-UK science, technology, and innovation partnership.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

This government will put growth at the heart of our foreign policy. That's 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. 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.

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.

The Foreign Secretary agreed with the Minister for External Affairs to deepen partnership on climate, including to mobilise finance and unlock new clean growth opportunities.

This includes strengthening our 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.

As well as work on off-shore-wind and green hydrogen, the UK and India agreed to deepen our partnership on forests and on building resilient cities of the future.

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Iranian National Extradited to United States for Alleged Scheme to Illicitly Ship Sophisticated Electronics to Iran

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Note: View the indictment here

Iranian national Saeid Haji Agha Mousaei, 53, made his initial appearance yesterday in Chicago federal court following his extradition from the United Kingdom to face charges for his role in a years-long conspiracy to evade U.S. export restrictions and transship advanced U.S. electronic testing technology to Iran using third-party countries.

According to court documents, Mousaei was a manager of Dubai-based defendant company Millennium Product Company LLC (MPC). As alleged, from in or about January 2014 through at least August 2018, Mousaei, MPC and others, devised and participated in a scheme to obtain controlled electronics with military applications, including signals equipment like oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers, for export and re-export to Iran.

As alleged, Mousaei and his co-defendants understood export restrictions on U.S.-origin goods to prohibited destinations like Iran and falsely represented to U.S. distributors that their purchases would remain in countries other than Iran, like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Armenia, where the defendants controlled unnamed companies. In reality, after arranging for distributors of U.S.-origin goods to export shipments to the UAE, the defendants allegedly transshipped goods from the UAE to Iran without the required license and in violation of U.S. law.

Mousaei and MPC are each charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; smuggling goods from the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Mousaei was arrested in the United Kingdom on Jan. 24, 2023, pursuant to an Interpol diffusion notice.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois, Executive Assistant Director Robert R. Wells of the FBI's National Security Branch and Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) made the announcement.

The FBI and BIS are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn D. McCarthy for the Northern District of Illinois and Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing the extradition of Mousaei from the United Kingdom.

This prosecution is being coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states. Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. Government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topic: National Security

Components: Criminal - Office of International Affairs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Illinois, Northern

Press Release Number: 24-914

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Iran oil production up by 60% since 2020: Minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 24, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Oil production in Iran has increased by 60% since March 20, 2020, Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji says.

Owji made the remarks in the cabinet session on Wednesday.

The official said that oil production in Iran has surged from 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in March 20, 2020 to 3.6 million bpd at present, marking a 60% rise.

Refinery capacity in the country has increased from 2.1 to 2.3 million bpd in the said period, he noted.

Owji added that petrochemical exports also hiked from 24 to 30 million metric tons in the said time.

Commenting on the gas flares reduction, he said that 16 million cubic meters has been collected in the country.

The minister has already announced that the administration increased the annual gas production by 53 million cubic meters, which marked a 5% growth.

7129**9417



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Iran raps UN repporteur's report, says enemies 'disgraced, dishonored'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 11:03 AM

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has roundly dismissed the last report by the outgoing UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country as part of attempts by enemies to tarnish the image of the Islamic Republic.

In a statement on Wednesday, Nasser Kan'ani said Javaid Rehman, the outgoing UN rapporteur, who has been misappropriating his position to serve the terrorist Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO), has pursued the policies of the terror group in the final days of his tenure.

Kan'ani underlined that the allegations raised by Rehman lack credibility and are totally rejected.

The Iranian diplomat went on to lament the fact that Rehman has easily abused the UN position to publish false stories.

"UN officials, specifically the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), are legally responsible to prevent the exploitation and chances for the pursuit of biased personal or collective objectives against countries," Kan'ani said.

He stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the legal right to object to such wrong approach in certain human rights institutions.

"Enemies of the Iranian nation, who have failed to bring the people to their knees through terrorism, promotion of cruel economic sanctions, and other coercive measures cannot burnish their dismal record of anti-human and terrorist activities by means of abusing international organizations and distorting realities," Kan'ani stated.

Experience has proved over the past few decades that enemies of the Iranian nation have been disgraced, and that the Iranians' honorable strive for national progress and authority continues apace, the Iranian diplomat emphasized.

In his last report on Iran dated July 17, Rehman called for an international mechanism to investigate what he called "atrocity crimes" in Iran, including "summary, arbitrary and extra-judicial executions."

The UN rapporteur, whose mandate ends on July 31, called for an international mechanism to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

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Call To Investigate Iran's 1980s 'Genocide' A Step Toward Ending 'Cycle Of Impunity'

By Kian Sharifi July 24, 2024

A UN expert has accused Iran of committing genocide in the 1980s, when thousands of political prisoners as well as members of religious and ethnic minorities were executed.

Javaid Rehman, the UN's special rapporteur on the rights situation in Iran, said in a July 22 report that the summary and extrajudicial executions during 1981-82 and in 1988 amounted to crimes against humanity as well as genocide.

It is not the first time the mass executions have been described as genocide. But observers say Rehman's findings were an important step toward holding the Islamic republic accountable for its crimes.

"I think this may be one of the most important reports by a special rapporteur in recent years," Mahmud Amiri-Moghaddam, director of the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights group, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda.

"It brings attention to the early 1980s, when the Islamic republic committed huge crimes, but nothing was ever done about them," he added.

Human rights lawyers say Rehman's findings could lead to the UN launching an international probe into crimes committed during the first decade of the establishment of the Islamic republic in 1979.

'Systematic Patterns'

Iran's new clerical rulers executed and forcibly disappeared thousands of political opponents between June 1981 and March 1982, according to Rehman's report.

The victims were "arbitrarily detained and subjected to systematic patterns of enforced disappearance, torture and summary, arbitrary and extrajudicial executions on religiously motivated and vaguely defined charges," the report said.

Women, some reportedly raped before being killed, and hundreds of children were among those executed, the report said.

Most of the victims, the UN expert said, were members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO), an exiled opposition group, as well as leftist parties and groups.

Rehman also drew attention to the executions and killings of members of the Baha'i community in the 1980s, when at least 200 followers were killed, according to rights groups.

Rehman said Baha'is -- Iran's largest non-Muslim minority -- were "targeted with genocidal intent and persecution."

During the summer of 1988, an estimated 5,000 prisoners were secretly executed in prisons. Many of the victims were members of the MKO, which had aligned with Baghdad during the devastating 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War.

Prisoners were sent to their deaths following interrogations that lasted just a few minutes, according to rights groups.

Former prison official Hamid Nouri in 2022 became the first, and only, Iranian official to be convicted for his role in the executions, though he was ultimately released as part of a prisoner swap between Stockholm and Tehran.

"The Iranian regime and its leaders should not be allowed to escape the consequences of their crimes against humanity and genocide," Rehman wrote in his report.

Rehman's findings were issued ahead of his mandate ending on July 31. He was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but does not speak on behalf of the UN.

Iran has rejected Rehman's report and accused him of "serving the interests" of the MKO.

Accountability Mechanism

Rehman is not the first to accuse Tehran of committing genocide in the 1980s.

A 2011 report commissioned by the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, a Britain-based organization that promotes human rights in Iran, said the mass executions in 1988 amounted to genocide.

But Rehman's allegations encompass the frenzy of executions that took place during the entire decade.

Gissou Nia, a human rights lawyer and director of the Strategic Litigation Project at the Atlantic Council in Washington, says the special rapporteur's findings can set the stage for the UN to "establish some further inquiry that has a documentation and accountability function."

This is in line with Rehman's own recommendation for the establishment of an independent international investigative and accountability mechanism.

"What is incredibly important is that some of the perpetrators of the 1988 massacre continue to travel or have children in jurisdictions that do have the ability to prosecute atrocity crimes," Nia told RFE/RL.

"There really needs to be a push on national court systems that have extraterritorial obligation to prosecute these crimes under universal jurisdiction," she added

Some of those implicated in the executions rose to powerful positions in the Islamic republic, including late President Ebrahim Raisi and former Justice Minister Mostafa Purmohammadi.

"These guys continue to enjoy the highest offices in the Islamic republic, and this is just unacceptable," Nia said. "The cycle of impunity really does need to end."

With reporting by Elaheh Ravanshad of RFE/RL's Radio Farda

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-executions- genocide-impunity/33049246.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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July 24, 2024

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Iraqi Minister of Defense Thabit Al-Abbasi

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Iraqi Minister of Defense Thabit Al-Abbasi in the Pentagon on July 23 at the conclusion of the second U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue (JSCD) to discuss the transition of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) and the future of the U.S.-Iraq bilateral defense partnership.

The Secretary and Minister Al-Abbasi discussed the transition of the mission of CJTF-OIR, the military mission in Iraq of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS; security cooperation; and military-to-military cooperation and engagement, including military exercises. In raising those topics, Secretary Austin re-affirmed the U.S. commitment to Iraq's sovereignty, security, and stability.

The JSCD, co-chaired by Minister Al-Abbasi and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Dr. Celeste Wallander, convened from July 22-23 at the Pentagon. The 2024 JSCD builds upon discussions held during Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's visit to Washington, D.C. in April of this year and last summer's inaugural JSCD. The dialogue built upon the work of the U.S. Iraq Higher Military Commission (HMC) over the past six months and took note of the upcoming ten-year anniversary of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS's military mission in Iraq. The two sides confirmed the importance of Iraq continuing to provide support to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Syria and around the world.

The Secretary and Minister Al-Abbasi discussed the importance of all concerned nations supporting voluntary repatriations of displaced persons located in northeast Syria, on Iraq's western border, to their communities of origin. The Secretary thanked Iraq for repatriations of its own nationals effected this year already. Both U.S. and Iraqi officials agreed that repatriations represent an important line of effort in the continued fight against ISIS.

The two leaders also discussed details of security cooperation and military-to-military engagements, which will support greater interoperability by our militaries and strengthen the bonds between the United States and Iraq.

Secretary Austin and Minister Al-Abbasi committed to continue to consult one another to strengthen our bilateral security partnership.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3848346/

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July 24, 2024

Release

Joint Statement on U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Iraqi Ministry of Defense led the second U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue in Washington, D.C., on July 22-23, 2024, reaffirming their commitment to security cooperation and shared interest in regional stability.

The two delegations discussed a range of bilateral security issues under the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement and in recognition of our comprehensive partnership. Minister of Defense Thabit al-Abbasi met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and representatives from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, U.S. Central Command, State Department, and National Security Council staff. The Iraqi delegation included the Chief of Defense, who also met separately with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, the Director of the Counterterrorism Service, the Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command - Iraq, and other senior defense officials. The United States and Iraqi delegations reaffirmed their commitment to developing Iraq's security and defense capabilities and their determination to deepen security cooperation across a full range of issues to advance both countries' shared interest in Iraq's security and sovereignty, and in the stability of the region.

The 2024 Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue builds upon discussions held during Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani's visit to Washington, D.C., in April of this year and last summer's inaugural Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue. During the first Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue, the two sides resolved to establish a bilateral Higher Military Commission (HMC) to analyze three factors - the threat from ISIS, operational requirements, and the capability levels of the Iraqi security forces - to determine the future of the international military Coalition in Iraq. The dialogue continued during the Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue based on the work of the HMC over the past six months and in recognition of the upcoming ten-year anniversary of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS's military mission in Iraq. A detailed joint statement on the future of the missions and presence of the Global Coalition in Iraq is planned to be issued soon after at the conclusion of the work of the HMC.

The United States and Iraq intend to continue to consult regarding strengthening bilateral cooperation to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS following more than a decade of cooperation between the Global Coalition and Iraq. The HMC noted the historic achievements of the Coalition in Iraq and paid tribute to the millions of victims of ISIS. These victims include hundreds of thousands of casualties suffered in the campaign to defeat ISIS in Iraq, such as those members of the Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga, and partner forces around the world, including the United States. The two sides confirmed the importance of Iraq continuing to provide support to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Syria and around the world.

In addition, the delegations reached an understanding on the concept for a new phase of the bilateral security relationship, which includes cooperation through liaison officers, training, and traditional security cooperation programs.

The delegations further discussed efforts to build the operational capacity of the Iraqi security forces through U.S. military assistance and security cooperation programs, including through Foreign Military Sales and Foreign Military Financing. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to ensure the sustainability of U.S.-origin military equipment used by the Iraqi Security Forces. The delegations affirmed the value of professional military education and technical training programs and decided to strengthen both. They also explored opportunities to expand Iraqi participation in regional military exercises led by U.S. Central Command and to enhance the Iraqi military's relationships with U.S. Central Command's subordinate Service Component Commands. The two sides also decided to begin work on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide an enhanced framework for their bilateral security relationship in the years to come, including mechanisms to ensure the continued enduring defeat of the ISIS terrorist organization.

In support of Iraq's sovereignty and security, the delegations reaffirmed that the advisory mission is present in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government to support the Iraqi security forces in fighting against ISIS and to support and develop the Iraqi security forces, including the Kurdish Security Forces. The Iraqi representatives reaffirmed its absolute commitment to protect personnel, advisors, convoys, and diplomatic facilities of the United States and international Coalition nations.

The delegations discussed the continued urgent need to repatriate displaced persons and detainees currently in northeast Syria to their countries of origin and to support reintegration efforts in local communities in Iraq. Repatriations represent an important line of effort in the continued fight against ISIS.

The successful completion of this second Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue underscores the two countries' commitment to deepening bilateral security cooperation in all areas, including but not limited to the Iraqi-led enduring defeat of ISIS and security cooperation efforts. The U.S.-Iraq bilateral relationship promotes regional stability and represents the commitment of both nations to strengthen our overall Strategic Framework Agreement.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3848355/

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Background Press Call Previewing the Bilateral Engagement Between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu

July 24, 2024

Via Teleconference

4:18 P.M. EDT

MODERATOR: Hi, everyone. Thanks for joining us today to discuss tomorrow's meeting here at the White House between the President and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

As a reminder, today's call is on background, attributable to a senior administration official, and is embargoed until the end of the call.

For your awareness, not for your reporting, the senior administration official on today's call is [senior administration official].

So I'll just turn over to [senior administration official], who has a few words here at the top, and then we'll get through as many questions as we can at the end.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Hey. Thanks, everybody. I'll keep this pretty topline, and we'll have more to say, obviously, tomorrow.

So tomorrow, of course, the President will welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu and his delegation here to the White House. We will discuss, obviously, developments throughout the Middle East.

The President will discuss his ironclad commitment to Israel's security, the very serious threats from Iran and from Iranian proxy and terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis.

We will talk about our ongoing efforts to ensure the defense of Israel, including through broader integration in the region as we saw play out in April with that unprecedented attack from Iran.

We'll also talk, I'm sure in depth, about developments in Gaza and the negotiations on the ceasefire and hostage release deal, which we believe is in the closing stages and it's reaching a point that we believe a deal is closable and it's time to move to close that agreement.

We will discuss the humanitarian situation a Lebanon, West Bank a everything that the President and the Prime Minister often discuss when they have their many phone calls.

And, of course, it'll be the first time they saw each other since the President's historic trip to Israel shortly after the October 7 attacks a the first visit to Israel by a president in wartime.

After the meeting a the meeting tomorrow will be about 1 o'clock. And afterwards, the President and the Prime Minister will meet together with the families of Americans. These are Americans held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. And, of course, as you know, we meet regularly with this group of families, an extraordinary group of families, including we just met here yesterday with Jake Sullivan to discuss the state of things and our efforts to get their loved ones home.

This will be the President's second in-person meeting with this particular group, although he's met with other families, of course, throughout this just horrific ordeal, which has gone on since October 7.

Of course, the Vice President will have a meeting later in the afternoon, here at the White House.

So we'll have the Israelis and their delegation here at the White House for a period of hours, and I think we have a lot of substantive issues to discuss. We've done a lot of prep work, both here internally and together with the Israelis. And we hope to have a very substantive, very detailed discussion on the sets of issues that I laid out in front.

This, of course, follows on the Strategic Consultative Group meeting we had here a couple weeks ago and just our ongoing, regular communication dialogue with Israelis at multiple levels across out interagency.

So that is what's on tap for tomorrow, and I'm happy to answer any questions.

MODERATOR: Awesome. Thank you. Our first question will go to Aamer with the AP.

Q Hey. Thank you. I just wanted to ask you about the speech to Congress and the tone of it. In it, in part, the Prime Minister vowed to press on with the war until "total victory." Does that undercut negotiations for a ceasefire and a hostage release? Does this in any way sort of push back sort of the notion that you guys are still at the closing stages? And could it be counterproductive? Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: So, I was actually in the a we were in the Situation Room doing some other stuff, so I did not see the speech. We were in consultation with the Israelis, and I think I had a sense of it.

But I think from all indications, the framework of a deal is basically there. We're working out the implementation. There are some very serious implementation issues that still have to be resolved, and I don't want to discount the difficulty of those, but they are the, kind of, implementation arrangements of the deal. There are some things we need from Hamas, and there are some things we need from the Israeli side. And I think you'll see that play out here over the course of the coming week.

But I'm not going to characterize or comment on the speech here on this call.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Steve with Reuters.

Q When you say "the closing stages," how did this come about? I mean, it's been a long road, and we've been close to a deal for months in the past. What's new here?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, what's new is that Hamas have been very dug in on this position for a permanent ceasefire, for a withdrawal of Israeli forces. And then they kind of vague promised to release some hostages after that happened. That had been their position. That, obviously, is completely unacceptable.

We worked out a pretty detailed text of the arrangements, of how a hostage exchange would actually work, including with significant benefits for Gazans and humanitarian provisions, everything else.

And then the sequencing, what was the breakthrough a few weeks ago a which I think I discussed with this group a few weeks ago a was the way the phasing of the deal works. So you now have an initial phase, which is women, men over 50, and sick and wounded hostages will come out first over a period of 42 days. You have to have a negotiation, starting about halfway through that period, on the conditions for the second phase, which does a (connection lost) a

Q I lost him.

MODERATOR: Hey, Britny, it seems like we disconnected from [senior administration official], if you wouldn't mind looping him back in.

One second, folks, while we get [senior administration official] back on the line. Apologies for this.

Okay, folks, one more second. We're reconnecting. We should be back online soon. Appreciate everyone's patience as we work through this.

Thanks, again, everyone, for your patience. As you can see, we're almost back.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Hey, it's [senior administration official].

MODERATOR: Hey, we can hear you again. Awesome. Thank you so much. I will bring Steve back in, and then we can move forward. Thanks, again, everyone for your patience as we worked through that.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Hey, am I back?

MODERATOR: You are, yep. We can hear you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Okay. Hey, I'm really sorry. I don't know what happened. And then I tried to dial back in from three different phones, and it finally worked.

So I think the question was: What changed? And the key change, as I think I've discussed with this group before, is the phasing of the deal is now very clear: that there's the phase one part; and then to move to phase two, you have a negotiation going on and you have to have conditions set for phase two, which is basically what the President laid out during his May speech, which Hamas has accepted that basic phasing.

So you now have that framework, exactly what the President laid out, what is in the Security Council resolution agreed, and you're now in the implementation arrangements about how it will actually work day to day, leaving little to chance.

So that is a pretty intense negotiation that's actually ongoing. But, again, we think the pieces are coming together, and it's time to kind of move to close this out.

Q And do you have a timeframe in mind of when this might come to a conclusion?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I'm very hesitant, Steve, to put a timeframe on. But given that we have lives of hostages on the line, there's really no time to lose.

Q Thanks. Thank you.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Molly with ABC.

Q Thanks. The Prime Minister said during his address to Congress that Palestinians in Gaza who aren't getting enough food is not because Israel is blocking it, it's because Hamas is stealing it. Is that the assessment of the U.S.?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think we've spoken to this multiple times, including, I think, my colleague, Assistant Secretary Leaf, testified before Congress. David Satterfield has spoken to this. Again, we do not see the Israelis blocking the entry of provisions into Gaza. We have some issues of distribution that our folks are working through all the time. It's a very difficult wartime environment.

So a but, again, I'm not going to chara- a I'm not going to speak to the Prime Minister's speech, but I will say that we have a massive effort ongoing on the humanitarian side that we can get you a full briefing on, which we a again, my colleagues from State Department speak to this quite frequently. So, I'll leave it at that.

Q Just a follow-up on that. When they've spoken to it and they've testified, they have suggested that some of the policies at checkpoints from the IDF have made it harder to get resources and food in. So the administration is still standing by that assessment that a from U.S. officials a that that's part of the problem?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: It's a difficult wartime environment. So, yeah, there are checkpoints. There are issues with so-called armed gangs taking over convoys, whether that's Hamas, or whether you want to call them an armed gang, you know, it depends. Sometimes it's hard to know. So, it's difficult.

But the quantity and amount of provisions getting into Gaza has increased significantly, largely, I must say, because of the efforts of the United States of America. It's something we focus on every single day.

And when there's a barrier or a hurdle, we break them down. And the President has gotten on the phone multiple times, whether to Prime Minister Netanyahu or to President Sisi, or working with King Abdullah for the route directly from Jordan into northern Gaza, which is now running almost every two days, 40 to 50 trucks coming directly from Jordan across Israel and into northern Gaza. That has worked quite effectively.

So, you know, this is all a this is something we work on every single day.

But the problem a most of the problems we have right now are not primarily on the Israeli side. It's just the difficulty of the operational environment inside Gaza, which is one reason why to get a ceasefire in place there are provisions in the deal for significant relief for the civilian population in Gaza.

And of course, again, just a reminder: Hamas leaders are living underground. They do not allow civilians to use those underground facilities. You're talking hundreds of kilometers of tunnels, multiple stories. They live under there as the civilians suffer inside Gaza.

So, anyway, we're working towards a ceasefire. Until we get the ceasefire, our folks work every day to do all they can to address the humanitarian situation.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Nick with PBS.

Q Hey, Sam. Hey, [senior administration official]. Couple of specific questions on the ceasefire negotiations that you may or may not be willing to engage with, but let me try.

I know you didn't watch the speech, but Bibi did not publicly endorse the deal that's on the table or really even engage with it. Is that a disappointment? Has he recently focused on any topics that could prolong the negotiations? And as I understand it, you still don't have an agreement on the transition from the temporary to permanent ceasefire. So how does that square with the fact that you say you're in the closing stages? Thanks.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: In the closing stages for phase one. So just in terms of Israeli a this is a met with the Israelis just yesterday. This is their deal. Ready to move ahead on phase one, if we can get the arrangements worked out. And we need some things from Hamas, including the hostages who are going to come out. And we're not going to do a deal until we know exactly the hostages that are coming out and on the schedule they're coming out. This is something that has to happen.

On phase one to phase two, it's written into the deal, as I think the President actually laid this out in his speech in May: You begin the negotiations for phase two about a third of the way through phase one. And that's the negotiation that might go on beyond the 42 days of the first phase to set the conditions for phase two. See, it's very true, there's not a there are not the conditions set or negotiated yet for a permanent ceasefire. That is what you would negotiate during the phase one and getting out the initial contingent of about 33 hostages. So we're working hard now to get into phase one.

And then, during phase one, you work out a try to work out getting into phase two. But there's no kind of automaticity from phase one to phase two.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Barak with Axios.

Q Hi. Thank you for doing this. And I think I asked you this several times, and you sort of dodged it before, but I'll ask again. What makes you think that Prime Minister Netanyahu really wants a deal and is not just playing for time, trying to wait you out until November?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: If we draw that conclusion, we'll say it very clearly. I mean, right now, there has been progress in this process. The issues that are being negotiated, the implementation issues, are real. You can't do a deal until they're kind of worked out. But we also think they are resolvable. These are not, kind of, unbridgeable problems. So we're not ready to draw that conclusion.

And again, I think as I said, we'll have the important meetings here tomorrow. And then, I think you'll see more activity over the coming week in terms of the work to try to get this done from Bill, myself, and others.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to MJ with CNN.

Q Hey. Thank you for doing this. If you are in the final stages of closing this deal, can you clarify whether it is your view that this deal is the Prime Minister's to accept at this point?

And also, just to clarify your response to Barak's question: Are you saying that you do not think the Prime Minister is deploying, you know, delaying tactics right now? I know that on some of these previous calls, you've at times sort of gingerly suggested that Israeli politics may be a factor. So, I just wanted to clarify that.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I'm not going to draw that conclusion here. I mean, literally, what we have is a framework that is agreed, and you have part of it. There are two columns in which there's disagreement between the two sides. So, you have to work that out. And there are things in those columns that you need from Hamas, and there are some things you need from Israel. And that's what the mediators are working to bridge.

If I'm talking to you a month from now, and we're still kind of where we are now, I might draw a different conclusion. But that's certainly not the case now. These are real issues. I would not want to get into a deal until you know exactly how it's going to go and who's coming out and when, and that's what we're working out.

There's a a as you know, similar to the November deal, there is an exchange provision in this deal in which Palestinian prisoners are released in exchange for hostages, and that is an equation that has to be worked out a the who and when and where. And so that is all being a that's kind of what is being discussed now. And there are some other issues that are in the implementation.

It's a very different negotiation now than it was, say, a month ago, in which we had just some fundamental a fundamental, potentially unbridgeable issues. I think those have basically been resolved. You're now in the implementation.

But I would not a I'm not making a final prediction. As I think I've said on these calls before, we're still dealing with Hamas. And their leaders are a some of them are in Doha, some of them are in Turkey, some are in Cairo, and their key leader lives in a tunnel in Gaza.

So it's a this is anything but a normal negotiation. But there has been progress; there has been progress because the Israelis have put an awful lot on the table, and that's kind of brought us to this point.

So, yeah, so I'm not going to draw that conclusion here on this call. Again, if I'm talking to you guys a month from now, might have a different conclusion, but we are looking to move forward and try to get this done and get the hostages home.

Q Did you have a response to my first question?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: What was the first question? Was that the follow-up on Barak's?

Q Whether a no, whether it's your view that at this moment, this deal is for the Prime Minister to accept?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Oh. Well, in fairness, it's not a I mean, it's not at the point where it's ready to be signed and implemented. I think it a but we do believe that with some effort and work by the mediators, that what is left is bridgeable and is not something that's going to take an indefinite period to actually bridge.

So we think the time here over the coming week or so a again, we think we will see a lot of activity over the coming week. And we think it's not only possible, it's essential and necessary, because we have to get these hostages out. And what has been ironed out in this agreement is basically what the Israelis have wanted to see. And now we need some things from Hamas to allow us to move forward, and we also need some things from the Israeli side, and all of which is being worked.

So the Qataris are doing some things and the Egyptians are doing some things on the Hamas side. Obviously, we're working with the Israelis on the other side to try to bridge some of these final implementation issues. And that's what we'll be focused on.

And, again, the President a as we saw the President today, you know, he's ready for a pretty a he knows, kind of, every chapter of this deal, because we've been at it for some time, and is ready for that discussion with the Prime Minister tomorrow.

Q And just on the meeting with the families of the American hostages: Is the President planning to make any specific commitments to the families tomorrow?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think as he said to them before, he is committed to doing everything possible to bring their loved ones home. Of course, we have a group of families, including Americans that we believe are alive, and we also have a couple, unfortunately, that we know are deceased. And the deal also envisions the return of remains.

So we want to bring hostages out, and we want to bring closure to the families whose loved ones are unfortunately deceased.

It's just a the whole thing is tragic, horrific. And we're determined to do all we can here to get this done.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Danny with AFP.

Q Thanks very much for doing this. Just wondered if you can give us an idea of what President Biden is going to say personally to Prime Minister Netanyahu to try and get him on board with this. Thanks.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, again, I think the premise of your question is that the Israelis are not on board. I think what I expect the conversation to be tomorrow is about these remaining gaps and, kind of, how we close them, and what the parameters are.

And then, we as a mediator will work with the Egyptians and Qataris to try to bring that forward. And I assume there will be some in-person meetings here over the next week to try our best to wrap this up. I'm not putting a timeframe on it, but I think we have already been coordinating about a couple meetings here over the coming week that will be pretty important.

So I don't expect the meeting to be a yes or no. It's kind of like how do we close these final gaps. And there are some things we need from the Israeli side, no question. But there's also some key things that are only in the hands of Hamas because the hostages are in the hands of Hamas. And at the end of the day, this is a negotiation for the release of hostages with a terrorist group. So we got to keep that in mind.

And we're also mindful of ensuring this agreement a as the President said when he spoke to the agreement in his address in May a fully protects the security and national security interests of Israel. So we're not going to support a deal that endangers Israel in any way. We think what is on the table now meets those interests. But we want to ensure that that is played out in the implementation as well.

So we're taking this extremely seriously because it's an extremely serious matter and also quite difficult.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our final question will go to Asma with NPR.

Q Hey there. Thanks for doing this. I have a question about the Vice President's meeting. I was wondering if you could characterize what you see as the role for the Vice President in this moment in time, and if you will be present yourself for that meeting.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, the Vice President has been a full participant in almost everything we've been doing here for the last 10 months. I think every call with the with the Prime Minister and multiple engagements, meetings. Met with the families; I was there for that.

So, again, we look forward to the meeting. I think we've talked about the role she's played in terms of her engagements with the Israelis throughout, and I think that'll be an important engagement I know she's looking forward to.

And we were just talking about it here with Phil and others about kind of the two meetings a because we have the team here at the White House for a number of hours, which is an opportunity to get an awful lot done. And then, of course, it's capped by when the Vice President returns from her domestic travel. I think we'll go into the meeting with the Prime Minister I think around 4:30 or so.

So, yeah, I think it's a pretty good sequence of engagements from the President, to the families, to the Vice President. And we're looking forward to the day tomorrow.

Q Can I just ask one quick follow-up there? Do you see her role to reiterate the President's message? Or do you see any unique role for her in these meetings, in diplomacy?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: There will obviously be no daylight between the President and the Vice President. I think they talk all the time. We know very much exactly what we want to try to get done tomorrow.

And I think the message they're sending to the Prime Minister tomorrow is that we're completely aligned; it's time to do all we can to close the hostage deal, get the hostages home. And also, we as an administration will continue to do all we possibly can to continue to support Israel's self-defense against Iran, Hezbollah, all the threats I just mentioned, and the Houthis and everything else.

So it's a a I mean, I just want to a I know there's a lot of focus here on the hostages, a massive agenda when it comes to Israel. The relationship is so multifaceted. The threats to Israel are real. And so, there's an awful lot to discuss, including, again, I mentioned the Houthis; we just had the attack in Tel Aviv last week and the Israeli response. Of course, it's a problem; that's a challenge we deal with day to day.

So it's a big agenda. And between the President and Vice President, the Israelis will hear full alignment. But, again, I think we have a very good sequence of meetings here set tomorrow.

Obviously, we were going to do this earlier in the week, but because of the President's COVID, as we discussed with you, we had to do it here towards the end of the week. But I think as the week has played out, it's actually pretty a the way it kind of has come together for tomorrow, I think we're looking forward to it. It's a unique opportunity to have their whole team here for a period of hours to see the hostage families and the President and the Vice President, all in a period of an afternoon.

MODERATOR: Thank you. And thank you again, everyone, for joining and for dealing with us during our little tech glitch, but we made it through.

And thank you, [senior administration official], for your time today.

The embargo for this call has now lifted. And as a reminder, it was held on background, attributable to a senior administration official.

As always, if we weren't able to get to your question, feel free to reach out to the press distro and we'll try to get back to you as soon as we can. Enjoy the rest of your evening.

4:50 P.M. EDT

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Rohingya at risk of being forgotten, activists say

Hundreds of thousands of the refugees still live in prison-like camps nearly seven years after fleeing Myanmar.

By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.07.24 -- The hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees forced to flee Myanmar to live in camps in Bangladesh appear no closer to a chance to return home nearly seven years later, with global attention on the humanitarian crisis waning, activists said Wednesday.

Speaking at an event hosted by Refugees International ahead of the seventh anniversary of the Myanmar military's August 2017 atrocities against the Muslim ethnic minority, the overseas Rohingya activists said they feared Rohingya may never again return to Myanmar.

The atrocities, which the United States in 2022 termed a "genocide," included soldiers raping, torturing and killing thousands of Rohingya. Nearly 1 million Rohingya then fled into neighboring Bangladesh.

Tun Khin, the president of the Burmese Rohingya Organization UK, said that the Rohingya who remain in internally displaced persons, or IDP camps, in Myanmar were still being targeted by the military and were even being killed by anti-junta forces amid the civil war.

"In 2017, the international community was well aware, because people fled to Bangladesh and the media were there, and were able to get that communication to everyone," Tun Khin said, explaining that news about the atrocities meant resources flowed rapidly to refugees.

But there was now a "total blackout" due to the civil war, he added, even as Rohingya are being forcibly conscripted by Myanmar's military junta to fight against rebel forces opposed to the February 2021 coup.

He said he believed the conscription effort was in part to further stoke ethnic tensions in Rakhine state, and that it was in any case further putting strains on displaced Rohingya families already torn apart.

"No media is paying attention, and this is happening under the pretext of getting rid of the military dictatorship," he said. "Of course, we want to see this military gotten rid of; we want to rebuild Rakhine state with all the minorities, but Rohingya lives should not be wiped out."

'Genocide is not over'

Lucky Karim, a Rohingya refugee who now lives in Illinois, said that she feared for the future of her people, with more and more Rohingya being killed or displaced within Myanmar, while the many refugees in Bangladesh are there effectively as prisoners.

For Rohingya refugees forced to live in the often lawless camps and survive on rations of $10 a month of food administered by the World Food Programme, Karim said, a resolution to their problems seemed as far away now as it did seven years ago when they fled.

"When we all fled to Bangladesh in 2017, the genocide was not over. It was just the beginning," she said. "People have limited access to transportation, limited access to education, and of course, the rations of food they get from WFP is never enough for every family."

She said there needed to be more opportunities for Rohingya to live normalized lives in Bangladesh, given that the opportunity to return to their homes to Myanmar was appearing to become a pipe dream.

"If we talk about solutions, livelihoods is the main one," she said. "If you provide livelihood opportunities to families, they can make their own money, and it will help them to prevent human trafficking, child forced marriage and everything that is happening in the refugee camps."

International campaign

There remains some efforts to hold Myanmar accountable and force the junta to allow Rohingya refugees to safely return to their homes.

The Gambia in 2022 brought a genocide case against Myannmar's government to the International Court of Justice, which the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Denmark and the Maldives have since signed on for as external participants.

A federal court in Argentina last year also began hearing testimony against Myanmar's military in a criminal trial for its atrocities brought there under a legal principle called "universal jurisdiction."

But both of those cases have their limitations, the forum heard.

"Many of the survivor community, they really just want to go home, right? They want to go to their homes, and they want to go home as soon as possible. And some of these processes aren't going to really achieve that," said Arsalan Suleman, a Washington-based lawyer representing The Gambia in its ICJ case against Myanmar.

"The [Argentine] criminal processes are meant to put people in jail, and have criminal accountability," he said. "That, directly is not going to get some of the people out of the camps and into their homes.

"Similarly for the ICJ case, the Gambia has asked the court to order Myanmar to repatriate the refugees and allow them to go back to their homes, but we are not sure exactly what the court will order," he said.

With the case still before the court, it could be too little and too late.

For Karim, if Rohingya refugees cannot escape the hellish camps in Bangladesh and return safely to their homes in Myanmar any time soon, the final part of the genocide may be around the corner.

"If we don't have any single member in Rakhine state from our community, from our religion, or from our ethnicity," she said, "I just fear that Rohingya will be disappeared from this world very soon."

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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Myanmar flooding destroys 20,000 acres of crops

Downpours in the heartland have affected 30 villages, residents said.

By RFA Burmese 2024.07.24 -- Flooding has devastated crops and forced schools to close in 30 villages across central Myanmar, residents told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.

The rain-swollen Ayeyarwady River in the Magway region flowed over its banks , destroying 20,000 acres of green beans, peanuts and sesame in the key agricultural region, where most households farm as a primary means of income, one resident of Kamma township said.

"Flooding this year is very bad," said the resident, who declined to be identified for fear of reprisals due to the military regime's crackdown on independent media. "Most of the bean fields are flooded and that's the primary crop in this area."

About 20 schools have been closed, he said, adding that five more townships in Magway are also experiencing rainy-season flooding.

Since the beginning of July, flooding has displaced tens of thousands in the region, washed away homes and killed several people, residents and relief workers said.

RFA telephoned Magway region's junta spokesperson, Myo Myint, for comment but he did not respond by the time of publication.

The rainy season is not due to end until late October but for now, the worst may be over.

The junta's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported early on Wednesday that water levels had receded below the danger level in Mandalay's Nyaung-U township, to the north of Magway, and in areas to the south, near the river's delta including in the towns of Seik Thar, Hinthada and Zalun.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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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Insurgent forces say they've taken control of central Myanmar's Mogoke

The last 4 junta camps in the gem-mining center fell on Wednesday, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army said.

By RFA Burmese 2024.07.24 -- Insurgent forces in Myanmar's Mandalay region have captured the gem-mining town of Mogoke from military junta forces, a Ta'ang National Liberation Army spokeswoman told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.

The TNLA is part of an alliance of three ethnic minority insurgent forces that ended a five-month ceasefire on June 25 following weeks of junta aerial attacks.

Since then, the group has been fighting for territory in Mogoke and in Shan state's Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Mongmit and Hsipaw townships.

The TNLA captured the west of Mogoke town on July 16, and has been fighting for control of the east since July 18.

On Wednesday, TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo confirmed to RFA that the TNLA and its allied forces have seized control of the last four military junta camps in Mogoke.

"We have completed the occupation today," she said.

Control of Mogoke allows the insurgents to effectively isolate Mongmit, which is just 45 km (27 miles) away.

The military junta has yet to issue any statements about the capture of Mogoke by TNLA and its allies. Attempts to reach the Mandalay region's junta spokesperson on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Elsewhere, clashes between the junta forces and TNLA allies are reported to be intense in Mongmit and Nawnghkio townships. TNLA captured Nawnghkio town on July 10.

The alliance of the three ethnic minority insurgent forces - known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance - launched an offensive last October, codenamed Operation 1027, that pushed back junta forces in several regions, including along northeastern Myanmar's border with China.

Insurgent forces in other parts of the country have stepped up their attacks since then too, posing the biggest challenge the military has faced in years of conflict.

Translated by Thane Aung. Edited by 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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Crowdsourcing Russia's Future: Poll Of Experts Considers What Comes After Putin

By Yelizaveta Surnacheva, Irina Snegovskaya, Systema and Current Time July 24, 2024

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.

Source:

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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STATEMENT by the Deputy Head of the delegation of the Russian Federation at the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (General debate), Geneva, July 23, 2024

24 July 2024 19:17

1404-24-07-2024

Mr. Chair,

Let me congratulate you on your election to this high office and assure you that we stand ready to constructively engage with you on all issues that arise in the course of the review process.

Russian delegation takes this opportunity to commend the United Nations Secretariat and the United Nations Office at Geneva for organizing the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

We appreciate the efforts made by the Chairmanship in cooperation with the UN Secretariat in order to bring the work of the review process back within its usual schedule. We hope that the issue of holding the 2026 Review Conference in April and May will be resolved as successfully, as was that of the Third Session of the Preparatory Committee.

Mr. Chair,

The NPT remains a central element of the international security system. The Treaty is still effective and has proven its resilience and usefulness to all its parties. The successful functioning of the NPT-based international nuclear non-proliferation regime relies on a calibrated balance between the Treaty's three pillars: cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament.

We have to note with regret that international security and strategic stability situation continues to deteriorate, as the number of conflicts is growing, their escalation is spiralling, and there is an obvious lack of readiness to engage in comprehensive work to ease tensions and build collective security on mutually acceptable terms. Most dangerously, the confrontation involving States possessing military nuclear capabilities is increasing.

Contradictions across the world have built up, bringing a number of brewing conflicts to active phase and creating new hotbeds of tension. The United States and its allies continue to aggravate the Ukrainian crisis, which was brought about by NATO's unchecked expansion and the West's nurturing the anti-Russian Kiev regime relying on ultra-nationalist actors. Desperate attempts to inflict "strategic defeat" on Russia and remove our country from the international arena as a sovereign stronghold of those who struggle for a just, multi-polar world order, are fraught with a direct clash between nuclear powers. The Middle East conflict is expanding, which has already led to the use of "nuclear rhetoric". In the Asia-Pacific, the turbulence has intensified manifold, with rifts growing along various dividing lines and the nuclear factor gaining increasing role.

In addition to that, NATO's combined military budget has sky-rocketed and exceeded half of the combined global military budget, and it continues to grow. The obvious purpose of this is to gain unchallenged military advantage in order to retain global dominance relying on force.

In this explosive environment, concerns over sharp global increase of strategic risks are completely justified. However, it appears absolutely unrealistic to call for remedying situation primarily through measures focusing on disarmament. Unfortunately, the competent international fora persist in their unwillingness to duly take into account the current political, military and strategic context while considering disarmament initiatives. As a result, their focus is shifted away from the tasks which should logically be treated as an absolute priority. This trend is also visible at the NPT forum, where for many participants promotion of nuclear disarmament totally substitutes for the addressing of a more urgent and inevitable issue of creating the necessary prerequisites. What is more, the disarmament demands have apparently become far more radical.

For our part, we remain convinced that no idea on achieving progress in nuclear disarmament formulated without regard to the international security situation, can be either pragmatic, or workable. Without taking collective efforts to remedy the grave situation in global affairs and creating favourable climate for disarmament first, no tangible progress towards nuclear zero can be attained.

All members of the international community, both possessing nuclear weapons and not, should contribute to such efforts. What we need is urgent steps to extinguish the existing conflicts, and systemic measures to prevent the new hotbeds of confrontation from escalation. Emphasis should be made on tackling the root causes of fundamental controversies relying on the principles of equality, indivisible security and mutual respect of each other's core interests. Practical adherence to these principles is especially important for minimizing strategic risks in relations of nuclear powers on a comprehensive and lasting basis. Without this, no nuclear threat reduction model can be viable.

Mr. Chair,

The NPT nuclear-weapon States' compliance with their non-proliferation obligations is pivotal for ensuring international peace and security. IAEA Safeguards System plays the key role in verifying such compliance. Credibility of the Agency's control mechanism is a key factor of its resilience. Such credibility is only possible if this mechanism is objective, technically sound and politically unbiased.

Russia closely follows the situation around the reform of the IAEA Safeguards System, which continues to cause our serious concerns. We expect the Agency's leadership to present a comprehensive report on the State-level concept clearly stating all the parameters of the reform, the procedure for applying the new approach, the rights and obligations of the IAEA Secretariat and Member States. Until the Secretariat has presented such report and it has been approved by the Agency's policy-making bodies, all Secretariat's State-level approaches to safeguards remain purely experimental, leaving the States the right not to recognize any conclusions prepared using such approaches.

We recognize the significance of the Additional Protocol to the IAEA Safeguards Agreements for confirming that all nuclear material in the country and the country's nuclear activities are of peaceful nature. At the same time, we would like to remind that concluding such Additional Protocols remains a voluntary step.

Russia has contributed money and expertise to ensuring reliability of the IAEA control mechanism, including through its national programme of safeguards support. It includes analysing environmental samples collected by the Agency as part of its inspection activities, in Russian laboratories, the training of IAEA inspectors, and assistance in the development of verification approaches for new types of nuclear plants, including mobile nuclear reactors.

Mr. Chair,

Nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) are a pivotal component of the non-proliferation regime. Establishing such zones is envisaged by Article VII of the NPT. We consider establishing such zones and nuclear-weapons States' signing legally binding protocols on security assurances to the parties to such zones as a meaningful factor strengthening international security and stability. Russia has signed and ratified the protocols to the existing treaties establishing NWFZs in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco), the South Pacific (Treaty of Rarotonga), Africa (Treaty of Pelindaba), Central Asia (Semipalatinsk Treaty), thus providing security assurances against the threat or use of nuclear weapons to over one hundred States parties to such zones.

The issue of establishing a zone free from nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD-free zone) in the Middle East as envisaged by the resolution of the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference, has always played special role in the NPT context. We view this resolution as an integral element of the 1995 NPT agreements. Russia welcomes the process of annual sessions of the Conference on a Middle East WMD-Free zone, which was launched by the UN General Assembly in 2018 and in which our country takes part as an observer. A series of substantive discussions has already taken place, and a number of specific decisions has been made. Certainly, this process can only be meaningful if it involves all Middle East countries excepting no one. We once again call on Israel and the United States not to disregard the Conference and take this opportunity to express their opinion and engage in an open discussion on strengthening security in the Middle East.

Mr. Chair,

We would like to highlight the situation around the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). As far back as 1999, the United States Congress denied to ratify the Treaty under an invented pretext. Since then, Washington has made no practical steps in this regard. We view the allegations that the Treaty cannot be passed through the Congress as a poor excuse. Consequently, we have concluded that the American establishment is not interested in ratifying the CTBT.

Russia's withdrawal of its ratification of the Treaty has become a natural response to the disparity in obligations with the United States, which had ensued and lasted for a certain period of time. Nevertheless, we continue to take full part in the CTBT process and have recently completed our segment of the International Monitoring System, the largest certified segment to date. We stand ready to return to the issue of the CTBT ratification as soon as the United States ratifies it.

Mr. Chair,

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the industrial use of the energy released from the nucleus of an atom. In 1954, the world's first nuclear power plant was launched in the town of Obninsk in the USSR. Today, nuclear power accounts for 10 percent of the world total energy production, and nuclear technologies have become an integral part of the life of people across the world. Nuclear energy promotes the sustainable development goals and supplies economy with sustainable and clean energy with the lowest levels of z2 emissions during the life cycle.

At the moment, Russia operates 42 power units at 12 nuclear power plants with a total installed capacity of 35 GW. Our country has engaged in extensive work on cutting-edge technologies. We run two fast-neutron nuclear reactors; the construction of a lead-cooled fast reactor is under way, which is part of the nuclear power facility intended to close nuclear fuel cycle within a single site; we operate the world's first floating nuclear thermal power plant with two small reactors; a land-based NPP with small reactor is currently under construction, and the programme of construction of small reactors is to be further expanded. Besides, Russia is the only country using civilian nuclear-powered vessels, with seven nuclear icebreakers in operation, and five more being constructed.

Russia actively promotes the development of nuclear energy across the world, and champions broad access of States to the benefits of the peaceful atom. Russian-designed power units are currently build in China, India, Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh and Hungary. Late last year, a nuclear power plant in Belarus started commercial operation.

Russia is a leader in uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel production. Its priorities include scientific research into and development of radiation technologies and peaceful uses of nuclear energy in medicine, agriculture, industry and other key economic sectors. We attach special importance to training professionals in nuclear sphere: over two thousand students from 65 foreign countries are currently studying in Russian universities.

We provide continuous political, financial and expert support to the IAEA in its activities in the field of energy and non-energy applications of nuclear technology. Russia is a donor of the Technical Cooperation Fund.

We would like to note the reinforcement of negative tendencies in the development of nuclear energy. Those are related to the fact that a group of States, first and foremost, the U.S.-led Western countries, use political methods against their competitors with considerably more advanced nuclear technologies. Such steps run counter to the principles of free trade, Article IV of the NPT and the purposes and objectives of the IAEA.

Russia finds unacceptable any attempts to limit the access to the benefits of peaceful atom for any State compliant with its non-proliferation obligations. Consequently, we do everything we can to counteract the use of the NPT to pursue political and economic tasks that are not directly related to the non-proliferation issues, and will continue to provide all possible assistance in using nuclear technology to all interested States.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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Ship of Socialist Republic of Vietnam makes business call at Vladivostok

24.07.2024

Today, the frigate Tran Hung Dao of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Navy arrives in Vladivostok.

After docking of the ship in the main base of the Pacific Fleet, the meeting ceremony of foreign sailors led by the commander of the Primorsky Flotilla of Mixed Forces of the Pacific Fleet Rear Admiral Aleksey Sysuyev took place.

During the stay of the frigate Tran Hung Dao in Vladivostok, cultural events will be organised for the sailors, including tours round the city and a visit to the Navy's museum.

The business call of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Navy ship will last until 31 July.

For Reference:

The frigate Tran Hung Dao was built at the A.M. Gorky Zelenodolsk Shipyard under the project 11661E 'Gepard-3.9'. Launched on 27 April 2016 and delivered by the transport vessel Rolldock Star to the Vietnamese naval base of Cam Ranh on 27 October 2017. This is the third of four frigates built for the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Press Service of the Eastern Military District

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

Sputnik News

20240724

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.

The incredible effectiveness of Iskander missile strikes against Ukrainian military targets is in no small part the product of this weapon's 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 missile's 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 can't 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.

A Sputnik

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Taiwan holds anti-landing drill on Penghu on Day 3 of Han Kuang

ROC Central News Agency

07/24/2024 03:57 PM

Taipei, July 24 (CNA) Troops stationed on the offshore Penghu Islands held an anti-landing drill early Wednesday featuring the United States-made Stinger and Javelin missile defense systems as part of the ongoing Han Kuang exercises.

Army Penghu Defense Command troops fired from the Dual Mount Stinger, a tripod-mounted launch platform for the Stinger Missile, and used Javelin portable anti-tank missiles during the drill held on the beachfront on Wednesday morning.

Soldiers also fired 155, 105 mm guns and 120 mm mortars during the hour-long drill. This served as covering fire to protect troops as M60A3 tanks and CM-21 armored vehicles advanced on the battlefield.

Wednesday's drill was also supposed to include Air Force jets and naval vessels, but they did not participate due to the incoming Typhoon Gaemi.

Similar live-fire exercises were also held on the Matsu Islands the same day.

Meanwhile, live-fire exercises were canceled in Kinmen, less than 10 kilometers from mainland China, because more than 30 merchant vessels were heading to Liaoluo Port so they could anchor and shelter from the typhoon.

Maj. Gen. Cheng Chieh-yuan (eaa), a spokesman for the Army's Kinmen Defense Command, told reporters that the exercises were called off due to the vessels being in the target area.

Wednesday was the third day of the five-day around-the-clock live-fire component of the 40th Han Kuang series of exercises that began on Monday.

Due to the approaching Typhoon Gaemi, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to almost all of Taiwan on Wednesday and Thursday, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Wednesday said that all exercises scheduled for the remaining days would be canceled to focus on typhoon disaster preparation.

Instead of holding on-the-ground drills, the MND said Taiwanese troops would hold tabletop war games.

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 Joseph Yeh and Matt Yu)

Enditem/kb

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DPP slammed for tying local people to 'Taiwan independence' chariot

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Jul 24, 2024 08:24 PM

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of Taiwan are desperately seeking to align with the US, stubbornly accelerating their attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" by force and by relying on external forces, which has led to tension and instability in the Taiwan Straits, seriously threatening security and wellbeing of Taiwan people, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council warned on Wednesday, slamming DPP authorities' Han Kuang war game.

The DPP authorities are hyping the so-called mainland threat and squandering the hard-earned money of the people in the island to buy weapons from the US, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press briefing on Wednesday. By catering to the US, they are tying the island to the "Taiwan independence" chariot step by step, forcing Taiwan people to become "cannon fodder" for "Taiwan independence," the spokesperson said.

The island of Taiwan on Monday launched the live action phase of its annual Han Kuang war game, claiming to mimic actual combat in which the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) blockades the island.

The exercise is scheduled to last until Friday, with an emphasis on testing the island's ability to protect critical infrastructure in Taipei and enhance the resilience of key infrastructure across the island, according to media on the island.

The military in the island has also suggested converting some temples to munitions depots in case of conflict. This has led to resistance from residents concerned that sacred sites might be damaged or destroyed, media reports said.

Zhu called for the DPP authorities to abandon their attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" by force and by relying on external forces, and stop leading Taiwan into a dangerous situation of war and crisis.

The essence of the war game that is held regularly on the island is to provoke confrontation. Picturing the mainland as its enemy serves its real purpose of beefing up DPP authorities' military collaboration with the US, including intelligence sharing, Wang Jianmin, a senior cross-Straits expert at Minnan Normal University in Fujian, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

"Adopting a strategy of confrontation with the mainland can only lead to further deterioration of cross-Straits relations, escalating the tension even more, resulting in even less room for negotiation. I am concerned about the future of cross-Straits relations," Wang said.

Recently, former US president Donald Trump accused Taiwan of "stealing" American chip business and suggested it pay the US for defense in a Bloomberg interview, media reported.

In response to Trump's remarks, Zhu said the people in Taiwan see clearly that the US always prioritizes so-called America first, and Taiwan will not be an exception.

Zhu said on Wednesday that more and more people in the island strongly oppose and are dissatisfied with moves of the DPP. They fully realize that "relying on the US" will only "harm Taiwan."

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Joint Defence Declaration signed with Germany on 48-hr defence diplomacy drive by defence secretary

A new joint defence declaration with Germany has been signed by the Defence Secretary

24 July 2024

John Healey MP makes first visits as new Defence Secretary to France, Germany, Poland and Estonia.

In Germany he signed the most comprehensive joint defence declaration agreeing to closer cooperation as the first step in a deep new UK-German defence relationship.

Defence Secretary meets with counterparts as part of the UK Government's reset of relationships with European Allies - and thanks UK service personnel defending NATO's eastern border.

A new joint defence declaration with Germany has been signed by the Defence Secretary as part of a 48-hour drive of defence diplomacy, making his first visits to France, Germany, Poland, and Estonia.

Meeting counterparts across Europe, the Defence Secretary will set out the new government's commitment to deepen defence ties with European allies, within a 'NATO-first' defence strategy.

It follows last week's European Political Community Summit, hosted in the UK, where the Prime Minister Keir Starmer fired the starting gun on resetting relations with Europe.

In a demonstration of how European security is the new government's foreign and defence priority, the Defence Secretary and his German counterpart signed a new joint declaration on closer defence cooperation. This will be the most comprehensive defence agreement that has been signed between the UK and Germany.

Our international alliances are a crucial component of a secure Britain, and domestically the Government will ensure that defence and security are at the heart of economic growth and the prosperity of the UK.

Last night, the Defence Secretary met counterparts in France, alongside the Chiefs of Defence Staff from both nations, and thanked British personnel helping to support security at the Paris Olympics.

In Germany, the Defence Secretary signed a joint declaration, committing the UK and Germany to deepen defence cooperation. This the first step of a new defence relationship between the UK and Germany and a new UK German Defence Agreement as discussed by Olaf Scholz and Keir Starmer at the recent NATO Summit.

On Thursday, the Defence Secretary will travel to Estonia to meet UK military personnel deployed to protect NATO's eastern border with Russia. He will pay tribute to the role UK forces are playing in the region as an example of how NATO is the cornerstone of Europe's defence. On the visit, he will present personnel with the wider service medal.

As part of the UK's joint defence declaration with Germany today, ministers are expected to agree six defence priorities for closer working following Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine, recognising the need to collaborate more closely to defend our shared values and reaffirm our commitments to NATO and collective security in Europe.

Defence Secretary John 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 government's first foreign and defence priority. Our new defence declaration between the UK and Germany will kickstart 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 NATO's eastern border with Russia. Their presence and fortitude in the face of Putin's aggression shows that NATO is the cornerstone of European defence.

Objectives set out in Wednesday's joint declaration 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.

Both countries are among the biggest providers of military and economic support to Ukraine. The UK government will continue to do so by providing A3bn of military support every year until Ukraine wins and ramping up and speeding up the delivery of vital military aid.

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Joint Declaration on Enhanced Defence Cooperation between Germany and the United Kingdom

Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, signed a joint declaration with German Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, on 24 July, 2024.

24 July 2024

The Ministry of Defence of Germany and the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom commit to improve and further enhance bilateral defence cooperation to better meet the common challenges of the 21st century and to best secure the common interests of both countries in defence-related areas.

Recognising the imperative for closer collaboration in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges and shared security threats and building on existing lighthouses of bilateral cooperation between Germany and the UK, such as the German-British Amphibious Engineer Battalion 130 in Minden, the Defence Ministers of Germany and the United Kingdom endeavour to embark upon a new path of enhanced partnership and defence cooperation, to promote stability in NATO's eastern flank and in Europe as a whole and beyond for the Euro-Atlantic area. We consider closer defence cooperation as an important first step in a new relationship between Germany and the United Kingdom.

Strategic Context

In light of the escalating security concerns, exacerbated by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and a deteriorating strategic environment, the preservation of European security demands a unified response. The Defence Ministers of Germany and the United Kingdom recognise the urgency of the situation and the imperative for closer collaboration to address these challenges collectively.

As staunch NATO Allies, we reaffirm our commitment to its principles, and acknowledge its indispensable role in securing our collective deterrence and defence. We recognise the need to strengthen the European contribution to NATO, which will enhance our capacity to respond effectively to evolving security threats.

Through strategic cooperation in defence procurement, research, and technological innovation, we aim to contribute within our responsibilities to bolstering our industrial capabilities and enhance our operational effectiveness. By leveraging our respective strengths and fostering interoperability, we will build a resilient partnership capable of addressing the complex security challenges facing our region.

As we confront these challenges together with partners, we are guided by our shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. By working hand in hand, Germany and the United Kingdom seek to contribute to maintaining the Alliance's effective and credible deterrence and defence tasks. At the same time, both Germany and the United Kingdom remain committed to the security of Europe.

Priority Objectives

Strengthening Defence Industries:

Both Ministries of Defence will explore opportunities to contribute to nurturing and promoting the defence industrial base in Europe, foster joint procurement initiatives and interoperability, and advance research and development endeavours to enhance capability production and technological innovation.

Reinforcing Euro-Atlantic Security:

Affirming NATO as the cornerstone of our defence architecture, we will endeavour to do our part to strengthen NATO, bolster complementary cooperation between NATO and the EU, renew dialogue between Allies, and support collective action within international forums.

At the Eastern Flank of NATO, we are committed to enhance the cooperation in the framework of Forward Land Forces and NATO's Advance Plans, in order to support deterrence activities and the ability to defend Allies' territory. This also includes close coordination and cooperation within the 3+3 Defence Minister's format, bringing together the three Baltic host nations and the three framework nations Germany, the UK and Canada.

Enhancing Interoperability:

Recognising the importance of seamless coordination, we endeavour to enhance interoperability between the German Bundeswehr and United Kingdom Armed Forces across all domains and strengthen standardisation in NATO.

Addressing Emerging Threats:

Confronting evolving security challenges, including hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and climate change, we shall explore joint efforts aimed at enhancing our collective resilience and response capabilities within the responsibility of our Ministries.

Supporting Ukraine:

Both Ministers aim to coordinate long-term military support for Ukraine, fostering stability and bolstering the country's defence capabilities in the face of external aggression.

Deep Precision Strike:

The Ministries of Defence of Germany and the United Kingdom will, together with partners, undertake a long-term, comprehensive cooperation in the field of long-range capabilities.

Intergovernmental Cooperation Structures

To facilitate strategic direction and oversight, our intended closer cooperation may include the establishment of a senior-level group tasked with steering defence cooperation and annual meetings with Defence Ministers. In addition, we propose enhanced dialogue between parliamentarians on defence matters as well as joint strategic planning fora.

Defence Industrial Collaboration

Drawing upon existing frameworks such as OCCAR, Eurofighter/Typhoon programme and Boxer User Group, and our bilateral Ministerial Equipment and Capability Cooperation (MECC), the Defence Ministers of Germany and the United Kingdom commit to fostering joint procurement initiatives, advancing NATO standardisation, and promoting technology sharing. The Ministries will also share views on defence exports in the framework of joint programmes, including through regular consultations, which enhance our shared security and support our respective defence industrial bases. We aspire to share our Ministries' views regarding our defence industrial strategies, underpinned by structured dialogue and cooperative frameworks across land, air, and maritime domains.

Military to military

We will explore opportunities to increase our military cooperation, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to emerging security challenges. We intend to place a renewed emphasis on defence diplomacy, interoperability, military doctrine development and high-level strategic exchanges. We are committed to enhancing focused exchanges, fostering robust dialogue, and mutually supporting initiatives. Interoperability will remain a cornerstone of our partnership, strengthened by joint training programs and shared technological advancements.

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Treasury Implements REPO for Ukrainians Act Reporting Requirement

U.S. Department of the Treasury

July 23, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, as part of implementing the historic Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act (the "REPO for Ukrainians Act"), the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a new reporting requirement for financial institutions holding Russian sovereign assets. Pursuant to section 104(a) of the REPO for Ukrainians Act, all financial institutions at which Russian sovereign assets are located, and that know or should know of such assets, must provide notice of such assets to OFAC no later than August 2, 2024 or within 10 days of the detection of such assets, and can do so via OFAC's new form.

As described in more detail in the full instructions and in the REPO for Ukrainians Act Report Form, financial institutions should not re-report information on Russian sovereign assets that was previously reported to OFAC. A notice of these reporting instructions will be published in the Federal Register.

"Congress took an important step with the passage of the REPO for Ukrainians Act to unlock the value of immobilized Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine's continued resilience and reconstruction," said Acting General Counsel of the Treasury Addar Levi. "The United States will continue to work with our foreign partners, including the G7, to deliver support to Ukraine."

Anyone with questions on this reporting requirement is encouraged to contact OFAC.

###

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Over Time, Ukraine Should Achieve Maximum Defense Independence - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

23 July 2024 - 20:30

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today I held a meeting of the Staff. Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Barhylevych delivered reports on the front - our actions, our steps, and the real situation with the occupier's intentions and capabilities. Our task is to ensure by all means and with all our strength the constant effective destruction of Russian troops, their logistics and their important positions not only directly on the frontline, but also in all available depths. Available to our long-range capability. We are working with our partners to increase this level of defense. But while we are waiting for our partners' decisions, we are looking for our own solutions, our own options. In this case, the key is our drones, our flexibility in the use of drones. Ukrainian warriors have already proven to be real innovators in many areas of drone use. And it is worth continuing, and we will continue this. I am grateful to everyone who helps with this - those who produce drones, those who supply them, those who train drone operators and those who generally promote this issue. Ukrainian leadership in this technological aspect, it is really tangible. Today, at the Staff meeting, we did a detailed analysis of our electronic warfare capabilities - the things that are already being done, the things that show real combat success. As well as the things we need to do on top of that. Plus, the missile program. Our missile program is showing good dynamics, and although it is a challenging task, we are gradually approaching the possibility of using our own missiles, and not just relying on missiles supplied by our partners. Over time, Ukraine should achieve maximum defense independence, as such states always find effective allies and realize their interests more easily.

The second thing for today. There have been several international meetings. Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, paid a visit to Ukraine. I am grateful for this signal. This is the signal of support for Ukraine, for Ukrainians, and for our desire to live in our own state, and to live truly peacefully. We also appreciate that Cardinal Parolin visited not only Kyiv, but also Odesa, Berdychiv, Lviv. He saw our people's mood, the objective needs of this time. We discussed what exactly can be done this year to bring closer a just peace for Ukraine. It is very important for us and for the cause of peace as such that the Vatican takes an active role in defending life and helping us to implement the Peace Formula and its points, especially those related to the release of prisoners. It was a good meeting, and I hope that the results will follow. I also spoke with the new Prime Minister of Estonia. I thanked him for the support, for our multi-level cooperation. We agreed to meet, and of course, we will continue all our cooperation, both political and defense. And today, the Head of the Office, Andriy Yermak, spoke with Phil Gordon, the National Security Advisor to the U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. It was at the Vice President's level that America participated in the first Peace Summit, and it is important that the momentum of our joint work for a just peace does not diminish. All our partners at all levels know and will know in the future what the prospects are and that the just peace can indeed be restored as soon as possible.

And one more thing. I thank the warriors of our 110th separate mechanized brigade for their precision. They shot down another Russian Su-25 in the Donetsk region. This is exactly what we need. Well done, guys!

Glory to Ukraine!

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July 24, 2024

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov yesterday to discuss current battlefield dynamics in Ukraine and security assistance priorities. Secretary Austin highlighted the success of the recent NATO Summit in demonstrating strong Allied support for Ukraine and provided an update on U.S. security assistance packages to Ukraine.

The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3847911/

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EU procured almost 2 million worth of IT equipment for Ukraine

European External Action Service (EEAS)

24.07.2024

, 24  2024 .

Press and information team of the Delegation to UKRAINE

The European Union has financed the purchase and delivery of modern IT equipment and software for the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The total cost of equipment was about 2 million, and was facilitated by EU-funded technical assistance projects, including the Project entitled "Continued support to align Ukrainian legislation, control and awareness with the EU Acquis in food safety, animal health and welfare, and phytosanitary" (EU4SaferFood).

"The European Union is continuing its comprehensive support to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food and the SSUFSCP, including the procurement of this equipment, in order to help them to ensure that they can fulfil their public functions more efficiently. This equipment includes high-power hardware to host the Ministry's State Agrarian Register and for the SSUFSCP's new training centre for state officials. We have also updated the pool of office equipment such as computers, laptops, software, networking equipment, and multifunctional devices, and also ensured the secure data back-up and data recovery in the event of emergencies", said Mr Christian Ben Hell, Agricultural Attache, Sector Manager for Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Food Safety at the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

With this new hardware and software:

The Ministry will be able to significantly extend and modernise its data centre and ensure the sustainable functioning of the State Agrarian Register - a platform established by the Ministry with the support of the EU for the registration of farms in Ukraine and the transparent mobilisation and distribution of different types of financial and technical support for the agrarian sector;

The SSUFSCP will be able to launch and maintain the new training centre for specialists in the fields of veterinary medicine, food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The training centre is being established for the purpose of continuous professional development of Ministry and SSUFSCP specialists with the support of EU4SaferFood project at the State Scientific and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, Veterinary and Sanitary Examination in Kyiv.

Background information:

The project "Continued support to align Ukrainian legislation, control and awareness with the EU Acquis in food safety, animal health and welfare, and phytosanitary" (EU4SaferFood) is funded by the European Union. Its main purpose is to help Ukraine: 1) develop and implement key reforms based on the EU Acquis in food safety, animal health and welfare, and phytosanitary; 2) improve the Ukrainian state control system in these areas to ensure compliance with the EU standards. Main beneficiaries are the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The project lasts from March 2024 till November 2025. Project budget: 1 999 885 EUR. This project is a follow-on to the previous EU project "Improvement of legislation, control, and awareness in food safety, animal health and welfare in Ukraine" (EU4SaferFood) /2019 - 2024/.

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Chinese, Ukrainian foreign ministers hold talks, 'highlighting China's significant role in promoting peace'

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing Published: Jul 24, 2024 10:34 PM Updated: Jul 24, 2024 10:36 PM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, with Kuleba saying Ukraine is willing and prepared to conduct dialogue and negotiations with Russia.

Some experts said Kuleba's visit to China at this time clearly shows that he recognizes China's sincere efforts in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its influence as a major power. This approach aligns with Ukraine's interests. If Ukraine continues to rely solely on the US-led West as it did in the past, it is likely to be abandoned, they said.

Wang said China believes the resolution of all conflicts ultimately requires returning to the negotiation table, and that all disputes must be resolved through political means, adding that recently both Ukraine and Russia have shown willingness for negotiations.

The Ukraine crisis has entered its third year, with the conflict still ongoing and the risk of escalation and spillover remaining, Wang said, noting that China has consistently been committed to promoting a political resolution to the 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.

"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," Wang said, adding that China is closely following the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the country.

Kuleba said the Ukrainian side attached importance to China's views, and studied the six common understandings for a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis. "The Ukrainian side is willing to and preparing to conduct dialogue and negotiations with Russia. Of course, negotiations should be rational and substantive, aiming to achieve a just and lasting peace," Kuleba said, according to a statement on website of the Chinese foreign ministry.

Kuleba's four-day visit to China, which was also the first one since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022, has taken place when the global geopolitical landscape is going through major changes, some experts said.

Following US President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, it's widely believed that Washington's stance on the Ukraine crisis may change. Also, across Europe, calls advocating for reduced aid to Ukraine are growing louder as the domestic political landscape in countries like France and the UK are also undergoing rapid changes, experts noted.

"In fact, China's role on the Ukraine crisis has always been promoting peace talks, and the fact that Kuleba is coming to China for talks demonstrates Ukraine's growing recognition of China's role in fostering peace negotiations," Zhang Hong, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Unique role

In a video posted late Tuesday on his social media accounts, Kuleba said China can play a significant role in the pursuit of a just and stable peace on the Ukraine crisis, the AP said.

"The fact that Donald Trump stating that he will immediately resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict if he takes office worries Kiev," Cui Heng, a scholar from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Trump might force Ukraine to cede sovereignty and territory to quickly reach a peace agreement with Russia, which would make Ukraine a pawn in the power game between major nations, Cui noted.

During the meeting, Kuleba said Ukraine highly appreciates China's positive and constructive role in promoting peace and maintaining international order.

In the face of rapidly changing domestic and international situations, Ukraine finds it increasingly difficult to sustain a long-term war of attrition. It can no longer fully rely on the US, Europe, and NATO and urgently needs to find new supportive forces, some experts said. In the eyes of the Ukrainian government, China has significant global influence, they noted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently hinted at a willingness to negotiate with Russia for the first time since the war began, suggesting that Moscow should send a delegation to the next peace summit that he hopes to hold in November, CNN reported on Saturday.

On the Ukraine crisis, China has consistently promoted peace talks, but in the past, Ukraine, bolstered by Western support, showed little interest in such efforts and preferred military aid, Zhang noted. "However, with recent US political shake-up, China's role in promoting peace talks has become uniquely significant."

"Additionally, the West lacks influence over Russia, while Ukraine believes that China has a unique role in encouraging negotiations," Zhang said.

From mediating re-establishment of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran to Beijing Declaration inked by Palestinian factions, now to Ukraine's recognition of China's efforts in promoting peace talks, it is evident that China's inclusive and comprehensive security concepts are being accepted by an increasing number of nations, the expert added.

Healthy and stable relations

During the meeting, Wang said China and Ukraine are friendly nations to each other, and their interactions over the years have been characterized by friendship and cooperation.

Wang called for maintaining communication and exchanges, enhancing mutual trust, continuing the tradition of friendship, promoting goodwill among the two peoples, and fostering the healthy and stable development of China-Ukraine relations.

From a rational perspective, Ukraine's close communication with China and seeking China's support is a reasonable choice. China has no direct interest in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and does not profit from it. Therefore, it is a trustworthy party, experts said.

Kuleba told Wang that Ukraine supports China's position on the Taiwan question and will continue to adhere to the one-China principle.

Ukraine hopes to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen political mutual trust, revitalize cooperation in various fields such as trade and agriculture, and enhance exchanges between sister cities at the local level, according to the readout.

Over the past two years, the US and some Western countries have tried to link the Taiwan question with the Ukraine crisis, comparing two completely different matters and encouraging some Ukrainians to cooperate with Taiwan, including military exchanges and training, some experts said, noting that such a trend is concerning.

"Kuleba's statement is important because it indicates that even Ukrainians do not accept the forced linkage of the Taiwan question and Ukraine crisis by the US-led West. The notion propagated by Taiwan of 'Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow' is unfounded," Cui said.

Some experts believe by talking with the Chinese side, Ukraine has shown its willingness and readiness to negotiate with Russia, however, the main issue now is whether Moscow is willing to talk.

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The Foreign Minister to her Latvian colleagues: together, we are providing vital support for Ukraine's security

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

24.07.2024

At an inter-institutional meeting on long-term support and security commitments towards Ukraine, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Baiba BraAe, informed the participants about the Foreign Ministry's work and thanked other ministries for their efforts to implement the agreement concluded this past 11 April year between the Presidents of the Republic of Latvia and Ukraine.

Baiba BraAe briefed those present about the results of Summit on Peace in Ukraine and preparations underway to organise the next peace summit. The issue was on the agenda of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, 22 July: the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, also participated remotely in the discussion on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, providing an outline of both the current situation on the ground and the outcomes of the first Ukraine Peace Summit, as well as charting further steps to be taken after the summit.

The Foreign Minister Baiba BraAe: "Recent events - the first Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland and the NATO summit in the US - clearly marked the commitment of partner countries to continue strong support to Ukraine. At the Washington Summit, the countries of the Drone Coalition signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing concrete and practical principles of future cooperation. Meanwhile, during the NATO Summit, countries that signed on to the G7 declaration last year and have entered into bilateral security agreements joined a Compact prepared by the US, which will ensure the coordination and effectiveness of partner countries in honouring their commitments and demonstrating unity in support of Ukraine."

In a discussion on the work accomplished so far and future plans, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided information on Latvia's continued support for the reconstruction of Chernihiv region - implementing social infrastructure projects and projects in the field of European integration. The Minister also mentioned development cooperation projects supported by Latvia in the fields of medical care (rehabilitation and microsurgery), agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprise development, and Eurointegration, among others. Baiba BraAe and representatives from line ministries exchanged views on the possibilities for involvement of Latvian businesses and researchers in various projects implemented in support of Ukraine.

The ministries shared information about their, and a wider sector-specific support to Ukraine so far in the context of security commitments, as well as their assistance to Ukraine in the EU integration process. The Foreign Minister briefed them about the High-level Group of Experts to support Ukraine's EU integration, set up in the Nordic and Baltic Format (NB8), where Latvia is represented by Andris Piebalgs: his visit to Ukraine is taking place this week.

The matters of civilian mine clearance, which are critical for Ukraine, were also discussed, including in the Chernihiv region supported by Ukraine. Given that Latvia does not have a responsible authority in this field, further discussions will be necessary between individual ministries on the coordination of this issue.

Representatives from all line ministries attended the inter-institutional meeting on long-term support and security commitments towards Ukraine on Wednesday, 24 July.

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Kuleba Says Moscow Not Ready For Peace Talks 'In Good Faith'

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 24, 2024

Ukraine remains ready to hold talks with Russia provided Moscow proves it's ready to negotiate in "good faith," but Kyiv has yet to see such inclination from the Kremlin, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba reiterated on July 24 during talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

At the invitation of Wang, Kuleba is on a three-day visit to China, his first since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion, for talks to explore a possible Chinese role in ending the war.

"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," Kuleba said, according to a Ukrainian Foreign Ministry statement, in opening remarks at the meeting with Wang in Guangzhou, a major commercial and manufacturing center in southern China.

Kuleba "presented the consistent position of Ukraine, that is its readiness to conduct negotiations with the Russian side at a certain stage, when Russia is ready to conduct negotiations in good faith, but emphasized that currently such readiness has not been observed on the Russian side," the statement added.

Kuleba's trip came as a surprise to some 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.

Ukraine last month held an international summit without Russian representation in Switzerland to promote its vision of peace.

The gathering hosted delegations from 100 countries and Washington was represented by Vice President Kamala Harris, the front-runner to obtain the Democratic Party's nomination for the November presidential poll following President Joe Biden's announcement that he will not run for reelection.

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 which called for a separate international peace conference to be held that would have representation from both Kyiv and Moscow.

Kuleba, who reportedly said Ukraine had "carefully studied" the Chinese plan, also informed Wang "about the results of the peace summit in Switzerland and explained the logic of further steps in the implementation of the peace formula as a way to a fair end to Russian aggression," the statement said.

In an Instagram post ahead of the visit, Kuleba said: "We must avoid competing peace plans. It is very important that Kyiv and Beijing conduct a direct dialogue and exchange positions."

Wang in turn told Kuleba that Bejing believes that all conflicts should be resolved "at the negotiating table," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

He added that recently, both Ukraine and Russia had sent signals that they are willing to negotiate "to varying degrees."

"Although the conditions and timing are not yet ripe, we support all efforts conducive to peace and are willing to continue to play a constructive role in cease-fire and the resumption of peace talks," the statement quoted Wang as saying.

China's invitation to Kuleba came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy voiced rare criticism directed at Beijing, saying 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.

Kyiv has been hesitant to criticize China, with Zelenskiy often encouraging Beijing to play a role in reaching a peace settlement.

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

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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-kuleba- ukraine-peace-zelenskiy/33048934.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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At Least 2 Killed In Russian Strikes On Ukraine As Danube Port Infrastructure Damaged

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 24, 2024

Russian shelling and missile strikes on Ukrainian regions on July 24 killed at least two people, injured several others, and damaged infrastructure in the Danube port of Izmayil, regional officials reported.

An elderly woman died in the southern city of Kherson during Russian shelling overnight, the regional military administration reported.

"At night, the Russian Army hit a residential building in the Dnipro district of Kherson. Unfortunately, a 77-year-old woman was killed and her body was found under the rubble of her own home," it said on Telegram.

Several missile strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, killed at least one civilian, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram.

"The first strike targeted an industrial zone in one of Kharkiv's districts.... The second hit a private enterprise area, setting a building on fire. There are reports of one dead person," Terekhov said.

Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synyehubov said separately that an industrial building was set on fire in the attack on the city's Nemyshlyanskiy district.

Oleh Kiper, the governor of the southern region of Odesa, reported that Russian drones struck the area of the Danube port of Izmayil, which is critical for Ukraine's grain exports.

"The port infrastructure and an apartment building were targeted by the Russians," Kiper wrote on Telegram, adding that three people were injured. Kiper said the attack damaged several port installations and a fire broke out, but it was eventually put out by firefighters.

In Bucharest, the Defense Ministry of Ukraine's NATO neighbor, Romania, said that following the attacks on Izmayil, which is located on the Danube's left bank just across Romania's Tulcea county, it scrambled two warplanes in the area.

"Two F-16 fighter jets took off at 2:19 a.m. local time from Borcea Air Base to monitor the situation. The two aircraft returned to the base at 4:20 a.m.," the ministry said in a statement. Romania's Borcea Air Base is located some 135 kilometers southeast of Izmayil.

Earlier, authorities in Tulcea county issued alerts after several drones were observed close to the border. Debris from Russian drones has fallen on Romania's territory several times in the past.

Ukraine's air force said that its air-defense systems shot down 17 of the 23 drones launched by Russia at Ukrainian targets. According to the commander of Ukraine's air force, General Mykola Oleschuk, most drones were downed over the Odesa region.

Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry said its air-defense systems downed three Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region.

Ukraine, whose civilian and energy infrastructure has been devastated by incessant Russian missile and drone attacks, has in turn targeted oil refining installations and other fuel-producing facilities inside Russia that work for the military.

In an interview with The Guardian, Ukraine's top military commander, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy, said on July 24 that so far, Ukrainian drones have targeted "about 200 critical infrastructure sites" such as factories, fuel dumps, and ammunition depots deep inside Russia, all of which were connected with "military logistics."

Ukraine has also claimed that its sea drones have sunk or disabled one-third of all Russian warships in the Black Sea.

"It really became a trap for them and for some [vessels] a grave," Sryskiy told The Guardian.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kharkiv-terekhov-synyehubov- belgorod/33048544.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov sends telegrams to military units involved in special military operation

24.07.2024

The Head of the military department congratulated the command and personnel of the 15th Guards Motorised Rifle Shavlinsky Order of Lenin, Red Banner Regiment on the liberation of Peschanoye from the enemy. As a result of the decisive actions, the enemy retreated to the west suffering losses.

'Today, you are confidently advancing forwards, press the enemy in Boguslav direction, and liberate our land from the armed Ukrainian formations with courage, resilience, and heroism', the Russian Defence Minister said in his telegram.

During the special military operation, the servicemen of the regiment showed tremendous courage and selflessness. Over 1,000 defenders of the Fatherland have been awarded state and departmental medals.

The Minister of Defence conveyed congratulations to the personnel of the 13th Guards Tank Shepetovka Red Banner Orders of Suvorov and Kutuzov Regiment. In the course of the offensive in Boguslav direction, the tank servicemen defeated the enemy's resistance and liberated Rozovka from the neo-Nazis.

The Motherland highly appreciates the reputable feat of the soldiers. For their courage and heroism in combat missions, more than 1,900 servicemen of the regiment have been awarded state and departmental honours. By right, following the glorious traditions of its glorious military unit, the present warriors continue their heroic record and way of war.

The Russian Defence Minister thanked the servicemen for successfully carrying out combat missions and being faithful to their military duty, expressed confidence that they would honourably continue missions bringing our victory closer.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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

Sputnik News

20240724

SOLNECHNOGORSK, Russia (Sputnik) - 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.

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.

"We do not know what is behind these statements, we have not even heard these statements from the mouth of Mr. Kuleba. We hope that we will receive some clarifications in the near future," Peskov said at the site of the Festival of new media.

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.

"Russia has never refused a peace process, and we maintain our readiness. We have the task of ensuring our security for both ourselves and future generations. Of course, a peace process is preferable," he said.

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.

A Sputnik

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Russian Troops Destroy Key Ukrainian Air Defenses

Sputnik News

20240724

The Armed Forces destroyed two S-300 air defense systems, along with a command post and a drone storage site, over the past day, Russia's Ministry of Defense reported on Wednesday.

"Operational-tactical aviation, UAVs, missile forces, and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces destroyed a command post and a UAV storage site of the Ukrainian 63rd Mechanized Brigade, a low-altitude detector, a target illumination and guidance radar station, a combat control cabin, and two S-300 air defense system launchers. Additionally, concentrations of Ukrainian military personnel and equipment in 146 locations were targeted," the ministry said.

Additionally, the Ukrainian armed forces have lost up to 700 soldiers in battles with Russia's Yug Battlegroup in the past 24 hours.

"The losses of the armed forces of Ukraine amounted to up to 700 military personnel, an armored personnel carrier, two armored combat vehicles, five vehicles," the ministry said in a statement.

In battles with Russia's Zapad Battlegroup, Kiev has lost up to 550 servicepeople, a tank and an ammunition depot was destroyed, while the Tsentr Battlegroup has repelled a counterattack and Kiev has lost over 395 soldiers.

Kiev has also lost up to 140 soldiers in battles with Russia's Sever Battlegroup and up to 120 soldiers in battles with the Vostok Battlegroup, the ministry added.

A Sputnik

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Ukraine Signals Willingness for Peace Talks With Russia

Sputnik News

20240724

BEIJING (Sputnik) - Ukraine is ready for negotiations with Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday.

"The Ukrainian side is willing and ready to conduct dialogue and negotiations with the Russian side," Kuleba was quoted as saying by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commenting on the development said that the message voiced by Kuleba is in line with Moscow's position.

"You and I really know from reports from Beijing that such a statement was made at a meeting with Wang Yi. The message itself is in unison with our position," Peskov told reporters.

Moscow needs clarification on this issue, because there are no details yet, the official said.

"You know that the Russian side has never refused negotiations and has always maintained its openness to the negotiation process," Peskov added.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also expressed Kiev's appreciation for China's active and constructive role in promoting peace and maintaining international order. He emphasized that Ukraine values Beijing's perspective and has carefully considered the six-point consensus reached between China and Brazil.

In May, China and Brazil jointly released a memorandum proposing a political resolution to the Ukrainian crisis, outlining that negotiations are the only viable solution. The document called for creating conditions for direct dialogue and proposed an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation from all parties for a fair discussion of all proposals.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the talks with Kuleba said that Beijing believes that the resolution of all conflicts should be carried out at the negotiating table.

"The Chinese side believes that the resolution of all conflicts must ultimately return to the negotiating table, and the settlement of all disputes must be achieved through political means," Wang was quoted as saying by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

Kuleba is visiting China from July 23-26. A source in Moscow, commenting on Kuleba's remarks, stated that if Kiev regime genuinely wanted to negotiate with Russia, it would revoke the ban on such talks. In October 2022, Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree prohibiting negotiations with Putin.

This statement is one of several recent expressions from Kiev indicating a willingness to engage in talks. Last week, Zelensky mentioned the possibility of peace negotiations with Moscow, including with President Putin, and acknowledged the necessity of resolving the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova suggested that Zelensky's rhetoric is influenced by the electoral cycles in the United States. Moscow has reiterated its readiness for dialogue but notes that the Kiev regime has legally banned such negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has also indicated that there are currently no conditions for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, stating that achieving the objectives of the special operation remains Russia's priority, which, for now, can only be attained through military means.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that, as of now, the only legitimate representative authority in Ukraine is the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) and its speaker, as pointed out by President Putin.

A Sputnik

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Russia claims that it wants peace. Peace is in its gift: UK statement to the OSCE

At the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC), Ambassador Neil Holland calls on Russia to end its war, withdraw all its forces from all of Ukraine and to re-engage in dialogue and risk-reduction.

24 July 2024

Thank you, Mr Chair, dear Mario. I want to start by thanking you and your team for your stewardship of this Forum over the past trimester and for ensuring that this Forum has remained relevant and able to fulfil its mandate.

We fully support your efforts to keep this Forum focused on Russia's unprovoked, full-scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine. The invasion is in its third year and continues to violate the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act's core principles, including those on sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force. Under your stewardship, we have shown that these principles and this Forum continue to matter and that we will keep on defending both.

Mr Chair, we welcomed the focus of your Security Dialogues on different aspect of the war on Ukraine, particularly Humanitarian Mine Action and Women, Peace, and Security. It remains essential that we continue to champion women's full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation in political and peace processes.

Since 24 February 2022, the Ukrainian people have continued to defend their homeland. As my Prime Minister said this month, we will support Ukraine with whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to uphold our shared values and our shared security.

Mr Chair, Russia's invasion of another participating State has undermined the principles of this organisation and of international humanitarian law. Perhaps that is why Russia continues to do everything it can to avoid a discussion on these issues in this Forum. For a third trimester in a row, Russia blocked consensus on holding a formal FSC Security Dialogue. It has blocked standard sessions of the Forum too, while demanding exceptional treatment. Yet, it has been unable to articulate any issues with the mandated Agenda, let alone offer an alternative.

The Rules of Procedure remain clear. Under these, the Chair is mandated to 'ensure the good order and smooth running of meetings'. The Rules remain clear that it is the Chair's prerogative to set the agenda. And to select and invite guest speakers.

There remains another path. Russia claims that it wants peace. Peace is in its gift. If that wish for peace is genuine, it can end this war and withdraw all of its forces to outside of Ukraine's internationally recognised borders. It should do this. Russia claims that it is serious about dialogue and risk reduction. If that is true, it must re-engage with an FSC that meets, as mandated, weekly.

I wish to conclude by thanking Cyprus as it leaves the FSC Troika, and to welcome Spain. The incoming Chair, Denmark, can count on the UK's full and continued support next trimester - including in its prerogative as FSC Chair. Thank you.

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Ukraine Will Get Everything It Needs to Withstand and Achieve Its Goals - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

24 July 2024 - 20:02

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

I began today with a report on the work of the air defense - the completion of our warriors' training and the deployment of Patriots in Ukraine.

Second. Today we have already quite thoroughly planned our work with foreign audiences for August and September. Information work, meetings and negotiations, participation in summits. Now, these weeks, even though it is the vacation season in the world, we cannot have any pauses. And especially there can be no pauses in communicating information about Ukraine - about our defense against Russian terror, about our needs. 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 Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, about ensuring our military tasks for this month. We are preparing some news. I also spoke today with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, there was a report on the frontline situation and our defensive actions.

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. It was also confirmed what Chinese leader Xi Jinping told me - that China will not supply weapons to Russia. I expect a detailed report from the Minister upon his return to Ukraine.

And one more thing. I spoke with our Olympic athletes. With the Ukrainian team that will represent our country and our Ukrainian people at the Summer Games in Paris this week. This is already an achievement for Ukrainians - that in the midst of such a war and full-scale Russian terror, we have prepared, 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 to 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. Putin is making sure that the only Russian sport today is killing people. And the world will never tolerate this. Russia must lose in war, lose in terror. Then life will win.

We are doing everything for that.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Presidential Office Held a Discussion with International Partners on Assistance to Ukraine's Energy Sector

President of Ukraine

24 July 2024 - 19:39

Deputy Heads of the Office of the President Oleksiy Kuleba and Rostyslav Shurma held a regular briefing on overcoming energy challenges.

It was attended by Members of the Government, representatives of Regional Military Administrations, local authorities and international partners - diplomatic missions of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Japan, Canada, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, the EU Delegation and international organizations, as well as 16 ambassadors of Ukraine.

During the briefing, the participants discussed the needs of our energy sector and preparations for the heating season.

"It is crucial that international partners continue taking effective steps to overcome the consequences of the Russian attacks and help restore Ukraine's energy system. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who is involved in supporting our country," said Oleksiy Kuleba.

German Galushchenko, Minister of Energy, provided detailed information on the need for equipment to restore the damaged generation and projects for the distribution of energy sources. In particular, Ukraine needs almost 370 modular boiler stations with a total capacity of 994 MW and more than 380 generators for thermal power generation. Installation of cogeneration units in enterprises of this sector can develop up to 2 GW of electricity.

German Galushchenko also spoke about the Headquarters for Operational Response to the Situation in the Energy Sector. Currently, the working groups are focused on repair and restoration of energy infrastructure, development of distributed generation, provision of generators and heat supply issues.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt emphasized that Washington is aware of the risks, which will increase as winter approaches. He noted that partners should join efforts to help Ukraine as soon as possible.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Kuninori Matsuda supported this position, condemned Russian attacks on civilian objects in our country, and noted that Japan will continue its cooperation with partners in projects aimed at supporting Ukraine, particularly in the energy sector.

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Ukrainian foreign minister in China for talks on future peace negotiations

By VOA News July 24, 2024

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 Russia's 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 China's close diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, despite Beijing's 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."

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Former Trump NSC official explains his vision for ending war in Ukraine

By Tatiana Vorozhko July 25, 2024

Retired Army Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, who was chief of staff on former President Donald Trump's national security council, spoke with VOA about his vision for ending the war in Ukraine.

Kellogg says he is not a formal adviser to the former president and has not presented his plan to Trump, but it is one of the options that he could consider if he is elected in November.

Kellogg also served as the national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence in the Trump administration. He now co-chairs the Center on American Security at America First Policy Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group.

The Ukraine strategy was published back in May by AFPI as part of their An America First Approach to U.S. National Security, edited by Fred Fleitz, who also served as chief of staff at the National Security Council during Trump's presidency and co-wrote with Kellogg the chapter on the Russia-Ukraine war.

It suggests that the U.S. should begin a formal policy "to seek a cease-fire and negotiated settlement of the Ukraine conflict." The U.S. would continue to arm Ukraine to deter Russia from attacking during or after a deal is reached, but under the condition that Kyiv agrees to enter into peace talks with Russia.

To persuade Russia to participate in the negotiations, the U.S. and other NATO partners would delay Ukraine's membership in the alliance for an extended period in exchange for a "comprehensive and verifiable deal with security guarantees."

They write that Ukraine will not be asked to give up its ambition to regain all land seized by Russia, but Kyiv should agree to use diplomatic means only and realize that it might take a long time to regain all the territories. The strategy proposes to use the partial lifting of sanctions on Russia to encourage the Kremlin to take steps toward peace and establish levies on Russian energy imports to fund Ukraine's reconstruction.

The interview with Kellogg, recorded on July 18 at the Republican convention in Milwaukee, has been edited for brevity and clarity.

VOA: Can you tell a little bit about the plan? I think it's the most detailed paper coming publicly from Republican and Republican-affiliated groups.

Retired Army Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg: We've said very clearly in our paper that Ukraine has fought valiantly. They are very well led. We think the Russians did clearly an unwarranted invasion of a sovereign state and this must be addressed. President Trump, to his credit, said in the very first debate when he was asked by one of the commentators, Dana Bash, do the Russians basically get to keep the territories? He said no, not at all. He said not once, he did it twice.

So, there's a negotiation, you are going to figure out what your starting points are going to be. You want to make sure that Ukrainians are not put at the position when they're operating from weaknesses, but from strength. So, the question is how do you do that? And how you put all the pieces and parts in place? Nobody is ever saying that: "Oh, we just have to make Ukrainians to give up land and give it to Russia." Look when you look at your losses, the losses in Ukraine alone, depending on who you talk to, you're talking between 100,000 and 130,000 deaths. That's enormous because when I look at [Russia's losses] they have had three times that. The United States of America lost 60,000 in the Vietnam war. That was a 20-year war we went away from. The Russians, then the Soviets, lost 15,000 in Afghanistan and walked away from it.

If the Ukrainians say no and the Russians say no, then they can do it in a different way. But I think you started to ask yourself questions is this what's best for Ukraine as a nation? I don't care about Russia. I care about Ukraine.

Let's say a year and a half ago the Russians turn their heels and if the West had provided the equipment that [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy asked for, then you probably could have finished the job. You could have gotten into the Sea of Azov through Kherson, splitting them in half, and that is what you wanted to do. So, I blame this administration and the West to a degree for not supporting Ukraine when they should have.

VOA: The Biden administration is saying that they want to put Ukraine in the position of strength before it can negotiate with Russia. You are suggesting pretty much the same, right?

Kellogg: No, that's a false statement. Have the United States given Ukraine a support of F-16s? No. Did we provide long-range fires early for the Ukrainians to shoot in Russians? No. Did we provide permission for them to shoot deep into Russia? No. Did the United States provide them the armored capabilities they needed? We gave 31 tanks. Thirty-one tanks is not even a battalion in the United States army. So, they talk about it, but it didn't really happen.

VOA: Ukrainian officials might be cautious about entering into the negotiations with Russians because it might send a signal to their partners that they don't need military aid anymore.

Kellogg: You have to give more arms to them because you can't trust the Russians. You just have to do it, and the question is, do you do this before Europe tires, Americans tire, Ukrainians tire? Two and a half years -- that's a long war and the destruction is enormous. Sometimes you have to look at what we call in America the long game. And that is security guarantees, financial support and military support. We have to bring that to the American people, you know, President Biden has only talked to American people one time. You got to talk to them a lot. President Biden has only talked to [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin one time. When I was with President Trump, he was talking to him 17 different times. It doesn't mean he likes him. But you have to talk to your adversary.

VOA: Why would Russians want to negotiate?

Kellogg: You need to give them reasons to negotiate. You can give an extreme reason and say, OK, you've got to get back all the land from Ukraine. Maybe, short-term you tell Ukraine, we're not going to support you coming to NATO, but we give you a bilateral security agreement.

VOA: The U.S. and Ukraine have just signed a security agreement.

Kellogg: That was not a defense agreement. A defense agreement should be ratified by the Senate. What you have to do is to come up with a peace agreement like we've done with Korea, we did years ago with Taiwan.

VOA: But what is the contingency plan if Russia doesn't abide by the agreement.

Kellogg: That is part of negotiation. That's where both sides draw the red lines. That's where both sides make the determination: this is what we're going to do or not do.

VOA: Ukraine already tried that signing the Minsk agreements with Russia.

Kellogg: Minsk agreements worked very well, didn't they? They're lousy. They didn't do anything because nobody trusted anybody, and nobody worked together. You had Minsk 1, failed; Minsk 2, failed. Budapest memorandum, failed. So, you have to have some kind of degree of confidence and security.

VOA: One of the reasons why the negotiations in Istanbul broke down was that Russians demanded Ukraine's demilitarization, a smaller army.

Kellogg: Yes. And this is an unacceptable demand. And you don't walk into negotiating with unacceptable demands. But you have to have an ability, we call it an interlocutor. An interlocutor is somebody who can sit down and actually negotiate with both parties. It can be Trump, President Trump believes he can do it, but you also have to look at who else is out there. President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan of Turkey, do you think he could do it? No, he's not going to do it. [Chancellor Olaf] Scholz from Germany, you think he will do it? No, he is not going to do it. [President Emmanuel] Macron from France, he tried but hasn't done it. Well, now they had a change in government in Britain. So that's gone away. You know, I don't know maybe [Klaus] Iohannis, [the president] of Romania. Maybe he could do it, but you have to have somebody that both sides could talk to.

President Trump is talking to both parties. And President Biden is not. Now the option is quite clear: If Ukraine doesn't want to negotiate, fine, but then accept the fact that you can have enormous losses in your cities and accept the fact that you will have your children killed, accept the fact that you don't have 130,000 dead, you will have 230,000-250,000. Demographically, what does that do to the country?

You have to accept the fact that maybe the threat will remain on Kyiv, you have to accept the fact that Kharkiv will have more damage or do you want to say this is time maybe we take a pause and figure out how to push the Russians out of there so that they don't get territorial gain. And how do you have a long-term peace agreement?

Let's use NATO as an example. NATO has already said they're not going to support Ukraine going into NATO until the war is over. That's the reality and that's where you need somebody to stand as a negotiator and say no, this is where we want to go.

The size of this war is not appreciated in the West. That is the largest war in Europe since World War II, it is between the two largest countries in Europe. The losses have been horrific.

It is too great of a country, and I've been there. I have been to Izyum, I've been to Kharkiv and I've seen what Russians did to it. There's no love for Russians. There's a support for sovereignty. Figure out a way does not mean we say give up land.

VOA: The other reason why the negotiations in Istanbul broke down is because it became known what happened in Bucha. It means that if Ukraine allows Russia to continue occupying any of its lands, it condemns the people who live there. ...

Kellogg: Who is saying to give up land?

VOA: Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance alluded to that.

Kellogg: J.D. Vance was just nominated as the vice president last night. Until that, he was just a senator, one of 100. Yeah, you can say a lot of things in the Senate. When you speak for an administration, things change.

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TORONTO, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: SBN, SBN.PR.A, TXT.UN, TXT.PR.A PGIC and PGIC.PR.A) Mulvihill Capital Management Inc. (the Manager), the manager of S Split Corp. (SBN) and Top 10 Split Trust (TXT) announced today that the board of directors of the Manager and SBN have approved a proposal to merge (the Merger Proposal) each of SBN and TXT into Premium Global Income Split Corp. (Premium Global, formerly World Financial Split Corp.). The implementation of the Merger Proposal is subject to receipt of regulatory approval and securityholder approvals.



Premium Global is a mutual fund corporation with the following investment objectives: (a) to provide Preferred Shareholders with fixed cumulative preferential monthly cash distributions in an amount of $0.0625 per Preferred Share, representing a yield on the $10.00 original issue price of the Preferred Shares of 7.5% per annum; (b) to provide Class A Shareholders with monthly cash distributions targeted to be 12.0% per annum payable monthly on the initial $8.00 net asset value per Class A Share; and (c) to return the issue price to holders of both Preferred Shares and Class A Shares at the time of redemption of such shares on Premium Globals termination date.

If the Merger Proposal is approved and implemented, Premium Global will be the continuing fund and (a) holders of Class A Shares of SBN will become holders of Class A Shares of Premium Global, (b) holders of Preferred Shares of SBN will become holders of Class A Shares and a lesser number of Preferred Shares of Premium Global, (c) holders of Capital Units of TXT will become holders of Class A Shares of Premium Global, and (d) holders of Preferred Securities of TXT will become holders of Class A Shares and a lesser number of Preferred Shares of Premium Global. The exchange ratios at which Class A Shares and Preferred Shares of SBN and at which Capital Units and Preferred Securities of TXT will be exchanged for Class A Shares and Preferred Shares of Premium Global will be based on the relative net asset value of the funds and the redemption price of the Preferred Shares and principal amount of the Preferred Securities and will be announced by press release following the Meeting. No fractional Class A Shares or Preferred Shares of Premium Global or cash in lieu thereof will be issued or paid under the mergers and the number of such shares to be issued will be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

Shareholders of SBN and Unitholders and Preferred Securityholders of TXT who do not wish to participate in the proposed mergers may submit their securities for retraction or repayment no later than August 23, 2024 in order to redeem their securities on or about September 6, 2024 (the Special Retraction Date). Unitholders who wish to redeem their securities should vote in favour of the Merger Proposal and simply redeem their securities no later than the Special Retraction Date.

The mergers will be described in greater detail in the management information circular (the Circular) for the special meeting (the Meeting) of the SBN and TXTs securityholders (the Securityholders). The board of directors of the Manager and SBN have unanimously approved the Merger Proposal, and recommends that Securityholders vote FOR the Merger Proposal. The independent review committee of SBN and TXT have provided positive recommendations in favour of the Merger Proposal.

The Meeting will be held virtually on August 30, 2024. Securityholders of record as of the close of business on July 26, 2024 are entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Meeting. Securityholders are urged to vote well before the proxy deadline of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on August 28, 2024.

In order for the Merger Proposal to become effective, the Merger Proposal must be approved by a two-thirds majority of votes cast at the Meeting by holders of the Class A Shares and the Preferred Shares of SBN, and the holders of Capital Units and Preferred Securities of TXT, each voting separately as a class.

The Circular is being mailed to Securityholders in compliance with applicable laws and will be available under each of SBN and TXTs profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The Circular provides important information on the Merger Proposal and related matters. Securityholders are urged to read the Circular and its schedules carefully and in their entirety.

For further information, please contact Investor Relations at 416.681.3966, toll free at 1-800-725-7172 or visit www.mulvihill.com .

John Germain, Senior Vice-President & CFO Mulvihill Capital Management Inc.

121 King Street West Suite 2600

Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3T9 416.681.3966; 1.800.725.7172

www.mulvihill.com info@mulvihill.com

You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the TSX. If the shares are purchased or sold on the TSX, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying and may receive less than current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning shares of the Fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the Fund. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in these documents. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.
NEW ORLEANS, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 16, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against CAE, Inc. (NYSE: CAE), if they purchased the Companys shares between February 11, 2022 and May 21, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.



Get Help

CAE investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-cae/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

CAE and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On May 21, 2024, the Company disclosed a re-baselining of its Defense business, Defense impairments, accelerated risk recognition on Legacy Contracts and appointment of Nick Leontidis as COO, as well as a $568.0 million non-cash impairment of Defense goodwill, $90.3 million in unfavorable Defense contract profit adjustments as a result of accelerated risk recognition on the Legacy Contracts, and a $35.7 million impairment of related technology and other non-financial assets which are principally related to the Legacy Contracts.

On this news, the price of CAEs shares fell over 5%, from $19.83 per share on May 21, 2024, to $18.80 per share on May 22, 2024.

The case is Norbert Gamache v. CAE Inc., et al., 24-cv-05360.

About ClaimsFiler

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Q2-24 Revenue of  151.2 Million and Net Income of  41.9 Million

Orders of  185.2 Million Up 64.5% vs. Q2-23

H1-24 Revenue and Net Income of  297.5 million and  75.9 Million, Respectively

Orders of  313.0 Million Up 22.9% vs. H1-23

DUIVEN, the Netherlands, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (the Company" or "Besi") (Euronext Amsterdam: BESI; OTC markets: BESIY), a leading manufacturer of assembly equipment for the semiconductor industry, today announced its results for the second quarter and first half year ended June 30, 2024.

Key Highlights Q2-24

Revenue of  151.2 million up 3.3% vs. Q1-24 due primarily to higher shipments for photonics and 2.5D assembly applications. Down 7.0% vs. Q2-23 principally due to continued weakness in smartphone end markets partially offset by growth in hybrid bonding and other advanced packaging applications

Orders of  185.2 million up 45.0% vs. Q1-24 and 64.5% versus Q2-23 principally due to significant growth in hybrid bonding, photonics and 2.5D assembly solutions for AI applications partially offset by ongoing weakness in automotive end markets

Gross margin of 65.0% decreased by 2.2 points vs. Q1-24 and by 0.6 points vs. Q2-23 due primarily to product mix

Net income of  41.9 million increased 23.2% vs. Q1-24 primarily due to a  10.0 million decrease in share-based compensation. Vs. Q2-23, net income decreased 20.3% due principally to lower revenue and increased R&D spending in support of wafer level assembly activities. Q2-24 net margin rose to 27.7% vs. 23.2% in Q1-24 but declined versus the 32.4% reported in Q2-23

Net cash of  74.4 million at quarter end was flat compared to Q2-23 and reflected the payment of  171.5 million in dividends and the conversion into equity of  89.9 million of Convertible Notes in Q2-24



Key Highlights H1-24

Revenue of  297.5 million increased 0.5% vs. H1-23 principally due to higher demand for hybrid bonding and other AI-related advanced packaging systems offset by lower revenue for high-end mobile applications

Orders of  313.0 million up 22.9% vs. H1-23 due to increased demand for hybrid bonding, photonics and 2.5D assembly solutions partially offset by lower bookings for automotive and mobile applications

Gross margin of 66.1% increased by 1.1 point versus H1-23

Net income of  75.9 million decreased  11.2 million, or 12.9%, vs. H1-23 primarily due to  9.1 million higher share-based compensation and  7.1 million higher R&D spending. Similarly, net margin decreased to 25.5% versus 29.5% in H1-23

Q3-24 Outlook

Revenue expected to be flat (plus or minus 5%) vs.  151.2 million reported in Q2-24

Gross margin expected to range between 64-66% vs. 65.0% realized in Q2-24

Operating expenses expected to decrease 0-5% vs.  49.0 million in Q2-24



( millions, except EPS) Q2-2024 Q1-2024  Q2-2023



 HY1-2024 HY1-2023  Revenue 151.2 146.3 +3.3% 162.5 -7.0% 297.5 295.9 +0.5% Orders 185.2 127.7 +45.0% 112.6 +64.5% 313.0 254.6 +22.9% Gross Margin 65.0% 67.2% -2.2% 65.6% -0.6 66.1% 65.0% +1.1 Operating Income 49.3 40.7 +21.1% 62.9 -21.6% 90.0 104.6 -14.0% Net Income 41.9 34.0 +23.2% 52.6 -20.3% 75.9 87.1 -12.9% Net Margin 27.7% 23.2% +4.5 32.4% -4.7 25.5% 29.5% -4.0 EPS (basic) 0.53 0.44 +20.5% 0.68 -22.1% 0.97 1.12 -13.4% EPS (diluted) 0.53 0.44 +20.5% 0.66 -19.7% 0.97 1.09 -11.0% Net Cash and Deposits 74.4* 180.9 -58.9% 74.0* +0.5% 74.4* 74.0* +0.5%

* Reflects cash dividend payments of  171.5 million and  222.1 million in Q2-24 and Q2-23, respectively.

Richard W. Blickman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Besi, commented:

Besi reported second quarter revenue, gross margin and operating profit at the high end of guidance with significant order growth realized for hybrid bonding and other AI related applications. For the quarter, revenue of  151.2 million and net income of  41.9 million increased by 3.3% and 23.2%, respectively, versus Q1-24. Versus Q2-23, revenue and net income declined by 7.0% and 20.3%, respectively. Sequential and year over year comparisons highlighted contrasting growth trends for AI and mainstream assembly equipment markets in recent quarters. Since H2-23, we have seen significant order growth from high performance computing applications including 2.5D, 3D and photonics assembly solutions in support of a broad based expansion of generative AI demand. Such growth has been partially offset by a slower recovery, as expected, in mainstream assembly markets and in China, particularly for high end smartphones, automotive and industrial applications. In general, post pandemic inventory levels at semiconductor producers still remain elevated despite gradually increasing utilization rates.

Order trends this first half year highlighted increased demand for Besis systems used in AI and other advanced packaging applications. Bookings of  185.2 million in Q2-24 and  313.0 million in H1-24 represented increases of 64.5% and 22.9%, respectively, versus prior year periods. Moreover, we estimate that approximately 50% of our orders over the past 12 months were AI related. In addition, we received orders for 29 hybrid bonding systems in Q2-24 from two customers for estimated delivery in Q4-24 and Q1-25 further highlighting the increased market adoption of this new process technology. Substantially all of such orders were for our latest generation 100 nm accuracy system to be used in 3D logic applications. We anticipate additional orders in H2-24 as customers ramp capacity for high volume manufacturing in 2025. In addition, we received an important second order this quarter for our TCB Next system.

Besi continues to navigate an extended assembly downturn at high levels of profitability as a result of increased 2.5D and 3D order momentum with gross and net margins realized of 65.0% and 27.7%, respectively, in Q2-24. For H1-24, gross margins improved to 66.1% versus 65.0% in H1-23. The reduction in our net margin to 25.5% this first half year primarily reflected a 24% increase in development spending and increased share based compensation versus H1-23. The R&D increase was associated with next generation hybrid bonding development targeting sub-100 nm placement accuracy, the ongoing build out of Besis hybrid bonding and TCB capabilities in anticipation of expanded logic and memory adoption and enhancements to our current product portfolio for the next market upcycle.

Our financial position is healthy with net cash of  74.4 million at quarter end (equal to 13% of our last twelve months revenue) post the capital allocation of  186.3 million in the form of dividends and share repurchases during the quarter and the conversion of  89.9 million of Convertible Notes into ordinary shares. On July 17, 2024, we successfully completed an offering of  350 million of 4.5% Senior Notes due 2031 to further solidify our capital base and help fund growth over the next decade at attractive terms.

We are encouraged about Besis prospects given expanded hybrid bonding adoption for both logic and HBM applications, traction gained in the marketplace by our next generation TCB system and continued demand growth for our flip chip and multi module die attach systems for 2.5D applications. In addition, we anticipate additional share gains in the next market upturn as node sizes shrink further and placement accuracy increases. All such trends play to the strengths of Besis core competencies. For Q3-24, we forecast that revenue will be flat plus or minus 5% versus Q2-24 with gross margins ranging between 64%-66% based on our projected product mix. Aggregate operating expenses are forecast to decrease by 0-5% versus Q2-24.

Share Repurchase Activity

During the quarter, Besi repurchased approximately 105,000 of its ordinary shares at an average price of  140.84 per share or a total of  14.8 million. Cumulatively, as of June 30, 2024, a total of  39.2 million has been purchased under the current  60 million share repurchase program at an average price of  138.09 per share. As of June 30, 2024, Besi held approximately 1.4 million shares in treasury equal to 1.8% of its shares outstanding.

Convertible Notes

At June 30, 2024, Besis Convertible Notes outstanding equaled  200.1 million. During the quarter,  89.9 million of Convertible Notes due 2027 were converted into approximately 1.8 million shares.

Senior Note Offering

On July 17, 2024, Besi completed the issuance of  350 million of 4.5% Senior Notes due July 15, 2031 via a private placement to institutional investors. The Notes may not be called by the Issuer until January 15, 2031 and are listed on the International Stock Exchange. The net proceeds from the offering are anticipated to be used for general corporate purposes including potential acquisitions. In connection with the issuance, Besi received corporate credit ratings of BB+; Outlook Stable and BB+ with a Stable Outlook from S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings, respectively.

Investor and media conference call

A conference call and webcast for investors and media will be held today at 4:00 pm CET (10:00 am EDT). To register for the conference call and/or to access the audio webcast and webinar slides, please visit www.besi.com.



Important Dates

Publication Q3/Nine-month results October 24, 2024

Publication Q4/Full year results February 2025

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. Reference is made to the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as included in our 2023 Annual Report, which is available on www.besi.com.

Contacts:

Richard W. Blickman, President & CEO

Leon Verweijen, SVP Finance

Claudia Vissers, Executive Secretary/IR coordinator

Edmond Franco, VP Corporate Development/US IR coordinator

Tel. (31) 26 319 4500

investor.relations@besi.com

About Besi

Besi is a leading supplier of semiconductor assembly equipment for the global semiconductor and electronics industries offering high levels of accuracy, productivity and reliability at a low cost of ownership. The Company develops leading edge assembly processes and equipment for leadframe, substrate and wafer level packaging applications in a wide range of end-user markets including electronics, mobile internet, cloud server, computing, automotive, industrial, LED and solar energy. Customers are primarily leading semiconductor manufacturers, assembly subcontractors and electronics and industrial companies. Besis ordinary shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (symbol: BESI). Its Level 1 ADRs are listed on the OTC markets (symbol: BESIY) and its headquarters are located in Duiven, the Netherlands. For more information, please visit our website at www.besi.com .

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements about management's future expectations, plans and prospects of our business that constitute forward-looking statements, which are found in various places throughout the press release, including, but not limited to, statements relating to expectations of orders, net sales, product shipments, expenses, timing of purchases of assembly equipment by customers, gross margins, operating results and capital expenditures. The use of words such as anticipate, estimate, expect, can, intend, believes, may, plan, predict, project, forecast, will, would, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The financial guidance set forth under the heading Outlook contains such forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements represent our judgments and expectations concerning the development of our business, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, including any inability to maintain continued demand for our products; failure of anticipated orders to materialize or postponement or cancellation of orders, generally without charges; the volatility in the demand for semiconductors and our products and services; the extent and duration of the COVID-19 and other global pandemics and the associated adverse impacts on the global economy, financial markets, global supply chains and our operations as well as those of our customers and suppliers; failure to develop new and enhanced products and introduce them at competitive price levels; failure to adequately decrease costs and expenses as revenues decline; loss of significant customers, including through industry consolidation or the emergence of industry alliances; lengthening of the sales cycle; acts of terrorism and violence; disruption or failure of our information technology systems; consolidation activity and industry alliances in the semiconductor industry that may result in further increased customer concentration, inability to forecast demand and inventory levels for our products; the integrity of product pricing and protection of our intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions; risks, such as changes in trade regulations, conflict minerals regulations, currency fluctuations, political instability and war, associated with substantial foreign customers, suppliers and foreign manufacturing operations, particularly to the extent occurring in the Asia Pacific region where we have a substantial portion of our production facilities; potential instability in foreign capital markets; the risk of failure to successfully manage our diverse operations; any inability to attract and retain skilled personnel, including as a result of restrictions on immigration, travel or the availability of visas for skilled technology workers; those additional risk factors set forth in Besi's annual report for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other key factors that could adversely affect our businesses and financial performance contained in our filings and reports, including our statutory consolidated statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or alter our forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Consolidated Statements of Operations ( thousands, except share and per share data)



Three Months Ended

June 30,

(unaudited) Six Months Ended

June 30,

(unaudited) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue 151,176 162,501 297,490 295,907 Cost of sales 52,908 55,947 100,951 103,665 Gross profit 98,268 106,554 196,539 192,242 Selling, general and administrative expenses 30,514 29,387 70,155 58,369 Research and development expenses 18,503 14,298 36,422 29,293 Total operating expenses 49,017 43,685 106,577 87,662 Operating income 49,251 62,869 89,962 104,580 Financial expense, net 1,045 1,671 1,634 3,216 Income before taxes 48,206 61,198 88,328 101,364 Income tax expense 6,261 8,597 12,404 14,215 Net income 41,945 52,601 75,924 87,149 Net income per share  basic 0.53 0.68 0.97 1.12 Net income per share  diluted 0.53 0.66 0.97 1.09





Number of shares used in computing per share amounts:

- basic

- diluted 1 79,281,533

81,941,471 77,654,106

82,916,642 78,231,430

82,023,808 77,799,681

83,346,349





Consolidated Balance Sheets ( thousands) June

30, 2024

(unaudited) March

31, 2024

(unaudited) December

31, 2023

(audited) ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 127,234 232,053 188,477 Deposits 130,000 215,000 225,000 Trade receivables 174,601 150,192 143,218 Inventories 99,291 99,384 92,505 Other current assets 36,346 34,756 39,092 Total current assets 567,472 731,385 688,292 Property, plant and equipment 43,571 41,328 37,516 Right of use assets 16,821 16,901 18,242 Goodwill 45,710 45,613 45,402 Other intangible assets 92,627 90,241 93,668 Deferred tax assets 9,517 11,444 12,217 Other non-current assets 1,239 1,252 1,216 Total non-current assets 209,485 206,779 208,261 Total assets 776,957 938,164 896,553 Current portion of long-term debt 3,033 984 3,144 Trade payables 51,620 52,382 46,889 Other current liabilities 73,023 100,606 87,200 Total current liabilities 127,676 153,972 137,233 Long-term debt 179,801 265,142 297,353 Lease liabilities 13,448 13,625 14,924 Deferred tax liabilities 10,396 12,136 12,959 Other non-current liabilities 11,352 12,914 12,671 Total non-current liabilities 214,997 303,817 337,907 Total equity 434,284 480,375 421,413 Total liabilities and equity 776,957 938,164 896,553





Consolidated Cash Flow Statements ( thousands)

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(unaudited) Six Months Ended

June 30,

(unaudited) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities:

Income before income tax 48,206 61,198 88,328 101,364 Depreciation and amortization 6,980 6,414 13,793 12,907 Share based payment expense 6,916 5,452 23,816 14,725 Financial expense, net 1,045 1,671 1,634 3,216 Changes in working capital (46,694) (22,732) (49,945) (18,278) Interest (paid) received 3,893 644 5,062 1,493 Income tax paid (15,428) (23,912) (17,517) (25,299) Net cash provided by operating activities 4,918 28,735 65,171 90,128 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (3,216) (2,323) (8,866) (3,458) Capitalized development expenses (4,912) (5,251) (9,575) (10,641) Repayments of (investments in) deposits 85,000 (30,268) 95,000 (5,268) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 76,872 (37,842) 76,559 (19,367) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments of lease liabilities (1,063) (1,112) (2,106) (2,212) Purchase of treasury shares (14,810) (66,948) (29,589) (144,727) Dividends paid to shareholders (171,534) (222,109) (171,534) (222,109) Net cash used in financing activities (187,407) (290,169) (203,229) (369,048) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (105,617) (299,276) (61,499) (298,287) Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and

cash equivalents 798 2,326 256 (422) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the

period 232,053 489,927 188,477 491,686 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 127,234 192,977 127,234 192,977





Supplemental Information (unaudited) ( millions, unless stated otherwise) REVENUE Q2-2024 Q1-2024 Q4-2023 Q3-2023 Q2-2023 Q1-2023 Per geography: China 57.5 38 % 58.5 40 % 62.0 39 % 40.8 33 % 64.9 40 % 37.6 28 % Asia Pacific (excl. China) 54.1 36 % 43.6 30 % 57.9 36 % 42.3 34 % 59.2 36 % 58.2 44 % EU / USA / Other 39.6 26 % 44.2 30 % 39.7 25 % 40.2 33 % 38.4 24 % 37.6 28 % Total 151.2 100 % 146.3 100 % 159.6 100 % 123.3 100 % 162.5 100 % 133.4 100 % ORDERS Q2-2024 Q1-2024 Q4-2023 Q3-2023 Q2-2023 Q1-2023 Per geography: China 43.3 23 % 51.1 40 % 71.1 43 % 46.0 36 % 51.4 46 % 35.5 25 % Asia Pacific (excl. China) 72.0 39 % 45.0 35 % 36.6 22 % 40.9 32 % 33.2 29 % 71.3 50 % EU / USA / Other 69.9 38 % 31.6 25 % 58.7 35 % 40.4 32 % 28.0 25 % 35.2 25 % Total 185.2 100 % 127.7 100 % 166.4 100 % 127.3 100 % 112.6 100 % 142.0 100 % Per customer type: IDM 122.4 66 % 53.5 42 % 82.7 50 % 70.5 55 % 60.5 54 % 74.0 52 % Subcontractors 62.8 34 % 74.2 58 % 83.7 50 % 56.8 45 % 52.1 46 % 68.0 48 % Total 185.2 100 % 127.7 100 % 166.4 100 % 127.3 100 % 112.6 100 % 142.0 100 % HEADCOUNT Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Sep 30, 2023 Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023 Fixed staff (FTE) 1,783 86 % 1,760 88 % 1,736 93 % 1,725 87 % 1,689 86 % 1,682 84 % Temporary staff (FTE) 279 14 % 236 12 % 134 7 % 248 13 % 279 14 % 312 16 % Total 2,062 100 % 1,996 100 % 1,870 100 % 1,973 100 % 1,968 100 % 1,994 100 % OTHER FINANCIAL DATA Q2-2024 Q1-2024 Q4-2023 Q3-2023 Q2-2023 Q1-2023 Gross profit 98.3 65.0 % 98.3 67.2 % 103.9 65.1 % 79.6 64.6 % 106.6 65.6 % 85.7 64.2 % Selling, general and admin expenses: As reported 30.5 20.2 % 39.6 27.1 % 24.3 15.2 % 23.3 18.9 % 29.4 18.1 % 29.0 21.7 % Share-based compensation expense (6.9 ) -4.6 % (16.9 ) -11.6 % (2.8 ) -1.7 % (1.6 ) -1.3 % (5.5 ) -3.4 % (9.3 ) -7.0 % SG&A expenses as adjusted 23.6 15.6 % 22.7 15.5 % 21.5 13.5 % 21.7 17.6 % 23.9 14.7 % 19.7 14.8 % Research and development expenses: As reported 18.5 12.2 % 17.9 12.2 % 13.5 8.5 % 13.6 11.0 % 14.3 8.8 % 15.0 11.2 % Capitalization of R&D charges 4.9 3.2 % 4.7 3.2 % 5.7 3.6 % 4.7 3.8 % 5.3 3.3 % 5.4 4.0 % Amortization of intangibles (3.6 ) -2.3 % (3.6 ) -2.4 % (3.3 ) -2.1 % (3.3 ) -2.6 % (3.5 ) -2.2 % (3.5 ) -2.6 % R&D expenses as adjusted 19.8 13.1 % 19.0 13.0 % 15.9 10.0 % 15.0 12.2 % 16.1 9.9 % 16.9 12.7 % Financial expense (income), net: Interest income (3.0 ) (4.0 ) (3.6 ) (2.9 ) (3.1 ) (2.6 ) Interest expense 2.1 2.8 3.0 2.8 2.9 2.9 Net cost of hedging 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.7 2.0 1.6 Foreign exchange effects, net 0.5 0.2 (0.4 ) 0.2 (0.1 ) (0.4 ) Total 1.0 0.6 0.7 1.8 1.7 1.5 Gross cash 257.2 447.1 413.5 391.2 378.3 644.9 Operating income (as % of net sales) 49.3 32.6 % 40.7 27.8 % 66.1 41.4 % 42.7 34.6 % 62.9 38.7 % 41.7 31.3 % EBITDA (as % of net sales) 56.2 37.2 % 47.5 32.5 % 72.7 45.6 % 48.9 39.7 % 69.3 42.6 % 48.2 36.1 % Net income (as % of net sales) 41.9 27.7 % 34.0 23.2 % 54.9 34.4 % 35.0 28.4 % 52.6 32.4 % 34.5 25.9 % Effective tax rate 13.0 % 15.3 % 16.1 % 14.4 % 14.0 % 14.0 % Income per share Basic 0.53 0.44 0.71 0.45 0.68 0.44 Diluted 0.53 0.44 0.68 0.45 0.66 0.44 Average shares outstanding (basic) 79,281,533

77,181,326 77,070,082 77,374,933 77,634,197 77,946,873 Shares repurchased Amount 14.8 14.8 23.1 45.5 66.9 77.7 Number of shares 105,042 101,049 226,572 447,829 761,937 1,120,327

______________________

1) The calculation of diluted income per share assumes the exercise of equity settled share based payments and the conversion of all Convertible Notes outstanding
Dublin, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Columbia 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 dental prosthetics market in Colombia reached a valuation of more than $132 million. This market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%, nearing $188 million in the forecast period. The comprehensive report on the Colombian dental prosthetics market covers various segments, including crowns and bridges, dentures, denture teeth, 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

Colombia emphasizes domestic production, especially for low-tech consumables, yet its medical device market still relies heavily on imports. The effort to streamline the tariff rate schedule is complicated by Colombia's numerous economic integration agreements, resulting in overlapping tariff applications. For instance, a product may encounter over ten different duty rates based on its origin within the Andean Community, the Latin American Integration Agreement, or the Caribbean Community. In contrast, products from the U.S. that comply with the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) can enter the market without duties. These tariff complexities present considerable challenges for international manufacturers seeking to enter the Colombian market.



Colombian Dental Prosthetics Market Share Leaders



The dental prosthetics market in Colombia is highly fragmented, featuring a multitude of competitors that contribute to its diverse landscape. While the exact number of dental laboratories in the region is unknown, the large number of participants highlights the market's decentralized nature. Notably, no single competitor holds a leading position. Many laboratories in Colombia enhance their market value by outsourcing work from countries with higher labor costs, leveraging cost advantages to stay competitive in a dynamic market. A detailed competitive analysis of the denture teeth market is available in a subsequent 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:

Dentsply Sirona

Ivoclar

New Stetic

VITA

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details Forecast Period 2023 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $132 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $188 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.1% Regions Covered Global





Key Topics Covered:



1 Executive Summary

1.1 Colombia 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 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/r3bij

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Attachment
Dublin, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Healthcare Equipment Leasing Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Global Healthcare Equipment Leasing Market was valued at USD 53.32 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 84.43 billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 7.96%.

The global healthcare equipment leasing market report includes exclusive data on 39 vendors. Global leasing firms often dominate the market with extensive resources, established networks, and wide-ranging expertise. These companies leverage their scale and financial strength to offer competitive pricing, comprehensive service portfolios, and seamless integration with existing healthcare systems.

They may also provide value-added services such as equipment maintenance, training, and asset management to attract and retain clients. Major players include GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips, Siemens, DLL, Oak Leasing, and Rotech Healthcare.

The APAC region shows significant growth, with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The aging population and the increasing prevalence of age-related disorders necessitate early diagnosis, driving the demand for healthcare equipment.

Furthermore, consistent public and private funding, advancements in diagnostic imaging and surgical equipment in the APAC region, and growing awareness of leasing contribute to market expansion. China is the major revenue contributor in this region due to a large pool of elderly population compared to other countries in the APAC region.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Increasing Demand for Full Leasing of Healthcare Equipment



The healthcare industry is experiencing a surge in the demand for full leasing of equipment, driven by various factors reshaping the landscape of healthcare delivery. One significant trend is the shift towards value-based care, which incentivizes healthcare providers to optimize operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Full leasing of healthcare equipment offers a compelling solution, allowing providers to access state-of-the-art technology without the burden of upfront capital investment.

This aligns with the industry's transition from traditional fee-for-service models to value-driven reimbursement structures, where outcomes and patient satisfaction play a central role. Moreover, rapid advancements in medical technology and evolving patient expectations are driving the need for continuous equipment upgrades and replacements. Full leasing arrangements allow healthcare organizations to adapt to changing needs and leverage the latest innovations without being constrained by outdated equipment or budget limitations.

Additionally, leasing models often include maintenance and service agreements, ensuring optimal performance and reliability throughout the equipment lifecycle. Another key driver of the increasing demand for full leasing is the growing complexity of regulatory compliance and accreditation standards. Healthcare providers face stringent equipment quality, safety, and data security requirements, necessitating access to high-quality, compliant technology. Leasing enables organizations to access certified equipment and stay abreast of regulatory changes without significant financial risk.



Leveraging Remote Equipment Management in Healthcare Equipment Leasing



In healthcare equipment leasing, recent trends have significantly shifted towards integrating remote equipment management solutions. With the advent of connected medical devices and IoT-enabled equipment, leasing providers offer innovative solutions, allowing healthcare organizations to remotely monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot leased assets in real time.

These solutions enable enhanced equipment performance monitoring through intuitive dashboards and analytics tools, scheduled maintenance, predictive analytics to anticipate potential failures, and real-time issue resolution to minimize downtime. Adopting remote equipment management improves uptime and reliability, reduces maintenance costs, enhances patient care and safety, and increases operational efficiency. As healthcare providers continue to embrace digital transformation, remote equipment management is poised to become a cornerstone of healthcare equipment leasing, offering unparalleled visibility and control over leased assets.



Inflated Cost of Healthcare Equipment



The inflated cost of healthcare equipment is a pressing issue that impacts healthcare providers globally. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including the high research and development expenses incurred by manufacturers, stringent regulatory requirements, and the need for cutting-edge technology to meet evolving healthcare demands. Additionally, monopolies or oligopolies within the medical device market can increase prices due to limited competition.

Furthermore, the complexity of healthcare equipment, specialized components, and the need for precision engineering contribute to higher manufacturing costs. These inflated costs are often passed on to healthcare facilities and patients, resulting in financial strain on healthcare systems and barriers to accessing essential medical equipment.

As a result, there is a growing demand for alternative financing solutions, such as leasing, which can help mitigate the upfront financial burden of purchasing expensive equipment while providing access to the latest technologies. Addressing the inflated cost of healthcare equipment requires collaboration among stakeholders to promote transparency, competition, and innovation in the medical device industry.



INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Growing Popularity of Refurbished Equipment



The growing popularity of refurbished equipment poses a potential threat to the healthcare equipment leasing market in several ways. Firstly, refurbished equipment typically comes at a lower cost than leasing new equipment, making it an attractive option for healthcare organizations looking to save money. As a result, some healthcare facilities may purchase refurbished equipment outright rather than entering into leasing agreements. This reduces the potential customer base for leasing companies and diminishes their revenue streams.

Secondly, technological advancements and improvements in the quality of refurbished equipment have made it increasingly competitive with new equipment. Healthcare organizations may find that refurbished equipment meets their needs adequately, especially for less complex medical procedures or diagnostics. This reduces the perceived value proposition of leasing new equipment, further dampening demand for leasing services.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHT BY EQUIPMENT TYPE



The global healthcare equipment leasing market by equipment type is segmented into medical imaging, surgical & therapeutic equipment, patient monitoring equipment, laboratory equipment, and durable medical & storage/transport equipment. The medical imaging segment holds the largest market share in 2023.

The medical imaging equipment leasing market is expected to grow as healthcare providers seek to balance the need for advanced diagnostic capabilities with financial constraints. The trend towards value-based care and the increasing emphasis on early diagnosis and preventive healthcare will further drive demand for the latest imaging technologies, making leasing an increasingly attractive option.

INSIGHT BY LEASE TYPE



The global healthcare equipment leasing market by lease type is categorized into new and used/refurbished equipment. The new equipment segment shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR during the forecast period. The market is witnessing steady growth in recent years. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including increasing consumer awareness and technological advancements.

Continuous scientific and technological advancements in the healthcare sector necessitate investments in new equipment to maintain a competitive edge. However, acquiring new healthcare equipment can pose financial challenges for healthcare settings. Leasing has emerged as a valuable solution to overcome these challenges. Despite having limited budgets, healthcare facilities striving to provide the highest quality care or enhance their services often lease new healthcare equipment instead of purchasing used equipment.

INSIGHT BY END-USER TYPE



The hospital segment accounts for the largest share of the global healthcare equipment leasing market based on end-user type. Hospitals utilize more healthcare equipment than any other healthcare setting. Diagnostics serve as the primary screening method in hospitals, which are often the first point of contact for various infections and diseases.

The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases has led physicians in hospitals to rely more on diagnostic imaging equipment, thereby driving up demand for such equipment. Addressing the ever-increasing costs has become a growing challenge for hospital administrators, who must tackle this issue head-on. Leasing healthcare devices and technology presents an effective strategy for boosting hospitals' bottom line while ensuring their equipment remains up-to-date.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

How big is the global healthcare equipment leasing market?

What is the global healthcare equipment leasing market?

Which region dominates the global healthcare equipment leasing market?

What are the key drivers in the global healthcare equipment leasing market?

Who are the major players in the global healthcare equipment leasing market?

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 147 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $53.32 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $84.43 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.9% Regions Covered Global

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

Key Vendors

GE Healthcare

Koninklijke Philips

Siemens

DLL

Oak Leasing

Rotech Healthcare

Other Prominent Vendors

Advantage+

BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions

C Cube Advanced Technologies

Complete Leasing Solutions

CSI Leasing

Excedr

First American Equipment Finance

First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company

GreatAmerica Financial Services

GRENKE

Henry Schein Financial Services

Insight Financial Services

Intuitive

JA Mitsui Leasing

Madison Capital

McKesson

Med One Group

Meridian Group International

MRI Depot

National Equipment Leasing Company

National Funding

North Star Leasing

Olympus

ORIX

Prudential Leasing

SLR Investment

Societe Generale Equipment Finance (SGEF)

Stryker

TimePayment

TD Bank

Trust Capital

Univest Capital

Wells Fargo

MARKET DYNAMICS

By End-User

Hospitals

Radiology/Imaging Centers

Clinics & Physician Offices

Clinical & Research Laboratories

Others

By Lease Type

New Equipment

Used/Refurbished Equipment

By Equipment

Medical Imaging Equipment

Surgical & Therapeutic Equipment

Patient Monitoring Equipment

Laboratory Equipment

Durable Medical & Storage/Transport Equipment

By Geography

North America The U.S. Canada

Europe Germany The U.K. France Italy Spain

APAC Japan China India Australia South Korea

Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina

Middle East & Africa Turkey South Africa Saudi Arabia



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jd7bih

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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Dublin, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Japan Crawler Excavator Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Japan Crawler Excavator Market consisted of 57,500 units in 2023, and is expected to reach 69,146 units by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 3.12%.

Mini-size excavators hold the largest share in the Japan crawler excavator market due to their versatile uses in the construction industry. The rise in public infrastructure and renewable energy projects is expected to drive crawler excavator sales in Japan during the forecast period. In 2023, the construction industry, particularly end-users, accounted for the largest share of the crawler excavator market in Japan.

Japanese OEMs offer diverse product ranges and have started focusing on electric and hydrogen-powered construction equipment. In September 2023, Kobelco launched new Short Radius excavators, the SK230SRLC-7 and SK270SR(N)LC-7, designed for utility and road maintenance needs, ideal for urban and residential job sites. In May 2023, Komatsu introduced a concept for a medium-sized hydraulic excavator powered by a hydrogen fuel cell to achieve carbon neutrality in construction equipment workplaces. Kubota expanded its range of innovative construction equipment by introducing an 8.5-ton mini-excavator with a two-piece boom, enhancing efficiency and operation in tight spaces.

Construction equipment companies in Japan are increasingly focusing on adapting technological solutions. In October 2023, Kyushu Electric Power and Hitachi Construction Machinery signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on power supply solutions, promoting zero emissions on construction sites.

Yanmar revealed a prototype of a cutting-edge electric excavator with advanced force control at the Construction DX Challenge 2023 event organized by the Japanese Ministry in November 2023. Leading manufacturers like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Kobelco, and Hitachi are investing significantly in remote control technology and integrating 5G technology into their equipment. In October 2023, Komatsu launched a 3-ton-class electric mini excavator equipped with lithium-ion batteries in the Japanese market, further highlighting the industry's shift towards sustainable and advanced technological solutions.

Komatsu, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Kubota, Caterpillar, Kobelco, and Yanmar are leaders in the Japan crawler excavator market. These companies have strong market share and offer diverse equipment.

Develon, Sumitomo Construction Machinery, & Takeuchi are niche players in the Japan crawler excavator market. These companies offer low product diversification and have a strong presence in the local market in Japan.

Volvo CE, Hyundai Construction Equipment & SANY are emerging in the Japan crawler excavator market. These companies are introducing new technologically advanced products to challenge the market share of market leaders in the country's market.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVER

Government Regulations to Reduce Carbon Emissions from Buildings Are Expected to Support Demand for Electric Excavators in the Japan Crawler Excavator Market

In 2023, the Japanese government introduced new building regulations to reduce carbon emissions from buildings and homes to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Under new regulations, CO2 emissions from newly built homes must be around 30% lower than current standards, and emissions from other buildings, including offices and shops, should be reduced by 27%.

The government focuses on installing low-carbon technology, such as solar panels and heat pumps, to reduce carbon emissions from buildings.

In 2021, the government invested USD 6.6 billion in installing low-carbon technology under the Social Housing Decarbonization Fund. The government also plans to upgrade existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions.

Integration of Technological Solutions in Crawler Excavator

Japan's market share for advanced excavators equipped with ICT and remote monitoring capabilities is rising. The shortage of skilled labor and the increasing number of accidents at construction sites drive the country's adoption of automated rental construction equipment.

Projections indicate that Japan's construction industry may lose approximately 1.2 million workers by 2030. In response to this challenge, Japan's primary objective is to boost the productivity and efficiency of its workforce. Smart construction has emerged as a central solution to elevating productivity levels.

Manitou's Ecostop function automatically turns off the engine and all hour meters based on a set timer (1 to 30 minutes). Moreover, the Auto Power function of the JSM joystick automatically adjusts the engine speed according to the operator's request for hydraulic power from the JSM (Joystick Switch & Move).

Country's Aging Infrastructure and the Upcoming Expo 2025 Will Propel the Demand for Crawler Excavators in the Japan Crawler Excavator Market

In 2023, the Japanese government invested in renovating aged infrastructure nationwide. Investments are also directed for disaster prevention & mitigation, national resilience, and other public work. The growth in the investment for various projects is projected to support the Japan crawler excavator market.

The nation currently has approximately 720,000 road bridges. By 2024, this number is anticipated to decrease to approximately 290,000 bridges. By 2033, the count is projected to rise to 450,000 bridges, all of which have stood for over half a century since their construction. Therefore, Japan has intended huge investments in renovating and repairing old infrastructure.

High Investments Toward Decarbonizing the Country Are Supporting the Renewable Energy Sector

In Sapporo, a collaborative partnership involving industry, government, and academia has been announced to support investments in Hokkaido to transition towards a decarbonized society. The objective is to attract investments totaling approximately USD 2 billion in the renewable energy sector over the next decade.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings plans to invest USD 7 billion in renewable energy projects by fiscal 2030 to construct 6 to 7 gigawatts of additional capacity.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Rapid Aging Population and Labor Scarcity Will Hamper Construction Activities

According to a study conducted in 2023, Japan could confront a deficit of over 11 million workers by 2040, highlighting the country's rapidly aging population's economic difficulties.

The worker population is anticipated to experience a sharp decline starting in 2027. By 2040, the labor supply is projected to contract by approximately 12% compared to 2022, while the demand for labor remains constant.

Moreover, in response to the acute shortage, in 2021, YKK Group, the largest zipper manufacturer globally, eliminated the retirement age restriction for its employees. Electronic retail chain Nojima also adopted a similar policy in 2020, allowing workers to continue their employment until they reach the age of 80.

Government Norms to Control Carbon Emission Is Expected to Hamper Sales of Large Excavators in the Japan Crawler Excavator Market

The Japanese government is concerned about air pollution and taking necessary steps to control it. The government proposed tough emission standards for non-road mobile machinery, such as construction equipment and off-road vehicles.

Stage V emission standards could replace existing Stage IV emission rules. These standards focus on reducing the emission of nitrogen dioxide & particulate matter.

In 2021, the government set a high emission control standard by not allowing diesel-operated heavy construction machinery that did not follow Stage V emission standards.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

How big is the Japan crawler excavator market?

What are the trends in the Japan crawler excavator industry?

Who are the key players in the Japan crawler excavator market?

Which are the major distributor companies in the Japan crawler excavator market?

What is the growth rate of the Japan crawler excavator market?

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 156 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value in 2023 57500 Units Forecasted Market Value by 2029 69146 Units Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.1% Regions Covered Japan



Market Landscape

PESTLE Analysis

Economic Scenario

Market Dynamic

Key Economic Regions

Import & Export Analysis

Supply Chain Analysis

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

Prominent Vendors

Caterpillar

Hitachi Construction Machinery

Komatsu

Volvo Construction Equipment

Kobelco

Kubota

SANY

Hyundai Construction Equipment

Yanmar

Takeuchi Manufacturing

Other Prominent Vendors

SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.

AIRMAN

KATO WORKS CO., LTD.

Develon

Hydrema

Distributor Profiles

Nippon Cat

AKIYAMA Machinery Co., Ltd.

Daiichi Toyo Co., Ltd

Yamazaki Machinery

WWB KENKI

Segmentation by Crawler Excavator

Size

Mini Excavator

Small Excavator

Medium Excavator

Large Excavator

Gross Power

Less Than 60 HP

60 HP -100 HP

101 HP-200 HP

Above 200 HP

Segmentation by End Users

Construction

Mining

Agriculture

Forestry

Others (Power Generation, Utilities Municipal Corporations, Oil & Gas, Cargo Handling, Power Generation Plants, Waste Management)

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8rz1jl

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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Dublin, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Taiwan Existing & Upcoming Data Center Portfolio" database has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The upcoming data center capacity in Taiwan is projected to exceed 90 MW on full build, which is nearly double the country's current existing capacity. Taipei and Taoyuan currently dominate the existing data center capacity in Taiwan.

Approximately 80% of the upcoming capacity is concentrated in Taoyuan and Taichung. Emerging data center locations include Taipei, Taichung, and Taoyuan, reflecting ongoing investments and developments in these key areas.



This database (Excel) product covers the Taiwan data center market portfolio analysis, which will provide the following information on the colocation data centers:

Detailed Analysis of 15 existing data centers

Detailed Analysis of 5 upcoming data centers

Locations covered: Changhua, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, Taipei, Taoyuan, Zhubei

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:

The data points covered in the database across each facility are mentioned below:

Existing Data Centers (15 Facilities):

Market Snapshot

Location (Region/Country/City)

Facility Address

Operator/Owner Name

Data Center Name, i.e., (Taipei 3 or LY2.)

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 (5 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:



1. About the Database



2. Scope & Assumptions



3. Definitions



4. Snapshot: Existing & Upcoming Data Center Facility



5. Existing Data Center Database



6. Upcoming Data Center Facility



7. Existing Vs Upcoming Capacity (Infographics)



8. Colocation Pricing



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

Acer eDC

AnsonNet

Chief Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom

Far EasTone Telecommunications

NTT Global Data Centers

Taiwan Mobile

Taiwan Power Company (Taipower)

Vantage Data Centers





For more information about this database visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7qt2xv

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.
Palo Alto, CA, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recor Medical, Inc. (Recor) and its parent company, Otsuka Medical Devices Co., Ltd. (Otsuka Medical Devices) today announced the first patients in the US have been treated in Recor Medicals Global Paradise System US Post Approval Study (US GPS), a real-world study gathering data on the long-term safety and effectiveness of ultrasound renal denervation (uRDN). Dr. Antonio Tony Gutierrez is the primary study investigator at Durham VA Medical Center in North Carolina, the first US site in the study to enroll and treat patients.

The study will focus on gathering real-world safety and effectiveness data over five years from up to 1,000 patients, collaborating with research centers to help advance diversity and health equity within clinical trials. Building upon the substantial clinical data generated to-date, which led to US FDA approval of the Paradise uRDN system in November of 2023, the study will collect data on patients who undergo treatment with the Paradise uRDN system. The study seeks to enroll patients from historically underserved populations in clinical trials, including racially diverse groups, women, and the elderly, along with those having significant comorbidities like chronic kidney disease and diabetes.

Patients will be asked to measure their blood pressure throughout the study, including measuring blood pressure out of the clinic setting using a home monitoring device provided by the study. Participants will also be asked about their quality of life, health, sleep and emotions. Additional demographic data, medical history and socio-economic data may also be collected.

New therapies to lower blood pressure are desperately needed. Following a rigorous set of randomized clinical trials, each one demonstrating that ultrasound RDN is a safe and effective treatment for hypertension, we enter the next stage with great excitement, said study principal investigator Naomi Fisher, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Director of Hypertension Service and Hypertension Innovation, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension at Brigham and Womens Hospital. These milestone treatments mark the beginning of a critical extensionusing ultrasound RDN in the real world, focusing especially on patients who have been underrepresented in trials to date.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects nearly half of all adult Americans. It is known as the silent killer because many people do not know they have it and, over time, it can lead to serious health issues. About three-fourths of the patients who are treated for hypertension remain uncontrolled despite making healthy lifestyle changes and taking multiple medications. Recor Medicals Paradise uRDN system is a first-of-its-kind ultrasound-based renal denervation technology designed to lower blood pressure by denervating overactive sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries in patients whose hypertension is not controlled by medications alone.

The launch of the US GPS study for the Paradise uRDN System is an important step in collecting real-world data on the blood pressure lowering impact ultrasound renal denervation can provide, said Recor President and CEO Lara Barghout. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension face potentially catastrophic chronic diseases, and new solutions are vital to help them achieve blood pressure control and realize a healthier future. We are proud to be providing this opportunity to Veterans in the US, and we hope to make a meaningful impact on their lives.

The US GPS study will build upon the wealth of clinical evidence Recor has generated to show the continued safety and efficacy of the Paradise uRDN System in a real-world setting, added Recors Chief Clinical Officer Helen Reeve-Stoffer. Long-term data on the safety and durability of uRDN will help further reinforce the impact the therapy can have in lowering blood pressure, and how it can be an important option in the fight to control hypertension.

About Recor Medical, Inc.

Recor Medical, headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Medical Devices Co., Ltd., is a medical technology company focused on transforming the management of hypertension. Recor has pioneered the use of the Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation system for the treatment of hypertension. The Paradise system is an investigational device in Japan, is FDA approved in the United States, and bears the CE mark. Recor has reported positive outcomes in three independent, randomized, sham-controlled studies of the Paradise system in patients with mild-to-moderate and resistant hypertension. In addition, Recor has begun the Global Paradise System (GPS) Registry in the European Union and the UK, and has initiated the US GPS post-approval study in the United States.

https://www.recormedical.com/

About Otsuka Medical Devices

Otsuka Medical Devices Co., Ltd. engages in the global development and commercialization of medical devices that provide new therapeutic options in areas where patient needs cannot be met through pharmaceutical or other conventional treatment. Otsuka Medical Devices is a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. (www.otsuka.com/en), a global healthcare company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (JP 4578).

https://www.omd.otsuka.com/en/

# # #

Media Contact:

Lisa Owens

The Mullings Group

lowens@mullingsgroup.com

+1-210-601-6647

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Dublin, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Healthcare Logistics Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Global Healthcare Logistics Market was valued at USD 185.77 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 290.73 billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 7.75%.

The global healthcare logistics market report consists of exclusive data on 41 vendors. The global healthcare logistics market is highly fragmented and is classified by the presence of a few key vendors holding a majority of the share. The vendors offer logistics services in varied industries such as aerospace, consumer and retail, e-commerce, energy, automotive, healthcare, etc

The market is rapidly evolving in response to demand for faster deliveries by end users and increased visibility into shipments. Cencora, CEVA Logistics, Deutsch Post DHL, FedEx Corporation, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, and UPS are the key vendors in this market. These companies have a broad geographical footprint, a strong focus on innovation in logistics, and a diversified service portfolio.

The North American region dominates with the largest market share of over 34% in the global healthcare logistics market. This dominance is mainly due to the presence of the majority of healthcare suppliers in the region. High acceptance, prevalence of chronic disease, and growing geriatric population are some factors contributing to this region's growth.



The APAC region shows significant global healthcare logistics market growth during the forecast period. The emerging Asian markets have garnered significant attention from the pharmaceutical industry due to their immense potential. The market is heavily influenced by government spending on research and development (R&D) and increasing health awareness, particularly in emerging markets like India and China. Factors such as the proportion of the senior population (aged 65 years and above) and the rising life expectancy have significantly contributed to creating new business opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry across the APAC region.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Optimizing Healthcare Supply Chain Through Digital Transformation



In recent years, the healthcare industry has increasingly turned to digital transformation to address the challenges and complexities of supply chain management. Healthcare organizations can unlock numerous benefits and efficiencies throughout the supply chain process by integrating advanced technologies into their operations. One key aspect of digital transformation in healthcare supply chains is adopting advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).

These technologies enable organizations to analyze vast amounts of real-time data, identify patterns and trends, and make data-driven decisions. For example, AI-powered predictive analytics can help forecast demand for medical supplies, allowing organizations to optimize inventory levels and prevent stockouts or overstocking. Blockchain provides a secure and transparent way to track and trace products throughout the supply chain. The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a significant role in digitalizing healthcare supply chains. IoT devices such as RFID tags and sensors can be attached to medical supplies, equipment, and patients to monitor their location, condition, and usage in real-time.



M&A Strategies Expanding Healthcare into Non-Acute Settings



The shift towards non-acute care settings represents a fundamental transformation in healthcare delivery, driven by the need to improve access, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes. Ambulatory surgery centers, community clinics, and home care services offer more convenient and less expensive alternatives to traditional hospital-based care, particularly for routine procedures and chronic disease management.

Mergers and acquisitions are significant in this transition as healthcare organizations seek to expand their reach and capabilities by integrating non-acute services into their networks. For example, a health system may acquire a local hospital that operates ambulatory surgery centers or a network of clinics, allowing for better coordination of care and improved patient access across the continuum.

The move towards non-acute care settings and preventative care reflects a broader shift towards value-based healthcare models prioritizing patient-centered, holistic wellness approaches. Through strategic M&A activities and targeted initiatives, healthcare organizations aim to create more efficient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare systems that meet the diverse needs of patients and communities.



Adoption of Cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems



Adopting cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in the healthcare supply chain has significantly improved data management practices. These systems serve as centralized hubs for storing and managing vast amounts of data related to inventory, procurement, distribution, and other supply chain activities. One of the key benefits of cloud-based ERP systems is their ability to integrate data from various sources into a single, unified platform. This integration facilitates real-time visibility into inventory levels, demand patterns, and supply chain performance metrics across multiple facilities and locations. With all relevant data accessible from a centralized location, supply chain managers can make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, cloud-based ERP systems enable the deployment of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These technologies leverage the rich data stored in the ERP system to drive predictive analytics and optimization algorithms. For example, AI and ML algorithms can analyze historical demand patterns to forecast future inventory needs more accurately, helping organizations optimize stock levels and reduce the risk of stockouts or excess inventory.

Moreover, AI-powered analytics can identify potential disruptions in the supply chain, such as delays in product delivery or fluctuations in demand, allowing supply chain managers to address these issues before they escalate proactively. By leveraging AI-driven insights, healthcare organizations can improve supply chain resilience, minimize risks, and enhance operational efficiency.



INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Supply and Equipment Shortages



In the healthcare industry, supply-chain challenges persistently plague providers, hindering their access to essential supplies and equipment. These challenges, initially heightened by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to reverberate, affecting routine and pandemic-related items. Despite concerted efforts to maintain adequate stock levels, healthcare providers struggle to balance product availability, timely delivery, cost-effectiveness, and appropriate measurement units.

Surveys conducted in 2023 indicate that supplier shortages remain pervasive, with over 90% of providers grappling with ongoing difficulties obtaining critical supplies. These shortages have profound implications for healthcare delivery, impacting patient care, operational efficiency, and overall healthcare system resilience. Healthcare providers must navigate an uncertain landscape, seeking alternative sourcing strategies, optimizing inventory management practices, and collaborating closely with suppliers to mitigate supply-chain disruptions.



SEGMENT ANALYSIS

INSIGHT BY PRODUCT TYPE



The global healthcare logistics market by product type is segmented into pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The pharmaceuticals segment will dominate with the largest market share in 2023. The growth can be attributed to the increasing healthcare expenditure, a surge in R&D investments, and the emergence of biologics and biosimilars.

Pharmaceutical supply chain management involves strategically coordinating the complete value-added process of a product within the pharmaceutical industry, along with its associated logistics. This encompasses collaborative efforts among manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, business partners, and consumers, from procurement to final delivery.

INSIGHT BY FUNCTIONALITY TYPE



The global healthcare logistics market by functionality is categorized into transportation (road, water, air), warehousing, etc. The air transportation segment shows prominent growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR during the forecast period. Air freight has emerged as a vital component of the global economy, enabling swift and efficient transportation of goods worldwide, thus helping segmental growth.

While air transport has historically been the pharmaceutical industry's favored choice for international shipping due to its unparalleled speed and adaptability, a notable shift is occurring as more industry leaders turn their attention to ocean freight as a preferable alternative. The economic appeal is substantial, with air freight costing four times more than surface shipping. This shift is particularly compelling considering regulatory pressures from health authorities, which drive suppliers to reduce costs aggressively.

INSIGHT BY END-USER TYPE



The pharmacies segment holds the largest global healthcare logistics market share by end-user. The segmental growth is because pharmacies or drugstores are places where the medicines are dispensed or compounded. The pharmacists are responsible for the composition of the dosage forms of drugs, such as sterile solutions for injections, capsules, and tablets.

As the pharmaceutical industry grows, pharmacists emerge as trusted professionals, fueled by promising technologies and trends highlighted in recent forecast reports, with a focus on sustainability and development; health system pharmacists play a pivotal role, supported by advancements in communication technology and risk management under supply chain management, all aimed at enhancing patient healthcare systems.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What are the key trends in the global healthcare logistics market?

Which region dominates the global healthcare logistics market?

How big is the global healthcare logistics market?

Who are the major players in the global healthcare logistics market?

What is the growth rate of the global healthcare logistics market?

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 146 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $185.77 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $290.73 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.7% Regions Covered Global

Key Vendors

Cencora

CEVA Logistics

FedEx

Kuehne + Nagel

DB Schenker

Deutsche Post DHL Group

United Parcel Service (UPS)

Other Prominent Vendors

AWL

Alloga

Bollore Logistics

Cardinal Health

C.H. Robinson

Cold Chain Technologies (CCT)

DSV

Farmasoft

Lufthansa Cargo

Medline

Nippon Express Co. Ltd

Oximio

SEKO Logistics

Sinotrans Limited

XPO Logistics

ZirconMed

GXO

ArcBest

Associated Couriers

Carousel Logistics

Crane Worldwide Logistics

CRYOPDP

DACHSER

Expeditors

Freight Logistics Solutions

Global Group

Kenco

Kerry Logistics Network

Kintetsu World Express

Life Science Logistics

Mercury

Nissin International Logistics Provider

Rhenus Logistics

Geodis

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS



North America

The U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

The U.K.

France

Italy

Spain

APAC

Japan

China

India

Australia

South Korea

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina

Middle East & Africa

Turkey

South Africa

Saudi Arabia

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mgp7bn

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




Meet Maria Burciaga: Dedicated Attorney at Melmed Law Group

LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melmed Law Group , a leading advocate for employee rights and workplace justice, proudly announces the achievements and contributions of Attorney Maria Burciaga . With a strong educational background, extensive professional experience, and dedication to labor and employment law, Maria Burciaga is a vital member of the Melmed Law Group team.

About Maria Burciaga

Maria Burciaga holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount St. Mary's University and a Juris Doctor from Whittier Law School. During her undergraduate studies, she was an active member of the Mock Trial team, and in law school, she served on the Trial Advocacy Honors Board, showcasing her early dedication to legal advocacy.

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA)

Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA)

Professional Journey

Maria's professional journey in the legal field began immediately after high school, starting as a legal assistant at the age of 18. Over the course of 18 years, she has gained comprehensive experience, gradually advancing her career until deciding to attend law school. She has worked in the labor and employment sector for eight years and has been practicing as an attorney in this field for 3.5 years.

Areas of Expertise

Maria Burciaga focuses on:

Her focus within employment and labor law is on representing employees in various workplace-related issues, ensuring their rights are upheld and they receive fair treatment.

Professional Achievements

During her undergraduate and law school years, Maria demonstrated her legal prowess as a member of the Mock Trial team and the Trial Advocacy Honors Board. These experiences laid a strong foundation for her successful career in labor and employment law.

Client Testimonials

Clients consistently praise Maria for her professionalism, dedication, and empathetic approach. Her ability to navigate complex legal challenges and provide comprehensive support underscores her role as a trusted advocate in employment law .

Personal Quote

I'm excited to be part of the dedicated team at Melmed Law Group. My passion lies in standing up for employees who face unfair treatment, and I look forward to making a real difference in their lives - Maria Burciaga .

Connect with Maria Burciaga

For more information or to connect with Maria Burciaga, visit her LinkedIn profile .

About Melmed Law Group

Founded in 2015, Melmed Law Group has become a beacon of hope for employees facing workplace harassment , discrimination , and wage theft. Under the leadership of Jonathan Melmed , the firm has successfully litigated and settled over 100 class actions, earning recognition as a top law firm for employee rights.

Media Contact:

Paniz Rad

Marketing Director

Melmed Law Group

Email: paniz@melmedlaw.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2bf0eeb-d5ba-4910-8223-b963cfa43806
Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BitFi, a pioneering CeDeFi platform announces the launching of a seed round fundraising with a $50 million valuation. The confirmed investors include Fundamental Labs, IBC Group Ventures,CGV FoF, TyreGate Capital Group, and Citizen Journalism Network Accelerator (CJNA). The platform was founded by Liu Han, former co-founder and CTO of Ascendex Exchange. After its early access launch on June 25th, the platform reached a peak Total Value Locked (TVL) of US$400 million in just one month.

BitFi combines the best parts of centralized and decentralized financial solutions to maximize the yields of multiple assets, like BTC, for its users. By leveraging multi-chain adaptability and sophisticated off-chain trading strategies, BitFi offers secured staking yield and multiple layers yield generation. Led by a team with a proven Wall Street background and deep expertise in quantitative trading, BitFi provides consistent, low-risk returns through neutral quantitative strategies, passive yields on multi-chains, and BitFi platform-specific rewards. This comprehensive approach positions BitFi as the premier selection for BTC holders seeking optimized returns and secured asset management solutions.

"This investment is based on BitFis transformative potential in the CeDeFi field," said Eric Yang, Managing Partner of Fundamental Labs. "We believe BitFi will be a game-changer in the Bitcoin CeDeFi ecosystem. With a seasoned and experienced team at the helm, BitFi is poised to address the evolving needs of BTC holders, offering them a superior experience and maximized returns."



BitFi's vision aligns seamlessly with our commitment to fostering advancements in blockchain technology. We are confident that our investment, industry-leading marketing capability, and top-tier KOL resources will propel BitFi to new heights in CeDeFi expressed Mario Nawfal, Founder of IBC Group.



BitFi invites investors, blockchain enthusiasts, and strategic partners to join them in shaping the future of CeDeFi. For more information about BitFi and the latest updates, please follow BitFi on X.



About BitFi:

Bitfi is a leading CeDeFi platform that combines secure staking mechanisms with innovative synthetic assets to create a robust and dynamic ecosystem. By leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology and comprehensive quantitative strategies, Bitfi is committed to optimizing user returns safely and efficiently across multiple blockchains.



About Fundamental Labs:

Fundamental Labs is a leading blockchain and cryptocurrency investment firm dedicated to supporting and investing in innovative projects shaping the future of decentralized finance. With a track record of successful investments (such as Coinbase, Binance, Polkdot, etc), Fundamental Labs is committed to driving the growth and adoption of blockchain technology.



About IBC Group:

IBC Group has been a pioneer of cutting-edge growth hacking principles in the crypto space for the last 5 years. Since then IBC Group has successfully navigated its way through multiple bull and bear cycles, built up a wealth of experience and top-tier KOL resources, and is now one of the leading VC/Accelerator/Incubators in the space.



About CGV:

CGV (Cryptogram Venture) is a crypto investment firm headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. CGV and its predecessors invested more than 200 crypto projects since 2017. CGVs investment mainly focused on Infrastructure, AI, DePIN as well as Bitcoin ecosystem. It also incubated a licensed Japanese yen stablecoin JPYW. Currently CGV has branches in Hong Kong, Singapore and Toronto.



About TyreGate Capital Group:

TyreGate Capital Holdings, LTD, was founded in February 2017. TyreGate is a wholly owned Principal Holding Company that combines a Family Office with a Private Equity and Activist Public Equity Asset Management Corporation that may be appointed to act under specific private mandates from investors (individuals or pooled investment vehicles) in private placements and other advisory services.



The TyreGate group, founded by a team of investment professionals, advocates and support staff, is led by both a Management Board and Investment Committee, and advised by an Advisory Board. Currently, TyreGate investments span across all sectors, in a mix of publicly listed and private securities, diversified Private Equity Funds, as well as currencies and commodities.



About CJNA:

The first community-led Accelerator, built by the largest media company on X and the fastest growing globally in 2024. Led by a top team with extensive investing and operating experience composed of some of the most influential figures in citizen journalism and blockchain.




Calgary, Alberta, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alberta Energy Regulators industry-wide closure spend requirement for 2025 has been set at $750 million, a $50 million increase over last years requirement of $700 million. See Bulletin 2024-19 for more information.

Closure spend requirements specify the minimum amount licensees are required to spend on closure work each year.

As of June 30, 2024, the reported industry closure spend for 2023 was about $923 million, which includes the remaining funding from the Government of Albertas Site Rehabilitation Program. Industry-funded closure exceeded the $700 million set for 2023 by 22%. We will provide more details on 2023 closure spending, including updated industry-reported spend, in the 2023 Liability Management Performance Report for publication in late 2024.

Each year, the AER reviews and determines the industry-wide closure spend requirement, accounting for such factors as changes in inactive oil and gas infrastructure, commodity pricing fluctuations, closure work completed in the previous year, and unforeseen exceptional circumstances.

For more information, see the closure spend quotas webpage and the 2022 Liability Management Performance Report.

About the Alberta Energy Regulator
INDIANAPOLIS, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBank Indianapolis" or "Bank") declared its second quarter 2024 dividends on Class B-2 activity-based capital stock and Class B-1 non-activity-based stock at annualized rates of 9.50% and 4.50%, respectively. The higher dividend rate on activity-based stock reflects the Board's discretion under the Bank's capital plan to reward members that use FHLBank Indianapolis in support of their liquidity needs.



"Our latest financial results underscore our solid track record of success in meeting member liquidity needs, as well as the innovative ways we support affordable housing and community development needs through our statutory and increased voluntary allocations," President and CEO Cindy Konich said.

The dividends will be paid in cash on July 26, 2024.

Earnings Highlights

Net income, for the second quarter of 2024, was $89 million, a net decrease of $2 million compared to the corresponding quarter in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest spreads and lower hedging gains on qualifying fair-value hedging relationships, substantially offset by higher earnings on the portion of the Bank's assets funded by its capital1.

Net income, for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $184 million, a net increase of $1 million compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The increase was substantially due to higher earnings on the portion of the Bank's assets funded by its capital. However, such increase was partially offset by net gains on the extinguishment of consolidated obligations in the corresponding period that did not occur in the current period.

_________________________

1 FHLBank Indianapolis earns interest income on advances to and mortgage loans purchased from its Michigan and Indiana member financial institutions, as well as on long- and short-term investments. Net interest income is primarily determined by the size of the Bank's balance sheet and the spread between the interest earned on its assets and the interest cost of funding with consolidated obligations. Because of the Bank's inherent relatively low interest-rate spread, it has historically derived a substantial portion of its net interest income from deploying its interest-free capital in floating-rate assets.

Affordable Housing Program Allocation

The Bank's Affordable Housing Program ("AHP") provides grant funding to support housing for low- and moderate-income families in communities served by its Michigan and Indiana members. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, AHP assessments2 totaled $21 million. Full-year 2024 required allocations will be available to the Bank's members in 2025 to help address their communities' affordable housing needs, including construction, rehabilitation, accessibility improvements and homebuyer down-payment assistance.

In addition, as part of the Bank's commitment to further support its AHP and additional affordable housing, small business and community investment programs, the Bank has voluntarily allocated additional funding in 2024 totaling $23 million, based on 5% of its net earnings for 2023, of which $7 million has been recognized and is reported in other expenses.

As a result, the Bank's combined required and voluntary allocation recognized in the six-month period totaled $28 million, an increase of $1 million, or 6%, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.

Condensed Statements of Income

The following table presents unaudited condensed statements of income ($ amounts in millions):

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Interest income(a) $ 1,034 $ 950 $ 2,050 $ 1,769 Interest expense(a) 909 826 1,796 1,542 Provision for credit losses     Net interest income after provision for credit losses 125 124 254 227 Other income(b) 6 9 16 39 Other expenses 32 31 65 62 AHP assessments 10 11 21 21 Net income $ 89 $ 91 $ 184 $ 183

(a) Includes hedging gains (losses) and net interest settlements on fair-value hedge relationships. The Bank uses derivatives, specifically interest-rate swaps, to hedge the risk of changes in the fair value of certain of its advances, available-for-sale securities and consolidated obligations. These derivatives are designated as fair-value hedges and, therefore, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative, and changes in the fair value of the hedged item that are attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in net interest income.

(b) Includes impact of purchase discount (premium) recorded through mark-to-market gains (losses) on trading securities and net interest settlements on derivatives hedging trading securities, while generally offsetting interest income on trading securities is included in interest income.

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2 Each year, Federal Home Loan Banks are required to allocate to the AHP 10% of earnings, defined for this purpose as income before assessments plus interest expense on mandatorily redeemable capital stock.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Total assets, at June 30, 2024, were $79.2 billion, a net increase of $2.6 billion, or 3%, from December 31, 2023.

Advances 3

Advances outstanding, at June 30, 2024, at carrying value, totaled $36.6 billion, a net increase of $1.0 billion, or 3%, from December 31, 2023. The par value of advances outstanding increased by 3% to $37.0 billion, which included a net increase in short-term advances of 14% and a net decrease in long-term advances of 1%. At June 30, 2024, long-term advances composed 70% of advances outstanding, while short-term advances composed 30%.

The par value of advances outstanding to depository institutions  comprising commercial banks, savings institutions and credit unions  increased by 3%, while advances outstanding to insurance companies also increased by 3%. As a percent of total advances outstanding at par value, at June 30, 2024, advances to commercial banks and savings institutions were 48% and advances to credit unions were 14%, resulting in total advances to depository institutions of 62%, while advances to insurance companies were 38%.

Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio 4

Mortgage loans held for portfolio, at June 30, 2024, totaled $9.4 billion, a net increase of $779 million, or 9%, from December 31, 2023, as the Bank's purchases from its members exceeded principal repayments by borrowers. Purchases of mortgage loans, for the six months ended June 30, 2024, totaled $1.2 billion.

Liquidity Investments 5

Liquidity investments, at June 30, 2024, totaled $12.8 billion, a net increase of $649 million, or 5%, from December 31, 2023. Our liquidity remained well above regulatory requirements and continues to enable the Bank to be a reliable liquidity provider to its members.

Cash and short-term investments increased by $172 million, or 1%, to $11.7 billion. The portion of U.S. Treasury obligations classified as trading securities increased by $477 million, or 79%, to $1.1 billion. As a result of this activity, cash and short-term investments represented 92% of the total liquidity investments at June 30, 2024, while U.S. Treasury obligations represented 8%.

Other Investment Securities

Other investment securities, which consist substantially of mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury obligations classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale, at June 30, 2024, totaled $19.7 billion, a net increase of $205 million, or 1%, from December 31, 2023.

_________________________

3 Advances are secured loans that the Bank provides to its member institutions.

4 The Bank purchases mortgage loans from its members to support its housing mission, provide an additional source of liquidity to its members, and diversify its investments.

5 The Bank's liquidity investments consist of cash, interest-bearing deposits, securities purchased under agreements to resell, federal funds sold and U.S. Treasury obligations.

Consolidated Obligations 6

FHLBank Indianapolis' consolidated obligations outstanding, at June 30, 2024, totaled $73.2 billion, a net increase of $2.1 billion, or 3%, from December 31, 2023, which reflected increased funding needs associated with the net increase in the Bank's total assets.

Capital 7

Total capital, at June 30, 2024, was $4.0 billion, a net increase of $242 million, or 6%, from December 31, 2023. The net increase resulted from the growth in retained earnings, increase in accumulated other comprehensive income and issuances of capital stock to support advance activity.

The Bank's regulatory capital-to-assets ratio8, at June 30, 2024, was 5.47%, which exceeds all applicable regulatory capital requirements.

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6 The primary source of funds for FHLBank Indianapolis, and for the other FHLBanks, is the sale of FHLBanks' consolidated obligations in the capital markets. FHLBank Indianapolis is the primary obligor for the payment of the principal and interest on the consolidated obligations issued on its behalf; additionally, it is jointly and severally liable with each of the other FHLBanks for all of the FHLBanks' consolidated obligations outstanding.

7 FHLBank Indianapolis is a cooperative whose member financial institutions and former members own all of its capital stock as a condition of membership and to support outstanding credit products.

8 Total regulatory capital, which consists of capital stock, mandatorily redeemable capital stock and retained earnings, as a percentage of total assets.

Condensed Statements of Condition

The following table presents unaudited condensed statements of condition ($ amounts in millions):

June 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Advances $ 36,556 $ 35,562 Mortgage loans held for portfolio, net 9,393 8,614 Liquidity investments 12,801 12,152 Other investment securities(a) 19,656 19,451 Other assets 839 829 Total assets $ 79,245 $ 76,608 Consolidated obligations $ 73,190 $ 71,053 MRCS 363 369 Other liabilities 1,706 1,442 Total liabilities 75,259 72,864 Capital stock(b) 2,345 2,285 Retained earnings(c) 1,624 1,532 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 17 (73 ) Total capital 3,986 3,744 Total liabilities and capital $ 79,245 $ 76,608 Total regulatory capital(d) $ 4,332 $ 4,186 Regulatory capital-to-assets ratio 5.47 % 5.46 %

(a) Includes held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities.

(b) Putable by members at par value.

(c) Includes restricted retained earnings, at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, of $435 million and $398 million, respectively.

(d) Consists of total capital less accumulated other comprehensive income plus mandatorily redeemable capital stock.

All amounts referenced above are unaudited. More detailed information about FHLBank Indianapolis' financial condition as of June 30, 2024, and its results for the three and six months then ended, will be included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Bank's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.



Safe Harbor Statement

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events and performance. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "will," "believes," "may," "temporary," "estimates," and "expects" or the negative of these words or comparable terminology. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release reflects FHLBank Indianapolis' current beliefs and expectations. Actual results or performance may differ materially from what is expressed in any forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date on which it was made. FHLBank Indianapolis undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Readers are referred to the documents filed by the Bank with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, which include factors that could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements. These reports are available at www.sec.gov .

Building Partnerships. Serving Communities.

FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank included in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to provide access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members' customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded, and receive no Congressional appropriations. FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit www.fhlbi.com. Also, follow the Bank on LinkedIn, as well as Instagram and X at @FHLBankIndy.

Contact: Scott Thien Senior Internal Communications Lead sthien@fhlbi.com | 317-902-3103



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4f7e04af-6f23-45fe-8a0d-194822b26f34
New Orleans, La, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, announced more than $10 million in federal funding to Volunteer Louisiana, the states service commission, during a delegation trip with AmeriCorps board members and CEO Michael D. Smith. The grant award will support the service of approximately 780 AmeriCorps members who will support economic development, education and conservation efforts across the state.

"This years AmeriCorps State and National grants will support thousands of enthusiastic and energetic Americans of all ages ready to tackle our most pressing local and national challenges, from education and economic opportunity to conservation and disaster response, said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps.

In times of disaster, AmeriCorps members have been on the front lines of response and recovery efforts in Louisiana, said Judd Jeansonne, Executive Director, Volunteer Louisiana, the State Service Commission in the Office of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. AmeriCorps members are strengthening our communities in blue sky days as well. From tutoring kids in our most challenging schools, to reducing food insecurity in our most rural and underserved parishes, to helping military veterans and their families navigate a return to civilian life, AmeriCorps members are meeting critical needs throughout Louisiana.

The AmeriCorps delegation also met with AmeriCorps members who serve in New Orleans at SBP, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, St. Vincent De Paul, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving with New Orleans Council on Aging. During their visits with these organizations, AmeriCorps honored 18 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers with the Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Led by AmeriCorps, in partnership with Points of Light, the Presidents Volunteer Service Award celebrates Americans who dedicate their time and skills to serving their communities through volunteering.

During a visit with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, she and AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith presented two AmeriCorps members with Presidents Volunteer Service Awards: Pamela Bourgeois, a client services coordinator with SBP New Orleans who served 850 hours in New Orleans, and Ricky Angelain, a project lead with SBP New Orleans who served more than 680 hours.

From Natchitoches to New Orleans, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers are working alongside their neighbors to build stronger communities and a brighter future for all Louisianans, said Smith.

All Presidents Volunteer Service Award Recipients in New Orleans:

Emelda Paul is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the Senior Companion program. For her more than 27,500 hours of service, Paul received a Lifetime Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the Senior Companion program. For her more than 27,500 hours of service, Paul received a Lifetime Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Richard Bell is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the RSVP program. For his more than 23,000 hours of service, Bell received a Lifetime Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the RSVP program. For his more than 23,000 hours of service, Bell received a Lifetime Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Leroy Moon, Jr., is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the RSVP program. For his more than 11,600 hours of service, Moon received a Lifetime Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the RSVP program. For his more than 11,600 hours of service, Moon received a Lifetime Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Malik Rahim is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the RSVP program. For his more than 5,600 hours of service, Rahim received a Lifetime Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the RSVP program. For his more than 5,600 hours of service, Rahim received a Lifetime Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Katrina Weber is AmeriCorps member with the VISTA program at St. Vincent De Paul. For her more than 3,300 hours of service, Weber received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is AmeriCorps member with the VISTA program at St. Vincent De Paul. For her more than 3,300 hours of service, Weber received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Patricia Marchand is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the Senior Companion program. For her more than 2,600 hours of service, Marchand received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the Senior Companion program. For her more than 2,600 hours of service, Marchand received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. David Sneed is a Supply and Logistics Coordinator with SBP New Orleans. He served three previous terms, two with AmeriCorps VISTA and one with AmeriCorps State and National. For his more than 1,500 hours of service, Sneed received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is a Supply and Logistics Coordinator with SBP New Orleans. He served three previous terms, two with AmeriCorps VISTA and one with AmeriCorps State and National. For his more than 1,500 hours of service, Sneed received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Serenthia Joseph is a Client Services Coordinator with SBP New Orleans' Disaster Assistance Program Team. For her more than 1,500 hours of service, Joseph received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is a Client Services Coordinator with SBP New Orleans' Disaster Assistance Program Team. For her more than 1,500 hours of service, Joseph received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Sabria Earin is a Client Services Coordinator with SBP New Orleans' Disaster Assistance Program Team. For her more than 1,300 hours of service, Earin received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is a Client Services Coordinator with SBP New Orleans' Disaster Assistance Program Team. For her more than 1,300 hours of service, Earin received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. A'Dasha Vallery is a Client Services Coordinator with SBP New Orleans' Disaster Assistance Program Team. For her more than 1,200 hours of service, Vallery received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is a Client Services Coordinator with SBP New Orleans' Disaster Assistance Program Team. For her more than 1,200 hours of service, Vallery received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Rory Anderson is a Disaster Corps Project Lead with SBP New Orleans. They previously served with AmeriCorps NCCC in the Southwest Region and with an AmeriCorps State and National program in Michigan. Anderson was awarded a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award for their more than 900 hours of service.

is a Disaster Corps Project Lead with SBP New Orleans. They previously served with AmeriCorps NCCC in the Southwest Region and with an AmeriCorps State and National program in Michigan. Anderson was awarded a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award for their more than 900 hours of service. Bryana Lozoya is a Disaster Corps Project Lead with SBP New Orleans. For her more than 870 hours of service, Lozoya was awarded a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is a Disaster Corps Project Lead with SBP New Orleans. For her more than 870 hours of service, Lozoya was awarded a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Pamela Bourgeois is a Client Services Coordinator with SBP New Orleans. For her more than 850 hours of service, Bourgeois received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is a Client Services Coordinator with SBP New Orleans. For her more than 850 hours of service, Bourgeois received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Kirianna Gambrel is a Project Lead with SBP New Orleans. She served a previous term with an AmeriCorps State and National program in Maine. For her more than 810 hours of service, Gambrel received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is a Project Lead with SBP New Orleans. She served a previous term with an AmeriCorps State and National program in Maine. For her more than 810 hours of service, Gambrel received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Olivia Karschner is a Disaster Corps Project Lead with SBP New Orleans. For her more than 810 hours of service, Karschner received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is a Disaster Corps Project Lead with SBP New Orleans. For her more than 810 hours of service, Karschner received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Michael Bankston is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the RSVP program. For his more than 750 hours of service, Bankston received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with the RSVP program. For his more than 750 hours of service, Bankston received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Ricky Angelain is a Project Lead with SBP New Orleans. For his more than 680 hours of service, Angelain received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

is a Project Lead with SBP New Orleans. For his more than 680 hours of service, Angelain received a Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award. Kieron Haynes is a Client Services Coordinator with SBP New Orleans. For his more than 470 hours of service, Haynes was awarded a Silver President's Volunteer Service Award.

Three decades ago, more than 20,000 Americans raised their right hands and pledged to get things done for America. These members helped more than 1,000 communities nationwide during their first year of service. Since then, more than 1.3 million AmeriCorps members and hundreds of thousands more AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers of all backgrounds have followed in their footsteps, providing billions of hours of results-driven service across the nation.

Last year, more than 3,500 Americans of all ages and backgrounds united to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities through national service in Louisiana. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers served at more than 400 locations across Louisiana, including schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, youth centers, veterans facilities and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations.

###

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nations most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.

Attachments
OTTAWA, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Red Cross has launched the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal to help people and communities impacted by wildfires in Alberta.

Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be used for assisting those impacted in Jasper and other affected areas in Alberta with immediate and ongoing relief including financial assistance, support to evacuees and the communities hosting them, recovery and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires, as well as supporting community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Alberta.

People in Canada wishing to make a donation to the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal can do so:

Online www.redcross.ca;

By calling 1-800-418-1111;

By texting ABFIRES to 45678 to donate $10.



Additional Resources

@RedCrossCanada | facebook.com/CanadianRedCross | redcross.ca/blog

Red Cross donor inquiries: WeCare@redcross.ca or 1-800-418-1111

About the Canadian Red Cross

Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement  which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies  the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supporting them in strengthening their resilience.

MEDIA CONTACTS

English Media: 1-877-599-9602

French Media: 1-888-418-9111
Vancouver, B.C., July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Through B.C.s Integrated Marketplace delivered by Innovate BC, new self-driving robotic pods are being tested at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The pods are designed to provide another option for passengers with varying mobility and guidance needs and those who may need assistance when travelling through the airport.

Working with Vancouver-based A&K Robotics to develop, test and deploy the assistive mobility technology, this project will support YVRs and the Provinces goals of creating a more accessible and inclusive future.

A&K Robotics autonomous pods, called Cruz mobility pods, utilize an intelligent navigation system to help connect people with mobility challenges to the full airport experience, including accessing shops, restaurants, accessible washroom facilities and other amenities.

B.C. is home to incredible companies that are developing innovative technology and practical solutions that can make peoples lives better, said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. Through the Integrated Marketplace, were helping A&K Robotics to continue developing the tools they need to continue to grow, while supporting people living with mobility challenges access the travelling services they need.

Delivered by Innovate BC, the Integrated Marketplace works to bolster innovation in the province by linking strategic buyers from some of British Columbias largest industries to B.C.-based solution providers to implement, scale up, and ultimately export B.C. technology solutions. This framework allows B.C. industries to receive assistance in adopting innovation, while connecting these solution providers with valuable Canadian reference customers that support their growth.

We are very happy to see the Integrated Marketplace continue to strengthen partnerships between governments, industry and local solution providers, said Peter Cowan, President and CEO, Innovate BC. These collaborations in tandem with innovative solutions are addressing provincial priorities such as removing barriers to support equitable participation for critical services, while also creating opportunities for B.C. businesses that contribute to a robust and broad-based economy.

YVR serves as one of four testbeds for the Integrated Marketplace with several innovation projects underway at each in support of enhancing operations and reducing emissions.

Through the Integrated Marketplace, the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, through PacifiCan, are contributing up to $1.6 million towards this initiative to reimagine mobility at YVR. Passenger trials with the autonomous pods are expected to begin in September 2024.

The new self-driving pods made by A&K Robotics represent an important step forward for accessibility at YVR, helping ensure people of all ages and abilities can independently navigate our terminals, said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at Vancouver International Airport. Through our role as the first Testbed under the Integrated Marketplace, we are supporting the development and implementation of made-in-B.C. solutions that benefit YVR and our community as well as local businesses. We look forward to having this new technology available for travellers as early as next year.

A&K Robotics and YVR will take a phased approach to implementing the new Cruz mobility pods to ensure their safe integration into the airport environment. As more pods come into service, more passengers will have the opportunity to utilize them as part of tailored journeys. During this introductory phase, A&K Robotics will work closely with YVR to solicit passenger feedback that will contribute to the ongoing development of the initiative.

This collaboration is a testament to how visionary ideas can reshape industries and impact the future of transportation, said Mathew Anderson, CEO, A&K Robotics. By introducing our micromobility robot pods at YVR, we are setting a new standard of accessibility for every traveler, while driving economic growth and opening the door for innovation in global transportation and aviation.

This announcement is part of the Government of B.C.s investment of as much as $11.5 million, and the Government of Canadas investment, through PacifiCan, of as much as $9.9 million in the Integrated Marketplace. It follows the recent announcement of three additional Integrated Marketplace projects taking place at the YVR testbed. Two of the projects will seek to bolster operational capabilities at YVR through drone-based runway monitoring and an enhanced paging communication system in the terminal. The third will support decarbonization efforts through the development of a state-of-the-art diagnostics component for General Fusions Lawson Machine 26 (LM26), a new Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) instrument that creates clean energy.

Additional Quotes

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

British Columbians have the talent and innovative spirit to create solutions for challenges faced by Canadians and people around the world every day. Introducing mobility technology into YVRs operations is an important step in creating a more accessible and inclusive airport experience here in Vancouver -- and it will show the world what our home-grown companies can do. Through projects like this, the Integrated Marketplace is helping local companies like A&K Robotics pilot their innovations, grow business operations and reach new markets.

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

Initiatives such as the Integrated Marketplace are important to helping small businesses scale up, giving them the opportunity to further develop and commercialize Canadian-made innovations. The work that A&K Robotics is undertaking is a key outcome of the Integrated Marketplace and will help the company prove its technology.

Brad McCannell, VP Access & Inclusion, Rick Hansen Foundation

The Rick Hansen Foundation applauds the testing of new and innovative technology to advance accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. We are pleased to work with A&K Robotics and our long-term partners at YVR on the implementation of this new advancement to ensure meaningful access for all.

Attachments
TORONTO, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STORAGEVAULT CANADA INC. (StorageVault or the Corporation) (SVI-TSX) is pleased to congratulate Andre De Grasse on being named one of Canadas flag bearers for Paris 2024.

Iqbal Khan, CFO of StorageVault commented: "While working with Andre, we came to know him as both an Olympic Champion and a genuinely good person. His humility, gratitude and patriotism make him a perfect choice to co-lead Team Canada at the opening ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games."

We are proud to work in partnership with Andre, and recognize his amazing accomplishments, as Canadas Olympic Summer Games most-winning male athlete.

We wish Andre and his fellow Team Canada athletes great success in Paris.

Go Canada Go!

Click on the below links to meet Andre and learn more about our partnership:

Behind the Scenes

Access Storage Branded Commercial

Sentinel Storage Branded Commercial

About StorageVault Canada Inc.

StorageVault owns and operates 249 storage locations across Canada. StorageVault owns 218 of these locations plus over 5,000 portable storage units representing over 12 million rentable square feet on over 700 acres of land. StorageVault also provides last mile storage and logistics solutions and professional records management services, such as document and media storage, imaging and shredding services.

For further information, contact Mr. Steven Scott or Mr. Iqbal Khan:
Scottsdale, AZ, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Rock Coffee Bar, known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks, is bringing its unique coffee and beverage experience to a new store in Austin, Texas. The new Black Rock Coffee Bar is set to open on August, 2, 2024.

Located at the Trails at 620 in Austin, the boutique coffee chain will celebrate its grand opening by offering customers free 16-ounce drinks throughout the day at this locaiton, with various promotions scheduled for the week.

The Austin community holds a special place in our hearts, as it was the site of our first Texas store opening back in 2020, said Mark Davis, CEO Black Rock Coffee Bar. We want to be in markets where we think the culture, community, people and their families fit with our brand  and Austin is that for us. Since we opened that first store four years ago, weve expanded to 35 stores in Texas and 138 nation wide.

To enhance the guest experience, Black Rock Coffee Bar recently announced the relaunch of Black Rock Rewards, making it easier for rewards members to order and get rewarded quicker whether in-store, online, or through the new mobile app. Special offers and promotions will continue post-opening through this program.

The new 2000-square-foot Black Rock Coffee Bar store showcases the boutique coffee chains signature industrial modern design. This design philosophy is aimed at ensuring that visitors can not only enjoy their favorite beverages but also relax, work, or socialize in a laidback and inviting environment.

With 138 stores across the U.S., the popular coffee chain is set to become the go-to destination for all coffee enthusiasts seeking fast and friendly service. The skilled team of baristas at Black Rock are committed to enhancing the overall customer experience making it their mission to brighten their customers' day. Black Rock Coffee Bars mission is to be a positive force in the communities it serves.

Founded in 2008 in Portland, Oregon, an area of the Pacific Northwest known for its coffee excellence, Black Rock Coffee Bar continues its rapid expansion in the West and into the Sunbelt with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. The boutique coffee chain recently was named the Fastest Growing Private Company in Oregon and SW Washington in 2021 by the Portland Business Journal. In 2023, Black Rock Coffee Bar ranked 1179th among Americas Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. Magazines 5000 Annual List.

The Black Rock culture prides itself on providing opportunities for young people to learn how to lead, run a business, and develop people skills.

About Black Rock Coffee Bar

Black Rock Coffee Bar is a national boutique coffee shop that is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks. Founded as a family owned and operated business in Oregon in 2008, Black Rock Coffee Bar has grown to 138 retail locations in seven states.

The Black Rock culture prides itself on not only being a positive force for the communities it serves, but also the team members that fuel their locations day in and day out. An important aspect of their team mission is to recognize those that go above and beyond by displaying the 4Gs of Black Rock - grit, growth, gratitude, and grace.

For more information, visit https://br.coffee/

Attachment
TSX.V: FKM Frankfurt: F7E1

ROUYN-NORANDA, QC, July 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Fokus Mining Corp. ("Fokus" or the "Company") (TSXV: FKM) (OTCQB: FKMCF) (FSE: F7E1) wishes to announce that Jean Rainville has informed the Board of Directors that he will retire and resign as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective on July 31, 2024. Mr. Rainville will remain a director of the Company for a transition period. Mr. Sylvain Champagne, the acting Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company, will be appointed as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of July 31, 2024. The Board of Directors will work closely with Mr. Champagne during the interim period to ensure a proper transition and the continuation of the Company's activities. The Company applied for a waiver from Section 5.9 of Policy 3.1 of the TSX Venture Exchange to allow Mr. Champagne to concurrently act as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company.

About Fokus

Fokus Mining Corporation is a mineral resource company actively acquiring and exploring precious metal deposits located in the province of Quebec, Canada. In implementing this major undertaking within the Canadian mining industry, we are determined to unlock the secret of the Galloway gold project.

The 100% Galloway Project covers an area of 2,865.54 hectares and is located just north of the Cadillac-Larder Lake deformation, which extends for more than 100km. Numerous gold deposits are associated with the structure and its extensions.

The current work focuses on a western portion of the mineral claims where several mineral occurrences have been identified. For more information, visit our website: fokusmining.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Fokus Mining Corporation
Vancouver, July 24, 2024 - Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. ("Terra" or the "Company") (CSE:TERA; FRA:UB1), a multi-jurisdictional, polymetallic exploration company focused on supporting the global transition to clean energy, is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated July 3rd, 2024, it has closed its option agreement dated July 2nd, 2024 ("Agreement") between the Company, Fulcrum Metals Plc. ("Fulcrum", AIM:FMET) and Fulcrum Metals (Canada) Ltd. ("Fulcrum Canada"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fulcrum, pursuant to which the Company has obtained a four-year option (the "Option") to acquire a 100% interest in Fulcrum's uranium portfolio of exploration licences located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada and collectively encompassing 596.71 km2 of highly prospective terrain for a tier one uranium discovery. See the Company's press release dated July 3rd, 2024 for further details regarding the Agreement.

On closing of the Agreement, the Company issued 1,997,151 common shares of the Company to Fulcrum Canada, at a deemed issue price of $0.125 per share, and issued 1,198,291 common shares of the Company to Global Energy Metals Corp. as a finder's fee, at a deemed issue price of $0.125 per share. The common shares of the Company issued in connection with the Option are subject to a hold period of four months from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws in Canada.

About the Company

Terra Balcanica is a polymetallic and energy metals exploration company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe and northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina and owns 100% of the Ceovishte mineral exploration licence in southern Serbia. The Canadian assets comprise a 100% optioned portfolio of uranium-prospective licences at the outskirts of the world-renowned Athabasca basin: Charlot-Neely Lake, Fontaine Lake, Snowbird, and South Pendleton. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety, and environmental management.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Terra Balcanica Resources Corp.

"Aleksandar Miskovi?"

Aleksandar Miskovi?

President and CEO

For the complete information on this news release, please contact Aleksandar Miskovi? at amiskovic@terrabresources.com, +1 (514) 796-7577, or visit www.terrabresources.com/en/news.

Cautionary Statement

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "will", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the acquisition of the licenses under the terms of the Agreement. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including, consents or authorizations required for mining activities, environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities, climate change and climate change regulations, fluctuations in exchange rates, the availability of obtaining necessary financings to complete the Option conditions and the business objectives of the Company, and such further risks as disclosed in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
VANCOUVER - Giant Mining Corp. (CSE: BFG | OTC: BFGFF | FWB: YW5) ("Giant Mining" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Leo Hathaway to its trusted advisors (the "Advisory Board"). Mr. Hathaway brings a remarkable track record, wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in the exploration and mining sector.

Giant Mining Corp. looks forward to leveraging Mr. Hathaway's expertise to drive exploration success and deliver value to its shareholders. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the company's technical advisory capabilities.

David Greenway, CEO of Giant Mining Corp., expressed his enthusiasm for Mr. Hathaway's appointment: "We are thrilled to welcome Leo to our Advisory Board. His extensive experience and proven track record in geological exploration and project development are invaluable assets to our team. Leo's expertise and deep understanding of the exploration and mining industry will significantly contribute to advancing our exploration programs and achieving our strategic goals. We look forward to leveraging his insights as we continue to drive our projects forward."

Leo Hathaway shared his thoughts on joining the Advisory Board: "Majuba Hill represents a near surface leachable copper target and a number of additional, exciting primary copper targets laterally and to depth. In addition, it is located close to infrastructure in probably the most favourable mining jurisdiction in the world. I am eager to contribute whatever I can to Giant Mining Corp's initiatives to help explore, advance and unlock the full potential of Majuba Hill, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Company's dedicated team."

About Leo Hathaway

Mr. Hathaway is a distinguished geologist with extensive experience in the exploration and mining sector, spanning from grassroots exploration to feasibility and development stage projects. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Lumina Gold Corp and, since 2004, he has held senior positions such as the former Chief Geological Officer for Lumina Copper Corp. and VP Exploration for Northern Peru Copper Corp., Regalito Copper Corp, Global Copper Corp, and Lumina Resources Corp. Additionally, he was a former partner in Lumina Capital LP. Prior to 2004, Mr. Hathaway worked with Inmet Mining in Europe, Australia, Central, and South America. Mr. Hathaway's earned a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Applied Geology from the University of Plymouth, an M.Sc. in Mineral Exploration from the University of London, and he obtained his P.Geo. in 2004.

About Giant Mining Corp.

Giant Mining Corp. is engaged in the identification, review and acquisition of latter stage copper and copper/silver/gold assets. This is in direct response to the growing worldwide demand and lack of supply for precious metals fueled by the Green New Deal in the US and most other developed nations with similar programs aimed at addressing climate change. Such programs are heavily reliant on silver, gold and especially copper to produce Electric Vehicles and other renewable power sources, as well as building infrastructure to provide clean and affordable electricity.

The flagship project is the Majuba Hill copper, silver and gold District located 156 miles (251 km) outside Reno, Nevada, USA. Management has been mandated to focus on safe, mining friendly jurisdictions where government regulations are supportive of mining operations.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

On Behalf of the Board of Giant Mining Corp.

"David Greenway"

David C. Greenway

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Joel Warawa

VP of Corporate Communications

E: info@giantminingcorp.com

P: 1 (855) 475-0745

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

www.giantminingcorp.com

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Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "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 Giant Mining Corp. 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 forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Giant Mining Corp. management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Giant Mining Corp. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

###

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Including 1,671,359 ounces of silver and 25,053 tonnes of zinc

VANCOUVER, July 25, 2024 - Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SCZ) ("Santacruz" or "the Company") reports its Q2 2024 production results from its Bolivar mine, Porco mine, Caballo Blanco Group of mines ("Caballo Blanco") and the San Lucas feed sourcing business ("San Lucas"), all located in Bolivia, and the Zimapan mine located in Mexico.

Highlights:

1,671,359 ounces of silver;

25,053 tonnes of zinc;

2,908 tonnes of lead;

284 tonnes of copper;

For silver equivalent production of 4,819,552 ounces.

Arturo Prestamo, Executive Chairman and CEO of Santacruz, commented, "Santacruz's operations rebounded from Q1 2024, thanks to the hard work and dedication of all our teams. We processed a near record high of just over 500,000 tonnes of mineralized material. The increased production of mineralized material is primarily attributable to the new integration ramp at Caballo Blanco, which significantly enhanced the performance of this asset, and the Company anticipates that these increased mining and processing rates will continue at Caballo Blanco throughout the rest of the year."

Production Summary - Total



2024-Q2 2024-Q1 Change Q2 vs Q1 2023-Q2 Change Q2 vs Q2 2024 YTD 2023 YTD Change '24 vs '23 Material Processed (tonnes milled) 500,754 470,345 6 % 443,969 13 % 971,504 926,466 5 % Silver Equivalent Produced (AgEq ounces) (1) 4,819,552 4,478,122 8 % 4,631,429 4 % 9,297,674 9,327,969 - % Silver Ounces Produced 1,671,359 1,581,949 6 % 1,786,461 (6 %) 3,253,308 3,555,981 (9 %) Zinc Tonnes Produced 25,053 22,847 10 % 22,282 12 % 47,899 44,745 7 % Lead Tonnes Produced 2,908 2,953 (2 %) 2,825 3 % 5,861 5,868 - % Copper Tonnes Produced 284 256 11 % 297 (4 %) 540 713 (24 %) Development Metres 10,434 9,436 11 % 13,625 (23 %) 19,870 22,847 (13 %)

(1) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

Bolivar Mine

Production Table (1) 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 Change Q2 vs Q1 2023 Q2 Change Q2 vs Q2 2024-YTD 2023-YTD Change '24 vs. '23 Material Processed (tonnes milled) 72,151 72,801 (1 %) 66,689 8 % 144,952 141,042 3 % Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2) 1,029,806 1,024,492 1 % 822,579 25 % 2,054,297 1,891,569 9 %

















Production















Silver (ounces) 427,665 425,756 - % 424,664 1 % 853,421 980,578 (13 %) Zinc (tonnes) 5,168 5,063 2 % 3,323 55 % 10,231 7,636 34 % Lead (tonnes) 300 395 (24 %) 302 (1 %) 694 655 6 %

















Average Grade















Silver (g/t) 207 199 4 % 217 (5 %) 203 234 (13 %) Zinc (%) 7.83 7.68 2 % 5.57 41 % 7.75 6.01 29 % Lead (%) 0.57 0.74 (23 %) 0.62 (7 %) 0.65 0.64 3 %

















Metal Recovery















Silver (%) 89 91 (3 %) 91 (2 %) 90 92 (2 %) Zinc (%) 92 91 1 % 90 3 % 91 90 1 % Lead (%) 73 74 1 % 73 - % 73 73 - %

(1) Bolivar is presented at 100% whereas the Company records 45% of revenues and expenses in its consolidated financial statements. (2) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

In Q2 2024, Bolivar processed 72,151 tonnes of mineralized material and produced 1,029,806 silver equivalent ounces including 427,665 ounces of silver and 5,168 tonnes of zinc. When compared to Q1 2024, material processed, and silver and zinc production were in line with the previous quarter. The Company expects Q3 2024 production to be in line with Q2 2024.

When comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2023, mineralized material processed increased 8% because of improved mining rates that resulted from the continued benefits from the dewatering system upgrades that were implemented last year. This improved system is expected to continue delivering dry working areas for the rest of the year. Silver production was in line with Q2 2023, however zinc production experienced a 55% increase as a result of a 41% improvement in zinc head grades. In Q2 2023, water handling issues in the higher-grade Central zone caused a reduction in secondary development, which resulted in mining transitioning into lower grade zinc areas during the initial months of Q2 2023.

Porco Mine

Production Table (1) 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 Change Q2 vs Q1 2023 Q2 Change Q2 vs Q2 2024-YTD 2023-YTD Change '24 vs. '23 Material Processed (tonnes milled) 51,307 50,862 1 % 46,085 11 % 102,169 95,994 6 % Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2) 534,300 543,414 (2 %) 560,611 (5 %) 1,077,714 1,104,431 (2 %)

















Production















Silver (ounces) 151,258 176,436 (14 %) 195,509 (23 %) 327,694 357,524 (8 %) Zinc (tonnes) 3,276 3,160 4 % 3,098 6 % 6,436 6,343 1 % Lead (tonnes) 205 169 21 % 214 (4 %) 374 431 (13 %)

















Average Grade















Silver (g/t) 105 130 (19 %) 154 (32 %) 117 137 (15 %) Zinc (%) 6.76 6.72 1 % 7.15 (5 %) 6.74 7.02 (4 %) Lead (%) 0.52 0.46 13 % 0.58 (11 %) 0.49 0.58 (15 %)

















Metal Recovery















Silver (%) 88 83 5 % 86 2 % 85 84 1 % Zinc (%) 94 92 2 % 94 - % 93 94 (1 %) Lead (%) 77 72 7 % 80 (4 %) 74 77 (4 %)

(1) Porco is presented at 100% whereas the Company records 45% of revenues and expenses in its consolidated financial statements. (2) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

In Q2 2024, Porco processed 51,307 tonnes of mineralized material and produced 534,300 silver equivalent ounces including 151,258 ounces of silver and 3,276 tonnes of zinc. When compared to Q1 2024, silver production decreased primarily due to the 19% decline in silver head grade, which was a result of the Company mining in lower grade silver areas while it reconfigured the mine plan to enable better productivity. This was slightly offset by a 5% increase in recovery because of the adoption of a new silver collector reagent. Zinc production remained in line with the previous quarter, and the Company expects Q3 2024 production to be in line with Q2 2024.

When comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2023, mineralized material processed increased 11% because of higher mining rates. Despite the increase in mineralized material processed, silver equivalent ounce production decreased year-over-year as a result of lower silver head grades being mined, which is a result of the Company reconfiguring the mine plan to enable better productivity.

Caballo Blanco Group

Production Table (1) 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 Change Q2 vs Q1 2023 Q2 Change Q2 vs Q2 2024-YTD 2023-YTD Change '24 vs. '23 Material Processed (tonnes milled) 83,661 72,462 15 % 74,268 13 % 156,123 160,085 (2 %) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2) 968,646 862,142 12 % 1,008,818 (4 %) 1,830,788 2,206,416 (17 %)

















Production















Silver (ounces) 318,520 284,809 12 % 399,881 (20 %) 603,330 874,837 (31 %) Zinc (tonnes) 5,331 4,702 13 % 4,804 11 % 10,034 10,454 (4 %) Lead (tonnes) 641 611 5 % 825 (22 %) 1,252 1,868 (33 %)

















Average Grade















Silver (g/t) 133 136 (2 %) 182 (27 %) 134 185 (27 %) Zinc (%) 6.96 7.04 (1 %) 6.98 - % 7.00 7.00 - % Lead (%) 1.04 1.10 (6 %) 1.44 (28 %) 1.07 1.47 (27 %)

















Metal Recovery















Silver (%) 89 90 (1 %) 92 (3 %) 90 92 (3 %) Zinc (%) 92 92 - % 93 (1 %) 92 93 (1 %) Lead (%) 74 76 (3 %) 77 (4 %) 75 79 (6 %)

(1) The Caballo Blanco Group consists of the Colquechaquita, Tres Amigos and Reserva mines. (2) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

In Q2 2024, Caballo Blanco processed 83,661 tonnes of mineralized material and produced 968,646 silver equivalent ounces including 318,520 ounces of silver and 5,331 tonnes of zinc. The 15% increase in mineralized material processed is a result of the integration ramp connecting the Colquechaquita and Tres Amigos mine being fully operational and enabling the more efficient movement of mining equipment between these two mines, and the improved transportation of mineralized material to the surface. The Company anticipates mining and processing rates to be consistent with this level for the remainder of 2024.

The 12% increase in silver production and 13% increase in zinc production are both a result of the increase in mineralized material processed as grades and recoveries were in line with the previous quarter. The Company expects Q3 2024 production to be in line with Q2 2024.

When comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2023, Caballo Blanco processed 13% more mineralized material, also because of the completed integration ramp. The increase in mineralized material processed resulted in 11% more zinc production as grades and metallurgical recoveries were in line with the same period last year, however the average silver grade mined was 27% lower this quarter, and as a result silver production decreased 20%. The decrease in the silver grade is associated with two higher grade veins that had been mined in the first half of 2023, and since then mining has transitioned to veins with lower silver grades. For the remainder of the year, the Company anticipates mining in areas with similar silver grades mined in the first half of 2024.

San Lucas Feed Sourcing

Production Table 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 Change Q2 vs Q1 2023 Q2 Change Q2 vs Q2 2024-YTD 2023-YTD Change '24 vs. '23 Material Processed (tonnes milled) 83,900 69,220 21 % 85,258 (2 %) 153,121 156,706 (2 %) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) 1,200,854 1,032,085 16 % 1,480,542 (19 %) 2,232,939 2,431,357 (8 %)

















Production















Silver (ounces) 364,607 294,998 24 % 495,344 (26 %) 659,605 750,967 (12 %) Zinc (tonnes) 7,150 6,279 14 % 8,315 (14 %) 13,429 14,164 (5 %) Lead (tonnes) 450 427 5 % 635 (29 %) 877 1,108 (21 %)

















Average Grade















Silver (g/t) 165 159 4 % 216 (24 %) 162 175 (7 %) Zinc (%) 9.31 9.90 (6 %) 10.69 (13 %) 9.58 9.87 (3 %) Lead (%) 0.86 0.96 (10 %) 1.21 (28 %) 0.91 1.09 (16 %)

















Metal Recovery















Silver (%) 82 83 (2 %) 84 (2 %) 83 86 (4 %) Zinc (%) 91 92 (1 %) 91 - % 92 92 - % Lead (%) 62 64 (3 %) 62 - % 63 66 (4 %)

(1) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

When comparing Q1 2024 to Q2 2024, San Lucas processed 83,900 tonnes of mineralized material and produced 1,200,854 silver equivalent ounces, including 364,607 ounces of silver and 7,150 tonnes of zinc. The 21% increase in mineralized material processed is a result of the Company purchasing more feed from regional suppliers.

When comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2023, mineralized material volumes were in line year-over-year. The fluctuation in head grades quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year is a result of San Lucas purchasing mineralized material from local suppliers. This fluctuation in head grade is expected to continue moving forward.



Zimapan Mine

Production Table 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 Change Q2 vs Q1 2023 Q2 Change Q2 vs Q2 2024-YTD 2023-YTD Change '24 vs. '23 Material Processed (tonnes milled) 209,735 205,404 2 % 171,668 22 % 415,139 372,638 11 % Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) 1,085,946 1,015,989 7 % 758,879 43 % 2,101,935 1,694,196 24 %

















Production















Silver (ounces) 409,309 399,950 2 % 271,133 51 % 809,259 592,075 37 % Zinc (tonnes) 4,127 3,643 13 % 2,741 51 % 7,770 6,148 26 % Lead (tonnes) 1,312 1,352 (3 %) 849 55 % 2,664 1,806 47 % Copper (tonnes) 284 256 11 % 297 (4 %) 540 713 (24 %)

















Average Grade















Silver (g/t) 80 82 (3 %) 69 16 % 81 70 17 % Zinc (%) 2.46 2.29 7 % 2.25 9 % 2.38 2.22 7 % Lead (%) 0.73 0.83 (12 %) 0.67 9 % 0.78 0.65 20 % Copper (%) 0.30 0.29 3 % 0.33 (9 %) 0.30 0.36 (17 %)

















Metal Recovery















Silver (%) 76 74 3 % 71 7 % 75 71 5 % Zinc (%) 80 77 4 % 71 13 % 79 74 6 % Lead (%) 86 79 9 % 74 16 % 83 75 10 % Copper (%) 45 43 5 % 53 (15 %) 44 54 (18 %)

(1) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

In Q2 2024, Zimapan processed 209,735 tonnes of mineralized material and produced 1,085,946 silver equivalent ounces including 409,309 ounces of silver and 4,127 tonnes of zinc. When compared to the previous quarter, mineralized material processed showed a marginal improvement. Silver production also showed a marginal improvement compared with the previous quarter, while zinc production increased 13% because of better grades and recoveries when compared to Q1 2024 as more mineralized material is being sourced from Level 960 at the Carrizal mine.

When comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2023, material processed increased 22%. During Q2 2023 the Zimapan mine experienced several logistics and transportation issues that resulted in a significant decrease in mineralized material mined and processed. Silver and zinc production increased as a result of the increase in mineralized material processed, higher grade material being processed and significantly improved metallurgical recoveries.

Qualified Person

Wayne Corso, a consultant to the Company, is a qualified person under NI 43-101 and has approved the scientific and technical information related to operational matters contained in this news release.

About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Latin America. The Bolivian operations are comprised of the Bolivar, Porco and the Caballo Blanco Group, which consists of the Tres Amigos, Reserva and Colquechaquita mines. The Soracaya exploration project and San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business are also in Bolivia. The Zimapan mine is in Mexico.

'signed'

Arturo Prestamo Elizondo,

Executive Chairman and CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward looking information

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding future quarterly production results being in line with past quarterly production results, mining and processing rates at Caballo Blanco being consistent for the rest of the year, the improved dewatering system upgrades providing dry working areas for the rest of the year at the Bolivar mine, the reconfigured mine plan to enable better productivity at the Porco mine, mining in areas with similar silver grades mined in the first half of 2024 for the remainder of the year at the Caballo Blanco Group of mines.

These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks that future quarterly production result will be in line with past quarterly production results, mining and processing rates at Caballo Blanco will be consistent for the rest of the year, the improved dewatering system upgrades will provide dry working areas for the rest of the year at the Bolivar mine, the reconfigured mine plan will enable better productivity at the Porco mine, mining will occur in areas with similar silver grades mined in the first half of 2024 for the remainder of the year at the Caballo Blanco Group of mines, risks related to changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the assumption that future quarterly production results will be in line with past quarterly production results, mining and processing rates at Caballo Blanco being will be consistent for the rest of the year, the improved dewatering system upgrades providing dry working areas for the rest of the year at the Bolivar mine, the reconfigured mine plan to enabling better productivity at the Porco mine, mining in areas with similar silver grades mined in in the first half of 2024 for the remainder of the year at the Caballo Blanco Group of mines.

There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
MONTREAL, July 25, 2024 - Auxico Resources Canada Inc. (CSE: AUAG) ("Auxico" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Kenneth "Buzz" West from the Board of Directors of Auxico, effective immediately.

Mr. West will be accepting a new position shortly as Chair of a fund based in the United Kingdom, where he resides. Given the significant demands and responsibilities associated with this new position, he will not have the necessary time to devote to Auxico as a director. Consequently, he is resigning from his position on the Board.

"It has been a pleasure having Buzz as a director of Auxico over the past several years. He has been very active in helping set the strategy of the Company, as well as serving on the Audit Committee. His comments and suggestions to the management of the Company have been insightful and constructive. While he will certainly be missed, on behalf of the Board, I thank Buzz for his involvement in Auxico over the past several years and wish him all the very best in his new role," said Mark Billings, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Auxico.

About Auxico Resources Canada Inc.

Auxico Resources Canada Inc. ("Auxico") is a Canadian company that was founded in 2014 and based in Montreal, trading on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE) under symbol AUAG. Auxico is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties in Colombia and Bolivia.

Additional information on Auxico can be found on the Company's website (www.auxicoresources.com) or on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under "Auxico Resources Canada Inc."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 signed.   signed. 



Pierre Gauthier Mark Billings CEO & President, Auxico Resources Canada Inc Chairman, Auxico Resources Canada Inc. pg@auxicoresources.com mb@auxicoresources.com Cell: +1 514 299 0881 Cell: +1 514 296 1641

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-statements." Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the planned studies, drill program and the development of the Minastyc, El Bento/Monte Verde or other Projects, its sampling programs, indications and other mining projects and prospects thereof, related to the Company's operations in Colombia and/or Bolivia. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. 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.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various risk factors. These factors include, among others, uncertainties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets. The reader is referred to the Company's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors, and their potential effects, which may be accessed through the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Except as required by securities law, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.

SOURCE Auxico Resources Canada Inc.
Audi decision could be to woo Carlos Sainz

Ralf Schumacher admits he already has concerns about how Audi is going about tackling its entry into Formula 1.

Carlos Sainz, Hungarian GP 2022

 Ferrari

The VW-linked German carmaker, which is now the 100 percent owner of the Swiss team Sauber ahead of its official 2026 emergence as the works Audi team, was recently struck by rumours of an internal F1 power struggle.

It has resulted in Sauber chief executive and chairman Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffman, respectively, being ousted by Audi CEO Gernot Dollner.

It's a very big deal, former F1 driver Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. Changing personnel even before the start is very interesting.

Some think Audi made the decision because amid the Seidl and Hoffman in-fighting, Sauber has languished and stagnated at the very bottom of the 2024 standings - not even a scoring a single point so far.

But Schumacher thinks Seidl was operating with one hand behind his back.

The Audi project was actually on the brink of collapse because there was apparently a small calculation error amounting to 1 billion, said the German. "At least that's what we hear.

The team had to be refinanced because no money was coming in. That's why the decision was made to keep Zhou Guanyu as a driver and take the money, Schumacher explained.

"Accordingly, nothing could happen. They couldn't hire any people and couldn't offer any prospects. So they just let the whole thing run as it was before.

With all the sympathy I have for the team, a lot of things have to change at Sauber. But Andi Seidl was fighting with blunt weapons at that moment.

The good news, Schumacher argues, is that the project "has at least managed to get an experienced man in Mattia Binotto - which is important.

"They just have to be aware that in Formula 1, constant personnel changes at the management level are not a good thing. It's not a corporation - it's a Formula 1 team.

So what they've done is difficult for me to understand. Binotto is certainly someone who can do a good job, but this is also a huge task for him.

Schumacher thinks another silver lining amid the Audi turmoil is that Binotto, the former Ferrari boss, gets along very well with the seat-hunting Carlos Sainz.

Binotto is a convinced fan and friend of Sainz, said the 6-time grand prix winner. "So there could also have been politics in the background.

Maybe they (Sainz) said 'We would like to have this and that person to support us'. The two know each other from Ferrari and really enjoyed working together, so that could be where the wind is blowing from.

(GMM)
Wyoming Republicans and Democrats reacted Sunday to President Joe Bidens decision not to seek reelection.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden said in a social media post Sunday.

He also endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Partys presidential nominee.

Wyoming Democratic Party Chair Joe Barbuto said that the...
BOCES presents "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr."

A love of theater, friends, and fun have brought local students together for this year's Sweetwater BOCES Summer Theater for Youth production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr." at Western Wyoming Community College.

The summer theater program gives students in fourth grade through twelfth grade the chance to star in a musical and learn more about theater in general. It also tends to draw large crowds of local youth who do the program every year, and then bring their friends along to join them.

This summer's play stars multiple students from Green River, both younger kids and teenagers, who are pl...
As the golden days of summer wane and the scent of freshly sharpened pencils lingers in the air, it's time for the community to come together and ensure every student is ready for the upcoming school year. Donation Station is rallying the community to support local students through its annual "Stuff the Bus" event. This year, the event promises to be bigger and more impactful, aiming to collect essential school supplies for students in need.

The "Stuff the Bus" campaign will take place across multiple locations, offering several opportunities for community members to contribute, including Green River locations.

This year, the Green River Police Department is participating in the event.

"Stop by anytime from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. to drop off school supplies donation in the GRPD Lobby," the GRPD Facebook page posted.

There will also be a donation day in the Walmart parking lot in Rock Springs this Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Donation Station is calling for a variety of school supplies, with backpacks identified as the most needed item. Other requested items include dry-erase markers, Kleenex, Ziploc bags, calculators, binders, disinfectant wipes, headphones, pencil boxes or pouches, highlighters, glue sticks, scissors, pens, pencils, crayons, and books. Monetary donations are also welcomed to help meet any additional needs.

Back-to-school time is critical for students, and having the necessary supplies can make a significant difference in their learning experience. The "Stuff the Bus" initiative not only aims to equip students with supplies but also to ease the financial burden on families. The collected items will be distributed at the beginning of August. Students must be present to receive the supplies.

Donation Station's efforts underscore the importance of community involvement in supporting education. By ensuring that every student has the tools they need, the "Stuff the Bus" event helps set the stage for a successful school year.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Stephanie Current at donationstationrswy@gmail.com. Let's come together and stuff that bus, making this school year a little brighter for our local students.
Government officials who testified Wednesday on Sen. Chris Duenas bill seeking to establish a Multi-Agency Unified Law Enforcement Group, or MAULEG, proposed certain amendments to the measure.

Duenas introduced Bill 250-37 in response to the continued drug crisis on Guam involving crystal methamphetamine, and more recently, highly addictive opioids such as fentanyl.

Duenas said the MAULEG task force would be triggered if the minimum number of police officers falls below 70% of the optimum level, of 520 officers.

Currently, the Guam Police Department has about 280 officers, so it is below the 364 minimum officer threshold as identified in the bill, Duenas said.

Police Chief Stephen Ignacio testified in support of the measure but with certain amendments.

Most importantly, he said, anyone transferred to the task force from other law enforcement agencies outside of GPD must be deputized as police officers.

Ignacio said thats because theyve run into cases with previous multi-agency task forces where the jurisdiction of non-GPD law enforcement officers was questioned.

Police Officer Standards and Training, POST, Commission Executive Director John Lizama said any non-GPD law enforcement officers should also be trained up.

We dont want to just start including all the other agencies onto the task force without ensuring they have the proper training, he said.

Ignacio also recommended that a full-time prosecutor from the Office of the Attorney General be assigned to follow task force drug cases from arrest to conviction.

The bill would establish the chief of police and the POST Commission executive director as co-chairs of the task force, along with the director of the Marianas Regional Fusion Center.

Officials pointed out that there have been many other anti-crime task forces in the past, but Duenas said his bill would codify the MAULEG task force, and passing it into law will help ensure continuity.

The Bureau of Budget and Management Research fiscal note on the bill estimated a cost of $530,000 for the task force.

Lizama said more funding would probably be needed for vehicles, equipment and other needs once the task force is established.




Haiti - FLASH : A state of emergency with very extensive powers (list)





Following the decree declaring a state of emergency in 14 communes https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42832-haiti-security-municipalities-and-localities-affected-by-the-state-of-emergency-list.html under gang control in the West and Artibonite departments, published in Le Moniteur Special # 34 of Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Prime Minister Garry Conille and Carlos Hercule, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, signed a circular relating to the measures for implementing the decree on the state of emergency addressed to the officers of the Public Prosecutor's Office at the Courts of First Instance of Croix-des-Bouquets, Gonaives and Port-au-Prince



Measures applicable within the framework of the state of emergency :



"1. It is established, in the jurisdictions of Courts of First Instance (TPI) of Croix-des-bouquets, Gonaives and Port-au-Prince, an Anti-Gang Unit composed of officers of the Public Prosecutor's Office, agents of the Judicial Police and local authorities designated for the purposes hereof.



1.1. The Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ) will inform the judges of their participation in the activities of the Anti-Gang Units.



2. During the period of the state of emergency, the Anti-Gang Unit is authorized to :



1) Conduct searches, day and night, in all places deemed necessary;



2) Establish special procedures facilitating the speedy processing of judicial files relating to the main or related offenses that justified the establishment of the state of security emergency, regardless of the status of the perpetrators or accomplices;



3) Extend the period of police custody of suspects when the alleged offence is linked to the circumstances that justified the establishment of the state of security emergency;



4) Remove repeat offenders and individuals who do not have their domicile in the municipalities and localities concerned by the establishment of the state of security emergency;



5) Suspend, if necessary, firearms permits and apprehend offenders;



6) Order the surrender of prohibited firearms and ammunition and search for and seize them;



7) Seize all vehicles without plates or bearing an old registration plate;



8) Ban fireworks and apprehend offenders;



9) Ban publications and meetings deemed subversive and likely to disturb public order;



1. The rapid measures mentioned in point 2 concern the incriminations referred to in Articles 2.8 and 2.9 of the Decree of March 15, 2021 revising the Law of April 15, 2010 on the state of emergency.



2. The Government Commissioners at the TPI of the jurisdictions concerned are instructed, when circumstances require it, to requisition, in accordance with the law, the goods, equipment and materials necessary for the accomplishment of the mission of the Police Forces.



3. Strikers in the judicial sector are required to put a hold on their work stoppage movement.



4. The Anti-Gang Cells send the Minister of Justice and Public Security a weekly report on the highlights of their intervention in the localities concerned.



5. The Anti-Gang Cells established within the framework of this Circular will be demobilized at the end of the state of security emergency.



6. A summary report is sent at the end of the period."



Communes and localities concerned by the establishment of the state of security emergency : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42832-haiti-security-municipalities-and-localities-affected-by-the-state-of-emergency-list.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - ALERT : Anthrax, Haiti takes the first health measures





On July 12, 2024, the Ministry of Public Health and Population was alerted of cases of illness presenting signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of anthrax in the Fort Royal locality of the first municipal section of Petit-Goave https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42820-haiti-health-suspected-cases-of-anthrax-in-haiti-trigger-a-health-alert-in-dominican-republic.html



According to the report from the west health department, these cases occurred after several people consumed meat from an animal that died suddenly. An epidemiological investigation is underway to identify the source of the infection, assess the extent and implement appropriate prevention and control measures.



Anthrax is a bacterial infection caused by Bacillus Anthracis. It can affect humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Of all its manifestations, the cutaneous form is the most common and generally manifests as black, painless ulcers on the skin.



The MSPP invites the population to follow the following instructions:



 Avoid contact with animals that have died suddenly or are sick.



 If you experience symptoms similar to those mentioned above or have been in contact with sick animals, consult a healthcare professional immediately.



 Inform local authorities: Report any suspected cases of anthrax to local health authorities so that they can take necessary action.



 Personal hygiene : Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after handling animals or animal products.



 Vaccination of animals: Farmers are encouraged to vaccinate their herds against anthrax.



The Ministry of Public Health and Population, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, local authorities and international partners, has already implemented the first measures to contain the spread of disease and ensure the health security of the population. Health Officers are deployed in the affected area to monitor and manage cases.



On the instructions of Prime Minister Garry Conille, Chancellor Dominique Dupuy held an important meeting with Dr. Georges Fils Brignol Minister of Public Health and the representative of the World Health Organization in Haiti WHO-Haiti on the urgent measures implemented put in place by the Government regarding around ten cases of anthrax in the country. "I had an important meeting with the Minister of Public Health and the WHO representative, regarding the urgent and effective measures taken by the government in relation to a dozen suspected cases of anthrax in the country. All necessary measures will be activated to treat contaminated people, decontaminate affected areas, vaccinate animals and increase public awareness of this disease," declared Chancellor Dupuis on her "X" account



Learn more about anthrax :

Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, an often fatal bacteria in animals (sheep, goats, cattle and pigs), which can be transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with infected animals. or by inhaling the bacteria present in infected products of animal origin (leather, wool, etc...)Eating undercooked meat from infected animals can also cause anthrax.



The cutaneous form of the disease is transmitted through the skin and is characterized by itching of the affected area, followed by the appearance of a small painless bump which turns into a pustule, then into an ulcer with a black spot in the center. The affected area is not painful, but the infection can cause fever, headache, and feeling unwell. More than 95% of human cases of anthrax worldwide are attributable to the cutaneous form of the disease.



Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax appear almost immediately, within a day of infection.



The pulmonary form of the disease is transmitted by inhalation of the bacteria. The infection first manifests itself with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough and feeling unwell. After several days, symptoms may progress to respiratory distress and shock. Anthrax disease can be fatal if antibiotic treatment is not started early enough.



Symptoms of anthrax appear 2 to 6 days after infection but may not be visible for 6 weeks or more.



The gastrointestinal form of the the disease is transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food. The infection causes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. Gastrointestinal anthrax is a rare infection and difficult to recognize.



Symptoms of intestinal anthrax appear 1 to 7 days after infection.



All 3 types of anthrax can be treated with various antibiotics. Importantly, early antibiotic treatment can cure most cases of skin infection. Pulmonary and gastrointestinal anthrax are more serious infections. Treatment is possible in the early stages of the disease, but mortality rates remain high if antibiotic treatment is not started before the appearance of respiratory symptoms.



Mortality of untreated anthrax :

Anthrax (anthrax) by inhalation and meningeal : 100%

Cutaneous anthrax : 10 to 20%

Gastrointestinal anthrax : approximately 40%



Anthrax is not spread from person to person (so it is not contagious).



Anthrax is diagnosed by analyzing samples from blood, respiratory secretions or skin wounds. The samples are sent to a laboratory to determine if they contain the bacteria that causes anthrax. Results are normally available approximately 2 days after samples are taken.



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Arms trafficking : The FBI in Haiti

On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, customs officer Jean Bernard Joseph, imprisoned since April 13 for complicity in illicit international trafficking of firearms and ammunition, was heard by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who came to Haiti specifically to question him.



Massacre among bandits

Clashes have intensified in the commune of Gressier between the specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the armed bandits who stormed the commune. This situation has completely paralyzed traffic in the area for nearly 8 days. Jean Vladimir Bertrand, the mayor of the commune of Gressier, estimates that more than 70 bandits were fatally injured in the exchanges of fire with the special units of the PNH. Given the large number of bandits killed, the City Hall had to dig a mass grave to put the bandits' bodies in.



Cite Soleil Gangs : Peace Agreement

On Wednesday, armed gangs operating in Boston, Brooklyn and Belekou, in the commune of Cite-Soleil, concluded a peace agreement. The information was confirmed by notables from the largest shantytown in the capital. Jimmy Cherisier alias "Barbecue", Mathias and Gabriel, two former rival leaders, met to seal this decision. As proof of their good faith, the gang leaders decided to destroy the shelters in which the snipers were positioned, with bulldozers, putting the population in jubilation.



O.G. Paris 2024 : Flag bearer of the Haitian delegation

On Wednesday, July 24, the Haitian delegation appointed judoka Phillipe Metellus to be the flag bearer of Haiti, during the opening ceremony of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games 2024.



The Minister of Defense discusses military training with Mexico

Jean Marc Berthier Antoine, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Haiti had a fruitful meeting with Ms. Joanna Yolanda Gomez Rodriguez, Charge d'Affaires a.i of Mexico in Haiti. We discussed the strengthening of Haitian-Mexican cooperation in defense, with an emphasis on Mexico's support for military training.



O.G. Paris 2024

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in Paris, in the presence of Ms. Niola Lynn Octavius, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, members of the Haitian Olympic Committee, a delegation of the Grenadieres playing in France and representatives of associations of the Haitian community, the Embassy of Haiti in Paris organized a ceremony in honor of the Haitian athletes who will participate in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This activity was an opportunity for the Diplomatic Mission to salute the qualification of our athletes for this 33rd Olympiad and to assure them of the support of the Haitian people.



HL/ HaitiLibre




















"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
The small Swiss canton of Zug is investing almost 40 million Swiss francs (currently just under 41 million euros) in the establishment of a new center for blockchain research. The partners are the University of Lucerne, where the new institute is to be based, and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

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The region had already gained international recognition a few years ago when the Ethereum Foundation was established in Zug in 2014. In 2016, the city of Zug was the first authority in the world to accept Bitcoin payments.

Institute for blockchain research

Zug now wants to reposition itself as an internationally important center of the fintech industry by strengthening the region with innovative research in the field of blockchain technology. The canton is currently working with the University of Lucerne to establish the "Zug Institute for Blockchain Research", in which the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) is also involved.

The research is intended to take a broad approach and not be limited exclusively to technological issues. "We believe that blockchain technology has the potential to change many areas of our lives and we want to ensure that we are at the forefront of this development," argues Heinz Tannler, member of the Zug cantonal government and Director of Finance.

Read also Im tiefen Tal der Kryptowahrungen: Ein Besuch in Zug

The Zug Institute's research will soon shed light on the impact of blockchain technology on society, the economy and politics. The aim is to promote blockchain research from a broader perspective, including aspects of the humanities.

First chairs advertised

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The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts would like to contribute its expertise in the fields of computer science, finance and technology to the collaboration and strengthen its long-standing activities in blockchain research. The University of Lucerne will contribute the humanities perspective - for example aspects from sociology and philosophy, law, politics and macroeconomics.

The first job advertisements for nine new chairs in five different faculties have now also been published. Applicants are initially being sought for seven professorships, for example "Political Science and Blockchain" or "Energy Law and Blockchain". The job advertisements for the Chairs of Health and Blockchain and Psychology and Blockchain are to follow.

A cooperation and communication platform for the new Zug Blockchain Institute, a so-called hub, will also be created. Since blockchain and cryptocurrency activities began in Zug- earning the city and canton the name "Crypto Valley" - this financial ecosystem has grown steadily and now covers areas in many parts of Switzerland (such as the cantons of Zurich, Ticino, Geneva and Lucerne).

In January 2023, the Zug-based investment firm CV-VC AG published a study according to which the top 50 blockchain and crypto companies in "Crypto Valley" alone had a total value of USD 185 billion at the time. Nine so-called "unicorns" were located in the region, i.e. start-ups with a market valuation (before an IPO - or before an exit) of over one billion US dollars. The report counts a total of around 1100 Crypto Valley companies with a total of almost 6000 employees.

(dahe)
In May, hotels in the city had an occupancy rate of 59.9 per cent.

THE CONSEQUENCES of Helsinkis recent hotel construction boom are becoming visible: although the number of visitors is forecast to increase from last summer, a significant share of hotel rooms are unoccupied, reports Helsingin Sanomat.

Air traffic to Helsinki was clearly on the rise in June compared with May, based on flight data. Also domestic tourism is growing. Id say we can expect a modest rise in the occupancy rate of hotels in June compared with May, Mari Somero, a team lead in the tourism and destination management division of the City of Helsinki, said to Helsingin Sanomat on Monday.

The modest rise is not expected to result in a year-on-year increase in the occupancy rate, which stood at 64.4 per cent in June. The exact data for the summer months will not be released until August.

Helsingin Sanomat on Monday reminded that in the past year three large hotels have opened in downtown Helsinki: The Hotel Maria, Radisson Red and Grand Hansa Hotel.

The establishments are the products of a hotel construction boom that began before the coronavirus pandemic, buoyed by a widely shared view that the city lacked hotel capacity. The situation has since become difficult for hotel operators, as suggested by the ownership change of Hotel Ax in Jatkasaari and the withdrawal of Primehotels from Grand Hansa.

Visitors from the US, Germany and Sweden were the largest groups of foreign visitors in Helsinki between January and May 2024. Americans will likely be at the top of the ranking also for the entire first half of the year, with flight data showing a slight up-tick in traffic from the US between May and June.

We had a lot of American tourists also last summer. Russia invading Ukraine didnt affect Americans willingness to come to Finland as much as feared. Americans arent afraid to visit Finland now that Finland is a member of Nato, analysed Somero.

The occupancy rate for hotels in the capital city is nonetheless dragged down by the lack of visitors from Asia and Russia.

You cant fly over Russia from Asia to Helsinki, and this makes the flight time longer. Thats why Asian tourists have less time to spend in Helsinki, she explained.

The low occupancy rate has also made staying in the city relatively affordable, especially on weekdays and outside major events. In May, a hotel room cost an average of 127.74 euros in Helsinki.

Its relatively affordable to stay in Helsinki, if you do so outside the weekend and no major events overlap with your stay. The prices do become higher during major events, remarked Somero.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
In a promising sign for Finland's demographics, the birth rate has shown a slight uptick in the first half of 2024. From January to June, 21,719 children were born, representing an increase of 465 births compared to the same period last year. This marks a positive shift after a prolonged period of declining birth rates throughout the 2010s.

"Throughout the 2010s, we experienced nine consecutive years of declining birth rates. There was a brief recovery during the COVID-19 years of 2020 and 2021, but it did not sustain beyond those two years. Now, the decline has halted again. However, it's too early to predict if this will turn into a long-term trend," Toivola explained.

Contributing to the population growth is a decrease in the mortality rate. According to Senior Statistician Joni Rantakari, "The number of deaths continues to decline. Last year, the death rate was slightly lower than in 2022, and this downward trend has continued into 2024."

Immigration Remains a Key Driver of Population Growth

Immigration continues to play a crucial role in Finland's population growth. During the first six months of the year, 27,247 people immigrated to Finland, while 6,051 people emigrated. Among the immigrants, 2,881 were Finnish citizens, with the majority coming from outside the European Union.

"Net immigration has decreased significantly but remains high. This decrease is mainly due to the reduced number of immigrants from Russia and Finland compared to the same period last year. Notably, immigration from Russian citizens has dropped by 48%," Rantakari detailed.

Conversely, there has been a notable increase in immigrants from Nepal, and Ukrainian immigration has maintained its high level. "The largest group of immigrants in the first half of the year, accounting for 29%, were Ukrainian citizens. Finnish citizens comprised the second-largest group at 11%, followed by Filipino citizens at 7%," summarized Toivola.

As Finland navigates its demographic challenges, the slight rise in birth rates and the steady stream of immigrants offer a nuanced picture of the country's population dynamics. While it is premature to declare a reversal in the declining birth trend, these indicators provide a glimmer of hope for the future.

HT
The main suspect, a 30-year-old man from Savonlinna, was found to have been producing, bottling, and selling the doping substances himself.

Finnish Customs has successfully concluded a thorough investigation into a significant doping substance smuggling and distribution network. The probe, which lasted approximately 18 months, revealed that an individual had been importing raw doping materials from China and manufacturing and distributing them across Finland.

During the investigation, Customs seized approximately 450 doses of various doping substances, while the suspect is believed to have distributed around 1,900 doses in total.

Major Seizure of Doping Ampoules

Customs officials confiscated around 1,000 ampoules of doping substances from the suspect's possession. The investigation also uncovered that the suspect had ordered about six kilograms of doping powder from abroad, which could be used to produce several thousand ampoules.

The substances seized included a wide array of doping agents, such as testosterone in numerous forms, sustanon, trenbolone, nandrolone, stanozolol, and drostanolone.

A typical doping cycle involves about two months of active use followed by a two-month break, making a complete cycle around four months.

This case represents an exceptionally large-scale criminal operation, requiring extensive time and resources to investigate. The operation was highly professional and well-organized, with the suspect manufacturing and labeling all the doping substances he sold. The investigation involved significant cooperation with international authorities, said Tatu Suvikas, Senior Customs Inspector and head of the investigation unit in Turku.

Doping Substances Sourced from China

The investigation revealed that the doping substances originated from China and were shipped by airfreight in multiple batches via Germany to Finland, eventually being distributed to various postal locations across the country.

Six individuals have been implicated in the smuggling network, with suspects located in Savonlinna, Jyvaskyla, Turku, Juva, Valkeakoski, and the United States. These individuals are suspected of procuring, selling, and distributing the doping substances.

The case began to unravel when the main suspect crashed his vehicle into a guardrail in Rauma in February 2023. The suspect attempted to hide the doping substances in the woods, but authorities quickly recovered them. Equipment used for manufacturing doping substances was also seized from his possession. Two individuals in the vehicle were arrested and detained on suspicion of aggravated doping offenses.

The case has now been transferred to the Western Finland Prosecutor's Office for consideration of charges.

HT
The HUS Heart and Lung Center has been awarded the esteemed Magnet recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This prestigious honor underscores the center's commitment to superior nursing quality, patient safety, and nurse job satisfaction, benchmarking it against national and international standards.

Magnet recognition is a significant accolade granted to hospitals that exhibit high-quality nursing practices. The rigorous evaluation process ensures that the awarded institution meets the highest standards in nursing excellence. This recognition is valid for four years, offering substantial benefits to patients, the nursing staff, and the entire organization.

A Landmark Achievement for Finnish Nursing

This recognition is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the nurses at the Heart and Lung Center. Chief Nursing Officer Virpi Sneck expressed her pride in the team, stating, "The Magnet recognition is a remarkable prize for the staff and supervisors for their long-term efforts in developing patient care and workplace wellbeing. It is also a highly significant achievement for Finnish nursing."

The center has prioritized evidence-based nursing development, incorporating new knowledge and innovations into practice. Nurses are actively involved in decision-making processes related to their work, enhancing their commitment and satisfaction.

Significant Financial and Patient Care Benefits

The continuous development in nursing practices at the Heart and Lung Center has not only improved patient care outcomes and satisfaction but also enhanced the center's ability to attract and retain skilled nurses. Sneck highlighted the financial benefits of their achievements, noting, "Complications such as pressure injuries or healthcare-associated infections cause major costs and physical suffering for patients. Our nursing practices have significantly reduced these complications."

Patient satisfaction at the Heart and Lung Center has been among the highest within the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) system for several years. Director Mika Laine added, "The application process alone has boosted our nurse attraction and retention. The positive impact is also evident in patient feedback."

A European Leader in Nursing Excellence

The Heart and Lung Center joins a select group of hospitals in Europe to receive Magnet recognition, being the third in Europe and the second in the Nordic countries. Earlier this year, the HUS Comprehensive Cancer Center also achieved the same recognition, underscoring HUS's commitment to nursing excellence and high-quality patient care.

This Magnet recognition marks a significant milestone in Finnish healthcare, showcasing the Heart and Lung Center's dedication to nurturing a professional and satisfying work environment for nurses while providing exceptional care to patients.

HT
FAIRY Godmothers do exist!

Sue Clark was gifted a little bit of paradise by her godmother seven years ago in the form of a house in Charvil with 400ft of prime River Thames frontage.

St Patricks Lodge is a five-

bedroom property built in the Thirties with 1.3 acres of landscaped gardens.

I used to visit here a lot as a child so I knew it very well and have such happy memories of it, says Mrs Clark.

It is one of the most photographed homes on the river, although it is set back and is very private. The spectacular views and sunsets make it irresistible. It was originally a small cottage but my godmother extended it. She had lived here for a long time when she passed away.

The property sits on a bend in the river at the junction with St Patricks Stream.

It has a boathouse and slipway and an L-shaped jetty, which was rebuilt in 2021.

Inside, the house is light and spacious with the perfect layout for parties.

The entrance is through attractive reclaimed Italian church doors into the river room with views towards the river and water meadows. The party room has a wall of bi-fold doors which open on to an extensive raised terrace with steps down to the riverside lawn. There is also a fitted bar.

The sitting room, which was recently updated with a wood-burning stove, has glazed doors that open into a west-facing sun room with a wonderful view at

sunset.

The dining room has a brick fireplace and doors to both the sun room and the drawing room, which overlooks a croquet lawn at the side of the house.

There is also a lift up to the main bedroom (very useful after a party). The fully fitted kitchen-breakfast room has a walk-in larder, large butlers pantry and wine storage room as well as a useful hatch to the river room. A door leads outside to the front drive.

There is also a utility room, a bathroom and a small bedroom or snug.

From the river room, a door opens to an en suite bedroom with a wood-burning stove, picture window with river views and

bi-fold doors to the terrace.

This room could be turned into another reception room or a study.

On the first floor, there are two double bedrooms. One has French doors with a wrought iron balcony overlooking the river.

The other, which has fitted wardrobes, could be used as a private sitting room with a door leading into the main bedroom, where the lift has been cleverly recessed into fitted shelves and wardrobes.

Another door leads through to a large walk-in dressing room.

There is a newly refurbished bathroom on the first floor.

Outside, the garden is mostly laid to lawn with mature trees and there is an orchard with apple, plum and walnut trees.

A weeping willow dreamily sweeps the riverbank and chestnuts fringe St Patricks Stream.

There are separate zones of well-established flower beds, shaped hedging and shrubs.

A greenhouse and a small storage shed are located next to the vegetable beds.

There is a wooden summerhouse with light and power and a barn-style workshop.

To the front of the property there are three garages on a gravel driveway and a car port.

Mrs Clark says: The garden is south-west facing so it gets sun all day.

In addition to all the wildlife here, we have a pair of resident swans called Gavin and Stacey, so you can just sit there and watch them.

Charvil is located between Sonning and Wargrave and Shiplake College is just a short distance downriver and is accessible by boat, which would make an unusual way for children to arrive at school.

Mrs Clark, who was born in Sonning and previously lived in Bray, plans to downsize to a lock up-and-leave as her own children live abroad.

I would like travel to see them more often, she says.

It will be a wrench to leave, for sure. As soon as people enter this house, they have an Ahhhhh moment. It never ceases to bring a smile to visitors faces.

The property has two Land Registry titles, which could provide an opportunity for further

development.

 St Patricks Lodge is on the market with a guide price of 3.5 million. For more information or to arrange a viewing, call Philip Booth Esq on (01491) 876544.
Living for the country and risking ones life for the homeland is an honour and a privilege which is conferred only upon a few. Joining the armed forces involves a set of attributes, values and qualities that only a few possess. Those who join the forces demand strong leadership abilities, a strong sense of duty and a never-say-die attitude which is the characteristic of a true soldier. Clearly, emotions take a back seat in such a demanding work atmosphere and it is replaced with a strong devotion towards the country. Let us look at zodiac signs, which, if they nurture themselves effectively, can prove to be able leaders in the defence services. Have a look at zodiac signs which are likely to enter in armed forces.

Also Read PM Narendra Modi to visit Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh for 25th anniversary of Vijay Diwas

Aries: This warrior sign is ruled by the fiery planet Mars, the zodiacs Commander-In-Chief. Mars is a no-nonsense planet, and the sign of Aries is a true reflection of this quality of the red planet. They are driven and tenacious, and they will stop at nothing to accomplish their objectives. They are fiercely autonomous, self-assured, and competitive. This is an energetic Fire sign that constantly aspires to the top while also being committed and kind to others who can keep up. They constantly relish a challenge, particularly when it comes to eliminating their enemies. Therefore, for many Aries, selecting a military career is only a logical next step.

Scorpio: Mars, the Supreme Commander, rules this sign as well. As a watery sign, reflects the passion of this sign towards their homeland. They may be perceived as rude and harsh because of their strong reactions, but Scorpios make excellent allies since they are passionate, fearless, and willing to stick together through thick and thin. They have the ability to see the big picture, which is crucial for a dynamic and daring leader. When working in a large group, they jump straight in and put in long hours alongside their colleagues, demonstrating that they have what it takes to be a good leader. To the best extent possible, their talents can be utilised in a career in the armed forces.

Leo: People belonging to this fiery sign are great candidates to carry out any command with the utmost effectiveness since they have a strong regard for authority. They are status-conscious people, which means that they are likewise concerned about the status and sacredness of their motherland. Sun is the ruler of this zodiac sign, which indicates a powerful commanding presence. They are masters of strategy and planning when it comes to troops, resources, and equipment. When the time comes, they can give a befitting reply to the enemy. Due to their inherent courage, they take great pleasure in leading their troops across treacherous terrain and overcoming obstacles.

Also Read Leo Season 2024 Predictions: How it may impact your zodiac sign

Cancer: Cancer is one of the zodiac's most emotional and sensitive signs, so its inclusion here may come as a shock to some. No doubt, Cancerians are sensitive, but they are also ardent nationalists who will go to great lengths to protect their homeland. Mars rules the 10th house of career in a Cancer's horoscope. As a result, Cancerian traits inherit Martian characteristics, especially if Mars strengthens its position in the chart. As Mars also controls over their educational pursuits, these individuals are predisposed to a fascination with military tactics and strategy. They excel at leading large groups of people and are a natural fit for the position.

Capricorn: When it comes to work ethics, Capricorns are at the top of the list due to their excessive dedication to their jobs. This sign is innately endowed with respect for time and punctuality because Saturn, the disciplinary planet, rules it. This strengthens their position as the head of the earthy signs. Don't be shocked to see them in the list of top Army Generals because striving hard for their objectives is second nature to them. They are excellent problem solvers because they are honourable and extremely mature. Defence forces leaders must be able to make judgments quickly and practically, and they are constantly prepared to draw on their logical side to do so.

Aquarius: Aquarius, which is ruled by the airy Saturn, breeds brilliant visionaries who have a keen intuitive sense of the future and make excellent decisions. They are diligent planners who are frequently skilled at handling details. They are one of the zodiac sign's natural leaders when it comes to the defence forces since they think more logically than they do emotionally. They are able to make wise decisions because of their emotional maturity. They also have a tremendous degree of courage, which is necessary for leadership. They seek to uphold peace and order and are excellent at working with others to achieve so by being their unapologetic selves and having tremendous faith in themselves and their beliefs.

----------------------------

Neeraj Dhankher

(Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi)

Email: info@astrozindagi.in, neeraj@astrozindagi.in

Url: www.astrozindagi.in

Contact: Noida: +919910094779
Sagittarius  (22nd November to 21st December) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, you smile charmingly Have a positive love relationship today & ensure you strive to give the best professional results. Look for smart investment options. Health is also positive. Sagittarius Daily Horoscope Today, July 26, 2024: Take steps to overcome the issues in the love life and spend more time together.

Take steps to overcome the issues in the love life and spend more time together. Your efforts to obtain positive results at work will also lead to career growth. Today financial success is backed by good health.

Sagittarius Love Horoscope Today

Keep your love life vibrant and engaging. Spend more time together and share your emotions. Do not be rude today and all your efforts need to be to have a great romantic life. Some Sagittarius natives, especially males will meet up with the ex-flame to rekindle the old affair. However, married natives need to be careful to not hurt the marital life. You may also plan a romantic dinner where surprise gifts can be offered to make the relationship stronger.

Sagittarius Career Horoscope Today

Despite minor challenges at work, you will be successful in meeting the requirements. Academicians, scientists, botanists, and lawyers will see opportunities to prove their mettle at work. Creative sectors will demand working additional hours. Businessmen may face issues in the partnership. Trust is a major factor in a partnership and the chances of you missing it in the relationship are high. Students will clear examinations while artists will find good openings to express their talent.

Sagittarius Money Horoscope Today

There will be no major financial crisis and this ensures you a good lifestyle. You are good at buying electronic appliances and investing in real estate. Sagittarius natives can consider a vacation abroad and some natives will also buy flight tickets and make hotel reservations as their financial status permits that. Some people will invest in gold and real estate which will bring in good returns.

Sagittarius Health Horoscope Today

Though the health status is good, it is good to continue the existing medications and skip adventure activities while on vacation. Some children may have a viral fever or throat infection and may miss school. Be careful while riding a two-wheeler, especially on hilly terrains. You need to consume more green vegetables and fruits. Drink a lot of water. Pregnant girls need to be careful while taking part in adventure activities including underwater sports.

Sagittarius Sign Attributes

Strength: Wise, Practical, Audacious, Beautiful, Lively, Energetic, Lovely, Optimistic

Weakness: Forgetful, Careless, Irritating

Symbol: Archer

Element: Fire

Body Part: Thighs & Liver

Sign Ruler: Jupiter

Lucky Day: Thursday

Lucky Color: Light Blue

Lucky Number: 6

Lucky Stone: Yellow Sapphire

Sagittarius Sign Compatibility Chart
His Quantum Innovations at his innovative QuantLase Lab in Abu Dhabi proves his inventive knowledge, passion, and efforts to create a Photonic-Enabled Sustainable Future. The world is advancing daily, with new and cutting-edge tech-based solutions consistently knocking on our doors. How we make the most of these tech-based inventions will decide the future of businesses and the world. Having the vision to do better each time with their innovations and the genuine aim to only add more value to peoples lives are a few professionals who push boundaries and aim to create a more sustainable future for everyone. Who better than Dr. Pramod Kumar to serve as an example here? This incredible man has immersed himself entirely in the world of Quantum Photonics. He has been passionately moving forward to make more innovations that can help create a more sustainable world.



His unique vision and dedication to creating a more sustainable future have helped him devote his career to Quantum Photonics, becoming a pioneer in the field and founding the unique QuantLase Lab in Abu Dhabi. He has a PhD in Laser Technology and has devoted his career to advancing Quantum Photonics for years while creating his own legacy in the field. He calls himself a Quantum Seeker, who studied at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India under the supervision of Prof. R. Ghosh, gaining his PhD and going ahead in paving the way for more innovations that could help him walk on the path of creating a Photonic-Enabled Sustainable Future. Also, his academic career helped him lay a solid foundation for his future endeavors in Quantum Photonics, equipping him with the skills and knowledge to excel in the field.



Dr. Pramod Kumars career has taken him around the world, allowing him to work in key positions across the field in France, India, and the United Kingdom. These diverse experiences have enhanced his knowledge and expertise in Ultrafast Laser Physics and Quantum Photonics, enabling him to make significant contributions to both practical and theoretical aspects of the industry. His global perspective and broad expertise are a testament to his leadership in the field.



One of his most talked-about and inventive innovations include the Chip-Scale Photonic Intelligence Devices and Quantum Key Distribution that went ahead in solving complex problems like prime factorization, showcasing his prowess as a leader in Quantum Photonics. Dr. Pramod Kumar says that Quantum Photonics may first seem complex and abstract. He simplifies it by explaining that it involves science and technology of using optical components to control, probe, and exploit Quantum systems. He says this includes generating, emitting, transmitting, switching, and amplifying light and matter at the Quantum level. Manipulating the Quantum phenomena, he highlights that significant advancements can be made in secure communications, advanced computing, and medical technologies.

Innovation is what drives the QuantLase Lab, says Dr. Pramod Kumar

Innovation is what drives the QuantLase Lab, says Dr. Pramod Kumar, the Director of Research & Innovation at the QuantLase Lab. He says, I wanted a team that could first understand my vision and passionately amplify those visions to transform the world through Quantum-enabled Photonic Technology. We have grown our lab beyond just a research facility, making it a hub of innovation and progress. Our lab focuses on four main divisions - High Power Laser Lab, Quantum Photonics, Quantum Biophotonics, and Advanced Computational Lab. Each division works toward harnessing Quantum principles and Photonics to drive progress and create a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable world.



One groundbreaking innovation under QuantLase Lab includes the development of Laser-based DPI Technology for rapid COVID-19 screening. Moreover, Dr. Pramod Kumars work on Quantum Random Number Generation for Quantum Key Distribution has enhanced security in digital communications, paving the way for advanced Quantum Blockchain Technology.



His dedication to Quantum Photonics, driven by his passion for creating a sustainable future, has always helped him stay at the forefront of innovations. Dr. Pramod Kumars remarkable innovations in Quantum Photonics showcase the profound impact he has made in the field.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that through the Union Budget 2024 the government aimed to provide relief to the middle class although there are limitations. The finance minister told Times Now, "I want to relieve the middle class but I have limitations too. I want to give relief by reducing the tax rate and that is why the standard deduction rate has been increased from 50,000 to 75,000. By increasing the tax rate, the tax liability of the high income class also increases. The new tax regime was implemented with the aim of reducing the tax rate and has lower tax rates than the old tax regime." Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman attends the proceedings of the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi.(SansadTV)

Read more: Union Budget 2024 reforms of the new tax regime may reduce tax burden and allow option to choose again

She said that she understands the challenges that the middle class faces as, I am also from the middle class...and understand their problems.

Before GST, different states imposed their own taxes on essential items, leading to varied prices across the country but now the process has standardized prices of essential goods nationwide, providing relief to the common people, she said.

What are income tax changes as per Union Budget 2024?

Budget 2024 proposed to change the income tax slabs under the new tax regime. The changes in the income tax slabs under the new tax regime will benefit people having taxable incomes upto 10 lakh. There is no change in the basic exemption limit under the old and new tax regimes. There is zero tax payable under the new tax regime if taxable incomes does not exceed 7 lakh. The proposed tax slabs are: 0 - 3,00,000 - 0%, 3,00,001- 7,00,000-5%, 7,00,001- 10,00,00-10%, 10,00,001- 12,00,000-15%, 12,00,001- 15,00,000- 20% and 15,00,001 and above - 30%.

Existing tax slabs under new tax regime are: 0 - 3,00,000 - 0%, 3,00,001- 6,00,000-5%, 6,00,001- 9,00,00-10%, 9,00,001- 12,00,000-15%, 12,00,001- 15,00,000- 20% and 15,00,001 and above - 30%.
India's Reliance Industries has received approval from the United States to resume importing oil from Venezuela despite Washington's sanctions, a source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. Reliance gets US nod to import oil from Venezuela: Report(Reuters file photo)

The United States in April re-imposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector in response to President Nicolas Maduro's failure to meet his election commitments, but said some firms would be authorised to trade and operate in Venezuela.

The U.S. Treasury Department declined to comment, while Reliance did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. The news was first reported by Bloomberg.

Before U.S. oil sanctions were first imposed on Venezuela in 2019, Reliance was the second-largest individual buyer of Venezuelan crude after China's CNPC.

Reliance had re-submitted a request to the U.S. in May for authorisation to import crude oil from Venezuela, after the U.S. Treasury refused to grant licences to Indian refiners including Reliance following the easing of sanctions in October.

Indian refiners, however, resumed Venezuelan oil purchases through intermediaries, until the sanctions kicked in again in June.

India's Oil and Natural Gas Corp has also sought a waiver from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control to lift crude oil from Venezuela, an industry source said.
Oxfam said that the world's richest one per cent increased their fortunes by a total of $42 trillion in the past ten years. Even though the rich of the world became richer and richer, taxes on them fell to "historic lows", it said, warning of "obscene levels" of inequality with the rest of the world "left to scrap for crumbs". Oxfam said that the $42 trillion figure was nearly 36 times more than the wealth accumulated by the poorer half of the world's population.

Oxfam said that the $42 trillion figure was nearly 36 times more than the wealth accumulated by the poorer half of the world's population. Billionaires "have been paying a tax rate equivalent to less than 0.5 percent of their wealth" across the globe, it said. Nearly four out of five of the world's billionaires call a G20 nation home, it noted.

Oxfam remarks come ahead of G20 summit in Brazil which has made international cooperation on taxing the super-rich a priority of its presidency. At this week's summit in Rio de Janeiro, G20 finance ministers will focus on levies on the ultra-wealthy and processes that can be used to prevent billionaires from dodging tax systems. The initiative involves determining methodologies to tax billionaires and other high-income earners, news agency AFP reported. The proposal will be debated at the with France, Spain, South Africa, Colombia and the African Union in favour although the United States has been firmly against the same.

Oxfam called it a real litmus test for G20 governments as the NGO urged them to implement an annual net wealth tax of at least eight per cent on the "extreme wealth" of the super-rich.

"Momentum to increase taxes on the super-rich is undeniable," Oxfam International's head of inequality policy Max Lawson said. He added, Do they have the political will to strike a global standard that puts the needs of the many before the greed of an elite few?
The Congress-led government in Karnataka, under Siddaramaiah's leadership, has strongly opposed the NEET medical entrance exam, passing a resolution in both houses of the state government on Thursday. The resolution highlights recent irregularities and flaws in NEET and calls upon the Union Government to exempt Karnataka from NEET, advocating instead for the reinstatement of the state-conducted Common Entrance Test (CET) for medical admissions, news agency ANI reported. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah speaks during the Karnataka Legislative Council session at Vidhana Soudha, in Bengaluru on Thursday.(PTI)

READ | Demand for debate on MUDA scam: BJP holds night-long sit-in protest at Karnataka Assembly

Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, State Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development, introduced the resolution in the legislative assembly, while Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar presented it in the legislative council. This move echoes similar sentiments expressed by the ruling TMC government in West Bengal, which recently passed a resolution urging the abolition of NEET and the restoration of state-administered medical entrance exams.

READ | New GNSS toll system to replace FASTag at Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway? Check here for detail: Report

"The NEET examination system severely affects the medical education opportunities of poor rural students and deprives the rights of the state governments to admit students in the state government medical colleges and considering the repeated irregularities in the NEET examination, the Union Government should make necessary amendments in the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 (Central Act 30 of 2019) so that the NEET system is given up at the national level. Also, the Karnataka Legislative Council unanimously urges that the Union government should immediately exempt the state of Karnataka from examination and provide medical admission based on the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the state government," the resolution stated.

READ | Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe introduces Panchamrutha dish inspired by temple traditions: Report

"Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil has been continuously opposing the NEET exam by highlighting the massive irregularities and how this system was affecting the chances of underprivileged and rural students and their dream of a medical profession," it added.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, on Tuesday, declined to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 exam despite multiple petitions seeking its annulment due to alleged paper leaks and malpractices. The court acknowledged the potential repercussions on the 24 lakh students who participated in the exam and opted not to order a retest for the current academic year.

(With inputs from ANI)
Government doctors in Haryana went on an indefinite strike on Thursday to protest the non-fulfilment of their demands, crippling health services in state-run hospitals. Doctors raising slogans against the Haryana government while protesting outside the civil hospital in Panchkula on Thursday. (Sant Arora/HT)

The strike was called by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association in support of their demands, including the formation of a specialist cadre and a career progression scheme that ensures parity with their central government peers.

The state government urged the HCMSA to consider the impact of the strike on patients. While health minister Dr Kamal Gupta assured the doctors that the state government was committed to addressing their concerns in a timely manner, chief principal secretary (to CM) Rajesh Khullar held a meeting with them to resolve their demands. I want to assure you that these concerns are being taken very seriously, Dr Gupta, said in his letter.

Association president Dr Rajesh Khyalia, who started an indefinite hunger strike in front of the office of the health services director general in Panchkula along with three other doctors on Wednesday, said, If there is no outcome (of the talks), then our strike will continue indefinitely.

The other demands of the doctors include no direct recruitment of senior medical officers and reduction in the bond amount for postgraduate courses.

Patients waiting in queue at the OPD in Panchkulas civil hospital on Thursday after doctors went on strike in support of their demands. (Sant Arora/HT)

Meanwhile, long queues of patients were seen in outpatient departments (OPDs) of district hospital across cities, including Panchkula, Karnal, Gurugram and Panipat, with many saying they were told that the doctors were on strike.

At a few places, patients in OPDs said they were attended to by doctors undergoing postgraduate training, those doing internship and retired doctors.

Karnal civil surgeon Dr Krishan Kumar said that the services of consultants, community health officers and other health staff have been taken to cater to emergency and child services.

Dr Khyalia had said on Wednesday, Over the past several months, we have been given repeated assurances pertaining to our various demands but those remain unfulfilled. So, we have decided to observe a total shutdown of health services, including OPD, emergency, post-mortem from Thursday. On July 18, we were assured by the additional chief secretary, health, that a notification would be issued before July 24 pertaining to two demands -- assured career progression and the bond issue -- but nothing happened. We had told the government a month ago that we would be compelled to shut down all services from July 25 if the demands were not met.

Association state treasurer Dr Deepak Goyal said that despite several meetings in the past, their issues have not been resolved.

In a letter to the association on Wednesday, health minister Dr Gupta urged the doctors to consider the impact of their strike on the public. I understand that ... numerous pressing demands (have been) put forth by your members and I want to assure you that these concerns are being taken very seriously. Recently, I held a productive meeting with the chief minister and other higher officers to discuss these matters extensively. We recognise the importance of your demands and are actively working towards a resolution that will be satisfactory to all parties involved, he said in the letter.

However, I urge each one of you to consider the impact of a strike on our patients and the general public. We have a responsibility to ensure that healthcare services remain uninterrupted, especially for those who rely on us in their times of need, the minister said.

On July 15, government doctors observed a two-hour strike to press for their demands. The strike had affected OPD services in government healthcare institutions across the state.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday arrested two terror operatives of Jaish-e-Mohammad, who had provided food and hotspot connection to the terrorists responsible for the July 8 ambush on an army convoy in Kathuas Badnota village. The ambush had left five soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), dead and five others injured. The two terror operatives in police custody at Malhar in Kathua district on Thursday. The duo provided food and hotspot connection to the terrorists responsible for the July 8 ambush on an army convoy in Kathuas Badnota village. They also helped the terrorists escape after the attack. (HT Photo)

We have arrested two overground workers (OGWs) of the JeM. They have confessed that they provided food and hotspot connection to the terrorists who attacked army trucks at Badnota on July 8, a police officer said.

He said more arrests were likely in the case. The duo had provided strategic and logistical support to the terrorists, he added.

They have been identified as Layaqat Ali of ward number 7, Kalna Dhanu Parole in Billawar tehsil, and Mool Raj of Bowli Mohalla in Malhar tehsil of Kathua district.

The officer said that the two terrorists associates also delivered messages from one group of two terrorists to another group of an equal number of terrorists in the jungles of Machhedi. After the attack on July 8, the two had helped the terrorists with an escape route, the officer said.

Both individuals deliberately chose not to disclose vital information to the police, thereby obstructing efforts to prevent terrorist actions, the official statement by the police said. More than100 individuals have been questioned in connection with July 8 terror attack case, while preventive measures have been taken against more than 40 individuals to mitigate further risk and disrupt any potential support system for terrorist activities, it read.

An was registered at the Malhar police station.

The arrest of the two OGWs is a testament to our resolve. We urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station or dial 100 or 9858034100, the police statement said.

Intel agencies suspect that Jammu region has a presence of 50 to 60 hardcore foreign terrorists, including former Pakistan army regulars from the Special Service Group, in the hill districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur.

The army has deployed more than 4,000 soldiers, including 500 elite para commandos and those trained in mountain warfare to eliminate these terrorists.
Residents of Lucknow are grappling with severe power outages, with over 1,500 to 2,100 complaints flooding the power corporations call centre daily. Thats 80 power outages per hour and more than one power outage per minute! For representation only (HT File Photo)

Despite assurances from the power corporation and the energy minister, the citys electricity supply remains erratic, affecting more than 30 areas each day. The situation has become so dire that the chief engineer visited the Indira Nagar area to assess the issues firsthand.

In various localities, including Gomti Nagar Extension, Chinhat, Indira Nagar, Shivaji Puram Colony, Janakipuram Extension, Balaganj, Kanpur Road, LDA Colony, Telibagh, Uttaratiya, Thakurganj, Chowpatian, Basmandi, and Jankipuram, residents are experiencing regular power cuts. These outages disrupt daily life, causing significant inconvenience.

In the past three days, furious residents of Jankipuram, Balaganj, and Basmandi stormed local sub-stations in protest of nighttime power cuts, forcing employees to flee.

The situation is particularly grim in areas like Bada Bharwara and Laulai Kashiram Colony, under the Chinhat division, where residents have endured four days of power cuts at a stretch due to a transformer problem.

Mukesh Singh, corporator from Indira Nagar, said that power supply has been marred by intermittent power cuts daily, with outages lasting from one to two hours at a time, especially in Indira Nagar sector 14 and Shivajipuram area. The power crisis in several parts of the state capital shows the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of power infrastructure. The authorities must prioritise addressing these issues to restore normalcy and ensure reliable power supply for all residents.

The situation is no better in the city outskirts. In the Nabi Panah area of Mahilabad, residents experienced more than a seven-hour power outage, compounding difficulties.

Mohammad Wasi, a resident near Dubagga Andhe ki Chowki, highlighted the frequency of power cuts, which occur five to seven times daily, with an average downtime of three hours.

Customer Care Woes

Adding to the woes of the residents is the inefficiency of the customer care system. Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of Gomti Nagar Vistaar, lamented that despite repeated calls to the UPPCL customer care number, his complaints went unregistered. He pointed out that the most severe power cuts occur between 6 PM and midnight, a time when customer care is unresponsive, and even employees at substations are unable to provide satisfactory answers.

A lack of response from officials is exacerbating the problem. Sateyndra Singh, a resident of LDA Colony on Kanpur Road, recounted an incident where six neighboring houses suffered a power cut due to a local fault. Despite persistent efforts to contact the

junior engineer (JE), sub-divisional officer (SDO), and Executive Engineer (EX EN), his calls went unanswered. The sub-station also failed to respond, and the call center phone remained busy as usual. Eventually, they personally went to the substation pleading to restore the supply.

Transformer trouble

In the past week alone, around 125 transformers have been damaged due to overloading. LESA (Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration) sources revealed that more than 18 transformers, both small and large, are getting damaged daily.

With the current number of transformers in LESA reaching 40,000, those below 100 KV are the most vulnerable. Recently, about one lakh residents across 60 villages in Mohanlalganj suffered a three-day blackout due to departmental negligence. In many areas, the situation is being temporarily managed by installing trolley transformers, but these measures are insufficient for long-term stability.

An official of LESA on condition of anonymity said,  We need to address the staff crunch in LESA Amausi, Lucknow Central, Jankipuram and Gomti Nagar zone. With the outsourced staff we have to maintain the workflow. Most linesmen, helpers, meter readers, computer operators etc are outsourced and we have to work according to them.

The official said that in the regular staff, there is shortage of JEs and other technical staff , which needs to be addressed for quick redressal of complaints.
Mumbai: At least seven people have died across the state, including six in Pune, as heavy rains wreaked havoc in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), western Maharashtra, Konkan, and Vidarbha regions in the last 24 hours. Airel view of Shingad raod - Photo by Mahendra Kolhe

Normal life was disrupted on Thursday as the rains affected road, railway, and air traffic, with several rivers flowing above the danger level. Residential and farmland areas near rivers in Thane, Palghar, Kalyan, Kolhapur, Pune, Vardha, and Raigad were submerged.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert (signifying heavy to very heavy rain at a few places, with extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places) for Friday in three districts  Satara, Ratnagiri and Raigad. An orange alert (heavy to very heavy rain at a few places) has been issued for Kolhapur, Pune, Sindhudurg, Mumbai, Thane and Palghar.

Chief minister Eknath Shinde reviewed the situation in Mumbai, Pune and other parts of the state, urging people not to step out of their homes unless its very urgent. I have asked the administration to be on high alert. I also spoke with Army and Navy officials, and they have kept their units ready for any situation. We have prepared to airlift the people during the rescue operations. I have ordered the district administration in flood-affected areas to use funds from district planning and development funds, he said.

After reports of a flood-like situation in MMR, Pune, and parts of western Maharashtra, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar reached the disaster control room in Mantralaya on Thursday morning to review the situation. After that, he left for Pune, where he is the guardian minister, as the city and district were severely affected by floods.

Devastation in Pune

Numerous houses and residential areas in low-lying parts of the city were submerged on Thursday, forcing authorities to evacuate them, said officials.

Three men working at a food stall in the Deccan area died of electrocution on Wednesday night. The deceased were identified as Abhishekh Ajay Ghanekar, Akash Vinayak Mane and Shiva Parihar. One person died and another sustained injuries in a landslide in the Tahmini ghat section in Mulshi tehsil, district officials said. The deceased has been identified as Shivaji Bhairat, a resident of Mulshi. Jitendra Jambhurpane, also from Mulshi, was injured in the incident.

Two drowning incidents were reported in the city in the evening: one at the Ambil Odha stream in Bibwewadi and the other in the Mutha River at Narayan Peth, according to officials. The two deceased have not been identified yet.

In a separate incident, three people are feared trapped in a bungalow in the Lavasa area after a mudslide, police said. Local police, along with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, have initiated rescue operations, said authorities.

According to Pune district collector Suhas Diwase, the release of water from the Khadakwasla dam due to heavy rainfall in its catchment area resulted in flooding along the Mutha river and surrounding low-lying areas. We have urged people not to step out from their homes, he said.

Areas like Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner, and Deccan Gymkhana in Pune reported severe flooding, with authorities from the fire brigade and Pune Municipal Corporations disaster management cell working to rescue stranded people. During his tour of the district, Pawar said Army teams have been deployed at Ekta Nagar on Sinhagad Road as a precautionary measure, while NDRF personnel are also in the area.

Floods in other districts

In the last 24 hours, there were reports of flood-like situations in parts of western Maharashtra, Thane, Palghar, Vardha, and Kolhapur, said an official from the state disaster control department.

In Raigad district, a person named Kamalakar Mhatre died in floodwater in Alibag. His body was found near a creek. In another incident at Karjat, the police and local administration successfully saved a man trapped in floodwater.

In a separate incident, two residents of Murbad in Thane district drowned on Thursday afternoon while fishing in the backwaters of the Barvi dam. Despite efforts by disaster management and fire brigade officials to search for them, they could not be located until late Thursday evening. The search will resume on Friday.

Heavy rains in districts like Sangli, Kolhapur, and Satara resulted in the discharge of water from dams like Warna and Koyna, submerging thousands of acres of crops on river banks. In Sangli city, the Krishna River crossed the warning level. District guardian minister Suresh Khade urged people to cooperate with the administration while shifting them to secure places.

In another measure to control the flood situation, lift irrigation schemes like Tembhu and Mhaisal were asked to lift water from flooded areas and transfer it to areas waiting for rain. In Kolhapur, the Radhanagari dam overflowed, and its automatic gates were opened to discharge the water. As a result, the Panchganga river touched the danger mark and water entered nearby areas on its banks.

In Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts, the Amba, Kundalika, Savitri, Ulhas, and Kalu rivers crossed the danger level, and the Patalganga flowed above the warning level. As a result, many areas in rural districts were cut off from highways.

In Kalyan, the Ulhas and Waldhuni rivers flowed above the danger mark. Many areas on the banks of the rivers in Kalyan, Badlapur, and Ambernath went under water. In Vidarbha, Wardha, Gadchiroli, and parts of Yavatmal experienced a flood-like situation.

The Gadchiroli-Chandrapur-Nagpur highway was shut due to heavy rains, with flood water flowing above bridges in some areas. In Nashik, water levels in Gangapur, Darana and Bhavali increased and discharge was started from Darana and Bhavali.

State Congress president Nana Patole slammed the state government and blamed its policies for the floods. In the last 10 years, state governments under the BJP-led alliance destroyed natural systems that were useful for draining water, by allowing construction in the name of development. Now, the citizens are paying the price of it, he said.

With inputs from PTI
Mumbai, Police have apprehended a man in connection with the murder of a history-sheeter inside a spa in Worli area of Mumbai, officials said on Thursday. The crime branch of the Mumbai police apprehended the 26-year-old accused from Nalasopara in neighbouring Palghar district late Wednesday night, hours after the murder, an official said. Guru Waghmare, 52, was murdered inside the spa by two unidentified persons in the early hours of Wednesday. Waghmare, who used to claim that he was a police informer and also a Right to Information activist, had several cases including those of rape and extortion registered against him, he said. "The arrested person is among the two accused persons who killed Waghmare. It was a 'supari' killing," the police official said, adding that investigation into the case was underway. As per the case details, Waghmare, a resident of Vile Parle in Mumbai, visited the spa situated at Worli Naka regularly and the people working there knew him. When Waghmare visited the spa on Tuesday evening, his 21-year-old woman friend and three male friends asked for a party as he had celebrated his birthday recently. The group of five then went to a hotel in Sion for a party. Around 12.30 am on Wednesday, all of them returned to the spa. After some time, the three men left while Waghmare and his woman friend stayed back, the police said. About two hours later, two different men came to the spa and attacked Waghmare with sharp weapons, they said. Worli police were alerted about the incident around 2.30 am. Police rushed to the spot and found Waghmare in a pool of blood with his throat slit. The victim had at least 10 cases registered against him, including a rape case registered at Mulund police station, the police added.

HT Image
The Hmar Women Association, a civil body of the Hmar women community, submitted a memorandum to Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, requesting the commissioning of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged extra-judicial actions by the Assam Police in connection with the death of three Hmar individuals on July 16. The memorandum demanded an impartial investigation headed by a Supreme Court judge. (Representative file photo)

The memorandum claimed that the incident was a gross violation of human rights, fundamental rights, and constitutional protections guaranteed to the people by a section of the Assam police.

Also Read: UP DGP issues guidelines to curb custodial deaths

According to the memorandum, three individuals were convicted by the Assam Police without trial as per the procedure laid down by law.

The failure to notify them of the arrest is a violation of another fundamental right guaranteed under Article 22(2).

The memorandum demanded an impartial investigation headed by a Supreme Court judge, stating that it is an absolute necessity to maintain integrity and credibility in the process, it added.

Meanwhile, a protest rally was jointly organised in the Churachandpur district of Manipur, headed by the Hmar Women Association and the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights on Wednesday.

A similar protest was also organised in Manipurs Tengnoupal district, Haflong, Senvon, Chandel, and Phaiton, Jiribam district.
The Opposition on Thursday resorted to relentless protest inside the Bihar legislative assembly, despite repeated requests by Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav to maintain calm, over crime, corruption and alleged lathi-charge on Youth Congress workers a day ago. The protests started as soon as the sitting began on the penultimate day of the monsoon session. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar gestures towards the Opposition in the assembly in Patna. (Santosh Kumar/ HT Photo)

However, despite the din, the Speaker continued with the Question Hour though not much was audible due to the continuous sloganeering. After the Opposition members trooped into the well showing placards, the Marshals were called in before they staged a walkout after the Question Hour ended.

The Opposition, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress and the CPI-ML, did not relent through the Question Hour and tried to disturb the reporters table and repeatedly banged it, drawing strong warning from the Speaker. The Marshals surrounded the table from all sides to prevent Opposition members from toppling it.

Later, CPI-ML legislators squatted in the well, with party leader Mehboob Alam sitting in a chair to preside and others participating in what appeared to be an attempt to run a parallel House. Some woman Opposition members also wore black bands in protest against chief minister Nitish Kumars outburst against a woman legislator on Wednesday and lathi-charge on Youth Congress workers.

As the parallel session went on, the Speaker admonished the members not to show their back to the Chair, but it fell on deaf ears. The Opposition kept waving placards and shouting slogans. Some even did caricature of the CM and continued with their parallel session. CM Kumar was present in the House when the session began but left when the protests did not stop.

Governance has collapsed in Bihar. There is rampant crime and loot, and we will continue to protest. The way Youth Congress workers were beaten up by police is unacceptable. They were protesting against price rise, corruption and growing crime, but the Nitish government believes in crushing democratic protest, Congress MLA Pratima Das said.

Another Congress MLA Rajesh Ram claimed that CM Kumar never walks the talk. He says he cannot compromise with crime, corruption and communalism, but he always compromises on them. He gets the BJP workers beaten up by police when the RJD and Congress are in the government and gets RJD and Congress workers assaulted when the BJP is in the government. He is the person who is responsible for this. He is protecting an IAS officer against whom Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids, he added.

JD-U, however, hit back, with party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar questioning the continued absence of Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav throughout the monsoon session.
Relentless rainfall has unleashed widespread devastation in Pune and its surrounding areas, claiming at least four lives and submerging numerous houses in low-lying parts of the city. Officials reported on Thursday that the deluge has forced authorities to evacuate affected residents from housing societies. NDRF carried out rescue operations in Lavasa (Yogesh Naik)

In the 24 hours ending at 7:30 am, Lonavla received 300 mm of rainfall, Lavasa 417 mm, and Junnar 214 mm, according to data shared by the district administration.

Three young men died from electrocution near Bhide Bridge in Pune city on Wednesday night. The deceased were identified as Abhishekh Ajay Ghanekar, Akash Vinayak Mane, and Shiva Parihar. Officials reported that the trio, who operated an egg bhurji stall in the Deccan area, were electrocuted as they were closing their stall due to electric current entering stagnant floodwater.

In a separate incident, a landslide early Thursday morning in Adharwadi village killed one person and injured another. The deceased was identified as Shivaji Bhairat, a resident of Mulshi, while Jitendra Jambhurpane from Gondia, currently residing in Mulshi, sustained injuries.

Near Lavasa city, three people from Dasave village became trapped after a mudslide buried two villas. Local police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have initiated rescue operations.

Suhas Diwse, Pune District Collector, stated, "As of now, four casualties have been reported, three due to electrocution and one from a landslide. Additionally, three people are reportedly trapped in Lavasa city following the mudslide. Our teams are deployed, and rescue operations are ongoing."

Diwse urged residents to remain indoors due to the heavy rainfall in Pune and adjoining areas. The release of water from Khadakwasla dam, prompted by heavy rainfall in its catchment area, has resulted in flooding along the Mutha river and surrounding low-lying areas.

Throughout the morning, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is also the guardian minister of Pune district, continuously monitored the flood situation. "Many areas in Pune are experiencing flood-like conditions, primarily due to water discharge from the Mutha river after Khadakwasla dam began overflowing," Pawar noted.

The Pune administration has advised private establishments to grant their employees a holiday in light of the severe weather conditions.

In Pune city, areas such as Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner, and Deccan Gymkhana have reported severe flooding. Fire brigade and Pune Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell personnel are working to rescue stranded residents.

Following record rains and substantial water discharge from Khadakwasla dam, the Mutha River's water level rose significantly, inundating housing societies along its banks, particularly in low-lying areas along Sinhagad road. By 11 am, the fire department had evacuated over 400 people from various housing societies.

In response to the crisis, the Indian Army dispatched a rescue and relief column to Ekta Nagar. The contingent includes infantry troops, an engineer task force, and medical personnel, equipped with rescue boats and essential healthcare services.

"Additional Army columns are on standby, ready to deploy at short notice as the situation develops. The Southern Command of the Indian Army is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with civil administration and other government agencies," an Army statement read.

The district administration declared a holiday for schools in Pune city, Pimpri Chinchwad, and western parts of the district. District Collector Suhas Diwase issued an order closing all primary and secondary schools in affected areas.

"We have deployed fire brigade and disaster management cell personnel in low-lying areas. Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary," Diwase added.
TN NEET UG Counselling 2024: The Selection Committee, Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Tamil Nadu has released the list of documents required for undergraduate medical counselling for 85 per cent state quota seats. Candidates who want to participate in TN NEET UG counselling 2024 can check the notification on tnmedicalselection.net. NEET UG final result live updates TN NEET UG counselling 2024: List of documents released

The online counselling process for undergraduate medical counselling in Tamil Nadu is expected to begin soon after the announcement of revised NEET UG results by the National Testing Agency.

Also read: Karnataka passes resolution to scrap NEET

In the notification dated July 24, the DMER said there is a need for an expedited counselling and candidates wishing to apply for medical and dental seats in Tamil Nadu should be ready with their documents.

Here's the list shared by the DMER:

For all candidates:

NEET UG admit card and scorecard.

Class 10 marks sheet (both sides of certificate)

Class 12 marks sheet (both sides)

Class 11 makes sheet (both side)

Transfer certificate obtained after Class 12

Certificate for proof of study from class 6 to 12 for candidates who have studied in Tamil Nadu

Community certificate

Nativity certificate (if applicable)

Documents of parents (for candidates who claim Tamil Nadu nativity for communal reservation)

Community certificate of either one of the parents obtained from the competent revenue authority in Tamil Nadu.

Bonafide certificate from Chief Educational Officer. This is mandatory for all who have studied Classes 6 to 12 in Tamil Nadu government for 7.5 per cent special reservation. Students who completed HSC in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 do not need the certificate as their data will be verified with EMIS.

Income certificate of the parent for candidates claiming fee exemption.

Eligibility certificate obtained from the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University, Guindy, Chennai, for candidates of other universities/boards (except Tamil Nadu State board, CBSE and CISCE).

Court orders (if any).

Additional supporting documents (if any).

For candidates claiming management quota minority status:

Linguistic minority certificate (Telugu and Malayalam)

Christian minority certificate.

For candidates claiming management quota NRI status:

NRI status of the financial supporter issued by the Indian Embassy of the respective country under their seal or OCI card

Certificate of relationship between the NRI financial supporter and the candidate issued by the competent revenue authority, valid Indian Passport of the NRI financial supporter.

NRE (Non-Resident External) bank account passbook of the financial supporter.

For further details, candidates can check the official website.
UP Police Constable Exam Dates 2024: The written examination for the recruitment of 60,244 posts of police constables will now be conducted on August 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31, senior police officials said in Lucknow on Thursday. Aspirants queue for UP Police Constable Exam 2024 in Noida on Sunday (Sunil Ghosh/HT File)

The exam was earlier conducted in four shifts on February 17 and 18, 2024, in which over 48 lakh aspirants participated, but it was cancelled by the state government on February 24 as its question paper was leaked. The government had directed to conduct the exam again within six months.

In a press statement shared on Thursday, the officials said the board is taking all precautionary measures to maintain the sanctity of the examination and conduct the exam in a fully transparent manner. They said the state government had already issued the stricter bill to stop such malpractices during public examination by notifying UP Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 from June 21 that has provision for up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to 1 crore for malpractices and organised cheating in government recruitment exams.

The officials said the gap between the written examination had been kept keeping in mind Janmashtami holiday falling on August 26.

Earlier, as many 178 FIRs in 41 districts of UP were registered in connection with the question paper leak in February earlier this year. Besides, at least 400 people including the two masterminds of the paper leak, Rajiv Nayan Mishra and Ravi Attri were arrested from Gautam Buddh Nagar.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said the Supreme Court's decision on the NEET-UG matter is not a defeat of students but of the Congress' "irresponsible attitude" and "petty politics". Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the verdict by Supreme Court is defeat of the Congress' 'petty politics'. (File image)

The Congress, he charged is the "father" of paper leaks and corruption.

"The Supreme Court has clearly stated that there has been no systemic breach in the sanctity of the exam. The Congress does not trust the Centre government but does it not trust the Supreme Court too. The SC's decision on the NEET issue is not a defeat of students but a defeat of Congress' irresponsible attitude, fallacy and petty politics," Pradhan wrote on X.

Also read: Karnataka passes resolution to scrap NEET, calls to reinstate CET for UG medical admissions

The education minister questioned Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over paper leaks in Rajasthan when his party was in power.

"Is Kharge ji not aware of the paper leaks that happened before the BJP government came to power in Rajasthan? Why did he keep mum on the paper leaks that happened in his government? Congress is father of paper leaks and corruption.

"The people of the country have rejected Congress for the third time in a row. Congress is unable to digest the third consecutive defeat. To make political gains and save its rapidly slipping political ground, Congress has only the support of lies, half-truths and anarchy," Pradhan added.

Also read: CUET UG 2024: Delay in result announcement leaves students and institutes dazed

In a major setback to unsuccessful aspirants of NEET-UG 2024, the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the pleas seeking cancellation and re-test of the controversy-ridden exam, holding that there was no evidence on record to conclude that it was "vitiated" on account of "systemic breach" of its sanctity.

The verdict came as a shot in the arm for the embattled NDA government and the National Testing Agency (NTA), which were facing strong criticism and protests, on streets and in Parliament, over alleged large-scale malpractices like question paper leak, fraud and impersonation in the prestigious test held on May 5.

Also read: CTET answer key objection window closes tomorrow on ctet.nic.in, result expected next

"Kharge ji, neither you, nor your leader Rahul Gandhi, nor your party is concerned about the future of students. You are only concerned about your future and the future of one family," he charged.

"Such tampering with facts and truth raises a big question on your intelligence. Stop tarnishing the image of India's examination system and playing with the future of students," Pradhan said.
Raising its strong voice against the all-India medical entrance exam NEET, the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government on Thursday passed a resolution in both houses of the state government against the exam and demanded the Centre for allowing the state to revert back to the earlier system of CET for medical admissions in Karnataka. The resolution passed by the Siddaramaiah-led government urged the Union Government to exempt the State of Karnataka from NEET examination and allow it to provide admissions to medical colleges based on the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the state government. (PTI image)

Pointing out the flaws and the recent irregularities in the NEET exam, the resolution urged the Union Government to exempt the State of Karnataka from this examination and allow it to provide admissions to medical colleges based on the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the state government.

Also read: CUET UG 2024: Delay in result announcement leaves students and institutes dazed

While the State Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development, Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, moved the resolution in the legislative assembly, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar presented it in the legislative council.

"The NEET examination system severely affects the medical education opportunities of poor rural students and deprives the rights of the state governments to admit students in the state government medical colleges and considering the repeated irregularities in the NEET examination, the Union Government should make necessary amendments in the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 (Central Act 30 of 2019) so that the NEET system is given up at the national level. Also, the Karnataka Legislative Council unanimously urges that the Union government should immediately exempt the state of Karnataka from examination and provide medical admission based on the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the state government," the resolution said.

Also read: CTET answer key objection window closes tomorrow on ctet.nic.in, result expected next

"Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil has been continuously opposing the NEET exam by highlighting the massive irregularities and how this system was affecting the chances of underprivileged and rural students and their dream of a medical profession," it added.

On Wednesday, the ruling TMC government in West Bengal moved a resolution in the West Bengal Assembly demanding the scrapping of the NEET and restoration of the previous system of individual state governments conducting such examinations. The resolution was passed in the assembly.

Also read: SSC CGL 2024 application deadline extended, apply till July 27 on ssc.gov.in

Earlier on Tuesday, July 23, the Supreme Court declined to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 exam, realising that giving direction for a fresh NEET-UG for the present year would be replete with serious consequences for over 24 lakh students who appeared in this exam.

The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas seeking direction to recall NEET-UG 2024 results and to conduct the examination afresh, alleging paper leakage and malpractices in the test held.
Katrina Kaif's new pics

She took to Instagram on Thursday to share a glimpse of her 'calm' and peaceful stay at an 'award-winning medical health resort' in Austria. The actor shared a few solo photos from Mayrlife Altaussee, as well as some shots of the scenic lake-side property. She also gave a peek at the healthy food she had during her stay. As per the resort's website, they provide anti-inflammation and anti-ageing treatments, among others.

A truly incredible time

Katrina was recently in Europe with Vicky Kaushal, but it is not clear when she visited the health resort in Austria. The actor wrote alongside the undated pictures, "Had the most incredible stay here, it allows everything to pause for a moment and enter into the most peaceful space, the daily walk in the forest surrounding the lake is indescribable, moments of incredible peace and calm. The genuine care of warmth and holistic knowledge of the entire team and all the staff and so many incredible therapists who were astounding in there knowledge will definitely come again. A truly incredible time!"

Actor Arjun Kapoor commented on Katrina's post, "Someones been busy taking pictures finally well done Katrina!!!" A fan wrote, "So beautiful." Another said, "Very nice." A fan also wrote, "Can you believe she is 41, I mean just look at her..."

Katrina Kaif pregnancy rumours

A report by Zoom in May claimed that Katrina is pregnant. However, her representative agency called the report unconfirmed. Request all media houses to immediately stop this unconfirmed reporting and speculation, read a statement shared by Raindrop media.

Per a source quoted by Zoom, Katrina's pregnancy rumours are not off the mark. The source said that 'if all goes well, Katrina and Vicky will welcome their first child in the UK'. The source quoted by Zoom added that Katrina, who has grown up in the UK, will deliver her baby in London.

The source said, Katrina bacha London mein hi deliver karegi. Vicky bhi wahin hai (Yes, she is pregnant. They will welcome their first child in London itself. Vicky is already there with her).
Kannada actor Darshan has been in jail since June for the alleged murder of Renukaswamy. A News18 report said that an ex-inmate named Sidharoodha met the actor at the Parappana Agrahara jail. The man detailed how Darshan is coping with being an under-trial prisoner. (Also Read: Darshan files petition in High Court for home-cooked food, cutlery, books in jail after arrest for alleged murder) Actor Darshan, currently in police custody, is an accused in the murder of S Renukaswamy.(ANI)

Ex-inmate claims to have met Darshan

Siddharoodha told the publication that he spoke to the actor for 12 minutes while in prison. He also said it was difficult to adjust to food in prison. He said, Darshan is losing weight, and his skin is getting pale. It is tough to adjust to the food. You can see it in his face and eyes that hes repenting. He is trying to push through the days and immersing himself in reading.

The ex-inmate also shared that Darshan is getting various books from the prison library to read, Sometimes he takes a short walk, he spends most of his time reading books in the room. He has 15-20 books including Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, apart from autobiographies of Yogi and Vivekananda.

Siddharoodha claimed that he spent 22 years in jail and is now out on parole. He requested the authorities to let him meet Darshan before coming out of prison as he was a fan. He claims the authorities let him meet the Kannada actor for a few minutes.

Darshans wife meets Deputy CM

Darshan Thoogudeepas wife, Vijayalakshmi met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Sivakumar at his residence on Wednesday. However, Sivakumar denied to the press that the meeting was about helping Darshan. He claimed that the meeting was regarding the admission of their son Vineesh Thoogudeepa in his school.

Darshans fans were raising slogans and demanding justice for the actor. He is in judicial custody and the police are investigating it. I never interfere in the investigation or judicial process. Law will take its course, he said.

Darshan petitions for home-cooked food

According to PTI, Darshans advocate argued in court earlier this month that undertrial prisoners were permitted to receive food, clothing and bedding from home if they could not provide for themselves. A Bengaluru court reserved the order on Darshans petition for July 25.

Darshan petitioned the Karnataka High Court seeking a direction to the prison authorities to allow him home-cooked food in the jail. He has also sought cutlery, clothing, bedding, and books. In his petition, he noted that he has lost several kilograms as he is unable to eat and digest the food provided at the prison.

According to police sources, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to Darshans close friend Pavithra Gowda, a co-accused in the case, which enraged the actor, allegedly leading to his murder. His body was found near a stormwater drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli here on June 9.
The recent example of the threat to ban TikTok in the United States has sparked a significant debate about the shifting balance of power between nation-states and multinational corporations (MNCs). This scenario underscores a broader trend where states are increasingly asserting their authority over global enterprises, raising questions about the implications for globalisation and international business dynamics. The TikTok logo is displayed on a smartphone screen. (AP)

Historically, multinational corporations have wielded considerable power, often operating across borders with relative autonomy. They have benefited immensely from globalisation, leveraging international markets to grow and influence global economic policies. These corporations often navigate complex regulatory environments to maximise their profits and expand their influence, which has led to a dynamic where they can sometimes operate with more flexibility than nation-states.

However, the rise of digital platforms and concerns about data security, national security, and cultural influence have prompted states to reassert control. The case of TikTok is emblematic of this shift. In 2020, the Trump administration cited national security concerns as the primary reason for seeking to ban the app, arguing that the company could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government. This move highlighted the US government's growing apprehension about foreign tech companies' influence on its citizens and infrastructure.

The debate over whether this shift in power towards nation-States is beneficial is complex. On one hand, increased State control can ensure better protection of national interests, security, and sovereignty. In the case of TikTok, the potential for foreign influence and data misuse is a legitimate concern that warrants regulatory oversight. Nations have a responsibility to protect their citizens' data privacy and maintain control over critical digital infrastructure. Such measures can also level the playing field for domestic companies competing against foreign MNCs that may have different regulatory standards.

For instance, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets stringent guidelines for data protection, reflecting a broader trend of increasing regulatory frameworks that aim to protect consumers and ensure corporate accountability. These regulations underscore the importance of State intervention in protecting individual rights and national security in the digital age.

On the other hand, excessive State intervention can stifle innovation, restrict the free flow of information, and create an environment of uncertainty for global businesses. MNCs thrive on open markets and predictable regulatory environments, which allow them to plan and invest in long-term growth strategies. The threat of sudden and arbitrary state actions, like banning a popular app, can disrupt business operations and erode investor confidence. Additionally, such actions can lead to retaliatory measures, creating a fragmented global market where companies must navigate a patchwork of regulations and restrictions.

Another pertinent example is the case of Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications giant. The US government, citing national security concerns, imposed a series of restrictions on Huawei, including banning the company from supplying equipment for 5G networks in the United States and encouraging allied nations to do the same. This move significantly impacted Huawei's business operations and highlighted the growing trend of State intervention in regulating the activities of MNCs perceived as threats to national security.

The ideal approach moving forward involves striking a balance between state control and corporate autonomy. Governments need to establish clear, transparent, and consistent regulations that protect national interests without unduly hindering business innovation and growth. International cooperation is crucial in this regard. For instance, countries can collaborate on establishing global standards for data privacy and security, ensuring that MNCs adhere to stringent regulations regardless of their country of origin. This would mitigate concerns about data misuse while providing a stable regulatory environment for businesses.

Moreover, fostering dialogue between states and MNCs can lead to mutually beneficial solutions. For example, instead of outright bans, governments can require foreign tech companies to store data locally or undergo regular security audits. Such measures would address security concerns without disrupting the benefits of globalisation.

This dynamic also reflects a broader geopolitical context. As global power structures evolve, nation-states are increasingly wary of ceding too much influence to foreign corporations that may operate under the jurisdiction of rival powers. The tension between the US and China, exemplified by the TikTok situation, is indicative of a larger struggle for technological and economic supremacy. This struggle is not just about market control but also about the strategic advantage conferred by technological leadership.

The implications for globalisation are profound. The traditional model of globalisation, characterised by the relatively free movement of goods, services, and capital, is being challenged by these emerging trends. The assertion of State power over MNCs suggests a move towards a more fragmented and regulated global market. This could slow the pace of globalisation as companies adapt to a more complex regulatory environment, potentially leading to higher costs and reduced efficiency.

However, this shift could also drive innovation in compliance and governance. Companies that can effectively navigate these new regulatory landscapes may gain a competitive edge. The development of robust data protection and security measures, for instance, can enhance consumer trust and open new markets. Additionally, States that develop clear and fair regulatory frameworks may attract more sustainable and responsible business practices.

In conclusion, the shifting balance of power towards nation-States in the face of multinational corporations, as illustrated by the TikTok ban threat, presents both challenges and opportunities. It is neither entirely good nor bad but requires a nuanced approach that safeguards national interests while promoting an open, innovative, and interconnected global market. Transparent regulations, international cooperation, and constructive dialogue are essential to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.

Ultimately, what is needed now is a collaborative effort to establish global norms and standards that protect both national security and the benefits of globalisation. Governments and corporations must work together to develop frameworks that balance State sovereignty with the need for open markets and innovation. By doing so, they can create an environment where both national interests and global business can thrive, ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for all.

This article is authored by Ananya Raj Kakoti and Gunwant Singh, scholars of international relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Actor Aparshakti Khurana and Paresh Rawal will soon be seen in Badtameez Gill and the two are making the most from their shooting schedule. Khurana and Rawal recently recreated a famous scene from the latter's iconic 2000 film Hera Pheri. Aparshakti Khurana will be seen with Paresh Rawal.

Rawal, who played the role of Baburao in the comedy film played his part in the recreating the scene, whereas Khurana dubbed on Suniel Shetty's character Ghanshyam's dialogues. The dialogue was an exchange between Baburao and Ghanshyaam where the former complained about the constant coughing. Khurana wrote in the caption, "Hey Guys! We just got the simple remedy for cough in this tricky weather for you #DohGhoontLagaaoKhaansiBhagaao"

Check out Khurana's post -

Currently, Khurana is occupied with shooting for Badtameez Gill in London, a film that is said to explore family dynamics and also touches upon societal issues in India. Khurana will also be seen in Stree 2, which will release on Independence Day and will clash with Akshay Kumar's Khel Khel Mein and John Abraham's Vedaa. Khurana in an earlier interview with us had shared how the clash is not a bad thing.

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor responds to question about her marriage plans; Stree 2 producer shares details about third part of film

It is a long weekend with Independence Day and Rakhi all coming together. People are in for a treat. Its nice people will have choices. We are in a space right now where we have to root for each other. The current climate of the fraternity is such that I dont think people will be looking down upon each other or trying to pull each other down. Everybody will only be hoping that all three films work. That is eventually how you grow together as an industry, he had told us.
Grace, elegance and classthese words define the aura and fashion persona of actor Chitrangda Singh quite appropriately. Ask her how she sees it and she says, Fashion has been slightly instinctive for me. Having an army background, I used to see my mum and all these beautiful ladies around, being very feminine, proper and classic. Those are the things that stick in your head, and they form your own style. Thats why I have been very classic when it comes to my silhouettes and what I like. Chitrangda Singh radiates understated elegance in a black Banarasi silk saree adorned with peacock motifs by Vidhi Singhania. She complements the look with a statement nath featuring diamond and polki jadau from Tvisha Jewlz by Himanshu Khunteta(Vidhi Godha)

Actor Chitrangda Singh looks ethereal in this white anarkali with a heavily embroidered net dupatta featuring tassels, from W. Her look has been styled with polki diamond earrings with Russian emerald and rings from Tvisha Jewlz by Himanshu Khunteta(Vidhi Godha)

The actor admits that she is more informed now, and instinctively, I go for something classic and slightly understated elegant. I like being feminine but not too sexual or trying too many fads, she says, adding that her mother is her biggest fashion critic.

The way Singh carries a saree is a sight to behold, but the 47-year-old credits it all to the piece of clothing. She insists, Everyone looks sexy in a saree. You put it on anyone, and it just suddenly transforms you into a very feminine, sexual, delicate being. For my first film (Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi; 2003), I was in a saree, so that one thing kind of distinctly defined me as an actor at that time as I had minimal make up and accessories. Before me, there were Smita (Patil, actor) ji and Shabana (Azmi, actor) ji. I am not the first one, but sarees with me have been special.

The actor is a vision in this black Banarasi silk saree with peacock motifs from Vidhi Singhania. The outfit is paired with a statement nath with diamond and polki jadau from Tvisha Jewlz by Himanshu Khunteta(Vidhi Godha)

While for many actors, their characters can influence their fashion sense, but for Singh, it was the other way round. In Inkaar (2013), my character was a very strong woman, who is also feminine and not trying to be a man. The dresses that I wore were very fitted, understated, not covered yet still very structured. Thats something that I wanted to do, that was my fashion sense, she reveals.

Talk about her films and Singh admits that her filmography has a lesser number of films to her credit than what she would have liked. Ask her the reason behind it and she says, Its the lack of good offers. I am here to work but I dont want to work for the sake of it. Obviously, everyone needs money, but you dont want to compromise on your creative choices and how you see yourself and your potential. However, Singh adds that with the voices around, it did get difficult at times to stick her ground. Sometimes word goes around that arre, ye to difficult hai, and you get all kinds of labels like arrogant and stubborn very easily, just because you dont want to adhere to the norms. But I found these labels very weird because I love cinema, she says.

Chitrangda looks enchanting in a brown lehenga with mirror work as well as aari and dabka embroidery. Paired with a short choli from Mynah by Reynu Taandon, the playful patterns make it a fun bridal piece for any function. The look has been styled with polki and diamond earrings from Shree Jee Jewellers Jaipur. Beaded with pink tourmalines, they are inspired by both Mughal-era and art deco styles. The designer and the jeweller are participating in the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend on August 3 and 4, at Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi (Vidhi Godha)

The actor thanks her audience for keeping her always relevant. No matter however much you work, there will only be those four or five films that people will remember you for. Today, everything has become about numbers, but eventually, the audience will remember what they have connected with and thankfully, I have done a few such roles that the audience has connected with, she says.

Creative Director and Producer: Shara Ashraf Prayag

Stylist: Leepakshi Ellawadi

Styling Assistant: Arpita Advani

Talent Coordination: Kavita Awaasthi

Photos: Vidhi Godha

Hair and Makeup: Severine Perina

Production Assistants: Shweta Sunny, Zahera Kayanat and Yashasvi Pandey

Location: Intercontinental Marine Drive Mumbai
Although Wamiqa Gabbi and Taha Shah Badussha's chemistry almost took over the sartorial regalia that was Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla's Asal & Mard show at the Hyundai India Couture Week, in association with Reliance Brands Limited, an FDCI initiative, there's no denying the powerful kickstart the showstoppers have given to the keynote fashion event currently underway in New Delhi. While each look and strut calls for its own decoding, what appears to have the internet in a chokehold is Wamiqa in a veil, an aesthetically weighed down and netted one at that. Here's decoding Wamiqa's look as well as other key celebrities who have aced this aesthetic previously. Wamiqa Gabbi at India Couture Week, Deepika Padukone for her wedding reception

Wamiqa Gabbi

The actor opened the show dressed in ivory from head to toe. The trail lehenga from the iconic designer duo's Botanical Bloom line, featured a sweetheart cut blouse carrying ivory silk threads and gold resham embroidery. Pearls and crystals embellished the svelte volume of the lehenga. While each of these make for standout details in their own right, what truly stole the show and tied the look together was the beaded, netted veil. The geometric cuts and weighed down look of the veil treaded the line between tradition and high-fashion, easily becoming one of the top highlights from the show.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has served uncountable fashion moments across her decades long career. The former Miss World and actor's Met Gala 2018 look however, has a fanbase of its own. Taking the red carpet in a tart velveteen burgundy gown from Ralph Lauren, the desi girl had heads turning, courtesy of her bejeweled hood studded with red Swarovski crystals and golden beads. Though essentially a specimen of hooded couture, the netted build of the cagey ensemble detail, coupled with the fact that it trailed down into her train, makes it a worthy placeholder in this list.

Deepika Padukone

Veils were clearly all the rage back in 2018. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh returned to Mumbai after their high-profile, intimate wedding at the exotic Lake Como in Italy. The reception that they hosted made for quite a welcome break from the all the ethnic revelry. A newlywed Deepika stunned in a bespoke all-red Zuhair Murad ensemble. While the thigh-high slit, bead and sequin work and plunging neckline were of course the key details of the look, what truly stood out was the 180-veil, also in red, sparsely dripping in beads.

Sonam Kapoor

Always setting trends with her sartorial choices, Sonam Kapoor was truly a vision to behold back in 2017 when she turned muse for Ralph & Russo. The actor took the runway at the Autumn Winter Couture Week in Paris dressed in a thoroughly embroidered white bridal peplum gown. The tulle veil, also embroidered with fluid floral motifs stood out for the fact that it was rooted in stunning head jewellery encasing her head and bun, rather similar to the mathapatti brides wear in India.

Rhea Kapoor

Celebrity stylist and producer Rhea Kapoor knows how to pull out all the stops when it comes to dressing her clients. She however, outdid herself for her own wedding. Dressed in a chanderi saree from Anamika Khanna, the ivory look was capped off with the most delicate pearl veil tastefully crafted by luxury bridal and fine jewellery house, Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas. This look makes for a masterclass is artful subtlety.

Do you think veil couture is here to stay?
Two Indian astronauts will undergo training at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)s Johnson Space Center in the American state of Texas beginning in August, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said. One of the two astronauts would go on the India-US mission to the ISS. (X)

President Joe Biden announced plans to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2023 during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US. One of the two astronauts, who earlier received basic training at Moscows Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, would go on the India-US mission to the ISS. American private firms SpaceX and Axiom are expected to execute the mission by the end of 2024 and help Indian astronauts gain the necessary expertise.

Former ISRO chairman K Sivan said the mission will expose Indian astronauts to the new technology. This is an extremely important step towards the Gaganyaan programme, he said, referring to the plan to send three astronauts to an orbit of 400 km for a short-duration mission on board an Indian launch vehicle.

ISRO is developing new technologies in engineering and human-centric systems. The Astronaut Training Centre in Bengaluru offers training modules covering academic courses, Gaganyaan flight systems, micro-gravity familiarisation through parabolic flights, aero-medical training, recovery and survival training, mastering of flight procedures, and training on crew training simulators. Periodical flying practice and yoga are also included as part of the training, ISRO said.

The Gaganyaan mission is expected to happen by 2026. Group Captains Prashanth Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla have been selected for it.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma spent eight days in space aboard the Salyut 7 space station in 1984 as part of a collaboration between India and the Soviet Union.
A 24-year-old woman was murdered with her throat slit in a paying guest (PG) accommodation at VR Layout in Bengalurus Koramangala area, police said on Wednesday. 24-year-old Bihar woman murdered in Koramangala PG, probe on

The incident occurred on Tuesday night, police said, suspecting that the unknown assailant could be one of the acquaintances of the deceased, identified as Kriti Kumari (24), a native of Bihar. Preliminary investigation suggested that the assailant entered the PG between 11.10 pm and 11.30 pm, armed with a knife and attacked Kriti near her room on the third floor, slashing her throat before fleeing, a senior police officer said, adding the woman died on the spot.

Warning : Disturbing visuals below

Kriti Kumari hailed from Bihar. She was working in a private company in the city, the officer said, requesting anonymity, adding police authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, examining her mobile phone, call record details.

Police are reviewing CCTV camera footage and inspecting the spot to determine her last contacts and trace the events leading up to the murder. The CCTV camera footage shows Kriti and the man, believed to be the assailant and an acquaintance of the woman, returning to the PG a little past 11pm. It is believed a quarrel between them in her room led to the attack. Three special teams have been formed to track down the suspect, the officer said.

Kriti had moved into the PG just two days before the incident. The man, seen carrying luggage, was allowed entry by PG security when Kriti claimed he was her brother and that he would leave soon, police said.

The young woman from Bihar, working in the tech industry, was murdered in her PG in Koramangala, additional commissioner of police Raman Gupta told reporters. The accused is still at large, and a search operation is ongoing. We are also examining the security protocols of PG accommodations as part of the probe.

Koramangala Police Inspector Nataraj told HT, We have registered a case under section103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation. The accused fled soon after the incident. Efforts are underway to nab him.

In another incident, a man shot dead his elder brother and his nephew in Hampasandra village, Gudibande taluk, Chikkaballapur district, over a longstanding land dispute and family feud, police said. The accused, identified as Bashir Ahmed (60), was arrested by Bagepally police from his wifes house.

The incident occurred on Wednesday around 5.30 am, when Bashir Ahmed shot his brothers son, Nazir Saab, who was on his way to offer Namaz. He then attacked his brother, Mahbub Saab, with a machete, killing him. Mahbub succumbed to his injuries at Nimhans Hospital in Bengaluru.

The motive behind the murders was a property dispute between the brothers and Bashir Ahmeds suspicion that his brother and nephew were responsible for his wife, Shaheed, living separately from him. The accused confessed to the police that he committed the murders due to the land dispute and family enmity.
Fifty seven officers have joined the government through lateral entry at the joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary levels, minister of state for personnel, public grievances, and pensions Jitender Singh told Parliament. A joint secretary is the highest position an entrant can be appointed to under the lateral entry policy. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

A joint secretary is the highest position an entrant can be appointed to under the lateral entry policy, which was introduced for specialists who are not career civil servants. A lateral entrants three-year tenure is extendable at the governments discretion.

Singh said that 63 appointments have been made to date through lateral entry and 35 of them were from the private sector. The lateral recruitment, at the levels of Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary in [the] Government of India, has been undertaken since 2018 to appoint persons for specific assignments, keeping in view their specialized knowledge and expertise in the domain area. So far 63 appointments have been made through lateral entry out of which 35 appointments have been from [the] private sector. Presently, 57 officers are in position in Ministries/Departments. Eligible candidates from reserved categories are considered along with other eligible candidates. However, reservation is not applicable to such single post appointment, Singh said in response to a question from Lok Sabha member Ramprit Mandal on the appointments and reservation policy related to the lateral entry.

Lateral entry was introduced for experienced professionals with domain knowledge to undertake specific assignments. Such officers play an important role in the policymaking and execution of policies. Group A service officers hold the posts of joint secretary, director, or deputy secretary in central ministers. In 2018, the Centre opened 10 vacancies for joint secretary-level officers through lateral entry.

At the 2019 Hindustan Times Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the importance of bringing in professionals through lateral entry. There are very talented people in society. They also want to contribute to running such a big country. They should get opportunities...to give them an opportunity, we have developed a special mechanism, that too in an organised way and not on the whims of the government. It is through [Public service recruiter] UPSC [Union Public Service Commission].
In a major development, a CBI court on Wednesday rejected the central probe agency's closure report in the case related to the encounter of Rajasthan gangster Anandpal Singh, and directed that a case be filed under various charges, including murder, against the police personnel involved. A photo of Anandpal Singh posted on a Facebook page.

The order was passed by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Yuvraj Singh on a petition by Anandpal's wife Raj Kanwar against the closure report of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that gave clean chit to the-then Churu SP Rahul Barhat, DSP (Kuchaman City) Vidhya Prakash, Inspector Surya Veer Singh, head constables Kailash Chandra and Sohan Singh, and constables Dharmpal and Dharmveer.

The accused are to be booked under charges of rioting (IPC sections 147 and 148), murder (302), voluntarily causing grievous injury by dangerous weapons (324, 325, 326) read with section 149 (holding individuals accountable for an offence committed by a group), the judge ruled.

A dreaded gangster, Anandpal Singh was killed in a police encounter in Churu's Malasar village on June 24, 2017. The police team claimed that after cordoning off the house where he was hiding, they asked him to surrender but he began firing instead, and was killed in the ensuing operation.

However, following massive protests by the Rajput community, which alleged 'foul play,' the Rajasthan government, then headed by Vasundhara Raje Scindia of the BJP, handed over the case to the CBI in December 2017.

In August 2019, the agency closed the case, concluding through its probe that the encounter wasn't 'fake.' In May last year, Anandpal's family moved court against the closure.

Anandpal had surrendered

Bhanwar Singh, the counsel of Raj Kanwar, the deceased gangster's spouse, said that after hearing both sides, the CBI court observed that the 42-year-old had surrendered but was shot dead.

When the police reached the house, Anandpal was present on the roof. They asked his brother Rupender to convince him to surrender, assuring both that they will not harm Anandpal. He surrendered but the police beat him up and shot him from a close range, Singh earlier told the court.

Cartridges were found of the roof where Anandpal was shot, while the police had claimed that they fired from the ground and did not go up. DSP Vidhya Prakash's presence on the spot has also not been mentioned by the CBI, though the used cartridge from his pistol had been found on the roof, he added.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: India has received a formal diplomatic communication from the Bangladesh government objecting to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees remarks about giving shelter to any Bangladeshi citizens fleeing the neighbouring country while it was rocked by violent protests. (Twitter Photo)

Banerjee made the remarks last weekend as cities across Bangladesh were hit by protests against government job quotas that claimed more than 150 lives and injured hundreds more. The Central government had made it clear at the time that a state chief minister had no locus standi in such matters.

Bangladesh foreign minister Hasan Mahmud said on Wednesday that his ministry had sent a diplomatic note on the issue to the Indian side.

I can confirm that we have received a diplomatic note from the Bangladeshi side protesting the comments made the chief minister of West Bengal. It is essentially on the lines that you may have seen in the [media] reports, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a regular media briefing.

Jaiswal emphasised that according to the list of subject matters allocated to the Central government under the 7th Schedule of the Constitution, the conduct of foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country are the sole prerogatives of the Union government.

Giving an update on the status of Indian nationals in Bangladesh, Jaiswal said more than 6,700 Indian students had come back from the neighbouring country so far. The Indian side received excellent cooperation from the Bangladesh government for the repatriation of the students, and the Indian high commission in Dhaka had arranged their safe and secure travel to border crossing points and airports.

Being a close neighbour with whom we share warm and friendly ties, we are hopeful that the situation in the country would return to normal soon, he said.

Jaiswal reiterated that India considers the ongoing situation to be an internal matter of Bangladesh. The Indian side continues to closely follow the developments in Bangladesh, and the mission in Dhaka and four assistant high commissions will continue helping Indian citizens in need of any assistance.

Banerjees remarks on July 21  about providing shelter in West Bengal to people from Bangladesh who are in distress  had not gone down well with the Central government or the Bangladeshi administration.

I should not be speaking on the affairs of Bangladesh since it is a sovereign nation, and whatever needs to be said on the issue is a subject matter of the Centre. But I can tell you this, if helpless people come knocking on the doors of [West] Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter, Banerjee had said at a rally in Kolkata.

Responding to Banerjees comments, Bangladesh foreign minister Mahmud said: With due respect to chief minister Mamata Banerjee, I would like to say we have excellent relations with her...But her remarks created confusion to some extent, and there is scope [for people] to be misled.
Mamata Banerjee's remarks on providing shelter to the 'helpless people from Bangladesh have been called provocative by its government in a protest to the High Commission of India, according to reports. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee (File Photo)

The High Commission was told that West Bengal chief minister's statement on the internal affairs' of Bangladesh, also contained inaccuracies, and that the authorities in capital Dhaka and elsewhere, were trying to restore normalcy.

The development comes after Dr Mohammed Hasan Mahmud, the neighbouring country's foreign minister and a senior member of the ruling Awami League party, said that the words of Banerjee, whose state shares border with Bangladesh, could create confusion and mislead' people.

With due respect to chief minister Mamata Banerjee, I would like to say, we have excellent relations with her. But her comments created confusion to some extent, and there is a scope to be misled, Mahmud stated in an interaction with the press.

Earlier, while speaking about Bangladesh's student-led anti-quota movement, which turned violent last week, Banerjee declared that her state will provide shelter to helpless people who come knocking on our doors.

The West Bengal CM, who was addressing her Trinamool Congress' (TMC) annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata, cited a UN resolution to justify her offer.

That is because of a United Nations resolution to accommodate refugees in regions adjacent to the ones under turmoil, she asserted.

Her remarks came on a day when, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, in an urgent hearing, refused to strike down the quota in civil services jobs, but scaled back the reservation for the kin of the 1971 Liberation War veterans  the biggest bone of contention  from 30% to just 5%  while 93% of jobs (up from 44%) will now be allocated on merit. The remaining 2% (earlier 26%) jobs will be set aside for specific groups, including ethnic minorities, transgenders, and the disabled.

The quota was withdrawn in 2018 by the South Asian nation following mass student protests, but was reinstated by a high court in June this year, leading to the latest agitation. However, it was prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Razakar comment that angered the students, and led to the escalation in protests.
Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi triggered a political uproar on Thursday after he claimed the BJP-led Central government has curbed the freedom of speech of the controversial Khadoor Sahib MP, Amritpal Singh. Reacting to the remark, BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, who had a heated exchange with the former Punjab chief minister in the Lok Sabha, said Channi was behaving like a traitor. Charanjit Singh Channi speaking in the Lok Sabha during the monsoon session of Parliament. (ANI)

"A former CM is behaving like a traitor and is misleading the entire country through the House. He said that the NSA has been slapped on farmers. But who has it been slapped on - on those who wanted to break the country and Punjab? He said that the NSA has been invoked against farmers and this is incorrect. An ex-CM has spoken about breaking the country and Punjab. Congress and Rahul Gandhi were sitting before him and making him say it. When we told him to bring evidence to the Floor of the House, he went on backfoot and had no reply. Congress party and the entire INDI Alliance are ashamed due to him," Bittu said.

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma claimed Channi spoke in support of terrorists and should be expelled by the Congress.

Charanjit Singh Channi is speaking in support of terrorists and is working on the instructions of some anti-national elements in Canada. Congress should expel him. If Congress fails to act against him, then it means that they are also affiliated with such anti-national people, he said.

Speaking during the debate on the Budget, Charanjit Singh Channi claimed the BJP government has imposed an undeclared emergency in the country.

Also read: 'Elected MP Amritpal Singh behind bars': Congress MP Channi takes jibe at Centre

"They (BJP) speak about Emergency every day. But what about the undeclared Emergency in the country today?... This too is the Emergency that a man who was elected as an MP by 20 lakh people in Punjab is behind bars under the NSA. He is unable to present the views of the people of his constituency, here. This too is an Emergency," he added.

Channi claimed farmers were declared as Khalistani when they asked for their rights.

Reacting to Channi's remarks, union minister Pralhad Joshi said the matter linked to Amritpal Singh is sub-judice.

"This issue is in court. Serious allegations are against him (Amritpal Singh). It's not right to talk about it in the Parliament. It's before the people, what Congress has done. He (Charanjit Singh Channi) was not there during the Emergency, so he didn't know what was the condition then. Today, they keep commenting over the PM, was it possible to make such comments over Indira Gandhi, during the Emergency?" he said.

Union minister Giriraj Singh accused the Congress of supporting pro-Khalistan elements.

"On Channi's statement, I would only say that Indira Gandhi's assassin was a Khalistani and the Congress is supporting Khalistanis. Waah re Congress, Jai Channi. This is an attack on India's sovereignty. Action should be taken on this...Congress ka haath, Khalistanion ke saath," he said.

With inputs from ANI, PTI
The Bihar assembly on Wednesday passed a bill to curb instances of paper leaks and malpractices in government recruitment exams, stipulating penalties of three to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to 10 lakh, even as the Opposition staged a walkout over the non-implementation of a law that enhanced caste-based reservation before it was struck down by the Patna high court earlier this year. Economic Offences Unit officials leave with the accused arrested in the NEET paper leak case, in Patna, on Sunday. (PTI)

The passage of the Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 by voice vote in the House came at a time when Bihar is embroiled in a raging controversy over paper leaks during key examinations, including the National Eligibility Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG), which has led to the arrest of 25 people by the Central Bureau of Investigation and state police.

The legislation was moved by state parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary amid a walkout by the Opposition.

Speaking in the House, Chaudhary said the legislation was introduced with the future of lakhs of young men and women in mind.

He also hit out at the Opposition, saying: What problem can the Opposition have if such elements who tamper with the exam system are booked? This is sad, but the people are watching..

Speaking to reporters later, Chaudhary said: We have said in the House that there is a need to make a strict law against the malpractice or use of unfair means in examinations. You all know that right now, the issue of NEET has reached the Supreme Court. It is true that today there is a need to restore transparency and credibility in public examinations. Those who use unfair means play with the future of the intelligent, hardworking students of our state. You must have seen that in this bill, strict rules have been made against those who commit such irregularities.

As per the provisions of the legislation, those found involved in malpractices can face a prison term of three to five years and a penalty of 10 lakh. Service providers, a term used to describe agencies entrusted with conducting such tests, could be slapped with a fine of 1 crore besides debarment of services for up to four years and even attachment of properties, Chaudhary said in the House. A portion of the total cost of conducting such an examination will also be recovered from the offending service provider, he added.

The bill also provides for up to 10 years of prison, 1 crore fine and confiscation of property if the involvement of organised gangs is established.

The minister said the investigating officers in such cases shall not be below the rank of a deputy superintendent of police.

RJD MLA and former minister Lalit Yadav said: We did not participate in the passage of the bill, though we had moved amendments. When the government was not ready to listen to our demand on reservations, there was no point participating in the debate on the bills. The chief minister was speaking about what he wanted to do, but what we were highlighting was what he could not do.

The state was earlier in the news for paper leaks during the Bihar Public Service Commissions (BPSC) Teachers Recruitment Exam in March. The exam was cancelled by BPSC later and conducted again this month.

In February, Parliament passed a bill that aims to curb malpractices and irregularities in competitive examinations.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday compared former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy to slain Columbian narco-terrorist, Pablo Escobar. Releasing a white paper in the assembly, Naidu claimed Andhra Pradesh had become the "Ganja capital" of the country under Reddy's rule. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. (PTI file photo)

Lambasting Reddy over the alleged law-and-order problems during his tenure, the TDP chief said he had never seen a situation like that in Andhra Pradesh in his decades-long career.

"There was only one person who can compare to what happened in Andhra, drug lord Pablo Escobar," Naidu said, per India Today.

Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord, he was a narco-terrorist. He turned politician and then started his cartel to sell drugs. He earned 30 billion Dollars at that time. He was arrested in 1976 and in 1980 he became the number one richest drug lord in the world. One can become richer by selling drugs as well. What was the aim of the former chief minister (YS Jagan)? Tata, Reliance, and the Ambanis have money. He wanted to become richer than them. Few have needs, few have greed and few have mania and these maniacs do these kinds of things, he said, per ANI.

Naidu claimed during Jagan Mohan Reddy's rule, Ganja used to be easily available in every village of the state.

Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was killed by Colombian special forces in 1993.

Naidu also accused Jagan Mohan Reddy of targeting TDP leaders by filing cases against them.

Jagan Mohan Reddy's protest

On Wednesday, YSRCP President Jagan Mohan Reddy attacked the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government, claiming there had been lawlessness in Andhra Pradesh.

"We stand before this country in Delhi and we question whether democracy is prevalent or not in Andhra Pradesh, where the word democracy means equitable justice and today in the state. Equitable justice is denied and democracy stands limping," the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister said.

Also read: Colombians grapple with a big problem: Late drug baron Pablo Escobars wandering hippos

"Within 45 days of the government coming into power, you have a situation where more than 30 people are murdered and assaults are taking place, which led to attempts of murder and several properties vandalised. Where you have 490 government properties, they have also been vandalised. You have more than 1000 cases where assaults are taking place," Reddy told reporters.

Reddy protested against the state government at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav also joined him.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday announced that his government would order a thorough investigation by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) into the alleged irregularities in liquor trade in the state during the previous YSR Congress party government. The chief minister also announced that his government would revamp the excise department and bring in a new excise policy in the coming days. (PTI)

After a comprehensive inquiry, we shall even recommend to the Centre for a further probe by the Enforcement Directorate, if necessary, Naidu said, while presenting a white paper on the excise policy implemented by the previous government.

The chief minister also announced that his government would revamp the excise department and bring in a new excise policy in the coming days.

Explaining the flaws in the excise policy implemented by the YS Jagan Mohan-led government, Naidu said the previous YSRCP government had forgotten its promise on implementation of prohibition of liquor in a phased manner over a period of five years.

It claimed to have reduced retail liquor outlets from 4,380 to 2,934 initially, but the number went up again to 3,392. The number of bars, too, remained 840, he said.

He pointed out that the prices of liquor had been increased abnormally over a period of time on the pretext that it would discourage people from consuming liquor, which would ultimately lead to improvement in their quality of life.

On the contrary, there was an increase in consumption of liquor. The per capita consumption, which was 5.55 litres in 2019-20, went up to 6.23 litres in 2023-24. It also led to illicit liquor distillation and inflow of non-duty paid liquor. Due to abnormally high liquor prices in the state, there was large scale smuggling of liquor from the neighbouring states of Telangana and Karnataka, he said.

Even though prices of liquor were very high between 2019-24, consumption went up. However, there was no corresponding increase in revenue for the state government. In fact, the government recorded a loss of revenue from liquor to the extent of 18,860.51 crore in the last five years.

This additional revenue was pocketed by the YSRCP leaders. The government took over the liquor business. It had stopped procuring popular liquor brands available in other parts of the country and introduced low-quality liquor brands manufactured by the YSRCP leaders, forcing the people to buy them at very high rates, he said.

The previous government discouraged digital payments at the liquor outlets and forced consumers to do cash transactions to benefit the ruling party leaders, Naidu alleged. Only in the last quarter of 2023-24, the government allowed digital payments, he said.

Naidu added that liquor prices will have to be made affordable and there is a need to increase the number of de-addiction centres.
The government on Wednesday admitted in the Lok Sabha that a server of the state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was breached. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) had reported a possible intrusion and data breach at BSNL on May 20. A probe later found that the sample of breached data shared by CERT-In was similar to the data on one of BSNLs storage servers, the government said in Parliament. A woman speaks on her mobile phone in front of the BSNL office in Kolkata. (Reuters Photo)

The government has also formed an interministerial committee to audit telecom networks and suggest remedial measures to prevent data breaches, minister of state for communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said in a written response to a question by Congress MP Amar Singh.

CERT-In reported a possible intrusion & Data Breach at BSNL on 20.05.2024. The same was analysed and found that one File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server was having the data similar to the sample data shared by CERT-In. No breach in Home Location Register (HLR) of Telecom Network has been reported by Equipment Manufacturer, hence no service outage in BSNLs network. However, as a remedial measure to prevent such probable breach, BSNL has taken steps i.e. access passwords to all similar FTP servers have been changed and instructions to maintain air-gap for End Points have been issued, Sekhar wrote in his response.

On May 29, a user named kiberphant0m had posted on Breach Forums, a well-known website for black-hat hackers to sell (or claim to sell) hacked data, that they had hacked data from BSNL and were willing to sell it for $5,000. This user claimed that the hacked data included IMSI number (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), SIM number, HLR (Home Location Register, a database with of all active users of a mobile network which includes details of their porting history, call routing details, etc.) and other details.

HT called two of the numbers given in the sample screenshot posted by the user and both numbers were BSNL numbers. HT could not verify the other details in the screenshot as the customers we called had forgotten details about duration of calls made in early May as well as recharge details. HT has also reached out to kiberphant0m via the Telegram link given by the user (to negotiate price) to find out if they still have access to any BSNL servers.
New Delhi: The Delhi high court on Thursday refused to pass an order stopping the streaming of the Oscar-nominated Netflix documentary To Kill a Tiger, based on the gang rape of a 13-year-old girl, saying that the same has been running on the OTT platform since March 10. A poster of the film To Kill a Tiger (Representative Photo)

A bench of acting chief justice Manmohan and justice Tushar Rao Gedela, however, issued notice in the petition filed by Tulir Charitable Trust and fixed October 8 as the next date of hearing.

Counsel for respondent number 5 (Netflix) states that the documentary has been released on March 10. Accordingly, this court is of the view that no ad interim order is necessary at this stage, the court said in the order.

In its petition, the Trust had also sought action against the documentarys director Nisha Pahuja and Netflix for violating the provision of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO), asserting that the film disclosed the minors identity.

The petition stated that the minors consent was not only vitiated, but it was also conditional since the director commenced shooting the documentary when the former was a minor and only obtained her consent after 3.5 years of shooting once she turned adult.

Netflixs counsel submitted that the OTT platform at the time of filming had obtained her parents consent, and the victim was not a child when the documentary was published. The counsel further pointed out that the documentary was released on March 10, 2024, and the trust since then had knowledge about the same.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday witnessed a rare clash between two benches with one raising questions of judicial impropriety against the other for taking up the contempt matter against the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for tree-felling in the Ridge area in Delhi and referred the matter to the chief justice of India (CJI) to determine which bench should continue hearing the case. The justice BR Gavai-led bench is the specially designated forest bench that issued the notice of contempt against DDA for alleged felling of trees in the ridge on April 24. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

A three-judge bench headed by justice BR Gavai on Wednesday said, On the question of propriety when one bench is seized of the contempt proceedings, should the other bench have proceeded in contempt? The other bench has not adhered to judicial propriety, questioning the manner in which hearing was initiated on the contempt plea against DDA by a bench led by justice AS Oka.

The justice Gavai-led bench is the specially designated forest bench that issued the notice of contempt against DDA for alleged felling of trees in the ridge on April 24 this year while hearing an application in the TN Godavarman batch matters relating to protection of forests and wildlife.

The same issue arose in a separate contempt petition filed against DDA by a public-spirited person, Bindu Kapurea, and was entertained by another bench headed by justice Oka. On May 14, this bench issued contempt notices and hauled up the land-owning agency for felling trees in ridge area for widening of a road leading to SAARC University and a hospital for central armed paramilitary forces in Satbari. It was in these proceedings the court also called in question the role of the Delhi lieutenant governor VK Saxena in ordering the felling of trees and examined lapses on part of the Delhi government and the Tree Authority in failing to check the chopping of more than 800 trees even as permission was sought by DDA for felling only 422 trees.

The forest bench headed by justice Gavai, also comprising justices PK Mishra and KV Viswanathan, kept the matter before it in abeyance and said, In order to avoid further conflicting orders, we find it appropriate that matters pertaining to the ridge area which are being monitored by this court in the TN Godavarman case be placed before the CJI for taking instructions for the matter to be decided by one and the same bench.

Advocate K Parmeshwar, assisting the court as amicus curiae, informed the bench that the contempt matter before the bench led by justice Oka made substantial progress, and orders were passed stalling further road construction, recovery of cut trees, and inquiry to determine number of trees cut and fixing of responsibility on authorities for flouting court orders.

Additional solicitor general (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared for Centre, confirmed that she had informed the other bench about a similar matter pending before the forest bench.

The court said in its order, It would have been more appropriate for the other bench to seek clarification from the CJI before initiating contempt proceedings for the same course of action to ascertain which bench should continue hearing the contempt proceedings.

DDA was represented in the proceedings by senior advocate Vikas Singh, who said that due to orders passed by the other bench, a 7m road cannot be widened to 24m, and this has hampered the operationalisation of the hospital situated in the vicinity. He informed the bench that permission for constructing the hospital was granted by the top court in the TN Godavarman matter in 2018, and an amount of 2,200 crore was spent on its construction.

The petitioner in the other matter, Kapurea, represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, also intervened by pointing out that before the other bench, DDA categorically stated that it has withdrawn the road-widening project. The counsel said it was open for the authority to raise these arguments before the other bench where the matter has been argued, and the next date of hearing is July 31.

Justice Gavai said, Since the time I have started presiding over this bench, I have been passing orders with regard to the Delhi ridge for the past two years. Why are you averse to getting a clarification from the CJI? It does not matter to us which bench hears the matter. We only want judicial propriety.

In a related case, the court dealt with a recent report filed by a central empowered committee (CEC), assisting the forest bench in environment protection cases, that detailed a shocking situation about depletion of ridge forest cover in Delhi. In May, the court had sought responses from DDA, the Union government and the Delhi government on the report, but none of the authorities filed any reply.

The report pointed out that notification was issued in 1984 to classify 7,784 hectares as the Ridge forest area but the final notification under Section 20 of Indian Forest Act (notifying the land as reserved forest) was issued for an area of 103.48 hectares, roughly 1.33% of the total ridge forest area. The notified area of 103 hectares includes 14.18 hectares in Chattarpur and 89.30 hectares in Rangpuri.

CEC also raised questions on the management of ridge land as 5% of ridge area was under encroachment and rate of diversion of land for non-forest purposes was on the rise.

Posting the matter in August, the bench took exception to lack of responses filed by the concerned authorities and governments, and gave four weeks as a last chance. The court warned that in the event no responses are filed, it will not hesitate from summoning the chief secretary of Delhi and vice-chairman of DDA.

The Ridge in Delhi is the tail end of the ancient Aravalli Hills, extending from Gujarat all through Rajasthan and Haryana before ending in Delhi. It is the green lung of the city, home to a variety of flora and fauna, and plays a crucial role in cutting down the effects of pollution.

The original notification for the ridge issued in 1994 covered an area of 7,777 hectares and was extended in 1996 to include Nanakpura Ridge under section 4 of Forest Act, taking the total notified ridge reserve forest space to 7,784 hectares. The Ridge is under ownership of multiple agencies with substantial portion under DDA.
Delhi witnessed scattered rainfall on Thursday morning as temperatures and humidity are expected to remain high, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Light rains scattered across Delhi on July 25

Also Read: Rain lashes parts of Capital, waterlogging triggers snarls

Early morning showers were experienced in areas such as Dwarka, Lajpat Nagar and ITO in Delhi. However, the IMD forecasted that the city is expected to see above-normal temperatures and a rise in humidity.

Also Read: Delhis shocking truth: Exposed wires, rains, and the apathy that follows

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi on July 25 but predicts that the rest of the week might turn to a green alert as well.

Also Read: Traffic jams, waterlogging across Gurugram after heavy rain lashes city

Along with generally cloudy skies, the maximum temperature is 39.05 degrees celsius and minimum temperature is 30 degrees celsius. AQI in Delhi is 219 today, making it unhealthy.

Delhi and Noida experienced heavy rains in isolated areas on July 24 as well due to a monsoon trough that led to thunderstorms over the region. According to the IMD, as the monsoon trough moves away on July 25, rainfall is once again set to reduce in the national capital.

In June, Delhi received the highest rainfall recorded in 88 years with 228 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. IMD data from July 24 shows that Delhi has not met its average rainfall requirements for the month of July.

The IMD also predicted exceptionally heavy rainfall in the Gujarat region, going over 40 cm. Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and Central India are also expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, lasting 2-5 days.

Isolated areas of Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are also likely to face heavy rains. A cyclonic circulation above Jharkhand is likely to be responsible for rains in the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that it expects Canada to take action against anti-India elements who have repeatedly threatened Indian leaders. He also accused the country of having double standards. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

We expect Canada to take action against anti-India elements who have repeatedly threatened Indian leaders, institutions, airlines and diplomats with violence, said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

The Ministry of External Affairs' response came after Canadian law enforcement recently arrested two persons in connection with online death threats against Justin Trudeau.

He said that when a democracy uses different standards to measure or implement the rule of law and freedom of expression, it only reveals its double standards.

We would like to see the same level of action on the threats posed to us, Jaiswal added.

On June 6, 23-year-old Mason John Baker, 23, a resident of Calgary in Alberta, was charged with uttering threats. On May 10, 2024, INSET had received information that a user of the social media platform X, had allegedly posted threats to kill Trudeau, the release stated.

On June 13, 67-year-old Garry Belzevick, 67, a resident of Edmonton, was arrested for allegedly uttering similar threats against Trudeau. Those alleged threats, in a YouTube post that INSET learnt about on June 7, were directed not just at Trudeau but also Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh.

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya on Wednesday said that Khalistani extremists were polluting Canada.

In response to separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannuns video telling him and his Hindu friends to go back to India, Arya said Canada is their land and it is being polluted by Khalistani extremists.

"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).

The Canadian MP also expressed concern over the escalating incidents of hate-fueled violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities.
When YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) lawmaker V Vijaisai Reddy criticised the Union Budget in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday  alleging that injustice was done to Andhra Pradesh in the budget and that it has nothing for the middle class  it indicated a deviation in the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led partys stance of being a fence-sitter ready to support the Centre in Parliament that it exhibited over the last five years. YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy. (PTI)

Not only the YSRCP, former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaiks Biju Janata Dal, too, has shown a similar change. Though both parties continue to maintain a distance from the Congress, YSRCP has signaled it is ready to support some of the INDIA bloc constituents while the BJD, too, has taken opposition alike steps recently.

Vijaisai Reddy told HT that his party will give issued based support to the INDIA bloc while BJD leader in Rajya Sabha Sasmit Patra denied any truck with the opposition coalition even as the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the third-largest party in Parliament, said communication channels have been opened with the BJD.

With two powerful alliances in place, the room for fence-sitters have considerably shrunk. It is in the best interest of smaller partiesfor all practical reasonsto coordinate with at least one group in Parliament, P Sreedharan, former Lok Sabha secretary general, said.

When the Opposition INDIA bloc decided to boycott Prime Minister Narendra Modis reply to the Presidents address in the Rajya Sabha on July 3, the BJD also staged a walkout. Similarly, on July 24, when the INDIA bloc stormed out of the Rajya Sabha to protest a discriminatory budget, the BJD also followed suit.

A senior BJD leader said the regional party did not join the Opposition but walked out separately, to which a non-Congress INDIA bloc leader said: The end result was same.

Two Opposition leaders, however, said the only stumbling block for the YSRCP and BJD from joining the Opposition ranks is the grand old party. Congress is the traditional rival of BJD and YSRCP, which was formed after former Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy left the Congress, an Opposition leader said.

The Congress has improved its strength to 98 MPs in the Lok Sabha and holds the leader of the Opposition posts in both Houses of Parliament besides being the largest partner in the INDIA bloc. We cant do without the Congress and parties such as YSRCP, BJD or even BRS (another fence-sitter) cant be a part of our team, a second Opposition leader said.

But, YSRCPs issue-based support and the BJDs synchronised moves are a big success, a senior non-Congress leader maintained.
The 15th finance commission did not find much merit in the request to expand the scope of disasters eligible for financial assistance and hence extreme heat is not yet considered to be a natural disaster or calamity eligible for assistance, the earth sciences ministry informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Finance Commission refuses to include extreme heat on list of natural disasters

Responding to another question, the ministry added that heat wave deaths are reducing in the country due to better weather prediction.

Congress leader from Jharkhand and MP Sukhdeo Bhagat asked the minister of earth sciences, Jitendra Singh details of the deaths caused due to heatwaves from 2013 till date, by state, and steps being taken or proposed to be taken by the government to tackle heatwaves , and whether there is any proposal to classify heatwaves as a national calamity.

Presently the notified list of disasters eligible for National Disaster Response Fund/State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) assistance, includes 12 disasters namely cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack and frost and cold wave. The issue of inclusion of more calamities in the existing notified list of calamities, was considered by the 15thFinance Commission. The Commission in para 8.143 of its report had observed that the list of notified disasters eligible for funding from State Disaster Response Mitigation Fund (SDRMF) and National Disaster Response Mitigation Fund (NDRMF) covers the needs of the state to large extent and thus did not find much merit in the request to expand its scope, Singh responded.

However, a sate can use up to 10% of the annual funds allocation of SDRF, subject to fulfilment of certain conditions , to provide immediate relief to the victims of natural disasters that they consider to be disasters within the local and immediate context, and which are not included in the centrally notified list of natural disasters, he added.

Jitendra Singh added that the increase in heat waves is linked to climate change. It is a fact that annual temperature is increasing globally, and the impact of the same is reflected in the increase in heatwaves in various parts of the globe, including India.

As expected following an extreme summer with an unusually high number of heat wave days and warm nights, there were several questions on heat wave mapping. The ministry did not release heat wave death data for this year or even 2023. According to heat wave/ sun stroke report accessed from Home Ministry indicates there were 890 deaths in 2018; 1274 deaths in 2019; 530 in 2020; 374 in 2021; and 730 in 2022.

But the ministry also claimed that heat wave deaths are reducing in the country. In response to a question by Janasena Party MP Vallabhaneni Balashowry , Singh said that as per the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB, Ministry of Home Affairs) report, the highest number of deaths (1908) associated with heatwaves in the Indian region occurred in 2015. The details are provided in the Annexure-1. It has been reduced since then due to seamless weather prediction of temperature, and early warning alters for the heatwave conditions by IMD, and the implementation of the heat action plan by the National Disaster Management Authority.

IMD has taken various steps to improve monitoring and early warning systems, which helped minimize loss of life and property during extreme weather events, including heatwaves. These include--issuing seasonal and monthly outlook, followed by extended range forecast of temperature and heatwave conditions, a district-wise heatwave vulnerability Atlas , hot weather hazard analysis over India that includes daily temperature, winds, and humidity condition, heat index forecast for the entire country, and impact-based forecast of heatwave conditions at district levels among others, the ministry told Bhagat.

This June was the warmest in northwest India since record keeping began in 1901 according to IMD (India Meteorological Department). Compared to a normal three to four days of heat wave, parts of Indo-Gangetic plains, northwest India, central and north India recorded 10-18 heat wave days in June. Uttar Pradesh recorded 18 heat wave days; Bihar 13; Gangetic West Bengal 9; Delhi, Haryana 14; Punjab 11; and Himachal Pradesh, 10 days. The deadly heat spell recorded over Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of northwest India killed at least 100 people.
Reacting to a US official's comment that the country is disappointed over the symbolism and timing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, New Delhi on Thursday said that all countries have thefreedom of choice to decide their bilateral relations based on mutuality of interests. It also emphasised the country's longstanding ties with Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraces Russian President Vladimir Putin after receiving the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia's highest civilian honour, at St Catherine's Hall, in Moscow. (ANI Photo)(ANI)

Speaking to the media, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, We must understand that India has a longstanding relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multipolar world, all countries have the freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities.

During a US Congress hearing on Tuesday, the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, expressed his disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent state visit to Moscow. I could not agree with you more about our disappointment about the symbolism and the timing of Prime Minister Modi's trip to Moscow. We are having those tough conversations with our Indian friends, PTI quoted the US official as saying.

He made these remarks while responding to a question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia by Congressman Joe Wilson, a former co-chair of the Caucus of India and Indian Americans.

Lu added that the visit happened when Russia attacked a children's hospital in Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv. The official also noted that India did not sign any major defence deals or technology cooperation, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi told President Putin on live television that the war could not be won on the battlefield.

Referring to New Delhi's defence cooperation with Russia, he said that he shares those concerns but India's defence imports from Russia have been declining. "The Indians have cancelled billions of dollars in defence purchases over these last two and a half years because the Russians can't deliver anymore. So, we're working very hard on that, Lu said.

During the first week of July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia and held summit-level talks with President Vladimir Putin to mark 75 years of their diplomatic relationship. India also expressed its concerns regarding the war in Ukraine. PM Modi was awarded 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by President Putin to recognise his contributions to fostering bilateral ties.
Heavy rainfall in Mumbai caused significant disruptions at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, affecting flight operations. The poor visibility due to the downpour led to a brief suspension of flight operations at 10:36am. Mumbai: Passengers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.(PTI / File)

The operations resumed at 10:55am after visibility was recorded at 1000 meters, and Runway Visual Range (RVR) at 1200 meters.

Air India promptly issued an advisory via social media, informing passengers that flights to and from Mumbai could be delayed due to the severe weather.

"Flights to and from Mumbai may get affected due to heavy rains. Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic and waterlogging may delay movement," Air India said.

Also Read: 4 dead as rain wreaks havoc in Pune; schools shut, Army, Air Force put on alert

Meanwhile, the Andheri subway has been closed to vehicular traffic due to waterlogging, further straining the citys already congested roads.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Mumbai issued a nowcast warning at 10:00am, predicting intense to very intense spells of rain in isolated areas across Mumbai, its suburbs, Thane, Raigad, and the Ghat regions of Pune over the next 3-4 hours.

Monsoon is very active over Maharashtra. Yesterday, we gave red alert for Pune, and we have noticed 114mm of rain in the city as well as we have seen in ghat areas more 200mm rain has already been recorded. In Mumbai, we have recorded more than 65mm of rainfall in and around Mumbai since yesterday. Red alert was till today morning, for Pune it's Orange alert today. For Mumbai, it is Yellow alert today, IMD Director, Mumbai, Sunil Kamble, said.

The heavy rainfall have also affected railway services, with the Panvel-Chouk line suspended since 09:42 AM due to flooding. Consequently, Train No. 12126 has been rerouted to operate via Kalyan.

Local trains are running with speeds less than regular because of reduced visibility on account of heavy rainfall and high wind speed, a Central Railway official said.

Waterlogging was reported in areas like the Bhandup pumping station, Vikhroli, and near King Circle. Around 6am, a tree got uprooted at Kalanagar near Matoshree Bungalow in Bandra east, causing diversion of BEST buses for about an hour.

With Bureau inputs
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday demanded that parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal be declared a union territory to deal with the challenges posed by illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. He also demanded the implementation of Assam-like NRC. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey speaks in the Lok Sabha. (ANI)

Nishikant Dubey claimed if some measures were not taken to stop this illegal migration, Hindus would disappear from these places.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Dubey claimed the population of Adivasis in the Santhal Parganas region of Jharkhand declined because of the alleged infiltration of people from Bangladesh.

He demanded that Malda, Murshidabad, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar and the Santhal Parganas be declared a union territory.

Also read: BJP launches traitor attack on Charanjit Singh Channi for backing Amritpal Singh

"The state I come from, from Santhal Pargana area - when Santhal Pargana separated from Bihar and became a part of Jharkhand, in 2000 tribals formed 36% of the population in Santhal Pargana. Today, their population is 26%. Where did 10% of the tribals vanish? This House never worries about them, it indulges in vote bank politics," he said.

He claimed Bangladeshi intruders are marrying tribal women.

"There are 100 tribal 'mukhiya' in our area but their husbands are Muslims...Riots broke out in Pakur's Taranagar-Ilami and Dagapara because people from Malda and Murshidabad were ousting our people and Hindu villages were going empty. This is a serious matter. I am saying this on record, I am ready to resign if what I am saying is incorrect. Jharkhand Police is unable to do anything...Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar, Malda, and Murshidabad should be made a union territory, otherwise, Hindus will disappear, and implement NRC. If nothing else, send a Committee of the House there and implement the report of the Law Commission from 2010 that permission is essential for conversion and marriage," he said.

He said the issue wasn't about Hindus versus Muslims but the settlement of outsiders in the region.

The Trinamool Congress objected to Nishikant Dubey's remarks. It said the BJP MP raised a divisive issue.

"Our CM Mamata Banerjee has categorically said - we will not allow these issues (NRC) to be implemented...Today, Nishikant Dubey was raising the question of Hindu-Muslim...We lodged a huge protest and we told the Speaker to see that this is expunged from the proceedings," said TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay.

With inputs from ANI
New Delhi: India on Thursday dismissed the US administrations concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit to Russia and said all countries in a multipolar world have freedom of choice in deciding on their bilateral relationships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin (File Photo)

Donald Lu, the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, this week joined other American officials who criticised Modis trip to Moscow when he told a Congressional hearing that the US was disappointed by the symbolism and timing of the visit at a time when President Joe Biden was hosting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in Washington.

When external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked about Lus comments at a regular media briefing, he replied that the relationship between India and Russia was based on mutual interests. You must understand that India has a long-standing relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests, he said.

In a multipolar world, all countries have the freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities, Jaiswal added.

There are several aspects to the India-Russia relationship, and there was a thrust on the economic side of the ties during Modis visit to Moscow, he said.

During the visit, Modi and President Vladimir Putin set an ambitious trade target of $100 billion by 2030, even as the Indian side focused on measures aimed at ensuring predictable and assured supplies of Russian crude, fertilisers and nuclear fuel for the Kudankulam power plant.

Modi also told Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict cannot be found on the battlefield and that peace talks cannot succeed under the shadow of the gun.

While addressing a Congressional hearing on Tuesday, Lu expressed the disappointment of the US administration about the symbolism and the timing of Modis visit to Russia. I share your concern about this visit...and we are trying very hard to communicate those concerns directly to the Indians, Lu said when Republican Congressman Joe Wilson raised concerns about the visit.

Lu, however, also sought to put the visit into context, saying that Modimet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was on the margins of the G7 Summit in Italy, two weeks before travelling to Moscow.

Referring to the outcomes of the visit, Lu said, We did not see any new major defence deals. We saw no major discussion of technology cooperation. In addition, you have Modi having said in front of Putin, on live television, his feeling that the war in Ukraine could not be won on the battlefield and the pain that he felt watching the death of children in war.

This, Lu said, was a clear reference to Russias bombing of Ukraines largest childrens hospital on the day Modi arrived in Moscow.
The Indian Army on Thursday kicked off the landmark 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations from a mountain top near this picturesque town in Ladakh, as the Pakistan Army, still smarting from its defeat in the 1999 war, looked on from a post at a height of 17,500 ft along the Line of Control (LoC), senior officers aware of the development said. Kargil: In this photo from PTI archives, Indian army soldiers are seen at Tiger Hill in the Drass-Kargil area of Ladakh. (PTI Photo) (PTI)

Pointing towards a two-humped feature called Point 5353 (its height in metres)  resembling the back of the Bactrian camel, domesticated versions of which can be found in some parts of Ladakh  sticking out of a towering ridge line to the north of Dras near Kargil, one of them said, They are watching us. They must be reflecting on their defeat and how their commanders and country failed them, refusing to even accept the bodies of their soldiers.

Point 5353 offers the Pakistan army a sweeping view of a stretch of the Srinagar-Leh highway, a critical supply line  and of the mountains to the south of National Highway 1, including the Lamochen top perched at 11,500 feet near Dras.

Lamochen is where the celebrations began in the presence of top serving and retired officers, Kargil war heroes and the families of those killed in action as the army recreated the scenes of various battles against the backdrop of the very mountains where they were fought.

The top offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains ahead, studded with peaks where some of the bloodiest battles were fought during the Kargil war  and of the Pakistan army post, Point 5353, which is barely 3km from Lamochen as the crow flies.

The post has been somewhat controversial over the years in the context of why the Indian Army didnt capture it. Top officers, who oversaw the Indian war effort then, said it was a needless controversy as the post was on the Pakistan side of LoC, and capturing it would have required crossing the de facto border, an option ruled out because of Indias self-imposed restraint.

They know we are celebrating the 25th anniversary. Preparations were on for a while. The enemy post has an unhindered view of Lamochen and we know the men holding it are watching this ceremony, said another officer. He pinpointed the enemy post, marked in red, on a map depicting the Kargil battlefields, including Point 4875, Tiger Hill, Three Pimples, Point 4700, Point 5140 and Tololing.

Every battle fought to take back the peaks from Pakistan army in the summer of 1999 was fierce, involved chilling close-quarters combat and cost the lives of young Indian soldiers. A total of 527 Indian soldiers were killed in action. There is no definitive account of Pakistan army casualties, but different estimates peg the number between a few hundred and a few thousand.

The 25th anniversary celebrations are also a reminder of the failure of Operation Badr, the code name for Pakistans Kargil operations, said a third officer, who was honoured with a wartime medal for his heroism. I just want to say one thing to the Pakistan soldiers holding Point 5353 and watching us today. No matter how many times you try, the outcome will be the same. The only difference being you will get a bloody nose faster because the Indian Army is even more powerful now, he said.

The military has transformed since the turn of the century, weeded out its vulnerabilities, and sharpened its readiness to take on its adversaries.

The armys primary mission is to safeguard the sanctity of LoC, said Major General Sachin Malik, General Officer Commanding, 8 Mountain Division, which guards the Dras-Kargil-Batalik stretch. Malik is the son of General Ved Prakash Malik (retd), the then army chief.

We wont let an intrusion happen again as the lessons of the war have been learnt and the army is dominating LoC, he said.

The hard lessons learnt from the war and the events that led to it resulted in the overhaul of Indias intelligence set-up, far-reaching military reforms, modernisation of the armed forces and vastly improved border management.

To be sure, the Indian Army holds heights on both sides of Point 5353, negating any advantage the enemy may have held, said a fourth officer.

I think they must be weeping today looking back at their defeat and living under the constant fear of being dislodged from those heights too, said Tiger Hill hero Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav, who was awarded the countrys highest wartime honour, the hallowed Param Vir Chakra.

All of 19 then, Yadav (then a grenadier) came into his own in what is perhaps the most well-known battle of the Kargil war. He was the only survivor of an attack that killed six of his comrades and riddled him with 15 bullets. Yadavs solo counter-attack killed seven enemy soldiers.

For those left behind, Kargil will always be sacred ground.

Jaba Bhattacharyas 24-year-old brother, Captain Kanad Bhattacharya, was killed in action on the northeastern ridge of Tiger Hill. He took several bullets on May 21 but led his men till life slowly oozed out of his body. His remains were found buried in snow only on July 15.

At a personal level, I will never get over the loss. It will never happen. But when I look at the bigger picture...these young men staring death in the face but not losing sight of their mission. I refuse to cry. I can only bow down to their unbreakable spirit, she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday visit the imposing Kargil war memorial at Dras to pay tribute to the courage, resilience and sacrifice of the men who fought and bled in the war. When he enters this sacred ground, the first thing likely to catch his eye is the haunting beauty of Tiger Hill in the backdrop.
New Delhi: India has reported over 100 deaths and 40,000 cases of suspected heat stroke since the onset of summer in 2024, as of mid-June, according to the United Nations Call to Action on Extreme Heat released on Thursday. Modelled estimates show approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred annually between 2000 and 2019. (File)

The UN report, a first-of-its-kind joint product bringing together perspectives from 10 UN entities, underscores the multi-sectoral impacts of extreme heat. It noted heat-related deaths in countries from Saudi Arabia to India in the past 100 days alone.

Secretary-General is issuing a global call to action on extreme heat in four critical areas: Care for the vulnerable; protect workers; boost the resilience of our economies and societies using data and science, and limit temperature rise to 1.5C, the document said.

The UN declaration came a day after Indias earth sciences ministry informed Parliament that extreme heat is not yet considered a natural disaster eligible for financial assistance, as the 15th Finance Commission did not find merit in expanding the scope. The ministry added that heat wave deaths are reducing due to better weather prediction.

Modelled estimates show approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred annually between 2000 and 2019, with 45% in Asia and 36% in Europe, the UN said. Heat exposure resulted in potential income losses equivalent to $863 billion in 2022.

International Labour Organization data warns that over 70% of the global workforce  2.4 billion people  are now at high risk of extreme heat, resulting in 22.85 million injuries and 18,970 deaths annually among workers. Africa, the Arab states, and Asia-Pacific are most exposed.

Workers in Africa, the Arab states, and Asia and the Asia-Pacific are most exposed to excessive heat. In these regions, 93 per cent, 84 per cent, and 75% of the workforce are affected, respectively As daily temperatures rise above 34C, labour productivity begins to drop by 50%, the report said.

And such spells are only likely to get worse as the planet warms. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects peak heatwave temperatures will increase significantly faster than average temperatures. An extreme heat event that would have occurred once in 50 years is now nearly five times more likely, and projected to be 14 times more likely under 2C warming.

UNICEF found that by 2050, nearly 2.2 billion children will be exposed to high heatwave frequency, up from only 24% in 2020. Heat-related mortality for people over 65 increased by approximately 85% between 2000-2004 and 2018-2022.

"Extreme heat is often underestimated and ignored, but its impacts are unavoidable and far reaching. Critically, the Call also recognises that the impacts of extreme heat are decidedly unequaland cities are on the frontlines of these impacts. Indian cities and towns are, and will increasingly be, at very high risk. We need to focus our efforts at every levelfrom the local to the internationalin order to better address the multi-sectoral impacts of extreme heat to lives, livelihoods, and our critical systems - health, water, energy, food, and transportation," said Eleni Myrivili, Global Chief Heat Officer, UN-Habitat and Arsht-Rock Resilience Center.

The UN has recommended that countries adopt evidence-based policies, regulations and multi-dimensional risk assessments and community-driven actions to protect the most vulnerable; enhance social protection schemes to integrate specific measures that help address the risks of extreme heat; implement urgent measures to protect the health and lives of all workers in all sectors and in all regions of the world from the risk of extreme heat through a rights-based approach; urgently review the laws and regulations on occupational safety and health to integrate provisions for extreme heat; develop and implement comprehensive, risk-informed heat action plans (and cooling plans) in all countries and all sectors among others.

Every fraction of a degree of warming matters. With every additional increment of global warming, changes in extremes, impacts and risks become larger. Limiting global warming to below 1.5C will significantly reduce the risks, adverse impacts and related human suffering from climate change, including extreme heat, the report added.

India recorded its warmest June for northwest India since record-keeping began in 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department. The region saw 10 to 18 heat wave days in June, compared to a normal of 3-4 days. A deadly heat spell over parts of northwest India killed at least 100 people. East and northeast India also recorded its warmest June in terms of night time temperatures recording an average minimum temperature of 25.14 degree C, nearly 1 degree above normal.
New Delhi: India reported 40,000 cases of suspected heat stroke and over 100 deaths since the onset of summer in 2024, as of mid-June 30, according to a report from the United Nations Call to Action on Extreme Heat. (Representative Photos)

The UN Secretary-Generals Call to Action on Extreme Heat brings together perspectives of ten specialised UN entities, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in a first-of-its-kind joint product, underscoring the multi-sectoral impacts of extreme heat, UN said in a statement on Thursday.

In the past 100 days alone, we witnessed heat-related deaths in countries from Saudi Arabia to India, heatstroke warnings across Japan, schools closing in Bangladesh and the Philippines, severe heat warnings issued by governments in Southeast Europe, and new temperature records across the United States, the Call to Action said.

The UN declaration came a day after the Earth Sciences ministry informed the Lok Sabha that the 15th Finance Commission did not find much merit in the request to expand the scope of disasters eligible for financial assistance and hence extreme heat is not yet considered to be a natural disaster or calamity eligible for assistance. Responding to another question, the ministry said that heat wave deaths are reducing in the country due to better weather prediction.

Modelled estimates show that between the years 2000 and 2019, approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred each year, with 45% of these in Asia and 36% in Europe, the UN further said.

Heat exposure-related loss in labour capacity resulted in average potential income losses equivalent to US$863 billion in 2022, it said.

Secretary-General is issuing a global call to action on extreme heat in four critical areas: Care for the vulnerable; protect workers; boost the resilience of our economies and societies using data and science, and limit temperature rise to 1.5C. Extreme heat impacts virtually everything we do, and every aspect of our lives, the report read.

New data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that over 70% of the global workforce  2.4 billion people  are now at high risk of extreme heat, resulting in 22.85 million injuries and 18,970 deaths annually among workers. Workers in Africa, the Arab states, and Asia and the Asia-Pacific are most exposed to excessive heat. In these regions, 93 per cent, 84 per cent, and 75% of the workforce are affected, respectively As daily temperatures rise above 34C, labour productivity begins to drop by 50%, the report said.

A triple strategy of passive cooling, higher energy efficiency and fast phasedown of climate-warming refrigerants offers the opportunity to reduce emissions from the cooling sector while protecting an additional 3.5 billion people at risk from heat by 2050, the UN said.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects that peak temperatures in heat waves will increase significantly faster than global mean and local average temperatures. An extreme heat event that would have occurred once in 50 years in a climate without human influence is now nearly five times more likely. Such an event is projected to be nearly 9 times more likely under 1.5C and 14 times more likely under 2C and bring heat and humidity levels that are far more dangerous, UN has flagged.

UNICEF found that by 2050, if the current trend continues, almost every child under 18 in the world  nearly 2.2 billion  will be exposed to high heat wave frequency, up from only 24% of children in 2020. Heat-related mortality for people over 65 years of age increased by approximately 85% between 2000-2004 and 2018-2022.

The UN has recommended that countries adopt evidence-based policies, regulations multi-dimensional risk assessments and community-driven actions to protect the most vulnerable; enhance social protection schemes to integrate specific measures that help address the risks of extreme heat; implement urgent measures to protect the health and lives of all workers in all sectors and in all regions of the world from the risk of extreme heat through a rights-based approach; urgently review the laws and regulations on occupational safety and health to integrate provisions for extreme heat; develop and implement comprehensive, risk-informed heat action plans (and cooling plans) in all countries and all sectors among others.

Every fraction of a degree of warming matters. With every additional increment of global warming, changes in extremes, impacts and risks become larger. Limiting global warming to below 1.5C will significantly reduce the risks, adverse impacts and related human suffering from climate change, including extreme heat, the report added.

It was the warmest June for northwest India since record-keeping began in 1901 according to the India Meteorological Department. The mean temperature in June was 31.73C C, 1.65C above normal. The average maximum temperature over the region was 38.2C, nearly 2C above normal and even the minimum temperature was the second highest since 1901 at 25.44C, 1.35C above normal.

There were reports of at least 100 deaths from different parts of north India this summer. The Centre, however, has not released the data.

East and northeast India also recorded its warmest June in terms of nighttime temperatures, recording an average minimum temperature of 25.14C, nearly 1C above normal.

Compared to a normal of 3-4 days of heat wave, parts of Indo-Gangetic plains, northwest India, central and north India recorded a range of 10 to 18 heat wave days in June.

Uttar Pradesh recorded 18 heat wave days; Bihar 13; Gangetic West Bengal nine; Delhi, Haryana region recorded 14; Punjab 11; Himachal Pradesh 10 days, among others.

According to the India Meteorological Department, between April to June, 20 to 38 days of heat waves days were recorded in different parts of east, north and central India Most frequent heat waves (20-38 days) were recorded over Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, West and East UP and Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Saurashtra and Kutch. The deadly heat spell recorded over Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of northwest India killed at least 100 people.

In April, east and southeast peninsular India saw an intense spell of humid heat (between April 5 and 7), and Odisha and West Bengal, one between April 15 and 30, which expanded over days to Bihar, Jharkhand and south peninsular India.

In May, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal and parts of peninsular India saw an intense spell of heat (between May 1 and 7), Rajasthan, between May 16 and 26, with 9-12 days that were classified either a heat wave or a severe heat wave (with temperatures nearing 50 C on some days), and Delhi and the National Capital Region, Haryana, southwest Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, also between May 16 and 26, with five to seven days that were classified a heat wave, with temperatures between 44C and 48C.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully flight-tested the second phase of Indias ballistic missile defence system off the Odisha coast to thwart threats from missiles with a range of 5,000 km, the defence ministry announced. The phase-II AD endo-atmospheric missile was launched from LC-III at ITR, Chandipur.

The target missile was launched from LC-IV Dharma (a launch site in Odisha) at 1620 hrs, mimicking (an) adversary ballistic missile, which was detected by weapon system radars deployed on land and sea, and activated the interceptor system, it said in a statement.

India is pursuing its ballistic missile defence programme in two phases  the first phase has been completed while the second is underway for validating intercept systems in a new range category.

The phase-II AD endo-atmospheric missile was launched from LC-III at ITR, Chandipur at 1624 hrs. The flight test fully met all the trial objectives, it said, adding that the test demonstrated indigenous capability to defend against ballistic missiles of 5000-km class.

The performance of the missile was monitored from the flight data captured by range tracking instruments.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO for the successful flight test, stating it has again demonstrated Indias ballistic missile defence capability.

In April 2023, DRDO and Indian Navy carried out the maiden flight trial of sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha, displaying the countrys naval ballistic missile defence capabilities to intercept long-range missiles.

India has made significant advances in developing endo-atmospheric and exo-atmospheric intercept systems to destroy incoming hostile missiles within and outside the atmospheric limits, respectively. The two systems have been integrated for a multi-layered defence against ballistic missiles.

In November 2022, DRDO successfully tested for the first time a long-range interceptor missile, called AD-1, designed for both exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of ballistic missiles.
India and the UK on Wednesday launched a Technology Security Initiative aimed at ensuring telecommunications security and collaboration in key areas such as critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and health technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with UK foreign secretary David Lammy in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Photo from X)

The launch of the initiative was announced following visiting UK foreign secretary David Lammys meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar. As in the case of a similar initiative with the US, the India-UK Technology Security Initiative will be coordinated by the NSAs of the two countries.

The Technology Security Initiative will refresh and deepen the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership, focusing on boosting economic growth in both countries. The initiative was agreed by the Indian and UK NSAs following negotiations between both countries to expand collaboration in critical and emerging technologies across priority sectors, officials said.

The collaboration under this initiative will include government, the private sector, academia and research and development institutions.

Jaishankar and Lammy, during their meeting, reviewed the Roadmap 2030 for bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved so far. They also agreed to look at renewing the roadmap to heighten the ambition for bilateral cooperation, the external affairs ministry said.

Both sides agreed to finalise details for the renewal of the roadmap in line with contemporary realities in a time-bound manner to intensify bilateral collaboration in priority areas such as trade, investment, defence, security, migration and mobility, information technology, artificial intelligence and technology, science and technology, innovation, and green energy.

India and the UK also appreciated the substantial progress made in negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) and looked forward to its early conclusion to achieve a mutually beneficial trade deal, the external affairs ministry said.

The two sides further agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, and to enhance capacities to address growing threats from non-state actors, the ministry said.

Jaishankar and Lammy also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in West Asia and the Red Sea, the Commonwealth and the UN Security Council.

A joint fact sheet on the Technology Security Initiative said the move is aimed at elevating the India-UK strategic partnership to the next level. The initiative builds on the cooperation agenda set out in the Roadmap 2030 and will bring into sharper focus collaboration in critical and emerging technologies. It will also reinforce existing collaborative efforts in various technologies, broaden the mandates of existing mechanisms, and establish new mechanisms for cooperation.

Besides the Technology Security Initiative with the UK, India has the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) with the US and the Trade and Technology Council with the European Union. All three initiatives are aimed at setting standards and collaborating in research on cutting edge technologies.

Under the Technology Security Initiative, India and the UK will build an enhanced Future Telecoms Partnership that will focus on joint research, including on open radio access network (open RAN) systems, testbed linkups, telecoms security, spectrum innovation, software and systems architecture.

In the field of critical minerals, India and the UK will expand collaboration and policy exchanges on their critical mineral strategies and jointly work to improve supply chain resilience, explore research and development and technology partnerships in the complete critical minerals value chain and develop a roadmap for cooperation.

In the semiconductors sector, the two sides will work towards a broad partnership that leverages their individual strengths and explore mutually beneficial research and development focused on supply chain resilience, skills exchanges and hardware security. They will also facilitate academic and industrial collaboration, including in chip design, compound semiconductors and advanced packaging.

In the field of artificial intelligence, India and the UK will work towards safe, responsible, human-centric and trustworthy AI that can promote global good and strengthen interoperability between their AI governance frameworks. They will also work together in multilateral forums such as the G20, Global Partnership on AI and the United Nations.

In the realm of quantum computing, the two sides will establish a high-level dialogue to gain in-depth understanding of their respective national quantum strategies, and to shape the contours of future research and industry and collaboration opportunities.

India and the UK will strengthen biotechnology cooperation and launch a high-level partnership on engineering biology to share knowledge and help facilitate research advances. They will also establish a high-level dialogue on advanced materials to identify specific research and development collaboration on materials and composites.

A readout from the UK side said the two countries also agreed on closer collaboration on tackling climate change, accelerating the green energy partnership on offshore wind and green hydrogen, and unlocking green growth opportunities.

The readout said the Technology Security Initiative outlines a bold new approach for the UK and India to work together on the defining technologies of this decade such as telecoms, critical minerals, AI, quantum and semiconductors. This will drive forward a bilateral partnership that is framed on boosting economic growth, deepening cooperation across key issues including trade, technology, education, culture and climate, it added.

A new 7-million funding call for future telecoms research was announced by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Indias Department of Science and Technology.

Lammy said: This [UK] 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.
Kerala Chief Secretary V Venu said on Thursday that there is no need for the state government to react unless there is a specific communication from the Centre that states should not intrude into foreign affairs. The issue pertains to Kerala state government appointing a Secretary for External Cooperation at the state level. Kerala chief secretary V Venu addresses the media on Thursday(ANI)

Venu's remarks came on the suggestion by the Ministry of External Affairs that the Indian Constitution puts foreign affairs under the domain of the Union government.

Speaking to the media, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: The Constitution of India under the 7th Schedule list 1- Union list, item 10, clearly specifies that foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country, are the sole prerogative of the Union Government. It is not a concurrent subject and definitely not a state subject.

The MEA spokesperson added that the Union government is clear on its position that the states should not intrude into matters that are beyond their constitutional jurisdiction.

The Kerala chief secretary described the MEA statement as a general one and explained that the state government is aware of its Constitutional limitations.

Venu said that the MEA did not express any specific opinion about Kerala. Unless and until there is a specific communication from Govt of India regarding the posting we have done...there is no need for the state govt to react to this, he added.

On July 15, the Kerala government issued an order giving K Vasuki, secretary in the labour and skills department, the additional charge of matters connected with External Cooperation. The Resident Commissioner at Kerala House in Delhi will be supporting the secretary in matters concerning external cooperation and will coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, missions and embassies.

The BJP has described the move as blatant overreach and sought to know the rationale behind it. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor told PTI that it is entirely appropriate for state governments to work without Embassies abroad for matters involving the welfare of their residents.

(With inputs from ANI)
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary on Thursday defended Nitish Kumar, a day after the Bihar chief minister made an alleged sexist remark on a female legislator of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Patna-July.24,2024-Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressing during Monsoon Session inside Bihar Assembly in Patna, Bihar, India, Wednesday,24, 2024.(Photo by / Hindustan Times)

One must listen to the statement made by Kumar in its entirety, Choudhary said.

What he (Kumar) told her (RJD leader) was that it was because of the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government that she could express her views freely in the assembly. He implemented several policies for women empowerment, such as reservation in government jobs and in Panchayati Raj institutions, the Member of Parliament (MP) from Bihar's Samastipur seat told PTI.

His cycle scheme for female students was adopted by several countries. All these schemes were brought to Bihar by the NDA government and therefore, today, women are in a position to voice their opinions freely, she added.

Chirag Paswan headed-LJP (Ram Vilas) and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), are among constituents of the NDA, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition.

On Wednesday, the Bihar CM got angry when, during an opposition-led protest against the state government in the assembly, a few women legislators raised slogans of Nitish Kumar Hai Hai (down with).

What followed was his latest outburst in the House. Waving his fingers at RJD's Rekha Devi, he angrily shouted: You are a woman. Do you realise that it was only after I assumed power that women started getting their dues in Bihar? You are a woman, (still) you do not know anything. If you say hai hai to me, then its hai hai' for all.

"It was at my instance that you all agreed to a caste survey after which quotas for SC, ST, OBCs and the extremely backward classes were hiked," the senior politician stated further.

The CM's remark for the female RJD member drew instant criticism, with opposition parties alleging that Kumar has no respect for women.
A 37-year-old man was arrested in connection with a rape-murder case after a four-year-old girl, missing for the last three days, was found dead in Thippagondanahalli area of Ramanagara district on Monday night, police said. Man arrested for raping and killing four-year-old

According to police, the incident took place when the suspect, who happens to be a relative of the girl, visited their house on July 20. He took the girl and another child to a local shop under the pretext of buying them ice cream. After returning the second child home, the man allegedly took the victim on his scooter without her parents knowledge or consent.

When the girl did not return home till late in the evening, her mother grew worried and went to look for her. She called the suspect who refused to share the girls whereabouts, following which the woman filed a missing persons complaint with the Magadi police.

Based on the complaint, police launched a search operation and scanned the CCTV footages in the vicinity, which revealed the suspects movements near Thippagondanahalli. Later, the girls body was found in the area, leading the police to intensify their search for the suspect, who was later arrested from a hideout in Kalasipalya, Bengaluru, police said.

Magadis in-charge Inspector B.K. Prakash said the man has been booked under BNS Section 302 (murder), Section 135 (wrongful confinement), and POCSO charges.

The girls body was sent for a post-mortem examination and later handed over to her family for the last rites on Tuesday, police said.
Imphal: Manipur chief Minister N Biren Singh has invited 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs to attend the upcoming session of the 12th Manipur legislative assembly, officials aware of the matter said. Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh (File Photo)

I am inviting them personally to join the session .We will cooperate, said CM Singh. The state assembly session is scheduled from July 31 to August 12.

Singhs statement came on the sideline of Distribution of Benefits and Launching of Books held at the chief ministers residence on Thursday.

Also Read: No talks with state government, say Manipur tribal MLAs, civil society groups

Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey in exercise of the power on July 13 conferred under clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, summoned the 6th session of Manipur Legislative Assembly session on 11am of July 31.

The 10 tribal MLAs, seven from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, two from the Kuki Peoples Alliance and one Independent, have skipped two previous assembly sessions amid their demand for a separate administration for the tribals, following the unrest and violence in the northeastern state which has been going on since May 3, 2023.

More than 200 have been killed and over 50,000 displaced since ethnic violence between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kukis began on May 3 last year.
Imphal: Unidentified attackers fired shots at the residence of the director of Manipur Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution (CAF and PD), in Imphal, police said on Thursday, adding that no one was injured in the incident. (Representative Photo)

The incident took place at around 10.30pm on Wednesday under the jurisdiction of Singjamei Police Station, Imphal West.

Director, CAF and PD, Robertson Asem, told Hindustan Times on Thursday morning that there is no enmity or warning from any individual or organisation. I am still confused why the attack was done and who is doing the attack.

Police said that CCTV footage shows two persons came from the east side of the Pishum Ningom Leirak and shot around 4-5 rounds at the directors residence. The duo escaped swiftly after the incident.

One white Alto car parked outside the residence was damaged in the attack with 4-5 bullet marks, said police.

Police said that a case has been registered at Singjamei Police Station and further investigation into the matter has been launched.
New Delhi: The external affairs ministry on Thursday rapped the Kerala government for appointing a secretary for external cooperation, saying state governments should not intrude into matters beyond their constitutional jurisdiction. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (File Photo)

On July 15, the Kerala government issued an order giving Vasuki, secretary of the states labour and skills department, the additional charge of matters connected with external cooperation.

When external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked about the Kerala governments decision at a regular media briefing, he said that foreign affairs and relations with all foreign countries are solely handled by the central government.

The Constitution of India, under the 7th Schedule, list 1 [or the] Union List, item 10, clearly specifies that foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country, are the sole prerogative of the Union government, he said.

Foreign affairs is not a concurrent subject, and definitely not a state subject. Our position is that state governments should not intrude into matters that are beyond their constitutional jurisdiction, added Jaiswal.

Bharatiya Janata Party member PP Chaudhary had raised the Kerala governments move in Lok Sabha earlier this week, describing it as unconstitutional and an encroachment on the responsibilities of the Central government.

Chaudhary said external cooperation meant dealing with different countries and Indian missions abroad, and these functions are part of the Union List according to the allocation of business rules.

As per the allocation of business rules, these functions can only be performed by the government of India through the ministry of external affairs, he said.

So, the action on the part of the Kerala government by issuing such an order and appointing an IAS officer as foreign secretary is unconstitutional, and it is an encroachment on the Union List, he added.
Maharashtra Rain News Highlights: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad for Thursday in its 1pm forecast, after incessant overnight rainfall in several parts of Maharashtra. As Maharashtra deals with the impact of ongoing heavy rains, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reviewed the situation on Tuesday. The Chief Minister contacted the Raigad collector, instructing him to assist all those affected by the floods and promised full support. Traffic has been stopped at Tamhini Ghat on the Raigad-Pune road due to debris from a landslide caused by the heavy rainfall....Read More

Speaking to ANI, Shinde added, Teams of NDRF and SDRF are deployed there. I have spoken to the Army to keep their teams on alert. Preparations have also been made for airlifting operations if needed.

Heavy rainfall in Mumbai, with winds up to 60 km, led to waterlogging, uprooting of trees, train and flight delays, short circuits, and property damage. In 24 hours, 68.1 mm of rain was observed in Santa Cruz, 62.5 mm in Colaba, and 120.4 mm in the Thane district.

Here are the top updates on Mumbai rains:
In an updated travel advisory, the Department of State of the United States government, has urged Americans in India to avoid travelling to some parts of the country, and reconsider visiting the northeastern states. Indian army soldiers patrol during a security operation in Manipur (via Reuters)

The advisory, released on July 23, was updated with information on the northeastern states, which were placed under Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). The areas that American nationals have been asked to avoid altogether, include the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, portions of central and East India, and Manipur (also in the northeast, the state has been witnessing ethnic clashes since May 2023); these have been put under Level 4' (Do Not Travel).

Overall, India is at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) as per the State Department.

Indian authorities report that rape is one of the fastest-growing crimes. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has happened at tourist sites and other locations, the advisory's Country Summary for India states.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/malls, and government facilities, according to the summary.

The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to our citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra to northern Telangana through to western West. US government employees must get special authorization to to travel to these areas, it further says.

In asking US citizens to not visit Jammu and Kashmir, the advisory points to terrorist attacks' and violent civil unrest, as well as sporadic violence between the Indian and Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) that separates the nuclear-armed nations. However, visiting J&Ks neighbouring Union territory of Ladakh, is safe.

Meanwhile, the presence of Maoist extremist groups, also called Naxals or Naxalites, who often target local officials, is cited as the reason for parts of central and east India, while occasional acts of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, is given as the reason for the northeastern states.
New Delhi: External affairs minister S Jaishankar focused on the early resolution of remaining issues on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in order to stabilise and rebuild India-China relations during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday. EAM S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi (Twitter/@DrSJaishankar)

The two foreign ministers met on the margins of Asean-related meetings in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The meeting gave the two ministers an opportunity to review the situation since their last meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana on July 4, the external affairs ministry said in a readout.

Jaishankar said in a post on X that he had continued ongoing discussions with Wang about the bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties, he said.

Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process. Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements, he said, referring to the military standoff in the Ladakh sector of the LAC and outstanding friction points such as Depsang and Demchok.

Jaishankar emphasised it is in the interest of both India and China to take urgent steps to stabilise the overall bilateral relationship. His remarks came against the backdrop of the Chinese leaderships repeated calls for the border issue to be placed in its appropriate place in the overall relationship while the two sides take forward ties in areas such as trade and investment.

It is in our mutual interest to stabilise our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency, he said.

The external affairs ministrys readout said the talks between Jaishankar and Wang focused on finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations.

The readout said the two ministers agreed on the need to work with purpose and urgency to achieve complete disengagement at the earliest.

It added, Peace and tranquillity on the borders and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations. Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached between the two Governments in the past.

Jaishankar also stressed the importance of the three mutuals  mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity  to our ties.

As discussed at the meeting in Astana, the two sides would hold an early meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to take their discussions forward, the readout said.

Jaishankar and Wang also exchanged views on the global and regional situation.

The standoff on the LAC, which began in May 2020, and a brutal clash in Galwan Valley that killed 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops have taken India-China relations to a six-decade low. Jaishankar has maintained that the bilateral relationship cannot be normalised without peace and tranquillity on the border.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday made startling revelations about the conspiracy behind the NEET-UG paper leak case. The agency said the alleged mastermind, Pankaj Kumar, and the principal and the vice principal of the Oasis School in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh conspired to steal the medical entrance exam's question papers, get them solved and send them to their customers hours before the test on May 5. NEET has faced significant opposition and controversy since its inception. (File)

In a statement, the agency said Kumar acted in connivance with Oasis School's Principal Ehsanul Haque, who was also the NTA City Coordinator. Vice Principal Imtiaz Alam, who was the Centre Superintendent, also became a part of the conspiracy, the agency said.

A CBI spokesperson said a trunk with NEET question papers was brought to the school. Minutes later, the school officials allowed Pankaj Kumar access to the strongroom. They broke open the trunks using sophisticated tools.

"The trunks containing the NEET UG 2024 question papers were brought to the school and kept in the control room on the morning of 05-05-2024. Minutes after the trunks arrived, the above-said Principal and Vice Principal unauthorisedly and illegally allowed access to the room where the trunks were kept, to the mastermind named above. The sophisticated tools used to open the trunk and access the question papers from the trunk have been seized," a CBI spokesperson said.

The recovered pieces of half-burnt question papers enabled CBI to reach the designated NEET examination centre from where it was leaked, the agency added.

The paper was solved in Hazaribagh on the morning of the examination by a set of solvers who are students of MBBS courses at AIIMS Patna, RIMS Ranchi and a Medical College in Bharatpur. The agency has arrested seven alleged solvers.

"The solved paper was shared with certain selected students who paid money to the accused. All the solvers, who are MBBS students from reputed colleges, have been identified and most of them were arrested. These solvers were specially brought to Hazaribagh as part of the conspiracy," the CBI spokesperson said.

The agency said several sets of people helped the main conspirators as they arranged accommodation for the candidates and ferried them. The agency is in the process of identifying the candidates who were given access to the solved question papers.

So far, 36 people have been arrested.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to cancel the entire examination and order a re-test, saying there was no evidence on record to conclude the exam was "vitiated" on account of a "systemic breach" of its sanctity.

The court, referring to CBI's status report, said 155 students who took the exam in Hazaribagh and Patna benefitted from the fraud.

With inputs from PTI
New Delhi: There is no proposal for a second edition of the Union governments flagship Smart Cities Mission (SCM), Tokhan Sahu, minister of state, ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA), said on Thursday in a reply to a question in Lok Sabha. The Centre earlier this month extended the Smart Cities Mission until March 2025 (Representative Photo)

Sahu was replying to a question asked by Congress MP S Jothimani from Karur in Tamil Nadu.

A second edition of the SCM was recommended by a parliamentary committee in its report tabled in both Houses of Parliament in February. The standing committees report on housing and urban affairs stated that the mission should be expanded to a second phase focusing on second-tier cities to decongest state capitals. The committee said these cities should be located within 50-100 km of the capital and tourist cities.

MoHUA officials were unavailable for comment on the ministers reply in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Sahus reply comes after earlier this month, the Centre extended the SCM until March 2025 to ensure that the remainder of the projects gets finished.

In a statement, the government then said that the extension was made based on the request of several state governments and local urban bodies. With this, the deadline for the mission was extended for the third time.

The stated objective of the SCM is to promote sustainable and inclusive cities that provide core infrastructure and give their citizens a good quality of life, a clean and sustainable environment, and the application of smart solutions. The ministry said that for the entire mission, the government had allocated Rs.48,000 crore for the 100 cities, and Rs.46,585 crore (97%) had been released to the cities.

In a reply to a related question on the SCM in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Sahu said as of July 12, a total of 8.016 projects valued at Rs.1,64,223 crore have been tendered out for execution and out of them, 7,218 projects (90%) amounting to Rs.1,45,083 crore have been completed.

Uttar Pradesh and Telangana have the highest number of projects under implementation, with 63 and 57, respectively. These states are followed by Punjab (39), Puducherry (36), Tamil Nadu (27) and Rajasthan (21).

The government has maintained that the SCM has attempted several innovative deployments of technology and digital solutions to improve urban governance. However, questions have been asked about the smartness of the mission.

The India Infrastructure Report (IIR) 2023 released by the ministrys think tank NIUA noted that while the mission promised to smarten Indian cities to be on the same level as cities in the global north, the SCM in India ended up primarily undertaking conventional projects of existing infrastructure of water supply, mobility, and other existing municipal functions. Even the Economic Survey 2024 noted that a chunk of funds were spent in the conventional sectors of waste, sanitation and hygiene, and public spaces.
A Noida-based doctor lost 59 lakh in what police describe as a new digital scam. Cyber criminals tricked the woman into believing that she was under digital arrest for 48 hours for circulating pornography through her mobile phone. Scammers accused the woman of circulating pornography through her phone(Representative image)

The victim, Dr Puja Goyal, received a call on July 13 from a person, who claimed to be an official from the Telephone Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The person alleged that the doctor was using her mobile phone to circulate pornographic content.

Though Goyal denied the claim, the caller made her join a video call for an investigation. After a while, the group claimed the doctor was under digital arrest, reported NDTV.

After almost 48 hours of the alleged investigation, the resident from Sector 77 was made to transfer a whooping 59,54,000 into a specific account as penalties for the alleged offence.

Realising that she had been scammed, the doctor filed a police complaint on July 22 with the cybercrime cell in Noida Sector 36. Vivek Ranjan Rai, Assistant Commissioner of Police (cybercrime), said that police have got the details of the account into which the scammers received money. "They are being verified and action will be taken," he added.

Digital arrest has become the preferred tactic of late among scammers to scare people by charging them with outrageous offences. Once the targets get scared and start to cooperate with the caller, they are duped with huge sums of money.

In these cases, the targets are believed to be houses or rooms where the scammers also pose as law enforcement personnel. Fake government IDs are also shown to convince the targets of their authenticity.

In a similar incident, a 72-year-old man from Delhi's posh Chittaranjan Park was charged with a similar offence and duped into transferring 83 lakh into a specific ban account.

Noida police recently issued an advisory warning people about this emerging trend. "In recent months, around ten such incidents have been reported, leading to registered FIRs and ongoing investigations," the advisory read.
New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha that around 273,000 more trees are likely to be felled in coming years for mining in Hasdeo Arand forests as the wildlife and biodiversity institutions have not recommended a complete ban on mining. It also said less than 964,000 trees will be felled for the Great Nicobar project. (Representative Photo)

The Union environment ministry in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday shared information on two of the most contentious environmental matters in the country  the diversion of forests from Hasdeo Arand in Chhattisgarh and the Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island in Andaman & Nicobar Islands project of Niti Aayog.

The ministry was responding to a question by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lawmaker Sandeep Kumar Pathak on whether the Wildlife Institute of India (WWI) has conducted any study on the Hasdeo Aranya. If so, whether a ban has been recommended in that report on mining activities? he asked. Pathak further asked whether a report has been submitted on the number of trees to be cut down.

Environment minister Bhupender Yadav said that, yes, there was a report and said no complete ban on mining was recommended.

The Chhattisgarh government assigned a Biodiversity Assessment Study of the whole Hasdeo-Arand Coalfields to the Indian Council of Forestry, Research and Education, Dehradun, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun conducted a study and submitted the report, said Yadav.

He added that the report was submitted to the ministry of environment, forest & climate change by the state government on June 14, 2021.

The minister said that according to the report, 94,460 trees have been felled in Parsa East Kete Basen Mine, while over 5.3 million trees were planted as compensatory afforestation, mine reclamation and translocation. He added, as informed by the Chhattisgarh government, 273,757 trees are required to be felled in the coming years for mining in Hasdeo Arand.

Hasdeo Arand is one of the largest contiguous stretches of very dense forest in central India spanning 170,000 hectares and has 23 coal blocks. In 2009, the environment ministry categorised Hasdeo Arand to be a No-Go zone for mining because of its rich forest cover but allowed it again because there was no policy finalised.

Responding to another question on the contentious Great Nicobar project, junior environment minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said less than 964,000 trees will be felled. He said the project will not affect the breeding grounds of Leatherback Turtles.

Trinamool Congress MP Md Nadimul Haque questioned the ministry if the felling of 964,000 trees would impact the critical ecosystem of the region. He also asked if the trans-shipment port in Galathea Bay will affect the nesting of the giant leatherback turtle, and whether the government proposes specific conservation plans for coral reefs, the Nicobar Megapode bird, and the leatherback turtles.

The breeding grounds of leatherback turtles are in no way getting altered due to the project. The large nesting areas (Western flank) have been retained as such for nesting of leatherbacks. Research unit set up by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to undertake and monitor sea turtle-related research in A&N islands is an important component of the special conditions of Environmental Clearance, Singh said.

He added that the central government, in a letter dated 27.10.2022, has accorded the in principle/stage-1 approval for the diversion of 130.75 sq km of forest land for sustainable development in Great Nicobar Island.

Compensatory Afforestation is carried out in lieu of diverted forest land. Further, more than 50% i.e. 65.99 sq km of the area proposed for diversion is reserved for green development where no tree felling is envisaged, he said.

It is expected that about 15% of the development area would continue to remain as green and open spaces and therefore the number of trees likely to be affected is going to be less than 964,000, said Singh.

As per the conditions stipulated in the approvals accorded by the Central Government, adequate mitigation measures to compensate for the impact of development on flora and fauna are part of the environment/forest clearance conditions, the junior minister added.
Approximately 273,757 trees will be cut in Chhattisgarhs Hasdeo Arand forests in the coming years, the Union environment ministry told informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, while also defending plans to carry out large-scale development projects in the Great Nicobar Island, where it said close to a million trees will be felled in a separate disclosure. Hasdeo Arand spans over 170,000 hectares and has 23 coal blocks. (Wikimedia Commons)

The disclosure relating to the Hasdeo Arand forests is significant since it is the largest contiguous stretch of very dense forests in central India, and also sits on massive coal reserves. Two coal mines have already been set up in these forests --- Chotia I and II and the Parsa East and Kete Basan (PEKB), and two more are proposed: Parsa and the Kente Extension.

Activists say that manifolds more trees than originally approved may have already been felled.

In a response to Aam Aadmi Partys Rajya Sabha member Sandeep Kumar Pathak, the response signed by Union environment and forests minister Bhupender Yadav stated that 94,460 trees have already been felled as of 2023 for Parsa East Kete Basan.

Hasdeo Arand spans over 170,000 hectares and has 23 coal blocks.

Over the tree felling in Chhattisgarhs Hasdeo Arand, Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav cited a study commissioned by the government of Chhattisgarh into all Hasdeo-Arand coalfields by the Indian Council of Forestry, Research and Education, Dehradun, which then collaborated with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.

Yadav added the report was sent to the Union forest ministry on June 14, 2021. In the said report, no complete ban on mining was recommended, the answer, in response to a question by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and MP Sandeep Kumar Pathak.

The minister also provided details on compensatory afforestation efforts in the region. As per the information received from the state government of Chhattisgarh, 94,460 trees have been felled in Parsa East Kete Basen Mine and 5,340,586 trees have been planted as compensatory afforestation, mine reclamation and translocation, Yadav said. The Chhattisgarh government reported that approximately 4,093,395 newly planted trees have survived.

Experts expressed worry. We are talking about very dense sal forests. Most trees here are over 200 years old. I think the number of trees felled are more than 94,460. This is because Wildlife Institute of India has already assessed that there are 400 trees per hectare in this region. If all three mines are in operation including Parsa and Kente Extension then Hasdeo Bango reservoir will be destroyed and biodiversity of the region will be lost forever. The impact will be irreversible, said Alok Shukla, convener of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (CBA) and 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize winner.

Regarding the planned development works at Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which was in a separate parliamentary answer answered by junior environment minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, up to 964,000 trees will be felled. The government in the response assured the plans --- which includes buildings a township, a power plant and an airport --- would not affect the breeding grounds of leatherback turtles.

Singh explained, The Central Government vide letter dated 27.10.2022 has accorded the In-principle/Stage-1 approval for diversion of 130.75 sq km forest land for sustainable development in Great Nicobar Island. Compensatory Afforestation is carried out in lieu of diverted forest land.

He added, Further, more than 50% i.e. 65.99 sq km of the area proposed for diversion is reserved for green development where no tree felling is envisaged. It is expected that about 15% of development area would continue to remain as green and open spaces and therefore the number of trees likely to be affected is going to be less than 9.64 lakhs [964,000].

Singh emphasised that the project includes measures to mitigate environmental impact. As per the conditions stipulated in the approvals accorded by the Central Government, adequate mitigation measures to compensate the impact of development on flora and fauna are part of the environment/forest clearance conditions, he said.

The minister also addressed concerns about the projects impact on wildlife, stating, The breeding grounds of leatherback turtles are in no way getting altered due to the project. The large nesting areas (Western flank) have been retained as such for nesting of leatherbacks.

Singh highlighted the importance of ongoing research and monitoring efforts, noting, Research unit set up by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to undertake and monitor sea turtle related research in A&N islands is an important component of the special conditions of Environmental Clearance.

A second expert said the information is a reminder to review the adequacy of regulatory procedures to gauge how social, environmental and ecological processes are changed by such projects, as well as their climate change implication. Both impact assessment and compensatory afforestation procedures can benefit from precautionary and intersectional approach rather than post approval techno-management, especially given the irreversible risks involved to projects, people and places, said Kanchi Kohli, independent legal and policy expert.
Responding to a question on the controversial Kanwar Yatra directives in two BJP-ruled states, the US state department on Wednesday said it has engaged with Indian counterparts on the importance of equal treatment for members of all religions. US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller. (File)(HT_PRINT)

A Pakistani journalist raked up the issue during a press briefing, alleging that the BJP government was forcing Muslim owners of restaurants to display their Muslim names at their eateries.

We have seen those reports. We have also seen reports that the Indian Supreme Court on July 22 issued an interim stay on the implementation of those rules. So they're not actually in effect, US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Speaking generally, we are, as we always say, committed to promoting and protecting universal respect for the right of freedom of religion and belief for all anywhere in the world, he added.

Kanwar Yatra: Unaware of SC stay, eatery owners rush to display names

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered an interim stay on the directives by the two BJP-ruled states asking eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners, the staff and other details.

A apex court also issued notice to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, where the Ujjain municipal body has issued a similar directive

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti said eateries may be required to display the kind of food they are serving like they are vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

U.P. govt firm on nameplate directive: Minister Dayashankar Mishra

Justice SVN Bhatti, while sharing his experience, said he used to frequent a Muslim-run vegetarian restaurant while posted in Kerala as it maintained international standards.

"...Without disclosing the name of the city, there is a vegetarian hotel run by a Hindu. There is another vegetarian hotel run by a Muslim.

"As a judge of that state, I was going to the hotel run by a Muslim for vegetarian food. When it comes to food standard and safety, he was displaying everything. He had returned from Dubai. He was maintaining international standards with regard to safety, cleanliness and hygiene. So it was my choice to go to that hotel," Justice Bhatti said.

No one appeared for the state governments in the apex court on Monday.
Parliament Monsoon Session 2024 live Updates: The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are discussing the Union Budget. (SansadTV)

Parliament Monsoon Session 2024 Highlights: The discussion on the Union Budget 2024-25, presented on July 23, continued in both Houses of Parliament on Thursday. ALSO READ- Union Budget 2024 all Key announcements and Highlights Budget session highlights: From Wednesday 1. The Opposition accused the Union Budget of being "discriminatory" and favouring certain states to protect coalition government. They also labelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government as "shaky and vulnerable."...Read More

2. The ruling BJP defended the budget, calling it a step toward achieving a 'Viksit Bharat' and claimed it would empower the "neo-middle class." BJP MP B Mahtab said that the budget's long-term goal remains unchanged.

3. Congress MP Kumari Selja criticised the budget as a collection of "rhetorical promises" and questioned its fairness to states beyond those governed by NDA allies. She also criticised the absence of a caste census.

4. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee condemned the budget as "anti-people," arguing it only benefits coalition partners while neglecting the rest of the country. He labelled the budget as betraying and failing the common people.

5. DMK's Dayanidhi Maran said that has not addressed the middle class, while TDP's Sribharat Mathukumili praised it as "visionary." NCP-SCP leader Supriya Sule called for more focus on agrarian distress and assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that he will be visiting the Kargil War Memorial on July 26 to pay homage to the fallen brave hearts as part of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations. 12-year-old Arav Bhardwaj cycled from Delhi to Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh. (HT Photo)

The Kargil War Memorial, also known as the Dras War Memorial, is a memorial built by the Indian Army in honour of the soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The memorial is located in Dras, in the Kargil district of the Union Territory of Ladakh near the Line of Control (LoC), India's border with Pakistan.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter) PM Modi described the day as a special one for every Indian. It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tributes to our brave heroes.

He also announced that work will also commence for the Shinkun La Tunnel Project to improve all weather connectivity to Leh, especially during harsh winters. The project consists of building a 4.1 km long twin tube tunnel at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road.

Also read | Kargil imprint on India and Pakistan

The tunnel, once built, will be the highest altitude tunnel in the world. It will ensure quick and seamless movement of armed forces and other defence equipment across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India's border with China. The project will also foster economic and social development in Ladakh.

Earlier in the day, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said the sacrifices made by soldiers in the 1999 Kargil war will "not go in vain". "It will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of not only soldiers but also the youth of the nation," he said. He also conveyed his wished to the members across ranks in the armed forces, read a statement issued by the defence ministry.

The general said that the tri-services are at the cusp of major reforms across organisational, structural, conceptual and cultural levels. "The underlying aim of these reforms is to improve fighting efficiency and keep the armed forces battle-ready at all times. We must be prepared to shed obsolete practices and adopt new ones. The shape and contour of reforms must reflect the uniqueness of the Indian environment and challenges," the top officer added.

(With inputs from agencies)
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings. He later sent out a stern message to China, saying the state of the border would be reflected in the "state of our ties". S Jaishankar with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

S Jaishankar also said there was a need for the Chinese side to ensure full respect for the Line of Actual Control  the de-facto border between India and China  and past agreements.

Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Vientiane today. Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties, S Jaishankar said in a post on X after meeting with Wang on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings.

The Jaishankar-Wang talks came amid the dragging border row in eastern Ladakh that entered its fifth year in May.

"Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process. Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. It is in our mutual interest to stabilise our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency," he added.

India and China's relationship deteriorated after 20 Indian Army soldiers died in the line of duty in a brutal clash with the Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. Several Chinese soldiers also died in the hand-to-hand combat.

Jaishankar is on a visit to Vientiane from July 25 to 27 to take part in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

The visit underlines India's deep engagement with and the importance India attaches to the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, our strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and taking forward the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
In a chargesheet filed in firing incident case outside Salman Khan's Bandra apartment, the Mumbai Police has alleged that Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, instructed a gunman to fire shots in air outside Bollywood superstar home to intimidate him. The instructions were part of a broader plan to establish the Bishnoi gang's dominance in Mumbai for financial and other benefits, according to the police. Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Bollywood actor Salman Khan

The chargesheet, presented to the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court, includes transcripts of conversations between Anmol Bishnoi and shooter Vickykumar Gupta. Anmol allegedly told Gupta to fire in a way that would scare Khan and suggested he smoke during the act to appear fearless on CCTV footage.

ALSO READ- Eknath Shinde vows to finish Lawrence Bishnoi after meeting actor Salman Khan

In one of the conversations, according to the chargesheet, Anmol Bishnoi instructed Vickykumar Gupta to carry out the shooting in a way that would scare 'Bhai' (Salman Khan), even if it took more than a minute.

"You will create history by doing this job and your name will be there in all newspapers and other media," the 1,735-page chargesheet said, citing their conversation.

ALSO READ- Salman Khan's house recced, AK-47 ordered from Pak': Navi Mumbai cops on plot to attack actor

On April 14, Gupta and another person, Sagar Pal, fired multiple shots outside Khan's residence at Galaxy Apartments in Bandra. Those arrested in the case are Gupta, Pal, Sonukumar Bishnoi, Mohd Rafiq Choudhary, Harpal Singh, and Anujkumar Thapan. Thapan reportedly committed suicide while in police custody. The remaining five are currently in judicial custody.

Anmol Bishnoi, who has claimed responsibility for the firing, resides in Canada and travels to the USA. However, the IP address of the Facebook post where he claimed responsibility was traced to Portugal, according to a Mumbai police official. The police have issued a look out circular (LOC) for him.

Firing incident, a serious threat to our lives: Salman Khan

As per the chargesheet, Salman Khan expressed serious concern over Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In the statement to Mumbai crime branch, Khan said he heard a sound similar to firecrackers while sleeping at his Galaxy Apartments residence in the early hours of April 14. His police bodyguard informed him around 4:55 am that two people on a motorbike had fired at the first-floor balcony.

Khan stressed that this incident poses a significant threat to him and his family members and should not be underestimated.

(Inputs from PTI)
The 46th World Heritage Committee has decided against including Stonehenge, Avebury, and associated sites in the United Kingdom on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Stonehenge is one of the most popular prehistoric structures. (AP)

The site Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) has not been inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger, a UNESCO spokesperson said after a discussion on it at the committees meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The Stonehenge is one of the most popular prehistoric structures. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. The site was nominated to be added to the World Heritage in Danger list because of a road improvement scheme including the construction of a tunnel and an open four-lane motorway within the Stonehenge component.

A World Heritage Committee report recommended the inclusion of the site on the danger list as the contract for the road improvement has been awarded. It said the preparatory works in the vicinity had commenced, and the state party had not prepared, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre and the advisory bodies, a set of corrective measures, including modifying the scheme.

UNESCO website describes Stonehenge as the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world and Avebury the largest. Together with inter-related monuments, and their associated landscapes, they demonstrate Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial and mortuary practices resulting from around 2000 years of continuous use and monument building between circa 3700 and 1600 BC. As such they represent a unique embodiment of our collective heritage.

The Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Inscribed on UNESCOs World Heritage List in 1981 for its unique biodiversity and exceptional ecosystems, Niokolo-Koba National Park faced a series of threats including wildlife depletion.
A nine-judge bench in the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled by majority that states have legislative competence to levy taxes on minerals and mineral-bearing lands in addition to the royalty imposed by the Centre. The bench held that states were well within their rights to impose extra levy and surcharge. (HT file photo)

By an 8-1 judgment, the top court also declared that royalty charged on mining is not a tax, but a form of contractual payment made by the minors to the Centre for extraction of minerals.

Therefore, the bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, held that states were well within their rights to impose extra levy and surcharge on such mineral rights.

At the same time, the majority judgment clarified that the central government has the right under the Union List to impose limitations, including a prohibition, on the states power to tax mineral rights through a parliamentary law.

However, it noted that since the central law on the subject - Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA), has not made any such provision so far, states authority cannot be said to be circumscribed.

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The CJI read out the majority view, supported by justices Hrishikesh Roy, Abhay S Oka, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, Ujjal Bhuyan, Satish Chandra Sharma and Augustine George Masih.

Justice BV Nagarathna dissented, holding that the Centre possessed the exclusive right to tax mineral rights in the country and lending states equal authority to impose additional levy on the royalty paid by the miners will lead to an anomalous situation where the legislative competence of the states will have an overarching impact.

She also emphasised that not only authorising states to impose additional levy will be destructive of the federal structure and detrimental to the mineral development in the country, but it might also lead to unhealthy competition among the states to impose surcharges, in turn leading to rise in the prices of minerals and consequently the prices of industrial products.

The bench will hear the parties on July 31 on the aspect of whether the judgment should be applied retrospectively or prospectively. A retrospective application would mean enriching the state governments, including West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand that have local laws to impose additional levy on the minors.

On March 14, the Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on a contentious issue -- whether royalties on minerals constitute a tax under the MMDRA. This case also questioned whether only the central government can levy such exactions, or if state governments possess the authority to impose levies on mineral-bearing land within their territories.

deliberated on this matter over eight days earlier this year, reviewing 86 appeals from various state governments, mining companies and public sector undertakings.

During the hearings, the court had noted that the Constitution grants both Parliament and the states the power to tax mineral rights, emphasising that such authority should remain intact.

But attorney general R Venkataramani, representing the Centre, argued that the Union holds overriding powers to tax mines and minerals. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta supported this stance, asserting that the MMDRA limits the states legislative power to impose taxes on minerals, granting the central government the authority to fix royalties.

The Centre highlighted the uneven distribution of major minerals across states, with some states possessing significant quantities of resources like coal, iron ore, bauxite, and manganese, while others have little to none. The argument was that mineral-rich states might impose heavy taxes, leading to increased mineral prices, higher imports, and adverse economic effects. Uniformity in this field, the Centre argued, is essential.

Under Entry 54 of the Union List, the Centre claimed exclusive control over mines and minerals, enabling Parliament to enact the MMDRA and, consequently, fix royalties. Although these royalties go to state coffers, the Centre maintained that minerals are vital for national development, necessitating federal regulation to ensure uniform pricing and rational resource use.

Supporting the Centre, mining companies contended that states cannot impose taxes on mineral rights, as this pertains to mineral developmenta domain reserved exclusively for the Union government. Senior advocates like Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Harish Salve, Arvind Dattar, and Darius Khambata argued that royalties are a tax, falling solely under the Centres purview per Entry 54 and Entry 97 (residuary powers) of the Union List.

They cited Parliaments authority under these entries to legislate on the regulation of mines, mineral development, and taxing mineral rights, referencing Article 248(2) and Entry 97 of List I to levy taxes on subjects not mentioned in any lists. Several local laws from states like Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal were also challenged in these proceedings.

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing Jharkhand, argued that royalties are not taxes, and states have the power to levy taxes on mines and minerals based on Entries 49 and 50 of the State List. Entry 49 allows states to tax lands and buildings, while Entry 50 permits states to impose taxes on mineral rights, subject to any limitations imposed by Parliament concerning mineral development. Some other states, including Jharkhand and Odisha also adopted Dwivedis arguments.

This complex issue first arose in a dispute between India Cement Ltd and the Tamil Nadu government. India Cement, which held a mining lease in Tamil Nadu, paid royalties to the state. The state later imposed a cess in addition to the royalty, prompting India Cement to challenge this in the Madras High Court. The company argued that a cess on royalty equated to a tax on royalty, exceeding the states legislative powers.

The Tamil Nadu government contended that the cess was a form of land revenue on mineral rights, within its authority to impose. In 1989, a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled in favor of India Cement, asserting that the Centre held primary regulatory authority under the MMDRA and that states could collect royalties but not impose additional taxes on mining and mineral development. However, a five-judge bench in 2004, while hearing a similar dispute between West Bengal and Kesoram Industries Ltd, noted a typographical error in the 1989 judgment, clarifying that royalty is not a tax, but cess on royalty is a tax.

Given these conflicting rulings, the Supreme Court began hearings on February 27, 2023, with a nine-judge bench to resolve whether royalties are a type of tax or if there was an error in the India Cement case judgment. This decision will have significant implications for the regulation and taxation of minerals in India.
The Telangana Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution appealing to the Centre to render justice to Telangana by amending the proposals for the Union Budget 2024 in the ongoing session of the Parliament. The resolution was moved by chief minister A Revanth Reddy on behalf of the state government and it was supported by Opposition members Bharat Rashtra Samithi and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. (PTI)

The resolution was moved by chief minister A Revanth Reddy on behalf of the state government and it was supported by Opposition members Bharat Rashtra Samithi and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen.

The resolution said it is the responsibility of the Central government to ensure an integrated and holistic development of all the states in the country. The central government forsaken the federal spirit, as Telangana was meted out injustice in the union budget. The centre adopted indifference towards Telangana from the day of the formation of the state, it said.

Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a walk out from the assembly before the resolution was adopted after an intense debate over the injustice meted out to Telangana in the Union budget presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Revanth Reddy announced that as a mark of protest against the injustice meted out to Telangana in the Union budget, the state government would boycott NITI Aayog meting to be held by the Centre on July 27.

The resolution further said as per the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, the Centre owed the responsibility of taking all necessary steps for the sustainable development of the two Telugu states. But the Centre has failed to fulfil the promises made in the Act, which had a negative impact on the development of Telangana, it said.

The chief minister reminded that he and delegations of his cabinet colleagues had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Union ministers several times and made appeals to them to fulfil the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act.

We requested the Union government to grant financial assistance for the projects, release funds as per the Act and resolve the long pending inter-state issues. The central government completely neglected the state governments pleas and discriminated against Telangana in the budget allocations, Revanth Reddy said in the resolution.

The state assembly registers a strong protest and expressed unhappiness over the centres neglect for Telangana, the resolution added.

The debate witnessed a war of words between the ruling Congress and the BRS members. BRS working president and Siricilla MLA KT Rama Rao demanded that Revanth Reddy lead a delegation of Congress MLAs and stage a dharna in New Delhi to bring pressure on the Centre to do justice to Telangana, rather than adopting resolutions in the Assembly.

In response, the chief minister said that he was ready to stage a fast unto death at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, provided Leader of Opposition and BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) also joined him. Let us decide whether Telangana gets central funds or not by launching a stir, he said.

The chief minister reminded that the BRS had supported the Narendra Modi government several times in the past, in the form of boycotting the no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha, supporting the PMs demonetisation policy and the RTI amendment act and voting in favour of Triple Talaq bill.

I appeal to the BRS leaders to change their mindset and come forward to help the state to develop, he added.
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to not avenge those who defeated the BJP amid row over the omission of several states in the Union Budget 2024. Stalin said that the PM would be isolated if he ran the Centre according to his political likes and dislikes. (PTI)

Stalin said that the PM would be isolated if he ran the Centre according to his political likes and dislikes. You said, The election is over, now we have to think about the country. But yesterday #Budget2024 will save your rule, but not the Indian nation! the Tamil Nadu chief minister in a post on X. Run the government in general. Dont be bent on avenging those who have yet defeated you. I am bound to advise that if you run the government according to your political likes and dislikes, you will be isolated.

The post came hours after the Opposition walked out of the Rajya Sabha, accusing the Union government of discriminating against non-BJP ruled states.

Stalin on Tuesday announced that he will boycott the Niti Aayog meeting on July 27 convened by the Prime Minister because the Union government had boycotted Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget. Ive taken an important decision, Stalin told reporters at the secretariat on Tuesday. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharamans budget has betrayed Tamil Nadu. This BJP government is not ready to do any good for those who have voted for them for the third timeTamil Nadu is neither in BJP governments thoughts nor action. This is injusticeI was preparing for the Niti Aayog meeting but since Tamil Nadu has been boycotted in the budget, Ive decided to boycott the Niti Aayog meeting.

Tamil Nadus BJP unit on Wednesday accused Stalin of trying to mislead people into believing that only the states mentioned in the budget speech will receive benefits.

Between 2014 and 2024, under the BJP Government, Tamil Nadu received ten times more through budget announcements than in years under the UPA government, said state BJP chief K Annamalai.

Stalin has ignored that the previous Congress-DMK UPA government failed to include Tamil Nadu in six budget speeches between 2004 and 2014, Annamalai said in a post on X. ...Stalin is the most vindictive CM whose governance track record over the last three years borders near zero, has been afraid to go to Niti Aayog meetings for the last two years citing flimsy reasons, and now has the audacity to lecture on governance to our PM.

The ruling DMK and Tamil Nadus main opposition and BJPs former ally AIADMK said that while a Union Budget is meant to create a balanced development across the country, coalition compulsion has favoured Andhra Pradesh and Bihar where BJPs two main alliance partners, the TDP and the JDU, run alliance governments respectively.

While Tamil Nadu had sought disbursement of 37,000 crore as disaster relief, the Union government has so far disbursed only about 276 crore, Stalin had said on Tuesday. He pointed out that though the Union Government announced the second phase of the Chennai Metro Rail project three years ago, no funds have been released for the project and there has been no announcement of metro rail projects for the districts of Coimbatore and Madurai alongside no new railway and highway projects for Tamil Nadu.

The termination of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation regime from July 2022 has caused a revenue shortfall of approximately 20,000 crore per annum for the state, he added.

Stalin also said that the Union government has copied the DMKs state budget with initiatives such as hostels for working women, vocational training centres, hydro tunnel generation policy. In particular, the Union government has announced today that it will provide skill training to 20 lakh (2 million) youth across the country for the next five years. However, in Tamil Nadu alone, we provide skill training to more than 15 lakh (1.5 million) youngsters every year, Stalin said on Tuesday.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday deliberated whether the right to be forgotten, a subset of the right to privacy, could be applied to judicial orders, which are typically public documents. A bench, headed by CJI Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, was addressing a challenge by Indian Kanoon, a legal database website, against a Madras high court order. (HT PHOTO)

A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, was addressing a challenge by Indian Kanoon, a legal database website, against a Madras high court order. This order dated March 3 directed the portal to remove a judgment that revealed the identity of a person acquitted in a sexual assault case.

The bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, raised significant concerns about the implications of the high courts directive, questioning how a publicly accessible judgment could be mandated to be taken down.

Once a judgment is delivered, it becomes part of the public record. Assuming you are acquitted, how can the high court direct him (Indian Kanoon) to pull down the judgment? the bench wondered.

The bench acknowledged that while redaction of names in sensitive cases, such as those involving child sexual abuse, could be justified, removing an entire judgment was excessive.

Warning of the potential slippery slope, it remarked: People may say look my commercial secrets are involved, there is an arbitration case, pull down the judgment in the arbitration case. That will have very serious ramifications.

Advocate Apar Gupta, representing Indian Kanoon, highlighted the conflicting positions of various high courts on the right to be forgotten. While the Kerala and Gujarat high courts have held that there is no right to be forgotten, the Madras high courts impugned order suggests otherwise, he pointed out.

There is a genuine question of law emerging from contradictory judgments from different high courts, Gupta argued, prompting the CJI to acknowledge the necessity to settle the law.

We will have to settle the law, remarked the bench as the bench issued a notice in the petition and put the Madras high courts order in abeyance. Issue notice. In the meantime, the directions of Madras high court shall remain stayed, it directed.

The case before the Supreme Court stemmed from the proceedings before the high court initiated by a man who challenged an order rejecting his request to redact his name and other details from a judgment acquitting him in a sexual assault case. The man argued that the right to be forgotten and privacy are inherent in Article 21 of the Constitution, emphasising that judgments containing personal details can perpetuate stereotypes even after legal exoneration. The high court held that while courts are expected to maintain records, it is within their discretion to make such data publicly available. The court stressed the need to balance open justice with the privacy rights of individuals, particularly in sensitive cases.

The Supreme Courts intervention highlights the need for a delicate balance in defining and protecting individual rights within the broader spectrum of public interest and transparency. The apex courts disposition to settle the law comes at a time when the growth of the Internet and social media has increasingly blurred the boundaries of privacy, putting out in public domain the most intricate details of human lives. Besides, the right to be forgotten entails a delicate balance between ones right to privacy and the right to information in the larger public interest or for the States legitimate needs.

To be sure, the current data protection regime in India, under the 2000 Information Technology Act and 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection Act, do not accord statutory force to the right to be forgotten.

The right to be forgotten is considered to be part of the right to privacy under Article 21, as established in the landmark KS Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017) case. This right seeks to empower individuals to have their personal information removed from public access, particularly when it no longer serves its original purpose or is no longer relevant.

The nine-judge 2017 judgment consisted of six opinions. Three of these opinions, authored by justices Chandrachud, Rohinton F Nariman and Sanjay Kishan Kaul, underscored the right of an individual to control personal information.

Zone of privacy is but an acknowledgement that each individual must be entitled to chart and pursue the course of development of their personality, justice Chandrachud had held while adding that privacy protects the individual from the searching glare of publicity in matters which are personal to his or her life.

Justice Nariman (since retired), in his opinion, recognised the concept of informational privacy, emphasising an individual may have control over the dissemination of material which is personal to them.

Justice Kaul (since retired) acknowledged the new threats in an age of digital footprints while emphasising the significance of the right to be left alone and the right to be forgotten. According to him, an individuals privacy needs to be protected both from the State and the non-State actors, which can gather and analyse data to shape behaviour or influence the decision-making process.

In July 2022, justice Kauls bench asked the top court registry to work out a mechanism so that details of a couple embroiled in a bitter marital discord can be removed from search engines and the Internet, expanding the ambit of the right to privacy and the right to be forgotten.

The debate also comes at a time when an increasing number of people are approaching media houses to take down reports referring to them, armed with judicial orders acquitting them of accusations.
New Delhi: India on Thursday criticised Canadian authorities for acting against two men who allegedly made online threats against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau while failing to act against pro-Khalistan elements who have made similar threats against Indian leaders and diplomats. Protestors of the Khalistan movement (AP Photo)

A special counter-terror unit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has charged a 67-year-old man from Edmonton under the Criminal Code for allegedly posting threats on YouTube to kill Trudeau, deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland and New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh. A 23-year-old man from Calgary was also charged for allegedly posting threats to kill Trudeau on X.

We have seen these reports. When a democracy adopts different yardsticks to measure or implement the rule of law and freedom of expression, it only exposes its own double standard, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said when he was asked about the development at a regular media briefing.

We expect Canada to take action against anti-India elements who have repeatedly threatened Indian leaders, institutions, airlines and diplomats with violence. We would like to see strong action, the same level of action on threats against us, he said, referring to threats against Indian leaders and diplomats by Khalistani activists.

Responding to a separate question on the vandalisation of a temple at Edmonton in Canada, Jaiswal said the Indian side has strongly taken up the matter with Canadian authorities, both in New Delhi and Ottawa.

We condemn the vandalisation. We expect the local authorities to take strong and swift action against those responsible. These attacks against temples have become a recurring occurrence and are done with a purpose which is not difficult to fathom, he said.

There have been a number of such incidents in Canada in recent times, and the lack of action against the perpetrators has emboldened such criminal elements, he said.

Those advocating and responsible for extremism and violence need to be brought to justice or else the rule of law and respect for pluralism in Canada will continue to be severely undermined. We hope the Canadian government will take action, Jaiswal added.
Majdanek in Poland was the first Nazi concentration camp to be liberated, almost a year before the end of World War II. The concentration camp at Lublin-Majdanek was liberated in July 1944.(Juergen Raible/akg-images/picture alliance )

On July 24, 1944, Soviet soldiers and Polish military units arrived at the Majdanek concentration camp on the outskirts of the city of Lublin in eastern Poland.

A US war reporter would later describe Majdanek as "the most terrible place on the face of the Earth," comparing it to a huge car factory "for the production of death."

Ahead of the arrival of the Red Army, the Nazis had hastily abandoned Majdanek, one of six purpose-built killing centers called extermination camps that the Nazis built in the area of Poland under German occupation. They evacuated the remaining prisoners and tried to destroy the crematoriums and other buildings in an attempt to cover up the mass murder that took place at the death camp.

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A least 78,000 people, including 59,000 Jews, were killed at Majdanek during its nearly three years of existence.

"Shocking evidence of the crimes committed by the Germans was found: ashes, bones, human remains and the bodies of the murdered prisoners, mainly Jews and Poles," Wieslaw Wysok, the deputy director of the Majdanek State Museum, told DW.

"The tragic dimension of the site was further emphasized by the surviving traces of the crime: gas chambers, crematoriums, prisoners' barracks, hundreds of thousands of shoes."

The discovery of Majdanek provided clear evidence of the Nazi extermination system almost six months before the liberation in January 1945 of the Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp, where some 900,000 Jews were murdered in the gas chambers.

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Nazi Germany killed some 6 million Jews between 1941 and the end of World War II in 1945 in the deliberate, systematic and state-sponsored murder of Jews known as the Holocaust. The Nazis also persecuted other groups, leading to the deaths of at least 1.9 million non-Jewish Polish civilians during the war.

Labor camp became an extermination camp

Initiated in July 1941 on the orders of top Nazi official Heinrich Himmler, Majdanek's original function was to serve as a prison of war and labor camp.

Within a year, it was converted into an extermination camp, where prisoners too weak to work were killed.

"From autumn 1942 to autumn 1943, Jewish prisoners were murdered with Zyklon B and carbon monoxide in gas chambers," said Wysok.

Majdanek was also one of the sites of the Holocaust's largest German-perpetrated massacre, known as "Aktion Erntefest" or "Operation Harvest Festival."

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The operation saw some 42,000 Jews killed on November 3 and November 4, 1943, at Majdanek and two other camps in German-occupied Poland.

German police and SS units shot more than 18,000 Jews at Majdanek  nearly all of the remaining Jewish prisoners at the camp  as part of the operation.

Operation Harvest Festival was an element of a larger Nazi operation known as "Aktion Reinhardt," which was responsible for the systematic murder of 1.8 million Jews in German-occupied Poland.

"Lublin was the headquarters of 'Aktion Reinhardt,' the place where economic activities converged," said Stephan Lehnstaedt, a Holocaust studies professor at Touro University Berlin.

"This is where those Jews who were still needed for forced labor and could be exploited were allocated. This is where looted goods were sorted and processed. People were deported from there to other camps and everything was coordinated from there."

What was happening in Majdanek was known in Lublin. There were reports from people who had managed to escape from the camp, and also people who worked there.

Liberation of camp had no bearing on war trajectory

The first Western journalists were allowed to enter liberated Majdanek in August 1944, with the US magazine Life publishing an article calling the camp the worst example of organized cruelty in the history of civilization.

But this knowledge of the atrocities being carried out by the Nazis didn't alter the course of the war, said Lehnstaedt.

"Majdanek was directly on the route to [the German capital] Berlin. Nobody was on their way to liberate the concentration camps, but to fight against the Wehrmacht and defeat the Germans militarily," he told DW.

"The much-debated question is: Why weren't the tracks to Auschwitz bombed, why didn't anyone do anything, why didn't anyone protest? Because it played no role militarily."

Memorial museum came soon, but Nazi trials took time

Majdanek wasn't just the first Nazi concentration camp to be liberated, but it was also the first to be transformed into a memorial museum, commemorating the victims of National Socialism.

"Less than a month after the camp was liberated, an initiative was launched in Lublin to establish a museum," said Wysok. "The museum began its work at the beginning of November. Three years later, on July 2, 1947, the Polish parliament passed a law giving the Majdanek State Museum its legal status."

The first trial of Nazi officials at the Majdanek camp took place in November and December 1944. Six staff members were sentenced and hanged.

It took three more decades, however, before trials were held in West Germany against Nazis who had committed crimes at Majdanek.

From 1975 to 1981, six female guards, a male doctor and nine SS guards stood trial in Dusseldorf. It was one of the longest and most complex case in German judicial history.

Guard Hermine Braunsteiner-Ryan was sentenced to life imprisonment. Seven other defendants received prison sentences ranging from three to 12 years, while the others were acquitted.

"Some of the defendants were unfit to stand trial," said Lehnstaedt. "It had been too long. Furthermore, the German legal system at the time required proof of individual murder. And that was difficult to prove, because of course you needed a witness to say they saw exactly how this person killed a prisoner."

Majdanek 'overshadowed' by Auschwitz

Lehnstaedt deplored the fact that many Germans are no longer familiar with the name Majdanek. He said that apart from Auschwitz, people often didn't know about the other extermination camps in occupied Poland.

The media, he suggested, were partly responsible for this.

"German remembrance is very much focused on the Holocaust and Auschwitz. When German visitor groups make the long journey to Poland, they usually go to Auschwitz. Majdanek, like every other Polish memorial site, is simply overshadowed by Auschwitz."

Wysok from the Majdanek State Museum said the commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the camp's liberation would be attended by former prisoners  survivors who were children during the war. He said they would once again bear witness to ensure that the victims are never forgotten.

"There is a sentence engraved on the mausoleum where the ashes of the murdered were buried: 'Let our fate be a warning to you'.

"Even after 80 years, this is still relevant, because they are not just asking for the innocent victims to be remembered. They are still asking for their struggle to preserve their humanity under the most inhumane conditions to be remembered. And that we learn from their experience."
Jennifer Lopez, the iconic Hollywood pop star, turned 55 and celebrated her birthday like a true queen with a Bridgerton-themed birthday party. JLo donned a custom Manish Malhotra gown for her birthday, dazzling with her timeless beauty. 55 has never looked more stunning, aging like a fine, decadent wine. As Jennifer Lopez hosted her Bridgerton-themed party, Lady Whistledown approves her look and dubs her the new Queen of the Ton. (Instagram )

The designer felt honoured to create the outfit for the Atlas actors birthday party. He took this opportunity to honour the Indian craftsmanship behind the ethereal dress.

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JLos Bridgerton Outfit

Manish Malhotra took to Instagram to share the details of what went into the making of Jennifer Lopezs custom off-shoulder gown. This dress is a masterpiece of Indian craftsmanship, taking over 3,490 hours to finish and involving 40 skilled artisans. The outfit featured a corset and a Victorian skirt embellished with vintage brocade. However, Bridgerton is set in the Regency Era, not Victorian. Though it's always good to mix things up.

The gown was adorned with intricate floral patterns, carefully hand-moulded from sequins and over half a million crystals, forming the highlight of the design. The gown had a contemporary touch with a middle slit up to her knees.

Manish Malhotra celebrated the tumultuous process that went into the making of the entire ensemble. To preserve the vibrant hues of the dress, petal and ring-shaped metal sequins were specially treated. To complete the look, JLo accessorised with a dainty pendant, studs, meshed gloves, and headgear to pull her hair into an elegant bun. She complemented her dress with shiny chunky heels.

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JLos Bridgerton-Themed Party

Jennifers birthday party theme was inspired by the popular Netflix show Bridgerton. The party radiated Regency-era vibes, featuring horse carriages, ornate courtyards, string quartets, and extravagant ball dances. JLo donned the custom Manish Malhotra muted golden-blue gown for her birthday, exuding Queen Charlotte-like grace and poise on her throne.

ALSO READ: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck arent throwing in the towel even though divorce papers are done
Singapore remains a captivating destination for Indian travellers due to its proximity and diverse attractions. Whether you are planning a family vacation, educational pursuit, or exploring its cultural richness, ensuring a safe and secure trip is paramount. Travel insurance for Singapore: Find all the relevant details here.(Pexels)

What is the importance of Singapore travel insurance?

Travel insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding your journey to Singapore. It provides comprehensive coverage against unforeseen events such as flight delays, medical emergencies, and more, ensuring peace of mind throughout your stay.

Coverage options available

When selecting travel insurance for Singapore, consider tailored plans designed to meet specific needs:

General travel insurance: Ideal for tourists and families, this plan covers a wide range of incidents including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. It ensures you are protected from unexpected costs and disruptions during your visit.

Student travel insurance: Specifically crafted for Indian students pursuing education in Singapore, this plan offers extended coverage such as tuition fee reimbursements, emergency medical care, and travel assistance, catering to the unique needs of young learners abroad.

Senior citizen insurance: For elderly travellers, senior citizen insurance provides specialised coverage addressing age-related health concerns and travel-related risks, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey throughout their stay in Singapore.

What are the benefits of travel insurance for Singapore?

In recent times, the requirement for COVID-19 covered travel insurance for Singapore visitors has been lifted, allowing travellers more flexibility. Despite this, the advantages of securing international travel insurance extend beyond fulfilling mandatory requirements. Here's a comprehensive look at the key benefits provided by a robust travel insurance plan:

Comprehensive medical coverage: One of the primary benefits of travel insurance to Singapore is comprehensive medical coverage. This includes covering sudden medical expenses incurred due to illness or injury during your trip. Whether it's hospitalisation costs, medical treatments, or emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility, your insurance ensures you receive the necessary care without financial strain.

Also read: Best travel insurance in India

COVID-19 protection: Even with the relaxation of mandatory COVID-19 insurance, having coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses remains crucial. Travel insurance for Singapore covers medical costs associated with COVID-19 for you and your immediate family members, offering peace of mind against unforeseen health emergencies.

Personal liability coverage: Travel insurance also includes personal liability coverage, protecting you in situations where you become legally liable for third-party damages or injuries while travelling abroad. This coverage handles legal expenses and compensation costs up to the policy limit.

Passport and document assistance: Losing essential documents like your passport can be daunting abroad. Travel insurance provides assistance and financial coverage for expenses incurred in obtaining a new or duplicate passport due to loss or theft during your trip.

Compensation for luggage issues: Travel disruptions such as lost, damaged, or delayed luggage are common issues faced by travellers. Your insurance policy compensates you for the inconvenience caused, reimbursing you according to the policy terms for the value of your lost belongings or the expenses incurred due to luggage delay.

Protection against flight delays or cancellations: Travel insurance for Singapore includes coverage for flight delays or cancellations, providing compensation for additional expenses or arrangements required because of the disrupted travel plans. This coverage ensures you are not financially burdened by unforeseen changes in your itinerary.

Also read: Insurance coverage for train travel: Claim rules & process during accident

Automatic policy extensions: In situations where your return is delayed due to emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance offers automatic policy extensions. This extension keeps you covered beyond your original departure date, ensuring continuity of protection throughout your trip.

What are documents required while travelling from India to Singapore?

When travelling from India to Singapore, certain essential documents and requirements must be met upon arrival:

Passport: Ensure your Indian passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

SG arrival card: Complete the SG Arrival Card and electronic Health Declaration before arrival.

Visa: Hold a valid Singapore entry visa appropriate for your purpose of visit.

Proof of funds: Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your entire stay in Singapore.

Return or onward ticket: Have a confirmed return or onward ticket.

Health requirements: If applicable, possess a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Entry approval: Ensure you have obtained any required prior entry approval.

While travel insurance to Singapore is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. It can provide coverage in case of loss of important travel documents or other unforeseen circumstances during your stay. It's advisable to review your insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage provided.

What's excluded from travel insurance for Singapore from India?

When purchasing travel insurance for your trip from India to Singapore, it's essential to understand what is not covered under the policy. Here are the exclusions you should be aware of:

Breach of law: Travel insurance will not cover any health issues or sickness resulting from activities that breach local laws or regulations in Singapore. This includes any legal infractions that lead to medical expenses.

Consumption of intoxicant substances: If you consume intoxicants or substances prohibited by law in Singapore, any related claims under your travel insurance policy will be invalidated. It's crucial to adhere to local laws regarding substance use.

Pre-existing diseases: Any medical conditions that existed before your travel and any treatments related to these conditions are excluded from coverage. It's important to disclose pre-existing conditions accurately when purchasing your insurance.

Also read: 7 key factors to consider while choosing the best travel insurance

Cosmetic and obesity treatment: Expenses incurred from elective procedures such as cosmetic surgeries or treatments for obesity during your trip are not covered by travel insurance. These are considered personal choices rather than emergencies.

Self-inflicted injury: Medical costs arising from self-inflicted injuries will not be covered by your travel insurance. This includes any hospitalisation expenses resulting from intentional actions.

How to buy cheapest travel insurance for Singapore to India?

Here are some effective strategies to acquire the most economical travel insurance for Singapore from India:

Obtain quotations from various travel insurance companies. Use online platforms to compare different travel insurance options for Singapore, evaluating coverage, services, features, and premiums. Choose a suitable sum insured that can safeguard you from significant financial liabilities, even under severe circumstances. Select or decline specific coverage based on your specific travel requirements. Thoroughly comprehend and review the claims procedure to preemptively avoid potential challenges.

By implementing these steps, you can secure cost-effective travel insurance tailored to your needs when visiting Singapore from India.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Bypolls rarely have a bearing on the stability of the state government or its leaders but the upcoming elections to 10 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh (UP) have generated huge interest as many link the future of the state leadership with its results.

Ever since the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, which deprived Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a comfortable third term, there has been speculation about the high commands plan to overhaul both the government and the party organisation.

The state BJP chief Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, according to party leaders aware of developments but who asked not to be named, had submitted his resignation owing the responsibility for the partys flop show in UP. The offer was declined. Those who expected a similar gesture from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were disappointed as people close to him countered the demand for his resignation saying he did not play a crucial role in candidate selection.

The plan to give a fresh look to both the organisation and government has apparently been shelved in view of the upcoming state assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana and the by-polls to the 10 assembly seats in UP.

Though the Election Commission of India (ECI) is yet to announce the schedule, Adityanath, who has been facing much heat after the partys dismal performance in the Lok Sabha polls, convened a meeting of ministers and allotted a constituency each to a group of three ministers. The party office-bearers were kept out of the meeting.

This has further intensified the tug of war between the government and the organisation, which was triggered by deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Mauryas statement at a poll review meeting, The party is bigger than the government. Thus, the question: Is Yogi trying to prove Maurya wrong?

Adityanath and Maurya have been engaged in a power tussle since the 2017 assembly elections when as state BJP president had hoped to occupy the coveted chair of the chief minister after the partys spectacular victory in the state assembly elections. The differences kept simmering even though Maurya was appointed deputy CM in 2017 and again in 2022. That he had the blessings of central leadership was clear from the fact that he was reinstated as the deputy chief minister even after losing his seat in 2022.

Now, after the partys poor performance in the 2024 polls, knives are out against Yogi with Maurya leading the rebel group. He has not attended any cabinet meeting since the results were announced.

It is believed that Delhi will take a decisive call on the reorganisation of the government and the state party organisation after the bypolls. Campaigning for the seats is expected to be solely handled by Adityanath instead of the troika that led the show in the recent Lok Sabha polls  Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and Yogi. Thus, while many are linking the by-poll results to the chief ministers future, others see a ray of hope in the deferment as political equations within the BJP and the RSS keep fluctuating.

Thrice when by-polls made news

Before the BJPs spectacular rise in UP in the 2014 Lok Sabha and subsequent victories in 2017 and 2022 state assembly and 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the common belief was the party in power won maximum seats as voters preferred to remain on the right side of power - something also witnessed in the Zilla Parishad and Local Bodies elections.

Like in the 2009 by-elections to 10 state assemblies and one Lok Sabha seat, the then the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) won nine seats in the bypolls.

In the 2018 bypolls, the Samajwadi Partys (SP) victory in Gorakhpur and Phulpur had sent shockwaves through the BJP. The seats were won by Adityanath and Maurya in the 2014 General elections. Both resigned their seats after they were appointed CM and deputy CM after winning the 2017 assembly polls. The SP-BSP experimented with BSP leader Mayawati extending support to SP candidate Praveen Nishad in Gorakhpur and not fielding a candidate in support of Narendra Pratap Singh of SP in Phulpur.

However, in the 2022 Lok Sabha bypolls, BJP avenged the defeat by winning the two SP strongholds of Rampur and Azamgarh, both Muslim-dominated constituencies. Azamgarh was vacated by SPs national president Akhilesh Yadav after winning the 2022 assembly polls. He fielded his nephew Dharmendra Yadav, who lost the seat by barely 8679 votes as BSP played spoilsport by fielding a popular local Muslim candidate who cut into their support base. By then the SP-BSP relations had soured.

Rampur was also vacated by SPs senior leader Mohd Azam Khan after winning assembly polls. BJPs Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi won the seat.

In bypolls held in seven seats in 2020, BJP won six while SP retained one throwing cold waters on the oppositions plan to exploit Covid-19 pandemic mismanagement against the Yogi government.

Now, while Adityanath may be desperate to win all the 10 seats to reassert his invincibility in UP, the Opposition would like to take away the maximum to destabilise his government. As of now, the SP and the NDA( BJP-3, RLD-1, Nishad Party-1) hold five seats each.

Sunita Aron is a consulting editor with the HT based in Lucknow. You can find her on X as @overto. The weekly column, Keeping up with UP tackles everything from politics to social and cultural mores in the country's most populous state. The views expressed are personal.
In a major push to revive supply in the affordable housing segment, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23 announced a sizable outlay of 10 lakh crore under the PM Awas Yojana Urban 2.0. Revival of CLSS scheme is expected to boost supply of affordable housing stock in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, as per expexts (Representational photo)(HT Archive)

Budget 2024 has also brought back interest subsidy under the flagship scheme setting aside 4,000 crore for the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). The revival of the scheme, say real estate experts, is expected to boost affordability of prospective homebuyers and may increase the supply of the affordable housing stock in peripheral locations of Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities recently connected with new infrastructure.

This is what Budget 2024 has proposed for affordable housing

In the Union Budget for financial year 2024-25, PMAY-U has been allocated 30,170 crore, an increase of 20.19% from the 2023-2024 budgetary allocation.

According to the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, the interest subsidy scheme can soon be availed by the economically weaker section (EWS), lower income group (LIG) and middle-income group.

Nearly two years ago, the government did not extend the time period of CLSS under PMAY, which provided subsidized home loans based on income. At present, the scheme is being implemented through three verticals  beneficiary led construction/enhancement, affordable housing in partnership and in-situ slum redevelopment.

Presenting the Union Budget for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha on July 24, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that three crore additional houses under the PM Awas Yojana in rural and urban areas will be constructed, for which the necessary allocations are being made. According to the budgetary document, 3,000 crore has been allocated for EWS and LIG groups to construct houses under CLSS in urban areas while the middle-income group will be provided 1,000 crore.

Also Read: Budget 2024: Focus on digitisation of land records, Urban development gets a leg up

Sitharaman announced central assistance of 2.2 lakh crore over the next five years to meet housing requirements of one crore urban poor and middle-class families under the PMAY-U and proposed interest subsidy to provide loans at affordable rates.

Ministry officials have been quoted as saying that modalities of the PMAY-U 2.0 have been worked out and the second phase of PMAY-U will be launched soon.

Watch: Budget 2024: Development of Homes Will Continue Strongly Says Boman Irani, President of CREDAI

Under CLSS scheme 1.0 launched earlier, MIG I category consisting of individuals with an annual income of 6-12 lakh were given an interest subsidy of 4% provided on a loan of up to 9 lakh. For the MIG II category, which was made up of individuals with an annual income of 12-18 lakh, an interest subsidy of 3% was given on a loan of up to 12 lakh. The benefits were typically in the 2-2.5 lakh range. The carpet area of a housing unit was initially revised to up to 120 sq m and up to 150 sq m for MIG I and MIG II respectively in November 2017 and further enhanced to up to 160 sq m and up to 200 sq m for MIG I and MIG II, respectively in June 2018.

Details for CLSS 2.0 have not yet been released.

Revival of CLSS scheme to boost supply of affordable housing stock in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities

CLSS 2.0, the fine print for which is yet to be released, is an opportunity for real estate developers going forward. What it does is to bring down the cost of funding as buyers would have to pay less interest on home loans. It will also increase homebuyers eligibility to apply for a home loan, said Vipul Roongta, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Capital Advisors Ltd.

Most developers have focused on launching luxury housing projects after Covid-19 but that is not to say that the demand for affordable housing has gone down. It is the supply of affordable housing which has decreased because there is greater viability for luxury housing projects. Having said that, its not that developers will suddenly change track and start launching only affordable or mid housing segments, he explained.

I dont see any reason why both the guns should not be firing simultaneously - affordable and luxury. Going forward, I see supply for affordable housing definitely going up in a big way.

Much of this affordable housing supply may come up along new infrastructure corridors such as highways, RRTS and the Metro.

One big positive in the Indian context is that road and metro connectivity in all the top cities has significantly gone up. Several affordable housing projects may be launched within 45-minutes of the Central Business Districts in major cities. That will be because land prices in these zones will be more compatible to construct affordable housing.

We may see a lot of action in areas along the Yamuna Expressway, Sonipat, Panipat, Manesar, Meerut, Nasik, Nagpur, Panvel, Mysuru and other peripheral areas in big cities among others, he said.

Developers decision to launch projects will depend on the cost at which they bought the land, the cost of construction and the cost of FSI.

"Tier II and III cities will become the nerve centres of a lot of development and see growth in the affordable and mid segment housing," said Boman Irani, president, CREDAI, however adding that the government should make size, as opposed to price, the indicator of affordable housing.

Real estate experts said that developers that were primarily into affordable housing and changed track to launch premium housing may also decide to launch projects in this segment again.

Success of the affordable housing scheme depends on steps taken by the state governments

The government's decision to bring back the interest subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0 and set aside 4,000 crore for Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) is a positive step, experts said.

They pointed out that the success of this scheme depends on the affordable housing schemes that are eventually rolled out by the respective state governments as land is a state subject.

It may be worthwhile to set aside agricultural lands along newly built infrastructure as residential for the purpose of affordable housing where the size of homes could be defined by the government, they said.

Pradeep Aggarwal, founder and chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd, a company that pioneered affordable housing in Gurugram, is of the opinion that the government's decision to reinstate the interest subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0, along with the 4,000 crore allocation for the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), marks a significant and welcome step. This initiative, coupled with the construction of three crore additional houses in rural and urban areas, underscores a strong commitment to making homeownership more accessible for many families.

Watch: Budget 2024: Understanding the Impact of LTCG Reduction & Abolishment of Indexation on Real Estate

The collaboration between the central and state governments in promoting affordable housing will be crucial for the success of this scheme. We request that agricultural lands be strategically utilized along newly developed infrastructure for residential purposes. As a developer, we can ensure the effective implementation of these projects, providing quality and affordable homes to those who need them most," he said.

Pankaj Kapoor of Liases Foras said that the demand for housing priced less than 45 lakh has reduced over the years. It constitutes just about 10 to 15% of the total housing units sold. In 2017-2018, Tier 2 cities contributed to close to about 30% of affordable housing demand which is down to almost 20% today. The renewal of the CLSS scheme would mean revival of affordable housing in peripheral areas of Tier 1 and in Tier 2 cities, especially those located along the new and upcoming infrastructure in the next two to three years, he added.

Also Read: Luxury homes above 1 crore witness 41% growth in sales; affordable housing sales decline

According to a report by property consultancy Knight Frank India, the budget housing segment across the top eight cities in India, comprising residential units priced under 50 lakh, has seen a sustained deceleration in sales for the past five consecutive half-yearly periods.

I dont see a shift in the focus of developers who are present in the luxury segment for higher margins, said Saandip Kundu, CEO, RMZ Living. However, the affordable housing segment is expected to grow parallelly, driven by players who have been active in the segment so far, he added.

Others agreed. Players in Tier 2 and 3 cities whose core expertise lie in the semi-affordable segment are likely to account for this anticipated growth, said Ritesh Mehta, Senior Director, and Head (North and West), Residential Services and Developer Initiative, JLL India.

Also Read: Affordable housing launches drop 21% in April-June period across 7 major cities as builders focus on premium units

Byproduct of fillip for rental housing

Interestingly, the Modi 3.0 government also unveiled plans to facilitate rental housing for industrial workers in partnership with the private sector.

Rental housing with dormitory type accommodation for industrial workers will be facilitated in PPP mode with VGF (viability gap funding) support and commitment from anchor industries, Sitharaman underscored.

This may be a sweet spot for both parties in the equation. Several sectoral experts believe that this could be a pilot, which if proven successful, may unlock massive opportunities for real estate developers across the country. Realty players eagerly await a fine print of the plans to assess the potential of this model.

Also Read: Budget FY25: Govt to facilitate rental housing for industrial workers, encourage states to moderate stamp duty rates

If this works well, then who knows, this may expand on public-private partnership to bring affordable housing on rental basis to larger cities, urban areas," said Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group. He emphasized that the said move may be the start of a much bigger opportunity where developers may benefit over a period of time if the experience goes well.
In the past 24 hours, Pune has witnessed record-breaking rainfall that has put the city on a halt. As the rain showers continue, citizens are facing heavy traffic jams, waterlogging in several parts, landslides and unattended fallen branches on roads that could cause significant injuries. IMD predicted that Pune will very likely receive extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in the ghat areas and moderate rains in the plains till Friday (PTI Photo)

As rainfall intensified significantly overnight, numerous people took to X to share visuals from the city. From the flooded areas to people stuck in tough situations, several posts on the microblogging platform highlight the difficulties the residents are facing in the city. (Also Read: First time in season, heavy rain in Pune prompts water discharge from Khadakwasla)

Take a look at a few of the posts here:

With substantial rainfall in the catchment areas of Pune's dams, the stock in all four dams that supply water to the city has increased dramatically during the last 48 hours. For the first time this monsoon, the irrigation department discharged water from the Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River after it reached 95% capacity on Wednesday, 24 July.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the city. Suhas Diwase, the District Collector, has ordered schools to be shut down amid persistent rain and waterlogging. Pune district recorded a rainfall of 567.2 mm from June 1 to July 24, 2024, and reported IMD. (Also Read: Three electrocuted to death as heavy rains lash Pune, CM Shinde seeks armed forces' help)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said he spoke with officers to put the Indian Air Force and Army on alert for flood relief operations in Pune and other areas. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is curr ently camping at Mantralaya and coordinating with authorities, he added.

The IMD forecast that Pune will receive exceptionally heavy rainfall in isolated ghat locations and moderate showers in the plains until Friday.
The transformation of Bengaluru into Indias IT capital also brought hordes of workers to the Karnataka capital. Decades later, the cracks are beginning to show. It is now amply evident to any resident that Bengalurus infrastructure is ill-equipped to deal with the number of people living there. Nowhere is this more evident than in the citys infamous traffic jams. Traffic jam on one side of the Mysuru Road in Bengaluru. (ANI)

Bengaluru, perhaps more so than any other Indian city today, deals with massive traffic congestion every day. Rapid urbanisation, poor planning, limited public transport options are just some reasons why employees find the citys roads choked daily during peak rush hours.

In the face of this, a Bengaluru-based CEO wants to borrow an idea from China to help residents deal with traffic. Serial entrepreneur Paras Chopra shared a screenshot of a news article describing how, in Beijing, commuters stuck in traffic jams can call for a rescue.

The article explains that in Beijing, you can pay someone $60 to rescue you from traffic. One person will reach your location and pick you up on a motorbike, while another will drive your car back.

Bangalore founders, drop that SaaS idea and build this instead, Chopra wrote while sharing the article on the social media platform X.

Social media reacts

X users were much amused by his suggestion, although some predicted that it would never work in traffic as chaotic as Bengalurus.

Best startup idea, wrote Debonkar, founder of GoToGrowth.

X user Sankalp gave a more balanced answer: Here's a potential startup idea for major cities, but the main concern is establishing a trust-based framework. However, insurance companies may come into play by introducing a new insurance section.

Indians way too price sensitive lol. Will sit in traffic 3 hrs rather than spend 1000rs to get rescued, a user predicted.

Another wrote: Except that you will be stuck on motorbike instead.

At least one person said they have already used this hack: Ive done this so many times, here in Bangalore. Very fun, just book Uber.
The results of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) are yet to be declared, and students fed up by the delay have taken to calling the National Testing Agency (NTA) helpline for answers. Candidates coming out of Bhonwal Institute of Engineering in Lucknow after writing CUET-UG 2023 on Sunday. (Deepak Gupta/HT photo)

The CUET-UG acts as the primary admission test for undergraduate programs at 46 Central universities, including the much-in-demand Delhi University. The delay in results will affect the admission timelines of all participating institutions.

This year's exams were conducted from May 15 to May 31 in both online and pen-and-paper formats, with a retest on July 19. The future of more than 13 lakh students hangs in the limbo over the delay. Many students who appeared for CUET have taken to social media to complain about the delay in releasing results by NTA.

Removed admit card links

One person who appeared for the test called up the NTA helpline yesterday requesting clarity on the results timeline. They wrote about their experience in a Reddit post, saying they were impressed by the representative who answered the call but did not receive a clear answer.

Genuinely impressed by the representatives answered the call quickly and also replied with composure, the student wrote. The representative mentioned at least twice that admit card links have been removed from the website, which means the results could be uploaded soon.

When the student asked if they could expect the results this week, the NTA representative asked them to wait and see.

"Pretty vague about it still with no official confirmation. Said to keep an eye on the website and also pointed out the admit card thing like twice, the student wrote on Reddit.

'In 3-4 days'

Two days ago, another CUET hopeful had called the NTA helpline with a similar query. They were told that the final answer key has yet to be released and the results would be declared three to four days after the answer key.

Agar 1-2 din mein aagaya toh result bhi 3-4 din mein aa jayega, the NTA representative told the student, according to his Reddit post.

The re-test answer key was released yesterday. However, there is still on official word on when students can expect the results to be released.
As Mumbai faces heavy rainfall, the local police have warned people to stay away from the waves at Marine Drive. The Mumbai Police's official Instagram page shared a witty post for people enjoying this monsoon season. Soon after the post was made, it caught the attention of many. Snapshot of the post shared by the Mumbai Police.

In their post, the police department wrote, Enjoy Mumbai's 3 km long beauty, but avoid being tied down by > 3 m waves. While sharing the post, in the caption, they added, "Don't let 'waves of trouble' wash you away!" (Also Read: Amid record-breaking rainfall in Pune, internet shares scary visuals of flooded city)

Take a look at the post below:

More on Mumbai's weather:

Overnight, there was significant disruption throughout Mumbai and the neighbouring areas due to heavy and prolonged rainfall and winds as high as 60 kilometres per hour. The flooding caused waterlogging, train delays, and toppled trees.

As per the India Meteorological Department, the Santacruz observatory, which functions as the city's baseline weather station, registered 68.1 mm of rain in the 24 hours that concluded at 8:30 am on Thursday. In the same timeframe, 62.5 mm were recorded at the Colaba observatory. The neighbouring district of Thane saw a significant 120.4 mm of rain. (Also Read: Heavy rainfall disrupts Mumbai; flight operations affected)

Automatic weather stations operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported an average rainfall of 99 mm in the eastern suburbs for the 24 hours ending at 8 am, followed by 89 mm in the western suburbs and 44 mm in the island city.

In the districts of Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, all afternoon sessions of schools and colleges up to class 12 have been declared as holidays by the authorities. All exams scheduled for Thursday have been postponed by the University of Mumbai; however, this is limited to the Warli tehsil in the Raigad district. The Examination and Evaluation Board's director, Pooja Roudale, said, "The revised dates of all these exams will be announced soon."
Can you predict if you will come down with a cold in the next seven days? Or foresee a stomach bug at least a week in advance? The answer, obviously, is no. An Indian employee asked his manager for sick leave, stumped by reply.(Pixabay)

Anyone can tell you that there is no way to predict minor illnesses with any degree of certainty in life. So when one Indian manager told his employee that sick leaves must be applied for seven days in advance, people across the world were left scratching their heads in confusion. The employee shared a screenshot of his WhatsApp exchange with his boss on the antiwork Reddit forum.

My health is not well, so I wont be coming to the office, the employee informed his senior, as per the screenshot.

To this, the manager asked if he was planning to take a sick leave. On receiving an answer in the affirmative, the boss replied: To take sick leave or casual leave you need to inform at least 7 days prior.

How to know if I am going to be sick in next 7 days? the employee wondered in his now-viral post.

Take a look at the exchange below:

People in the comments section were left bemused by the bosss demand.

Send an email every day: This is to inform you that I may get sick seven days from now and may thus need to use sick time, See how long it takes, suggested one Reddit user.

Malicious compliance time.....every Monday morning submit a preemptive sick leave notice, then cancel it the following Monday when you submit a new one, another said in agreement.

Some shared their own experiences of dealing with unreasonable company policies. I used to work in a supermarket. One day I had an evening shift. At some point in the early afternoon, I fell down a flight of stairs and had a bruised knee and a minor concussion. I called in sick and got told I needed to come in anyway or be written up because calling in sick must happen before 8 am. Yeah, Ill schedule falling down the stairs next time, a Reddit user recalled.
Two fishermen are safe after a whale crashed onto their boat, capsizing it off the New Hampshire shore, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Snapshot of the whale flipping over the boat.

The incident occurred Tuesday near Odiorne Point State Park in Rye. The two men, who were thrown overboard, said they had seen the whale earlier and were trying to keep their distance.

He went under, he disappeared for a few minutes, and then the next thing we know, he just popped right up on our transom, fisherman Ryland Kenney told WMUR-TV.

The Coast Guard posted to X that they had received a mayday call stating that a 23-foot (7-meter) center console boat had turned over because of a whale breach. (Also Read: Bloodthirsty orcas brutally attack a whale shark. Watch rare video)

The occupants were ejected from the vessel as the boat capsized, the Coast Guard posted, adding that an urgent marine information broadcast was issued and the Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor was alerted.

A good Samaritan recovered both individuals from the water. No injuries were reported, the Coast Guard posted.

The rescuers turned out to be two young brothers.

I saw it come up, and I was just like, Oh, its going to hit the boat,' Wyatt Yager told the station. It started to flip. His brother, Colin Yager, caught what happened on his phone.

The boat crew from Station Portsmouth reported that the whale appeared not to be injured. The incident was reported to the Center of Coastal Studies Marine Animal Hotline and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Watch the video here:

The vessel has also been salvaged.

The whale probably did not know the boat was there, said Sara Morris of the University of New Hampshire Shoals Marine Laboratory.

If you look at the video really carefully, you can see that the whale has its mouth open, she told the station. It looks like it's lunge feeding and actually trying to catch fish.
Due to heavy rain between Sleemanabad and Dundi stations in Madhya Pradesh, pointsmen were seen guiding a train through the waterlogged tracks. Armed with heavy gear, umbrellas and a torch light, the officials walked in front of the train to help it cross the tracks safely. A video of the incident was shared on social media and has caught the attention of many. Snapshot of the pointsmen guiding the train.

The video was posted by Jist News, which informed, "Pointsmen walked between tracks to show the way to a train as the tracks got submerged in water due to waterlogging between Sleemanabad and Dundi stations in Madhya Pradesh." (Also Read: Mumbai police urges caution near Marine Drive with clever post amid heavy rainfall)

The video shows three people in suits, carrying gears and umbrellas and walking in front of the train. As they carefully keep each step on the track, the train can be seen moving behind them at a slow speed. The tracks seem to have completely submerged under the water, leaving the loco pilot in the situation.

Watch the video here:

This post was shared on July 25. Since being shared, it has gained close to 78,000 views. The post also has more than 2,300 likes. Many people also took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts on it.

Here's how people reacted to the video:

Instagram user Feroz Amir wrote, "Bullet trains ke sapne aur bull shit trains hue apne (We dream of bullet trains, but our current trains are bull shit.)"

Another person added, "Ye kya mazak hai? Current lag sakta hai unko track se bhi (What is this joke? These men can also get electrocuted from the track.)"

"So when there is a deep hole, a man should die first, and the train stops? Can't we use technology to solve this issue?" posted user Arshad.

A fourth said, "And we pay taxes for this."
Amnesty International called on the United Nations Thursday to extend the arms embargo on Darfur to cover all of Sudan, in a report on weapons flooding the war-torn country. Amnesty calls for full Sudan arms embargo

The 15-month war between Sudan's regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces "is being fuelled by an almost unimpeded supply of weapons into Sudan by states and corporate actors around the world," the rights watchdog said.

The new report, titled "New Weapons Fuelling the Sudan Conflict", found recently manufactured or transferred weapons from countries including Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, Yemen and China were being imported and used on the battlefield.

Since it erupted in April last year, the war has killed tens of thousands of people, with some estimating the toll to be as high as 150,000, according to US envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello.

It has also uprooted over 10 million people, creating what the UN calls the world's worst displacement crisis.

"There are hundreds of thousands of weapons, millions of rounds of ammunition going into Sudan," fuelling mass human rights violations, Brian Castner, Amnesty's head of crisis research, told AFP.

The existing arms embargo, which since 2004 has applied only to Sudan's western Darfur region, "is both too narrowly focused" and "too poorly implemented to have any meaningful impact on curbing these weapons flows," the report found.

The UN Security Council must "urgently expand the arms embargo to the rest of Sudan, and also strengthen its monitoring and verification mechanisms," said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty's senior director for Regional Human Rights Impact.

Even if the Security Council whose response to the Sudan war Amnesty has dubbed "woefully inadequate" does not extend the embargo, "all states and corporate actors must immediately cease supplies of all arms and ammunition to Sudan," or risk violating arms treaty obligations and international humanitarian law.

Both sides of the conflict have been repeatedly accused of war crimes including deliberately targeting civilians, indiscriminate shelling of residential areas and blocking humanitarian aid, while millions of Sudanese suffer on the brink of starvation.

According to Castner, the sheer volume of small arms entering Sudan is cause for significant alarm.

"Most people are killed by small arms. Most violations, including sexual violence and displacement, are facilitated by small arms," the veteran weapons investigator said.

"It's individual soldiers with rifles that are removing people from their homes and burning them," he continued.

On Monday, French medical charity Doctors Without Borders said that of thousands of war-wounded treated at one of its main hospitals in the Sudanese capital, 53 percent suffered gunshot wounds.

sar/bha/jsa

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Bangladesh further eased a nationwide curfew Thursday as students weighed the future of their protest campaign against civil service hiring rules that sparked days of deadly unrest last week. Thousands of troops are still patrolling cities and a nationwide internet shutdown remains largely in effect (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

Last week's violence killed at least 191 people including several police officers, according to an AFP count of victims reported by police and hospitals during some of the worst unrest of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure.

Thousands of troops are still patrolling cities and a nationwide internet shutdown remains largely in effect, but clashes have subsided since protest leaders announced a temporary halt to new demonstrations.

Hasina's government ordered another relaxation to the curfew it imposed at the height of the unrest, allowing free movement for seven hours between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Streets in the capital Dhaka, a sprawling megacity of 20 million people, were choked with commuter traffic in the morning, days after ferocious clashes between police and protesters had left them almost deserted.

Banks, government offices and the country's economically vital garment factories had already reopened on Wednesday after all being shuttered last week.

Student leaders were set to meet later Thursday to decide whether or not to again extend their protest moratorium, which is due to expire on Friday.

Students Against Discrimination, the group responsible for organising this month's rallies, said it expected a number of concessions from the government.

"We demand an apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the nation for the mass murder of students," Asif Mahmud, one of the group's coordinators, told AFP.

"We also want the sacking of the home minister and education minister."

Mahmud added that the estimated toll in the unrest was understated, with his group working on its own list of confirmed deaths.

Police have arrested at least 2,500 people since the violence began last week, according to an AFP tally.

Protests began after the June reintroduction of a scheme reserving more than half of government jobs for certain candidates, including nearly a third for descendants of veterans from Bangladesh's independence war.

With around 18 million young people in Bangladesh out of work, according to government figures, the move deeply upset graduates facing an acute jobs crisis.

Critics say the quota is used to stack public jobs with loyalists to Hasina's Awami League.

The Supreme Court cut the number of reserved jobs on Sunday but fell short of protesters' demands to scrap the quotas entirely.

Hasina, 76, has ruled the country since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition.

Her government is also accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, including the extrajudicial killing of opposition activists.

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Toronto: While the Canadian Government has said it aims to reduce temporary immigration, the countrys central bank has stated that those numbers are actually likely to increase. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives at a Ukraine Compact initiative on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, on July 11. (AFP)

On March 21, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had announced its intent to curb the intake of non-permanent residents or NPRs to reduce their share of the population from 6.2 per cent to 5 per cent over three years.

However, in its Monetary Policy Report released on Wednesday, Bank of Canada (BoC) offered a distinctly different read of the situation, as it said, Overall, this implied that the annual population growth rate would decline by about 2 percentage points in 2025 and 2026.

NPRs represented 6.8 per cent of the population at the beginning of April  much higher than at the time of the March announcement  and the share is expected to continue rising over the near term. This suggests that it will take longer for planned policies to reduce NPR inflows to achieve the 5 per cent target.

NPRs comprise international students, temporary workers and refugees with the first category contributing the bulk.

The Bank also revised upwards its forecast for population increase given that net inflows of NPRs has not been mitigated despite Ottawas pronouncements. In April, it had projected that population growth of people aged 15 and older was assumed to slow from 3.3 per cent in the first half of 2024 to 1.0 per cent on average over 2025 and 2026. Now, those projections have changed.

Overall, population growth of people aged 15 and older is now assumed to be 3.3 per cent in 2024 and 1.7 per cent in 202526. Compared with the April Report, this is higher by 0.2 percentage points in 2024, 0.7 percentage points in 2025 and 0.6 percentage points in 2026, the BoC noted. Considerable uncertainty continues to surround the future path of net NPR flows, it added.

The first five months of 2024 have seen an increase in the number of study permit approvals to 216,620 from 200,505 for the same period in 2023.

In January, IRCC announced that it will implement an intake cap on the number of applications accepted for study permits for international students which was expected to result in a reduction of 35 per cent in those numbers this year as compared to 2023. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35 per cent from 2023, IRCC noted in a release at the time.

On March 21, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller announced the governments target to decrease in our temporary residents population to 5 per cent over the next three years.

The announcements from the government were driven by skyrocketing shelter costs, from housing prices to rentals, along with pressure on health and other infrastructure due to the explosive rise in temporary immigration.

Of the 682,430 study permits issued by Canada in 2023, Indian students accounted for 278,335. So far, in 2024, Canada has issued 216,620 study permits with Indians availing of 91,510 of them.
Washington: In his first speech after deciding to quit the presidential race, President Joe Biden said that democracy was more important than personal ambition, saving democracy required unifying his party, and the best way to do this was to pass the torch to a new generation. President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Wednesday (AP)

Biden hailed his vice-president and now the presumptive Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, as experienced, tough, and capable; spoke of what he considered were his achievements in office and the priorities for the remaining six months of his term; and laid out the choice in the upcoming elections, placing the onus on American citizens to decide.

In a 11-minute speech from behind the Resolute Desk in Oval Office on Wednesday night eastern time, Biden spoke haltingly in parts, a reminder to the audience of why the 81-year old had to make way after a disastrous debate performance exposed his age deficits and drew a backlash from party elders and donors and voters who believed he could not defeat his rival, former president and now the Republican nominee, Donald Trump.

Importance of democracy

Emphasising the importance of democracy, which he has often said is at stake in this election, Biden said, In recent weeks, it has become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavour. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for Americas future, all merited a second term. But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Its the best way to unite our nation.

He declared that America was at inflection point, and decisions taken now would shape the nation and the world for decades to come. America is going to have to choose between 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. In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies but as, I mean, fellow Americans  can we do that? Does character in public life still matter? Biden said, in what appeared to be a clear attempt to draw a contrast with Republican nominee, Donald Trump, without naming him.

He added that there was a time and place for long years of experience. There is also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now. Later in the speech, Biden said that he had made his choice and it was up to Americans to make their own now. Ive made my views known. I would like to thank our great vice-president, Kamala Harris. She is experienced, she is tough, she is capable. Shes been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.

Beginning of the end of a political career

Bidens speech marked the beginning of the end of a political career that spanned five decades and has been marked by intense personal tragedy and public failures amid success. Biden was first elected Senator at the age of 29 in 1972, but even before he could take office, his wife and daughter were killed in an accident, leaving Biden to parent his two sons, Beau and Hunter, who survived. Biden took the Amtrak every day from Washington DC to Wilmington in his home state of Delaware for decades as he cared for his children, while serving as Senator for 35 years where he headed the Senate judiciary and foreign affairs committees.

Biden also had two failed presidential runs, in 1988, when he had to leave after having caught plagiarising a speech, and in 2008, before Barack Obama picked Biden to serve as his vice-president in 2008 for eight years. Biden lost his son, Beau, to cancer, even as Hunter battled addiction.

And then, in 2020, Biden re-emerged to defeat Trump and become president. Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania and in Claymont, Delaware one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as the president of the United States. But here I am, said Biden, as First Lady Jill Biden, son Hunter and other close family members and aides watched him from the side and behind the camera in the Oval Office.

Biden used the speech to lay out his accomplishments after inheriting the office at a time of peril, mentioning the pandemic and economic recession and alluding to Trumps divisive term and refusal to give way after the 2020 election.

Today we have the strongest economy in the world, creating nearly 16 million new jobsWe are literally rebuilding our entire nationManufacturing has come back to America. We are leading the world again in chips and science and innovation. We finally beat Big Pharma after all these years to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniorsI signed one of the most significant laws helping millions of veterans and their families who were exposed to toxic materials. You know, most significant climate law ever, ever in the history of the world. The first major gun safety law in 30 years, said Biden. He also spoke of nominating the first African American woman to the Supreme Court and creating a diverse administration that looked like America.

Foreign policy

In terms of foreign policy, Biden spoke of strengthening Nato, constructing a coalition against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and strengthening allies in the Pacific. Im the first president of this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the worldwhen I came to the office, the conventional wisdom was that China would inevitably pass, surpass the United States. Thats not the case anymore, Biden said, as he promised to work towards peace in Gaza on a day when the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the US Congress on the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue.

At a time when Biden is widely seen to be a lame duck president, he insisted that he will remain focused on his job and his priorities. will keep defending our personal freedoms and civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose. I will keep calling out hate and extremism, making it clear there is no place, no place in America for political violence or any violence ever, period, Biden said at time when the US confronts intense political polarisation.
A man has alleged that he was stripped naked and raped by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attack on Israel. The victim, identified only as D, is the first man to reveal how he and other men were allegedly humiliated and assaulted while innocent people were enjoying the Supernova music festival, local Channel 12 reported. An Israeli soldier visits a memorial bearing portraits of people taken hostage or killed in the Hamas attack on the Supernova music festival on October 7, at the site of the festival near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel, on May 9, 2024. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)(AFP)

They pin you to the ground, you try to resist, they take off your clothes, laugh at you, humiliate you, spit at you, the victim recalled. They touched [private] parts, they rape you.

As if your blood is cheap

D said he was shocked at how celebrating, laughing terrorists surrounded him while people around them died. There is a circle, [people] laugh, and you dont know what to do in the moment, whether you should resist or let it pass, how to deal with the situation, he said. There was a very difficult rape.

Its a very tough moment. Weakness in the entire body. As if your blood is cheap, D added. They were wildly intoxicated, celebrating, laughing with their pistols, with their knives.

D recalled that while he was being raped, other terrorists came over and asked their companions to stop so they could carry on the attack. Fortunately, he and some other survivors managed to escape with the help of the Israel Defense Forces.

D said that the assault has left him obsessed with cleanliness as it makes him feel like he is getting rid of the filth he experienced during the attack. [I take] a lot, a lot of showers, to get all that energy off me, everything that happened, he said.

Ds testimony, along with many others, is being gathered by Israeli police documenting the scope of sexual assaults the terrorists carried out on October 7. The testimony is part of a lawsuit that over 100 survivors of the music festival filed to demand more than $137 million in government support. Many of them are reportedly unable to get on with their normal lives.

A report completed by the United Nations Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict earlier this year found that there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred during the 7 October attacks in multiple locations across the Gaza periphery, including rape and gang rape, in at least three locations. The report also highlighted that evidence suggests some of the Hamas hostages were raped too, and those who are being held now are still experiencing such abuse.
By Marcela Ayres and David Lawder G20 to back progressive taxation, without endorsing 'billionaire tax,' sources say

RIO DE JANEIRO, - 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.

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Kamala Harris signaled a major shift on US Gaza policy Thursday, with the presidential hopeful telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seal a peace deal and insisting she would not be "silent" on the suffering in the Palestinian enclave. Harris 'will not be silent' on Gaza after tough talks with Netanyahu

Ripping up outgoing President Joe Biden's playbook of mostly behind-the-scenes pressure on Israel, the vice president said after meeting Netanyahu that it was time to end the "devastating" war.

"What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating. The images of dead children and desperate hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time," Harris told reporters.

"We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent."

The 59-year-old now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee after Biden said at the weekend he would not stand in November's election said she pressed Netanyahu on the dire situation in the "frank" meeting.

She said she "expressed with the prime minister my serious concern about the scale of human suffering and Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians."

"And I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there."

Harris also called for the establishment of a Palestinian state and went on to call on both him and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and hostage release deal to end the war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.

"As I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done," she said.

Harris's outspoken comments were a stark contrast to the largely amiable greetings between Biden and Netanyahu earlier in the day, even if it masked months of tensions between the two men as well as questions over the US president's relevance.

"From a proud Zionist Jew to a proud Zionist Irish American, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel," Netanyahu said in tribute to Biden at the start of the Oval Office meeting.

"And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead."

Harris has been more outspoken on Gaza in the past than Biden and there had been speculation that she could adopt a tougher approach on Israel. Officials earlier denied there is any "daylight" between her and Biden.

The White House said Biden would tell Netanyahu there needed to be "compromise" for a deal, after the Israeli premier gave a fiery speech to the US Congress on Wednesday in which he vowed "total victory" against Hamas.

"The president will be reaffirming for Prime Minister Netanyahu that he believes we need to get there, and we need to get there soon," spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

Biden and Netanyahu later met the families of US hostages held in Gaza, who said they hoped for a possible new ceasefire proposal in coming days.

"We feel probably more optimistic than we have since the first round of releases in late November," Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, told reporters after the meeting.

Protesters chanted slogans outside a ring of metal barriers erected around the White House, following rowdy protests during Netanyahu's speech to lawmakers.

While Biden has kept military aid flowing to Israel since Hamas's October 7 attacks, relations with Netanyahu have been deeply strained by Israel's conduct during the war and suspicions that he may be stalling on a deal.

The Hamas attack on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Out of 251 people taken hostage that day, 111 are still being held inside the Gaza Strip, including 39 who the military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 39,175 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

dk/acb

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Toronto: Indo-Canadian Community organisations have called upon the countrys politicians to stop providing cover to Khalistani separatists using its territory, even as the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) attacked Liberal Party MP Chandra Arya for ciriticising vandalisation of a Hindu temple in Edmonton this week. Screenshot from the Sikhs for Justice video attacking Indo-Canadian MP Chandra Arya.

In a video, SFJs general counsel Gurpatwant Pannun said, The likes of Arya and his supporters, you have no places in Canada.

You must abandon your citizenship and move back to your motherland, India, he added.

This was reminiscent of a similar statement from Pannun in September last year, where he said, Indo-Hindu leave Canada, go to India.

You not only support India but you are also supporting the suppression of speech and expression of pro-Khalistan Sikhs, he said, adding they were also promoting violence by celebrating Hardeep Singh Nijjars assassination. That video came a day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus statement in the House of Commons on September 18 last year that there were credible allegations of a potential link between Indian agents and Nijjars killing in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18, 2023.

The latest iteration came a day after the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, was desecrated with spraypainted graffiti attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Arya, and using the slur Hindu terrorist.

In a response to the latest attack by SFJ on him, Arya posted on X on Wednesday, We have made and continue to make 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.

In his condemnation of pro-Khalistan elements and hate and violence associated with the movement, Arya has earlier stated on Monday, 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 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.

Coalition of Hindus of North America Canada expressed its anger over the threat to the community, as it said, Pannun has now directed threats at MP Arya and his supporters  broadly targeting the Hindu Canadian community with demands to leave Canada!

It also said Canadian politicians and law enforcement not only ignore threats by Khalistani extremists, but even participate in events that dangerously glorify convicted terrorists as martyrs.

This political cover to extremist threats continues to embolden followers of their ideology, it added.

The National Alliance for Indo-Canadians or NAIC said, Canada cant be a battleground for Khalistani extremism. Threats to fellow Canadians and politicians are not the Canadian values.

The Hindu Canadian Foundation said, Hindu Canadians deserve safety and respect in Canada. No one has the right to force us out.

In a post on X defending Arya, former British Columbia Premier Ujjal Dosanjh issued a warning, The ecosystem of hate and terror is alive, well and simmering. Unless checked by (Canadian Prime Minister Justin) Trudeau and the rest of the Canadian leadership, I am afraid were in for more bloodshed.
US president Joe Biden on Thursday explained his decision to end his reelection bid in a historic Oval office address, saying "I revere this office, but I love my country more." US president Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid.( (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool))

Biden insisted that he stepped down to defend democracy, which is at stake and more important than any title.

The defence of democracy is more important than any title," the US president said in his first extended address to nation since he announced his decision to not seek reelection on November 5 and endorsed vice president Kamala Harris for the White House race.

"I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. Its about you. Your families. Your futures. Its about We the People, Biden added.

Marking the end of his political career, the US president said nation's democracy lies in the hands of voters.

ALSO READ- Donald Trump says top Democrats like Barack Obama helped push Joe Biden out: Obama cant stand him

'Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter': Biden delivers emotional speech

Summing up his political journey, the octogenarian leader said, "Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the resolute desk in the Oval office as president of the United States. But here I am."

He expressed gratitude for the love and support of the American people, saying he has given his heart and soul to the country and has been blessed many times in return.

ALSO READ- Joe Biden exits reelection bid: His legacy, 6 achievements as US president

Biden rejects calls to step down, outlines six-month plan

In his Oval office speech, US president Biden said his final six months in office will be focused on doing my job as president. He rejected demands from Republicans and their nominee, Donald Trump, who claimed that the current president is not capable of staying in office and should resign.

 Biden said he will work on lowering costs for families, growing the economy, defending personal freedoms and civil rights, and addressing hate extremism and political violence.

 Biden said he will make efforts to end Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, secure the release of hostages, and bring peace to the Middle East.

 He pledged to continue building a coalition to prevent Russian president Vladimir Putin from taking over Ukraine.

 Biden aims to keep NATO stronger, more powerful, and more united than ever before.
AMPLIACION NUEVA REFORMA, Guatemala  When a 72-year-old Mexican farmer heard the bullets from the most recent cartel shootout landing close to his home, he knew it was time to go. He collected his children and grandchildren and fled on foot across the border to Guatemala. Mexicans seeking refuge in Guatemala describe drug cartel shootouts that drove them to flee

They left behind their animals, documents, money and took off running, among nearly 600 people who fled various communities of Amatenango la Frontera this week to escape warring drug cartels that have terrorized the rural borderlands of southern Mexico.

I left my home because of the shooting, and out of fear, said the farmer, who requested anonymity for his family's safety. The cartels kill even the innocent.

They walked more than 2 miles over the mountains and through thick brush until they found a path that brought them to Ampliacion Nueva Reforma, an impoverished Guatemalan hamlet in the Cuilco municipality.

In this single community, more than 200 Mexican refugees have arrived in recent days. Locals have scrambled to shelter them in their modest school and collect donations of food and water.

Thank God they gave us a hand, gave us a tea to calm our fear, the man said. We're afraid to return. There's no authority to fight them. What we ask of the government is to intervene and help us out and send the Mexican army.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo said Wednesday his administration would coordinate the humanitarian response though there was little sign of it yet. Still, that was more than came from the Mexican side where authorities did not respond to requests for comment about the situation and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador did not even mention it during his daily briefing Thursday of more than three hours.

A 42-year-old woman who identified herself only as Karla to protect her family, said she fled Sunday with her four children.

With the shootouts you couldn't leave your home to look for food, imagine what I could give my children to eat," she said. We don't know how much longer this is going to last. We don't know if we'll be able to return.

Noel Perez, mayor of Ampliacion Nueva Reforma, was preparing for what might be an extended stay. He said the refugees needed basic supplies, hygiene products and a large tent. So far, not the mayor , nor the government has given us help and it's urgent that they they attend to these people.

Catholic Church leaders in southern Mexico made their own plea for the Mexican government to protect the communities from cartels, which extract protection payments and use locals as human shields.

A letter dated Wednesday and signed by Bishop Emeritus Jaime Calderon of the Tapachula Diocese, which includes parishes near the border with Guatemala, begged for government help.

Two of Mexicos most powerful cartels from the northern states of Sinaloa and Jalisco have been battling for control of smuggling routes in the area for more than a year causing multiple displacements.

On Wednesday, Arevalo said his administration was coordinating with the local governments near the border to attend to the Mexicans who are escaping conflict between groups that is taking place on the Mexican side.

A Guatemalan government report obtained by The Associated Press described accounts from the refugees of having to abandon their homes because of a lack of food and fighting between organized crime groups. They arrived in communities of the Cuilco municipality. Among the 580 people were men, women, children and elderly.

The diocese's letter says communities long mired in poverty and ignored by the government must now also suffer being hostages in their communities, paying extortion to the corresponding cartel based on where they live, being forced to take shifts at roadblocks that impede free transit.

Residents have to use what little money they have to pay for scarce items at elevated prices because the shopkeepers also are being extorted. And between July 20-22, the situation worsened as residents were "intimidated, threatened and forced to be human shields in the clashes between drug cartels.

The letter does not refer specifically to those who fled to Guatemala, but it said that while Mexicos military and National Guard are present, they do nothing to intervene to protect the communities.

What do we have to do or say so that the government carries out its duty, at least, to protect and watch out for the security of the communities? the letter asks.

In June, some 5,000 people were displaced by violence in another part of Chiapas after armed men set houses on fire in the town of Tila.

In September of last year, Mexicos president conceded the cartels had cut off electrical power in some Chiapas towns near the border with Guatemala, and forbidden government workers from coming in to the largely rural area to fix power lines.

On Thursday, the Mexican government's silence continued.

__

writer Maria Verza in Mexico City contributed to this report.

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VIENTIANE, Laos  Southeast Asian foreign ministers and top diplomats from key partners including the United States and China were gathering in the Laotian capital on Thursday for the start of three days of talks expected to focus on the increasingly violent civil war in Myanmar, tensions in the South China Sea and other regional issues. Myanmar violence, South China Sea tensions are top issues as Southeast Asian diplomats meet in Laos

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are expected to hold one-on-one talks on the sidelines of the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Vientiane, which come as both Beijing and Washington are looking to expand their influence in the region.

For the ASEAN nations  Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei and Laos  the violence in Myanmar is at the top of the agenda as the bloc struggles to implement its five-point consensus for peace.

The plan calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties. The military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan and has raised questions about the blocs efficiency and credibility to mediate for peace.

Broader talks, including diplomats from elsewhere in the region including Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, are expected to focus on issues including the economy, security, climate and energy.

Regional issues, including Cambodia's decision to build a canal off the Mekong River that Vietnam, which is downstream, worries could have ecological and security implications, as well as massive dam building projects in Laos further upstream could also feature in the meetings.

In Myanmar, the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed widespread nonviolent protests that sought a return to democratic rule, leading to increasing violence and a humanitarian crisis.

In an effort to put pressure on Myanmar, ASEAN has prohibited it from sending any political representatives to top-level meetings, and it has sent bureaucrats instead. Aung Kyaw Moe, the permanent secretary of Myanmar's Foreign Ministry, was expected to attend this week's meetings, which run through Saturday.

More than 5,400 people have been killed in the fighting in Myanmar and the military government has arrested more than 27,000 since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. In addition, there are now more than 3 million displaced people in the country, with the numbers growing daily as fighting intensifies between the military and Myanmar's multiple ethnic militias as well as the so-called people's defense forces of military opponents.

As the needs of civilians grow, discussions on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar will also be a focus of the ASEAN talks, Bolbongse Vangphaen, head of the Thai Foreign Ministry's department for ASEAN, told reporters ahead of the meetings.

Thailand, which shares a long border with Myanmar, has already been heavily involved in providing humanitarian assistance, and Bolbongse said the country is ready to support the next phase of delivery being planned by the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.

He did not say when or where the aid delivery would be.

Thailand initiated its first delivery of aid to Myanmar in March from the northern province of Tak. It was said to be distributed in Kayin state to approximately 20,000 out of millions of people displaced by fighting.

Landlocked Laos is the blocs poorest nation and one of its smallest, and many have expressed skepticism about how much it can accomplish while the crises mount. But it is also the first ASEAN chair that shares a border with Myanmar. Laos has already sent a special envoy to Myanmar for meetings with the head of the ruling military council and other top officials in an attempt to make progress on the peace plan.

ASEAN also has introduced a mechanism of trilateral informal consultation among its current, past, and future chairs, specifically for ensuring continuity in its response to the situation in Myanmar. The troika met for the first time on Wednesday, attended by Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Dulyapak Preecharush, a professor of Southeast Asia Studies at Bangkoks Thammasat University, said while ASEAN has shown continuous diplomatic efforts to mediate for peace, the progress has been slow. He said the bloc is not the only stakeholder, with China and India also major players  and both attending the ASEAN meetings.

Progress on Myanmar needs to start with countries that share borders with Myanmar, such as China, India and Thailand, to find a joint consensus to address the problems before expanding to other countries, he said.

In other issues, ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are locked in maritime disputes with China over its claims of sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea, one of the worlds most crucial waterways for shipping. Indonesia has also expressed concern about what it sees as Beijings encroachment on its exclusive economic zone.

An estimated $5 trillion in international trade passes through the South China Sea each year. China has been increasingly involved in direct confrontations, most notably with the Philippines and Vietnam.

This year, tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated, with Chinese coast guard and other forces using powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.

The Philippines, a treaty partner with the U.S., has been critical of other ASEAN countries for not doing more to get China to back away from its increasingly assertive approach.

China and the Philippines said Sunday they have reached a deal that they hope will end the confrontations, aiming to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the disputed area without conceding either sides territorial claims.

The rare deal could spark hope that similar arrangements could be forged by Beijing with other countries to avoid clashes while thorny territorial issues remain unresolved.

ASEAN has been working with China to produce a South China Sea code of conduct, which is expected to be part of the talks in Vientiane.

Associated Press writer David Rising in Bangkok contributed to this report.

Follow 's Asia-Pacific coverage at /hub/asia-pacific

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Washington, There does not seem to any light at the end of the tunnel for children of legal immigrants, a significantly large number of whom are Indian Americans who came to the US as a young kid with their parents and now risk being deported back to the country where they dont know anyone because of them being aging out when they turn 21. No light at the end of the tunnel for children of legal immigrants

There are around 250,000 of such children of legal immigrants, a significantly large number of whom are Indians. The White House on Thursday blamed the Republicans for this legislative impasse.

I talked about the bipartisan agreement that came together from the Senate where we negotiated a process to help the so-called documented Dreamers. And sadly, Republicans, and I've said this many times already at this podium today, which is that they voted it down twice. They voted it down twice, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference.

Last month led by Senator Alex Padilla, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, and Representative Deborah Ross, a bipartisan group of 43 lawmakers called on Biden Administration to take urgent action to protect the more than 250,000 Documented Dreamers  children of long-term visa holders  who are at risk of aging out of their dependent status and are forced to self-deport if they are ineligible for another status.

These young people grow up in the United States, complete their education in the American school system, and graduate with degrees from American institutions, wrote the lawmakers. However, due to the long green-card backlog, families with approved immigrant petitions are often stuck waiting decades for permanent resident status, they said in a letter to the Biden Administration on June 13.

Last month, Improve The Dream, an organization representing these children of legal immigrants, met with over 100 congressional offices and senior administration officials.

It is disappointing to see the lack of action and associated proposed regulations deprioritized and delayed. It is time for action and I hope President Biden and the administration see the support from this bipartisan letter and show they care about one of the most bipartisan issues in Congress and rectify the mistakes of the past, said Dip Patel, founder of Improve The Dream comments.

At the same time, he expressed gratitude for the bipartisan members of Congress leading in a letter asking for urgent administrative policy improvements and who continue to champion a permanent solution through Congress.

I was forced to start visa-hopping to be able to stay in this country when I was 20 years old, right before I aged out, as a junior at the University of Minnesota - Duluth. I am about to turn 27 this August. Soon, if my time visa-hopping was personified, they would be older than I was when I first came to the United States, Jefrina, currently a graduate student pursuing my MBA at the Saint Marys University of Minnesota told PTI.

She came to the US from India in 2005 at the age of 7. "I arrived under a dependent H-4 visa. My family applied for permanent residency in 2010 when I was 12 years old, and I unwittingly fell in love with this country. In the last 19 years, Minnesota has undoubtedly become my home, she said.

"My young adult life has been a series of temporary fixes to avoid self-deportation. I graduate from my Masters program in December, and Im yet again at the crossroads of leaving my family, pets, friends, and a myriad of unquantifiable reasons I call Minnesota my home," Jefrina said.

Praneetha, a Cloud Engineer based in Texas, who came to the US with her family when she was 8 years old as a dependent on her parents work visa, and after living in the US for more than 15 years, is left with no clear path toward permanent residency and has to hop from visa to visa in order to continue living and working in the country.

Roshan was forced to leave the US last month. He was working with- an American semiconductor manufacturing company. He came to the US with his Mom and brother at the age of 10 on an H4 visa- he grew up in Boston and graduated from Boston College in 2021 with a degree in Economics.

Roshan grew up in the US for almost 16 years but aged out in 2019. He had to leave the US in June without a clear path for returning, living, and working in the only country that he has truly called home.

Patel said every day without action results in young adults, who have been lawfully raised in the United States by skilled workers and small business owners, to be forced to leave the country, separating them from their families and stopping their ability to contribute to the country.

The administration has heard countless stories and examples of American-raised and educated STEM and health care talent contributing in other countries now due to barriers in our legal immigration system.

"Our country is not only losing young talent who were raised and educated here, but were also losing many of their parents, who have years of practical experience as small business owners or in fields like medicine, engineering, and artificial intelligence. The economic case is clear and the moral case is clear. It is common sense," he said in response to a question.

"All major administrative actions have excluded this population from receiving benefit, despite the tools for such relief being available and being used for others. Until Congress can pass the bipartisan Americas Children Act, we need urgent action by the administration to prioritize this issue, which has bipartisan support from Congress and the general public, and clear economic benefit," Patel told PTI.

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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. US Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris (AFP)

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.
By Mike Stone Pentagon finds another $2 billion of accounting errors for Ukraine aid

WASHINGTON, - The Pentagon has found $2 billion worth of additional errors in its calculations for ammunition, missiles and other equipment sent to Ukraine, increasing the improperly valued material to a total of $8.2 billion, a U.S. government report revealed on Thursday.

The U.S. Department of Defense has faced challenges in accurately valuing defense articles sent to Ukraine due to unclear accounting definitions, a new Government Accountability Office report showed.

In 2023, the Pentagon said staff used "replacement value" instead of "depreciated value" to tabulate the billions in materials sent to Ukraine. The $6.2 billion error created a path for billions more to be sent to Kyiv.

The Pentagon told the GAO that since then, $2 billion more in overstatements have been found. As a result, an additional $2 billion worth of arms can be sent to Ukraine to cover the amount of aid approved by the Biden administration.

The GAO said a vague definition of value in the Foreign Assistance Act and the absence of specific valuation guidance for Presidential Drawdown Authority have led to inconsistencies in the reported value of military aid.

In one example cited in the GAO report, 10 vehicles were valued at $7,050,000 when the supporting documentation showed they should have been valued at zero, their net book value.

The GAO has recommended that Congress clarify the definition of value in the context of defense articles under Presidential Drawdown Authority.

Additionally, the GAO has issued seven recommendations to the Defense Department, urging it to update its guidance to include a PDA-specific valuation section and develop component-specific valuation procedures. The department said it has concurred with all recommendations and outlined actions to address these issues.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Prince Harry seemingly took a swipe at Prince William for a comment he made about their mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car crash several years ago. In an interview in a new documentary, Harry was seen talking about suing the British press over phone hacking allegations. Prince Harry seemingly takes a dig at William for saying Diana had paranoia (AP/PTI, Andy Kelvin/PA via AP)

Journalist Rebecca Barry asked Harry about phone hacking resulting in paranoia. According to GB News, it appeared as though his response was made in an attempt to take a swipe at William, who had previously implied that Diana suffered from "paranoia.

And she's not around today to find out the truth

"I think paranoia is a very interesting word because, yes, then it could be paranoia, but then when you're vindicated it proves that you weren't being paranoid, Harry said in the documentary, Tabloids on Trial. "Same with my mother. There's evidence to suggest she was being hacked in the mid-90s. Probably one of the first people to be hacked."

"And yet still today the press, the tabloid press, very much enjoy painting her as being paranoid but she wasn't paranoid, the Duke of Sussex continued to tell ITV. "She was absolutely right of what was happening to her. And she's not around today to find out the truth."

Although Harry claimed in his lawsuits that Diana was hacked, it was never proven. A judge dismissed an allegation that Mirror Group Newspapers hacked her phone.

Previously, a BBC internal investigation found that Diana had been tricked into giving her explosive 1995 interview to Martin Bashir. It was determined that the journalist falsified financial papers implying Dianas staff were in the pay of the media and intelligence services.

What did Prince William say about Princess Diana having paranoia?

In 2021, William spoke about his mother's mental health in an interview. "It is my view that the deceitful way the interview was obtained substantially influenced what my mother said, he said. "The interview was a major contribution to making my parents' relationship worse and has since hurt countless others.

"It brings indescribable sadness to know that the BBC's failures contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation that I remember from those final years with her, he added. "But what saddens me most, is that if the BBC had properly investigated the complaints and concerns first raised in 1995, my mother would have known that she had been deceived."

William added, "She was failed not just by a rogue reporter, but by leaders at the BBC who looked the other way rather than asking the tough questions. It is my firm view that this Panorama programme holds no legitimacy and should never be aired again. It effectively established a false narrative, which for over a quarter of a century, has been commercialised by the BBC and others."
July 24 - Russia launched a series of attacks on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv and the surrounding region on Wednesday, killing three people, wounding at least six and damaging the office of a Swiss mine-clearing NGO, local officials said. Russian attacks kill three, damage Swiss NGO's office in Kharkiv, Ukraine says

Ukraine's second-largest city and the surrounding region, which borders Russia, have been battered by drone, missile and guided-bomb attacks since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Regional police said a strike on the town of Lozova, south of Kharkiv, killed three people and injured six, with rescue operations proceeding into the evening.

The region's governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said an overnight strike destroyed the facade of the Fondation suisse de deminage's office and the ceilings of several of its floors.

Six cars used by the group's medics were damaged, he said, noting the importance of demining initiatives in his region, one of the most densely strewn with landmines and other potentially harmful war detritus.

Mayor Ihor Terekhov said there had been five separate strikes on the city since Russia's overnight attack.

The latest one hit an industrial area and injured six people, he said. Police said unspecified infrastructure was destroyed in this attack, including damage to vehicles.

Syniehubov reported new strikes late in the evening and local media reported explosions outside the city after midnight, but there were no reports on casualties or damage.

Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians but thousands have been killed and injured in its 29-month-old invasion of Ukraine.

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Britain, the United States and South Korea on Thursday issued a warning over a North Korea-backed global cyber espionage campaign to further the country's nuclear ambitions. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (via REUTERS)

Law enforcement and intelligence agencies said that a group known as Andariel "has been compromising organisations around the world to steal sensitive and classified technical information and intellectual property data."

Andariel has been identified as an arm of Pyongyang's spy agency, and working "to further the regime's military and nuclear ambitions," the UK National Cyber Security Centre said.

Defence, aerospace, nuclear and engineering organisations have mainly been targeted, as well as medical and energy providers, some of which have been hit by ransomware attacks.

"The global cyber espionage operation that we have exposed today shows the lengths that DPRK-state-sponsored actors are willing to go to pursue their military and nuclear programmes," said NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester, referring to the secretive communist state.

"It should remind critical infrastructure operators of the importance of protecting the sensitive information and intellectual property they hold on their systems to prevent theft and misuse."

In a separate advisory, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation said Andariel, which is known by a variety of names, "remain(s) an ongoing threat to various industry sectors worldwide."

The group has exploited vulnerabilities in software to launch cyberattacks, including malware and phishing to gain access to sensitive data and information.

It urged companies involved in defence, aerospace, nuclear and engineering sectors "to remain vigilant in defending their networks from North Korea-state-sponsored cyber operations."

- North Korean indicted in US -

The FBI said Andariel had been trying to obtain information such as specifications and design drawings for uranium processing and enrichment as well as missiles and missile defence systems.

The US Justice Department announced the indictment meanwhile of a North Korean national, Rim Jong Hyok, alleged to be a member of the Andariel hacking group.

Rim was indicted by a grand jury in Kansas for alleged extortion attacks on US hospitals and other health care providers, the department said in a statement.

"North Korean hackers developed custom tools to target and extort US health care providers and used their ill-gotten gains to fund a spree of hacks into government, technology, and defence entities worldwide, all while laundering money through China," Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen said.

The State Department announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the apprehension of Rim.
Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris have been in constant touch since Harris announced her presidential candidacy on Sunday, according to an NBC News report. After which the former president has finally taken a decision on whether he should be endorsing the vice president. Barack Obama fully supports Kamala Harris in her bid to presidency and will endorse her soon; Report

The NBC report quotes four unnamed sources claiming Obama has privately fully supported Harriss candidacy and plans to endorse her soon. One source mentions in the report, "He has been in regular contact with her and thinks she's been off to a great start."

While many prominent Democrats have already endorsed Harris, Obama has kept his support private. The timing of his public endorsement is still uncertain, report stated.

Despite his public silence, in the backdoor Obama is also providing Harris guidance on campaign strategies, drawing from his own experience in running successful presidential campaigns. Report claims he sees himself as a resource for Harris as she navigates her high-stakes campaign, with only about 100 days left until Election Day.

Why is Obama silent on endorsing Kamala Harris?

There can be several reasons behind Barack Obama's silence, significant one being his apprehension of GOP considering Kamala's wild card entry into the US election as undemocratic. Vance has already called Democrats undemocratic for picking Kamala without a due election process.

He also doesn't want to overshadow President Joe Biden's recent announcements, including his Oval Office address. Another reports suggests that Obama and Harris may wish to create a significant moment with his endorsement, separate from other political events.

Reports suggest Michelle Obama is also supportive of Harris's candidacy. Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to Obama, recently stated, "President Obama looks forward to helping Democrats up and down the ballot make the case to voters this fall." He added that Obama's involvement will be strategically impactful, particularly where his influence can be most effective.

Why is Barack Obama's endorsement key for Kamala Harris?

Obama is one of the only high-profile Democrats who has been silent over Harris. His silence over Kamala candidacy is being labelled as a snub by the Republicans. NY Post has even filed a story claiming, Obamas very upset because he knows she cant win, the Biden family source told The Post." Hence, Kamala will be eager to get popular Barack Obama by her side as soon as possible.

Harris has a long history with Obama, having been an early supporter of his 2008 campaign. She was also given a speaking role at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Obama has supported Harris in her past political endeavours, including her campaigns for California Attorney General and U.S. Senate in 2016.
Washington, Days of China investing in Pakistan is now a thing of the past, a senior administration official has told the lawmakers noting that the United States is the future. China is the past in terms of investments in Pakistan, US is the future, says official

China is the past in terms of investments in Pakistan, we are the future, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Tuesday.

Lu was responding to questions from the Congressmen, who expressed concerns over the Chinese investment in Pakistan and other countries in South and Central Asia, including Sri Lanka and Maldives.

I would argue the Chinese plan is to have a military base in every country and every infrastructure project is made with high interest Chinese loans and low paid Chinese workers. We just see this model all throughout the region, he said. The Chinese bring in their own workers. They don't actually train local workers to do their enterprises. They extract minerals, literally take gold and copper from the ground and just ship it back for processing in China.

They don't spend any money in local communities. This is going to have a boomerang effect for Chinese businesses and their interests. We talked about Pakistan and the investments there, USD26 billion. They put a huge amount of money in Pakistan. I actually don't see them putting a dime in there right now because they're really worried about whether they're going to get their money back there, he said.

Their really terrible investment strategy is biting them in the ass and we have an opportunity to do a better job to make sure countries know there are options and they don't have to be beholden to one, Lu said.

Congressman Rich McCormick said China has vastly outspent the United States throughout the entire region, especially in Pakistan since 2012. They are making solid progress in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor known as CPAK. This gives China a significant leverage over Pakistan, he noted.

I'm really worried about the future as we invest, how do we leverage our position with Pakistan, our historic relationship given also our relationship with India and that's developing very quickly. How do we balance that and keep that in our advantage? he asked.

Lu said the US is facing ongoing challenges and opportunities in Pakistan.

The president's budget requests a straight lining of our USD101 million Pakistan budget. That money will be used to strengthen democracy and civil society, fight terrorism and extremism and to support economic reforms and debt management to help to stabilize Pakistan's economy and prevent further overreliance on China, he said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Donald Trump has called for immediate resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray after Secret Service boss stepped down from her position following a contentious House hearing on assassination attempt on the former President. Donald Trump, who hired Wray for the top FBI spot in 2017, accused him of "lying to Congress" on his knowledge of Biden's physical and cognitive decline.(AP )

Wray provided testimony regarding the probe into the assassination attempt on Trump as well as the agency's management before the House Judiciary Committee.

Lawmakers interrogated Wray on important aspects of the investigation into the horrific incident that occurred in Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, actions of the gunman, his search history, and if any evidence of a co-conspirator was found.

The FBI chief expressed concerns regarding foreign influence, violence against police, and threats of terrorism. He later had a discussion about President Joe Biden's mental capacity with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).

FBI director slammed over Congress testimony

Trump, who hired Wray for the top FBI spot in 2017, accused him of "lying to Congress" on his knowledge of Biden's physical and cognitive decline.

The 57-year-old Wray came under fire after he informed the House Judiciary Committee that he does not meet the 81-year-old president on a regular basis and he has not observed any obvious decline in the POTUS' physical or mental health.

I dont meet with him very often, but what youre describing is not something that Ive observed during my interactions with him, the FBI boss stated while responding to Gaetz's query.

He went on to call his meeting with the commander-in-chief uneventful and unremarkable.

Also Read: Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks' father breaks silence

Trump tears into FBI boss for lying to Congress

Taking to Truth Social, Trump blasted Wray for sweet talking with the committee. He mentioned that he watched the Congressional Hearing on Wednesday and that Wray was asked the question whether or not he noticed any "cognitive degeneration" in his many conversations with Biden.

[D]espite the fact that Special Counsel Robert Hur said, effectively, that Joe Biden is INCOMPETENT, with LITTLE MEMORY, etc., Wray said that it is not something I observed during my interactions with him, which were uneventful and unremarkable, essentially stating that he found nothing wrong, mentally or physically, with Joe, Trump wrote.

The Republican presidential nominee asserted that anybody can see that Joe Biden is cognitively and physically challenged, and if you cant see that, you sure as hell cant be running the FBI.

Wray has to resign, and NOW, for LYING TO CONGRESS! he concluded.

Last week, Biden declared that he was withdrawing from the contest for reelection in the wake of growing pressure over his age and mental decline concerns. However, he has pledged to serve the remainder of his term in office.
Donald Trump has blasted president Joe Bidens White House speech, calling it barely understandable. Taking to Truth Social, the former president wrote, Crooked Joe Bidens Oval Office speech was barely understandable, and sooo bad! Donald Trump slams Joe Biden after Oval Office speech(AP)

(@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social)

In another post later, he wrote, CROOKED JOE BIDEN AND LYIN KAMALA HARRIS ARE A GREAT EMBARRASSMENT TO AMERICA  THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME LIKE THIS!

(@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social)

I revere this office, but I love my country more

On Wednesday night, July 24, Biden addressed the nation about his sudden decision to drop out of the race. The president ended his candidacy days after his disastrous debate performance against Trump. Although Biden had initially refused to drop out and had reportedly even vowed to appear for a second debate against Trump, he seemed to abruptly change his decision. He went on to endorse vice president Kamala Harris.

I revere this office, but I love my country more, the president, 81, said in a primetime address from the Oval Office. Its been the honor of my life to serve as your president, but the defense of democracy  which is at stake  I think is more important than any title.

Biden added that when he was elected, he promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth. In recent weeks, its become clear to me I need to unite my party  but nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy  and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Following the speech, Bidens wife, Jill Biden, posted a message of support on X. To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude, she wrote. Thank you for the trust you put in Joenow its time to put that trust in Kamala.
Donald Trump on Wednesday, July 24, stepped onto the campaign trail to a new race amid changes brought about by Joe Biden dropping out. Trumps rally at Charlotte, North Carolina, was his first rally after president Biden ended his candidacy and endorsed vice president Kamala Harris. Donald Trump take stage at NC rally amid USA USA USA chants (Photo by Logan Cyrus / AFP)(AFP)

Video shows the crowd fired up, chanting USA USA USA as Trump stood on the stage. Trump was quick to turn his focus on Harris, his likely new opponent after Biden dropped out. The former president dubbed her Lyin Kamala Harris and said she was a radical liberal who will be rejected by voters in November.

Kamala Harris has been the ultra-liberal driving force behind every single Biden catastrophe, Trump told the crowd.

Trump alluded to his message of unity after surviving an assassination, telling his supporters that he was supposed to be nice. They say something happened to me when I got shot: I became nice, Trump said. If you dont mind, Im not going to be nice. The crowd roared and cheered.

This November, the American people are going to tell her, No thanks, Kamala. Youve done a terrible job. Youve been terrible at everything, the former president further said.

A vote for Kamala is a vote for four more years of dishonesty

Trump also mocked Harris for allegedly trying to portray the race as one between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon. Notably, Harris is a former San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general.

Their campaign says, Im the prosecutor, and he is the convicted felon. Thats that campaign. I dont think people are going to buy it. And we won our big case. You know, we won the case in Florida, Trump said, referencing the classified documents case that was recently dismissed.

A vote for Kamala is a vote for four more years of dishonesty and incompetence, weakness and failure, he added.

During a call with reporters later, Trump also belated Harris over immigration policies. 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.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has expressed doubts over if Donald Trump was shot in the course of an attempted assassination at a Pennsylvania political rally. FBI Director Christopher Wray appears before the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on July 24, 2024. (AFP)

During his testimony to the US House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Wray disclosed that the FBI was still investigating whether it was some shrapnel or bullet that struck Trump's ear during the shooting.

With respect to former President Trump, there's some question about whether or not it's a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear. I don't know right now whether that bullet, in addition to causing the grazing, could have landed somewhere else, he responded to legislators' question if the FBI knew where all eight bullets fired by 20-year-old shooter Thomas Crooks at the rally.

My understanding is that either it [a bullet] or some shrapnel is what grazed his ear, he added.

FBI reveals shooter searched How far away was Oswald from Kennedy

Initial accounts on the day of the shooting suggested that Trump might have been hurt by a shard of glass when a bullet struck the teleprompter. However, this notion was refuted when images showed that both glass screens remained intact after the attack.

Wray further revealed that the gunman had searched for assassination of President John F. Kennedy prior to the attack.

A week prior to the shooting, Wray claimed that the gunman searched online, How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?

Also Read: THIS Royal name surfaces in top-secret FBI memos on Profumo affair

On November 22, 1963, shooter Lee Harvey Oswald killed Kennedy from a sniper's position in Dallas. While the suspect had demonstrated a strong interest in well-known figures, Wray claimed no overt signs of an ideological motivation had been found.

According to the investigators, they have compiled a thorough itinerary of Crooks' travels and internet activities, but they are still unsure of his exact motivation or why he targeted Trump.

The FBI still believes that Crooks, who was shot and killed by a countersniper from the Secret Service, acted alone.
PHILADELPHIA  Gabrielle Giffords, the former Democratic congresswoman who was grievously wounded in a 2011 shooting in her Arizona district, took to the campaign trail Thursday for Vice President Kamala Harris, as Harris' nascent presidential campaign gets off the ground and a parallel campaign to be Harris' running mate takes shape. Gabrielle Giffords stumps for Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania as campaign for running mate takes shape

Giffords, speaking at the Salt & Light church in swing-state Pennsylvania, met with community activists in a predominantly Black section of Philadelphia hit by gun violence recently, including one over the weekend in which three people were killed and at least six others were wounded.

The event had long been planned, Giffords aides said, well before Giffords' husband, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro entered the conversation to be Harris' running mate, now that President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid and endorsed Harris.

Giffords spoke briefly about her long recovery from the shooting in 2011, which killed six people during a meeting with constituents at a Tucson grocery store. Harris' other surrogates, including Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, framed the November presidential contest as a choice between Harris, who would sign a ban on assault weapons, and more gun violence under Republican Donald Trump, who gun-rights groups back.

We are overwhelmed with violence all across America from rural Pennsylvania to inner city neighborhoods like where we are today," McClinton said. "We as voters can make a decision on having a more violent United States or safer communities in every part of America.

McClinton  a Shapiro ally in the Pennsylvania statehouse who has rooted on social media for him to join Harris' ticket  and Giffords batted away questions about the potential that Kelly or Shapiro could be Harris' pick.

Asked whether she was thinking about becoming the second lady, Giffords said, later, later. For her part, McClinton said I'm not making those decisions, but then put in a plug for Shapiro as a "people's champion when it comes to issues around public safety" while calling Kelly someone who we all hold in high regard.

Harris is beginning to vet about a dozen people for the vice presidential nomination, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the confidential process.

The Giffords event in Philadelphia on Thursday  just a few miles from Shapiro's home in neighboring Montgomery County  had long been planned, Giffords aides said. Still, it won't be the last event where potential vice presidential picks campaign for Harris in a state both sides have said they must win in November.

On Monday, Shapiro and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer were scheduled to headline a campaign rally for Harris in suburban Philadelphia, while in North Carolina on Thursday, Gov. Roy Cooper talked about Harris' many visits as vice president to the swing state won by Trump in both 2016 and 2020.

Cooper and Whitmer are also under consideration for joining the ticket.

Cooper, speaking in downtown Raleigh, said that there are a lot of good people Harris could choose as her running mate, but he wouldnt address directly his prospects to join her ticket.

There are a lot of people that she can choose. Shes going to make the right choice, Cooper said after listing why he backed Harris for president. I just want her to choose the person that gives her the best chance to win. And therell be a lot of factors that go into that, Cooper added.

Cooper took a swipe at Trumps vice presidential pick in Ohio Sen. JD Vance, saying: Its pretty clear that Donald Trump chose someone in his own image  sort of a Mini Me  a reference to a smaller clone of Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers film franchise.

Associated Press reporter Gary D. Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this report.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to kill former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally on July 13, likely had an account on social media platform Grab to disseminate statements in support of President Biden. Crooks may have had an account on our platform, stated Gab CEO Andrew Torba after receiving an emergency disclosure request from a law enforcement agency.

Crooks may have had an account on our platform, stated Gab CEO Andrew Torba after receiving an emergency disclosure request from a law enforcement agency.

Following the request, Torba in a tweet stated that the account @epicmicrowave, which he has been unable to confirm, definitely belonged to Crooks. According to the CEO, he had posted on the site nine (9) times total.

While the account made very few posts on the site, the majority of them were in support of President Biden, he added.

Torba then posted screenshots of a pro-Biden statement made by the account with its handle blacked-out.

In one of the posts, the user ridiculed someone who shared an election prediction, stating in February 2021, Didnt you also think Biden would lose in a landslide yeah I would not be very confident in your election predictions.

In a different thread, the user backed Biden's border policies with a report comparing Texas' crime rates for legal and undocumented immigrants and American citizens.

Biden executive orders dont incentivize human trafficking as human traffickers arent interested in citizenships, likewise the majority of illegal immigrants are not criminals and in fact some studies (such as the one linked below) show lower rates of crime committed by these individuals, the poster wrote.

Also Read: Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks' father breaks silence: We just want to try to

Torba highlights personal and business risk

Torba mentioned that he is revealing this information at "significant personal and business risk."

If the past is any guide, defying the D.C. consensus by publishing the first definitive evidence that the shooter was a Biden supporter  something Democrats and their media allies have tried to cover up and deny at every turn  has a high probability of resulting in significant political and media backlash, he wrote.

The CEO further said they have saved the account data pending receipt of a search warrant.

Sharing his post on X, GOP leader Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote: No big surprises here.

Crooks opened fire with an AR-15 rifle at Trump's July 13 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing a rally goer and severing the former president's ear before being shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.

The authorities are yet to clarify on the motive of the attack.
The San Mateo County Health (SMCH) department recently joined forces with Innovaccer, a leading healthcare AI platform company, setting a patient-centric agenda to deliver affordable, high-quality services. In hopes of revolutionising patient care services across the country, Innovaccer's Healthcare AI platform and population health management solutions will launch a new era of technology infrastructure modernisation in healthcare. In February 2024, the County of San Mateo, California, became the first in the US to have officially declared loneliness a health epidemic. (Facebook / County of San Mateo - Government )

With a mission to help everyone in San Mateo County, California, live longer and healthier lives, SMCH provides healthcare services through eleven divisionsall striving to prevent diseases before they occur. As the county health department works to promote everyone's health by treating mental and physical conditions and monitoring the community's health and environment, it sought access to a unified patient record, enabling advanced analytics and integrated workflows.

This is where Innovaccer stepped in. Following an extensive process, the county ultimately picked the leading healthcare AI platform, which will provide clinicians with a comprehensive 360-degree view of the county health department's patients. The partnership, according to Innovaccer's July 23rd press release, further opens the department's doors to approximately 165,000 active lives and 500,000 legacy lives.

Also read | US viewers' Olympic interest is down, poll finds, except for Simone Biles

How will Innovaccer help San Mateo County Health?

The former's platform will offer SMHC a "comprehensive healthcare data platform that aggregates patient data from multiple sources, including EHRs, HIT systems, and third-party community data, enabling the creation of unified patient records." Enabling a positive attitude towards providing high-quality care, "this integrated approach empowers providers to analyse a complete dataset and make more informed decisions that improve population health management and clinical outcomes."

SMHC's collaboration with Innovaccer, driven with a focus on imparting better service to the patient community, will allow healthcare providers to have more comprehensive search results for patients' electronic health records (EHRs) across systems.

Also read | Nearly 20 types of vegetables sold at Aldi and Walmart recalled over Listeria risk

"This initiative underscores SMCH's commitment to protecting and promoting the health of San Mateo County residents," informed Abhinav Shashank, co-founder and CEO of Innovaccer. "This partnership is a prime example of teams successfully working together to integrate data seamlessly and improve care delivery, all while bringing back the joy of care.

San Mateo County in California has not been one to brush aside the healthcare jargon. Earlier this year, in February, the US county became the first to recognise loneliness  a problem that has been building for decades" but exacerbated with COVID-19  as a public health emergency.
Recently Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance made headlines as one of his comments from a 2021 interview resurfaced ahead of the US elections. Vance commented on childless cat ladies which has received backlash from many. The latest one came from actor Jennifer Aniston who called out Vance for making such a comment about an extremely sensitive matter. Jennifer Aniston criticised JD Vance for his Childless cat ladies comment.(@jenniferaniston/Instagram, @JDVance/X)

Also Read: Jennifer Lopez drops video of Bridgerton themed birthday: Ballroom Dancing, horses, goblets and more

Jennifer Aniston criticise Vance for his comment

The Friends actor criticised Vance and his statement about women politicians from the 2021 interview on her Instagram account. She posted a screenshot of a post made by Ron Filipkowski, editor-in-chief of the MeidasTouch Network which included Vances 2021 interview on her Instagram story, as reported by USA Today.

Along with the post she wrote, I truly can't believe this is coming from a potential VP of the United States. All I can say is Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day. I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option. Because you are trying to take that away from her, too."

Aniston shared her struggles with fertility and pregnancy in 2022 during an interview with Allure where she discussed her personal experiences. She then discussed the challenges she faced with IVF and the speculations around it. She talked about all the methods and myths she tried to get pregnant including Chinese herbal teas but the results remained the same and only if someone had suggested her of freezing her eggs, she would have done that in her early days.

Also Read: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt set to reunite next month for special reason amid nasty feud

Vance childless cat ladies comment from his 2021 interview

Vance appeared for an interview with Fox News in July 2021 with Carlson when he was running for Ohios 2021 senate seat. While in conversation he said, We are effectively run in this country  by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made, and so they wanna make the rest of the country miserable, too." He jibed on the female Democrat in his further remarks about a sensitive topic for many.

It's just a basic fact," he added and then name-dropped female politicians like Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez), and stated that Democrats are ruled by people without children.
Kamala Harris launched her first official ad campaign on Thursday, July 25. In the nearly one-and-a-half-minute video, the Democratic nominee ripped her Republican rival, Donald Trump. The optimistic ad features Beyonce's song, Freedom from her 2016 album Lemonade. HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 25: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers is the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign. Montinique Monroe/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Montinique Monroe / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)

Kamala Harris releases first ad campaign

The vice president's ad campaign opens with clips of her standing at a podium and smiling while looking over the crowd. It features a voiceover by Harris, where she begins with, In this election, we each face a question. What kind of country do we want to live in?

Harris' campaign video leans into the narrative of her background as a prosecutor, drawing a contrast to the former president's track record of legal woes. There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos. Of fear. Of hate, she says over shots of Trump and his running mate JD Vance.

As the video turned back to Harris, she goes on to say, But us, we choose something different, with the crowd chanting, Kamala! Kamala! Kamala! We choose freedom, she continued before the chorus of Freedom begins to play. Freedom, freedom, I cant move. Freedom cut me loose. Freedom, freedom where are you, cause I need freedom too, Beyonce sings.

The presidential hopeful continues, The freedom not just to get by, but to get ahead. The freedom to be safe from gun violence. The freedom to make decisions about your own body. We choose a future where no child lives in poverty. Where we can all afford healthcare.

The video then features Trump's mugshot and several headlines highlighting his historic conviction. Where no one is above the law, Harris can be heard saying in the voiceover. We believe in the promise of America, and were ready to fight for it. Because when we fight. We win, she adds.
Kamala Harris has been overwhelmingly supported by her fans, coworkers, and Hollywood celebrities after JD Vance's childless cat lady remark in a resurfaced 2021 interview. The US Vice President's family dismissed Vance's comments as "baseless" and stood by her side like a rock. The latest family member in the row to back Harris is her stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff. Kamala Harris stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, shared a story on Instagram to back her stepmom against JD Vance's 'childless' comment.(Insta/Harris)

We are effectively run in this country  by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made, so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too, Vance told Tucker Carlson in the Fox News interview.

Hitting back at Donald Trump's VP nominee, Ella wrote on her Instagram Story on Thursday, How can you be childless when you have cutie pie kids like Cole and I? In her story, she was referring to her brother, Cole Emhoff.

Harris husband Doug Emhoff and his ex-wife Kerstin shared two kids  Cole, 29, and Ella, 25.

I love my three parents, says Ella

Ella, who endearingly calls Harris Momala, firmly stated, I love my three parents.

She further shared a screenshot of a quote in which her mother, Kerstin Emhoff, backed Harris against Vance's controversial comments.

@kemhoff say it louder for the people in the back, Ella wrote in her story.

In an interview with CNN, Kerstin, who was married to Dough Emhoff from 1992 to 2008, blasted the Ohio Senator for mocking Harris' role as a stepmother.

Kerstin, 57, called the remarks made by Vance as baseless attacks on Harris. She praised the US VP as loving and nurturing.

Harris emerged as the presumed Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election shortly after Biden withdrew from the campaign. Following this, Vance's misogynistic comments garnered attention of the media.

The 81-year-old President, who had withdrawn his bid for a second term, quickly endorsed Harris.

Last week, Republican contender and former president Donald Trump revealed that Vance will be his running mate.
US Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday denounced the despicable and unpatriotic burning of an American flag by anti-Israel protesters who hit streets in Washington to demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to the nation. Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the burning of the American flag.(PTI)

On Wednesday, several protestors held rallies and raised slogans in Washington ahead of Netanyahus address to Congress. However, the Democratic presidential candidate skipped his speech.

The demonstration on Wednesday featured despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric, according to Harris.

I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way, Harris said in strong-worded statement posted on X.

She, however, stressed that people have a right to protest peacefully, adding that antisemitism, hate and violence has no place in our our nation.

Other prominent Democrats also echoed similar sentiments amid Republican attempts to portray the party as pro-Hamas ahead of the November elections.

JD Vance hits out at Harris

Before Harris issued her statement on X, Donald Trump's VP nominee JD Vance blasted the US VP for not condemning the pro-Hamas rioters.

Anti-American and pro-Hamas rioters burned the American flag in front of the US Capitol, and the woman who wants to be our president is still refusing to condemn it, Vance wrote.

On Wednesday, thousands of protesters, who are furious about the Gaza war and killing of innocent Palestinians in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel, marched on the firmly guarded US Capitol while Netanyahu gave a bold speech to legislators.

A group of demonstrators assembled outside a train station close to the Capitol, where they burned Netanyahu's effigy, American flags and spray-painted monuments.

Later on Thursday, Harris is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu. The US VP began her presidential campaign after President Joe Biden's exit from the White House race. Biden and the Israeli PM will have a separate meeting.
INDIANOLIS  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. Mistrial declared in case of Indiana man accused of fatally shooting 5, including pregnant woman

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.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Several types of vegetables sold at popular grocery chains like Aldi, Kroger, and Walmart have been recalled over possible Listeria contamination. The recall was announced as part of an expansion of a previous Cucumber recall notice issued by the FDA on July 12. The affected products include produce and bagged vegetables sold in multiple states. Vegetables sold at popular grocery chains like Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger have been recalled over Listeria risk(Representational Image)

Why are vegetables being recalled?

Out of an abundance of caution, Wiers Farm Inc. of Willard, OH, is expanding its July 12, 2024, recall to include additional produce because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, said FDA in a statement released July 22.

The recall comes just days after a multi-state Listeria outbreak linked with deli meat was reported in the United States. According to a warning issued by the CDC last week, the outbreak claimed the lives of two people and left 28 hospitalised. Those who contracted the illness noted consuming meat sold at a deli.

Wiers Farm Inc., in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), began its investigation in response to original findings reported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDARD), the statement continued.

This expansion is in response to that investigation. Products involved in this expanded recall were packed between July 5-12 (2024). Wiers Farm Inc. is committed to implementing all measures necessary to fully resolve this situation, it added.

ALSO READ: Chick-fil-A testing regular french fries; fans left worried about waffle fries' future

Which states are affected by the recall?

The recall affects the following 18 states:

Connecticut Delaware Illinois Indiana Kentucky Maine Maryland Michigan Missouri New Jersey New York North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Rhode Island Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

ALSO READ: Dark oxygen is being produced 13,000 feet below ocean surface, ground-breaking study finds

What products have been recalled?

Walmart:

The vegetable products that are being recalled and were sold at select Walmart stores are:

Wiers Farm Bagged Poblano - 16 oz bag Wiers Farm Bagged Cubanelle - 16 oz bag Wiers Farm Bagged Green Beans  variable weight bag Wiers Farm Bagged Salad Cucumber  2 lb. bag Wiers Farm Bagged Serrano  4 oz bag Wiers Farm Organic Bell Pepper  2 count tray Wiers Farm Organic Cucumber  2 count tray Wiers Farm Organic Yellow Squash  2 count tray Wiers Farm Organic Zucchini Squash  2 count tray

Aldi:

Recalled products that were sold at select Aldi stores are:

Freshire Farms Bagged Green Beans  16 oz bag Freshire Farms Bagged Jalapenos  8 oz bag

Others:

Affected products that were sold either individually or by the pound across different retail stores (Walmart, Kroger, Save-a-Lot, Shop N Save, and more) include:
The family of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman who was shot dead by an Illinois sheriffs deputy in her house this month, has accused police of initially trying to cover up the killing. Massey was gunned down on July 6 by Sean Grayson, who had visited her house with another deputy after she called 911 to report a prowler. The shooting, caught on body camera and released, sparked widespread outrage. In this image taken from body camera video released by Illinois State Police, Sonya Massey, second from left, talks with former Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Grayson inside her home in Springfield, Ill., July 6, 2024. (Illinois State Police via AP)(AP)

The Guardian obtained police audio that features someone at the scene, possibly a deputy, saying Masseys wound was self-inflicted. The family said at a press conference that police initially told her loved ones that she had either died by suicide or was killed by an intruder.

The body camera video shows deputies initially having a seemingly normal conversation with Masset. However, the situation turned deadly when Grayson asked Massey to drop a pot of hot water, and then fatally shot her in the face. Prosecutors believe Massey did not pose a threat to the deputy.

How do you get that confused?

They tried to make me believe that a neighbor had did it, said Jimmie Crawford Jr, Masseys former partner who is the father of one of her children. He added that law enforcement told nurses at the hospital Massey had been taken to that she had killed herself. How do you get that confused? Crawford Jr added.

"They said it was being investigated, then they said they told the physicians at the hospital she had committed suicideand then they revised it," Massey's mother, Donna, said, stressing the importance of an investigation.

"We're going to get justice for sure. I know. We are for sure," she added. Donna is set to meet with vice president Kamala Harris, and has already visited Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois. Joe Biden has extended his condolences and expressed his anger.

The family said law enforcement started classifying Masseys death as a police killing only after a doctor said it was a homicide. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the victims family, said that an investigation has been launched by the US Department of Justice. The DoJ told The Guardian that it 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 department will continue to track the criminal case opened by the Sangamon county states attorney.

Sonya Masseys son breaks silence

The teenage son of Massey has broken his silence days after the incident. Malachi Hill-Massey, 17, told CBS News that the 36-year-old was a good mother and 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," Malachi said.

"She's just the most loving person ever. I don't know. That's the person that made me just feel so loved, he said, adding that he just could not bring himself to see the video of the shooting. "I don't have any words for this," he said.

Grayson has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct, and faces life in prison if convicted of murder. He is now at the Menard County Detention Facility, as per records.
A British police officer has been suspended after a horrific video on the Internet showed him kicking and stamping on a man's head at the Manchester Airport. While the video filmed by onlooker has sparked outcry on social media, several people protested outside a police station on Wednesday night. Protesters are seen outside Rochdale Divisional Headquarters in Rochdale, Manchester, UK on July 24, 2024.(Shutterstock)

Following a thorough review of further information that has become available in relation to an incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police has suspended a police officer from all duties, the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed on Thursday.

The widely shared video captured a tumultuous incident in an airport parking lot when multiple taser-wielding officers were restraining two suspects. One man can be seen lying on the ground at Terminal 2 as the male police officer holding a taser over him before hitting him twice. It appeared that another man had also been struck in the head by an officer.

Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has appealed for peace ahead of his meeting with the home secretary over the incident.

At least three policer officers suffered injuries: GMP

In an earlier statement, the GMP acknowledged that the deep concerns that had been widely raised.

The GMP stated that the video showed an event that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about. The use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm. It informed that at least three officers were attacked while attempting to contain the attack, and that the police are looking into the reports of the assault.

According to the GMP, the injured cops required hospital treatment, including one female officer who had a broken nose. In one of the videos shared on X, a female cop can be seen weeping and leaving the scene before receiving assistance from another officer.

One male officer has been removed from operational duties and we are making a voluntary referral of our policing response to the Independent Office of Police Conduct, the statement added.

Shame on you cries were heard during the protest outside the Rochdale police station.

A police spokesperson claimed that weapons officers were punched to the ground while attempting to make an arrest following the altercation in the airport.

Moreover, the two individuals were taken into custody on charges of affray and assault on emergency responder and impeding law enforcement. In one of the viral videos, around 100 people can be heard shouting "Shame on you, GMP."

British lawmakers express concern over disturbing footage

Several British lawmakers have denounced the assaults captured on camera. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the video as disturbing in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he "understands the concern."

In a post on X, Paul Waugh, the local MP for Rochdale, informed that he has addressed his concerns to police and said he is "extremely concerned" about the "appalling" video from Manchester Airport.

According to Waugh, the man who was arrested is a resident of Rochdale. He said that he has spoken to his family and will meet them on Friday.

Diana Johnson, the UK Home Office Minister, stated on X that she "understand(s) the public concern" prompted by the "disturbing footage."
UVALDE, Texas  A former Uvalde school police officer who was part of the slow law enforcement response to the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School is scheduled to appear in court for the first time Thursday. Uvalde school officer charged over actions during Robb Elementary shooting set to appear in court

Adrian Gonzales was one of the nearly 400 law enforcement personnel who responded to the scene but then waited more than 70 minutes to confront the shooter inside the school. He's scheduled to be arraigned in the small Texas town on charges of abandoning and failing to protect children who were killed and wounded. Some families have spent more than two years pressing for officers to face charges after 19 children and two teachers were killed inside the fourth grade classroom.

Gonzales and former Uvalde schools police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a Uvalde grand jury in June. Arredondo waived his arraignment and entered a not guilty plea on July 10. Both were released on bond following their indictments.

Gonzales attorney has called the charges unprecedented in the state of Texas.

Mr. Gonzales position is he did not violate school district policy or state law, said Nico LaHood, the former district attorney for Bexar County.

Javier Montemayor, who is listed by the Uvalde District Clerk as Arredondos attorney, did not return telephone messages left at his office seeking comment.

The May 22, 2024, attack was one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history. The police response has been heavily criticized in state and federal investigations that described cascading failures" in training, communication and leadership among officers who waited outside the building while some victims lay dying or begging for help.

Gonzales, 51, was among the first officers to arrive. He was indicted on 29 charges that accuse him of abandoning his training and not confronting the shooter, even after hearing gunshots as he stood in a hallway.

Arredondo, 53, was the on-site commander that day. He is charged with 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child. Arredondo failed to identify an active shooting, did not follow his training and made decisions that slowed the police response to stop a gunman who was hunting victims, according to the indictment.

Terrified students inside the classroom called 911 as parents begged officers to go in. A tactical team of officers eventually went into the classroom and killed the shooter.

Each charge against Gonzales and Arredondo carries up to two years in jail if convicted.

The case is the latest, yet still rare circumstance of a U.S. law enforcement officer being charged for allegedly failing to act during an on-campus shooting. The first such case to go to trial was a sheriffs deputy in Florida who did not confront the perpetrator of the 2018 Parkland massacre. The deputy was acquitted of felony neglect last year. A lawsuit by the victims families and survivors is pending.

Some families of the Uvalde victims have called for more officers to be charged. Several families have filed federal and state lawsuits against law enforcement, social media and online gaming companies and the gun manufacturer that made the rifle the gunman used.

Lathan, who reported from Austin, Texas, is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Vertuno reported from Austin, Texas.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
In demonstrations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to the US, protesters burnt American flags and hoisted Palestinian flags outside Washington's Union Station. The demonstrators demanded the US stop military aid to Israel. Crowd burns American flags in Washington to protest Netanyahu's visit (@TimcastNews screenshot/X)

Police reportedly used pepper spray on some of the thousands of demonstrators who had gathered outside the US Capitol while Netanyahu addressed Congress. Capitol Police said "part of the crowd has started to become violent." The crowd was heard chanting "free Palestine, stop bombing Gaza, and Netanyahu you cant hide.

People were heard chanting Allahu Akbar while burning the American flag.

I expect them to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law

The invitation for Netanyahu to speak had been extended by House Speaker Mike Johnson. It received massive criticism from people who are against Israel's invasion of Gaza. According to health authorities, the invasion has resulted in the deaths of almost 40,000 residents, USA Today reported.

Pro-terror, anti-Israel agitators are vandalizing federal property, removing American flags, and replacing them with Palestinian flags steps away from the United States Capitol. This is inexcusable, and I expect them to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), a member of Senate GOP leadership, posted on X, sharing images from the scene.

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote, Hamas flags, slogans about killing Jews, harassment of @CapitolPolice officers, vandalism, burnt American flags, & hanged effigies of PM Netanyahu. These are just some of the appalling scenes at protests around the U.S. Capitol today, adding that this vitriolic behavior goes beyond peaceful protests and free speech. It will only further incite violence.

Non-Capitol Police officers were spotted making mass arrests near Union Station, Politico reported. The US Capitol Police said that no flags under our protection have been removed or vandalized.

The police also said that 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, they added.

Netanyahu blasted the protesters in his speech, saying, 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.

Several demonstrators placed 30 human-size cardboard coffins that were wrapped in Palestinian flags.Various roads near the Capitol saw traffic being barred.
With only about 100 days left until the United States votes for its 47th president, the election narrative has reached a new low. During a Fox News election coverage show, guest Alec Lace crossed the line of decency by calling Kamala Harris the original Hawk Tuah girl. Fox News guest condemned for calling Kamala Harris the original Hawk Tuah girl in reference to her decades old romance.

During the show, he commented, Theres this DEI press secretary telling you that the DEI vice president is the future of the party, but the future looks kind of dim for the Democrats. But this is no shocker. Kamala Harris is the original Hawk Tuah girl. That's how she got where she is, and the party is going downhill if its in her hands. The female anchor responded, That was tough; that was harsh, while the other guest and co-anchor in the studio smiled sheepishly.

Elated by his controversial comment and eager for viral attention, Alec Lace later rushed to X to gauge people's reactions. Accompanying a video of his remark, he posted the question, Did I go too far on FOX News calling Kamala Harris the OG Hawk Tuah girl, or am I right on target?

Watch Fox News guest call Kamala Harris Hawk Tuah girl

His post, viewed by over 3million users got close to ten thousand responses, forty four thousand likes and seven thousand shares.

Even as many right wing users hailed him for his 'brutal comment' several netizens condemned him for his demeaning behaviour. Lace who's X profile refers to him as Father of 4 | Host of First Class Fatherhood | Host of The Alec Lace Show was called out for making such a comment despite endorsing himself as a fatherhood voice"

What are netizens saying about the Hawk Tuah remark?

"Quick question....since your whole persona is being a father and you pretend to be good. I'm curious...if someone said this about your little "princess" on national TV then bragged about it on Twitter would you beat his ass or laugh it off? You're not clever. You're a f**king douche." Fred Wellman commented.

Farmer Stoolie an assumed Republican stated, Talking about her sexual past isn't productive. Focus on the issues. Act like an adult. This type of behaviour hurts conservatives in the long run.

You have a book titled first class fatherhood and you engage in this gutter nonsense? Focus on the real issues (and there are plenty!) instead of embarrassing yourself and your family on national television." Angus Davis

Where Cindy Calland stated he just alienated his female followers, "If you want to alienate moderate female voters, you are right over the target." -
After Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Kamala Harris, one question has been on the mind of all Americans: what is the US vice president's take on Israel and Gaza? Biden's strong support for Israels war in Gaza led to a rift between moderates and progressives in his party. Will Harris create a different path forward? What is Kamala Harris' take on Israel and Gaza? (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)(AFP)

Notably, Harris was not present in her role as vice president during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress in the US, as she had to attend an event in Indianapolis. Harris and Netanyahu are expected to meet one-on-one later on Wednesday, July 24. According to the Wall Street Journal, Harris is expected to tell him 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.

Will Kamala Harris chart a different path forward if she becomes president?

Harris not attending Netanyahus speech and instead choosing to meet him privately is slightly different from Bidens approach. Biden was seen embracing Netanyahu on the tarmac in Tel Aviv in November, which symbolised his unwavering support for Israel. Biden and Netanyahu have remained close, with the president offering him financial and military support.

In case Harris plans to change the course even a little, US relationship with Israel might be impacted. It could have electoral consequences too, of course.

Harris has yet to open up about her Gaza policy. However, it is widely known that she has ties to the American Jewish community and Israeli interest groups.

Doug Emhoff, her husband, is Jewish. He has supported the Biden administrations initiative against antisemitism ever since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7 last year. Harris has a great working relationship with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and has been involved in every phone call Biden and Netanyahu have had in the midst of the war.

Harris has won the support of several major Jewish interest groups in her presidential bid, including Democratic Majority for Israel, J Street, and the Jewish Democratic Council of America. She is connected to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). In 2017, after being elected to the US Senate, Harris spoke at the organisations annual conference. I believe the bonds between the United States and Israel are unbreakable, she said at the time.

On various occasions, throughout the ongoing war, Harris asserted that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas. She also said that the threat Hamas posed to Israel should be eliminated.

In March, Harris became the first person in the Biden administration to call for an immediate ceasefire. She called the condition in Gaza a humanitarian catastrophe, and asked Israel to increase the flow of aid to Gaza.

Harris was also empathetic towards students protesting on college campuses across the US, calling for their school to cut ties with Israel. They are showing exactly what the human emotion should be, as a response to Gaza, Harris told the Nation. 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.

The Wall Street Journal reported that if Harris becomes president, she might replace some people who acted as chief architects of the Biden administrations strategy in Gaza. This could include national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday slammed Iran for funding and supporting groups against Israel and asserted that defeating the brutal enemies requires both courage and clarity. You have officially become Irans useful idiots: Netanyahu to protestors

For all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now outside this buildingnot that many, but theyre thereand throughout the city. 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, Netanyahu said.

Its amazing, absolutely amazing. Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming 'Gays for Gaza'. They might as well hold up signs saying 'Chickens for KFC'. These protesters chant 'From the river to the sea'. But many dont have a clue what river and what sea theyre talking about. They not only get an F in geography, they get an F in history. They call Israel a colonialist state. Dont they know that the Land of Israel is where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob prayed, where Isaiah and Jeremiah preached and where David and Solomon ruled? he said.

In his fourth address to the Joint Session of the Congress, the most by any foreign leader, Netanyahu alleged that in the Middle East, Iran is virtually behind all terrorism, turmoil, chaos and killing.

And that should come as no surprise. When he founded the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini pledged, We will export our revolution to the entire world. We will export the Islamic revolution to the entire world. Now, ask yourself, which country ultimately stands in the way of Irans maniacal plans to impose radical Islam on the world? And the answer is clear: Its America, the guardian of Western civilization and the worlds greatest power. Thats why Iran sees America as its greatest enemy, he said.

Iran, he said, understands that to truly challenge America, it must first conquer the Middle East. And for this it uses its many proxies, including the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas.

Yet in the heart of the Middle East, standing in Irans way, is one proud pro-American democracymy country, the State of Israel, he said.

Asserting that victory is in site, Netanyahu said the day after they defeat Hamas, a new Gaza can emerge.

My vision for that day is of a demilitarized and deradicalized 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, he said.

Gaza should have a civilian administration run by Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel. Thats not too much to ask. Its a fundamental thing that we have a right to demand and to receive. A new generation of Palestinians must no longer be taught to hate Jews but rather to live in peace with us. Those twin words, demilitarization and deradicalization, those two concepts were applied to Germany and Japan after World War II, and that led to decades of peace, prosperity and security, he added.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is omnipresent in the runup to elections Sunday shaking his fist on state TV, smiling on building facades in Caracas, beaming from the night sky over Maracaibo. Venezuela's Maduro is everywhere as vote looms

Unlimited access to state media and propaganda funding has allowed non-stop appearances on television, radio, murals, toll booth signage and even ambulances.

The opposition, in comparison, has been all but absent from traditional campaigning platforms in a political climate widely denounced as authoritarian. Nevertheless, polls show the opposition leaving Maduro in the dust.

It is not for a lack of trying on his part.

A well-oiled spin machine has worked 24-7 to portray the 61-year-old as an anti-imperialist strongman, but caring and convivial.

Maduro is shown alternately railing against capitalist "fascists," dancing salsa with his wife, and promising prosperity after years of economic crisis that has sent more than seven million Venezuelans fleeing almost a quarter of the population.

"There is a saturation that allows him to survive in the minds of people," Leon Hernandez of the Andres Bello Catholic University's Institute for Information and Communication Research told AFP.

And importantly, to remind them that he is the heir of the late socialist icon Hugo Chavez. Unlike Maduro, he remains wildly popular and is hailed by many as a revolutionary hero.

With no independent TV channels left, images of opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia do not make it into people's living rooms.

Instead, the opposition communicates on YouTube and TikTok, a space they also have to share with Maduro's 24-hour spin machine.

The president, seeking a third six-year term at the helm, blares at his people in numerous daily broadcasts of his campaign "pilgrimage" through Venezuela.

He is also the subject of a film that recently premiered at a Caracas theater, based on a book about his life.

To augment his real-life presence, Maduro also has a cartoon character in his image a caped hero named Super-Bigote fighting monsters sent by the United States.

And he has recently embraced the emblem of a fighting cock with feathers in Venezuela's yellow, blue and red, that is meant to highlight his sprightliness relative to the soft-spoken 74-year-old Gonzalez Urrutia.

Cock crows can be heard echoing over Maduro's live election events, and campaign songs glorify the pugilist bird.

The cock has also featured, along with Maduro's face, in a drone light show over Maracaibo, once the epicenter of the petro-state's oil riches but today battling constant fuel shortages among other ills.

On the other side of the spectrum, there has been little space for opposition voices in an independent media.

More than 400 private newspapers, radio and television stations have closed in over two decades of Chavista rule a social movement named after Chavez.

Others were bought by business people close to the regime. Yet more opted for self-censorship to continue operating semi-independently.

Foreign networks such as CNN Spanish and Deutsche Welle were taken off air by cable providers on the government's orders.

On platforms like YouTube, from which the opposition cannot be banned, the onslaught has been relentless.

Videos accuse Gonzalez Urrutia a stand-in for wildly popular opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, barred from the race by institutions loyal to Maduro of fomenting plots and wanting to "give" Venezuelan oil to the United States.

In a country where the electoral authority is aligned to the regime, there are no posters bearing Gonzalez Urrutia's face, and few alluding to the opposition at all.

During the campaign, which officially closes on Thursday, Gonzalez Urrutia was able to secure only a handful of interviews in national media, conducted in a climate of strict regime oversight and self-censorship.

Disinformation, too, has been a popular tool.

Military leaders recently spread a video of a talk given by Machado and Gonzalez Urrutia in front of a screen listing proposals to privatize the PDVSA state oil company and the education system.

AFP has established that the video was altered, and the screen had in fact been blank.

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GOOGLE

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Masked white supremacists marched through a Michigan city allegedly chanting "Heil Hitler" over the weekend.

The Livingston Diversity Council shared photos of the group. It said while the protesters have a right to assemble "We as a community have a right and a responsibility to denounce this rhetoric."

A group of around a dozen demonstrators gathered on the Livingston County Courthouse lawn and then marched down Grand River Ave to continue their demonstration on the lawn of the Howell Carnegie District Library.

A library board member reportedly confronted them and told them that they did not have permission to be there and needed to leave.

READ ALSO: Elderly Man Run Over for Putting Trump Sign in Yard

The group broke up and went back to their cars as Howell police monitored them. The entire incident took place in about 30 minutes.

"The City of Howell, the Livingston Diversity Council and the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce stand united in condemning this group's racist ideology," the group said in a statement.

"We are very proud to be a welcoming and inclusive community, and this is likely why we were targeted by this outside group. We would also like to acknowledge all our residents who quickly reacted to this event and made it clear that we do not share their views."



Howell Police reportedly confirmed that none of the protesters were local and came from other parts of the state.

The protesters were also believed to be behind Nazi and KKK flags that were displayed on a I-86 overpass several miles outside of the city.

Seeing reports that the Nazis have moved over an overpass on I-96 near latson rd https://t.co/rRBOpEf2o2 pic.twitter.com/F07ZbUT2rj  Jack Wheatley (@jacktwheatley) July 20, 2024

Howell, which is located between Lansing and Detroit, has a history of extremist activity, according to the Michigan Advance. A Michigan KKK Grand Dragon held rallies and cross burnings at his property outside the city in the 1970s and 80s.
Authorities arrested a man accused of killing his 18-year-old girlfriend after her battered body was found in the back of his pickup truck.

Juan Carlos Diaz Perez, 20, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Suceli Perez, according to police.

Diaz Perez was apprehended by U.S. Marshals near a quarry Tuesday, following a 24-hour manhunt in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Authorities first began their investigation into Suceli's death Monday after receiving a tip from a "third-party... that a man had gravely injured his girlfriend" at a home in Knoxville, according to police.

Investigators responded to the residence and allegedly found evidence of a "potential deadly assault," but the victim and suspect were not on the scene.

A short while later, Suceli's body was allegedly found in the bed of Diaz Perez's abandoned pickup truck. A medical examiner ruled she died from blunt force trauma.

According to a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising money for funeral costs, Suceli leaves behind a 2-year-old girl.

It's unclear if Diaz Perez is the girl's father.

A motive in Suceli's alleged slaying remains under investigation.
Vice President Kamala Harris slammed the "unpatriotic protesters" who burned American flags and spray-painted pro-Hamas graffiti on Capitol Hill near Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech on Wednesday, calling their actions ''despicable."

"I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews," she posted on the social media platform X on Thursday. "Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation."

"I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way," said Harris, whose husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish.

Harris, who is expected to become the Democratic presidential nominee now that President Joe Biden has dropped his campaign, said she backs the right to "peacefully protest."

"But let's be clear: Antisemitism, hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation," she continued.

Read my full statement on the protests in Washington, D.C. yesterday. pic.twitter.com/zJpZvdQDt9  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 25, 2024

The protesters clashed with police wearing riot gear as Netanuyahu delivered his speech to members of Congress.

The demonstrators appeared to write "Hamas is Coming" on the Columbus Fountain, lowered the flags and set them on fire.
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Thursday ordering state agencies and departments to "adopt clear policies that urgently address homeless encampments."

His order also says they need to clear the encampents while "respecting the dignity and well-being of all Californians."

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision gives local governments the authority to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces and remove the encampments.

"The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses," Gavin said. "It's time for everyone to do their part."

The executive order directs state agencies and departments to adopt "humane and dignified policies" to notify and support the people inhabiting encampments prior to removing them.

Newsom cannot order local authorities to take action but his administration can apply pressure by withholding money for local governments, the Associated Press reported.

The Supreme Court voted 6-3 to overturn an appeals court's decision that found a law prohibiting homeless people from sleeping outside in Grants Pass, Oregon unconstitutional.

The majority opinion was penned by Justice Neil Gorsuch.

"Homelessness is complex," he wrote. "Its causes are many. So may be the public policy responses required to address it. The question this case presents is whether the Eighth Amendment grants federal judges primary responsibility for assessing those causes and devising those responses. A handful of federal judges cannot begin to 'match' the collective wisdom the American people possess in deciding 'how best to handle' a pressing social question like homelessness."
ith the grand opening of Radisson Hotel Graz, Radisson Hotel Group introduces its upscale Radisson brand to Austria. The newly built hotel features 232 rooms and sits in a strategic location by the central train station and offers delightful spaces in Scandinavian-inspired design, while introducing the exciting Balaustine restaurant concept to the city.

Radisson Hotel Graz enjoys a location that provides easy access to all of Graz. As the capital of Styria, Austria's self-proclaimed "green heart" known for its natural beauty and folkloric traditions, Graz is a charming travel destination known for its blend of historical and modern attractions. Visitors are drawn to its UNESCO-listed Old Town where they can explore Renaissance courtyards, Baroque palaces, and the iconic Schlossberg hill with its clock tower. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, highlighted by the futuristic Kunsthaus Graz, and offers exciting culinary experiences in its restaurants and cafes. Graz has a lively atmosphere year-round with its student-fueled nightlife and numerous parks, and the city especially comes to life during the numerous events held throughout the year, such as the Aufsteirern festival or the Austrian F1 Grand Prix weekend.

With 232 rooms, Radisson Hotel Graz is the city's largest hotel. The rooms are designed in the signature Radisson style to provide a haven of comfort and relaxation. The tasteful design with clean lines, attractive natural materials such as stone, wood and soft fabrics, and a color palette with natural, muted tones create a calming space. All rooms are equipped with multiple USB ports, TVs with streaming functionality, and complimentary Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity and a perfect "work from anywhere" setup. Accommodation options include rooms facing the quiet inner courtyard or more spacious Premium Rooms with in-room espresso machines and large corner windows looking out onto Europaplatz square.

The gastronomic delights at Radisson Hotel Graz include the Balaustine restaurant located under a glass roof in the inner courtyard of the hotel, which offers a casual-fine dining experience inspired by the Barbary coast and the Levant. The restaurant's menu features a range of dishes that combine fresh, invigorating flavors and bold textures. The adjacent bar offers a co-working space as well as lounge seating, and an extensive selection of cocktails and wines from Styria and beyond. The bar with its Scandinavian-inspired design and tasteful decor is a cozy space that lets guests unwind while at the same time connecting to the city looking out onto the hustle and bustle of the square and streets outside.

Radisson Hotel Graz is also a destination for business gatherings with three meeting spaces flooded with natural light and adaptable for various setups. With the three rooms spanning 150m and directly connected to the restaurant and bar on the ground floor, the conference space provides the perfect setting for productive meetings, complemented by high-speed Wi-Fi and the latest audio-visual technology.

Hotel website
Sean Flakelar specializes in hospitality management consulting utilizing his breadth of experience in luxury travel and hospitality. With his unique knowledge in the operation of small boutique resorts, creating unique guest experiences, and Food & Beverage operations, Sean provides advisory services to his clients with exceptional skills and passion for excellence at the core. He became a seasoned General Manager having led 8 Aman Resorts to critical acclaim during his 27 year tenure with the revered brand. Sean began his career with the pre-opening team for Amanusa, Bali as Executive Chef, and went on to be appointed general manager of some of Amans most iconic properties such as Amanjiwo, Amanoi, and Amangalla. Sean was Amans Country Manager for Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Seans approach to managing boutique luxury resorts is hands on with both staff and guests, cultivating memorable guest experiences whilst building solid connections globally that share his passion and love for experiential travel. Among his many accolades, Sean was named Best General Manager, Worldwide by Gallivanters Guide in 2017. Sean is an active member of Cayuga Hospitality Consultants.
What decides your career - is it a dogmatic decision based on lifes practicalities, one that is fuelled by passion or perhaps, does the hand of fate have a role to play? For Mr Russell Wong, his dreams of a hospitality career started as a student who would spend his days after school waiting at the hotel lobby for his mother, a secretary at the hotel, observing both heartfelt conversations and interactions between staff and guests as well as its operations.

As a self-professed introvert, he was inspired by the impact a hotelier could have on a guests travel experience. Thus marked the start of his pursuit of the art of service: after his graduation from Nanyang Polytechnic, the then 22-year-old decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management at EHL Hospitality Business School.

What made you eventually decide on EHL Hospitality Business School?

After a difficult operational internship experience at Marina Bay Sands during my time at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), I considered pursuing other fields of studies for university. Aside from EHL Hospitality Business School, I was offered an opportunity to study Political Science at National University of Singapore (NUS).

What inspired me to pursue a career in hospitality at EHL? The heartfelt note of appreciation from a guest made every demanding moment of my internship worthwhile.

This experience fueled my motivation and dedication to delivering exceptional service, even on the longest and toughest days.

That reaffirmed my commitment to hospitality and I was thankful to receive an EHL scholarship for direct entry into the second year of EHLs Bachelor programme upon graduating from NYP.

Working smart, building meaningful connections

Since my admission to EHL Campus (Singapore), which opened in 2021; my robust academic life has been equally matched with a vibrant campus and social life.

Each semester, departments such as Student Affairs and Student Committee, where I serve as the director of operations and logistics, will organize diverse events and social activities, as well as facilitate interest groups.

While I have relished the advantages of an EHL education on home ground the past years, I am equally as excited to be heading to the Lausanne campus during my last semester at EHL (BOSC 6) to meet the greater EHL community. As much as I love the smaller student-to-lecturer ratio, the tight-knit community, and deep friendships that I have fostered; I am ready to dive straight into my new experiences: living independently abroad and engaging in new living and working cultures and environments.

Dreaming big, casting the net wide

My pipeline dream is still that of a General Manager of hospitality brands such as Marriott or Hilton, and I have utmost confidence that my EHL education will serve me well on that journey, but also if I choose to transition to other industries - be it Luxury Retail or even Finance. I am a personal testament to how an EHL education enables, rather than limits our opportunities.

Personally, at EHLs Entrepreneurship and Innovation Lab, I have had the opportunity to engage in panel discussions with entrepreneurs such as the CEO of Swiss start-up CleanGreens Solutions Bruno Cheval, and gain a deeper understanding of business dynamics. Further, as part of the EHL Student Consultancy Singapore, a student-led consultancy that provides innovative solutions to hospitality business challenges, I sharpened my business proposal skills on projects like Mandarin Oriental Singapores refurbishment. These opportunities allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations and molded me into a well-rounded individual - ready for real-world environments.
Group business is top of mind for hoteliers in 2024, with new research finding that hoteliers are prioritizing ways to strengthen customer relationships, to improve outreach with new and repeat business, and to plan and execute events more effectively.

Recognizing this, Amadeus has harnessed over three decades of expertise to develop an enhanced Delphi solution. Designed to support teams from sales lead to execution, Delphi has been updated to better meet the needs of any hotel, no matter the size. Whether a small property with limited resources, a full-service hotel orchestrating large gatherings, or a hotel management company tracking portfolio performance, Delphi can be tailored and scalable to meet a wide range of needs.

At the core of the elevated offering is a modern user interface built on the Einstein 1 Platform and Lightning Experience, enabling Delphi customers to get the combined benefit of Amadeus and Salesforce feature releases. Other highlights include:

Widened accessibility and expanded integrations for limited-service properties

Tailored training options from self-onboarding to expert-led masterclasses

Centralized and unified database to grow relationships and repeat business

Comprehensive performance reports to identify trends and enable accurate forecasting

In addition, Amadeus is also expanding its sales and catering suite of solutions with the debut of Delphi Direct. The online booking platform enables hoteliers to transform how they capture group business by allowing meeting spaces to be booked directly on a hotels website. This simplifies the entire sales process and unlocks more revenue while allowing teams to focus on capturing larger deals.

At Amadeus, were proud of our investment in this enhanced Delphi with new capabilities and a totally new look, says Iain Saxton, Senior Vice President of On-Property Solutions, Hospitality, Amadeus. Delphi has always been a trusted name in the industry, and this latest innovation now extends our full-service sales and catering solution to all types of hotels. Our customers will enjoy improved sales, meeting and event planning, with the ability to sell online. The upgrades allow for true digital transformation.

Along with Delphi, Amadeus offers a powerful sales and catering software ecosystem, including the new Delphi Direct, Delphi Diagramming, and MeetingBroker, as well as partner integrations designed to usher in a new era of streamlined business growth and management.

About Amadeus

Amadeus powers more personalized and authentic travel experiences. Our solutions are designed to enrich every stage of the traveller journey and help hospitality providers acquire, service, and retain guests by profitably driving demand and converting them into loyal fans.

Backed by over 30 years of experience, we design open, cutting-edge software to provide the most efficient, trusted, and reliable systems for our customers. With experts in 175+ countries, we have a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and a desire to enable our hotel partners to create memorable guest experiences.

To find out more about Amadeus, visit www.amadeus-hospitality.com.

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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Alexandria, Va.  The global business travel industry converged in Atlanta, Georgia, for the GBTA Convention 2024 held July 21-23 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Attracting 5,400 registered attendees from 50 countries  including more than 1,100 travel buyers from 600+ companies and 310 travel supplier exhibitors  the not-to-be-missed industry event featured over 200 dynamic presenters, 86 peer-reviewed and curated education sessions, unmatched networking opportunities and the unveiling of the latest forecast ahead for global business travel.

Focus areas for the convention aligned with whats affecting the sector and its professionals most, including the state of the industry, understanding human behavior, innovating for transformation, solving sustainability challenges and looking to the future of business travel.

The GBTA Convention offers a unique, annual opportunity for industry professionals to learn, network and experience the very best the global business travel community has to offer  and this year was no exception. This week was also a testament to the ongoing importance, in general, of managed travel programs and their support systems, as we felt the industrys resilience for ourselves in navigating the global IT system disruption in order to come together in Atlanta.



At its core, business travel is about making human connections. By understanding what drives our behaviors and decision making, coupled with the increasing role technology plays in aiding us, we can better understand not only where the industry is going, but why its trending in that direction. We are very optimistic for what lies ahead for business travel  and for those who work in and with this industry. Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA

Main Stage Sessions Tap into Human Connections, Technology and Sustainability

This years Main Stage keynote speakers featured a dynamic trio of experts in their respective fields. In keeping with the conventions theme, each one presented an alternate point of view to commonalities and challenged the audience to embrace forward thinking approaches. They were:

Dan Ariely , behavioral economist, best-selling author, speaker and professor, delved into captivating stories and research-based learnings about human behavior and why people make the everyday choices they do.

, behavioral economist, best-selling author, speaker and professor, delved into captivating stories and research-based learnings about human behavior and why people make the everyday choices they do. Carla Harris , international public speaker and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, offered inspiring insights and examples on how to build trust and refine leadership approaches for maximum impact.

, international public speaker and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, offered inspiring insights and examples on how to build trust and refine leadership approaches for maximum impact. Dr. Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman at the Solar Impulse Foundation, shared the adventures of his record-breaking, around-the-world balloon journey in 1999 as well as his first-ever global circumnavigation in a solar-powered electric airplane in 2016. He also outlined why its impossible are the very words to spur human ingenuity in order to solve such impossible problems as aviation decarbonization.

Other Main Stage sessions featured impactful fireside chats and panel discussions with leaders from companies including Delta Air Lines, Enterprise Mobility, Goodr, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott, Shell, United for Business and Visa Inc.

Business Travel Industry Outlook Points to Post-Pandemic Stabilization and Record Spending Levels

During Mondays Main Stage session, GBTA launched the 2024 GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook  Annual Global Report and Forecast (GBTA BTI) report made possible by Visa. Now in its 16th year and comprised of data and analysis including from 4,100 business travelers across five global regions, the GBTA BTI found that global spending for business travel is expected to reach a record $1.48 trillion USD by the end of 2024. Looking further out, and boosted by economic stability, pent-up demand and recovery momentum, business travel spending is projected to surpass $2 trillion by 2028.

Among the deeper dive GBTA BTI report findings Neufang revealed during the opening session were:

64% of business travelers surveyed report increased spending compared to 2023.

Business travelers estimate their spending averaged $834 per person based on their last business trip.

81% report that business travel is worthwhile in achieving their objectives.

58% of business travelers blend business and leisure travel more than ever before.

The Executive Summary from the 2024 GBTA BTI report is available to download here, and GBTA members can exclusively access the full report on the GBTA Hub.

Recognizing a Dedicated Volunteer Network

GBTA also honored a group of outstanding volunteers who lead the way in furthering the mission of both the association and the industry as a whole. They are:

GBTA Direct Member of the Year Award: Leslie Andrews, GTP, GLP, Director of Global Travel Category, JLL

GTP, GLP, Director of Global Travel Category, JLL GBTA Allied Member of the Year Award: Anja TurnerSchulz , Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications, BCD

, Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications, BCD 2024 GBTA Presidents Award: Mark Ziegler, CCTE, GLP, GTP, Senior Travel Manager, NetApp, Inc.

In addition, GBTA leadership and regional directors, along with association volunteers and GBTA Global Leadership Professional (GLP) program recipients around the globe were celebrated at the Global Leaders Reception on July 21 at the Georgia Aquarium. Kate King, Director of Global Travel Partnerships, International SOS, was honored with the GBTA Committee Member of the Year Award, and 20 other members from across North America, LATAM, EMEA and APAC received Business Travel Service Awards.

Making Headlines, Sharing Breaking News and Leader Insights

During GBTA Media Day on July 22, 15 industry companies announced their breaking news and industry firsts. A full replay of Media Day is available here.

Throughout the Convention, the GBTA Broadcast Studio also hosted 45 executive interviews with some of the leading and most innovative companies in the business travel industry.

Future GBTA Conventions and other Events Around the World

As the event concluded, GBTA confirmed Convention 2025 will be held in Denver, Colorado, from July 21-23. GBTA also made a special announcement that Chicago is the destination for Convention 2026, scheduled for August 3-5.

Other upcoming GBTA regional events include the GBTA +VDR Conference 2024 in Partnership with the Nordic Business Travel Associations in Copenhagen November 4-6, 2024, GBTA Canada Conference April 28-30, 2025, in Toronto, GBTA APAC Conference May 27-28, 2025, in Singapore and the GBTA LATAM Conference September 24-25, 2025, in Mexico City.

View photos from GBTA Convention 2024 here. Beginning next week, attendees can access on-demand replay of the education sessions via the convention mobile app.

About GBTA

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premiere business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area and serving stakeholders across six continents. GBTA and its 8,000+ members represent and advocate for the $1.48 trillion global travel business and meetings industry. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. For more information visit gbta.org.

About the GBTA Foundation

The mission of the GBTA Foundation, the US 501c3 charitable arm of the Global Business Travel Association, is to help the global business travel industry create a positive impact and better future for people and the planet. The GBTA Foundation focuses on the strategy and execution of GBTA's global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other talent-related topics via education, research and advocacy. For more information visit gbtafoundation.org.
Curacity announces the launch of Exec View, a new data analytics and insights suite for the hospitality industry. Among a trove of proprietary data, Exec View uniquely uses a guests initial content exposure date  the date a guest first saw content about a hotel, resort, or cruise in premium media outlets like AFAR, Food & Wine, and Travel + Leisure  to show customers the median days from exposure to booking.

While hospitality brands could previously track lead time (the median days between booking and check-in) in their property management system, thats only part of the guest journey. Curacitys ability to map the entire trip from inspiration to booking to check-in makes it easier for commercial strategy teams to measure the impact of upper-funnel marketing and eliminate a siloed marketing and revenue management approach. For example, marketing and revenue leaders can use this data to better collaborate on pricing, timing, and distribution channels for guest acquisition campaigns.

Curacitys Exec View data includes:

Exposure to Booking (Days): The median number of days between guests initial content exposure date and booking date.

The median number of days between guests initial content exposure date and booking date. Booking to Check-in (Days): The median number of days between guests booking date and check-in date. Adding this figure to the Exposure to Booking days enables customers to see the complete guest journey from start to finish.

The median number of days between guests booking date and check-in date. Adding this figure to the Exposure to Booking days enables customers to see the complete guest journey from start to finish. Detailed Booking Analysis: The percentage of Curacity-driven bookings made within 30 or 90 days of content exposure, enabling customers to understand how quickly their guests book after exposure to upper-funnel marketing.

The percentage of Curacity-driven bookings made within 30 or 90 days of content exposure, enabling customers to understand how quickly their guests book after exposure to upper-funnel marketing. Detailed Revenue Analysis: Monthly breakdowns showing the average daily date (ADR) and length of stay (LOS) of Curacity-driven bookings, enabling customers to compare bookings driven by trusted, valuable earned media content with all bookings.

Monthly breakdowns showing the average daily date (ADR) and length of stay (LOS) of Curacity-driven bookings, enabling customers to compare bookings driven by trusted, valuable earned media content with all bookings. Quantifying Total Value: Curacity provides a true ROI connected to bookings driven, plus the market-rate value of earned media content to show added value.

In our era of rapid digital transformation, what worked yesterday wont work tomorrow, said Nick Slavin, CEO and co-founder of Curacity. The hospitality industry can no longer afford to maintain the status quo of a siloed approach between revenue management and marketing. Thats why were proud to be at the forefront of innovative technology that commercial strategy team members need to work together.

The Exec View metrics really help us deep dive, said Samuel Gibb, director of marketing at The Other House in London. Its enabled us to start using Curacitys data as part of our monthly reporting and truly showcase what the platform does for us.

Exec View marks the evolution of Curacity from a guest acquisition product into a comprehensive data analytics and marketing platform. Whether its a revenue leader analyzing ADR to set package pricing or a marketing leader researching exposure windows to find the right timing for their promotional plan, the entire commercial strategy team can utilize Exec View to make better, data-driven decisions for their upper-funnel marketing.

For more information, visit www.curacity.com.

About Curacity

Curacity is a data analytics and marketing platform for hospitality brands. Powered by its proprietary attribution technology, Curacity drives new demand and generates incremental revenue for hotels, resorts, and cruises. It uniquely leverages earned media content distributed across a network of media brands such as AFAR, Food & Wine, and Travel + Leisure. Headquartered in New York and Stamford, CT, Curacity launched in 2015. The company is listed among the top 10 in travel and hospitality on the Inc. 5000 list and is Digiday's Best Content Marketing Platform of 2024.
A total of 347 deals (comprising mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, and venture financing deals) were announced in the global travel and tourism sector during the first half (H1) of 2024, which was a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 12.6% compared to the 397 deals announced during the same period in the previous year, according to GlobalData.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: Even though there was a decline globally due to a dent in deal-making sentiments, the trend was a mixed bag across different markets and regions, with some countries contributing to the decline while some experienced improved activity. And the same was the case for the deal types under coverage.

An analysis of GlobalDatas Deals Database revealed that the volume of M&A deals declined by 7.4% during H1 2024 compared to H1 2023, whereas the number of venture financing deals fell by 29.6% YoY. Meanwhile, private equity deal volume remained at the same level.

North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and the South and Central American regions witnessed YoY decline of 31.7%, 14.5%, 11.1%, and 41.7% in deal volume during H1 2024 compared to H1 2023, respectively, whereas Europe saw YoY growth of 11.7% in deal volume.

Similarly, the US, China, Australia, and France witnessed a YoY decline in deal volume by 31.5%, 46.4%, 18.8%, and 40%, respectively, during H1 2024 compared to the same period during the previous year. However, markets such as the UK, India, and Japan saw respective deal volume grow by 7.9%, 12%, and 18.2% YoY in H1 2024.

Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain
Hotels can still benefit from Google Hotel Ads Pay Per Stay! - Image Credit Unsplash+



As you may already know, Google Hotel Ads with the Pay Per Stay (PPS) bidding model ends on October 31, 2024.

What is Google Hotel Ads and what is the Pay Per Stay model?

Google Hotel Ads is a metasearch engine, or price comparison site, on which you can launch campaigns to convert ready-to-book travelers and drive direct bookings. The PPS model is a commission-based bidding strategy, allowing hotels to pay only when the guest stay occurred, free of cancellations and no-shows.

What are the benefits of the Pay Per Stay bidding strategy?

The PPS bidding model, now maintained by Cendyn, allows hotels to easily manage their campaigns in a simple and automated way while accessing a certain level of detail. The metasearch system will automatically optimize the bids and thus guarantee the campaigns cost of distribution.

With the PPS model, the commission is due after the customers stay. It is free of cancellations and no-shows, so hotels dont have to pay commission on unfulfilled bookings. This simple approach gives additional security to their online distribution and ensures a guaranteed return on investment.

What is changing?

For some hotels, the PPS campaigns are important to keep, so because of Google retiring their PPS model, we, at Cendyn created our own PPS model! This means hotels can continue with the bidding strategy they used successfully for many years.

When does it start and how can I activate it?

Since July 1st, 2024, hoteliers can switch to Cendyns PPS model:

It is active on all markets with a fixed 10% commission

There is a minimum 3-month campaign duration

Invoicing takes place on the Stay Date (same as Google)

Google Free Booking Links free of charge (depending on contract)

Quentin Lederer - VP, eCommerce. Connect with Quentin on LinkedIn.

About Cendyn

Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to Find, Book, Grow - driving revenue, maximizing profitability, and creating deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions.

Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn has over 32,000 customers in more than 150 countries including brands Outrigger Hospitality, Hyatt, IHG, Aman Resorts & Hotels, Relais & Chateaux, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Coraltree Hospitality, and Onyx Hospitality Group - generating more than $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. The company supports its growing customer base with offices across the globe.

To find out more, visit cendyn.com.
Exploring the Rise of Afrobeats in Latin America

Afrobeats has gone from Lagos to Lima! The genre and its artists have found an audience with Latin American listeners, boosted by prominent collaborations between Latin and African musicians.

Afrobeats in Latin America

by Alejandra Arevalo of Chartmetric Blog

If youre on LatinTok, there is no way of escaping the song Santa by Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro, Jamaican producer Rvssian, and Nigerian Afrobeats artist Ayra Starr. The track joins a growing list of successful Latin-African collaborations including some of the biggest names in both markets.

Released on April 4, Santa has racked up more than a million TikTok videos in just over two months, thanks to its catchy beat and simple dance trend. Prominent Latin artists and content creators have danced to it, including Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko and Mexican influencer Domelipa, who is the ninth most followed account on TikTok. The track has gotten over 310 million Spotify streams and 82 million YouTube views, peaking at No. 36 in the global YouTube charts a month after its release.

It makes sense that African artists are looking towards Latin America to expand their global reach. Not only are Latin artists some of the most popular in the world, but Latin music fans already have an innate affinity for African sounds. Despite being geographically distant, Latin America and Africa have a shared musical history dating back to European colonization which brought Africans to the Americas. African instruments and rhythms are the foundation of Latin genres like salsa, reggaeton, and samba, among others. Now, younger Latin American listeners are reconnecting with this history through Latin-Afrobeats tracks that resonate with their cultural heritage while also mixing modern sounds and lyrics.

Thanks to the success of Santa, Starrs Spotify audience is now mostly located in Latin American cities, including Santiago, Lima, and Bogota. However, this listenership hasnt yet turned into a following, as no Latin American cities appear in her top cities by Instagram followers. Breaking into a new market is no easy feat, but Starr is actively trying to connect with her new Spanish-speaking audience by making content in their language.

Starr is following in the footsteps of fellow Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema, who released a chart-topping collaboration with Colombian artist Feid late last year. Bubalu is currently Remas third most streamed song (beaten out by the two different versions of Calm Down) and marked his first time singing in Spanish as well as his first appearance on Billboards Latin chart. Thanks to this collaboration, cities like Bogota and Santiago are also in his top audience locations, home to 354k and 277k Spotify monthly listeners respectively.

The growing popularity of this musical fusion can also be seen in Spotifys decision to create an editorial playlist dedicated exclusively to Latin-African collaborations. Afro Ritmo has seen a steady follower increase in the past year, reaching 117k followers this July.

One of the playlists most recent additions is Low Key by Colombian artist Beele, Argentine artist Maria Becerra, and Nigerian artist Joeboy, brought together by Colombian producer Humby. The music video, which has 3.6 million views, features the artists singing in the streets of Colombia, Nigeria, and Argentina and highlighting the diversity of their cultures and hometowns. Low Key is historic; it is the first song that unites Colombian and Nigerian coastal culture in the most authentic way, Humby said in an interview with Remezcla this June. Just like Starr and Rema, Joeboy also has Bogota among his top audience locations following the growing popularity of his recent collaboration.

Additionally, there are dozens of non-editorial playlists on Spotify that exclusively include reggaeton and Afrobeats songs, showing the growing overlap between the two fanbases. Some of them include  Latin & Afro New Sounds  with 32k followers,  Afrobeat Latin Believers  with 31k followers, and  Afro & Latina Play Forever  with 38k followers.



Going back to their roots

While one-off Latin-African tracks are on the rise, some Latin artists are tapping into their personal backgrounds to make Afro-inspired projects as well. A year ago, Puerto Rican Afro-Latino artist Ozuna released his seven-track EP, Afro , which diverges from the reggaeton sounds he is known for to instead lean into Afrobeats . Right now, all the music coming from different countries such as Mexico, Chile, and Argentina is betting on a similar rhythm, but Ive decided to bet on this, he said in an interview when asked if he doubted himself about releasing an Afrobeats project. If it works, it works and if it doesnt, we just keep going.

Ozuna has publicly shared that he is a huge fan of Afrobeats so it makes sense that he tapped African artists for the EP. The projects most popular track is  Eva Longoria  featuring Afrobeats golden boy Davido. The track now has 54 million Spotify streams and 12.5 million YouTube views worldwide, but was particularly popular in Spain, where it reached the top 10 songs on the Spotify charts in Spain a couple of months after its release.

Another prominent feature in the EP is a Spanglish remix of Soso, Nigerian artist Omah Laysmost famous track. The track has over 20 million Spotify streams, nearly 14 million YouTube views, and dozens of positive comments praising the duo. Reggaeton  Afrobeats is a combo the world might not be able to stand. Yall better be ready, reads one of the top comments.

Brazilian artist Anitta also showcased her African background on her most recent album Funk Generation . The music video for her track Aceita shows several religious images of Umbanda and CamdombleBrazilian religions that stem from West African religious practices. With nearly 3.2 million YouTube views, the video sparked immediate controversy due to the religious rituals it showed. Anitta was quick to call out this behavior on Instagram as religious racism and went on to share more about her cultural practices. Yoruba comes from African culture and its main characteristic is highlighting nature, not making rituals to find a boyfriend, she wrote. These people were taken out of their country by force as slaves and died and were tortured for expressing their faith.

Besides Aceita, the whole album is a nod to Afro-Brazilian culture as it is focused on funk carioca , a music style born from samba, hip-hop, and afrobeat. My new project is very special because it signifies my intention to create an international funk album, something Ive always dreamed of, Anitta told Billboard . Its fulfilling to see that funk is now a source of inspiration and art in the global music scenea genre with value, awards, and admiration.

Recently, the Brazilian artist also jumped onto the Afrobeats train by collaborating with Starr and Coco Jones on  Woman Commando  for Starrs new album, The Year I Turned 21. With over 3.1 million Spotify streams since its release, the track is at the top of  Afro Ritmo  playlist and has made it onto the Apple Music charts in over 121 countries around the world.

Recently, the Brazilian artist also jumped onto the Afrobeats train by collaborating with Starr and Coco Jones on Woman Commando for Starrs new album, The Year I Turned 21. With over 3.1 million Spotify streams since its release, the track is at the top of Afro Ritmo playlist and has made it onto the Apple Music charts in over 121 countries around the world.

Whats next for Latin-African beats

Thanks to the increasing popularity of African music worldwide , we can expect more Latin artists with African roots to create projects highlighting this musical and cultural heritage. At the same time, the success of Latin-Afrobeats tracks will hopefully lead to more collaborations between these two genres  leading to a new wave of musical cross-pollination with the right ingredients to become a global success.

Based on current trends, Latin Americas interest in Afrobeats is growing, but its still at an early stage. Despite fans interest in the genre, they are still in the discovery stage of the fan journey , where they are listening to the music but not yet subscribing or buying concert tickets. As one of the largest music consumer groups in the world , Latin American fans have played a crucial role in the rise of local genres to global domination, like K-pop and regional Mexican music . Earning Latin Americas support would further cement Afrobeats path to mainstream. Releasing feature tracks is a first step, but more targeted strategies have to be put in place to turn these passionate new listeners into loyal fans.

Visualizations by Nicki Camberg and Crasianne Tirado, and cover image by Crasianne Tirado. Data as of July 24, 2024.

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Jack White and Strategies for Releasing a New Album in 2024

Fred Jacobs offers essential tactics for labels and musicians releasing a new album in 2024. He delves into industry trends, marketing strategies, and practical tips to help artists maximize their albums impact and reach.

Strategies for Releasing a New Album in 2024

by Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media

Lucky me. I get to live in the most vibrant music city in America  Detroit, of course. Now I know that if youre reading this from Nashville or Austin, youve got a bone to pick with me.

And New Yorkers and Los Angelinos will probably push back a bit, too. Same thing if youre in Seattle.

Now if youre in Cleveland, dont even start with me. Ill just say youre already fortunate (OK, lucky) to have the Rock Hall of Fame. So, dont push it.

The Motor City (and the entire state of Michigan) has a deep music history with major artists representing all music genres. And the big names  from Motown to Bob Seger to Eminem.

The list goes on  Alice, Grand Funk, Bill Haley & the Comets, Steve Wonder, Suzi Quatro, the Romantics, CeCe Winans, Earl Klugh, Sponge, Lizzo (born in Detroit before moving to Houston at age 10), Greta Van Fleet, Marshall Crenshaw, and too many others to mention here.

Many were on display performing live last month at the grand (re)opening of the Michigan Central Train Station in downtown Detroit. The culmination of a long journey from urban blight and depravity to restored and majestic beauty, thanks in no small part to Ford who had the vision and the wherewithal to see the project through.

On the occasion of its rededication last month, the centerpiece of the celebration was a free concert in the station featuring some of the top talent Detroit has to offer. This included Diana Ross, Big Sean, Jack White, Eminem, and others.

Eminem played with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra tonight to close out the hometown stars concert to reopen Michigan Central Station after 36 years of abandonment. It was a grand finale with his new single Houdini. pic.twitter.com/ytyOLy7psZ  Jim Schaefer (@DetroitReporter) June 7, 2024

Fast-forward six weeks, and one of those stars was making news again, this time over the release of a new rock album.

If that sounds a bit counter-intuitive  after all, when was the last time there was the least bit of excitement over a new album, much less in the rock genre?

But that was the challenge of Jack White (you know him from the White Stripes)  putting out his first new record in two years. And if you think Im dating myself by referring to new music as records, think again.

Whites new project is a white vinyl record with the purposely below-the-radar title No Name, in a plain-wrapped package  its only format released as of this writing. Not on Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and the other streamers.

Followers of JacoBLOG might recall Jack White has his own record label  Third Man Records  headquartered inside two fascinating stores co-located in Nashville and Detroit.

With my entire family in tow, I made the trek the day Third Man opened in Detroit on a cold, rainy Black Friday in 2015. Ive been back many times since. The Third Man store is a fascinating place with all sorts of cool merch, great music, and other doodads not on sale in your average Target.

And each Third Man location also houses a vinyl pressing plant, making it convenient to produce this next project. White was a believer in vinyl before it was cool  the second time around. His pressing plant in Detroit is always busy, working on myriad projects.

And last Friday, in signature Jack White fashion, he put on a master class about how to release new music.

Lets start out with the fact the album was not for sale. Third Man was quietly giving them away.

If you were a shopper at either Third Man location last Friday, the cashier slipped a copy of the mystery record in your bag. Thats it. Nothing said. No charge. Here it is. Enjoy it.

One of the coolest moments of the week was going on my annual Third Man Records pilgrimage, getting a jumper only to receive this surprise in my bag for free.



Jack Whites secret new album.



I have never been so excited to hunker down with a record. pic.twitter.com/0xFxYGkqKf  Podge Lane (@PodgeLaneMusic) July 22, 2024

Suffice it to say, the whole promotion went viral, and local public radio station, WDET-FM, played the whole thing that afternoon. Theres no track list, no notes, no anything. Just the music in a very low-key, austere package.

If anyone else in Detroit radio sent someone down to Third Man last Friday to grab a copy (along with the purchase) of something else, please tell me. But to my knowledge, there was no win it before you can buy it contest for No Name. It just wouldnt have made sense.

And the music? It is stellar. Raw. Rock n roll. Pure Jack White doing what he does best. Detroit Free Press writer Brian McCollum got his copy the same way everyone else did  by visiting the Third Man store. There were no promo people wearing satin jackets, armed with bagels and copies of the record. You either figured out the puzzle and hustled down to the Cass Corridor last Friday or the moment passed you by.

The entire project is minimalist, mysterious, and powerful  very much on-brand for a Detroiter who may not have always felt quite comfortable or welcome here, but certainly does now.

And the message at the bottom of this Instagram post sums up precisely the marketing game plan and why it worked so perfectly.

You cant buy mystique. You can package in intrigue. You cannot plan on creating a sensation, much less a movement. Still, this project had the desired effect  creating something of a frenzy around a piece of music.

I found several on sale on eBay for as much as $1,000. Theyll probably get it, too. (More info about No Name on eBay is in this Detroit News story.)

The event took me back to the last time I programmed a radio station in Detroit. It was the legendary WRIF in 1983  more than four decades ago. And I know that a brilliant, cleverly conceived stunt like this would have spoken to me.

Yes, I would have sent an intern in the RIFF van down to the Third Man store on Canfield to buy a vintage White Stripes hoodie  and snag a copy of No Name (hopefully before the other guys figured it out).

And then I would have walked the record into the studio, confabbed with Arthur Penhallow our afternoon drive icon  and he would have tracked the whole thing on one of the two turntables in the studio  all 14 tracks for 42 wonderful minutes. And as the phones were exploding, wed have Steve Kostan, Karen Savelly, and Carl Coffey play it cover-to-cover to start their shows.

I knowradio is a different world today. But marketing mastery like the type Jack While just pulled off is timeless. Its a throwback to a different time, a different music business, a different radio industry.

And as Jack White has proved, it can still be done.

Thanks to Bob Kernen for the heads-up on this. Theres also a good review of No Name in Variety by Jem Aswad.

Fred Jacobs [President & Founder at Jacobs Media]

Fred Jacobs founded Jacobs Media in 1983, and quickly became known for the creation of the Classic Rock radio format.

Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.

In 2008, jacapps was launched  a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created  a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the connected car and its impact.

Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Medias commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.

Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.

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The National Gallery will display John Constables famous painting The Hay Wain as a contested landscape at an upcoming exhibition.

The 1821 painting is a British classic, depicting a rural landscape near Constables native Suffolk. The idyllic scene shows a cart and horse travelling through the tranquil River Stour.

But some critics say the painting conceals a dark secret. Not present in the scene are the poorer workers of the time, many of whom were suffering from hunger and poverty.

open image in gallery John Constables The Hay Wain ( The National Gallery )

The painter himself was the son of a wealthy corn merchant, and is thought to have held conservative views.

The National Gallery curator Dr Mary McMahon said: We want to talk about everything that has not been included in this painting.

The British landscape was a contested space, she told The Telegraph, adding that Constable knew what it looked like for people to work the fields, but he would never have done that himself.

The new exhibition will attempt to explain the full social context of the painting. It will be displayed alongside satirical images from the period which give another perspective on the politics of the time.

Here are some other curated exhibitions from recent years that have caused controversy:

Looney Tunes Jesus

In early July, authorities removed a painting in which Jesus and other biblical figures were depicted with Looney Tunes-style faces from a local gallery.

Critics had complained that the work, displayed in west Sydney, mocked Jesus. The oil painting, entitled Jesus Speaks to the Daughters of Jerusalem, was made by 48-year-old artist Phil James.

The decision to remove came after a fierce campaign from the Australian religious group Christian Lives Matter. Many were upset at the decision, which was seen as undue censorship.

Local mayor Ned Mannoun said: The right to free speech needs to be balanced with the right to practice your religion without fear, persecution, or ridicule.

The Christian community (and many Muslims) take offence at Jesus Christ being portrayed as a Looney Tunes character.

The Christian Messiah and the Muslim Messiah Jesus has no connection to the cartoon character Goofy.

Tate Britains inclusive revamp

open image in gallery Tate Britain is one of Londons most popular galleries ( PA Archive )

Last year, Tate Britain overhauled its historical offering with an inclusive reimagining of its gallery.

The move came as part of the gallerys commitment to race equality. It saw curators move several paintings with links to the British Empire to make way for more by artists of colour and that address themes of race and identity.

A spokesperson for the museum said: The founding of our gallery and the building of its collection are inextricably connected to Britains colonial past.

We know there are uncomfortable and inappropriate images, ideas and histories in the past 500 years of art which need to be acknowledged and explored.

These are not new aims for Tate. We have a stated objective to become a more inclusive institution that reflects the world we live in now. But progress has not been fast or significant enough.

The move was criticised by some as ahistorical, and bowing to political pressures of the modern day.

The Pablo-matic Picasso exhibit

open image in gallery Stand up Hannah Gadsby curated a Picasso exhibition in 2023 ( Getty Images for Hamilton Austra )

There are few modern artists more famous than Pablo Picasso. The Spanish painter, who died in 1973, has many famous works from Les Demoiselles DAvignon (1907) to Guernica (1937).

However, recent years have seen a new light shone on the cultural icon, with some critics wanting to draw attention to his behaviour behind the scenes.

This was the intention of Hannah Gadsby when they launched their 2023 exhibition Pablo-matic: Picasso According to Hannah Gadsby.

The Australian comedian used the display to express their view that Picasso was a monumentally misogynistic and abusive domestic authoritarian dictator that takes up too much space.

The exhibition featured several paintings by Picasso, with Gadsby adding their own humorous musings. One painting depicting two nude figures, for instance, is presented with the description: Weird flex.

Gadsby would later say they regret the work, with one art critic calling the display disastrous.

Its... just a banana?

open image in gallery Maurizio Cattelans Comedian ( Getty Images )

The Art Basel Banana took the internet by storm in 2019, even making the front pages of several US newspapers.

In case youve forgotten, the work was a simple banana which was attached to a white wall with duct tape. And thats it.

The idea came from Italian artist and absurdist Maurizio Cattelan, who titled the work Comedian. It was displayed at the Art Basel show at Miami Beach.

With critics divided on whether the idea was high-concept or ridiculous, it nonetheless was sold for $120,000. The owner now owns the certificate of art, but has to replace the banana themselves.
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Over the course of more than two dozen films and a handful of TV series, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has featured its fair share of actors.

Many of Hollywoods best and brightest have featured in the popular superhero franchise, from younger stars such as Florence Pugh and Brian Tyree Henry, to industry veterans including Robert Redford and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss.

However, while everyone knows who Robert Downey Jr is, and can remember that Michael Keaton played the Vulture, the MCU has also featured a litany of smaller cameos you may have forgotten  some of which are rather bizarre.

Sometimes, its a friend of one of the lead actors, taking on a role as an in-joke.

Other times, its a world-famous celebrity, appearing as themselves  Elon Musk being the most egregious example.

If you want to read The Independents ranking of every MCU property, click here.

Otherwise, see below for our list of the MCUs 15 most bizarre cameos.

Kenneth Branagh

As well as directing the first Thor film, renowned thespian Kenneth Branagh can be heard in Avengers: Infinity War, as the voice of an Asgardian Distress Call.

Bruce Campbell

The Evil Dead star reunited with repeat collaborator Sam Raimi for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, briefly featuring as a character called Pizza Poppa.

The moment in which the characters hand becomes enchanted and starts attacking him is a direct reference to a famous scene in Evil Dead 2.

Miley Cyrus

open image in gallery The robot voiced by Miley Cyrus ( Marvel Studios )

Cyrus is no stranger to acting, having made her name through the childrens TV series Hannah Montana and later in dramas such as Black Mirror. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, her role was rather more limited: voicing a robot who appears during a post-credit scene.

Matt Damon

open image in gallery Matt Damon in Thor: Ragnarok' ( Marvel Studios )

The Bourne Identity star featured in Thor: Ragnarok, playing Loki in the play-within-a-film reenactment of Thor: The Dark World.

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Luke Hemsworth

open image in gallery Luke Hemsworth in Thor: Ragnarok' ( Marvel Studios )

It wasnt just Matt Damon who cameoed in Ragnaroks little theatre scene. Luke Hemsworth, Chriss older brother, appeared as an actor playing Thor.

Bill Maher

open image in gallery Bill Maher in Iron Man 3' ( Marvel Studios )

US talk show host Maher is seen presenting a news segment on Don Cheadles War Machine character in Iron Man 3.

Tom Morello

open image in gallery Tom Morello in Iron Man' ( Marvel Studios )

Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello appeared in a blink-and-youll-miss-him capacity in the original Iron Man, playing an anonymous member of the Ten Rings terrorist cell.

Elon Musk

open image in gallery Elon Musk (right) meeting Tony Stark in Iron Man 2 ( Marvel Studios )

The polarising Tesla billionaire appeared as himself in Iron Man 2. Was it a bad scene? Well, yes, but its got nothing on his Simpsons episode, or Musks infamous hosting stint on Saturday Night Live.

Sam Neill

open image in gallery Sam Neill in Thor: Ragnarok' ( Marvel Studios )

Jurassic Park star Sam Neill also featured during Thor: Ragnaroks star-studded theatrical scene, playing an am-dram version of Anthony Hopkins Odin.

Trevor Noah

The Daily Show comedian Trevor Noah voiced the artificial intelligence system Griot in Black Panther  the films equivalent to Tony Starks Jarvis.

Joan Rivers

open image in gallery Joan Rivers in Iron Man 3' ( Marvel Studios )

The late, great insult comic Joan Rivers played herself for a cameo in Iron Man 3. Immediately after Mahers appearance, the TV cuts away to Rivers, whom we see for a brief but amusing snippet.

Garry Shandling

open image in gallery The late Garry Shandling in Iron Man 2' ( Marvel Studios )

Shandling, the comedian and actor known for his seminal TV comedies Its Garry Shandlings Show and The Larry Sanders Show, appeared in Iron Man 2 as a nefarious US senator. He later reprised the role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Harry Dean Stanton

Paris, Texas star Harry Dean Stanton had an all-too fleeting role in Avengers Assemble, playing a security guard who discovers Bruce Banner.

Justin Theroux

The Leftovers star Justin Theroux has made a habit of tiny cameos in big blockbusters: his non-speaking appearance in Star Wars: The Last Jedi still sticks in the mind. In Iron Man 2, Theroux, who also wrote the films screenplay, can be seen as a police officer.

Rob Zombie

Musician and filmmaker Rob Zombie appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy, voicing a navigator Raviger who can be heard in the Milano near the beginning of the film.
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George Lazenby, the Australian actor best known for playing James Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majestys Secret Service, has announced his retirement from acting.

The 84-year-old said in a statement that his career has been a fun ride but getting older is no fun.

This hasnt been an easy decision but its time to announce my retirement from work. Therefore, I wont be doing any more acting or making public appearances, doing any more interviews or signing any more autographs as of today, he said.

Lazenby, who also played Civil War General J Johnson Pettigrew in the 1993 film Gettysburg, said he will be concentrating on spending time with his family in Los Angeles.

I would like to thank my manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for helping me since 2013 - the best representative I ever had, he said. My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the years. It has meant a lot to me.

open image in gallery George Lazenby poses with his wax figure at Madame Tussauds in 2015 ( Getty Images )

He was the second actor  and only Australian so far  to play British MI6 agent 007 in the James Bond movie franchise, replacing Sean Connery after five films. But unlike his Bond colleagues  Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig  Lazenby played Bond only once. He has the shortest Bond tenure in the franchises history.

According to Lanzeby, and the 2017 documentary Becoming Bond, Lanzeby turned down a million-dollar contract proposed by the studio after shooting his first Bond.

The documentary explored how a young Lanzeby, who was a model with no acting experience, sweet-talked his way into the audition room by pretending to be a seasoned actor and nailed the part.

open image in gallery Lazenby in his Bond role, On Her Majestys Secret Service ( Getty Images )

Speaking to The Guardian in 2017 about why he turned down continuing with Bond, he said: I had advice that James Bond was over anyway. It was Sean Connerys gig and, being in the 60s, it was love, not war. You know, hippy time. And I bought into that.

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They also said theres a guy called Clint Eastwood doing movies in Italy, getting 500 grand for a month, for doing a western. They said, you could do that. So I didnt feel like I was losing the million dollars.

He said that he decided to take part in the documentary Becoming Bond because he felt as though the industry had branded him a one-hit-wonder, but wanted to tell his own story.

open image in gallery Lazenby photographed in 2016 ( Getty Images )

Word got around that I was difficult to handle. They said that was the reason I didnt do another Bond, but that wasnt the truth, he said.

More recently, his work has included a voice role in the DC Batman animated series, Batman Beyond and as Jim Jefferies father in the 2004 film Legit.

In March, Lazenby showed his support for the potential casting of Nowhere Boy actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is rumoured to be the next James Bond, taking over from Daniel Craig.

Lazenby said he believes that the 33-year-old can handle the stunts, and all the ladies who love a man in a tux.
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Matthew Macfadyen has explained why he believes he was miscast as Mr Darcy in Pride & Prejudice.

The Succession star portrayed the much-loved character opposite Keira Knightleys Elizabeth Bennett in Joe Wrights acclaimed 2005 adaptation of the Jane Austen novel.

In a new interview, Macfadyen, 49, opened up about why he didnt really enjoy working on the film.

I didnt really [enjoy it], he told CBS Mornings on Tuesday (23 July). I feel bad saying that. There were moments I had a good time, but I wish I enjoyed it more. I wish I was less worried about it.

The actor went on to explain why he felt that he had been the wrong choice to play the part.

I felt a bit miscast, like, Im not dishy enough. But it worked out, said the actor, who stars in the recently released Marvel film Deadpool & Wolverine.

Macfadyen said that he and Colin Firth, who previously played Mr Darcy in the 1995 miniseries of Pride and Prejudice, exhaustively and extensively compared notes on their experiences.

The film, which also starred Carey Mulligan and Rosamund Pike, went on to earn four Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for Knightley, who was 20 at the time.

open image in gallery ( Alex Bailey/Working Title/Kobal/Shutterstock )

The late Donald Sutherland, who died earlier this year, offered a scene-stealing turn as Mr Bennet, the daughter of five unmarried daughters, including Knightleys Elizabeth.

Like Macfadyen, before his death in June, Sutherland had also recalled how he had been reluctant to take on his role in the film.

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I kept trying to quit that damn job, Sutherland said of the role in a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone. Joe [Wright, the director] wouldnt let me! Joe, goddammit, Im not right for this, why the f*** did you hire me for this? Youre fine, you can do it.

open image in gallery Matthew Macfadyen ( Getty Images )

Its one of my favourite things out of all the movies Ive done, Sutherland said.

Elsewhere in the CBS interview, Macfadyen reflected on the end of Succession, the HBO hit series for which he won two Emmys for his role as Tom Wambsgans.

Theres a sort of grief and relief at finishing a long show cause you cant keep playing the same part forever. But I miss the people. I miss the company, said Macfadyen.

Speaking about his character, the actor said: Hes so far away from me. Its very liberating. I found it very liberating playing Tom and great therapy as well.

Succession came to an end in May last year after four critically acclaimed seasons.
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Jennifer Aniston has criticised Donald Trumps vice-presidential candidate JD Vance for resurfaced comments calling Democrat women a bunch of childless cat ladies with miserable lives who are making the country miserable too.

On Wednesday (25 July), the Friends star shared a clip of Vance making the comments on her Instagram story, writing: I truly cant believe that this is coming from a potential VP of the United States.

Aniston took the opportunity to address Vance directly and criticise his stance on IVF.

All I can say is Mr Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day. I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option, she wrote. Because you are trying to take that away from her, too.

open image in gallery Aniston said she cant believe comments made by Republican VP candidate ( Instagram via @jenniferaniston )

Vance made the comments during a 2021 interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, when he questioned Vice President Kamala Harris leadership because she does not have biological children.

Vance said in the clip that the country was run 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.

Look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC, the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children, Vance said. How does it make any sense weve turned our country over to people who dont really have a direct stake in it?

The video has gone viral again in the build-up to the presidential election in November, with many women without children branding Vances comments as sexist, misogynistic and fulfilling a historical stereotype that women who choose not to have children are lonely and unloved.

American actor Liz Vassey, known for her roles on All My Children and on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, sarcastically replied to Vances comments on social media: I had absolutely no idea I was miserable. Thank God there was a man around to tell me.

Another X/Twitter user wrote: As a non-birth giver, Ive heard judgments about this since my 20s, but this thing about having no stake in society unless you produce young is very sinister to me.

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open image in gallery Aniston told Vance she hopes his daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day ( Getty Images )

I choose not to have kids and Ive never regretted it. Im not lacking anything and my life is quite full, thank you very much, a third woman wrote.

Other women on social media pointed out that the comments were insensitive towards women who cannot conceive due to health reasons.

Democratic presidential candidate Harris, one of the politicians Vance dubbed a childless cat lady, spoke about Vances stances on IVF and abortion in a campaign speech last week in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Understand, this is a fellow who  in the United States Senate  participated in blocking protections for IVF. This is an individual who has made every indication that he is for a national abortion ban, said Harris.

In June, Vance voted to block the Right to IVF Act, which would have protected the accessibility of IVF services nationwide.

open image in gallery Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has criticised JD Vances stance on reproductive rights ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Aniston, who does not have any children, has been open about her own experience with IVF in the past.

The Were The Millers actor has long been critical of the stereotype that women who choose not to have children, or cannot have them, have failed in some way.

In an essay written for Huffington Post in 2016, Aniston wrote that women dont need to be married or mothers to be complete.

We get to decide for ourselves what is beautiful when it comes to our bodies. That decision is ours and ours alone, she wrote in the essay. Lets make that decision for ourselves and for the young women in this world who look to us as examples.
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Maya Rudolph will reportedly bring back her popular impression of Vice President Kamala Harris to the new season of Saturday Night Live.

Rudolph, 51, who was a regular cast member on the NBC sketch series from 2000 to 2007, made one of several returns to the show in 2019 where she debuted her portrayal of the VP. During the episode, she sparred with Woody Harrelsons Joe Biden and riffed on Harriss most memorable lines from the first round of Democratic primary debates.

She then famously brought back her impersonation of Harris for the shows 46th season in 2021.

Since President Joe Biden abandoned his re-election campaign and endorsed Harris to replace him in the 2024 presidential race against Donald Trump, SNL fans have been begging for Rudolphs return.

Now, according to Deadline, it appears fans wishes have been answered as Rudolph is set to reprise her Harris character for the shows 50th season, which returns on September 28 and runs through the November 2024 presidential election.

Earlier this month, it was reported that there were no discussions about Rudolph returning to the show, as her schedule was filled with other obligations, including pre-production on season three of her Apple TV+ comedy series Loot.

However, pre-production for the show, which was scheduled to begin filming on August 26, has been halted, Deadline reports.

open image in gallery Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris on Saturday Night Live ( NBC )

Members of the cast and crew told the outlet that production on the show  produced by Universal Television, a division of NBC  had been pushed back to January 3, 2025, due to scheduling reasons.

The Independent has contacted NBC for comment.

Rudolphs representative did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment.

Back in 2019, during an appearance on MSNBC, Harris joked that she intended to keep Maya Rudolph in work for the next eight years.

Rudolph earned her first Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her 2019 performance as Harris.

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The Bridesmaids actor most recently landed four Emmy nods: two for her hosting stint on SNLs Mothers Day episode, one for her voice-over work in Netflixs Big Mouth and another for her leading performance in Apple TV+s comedy series Loot.

Harris, meanwhile, has surpassed the necessary threshold of support from delegates to secure the Democratic nomination. An official vote to ratify Harris as the nominee will begin on Thursday before concluding on Monday (August 5).

On Tuesday (August 6), she will hold a rally in Philadelphia, where she will appear with her official running mate. At the moment, there are three names who have risen to the top of Harris shortlist after North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper took himself out of contention to be Harris VP.
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Strictly Come Dancing has been hit with its biggest scandal in its 20-year history.

Since launching in 2000, the BBC dancing competition has defied the critics and fought off its ratings rivals to become one of Britains most-watched  and enduring  successes.

The only controversy the show faced was usually reserved to what has become known as the Strictly curse, in which celebrity contestants grow so close to the professional dancer theyre paired with that their real-life relationships are affected.

But that all changed in October 2023 when Sherlock star Amanda Abbington quit the series, just five weeks in.

It wasnt until January that reports of behind-the-scenes issues manifested, with Abbington requesting footage of her tense training sessions with Giovanni Pernice, one of Strictlys best-loved pros. Since then, there has been a flurry of allegations about Pernices methods, something the Italian dancer has vehemently defended himself from.

As of 10 June, the BBC announced that Pernice  who has been on the show since 2015  would not be participating in the 2024 season, as the broadcaster revealed the lineup of professional dancers, all without Pernices name included. Weeks later, Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show after his alleged mistreatment of his celebrity partner, Zara McDerrmott, in 2023.

Below is a timeline of the furore surrounding the series.

open image in gallery Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington were partnered on Strictly in 2023 ( BBC )

23 September 2023: Strictly contestant Amanda Abbington issues a defiant message following rumours of a feud between her and professional partner Giovanni Pernice.

Ahead of the first 2023 live show, the Sherlock star addresses rumours reported in the media of a rift between her and the professional dancer.

She tell hers followers: Im wearing my jacket which says who cares what other people think because who does care what other people think. Theres a little life lesson.

Its all fun and I am ignoring the b******* clearly because people are t****. Just stop it, you know who you are.

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Hours later, the pair receive high scores for their debut performance, and their chemistry is praised by the shows judging panel.

21 October 2023: Abbington misses the Strictly live show due to medical reasons.

The news was initially announced on the BBC Two spin-off show It Takes Two, with host and former Strictly professional Janette Manrara telling audiences, we have some breaking news.

Unfortunately, due to medical reasons, Amanda will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, she said. Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and Giovanni (Pernice) will return the following week.

open image in gallery Amanda Abbington quit Strictly five weeks into 2023 series ( BBC )

23 October 2023: Abbington quits Strictly, saying it is with the deepest regret that she has left the show for personal reasons.

Posting a statement on Instagram, Abbington writes: It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.

It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.

She goes onto thank the production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. Abbington adds: Im so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx.

Pernice responds to Abbingtons Instagram announcement, writing: Amanda  I am so sad we cant continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love  however, it is noted by Strictly viewers that Abbington had failed to mention Pernice.

6 January 2024: Its reported that Abbington has requested rehearsal footage from her time on Strictly amid rumours of a feud with Pernice.

The Sun published a report claiming that Abbington wants the video recordings of her practice sessions with Pernice as she allegedly wants to seek legal advice.

A source tells the publication: The BBC have received a request for the footage they hold of Amanda and Giovanni. It is known as a data subject access request. There is a feeling that the recordings will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly.

The BBC responds to Abbingtons data subject access request, claiming there are robust duty of care protocols in place, as well as constant dialogue between the shows producers and its celebrity contestants.

open image in gallery Amanda Abbington requested tense training footage from her time on Strictly ( BBC )

14 January 2024: Abbington says she has received death threats since revealing she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after her time on Strictly.

I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons and I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life at the time both professionally and personally, she told The Sun on Sunday.

Im very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an indicator of my current mental health, Abbington continued. I wish those people well.

That same day, Pernice appears to address the Strictly scandal for the first time. In an Instagram post promoting new live show Let Me Entertain You, which was shared on Thursday (11 January), Pernice wrote: I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has sent messages of support over the last week  I really truly appreciate it  thank you thank you thank you.

25 January 2024: Pernice defends his training style during an appearance on The One Show, telling host Alex Jones: Im definitely a perfectionist. Like every other competitor, I like to win.

He adds: But for me, its all about getting the best out of my partner, especially if I see there is talent there. I want to do my job properly. I think, like everyone, you train your life to be the best, and when youre on Strictly, youve only got one week.

Jones, who competed on the ninth series of Strictly in 2011, joked: You would have cried if youd got me. You would have been like, Well, whats the point?

Strictly's Giovanni Pernice breaks silence on Amanda Abbington feud

16 March 2024: Its alleged that two of Pernices former Strictly celebrity partners  Good Morning Britain host Ranvir Singh and former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore, who previously said she was uncomfortable with Pernice,  have had a tearful summit with Abbington about their respective experiences working with the dancer.

A source tells The Sun: They met in person to share their experiences. Their meeting was emotional but heartwarming. They now know they are there to support each other after their tough times with Giovanni. Tears were shed.

There is every possibility all three could take it further and formally complain to the BBC, but for now theyre comforting each other. Pernice, Singh, Whitmore and the BBC declined to comment.

17 March 2024: Pernice reflects on Abbingtons decision to quit Strictly for medical reasons, calling it  shame.

Speaking on The Mirrors Invite Only podcast, the professional dancer says: I think, in my opinion, we could have gone all the way.

Pernice says his reputation as a perfectionist comes from caring about the celebrity hes partnered with, adding: In every single part of the world, if [youre] a professional dancer, we have to get these people on the Saturday night looking the best as they can.

And if we get to have good scores at the end, I look back and say Ive done a great job. We all care about our partners and we all want to look great on the Saturday.

open image in gallery Laura Whitmore is said to have contacted Abbington about her own experience with Pernice ( BBC )

19 March 2024: Lorraine Kelly does not shy away from hinting at the alleged scandal when Pernice appears on her ITV morning show, asking: We know with Strictly sometimes it doesnt work and it didnt work the last time  are you gonna change anything?

Pernice calls Abbington a great talent, stating: As Ive said in the past, I think with Amanda we could have gone all the way to the final.

When Kelly suggests Pernice night not have gelled with the actor, he replies: Youre just there to put these people in the best perspective to be the best they can be. As I said, Amanda was a great great talent, great dancer.

Kelly previously said the BBC should just have a quick look at the allegations to put everyones mind at ease.

6 April 2024: Its reported that Pernice, after tense talks, has been assured by the BBC that he will remain on Strictly. Upon request for comment, the corporation told The Independent: The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course.

19 May 2024: Legal firm Carter Ruck says it has contacted the BBC regarding numerous serious complaints about his alleged behaviour while filming Strictly, according to BBC News.

20 May 2024: Pernice denies all claims of abusive or threatening behaviour and tells his Instagram followers he is looking forward to proving his innocence.

You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week, he writes, rejecting the insinuation that his behaviour had ever become abusive.

He adds: I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be, he said of his celebrity dance partners.

This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win  for me and my dance partners, Pernice concluded, thanking his fans for their continued love and support.

open image in gallery Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has denied all allegations ( BBC )

20 May 2024: Pernice faces more allegations of misconduct. Dancer Korina Travis, who has performed with Pernice in a professional capacity in the past, makes further claims about the dancers conduct in an interview with The Sun.

22 May 2024: Pernices sister Angela tells MailOnline that the family are completely behind him.

Giovanni will always have our support, he is family and theres nothing else to say, she says from her home in Palermo, where the Pernice family are from.

The whole family is behind him, mum, dad, me and everyone else, whatever he says is the truth and we support him with all our strength. We are 100 per cent behind him and nothing will change that.

25 May 2024:Its reported that the Italian professional dancer is at the centre of an investigation, which is being assisted by a number of celebrities he has previously been paired with.

According to The Sun, these files, compiled by an expensive lawyer, include photographic evidence that suggest Pernices training regime was so brutal that his celebrity partners were left black and blue.

However, its been claimed that Pernice is also compiling his own documents that he believes will clear him of any wrongdoing, including audio transcripts of one ex-partner apologising to him for their difficult behaviour.

Its expected that these files will be handed to the BBC, which may prompt the corporation to launch its own investigation into the matter.

open image in gallery Giovanni Pernice won the series with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021

29 May 2024: The BBC responds to recent reports about Pernices alleged conduct. Its statement reads: It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals. Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.

Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.

If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.

This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint - that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.

Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned.

2 June 2024: Abbington brands Pernice nasty while denying claims it was him who had asked for their training sessions to be filmed. But a source close to Pernice tells the outlet: Why should everyone believe her and nobody believe Gio? It feels like she wants to finish him off and ensure the BBC is on her side. Giovanni wants a fair hearing. He has said all along that he will take part in any investigation when asked.

10 June 2024: The BBC announces the full professional cast for the forthcoming 2024 season of the dancing show, and Pernices name is not included in the list of dancers.

Among the professional names announced were Strictly favourites Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin and Gorka Marquez.

Joining them are Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola  but no Pernice.

13 July 2024: Graziano Di Prima is dropped from the show following claims made by staff who observed his behaviour towards dance partner Zara McDermott during the 2023 series.

Members of the production team are believed to have spoken out after an investigation into the series was launched over the scandal involving Pernice. Di Prima, who joined Strictly in 2018, said that he deeply regret[s] the events that led to my departure from Strictly. He added that his intense passion and determination to win might have affected [his] training regime and acknowledged that its only right for the sake of the show that [he] step[s] away.

The BBC said they would never comment on individual cases, but stressed that they have established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.

open image in gallery Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima on Strictly in 2023 ( BBC )

16 July 2024: McDermott releases a statement about Di Prima being dropped from the show. She wrote on Instagram: So much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamed of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with.

However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents, which are incredibly distressing to watch.

The reality star and documentary maker said she had wrestled with the fear of opening up and admitted she had been afraid of public backlash and victim-shaming.

But after a lot of conversations with those I love, Ive gained the strength to face these fears, she said

17 July 2024: A third Strictly staris reportedly named as a person of interest amid an investigation into the BBC shows off-screen rehearsals. The unidentified professional is no longer a part of the series.

A source told The Sun: A dossier is being compiled which will be handed over to the BBC. What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a more widespread issue over the conduct of some of the professionals in training. The BBC told The Independent :As we told The Sun, we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us directly.

23 July 2024: Paralympian Will Bayley, who appeared on the 2019 series of the show and was forced to withdraw six weeks in after tearing his knee ligaments in rehearsals, claims rehearsals with Janette Manrara left him with the horrific injury hell never get over. Bayley said the injury, which occurred when Manrara made him redo a jump after a rubbish attempt, resulted in an excruciating pain he will live with forever.

Bayley said he didnt have an issue with Manrara, who now co-hosts Strictly companion show It Takes Two, but attributed the blame to the pressure the shows producers put on the professionals.

A spokesperson for Manrara said: Her celebrity partners safety and enjoyment was always the priority throughout her time on Strictly. Janette has never received any complaints and has maintained friendships with all her partners, including Will.

24 July 2024: In an interview with Channel 4 news, Amanda Abbington claims she and her lawyer are trying to access 50 hours of rehearsal room footage that was filmed during her training for Strictly, which she described as toxic.

Every Friday, after the next sort of five weeks, I would get the producer saying, on the Friday, We just watched the footage back, we are shocked and horrified, were so sorry. That was to my face on the Friday when we would go in and do the camera rehearsal, she said.

Its out there. There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and Im not the one whos blocking it. Ive said anyone can watch it, but he [Giovanni] doesnt want anyone to see it, which is quite telling if hes got nothing to hide.Abbington also revealed she received rape and death threats to her children in the aftermath of withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing.

The aftermath has been something that I wasnt expecting. The death threats and the rape threats towards not only myself but my daughter, and the threats of death to my son, she said.

25 July 2024: Appearing on ITVs Lorraine show Amanda Abbington claims to have sent to Strictly producers about partner Giovanni Pernices alleged behaviour in training.

She said: Week one, third day. Ive got texts to the producer on day three going This is awful, he hates me, I dont know what Im doing wrong. Im trying my best, I promise you. So that was the first week.

Pernice has strongly denied all the allegations.
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Former media mogul Jimmy Lai will have to wait for several more months before he can take the stand to defend himself in a high-profile national security case in Hong Kong that critics have slammed as a show trial by the Chinese government.

Mr Lai, 76, founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, could be sentenced to life in prison if found guilty of sedition and collusion with foreign powers under the draconian national security law.

The West Kowloon court on Thursday refused to dismiss the trial against Mr Lai. Having considered all the submissions we ruled that the first defendant has a case to answer on all the charges, judge Esther Toh said.

The court adjourned the hearing until 20 November.

Mr Lais defence, led by Robert Pang, had argued that the prosecution didnt present evidence of the businessmans involvement in a criminal plot to instigate international sanctions against Hong Kong.

To the prosecutions allegation that Mr Lai used the Apple Daily as a platform to conspire against the citys government, Mr Pang replied that the paper published a spectrum of views.

He pointed out that freedom of the press was guaranteed under the citys Basic Law and the Bill of Rights Ordinance.

open image in gallery Jimmy Lai arrives in court on 31 December 2020 ( AFP via Getty )

It marked the 92nd day of proceedings on a trial that was originally estimated to last 80 days. The four-month delay is because the three judges, each handpicked by the government, will handle other unrelated High Court criminal cases.

During his trial the businessman, who was first detained in 2020 and has remained in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison for nearly four years, has appeared in court dressed in suits and wearing a scarf around his neck, greeting his wife and children in the courtroom while appearing calm.

Several Western governments, human rights groups and his colleagues have criticised Mr Lais trial as a sham.

Nearly 175 people, including US and British nationals, have been named as co-conspirators in the case against Mr Lai, who was jailed in 2020.

Human rights campaigner Luke de Pulford, an alleged co-conspirator in the case, said on Thursday the trial is a ludicrous travesty of justice.

No amount of posturing around in wigs can cover up the fact that this is Chinese Communist Party lawfare, plain and simple, Mr Pulford told The Independent. Shamefully the UK has barely lifted a finger to help him, despite the fact Jimmy is a British citizen and his case represents a violation of an international agreement with Britain.

Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997 after 156 years of colonial rule. But many legal traditions from the colonial era linger on, with judges wearing silver horsehair wigs and dark robes with lilac facings to court.

open image in gallery A protester dressed as a judge and carrying a mask of Chinese president Xi Jinping stands outside a court in Hong Kong ( AFP via Getty )

Mark Simon, an American who worked at Apple Daily, criticised the courts decision to delay Mr Lais hearing until a November date, saying it will keep the diabetes patient for an extended period.

My boss, Jimmy Lai is 76, diabetic, kept in solitary confinement, no communication with outside world. The HK government just delayed Mr Lais testimony until 20 November, Mr Simon, another co-conspirator in the case, said. It is not just Mr Lais newspaper they didnt want you to read, its Jimmy Lai they do not want you to hear.
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North Korea delivered a stinging rebuke to Donald Trump for flaunting his supposedly friendly relations with Kim Jong-un, saying we do not care about the Republican.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency ran an editorial after the former president said Washingtons relations with the East Asian country would improve if he was re-elected in November.

No matter what 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 state news agency said.

It rejected the idea that Mr Trumps first presidency had a substantial impact on US-North Korea relations, and said personal connections and diplomacy should be looked at separately.

And it said it had no interest in talking to a possible second Trump administration if all it offers are dialogue with sinister attempts and dialogue as an extension of confrontation.

Speaking at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week, Mr Trump flaunted his supposedly strong personal ties with Mr Kim and suggested the North Korean leader probably wanted him back in the White House. I think he misses me, the former president said.

Kim Jong-un with Donald Trump at the border village of Panmunjom in the Korean Demilitarized Zone in 2019 ( AP )

While acknowledging Mr Trumps attempt to improve relations during his presidency, the North Korean news agency said that it brought no substantial positive change.

Mr Kim and Mr Trump had a complicated relationship. They initially exchanged barbs, with Mr Trump threatening to unleash fire and fury after Mr Kim tested a series of nuclear weapons in 2017 and KCNA responding by calling him a dotard and his envoys gangsters.

But they went on to what seemed to be a historic diplomatic breakthrough in 2018, holding summits in Singapore and Hanoi in the next two years.

At the 2018 summit in Singapore, they signed a statement agreeing to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and improving relations.

Donald Trump shaking hands with Kim Jong-un in Hanoi in February 2019 ( AFP via Getty )

The engagement declined after the 2019 Hanoi summit ended abruptly without an agreement, mainly due to differences over sanctions relief and denuclearisation steps.

Mr Trump has claimed that he and Mr Kim had been exchanging letters and had fallen in love.

After Joe Biden took over as president from Mr Trump in early 2021, Washington deepended ties with the USs long-time allies in the region South Korea and Japan, conducting regular defensive drills in the Korean Peninsula rather than engaging directly with the Kim regime.
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The pilot of a Saurya Airlines plane that crashed at Kathmandu airport in Nepal on Wednesday survived likely because the cockpit got stuck on a container, civil aviation minister Badri Pandey said.

The small aircraft struck a container at the edge of the Tribhuvan International Airport and the cockpit was found lodged inside it.

Captain Manish Ratna Shakya was rescued from the cockpit within five minutes of the crash. He suffered head and facial injuries and is expected to undergo surgery for broken bones in his back.

The pilot survived. He is in a stable condition, Nepal police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki said. It was a miracle.

Senior police superintendent Dambar Bishwakarma told the BBC the pilot was facing difficulty breathing when he was found.

We broke the window and immediately pulled him out, he said. He had blood all over his face when he was rescued, but we took him to the hospital in a condition where he could speak.

The CRJ 200 plane bound for Pokhara was carrying 19 people, mostly crew and technical staff, but no paying passengers, when the crash occurred just after 11am local time. The pilot was the sole survivor of the crash.

According to Reuters the aircraft was transporting the technicians to Pokhara, where another plane was awaiting repairs. It flipped during takeoff, struck the ground with its wing tip and caught fire before crashing into a gorge.

That was an unusual sound. It was a big bang like a bomb, an eyewitness told The Kathmandu Post.

Shortly after takeoff from runway 2, the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said.

open image in gallery Relatives of the people who died in the Saurya Airlines plane crash mourn at a hospital in Kathmandu on 24 July 2024 ( AFP via Getty )

Mr Pandey said the fuselage split apart, struck the slope of the tabletop airport and bounced 50 metres away before finally coming to rest on the muddy ground. The other part of the plane crashed into a nearby mound and it tore into pieces, he said.

The cause of the crash isnt clear yet. But experts who reviewed footage of the incident suggested it may have been caused by climb failure, meaning the plane could not gain altitude as it tried to take off, according to The Indian Express.

Possible reasons for climb failure include engine failure, improper weight assessment during pre-flight planning, technical issues, or pilot error.

Weather conditions on Wednesday morning were typical for the monsoon season, with low visibility but no rain.

open image in gallery Security personnel inspect the remains of the crashed Saurya Airlines plane ( AFP via Getty )

Dirga Bahadur Khadka, granduncle of co-pilot Sushant Katwal, who was killed in the crash, blamed the airline. We suspect that the company put pressure on the pilots into flying the plane, he was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post.

Otherwise, no one would like to fly a plane with technical problems. A question also arises about the civil aviation authority, the aviation sector regulator. How could it allow planes with technical problems to fly?

Saurya Airlines has reportedly been financially troubled for years, worsened by the Covid pandemic. Last year, it proposed switching to ATR-72 aircraft and promised to uphold safety standards until the new planes arrived. However, the airline couldnt secure the necessary investment for fleet replacement.

An investigation will determine the exact cause of the crash.

The Independent has reached out to the airline for comment.

open image in gallery Security personnel carry the wreckage of the Saurya Airlines plane ( AFP via Getty )

Nepal has a troubled aviation history due to its mountainous terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions.

The latest crash was the 105th since the country started operating flights in the 1950s, The Kathmandu Post quoted the civil aviation agency as saying.

The Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives has recorded 69 aviation accidents in the Himalayan country since 1946, causing around 900 fatalities.

open image in gallery Rescue workers at the site of the plane crash at Kathmandu airport on 24 July 2024 ( EPA )

It has been a concern in Nepal that many of its aircraft are ageing and lack standard equipment and modern maintenance. Flightradar24, a flight tracking website, said it did not track the crashed Saurya Airlines flight because the aircraft was not equipped with a modern ADS-B transponder.

In 2013, the European Union banned all Nepalese aircraft from entering its airspace due to the South Asian countrys inadequate aviation safety regulations and enforcement. It cited safety information from various sources and a hearing both with Nepalese aviation authorities as well as with a number of Nepalese carriers to justify the blanket prohibition.

In December last year, the European Commission decided to keep the ban due to ongoing safety concerns.

It recognised the Nepalese Civil Aviation Authoritys work to improve safety oversight but said the agencys capacity to meet international standards remained questionable.

open image in gallery Rescue workers at the site of the Saurya Airlines plane crash at Kathmandu airport ( AFP via Getty Images )

In August 2022, the UN aviation watchdog, International Civil Aviation Organisation, asked Nepal to split its Civil Aviation Authority into separate regulatory and operational entities.

The separation is a crucial reform agenda that has reportedly been pending for the past decade and a half.

In July 2023, before a planned EU safety audit, Nepals tourism ministry submitted draft bills to create an independent aviation regulator in a bid to have the aviation ban lifted. They were reportedly halted by the government.

open image in gallery Security and rescue personnel clear the debris of the Saurya Airlines plane after it crashed at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on 24 July 2024 ( AFP via Getty )

Marco Chan, a senior lecturer in aviation operations at Buckinghamshire New Universitys School of Aviation and Security, said the Tribhuvan International Airport faces challenges due to its high elevation of 4,390 feet and mountainous terrain.

It is important to note that the minimum safe altitude within 25 nautical miles of the airports navigation aid is 21,100 feet which affects the carefully designed departure and arrival routes that navigate around the terrain. These factors lead to the airport being classified as a category C airport, which means pilots require additional qualifications and training to operate flights safely in and out of the airport, he said in a statement shared with The Independent.

In this scenario, high elevation means that the airport is in an area with lower air density. As a result, aircraft will generally require a higher speed for takeoff, which may necessitate a longer takeoff distance. Additionally, the engine power will be more limited than at sea level.

Mr Chan, however, noted the recent crash could have resulted from engine failure or stall, possibly caused by incorrect flap settings.
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Revolut has secured a UK banking licence, marking the end of the fintech giants three-year wait for approval to operate as a bank in its home market.

A licence means the company will be able to hold customer deposits, and offer lending products like credit cards, personal loans, or mortgages.

The licence comes with restrictions, however, meaning it will not yet be able to launch new products in the market.

London-based Revolut has more than nine million UK customers and 45 million around the world, but it was still classified as an electronic money institution in the UK.

It first filed an application for a licence in the UK to the Prudential Regulation Authority in 2021.

The same year, it became the countrys most valuable start-up worth a record 33 billion US dollars (26 billion).

But the road to becoming a bank has been challenging, with the company repeatedly saying that approval was just around the corner.

In March 2023 it said it would be given the green light any day now.

Chief executive Nik Storonsky said on Thursday: We are incredibly proud to reach this important milestone in the journey of the company and we will ensure we deliver on making Revolut the bank of choice for the UK.

UK boss Francesca Carlesi said the firm cant wait to get going.

She added: It is a tremendous responsibility to be a bank in the UK and we will work relentlessly to offer products and services that improve the financial lives of everyone who uses Revolut.

Revolut already has a European banking licence, thanks to approval from authorities in Lithuania, allowing it to offer personal loans in France, Germany and Spain.

open image in gallery Revolut made a record profit in 2023, as the UK fintech giant continues its long wait for a British banking licence (Revolut/PA)

The company said it has entered a mobilisation stage in the UK, a restricted period where new banks must finish building their banking operations ahead of launching in the market.

During this time, it can hold only 50,000 of total customer deposits.

It means nothing changes for existing customers who can continue to use their accounts as normal.

It did not specify how long the mobilisation stage would last.

Revolut made a record pre-tax profit in 2023, of 438 million up from a loss of 25 million in 2022.

The group, which has its global headquarters in Londons Canary Wharf, has expanded aggressively in recent years, opening offices in new countries including Brazil and New Zealand in 2023.
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Typhoon Gaemi, the strongest storm to hit Taiwan in eight years, swept through the northern part of the island on Thursday, killing three people, injuring hundreds and causing widespread flooding.

It also caused power outages that reportedly affected half a million households.

The typhoon brought heavy rainfall, strong winds and a hazardous storm surge. It made landfall in Yilan county with sustained winds of up to 205kph, equivalent to a category 3 major hurricane in the Atlantic.

Gaemi is projected to cross the Taiwan Strait on Thursday and make landfall in Chinas Fujian province, unleashing strong winds and heavy rain in an area already suffering from weeks of severe weather and flooding.

A cargo ship sailing off the southern city of Kaohsiung sank when Gaemi struck Taiwan, prompting a search for its nine crew members.

We expect that the impact of the typhoon will be extended to four days until Friday, Taiwans weather bureau chief Cheng Jia-ping said.

The islands Central Meteorological Agency issued a typhoon warning for the entire island and president Lai Ching-te advised people to avoid travel as much as possible.

Nearly 8,000 people have been temporarily relocated across the island, reports said.

Li Li-chuan, 55, saw the roof of her restaurant blow off in the northeastern city of Suao.

I was frightened, she told Reuters. It was the strongest in years. I was worried that the roof would hit other people.

Gaemi also forced the military to modify the annual Han Kuang War Games. The exercises, the largest of their kind, are a key component of Taiwans military preparedness against potential threats from mainland China.

A man sweeps the mud off the alley following the floods brought by Typhoon Gaemi, in San Mateo town, Rizal province, Philippines, 25 July 2024 ( REUTERS )

In the Philippines, meanwhile, an oil tanker sank in the Manila Bay after encountering huge waves. The coast guard was reportedly working to determine whether the vessel was leaking oil, in what could be a major spill, after it rescued 16 of the 17 crew members in a nighttime operation.

The death toll from Gaemi, known locally as Carina, has risen to 22 in the Philippines due to drownings and landslides. Rescue and cleanup operations are ongoing, with three people still missing.

Though the typhoon did not directly hit the Philippines, it intensified monsoon rains, leading to widespread flooding in and around the capital Manila.

A street is flooded after Gaemi hit Kaohsiung in Taiwan on 25 July 2024 ( AFP via Getty )

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said over 770,000 people have been affected by the typhoon and the monsoon in the southern regions of the country.

He said 4,500 emergency personnel were on standby to assist with search and rescue work.

As the typhoon moved towards Fujian in China, it continued to bring heavy rain and disruptions, including flight and train cancellations, state media reported.

Authorities issued a red storm alert and activated the highest level of emergency response across the province. They also evacuated offshore construction projects and called ships back to shore.

Satellite imagery shows Gaemi churning towards southeastern China with remnants of the storm covering Taiwan on Thursday afternoon ( Himawari-9/PAGASA )

Although weakened, Gaemi is forecasted to make landfall in China on Thursday, with sustained winds ranging from 145 to 160 kph, comparable to a strong category 1 or low-end category 2 hurricane.

Meanwhile, north China is experiencing heavy rainfall from summer storms around a separate weather system, Reuters reported.

A child walks along a muddied road after it was flooded by rain brought by Gaemi ( Getty )

In Fujian, approximately 150,000 people, primarily from coastal fishing communities, have been relocated, according to state media. In Zhoushan, Zhejiang, officials suspended passenger waterway routes for up to three days as gale-force winds intensified.

In Japan, authorities in Okinawas southern island region have advised residents to exercise strong vigilance due to storms, high waves, and flooding.

Additional reporting by agencies.
 Close Muddy flood gushes downhill stalling drivers in typhoon Gaemi-hit region of the Philippines

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Taiwans coast guard is working to rescue dozens of sailors stranded off its southern coast after Typhoon Gaemi sank one freighter and left eight others stranded.

The typhoon flooded streets, knocked out power and killed at least five people in Taiwan before heading to China. It earlier killed 22 people in the Philippines.

Seventy-nine crew members are awaiting rescue on the eight freighters that were stranded, the coast guard said. Nine people were rescued earlier today from a Togo-flagged freighter stranded on a beach.

Typhoon Gaemi made landfall in China on Thursday evening, after officials issued widespread flood warnings and evacuations.

More than 290,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Fujian while emergency responses were put in place and flights and trains have been cancelled.

Gaemi is forecast to unleash intense rainfall in at least 10 Chinese provinces, including the capital Beijing, in the coming days, areas that have already been soaked by days of rainfall.

Gaemi has drawn comparisons with Typhoon Doksuri last year, which triggered historic flooding as far north as Beijing and caused nationwide losses of nearly $30bn.
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From custom tailoring to traditional folklore-inspired embroidery, the 2024 Paris Olympics teams from around the world are suiting up in odes to their culture.

On July 26, athletes from each team will sail down the Seine in the City of Light, signifying the start of the summer games with the highly anticipated opening ceremony  one which is said to be like never before. For the first time in Olympic history, the opening festivities will be held outside along the narrow body of water as opposed to a stadium setting. Fans are welcome to watch and wave at their favorite teams from the riverbank as theyre paraded one-by-one in boats.

Ahead of the inaugural celebration, global designers have prepared uniforms for each team, sharing intriguing sneak peeks online to generate excitement.

Since 2008, Team USA has tapped Ralph Lauren to be the creator of their Olympic attire. This year, the brand paid homage to the nations existing patriotism with the teams opening ceremony outfits. Female and male athletes will be fitted in striped button-downs, light-wash denim, and polo-style suit jackets branded with the Ralph Lauren logo opposite of the Olympic symbol. Red, white, and navy-blue hues will decorate the apparel  an American flag reimagined in ivy fashion.

Meanwhile, other countries such as Mongolia, Haiti, and Czech Republic designed their opening ceremony uniforms with ques to their time-honored traditions woven throughout. Designers implemented purposeful threading and careful textile selection, ensuring aspects of each teams national heritage are apparent.

Here are six of the most interesting Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony uniforms.

Mongolia

Treasured designers Michel Choigaalaa and Amazonka Choigaalaa crafted Mongolias Olympic uniforms for the third time. Their joined brand Michel & Amazonka revealed the delicate garments in a post on Instagram. Long white pleated skirts, cream pointed-toe flats, embroidered vests, and white deels were revealed with accessories such as red dangly earrings and black coin purses for the female athletes. Male competitors will don ivory trousers with a blue, red, and gold deels. Celestial drawings and animal symbols from the countrys folklore are subtly stitched throughout.

Both male and female athletes have two looks to choose from, while the Mongolian flag bearers will be dressed in their own unique garments, including buryats and gutals.

Czech Republic

Blue-blotted plastic trenches will dress Team Czech Republic on July 26. Crafted in a meaningful collaboration between the team, ALPINE PRO, and individual designer Jan Cerny, the coats resemble the countrys Czech balonak coat.

Underneath the long-form coats, athletes will don long black trousers and short-sleeved collared polos. On each shirt, a pixelated black, red, and white print creeps up to the garments shoulders. Whether its tied around the athletes wrist, leg, or neck, each player will pair the ensemble with a green bandana with blue markings.

Haiti

Haitis opening ceremony uniforms are for the fashion-forward, fusing trendy style cues with vibrant fine-art prints. Mid-calf pleated skirts and long pants made by Stella Jean feature Haitian painter Philippe Dodards piece, Passage. Each skirt is paired with tailored blue button-downs, white short-sleeve vests with blue-lined lapels, a satin belt, and lace-up white heeled boots. The chambray shirts are made from the countrys blue cotton.

Male uniforms include straight-leg pants with Dodards work, blue utility jackets, a matching collared shirt, and a satin necktie. The jackets are motivated by the traditional Guayabera shirt.

Ireland

Irelands opening ceremony uniforms for the 2024 Paris Olympics are designed by Laura Weber. The luxury fashion designer, known for her apt to create clothes with intricate embroidery, fashioned an all-white ensemble for both the male and female athletes.

Every competitor on Team Ireland will be dressed in a double-button jacket with a clover brooch and gold detailing. Weber kept with a monochromatic white, signifying the ancient Greek belief that white is a symbol of future hope.

Mexico

Odes to Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, and Michoacan are beautifully portrayed on the jacket sleeves of Mexicos Olympic opening ceremony outfits. The pink and white coats, designed by Mens Fashion Official, will be layered over black T-shirts adorned with graphic sketches, forming a very street-style ensemble.

Turkey

Team Turkey will honor the work of Vakko, Turkeys head fashion house established in 1934. Vakko designed the countrys opening ceremony look with a preppy model in mind. Female athletes will choose from a few options: a blue and white striped suit jacket or a cropped red, white, and light blue striped cardigan to pair with adjustable waistband pants or above-the-knee pleated skirts. Male athletes will sport their own red and white striped jackets.
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A North Korean military intelligence operative has been indicted in a conspiracy to hack into American health care providers, NASA, U.S. military bases and international entities, stealing sensitive information and installing ransomware to fund more attacks, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

The indictment of Rim Jong Hyok by a grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, accuses him of laundering the money through a Chinese bank and then using it to buy computer servers and fund more cyberattacks on defense, technology and government entities around the world.

The hacks on American hospitals and other health care providers disrupted the treatment of patients, officials said. He's accused of targeting of 17 entities across 11 U.S. states, including NASA and U.S. military bases, as well as defense and energy companies in China, Taiwan and South Korea.

For more than three months, Hyok and other members of the Andariel Unit of North Korea's Reconnaissance General Bureau had access to NASAs computer system, extracting over 17 gigabytes of unclassified data, the indictment says. They also reached inside computer systems for defense companies in Michigan and California along with Randolph Air Force base in Texas and Robins Air Force base in Georgia, authorities say.

The malware enabled the state-sponsored Andariel group to send stolen information to North Korean military intelligence, furthering the countrys military and nuclear aspirations, federal prosecutors said. They've gone after details of fighter aircraft, missile defense systems, satellite communications and radar systems, a senior FBI official said.

While North Korea uses these types of cyber crimes to circumvent international sanctions and fund its political and military ambitions, the impact of these wanton acts have a direct impact on the citizens of Kansas, said Stephen A. Cyrus, an FBI agent based in Kansas City.

Online court records do not list an attorney for Hyok, who has lived in North Korea and worked at the military intelligence agencys offices in both Pyongyang and Sinuiju, according to court records. A reward of up to $10 million has been offered for information that could lead to him or other foreign government operatives who target critical U.S. infrastructure.

The Justice Department has prosecuted multiple cases related to North Korean hacking, often alleging a profit-driven motive that sets the nation's cybercriminals apart from hackers in Russia and China. In 2021, for instance, the department charged three North Korean computer programmers in a broad range of hacks including a destructive attack targeting an American movie studio and the attempted theft and extortion of more than $1.3 billion from banks and companies around the world.

In this case, the FBI was alerted by a Kansas medical center that was hit in May 2021. Hackers had encrypted its files and servers, blocking access to patient files, laboratory test results and computers needed to operate hospital equipment. A Colorado health care provider was affected by the same Maui ransomware variant.

An ransom note sent to the Kansas hospital demanded Bitcoin payments valued then at about $100,000, to be sent to a cryptocurrency address.

Otherwise all of your files will be posted in the Internet which may lead you to loss of reputation and cause the troubles for your business, the note reads. Please do not waste your time! You have 48 hours only! After that the Main server will double your price.

Federal investigators said they traced blockchains to follow the money: An unnamed co-conspirator transferred the Bitcoin to a virtual currency address belonging to two Hong Kong residents, and the money was eventually converted into Chinese currency and transferred to a Chinese bank. The money was then accessed from an ATM in China next to the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge connecting China and North Korea, according to court records.

In 2022, the Justice Department said the FBI seized approximately $500,000 in ransom payments from the money laundering accounts, including the entire ransom payment from the hospital.

An arrest of Hyok is unlikely, so the biggest outcome of the indictment is that it may lead to sanctions that could cripple the ability of North Korea to collect ransoms this way, which could in turn remove the motivation to conduct cyber attacks on entities like hospitals in the future, according to Allan Liska, an analyst with the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future.

Now, unfortunately, that will force them to do more cryptocurrency theft. So its not going to stop their activity. But the hope is that we wont have hospitals disrupted by ransomware attacks because theyll know that they cant get paid, Liska said.

He also noted that a Chinese entity was among the victims and questioned what the country, which is an ally of North Korea, thinks of being targeted.

China cant be too thrilled about that, he said.

__

Goldberg reported from Minneapolis. Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas. Associated Press reporter Alanna Durkin Richer contributed from Washington, D.C.
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The former prisoners of war still puzzle over the strange events leading up to the night now seared into their memories, when an explosion ripped through the Russian-controlled Olenivka prison barracks and killed so many comrades two years ago.

Among the survivors: Kyrylo Masalitin, whose months in captivity and long beard age him beyond his 30 years. Arsen Dmytryk, the informal commander of the group of POWs that was shifted without explanation to a room newly stocked with bare bunks. And Mykyta Shastun, who recalled guards laughing as the building burned, acting not at all like men under enemy attack.

Before my eyes, there were guys who were dying, who were being revived, but it was all in vain, said Masalitin, who is back on the frontline and treated as a father-figure by the men he commands.

The Associated Press interviewed over a dozen people with direct knowledge of details of the attack, including survivors, investigators and families of the dead and missing. All described evidence they believe points directly to Russia as the culprit. The AP also obtained an internal United Nations analysis that found the same.

Despite the conclusion of the internal analysis that found Russia planned and executed the attack, the U.N. stopped short of accusing Russia in public statements.

Of 193 Ukrainians in the barracks, less than two dozen made it back home. More than 50 died the night of July 28, 2022. Around 120 are missing and believed detained in somewhere in Russia. Russia accused Ukraine of striking its own men with U.S.-supplied missiles.

There are no active international investigations into the attack and a Ukrainian inquiry is one of tens of thousands of war crimes for investigators there, raising wider questions about whether those who committed crimes in occupied areas can ever face justice.

The U.N. has rejected Russias claims that Ukrainian government HIMARS targeted the men, as do the victims who returned in prisoner exchanges, like Masalitin. When the former POWs have time to reflect  rare since many have returned to the fight  they say too many things dont add up.

In the days following the Olenivka deaths, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched an independent mission to investigate. Russia refused to guarantee the mission's safety and its members never traveled to either the occupied territory in the eastern Donetsk region or to Ukrainian-held territory. It dissolved five months later.

But when survivors began to return to Ukraine in exchanges, a U.N. field team that had been in-country since 2014 sought them out.

That team analyzed 70 open-source images, 20 statements by Russian officials along with 16 survivor interviews from Russian television. They conducted in-depth interviews with 55 freed POWs who were in the barracks or elsewhere in Olenivka during the attack. Their conclusion: Russia planned and executed the attack.

The 100-page analysis circulated at the highest levels of the U.N. but was never intended to be published in full. Some of the evidence was incorporated piecemeal into broader U.N. reports on the war, including one that said the missile traveled from east to west. The Russian Federation controls the territory east of where the prisoners were kept. The UN never publicly blamed Russia.

Names on a List

The lists of names the Russians drew up in late July 2022 had no explanation, no context. All the men listed were from the Azov unit who became national heroes after holding out for months against an overwhelmingly larger Russian force in the city of Mariupol. The prisoners were told to be ready. No one knew why.

On the morning of July 27, 2022, the group was rounded up and led to an industrial section of the colony, away from the other five POW barracks. They were taken to a cinder-block building with a tin-plate roof and 100 bunks, no mattresses and a hastily dug pit toilet, multiple survivors told AP.

Everything in the barracks was prepared very quickly, said Arsen Dmytryk, who outranked the others and became the informal leader. The barbed wire was cheap and flimsy, and there were machine tools inside, indicating that the building was recently a workshop.

The prison director visited to tell them that their old barracks were under renovation, although plenty of other prisoners had remained. Ukrainians who have been since released said there was no renovation.

That first day, the guards dug trenches for themselves, said Shastun. Ukraines Security Service told AP that their analysis confirmed the presence of the unusual new trenches.

On July 28, the colony management ordered the guard post moved further away, and for the first time the barrack guards wore bullet-proof vest and helmets which they had not done before and unlike other colony personnel who rarely wore them, according to a section of the internal U.N. analysis later incorporated into public reports.

On the night of July 28 around 10:30 p.m., Dmytryk completed his checks, cut the lights, climbed into the top bunk and fell asleep at once. An explosion woke him perhaps 45 minutes later, followed by the sound of a Grad missile launcher. But hed heard that before and drifted back to sleep.

Ukrainian POWs elsewhere in the colony told the U.N. investigators that the Grad fire muffled sounds of the bigger explosions.

Dmytryks memories then turn apocalyptic. His body burned with shrapnel wounds. Fire raged. Men screamed in pain. And he climbed down from his bunk, he checked the pulse of the man below him. He was already dead. He and other witnesses told AP they ran outside through broken walls to beg the guards to send help for the injured.

They fired into the air, saying stay away from the gates, dont come closer, Dmytryk recalled.

If Dmytryks memories are a narrative of horror, Shastuns are more like disjointed film scenes. He recalled the guards just stood there laughing, tossing rags and flashlights at the panicked Ukrainians.

It took hours before POW medics were sent from the other barracks to help, around the same time as Russian forces brought in trucks and told survivors to load them with the most severely wounded.

We carried them on stretchers, lifted them into the car, unloaded them and then ran back to get the other wounded, Shastun said. One person died in a comrades arms. It was mid-morning when they finished, and the trucks were piled with bloody men.

Dmytryk was among them, his face caked in dried blood. He said men in another truck died before they made it to the hospital in Donetsk. The U.N. said in its public report of March 2023 that slow medical care worsened the death toll.

The transported us like cattle, not stopping, speeding over bumps and taking sharp turns, he said.

Also among the wounded was Serhii Alieksieievych, whose wife Mariia last caught sight of him in his hospital bed in a video circulating on Russian media, slowly answering questions as he recovered from his injuries.

Back at Olenivka, Shastun was one of approximately 70 survivors with lesser injuries who were taken to two 5x5 meter (yard) cells as the last of the trucks drove away, to be isolated from the rest of the prison colony. There were wooden pallets for sleeping and a single toilet in each.

The internal U.N. analysis said their isolation was intended to prevent survivors speaking to others in the colony about what happened that night because some prisoners had access to mobile phones and had direct contact with Ukraine. It also left them unaware of the debate raging outside.

According to the analysis, other Ukrainian prisoners were then sent to the bombed barracks and ordered to remove debris and the remaining bodies. Two hours later, that group was sent into a nearby hangar, and some saw men in camouflage bringing boxes of ammunition to the blast site and setting HIMARS fragments on a blue bench nearby.

Russian officials soon arrived, accompanied by Russian journalists whose images of twisted, charred bunk beds, HIMARS fragments and bodies laid out in the sun spread across the world.

The Ukrainians in the nearby hangar said after everyone was gone, the men in camouflage returned everything to the boxes and left.

As the clock ticked down to a U.N. Security Council meeting later that day, Russia and Ukraine blamed each other.

Russia opened an investigation and said Kyiv did it to silence soldiers from confessing to their crimes and used their recently acquired American-made HIMARS rockets. Ukraine denied the charge and said Russia was framing Ukraine to discredit the country before its allies.

The international community didnt know who to believe. Thats when the U.N. secretary general announced it would conduct its own investigation, but negotiations to access the site were long and ultimately fruitless. Guterres special mission was disbanded on Jan. 5, 2023, having never traveled to Ukraine.

The members of the mission were of the view that it would be indispensable for them to be able to access all the relevant sites, materials and victims in order to fulfil its task and establish the facts of the incident, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told AP. Without that, the mission was not in a position to provide any conclusions.

But the separate Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, which had been based in the country since Russias first invasion of Ukraine in 2014, didnt wait. The team combed through testimonies on Russian television from 16 survivors taken to the hospital, examined public images from the site and analyzed 20 statements made by Russian officials who visited the prison.

The mission informally shared an abridged version of its preliminary analysis with the U.N.'s newly formed Olenivka probe. Then on Sept. 22, a surprise prisoner swap gave the Human Rights Monitoring Mission its first chance to speak to witnesses and survivors. But from the date of the explosion, it would take eight months for any of that material to emerge publicly, and then only in pieces.

Dujarric did not respond to questions about the internal analysis.

In July 2023, U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk publicly stated what the internal report had first said nearly a year before  that HIMARS were not responsible. Three months later, the U.N. devoted a section to Olenivka in its annual report on the human rights situation in Ukraine. Again, cribbing from the internal analysis, the report noted that HIMARS were not responsible, that the fragments shown by Russian officials were not in situ, the scene had been contaminated and physical evidence disturbed.

The report concluded that the damage appeared consistent with a projected ordnance having travelled with an east-to-west trajectory. It failed to note that Russia controlled the eastern territory.

Fading hopes for justice

A Ukrainian investigation is ongoing, according to Taras Semkiv of the Ukrainian prosecutor generals war crimes unit. The challenge is to identify the weapon used, in hopes that could lead to who ordered the attack. Semkiv said it's been narrowed to three possibilities  artillery, planted explosives, or a grenade launcher.

The Olenivka director is named as a suspect in conspiracy for the ill-treatment of POWs but the investigation leaves open the probability that more people were involved. At the war crimes unit headquarters of the Ukraine Security Service, known as the SBU, meters-long charts line the walls, illustrating the hierarchy of Russian officials responsible for various sections of the front line.

Semkiv said no international investigators have requested information from the General Prosecutors Office since the deaths at Olenivka, including the disbanded U.N. fact-finding mission. He said initial optimism about the mission faded as soon as it became clear that they would not investigate at all if there was no access to the prison.

Technology is advancing rapidly, and there are ways to assess the situation without the direct presence of an investigator or prosecutor at the scene, he said.

Relatives of those missing from the bombed barracks say theyre now alone in their search for answers.

First there was hope that the world would not turn its back on us, said Mariia Alieksieievych, the wife of the soldier seen recovering in the Donetsk hospital video. Her letters to her husband are shots in the dark  she hands them to the Red Cross, but as far as she knows theres never been access to the prisoners. She said Ukraines government gives them no help or news about whether the men could be included in any future exchanges and has ignored requests for a day of remembrance for the Olenivka victims.

Her fading hopes for an international investigation have been replaced by determination.

She and other relatives want the International Criminal Court to take up the case, but shes realistic enough to know thats a distant possibility.

Her goal in the meantime: To save the lives of our defenders, to bring them home. Because in Russian captivity, death is not an isolated case.

__

Associated Press journalists Illia Novikov, Vasilisa Stepanenko, Evgeniy Maloletka and Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed from Kyiv. Edith Lederer contributed from New York.
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Finance ministers from leading rich and developing nations gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday for a two-day meeting to discuss a global tax on the super-rich, a top priority for Brazil, which holds the presidency.

According to the proposal before the Group of 20, individuals with over $1 billion in total assets would be required to pay the equivalent of 2% of their wealth in income tax.

France, Spain, and South Africa  which will chair the G20 in 2025  have expressed support, an official from the Brazilian Ministry of Finance told journalists last week. But U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reiterated at a news conference Thursday that the U.S. does not support the initiative.

Tax policy is very difficult to coordinate globally, and we dont see a need or really think its desirable to try to negotiate a global agreement on that, Yellen said, although she emphasized the U.S. is strongly supportive of progressive taxation."

Brazil nevertheless hopes finance ministers will approve a statement on international tax cooperation that will include mention of the global tax on the super-rich, Tatiana Rosito, international affairs secretary at Brazils Ministry of Finance, told journalists Tuesday.

An agreement on a global tax on billionaires is necessary to diminish the attractiveness of tax havens, said economist Bruno Carazza, a professor at the Dom Cabral Foundation, a business school.

I really believe that if this doesnt make it into the declaration, there will be a certain frustration, as this was a bet by the Brazilian government, Carazza added.

Billionaires currently pay the equivalent of 0.3% of their wealth in taxes, according to a report from French economist Gabriel Zucman commissioned by Brazil. The report said a 2% tax would raise $200 billion to $250 billion per year globally from about 3,000 individuals, money that could fund public services such as education and health care as well as the fight against climate change.

The richest 1% have amassed $42 trillion in new wealth over the past decade, nearly 36 times more than the entire bottom 50% of the worlds population, according to an Oxfam analysis released Thursday ahead of the finance ministers meeting.

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defended the need for increased taxation of the worlds richest in Rio on Wednesday when he unveiled plans for a global alliance against hunger and poverty.

At the top of the pyramid, tax systems stop being progressive and become regressive. The super-rich pay proportionally much less tax than the working class, Lula said.

Some individuals control more resources than entire countries. Others have their own space programs, he added, in an apparent jab at Elon Musk, who owns SpaceX, and Jeff Bezos, who founded the space company Blue Origin.

The global alliance against hunger and poverty aims to implement a mechanism to mobilize funds and knowledge to support the expansion of policies and programs to combat inequality and poverty, according to a statement from Brazils G20 press office on Tuesday. It would be managed by a secretariat located at the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome and Brasilia until 2030, with half of its costs covered by Brazil, Lula said in his speech.
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Rupert Murdoch is engaged in a secret legal battle with three of his children over the future direction of the familys media empire.

Murdoch, 93, is attempting to ensure his eldest son and heir apparent, Lachlan, has more control over the future of his businesses by securing him greater voting power compared to his siblings, a sealed court document seen by The New York Times has revealed.

The question of who will take over Murdochs sprawling empire, which includes Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and British assets including The Sun and Times newspapers, has captured the attention of the public in recent years  with the storyline having even partially inspired the acclaimed HBO series Succession.

Upon announcing his retirement in September, Murdoch appeared to settle the debate by naming his right-leaning son Lachlan as chair of News Corp and chair and chief executive of Fox Corp.

However, he has now moved to ensure these arrangements remain in place after his death, by legally ensuring the 52-year-old cannot be vetoed by three of his more politically moderate siblings.

Rupert Murdoch with his sons Lachlan (L) and James (R) in 2016 ( Getty )

At present, the Murdoch Family Trust has eight votes: four controlled by Murdoch senior, and the remaining four controlled by the four eldest children; Lachlan, James, Elisabeth and Prudence Murdoch.

The NYT said the patriarch has moved to change the terms of the trust in court to increase Lachlans voting power and protect the empires conservative political stance, therefore protecting the commercial value for all his heirs.

James, Elisabeth and Prudence have different political leanings from their father and favoured brother, sparking concerns that they could steer the empire away from its right-wing instincts.

Mr Murdochs youngest children, Chloe and Grace, have no voting rights in the trust but have an equal share in its equity.

In the sealed documents, Murdoch expresses his worry that a lack of consensus among his four children would impact the strategic direction at both companies including a potential reorientation of editorial policy and content, adding that he also wishes to hand Lachlan Murdoch permanent and exclusive control over the company.

Rupert Murdoch with his second wife, Anna Maria Torv, and four eldest children Prudence, Elisabeth, James and Lachlan Murdoch ( Alamy )

According to the NYT, a Nevada probate commissioner found last month that the trust can be rewritten if Murdoch can prove he is acting in good faith to protect the value of the trusts holdings.

If a solution is not reached however, the case could play out in court in September.

Murdoch has reportedly called the changes Project Harmony, as it would stave off further family feuds after his death, but this appears to have had the opposite effect with the three ousted siblings joining forces to fight the case.

Up until now, the legal proceedings have played out behind closed doors despite the motion being filed in December.

It may explain his childrens absence as he married his fifth wife, Elena Zhukova, in California last month, with only Lachlan in attendance.

Only Lachlan attended his wedding to his fifth wife Elena Zhukova ( PA )

At one point in the companys dramatic tale, it appeared as if younger brother James would be the likely heir, but as Murdoch grew more closely aligned with Lachlan politically, his relationship with James is said to have fractured.

Between 2015 and 2019, James and Lachlan shared operating responsibility for the companies. However, this working relationship broke down during the rise and presidency of Donald Trump, with James concerns about the networks preferential treatment of Trump being dismissed.

He later stepped down from the News Corp board in 2020, citing disagreements over certain editorial content published by the companys news outlets.

He and his wife, Kathryn, a climate change activist, have also occasionally criticised Fox media for their denial of climate change.

The NYT report detailed how Mr Murdoch has come to resent the criticisms from his son given the empire has made him a multi-billionaire.

Mr Murdoch, is reported to have a net worth of over $17bn (13.8bn) according to Forbes, having spent 70 years at the helm of his media empire before retiring last year.

Rupert Murdoch first started to build his empire in Australia during the 1950s after he inherited his fathers interests in the Adelaide newspaper The News ( PA )

News Corp, which has headquarters in New York, owns hundreds of local, national and international news outlets. The company owns the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, a conservative-leaning tabloid, as well as HarperCollins.

The British arm of Murdochs media empire, News UK, publishes nearly a third of national papers sold every day, including The Sun and The Times.

Mr Murdoch first started to build his empire in Australia during the 1950s after he inherited his fathers interests in the Adelaide newspaper The News.

In 1969, he took on Fleet Street with the purchase of the News of the World and The Sun, which would both become two of the most successful and bestselling tabloids in the UK.

He went on to purchase The Times and Sunday Times in 1981, while also building his empire in America with the acquisition of the New York Post.

Murdoch later expanded into television to create Fox News channel, now the most popular news network in the US.

The Independent has contacted representatives from Rupert Murdoch for comment.
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A man has been charged over the death of a grandmother who was fatally attacked by two XL Bully dogs.

Esther Martin was killed by the animals two days after XL Bully legislation came into force in February, after the 68 year-old suffered unsurvivable bites during an incident in Jaywick, Essex.

Police hailed the courageous locals for trying to save her life before officers arrived at the scene in Hillman Avenue.

Ashley Warren, 40, has now been charged over the death of in the first case of its kind since new laws on owning XL Bullies came into force on February 1, Essex Police said.

On Thursday, Essex Police said Ashley Warren of Walnut Road, Leyton, north east London, has been charged with two counts of owning or being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and two counts of possession or having custody of a fighting dog.

Warren, formerly of Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, also faces two charges under the Animal Welfare Act, and single counts of possession of a bladed article and possession of a Class B drug.

He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates Court on Thursday August 22.

The police cordon in Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, Essex, after Ms Martin was savaged by two dogs ( PA Wire )

The two XL Bullies were destroyed by specialist officers who responded to the fatal attack.

One of Esthers daughters, Kelly, previously told the Mirror: She was amazing. She was retired and trying to bring her life back on track after the passing of my sister two years ago. She came to visit my nephew and now she is dead. This is a very distressing time for our family.

Her son Paul Martin posted on Facebook: Love you lots mum. Sleep tight and give Clare Louise a big hug from me love you both lots.

Until we meet again. Your memory will live forever.

Her death on Saturday February 3 comes just days after it became a criminal offence to own an XL Bully, with all existing dogs required to wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Weaver said: I know there has been a huge amount of speculation about the breed and type of dog involved here, but it was really important we got that information right and established the facts.

We owe it to Esther and her family to ensure we are thorough, professional and, above all, fair.

XL Bully is not a breed of dog in itself, but a sub-category of the American Bully and identifying categories of a breed can be a complex process.

It requires a police-trained dog expert to examine the physical features of the dog against specific measurements, in line with the guidelines published by the Government.

A forensic post-mortem was also carried out by a veterinary scientist and through this combination it was confirmed that the dogs were XL Bullies.

A team of experienced detectives are continuing their investigation into Esthers death and continue to make good progress.

They are committed to getting the answers her family need about what happened and why.

The police cordon in Hillman Avenue ( PA Wire )

Chief Supt Weaver added: I again want to express our thanks to the members of the public who bravely tried to save Esther before our officers arrived on scene.

What you did was hugely courageous and a reflection of the values of the community of Jaywick.

I also want to again praise the unflinching bravery and professionalism of the officers who attended and whose actions ensured the community was safe.
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A soldier seriously injured in a knife attack has been named as an experienced Lieutenant Colonel, as the man accused of stabbing him appeared in court charged with attempted murder.

Lt Col Mark Teeton is a long-standing serving member of the British Army who has been been a course manager for almost six years at the 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.

The father-of-two was airlifted to hospital after he was attacked outside his home near Brompton Barracks on Tuesday evening.

The serviceman, who is in his 40s, remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Anthony Esan, who was arrested near his home in nearby Rochester, was later charged with Lt Col Teetons attempted murder and with posessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Anthony Esan pictured arriving at Medway Magistrates Court ( Gareth Fuller/PA Wire )

He appeared at Medway Magistrates Court on Thursday wearing a grey T-shirt and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on August 22.

Prosecutor Rajni Prashar told the court: A member of the public called 999 to report a male had been stabbed.

It was then reported that the victim was a soldier in uniform.

Earlier this year Lt Col Teeton raised 2,500 for a veterans mental health charity ( Facebook )

She told the court a man was seen running up behind the Army officer before he pulled the soldier to the ground and stabbed him repeatedly.

According to a LinkedIn page, Lt Col Teeton has worked in various roles in the armed forces going back to 2001.

Earlier this year he raised nearly 2,500 for Combat Stress, a veterans mental health charity, by running the D-Day challenge in Normandy in June, a fundraising page showed.

Anthony Esan has been charged with the officers attempted murder ( Gareth Fuller/PA Wire )

He wrote ahead of the event: In honour of our forefathers as well as current servicemen who have bravely fought to protect our way of life, I will be taking on the D-Day Challenge to raise vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.

After completing the gruelling challenge, he joked about passing out at the finishing line, and said in a video: It was worthwhile... its a good amount of money to a fantastic charity.

Head of the Army General Sir Roly Walker condemned the stabbing as horrific, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was shocked and appalled.
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A landmark award ceremony celebrating Black NHS healthcare professionals is being launched this week.

A coalition of healthcare professionals and organisations have collaborated to unveil the first-ever Black Healthcare gala taking place on Saturday in central London.

These awards are the first to focus solely on Black healthcare professionals of the Caribbean or African diaspora for significant contributions to the field, according to organisers, the Caribbean African Health Network (CAHN).

Since its 1948 inception, the NHS has always been heavily staffed by Black healthcare professionals.

The workforce is currently the most diverse that its ever been with Black and minority ethnic staff making up almost a quarter of employees (24.2 per cent or 383,706 staff).

Dr. Faye Ruddock, Chair of CAHN, told The Independent: Black healthcare staff have been its backbone and continue to be recruited internationally to enable the NHS to deliver on its vision.

Nurse wearing protective face mask at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Indeed, the proportion of health and care workers nationwide who are of Black Caribbean and African descent far outnumbers the percentage of Black people in other professional roles across UK society.

We want to recognise the considerable accomplishments and contributions of Black professionals  who often operate in challenging environments  and spotlight them for the great work they do across the healthcare sector.

The awards patron, Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, the UKs first specialist sickle cell nurse, will be celebrated on the night and will present an award named after her.

Speaking about the events significance, Dame Elizabeth said: These awards are very important to recognise the hard work and achievements of a significant section of the healthcare workforce.

Having an award named after me is a bit surreal, quite surprising, but Im hugely honoured.

What Id like to say to all the healthcare organisations involved is thank you very much for all the support youve given but can you carry on giving that support? Because without it, its very disheartening for staff to carry on, providing the healthcare in the way that patients and families require.

Black and Asian nurses are overlooked for promotion because of structural racism, according to deeply shocking research (Victoria Jones/PA) ( PA Wire )

An award has also been named after public health expert Professor Kevin Fenton.

Individuals have been nominated by colleagues who acknowledge the impact of their work and the list of 23 categories includes Pharmacist of the Year, Clinician of the Year, Black Student of the Year, Midwife of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement.
Family celebrations for Mina Smallman come burdened with unimaginable pain. Over the Christmas holidays, she is unable even to be at home, for the reminder of the voices and laughter that once filled the house.

Above all, however, it is the birthday of her eldest daughter, Bibaa, that she feels most acutely. It marks the moment when, in June 2020 after a Friday night picnic in a park to celebrate Bibaas 46th birthday, Bibaa and her 27-year-old sister Nicole (known as Nikki) were stabbed to death in a frenzied attack.

A cherry tree is planted in their memory at Fryent Country Park in Wembley, where 18-year-old Danyal Hussein murdered them in the belief that he needed to sacrifice six women every six months. But understandably, Mina finds it too painful to visit.

Instead, she prefers to remember her daughters at another cherry tree planted in their memory in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral. Last month on Bibaas birthday, she and her husband of more than 30 years, Chris, drove there together for a day of quiet reflection.

But even then, Mina still took the time to arrange a conversation with the Dean of Canterbury to discuss designating an area of the cathedral grounds as a safe space for female survivors of trauma and abuse. A few weeks prior to that, she spoke at a vigil for the murdered lawyer Zara Aleena, standing alongside Aleenas family and the parents of Sarah Everard (the 33-year-old who was abducted, raped and killed by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens).

This is the public face of Mina Smallman, whose own devastating loss has compelled her to campaign against violence directed at women and girls, which this week has been declared a national emergency in a new report by the National Police Chiefs Council. But she has also dedicated her time to battling what she describes as a deep-rooted misogyny and racism within the police service itself.

When the police were initially informed that Bibaa, a social worker, and Nikki, an aspiring photographer and Westminster University graduate, had failed to return home, such was the inertia that they didnt even properly launch a missing persons inquiry.

It was Nikkis boyfriend of eight years, Adam, who was left to discover their bodies hidden in undergrowth in the park. Worse was to come. Two Metropolitan Police officers entrusted to guard the bodies instead took photographs and posted them to public Whatsapp groups, describing them as dead birds.

Today, Mina calls Deniz Jaffer and Jamie Lewis (who were both sentenced in 2021 to two years and nine months in jail) Despicable One and Despicable Two. She has publicly acknowledged that she has forgiven the killer, although she says she cannot bring herself to do the same for the officers.

They were released on licence early after serving only 17 months. Rather than being warned by the Met, Mina tells me, she found out via a journalist after returning from a holiday.

Minas family in happier times ( Family photo via Random House )

I just didnt want to be here, she says, describing the moment when she heard. Ultimately, she says, the actions of the officers, and the subsequent handling of the case, exacerbated her trauma to such an extent that it drove her towards a suicide attempt, something she details in her new book A Better Tomorrow: Life Lessons in Hope and Strength.

We are talking in a quiet corner of a hotel in Ramsgate, not far from Minas home overlooking the Kent harbour. That was where I first met her back in 2021, for her first full newspaper interview following the trials of the murderer of her daughters and the police officers who violated their bodies. Since then, she understandably prefers to keep her house as a private sanctuary.

While acknowledging the good work of some within the police  including the family liaison officer who supported her, and a colleague who painstakingly combed rubbish dumps, gathering the crucial DNA evidence that led to the murderers conviction  Mina is unsparing in her book.

Particular fury is reserved for the former Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick, who consistently failed to acknowledge the widespread culture within the force. Mina was visited by Dick at her home. Then, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Mina received an official apology from the force, which only served to fuel her anger. She was just doing something to look as though she cared, Mina says.

Last year, Louise Casey, a crossbench peer in the House of Lords, published a report following an investigation of the toxic culture within Britains biggest police force, which found it to be institutionally racist, sexist, misogynistic and homophobic. Does she think this remains the case?

A young Mina with her sister Anne ( Family photo via Random House )

Oh yes, she says without hesitation. Its about an acceptance that not everybody at the institution is racist, but the systems that are in place are racist. She speaks of encountering an ingrained arrogance within the police, a sense that we are in charge and this is how we do things.

A report published in March reveals that, since the murder of Bibaa and Nikki, 119 police officers across the country have been convicted of crimes including rape, sexual assault and other sex offences (a figure believed to be an underestimate). Could what happened to her daughters at the hands of the police happen again? I think they would be very wary now, in the Met, because of this scandal, she says. But I think it could easily happen somewhere else in the country.

She has a better relationship with Dicks successor Mark Rowley. She tells me he came for dinner a few weeks ago, and, unlike Dick, has personally apologised for her treatment. Even so, he continues to reject the Casey Reviews findings of institutional racism. I like Mark. He is a nice guy but he is the wrong guy to do this job, Mina says. It takes someone to go in and blitz it to change something.

When we first met, Mina  a passionate believer in restorative justice  was open to meeting the officers who had photographed her daughters. As she details in the book, however, both subsequently appealed against their sentences, and she withdrew her request, feeling that they would use it as leverage.

I would do it [meet them] now if they asked to, because there is nothing they would gain from it other than to face the mother of the girls, she says. But I know they wont. If they had a heart in the first place, they would never have done what they did.

Mina Smallman has been a fearless campaigner against sexism and racism in the police ( PA Wire )

She has no interest in meeting the murderer of her daughters, who taunted her and her husband throughout the trial and is now in prison, where he will serve a minimum of 35 years. It would be a waste. I never think about him. It is like he never exists, she says.

Minas tough exterior, she admits, is an armour honed in part by her teaching career in various London schools  and her time in the Church of England. She was ordained a deacon in 2006  the Church of Englands first female archdeacon from a Black or ethnic minority background  and encountered many of the same institutional failings she recognises within the police. Racist, classist, misogynistic  you name it, she says. She stepped down from her final post as Archdeacon of Southend in 2016.

But something Mina has never spoken about publicly, until now, is how she learnt to shield her emotions far earlier, during a deeply troubled and traumatic childhood.

Mina was born to a black Nigerian father, who was studying in Manchester for a medicine degree, and a white mother, who, having grown up in a mining family in Scotland, had moved south and was working in a factory. A strong streak of clinical depression runs through Minas Scottish side, and her mothers mother, grandmother and aunt all died by suicide.

By the time Mina was born, they had moved to what she describes as a dingy two-bedroom fleapit on the middle floor of a Victorian house in Cricklewood, London. Mina nearly died twice in the flat, once of pneumonia and once because of a gas leak. When she was nine months old, her parents moved her (privately, she believes, without social services being involved) into a foster care placement in Essex.

Bibaa with baby Nikki: Despite a 19-year age difference, they were really close to one another, says Mina ( Family photo via Random House )

Mina recalls this as a happy time, but at the age of five she returned to live with her parents. Throughout her childhood, she recalls how her mother would violently beat and coerce her and her older sister, Anne, while her father was also a strict disciplinarian. With money tight, she says, her mother supplemented her meagre income with sex work.

Mina writes in the book about living in constant dirt and chaos. When you grow up in an environment like mine, she tells me bluntly, you either survive or you dont.

While still a schoolgirl, and partly in an effort to escape her family, Mina started a relationship with a boy who was several years older, called Herman Henry (now a retired boxer). She left school before completing her A-levels, and the couple married and had two children together while Mina was still in her teens: Bibaa, and her sister Monique (who now lives in the Netherlands).

However, their relationship was deeply unhappy, and Mina left in her twenties. She met Chris in 1988 after taking a job as a drama teacher at a school where he taught English, and the couple had another child, whom they named Nicole.

Mina created the kind of secure home life for her daughters that had been cruelly absent in her own upbringing. Her three daughters were all extremely close, and Mina remembers the years spent bringing them up as a happy time.

Minas difficult relationship with her own mother never healed, and she died when Nikki was two. I didnt trust her, says Mina. I didnt trust her with the kids, and she didnt like me for it.

Minas sister Anne, however, doted on Bibaa. When the murder happened, she was being treated for stage 4 lymphoma; she died a few months afterwards, aged 71. Another tragic layer piled onto a lifetime of tragedy. I believe that was the final straw, Mina says.

Her sisters funeral was held at the same crematorium where Bibaa and Nikki had been laid to rest and, heartbroken, Mina felt unable to attend because of the emotional damage it would provoke.

( Penguin )

The unrelenting agonies in Minas life have now resulted in a diagnosis of PTSD. She admits it is a continual struggle to keep going, but the important work she is doing with others is what drives her.

Over recent years, shes developed a strong connection with the parents of Sarah Everard. When Mina called out the difference in the public response to Sarahs murder  Sarah having been a white, middle-class woman  and the reaction to the murders of Bibaa and Nikki, she was anxious that they would think she was failing to recognise their pain. She neednt have worried. Sarahs parents fully supported Mina, and they have bonded in their determination to end the misogyny that runs deep in the police force.

We are an elite group you really dont want to be part of, says Mina. You become instantly, and always, connected. It works because you dont have to put into words what you feel. It doesnt feel like a reminder of each others pain. When we are together, we feel bolstered.

The other thing that keeps her going is her family. Mina jealously guards the privacy of Bibaas daughter, who is now in her late twenties, but says she is doing well. Mina also has a four-year-old great-grandson, born a few months after the murder, who is thriving.

She is wracked by a constant torment and the sense that, if only she could have given her life in place of her daughters, she would have done so again and again. But that is what Mina Smallman has been left with, and she vows to use it to keep fighting the system that so badly let not only her and her daughters down, but all the other women still waiting for justice.

A Better Tomorrow: Life Lessons in Hope and Strength by Mina Smallman is published by Penguin on 25 July
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The soaring rates of assault and self-harm in some UK prisons have been laid bare in new statistics released by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

The number of prison assaults have increased by nearly 30 per cent in the last year  reaching a post-Covid-19 pandemic high of 28,292 violent assaults in the past 12 months. The rate of assaults was 327 assaults per 1,000 prisoners

The figures also show self-harm rates have hit their highest level since records began, with 73,804 incidents of self-harm taking place in the last year  a rate of one prisoner hurting themselves every seven minutes. This amounts 852 incidents per 1,000 prisoners.

Self-harm incidents rose by 25 per cent in mens prisons, but fell by 4 per cent in womens prisons.

In the most recent quarter, from January to March 2024, the rate of self-harm was up 9 per cent, with a 2 per increase in male establishments and a 29 per cent increase in female establishments.

Over the same period, prisons recorded 28,292 assaults  a 19 per cent rise on the figures for the previous 12 months. This included an 18 per cent increase on serious assaults and a 24 per cent rise in assaults on staff.

New prison performance ratings also released on Thursday have revealed more than four in 10 prisons are rated as either of concern or serious concern.

The number of prisoners in over-crowded conditions have also increased for the third consecutive year, reaching a high of 23.6 per cent. Crowding is measured as the number of prisoners who, on the last day of the month, are held in a cell, room or dormitory where the number of occupants exceeds the normal figure. For example, two inmates in a single cell.

Andrea Coomber KC, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: These shocking statistics tell us why the new government was absolutely right to take steps to ease pressure on the prison population, and why further action will be needed to change prisons for the better.

Much of the focus of policy has been on the crisis of prison capacity, with the number of available cells at the foremost of peoples minds. These figures remind us that there is a crisis of human misery behind bars too.

The lord chancellor and secretary of state for Justice, Shabana Mahmood KC, said: Our prisons are in crisis, leading to endemic violence and harm behind bars.

These statistics reveal what is really happening inside jails today, and why we had no choice but to act. This government will always protect the public, lock up dangerous offenders, and make prisons safe for prisoners and the brave staff who work there.

If you are struggling to cope, please call Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK and the Republic of Ireland) or contact other sources of support, such as those listed on the NHS help for suicidal thoughts webpage. Support is available around the clock, every day of the year, providing a safe place for you, whoever you are and however you are feeling.
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The governments main asylum accommodation site at a former RAF base in Essex is not currently suitable for any migrants, the High Court has heard.

Four migrants who were housed at the site RAF Wethersfield have taken the Home Office to court over the accommodation, arguing that the state is failing to screen vulnerable people properly before they are moved to the Essex base.

Alex Goodman KC, representing one of the asylum seekers, told the High Court on Thursday that the remote airbase, which can house up to 580 migrants, was not currently suitable for anyone to live in.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has said previously that he wants to close Wethersfield but the Home Office is yet to make a decision on the future of the site.

The Ministry of Justice has considered using it as a prison if asylum seekers are moved out.

Charities say that a mental health crisis is unfolding at the Wethersfield asylum site ( PA )

Three of the claimants are victims of trafficking who should not have been initially placed in the prison-like accommodation under the governments own guidelines, the court heard.

The fourth claimant is an Afghan asylum seeker whose mental health deteriorated so significantly at Wethersfield that he attempted suicide. Mr Goodman told the High Court that asylum seekers who are not deemed vulnerable by the Home Offices screening process are also being put at risk by the conditions at the site.

The policy as operated provides no opportunity to say: I dont fit into the [vulnerability] categories but the prison-like environment [at Wethersfield] is driving me crazy, the court was told.

The Afghan asylum seeker, who was at Wethersfield from September 2023 to March 2024, felt like he was in a prison, in a cage.

He felt unsafe and it damaged his mental health, said Mr Goodman. It was not on any view accommodation that was adequate.

In submissions to court, the asylum seeker described his experience at the remote site, saying: The security staff have cameras on their clothes, and there are cameras on the buildings. I feel like I am being constantly watched and monitored... When I first arrived I saw large barbed fences. I thought it was a prison. It looked like jail. There were guards everywhere and it was in the middle of nowhere. I felt confused and upset  and as though I was being treated as a criminal.

The claimants lawyers have argued that the detention-like setting, remoteness and isolation, together with the limbo caused by not knowing when you will be moved out, causes migrants to become mentally unwell.

The dining hall at the asylum accommodation centre at MDP Wethersfield in Essex ( PA )

They said that, under the conditions in which it is currently operated, Wethersfield was unsuitable accommodation for any male asylum seeker. Only single men are currently housed at the site.

You might find a particularly resilient individual and they could be there for a period of time, but that is not the system that is currently operating, Mr Goodman said.

According to data gathered by charities the Helen Bamber Foundation and Doctors of the World, there were between five and 10 suicide attempts and 10 incidents of self-harm at the site from January to May.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Lisa Giovannetti KC said the home secretary is concerned with alleviating immediate destitution of migrants who arrive in the UK.

Asylum seekers housed at Wethersfield have only recently arrived in the UK, many on small boats and some on lorries.

[The home secretary] is not required to look to the future and go through a sort of predictive exercise, Ms Giovannetti said.

She added: The fact that the country is experiencing a housing crisis is a relevant factor to which the secretary of state is entitled to have regard.

The accommodation is not desirable and it might not be what they [the asylum seekers] expected when they arrived. It is understandable that they get very upset about it... but the secretary of state has to balance those needs with all the other demands and resources.

Government lawyers argued that the national housing shortage had led to demand for asylum accommodation far outstripping supply.

Ms Giovannetti argued that the court should be slow to intervene or try to decide for itself whether the accommodation was adequate for a particular asylum seekers needs.
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Larger families are more likely to experience food insecurity than families with two children or less, according to research by a charity, which said that the findings show the impact of the two-child benefit cap.

Almost a quarter of three-child families were unsure where they would get their meals from last month, data from charity the Food Foundation suggests.

More than 6,000 adults were surveyed in the week leading up to the general election, and the results have been published just days after prime minister Sir Keir Starmer saw off a rebellion by seven of his own MPs in a vote on the controversial policy.

John McDonnell, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Apsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain and Zarah Sultana were suspended after they voted to scrap it.

The Food Foundation said its research shows that action is desperately needed to relieve the pressure on families across the UK who are going hungry.

Its online survey asked 6,177 adults in the UK whether, in the previous month, they had reduced the size of or skipped meals because they could not afford or get access to food  or whether they had been hungry but not eaten for the same reason.

Single-parent households are nearly twice as likely to be food insecure as households with multiple adults, research shows (file photo) ( Getty )

The polling, carried out by YouGov, found that 14 per cent of households were judged by these measures to have experienced food insecurity.

When it came to households with children, almost a fifth (18 per cent) reported experiencing food insecurity, compared with 12 per cent of households without children.

The charity said the findings demonstrate the impact of the two-child benefit limit, which restricts child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children in most households.

Some 23 per cent of families with three children and 26 per cent of families with four or more children experienced food insecurity, according to the survey.

This compared with 17 per cent of households with one or two children.

Single-parent households were nearly twice as likely to be food insecure as households with multiple adults and a child or children, at 31 per cent compared to 16 per cent.

Labour has blamed spending constraints for its decision not to ditch the policy immediately ( PA )

Campaigners have long called for the policy, which was introduced by the Conservatives in 2015 and has been in effect since 2017, to be scrapped.

This week, seven Labour MPs were suspended by their party after backing an SNP motion to scrap the measure.

Labour MP Kim Johnson said she had voted with the government for unity, but she warned that the strength of feeling within her party was undeniable.

We moved the dial, the campaign will continue, she said.

Figures published earlier this month by the Department for Work and Pensions showed that 1.6 million children were living in households affected by the policy as of April this year, up from 1.5 million in April 2023.

Labour has blamed spending constraints for its decision not to ditch the policy immediately, indicating that there would be no change to the policy without economic growth.

Think tank the Resolution Foundation has said that abolishing the two-child limit would cost the government somewhere between 2.5bn and 3.6bn in 2024/25, but that the cost would be low compared to the harm that the policy causes.

The governments formation of a child poverty taskforce to inform a strategy to tackle the root causes has been welcomed by the Food Foundation, but the charity said that the Kings Speech had been sorely lacking in plans for immediate action that is so desperately needed to relieve the families across the UK who are going hungry.

Shona Goudie, policy and advocacy manager at the charity, repeated the call for the cap to be scrapped, but said that there are other measures the new government can take at the same time.

She said: We urge the government to set reducing childrens food insecurity as a goal for the child poverty task force and Childrens Wellbeing Bill, and to take critical next steps to achieve this, including ensuring the national minimum/living wage and benefit levels cover the cost of basic essentials, including food; extending eligibility for nutritional safety nets, including free school meals at lunchtime and Healthy Start; and abolishing the two-child benefit limit.

The Department for Work and Pensions has been contacted for comment.
Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband have unveiled the creation of GB Energy  the publicly owned clean power company that Labour promised in its manifesto, to cut bills for good and boost energy security.

The prime minister said the new company reflects a fundamental belief that we should own and make things in Britain. And the energy security and net zero secretary said: Great British Energy comes from a simple idea  that the British people should own and benefit from our natural resources.

As Louise Haigh, the transport secretary, has already announced plans to renationalise the railways, it seems that the idea of public ownership is back in fashion. Indeed, one government aide has been quoted as saying that GB Energy will prove the case for 21st-century modern public ownership.

So what will Labour nationalise?

Actually, not much. GB Energy is not even going to generate any energy. Despite the manifesto saying it will deliver power back to the British people, it will essentially be a public investment vehicle. It will invest in energy projects alongside the private sector, helping get them off the ground, lead projects through development stages to speed up their delivery, and support local energy generation projects through working with local authorities.

Meanwhile, Haigh published a bill last week that would ban any new private rail franchises, while confirming that existing franchises would be taken back into public ownership when they expire. The first is likely to be Avanti West Coast, which expires in 2026, although it could be taken over earlier for poor performance.

This will make little difference in practice, however, as the track is already run by Network Rail, a government-owned company, and the train operating companies were heavily subsidised during the pandemic. Four English franchises are currently under government control: LNER, Southeastern, Northern and TransPennine Express, along with Transport for Wales and ScotRail.

The Labour manifesto also promised to lift the ban on municipal ownership of bus services. Finally, it is possible that the government may be forced to step in to take control of Thames Water, the privatised water company that is close to going bust.

Didnt Starmer promise more than that?

Keir Starmer was elected Labour leader in 2020 on a programme that included this promise of wider public ownership: Public services should be in public hands, not making profits for shareholders. Support common ownership of rail, mail, energy and water.

However, he backed off those commitments, except the first one, rail, saying that the economic situation had changed and that he could not justify the expense of compensating shareholders.

This was the latest zig in Labours zigzag on the issue since Tony Blair ditched the partys commitment to nationalisation in 1995.

Shortly after he became leader, Blair persuaded the party to abandon the old Clause IV of its constitution, dating from 1918, which set out its aim: To secure for the workers by hand or by brain the full fruits of their industry and the most equitable distribution thereof that may be possible upon the basis of the common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange...

Blair argued that public ownership was neither efficient nor equitable and urged the party to focus on what works.

In government, Labour ended up nationalising major British banks when Gordon Brown as prime minister led a rescue of the financial sector after the crash in 2008, but the government did not use its shareholdings to dictate the banks commercial policies and eventually sold its stakes back to the private sector.

When Jeremy Corbyn was elected Labour leader in 2015, he promised to nationalise everything on Starmers 2020 list, although he never sought to restore the old Clause IV of the partys constitution.

Now Starmer has gone most of the way back to Blairs position  but with a few slogans and pragmatic adjustments as a gesture towards those parts of public opinion for whom the idea of public ownership may be more appealing than the reality.
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Violence and self-harm in Britains prisons is soaring while drugs are readily available with almost a quarter of jails overcrowded, grim new data has revealed.

Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures on Thursday laid bare the scale of the chaos in UK prisons, days after the justice secretary announced emergency measures to ease the crisis.

The figures showed self-harm rates in UK prisons are at their highest on record, with 73,804 incidents of self-harm in the past year, the equivalent of one prisoner hurting themselves every seven minutes. Assaults hit a post-pandemic high in the last year, with 28,292 violent assaults across the estate.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood claimed the government had no option but to release prisoners early (Joe Giddens/PA) ( PA Wire )

The number of prisons deemed overcrowded shot up for the third year in a row, with 23.6 per cent of jails now housing too many prisoners. And prison performance ratings showed four in 10 prisons are now deemed of concern or serious concern.

The MoJ said violence and self-harm are becoming more prevalent because of widespread drug use within prisons, with drug finds having risen 44 per cent compared with the previous 12 months and discoveries of drugs-related equipment soaring 107 per cent.

With The Independent recently revealing figures showing just one in five jails had enough riot officers, the new data showed incidents of violent concerted indiscipline rose 70 per cent to hit 179 in the past year, with a further 58 hostage situations and 7,783 incidents at height, involving inmates climbing onto roofs or netting.

The crisis means prisons, which have been running at 99 per cent capacity since the start of 2023, have struggled to give prisoners time out of cells and deliver the activity needed to combat violence, drug use and self-harm.

The Prime Minister has said he is beyond frustrated with the prisons overcrowding crisis as the Government prepares to free more criminals early (PA) ( PA Wire )

The MoJ also warned that the prisons crisis is worsening reoffending rates and putting the public at risk.

Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood said: Our prisons are in crisis, leading to endemic violence and harm behind bars.

These statistics reveal what is really happening inside jails today, and why we had no choice but to act. This government will always protect the public, lock up dangerous offenders, and make prisons safe for prisoners and the brave staff who work there.

Andrea Coomber KC, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: These shocking statistics tell us why the new government was absolutely right to take steps to ease pressure on the prison population, and why further action will be needed to change prisons for the better.

The Independent has repeatedly highlighted the deepening crisis in Britains prisons from overcrowding to staff shortages and drug abuse.

This newspaper reported last year on warnings from the chief inspector of prisons that overcrowding was a ticking time bomb and prisoners would need to be released early.

In a December interview, Charlie Taylor also told The Independent that incredibly squalid jail conditions would make it much more likely for prisoners to reoffend after their sentences.

The Independent also revealed in March that prisons were grappling with a shortage of officers trained to deal with riots, experts warning of a likely explosion of violence.

And on Monday, this newspaper reported on warnings from the chief inspector of probation that the service is struggling to cope in 97 per cent of areas - even before government plans to release thousands of prisoners early.

This month, Ms Mahmood confirmed around 5,500 prisoners will be released early in a bid to avert a disaster sparked by the overcrowding crisis.

Under the early release scheme, thousands of criminals will serve 40 per cent of their sentence, instead of being freed at the halfway point of their prison term.

Sir Keir Starmers prisons minister said jails are creating better criminals, not better citizens ( PA Wire )

Prisoners serving sentences under four years will be applicable, and those in jail for sex, terrorism and domestic offences will be excluded.

Without the measures, the justice secretary warned Britain risked facing a total breakdown in law and order.

She painted a bleak picture as she warned that the current situation threatened the collapse of the criminal justice system and a total breakdown of law and order  with looters running amok, smashing in windows, robbing shops and setting neighbourhoods alight.

Ms Coomber added: Much of the focus of policy has been on the crisis of prison capacity, with the number of available cells at the foremost of peoples minds. These figures remind us that there is a crisis of human misery behind bars too.

Exposing people to environments of rising violence and mental distress will do nothing to turn their lives around and away from crime. This is exactly why the prime minister was correct to describe the prison system as broken. We can do much better than this.

The figures come a day after Lord Timpson, Sir Keir Starmers new prisons minister, warned that Britains jails are creating better criminals, not better citizens.

The new minister, whose family company prides itself on employing ex-offenders, said almost 80 per cent of offences are reoffending.
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The Labour government has used flights scheduled to deport migrants under the Tories scrapped Rwanda scheme to return failed asylum seekers to Vietnam and Timor-Leste.

The Home Office has announced that a charter flight took 46 migrants to the Asian countries on Wednesday.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper told MPs this week that flight planning for the scrapped Rwanda deportation scheme would be redirected to deport criminals and immigration offenders.

She said: We have immediately replaced the flight planning for Rwanda with actual flights to return people who have no right to stay to their home countries instead.

Wednesdays flight is the UKs first charter returns flight to Timor-Leste, and the first to Vietnam since 2022, the Home Office said.

Officials said the flight arrived at Timor-Leste at around 9am on Thursday, having stopped in Vietnam. The Home Office described migrants on the deportation flight as 46 criminals and immigration offenders.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper said the government was taking quick and decisive action ( PA )

Ms Cooper said: Todays flight shows the government is taking quick and decisive action to secure our borders and return those with no right to be here.

We thank the government of Vietnam and Timor-Leste for their cooperation, without which this could never have happened. Our strong diplomatic bonds with other countries have never been more crucial to our mission to bring order back into the asylum and immigration system, tackling irregular migration, and making sure the rules are properly respected and enforced.

Earlier this week, Ms Cooper revealed that Rishi Sunaks government had already spent 700m on the plan to remove asylum seekers to Rwanda and had planned to spend a further 10bn.

Ms Cooper said the amount already spent includes a 290m payment to Rwanda, as well as chartering flights that never took off, detaining hundreds of people and then releasing them, and paying for more than a thousand civil servants to work on the scheme.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly, who had been in charge of the scrapped scheme, accused Ms Cooper of using made-up numbers and criticised the governments discourtesy to the Rwandan government.
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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.
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Rightwing Tory MP Suella Bravermans bid to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader may come to an end before it even begins despite huge support among ordinary party members.

The Independent understands that the former home secretary is struggling to get the 10 MPs needed to put her on the ballot paper to become the next Conservative leader as rightwing Brexiteers look at Robert Jenrick as an alternative candidate.

Allies have warned that a Stop Suella campaign is running among parliamentarians because of the uncomfortable truths she spoke about the state of the party and her enormous support among ordinary members.

Who are the runners and riders in the Tory leadership contest

Former home secretary Suella Braverman is hoping to get on the leadership ballot paper (James Manning/PA) ( PA Wire )

A survey by the Conservative Post has been sent to 14,000 verified registered party members with dramatic results. From the first 3,091 respondents Ms Braverman has picked up more than 1,000 votes as the best leader well ahead of former business secretary Kemi Badenoch in second place with just over 400. The two centrist One Nation candidates on the left of the party - James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat - are trailing in the last two places with less than 300.

The contrast between the MPs and members appears to show that the rift between the two groups is widening even after the catastrophic election defeat on 4 July.

While Ms Bravermans rightwing rhetoric is popular among members, MPs have claimed she is too toxic to win over the wider public.

Ms Braverman has attracted negative headlines with her support for the Rwanda deportation scheme as her dream, her description of pro-Gaza supporters as hate marchers, her call to takeaway homeless peoples tents, her claim that LGBTQ+ flag represented child mutilation which left her physically repulsed and her description of imigrants arriving on small boats as an invasion.

But supporters have warned that keeping Ms Braverman off the ballot paper will be the last straw for many ordinary members who are generally more rightwing than the partys MPs.

Braverman ally Claire Bullivant, editor of the Conservative Post and chief executive of the grassroots Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO), warned that keeping Ms Braverman off the ballot could destroy the party.

She told The Independent: There appears to be a Stop Suella campaign among MPs. They must be afraid of her popularity with members and her ability to articulate their conservative values as well as identify what has been going wrong since the removal of Boris Johnson.

"After the disaster of the election MPs have no right to continue to act in this arrogant way.

"If Suella is kept off the ballot then it will only serve to widen the rift between ordinary party members and MPs. MPs need to remember who stuck by them, delivered their leaflets, knocked doors and took abuse for them during a very difficult campaign.

Ms Bullivant has been tracking Tory membership moving to Reform UK which Nigel Farage announced last week had hit 70,000.

She said: "Unfortunately this unacceptable behaviour by MPs will have consequences. We are already seeing a flight of thousands of members defecting to Reform. If Suella is not even allowed on the ballot that switch to Nigel Farage will only get worse and accelerate.

Ms Bullivant added: "We all believe in this great party and want to see it restored to power. But at the moment those holding power within it are leading it to destruction."

However, with Mr Jenrick now officially nominated, the remnants of the Tory rightwing after the election wipeout on 4 July appear to have decided to go with a less controversial figure in the hope of backing the winning candidate. An ally of Ms Bravermans said she was struggling to get the nominations.

Mr Jenrick was one of Ms Bravermans deputies in the Home Office when he was immigration minister before he resigned in protest over Mr Sunaks approach to the Rwanda deportation scheme, which he claimed did not go far enough.

While he and Ms Braverman, who was sacked just before his resignation, formed an hardline alliance during the Rwanda debate, the two have ended up as rivals for the rightwing ticket with Mr Jenrick taking support away from his former boss.

Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick (Jonathan Brady/PA) ( PA Wire )

The Independent understands six MPs had backed Ms Braverman including her mentor Sir John Hayes, who had flirted with supporting Mr Jenrick. But key figures like Danny Kruger switched to the Jenrick camp to become campaign manager because they believe he is in a better position to win.

Ms Braverman had also been criticised by her colleagues for declaring defeat for the Tories two days before people went to the polling stations and her comments attacking colleagues for being liberal afterwards. She also had public spats with Mr Jenrick and the bookies favourite for the contest, Kemi Badenoch.

Ms Braverman is meeting with allies to discuss her next move and whether she should support someone else or continue to try to get enough nominations by Monday.

However, her cause has not been helped by the decision by the Brexiteer European Research Group (ERG) not to make any decision on supporting candidates until after the summer.

Explaining why he has backed Mr Jenrick, Mr Kruger, who founded the rightwing New Conservatives movement, said: "To have any path back to government we must win back those voters we have lost, across the board but particularly to Reform. At the same time we have to bring our party together, united behind one set of coherent Conservative principles."

Meanwhile, it is understood that another former home secretary Priti Patel is close to submitting her nomination papers and is set to also win some of the few remaining rightwing Tory MPs.

Another former home secretary James Cleverly and former security minister Tom Tugendhat have already announced that they have nominations to proceed. Former business secretary Kemi Badenoch is expected to also enter the race and could end up as the rightwing candidate.

Former work and pensions secretary Mel Stride declared his intention to stand on Friday morning.
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Tom Tugendhats campaign has had to change its slogan after it spelt out a rather unfortunate word.

The original slogan read: Together we can, Unite the party. Rebuild trust. Defeat Labour but it was soon pointed out that the first letter of the first word of each sentence read as turd.

It was quietly changed on Thursday, with the final line being replaced with the words: Win back the country.

Click here to read our live politics coverage.

Mr Tugendhat, who launched his campaign on Wednesday, is seen to be a candidate from the moderate wing of the party.

But he has indicated that he would be prepared to leave the European Convention on Human Rights if necessary in order to take control of Britains borders  something which could ruffle feathers in the moderate wing of the party.

Speaking to Sky about the UKs membership of the ECHR, he said he is prepared to make any decision necessary to keep Britain safe.

The former security minister added: I think youve got to be clear-eyed about this. We should never be a part of any organisation that doesnt serve our interests.

We should never be part of any alliance that doesnt promote the security - and prosperity falls into that.

His campaign has so far seen him highlight his track record of delivery, having served in Iraq and Afghanistan, done a stint as security minister and stood up to dictators in parliament.

Tom Tugendhat was one of the first MPs to declare he was running ( PA Archive )

Mr Tugendhat admitted that his party lost the election because the public had quite understandably lost trust with us, because we failed to deliver.

On Thursday, Robert Jenrick became the third MP to announce his leadership bid, joining Mr Tugendhat and former home secretary James Cleverly.

Priti Patel, Mel Stride, Kemi Badenoch and Suella Braverman are yet to formally declare they are standing but are expected to do so before Mondays deadline.

They must secure nominations from 10 MPs in order to make it onto the ballot paper. The new leader of the Conservative Party will be appointed on November 2.

The shortlist is expected to be whittled down gradually until the final four are paraded in front of party members at its conference in October.
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The Conservatives latest leadership contest is underway after Rishi Sunak led the party to its worst election defeat in history.

A string of senior figures have thrown their hats in the ring to succeed the former PM and lead the party through the next five years in opposition.

Robert Jenrick has emerged as the frontrunner among to take leadership of the party as former home secretary Dame Priti Patel was eliminated from the contest.

Former immigration minister Mr Jenrick picked up 28 votes in the first ballot of MPs, with bookmakers favourite Kemi Badenoch in second place on 22.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly was one vote behind on 21, shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat on 17 and shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride on 16.

Dame Priti picked up just 14 votes and so was knocked out at the first stage of the race to replace Rishi Sunak.

The shortlist will be whittled down gradually until a final four are paraded in front of the party faithful at Octobers Tory conference.

The Independent looks at the runners and riders to take the reins from Mr Sunak.

Who has officially declared?

James Cleverly

Former home secretary James Cleverly avoided losing his seat, unlike many of his cabinet colleagues ( Sky )

James Cleverly became the first contender to formally launch a leadership bid, promising to unite the warring party weeks after Mr Sunaks historic defeat.

A former home secretary, he promised to overturn Starmers loveless landslide and restore the confidence of the British people in us as a party. Mr Cleverlys appeal comes from having served as home and foreign secretary, two of the UKs great offices of state. He is also seen as more moderate than candidates such as Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch, while still taking a hard-line approach to legal and illegal migration.

He received 21 votes in the first ballot of MPs.

Odds: 5/1

Tom Tugendhat

Tom Tugendhat also flew out of the traps launching his leadership bid ( Sky News )

One of the great hopes of the One Nation Conservatives, security minister Tom Tugendhat also flew out of the traps to launch his leadership bid just a day after Mr Cleverly.

Mr Tugendhat stood unsuccessfully for the leadership two years ago, placing fifth in the contest which saw Liz Truss take over as prime minister.

He is considered to have grown in stature since then and has had a job in cabinet that he can use to argue he is a serious leader who can take his party through difficult times.

After formally entering the race, he highlighted his track record of delivery, having served in Iraq and Afghanistan, enjoyed a stint as security minister and stood up to dictators in parliament.

Shadow security minister Mr Tugendhat received 17 votes in the first ballot of MPs.

Odds: 15/2

Robert Jenrick

Robert Jenrick is seen as a figure who could entice former Tory voters back in ( PA )

A one-time close ally of Mr Sunak, he also turned on the former PM over issues such as immigration and housebuilding in the dying days of his premiership.

Some Tory MPs, on both wings of the party, are wary of his apparent change of heart on the issue. But he is seen as someone with the politics to win back right-wing voters lost to Reform UK, with the personality of David Cameron to help the Tories win back those who voted for the Liberal Democrats in the blue wall.

Mr Jenricks campaign manager, Danny Kruger, said the former immigration minister has the energy, temperament and policy agenda to take on our rivals and lead us back to power in 5 years.

Jenrick has emerged as the frontrunner among Tory MPs after picking up 28 votes in the first ballot.

Odds: 5/4

Mel Stride

Mel Stride is a surprise entrant to the Tory leadership election, with the staunch Sunak ally painting himself as a One Nation figure to unite the MPs that remain ( BBC )

Mel Stride is a surprise entrant to the Tory leadership election, with the staunch Sunak ally painting himself as a One Nation figure to unite the MPs that remain.

The former work and pensions secretary became a key figurehead for Mr Sunaks failed election campaign, regularly appearing on the airwaves to advocate for the Conservative Party.

Mr Stride said the Tory party had substantially lost the trust of the British people as well as its reputation for competence.

He received 16 votes in the first ballot of MPs.

Odds: 40/1

Kemi Badenoch

Shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch is the bookmakers favourite ( PA )

The combative former business secretary, who has been involved in a number of high-profile clashes, has previously been seen as a front-runner. She had a good run when she competed for the leadership in 2022.

A one-time darling of the Conservative right, she was seen to have blotted her copybook when she canned a pledged bonfire of EU red tape.

She officially launched her campaign the night before nominations opened, calling for the contest to be a debate about what it means to be a Conservative. Diagnosing the Tory election defeat, she added that we deserved to lose because the past decade saw us twist and turn in the wind, unsure of who we were.

Ms Badenoch came in second place in the first ballot of MPs with 22 votes.

Odds: 13/8

Who has dropped out or been eliminated?

Suella Braverman

Former home secretary Suella Braverman is widely expected to launch a bid to lead the party from the right ( PA )

Suella Braverman has dropped out of the race before the nominations deadline, despite claiming she had the number of MPs required.

The former home secretarys bid for the leadership was plagued by early setbacks as key backers from the Tory right fell in behind her rival Mr Jenrick. Key figures such as Danny Kruger and her longtime mentor Sir John Hayes were to support the former immigration minister over Ms Braverman, all but ending her hopes of commanding enough support from the party to win.

Ms Braverman caused a shock when she dramatically resigned from Mr Sunaks cabinet. At the time, she warned him that his Rwanda deportation plan would fail and that he was leading the party into electoral oblivion.

Her more extreme attacks on her own party are seen as helping the chances of her opponents, including Ms Patel.

But, dropping out before nominations opened, Ms Braverman said she had the required support to run but that the Tory Party does not want to hear the truths Ive set out.

Priti Patel

Priti Patel resigned as home secretary after Liz Truss became Tory leader ( PA )

Dame Priti Patel promised a revolution in the Conservative Party by offering to hand back some control of policy to ordinary party members and allow them to elect key officials. She officially entered the race over the weekend.

She picked up just 14 votes and so was knocked out at the first stage of the race to replace Rishi Sunak.

Responding to her loss in the ballot, she paid tribute to Tory members, councillors and association officers she met during her campaign as the heart and soul of our party, and insisted the Conservatives must grow their membership and reach a younger voter base.

She also called on fellow Tories to unite around our Conservative values.
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Tom Tugendhat has emerged as an early frontrunner in the Tory leadership contest because he has the lowest negative rating with members of the public.

According to Savanta, the former security minister has a net rating of -3 with the wider public and +28 with 2024 Tory voters.

It comes in stark contrast to former home secretary Priti Patel who has scored -28 net rating with the public and +7 with Conservative voters.

The pair are among seven MPs understood to be entering their names into the race as nominations open today for contenders to replace Rishi Sunak. They are set to close on Monday with those getting the support of 10 other Tory MPs allowed to go forward.

A four month contest will see members eventually pick from a final two decided by Tory MPs with the winner unveiled on 2 November after four months.

Tom Tugendhat hs emerged as the most popular contender (Lucy North/PA) ( PA Archive )

Last night former home secretary James Cleverly launched his campaign with a video but he has not fared well in the survey polling at -9 with the public and +19 with Conservative voters.

The bookmakers favourite is former business secretary Kemi Badenoch who scored -12 with the wider public and +10 among 2024 Conservative voters.

Outspoken former home secretary Suella Braverman who has publicly attacked a number of her rivals and warned that the party was too liberal in government scored -23 with the public and just +8 among 2024 Conservative voters.

Others believed to be putting their names forward are Robert Jenrick and Mel Stride.

Outgoing Conservative leader Rishi Sunak's net favourability is currently -28, a five point improvement on his record low -33 post-election on 7 July.

Chris Hopkins, political research director at Savanta said: "The person who will most likely welcome our findings is Tom Tugendhat, who is the most popular Conservative leadership contender among the public and Conservative voters of those we polled. James Cleverly, who just announced his candidacy, is not far behind. Game on."

Cleverly has launched his campaign ( BBC )

Meanwhile, the election victory has seen a boost for Sir Keir Starmer and his chancellor Rachel Reeves results.

Ms Reeves (+7), in particular has become nearly as popular with the public as Starmer (+9), who is currently the most well-liked politician in the country.

Mr Hopkins said: "Rachel Reeves' surefooted start to her time in Number 11, taken alongside the post-election honeymoon for Labour, has meant that she is now one of the most popular politicians in the country - just behind Labour leader Keir Starmer."

One of the biggest beneficiaries has been Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey whose antics during the election including plunging into water and going down slides saw him increase the number of his partys MPs to 72.

One month ago (21-23 June) had a net favourability of -4, and now stands at +3, an improvement of seven percentage points.
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Three teen suspects connected to the death of an Ohio mother who tried to stop thieves from carjacking her SUV while her child was inside have been arrested after one turned themselves in.

Alexa Stakely, 29, was fatally struck by her own vehicle in what appeared to be an attempted carjacking in Columbus. Investigators say the mother was chasing her car as it still had her six-year-old son inside.

After almost two weeks of searching for the suspects, a 16-year-old boy was accompanied by his parents on Wednesday to the Columbus Police Headquarters and agreed to be interviewed by detectives.

While being questioned, the teenager admitted to stealing Stakelys Honda and causing her death, then was subsequently arrested and charged with murder, according to a media release from the Columbus Division of Police.

The 16-year-old told the Columbus police that he and two friends were looking for a vehicle to steal when they spotted the single mothers Honda.

While the two friends watched, the teenager got into Stakelys car and was about to drive off when the mother appeared in front of her Honda, police said.

The teen then claimed that he panicked and began to drive off, striking Stakely with her own vehicle, the release stated.

Stakely was found by officers lying in the roadway suffering from traumatic injuries before she was transported to hospital and pronounced dead, the police stated.

The suspect told police that after the incident, he abandoned the Honda and rejoined his two friends on foot.

Gerald Dowling Jr, 19, (left) was among three teenagers arrested in connection to the death of Alexa Stakely, 29 (right) after she was hit by her own vehicle in an alleged attempted carjacking ( Franklin County Ohio Sheriff )

Following the arrest of the first teen, a second juvenile suspect was identified and interviewed by police, where he admitted to being present with a third party during the theft of the Honda, the police said in a social media update.

This suspect has also been charged with murder. The Independent is not naming the two juveniles at this time.

A third male, and the only adult of the group, 19-year-old Gerald Dowling Jr, turned himself in later on Wednesday night, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

Franklin County Jail records show Dowling, who was arrested Wednesday, as having also been charged with murder.

Dowling had his first court appearance on Thursday at the Franklin County Municipal Court, where he was given a bond set at $10m.

On 11 July, Stakely had picked her son, Deluca, up from an apartment complex on the Southeast Side of Columbus around 1.30 pm.

After putting her son in her Honda SUV, realized shed forgotten something from the babysitter.

She went back to the babysitters home and left the car running. When the woman returned to her SUV, she noticed it backing out of the driveway. According to The Columbus Dispatch, she ran after the car while yelling for her son before she was hit by the vehicle.

Alexa Stakely, 29, was killed after her own vehicle hit her during the theft of her Honda, police say. Three teenagers have now been arrested in connection to her death ( Columbus Division of Police )

An officer with the Columbus Police Department found the SUV with the womans son asleep in the backseat nearby. The boy said he didnt see who was driving because he was asleep.

Investigators said witnesses noticed two men running from the area where the woman had been hit. They then jumped a fence and ran into a neighboring apartment complex as the woman was on the ground.

Based on surveillance footage obtained by police, a group of men were looking into apartments a block away from where the incident happened. The description of the men looking into apartments matched that of the suspects who ran from the car after the woman was hit.

Stakely worked as a speech pathologist for Canal Winchester Local Schools and as a waitress to support her son.

A GoFundMe has been created to help support the womans son. As of Thursday, it had surpassed its $15,000 goal and raised $93,000. The womans son is being taken care of by family members, police said.

The friend who created the post described her as a coffee addict who loved anything with salt on it and had a soft spot for trash TV.

She was incredibly smart and sassy in the best way. She will be incredibly missed by the peoples lives she touched, the page read.

Before the suspects turned themselves in, Sergeant James Fuqua said, They know what they did, adding he doesnt believe the men intended to kill the woman.

If you have any information on the identity of the suspect, please call Detective Lemmon at 614-645-2558 or the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
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Lawyers for Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger argued that his chances of a fair trial have been ruined by relentless and highly inflammatory media coverage, as they sought a venue change for his trial.

In a lengthy filing, released on Tuesday, lawyers said that remedies including enlarging the jury pool would not cure the problem and requested the venue be changed from Latah County to Boise.

They argued that Kohbergers constitutional rights would be impacted by the small size of the jury pool.

A fair and impartial jury cannot be found in Latah County because of the extensive publicity that is ongoing and inflammatory, the filing stated. The inflammatory nature of the publicity has included inaccurate information and inadmissible information.

The publicity has been extremely pervasive in the small community of Latah County. Remediations, such as enlarging the jury pool will not cure the problem.

Bryan Kohberger is escorted into a courtroom to appear at a hearing in Latah County District Court in September 2023 ( AP )

Kohberger, a 29-year-old criminology PhD student, is currently awaiting trial for the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, who were all found brutally stabbed to death in November 2022.

Police linked Kohberger to the murders that rocked the college town through DNA found on a knife sheath, cell phone data, an eyewitness account and his white Hyundai Elantra.

He faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary in the case, with prosecutors intending to seek the death penalty if a jury convicts him.

The Idaho capital of Boise is located in Ada County, the states largest county with more than 500,000 residents. The county has more than 10 times as many potential jurors than Latah County, and gives Kohberger the best chance at an impartial jury, according to Tuesdays filing.

Latah County is, in all regards, a nice, quaint close-knit community that sticks together, said Anne Taylor, Kohbergers lead public defender.

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.
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A former staffer at an Alabama church has pleaded guilty to stealing $300,000 from her employer to buy gifts for TikTokers she liked.

Kristen Marie Battocletti, 35, stole the staggering amount of cash from St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, between April and October of 2023, according to the Department of Justice.

Battocletti formerly served as an administrative assistant at the church, according to the US attorneys office in Alabamas northern district. She reportedly used the access granted by her job to make more than 600 unauthorized transactions with church funds, AL.com reports.

She spent approximately $220,000 on herself and on TikTok Coins, which are an in-app currency that users can spend on gifts for their favorite creators.

On Tuesday, Battocletti pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud.

A church worker in Alabama pleaded guilty to stealing more than $300,000 from her employer, some of which she used to buy TikTok Coins for her favorite creators ( Getty Images )

According to the Alabama DA's office, the maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison, with three years of supervised release, as well as a $250,000 fine.

Battocletti is scheduled to be sentenced on November 26, according to AL.com.

She's not the only one to plead guilty to swiping hundreds of thousands from her church this month.

Next door in Missouri, a priest pleaded guilty in early July to stealing $300,000 from his church, according to the Catholic News Agency.

Father Ignazio Medina led the flock at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville for 10 years between 2013 and 2021, according to the US Attorneys Office for Missouris Western District.

Officials at the church began noticing financial irregularities in 2018, and upon further investigation located a bank account that was not previously reported in the churchs financial documents.

By 2020, the secret account had almost $360,000 in it. When Medina moved to a new parish in 2021, he emptied the account, sending $100,000 to his sister in Arizona and pocketing the rest.

Prosecutors said Medina tried to explain away the situation when he "claimed the bank account was funded by donations that were not intended for the parish itself but rather were intended for his own discretionary use.

Parishioners who spoke to investigators made clear their donations had not been intended for use by Medina for his own purposes.

Medina will face up to 10 years in prison, according to prosecutors.
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Two more Massachusetts State Police officers linked to the high-profile Karen Read murder case are facing an internal affairs investigation, joining a third trooper, Michael Proctor, who was suspended earlier this month while facing a probe of his own.

Detective Lieutenant Brian Tully and Sergeant Yuri Bukhenik will remain on active duty while the investigation takes place, the state police told NBC News.

Tully supervised the Norfolk County detective unit where Proctor worked during the Read investigation, while Bukhenik was part of a group that received offensive messages from Proctor about Read as officers investigated her alleged 2022 killing of her boyfriend John OKeefe, a Boston police officer.

Tully, through a representative at the Norfolk County DAs office, told The Independent he had no comment besides that he was looking forward to the conclusion of the review.

The Independent has contacted Bukhenik and the state police union for comment.

The state police told the Associated Press it wouldnt comment on the nature of the investigation in fairness to the integrity of the pending investigative outcomes.

The investigations are the latest dark cloud over the Read case, which ended in a mistrial earlier this month.

Prosecutors allege Read backed her SUV into OKeefe and left him for dead in the snow, while the defense argues Read was framed.

Proctor, the lead investigator in the high-profile murder case, was suspended without pay earlier this month, after coming under scrutiny for a series of offensive, misogynistic text messages the officer sent to friends and colleagues about the investigation.

During the nine-week Read trial, Proctor admitted in testimony that he sent a series of inappropriate texts about Read.

The texts included messages where he joked about hoping to find nude photos on her phone, mocked her Crohns disease, referred to her with a misogynist slur, and said he hoped she killed herself.

Proctor has previously acknowledged that the messages crossed the line, describing them as having dehumanized Read, but has stood by his police work in the case.

These juvenile, unprofessional comments have zero impact on the facts and the evidence and the integrity of this investigation, he testified.

In August, a court will hear oral arguments on a defense motion to dismiss two of the charges against Read, and a retrial is planned for January.
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A county court in California is weighing whether to release Adrian Jerry Gonzalez, who as a teenager brutally murdered his 8-year-old neighbor Madyson Maddy Middleton.

Gonzalez, who pleaded guilty in 2021 to the 2015 killing, is currently being held at a youth prison in Sonoma County but will age out of the juvenile system later this year when he turns 25.

Gonzalez was 15 when as Middletons neighbor at the Tannery Arts Center apartment complex in Santa Cruz, he lured the 8-year-old to his apartment with an offer of ice cream, according to prosecutors.

A California court is deciding whether to approve the release of Adrian Jerry Gonzalez who as a teenager brutally murdered his 8-year-old neighbor Madyson Maddy Middleton

Once inside, Gonzalez grabbed the child by the throat, duct-taped her mouth, and choked her. Thinking she was dead, he sexually assaulted her and then put her body in a trash can at the apartment complex.

Adrian decided to kill Madyson to prevent her from reporting his behavior to their mothers, who were friends, Santa Cruz County Chief Deputy District Attorney Tara George said in court this week, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Adrian choked Madyson for about 15 to 30 minutes, until she was blue.

The killing shocked Santa Cruz, a quaint beach town on Californias Central Coast.

Were just devastated. These are two of our kids, and one is dead and one has been taken away, one resident told The Los Angeles Times. This is the most horrible thing you can imagine.

The DAs office, as well as the Santa Cruz County Probation Department, oppose Gonzalezs release.

The prosecutors office challenged Gonzalezs release in May.

The Santa Cruz County Superior Court is hearing testimony through the end of the month and then will decide whether the county has probable cause to seek the delay. If the court rules for the prosecutors, the matter will then move to a jury trial.

Gonzalez was charged as an adult, but before his trial, California passed SB 1391 in 2019, which bars the state from prosecuting 14 and 15-year-olds as adult offenders, prompting the case to move to juvenile court.

State policy again impacted Gonzalezs fate in 2023, when the state closed its separate juvenile justice prison system and ordered young offenders back to the counties where they were charged.

Santa Cruz, lacking adequate facilities, sent the youth to Sonoma County.

In court, Ashley Mowrey, a clinical forensic psychologist at the San Francisco Forensic Institute, testified that Gonzalez scored above average on one sexual risk assessment test, and as a moderate risk on another, but didnt show signs of pedophilia or sexual sadism, according to Lookout Santa Cruz.
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A prison has ignored a court order to release an inmate whose conviction was overturned  for the second time.

Christopher Dunns conviction for a 1990 killing was thrown out on Monday but he remains locked up.

Dunn, 52, has spent 33 years behind bars, and he remained on Tuesday at the state prison in Licking. The State of Missouri shall immediately discharge Christopher Dunn from its custody, Sengheiser's ruling states.

Dunn wasn't released after his conviction was overturned because Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey appealed the judge's ruling, and we're awaiting the outcome of that legal action, Missouri Department of Corrections spokeswoman Karen Pojmann said in an email on Tuesday.

The decision to keep Dunn incarcerated puzzled St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore, whose office investigated his case and determined he was wrongfully convicted, prompting a May hearing before Sengheiser.

In our view, the judges order was very clear, ordering his immediate release, Gore said at a news conference. Based on that, we are considering what approach and what legal options we have to obtain Mr. Dunns relief. He declined to specify what legal options were under consideration.

Dunn's situation is similar to what happened to Sandra Hemme, 64, who 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 Midwest Innocence Project, which worked to free Hemme and Dunn.

Sandra Hemme ( Innocence Project )

But 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. She was released later that day.

The judge also scolded Baileys office for calling the Chillicothe warden and telling prison officials not to release Hemme after he ordered her to be freed on her own recognizance. It wasnt clear if the attorney generals office similarly called prison officials at the prison where Dunn is housed.

Dunn's wife, Kira, said they would hold off really celebrating until he's out of prison.

We are overjoyed, and at the same time, were also afraid to really exhale until Chris actually takes his first free steps and feels the free ground against his feet, Kira Dunn said at the news conference. When that happens, I think all these feelings weve been holding onto for so long will finally erupt.

Dunn was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1990 shooting of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers. Gore filed a motion in February seeking to vacate the guilty verdict.

After weighing the case for nearly two months, Sengheiser issued a ruling that cited "a clear and convincing showing of actual innocence that undermines the basis for Dunns convictions because in light of new evidence, no juror, acting reasonably, would have voted to find Dunn guilty of these crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.

Lawyers for Bailey's 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.

A Missouri law adopted in 2021 lets prosecutors request hearings when they see evidence of a wrongful conviction. Although Baileys office is not required to oppose such efforts, he also did so 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. Bailey's office is opposing the challenge to Williams' conviction, too.

The hearing comes with urgency. Williams is scheduled to be executed Sept. 24.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell filed a motion in January to vacate the conviction of Williams for the fatal stabbing of Lisha Gayle in 1998. Bells motion said three experts determined that Williams DNA was not on the handle of the butcher knife used in the killing.

Williams narrowly escaped execution before. In 2017, then-Gov. Eric Greitens granted a stay and appointed a board of inquiry to examine innocence claim. The board never issued a ruling, and Gov. Mike Parson, like Greitens a Republican, dissolved it last year.

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled in June that Parson had the authority to dissolve the board and set the September execution date.
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The heartbroken families of the Uvalde school massacre victims said more police officers should be indicted over the lax law enforcement response  as one officer pleaded not guilty to dozens of criminal charges.

Adrian Gonzales, 51, a former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer, faces 29 counts of abandoning and endangering a child in connection with the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022.

Former student at the school Salvador Ramos, 18, opened fire on those inside the building with a semi-automatic assault rifle, shooting dead 19 students and two teachers, leaving 17 further casualties.

Almost 400 Texas authorities flooded to the scene, but waited 77 minutes to confront the gunman inside. Video footage captured officers outside in the hallways as victims lay bleeding out and begging for help or dead from their bullet wounds in the deadliest school shooting in more than a decade.

The Uvalde massacre at Robb Elementary School was the worst school shootings in a decade, seeing 21 killed ( AP )

On Thursday, family members who lost children at the hands of Ramos attended court to watch Gonzales arraignment. He pleaded not guilty to all 29 felony counts.

Gonzales and police chief Pete Arredondo are the only law enforcement officers indicted on criminal charges. Arredondo waived his right to an arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty. He faces 10 state felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child.

Each charge carries up to two years in jail if convicted.

Jerry Mata lost his 10-year-old little girl, Tess, in the massacre. He is now questioning why more of the 370-plus police officers at the scene arent also answering to the courts.

For only two to be indicted, there should have been more because there was a lot of ranking officers during that day that knew what to do but decided not to, Mata said after Gonzales hearing.

Well take what we get and were just gonna continue fighting for the kids and the two teachers and see it all the way through, he added.

Gonzales, a former district officer pleaded not guitly to abandoning and endangering children ( Uvalde County Sheriffs Office )

Gonzalez went to check on a vehicle collision that had been reported near the school, he told investigators. He then heard gunfire ring out and entered Robb Elementarys south hallway with Arrendondo.

He said to have tried  and failed  to call a SWAT team and left the building.

Once I got out to get radio reception, I never went back in, he told investigators.

Students desperately tried to call 911 in the classroom, before a tactical team of officers finally went into the building and killed Ramos.

Gonzalez failed to intervene after being advised of Ramos location and hearing him open fire, according to the indictment. His attorney Nico LaHood argued that Gonzalez believes he did not violate school district policy or state law.
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A 76-year-old woman who was convicted of killing her husband with a hammer before hiding his body in the basement and pocketing his paychecks for months has been found dead just hours before she was due to be sentenced.

Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi was found dead at a home in Burlington, Connecticut, on Wednesday, according to Connecticut State Police.

Officers responded to the property just after 10.30am after attempts to contact her were unsuccessful.

Based upon initial findings, the incident is being treated as an untimely death investigation, police said.

In March, Kosuda-Bigazzi pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and larceny over the 2017 death of her husband Pierluigi Bigazzi, an 84-year-old professor of laboratory science and pathology at UConn Health.

Investigators believe Bigazzi was killed sometime around July 2017, but it wasnt until February 2018  when UConn officials requested a wellness check  that state troopers found his body in the basement of the couples home and arrested Kosuda-Bigazzi.

His body was wrapped in plastic and was in an advanced stage of decomposition.

The medical examiner determined that he died from blunt trauma to the head, the outlet reported.

In writings found inside the home, Kosuda-Bigazzi confessed to killing her husband with a hammer in self-defense, investigators said.

She claimed that she and her husband got into a fight after she told him they needed to carry out repairs to the deck of their backyard.

Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi in her booking photo from 2018 after her husbands body was found ( Connecticut State Police )

She claimed that he then came at her with a hammer, but she managed to wrestle it from him after a lengthy struggle, investigators said.

I hit him just swinging the hammer in any direction + then he was quiet  for a few seconds + then he stopped breathing, she wrote.

I just wanted to slow him down. I sat on the floor by the kitchen cabinets across from the stove  next to him for a long time.

Kosuda-Bigazzi then allegedly hid her husbands body for months in their basement while continuing to collect his paychecks in their joint account.

After taking a plea deal in March, Kosuda-Bigazzi was set to be sentenced at 2pm on Wednesday in Hartford Superior Court to 13 years in prison.

She had stayed out of prison after posting a $1.5m bail.

The home where Pierluigi Bigazzi, professor of laboratory science and pathology at UConn Health, was found dead ( AP )

Her lawyer, Patrick Tomasiewicz, told The Associated Press that her death was unexpected.

We were honored to be her legal counsel and did our very best to defend her in a complex case for the past six years, he said in a statement. She was a very independent woman who was always in control of her own destiny.

A UConn medical official was also disciplined in March 2018 after she was supposed to monitor Bigazzis work but had not had contact with him for months.

The Independent has contacted the Connecticut State Police for further information.
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The potential megamerger between Kroger and Albertsons, two of the largest supermarket operators in the United States, is on hold while lawsuits play out in state and federal court.

On Thursday, the two companies agreed to a temporary injunction in Colorado  where the state Attorney General Phil Weiser sued to block the $24.6 billion deal from closing. Weiser said the merger violated Colorado antitrust laws and would cause irreparable harm to consumers, workers and suppliers.

Simultaneously, the Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Oregon, raising concerns the deal would lead to higher prices, fewer choices for consumers and threaten employees ability to secure higher wages.

The federal agency is also pursuing an injunction. A hearing is expected to occur on August 26.

Thursdays preliminary injunction, granted by Colorado Judge Andrew Luxen, will ultimately cancel a hearing that was supposed to happen on August 12. The trial to determine a permanent injunction is set to begin on September 30.

A spokesperson for Kroger and Albertsons said the preliminary injunction was welcome news.

We look forward to defending in court how the combination of Kroger and Albertsons will provide meaningful, measurable benefits, including lower prices and more choices for families across the country and more opportunities for stable, well-paying union jobs, the spokesperson said.

The $24.6 billion deal between Kroger and Albertsons will now have to wait as the legal process plays out ( EPA )

The powerful merger between Kroger and Albertsons was initially announced in October 2022. The two companies proposed joining in order to compete with retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. In exchange for regulatory approvals, they agreed to sell more than 579 current store.

Kroger operates more than 2,700 stores including chains such as Harris Teeter, Smiths and Fred Meyer. Albertsons operates more than 2,200 store locations including popular chains such as Acme Markets, Safeway and Vons.

But state and federal watchdogs moved to block it, fearing that it would reduce competition and raise consumer prices.

Krogers acquisition of Albertsons would lead to additional grocery price hikes for everyday goods, further exacerbating the financial strain consumers across the country face today, Henry Liu, the director of the FTCs Bureau of Competition said in a statement.

Essential grocery store workers would also suffer under this deal, facing the threat of their wages dwindling, benefits diminishing, and their working conditions deteriorating, he added.
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Kurt and Monica Vallani were driving along the US-Canada border at Niagara Falls last November when the unthinkable happened.

The couples Bentley crashed and exploded on the Rainbow Bridge, which connects Niagara Falls, New York with Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Vallanis, both 53, died instantly.

One eight-month investigation later, and the cause of the fatal crash on November 22, 2023 is still a mystery.

Investigators do have some information about what led to the crash, the Associated Press reports. Security footage shows the couples car racing through an intersection and hitting a median before flying into the air. However, the car landed and exploded out of the cameras view.

However, investigators still dont know whether a human or mechanical error caused the fatal crash, the Associated Press reports.

A sign that reads, Bridges to CA closed following a deadly car crash and explosion on Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge in November 2023. After an eight-month investigation, officials still do not know what caused the crash ( Getty Images )

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said the investigation is considered closed at this point, but can be reopened if any new evidence comes to light. The cars black box was destroyed in the crash, Restaino said, limiting what investigators could find out.

The New York couple was driving a 2022 Bentley Flying Spur, which can speed up from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds. A Bentley spokesperson told the Associated Press the company has opened its own investigation into the crash.

GOP politicians, including Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Byron Donalds, quickly began spreading rumors of terrorist involvement.

However, local and federal officials said there was no evidence of terrorist activity.

The crash also threw a wrench in regional Thanksgiving travel plans, as officials closed the Niagara Falls border and nearby roads.

The Villanis were travelling for a KISS concert in Toronto, Canda that was cancelled when a band member fell ill.

Chuck Meyer, a friend of the couple, told local outlet WGRZ he was devastated to learn of their deaths through national news coverage.

I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didnt know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars, Meyer said.

I thought, Oh, theyre having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, thats really nice. And then about an hour later, heard the news and Im like, oh my God.
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US and Canadian fighter jets intercepted Russian and Chinese nuclear-capable bombers after they were detected near Alaska.

The Russian Tu-95MS Bear strategic bombers and Chinese Xian H-6 bombers were spotted in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (Adiz)  but did not enter US or Canadian airspace, US authorities said.

It comes after Chinese and Belarusian troops joined forces for a joint military drill near its border with Nato member Poland earlier this month.

The Russian and PRC aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace, the US said.

This Russian and PRC activity in the Alaska Adiz is not seen as a threat, and Norad will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence, it added.

A Tu-95 strategic bomber of the Russian air force is seen during a joint Russia-China air patrol ( Russian Defense Ministry Press Service )

Moscow claimed Russian and Chinese crews cooperated as part of a new area of joint operations for the five-hour flight, but did not violate US or Canadian airspace.

Chinas defence ministry said the patrol had nothing to do with the conflict in Ukraine or increased tension between the West and Russia.

The event was held as part of the implementation of the military cooperation plan for 2024 and is not directed against third countries, Moscow added.

At the start of July, the Chinese military began joint drills in Belarus that were held over 11 days and intended for further development of Belarusian-Chinese relations.

China described the drills as anti-terrorist training and said the drills were according to an annual plan and consensus.

A H-6K long-range bomber of the Chinese air force is seen during a joint Russia-China air patrol ( Russian Defense Ministry Press Service )

However, Martin Sebena, a lecturer at the University of Hong Kong who specialises in China-Europe relations, said the timing and location of the drills meant they were likely to be seen as further signalling of Chinese support for Russia and its allies in Europe.

Vladimir Putin travelled to China in May for his second visit in just six months, reflecting closer alignment between the two nations amid increasing Western scrutiny and sanctions.

The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it, Mr Xi told Mr Putin as the leaders met in Beijing.

China is willing to jointly achieve the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries, and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russia launched a huge overnight drone attack across the south and central regions of the country, with Kyiv downing over half of them.

A H-6K long-range bomber of the Chinese air force, upper left, is seen escorted by a Su-30 fighter of the Russian air force during a joint Russia-China air patrol ( Russian Defense Ministry Press Service )

Last night, the enemy used 38 Shahed-131/136 attack drones, attacking Ukrainian infrastructure in several areas, including the south of Odesa region and central Ukraine, Mykola Oleshchuk, Ukraines air force chief, said.

Oleh Kiper, the Odesa governor, said two people were wounded when drone debris hit a private house in the Izmail district. Authorities in the capital Kyiv and in the Zhytomyr region said those regions had also been targeted.

Three other drones were lost after crossing the state border with Romania, he added. Romanias defence ministry confirmed Russian drone debris was found near the town of Plauru, just across the Danube River.

In a separate attack on Thursday morning, a 51-year-old Ukrainian resident in Kherson was killed by a Russian drone, according to the regions military governor.

In the morning, occupying forces dropped explosives from a drone on a 51-year-old man who was outside, the administration said.
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Early in the disastrous July 6 encounter between Sonya Massey and now-terminated Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Grayson, she told the officer and his partner, I love yall, thank yall.

Massey, who reportedly suffered from mental illness, had called 911 a few minutes before 1 a.m., asking for police to respond to her home in Springfield, Illinois. She told the dispatcher that she heard banging noises outside, and thought it might be a prowler.

Roughly 30 minutes later, she lay dying on her kitchen floor.

Heres what we know about how things went down:

Sonya Lynaye Wilburn-Massey was born February 12, 1988, in San Diego. The mother of two teenagers, Malachi Hill Massey and Jeanette Massey, loved to do hair and spend time with her family, according to her obituary .

Sonya Massey was shot in the face after calling 911 for help. ( Courtesy Ben Crump Law via AP )

Massey had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, but was managing it with medication, her daughter said.

The situation unfolds

At 12:49 a.m., Massey dialed 911 and says she is hearing stuff she finds suspicious, requesting police to come and see what is going on. Grayson and his partner, who has not been publicly identified, arrived at her house and use their flashlights to search the yard, bodycam footage shows.

The officers knocked on Masseys front door, but she didnt answer until around 1:15 a.m., according to the footage. They found her to be calm, and not aggressive, although perhaps unwell, court records say.

Are you doing alright, mentally? one asked.

Yes, I took my medicine, Massey replied, according to the footage, which was captured by Graysons partners bodycam. (Grayson didnt activate his own bodycam until after the shooting, according to prosecutors.)

Deputy Sean Grayson said he feared having hot water thrown in his face by Sonya Massey, after instructing her to remove the pot from the stove. ( Illinois State Police )

While Graysons partner checked out the rest of the small house, Grayson spotted a pot of water on the nearby stove and told Massey to shut it off.

We dont need a fire while were here, he says.

Things begin to go sideways

In the chaotic moments that followed, Massey picked up the pot, which prompted Grayson and his partner to retreat. Massey asked where theyre going, to which Grayson said they are trying to get away from her hot, steaming water. A seemingly confused Massey then asked, Away from the hot, steaming water? Ill rebuke you in the name of Jesus.

Grayson reacted by drawing his weapon, shouting, You better f*****g not! 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!

At 1:21 a.m., Grayson fired three shots at Massey, killing her with a bullet to the face. His partner told him he is going to get his first-aid kit from their patrol car, but Grayson said that its a headshot, and theres nothing we can do.

Emergency medical crews were unable to save Sonya Massey, who was pronounced dead at a local hospital. ( Illinois State Police )

Two minutes later, Grayson radioed the dispatcher and asked if police had previously been called to Masseys home over mental health concerns. At one point, an officerit is unclear whose voice it istold dispatch that Masseys gunshot wound was self-inflicted.

Emergency medical crews and additional law enforcement units began to arrive, and at 1:47 a.m., Massey was taken to nearby HSHS St. Johns Hospital emergency room, where she is pronounced dead.

The aftermath

Autopsy results released on July 8 by Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon say Massey died of a single gunshot wound to the head, and classified her death as a homicide. Three days after that, civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced he has been retained by the Massey family.

On July 17, Grayson was indicted on first-degree murder charges. It later emerged that he has worked for six different law enforcement agencies over the past four years, which raised questions about his service record. It remains unclear why Grayson bounced around so frequently.

Former Deputy Sean Grayson is now facing murder charges. ( Sangamon County Sheriff's Office )

The next day, Grayson pleaded not guilty and is denied bail. Masseys funeral was held July 19.

On Monday, authorities released the bodycam footage of Masseys final minutes. A protest march followed a few hours later. On Tuesday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker met with the Massey family, and the Department of Justice opened its own investigation into the shooting.

A nation reacts

President Joe Biden issued a statement Monday, saying, 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. 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 loved ones, Biden went on, deserve justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonyas family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time.

Sonya Masseys father speaks at a press conference on Monday, as civil rights attorney Ben Crump (left) looks on. ( AP )

In her own statement, vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris said, Sonya Massey deserved to be safe. The disturbing footage released yesterday confirms what we know from the lived experiences of so many  we have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name.

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell also issued a statement on Monday, lambasting Grayson for his deadly decision.

Grayson had other options available that he should have used, Campbell 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.
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Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday said she would not be silent about the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza following what she described as a frank and constructive conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It was the duos first face-to-face meeting since Harris became the de facto Democratic Party nominee in this years presidential election.

Harris, who met with Netanyahu in her ceremonial Washington, DC, office after returning from a campaign stop in Texas, told reporters that she told the Israeli leader she would always assure that his nation would be able to defend itself.

From when I was a young girl collecting funds to plant trees for Israel to my time in the United States Senate and now at the White House, I have had an unwavering commitment to the existence of the State of Israel, to its security and to the people of Israel, she said.

Harris added that Israel has a right to defend itself, but she stressed that how it does so matters as well, calling Hamas a brutal terrorist organization and citing the killing of 1,200 people during the October 7 attacks, as well as horrific acts of sexual violence and the kidnapping of at least 250 hostages.

But she also told reporters that shed expressed to Netanyahu serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which includes over 2 million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity.

Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday said she would not be silent about the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza following what she described as a frank and constructive conversation with Netanyahu ( REUTERS )

What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating. The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time, we cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent, Harris said.

Harris remarks came just hours after President Joe Biden and Netanyahu were unfailingly cordial to each other while speaking in the Oval Office at what could be their last face-to-face talks before Biden leaves office.

Netanyahu, who has been a thorn in the side of Democratic presidents for his work to undermine the two-state solution to the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict, praised Bidens long-standing support for Israel while he and the American leader spoke to reporters ahead of their bilateral talks.

Mr President, weve known each other for 40 years, and youve known every Israeli prime minister for 50 years ... So from a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel, and I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead on the great issues before us, Netanyahu said.

Biden replied that he looked forward to working with the Israeli leader over his final six months in office and noted that his first meeting with an Israeli leader  then-prime minister Golda Meir  also included Yitzhak Rabin, then an assistant to Meir.

Rabin, who served as Israels head of government from 1974-1977 and regained the prime ministers post in 1992, was the Israeli leader who signed the landmark peace deal that brought the Palestinian Authority into existence and laid out a roadmap for peace that has largely been ignored by Netanyahu. He was assassinated in 1995 by an Israeli right-wing extremist who was opposed to the peace process.

The relatively civil sitdown between the two leaders came the day after Netanyahu addressed Congress with a thundering and often bellicose set of remarks where he condemned pro-Palestinian protesters as useful idiots who serve the interests of the Iranian government.

Pro-Palestinian protesters burned flags and clashed with police during protests on Wednesday in Washington, DC. The violence was widely condemned by both Biden and Harris, who, in a statement on Thursday, denounced the despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric. ( AFP via Getty Images )

As he spoke in the House of Representatives cavernous chamber, protesters clashed with police officers and defaced monuments near Washington, DCs main train station. Some burned American flags, replacing them with Palestinian ones.

The violence was widely condemned by both Biden and Harris, who, in a statement on Thursday, denounced the despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric and condemned any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas.

The meeting between Biden and Netanyahu also took place less than 24 hours after Biden delivered a televised speech explaining his decision to not seek re-election and to endorse Harris  who is set to meet with Netanyahu later in the day.

Biden has spent months unsuccessfully attempting to pressure Netanyahu into moderating his approach to his nearly year-old war on Hamas in hopes of bringing about a deal to return the more than 100 hostages who are still being held by the militant group.

Members of Bidens own party have urged him to break more forcefully with Netanyahu, citing the Israeli leaders longstanding habit of snubbing Democratic presidents and interfering in American politics in favor of Republicans, who have largely given him a free hand to do what he pleases when it comes to the Palestinians.

Yet White House National Security Communications adviser John Kirby told reporters the relationship between the two leaders was a healthy one despite the tensions.

By healthy, I mean they're not going to agree on everything. They haven't  through the long political lives that both of them have enjoyed  always agreed on everything. They come from two different political traditions, but they know one another, he said.

Kirby added he believes Biden is very comfortable in his relationship with Netanyahu and the ability that he has to be candid and honest and lay it all out there in talks with the Israeli leader.
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Democrats, Republicans and talking heads have lead reaction to President Joe Bidens address to the nation on Wednesday night, with supporters saying he fell on his sword while critics blasted it as barely understandable.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden explained his rationale behind withdrawing from the 2024 election, saying that he decided to pass the torch to a new generation because he cannot let his personal ambition stand in the way of democracy.

Biden also thanked Kamala Harris, whom he endorsed on Sunday to replace him on top of the Democratic party ticket.

Harris was among those who praised Biden and thanked him for his five-decade long service to the American people following his speech.

President @JoeBiden has profound compassion for the people of our country. We are all deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation. Thank you, Mr. President, she wrote on X.

Former president Barack Obama, who is yet to publicly endorse Harris, also thanked Biden for staying true to these words again and again over a lifetime of service to the American people.

President Joe Biden stands next to First Lady Jill Biden as he was set to address the nation live on Wendesday ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Rep Jasmine Crocket, a fierce Biden supporter said she was in tears while watching the president whom she loves give his historic speech.

Leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Hakeem Jeffries, wrote on X: He passed the torch to all of us. It is now our responsibility to save American democracy. We will.

The sacred cause of this country is larger than any one of us.



Joe Biden has stayed true to these words again and again over a lifetime of service to the American people. Thank you, @POTUS.  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 25, 2024

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, agreed: Tonight, we saw President Joe Biden  one of Americas most consequential presidents  show that he is not only on the right side of history, but on the right side of the future.

First Lady Jill Biden, who joined the president in the White House along with his son Hunter, daughter Ashley and granddaughter Finnegan, shared her love with the American public in her comments.

To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude, she wrote on the platform.

To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude.



Thank you for the trust you put in Joenow its time to put that trust in Kamala.



Love,

Jill pic.twitter.com/NakOWknWlC  Dr. Jill Biden (@DrBiden) July 25, 2024

Bidens disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump last month was the key to his undoing, causing dozens of senior Democrats to disavow his reelection dreams and calling on him to stand aside from the presidential race.

Following his speech  and decision to exit the race  some of those same Democrats heaped praise on Biden.

Thank you, President Biden, for so many accomplishments for our country, for your recognition of the dangerous reality of this moment, and for your sacrifice to preserve our democracy.  Lloyd Doggett (@RepLloydDoggett) July 25, 2024

Lloyd Doggett, who was the first senior Democrat to call for Biden to stand down, thanked him for his sacrifice to preserve our democracy.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is tipped to be on the shortlist for Harris running mate, commended Biden for being patriot, a President who has gotten historic stuff done, and a fighter for our country.

Tonight, we saw President Joe Biden  one of Americas most consequential presidents  show that he is not only on the right side of history, but on the right side of the future.



America has been blessed by the wisdom and magnificent leadership of President Joe Biden as he has  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 25, 2024

While most Democrats were full of admiration for the president, Rep Jared Moskowitz noted that Biden didnt look as good or sound as good, despite saying it was one of the best speeches he has given.

Meanwhile, many Republicans are yet to comment on Bidens address though Trump quickly  and scathingly  weighed in, claiming he was barely understandable and sooo bad in a Truth Social post.

Donald Trump slammed the presidents speech, claiming that a points, Biden was barely understandable ( AP )

Republican South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said he respects the president for not seeking re-election and added that he knows that for the last 50 years he has tried to do his best for America.

Alabama Rep Robert Aderholt said that the president parroted sound bites from other primetime campaign speeches from the rest of his term with Fox News The Five anchor Dana Perino agreeing: Ohhhhhh so this is state of the union speech. Got it.

CNNs senior political commentator Van Jones somewhat agreed with Trump that Bidens words arent clear, but said the president bowed out with honor.

Thats a good man, he fell on the sword. He fell on his sword, most heroes, they fight to the bitter end. He fell on his sword. Hes an old guy, but the hearts still there, he said.
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Photos of President Joe Bidens family flanked him in the Oval Office as he delivered a solemn address to the nation about his decision to withdraw his 2024 presidential campaign on Wednesday evening.

While the president sat at his desk speaking to the American people, photos of the Bidens throughout the years sat on a narrow desk behind him  a reminder of Bidens love and dedication to his family. His real-life relatives were also there, just off camera, listening as the 81-year-old detailed why he had ended his campaign.

Photos of Bidens children when they were young, a family group shot, a photo dedicated to his late son, Beau Biden, and an image of him and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, surrounded the president as he gave what could be perceived as an epilogue to his presidency.

Its been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for 50 years, Biden said. I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you.

Biden family photos sat behind President Joe Biden as he delivered his address to the nation on Wednesday ( AP )

A Biden family photo sat to the presidents left as he spoke to Americans ( Getty Images )

A picture of Biden and First Lady Jill sat to his right when he spoke from the Oval Office ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Wednesday evenings address was the first time Biden formally spoke about his decision to pass the torch along to Vice President Kamala Harris, the now presumptive Democratic nominee. At least 40 people were in the Oval Office at the time of his speech, including the first lady, his son Hunter, his daughter Ashley and his granddaughter Finnegan.

The president said his intention in dropping out was to unite the country, and his party, in order to preserve democracy come November.

The presidents commitment to his family is engrained in his political career.

President Joe Biden with family members nearby as he delivers remarks during an address from the Oval Office of the White House ( EPA )

When he was first elected as a senator to represent Delaware in 1972, Bidens first wife and infant daughter died in a car wreck. His young sons, Hunter and Beau, were injured and required medical attention.

Though Biden had a duty to represent his state, he remained dedicated to his family  making the nearly 100-mile trek from Wilmington, Delaware, to Washington, D.C., every day to be with his family.

A picture of President Joe Bidens children when they were young was perched on the table behind him ( Getty Images )

When his son, Beau, died in 2015, Biden took a step back from his vice presidential duties to mourn. During the presidents address on Wednesday, a photo of Beau wearing his military service uniform sat prominently behind him.

Recently, when Hunter was convicted on three federal gun charges, Biden changed his schedule to make sure he could hug his son when he returned home from the courthouse.

Once Biden finished his roughly 10-minute-long address, his family surrounded him and took turns hugging him.
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A Missouri Republican with a history of attention-seeking political stunts is promising to crack down on illegal immigration in a widely derided ad loaded with racist stereotypes.

Bill Eigel, a GOP state senator running for governor of Missouri, stands next to a Spanish translator as he pledges no more taxpayer handouts to illegals, period. Nada, zilch, zero.

No more illegals. No more money. The party is over, the translator says in Spanish.

Were throwing them in jail and sending them back where they come from, Eigel says.

Over a trumpet riff, the translator says ay caramba while grabbing the sides of his head.

The ad flashes no more illegal immigrants as a voiceover says Looney Tunes character Speedy Gonzales catchphrase andele, andele, arriba, arriba.

Its time to take Missouri back, Eigel says.

On X, the video includes the caption: The partys over. Pack your bags. Youre getting the hell outta here.

Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, one of Eigels Republican challengers in the governors race, said the ad offended Missouri residents. I just had one of our firefighters tell me how upset he was about that ad, he told The Kansas City Star. I had a member of the Hispanic community tell me how upset they were.

Our state cant succeed and attract businesses and a talented workforce with leaders running on racist bigotry, said Crystal Quade, the Missouri House Democratic floor leader and a Democratic candidate for governor. We need a leader who will unite Missourians, not divide us.

Missouri GOP candidate for governor Bill Eigel is out with a blatantly racist and un-Christian TV ad mocking Latino people, said Scott Charton, a former Missouri capitol reporter for the Associated Press. Shame on Bill Eigel for cynically appealing to the worst of us in his race to the bottom. Missourians want hope, not hate.

The latest stunt ad from Missouri Republican candidate for governor Bill Eigel features a Spanish translator reacting to Eigels pledge to deport immigrants. ( Eigel for Missouri campaign )

Republican congressman from Florida Matt Gaetz, who endorsed Eigel, called it a great ad.

Liberals are calling me a racist bigot and demanding TV stations cancel my ad. Ill never apologize for deporting illegals or my conservative values, Eigel wrote on X after backlash to this weeks ad.

I dont know how it could be racist to enforce the immigration law in this country, Eigel told local ABC News affiliate KMBC. I think that Joe Bidens non-enforcement of immigration law in America is pretty Looney Tunes, andI think that any idea that anybody is a racist because we want to enforce the law is insane.

The vast majority of law enforcements encounters at the US-Mexico border over the last three fiscal years have resulted in removal, return or expulsion, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

President Bidens suspension of certain entries has reduced encounters at the southwest border by 55 percent, according to the White House. In June, Border Patrol recorded 83,536 encounters between ports of entry, the lowest number since January 2021, according to DHS.

Eigels ad  which is running on social media and on local television networks  follows a series of false and inflated claims and deliberately provocative statements that have drawn negative press attention that Eigel has then turned around to attack the press and his political opponents who criticize him.

Last year, Eigel and a group of Missouri Republicans torched a stack of cardboard boxes with a flamethrower. False claims from social media users who said the men were burning books drew a viral response from Eigel  who said he would burn woke books on the front lawn of the governors mansion.

The state banned at least 330 books in the 2022-2023 school year, most of which involved stories by and about Black people and LGBT+ people and dealing with sexual assault, according to a report from PEN America.

In February, Eigel rejected legislation that would grant abortion exceptions for rape survivors because a one-year-old could get an abortion under this.

You want to bring back the institution of abortion so that kids can get abortions in the state of Missouri, he said.

Groups fundraising for Eigels campaign also were also hit with a cease-and-desist notice by Donald Trumps attorneys after a political action committee solicited donations for Eigels campaign by asking to support the former presidents legal battles. But instead of giving the money to Trump, it would go to Eigels campaign, the fundraising email said.
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Donald Trump has suggested that those who desecrate the US flag should spend a year behind bars.

The former president made the comments during a free-wheeling call to Fox & Friends on Fox News on Thursday morning, where he also attacked his new rival for the White House, Kamala Harris. His rant about the flag comes after protesters outraged at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to the U.S. burned the American flag as well as an effigy of Netanyahu on the streets of Washington, D.C., in protest of the Biden administration sending military aid to Israel amid its war in Gaza.

I think you should get a one-year jail sentence if you do anything to desecrate the American flag, Trump said on Fox. Now, people will say, Oh, its unconstitutional. Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that.

Trump claimed that if Congress passed a law instituting such a rule, the flag burning would cease. In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson that flag burning is protected under the First Amendment.

The former president added that Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un [look] at us like were a bunch of babies.

U.S. Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at his campaign rally at the Bojangles Coliseum on July 24, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has suggested that burning the U.S. flag should result in one year in prison ( Getty Images )

Its impossible for that to happen in their countries, Trump said of the autocracies. We look so bad for the world, that was a disgraceful display yesterday.

When asked about his plan to end the war in Gaza, Trump said he wants Netanyahu to finish up, and get it done quickly. Youve got to get it done quickly because theyre getting decimating with this publicity.

Israels not very good with public relations, Ill tell you that, he added before going on to claim that the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, nor the war in Ukraine, would have happened had he been president.

Trump was also asked about Project 2025, a proposed 900-page Republican Party platform put together by the right-wing think tank the Heritage Foundation. While Trump has attempted to distance himself from the document and the ideas it espouses, critics have noted that it was authored by former Trump administration officials, some of whom are likely to return in prominent roles if Trump is elected to a second term.

Trump said the document was authored by very, very conservative people, adding that some of the points are fine while others are absolutely ridiculous.

After sharing his opinion on the document, Trump claimed to have nothing to do with it and that hes never seen it.

They wrote something that I disagree [with] in many cases, and in some cases you agree, he said.

The former president went on to say that he assumed that he would be running against Vice President Kamala Harris, whos now the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

I knew there was a palace coup going on, Trump said.

Responding to attacks from Harris comparing him to fraudsters and abusers of women, Trump said: I would love to be nice but Im dealing against real garbage.

He went on to use the same attack strategy he used on Biden with Harris, claiming that the Department of Justice has been weaponized against him.

They weaponized it to go after a political opponent. She was very much in charge, Trump said, without providing any evidence for his claims. She was a prosecutor, but she was a failed prosecutor. She put a lot of people in jail that should have never been there. She put people in jail that were political enemies. She is bad news.
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Some Republicans are reportedly starting to regret Donald Trumps pick for a running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, after Vice President Kamala Harriss sudden ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket.

Trump chose Vance thinking he was running against President Joe Biden, who announced on Sunday that he was stepping aside as the Democratic nominee and endorsing Harris.

The former president believed he was on a glide path to victory in November before Bidens dropping out shook up the race. Trump chose a running mate that would gin up his base, not appeal to possible swing voters or Republicans hesitant about supporting him.

One House Republican told Axios, The road got a lot harder. He was the only pick that wasnt the safe pick. And I think everyone has now realized that.

Two of the final possible challengers to Vance to be the running mate included Florida Senator Marco Rubio and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, both considered to have more crossover appeal.

Some more old-school establishment Republicans argued for former UN Ambassador and Trump primary challenger Nikki Haley or Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to strike more of a balance and create more of a moderate image.

Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) arrives for a campaign rally at Radford University on July 22, 2024 in Radford, Virginia. Some Republicans are reportedly regretting that former president Donald Trump chose him as his running mate ( Getty Images )

Another House Republican told Axios that on the whole, Vance doesnt add much.

And now with Kamala at the top, the capacity to have expanded the map a little bit ... would have been much more beneficial, they added.

CNN analyst Harry Enten found that Vance is making history as the least liked VP nominee (non-incumbent) since 1980 following his/her partys convention.

Hes 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, he added on X.

Vance won in Ohio in 2022 by six points while Trump won the state by eight in 2020. He fared worse than every statewide Republican running in the state in 2022. For instance, he was 20 points behind Governor Mike DeWine.

The chair of the Ohio Republican Party, Alex Triantafilou, noted that Vance had a well-funded challenger in Democratic Representative Tim Ryan and that other Republicans had the advantage of being incumbents, according to Axios.

Harriss polling previously led to Biden questioning before he dropped out if she could beat Trump. Last summer, NBC News found in a poll that she had the lowest approval rating of any vice president since the survey began.

Republicans hope that Vances background in rural Ohio will help Trump in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, where Harris may fare worse than Biden possibly would have. Vance could also help the Republican Senate candidate in Ohio, Bernie Moreno, whos running against Sherrod Brown in a race that may decide who controls the Senate.

While Vance has been commended as an adept speaker and media performer for the Maga movement, Democrats think his conservative views on abortion and cutting rhetoric about women will push away swing voters, particularly with someone like Harris leading the charge against the Republicans.

When he ran for senate in 2022, Vance criticized those he called childless cat ladies on the left with no stake in the future of the country. He pointed to Harris as being one of them despite her having two stepchildren.

Ive always said President Trump has the best political instincts of anyone Ive ever met. His instincts were right in picking JD Vance, Wyoming Republican Senator John Barrasso told Axios.

The Atlantic staff writer Tim Alberta wrote on X on July 22 that the Most striking thing I heard from Trump allies yesterday was the second-guessing of J.D. Vancea selection, they acknowledged, that was borne of cockiness, meant to run up margins with the base in a blowout rather than persuade swing voters in a nail-biter.

Appearing on Fox & Friends on Thursday morning, Trump was asked if he was still 100 percent behind J.D. Vance after Harriss rise to the top of the Democratic ticket.

Hes fantastic, it wouldnt have mattered, and I thought she was probably going to happen anyway because I knew there was a palace coup going on, Trump said.

He added that Vance, a former venture capitalist, is essentially for the worker.

Hes doing a great job and hes been very well received, Trump said.

Trump spokesman Steven Cheung told The Independent: President Trump is thrilled with the choice he made with Senator Vance, and they are the perfect team to take back the White House. Meanwhile, Democrats are in complete disarray after their coup that forcibly removed Biden from the campaign, proving they are the real threats to democracy.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order allowing state officials to begin dismantling tens and thousands of homeless encampments nearly a month after the Supreme Court ruled that homelessness could be criminalized.

The order will ask state agencies and departments to create clear policies that address homeless encampments that could pose a health or safety risk. Newsom asked that the policies be consistent with those adopted by the California Department of Transportation.

The Department of Transportation has cleared more than 11,000 encampments over the last three years from underneath overpasses and near offramps.

The state will give those people 48 to 72 hours notice and connect them with local service providers and housing. Any personal property will be collected, bagged, tagged and stored for at least 60 days.

No more excuses. Weve provided the time. Weve provided the funds. Now its time for locals to do their job, Newsom wrote on X in response to the Thursday order.

It is the governors first sweeping effort to tackle Californias homelessness problem  something he has made a priority of his governorship. Approximately 181,000 people in the state are estimated to be homeless, making California home to the largest population of unhoused people in the country.

Tents for the homeless line a street corner in Los Angeles. On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an order allowing state officials to remove encampments ( AFP via Getty Images )

Cities and counties across the state have approached the encampment problem from various angles but with mixed results.

Last month, the Supreme Court essentially gave cities the go-ahead to enact ordinances that target homelessness by punishing people for sleeping outside on public property. The conservative majority of the court said that a set of rules that allow law enforcement to ticket, fine or jail people sleeping outside did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

Newsom praised the ruling, saying it would allow officials to enforce policies to clear unsafe encampments and lifted limitations on their ability to deliver on common-sense measures to protect the safety and well-being of our communities.

But human rights groups condemned the ruling, saying it was not a proper solution to homelessness.

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks with media at a long-standing homeless encampment along Highway 80 on August 9, 2021 in Berkeley, California. ( Getty Images )

We cannot arrest our way out of homelessness, Scout Katovich, an ACLU attorney in the Trone Center for Justice and Equality, said in a statement last month.

It is hard to imagine a starker example of excessive punishment than fining and jailing a person for the basic human act of sleeping, Katovich added.

Ann Olivia, the CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said the Supreme Courts ruling set a dangerous precedent and allowed elected officials to shift the burden of homelessness solutions on law enforcement.

Newsoms executive order cannot force cities to take action but will serve as a guideline when officials are faced with a homeless encampment that they believe is a health or safety risk.
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Senator Elizabeth Warren has been one of JD Vances sharpest critics since former President Donald Trump picked the Ohio Republican senator as his vice presidential running mate. And that makes sense, given she was an early supporter of Kamala Harris going back to the vice presidents days as attorney general of California.

But back in Washington, the Massachusetts Democrat has happily worked with Vance, as the pair serve on the Senate Banking Committee and co-authored legislation to claw back executive pay for failed banks.

Its good legislation, Warren told The Independent while she rushed out of the Senate after votes on Thursday. Im happy to work with anyone.

The legislation is in line with Vances position that Republicans should shrug off the more free-market based ideas theyve espoused over the past 50 years.

Were done, ladies and gentlemen, catering to Wall Street, he said in his speech at the Republican National Convention where he accepted the partys nomination. Well commit to the working man.

But while Vance  a former venture capitalist who came to Washington as a MAGA warrior in 2023  has successfully worked with Warren as he tries to shift the GOPs positioning on economic policy, other Democrats have mixed reviews about their efforts to join forces, especially now that hes the vice presidential nominee.

Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, whom Hillary Clinton picked to be her running mate in 2016 against Trump and Mike Pence, collaborated with Vance on legislation to remove copays for child birth.

Democrats are mixed on their working relationship with JD Vance ( AP )

I was very excited to work with him on, he told The Independent. So that no, family whatever, you know, feel like oh, wow, to have a child Im going to be in debt right out of the gate. And we had a good bipartisan group working on it. But, you know, he, his office communicated that they wanted to pause that effort now that hes on the ticket.

The legislation would make sense for both Vance and Kaine  who are Catholics  as its in line with conservative desires to make having a child easier so abortion is less of a temptation, as well as Democratic efforts to stop insurance companies from gouging consumers. But it ultimately fell apart.

Similarly, Vance teamed up with Republican Senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida, Democratic Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, and fellow Ohioan Sherrod Brown for legislation to improve railroad safety after a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

When he testified before the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee last year, Vance excoriated Republicans unwillingness to regulate the rail industry while also saying people in places like East Palestine are a little too rural, maybe a little too white.

But Fetterman had few nice things to say about Vance on Thursday, saying he failed to deliver the votes for the bill.

And I would hate to think that they are unwilling to give a win for for our colleague Brown, he told The Independent. I hope thats not the case.

Brown is in a difficult Senate race in Ohio against car dealer Bernie Moreno, whom Vance endorsed fairly early last year. As a Democrat in an increasingly red state, the legislation would give him a win.

But Casey, who also is running for re-election in a swing state, had nicer things to say about Vance.

Well, its been a great bipartisan effort, Casey told The Independent. We have to, still have to get it done. I dont know... whether or not we have enough Republican votes to get it.

Hawley for his part said he doesnt know what will happen to the bill, though in the past he has faulted Republican leadership on it.

Im happy to work with anyone, Senator Elizabeth Warren said of her work with JD Vance ( Getty Images )

Similarly, Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, who came to the Senate in 2023 with Vance, praised the Republican VP nominee.

Well, we work on affordable connectivity, told The Independent. And hes a smart guy.

But Welchs words are par for the course for the nicest guy in Washington, DC, who gets along with everyone from Fetterman to Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama.

Historically, vice presidents have been the presidents liaison to the Senate. Barack Obama dispatched Joe Biden given his 36 years in the upper chamber and friendship with Mitch McConnell. Trumps vice president, Mike Pence, regularly visited Capitol Hill, and when Biden had only a 50-seat majority for his first two years, Harris would regularly head over to Pennsylvania avenue to break ties in the Senate.

But Vances limited record and his rankling of Democrats shows he might have difficulty being Trumps enforcer in the Club of 100.
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Jimmy Fallon has likened President Joe Bidens address to the nation explaining his exit from the 2024 race to an awkward meet-up after a break-up.

OnThe Tonight Show, Fallon discussed Bidens announcement on Sunday  where he said he was dropping his reelection bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris  followed by his first public comments about his decision in a speech on Wednesday night.

Earlier tonight, President Biden gave a prime-time address from the Oval Office about his decision to drop out of the race, Fallon said.

Basically, on Sunday, he broke up with the country over text, and tonight, he met us for coffee to explain, he joked.

Fallon went on: Yep, Biden delivered the address. Although it was hard for people to focus with Kamalas interior designer in the background.

In the address to the nation, Biden said that while my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for Americas future, all merited a second term, he believes that nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy.

That includes personal ambition, he said.

Biden said that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation as he thanked Harris for her time as his vice president.

Jimmy Fallon spoke about Bidens address to the nation ( The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon )

Its the best way to unite our nation. I know there was a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. Theres also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now, the president added, before describing Harris as tough and capable.

In the days since Biden left the race, Harris has raked in support from Democratic party lawmakers, donors and public figures and begun making a series of campaign stops.

Harris first rally was held in Milwaukee on Tuesday, where she linked Trump to Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation-backed plan that the former president is furiously trying to distance himself from.

President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Wednesday ( AP )

He and his extreme Project 2025 agenda will weaken the middle class. We know we got to take that seriously, Harris said. Can you believe they put that thing in writing? Read it. Its 900 pages.

Before coming out on stage, Wisconsin Democratic leaders voiced their support of her.

Fallon said that there was no one was more excited than Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, before rolling a clip of the governor saying: On the Tony Evers Excitement Scale that goes from holy mackerel and maxes out at heck yes I am jazzed as hell.

My goodness, that guy makes Mike Pence look like Andrew Dice Clay, Fallon quipped.
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Kamala Harris is on track to wrap up support from Americas biggest labor unions, even as Republicans led by JD Vance and Donald Trump try to make a play for union voters.

The vice president spoke at an event held by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) on Thursday, where she thanked the teachers union for its longstanding support of her political career. She shouted out Randi Weingarten, the groups president, as one of her oldest political allies, while calling herself a proud product of the public school system.

And outside of the AFT, Harris has racked up endorsements from other major national unions as well. Not waiting for another Democrat to emerge and challenge the vice president for the nomination, a slew of other unions including AFSCME, AFL-CIO and SEIU have all thrown their support behind Harris since Joe Biden stepped aside on Sunday.

Bidens endorsement of his vice president for the Democratic nomination clearly played into this at least somewhat  the incumbent president has championed unions while in office, and throughout his own career. But there are also signs that even with Biden off the ticket, Democrats see Harris as a strong ally of organized labor.

Kamala Harris is greeted onstage Thursday by American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten ( AFP via Getty Images )

The clearest example of that dynamic to occur so far was visible on Wednesday. As speculation mounts that he is on the shortlist to be Kamala Harriss running mate, battleground Arizona Senator Mark Kelly made a public flip-flop on the issue of the PRO Act, a piece of pro-union legislation he refused to back under a Democratic House and Senate majority in 2021, effectively blocking it from becoming law at the time.

I've always said I would vote for the PRO Act, and at the same time we're going to try to make it better, he told The Independent.

Kelly sought to highlight his union bona fides when he spoke on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

Both my parents are police officers, my grandfather was a New York City firefighter, Kelly said. My mother was and after she was injured, on the job apprehending a criminal, it was the union that helped her get her benefits.

Two of Americas most prominent unions are currently withholding their endorsements from the vice president: United Autoworkers (UAW) and the Teamsters. The latters position has been clear; Teamsters president Sean OBrien has flirted openly with the Republican Party and spoke at the RNC last week ahead of JD Vance, the newly-announced running mate to Donald Trump who has sought to mend the GOPs ties with organized labor groups (to mixed results).

The Teamsters political action committee also gave $5,000 to Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, who has fashioned himself as a pro-labor Republican.

I don't know if they will or not, but I would hope they would, Hawley told The Independent, about whether any unions would back the GOP ticket. And I would hope that, you know, the Trump-Vance ticket would continue to advocate for pro-labor policies.

The UAW is far more likely to endorse Harris, though it may hold out for stronger pro-labor commitments from her campaign. Under the leadership of Shawn Fain, the UAW has played a militant strategy and organized numerous strikes including one major strike effort in 2023 which involved tens of thousands of workers.

Were not going to rush in and just throw it out there. We want to have fruitful discussions when we meet [with Harriss team], Fain said on MSNBC this week. And I think its important we do that. We owe that to them.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York told The Independent that Harriss pro-labor record would help her.

I think President Biden really broke a lot of barriers, she said, noting how he was the first president to walk a picket line. This type of solidarity with the labor movement has not been seen from any president, Democrat or Republican in a very long time. And so I'm very grateful to both President Biden and Vice President Harris for really taking that step and my hope is that it continues and only builds momentum.

Teamsters chief Sean OBrien became the first head of his union to ever speak before the RNC when he thanked Republicans for the partys newfound populist bent ( AFP via Getty Images )

AFTs Randi Weingarten told The Independent after Harriss visit on Thursday that her union was energized to rally behind the vice presidents bid for the top job. Since launching her campaign for the presidency on Sunday, Harris has raised more than $126m and signed up thousands of volunteers.

The Vice President electrified our convention hall today with her message about expanding the middle class and protecting our freedoms. The AFT was the first union to endorse Kamala Harris for president because of her vision for the future. The excitement she generates among our members, particularly among women and young people is clear, said Weingarten.

Today, they heard the vice president champion our public schools and economic opportunity, families, reproductive freedoms, safety from gun violence, the freedom to join a union and a future in which every person has the opportunity not to just get by, but thrive. And they are committed to pouring all of their energy into helping her make history as the first woman president.
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A regular guest on the Fox Business network referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as the original Hawk Tuah girl, sparking online backlash about the sexist remark.

Alec Lace appeared on the network on July 5 to discuss the future of the Democratic party after President Joe Bidens debate stumble  commentary that devolved into racist and sexist remarks about the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Lace suggested that Harris ascended to power by sleeping her way to the top.

Kamala Harris  shes the original Hawk Tuah girl  thats the way she got where she is. And the partys going downhill if its in her hands, Lace said.

His comment refers to a viral TikTok clip in which a woman is asked the question, Whats one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?

You gotta give em that hawk tuah and spit on that thang, the woman replies, alluding to oral sex.

Lace has not appeared on Fox Business since July 5.

Social media users took to X to fume about Laces offensive remarks.

Beyond disrespectful. Is he not a dad? Imagine someone spoke this way about his daughter/son in the future smh, one user wrote. Laces Instagram bio says he is a father of four and the host of the podcast First Class Fatherhood.

Another remarked: Alec lace should never be allowed on tv again. That was absolutely disgusting.

The Independent has emailed a representative for Lace for comment.

On Wednesday, he addressed his controversial Fox Business appearance  but fell far short of an apology.

Lace responded to the online hate he has received in a post on X, clarifying that he appeared on the show before Biden exited the 2024 race. Comparing Donald Trump to Hitler is dangerous and 100x worse than comparing Kamala Harris to the Hawk Tuah girl, he continued, adding: So save me your fake outrage.

Fox Business host Alex Lace calls Kamala Harris the original Hawk Tuah girl ( Fox Business )

Separately, Lace admitted he may have been wrong, before doubling down on his initial claim: Monica Lewinsky might hold the title but I believe Harris was with Willie Brown prior. Need a fact check on that.

Harris briefly dated Willie Brown, the former mayor of San Francisco, at the beginning of her political career in the 1990s, prompting some critics to attribute her success to her ties to Brown. The former mayor addressed the claims in a 2020 op-ed in theSan Francisco Chronicle titled: Sure, I dated Kamala Harris. So what? He wrote: I have also helped the careers of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Gov Gavin Newsom, Sen Dianne Feinstein and a host of other politicians.

In the same July 5 clip, Lace disparaged White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Harris in one breath: Theres the DEI press secretary telling you that the DEI vice president is the future of the party here. And so the future looks kind of dim for the Democrats.

Lace isnt the first to suggest Harris was a diversity, equity and inclusion hire.

Harris has been called a barrage of offensive names in the mere days since launching her White House bid ( AFP via Getty Images )

Earlier this week, Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett said on CNN: When you go down that route, you take mediocrity, and thats what they have now as a vice president100 per cent. She was a DEI hire.

Former Trump aide Sebastian Gorka also referred to the vice president as colored.

On Wednesday, Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade took heat after he appeared to describe a Black sorority as colored hours before Harris was supposed to deliver remarks to the group. The network has denied that Kilmeade used the term, and instead claimed Kilmeade said college.

Harris  who has been the presumptive Democratic nominee for president for less than a week  has also been the subject of misogynistic comments, namely about her intelligence. Numerous Republicans have claimed she has a low IQ, while former president Trump called her dumb as a rock.
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Doug Emhoffs ex-wife has fiercely defended Kamala Harris over JD Vances sexist comments, after a video of him branding her and other women childless cat ladies resurfaced in recent days.

Kerstin Emhoff was married to the second gentleman for 16 years and they had two children  Ella and Cole  together.

The vice president turned presidential candidate embraced the role of stepmother when she wed Emhoff in 2014 and is famously close to the children, co-parenting them alongside Kerstin. Harris has even previously revealed that Ella and Cole gave her the affectionate moniker Momala because neither of them liked the name stepmom.

Now, Kerstin  who attended Harris inauguration as vice president in January 2021  has leaped to Harris defense branding Vances attack as baseless and calling the vice president a loving, nurturing, fiercely protective, and always present co-parent.

These are baseless attacks, she said in a statement to CNN.

For over 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I. She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective, and always present.

Kerstin added: I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it.

Republican vice presidential candidate Vance is facing backlash for his misogynistic comments which resurfaced this week after Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and Harris rose to become the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoffs ex-wife Kerstin attended the Biden-Harris inauguration in January 2021. Pictured with Ella and Cole ( Instagram / Kerstin Emhoff )

In the clip from a 2021 interview, Vance told then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson that the US is run 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.

Look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC, the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children, he continued.

How does it make any sense weve turned our country over to people who dont really have a direct stake in it?

The video has since gone viral and sparked outrage from many public figures, with Jennifer Aniston blasting Donald Trumps running mate on Instagram on Wednesday.

I truly cant believe that this is coming from a potential VP of the United States, the Friends star said in an Instagram story along with the clip.

Kamala Harris arrives at Indianapolis International Airport for a campaign event on Wednesday July 24 ( AP )

All I can say is Mr Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day. I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option, she wrote. Because you are trying to take that away from her, too.

Actor Liz Vassey, known for her roles on All My Children and on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, also responded to Vances comments, sarcastically writing: I had absolutely no idea I was miserable. Thank God there was a man around to tell me.

Vances comments mark only the tip of the misogynistic and racist comments Harris has faced in the days since announcing her run for the Oval Office.

Several Republicans have branded her a DEI hire  something that even top GOP lawmaker Kevin McCarthy has urged them to stop doing.
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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 Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made their debut as the Democratic presidential ticket on Tuesday night, kicking off a campaign against Donald Trump and JD Vance in front of an electrified crowd in Philadelphia.

The governor strode on stage at Temple Universitys Licouras Center on Tuesday with Harris just hours after she announced him as her running mate, with 91 days to go until the November election.

Walzs appearance ended the closely-watched contest for the next potential vice president, landing on a seasoned Midwestern politician, military veteran and former school teacher with a progressive track record.

Harris told the estimated 12,000 people in attendance that she set out to find a partner who can build this brighter future during her weeks-old campaign for the presidency.

Her search for a running mate led her to a leader who can unite this nation and move us forward, someone who was a fighter for the middle class and a patriot who believes as I do the extraordinary promise of America, a promise of freedom, opportunity and justice not just for some but for all, she said.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz greet supporters at a campaign rally in Philadelphia on August 6. ( Getty Images )

She told the crowd that she found such a leader in Walz, a 60-year-old former high school teacher who enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17 and served for 24 years, then spent more than two decades teaching and coaching football before entering politics.

The vice president recounted how during the 1990s, a time when the federal government enacted a law banning any recognition of same-sex relationships, Walz served as a faculty adviser for a high school gay-straight alliance group because he knew the signal it would send to have a football coach get involved.

Walz makes people feel they belong and inspires them to dream big, and thats the kind of vice president he will be, she added, and thats the kind of vice president America deserves.

He represented Minnesota in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017 and is now in the middle of his second term as the states governor. He has had a recent meteoric rise on to the national stage with his no-nonsense assessment of the GOPs platform and the weird agenda behind it.

Kamala Harris stifled a laugh as her running mate Tim Walz cracked a joke about his Republican counterpart JD Vance and his couch controversy ( Getty Images )

In the governors office, Walz ushered through a series of popular progressive policies, including protections for abortion rights and LGBT+ Minnesotans and a free breakfast and lunch program for public school children.

Minnesotas strength comes from our values, our commitment to working together, to seeing past our differences, to always be willing to lend a helping hand, Walz told the crowd.

Trump, however, doesnt know the first thing about service, because hes too busy serving himself, according to Walz.

The former president weakens our economy to strengthen his own hand, mocks our laws, and sows chaos and division, and thats to say nothing of his record as president, said Walz, who said Trump froze during the Covid-19 crisis, drove the economy into the ground, and make no mistake: violent crime was up under Donald Trump.

Thats not counting the crimes he committed, he added.

Walz said he cant wait to debate his GOP counterpart JD Vance.

Like most people who grew up in the heartland, JD studied at Yale, had his career funded by Silicon Valley billionaires, and then wrote a best seller trashing that community, he said, his voice carrying more than a hint of sarcasm.

Tim Walz told a crowd in Philadelphia on August 6 that rival Donald Trump doesnt know a thing about service ( AP )

He added that what Vance represents is not what Middle America is, and drew some of the loudest cheers of the night when he told rallygoers: I cant wait to debate the guy ... if hes willing to get off the couch and show up.

See what I did there? said Walz, making an apparent reference to an online joke that Vance wrote about having sex with a couch in his best-selling memor.

Harriss announcement arrived roughly three months before Election Day and two weeks before the Democratic National Convention, where the Harris-Walz ticket will formally receive the partys nomination.

After President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign and backed Harris as the partys nominee, she quickly collected endorsements and delegate pledges to clinch the nomination, with record-breaking fundraising numbers that have eclipsed Republicans multi-million dollar war chest.

A campaign spokesperson said the newly-christened Harris-Walz effort pulled in yet another $20m in the hours after the announcement.

Walz quipped I see those old white guys when he spotted a member of Old White Men for Harris on the front row at the Philadelphia rally on August 6 ( AP )

The electic atmosphere recalled the boisterous rallies of the Obama-Biden campaigns in 2008 and 2012. It attracted a racially diverse crowd that included a pair of gray-haired white men sporting shirts declaring themselves Old White Men for Harris and Freedom.

Its as clear as the T-shirt says, Bernie Strain told The Independent. Its about two old white men liking our Social Security, liking our Medicare, liking our freedom, liking our democracy  well lose it if Trump gets elected.

Strain said that his son, a Marine, had served a pair of tours at the base that was struck by Iran-backed militants in Iraq on Monday.

Hes no loser and hes no sucker for serving in the United Statess service, and Trumps not going to call my son a loser or a sucker, he said. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.

Harris even drew a pair of former Republican members of Congress, including former Pennsylvania congressman James Greenwood, who told The Independent that he understood Biden had to stand down after his June 27 debate against Trump.

Greenwood described the vibe after Biden stood down as like an electric charge.

The excitement, the volunteers, the fundraising,  everyones pretty excited, he said.

Another ex-Republican House member from Illinois, Joe Walsh, said Walz was a great bet for Harris because the Minnesotan is like an everyman.

I disagree with him on a lot of policy, but he's like a regular guy, and that's what Democrats have to have, he said.

Andrew Feinberg reported from Philadelphia
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Watch as Kamala Harris delivered the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers 88th national convention in Houston, Texas, on Thursday (25 July).

The vice president propelled her presidential push by speaking to the first labor union to formally endorse her candidacy.

It came after Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed Ms Harris at the top of the party ticket.

AFT, which has 1.8 million members, has backed Ms Harris and her pro-union agenda on the premise that a second Donald Trump term could result in restrictions on organized labor and a potential loss of funding for education.

The AFL-CIO, which represents 60 labor unions including the AFT, has backed Ms Harris.

In a social media post, union president Randi Weingarten wrote: We are fully committed to this fight: united, mobilized and ready to vote in this years election.

Ms Harris has yet to receive the endorsement of the United Auto Workers, whose president, Shawn Fain, told CNBC this week that the unions executive board decide whether or not to back her.
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Vice President Kamala Harris has pulled her party back into contention in several key battleground states after taking the reins of the presidential ticket and becoming the presumptive nominee for the Democrats.

A new Emerson poll released on Thursday shows Harris putting an end to the bleeding her predecessor was suffering for weeks across five key states: Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. She still trails Donald Trump in each state, but shes now within just a few percentage points  ground she has a chance of making up over the next 100-plus days until the general election.

The key bit is her marked improvement over Joe Biden. The Harris campaign didnt unveil its first ad until Thursday, after the Emerson poll was taken, meaning the numbers are virtually unaffected by anything she has done since taking the wheel.

Her entrance alone has given Democrats a boost in each of those states over Emersons poll taken earlier in July. Her numbers were up over Bidens by four percentage points in Wisconsin and Arizona, three percentage points in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and five percentage points in Georgia. Younger voters in particular were among her biggest gains.

The result comes the same day a Morning Consult poll showed Harris narrowly ahead of Trump with voters nationally, and a New York Times/Siena College poll showed Harris cutting the Democrats national polling deficit down from six percentage points earlier this month to just one percentage point today.

The Republican nominee has seen his momentum stall in the immediate wake of the Trumpified Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where he spent four days boosting his profile. Harris, meanwhile, has seen a fundraising surge to the tune of $126 million in four days and watched as her party has lined up behind her rather than begin a painful open primary process.

Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers in her first week as presumptive Democratic nominee for president ( AFP via Getty Images )

The sudden shift in the races dynamic has resulted in Trump crying foul and complaining in Truth Social posts that his party wasted millions of dollars running against Joe Biden before Democrats held their own nominating convention. Harris will be crowned her partys nominee, at least ceremoniously, at the Democrats convention in August.

Her first ad released on Thursday leaned heavily into the concept of freedom  economic freedom, safety from gun violence, as well as abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights. It was also set to a Beyonce soundtrack, signalling the energy of her campaign in the wake of Bidens decision on Sunday to finally heed calls urging him to step aside.

A Trump campaign spokeperson pointed to the former presidents continued lead in each of the five swing states in a polling memo sent to reporters on Monday, prior to the release of the latest Emerson poll (which was taken on Monday and Tuesday).

Even if Democrat Party insiders and donors are able to successfully annoint disgraced border czar Kamala Harris as the new nominee  disenfranchising millions of Democrat primary voters in the process  it wont save them. Democrats cant name a single state where Kamala Harris would perform better than Crooked Joe would have. In fact, President Trump crushes Kamala Harris in every poll, said Dylan Johnson.

The Emerson polls credibility interval for each state was 3.4 percentage points.

After a devastating debate performance knocked Biden out of the race in a dragged-out cycle that began back in June, Harris is currently set to debate her opponent for the first time some time in September. The two campaigns have been invited to a debate by Fox News on September 17.
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Rudy Giulianis never-ending bankruptcy case continues  and the former mayor may now may have to testify in court about the finances hes been so cagey about.

Earlier this month, Judge Sean Lane threw out the broke ex-mayors Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, but Giuliani and his creditors have not reached a resolution on the terms of the dismissal, as hes refused to pay administrative expenses incurred during the case, despite it being a legal requirement for dismissal.

While Giulianis lawyers have contended that he does not have the cash to pay the fees in question, a lawyer for two defamed election workers  who are owed $148 million by Giuliani  argued that she has no idea how much money Giuliani actually has because he hasnt been remotely forthcoming.

On Thursday, Lane ordered the parties in the case to submit filings to provide their views on the most appropriate path forward. Those filings are due July 31.

Giuliani may have to testify under oath in his bankruptcy case over his murky finances ( AP )

Since there is no resolution on the horizon, Lane wrote, he believes the most obvious path forward is to initiate proceedings to assess the details of the Debtors current financial circumstances in order to craft an order that ensures the administrative fees are paid.

The judge noted that this path will inevitably include disclosure of documents and might include testimony under oath by the Debtor.

However, the judge took Giulianis history of not being transparent into account in his order.

Of course, this path might mirror in some ways the unsuccessful efforts at financial transparency that have plagued the case to date, Lane wrote. Nonetheless, the Courts intention would be to complete such a task expeditiously and efficiently, with the most direct course likely being an evidentiary hearing before the Court.

He also left open the possibility that the court may have to walk back on its dismissal because the Debtor is unwilling to pay these administrative expenses, a necessary requirement under the law for dismissal of the case.

Trump loyalist Giuliani flew to the RNC in first-class but his lawyers clarified that he didnt pay for the luxury seat with his own cash ( AP )

What little we know about the Debtors financial situation makes his stance here more troubling, Lane wrote in his Thursday order. Even assuming that the Debtor does not have the funds on hand to immediately pay these bankruptcy expenses, he certainly has considerable assets upon which he can draw to pay such expenses. It is undisputed that he owns two apartments of considerable value.

Giulianis New York City condo, which has been up for sale on and off throughout the year, is valued at around $5.6 million, while his Florida condo is valued at about $3.5 million. The former mayors lawyer previously argued against their client selling both of his places, claiming that it would result in Giuliani join[ing] the ranks of the homeless.

Throughout the case, the creditors committee have groaned about deficiencies in his financial reporting and disclosures, including discrepancies on payments related to his Florida condo, unauthorized payments to his alleged girlfriend, and his failure to comply with discovery requests.

The court may ultimately have to reevaluate the appointment of a Chapter 11 trustee to take control of his finances, a move that the creditors committee had been advocating for, the judge warned.

Thursdays order comes a week after Giulianis bank statement revealed he blew through $30,000 in a seven-day period. Much of that cash went toward expenses for his two condos, while an unknown amount was spent on marketing firms, payments to Amazon and Apple, as well as expenses in Milwaukee, where he took a tumble at the Republican National Convention.

Giulianis lawyers admitted in a filing that the former mayor flew first-class to Milwaukee  but explained he didnt pay for it. Instead, the president of FrankSpeech, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindells broadcasting platform that has a new show hosted by Giuliani, said his company entirely covered for the former mayors luxury seats and lodging from July 14 through the 20.
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Donald Trump wasted no time in attacking Joe Bidens Oval Office address, slamming the president as barely understandable and a great embarrassment to America.

Despite holding a campaign rally in North Carolina, which ended less than 30 minutes before the presidents address, Trump was quick to blast Biden on his social media platform Truth Social.

Crooked Joe Bidens Oval Office speech was barely understandable, and sooo bad! he said of the address, which lasted roughly 10 minutes.

He later followed up with another, angrier post, in which he wrote: CROOKED JOE BIDEN AND LYIN KAMALA HARRIS ARE A GREAT EMBARRASSMENT TO AMERICA  THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME LIKE THIS!

The former president blasted Biden as barely understandable and a great embarrassment to America ( AP )

During the closely watched address on Wednesday, Biden offered strong praise for the presumptive Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, whom he has now officially endorsed.

Id like to thank our great vice president Kamala Harris, he said from behind the Resolute Desk. Shes experienced. Shes tough. Shes capable. Shes been an incredible partner to me, and a leader for our country.

At his rally in Charlotte, Trump claimed to have defeated Biden, whom he once again referred to as the worst president in the history of our country.

However, despite this and his comments on Bidens address, Trump appears to have shifted his attention and ire to Harris, making her the focal point of his rally in Charlotte.
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Donald Trump dismissed the idea he has cognitively declined seconds before claiming Hannibal Lecter and the film Silence of the Lambs are real stories.

You know, they go crazy when I say, the late great Hannibal Lecter, OK, they say, Why would he mention Hannibal Lecter? He must be cognitively in trouble, Trump said at a Charlotte, North Carolina rally this week.

These are real stories. Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lamb is a lovely man, he continued. He wants to have you for dinner. Hed like to have you for dinner.

Hannibal Lecter is a fictional cannibalistic serial killer created by novelist Thomas Harris. The character was featured in Harris 1988 novel The Silence of the Lambs. Then, Hannibal Lecter was played by actor Anthony Hopkins in the 1991 film adaptation of the same name.

Donald Trump, pictured speaking at a North Carolina rally this week, claimed the fictional character Hannibal Lecter and the film Silence of the Lambs are real stories ( AFP via Getty Images )

This isnt the first time Trump has brought up the fictional character. Trump used Hannibal Lecter as an analogy to vilify migrants during his Republican National Convention keynote address earlier this month.

You know, the press is always on me because I say this [...] Has anyone seen Silence of the Lambs? The late great Hannibal Lecter. Hed love to have you for dinner. Thats insane asylums, theyre emptying out their insane asylums.

Hopkins was reportedly appalled by the connection.

Then, at a New Jersey rally in May, the former president asked if anyone in the audience had even seen Silence of the Lambs.

The late, great Hannibal Lecter, Trump said. Hes a wonderful man. He oftentimes would have a friend for dinner. Remember the last scene? Excuse me, Im about to have a friend for dinner, as this poor doctor walks by.

Trump has also previously slammed the idea he is in cognitive decline, repeatedly bragging that he has aced cognitive tests. Earlier this year, the former president forgot the name of his White House doctor as he bragged about his mental acuity.

I took a cognitive test, and I aced it. Doc Ronny  Doc Ronny Johnson, Trump said, attempting to refer to Ronny Jackson, former White House physician turned congressman

Does everyone know Ronny Johnson, Congressman from Texas? He was the White House Doctor, Trump continued.

The former president made a similar claim in January.

I dont know if you saw, but a few months ago, I took a cognitive test my doctor gave me, he said. I said, give me a cognitive test, just so we can you know, because you know what the standards were, and I aced it.
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Manhattan prosecutors are urging Donald Trumps criminal hush money judge to keep a 34-count verdict after the former president argued the case should be tossed following the Supreme Courts ruling on presidential immunity.

Prosecutors with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office argue that nothing about the case involves official presidential acts that the Supreme Courts conservative majority has argued are absolutely immune from prosecution.

A jury found Trump guilty of illegally covering up payments to his former attorney Michael Cohen, who paid off adult film star Stormy Daniels to prevent her from publicly sharing her story about having sex with Trump in 2006.

Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

Hours after the Supreme Courts ruling, Trumps attorneys argued that the case should be thrown out and that the verdict should be overturned because certain evidence used to convict him should have been off limits to prosecutors.

Prosecutors argue the case involves wholly unofficial conduct or, at most, official conduct for which any presumption of immunity has been rebutted.

But even if the Supreme Courts ruling excluded that evidence, there would still need be no basis for disturbing the verdict because of the other overwhelming evidence of defendants guilt, prosecutors wrote Thursday.

The evidence that he claims is affected by the Supreme Courts ruling constitutes only a sliver of the mountains of testimony and documentary proof that the jury considered in finding him guilty of all 34 felony charges beyond a reasonable doubt, they added. Under these circumstances, there is no basis for disturbing the jurys verdict, and defendants motion should be denied.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg speaks to the media after a jury found Donald Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records on May 30. His office is challenging the former presidents attempt to overturn the verdict based on the Supreme Courts immunity ruling that was published on July 1. ( AP )

Trump has argued that impermissible evidence includes Trumps conversations with White House aides who testified at the trial, phone records from his time in office, and posts on Twitter, which was recognized as a formal channel of White House communication in the Trump Administration, according to Trumps attorney Todd Blanche.

Prosecutors said the Supreme Courts decision has no bearing on the hush money case because, as defendant does not dispute, the charges in this case all involve purely personal conduct, rather than official presidential acts.

Four of Trumps tweets targeting Cohen, for example, were all issued in defendants unofficial capacity, prosecutors wrote.

The challenged Tweets bear no resemblance to the kinds of public comments that the Supreme Court indicated would qualify as official presidential conduct, according to prosecutors.

New York Justice Juan Merchan, pictured in his office in March, is set to decide in September whether to reverse Donald Trumps conviction in his hush money case. ( AP )

Testimony from former White House communications director Hope Hicks also doesnt apply to the immunity ruling, because the only testimony elicited by the People concerned discussions between defendant and Hicks about the hush-money scheme that was then being reported in the press, according to prosecutors, adding that there is no danger that consideration of this testimony would interfere with the authority and functions of the Executive Branch.

Additional testimony from another White House aide, Madeleine Westerhout, was merely general descriptions about Trumps private affairs  none of which had anything to do with official acts as president.

Prosecutors also argued that an Office of Government Ethics form that was admitted into evidence is a quintessential public record that is not subject to presidential immunity.

Even if the trial admitted evidence that could be considered off-limits, harmless error cannot be a basis for setting aside a verdict, according to prosecutors.

Defendant is wrong to claim that the Supreme Courts recent ruling compels the conclusion that any admission of purportedly official acts is automatically prejudicial, they added.

Trumps challenge is a long shot, but its definitely not frivolous, former Manhattan prosecutor Karen Agnifilo told The Independent.

The Supreme Court has really gutted a lot of the charges against him throughout the various cases, but this particular case is probably the safest, she said.

While some of the evidence could be considered at risk, the verdict is likely to stay intact, Agnifilo said.

As a result of Trumps motions, Merchan postponed Trumps sentencing to September 18  if such is still necessary, he wrote earlier this month. The judge is set to issue a decision on Trumps arguments on September 6.
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One of the men injured in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania has been discharged from hospital, The Independent has confirmed.

A spokesperson for Allegheny General Hospital said David Dutch, 57, a member of the Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania, had been discharged on Wednesday. Dutch was shot in the chest and liver and was initially in a medically induced coma after the shooting, according to the corps. He serves as a Commandant of the Westmoreland Detachment in Pennsylvania.

David and our entire family are especially grateful to all the first responders and medical professionals who saved his life, including the Life Flight and trauma surgical teams, his family said in a statement last week.

We also offer our deepest condolences and prayers for the other victims of this tragic event and their families.

The hospital spokesperson also told The Independent, also said that another man injured during the incident in Butler remained in serious but stable condition at the Pittsburgh hospital.

Marine David Dutch, 57, was injured during the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania but has now been released from hospital ( Family handout )

The second victim who was hospitalized, James Copenhaver, 74, also thanked first responders and medical staff, in a statement shared via his family.

Additionally, Jim would like to express his thoughts and prayers for the other victims, their families, and President Trump. He prays for a safe and speedy recovery for them all, the statement read.

Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed in the incident while protecting his famiy from the gunfire at the Trump rally in Butler ( Comperatore family )

A third man, Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed in the incident while protecting his famiy from the spray of bullets. During Trumps acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention last week, the former president paid tribute to all three men.

Trump said he had spoken to both Dutch and Copenhaver describing them as two great people, as well as the family of Comperatore.

Were never going to forget them. They came for a great rally. They were serious Trumpsters, I want to tell you. They were serious Trumpsters and still are. But Corey, unfortunately, we have to use the past tense, he said.

Trump was also wounded in the shooting as dramatic photos showed blood coming from his ear as he was surrounded by Secret Service agents. Trump called for national unity in the immediate aftermath of the shooting but quickly returned to his old ways on the campaign trail, taking shots at Democrats and numerous policies.
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FBI Director Christopher Wray has raised doubts as to whether or not Donald Trump was struck by a bullet during the assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally earlier this month.

Wray testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday about the ongoing investigation into the attempt on the former presidents life and the response of law enforcement agencies that day.

When questioned by committee chairman Jim Jordan as to whether the FBI had accounted for all of the bullets at the scene, Wray said that eight spent rounds were recovered from the rooftop of the building from which the gunman opened fire.

With respect to former president Trump, theres some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear, the FBI chief added.

As I sit here right now, I dont know whether that bullet in addition to causing the grazing, could have landed somewhere else.

He added: But I believe weve accounted for all the shots in the cartridges.

Gunman Thomas Crooks fired a volley of eight rounds towards Trump using an AR-15 rifle while the former president stood on stage speaking to rallygoers in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one rallygoer and wounding two others.

Former White House physician Ronny Jackson has said that Trump was shot in the ear creating a 2cm-wide wound, according to a memo shared with Axios.

The former president has also repeatedly said that he was struck in the ear by a bullet.

Christopher Wray testified in front of a House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday ( AP )

Wrays testimony came as pressure grows on authorities to explain what is seen as a huge security failure that day.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris testified to the House committee on Tuesday that the 20-year-old gunman was one of at least three suspicious individuals highlighted by the authorities on the scene that day.

Crooks became a special individual after law enforcement agents spotted him using a rangefinder, he said  and yet officers on the ground failed to stop him in time despite an officer coming face-to-face with the gunman minutes before the first shots rang.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle admitted that it was the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades when she testified on Monday. She resigned the next day saying that: As your director, I take full responsibility for the security lapse.

On Wednesday, the House voted to establish a bipartisan taskforce to investigate how law enforcement failed to stop the attempted hit on Donald Trump.

The taskforce, announced by Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, will leverage the full authority of the House  including subpoena power.

During Wrays testimony, he also revealed that, days before the shooting, Crooks had searched online for information about the assassination of John F Kennedy Jr  including the distance between the president and his assassin Lee Harvey Oswald.

The search was carried out on July 6  the same day that he registered to attend the rally.

Wray says that it may have been shrapnel that struck Trump in th ear, not a bullet ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

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.

The FBI director also revealed that Crooks flew a drone twice on the day of the shooting: once at 3.50pm and again at 4.00pm  two hours before the assassination attempt.

During the hearings, the security bosses have faced condemnation from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle.

Committee Chair Mark Green said he was totally blown away that federal agents didnt pull the event after receiving the warning while North Carolina Rep Dan Bishop slammed the colossal failure of the Secret Service.
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JD Vance has said that it is time to circle the wagons and load the muskets in a foreword to a book on the controversial Project 2025.

The Ohio Senator  Donald Trumps running mate for the 2024 presidential race  also praised the leader of the project despite the former president previously denying all connection to it.

Amazons listing of the book, Dawns Early Light, describes it as outlining a peaceful Second American Revolution for voters looking to shift the power back into the hands of the people.

The listing notes Project 2025 head Kevin Robert as its author and Vance as the foreword. He also left an editorial review of the book in which he praises its ideas as an essential weapon in the fights that lie ahead.

In the foreword, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, Vance used the analogy of a garden to describe the US, writing: To bring the garden back to health, it is not enough to undo the mistakes of the past.

Election 2024 RNC ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The garden needs not just to stop adding a terrible solution, though it does need that. It needs to be recultivated... As Kevin Roberts writes, Its fine to take a laissez-faire approach when you are in the safety of the sunshine. But when the twilight descends and you hear the wolves, youve got to circle the wagons and load the muskets.

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.

Project 2025 is a 900-page plan drawn up by former Trump aides and endorsed by powerful right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation  of which Roberts is also the president. It aims to give the former president a roadmap for his second administration.

The sprawling plan details plans to, should Trump regain the White House in November, expand his executive authority, replace civil servants with ideologically aligned appointees, crush abortion rights and impose an anti-immigrant agenda, among other policies.

Dawns Early Light blazes a promising path for the American people to take back their country, the books description on Amazon reads.

Trump has previously claimed he knows nothing about Project 2025, nor who is behind it. Vances foreword to the book may throw this further into doubt.

When asked about the plan during an interview with NBC earlier this month, and prior to his ascendency to Trumps running mate, Vance did not explicitly deny the former presidents knowledge of it.

Trump has previously claimed he knows nothing about Project 2025, though Vances foreword to the book may throw this into doubt ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

"I want to be clear here that Trump explicitly has said his own transition team runs the Trump transition and will run the Trump administration, he said.

Again, you have a whole host of organizations, some of which have good ideas, some of which have bad ideas, and some of which have both.

"And Im sure the Trump administration will talk to a lot of people as its crafting an agenda What the media and the Democrats are trying to do is attach its most unpopular elements to the Trump administration.

Its a 900-page document. I guarantee there are things that Trump likes and dislikes about that 900-page document. But he is the person who will determine the agenda of the next administration."

The Independent has attempted to contact representatives for Vance for comment about his remarks in the foreword.
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A 70-year-old man who went missing for nearly a week in Californias Sierra Nevada mountains was found alive and has been reunited with his family.

Warren Elliot got lost near his campground at Rubicon Springs and spent five days in the wilderness near the Rubicon Trail, an expansive off-roading area.

In a video from the Placer County Sheriffs Office, Elliot is seen walking under his own power, wearing a torn t-shirt, reuniting with his family.

Elliot got lost on Friday, July 19th in an area he was familiar with, and was forced to survive on river water and berries.

"He ended up getting turned around and went the wrong way down the creek as he thought he was heading back to camp," Sergeant Kevin Griffiths with the Placer County Sheriffs Office told CBS News. "He said during the night, he was freezing. He would pull his hands inside of his shirt and just shiver all night long.

A 10-agency team, sometimes numbering up to 100 people, searched for him.

From the point he was last seen, near Cadillac Hill, to the area he was found, Hell Hole Reservoir, is roughly 9 miles as the crow flies; however, he walked much further than that over the five days, according to the Placer County Sheriffs Office.

Elliot was spotted by a fisherman who thought at first he heard an owl, then realized he heard another human voice. The 70-year-old was found near a reservoir about 10 miles west of Lake Tahoe.

He was starting to doubt that he was going to get out of it after the days kept going, Sergeant Sage Bourassa, of the sheriffs office, told KCRA. He was even choked up himself just to know that he was going to survive this.

A Highway Patrol helicopter picked Elliot up and reunited with his family on Wednesday.

Elliot was a volunteer Jeeper, who brought visitors on off-roading Jeep trips through the Rubicon Trail area, as part of the Jeepers Jamboree organization.

The relief is amazing, Bob Sweeney, a fellow Jeeper with the Jeepers Jamboree, told KCRA. To know that somebody can be out in the woods, out in desolation, for six days, thats amazing.
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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.
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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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A judge says controversial social media personality Andrew Tate 's defamation lawsuit against a 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.

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 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.

Judge Curley said in last week's ruling, posted to online court records, 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.

Andrew Tate arrives at the Court of Appeals building in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, May 30, 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

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 APART, 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.
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A Senate committee voted Thursday to authorize an investigation into the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care and to subpoena the companys CEO, Dr. Ralph de la Torre.

The subpoena would compel de la Torre to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee at a hearing on Sept. 12.

De la Torre had declined a June 25 invitation to testify by committee Chair Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the committee's top Republican. De la Torre also refused invitations to testify at a Boston field hearing chaired by Democratic Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts.

In May, Steward said it planned to sell off all its hospitals after announcing that it had filed for bankruptcy protection.

Sanders said the Steward bankruptcy shows the dangers of allowing private equity executives to make huge amounts of money by taking over hospitals, loading them up with debt and stripping their assets.

Perhaps more than anyone else in America, a dubious distinction no doubt, Ralph de la Torre, CEO of Steward Health Care, epitomizes the type of outrageous corporate greed that is permeating throughout our for-profit health care system, Sanders said.

Sanders said de la Torre became obscenely wealthy by loading up hospitals from Massachusetts to Arizona with billions of dollars in debt and selling the land underneath the hospitals to real estate executives who charged unsustainably high rents.

As a result, Sanders said Steward and the 30 hospitals it operates in eight states were forced to declare bankruptcy with $9 billion in debt.

In a statement, Steward Health Care said it plans to address the subpoena.

We understand the desire for increased transparency around our journey and path forward, the company said. The bankruptcy process is public and to date the record, including briefings, court appearances, mediations and related proceedings, reflect active monitoring and participation from various state regulatory agencies, governmental units, secured creditors, and unsecured creditors.

The company said that those involved in overseeing Stewards bankruptcy cases include the Office of the United States Trustee, an arm of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The company is also under scrutiny in Malta.

Stewards troubles in Massachusetts have drawn the ire of political figures including Democratic Gov. Maura Healey.

On Tuesday, Healey said the state is evaluating bids for the hospitals owned by Steward in Massachusetts.

Markey said owning a hospital carries extra responsibilities.

This is not taking over a widget company. This is not taking over a coffee company. This is where they take over hospitals and they apply the very same standards to those hospitals which they would apply to a widget company, Markey said.

The Dallas-based company has said it does not expect any interruptions during the bankruptcy process in its hospitals day-to-day operations, which the company said will continue in the ordinary course throughout the Chapter 11 process.

In court filings, the company has said that beginning in late January, Steward initiated what it described as a phased marketing process for the sale of its hospital facilities.

Stewards eight hospitals in Massachusetts include St. Elizabeths Hospital and Carney Hospital, both in Boston. It filed for protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

After filing for bankruptcy, de la Torre said in a news release that Steward Health Care has done everything in its power to operate successfully in a highly challenging health care environment.

A group of Democratic members of Congress, led by Markey, has sought reassurances that workers at hospitals owned by Steward will have their health care and retirement benefits protected.
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When a group of military officers appeared on state television in Niger one year ago to announce a dramatic coup, they said they deposed the West African nation's elected government for two key reasons: its security and economic crises.

But those challenges have persisted, even worsened. The country's 26 million people  among the world's youngest and poorest  are struggling after the junta severed ties with key international partners, who have imposed sanctions and suspended security and development support affecting close to half of Nigers budget.

The coup was the latest and perhaps most significant of the recent military takeovers in Africa's Sahel, the vast, arid expanse south of the Sahara Desert that has become a global hot spot for extremist violence. Niger had been the Wests last reliable partner in the region in battling jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.

Now, a crucial U.S. drone base is gone, along with U.S. forces vacating ahead of a September deadline. More than 1,000 French troops also pulled out after being told to leave. A key China-backed pipeline once meant to turn Niger into an oil exporter has stalled with the insecurity and uncertainty.

Support from international partners, notably the European Union, had made up close to 40% of Niger's budget. With that gone, we are only looking for something to live on, said one resident in the capital, Niamey, Ibrahim Amani. Everything has become more expensive, he said.

On the streets, where thousands of mostly young people cheered the coup in its early dramatic days, there is growing frustration. But there are no public protests amid concerns about possible retaliation by the junta, which still holds deposed President Mohamed Bazoum in detention. The junta has said he will be charged with treason, to widespread criticism abroad.

There's a real depressing effect on the ability of the government to provide services and on the ability of businesses to thrive, said Daniel Eizenga, a research fellow with the African Center for Strategic Studies.

As Niger's military leaders consolidated their grip on power, they promised a three-year transition period to civilian rule. Analysts now say that is unlikely to happen on time.

The junta, along with those in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, is breaking away even from longtime West African allies.

The three countries, after expelling the forces of former colonizer France, have completely changed the geopolitical dynamics of the region and are forming their own anti-Western, pro-Russian alliance, said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Russia is a new force in the Sahel, but its ability to make up for Niger's lost security support is limited. Nigers army is running out of material with the retreat of Western forces which the Russians  which has sent troops to Niger as its new security partner  can only partly compensate, Laessing said.

On the ground, insecurity has worsened. Niger has quickly become the new target for extremists. Violent killings by rebels and militia groups more than doubled, from 770 people killed in the year before the coup to 1,599 in the year that followed, according to the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, or ACLED.

Extremists carried out nearly five times as many large-scale attacks  involving at least 10 deaths  in the year after the coup, ACLED data shows.

Al-Qaida and IS militants have ... consolidated control over more territory since the junta took power by taking advantage of security force limitations that the withdrawal of Western support has contributed to, the American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threats Project said in a new report.

That follows the trend in Mali and Burkina Faso, even after military juntas have invoked insecurity to justify taking power, experts have said.

The coming years are likely to be difficult and violent in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, given the absence of clear inclusive strategies, Alexander Thurston, an associate professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati, said in the new report.

On the business front, Niger's already import-dependent economy is reeling from sanctions and the impact of border closures in the early days after the coup.

The status of hundreds of millions of euros in support from the European Union, one of Niger's biggest donors, remains unclear. That affects agriculture, education, security, businesses and humanitarian activities along with work addressing migration.

Neither Russia nor other countries like Iran that Niger's junta is seeking closer ties with is likely to step up and fill such gaps, said Eizenga with the African Center for Strategic Studies.

Russia is ultimately acting in the interest of Russia," he said. And none of these other countries has the resources to provide the assistance that former partners did.

___

Ahmed reported from Bamako, Mali.
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Debris from what is believed to be a Russian drone landed in Romania, the countrys Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

It is the latest apparent incident of drone wreckage from the war in neighboring Ukraine falling onto the NATO member's soil.

In Ukraine, meanwhile, the countrys president announced that authorities have detained an 18-year-old suspect in connection with the shooting death of a former lawmaker who was an advocate for the use of the Ukrainian language instead of Russian.

Since the war started in February 2022, Romania has confirmed drone fragments on its territory on several occasions.

The debris of what the Defense Ministry called a drone of Russian origin was found following Russian attacks on Ukraines port infrastructure near the border.

A statement said the fragments were discovered by a team of specialists in an uninhabited area near the village of Plauru in Tulcea county, which is across the Danube River from the Ukrainian port of Izmail.

The discovery came after Russia carried out overnight attacks on civilian targets and port infrastructure in Ukraine over the past two nights, the ministry said. Those assaults prompted Romania to deploy warplanes to monitor its airspace.

The ministry strongly condemned the Russian attacks, calling them unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law.

Russian president Vladimir Putin attends a meeting held to discuss issues on socio-economic development of the regions of Ukraine that Russia claimed to have annexed in 2022 ( via REUTERS )

Romanias emergency authorities issued text alerts both nights to residents living in Tulcea, and NATO allies were kept informed, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday on his Telegram channel that the suspect in the slaying of Iryna Farion, 60, was detained in Dnipro, hundreds of kilometers (miles) to the east.

Farion was gunned down in the street in broad daylight last Friday in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Police said the incident was being treated as an assassination.

The detention operation was very difficult, Zelenskyy said. Over recent days, hundreds of specialists of the National Police of Ukraine, SBU (security service) and other services worked on solving the murder.

Farions death shocked Ukraine, and several thousand mourners attended her funeral in Lviv.

Farion was a member of the Ukrainian parliament between 2012 and 2014. She was best known for her campaigns to promote the use of the Ukrainian language by Ukrainian officials who spoke Russian.

Russian speakers are common in eastern parts of Ukraine, by the border with Russia, and some long-serving officials speak Russian after years of Soviet rule.
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Russias parliament has adopted an ammendment to allow military commanders to punish soldiers for using their personal phones and navigation devices on the frontline.

The law states any possession of a device that allows military personnel to store or send video, photos or geolocation data on the internet is punishable by up to 15 days imprisonment.

It also disallows the transmission of any information that could be used to identify any Russian troops or their location.

The bill is aimed at ensuring the safety of military personnel and units, Andrei Kartapolov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee, told Russian news agency Interfax.

Many Russian politicians strongly opposed the bill, calling for officials to allow frontline Russian commanders inform military policy.

Ultranationalist bloggers and commentators also criticised the amendment, and expressed concerns that military officials intend to use punishments to settle personal conflicts and censor legitimate complaints from Russian soldiers, who often use their phones to record complaints.

Russian forces often use unsecure personal devices organise command and control, logistics, and combat operations, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

It remains unclear how closely observed and enforced the law will be given the dependence on unsecure personal devices for many frontline tasks.

Russian blogger Yegor Guzenko, also known as the Thirteenth, said in a Telegram post that the entire army relies on internet devices.

But how can office rats understand and know this? Lets let these scumbags of the Duma go to war themselves, he said.

This comes as Russia continue to haemorrhage soldiers on the front line.

Russia's military has now sustained an estimated 550,000 casualties since its invasion of Ukraine, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK chief of the defense staff said.

"Our assessments are that it will take Putin five years to reconstitute the Russian army to where it was in February 2022," he told the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) land warfare conference.

He added it will take another five years "rectify the weaknesses that the war has revealed, and get Moscow's army back to its February 2022 strength.

However, Ukrainian commander-in-chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russia has significantly increased its manpower and material commitments to the war in Ukraine since February 2022 and suffered significant manpower losses.

Active fighting is ongoing along 977km of the 3,700-km-long frontline, and General Syrskyi told The Guardian as he said Russias military command continues to pursue tactical gains regardless of the losses involved.

On the other side, Ukrainian forces are attempting to safeguard the lives of Ukrainian troops, he said.

The ISW said the army chiefs statement is not indicative of a sudden increase in the Russian militarys presence in Ukraine and is instead representative of the manpower and material disadvantage that Ukrainian forces have faced for over two years.

It added: Russias ability to continue gradually expanding the amount of manpower and materiel it has committed to Ukraine faces significant constraints in the medium to long term.
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Meta has taken down tens of thousands of accounts that were used for sextortion scams.

They were part of a huge pattern of accounts  many located in Nigeria  that look to scam people in a variety of ways. Many gather real or faked explicit images and then blackmail people with the threat to release them.

Nigerian online fraudsters, known as Yahoo boys, are notorious for scams that range from passing themselves off as people in financial need or Nigerian princes offering an outstanding return on an investment.

Meta said in a statement the 63,000 accounts were on Instagram, adding that it had also removed 7,200 Facebook accounts, pages and groups dedicated to providing tips on scamming people.

The company also took down a smaller coordinated network of around 2,500 that were linked to a group of around 20 individuals.

In sexual extortion, or sextortion, people are threatened with the release of compromising photos, either real or faked, if they do not pay to stop them.

The majority of the scammers attempts were unsuccessful and although mostly targeting adults, there were also attempts against minors, which Meta reported to the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Meta representatives said this was not the first time they had disrupted such networks, but added they were disclosing the current operation to drive awareness.

The social media giant has been on the defense in recent years as governments, including legislators in the United States where Meta is based, ramp up pressure on it to address concerns that its executives have ignored evidence that its services harm children.

In a hearing earlier this year, one U.S. lawmaker accused Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and other social media leaders of having blood on their hands for failing to protect children from escalating threats of sexual predation on their platforms.

The U.S. Surgeon General has also called for a warning label to be added to social media apps as a reminder of those harms.

Nigerias scammers became known as 419 scams after the section of the national penal code that dealt - ineffectively - with fraud.

As economic hardships worsen in the country of more than 200 million people, online scams have grown, with those behind them operating from university dormitories, shanty suburbs or affluent neighbourhoods.

Meta said some accounts were providing tips for conducting scams.

Their efforts included offering to sell scripts and guides to use when scamming people, and sharing links to collections of photos to use when populating fake accounts, it said.

Additional reporting by agencies
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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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A holiday to Orlando tops most families bucket lists thanks to year-round sunshine, child-friendly accommodation and world-famous theme parks.

With their magical mix of high-octane thrills, traditional charm and dazzlingly detailed immersive theming, Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort are fail-safe favourites for any parent planning a Florida trip their kids will never forget.

Throw in big-name attractions from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Toy Story, Marvel, Frozen, Minions and Jurassic Park and its no surprise that Orlando is the most popular destination in the US for British visitors.

However, theres more to a holiday in Orlando than simply buying theme park tickets. From navigating queues for the most popular rides to cutting costs in the parks, heres what Ive discovered on my visits to Florida to help you have a stress-free holiday to remember.

Read more on USA travel:

open image in gallery The Incredible Hulk Coaster in Universal Orlando Resort ( Siobhan Grogan )

When should I book?

As early as possible to nab the cheapest flights and best hotel deals. Standard rooms at Disneys most affordable properties sell out first, yet offer the same perks as the priciest on-site hotels, including free resort transportation to Disney Worlds four parks, early park entry and advance restaurant booking.

Check disneypackages.co.uk for early booking bonuses too. Rooms at Disneys Pop Century Resort with its three heated pools and nightly campfires start from 126pp per night in 2024 including direct flights, dining credit and park tickets. Youll save even more if you can avoid school and US holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break in March and April. The quietest months include January, February, May, late August, September and early November.

Read more: Best Orlando hotels

Should I book the cheapest hotel at Universal Orlando Resort?

Not always. Rooms at the three most expensive Universal hotels  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort  start at 369 per night but include an Express Pass to access shorter queues in the resorts two theme parks, Universals Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Even in peak season, its almost always cheaper to stay at one of these if youre considering buying Express Passes anyway as these start at 91pp a day. Remember the pass includes days checking in and out too, so even one nights stay will give you two days queue-jumping. Consider ticking off the busiest rides before moving to a cheaper hotel for days by the pool or visiting Disney World and nearby water parks. Try Universals Endless Summer Resort  Surfside Inn and Suites, which has a surfboard-shaped pool, in-room pizza delivery and rooms from 109 per night.

open image in gallery Take a spin on Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Magic Kingdom ( Disney )

Can I skip queues at Walt Disney World Resort?

Yes, but youll need to buy a Disney Genie Plus+ pass, starting at $30 (24) a day and requiring a separate theme park reservation and ticket. This can only be bought from midnight on the day of your visit and allows you to use the Lightning Lane entrance at selected rides. You can make your first selection at 7am, then the next once you tap in for that ride or after two hours, whichever comes first. Disney estimates this allows you to ride two to three attractions a day more quickly, but Ive usually managed more, especially in the Magic Kingdom. Reserve the most popular ride first on the dot of 7am, then pick up reservations for quieter rides through the day, setting a phone alarm to remind you when each booking window opens. If parks are busy, its well worth the extra cost and Ive never waited more than 15 minutes in any Lightning Lane, compared to 90 minutes or more in the regular queues.

How can I make the most of my days at the parks?

Arrive early and stay late as wait times drop when families with young children leave or people head for dinner. Its also easier to get on rides more quickly during evening fireworks displays. Try to see theatre shows like Disneys Hollywood Studios hilarious Frozen Sing-Along or Universal Studios Bourne Stuntacular in the afternoon when crowds are heaviest and temperatures highest. Its also worth using the single-rider line to fill any spots left on rides by larger groups. This is free and much quicker than the regular queue, but you will ride separately from the rest of your group.

open image in gallery Ride TRON Lightcycle / Run in a race across the Grid ( Disney )

Any advice for Disney World?

The Walt Disney World Resort covers a colossal 43 square miles so consider where youll be each day before booking restaurants, so youre not jumping between the four huge theme parks. On-site buses, boats and monorails are free, but leave an hour to travel between places. Uber is also very reliable, and much quicker and more convenient if time is tight. For dining, book restaurants in advance, order quick-service meals on the app to skip queues and remember that character breakfasts are much cheaper than dinners if youre splurging on a meal with Mickey and friends. Rides not to miss include the brand-new, exhilarating TRON Lightcycle/Run; Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance; and the spectacular Avatar Flight of Passage.

And at Universal Orlando Resort?

Carry as little as possible. Youll need to stow everything in free but very small lockers for several rides including The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit with bigger lockers costing $2 (1.60) a ride. If youre using an Express Pass, bring a lanyard from home for easy scanning as one in the park will cost at least $20 (16). Most importantly, go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to sample butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron and ride a real-life Hogwarts Express either first thing or before the parks close to avoid huge crowds. Be warned that wizard robes cost around $139 (approx. 111) so bring one from home or call in at Target or Walmart just outside the resort as both stock a huge, reasonably-priced range of Universal and Disney merchandise.

open image in gallery Dont miss the Happily Ever After firework extravaganza on Main Street ( Disney )

Travel essentials

A 14-night stay at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida costs from 1,766pp with Walt Disney Travel Company International. This includes accommodation at Disneys Pop Century Resort, direct return flights with British Airways, $504 Dining and Merchandise Credit, a Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the whole party and a $400 Disney Gift Card; disneypackages.co.uk.

Seven nights at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort including Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Tickets cost from 2,881 based on two adults and two children aged three to nine sharing a standard two-queen room. A Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Ticket costs from 329 per adult and 319 per child aged three to nine, valid for up to 14 consecutive days; attractiontickets.com.

Virgin Atlantic flies daily between London Heathrow and Orlando from 403 per person.

Read more: Taking the Brightline to Disney  why I switched road for rail to travel from Miami to Orlando
Bord na Mona has delivered its highest ever operating profit, of 106.7m, for the financial year to last April, which it says reflects the successful completion of a brown-to-green transition and the continued growth of its renewable energy and recycling operations.

The brown-to green strategy involves the 91-year-old former turf company closing all its former peat operations, and no longer using peat as a energy source.

It said it is on track to become Irelands biggest provider of renewable energy

Bord na Mona says the transformation was completed last December when it stopped the use of peat at its Edenderry power station, and invested 100m in its decarbonisation, including switching to biomass.

Profits for the last financial year included a one-off gain from the sale of its 50pc stake in Electricity Exchange DAC, at a profit of 7.3m.

It also realised a profit of 57.1m from entering a strategic partnership with SSE Renewables last March.

These results reflect the strong performance in Bord na Monas core renewable-energy business, with operating profit increasing from a previous record 95.2m in FY23, the company said.

The Bord na Mona plant at Edenderry, Co Offaly

Bord na Mona claims its strong financial performance will allow the business to become a leader in decarbonising, with the ability to invest in the delivery of 5GW of renewable energy over the coming years.

It said it is on track to become Irelands biggest provider of renewable energy, making a substantial contribution to the goals set out in Irelands Climate Action Plan.

Over the past year Bord na Mona invested 164m in such projects, including 31m in joint ventures. This included the launch of the second phase of Oweninny Wind Farm with the ESB, which is a joint investment of 320m.

Oweninny, in Co Mayo, is the countrys largest wind farm, with a total capacity of 192MW, enough to meet the energy needs of about 140,000 homes.

Last April the semi-state invested with Gas Networks Ireland in a project to develop a 22km pipeline to connect its renewable energy complex in Edenderry to the national gas network.

Bord na Mona says it has made further progress on the rehabilitation of peatlands, with almost 4,000 hectares restored over the last year. The aim is to return them to being areas of natural beauty and biodiversity.

Commenting on the results, CEO Tom Donnellan said: Our current financial positioning will be the enabler of further investment and innovation which will secure both the future of the business, as we develop our 5GW renewable energy pipeline, and support Irelands clean energy capability as we chart a path to net zero emissions by 2050.

Bord na Mona CEO Tom Donnellan

In the last year, we have achieved many important milestones during the successful delivery of our brown to green strategy, with the final unit of electricity generated from the burning of peat at Edenderry power station at the end of 2023.

"This opened a new chapter for Bord na Mona, as we continue our journey as a climate solutions and renewable energy company supporting Irelands progression towards a climate neutral future.

Bord na Monas new and existing joint ventures and partnerships with companies including ESB, SSE Renewables and Ocean Winds are playing a crucial role in bolstering our ability to deliver our 5GW renewable energy pipeline.

"We will continue to explore new partnerships that contribute to our performance as a business and importantly deliver positive and sustainable outcomes for the state.
Planners said that proposed development would undermine the character of the site

A new Temple Bar superpub The Giddy Dolphin  has been refused retention permission by Dublin City Council planners.

Last May, Keywell, who in March became owners of the Clarence Hotel and Dollard House, lodged a planning application to retain the change of use at The Giddy Dolphin from retail (it was formerly a delicatessen) to licensed premises with food service. The premises is at 2-5 Wellington Quay and 1-5 Essex Street East in Dublin 2.

Planning documents show that before preparing a comprehensive planning application for their properties, Keywell was lodging the retention application in the interests of protecting existing contractual employment arrangements on site. The application stated that The Giddy Dolphin is a sitting tenant in Dollard House.

However, Dublin City Council has concluded that the proposed retention of the licensed premises in its current format would constitute a superpub which is discouraged, and would add to an over-concentration of licensed premises in the immediate area, which would be detrimental to other uses in the locality.

Temple Bar is a tourist destination. Photo: Getty

Council planners concluded that the applicant has not demonstrated how the proposal will not erode or directly negatively impact on cultural or artistic facilities within the Temple Bar area, or complement the role of Temple Bar as a mixed-use cultural quarter.

The planners said that, on balance, the proposed development would undermine the character of the site, the streetscape and the amenities of nearby residents.

They added that it would result in an undesirable precedent for similar type development, and would depreciate the value of nearby property.

Declan OBrien, a resident of Temple Bar, was the sole objector to the application. He told the council there is already an over-saturation of licensed premises in the area.

Temple Bar is a favoured meeting place for tourists.

Mr OBrien stated that if the application was approved, it would normalise a flagrant breach of the conditions for the existing planning permission.

Keywells application had argued that the proposed change of use is consistent under the current land use zoning and compatible with the permitted use of upper floors for micro brewery, restaurant and hotel use.
Revenues at the operator of the likes of Camile Thai, Burger King, The Lansdowne Bar and other concessions at Dublin Airport last year surged by 51pc to 78.3m on the back of soaring passenger numbers.

New accounts filed by Select Service Partner Ireland Ltd (SSPI) show that despite the 27.55m increase in revenues, the company recorded a pre-tax loss of 2.37m for the 12 months to the end of September 27 last.

The pre-tax loss followed a pre-tax profit of 2.18m in the prior year when profits were boosted by Covid Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme payments of 2.19m.

The directors blame higher costs for the 2023 loss.

As part of a long-term contract won in 2020, SSPI operates a network of food and beverage outlets at Dublin Airport and works with Irish brands such as Bretzel Bakery, Camile Thai, Cloud Picker Coffee, Handsome Burger, Offbeat Donuts and 3fe coffee.

In their report, the directors say: The sales were driven predominantly from continued passenger growth and opening of new stores as part of our contract requirements.

The sales were driven predominantly from continued passenger growth

They say that along with the continued passenger growth, SSPI opened further stores during this time to meet air passenger demand, with 27 stores open by the end of September 2023.

The current year saw further growth in our capital investment, increasing our operating costs as we started to operate new concepts and brands that require time to embed in the business.

This, together with the full year impact of higher operating costs on new units that opened in the prior year, adversely impacted our operating margin.

They said that the business also undertook an impairment exercise resulting in a 700,000 non-cash charge.

The directors said that the company invested 9.4m in fitting out new and rebranded units in Dublin Airport, completing phase two of the transformation of the airport dining options that it won under a 12-year agreement.

They said that new additions included a new street food concept called The Mezz, featuring four different offerings for airline passengers while they waited for their flights.

In Terminal One, new landside store openings included Burger King, AMT and The Lansdowne Bar.

Staff costs increased by 40pc from 13.33m to 18.68m.

Shareholder funds last year totalled 4.2m while cash funds declined from 2.69m to 737,177.
Google has abandoned a plan to ban cookies, the small bits of code that allow advertisers to follow users around the web.

The tech giant had been preparing to replace cookies on its Chrome browser, which is the internets most used web browser, with a privacy sandbox.

But concerns from advertisers and some regulators, according to Google, mean that the company will now keep cookies within Chrome and offer users a choice of whether to accept them or not.

The new system may resemble Apples ask app not to track system on iPhones that cost companies such as Meta billions in lost advertising.

Weve received feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders, including regulators like the UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Information Commissioners Office (ICO), publishers, web developers and standards groups, civil society, and participants in the advertising industry, said Anthony Chavez, Googles vice president in charge of the privacy sandbox project.

We are proposing an updated approach that elevates user choice. Instead of deprecating third-party cookies, we would introduce 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.

Regulators have reacted negatively to the announcement.

We are disappointed that Google has changed its plans and no longer intends to deprecate third party cookies from the Chrome browser, said Stephen Bonner, deputy commissioner at the UKs Information Commissioners Office, the British equivalent of Irelands Data Protection Commissioner.

We are disappointed that Google has changed its plans

From the start of Googles Sandbox project in 2019, it has been our view that blocking third party cookies would be a positive step for consumers.

Despite Googles decision, we continue to encourage the digital advertising industry to move to more private alternatives to third party cookies and not to resort to more opaque forms of tracking.

However, other regulatory bodies had expressed concern that Googles privacy sandbox alternative could favour its own advertising business over that of others.

Many advertisers will breathe a sigh of relief given how much of their business is built in to cookie infrastructure.

But campaigners for a more privacy-focused internet experience have expressed dismay.

This is an extremely disappointing decision that really just highlights Googles commitment to their own profits over users privacy, Lena Cohen, staff technologist for the advocacy group Electronic Frontier Foundation, said in comments reported by The Register.
'Financial sextortion is a horrific crime that can have devastating consequences,' Meta said in the statement. Photo: Getty

Facebook parent company Meta Platforms removed 63,000 accounts in Nigeria linked to scammers who were using its social media services to blackmail targets after soliciting intimate photos.

The company, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, said yesterday it had deleted thousands of additional accounts, pages and groups that were sharing scripts on how to blackmail and sexually extort users.

The mass removal took place at the end of May.

The financial extortion crime involves scammers posing as teenage girls on Instagram or Snap's Snapchat to coerce their targets into sending nude photos. Those explicit images are then used to blackmail the targets, with the perpetrators threatening to forward the images to friends and family.

In Ireland, extortion is a crime. The centre responsible for combatting illegal content online, Hotline.ie, says they received 688 reports in relation to intimate image abuse in 2022. Removal takes an average of up to three days but there is a 93pc successful removal rate of images reported.

Last year, a Scottish teenager, Murray Dowey, died by suicide after a Nigerian-linked sextortion scam.

In the US, the Federal Bureau of Investigation says sextortion is one of the fastest-growing crimes targeting children with more than two dozen minors, mainly teen boys, having killed themselves after falling victim to it since late 2021.

A Bloomberg story this year focused on the self-inflicted death of Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old from Michigan. After Mr DeMay was goaded to suicide over Instagram, local police and the FBI tracked his blackmailers to Lagos, Nigeria, and extradited two young men to the US to face wrongful death charges. They pleaded guilty in April.

The explosion of financial sextortion in recent years has been linked to the Yahoo Boys, a loosely affiliated group of digitally savvy con men who design scams en masse. Meta said many of the Facebook accounts, pages and groups that it removed were affiliated with members of the Yahoo Boys, who were attempting to "organise, recruit and train new scammers".

The groups were selling blackmail scripts and scam guides. They were also sharing links to photos that could be used to legitimise fake accounts. One network of 20 individuals was running 2,500 "fake accounts to mask their identities" that were mainly targeting men in the US, according to Meta.

"Financial sextortion is a horrific crime that can have devastating consequences," Meta said in the statement. Its investigation found the majority of the scammers' attempts failed. In cases where blackmailers targeted minors, Meta said it reported them to the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.

"This is an adversarial space where criminals evolve to evade our ever-improving defences," Meta said. "We will continue to focus on understanding how they operate so we can stay one step ahead."

Meta has taken additional measures to better protect users against sextortion scams, including setting stricter message settings on teen accounts, sending sextortion-focused safety notices, and initially blurring nude photos sent or received by minors.
Euro investors are shying away from companies controlled by dominant individuals like Ardaghs Paul Coulson

In the hunt for growth, one-man-led firms can easily become bloated with borrowings

Ardagh Group chief executive Paul Coulson. Photo: Jason Clarke

Eleanor Duncan Thu 25 Jul 2024 at 03:30







Only last summer, telecoms billionaire Patrick Drahi was relying on the personal touch to soothe the frazzled nerves of his investors.
Hes almost 70, but The Bodyguard and Yellowstone actor remains a big draw

An unusual thing happened in Cannes earlier this summer. Kevin Costner arrived in the French Riviera, bringing with him the first chapter of his self-funded western, Horizon: An American Saga. The film  which was directed, co-written by and stars Costner in the lead  received an 11-minute ovation. Quite the applause, and Costner was visibly moved and the footage went viral.
Black comedy miniseries The Decameron lands on Netflix on Thursday, July 25

Zosia Mamet as Pampinea and Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Misia in The Decameron. Photo: Netflix

If you took assorted pieces of Blackadder, Monty Python and the Holy Grail and peak-period Mel Brooks at his most gloriously iconoclastic and fed them into a mincing machine, what came out the other end would probably look a lot like black comedy miniseries The Decameron (Netflix, all episodes available Thursday, July 25)  although with those ingredients, youd hope it would be a bit better than it is.

The Decameron  loosely inspired by Giovanni Boccaccios 14th-century book about 10 people sheltering in a villa from the Black Death who pass the time by telling one another stories  is a sweary, knockabout romp full of slapstick, farce, sexual shenanigans, broad satire about class and religion, and even broader performances.

The Decameron | Official Trailer

Its all so exaggeratedly and cartoonishly bawdy that if you took away the Netflix-sized budget and the ravishing, beautifully shot setting, you could just as easily be watching something called Carry On Black Death.

The irreverent tone is struck in the opening scene. In Florence in 1348, a raven lands on a window ledge and is hit by a well-aimed stone thrown by a young boy in the street below. Food! he shouts as he picks up the dead bird, and then calls out: Mom! I got a chicken!

With the plague ravaging the populace, a nobleman called Eduardo puts out the call to his fellow rich and entitled citizens to come and wait it out at his luxury pad in the countryside.

Among those rushing to take Eduardo up on his offer is Filomena (Jessica Plumber), a spoiled brat who abandons her ailing-but-not-quite-dead-yet father.

Filomena drags along her long-suffering maid and general dogsbody Licisca (Tanya Reynolds), who thinks the old man, who loved her like a daughter, has expired.

A scene from The Decameron, Netflix's new ensemble comedy (Photo: Netflix)

Along the way, Filomena and Licisca have a row about the latter stopping to give a starving peasant some bread. Licisca loses her temper and pushes Filomena off a bridge and into a raging river. She panics, then has a brainwave: shell pretend to be Filomena.

Also on her way is Eduardos bride-to-be, Pampinea (Zosia Mamet from Girls), a whiny, needy, hysterical drama queen who treats every minor inconvenience as a personal tragedy of operatic proportions.

Pampinea also has a servant, Misia (Saoirse-Monica Jackson from Derry Girls), who has a pageboy haircut and wears what looks like a monks robe.

Misia is a lesbian and, unknown to Pampina, has smuggled along her dying girlfriend inside a wine casket. She dies shortly after arrival.

Curly-haired Tindaro (Douggie McMeekin) is a mewling, hypochondriac man-baby and proto-incel whos accompanied by his personal physician, the hunky, smouldering Dioneo (Amar Chadha-Patel), whose profession puts him in a limbo between the upper and lower classes.

It might have worked better if the eight episodes were shorter than an hour each

The final two guests are Panfilo (Karan Gill), the son of a prominent political family, and his wife Neifile (Lou Gala). The couple have a celibate marriage. Panfilo is secretly gay, while Neifile is a religious fanatic  although she also happens to have a libido that rages like a bushfire.

Making up the 10 are Eduardos servants Sirisco (Tony Hale) and Stratilia (Leila Farzad). When the guests arrive, theres no sign of Eduardo. Pampina is angry that her betrothed is late for their celebration.

Late is the operative word. Eduardo has died, but Sirisco and Stratilia are keeping this a secret in case they end up being kicked out of the villa.

By the end of the first two episodes (which were all I could stand in one sitting), Sirisco has discovered Misia is also hiding a dead body, Panfino and Neifile are both lusting after Dioneo, Dioneo is lusting after Licisca, the villa is attacked by a trio of peasants, one of who is stabbed to death by Liciscia, and Filomena inconveniently turns up alive and well, if a little the worse for wear.

Theres some fun to be had from The Decameron, at least for a while. But it starts out at a high pitch and stays there, and some of the characters  particularly Pampinea and Tindaro  eventually begin to grate on the nerves.

Everyone overacts, especially Jackson, whose gurning and eye-rolling make her performance in Derry Girls seem like an audition for a Harold Pinter play.

It might have worked better if the eight episodes were shorter than an hour each. Its an awfully long time to be stuck inside four walls with this bunch.
A Dublin woman who was allegedly found with shotgun cartridges after her home was searched by gardai has been sent forward for trial.
Restaurant review: The first thing we notice is the small plates are much bigger than in Dublin, making this Wexford gem a bargain

Our food critic is so impressed by the evening fare in Fethard-on-Sea that she returns for a delicious breakfast the next morning

Gralinn in Fethard-on-Sea, Co Wexford

Katy McGuinness Thu 25 Jul 2024 at 03:30

I first ate at Gralinn in May 2019. Back then, Dee Kelly and Matteo Griscti had popped up at Elmhurst Cottage Farm in Glasnevin and were hosting a supper club in a little wooden cabin next to their test kitchen. It was the next step on from the food truck theyd started the previous year and toured around the festival circuit. Something about Gralinn felt special from the outset. Dee and Matteo clearly had a deep understanding of what it means to be hospitable, and their food was good, made using high-quality ingredients from growers such as McNally Family Farm from the outset.
Myles Dungan: We can forgive Kamala Harris for not pursuing her possible family link to an odious Irish slave trader

US vice-president is unlikely to celebrate her link to Antrim-born slave owner Hamilton Brown

US vice-president Kamala Harris and then-taoiseach Leo Varadkar celebrate St Patricks Day in Washington DC last year. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Myles Dungan Thu 25 Jul 2024 at 03:30

You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? Kamala Harriss mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a distinguished research scientist, once asked her daughter, now the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for the US presidency.
Strong leadership actively guides, just as weak leadership can misguide. In the eyes of many, the handling of future funding for RTE falls into the second category.

While Taoiseach Simon Harris may wish to spin it as a significant milestone for the national broadcaster, others could just as equally view it as more of a millstone.

Mr Harris said the 725m in funding was put in place because we couldnt ask the taxpayer to put their hand in their pocket and pay any more in terms of an increased licence fee.

He also said it offered a multi-annual certainty that most state agencies, public service organisations... would give their right arm for.

Whether it is a hand in the pocket or a right arm saved, the issue has once again been put on the long finger. Speaking on behalf of RTE staff, Emma OKelly unsurprisingly accused the Coalition of bottling it. And she might well have a point.

Media Minister Catherine Martin had voiced grave doubts about a so-called hybrid model that would involve the retention of the licence fee along with government funding. This, she warned, could represent the worst of both worlds. She also downplayed a mooted solution favoured by some in the Government that would see a reduced charge for households supplemented by exchequer funding on an annual basis.

Were down to, in my opinion, two models  either a revenue-collected or the exchequer-funded model, the minister said.

All media organisations  not just RTE  are in need of certainty and stability to secure their futures

We appear to have got neither. The solution the Government has hit upon suggests a core conflict over the issue remains unresolved. And it is hard not to suspect that with a general election in the wind, the Government felt the further the contentious issue of long-term funding could be kicked into the long, plush grass of Dublin 4, the better.

A review of governance and culture at the broadcaster, chaired by Professor Niamh Brennan, has argued that given its effect on governance, RTEs funding model should be more sustainable. It also appealed for greater clarity about whether RTE is a commercial or non-commercial state entity.

Far from removing such ambiguity, the Government has arguably added to it. Frequently, we hear how the quality of democracy and the quality of journalism are entwined. All media organisations  not just RTE  are in need of certainty and stability to secure their futures. Without state support and secure sources of income, the provision of reliable news and vital public information is in jeopardy.

The readiness of lightly regulated platforms to disseminate disinformation and misinformation is in danger of eroding trust in established media.

We see every day how distortion of facts and the sowing of hate, cultivated on social media, are leading to radicalisation doing lasting social harm. The price of the continual erosion of facts and truth is incalculable. Securing trusted media sources is too serious a matter to be continually put on hold.
Cavan-Monaghan Fianna Fail TD Brendan Smith has endorsed pledges made by a new domestic violence agency to increase the number of refuge spaces available to families across both counties.

A new domestic violence agency has outlined plans to boost the number of refuge spaces available to families across counties Cavan and Monaghan.

Cuan, the State agency charged with leading the Governments zero-tolerance strategy for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) was formally opened by Justice Minister Helen McEntee earlier this year.

In response to a series of parliamentary questions tabled by Cavan-Monaghan TD Brendan Smith, agency chiefs have confirmed that both counties have been identified as a priority area for refuge development.

Its chief executive officer Dr Stephanie O'Keeffe, in correspondence sent to Mr Smith, said talks aimed at boosting family refuge spaces across the constituency are well underway.

The Cavan and Monaghan region has been identified as a priority location for the delivery of eight family refuge spaces, and since its establishment, Cuan has been in inter-agency engagement with stakeholders in the region, she said.

This has included engagement with the local service provider and with Safe Ireland, who will lead out on refuge development. The Cuan team has also been engaging with Cavan and Monaghan County Councils to discuss potential opportunities for refuge development.

This work is ongoing, and Cuan remains committed to progressing refuge development in the region as a priority.

Mr Smith, for his part, gave his backing to those assurances, stressing the demand for increased refuge spaces across both counties was evidently palpable.

This facility is much-needed for the Cavan/Monaghan area and I will continue to highlight the need to develop these much needed facilities at an early date, he said.
It is expected that the pharmaceutical manufacturing plant will shut in 2028

A Cork TD has said that he is deeply disappointed with the news that pharmaceutical company Viatris intends to close its Little Island facility , which employs around 200 people.

It is expected that the active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing plant will shut in 2028, and Viatris will begin to make staff there redundant from June to December that year.

Cork North-Central TD Padraig OSullivan issued a statement in response to the development.

I am deeply disappointed to hear the news of the intended closure of Viatris here in Cork. Cork has been a place for the pharma industry to thrive, and these plants contribute a lot to the local economy, the Fianna Fail TD said.

The only silver lining from this situation is that workers have time to find alternative employment should they seek to do so. Nonetheless, this is an unexpected and significant blow to the employees and the local economy.

I welcome the involvement of SIPTU who are looking to engage with Viatris to try and come up with solutions over the next few weeks on the expected closure.

I echo the Tanaistes comments this morning that the priority must be about the workers, and engagement is needed to work to source alternative employment for them.

Viatris said the announcement that it intends to close its Little Island facility comes after a thorough assessment of the site, which has been deemed to be no longer viable due to the "challenging market dynamics".

"Declining demand has resulted in underutilization of our production capacities," a spokesperson for the business said.

Staff working at the factory were told of the decision at a meeting this morning. The company said that it will be working with unions and employee representatives on a plan for the reduction of staff.

Viatris also has centres in Galway and Dublin and employs over 1,500 people.

In December 2020 it announced the closure of a plant in Baldoyle, with the loss of 440 jobs.
The man who died after getting into difficulty off the Donegal coast has been named locally.

Belgian diver, Luk Hayvaert, aged in his 50s, died after getting into difficulty off the Donegal coast on Monday afternoon.

He hailed from the Antwerp area of Belgium.

He was an experienced diver with numerous technical licenses and was vice president of a diving school in Belguim, Duikschool Amphora.

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Gazet van Antwerpen, a Belgian newspaper, has reported that the victim, was diving on a shipwreck that lay 80 metres deep on the seabed.

The newspaper also reports that the divers had underwent specialised training at Nelos Duiksport, the Flemish diving federation.

Ronny Margodt, chairman of Nelos, told Gazet van Antwerpen, such a technical dive requires long training.

It concerns a dive with a rebreather: a device that allows you to dive to great depths.

Read more Man dies after getting into difficulty while diving off Donegal coast

"First you learn to dive to 40 metres.

"Then to 60 metres, then 80 metres and finally 100 metres. You breathe in a special gas mixture with helium.

One consequence is that these divers can only return to the surface very slowly.

"Anyone who has spent time at a depth of 80 meters sometimes needs one to two hours to come back up to avoid decompression sickness.

"A computer calculates this for the diver, said Mr Margodt.

The captain on the boat alerted the Coastguard after the diver got into trouble.

Emergency services attended the scene and the man was removed from the water by Malin Head Coast Guard, around 19 miles off Tory Island.

He was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Local councillor Declan Meehan expressed his sympathies.

This is a huge tragedy for the family and friends of the man involved and we send our condolences to them, he told the PA news agency.

I also want to pay tribute to the Coastguard who responded to this situation.

Following his death, tributes have been paid to the diver on social media.

One commenter said, It's always terrible to have to say goodbye to a good fellow diver because of tragedies like this. Rest in peace. Much strength to the family.

A spokesperson for gardai said, Gardai were alerted to an incident in the water North West of Donegal on Monday afternoon, July 22 2024.

"A male (50s) got into difficulty in the water.

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.
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?
Jinnys is a family business run by Sinead (Jinny) and Pascal Gillard.

A family run bakery business in Co Leitrim has received a major kickstart from Lidl as the bakerys products are to be sold in stores.

Jinny's Bakery Ltd of Carrick Road, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim has successfully earned a place on the Lidls coveted Kickstart Supplier Development Programme.

The companies Irish Stout Bread Mix / Sophie's Scone Mix will be on sale on Lidl shelves across its 220 stores across the island of Ireland from September 19, 2024 for a limited time, while stocks last.

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The Irish Stout Bread is restaurant-style bread easily made at home  the mix makes two loaves.

Moist, full of flavour, good keeping quality, versatile-good with salmon, jam or bacon.

Packed full of healthy grains, the loaf can be successfully made with buttermilk, milk, soya or almond milk.

The product has been recognised as having great export potential and is hamper friendly.

Sophies Scone Mix is super easy to make and users can bake large scone or mini scones. They can be frozen which makes them perfect for kids lunches.

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.

Jinny's Bakery Ltd of Carrick Road, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim has successfully earned a place on the Lidls coveted Kickstart Supplier Development Programme.

Jinnys is a family business run by Sinead (Jinny) and Pascal Gillard.

Sinead returned to her native Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim in 1998 to help in the family business, set up by her parents James and Moira McGuire in the 70s.

It comprised of self-catering cottages and a restaurant.

Sinead loved making breads and cakes for the restaurant and in 2003 her best friend convinced her to try selling her bread to the local shops in Drumshanbo.

Jinny is Sineads childhood nickname so she thought it might be safer to brand her bread under that versus her own namejust in case it didnt go according to plan!

And so the bakery began, in her first week Jinny sold 16 loaves.

Sineads husband Pascal joined the business in 2007.

He had a food science background and ran the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association.

They have proved a great combination, both hugely interested in food, how its sourced and cooked and how wholesome food contributes to our overall health and wellbeing.

So from humble beginnings of one baker and 16 loaves, Jinnys is now a team of 11 people supplying brands like SuperValu, Centra, Tesco, Gala and Independent retailers among others and is available online and in 70 locations nationwide.

And its not just supermarkets!

When you bite into a Supermacs SuperSubs Ciabatta chances are you eating a Jinnys bun!

And the business has come full circle.

The kitchen and family restaurant that Sinead worked in when starting off Jinnys bread has now been transformed into Jinnys Tearooms.

These beautiful Tearooms on the shores of Acres Lake looking onto the Blueway are a haven for walkers, cyclists, boating tourists and the local community.

Visitors can now eat Jinnys products straight from the oven, theyre so fresh you can smell the baking bread as you approach the Tearooms.

Vegetables and salads come straight from their own polytunnels, also onsite.
Gardai have launched an investigation in connection to an alleged violent assault on man in his 20s in a midlands housing estate after he was attacked by a gang of men armed with weapons.

The victim sustained a number of injuries, which gardai have described as non life-threatening following an incident in Mullingar on Tuesday afternoon.

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He was later transferred to Mullingars Midland Regional Hospital for treatment.

The Irish Independent website has obtained video footage of the alleged incident which gardai are continuing to both verify and run the rule over as part of the investigation.

In the brief clip, a man can be seen falling to the ground while being struck at least half a dozen times by another man wielding a baton.

Gardai have since confirmed one man arrested in connection to the case is due to appear at a sitting of Mullingar District Court later today (Thursday).

Gardai were alerted to an incident of alleged assault that occurred in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on Tuesday, 23rd July 2024 at approximately 1pm.

A man (20s) was non-life threatening injuries and taken to a local hospital for treatment.

One man (20s) was later arrested in relation to this incident and is due before Mullingar District Court today.

Investigations are ongoing.
Our beauty expert shares her pick of products for those who want to avoid the dreaded panda eyes

Last weekend, I made a huge beauty mistake. I was headed out for a full day of fun, several events, lots of laughter, eating and drinking. It was not the day to try a new product, and yet thats exactly what I did.

I was in a rush and couldnt lay hands on my go-to mascara, so I took a risk and lashed on a new one. By the end of the night, there was very little product on my lashes, and lots of it under my eyes and around my face. While I love the Charli XCX grunge look, this was not what I was going for.

Im not sure why mascaras that give you panda eyes still exist, but they do, in spades. Some manufacturers will claim that mascara smudging is down to your skins oiliness or the products used around the eye, but the reality is that there are lots of products on the market which dont migrate at all.

Obviously, waterproof mascaras are going to withstand moisture around the eyes, but tubing mascaras (where polymers create tubes around individual lashes) are also excellent in this regard. Some people dont like these formulas because theyre harder to remove, but as far as Im concerned, its a fair pay-off for mascara which will stay where you put it.

A good eye make-up remover (I like Vichys Purete Louise MCThermale Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover, 10.80 via mccabespharmacy.com) or cleansing oil will have them off in a jiffy.

With that in mind, here are some of my favourites:

Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara

Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara (36.50 via arnotts.ie)  This is a waterproof mascara that simply does not budge. You can sweat, swim, rub, roll around in a dewy meadow, whatever you fancy yourself, and it will remain on your lashes, exactly where you put it. Aside from the staying factor, it lengthens and defines, as well as helping your lashes to hold a curl. It can also be built without clumping, which is great for someone like me who wants to wear a minimum of five coats of mascara.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara (15.99 via boots.ie)  This is a beautiful mascara which lengthens without clumping, along with delivering beautiful volume which never looks spidery. It also doesnt smudge, but this goes for most Maybelline formulas. The brand seems to have mastered mascara, and is responsible for my all-time favourite, the original Lash Sensational formula.

Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara

Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara (34 via brownthomas.com)  This is an incredible mascara, and would be my number one were it not for the price. If you like full, voluminous lashes, youll love this. One coat makes a dramatic difference, but you can build as much as you like without lashes becoming clumpy or heavy. Aside from that, it, you guessed it, doesnt smudge!

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara (24 via asos.com)  If you have sensitive eyes or hay fever-induced eye-watering, this formula was designed for you. It wont irritate, and if your eyes do water, the product will still stay in place. Additionally, it lengthens the lashes beautifully.

Buying Irish

Chroma Cover Matte Foundation

Belfast brand BPerfect Cosmetics is a real success story, both in Ireland and internationally. The range originally caught peoples attention via its large, bright eyeshadow palettes, and thanks to consistently good products has expanded far beyond them now. Complexion products are tricky to get right, but it has managed to do it. Chroma Cover Matte Foundation is ideal for those who truly want maximum coverage without the feeling of heaviness on the skin. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which make it comfortable and prevents the matte finish from looking totally flat. Available in 36 shades, with many options on each end of the scale, this full-coverage product will work for all skin tones.

Something old

Tom Ford Mandarino de Amalfi

Tom Fords fragrances are world famous for their sophisticated scents and classic packaging, but boy are they pricey. Still, if you like to splash out on perfume, theres no question that they are formulated with the best ingredients and deliver on fancy lady/man feeling. Mandarino di Amalfi (255 for 50ml via brownthomas.com) is inspired by the warmth and beauty of the Amalfi coast. Warm and citrusy, this fragrance includes notes of lemon, grapefruit, orange blossom and amber. It smells and feels expensive (as it should, for this price) and works on people of all genders. Its turquoise packaging is beautiful, meaning it adds a little something to a dressing table too.

... Something new

Jo Malone Orange Marmalade

Jo Malone is a brand which fully embraces its britishness, so it makes sense that it has teamed up with a true british icon: Paddington. As you probably know, theres nothing Paddington loves more than a marmalade sandwich, so thats what the new scent is inspired by. Orange Marmalade blends notes of orange peel, orange bigarade and cashmere wood for a scent which is warm and zesty. I think this is a fragrance perfectly suited to the autumn, but as you know, Im a big believer in doing whatever you want, whenever you want, so if you want to wear it now, do! At 140 for 100mls at Brown Thomas, this is significantly less expensive than other options, so is a good choice for Paddington lovers and those who love a citrusy scent.
Sir Lenny Henry is among the celebrities that have called on the new Government to reverse laws that require voters to bring photo identification to polling stations (Steve Parsons/PA)

Sir Lenny Henry is among the celebrities who have called on the new Government to reverse laws that require voters to bring photo identification to polling stations.

The actor and comedian, 65, backed an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying that the legislation, which was introduced by the last government, is an attack on the democratic rights of people of colour.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the department responsible for voting rules, says that there will be a thorough evaluation of voter ID rules.

Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh has also backed the campaign (Lucy North/PA)

The letter to Sir Keir, organised by campaigning group Operation Black Vote and the equality think tank, the Runnymede Trust and posted online on Thursday, was also backed by other famous faces.

Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh, artist Anish Kapoor, Homeland actor David Harewood, Star Wars star Hugh Quarshie, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody actress Naomi Ackie and Hotel Rwanda actress Sophie Okonedo were among the more than 50 signatories.

They urge Sir Keir to repeal the unfair Voter ID laws brought in under the last government, citing more than 400,000 people being turned away during the 2024 General Election.

The letter says: Polling shows that minority communities were 2.5 times more likely to be stopped from voting than white people. Yet again, our democracy is working against us, rather than for us.

The claimed it was to further the Conservative party political interests and added that the laws are an attack on the democratic rights of people of colour, and leave people without a say in the running of our country.

Our right to vote is even more important at a time when over half of Black children are living in poverty in Britain, the letter said.

Hotel Rwanda actress Sophie Okonedo is among more than 50 signatories (Ian West/PA)

People have been denied a say in shaping our countrys future. This has to change before the next election.

The signatories also asked for automatic voter registration, saying it would prevent historically low turnout.

A spokesman for MHCLG said: We want to make sure every legitimate voter can exercise their democratic right to vote.

Thats why we will conduct a thorough evaluation of voter ID rules, to evaluate how they impacted voters during the General Election, before bringing forward firm proposals in due course.

Ultimately too many people feel they dont have a say in how our country is governed, and that is why the Prime Minister has been clear he wants to see a new way of governing, with politics back in the service of working people.

From introducing votes at 16 to handing power back to communities with our English Devolution Bill, our Government has a plan to restore faith in our democracy.

It is believed that the Government seeks to make amendments to the rules and will consider the recommendations of the review by the Electoral Commission.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Photo courtesy: Sukanta Majumdar X handle

New Delhi/IBNS: Triggering a row, Union Minister and West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sukanta Majumdar has proposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include North Bengal in the North East region, in a bid to facilitate the state with more funds and development.

Majumdar said in a video message, "I met the Prime Minister and submitted a proposal to include North Bengal within the North East zone considering their similarities.

"If North Bengal as a part of West Bengal is included in North East, the funds from the central schemes will increase leading to more development in the region. Now, the Prime Minister will decide."

In a message for the arch-rival Trinamool Congress (TMC), which rules West Bengal, Majumdar said, "I hope the state government will not oppose this."

In 2021, John Barla, the then BJP MP from Alipurduar, had demanded North Bengal as a separate state or a union territory.

Won't allow division of Bengal, responds TMC

In a sharp attack on Majumdar, a BJP MP from West Bengal's Balurghat, TMC spokesperson Riju Dutta posted on X, "Anti-Bengal, Anti-Bengali @BJP4Bengal is up to their old tricks again.. BJP State President & Union Min. @DrSukantaBJP submitted a proposal to PM @narendramodi to incorporate North Bengal with North East India! Let me be very clear to The descendants of Radcliffe - Bengal has been partitioned before causing tremendous agony to millions, who lost everything

"We will NOT let that happen again.. We will FIGHT to the last drop of our blood to protect the sovereignty, integrity & boundary of Bengal! BENGAL WILL NEVER BE DIVIDED AGAIN !!"
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video

Pune/IBNS: Heavy rain disrupted normal life, caused waterlogging and battered the city of Pune on Thursday, media reports said.

Three people died due to electrocution while they were trying to wade through the waterlogged streets.

Schools and tourist spots have been shut by the administration.

#PuneRains

Latest from Z Bridge

40K cusec released from Khadakwasla, stay safe

Opt for WFH pic.twitter.com/jxgGl7DiRp  Manndarr Ashwiinii Dnyaneshwar (@Manndarr_vfx) July 25, 2024

Three teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have joined the rescue work in Pune.

Not just Pune, Mumbai and its adjoining areas like Thane have been flooded with rain.

Several lakes in Mumbai have started overflowing early on Thursday.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has held meeting with officials to take stock of the situation.

The Deputy CM wrote on X, "Have been taking stock of the heavy rainfall situation in various districts of Maharashtra, especially Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Kohlapur and Sangli since early morning from my office.

"The concerned officials from Disaster Management System and District Administration have been directed to take proactive measures to ensure that rescue and relief work is done without any delay. I request everyone to stay cautious in this weather, and be alert when travelling. Your safety is paramount to us."
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi/IBNS: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal 's judicial custody has been extended by the Rouse Avenue court till August 8 in connection with a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case related to the now scrapped excise policy, media reports said.

Kejriwal was produced before the court in a video conference from Delhi's Tihar Jail where he is lodged.

In a partial relief, Kejriwal was granted an interim bail by the Supreme Court in the liquor policy case probed by the Enforcement Directorate on July 12.

The Aam Aadmi Party supremo was also arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) related to the case. He is still under arrest by the CBI.

On March 21, 2024, Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate over money laundering allegations while framing the Delhi liquor policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped after the Lieutenant Governor raised red flags.

The ED has alleged the money Kejriwal got from the liquor sellers was used to fund the party's campaign in Goa since he is the convenor of the AAP.

Kejriwal and the AAP have throughout maintained the Centre has been misusing its agencies to harass the Opposition with false cases.

Kejriwal was given an interim bail in May for a brief period until June 2, 2024 for campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls.

He went back to the jail on June 2, 2024 the day next to the last phase poll date.
Image Credit: Pixabay

New Delhi: A doctor from Noida lost Rs 59 lakh after scammers tricked her into a 'digital arrest' for 48 hoursa modus operandi used by scammers to defraud people, media reports said.

Dr. Puja Goyal, a resident of Noida Sector 77, received a call on July 13 from someone claiming to be an official from the Telephone Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), alleging that her phone was being used to circulate pornographic videos, reported NDTV.

Although Dr. Goyal denied the accusation, the caller persuaded her to join a video call, during which she was threatened with severe consequences and told she was under digital arrest, according to the report.

After 48 hours of questioning, Dr. Goyal transferred Rs 59.54 lakh to a specified account.

As soon as she realized she had been scammed, Dr. Goyal filed a police complaint on July 22 at the cybercrime cell in Noida Sector 36, the report said.

Vivek Ranjan Rai, Assistant Commissioner of Police (cybercrime), stated that tthe police have the details of the account where the money was transferred and are investigating.

The tactic of 'digital arrest' is becoming increasingly common among scammers, who intimidate their targets by posing as law enforcement officials and confining them to their homes or rooms.

In a similar incident, a 72-year-old woman from Delhi's Chittaranjan Park area was scammed into transferring Rs 83 lakh after being told that her phone had been used for criminal activities and subjected to over 12 hours of questioning.

Noida police recently issued an advisory to warn people about such scams.

"In recent months, around ten such incidents have been reported, leading to registered FIRs and ongoing investigations," the advisory said.

"If a suspicious call claims that legal action is being taken or asks for personal or financial information, citizens should immediately report it to the nearest police station or cyber cell," the advisory stated.

The police stressed the importance of verifying any suspicious calls, particularly those made via WhatsApp or video calls. They recommended that individuals check the caller's credentials through official channels to avoid falling victim to scams.
The attack came a day after a protest by Reddy in Delhi which included an exhibition of photos and videos of the violence in the state at the India International Centre.

He has alleged that Naidu and his party have been targeting the workers and leaders of his YSR Congress.

Speaking in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly Thursday, Naidu said: "Pablo Escobar is a Colombian drug lord, he is a narco terrorist. He turned politician and then started his cartel to sell drugs. He earned 30 billion dollars at that time, now it is worth 90 billion dollars."

"He was arrested in 1976 and in 1980 he became the number one richest drug lord in the world. One can become richer by selling drugs as well," the CM said.

"What was the aim of former Chief Minister (YS Jaganmohan Reddy)? Tata, Reliance, Ambani have money and he aspires to become richer than them. Few have needs, few have greed and few have mania and these maniacs do these kinds of things," he added.

Naidu's Telugu Desam Party said over the last five years, Andhra Pradesh has become the drug capital of the country and alleged the former Chief Minister had a role to play in it.

Reddy already has multiple criminal cases against him, including an attempt to murder case that was filed earlier this month.

The case was filed after a complaint by TDP MLA from Undi assembly constituency, K Raghurama Krishna Raju.

YSR Congress Party spokesperson Konda Rajin Gandhi said the TDP is under the impression that the "elections are not over". The TDP, he added, is trying to divert attention from the ongoing violence in the state, which Reddy has already flagged in Delhi.

Several Opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, have attended the exhibition.
Mumbai: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) on Friday announced the opening of Taj City Centre in Bihars capital Patna marking the iconic brand's debut in Bihar's vibrant capital city.

Speaking on the occasion, IHCL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Puneet Chhatwal said, "This opening is in line with IHCLs vision to bring world-class hospitality to Indias state capital cities with growing economic prominence.

"Tajs entry into Patna will open new avenues to develop travel itineraries and circuits to the culturally significant locations in and around the state. With Taj City Centre, Patna, we are delighted to extend our partnership with the Ambuja Neotia group.

Nestled in the heart of the city, Taj City Centre, Patna, offers 124 luxurious rooms and suites.

Each space is meticulously designed to blend timeless elegance with modern comfort, providing guests with breath-taking views of the city.

Guests can embark on a culinary adventure at Shamiana, the all-day dining restaurant, or House of Ming, featuring the finest Chinese cuisine.

The J Wellness Circle offers a haven of tranquillity with traditional Indian therapies and contemporary wellness practices.

The meticulously curated multiple event spaces set the stage for grand weddings and corporate soirees.

Ambuja Neotia Group Chairman Harshavardhan Neotia said, We are delighted to bring the iconic Taj brand with its legacy to the hallowed grounds of erstwhile Pataliputra celebrating Bihar's rich tapestry through its design. This will be our sixth Taj hotel of which five are operational across West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar and we continue to evaluate more opportunities to work together in this region.

Renowned for its ancient sites, and recognised as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, Patna is a treasure trove of historical and cultural significance, offering a captivating journey through time.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 3 hotels including 1 under development in Bihar.
The Indonesian crime thriller Borderless Fog is about to make its OTT debut soon. The film revolves around an investigation of murders along the borders of Indonesia and Malaysia. The film is directed by Edwin, who is an award-winning filmmaker. The Netflix's film is about to premiere on August 1, 2024.

Borderless Fog OTT release date Netflix: When to watch this Indonesian crime thriller

Netflix has also released a trailer for the film, which gives a glimpse of the thrilling scenes in it.

Storyline of Borderless Fog

The Netflix film Borderless Fog is not just limited to being a crime thriller that talks about the murders happening at the borders. In fact, it is about the main characters being forced to confront ghosts from their past. Will the characters in the film be successful in investigating the mystery murders? You will be able to find out on August 1.

Also Read: Upcoming Telugu releases on Amazon Prime Video, Aha, Netflix and other OTT platforms

Cast of Borderless Fog

The Netflix film includes actors like Putri Marino, Yoga Pratama, Lukman Sardi, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin, Yusuf Mahardika, Iedil Dzuhrie Alaudin, Kiki Narendra, Siti Fauziah, and Sita Nursanti.

More about Borderless Fog:

The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy in Indonesia, Sandiago Uno, celebrated National Film Day in 2023 with a special discussion alongside Netflix, centred around the upcoming original crime thriller Borderless Fog, and said, "We are particularly pleased with this production, as there are still many stories about places outside of Java. We are also pleased that the production involves local actors and crew members, and creates opportunities for local communities."

Also Release: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare OTT release date Prime Video: When to watch

According to an article published by Netflix, the director of the film, Eddy, also explained why Kalimantan was chosen as the film's main location. He said, "We hope this production can have a good impact on tourism and the creative economy. We hope to see more films take place outside of Java."

According to Netflix, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in 2022 partnered with the OTT platform to launch a programme to use stories to promote the Indonesian tourism industry. Borderless Fog is one of the projects.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Gyaarah Gyaarah is the upcoming crime thriller about to be released on OTT soon. The series has actors like Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra, and Dhairya Karwa in lead roles. The OTT streaming platform ZEE5 released the trailer for the series on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024, which made audiences realise that it would be a mystery-based show. Interestingly, this Zee5 show is supported by big filmmakers like Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor, as they are co-producers of the web series. The show will be available online on August 9, 2024.

Gyaarah Gyaarah OTT release date ZEE5: When to watch Kritika Kamras time travel mystery

The Kritika Kamra starrer series is directed by Umesh Bist. The trailer for this is already being talked about for its action-packed scenes. Ahead of its August 9 release, its crew, through the trailer, has given a narrative of the web series.

Storyline of Gyaarah Gyaarah

The story of this show is about mystery murder cases that will be reopened by a police team running after the truth.

Also Read: Mon Laferte, te amo OTT release date Netflix: When to watch this documentary on Chilean-Mexican musician

Cast members:

Apart from the actors like Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra, and Dhairya Karwa, there are Gautami Kapoor, Gaurav Sharma, Mukti Mohan, and Purnendu Bhattacharya in crucial roles.

In an interview with international news agency ANI, Raghav Juyal recently shared insights about his character, saying, This role was quite demanding for me because Yug is a character with a troubled past and deep-rooted traumas.

Also Read: Love is Blind Mexico OTT release date Netflix: When to watch this popular reality TV franchise

Other than Raghav, actress Kritika Kamra in the show is playing the role of senior cop. The actor has also shared that the role demanded a lot of flexibility because of its non-linear narrative.

As the countdown to the release of Gyaarah Gyaarah on Zee5 continues, fans are excited to see Raghav Juyal and Kritika Kamra bring their characters to life in this gripping, mysterious story.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


The month of August is full of surprises, as OTT platform Netflix is offering a list of exciting original series and films. Among the many other releases that people are talking about is Joe Rogan: Burn the Boats on August 3rd. American podcaster Joe Rogan is coming back to the realm of comedy with his live special, Burn the Boats, on the OTT platform.

Joe Rogan: Burn the Boats OTT release date

Joe is about to perform for his global audience that he will be addressing through the Netflix show on August 3rd. You know what is special about the performance? He is performing live after about 6 years.

Joe started doing stand-up comedy in 1988 at a comic club. The artist has released about six hour-long specials on Netflix and performed live at four different venues. He is now preparing to make his comeback after many years.



Also Read: August 2024 OTT web series and movies releases: Kill, Ghud Chadi, Modern Masters and more

Joe Rogan's deal with Netflix was not really smooth!

On an edition of the Joe Rogan Experience in April of this year, Joe and his co-host, comedian Neal Brennan, explored the faults of Netflix specials. As the chat between the two comedians began, Neal discovered the changes he needed to make for his Netflix show. He explained that in a live event, he didn't have to plan on cutting his jokes; instead, he could build up humour.

Despite the above-mentioned discussions, Joe's videos on Netflix were successful.

Joe is back to Netflix!

Joe, the podcaster and comedian, has received a lot of backlash from fans ever since he announced the Netflix special for different reasons. During the coronavirus, Joe had some issues with Spotify and the cancellation culture. Despite the hurdles, he emerged with a comedy club in Texas that quickly grew. With another unique show added to his portfolio, the comic will undoubtedly extract shiploads of jokes on August 3.



For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Love is Blind Mexico is an upcoming popular reality TV series to be released on Netflix soon. It will be the second Latin American spinoff of the TV franchise Love is Blind and the first in Spanish. The series will be released on August 1, 2024.

Love is Blind Mexico OTT release date Netflix: When to watch this reality TV franchise

The previously released parts of the series were organised in Brazil, Japan, and Sweden, and a UK edition is also expected later this year, with season 4 of the Brazil spin-off just dropping its first four episodes on June 19th. A new season of the show, titled Love is Blind, Habibi, is also being talked about, which will be recorded in the United Arab Emirates.

All about the Mexican version of Love is Blind

This Mexican version of the show, which airs on August 1, will be hosted by Omar and Lucy Chaparro. According to media reports, this edition of the show will feature a couple who have been together for more than two decades.

Also read: Borderless Fog OTT release date Netflix: When to watch this Indonesian crime thriller

According to Netflix, the couple in question is a perfect example of love, affection, and respect, and they will be there to accompany the participants in this journey full of intense emotions, to see if they can find that person who can move their hearts completely."

All about Love is Blind series

Love is Blind is a reality television series that is all about contestants who get to know each other without ever seeing one another. According to the concept of the show, the participants have to decide to get married before ever meeting each other. After the major decision, the couple then gets four weeks to decide if the decision they made can handle the pressures of the real world or not.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Women In Blue OTT release date: A brand new web series featuring Barbara Mori which is inspired by the thrilling true stories of Mexicos first female police force is soon to drop on OTT. Women In Blue OTT release date is out now and binge-watchers are in for a thrilling journey with the cast. Women in Blue, a web series created by Pablo Aramendi and Fernando Rovzar, winners of the International Emmy Award for showrunner and director, will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, with the first two episodes.



Reacting to the above trailer, people commented how they are looking forward to watching the show,

One wrote, Looking forward to seeing this, it looks excellent!.



Another added, So proud of how much Apple TV+ has continued to create great shows. Been a loyal fan since the beginning.



A third also went on to comment, Apple TV+ is doing something right with the content it is producing.

Sometimes the best man for the job is a woman. Women in Blue (Las Azules) premieres July 31 on Apple TV+ #WomenInBlue #LasAzules pic.twitter.com/1p3WgHXo17  Barbara Mori (@Delamori) June 17, 2024





Also read: Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba OTT release date Netflix: When to watch Taapsee Pannu-Vikrant Massey's film

What is Women in Blue about?

As per AppleTV+, Women in Blue, which is set in 1970 and is based on true events, is the story of four women who join Mexico's first female police department against the will of their ultraconservative society only to find out later that the force is a publicity hoax designed to divert spotlight away from a brutal serial killer. A hidden investigation is launched by Maria (Barbara Mori), a young rebel, Angeles (Ximena Sarinana), Gabina (Amorita Rasgado), whose father is a renowned police officer, and Valentina (Natalia Tellez) to do what only a single male officer has been able to do: get the serial killer to justice.

Who all star in Women In Blue?

The series Women In Blue stars Mori, Sarinana, Tellez, Rasgado, Miguel Rodarte, Leonardo Sbaraglia, Christian Tappan, and Horacio Garcia Rojas.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed every July 26, marks India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War. This day honors the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who defended the country's sovereignty. On July 26, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Drass in Ladakh to mark the 25th anniversary of this important event. Kargil Vijay Diwas remembers the 1999 conflict between India and Pakistan. Despite a peace agreement in February 1999, Pakistani soldiers infiltrated the Kargil district in the winter of 1998-1999, trying to disrupt the connection between Kashmir and Ladakh.



In May 1999, India launched Operation Vijay to combat the infiltration. The Kargil War involved fierce battles in tough mountainous terrain along the Line of Control (LoC) from May to July 1999. The Indian Army recaptured crucial positions like Tiger Hill but faced heavy casualties, losing around 490 soldiers. The war ended on July 26, 1999, with India's victory.

Kargil Vijay Diwas represents national unity and pride. The war brought Indians together in support of their armed forces, and the bravery of soldiers continues to inspire national pride. The day is celebrated to remember their heroism and foster a sense of duty among future generations.

Kargil Vijay Diwas drawings | Photo: PPSNABHA

Events across India on Kargil Vijay Diwas include ceremonies and memorial activities to honor the soldiers' sacrifices. These celebrations help keep the memory of their valor alive and strengthen national pride. Kargil Vijay Diwas's speech ideas.



On the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, we pay tribute to the brave Indian soldiers who fought valiantly during the 1999 Kargil War. Here are some ideas for Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes, messages, quotes, greetings, and WhatsApp statuses to share with your friends and family or someone you know who is in the Indian Army:

Best Kargil Vijay Diwas wishes to share with loved ones on WhatsApp:

Honoring the courage and sacrifice of our brave soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Their bravery will always inspire us. Jai Hind! Wishing everyone a heartfelt Kargil Vijay Diwas. Lets remember and celebrate the valor of our soldiers who made us proud. May the spirit of Kargil Vijay Diwas remind us of the bravery and sacrifices made by our soldiers. We owe them our freedom and safety. On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers who defended our country. Jai Hind! Remembering the brave heroes from the Kargil War who fought with great courage. May their bravery inspire us to protect our nation. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas! Lets honor the strong spirit of our soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas. May we always remember and appreciate their dedication. Wishing everyone a respectful and proud Kargil Vijay Diwas. Lets never forget the sacrifices made by our soldiers to defend our country. As we celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets also remember the families of our brave soldiers and show our support and thanks for their huge sacrifice. On this important day, lets renew our promise to protect our nation and stay united in challenging times. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas! Sending warm wishes on Kargil Vijay Diwas to all members of our armed forces. Your bravery and selflessness make us proud to be part of this great country. As we mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets take a moment to remember the heroes who fought for our freedom. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Hind! Today, we honor the heroes who showed that the spirit of India cant be beaten. Lets always stay united and protect our nations sovereignty. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas! On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets express our deep thanks to the brave soldiers who protect our borders and keep us safe. May their bravery always inspire us.

Best Kargil Vijay Diwas drawing ideas

Heartfelt Kargil Vijay Diwas Messages to send

On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets remember the heroes who defended our nation with unmatched courage and dedication. Saluting their valor! Kargil Vijay Diwas is a reminder of the sacrifices made by our soldiers. Their bravery is our strength. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas! Today, we honor the bravery of those who fought in the Kargil War. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Wishing you all a meaningful Kargil Vijay Diwas. This Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets remember the brave soldiers who fought with great courage to protect our country. We honor their heroism and sacrifice. Jai Hind! As we observe Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets respect the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers who defended our country. Their courage continues to inspire us. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas! Remembering the brave soldiers who stood strong in the Kargil war. Lets show our thanks and honor their unbreakable spirit. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024! On this important day, we honor the heroes who selflessly protected our borders during the Kargil conflict. Their sacrifices will always be remembered. Jai Hind! Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us of the courage and strength of our armed forces. Lets pay our respects to the martyrs and thank our soldiers who keep our nation safe today. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

Inspirational Kargil Vijay Diwas Quotes

"Live for something rather than die for nothing." - Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey "If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I'll kill death" - Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey "The sacrifices of our brave soldiers during the Kargil War are a testament to their unyielding courage. We salute them on this Kargil Vijay Diwas." "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 "The soldier is the true hero of the nation. Remembering our heroes on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Their valor inspires us every day." The sword of revolution is sharpened on the whetting stone of ideas. - Bhagat Singh 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 enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round." - Major Somnath Sharma "We fight to win and win with a knockout because there is no runner up in wars" - General J.J. Singh A soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves whats behind him.  Bill Clark Jr. "I am a soldier and I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight." - General Cariappa "When you go home tell them of us and say, for their tomorrow, we gave our today" - Kargil War Memorial "The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." - Douglas MacArthur "Freedom is not free; it comes with a price. Honoring the soldiers who paid that price on this Kargil Vijay Diwas." "The preservation of freedom is not the task of soldiers alone. The whole nation has to be strong." - Lal Bahadur Shastri "Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolor, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure." - Captain Vikram Batra "The hardest thing of all for a soldier is to retreat." - Duke of Wellington "The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men." - Minot Judson Savage "No sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards." - Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal Every citizen of India must remember that... he is an Indian and he has every right in this country but with certain duties. - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Kargil Vijay Diwas Slogans 2024

They fought with courage, they won with pride. Salute to the warriors who epitomized bravery. Honoring the Brave: Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 Saluting Our Heroes: Remembering Kargil Victory Courage and Sacrifice: Celebrating Kargil Vijay Diwas Our Heroes, Our Pride: Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 In Memory of Valor: Kargil Vijay Diwas Remembrance Victory and Valor: Paying Tribute on Kargil Vijay Diwas Kargil Vijay Diwas: Salute to the Unforgettable Heroes United in Gratitude: Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 Remembering Sacrifice: Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebrations Honor, Remember, Celebrate: Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 Greetings

Sending warm greetings on Kargil Vijay Diwas. May we always remember and cherish the bravery of our soldiers who secured our nations victory. Wishing you a respectful Kargil Vijay Diwas. Lets honor our soldiers' courage and remember their sacrifice for our safety and freedom. May the spirit of Kargil Vijay Diwas bring peace and pride to your hearts as we commemorate the bravery of our armed forces. As we celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets take a moment to remember the brave individuals who fought fearlessly and brought pride to our nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Jai Hind! On this day of victory, we remember the courageous soldiers who fought for our country. Lets honor their sacrifice and work to uphold the values they defended. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024! Kargil Vijay Diwas shows us the incredible bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers. Lets support our armed forces and stand together. Jai Hind! As we celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets thank the brave people who showed great courage and dedication to our country. We owe our freedom to their sacrifices. On this special Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets remember and honor the heroes who gave everything to protect the honor of our beloved nation. Jai Hind!

Kargil Vijay Diwas WhatsApp Status

Saluting the heroes of Kargil War. Their bravery made us proud. #KargilVijayDiwas Remembering the valor and sacrifice of our soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Jai Hind! On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we honor those who defended our nation with unwavering courage. #HeroesOfKargil On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets honor the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers who fought bravely to protect our country. Jai Hind!  #KargilVijayDiwas2024 Remembering the courage and heroism of our soldiers who gave their lives to protect our borders. Their bravery will always inspire us. #KargilVijayDiwas2024  On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we pay tribute to the strong spirit of our soldiers and thank them for their selfless service.  #KargilVijayDiwas2024 As we celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets remember the hard work of our armed forces in protecting our country. Their bravery and dedication are unmatched.  #KargilVijayDiwas2024 Today, we honor the ultimate sacrifice of our brave soldiers and express our deep thanks for their strong commitment to our nation's safety.  #KargilVijayDiwas2024 On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets bow our heads to the brave souls who gave their lives to protect our freedom and land.  #KargilVijayDiwas2024 Saluting the courage and bravery of our soldiers who showed incredible strength during the Kargil War. We will always remember their sacrifice.  #KargilVijayDiwas2024 On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the heroes who fought with great determination, making sure our countrys flag flies high with pride.  #KargilVijayDiwas2024 As we mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets also thank the families of our soldiers, whose support and sacrifices are also greatly valued.  #KargilVijayDiwas2024 On this day, we remember our brave soldiers and renew our commitment to protecting our countrys honor and sovereignty. Jai Hind!  #KargilVijayDiwas2024

Kargil Vijay Diwas wishes and messages in Hindi

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Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: Thank You Messages for the Indian Army

On Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024, we want to express our deep thanks to the Indian Army for their bravery, dedication, and sacrifices. Here are ten heartfelt messages to show our appreciation:

To the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, thank you for your courage and dedication during the Kargil War. Your sacrifices have made India safer and stronger. We salute your bravery and patriotism on this special day! To the heroes of the Indian Army, we are grateful for your unwavering courage and selflessness in defending our country. Your sacrifices during the Kargil War will always be remembered. Jai Hind! On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, we sincerely thank the Indian Army for their bravery and commitment to protecting our borders. Your spirit inspires us all. Thank you for keeping us safe and proud! To the Kargil War heroes, thank you for showing extraordinary bravery despite the challenges. Your sacrifices have ensured our nations safety and integrity. We salute the Indian Army on this special day! As we remember Kargil Vijay Diwas, we honor the Indian Army for their hard work in protecting our country. Your dedication and sacrifices have upheld our nation's honor and sovereignty. Thank you so much! With deep respect, we thank the Indian Army for their bravery during the Kargil War. Your determination and sacrifice are why we enjoy freedom and security today. Jai Hind! On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we bow to the Indian Army for their supreme sacrifice and unyielding spirit. Your courage has shown us the true meaning of patriotism. Thank you for your service! To the fearless soldiers of the Indian Army, thank you for your commitment and bravery that led to victory in the Kargil War. Your sacrifices will always be remembered. We are proud of our Armed Forces! As we mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, we express our heartfelt thanks to the Indian Army for their valor and sacrifice. Your selfless service keeps millions safe. Thank you for being our real-life heroes! On this important Kargil Vijay Diwas, we extend our gratitude to the Indian Army for their incredible courage and sacrifice. Your dedication has secured our borders and filled our hearts with pride. Thank you!

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 images, cards, poster, cards to share on WhatsApp

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes images | Photo: Freepik

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes images | Photo: Freepik

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes images | Photo: Freepik

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes images | Photo: Freepik

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes images | Photo: Freepik

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes images | Photo: Freepik

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes images | Photo: Freepik

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes images | Photo: Freepik

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes images | Photo: Freepik

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 wishes images | Photo: Freepik
Getting tattooed is undeniably cool and edgy, with styles that range from minimalist designs to intricate art.



But for this woman in Australia, her love for getting tattooed has reached unimaginable heights.

Known as the country's "most tattooed woman," she has taken body modification to the extremeshe now has tattoos covering every inch of her body, including her eyeballs.

Amber Luke, known as Australia's "most tattooed woman," has a total of 250 tattoos on her body as well as numerous piercings and implants.

Amber Luke/ Instagram

It was at the age of 22 that she got a tattoo in the most unique body part - her eyeballs - a process that left her blind for weeks and with excruciating pain.



In an interview on The Apollo Show podcast in July, Luke described this intense experience as a reclaiming of her body.

"I wanted to own that and say: 'You know what? I may have gone blind for three weeks, but it turned out to be quite an okay experience,'" she told host Adam Manikis.

For those wondering how the process of tattooing one's eyeball actually works, she explains it in the interview: it involved using a one-millimeter syringe to inject ink into "two pinpoints" directly on her eyeballs.

Despite her initial harrowing experience, Luke recently returned went back for a touch-up, revealing that her eye is now a solid blue.

Though Luke is proud of her tattoo and even returned for a touch up, she isn't trying to hide the brutal pain the process caused.

"It was the most intense, brutal pain of my life," she recalled. "I honestly felt like  10 shards of glass had been rubbed in my eye for three weeks."

But she adds that if done correctly, one wouldn't feel "any pain whatsoever."



Courage and guts aside, it sounds like an extremely harrowing experience, one which not many would be inclined to try.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
The United States will vote in November 2024 to elect the 47th American President, who will succeed incumbent Joe Biden in the Oval Office. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party are the frontrunners to succeed Biden.

Literally Anybody Else for President

But what if a voter is not satisfied with the two mainstream political party candidates and they are willing to vote for literally anybody else? Disgruntled voters in the US can rejoice as Literally Anybody Else is contesting the US presidential elections. Yes, you read it right, a man called Literally Anybody Else is running for President of the United States.

Also read: This Canadian man has made history by becoming the first candidate to get zero votes in an election

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Who is Literally Anybody Else

Dustin Ebey, a Texas native, has legally changed his name to Literally Anybody Else and is contesting the elections.

The 35-year-old 7th-grade math teacher and Army veteran says he represents a protest against the choices offered by the major political parties for the upcoming presidential election.

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Why is Literally Anybody Else contesting

"This isn't about me, 'Literally Anybody Else,' as much as it is about the idea that we can do better out of 300 million people for president," he said.

Else is dead serious about his campaign and has a website detailing his policy positions where people also can make donations to support him.

"The Literally Anybody Else Campaign offers a new vision for America. We believe in a transparent, accountable government that truly represents all Americans. Our mission is to restore faith in our political system with practical, achievable solutions," the website reads.

Also read: 'Asparagus fortune-teller' predicts Michelle Obama defeating Donald Trump in US Presidential election

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Can he be a candidate

To be recognized as a candidate, Else must submit a petition with at least 113,151 signatures from registered voters who did not participate in the presidential primary of either major party.

So Else is running a write-in campaign in Texas, where he did not get the required signatures, and is expected to appear by name on the Tennessee ballot, where he said he did get the required amount of signatures.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Climate change is a serious issue which the world has been tackling. Many influential people make it their duty to talk about it and bring about a change in whichever way they can. Recently, Microsoft founder Bill Gates spoke about how Elon Musk has a super important contribution in combating this crisis.



He went on to say that he would want Musk to talk more about it.

He was asked about the same in an interview to which Gates replied saying he is disappointed with Tesla CEO Musk for not being vocal about it.

tesla

He said, He talks a lot. I hope he'll talk more about climate. You know, he's very, very smart. He's made a contribution within that area that is super important.

When asked what other topics should Musk address, Gates said, I don't think he'll listen to anybody telling him what to talk about. He's unique, and he'll talk about whatever he feels like.

Also Read: 'Could Have Learned Sooner', Bill Gates Discloses Valuable Lesson From His Buddy Warren Buffett

Bill Gates and Elon Musk have had their share of disagreements in the past

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Bill Gates and Elon Musk have publicly exchanged criticisms and expressed disagreements on various issues. Gates once questioned Musk's prioritization of spending his wealth on efforts to send humans to Mars instead of funding vaccines to save lives. Gates also suggested that Musk has the potential to become a significant philanthropist in the future.



Bill Gates also recounted an incident where Elon Musk reportedly acted "super mean" towards him upon learning that the Microsoft founder had shorted Tesla stock.

"Once he heard I'd shorted the stock, he was super mean to me, but he's super mean to so many people, so you can't take it too personally," Bill Gates said, adding that he apologized to Elon Musk.

Also Read: A Look At The $200 Billion Net Worth Of The World's Richest Person Elon Musk
On a recent Friday news, Microsoft experienced a significant outage that disrupted various sectors worldwide including banks, airlines, media, and businesses around the globe. This incident underscored just how crucial Microsoft is in todays world. But who owns this tech giant? Is it Bill Gates, the founder, or Satya Nadella, the current CEO? Additionally, many wonder about the company's financial standing. In this article, let's take a look into who holds the reins at Microsoft and reveal the impressive net worth of this tech powerhouse.



Ownership Breakdown of Microsoft

CrowdStrike offers $10 Uber Eats gift card as 'gratitude' for contractors 'additional work' during global outage

Microsoft Corporation's ownership is distributed among retail, institutional, and individual investors. Institutional investors hold a major share, accounting for approximately 69.14% of the company's equity. These institutional investors include large entities such as insurance companies and mutual funds. Among them, 'The Vanguard Group' is the largest, with around 9% of Microsoft's shares, reported in DNA India.

Individual investors and the general public own the remaining shares, which amounts to 23.13% of Microsoft's total equity. Company insiders, including officers and board members, hold about 7.73% of the shares. Among these insiders, Satya Nadella, the current CEO of Microsoft, is the largest shareholder, owning 801,331 shares as of May 2024. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, holds roughly 2.79% of the company's shares.

Net Worth of Microsoft

As of July 25, 2024, according to Companies Marketcap, Microsoft boasts a market capitalization, or net worth, of approximately $3.187 trillion. This represents a substantial over 30% increase in its market value over the past year, underlining its significant and growing impact on the global market.

All about Satya Nadella

AP

Satya Narayana Nadella is an Indian-American business executive who is currently the CEO and Chairman of Microsoft Corporation. He joined Microsoft in 1992 and quickly rose through the ranks to become a top leader. Leading one of the largest tech companies in the world, Nadella has many responsibilities and earns a significant salary for his role.



Nadella was born and raised in Hyderabad, a city in southern India. He studied electrical engineering at Mangalore University and graduated with a B.Sc. degree in 1988. He then moved to the United States and earned a master's degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1990.

Nadella started his career at Sun Microsystems, Inc., working in technology. In 1992, he joined Microsoft and initially worked on developing Windows NT, an operating system for business users. While at Microsoft, he also earned an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1997.

Nadella's career at Microsoft was marked by steady and impressive progress. By 1999, he was vice president of Microsoft bCentral, a service for small businesses. Two years later, he became corporate vice president of Microsoft Business Solutions. In 2007, he was promoted to senior vice president of research and development for the online services division. From 2011 to 2013, he was president of Microsoft's server and tools business, which brought in about $19 billion in revenue each year.

Nadella also played a key role in cloud computing. He was the executive vice president in charge of Microsoft's cloud computing platform, which supports services like the Bing search engine, the Xbox Live gaming network, and Office 365.

On February 4, 2014, Satya Nadella became the CEO of Microsoft. He is the third person to hold this position in the company's history, following co-founder Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. One of his early tasks was overseeing Microsoft's $7.2 billion purchase of Nokia's mobile device business. In 2016, under his leadership, Microsoft acquired LinkedIn, the professional networking site.

As of 2023, Satya Nadella's net worth is estimated to be around Rs 7,500 crore, according to Business Today.

While Satya Nadella is a key figure in Microsoft's ownership, the companys shares are broadly distributed among various investors. Microsoft's impressive net worth reflects its prominent position in the tech industry and its continued growth and success.
A name synonymous with petroleum, telecommunications and retail, Mukesh Ambani is called a visionary businessman for a reason. Whichever field he picks up, he ensures that he sets a benchmark for others to follow. Leading Reliance Industries Limited, he has expanded the company's influence into agriculture, making it the largest mango exporter globally. This transformation highlights Reliance's shift from industrial dominance to agricultural leadership under Ambani's stewardship.

It all began from barren lands of Jamnagar in 1997

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In 1997, when confronted with severe pollution challenges at its Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, Reliance Industries responded with a forward-thinking approach. To address environmental concerns and meet Pollution Control Board standards, the company initiated a project to transform the adjacent barren lands into a vast mango orchard. This endeavor was designed not only to mitigate pollution but also to establish a sustainable green zone around the industrial complex.



The orchard was named after his father: Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee

Dhirubhai Ambani

Covering 600 acres, the orchard, named after Reliance's founder Dhirubhai Ambani, is home to over 1.3 lakh mango trees of over 200 varieties. This homage reflects the historical Lakhibag orchard established by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, highlighting a link between India's storied heritage and contemporary environmental conservation efforts.



The barren lands were transformed with cutting-edge technologies

To flourish in the region's challenging high salinity and arid conditions, Reliance adopted state-of-the-art technologies. This included the installation of a desalination plant to provide clean water, which substantially lowered pollution levels. Advanced agricultural practices such as water harvesting, drip irrigation, and precision fertilization were also implemented to support optimal growth and long-term sustainability of the orchard, according to a report by Financial Express.

Also Read: How India's Richest Man Mukesh Ambani Earns Money Despite Zero Salary At Reliance?

Varieties of Mango and the orchards global impact

Reliance industries

The orchard features a wide range of mango varieties, including well-known Indian types such as Kesar, Alphonso, Ratna, Sindhu, Neelam, and Amrapali, as well as international cultivars like Tommy Atkins and Kent from Florida, and Lily, Keitt, and Maya from Israel. With an annual production of around 600 tonnes of premium mangoes, Reliance has positioned itself as Asia's leading mango exporter, serving both domestic and international markets.



Reliance Industries not only focuses on its own sustainability efforts but also actively contributes to community development. Each year, the company distributes 100,000 saplings to local farmers, provides training in advanced agricultural techniques, and promotes environmental stewardship. This comprehensive approach highlights Reliance's commitment to sustainable development and leadership in agricultural innovation.

Also Read: Did you know India's richest man & Reliance chief Mukesh Ambani's birthplace isn't India but this country?
New dynamics have emerged in the race for the leadership of Greece's socialist Pasok party following Milena Apostolakis' withdrawal from the contest.

Just 23 days after announcing her candidacy alongside Nikos Androulakis, Pavlos Geroulanos, and Haris Doukas, the MP declared she would no longer be running.

Ms.

said that she had not originally intended to vye for the leadership, but when Mr. Androulakis himself accepted the challenge, she felt compelled to enter the race to add a political dimension to the process.

During her campaign, she expressed confidence in her ability to serve as prime minister, stating, "I feel ready for such a position, and this is not an arrogant sentiment of 'I can do it better.'"

Before releasing a statement to the media, Ms. Apostolakis hosted a gathering in the northern suburbs, her electoral district, with hundreds of supporters who had worked tirelessly and collected around 4,700 signatures for her candidacy (out of the 5,000 required). She informed them of her decision, eliciting mixed reactions: some applauded, while others disagreed. However, all shared a common question: "Who do we support now?"

In response, Ms. Apostolakis advised her supporters to back whomever they felt was the best choice, emphasising that their judgement was paramount. She did not endorse any specific candidate but assured her supporters that she would do everything in her power to ensure that Pasok does not emerge damaged on October 14."

While she has a personal preference, she plans to keep it private until the election.

Why did Ms.withdraw from the race so early?

Many observers had predicted that few candidates would ultimately stay in the race, especially after Anna Diamantopoulou entered the fray.

Initially, Ms. Apostolakis stressed the need for a female candidate, but as the field grew with the additions of Nadia Giannakopoulou and Anna Diamantopoulou, her polling numbers did not meet her expectations.

Ms. Apostolakis cited growing concerns over "personal conflicts that could jeopardize the party's cohesion," stating she would oppose any developments that could lead to such a scenario.

"I want to be part of the solution, not the problem. That's why I decided not to run," she said."On October 14, Pasok must not come out wounded. I will fight with all my might to ensure this." Her main concern, she confided to associates, lies in the increasingly contentious atmosphere within the party.



By Angelos Moschovas



   iefimerida.gr
Authorities have intensified their efforts to address zoning violations on Greek beaches and coastlines, conducting over 4,500 inspections in the past three weeks alone. These inspections were prompted by citizen complaints regarding unauthorised use of public beaches and coastal areas.

More than 150 beaches and over 750 businesses have been scrutinised during this period. The majority of complaints were submitted through the MyCoast application, a platform designed to facilitate

citizen reporting of beach violations. Additional reports were made via phone calls to local authorities.

The Ministry of Economy acknowledges that while the situation has improved compared to previous years, violations such as lack of signage and unauthorised occupation of beach space continue to be a concern.

Administrative fines have been imposed on all businesses found in violation of regulations.

In a significant move to reclaim public space, authorities have sealed off businesses on 20 beaches that had illegally occupied the coast with sunbeds and umbrellas without proper permits. These sections of beaches have been cleared and made available for free use by the public.

This crackdown on beach violations reflects a growing commitment to preserving Greece's natural beauty and ensuring that its coastlines remain accessible to all. While challenges remain, the increased enforcement of regulations and active participation of citizens in reporting violations signal a positive step towards protecting Greece's beaches for future generations.

   iefimerida.gr
In a move hailed as historic for the Greek banking sector, the merger of Pancreta Bank and Attica Bank, facilitated by a deal between the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF) and Thrivest, has received unanimous political backing.

The

merger, aimed at strengthening the financial stability of the banking sector and boosting the national economy, ensures private investor participation and positive returns for the Greek government , according to HFSF Chairman Andreas Verykios.

HFSF CEO Ilias Xirouchakis described the agreement as a "milestone" that resolves a decade-long capital issue for the two banks and paves the way for further growth. The merger will also lead to early repayment of bonds and the creation of a modern financial institution supporting households and businesses.

Ms. Xirouchakis stressed the positive impact on the banking system and the national economy. "We view this transaction as a milestone for both the banking system and the national economy," he said.

The merger is expected to create a strong fifth banking pillar, enhancing competition and providing advanced services to clients.

The political consensus surrounding the merger signals a positive outlook for the future of the Greek banking sector and the broader economy.

   iefimerida.gr
"On the 50th anniversary since the restoration of Democracy to the country that gave birth to it, I wanted to be in the Parliament , in the place that the dictatorship desecrated for 7 years," Prime Minister Kyriakossaid on Wednesday speaking at the special meeting of the parliament plenary.
The Federal High Court and State High Court sitting in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced four individuals, Anthony Chukwu, Madaki Ismail, Samson Aliyu, and Christopher Israel to various jail terms for internet fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission made the disclosure in a statement received by PUNCH on Wednesday.

According to the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Command, they were charged with impersonation, obtaining by pretence, and money laundering on one count each.

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According to the statement, the defendants were found guilty of violating Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition)2022 and Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code legislation 2017 and were punished under Section 309 of the same legislation.

Chukwus charge reads, That you, Anthony Chukwu (a.k.a Carmelita Luna), sometime in December 2023, in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, directly acquired the sum of N520,000.00 from Nelro Balmoria and other unsuspecting persons through false identity, which you knew that the said funds formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and you thereby committed money laundering, an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition)2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

That of Aliyu reads, That you Samson Aliyu (a.k.a John Dunwell), between January and May 2024 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, committed an offence, by falsely presenting yourself as John Dunwell, a white man and an investment broker with AZ Finance Investment Company. In that assumed character cheated several persons including one Lhes, the total sum of P2,000.00 Philippines pesos via Instagram and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same law.

They pleaded guilty to the accusations stated to them, and prosecution counsel Matiyak and Argungu urged the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly.

READ MORE: Traders Forced Off Ikeja Streets As Lagos Taskforce Enforces Environmental Laws

The presiding judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Aikawa, convicted and sentenced Chukwu to five years in jail or a fine of N300,000.00, while Ismail received five years in prison or a fine of N500,000.00.

Furthermore, it was stated that both convicts forfeited the sums of N520,000.00 and $310, respectively, as proceeds of their crimes to the federal government, as well as an iPhone XR and a Samsung S21 mobile phone, which were used in their crimes.

Justice Darius Khobo of the State High Court found Aliyu guilty and sentenced him to three years in prison or a fine of N200,000, while Israel was sentenced to three years in prison or a fine of N250,000.00.

In addition, Aliyu forfeited $50, being the proceeds of his crime to the federal government, while both forfeited their phones, being instruments of their crimes to the federal government.

It was alleged that in response to reliable information about their fraudulent online operations, Chukwu, Aliyu, and Israel were detained in Kaduna, while Ismail was detained in Jos.
Eniola Badmus, a Nollywood actress, has officially resumed her duties with Senator Tajudeen Abbas.

It should be noted that the actress was recently appointed as the Special Assistant on Social Events and Public Hearing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Tajudeen Abbas.

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On Wednesday, Eniola posted photos of herself and the Senator from their meeting with Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja on her Instagram page.

She added that the institute has considerably enhanced legislative institutions over time through rigorous research, legislative support services, training programs, and policy analysis.

READ MORE: Family Conducts Separate Autopsy On Mohbads Remains In Search Of Truth About His Death

Sharing the picture, she wrote,

This week @speakerabbas and President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), inaugurated the Governing Council of the institution, earlier this week in Abuja.

NILDS, as the research and academic arm of the National Assembly, is a pillar of knowledge, a capacity-building powerhouse, and a think tank dedicated to advancing our legislative processes. NILDSs mandate was to provide technical and analytical support as well as comprehensive, reliable legislative research to legislators, their aides, committees, and the bureaucracy of the legislative in Nigeria and beyond.

Over the years, the Institute has significantly contributed to strengthening legislative institutions through its rigorous research, legislative support services, training program, and policy analysis.

Cc queen_bizie.

In her comment section, many noted how the economy favoured her

Etin Bureno wrote, You dey enjoy this government, oh

Morgan Eva wrote, Na you this government favour o

Shady4real wrote, Na only you dey enjoy this failed government. Many are suffering una dey there dey enjoy our treasures. Nigeria, go soon ask una

Abdul Khalid9842 wrote, Great work

Gabriel Ebofin wrote, More success ahead, mama

SEE POST:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9zvFrQs7Wk/?igsh=MXNkZXdoZ2EwdGRiag==


Daniel Bwala, a former spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar campaign organisation, says some foreign interests are taking advantage of the political climate in the country to promote nationwide protest.

He revealed this in Abuja on Wednesday when he visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock villa.

His words: I honestly believe that there is to a large extent the element of politics, and my belief is that it even transcends the country there.

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There would have been foreign interest taking advantage of the poor political climate because of the fact of hunger and suffering.

We know that everybody in Nigeria acknowledges that there is suffering, and the suffering did not start last year.

We have been dealing with that issue; you know of suffering, you know, lack of employment; were talking about entrepreneurship; virtually every aspect of the economy and security is what we have always been pushing the envelope and seeing how we can attain a better place.

But suddenly, the conversation, if you see what the mainstream and social media are all about, is that they want to bring the government downPresident Bola Tinubu must resign.

Once you hear that kind of talk and language, then you dont need somebody to interpret that there is a political connotation.

READ ALSO: Peter Obi Is A Political Jobber, Hell Soon Leave LP  Daniel Bwala Tells Obidients

You must be aware that people have been holding meetings saying they want to unseat the President.

Bwala also hinted about his plan to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

I have officially left PDP, and I am making plans to join APC.

The intention is just like somebody who is planning his wedding. You dont just wake up one morning and go to the church.

You have to do a committee of friends; you have to notify relatives and well-wishers so that they will be there to grace the occasion. So yes, I am on my way to APC, and that is where I have always belonged.

Remember, we have been in APC for eight years, and I am sure that my efforts in APC and my support since you are in the media, you all know.

I left (APC) because of differences, but I am back, and I think at this time it is not about party; it is about us coming together as a country to make sure that the country not only survives but that it is on a good trajectory.

When that time for politics comes, those who are there will do. But I am fully committed to President Bola Tinubu, and in the coming days I will do my official re-entry to APC.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration has again appealed to Nigerians for more time, promising that the economic situation is being addressed with urgency.

This is in response to the increasing economic hardship and mounting calls for a nationwide protest against the Federal Government.

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Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed this message on Wednesday in Abuja after a Federal Executive Council meeting convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Idris who described the planned protests as a family matter and reassured that the government is committed to resolving all issues in a manner that ensures peace and stability across the country.

He further acknowledged the legitimate concerns of citizens and stressed that the administration is focused on implementing solutions to mitigate the hardships.

Addressing newsmen after the closed-door meeting, Idris said, We came together to discuss. You can see that this is not happening at the Council Chambers, its happening at the office of the SGF, and many of the ministers are here. We have discussed issues of national interest, and all of us are working for Nigeria and we hope and believe that Nigeria is going to be great again.

No one is going to sleep. Those who are agitating and asking for protests are Nigerians, and they are our brothers, they are our sisters, they are all Nigerians and those in positions of authority; the ministers, the President, everybody, we are all Nigerians too. So, this is a family matter. This is a Nigerian family issue, and all of us are looking at this issue very well and we hope that peace will prevail at the end of the day.

Asked whether the government has been engaging with the stakeholders and organizers of the planned protest, Idris said engagement has always been an ongoing thing.

This is not a peculiar situation. Engagement has been ongoing. The President has met severally with all key stakeholders. I have also been meeting with stakeholders, and other government functionaries have also been meeting with other key stakeholders.

Engagement is going to continue and in the interest of Nigeria, we will continue to engage. We know this is the only country that all of us have, and at the end of the day, Nigeria is going to be better for all of us for it, he stated.

READ ALSO: Hardship: Its Too Early To Protest Against Tinubu, May Be Hijacked Like EndSARS  Southeast Govs

On the alleged insistence by some top Nigerians, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, that the protests must go on, Idris said the senior lawyer was entitled to his opinion in a democracy.

He (Falana) is an individual. This is a democracy, and everyone is entitled to his opinion. The protesters are also Nigerians, and this is a democratic situation. What I keep saying is that we are all Nigerians and we are all acting in the interest of Nigeria, but suffice to say that yesterday, Mr President said there is no need for any protest, let us calm down.

A lot is happening, Nigeria is going to move and march on, and we believe that whatever government comes out with will be in the interest of Nigeria. We dont think that there is a need for any protest, we are appealing for calm, we are appealing for a peaceful resolution or a peaceful approach to any issue.

If you have anything that you want to put out there, you are free to put it out there, but the government is insisting that we are all Nigerians; we have to be calm, we have to be patient and suffice it to say that let us give peace a chance. Mr President is working round the clock, his ministers are working, everyone is working, all hands are on deck.

Like I said yesterday, everyone is listening; we are all listening; the President is listening, and he has a message for all Nigerians; that message is that they should all calm down; they should please give the man more time. Everything they asked for, all their pleas will be answered, he added.

Some Ministers who were at the meeting included Nyesom Wike (FCT), Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Zephaniah Jisalo (Special Duties), Tahir Mamman (Education), and Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Planning).

Others were Wale Edun (Finance), Mohammed Idris (Information), Bello Matawalle (Defence), David Umahi (Works), and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, among others.

The protest tagged EndBadGovernance has gained traction on social media and has been scheduled to hold across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

However, its organisers have remained largely anonymous as no group has come forward to take responsibility.
The Nigerian Armys counter-terrorism troops in Kaduna State have successfully neutralised two terrorists.

The troops also retrieved weapons after a swift and decisive ambush operation in the early hours of Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

The Department of Army Public Relations platform released a statement stating this.

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According to the statement: The troops responding to actionable intelligence executed a well-coordinated ambush along the Tasha-Bwari Road, a vital link between Gurara town in Kachia and Kagarko local government areas of Kaduna State.

Troops engaged the terrorists in a heated gun battle, killing two and leaving others with gunshot wounds.

READ MORE: Traders Forced Off Ikeja Streets As Lagos Taskforce Enforces Environmental Laws

The statement further disclosed: The operation led to the recovery of arms and valuable intelligence, including an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 27 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two machetes, two mobile phones, and the sum of N80,000 only, along with other supplies.

This successful operation not only averted a potential terrorist attack but also delivered a significant blow to the terrorist network operating in the state.

The Nigerian Armys proactive and effective response underscores troops dedication to maintaining peace and security for the citizens of Kaduna State and its environs.
The Lagos State Police Commands Rapid Response Squad apprehended 90 male individuals during a raid on suspected criminals in the late hours of Tuesday.

The operation, carried out in coordination with Area A Command, targeted renowned hotspots in the states Obalende, Adeniji, and Lagos Island regions.

On Wednesday, the RRS confirmed this in a statement on X.

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The statement read, Last night, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, in collaboration with Area A Command acting on intelligence, raided 90 suspects in Obalende, Adeniji, and Lagos Island.

The exercise, which started around mid-night, witnessed the teams combing notorious spots in Obalende, Adeniji, and Lagos Island. The exercise was aimed at reducing criminal activities in the areas.

It further stated that all of the suspects had been handed over to the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit for further investigation and prosecution.

According to the statement, the RRS Commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye, has directed that the squads operations be expanded to cover Lekki, Jakande Roundabout, and V.G.C.

The extension is to complement the agencys vehicular patrol of the Lekki-Epe Expressway and to curb the activities of miscreants harassing motorists in traffic on the highway, it added.


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, disclosed that the insecurity ravaging the country is driven by well-organized non-state actors.

According to the President, a united effort from law enforcement agencies and the cessation of inter-agency rivalries is essential to address this issue

At the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, highlighted the complex nature of the security challenges facing the nation.

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His words, The security situation in the country is a complex blend of threats posed by well-organized non-state actors.

READ ALSO: Insecurity: Stop Killing Innocent People, Come For Peace Talks  Benue Govt Tells Bandits

Addressing it requires a concerted approach by all stakeholders within the security architecture. I, therefore, call for the elimination of inter-agency rivalries and urge law enforcement agencies to embrace a coordinated, collaborative approach.

Tinubu reiterated his administrations commitment to reforming the Nigerian Police Force, pledging investments in arms, equipment, and the recruitment and training of police personnel to improve their numbers, quality, and readiness.

Acknowledging the governments determination to combat insecurity, Tinubu noted a significant increase in cybercrime threats.

Our administration is steadfast in its fight against all forms of criminal activity. Cybercrime is an emerging and evolving threat. We are witnessing an increase in activities by cybercriminals, online fraudsters, and cyber terrorists who exploit the Internet for their destabilizing activities, he stated.
Yul Edochie, a controversial Nollywood actor, has fired back at his detractors in the wake of Judy Austins ex-husbands recent public tirade.

INFORMATION NIGERIA had earlier reported that Judy Austins ex-husband, Mr Emmanuel Obasi accused his ex-wife, Judy Austin of refusing to grant him access to his kids for over 10 years.

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Following his disclosure, Yul Edochie took to Instagram on Wednesday to criticise individuals who are lying about him and Judy, as well as those who want their downfall.

He also informed his many detractors that the forces behind him and Judy Austin are powerful, and thus they cannot be defeated.

READ MORE: You Cant Monetize Another Persons Song  Brain Jotter Denies Profiting From Mike Ejeaghas Song

He wrote:

Our progress and happiness dey pain so many people. Its giving them sleepless nights.

Thats why they keep coming up with all sorts of lies against us, now theyre paying people to lie against us.

Una never see anything. Una go talk tire. When you talk finish, you hug the transformer.

Our matter go send all of una go hospital. The spiritual forces standing with us are too powerful. You cant bring us down.

If you try, youll go down.And when your downfall comes, just remember you brought it upon yourself.

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Otunba Henry Ajomale, a former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State chapter, says the Party lost the 2023 presidential election in the State by mistake.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would never lose in the State again.

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Ajomale who said these during the inauguration of one of the Partys internal groups, called Justice Forums branch in Isolo, expressed concerns about the brewing rivalry rocking the Party.

He however urged warring factions to resolve their crisis and brace up ahead of the next general elections.

While recalling that the Party lost to the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 presidential polls, he noted that it was a reflection of the state of inactiveness among Party members.

We made a mistake in 2023; we slept, and they defeated us in Lagos at the presidential electionsomething that has never happened before. We are forging ahead and swearing to ourselves that it will never happen again. Asiwaju will never lose Lagos again.

We can win in Oshodi-Isolo with all the different ethnic groups. We stand with the leader (President Tinubu) to take the second term with ease, Ajomale vowed.

READ ALSO: Tinubus Appointments To Key Offices Fair To All Zones  APC

He recalled the role the Justice Forum played within the party since 1993, saying that despite the presence of other groups like Ase, their goal was geared towards the progress of the party.

In 1993, we changed the name to Justice Forum. The purpose of the group is to mobilise for the party. There was no fight when we fought with Ase; we worked together with the party choice of candidates. We never had a physical misunderstanding, he said.

He urged party members, especially youths, to stay away from the planned protest on August 1, recalling the loss of lives during the #EndSARS protest, assuring them that the President Tinubu-led administration was working to address the economic challenges in the country.

Tell people at home, please, we will not lose our children. We will not say that because of the agitation, we will inflict ourselves. Please, Nigeria is not worth dying for. Let us manage.

The country will get better. We know the country is hard, but we pray for a good time. All the palliative is to cushion the effects. We know there is hunger in the country, but we must not kill ourselves, he said.
A photo of Barbara Friedes rests against a tree during a vigil on the 1800 block of Spruce Street in Philadelphia on Sunday. Philly Bike Action held a vigil for Friedes and other cyclists killed. Friedes, a CHOP resident, was killed while biking on Spruce Street. Read more

A 68-year-old man has been charged with homicide by vehicle after police said he drove while intoxicated, then crashed into a 30-year-old doctor, killing her, as she rode her bicycle near Rittenhouse Square last week.

Law enforcement officials announced Thursday that Michael Vahey has been charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter, DUI, reckless driving, and related crimes after his vehicle fatally struck Barbara Friedes, a pediatric resident at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, as she rode her bike home on July 17.

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Vahey surrendered to authorities Wednesday night and remains in custody, held on $999,999 bail.

This crime is horrible. The outcome is almost unspeakable, said District Attorney Larry Krasner.

During Vaheys arraignment, assistant District Attorney Katherine Wood said that Vahey had been convicted of a DUI in 2009 after he drove the wrong way down Pine Street near 10th Street. At the time of his arrest, Wood said, his blood alcohol content was 0.20  more than twice the legal limit.

The record was later expunged after Vahey completed a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program through the courts, Wood said.

Vaheys lawyer, Amato T. Sanita, said Thursday his client was extremely remorseful and was fully cooperating with law enforcement. Sanita did not object to the high bail to signify his clients cooperation, he said.

If there had been a concrete barrier, this never would have happened, Sanita said.

Vahey was driving west in a Volkswagen about 7 p.m. on the 1800 block of Spruce Street when, video appears to show, he tried to steer around other cars in the street, swerving into the bike lane and running over the plastic lane dividers. Moving at a high speed, police say, Vaheys vehicle then struck Friedes, who was also riding west in the bike lane, from behind before crashing into multiple parked cars.

Vaheys blood alcohol content was 0.16 at the time of the crash, police said  twice the legal limit. He was driving more than 50 mph in a 25-mph zone when his vehicle struck Friedes, Krasner said.

The impact threw Friedes more than 20 feet in the air, police said. She was wearing a helmet but suffered a severe head injury and died at a hospital a short time later.

Vahey remained on scene and was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said. He was released as of Monday. Public records show he lives just two blocks from the scene of the crash.

Friedes family declined to comment Thursday as they worked to plan her funeral. She was remembered by loved ones as a devoted friend, daughter, and wife who was on track to becoming a pediatric oncologist.

Parker responds to traffic safety criticism

Her death was one of four pedestrian and cyclist traffic fatalities within just four days last week. The deaths ignited a wave of concern among safe street advocates who called for additional traffic calming measures and bike lane protections across the city, and called on Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to reinvest in Vision Zero, the push to reduce and ultimately end traffic-related fatalities and injuries.

Chris Gale and Nicole Brunet of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, alongside law enforcement Thursday, lamented the citys use of flexible plastic posts to delineate bike lanes, saying that they are meant to be driven over and are not protective. In 2009, Brunet said, the coalition recommended that a concrete barrier be built along the bike lanes on Pine and Spruce Streets, but the proposal was rejected.

There is little doubt that if that kind of barrier had existed here that Dr. Friedes might be alive today, Krasner said of the concrete divider. There is little doubt that that would have made a very substantial difference.

Brunet said the city is unable to upgrade bike lanes because of Vision Zero funding cuts, and questioned city leaderships priorities in eliminating traffic deaths.

I have not seen that commitment as of yet, but Im happy to see it any day now, she said.

Parker, in an interview with WHYY on Thursday, declined to commit to any specific traffic safety projects, reiterating her general support for the issue.

There are multiple traffic calming measures needed across the city, she said. Protected bike lanes are a part of that. Its just not one aspect that I want to take out and say This is the one thing.

She pushed back on criticism that she had cut Vision Zeros budget, saying the funds for speed cushions and traffic calming had been shifted to the Streets Department. She did not explain the decision.

Our commitment is to fulfilling the overall goals and objectives of Vision Zero, she said.

The charges followed growing calls from community members and advocates to charge the driver, and concerns over why it took a week. Fatal car crashes require significant forensic analysis, Krasner said, including blood and urine tests, and examining car geolocation data and technology.

Its not about blowing into a breathalyzer. Its a much more robust process to make sure we have a strong case, said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.

Philly Bike Action has planned a protest ride from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to City Hall on Friday evening. Hundreds of cyclists are expected to take to the roads beginning at 6 p.m., according to the website, to protest Parker and demand immediate installation of concrete barriers to protect all bike lanes in Philadelphia and the end to permitted parking in bike lanes.

Staff writers Ryan Briggs and Rodrigo Torrejon contributed to this article.
Thomas Matthew Crooks came to Donald Trumps July 13 rally in Butler, Pa., prepared for violence. The authorities charged with protecting the former president werent adequately prepared to stop him.

Those twin conclusions emerged this week during a series of congressional oversight hearings into the circumstances of, motivations for, and security failures surrounding the attempt on Trumps life  the most serious threat to a president or presidential nominee since a gunman shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

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And as lawmakers heard testimony from U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris in a series of proceedings over the last three days, several new details about the shooting and the investigation emerged.

Here are some of the highlights:

Crooks prepared for his attack over days and came armed with explosives

Roughly a week before his attack on Trump, Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pa., had searched online for details of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Wray told members of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during a hearing Wednesday.

The FBI director said agents scouring Crooks search history discovered that hed made such queries as How far away was [Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey] Oswald from Kennedy, the same day he registered to attend the Butler rally.

Thats a search that is significant in terms of his state of mind, Wray said, adding that about the same time his search history had become very focused on former President Trump and this rally.

Crooks had also taken other steps to prepare, including visiting the rally site  on the grounds of the Butler Farm Show, about an hour away from Crooks home  at least twice before unleashing his attack.

Wray testified that Crooks visited the site for roughly 20 minutes about a week before the rally, and then spent roughly 70 minutes there on the morning of July 13. During that later visit, Wray said, Crooks surveilled the grounds with a drone he flew over an area about 200 yards above the rally stage.

The day before Trumps stop in Western Pennsylvania, Crooks, who Wray described as a fairly avid shooting hobbyist, went to a shooting range near his home to practice with the AR-15-style rifle that investigators believe he used in the attack.

That weapon, complete with a collapsible scope that Wray said may have helped Crooks hide that he was carrying a firearm on July 13, was originally purchased by his father more than a decade ago. And while investigators initially said that the firearm was still registered to him, Wray told lawmakers Wednesday that the son had legally purchased the gun from his father.

The morning of the rally Crooks bought 50 rounds of ammunition from a local gun store, then drove to the fairgrounds with two relatively crude explosive devices found in his car, Wray said.

Both were capable of being remotely detonated with a switch Crooks was carrying with him as he carried out his attack.

However, Wray said, because of the on/off position on the receivers, if he had tried to detonate those devices from [the rooftop perch from where he opened fire] it would not have worked.

The FBI director added: That doesnt mean the explosives werent dangerous.

Investigators are still uncertain what prompted Crooks attack

Nearly two weeks after the shooting, investigators have made little progress in identifying Crooks motive in attacking Trump. Wray told lawmakers Wednesday that agents have conducted dozens of interviews and spent countless hours examining the gunmans digital footprint both online and on his personal devices.

Wed love to have a roadmap that tells us exactly what he was thinking. We havent found that yet, he said. Doesnt mean we wont. Were looking all over the place, and were going to leave no stone unturned.

Crooks parents have been cooperative so far in the investigation, Wray said, but from what agents have been able to discern so far, their son largely kept his own counsel.

There doesnt appear to [have been] a whole lot of interactions between him, face-to-face or digital, with a lot of people, Wray said. That doesnt mean theres not any.

 READ MORE: What Thomas Matthew Crooks ex-classmates and employer have said about the Trump shooting suspect

Finger-pointing continues over who deserves blame over security failures

Meanwhile, members of the House Oversight Committee roasted Cheatle, the U.S. Secret Service director, for hours on Monday over her agencys failure to adequately secure the rally site before Trumps speech.

The bipartisan criticism she received throughout the most contentious of the weeks proceedings culminated in her resignation a day later.

Cheatle acknowledged during her testimony that the Secret Service had turned down requests over the two years before the attack to beef up Trumps security detail. But she insisted that on July 13 there were not requests that were denied for the Butler rally.

Cheatle also told lawmakers that her agency had identified the building from which Crooks carried out his attack  an agricultural toolmakers warehouse roughly 150 yards from the stage  as a potential security vulnerability as they reviewed the location before the rally.

And yet because it fell outside a security perimeter the Secret Service had established, it had tasked local authorities  specifically, the Butler County Emergency Services Unit  with securing the building.

Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger, whose office oversees the unit, has previously said it informed the Secret Service that local police did not have the manpower to secure that building.

Officers repeatedly flagged Crooks as suspicious  as early as an hour before he opened fire

Cheatle told lawmakers that the Secret Service received two to five reports the day of the rally of a suspicious person lingering outside the security perimeter.

Initially, she said, local officers had noticed him using a rangefinder  used by marksmen to measure distances to remote objects. Wray told lawmakers Wednesday that those reports came about an hour before Crooks opened fire.

Another local officer positioned outside the venue reported Crooks skulking around the rally site and crawling on the ground, Cheatle said. That officer disseminated his photo to others involved in the security effort.

About a half-hour before the shooting, yet another officer spotted Crooks again, scoping out the roof of the building from which he would eventually open fire and circulated his photo among other law enforcement.

During that period, two local officers  members of the Butler County Emergency Services Unit  left their assigned posts in a building with a vantage-point view of the roof from where Crooks would eventually fire, to join the search for him on the ground, said Paris, the Pennsylvania State Police commissioner, in testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday. It was not clear, Paris said, whether those officers would have been able to spot Crooks on the roof had they remained at their duty posts.

But Cheatle and Paris both stressed that no one reported seeing Crooks with a firearm until seconds before he opened fire. And despite the early reports of Crooks suspicious activity, authorities had no reason to deem him an imminent security threat, they said.

Paris told lawmakers that Crooks was one of several individuals in the crowd that day whose behavior authorities had flagged as potentially suspicious.

A brush with the gunman just before tragedy

The first time anyone reported spotting Crooks with a gun came just seconds before he opened fire, Wray told lawmakers in his testimony Wednesday.

He, Paris, and Cheatle all described how moments before the shooting a local officer, responding to reports from other spectators of an armed man on the roof, tried to hoist himself up on top of the building to confront him.

As he dangled from the edge, Crooks pointed his rifle at the officer, prompting him to fall from his position, Paris said. Crooks fired off eight shots in the six seconds that followed  hitting Trump, killing one rally spectator and injuring two others.

A Secret Service sniper shot and killed him moments later.

Multiple investigations into the assassination attempt continue

This weeks congressional hearings were only the start of what is shaping up to be an exhaustive review by multiple agencies of Crooks shooting that day and the multiple security failures that allowed it to happen.

In addition to the ongoing FBI investigation into Crooks preparation and motivation, the Pennsylvania State Police are conducting a parallel probe into the shooting of the three spectators hit by the gunman as well as the Secret Service snipers use of force that ultimately killed Crooks.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Secret Service and the Inspector Generals Office for the Department of Homeland Security are conducting their own internal reviews. Cheatle told lawmakers her agencys probe would not be complete before September  a timeline several members of Congress balked at Monday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.) also announced plans to form a bipartisan task force to continue Congress investigation of the incident. Lawmakers are expected to vote on that proposal later this week.

The security failures that allowed an assassination attempt on Donald Trumps life are shocking, they said in a joint statement Tuesday. 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.
Mia Armaj Bennett, known as Petty Levels, was originally from Philadelphia and had amassed more than 1 million followers on Instagram. Read more

Mia Armaj Bennett, a social media influencer and musician from Philadelphia who rose to prominence with short videos of her freestyling, died in Florida last week, according to state officials and family. She was 23 years old.

Bennett, known online as Petty Levels, was found dead on July 19 in Tampa, a police department spokesperson said. Officers responded to the 4000 block of Boy Scout Boulevard, in Northwest Tampa near the airport, around 1:30 p.m. for a report of a deceased individual and found Bennett, the spokesperson said.

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The department said there were no initial signs to suggest that foul play was a factor in her death, the spokesperson said. The department declined to provide additional information, and due to an ongoing investigation, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiners Office declined to release the cause and manner of death.

Bennetts family declined to speak Thursday, asking for privacy as they grieved her sudden death.

The young influencers death was announced over social media on Wednesday, leading to a wave of sadness and confusion among her large fan base. Some websites and social media pages had reported that she was killed in Philadelphia, but her family said those rumors were false. They declined to elaborate.

All these allegations and comments are not true, a family member, who declined to be named due to privacy concerns, told The Inquirer. We dont even know exactly what happened so if everybody could just please bear with everybody on this subject, Im begging you, please our family is devastated.

As news of Bennetts death spread, so did tributes from fans who grew up watching her videos.

In a four year old interview on YouTube, Bennett said she came up with the Instagram account Petty Levels when she was a high school freshman. Her followers were initially mostly in Philly but with time Bennett said she saw her reach expand to other cities, eventually amassing more than 1 million followers on Instagram.

Bennetts social media posts often featured clips of her dancing or visiting places like Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. She showcased her more adventurous side in clips of her skydiving, surfing, and snowboarding.

Bennett said she began making music and short rap videos around 2018 in which she talked about her love life, often taking digs at men. The lyrics resonated with young women, she said.

I love getting a rise out of people, Bennett said jokingly in the interview, explaining how she came up with the Petty Levels moniker. I start putting that in rap videos and girls who feel the same way, they took it and they ran with it.

So did Bennett using her momentum to try and transition into music with the support of her mom.

I found my persona, I found what they love, she said.

Still, Bennett enjoyed showcasing her range. She would often rap to the instrumentals of well-known songs that ranged from melancholic to silly  she once rapped over a beat mirroring The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

By 2020, Bennett was a feature, along with rapper Latto, on the song Freak by Fredo Bang. She also released her own songs, including Malibu and Aint It.

Though Bennett has expressed feeling nervous about making the transition into music, acknowledging it was difficult to leverage a significant Instagram following into an entirely different business, she said she was up for the challenge in her 2019 interview with SayCheeseTV.

Just know that Petty Levels will not just be an Instagram name, said a hopeful Bennett. Sooner or later it will be on the billboards, it will be on your playlists, it will be on the radio, it will be everywhere you go.

Editors note: This article was updated after publication to include a statement from the Tampa Police Department.
Its been less than a week since Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on her bid to become the Democratic Partys presidential nominee  and her critics have already gotten personal.

Since being endorsed by President Joe Biden to lead the Democratic ticket, Harris  the nations first Black and Asian American female vice president  has been called a DEI hire by members of the GOP; her dating history has been fodder for tabloid-style gossip; and the fact shes not a biological mother (although she is a stepmother) has become a talking point on social media. A 2021 video of JD Vance  now the Republican candidate for vice president, then a candidate for U.S. Senate  calling Harris a childless cat lady has resurfaced and gone viral.

The impetus to characterize voluntary childlessness as a character flaw is a risky political gambit. A 2021 survey by the Pew Research Center indicates that 44% of childless adults ages 18 to 49 say it is not at all likely they will ever have children  citing reasons that range from just not wanting to have kids to concerns about climate change and the environment.

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Sabrina Vourvoulias, the Opinion desks senior editor for commentary, ideas, and community engagement, asked Inquirer columnists Jenice Armstrong, Jennifer Stefano, and Helen Ubinas to weigh in on the buzz.

Jenice Armstrong: The brouhaha over Harris not being a trad wife whose life revolves around children and homemaking is ridiculous. Many of us career women have plans for our lives that dont necessarily include childrearing. Harris did not give birth. Big deal. But wheres the criticism from the GOP for Trump who had five children with three different women?

The former president has a long history of sleaze. Earlier this year, he was convicted on charges stemming from his hush-money payout to a porn star (with whom he had a tryst shortly after wife No. 3 had given birth). Also, a jury found him guilty of sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room  and of defaming her after she spoke out about it. Imagine, for a moment, if that were Harris, and the nasty names the Republicans would call her if she had done anything remotely close.

Access Hollywood literally caught Trump on tape boasting about grabbing women by their private parts. But holier-than-thou Republicans want to try and trash Harris for not behaving like a closeted nun before marrying Doug Emhoff when she was 49. For those of us who, like her, married later in life, Harris is a role model as well as proof that you can indeed have it all  family and career success.

Jennifer Stefano: Women are so often held to unfair and unobtainable standards. Were expected to work like we dont have a family, and care for our family like we dont have work. Studies show women over 50 experience a torrent of discriminatory practices. Women over 50 who are outspoken, opinionated, forceful, unbowed, and aggressive about getting to the top? God help us.

For Kamala, theres lots to go after her for  her policies, her decisions as vice president, U.S. senator, and California attorney general. Kamala Harris is aggressive in defending her beliefs and views. We should be equally as aggressive in challenging her on them. We dont exactly go easy on our male presidential candidates. Lets be as vigorous with Vice President Harris as we are with President Trump.

But Ive seen so much coming out about her relationship with [former San Francisco mayor] Willie Brown, her maternal status, her being a DEI hire. And this is where I take serious exception.

For most of our history, the argument would have been that giving birth was a disqualifier. Now, theyre going after Kamala for not giving birth. Its an absurd argument, and diminishing to women on the left and right  regardless of whether we have had children.

And I think its clear between Bill Clinton and Donald Trump winning the presidency that we are not worried about whether someone who had an affair could still execute the duties of president.

Helen Ubinas: Excuse me while I yawn at these basic Republicans dissing VP Kamala Harris for  shudder  not being a mother. Really, thats what youre going with  when youre not dragging out those equally tired DEI hire attacks?

First  Harris is a mother, to two stepchildren from her husband Doug Emhoff, whom she married when she was 49. Because. She. Was. Busy. They call her Mamala. The rest of us, who arent mediocre miscreants dragging out sexist and racist tropes, should call her a former prosecutor, district attorney of San Francisco, attorney general of California turned U.S. vice president who is now up against a criminal. That would be former President Donald Trump, who used to party with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender; who has five children with three women; who himself was found guilty of sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, and continues to show he has little to no respect for women.

But sure, how dare Harris be ... childless.

Stop me if this childless-by-choice woman is going too fast  I, too, am busy!  for folks coming for Kamala and other women like her who dont have to bear children to be role models for what it means to unapologetically take on this world as a Daring, Empowered, and Inspiring human being.
He was bullied almost every day. He was just an outcast. That observation by a former classmate of the 20-year-old man shot and killed by Secret Service agents after attempting to assassinate Donald Trump should have quelled all the loose talk spewed by the former presidents supporters to persuade voters that the tragic incident was politically motivated.

Profiles of Thomas Matthew Crooks thus far instead resemble those of other young mass shooters going as far back as the 1999 murders of 12 students and a teacher at Columbine High School in Colorado. Since 1980, the median age of a mass shooter in this country has dropped from 39 years old to 22. Most mass shooters of any age are also non-Hispanic white men.

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Could Crooks have wanted to leave life in a blaze of glory? A Secret Service sharpshooter fatally shot him within moments after he wounded Trump and shot three other men, one of whom died.

The lack of evidence leading to a specific motive for Crooks may leave that question unanswered forever, but that hasnt stopped unsubstantiated accusations that he was stirred to action by anti-Trump comments made by President Joe Biden and other Democrats. Its true that Crooks donated $15 to a Democratic organization on the day Biden was inaugurated in 2021, but later that year he registered to vote as a Republican.

While the search for Crooks motivation continues, we should return to a topic that, like the need for better gun laws, our nation has yet to adequately address. Americas overburdened, underfunded mental health system still lacks enough resources to both help people before they become mass shooters and address the neglected needs of the general population.

Our high schools, in particular, where students spend as much as seven hours a day or more, need trained staff members who can provide appropriate counseling before a student hurts themself or others.

He sat by himself, didnt talk to anyone, didnt even try to make conversation, said another classmate of Crooks. He was an odd kid, but nothing about him seemed dangerous. Figuring out which odd kid needs help requires more guidance counselors and advanced mental health professionals at our schools. Instead, many school boards have reduced those positions to save money.

The American School Counselor Association recommends at least one counselor for every 250 students, but only Vermont (186) and New Hampshire (208) meet those criteria. Both Pennsylvania (353) and New Jersey (337) fall under the national average of 444 students per counselor, but their schools also fail to meet the ASCA standard.

That means even when an overburdened school counselor notices a student has issues beyond bad grades or choosing a college, the demands of assisting dozens of other students may give them little time to intervene effectively. Even if time isnt an issue, most guidance counselors are not specifically trained to help a student who exhibits behavior that may indicate they might commit a violent act.

School districts need more resources to intervene when they recognize that a student needs mental health assistance.

The National Association of School Psychologists recommends schools have one psychologist on-site for every 500 students, but the national average is only one psychologist for every 1,127 students. In Pennsylvania, the average is one school psychologist for every 1,022 students. New Jersey averages one psychologist for every 663 students, but that doesnt meet the NASP standard, either.

Most students who need help dont become a danger to others, but many harm themselves, and some die by suicide. Students mental health was further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which closed schools, limited childrens interaction with peers, and increased their time on social media sites. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared a mental health crisis among children in 2021 and issued another warning last year about social medias adverse impact on young people.

School districts need more resources to intervene when they recognize a student needs mental health assistance. One avenue may be funding provided through a federal grant program that is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act signed into law last year by President Biden. It includes $1 billion to be competitively awarded to school districts implementing programs to prevent and respond to acts of bullying, violence, and hate.

Urgency, however, should also spur state and local governments and school boards to act beyond stringent security measures.

Schools not only need teachers, administrators, and support staff, they also need enough guidance counselors and mental health professionals on-site to help prevent a school from becoming the scene of an avoidable calamity.
The music at Americas political conventions usually tells you more than the prefabricated blather spewing from the podium. In 1992 in New York, Bill Clinton announced the era of baby boomer presidents with Fleetwood Macs Dont Stop. In 2000 in Philadelphia, Ricky Martin walked off compassionate conservative George W. Bush with Livin La Vida Loca.

In 2024 in Milwaukee, Donald Trump really wanted the nation to know that Its a Mans Mans Mans World.

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As the Fiserv Forum crowd roared and snapped iPhone pictures of their beatified nominee marching in, his right ear bandaged after the July 13 assassination attempt, Trump reveled in the 1966 James Brown anthem to undiluted machismo  Rolling Stone once called it biblically chauvinistic  that is reportedly one of Trumps all-time favorite songs (although this was a 1993 remake duet with Luciano Pavarotti, half in Italian, because everything with Trump has to be weird).

The Day 3 walk-on song was really the mantra for an entire Republican National Convention that smelled like a dingy rundown gym on North Broad Street. The run-up to Trumps big acceptance speech included Ultimate Fighting CEO Dana White  captured on video in 2022 in a violent altercation with his wife  and wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who ripped off his top shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance T-shirt, called the GOP nominee a gladiator, and urged his supporters to run wild, brother! What about sisters? Many spoke at the RNC and reveled in their role as traditional wives and mothers  even Usha Vance, the Yale Law School grad married to the vice presidential nominee.

Of course, the overdose of Viagra in Milwaukee was targeted at another man: President Joe Biden, whom Team Trump fully expected to cling to the Democratic nomination because thats what their own self-centered boss would do. Much of what I saw in Wisconsin was meant to kick sand in the 81-year-old Bidens face as a 98-pound weakling.

Two weeks later, the mans, mans, mans world of Trump finds itself facing an energetic, vivacious 59-year-old woman in Vice President Kamala Harris. Brother, the GOP looks lost  unable to decide whether the first Black and Asian American woman to hold national office is a diabolical San Francisco radical or a DEI hire (or, as many right-wing online trolls put it, DEI higher).

But Trump and his supporters know that Americas Lake Powell-sized reservoir of misogyny, more than anything else, carried a blustery businessman and reality TV star to his 2016 victory over a former secretary of state and U.S. senator in Hillary Clinton, fueled by pitchfork rallies chanting Lock her up! for nonexistent crimes. Now, Trump  who will go down in history now as winless against male opponents  is busy cranking up the sexism machine from eight years ago.

And lets be honest: A lot of the former trepidation among Democrats about replacing Biden with the younger Harris was based on one thing: the fear that America is still not ready, after 248 years, for any female president, let alone a Black woman.

 READ MORE: America will never be the same after Milwaukees tent revival for the cult of Donald Trump | Will Bunch

There was already so much at stake in Novembers election. Voters must still choose between continuing a government committed to normal stuff like defending democracy in Europe, fighting pollution, and fixing bridges, or replacing that with a Red Caesar or post-Constitutional monarchy of mass deportation camps, and political prisoners that would replace civil servants with Trump cultists. Nothing could be more important, and yet  much as happened in 2016  the fate of the republic may ultimately hinge on how we feel about the battle of the sexes.

Even before Bidens stunning decision to drop out just a month before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Trumps lead in the polls, including the make-or-break swing states, was almost exclusively on the backs of men. In particular, there was a lot of evidence  both in polling data and anecdotal  that male voters, and especially young men, found Bidens apparent frailty, as seen on TV in his disastrous June debate performance, off-putting.

Indeed, a remarkable New York Times/Siena College poll just after that debate showed Bidens weak performance had boosted Trumps lead with male voters from 11 percentage points to a whopping 23 percentage points. Yet, women watching that same debate actually elevated their support for Biden, from 5 percentage points to 8 percentage points. Clearly, female voters saw the rising odds of a Trump victory and were terrified of what 2025 might bring.

Given that, you might think that the replacement of Biden with a female candidate would clinch a Trump victory in November  but its not feeling that way, not now. In the early days of Harris candidacy, the Hulk Hogan-style bravado of Milwaukee now sounds awkward and clunky.

If youre a dude and you vote for Kamala Harris for president, your man card gets revoked immediately, posted self-proclaimed MAGA political commentator Gunther Eagleman  which inspired Harris-supporting former Navy SEAL Dan Barkoff to reply: I feel OK about my man card. Where were you during the war champ?

The fallback position, voiced openly by leading Republicans like Tennessee U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, is that the first Black and Asian female vice president is a DEI hire  not surprising from a movement that is increasingly open about its racism and its sexism, even inexplicably claiming that Boeings falling aircraft parts made them afraid of Black pilots, or that Trumps shooting in Butler, Pa., was because the Secret Service employs women.

Any DEI claims from the Trump-Vance ticket are absurd. JD Vance, in his best-selling Hillbilly Elegy, admits that he got a nearly free ride to Yale Law School because the Ivy League campus wanted the diversity, equity, and inclusion of working-class whites like him. Trump, speaking Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C., tried to make an issue of the fact that  like many lawyers  it took Harris two tries to pass the bar exam. Thats rich from a man who, according to close relatives, paid someone else to take the SATs for him to get into the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School, where a professor called Trump the dumbest student hed ever had. DEI-type programs were invented to remedy the centuries of advantages afforded to utterly mediocre white men, like the two atop the Republican ticket.

Overconfidence on the right has led to an open acknowledgment of the movements true goal of bringing male-female relations back to the 1950s, before The Feminine Mystique and the modern feminist movement.

Families comprised of a married mother, father, and their children are the foundation of a well-ordered nation and healthy society, states Project 2025, the rights blueprint for an authoritarian Trump government that is loaded with calls to end diversity programs and limit reproductive rights for women. Vance himself said the quiet part out loud in 2021 when he proclaimed that Harris, as vice president, was the avatar of childless cat ladies.

With Harris suddenly replacing Biden atop the ticket, the GOPs rank misogyny has had the political effect of poking a giant grizzly bear with a stick. The female voters drifting toward Biden with quiet desperation after the debate have now erupted with an emotional catharsis for Harris that already is standing the 2024 election on its head.

The massive outpouring of enthusiasm for a woman to finally put Trump in his place  the 44,000 Black women who hopped on a Zoom call that became the kind of telethon for a Harris presidency that Jerry Lewis could have only dreamed of, the flood of $250 million in campaign cash with much coming from first-time small donors, the 28,000 instant new volunteers  is a moment that will be written about in political science textbooks for decades to come.

But will it be enough? To paraphrase a maybe apocryphal H.L. Mencken quote, no one ever went broke underestimating the capacity of the American voter to embrace sexism and racism  to sing that this is a mans, mans, mans world while borne ceaselessly back into the past of our ancient, founding hierarchies.

Suddenly, more than ever, the 2024 election is a referendum on the future of American sexism. If the Trump-Vance ticket prevails, an unrestrained MAGA movement will move quickly to impose its Handmaids Tale vision for the nations future. In a nation that  unlike the United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand, and a bunch of other forward-thinking countries  has never anointed a female leader, the right is betting on our bleak history.

But as Barack Obama or the 2017-2018 Eagles could tell you, the story never changes until suddenly it does  and things are not always what they seem. The lyrics for Its a Mans Mans Mans World were written by a woman  Betty Jean Newsome  and the songs true message is that male braggadocio dont mean nothing  nothing!  without a woman or a girl. Ironically, it may prove the perfect anthem for shattering Americas last glass ceiling into a million pieces.

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As history was unfolding in all its chaotic, frightening glory, Eve Keesecker was selling fresh peaches out of a truck in New Jersey. Michael Straw was birding in Delco. Piper Brunhuber was emerging from the waters of Wildwood, planning to quickly check her phone before plunging back in.

But leisure is not the watchword of summer 2024.

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Over the course of the last month, a sitting president fumbled a 90-minute debate so badly that his party and donors publicly abandoned him, a former president was bloodied in an assassination attempt at his campaign rally, the aforementioned sitting president declared he would not seek another term just three months before a general election that some see as a fundamental referendum on democracy, and his vice president sought to consolidate support for a historic candidacy.

The extraordinary twists of the last few weeks have resulted in a bizarre summer, in which suntanning is interrupted by news alerts, and freezer martinis perfectly complement existential dread.

Perhaps nothing better captures this mercurial July than side-by-side photos of CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer that ricocheted across the Internet on Sunday: the first showed him at brunch, holding aloft an orange spritzer (called the Wolf Spritzer) and smiling; the second, taken a few hours later, showed him stonefaced on television, discussing President Joe Bidens dramatic resignation.

Never check your work email on a day off pic.twitter.com/FeL21vmCww  Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) July 21, 2024

If summer is usually a lazy river, this one is more like whitewater rapids, headed straight for a waterfall, and also the inner tube is actually just interlocking sticks of dynamite.

The startling news about Trump and then about Biden came eight days apart. It just wont stop, and it arrives in real time.

Harry Winkler, 33, was sitting on a blanket at the Mann Center on a Saturday evening, drinking beers with friends before the Dr. Dog concert. Then, someone mentioned something about an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

I was like, cmon. Really? Winkler said. He was shocked; reception at the concert was bad. All his fellow concertgoers were on their phones.

Indeed, the group chats are ablaze  not with photos of kayaking or the zucchinis Grandma grew. The hottest gossip this summer is about what the delegates are thinking.

A friend recently alerted Walter Bess group chat to the availability of dollar crabfries and $5 pitchers at Chickies & Petes. Bess, 43 and a truck driver, asked if anyone was up for heading to a casino. Just regular stuff.

The next text was a breaking news video showing Trump getting rushed off stage after being shot.

Did they shoot him? Bess asked.

It looked like it was a graze, someone said.

Just a graze, another friend chimed in.

Sebastiana Lopez, a 22-year-old masters candidate at Temple University, saw the news about Trump on TV. Her brother was napping nearby; she shook him awake. Later, sliding into a car with friends, she opened with a phrase more typically associated with a juicy story than a presidential election: Did you hear...?

Lopez and 20-year-old Eve Keesecker were discussing the latest news as they sipped iced coffees outside of Saxbys on a recent afternoon.

Keesecker was working her summer job, selling peaches from a truck in a New Jersey parking lot, when Biden announced that he was withdrawing from the race. She was checking a customer out using her phone when the text came through.

Both myself and the person I was checking out froze, she said. I was like, Is there anything else I can get for you? They were like, Is that real?

Across the political spectrum, the onslaught of news has jolted people from their summer bliss. Michael Straw, 29, was birding in Delcos Glen Providence Park when he got a Fox News alert that Biden was leaving the race. Straw, who works in Republican politics, was stunned. The binoculars practically fell from his hands.

Piper Brunhuber, 21, was also derailed  from re-entering the ocean after seeing that Biden was withdrawing. She and her boyfriend discussed the news, and scrolled Twitter, for the next hour and a half while sitting on beach chairs in Wildwood. She texted her roommate and her parents to let them know the latest development.

The beach always makes you hungry, her mom texted back. And, what do you think about Kamala?

It might be nice, some have suggested, to live in precedented times. But after a while, even the extraordinary begins to seem ordinary.

This will be the first year that I get to vote, and my older brothers and my parents are like, We promise its never usually like this, Brunhuber said. Well, she added, other than the last couple of years.
Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, campaigns for Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia Thursday at the Salt and Light Church. Read more

Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords visited Philadelphia to campaign on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris Thursday as the vice president is said to be vetting Giffords husband, Sen. Mark Kelly, as a potential running mate.

Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, is seen as one of the top contenders for the job, along with Gov. Josh Shapiro, who will hit the campaign trail for Harris in Pennsylvania next week.

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Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, spoke about gun policy alongside Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D., Philadelphia), who has been a strong advocate for Shapiro as a vice presidential candidate.

The former Arizona lawmaker left public office after surviving a gunshot to the head. She now leads Giffords, a national organization advocating for solutions to gun violence as her recovery continues.

A better world is possible, but change doesnt happen overnight and we cant do it alone, Giffords said in a brief speech about the ways her life was transformed by gun violence.

Giffords demurred when asked whether shed thought about being second lady. But she spoke highly of her husband, a former astronaut who was first elected to the Senate in a 2020 special election. He is my best friend, he is so funny, funny, funny. I love him a lot, Giffords said of Kelly.

Kelly and Shapiro are two of a handful of names widely considered to be on a short-list of potential VP candidates that also includes North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Philadelphia-area Democrats have been enthusiastically pushing Shapiros name as an ideal pick who could help secure Pennsylvania for Harris in November. McClinton told The Inquirer earlier this week that Harris should choose Shapiro.

Pennsylvania and Arizona were both crucial to President Joe Bidens 2020 victory and are among the top battlegrounds for the November matchup between Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, McClinton said Harris will have to choose a running mate who can build coalitions nationwide. She said Shapiro has always been the peoples champion.

Despite her preference for Shapiro, McClinton had high praise for Kelly.

But I also recognize, as I told the congresswoman when she came in, that Sen. Kelly continues to be a champion, McClinton said. A former veteran and astronaut. Someone who earned the United States Senate seat in Arizona with the support of the late Sen. John McCain is someone we all hold in high regard.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a Republican presidential contender, speaks on Friday, June 30, 2023, during Moms for Liberty Annual Summit in Philadelphia, Pa. Read more

Haley Voters for Harris, a Philadelphia-based group led by Nikki Haley voters against former President Donald Trump, has set its sights on Pennsylvania and other crucial battleground states, encouraging Haleys backers to throw their support instead behind Vice President Kamala Harris candidacy.

But Haley, a former Republican presidential candidate, is not on board.

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On Tuesday, the former South Carolina governor and United Nations Ambassador sent a cease-and-desist letter to the group for what she views as associating her name with an endorsement for Harris.

Attorney Michael G. Adams wrote in the letter on Haleys behalf that Haleys name, image or likeness that implies her support for the election of Kamala Harris as president of the United States should not be used by the group, NPR reported.

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 to NPR. I support Donald Trump because he understands we need to make America strong, safe, and prosperous.

Haley initially declined to endorse Trump after dropping out of the presidential race, but eventually supported the former president and even delivered a speech in support of him at the Republican National Convention last week in Milwaukee.

But Haley Voters for Harris said Thursday it will neither cease nor desist, and still plans to continue to ramp up its Pennsylvania voter outreach next month.

The group, Haley Voters for Harris (HV4H), said in a statement that its First Amendment speech would not be silenced because our activities under the Haley Voters for Harris campaign are fully compliant with the law. The group sees the cease-and-desist letter as an effort to use legal process to intimidate political speech, suppress political speech, said Craig Snyder, director of HV4H.

Weve said over and over, we dont begrudge her personal choice, thats up to her, but we are the people working on this, and in this and with this, Snyder said. We are Haley voters, and we are for Harris, so were just calling ourselves by what we are. Its a simple statement of English fact.

HV4H abides by an anyone-but-Trump philosophy. Joining almost 160,000 other registered Republicans in Pennsylvania, Snyder, a resident of Old City, said he made a pretty bold and dramatic statement of protest and voted for Haley during the Pennsylvania Republican primary, even though she had suspended her candidacy.

We knew when we went to the polls that we werent actually voting for Nikki Haley, Snyder said. We were voting to express displeasure with Donald Trump.

What is Haley Voters for Harris?

Haley Voters for Harris is a project associated with PivotPAC, a super PAC that was established during the primaries to cater toward Republican voters  not Trump Republicans, not MAGA Republicans, as Snyder says  who were looking for an alternative to the former president.

The group was never an official Haley-affiliated PAC, but it did spend $1 million to support the former UN ambassador during her campaign. It also said it sent more than 2.1 million text messages and mailers to 1.1 million people in nine different states to encourage voters to cast their ballots for Haley instead of Trump.

PivotPAC has raised almost $400,000 so far in 2023-2024, with many contributions coming from other anti-Trump groups, according to campaign finance data.

It then shifted to supporting President Joe Biden in his race against Trump, becoming Haley Voters for Biden, until Biden withdrew his bid for reelection and the group became Haley Voters for Harris.

Led by a core team of four individuals with the help of various contractors for polling and research, the group was waiting on the sidelines amid calls for Biden to drop out of the race, ready to support whomever would be the Democratic nominee in November, Snyder said.

Our view was that either the president or the vice president are better suited for the job than Donald Trump, and so we were going to wait to see what happened, and then go forward from there, Snyder said.

A focus on Philadelphia and its suburbs

HV4H has a new series of mass voter communication set to launch in late August, but they are not trying to talk to everybody, Snyder said. H4VH plans to narrow in on center-right voters in Pennsylvania  predominantly in Philadelphia and its suburbs  to lobby their votes for Harris via text messaging, YouTube, and digital advertising on social media platforms, Snyder said.

HV4H sees an opportunity to make its case about Harris to the nearly 160,000 registered Republicans in Pennsylvania who gave Haley almost 17% of the vote in the commonwealth during the primary election, despite her no longer being an active candidate, Snyder said. Harris campaign is welcoming anti-Trump, Republican voters into her base.

Votes for Haley during the primary were strongest in Southeastern Pennsylvania, with Montgomery County giving Haley nearly 25% of the vote.

The anti-Trump group plans to take cues on its messaging from the Democratic National Convention, which will be held in Chicago from Aug. 19 to 22.

Snyder said he has a deep understanding of Philadelphia, having grown up in the area and attended both the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. He served as president of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and was the GOP nominee for Pennsylvanias 1st Congressional District between November 1991 and November 1992. Snyder was also a former chief of staff to former Sen. Arlen Specter (R., Pa), a moderate, pro-choice Republican.

Now, Snyder is running the core of H4VHs operations out of the city.

Its a coincidence that were based here, because Im here, but its a happy coincidence because this is really where the action is, Snyder said.
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Gov. Josh Shapiro, speaks at an event in Philadelphia in May. He is one of several candidates under consideration to become Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate. Read more

Its clear by now that Philadelphia Democratic chair Bob Brady and area Democrats really want Gov. Josh Shapiro to be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate.

And in a Tuesday vote, the city party made that endorsement official.

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Im talking to anybody that will listen to me, Brady said. Were pushing him and we endorsed him unanimously last night.

Brady said the big choice Harris has to make now is for vice president. Shapiro is one of several candidates under consideration.

The city party, as well as the state party, on Monday unanimously endorsed Harris to become the Democratic nominee and face former President Donald Trump in November. So did all of the states Democratic delegates, helping to put her over the threshold to become the partys presumptive nominee.

Given presidential candidates have long selected their own running mates, its a bit unconventional for city Democrats to endorse someone who isnt in the race yet.

Sharon Vaughn, the 42nd Ward leader, was one of three ward leaders to second Bradys motion to make the unique move to endorse a vice presidential candidate. She said she was excited to support Harris historic candidacy, and noted that Shapiro would also make history if he became vice president because he is Jewish. She said she hopes America is ready for it.

I would love to see this match, Vaughn said. [Shapiros] been doing some really good things in Pennsylvania.

Shapiro, one of several candidates on a short list for vice president, has not denied an interest in the job but hasnt confirmed interest, either. He said Tuesday he has not submitted paperwork for a vetting.

Its unclear what the timeline may be for Harris to select a running mate but the DNC announced this week it would aim to conclude electronic voting by Aug. 7 in order to meet ballot deadlines in some states. That timeline could push Harris to vet and select a vice presidential pick in the next 15 days.

The Democratic National Convention kicks off Aug. 19 in Chicago.

Sooner rather than later would be better, Brady said, noting former President Donald Trump has selected his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. Theyve got a VP campaigning, JD, PJ, whatever the bearded-guys name is, so we want Josh out there, hes a great campaigner. But its Kamalas choice.

Shapiro says its Harris decision

Shapiro, for his part, expressed appreciation for the Philadelphia Democratic Partys unusual endorsement of his vice presidency, but said Harris shouldnt feed into politics when making her decision.

The Vice President now has a deeply personal decision to make, Shapiro said at a news conference in Western Pennsylvania on Wednesday, repeating what hes said for days following President Joe Bidens decision to drop out. That is a deeply personal decision that should be made free from any political pressure.

When asked whether his team had received any outreach to vet him as a potential running mate, Shapiro referred questions to the Harris campaign.

The governor said that when he spoke to Harris on Sunday, after Biden announced that he was dropping out of the race, she sought Shapiros endorsement and asked for advice on defeating Trump in Pennsylvania,

Thats all we discussed, he said, and she and I have not spoken since then.

Staff writers Fallon Roth and Layla A. Jones contributed to this report.
Consumers will have the right to object to their data being used for marketing purposes. Even if approval is given, businesses must provide a mechanism for people to easily opt-out of marketing communications. They will even have a right to erasure. Consumers can request the deletion of their personal data. Business databases, whether they be in house or via a third party, will need to be capable of promptly erasing personal information upon request, complicating long-term data retention strategies, she said.
They have high-value information that can be resold, but theyre also offering critical services, he said, as reported by ABC. Plus, we shouldnt underestimate the opportunity to pivot from local government systems into state government, or indeed federal [government systems].
The report provides detailed data on the number of individuals with hospital treatment cover, categorised by age, gender, and state of residence. It presents a comprehensive view of private health insurance coverage across Australia at the end of each year.
For example, if a 75-year-old wants to remain in a client-facing role and is responsible for selling products and services to individuals who are much younger, there is potential for a cultural disconnect. An employer may feel they risk losing business if they do not move a younger person into that role, but it could expose the business to a discrimination claim. Any necessary change must be negotiated carefully, it said.
"The word 'transformation' is also needed by insurance and reinsurance companies to face challenges and take advantage of promising opportunities. To improve performance, business growth, provide the best service for customers, and strengthen resilience and sustainability, we open up space for discussions on the creation of resilience and sustainability in the insurance industry through transformation," he said.
Trading for over 50 years, Barnette and Coates has built a strong reputation in Hendersonville and the surrounding regions. The purchase gives King Insurance three more locations to add to the three it already had in the state. The brokerage, which has made 36 acquisitions over the last three years alone, also recently announced a new president. It is targeting $75million in revenue by the end of the year.
We are grateful to John for his many years of leadership and service at NYSE, Sprecher stated. All of us at ICE wish John the best in his new role and couldnt be happier that he joined a company with the stature of Acrisure.
There was a knowledge gap there, she said. The policy was not structured correctly because no-one asked the insured the right questions to identify the exposures. The tanks were removed years ago so a storage tank policy was no longer appropriate. What they really needed was pollution legal liability for the entire site.
It was pointed out that life insurers uphold their guarantees on long-term commitments, offering products like life insurance for financial protection and annuities for guaranteed lifetime income. For instance, about 75% of bonds purchased by life insurers have a maturity of 10 years or more at the time of acquisition.
Philippine authorities are rushing to contain an oil spill from a tanker that sank early Thursday, killing one crew member, after Typhoon Gaemi battered the nation.

A Philippine-flagged tanker carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil capsized 3.6 nautical miles east off Lamao Point in Bataan province, which faces Manila Bay.

The rest of the 17 crew members aboard Motor Tanker Terra Nova were rescued, the Philippine Coast Guard said in a statement.

The coast guard said it would dispatch three vessels to mitigate the impact of the oil spill. The coast guard has set an operational target of seven days to finish siphoning the oil from the sunken tanker to stop further spread, commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan said.

PCG responds to a maritime incident involving Philippine-flagged Motor Tanker (MT) Terra Nova that capsized and eventually submerged 3.6 nautical miles east off Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan, at around 1:10AM today, 25 July 2024.

https://t.co/tN3nSkxRTd#CoastGuardPH pic.twitter.com/qC2VKPdmiq

 Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) July 25, 2024

Authorities have monitored an oil spill 5.6 nautical miles east off Lamao Point, with an estimated coverage of two nautical miles carried by strong current heading east to northeast, according to the coast guard.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a televised briefing on the aftermath of Gaemi, instructed agencies to assess the oil spills impact.

What we need to assess is where was the capsized vessel? The fuel is being released, what are the tides? What are the winds? Where is it headed? So that we can get ahead. We need some determinations of that, Marcos said.

Last year, a Philippine tanker carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel sank off Mindoro province south of Manila, causing a spill that took months to clean up.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Energy Oil Gas
CHICAGO (AP)  Temarkus Washington says the sexual abuse he experienced as a teenager at a troubled Chicago youth detention center still gives him nightmares.

The 35-year-old spoke publicly about his experiences Tuesday, a day after joining two lawsuits collecting dozens of abuse allegations at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, one of the largest centers of its kind nationwide. The lawsuits, filed Monday on behalf of 193 men and women, detail unsettling accusations of rape, unlawful strip searches and other sexual abuse by adult employees of the detention center from 1995 until 2022.

Its actually not something that I like to talk about or even think about. I did what I had to do to survive in there, said Washington, speaking at a Chicago news conference with other survivors. I am here because I want to feel confident in myself again. For so long I doubted myself and felt so scared.

The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they were sexually assaulted unless they consent to being identified or decide to tell their stories publicly as Washington and others did Tuesday.

The allegations are the latest in Illinois, where two similar lawsuits were filed recently in the Illinois Court of Claims. In total, the accounts of nearly 400 survivors have been documented in court. Attorneys say they expect to file more lawsuits in the coming months.

This has happened over and over again, said attorney Todd Mathews, who has helped bring the Illinois cases. This is still going on. It has to stop and this is the way it is going to stop.

Nationally, theres been a movement to draw attention to the conditions and treatment at youth detention centers. Attorney Jerome Block says sexual abuse at youth centers has been systemic. His New York-based firm has helped bring the Illinois lawsuits and others against juvenile detention centers in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Some cases have gone to trial or resulted in settlements; arrests have been infrequent.

The latest Illinois lawsuits allege that sexual abuse at a Chicago juvenile detention center, formerly known as the Arthur J. Audy Home, was pervasive. The victims ranged in age between 9 and 17 years old.

The Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, where children are held before their cases are adjudicated, has faced issues for years and calls for closure. A class-action lawsuit in 1999 alleged a lack of medical care, dirty conditions, overcrowding, understaffing and excessive use of room confinement. In 2007, state law stripped the county of its authority to run the center and gave it to the Office of the Chief Judge.

As a result of chronic mismanagement, patronage, overcrowding, and inadequate supervision, JTDC has been an environment of violence, fear, and sexual abuse for decades, one of the lawsuits stated.

The allegations  spanning more than 500 pages between the two lawsuits  are hauntingly similar.

The children were often isolated in their rooms or bathrooms when the abuse took place, according to the lawsuits. Many plaintiffs said their abusers threatened them with violence or additional time at the facility if they reported the abuse. Others were given extra food and other rewards if they kept silent.

The State of Illinois has caused and permitted a culture of sexual abuse to flourish unabated at JTDC, one of the lawsuits said.

According to the lawsuit, one 16-year-old was raped by several adults employed as youth development specialists. Another teen said two employees would use strip searches to fondle him for sexual gratification. One 14-year-old said a nurse sexually abused him, including touching his genitals, in the medical unit while he was treated for pinkeye.

Some alleged offenders are named in the lawsuit, while others are identified only as the plaintiffs remembered them by physical attributes, initials or nicknames. The plaintiffs are only identified by initials in the lawsuit. Most are from Illinois with a few from other states including Ohio, Florida, Indiana and Wisconsin.

The lawsuits name the state of Illinois and Cook County and seek damages of roughly $2 million per plaintiff, the most allowed under law.

A spokesman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who took office in 2019, declined comment Tuesday citing pending litigation. However, Pritzker administration officials have previously said allegations of abuse in recent lawsuits occurred under former administrations and staff misconduct allegations are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. A spokeswoman for Chief Judge Tim Evans office declined to comment on pending litigation. A message left for a Cook County representative wasnt immediately returned.

Phillip Goodwin, 24, also spoke out Tuesday, saying he hopes that coming forward about the abuse he experienced will help others. The Chicago man said the abuse happened about 10 years ago and that until recently he had been embarrassed by it.

Talking about my abuse feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders, he said. I could finally get that anger that I carried.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Trends
The Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen was appointed the receiver of Beckstone Partners, LLC (Beckstone), DesFined, LLC (DesFined), East King Management, LLC, and The Corporate Leasing Company, LLC to wind down the operation of the businesses and marshal the remaining assets for the benefit of defrauded investors in an order issued in Polk County District Court on July 8, 2024.

The order followed a petition filed by Iowa Attorney General, Brenna Bird, and the Iowa Attorney Generals office on behalf of the Iowa Insurance Commissioner on June 20, 2024 and a previous order issued in Polk County District Court on June 21, 2024 freezing the assets of the four defendants. The four companies were all formed and operated by Polk County Resident Brett Timothy Immel.

The petition was filed after conducting an investigation into whether Beckstone and the other companies allegedly sold unregistered securities related to real estate investors. The petition alleges that Immel and the companies sold investments related to properties they did not own at the time of the sale and properties to which they never obtained a free and clear title.

The petition additionally alleges that the properties that were part of these investments were routinely sold to investors at roughly a 35% mark-up. Beckstone and Immel sold the properties to investors at this mark-up despite the fact that Immel and the defendants were using the investors own money to purchase Beckstones interest in the property, which Beckstone and Immel had already purportedly sold to the investor.

Immel and Beckstone/DesFined also sold promissory notes to investors; Beckstone and DesFined failed to consistently make interest payments to its investors and failed to return any of the principal owed when the promissory notes matured in March of 2024. Neither Immel nor any of the companies were licensed to sell securities; the securities offered by the defendants were also not registered.

As part of the receivership process, the Iowa Insurance Division has to determine what the assets and liabilities of the companies are. The principal liability of the companies will be obligations owed to investors under the various securities Beckstone and Immel sold. To that end, the Iowa Insurance Division has sent correspondence to investors to ensure that it has the full picture of what money investors provided to Immel and these companies. Anyone who has invested with Immel or any of the companies under this order is encouraged to reach out to Jason A. Bryan with the Iowa Insurance Division at 515-654-6600 or enforcement@iid.iowa.gov.

Source: Iowa Insurance Division

Topics Fraud Iowa
A key US regulator has privately found half of the major banks it oversees have an inadequate grasp of a broad swath of potential risks from cyber attacks to employee blunders, according to people familiar with the matter.

In the confidential assessments, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said 11 of the 22 large banks it supervises have insufficient or weak management of so-called operational risk, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information isnt public.

That contributed to about one-third of the banks rating three or worse on a five-point scale for their overall management, the people said. The scores are the latest sign that US regulators are concerned about the level of risk at the countrys largest banks in wake of a series of failures last year.

Operational risk is one of the categories by which regulators evaluate overall risk at the banks they oversee. Each banks individual ratings are closely held, but regulators sometimes use aggregate data on banks grades to highlight areas of concern in discussions with other agencies and the industry.

At the OCC, the operational-risk assessment feeds into a report card known as CAMELS ratings, grading firms on a one-to-five scale for each component  capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market risk. Those grades create an overall rating that determines the degree of scrutiny or leeway a firm faces, including the activities it can engage in and how much capital it has to hold.

Read More: Winners of 2023 Bank Crisis Are Finding the New Spotlight Harsh

The OCC didnt comment specifically on the nonpublic findings. In a statement, the regulator said that Acting Comptroller Michael Hsu has consistently discussed the need for banks to guard against complacency and actively manage their risks in order to build and maintain trust in the federal banking system.

Operational risk is meant to cover a range of potential threats to banks beyond loans going bad or market swings causing losses. That can include anything from employee mistakes and legal troubles to natural disasters and technology snafus. Banks have to show regulators plans for managing such risks, and they have to hold capital against those threats, a requirement thats long been debated because theyre harder to measure than credit or market risks.

The harsh grades are part of sweeping regulatory scrutiny in the wake of the record-setting bank failures last year, after which regulators vowed to do more to identify and act on problems. The OCCs large bank portfolio ranges from regional lenders with at least $50 billion in assets to the megabanks with trillions.

Hsu said in a congressional testimony in May 2023 that, while none of the banks that had just failed were overseen by the OCC, he reviewed his agencys processes and emphasized the need for timely and forceful supervisory action.

The agency calls operational risk the broadest component of its supervisory framework, and it functions as something of a catch-all as the technology banks rely on develops. In a report last month, the OCC said that aspect is elevated as the industry responds to an evolving and increasingly complex operating environment.

Last year, the OCC, Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. released guidance for banks on how to mitigate risks from third-party vendors. The agencies said that the use of third parties, especially those using new technologies, may present elevated risks and instructed firms on how to monitor such activities.

The agencies doubled down earlier this year, issuing a warning on the use of outside artificial intelligence tools.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics USA
Democratic U.S. senators on Tuesday introduced a bill designed to undo a ruling last month by the U.S. Supreme Court that curtailed the ability of federal agencies to issue regulations addressing issues including the environment, consumer protection and workers rights.

Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said she and 10 fellow Democrats are sponsoring a bill that would codify into law a 40-year-old legal doctrine that the U.S. Supreme Court scrapped that had required courts to defer to federal agencies interpretations of the laws they administer when those statutes are ambiguous.

The Stop Corporate Capture Act would restore the doctrine, known as Chevron deference, and make a series of other changes that Democrats say would modernize and streamline the rulemaking process.

Warren in a statement said the bill would make sure corporate interest groups cant substitute their preferences for the judgment of Congress and the expert agencies.

The bill has slim chances of passing in an election year in the Senate, which Democrats only narrowly control. A similar bill backed by Representative Pramila Jayapal, Democrat of Washington, is pending in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republicans Support

That chamber is led by Republicans, who welcomed the June 28 decision by the Supreme Courts 6-3 conservative majority overruling the doctrine the court established in a 1984 ruling called Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that instead of deferring to agencies interpretations of ambiguous statutes, courts must exercise their independent judgment in deciding whether an agency has acted within its statutory authority.

The Supreme Courts decision was one of a number in its last term that weakened the power of administrative agencies, a longtime goal of Republicans.

In the weeks since the decision, at least six lower-court judges appointed by Republican presidents have cited the Supreme Courts holding in a series of rulings blocking rules adopted during Democratic President Joe Bidens administration designed to protect workers and LGBTQ rights.

There were a fair number of cases in which judges were sitting on decisions until the fate of Chevron was determined, said Michael Drysdale, a lawyer at the law firm Dorsey & Whitney who specializes in environmental and administrative law. So now there is a burst of activity.

Overtime Rule

The first of those decisions hit within just hours of the Supreme Courts decision, when a federal judge in Sherman, Texas, blocked a U.S. Department of Labor rule from being enforced against the state that would extend mandatory overtime pay to new classes of workers.

That decision was followed by rulings by judges in Florida, Kansas, Mississippi, and Texas blocking new Biden administration rules designed to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in healthcare and education and a Federal Trade Commission rule banning non-compete agreements.

Most recently, the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday directed a Texas judge to reconsider an earlier ruling that relied on Chevron deference to uphold a Biden era rule from the U.S. Labor Department that allows socially conscious investing by employee retirement plans.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Andrea Ricci)

Topics Legislation
According to a handout provided by Houston Public Works, a CRS Watershed Master Plan is an assessment of watersheds in a city, including an evaluation of existing development, major drainage features, runoff conditions and the impact on downstream systems, and plan to handle drainage for future development.

FEMA will take into account the watershed master plan as it conducts its annual audit, which is expected to be complete by mid-August.

Houston is all too familiar with major flood events. Just this year, the city has experienced two major floods, the first a May downpour that closed schools, forced evacuations and caused damage to 800 properties. The second, Hurricane Beryl, brought 6 to 12 inches of rain to parts of Houston earlier this month.

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck Houston, flooding thousands of homes and causing an estimated $125 billion in damage in Texas. A report after the storm found that an inconsistent regulatory environment and a lack of awareness of flood dangers contributed to flood damages in the region.

Since then, Houston and wider Harris County has spent close to a billion dollars to reduce the risk of flooding for residents, Alan Black, an engineer with the Harris County Flood Control District, told ABC 13 in 2022.

Houstons efforts to mitigate against flooding have the made the city the largest beneficiary of CRS discounts in Texas. City of Houston residents with NFIP policies received a total of $13.9 million in discount premiums in 2023 because of the citys class 5 rating.

A watershed master plan is the final prerequisite for Houston to reach a class 4 rating in the CRS. The city already satisfied the prerequisites of having proper flood warning and response/dams, appropriate building codes and a hazard mitigation plan.

The city of Dallas in 2022 became the first Texas community to earn a class 4 rating in the CRS. Dallas is currently one of only two Texas cities with that distinction.

Photo: May 30, 2015  Addicks Reservoir Park, Houston, TX: Standing flood waters over roads and fields
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
A New Mexico woman pleaded guilty in federal court for an armed robbery of a Gallup insurance agency.

Amber Yazzie, 29, of Gamerco, pleaded guilty to robbery and federal firearms charges for her role in the armed robbery of C & R Insurance on Dec. 4, 2021.

The criminal complaint states she entered the firm with two of her co-defendants, while a fourth co-defendant waited outside in a vehicle. Yazzie reportedly brandished a firearm, yelled at the employees to turn over money, and threatened them before firing the gun into the ceiling.

One witness inside the business getting a quote for insurance states she heard a pop, then saw two males and female walk in, and the female yelled to see everyones hands and to get on the ground.

Another witness, a C & R employee, said one of the male accomplices walked over to her and pointed a handgun at her, asked for money and pointed to the drawer on her right side. The witness later heard one of the accomplices yell, If the cops are called, well come back.

Following the robbery, Yazzie and her accomplices traveled to Albuquerque, where they used some of the stolen funds for a shopping spree at a local mall, according to surveillance footage and receipts recovered by law enforcement.

A silver in color bullet casing was recovered at the business by the Gallup Police Department. The Speer, nickel plated .40 Smith & Wesson casing appeared identical to casings recovered by the department the day before the robbery at a homicide scene in Gallup. Yazzie has been charged by the department with that homicide.

C & R Insurance is a family-owned business with four locations in New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. C & R Insurance primarily sells insurance from Safeway Insurance, Dairyland Insurance and Gainsco Insurance, according to the criminal complaint.

The business owner estimates 85% of his customers pay in cash and that those involved in the robbery appeared to know exactly where to go to get the cash, the complaint states. They reportedly stole more than $4,000 from the cash registers. The business owners records show Yazzies mother has been a customer.

Yazzie faces not less than 10 years and up to life in prison.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety, the Navajo Nation Police Department, the Gallup Police Department and the McKinley County Sheriffs Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

Topics Mexico New Mexico
Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. can keep classifying California drivers as independent contractors, after the states top court said a company-backed law passed by voters doesnt wrongly curtail the legislatures power over worker protections.

The unanimous ruling upholding Californias Proposition 22 was released Thursday.

The favorable ruling for the gig economy companies removes what investors regarded as a major regulatory overhang. Had the judge ruled to invalidate Prop 22, the companies would have faced the threat of millions of dollars in additional cost to pay drivers if they were to be reclassified as employees, upending their business models and potentially raising user costs in one of their biggest US markets.

Related: Uber Loses Challenge to California Gig Work Law in Appeals Court

Shares of Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart all spiked on the news. Lyft saw the biggest gain, with a 7.4% jump in share price.

Justice Goodwin H. Liu in May oral arguments said the law doesnt necessarily preclude workers from ever receiving workers compensation, a system to help workers injured on the job that the state legislature has constitutional power to oversee. The case was brought specifically over the constitutionality of this provision, but Liu said the law doesnt block legislators from deciding that independent contractors are eligible for workers compensation.

Californias constitution doesnt bar voters from passing legislative initiatives on matters impacting workers compensation, Liu wrote Thursday.

Related: California Court to Weigh Fate of Law Treating App-Based Drivers as Contractors

It would unduly restrict the initiative power to give the Legislature what would essentially be a first-mover advantage, precluding the electorate from undoing any action the Legislature takes pursuant to the workers compensation system, Liu wrote.

The ruling is a win for the industry as gig companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash Inc. poured more than $200 million into their 2020 campaign to preserve the core of their business models and keep drivers classified as independent contractors.

Meanwhile, drivers and unions argued that the law improperly shifts the cost of doing business onto gig workers and denies them other protections, such as minimum wage, sick leave, and overtime pay.

Passenger app drivers make a median wage of about $5.97 per hour without tips in California when factoring all work time, gas, and vehicle weathering, according to a May University of California at Berkeley study.

Its not the first time this term the California Supreme Court has weighed in on the extent of Californias uniquely expansive right for voters to pass new laws and amend existing ones.

The state top court in June blocked a ballot measure that would have asked voters to make new state and local taxes harder to enact. The measure would have revised the state constitution, which is beyond the power of voters, the opinion said.

The court ruling affirms the will of the nearly 10 million Californians who voted to deliver historic benefits and protections to drivers, while protecting their independence, Uber said in a statement.

Whether drivers or couriers choose to earn just a few hours a week or more, their freedom to work when and how they want is now firmly etched into California law, putting an end to misguided attempts to force them into an employment model that they overwhelmingly do not want.

Liz Jarvis-Shean, DoorDashs vice president of communications and policy said in a statement, This decision is a huge victory for California Dashers and voters  Prop 22 is here to stay.

Olson Remcho LLP and Altshuler Berzon LLP represent Castellanos. OMelveny & Myers LLP and Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni LLP represent Protect App-Based Drivers and Services.

The case is Castellanos v. California, Cal., No. S279622, 7/25/24.

Top photo: A DoorDash worker in San Francisco. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics California
Bord Bia is calling on the Irish organic sector to submit entries for this year's National Organic Awards, taking place on Thursday, October 17.

The awards celebrate the achievements of Irish organic food and drink producers and are held every two years in association with the Department of Agriculture.
It has been half a year since I took over the reins of the Irish ExaminersWeekend Beauty column.

During that time, Ive been lucky enough to try a myriad of beauty products. Some have been good, some great, and others extremely average.

Today, Ill be talking about the excellent ones; the kind that have genuinely made my life easier, treated my insecurities and altogether made my beauty routine that much better.

The Dyson Airwrap

1. Dyson Airwrap (from 449.99, Dyson.ie)

I resisted the hype for so long, but, the Airwrap really is excellent.

A hairdryer, curler and instant blow-dry product all in one, its also an excellent choice for those of us with damaged, bleached and over-processed hair.

Im not good at hair, and I never have been, but this gives me a foolproof blowdry every time.

And given the money I paid for them ahead of weddings and other social gatherings over the past few years, I truly believe its worth the money.

14 Day Manicure

2. 14 Day Mani Gentle Gels Polish At-Home Kit (summer sale price of 75, reduced from 172, 14daymanicure.com)

I wasnt a nail person before. I dreaded the maintenance, worried about chipping, and didnt like the idea of adding another beauty fee to my list.

Then, I got the 14-Day Mani kit. This set-up takes the faff and commitment out of nail painting and genuinely doesnt chip for a fortnight.

Plus, for nail addicts, the whole kit is about the same price as two nail appointments.

CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment

3. CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment (12.50, Boots)

My favourite products are multi-use and affordable, and this is just that.

Good for lips, rough skin like elbows and knees, a gentle highlight and evening slugging  this hasnt left my bedside table since I got it.

Living Proof Triple Bond Complex (44, Millies)

4. Living Proof Triple Bond Complex (44, Millies)

Very few products benefit everyone. At times, Im hesitant to blanket-recommend something as I know it may only have suited me.

However, Living Proofs Triple Bond Complex is one of those products that will bring any kind of hair back to life.

A little goes a long way, too. So use sparingly, and enjoy every drop.

POCO Beauty Suede Sculpt (21, pocobeauty.com)

5. POCO Beauty Suede Sculpt (21, pocobeauty.com)

Another Irish beauty brand with knockout quality.

Pippa OConnors brand POCO was the toast of the town when it launched earlier this year, with most raving about her sell-out Universal Glow Treatment.

However, I think her Suede Sculpt sticks are seriously underrated.

Easy to use, buildable and with colour payoff to suit a myriad of skin tones.

Everyone I know uses them differently, and they all look incredible.

Tan Organic Self Tan Lotion (32.95, Meaghers Pharmacy)

6. Tan Organic Self Tan Lotion (32.95, Meaghers Pharmacy)

The best tan for acne-prone, sensitive or reactive skin, bar none.

An amazing formula, zero smell and the most beautiful golden hue that would suit pale and darker skin tones alike.

REMI Scalp Serums (52, remi.ie)

7. REMI Scalp Serums (52, remi.ie)

Claire Fullam, also known as Claire Balding on Instagram, is a revelation. Her own experience with alopecia set her on the path to create REMI, the scalp products designed to create fuller, thicker hair to all who use them.

Their day and night serums are water-based and really work. Buy this for your friends who have lost hair for whatever reason, they will thank you forever.

8. Kevin Murphy Young Again Treatment Oil (29.25, Millies)

8. Kevin Murphy Young Again Treatment Oil (29.25, Millies)

I recently saw a TikTok video where a girl said she no longer wanted to gatekeep the product that brought her hair back to life, and it was this.

Ive had a similar experience after a particularly bad bleach back in December. This leave-in treatment oil has lasted me since then and continues to make my hair look in far better condition than it is.

I would buy this for everyone on earth if I could  it is simply just that good.
Rabbits are both loved and hated. Literati, from Beatrix Potter to John Updike, celebrate them but few landowners do so... bunnies raid crops and burrow into banks... archaeologists accuse them of disturbing ancient sites.

These little vegetarians are native to Spain and Portugal. When the Romans invaded Iberia, two thousand years ago, they brought some back to the Eternal City. The legions took them northwards as far as Britain. It has been argued that medieval monks domesticated rabbits independently.

Bunnies, derived from European domestic stock, were introduced elsewhere in the world. Escaping to the wild, they caused mayhem everywhere.

A bevy was imported to Australia In 1788. Surprisingly, these aliens behaved themselves; they didnt run amok in their new environment. In 1859, however, Thomas Austin, an Englishman, released 24 rabbits on his estate in Victoria. The outcome was very different this time around. With few natural enemies, the newcomers bred like rabbits. A doe can produce up to four litters a year, each with as many as five kittens. Fifty years on, the descendants of Austins rabbits had spread throughout Australia. By 1920, an estimated 20 billion of them had colonised 70% of the country. There are more than 200 million rabbits there today. Austin had caused, what Leif Andersson of Uppsala University, a co-author of a paper just published, called "one of the largest environmental disasters in history".

We had rabbit infestations in Ireland, thanks to the Normans, who introduced these unwelcome visitors and established warrens, mainly on islands. Lambay had a colony by 1191. According to the late James Fairley, 24,000 rabbits were killed on this 2.4 square kilometre island between 1904 and 1906. They became ubiquitous throughout much of rural Ireland until the 1950s when biological warfare, in the form of myxomatosis, put a stop to their gallop.

But theres a mystery here. The original wild rabbit, slightly smaller than its domesticated cousin, still survives in Spain and Portugal. Shy and inoffensive, it is classified as endangered by the IUCN. How extraordinary that the original rabbit should be such a lame duck, while its domesticated descendants have prospered so spectacularly everywhere?

 How do rabbits go from fluffy pets to marauding invaders? Rabbits have colonized the world, but the genetics behind this have been a mystery. In our new paper on @NatureEcoEvo we delved into this process, follow the thread for more...  (1/n)



Link: https://t.co/NCse1AWBlS pic.twitter.com/xnPs66Prut  Pedro Andrade (@evoPAA) June 21, 2024

Pedro Andrade and colleagues from Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine have tried to solve this puzzle. They sequenced the DNA of 300 rabbits from Europe and South America.

The genes of the original wild rabbit, they found, are still being expressed in the feral stock, but new ones, favouring traits such are docility tameness, and colour variation, were bred into them in captivity. The Dalkey Island population, for example, has many all-black members. During the rewilding process, most unviable artificially-induced traits were lost.

Dr Andersson told the Texas University website that "this is not what we expected to find  we expected that domestic rabbits were feral rabbits that had somehow relearned how to live in the wild. But our findings show that these rabbits already have a portion of wild DNA helping them survive in nature".

"This project has helped us understand not only how rabbits become feral but also how other species, like pigs and cats, can become feral nuisances."
A violent rapist has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, in a judgment activists said sends a message of zero tolerance to perpetrators.

Raymond Shorten, 52, of Melrose Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, was given a 17-year sentence on Thursday for the rape of two women on dates in 2022.

Shorten had been working as a taxi driver and his victims were passengers on their way home from nights out in Dublin city.

He was separately convicted at the Central Criminal Court in May of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl in 2012. Earlier this week, Shorten was sentenced to 13 years for these crimes.

At the Central Criminal Court on Thursday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott ordered that the sentences should run consecutively.

In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice McDermott said this case was about violence against women in society and the steps they must take to avoid or minimise this risk.

He said the case reflects the unhappy reality that women too often become the subject of sexual or other forms of physical violence, or the threat of it, when they go out to simply enjoy themselves.

The judge said this indicates an underlying unhealthy attitude towards women and their fundamental rights in any society, if their sense of freedom and security in doing normal things is so compromised.

He said it was a poor reflection on the level of security and safety of women who go for a night out that the best advice to get home safely and without fear of violent attack by a male, or without unwanted attention is not to get a bus or walk home alone, which they should be able to do.

Reacting to the sentence, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Rachel Morrogh said she was very thankful for the consecutive sentences issued by the judge and hoped this trend of substantial sentences for sexual crimes continued.

The total jail term of 30 years is effectively equivalent to a life sentence, she said.

It is another significant sentence given by the courts in recent weeks to perpetrators of sexual offences and should give great hope to people going through the justice system that this most heinous crime will be punished by lengthy imprisonment.

We send wishes of healing and strength to the three young women who were attacked by Shorten and we thank them for speaking out.

Meanwhile, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said that Raymond Shorten could have assaulted other women - and appealed to them to come forward.

There is a reasonable proposition that there are other victims out there, the Commissioner said, hours after the 50-year-old taxi driver was jailed for 30 years.

Speaking at a public meeting of the Policing Authority in Dublin, Mr Harris urged any other victims to come forward: "I would make an appeal to them to come forward and make complaints to An Garda Siochana."

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
Apartment residents were frightened when they heard an intruder rummaging through the Italian restaurant downstairs early in the morning and now the burglar has been jailed for six months.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the crime was committed at Ristorante Rossini on Princes Street, Cork, at around 4am on June 15.

Judge Mary Dorgan jailed Michael Coffey, 54, formerly of Deerpark House, Friars Walk, Cork, for a total of six months.

On June 15, 2024, gardai on patrol in the city centre observed a man kicking in a door on Princes Street. He had entered Ristorante Rossini. An occupant of an upstairs bedroom explained that he was not resident there and that he was an intruder.

There was damage to the door and locks. The witness claimed he was rummaging through items on the floor in the premises. He was arrested and taken to the Bridewell. He stated that he did not remember anything. He said he was too intoxicated and was drinking alcohol excessively the previous day.

The same defendant pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening behaviour and being drunk and a source of danger to himself or others at Deerpark House, where he was living at the time.

On February 5 he set off a fire extinguisher on a corridor of the premises.

Frank Buttimer said that from the time of his arrest at the restaurant premises there was a bail objection and he had been in custody since. He indicated immediately his intention to plead guilty.

Alcohol addiction

He had a residence at Deerpark, He had a problem with depression and lost his place there. He was effectively homeless. The underlying problem is addiction to alcohol and substances. And previously he had educational challenges. He is in pretty poor shape. He will re-engage with services on his release from prison, Mr Buttimer said.

Judge Dorgan said: It would be really important that he would re-engage with services. The judge imposed two months on him for his threatening behaviour during the incident with the fire extinguisher.

As for the burglary of the restaurant: That matter was messy and I am sure very frightening for the people resident upstairs. The judge imposed a concurrent six-month sentence on him for that offence.
Ukraines president has announced that authorities have detained an 18-year-old suspect over the shooting death of a former legislator who was an advocate for the use of the Ukrainian language instead of Russian.

Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that the suspect in the killing of Iryna Farion, 60, was detained in Dnipro, hundreds of miles to the east.

Ms Farion was gunned down in the street in broad daylight last Friday in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Police said the incident was being treated as an assassination.

Crowds surround the coffin of Iryna Farion during a funeral ceremony in Lviv (Mykola Tys/AP)

The detention operation was very difficult, Mr Zelensky said. Over recent days, hundreds of specialists of the National Police of Ukraine, SBU (security service) and other services worked on solving the murder.

Ms Farions death shocked Ukraine, and several thousand mourners attended her funeral in Lviv.

She was a member of the Ukrainian parliament between 2012 and 2014, and was best known for campaigns to promote the use of the Ukrainian language by officials who spoke Russian.

Russian speakers are common in eastern parts of Ukraine, by the border with Russia, and some long-serving officials speak Russian after years of Soviet rule.

A makeshift memorial in tribute to Iryna Farion in Lviv (Mykola Tys/AP)

Meanwhile, debris from what is believed to have been a Russian drone has landed in a rural area of Romania, the countrys Defence Ministry said on Thursday, in the latest apparent incident of drone wreckage from the war in neighbouring Ukraine falling on to the Nato members soil.

Since the war started in February 2022, Romania has confirmed drone fragments on its territory on several occasions.

The latest debris was found after Russian attacks on Ukraines port infrastructure near the border.

A statement said the fragments were discovered by a team of specialists in an uninhabited area near the village of Plauru in Tulcea county, which is across the Danube River from the Ukrainian port of Izmail.

The discovery came after Russia carried out overnight attacks on civilian targets and port infrastructure in Ukraine over the past two nights, the ministry said.

Those assaults prompted Romania to deploy warplanes to monitor its air space.

The ministry condemned the Russian attacks, calling them unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law.

Romanias emergency authorities issued text alerts both nights to residents living in Tulcea, and Nato allies were kept informed, the ministry said.
A former Uvalde school police officer who was part of the law enforcement response to the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School has pleaded not guilty during a court appearance.

Adrian Gonzales was one of the nearly 400 law enforcement personnel who responded to the scene but then waited more than 70 minutes to confront the shooter inside the school.

Teary-eyed family members were in the courtroom in the small Texas town to watch as Gonzales was arraigned on charges of abandoning and failing to protect children who were killed and wounded.

Some of the victims families have spent more than two years pressing for officers to face charges after 19 children and two teachers were killed inside the fourth grade classroom. Some have called for more officers to be charged.

Former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer Adrian Gonzales (left) (Eric Gay/AP)

For only two to be indicted, there should have been more because there was a lot of ranking officers during that day that knew what to do but decided not to. But they only got these two, Jerry Mata, whose 10-year-old daughter Tess was killed, said after the hearing.

Well take what we get and were just gonna continue fighting for the kids and the two teachers and see it all the way through, Mr Mata said.

Gonzales and former Uvalde schools police Chief Pete Arredondo were indicted by a grand jury in June. Arredondo waived his arraignment and entered a not guilty plea on July 10. Both were released on bond following their indictments.

Prior to the hearing, Gonzales attorney had called the charges unprecedented in the state of Texas.

Mr Gonzales position is he did not violate school district policy or state law, said Nico LaHood, the former district attorney for Bexar County.

Javier Montemayor, who is listed by the Uvalde District Clerk as Arredondos attorney, did not reply to Wednesday phone messages seeking comment.

The May 22, 2024, attack was one of the worst school shootings in US history. The police response has been heavily criticised in state and federal investigations that described cascading failures in training, communication and leadership among officers who waited outside the building while some victims lay dying or begging for help.

Gonzales, 51, was among the first officers to arrive. He was indicted on 29 charges that accuse him of abandoning his training and not confronting the shooter, even after hearing gunshots as he stood in a hallway.

Arredondo, 53, was the on-site commander that day. He is charged with 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child.

Arredondo failed to identify an active shooting, did not follow his training and made decisions that slowed the police response to stop a gunman who was hunting victims, according to the indictment.

Terrified students inside the classroom called 911 as parents begged officers to go in. A tactical team of officers eventually went into the classroom and killed the shooter.

Each charge against Gonzales and Arredondo carries up to two years in jail if convicted.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his long-awaited White House visit to meet with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee vice president Kamala Harris at an important moment for all three politicians.

Mr Netanyahus White House visit, his first since before Donald Trump left office in 2020, comes at a time of growing pressure on all three to find an endgame to the nine-month war that has left more than 39,000 dead in Gaza.

Dozens of Israeli hostages are still languishing in Hamas captivity.

Mr Biden greeted Mr Netanyahu in the Oval Office, where the Israeli leader thanked the president for his service.

President Joe Biden meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Susan Walsh/AP)

Mr Biden is pressing to get Israel and Hamas to seal a US-backed proposal to release remaining hostages in Gaza over three phases  something that would be a legacy-affirming achievement for the 81-year-old Democrat, who abandoned his re-election bid and endorsed Ms Harris.

It could also be a boon for Ms Harris in her bid to succeed him.

White House officials say that the negotiations are in the closing stages but there are issues that need to be resolved.

Following their midday talks, Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu will meet the families of American hostages.

Ms Harris, who will meet separately with Mr Netanyahu later, is trying to demonstrate that she has the mettle to serve as commander in chief.

She is being scrutinised by those on the political left who say Mr Biden has not done enough to force Mr Netanyahu to end the war and by Republicans looking to brand her as insufficient in her support for Israel.

Mr Netanyahu, in a fiery address before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, offered a robust defence of Israels conduct during the war and lashed out against accusations by the International Criminal Court of Israeli war crimes.

He made the case that Israel, in its fight against Iran-backed Hamas, was effectively keeping Americans boots off the ground while protecting our shared interests in the Middle East.

The Israeli leader spent scant time discussing the ongoing negotiations.
More than 50 MPs who missed Netanyahus speech to the US Congress

Jul 25 (Jowhar.com)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who gave a speech to the US Congress on Wednesday, strongly defended his governments war in Gaza, vowing to continue the war against it. Hamas, while he has won a final victory, and is repatriating the hostages in Gaza.

He blamed Hamas for the continuation of the 10-month-old war in Gaza. He attacked Iran and accused it of funding Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Yemens Houthis.

He also condemned the American demonstrators who have been protesting recently in the campuses of American universities, which he described as idiots that have helped Iran and are helping Israels enemies.

Netanyahus speech to the US Congress was attended by more than 50 members of the Democratic Party of Congress.

During the speech, there were also demonstrations not far from the Congressional Center on Capitol Hill, attended by thousands of people against the war in Gaza.

The police sprayed tear gas on some of the demonstrators who wanted to march outside the Congress center, but the police refused.

The crowd shouted anti-Netanyahu slogans and pro-Palestine slogans, saying Palestine should be free.

Since the beginning of Israels war in Gaza, it has killed nearly 40 thousand Palestinians, mostly women and children.
July 25 (Jowhar.com)  The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, received the President of the East African Community Parliament, Mr. Joseph Ntakirutimana and his delegation who are visiting the country.

This meeting was focused on the representatives of Somalia in the Parliament of the East African Community and the importance of establishing a strong relationship based on mutual understanding and cooperation to achieve the common goals of the region.

Governor Joseph Ntakirutimana and his delegation thanked the President for the warm welcome, praising the practical achievements of the people and the government of Somalia, which shows the ability and resilience of the Somali people.

The President of the Republic pointed out the plan of the Federal Government of Somalia to strengthen cooperation and cooperation with the countries of the East African Community, which is the key to the development of the economy, peace, security and stability of the region.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Peoples Assembly of JFS, Mr. Sheikh Adan Mohamed Noor, the First Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Assembly Mrs. Saadiya Yasin Haji, the Second Deputy Chairman Mr. Abdullahi Omar Abshirow and members of the Peoples Assembly of the Parliament.
Jul 24 (Jowhar.com)-Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Amb. Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, concluded the meeting of the Somali diaspora in Doxa.

The meeting, organized by the Qatari government, was attended by approximately 250 members from various sectors of the Somali community and the diaspora, which led to the production of practical recommendations.

Minister Ahmed Fiqi, who spoke at the end of the meeting, thanked the government of Qatar for the kind welcome and hosting.

He pointed to the deep and traditional relationship between Somalia and Qatar, underlining the value of mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation that defines their cooperation.

Our two nations have always stood by each other. We confirm our commitment to strengthening this relationship, said Minister Fiqi.

The minister called on Qatari investors to focus on the important areas of Somalia, stressing that such investments will not only result in economic benefits. but also to strengthen the traditional relations between the peoples of the two countries.

Speaking to the Somali diaspora, Minister Fiqi called on them to participate in the development of Somalia.

You are the heart and soul of our nation. Your efforts have been the backbone of supporting families, communities, and the overall development of our country. Now, more than ever, Somalia needs you to actively participate in re- revitalizing our economy and growing it. he said.

The minister urged the diaspora to use their different experiences, skills and to participate in the reconstruction and development of Somalia, to find a promising future for the next generation.

He emphasized the importance of unity among the Somali people, both at home and abroad, in order to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for the country. Minister Fiqi also highlighted the governments commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment and business in Somalia, including providing support and incentives for both local and foreign investors.

In conclusion, Minister Fiqi expressed his gratitude to the Qatari government and investors for their continued support and partnership with Somalia. He reiterated the governments commitment to working hand in hand with all stakeholders to build a brighter future for the Somali people.
Jul 25 (Jowhar.com)  The Council of Ministers of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which held its weekly meeting today, has approved the Accounts of Government Institutions for the financial year 2023, which describes in detail the process used and the different procedures. He passed the audit.

The Council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Hamsa Abdi Barre, also passed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy and the Abu Dhabi Ports Group.

The Council of Ministers heard a report about the fighting that took place in Luuq District early this July from the Minister of State for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change who was one of the delegation sent by the government there, while the DanQaran government with the help of the Jubbaland regional government succeeded in a ceasefire and to resolve the problem through dialogue.

The council heard reports from the Ministries of Internal Security and Defense related to the general security of the country and the war to eliminate the Khawarij groups in some regions, and the council praised the achievements of the army in eliminating terrorists.
Oakland, Ca. (Special to Informed Comment; Featured)  Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahus Congressional address on Wednesday marked one of the most disturbing days in American History. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that morning in an email blast, It is a dark day in US history when an authoritarian with warrant requests from the International Criminal Court is allowed to address a joint session of Congress. 40,000 Palestinians are dead. Hostages arent home. Netanyahu is a war criminal. I will be boycotting his address.

She spoke for many Democrats and independents. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, who did attend, said in advance, Benjamin Netanyahu is the worst leader in Jewish history since the Maccabean king who invited the Romans into Jerusalem over 2100 years ago. Prime Minister Netanyahus address to a joint session of Congress is . . .a cynical stunt aimed at aiding his own desperate political standing at home and meddling in domestic American politics only months before a highly consequential election. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his American allies are seeking to use the United States Congress, the greatest legislative body in the world, as the set for their next partisan advertisement, casting elected Members of Congress as glorified extras. . . tomorrows speech should not be happening. . . . As a lifelong Zionist, I am deeply committed to Israels fundamental security and opportunity to prosper. . . . For these reasons, and out of respect for the State of Israel and the office of the Prime Minister, I plan to attend . . I feel my voice is more impactful in the room, holding the Prime Minister accountable.

The speech was a pep rally for a strange amalgam of Israels far right Likud Party and the MAGA GOP. Those two parties have been perversely aligned since Donald Trump and Netanyahu began campaigning for one another, which they did again in 2020. Both men are desperately trying to remain in power in order to avoid criminal consequences for their abuses of power. Netanyahu continues to prosecute a war in Gaza to distract Israel from his criminal charges. Trump seeks the presidency again to avoid criminal accountability and return to office, so he can dispense with American Democracy.

No foreign leader has ever meddled with US politics in such a presumptive and arrogant way as Netanyahu has, as if he is the superpower, and the US is the client state. Netanyahu has presumed to dictate to American presidents on each of his three prior addresses to Congress. His presence in Congress today was a divisive element that has splintered the Democratic caucus.

The absence of senior leadership was notable, especially the absence of Vice President Kamala Harris. That sent a huge message disapproval. Kamala cited a scheduling conflict for sitting this one out, though she was supposed to preside; but she didnt want to be tarred with Netanyahus residue or any association with him.

While he framed the Gaza conflict as one between barbarism and civilization, and as a proxy war between the US and Iran, Netanyahu himself is responsible for much of the upheaval with his genocidal campaign and resulting global revulsion. His use of hostages and Israeli soldiers as props in Congress were acts of demagoguery.

The address was notable for what he did not say, as much as what he did. He made no mention of his own contributions to escalating the conflict, and acted as though the millions of American protesters, including Jews, were rooting for Hamas. No,, Mr. Netanyahu, they are demanding your resignation for the sake of Israel. While he noted that three Israeli hostages who escaped, he didnt note that they were killed by Israeli troops apparently instructed to shoot down any adult males they saw in the open.

Netanyahu said he wont rest until all loved ones are home, but he has clearly made prosecuting the war to stay in office his priority, rather than negotiating a release of the hostages. That was one of many gas lighting elements, along with saying American protesters were rooting for Hamas. Objectors arent sympathizers of Hamas. They object to Netanyahus failed policies.

His called the protesters useful idiots of Iran and Hamas, while his own useful idiots in Congress treated him like their own president giving a State of the Union speech. His reference to the prophets and fathers dont absolve Israel from being a colonialist state under him and other PMs going back to Menachem Begin.

Netanyahus demonization of American college presidents and other academics as antisemitic ignores his own role in exacerbating global antisemitism, by his openly genocidal policies, to heights unseen since World War II. Netanyahu himself is the demon demonizing Israel. Claiming a low ratio of non-combatant deaths to combatant deaths in Rafah is a lie of shocking magnitude, even for him. Then he characterized the 24 people killed as practically none.

The Times and the Sunday Times Video: Congress protest calls Netanyahu a war criminal

Then there was the Orwellian assertion that only Israel is standing in the way of a war between the US and Iran, while he is the most persistent instigator of such a horror. Israel is not fighting Iran on behalf of US. Israel is not protecting the US, but increasing our risks and compromising our international standing.

While he has a fantasy of a Gaza with a peaceful civilian administration, his undermining of the Palestine Authority, led by the secular-minded Fatah, destroyed that, while de facto inviting Hamas to fill the consequent leadership vacuum. Another Netanyahu fantasy is his proposed Abraham Alliance, which would build on the disastrous, dysfunctional Abraham Accords of Jared Kushner.

Clearly, the Israeli prime minister wants Donald Trump back in office to achieve his desired outcome, and thanked him for fulfilling his wish list while in office. Basking in the adulation of Republican sycophants, Netanyahu waved to the crowd like Mussolini, to whom he is much closer than to Churchill, though Churchill also displayed a colonial arrogance and disregard for the rights of the Palestinians that should be embarrassing to any contemporary leader.

Israeli journalist Barak Ravid said immediately afterward on CNN, He didnt take responsibility. He didnt say hed repair the damage hes done. With his 32% approval rating, he was speaking to Israelis as much as the Congress. Netanyahu tried to re-assert himself as the most influential Israeli politicians in the US, because his popularity at home is so weak with a 72% disapproval rating.

Perhaps the richest lie of the day was his boasting about limiting civilian casualties, which contradicts all information from the United Nations and international aid groups.

In response, Sen. Bernie Sanders said, I think in Netanyahu you have somebody who is a war criminal, who is a demagogue. I think hes a liar and I think in order to save his political skin in Israel  where he is enormously unpopular  he is prepared to starve hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza. It really sad that he was invited to speak before a joint session of Congress.
Human Rights Watch  (Washington, DC)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus appearance before a joint session of Congress on July 24, 2024, highlights the continued and significant US supply of weapons to Israels military despite credible allegations of ongoing war crimes by Israeli forces in Gaza, Human Rights Watch said today.

US officials are well aware of the mounting evidence that Israeli forces have committed war crimes in Gaza, including most likely with US weapons, said Tirana Hassan, executive director at Human Rights Watch. US lawmakers should be seriously concerned about the liability risks of continuing to provide arms and intelligence based on Israels flimsy assurances that its abiding by the laws of war.

In 2023, the Biden administration introduced a revised conventional arms export policy that adjusted its approach, reducing the level of certainty required to deny an arms transfer from actual knowledge to a more likely than not determination that the arms will be used to commit, facilitate the commission of, or aggravate the risk of international law violations. Domestic laws also require a risk assessment before providing security assistance and establish red lines for when assistance is not allowed.

Yet the Biden administration reported to Congress in May that Israeli forces were complying with US domestic policies and laws on arms transfers. In March, Human Rights Watch and Oxfam warned that the Israeli governments assurances to the Biden administration that it is meeting US legal requirements were not credible. The two organizations jointly submitted a dossier to the State Department showing Israeli forces violations of international humanitarian law, including blocking humanitarian assistance and carrying out unlawful strikes that killed civilians.

Israeli forces have unlawfully attacked residential buildings, medical facilities, and aid workers, restricted medical evacuations, and used starvation as a weapon of war in the Gaza Strip, where nearly 500,000 people are experiencing a catastrophic lack of food in famine-like conditions. A staggering more than 38,600 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Israeli authorities have detained and mistreated thousands of Palestinians, with persistent reports of torture. In the occupied West Bank, where Israeli forces have killed over 500 Palestinians since October 7, settlers and soldiers have displaced entire Palestinian communities, destroying every home, with the apparent backing of higher Israeli authorities and effectively confiscating Palestinians lands.

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and dozens of media reports, including by CNN, NPR, the New York Times, and AFP, have identified US weapons being used in unlawful Israeli attacks that killed scores of civilians and aid workers.

In May, President Biden announced that the US would pause at least one shipment of weapons containing 2,000-pound bombs, 500-pound bombs, and artillery projectiles to Israel. In July, the administration clarified that it was only holding back the 2,000-pound bombs and that it would be releasing the 500-pound bombs to Israel. It said that its concern was about the end-use of the 2,000-lb bombs, particularly for Israels Rafah campaign, which they have announced they are concluding.

In recent years, legal scholars and US lawmakers warned that US support  including through weapons sales  to Saudi Arabias military campaign in Yemen could expose US officials to legal liability for war crimes.

In 2016, according to media reports, State Department officials reviewing weapons sales to Saudi Arabia expressed concerns that jurisprudence from international tribunals could offer precedent for their own liability. In an unsent draft letter to the secretary of state, a State Department lawyer concluded that US officials could potentially be charged with war crimes for the Saudi-led coalitions conduct in Yemen.

In 2020, when discussing the risk presented by continued arms sales to Saudi Arabia, Oona Hathaway, a Yale Law School professor and a Defense Department lawyer in the Obama administration, told the New York Times, If I were in the State Department, I would be freaking out about my potential for liability. I think anyone whos involved in this program should get themselves a lawyer. Its very dangerous territory the US is in, continuing to provide support given the number of civilians who have been killed.

In 2022, US Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Mike Lee sent letters to the Defense and State Departments, calling for thorough investigations into possible US complicity to civilian harm in Yemen.

A state assisting another state or a nonstate armed group may be complicit in war crimes and other wrongdoing if their assistance knowingly and significantly contributes to the wrongful act. Individuals can be found complicit for aiding and abetting in war crimes under international law.

The United States and other weapons suppliers should suspend military assistance and arms sales to Israel, Human Rights Watch said. The Biden administration should use its leverage with Israel to save lives, including by military aid and the imposition of targeted sanctions, to press Israeli authorities to enable the provision of humanitarian aid and basic services, and cease committing grave abuses in Gaza.

Via Human Rights Watch

Bonus video added by Informed Comment:

TRT Video: One on One | Interview with Former American Diplomat Hala Rharrit: Ex-US diplomat says US complicit in Gaza genocide
By Michal Ben-Josef Hirsch, Suffolk University | 

(The Conversation)  As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to address a joint session of U.S. Congress on July 24, 2024, the nation he leads continues its slide away from democracy.

Even before Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the country was engulfed by an intense debate over government-led reforms aimed at limiting judicial power, which sparked massive and sustained public protests for months.

Following that debate, for the first time, a leading democracy index demoted Israels classification from a liberal democracy to an electoral democracy. The new classification noted the erosion in judicial and legislative constraints on the government, along with less protection of civil liberties.

Israel is not alone in finding its democracy under threat: A recent report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance finds that the global state of democracy has been declining for the past six years.

Democracy is associated with three key elements: leadership, institutions and citizens values. When they appear to be deteriorating, a democracy is said to be backsliding.

Historians and social scientists have found that a countrys democracy tends to get weaker during a prolonged war. For instance, citizens may lose faith in civilian institutions, like the courts, the police and the military. And militaristic values, such as support for the use of force, and political extremism often become more widespread in society.

Shortly after Oct. 7, there were some modest expectations that the attack would lead to less internal political partisanship and perhaps reverse course on Israels democratic decline. But as the war against Hamas has continued, the countrys democracy has continued to weaken.

Israels democratic backsliding

Most assessments of Israels democratic decline tend to focus on Netanyahus criminal trial for corruption, which is ongoing, and his governments efforts to strip the judiciary of its power to review and restrict government actions.

But there are longer-term trends of illiberal legislative initiatives, limitations on civil society organizations and the erosion of underlying democratic values that have been more significant.

For instance, in 2018 the countrys parliament, the Knesset, passed a law declaring that Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people and omitting the principle of civic equality for the 21% of the population that is non-Jewish

Also concerning is the growing share of the population, especially among the young, that supports these exclusionary policies. According to a 2016 report, nearly 40% of Israelis aged 15 to 24 believed that political rights should be withheld from Arab citizens.

Another example is the 2016 NGO Transparency Law, which requires human rights and other groups that receive half their funding from abroad to disclose the sources, increasing the administrative burden on these organizations.

Moreover, each of these factors are happening in the context of Israels continued occupation of and control over the Palestinian people and territories. Netanyahus populist rhetoric and leadership style have long focused on the conflict between Arabs and Jews. He uses language that highlights threats posed to Israelis and to the state by Palestinians both within and outside Israel, such as his 2015 election day warning that the Arabs are voting in droves.

Not surprisingly, the war has amplified this rhetoric.

Similarly, and as the examples above illustrate, attempts to undermine democratic institutions and values have often centered on Israels relations with the Palestinians, both within Israel and in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Limits on free speech

Since the war began, the situation has only gotten worse as the coalition government has introduced several pieces of legislation limiting civil rights, most especially freedom of speech.

For instance, a law passed in April allows the government to suspend the operations of a foreign news outlet in Israel if the prime minister or the minister of communication determines it poses a security threat. Using this law, Israel shut down Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based television channel, in May. And when The Associated Press provided media services to Al Jazeera, the Israeli government seized the APs equipment. Although the equipment was returned following widespread outcry, including from the White House, this illustrates the impact on freedom of the press of this law.

A June legislative proposal would require the dismissal of academic professors who allegedly incite or support terrorism. The bill would impose a punishment without a trial for an offense that is vaguely defined and without due process. Critics argue it could be used to silence the opposition.

Another law, currently awaiting a ruling from Israels high court over its constitutionality, would give the far right national security minister broad powers over policing. Critics fear that it could be used to crack down on people who protest government policy.

This direct ministerial intervention in police affairs has already had a chilling effect on free speech, as people say they have refrained from joining public protests over fears of police violence. What is more, this legislation appears to politicize the police, which is supposed to be an independent institution in a democracy.

Illiberal sentiment

Even before the war began, a growing share of Jewish citizens of Israel believed they should have more rights than non-Jewish citizens, and wanted a strong leader not easily swayed by media or public opinion.

The shock of the surprise attack and the brutality of Hamas actions unleashed a surge in militarism and illiberal sentiment. In the first month of the war, for example, there were 18,000 calls for Gaza to be flattened, erased or destroyed in Hebrew posts on the social media platform X, The New York Times reported, citing FakeReporter, an Israeli group that monitors disinformation and hate speech.

This sentiment hasnt subsided, as the fighting has progressed and Israelis in general have united around the war and its aims. A February 2024 poll found that two-thirds of Jewish Israelis oppose humanitarian aid to Gaza, while 42% say Israel shouldnt follow international humanitarian laws or abide by the international laws of war.

While Israeli protests and global media coverage focus on Netanyahu and claims that he is prolonging the war to remain in power, I believe the main risks to Israeli democracy are the increasing restrictions on freedom of speech and growing illiberal sentiment among Israelis. These, I fear, will outlive Netananyu and the war.

Michal Ben-Josef Hirsch, Associate Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies, Suffolk University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

-

Bonus video added by Informed Comment:

Hindustan Times Video: Netanyahu Minister Sparks Outrage With Shoot Them In The Head Rant
Adventus Provides Update on Arrangement with Silvercorp

TORONTO, July 25, 2024 /CNW/ - Adventus Mining Corporation ("Adventus" or the "Company") (TSXV: ADZN) (OTCQX: ADVZF) provides the following update on the constitutional protective action filed against Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition of Ecuador ("MAATE"), and the office of the Attorney General of Ecuador, on June 5, 2024, and accepted by the Court on June 12, 2024 (the "Protective Action").

The Company also provides an update on the status of plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") under the Canada Business Corporations Act pursuant to the arrangement agreement dated April 26, 2024 (the "Arrangement Agreement") between Adventus and Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp").

The Protective Action challenged an environmental license issued to the Company's Ecuadorian subsidiary, Curimining S.A. ("Curimining"), on January 19, 2024, in relation to the El Domo - Curipamba Project (the "Project"). Curimining was named as an interested third party in the Protective Action.

The Protective Action did not raise allegations about the substance of the environmental permits issued in connection with the Project. Instead, the Protective Action raised procedural allegations about the sufficiency of the consultative process followed by MAATE in issuing the permits. The Protective Action was not accompanied by a precautionary measure that would seek to enjoin Adventus from continuing construction on the Project while the Protective Action was outstanding.

After the Protective Action was accepted by the Ecuadorian Court, a group of community members supporting the Project was added as an interested third party after the group submitted a petition with close to 800 signatures.

The Court proceeding was carried out in the Judicial Unit of the Canton of Las Naves, in Bolivar province of Ecuador, on July 23, 2024, and July 24, 2024. Following the conclusion of the hearing on July 24, 2024, the Court issued a binding oral ruling, rejecting the Protective Action. The Court concluded that the consultative process followed by MAATE in issuing the permits complied with applicable legal requirements. The Court will in due course issue a written ruling reflecting the oral ruling issued on July 24, 2024.

After the Court pronounced its ruling, the parties that filed the Protective Action advised the Court of their intention to appeal the Court's decision. The appeal will be heard by the Provincial Court of Justice of Bolivar in due course. No date for the appeal has been set.

As no precautionary measures were sought or granted, and as the Protective Action was rejected by the Court, Adventus remains free to continue construction on the Project.

As disclosed in the Company's July 5, 2024 press release, Silvercorp has advised Adventus that the Protective Action was a Material Adverse Effect ("MAE") as defined in the Arrangement Agreement, representing an unmet condition to closing.

Adventus has rejected Silvercorp's contention that the Protective Action constituted a MAE. Adventus has advised Silvercorp that it must close the Arrangement by the "Outside Date" under the Arrangement Agreement of July 31, 2024, failing which Adventus will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Adventus and its securityholders in connection with the Arrangement.

On July 22, 2024, and on July 24, 2024, Adventus advised Silvercorp that it expected Silvercorp to close the Arrangement on July 31, 2024. On July 24, 2024, Adventus advised Silvercorp that Adventus intended to commence necessary pre-closing steps. In its response to this advice on July 24, 2024, which was received before the Ecuadorian court pronounced its ruling, Silvercorp advised that its position continued to be that there was presently an MAE, and that Silvercorp was not willing to close until there was no longer an MAE.

While Adventus disagrees that the Protective Action constituted a MAE, Adventus believes that Silvercorp's contention is untenable following the Court's ruling rejecting the Protective Action.

Adventus will take all steps within its power to close the Arrangement on July 31, 2024.

If Silvercorp fails to close the Arrangement on July 31, 2024, Adventus will seek appropriate remedies in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on account of Silvercorp's breach of the Arrangement Agreement, including a claim for specific performance of the Arrangement Agreement.

About Adventus

Adventus is an Ecuador-focused copper-gold exploration and development company. Adventus is advancing the majority-owned Curipamba copper-gold project, which has a completed feasibility study on the shallow and high-grade El Domo deposit. With the recent merger with Luminex Resources Corp., Adventus owns the Condor gold project and a large exploration project portfolio that spans over 135,000 hectares  one of the largest holdings in Ecuador. The company's strategic shareholders include Silvercorp, Ross Beaty's Lumina Group, Altius Minerals Corporation, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., and significant Ecuadorian investors.

This release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as "defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Adventus' expectations or beliefs regarding future events. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the discussions regarding strategies for the development of El Domo; the adoption of a strategy and the timing thereof; the obtaining of key approvals, permits and environmental licensing approval for the El Domo and the timing thereof; the start of construction at El Domo and the timing thereof; and the timing and resolution of the Court. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, amongst others, risks related to the exploration, development, production, recoveries and other anticipated or possible future developments at El Domo, including, without limitation, that exploration, development and production activities will not occur or be as anticipated and that environmental licensing will not be approved; failure to obtain the environmental licensing approval for the El Domo along with other key permits and approvals and to start construction; the Court will not have a favourable ruling or in the expected time period; and general economic, business and political conditions.

Forward-looking information are based on Adventus management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on such management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Such factors, among other things, include: business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of copper or certain other commodities; change in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); discrepancies between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties.

The Company 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 the information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / As part of its goal in discovering significant Copper-Gold VMS deposits in northern Ethiopia, Sun Peak Metals Corp. (the "Company" or "Sun Peak") (TSXV:PEAK)(OTCQB:SUNPF) is pleased to report results from the first nine holes of its initial 2024 drill program on Sun Peak's extensive 1,450 sq km Shire Project in Ethiopia. The Company drilled 24 diamond drill holes, totaling 5,236 meters, testing the Terer and Hamlo VMS Targets, which are both located on the Terer Exploration License. The results confirm the effectiveness of Sun Peak's discovery methodology, and the Company is eager to resume drilling after the rainy season concludes in October.

Highlights

Terer Target:

Drill hole TR-002 intersected: 18.46 meters of 1.34% copper-equivalent ("CuEq") including 9.80 meters of 2.13% CuEq and 8.71 meters of 1.04% CuEq

Drilling has intercepted VMS style alteration and mineralization, including massive and semi-massive sulphide and sulphide stringer zones The Terer VMS zone is located 2 km west and directly along strike of the Anguda North gravity high anomaly, which will be tested in the next drilling phase.



Hamlo Target:

Defined a new VMS mineralized zone with extensive hydrothermal alteration, trending over 1 km along strike.

Assay results received for the initial seven holes at Hamlo indicate a pyrite-rich VMS mineralized system, which appears to increase in metal content at greater depths. This is consistent with typical VMS metal zoning.

Drill hole HM-006 intersected 10.90m of 0.29 g/t Au and 1.36% Zn, including 4.88m of 3.04 % Zn.



The drill results at Terer and Hamlo, combined with findings from Anguda South, confirm a significant VMS system extending over 10 km, validating the geological model and exploration methods used by Sun Peak. The VMS trend is supported by mapped VMS gossan outcrops, hydrothermal alteration zones, VTEM airborne geophysics, geochemistry, and gravity anomalies, including the large gravity target at Anguda North.

Commenting on the results, Greg Davis, President and CEO stated, "Combined with the results in the Sun Peak news release dated May 28, 2024, these first assay results from Terer and Hamlo demonstrate the effectiveness of Sun Peak's discovery methodology in uncovering valuable VMS deposits and we are more confident than ever that the Shire Project can host multiple VMS Deposits. We expect the remainder of the assays to be received in August and we look forward to outlining Sun Peak's exploration and drill plans when drilling can resume in October, after the rainy season is over. This will include drill testing the large Anguda North gravity anomaly, as well as continuing work on the Meli Trend. Sun Peak is fully funded to continue drilling this fall with over $3.3 million in the bank."

Terer Summary

12 diamond drill holes completed, totaling 2660.26 meters. Assay results have been received for two holes, TR-001 and TR-002.

Drill hole TR-002 intersected 18.46 meters of 1.34% CuEq comprised of 0.47% Cu, 1.85% Zn, 0.32 g/t Au, and 7.2 g/t Ag and 8.71 m of 1.04% CuEq comprised of 0.56% Cu, 0.65% Zn, 0.29 g/t Au, and 5.14 g/t Ag ( See Table 1 ).

Terer VMS prospect now extends of over a kilometer long with VMS gossan outcrops that trend mainly east-west, and steeply dipping to the north, with coincident VTEM conductors and moderate gravity high anomalies.

The VMS mineralized zone is hosted within chlorite altered, strongly foliated mafic volcanic rocks (See Figure 1) , that forms the hanging wall and the footwall rock units.

The Terer VMS zone appears to consist of thinly stacked massive sulphide lenses, crosscut by faulting and possibly displaced by at least 4 different dyke systems (mafic, felsic, granitic, and gabbroic). Most of these dykes were emplaced along normal fault zones (See Figure 2: Section A).

The Terer VMS zone is located 2 km west and directly along strike of the Anguda North gravity high anomaly, potentially representing continuity of a greater VMS zone (See Figure 3).

Figure 1: Terer Drilling Plan Map: Results received for TR-001 and TR-002 - Results in Table 1.

Figure 2: Terer Drilling - Cross-Section A

Figure 3: Terer-Anguda regional VMS trend.

Table 1: Terer Drill Results Summary

*CuEq for drill intersections is calculated based on July 22/2024 spot prices for Cu US$4.20/lb, Au US$2395/oz, Ag US$29/oz and Zn US$1.21/lb. Recovery is assumed to be 100% as no metallurgical data is available. The formula is CuEQ % = Cu% + (Au g/t * (Au $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)) + (Ag g/t * (Ag $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)+ (Zn% * (Zn $ per lb / Cu $ per lb)).

Hamlo Summary

12 diamond drill holes completed, totaling 2576.0 meters. Assay results have been received for the first 7 holes.

Defined a large hydrothermally altered mixed stringer and massive sulfide zone, trending over 300m along strike (open in all directions) (See Figure 4).

Hosted within foliated, sheared, and hydrothermally altered felsic volcanic flows and tuffs, representing the footwall, surrounded by chlorite and epidote-altered mafic volcanics, representing the hanging wall volcanic rocks for the VMS mineralized zones.

The zone appears truncated to the northeast by a normal fault, with drill hole HM-010 intersecting primarily hanging wall mafic volcanics.

The Hamlo sulphide zone is within a 10km southwest and northeast trend which is sub-parallel to the Terer Trend (See Figure 6) .

The initial assay results from the first 7 holes at Hamlo indicate a pyritic rich VMS mineralized system, that seems to have base metals increase at depth. It could be explained by a metal zoning, that is very common in VMS style mineralized deposits (See Table 2) .

HM-006 ended in 10.90 m of 0.291 g/t Au and 1.36% Zn from 292.15 to 303.05m (See Figure 5: Section B).

Figure 4: Hamlo Drilling Plan Map: Results received for holes in red annotation (HM-001 to HM-007) - Results in Table 2.

Figure 5: Hamlo Drilling - Cross-Section B

VMS Trends on Terer Exploration License: From the drilling and intial assay results, it appears that the Terer property has at least two sub-parallel trending structures striking E-W and NE-SW. The main trends are very large with all the VMS gossan outcrops, hydrothermally altered extensive stringer zones,and geophysical signatures related to a very large system. Once the Company has drill data from all the holes, we will release a more fulsome statement on how Sun Peak will approach the next phase of exploration work, including drilling.

Figure 6: Terer Exploration License showing VMS Trends for Terer-Anguda, Hamlo-Dermi, and Argo-Keel

Table 2: Hamlo Drill Results Summary

Note: Sulphide Zone* includes massive, semi-massive and stringer zones.

QUALIFIED PERSON'S STATEMENT

David K. Daoud, P. Geo, Vice President Exploration is the Qualified Person overseeing Sun Peak's exploration projects in Ethiopia and has reviewed and approved this press release.

All drill holes reported are diamond drill core holes.

A Quality Assurance/Quality Control program was part of the sampling program on the Hamlo and Terer Main prospects. This program includes the systematic submittals of standards, duplicates, and blank samples into the flow of samples produced by the sampling.

Samples were prepared at ALS Laboratory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and analyzed at ALS Laboratory in Dublin, Ireland. Gold is assayed using a 50-gram of -75 micron-size pulp is fire assayed and finished by ICP-AES analysis to detect content between 0.01 and 10.0 ppm. Gold returning over limit values are re-assayed with higher detection limits using a gravimetric finish. As well, a 0.5 gram cut from the pulp of each rock sample is dissolved by aqua regia acid digestion and analyzed by mass spectrometry for a suite of 51 additional elements. Analytical values for silver, copper, zinc, and lead over detection limits are re-assayed with higher detection limits, using aqua regia digestion. Drilling intercept lengths and estimated true thicknesses are reported in the tabulations.

ABOUT SUN PEAK METALS CORP.

Sun Peak is exploring the district-scale Shire VMS Project in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia. The Shire Project is comprised of six exploration licenses and covers approximately 1,450 square kilometers in the prospective Arabian Nubian Shield. The licenses are in the same geological environment as both the Bisha Mine and the Asmara Projects. The Meli and Terer Licenses are part of a joint-venture agreement with Ezana Mining, a private Ethiopian Company and the other four are 100% owned by Sun Peak. The Sun Peak team have worked in East Africa for more than two decades and the Company's strategy is to apply exploration techniques that have worked successfully in the region before, to build assets through major copper-gold VMS discoveries.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SUN PEAK METALS CORP.

Greg Davis

President, CEO & Director

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Greg Davis

(T): +1 (604) 999 1099

(E): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain information and statements in this news release may be considered forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for purposes of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which reflect the expectations of management regarding its disclosure and amendments thereto. Forward-looking statements consist of information or statements that are not purely historical, including any information or statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information or statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the goal of making a significant discovery and the development of a large-scale project in Ethiopia and identifying other potential properties and opportunities both in Ethiopia and globally. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits Sun Peak will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation: the risk that the results of the planned exploration programs at the Shire Project do not meet expected results. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable securities laws, Sun Peak assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties are set out in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section in the Prospectus filed with Canadian security regulators.
ROUYN-NORANDA, QC, July 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Fokus Mining Corporation ("Fokus" or the "Company") (TSXV: FKM) (OTCQB: FKMCF) (FSE: F7E1) wishes to announce that Jean Rainville has informed the Board of Directors that he will retire and resign as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective on July 31, 2024. Mr. Rainville will remain a director of the Company for a transition period. Mr. Sylvain Champagne, the acting Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company, will be appointed as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of July 31, 2024. The Board of Directors will work closely with Mr. Champagne during the interim period to ensure a proper transition and the continuation of the Company's activities. The Company applied for a waiver from Section 5.9 of Policy 3.1 of the TSX Venture Exchange to allow Mr. Champagne to concurrently act as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company.

About Fokus

Fokus Mining Corporation is a mineral resource company actively acquiring and exploring precious metal deposits located in the province of Quebec, Canada. In implementing this major undertaking within the Canadian mining industry, we are determined to unlock the secret of the Galloway gold project.

The 100% Galloway Project covers an area of 2,865.54 hectares and is located just north of the Cadillac-Larder Lake deformation, which extends for more than 100km. Numerous gold deposits are associated with the structure and its extensions.

The current work focuses on a western portion of the mineral claims where several mineral occurrences have been identified. For more information, visit our website: fokusmining.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
A team of UN investigators said Tuesday they had met in Chad with victims of violence in Sudan's brutal civil war and had documented "disturbing patterns" of grave abuses.

The recently established UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the situation in Sudan said it had spent three weeks in Chad meeting with survivors of the conflict in Sudan, members of Sudanese civil society and other observers.

The people they spoke to had detailed firsthand accounts of "horrific acts of killings, sexual violence, including gang rape", the team said in a statement.

"These brutal acts must stop and the perpetrators must be brought to justice," mission member Mona Rishmawi said.

The fact-finding mission, which was created by the UN Human Rights Council late last year to investigate alleged abuses in the conflict, also described "arbitrary detention, torture (and) enforced disappearances".

It had also heard of "looting, the burning of houses, and the use of child soldiers", it said.

The investigators said that many of the violations appeared to be particularly targeted against professionals like lawyers, rights defenders, teachers and doctors.

"Forced displacement was a common feature."

War has raged in the northeast African country for more than a year between the regular military under army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

Both sides have been accused of war crimes including deliberately targeting civilians, indiscriminate shelling of residential areas and blocking humanitarian aid, as famine threatens.

The war, which began in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and uprooted more than 10 million people inside the country while two million more have fled across borders, according to the UN.

More than 600,000 of those have made their way to Chad.

The independent experts, who do not speak on behalf of the United Nations, called on the international community to urgently step up efforts to end the conflict.

"This crisis requires the support of the international community as a whole," said mission chair Mohamed Chande Othman.
The United States announced Tuesday that it had invited Sudan's warring sides to hold ceasefire talks in Switzerland next month.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington had invited Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to start US-mediated negotiations beginning on August 14.

"The United States remains committed to working with partners to end this devastating war," Blinken said in a statement.

The commander of the RSF, at war with the army for over a year, said he "welcomed" Blinken's invitation and that his side would join the negotiations.

"I declare our participation in the upcoming ceasefire talks on August 14, 2024, in Switzerland," Mohamed Hamdan Daglo wrote on social media site X.

Previous negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have failed to put an end to fighting that has displaced millions, sparked warnings of famine and left swaths of the capital Khartoum in ruins.

Subsequent mediation attempts, including by the African Union, have failed to get the warring parties in the same room, as experts said both forces vied for the tactical advantage on the ground.

For more than a year, the brutal war has raged in the northeast African country between the regular military under army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF led by his former deputy Daglo.

The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and uprooted more than 10 million people, including two million who have fled across borders, according to the United Nations.

"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," Blinken said.

The US-mediated talks will be co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and will include the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations as observers, the State Department said.

- 'No military solution' -

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters that "there is no military solution to the conflict in Sudan."

"Convening these national ceasefire talks and making clear that they are backed by key international stakeholders is the only way to prove to end the conflict," he said.

Asked about the chances of the talks succeeding, however, Miller acknowledged that "we just want to get the parties back to the table," calling it "the best shot that we have right now at getting a nationwide cessation of violence."

Both sides have been accused of war crimes including deliberately targeting civilians, indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, and blocking humanitarian aid, while the fighting has caused many humanitarian organizations to cease operations in the country.

A recent UN-backed report said nearly 26 million people, or slightly more than half of the population, were facing high levels of "acute food insecurity."

Indirect talks between the RSF and Sudanese military, held this month in Geneva by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, were called an "encouraging" first step by the UN.

The talks focused on humanitarian aid and protecting civilians, though neither side met directly with the other.
The commander of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, at war with the army for over a year, agreed late Tuesday to ceasefire talks next month.

In a post on social media site X, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo said he "welcomed" US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's invitation to negotiations.

"I declare our participation in the upcoming ceasefire talks on August 14, 2024, in Switzerland," the paramilitary commander wrote.

The negotiations, announced on Tuesday by the United States, will be co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and include the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations 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," Blinken said.

Since April 2023, a brutal war has raged between Sudan's regular military, under army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy Daglo's RSF.

The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and uprooted more than 10 million people, including two million who have fled across borders, according to the United Nations.

Previous talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, repeatedly failed to end the fighting, yielding only temporary truces last year that were all immediately broken by both sides.

Subsequent mediation attempts, including by the African Union, have failed to get the warring parties in the same room, as experts said both forces vied for the tactical advantage on the ground.

Indirect talks between the RSF and Sudanese military, held this month in Geneva by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, were called an "encouraging" first step by the UN.

The talks focused on humanitarian aid and protecting civilians, though neither side met directly with the other.

Both the RSF and the army have been repeatedly accused of war crimes including deliberately targeting civilians, indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, and blocking humanitarian aid, while millions of Sudanese suffer on the brink of starvation.

The RSF has specifically been accused of ethnic cleansing, systematic sexual violence and rampant looting.
US mediators are to make a new attempt from August 14 to broker an end to 15 months of fighting between Sudan's regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions from their homes. Both sides have been accused of war crimes.

Here are the war's key players:

- The protagonists -

In 2021, Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power in a coup alongside his deputy, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemeti.

The pair pushed civilian politicians out of a power-sharing agreement set up after the 2019 overthrow of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir.

Less than two years later, on April 15, 2023, rivalry between the two erupted into full-fledged war, turning the capital Khartoum into a battleground.

For decades, Sudanese leaders had used paramilitaries to fight wars in the country's far-flung regions -- including Arab militias known as Janjaweed, which became the RSF in 2013.

On Bashir's orders, the Janjaweed mounted a scorched-earth campaign against non-Arab minorities suspected of supporting rebels in the western region of Darfur from 2003 which was widely regarded as genocide.

- Internal powers -

Besides the army and the paramilitaries, "a third camp is increasingly significant in Darfur, made up of rebel groups aligned with neither Burhan nor Hemeti," according to Jalel Harchaoui, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.

Sudan's many armed groups have adopted different strategies. Some, particularly in Darfur, have negotiated local truces between the army and RSF, while others have entered the fray in support of Burhan's troops.

Within months of the war breaking out, civilians began taking up arms in what the army has lauded as a "popular resistance" movement to defend against RSF advances.

Former prime minister Abdalla Hamdok, ousted by Burhan and Hemeti in 2021, now heads a bloc of political parties known as Taqadum, which the army accuses of being a front for the RSF.

Taqadum politicians in turn claim some Islamists who held key positions in Bashir's ousted regime -- their political enemies for decades -- are using the army to regain power.

- Foreign involvement -

Both sides have secured outside support from competing foreign interests.

"From the start of the war, the United Arab Emirates has provided material, political, military and money-laundering support to the RSF," Harchaoui told AFP.

In a January report, a UN panel of experts tasked with monitoring an arms embargo on Darfur found "credible" accusations that the UAE was funnelling "military support" to the RSF through neighbouring Chad.

Abu Dhabi has denied the allegations.

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has "authorised logistical bases to support Hemeti," but faces resistance from within his own ethnic group, the Zaghawa, who are among the non-Arab minorities who have been targeted by the RSF in neighbouring Darfur, Harchaoui said.

To the north, the military strongman of eastern Libya, Khalifa Haftar, has facilitated "generous deliveries" of fuel and weapons to the RSF on behalf of Abu Dhabi, he added.

Egypt, which is generally aligned with the UAE, has historically been the army's strongest backer. Though it cut back its support following a series of reverses for Burhan's troops last year, analysts say Cairo still wields significant influence.

In October 2023, the army pivoted towards Iran, which "began supplying drones to Burhan" helping him push back against RSF advances, Harchaoui said.

Russia, which previously supported the RSF through its mercenary group Wagner, has recently switched sides too.

Moscow has for years had its sights on a Red Sea naval base near Port Sudan, the wartime headquarters of Burhan's administration, a deal that has recently been put back on the table.

Turkey has also reportedly backed Burhan, while Saudi Arabia has along with the US played a mediator role.

In late May, deputy army chief Yassir al-Atta confirmed a "military and economic collaboration" with Russia would include "the base, in exchange for the urgent supply of weapons and munitions".
Iran on Wednesday condemned a report by a United Nations expert that accused the country of "atrocity crimes" against minorities and killings in the 1980s.

Javaid Rehman, the UN's independent special rapporteur on the rights situation in Iran, on Monday called for a probe into allegations Iran committed summary, arbitrary and extra-judicial executions in 1981-1982 and in 1988.

He said in a statement, after releasing a report with his detailed findings, that the actions "amounted to crimes against humanity of murder and extermination, as well as genocide".

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani dismissed the report as an attempt by Tehran's "enemies to tarnish the image of the Islamic republic".

"The claims lack any legal basis and are completely rejected," said Kanani, accusing Rehman of "abusing his position" and spreading "false news".

In his report, Rehman said there should be "no impunity for such gross human rights violations, regardless of when they were committed".

"The Iranian regime and its leaders should not be allowed to escape the consequences of their crimes against humanity and genocide," he added.

The expert, whose mandate ends on July 31, said that "the targeting and victimising of religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities and political opponents continued with complete impunity during, and since, the first decade of the establishment of the Islamic republic in 1979".

He highlighted in particular attacks on the Bahai -- Iran's largest non-Muslim minority -- which he said was "targeted with genocidal intent and persecution".

In response, Kanani said: "Iran reserves its legal right to protest this wrong process in some human rights institutions".
The trial of 25 people accused of being part of the M23 group began Wednesday in DR Congo, some two and a half years after the rebels began seizing large parts of the east of the country.

Only five defendants were present when the trial began in a military court in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) capital Kinshasa.

The main defendant, former DRC electoral commission president Corneille Nangaa, is currently on the run.

Nangaa announced in December in Nairobi the creation of a political-military movement the AFC, or Alliance Fleuve Congo, an alliance of rebel groups including the M23.

The justice ministry announced on Monday the opening of the "trial of Corneille Nangaa and his accomplices".

"This trial is part of terrorist activities, war crimes and high treason perpetrated in the eastern part of the DRC," the statement said.

If convicted, they could face the death penalty.

The defence requested an adjournment of the trial after the first suspect was questioned to allow lawyers time to read their client's files.

"The time we are given is very short, in such a serious case, in which some defendants risk the death penalty," said one of the defence lawyers, Clement Muza Kayembe.

The lawyer also spoke out about the presence of Justice Minister Constant Mutamba at the trial.

"In which country have you seen a justice minister go to hearings?" he told AFP.

"It's a moral pressure," he said, asking for "equitable and not fanciful justice" for the defendants.

The list of defendants contains some of the best-known figures of the Rwanda-backed M23, including the group's president Bertrand Bisimwa, its military leader Sultani Makenga and spokespersons Willy Ngoma and Lawrence Kanyuka.

Other people included on the list include members of the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) who joined the AFC.

The PPRD is the party of former President Joseph Kabila, who was in power from 2001 to 2019.

Those not present at the trial will be judged in their absence.

The Congolese authorities accuse Nangaa of being behind the bombing of a displaced persons camp last May that killed 35 people.

The trial is set to resume Thursday.

The M23 ("March 23 Movement") took up arms again at the end of 2021 and seized, with the help of the Rwandan army, large swathes of the North Kivu province.
A group of United Nations experts slammed the Nicaraguan government's "systematic" attacks against Christians in a report this week.

Following another report released in March, the group of UN Human Rights Council (HRC) on Monday described "systematic and widespread violations and abuses of international human rights law" documented against clerics.

Between January and March 2024, the experts registered "63 new cancellations of the legal status of non-profit organizations" including 23 religious ones.

At the start of July, the government scrapped the legal status and confiscated the property of Catholic station Radio Maria, as well as other NGOs, arguing that it had not reported its source of income.

President Daniel Ortega and his vice president and wife, Rosario Murillo, argue that the church supported anti-government protests in 2018 which the couple claimed was an attempted coup backed by Washington.

More than 300 people were killed during the demonstrations, according to the UN.

Murillo has described religious people as "children of the devil" or "agents of evil" who carry out "spiritual terrorism".

From April 2018 until March this year, the UN experts documented "73 cases of arbitrary detention of members of the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations".

"The total figure could be higher," the experts said.

They include priests, pastors, members of evangelical churches, seminarians, parishioners, as well as lay people who do journalistic or artistic human rights work in religious organizations, they indicated in the update of the report.

The experts say the arrests and detention amount to "crimes against humanity", while describing as "torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment" the expulsion of critical Nicaraguans or the "arbitrary" revoking of nationality.

At the end of 2023, some 30 clerics were imprisoned and later sent to the Vatican.

The UN experts said Ortega and Murillo both have "individual criminal responsibility" for using the state to "systematically repress" religious people.
Two years ago, one of the most shocking pieces of visual evidence of the Syrian regimes atrocities was widely circulated: a collection of videos that show a massacre of civilians in Damascus in April 2013. The name of the neighborhood, Tadamon, has since become a synonym for the arbitrary terror inflicted by the Assad regime against its population.

So when, in late May 2024, a trial started in the German city of Hamburg, dealing with atrocity crimes in Tadamon, it seemed obvious that the massacre would play a role. And indeed, it has not only been mentioned prominently in the indictment, but was also the subject of the first witness' testimony. And yet, the mass killing of civilians in Tadamon is not among the indicted crimes. Defendant Ahmed H. is charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes for arbitrarily detaining individuals, abusing them and coercing them into forced labor, as well as stealing from local shops as part of a pro-regime militia in Tadamon between 2012 and 2015. While he seems like a more marginal figure, the first few weeks of the trial have made clear that the Tadamon massacre will loom over the proceedings and serve as a backdrop for the crimes he is accused of.

The indictment, read by the prosecution on the first day of the trial, claims that Ahmed H. was a member of a Shabiha militia that cooperated with the National Defense Forces, in Tadamon. By order of the Syrian regime, this militia was tasked with violently oppressing any oppositional efforts in At-Tadamon together with military secret services branch 227. The prosecution added that members of branch 227 killed at least 47 civilians during mass executions on April 16th and October 16th 2013 in Tadamon.

The defendant, who worked as a truck driver in Syria, has been living in Germany since 2016. Arrested in August 2023, he has been held in pre-trial detention, and since January this year, in solitary confinement due to danger of collusions, according to the court. His trial began on May 17th of this year.

Fear of checkpoints in Tadamon

Ahmed H. is said to have operated checkpoints in Tadamon, where he and his colleagues arrested passers-by arbitrarily. According to the indictment, they abused them, forced their relatives to pay money for their release or coerced them into forced labor. The defendant personally participated in the abuse of civilians, the indictment states, and describes a case in which Ahmed H. punched a man in the face and instructed other militiamen to abuse him over several hours. In another case, he allegedly beat up a civilian at one of the checkpoints. The defendant grabbed the victims hair and smashed his head onto the pavement. In addition, Ahmed H. is accused of arresting nine individuals between 2012 and 2014 and forcing them to transport sandbags to the frontline. He is also said to have stolen goods from local stores up until 2015.

On July 16, 2024, Ahmed H. sat with his head bowed in room number 288 of the criminal court of Hamburg. That Tuesday and the following day, four witnesses testified. All of them lived in Tadamon, and were subjected to abuse, forced labor and arbitrary detention by the Assad regime's militias between 2012 and 2015. While none of them recognized the 47-year-old defendant with greying hair, a meaty face and sharply curved eyebrows, their testimonies can help the prosecution establish the framework of the crimes committed and understand how the militias controlled the neighborhood. Going to work or school, the witnesses would have to pass one of the countless checkpoints set up by armed units, where they would risk being arbitrarily detained. Some were able to buy their way out, others were forced to hard labor, digging tunnels or carrying sandbags to the front line between Tadamon and Yarmouk, where they risked being shot by opposition forces.

We tried to avoid the checkpoints by walking through small backstreets, so we wouldnt be harassed, recalled one witness, who was detained twice. Talking about these events was painful for him, he said, adding that he had not slept for two days before his testimony. Another witness, who was just a teenager at the time, recalled having to pass four checkpoints on his way to school. Sometimes we had to wait for a long time. We were very scared, he said, adding that one time, he was detained and forced to work for seven hours without food or water. After his testimony, he sat in the corridor crying, while a friend consoled him.

Seen with an alleged perpetrator of the massacre

During the first sessions in court in May and June, the Tadamon massacre played a key role. One of the first witnesses was Dutch scholar Annsar Shahhoud who has become known for her unusual research: after receiving video recordings of the Tadamon massacre from a source in Syria in 2019, she and her colleague, Ugur Umit Ungor from the Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies in Amsterdam, created an alter-ego online to get in touch with the involved militiamen and, after gaining their trust, collected evidence regarding their part in the crimes.

In the recordings, that circulated online two years ago, dozens of individuals are led by armed men in military uniforms to a large hole in the ground. They are told to jump or run in and are shot as they do so. Later, the killers pour fuel over the bodies and burn them.

In Hamburg, Shahhoud was questioned about her research strategies and findings. Several videos of Tadamon's brutal killings were viewed. None of them showed Ahmed H. committing any crimes or being present during killings but, in one recording, he is seen riding a truck with the secret services' officer believed to be responsible for the Tadamon massacre and other crimes against civilians in the neighborhood. This video, sent to the German prosecutors by the Dutch researchers, is the proof that triggered the investigation against Ahmed H.

Video excerpts from the massacre of civilians in Tadamon, a district of Damascus in Syria, in April 2013.  AFP

A defendant lost in Arabic translation?

Procedurally, the first weeks of trial in Hamburg have not exactly run smoothly. On the very first day, the proceedings had to be delayed by two hours, because the defendant appeared in court wearing prison attire and flipflops. He had to be provided with court-appropriate clothing, before the session could continue. The same happened on the second day.

There have also been issues with translation. One single translator has to interpret Arabic to German and German to Arabic for the witnesses and the defendant. The defense claims that the Moroccan translator and the Syrian defendant do not understand each other, given the different dialects and Ahmed H.s low level of education that makes it hard for him to understand Modern Standard Arabic. Defense lawyer Reza Moschref accuses the court of pushing through with their schedule no matter what. The court, on the other hand, claims that there are no problems with the translation.

We are not happy at all with how this trial has been going, said Moschref. Apart from translation, he sees the anonymization of key witnesses as a problem for the defense. One of these witnesses, who testified on day four and five of the trial, is the one who found the videos of the Tadamon massacre on the computer of the alleged perpetrator and forwarded them to the researchers in Amsterdam. He has also claimed to have witnessed Ahmed H. abusing civilians on two occasions. For security reasons, this witness did not have to give any personal information or answer any questions that might reveal his identity. If we had been able to question him properly, we might have found some clues in favor of our client, says Moschref. Other witnesses, who have testified or will testify, have also been granted the right to stay anonymous.

The courts press officer, Marayke Frantzen, argues that witness protection applies when there is reason to worry that revealing the witness identity or place of residence might threaten the life, limb or freedom of the witness or another person, such as relatives or friends in Syria. She added that one of the witnesses had already received death threats from the military secret service. The question of defendants rights vs. witness protection has come up during all German trials dealing with Syria. Over the years, numerous witnesses have claimed that they or their family members in Syria had been threatened or would be in danger, if they testified. Some had to testify without protection regardless, others were allowed to remain anonymous.

Ahmed H. fit to stand trial

A third point of criticism for Moschref is the defendants health. In prison, Ahmed H. has been diagnosed with cancer. When he complained about nausea, dizziness and headaches on the second day of the trial, he was given painkillers, while the proceedings continued. Moschref believes that his client might not be fit to stand trial. He and his colleague have complained in court that the doctors do not communicate with them at all: We dont even know what type of cancer he has. So they have requested that another doctor be consulted on whether the trial should be suspended due to their clients health condition. A spokesperson for the court, however, told Justice Info that the defendants ability to stand trial has been attested by a doctor, and that all the information available to the court concerning Ahmed H.s health is also shared with the defense.

All these difficulties lead Moschref to ask: Can this trial be fair, when our client has no ability to participate in it? His answer, which is clearly no, might be one of the reasons why the atmosphere in the Hamburg courtroom has been extremely tense. There have been several hostile exchanges between the defense on one hand, and the prosecution and judges on the other.

Trial dates in Hamburg have been scheduled until December.




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - There was drama near Nairobis Mamba Village in Langata after three people were abducted by armed men suspected to be rogue state agents.

According to an eye-witness, armed men driving a Subaru blocked a vehicle along a busy road and forcefully ejected the occupants while brandishing AK-47 rifles, before bundling them into their vehicle.

They then drove off after abducting the victims.

The incident happened hours after President William Ruto addressed the nation at State House.

Lately, cases of kidnappings by rogue state agents are on the rise, even as President Ruto continues to reiterate that his government is committed to end extra-judicial killings.









Watch the video.

3 people have been abducted at Mamba Village right now...retweet widely!!!! pic.twitter.com/jhRBZcLQ7s  The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) July 24, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - The head of President William Rutos Economic Council, Dr. David Ndii, shared a cryptic message after four senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members joined the Kenya Kwanza Alliance Government.

On Wednesday afternoon, Ruto named Ali Hassan Joho to be the Cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.

The president nominated ODM MP John Mbadi as the Cabinet Secretary for The National Treasury and Economic Planning, while National Assembly Minority Leader James Opiyo Wandayi was named to the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

The Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development docket went to former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya.

All four cabinet nominees are close allies of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Reacting to the appointment of four of Raila Odingas confidants, Ndii, who is an Oxford-trained economist, said Kenyans should not worry about the new political deal between Ruto and ODM since that is what Raila Oidnga has been doing since 1998.

In his message, Ndii shared photos of the ODM leader shaking hands with former presidents, including the late president Daniel Moi.

He also shared a photo of the famous handshake between Raila and the late president Mwai Kibaki after the highly disputed 2007 presidential election.

The handshake between Kibaki and Raila gave birth to a coalition government where Raila was named the prime minister.

He further shared the picture of the handshake between the ODM leader and ex-president Uhuru Kenyatta outside Harambee House with the caption; "Mnashaangaa nini,"

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - In yet another operation intended to cleanse our streets of notorious thugs known for stealing from locked motor vehicles, a team of detectives drawn from the Nairobi regional headquarters has arrested a four-man gang that stole Ksh 850,000 from a locked motor vehicle in Langata.

The arrest is a culmination of painstaking investigations arising from a report at Langata police station where a resident of South C- Green Estate 2 lost part of the money that he had withdrawn from a local bank on July 17, 2024.

It happened that the victim had left the money inside his locked motor vehicle and proceeded to shop at Uchumi supermarket in Langata only to return and find his vehicle having been broken into and all the money he had stashed in a Khaki envelope missing.

On reviewing CCTV footage from an adjacent business premise, it was established that the four-man gang onboard a white Suzuki Swift Reg. No. KDB 771T had been captured breaking into his car and taking off with his money.

Taking the bull by its horns, the detectives drawn from the elite CRIB and the Operations units launched investigations culminating in the arrest of Shaban Maingi Rashid, Steve Malvin Njagi, Johnson Muisyo Mbingu, and Mashud Onyango Dax alias Sudi.

At the time of arrest, the four were onboard a Suzuki Swift Reg. No. KDH 154B but upon further search, the detectives recovered a master key and retrieved another set of number plates KDP 989N from inside the vehicle that also matched the vehicles insurance details.

The detectives have further established that one of the arrested thugs Shaban Maingi Rashid has previously been arrested for similar offenses within Langata area and has ongoing cases before court.

























The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - Ann Wanjiru took to the streets on Thursday to protest while holding her late sons portrait, only to be arrested by the police.

Anns son, Evans Kiratu, died after he was hit by a flying tear gas canister during anti-government protests on June 20.

Police manhandled her and threw her into the vehicle as she wailed.

Mliua mtoto wangu na mnanishika, she was heard lamenting as police arrested her.





Watch the heartbreaking video that has caused an uproar on social media.

Ann Wanjiru, the visibly distraught mother of 21-year-old Evans Kiratu who was killed by a flying tear gas canister during a protest on June 20, breaks down in Nairobi CBD crying out 'Mliua Mtoto Wangu Na Mnanishika' as she is arrested and thrown into a police vehicle. pic.twitter.com/gT7OCcPxEy  Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) July 25, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - Renowned Nairobi lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has claimed President William Ruto's move to appoint Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) members in the cabinet is one way of killing Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas political career.

In a post on X on Thursday, Ahmednasir stated that Gachagua is now a political orphan since none of his closest allies were appointed to the cabinet, despite the Mt. Kenya region holding 7 out of 21 cabinet slots.

Ahmednasir said the biggest political winner in the cabinet game of chess is President William Ruto, as he has successfully wooed the Nyanza and Western region electorates by rewarding former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, respectively.

Here is what Ahmednasir wrote on his X page.

DP @rigathi is the biggest casualty in the reconstituted cabinet/government. DP Gachagua is a dead man walking!

"He is a fatally wounded man and I think he will die of his wounds before 2027.

"Even though 37% of the cabinet are from Mt Kenya, none remotely owes any allegiance to him.

"In fact, he doesn't have a single ally in the cabinet.

"To say the man from Mathira is in his political death throes is not an exaggeration of his dire political fortunes.

"Further, President Ruto by bringing ODM into his government has created a stronger rival in government.

"This coupled with the elevated stature of Hon @MusaliaMudavadi simply makes Gachagua's position plainly untenable.

"I want to maintain some "constructive ambiguity" but to have a draft copy of the political obituary of Gachagua ready for publication at short notice isn't that outlandish,

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday July 25, 2024 - Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi has hailed President William Ruto for incorporating former Prime Minister Raila Odingas men into Cabinet.

In a statement, Ngunyi defended Ruto from more criticism, saying the Gen Zs should celebrate that the president listened to them in naming his new-look Cabinet.

Ngunyi wondered what more critics could ask for after the Head of State conceded more ground following numerous demands by a restless Gen Z.

The renowned political analyst recalled how Raila worked with the government of the day when the opposition outfit joined Mwai Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU) following the disputed elections of 2007 to form a broad-based cabinet.

"When ODM joined the government in 2008, they created Vision 2030. They changed our country. But Ruto told us that there is no space for Raila in his government.

"Now he has climbed down again. What more do we want from Ruto? A pint of blood? He is undergoing character development," Ngunyi said in a post on X.

From ODM, John Mbadi, who has been nominated as the National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary, is among those expected to serve in the next government after vetting by parliament.

Opiyo Wandayi has been nominated as CS Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, as Hassan Joho is the CS designate for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.

Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has been proposed as Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development.

The Kenyan DAILY POST










Thursday July 25, 2024  The appointment of former Prime Minister Raila Odingas allies into Cabinet by President William Ruto has threatened the Gen Z revolution.

This is after residents of Homa Bay burst into a celebration, thanking Ruto for nominating ODM National Chairman and Raila Odingas ally John Mbadi as the Treasury Cabinet Secretary.

Hundreds of Boda boda riders, the business community, and the Gen Zs thronged the Central Business District (CBD) as they sang songs praising Ruto, Raila and Mbadi.

The ODM chairman was named for the position after President Ruto sent home his entire cabinet following the recent unrest in the country by the youthful generations.

The overjoyed crowd traversed the Homa Bay CBD before holding a major rally at the postal ground.

Mbadi, who once expressed his interest in the Homa Bay Governor seat position after serving as the Suba South MP for 15 years if approved, will be the first leader from the community to head the powerful docket.

During the event, the Gen-Zs cancelled the anti-government demonstrations henceforth as a way to thank the President for the nominations.

Homa Bay branch ODM youth leader Robert Ouko said that the scheduled tomorrow's (Thursday) anti-government demonstration has now been cancelled following the nomination of 'one of their own' to the powerful finance docket.

Ouko said the nomination clearly shows that Ruto has the interest of the Luo community at heart.

As youths from Homa Bay, we want to announce here that henceforth there will be no more anti-government demonstrations in our county, Ouko said.

This is the only way we can thank our president for the appointment of our party chairman to the powerful finance docket, he said.

Former nominated Member of County Assembly Jared Kajomo said the nomination of Mbadi to Ruto's cabinet is one sign of inclusivity, which the Kenyan youths have been yearning for.

We want to thank President Kenyatta for the appointment of our own son Mbadi; this shows his love for our community; already, he had given us Interior PS Raymond Omollo, and we will support him and his government fully, he said.

Mbadi was nominated to the cabinet alongside other ODM bigwigs, who include National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), ODM deputy party leaders Ali Hassan Joho (Mining), and Wycliffe Oparanya (cooperatives and (SMEs).

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, has stated he will not betray Kenyans, especially Gen Z, by joining President William Ruto's government.

In a statement on Wednesday, the second-term lawmaker stated that he would remain resolute in his decision not to join Ruto's administration.

The outspoken lawmaker reiterated that his decision was to stand with the Kenyan populace amid the ongoing political crisis.

He promised to provide a comprehensive response on the way forward to his supporters at a later date.

"I remain steadfast to stand with the People of Kenya.

"Those who have left opposition to join the Government, KWAHERINI.

"I will release my official statement tomorrow. Aluta continua," he wrote.

Babu spoke after ODM Chairman John Mbadi, ODM Deputy Party Leaders Hassan Joho, and Wycliffe Oparanya, and National Assembly Minority Whip Opiyo Wandayi joined the Ruto government as cabinet nominees.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday July 25, 2024 - Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua vowed to fight after President William Ruto nominated ODM Leader Raila Odingas allies into his broad-based Cabinet.

In a statement on X, Karua seemed to appeal to Ruto to consider other Opposition parties like Narc Kenya and Kalonzo Musyokas Wiper for the remaining Cabinet slots.

According to Karua, Ruto did not consider the entire Opposition for the Cabinet slots but ODM, leaving the other Azimlio coalition parties in the cold.

While Ruto promised to name the remaining Cabinet Member as soon as possible, Karua vowed to press on with calls for reforms in the government.

"Let every person stand by the courage of their convictions #AlutaContinua," Karua said.

Azimio affiliate parties had raised their concerns on the suggested broad-based government proposed by Ruto, saying the DAP-K, PNU, Jubilee and Wiper party would not be a party to the talks.

"That for the avoidance of doubt the Azimio-OKA coalition will not be part of the proposed broad-based or any other dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza coalition," Kalonzo said after goons disrupted his press conference on July 17, 2024.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna has demanded the resignation of party members who were nominated by President William Ruto to his cabinet.

On Wednesday, Ruto nominated ODM Chairman John Mbadi, ODM Deputy Party Leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi to the cabinet.

Speaking on Thursday, Sifuna asked Joho, Oparanya, Wandayi, and Mbadi to resign from the party, stating that their nominations were not the Orange party's position.

Sifuna said he expects the said members to tender their resignation letters before heading to Parliament for vetting.

"I expect that by the end of the day or before they go for vetting we will receive resignations of these people from their positions in the party.

"This is my expectation because the law is that they cannot go into Cabinet as parties and members of political parties," Sifuna said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - Kapsaret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi, has emerged from political hibernation after President William Ruto named the 21 cabinet nominees on Wednesday.

During his State of the Nation address, Ruto unveiled his final list of Cabinet nominees, in which he announced the nomination of key ODM party officials to his government.

Sudi immediately took to social media to congratulate the nominees, arguing that the list was based on merit and inclusivity.

The UDA lawmaker urged Kenyans to support the broad-based government unveiled by Ruto to ensure the country's stability.

"I congratulate all Cabinet nominees announced by William Ruto to support him in achieving his dream for Kenya.

"The list represents meritocracy, inclusivity, and 1 Kenya at a time when Kenyans are yearning for stability. I ask Kenyans to support the President's broad-based government," Sudi said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday July 25, 2024  Just after forming a Government of National Unity with ODM Leader Raila Odinga, President William Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, now face a real danger.

This is after 14 Kenyans filed a petition at the High Court in Nairobi, seeking orders to pave the way for a referendum to oust Ruto and Gachagua from office.

In their case, the petitioners argued that the president and his deputy had violated the constitution by allowing extrajudicial killings of the anti-government protesters by police officers.

The President was also faulted for ordering the deployment of military officers against protesting civilians, which the petitioners argued was unconstitutional.

"In a constitutional democracy, there can be no justification for the President to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to prevent unarmed citizens," the petitioners argued.

This Petition seeks judicial intervention to prevent the current socio-political crisis from spiraling out of control and to preserve the constitutional order."

The petitioners warn that the unresolved economic crisis following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill could quickly push Kenya toward a state collapse similar to Sri Lanka, Lebanon, or Sudan.

Ruto was also accused of labelling and demeaning the protestors as saboteurs, treason mongers, and faceless anarchists despite agitation for a better Kenya.

The petitioners thus demanded the court's directive to authorize a referendum to oust President Ruto and his deputy through a popular vote.

A plea was also made to the court to quash the agreement reached between President Ruto and US President Joe Biden to make Kenya a non-NATO ally of the US.

The petitioners further demanded a directive for the withdrawal of the military officers from the streets during the anti-government demonstrations.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - On Thursday, President William Ruto visited the restive Mt. Kenya region to explain to the electorate why he formed a Nusu Mkate government with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

During the 2022 presidential election, 47 percent of Rutos votes came from the Mt. Kenya region, which was initially opposed to a Nusu Mkate government.

Due to pressure from Gen Z protests, Ruto formed a Nusu Mkate government on Wednesday and appointed four senior ODM members to the cabinet.

The four are Hassan Joho Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs., Wycliffe Oparanya for Cooperative and MSMEs, John Mbadi for Treasury, and Opiyo Wandayi for Energy and Petroleum.

However, when he spoke in Tharaka Nithi on Thursday, Ruto avoided speaking about the Nusu Mkate government but instead explained why he reappointed Kithure Kindiki to the Interior Ministry docket.

"I thank you again for giving me Professor Kithure Kindiki.

"Professor is our Cabinet Secretary for Interior and this guy has done a good job.

"The terrorists are stuck. In Lamu, he has done a good job and in the North rift even the bandits have left."

Ruto said after commissioning Marimanti Kenya Medical Training College.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - President William Ruto has come clean over his decision to nominate former Prime Minister Raila Odingas allies to Cabinet despite being in Opposition.

Ruto nominated ODMs John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum) Ali Hassan Joho to Mining, and Wycliffe Oparanya to the Ministry of Co-operatives.

While addressing the residents of Tharaka Nithi, the Head of State revealed the new appointments were geared towards ending the political division that existed in the country.

According to the president, the new-look government would help unite Kenyans and end the biased leadership witnessed previously in Kenya.

He revealed the new appointees would help execute various government mandates, including overseeing a proper collection of taxes and repayment of the country's debts.

"Yesterday I formed a government that will bring all Kenyans together because I have decided there is no need to be biased," Ruto explained.

"Let us come together and build one government that will serve the people of Kenya and bring development to the country."

As a result, the president called on Kenyans to embrace the new broad-based government and cease the demonstrations, terming them retrogressive and a huge impediment to the country's development.

According to Ruto, criminal elements had infiltrated the peaceful protests and turned them violent by damaging properties and engaging in theft and robbery.

"I urge you Kenyans, no need of destroying our country, no need of demonstrations and killing one another. Let us not destroy Kenya.

"Let us safeguard the country and bring development," Ruto urged the residents of Tharaka Nithi.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - The Government is reportedly planning to gag the media after State House officials secretly met with senior media executives.

According to a source privy to the meeting, the senior media bosses agreed to halt live broadcasting of anti-government protests organized by Gen Zs.

The protests will only be covered in news segments and images of the protests filtered.

It was also agreed that the mainstream media will reduce coverage of Gen Z protests.

In return, the Government will reconsider advertising with the media outlets that will comply.

Currently, the Government exclusively advertises with the Star Newspaper, where President Ruto reportedly has shares.

Additionally, the Government plans to revoke the operating permits of foreign journalists who cover the protests in the wrong way.

This is a major blow to Gen Zs who have been organizing successful protests for the last five weeks.

The protests have received wide coverage in both local and international media outlets.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - Kapsaret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has urged Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to team up with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to build a stronger Opposition.

Sifuna is among senior ODM leaders who have been pouring cold water on the recently formed 'Nusu Mkate' government by President Willliam Ruto and Raila Odinga.

Sudi, a close ally of President William Ruto, said Sifuna, who is also the Nairobi County Senator, should feel free to join forces with Kalonzo.

Edwin Sifuna as a lawyer of high repute, feel free to enjoy your constitutional right and join Kalonzo Musyoka to build a formidable opposition, Sudi said.

Sudi's remarks come hot on the heels of a statement by Sifuna, who called for the resignation of party members who have been nominated to President William Ruto's Cabinet.

Speaking on Citizen TV on Thursday, Sifuna said that the four ODM party members had not been recommended by the party for nomination to join Ruto's broad-based government.

The senator said their nomination does not represent the party's position in Ruto's government.

Sifuna said he expects the said members to tender their resignation letters before heading to Parliament for vetting.

The four members included John Mbadi who was nominated to the Treasury, Opiyo Wandayi, to the Energy Ministry, Hassan Joho to the Mining Ministry and Wycliffe Oparanya to the Ministry of Cooperatives.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, July 25, 2024 - Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was unaware that ODM Chairman John Mbadi, ODM Deputy Party Leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi were joining President William Rutos cabinet.

In an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday morning, Sifuna, who is also the Nairobi County Senator, said Raila was unaware of the nomination of these four party members. He explained that Raila would not have allowed the nomination of two people from the same region.

He also said if it was Raila Odinga who nominated the four, he could have nominated a woman since he is a strong believer in gender equality.

"If Raila Odinga was asked to present names of people who are capable of turning around this country and address the issues that have been raised by Gen Z, the Raila Odinga that I know will not present four names of all men, that one I can tell you for a fact," Sifuna said.

"In fact, we have a very strong sentiment within the party, even during meetings of the party, if you give three men to speak before a woman speaks you will be in trouble.

"There is no way Raila presents four names, two from one region in a party as diverse as ODM, I am telling you this is not a decision of Raila Odinga, Sifuna added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, July 25, 2024 - Radio Africa Group Chief Operating Officer Martin Khafafa has taken over as the company's Chief Executive Officer.

The announcement was made by Radio Africa Group Board of Trustees chair Kiprono Kittony on Wednesday.





The move comes after Founder and CEO Patrick Quarcoo retired from Radio Africa Group after 24 years of service.

The communication was passed during a farewell party for former CEO Quarcoo, who retired effective July 24, 2024.

Kittony asked the staff at Radio Africa to support Khafafa as he takes over the new position.

Martin Khafafa was caught in a nasty scandal some time back after embarrassing photos of him with two ladies in the shower leaked online.

The scandal subjected him to endless trolls on social media.

Khafafa, who started as the Agency General Manager at Kiss 100 FM in 2001, has also previously served as Classic 105s General Manager.

His appetite for women is well-known, with reports within the media circles indicating that he is fond of preying on female staff at Lions Place, where Radio Africa Group is located.










Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - In a shocking development, a woman identified as Memory Choga, 41, has been detained for allegedly killing her husband, Douglas Jeche, 45, a teacher at Jeche Primary School in Sadza, Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe.

According to The Herald, the incident unfolded when Douglas transferred his salary from his bank account to his bank wallet without informing Memory. When she discovered the funds were unavailable, she became enraged.

A neighbour reported, She was furious when she realized the money wasnt in the bank.

Upon returning home without the money, Memory's anger intensified. She allegedly attacked Douglas with a log, inflicting severe injuries across his body. A witness described the assault as indiscriminate and relentless. Douglas later died from his injuries.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, stating, On July 19, 2024, Memory Choga was apprehended in connection with the murder of her husband at Jeche Primary School in Sadza. The victim sustained multiple wounds from an assault with a log following a dispute over the transfer of his salary into his EcoCash account. He succumbed to the injuries.

Memory Choga remains in police custody as investigations continue into the murd3r of her husband, Douglas Jeche. Authorities are still gathering details about the incident that led to Jeches death.

Commissioner Paul Nyathi assured the public, Justice will take its course, as the legal process unfolds. The community is mourning the loss of Douglas Jeche, a well-regarded teacher, and struggling to come to terms with the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.




Thursday July 25, 2024 - Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has asked the Kenyan Gen Zs to call off further protests because they have lost momentum.

This follows underwhelming Tuesdays protests where the police managed to stop the Gen Zs from occupying Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Taking to social media, Kuria urged the Gen Zs to retreat and shift their focus from advocating for a regime change to ensuring those who lost their lives did not die in vain.

"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," he wrote.

His remarks were met with mixed reactions as a section of Kenyans emphasized that Kenyans would continue staging protests until their demands were met.

Additionally, they opposed the call for dialogue, arguing that this was not the right way to resolve the matter.

They opined that the dialogue was a way to silence the young Kenyans.

On the other hand, another group of Kenyans backed the former Gatundu South MP's sentiments.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
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Terminology has changed over the years.

When I was in training (1996-2000), we were called physicians. Nurses were called nurses. Nurse practitioners (NPs) were called nurse practitioners. Physician assistants (PAs) were called physician assistants. Patient care assistants (PCAs) were called patient care assistants. And the suits were just that  the suits. They kept the lights on and the doors open. They didnt provide any direct patient care. We didnt need them to. We needed them to keep the hospital running, so that we, those of us at the bedside, could do what we do best: care for our patients.

Over the past 24 years of my career, there is no longer much distinction between physicians, nurses, NPs, PAs, PCAs, etc. We are all now called caregivers  givers of care. Its a fitting title, especially for the nurses and PCAs who spend much more time at the bedside than us physicians. But the suits? Caregivers? I still question that. But thats a topic for a different day.

One such person often forgotten in that grouping of caregivers is a person Ive worked beside for much of my 23 1/2 years at our local hospital. He does not dispense medications to patients, assist them with ADLs, or clean up after them after they soil themselves. But he is as much a giver of care, even more so, than any of us caregivers combined.

He was there when I ran that code pink (pediatric code) in our ER on that adolescent girl early in my career, when my team and I performed countless chest compressions, administered every conceivable drug from not one but three crash carts (even Bretylium, yes Bretylium!), when I busted her, shocked her, or, more appropriately, defibrillated her 13 times with 360 joules, all in an effort to save her precious life. He was there, when I pronounced her death, when I, my ER nurses, pharmacists, ER physicians, and PCAs couldnt contain our anger, tears, and anguish after that Code Pink. And he was there, accompanying me, when I met with her family, to tell her mother and father that their precious daughter was not coming home, but that she was going Home.

He was there when I resuscitated a toddler, barely two years old. He was there, protecting me while simultaneously consoling her mother, when I called the code, the time of death, when she, understandably so, directed all her anger and terror at me, at my ER colleagues, at us, as her baby lay there lifeless.

He was there over the years for countless patients, for those gasping their last breaths, for their grieving spouses, for their families, when no one else could console them, could care for them, when no further care could be given. He cared for them.

He was there for that young lady, the one addicted to drugs, who presented to our hospital time and again, who overdosed, who countless times cheated death. He was there for her. He never gave up on her. He counseled her and consoled her. He prayed for her. And when she was released from her local county jail, when she decided to turn her life around during her days of sobriety, when she decided to get the hell out of Dodge, she returned one last time to our hospital  to thank him for not giving up on her, for helping her realize that she, too, was worth it.

He was there for patients as a member of our hospitals palliative care team; one would argue he was the most vital member. In previous years, he worked closely with home hospice staff, visiting and caring for patients and families as those terminal patients transitioned into the afterlife. Before that, he was a proud local member of our communitys firefighting and EMS crews.

He was there for the local children of Southern Ohio as he played the role of Santa Claus, along with his wife, Mrs. Claus. He provided the boisterous ho-ho-hos and, more importantly, offered hope to children who had very little to begin with.

He was there with me in the ICU for the entirety of the pandemic and beyond, when I spent the bulk of my days discussing, preparing, and consoling families for the untimely and premature deaths of our local community members. He was there, in full PPE, helping and guiding those end-of-life discussions with me, beside me. He did not work from home. He was there.

That first Christmas of the pandemic, when all of us in the intensive care unit (ICU) experienced nothing but dread, death, and suffocation when we all lost hope, he was there, along with Mrs. Claus, bearing gifts, bringing hope, and healing all our shattered souls that Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020  just like the real Santa Claus.

And, true to form, he was there this past December, beside me, with me, that fateful day as I delivered the news to my ICU family that my job was being eliminated, that I was being let go.

He pastors a local community church when the resident pastor is not available. He has officiated weddings, funerals, and ceremonies of all kinds for church members, for non-members, for the faithful, even for those without faith, and especially for patients with no home church. If they asked, he delivered. He could not turn them away.

Before the pandemic and ever since, Chaplain Bruce and I started sharing stories of people and patients we cared for over the years. We shared the good, the bad, the ugly, and how those situations affected us, them, and their families. When the world turned upside down for two years, our stories kept us going, and we kept each other going. We both noticed then that many of our ICU family bore heavy hearts and souls too. Together, he and I concocted our own healing group, which we branded SODAS (Southern Ohio Debriefing Arts Society). As the pandemic wound down in early 2022, we invited ICU staff to the first of several SODAS meetings in a small private room at a local coffee shop. In that room, in that meeting, during breakfast, we met as a family, and we told stories, our stories, patient stories (HIPAA compliant, of course), and we healed together. He often led the discussion, broke the proverbial ice, and then staff/family members chimed in. He would then take a back seat and watch the healing process, the flood of emotions, begin. We have had several sessions since that inaugural meeting. A handful of family and friends would attend, usually six to eight people per meeting. And with each session, our fondness for each other, for our efforts, and for those patients we served only grew and helped mend our broken souls.

Later this summer, Chaplain Bruce plans to retire. I have known him and interacted with him for much of my career. I cherish our time together, our laughs and memories, and especially our shared stories. One would say he is a pillar of our community. I would argue he IS the community. And unlike todays modern terminology, not only is he a caregiver but a healer as well. He has healed many souls. He never lost faith in his community. He often instilled faith in those who never had faith to begin with. And he has always provided hope.

Not all healers wear scrubs or lab coats, especially Chaplain Bruceour modern-day Santa Claus.

Zoran Naumovski is a hospitalist.
As a physician who grew up in a small town in central Illinois, Ive witnessed firsthand the decline of rural health care in America. The hospital where I first became interested in medicine is now half its original size, merged with a larger health system, and struggling to stay afloat. This story is all too common across rural America, where health care access is becoming increasingly scarce, and the challenges for providers are mounting.

The rural health care crisis

The statistics paint a stark picture: while roughly 20 percent of Americans live in rural areas, only about 10 percent of physicians practice there. By 2025, the country is facing a projected shortage of 20,000 primary care physicians in rural communities. This disparity extends beyond primary care to subspecialists, hospitalists, and emergency physicians.

Financial pressures are exacerbating the problem. As COVID-19 subsidies expire and reimbursements decline, rural hospitals are struggling to keep their doors open. A new study by the health analytics company Chartis reveals the dire financial situation of small, rural hospitals. The report shows that 50 percent of these facilities operated at a loss in the most recent year, an increase from 43 percent in the prior year. Furthermore, the analysis identified 418 rural hospitals across the country that are at risk of shutting down due to financial instability.

This financial instability creates a vicious cycle, making it harder to recruit and retain health care professionals, invest in necessary technology, maintain quality care, and remain independent. According to the Chartis study, financial pressures are pushing rural hospitals to merge with or be acquired by larger health care networks. The report indicates that approximately 60 percent of rural medical facilities are now connected to major health systems.

The unique challenges of rural health care

Rural health care providers face a trifecta of pain points: limited access to care, difficulty in delivering high-quality services, and financial constraints. The shortage of health care professionals is particularly acute, with nurses and physicians often drawn to urban areas by higher salaries and more resources.

From a resource perspective, rural hospitals often lack the financial strength to invest in cutting-edge technology and related assets. This technological gap widens the divide between rural and urban health care capabilities, potentially compromising patient care and operational efficiency.

To address these challenges, we need a multi-faceted approach involving policy changes and technological innovation.

Policy interventions:

Enhanced reimbursement rates for rural health care providers to ensure financial viability

Expansion of loan forgiveness programs for medical and nursing students who commit to practicing in rural areas

Increased federal and state funding for rural health care infrastructure and technology

Technology opportunities:

Telemedicine: COVID-19 demonstrated that telehealth can provide quality care and improve access to specialists. We must continue to invest in and expand these services.

Interoperability: Seamless sharing of medical data is crucial for coordinating care between rural providers and urban specialists.

Cloud-based technologies: These can help rural hospitals access specialized care and augment services, even with limited budgets.

AI and ambient listening tools: While potentially beneficial, these must be implemented thoughtfully to ensure they truly save time for clinicians.

Addressing the shortage of clinicians in rural areas also requires a multifaceted approach to education and training. It is essential to provide support for medical schools that offer programs specifically tailored to rural health care needs. To build a sustainable pipeline of clinicians who understand and are committed to serving rural populations, we need a concerted effort to recruit students from these communities and create incentives for them to return to and practice in these areas.

Specialization and focused care strategies encourage rural hospitals to concentrate their resources on areas where they excel. To ensure access to a broader range of specialties, these hospitals can form partnerships and utilize technology (such as remote patient monitoring and virtual nursing), optimizing their offerings while maintaining care coverage and independence.

The role of health IT

Technology has the potential to be a game-changer for rural health care, but only if its designed with rural providers in mind. Too often, rural hospitals are left with scaled-down versions of systems designed for large urban centers. These systems can be difficult to use, implement, and train on, especially without dedicated IT support staff.

We need to advocate for health information technology solutions that address the unique challenges faced by rural health care providers. These solutions should be user-friendly and straightforward to implement  specifically designed to accommodate rural workflows and requirements. The focus should be on enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing administrative overhead. These technologies must be cost-effective and within reach for health care facilities operating with limited financial resources. By prioritizing these aspects, we can ensure that rural hospitals and clinics have access to the technological tools they need to improve patient care and maintain financial stability.

IT leaders in rural hospitals must vocalize their unique needs and demand better solutions from vendors. They deserve tools that enable them to provide the best possible care for their communities, not afterthoughts or hand-me-downs from larger systems.

With 60 million Americans living in rural areas and an aging population, the need for quality rural health care will only increase, and the time to act is now. We must work to prevent further hospital closures and ensure that rural communities have access to the care they need and deserve.

This call to action applies to all stakeholders in the health care ecosystem. Health care providers must advocate for themselves and their patients by making their needs known. Policymakers need to acknowledge the unique challenges of rural health care and enact policies that promote its sustainability. Technology vendors should tailor their offerings to meet the needs of rural providers, focusing on creating efficient, easy-to-use, and affordable solutions. Patients must speak up and engage with local and federal representatives to emphasize the importance of access to rural health care.

Rural health care can be revitalized and made more sustainable by working together and leveraging policy changes, technological innovations, and community engagement. The health of millions of Americans depends on our collective ability to bridge the urban-rural health care divide.

Jay Anders is a physician executive.
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khaskhabar.com : , 25  2024 3:10 PM
Almost 3,600 Kildare properties in the Curragh Camp deployment area can now avail of a high-speed fibre broadband connection. The area covers the rural surrounds of the Curragh Camp, Newbridge and Calverstown.

There are 15,000 premises in Co Kildare included in the States Intervention Area, which will see National Broadband Ireland (NBI) deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Kildare will receive 53m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

Almost 3,600 premises in the Curragh Camp deployment area can join the NBI network. People living near Newbridge can visit nbi.ie/map and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

Works have already been completed in other parts of Kildare and there are a total of 10,567 premises that can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county with 2,777 connections made so far. Network build works are also underway in the Baltinglass deployment area near Moone, where almost 1,200 Kildare premises will be ready to connect to high-speed fibre at the end of this year between October and December.

Overall, almost 10,600 homes, businesses and farms in Co Kildare can now order a high-speed fibre connection to the NBI network. This includes 1,500 premises near Athy in the Ballylinan deployment area, over 3,000 near Donadea and over 2,400 near Naas in the Blessington deployment area," said NBI CEO Peter Hendrick.
The jury in a murder trial has been told that a kind man fatally assaulted in his own home had allowed his alleged murderer and his mother to stay at the address until they found their own accommodation.

Brian Ibe, of fixed abode and formerly of Moore Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare, and the Peter McVerry Trust, Dublin 12, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Peter Kennedy in Newbridge between April 28th, 2020, and May 12th, 2020.

Mr Ibe (23) has also pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to a charge of assault causing harm to Garda Brendan ODonnell at Newbridge Garda station on April 29th, 2020.

Opening the case at the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday, Fiona Murphy SC, for the State, told the jury that Mr Kennedy was a kind soul, who loved helping people out and who had worked in the Probation Service.

Ms Murphy said it would be the prosecutions case that 18 months before Mr Kennedy's death, Mr Ibes mother had moved into the house in Newbridge, with the accused joining her later.

Ms Murphy said it is the prosecutions case that Mr Kennedy became unhappy with the behaviour of the accused, and that in December 2019, gardai were called to the house by Mr Kennedy over verbal disputes.

Ms Murphy said that although Mr Kennedy allowed Mr Ibe to stay on at the house, the accused left to go to Dublin.

Mr Kennedy allowed Mr Ibes mother to come and go from the house because he had heard she had been living in her car for periods, counsel said.

Ms Murphy said the jury will hear that in the months before his killing, friends were concerned for his well-being and described Mr Kennedy as being dishevelled.

It is the States case that on the night of the killing, Mr Ibe took a taxi from Dublin to Newbridge and made his way to the house, smashed a window to gain entry, and attacked Mr Kennedy.

Ms Murphy said Mr Ibes mother was in the house at the time of the attack, and she ran outside. From there, she could hear Mr Kennedy shouting for help and banging noises, counsel said.

Ms Murphy said Mr Kennedy sustained serious head injuries and died on May 12th, 2020, at Beaumont Hospital.

Counsel said the jury will hear that blood found on both runners seized from the accused matched the DNA profile of the deceased.

Ms Murphy said Mr Kennedy died from blunt-force trauma to the side and front of his head.

Counsel said it was not disputed that the accused caused the death of Mr Kennedy, but that it was for the jury to determine whether Mr Ibe was suffering with a mental illness such that it would allow for the defence of not guilty by reason of insanity.

The trial is expected to last up to two weeks and continues on Thursday in front of Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury of seven women and five men.
UKRAINIAN refugees will continue to be housed in Liffey Lodge, formerly the monastery of the Patrician Brothers in Newbridge, until March of next year.

That was the official response during discussion of motions from two councillors at the July meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, calling for it to be transitioned to community use or a youth facility.

Cllr Noel Heavey, asking for community usage of the property, said he had information that more Ukrainians are now leaving Ireland than are coming in seeking temporary protection, and that properties used for housing people fleeing the war "are now empty around the country".

"In the meantime, in the town of Newbridge there are no facilities for people who want to have community meetings," he said, adding that he wanted to see Kildare County Council make an effort to have those Ukrainians in Liffey Lodge rehoused elsewhere.

He referenced, as a possible alternative, Flood's Cross between Newbridge and Naas where controversial accommodation for those seeking international protection is being built.

Cllr Tom McDonnell, whose motion asked that the council reverse its decision to use the building for Ukrainian refugees and consider using it as a youth facility, said he agreed with Cllr Heavey.

He added that it was his understanding the council had purchased it for such a purpose.

"There is nothing for young people here, and there is no interest in doing anything for youth," he said. "It should be brought back for the youth of Newbridge."

Cllr Chris Pender said that while there was a need for more facilities for youth, it was necessary to acknowledge the many outlets there are for young people in the town, ranging from skate park to drama opportunities.

When he asked what budget the purchase of Liffey Lodge had been under, cathaoirleach Peggy O'Dwyer said it was under housing. Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer confirmed that the purchase had come from funding allocated for older person's housing.

"Independent living for older people is very much needed in Newbridge," she said.

Officials said the site is included in the councils housing delivery action plan as a location for Age-Friendly Housing, which will provide much-needed right-sizing opportunities in Newbridge. Surveys of the site for this purpose are ongoing.

It was also explained that Kildare County Council had responded to the call for accommodation for Ukrainian refugees, and there is a service-level agreement relating to Liffey Lodge with the Peter McVerry Trust until 25th of March 2025 for this. Further, there will be expressions of interest sought for community use for the existing building to complement the older person-specific housing on the site. Officials also noted that it is advantageous to have people living in the building while decisions on its future are being worked out, protecting it from issues such as vandalising.
DUN Ailinne outside Kilcullen was once a place of occasion.

A hill associated with the Kings of Leinster, perhaps where they came to collect tribute. Reminding their subjects that payment was due in return for their protection. Or where pagan priests solidified their sacred sway, perhaps eventually and warily watching the advance of monastic Christianity on the lower nearby hill of Old Kilcullen.

Of Irelands ancient royal sites, Dun Ailinne is the one about which least is known, except that there was activity there from the Iron Age, likely in the form of annual gatherings.

Dr Susan Johnston and Dr Suzanne Garrett on the annual return to Dun Ailinne

There are mentions of these in documents written much later, from about 800AD onwards, but there is still a big information gap.

Since 2016, Dun Ailinne has again been a place of annual pilgrimage, by successive groups of archaeology students from the United States. Participants in investigations of the site, conducting fieldwork digs courtesy of the Thompson family landowners and under the supervision of archaeologist-anthropologist Dr Susan Johnston of George Washington University and her colleague Dr Suzanne Garrett.

Some of the visitors heading up the hill at Dun Ailinne, led by Dr Susan Johnston of George Washington University

The most recent such pilgrimage has just ended with what has become a now traditional Open Day at the site where people from all over the county interested in such things get a chance to see and hear about the latest developing knowledge of Dun Ailinne and it's still in many ways mysterious history.

With close to a hundred visitors on this years Open Day, despite the localised thundershowers which could be seen from the hilltop dumping rain elsewhere around the area, it was yet another successful occasion for all concerned. Not least for the Jack and Jill Foundation charity nominated this year by the Thompson family to benefit from the 5 a head visitor donation.

Dr Johnston led two tours of the site during the afternoon, explaining the context of the latest round of investigations against the background of the original excavations by the late Professor Bernard Wailes begun in the late 1960s.

Dr Susan Johnston explaining some of the possible history of the site

Dr Johnson commenced her current explorations of the site in 2006.

Professor Pam Crabtree of New York University, who worked on the original excavations undertaken by Bernard Wailes, has also been a key co-participant in the current Dun Ailinne investigations.

The 2024 student cohort included five from Dr Johnstons university, one each from the University of Gettysburg and New York University, and this year including an Irish student.

Those who came on-site for the open day heard that the work this year has continued to yield more knowledge on the complex set of structure which have been gradually revealed over the years. "We're continuing to do the same thing, and this year we're getting closer to closing the gap," Dr Johnston said, referencing the remains of three different enclosures of which there are still remains under the soil on the hill and which they have been specifically investigating since 2018. She believes they weren't covered structures but were possibly enclosures where some kind of religious rituals were performed.

Students Sarah Campola from Gettysburg University and Eyllah Eabditz from New York University, explaining artefacts found on the site from the Neolithic period and the Iron Age

The investigations also suggest that the structures were taken down and rebuilt at different times, and at some stage the site went out of use.

Dr Johnston noted that while there are similarities in the form of the structures on Dun Ailinne with those found on other Irish royal sites, these seem to be unique to Ireland, with no equivalents either in Britain or in continental Europe.

She said the excavations have shown evidence of circular structures built outside each other at successive times. Radio-carbon dating which is currently being prepared for publication suggests this period of activity at Dun Ailinne could span 300 years.

"It's difficult to be precise, but something in the region of the last two centuries BC and the first century AD, something like that."

Dun Ailinne is the largest pre-Norman earthen enclosure in Ireland, covering some 44 acres. The ditch or 'henge' which circumscribes it is the best preserved and largest such feature in the country.

Dr Johnston said there are still things to be found out about the site which could require the summer investigations to continue for years to come.

A student explains a detail of the excavation

Dun Ailinne has been put on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage classification, as part of the Royal Sites of Ireland application.

The Dun Ailinne site is on private land and is a working farm, not open to the public. Permission for any visit must be obtained from the Thompson family, who have kindly facilitated the archaeological investigations to date.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said that public disorder at asylum centre sites shouldnt be inevitable and said there are lessons to be learned by other organisations from Coolock.

Gardai came under attack and fires were set several times at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock which has been earmarked as housing for asylum seekers.

The building is to be renovated to accommodate more than 500 international protection applicants.

The former Crown Paints factory in Coolock which has suffered several arson attacks following plans to redevelop the disused warehouse to house asylum seekers. Photo: Niall Carson/PA.

Protests were organised at the site by a group called Coolock Says No.

Speaking before the Policing Authority on Thursday, Mr Harris said that three gardai were injured in the incidents in Coolock last week, with one member hospitalised after being struck by a stone.

He also said threats to and unsavoury statements were being made about gardai online which they would report to the Director of Public Prosecutions where appropriate.

He said members had come under assault through the use of various projectiles and said they dealt with it with courage and fortitude.

Outlining the timeline of events that led to disorder in Coolock, Mr Harris said on Monday, July 15 the contractor wished to move onto the premises between 3am and 4am, which went off without an incident.

Further protests then took place from around 8.15am and at around 10am the situation started to turn ugly.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris ahead of a press briefing with the Policing Authority on public order policing, at the Richmond Education and Event Centre, Dublin. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA.

He said a digger and mattresses were burned and a member of the security staff was injured.

A call went out to draw on personnel from across the Dublin Metropolitan Region and Mr Harris said the process for members to disengage from what they were doing and travel to Coolock properly equipped just took time.

He said there were newly attested gardai at the scene that day, four of whom he met the following day.

He said that by noon, there were some members of the public order unit present. By 1pm, two full public order units were in attendance at the Malahide Road, comprising 50 members, when there were around 100 protesters at the scene.

He said the protesters were a mixture of locals who were genuinely concerned and people driven by prejudice and extremism.

He continued: I do think there are lessons to be learned from this. Were going through our own review, but I think theres lessons to be learned by other organisations and other departments in respect of this as well.

I do not think its inevitable that on every occasion that we have some of these centres open that it has to be attended with such disorder.

It is regrettable that weve seen it, and its regrettable that it seems to be a greater reoccurrence, but I do think it should never be thought of as an inevitable factor of this, it shouldnt be.

He also praised the work of gardai in Coolock in recent days to deescalate tensions in the aftermath of the disorder.

Over the last number of evenings, rather than having public order units on the Malahide Road, it has just been a couple of guards, none of them in uniform, and theyve been on patrol, theyve engaged with the protesters that are there and managed them without huge overt displays of force.

Protest is a normal activity in a democratic society, what obviously is not acceptable then is where it spills over into violence, crime and criminal damage.

Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis said there have been 34 arrests so far in relation to the incident at Crown Paints since July 15, and 26 people charged with 46 charges before the courts.

She said there were eight cautions to adults and juveniles, seven incidents of criminal damage, and six incidents of criminal damage by fire.

Ms Willis said they had been a difficult number of days but she didnt believe that gardais relationship with the community had been harmed significantly as a result.

We have responded to over 400 protests so far this year, and a handful have caused us problems.

She said that some gardai had body-won cameras and that footage would be used as part of the investigations.

She said ten members have been tasked with manually trawling through 3,000 hours of CCTV footage from Coolock, and so far 110 hours have been spent going through 68 hours of that footage.

Asked if there was a quicker way of doing this, Mr Harris said: Within the legislative provisions that we have at the moment, no. We need further legislation to allow us in effect to use software to make digital identification, not just of individuals but of objects.

Asked about if over 20,000 hours of CCTV footage from the Dublin riots in November had been gone through, Mr Harris said this was not physically possible.

This is a very slow and laborious process, really like an analogue process against digital evidence.
The temporary rest centre at St John of God Convent in Kilkenny City that was accommodating Ukrainians was recently closed as the premises is in the planning process for redevelopment.

Many of the residents have moved into other commercial facilities, pledged accommodation, offer a home accommodation or found their own accommodation.

Since its opening in 2022, the convent has provided a valuable facility for over 600 Ukrainians as temporary accommodation.

READ NEXT - Plans for large selfie structure at new 'pocket park' in Kilkenny

Kilkenny County Council have expressed their wish to extend a sincere thanks to the Sisters of St John of God and their team

for allowing the convent to be used over the past two years.

"It has enabled Ukrainians to arrive into Kilkenny, with support staff from Kilkenny County Council managing the property and supporting their needs," the local authority stated.

"Furthermore, we wish to extend our thanks to our support staff who provided invaluable support to the Ukrainian community during their time in the convent.

"All remaining residents have been facilitated with accommodation in alternative commercial accommodation in Kilkenny thus allowing residents to remain in jobs and children to remain in school."

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
Plans to change the way private cars can travel through some parts of the centre of Dublin will be introduced next month.

Dublin City Council said the first of the measures contained in the Dublin City Transport Plan 2023 will come into effect on August 25.

The council said chief executive Richard Shakespeare has made the decision following a review of a number of documents submitted by various parties.

New traffic management measures are being implemented on the North Quays at Bachelors Walk and on the South Quays on Burgh Quay and Aston Quay.

These changes will consist of road marking and signage changes.

The council said all other routes on the quays and all other routes in the city remain the same and north-south, south-north access to all Liffey Bridges will remain the same.

The hours of operation for the new restrictions will be 7am to 7pm Monday to Sunday.

Outside these hours, the restrictions will not be in operation and all vehicles can travel as before.

The council said there are no changes to disabled bays, loading bays or taxi ranks.

A statement said: The vast majority of routes to hospitals will remain the same, as will the majority of routes to city centre car parks.

Access for residents will be maintained although there may be a different route to or from the area.

A working group, chaired by the Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan, will be put together to monitor the impact of changes included in the transport plan.

The council said the traffic management measures are being implemented to meet the policies and objectives of the Dublin City Development Plan 2022  2028.

A statement said: They look to address the fact that 60% of general traffic in the city centre is not stopping, working or shopping but is simply travelling through the city centre.
Geoffrey Miller writes:

Jacinda Arderns decision to attend the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) summit in Spain, but to skip the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in Rwanda symbolises the changes she is making to New Zealand foreign policy. Chogm starts today in Kigali, while the Nato summit will be held in Madrid next week. However, Ardern is only attending the Nato summit. She is sending her foreign minister, Nanaia Mahuta, to attend the Commonwealth meeting in her place.

Im delighted to see Ardern attending a NATO summit. There are many issues I disagree with the Government on, but the decision to clearly back NATO and Ukraine vs Russia is the right call.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed the world. Sweden and Finland are joining NATO. Ukraine is joining the EU. Switzerland has abandoned neutrality. And Chinas implicit backing of Russia has made people realise that China is far from benign.

As the facts change, so should stances. It is very pleasing that Labour has realised there is no sitting on the fence with these conflicts. An independent foreign policy is not the same as a neutral one. Independent means we independently decide who we think is right and wrong. It doesnt mean we dont back democratic countries who are threatened and invaded by authoritarian countries.

Arderns invitation to attend the Madrid summit will also be something of a reward for aligning New Zealands foreign policy more closely with Nato  and the West generally  over the past few months. After all, Ardern has overhauled New Zealands foreign policy by introducing sanctions against Russia and sending military equipment and weapons to Ukraine  and by making a symbolic contribution of New Zealand troops to Europe to assist with the war effort.

Ardern is probably the most pro-NATO Labour PM since Peter Fraser. Not because her views have changed, but because the world has changed. Again we should all fully support her Governments work in this area.

It does make me wonder if one day, there will be an impetus for New Zealand to join NATO. At present it doesnt really make sense, but if China turns into the Russia of the Pacific, then it may. Time will tell.

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Passengers try to rebook their flight to Iowa at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta on Friday amid the major tech outage.
Pyongyang's top diplomat Choe Son-hui unlikely to attend ARF

By Lee Hyo-jin

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul is set to attend the annual ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Vientiane, Laos, Thursday (local time), with a focus on strengthening partnerships with Southeast Asian countries in response to North Korea's increasing military threats.

Cho departed on Thursday morning for the region's largest security meeting, which will take place for a three-day run. The forum will gather top diplomats from ASEAN member nations as well as the United States, China, Japan and Russia.

Cho will participate in a series of multilateral events, such as the ASEAN Plus Three meetings which also involve China and Japan, along with the East Asia Summit ministerial gathering, according to his ministry. The ministerial conference involving all delegations will take place on the last day of the three-day event.

In between these sessions, Cho may hold meetings with key partners such as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, who are also set to attend the event.

A meeting between Cho and Kamikawa, if held, could draw significant attention, as the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is set to decide later this week whether to add Japan's Sado mines  a contentious wartime site linked to forced labor of Koreans  to its World Heritage list.

Tokyo's bid for the inscription has sparked criticism among Koreans as its submission letter excluded the 20th-century wartime atrocities linked to mine, while highlighting the mine's value from the 16th century to the mid-19th century.

Cho's attendance at the ARF comes at a time when North Korea is ramping up both its military activities and unconventional provocations against Seoul.

Since late May, Pyongyang has launched over 3,000 trash-carrying balloons to South Korea. The latest balloon provocation occurred on Wednesday, with the launch of 500 balloons, some of which landed on the presidential office compound.

Moreover, the burgeoning military ties between North Korea and Russia have raised concerns among Seoul officials, who speculate that Moscow may provide advanced military technologies to Pyongyang.

Cho is expected to focus his diplomatic efforts to include these issues in a joint statement following the ARF meeting.

"Regarding military cooperation  including arms transactions  between Russia and North Korea, Minister Cho plans to closely discuss our government's stance and garner international support on this issue during meetings with key officials at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting," foreign ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, much attention is being paid to whether North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui will attend the ARF, the only multilateral security dialogue in which the reclusive regime has participated since joining in 2000.

Since 2019, Pyongyang has been sending ambassador-level representatives instead of the foreign minister.

Speculation arose that this year's event might be attended by the top diplomat, given the friendly ties between Laos and North Korea.

According to diplomatic sources, however, Choe is likely to skip this year's event again. She is currently in Pyongyang hosting Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, who arrived there on Tuesday.

The North's mouthpiece, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported Thursday that Choe held a bilateral meeting with Ryzhenkov the previous day, during which the two sides had "in-depth exchanges of views on regional and international affairs."

While the KCNA did not disclose specific details of the meeting, the talks likely focused on building cooperation among North Korea, Russia and Belarus against the U.S.-led Western bloc, given the strengthening Pyongyang-Moscow ties and Belarus' strong alliance with Russia.

Although North Korea and Belarus have maintained diplomatic relations since the early 1990s, Ryzhenkov's visit is noteworthy as it marks the first known visit by the European nation's top diplomat to Pyongyang, according to South Korea's Ministry of Unification.
Providing account services for foreign customers key to Toss Bank's mission of inclusive finance

By Anna J. Park

The prevalence of internet-only banks in Korea continues to grow each year, highlighted by KakaoBank surpassing 23 million customers, while Kbank and Toss Bank each boast over 10 million customers.

However, Toss Bank is still the only internet-only bank in the country offering the ability to completely open a bank account online as well as issuing debit cards to foreign nationals residing in Korea. Following its launch in October 2021, Toss Bank introduced deposit services tailored to foreigners in Korea, starting back in May 2022.

In an interview with The Korea Times, Song Kwan-suk, who has been behind the bank's launch of services for foreigners as the product owner leading the bank's deposit accounts, emphasized that offering services to foreign nationals was integral to the digital bank's initial mission: Addressing the unmet needs in the financial market that traditional systems had yet to resolve.

"In my experience of living abroad for over six months, I found it extremely cumbersome to open a bank account as a foreigner. Recognizing that many foreigners in Korea face similar challenges, I felt addressing this issue aligns perfectly with Toss Bank's mission of promoting inclusive finance, and we believed that we could find a solution for the problem," Song said during the interview.

As a latecomer in the banking sector, Song explained that Toss Bank conducted extensive research to develop its pioneering service.

"To launch this service, our in-house legal team and I visited officials at the Ministry of Justice for consultations to access public data so that Toss Bank can properly provide banking services to foreign customers, while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations," Song recounted. "Since such a service wasn't available before, we had to work diligently and think creatively to resolve these challenges," he added.

Such efforts led Toss Bank to become Korea's first bank, encompassing both traditional commercial and internet-only banks, to let foreigners open bank accounts entirely online.

This breakthrough allows foreign customers with official identification cards, such as alien registration cards and residence registration cards, to open accounts and receive debit cards from Toss Bank through a fully digital process. Previously, foreigners had to visit multiple institutions to prepare paperwork and physically submit documents to open deposit accounts.

He credits Toss Bank's diverse composition of staff for the successful launch of these services for foreigners. As a leading fintech company, Toss Bank's teams comprise professionals not only from banking but also from diverse fields such as IT and computer science. This diversity enabled them to tackle challenges from innovative angles.

"If we had only banking experts, they might have viewed it as difficult or impossible from the outset, trapped in traditional viewpoints. We didn't take anything for granted, which I believe is the source of Toss Bank's innovation," Song noted.

Currently, there are about 100,000 foreign customers, constituting about one percent of the digital bank's total customer base of 10 million. The top five nationalities among the customers are Chinese, Vietnamese, Uzbekistani, Japanese and American.

While noting that foreign customers have not yet contributed to the internet-only bank's profits, Song emphasized that profitability was not the primary focus when providing services for foreign customers in Korea.

"In fact, we do not approach foreign customers from a profit perspective at all. We were primarily motivated to address challenges that other banks have not yet solved," Song underscored.

He added that the bank could potentially expand into broader markets beyond Korea, although there are no immediate plans. The services for foreigners could lay significant groundwork and provide valuable experiences for future developments, he highlighted.

The bank offers foreign customers the same deposit services as Korean customers, including features like cashback services. However, they currently do not have access to Toss Bank's loan or foreign exchange services. Additionally, the predominance of Korean in Toss Bank's app, with limited English support, presents a challenge for non-Korean speakers. Song said that Toss Bank plans to improve English language support in its app.
By Jun Ji-hye

Korea Fintech Week 2024 will kick off on Aug. 27 for a three-day run at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, bringing together participants from the countrys leading fintech firms, financial companies and universities as well as overseas governments and institution.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC), Koreas top financial regulator, announced Thursday that this years event will take place under the theme, Beyond Boundaries: FinTech and AI Redefining Finance, to offer an opportunity to share global trends in AI and fintech and explore the future of the financial ecosystem.

During the opening ceremony, the FSC chief as well as Gintare Skaiste, finance minister of Lithuania, and Wilson L. White, vice president on Googles government affairs & public policy team, will give speeches, conveying various messages, including the growth of the global fintech industry and the future development of fintech using AI.

Later that day, various FSC policies related to digital finance and the fintech sector will be introduced.

During the three-day event, 11 seminars will be held, gathering fintech experts from both domestic and international arenas to engage in in-depth discussions. Specifically, seven of these seminars will focus on AI-related topics, covering the current applications of AI in the financial sector and exploring future potential advancements AI could bring to finance.

The event will also feature a Reverse IR session, where investors will deliver presentations instead of companies. During these sessions, investors will outline their investment strategies and priorities to enterprises, providing valuable insights that can help fintech firms better comprehend the factors influencing investment decisions. According to the FSC, this approach could facilitate the expansion of future investment opportunities.

A total of 85 booths will be installed in four exhibition halls categorized as fintech, finance, cooperation and globalization.

At the fintech hall, leading domestic fintech businesses will showcase innovative services and technologies across a variety of areas, including asset management, financial product recommendations and brokerage, simplified payments and remittances and fraud prevention.

The finance hall will feature the countrys five major financial groups  KB, NH, Shinhan, Woori, and Hana  as well as other financial institutions, including DGB Financial Group, Industrial Bank of Korea, KakaoBank and Samsung Card.

At the cooperation hall, the local governments of Seoul and North Jeolla Province will promote startups in their respective regions. Relevant institutions, such as the Korea Financial Telecommunications & Clearings Institute and Koscom, universities and law firms, will also take part, serving as collaborative platforms for fintech companies.

The globalization hall will promote overseas expansion and exchanges between domestic fintech firms. The U.S. Embassy in Korea, Fintech Association of Japan and Hong Kong Trade Development Council, among others, will participate to introduce their respective fintech industries and provide investment and business consultation services.
Inheritance tax cap to be lowered to 40%

By Yi Whan-woo

The government has decided to cancel the proposed capital gains tax on financial investments after years of debates over concerns that the tax could harm the capital market and disadvantage small investors.

Additionally, it will reduce the top rate of inheritance tax from 50 percent to 40 percent as part of a measured effort to reform the taxation system.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced these measures, Thursday, as part of the annual tax system revision proposals aimed at lowering the tax burden on businesses, investors and households in line with changes in the economic environment.

The government is committed to establishing an efficient and rational taxation system through this years tax reform, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok said during a press briefing.

He emphasized that tax reform is essential because, despite being on the path to recovery, the Korean economy continues to face challenges such as declining living standards and structural risks including demographic issues and reduced growth potential.

In that regard, the government will overhaul old and outdated policies to reflect the changes visible in the economic conditions, while upholding its principle of fiscal soundness, Choi added.

One of the key revision proposals is the scrapping of the financial investment income tax, which was originally set to go into effect in 2023, but has been postponed to 2025.

It focuses on a handful of wealthy investors, who earn a net income of at least 50 million won per year from investments in stocks and exchange-traded funds, or at least 2.5 million won per year from other financial instruments.

However, it drew a backlash from a larger pool of small investors, estimated to be 14 million in number. They argued that wealthy investors  to avoid taxes  will unload their shares and exit the stock market. Such a departure, according to small investors, will have a negative ripple effect on the market and inflict losses on them.

Amid such opposition, President Yoon Suk Yeol has pledged to abolish the financial investment income tax. Several opposition party members, including former Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung, have advocated for an additional delay in implementing these tax changes.

Another significant change will involve reducing the maximum inheritance tax rate from 50 percent to 40 percent.

The maximum rate, which stands as the second highest in the OECD after Japan's 55 percent, has drawn criticism for potentially obstructing the succession of not just large conglomerates (chaebols) but also smaller family-owned businesses, impeding their ability to continue operations after paying the hefty tax.

Over the past 25 years, the inheritance tax policy has faced criticism for failing to accurately account for the wealth accumulation of the middle class over time, resulting in an undue tax burden on them.

In light of these concerns, the exemption for inheritance per child will increase to 500 million won from the current 50 million won.

To enhance the competitiveness of advanced and strategic technologies, the government will also expand tax credits on related R&D activities.

Additionally, tax credits for various technologies will be extended until 2027.

To urge more Korean companies to bring their manufacturing plants back home, the government will extend tax breaks to 2027 as it is currently set to expire in 2024.

The targeted companies will receive a full exemption on both personal income taxes and corporate taxes for the first seven years upon their return and a 50 percent reduction in the following three years.

To enhance investor protection measures, the implementation of a 20 percent tax on all crypto gains will be delayed for an additional two years to 2027. Originally planned for 2023, the measure was first postponed to 2025.

In a bid to encourage marriage and tackle the worlds lowest birthrate, 1 million won will be given as a tax credit for newlyweds. The benefit will be offered only once in their lifetime considering that the divorce rate is high in Korea.

Meanwhile, the so-called comprehensive real estate holding tax remained untouched by the government in this years tax reform, despite growing demands from taxpayers for an overhaul.

It is an additional tax burden imposed on owners of expensive houses and those who possess multiple homes. Whether it serves its goal as a punitive measure against real estate speculation, however, is doubtful as housing prices have surged and the middle class is increasingly subject to more taxation.

The finance minister deemed this years tax system revisions will result in a 4.4 trillion won decrease in tax income for the next five years, after the government suffered a record tax revenue shortfall in 2023.

Nevertheless, he assured of positive outcomes from investment- and spending-oriented policies, which in turn, will help improve conditions concerning tax revenues.

The government plans to submit the proposals to the National Assembly for approval before Sept. 2, after drafting guidelines and seeking a separate approval at a Cabinet meeting.
By Lee Hae-rin

Signiel Seoul, the five-star landmark hotel in Korea's tallest building, Lotte Tower, was selected as one of the hotels to be included in "World's Best 100 Hotels" this year by the global travel magazine Travel + Leisure, the hotel said Wednesday.

Travel + Leisure is a New York-based global travel magazine that conducts an annual "World's Best Awards" survey with its 180,000 readers around the world.

In the hotel and resort sector, the best accommodations are selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their facilities, location, service, food and value.

Housed within the 87th to 101st floors of the Lotte World Tower, the hotel features a panoramic skyline view of Seoul in all of its 235 rooms.

The hotel's facilities and services, including the Little Signiel Spa, where guests can enjoy high-end aroma therapy, and the Lounge Salon de Signiel, also received favorable reviews.

Travel + Leisure's contributor Reese Kwon noted that the egg dish from the hotel's modern French restaurant Stay was the best egg dish she had ever eaten.

"We are glad that our employees' constant efforts to provide a special experience to customers have led to winning the award," the hotel's general manager, Bae Hyun-mi, said.

"We will continue to introduce services and content that combine Signiel's philosophy and strive for customer satisfaction," she said.

In celebration of winning the award, Signiel Seoul offers a two-step upgrade of either room type or view for guests booking hotels between Aug. 31 and Sept. 30.

The upgrade is available after signing up for its rewards membership on Signiel Seoul's official website, where guests select a room and apply the upgrade upon reservation.

Signiel Seoul was also selected as the first and only hotel in Korea as one of the world's 50 best hotels by Conde Nast Traveler last October.
By KTimes

The Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival will take place from July 27 to Aug. 4 at the Tamjin River Riverside Park and the Cypress Forest Woodland in Jangheung, South Jeolla Province.

The festival will feature various water activities, including the Salsoo Daechup Parade, the world's largest water fight, underwater tug-of-war, and the Global Water World (Water Rock Pool Party).

The opening ceremony will showcase traditional performances from Korea and Thailand, a water-mixing performance, Global Water World performances and a fireworks show. Celebratory performances by Giriboy, tripleS, Han Yo-han, Kid Milli and Forestella are also scheduled.

A new addition to this year's festival is the "Global Water World," which combines water fights with electronic dance music performances. This immersive media art space will feature a water battle between the Goddess of Water and the Goddess of Fire, alongside an exciting EDM festival.

The festival highlight, the World's Largest Water Fight, will occur daily from 2 to 3 p.m., where staff members armed with water guns will engage in battles with festival participants.

Every day at 3 p.m., the Golden Fish Catch event will take place in the Tamjin River, and on July 31 and Aug. 1, the Song of the Angry Whale rock festival will be held.

Top Korean bands such as Guckkasten, Romantic Punch, YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band), and Crying Nut will deliver thrilling performances.

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.
North Korea's top diplomat has met with her visiting counterpart from Belarus, and discussed regional and international situations, North Korea's state media reported Thursday, amid speculation that the nations would strengthen trilateral cooperation with Russia.

Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui held talks with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Vladimirovich Ryzhenkov in Pyongyang on Wednesday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The Belarusian diplomat arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday for a four-day visit.

They had "in-depth exchanges of views on regional and international affairs," the KCNA stated.

The KCNA did not provide further details, but given the countries' deepening ties with Russia, the top diplomats might have discussed Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.

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 (UNSC) resolutions against the North's nuclear and weapons program.

During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last September, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko suggested that Belarus could join Russia and North Korea in three-way cooperation.

North Korea's external economic relations minister Yun Jong-ho also held talks with Ryzhenkov, the KCNA said, without providing other details.

The talks focused on exploring ways to develop bilateral economic cooperation in areas "not limited" by UNSC resolutions, such as food security, education and health care, the Belarusian Telegraph Agency reported Thursday.

The news agency said Belarus wants to provide Belarusian-made food to North Korea and import cosmetics from North Korea. (Yonhap)
Korean community in US wary of allegations against Sue Mi Terry

Editors note This is the first in a two-part article series about Sue Mi Terry indictment and its impact on South Koreas intelligence community  ED.

By Kang Hyun-kyung

The dramatic rise and fall of Sue Mi Terry, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, could easily serve as fodder for a spy novel.

Terry, born and raised in Seoul until the age of 12, was once heralded as a model immigrant and a source of inspiration for ambitious Korean Americans, owing to her successful career trajectory. After earning a doctoral degree in international relations from Tufts University, she secured coveted positions in government, beginning as a senior analyst on Korean issues at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). She later served as director for Korea, Japan, and Oceanic Affairs at the National Security Council from 2008 to 2009. Following her government roles, the now 54-year-old Terry has worked with prestigious think tanks in Washington, D.C., and New York, specializing in Korean affairs. Over time, she has emerged as one of the most sought-after experts on North Korea.

Her distinguished career in foreign policy led her to appear in a film. In 2023, she featured prominently in the documentary "Beyond Utopia," which chronicles the perilous journeys of North Korean escapees seeking freedom. Directed by Madeleine Gavin, the film earned a nomination for the 2023 British Film Award for Best Documentary and was shortlisted for the 2024 Oscar for Best Documentary.

For two decades, Sue Mi Terry's career enjoyed smooth sailing until recently, when it took a drastic turn. She is now accused of spying for South Korea, an allegation she vehemently denies.

On July 16, Terry was charged with offenses that she allegedly worked as an unregistered agent for the South Korean government which, if found to be true, is in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Southern District of New York, Terry had provided Korean intelligence officers access, information and advocacy in return for luxury goods and funding for a decade and has been charged with one count of conspiracy to violate FARA, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of failure to register under FARA, which also leads to five years behind bars. She was arrested and released on bail a day later.

Terry has denied the allegations against her. In an interview with the Korean daily newspaper Chosun Ilbo, Terry's defense attorney, Lee Wolosky, asserted that the accusations were flawed and baseless. He stated that Terry has never worked as an agent for South Korea and has not held a security clearance for over a decade since leaving government service. Wolosky emphasized that Terry's views expressed in the media have remained consistent and independent of influence from the South Korean government. The attorney's statements were translated into Korean and published online on Tuesday.

Despite her denial, the media is quick to respond to the allegation because otherwise it could hurt the integrity of their other published works. In editor's notes accompanying opinion pieces written or co-authored by Terry, The Washington Post disclosed that she is under investigation for alleged violations of FARA, adding, If true, this is information that would have been pertinent for The Posts publication decision."

Foreign Affairs magazine took similar measures, writing that all contributors should disclose any affiliation or activity that could present a genuine or perceived conflict of interest or call into question the integrity of their work.

'NIS bashing'

The U.S. prosecutor's indictment of the Korean American has had a ripple effect on South Korea.

The NIS has been suffering the consequences of an exposed influence operation, facing mounting calls to reform as two agents were caught on camera during a covert mission.

The NIS is currently drawing widespread criticism and ridicule as its exposed operation in the U.S. has become a laughingstock.

In a media interview, former NIS Director Lee Jong-chan criticized the intelligence agency for mistreating its key informant. Others have also condemned the NIS for its mishandling of a covert operation that was exposed by FBI agents. The indictment document from the U.S. Attorneys Office identifies two NIS officials as "NIS Handlers- 2 and 3." They were caught on camera treating Terry at upscale restaurants in Manhattan and purchasing luxury handbags and coats. Handler-3 succeeded Handler-2, who was the NIS chief of station in Washington D.C. until August 2020.

I bet this is not the first time that the NIS was mired in trouble overseas because of its clumsy, unprofessional handling of covert operations, Rep. Wi Sung-lac of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea told The Korea Times in a telephone interview. My impression is that it didnt learn properly from its past failures and an incident like this happened again.

Wi, who served as South Korean ambassador to Russia from 2011 to 2015, criticized the NIS, citing concerns over its agents' inadequate skills and controversial tactics. He stated that members of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, including himself, will hold a meeting to address the issue. The NIS director and key officials will be summoned to attend and respond to questions about the incident, he added.

Choo Jae-woo, a professor at Kyung Hee University, said the NIS officials caught on camera during their covert influence operation in the U.S. show two aspects of the intelligence agency.

It shows where the NIS stands today. The NIS officials caught on camera during the covert operation are the direct result of the purge-like reshuffles conducted during the previous Moon Jae-in government, he said.

He was referring to reshuffles that replaced top NIS officials and other ranking staffers with individuals close to Moon. "What happened later is that unprepared individuals replaced well-trained agents and were sent to foreign stations for covert operations," he said. "The U.S. government's indictment of Sue Mi Terry is the consequence of politically-motivated reshuffles," he added.

The professor said that NIS officials appeared to have overlooked the confidential nature of their operation, possibly due to their misunderstanding of U.S. protocols.

The U.S. is South Koreas ally, so they might have thought that they would be fine even though their covert operation was detected, he said.

The U.S. government took the case seriously.

In a press release on July 17, U.S. federal prosecutor Damian Williams said Terry, a former CIA and White House employee, allegedly sold out her positions and influence to the South Korean government in return for luxury handbags, expensive meals and thousands of dollars of funding for her public policy program.

Williams warned against the potential violators of FARA, saying that violators will face grave consequences.

"The charges brought should send a clear message to those in public policy who may be tempted to sell their expertise to a foreign government to think twice and ensure you are in accordance with the law," he said.

Christie M. Curtis, acting assistant director in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, characterized the U.S. government vs. Terry case as a grave incident that threatens U.S. national security.

"Compromising national security endangers every American by weakening our defenses and putting lives at risk. Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA and White House official, was arrested for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent for South Korea," she said.

The Office of the President of the Republic of Korea engaged in a blame game, stating that NIS officials involved in the influence operation will face the consequences. A high-ranking official, speaking on condition of anonymity, informed reporters that the office will instruct the NIS to conduct an internal investigation to identify those responsible for the incident and ensure accountability.

But the official tried to distance the Yoon government from the operation, stressing that the previous Moon Jae-in administration, and not the current Yoon Suk Yeol government, is responsible for the incident. The NIS agents were caught on camera when Moon was in office, he said.

His criticism, however, has sparked public skepticism. The NIS's operation continued unabated even after President Yoon Suk Yeol took office on May 10, 2022, yet no actions were taken. The Yoon administration did not replace Handler-3, one of the two key NIS agents involved in the exposed operation. Reports indicate Handler-3 is a close aide to Seo Hoon, the controversial former NIS director appointed during the Moon administration. Handler-3 continued to collaborate with Terry in Washington D.C. even after Yoon's inauguration as president in May 2022.

On June 5, 2023, over a year after Yoons inauguration, Terry was questioned in a voluntary interview with FBI agents and the same day her residence was searched.

Experts share the view that the NIS's exposed influence operation, while serious, is unlikely to significantly impact South Korea's diplomatic relations with the U.S.

Ahn Ho-young, former South Korean ambassador to the U.S., said the impact of the espionage allegations on relations between the two countries will be minimal.

"We don't need to overreact, as cases like these occur frequently. The distinction is that this instance became public knowledge," he said.

Choo at Kyung Hee University concurred with the retired diplomat.

Sue Mi Terrys alleged violation of FARA, if found to be true, is her personal problem and the U.S. government would not link the issue to its bilateral relations with South Korea, he said.

Wi expressed concern that the thwarted operation might damage South Korea's credibility as a U.S. ally.

"The NIS, as a state institution, raises concerns that the U.S. government may perceive South Korea as engaging in espionage against it," he said.

Korean community in US

While South Korea-U.S. relations may endure, there is apprehension among Korean Americans regarding the repercussions of the South's unsuccessful influence operation.

Asking not to be named, a Korean American based in Washinton D.C said there is a sense of great shock and surprise at the indictment and arrest of Sue Mi Terry.

Ive had calls and talks with other people in the Korea watchers community and they are all shocked of course, he said. I feel that this will ultimately be a minus and a negative impact on the relationship between local think tanks and the ROK government, which despite their other ulterior motives, do want to help the think tanks be a conduit for messaging the ROK governments positions.

If the allegations raised by the U.S. Attorneys Office are true, he said Terry was inappropriate.

As for Sue Mi, she should have known better, yet she obviously didnt. Lying before Congress and accepting high-end gifts is the stupidest thing anyone can do and I am just surprised she did this so long and either didnt care or was not afraid of the consequences, he said.




Korea's National Assembly adopted a resolution Thursday urging the withdrawal of Japan's bid to register a former gold mine linked to wartime forced labor as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The resolution regarding Japan's Sado mine was passed unanimously during a plenary session, with all 225 attending members voting in favor. It expressed serious regret over the Japanese government's attempt to list the mine as a World Heritage site while calling for a sincere reflection and responsible attitude toward historical issues from Tokyo.

Earlier this month, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, an advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC), recommended referring the nomination of the Sado mine back to Japan, calling for more explanation over the entire history and the removal of areas developed after the Edo period (1603-1868).

In its original submission, Japan limited the mine's timeline specifically to the Edo era, excluding the modern history during which war atrocities were committed by the Japanese Imperial Army.

The WHC is scheduled to review 28 new listing proposals, including Sado Mine, in New Delhi from Friday to Monday. (Yonhap)
U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday expressed his appreciation to Korean War veterans for their sacrifices during the 1950-53 conflict, as he proclaimed a special day to commemorate the signing of the armistice that halted the war.

Biden issued an annual statement proclaiming Saturday as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. The armistice was signed on July 27, 1953.

"It is an unbreakable bond because it was forged in bravery and the sacrifice of both of our peoples  sanctified by the American and Korean troops who fought and died to defend liberty," he said in the statement.

"Our Korean War veterans are the reason the alliance stands and remains strong today as two vibrant and innovative democracies," he added.

The president also said that the entire nation "owes a debt of gratitude" to every Korean War veteran for their service and sacrifice.

"As we recognize the service and sacrifice of our Nation's Korean War veterans, we also remember the thousands of service members who went missing in action during the Korean War  we will never stop working to bring each of them home," he said.

He pointed out the need to fight for freedom.

"Like every generation before them, these veterans knew that freedom is never guaranteed  one has to fight for it and defend it in the battle between autocracy and democracy, between the greed of a few and the rights of many," he said.

Biden called particular attention to the service of retired Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. who was the last living Korean War veteran to have received the Medal of Honor, the U.S. Armed Forces' highest military decoration. Puckett passed away in April.

"His story, though one of uncommon valor, was reflected in the experiences and trials of so many of our nation's Korean War veterans  trudging through frozen rice paddies, fighting on the rocky terrain of the Korean Peninsula, and persisting in spite of the fact that the enemy often far outnumbered our troops," he said. (Yonhap)
By John A. Riley

Han Kangs best-known work "The Vegetarian" took the international literary world by storm when it won the International Booker Prize in 2016. Her subsequent novels "Human Acts" and "The White Book" both received English translations. Due to Hans growing prominence in the international literary world, her 2011 novel has now been translated into English with the title "Greek Lessons."

An unnamed woman enrolls in an ancient Greek course at a private academy. She sits in the classes silently, but studying intently. Whereas in "The Vegetarian," the protagonist Yeong-hye begins refusing to eat meat and gradually stops eating altogether, here the protagonist has stopped speaking, hence her silence in class.

The womans psychiatrist tells her that her language loss may be due to her mothers passing or losing custody of her son, but the woman feels the reasons are harder to pin down. Though she has no immediate practical use for the dead language of ancient Greek, she does have a reason for learning it: she hopes to reconnect with her own language by learning a wholly different one.

Han also writes from the perspective of the womans language teacher. Also unnamed, he is a Korean who spent much of his life in Germany, and he seems to feel out of place in modern Korea. More urgently, he is gradually but surely going blind. He memorizes his lessons in advance and does everything he can to hide his condition from his students. Realizing he wont be able to read or write much longer, he pours out his memories and emotions in letters to loved ones, savoring the power of written language. He is also newly and acutely aware of the passage of time, his memories of youth and the little time he may have left before his eyesight totally disappears.

Gradually these two deeply introspective characters begin getting to know each other and strike up an unlikely, wordless friendship. But this is not a novel that one reads for conventional plot or character arcs. There is little in the way of a conventional resolution here. "Greek Lessons" is a highly elliptical novel, even more so than Hans better-known "The Vegetarian." While "The Vegetarian" is distressing, "Greek Lessons" slowly reveals itself as a tender, subtly uplifting work. Though it would be a mistake to read this book as directly autobiographical, its obviously a product of Hans own struggles with belonging, language and writers block.

There may seem something paradoxical about using the medium of literature to express an inability to speak, or a weariness with language, but Han is exploring this paradox deliberately, and also pushing the possibilities of language to its limits. At times the protagonist recalls spoken language as something traumatic, akin to vomiting. The fact that this version is a translation adds a further layer of disassociation that plays into Hans theme of language, especially in the passages that describe Hangeul and the way that ancient Greek allows the speaker, tense and situation to be condensed into a single word.

This book's translation is jointly by Hans long-standing translator Deborah Smith, along with Emily Yae Won. Their translation showcases Hans style: short sentences, sensuous vocabulary and well-chosen details.

With its brief vignettes and eventual lapse into poetry, "Greek Lessons" is more like Robert Bressons "Notes on the Cinematographer" than it is a conventional novel. One of Bressons gnomic maxims about filmmaking is if the eye is entirely won, give nothing or almost nothing to the ear. One cannot be at the same time all eye and all ear. A similar sentiment is explored in "Greek Lessons": the womans inability to speak gives much more to her eyes: she is now a keen observer of every visual detail. A particularly evocative passage describes the womans nighttime travels through Seoul on foot and by bus, past fighting drunks, discarded cans and bottles, elegant Seoulites and brightly lit bakeries and jewelry stores  she even notices that the color setting is wrong on the bus drivers television.

Readers looking for some immediate insight into contemporary South Korea may not find what they are looking for within the pages of "Greek Lessons." But anyone who has thought about the world differently as a result of learning  or even just encountering  an additional language will find much to think about in this short yet multifaceted novel.

The book is available through Tongbang Books. Visit dbbooks.co.kr to order a copy.

John A. Riley is a writer and university lecturer based in Daejeon. He has written for The Asian Review of Books, Popmatters, Screen and numerous other publications.
By Jung Min-ho

Applications submitted by Seoul residents to hire Filipino caregivers, a service which will start as early as September, have been pouring in since the first day of registration, a source told The Korea Times, Thursday.

According to an official who has direct knowledge of the matter, more than 300 people have so far applied to use the service to be provided by 100 Filipino caregivers through a government-led program.

This pilot project, launched as part of the efforts to boost Koreas persistently low birthrate, aims to help Korean parents take care of their children at an affordable cost with the help of foreign workers. If successful in Seoul, the program is expected to expand to other cities and regions across the country.

Officials in the relevant organizations began taking applications on July 17. But within just a week, 300 households sent their applications. In theory, if all applicants are to use their services full-time  eight hours a day for five days a week  only 100 of them can be beneficiaries.

This figure is far higher than our expectations, the official said. Given that we are still two weeks away from the deadline, we are expecting more applications to come in.

By the registration deadline on Aug. 6, the number could well exceed 1,000 or even 2,000. According to the official, more than 1,500 mobile phone users have signed up for the two service firms apps  Daerijubu and Dorbomplus  through which they can send their applications since the first day.

Any Seoul resident who has a child aged 12 or younger can apply. If applicants exceed available slots, priority beneficiaries will be single parents, parents with multiple children, dual-income families and expectant mothers.

The Filipino workers on E-9 visas will be tasked primarily with taking care of children such as feeding, dressing and bathing among others. They may also assist in other duties necessary and desirable such as light household management activities.

As intended for the program, most applicants are seeking help for taking care of their young children, the official said.

For their services, the Filipino workers will be paid Koreas legal minimum wage  9,860 won ($7.12) hourly this year and 10,030 won next year. This is lower than what is needed to hire Korean workers offering such services, which is about 15,000 won, according to the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

In collaboration with authorities in the Philippines, Koreas central and city officials recently selected 100 workers, aged between 24 and 38, who met the health, language-proficiency and other requirements for the program. They are expected to arrive here in September.
The National Assembly on Thursday was set to put to a revote a contentious bill mandating a special counsel probe into the military's response to a Marine's death after President Yoon Suk Yeol vetoed it.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), which has a controlling majority of 170 seats in the 300-member Assembly, will attempt to override Yoon's veto at a parliamentary plenary session, set for later in the day.

The DPK-led bill calls for the appointment of a special counsel to look into allegations the presidential office and the defense ministry inappropriately interfered in the military's investigation into the death of Cpl. Chae, who was killed during a search mission for victims of heavy downpours in July 2023.

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has argued adamantly against the bill, citing the need to first see the results of separate investigations by the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials.

A vetoed bill requires support from two-thirds of lawmakers to override the presidential veto.

Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik earlier said he will also table four controversial broadcasting bills aimed at reducing the government's clout over public broadcasters during the session.

The rival parties are likely to clash fiercely at the session as the PPP has threatened to respond with a filibuster, expected to last at least five days, if the opposition seeks to pass the bills.

"We cannot agree on the unilateral move of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) that has held a parliamentary committee meeting and pushed through the four bills on taking control of broadcasting without any proper or serious discussions between the ruling and opposition parties," PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho said during a supreme council meeting.

He vowed to respond strongly to prevent the DPK's push to "take permanent control of public broadcasting."

A filibuster involves lawmakers holding the floor for extended periods as a way to prevent a parliamentary vote or delay the passage of a bill.

Under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be stopped after 24 hours if at least three-fifths of all parliament members, or 180 lawmakers, consent to it. (Yonhap)
Police sought an arrest warrant for the driver of a car that barreled into pedestrians and killed nine in central Seoul earlier this month, officials said Thursday.

On July 1, the Hyundai Genesis sedan darted in the wrong direction for some 200 meters on a one-way road near Seoul City Hall before crashing into sidewalk guardrails, hitting pedestrians, and ramming into two other cars.

Nine pedestrians, most of them office workers nearby, were killed, while seven others sustained injuries.

The 68-year-old driver, surnamed Cha, claimed that the accident was caused by sudden unintended acceleration, saying that the brakes were stiff and did not function at the time of the crash.

The Seoul Namdaemun Police Station said it had requested an arrest warrant for Cha on Wednesday in light of the gravity of the crime.

During police questioning, Cha repeatedly maintained that the accident was caused by defects in the car.

A National Forensic Service analysis of the sedan found that Cha pressed the accelerator to 90 percent of its full capacity at the time of the accident, concluding that the driver is likely to blame for the crash.

Cha, who sustained a broken rib from the accident, remains hospitalized. (Yonhap)
DPK vows to continue pursuing legislation for special counsel probe

By Kwak Yeon-soo

The National Assembly rejected and scrapped a bill to launch a special counsel probe into allegations surrounding the death of a Marine during a parliamentary revote Thursday.

During the plenary session, 194 out of 299 attending lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, while 104 lawmakers opposed it, with one ballot being invalid. This marks the second time the bill has been rejected, following its initial rejection during the final plenary session of the previous National Assembly in May. To pass in a revote, a bill requires a majority of the 300-member parliament to be present and must secure two-thirds approval.

The bill, pushed by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), aims to launch an investigation into the government's alleged interference in the military's investigation of Marine Cpl. Chae Su-geun's death that occurred during a search and rescue operation in a flooded area in July 2023.

The revote came a day after National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik said he plans to hold a plenary session on the vetoed bill regardless of the differing stances of the rival parties.

"Even if the rival parties fail to reach a compromise on the bill, I plan to hold a plenary meeting on Thursday for a revote on the special probe bill into the Marine's death," Woo said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has opposed the bill, saying that the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials are already investigating the case.

The special counsel bill was vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 9 after the DPK passed it during the Assembly's plenary session on July 4, while PPP lawmakers walked out in protest. The DPK had proposed a similar bill during the previous Assembly, but was also blocked by Yoon.

Immediately after the revote, six opposition parties staged a joint protest against the PPP and the president for rejecting the special counsel probe bill into the Marine's death.

"We strongly condemn President Yoon and the PPP for going against public sentiment, abusing power and abolishing fairness and common sense. PPP chairman Han Dong-hoon promised he would listen to the voices of the public. Was that just empty talk?" DPK floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae said. "Yoon and the PPP have said 'the one who avoids a special counsel probe is the criminal. Now, we all know that Yoon and the PPP are criminals."

The DPK vowed to continue pushing the bill.

"We will continue to pursue the bill until we reveal the substantive truth about the death of the Marine who died in the line of duty and the government's alleged interference during the Marine Corps' internal probe," Park added.

On Thursday morning, the DPK pressured PPP lawmakers to vote in favor of the bill in the planned revote.

"President Yoon should confront an outraged public that opposes his veto of the bill regarding the Marine's death. If PPP lawmakers truly believe they represent the people and their desires, they should support the bill," Park said.

The PPP vehemently opposed the bill.

"The DPK's decision to reintroduce the controversial legislation immediately following the PPP's national convention reflects its superficial intention to create division over the bill. However, that is a miscalculation," the newly-elected PPP chairman said hours before the revote.

PPP floor leader Rep. Choo Kyung-ho echoed the sentiment, saying, "The special probe bill on the Marine's death, pushed by the DPK, is unconstitutional and thus cannot be accepted. We will block the passage of the bill by all means."
Yoon, Han face grave challenges between unity and collapse

President Yoon Suk Yeol held a dinner meeting with members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Wednesday, including the newly elected chief, Han Dong-hoon, and other party leaders. The Yoon gathering was hosted with the intention of promoting reconciliation following the PPP's national convention, which was marked by contentious attacks among the leadership candidates.

Expectations were high for the meeting which aimed to facilitate communication between the party and the government under Han's nascent leadership. Yoon has been urged to move away from his unilateral and often incommunicative style of governance, which has characterized his administration over the past two years. If he continues in this manner, both his government and the ruling party will face grave challenges in winning the hearts and minds of the people.

The outcome of the convention underscored a mounting call from both the public and party members for Yoon to shift away from the current top-down relationship between the party and the government. Recognizing this shift, Han emphasized the importance of establishing respectful and constructive relations grounded in public sentiment and meeting the expectations of the people.

Han indirectly called for stricter investigations into a graft scandal involving first lady Kim Keon Hee, and said, "They should have met the people at eye level." Han was referring to the prosecution's clandestine investigation into the case, which may have irritated Yoon.

In contrast, Yoon emphasized the significance of unity between the government and the party. However, certain PPP Supreme Council members, who are seen as supportive of Yoon, countered Han's stance by stressing the importance of him aligning with the party's floor leader on critical issues, such as the special counsel bill for investigating the death of a Marine.

In addition to the special counsel issue, Han is anticipated to clash with Yoon over how to handle the matter concerning the first lady. Han has been striving to differentiate himself from Yoon by proposing the creation of an office within the presidential administration responsible for managing affairs related to the leader's family members. This initiative is crucial for Han as he seeks to maintain public trust and garner support.

Han and the pro-Yoon members are engaged in a fierce war of nerves in the leadership race, deepening their emotional antagonism. The PPP and the presidential office must work together to mend strained relations. Undoubtedly, the ruling party and the government share a common fate. If the president falters in governing, the ruling party will struggle to win elections.

This was evident in the cases of former President Roh Moo-hyun and the ruling Uri Party and former President Park Geun-hye and the leading Saenuri Party, both of which faced significant setbacks due to in-house conflicts. Furthermore, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea is leveraging its majority in the National Assembly to raise the specter of impeaching Yoon. The Yoon administration and the PPP, which currently hold only 108 seats in parliament, could face dire consequences if they clash on numerous controversial issues.

Yoon should respect Han as the PPP's leader and carefully listen to the voice of the party in governing the nation. The party chief is no longer subordinate to Yoon, as they were during their time as prosecutors. Adopting a forceful approach to state administration will not benefit either Yoon or Han. They must meet regularly to engage in candid communication about important national agendas.

Han should intensify efforts to accurately grasp the sentiments of the people and communicate them directly to Yoon, while also embracing all party members, regardless of factional differences. His political leadership is being scrutinized. Despite securing majority support at the national convention, his non-lawmaker status poses limitations. His immediate priority should be to shield the party from the fallout of a convention marred by mudslinging and offensive remarks.

Both Yoon and Han should collaborate to strengthen the conservative party's values, focusing on promoting fairness and justice based on firm stability.
Reconciliation comes 2 years after federation criticized steelmaker

By Park Jae-hyuk

POSCO Group Chairman Chang In-hwa visited the Korea Federation of SMEs (K-Biz), Wednesday, surprising those who remember K-Biz Chairman Kim Ki-muns criticism leveled at the steelmaker two years ago.

In March 2022, when the heads of Koreas six largest business associations met with Yoon Suk Yeol, who was the president-elect at that time, Kim said that POSCO had posted record earnings in 2021 after raising its product prices five times, unlike Samsung that had bought products from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at higher prices after a sharp rise in raw material prices.

Prior to meeting Yoon, Kim publicly criticized the steelmaker for its pricing practices during an interview with a local news outlet and at a subsequent press conference.

However, his remarks in front of the president-elect baffled POSCO, raising concerns over the likelihood of the Yoon administrations intervention in the privatized companys management through the National Pension Service, the largest shareholder of POSCO Holdings.

Back then, steelmaking industry insiders explained that the soaring global price of iron ore had forced POSCO to raise its product prices.

However, concerns about government intervention in the company's management became a reality last year when then POSCO Group Chairman Choi Jeong-woo faced an investigation for alleged irregularities.

Additionally, earlier this year, the company decided to replace Choi, who had been appointed chairman in 2018 during the presidency of Moon Jae-in.

After Chang took office in March, POSCO Group apparently restored its relations with the incumbent president.

Unlike his predecessor, who was excluded from presidential events, Chang was allowed to join Yoon's meeting in May with businesspeople from SMEs and senior executives of Samsung, LG, Hanwha, HD Hyundai, and Shinsegae at the presidential office.

In June, Chang joined the business delegation accompanying Yoon on his state visit to Kazakhstan, where the POSCO Group chief had the opportunity to talk with the K-Biz chairman about their cooperation.

A month later, Chang chose K-Biz as the first business association to visit since his appointment, becoming the first POSCO Group chairman to visit the federation in 11 years.

POSCO has led the win-win growth of large and small companies, but it came into conflict with SMEs over its unilateral price hikes after the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced communication with us, the K-Biz chairman said.

I hope both institutions work together to overcome crises facing the Korean economy.

Chang said that POSCO Group has continuously made various efforts to support SMEs and enhance industrial ecosystems.

I will boost communication between the two institutions and enhance cooperation, in order to find the way for win-win growth, he said.

POSCO Group and the K-Biz agreed to cooperate in 2008 to support local SMEs.

K-Biz said there is increasing demand for enhanced cooperation to address the global supply chain crisis, meet climate goals, comply with industrial accident laws, and bolster the competitiveness of the Korean steelmaking industry.
By Park Jae-hyuk

BAT Rothmans, the Korean operation of British American Tobacco (BAT), celebrated, Wednesday, the first anniversary of its domestic release of Vuse, which has emerged as the leading disposable vape brand in Korea within the shortest period of time since its release, according to the tobacco maker, Thursday.

A year earlier, BAT chose Korea as the first Asian country to release its Vuse Go line of products, becoming the only company selling vape products, among the four largest tobacco makers doing business here.

BAT Rothmans said that the product was available only in the greater Seoul metropolitan area during the early phase of its launch in Korea. In addition, Vuse Go 800 is subject to Koreas strict regulations, because it uses natural nicotine extracted from tobacco leaves, unlike most vape products using synthetic nicotine.

Within a half year after its release in Korea, however, it accumulated a sales volume that surpassed 1 million, according to the company.

BAT Rothmans attributed the popularity to Vuse Go 800s convenient structure, various product lineups, as well as removal of smoke and smells, which can displease non-smokers.

Based on its popularity, the tobacco maker started selling Vuse Go 800 across the country earlier this year. In June, the company came up with the vape product's upgraded version, which features an ergonomic design, improved heating technologies, convenience and safety.

Vuse, which plays an important role for BAT to achieve its goal of A Better Tomorrow, allowed Korean smokers to choose among a wider variety of non-combusted products, BAT Rothmans Country Manager Song Young-jae said.

We will go all out to make the market sustainable.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok called for close market monitoring over delays in payment by e-commerce platforms TMON and WeMakePrice, and all-out efforts to prevent damage to sellers and customers, the finance ministry said Thursday.

Choi made the remarks during an emergency meeting with ministry officials held via teleconferencing in the wake of the case where the online marketplaces owned by Singapore-based e-commerce giant Qoo10 have delayed payment to sellers amid liquidity issues.

The issue has sparked concerns about industrywide impacts and potential damage to customers, as the value of payment delays by the two was some 100 billion won ($72.15 million), and most of its 60,000 sellers were small merchants and the self-employed relatively vulnerable to such risks, according to industry officials.

"Relevant ministries and institutions must check the market situation thoroughly, and make all-out efforts to protect consumers and to prevent damage to sellers," Choi said.

The platforms have failed to pay money earned by sellers in May, though it was supposed to be settled this month.

Ryu Hwa-hyun, co-chief executive of WeMakePrice, apologized for the incident, saying Qoo10 Group has been working to secure funds to pay money to sellers.

The Fair Trade Commission plans to launch an on-site inspection into the companies to check if they issue a refund to buyers and abided by terms of contracts.

The regulator also pledged to set up a task force in charge of the issue under the Korea Consumer Agency.

Meanwhile, the head of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) said the financial regulator was already conducting an on-site inspection of the two platforms, also saying it will work to minimize any damage to sellers and their customers.

Lee Bok-hyun said the FSS dispatched a six-member inspection team to the platforms earlier in the day and it is "checking to see if the numbers reported by the companies are accurate and appropriate." (Yonhap)
AMCHAM says 'yellow envelope law' will make global investors leave Korea

By Park Jae-hyuk

U.S. companies doing business in Korea have started publicly voicing concerns about the increasing possibility of a labor-friendly amendment to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, cautioning about its potential adverse effects on Asia's fourth-largest economy.

American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) Chairman James Kim said in a statement, Thursday, that the chamber fully supports the negative stance taken by Koreas six largest business associations regarding the pro-labor bill known as the "yellow envelope law."

The bill aims to empower subcontracted workers by allowing them greater negotiating leverage with the clients of their employers, while also prohibiting management from seeking compensation for damages incurred during illegal strikes.

Kim's statement coincided with lawmakers from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and minor liberal opposition parties unilaterally passing the bill at the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee, Monday.

Although the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on Wednesday delayed its decision on whether to bring the controversial bill to the plenary session, citing escalating protests from the conservative ruling People Power Party, the business lobby representing U.S. firms in Korea voiced concerns about the bill's potential impact on the country's business environment.

As highlighted in our 2024 Business Survey, the unpredictable regulatory environment and unique regulations in Korea are already significant challenges for the foreign business community, Kim said.

The recent passage of this bill only exacerbates these concerns by introducing uncertainty that could deter investments and undermine Koreas global standing as a competitive business hub.

AMCHAM also urged the Assembly to reconsider this legislation and pursue a more balanced and fair approach that protects the rights of both workers and businesses.

The bill earned the nickname after citizens delivered yellow envelopes containing money in 2014 to support unionized workers of SsangYong Motor. These workers had been ordered by a court to pay a total of 4.7 billion won ($3.4 million) in compensation to the automaker for their strike in 2009.

The opposition bloc has consistently proposed the bill to enable subcontracted workers to negotiate directly with the clients of their employers, even if these clients do not directly employ those workers.

The proposed bill also justifies strikes by subcontracted workers against their employers clients and bans management from demanding compensation for damage caused during illegal strikes, unless they assess the damage caused by each individual.

Although the previous 21st Assembly passed the bill late last year, President Yoon Suk Yeol exercised his veto and eventually thwarted the revision.

Since the opposition blocs resounding victory in the general elections in April, Koreas two largest umbrella unions have begun to urge lawmakers at the current Assembly to seek the revision again, claiming that damage claim suits against unionized workers could threaten their existence.

However, the business-friendly Yoon administration has maintained a firm stance on the bill, indicating that the president may exercise his veto once again.

Amid the increasing controversy, Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik of the Korea Enterprises Federation, a major business lobby in Korea, held a meeting with Assembly Speaker Rep. Woo Won-shik to voice concerns regarding the yellow envelope bill.

Sohn claimed that the proposed law will encourage labor disputes and illegal strikes.
By Nam Hyun-woo

GS Entec announced Thursday that it produced its first monopile for a domestic offshore wind power farm, marking the first time for a Korean company to supply such a wind turbine substructure for a domestic offshore wind project surpassing 100 megawatts.

According to the company, the monopile is the first out of 64 monopiles it will supply to a 365-megawatt offshore wind project in Nakwol area in waters off Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province. The monopile measures 71.2 meters in length, 7.5 meters in diameter and weighs 895.6 tons, capable of supporting a 5.7-megawatt turbine.

By September next year, GS Entec will supply 64 monopiles under a 200 billion won ($144.3 million) contract signed with the project's operator last year.

A monopile is a cylindrical structure made by welding large steel plates and serves as a support for wind turbines. Compared to substructures such as tripods and jackets, monopiles excel in terms of shorter production periods and lower costs.

The rollout came after GS Entec signed an exclusive technology licensing agreement last year with Sif Netherlands BV, the world's leading company in monopile offshore wind substructures.

The agreement was in line with the company's efforts to transform its business portfolio from petrochemical equipment for oil refining and petrochemical plants to eco-friendly energy equipment.

Following the agreement, the company has been making investments totaling 300 billion won, including 214 billion won for introducing Sif's latest automated equipment at its plants.

"The monopiles supplied for the project will be a cornerstone in the company's related businesses," a GS Entec official said. "We plan to supply monopiles for ongoing offshore wind projects in South Korea and Japan."

In the global wind power market, project operators are increasingly preferring monopiles as the substructure for wind turbines, thanks to their short installation time and cost efficiency. However, unlike European nations, Korea, Japan and other Asian countries are still in the early stages of introducing monopile substructures for wind turbines.

Since monopiles are expected to maintain their integrity underwater for at least 20 years  the average lifespan of a wind turbine  and have limitations in their movement, the vicinity of the wind power supply chain is crucial for power companies, according to industry officials.
TMON, WeMakePrice fail to pay sellers at least W170 bil.

By Lee Min-hyung

The nation's antitrust watchdog initiated an emergency on-site inspection into the headquarters of TMON and WeMakePrice, Thursday, as the two online shopping platforms face potential insolvency, with reported delays in payments to sellers and refunds to customers.

The sudden financial troubles of the struggling shopping platforms were precipitated by poor financial management by Qoo10, a Singapore-based e-commerce giant that operates the two Korean subsidiaries.

During a press conference, Fair Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Han Ki-jeong said the authority will investigate whether the companies are processing refunds to customers promptly. Additionally, the FTC established a special response team at the Korea Consumer Agency to facilitate collective dispute mediation.

We will do our best to minimize damage to customers, and inspect whether the troubled firms are offering refunds to clients who canceled their orders from the platforms, Han said.

We will also team up with financial authorities and relevant organizations to prevent the damage from spreading further to more customers and sellers.

Since earlier this month, TMON and WeMakePrice have failed to disburse earnings to sellers on their platforms. Beginning on Tuesday, sellers began to leave the platforms in droves due to mounting fears that they will not be paid. Customers who purchased online tickets for flights and hotel reservations using these platforms are also encountering difficulties in obtaining refunds, amid rising concerns about possible financial defaults.

According to data from the consumer protection agency, the number of consumer grievances about the platforms has surged this week, with more than 2,300 telephone complaints being made since Tuesday. Most of the complaints were about refunds for online travel package purchases, according to the FTC.

The head of WeMakePrice issued a public apology on Thursday for the inconvenience caused to customers. He also committed to ensuring refunds for affected customers.

We are capable of covering refunds to customers, WeMakePrice co-CEO Ryu Hwa-hyun said.

We will compensate them and do all we can so that small business owners and the self-employed can recover from damages.

Financial authorities have not yet determined the exact extent of the damage, but estimates suggest it could exceed 170 billion won ($122.8 million).

Both shopping platforms are in the process of offering refunds to customers, though the timeline for completing these refunds remains uncertain.

The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) also dispatched a group of inspectors to the headquarters of the two companies. According to the financial watchdog, six prosecutors are inspecting the case and checking the scale of damage.

Starting from June 2022, the authority has monitored their deteriorating financial circumstances, and the supervision of payment delays commenced in July of this year, FSS Governor Lee Bok-hyun said. We will report further details involving the case to the public as quickly as possible.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok also ordered relevant government authorities to strengthen monitoring of the latest incident.

We will make efforts to prevent the spread of damage by thoroughly monitoring any updates on the incident under close collaboration with the FTC, the FSS and the Financial Services Commission, Choi said.
By Nam Hyun-woo

SK Bioscience said Thursday it will invest $2 million into U.S. biotech Sunflower Therapeutics under an agreement to receive equity in the company at a future date.

According to SK Bioscience, it recently signed a simple agreement for future equity (SAFE) with the U.S. biotech company in a bid to optimize SK's vaccine development and manufacturing process.

SAFEs are usually signed for a larger company's investment into a startup or early-stage company. It provides investors with rights to future equity in the recipient company without determining a share price at the initial investment stage, and the investment converts into equity at a future equity financing event, often with a discount or valuation cap.

SAFEs are often viewed as simpler and more flexible than traditional convertible notes, as they allow the investor to secure a substantial stake with a minimal initial investment as the company's valuation increases. SK Bioscience did not reveal further details on the agreement.

Sunflower, established in 2018, is known for its own yeast-based protein manufacturing technology, which facilitates the development and production of diverse antigens and antibodies. The company's yeast expression system streamlines vaccine manufacturing processes and improves production efficiency, boosting cost-effectiveness for vaccine firms.

The company has received multiple grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support their technologies and is collaborating with entities including the U.S. Department of Defense, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other global biopharmaceutical companies.

SK Bioscience, a pharmaceutical affiliate of SK Group, said it seeks to leverage Sunflower's technology to optimize its vaccine development and manufacturing process. When Sunflower's yeast culture system integrates into SK Bioscience's Andong L House vaccine manufacturing plant, the company projects a 7.7-fold increase in the plant's yields while reducing production costs by 88.7 percent per dose compared to the existing process.

SK Bioscience and Sunflower first formed their partnership last year when they signed a joint agreement to develop a vaccine for HPV.

SK Bioscience said Sunflower's technology and growth potential resulted in its latest investment, and it seeks to maximize its investment value in the firm through various measures including initial public offering and third-party mergers and acquisitions.

"In this time where various infectious diseases threaten humanity, vaccine sovereignty is the key to protecting the safety of our people and enhancing national competitiveness," SK Bioscience CEO Ahn Jae-yong said.

"We are excited to deepen our relationship with Sunflower Therapeutics and make an impact on global health as we continue to develop efficacious, safe and cost-effective vaccines."

Sunflower is the latest destination for a series of recent investments by SK Bioscience. Last month, the company signed an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in IDT Biologika of Germany, one of the top 10 global vaccine contract manufacturers. The company said it will continue exploring investment opportunities including joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions and in- and out-licensing.
Ukraine's top diplomat said on Wednesday, after a day of "very deep and concentrated" talks in China, that Kyiv was prepared for talks on the conflict with Russia if Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity were fully respected.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, in a video address issued in the evening by his ministry, restated that Ukraine insisted that no agreement could be reached without its participation. He also said he saw no readiness from Russia to negotiate in good faith.

Kuleba is the highest ranking Ukrainian official to travel to China since Russia's February 2022 invasion. He held talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi for more than three hours, a Ukrainian source in the delegation said.

"I emphasized two principles that must be steadfastly upheld. First, no agreements about Ukraine without Ukraine," he said in his address.

"Second...full respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. If these two principles are adhered to, we can engage in any discussions and seek any solutions."

Kuleba's ministry, in earlier comments, quoted him as saying that Ukraine was ready to engage "when Russia is ready to negotiate in good faith" but he emphasized "that no such readiness is currently observed on the Russian side."

Russian troops have been inching forward in eastern Ukraine in the 29-month-old invasion ahead of a U.S. election in November that could see the return to the White House of Donald Trump, who has threatened to cut vital aid flows to Ukraine.

China, the world's second largest economy, positions itself as neutral on the war, but declared a "no limits" partnership with Russia days before the 2022 invasion and has hosted President Vladimir Putin for talks, most recently in May.

China has also provided diplomatic backing to Russia and helped keep Russia's wartime economy afloat.

At the conclusion of the Guangzhou talks, a Ukrainian source in the delegation told Reuters that the meeting had lasted "longer than planned. This was a very deep and concrete conversation."

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told a regular press conference in Beijing that both ministers had talked up the need to take a long-term view on building bilateral ties and that China would "continue to expand its food imports from Ukraine."

Mao Ning added that China was concerned by the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

She also said that both the Russian and Ukrainian sides had "to varying degrees signalled their willingness to negotiate".

"Although the conditions are not yet ripe, we support all efforts conducive to peace and are willing to continue to play a constructive role in bringing about a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks," she added.

Lasting solutions

Kuleba, in his video address, agreed that the two sides had said the conflict required "a just and lasting peace...In other words there is no need to strive for temporary solutions."

The Kremlin told reporters that Kuleba's remark on a willingness to hold talks appeared to tally with Russia's position, but more details were needed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in June that Moscow would end the war if Kyiv retreated from and handed over the rest of four partially-occupied Ukrainian provinces, and dropped its NATO ambitions, ideas rejected in Kyiv as an absurd ultimatum.

Kyiv plans a second summit later this year to advance its vision for peace after an initial gathering in Switzerland in June drew dozens of delegations, but not from Russia or China.

Ukraine says it would like its second summit to be hosted by a "Global South" country and that Russia should attend.

With the possible prospect of a Trump presidency looming, there has been a flurry of diplomacy in recent months. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Kyiv, Moscow, Beijing and Washington this month on what he described as a "peace mission."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Orban's efforts, saying that only actors like the United States, China or the European Union were in a position to mediate.

China and Brazil published a joint six-point peace proposal in May, saying they supported the holding of an international peace conference that both sides in the war would recognize. (Reuters)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to make a long-awaited White House visit Thursday to meet with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at an important moment for all three politicians.

Netanyahu's White House visit, his first since before President Donald Trump left office in 2020, comes at a time of growing pressure on all three to find an endgame to the nine-month war that's left more than 39,000 dead in Gaza. What's more, dozens of Israeli hostages and the remains of others who have died are still languishing in Hamas captivity.

Biden is pressing to get Israel and Hamas to seal his proposal to release remaining hostages in Gaza over three phases  something that would be a legacy-affirming achievement for the 81-year-old Democrat, who abandoned his reelection bid and endorsed Harris. It could also be a boon for Harris in her bid to succeed him.

White House officials say that the negotiations are in the closing stages but there are issues that need to be resolved.

Following their midday talks, Biden and Netanyahu will meet the families of American hostages.

Harris, who will meet separately with Netanyahu later, is trying to demonstrate that she has the mettle to serve as commander in chief. She's also being scrutinized by those on the political left who say Biden hasn't done enough to force Netanyahu to end the war and by Republicans looking to brand her as insufficient in her support for Israel.

A senior administration official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said there is "no daylight between the president and vice president" on Israel. Harris' last one-on-one engagement with Netanyahu was in March 2021, but she's taken part in more than 20 calls between Biden and Netanyahu.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, is trying to navigate his own delicate political moment. He faces pressure from the families of hostages demanding a cease-fire agreement to bring their loved ones home and from far-right members of his governing coalition who demand he resist any deal that could keep Israeli forces from eliminating Hamas.

Netanyahu, in a fiery address before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, offered a robust defense of Israel's conduct during the war and lashed out against accusations by the International Criminal Court of Israeli war crimes. He made the case that Israel, in its fight against Iran-backed Hamas, was effectively keeping Americans boots off the ground while protecting our shared interests in the Middle East. The Israeli leader spent scant time discussing the ongoing negotiations.

"Remember this: Our enemies are your enemies," Netanyahu told American lawmakers. "Our fight, its your fight. And our victory will be your victory."

Netanyahu used his speech to praise Biden for his administration's support in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. But Netanyahu also went out of his way to note action that Trump during his four years in office took that benefited Israel, including recognizing Israels sovereignty over the Golan Heights, confronting Irans aggression and moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Netanyahu is set to travel to Florida on Friday to meet with Trump.

Netanyahu also slammed protesters who massed near the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, calling them Irans useful idiots. The Secret Service beefed up security at the White House ahead of Netanyahu's visit, erecting additional fencing and barriers near the White House campus.

Trump and his Republican allies criticized Harris, who had events in Indiana and Texas on Wednesday, for skipping Netanyahus address to Congress.

The vice president is the presiding officer of the Senate and would typically co-preside over such an event with the House speaker, Republican Mike Johnson. But there have been other instances in recent history when the vice president has skipped such addresses. Biden, as vice president, skipped an address Netanyahu made to Congress in 2015.

Harris 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 news conference with fellow Senate Republicans that largely focused on Harris absence from the speech. "It is a disgrace."

White House officials said that her absence wasn't a slight and was solely due to scheduling conflicts. Harris spoke on Wednesday to the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta before flying to Houston ahead of an address to the American Federation of Teachers on Thursday. Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, also skipped the speech to campaign.

The vice president has been unwavering in her commitment to the security of Israel, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Harris has long spoken of her strong support for Israel. The first overseas trip of her Senate career in early 2017 was to Israel, and one of her first acts in office was to introduce a resolution opposing a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israel.

She's also spoken of her personal ties to Israel, including memories of raising money as a child to plant trees in Israel, installing a mezuzah near the front door of the vice president's residence in Washington (her husband is Jewish) and her connections to pro-Israel groups including the conservative American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the liberal J Street.

Harris has largely been in lockstep with Biden throughout the conflict, but at moments she's been a front-runner for tougher Biden administration rhetoric on Israel.

She used a high-profile address in March in Selma, Alabama, a day before she met with Netanyahu rival and Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz to decry Palestinians "starving" in the face of "inhumane" conditions and to urge Israel to do more to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza.

Last year, Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen criticized Harris after she appeared to gently rebuke Netanyahu's planned overhaul of the countrys judiciary. Speaking at an Israeli Embassy event in Washington, Harris had said that shared values are the bedrock of the U.S.-Israel relationship" and that democracies are "built on strong institutions, checks and balances, and, Ill add, an independent judiciary."

Cohen questioned if Harris had even read the bills in question, saying, "I can tell you that if you ask her what bothers her about the reform, she wont be able to tell you."

Critics of Biden's handling of the Gaza war will also be watching Harris' interaction with Netanyahu and what she has to say in the days to come about the conflict.

Voters in electoral battlegrounds where anger over Gaza has become a key issue are waiting to see if Harris will be "turning the page on Bidens disastrous policy," said Layla Elabed, a leader in the "uncommitted" movement of voters that has threatened to withhold support from Biden because of Gaza.

"We hope that Harris does the right thing to save lives and our democracy and uphold international American law," Elabed said. (AP)
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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.

Zarazeno ct 25.07.2024 03:07:42 Vydano Zdroj scio.gov.cn Original english.scio.gov.cn/pressroom/2024-07/25/content_117329947.htm lang en
On 24 July Chiles Justice and Human Rights Ministerdefended plans to build a new maximum-security prison in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, following opposition from the mayor of the commune of Santiago, which serves the centre of the capital,

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On 24 July Mexicos Presidentdownplayed concerns that US electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla had paused plans for a factory in Mexico.

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On 24 July Brazils Presidenttravelled to Rio de Janeiro to pitch the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty initiative to government ministers and representatives from G20 countries.

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Grizel Mazariegos-Perez knows how tough it is to save money for groceries.

She emigrated to the United States from Guatemala 18 years ago with nothing.

It was very tough, she said.

She and her husband have worked hard, saved and are opening a business that will provide affordable groceries to folks in the same position she once was.

Bravo supermarket held its grand opening Tuesday at 210 Line St. Its the site of the former Easton Food Market on Eastons South Side.

Having this big supermarket, an anchor of the community on the South Side is huge, said Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone. He was one of about 30 people to attend the ribbon cutting.

The 45-year-old councilman is a lifetime South Side resident. He cant remember a time when there was no grocery store until Easton Food Market shut down about a year and a half ago.

Many South Side residents dont have access to transportation. They needed to figure out a way to get to Giant or Wegmans until Bravo opened within walking distance of their homes, Pintabone said. Bravo has become an oasis to Eastons food desert, he said.

Bravo offers select ethnic ingredients most Hispanic residents needed to travel to South Bethlehem to find, Pintabone added.

Mazariegos-Perez said you dont have to be Hispanic to shop at Bravo. The store carries ingredients for all sorts of ethnic dishes, including Jamaican food. Ox tail is $5.99 a pound through Aug. 6.

There are plenty of traditional grocery staples as well.

Bravo is a chain with 70 supermarkets in the eastern United States from New York to Florida, according to its website.

Mazariegos-Perez and her husband, Felix Perez, moved to Easton from New York. Felix Perez worked for eight years at the Easton South Side grocery store as it evolved from T.J. Barts to C-Town to the Easton Food Market. A few years before the Easton Food Market went under, Felix Perez started Easton Meat Services, supplying meats to local markets and restaurants.

When the opportunity came up to open a supermarket where he had previously worked, he and his wife jumped at the chance.

They say they want to be more than just a store. They want to be good neighbors to the South Side. So far business is booming, Mazariegos-Perez said.

I am very thankful for the support of the community, she said.

Bravo Supermarket at 210 Line St. in Easton on July 24, 2024. The store's grand opening was July 23, 2024.Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com

Bravo Supermarket at 210 Line St. in Easton on July 24, 2024. The store's grand opening was July 23, 2024.Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
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 Irish Prison Service is looking to buy 400,000 worth of dogs for use in prisons in Laois and around the country.

The Irish Prison Service is specifically looking for Belgian Shepherds and Labrador/Spaniel breed types for use as sniffer dogs and general purpose dogs.

According to a prior information notice or a periodic indicative notice used only for information published by the Irish Prison Service, the dogs will be trained before being put to use in 13 prisons across Ireland.

It explained that Prison Dogs have been used to detect drugs and other illicit substances by the Irish Prison Service since 2008.

The Irish Prison Service wishes to establish a framework for the supply of all operational general purpose, scent detection and special purpose dogs (Specifically Belgian Shepherds and Labrador/Spaniel breed types etc ), the notice states.

The dogs will be in service across 13 prisons in Ireland, either in a working capacity or in training, the Irish Prison Service said.

Supplied dogs will enter the IPS training program and will be accepted course ready either green or part trained. Prison dogs are a huge asset to the Prison service. Dogs have been used to detect various types of contraband in the IPS since 2008. Scent Detection canines will search persons and areas while GP dogs will be scent capable and carry out a wide variety of prison functions, they stated.

The contract for the Prison Dogs is valued at an estimated 400,000 excluding VAT.
Prison officers have called into question the Government's decision to remove armed Irish soldiers from security duty at Portlaoise Prison when the jail is now occupied with prisoners who are more dangerous with paramilitaries.

So said Gabriel Keaveny, Deputy General Secretary of the Prison Officer's Association, who is also critical of the move in the context of overcrowded prisons.

"It is very to reconcile this when the prisons are in crisis and the Goverment has decided to take the army out of Portlaoise," Mr Keavney told the Leinster Express Laois Live on the day the decision was leaked from Cabinet.

He explained why he felt the withdrawal of resource does not tally with a service that needs more support. A total of 242 prisoners were housed in Portlaoise Prison by the Irish Prison Service on July 25. It has a capacity for just 229 inmates.

"We have chronic overcrowding - it's the worst that I have seen in over thirty years," he said.

Mr Keavney also warned about the current cohort of 'highly dangerous' prisoners who are a threat to Ireland but who will not now be guarded by soldier's in Ireland's only high-security jail.

"They (soldiers) were there initially for subversives, we have organised criminal gangs that are as if not more dangerous and as big a threat to the State and some of those are housed in Portlaoise and the decision reached is to take the army out.

"I think it is short-sighted and not thought through," he said.

Mr Keaveney said his members will not be able to fill the void in Portlaoise Prison.

"Prison Officers cannot do the work that the Defence Forces did. The Gardai don't operate in the prison so we are being left to our own devices when the army goes and there is no plan b in place," he said.

Mr Keavney added that there had been no talks between the Department of Justice and the POA other than an advance email advising them of the change.

"The army has been very successful over many years and now at a whim, the Government takes them away," he said.

Mr Keavney made the comments in response to reports that the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee was given the green light to bring an end to an era of armed soldiers being deployed to the Portlaoise to guard paramilitaries. The Laois prison has had armed personnel on the premises since 1973 soon after the start of the Troubles.

The number of subversives dwindled after the Good Friday agreement and it is understood that there are now just a handful of inmates in E-wing which has been used for paramilitaries.

The Department of Justice confirmed the change.

"Following engagement with the Department of Defence, the Irish Prison Service, An Garda Siochana and the Defence Forces in relation to the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces concerning the deployment of the Defence Forces at Portlaoise Prison the Minister obtained Government approval on 24 July for her plan for the withdrawal of the Defence Forces from the prison. The Department will not be commenting further as the matter relates to prison security," it said.

Garda HQ has yet to state what new policing resources will be given to the Laois Offaly Garda station to pick up some of the slack left.

The Irish Prison Service told the Leinster Express that it does not comment on matters relating to prison security. There was no comment from the Defence Forces.
No safety solution has been agreed for a junction on one of the busiest roads in Laois despite Mountmellick councillors insisting that everybody knows it is deadly dangerous.

The absence of a decision what to do on the N80 emerged at a recent meeting in Laois County Council HQ where officials were asked again about the potential for a roundabout on the Portlaoise side of town at Derrycloney.

Cllr Paddy Bracken, Fianna Fail, tabled a motion calling on the council get an update from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) about a roundabout on the N80 road which links Laois and Offaly.

James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer, replied in writing.

Road Design Department are continuing to explore opportunities for junction improvements at this location, he said.

Cllr Bracken had a sense of deja vu on getting the reply about the junction which has been the scene of several accidents.

Its one I heard before on several occasions, he said of the response.

He did not mince his words on the risk posed to the public by the current situation at the junction which thousands of motorists use to access the unofficial bypass around Mountmellick. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Cllr Paddy Bracken.

Anyone who knows that junction knows that it is deadly, he said.

He was also bothered by what he viewed as a lost opportunity to remove the danger. He insisted that the roundabout should have been installed when the N80 was undergoing extensive overhaul in recent years. The works led to its closure through the town and from Portlaoise to Mountmellick.

Cllr Bracken said he would continue to pursue the delivery of the roundabout to make the situation safe.

The issue was raised at the July meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.
The historic presence of armed Irish soldiers at Portlaoise Prison is set to end after the Government gave the green light to the move.

It's emerged the Cabinet has given the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to withdraw armed military personnel from the jail on the town's Dublin Road.

The prison has had armed personnel on the premises since 1973, however the requirement for armed military personnel was examined following the publication of the 2022 report on the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said: "At the direction of the Government, the Defence Forces provided 24-7 security at Portlaoise prison. The total cost associated with Defence Forces personnel performing ATCP roles at Portlaoise prison for 2023 was approximately 1.9 million. The total cost includes the costs of escorting prisoners to medical appointments and court hearings outside the prison."

READ NEXT: Laois sees 12% growth in property sales

A Government spokesperson told the Irish Mirror: "In light of the declining number of subversives who are in Portlaoise Prison and the 'evolving security and abilities of An Garda Siochana and the prison services', the last military presence in Portlaoise Prison will leave later this year. It remains open to An Garda Siochana or the government on a case-by-case basis of a particular trial or a particular transport to seek the assistance of the Defence Forces as an aid to civil power."

Gardai will now be expected to carry out a wider security role within the Prison.

Paramilitary prisoners were normally detained in the E-wing of the jail which has a capacity for 229 prisoners. There were 242 inmates in custody on July 24 with none in the E-wing.

The news comes as work is nearing completion in the town on what was intended to be a new transit facility for Defence Force personnel. It was built as party of plans to revamp Portlaoise Garda Station. A building there is used by soldiers at present.

This decision was approved at a meeting on Wednesday, July 24 with it expected to be actioned this year.

The Irish Prison Service told the Leinster Express it does not comment on matters relating to prison security.
USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY

The incredible efforts of local groups was celebrated by Mountmellick Credit Union as they hosted a special event for this year's Community Fund Awards. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Danielle Fitzsimons, Head of Marketing for Mountmellick Credit Union said; This year, the number of applications was overwhelming, reflecting the vibrant community spirit and the extraordinary level of volunteer activity across our common bond.



"We are delighted to have been able to support 38 different groups across Mountmellick, Clonaslee, and Rathangan, in sectors such as sports, the arts, education, music and community and social initiatives. The power of community is at the core of everything the Credit Union does, and this event underscores Mountmellick Credit Unions commitment to fostering strong, inclusive, and thriving local communities.



"Over the next few months, we will be chatting with these groups about their projects and activities, offering the wider community a deeper insight into the activities and services available in their localities and also providing our members with a deeper understanding of how Mountmellick Credit Unions Community Fund is being put to good use.



For updates on this, keep an eye on https://mountmellickcu.com/about-us/community-fund



Mountmellick Credit Unions new Head of Lending, John Cummins, also spoke at the event, highlighting that Mountmellick Credit Union is now offering a full range of business loans on their new website. He also announced plans to launch a mortgage offering in the coming months, further expanding the Credit Unions services to meet the needs of the community.



For more details, please visit https://mountmellickcu.com/borrow
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has been publicly challenged about requests from gardai for media organisations to hand over images from anti-migration public order incidents in Ireland.

In response to concerns that the move was putting photographers covering riots in danger, Mr Harris said it was his responsibility to investigate criminal actions and gather evidence.

Recently, several news organisations, including the PA news agency, have received requests from gardai for images as part of investigatory efforts to identify perpetrators after violence flared in north Dublin.

Last week, gardai came under attack and fires were set several times at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock which has been earmarked as housing for asylum seekers.

The latest requests follow the Gardas pursuit of court orders to seize images taken by media photographers during riots in Dublin last November.

Following a meeting of the Policing Authority on Thursday, Mr Harris was asked by the media about the policy of pursuing photographers images.

The commissioner said: My obligation is to thoroughly investigate actions which are criminal in their nature.

I have a lawful and legal and legislative responsibility to do all I can to gain evidence.

Mr Harris said the Garda would pursue the images by seeking permission or else gaining a court warrant.

Challenged that this could lead to media organisations not covering public order situations, Mr Harris responded: It is my responsibility to investigate and to bring offenders to justice and that is through obtaining whatever evidence I can.

The NUJs Irish Secretary, Seamus Dooley, said the union would be seeking a meeting with Mr Harris.

He said: Reporters and photographers are independent witnesses, they are present to observe and report on the actions of all parties, including the gardai.

There is a real danger that if journalists are perceived as harvesting information for the gardai they will be perceived as legitimate targets by the sinister forces behind recent public order incidents.

Mr Dooley said it was worrying and disappointing that the commissioner seems intent on ignoring the risks involved in seeking media images.

He added: Mr Harris has invoked what he described as his lawful and legal and legislative responsibility to do all he can to gain evidence.

The exercise of his powers and responsibilities must be proportionate and also have due regard to the role of the media in a democracy, the right of the media to function safely and the well established rights of journalists to protect sources of information.

The PA news agency was one of a number of outlets which was compelled to hand over pictures taken of the Dublin city centre disorder on November 23 2023 after investigating gardai secured an order from a Dublin District Court judge.

PAs editor-in-chief, Pete Clifton, voiced strong objections and warned of the safety implications for members of the media covering such incidents if a perception is created that content they are capturing will subsequently be used as evidence in criminal justice proceedings.
A Fianna Fail councillor for the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) was critical of what she alleged to be Kildare County Councils (KCC) lack of being able provide feedback on an issue in Kildare town.

Cllr Suzanne Doyle made her views known at the latest MD meeting on Wednesday, July 17 last when representatives for the MD were asked 'to note section 38 of the road Traffic Act 1994 - St Brigids Primary School, Kildare town, Safe Routes to School Scheme.'

Cllr Doyle asked KCC when the scheme is commencing, and also asked how many parking spaces had been lost in the design.

She also said: "There has been an non-willingness to meet me on site on three separate occasions, and I want this noted [by KCC]."

Cllr Doyle also asked KCC about the projected commencement and finishing dates for the scheme.

In response, KCC engineer, Donal Hodgins, told her that the matter would go to a public consultation first, which would be followed by an approval process with the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Cllr Doyle replied: "I have years of experience of feedback from the public on this, and I want the non-willingness to meet her [on site] noted."

'NOT ACCEPTED'

Mr Hodgins said in response: "It is not accepted by the Executive [in KCC] that there has not been enough consultation."

"Im not aware of any request to meet you on site... it is difficult to meet everyone [political representatives] on site," he added.

However Cllr Doyle maintained her view and replied that she was concerned that KCC would 'lose the faith of the public.'

"This is a farce in the statutory process," she added.

Mr Hodgins replied: "There are rules when it comes to consultations. It is unfair to accuse the Executive of closing down the public consultation."

However, Cllr Doyle said: "Im not talking about extending the scheme, youre moving the goalpost here. Im talking about moving the scheme in a meaningful way. We shouldnt be closed to the potential because of time."

Fianna Fail Cllr Suzanne Doyle.

Fine Gael Cllr Kevin Duffy voiced his support for Cllr Doyle.

"KCC has shown no regard for feedback," Cllr Duffy claimed: "There has to be an openness, in principle, that there will be amendments to the scheme."

He added: "I see an unwillingness from KCC to not compromise here."

The meeting heard from a KCC official that any amendments would result in the matter going back for second public consultation.

Fianna Fail Cllr Noel Heavey also gave his view on the matter: "What is jumping out at me, and from this discussion, is that the consultation should happen between councillors and KCC when the schemes are being designed."

"Thats what I was getting at," Cllr Doyle added.

Mr Hodgins replied: "This is a complicated matter: to build what is being proposed is costing more money than we are being allocated funding for.

"More work can happen, but we need more funding."

'WE DO NOT TURN OUR BACKS ON THE PUBLIC'

He continued: "We can talk to the NTA about this, but we cant comment on behalf of the NTA on this.

"This is not the final word. We are open to doing extra work once the funding is made available."

"We [KCC] do not turn our backs on the public," Mr Hodgins concluded.
Labour Party members, supporters and representatives gathered in a packed Straffan Community Hall to select Cllr. Angela Feeney as the party's candidate for Kildare North in the next general election.

On Tuesday evening, over 50 people turned out as Senator Mark Wall and national organiser Aideen Blackwood conducted the formalities.

Cllr. Feeneys nomination was proposed and seconded by councilors Ann Breen and Rupert Heather.

On being selected, Cllr. Feeney said, 'I am delighted to accept the party's nomination as the Labour candidate for North Kildare in the General Election.

'I have successfully contested two elections to Kildare County Council and during my time on the Council I have worked tirelessly to support the community and resolve the issues that impact people here.

'This has included lobbying the government to improve childcare provision, seeking solutions to address the unacceptable waiting lists for health facilities, keeping pressure on the developer to address key issues in Mullen Park and fighting for key amenities and affordable housing in the area.

While the date of the General Election has not been set, Cllr. Feeney continued, I can assure the community in North Kildare that I am ready for the challenge.'

The venue, Straffan Community Hall, was chosen to honour the remarkable contribution of the late Emmet Stagg to politics in North Kildare. He was fondly remembered for his outstanding commitment to North Kildare by those in attendance, including his wife, Mary.

If you'd like to get involved in Cllr. Feeney's campaign, please get in touch by email at afeeney@kildarecoco.ie
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said that public disorder at asylum centre sites shouldnt be inevitable and said there are lessons to be learned by other organisations from Coolock.

Gardai came under attack and fires were set several times at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock which has been earmarked as housing for asylum seekers.

The building is to be renovated to accommodate more than 500 international protection applicants.

Protests were organised at the site by a group called Coolock Says No.

Speaking before the Policing Authority on Thursday, Mr Harris said that three gardai were injured in the incidents in Coolock last week, with one member hospitalised after being struck by a stone.

He also said threats to and unsavoury statements were being made about gardai online which they would report to the Director of Public Prosecutions where appropriate.

He said members had come under assault through the use of various projectiles and said they dealt with it with courage and fortitude.

Outlining the timeline of events that led to disorder in Coolock, Mr Harris said on Monday, July 15 the contractor wished to move onto the premises between 3am and 4am, which went off without an incident.

Further protests then took place from around 8.15am and at around 10am the situation started to turn ugly.

He said a digger and mattresses were burned and a member of the security staff was injured.

A call went out to draw on personnel from across the Dublin Metropolitan Region and Mr Harris said the process for members to disengage from what they were doing and travel to Coolock properly equipped just took time.

He said there were newly attested gardai at the scene that day, four of whom he met the following day.

He said that by noon, there were some members of the public order unit present. By 1pm, two full public order units were in attendance at the Malahide Road, comprising 50 members, when there were around 100 protesters at the scene.

He said the protesters were a mixture of locals who were genuinely concerned and people driven by prejudice and extremism.

He continued: I do think there are lessons to be learned from this. Were going through our own review, but I think theres lessons to be learned by other organisations and other departments in respect of this as well.

I do not think its inevitable that on every occasion that we have some of these centres open that it has to be attended with such disorder.

It is regrettable that weve seen it, and its regrettable that it seems to be a greater reoccurrence, but I do think it should never be thought of as an inevitable factor of this, it shouldnt be.

He also praised the work of gardai in Coolock in recent days to deescalate tensions in the aftermath of the disorder.

Over the last number of evenings, rather than having public order units on the Malahide Road, it has just been a couple of guards, none of them in uniform, and theyve been on patrol, theyve engaged with the protesters that are there and managed them without huge overt displays of force.

Protest is a normal activity in a democratic society, what obviously is not acceptable then is where it spills over into violence, crime and criminal damage.

Mr Harris said the Department of Justice and IPAS can learn lessons from recent public order incidents in Coolock.

We want and are working closely with them, he told reporters after addressing the Policing Authority.

But I do think theres lessons to be learned in terms of the relationship then also with the contractor and all of those lessons should be learned.

We do not want to be in a position where, in effect, we find ourselves in a situation which is so heated that violence then carried on from that.

He added: At the end, we did bear the brunt of it. Actually, were the ones down on the streets bearing the brunt of it.

Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis there have been 34 arrests so far in relation to the incident at Crown Paints since July 15, and 26 people charged with 46 charges before the courts.

She said there were eight cautions to adults and juveniles, seven incidents of criminal damage, and six incidents of criminal damage by fire.

Ms Willis said they had been a difficult number of days but she didnt believe that gardais relationship with the community had been harmed significantly as a result.

We have responded to over 400 protests so far this year, and a handful have caused us problems.

She said that some gardai had body-won cameras and that footage would be used as part of the investigations.

She said 10 members have been tasked with manually trawling through 3,000 hours of CCTV footage from Coolock, and so far 110 hours have been spent going through 68 hours of that footage.

Asked if there was a quicker way of doing this, Mr Harris said: Within the legislative provisions that we have at the moment, no. We need further legislation to allow us in effect to use software to make digital identification, not just of individuals but of objects.

Asked about if over 20,000 hours of CCTV footage from the Dublin riots in November had been gone through, Mr Harris said this was not physically possible.

This is a very slow and laborious process, really like an analogue process against digital evidence.
The south Galway farmer accused of throwing a bag of cow dung in the direction of Minister for State, Anne Rabbitte has told a court that "it is a small incident and something I probably should regret".

At Gort District Court, Joseph Baldwin, aged 39, of Ballyaneen, Gort, County Galway spoke for the first time concerning being charged with assaulting Anne Rabbitte on January 4, 2023 at a public meeting at OSullivans Royal Hotel, Gort.

Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act The assault charge against Mr Baldwin is contrary to Section 2 of the

Mr Baldwin told Judge Marian OLeary: I have been branded for assaulting a person and there is clear video - four images of CCTV - where Anne Rabbitte never got struck by the bag on the night in question.

He said that the case is affecting me now for a good while, it is affecting my family, affecting work and it is all over the media.

He added: I have also had a local representative in the area to negotiate with Anne to bring the matter to a close and to try to sort it out. He went back to me last week and the issues have changed.

Mr Baldwin is denying the assault charge and Judge OLeary today stated that the case will be heard at a special sitting of Ennis District Court on September 13 before Judge Alec Gabbett.

Mr Baldwin told the court: It is a small incident and something I probably should regret but it is being pushed by higher powers, there were Supers in Galway - there are an awful lot of bigger issues in the county and I am getting done for this?

Mr Baldwin told the court that the case has had "serious repercussions" for him where he is unable to get work since February.

I cant get a job, he said adding: I have worked the last six-seven years and since last February a person I even know told me that he couldnt employ me because of what has been going on.

When the case was before Judge Gabbett in May to fix a date, he requested that gardai address court security issues at Gort courthouse ahead of the case.

In response, Mr Baldwin said today: I am just a normal person - there is no one outside the door protesting or anything like this.

He asked: Who decided there was a security risk? I am an ordinary person in this town. I am not a leftie or a rightie. I have canvassed for Fianna Fail politicians - the same party as Anne Rabbitte. I have worked for many people in this town. I have donated money to charity. Paid a house.

Mr Baldwin handed a letter into court and he said that he has serious concerns concerning the case.

He said: I am prepared in that letter to go in a certain way in this case and to go a certain step forward.

Mr Baldwin asked that the information in the letter be kept confidential and the letter was handed back to him.

He remarked: "It is enough of a media circus without making it any worse. It doesn't affect me but it affects others.

Mr Baldwin said that he doesnt mind where the hearing takes place.

Mr Baldwins solicitor, John Nash told the court that the hearing would take two and-a-half hours.

At the contested case, Galway East TD and Minister of State at the Dept of Health and at the Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Anne Rabbitte will be required to provide her sworn eye witness account from the witness box of what occurred on the night as part of the State case against Mr Baldwin.

Minister Rabbitte was attending the meeting to hear locals concerns over a planned biogas plant for Gort.

Galway East colleague, Deputy Ciaran Cannon (FG) was also in attendance at the same meeting, which was called to discuss taking a judicial review against the planning decision permitting the biogas plant and 20,000 was pledged to the fight by those present.

Mr Baldwin is also contesting a second charge where he is accused of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting word or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace of being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.

Judge OLeary adjourned the case to Ennis District Court this Friday to allow Judge Gabbett formally assign the hearing date of September 13.
The Shed Distillery have submitted a major planning application to Leitrim County Council to convert Drumshanbo Methodist church into an event space.

The application, submitted by the popular distillery on Friday, would change the use of the building from a church to a "community cultural event space", and would involve refitting the interior of the protected structure and adding external signage.

The Methodist church, which was built in 1860, held its final sermon in December 2023, and was eventually sold in April 2024 due to dwindling attendance and no resident minister.

READ MORE - This region of Leitrim has the highest fertility rates in all of Ireland

North Connaught Methodists said the proceeds of the sale of the church building in Drumshanbo were used to purchase an apartment that "can provide much needed student accommodation for those taking 3rd level courses in Sligo".

A decision has not yet been made on the proposed plans, but the distillery has brought major business to the town through tours and production of their popular Drumshambo Irish gin.

The planned work would also include works to the exterior of the building comprising of cleaning, redecoration and replacement of non-original rainwater goods to "restore the character of the structure".

The new owners of the church intend to retain the original features of the building, and also hope to restore the church organ, which was installed in the church in 1910.
A private medical hospital has brought High Court proceedings against the widow of a former patient 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 kind against the hospital and its medical professionals.

It is alleged that the defendant's husband John was a former patient of the hospital.

It claims that he died of a form of blood cancer known as IgG kappa myeloma on April 1, 2022.

The hospital, represented by Owen Keany Bl claims that 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 until the time of his death.

The hospital claims that it engaged extensively with her, with sympathy and sensitivity, following the immense loss she suffered.

However it claims that over the last 12 months she has engaged in an unwarranted campaign against the Beacon, and has 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 that this has not been possible, and her statements, it is alleged, have become more extreme and damaging.

The court also heard that Mrs Delaney has brought High Court proceedings against the hospital and Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane where she sought reliefs including that steps be taken to amend the cause of her late husband's death.

It is claimed that those proceedings were dismissed by the High Court.

As a result of the various statements online the hospital seeks 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 which asserts or implies that the plaintiff is guilty of murder, engaged in the process of euthanasia, is guilty of medical manslaughter, has culled patients, are serial killers, has engaged in criminal conduct, has falsified documentation and is covering up and concealing the cause of the defendant's husband's death.

The matter came before Ms Justice Siobhan Stack on Wednesday.

The judge on an ex-parte basis granted the hospital permission to serve short notice of the injunction application on the defendant.

The matter will return before the court later this month.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin has asked opposition politicians to co-operate with the government in the autumn to pass their proposals to reform Irelands draconian defamation laws.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said the Defamation (Amendment) Bill marked major progress and was the blueprint for futureproofing our defamation laws.

Asked if he had concerns that some members of the opposition who have been accused of using strategic lawsuits may not vote for the reforms, Mr Martin said: I hope they would reflect on that.

Among the key provisions in the Bill highlighted by government are the abolition of juries in High Court defamation actions, which is hoped to reduce delays and legal costs; and of protections against strategic lawsuits, also known as SLAPPS actions, viewed as having a chilling effect on public interest journalism and press freedom.

We cant guarantee anything in terms of human behaviour, or tactics or strategy that people may engage in, but certainly this tips the balance, I would argue in terms of the SLAPP dimension, this tips the balance back in favour of the media, he said.

The draft laws also include a statutory power for the Circuit Court to issue a Norwich Pharmacal order, allowing a digital services provider to identify an anonymous poster of defamatory statements online.

Ive been subjected to such online advertisements and so on, and it did strike me as far more challenging for individual citizens to seek the identity of such online defamers. That ongoing work in this Bill is very welcome in that regard, Mr Martin said.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the changes would reduce legal costs and delays, and that it strikes the right balance between giving people a chance to protect their name and freedom of expression.

We must protect responsible investigative journalism from abuse of litigation by companies, by organisations, by individuals, and by political parties who try to create a chilling effect by silencing the media.

She said there were several reasons why they did not include a minimum harm threshold in the Bill, which would have seen people prove that a certain amount of harm was done before being granted permission to take a legal case.

She said legal advice was sought from the Attorney General and externally.

What weve seen in the UK is that it has in a lot of instances resulted in significant delays and increased costs for pre-trial hearings, where a person is trying to set out the serious harm that has been caused.

The Bill would also introduce a new statutory defence in retail defamation cases, responding to concerns about a large recent increase in claims of defamation made against businesses who ask a person to produce a receipt.

The Bill is to be published on the Houses of the Oireachtas website next week.

Ms McEntee said that the intention is for the Bill to come before the houses of the Oireachtas in September for the next Dail term.
Nurses Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike at Brigham and Women's Hospital for a Fair Contract that Addresses Unsafe and Unsustainable Patient Care Conditions





Brigham nurses voted on July 24 to authorize their MNA Bargaining Committee to hold a one-day strike if MGB executives refuse to agree to a fair contract that invests in nurses to improve patient safety

BOSTON, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The nearly 4,000 Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), voted in overwhelming numbers on July 24 to authorize a one-day strike as nurses negotiate a contract to address the hospital's ongoing failure to recruit and retain the nurses necessary for safe patient care and quality working conditions.

Brigham nurses' successful strike vote comes after they held an informational picket, brought in a federal mediator, and held 28 bargaining sessions over 10 months. The vote does not mean a strike will automatically take place. The BWH MNA Bargaining Committee will schedule a strike, if necessary, based on how management proceeds in negotiations following the vote. If a strike is scheduled, the committee must provide at least 10 days' notice. Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital nurses are also voting on July 25 to authorize a one-day strike.

"I am incredibly proud of Brigham nurses for standing up for their patients and nursing practice with this strike vote," said Kelly Morgan, a Brigham labor and delivery nurse and BWH MNA Chair. "We do not want to have to strike but are prepared to act if MGB executives keep putting patient safety at risk by not investing in our nursing workforce. We cannot continue caring for patients under these conditions, and the hospital cannot operate without its nurses."

"Nurses have been telling us for months they are willing to strike to protect their patients and each other. Today MGB executives heard loud and clear Brigham nurses are united!" said Jim McCarthy, a PACU nurse and BWH MNA Vice Chair. "While Brigham nurses fight for a competitive contract, executives are making millions in bonuses every year. We care for extremely sick and injured patients under the threat of violence without enough staff. MGB should be investing in nurses to make the Brigham safer for everyone."

Nurses are Fighting for:

Improved staffing and patient care. The strike vote comes amid negotiations for a new contract, but the overall challenges faced by nurses are driving their actions. In open meetings attended by 1,000+ nurses and in organizing conversations with thousands more, Brigham nurses have expressed grave concern over inadequate staffing levels and their impact on patient safety. A competitive wage increase will help address widespread understaffing which puts patients and nurses at risk.

Health insurance choice. Brigham nurses are dissatisfied with MGB health insurance. Many nurses are forced to use the insurance and experience long wait times for appointments and imaging, as well as out-of-network costs. Nurses have delivered a petition signed by more than 3,200 nurses demanding the option to change insurance plans during annual enrollment. Management has refused to provide permanent choice. As part of their advocacy, nurses launched a series of videos expressing dissatisfaction with Mass General Brigham (MGB) health insurance and demanding better choice: https://www.massnurses.org/BrighamInsurance.

A fair and market-competitive wage increase. BWH has historically been a leader in acute care hospital wages. Recently, other hospitals have offered similar if not higher wages, impacting BWH's ability to recruit and retain nurses. Management refuses to even match the recent wage settlement of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Brigham would fall even further behind and continue to face recruitment and retention problems.



MGB's Wealth:

MassNurses.org ? Facebook.com/MassNurses ? Twitter.com/MassNurses ? Instagram.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 25,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association

24 july 2024 at 23:40

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Salam Taps Oracle to Optimize Business Operations and Innovate with New Service Offerings





Oracle Communications managed services to support reliable service delivery and performance for critical IT systems

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia and AUSTIN, Texas, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Salam, a leading Saudi telecom provider, has awarded Oracle a managed services agreement to support its ongoing digital transformation. The collaboration will help Salam expedite operational excellence and enhance the experience it provides customers. These efforts will also further Salam's contributions to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 mission, which includes making Saudi Arabia a more connected and digitized nation.

Oracle Communications Consulting will provide critical support and guidance for managed IT operations, performance management, and service quality improvement. Using an Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-focused approach, Oracle will help Salam increase operational efficiencies, proactively identify and address potential issues, and enable seamless service delivery to its end customers.

"Oracle's technologies and managed services are accelerating our time to market for 5G," said Ahmed Al-Anqari, CEO of Salam. "As a Saudi-born company, Salam is at a digital transformation milestone in its journey. Our focus is on contributing to the advancement of KSA's ICT sector by enhancing our managed services among many other strategic initiatives. This will enable us to better serve the unique demands of our broad and growing customer base and be future-proof starting today."

A stacked advantage

Salam recently implemented components of Oracle Cloud Scale Monetization and Oracle Unified Operations, plus Oracle Sales CRM, to replace its legacy systems with a modular pre-integrated stack. This integration helps avoid the costly and time-consuming process of complex integrations with a high level of customization. With Oracle, Salam can launch, orchestrate, and monetize new offerings as the market demands. Future phases will take advantage of other Oracle Communications solutions to fast-track new digital services, such as 5G-enabled streaming, AR/VR gaming, and IoT-connected devices.

"Our close collaboration with Salam will help to diversify the company's revenue streams and strengthen its reputation as an innovator in the Middle East," said Ajay Goyal, group vice president, Oracle Communications. "In the fast-changing telco landscape, a cohesive managed services approach to systems, processes, and integrations is critical to the delivery of profitable services and, ultimately, a superior customer experience. We are dedicated to supporting Salam's business transformation goals by providing exemplary operational service, and product and network expertise."

To learn more about Oracle Communications industry solutions visit LinkedIn.

About Salam

Salam (formally ITC) is a leading Saudi-based telecom provider offering next-generation ICT solutions for broadband, connectivity, cloud computing, managed services, security services, satellite services, and internet services for government, businesses, wholesale, and consumer sectors. The company focused on helping businesses be smarter, more digital, more integrated, and more secure.

About Oracle Communications

Oracle Communications provides integrated communications and cloud solutions for Service Providers and Enterprises to accelerate their digital transformation journey in a communications-driven world from network evolution to digital business to customer experience. www.oracle.com/communications

About Oracle

Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at oracle.com.

Trademarks

Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud company?ushering in the new era of cloud computing.

SOURCE Oracle

25 july 2024 at 08:00

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Spectralink and Sonitor Partner to Empower Hospital Safety with Powerful RTLS Solution





Sonitor, a leading global provider of accurate real-time location systems (RTLS), and Spectralink, the industry leader in enterprise mobile solutions, are excited to announce their strategic partnership and validated integration of Sonitor MDuresstm with Spectralink Versity 95 and Spectralink Versity 97 smartphones. This powerful solution enhances the safety and security of hospital staff, addressing critical challenges faced in healthcare environments.

Healthcare professionals face a constant threat ? they're five times more likely to experience violence than any other industry. Fast-paced healthcare environments also inherently pose risks, with slips, falls, and accidents potentially incapacitating staff and leaving hospitals vulnerable legally. This stressful environment contributes to high burnout rates, leading 44% of hospitals to prioritize staff safety, according to a recent VDC 2023 Buyer Behavior Survey.

Spectralink and Sonitor are committed to fostering a safer work environment where staff can immediately receive emergency help. Sonitor's MDuress transforms Spectralink Versity 95 and Spectralink Versity 97 smartphones into high-accuracy location tags using Ultrasound, BLE, or Wi-Fi, ensuring rapid response to emergencies even outside the hospital. Upon duress activation, real-time alerts with staff location data are transmitted to designated personnel for urgent response.

"We are excited to launch our new SonitorMOBILEtm based solution, MDuress, with Spectralink. This important innovation will keep staff safe while improving workflows and communication with patients. We appreciate the visionary partnership we enjoy with Spectralink and our shared customers," says Matt Crane, Chief Commercial Officer, North America, Chief Executive Officer, Sonitor Technologies, Inc.

Spectralink and Sonitor's collaboration empowers hospitals to approach staff safety proactively. The solution enables a rapid and targeted response from security, supervisors, or colleagues, directly addressing the emergency, improving outcomes, and reducing staff anxiety. This fosters a safer work environment and demonstrates a hospital's commitment to staff well-being, potentially mitigating legal risks.

"Spectralink understands the critical need to ensure staff safety in hospitals," said Doug Werking, Chief Executive Officer, Spectralink. "Our partnership with Sonitor marks the next step in mobile solutions enabling significant improvements in healthcare worker safety. This powerful combination empowers healthcare workers with immediate help and provides healthcare organizations with a powerful tool to address a critical priority - a safer work environment."

Where to See a Demonstration

Spectralink and Sonitor will demonstrate their advanced RTLS solution at the Oracle Real-Time Health System Forum in Kansas City, MO, from July 30 to August 1, 2024.

Additional Information:

www.spectralink.com

www.sonitor.com

Spectralink and Sonitor Joint Solution Brief

Sonitor MDuress

Follow Spectralink and Sonitor on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectralink

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonitor-technologies/

25 july 2024 at 08:05

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Air Products Trials First Mercedes-Benz Genh2 Trucks as Part of Pioneering Project with Daimler Truck and Announces Plans for a European Hydrogen Refuelling Network





LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Air Products (NYSE: APD) unveiled plans to build a network of permanent, commercial-scale hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs), strategically located along major transportation corridors near the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). This vital infrastructure will help connect key locations across Europe and support the advancement of a safe and resilient hydrogen ecosystem.

Air Products' commercial-scale stations will deliver enhanced fueling technology, multiple pressure fuelling options and ultimately, onsite liquid hydrogen storage, which enables liquid fueling. As part of a robust European hydrogen network, they will help ensure reliability and convenience for heavy-duty transportation powered by hydrogen.

Industrial-scale liquid hydrogen in Europe

Air Products' HRSs will be supplied with renewable hydrogen from its global hydrogen supply chain network, providing a dependable energy supply to heavy-duty transportation. This includes a second hydrogen liquefaction plant the company is building in Rotterdam, which ? once operational ? will double Europe's total liquid hydrogen capacity.

Progressing from plans to action

Air Products is already making progress. A number of current and planned stations have already been awarded subsidies by the European Commission through their Connecting Europe Facility?(CEF)? funding programme. These include:

HRS's in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Hurth Germany currently in commissioning phase

and Hurth currently in commissioning phase An HRS located at the Volvo Group site in the port of Ghent , Belgium

, Europe's first commercial-scale HRS with liquid hydrogen in the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium

In addition to CEF-funding, the company has also been awarded funding from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, to build two high-capacity, publicly accessible HRSs in Meckenheim and Duisburg, Germany.

Driving hydrogen-powered trucks adoption with Daimler Truck

In collaboration with Daimler Truck, a leader in heavy-duty transportation and decarbonization, Air Products' latest mobile fuelling station in Duisburg is being used in their pioneering hydrogen truck pilot project. As part of customer-trials, five Mercedes-Benz GenH2 trucks can refuel at the station enabling it to operate under real, heavy-duty fueling conditions. This will offer vital insights into the liquid hydrogen fueling interface and help inform the ongoing development of a future-ready hydrogen ecosystem.

Aligned with Air Products' commitment to convert its distribution fleet to hydrogen-powered vehicles, it is also trialling one of the GenH2 trucks as part of the project. The vehicle will be deployed in Air Products' existing fleet to transport cylinder gases, allowing it to gain valuable experience in the field of industrial gas transportation.

The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 trucks will be fuelled with liquid hydrogen, which enables a range of over 1,000 kilometers. In this aggregate state the energy carrier has a significantly higher energy density and as a result, more hydrogen can be carried, which significantly increases the range and enables comparable performance of the vehicle with that of a conventional diesel truck. Transportation can be significantly reduced with liquid hydrogen, and liquid hydrogen tanks also offer advantages in terms of cost and weight compared to compressed gaseous hydrogen. Thus, the use of liquid hydrogen enables a higher payload. This makes the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck just as suitable for flexible and demanding long-haul road transportation as conventional diesel trucks.

Seifi Ghasemi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Products: "With thousands of trucks delivering industrial gases to our customers every day, logistics is an integral part of our business. Trialling a Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck under real conditions is a critical step in our work to convert our distribution fleet to hydrogen-powered vehicles. On the pathway to sustainable transportation, safe and reliable production, transportation and distribution of renewable hydrogen across the entire value chain is also essential. This is Air Products' proven area of expertise, and we're proud to be providing critical refuelling infrastructure and liquid hydrogen as part of this project."

Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck AG: "It is important to note that high-performance CO2-neutral vehicles alone will not be enough to make sustainable transportation successful. This also requires a corresponding charging and refuelling infrastructure, as well as cost parity with conventional vehicles. Although policymakers and energy companies are already active here, we urgently need even more momentum, across the entire Europe!"

Accelerating the energy transition around the world

The announcement of a European hydrogen refuelling station network follows Air Products' recently shared plans to build a network of permanent, commercial-scale, multi-modal hydrogen refuelling stations stretching from Northern California to Southern California, U.S. and also between Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

As the world's largest supplier of hydrogen, Air Products has hands-on operating experience with over 250 hydrogen fueling station projects in 20?countries, and the company's technologies are used in over 1.5 million fueling operations annually.?

To learn more about Air Products' hydrogen fueling solutions and expertise, visit Air Products'?Hydrogen Fueling?website.?

*Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years focused on serving energy, environmental, and emerging markets. The Company has two growth pillars driven by sustainability. Air Products' base business provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food. The Company also develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world's largest clean hydrogen projects supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy in the heavy-duty transportation and industrial sectors. Additionally, Air Products is the world leader in the supply of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment, and provides turbomachinery, membrane systems and cryogenic containers globally.

The Company had fiscal 2023 sales of $12.6 billion from operations in approximately 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of over $50 billion. Approximately 23,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products' higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and reimagine what's possible to address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release and are not guarantees of future performance. While forward-looking statements are made in good faith and based on assumptions, expectations and projections that management believes are reasonable based on currently available information, actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors, including the risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 and other factors disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the assumptions, beliefs or expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any such forward-looking statements are based.

SOURCE Air Products

25 july 2024 at 09:00

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RTX's Pratt & Whitney, Embraer and OGMA announce first GTF engine induction





Portugal shop becomes the 18th active facility in growing GTF MRO network

LONDON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Farnborough Air Show -- Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and OGMA Industria Aeronautica de Portugal S.A. ("OGMA"), an Embraer company, announced today the induction of the first Pratt & Whitney GTFtm engine at OGMA during the inaugural opening of the Alverca-based facility.

"This marks a significant milestone in our expanding relationship with OGMA and Embraer, furthering our commitment to providing global industry-leading service and support to increase GTF MRO capacity," said Marc Meredith, vice president of aftermarket for GTF engines at Pratt & Whitney. "OGMA brings more than a century of maintenance expertise to the network and will provide critical support for the growing GTF fleet in Europe."

The Embraer company joined the GTF MRO network in 2020 to provide disassembly, assembly and test capability for the PW1100G-JM engine, which powers the Airbus A320neo aircraft family. In 2021, OGMA announced that it will add capability for the PW1900G engine, which powers the Embraer E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft.

"We're proud to extend our collaboration with Pratt & Whitney on today's most advanced technologies," said Paulo Monginho, chief executive officer at OGMA. "By adding the GTF engine to our portfolio, we are growing our capabilities to serve the needs of operators in Europe and around the world."

"Embraer and OGMA are very pleased to deepen its relationship with Pratt & Whitney. With this collaboration, we are on the right track to expand our services portfolio for the GTF fleet as part of Embraer's accelerated growth strategy", says Carlos Naufel, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support.

Pratt & Whitney announced three GTF MRO facility expansions and six shop activations in 2023 to support the growing GTF fleet. OGMA marks the 18th active location and the eighth facility in Europe. By 2025, the company expects to have 19 active GTF MRO shops worldwide.

The GTF MRO network is part of Pratt & Whitney EngineWise solutions which provide operators with a full range of aftermarket services resulting in long-term, sustainable value. For more information, visit prattwhitney.com/enginewise.

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit www.prattwhitney.com.

About RTX

With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses ? Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon ? we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected].

SOURCE RTX

25 july 2024 at 13:13

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General Figliuolo and Ambassador Guariglia in Niamey to meet Nigerien leaders, on March 9, 2024. ITALIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY

French, Americans and now Germans: On July 6, Berlin announced that it would withdraw its last 38 soldiers from Niger by August 31. Since the July 26, 2023 coup in Niamey, Western soldiers have been leaving the country once considered by the West an ally in the fight against jihadism in the Sahel.

Committed to a geostrategic reorientation, the ruling General Abdourahamane Tiani has turned to Russia (whose first elements of the paramilitary organization Africa Corps arrived in the country in April), Turkey (whose delegation visited the country on July 17) and Iran. In May, the online media outlet Africa Intelligence revealed that "confidential negotiations" had begun between Tehran and Niamey "for the delivery of 300 metric tons of yellow cake" (uranium concentrate) from Niger. These negotiations, closely monitored by US intelligence services, have not yet been finalized.

9,235 Niger soldiers in training

However, one Western presence remains unscathed for the time being: that of Italy, which has continued its bilateral support mission in Niger since 2018. Rome's stated aim in maintaining this cooperation is clear: to limit migratory flows from sub-Saharan Africa by contributing, in particular, to "border surveillance activities." This approach is similar in Tunisia and Libya, two other countries on the migratory routes. On July 17, a forum was held in Tripoli on the issue, during which the president of the Italian Council, Giorgia Meloni, recalled the Mattei Plan, presented at the Italy-Africa summit in January, which includes development projects designed to tackle the root causes of immigration from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe.

According to figures published in August 2023, around 250 Italian military staff are present in Niger for training and advisory activities. In Rome, the Defense Ministry has not confirmed a possible increase in the number of troops, which could rise to 500. "The training provided concerns the armed forces, but also the gendarmerie and customs, which reflects the desire to fight illegal immigration," explained Francesca Caruso, an independent researcher who has worked for the Istituto Affari Internazionali, an Italian think-tank. To date, the Italian Ministry of Defense claims to have trained 9,235 soldiers for the Nigerien security forces.

Anticolonial rhetoric

Since the coup, Italy has distinguished itself from its European neighbors by maintaining good diplomatic relations with the Niger authorities. This is due to its more conciliatory strategy toward the coup plotters, unlike some European and West African countries that have considered military intervention to reinstate the former president, Mohamed Bazoum. "The only solution is diplomatic," said Antonio Tajani, the Italian foreign minister, in the summer of 2023 in an interview with La Stampa, underlining the risk that the Italians would be "seen as new colonizers" if they supported an armed operation in Niger.

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The late Barten Nyeswa, Director General of the Internal Audit Authority, who allegedly fell to his death from the top floor of his home in October 2020
A 71-year-old who had her purse stolen while reaching up to put groceries in her shopping cart has called for more awareness around thieves targeting older women.

Angelina (Angie) Mullane was subject to a premeditated theft while grocery shopping in Dunnes Stores, Childers Road, Limerick on Thursday July 4.

A weekly routine to the same store, Ms Mullane had her purse stolen from her trolley while reaching for an item. She had not realised it had been stolen until she reached the tills.

A substantial amount of money was taken and her purse was dumped in a bin outside. Her prescription medication, however, was not stolen by the perpetrators.

READ MORE: All-Ireland winning Clare hurler repeatedly struck 12 year old with a stick, court hears

I was going to use the money in my purse for car tax and my grandchilds birthday gift and the groceries I was about to buy. I also had a nice bit of loose change, all of that was taken too.

The purse itself is sentimental to me, because my late sister gave it to me as a gift. Dunnes was robbed that day, as was I, and so many people before me.

It made me angry, the lack of customer care I received. Nobody rang me to tell me my purse was found, I had to find out from a regular member of staff that it had been dumped in a bin outside the next Thursday, when I went up to shop. They didnt even let me know!

Although Ms Mullane said she was angry at the lack of aftercare she received from Dunnes Stores, as a regular shopper, she typically finds the staff helpful.

I know there are more important things going on in this bloody world, but I just want to make women my age more aware because we are being targeted.

I feel Dunnes should be responsible somehow and let more people know that this is happening everyday of the week.

It is understood that CCTV footage captured two females following Ms Mullane around the store, one in front of her and the other behind her.

However, gardai have said no arrests have yet been made in relation to the incident.

Gardai are investigating an incident of theft from a person that occurred on July 4, at approximately 1pm, in a retail premises on Childers Road, Limerick City, a spokesperson confirmed.

A sum of cash was taken. No arrests have been made.

Dunnes Stores has been contacted for comment.
THE DIOCESE of Galway say they need to reflect after watching the major documentary, Bishop Caseys Buried Secrets, on whether Bishop Eamonn Caseys remains should stay interred in the crypt at Galway Cathedral.

The programme revealed that there were at least five complaints of alleged child sexual abuse made against Bishop Casey - three in Limerick.The Church received four separate complaints of childhood sexual abuse against Bishop Casey and one further child safeguarding concern.

After watching the programme this evening, we will need to reflect on its contents before making a response, a spokesperson for the Galway Diocese informed the Leader on Monday. There was no further communication on the matter following further enquiries.

The RTE documentary is in association with the Irish Mail on Sunday and Daily Mail news editorAnne Sheridan, formerly a journalist with the Limerick Leader. It aired on Monday night with over half a million views thus far.

Bishop Casey was a native of Kerry but was brought up in Adare, where his father was a creamery manager. He attended St Munchin's College before being ordained a priest for the Diocese of Limerick. His first parish was St Johns in the city.

Bishop Casey's fall from grace emerged in 1992 with the revelation he had fathered a child with Annie Murphy, a US divorcee half his age.

Limerick Diocese has confirmed that it has received three allegations of child sexual abuse against Fr Casey relating to his time in Limerick.

READ MORE: Bishop Eamonn Casey 'a sexual predator': former safeguarding CEO

The Limerick Leader first reported in 2016 that High Court proceedings were filed against Bishop Casey and the Diocese of Limerick for personal injury damages in relation to one case taken against him in 2016. Two complaints against Fr Casey made in Limerick resulted in significant settlements being made - one was over 100,000.

Bishop Casey's niece, Patricia Donovan, from Limerick, made her complaint of alleged child sexual abuse against him in 2005. Her uncle was never charged in relation to her claims. Ms Donovan never received compensation from the Church but the Galway Diocese did pay for some counselling sessions for her.

Ms Donovan told Ms Sheridan, that Bishop Casey first raped her at the age of five and that the sexual abuse continued for years.

He had no fear of being caught, said Ms Donovan.

The documentary also revealed that Bishop Casey quietly moved his Limerick nephew Fr Michael Donovan to his diocese, after Fr Donovan was accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old altar boy.

In a statement to the Limerick Leader, Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy said sexual abuse is a heinous act.

On behalf of the Diocese of Limerick and personally, I express deep sorrow and regret to anyone who has been wounded by clerical abuse, including the people in this documentary. I am shamed beyond words by the betrayal of trust and the lifelong hurt which abuse causes, said Bishop Leahy.

READ MORE: Bishop Eamonn Casey's 'Buried Secrets' in Limerick to be revealed

Ms Sheridan said the origins of this story really began with the Limerick Leader in 2016.

The former Bishop of Galway, Dr Brendan Kelly, declined to be interviewed for the programme, stating that he did not believe it would serve truth, justice or the public interest.

I would hope that viewers feel the opposite; that RTE has served the public with a documentary that is very much in the public interest, said Ms Sheridan.

Fr Casey consistently denied all the allegations against him. He was never charged or convicted of any sexual crimes and remained a bishop until his death in March 2017 when his remains were interred in the crypt at Galway Cathedral.
A FARMER was left without running water for three days, leaving him fearful for the welfare of his livestock.

Martin McMahon, who is based in Meelick, was unable to fill the troughs of the cows he has on his small farm from early this week after water failed to issue from his taps.

He says he sought help from Uisce Eireann - but it was two days before the supply was restored to his home this Thursday.

"I have cattle, and there has been no water in the trough for three days," he said.

READ MORE: Elderly woman has stolen purse 'dumped in bin' while doing grocery shop in Limerick

"Essentially we are having to bring water to the trough. We don't have it here. We are trying to source it from somewhere. So we are putting barrels to collect rain water. Obviously, in the house, as it's been three days, we cannot wash any dishes, we cannot have a shower or flush the toilet. It's very frustrating," he said.

Mr McMahon explained how he initially contacted Uisce Eireann (formerly Irish Water) on the issue on Tuesday, 24 hours after his supply was cut.

But, he added, staff at the utility company could not tell him exactly when it would be restored.

"I was concerned about the cattle in my field. We are not able to wash. So I rang Irish Water. The contact centre was not local. I explained the situation to them. They acknowledged there are problems, so I asked if they could give me an estimate as to when the water will be back," he added.

When Mr McMahon says he was told by staff that his water should be back on, he challenged them, because it wasn't.

"We were getting nowhere, so I decided to escalate it," he explained.

Uisce Eireann, he added, said they would get back to him within 24 to 48 hours.

He was so concerned as to the welfare of his animals, he actually contacted Mayorstone Garda station.

"I actually called the gardai and I asked if they could let me know, as I am responsible for animals, what happens if I cannot give them water? The exact response I got was - that's a good one," Mr McMahon told Limerick Live.

"The amount of delay in repairing this is unprecedented," the farmer added.

"I've done as much as I can. I've escalated this to the gardai, I've escalated it to the local councillor, I've escalated it to my local TD and Irish Water. Unfortunately, it looks like the situation is that we will just have to sit down and wait," he said.

Mr McMahon's water supply was restored this Thursday.

A spokesperson for Uisce Eireann said the outage was due to a burst water main in Limerick City.

"Works to repair this burst are now complete, and normal water supply has been restored. Customers should note that they may experience some discolouration, anyone who experiences issues on return of supply such as discolouration, low pressure or airlocks can find further information which may help on our website," the spokesperson added.
AN AUNT to everyone and a pure lady - this was how Nora Higgins from Herbertstown has been remembered.

Nora died on July 10 and would have been 101 on October 18.

She spent her whole life in Herbertstown, except for a short period when she was in her early 80s and she went to live in Dromkeen to nurse her sister who was ill.

Nora was the youngest of 12 children born to John and Mary Higgins (nee Bresnan) in Rathjordan, Herbertstown and was the last sibling to survive.

She always loved farming and was a hard worker and used to walk four miles to and from school each day.

Her mind was very sharp right up to the end and she even organised her own 100th birthday party, making a guest list, choosing prayers, renting the Millennium Centre in Caherconlish and getting a meal for around 150 people.

To those who didnt call her Auntie Nora, she was known as the small lady with the white hair around the village.

Nora came from a staunch GAA family and was a huge Limerick hurling fan and was always very interested in local politics and international news. Many of her prayers in later years were devoted to the children suffering in Ukraine and Gaza because of war.

Even into her older years, she remained strong and fit from all the years of working on farms.

Nora never smoked, drank, got married or had children.

She always said that the secret to a long life was hard work and faith.

When she was about 13, Nora started working for the ODonoghues who ran the local pub, first on their farm and then in the pub and looking after the children.

She never actually officially retired from the pub and even into her 80s would have gone in for an hour or two now and then.

When she was in the pub, she took the angelus very seriously and people were not allowed to order a drink until it was finished.

She spent the last few years of her life in St Michaels nursing home in Caherconlish under the care of Dr Fehily and his team and was affectionately known as the queen there.

Nora was so popular that people had to fit into her schedule and almost needed to make an appointment, as she nearly always had someone visiting her.

She had been living on her own and decided to move to the nursing home when she was in her 90s.

Nora loved caring for people and even from the nursing home she would always send Mass cards and birthday cards, never forgetting the all important fiver and every card would come with a little handwritten note.

At her funeral, one man from the community remarked that she probably pulled the first pint for many people in Herbertstown and pulled many a pint at the funerals of the same people, over the years.

READ MORE: Local Rapunzel cuts hair in aid of vital Limerick community centre

It was a very happy funeral, she had such a good life, her great nephew Kevin Higgins told the Limerick Leader.

At the funeral, the priest said: It takes a village to raise a child, but in Herbertstown, Auntie Nora raised the village.

Nora is survived by her sister-in-law Mena, nieces, nephews, the ODonoghue family, relatives, neighbours and her many friends.

May Noras gentle soul Rest in Peace.
One of the government's objectives is to provide social security benefits to citizens. In Budget 2024, the Finance Minister made two announcements towards this objective. These include proposals to raise the limit for employer contribution towards employee's NPS to 14% from the earlier 10%, and the introduction of NPS Vatsalya for minors. Let us understand the details of these two proposals.

Increase in employers NPS contribution to 14% Earlier, under Section 80CCD(2), Central and State Government employees were allowed a deduction of 14% of the salary for employer contribution towards the employees NPS account. The deduction for other employees was limited to 10% of the salary.

In the Budget 2024 speech, the Finance Minister proposed to increase the limit on the amount of deduction allowed to an employer for contribution to employees NPS from 10% to 14% of the employee salary. Under the new tax regime, an employee will be allowed a deduction of 14% of the salary for the employers contribution to their NPS account.

The Finance Minister has proposed to extend the 14% deduction benefit, earlier available to government employees only, to employees of all categories. The additional deduction of 4% of the salary will make NPS more attractive to employees in the private sector, public sector banks and undertaking. Also, as the additional 4% deduction is available only in the new tax regime, more employees will consider shifting to the new tax regime. Thus, with this proposal, the government aims to meet the twin objectives of attracting more employees towards the NPS and the new tax regime.

How much will be the tax savings? Let us look at how much individual taxpayers will save with the increase in the deduction limit. If an individual has a basic pay of Rs. 1,00,000, at a 10% deduction, the employer will contribute Rs. 10,000 per month to the employee's NPS account. On an annual contribution of Rs. 1,20,000, the employee will save Rs. 24,960 in net taxes if they fall in the 20% tax bracket in the new tax regime.

With an increase in the deduction limit to 14%, the employer will contribute Rs. 14,000 per month to the employees NPS account. On an annual contribution of Rs. 1,68,000, the employee will save Rs. 34,944 in net taxes if they fall in the 20% tax bracket.

So, in the above scenario, the additional net tax saving for the employee will be Rs. 9,984.

Increasing the deduction limit to 14% will give dual benefits to employees. It will ensure higher tax savings for them in the short term and a higher retirement corpus getting accumulated in the pension fund in the long term.

NPS Vatsalya The Finance Minister proposed the introduction of NPS Vatsalya for minors. In this plan, the parents and guardians can make contributions for minors. When the minor attains the age of majority, the plan can be converted seamlessly into a normal NPS account. By then, a strong foundation would have been laid. The individual can then take forward the regular NPS account and continue with it by investing their own money.

NPS Vatsalya will help parents to do financial planning for their children right from a young age. Parents can encourage children to deposit their savings from pocket money and/or other sources into the NPS Vatsalya account. It can help inculcate the habit of saving and investing in children from their early years. While this is a good step from the Government in the right direction, the scheme details are awaited.

With the Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA), parents can accumulate money for their girl childs higher education and marriage. With the NPS Vatsalya, parents can set the foundation for their childs retirement fund. Thus, with these two financial schemes, parents can take care of their childrens basic needs and build a bright future for them.

Review of NPS During her budget speech, the Finance Minister also mentioned that the Committee doing a review of the NPS has made considerable progress in its work. She said, I am happy that the Staff Side of the National Council of the Joint Consultative Machinery for Central Government Employees have taken a constructive approach. A solution will be evolved which addresses the relevant issues while maintaining fiscal prudence to protect the common citizens. We can expect more updates on this in the coming days.

Also Read | EPF and NPS: Balancing stability with market exposure

NPS reach set to increase with budget proposals With her Budget 2024 proposals, the Finance Minister has increased the National Pension Scheme (NPS) attractiveness. The increase in the deduction limit from 10% to 14% of salary for employees of all categories and the introduction of NPS Vatsalya will make more people opt for NPS and increase its penetration among the masses. A wider reach of NPS will go a long way in promoting social security for citizens, which is the government's objective.
Bengaluru: Tech Mahindra Ltd, Indias fifth largest information technology (IT) services company, started the financial year ending March 2025 on a positive note with net profit jumping 29% sequentially on the back of lower subcontracting costs.

The company reported a net profit of $102 million, which came from a 14% sequentially drop in subcontracting costs to $181 million.

Even as the companys net profit shot up, analysts expected more. A Bloomberg poll of 28 analysts estimated the company to report $104.6 million in net profit.

All IT services companies hire external consultants to handle software-related work. Spending less on such consultants is a big lever to improve profitability for IT companies, given that salaries account for 6065% of their expenses, with subcontracting costs making up 613% of total expenses.

Also read | Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra says Tech Mahindra partnering with group companies to transform them Pune-based Tech Mahindra, part of the $17 billion Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) conglomerate, reported a 0.7% sequential rise in its revenue to $1.56 billion for the quarter ended June 2024 on the back of growth in its healthcare business.

Clients in healthcare and life sciences accounted for $120 million of the companys revenue. A sequential revenue boost of $9 million from clients in this vertical accounted for 82% of the companys overall incremental revenue of $11 million in the April-June period.

Still, Tech Mahindras chief executive officer Mohit Joshi maintained caution.

I don't think that the situation is that dramatically changed from three months ago. I would say that we are seeing a slightly more stable demand environment, but that's probably it. I wouldn't say that there has been a massive change or a massive upswing from a demand perspective, said Joshi in the post-earnings press conference.

Tech Mahindras performance beat street expectations. A Bloomberg poll of 29 analysts revealed the company was expected to report $1.55 billion in revenue. Tech Mahindra does not give quarterly and yearly future guidance.

The firm reported an operating margin of 8.5% for the quarter, up 110 basis points. This is the first time in four years that it has started the financial year with a bump in operating margins. The management attributed this jump in profitability to its three-year road map outlined in April 2024.

Also read | Tech Mahindra targets 2.5x margin growth by FY27 amid drastic profit decline This is a result of Project Fortius, our cost management programme. Externally and internally, we are also focused on looking at our revenue mix, looking at the geographies where we work, said Joshi, reflecting optimism on margins increasing in the long term.

The companys performance comes as a shot in the arm for its management, which, through its three-year road map named Project Fortius, seeks to increase its operating margin to 15% by March 2027, and grow its revenue faster than its peers. Tech Mahindra aims to do so organically without any acquisitions, by investing in its key accounts and spurring growth in its non-telecom businesses.

Joshi, who took over the reins from predecessor C.P. Gurnani In December last year, had communicated to analysts in April this year that FY25 would be better than the last financial year, using the word turnaround six times in reference to the current financial year.

At least one analyst was confident of the company undergoing a transformation.

Also read | Tech Mahindras strategy gives hope, but watch out for risks along the way We see TechM's Q1FY25 as a steady quarter and continuing to provide initial confidence on the multiyear transformation ahead, which we back and remain positive about, said Manik Taneja, executive director for IT services at Axis Capital.

In terms of geography, the company gets more than half its revenue from North America. It got $817 million of its revenue from the region, $31 million more than the preceding three months. The companys largest client pool ensured that business lost from Europe and the rest of the world did not hurt revenue much.

Although the companys growth was propelled by its healthcare and life sciences businesses, the communications vertical has been the IT services companys unique moat, fetching it more than a third of its revenue. Tech Mahindra got 33%, or $516 million of its April-June revenue from this vertical.

However, revenue from this vertical has declined more than $150 million since the quarter ended March 2023.

Much like its peers, the company did not spell out any revenue pipeline from generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). It did not reveal the number of GenAI projects it is working on but added that 25,000 of its 147,000 workforce had been equipped with AI-related skills.

LTIMindtree, the countrys sixth largest IT services company grew 2.5% to $1.1 billion and its net profit rose 3% to $136 million. Chief executive Debashis Chatterjee was optimistic of the future as he eyed green shoots of recovery even as he did not give a forward-looking guidance.
Things could have been so much worse for Tesla this past quarter.In a period when profit fell 45%, the electric carmaker benefited from a potent weapon for improving its income statement: regulatory credits.

A record amount, equal to more than half of Teslas second-quarter profit, was attributed Tuesday to the sale of these credits to rival automakers that use them to meet emission rules.

The money, essentially pure profit, isnt technically a subsidy. Tesla rather benefits from government programssuch as in Californiathat are aimed at pushing the development of electric and other green vehicles.

The latest payday arrived as Musk reiterates that he is in favor of eliminating government subsidies to encourage the development of electric vehicles and pushes for the return to the White House of Donald Trump, who has pledged to reverse EV policies intended to nurture the industry in the U.S.

Teslas ability to make popular EVsso many that it earns regulatory credits to sell to rivals around the worldalso comes as Musk is talking about how he views his company not as a simple automaker, but as an artificial-intelligence company developing autonomous, or driverless, cars and humanoid robots.

Trumps presidential campaign has made attacking the Biden administrations efforts to bolster EVs a key part of his message. The Democrats administration championed a 2022 law that tied consumer tax credits for buying EVs to industry efforts to bolster the U.S. supply chain for them.

The intent of the effort is to make the nation less dependent on China for supplies. President Biden also raised tariffs on Chinese electric cars to 100% while Trump has also suggested jacking up tariffs.

When asked directly if the elimination of the federal EV subsidies might hurt Tesla profitability in the near term, Musk on Tuesday said that would be the case.

I guess that there would be, like, some impact, but I think it would be devastating for our competitors and it would hurt Tesla slightly," Musk said. But long term, probably actually helps Tesla, that would be my guess."

Then to hit on a point he has been making in recent months about how he sees Teslas future: The value of Tesla overwhelmingly is autonomy. These other things are in the noise relative to autonomy."

Still, government help doesnt hurt. In fact, it helped a lot.

Regulatory credits reported Tuesday for the period that ended in June totaled just shy of $1 billion, compared with $282 million in the same quarter a year ago and $1.79 billion for all of 2023.

Even for a revenue source that has a history of coming in lumpy from quarter to quarter, the recent three-month stretch was unusually large. Throughout Teslas history, the company has benefited from good timing on those sales, helping make a bad quarter look better or allowing Tesla to claim victory as a profitable outlet.

The company has previously said it is hard to forecast these sales, and Musk has described them as a small part of the equation for Tesla."

Some of whats happening here is the other manufacturers are kind of like waiting to see how their EV sales do before buying any credits from Tesla," Musk said in 2019. And so it kind of depends on how that goes. If they sell more EVs, then theres not really a need to do a deal with Tesla."

In California alone, where the idea of regulatory credits really took root before being copied around the world, Tesla as an EV seller has received an estimated value of credits worth more than $2.48 billion as of early last year, according to Gov. Gavin Newsoms office.

The governor has said the credits have been crucial to Teslas success. He was quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2022 talking at a conference about the states efforts to encourage green vehicles. There was no Tesla without Californias regulatory bodies, and regulation," he said at the time.

Ultimately, California wants to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Several other states have copied its regulationssetting up a likely fight if there is another Trump administration.

His first term in the White House saw a lengthy legal battle between his administration and California over fuel-economy requirements, creating uncertain terrain for automakers making product plans years in advance.

In 2019, the Trump administration eliminated Californias special ability to set more stringent vehicle-emission standards than federal rules called for, arguing at the time that the move would give consumers access to cheaper and safer cars.

That was followed by the Biden administration reversing course after it took over and a U.S. Court of Appeals denying a Republican-led effort to overturn Californias authority to establish its own car-pollution rules.

Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress have also had their sights on disrupting Californias plans.

In a possible new Trump administration, amid these conflicting requirements, some automakers that earn their profits from SUVs and trucks may have a lot less incentive to make EVs in the U.S. where they have been struggling to reduce cost to compete with Tesla. For certain automakers, some on Wall Street wonder, might it simply be cheaper to pay for regulatory credits than to sell EVs at huge losses.

And as U.S. rivals struggle to lower their EV costs to match Tesla, Chinese competitors that have been successful in cracking such barriers now face dramatic tariffs. The combined effect for Tesla in a Trump administration are policies that might deter U.S. rivals from catching up while keeping savvy overseas rivals out.

Write to Tim Higgins at tim.higgins@wsj.com
New Delhi: On Tuesday, Meta unveiled its latest generation of Llama 3.1 foundational AI models. Amid a routine upgrade to its models, Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg emphasized expanding localized, vernacular use cases and focusing on promoting open-source development to rope in enterprises.

Industry stakeholders believe that such an approach may help Meta effectively rival OpenAIs generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) AI models, widely considered the top foundational AI platform globally.

In an interview with Mint, Ragavan Srinivasan, vice-president of product and the head of its Llama models at Meta, said that the companys open-source approach to AI will define its approach to generative AI for enterprises, going forward.

Building AI models as open-source is good for developers, Meta and the world in general, as weve seen with our work on Pytorch and React. Rivals of the Llama foundational model are all proprietary, which means that enterprises have to develop their AI applications based on the terms defined by the companies making the models. As generative AI becomes integrated into the internet, wed look to provide open intelligence in order to ensure that a rich developer and partner ecosystem builds around Llama," Srinivasan said.

Srinivasans statement on the latest models, which natively support processing of queries and inferences in Hindi (among other languages), echoes Tuesdays post by Zuckerberg on expanding its open-source approach. Were releasing Llama 3.1 405B, the first frontier-level open-source AI model, as well as new and improved Llama 3.1 70B and 8B models. In addition to having significantly better cost and performance relative to closed models, the fact that the 405B model is open will make it the best choice for fine-tuning and distilling smaller models," the executive said in a blog post.

Industry stakeholders largely welcomed the move. Kashyap Kompella, chief executive of AI research and consultancy firm RPA2AI Research, said that Metas push for AI is multi-pronged.

Meta is looking to be the open-source evangelist in the generative AI space, which can help it rival companies such as OpenAI, Microsoft, Google and Anthropic in offering one of the top five foundational AI models globally. Metas key strength here is that it can use its own models within its core social media services, which means that it does not necessarily need to monetize the models themselves. This is something that OpenAI cannotsince their core offering are the AI models, they will need to look at a direct monetization model instead," he said.

Localized appeal

The local language support, meanwhile, is key to expanding localized appeal for its models. Srinivasan said that its current approach allows the Llama 3.1 models to be used as plug and play" models for companies such as Sarvam, and compatriots such as CoRover etcwhich are focused on building Indianized generative AI applications.

Enterprises can take our model, create its own entire training dataset based on their own proprietary data, and use it for themselvesthereby expanding the usability of our foundational model," he added.

On 18 June, Mint reported a rising tug of war among Silicon Valleys Big Tech majors to grab developer mind-share, which in turn could see a specific approach to generative AI thrive over others. While Apple isnt currently building its own foundational model, the likes of Microsoft, OpenAI and Google are all looking to lure in developers by making their AI models as wide as possible in terms of support, access, pricing and relevancewhich could be key especially for a large applications market such as India.

Zuckerberg and Srinivasans statements highlight an intention to develop the foundational Meta AI model to become the standard for the long term"an approach that Kompella said could help the company rival OpenAIs dominance.

Many organizations dont want to depend on models they cannot run and control themselves. They dont want closed model providers to be able to change their model, alter their terms of use, or even stop serving them entirely. They also dont want to get locked into a single cloud that has exclusive rights to a model. Open source enables a broad ecosystem of companies with compatible toolchains that you can move between easily," Zuckerbergs post said.

Underlining this further, Ragavan said that a key strategy behind making Llama open-source is to expand developer support without Meta having to line a single line of code."

In hardware optimization, developers can optimize to make it efficient in order to run cheaper versions of the AI models. Another example is for developers to integrate workflows of Nvidia or even AMD GPUsexpanding the scope of usage. For any of this, Meta could do so without having to write a single line of code," he added.

Also Read: Amid push for Indian AI, myriad challenges pose concerns

For its Indic language approach, Meta worked with Peak XV (formerly Sequoia Capital India)-backed local language AI startup, Sarvam AI. Earlier this month, Pratyush Kumar, cofounder of Sarvam AI, told Mint that the company is building domain-specific sub-models based on foundational models by sourcing vernacular language data.

For instance, a certain future generative AI application by Sarvam could offer neonatal assistance to new mothers without the need for doctor visitsa factor that can help improve post-pregnancy hygiene and health in rural areas.

Also Read: Is Nvidias near-monopoly status dangerous for the AI industry?
Invoice Discounters of Dunzo Digital, a creditor of e-commerce delivery firm Dunzo, has filed an application under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, seeking the initiation of insolvency proceedings against the firm. It told the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) that the company has only made 50% of the part payment. There is no clarity on the exact amount Dunzo owes its creditors. The startup counts Reliance Retail and Google among its investors.

Dunzo's counsel told the tribunal, The parties are genuinely exploring settlement talks and closing to finalise the settlement details. Kindly grant us two weeks time. If the settlement talks fail, we will go ahead and file a reply in the matter. The creditor's counsel contesting these claims and said the company has paid only half of the money it owes.

A bench led by justices K Biswal and Manoj Kumar Dubey said that any settlement should be initiated by the petitioner. We are not bothered [for] any settlement proposal henceforth, both the parties need to file a joint affidavit within two days, otherwise we will reject [it]. This is the position. It said it would hear the matter next on 6 August.

Dunzo forfeited its right to reply According to an NCLT order dated 29 May, both parties had sought more time as settlement talks were underway. The bench had said that in case there was no settlement, Dunzo would have to reply to the insolvency petition in two weeks.

However, on 19 June, Invoice Discounters told the tribunal that the settlement talks had failed. The tribunal then said Dunzo has forfeited its right to file a reply.

Betterplace, one of Dunzo's operational creditors, also filed a insolvency application against the company in February. It, too, did not disclose the exact amount on which the company defaulted.

Also read: NCLT gives Dunzo two weeks to settle dues with Betterplace Safety Solutions

Dunzo's liquidity crisis Dunzo is in the midst of a liquidity crisis that has over the past year forced it to change business models, delay salaries and vendor payments, and reduce its workforce.

On 3 May we reported the startup is in the final stages of closing a transaction" with investors that it had been looking to raise for at least a year to clear pending liabilities, including salaries.

The arrangement is also expected to find safety for the company into perpetuity", co-founder and chief executive Kabeer Biswas told employees on Friday in an internal communication, which Mint saw.

The report said, citing a person aware of the developments, that Dunzo was in late-stage talks to raise $22 million-$25 million in a mix of equity and debt from a clutch of new and existing investors.
Mankind Pharma has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire Bharat Serums & Vaccines (BSV), backed by Advent International, the company announced on Thursday.

Mankind Pharma Limited has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV) from Advent International (Advent), one of the worlds largest and most experienced private equity investors, for an enterprise value of approx. INR 13,630 Crores, subject to closing related adjustments. This strategic move marks a significant leap for Mankind Pharma, positioning it as a market leader in the Indian women's health and fertility drug market alongside access to other high entry barrier products in critical care with established complex R&D tech platforms, the company said in an exchange filing

The company said that Swedish private equity firm EQT and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) consortium are the other bidders in the acquisition process of buying BSV in the deal, which is estimated at a valuation between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.

We are proud to be one of the few Indian companies that have several first-of-its-kind indigenously developed complex treatments that have delivered better patient outcomes. This acquisition reinforces our commitment towards bringing cutting edge products and expanding our access to millions of patients in India and across the globe. With a proven and established leadership in womens health and critical care, our robust R&D pipeline, and best-in-class manufacturing, and above all, a dedicated and high-performing one-BSV team will add immense value to Mankind Pharma as we grow together, synergise our strengths and explore opportunities towards bringing healthcare closer to every home in India and across the world," said Sanjiv Navangul, CEO & Managing Director, BSV.

Also Read | Govt extends deadline for pharma cos to submit UCPMP undertaking till 31 July

Mankind Pharma earlier bid for Apax Partners-backed Healthium Medtech, a medical device maker, but KKR won the auction process in the end. According to the report, a buyout of Bharat Serums & Vaccines will improve Mankind Pharma's domestic operations as the company's product portfolio comprises formulations across acute and therapeutic areas.

Insight into Bharat Serums & Vaccines: Advent International announced the buyout of a majority stake in BSV in November 2019, giving an exit to investors such as Orbimed Asia and Kotak PE and a partial exit to the promoters, the Daftary family. This deal resulted in the firm's $500 million valuation, as per the report.

The Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited was established in 1971 and develops, manufactures, and markets biological, biotech, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Also Read | Mankind Pharma in talks with PE for consortium bid of Bharat Serums: Report
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has upheld the rights of state governments to levy taxes on land bearing minerals, resolving a longstanding jurisdictional conflict between the Union government and states.

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and seven other judges, out of a nine-judge constitution bench, on Thursday affirmed states' power to tax minerals, clarifying that royalties paid to the Central government by mining operators do not qualify as taxes. The bench noted that royalties and dead rent do not meet the criteria for taxation under current laws.

Royalty stems from the mining lease and is typically calculated based on the quantity of minerals extracted. The obligation to pay royalty arises from contractual agreements between the lessor and lessee and is not intended for public purposes; rather, it serves as compensation for the exclusive use of mineral resources, Chief Justice Chandrachud said.

Contractual payments made to the government cannot be equated to taxes. The lessor charges royalty for relinquishing minerals under the terms of the lease deed, whereas taxes are government-imposed levies, he added.

The dissenting voice Justice B.V. Nagarathna dissented, however, stating that royalty is in the nature of tax and states have no right to levy it, endorsing a 1989 verdict by a seven-judge bench in the India Cements vs Tamil Nadu case which had held royalty to be a tax under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, also known as MMDR Act.

Justice Nagarathna said non-extracting states starting to import minerals could affect foreign exchange reserves, potentially leading to a breakdown of the federal system envisaged under the constitution in the context of mineral development. This will lead to unhealthy competition to obtain mining licenses in states that are mineral rich and do not want to impose any other levy than royalty.

Chief Justice Chandrachud explained that royalties are contractual payments for the exclusive use of mineral resources, distinct from taxes intended for public purposes. He noted that such payments are governed by lease agreements between parties and cannot be equated with government-imposed taxes.

More than 80 petitions have been filed over the years challenging the interpretation of royalties under the MMDR Act. The Supreme Court commenced hearings in February to decide upon these conflicting interpretations and determine the rightful authoritythe Union government or the statesto impose taxes on mineral rights.

The disputes origin The dispute originated from the enactment of MMDR Act by the Union Government in 1957, which brought the control of mines and minerals under the Union government's jurisdiction. Section 9 of this Act mandated that mining lease holders should pay royalties for minerals extracted.

In 1963, the Tamil Nadu government granted a mining lease to India Cements Ltd for extracting limestone and kankar. Under the Mines Act, royalty payments were fixed. Concurrently, under Section 115(1) of the Madras Panchayat Act, a local cess was levied on land revenue paid to the government in each panchayat development block.

India Cements contested the imposition of this cess in the Madras High Court, arguing that the Tamil Nadu government lacked the legislative competence to levy cess on royalty. The High Court ruled in favour of the state, stating that the cess was a charge on land under its legislative authority.

Also read | PLI scheme eyed for critical minerals

India Cements appealed to the Supreme Court, which in 1989 ruled that royalty payments were indirectly related to minerals extracted and classified them as taxable under the MMDR Act. The Supreme Court had held that royalty was a tax, and any cess on royalty exceeded the state's legislative competence, as the Mines Act covered the domain comprehensively.

Over the years, subsequent cases and interpretations challenged the ruling in the India Cements case. In the 2004 case of the State of West Bengal vs Kesoram Industries Ltd, the Supreme Court acknowledged a clerical error in the India Cements judgment, clarifying that royalties were not taxes but contractual payments between lessors and lessees.
New Delhi: Human Mobile Devices, or HMD, makers of Nokia-branded mobile phones, aims to double exports of these devices from India over the next year to 4 million units and boost local production by more than a third, its chief operating officer Alain Lejeune said on Thursday.

Finland-based HMD will make India a base for its global operational platform for production and exports, as it begins to launch its own brand of smartphones and featurephones starting this month, with an aim to capture a share of the market ahead of the festive season.

India is our biggest market by revenue, by volume, even by momentum and potential, and we want to capitalise on it. Making in India is efficient and cost-effective, were going to expand that and going to build India as a global operational platform, with more people, more global functions in terms of sourcing and supply chain, Lejeune told Mint in an exclusive interaction.

Local production will increase by 30-40% next year from 15-16 million units a year currently, while the volume share of smartphones within that mix will more than double. At present, production comprises 70% feature phones and 30% smartphones, and takes place through partnership with electronics manufacturing services provider Dixon Technologies. HMD has tied up with Zet Town India, a subsidiary of Zetwerk, for capacity expansion.

Also read | Nokia maker HMD Global open to sourcing chips from India, says top executive In the past two years, we've shipped 2 million units for exports and we want to look at more than doubling that in the next year. So we're basically on a trend to expand significantly and export, which means naturally with this, the size of operation in India becomes much bigger, Lejeune said.

Exploring Nokia HMD is currently exporting Nokia brand of featurephones and smartphones to West Asia and Africa, from India, and intends to scale up exports to new markets including Europe and the US.

HMD, which owns the licence to make and sell Nokia mobile phones until the end of 2026, launched the first set of smartphones under its own brand, Crest in India on Thursday. It had launched the Pulse series for markets outside India earlier in April.

Lejeune added that India will become HMDs global base for launching its first set of smartphones under its own brand, as it aims to keep HMD and Nokia branded smartphones and featurephones in its portfolio.

Also read | HMD Global to launch and make own brand of smartphones in India in 2024 HMD and Nokia smartphones will be priced between 10,000 and 35,000, the largest segment of the market in volume terms.

Strategy for India About 160 million smartphones were sold in India in 2023, according to Counterpoint Research, of which the brands combined intend to take a sizeable share. At present, they have about 1% market share in the country.

The company's India strategy will be different from the global markets, where all devices that the brand launches will be 5G-enabled, as opposed to other markets where 4G models will be included.
New Delhi: State-run hydroelectric power company NHPC Ltd has appointed Sanjay Kumar Singh as director of projects, as per a press release from the company. Singh has expertise in working on power and infrastructure projects in the Himalayan terrain, with projects in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Bhutan under his belt, as per the press release.

Singh was previously the chief general manager at SJVN Ltd, a government-owned Miniratna company run by the power ministry. During his tenure at SJVN, Singh headed several key projects.

He worked as head of the Sunni Dam Hydroelectric project and Naitwar Mori Hydroelectric project in the construction stage, as per the release. He has also helmed the survey and investigation stages in the Luhri Hydroelectric Project Stage II and Jhakhol Sankri Hydroelectric Project.

Singh was responsible at different positions for construction of major critical components of India's largest hydroelectric power projectNathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project in Himachal Pradesh.

Singh has also served as chief executive officer (CEO) of STPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of SJVN Ltd.

Also Read | Climate irony: Clean hydropower faces a dry patch Singh possesses great expertise in working at various levels for key project activities like project construction, survey & investigation/ pre-construction including preparation of detailed project report and cost estimate, formulation of bid documents, evaluation of bids, issue of awards, contract management, project planning & monitoring, etc., the press release said.

NHPC projects NHPC has major projects under construction and is awaiting clearances to generate over 4,700 MW (megawatt) of hydroelectricity. More than half of this energy generation will take place in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, where NHPC plans to build the Kirthai Hydroelectricity Project II, stage-II of the Uri-I Hydroelectric Project, and the Sawalkot Hydroelectricity Project, according to data on the NHPC website.

Also Read: NTPC arm in talks with HPCL, Hindalco for green hydrogen supply joint ventures NHPC also has multiple projects in the pipeline in the survey and investigation stage in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. These projects will collectively generate 10,355 MW of energy, as per NHPC website data.
Three decades ago, when women now entering their 40s became fertile, East Asian governments had reason to celebrate. If a South Korean woman behaved the same way as her older compatriots, she would emerge from her childbearing years with 1.7 offspring on average, down from 4.5 in 1970. Across the region, policymakers had brought down teenage pregnancies dramatically. The drop in birth rates, which occurred over the span of a single generation, was a stunning success. That was until it carried on. And on.

A South Korean woman who is now becoming fertile will have on average just 0.7 children during her childbearing years if she follows the example of her older peers. Since 2006 the countrys government has spent around $270bn, or just over 1% of GDP a year, on baby-making incentives, such as tax breaks for parents, maternity care and even state-sponsored dating. When birth rates first began to fall, few could have imagined how much harder it would be to get women to have more children, rather than fewer. Officials would love just some of the missing" births back.

What began in East Asia is increasingly true elsewhere, too. The world faces a shortage of babies. Among rich countries, only Israel is having enough children to stop its population from shrinking, and in most places birth rates are falling (see charts 1 and 2). As a consequence, the great and the good are growing worried. A nations strength", warns Emmanuel Macron, Frances president, lies in its ability to generate a dynamic birth rate." Elon Musk, owner of Tesla and X, predicts the end of civilisation.

View Full Image (The Economist)

Almost every rich country is thus considering increasing its pro-natal efforts, as are many middle-income ones. In January Mr Macron launched a campaign to demographically rearm" France (his weapons of choice: fertility tests and maternity leave). Donald Trump promises baby bonuses for a new baby boom" if he wins re-election in November. China, long known for its one-child policy, now offers incentives ranging from child care to tax breaks in order to encourage parents to have three children. Will such policies be enough to avert demographic catastrophe?

View Full Image (The Economist)

Existing measures tend to benefit professional mothers. Across Europe most cash incentives are earnings-relatedin the form of maternity payments and income-tax breaksrather than means-tested, which would direct them to less affluent types. In Singapore parents receive lump-sum payments for house deposits; poor families struggle to buy homes and are therefore unlikely to benefit. Norway offers mothers nearly a year off work, with pre-pregnancy incomes provided by the state, as well as lots of child care.

Even before Mr Macrons rearmament, France spent heavily on family policies (see chart 3). Since the turn of the millennium it has disbursed 3.5-4% of GDP a year on a mixture of handouts, services and tax breaks, meaning it has the highest pro-natalist spend in the OECD club of mostly rich countries. But in 2022 fewer children were born in the country than at any point since the second world war. Similarly, South Korea has little to show for its pro-natal expenditure: no study has been published in a reputable journal showing a single extra birth resulting from the billions of dollars spent.

View Full Image (The Economist)

Researchers did once find a small but enduring rise in the birth rate as a result of policies in Nordic countries, which combine maternity leave with generous child care. In the 1980s officials expected that the impact of these egalitarian schemes would grow with time, as social attitudes adjusted to make life easier for working mothers. But women in Denmark, Norway and Sweden who started having children in 1980 turned out to have fewer than those who started a decade earlier. In fact, it is expectations among potential mothers that seem to have adjusted: as women became used to generous benefits, the extra support appears to have become insufficient to prompt extra births.

Some schemes that try to re-engineer society also backfire. In the OECD extending maternity leave prompts women to delay having their first child, and to have fewer over their lifetime, possibly because the increased time off means more workplace stigma. Heterosexual couples in which a man takes paternity leave are less likely to have another child, perhaps because some men find themselves less suited to hands-on parenting than they imagined.

Governments that simply put cash in the pockets of new parents, and allow them to decide on their own priorities, may have more luck. Guy Laroque of University College London and co-authors find that French income-tax breaks are likely to raise the number of children a woman has. Monthly payments in Israel will probably have similar effects, according to Alma Cohen of Tel Aviv University and colleagues. But not only do such policies have a relatively small impact, they are also fabulously expensive, as lots of cash goes to parents who would have had children regardless of the financial incentives available. Each child that resulted from Family 500+, in the years from the Polish financial-bonus schemes introduction in 2016 to 2019, cost $1m. In France each extra child over the past decade has cost twice that.

The thinking behind such policies dates back to the entrance of women into the workforce en masse, which happened at around the same time as birth rates started their long decline. Gary Becker, a Nobel-prizewinning economist, suggested in the 1960s that the best way to consider children is as goods that parents purchase according to how many they can afford, both in terms of time and money. Easing the burden of a career and expanding household budgets should therefore boost childbearing, he concluded.

Breeding like pandas

Yet the reality of the fall in fertility rates is more complex. For the most part, it does not reflect changing habits among professionals, as Beckers theories would suggest. Instead, birth rates have collapsed because young women are not having as many children. In 1960 American women had on average 3.6 children. In 2023 they had 1.6. Remarkably, women aged 30 and above are having more children. It is only younger women who are having fewer (see chart 4).

View Full Image (The Economist)

Moreover, the decline among younger women is itself concentrated among teenagers. More than half the drop in Americas total fertility rate is explained by women under the age of 19 now having next to no children. Around a third of the missing births would have been unplanned, and the majority of them would have been to women on low incomes. As Kathryn Edin, a sociologist at Princeton University who has been interviewing poor women in America since the 1990s, notes: When I first started, these women I met were having their first kids at 16, 17. Now there is something wrong if you have got a child under 25." Similarly, in Britain women born in 2000 had half as many children before they were 20 as those born in 1990. Unlike their rich counterparts, these women will probably not compensate by having more children later in life.

Meanwhile, there is little evidence that middle-class women wish they had many more children, which would at least suggest they might be open to official persuasion. Today, at the age of 24, college-educated American women want on average 2.2 childrenroughly as many as previous generations. They will now have these children a little later than before, with the first arriving at the age of 30, compared with 28 in 2000. Although trends suggest that they will fall short of their ideal family size, the gap may be the same as for women in previous generations, who missed the target by an average of 0.25 children.

Attempting to encourage middle-class women to have more children is therefore unlikely to be successful. Economists think that such women more confidently plan and predict their future than their less well-off peers. Their plans tend to involve children only after a predictable path of college, work and marriage, meaning they are less likely to react to changes in financial circumstances. Most existing pro-natal policies are trying to do something much more difficult than merely restoring previous fertility patterns. They are trying to persuade women to have more children than they actually want, and are doing so with sums that are small compared with their lifetime earnings.

Younger and working-class women probably offer policymakers the best chance of higher birth rates. Indeed, some programmes are now beginning to explicitly target them. Zhejiang, a province on Chinas eastern border, is offering newly married couples a lump sum, but only if the bride is below the age of 25. In Russia women who have a child before they turn 25 will soon be exempt from income tax. Hungary offers a similar benefit to mothers who have their first child before 30one of only two policies in Viktor Orbans pro-natal push that economists at the Central European University think has created additional births. Although small families are becoming more common almost everywhere, women who start young still tend to have more children over their lifetime, which is why Messrs Orban, Putin and Xi are focusing on them.

Other evidence shows that working-class womens fertility is more responsive to financial circumstances than that of their richer peers. In America and Europe birth rates among poor women fell sharply after the global financial crisis of 2007-09, for instance. College-educated women were more likely to stick to their plans and have children anyway. That is, in part, because professionals delay having children until they have the resources required to outsource child-rearing to nannies and nurseries, making them less reliant on state provision, which was cut back as governments reduced public spending.

Even existing rich-world pro-natal policies have outsize effects on low-income women. State-run child-care services often represent a standard of child care that mothers would not otherwise be able to obtain. Data from Israels Bureau of Statistics suggest that from 1999 to 2005 the countrys child subsidy resulted in a greater fertility boost for low-income women than their richer peers. In Norway and Finland the modest boost that pro-natalist cash gave to birth rates was driven by women with the lowest incomes. By contrast, when French middle-class families child tax credits were cut in half in 2014, there was no change in their birth rate.

Cash transfers are simply a bigger deal to poor households. In January Rx Kids, a nonprofit run by a group of doctors, started one of Americas first unconditional cash-transfer programmes in Flint, Michigan, a hard-up city. Under the terms of the programme, every local mother is entitled to $7,500, which is handed out in instalments from when she first falls pregnant to her childs first birthday. For the average enrollee, who makes less than $10,000 a year, this represents a hefty 75% increase in her income. The programmes most important aim is to alleviate child poverty, says Mona Hanna-Attisha, who runs the charity, but local officials hope it will boost the citys birth rate, too.

At a get-together for participants, young mothers laugh when asked if $7,500 would be enough of an incentive to encourage them to have another child; after all, low-income American households typically spend $20,000 in a babys first year of life. But such money may well have an impact at the margin. As one mother puts it, extra cash might make me keep one I wasnt sure I was going to have". In America poor women are much more likely than middle-class women to cite financial hardship as a reason for an abortion.

Birth rates in America, Europe and East Asia have fallen far enough that not even appealing to women whose fertility reacts most strongly to incentives is going to stop populations from shrinking. But by 2050 more than three-quarters of the worlds women will be reproducing below replacement rate, according to forecasts published by the Lancet, a medical journal. Even if governments are unable to turbocharge birth rates overnight, they will not stand idle. Pro-natal policies are only going to gather momentum.

Missing storks

Will governments other than the likes of Hungarys and Russias start to target incentives at younger, poorer women? Childbearing produces positive externalities for society. As the sclerotic economies of East Asia are discovering, shrinking populations mean less innovation, manpower and tax revenue. Parents are expected to shoulder most of the cost of children, which is a particular burden for poorer ones. And political calculation may come into play. Few governments lose votes because their handouts are too generous.

Yet some considerations should give politicians pause. The extra children produced by targeted policies will probably not turn into the productivity-boosting professionals that governments most desire. Only 8% of the children of American-born non-college-educated parents are themselves expected to obtain a bachelors degree, and during his or her adult life the average high-school graduate boosts the public finances by less than a tenth of the net contribution of a college graduate. Therefore the financial benefits of pro-natal policies aimed at working-class women would probably be overwhelmed by their costs, given the expense associated with even well-targeted programmes. The best hope for such policies would lie in boosting the life outcomes of extra children. Early evidence from trials such as the one in Flint and covid-19 assistance programmes suggests that cash transfers lift childrens performance in early schooling and improve access to health care.

Another consideration for politicians is the morality of such interventions. Policymakers sought to break the norm of young motherhood for a reason. Each year a woman goes without childbearing, her expected lifetime earnings increase. A first-time American mother in her mid-30s will earn more than twice what she would have earned had she had her first child aged 22. Women who give birth aged 15 to 19 are more likely to develop health problems; their first child is more likely to drop out of high school and to grow up without having both parents at home. In Flint many mothers express regret that they did not manage to get things sorted" before they started to have children. Hang on," says one outside a community centre. The idea is that I get paid just enough to make me have another kid? But thats all that changes? Where doing it [raising a kid] right, later on, its all me? That doesnt seem right." The 26-year-old mother of three leans back, and laughs.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved.

From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
New Delhi: The Union government is racing to register 10,000 farmers producer organisations that can help boost their income with improved market access, advanced technology, and enhanced collective bargaining power.

The government may even reach this target by December, two months ahead of its target, two officials told Mint.

So far, the government has registered nearly 9,000 FPOs, one of them said.

Farmers producer organisations help bridge the gap between wholesale and retail food prices by aggregating and processing primary produce. The government launched the initiative on 29 February 2020 aiming to register 10,000 FPOs by 28 February 2025.

In the Union budget announced earlier this week, the government proposed increasing the allocation for FPOs by about 30%, from 450 crore for 2023-24 to 581.67 crore for 2024-25.

Also read | First cabinet meeting of new government to declare MSP for kharif crops

The FPOs will bring together small, marginal, and landless farmers, giving them the collective strength to tackle their challenges more effectively, the official mentioned above said.

Given the current pace of FPO registrations, the government may exceed the target of 10,000 FPOs by the end of this year, the second official said.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

A spokesperson for the agriculture ministry said that as of 25 July, 8,939 FPOs had been registered.

A leg-up for the small and marginal farmer Under the scheme guidelines, each FPO will receive financial assistance of up to 18 lakh over three years. Additionally, the scheme involves a matching equity grant of up to 2,000 per farmer member, with a maximum of 15 lakh per FPO.

A credit guarantee facility of up to 2 crore is also provided for project loans from lending institutions to ensure that FPOs have access to institutional credit.

FPOs with at least 300 farmer members are eligible for assistance in plain regions, while those with 100 members are eligible in northeastern and hilly areas.

Also read | The toll of climate crisis on Indias marginal farmers

A significant number of farmers in the country are small or marginal, with average land holdings of less than one hectare, said Binod Anand, a member of the governments committee on minimum support price, or MSP, which guarantees procurement of a farmers produce at a fixed price.

As these small, marginal, and landless farmers face several challenges during the agricultural production phase, including difficulties accessing technology, quality seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and the necessary financial resources, the FPOs help improve market access for farmers by facilitating direct sales, he said.

Exports in decline Several producer organisations registered so far have been helping farmers increase their incomes by participating in exports.

For example, Sahyadri Farms in Nashik exports mangoes, grapes, and vegetables; Green Gold FPO exports bananas and vegetables to Gulf countries and Europe; and Himalayan Organic FPO exports organic apples and oranges to premium markets in Europe and North America.

Members of such FPOs include small and marginal farmers, landless farmers, agricultural laborers, cooperatives, community groups, and producer companies.

FPOs also play a key role in the export of unique agricultural products. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has registered over 1,000 FPOs and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to support this effort.

However, exports of agricultural and processed food products contracted by 3% in the first quarter of this fiscal year, decreasing from $6,083.83 million in April-June 2023 to $5,886.81 million in April-June 2024, commerce ministry data show.
New Delhi: The central government has extended the deadline for pharma and medical device company bosses to file their legal self-declarations assuring the government that they will not indulge in unethical marketing practices to promote their drugs.

These companies can now file the self-declaration undertaking till 31 July 2024, wherein top executives from these firms must assure the government that they will not engage in unethical marketing practices.

These undertakings are required to be filed for FY25 under the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), 2024.

Given the inability of some drug and medical device makers to meet the set deadline, some of them had requested the department of pharmaceuticals (DoP) to extend the deadline.

Consequently, the extension comes as a relief for these firms, as failure to meet the requirements would have invited action from the government.

Also read: Govt seeks nodal officer details to check marketing practices of pharma firms With reference to this Department's Circular dated 28th May 2024 made under Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP)-2024, it is informed that the time for submitting the Self-declaration under UCPMP-2024 has been further extended till 31.07.2024, stated the DoP's communication to pharma associations, which was also seen by Mint.

Queries sent to the department of pharmaceutical remained unanswered till press time.

Not the first time These requirements were brought in by the government after Micro Labsthe makers of Dolo 650 mgwas allegedly found to be offering freebies to doctors during Covid-19 pandemic to prescribe its anti-fever medicine.

The UCPMP was rolled out in March 2024 with an objective to bring transparency and ensure ethical conduct by pharmaceutical and medical device making companies in their marketing practices.

It also restricted them from offering freebies such as gifts, travel, hospitality and monetary benefits to the doctors for prescribing a particular medicine.

Not filing the declarations in time or adhering to other norms set out under the code would allow the government to take action against these companies.

Also read: Government to audit pharma companies in July to review compliance with GMP norms While the code bars pharma firms from giving free samples of drugs to any person who is not qualified to prescribe them, the code also regulates events, seminars and workshops involving the pharmaceutical industry and doctors.

The UCPMP further requires these events to be organised in a well-defined and transparent manner, by disclosing the details and expenditure incurred to host them.

A holistic approach According to government data, India is home to approximately 3,000 drug making companies and 10,500 manufacturing units.

Moreover, the drug manufacturing industry in the country is projected to reach a value of $130 billion by 2030, from $50 billion currently. It is expected to reach $65 billion by the end of 2024.

Also read: Centre asks states to tackle over-the-counter sale of prescription drugs Earlier, Mint had reported that the DoP has instructed all the pharma associationssuch as Indian Drugs Manufacturing Association (IDMA), Indian Pharmaceuatical Alliance (IPA) and othersto nominate nodal officers from each of their member firms to deal with matters related to the UCPMP.
Southwest Airlines will soon assign seats on flights and sell some with extra legroom, making sweeping changes in a bid to broaden its appeal to passengers and boost revenue.

The plans, announced Thursday, also come as it fends off an activist investor pushing for an overhaul of the airlines leadership and operating strategy.

Open seating has been a hallmark of Southwest flights since the carrier got its start over 50 years ago. It was part of a business model that produced decades of uninterrupted profits and democratized flying in the process. But Southwest executives said that the company needs to adapt to what todays customers want.

This is the right change at the right time," Southwest Chief Executive Bob Jordan said in an interview.

It isnt clear when flying with assigned seats and premium rows will start, but Southwest said bookings for them are expected to begin next year. The exact timing of the changes depend on the airline gaining regulatory approval and retrofitting its planes.

It expects to share more details at an investor presentation in late September. Southwest also plans to operate red-eye flights for the first time starting next year.

In the crosshairs

The carrier has been facing challenges on a range of fronts. Its profit margins have lagged behind many rivals and pulled back from some new cities it entered as part of an ambitious expansion strategy.

Other airlines are also grappling with too many empty seats on U.S. flights and weaker fares, but Southwest doesnt have the vast international network and high-end offerings that have offset those problems for rivals.

Through Wednesday its share price this year is down about 7.9%, compared with a 14% gain in the S&P 500.

Elliott Investment Management, an influential hedge fund that has amassed a $1.9 billion stake in the company, has criticized the airline for being slow to adapt to modern flying. Elliott wrote in a letter to Southwests board that changes it has been contemplating are too little, too late, and that many investors have lost confidence in the airlines leaders.

Southwest said it started studying potential changes last fall, before Elliott in June disclosed its stake in the airline.

Jordan declined to estimate exactly how much extra revenue the airlines new initiatives will bring in, but said he expects it to be significantly north" of the nearly $1 billion Southwest currently generates selling extras like those that allow passengers to board sooner.

New boarding plan

Southwests plan eases pressure on fliers to check in precisely 24 hours in advance or to pay extra to get a good spot in queues at airport gates.

Fans of the airline have said they loved open seating. When flights were emptier, they could often land a window or aisle seat. That is happening far less frequently though, as planes are more packed.

The airline said it surveyed thousands of customers to understand what they want and what they would be willing to pay for. It found that 80% favored assigned seatsan overwhelming share that Jordan said took him by surprise. Our customers really, really, really want it," he said.

And the carrier is betting it can bring in more fliers, including those who wouldnt have previously considered Southwest. As it makes a bigger push for corporate travelers, it has found road warriors have little interest in playing seating roulette.

Many employees, tired of refereeing preflight seat disputes, want it too. The airline got more internal complaints when it ditched serving peanuts on flights than when it started discussing potential changes a few months ago, executives said.

Extended legroom seats will eventually account for about a third of seats across Southwests fleet, but executives say they are not planning on a true first-class cabin.

Ryan Green, the executive charged with leading the commercial transformation, said that since Southwest seats are already among the roomiest in economy cabins, it is possible to cede some space without making the experience uncomfortable for those who dont pay up. It isnt clear how much the option will cost passengers.

Selling to skeptics

Currently, Southwests boarding procedure involves sorting customers into three groups (A, B or C), assigning them a number, and calling for them to line up in order. Passengers who pay for boarding and check-in upgrades, have elite status or pay for pricier ticket options can improve their position.

To test out different boarding methods, Southwest enlisted employees along with their families to practice getting on and off planes over several days in Houston. The passengers were loaded up with carry-ons and strollers, and some used wheelchairs. They tried different boarding and assigned seating configurations to determine whether assigning seats would slow things downone reason the airline previously opted not to do it.

The carrier set up cameras to track passengers movements. Some testers wore Google Glass devices so the airline could see the experience from their perspectivehow they searched out seat numbers and overhead bin space.

Southwest validated its findings with millions of computer simulations, and found that it could make the change without gumming up operations.

Jordan said he knows there may be a small, but vocal group of superfans who are skeptical as their beloved airline transforms.

I think we will win those folks over," he said.

Write to Alison Sider at alison.sider@wsj.com
New Delhi: The government on Thursday extended the date for stakeholders to submit comments on proposed rules for preventing and regulating pesky calls by a fortnight.

The last date for submission of comments, which was extended after various industry bodies and other stakeholders requested more time to submit their replies, is now 5 August, the consumer affairs ministry said in a statement.

Mint first reported on 4 March that the government plans to introduce the proposed guidelines to regulate unsolicited calls.

The department of consumer affairs has received several suggestions from stakeholders, including consumers, and is examining them, it said. Central ministries were also asked to send suggestions by 21 July.

Regulating unsolicited calls The government plans to make it illegal for companies to make unsolicited calls or send unwanted text messages to promote their services or hire agents to do so on their behalf from unregistered numbers.

The move to regulate pesky calls comes in response to widespread consumer complaints about the increasing volume of unsolicited calls and messages.

The proposed rules aim to safeguard consumer rights by implementing stringent measures against telemarketers who fail to comply with established guidelines.

The proposed guidelines aim to tackle spam calls and texts from businesses  especially banks, non-bank lenders, insurance firms and property dealers  which have become a menace in recent years.

Under the draft guidelines, all unsolicited business communication will be subject to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and violations will attract hefty penalties.

The proposed rules also bar communications that violate the Telecom Regulations Authority of Indias (TRAIs) rules on sending commercial messages based on customer preferences.

Despite existing Telecom Regulations Authority of Indias (Trai) regulations, specifically the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations introduced in 2018, these misleading and deceptive communications have become a significant nuisance for mobile users.

While the do not disturb (DND) registry has proven highly effective for registered telemarketers, the issue persists due to unregistered entities and those using 10-digit private numbers.

As per the proposed rules, telecom operators would have to clearly show the identity of the calling entity and the purpose of the call.

The proposed guidelines include mandatory registration of telemarketers, ensuring accountability and enabling the government to monitor and regulate telemarketing activities more effectively.

Consumer groups want stricter penalties and more transparent complaint resolution processes. The extension of the feedback period is seen as a positive step, allowing these and other concerns to be thoroughly considered," said Ashim Sanyal, CEO, Consumer Voice.
Shares of the mining companies were trading mixed after the Supreme Court gave state governments permission to levy mineral cess. Today, (July 25), a majority decision by the Supreme Court's nine-judge constitution bench declared that governments are authorised to impose taxes on land that contains minerals. The highest court also declared that royalties paid by miner to the Center are contractual payments rather than taxes.

Whether royalties on mining leases should be regarded as taxes and whether the States had the authority to impose taxes or royalties on mineral rights following the passage of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 by the Parliament were the main issues that the court looked at.

Royalty is not within the nature of tax as it is a contractual consideration paid by the lesssee under the mining lease. Both royalty and dead rent do not fulfil the characteristics of tax, the Court said.

The Court affirmed the ability of governments to impose taxes on lands holding minerals by an 8:1 majority, even though it concluded that the 1989 finding of the seven-judge Constitution bench, which declared that royalty on minerals constitutes a tax, is wrong.

The nine judges on the panel that handed down the decision were led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and included Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Abhay Oka, BV Nagarathna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, Ujjal Bhuyan, SC Sharma, and AG Masih.

Also Read | Supreme Court upholds states power to tax minerals

Shares of Orissa Minerals Development Company, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation, Vedanta, Hindustan Zinc, Hindalco Industries, were down 1% to 4%. On the other side Coal India, MOIL, KIOCL were up 0.5% to 2%.

The metals and mining stocks have seen corrections today, mainly due to selling seen in base metals in the international markets. Traders should be cautious for the time being and avoid aggressive longs here until we see any reversal signs, advised Ruchit Jain, Lead Research Analyst at 5paisa.
F&O ban list:The National Stock Exchange (NSE) banned trading in two stocks on Thursday, July25, 2024, in the futures and options (F&O) segment as they exceeded 95% of the market-wide position limit (MWPL).

However, these stocks will be available for trading in the cash market.

The NSE updates the list of securities in the F&O ban for trade every day.

F&O ban list today

Vodafone Idea andIndia Cements are the two stocks on the NSE's F&O ban list for July 25.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) said the derivative contracts in these securities crossed 95% of the market-wide position limit and have been placed in the stock exchange's ban period.

All clients/members shall trade in the derivative contracts of said security only to decrease their positions through offsetting positions. Any increase in open positions shall attract appropriate penal and disciplinary action," the NSE statement said.

No new positions are allowed when the stock exchanges place F&O contracts in a particular stock in the ban period.

On July 24, extending the losing streak to the fourth day, benchmark BSE Sensex declined by 280 points due to profit booking in financial and banking shares, after the government announced a hike in securities transaction tax and short-term capital gains tax in the budget for 2024-25.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 280.16 points or 0.35 per cent to settle at 80,148.88 with 19 of its components closing lower and 11 with gains. During the day, it tumbled 678.53 points or 0.84 per cent to 79,750.51.

The NSE Nifty dropped 65.55 points or 0.27 per cent to 24,413.50.

In the broader market, the BSE small-cap gauge jumped 1.91 per cent and mid-cap index climbed 0.68 per cent.

Among the sectoral indices, bankex, financial services, auto were the laggards.
Larsen and Toubro: L&T reported a 12% YoY increase in its consolidated net profit, reaching 2,786 crore for Q1 ending June 30, 2024. Despite the geopolitical situation, the company achieved steady growth across all financial parameters in Q1 FY 2024-25. The company secured orders totaling 70,936 crore at the group level in the first quarter, marking an 8% YoY increase, driven by robust ordering activity in the Middle East.

Nestle India: The FMCG major is expected to continue its growth momentum in Q1 ending June 2024, led by a healthy growth in profit and revenues. The company is scheduled to release its Q1FY25 results on Thursday, 25 July. Revenue for April-June 2024 period is likely to jump 9% YoY, led by growth in domestic sales and exports.

Tech Mahindra: The company is set to unveil its Q1 FY25 earnings on July 25 and analysts have predicted a sequential uptick in both net profit and revenue of the IT company, driven by portfolio shifts, volume growth, and cost management. According to analysts' estimates, Tech Mahindras net profit is projected to increase over 30% QoQ, reaching 861 crore in Q1 FY25.

Axis Bank: The bank reported a 4% YoY increase in net profit at 6,035 crore for Q1FY25. The banks net interest income rose 12% YoY to 13,448 crore. The banks net interest margin for Q1FY25 stood at 4.05%. Axis Banks reported gross non-performing assets and net NPA levels were 1.54% and 0.34% respectively. The banks advances grew 14% YoY and 2% QoQ to 9,80,092 crore as on 30th June 2024.

SBI Life Insurance: The company reported a net profit of 519 crore for the June quarter, up 36% from the year-ago period. The annualized premium equivalent of the insurer stood at 36,400 crore. Value of New Business of the insurer for the reporting quarter was at 970 crore, 12% growth and VNB margin was 26.8%.

Religare Enterprises: Indias insurance regulator IRDAI has directed Care Health Insurance Limited to cancel the hefty stock options that it granted to Religare Enterprises chairperson Rashmi Saluja. This could be a setback to Saluja and Religares board in their struggle against the Burman family for control of the financial services company.

Jindal Steel and Power: JSPL posted a 4% increase in profit after tax to 1,456.54 crore during the June 2024 quarter, helped by higher income. The company produced 2.05 million tonne (MT) from 2.04 MT in the year-ago quarter. The company also reduced its net debt to 10,462 crore at the end of the June 2024 quarter from 11,203 crore at the end of the March 2024 quarter.

Oracle Financial Services Software: The company reported a 23.1% YoY increase in net profit at 616.7 crore for Q1FY25. The companys revenue from operations increased 19.08% to 1,741.4 crore. At the operating level, EBITDA surged 36.3% to 847.1 crore in Q1FY25. The EBITDA margin stood at 48.6% in the reporting quarter.

Petronet LNG: The company reported a nearly 40% increase in its consolidated net profit for Q1FY25 at 1,100.76 crore. The company reported a total income of 13,592.84 crore for the quarter under review, with a 15.2% increase on a year-on-year basis. The Dahej terminal processed highest ever 248 TBTU (trillion British thermal unit) of LNG during the current quarter.

Indian Energy Exchange: IEX posted over 27% rise in consolidated net profit to 96.44 crore for June quarter, mainly on the back of higher revenues. IEX recorded a total trading volume of 30.4 BUs (billion units), an increase from 25.1 BUs in Q1FY24, marking a growth of 21.1% YoY (year-on-year).

JK Paper: The company reported a 54.8% YoY decline in net profit at 139.7 crore for Q1FY25. The companys revenue from operations increased 8.2% to 1,713.7 crore against 1,584.4 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal.

Adani Green Energy: The company operationalised a 250MW wind power generation at the worlds largest 30,000 MW renewable energy plant at Khavda, Gujarat. With this milestone, 2,250 MW of cumulative capacity has been made operational at the Khavda plant.

DCB Bank: Private sector lender DCB Bank reported a 3.6% YoY dip in net profit at 131.4 crore for Q1FY25. Net interest income (NII) increased 5.5%, coming at 496.6 crore against 470.7 crore in the corresponding quarter of FY24.

Piramal Capital and Housing Finance: The company, a subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises, has raised $300 million through its first US dollar-denominated bond. The lender is now looking to increase the share of overseas borrowing to 10-15% of its total liabilities.

Hindustan Zinc: The company 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. The Vedanta group company also launched a new low-carbon line of zinc, betting on demand from steelmakers as emission norms get stricter globally.

Hero Motocorp: The Delhi High Court has quashed summons issued to Hero Motocorp chairman Pawan Kant Munjal in a case registered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) relating to foreign currency.

Indian Overseas Bank: The bank gained 190 crore after the transition to the revised norms for classification, valuation and operation of investment portfolio of banks on April 1. The bank expects 100 crore in deferred tax asset (DTA) in the next quarter.

CG Power and Industrial Solutions: The company has entered into definitive agreements for acquiring 55% stake of GG Tronics. The transaction will be carried out through a combination of purchase of equity shares from the promoters of GGT and by way of subscription to Compulsorily Convertible Preference shares for an aggregate consideration of up to 319.38 crore.

Linde India: The capital markets regulator Sebi and Linde India (LIL) have exchanged harsh words following the regulators examination of LILs related party-transactions with Praxair India Pvt Ltd and Linde South Asia Services Pvt Ltd.

Indraprastha Gas: IGL reported an 8% YoY decline in net profit at 401 crore for Q1FY25. The companys revenue from operations increased 3% to 3,520 crore against 3,406.98 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal.

Bikaji Foods International: The company reported a 40.6% growth in net profit at 58.55 crore in Q1FY25. The companys revenue for the quarter under review surged to 555.12 crore from 481.68 crore reported in the corresponding period of previous financial year.

Sona BLW Precision Forgings: Auto component maker Sona BLW Precision Forgings reported a 26.7% YoY increase in net profit at 141.9 crore for Q1FY25. The companys revenue from operations rose 21.8% to 891.2 crore as against 731.4 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal.

Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC: The company reported a 27.7% YoY increase in net profit at 235.7 crore for Q1FY25. The companys revenue from operations rose 24.2% to 386.6 crore as against 311.2 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal.

Syngene International: The contract research and manufacturing services firm reported a 19% YoY decline in net profit at 75.7 crore for Q1FY25. The companys revenue from operations dipped 2.3% to 789.7 crore. EBITDA fell 44.6% to 170 crore, with the EBITDA margin standing at 21.5%.

Rail Vikas Nigam: The company has been awarded a project worth 191.53 crore by SER HQ-Electrical/South Eastern Railway. The project involves the design, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of a 132 KV traction substation, sectioning posts (SPs), and sub-sectioning posts (SSPs) in a 2x25KV system on the Rajkhaswan-Nayagarh-Bolani section of the Chakradharpur division of South Eastern Railway.

Karnataka Bank: The banks Q1 standalone YoY profit grew by 8% to 400.3 crore from 370.7 crore, and net interest income increased by 10.88% to 903.4 crore from 814.7 crore. However, Gross NPA rose to 3.54% from 3.53% (QoQ), and Net NPA jumped to 1.66% from 1.58% (QoQ).

Ramkrishna Forgings: The company Q1 consolidated YoY profit increased by 3% to 80.9 crore from 78.5 crore, and revenue rose by 12.6% to 1,005 crore from 892.3 crore.

ITC Infotech India: The company, a subsidiary of ITC, has expanded its global footprint by incorporating a wholly owned subsidiary in Italy, named ITC Infotech Italia s.r.l.

Dish TV: The company is set to raise funds up to 1,000 crore through equity shares or bonds, in one or more tranches, as approved by the board. Additionally, the board has greenlit the incorporation of a subsidiary in India to distribute products and services via a robust digital platform.

Sun Pharmaceutical: The company has received a warning letter from the US FDA for its Dadra facility.
Sun Pharmaceutical's share price on Thursday, July 25, hit a 52-week high at 1,658.00 on NSE, even after Australian drug maker Mayne Pharma initiated legal action against the Indian pharma major over alleged patent infringement. The lawsuit is related to a menopause treatment for vaginal pain, the Australian pharmaceutical company announced on Thursday.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for New Jersey, claimed that Sun Pharma violated all 20 patents listed in the FDA's Orange Book for IMVEXXY, a vaginal insert designed to alleviate pain during intercourse post-menopause.

Sun Pharma stocks were trading in the green, up 2.26 per cent at 1656.30 on July 25, at 2:13 pm, on the BSE. The company enjoys a market capitalisation of 3,97,212.20 crore.

Orange Book-listed patents have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are considered safe for use.

Mayne Pharma stated that the lawsuit was prompted by a notification that Sun Pharma had submitted an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to the FDA, seeking approval to market a generic version of IMVEXXY.

An ANDA is a request to the health regulator for approval to produce a previously licensed drug in the United States. These applications do not require the applicant to conduct clinical trials.

The complaint from Mayne Pharma also noted that Sun Pharma filed a Paragraph IV certification, challenging the validity or applicability of IMVEXXY's patents listed in the Orange Book.

This "formally initiates the litigation process under the Hatch-Waxman Act and triggers a 30-month stay of any potential FDA approval for Sun Pharma's ANDA," Mayne Pharma said in a statement.

IMVEXXY, which is distributed by TherapeuticsMD, received FDA approval in 2018.

Sun Pharma's legal woes In another related development, Sun Pharma challenged the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) demand notices of 2005. The company was directed to deposit the overcharged principal amount of 2,15,62,077 for the April 1996 to July 2003 period and the interest on this amount ( 2,49,46,256) for Roscilox, a brand of a Cloxacillin-based drug formulation.
"Abe, you're never going to get re-elected if you don't stop shaving in public... You changed four score and seven years" ago to 87? Abe, thats meant to be a grabber. Abe, we test marketed that and they loved it."

 From the Abraham Lincoln vs Madison Avenue" sketch in The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart.

The great Bob Newhart passed away last week at the age of 94, and the soft-spoken performer left a massive impact on comedy  and on television finales. This is a salute.

Newharts debut comedy album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart (1960) was a seismic success, quickly displacing Elvis Presley from the top spot on the Billboard 200. The albums genius lay in Newharts unique approach: one-sided conversations with pauses that invited the listener to imagine the other half. The aforementioned Abraham Lincoln sketch  lovingly referenced in The Marvelous Mrs Maisel  in which a bumbling marketing guy advises the president on his public image the night before the Gettysburg Address, exemplified Newhart's knack for finding offbeat yet strangely relatable humour.

It became the first comedy album to win a Grammy for Album of the Year (beating Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra on its way) and established Newhart as a master of deadpan laughs. His style was understated, his delivery impeccable. At a time when stand-up comedy was dominated by louder, boisterous personalities, Newharts soft-spoken, stammering delivery was a breath of fresh air. He wasnt just telling jokes; he was crafting meticulous, character-driven narratives.

This carried over into Newharts first sitcom, The Bob Newhart Show (1972). Newhart played Dr Robert Hartley, a psychologist navigating the quirks of his patients and the eccentricities of his colleagues and friends. The show was groundbreaking for its time, addressing issues of mental health with humour and sensitivity. Storylines were bold, tackling topics like group therapy, phobias, and marital counselling with a light but respectful touch.

One iconic episode revolved around Bobs struggle to overcome his own fear of flying. Another episode featured a character coming out as gay, unprecedented for TV at the time. This episode was handled with the same blend of humour and respect that characterised the show, a quietly revolutionary moment in TV history. The shows ensemble cast, including Suzanne Pleshette as Bobs witty and supportive wife Emily, created a warm and believable world where laughter was always a heartbeat away.

Newharts second major sitcom, Newhart (1982) further cemented his legacy as a comedic genius. Set in a quaint Vermont inn, the show followed Dick Loudon, an author and TV host, as he adjusted to rural life with his wife Joanna. The show was known for its quirky characters and offbeat gags, epitomised by the three brothers Larry, Darryl, and Darryl, who became cult favourites.

Now, lets talk about the Newhart finale, one that influenced the unforgettable finish of The Sopranos, and even this years much loved Curb Your Enthusiasm finale  which basically took the show back to its Seinfeld roots. Both finales borrowed from Newharts playbook, leveraging surprise, subversion, and the audiences expectations to craft memorable and provocative conclusions.

None of them went as audacious as Newhart, though. In the final episode, after a series of increasingly surreal events, Newharts character wakes up in bed next to Suzanne Pleshette, who played his wife from The Bob Newhart Show. The entire eight-season run of Newhart, therefore, is revealed to be the dream of Dr Hartley. This twist was both a hilarious nod to Newharts previous sitcom and a masterstroke of television storytelling. It was a moment of pure Newhart brilliance, blending wit, nostalgia, and absurdity in a way that only he could.

Great television endings are about challenging the audience, making them think, and keeping the conversation going long after the screen went dark.

In his later years, Newhart continued to leave his mark on popular culture. His role as Papa Elf in the 2003 holiday classic Elf showcased his timeless appeal and comedic charm to a new generation of fans. Newharts guest appearances on The Big Bang Theory, where he played Professor Proton, a beloved but retired TV science show host, earned him an Emmy Award and introduced his signature style to a contemporary audience.

In essence, Newhart paved the way for a more subtle, character-driven approach to humor, inspiring generations of comedians and writers. Current comedians like Jim Gaffigan, with his understated delivery, and sitcoms like Parks & Recreation, with their flaky characters and good-natured humour, owe a debt to Newharts style.

Subtlety was the key. As we bid farewell to this comedy legend, we celebrate a career that brought joy and laughter to millions, proving that sometimes, the softest voice can make the loudest impact.

Reflecting on his success, Newhart had once said, I don't like country music, but I don't mean to denigrate those who do. And for the people who like country music, denigrate means 'put down." Thats Bob Newhart for you, gentle yet cruel, ever eager to skewer that which must be skewered. We can all stand to be taken down a peg, and Newhart did it politely and perfectly. Everything and everyone  from the Wright Brothers to a plaid-wearing handyman  was fair game. Nobody is above a prank call.

Streaming Tip Of The Week:

Bob Newhart would approve of the flaky, unreliable narrator (played by Robert Downey Jr) in the highly entertaining 2005 comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, now streaming on JioCinema. Shane Blacks film is a self-aware pulpy ride featuring an immaculate Val Kilmer.
(Reuters) - The Indian government aims to manage its cash position by tweaking Treasury bills sales, if needed, instead of resorting to changes to the bond auction schedule, two government officials said.

It is easier to remain flexible and manage T-bill borrowing, as tinkering with bond auctions disrupts the market and traders want the government to stick to the borrowing calendar, T.V. Somanathan, finance secretary, told Reuters on Wednesday.

In the union budget on Tuesday, the government lowered borrowing through bonds by 120 billion rupees ($1.43 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 2025 while slashing Treasury bill issuances, which will result in a net inflow of 500 billion rupees into the banking system.

Another government official, who did not wish to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media, said it is better to lower borrowings through T-bills, as it avoids market volatility.

The government assumes bond yields will remain approximately around prevailing levels, perhaps falling slightly, Somanathan said. "I am not able to foresee anything beyond 2-3 years."

Investors expect India's bond yield curve to steepen as the lower T-bill supply pushes short-term bond yields lower compared with long-term yields.

T-bills, which mature within a year, saw yields falling by 3-4 basis points after the budget, and traders expect a further decline. India's five-year bond yield was down marginally at 6.89%, while benchmark bond yield was at 6.96%.

Also Read | Right time to invest in long term bonds, says Siddharth of Bajaj Finserv AMC

"Since most of the reduction in fiscal deficit is from cut in supply of T-bills, I expect the yield curve to steepen and most of the action will shift to short-end, mainly the three-five year segment," said Vikas Goel, managing director at the primary dealer PNB Gilts.
Although many taxpayers anticipated the possibility of capital gains tax rationalisation in Budget 2024, not many were expecting the tax rates to be raised, said Saumya Aggarwal, assistant professor, department of commerce at Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi. In a telephonic interview with MintGenie, Aggarwal also spoke about the National Pension System Vatsalya (NPS Vatsalya) scheme, the governments emphasis on the new tax regime and the higher tax rate levied on short-term capital gains (STCG).

Edited excerpts from the interview.

What do you think about the removal of indexation from LTCG? The government has removed indexation. An increase in capital gains tax is not a positive development. It could increase capital gains tax avoidance.

LTCG has been raised from 10% to 12.5% in sale of securities. What do you think about this? Everyone had an idea about possible tweaks in capital gain tax. However, the increase in tax rates was not anticipated. Earlier, there used to be confusion in the capital gains and different rates were levied on different assets, and then there were different time periods that determined whether the gain was short term or long term. So, the legislation was meant to be simplified. But rather than simplifying, they have raised the rates.

Now, multiple rates are clubbed into one, i.e., 12.5 per cent  which is lower than the tax rate on short-term capital gains.

The short-term capital gain is typically taxed at a higher rate than the rate of LTCG in order to encourage long-term investment. Earlier, the tax rate of STCG was 15 per cent, and now it is 20 per cent against 12.5 per cent for long-term capital gains. So, it is better to stay invested for a longer duration.

What do you think about the Budget 2024 with regard to other changes? They have now introduced NPS Vatsalya for kids. The idea is to nudge people into migrating from PPF to NPS.

One thing which I like, as an academic, is the government's emphasis on skill development and employment. The government has urged companies to spend money out of CSR to hire more and more interns. This is a very positive development to learn and work with the top companies.

Do you suggest taxpayers should shift to the new tax regime and stop making investments in tax-saving instruments? I am carrying out research on the new tax regime. We believe that in the long run, they will do away with the old tax regime. They are currently testing the market and doing everything to make this regime more interesting.

However, my personal opinion is that investment needs to be promoted. In India, people have a habit of investing in gold. When there are no tax benefits in PPF, term insurance, or medical insurance policy  investors get discouraged. Whereas, investment should be promoted.

Also Read | Budget 2024: Govt attempts to make new tax regime more attractive in the budget

What other tax-related changes did you like or did not like? I personally liked the fact that tax law with respect to capital gains was simplified. Also, the way NPS is being promoted is good. The deduction of expenditure by employers towards NPS is proposed to be increased from 10 to 14 per cent of the employees salary.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement to hike taxes on short-term capital gains has sparked debate among financial experts, raising crucial questions about its potential impact on investor sentiment, the relative appeal of various asset classes, and the long-term implications for the growth and development of India's mutual fund sector.

Experts weigh in on the implications of capital gains tax hike on market stability and the future of the mutual fund industry.

Speaking to Mint, financial experts have expressed mixed reactions to the Finance Minister's announcement on July 23rd. While some experts have played down the potential impact of this decision, others have cautioned about its potential ramifications on investor behaviour and market stability.

Edited excerpt from experts' opinion on mutual funds outlook Expert insights on asset allocation, investment strategies Kaustubh Belapurkar, Director of Manager Research at Morningstar Investment Research India, believes these changes will not significantly alter asset allocation strategies among investors and fund managers. He emphasized that investment decisions should be driven by risk-return objectives and investment horizons rather than tax rates.

Belapurkar said, We dont expect any major shifts in asset allocation for investors or asset managers. The risk-return objectives and investment time horizon drive asset allocation for investors. Tax rates should not be the basis for making investment decisions. He remains optimistic about the growth of the Indian mutual fund industry, citing the increasing financialization of savings as a key driver.

Umeshkumar Mehta, Chief Investment Officer at Samco Mutual Fund, suggested hybrid funds and Flexi funds for new investors. For a lump sum investor, only invest an amount that they will not require for the next five years. Additionally, he recommended the Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) route divided over a 9-12 month period for those who are starting afresh.

Impact on investor behaviour and trading volumes Rahul Ghose, Founder and CEO of Octanom Tech Pvt Ltd, highlighted that the increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) aims to moderate the heightened activity in the derivatives market. Ghose noted, The increased STT is aimed at moderating the heightened level of activity in the F&O market, thereby fostering a more sustainable pace of growth in the stock markets.

He added that the change is unlikely to significantly impact overall trading volumes, as retail participants may view the increase as a minor deterrent. Despite the tax increases, Ghose believes equity mutual funds remain an attractive investment option compared to other asset classes.

Also Read | Budget 2024: Rent from residential property loses business income tag

Promising investment themes, sectors Gaurav Dua, Head of Capital Market Strategy at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, emphasized that the budget supports India's multi-year economic growth upcycle.

Dua said, The budget only reinforces and supports India's multi-year economic growth upcycle. So it does not impact the structural growth and investment opportunities over the medium term. He also stressed the importance of sticking to plain vanilla schemes over thematic funds due to sector-specific volatility, advising, As a portfolio strategy, it is always advisable to invest a bulk of money in plain vanilla schemes rather than focus too much on thematic mutual funds.

Advice to individual mutual fund investors Aditya Agarwala, Co-founder and Head of Investment at Invest4Edu advises individual investors not to overreact to the budget announcements. He encourages continued investment in mutual funds for long-term wealth creation, emphasizing that equity remains the most profitable asset class. Agarwala said, I would advise individual investors to continue to put a portion of their savings in mutual funds for long-term wealth creation. Equity as an asset class should be considered for long-term wealth growth.

Regulatory Perspective Madhabi Buch, the SEBI chairman, had previously warned about the high level of retail participation in the F&O market, pointing out that it often leads to significant losses for traders. Buch has emphasized that the F&O loss is not just a stock market issue, but a social issue, highlighting the need for regulatory action to protect household savings.

Outlook for the mutual fund industry Suresh Soni, CEO of Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund, is optimistic about the mutual fund industry's growth trajectory. He attributes this to rising investor awareness and strong market performance. Soni commented, The retail investor drives the secular growth in Indian mutual funds, and thorough SIPs are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. He also highlighted that the budget's tax changes are unlikely to impact fund flows significantly.

Anand K Rathi, Co-founder of MIRA Money, noted that the mutual fund industry is poised for significant growth despite changes in taxes or regulatory regimes. Rathi said, India's mutual fund industry is poised for significant growth and not affected by changes in taxes or regulatory regimes. He also mentioned that the recent STT increase is not expected to have a significant impact on trading volumes, as new traders continue to enter the market.

Also Read | Here is how to store your mutual funds units | Money Shots Ep 4 with Neil Borate
With the unveiling of Union Budget 2024-25, personal finance is set for a transformation that promises both simplification and strategic shifts. Although the anticipated increase in the tax-free threshold didn't materialize, the proposed changes signal a move towards a more streamlined tax system. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is recalibrating the tax landscape, favouring reduced rates, broader slabs, and fewer deductions to make the new regime more appealing.

Heres a closer look at the key proposals shaping personal finance.

For salaried individuals earning above 15,75,000, the expanded tax slabs and increased standard deduction from 50,000 to 75,000 could potentially save 17,500, excluding surcharge and cess. The Budget also proposes raising the employers contribution to the New Pension Scheme (NPS) from 10% to 14% of salary for those opting for the new tax regime. This change offers employees a chance to negotiate a higher NPS contribution from their employers.

However, its important to note that contributions exceeding 750,000 to the NPS, Employee Provident Fund (EPF), and superannuation fund will remain taxable under current laws.

Read this | How the Budget affects your salaries, investments and taxes

The Budget has proposed substantial changes to capital gains taxation. Holding periods for determining short-term versus long-term assets are simplified: 12 months for listed securities, equity-oriented mutual funds, and REIT/InVIT units, and 24 months for assets like real estate, gold, and unlisted shares. The proposed long-term capital gains tax rate of 12.5% will apply uniformly across all asset classes, while short-term capital gains rates will increase from 15% to 20%.

Additionally, the removal of angel tax, effective 1 April 2024, is a welcome development for the startup community.

Debt mutual funds purchased before 1 April 2023, will now be considered long-term if held for 24 months, and taxed at a flat 12.5% without indexation. For mutual funds acquired on or after 1 April 2023, gains will be classified as short-term and taxed at slab rates. Specified mutual funds now exclude gold ETFs and gold mutual funds, which will be taxed at 12.5% without indexation if held for over 12 months, starting FY26.

The Budget also proposes removing indexation benefits for assets like immovable property and gold, aligning with the new flat long-term capital gains rate. This change, effective from 23 July 2024, aims to simplify tax calculations and harmonize asset classes.

For properties sold before 23 July 2024, indexation allows for an adjusted cost of acquisition, reducing capital gains and tax liability. For example, a property sold for 7 crore, bought in 1990 for 50 lakh, would have indexed costs leading to capital gains of 3.37 crore and tax of 67.4 lakh. However, for transfers on or after 23 July 2024, the removal of indexation means the same property would show capital gains of 6 crore and tax of 75 lakh.

Also read | For property investors, one step forward and two steps back

The elimination of indexation may influence tax outflows depending on transaction specifics, affecting exemptions under Sections 54 and 54EC.

The Budget has also introduced taxing share buybacks as dividend income, aligning with existing dividend tax policies. Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on certain transactions can now be offset against Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on salary income, effective 1 October 2024. Additionally, a proposed 1% TCS on luxury" goods exceeding 10 lakh will come into effect from 1 January 2025, with further details to be issued by the government.

With these sweeping changes, Union Budget 2024-25 introduces a range of new rules and opportunities, presenting both challenges and strategies for taxpayers to optimize their financial and tax planning.

Sonu Iyer, tax partner and national leader, People Advisory Services, EY India. Siddharth Deb, tax director, EY India, also contributed to the article.
(Bloomberg) -- A fast-moving wildfire has ripped through the Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper, destroying homes and businesses and threatening key infrastructure in the evacuated Alberta community.

The wildfire is still out of control and crews are working in dangerous conditions to try and protect critical infrastructure in the town, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday in a media briefing. We share a sense of loss with all of those who live in the town, who care for it and who have helped build it.

The week-old wildfire spread out of control on Monday, prompting authorities to order town residents and Jasper National Park visitors to leave. Around 25,000 people had been evacuated as of Thursday, according to government agencies. The Jasper fire, dubbed Utopia, was reported a week ago and is believed to have started from a lightning strike.

High temperatures, dry conditions and lightning storms have been plaguing much of western North America this month, causing numerous wildfires including in the Western Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

Jasper is at the heart of a huge national park in the Canadian Rockies that shares its name and at the northern end of the Icefields Parkway, a highway that connects the wilderness area to Banff National Park in the south. The town of 4,100 residents is prime tourist spot and is known for its natural beauty and wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk and moose. Almost 2.5 million people visited Jasper last year, according to Parks Canada.

Multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the Town of Jasper have been lost, Parks Canada said in a Thursday statement. Structural firefighters remain in the town and are working to save as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure.

Canadian National Railway Co., whose rail link between the countrys interior and the Pacific coast passes through Jasper, suspended rail operations in what it described a dynamic and fluid wildfire situation in the area, according to an emailed statement.

Early reports indicate the wildfires caused significant damage to the town, Canadas largest rail company said Thursday, adding that the community is home to many employees and their families.

The newly expanded Trans Mountain oil pipeline passes through Jasper. The wildfires have not damaged Trans Mountains infrastructure and pipeline operations continue to operate, the company said in a Thursday statement. The operator is using its own firefighting equipment in Jasper and has deployed a sprinkler system to protect its facilities.

Some evacuees have ended up in Hinton, a town northeast of Jasper, that is serving as a crisis center and temporary base for the municipality of Jasper.

Theres been fire trucks coming down the highway from communities all across the province, Hinton Mayor Nicholas Nissen said in an interview. I can see the lights go as they rip through town, headed quickly toward Jasper.

A July heat wave has sparked wildfires across Western Canada. In Alberta alone, 176 wildfires were burning Thursday and 54 are out of control, according to provincial government agency Alberta Wildfire. Cooler temperatures and potential rain is expected to bring some relief in the next several days in the northern part of the province, the agency said.

Some 1,900 firefighters, contractors and support staff are fighting the Alberta blazes, according to Christie Tucker, a spokesperson for Alberta Wildfire. About 400 firefighters from Mexico, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand are joining the local crews, according to Albertas premier.

The fires have cause deteriorating air quality across Western Canada, with nearby financial hubs Edmonton and Calgary facing unhealthy conditions, according to AirNow.gov.

Oil Sands

The blazes have prompted the curtailment of oil and gas facilities including Suncor Energy Inc.s Firebag oil sands site, which produced more than 230,000 barrels a day of crude in June, according to Alberta Energy Regulator data. Other companies including Imperial Oil Ltd., Cenovus Energy Inc. and MEG Energy Corp. have evacuated some workers from oil sands sites. Albertas oil sands are the worlds third-largest crude reserves.

The equivalent of about 389,000 barrels a day of oil and more than 19,000 barrels a day of gas production was within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of one or more wildfires that were larger than 10 hectares (25 acres) as of early Thursday, according to Alberta Energy Regulator and Alberta Wildfire data.

For several years, major fires have burned large swaths of Western Canada, razing communities and sending residents fleeing while ruining air quality across the country and into the US.

(Adds comments from Alberta premier, Parks Canada from second paragraph.)

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By Yantoultra Ngui and Roushni Nair

SINGAPORE, July 25 (Reuters) - Singapore's Cyan Renewables, which operates vessels for offshore wind farms, said on Thursday it will buy its Australian peer MMA Offshore for A$1.1 billion ($725.67 million), marking the largest take-private deal in this space in the Asia Pacific region.

MMA shareholders will receive A$2.70 per share in cash, a 36% premium over its 90-day average price, according to a joint statement from Cyan and MMA.

Cyan, which is backed by infrastructure investor Seraya Partners, had initially offered A$2.60 per MMA share in March before sweetening the offer last month.

MMA's shares have climbed almost 44% year-to-date, giving it a market capitalisation of $702 million, LSEG data showed.

Renewable companies and assets have become increasingly attractive as investors look to tap growth in the sector, driven by a global drive to transition to zero-emission economies.

The global wind farm market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 21.4% by 2034, according to the International Energy Agency.

Cyan, which owns, operates, and leases vessels across the offshore wind farm value chain, plans to retain MMA's workforce and leverage its operating model for deeper penetration into the global offshore wind support services market.

MMA, headquartered in Perth, Australia, operates 20 vessels and has more than 1,100 employees in offices in Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Dubai and Britain, according to its website.

"This move strengthens our position in the Asia-Pacific region and solidifies our leadership in the offshore wind industry and energy transition," said Lee Keng Lin, Cyan Renewables' CEO.

The deal translates to an EV/EBITDA ratio - a financial ratio used to evaluate a firm's value and performance - of 6.2 times, the statement showed.

A group of co-investors supported the deal, with one of them, Canadian investment manager AIMCo, also participating through its investment in Cyan, the statement said.

Cyan added it plans to "actively pursue" growth opportunities through mergers and acquisitions as well as organic expansion.

In January, it agreed to acquire a 75% stake in UK-based Sentinel Marine, a maritime environmental response vessel operator, according to a press release at that time that did not disclose financial details. ($1 = 1.5158 Australian dollars)
(Bloomberg) -- Spain wants to become a hub for the European data center industry. It also wants to stop companies from building too many data centers.

This year, the government endorsed plans by some of the worlds largest technology companies, including Amazon.com Inc. and Microsoft Corp., to construct data centers in the country. At the same time, it purposefully avoids granting electricity grid connections to many others, according to three people familiar with the matter.

One reason for this is the governments view that the industry is overestimating by at least three times what Spains demand for data center capacity will be in the next five to seven years.

While licensing to build centers is controlled by local and regional authorities, the central government found a way to steer the industrys strategy by leveraging on its grip over access to the power grid, which is vital for the projects vast energy needs.

A political point of friction is that many of the power grid access requests are for still-to-be-developed centers around the heavily populated Madrid region  which is governed by Isabel Diaz Ayuso of the conservative Peoples Party, one of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs most outspoken critics. The PP governs most of the countrys 17 regions and largest cities.

The central governments stance is that its unnecessary to build data centers near Madrid given the large amount of empty space available elsewhere.

Spain is one of western Europes biggest countries but it also has some of the most densely populated cities  leaving large swathes of sparsely occupied land. Developing more industries and businesses in these emptier areas is a major common goal across the political aisle.

Data center operators argue that their sites need to be close to large cities, where consumers and economic activity are located. Spain DC, an industry group, estimates that the country will need to invest almost 100 billion ($109 billion) through 2040 to adapt its power networks to meet demand. Utilities have raised concerns about the grids capacity to match needs.

Were not asking taxpayers to pay for power grid capacity, as investors are prepared to do it, said Maximo Escriche, vice president of sales at data center operator AQ Compute. But well need a stronger network for Spain to compete with bigger European hubs.

In other parts of Europe, some operators are also seeing backlogs in getting grid connections and are being pushed into new locations.

Meanwhile, some companies are already seeing advantages in building in less populated areas of Spain. Amazon announced in May it would invest 15.7 billion to expand its data centers in the northeastern region of Aragon, and Meta Platforms Inc. is building a center near the city of Talavera de la Reina.

For now, the tensions arent affecting the plans of large Spanish firms.

On Wednesday, Iberdrola SA, the countrys largest power utility, said its in advanced talks with data center developers to create joint ventures.

And a day earlier, real estate firm Merlin Properties Socimi SA announced it was raising almost 1 billion in a share sale to expand its data center business. Its already building three centers.

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(Bloomberg) -- The worlds leading finance chiefs are set to shelve Brazils controversial plan to create a global tax on billionaires, including only a vague mention of the idea in a draft communique from this weeks meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

The draft communique, which was obtained by Bloomberg News, lacks any commitments to continue exploring a 2% minimum tax on the worlds wealthiest individuals, a plan Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva placed at the heart of his countrys year as the Group of 20s leader.

Instead, they said only that they will continue to work together towards a fairer, more stable and efficient international tax system fit for the 21st century.

The idea has split the G-20 and the Group of 7 since it was initially unveiled in February, winning support from nations like France and South Africa while the US and others rejected it. Amid those disagreements, the finance ministers entered this weeks gathering in Rio poised to punt the plan into the future by calling for studies on taxation and inequality that could take years, as Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.

The final wording of the communique is subject to ongoing debates. The group is also set to issue a separate statement on international tax policy cooperation, Tatiana Rosito, the secretary for international affairs at Brazils finance ministry, told reporters Thursday.

Lula has pushed the levy as a potential way to help pay for global fights against climate change and hunger. The US and other nations, however, have continued to express doubts about its feasibility.

Tax policy is very difficult to coordinate globally, and we dont see the need or really think its desirable to try to negotiate a global agreement on that, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told reporters in Rio on Thursday.

The calls for further studies on how governments can increase transparency and fairness in the taxation of individuals will be included in the separate statement on global cooperation, according to multiple people familiar with the discussions. That task will be carried out by the architects of a global minimum levy on corporations, a G-20 plan thats made some progress in recent years.

The draft communique also acknowledges the need for more debt transparency between developing nations and their wealthier creditors.

--With assistance from Christopher Condon.

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(Bloomberg) -- Off-price home goods retailer Big Lots Inc. has been reaching out to prospective investors to gauge interest in providing a new loan that would be backed by assets like the companys leases, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The Columbus, Ohio-based chain needs more money despite receiving a loan earlier this year for up to $200 million. Big Lots has suffered from years of same-store sales declines. Its stores numbered almost 1,400 as of May, according to regulatory filings.

The discount chain has recently renewed its focus on extreme bargains and closeout sales after an emphasis on furniture backfired amid a decline in new home sales and renovations. Big Lots is also examining whether it can sub-lease certain locations to bring in more cash, the people said.

Representatives for Big Lots didnt respond to requests for comment.

Big Losses

For the three-months that ended May 4, the company saw its net sales drop 10.2% to about $1.01 billion compared to a year earlier.

Chief Executive Officer Bruce Thorn cited a challenging consumer environment and strained budgets in its first quarter earnings call. The company reported a net loss of $205 million for the period.

In April, the chain received a $200 million loan from an affiliate of Gordon Brothers.

Big Lots is among other troubled retailers that have been impacted by a slowdown in home spending. Furniture retailer Conns Inc. filed for bankruptcy this week, while LL Flooring Holdings Inc. is considering a Chapter 11 filing, Bloomberg reported.

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The Union government has asked police heads of states, union territories, and paramilitary forces to beef up the security of high-risk dignitaries, especially during rallies and roadshows. The directives come days after the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump.

Trump, the Republican nominee for US Presidential Elections scheduled later this year, survived an assassination attempt on July 13, when he was addressing a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

Trump is not the only politician to face an assassination attempt. The government has cited seven assassination attempts, including the recent one on Trump, in its letter shot off to the Director Generals of Police (DGPs), including those in charge of the CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG, as well as state intelligence bureaus on July 16, according to a report in Indian Express.

In May 2024, a shooter made an assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. In April 2023, a youth hurled a smoke bomb towards former PM of Japan, Fumio Kishidaduring an election campaign speech. In July 2022, the former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, was assassinated.

During a road march, former Pakistan PM Imran Khan was fired upon on November 3, 2022. In September 2022, Vice-President of Argentina, Christina Fernandez, escaped an assassination bid, the Indian Express report quoted an official, citing the communication from the Centres internal security division.

Also Read | Trump Shooter Researched Lee Harvey Oswald, FBI Head Testifies

The government's missive says that these incidents underline the vulnerabilities of high-risk dignitaries to various threats during public interfaces, including rallies, corner meetings, and roadshows.

The report said physical security measures, technical surveillance, contingency drills, and the role of personal security officers have to be focused on, per the governments note.

The proximate area should have only a minimum number of authorised persons, and there should be no crowding around the dignitary. The venue should be put through comprehensive physical, visual and technical checks followed by deployment of security personnel, the report quoted the official, citing the governments note.

Also Read | A Key Netanyahu Coalition Partner Says Trump Best for Israel

The note says the area around the venue should be secured up to a sufficient depth, and all high-rise features and other vantage points in the vicinity that offer a direct line of sight of the dignitary should be sanitised and dominated.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a sharp rebuttal on Thursday after a top US official criticised the recent meeting between Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin. India has found itself walking a diplomatic tightrope in recent years  maintaining ties with both Moscow and Ukraine despite the ongoing war. The development came after American diplomat Donald Lu expressed 'disappointment' over the visit to Russia and said Washington was holding "tough conversations" with New Delhi.

"We must understand that India has a longstanding relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multipolar world, all country has freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the weekly press briefing on Thursday.

Several leading members of the Biden administration had voiced concern after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia in early July for a bilateral summit. Visuals of the Indian leader hugging his Russian counterpart had also drawn a sharp response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Also Read | Russian Firms Find It Increasingly Harder to Get Paid by China

37 people were killed, three of whom were children, and 170 were injured, including 13 children, as a result of Russias brutal missile strike in Ukraine today. A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were buried under the rubble. It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day, Zelensky had written on X.

Meanwhile US diplomat Donald Lu told a Congressional hearing on Tuesday that the US was disappointed by the "symbolism" and "timing" of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia.

I share your concern about this visit...and we are trying very hard to communicate those concerns directly to the Indians, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia told a Congressional hearing.

Also Read | 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas: PM Modi to visit Kargil tomorrow
Government doctors in Haryana launched an indefinite strike on Thursday, disrupting services in state-run hospitals. The strike, organized by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association, aims to protest the non-fulfilment of their various demands.

The doctors are demanding the creation of a specialist cadre and a career progression scheme that ensures they are on par with their central government counterparts. Other demands include no direct recruitment of senior medical officers and a reduced bond amount for postgraduate courses.

Haryana Hospitals Strike: Here are top 10 updates 1) The association has shut down health services in government hospitals to protest doctors' unmet demands. The state government has requested the association consider the strike's effect on patients.

Also Read | Haryana News: ED arrests Congress MLA Surender Panwar in illegal mining case

2) Association president Dr Rajesh Khyalia said, Doctors of various government health institutions have proceeded on an indefinite strike across the state.

3) Four association members on Wednesday started an indefinite hunger strike in front of the office of the Health Services director general in Panchkula, PTI reported.

4) We will attend the meeting but if there is no outcome, then our strike will continue indefinitely, said Khyalia on Thursday.

5) Long queues of patients were seen in outpatient departments (OPDs) of district hospitals in many places, including Panipat and Gurugram.

Also Read | Haryana suspends mobile internet, bulk SMS services in Nuh from 21 July

6) Over the past several months, we have been given repeated assurances pertaining to our various demands but those remain unfulfilled. So, we have decided to observe a total shutdown of health services, including OPD, emergency, post-mortem from Thursday, Khyalia said as quoted by PTI.

7) On July 18, we were assured by the additional chief secretary, health, that a notification would be issued before July 24 pertaining to two demands -- assured career progression and the bond issue -- but nothing happened, he told media persons.

8) "We had told the government a month ago that we would be compelled to shut down all services from July 25 (if the demands were not met)," he added.

Also Read | Nuh Police steps up security for Braj Mandal Yatra today | Top 10 updates

9) Health Minister Kamal Gupta, in a letter to the association, urged the doctors to consider the impact of their strike on the general public. I understand that ... numerous pressing demands (have been) put forth by your members and I want to assure you that these concerns are being taken very seriously.

10) We recognise the importance of your demands and are actively working towards a resolution that will be satisfactory to all parties involved. However, I urge each one of you to consider the impact of a strike on our patients and the general public. We have a responsibility to ensure that healthcare services remain uninterrupted, especially for those who rely on us in their times of need, the minister added.
Bollywood actress and Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha parliamentarian from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, gave her first ever speech in the Parliament first ever speech in the Parliament on 25 July and spoke about the 'extinction' of Himachal's tribal music and folk art.

In her first ever speech in the parliament, she also thanked the honourable speaker for giving her an opportunity to speak.

She said, "In Mandi, there are various art forms that are on the verge of becoming extinct. In our Himachal Pradesh there is an indigenous construction technique called kath-kuni; the skin of sheep is used to make various kinds of clothes, such as jackets, caps, shawls, sweaters. These are considered valuable in countries outside India, but here they are becoming extinct. We should talk about what steps are being taken to promote these."

She asked the central government on the steps taken to protect the tribal music and folk art of Himachal Pradesh.

She added, "I would also like to add that the folk music of Himachal Pradesh, especially the tribal music from Spiti, Kinnaur and Bharmour, and their folk and art forms are also on the verge on extinction. So, what are we doing about them?"

Later, Kangana took to Instagram and wrote, Aaj Parliament mein Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) ke vishay mein baat rakhne ka pehla mauka mila (Today I got the first chance to talk about Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) in the Parliament).

Ranaut's election challenged: Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Himachal Pradesh High Court issued notice to Kangana, the BJP Lok Sabha member from Mandi. The petition was filed by a Kinnaur resident for setting aside Kangana's election on the grounds that his nomination papers to contest from the Lok Sabha constituency were allegedly wrongly rejected.

Also Read | Kangana Ranaut questions Sonu Soods stand on UP Kanwar Yatra row
Pune rains LIVE: Pune is currently experiencing heavy rains with severe waterlogging witnessed in several parts of the city. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai has issued red alert for extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in ghat areas of Pune. In addition to this, an orange alert for very heavy rains is predicted in the city for tomorrow i.e. on July 26.

According to the latest update, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed three teams in Pune. Two teams are stationed in Ekta Nagar and Singhgad Road, while one team is positioned in Varje, as reported by news agency ANI.

Catch all LIVE updates on Pune rains here: Pune rains LIVE: 2 feared trapped as landslide hits bungalows in Lavasa city One person died in a rain-related incident, while two individuals were feared trapped after a landslide hit three bungalows in Lavasa city in Pune district on Thursday amid heavy showers, police said.

Lavasa, a private, planned city located around 65km from Pune city, has recorded 453 mm rainfall in a 24-hour period ended at 8.30 am on Thursday, officials said.

Pune rains LIVE: Ajit Pawar reviews flooding situation in Pune | Watch

Pune rains LIVE: Pune and surroundings witness flooding, inundation The Pune Municipal Corporation said that 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.

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 as reported by PTI.

Pune rains LIVE: Army called in amid havoc in Pune Several residential areas in Pune's Pimpri-Chinchwad have been flooded while four people died in rain-related incidents in the district. Pune's District Magistrate (DM) Suhas Divsae also called in army personnel to help the local administration to speed up the relief operations.

Pune rains LIVE: Schools and colleges closed Schools and colleges in most parts of the district have declared a holiday in view of the heavy rainfall warning.

The Pune Municipal Corporation shared an update and said, school holidays have been announced as the weather department has predicted the possibility of heavy rain in Pune city and its surroundings."

Pune rains LIVE: Four dead due to rain related incidents Officials told PTI that four people died in rain-related incidents in Pune. Three men were electrocuted in the Deccan area while trying to move their handcart, which got submerged due to heavy rains.

Another person died, and one was injured in a landslide in the Tahmini Ghat section of Mulshi tehsil. Inspector Manoj Yadav of Paud police station confirmed, One person died, and another sustained injuries after a landslide on a small eatery in Tahmini Ghat in Mulshi tehsil.

Pune rains LIVE: NDRF, Indian Army teams rescue locals stranded in inundated areas | Watch
(Bloomberg) -- Arson investigators in California arrested a man on suspicion of starting the states largest wildfire this year  a conflagration that has prompted evacuations and threatened the states power grid. The 42-year old suspect was seen pushing a burning car into a gully before the Park Fire erupted Wednesday, the Butte County district attorneys office said in a statement. The fast-moving fire, located about 85 miles north of Sacramento, has already spread to more than 71,400 acres (28,900 hectares) and is only 3% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The blaze forced Californias main electrical grid operator to warn of potential power shortages Wednesday evening, saying the fire could disrupt imports into the state. The wildfire had disabled two high-voltage transmission lines in the area owned by PG&E Corp., according to a spokeswoman for the utility. The California Independent System Operator lifted the warning on Thursday and said the grid was stable, according to a spokeswoman.
(Bloomberg) -- New Yorks $260 billion pension fund is urging Micron Technology Inc. to adopt a global policy of labor neutrality, which would pave the way for workers at the companys chip factories to form and join unions.

Micron previously agreed to hold talks with the Communication Workers of America in New York about such an agreement, after the chipmaker won a preliminary award for billions in federal grants and loans from the 2022 Chips and Science Act. But the negotiations have been disappointing so far, according to a CWA spokesperson.

We have had discussions with Micron but have not made meaningful progress toward an enforceable labor peace agreement, the union said in a statement.

Micron said it respects the rights of workers to form and join trade unions of their own choosing, to bargain collectively and to peacefully assemble as permitted under applicable local law. It didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the unions characterization of the discussions.

Under a typical neutrality accord, companies agree not to interfere with organizing and workers pledge not to disrupt operations. That would be a boon for unions looking to organize a wave of new factories spurred by President Joe Bidens economic policy.

Its an uphill battle in the semiconductor industry, where companies have resisted unionization over concerns including the risk of adversity between labor and management. Intel Corp., CWA President Claude Cummings said earlier, has responded coolly to the prospect of labor peace discussions.

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said that a neutrality policy at Micron would reduce the likelihood of labor disputes, strikes or work stoppages that could disrupt operations and negatively impact shareholder value, according to his July letter to Micron Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Mehrotra. The New York State Common Retirement Fund owned about 1.7 million Micron shares as of March 31. Micron hasnt responded to the letter, according to Mark Johnson, the funds press secretary.

Micron is investing as much as $100 billion to build as many as four chipmaking factories in upstate New York, and is in line to receive $6.1 billion in Chips Act grants, plus billions more in loans and tax credits. Thats on top of $5.8 billion in incentives from the state, which has its own semiconductor subsidy program.

--With assistance from Ian King.

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In a fresh development in the case against IAS officer Puja Khedkar for allegedly misusing the disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) quota to secure a position in civil service, a Pune hospital on Wednesday confirmed there was no malpractice in the issuance of disability certificate to the 2023 batch trainee.

An enquiry conducted by the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital in Pune discovered that there was no malpractice in the issuance of a seven per cent locomotor disability certificate to the probationary IAS officer, Hindustan Times reported, quoting a senior official.

Dean of YCM hospital, Dr Rajendra Wable, informed HT that there was no foul play and the certificate was issued as per rules. He said, The internal report confirmed that the certificate was issued following a thorough assessment by our physiotherapy and orthopaedic departments and the medical test conducted was as per rules and there was no foul play found.

Furthermore, the probe findings rejected the possibility of Puja Khedkar's claims of having a locomotor disability, according to Dr Rajendra Wable.

He noted that the certificate nullified claims that warranted any benefits in becoming an IAS officer. It has been clarified that the certificate would not provide any benefits in education or employment, reported HT.

The hospital investigated the medical certificates to determine false claims after receiving a letter on this from the Collector's office in Pune.

An insight into the investigation reveals that the hospital verified that Puja Khedkar hailed from the Pimpri Chinchwad area but not the address of the applicant, since it does not come under its jurisdiction. Verifying the address doesn't come under the office work of the hospital. We just have to see if the person belongs to the Pimpri Chinchwad area or not and that was checked," HT quoted Dr Rajendra Wable as saying.

Also Read | Puja Khedkars father Dilip granted interim protection till July 25
Pune rains: The Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai has issued 'red' alert in Pune for extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in ghat areas while moderate to heavy rain in plains today i.e. on July 25. Incessant downpour has claimed four lives and inundated residential colonies and houses in low-lying areas. Officials told news agency PTI that about 400 people were evacuated to safety today following flooding in Sinhagad Road and some other areas along the riverbank in the city. "So far 400 people from Sinhagad Road area have been shifted to safety," district Collector Suhas Diwase told PTI.

Mumbai rains LIVE Updates: In Pune's Nimbjanagar area, the fire department rescued 70 stranded people today. A video released by the news agency ANI showed Pune Fire Brigade officials carrying out rescue and relief operations in the area that has been submerged in above-knee-level water.

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said if the need arises, the rain-hit people will be airlifted in Pune. Speaking on the rainfall situation in the city, the Maharashtra CM told ANI, There is water on the roads and in houses of people in Pune. There is a lot of rain at Khadakwasla Dam and in the catchment area. The District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner are on alert. Teams of NDRF teams & SDRF are deployed there. I have spoken to the Army to keep their teams on alert. Preparations have also been made for airlifting operations if needed. I appeal to the people to cooperate with the administration to move to safer places.

The Pune Municipal Corporation shared an update saying that Khadakwasla Dam Water is currently being discharged from the dam at a rate of 22 thousand 880 cusecs and due to the continuous rainfall in the catchment area of the dam, it will be increased to 40 thousand cusecs. However, citizens should exercise caution, and go out only if necessary. In case of calamity, the PMC also shared helpline number 020 - 25501269, 020 - 25506800.

The Pune District Collector said he appealed industrial establishments to give their employees a day off today. Speaking to ANI, he said, It is raining heavily in the hilly areas of Pune in the Western Ghats...We have declared a holiday for all schools, colleges and we are monitoring the situation...We have appealed to industrial establishments also to give their employees a day off today as in the next three hours, we are expecting heavy to moderately heavy rains in the Pune region.

Also Read | Heavy rainfall in Delhi brings relief from humidity, IMD predicts more showers

He added, One person died and one was injured due to a rockslide in Adharwadi village in Pune rural. Three people are trapped in a landslide in Dasve village in Lavasa city... NDRF has been sent for search and rescue. Three people died due to electrocution in Pune city. CM and DCM Ajit Pawar are monitoring the situation.

Earlier in the day, the district collector also posted a video message wherein he appealed citizens to be cautious and come out only if necessary as there is a possibility of heavy rain in Pune city and area.

Also Read | Mumbai rains: Follow these 11 safe driving tips

Four dead due to rain related incidents Officials reported to PTI that four people died in rain-related incidents in Pune. Three men were electrocuted in the Deccan area while trying to move their handcart, which got submerged due to heavy rains. Another person died, and one was injured in a landslide in the Tahmini Ghat section of Mulshi tehsil. Inspector Manoj Yadav of Paud police station confirmed, One person died, and another sustained injuries after a landslide on a small eatery in Tahmini Ghat in Mulshi tehsil.
(Bloomberg) -- Temperatures in Spain soared to the hottest this year, as a blast of Saharan heat sears the Mediterranean.

Huelva in southern Spain recorded 45.6C (114F), beating the citys previous high set two years ago by 1.7C, according to national forecaster AEMET. Heat warnings remain in place for much of the country.

Climate change is bringing record-breaking temperatures to Europe as the intensity and frequency of heat waves increases. The highest average temperature on Earth was recorded on Monday, according to preliminary data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

In the UK, the number of days with temperatures over 30C (86F) have tripled in the past decade compared with 1961-1990, according to the Met Office, which expects the trend to intensify as the climate warms.

Wildfire risks are also increasing across Spain, according to Copernicus.

About one third of Greece, including Athens, Thessaloniki and most islands, are also on high alert for fires. Temperatures have cooled slightly, but will climb back to above 40C in some parts of the mainland by the weekend.

Firefighters, supported by planes, are tackling a blaze on Crete in the Deliana-Mesavlia gorge, a popular hiking trail. Residents and tourists have been ordered to evacuate.

Inhabitants of Poisses on the Cycladic island of Kea were told to be ready to evacuate after another wildfire erupted.

Its the most difficult fire season we have faced as records have been broken since the start of recording of the hottest months on the planet, Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias said in a radio interview on Thursday. We see a battle from day to day.

Storms with hail and heavy rain are forecast for northern Greece, including the Aegean Sea islands of Thasos and Samothrace.

Listen on Zero: Cities Must Be Redesigned for a Future of Extreme Heat

In southern Italy, the fire brigade ordered the evacuation of a camp site and holiday village on Wednesday as a precautionary measure due to a wildfire near the seaside town of Vieste in Puglia.

Electricite de France SA may have to curb output from July 31 as the heat wave warms the Garonne river used for cooling a nuclear power station in southwest of France.

Parts of the Mediterranean Sea, especially in the east, are approaching 31C, which is 2C to 3C above the long-term average.

--With assistance from Flavia Rotondi and Francois de Beaupuy.

(Updates with comment from Greek minister in ninth paragraph)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Top news today: On 25 July, a series of events are set to take place right from politics to business. Adani Green Energy announced a 95 per cent increase in consolidated net profit, amounting to 629 crore for the quarter ending 30 June. Tech Mahindra announced its April-June quarter results for fiscal 2024-25 (Q1FY25) reporting a rise of 23 per cent in consolidated net profit at 851.5 crore.

Stock market today: Sensex, Nifty 50 fall for the fifth session in a row; Axis Bank, ICICI Bank among top drags Extending their losses into the fifth consecutive session, Indian stock market benchmarks, the Sensex and the Nifty 50 closed in the red on Thursday, July 25, tracking weak global cues. Sensex closed 109 points, or 0.14 per cent, lower at 80,039.80, while the Nifty 50 ended at 24,406.10, down 7 points, or 0.03 per cent. Read more

Adani Green Q1 results: Net profit rises 95% to  629 crore, revenue at  2,528 crore Adani Green Energy, on July 25, announced a 95 percent increase in consolidated net profit, amounting to 629 crore for the quarter ending June 30, 2024. In comparison, the company had reported a consolidated net profit of 323 crore during the same period the previous year. Read more

Tech Mahindra Q1 Results: Net profit rises 23% to  851.5 crore, revenue drops 1.2% YoY; 5 key highlights Tech Mahindra announced its April-June quarter results for fiscal 2024-25 (Q1FY25) on Thursday, July 25, reporting a rise of 23 per cent in consolidated net profit at 851.5 crore, compared to 692.5 crore in the corresponding period last year. India's fifth-largest software company's revenue from operations in the first quarter of the current fiscal fell 1.2 per cent to 13,006 crore, compared to 13,159 crore in the year-ago period. Read more

Centre flags 'recurring' attacks on Temples in Canada, says Expect action against anti-India elements' The Ministry of External Affairs has called for strict action against anti-India elements in Canada after a temple was vandalised in the Edmonton region. Hindu-phobic graffiti was found spray painted on the exterior siding of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Alberta on Monday  with slurs targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indo-Canadian MP Chandra Arya. The development is the latest in a string of temple vandalism incidents reported from the country. Read more

Maharashtra Rains: Pragati Express, other Mumbai-Pune trains cancelled amid torrential downpour. Details here Central Railways announced the cancellation of several trains plying between Mumbai and Pune on Thursday amid heavy rainfall. The development came even as the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for the capital city and adjoining areas. A flood-like situation also emerged across large swathes of Pune on Thursday with around 400 people being evacuated from low-lying areas. Read more
Prince Harry has revealed the central reason behind his ongoing fight. No, it was not Meghan Markle he spoke about.

According to the Duke of Sussex, the phone hacking scandal is a major factor in his family's conflict. During his interview with ITV, he blamed the Press.

It was the first time Harry spoke publicly about the Royal Family's rift. To what extent do you think that your determination to fight the tabloids destroyed the relationship with your family, he was asked.

That's certainly a central piece to it. But, that's a hard question to answer because anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the Press, Harry said.

Harry mentions that he wishes his family had joined him in battling the tabloids, but he is also pursuing this fight for his own reasons.

I made it very clear that this is something that needs to be done. It would be nice if we did it as a family. I believe that, from a service standpoint and when you're in a public role, these are the things that we should be doing for the greater good, Harry said.

But, you know I'm doing this for my reasons, he added.

When asked by the interviewer about his thoughts on the Royal Familys decision not to fight as he had, Harry responded that everything that had happened revealed the truth of the situation to him. He mentioned that his mission would continue but acknowledged that it did cause a rift.

High Court ruling in Harrys favour In December 2023, a judge in London's High Court ruled that extensive phone hacking occurred over 15 years during the 1990s and 2000s, including Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) hacking the Duke of Sussex's phone to a modest extent.

Also Read | Prince Harry, wife Meghan Markle stop looking for UK home
(Bloomberg) -- Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. can keep classifying California drivers as independent contractors, after the states top court said a company-backed law passed by voters doesnt wrongly curtail the legislatures power over worker protections.

The unanimous ruling upholding Californias Proposition 22, which received majority voter support in 2020, was released Thursday.

The favorable ruling for the gig economy companies removes what investors regarded as a major regulatory overhang. Had the judge ruled to invalidate Prop 22, the companies would have faced the threat of millions of dollars in additional cost to pay drivers if they were to be reclassified as employees, upending their business models and potentially raising user costs in one of their biggest US markets.

Shares of Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart all spiked on the news, with Lyft jumping most by 7.4%. The shares have mostly erased gains at 2:18 p.m. New York time.

Justice Goodwin H. Liu wrote Thursday that Californias constitution doesnt bar voters from passing legislative initiatives on matters impacting workers compensation, the issue that this case specifically centered on.

It would unduly restrict the initiative power to give the Legislature what would essentially be a first-mover advantage, precluding the electorate from undoing any action the Legislature takes pursuant to the workers compensation system, Liu wrote.

Liu in May oral arguments said the law doesnt necessarily preclude workers from ever receiving workers compensation, a system to help workers injured on the job that the state legislature has constitutional power to oversee. The law doesnt block legislators from deciding that independent contractors are eligible for workers compensation, Liu said.

The ruling is a win for the industry as gig companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash Inc. poured more than $200 million into their 2020 campaign to preserve the core of their business models and keep drivers classified as independent contractors. They celebrated the decision Thursday.

Lyft said in a blog post on its website that its thrilled that the California Supreme Court unanimously upheld the democratic will of the voters.

Prop 22 is here to stay, said Liz Jarvis-Shean, DoorDashs vice president of communications and policy in a statement.

The court ruling affirms the will of the nearly 10 million Californians who voted to deliver historic benefits and protections to drivers, while protecting their independence, Uber said in a statement.

But further legal and legislative fights loom ahead. Drivers and labor advocates that argued the law improperly shifts the cost of doing business onto gig workers and denies them other protections, such as minimum wage, sick leave, and overtime pay, renewed their calls to unionize in response to the ruling in emailed statements.

Hector Castellanos, the plaintiff in the case, called Prop 22 a bait-and-switch meant to enrich global corporations at the expense of the Black, brown and immigrant workers who power their earnings, adding that the ruling only strengthens our demand for the right to join together in a union.

SEIU International President April Verrett also said the ruling is disappointing. However, she said, Uber and Lyft drivers in the state refuse to back down from their fight to win union rights and bring these companies to the bargaining table.

Californias Senate Labor Committee Chair Lola Smallwood-Cuevas said the decision is frustrating but also be motivating.

Im more determined than ever to ensure that all workers  including our diverse and Black, Indigenous, and people of color-led gig workforce  have the basic protections of workers compensation, paid sick leave, family leave, and disability insurance and the right to form a union.

Passenger app drivers make a median wage of about $5.97 per hour without tips in California when factoring all work time, gas, and vehicle weathering, according to a May University of California at Berkeley study.

Securing better treatment will require drivers to work together to develop more clout, said UC Irvine workplace law professor Veena Dubal, an opponent of Prop 22. The only way for workers really to have power to rebuild labor rights is to organize, she said. Its going to be a long fight.

However, the companies victory could deter other states from passing legislation they oppose, she said. It sends the message to legislators who want to address these issues to not even try, because they will use their deep pockets and legal sophistication to undermine any effort.

The California high courts ruling comes as legal battles play out over a Biden administration final rule that makes it harder for workers to be deemed contractors under federal wage-and-hour law. App-based gig companies have defended against Fair Labor Standards Act lawsuits nationwide, arguing that their drivers arent employees entitled to minimum wage and overtime protections.

Other states and cities have also attempted to tackle the app-based gig worker classification issue, in many cases by letting Uber and Lyft continue using an independent contractor status in exchange for setting floors on driver pay and benefits.

The companies struck such deals over the last year in Massachusetts and New York to settle legal actions by those states, while Washington state and Minnesota have passed driver protections through their legislatures. New York City regulates app-based driver pay through its taxi and limo driver commission.

Its not the first time this term the California Supreme Court has weighed in on the extent of Californias uniquely expansive right for voters to pass new laws and amend existing ones.

The state top court in June blocked a ballot measure that would have asked voters to make new state and local taxes harder to enact. The measure would have revised the state constitution, which is beyond the power of voters, the opinion said.

Olson Remcho LLP and Altshuler Berzon LLP represent Castellanos. OMelveny & Myers LLP and Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni LLP represent Protect App-Based Drivers and Services.

The case is Castellanos v. California, Cal., No. S279622, 7/25/24.

--With assistance from Chris Marr and Rebecca Rainey.

(Adds details throughout)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for very heavy rainfall, or a Red alert, in Gujarat and Maharashtra today. The weather department has issued an Orange alert predicting heavy downpours for Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha and Goa.

IMD's forecast for west and central India Amid the flooding in Gujarat, eight people died in the deluge on July 24. The death toll due to rains has mounted to 61, according to officials. Authorities have deployed NDRF and SDRF teams to tackle the situation. The Meteorological Department predicted the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in Gujarat and Maharashtra today.

Very heavy rainfall has been forecast for Madhya Pradesh today, for Goa till July 27, for Maharashtra till tomorrow, and for Gujarat over the next three days.

IMD's forecast for northwest India The weather agency hinted at the possibility of "heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan till July 28; in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on July 25; in Uttar Pradesh until July 27.

The IMD's weather bulletin, dated July 24, stated, Fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm & lightning very likely over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and scattered to fairly widespread rainfall over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan until July 29.

IMD's forecast for south peninsular India The press release notes the possibility of very heavy rainfall in Karnataka on July 25. Furthermore, IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in Telangana on July 25, in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka until July 26, and in Kerala until July 27.

IMD's forecast for east and northeast India The weather department forecast very heavy rainfall in Odisha till July 26 and isolated heavy rainfall on July 27 and July 28.
Nearly two years after Canada moved to restrict foreign investment in the countrys mining sector, minerals explorers and developers are testing the limits of those rules.

The Canadian government cracked down on mining deals involving foreign state-owned entities in 2022 in a move widely seen as targeting Chinas influence in the global critical minerals supply chain, but which threatens to deprive smaller miners and developers of a key source of financing. However, restrictions have stopped short of prescribing specific levels of foreign investment that will be allowed.

Mining firms are now pushing the boundaries in an attempt to establish where the limits lie. At least nine mining deals involving Chinese firms have been proposed since Canadas new measures, and investment bankers and corporate development teams say they are closely watching how the government responds to some of these test deals, as a basis for future transactions.

The continued push to attract Chinese capital despite Canadas scrutiny is a reflection of the challenges facing the worlds mineral explorers and mine-builders, many of which are headquartered in Canada. Junior miners struggle to draw domestic investors for expensive and risky projects that can take years, if not decades, to complete. Chinese firms, which can take a longer, strategic view on raw material investments, have long been an important funding source for the sector.

Given how broadly the government is interpreting its mandate here, theres certainly a lack of clarity around the edges in some specific circumstances, said Braden Jebson, a partner and mergers and acquisitions lawyer at Torys LLP. Even when the government is setting out what looks like a red line, theyre often leaving themselves discretion so that there arent hard-and-fast rules.

Canadas Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development reviews takeovers and has broad discretion to approve or reject them. The ministry didnt immediately provide comment when contacted.

Montage Gold Corp. is one recent deal that is being viewed as a potential test case. The company, which owns a gold deposit in Ivory Coast, accepted a C$57.3 million investment from Chinas Zijin Mining Group for a 9.9% stake in mid-July. Montage said it believes the transaction, expected to close in August, wont require government approval because Zijin would own just under 10% of the Vancouver-based company.

The investment comes two months after Solaris Resources Inc. scrapped a financing deal with Zijin that would have given the Chinese company a 15% stake and a seat on the board. Solaris called off the deal after facing a lengthy government review.

Montages arrangement with Zijin is unlikely to get the same heightened scrutiny in part because gold isnt on Canadas list of critical minerals and because the companys assets are outside Canada, Chief Executive Officer Martino De Ciccio said in an interview.

They dont have any special shareholder rights agreement, they hold no board seats and they have no representation within the management team, he said.

Other Canadian deals involving Chinese buyers are in the works, including Yintai Golds C$368 million takeover of Osino Resources Corp. The Vancouver-based company, which has a gold project in Namibia, said it doesnt need a sign-off from the Canadian government. The companies are awaiting approvals from Namibian regulators.

Montreal-based SRG Mining Inc., which is developing a graphite mine in Guinea, went so far as to attempt to move outside Canada earlier this year in a bid to circumvent Canadas scrutiny of Chinese investment before scrapping the idea.

Canadas federal government has tightened rules even further since 2022, with measures announced in July that will only allow foreign takeovers of Canadian mining companies involved in critical minerals in the most exceptional of circumstances.

Canadas earliest moves under the foreign restriction rules were in November 2022, when it forced three Chinese firms to divest from a trio of Canadian junior lithium explorers whose assets were mostly in Latin America. Yet last year Saudi Arabia was allowed to purchase a 10% stake in Vale SAs base metals unit, giving the Middle Eastern kingdom part ownership of nickel operations in Ontario.

Canada and its Western allies have become increasingly concerned about securing critical minerals needed for goods ranging from electric-vehicle batteries to electronics, prompting them to push to develop supply chains to loosen Chinas global dominance over the industry. The Canadian governments decision-making is predominantly guided by the strategic importance of the minerals involved, according to Torys Jebson.

The general understanding is that the governments not likely to approve an investment in critical minerals from a foreign state-owned entity that does not share similar interests and values as Canada, he said. Outside the critical minerals space, theres probably more opportunity.
Reliance Industries has obtained approval from the United States to resume oil imports from Venezuela, despite existing sanctions. The development was confirmed by a source familiar with the situation on Wednesday, Bloomberg reported.

While the US Treasury Department declined to comment on this matter, Reliance has yet to respond to a request for comment. Bloomberg was the first to report this news.

Prior to the initial imposition of US oil sanctions on Venezuela in 2019, Reliance was the second-largest buyer of Venezuelan crude oil, following China's CNPC.

In May, Reliance re-submitted a request to the US for authorisation to import crude oil from Venezuela. This came after the US Treasury had denied licenses to Indian refiners, including Reliance, following a brief easing of sanctions in October.

Despite the re-imposed sanctions in June, Indian refiners had continued purchasing Venezuelan oil through intermediaries.

Also Read | For Reliance Industries, Jio remains the jewel in the crown

Additionally, India's Oil and Natural Gas Corp has sought a waiver from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control to lift crude oil from Venezuela, according to an industry source.

Sanctions on Venezuela On April 18, 2024, the Biden administration announced that it would not renew a license that had partially eased sanctions on Venezuela since October. This license had been part of a US-backed election agreement between the Venezuelan government and the opposition in Barbados.

"Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his representatives have not fully met the commitments made under the electoral roadmap agreement," stated US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller. Consequently, General License 44, which permitted transactions related to the oil and gas sector with Venezuela, was set to expire at midnight and would not be renewed.

As the deadline approached, the US Treasury Department issued a new license, allowing companies 45 days to wind down their operations and transactions in Venezuela's oil and gas sector.
US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he is "passing the torch to a new generation," as he explained why he stepped back from the 2024 US presidential race to America for the first time on Wednesday in Washington.

Addressing the nation here, Biden said, I revere this office. But I love my country more. I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.

At 81, Biden resisted weeks of pressure from Democrats to step down following a poor debate performance on June 27, declaring at one point that only the "Lord Almighty" could persuade him to leave.

Also Read | Trump campaign says have Once-in-a-Lifetime chance to defeat two democrats

Joe Biden's address to America: Here are top 10 updates 1) The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America  lies in your hands.

2) The defense of democracy is more important than any title. I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people.

3) But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. Its about you. Your families. Your futures. Its about We the People.

4) "Ive given my heart and my soul to our nation. Ive been blessed a million times in return.

5) Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy," Biden said. "And that includes personal ambition.

6) "Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter, from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States. But here I am."

7) The US President said he will focus on his job as president over his remaining six months in office.

8) He also pledged to help make NATO stronger and more united, stop Russian President Vladimir Putin from taking over Ukraine, work toward a ceasefire deal in Gaza and push for Supreme Court reform.

Also Read | World Leaders Praise Bidens Record After President Quits Race

9) Joe Biden is the first sitting president to forgo reelection since 1968, when Lyndon Johnson unexpectedly withdrew from the race on March 31 amid criticism over his management of the Vietnam War.

10) It was the fourth time Biden used the formal setting of the Oval Office since taking office in 2021. His last Oval Office speech was on July 15 when he urged Americans to cool the political rhetoric after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
Revising its travel advisory to include the northeastern states in India, the United States has asked its nationals to not travel to Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and areas in the country where Naxalites are active. In its advisory, the State Department has mentioned that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India, sexual assault at tourist sites and terrorist attacks with little or no warning to discourage travel to the country.

"Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk, the US State Department has said. The US nationals have also been advised to reconsider travel to the northeastern states due to terrorism and violence.

The State Department said, 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.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh Naxal Attack: 2 security personnel killed in IED blast

"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.

While India has been placed at Level 2 for travel but the rating of many parts of the country such as Jammu and Kashmir, India-Pakistan border, Manipur, central parts of Central and East India, have been revised to Level 4.

On Manipur, which has been placed by the US State Department 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.

For other northeastern states, the advisory said, 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.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi releases video on Manipur visit, urges PM Modi to appeal for peace

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, it said.

Naxal attacks have been reported in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.

The government officials of the US have been asked to obtain permission before their travel to most areas in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha. However, the employees can visit the capital cities of these states.
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.

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.
Thousands of protestors gathered on the streets of Washington DC on Wednesday to protest Israel President Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress. The massive protest, which was joined by activists, Palestine supporters, and anti-Israel protestors, went out of control when a few people lowered an American flag and burned it down a few blocks away from the US Congress.

There were reports of people chanting Allahu Akbar while burning the American flag and raising pro-Hamas, anti-Israel slogans. The incident happened in front of the Union Station, near the US Congress, the location where Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a Joint Session of the US Congress.

Also Read | A Key Netanyahu Coalition Partner Says Trump Best for Israel

Allahu Akbar chants among protestors The protest turned violent after hundreds of pro-Palestine, anti-Israel, pro-Hamas demonstrators defaced monuments, vandalised walls and public properties, and burnt US flags. According to Fox News report, agitators were head chanting Allahu Akbar. The US Capitol Police had to use pepper spray to control the crowd. Several protestors spray-painted walls and other public properties in the city with messages like Free Gaza, All zionists are bastards, and Free Palestine.

Several protestors arrested in Washington during Netanyahu's speech The police arrested several people protesting against Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress. Viral videos on social media showed protestors lowering a huge American flag in front of the busy Union Station and burning it down, then they raised the flag of Palestine, which was much smaller.

There were also protests in other parts of the city. There were reports of protestors defacing some of the historic monuments in the city and writing Hamas over the wall and statue.

US flag set ablaze, 23 arrested as thousands protest Netanyahus D.C. visit, The Washington Post reported.

Though most demonstrators walked and chanted peacefully, there were some clashes with law enforcement, and D.C. and Capitol Police said they arrested 15 people in total. The U.S. Park Police arrested eight people, it said.
Russia is throttling access to Alphabet Inc.s YouTube as the Kremlin moves toward blocking one of the last US social media sites still available in the country.

Youtube download speeds on computers will be slowed by around 40% this week and 70% by the end of next week, Alexander Khinshtein, head of the technology committee in Russias lower house of parliament, said on his Telegram channel Thursday.

Russia forced out several foreign social media and internet companies after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, characterizing the effort as a campaign to uphold its digital sovereignty. YouTube has been one of the few to remain, despite the blocking of platforms including Facebook, X and Instagram, in part because there was no clear domestic alternative at the time.

Everything thats happening is a consequence of the anti-Russian policy of the host, that consistently deletes channels of our public figures with positions that differ from the western point of view, Khinshtein said.

The Russian unit of Google, which is YouTubes parent, filed for bankruptcy in 2022 after local authorities seized its bank accounts over a series of local fines. However, the company continued to offer free services inside of Russia, including Google Search, YouTube and Gmail.

Google didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Access to YouTube on mobile devices will remain unaffected for now, according to Khinshtein. Alternative Russian services such as Rutube and VK Video can serve as a replacement, he said.

Russia in 2021 throttled X, known as Twitter at the time, for refusing to take down content. The slowdown was a prelude to a full block of the platform following the start of the Ukraine war.

YouTube has blocked some channels that are pro-Kremlin or run by the Russian state. Google has also been repeatedly fined for not deleting content that Russia says is illegal.

Roughly half of Russians use YouTube every month, according to the Mediascope monitoring service.

With assistance from Davey Alba.
A new Oxfam analysis has revealed a staggering wealth disparity. It shows that the world's richest 1 per cent have amassed a staggering $42 trillion in wealth over the past decadenearly 34 times greater than the combined wealth of the poorest 50 per cent of the global population. The Oxfam analysis comes just ahead of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The report revealed that the average wealth of a person in the top 1 per cent of the population increased by almost $400,000 in real terms in the last ten years compared to just $335. This equals an increase of less than nine cents per day for a person in the bottom half.

Also Read | Oxfam asks govts to control corporate power by breaking up m

Inequality has reached obscene levels, and until now, governments have failed to protect people and (the) planet from its catastrophic effects, Oxfam Internationals Head of Inequality Policy, Max Lawson, said. The richest one per cent of humanity continues to fill their pockets while the rest are left to scrap for crumbs," he said.

Presently, billionaires pay taxes at a rate of less than 0.5 per cent of their wealth which has risen by an annual average of 7.1 per cent over the last four decades. To reduce the extreme fortunes collected by billionaires, an annual net wealth tax of 8 percent will be required. The report said the G20 countries host almost four out of five of the worlds billionaires.

The G20 summit in Brazil aims to achieve international cooperation on taxing the super-rich. According to reports, at this week's summit in Rio de Janeiro, G20 finance ministers will focus on charging the ultrarich and examine measures to prevent them from avoiding taxes.

Also Read | Brazil Unveils Global Billionaire Tax Plan That Has Split G-20

Oxfams analysis also found that the income share of the top 1 per cent of the earning population in G20 countries has increased by 45 per cent over forty years whereas tax rates on their incomes were cut by roughly a third.

"Momentum to increase taxes on the super-rich is undeniable," Oxfam International's head of inequality policy, Max Lawson, said. He added, Do they have the political will to strike a global standard that puts the needs of the many before the greed of an elite few?

Increasing taxes for the wealthiest will be a real litmus test for G20 government," Oxfam said.
There is a reason former US President Donald Trump is still pining for President Joe Biden, even to the point of asking for a refundand it was on brilliant display on Tuesday afternoon in a high school gymnasium in a Milwaukee suburb. In her first official appearance as the presumptive Democratic Party nominee, Vice-President Kamala Harris electrified a crowd of 3,000 with a rousing speech.

Biden couldnt get that kind of crowd, nor could he provide the vision of youth, energy and optimism that Harris is giving a part of the country that is desperate to move past the era of old men.

Even before she strode on to the stage, it was clear Harris was ready for this moment. As she descended the steps of Air Force Two to greet state officials, she looked every bit like a woman who could lead the free world. As the kids like to say, it hits different now.

Also read: How Kamala Harris locked up the nomination in 48 hours

Her speechclocking in at just 17 minuteswas billed as a reinvention" for Harris, who is racing to define herself before her opponents do. This new Kamala, backed by the entire apparatus of the Democratic Party, is confident and comfortable with herself and her message.

She summed up the central rationale for her candidacy with this question: Do we want to live in a country of freedom, a country of rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear and hate?"

Harris is running as a compassionate law-and-order prosecutor who will build Americas middle class, fight for freedom and equality, and focus on the future.

Critics have often pointed to her failed 2020 bid for the nomination as evidence that she lacks the political skill necessary to be Americas president. Over the last three historic weeks, however, Harris has adroitly navigated a difficult time, proving both loyal to Biden and ready for the sprint thats ahead.

There is another dynamic at play as Harris retools her political identity. The culture (again, as young folks like to say) has embraced her. She walked out of her rally to the musical strains of Beyonces hit single Freedom, which Harris has full permission to use.

And its not just Beyonce. In the hours after Biden stepped away as the Democratic nominee, Harris landed a very big endorsement: not Hillary Clinton or the slew of Democratic governors who could have been her challengers, though she did get those, but Charli XCX. If you havent heard of her (its okay, I had to Google her too), then you, my friend, are old.

In an X post, the British pop star declared, simply, kamala IS brat."

Harriss campaign social media accounts quickly adopted the lime green styling of Brat, the music album.

Smart move, that.

On the internet, Harris is, to borrow from Issa Rae, the consummate awkward Black girl," which was brat before brat. Harris laughs awkwardly. She dances awkwardly. And the coconut tree joke just keeps on giving  awkwardly. IRLeven I know what that stands for Harris is seeking to become the commander in chief of the most powerful nation on earth.

On social media, she is the fun aunt, the stepmother who tries a bit too hard and laughs a bit too much at her own jokes. And please dont get her started on Venn diagrams.

This is all very brat of her, isnt it? So very brat.

XCX explains the brat attitude this way: 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," she said on TikTok. It is honest, blunt, and a little bit volatile. Thats Brat."

And brat goes against everything that women, particularly women seeking power, are supposed to be. Harris will need this alter ego because she needs this younger audience, the same group that made coastal grandma" an acceptable style in America.

The internet version of Harris has another advantage as well: It can serve as counterpoint to the picture that Trump and his allies will try to paint of her. Trump has called her dumb as a rock," and others have called her a DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) hire. As of this writing, Laughing Kamala" is Trumps nickname for Harris.

But Trump, who understands the power of images, also sees Harris as a formidable opponent. There is a reason he donated $6,000 to her campaign for California attorney general. There is a reason he wanted to face Biden. Harris is young, energetic and telegenic.

Trump, who just put on a convention that was all vibes and image, surely knows how powerful the vibes and image of Harris are. And thats what scares him. bloomberg
The Union budget for financial year 2024-25, presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, charts a strategic course for India, emphasizing job creation, fiscal consolidation and infrastructure development.

It underscores the governments commitment to fostering a robust economic environment that facilitates growth across various sectors, ensuring India remains resilient amid global uncertainties.

It also provides a detailed road-map that highlights nine major priorities over the next five years, focusing on the poor, women, youth and farmers. These priorities aim to uplift all sections of society while promoting economic growth.

A significant highlight of the budget is its focus on job creation. Recognizing the critical role of the private sector, the budget encourages its participation alongside the government in creating employment opportunities.

Measures such as a one-month wage grant (up to 15,000) on a recruits first salary, internships offered at Indias top 500 companies, reimbursements of provident fund contributions and other measures aimed at higher participation of women in the workforce are expected to drive job creation substantially.

The budget also aims to establish India as a leading startup nation. Key provisions include relief on the angel tax and increasing the Mudra loan schemes limit from 10 lakh to 20 lakh per borrower. These initiatives are designed to spur entrepreneurship and support startups, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth.

Skill development emerges as a cornerstone of the budget, viewed as essential for job creation. Innovative approaches are employed to ensure skill enhancement at all levels, including the entry-level, of the workforce and for special groups. This focus on skill development is complemented by sustained infrastructure investment.

In order to leverage Indias demographic dividend, the budget places a strong emphasis on increasing female participation in the labour force. The measures outlined include establishing working womens hostels, creches, etc. These initiatives are expected to further enhance the economic contribution of young women, aiding in the overall development of the country.

The budget prioritizes infrastructure development, which has been a core aim of the Narendra Modi government over the past 10 years and is crucial for sustained economic growth. It includes a comprehensive plan for urban and rural development, aiming to turn cities into growth hubs and ensure the all-round development of rural areas.

Major infrastructure projects span various sectors, including roads, railways and other forms of transport, as well as housing, water supply and sewage treatment.

The governments capital expenditure outlay is retained at a record-high level of 11.1 trillion, which is 3.4% of GDPthe highest in 26 years. This investment underscores the governments commitment to infrastructure development.

Fiscal consolidation has been a central theme of the budget over the last 10 years and remains so this year. The fiscal deficit target for 2024-25 has been brought down to 4.9%, a notable improvement from the 5.1% target of the interim budget, with a projected glide path to under 4.5% in 2025-26.

This disciplined approach aligns with a broader strategy to reduce the Centres debt-to-GDP ratio over the coming years. This fiscal discipline has been achieved without altering Indias direct or indirect tax structures much, thereby providing a relatively stable tax environment that could improve Indias long-term credit rating.

Several steps have been taken to streamline taxation further, both direct and indirect. Incremental benefits have been provided under the new tax regime via a higher standard deduction and wider slabs with lower rates.

Changes in indirect taxes have been proposed to promote domestic production, remove rate inversions and simplify taxation. The capital gains tax structure has been revised.

The budget emphasizes sustainability and climate financing, recognizing the importance of addressing environmental challenges. Initiatives in these areas are seen as vital steps forward, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.

Technology continues to be the underlying driver for all major government initiatives, highlighting the role of innovation in achieving sustainable development goals.

The 2024-25 budget places India on a strong footing, balancing economic growth with fiscal prudence and social welfare. The budgets comprehensive approach and commitment to policy continuity offer us a solid foundation for sustained economic development.

The initiatives outlined are poised to play a crucial role in shaping Indias economic landscape in the years to come, ensuring resilience and growth amid global uncertainties.

By fostering job creation, enhancing infrastructure and maintaining fiscal discipline, the budget aims to steer India towards achieving the objective of Viksit Bharat, a developed India, by 2047.

These are the authors personal views.

The author is managing director and chief executive officer, NSE.
JD Vance touted his career in venture capital last week in his address to the Republican National Convention. His foray in technology investing, though, was brief by industry standards.

I started businesses to create jobs in the kind of places that I grew up in," the vice presidential candidate said in his convention speech. My work taught me there is still so much talent and grit in the American heartland."

That sentiment is core to Vances mythos as a tech investor who cut his teeth in Silicon Valley before leaving the Bay Area to focus on revitalizing his native Appalachia. In Vances five years as a venture capitalist, he worked for two firms before co-founding his own venture vehicle, Ohio-based Narya Capital Management.

I dont think he had a long enough career in venture to have demonstrated the successful VC narrative thats being expressed," said David Hornik, a founding partner of venture-capital firm Lobby Capital. Hornik is a Democratic donor who first met Vance at an investor gathering in Silicon Valley around the time that Vances memoir, Hillbilly Elegy," was published.

Colin Greenspon, who co-founded Narya with Vance, says the nature of early-stage venture investing means its too early to tell if his investments will ultimately be successful. But its 100% not too early to tell that he was a good investor," he said.

Vances most recent financial disclosures from 2022 show stakes in more than 100 private companies, most of which were valued between $1,001 and $15,000.

His record isnt without blemishes. One of his bigger investmentsAppHarvest, a Kentucky-based indoor farming tech companyeventually filed for bankruptcy after it faced lawsuits that claimed, among other things, that it was creating jobs in the state that the labor force either didnt want or lacked training to do. Vance, who briefly sat on the companys board, invested through two different venture firms.

A spokesperson for Vance declined to comment.

His whirlwind ascendancy from venture capitalist to the potential heir apparent of the GOP is atypical. Vance left the investing world in 2022 after he was elected to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senatehis only experience in public officeand was named Donald Trumps running mate less than two years later.

Vance moved to the Bay Area shortly after graduating from Yale Law School in 2013 to pursue a career in entrepreneurship. He visited the offices of Mithril Capital, a San Francisco-based firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, for a meet-and-greet with parts of the investing team, according to a person familiar with the matter. Mithril wasnt hiring at the time, and Vance eventually landed a role as chief operating officer at a small biotechnology company.

Vance pitched the biotech company several times to Mithril investors, the person said. In 2016, he left the biotech firm to join Mithril as a junior investor. Vances memoir was published that summer and became a bestseller with its unrelenting portrayal of poverty in working-class America.

In the year Vance worked at Mithril, a former colleague said he never once saw him in the office. Another colleague said he remembers seeing Vance at the office, although he did travel a lot to promote his memoir. Neither remembered significant deals that Vance drove during his time at Mithril.

In March 2017, Vance left Mithril to join Revolution, an investment firm founded by Steve Case, a co-founder of AOL. Vance was hired to focus on the Rise of the Rest initiative, a seed fund within Revolution that looked for investing opportunities outside the typical tech ecosystems of Silicon Valley, New York and Boston. He joined Case for several stops on a bus tour through cities like Chattanooga, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky.

During Vances 18 months at Revolution, he was the lead partner or co-lead on 14 deals, according to a person familiar with the deals. They included California-based defense tech startup Anduril Industries, North Carolina-based artificial intelligence startup Pyron, as well as AppHarvest.

Vance joined Pryons board in June 2019. Pryons chief executive, Igor Jablokov, said Vance was an engaged investor who helped the company forge connections with venture capitalist Jim Breyer and with Chase Koch, the son of billionaire libertarian tycoon Charles Koch.

Vance left Revolution at the end of 2019. Shortly after, he started Narya with Greenspon. The pair raised $120 million in their first fund with backing from Thiel as well as venture capitalist Marc Andreessen and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, according to a person familiar with the funds financials. That fund generated a multiple on invested capital of 1.67 and an internal rate of return of 24.35% after fees as of March 2023, according to an investor document.

Since its founding, Narya has made 14 investments, one of which is in stealth, the person said. They include Rumble, a video platform popular with the political right which went public through a special-purpose acquisition company, better known as a SPAC, while Vance was running for the Senate seat, and Hallow, a Catholic meditation and prayer app. Three others have ties to Vivek Ramaswamy, a businessman who once vied for the Republican presidential nomination and was a law school classmate of Vances.

Vance invested again in AppHarvest through Narya and joined the board in July 2020, according to the companys securities filings. Other board members included Martha Stewart and investor Jeffrey Ubben. In February 2021, the company went public through a SPAC. Vance resigned from the board two months later to make his run for the Senate.

Months after Vance left the board, AppHarvest was sued by individual investors and a county retirement association in five separate lawsuits. These suits alleged that the company had misled regulators and investors and failed to disclose adverse facts about its operations, including a lack of employee training and an inability to hire and retain employees due to attrition." The company filed for bankruptcy in mid-2023.

I can say JD is a good man, and its very challenging to start a fund no matter who you are," said Alex Kolicich, an investor at 8VC, a venture firm started by Palantir co-founder and Trump donor Joe Lonsdale, in emailed comments. In his short time in venture JD accomplished what many dont in a career: starting their own firm."

Vances 2022 financials reveal an income of $110,146 from Narya and $121,376 in royalties from his book. He reported holdings in several mutual funds, collectively valued at $1.7 million to $3.6 million. He also owned between $100,001 to $250,000 in bitcoin and a single-family townhome in Washington valued between $500,001 and $1 million.

Vances brief stint in tech appears to have informed his beliefs about the very industry in which he grew up. At a panel for The Wall Street Journals Future of Everything Festival in May 2021, Vance said, Ive certainly personally been very close to the technology sector. Because of that experience, I inherently mistrust it or at least worry about its influence in the broader economy."

Peter Rudegeair and Anthony DeBarros contributed to this article.
Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sudip Bandyopadhyay said on July 25 that the people of West Bengal will never support the demand of incorporating northern parts of the state into the North East.

The TMC leader was referring to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to incorporate northern parts of the West Bengal state into the North East because the two regions have many similarities.

Also Read | Separate state for north Bengal? State govt to bring motion opposing demand

Bengal will never be divided. Sukanta Majumdar has raised the demand for North Bengal, but he needs to remember that the people of Bengal will never support such demands. If he keeps talking like this, just like CPI(M) and Congress were reduced to zero, BJP will also be reduced to zero in 2026, Bandyopadhyay told news agency ANI.

Majumdar, the BJP chief of West Bengal, said in a video on July 24 that he had met with the prime minister and handed over a presentation highlighting the similarities between North Bengal and North East states.

I requested him to incorporate north Bengal, a part of West Bengal, into the North East [region], Mazumdar is heard as saying in the video.

Also Read | Supreme Court upholds West Bengals suit against Centre on CBI FIRs

Majumdar is a Lok Sabha MP from Balurghat seat in northern West Bengal. In the video, he said the prime minister would decide on the proposal. If North Bengal is incorporated into the North East, it will benefit from the Union government schemes, he said.

The BJP has a significant presence in northern West Bengal. In the 2024 general election, it won five out of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the region. Earlier too, some groups have long demanded statehood for northern areas of West Bengal. In 2021, John Barla, the then BJP MP from northern Bengals Alipurduar constituency had also sought statehood for the region.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notice to Kangana Ranaut, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Mandi, on a petition filed by a resident seeking to set aside her election on the grounds of rejecting his nomination papers for general election 2024.

The petitioner, a Kinnaur resident, has alleged that his nomination papers to contest Lok Sabha 2024 elections from Mandi seat in Himachal Pradesh against the Queen actor were allegedly wrongly rejected.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court judge, Justice Jyotsna Rewal has issued notice directing Ranaut to file a reply by August 21. Ranaut won the elections from Mandi parliament seat, defeating her rival Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh by over 74,000 votes.

Pleading to set aside Ranaut's election, the petitioner, Layak Ram Negi,claimed that the returning officer, the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi district, had wrongly rejected his nomination papers. The agency report said that the petitioner has also made the Deputy Commissioner of Mandu a party.

Negi, an ex-employee of the forest department in Himachal Pradesh, said that he got premature retirement and produced a "no dues certificate" from the department along with nomination papers to the returning officer.

However, he said, he was given a day to produce the "no due certificate" from the electricity, water, and telephone departments. When he submitted them, the returning officer did not accept them and rejected the nomination papers.

The petitioner pleaded that he could have won the election if his papers had been accepted. He has sought to set aside the election.

Ranaut Welcomes Budget 2024 Ranaut welcomed the Budget 2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23, saying she was very happy'.

"Relief fund has been promised for Himachal Pradesh. We are very happy with the budget," said Kangana.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will organise nationwide events to inform the public about the features and benefits of the Budget 2024-25 presented by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on July 23. This is in response to the ongoing protest by the opposition parties accusing the budget of being 'discriminatory.'

The saffron party will hold these programmes across the country this weekend - July 27 and July 28, news agency ANI reported.

Union Ministers and party national office bearers will visit prominent places in the country to discuss the budget with people. Members of Parliament (MPs) will visit every district where events regarding Budget 2024 will be held. The ANI report said a conference of intellectuals, to which people from the PHD Chamber of Commerce will be invited, will also be organised.

These programmes are being held as per the directions of the party's national president, JP Nadda, BJP's National General Secretary, Arun Singh, told ANI.

The BJP directive said the programmes must highlight the budget's benefits for the poor, farmers, SC-STs, and those employed in MSMEs.

The party has also asked state units to designate an office-bearer and submit a report after completing the campaign. The ANI report said leaders have also been asked to highlight various budget points on their personal and official social media accounts.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record seventh consecutive Union Budget 2024-25 in the Parliament on Tuesday. The FM introduced an 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 was also announced.

The Opposition leaders accused the PM Narendra Modi-led government of presenting a Budget that offers nothing except for the two statesAndhra Pradesh and Biharwhich are governed by BJP allies.

The Finance Minister announced significant financial aid for Andhra Pradesh and major infrastructure projects for Bihar. N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party governs Andhra Pradesh. In Bihar, Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal-United is in power.

Also Read | Copy Congress Manifesto A Little More: Chidambaram In Parliament On Budget 2024

On July 25, speaking in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of engaging in mere politics rather than providing constructive feedback on the budget.

"I want to condemn the remarks made by some opposition leaders on the Budget. The opposition did not say anything about the budget, rather they have just done politics. They have insulted the mandate of the people, which is not right for democracy," Rijiju said in the house.
INDIA bloc MPs on Wednesday staged a protest in Parliament premises over the alleged discrimination against opposition-ruled states in the Union Budget 2024. Now, in a scathing attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has advised that he will be "isolated" if he continues to run the government according to political likes and dislikes.

Also Read | How the Budget affects your salaries, investments and taxes

Taking to X, the Tamil Nadu CM wrote, #INDIA coalition MPs have staged a protest protesting the omission of several states in the Union financial report. Hon'ble Prime Minister @narendramodi You said, "The election is over, now we have to think about the country." But yesterday #Budget2024 will save your rule, but not the Indian nation! Run the government in general. Don't be bent on avenging those who have yet defeated you. I am obliged to advise you that if you run the government according to political likes and dislikes, you will be isolated.

Also Read | Budget 2024: Capital gains tax changes to benefit taxpayers in these scenarios

Earlier, CM Stalin had also said Tamil Nadu was completely ignored in the Union Budget and in order to condemn it, he added that would boycott the NITI Aayog meet that is to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On his descision to boycott the NITI ayog meet, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai said the Union Budget was designed to benefit people with low incomes, women, youth, and farmers. However, Stalin's decision to boycott the meeting, on the basis that the budget did not mention Tamil Nadu by name, is quite theatrical.

Also Read | Budget 2024: Check 6 key announcements for women empowerment

In a post on X, Annamalai said the Chief Minister is "trying to create an impression that no welfare schemes will be made available to the states other than those named in the text of the financial statement."

He added, When the DMK was in alliance with the Congress Party at the Center for ten years from 2004 to 2014, the name of Tamil Nadu did not appear in the financial statements filed for 6 years. Will you say that during those 6 years, the central government in alliance with Congress DMK did not provide any programs to Tamil Nadu?"

Does Chief Minister Stalin know that not even one-tenth of the welfare schemes given to Tamil Nadu by the government of our Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Mr. @narendramodi in the last ten years from 2014 to 2024, when the DMK-Congress alliance was in power?
The question of who will govern Gaza has plagued efforts to end Israels nine-month war to destroy Hamas. Some U.S., Israeli and Arab officials are pushing to empower a former Palestinian security chief who himself once tried to crush the militant group, was later exiled from the West Bank and now lives in luxury in Abu Dhabi.

Some negotiators are increasingly drawn to Mohammed Dahlan as a temporary solution to a dilemma facing postwar Gaza: Putting someone in charge of security in the strip that Israel, Hamas and foreign powers such as the U.S. and Arab Gulf states all find palatable. The discussions are picking up speed as cease-fire mediators try and revive stalled talks. Negotiators were planning to convene in Doha, Qatar, this week but are now likely to meet next week.

Dahlan is a rare Palestinian leader who is independent of both Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, and the Palestinian Authority that runs parts of the West Bank, making him someone the Israeli government could potentially work with, said Israeli political analysts. And in Washington, where the George W. Bush administration saw him at the time as a future Palestinian president, some officials have privately touted him as a key player since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, sparking the war.

Dahlan, a wealthy businessman who grew up poor in Gaza, has been on the sidelines of Palestinian politics for over a decade and said recently that he doesnt want to lead Gaza himself. But he has a political party that is active there and links to groups on the ground which could help make up a security force to bridge from the end of fighting to whatever comes next.

Since the war began, he has ferried between the United Arab Emiratesa wealthy Gulf state that could help fund Gazas reconstruction and provide troops for an international stabilization forceand Egypt, whose border with Gaza and Israel makes it integral to the territorys future. Dahlan has advised both countries leaders and benefited from their patronage.

In Cairo, he has convened Gaza businessmen and the heads of rich families, who fled the conflict, to find ways to get desperately needed supplies into the territory. Companies and families in southeast Gaza that have historically been aligned with Dahlan have provided security to some commercial shipments.

In recent conversations with Hamas and Fatah, Dahlan has presented himself as someone who could eventually oversee aid distribution in a new Palestinian administration of Gaza, Arab and Hamas officials said.

Dahlan has the charisma, street cred and connections across the political spectrum to be successful, said Aaron David Miller, a veteran U.S. peace negotiator in the Middle East. Hes incredibly effective and could deliver under circumstances that would allow him to deliver," he said, including a supportive Israeli government and backing from the U.S. and key Arab states.

Importantly, Hamas has softened its opposition to Dahlan, indicating to mediators in recent weeks that it could accept him as part of an interim solution to help end the war. Dahlan led Palestinian Authority security forces in a bloody U.S.-backed conflict with Hamas, after the U.S.-designated terrorist group won elections in 2006 to rule the Gaza Strip.

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said the group is giving priority to an overall vision for postwar Gaza that is based on national interest and national consensus" over opposition or support for specific individuals.

It is unacceptable for any party to be imposed from above," he told the Journal.

Dahlan has said he now speaks to Hamas regularly and believes the group cant be eradicated. Israel previously approached Dahlan to help put anti-Hamas Palestinians in charge of Gaza aid, the Journal has reported, a plan that Hamas moved quickly to stamp out.

According to an option currently under consideration, Dahlan would oversee a Palestinian security force of 2,500 men working in coordination with an international force, as Israeli troops pull out, Arab officials said. The Palestinian forces would be vetted by the U.S., Israel and Egypt and wouldnt have clear loyalties to the Palestinian Authority, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesnt want to control Gaza, the officials said.

If successful, the force could expand to help with the reconstruction of Gaza, with training from the U.S. and Arab states, the officials added. Private Western security firms could also play a role, the officials said.

Other figures are also being considered to run the Gaza security force, including Majid Faraj, director of the Palestinian Authoritys intelligence service in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Ehud Yaari, an Israeli analyst with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said Dahlan has had preliminary talks with Israeli security officials about a possible role in Gaza but Israeli acceptance isnt assured.

Dahlan can play a role, but he cannot be the solution. He can share the load," said Yaari.

The Israeli prime ministers office declined to comment on Dahlan.

From his villa in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the U.A.E., Dahlan, 62, has laid out an expansive vision for the impoverished and now largely destroyed Palestinian territory where he was born and raised in Khan Younis. He still has family living in Gaza.

His ideas largely echo those of the Arab states involved in either the cease-fire talks, such as Egypt, or in discussions about funding the reconstruction of Gaza, such as the U.A.E. They include a transitional government to administer security and basic services until more permanent arrangements could be made, potentially through parliamentary elections.

Dahlan, who was arrested repeatedly by the Israelis for his involvement in the Fatah youth movement and learned to speak Hebrew in prison, was a close adviser to late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. He later had a falling-out with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and moved to the U.A.E. before he was convicted in the West Bank of corruption charges, which he denied.

Hes always remained on the scene and yet not on the scene, as he hasnt been to Palestine since 2011," said Diana Buttu, a former Palestinian peace negotiator who worked with Dahlan. He may have left Gaza but Gaza never really left him."

Dahlan remains a rival of Abbas. Dimitri Diliani, a spokesman for Dahlans Democratic Reform Current, said the faction wants to relegate Abbass presidency to a ceremonial role. There must be room for Palestinian factions beyond Hamas and Abbass Fatah to have a say in Gazas future, Diliani said.

A future role securing aid would build on Dahlans work in recent months to get desperately needed goods into the embattled enclave, where a breakdown in civil order has impeded international aid delivery.

Dahlan associates could end up helping run the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt along with international partners, Egyptian officials said. The Hamas-run government operated the crossing until May, when the Israeli military seized the Gaza side of the 9-mile border area. Israel wants to maintain permanent security oversight there to prevent weapons smuggling, but Egypt says that would violate its 1979 peace treaty with Israel.

An empowered Dahlan would risk sidelining the Palestinian Authority, which sees him as a fugitive. It would also present a wrinkle for the Biden administration, which has said that a revitalized Palestinian Authority should eventually take power. Further, Israeli officials oppose a Palestinian state, which the U.S. and Arab states that could fund reconstruction say is essential for regional security.

Among Palestinians, views of Dahlan are mixed. In a leadership election, he would receive around 8%, almost entirely from Gaza, according to a June poll by the West Bank-based Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. That puts him about even with Hamas military leader Yahya Sinwar but far behind Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and longtime Fatah official Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences in an Israeli jail on charges of murder and membership in a terrorist organization.

Fatma Waheed, who lives in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah, described Dahlan as self-serving but would accept his return if it was the only way for Gaza to be rebuilt and its borders reopened.

I really want Hamas to leave us alone," said Waheed, 37. If Dahlan is the one to replace them, then he is welcome."

Abeer Ayyoub and Dov Lieber contributed to this article.

Write to Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com and Stephen Kalin at stephen.kalin@wsj.com
New Delhi: The environment ministry has asked for more transparency in the way money from the Environment Relief Fund is disbursed to victims of major environmental disasters.

Draft regulations issued by the ministry on Thursday asks fund managers of the Fund to disburse all pay-ins to Central and state Pollution Control Boards (PCBs). The ministry is inviting comments from stakeholders for 60 days from 25 July.

The ministry proposed these amendments to the Environment Relief Fund Scheme, 2008.

Under the proposed amendments, the fund manager must disburse any money it collects to PCBs once it is ordered to do so by the Central government, and follow up with PCBs about the utilization of the funds.

Also Read: Budget 2024 in numbers: Capex target to tax hikesBig digits of Modi 3.0s first Union Budget at a glance The Environment Relief Fund, set up after the 1984 Bhopal gas leak tragedy, is supposed to disburse money to help victims of major industrial accidents. The fund, however, has not disbursed any money since 2019, as per a 2023 Rajya Sabha disclosure.

The total amount in the fund as of FY23 was 1,060.95 crore, according to the annual report of United India Insurance Company Ltd, the fund manager.

Draft regulations As per the draft regulations, the fund will also collect penalties under the Public Liability Insurance Act, as also the interest or returns earned on the investments of the Environmental Relief Fund. These funds will be monitored separately by the fund manager, the proposal said.

The central government has proposed to tweak the procedure to be followed under the Public Liability Insurance Act, which was created to compensate victims of major industrial hazards.

Now, under the proposed changes, the central government will assess the damage after receiving a complaint under the Act, and order the fund manager to disburse funds to central or state PCBs for compensation.

Also Read: Budget 2024 Key Highlights: From capital gains, income tax changes to employment initiatives, here are the key takeaways The Central or state PCB or fund manager will maintain proper records and documentation of the utilization of funds, the government proposed.

The fund or the PCBs will also submit annual reports to the Central government detailing the progress of environmental remediation, the proposal said.
As the opposition benches were on Thursday protesting against the remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Abhijit Gangopadhyay on Wednesday against Congress member Gaurav Gogoi in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Speaker has the power to take action against the member. Kiren Rijuju said that such remarks should not be made by any member.

Meanwhile, Speaker Om Birla has cautioned all Lok Sabha members to maintain the dignity of the House. While such remarks are expunged, in future, no member should make such remarks in their speeches or make remarks while sitting on their seats, Om Birla said.

As Opposition members kept protesting against Abhijit Gangopadhyay's remarks on Gaurav Gogoi, Om Birla said the BJP MP had been warned.

Members can express their views, participate in discussions but should also ensure the respect and dignity of the House. Everyone should work towards increasing the dignity of the House, and the member concerned has been cautioned against making such remarks in the future, Om Birla said.

Abhijit Gangopadhyay, the former judge of the Calcutta High Court and BJP MP from West Bengal, got into a fiery exchange with Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, during his maiden speech in Parliament. During the exchange, he made certain remarks against Gaurav Gogoi that the Speaker later expunged from the record.

On Thursday, July 25, the Lok Sabha was adjourned twice in the post-lunch period as a war of words broke out between the members of the House.

Former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who won the Talmuk Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal in the recently concluded general elections 2024, is a first-time MP. Abhijit Gangopadhyay resigned as a judge of the high court and joined the BJP.

During his Lok Sabha campaigns, the Election Commission of India (ECI) banned him from campaigning for 24 hours over an 'undignified' remark against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Raising the issue of rising cases of dubious drug trials in India, Rajya Sabha MP Dr Kanimozhi NVN Somu said she will discuss the issue with Union Health Minister JP Nadda in her meeting with him.

"I am going to strongly put forward this to the Health Minister of India in my meeting with him next week with all proof documents of this dubious act," Dr Kanimozhi NVN Somu told LiveMint.

When asked why she decided to take up this topic, she explained, "I have chosen to highlight the alarming issue of dubious drug trials due to its profound impact on our healthcare sector. As a doctor myself, I am deeply concerned about how these incidents not only jeopardise patient safety but also erode public trust in healthcare professionals. Such unethical practices cast doubt on our profession as a whole, which is why addressing this issue is crucial to maintain the credibility of medical research and ensure the safety and trust of our patients."

Dr Kanimozhi had earlier this week, while speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Parliament session, discussed a report by the Ethical Committee of National Institute of Virology (NIV) about the rising cases of dubious drug trials in India.

She also raised concerns regarding the oversight and quality control of clinical trials conducted in the nation, pointing out that a pharmaceutical company had recently appealed to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to look into serious gaps in clinical trials to create a biosimilar product for the treatment of breast cancer.

During her speech in Rajya Sabha, she said that the most important factor in clinical trials is the genuineness of the original product, which is considered the gold standard. Any doubt about the authenticity of the gold standard is bound to raise misgivings about the integrity of the whole trial and the effectiveness of the biosimilar copy being tested.

She said that in order for a company to conduct a clinical trial, it must register with the Central Trial Registry of India.

She said that there was an allegation of trials being conducted four months before the procurement of the gold standard drug from the original manufacturer.

She mentioned that the same pharmaceutical company had contributed significantly through electoral bonds. According to data, 35 pharmaceutical corporations in India have donated around 1,000 crore in electoral bonds to political parties, primarily those in power in both the Centre and the States. When these corporations bought the bonds, at least seven of them were under investigation for using substandard drugs.
Mammals are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates that give birth to live young and feed them with milk. Known as one of the most adaptable animals on the Earth, mammals are found on every continent and in every range in size, be it tiny bumblebee bats, to humans, or giant blue whales.

For decades, scientists have been trying to track the evolution of mammals to understand how they became among the most successful animals on the planet. Recently, scientists discovered two rare fossils in Scotland's Isle of Sky that can provide crucial information about the evolution of mammals on Earth.

About the discovery For decades, a Jurassic era mammal, Krusatodon, has been at the centre of attention for the research fraternity as it is supposed to be one of the first to roam earth, alongside dinosaurs. So far, only a handful of fossils of the primitive shrew-like mammal have been found. Out of them are two exceptionally complete skeletons, one of a juvenile creature and another of an adult. The two fossils were discovered from Skye in Scotland. What makes Krusatodon stand apart from modern small mammals is its long life span.

Also Read | THESE 5 NASA images from space will make you fall in love with universe

Why is the rare fossil discovery important? According to the BBC, studying these fossils of the earliest mammals can help scientists understand the factors that helped them become some of the most adaptable animals on Earth. The researchers used hi-tech X-ray imaging to peer through rock and study growth patterns in the teeth of the two fossil fuels.

Also Read | WHO urges halt to sale of live wild mammals in food markets

The study of a juvenile mammal's fossil reveals that it was weaning, replacing teeth at an estimated age of 2 years, which is unusual compared to modern-day small mammals, Dr Elsa Panciroli, Associate Researcher of Palaeobiology at National Museums Scotland, told BBC News.
Remember office birthday parties? Everybody yelling, Surprise!" in the conference room? Or crowding around your desk to sing Happy Birthday"?

Well, say goodbye to all that.

Bosses used to see office parties as a simple way to build culture and show appreciation for employees. It was also a little break away from the desk (with some snacks, no less). But times are changing, and office birthdays are getting passe.

Then came Covid, and a huge change in business culture. After several years of remote work, many people dont want to drag themselves into the office any more than they have to. Younger workers, who may have spent their whole careers on Zoom and arent used to office socializing in the first place, are particularly down on the idea. And for older workers? Do they really want everybody to know just how old they are?

On top of that, more employees were sensitized to mental-health issues during the pandemic, and feel freer to speak up about how much they dislike big to-dos in the office. So, their bosseswho also got more sensitive to mental healthare trying to give them the low-key acknowledgment they really want.

Socializing for birthdays has never been less attractive to knowledge workers in a hybrid environment," says workplace expert Nathan Manuel.

No fuss, please

For a lot of people, office birthdays raise conflicting feelings. They like having their birthdays remembered but hate partiesacknowledgment, just not with a big production. (Be honest: Do you really, truly like wearing a cone-shaped hat on your head? Or spending an hour answering questions about how old you feel?)

Many companies are trying to square that circle by simply sending people digital notes or gift cards for their birthday.

Patty Devlin, for one, likes that setup. In her previous job at a large professional-services firm, colleagues decorated her cubicle, brought in dessert and sang. She hated the attention so much that she started taking her birthday off to avoid the hoopla.

So, she was thrilled when she joined Dallas-based Revenue Edge, a revenue-management company, as a remote administrative-services manager and learned there are no public birthday celebrations. Instead, the company does things like send birthday messages via Kudoboard, a site that helps employers recognize workers.

Devlin started in November 2021, and when her birthday rolled around in April, she received a note with heartfelt messages from colleagues she had worked with for only about six months, and a $50 gift card she used on Amazon.

I felt seen and appreciated, but I didnt have to deal with the anxiety of having people sing to me," says Devlin, of Winter Springs, Fla.

Gianna Driver, chief human-resources officer at the global cybersecurity firm Exabeam, fondly recalls the days when employees would hide a card in a manila envelope, then pass it around the office for everybody to sign. But as the companies she worked for grew, there would inevitably be four birthday celebrations in a two-week span."

That becomes a lot of cake and a lot of time away from desk," she says.

At several of her previous jobs, the companies moved to monthly celebrationseveryone having a birthday that month gets acknowledged at the same time. At Exabeam, employees get digital cards where colleagues around the globe can write messages, along with audio or video, if they want. Recipients can open the messages privately, without any dog-and-pony show at their desk.

Skip the age

Some companies are trying to make office celebrations more palatable by cheering work anniversaries instead of birthdays. Employers say people are a lot less likely to feel sensitive about their years of service than their age, and can feel acknowledged for their loyalty and service.

Twitchs chief people officer, Lauren Nunes, agrees that birthdays have lost their luster" in favor of work anniversaries. Last year Twitch, a livestreaming company focused on gaming and esports, held a companywide video stream where employees, both remote and in person, wore crowns with their years of service written on them. The company held a Twitch trivia game and a competition to build the best birthday cake out of childrens modeling clay.

This years celebration has the theme Twitch Prom. Employees are encouraged to wear tuxedos and gowns, and will write their tenure on sashes. Ahead of the party, there will be activities like a corsage-making event.

Says Nunes, Its a simple yet inclusive event."

Is that all there is?

Some companies are trying to tackle another criticism of office birthday partiesthat they can be unfair.

Earlier this year, the digital-marketing firm Kepler Group emailed its nearly 500 U.S. and Canada-based employees explaining they are moving from team-based birthday celebrations to monthly officewide in-person ones. (The handful of remote employees are acknowledged in a channel on Slack.) The company also addressed the other big birthday-party divide: Some like them, others dont. So to be included in the list of birthdays, people must opt in. More than half did.

Before this, the celebrations could get lopsided. Some teams brought in desserts and decorated the persons desk, for instance, while others didnt do anything, says Jane Camp, Kepler Groups chief of staff. Holding a companywide monthly celebration establishes a baseline to ensure everyone feels the loveif they opt in, of course.

Carolyn Frey, chief people officer at the grocery-delivery service Hungryroot, recalls her previous job where individual teams decided how to celebrate birthdays. That left some employees jealous that other teams held more-extravagant celebrations.

Now that Hungryroot is fully remote with an option to work in the office, leaders decided the best way to celebrate and keep things equitable is a universal approach: saying Happy birthday" on the Slack celebration channel at the beginning of each week and gifting the celebrant with credits for free groceries from Hungryroot.

Its quieter and feels more inclusive," Frey says, noting that employees can opt out of having their birthday acknowledged, and few do.

Some workers, meanwhile, would rather just stick with old-school parties, warts and all.

Daniel Groner didnt always like office celebrations. While Groner was working as a marketing manager at Shutterstock several jobs ago, his department grew to nearly 50 people, and it seemed as if there was a never-ending stream of cake and singing, interrupting his workflow and concentration. (Not to mention expanding his waistline.) He became such a curmudgeon about it that his wife pranked him with a furry-costumed singing telegram on his birthday to lead his co-workers in Happy Birthday" and a bit of dancing.

Now that he is part of a hybrid office, commuting into Manhattan a few days a week from the suburbs, he misses the interactions and impromptu conversations that birthdays fostered, while acknowledging that these celebrations can sometimes seem cringey" and perfunctory.

These days he is a marketing director at a global media company and when he is in the office, it is usually with about 10 others who are there for a group meeting or, yes, a celebration. The office manager programs the celebration into the teams calendars and lavishes them with their favorite treat (in Groners case, doughnuts). He says he cherishes these times.

Pretending that this dedicated time together doesnt drive any business value is wrong," Groner says. More so now when casual gatherings and greetings are less commonplace, we should embrace birthdays and any other reason to come together."
India and the United Kingdom have unveiled a pioneering technology security initiative aimed at spurring economic growth and deepening bilateral cooperation, reported AP. This announcement coincided with the inaugural official visit to India by the UK's newly appointed Foreign Secretary.

Under this new agreement, both nations will collaborate on critical technological advancements, spanning areas such as essential minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and telecommunications. Additionally, the initiative seeks to enhance partnerships in climate action, trade, technology, and education, as stated by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

"This agreement signifies tangible steps towards addressing future challenges, from AI to essential minerals. Our joint efforts can unlock mutual growth, drive innovation, create jobs, and attract investment," Lammy remarked.

During discussions with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the two officials also pledged to reinforce defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, added the wire report. They addressed various global issues, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to a statement from Indias Ministry of External Affairs.

Lammy emphasized that his visit to India highlights a primary focus of the new UK governments foreign policy: reestablishing relations with Europe, both in terms of climate action and engagement with the Global South.

The UK's Labour Party, having secured a decisive victory in the July 4 elections, aims to "reset and relaunch" UK-India relations. This includes resuming formal negotiations on a free trade agreement, which had been a key objective for former Prime Minister Boris Johnson following the UK's exit from the European Union in 2020.

In his visit, Lammy also engaged with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi expressed his support for the new technology security initiative and voiced optimism about finalizing a free trade agreement in a social media post.

The trade agreement aims to double bilateral trade, which stood at $50 billion in 2022, by 2030. Johnson had ambitiously aimed to finalize the deal by Diwali in October 2022. However, the 13 rounds of negotiations conducted before the talks were paused due to the 2024 general elections in both countries had not yet yielded a conclusive agreement.

(With inputs from AP)

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Sheriff Garrett says the 24-year-old is wanted by Metro Nashville PD for questioning in the death of Matt Carney, the owner of Smokin Thighs.
In a pastoral letter last weekend, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois Paul Connell outlined to church goers that the introduction of nine pastoral areas was not about closing churches or parishes but rather about reimagining how we worship and pass on our Christian faith to a new generation of believers.



Bishop Connell wrote; As I reflect over the last year, I am very conscious that we need to plan and prepare for the future of the church in our diocese. As I remarked during my Ordination ceremony, the model of church we have at present cannot continue. We simply do not have the numbers of priests and religious necessary to sustain it. There has been and will be a continual decline in the number of our full time priests and religious.



In March 2017, Bishop Francis wrote a pastoral letter to you which outlined this reality. He pointed out that by 2030 there would be at best twenty five full time priests ministering in our forty one parishes. Everything that has happened since has re-enforced and confirmed that trend.



Much work has been done since then to prepare for the future. In particular, the Diocesan Assembly was a grace filled event which brought together representatives from all over the diocese. It identified three main priorities for the future - Family ministry, Formation of the laity and ministry to young people. And despite the interruption of the Covid pandemic, a start has been made in all these areas, particularly in the area of family ministry.

Many parishes across the diocese now have a dedicated family Mass on Sundays. In addition, our parish councils have been involved in the synodal reflection begun by Pope Francis. One of its key themes is co-responsibility where by working together, everyone in the church has a role in its future.

In tandem with all these activities, Bishop Francis consulted widely regarding nine pastoral areas, essentially groups of parishes co-operating together regarding the formation, promotion and practice of the faith along with maintaining the physical structure in these parishes.



As Bishop Francis emphasised, this is not about closing churches or parishes but rather about reimagining how we worship and pass on our Christian faith to a new generation of believers.

This process of grouping parishes has already begun. Carrick-on-Shannon has been grouped with Annaduff and Kiltubrid, and Lanesboro with Killashee and Newtowncashel. And the reality is that in the very near future your parish may not have a resident priest, or if you have, then your priest may be called upon to provide pastoral care in a neighbouring parish that does not have one.



Shortly after my arrival in the diocese a new Diocesan Pastoral Committee was established with the objective of mapping out our future with the theme of 'Travelling Together'. Its work has been closely aligned with the Synodal process. In May of this year, it met with representatives from every parish in the diocese.

From those meetings has emerged the need going forward to provide training and support for parish pastoral councils.



And in the medium to long term, to establish a network of parish secretaries, catechists and pastoral workers who will work with our clergy to ensure the future of worship and faith formation.

As a result of these meetings the Diocean Pastoral Committee has established, as a first priority, that there will be a restructured pastoral council in every parish in the diocese by the middle of 2025.



A new template for parish pastoral councils is being prepared and will be ready by the autumn of this year. A network of trainers and a programme of training will also be made available to assist parishes to roll out the new model from the end of this year into 2025. We will also have a commissioning ceremony fc all our new parish pastoral councils in the Cathedral.



It is very important that everyone in our diocese knows and understands what is happening, as inevitable changes occur. That is why I am writing this pastoral letter to you now.



As we travel this journey together, please pray for the continuing help and guidance of the Lord as we strive to do His will.



It is of course vital that we also continue to pray for and promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. That men and women, young and older will answer the call to serve the people of God.

This year for the first time in a number of years we hope to have two seminarians beginning the journey to priesthood. Please pray for them in particular.
An English surgeon who has worked in hospitals in Gaza has said healthcare professionals who have seen the horrific injuries inflicted on Palestinians must speak up.

Professor Nick Maynard also warned Palestinian deaths from malnourishment and lack of healthcare could dwarf those injured in Israeli strikes.

He said he wants to meet with UK and Irish politicians to speak about traumatic injuries suffered by Gazans.

The 61-year-old consultant gastrointestinal surgeon at Oxford University Hospital has travelled to the Palestinian enclave regularly since 2010 with Medical Aid for Palestinians to provide medical training.

Since Israels military operation was launched in the Gaza Strip in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, he has travelled there twice to treat what he called indescribably awful injuries.

He said while working there in January, he emerged from a theatre room in the Al-Asqa hospital, after operating on a young woman for five hours, to find a hole in the wall of the intensive care unit after a missile strike.

He said no-one was injured in the strike but they had been told the hospital was in a deconflicted zone.

He described the scenes in Gaza hospitals as chaotic and that the vast majority of patients are women and children.

He said he can still remember the screams of an orphaned Palestinian girl whose leg was severely broken and needed to be reset without any pain relief.

He told the PA news agency: Ill never forget one child whose face was burned so badly that you could see the facial bones through the burnt flesh. She had no chance of survival and she died a very slow death.

We saw large numbers of traumatic amputations, children coming in with one, two, sometimes three limbs amputated by the bombs.

Prof Maynard said he wants to meet with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and any Irish politicians so he can show them images of the types of traumatic scenes he has witnessed.

If I could meet Lammy and Starmer I would, he said. Do I believe itll make any difference? Ive no idea but if I had the opportunity I would do that.

Id love to meet Irish politicians if I had the opportunity to do so. In reality its only the US government who can stop them (Israel), but the Irish Government, the UK Government could put pressure on the US government, Im quite sure of that.

He said Gaza had been failed by academic and medical institutions in the UK and called for them to allow vigils to be held in hospitals to remember healthcare staff who had been killed in Gaza.

He said a young Palestinian doctor that he knew, Maisara, who had received a scholarship in the UK, was killed in Gaza when his family home was bombed, with his parents and his sister also killed.

I think the medical institutions, the academic institutions should provide far more support to their employees and their students who are protesting and standing up for the Gazans, Prof Maynard said.

The professor, whose wife Fionnuala is from Kinsale in Co Cork, has been addressing gatherings in Cork, Belfast and Dublin this week, working with Irish charity Trocaire, to raise awareness of what is happening in Gaza.

He recalled: I remember a brother and sister Ala and Aya, he was I think six, she was eight. They were brought in on a day when there was terrible bombings in the local camps that were close to the hospital.

I saw this little boy on the ground by himself. I subsequently found out his parents had been killed by the bomb.

I saw him, he was looking desperately ill, terrible burns. But the first thing I noticed was a big hole in the side of his chest. You could see the air being sucked in and out and that can be rapidly fatal.

I picked him up and we took him into the resuscitation room and stabilised him. He was still very, very sick and to this day, I dont know whether he survived.

His sister was there as well and she had a less severe injury, she had a very badly broken leg, which was so displaced that the blood wasnt able to get down to the foot. In those circumstances, you have to straighten the leg urgently in order to open up the blood vessels. This was a day when we had no morphine, no pain relief.

The orthopaedic doctor had to come and straighten her leg with no pain relief at all and I can hear it now, talking to you, the memory of her screams were just awful.

Asked whether more doctors and medical professionals should speak out about the injuries being inflicted on Gazans and in other conflicts, he said: I think they should be far more outspoken.

I think theres a great strength in me as a healthcare professional, as a surgeon who has been on the ground, bearing witness to these appalling acts and describing what I see.

I try and steer away from the politics because I think its more powerful to describe everything youve seen, but of course, theyre inextricably linked so you cant stray away completely, but I strive to make sure the focus of what I say is recounting the atrocities from a humanitarian perspective, from a medical perspective.

But I do believe that anyone whos witnessed these things must speak out about them.

He said during his recent visit several months ago, what stood out to him was how malnourishment caused by Israel limiting food into the region is causing excess deaths.

Prof Maynard said: The terrible effects of malnutrition, particularly on patients who have had bomb injuries and needed surgery, because theyre malnourished, their tissues dont heal. They get terrible infections and literally, their bodies fall to pieces.

The abdominal wounds fall to pieces, their bowels leak, theyre leaking faeces from the shrapnel holes and young people who would normally be expected to survive these injuries die because theyre malnourished.

That figure of 39,000 deaths is a gross underestimate for those dying from trauma, but those figures will be dwarfed by the people dying from excess deaths  malnutrition, cancer not being treated, heart disease, kidney disease, you name it.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: July 25 2024

Assistance for Survivors of Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence, Who Are at Increased Risk of Overdose.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that domestic violence shelters and service providers across New York State will now have access to free Overdose Emergency Kits following a partnership between the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV), the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). The kits are made possible by Project COPE (Community Overdose Prevention Education), a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant-funded initiative.

The opioid and overdose epidemic has impacted far too many New Yorkers, Governor Hochul said. Alongside harm reduction, preventive, and treatment support programs, the expanded access to lifesaving overdose emergency kits in domestic violence programs will save lives, and we will continue to focus State resources towards addressing the overdose epidemic effectively and compassionately.

This initiative continues Governor Hochuls aggressive, ongoing efforts to address the opioid and overdose epidemic. Over the past 18 months, New York has distributed nearly 700,000 Overdose Emergency Kits statewide, including many through New Yorks first-in-the-nation online ordering portal.

An Overdose Emergency Kit is a wall-mounted metal box that contains naloxone, the medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. As part of this new initiative, residential domestic violence providers can place a kit in their shelters so that residents and staff have access to this life saving medication. Also included in the boxes are training resources for administering naloxone. Additionally, Project COPE is offering free training for domestic violence program staff on harm reduction and overdose prevention.

Research has repeatedly shown a strong correlation between domestic violence and substance use. One example is through substance use coercion, a prevalent but underrecognized form of abuse that poses a significant danger to survivors. Additionally, studies show people who are abused are more likely to use substances as a way to cope with abuse related trauma and physical harm. Survivors experience unique risk factors that put them at increased risk of overdose, including pervasive social stigmas towards both survivors and substance use that can cause major barriers to accessing care. This means many survivors are unable to obtain lifesaving overdose prevention tools like naloxone. Domestic violence programs are uniquely poised to bridge this gap through offering naloxone onsite to survivors.

Through this partnership, OPDV, OASAS and OCFS hope to reach survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence who may otherwise never have access to lifesaving resources like naloxone due to the numerous barriers they face.

In addition to this effort, New York is continuing to address the opioid and overdose epidemic by:

Leading the nation by making more than $335 million in opioid settlement funding available to support a full continuum of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery initiatives in New York State. This funding is being distributed in accordance with the priorities of the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board. More information on the initiatives this funding is supporting is available here

Creating mobile units that bring services directly to people in their communities, offering admission assessments and medication induction for all types of MAT, medication administration and observation, toxicology tests, and other medical services. They are designed to reach people who face barriers accessing traditional brick-and-mortar locations.

Deploying outreach and engagement services support teams that connect high-risk individuals and populations to harm reduction and treatment services and provide health education.

Establishing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) to provide an array of coordinated services to address substance use and/or mental health, including crisis intervention, screening and assessments, and treatment planning.

Opening crisis stabilization centers to provide support, assistance, and urgent access to care for individuals experiencing a crisis situation related to substance use and/or a mental health condition. These programs assist individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, People in domestic violence situations can be at an increased risk for substance use, and it is important that we work to reach them with information and resources to help them stay safe. The naloxone included in these kits is one of the most important tools we have to prevent overdose deaths, and by working with our partners to make this medication more accessible, it will help to save lives across New York State.

OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, The intersection between domestic violence and the opioid epidemic creates multifaceted challenges for both survivors seeking safety and the domestic violence provider community who are committed to helping survivors. With the provision of these free Emergency Overdose Kits, coupled with the requisite training and resources, domestic violence providers will have the ability to respond to opioid emergencies and save lives.

OPDV Executive Director Kelli Owens said,While New York is a leader when it comes to survivor-centered, trauma-informed and culturally responsive resources and services for survivors of intimate partner violence, we are always looking for new ways to help them on their healing journeys. Giving our provider partners these Emergency Overdose Kits, and the training to use them, helps to show survivors we are committed to their well-being and overall health.

Director of Victim Services at Child and Family Services of Erie County Tiffany Pavone said, As a domestic violence provider, Haven House has seen the impact of the opioid epidemic. Drug dependency increases the risk of being used and many abusers use substance use as a control mechanism. The overdose prevention training and emergency kits will help ensure our advocates, both at our shelter and in the community, are prepared to recognize a potential overdose and provide life saving measures when needed.

Executive Director of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Connie Neal said, Through Project COPE, domestic violence advocacy programs across the State of New York will receive expanded access to overdose prevention training and resources. Far too many survivors of domestic violence experience significant trauma and are often at greater risk of substance use. Many survivors are also coerced into substance use as a tactic of domestic violence. Without a doubt, the critical lifesaving tools and strategies for harm reduction and overdose prevention will make a tremendous difference for countless survivors of domestic violence in our State.

AVP of Harm Reduction at Evergreen Health System Emma Fabian said, It is welcome good news that domestic violence shelters across the State will be equipped with Naloxone. During this unprecedented overdose crisis, we need to employ every available option for reducing harm and death, especially in environments where vulnerable individuals and families are receiving care. Based on the intersections of substance use, social determinants of health, and trauma, this is a population that should have readily available tools like Naloxone.

Deputy Director of Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network Christie Finch said, Providing life-saving overdose prevention supplies makes sense for everyone. The new moms that we work with are extremely thankful for these free supplies and to learn how to use them, who is at risk of accidental overdose (including children who may inadvertently access medication not intended for them), and how to keep themselves and their families safe. Offering access to overdose prevention supplies in domestic violence shelters, where families are vulnerable and may be potentially exposed to potentially dangerous coping strategies, is the next step in equitable access to this life-saving medication.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the states toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
An illustration from an Iran-affiliated website touting the Shahed stealth drone family: Shahed 191 (top-left), Shahed 181 (top-right), Shahed 171 (middle), Shahed 161 (bottom-left), and Shahed 141 (bottom-right).

Iran and Armenia recently signed a $500 million arms deal, Iran International reported on July 24. The deal includes various military equipment Tehran will supply to Yerevan, including Shahed 136, Shahed 129, Shahed 197, and Mohajer drones, as well as air defense missile systems like the 3rd Khordad, Majid, 15th Khordad, and Arman.

A decade-long United Nations (UN) arms embargo that barred Iran from selling or purchasing conventional arms, including missiles, helicopters, and tanks, expired in 2020. Of the 14 UN Security Council member states, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and eight others abstained during a vote on extending the embargo, while Russia and China opposed the measure. Despite the previous ban, Tehran had infiltrated African markets with massive amounts of illegal weapons in 2013. Post 2020, the Islamic Republic faces far fewer technical restrictions for engaging in the arms trade.

Iran and Armenia have signaled their growing ties in recent months with various high-level meetings discussing the implications of potential changes in the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In an early May meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Islamic Republic Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei highlighted the sensitivities surrounding border issues related to Armenia. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed Khameneis remark during a July 11 meeting with his Armenian counterpart, stating that any changes to the borders of our neighboring countries is our redline.

Tehran is likely concerned with Azerbaijans claim over the Zangezur Corridor. This transport route would provide Azerbaijan access to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan, without Armenian checkpoints. The corridor could also connect Turkey to mainland Azerbaijan, and the two countries aim to utilize it as a transport and energy route connecting Azerbaijan to Europe. This situation would also facilitate the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Nakhchivan via Turkey, thereby eliminating the exclaves reliance on Iran. While Iran and Turkey are more strategic competitors/rivals than adversaries, Tehran is skeptical of Istanbuls Pan-Turkish ambitions that also threaten Iranian sovereignty.

From a military standpoint, the Islamic Republic is filling a void left by Russia. After Russias reluctance to support Armenia during the latest escalations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Yerevan announced plans to formally withdraw from the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.

In addition, Armenias decision to purchase Iranian drones also comes shortly after its foreign minister attended a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in early July, suggesting that Yerevan did not receive the reassurances it needed from the West. In addition to seeking military and diplomatic support from the US during the recent escalations, Armenia has been urging NATO to pressure Turkey into taking a step back from supplying drones to Baku and from using its F-16 fleet to target Armenian territory. Iran evidently could not pass on this lucrative opportunity to exercise influence and send a message to Azerbaijan.

The recent deal also enables Iran to counter Israels relationship with Azerbaijan, as Tehrans disdain for Israel extends to countries with ties to Tel Aviv. Armenia recognized Palestine as a state right before concluding the latest arms agreement with Tehran. And given the crucial role of Israeli drones in helping Azerbaijani advances during the previous round of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2020, Armenia realized this major gap in its defense industry. Yerevan can now pose a serious threat to Azerbaijan, while Iran backs up its stance against countries receiving Israeli technology.

Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republics regional malign influence.
Since Turkey and Syria broke off relations in 2011, Ankara has played a prominent role in fighting Bashar Al-Assads regime in Syria by supplying material support to insurgent groups seeking to overthrow Assad and maintaining forces in the opposition-held northwest. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Assad recently signaled they are interested in restoring diplomatic ties.

A proposed Erdogan and Assad meeting

At the NATO summit on July 11, Erdogan said that he would extend a formal invitation to Assad to either come to Turkey or to meet in a third country. This overture came after the Syrian leader said Damascus was open to reviving Turkish-Syrian relations as long as they are based on respecting the sovereignty of the Syrian state over all of its territory and fighting all forms of terrorism.

Sources familiar with the discussions claimed the meeting could occur as early as August in Moscow and be mediated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Turkish diplomats have publicly stated there is no official plan.

Reluctance from both sides

Recent developments, including Syrias readmission to the Arab League, have paved the way for rapprochement between the two former allies. Erdogan is likely responding in part to increasing anti-Syrian sentiment that has resulted in riots and xenophobic violence in Turkey. As fears about Erdogans re-election prospects in 2028 increase, the government in Ankara is more incentivized to strike a deal with Assad to pave the way for the return of many of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees living in Turkey.

Assad has previously stated that a precondition for any negotiations to begin with Turkey is the full withdrawal of Ankaras support for opposition militias and the removal of Turkish troops from Syria. However, the Syrian president is also driven by his desire to end his regional political isolation. Assad is likely aware that a meeting with Erdogan would be unlikely to result in a complete withdrawal, as Ankara continues to cite its support for opposition forces as necessary to ensure a terror-free northern Syria, where cross-border attacks by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) have occurred.

While the likelihood of concessions from either side is unclear, the possibility of this meeting indicates some willingness to find common ground that benefits both leaders power projection and legitimacy. Both Ankara and Damascus have an interest in curtailing the autonomy of Kurdish groups in northeast Syria, which could be a driving force in negotiations. Both governments could also be seeking economic gains by removing barriers to the flow of official commerce and trade.

Who is at risk from a rapprochement?

While both Erdogan and Assad consider reestablishing ties based on their personal

ambitions, there are serious risks involved. In parts of Syria where Turkish-backed militia groups retain control, demonstrators have already expressed concern over reports that a key crossing between Assad-held territory and opposition-held cities would soon reopen to commercial traffic. Violent attacks on Turkish military and supply trucks by opposition groups indicate a growing fear of how new relations between Ankara and Damascus would impact their ability to defend themselves. Turkey itself could be left particularly vulnerable to this resentment, as many of these militias are affiliated with jihadist movements, have Turkish residency or citizenship, and have shown a willingness to retaliate violently.

A significant loser from the normalization of ties between Erdogan and Assad is likely to be the Syrian Kurds. Coalesced under the banner of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the United States has partnered with SDF forces to successfully thwart the existential threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIS).

Since the very beginning of the US partnership with the SDF, Turkey has feigned outrage, accusing Washington of consorting with Kurdish terrorists. Ankara identifies the SDF as an offshoot of the Kurdish separatist movement inside Turkey, spearheaded by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). While the SDF has organic ties to the PKK, which historically waged a bloody cessation campaign against Turkey, the Syrian offshoot has been demonstrably clear in words and actions that it bears no ill will toward Turkey. The groups primary purpose has been to defeat ISIS.

A regional source has claimed that an Assad-Erdogan rapprochement could hinge on a joint Syrian-Turkish military offensive to rout the SDF. This would result in Turkeys goal of eliminating the so-called Kurdish threat, while Assad would regain further regime control over Syrian territory. It is all hypothetical right now, as both Ankara and Damascus will likely wait to see the outcome of the US election. Erdogans desired result would be for a second Trump administration, which he thinks he can convince to withdraw US troops, clearing the way for a military offensive against the SDF.

A withdrawal of US forces would carry big risks, however, and not just for the Kurds. There are reports highlighting a significant resurgence of ISIS in the region. And without an SDF that is aided by the US military, it is not an unforeseeable possibility to witness another significant ISIS threat reemerge.

All this could spell an unwanted victory for Russia and Iran. Their investment in the Assad regime will have paid off if he can successfully reintegrate into the region. A US departure from Syria would also be a stark recognition of waning US influence in the Middle East and stand in direct contrast to a Syrian regime with a consolidated alliance with two major American rivals.

Sophia Epley is a student at Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service. Sinan Ciddi is a non-resident Senior Fellow on Turkey at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low near 40F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low near 40F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
An ice cream trail launched in Massachusetts for the first time is bringing exposure to local dairy farms one scoop at a time.

The Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail is designed to celebrate the rich history of ice cream making in the state by introducing people to farms that use local dairy products to make their ice cream.

We know that California has wine tours, well we have ice cream tours, Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said during the trails launch event at Richardsons Ice Cream in Middleton on Thursday. Were here to demonstrate why these products are so great.

The trail features more than 100 ice cream destinations, which are visible on either a print or digital map. The map lists all applicable dairy farms by region, such as Greater Boston, Cape Cod and the Islands, Central Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts.

This is the perfect way to explore Massachusetts, Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, said. Youll discover hidden gems, charming towns, unique ice cream shops with incredible flavors and beautiful farm settings.

The Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail is a guide to the state's dairy farms that use locally-sourced dairy products to make ice cream.David Cifarelli

The trail is also crucial for helping keep the states agro-tourism alive, Sarah Stanton, undersecretary of Economic Strategies, said.

Were focusing really meaningfully on small business, the creative economy and tourism, she said. We have all of these beautiful farms. Weve got great food. Weve got great ice cream.

Massachusetts is home to 95 dairy farms that contribute more than $61 million to the states economy each year, according to a press release from Governor Maura Healys Office. These farms also produce more than 20 million gallons of milk, cheese, yogurt, butter and  of course  ice cream.

From cow to cone, youre getting to experience Massachusetts dairy at its best. From every location that you get to visit, from the Berkshires to Barnstable County, theres a new flavor you can try at each farm stand or location, said Ashley Randall, commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) . Were really excited here to celebrate not only tourism and economic development but the sense of community that our dairy farms are.
A new candle store where customers solely rely on their noses to pick their favorite scent is officially opening in Boston this week.

Candlefish , a candle store known for its immersive " 100 Candle Library  of nameless scents, will officially open its second location at 110 Newbury St. on Friday, July 26.

We chose Boston for our new Candlefish store because of its rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving art scene. Bostons dynamic community aligns with our brands commitment to offering unique candles and memorable experiences, Chelsea Swango, marketing lead at Candlefish said. Were excited to be a part of this incredible city!

The stores library houses 100 candles without traditional fragrance notes or labels, encouraging customers to find their preferred fragrance through the first sniff.

Candlefish, a candle store known for its immersive "100 Candle Library" of nameless scents and candle-making workshops, opened its second location on Newbury Street in Boston.David Cifarelli

People can also make their own candle by participating in one of Candlefishs public or private workshops , also known as chandlery.

The workshops cost $65 a person, and each person gets to take home two 9-ounce candles made with their favorite scents.

Workshops are run by Candlefishs staff, called chandlers, who walk guests through the candle-making process as well as proper candle care.

Candles are available to pick up the next day or can be shipped to ones address for a flat rate of $18.

Candlefish, a candle store known for its immersive "100 Candle Library" of nameless scents and candle-making workshops, opened its second location on Newbury Street in Boston.David Cifarelli

Candlefishs candles also burn twice as long as traditional candles because they are mostly made of soy wax instead of paraffin wax. Soy wax is also biodegradable and non-toxic, so it is safer for the environment.

The workshops typically last about an hour and 30 minutes. Those who participate in a workshop also get 15% off store items on the same day of their workshop.

Candlefish Boston will be open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A Boston police officer was seriously injured on Thursday after he was hit by a vehicle in the North End, though his injuries are not life-threatening, police said at a press conference.

At around 12:45 p.m., an officer working a paid detail at a construction site was hit by the back end of a vehicle in the area of North Washington and Thacher streets, Boston Police Deputy Superintendent Paul McLaughlin said at the press conference.

He was assisting a construction crew that was on the outbound side of North Washington Street heading to Charlestown, McLaughlin said. ...He stopped traffic as the vehicle came through, it struck him, causing him to fall to the ground.
A 35-year-old Boston man was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison this week for trafficking a minor for sex and coercing multiple women to cross state lines to engage in prostitution, according to acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levys office.

U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin sentenced Jimall Dawn Brown to 135 months (11 years) in prison followed by five years of supervised release, Levys office said in a statement. Brown pleaded guilty to charges of sex trafficking of a minor, transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent that they engage in prostitution and persuading and coercing an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution in April, according to Levys office.

Browns crimes date back to May 2016, when he persuaded a woman to fly from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts to engage in prostitution, telling her he had a modeling agency and he wanted to work with her. Brown offered to pay for the womans plane ticket and provide for her when she arrived. When the woman got to Boston, Brown took photos of her and posted them on websites advertising commercial sex, according to Levys office. He then forced the woman to have commercial sex and made her give him all the money.

Then, in 2019, Brown met a woman in Connecticut, telling her he could provide a luxurious life for her in Boston. When the woman came to Massachusetts, Brown posted online ads with her photo on commercial sex websites. The woman then engaged in commercial sex and was forced to give the money to Brown, according to the statement.

In 2022, Brown met a 17-year-old girl living outside Massachusetts on social media and convinced her to come to Boston for what he described as a better lifestyle, Levys office said. Brown then posted ads of the girl online and set up dates for her to have sex in exchange for money. Brown set the price for the commercial sex acts and kept the money, according to the statement.

Brown brought the girl to Georgia and later Nevada, again arranging for her to engage in commercial sex and he kept the money she made, Levys office said.

In the statement, Levy described sex trafficking, particularly of minors, as a huge public safety issue.

Mr. Brown coerced young girls with false promises to get them to travel to Massachusetts so he could sell their bodies and pocket the money, Levy said. No one, especially no child, should have to fear this type of horrific conduct, and our office and our state and federal partners will not rest while human trafficking remains such a pernicious and destructive problem in our society.

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Jodi Cohen said Massachusetts is safer with Brown behind bars.
A Boston man who pleaded guilty to driving a teenage girl to three states to make her have sex for money was sentenced to prison on Wednesday, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced.

Human trafficking is not just a horrific crime; it is a profound violation of human dignity. The unimaginable harm inflicted upon the minor victim here is far too prevalent in our communities, Levy said in a statement. Our Civil Rights Unit and Human Trafficking Unit, established less than two years ago, remains committed to bringing traffickers to justice, providing unwavering support to survivors and relentlessly pursuing those who exploit the most vulnerable.

Leon Blount III, 31, was sentenced to 11 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Levys office said. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs ordered him to pay $214,500 in restitution to the victims.

He pleaded guilty in January 2024 to three counts of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was arrested in September 2022.

Between July and August 2022, Blount drove a 17-year-old girl from Massachusetts to New York and Connecticut to have sex for money, Levys office said. Blount met the girl while she was living at a Massachusetts group home for teenagers.

Blount found a young woman in a vulnerable situation and lured her far from home into a dangerous and exploitative lifestyle for his financial benefit, Special Agent in Charge Michael Krol of the Homeland Security Investigations in New England said in the statement. Todays sentence means Blount is now facing over a decade in federal prison and hell be off the streets and out of the community where he caused so much harm.

He gave her alcohol and cannabis before he took her out of state, Levys office stated. While in New York, Blount had the 17-year-old solicit sex buyers in Brooklyn. He made sure she performed sex acts even when he was not there.

To involve more buyers, Blount took pictures of the girls and posted them on websites where potential buyers would see her advertised, Levys office continued. She was placed in hotel rooms in Woburn and Hartford, where he told her to have sex with buyers so Blount could earn more money.

At one point during this period, the girl became afraid of Blount after she saw him launch at another trafficker who abused one of his victims, Levys office said.

We hope this significant sentence brings a measure of justice to those he victimized, Krol said. 

Human traffickers use isolation, threats, and financial exploitation to control their victims, making it incredibly difficult to leave  but there is hope and there is help available. We are grateful to the law enforcement and victim support services who worked together to bring this case to a close.
A Middlesex Superior Court jury has found two Massachusetts men guilty of raping a woman in an Everett hotel room after a party at the hotel in February 2020, the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office announced Monday.

Chelsea resident William Gomez-Rojas, 31, and 36-year-old Malden resident Jose Morales Jr. were both found guilty of aggravated rape, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Gomez-Rojas was also found guilty of simple rape.

On Feb. 22, 2020, a 22-year-old woman attended a party at an Everett hotel with Gomez-Rojas, the district attorneys office said. In the early morning hours of Feb. 23, 2020, both defendants raped her in William Gomez-Rojas hotel room despite her efforts to escape.
A New Hampshire man pleaded guilty in a federal court in Boston on Tuesday for his part in two conspiracies to harass and intimidate two New Hampshire Public Radio journalists, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced.

Eric Labarge, 46, of Nashua, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel and using a facility of interstate commerce; one count of conspiracy to commit stalking using a facility of interstate commerce; one count of stalking using a facility of interstate commerce and aiding and abetting; and two counts of stalking through interstate travel and aiding and abetting, Levys office said in a statement.

U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled Labarges sentencing for Oct. 18. He was arrested and charged in September 2023, along with co-conspirators Tucker Cockerline, Michael Waselchuck and Keenan Saniatan.

An NHPR reporter published an article in March 2022 about allegations of sexual and other misconduct by a former New Hampshire businessperson, who was named in the charging document, Levys office said. A second reporter also contributed to the article.

Labarge, who knew the businessperson, worked with Cockerline, Waselchuck and Saniatan to harass and intimidate the two journalists and their families, Levys office said.

On April 22, 2022, Labarge told Cockerline to vandalize the first reporters former home in Hanover using a brick and red spray paint, Levys office said. Saniatan agreed to vandalize the second reporters home in Concord and the home of the first reporters parents in Hampstead, New Hampshire, also with red spray paint and with large rocks.

Two nights later, Cockerline spraypainted the word c*** in large red letters on the journalists front door, Levys office wrote. The brick was thrown through a window.

That same night, Saniatan also spraypainted c*** on the journalists front door in Concord, and also threw a large rock at the outside of the persons home. He also threw a softball-sized rock through the front window and spraypainted c*** on the garage doors of the first journalists parents home.

Then on May 18, Labarge told Cockerline to vandalize the first reporters parents home again and also the first journalists home in Melrose, Levys office said. Cockerline recruited Waselchuck to vandalize the reporters home.

Two nights later, Cockerline went to the reporters parents home, the statement read. Cockerline spraypainted c*** in large red letters on their garage door and left a brick on the ground near the front door. Waselchuck arrived hours later and threw a brick through a window at the reporters home before he painted JUST THE BEGINNING in large red letters on the front of the house.

Cockerline and Waselchuck have both pleaded guilty and await their sentencing, Levys office said. Saniatans trial is due to start on Sept. 9.

Each charge carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution.
A New Hampshire man charged with murder in connection with a shooting outside a temple in Lowell that killed one and injured two others pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, The Boston Globe reported.

Paul Garcia, 38, of Dover, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment held in Lowell District Court, the Globe wrote.

He was 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.

Police arrested Garcia at his home on Tuesday, the Globe reported.

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.

Jose Ortiz, 43, of Lowell, was pronounced dead at the hospital. Another man, a 34-year-old, was treated and released. A third person, a 26-year-old woman, had minor injuries and took herself to a hospital, where she was treated and released, Ryan and Hudon said in the statement.

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.
A Worcester man was arrested Wednesday in connection with a weekend hatchet attack that left a man with a neck injury, the Worcester Police Department announced.

Jorge Torres-Maldonado, 36, of Pineland Avenue, was charged with armed robbery, armed assault to murder, aggravated assault and battery (serious bodily injury), police said in a statement.

Police arrived in the area of Ward and Jefferson streets at around 11:52 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, the department continued. They were notified of an assault with a dangerous weapon where a person was struck in the neck with a type of axe on Jefferson Street.

Officers provided the man with medical aid before he was taken to the hospital, police said.

After an investigation, detectives issued an arrest warrant for Jorge Torres-Maldonado, 36, of Pineland Avenue, police continued. Officers found him on Millbury Street on July 24 and at around 5:25 p.m. he was arrested.
In a prime-time Oval Office address, President Joe Biden on Wednesday will describe the end of his re-election campaign as a defense of democracy, according to advance excerpts released by the White House.

The defense of democracy is more important than any title, Biden will say, according to excerpts reported by NBC News and other outlets. I draw strength, and find joy, in working FOR the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. Its about you. Your families. Your futures. Its about We the People.

Biden, 81, ended his quest for a second term last week, passing the baton to his vice president, Kamala Harris, as nervous Democrats pleaded with the Delaware Democrat to step aside.

I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation, Biden will say in remarks scheduled to begin shortly after 8 p.m. ET.

While he will not seek a second term, he will remain in office until his term ends in January.

Over the next six months I will be focused on doing my job as President, Biden will say, according to NBC News. 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.

Biden first faced calls to step aside nearly a month ago after a faltering debate performance in Atlanta against former President Donald Trump.

The calls grew louder over the ensuing weeks but went quiet in the hours after Trump, now the Republicans presidential nominee, survived an attempted assassination during a rally in Western Pennsylvania two weeks ago.

On Wednesday night, Biden also is expected to refer to he sees as the danger of a second Trump presidency, calling on voters to reject Trump for a second time, according to NBC News.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule, Biden plans to say. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fiery speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday was as notable for who was there  and who was not.

The Bay States two Democratic United States senators, Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, both skipped the Israeli leaders fiery remarks to lawmakers, where he derided protesters, including those at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Netanyahu, an MIT alum, 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, The Associated Press reported.

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, according to the Associated Press.

In a statement released ahead of Netanyahus speech, Warren said the Israeli leaders prosecution of the 10-month-old war against Hamas, a terrorist group, had resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe.

After nearly 300 days, Netanyahu has failed to bring the hostages home and he has created a humanitarian catastrophe  this war must end, Warren said, noting that the Israel leaders government had prevented lifesaving aid from entering Gaza, starving innocent Palestinians.

Netanyahus indiscriminate bombing campaign has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, Warren continued. We need an immediate ceasefire, the return of all the hostages, and massive amounts of humanitarian aid  and we need to give both sides a hard shove toward the negotiating table to work out a two-state solution for a lasting peace.

In a post to X, Markey, echoing Warren, said Netanyahu and his extremist war cabinet have failed to bring home the hostages and created a humanitarian catastrophe that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

While Netanyahu pressed Wednesday for a total Israeli victory, Markey said that the United States should continue to push Israelis, Palestinians, and regional partners to achieve a diplomatic solution to the war, Markey said.

U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-2nd District, also skipped the speech.

In a post to X, McGovern said he instead planned to meet with Israeli and Palestinian peace leaders and join the families of the hostages to call for their release.

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, who has been vocal in her calls for a ceasefire in the conflict, said shed met with the families of Israeli hostages.

One of them, 10-year-old Leo, has my ticket to Netanyahus speech today, the Boston Democrat, who skipped the speech, wrote in a post to X.



We wont stop fighting for a #CeasefireNOW so we can save lives and bring every hostage safely home to their families, Pressley wrote.

U.S. Rep Lori Trahan, D-3rd District, also opted to skip the speech, pointing to the briefing with hostages families co-hosted by McGovern to explain her decision, WGBH-FM in Boston reported.

I just left a meeting with families of the hostages still being held captive by Hamas, Trahan said, according to WGBH.

Whats abundantly clear is that they have lost faith in Prime Ministers Netanyahus willingness to prioritize the safe return of their loved ones, Trahan continued. Time after time, he has obstructed and denied ceasefire agreements that would secure the release of the hostages, including innocent Americans still in captivity.

U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-8th District, also planned to skip Netanyahus speech, the station reported, citing a spokesperson.

Netanyahus speech to Congress, a historic fourth appearance by a foreign leader, outpacing even Winston Churchill, frequently was met with bipartisan applause.

But some lawmakers were more restrained than others.

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, D-5th District, the No. 2 Democrat in the U.S. House, could be seen staying in her seat when her colleagues rose to her feet.

Clark was seated next to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Both often wore grim expressions during the speech, which stretched about an hour.

Before Netanyahus speech, U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, who is Jewish, released a statement announcing that hed be bringing a rabbi from his Newton-based district, as his guest.

Rabbi Michelle Robinson, of Temple Emanuel, helps oversee the largest Conservative synagogue in New England, with a membership of 1,500 families, Auchinclosss office said.

The US-Israel relationship is forged from an enduring commitment to freedom, democracy and the cultivation of love and labor from generations of the Jewish people, Auchincloss, who also has been critical of the student protest movement, said. The Temple Emanuel community and leadership are vital to the legacy and education of this alliance to younger generations of Americans in Massachusetts.

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-6th District, previously told MassLive that he planned to attend the speech.

U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, D-9th District, who also attended, was sharply critical of Netanyahu, writing on X that the Israeli leader should do more listening than speaking during his visit to the US.

He must sign the ceasefire agreement that the Biden-Harris administration has worked so hard on to end the hostilities and bring the hostages home, Keating said.

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.

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.

U.S. 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.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Harris on Thursday, and with former President Donald 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.

Associated Press reports are included in this story.
WINDSOR LOCKS, Connecticut  JetBlue announced Wednesday that it will expand service to and from Florida destinations and Bradley International Airport and new airline Avelo will also offer flights there.

JetBlue and the Connecticut Airport Authority said JetBlue will one daily flight to Orlando, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale. The change in frequencies will add 35 additional weekly flights and an increase seats by 30%.
PITTSFIELD  Just six days after Vice President Kamala Harris became the presumptive Democratic candidate for president, she will fly to the Berkshires for a star-studded fundraiser.

The Saturday event will include musical performances by Yo-Yo Ma, James Taylor and classical pianist Emanuel Ax. Noted author and historian Heather Cox Richardson is to serve as guest speaker.
SPRINGFIELD  Who has authority over guns confiscated from the public at the MGM Springfield parking garage?

More than two years into a law enforcement turf war over firearms city police spot in vehicles at MGM, still no one knows. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission continued talks on guns and parking garage security at MGM Springfield on Wednesday, but the meeting was held behind closed doors.
WESTFIELD  Mary Kate Ritchie of Westfield is the new principal of the Southampton Road Elementary School, as of July 1.

According to Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, who made the announcement, Ritchie came highly recommended from her prior jobs, with one reference stating that she created a unity among the staff, thereby leading to a more positive work environment. [She] shares our districts values for creating strong relationships with students and families, Czaporowski said.
Applications are invited from suitably-qualified Mauritian students who have sat for the Higher School Certificate in October/ November 2023 for the award of 24 scholarships under the Additional Scholarships Scheme on the basis of Merit and Social Criteria.

The breakdown for these 24 scholarships is as follows:

(i) Award of 16 Scholarships

16 scholarships will be awarded, as hereunder, to students ranked among the first 500 of the Cambridge Assessment International Education Scholarship Rank Orders or the Merit List of Rodrigues as appropriate, and whose total income of parents does not exceed, in the aggregate, Rs 37,000 per month:

Science 6 (3 boys & 3 girls)

Economics 4 (2 boys & 2 girls)

Arts 2 (1 boy & 1 girl)

Technical 2 (1 boy & 1 girl)

Rodrigues (any field) 2 (1 boy & 1 girl)

The Cambridge Assessment International Education Scholarship Rank Orders List for 500 candidates and the Merit List of Rodrigues are available on the website of the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate at:

http://mes.intnet.mu

as well as on the website of the Ministry on

https://education.govmu.org/

(ii) Award of 8 Scholarships

8 scholarships will be awarded to students based on the results of the Cambridge Higher School Certificate examinations (2023) and whose total income of parents does not exceed, in the aggregate, Rs 18,500 per month.

2. Conditions of Scholarship

(i) All beneficiaries of scholarships have the option to study either locally or abroad.

(ii) Those opting to study abroad will get an all-inclusive yearly allowance of a maximum of Rs 600,000 for a first degree of a maximum duration of 4 years. They will, however, not be entitled to any postgraduate scholarship awarded by the Government of Mauritius.

(iii) Those opting to study locally will get an annual allowance of Rs 150,000. The Scholarship Scheme also caters for the tuition fees, if any, and related charges up to Rs 225,000 per year for a first degree of up to 4 years duration in a locally recognized Higher Education Institution. They will, thereafter, benefit from a postgraduate scholarship at Masters level of 1 year duration abroad or not exceeding 2 years in Mauritius except if they opt for studies in Medicine or Medicine-related fields.

(iv) Those who opt to study Medicine or Medicine-related fields in a locally recognized Higher Education Institution will get an annual allowance of Rs 150,000. The scheme also then caters for tuition fees, if any, and related charges up to Rs 225,000 per year for a maximum of five years. They will, however, not be entitled to any postgraduate scholarship awarded by the Government of Mauritius.

(v) The students must also secure a seat for a first degree in a University abroad or in a locally-recognized Higher Education Institution. Eligible students who have not yet secured a seat at a University abroad or in a locally-recognized Higher Education Institution by the time of application may still submit their applications. The final offer of the scholarships to shortlisted candidates will be subject to submission of evidence of admission.

(vi) The attention of candidates is drawn to the Communique of the Ministry of Health and Wellness regarding eligibility of students for studies in Medicine, copy of which can be consulted on the website of this Ministry.

(vii) All beneficiaries of the 24 scholarships on the basis of Merit and Social Criteria under the Additional Scholarship Schemes will have to work for at least 2 years in a Ministry or Government Department in Mauritius immediately after completion of their first degree. Those who opt for studies in Medicine or Medicine-related fields will have to work for at least 2 years in a Ministry or Government Department in Mauritius after being fully qualified, that is, immediately after completing their first degree and internship.

(viii) Responsible parties of applicants shall be required, as part of their application, to produce an affidavit with respect to confirmation of their total income. A form of such an affidavit is downloadable on the website of the Ministry:

https://education.govmu.org/

(ix) All beneficiaries of the 24 scholarships on the basis of Merit and Social Criteria under the Additional Scholarship Schemes will have to sign an undertaking that they will serve the country upon completion of their studies for at least 2 years.

3. Mode of application

Applications must be made on the prescribed form available at the Scholarships Section, Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, 1st Floor, MITD House, Pont Fer, Phoenix. The Form may also be downloaded from the Ministrys website at:

https://education.govmu.org/

The completed application form, along with certified copies of all supporting documents (birth certificates and copy of SC results, HSC statement of results) should be submitted to the Scholarships Section, Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology not later than Friday 26 July 2024 at 14.00 hours at latest.

4. Additional Information

All candidates should ensure that certified copies of certificates, statement of results/mark sheets and all other relevant documents relating to their qualifications are submitted to the Scholarships Section, along with their applications. Non-submission of same will result in elimination from the selection exercise. Certification of documents can be done at the Scholarships Section of the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology or at the Careers Guidance Service in Rose Hill. The certified copies of all documents (if not in English) should be accompanied with their corresponding English translation.

Additional information or clarifications may be obtained from the Scholarships Section, Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, 1st Floor, MITD House, Pont Fer, Phoenix, Phone No: 601 5262 and Fax No: 686 9511. The Communique has also been placed on the Ministrys website which is as follows:https://education.govmu.org/

Application forms received after the closing date will not be considered.
The African Development Bank has expressed strong support for revitalizing the African Union (AU) Peace Fund, pledging to continue implementing innovative strategies to address fragility and build resilience across the continent.

Mrs. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, the Banks Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery, said this during a high-level meeting on Saturday aimed at mobilizing resources for the AU Peace Fund. The event was held on the sidelines of the AUs 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra.

Akin-Olugbade highlighted various initiatives by the African Development Bank to foster peace in Africa, including providing technical assistance to the Peace Fund. She emphasized the Banks focus on developing human capital, strengthening institutions, and promoting inclusive governance alongside infrastructure and economic growth. These programs not only foster economic growth but also address the root causes of conflict by promoting inclusivity and empowering marginalized groups, she stressed.

She mentioned the issuance of Security Indexed Investment Bonds, an innovative financial mechanism to mobilize resources for peacebuilding and development. The Bank is also rolling out Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks to empower young entrepreneurs and provide robust support for women-led businesses through the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative. This will foster economic stability, improve livelihoods and bolster social inclusion.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, announced that the Fund has garnered close to its first target of $400 million, primarily from member state contributions. He commended the countries for their dedication to the Fund, despite facing global challenges.

This achievement reflects members unity and determination, Mahamat said, urging continued momentum to build on these successes.

Mahamat called on the private sector, multilateral financial institutions, state-owned enterprises, high-net-worth individuals, and philanthropists to support the Fund, emphasizing that  peace is the business of all of us. 

Dagmawit Moges, Director of the AU Peace Fund, announced that the organizations management was setting up an independent evaluation group to assess Peace Fund disbursements. This group will comprise two representatives from each region of Africa and a representative from the African Development Bank Group and Afreximbank.

We are implementing a robust organizational strategy to secure commitments from the public sector, multilateral institutions, as well as residents and the diaspora, Moges said, adding that in the past three months, the AU has successfully engaged the private sector and other organs in five member states  Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, and Cameroon. This engagement has led to stronger partnerships supporting the Funds activities. She commended the AU Staff Association for voluntarily contributing to the Fund.

The meeting brought together ministers from African member states, diplomats, business leaders, private sector operators, representatives of pan-African organizations and regional economic blocs, commercial banks, and development finance institutions.

Saturdays event not only served as a platform to reinvigorate resource mobilization for the Fund but also showcased the vibrant culture of a self-determined Africa, featuring music, dancing, and tributes to leading pan-Africanists, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who led Ghana to independence and subsequently became the countrys first president.
Leading global financial service provider Apex Group has grown its team in the MENA region with the appointment of Walid Hayeck, as Managing Director of FundRock Saudi Arabia.

This senior appointment represents a significant boost to Apex Groups capabilities in MENA and follows significant development of Apex Groups business in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region. It also signals Apex Groups intent to be part of the rapid growth and transformation that is taking place in Saudi Arabia.

Apex FundRock Investment Company was recently licensed by Saudi Arabias Capital Market Authority as an investment manager and operator and is relying on Apex Group brand and strong regional franchise to attract attention and increase competition in the fund services industry.

Apex FundRock is building its business in MENA around financial and fund solutions in addition to corporate services, which includes governance structuring, ESG compliance and investor servicing, amongst others.

Walid Hayeck, the new Managing Director at Apex FundRock holds a Masters Degree from ESCP Business School, Europe, based in Paris where he started his career and he brings with him decades of experience and a proven track record in fund management in the MENA region, including equity long and unconstrained strategies.

Commenting, Walid Hayeck, Managing Director at Apex FundRock, said:

Being licensed to offer comprehensive financial services including ManCo solutions in Saudi is a huge breakthrough for Apex Group, and a strong signal of confidence in the services we provide in the Kingdom, the Gulf and the wider MENA region.

I now look forward to further accelerating our growth in this market and offering our clients in KSA one-stop solutions to both global asset managers willing to access the Saudi market, and local managers looking to reach out to the global investors community.

This is a huge opportunity for further international cooperation in this exciting and growing market.

Zafar Ullah Khan, Apex Group Country Head  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said:

We are delighted to welcome Walid to the Apex team. His appointment represents another milestone reached following the recent opening of the KSA office. We look to Walid to lead and drive execution as Apex Group continues to expand its presence in the Middle East.
Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, will pay her first official visit to Pakistan from 28 July to 2 August 2024 on the invitation of the Government of Pakistan.



During her five-day visit, Secretary-General Scotland will meet with Pakistans leadership, members of the cabinet, youth leaders, civil society representatives and other stakeholders.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, who has been a staunch advocate for supporting Pakistan in meeting the adverse impacts of climate change, will reaffirm her solidarity with Pakistan, as it marks the second anniversary of the catastrophic 2022 floods that submerged a third of the country and caused more than $30 billion in damage. She is also likely to tour some of the areas that were affected by the floods.

During the Secretary-Generals visit, the two sides would also discuss avenues to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and the Commonwealth in other areas of shared interest, including supporting Pakistans national development plan, empowering youth, and boosting trade and investment.

With 2023/24 designated the Year of Youth by the Commonwealth and Pakistan chairing the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting, the Secretary-General will receive extensive briefings on the Prime Ministers Youth Programme and highlight the opportunities Commonwealth membership brings to young people.

As one of the organisations founding members, Pakistan values the Commonwealth as an important forum for forging consensus on global issues and challenges. The visit of the Commonwealth Secretary-General would provide an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Commonwealth.
The Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Africas leading TV media group, AFRICA24 , have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at promoting the Continental Free Trade Area and African Economic Integration through multiple high-impact actions.

Initialled at the AfCFTA secretariats headquarters in Accra by H.E. Wamkele MENE, Secretary-General of AfCFTA Secretariat, and Constant NEMALE, Founder of Groupe AFRICA24 (President of Afrimedia International), the Memorandum of Understanding will enable the concrete implementation of three major actions:

The promotion, through the AfCFTA Secretariat to all citizens, institutional partners, companies and organizations, of actions for the realization of priority projects such as infrastructure, energy, industry, transport, logistics, new technologies, and all initiatives to contribute to the accelerated development of Africa.

Promoting the value of African commercial enterprises, whose achievements contribute to the objectives of the AfCFTA on the entire African continent.

Raising awareness among the continents citizens, young entrepreneurs and women, the pillars of development, of the assets and opportunities of the AfCFTA, which is to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of people and trade flows.

The AfCFTA Secretariat and the leading media group AFRICA24 have agreed to turn this partnership into a genuine platform that promotes projects, companies and institutions through an innovative large-audience narrative, based on the following reference axes:

The creation of multi-media content to enhance the impact of intra-African trade;

Mutual organization and participation in AfCFTA events and co-organization of specific meetings (Awards, Summits, Forums, sectoral webinars, etc.) and all other forms of action,

Intervention in content production by AfCFTA experts and the aggregation of all the continents media on this new platform.

At the signing ceremony, H.E. Wamkele MENE, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, expressed his determination:

The signing of this historic memorandum of understanding with Groupe AFRICA24 bears witness to the importance of the media in the success of the continental free trade policy. The AFRICA24 Group, with its expertise, its audience and its benchmark leadership on Africa, will make it possible, through all communication channels, to raise awareness among all the continents citizens of the priority objectives of the AfCFTA, in particular the establishment of an economic area for the benefit of all the peoples and countries of our continent.

A continental commitment which, according to Constant NEMALE, founder of the AFRICA24 Media Group (President of Afrimedia International), is a priority mission for all the continents media:

We are honoured and proud to join the AfCFTA secretariat in this historic agreement. In line with the objectives assigned to us by the African Union in the MoU signed in 2019, and in synergy with our reference institutional partner the Republic of Cameroon, AFRICA24 Group will invest in developing premium content to serve Africas development, in the image of the successful collaboration with Afreximbank. This agreement will enable Groupe AFRICA24 to amplify the positive effects of the AfCFTA on the continents economic growth and integration, but also through our leadership and our status as a member of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), Groupe AFRICA24 aims to be the catalyst for bringing together the greatest number of media in a common action and vision.

The multi-year Memorandum of Understanding, which represents a considerable asset for the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AFRICA24 Group, will be a platform for innovative, inclusive collaboration, for the joint construction of a more integrated and prosperous Africa in line with the African Unions Agenda 2063.
NEW toilets are set to be installed at the iconic Keem Bay by the end of September, it has been confirmed.

Funding of 150,000 was provided to upgrade the toilet facilities at the popular beach, which draws thousands of visitors to Achill Island every year.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, local councillor Paul McNamara welcomed the update on the new toilet facilities at Keem Bay.

Cllr McNamara said introduction of a beach ranger and line marking of car parking spaces at Keem Bay had made an awful difference to the issue of illegal parking and wild camping at the beach.

The popular tourist destination has been beset with litter from unauthorised camping and visitors parking overnight in recent years.

Swelling visitor numbers have also caused issues with traffic and parking, which have occasionally led to the beach being closed.

The fact that there is a presence on the ground is excellent, it just means that theres somebody there to coordinate the traffic if there is a traffic jam or a bottleneck, added Cllr McNamara.

Elected members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District were also informed of other projects which are currently progressing in Achill.

A project design team is now in place to progress the development of water sport facilities at both Keel beach and Carramore Beach in Louisburgh.

Collins Boyd Engineers and Architects are currently working on tender documents for both projects.

Funding for the facilities was first announced in 2021 but work has yet to begin on either location as both have been progressing through the planning system.

The Achill Sound village section of the Great Western Greenway is also nearing completion. Phase 3 of the Achill section of the Great Western Greenway, a five-kilometre section from Cashel to Bunaccurry, will also progress shortly. Landowners are due to be consulted on the matter before any work commences.

Cllr McNamara complimented all involved in the excellent job on delivering the Achill Greenway, which was officially opened by Minister Jack Chambers last year.

The way it has turned out has been absolutely brilliant for the community itself in Achill, commented Cllr McNamara.

Cllr Peter Flynn welcomed the progress on water sport facilities at Keel and Carramore beaches, but insisted that they be in place for the 2025 summer season.

There are other beaches; the likes of Bertra, Old Head, Mulranny, those beaches down towards Achill that would love to see similar facilities developed on them. Until we get these two over the line, were certainly not going to get the green light from Failte Ireland to proceed on those, Cllr Flynn added.
A NEW pontoon has been installed at a pier on Achill Island which will make accessing boats safer and benefit both local and tourist users.

The new pontoon was recently installed at Dugort pier on Achill Island which in recent years has been used regularly to bring tourists on tours of Blacksod Bay and views of the Croaghaun Cliffs which are the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Local councillor Paul McNamara welcomed the installation of the new pontoon which he says will be a crucial piece of infrastructure of the local area.

The day has finally arrived. I am proud to say that the pontoon at Dugort pier has been installed, the Fianna Fail councillor wrote on his Facebook page.

This is a massive piece of infrastructure for the area and will prove crucial during the summer months, for both recreational use and to create revenue for the area. This development did not come easy and is something I have lobbied hard for.

I would like to thank Minister [for Agriculture] Charlie McConalogue, Minister Dara Calleary TD and Mayo County Council for working alongside me, ensuring the funding was secured, which has resulted in this project coming to life, he concluded.

Minister of State Dara Calleary also welcomed the installation of a new pontoon at Dugort Pier on Achill Island and commended Cllr McNamara for successfully lobbying the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for investment at the pier.

This is a very significant and welcome development at Dugort. The addition of the pontoon will make water safety and general accessibility far greater than before. It will benefit both local and tourist users as well as neighbouring coastal communities in Blacksod and Belmullet. I want to thank Cllr Paul McNamara for his assistance with this  we worked hard for the last 18 months in conjunction with my government colleague Minister Charlie McConalogue to secure the money and with Mayo County Council to ensure that the project proceeded in as timely a manner as possible. It is great to now see the pontoon in place and operational, he said.
A NORTH Mayo man who subjected his former girlfriend to a 'cruel, degrading and violent regime' over a 12 month period has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

Patrick Orme (27) of Lisduvogue, Knockmore, Ballina was sentenced to two years imprisonment with the final six months suspended at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to three counts of assault causing harm to his former girlfriend when they were in a relationship between August 2017 and August 2018.

The court heard that on one occasion Mr Orme strangled the victim around her neck before throwing her against a wall and punching her multiple times in the ribs.

In October 2017 he smacked her across the face leaving her with bruises and in March 2018, he punched and threw her to the ground and as a result suffered dizziness and headaches for two weeks.

In June 2018 he strangled her around the neck and lifted her off the ground by the throat. She said he knocked her to the ground and lay on top of her until she could not breath. In a separate incident, he also punched her in the head and stomach and pinched her and threw her to the ground.

Judge Eoin Garavan was informed that the relationship started in 2015 when they were both teenagers and the injured party claimed that the first signs of the defendants controlling nature emerged in September 2016.

The first physical incident occurred in August 2017 and the injured party had the self awareness to take a picture of her injuries following each incident and save them onto a secret folder on her phone.

Commenting on the photos, Judge Garavan said they showed evidence of bruising, cuts and bleeding and caught the veracity of the assaults against her.

Level of violence

While acknowledging that Mr Orme has made significant efforts to gain insight into his offending behaviour and undergone counselling and therapy, the level of violence cannot be overlooked and he had to impose a custodial sentence.

In many cases it would lead to an entirely suspended sentence but in this case I can't do that because of the seriousness of the matter.

It gives me no pleasure to pass the sentence. I have no doubt that Mr Orme regrets his past vehemently but that type of violence towards women clearly cannot escape with a fully suspended sentence, he said.

Judge Garavan also commented that the fact that the victim held onto the photos in a secret folder while still in a relationship highlighted the complexity of an abusive relationship but she knew this day would come. He commended her on her courage in coming forward and hoped it will give an incentive to other women to come forward.

She has to be commended for her courage and bravery and the photos were part of the case and caught the veracity of those assaults.

 It recognises that domestic violence behind four walls is always sinister and a secret and when people break out of that they are to be commended and offer an incentive to other potential victims out there that it is never too late to complain and justice can be done at the end of the day, he said.

A previous sitting of the court heard that Mr Orne and the victim were involved in an intense relationship but insecurities set in when he went to college in Sligo and she went to Dublin. Patrick Murphy, counsel for Mr Orme said that they would argue and his client claimed the incidents arose from these arguments.

Mr Murphy said his client now has a new partner and is in a stable relationship and he has the support of his family. He also co-operated with the gardai and pleaded guilty to the offences.

Since the last court sitting in February, Mr Murphy said his client has completed the MOVE programme which is detailed to the issues of partner violence and has completed 15 sessions of counselling.

The probation officer, he said, has commented that Mr Orme is now dealing with his emotions and feelings in a more healthy manner and is more insightful.

Mr Murphy said that his client is finding the programme beneficial and gives an opportunity to delve further into his unhealthy thought patterns. The probation officer stated that he now realises the danger he has caused to the victim and has expressed remorse.

Victim impact statement

In her victim impact statement, the victim stated that during the relationship she was constantly told she could not leave Mr Orme as he told her nobody else would ever want her.

I constantly lied to friends and family when they asked where I got a bruise from or why I was wearing a hoody on a warm day. I had to cover my arms and legs so people would not see the bruises. He told me multiple times not to let people see them or they would try to split us up. He would also say that people should not see them so their perception of him might not change and my family would suddenly dislike him and it would be my fault, she said.

Mr Murphy acknowledged his client did not show insight into his behaviour at the beginning of the process with the Probation Service but there has been a sea change in his attitude and his risk of reoffending has been lowered from moderate to low.

He added that his client is in full-time employment with a stable family relationship and he has 7,500 in court to present to the victim as an expression of remorse.

Mr Murphy asked Judge Garavan to be as lenient as possible and structure a sentence to reflect the progress he has made to date as he did not believe Mr Orme will be before the court again.

Following the passing of the sentence, Mr Murphy asked Judge Garavan to consider suspending more of the sentence but this was refused. Judge Garavan said that the sentence of 18 months was as lenient as he could be given the seriousness of the offence and he would not revisit it.
MINISTER Dara Calleary TD has paid tribute to Fianna Fail veteran Eamon O Cuiv after he announced that he will not be contesting the next general election.

The Galway West TD served part of the South Mayo area when it was part of his constituency between 2016 and 2023 and once operated a constituency office in Ballinrobe.

A TD since 1992, Deputy O Cuiv served in ministerial positions during his career, including Minister for Social Protection and as Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. He also served as Deputy Leader of Fianna Fail from 2011 to 2012.

In a statement, his party colleague Dara Calleary described him as a real champion of the West and of rural Ireland.

He has been an outstanding TD and Minister particularly in the Department of Gaeltacht and Rural Affairs which he set-up and which is now headquartered in Ballina. He initiated the CLAR Programme which has been and continues to be of huge benefit to communities and organisations across rural Ireland and was instrumental in respect of support for the Irish language, said Minister Calleary.

He was an excellent advocate for the farming and fishing community and an all-round exemplary parliamentarian. He will be a huge loss to Fianna Fail, to his Galway West constituents and to public life but he has earned the right to retire and enjoy a well-deserved period of free time [his wife] with Aine and the family.

The Cornamona-based TD will continue to serve as TD for Galway West until the end of the current Dail.

In an interview with Galway Bay FM, the 74-year-old said a desire for more family time influenced his decision to retire.
ONE of the oldest fairs in Ireland will be going ahead in Westport this year, despite Mayo County Council refusing to pay for a newspaper advertisement.

Mayo County Council has been accused of sending out a wrong message by refusing to fund an 800 newspaper advertisement informing the public of a road closure to facilitate the Westport Horse Fair.

The organisers and the local authority had a long-standing arrangement which involved the council paying for a newspaper advertisement prior to the event.

Raising the matter at the monthly meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr John OMalley insisted that the fair would be going ahead ad or no ad.

Cllr OMalleys remarks were supported by Cllr Brendan Mulroy, who said that the regulations surrounding council-funded advertising had gone too far.

Cllr Mulroy called for a common-sense approach to the issue and accused the local authority of sending out the wrong message.

The first Westport Horse Fair dates back to 1741 and is one of the longest-running such events in the country.

The volunteer-run fair is mainly funded through local sponsorship and donations from local county councillors.

Cllr OMalley insisted that it was not fair to ask the organisers to pay for the advertisement and said they would not be funding the cost.

They have enough to do, there will be a lot of people in town that day, he said.

Its a great tradition, its a tradition that shouldnt be lost. Because, believe it or not, there is more interest in horses now than there was ten years ago.

Jim Power, Acting Head of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, said the council had met the Westport Horse Fair committee earlier in the month and said they would welcome any further engagement on the issue.

Mr Power told The Mayo News after the meeting that he was confident that the event would still go ahead.

We had met with the Horse Fair organising committee during June and have future meetings scheduled, he wrote in an email.

There are administration costs to the Local Authority when a local group wish to organise an event that involves closing a road . At one of our meetings with the Horse Fair group we highlighted this to them.

As I say, we have future meetings with the group scheduled, as we have done in previous years, and Im confident that the issue of the cost of the advert wont prevent the event taking place in 2024.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) invites you to explore their flexible learning courses starting in September 2024. These courses are delivered online, blended and part-time, and are designed for working professionals looking to upskill and progress in their careers.

ATU Mayo has an impressive portfolio of flexible learning courses across a range of disciplines, including healthcare, social science, business, outdoor education and more.

These courses are tailored to support lifelong learning and professional development, with the flexibility needed to support the work and personal commitments of learners.

Nursing & Healthcare studies

ATUs campuses have a long-standing national reputation for delivering high-quality courses in the nursing and healthcare sector. The university recently launched an exciting new part-time postgraduate programme in Gerontology. This multidisciplinary programme emphasises healthy aging in older adults and is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

Starting in September 2024, it is co-delivered by ATU Mayo, ATU St Angelas and ATU Donegal, guaranteeing a learning experience from Nursing and Healthcare experts and experienced lecturers.

Dr Justin Kerr, Vice President at ATU Mayo, spoke about the benefits of online learning at ATU.

ATU is a leader in providing online, flexible and professional development, and for registered nurses and healthcare workers looking to specialise within their field, we have a range of courses to fit around work demands. We provide a strong offering in clinical skills, from Palliative and End of Life Care, Recovery in Mental Health, Nursing Procedural Sedation and more.

"We also provide nursing and health courses in the areas of education and research, digital health, leadership and management, and health and well-being. The majority of these courses are part-time and online, with some on-campus workshops and practical residential days.

Addressing the skills gap

Courses at ATU are built in collaboration with industry, addressing skills gaps and increasing the employability of graduates.

Eamon Walsh, Head of Department for Online, Flexible & Professional Development spoke about the benefits of online learning at ATU.

Specialising within your discipline gives you the competitive edge needed to progress in your career and the expertise to stand out in your industry. ATU Mayo provides a range of courses in key growth areas, including an impressive suite of programmes in business, cybersecurity, outdoor education, sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), digital marketing, and more. These study areas have significant benefit for those pursing professional development, but they also provide the opportunity for impactful economic, social and cultural development from a skilled and innovative workforce.

ATU Mayo also provides a number of Human Capital Initiative (HCI) funded courses, through the HEAs Springboard+ and Micro-credentials initiatives. Springboard+ courses are heavily subsidized to meet skills demands for industry, offering up to 90-100 per cent funding for learners, while Micro-credentials are short, accredited courses with 50-80 per cent funding, suitable for those seeking to quickly and flexibly upskill in specific areas.

20% Masters fees reduction for ATU Alumni

The ATU Alumni Office is dedicated to supporting the professional and academic growth of its network members through lifelong learning opportunities, and is pleased to offer members of ATU Alumni Network a 20% reduction in academic fees for alumni who choose to pursue a masters programme at ATU.

This discount can be applied to those who register on a Level 9 Masters Award (90 credits), and can be applied to both full-time and part-time masters programmes across ATU campuses, and includes all delivery formats, on-campus, online, and blended.

To be eligible, applicants must be a registered member of the ATU Alumni Network and must have graduated from ATU (including all legacy Institutes of Technology  GMIT, LYIT, IT Sligo and St Angelas College). See further details on atu.ie/alumni

The deadline for applications for flexible learning courses at ATU is Friday, 16th August 2024.

For more information, and to apply to one of ATUs courses starting in September 2024, visit the ATU website here.

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by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, July 25, 2024

Despite the disruption of 2023's Hollywood union strikes, brand spending on product placement in TV, film, video games and music video content grew 12.3% worldwide, and is on track to expand at about the same rate this year, according to just-released estimates from PQ Media's Global Product Placement Forecast.

The U.S., which continues to represent more than half of all product placement spending worldwide, grew at a slightly lower rate in 2023 -- 11.9% -- and is projected to do a little better than that this year.

Citing a 14% drop in the number of scripted programs produced for the 2023-24 season, PQ nonetheless found that TV remains the dominant source of product placements for brand marketers:
by Ray Schultz , July 24, 2024

Gannett and Southern Florida unions have reached a tentative labor agreement.

We are pleased to have reached an agreement with The Palm Beach Post, The Palm Beach Daily News, The Naples Daily News and The News-Press, says Amy Garrard, Vice President, Labor Relations, Gannett. Our priority is to continue serving these communities with relevant local content and essential journalism.

The agreement must still be ratified by members of the Guilds, which together represent around 60 journalists, according to the Palm Beach and Southwest Florida News Guilds.

The two-year contract includes guaranteed raises for every member in each newsroom, a freeze in healthcare premiums and a lock in existing 401(k) matches for members, along with other benefits, the Guilds report.

This deal is an important first step towards protecting local journalism by making our newsrooms better, more equitable places to work, says Kati Kokal Palm Beach News Guild co-chair.

The two guilds are part of the Communications Workers of American Local 3108 and The NewsGuild-CWA.

(This story was updated).
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, July 25, 2024

Lawmakers in the Senate on Thursday voted to end debate on a bill that would impose broad restrictions on how tech platforms serve content to minors and handle their data.

The procedural move paves the way for the Senate to vote on the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, which is expected to pass early next week. It's not yet clear whether the House will take up a companion bill.

If enacted, the bill will be most important updates in decades to federal laws that protect kids on the internet, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) said Thursday on the Senate floor.

The Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act combines two previously separate bills -- the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), and the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), introduced by Senators Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) and Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana).

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The KOSA provisions, which are particularly controversial, aim to tackle potential harms associated with social media use, including depression, eating disorders, and online bullying.

That portion of the bill would require tech platforms to use reasonable care to avoid harming minors via design features such as notifications, automatic playing of videos, personalized recommendations and appearance-altering filters.

Some youth advocates support those requirements, contending they will force tech companies to protect teens from material that could encourage drug use, self-harm or suicide.

But a broad array of critics -- including the Interactive Advertising Bureau, civil liberties groups and tech industry organizations -- have expressed concerns that the bill could unconstitutionally restrict publishers' ability to recommend content.

The First Amendment typically protects all lawful content, including material that might be considered harmful, such as hate speech, photos associated with eating disorders, and material discussing drug use.

One major concern raised by critics is that the bill could empower government officials to decide what type of content is appropriate for teens.

Interactive Advertising Bureau executive vice president Lartease Tiffith stated Thursday that the organization is particularly worried about provisions that may limit free speech, effectively placing government oversight on platform content decisions.

A coalition including the American Civil Liberties Union, Electronic Frontier Foundation and New America's Open Technology Institute said in a separate letter to the Senate that the restrictions could spur platforms to engage in aggressive filtering of content, which would prevent access to important, First Amendment-protected, educational, and even lifesaving content.

Critics also argue that the bill could lead tech companies to implement age verification systems, which could compromise people's privacy as well as their ability to access content anonymously.

In May, a subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives advanced KOSA, but lawmakers suggested at the time that the bill could face significant changes.

Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-New Jersey) said at the time that the bill runs the risk of creating additional harm to young people by giving social media companies an incentive to suppress material.

He added that the measure could cause social media companies to over filter content, out of an abundance of caution about legal risks.

The other portion of the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, COPPA 2.0, would prohibit websites and apps from collecting personal information -- including data stored on cookies, device identifiers and other pseudonymous information used for ad targeting -- from teens between the ages of 13 and 15, without first obtaining their explicit consent.

That portion of the bill would also ban targeted marketing to children and teens, and would require tech companies to allow users to delete personal information from users under the age of 17.

Current federal law prohibits websites and apps from knowingly collecting personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.

The proposed updates would also impose liability if websites and apps have constructive knowledge (meaning they should know) that their products are used by minors, but collect data anyway.
by Teresa Buyikian , July 25, 2024



Pretty much every Gen Xer had a pair of the iconic "Off The Wall" Checkerboard pattern slip-on Vans shoes. They were an 80s staple from the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High and worn by mallrats nationwide.

Fat Tire beer captures that 80s nostalgic feel in the designs of its new capsule clothing collection, in a partnership with Vans.

The Summer collection includes the Vans Classic Slip-On Checkerboard Shoes featuring a custom Fat Tire design. The line also includes a coordinating hat, socks and a cooler, and is now available for preorder at DrinkFatTire.com while supplies last.

"Like Fat Tire, Vans speaks to those who appreciate authentic, quality products and identify with our respective roots as originators," said Fat Tire brand manager Taylor Boyd in a release. "This collaboration celebrates those qualities, and we're excited for beer lovers to see a fellow icon in the beer aisle this summer."

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The brands will host several co-events across the country this summer to promote the collaboration, including a performance from skateboarder and musician Ray Barbee and attendance from Vans athletes in Denver on Friday, July 26. The show is free to the public and will also feature more live music, custom merchandise, a DIY art station and a free beer for those who show up wearing Vans.

In New York City on August 19, the brands will host a dinner and performance with musician Annie Dirusso. Tickets for the event are available through Eventbrite.

Fat Tire will donate proceeds from beer sold to benefit Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, a grassroots non-profit dedicated to inspiring communities to care for our oceans and beaches.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, July 25, 2024

Havas North America continues to weigh down growth at the holding company. The region posted an organic revenue decline of 6.4% for the first half, which followed a 4% shortfall in Q1.

For the first six months NA was the only region to lose ground at the holding company.

advertisement advertisement Havas first-half numbers were reported as part of parent Vivendis earnings announcement for the period, released earlier today. In Q1 Havas North American operations were down 4%.

Outside of North America, the company was in growth mode, with Europe up 3.8%, Latin America up 8.8% and Asia-Pacific up 0.5%.

Overall, for the first half, revenues were flat on an organic basis.

On a reported basis Havas revenue was up 3.6% to 1.366 billion euros. That growth was due in part to acquisitions although the company stated that globally, its creative and media divisions posted strong performances.

Earlier in the week Vivendi issued an update on its plan to split into several separate companies, reporting that the Bollore Group could end up with a 30.6% ownership stake and possibly 40% of the companys voting rights.
by Danielle Oster , July 25, 2024

Verizon prepaid wireless brand Straight Talk Wireless is off to the races with its new sponsorship agreement.

The brand has entered into a multi-year partnership with NASCAR, which officially designates Straight Talk Wireless as its Official Wireless Partner.

As part of the agreement, Straight Talk Wireless will also become the Official Partner of the Homestead-Miami Speedway, making it a sponsor for the October 27 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race. Financial details and other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

In a statement, Verizon Value CMO Cheryl Gresham said there is so much overlap between Straight Talk customers and NASCAR fans, calling the partnership very fitting.

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The deal will also see Straight Talk Wireless take to the road, partnering with NASCAR as a sponsor for the NASCAR on Tour event series.

NASCAR On Tour will run from August 21 through October 27 across select Walmart parking lots in Daytona Beach, Florida; Darlington, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Bentonville, Arkansas; Bristol, Tennessee; Kansas City, Missouri; Talladega, Alabama; Charlotte, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina and Miami, Florida.

The events will include racing-themed emarketing activations, promotional giveaways, appearances from NASCAR drivers, exclusive promotional offers, and other components.

Straight Talk Wireless will also leverage the events with an offer to entice new customers: offering eligible participants a buy one month, get one month free deal on any unlimited plan.

The news is part of a broader marketing shakeup for the Verizon Value brand portfolio. It follows a brand refresh campaign for Total Wireless -- another prepaid wireless brand, which had formerly been known as Total by Verizon.

The brand refresh -- featuring a new logo, visual identity and offers for consumers -- was informed by Verizon Values consumer research about the prepaid wireless category.

Weve been doing research for well over a year about [consumer pain points in the category] and price always comes up: that lack of predictability, a feeling that theyre getting taken advantage of, the reality of not knowing the cost on a month to month basis, she said, noting that brands 5-year price lock offer.

In a statement, NASCAR executive ice president, Chief Partnership and Licensing Officer Michelle Byron called Straight Talk a recognizable brand that shares NASCARs priorities in providing tremendous value for its customers and their families.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, July 25, 2024



Adidas' campaign appeals to those who support under-represented communities, an important value to women and LGBTQ audiences.



Collage Group recently released a study that reveals an intense level of world-weariness in Gen Z. They hate Republicans and Democrats. And their mistrust of just about every institution  from the media to the military  is growing. And while they may not believe what companies say, they are watching what they do. And that creates a gauntlet for the brands hoping to lock up loyalty from this important demographic. Jack Mackinnon, senior director of cultural insights at Collage, explains.

Marketing Daily: This research is fascinating. A third of the respondents say they wont vote either red or blue. While Congress and the presidency are the institutions they trust the least, tech companies, the Supreme Court, the police, and the judicial system are widely scorned, too. (Science and medicine are the exceptions.) Whats changing in this demographic?

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Jack Mackinnon: Ive been researching Gen Z since 2016, and as they move further into their 20s, there is a deep disappointment in the older generation. Its built into anger and activation. Theres a low level of trust in institutions. And while there is alignment on specific issues, like guns, LGBTQ rights, and Gaza, theres an unwillingness to affiliate with parties or even identify as liberal or conservative. They feel  as do other generations  that were in a doom cycle. Theyre burned out and desperate for a change. They felt strongly they didnt like either candidate.

Marketing Daily: And just like that  they got one! Your research, of course, happened before President Joe Biden dropped out and Kamala Harris stepped up. Will that change things?

Mackinnon: Well see! But there is a bubbling up of energy because this is, in fact, the dream scenario for change that we found in this survey.

Marketing Daily: What makes Gen Z different, politically, than millennials?

Mackinnon: They came of age when social media and the internet were fully developed  they were born into more information, news, access and perspective than any other generation. Thats created more anxiety. Theyve seen how that created perfectionism in millennials, and theyre pushing back against that.

Marketing Daily: This research has some terrifying implications for brands. You call them cynical activists and find that compared to all other generations, they are most likely to demand that brands take a stand on topics ranging from race, gun control, reproductive issues and wealth inequality. And they are the most likely group to boycott companies. Yet when companies do take a stand, they come under attack. It seems like they cant win. What should they do?

Mackinnon: It is a new era, and the backlash is real. And it is typically stronger among self-identified liberals.

Marketing Daily: Really? Because of the Bud Light and Target boycotts, most people would have said it would be conservatives.

Mackinnon: We break backlash into three types. First, theres unhappiness with a brand. Next, theres a brand breakup  you stop buying it. At the third level, you encourage others to stop. Conservatives are likelier to do the first level and tell people about it. And if that someone has a social media account with a million followers, you will hear about it. But joining a boycott? More liberals do that.

Marketing Daily: What does Gen Z want brands to do?

Mackinnon: Because theyre cynical, they watch what companies do internally. Theyre looking at their hiring practices, their training, where they donate. Gen Z wants to know that a companys internal work matches the external work. The Bud Light backlash was so intense because, first, the use of a transgender influencer didnt seem like it fit the brand, that maybe it was just a ploy to sell more beer. And since 70% of Gen Z think once a company starts down a road, they should stick with it, Buds decision to pull back demonstrated that it was never serious about its commitment. It was a double backlash.

Marketing Daily: Did you think that was true with Target, watering down its support for the LGBTQ community this Pride season?

Mackinnon: Less so because it was more transparent. And the company was clear that its decision hinged on store associates' safety, which is a very important message.

Marketing Daily: How so?

Mackinnon: Weve just released another study on polarization, and it turns out that for all our differences, liberals, conservatives, and centrists are quite similar. For example, curiosity is the top value for all three groups. And values like hospitality, honesty, resilience, and generosity rank highly. Because of that, we dont suggest brands focus on any single issue  like guns or abortion  but on two areas where we think everyone will respond. That includes safety, or what we think of as personal protection, and freedom of expression.

Marketing Daily: Not what I expected you to say! Why these?

Mackinnon: People are scared. They worry about data privacy, misinformation, and their health. They are looking for brands that understand that and work in many ways to keep them safe. And while freedom of expression may sound like a progressive value, our research finds it is as simple as people saying, I just want to be myself. That concern may look different for a farmer in a rural state than someone in a city, but its the same. Brands that give people permission to be themselves  in creative ways  have broad appeal.

Marketing Daily: Both those themes sound like they could be made political, increasing polarization. People who carry handguns believe in personal protection, as do the people who want those guns banned.

Mackinnon: Yes, but thats at the election level, where each team has its language and is trying to win. Those values are very personal. At the family, household and individual levels, they look very different.
by Colin Kirkland , July 25, 2024

According to Mark Zuckerberg's WhatsApp channel, the social messaging app has amassed 100 million monthly active users in the U.S., becoming the tech giant's fourth social-media platform -- including Instagram, Facebook and Messenger -- to do so.

Having maintained its position as the most popular messaging app in the world, at 2.78 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp is just starting to become more popular in the United States, with Los Angeles, New York, Miami and Seattle driving a major portion of the uptick in domestic users.

Southern states are driving significant growth as well, with over 10 million active users in Texas alone, according to WhatsApp.

WhatsApp adoption among U.S. users has been on the rise over the past two years. According to Apptopia, daily users grew by 9% in 2023.

A recent report by CNBC contributor and founder of the Big Tech newsletter Alex Kantrowitz also lists the popularity of large messaging groups as an alternative to email chains, increased international travel among Americans and the ease at which Android and Apple iOS users can communicate as prominent reasons for the ongoing increase in domestic usership.

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Meta has also worked to build out WhatsApp as a conversational hub for businesses and their customers.

The platform has made a point in prioritizing partnerships and in-app features that support business transactions, including naming Dentsu as its customer-relationship solution provider.

In 2023, the app's daily business users increased by 80% in the U.S., following a 122% leap the previous year.

Across the globe, there are now over 200 million monthly active users on WhatsApp's dedicated Business offering, according to Statista.

In addition, despite advertisers' inability to advertise directly on WhatsApp, they are able to stoke conversation through Click to Message ads and in brand-focused in-app chat groups and communities for both curious and devoted customers.

A WhatsApp spokesperson said in a statement that this is the first time data pertaining to users has been released since Meta's acquisition of the messaging app for $16 billion in 2014.
New Army recruits going into two of the service's most critical fields will no longer be able to choose which specific jobs they enlist into, according to an internal service email reviewed by Military.com.

Both the field artillery and air defense fields, which each have several jobs within them that center around different weapons and maintenance, as well as surveillance and communications systems, will no longer allow soldiers to enlist directly into those specific roles.

It's a similar move to what the service did with infantry years ago by not allowing new applicants in some situations to pick between typical ground infantry and mortarmen. It is unclear whether other job fields will be reducing choice for new applicants, and the Army did not respond to a request for comment ahead of publication.

Read Next: Pentagon Reviewing 20 Medal of Honor Awards Given to Soldiers at the Wounded Knee Massacre

The move comes as both air defense and artillery will likely play a key role in future conflicts, as those two fields have been critical on the battlefield in Ukraine -- where some 12,000 artillery shells are estimated to be fired each day and air defenses have been key to stopping Russian airpower from advancing the front lines.

Air defense has been particularly affected as the Pentagon has spread its units thin in recent years, with the Army amassing troops in Europe and the Pacific while juggling combat missions in the Middle East and Africa. CNN reported that there are more missions than that field has the capabilities for.

The constant string of deployments and training missions has also been linked to suicides in the service, along with other mental health issues. Troops in the artillery field are especially vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries. A report from the Marine Corps found that service members in those roles are about twice as likely to suffer from a TBI or other sensory injuries when they aren't deployed -- meaning standard day-to-day training is inherently dangerous.

The reduction of immediate choice could hamper a key selling point in Army recruiting, which has been that applicants broadly get to pick the roles they will serve in. The reduction in choice for new applicants comes as the service has seen dwindling recruiting numbers in the past decade, mostly fueled by young Americans being unable to meet its academic or body fat standards for enlistment.

Meanwhile, the service has struggled to adapt to modern marketing to reach Gen Z because much of its efforts still center around advertisements built for cable television and sporting events, both of which have increasingly lost relevance with each generation.

The service is projected to meet its lowered recruiting goal this year of bringing in 55,000 active-duty recruits -- a sharp drop from its goal of 65,000 last year, when it came up 10,000 new soldiers short. The little headway the service has made on recruiting has been attributable to the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, a pre-basic training program that helps applicants just outside of the Army standards to come into compliance.

Related: The Army's Recruiting Problem Is Male
The U.S. Navy has reached a settlement with sailors who filed a lawsuit over the service's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, ending a nearly four-year saga that pitted Navy SEALs and other service members against their commander in chief.

Under an agreement in the case announced Wednesday, Navy sailors who refused the vaccine for religious reasons can now have their records corrected and will be protected against discrimination on promotion boards for the next three years, according to their attorneys.

Promotion boards "must not consider any adverse information related solely to COVID-19 vaccine refusal in cases in which a religious accommodation was requested," according to a release from the First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit legal organization that defends religious liberties, and the law firm Hacker Stephens LLP.

Read Next: Pentagon Reviewing 20 Medal of Honor Awards Given to Soldiers at the Wounded Knee Massacre

The Navy also agreed to review the personnel records of all plaintiffs to ensure that the service expunged any information on administrative separation, counseling or nonjudicial punishment for failing to comply with the mandate.

It will also correct the records of members who left the service and post a public statement "affirming the Navy's respect for religious service members," among other requirements.

The lawsuit, U.S. Navy SEALs 1-26 v. Biden, alleged that the Navy and the Defense Department violated their First Amendment rights to religious freedom by "categorically denying" their requests for religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine.

The plaintiffs cited religious reasons for refusing the immunizations, objecting to the mRNA technology used to make several variations of the vaccine, citing the use of cell lines from fetuses aborted in the 1970s and 1980s to develop them. The vaccines themselves contain no aborted fetal tissue.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a mandate on Aug. 24, 2021, requiring all service members to be immunized against COVID-19. At the time, tens of thousands of U.S. troops had contracted the illness, and 41 had died.

The SEALs' case, filed in November 2021, later became a class action, representing at least 3,000 Navy service members who had filed religious accommodation requests by March 2022.

In the case, a district court judge quashed the Navy's ability to punish the sailors for refusing the vaccine order, a ruling upheld by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that was later rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Although the Defense Department lifted the vaccine mandate in January 2023 as required by the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the Fifth Circuit ruled that the case could continue in order to allow the district court to consider the Navy's record on religious accommodations.

The Justice Department had requested that the suit be dismissed, but the court denied the request and "the parties reached a settlement on behalf of all class members," according to attorneys for the plaintiffs.

The Navy also agreed to pay $1.5 million in legal fees to the plaintiffs' attorneys. Previously, the attorneys were awarded $1.8 million in a separate settlement of a suit against the Defense Department.

The plaintiffs will not receive any of the compensation in either settlement, and a settlement is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by either party.

Between March 2020 and December 2022, the Pentagon recorded 740,942 cases of COVID-19 among troops, family members, DoD employees and contractors, and 690 deaths, including 96 service members.

Roughly 17,000 service members refused the vaccine, and more than 8,400 were discharged for their decision, including 3,717 Marines, 2,041 Navy sailors, 1,841 Army soldiers, and 834 Air Force and Space Force members.

By March 2022, when the Navy stopped discharging sailors for refusing the vaccine, the service had received 3,320 requests for religious exemptions from active-duty sailors and 864 from the Navy Reserve. None had been approved.

Danielle Runyan, senior counsel at the First Liberty Institute, described the case in a statement as "long and difficult" but said the Navy SEALs "never gave up."

"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," Runyan said.

"This case was always about maintaining careers," the organization added on its website. "To ensure that personnel files are corrected quickly and protective language is included in the selection board convening orders for the next three years ... settlement is the best way to achieve that."

In a statement, Navy officials said July 30 that all sailors who were discharged for refusing the vaccine "ultimately received an honorable discharge" and have been asked whether they want to return to duty.

"The Navy conducted an outreach effort to notify sailors of the opportunity to apply to return to the service. Regarding the lawsuit, it is the Navy's practice not to discuss ongoing litigation," service officials said in response to a query from Military.com.

Those interested in learning more about the settlement can check out First Liberty Institute's website on the subject.

Editor's note: This story was updated to include comment from the Navy.

Related: Supreme Court Rejects Military Chaplains' Lawsuit Claiming Refusal of COVID-19 Vaccine Hurt Their Careers
Only last week, the Biden administration's national security team was glumly focused on "Trump-proofing" support for Ukraine against what looked like the increasing possibility that former President Donald Trump would win in November. But that was last week.

The tone, and the message sent to Kyiv, changed markedly over the weekend with the stunning announcement that President Joe Biden was quitting the race to let Vice President Kamala Harris take on Trump as the new nominee for the Democrats.

In a phone call Monday with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed the "unwavering support" of the U.S. in the fight to defeat the invading forces of Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the mechanisms to limit what Trump might do in a second term to cut off that support were already in place.

Read Next: Pentagon Reviewing 20 Medal of Honor Awards Given to Soldiers at the Wounded Knee Massacre

At the Aspen Security Forum in Aspen, Colorado, last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, when asked directly about "Trump-proofing," for the first time spoke to the various steps the U.S. and its allies have taken to guard against the possibility of Trump ditching commitments to Ukraine should he return to the White House.

The term "Trump-proofing" has become a common expression among pundits, academics and reporters amid the rising questions over the future of the support when a new U.S. president is sworn into office in January.

In line with his "America first" agenda, Trump has criticized the more than $53.7 billion in military aid the U.S. has sent to Ukraine, according to a tally by the State Department. His pick for vice president, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, has been more blunt.

In a podcast when he was running for the Senate seat in 2022, Vance said, "I gotta be honest with you, I don't really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other."

At the Aspen forum, Blinken said that "every administration has an opportunity, of course, to set its own policy. We can't lock in the future."

But he noted that the U.S. and more than 20 other countries -- including NATO allies, Japan and the European Union -- pledged at the NATO summit in Washington, D.C., earlier this month to continue their military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

"Were we to renege on that -- I suppose that's possible -- but happily we've got another 20 some-odd countries that are doing the same thing," Blinken said.

Also, the aid and training assistance for Ukraine would be funneled through a new NATO command being set up in Wiesbaden, Germany, to make the support more difficult to cut off, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

In his own remarks at the Aspen forum, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the bilateral security agreements the U.S. has signed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have put the diplomatic "architecture in place" for U.S. support to continue through the next administration.

He said the support would "endure no matter what happens with our politics," in an ongoing effort "to convince the allies that the U.S. has staying power."

As uniformed officers, Air Force Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the SACEUR, or Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, were limited in what they could say at the Aspen forum on the policy guidelines for support of Ukraine, but both noted the need to confront Russian aggression.

Brown declined to comment on the possibility of a Trump administration withdrawing support for Ukraine -- "that's a hypothetical I'm not going to get into," Brown said, but added that "if collectively we stop supporting Ukraine, Putin wins." In addition, "we have credibility that's at stake, not just the U.S., but NATO."

Brown also doubted Trump's repeated boast that he could work out a peace deal for Ukraine in a day. "If he can get that done in 24 hours, that would be great," Brown said to laughter from the audience.

Without mentioning Trump, Cavoli noted that one of the former president's main complaints about NATO -- that member states were failing to meet the goal of spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense -- had been addressed.

At least 23 of the 32 NATO member states now meet the 2% goal, and "many nations are concluding that 2% is not enough, that they're going to have to go higher than that," he said.

"Poland is spending upward of 4% right now. The U.K. is coming up to 2.5% as their announced goal. I think we'll see that across the board," Cavoli said.

"We can't be under any illusions. At the end of a conflict in Ukraine -- however it concludes -- we are going to have a very big Russia problem," the general said. "We are going to have a situation where Russia is reconstituting its force; is located on the borders of NATO; is led by largely the same people as it is right now; is convinced that we're the adversary; and is very, very angry."

The European allies "have awakened to the fact that the house is on fire," Cavoli said. "This is not a show, and this is not just rhetoric. This is true concern about the stability of their continent, and the survival of their states."

Related: Ukraine Faces Twin Challenges of Fighting Russia and Shifting Political Sands in the US
President Joe Biden's 11th-hour decision not to seek reelection and the quick rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris to take over for him at the top of the ticket give Democrats a likely presidential nominee with a less high-profile record on military and veterans issues than before.

As vice president, Harris has supported Biden's major initiatives on service members and veterans, including the massive expansion of veterans benefits under the PACT Act and the 2021 U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. But the portfolio of projects she took the lead on in the White House did not focus on military and veterans issues.

Still, her four years in the Senate included votes on military and veterans bills, and her time as California's attorney general saw her take on for-profit colleges that targeted veterans -- a record that could provide a window into what a Harris presidency would mean for service members and veterans.

Next Read: Pentagon Reviewing 20 Medal of Honor Awards Given to Soldiers at the Wounded Knee Massacre

Republican campaigning against her has so far focused mostly on her role in the Biden administration's immigration policies, rather than anything in her record on the military and veterans.

Harris, for her part, has leaned into her record as a prosecutor as she launches her campaign against the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, who has been convicted in one criminal case and still faces charges in three others. At her first rally as a presidential candidate Tuesday, she touted that she "took on perpetrators of all kinds" and so she knows "Donald Trump's type."

Her time as California's top prosecutor included a major case that benefited veterans. In 2013, as the state's attorney general, Harris sued Corinthian Colleges, a now-defunct chain of for-profit schools that aggressively targeted veterans in its deceptive advertising. In 2016, she won a $1.1 billion judgment against the company for practices including advertising inflated job placement rates and using official military seals in its marketing without authorization.

She also joined other state attorneys general in urging the Department of Education to forgive the federal student loan debt of veterans and other students defrauded by Corinthian -- something that came to fruition when she was vice president.

"In 2016, after we obtained the judgment against Corinthian, I said then that the least we could do was to give everyone Corinthian took advantage of the relief they deserve. I said then that we would do everything in our power to help them," Harris said in a 2022 speech announcing the debt relief. "Finally -- and sadly it has taken this long -- finally, that promise is fulfilled."

During Harris' time in the Senate from 2017 to 2021, the biggest veterans bill that moved through Congress was the Mission Act, which expanded veterans' ability to seek Department of Veterans Affairs-funded care outside of the VA system. Trump has touted the bill as one of his signature achievements. In the years since it passed, it has taken on a partisan reputation, with Democrats and the Biden administration arguing it has caused community care costs to balloon, and Republicans accusing the Biden administration of undermining the law.

But the Mission Act received bipartisan support when it passed, and Harris was one of the 92 senators who voted for it. She later co-signed a letter with other Senate Democrats knocking the Trump administration's VA leadership for crafting access standards that "will significantly increase the overall cost and amount of care VA will send to the community" without consulting Congress.

Meanwhile, her voting record on what is considered the Pentagon's most important bill annually, the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, was mixed. The bill typically includes a wide range of military policy changes responding to issues of the day, as well as addresses more routine matters such as reauthorizing special pay and bonuses for service members.

In her first year in the Senate in 2017, she voted for the Senate's initial draft of the NDAA, while the final version that became law was approved by voice vote, meaning individual votes were not recorded. The next year, she voted "no" on both the initial draft and final version, explaining in a June 2018 statement that she opposed the bill's authorization for a new low-yield nuclear weapon. The year after that, she missed both votes.

In 2020, the year Trump vetoed the NDAA because it required the Pentagon to rename Army bases and other property that bore Confederate monikers, Harris voted against the Senate's initial draft, missed the vote on the House-Senate compromise version, and voted "yes" to override Trump's veto.

In voting against the initial 2020 draft, she blasted the bill for excluding efforts to block Trump from raiding Pentagon coffers to build a border wall and to prevent giving excess military equipment to police departments. Still, she said she "enthusiastically support[ed] provisions to give our troops a much-deserved pay raise and rename bases honoring Confederate generals."

Harris' campaign website as of now does not have any policy proposals. But when she first ran for president in the Democratic primary in 2019, she released a detailed plan for veterans and service members that led with extending VA health care and housing assistance to veterans with other-than-honorable discharges stemming from PTSD or brain injuries that could cause behavioral issues.

The plan also called for improving military housing, creating a grant program to place homeless veterans in transitional housing, cracking down on fraud against service members and veterans, and making it easier for immigrants to serve in the military and apply for citizenship if they do.

"It's time to honor the service and sacrifice of our warfighters, veterans and their families," Harris' 2019 plan said. "As commander in chief, Kamala will work to provide them the support they have earned."

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday that, in his more than three years of working with Vice President Kamala Harris, she has been with him and the president for some of their toughest decisions and "always a part of the process."

The assessment, which Austin offered in response to a question about the vice president from reporters during a Pentagon press conference, comes just days after President Joe Biden's surprise decision not to seek reelection in November and Harris being on track to take over for him at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Austin, a retired four-star Army general and now a civilian Cabinet member and Biden appointee, painted Harris as prepared and always engaged on national security issues. He said at the start of his remarks that he was not making "any kind of political commentary" but rather relaying what he witnessed as defense secretary.

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If reporters look at what the Biden administration has tackled "over the past three and a half years -- strikes that we've had to take, the deployments that we've done, the decision to support Ukraine ... there's just thing after thing after thing," Austin said.

"She's always there, she's always a part of the process, and she's always very engaged," he added.

In her brief time as the likely presidential nominee, Harris has already started to receive scrutiny from Republicans for her role on tackling immigration from Central America, while she has begun to highlight her background as a prosecutor.

As a result, little is known about her views on the military and veterans issues or how she would act as commander in chief. The Associated Press reported Thursday that Harris was scheduled to meet separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, apart from a meeting Biden had scheduled with the Israeli leader during his visit to Washington, D.C., suggesting she may become more involved in global security issues as a presidential candidate.

Austin's remarks suggested that, while Harris may have been out of the public eye for much of the Biden administration's time in the White House, she was an active participant in national security decisions.

"I've seen her help the team, help the president work through some very, very complex issues," Austin said, adding that "she is a key player."

In 2021, Harris told CNN that she was the last person in the room and supported Biden's decision to completely withdraw troops from Afghanistan.

Austin also noted that Harris has "represented this country in the international arena, on the international stage, a number of times."

In November 2022, Harris met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of an economic leadership conference in Thailand. "She understands ... national security, international affairs," Austin argued, citing that meeting.

Harris has not met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched an invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The U.S., NATO allies and nations around the world have since worked to equip and support the Ukrainians in their fight against the Russian aggression.

The Pentagon considers China its "pacing challenge" on the world stage, and the current U.S. National Defense Strategy, released in March 2022, labels Russia as an "acute" threat.

As of Thursday, Harris' campaign website did not have any policy statements. However, in 2019, when she first ran for president, Harris released a detailed plan for veterans and service members that largely focused on improving benefits and care offered to veterans.

The plan called for extending Department of Veterans Affairs health care and housing assistance to veterans with other-than-honorable discharges stemming from PTSD or brain injuries, as well as improving military housing, creating a grant program for housing homeless veterans, cracking down on fraud against service members and veterans, and making it easier for immigrants to serve in the military and apply for citizenship if they do.

-- Rebecca Kheel contributed to this report.

Related: Here's Kamala Harris' Record on Veterans and Military Issues
President Joe Biden nominated a top Air Force officer with North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, to serve as the next chief of the National Guard, but only a week before the service component's current top officer is set to retire. And the Guard seemingly has no plan for a possible leadership vacuum.

Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus' nomination was sent to the Senate on Tuesday. If confirmed, he would replace Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, who retires Aug. 5. The National Guard typically rotates between Army and Air Force leadership.

The last-minute nomination from the White House comes just a week before the Senate, which must confirm Nordhaus for the role, goes on recess until Sept. 9. No confirmation hearings are scheduled for next week, possibly leaving the Guard without cemented leadership until at least the end of the summer. That means if Nordhaus isn't confirmed next week, the Guard will be without clear leadership and will have to find someone to place into an acting role.

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Army Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, the current acting vice chief, the Guard's No. 2 officer, is also set to retire Aug. 5.

It's unclear whether the National Guard has an acting chief in mind or what its plan is if Nordhaus can't be confirmed next week. The service component declined to comment.

The Guard chief is also a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, serving as a connection between the service component's 54 states and territories, the Pentagon and the White House.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I., whose committee would handle Nordhaus' confirmation hearing, told Military.com on Thursday that his panel is tentatively looking at holding a hearing as soon as next week before the chamber leaves for its break. Still, he said it's "possible" a senator could object to speeding up the timeline for holding a hearing.

Asked whether he was frustrated that the White House didn't send a nominee earlier to avoid a gap in leadership, Reed replied, "Yeah, frankly."

"This is the exception to the rule," he said. "Typically, we get our nominees in plenty of time. But this is one of those -- and I don't know what the dynamic was -- but it inhibits us."

The potential gap in leadership comes in the midst of hurricane season, as National Guard units have been increasingly relied on by state governors to respond to natural disasters as the impacts of climate change make major storms more frequent and severe.

"We have some really tough wildfires and hurricanes," John Goheen, a spokesperson for the National Guard Association of the United States, told Military.com. "Who's going to take on that task in terms of communication between the [states], to the president and secretary of defense? That's the chief's role."

At any given time, some 20,000 Guardsmen are deployed abroad, mostly in the Middle East and Africa. But the service component also has a presence in Europe bolstering NATO's front line amid Russia's war in Ukraine.

Nordhaus would take on the role after Hokanson spent much of his political capital with lawmakers advocating for free health care for Guardsmen, an effort that has gained some traction but is likely a long shot due to the cost. The Guard has increasingly been eyeing offering more day care assistance for part-time troops, but the effort is in its infancy.

There have also been concerns of politicization or misuse of the Guard by some governors. Hokanson, in an interview with Military.com, said the Southwest border mission supercharged under Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is detrimental to the Guard's priority of training for war and being available for swift responses to state emergencies.

Even if the Senate was able to do a quick turnaround on a confirmation hearing, there would not be a true transition process to settle Nordhaus into the role and allow him to learn the nuances of the job. By comparison, Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer, the top enlisted leader for the Army, a much smaller job that doesn't require Senate confirmation, had a nearly nine-month transition period.

Nordhaus, an aviator, commissioned through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989 and has flown combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Before his time in NORAD, he was director of operations for the National Guard Bureau.

He spent the bulk of his career in the Ohio National Guard, where he was commander of the 112th Fighter Squadron. He has flown aircraft including the F-16 Fighting Falcon A, C and D models and the F-35A Lightning II.

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KANSAS CITY, Kan.  A North Korean military intelligence operative has been indicted in a conspiracy to hack into American health care providers, NASA, U.S. military bases and international entities, stealing sensitive information and installing ransomware to fund more attacks, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

The indictment of Rim Jong Hyok by a grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, accuses him of laundering the money through a Chinese bank and then using it to buy computer servers and fund more cyberattacks on defense, technology and government entities around the world.

The hacks on American hospitals and other health care providers disrupted the treatment of patients, officials said. He's accused of targeting 17 entities across 11 U.S. states, including NASA and U.S. military bases, as well as defense and energy companies in China, Taiwan and South Korea.

For more than three months, Hyok and other members of the Andariel Unit of North Korea's Reconnaissance General Bureau had access to NASAs computer system, extracting over 17 gigabytes of unclassified data, the indictment says. They also reached inside computer systems for defense companies in Michigan and California, as well as Randolph Air Force base in Texas and Robins Air Force base in Georgia, authorities say.

The malware enabled the state-sponsored Andariel group to send stolen information to North Korean military intelligence, furthering the countrys military and nuclear aspirations, federal prosecutors said. They've gone after details of fighter aircraft, missile defense systems, satellite communications and radar systems, a senior FBI official said.

While North Korea uses these types of cyber crimes to circumvent international sanctions and fund its political and military ambitions, the impact of these wanton acts have a direct impact on the citizens of Kansas, said Stephen A. Cyrus, an FBI agent based in Kansas City.

Online court records do not list an attorney for Hyok, who has lived in North Korea and worked at the military intelligence agencys offices in both Pyongyang and Sinuiju, according to court records. A reward of up to $10 million has been offered for information that could lead to him or other foreign government operatives who target critical U.S. infrastructure.

The Justice Department has prosecuted multiple cases related to North Korean hacking, often alleging a profit-driven motive that sets the nation's cybercriminals apart from hackers in Russia and China. In 2021, for instance, the department charged three North Korean computer programmers in a broad range of hacks including a destructive attack targeting an American movie studio and the attempted theft and extortion of more than $1.3 billion from banks and companies around the world.

In this case, the FBI was alerted by a Kansas medical center that was hit in May 2021. Hackers had encrypted its files and servers, blocking access to patient files, laboratory test results and computers needed to operate hospital equipment. A Colorado health care provider was affected by the same Maui ransomware variant.

A ransom note sent to the Kansas hospital demanded Bitcoin payments valued then at about $100,000, to be sent to a cryptocurrency address.

Otherwise all of your files will be posted in the Internet which may lead you to loss of reputation and cause the troubles for your business, the note reads. Please do not waste your time! You have 48 hours only! After that the Main server will double your price.

Federal investigators said they traced blockchains to follow the money: An unnamed co-conspirator transferred the Bitcoin to a virtual currency address belonging to two Hong Kong residents before it was converted into Chinese currency and transferred to a Chinese bank. The money was then accessed from an ATM in China next to the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge connecting China and North Korea, according to court records.

In 2022, the Justice Department said the FBI seized approximately $500,000 in ransom payments from the money laundering accounts, including the entire ransom payment from the hospital.

An arrest of Hyok is unlikely, so the biggest outcome of the indictment is that it may lead to sanctions that could cripple the ability of North Korea to collect ransoms this way, which could in turn remove the motivation to conduct cyber attacks on entities like hospitals in the future, according to Allan Liska, an analyst with the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future.

Now, unfortunately, that will force them to do more cryptocurrency theft. So its not going to stop their activity. But the hope is that we wont have hospitals disrupted by ransomware attacks because theyll know that they cant get paid, Liska said.

He also noted that a Chinese entity was among the victims and questioned what the country, which is an ally of North Korea, thinks of being targeted.

China cant be too thrilled about that, he said.

__

Goldberg reported from Minneapolis. Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas. Associated Press reporter Alanna Durkin Richer contributed from Washington, D.C.
The company accused of being part of a bribery scheme along with a retired four-star Navy admiral who was arrested in May has fired back against the allegations and the indictments of its two top executives in a new court filing that seeks to split their case.

Robert Burke, who as an admiral served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa from 2020 to 2022, was arrested on federal bribery charges May 31. In a motion filed in federal court July 19, lawyers for the executives of a leadership training company argued they were deceived by Burke and that a $100 million contract they spent years pursuing with the Navy seems to have never materialized.

The request to split or "sever" their cases comes less than two months after federal prosecutors arrested Burke as well as the executives -- Charlie Kim and Meghan Messenger, co-CEOs of Next Jump -- on allegations that they gave him a cushy job in exchange for the four-star's work to steer contracts to the company.

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Lawyers for Kim and Messenger said that they "intend to offer evidence at trial that, in an effort to influence contracts between [Next Jump] and the Navy, Burke may have deliberately and repeatedly misled [the pair] to believe that he could lawfully engage in employment discussions."

Meanwhile, Burke's attorney says the duo's filing is full of lies and denies a bribery scheme altogether in a motion filed Wednesday.

If Burke is convicted, he would become only the second U.S. admiral to be found guilty of committing a federal crime while on active duty.

The retired admiral "contends that there was never any bribery scheme at all  and that any statements by Kim to the contrary were false statements which will be impeached at trial," according to the court filing.

However, Burke's motion also noted that, while he "completely disagrees with the false factual assertions," his team "intends to file a response joining" the motion to separate him from Kim and Messenger's trial.

Although the scope of alleged corruption and the number of actors is small, the case easily conjures parallels to the Navy's far-reaching scandal commonly known as "Fat Leonard," which goes back more than a decade. Leonard Glenn "Fat Leonard" Francis, owner of the defense contracting business Glenn Defense Marine Asia, was accused of amassing a network of at least 200 Navy personnel that ranged from admirals to Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents to help bilk the service out of at least $35 million from inflated and fraudulent contracts for services while in port.

While nearly three dozen people were charged in connection to that case and 22 pleaded guilty, many of the convictions later fell apart on appeal and Leonard himself briefly escaped custody to flee to Venezuela.

The $100 Million Contract

The history between the Navy and Next Jump, a company that largely specializes in training executives on leadership, goes back several years. The company was awarded its first Navy contract in early 2018 for around $2 million. A second contract followed later that year for $10 million "to train part of the Navy workforce," according to court documents.

At the time, the Navy was reeling from a pair of deadly at-sea collisions in the Pacific Ocean that not only killed nearly 20 sailors but also exposed a problematic culture that was willing to ignore years of warnings about exhausted sailors, poor training and apathetic leaders.

Burke was Next Jump's main point of contact for the Navy and, about a year into their work together, Kim decided to reach out "to explore other ways [his company] could help the Navy train its staff," the court filing said.

What eventually emerged by fall of 2019 was a large, $100 million proposal based on the idea that Next Jump had an ability to "'develop people faster than anyone,' which would provide the Navy with a 'new competitive advantage' and effectively 'upgrade' the Navy," the motion by the two executives said, citing emails between Burke, Kim and Messenger.

That November, Burke told the pair that the newly confirmed chief of naval operations, Adm. Michael Gilday, had signed off on the plan, according to an email cited in the motion.

"All of these events -- the first Navy contract, the second Navy contract, Burke's early advocacy around the potential $100 million contract, and Burke's communication to [the two co-CEOs] about [Gilday]'s approval -- occurred before any of the allegedly improper job discussions at the heart of the indictment," the motion argues.

Another Meeting and Burke's 'Companion'

By November 2019, as Kim and Messenger say they were being told the Navy's top leader was on board to award them their biggest contract yet, the pilot program they were operating had run its course and Next Jump had no more active contracts, according to prosecutors.

The indictment suggests that the big $100 million contract they were working on to replace the smaller trials also never came through. Kim "believed that the pilot program could have turned into a $100 million Navy contract for [Next Jump] but, as he later stated, 'Many things derailed our Navy engagement.'"

In their court motion, Kim and Messenger say they were concerned when an aide said that, "given Adm. Burke's role and the upcoming contracting actions, it is best that Next Jump and he not have contact at this time," which occurred around the same time they were told Gilday backed the project.

After five months of silence, Burke reached out to the pair and in a meeting said he wanted to be an "ambassador/custodian" for the company despite still being on active duty, Kim's email summary of the meeting filed with the court said.

Burke told Kim that this relationship was allowed because Next Jump was not "a defense contractor (as in selling weapons, plane parts, etc.)," according to the email.

The relationship between the pair of CEOs and Burke continued, and in July 2021 they met for lunch in Washington, D.C., along with a woman Burke told Kim and Messenger was "a senior official in the Office of the Under Secretary of the Navy," according to the two executives' court motion.

The woman was referred to by prosecutors as a civilian employee in the Navy based in the U.S. and "a companion of Burke's."

During that meeting, prosecutors allege that Kim and Messenger proposed that Burke use his official position to steer a new contract to Next Jump while also offering the soon-to-be-retired admiral a job with a salary of "at least $500,000 per year plus stock options and other related compensation."

Meanwhile, Kim, according to his own email summary of the meeting, saw the woman as Burke's "close friend/colleague" who joined the meeting "as a friend."

"That the female naval official at the lunch meeting was Burke's 'companion'... was entirely unknown at the time to [Kim and Messenger]," the motion argues and notes that they "had no reason to believe the senior naval official was also Burke's 'companion' because they knew that Burke was married to a different woman."

Burke's lawyer, Tim Parlatore, confirmed to Military.com that the admiral was in an "intimate relationship" with the woman while he was in the beginning stages of divorce but that, since then, he and his wife had reconciled.

The Washington Post was the first to report that detail.

In their motion, lawyers for Kim and Messenger argue that the presence of Burke's romantic partner undermines the allegation that they were conspiring to bribe the admiral and that several cited email meeting summaries "provided to over 70 sophisticated [Next Jump] investors ... are wholly inconsistent with allegations that [they] acted corruptly."

Exaggerations and False Statements

In his own motion, Burke's lawyer argues that "Kim is an entrepreneur who is prone to exaggeration and, in many cases, outright false statements."

The retired admiral's lawyer argues that Kim's emails to investors, documents that underpin many of the arguments their motion makes, are "false statements" and the pair are "attempting to falsely blame Adm. Burke for telling them that everything was permissible."

Kim and Messenger's motion does note that, after that meeting in July, their company obtained another contract for $355,000 for training that they conducted in January 2022.

In May, Burke told them that he got the Navy's sign-off to begin "earnest discussions" with them about taking a job after retirement, according to the motion by Kim and Messenger. He was eventually extended an official employment offer with a $500,000 base salary and started in October 2022.

However, the pair's filing notes that this salary was "more than the entire $355,000 contract Burke allegedly helped to secure" -- a point that seems to suggest that, even if the job were a bribe, the company lost out on the deal.

Burke would work in the job for only several months though, according to the court filing by the two executives. In January, he resigned, citing "an unexpected recurrence of a previous medical condition [Burke] had thought to have been in remission," an email in the court record said.

He was indicted just over four months later.

According to the Justice Department, if convicted, Burke faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, while Kim and Messenger each face a maximum penalty of 20 years.

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The remains of an Air Force sergeant who died defending a top-secret radar site on a mountaintop in Laos during the Vietnam War have been identified and located, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced this week.

Sgt. David S. Price, 26, of Centralia, Washington, who died in 1968, was stationed at Lima Site 85 -- a highly covert tactical air navigation radar site on the remote, nearly 6,000-foot high mountain peak known as Phou Pha Thi in Houaphan Province, Laos, the agency said in a news release. He and 18 other men were there working on a top-secret Air Force and CIA mission code-named "Project Heavy Green," according to the Department of Defense, which provided support with a TSQ-81 radar nicknamed COMMANDO CLUB for U.S. bombing runs in North Vietnam.

But the site eventually was seen as a valued target by the North Vietnamese Army and from March 10-11, 1968, the site was bombarded by artillery and commandos and was seized from the small team of radar technicians. While eight of the men were rescued, 11 of them, including Price, died.

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A passage from the CIA-published "Studies in Intelligence" quarterly journal detailed that, in the days that followed, bombing runs were ordered on the site to cover up the covert operation, further complicating the retrieval of any American remains.

"By midday, hopes of recovering the missing Americans were discarded and attention turned to destroying the radar to prevent it from falling into the hands of the North Vietnamese, along with the documentation and operational information that was left in the COMMANDO CLUB operations building," the journal detailed. "Between the 12th and 18th, 95 sorties were directed to destroy the radar; and on the 19th, two A-I Sandys leveled every building on the ridge. This aerial barrage had the collateral effect of probably obliterating the remains of any Americans who were left on the mountain."

Due to the secrecy behind the operation, many of the family members were left in the dark about the airmen's whereabouts. A news clipping from March 1970 referenced the shock and surprise of Price's mother after she read about the attack in the national press two years after his death. She had been informed by the Pentagon only that her son was declared dead after he had gone missing in an unnamed Southeast Asian country.

"Now, I know what he was referring to in some of his letters," Price's mother was quoted as saying in the article. "This is definitely where he was."

Decades later, in 1994, the then-Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command tried to search for remains but was unsuccessful. A successful finding of remains at the site happened in 2003, leading to further investigation.

In 2023, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency "discovered unexploded ordnance, incident-related materials, possible material evidence, and possible osseous [or bone] remains from the research site," the agency said in a press release.

To identify Price's remains, the agency used circumstantial evidence and mitochondrial DNA analysis.

His funeral will take place in his hometown of Centralia, Washington, on Aug. 30, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

Eight of the 11 men Price died alongside still remain unaccounted for, according to the agency's records.

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HATTERAS ISLAND  The U.S. Navy investigated and found that an estimated 1,250 pounds of trash that washed up on Outer Banks beaches in spring 2023 came from one of its ships.

The Navy conducted an investigation into the events from last spring, according to Ted Brown, co-director of media operations/installations and environmental public affairs officer. The waste that washed ashore was confirmed to have been from USS George H.W. Bush. Appropriate action was taken as a result of the investigation and Sailors [sic] from the ship participated in cleanup efforts.

Previously, in May 2017, processed plastic disks from USS Whidbey Island washed ashore on the Outer Banks, Brown said in an email. The sailors found responsible following that investigation similarly were held accountable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The 2017 event totaled approximately 860 pounds of garbage. About 43 disks were recovered, each with an average weight of 20 pounds, according to Brown.

The Navy has very strict procedures for [the] processing of trash and waste while at sea, Brown said.

Plastic waste is not permitted to be released into the ocean, he continued. All plastic waste is separated onboard, then processed into disks which are stored onboard until they can be properly disposed of ashore. No fuel or oil waste is permitted to be released into the ocean. Other trash (i.e. metal, paper, food waste) must be processed, and there are requirements for how far offshore the vessel must be to dispose of these trash substances. These requirements have been in place for decades.

Aside from the Navys two confirmed incidents of ocean dumping impacting the Outer Banks, I think that we have a very strong reputation and history of being extremely environmentally friendly, Capt. Dave Hecht said in a phone call.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore reported last year that beginning on April 27, its staff and the Town of Nags Head observed plastic, metal, paper and textile fabric debris washing up in low densities along approximately 25 miles of beaches, from Nags Head to the villages of Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo, according to an April 30, 2023, National Park Service press release.

The park service reported the incident to the U.S. Coast Guards Sector North Carolina. Staff from Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Coast Guard, the Navy and the Town of Nags Head had been removing debris for three days at the time of the release and would continue to do so over the coming days, it said.

David Hallac, superintendent of the National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, said in a phone interview this month that staff called him at the time to report beach debris that was all very similarlots of flip-flops and Crocs, empty toiletry bottles like shampoo [and] food supplements like protein powder.

Paper with identifying marks, Navy clothing and a Navy-issued boot clued them into the debris likely origin, Hallac said. The Navy sent dozens of sailors down to help clean up the beach once the park service got in touch with officials.

Certainly truckloads of debris were removed from the beach, Hallac said. His understanding was that the loose debris that washed up originated from bagged trash dumped off the ship.

Two hundred fifty to 300 bags or sacks of trash may have been dumped over the edge of the vessel, he said. Presumably a lot of that sunk. A significant amount of debris did leave that shipincluding things that are not normally dumped in the ocean, like plastics.

On the north end of Hatteras Island, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge experienced similar debris on its 12 miles of shoreline.

Staff on the beach doing nesting shorebird work last spring reported an abundance of plastic and trash, almost that would be like your household waste-type plastic, according to Dawn Washington, refuge manager for Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The refuge had an interim manager at the time, but records indicated items like water bottles, containers for protein shakes and powder, shampoo and other toiletry bottles, laundry detergent and cleaning product bottles washed up, she said.

Meanwhile, Roberta Thuman, town of Nags Head spokesperson, said very little debris washed up in Nags Head last spring from the Navy ship, and she didnt recall any washing up from the 2017 incident.

A larger issue with debris

Some trash can always be found on area beaches, from a variety of sources, according to both Hallac and Washington.

Youre going to see stuff out there, either washing ashore anytime of the year or [from] people leaving it because people are allowed to be on the beach and not everybody does the right thingpack their stuff out, Washington said.

We do have debris washing up every day from offshore, Hallac said, from a variety of land-based and marine-based sources.

Ocean dumping for land-generated waste was common worldwide until its harmful impacts became more widely known in the 1970s, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations website.

The Outer Banks Surfrider Foundation partnered with several northern towns in Dare County years ago to coordinate regular beach cleanups through the Adopt-A-Beach program.

This year, for the first time, the National Park Service launched its own Adopt-a-Beach program for its 75 miles of coastline.

Washington, who became refuge manager in December, started organizing monthly beach cleanups this year. The next one is slated for Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. Interested volunteers can meet participating staff at the Pea Island refuges visitor center, located at 14500 N.C. 12 in Rodanthe.

Hallac encourages visitors and residents to do their part to keep beaches clean, but to call the park service if any trash isnt immediately identifiable as safe to clean up.

Sometimes we find things that are actually hazardous, Hallac said. During his tenure, fuel containers, flares, training bombs and torpedoes have been found on the beach.

2024 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Braves announced this morning that theyve designated infielder Zack Short for assignment. His roster spot will go to third baseman Austin Riley, whos been reinstated from the paternity list. Atlanta also recalled right-hander Daysbel Hernandez from Triple-A Gwinnett. They had an open active roster spot after optioning southpaw Zach Logue to Gwinnett last night.

Short, 29, has appeared in 30 games with the Braves this season. Hes taken 69 plate appearances and struggled to a .148/.313/.204 batting line. Short has shown good plate discipline in that small sample (17.4% walk rate), as has been the case throughout his big league career (12.3% walk rate in 538 plate appearances). Even with that keen eye, however, Short carries a lifetime .167/.269/.287 in the majors. Hes a versatile defender who can play all over the infield, though defensive metrics suggest hes best suited at second base. In parts of four Triple-A seasons, hes a .224/.357/.400 hitter.

Atlanta will trade Short or attempt to pass him through outright waivers within the next five days. Waivers would be an additional 48-hour process. If he were to go unclaimed, Short would stick in the Braves organization as a depth option because he does not have a prior outright assignment or sufficient major league service time to reject an outright in favor of free agency. Short is out of minor league options, so any team that acquires him will have to place him directly on the MLB roster.
BOYNE FALLS, MI  The pungent odor of brine wafted across an old well site in eastern Charlevoix County as workers pumped hundreds of gallons of concrete deep underground.

An oil field crew used heavy machinery to slide a metal plug 1,250 feet below ground and seal off an old brine disposal well. As they backfilled the hole with concrete, the freshly mixed material displaced the saltwater that rose to the surface.

Richard Brooks of Johannesburg stood near the waterspout and watched for signs of concrete backing up in the line; that would mean the well was completely plugged.

Keeping the environment safe, Brooks said, nodding.

Michigan officials are using a flood of federal infrastructure dollars to plug old, methane-leaking oil and gas wells. Its part of statewide climate efforts to reduce harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

Worker Phil Bearndt of Lovells leads a 33-foot-long metal pipe onto a trailer on July 16, 2024, after it was used to seal an old brine disposal well abandoned by its now-insolvent owner. Michigan officials are using a flood of federal infrastructure dollars to plug old, methane-leaking oil and gas wells. (Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com)Sheri McWhirter

Methane is a particularly potent greenhouse gas that traps more heat inside the planets atmosphere than carbon dioxide, a more commonly released air pollutant.

The old brine disposal well the crew plugged on July 16, 2024, was among the hundreds of orphan oil and gas wells on Michigans to-do list.

A brine disposal well is where waste saltwater is pumped into deep underground rock formations for permanent storage. Brine is a byproduct of the extraction of oil and gas from some wells.

Orphan wells are abandoned or improperly plugged oil and gas wells without a solvent owner or operator to hold accountable. Michigan started its orphan well program about three decades ago and has so far sealed about 400 old, leaky wells.

Efforts to plug these wells dramatically ramped up in the last year following Michigan receiving $32 million in initial federal funding in 2022. The federal government wanted to accelerate the orphan well plugging work schedule.

Michigan successfully plugged about 200 orphan wells over the course of 2023 alone.

Now this year, Michigan received another $5.87 million from the federal program through the expected follow-up formula funding to keep the work going.

Madeline Jazdzyk, a geology specialist with Michigan's orphan well program, said workers are carefully measuring exactly how much methane was leaking from each of the wells being sealed to accurately track the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. (Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com)Sheri McWhirter

State environmental regulators said they are carefully tracking exactly how much these plugged wells slow the acceleration of the climate crisis.

We are measuring what methane emissions are being released from the leaky wells. So, when we go in and plug these wells, we have a good measurement of what were reducing from being emitted into the atmosphere, said Madeline Jazdzyk, geology specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Workers also screen for effects on groundwater and surface water, as well as restore the well pad site to its original condition. Efforts are focused to prioritize work to plug wells near overburdened, disadvantaged, low-income and tribal communities.

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced this years funding during a visit to the Metro Detroit region in March. She said the federal infrastructure money is the nations largest ever investment in tackling legacy pollution  including $4.7 billion to plug orphan wells nationwide.

Ive seen many of these hazardous sites firsthand that are actively leaking oil and releasing methane gas that need to be urgently addressed, she said. With this historic funding, Michigan can continue the progress made plugging wells over the last year.

Haaland said this type of federal investment is good for the climate, the health of communities and for American workers.

Related articles:

200 orphan oil and gas wells plugged in 2023 by Michigan regulators

Michigan gets $32 million in federal cash to plug abandoned oil wells

Grand Rapids $85 million biodigester expected to cut costs, raise revenue
GRAND HAVEN, MI -- Parades, carnivals and live music are back for Grand Havens 100th Coast Guard Festival.

Celebrating a century this year, there are historical events on the calendar commemorating both the festival and the service members it honors. The festival kicks off Friday, July 26 and ends Sunday, Aug. 4.
Two longtime and beloved sitcom stars were contestants tonight on Celebrity Who Wants To Be a Millionaire. Full House actors, John Stamos and Michigans Dave Coulier went for the $1 million grand prize on the ABC game show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

As soon as the two sat down, Kimmel asked which one was smarter. It would be me, Coulier answered.

Coulier was playing for the Childrens Hospital of Michigan. Im representing my home state of Michigan and Ive visited those kids there at that facility and its a wonderful pediatric care center for kids.

Stamos was playing for Childhelp Foster Care and Adoption.

After a few softball questions, the two quickly won $1,000. They almost got stuck on the $2,000 question and thought about using a Lifeline, but went for it without any help and got it correctly. A bit of a nailbiter early on.

The two used the 50/50 Lifeline on the $16,000 question, asking which U.S. state capitals name shares no letters with the name of its state.

Coulier was sure it was Pierre, but was uncertain of two of the other choices. Pierre ended up being correct.

The $32,000 question stumped them, so they asked the audience if they recalled a love scene from Out of Africa in which Robert Redfords character tenderly did what with Meryl Streep. The audience was no help, but Stamos and Coulier went with their gut and got it correct with shampoos her hair.

The $64,000 question: If you have brain freeze after eating ice cream too quickly, Johns Hopkins recommends pressing your thumb where to relieve the headache?

Both talked it out and thought it was into the roof of your mouth and went for it without really knowing and got it correct.

The $125,00 question asked which of these not-very-upbeat birds is mentioned in the lyrics of the 1950s song Rockin Robin.

Stamos thought it was a buzzard and the two went for it and got it correct. Yet, another nail biting moment.

Now for $250,000: What masterpiece exists in five different versions, four paintings and a black-and-white lithograph?

Coulier thought it was between The Starry Night and The Scream.

They decided to use their Phone-a-Friend, the voice of Aladdin, Scott Weinger, who played Steve on Full House.

Weinger wasnt definitive with his answer, only saying that it wasnt The Starry Night.

Once again, Stamos and Coulier went with their instincts and guessed The Scream. It was correct. Their incredible run of guessing with their hunches continued.

For $500,000: Since he reportedly hated the nickname Scarface, Al Capones inner circle called him by what name, slang for stylish.

The two had no idea, leading to another guess. If they got it wrong, they would leave with $32,000. They decided to walk away with their $250,000. The answer was Snorky, which they would not have said.
LAKE MICHIGAN - The wreck of a triple-masted schooner that carried cargo across all five Great Lakes for more than two decades before foundering in a fall gale in 1893 has been found in Lake Michigan.

The collapsed remains of the 130-foot Margaret A. Muir were found this spring sitting in about 50 feet of water a few miles off the entrance to the Algoma Harbor on the Wisconsin side of the lake. The discovery was announced in the last week by maritime historians from the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association.

This ship had been hauling a load of bulk salt from Bay City, Michigan to Chicago on Sept. 30, 1893. It traveled west through the Straits of Mackinac and took a southern angle toward Wisconsin when it sailed into a pre-dawn gale in the middle of Lake Michigan, its captain later recounted. Winds topping 50 mph lashed the schooner.

The ship was wearing the storm well until about 7:30 a.m. when the waves increased dramatically and the vessel was headed toward the nearest port, but it soon fell into the trough of the seas with giant waves breaking over its decks, maritime historians said. The vessel had nearly reached Ahnapee (present-day Algoma, Wisconsin), when the captain went below deck to find several feet of water in the hold and immediately ordered the crew to abandon ship. No sooner than the order was given, the ship lurched violently and plunged for the bottom, taking (the captains) faithful dog and ships mascot with it.

A diver from the Wisconsin Historical Society collects photos for a 3D photogrammetry model of the Muir. Photo provided by Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society.Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society.

Captain David Clow, who was 71 at the time, later recounted how he and his six-person crew used a water-laden lifeboat to reach the Wisconsin shore, where townspeople took them to safety.

It was losing his dog the captain regretted most.

The captain remarked, I would rather lose any sum of money than to have the brute perish as he did.

The present-day team who found the shipwreck included Brendon Baillod, Robert Jaeck and Kevin Cullen. Baillod has spent many years researching the missing ships presumed to be at the bottom of Lake Michigan near the Wisconsin coastline.

After pouring through historical records, the Muir seemed like a good bet for a maritime hunt. Last year, Baillod worked with the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association to plan the search. The group mapped out a 5-square-mile search grid and used side-scanning sonar to look for the schooner.

They found it on May 12.

This is the only know photo of the schooner Margaret A. Muir. It was taken May 7, 1892 at Oswego, NY. Note the Muir's tiny yawl boat, which the crew rowed to shore in 15-foot seas. This image was restored from an original glass plate negative by Bruce Andrews of Yesterday's Trails Photo Restorations.Bruce Andrews of Yesterday's Trails Photo Restorations

Baillod, Jaeck and Cullen were on their final pass of the day and in the process of retrieving the sonar when they ran over the wreck in approximately fifty feet of water only a few miles off the Algoma Harbor entrance, according to the press release announcing the discovery. It had lay undetected for over a century, despite hundreds of fishing boats passing over each season.

At that point, Wisconsin State Maritime Archeologist Tamara Thomsen was quickly notified of the find.

High-resolution images of the shipwreck site have been taken. While its deck has collapsed and its sides have fallen outward, its gear remains with the wreck. This includes hand pumps, the bow windlass and two huge anchors.

Wisconsin archeology groups plan to work together to nominate the wreck site for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

If accepted, it will join the schooner Trinidad, which the team located in deep water off Algoma in June of 2023.
MUSKEGON, MI -- A piece of Muskegon history has been resurrected after nearly 90 years of laying dormant.

The Muskegon Brewing Company brand is back, not far from its original birthplace overlooking Muskegon Lake.

The historic brewing company is pouring eight new ales at Muskegons newest development, Adelaide Pointe. This is the first time since pre-Prohibition the brand has been active.

Muskegon Brewing Company, founded in 1876, was set to reopen after the 18th amendment was overturned, but a fire closed operations. Shortly after, Grand Rapids Brewing Company began bottling at the facility instead. Then Goebel Brewing bottled beer there until 1957.

10 1 / 10 Historic images of Muskegon Brewing Company established in 1876

RELATED: Historic images of Muskegon Brewing Company established in 1876

When developers Emily and Ryan Leestma embarked on creating the $250 million Adelaide Pointe, they wanted to capture Muskegons waterfront economy.

Muskegon Lake was missing a spot for boaters to pull in and grab a bite and a beer, said Emily Leestma, owner of IBEX Hospitality. The couple has mastered waterfront hospitality since taking over Bear Lake Tavern in North Muskegon.

The old, white brewing factory is directly behind the development in plain sight. It just made sense to pay homage to the sites history, Emily Leestma said.

The Muskegon Brewing Company, back in the day, wasnt just a brewery, either, she said. It was really a stopover for people. I wrapped that all into our vision of having great hospitality and a great stopover point on the waterfront.

Displayed at the hostess stand is a black metal Muskegon Brewing Company sign, with cracks streaking through it, donated by a local. The story goes, the person found it in their basement after it was used to patch their roof, Leestma said.

Leestma brought in Michael Brower, co-founder and chief brand officer at Pigeon Hill, to incorporate Muskegons other hometown brewery.

Brower was familiar with Muskegon Brewing Companys history from family ties to the founders, Otto and Gustav Meekse and Gottlieb Ninnemann. His grandmother was neighbors with the Meekse family, he said.

A history buff at heart, Brower collected stories and artifacts from the early days of Muskegon Brewing Company, including handwritten recipes. Before founding Pigeon Hill, he considered reviving the brand himself, but it wasnt the right time, he said.

Ten years later, Muskegon Brewing is back on tap.

Patrons sit at the patio over the marina and Muskegon Lake at Muskegon Brewing Company at Adelaide Pointe in Muskegon, Mich. Photo provided by Muskegon Brewing Company/ Lakeshore Museum Center

Pigeon Hill brewers created eight new brews, including a namesake easy drinker Adelaide Ale, the Hazy Harbor for Ryan and Sail Saison for Emily.

Muskegon Brewing Company officially opened its doors the first week of July. The best seller so far has been the Blueberry Haze, Leestma said.

The restaurant gives nearly a 360-degree view of the lake and Adelaide Pointe. The full bar and kitchen can serve almost 300 people inside and out on the deck.

RELATED: Muskegon Lake development game changer for Michigans mass timber future

Its the first mass timber restaurant in the state, according to Michigan State University.

Mass timber is a wood construction product comprised of multiple solid wood panels nailed or glued together. In addition to strength and stability, mass timber has been hailed as a carbon-negative construction option.

Given that restaurants are inherently wasteful, it was important to Emily Leestma, formerly a neuroscientist researcher, to incorporate environmental offsets and long-term sustainability into their project.

The 55 luxury condos being constructed are also mass timber, another first for Michigan. Researchers at Michigan State University described Adelaide Pointes mass timber projects as setting a high bar for whats possible.

Its fitting that the view from Muskegon Brewing Company looks out toward Pigeon Hill sand dune, with Brewery Hill to its rear.

Marrying new technology with nine decades of legacy, the new Muskegon Brewing Company lands right in the middle of Muskegons history, while hopefully being part of its economic future.
DALLAS -- After more than 50 years of offering open seating on its flights, Southwest Airlines announced Thursday it is moving to assigned seating. While a timetable was not released for when the switch will take place, executives say more information will be released at a shareholders meeting in September.

Southwest says it conducted a tremendous amount of research ahead of making the decision to assign seats and customer feedback showed the company the option is something guests want. Research showed that 80% of Southwest customers and 86% of potential customers prefer to have an assigned seat. The company also found the number one reason why customers choose to stop flying Southwest is because of the open seating policy.

Currently, customers who fly with Southwest must check-in for their flight 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Once you check-in, youre assigned a boarding number and once the flight starts boarding, you are allowed to board the plane based on which number you have. Once youre on the plane, youre free to pick any open seat on the plane.

Passengers who end up at the back of the line often end up having to sit separately from those who are traveling in the same party as them.

Customers who pay a premium or have elevated status with the Southwest rewards program have the option of checking in earlier, which supposedly gives the customer a better shot at boarding the plane earlier than others.

The company is also reworking the seating arrangements on planes in order to add seating that offers extra legroom. Those seats will be available for customers to purchase at a premium as well.

Moving to assigned seating and offering premium legroom options will be a transformational change that cuts across almost all aspects of the company, said Bob Jordan, President, CEO, & Vice Chairman of the Board. Although our unique open seating model has been a part of Southwest Airlines since our inception, our thoughtful and extensive research makes it clear this is the right choice at the right timefor our customers, our people, and our shareholders.

Once the new seating is installed across the fleet, Southwest expects one-third of the seats it offers will feature the extra legroom.

The changes in offerings for guests comes at a time when the company is also in the midst of a downturn in revenue. According to the Associated Press, Southwest reported its second-quarter profit dropped 46% year-over-year, to $367 million.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI  The teenager driver who fled police with Lesley Chavez in the car is to blame for his 15-year-olds sisters injuries, says older brother Erick Chavez.

The girl was hurt in a high-speed crash in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 20, after the 18-year-old driver lost control of the vehicle. The crash also killed her boyfriend, Alexander Valenzuela-Lara. He was 17.

Its pretty hard right now, said Chavez, 25.

Their family is made up of himself, his mother and his younger brother, he said. Were just all taking turns taking care of her.

Lesley, who had been sitting in a rear seat of the vehicle, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, Chavez said. She has had surgeries on her hips and right arm, with more scheduled. It is unclear when she should be released from the hospital.

She is conscious, but in pain, Chavez said.

The driver had been dropping Valenzuela-Lara at his house when a Pittsfield Township police officer initiated a traffic stop, prompting the driver to take off, Chavez said, citing conversations with Lesley and a friend who was on the phone with her at the time.

Deputies later saw the car speeding east on Michigan Avenue, said Eugene Rush, Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office spokesperson. A deputy stopped cross traffic as the vehicle moved through the city of Ypsilanti, Rush said, to help ensure the car didnt crash into another driver.

Deputies attempted to read the license plate, but were unable to do so, Rush said.

The last thing Lesley remembers is the driver going more than 100 miles per hour and attempting to turn, her brother said.

And then she just closed her eyes and heard a crash, Chavez said. She next remembers waking up on the ground with police over her, he said.

Read more: Saline teen killed in crash at Ypsilanti car dealership

The 18-year-old driver ultimately crashed into a fire hydrant and nine parked vehicles at Fischer Honda, 15 E. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti, said Lt. Rene Gonzalez, spokesperson for the Michigan State Police. The car flipped, ejecting both the girl and Valenzuela-Lara, who were passengers in the vehicle.

Valenzuela-Lara was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver has not yet been charged as of Thursday morning, July 25, Gonzalez said. MLive/The Ann Arbor News does not publish the names of defendants until after they arraigned.

Gonzalez said the crash remains under investigation.

His sister does not yet know about her boyfriends death, Chavez said.

The last thing we want to do is get her blood pressure up or just cause her that anxiety, Chavez said. We just dont want that in her head right now, while shes going through all this.

Chavez said he believes Lesley and Valenzuela-Lara had been dating for roughly for a year. His sister is a rising junior at Huron High School. Valenzuela-Lara is from Saline.

He was a great kid, he said. He always took care of my sister.

A GoFundMe for Lesleys recovery has raised roughly $6,000 as of Thursday morning. A fundraiser for Valenzuela-Lara has raised more than $15,000.

I really do appreciate (the donations), Chavez said. We just hope (she) pulls through and has a fast recovery.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.
ANN ARBOR, MI  It was about a year ago when someone first covered Ann Arbors Graffiti Alley with Farts, repeatedly spray-painting the word hundreds of times over.

While it amused some alley visitors who couldnt help but chuckle at the silliness of it, others saw it as defacing a beloved exhibit of street art and hurting the alley.

A year later, whoever is behind Farts is still relentlessly painting the tag on the walls, ground and ceiling in the alley off Liberty Street, repeatedly covering over other graffiti artwork.

The phenomenon, unlike anything Graffiti Alley has seen in decades, continues to generate mixed reactions and online chatter, including one Reddit thread dubbing it Farts Wars.

Some say Farts is art, while others say it stinks.

"Farts" in Ann Arbor's Graffiti Alley on July 22, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

I love seeing Ann Arbor people upset by this tbh. They want weird, they want quirky, but not too weird or quirky, one Reddit user wrote.

Theres a bit of art in every Fart, another added, while someone else said the artist was going to catch heat and was asking for smoke by tagging over other artists work so much.

But his style is pretty good and the town needs more of the fun drama hes providing, the same person added.

Not everyone agrees.

Graffiti Alley in Ann Arbor Sucks Now, blogger Michael DeFranceschi titled a blog post in April, saying the alley is losing its artistic integrity and Farts is making it worse.

Sure, who among us hasnt found flatulence funny at some point in our lives? he wrote. But to spray paint it almost everywhere  in a public space devoted to human creativity  is outright obnoxious.

Some of the graffiti art that graced Ann Arbor's Graffiti Alley on May 23, 2023, before it was taken over by "Farts." (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

While the debate rages, the identity of the artist behind Farts remains somewhat of a mystery, but those whove met him say hes a local, middle-aged dad named Ryan.

I met him and I shook his hand because I was like, oh my gosh, youre the famous farts guy, Colin Spry, who considers himself Graffiti Alleys unofficial tour guide, said of his first encounter with the Farts artist.

Hes probably in his late 40s, hes got salt-and-pepper hair and a shaved face, like a 5 oclock shadow, said Spry, who regularly hangs out in Graffiti Alley and tells visitors about the artwork.

Ive been coming to this alley for a long time, because for the past several years Ive been homeless and this has kind of been my spot, he said while hanging out and smoking with friends in the alley on a recent evening.

Ann Arbor's Graffiti Alley on July 17, 2024, after being covered with the word "farts" many times over. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

When Farts first arrived in full force, everyone was confused about it, Spry said. For a while, there was a rumor the unknown artist was a guy from Puerto Rico, he said, saying he heard that from someone and repeated it on alley tours. Then the artist himself eventually corrected him.

He actually came to see me, Spry said. And he was like, I love that youre telling people that, I think its hilarious  my kids come home and ask me am I really from Puerto Rico. "

To maintain a low profile and avoid being harassed, the Farts artist comes to the alley randomly late at night, Spry said, adding he has investors helping fund paint supplies.

One Reddit user posted an image of a Farts flier soliciting donations via Cash App to purchase more paint to bring joy to the community through art, saying the artist came into their businesses and handed it out.

Hes dedicated, Spry said, noting it required hauling in a ladder to do some of the Farts high up in the alley.

There are people who feel like it ruined their art and I get that, Spry said, though he doesnt think Farts is inherently offensive.

Some of the graffiti art, including a painting of Bart Simpson, that graced Ann Arbor's Graffiti Alley on May 23, 2023, before it was taken over by "Farts." (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Matthew Moy, who was hanging with Spry in the alley on a recent evening, said his concern is Farts is taking up so much space in one of the only legal places for graffiti.

Everybody should be able to get a little bit of a space in the alley, said the 30-year-old who has been admiring the artwork in the alley since he was a kid.

Graffiti, to me, is like one of the pillars of hip-hop, he said, noting people get charged with vandalism for doing it elsewhere, but not in Graffiti Alley.

Farts has started a graffiti battle of sorts with other graffiti directly responding to the gassy message dominating the alley.

WTF happened to Graf Alley!? one artist spray-painted in a comic-style caption bubble, prompting others to write profanity-laden responses that Farts messed it up and its whack.

"WTF happened to Graf Alley!?" reads a message in Ann Arbor's Graffiti Alley on July 21, 2024, prompting other written responses saying "Farts" messed it up. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Others have taken to writing fart-themed messages in marker on the alley walls, including references to bean farts and how stinky non-vegan farts are compared to vegan farts.

The amount of Farts in the alley fluctuates as some get painted over and more continually appear. Someone whitewashed a portion of the alley just prior to Art Fair, but more Farts have popped up since, along with the message Ann Arbor stinks!

Steven Ouellette, director of facilities and operations for the Michigan Theater next door, said he didnt want to comment on Farts and doesnt know who whitewashed the alley. But in general, he said, even though the theater doesnt own the alley, it does its best to keep it clean and enjoyable for the community.

One of the only pieces of Graffiti Alley so far left untouched by Farts is part of the Carl Sandburg poem The People, Yes.

Painted many years ago on the ceiling above the Liberty Street entrance to the alley, it reads:

This old anvil laughs at many broken hammers.

There are men who cant be bought.

The fireborn are at home in fire.

The stars make no noise.

You cant hinder the wind from blowing.

Time is a great teacher.

Who can live without hope?

I guess as long as he dont touch the poem, we good, Moy said. Thered probably be a mob out here.

"Farts" in Ann Arbor's Graffiti Alley on July 23, 2024, next to part of the Carl Sandburg poem "The People, Yes," painted on the alley ceiling many years ago. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

5 great places to check out public and street art in Ann Arbor

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A millage to help fund a Washtenaw County townships police and fire services is up for renewal in August.

Residents of York Charter Township will vote whether to renew a millage that would generate roughly $4.3 million across its five years, according to the millage proposal on the Aug. 6 ballot.
FLINT, MI  Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges is teaming up with Flint actor and recording artist JJ Green to host an backpack and ice cream giveaway this weekend.

The giveaway will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at Waynes Barbershop, located at 111 W. Second St. in downtown Flint.

Im just excited to be able to give back to the place that shaped me, Bridges, a Flint native and former Michigan State forward, said in a statement. Flint is where it all started for me, and Im honored to join forces with JJ Green to support our community and spread some positivity.

The event is free and open to the public. Free pizza will also be available while it lasts and a raffle for Detroit Tigers tickets will take place along with an autograph session with Bridges.

We believe in the power of community and coming together, Green said in a statement. This event is about uplifting each other and showing that were stronger when we support one another.

Green has been featured in acting roles in Netflixs I Dont Feel at Home in This World Anymore, The DUFF, Everything is Both and more in his decade-plus long career. He released a new EP, called Heartbroken Somewhere, in 2022. He has a new project released in 2024 called Honey I Blew Up The Kid.

Earlier this month, Bridges re-signed with the Charlotte Hornets in what was reported by ESPN as a three-year deal worth $75 million.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Rak Thai, a longtime vendor at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, is expected to open a full-service restaurant at the market in October, complete with new appetizers, entrees and cocktails.

Owners Blon and Christine Hang are expected to take possession of the space, which now hosts a common dining area and was previously home to Social Kitchen & Bar, on Aug. 1 and open by Oct. 1. The restaurant will be called: Rak: Modern Thai and Cocktails.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito in the Holland area during monitoring by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.

The virus has not been found in humans this year in Ottawa County.

The virus was found during summer monitoring in the southwest part of the county, health officials said. The virus was previously detected in mosquitos in Kent County but no human cases have been found.

The virus typically spreads to humans through bites of infected mosquitos. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Prevention is important because there is no vaccine or specific treatment, health officials said in a statement.

Ottawa County Department of Public Health recommended these steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitos:

Use insect repellent when outdoors.

Wear light-colored clothing and long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Use insect repellent on clothing and outdoor gear.

Remove containers that can collect standing water, including bird baths and wading pools.

For more information on West Nile virus, go to miottawa.org/wnv or cdc.gov/west-nile-virus
MUSKEGON, MI  Words written from a teen who was beaten and tormented by their father will stay in the abusers mind for decades while he sits in prison.

At times, the teen was put in a chokehold and pushed down a set of stairs as forms of punishment.

The abuser, Jimmy Creekmore, said he would do anything in the world to change the past, just moments before he was sentenced to a minimum 50-year term in prison.

Creekmore, 38, learned his punishment on Thursday, July 25, when he appeared in Muskegon County Circuit Court.

His case started in January 2023 when Creekmore told his 13-year-old child to go outside and shovel snow. The temperature was about 12 degrees Fahrenheit, police said in an affidavit.

MLive/Muskegon Chronicle is not identifying the child by gender to protect their anonymity as a victim.

RELATED: Muskegon man charged with child abuse said he was play wrestling, records show

The teen wasnt allowed inside until it was dark. After a few hours, the teen was cold and went to a neighbors house. While there, the neighbors discovered several injuries on the teens body.

Doctors said the teen suffered scalp injuries, a broken finger, burns to their palm, and a nasal fracture. Doctors also told police that the teens injuries to their stomach and pancreas were consistent with being stomped or kicked.

Creekmore admitted to police he kicked the teen so hard they went face-first into a wall and broke their nose.

After those allegations emerged, investigators dug deeper into the case and found child pornography on Creekmores personal devices.

Investigators found a two-minute video of Creekmore sexually assaulting a three-year-old child in 2022. Police also found pornographic photos of the same child dating back to 2021.

Creekmore accepted a plea agreement from Muskegon County prosecutors and pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree child abuse. In exchange, charges related to the child pornography were dismissed.

Creekmore sat in court Thursday and listened as Muskegon County Assistant Prosecutor Kathryn Norton read a letter from the teen Creekmore abused.

The ways you punished me were terrible and abusive, Norton read on behalf of the victim. (You are) supposed to be a role model, but I will never be like you.

I wish I could push you down the stairs, and I wish I could bash your head against the wall, the teen wrote. But I am not like you.

RELATED: Child pornography found on Muskegon mans phone leads to more charges on top of child abuse

Creekmore admitted that he failed as a father. He said he met the wrong person and took his anger and frustration out on the teen.

Id do anything in the world to change that, he said. I cry almost every night.

Muskegon County Circuit Judge Annette Smedley sentenced Creekmore to 50-100 years in prison on the first-degree criminal sexual conduct and child abuse charges.

The children of this state are safer today because you are in prison, the judge said.

Creekmore is allowed to serve his state sentence in federal prison after he receives that punishment.

Federal prosecutors charged Creekmore for the child pornography police found during the investigation. He pleaded guilty two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and will be sentenced Monday, July 29, in Kalamazoos federal courthouse.

Related to the abuse investigation, Terrie Lynn Ferry is scheduled to appear Monday in circuit court for a final settlement conference. Ferry is charged with second-degree child abuse committed in the presence of another child.

She allegedly forced the teen  who Creekmore abused  to hold a hot pan for being too loud, police wrote in an affidavit.

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MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - Another floating ice cream business is rafting through Muskegon waters offering novelty items to boaters and beachgoers.

Amy Coffey opened Popsicle Pontoon in early June alongside her husband and two daughters after dreaming about launching a small business.

She and her family have lived in the Muskegon area right on the lake for years and always had the thought, What can we do as a family? So, they decided on ice cream.

Its something weve been talking about for a while, regarding finding a business boat, Coffey said. We totally customized it and made it our own and just figured that we are out there anyway, we have two young girls and we wanted it to be something for them to be a part of.

The family reminds customers Popsicle Pontoon has no ties with the former boat business, Ice Cream Float, seen traveling along the shores of Lake Michigan before it went out of business in the spring.

Related: Want to own a floating ice cream truck? New owners sought for unique business

We have a lot of questions, and we have nothing to do with that business, Coffey said. Weve traveled a lot, as we were down in Florida for spring break, so I would say we were more inspired by traveling to other places and seeing all those boats: food, ice cream, tacos. And Im like, Why dont we have something like that here?

She told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle she would have loved to have done fresh food but it was too much to start with regarding licensing and food permits.

Still, the decision to start with ice cream and other frozen items proved to be a success. Its only been a month since the family boat business opened, but Popsicle Pontoon has attracted its fair share of fans.

Every weekend, customers flock to Muskegon Lake for frozen treats including snow cones, strawberry shortcake, push pops, ice cream sandwiches, Drumsticks, SpongeBob SquarePants popsicles, local Ice Box brand ice cream bars and dairy-free options.

Weve been out handfuls of times, and its been super great and had such a great response, Coffey said. We have such amazing friends and family in and out of the boater community, but weve met some great people supporting us out there, too.

She said she and her family want Popsicle Pontoon to be more than ice cream, but a complete brand offering merchandise with T-shirts, hats and drink koozies.

Popsicle Pontoon moves up and down the Muskegon Lake area. The colorful 18-foot pontoon is equipped with two big flags advertising ice cream so anybody walking the beach or lounging on their boat can flag it down to purchase a refreshing treat.

When the family isnt aboard the floating business, they are off at their day jobs or preparing their two kids for the upcoming school year. Coffey works in a medical spa three days a week and her husband spends his days as an aviation regional sales representative.

Its not something were getting rich off by any means, but its bringing us joy and the kids can be part of. (It) has been a lot of fun, Coffey said. My husband and I want to show our girls what an impact they can make even if its just with ice cream. They saw it from scratch, getting this old boat and doing all the work ourselves.

Although Popsicle Pontoon doesnt have a set schedule or hours, customers can expect the boat business at Muskegon Lake mainly on the weekends, as long as the weather is nice.

Coffey said that she hopes to bring joy to the community.

Its really fun to pull up and the kids come running on both sides, she said. How can you be mad about having ice cream on the water, beach, or a boat? Theyre all in really good moods, which is great. We dont have any upset people. I want to bring joy to the community, a special treat.

Stay updated on the floating business by visiting its Facebook page. Cash, Venmo or credit card is accepted.

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SAGINAW, MI  In a rematch from four years ago, Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel will face a retired lieutenant from his department in an August primary election between Democrats.

Federspiel defeated Kevin Stevens  13,835 to 8,128 votes  in the August 2020 primary election. The rematch for a four-year term as the countys top law enforcer is set for the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary.

The winner in August will face Republican Jason Wise, the police chief in Zilwaukee, during the November general election. Wise faces no GOP opponent in the primary.

A former Saginaw Township police officer and member of the Saginaw City Council, Federspiel won the first of his four consecutive terms as sheriff in 2008, when he defeated then-incumbent Charles L. Brown.

Stevens, a U.S. Army veteran and 28-year member of the sheriffs department, served as a lieutenant while Federspiel was sheriff.

MLive/The Saginaw News partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues listed below.

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.

Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org.

How will you promote social and racial justice?

William Federspiel: In my nearly 16 years as Sheriff of Saginaw County, I have worked closely with community leaders, church leaders of all denominations within Saginaw County, the NAACP, and the Mexican-American Council, to name a few. Most of all, I value the relationships I have with individual citizens across this community. Relationships that I have built over the course of my adult life. By applying the law equally to all citizens within Saginaw County, we will achieve social and racial justice with not only a law enforcement approach, but with a humanistic approach as well.

Kevin Stevens: There are two facets in answer to this question. First, internally, the Sheriff must ensure that law enforcement staff is diverse and reflective of the community composition. The staff of the Saginaw County Sheriffs Department is unionized. The best way to ensure that this goal is met is to strongly support unionized labor. I am a lifelong supporter of the labor movement and have been represented by unions throughout most of my career (including holding leadership positions within these unions). Second, externally, is to build community partnerships by engaging the public in the streets, their churches, union halls, social clubs, meetings, and other places of gathering.

What is the biggest need in our community and what would you do to fill that need?

Federspiel: The biggest need in our community is for consistent enforcement of the laws across our county, regardless of agency.. I am working with my agency and with citizens each and every day to improve our response times to dispatch calls, to patrol the areas around our schools so that our children and teachers are safe, and to hold criminals accountable for their actions.

Stevens: Parallel to the first answer, a major deficit in the current administration is lack of community partnership. When the citizenry understands that they have a key stake and role in local law enforcement, trust will build.

What particular skills and experiences do you have that would be beneficial for this office?

Federspiel: I have been the elected Sheriff of Saginaw County for nearly 16 years. I understand the needs of our community, I recognize the role that we play in making our community safer, and we have achieved balanced budgets each and every year that I have been Sheriff. I believe that communication is a skill that is crucial for a Sheriff to have. How I communicate with the public is a direct reflection on the success that our agency has on a daily basis. Im proud of that. My experiences dealing with county policies and state and federal laws has produced nationally recognized policies and procedures, as well as professional behavioral outcomes. We have an excellent staff at the Saginaw County Sheriffs Office, and I am proud of all of them.

Stevens: I have 28 years of experience as a Sheriffs deputy in Saginaw County, including as a command officer. Prior to that, I served as a military police officer in the United States Army. With that said, what I have to offer that is most desperately needed is fresh vision, vigor, focus, and experience which I and many others feel is currently lacking.

What are the most important challenges facing this office and how do you propose to address them?

Federspiel: The most important challenges facing the Saginaw County Sheriffs Office are: Retention of personnel and funding for continuing professional education for our staff. I will continue to work with the Saginaw County board of commissioners to address the challenges of attracting and retaining quality employees. By working with community leaders, we must find solutions that will attract young professionals to our area, and also that will keep members of our community from leaving our area. I am working with Professional instructors from the private sector who are helping us form a better culture within the Saginaw County Sheriffs Office. These training sessions run for 12 weeks and we are planning three sessions per year.

Stevens: Within the Department itself, there has been an ongoing issue of low morale stemming from the current leadership. Because of this, the Department has struggled and failed to maintain full staffing and further failed to retain its most experienced police officers. Thin ranks, and in particular the loss of experienced officers, strongly impacts the community in a negative way. The Department needs a change in high command. As discussed above, the Department also must re-engage the wider community. Lack of community partnership drastically impacts the ability to protect, all of it arising from lack of trust.

Why are you running for office?

Federspiel: I grew up in the city of Saginaw and I have lived in Saginaw County for 46 of my 56 years on this earth. My ties run deep within this community. I want to contribute all of my skills and abilities to making Saginaw County a better place to live, work and play. I want to play a role in providing a safe community for my children to attend school in. I want everyone to feel safe while traveling through all parts of this county and to experience everything that it has to offer. I love being the Sheriff of Saginaw County! The best part is working directly for my neighbors across this great community. It truly is an honor, and I am grateful for the outpouring of support that I receive each and every year while serving as your Sheriff.

Stevens: I have proudly spent a career in law enforcement and law enforcement command and it is the most developed skill that I can offer back to my community.

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JACKSON COUNTY, MI - Two long-time staples of the Leoni Township community are facing off for the top township board seat on Aug. 6.

Republican Michele Manke is challenging incumbent Howard Linnabary for the role of Leoni Township supervisor in the primary election.

Linnabary has filled the supervisor seat for the last eight years since being elected in 2016. Linnabary has more than 30 years of experience in the utility field, having worked with Consumers Energy and other similar service companies.

Manke served as township clerk for 14 years between 2004-18. She also has been deputy clerk and building and zoning department clerk.

With no Democrats filing to run for the position, the winner in August will appear uncontested on the November general election ballot and likely will win the seat.

MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot has partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide the Vote411.org voter guide.

In responses to the voter guide questionnaire, the candidates discussed their experience and qualifications, top goals and more.

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.

What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

Manke: I worked for Leoni Township from 1997 to 2018 and served in multiple roles: Seven years, Comerica Bank customer service; four years, Leoni Township Deputy Clerk; three years, Leoni Township Building and Zoning Clerk; 14 years, Leoni Township Clerk; six years Choice Labs Accounts Receivable Manager.

I wanted to be more hands on with the policies and have a bigger impact by running for the Clerks position in 2004 until 2018. In my time at the Township I helped in every Department and I fully support cross training! I even did many of the Supervisor roles when I served as Clerk, for instance creating the annual budget.

Linnabary: I have over 30 years experience in the utility field with Consumers Energy and various utility companies. I have experience with county and state regulations for utility projects. Leoni Township has a great asset with our Sewer Plant and it needed much repair and upgrading to meet these regulations. My experience as Township Supervisor for the last 8 years gave me experience in governmental regulations. My goal beginning in 2016 was to look into the Leoni Township Sewer Plant and bring my expertise to work with the State and bring it up to code.

Why are you running for this office, and how would you be an asset?

Manke: I have a passion for my Township that I just cant shake. These are my main goals:

1.) Assess and streamline all permit processes to shorten the wait time for our residents.

2.) Review the current Water and Sewer rates and look for savings to pass on to the public.

3.) Leverage County funds to fix our decaying roads.

4.) Bringing efficiencies to Leoni Township that I learned in the private sector over the last 6 years while I was helping to build a startup that created 350 new jobs in Leoni Township.

5.) Bring back services like Dump Day for the residents of Leoni.

Linnabary: I am running for Township Supervisor to work with the Board to continue the progress we have made over the past 8 years. We brought in new businesses due to the marijuana industry; we have made improvements to our roads utilizing the marijuana funds from the State of Michigan; we have upgraded our Leoni Sewer Plant and worked to reduce or eliminate the fines from the State of Michigan because of the disrepair; we have worked to improve our credit after the 2012 decision to not pay our bond debt. I worked with the board to receive a $3.5M grant to make these upgrades and to prevent future increases. While in office I also worked to settle the 12 year old lawsuit with neighboring communities. I worked with the board to purchase a new park without asking for additional tax dollars, which will bring additional recreational opportunities to all residents.

What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how would you propose to address them?

Manke: Sewer rates and the deuteriation of our roads are the 2 top challenges. I intend to pursue the County to hold them responsible for the roads. The roads are the Countys responsibility and should not be fixed through a special assessment tax for the residents to pay for. The sewer rates need to be reviewed to see where we can save money for the users of the system.

Linnabary: I would like to continue to work at searching for grants to prevent future increases to our residents with sewer services.

What do you see as the most pressing issues with the police and fire departments?

Manke: I believe the current Public Safety model works well in our Township. Training is the most important thing we can do for our Officers and our Residents. Sharing services with Blackman Township also saves money for the Residents of Leoni while enjoying the benefits of a large Department with countless resources.

Linnabary: Actually our township has seen fewer crime. Our police and fire departments have done an exceptional job. We have 3 Marijuana Officers in our township and we also have provided police officers to both Michigan Center and East Jackson schools to provide additional safety and security for our children.

Note: This story has been updated to include comment from Howard Linnabary.

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GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The winners of the primary elections for clerk-register and treasurer of Genesee County on Aug. 6 will have clear paths to taking over the offices after the November general election.

Attorney F. Jack Belzer and longtime labor union leader Sam E. Muma face off in the Democratic party primary to replace Deb Cherry as county treasurer while current Clerk-Register Domonique Clemons is being challenged by William E. Swanson.

No Republican filed for either office, leaving the Democrats who win the primary without opponents on the Nov. 5 ballot.

The clerk-register is a combined position in the county, created by the county Board of Commissioners more than a decade ago.

Former Clerk-Register John Gleason agreed to resign from the position after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge for performing an illegal wedding in October 2022. A panel of judges appointed Clemons to complete the term that same year.

The county clerk position was established by the Michigan Constitution, which calls for county clerks to be elected every four years on a partisan basis. The duties of the position include being the clerk of several county agencies and boards, including the Circuit Court, the county commissioners, the Board of Canvassers, the Election Commission, the Plat Board, the Election Scheduling Committee, the Apportionment Board, and the Road Commission.

The register of deeds position is also required by state law. The register officially records legal papers and instruments such as deeds, mortgages and plats. The register also serves as chairperson of the county Plat Board.

Cherry didnt file for re-election as county treasurer after serving in the position for 14 years, setting up the primary matchup between Belzer and Muma.

The office of the county treasurer was established by the Michigan Constitution and treasurers are elected on a partisan basis every four years, according to the Michigan Association of County Treasurers. The duties and powers of the treasurer are provided by state law and by authorization of county commissioners, under the guidance of the State Treasury Department.

Among the roles of the county treasurer are the collection of delinquent taxes and acting as the custodian of all county funds.

MLive has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund for information on all state and federal races in Michigan, as well as local ballot proposals for many county and local races.

See the voter guide here. In some cases, additional information on the candidates is available in the guide.

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.

County clerk-register Democratic primary. Candidates Domonique Clemons and William E. Swanson.

Please explain ways that you have brought, or will bring, greater accountability and improved services to the office of clerk-register.

Clemons: As County Clerk and Register of Deeds, I have been focused on making improvements to the office, including consistent office hours, making more services available online, creating programs to help low income families, greater communication and transparency of the office. We have built a team of dedicated public servants who work hard everyday to ensure our residents needs are met, and information is made easily available.

Swanson: Embracing practical and common-sense solutions, the County Clerks office can make significant strides in improving its operations. Through the adoption of digital tools, investment in staff development, and a focus on customer service, the office can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall service quality. This approach ultimately positions the office to better serve its constituents and adapt to the evolving needs of the community.

What priorities or challenges will you address in your term of office?

Clemons: Since being appointed as Clerk and Register of Deeds, much of my time in office has been focused on cleaning up and restoring dignity to the office. We are now seeing our office functioning much more effectively and efficiently. If elected to a full 4 year term as your Clerk and Register of deeds, I am excited to continue to move the office forward and begin implementing new services and programs. We are exploring new systems and procedures to reduce wait times for in person transactions, and make our online experience more user friendly for residents. I am continuing to work with state partners to address the growing concern of deed and property fraud, and work with national partners on election security and integrity.

Swanson: I will prioritize addressing the accuracy and security of voter rolls and the electoral process. It is crucial to ensure that voter rolls are up-to-date and accurate, eliminating any potential for fraud or error. In the context of the election process, blockchain technology offers a promising solution for enhancing the security and transparency of the electoral process. By leveraging blockchain, we can create a decentralized and tamper-proof system for recording and storing votes. This can help in reducing the risks associated with data manipulation and unauthorized access. Additionally, blockchain technology can provide a secure method for verifying voter identity, ensuring the integrity of the voter rolls, and maintaining a transparent and immutable record

Trust in elections has been questioned. How do you propose to build trust in the system?

Clemons: The election process in Genesee County and throughout the state of Michigan is a safe and secure process. There are changes and improvements that can continued to be made. I have learned the greatest way to build trust in the system is to get more people involved in the process. People with concerns about the election process should consider signing up to be a poll worker. Many people are surprised to see just how many checks and balances we have in our election system in Michigan. I will continue to share information publicly through community events, media exposure and online information to ensure factual information is being distributed.

Swanson: Its crucial to have individuals in power who prioritize the integrity of the results over the desired outcomes of any political party.

Sadly, we are in an era of significant trust issues in public representation, do you believe that elected officials should take an oath to abide by a formal ethics agreement: specifically with regard to behavior, conflict of interest, and fiduciary responsibility? Why or why not?

Clemons: I believe it is important for elected officials to take an oath and sign an ethics agreement as another sign of the officials intent to operate with high moral value. As a member of the National Election Center, Michigan Association of County Clerks, and Michigan Association of Register of Deeds, I have been working with colleagues across our state and nation to implement high ethical standards for County Clerks and Register of Deeds.

Swanson: No... All officers, legislative, executive and judicial, before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of ________________ according to the best of my ability. NO OTHER OATH, affirmation, or any religious test SHALL BE REQUIRED as a qualification for any office or public trustArticle XI, Michigan Constitution

What would you like voters to know about you (as a public representative)?

Clemons: I believe if we work together, we will build the type of community we can be proud to call home. As a County Commissioner I have worked tirelessly to create change and progress. As your County Clerk/Register of Deeds I am continuing to work toward making government more accessible and providing unparalled service to our residents. We need our county government to prioritize working people and advocate our success. Im honored to lead and fight for you. I am running to ensure Genesee County has a Clerk/Register office that is responsive to the needs of Genesee County Residents, while providing streamlined services.

Swanson: As a public representative, I want voters to know that my decisions are always guided by what is best for the people and community I serve. While my political party is important, it comes second to the decisions I make, which are based on fairness, integrity, and the well-being of my constituents.

County treasurer Democratic primary. Candidates F. Jack Belzer and Sam E. Muma.

What experience and qualifications do you bring to the position of treasurer?

Belzer: I have been an attorney for over 50 years and much of the work which I have done involves Governmental offices and agencies. I am also a licensed Real Estate Broker. My experience and my professional background sets forth a basis for the ability to operate and learn as the Genesee County Treasurer. I currently work every day, 7 days a week, and I have the ability and willingness to do anything that the office requires of me.

Muma: I have spent 31 years as President of AFSCME Local 1600, as well as Greater Flint AFL-CIO Labour Council President. I have spent over 20 years as Finance Chair for AFSCME Council 25. In serving in these roles, I have the experience necessary to continue the amazing job that Ms. Cherry has done for the past fourteen years.

If elected, what are your top priorities/concerns for the office of treasurer?

Belzer: I believe much of the attention and effort has been diverted from the out-County areas and all of those out-County areas and the residents who reside there should be given full consideration as all the residents in the County. As noted above, the office staff, in my experience, has been extremely helpful to the public and that should absolutely continue. There are matters to come before the County that are sometimes narrowly focused for part of the County and not all of the County. I believe it is important that all residents of the County receive a benefit from the monies they entrust to elected officials.

Muma: If elected my top priorities will be to safeguard the hard-earned tax dollars of our citizens. I will operate an efficient Treasurers office that serves the needs of the people first.

If elected, do you have any proposed improvements/changes that would better serve your constituents?

Belzer: Upon being elected, I would seek to ensure fairness to all the residents of Genesee County, not select areas of Genesee County. My experiences with the office staff have been extraordinarily positive and that should continue in the future. It is a public office, and the purpose of that office is to serve the public.

Muma: My plan if elected is to help people keep their homes. Preventing homes from falling into despair will cut down on community blight and safety issues.I understand the financial strains our community is under and look forward to working the Genesee County Commissioners to continue to improve our financial standing.

Sadly, we are in an era of significant trust issues in public representation, do you believe that elected officials should take an oath to abide by a formal ethics agreement: specifically with regard to behavior, conflict of interest, and fiduciary responsibility? Why or why not? What would you like voters to know about you (as a public representative)?

Belzer: I absolutely believe that elected officials should abide by all ethics, avoid conflicts of interest and have fiduciary responsibility. Individuals are elected to serve the constituents and their own gain should be put aside and not enter into any considerations or decisions. An elected official does not have the same rights and privileges as the individuals that are being represented and elected officials should acknowledge and be aware of that fact. Before their own interest must come the best interest of the public that they represent.

Muma: In todays environment it is especially important to hold our elected officials to a standard of ethics and accountability. I would support an oath agreeing to terms that safeguard the public from conflicts of interest and egregious behavior.

What would you like the voters to know about you (as a public representative)?

Belzer: I have been involved in numerous civic organizations, specifically including The Catholic community of Flint, Civil Air Patrol, The Boy Scouts, The Crim amongst other organizations. I contribute money to various organizations including the Mundy Township park to honor my Grandchildren, who are a major focus of my life. I try to make myself available at all times and try my best to be as honest and truthful as possible.

Muma: My family has served Genesee County going back generations. My grandfather was a firefighter and founded the first public employees union here. My father upheld my grandfathers commitment to serving Genesee County and I went to work with the city of Flint in 1991. I have fought for the City of Flint workers for the past thirty years and would bring that experience to as my role to Treasurer for the people of Genesee County.
LANSING, MI  Michigan is now the 20th state in the U.S. to outlaw legal arguments that someones sexual orientation justified assaulting them.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law the bill on Tuesday, July 23, banning the defense commonly referred to as gay panic or LGBTQ+ panic.

Under the new law, which goes into effect Oct. 23, a person charged with a violent crime cant seek to reduce or evade criminal liability on claims that they lost control and reacted violently because of the victims sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

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, said the bills sponsor, state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia.

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.

The bill was sent to the governor after passing along party lines June 27 in the state House, with Republicans voting against the bill. In the state Senate, Republican Sens. Mark Huizenga, Dan Lauwers, Jonathan Lindsey and Ed McBroom joined with Democrats on approving the bill.

Related: Michigan set to become 20th state outlawing gay panic defense

According to the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, Michigan is the 20th state to ban the gay panic defense.

Michigan has had at least four cases between 1970 and 2020 where a murder defendant used the gay panic defense, according to a 2020 study by W. Cartsen Andresen, a professor at St. Edwards University in Texas.

The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association said that it has tracked dozens of cases across the U.S. where juries have acquitted defendants due to the LGBTQ+ panic defense strategy. The crimes in those cases ranged from assault to murder.

Under Michigans new law, a person is not justified in using force against another person based on the discovery or knowledge of the victims sex, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.

That discovery or knowledge also is not permitted as evidence to demonstrate reasonable provocation, to show that an act was committed in the heat of passion or to support a defense of reduced mental capacity.

Related: Victims sexuality can be used to justify crimes. Legislation could stop it.

One of the most infamous cases of the use of the defense was the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming. Shepard, 21, was driven to a remote area by two men who then brutally beat him, tied him to a fence and left him to die.

Lawyers defending one of Shepards killers argued his client was partly triggered by an unwanted sexual advance by Shepard and previous traumatic experiences with LGBTQ+ people. The judge did not allow the defense.
El Gobierno impulsa la innovacion y promueve la transicion a la economia formal y global! ???? La presidenta de la republica, Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, participo en la ceremonia de 5000 becas APEC Ciudadano Microsoft, donde se capacitara y potenciara las capacidades digitales pic.twitter.com/4P4bDgeZPc
Birds and animals in New Zealand and Australia are believed to be retreating to remote and inhospitable regions to survive.

Tititea (Mount Aspiring) is one of the moa refuges flightless birds have retreated to. Source: Jamie Wood

Species on the verge of extinction are retreating to cold and isolated mountainous areas that dont provide favourable conditions for their survival. Worryingly these are the same refuges where their giant cousins made their last stand.

Some of New Zealand's endangered flightless birds, including the takahe, weka and great spotted kiwi, are surviving in the same places where bones of the extinct moa birds are found. The largest of the six species of moa could reach 3.7 metres high, but they were wiped out within 120 years of human settlement.

It's definitely a case of history repeating itself. They're following the path to the same sanctuaries moa did hundreds of years ago, global change Associate Professor Damien Fordham told Yahoo News.

Over 80 per cent of New Zealands birds are listed as threatened with extinction. Most of the animal species on the island are birds, and many are flightless because the country had 60 million years of isolation before humans arrived, bringing predators like possums and stoats, chopping down forests, and polluting waterways.

Related: New Zealand prepares to protect native birds from avian influenza

These bones once belonged to an eastern moa which was hunted to extinction. Source: Getty

New Zealand's highly charismatic birds under threat

Today seven of eight species of flightless bird that remain on New Zealand's main islands are threatened with extinction.

The best known are the countrys five species of kiwi. But theres also a flightless parrot called the kakapo which famously tried to mate with a cameraman during the filming of a BBC nature documentary. And anyone who has recently flown to New Zealand would know of the takahe, which is featured in the national carriers inflight safety video.

New Zealand's two species of rail are perhaps less well known, but its entirely possible theyll become famous soon. Because most people hadnt heard of the weka until this week. And it made international headlines after one was killed and eaten by an American during the making of a survivor-style reality television show.

New Zealand's flightless birds frequently make international news. A kakapo famously tried to mate with a BBC cameraman (left), while a realty TV show contestant killed and ate a weka (right). Source: BBC/USA Network

A takahe famously appeared in an in-flight safety video for the country's national carrier. Source: Air New Zealand

Where are the flightless birds surviving?

The project was led by the University of Adelaide and supported by an international team that included experts from the State University of New York, University of Auckland and University of Melbourne. Their findings were published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.

They found birds were surviving in suboptimal conditions in areas including Tititea on the North Island and the Fjordlands to the south, which humans have largely avoided.

These are some of the most cold and isolated mountainous areas. And for those reasons, they're really just visited by bushwalkers and campers, Fordham said.

Mountainous areas not favoured by humans like Tititea have become refuges for endangered birds. Source: Janet Wilmshurst

Australia's native animals likely following similar pattern of retreat

Sadly, Fordham doesnt think the problem of threatened species retreating to remote and inhospitable areas is confined to New Zealand.

Hes just secured funding from the Research Council of Australia to look at the problem back home. It will focus on the once widespread numbat, western quoll, eastern quoll, greater bilby, koala and brush-tailed rock wallaby.

We know that many Australian mammals were quite broadly ranged. And now we find they've had to contract in the face of European colonisation into quite small pockets of habitat, he said.

We are thinking, based on these results, that these may not necessarily be in the optimal habitat.

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On a dimly-lit Queensland motorway, the animal appears from the side of the road and casually strolls across it, narrowly avoiding disaster.

Sunshine Coast Council in Queensland has warned motorists to practise caution after a rogue deer was spotted crossing a state highway. Source: Sunshine Coast Council

An Australian council is urging drivers to be on extra alert for rogue animals crossing busy thoroughfares after a deer was captured on dashcam narrowly avoiding a collision on a state highway.

Sunshine Coast Council in Queensland has warned motorists to practise caution after the animal  which is considered an invasive and feral pest in Australia  was spotted crossing the Sunshine Motorway at the Mooloolaba interchange on Tuesday.

An estimated 10 million mammals are killed on Australian roads every year in a worsening issue which is costing drivers big bucks in vehicle repairs. Human deaths and injuries from these collisions are similarly on the rise, with motorcyclists at greatest risk, according to Emergency Medicine Australasia.

Council investigating where deer came from

In the dashcam, the deer is seen barely visible during one driver's late-night cruise. On the dimly-lit road, the animal appears from the lefthand side of the double-lane motorway and casually walks across it, narrowly missing the vehicle.

A few years back a wild deer was captured running through the streets of Fitzroy in inner Melbourne Source: Twitter/AussieAusborne

"Sunshine Coast Council officers are investigating where the deer came from and where it went," a spokesperson said in a statement.

"Reports of deer east of the Bruce Highway are rare, with previous sightings at Yandina and west of Coolum. Council has notified the Queensland Governments Transport and Main Roads (TMR) department."

Yahoo News Australia has contacted the council for an update on their investigations. They have urged motorists in the meanwhile to use caution and report any deer sightings in the area without delay.

Why are deers considered a pest in Australia?

Deer are prolific breeders and pose a major threat to Australia's natural landscape.

In 1980, there were about 50,000 feral deer in Australia. By 2002 the population was estimated to have grown to 200,000. Now, the population is likely to have reached more than two million  roughly the same as the number of farmed pigs in the country.

Species that have established in Australia include red, fallow, chital, sambar, rusa, and hog deer. They pose a threat to our agriculture by competing with livestock for grazing resources, dispersing weeds, damaging crops and fences, and potentially spreading disease.

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Mandy Coxon questioned whether guests should pay to recharge their EV at her Queensland B&B.

Mandy Coxon questioned whether her B&B guests should pay to charge their cars at her property. Source: Getty/Supplied

A simple question from a bed and breakfast (B&B) guest hoping to charge their electric vehicle (EV) overnight has thrown the host down a "rabbit hole", and ignited an online discussion as Aussies continue to debate the etiquette surrounding EVs.

Mandy Coxon has run Mossman Gorge Bed and Breakfast near Port Douglas, Queensland for 27 years but only this week was asked for the first time if a guest could charge their EV during their prospective stay, never before considering this as a service to provide her guests.

"All of a sudden it landed in my lap and I thought, 'ok, what do I do now?'," she told Yahoo News. "I hadn't thought about it before... it was a very, very big rabbit hole that I went down."

Among the insurance implications, and the installation of the charger itself (costing upwards of $750), there was one question on Mandy's mind  should guests pay to recharge their EVs?

B&B host in two minds about charging guests for EV charger

The cost of recharging an EV can vary depending on the brand of car and the type of charger, as well as the duration of charging time. After some research, Mandy decided it would likely cost her up to $17 for a guest to recharge at her property.

"I found out that it can average, depending on the vehicle as to whether it's just a top-up  five bucks, or a full charge, anything up to $17," she said.

Unsure whether to charge a fee for the use of an EV charger, she considered guests may expect it as a complimentary service, much like a free breakfast in the morning. However, she was concerned that $17 is a significant amount to absorb as a small business owner.

"I feel that if I go to the service station and I buy petrol, I don't get it for free," she said. "If I go to an accommodation house, and I don't have any fuel, I don't ask the host, 'Can you fill my car up for free?'."

Mandy Coxon has run Mossman Gorge Bed and Breakfast near Port Douglas, Queensland for 27 years and has recently been asked by a guest to use her electricity to charge their EV. Source: Supplied

Should EV drivers pay to recharge their car?

Mandy decided to pose the question to social media, sparking a debate between Aussies.

One man said it would be a "great marketing tool" to provide the charger as a complimentary service, helping the B&B to differentiate itself from alternative accommodation nearby. Meanwhile, another suggested Mandy could charge a "$10 levy" on top of the room rate to meet the guest somewhere in the middle.

However, many were strongly against the idea of an accommodation provider offering charging facilities for free. "A petrol station charges for petrol so you need to charge the EV owner to charge their car," one said, while another simply said, "Absolutely not".

Seemingly small decision has large implications, EV expert warns

The decision to provide the EV charger for free or at a cost has broader implications than just how it impacts the host and guest, Swinburne University of Technology Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian told Yahoo News.

He said it could affect the "electrical ecosystem" as a whole, with fear that free chargers expanding to accommodation providers would minimise awareness of the pressure it can put on the electrical grid  something we all need to be aware of as EVs boom onto Aussie roads.

"If we continue using electric chargers for free, like what we're seeing in shopping centres, and expand this for houses, we're creating a problem for our electrical infrastructure," the EV enthusiast said. He explained that in the move towards more sustainable transport, drivers should have an idea of all the moving components of the industry, not just the car in front of them.

"It is a subjective matter... the host could offer it as a bonus... In my opinion, it would be the same as if someone has a petrol station in their house and if another actually wants to use the fuel, they have to pay for it," he said.

Solution for charging EVs in shared accommodation

One Aussie couple have come up with a solution to ensure EV charging costs are delegated to those who use the service, aimed at accommodation providers and apartment blocks where there is shared power.

Alchemy Charge smart points can be installed alongside EV chargers, and users scan a QR code that links them to the electricity used, ensuring they alone are paying for it. Already, the company, founded by Yasemin and Merich Selvi, has found success with AirBnB and other short-term accommodation properties.

"Its the power loss conversation, so the loss of revenue because of [other people's] power usage," Yasemin previously told Yahoo. "Because the consumption obviously goes up with electric vehicles".

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According to one EV expert, there's no real solution on the horizon.

An Aussie EV owner filed a complaint with NSW Fair Trading over his BYD EV that wouldn't power up using Tesla chargers. Source: Getty/Facebook

In Australia, it's well-documented that EV owners have been calling for more chargers on our roads to keep up with the country's soaring appetite for electric and hybrid vehicles. They say there aren't nearly as many as what's needed, with queues regularly forming at charging stations.

And while experts, environmentalists and even mechanics agree  electric may be the way of the future, EV owners continue to face hurdles as more of the vehicles make their way Down Under. This week, a NSW man filed a formal complaint with Fair Trading after his BYD would not power up using a Tesla charger.

One Aussie EV owner has complained his BYD wouldn't power up using Tesla infrastructure, and went as far as to file a formal complaint with NSW Fair Trading. An automotive expert weighed in and revealed the "unfortunate" truth when it comes to electric vehicle charging.

EV owners have been calling for more chargers on our roads to keep up with the country's soaring appetite for electric and hybrid vehicles. Source: Facebook

Aussie man files complaint against BYD to Fair Trading

A copy of the response from NSW Fair Trading revealed the watchdog was "aware" of "a compatibility issue" with some Tesla Superchargers for "vehicles sold after October 2023". The authority said it spoke with BYD Australia who advised them they "will be tested locally to ensure future compatibility with available charging networks".

But BYD Australia said it did not intend to "retrofit or upgrade existing models to match the latest available charging configurations."

Unimpressed, the EV owner wrote online about his experience. Drivers quickly responded with their views, several explaining the issue is one many around the country are facing. Others said the man probably didn't have grounds to file the complaint in the first place.

There's no single universal standard for EV chargers in Australia right now. Source: Facebook

"Honestly, unless BYD advertised compatibility with the Tesla Superchargers chargers when you purchased your vehicle, I doubt you'd have a leg to stand on," one man theorised.

"I thought BYD were issuing a recall to modify the charging circuits to enable supercharger compatibility," a second questioned. "Sounds like the Apple vs Samsung debate again," another person said.

"Unfortunately this may happen on an ongoing basis with EVs," a man wrote.

Charging issue unlikely to be resolved anytime soon, expert says

On the latter point, Professor of Future Urban Mobility at Swinburne University, Hussein Dia, agreed. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, he said the answer to the BYD owner's woes isn't one they'd likely be pleased with.

"Unfortunately there is not a single global standard for EV chargers today," Dia told Yahoo.

"Australia has settled on the CCS2 standard but other nations like Japan, China and the US also have other standards. It would help our collective global transport decarbonisation efforts if the standard can be unified. That would be something important to have in the future and would require collaboration between manufacturers to adopt a single standard."

In Australia, several EV charging standards exist and there is not yet one charging plug to rule them all.

Drivers have been encouraged to do their research when it comes to finding a bay to plug-in and juice-up to avoid disappointment. But some major charging networks like Evie, AmpCharge, Jolt and Exploren support all standards, though it varies from location to location.

The CCS2 charger plug  used by Tesla  is the current de facto standard in Australia. A comprehensive breakdown of EV charger plugs and supported models can be found here.

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The group's 'antisocial behaviour' has called into question what is acceptable on public transport.

The three men were blaring music from a handheld speaker on the peak hour train in Perth on Tuesday. Source: Supplied

At the end of a long work day, many people are simply eager to get home as quickly and quietly as possible. Yet for passengers crammed onto a busy train on Tuesday evening in Perth, the hope of a peaceful journey was pierced by the bass of techno music, pulling into question the unspoken etiquette most expect of their fellow passengers.

Cameron* Booth was heading home on the Yanchep line when three men entered his carriage and started to blast music from a handheld speaker, singing along and joking among one another. Booth captured footage of their behaviour, saying it was "annoying" and "nobody was enjoying their presence".

"The man in the left of the video with his head in his hand, tired and dishevelled, he pretty much represented the mood of the whole carriage," Booth told Yahoo News. "It's the end of the day. Everyone just wants to get home and unwind. They don't want to be forced to listen to other people's blaring music. And they don't want a confrontation either."

He said people were visibly "shifting away" from the three men and were "certainly bothered" by their actions. "To see three seemingly grown adults have such little regard for the basic comfort of those around them. You just wonder what, if anything, is going on in their heads."

Dozens of passengers 'disturbed' by three men

Booth later learned a colleague was in the next carriage along and she told him that passengers near her had a similar reaction to the three men, "exchanging glances of annoyance, disturbance and resignation".

"My colleague, who rode the train to Butler, said they continued playing music the whole time and at some point another commuter yelled, "Shut the f**k up". "I was more embarrassed for them," he said.

Train passengers can cop $500 fines for disturbing others

Train passengers are required to listen to personal devices with headphones in and can face hefty fines if they don't do this.

"It is a condition of entry that personal audio devices should be used only with headphones, and with the volume low to avoid disrupting other passengers," David Hynes from Transperth told Yahoo News. "Those who dont risk a $100 on-the-spot fine and a maximum penalty of $500."

"Passengers are expected to act in a courteous and respectful manner on Transperth services. All passengers have the right to a safe and peaceful journey, and we have a no-tolerance approach to offensive or disruptive behaviour."

If passengers witness antisocial behaviour they are encouraged to tell a staff member, press one of the emergency buttons on the platform, or alert the train driver by pressing the intercom button if it is safe to do so.

*A pseudonym has been used.

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Some campers are desperately trying to tidy up after littering visitors.

Campers have been warned they are not welcome to return to a popular park again if they leave rubbish behind for rangers and other campers to clean up as "significant littering" continues to be a problem in the Australian bush.

This week, one angry camper called out the "grubs" who left their still-assembled tent full of pizza boxes and beer cans at Island Bend campground, situated in NSW's Kosciuszko National Park, after a night of camping.

"It makes me feel great having to waste time and money cleaning up after other people," Daniel Bush told Yahoo News.

Bush explained he uses the campground frequently and it feels like "every week" he is cleaning up after others who don't bother to do it themselves. He simply said offenders are "not welcome" to return.

Tourists have been warned about littering in the idyllic Island Bend campground, in NSW's Kosciuszko National Park.

Aussies fear free camping in jeopardy

Bush continues to clean up after fellow campers as he is worried the limited number of free campsites will become less and less if the issue prevails.

"[We do it] so we can keep what little free camping we have left," he explained. "Usually I clean up, but the rangers got it this time."

Many visitors who stay in Kosciuszko National Park are concerned over the hordes of people descending on the free campsites, and those leaving litter in their wake. It's a problem at campsites around the country, and a frustrated camper recently shared a passionate rant on social media about the issue after one Queensland council cracked down on visitors using public car parks.

Online some campers said there isn't ever enough bins at the campsites, with Island Bend reportedly bad, however there was pushback on this with people saying campers should simply take their rubbish away with them.

Rangers 'disappointed' by ongoing littering issue

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) told Yahoo News "littering unfortunately remains an ongoing issue" within Kosciuszko National Park, with it being a concern of "priority" at the moment.

"It's disappointing to hear reports of significant littering incidents at Island Bend campground," the NPWS spokesperson said.

"The NPWS encourages all visitors and campers to adhere to the principles of 'Leave No Trace'," the spokesperson continued. "We ask that visitors leave the park in an even better condition than they found it, disposing of their rubbish responsibly and carrying out any additional litter they may encounter."

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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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Aussie councillor Ashvini Ambihaipahar said she attracted a $238 ticketless fine and didn't even know for weeks.

Georges River Councillor Ashvini Ambihaipahar said she attracted a $238 ticketless fine in Hurstville, in Sydney's southwest, after she was forced to pull over in the no-stopping zone to clear her foggy windscreen on a rainy night.

A fed-up local councillor is demanding ticketless parking fines be abolished in her LGA after she was handed an infringement for parking over a no-stopping zone for "safety reasons"  but was only sent the notice weeks later after dashcam footage corroborating her story had been deleted.

Georges River Councillor Ashvini Ambihaipahar said she attracted a $238 ticketless fine in Hurstville, in Sydney's southwest, after she was forced to pull over in a no-stopping zone to clear her foggy windscreen on a rainy night.

She said it was unsafe to continue driving under the conditions and should she have been given the fine at the time it was administered, earlier this year, she would have been able to immediately contest it.

Councils are still issuing paperless parking tickets despite a call to stop. Source: Twitter/Nine

'Foggy window' too 'unsafe' to continue driving

Ambihaipahar explained her "front window was fogging up significantly...I couldn't see so I had to pull over where it was safe." She told 9News it's "very sneaky to do drive-by ticketing... it's really unfair for any driver to get the fine four weeks later to try to put the pieces together."

Ambihaipahar eventually had the fine overturned in court but now she's leading the charge to scrap the system and is pushing Georges River council to do the same. Around the country, Georges River isn't the only LGA that's quietly rolled out the paperless system, with other councils in Sydney in particular also making use of the new "invisible" and environmentally-friendly alternative.

The ticketless scheme was first introduced in NSW in 2020 by the former state government.

LGA's divided when it comes to 'invisible' fines

Multiple councils around Sydney have since then moved to send parking tickets through the mail, without leaving a notice on the car at the time of the offence.

But in March, the state government stepped in and wrote to all 128 local councils asking them to halt the further adoption of ticketless parking fines and encouraged changes to the scheme after a surge in revenue from fines delivered to unsuspecting motorists.

According to the letter written to councillors by NSW Finance Minister Courtney Houssos, about 45 per cent of penalty notices issued in the state were parking infringements and 55 per cent of them had been administered via the ticketless scheme first introduced in May 2020.

The system allows parking officers to "send details of a fine directly to Revenue NSW which then sends an infringement notice by post or the Service NSW app" and coincided with a surge in revenue.

The ticketless system was used to issue 749,000 fines in 2023. Source: Northern Beaches Council/Facebook

It has seen drivers parked in some council areas return to their cars without even realising they have been fined. In the Blacktown, Hunters Hill, Mosman and Waverley LGAS, councils chose not to adopt the paperless scheme, but in North Sydney, council said it had no plans to return to it.

The City of Sydney, which incorporates the CBD and surrounds, said it was reviewing the scheme in June. In Sydney's west, the Canterbury-Bankstown Council said it would continue posting fines or issuing a notification card at the officers' discretion. In 2023, paperless fines pulled in $139 million across the state, Revenue NSW data revealed.

The suburbs where rangers barely ever left physical tickets mainly included the City of Sydney, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Burwood, Penrith, Hornsby, and Camden.

According to local government NSW President Darriea Turley, ticketless fines decrease the rate of ranger abuse. "[The state council] actually use cameras and AI for fines themselves so I don't know why they are targeting local government," Turley told 9News.

"Councils just want the safety of their workers."

'Unfair' system leads to boom in fine revenue

The NRMA has been a vocal critic of the scheme labelling it "unfair", and previously Yahoo News Australia that ticketless fines significantly reduced transparency.

"While we understand councils have to manage parking and we can't have people abusing the system, [the move] reduces the ability for those who feel they have a right to contest [their fine]," spokesperson Peter Khoury said. That includes instances where there is inadequate signage, where a sign is hidden, or other circumstances that may mean a review of a fine is successful, he said.

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For many of us, a good glass of wine is one of life's great pleasures. Far less of us actually know how to go about choosing that wine, however.

If I'm honest, I go back to the same wines time and again because I know I like them, when actually, I'd love to try new varieties and expand my knowledge.

If I'm REALLY honest, when I do go for something new, it's usually based on what kind of animal they have on the label.

Now, I'm not claiming everyone is as uniformed a wine-lover as I am, but I'd venture to guess lots of us could use a few tips.

Luckily, Pip Clarke, head winemaker at Central Otago's Mount Michael Wines, is here to help.

Do awards really matter? Which region will I like best? How do I taste wine without looking silly? Pip has the answers about all things NZ wine for us.

Where do I start when figuring out what kind of wine I like? Knowing your flavour preferences is key to knowing what wine variety you are likely to enjoy! Like savoury or sweet, people love varying types.

Having that base of texture you like is a great starting point. Do you like bubbles in your drink or prefer a flat? Are you more of a fruity person or a tart person? Have you tried red wine, and do you like it over white or vice versa? This can help you eliminate a variety of wines.

From there, if red is your preference, you need to choose if you like a lighter, more delicate wine like Pinot Noir, with its bright red fruits, or heavier reds like Syrah or Cabernet, which have darker red/black fruit characteristics.

Chardonnay can be citrusy with hints of stone fruits, and Gewurztraminer is the one for Turkish Delight lovers. The one thing I must note is the more you drink, the drier your taste buds become when it comes to wine, so over time, things might change.

What year should I be looking at when buying wine and why? A common misconception is the closer the wine is to the current year, the better. In fact, the older the wine, the more earthy and savoury it is, while younger wine is fruitier and brighter  it's all down to personal preference.

Understandably, people naturally gravitate towards the newer bottle.

For reds, a bit of age can be good, but ultimately depends on if you like those aged flavour characteristics.

Do awards actually matter and which ones should I look for? Yes, absolutely. Awards are confirmation that wine experts celebrate the wine, and more are often better.

The types of awards vary. Wine show judging awards are done blind, so based purely on the wine quality, while review awards are tasted with knowledge of what the wine is.

As a tip, finding a reviewer whose tastes match your taste buds (or palate) helps to validate your wine-purchasing choices.

Some well-known New Zealand wine judging awards I recommend looking at are:

New Zealand International Wine Show

WineOrbit

Master Sommelier Cam Douglas

Bob Campbell MW - The Real Review

Raymond Chan

Which NZ regions should I buy wine from and why? Wine is extremely unique to the region, which is determined by soil fertility and how environmental factors in that region nurture the vines and fruit. Another factor that plays a part is the soil makeup (for example schist and gravel, here in Central Otago) and the unique tastes that come through that soil.

New Zealand produces a range of phenomenal wine types. If you already favour a variety, my advice is to try a wine from each of the main wine-making locations within the same price point (Central Otago, Martinborough, Marlborough) and see which one you prefer.

Central Otago - where we are based - produces fabulous Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines because of our unique terroir. I see red cherry, stone fruits, pears, and apples come through as these notes become infused into the roots of the vines imbuing the grapes with distinctive flavours. Martinborough is also an exceptional area for Pinot Noir.

For great Syrah or Cabernet, you want to look at Hawkes Bay, then Marlborough produces the world-famous super varietal Sauvignon Blanc, as well as delicate Pinot Noir.

How should I do a taste test of wine at a restaurant without looking silly? There is a reason for all the showy swirling. Swirling the wine in the glass introduces air into it, helping to release the aromatics and flavours. Most wines benefit from a little bit of air, to help open them up. Give it a try, but I suggest practising with water if you're feeling a bit nervous about it.

Sniffing is not necessarily required, but aroma does play a huge part in taste, and it can be fun to see what you can smell in the wine before drinking.

Another crucial factor is the temperature of the wine varietal. Personal taste does play a part here, but I do not drink the wines too cold as it dulls the flavour and enhances tannins and acid, which could make the wine feel thinner and dryer than it is.

Most whites should be enjoyed somewhere around 6-8 degrees, except for Chardonnay, which is better around 14-16 degrees - same for most reds.

What if I'm still really confused? If in doubt, you can always visit a winery's website to read tasting notes on a particular wine or give them a call, they're usually more than happy to offer advice on their wines. If you're buying from a bottle store, don't hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations. They can provide valuable insights and may suggest wines you hadn't considered.

Above all else, wine is to be enjoyed, so savour the experience, share it with good company, and make the most of every glass!
A Cayuga County road was closed following a 100-gallon fuel spill due to an 18-wheeler turnover on Wednesday.

Cayuga County 911 dispatchers told The Citizen that a call came in around noon about the turnover, which took place near 7334 Fuller Road in Montezuma.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was called in to clean 100 gallons of diesel fuel that reportedly spilled from the vehicle.

Dispatchers said around 4:15 p.m. that Fuller Road remained closed from Turnpike to Carner roads due to the turnover.

The vehicle's sole occupant got themselves out of the vehicle, 911 said, and complained of chest pain.

The New York State Police and Cayuga County Sheriff's Office, Auburn's hazmat team, ambulances from Auburn and Cayuga and fire departments from Aurelius, Montezuma and Aurora were also at the scene.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On July 24, Changan Automobile held its Latin America brand launch event in Mexico City, Mexico, unveiling three major brands, including the NEVO new energy vehicle (NEV) range under Changan Auto, the DEEPAL NEV brand, and the premium NEV brand AVATR.

Photo credit: Changan Automobile

Six flagship models were showcased, including the NEVO A05, Q05, and E07; the DEEPAL S07; and the AVATR 11 and 12. By the end of 2024, Changan plans to launch 5 NEV models and 4 oil-fueled vehicle models in Mexico, expanding to 11 oil-fueled models and 14 NEV models by 2027.

In terms of service, Changan has established three service centers in Mexico, which included a 5,000-square-meter parts center, a call center covering the entire country, and a training center. Changan is also working on an extensive network of 100 sales and service centers across Mexico by the end of the year, aiming to provide customers with convenient access to a wide range of products and efficient after-sales services, enhancing their purchasing and ownership experience.

Photo credit: Changan Automobile

Globally, Changan is committed to making a robust international presence with plans to build overseas bases. Up to now, the Chinese automaker has employed 72,000 staff members from 30 countries, including Mexico, and operates 73 subsidiaries, 12 global manufacturing bases, 22 factories, and sells products in 77 countries. Changan Automobile holds over 9,000 sales and service outlets worldwide, including several dealership partners in Mexico, supported by nearly 120,000 service professionals.

In terms of R&D, Changan Automobile boasts a global R&D network encompassing 10 locations in 6 countries, with 16 technology research and product development centers and 17 technology companies. Its R&D team comprises over 18,000 professionals from 31 countries, ensuring strong support for Changan's operations in Mexico and broader Latin America.

Looking ahead, Changan Automobile aims to transform into an intelligent, low-carbon mobility technology company. By 2030, Changan targets global sales of 5 million vehicles. The company plans to invest over $10 billion in overseas markets, achieve annual sales exceeding 1.2 million vehicles outside of China, and employ over 10,000 people in its overseas operations.
Yves here. Lambert will have ample coverage of the horrible Netanyahu speech in Links and probably Water Cooler today. Nevertheless I am also running this post to provide further witness to US complicity in the genocide in Gaza, plus the fact that things have become so patently horrific that even normally AIPAC-captured-or-cowed Congresscritters are engaging in visible disapproval. Far less action than needed to stop these war crimes, but nevertheless an important sign in the US that public sentiment is moving more and more away from Israel.

Unfortunately, this process took nearly two decades to produce regime change in South Africa. And the Israelis know, on current trajectories, they can exterminate or ethinically cleanse all Palestinians in Israel by then.

By Brett Wilkins, staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams

Following her call for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus arrest during his visit to Washington, D.C., U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib protested the right-wing leaders Wednesday address before a joint meeting of Congress by holding up a sign reading war criminal and guilty of genocide.

They will not erase us. Palestinians exist and we deserve to live. Our presence today will be a reminder that we arent going anywhere, Tlaib (D-Mich.) said on social media. I will never back down in speaking truth to power. The apartheid government of Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.

Tlaibthe only Palestinian American member of Congressbrought a guest: Hani Almadhoun, who has lost over 150 members of his extended family in Netanyahus genocide in Gaza.

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, the congresswoman said. The Israeli apartheid regime is using starvation as a weapon of war, a war crime.

Joining me in the chamber today is Hani Almadhoun, who has lost over 150 members of his extended family in Netanyahus genocide. 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. pic.twitter.com/H5Wtj2N1Ql  Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) July 24, 2024



More than 135 congressional Democrats, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) boycotted Netanyahus speech.

Netanyahu is not only a war criminal. He is a liar, Sanders said on social media. All humanitarian organizations agree: Tens of thousands of children face starvation because his extremist government continues to block aid. Israelis want him out of office. So he came to Congress to campaign.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said, Just so were clear, Netanyahu has lost so many people that he is addressing just a fraction of Congress.

When this happens, they fill the seats with nonmembers, like what they do at award ceremonies, in order to project the appearance of full attendance and support.

Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) said on social media: I wont attend Prime Minister Netanyahus speech today. His military has reportedly killed over 39,000 Palestinians. He hasnt brought the hostages home. He hasnt made Israel any safer. We need tangible actions to end this war and all the sufferingnot performative gestures.

Its *because* of my Jewish upbringing and values that I cannot attend Prime Minister Netanyahus address today, she explained.

I will not be attending @Netanyahus speech to Congress. 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. Unfortunately, Netanyahu doesnt stand for peace in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/6mNEfSsrif  Rep. Mark Pocan (@RepMarkPocan) July 24, 2024



Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) said in statement: I am boycotting Netanyahus address. Today, families of Israeli hostages called the prime ministers speech a PR stunt intended to cover up his own failures.

Not only has Netanyahu failed to safely return the hostageshe has killed, harmed, or displaced nearly every Palestinian in Gaza, has failed to keep Israelis safe, and is risking the United States own security by trying to drag us into another endless war in the Middle East, he continued.

The United States must end unconditional military aid to the Israeli government, and instead secure an immediate cease-fire, a return of the hostages, and long-term peace, Casar added.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) wished Tlaib a happy birthday in a social media post saying, To my sister Rashida: You were born for a time like this.

The only Palestinan in Congress during a genocide of your people, he added. Sitting through a speech of that war criminal as colleagues applaud. You stand strong. We love and honor you.

Last month, a Palestinian girl survived a missile strike in Gaza. Her brothers died, and she couldnt get medical care for a month. Netanyahu is a war criminal. Its a shame he is addressing our Congress. Our tax dollars should not be spent on killing children. pic.twitter.com/aqkYjCZAnh  Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) July 24, 2024

Stephen Miles, president of the peace group Win Without War, said in a statement that we are grateful to the many, many members of Congress who chose to not attend Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahus speech to Congress today.

This was a political stunt dreamed up by a House speaker trying to score political points and embraced by the prime minister as a desperate ploy to try and blunt the massive global condemnation and domestic political opposition he faces, Miles added. Its a speech that never should have happened.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also the Senate president, did not preside over Wednesdays meeting. Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in the wake of President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the race earlier this week, is scheduled to meet privately with Netanyahu on Thursday.

Netanyahus speechwhich was met with frequent uproarious applause from lawmakers and other attendeestook aim not only at Hamas monsters, but also against Irans axis of terror, which he said confronts America, Israel, and our Arab friends.

I was there. It was disgusting. https://t.co/CwnS7q1XKo  Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) July 24, 2024



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.

Unfortunately, Netanyahu doesnt stand for peace in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/6mNEfSsrif

 Rep. Mark Pocan (@RepMarkPocan) July 24, 2024

This is not a clash of civilizations, its a clash between barbarism and civilization, between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life, said the leader of a nation whose armed forces have killed or wounded more than 130,000 Palestinians in Gaza.

Netanyahu condemned what he called the slanders that paint Israel as racist and genocidal that are meant to demonize the Jewish state and demonize Jews everywhere.

Taking aim at pro-Palestinian protests across the United States many of them Jewish-ledNetanyahu lamented that many anti-Israel protesters choose to stand with evil. They stand with Hamas. They stand with rapists and murderers.

For all we know, Iran is funding the protests that are taking place outside right now, Netanyahu said, citing unsubstantiated Biden administration claims. 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.

Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming, Gays for Gaza,' he mocked. They might as well hold up signs that say, Chickens for KFC!'

These protesters chant, From the river to the sea, but many dont have a clue what river and what sea theyre talking about, the prime minister added.

Hundreds of Jewish-led demonstrators were arrested inside a congressional building on Tuesday while protesting the U.S. governments continued support for Israels assault on Gaza and Netanyahus then-forthcoming address. Thousands more protesters took to the streets of Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, where peace groups planned to surround the Capitol.

There is a war criminal in town, Council on American Islamic Relations national executive director Nihad Awad saidin a speech to protesters. This war criminal Netanyahu has a long history of crimes against humanity.

Thousands of protesters are currently starting marching in DC towards the Capitol to protest Netanyahus visit to Congress today while police are seeming to try to stop the march  pic.twitter.com/LattoOSpG6  Gerard (@GerardDalbon) July 24, 2024



During his speech, Netanyahu also thanked Biden for his heartfelt support for Israel after the savage attack on October 7, which the prime minister said was like 20 9/11s in one day.

Biden has expressed his unwavering support for the key Middle Eastern ally and has approved billions of dollars in new military aid and more than 100 arms sales to the country since October. The Biden administration has also vetoedseveral United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Netanyahu implored the U.S. to give even more, saying, Give us the tools faster, and we will finish the job faster.

The war in Gaza could end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and returns all the hostages, added the prime minister, who for years facilitated massive financial support for the militant resistance groupwhose political arm rules Gazain order to weaken the Palestinian National Authority.

On Monday, Tlaib said that Netanyahu should be arrested while in the United States.

Netanyahu is a war criminal committing genocide against the Palestinian people, she argued. 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.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan has applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity including extermination committed on and after October 7.

During his speech, Netanyahu accused the ICC of blood libels against Israel, saying the tribunal shamefully accused Israel of deliberately starving the people of Gazaallegations echoed by the South Africa-led genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), United Nations experts, and human rights groups.

During his speech to Congress, Netanyahu says Israel has allowed in aid equal to 3,000 calories for every man, woman, and child in Gaza. It's been 291 days. That's 10 calories a day. https://t.co/S9EcVOQiRb  Miranda Cleland (@MirandaCleland) July 24, 2024



U.N. World Food Program Executive Director Cindy McCain said in May that there is full-blown famine in Gaza, where dozens of Palestiniansmostly childrenhave died due to malnutrition, dehydration, and lack of medical care, and hundreds of thousands of others are on the brink of starvation.

Netanyahu also accused the ICC of lying about Israeli forces deliberately targeting civilians, over 39,000 of whom including 16,000 children have been killed since October.

The prime minister claimed that Israel has implemented more precautions to prevent civilian harm than any military in history, and beyond what international law requires.

The ICC is trying to shackle Israels hands and prevent Israel from defending itself, Netanyahu said. And if Israels hands are tied, Americas are next.

The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled, he added. Israel will always defend itself.

Netanyahu further claimed that civilian casualties during Israels recent Rafah offensive were practically none, ignoring hundreds of Palestinians including many women and children who died in Israeli attacks on the city and its environs, including multiple massacres of refugees in tent encampments.

Netanyahus congress speech was lie after lie after lie: he says no civilians killed in Rafah: but worse still, applauding his speech is a stain on America pic.twitter.com/Xnwg93vuPs  Sarah Wilkinson (@swilkinsonbc) July 24, 2024



Israeli forces should not be condemned for how theyre conducting the war in Gaza, they should be commended for it, Netanyahu asserted.

Israel Defense Forces troops have been accused of torturing, raping, and summarily executing Palestinian civilians, including children. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last month added Israel to his so-called List of Shame of countries that kill and injure children during wars and other armed conflicts.

In addition to its ICC woes and the ICJ genocide case, the latter tribunal ruled last week in a separate case that the 57-year Israeli occupation of Palestine is an illegal form of apartheid that must end as rapidly as possible.
Trump describes Biden as an incompetent man who should never have been president

Former President Donald Trump openly slammed President Joe Biden as incompetent on the same day the latter announced his withdrawal from the presidential race.

The real estate mogul took to Truth Social on July 21 to denounce Biden for lying about having a Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. The infection prompted the 81-year-old incumbent to cancel a supposed appearance in Las Vegas. Trump's post also came hours after Biden announced his withdrawal on the same day.

"Biden never had COVID-19. He is a threat to democracy. Does anybody really believe that Crooked Joe had COVID-19? He wanted to get out ever since June 27, the night of the [CNN presidential] debate, where he was completely obliterated," Trump wrote.

"That was the big moment in Biden's demise. That was the point in time when Joe was revealed for what he is, an incompetent man who should never have been president."

According to Trump, Biden only won the 2020 presidential election because of "lies" and "fake news." He continued: "All those around him, including his doctor and the media, knew that he wasn't capable of being president  and he wasn't."

"And now, look what he's done to our country  with millions of people coming across our border, totally unchecked and unvetted; many from prisons [and] mental institutions; and record numbers of terrorists. We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. Make America Great Again."

Trump continued his rants the following day.

"He loses the [presidential] debate badly, then panics and makes mistake after mistake, [then] is told he can't win. And [then the Democrats] decide they will pick another candidate, probably [Vice President Kamala] Harris," the real estate mogul posted on Truth Social.

"They stole the race from Biden after he won it in the primaries  a first. These people are the real threat to democracy."

Biden says "bye-bye" to the prospect of a second term

Biden confirmed his withdrawal from the presidential race through a statement posted on X on the afternoon of July 21. He explained that he would end his campaign "for the good of the Democratic Party," according to The Sun.

"Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a nation. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president," Biden said.

"And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term." (Related: IT'S JOE-VER! Biden DROPS OUT of presidential race, endorses VP Harris as replacement.)

Biden added that he plans to expound on his decision to withdraw before the American people. He also thanked Harris "for being an extraordinary partner in all this work." As expected, Biden later gave his endorsement to the vice president as the Democratic presidential nominee.

"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as president for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Harris as my vice president, and it's been the best decision I've made. I want to offer my full support and endorsement for [her] to be the nominee of our party this year," the president said in a separate statement.

But Trump laughed off the prospect of Harris being the Democratic presidential nominee for the November election. "She'll be easier to defeat," he told CNN.

Head over to Trump.news for more stories about the former president ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Listen to the Health Ranger Mike Adams discussing Joe Biden's plan to drop out of the presidential race, which eventually came to fruition on July 21.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump: Biden's INCOMPETENCE leading the U.S. to WWIII.

Chinese state media (justifiably) MOCKS Biden's INCOMPETENCE in handling Hawaii wildfires.

Tom Renz slams the INCOMPETENCE of the Biden administration on "Lawfare"  Brighteon.TV.

Biden's CEO ally: The president won't bow down to Democrat elites who want him out of the race.

Biden says he might reconsider dropping out if his doctors advise that a medical condition warrants it.

Sources include:

The-Sun.com

Brighteon.com
Carnegie Mellon University prof says Trump assassination attempt was staged like stupid Tubi movie set

A professor at Carnegie Mellon University took to social media after the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump and suggested that the shooting was staged, suggesting that the shooter was part of a stupid show.

(Article by Emma Arns republished from CampusReform.org)

Uju Anya, an associate professor of second language acquisition at Carnegie Mellon University, made the comments just hours after the attempted assassination.

People dying doesnt make the attack any less staged. Someone who thought the attack was real couldve killed others trying to prevent harm. Also, someone couldve shot the shooter to hide the plot, associate professor of second language acquisition, Uju Anya, tweeted.

Politicians kill all the time and kill many more people to steal power, she added. And people died behind this farce. Actual peoples lives gone for them to stage this stupid show.

Anya currently teaches and conducts research primarily examining race, gender, sexual, and social class identities in new language learning through the experiences of African American students, according to her website.

It was staged. Like a stupid Tubi movie set in the Bronx with palm trees in the background, she added.

They lie, and people die. Thats exactly what they do. Thats the record. Whatever attack on him they set up to stoke his followers fears and sentiments, threat and persecution has now cost lives, Anya said.

When an X user commented someone is dead, Anya responded, a dead person cant reveal the setup.

Trump was grazed by a bullet Saturday at his Pennsylvania rally. The gunman was taken down by Trumps Secret Service team, and Corey Comperatore, an attendee, was killed.

Anya considers herself an antiracist a feminist and an ally of the LGBT+ community, as referenced in her X account biography.

She is also the author of two books, Racialized identities in second language learning and Racial equity on college campuses.

Campus Reform has reached out to Anya and Carnegie Mellon University for comment. This article will be updated accordingly.

Read more at: CampusReform.org
Delta Air Lines struggles to recover from Crowdstrike global tech outage

Delta Air Lines has left tens of thousands of passengers stranded due to a crew-tracking program problem following a global technology outage caused by a faulty software update.

On July 19, Microsoft experienced a faulty software update from Texas-based cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that affected 8.5 million machines globally. CrowdStrike immediately fixed it, but experts warn that fully repairing all affected systems could take days or even weeks. With most of Delta's IT systems using Windows, the company had to manually repair and reboot each affected system and synchronize applications to restore functionality. (Related: World scrambles to restore normalcy amid biggest IT outage in history.)

Delta has canceled over 5,500 flights, including at least 700 on July 22, since the outage began. Atlanta-based Delta and its regional affiliates accounted for approximately two-thirds of all flight cancellations worldwide on July 22, most of which were within the United States.

Ed Bastian, Delta's CEO, reassured their customers that Delta was working to restore disrupted operations on July 21. However, Bastian also stated that it would take another two days before the situation improves significantly with the technology issue coinciding with the busiest travel weekend of the summer.

Delta has offered waivers to facilitate the rescheduling of trips to alleviate passenger inconvenience, but with booked loads exceeding 90 percent, the airlines admitted that re-accommodation capabilities were severely limited.

On July 22, Bastian reassured employees that improvements were being made.

"It is going to take another couple of days before we are in a position to say that the worst is clearly behind us," Bastian said that day. "Today will be a better day than yesterday, and hopefully Tuesday and Wednesday will be that much better again."

However, Rahul Samant, the Chief Information Officer of Delta, added that restarting the traffic management system at HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta's largest hub, and the crew-scheduling application poses significant challenges. The crew-scheduling program is now operational, but ongoing issues continue to emerge that require further attention.

Southwest Airlines experienced similar problem in December 2022

The problems at Delta are similar to the problems that occurred at Southwest Airlines when it canceled nearly 17,000 flights over more than a week in December 2022.

According to insiders and the airline itself, the internal process required multiple departments to manually redesign the airlines schedule  a system that works "the vast majority of the time." The "antiquated" technology at Southwest Airlines culminated in a massive travel meltdown that disrupted holiday plans for hundreds of thousands of passengers. Orphaned baggage piled up at airports and travelers scrambled to provide shipping addresses at the time.

"The magnitude and scale of this disruption stressed our technology and processes, forcing a great deal of manual processing," Southwest said in a statement. "Our crews are showing up in every way throughout this challenge."

Other airlines managed to recover earlier that year, but Southwest's cancellations, just like Delta's, only increased because Southwests software, including the crew scheduling system, requires extensive manual intervention when flights are canceled. Crew schedulers manually check which pilots and flight attendants meet strict federal rules on work hours, leading to hours-long wait times for crew members calling in for instructions.

"It can't see the best way to fix anything when flights are canceled," said Brian Brown, the president of Transport Workers Union Local 550, representing Southwest dispatchers and meteorologists. "It requires a lot more human intervention and human eyesight or brainpower, and can only handle so much."

Brown added that the outdated system means that airline officials "don't necessarily know where our crews are, where our planes are."

Furthermore, Lyn Montgomery, who represents Southwest flight attendants at TWU Local 556 stated that the manual work resulted in crew members who could be working instead stuck in lengthy phone queues.

"The phone systems that the company uses is just not working," said Montgomery. "They're just not manned with enough manpower to give the scheduling changes to flight attendants, creating a ripple effect of chaos."

Visit Glitch.news for more stories related to technological outages and disruptions.

Watch the video below that talks about the link between the CrowdStrike outage and a possible election theft.

This video is from Ron Gibson's channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

IT blunder by 'Russia hacked the DNC' firm CrowdStrike causes global chaos.

Musk removes cloud security CrowdStrike from "all systems" of his companies following major IT outage.

Microsoft CrowdStrike payment blackout caused supermarkets to go CASH ONLY.

CYBER POLYGON 2024 : Great Reset begins with engineered Internet breakdown followed by CBDC roll-out.

UK experiences nationwide airport system outage, unleashing travel chaos.

Sources include:

Fox10Phoenix.com

CNN.com
Afraid of losing the 2024 election in a landslide, desperate Democrats STAGE A COUP against their own puppet

After weaponizing the judicial system, censoring and imprisoning their political opponents, the Democrats are having a difficult time convincing the American people that Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans are the real threat to democracy. With their divisive messages failing, and afraid of losing the 2024 election in a landslide, the desperate Democratic elite are now staging a coup on their own puppet, Joe Biden

Right on schedule, the Democrats have dumped their pawn Biden, as they prop up their next puppet. But will this be the quick fix the Democrats need to ensure that they remain in power? How will Democrat voters respond to Kamalas years-long coverup of Bidens ailing health? Will Democrat voters be disparaged by a SYSTEM that chooses candidates for them, with no fair democratic process?

The coup begins: Democrats subvert electoral process again, force Biden out

After the first 2024 Presidential debate (that further exposed Biden as incompetent) the Democrat propaganda machine began to pressure Biden to exit the race. After years of covering up Bidens political failures and mental deterioration, the Democratic elite and their allies in the media suddenly began to denounce Biden and his reeling campaign.

The same people suddenly calling for Biden to exit, are the same organizations and donors that covered up the fact that Biden was a mentally-deteriorating, wannabe dictator from the start.

To believe that Joe Biden was competent and in control of the Presidency over the past four years, one would have to be living in an echo chamber of MSNBC and CNN doublespeak, while stuck in cognitive dissonance and subjected daily to the brainwashing of social media algorithms that are weaponized to censor out reality.

Despite all of Bidens floundering and falling down over the past four years, despite his mumbling and delusional rants, no one in his own party would speak up. Joe Bidens wife Jill, his Vice President Kamala Harris and his cabinet continued to go along with the charade, as the levers of the executive branch were hijacked by a corporate oligarchy, a deceptive ruling elite. Through their puppet Biden, these fascist elite destroyed the rule of law and pushed out unlawful mandates that subjugated people and destroyed lives, while desecrating medical ethics, scientific integrity and Constitutional law.

To make matters worse, in 2024, the Democratic Party decided to have a closed primary process, crowning Joe Biden as the de facto nominee of the Democratic Party. No debate, no competition was allowed. The Dems thought they could fool the entire country all the way to the next election. Its clear now more than ever These elite donors and string pullers in the Democrat Party desire only one thing: to retain the power of the executive branch so they can commandeer the narrative and assert dominion over their political opponents. Theirs is a vision of force, abuse and manipulation.

Democrats threaten democracy in their own party and aim to take down the republic for the sake of retaining power and control

The American people are watching these attacks play out in their own political system, with the leading republican candidate, Donald Trump, enduring multiple lawsuits (led by powerful, well-connected Democrat operatives) that seek to damage Trumps reputation, thereby interfering in the 2024 election in the most dictatorial way. The Democrats' hatred towards Donald Trump reached a fever pitch at the now historic Pennsylvania rally, with an attack on Donald Trumps life and a fatal shot to one of his supporters, along with other life-threatening injuries and traumas.

Now, as the political persecution and censorship devolves into bloodshed, more Americans are getting behind Donald Trump than ever before. The authoritarian dictatorship of the Democratic Party is collapsing and their power is waning, as evidenced by their desperate acts of lawfare, their abusive rhetoric, their censorship and their political violence.

At the end of the day, the real threat to democracy  the real insurrection  is ironically happening within the democrat party itself. Even more ironic: the very construct that the Democrats once used as a means to appear virtuous and compassionate  COVID  is the sickness that has plagued Biden for the third time, and is now the sickness that Democrats have mercilessly used against him, as he is forced into quarantine and out of the presidential race (despite being octa-vaccinated and enduring years of swabbing and masking rituals).

It's clear: these controllers and manipulators dont care about Biden and they dont care about democracy or the republic that this country was founded as. Now, the mask is off: they want to keep power and control at all costs.

Sources include:

RedState.com

X.com
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Recently, auto parts company Lear Automotive Parts (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. celebrated the grand opening of its new manufacturing base in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area, part of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the company announced via its WeChat account.

Photo credit: Lear

The new facility spans 14,000 square meters and will support the production of Lear's keyproducts. This base is set to achieve fully intelligent manufacturing, positioning it as Lear's most advanced factory in China.

Founded in 1917, Lear Corporation specializes in automotive seating, as well as electronic and electrical systems, serving major global automakers with vertically integrated seat systems. The company has R&D centers and manufacturing plants worldwide. In 2023, Lear's adjusted net profit surged nearly 40% year over year to $710 million, with revenue increasing 12% from a year ago to $23.5 billion.

The Chinese market is a critical component of Lear's global operations. Since entering China in 1996, Lear has established 50 manufacturing plants and 5 R&D centers in cities such as Beijing, Changchun, Shenyang, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Ningbo, along with its Asia-Pacific and China headquarters in Shanghai's Yangpu District.

The inauguration of the Lin-gang facility marks a significant step in Lear's strategy to expand its business in China, underscoring its commitment to sustained investment and growth in the region. This development is also expected to enhance the automotive and advanced manufacturing ecosystem in the Lin-gang area.
Dr. McCullough and John Leake discover serious ANOMALIES in Trump assassination attempt like why did local law enforcement just LET IT HAPPEN?

In partnership with John Leake, Dr. Peter McCullough spent about an hour investigating the events surrounding the recent attempt on Donald Trump's life at a rally in Butler, Penn. The two discovered that a lot of the narrative makes no sense.

Though perched inside the building on multiple floors, local law enforcement in Beaver County was not at all present on the rooftop of the American Glass Research building where Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, tried to kill the former president, which begs the question why?

Local police were also notified in advance that a suspicious person was on top of the building, but nothing was done to stop him, nor did local law enforcement bother to initiate its active shooter protocol once Crooks started firing.

Though the two groups were supposed to be working together to protect Trump and his supporters, local police failed to communicate with Secret Service about getting Trump to a secure location once shots started to be fired.

"Police snipers on the roof used binoculars to track the shooter's position and did not warn the USSS below to get Trump off the stage," McCullough and Leake further found.

"Police snipers under scope vision allowed the shooter to get set and shoot six rounds at Trump. A police sniper got off the scope and looked with the naked eye to be sure the shooter had taken his shots and never looked down at Trump."

(Related: The deep state claims that Iran will now try to end Trump's life in retaliation for the Abraham Accords and the former president's commitment to Israel.)

Why did local police shoot Crooks but not immediately go check his status?

Another strange anomaly is the fact that after a local police officer shot Crooks, nobody went up on the roof immediately afterwards to take away the gun and confirm Crooks' status as either injured or dead.

"All the while, there was no active shooter protocol, and no warning was given to Trump or the audience," McCullough and Leake further said.

All in all, there were six shots fired at the event. Three of the shots remain unknown and were possibly return fire.

The McCullough Foundation released an in-depth video about the investigation, which is just over one hour and six minutes, that you can watch below:

MUST-SEE: Detailed Analysis of Trump Assassination Attempt - A critical evaluation of video recordings and witness testimony of the incident. In this McCullough Foundation Situation Update, Dr. Peter McCullough and John Leake provide an in-depth analysis of all details pic.twitter.com/SnJ86a1rqL  McCullough Foundation (@McCulloughFund) July 16, 2024

Peggy Hall from The Healthy American also posted a video about the strange things she observed about the Trump shooting, which you can watch below:

"Nothing was done right and everything looks like it was intentional," said the "SaltyGoat" (@SaltyGoat17) X account about the Trump shooting.

"One or two mistakes is one thing," added "The Vigilant Fox" (@VigilantFox). "But when you have 10-plus anomalies on the same day, it certainly begins to look intentional."

"It's also all the organized pushback," said "Ajay Khindri" (@secretmovement1). "Same defensive answers, same reflexive explanations from intelligence. Probabilities favor foul play."

Another strange fact is that media networks like CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and even FOX News that normally do not broadcast Trump rallies decided to broadcast the one in Butler live  did they know something was going to happen?

"The whole thing was a setup," believes "JasonCryptoApe" (@JasonCryptoFTW). "Police and maybe even Secret Service was in on it."

You can keep up with the latest news about Trump's campaign for a second presidential term at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
European Court of Justice rules against Pfizer and the European Commissions secretive, liability-free contracts

On July 17, 2024, the European Court of Justice ruled that the European Commission (one of the three branches of the European Union) wrongfully withheld critical details regarding its multi-billion-euro contracts with Pfizer, for the mass distribution of their so-called COVID-19 vaccines. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing scrutiny facing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is already under fire for privately conspiring with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla to mass distribute Pfizers experimental shots.

According to Ursulas own confessions, she privately texted Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla to secure 11 contracts, 4.6 billion in vaccines, while transferring 71 billion of public money to Big Pharma. In 2020, Ursula told the New York Times she was texting Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla to secure 1.9 billion doses of their COVID-19 vaccine for the entire EU population, which is just 448 million people. This liability-free contract protects Pfizer, while exploiting all Europeans without recourse when the vaccines damage them.

European Court exposes corrupt EU and opens up possibility of lawsuits against Pfizer

The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit initiated by Green MEPs in October 2021, demanding full disclosure of the vaccine purchase agreements negotiated by the European Commission. The MEPs argued that transparency was essential to understand the terms and conditions under which these crucial agreements were made. Despite months of correspondence, the Commission only provided heavily redacted versions of the contracts, prompting the legal challenge.

The General Court of the European Union ultimately sided with the MEPs, emphasizing that the Commission's decision to redact significant portions of the contract was unjustified. The court criticized the Commission's withholding of specific clauses related to indemnification. These indemnification clauses grant Pfizer immunity when their vaccines cause adverse events. The court contended that the Commission failed to substantiate how disclosing these provisions would harm the commercial interests of Pfizer. By concealing the indemnification clause, it appears that Pfizer and Commission knew that the vaccine would cause damage to the population, and all harms could be absolved by the contract, without anyone knowing about the secret agreement.

These secretive contracts with Pfizer defrauded the public, leading to policies that suspended civil liberties, while misleading and coercively harming individuals amid the implementation of a global vaccine agenda and a biosecurity police state.

Tilly Metz, one of the Green MEPs involved in the lawsuit, said, "The new European Commission must now adapt their handling of access to documents requests to be in line with todays ruling.

Pfizer can be held accountable for defective product despite its secret indemnity clause signed with the EU

Beyond the transparency issue, the court's ruling also addressed the liability of pharmaceutical companies in cases of vaccine defects. It emphasized that under EU law, producers cannot limit their liability if harm is caused by a defective product. This aspect of the ruling clarifies that Pfizer and other vaccine manufacturers could be held liable for damages resulting from vaccine defects, contrary to previous assumptions about limited liability in such cases.

The ruling invokes Directive 85/374/EEC, which defines the responsibilities of producers regarding defective products, including provisions on damage caused by death or personal injuries. The court clarified that a producer is liable for the damage caused by a defect in its product and its liability "cannot be limited or excluded vis-a-vis the victim by a clause limiting, or providing an exemption from, liability under Directive 85/374." This interpretation by the European Court of Justice potentially opens the door for legal claims against Pfizer.

The decision has exposed the treacherous and clandestine handling of vaccine contracts at the onset of the lockdowns and the forced COVID-19 vaccine experiment. This decision will have broader implications for public health policy and challenge the role of the EU and centralized authorities over personal medical decisions.

Transparency is crucial not only for the sake of holding pharmaceutical companies accountable, but also for the sake of informed consent and saving lives. If more people knew that Pfizer was conspiring with the EU and crafting a secret indemnity clause when their vaccine harmed people, then there would have been far less participation in the global vaccine agenda, and ultimately more lives would have been spared.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

NaturalNews.com
Hackers stole nearly all records of customer calls, texts from AT&T

An enormous amount of customer data has been stolen from telecommunication company AT&T for the second time this year.

AT&T disclosed in a regulatory filing on Friday, July 12, that the most recent batch of customer data includes "records of customer call and text interactions" that happened "between approximately May 1 and October 31, 2022, as well as on January 2, 2023." (Related: AT&Ts MASSIVE data breach affects 73 MILLION previous and current customers.)

The telecom company stated the data does not include "content of calls or texts, personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or other personally identifiable information," but stressed the data does include "periods of time, records of calls and texts of nearly all of AT&T's wireless customers and customers of mobile virtual network operators ("MVNO") using AT&T's wireless network."

The filing commented that hackers "unlawfully accessed an AT&T workspace on a third-party cloud platform ... between April 14 and April 25, 2024."

Hackers accessed third-party cloud platform Snowflake to steal data

As reported by Bloomberg, the third-party cloud platform that the hackers accessed to steal the data is Snowflake.

In markets, AT&T shares dropped three percent, while Snowflake shares fell five percent. AT&T believes the data has not yet been leaked on the dark web.

Bloomberg mentioned that although much remains unknown about the breach, it could be disastrous for some customers if the data is eventually released. That involves anyone who doesn't want others to know who they are contacting like politicians, executives, activists, journalists and their sources.

A ZeroHedge report on March 31 revealed that the personal data of 73 million AT&T accounts were leaked onto the dark web. A lot of the data seemed to be from 2019 or earlier.

AT&T said it has taken "additional cybersecurity measures" in reaction to this incident along with shutting off the point of unlawful access. The company confirmed that it will give notice to its current and former customers that were affected.

"AT&T is working with law enforcement in its efforts to arrest those involved in the incident. Based on information available to AT&T, it understands that at least one person has been apprehended. As of the date of this filing, AT&T does not believe that the data is publicly available," the telecom corporation said. "The incident was limited to an AT&T workspace on Snowflake's cloud platform and did not impact AT&T's network."

The Department of Justice (DOJ) permitted AT&T two national security exemptions and permitted the corporation not to report the cyber breach publicly until Friday.

For some critical infrastructure corporations, the United States government orders that at least 72 hours after a cyber breach, companies must report the nature of the attack to the government.

"Consistent with the Department's public guidance, AT&T notified the FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation] upon learning of the incident, but prior to AT&T having made its materiality determination. AT&T's cooperation with the Department in this matter, including its timely advance notification to the FBI, benefited the Department's ongoing efforts to investigate the incident," the DOJ said in a statement.

AT&T stated the incident has not had a "material impact on AT&T's operations," and AT&T does not consider that the incident is "reasonably likely to materially impact AT&T's financial condition or results of operations."

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said in a statement they are aware of the incident and are cooperating with AT&T and other government agencies to evaluate the effect of the breach. CISA is the cybersecurity arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

"As always, CISA urges all organizations to enforce stringent security measures, including multifactor authentication. We will continue to monitor and provide guidance or assistance, as needed," the statement added.

John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab, which concentrates on communications technology and security, called the hack a "megabreach," stressing that metadata stolen at this scale can be a primary national security threat not to mention a problem for businesses and individuals.

"These are incredibly sensitive pieces of personal information and, when taken together at the scale of information that appears to be included in this AT&T breach, they present a massive NSA-like window into Americans' activity," Scott-Railton said, pointing to the leaks by Edward Snowden that exposed the National Security Agency's bulk collection of metadata.

Thomas Rid, a professor of strategic studies and the director of the Alperovitch Institute for Cybersecurity Studies at Johns Hopkins University, warned that more needs to be discovered about what the hackers took from AT&T to get a complete picture of the threat.

Follow CyberWar.news for more stories about hackers stealing data from private and government companies.

Watch the video below to learn more about the AT&T data breach that affected 73 million customers.

This video is from the Thisisjohnwilliams channel on Brighteon.com.

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FOREIGN HACKERS target water infrastructure in Pennsylvania, prompting calls for increased cybersecurity.

Hackers steal personal data of 6.9 million 23andMe customers, including DNA info.

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Database leak reveals ALARMING list of Googles privacy blunders, including recording childrens voices and exposing license plates seen on Street View.

Hackers steal $196 million from crypto trading platform Bitmart.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

ABC News.go.com

NBC News.com
Israel conducts airstrike against Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah in Yemen, killing at least 3 and wounding 90

Israeli fighter jets struck alleged Houthi military targets in the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah on Saturday, July 20, killing at least three people and wounding 90 . The strike is allegedly retaliatory and comes after Houthis launched a drone strike on Tel Aviv.

According to Yemeni news station Al-Masirah, most of the injured suffered severe burns from the airstrikes. Houthi authorities said the airstrikes did not target military installations but civilian infrastructure including a power station and oil facilities. Hodeidah residents further reported hearing large explosions throughout the city during the intense period of bombardment. Civil defense units and firefighters were deployed to extinguish the fires from the oil tanks at the port.

Confirming the strike, an Israeli military spokesperson claimed that the port was being used by the Houthis to receive weapons from Iran, and that the civilian facilities were actually "dual-use" sites that served both civilian and military purposes. Israel informed its Western allies that it would be targeting Yemen before it struck. The airstrikes were executed by Israeli Air Force F-15 fighter jets, all of which returned safely to Israeli airspace.

The Houthis' Supreme Political Council promised an "effective response," and Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree warned that the Houthis will retaliate by striking vital Israeli targets.

Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the strike and warned that the attack will only increase the Houthi movement's determination to keep fighting Israel.

Hodeidah is a crucial port for delivering much-needed humanitarian assistance to Yemen, a country facing a severe hunger crisis caused by a decade-long civil war. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint and urged Israel to "avoid attacks that could harm civilians and damage civilian infrastructure." It is unclear whether the Israeli strike would directly affect the provision of aid shipments to impoverished and starving Yemenis.

War in Gaza could escalate into a regional conflict

The Israeli strike came after more than 200 Houthi attacks on Israel, underscoring fears that the ongoing war in Gaza could escalate into a regional conflict.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized Israel's resolve. "The fire that is currently burning in Hodeidah is seen across the Middle East and the significance is clear," said Gallant.

On Friday, July 19, a long-range Houthi drone allegedly built by Iran struck near a United States embassy branch office in Tel Aviv, killing one man and wounding four others. This attack followed increased hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and occurred as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was preparing to address the U.S. Congress. (Related: Houthi drone boats strike oil tankers in the Red Sea.)

Netanyahu accused Iran of engaging in a proxy war against Israel with the help of the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. He also urged the international community to pressure Tehran and its alleged proxies to ensure the stability of international trade routes.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani condemned Israel's attack on Hodeidah and warned of escalating tensions in the region. Hezbollah also condemned the strike, calling it a "foolish step."

Watch this short clip showing the impact of one of the Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah in Yemen.

This video is from the channel Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Yemens Houthis claim to have used a domestically made HYPERSONIC MISSILE against an Israeli ship.

Shipping costs are rising all over the world, striking a huge blow to international trade.

Yemeni military reiterates warning to Israeli-linked ships not to pass through the Red Sea after claiming to have sunk 2 ships that violated the blockade.

Yemen's Houthis attack bulk carrier in Red Sea with suicide drone boat  first time in this conflict.

Alleged American-Israeli SPY RING in Yemen nabbed by Houthis, accused of sabotage.

Sources include:

MSN.com

AlJazeera.com

Brighteon.com
Kamala Harris secures endorsements from top Democrats except Barack Obama

Vice President Kamala Harris has secured endorsements from top Democrats just days after President Joe Biden named her as his replacement  but not from former President Barack Obama.

According to LifeSiteNews, Harris got the nod of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Alex Soros and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

"We are honored to join the president in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her," the Clintons said in a joint statement. "Now is the time to support [her] and fight with everything we've got to elect her. America's future depends on it."

"It's time for us all to unite around Harris and beat [former President] Donald Trump. She is the best and most qualified candidate we have," said Soros, who is engaged to Huma Abedin, former vice chairwoman of Hillary Clinton's failed 2016 presidential campaign.

Whitmer likewise threw her support behind Harris, calling her a "champion for reproductive freedom."

"In Vice President Harris, Michigan voters have a presidential candidate they can count on to focus on lowering their costs, restoring their freedoms, bringing jobs and supply chains back home from overseas and building an economy that works for working people."

Noticeably silent on Harris' candidacy is former President Barack Obama, who Biden served under as vice president. In a statement released on July 21, Obama thanked Biden for his years of "service." But instead of endorsing Harris, the 44th POTUS said he has "confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges."

The endorsements by major Democrats, alongside Obama's silence, followed Biden's outright approval of Harris to take his place as the party's presidential nominee. "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Harris as my Vice President, [and] it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for [her] to be the nominee," the 81-year-old incumbent said.

Harris quickly blasted for her dismal track record

According to The Hill, six states  Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Louisiana and Florida  have awarded their delegates to the vice president. This gives her a running total of 531.

Current party rules stipulate that candidates need at least 300 delegates for their name to appear on the convention's ballot. A candidate needs to obtain at least 1,968 delegates, or a majority of the available 3,934, to become the party's nominee. Given this, Harris' name will surely appear on the ballot.

However, several personalities denounced Harris over her dismal track record, among them independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.). He blasted the vice president during a press conference after Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race. RFK Jr. also accused her of being "a product of the corporate control of our democracy."

"Harris is a war hawk on Ukraine, she's a war hawk on China," the independent candidate said. "I don't think she's going to do anything about the national deficit. I've never heard her speak about the chronic disease epidemic."

Vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance also blasted Harris, calling out the incumbent for having "co-signed Biden's open border and green scam policies that drove up the cost of housing and groceries." The senator for Ohio remarked: "She owns all of these failures, and she lied for nearly four years about Biden's mental capacity  saddling the nation with a president who can't do the job."

Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard also criticized Harris' incompetence in handling the southern border and decried the way she has been installed as the party's nominee. Gabbard and Harris already have a history as both faced off during the Democratic presidential debate in 2019.

"The same people running the country with Biden as their figurehead will continue to run the country with Harris as their figurehead  or whichever Democrat may end up as their nominee," the erstwhile congresswoman for Hawaii told Fox News. (Related: Why a Kamala Harris presidency would be the death of the Democrats.)

"The people who have actually been running the country are the unelected power elite from the national security state, [the] military-industrial complex, with the giant propaganda media acting as their mouthpiece."

Visit KamalaHarris.news for more stories about the incumbent vice president.

Watch independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. saying that Vice President Kamala Harris has a lot of explaining to do.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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Nikki Haley: Prospect of Kamala Harris presidency "sends chills down every American's spine."

Insiders: First Lady Jill Biden LIVID at the idea of VP Harris replacing her husband.

VP Kamala Harris says she is ready to be president  HELL NO.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

Edition.CNN.com

Brighteon.com
Pizza Gate now a crisis of NATIONAL PROPORTIONS as Biden Regime promotes child trafficking through government agencies fostering mass illegal immigration

Remember Pizza Gate? Most Americans thought it was a conspiracy theory that demented politicians and rich elites in Washington DC were deeply involved in child-trafficking and child rape, nicknaming many of the lude sexual acts and preferences these perverts had under code terms that correlated with pizza toppings. There was a whole child-prostitution ring that got uncovered, and mostly thanks to Mike Cernovich , a whistle-blower and reporter of truth news (Cernovich helped expose Jeffrey Epstein). Now, multiply that sick operation by about a million times, and youve got the Border Gate crisis of national proportions , and its only getting worse by the day.

Case in point: According to a new 62-page government report from the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, the federal agency responsible for matching migrant children with U.S. sponsors FAILED to vet many of the sponsors (in 2021), so even criminals and child-traffickers could be taking these kids after they cross the border.

The Department found major gaps in sponsor screening and follow up. This is a major safety issue, especially since hundreds, if not thousands, of children are going missing every day now, thanks to the Biden Regimes communist-style open border policy. Thanks a lot Office of Refugee Resettlement. These folks and their superiors should be hauled in for questioning immediately, and the whole system needs to be revamped, so these migrant children and teens arent sold into slavery the minute they walk (or swim) into America.

HHS has repeatedly failed to conduct basic safety checks on sponsors, meaning they dont even verify their address or run criminal background checks before releasing minors to them. That means convicted rapists and child molesters can simply sign up to be a sponsor, accept the children from HHS, then abuse them, sell them or prostitute them out.

Is it the Office of Refugee Resettlement or the Office of Child Slavery Trade?

Is it the ORR, the ACF or the CST? Seems like every 3-letter government agency is corrupt to the core and should be shut down immediately, pending investigations and prosecutions. Every day now, records show there are more than 8,000 unaccompanied minors in HHS custody, with over 300 being released and discharged daily, mostly to unvetted sources who could be doing just about anything to them and with them. Let those numbers sink in for a minute. Its disgusting and immoral, but the Biden Regime likes it that way. Its what theyre all about. Mayhem. Disorder. Human trafficking.

The Office of Inspector General, another 3-letter agency, studied 300 cases of kids who crossed the southern U.S. border without a parent or guardian (over a two-month period from March through April of 2021), and here are the statistics. Prepare your mind:

In 33% of cases, ORR did not conduct safety and well-being follow-up calls.

In 18% of cases, follow-up calls were not documented in childrens case files.

16% of childrens case files lacked any documentation for required sponsor safety checks indicating vetting was done on U.S. sponsors.

for required sponsor safety checks indicating vetting was done on U.S. sponsors. 19% of cases where children who were released to sponsors with pending FBI fingerprint or state child abuse or neglect registry checks did not have files updated with results.

35% of childrens case files contained legibility concerns with sponsor-submitted identification.

In some cases, ORR failed to conduct mandatory home studies and there were serious concerns with screenings of several other cases, leading the IG report to ask whether home studies should offer more specificity.

In 5% of cases, ORR sponsor records were not updated with child welfare outcomes or sponsorship history.

The pandemic only added to the mayhem of the child-trafficking program of the Biden Regime. HHS was reported to have massive shortages in staff (or was that also planned?), so there was even more mayhem when handing over unaccompanied refugee kids to criminals and traffickers. During the height of the pandemic in 2021, over 120,000 orphans were under the HHS umbrella of care, or lack thereof.

Keep your truth news in check by adding Preparedness.news to your favorites list and tuning in daily for updates on the child-trafficking crisis at the border and across the entire nation. By the way, it's only a "conspiracy theory" to say this national human trafficking "operation" is not really happening. Plus, CPS is complicit in all of it, so that doesn't help at all.

Sources for this article include:

Censored.news

BorderReport.com

TheGatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com
The party of DEATH: Poll finds 30% of Democrats wish TRUMP HAD BEEN KILLED in the assassination attempt

A snap poll has found that nearly a third of Democratic voters wish that former President Donald Trump had been killed in the assassination.

The poll, conducted by UnHerd on July 18, reveals that 30 percent of Democratic voters agree with the statement "I wish Trump's assassin hadn't missed" and only 70 percent are relieved that the would-be assassin failed. The poll used a concealed technique called a list experiment to allow respondents to express their true feelings on the matter anonymously.

Survey analyst Ethan Kaufmann, a professor of politics at the University of Buckingham, noted that the findings indicate that support for the assassination attempt does not significantly vary by age, race or education. Instead, the divide is deeply rooted in ideology and partisanship. Notably, respondents' views on race and political morality were strong indicators of their stance on the assassination attempt.

For instance, 55 percent of Democratic respondents agree with the statement "White Republicans are racist" and only 20 percent of them disagree. This belief strongly correlates with their views on the assassination attempt. In a statistical model controlling for demographic characteristics, ideology and partisanship, the perception of White Republicans as racist emerged as a significant predictor of support for the assassination.

Another poll reveals 33% of Democratic supporters believe Trump staged the assassination

Another survey by Morning Consult reveals that 33 percent of Democratic supporters believe that Trump staged the assassination attempt against himself and 20 percent of all the respondents find the theory "credible." (Related: 9 House Democrats tried to nix Secret Service protection for Trump months before assassination attempt.)

Furthermore, 38 percent of respondents blamed Trump for the incident, attributing the surge of violence in American politics to his supposedly divisive political rhetoric. In comparison, 29 percent held President Joe Biden responsible for his own demonization of conservatives. Another 31 percent blamed Republicans and 25 percent pointed fingers at Democrats. This belief highlights the deep-seated suspicions and conspiracy theories that continue to pervade American political discourse.

Even host Joy Reid of MSNBC remains skeptical of the official account of the incident, struggling to accept that Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by a disturbed individual who authorities failed to stop in time. Reid has even suggested that Trump may have been struck by "glass," despite clear photographic evidence of a bullet whizzing past his head.

"The poll suggests that over one-third 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," commented Colin Rugg, reflecting on the absurdity of the belief held by a substantial minority of voters.

These findings are particularly ironic given the media's long-standing portrayal of Trump supporters as prone to concocting "fake news" and indulging in conspiracy theories. This poll underscores that such tendencies are not confined to one side of the political spectrum.

The poll results, including the one conducted by UnHerd, reflect the complex and often contradictory nature of public opinion in todays polarized political climate, where conspiracy theories and blame-shifting abound.

Visit Trump.news for more stories about the former president.

Watch the actual assassination attempt at the Trump rally below.

This video is from the Real Free News channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

Modernity.news 1

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Russian jet fighters DRIVE AWAY 2 U.S. bombers near its Arctic border

Russia claimed on Sunday, July 21, that its warplanes intercepted two United States Air Force B-52H bombers approaching its border over the Barents Sea in the Arctic.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Russian Air Force scrambled several MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighter jets to intercept and identify the American aircraft. As the Russian jets approached, the U.S. bombers reportedly altered their flight paths and veered away from the Russian border.

The ministry stated that the interception was conducted in accordance with international airspace regulations over neutral waters. The Department of Defense has not responded to Russian claims of airspace violations.

Such encounters are not uncommon, as Russia frequently reports similar incidents involving North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) aircraft near its borders amid ongoing tensions over the current conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. routinely conducts drone flights over the Black Sea, maintaining these operations are within neutral airspace and adhere to international law.

In March 2023, a Russian Su-27 fighter jet collided with a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, causing it to crash into the Black Sea. This incident marked the first direct clash between Russian and U.S. forces since the Cold War.

In June 2024, Russia accused the U.S. of using reconnaissance drone flights over the Black Sea to assist Ukraine in targeting Russian-occupied Crimea, raising concerns about a potential "direct confrontation" between NATO and Russia. The Russian military was reportedly instructed to prepare an "operational response." (Related: Russian military DESTROYS 9 Ukrainian jets in one day.)

U.S. bomber flights near Russian airspace risk raising tensions with Moscow

The recent U.S. bomber flights near the Russian border have significant strategic implications, reflecting heightened tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader geopolitical dynamics.

The interception of U.S. B-52H bombers by Russian fighter jets over the Barents Sea illustrates the escalating military tensions in the region. Russia's response to these flights has become more aggressive, as evidenced by their recent warnings about the risks of direct military clashes with NATO forces. Such incidents could lead to miscalculations or unintended confrontations, increasing the likelihood of military escalation.

The U.S. bomber flights are part of broader NATO military activities in Eastern Europe, which Russia perceives as a direct threat to its national security. Moscow's heightened military readiness and aggressive posture serve as a warning to NATO, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. The situation may lead to further militarization of the region, with both sides increasing their military presence and readiness.

The U.S. conducts flights over international waters as a demonstration of its commitment to NATO allies and to deter potential aggression from Russia. These flights serve as strategic signaling, reinforcing U.S. military capabilities and resolve in the face of Russian actions. However, this also risks provoking a stronger Russian response, as demonstrated by the recent interceptions.

The risk of a direct confrontation between U.S. and Russian forces remains a critical concern. Previous incidents, such as the March 2023 clash involving a U.S. drone, highlight the potential for escalation into a broader conflict. If such encounters continue, they could draw in other regional actors and lead to a wider military confrontation.

The ongoing tensions and military posturing can have economic implications, particularly for energy markets and trade routes in the Arctic and surrounding regions. Additionally, the political ramifications may affect domestic policies in both the U.S. and Russia, influencing public opinion and government actions regarding military engagement and foreign policy.

Watch this short clip of Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber aircraft dropping new explosives in a test flight.

This video is from the channel Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth on Brighteon.com.

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Whistleblower: Secret Service agent stationed on the rooftop where Trump assassin opened fire ABANDONED post due to heat

A whistleblower has disclosed that a Secret Service agent posted to the rooftop where former President Donald Trump's would-be assassin left their post due to the heat

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) revealed this in a July 22 letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. According to the senator's letter, the whistleblower's claim ran contrary to the assertion by now-former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle regarding the roof of the American Glass Research building. Cheatle argued that the building's roof was sloped at its highest point and they considered it a safety factor for the agent.

"Contrary to Cheatle's public statement about the 'safety' of the sloped roof, one whistleblower with direct knowledge of Secret Service planning for the event alleges that there was supposed to be a law enforcement presence on the roof that day," wrote Hawley. Unfortunately, this lack of security allowed 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks to position himself and shoot Trump. (Related: WOKE and WEAK: Secret Service gives pathetic excuse for not covering the warehouse roof where Trumps assassin opened fire.)

The informant further alleged that concerns over the hot weather prompted law enforcement to station security personnel inside the building instead of the roof. This corroborated Cheatle's earlier claim that a decision was made to secure the building from the inside.

On July 13, Crook attempted to assassinate Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, shooting him in the right ear, killing one audience member and injuring two others.

Cheatle resigns, but she's not yet off the hook

Following the horrendous incident, Cheatle received major backlash over the lack of apparently security during the July 13 campaign rally. On July 23, 10 days after the failed assassination attempt on Trump, she resigned from her post.

"The assassination attempt on Trump is the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades," Cheatle admitted during a July 22 hearing of the House Oversight Committee. However, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), a member of the committee, blasted Cheatle for being "full of s**t" during the same hearing.

After Cheatle resigned, Mace announced that she would withdraw a motion to impeach the former Secret Service director. "Now that Cheatle resigned after getting her rear handed to her yesterday and our articles to impeach her, we're withdrawing our motion to impeach," said the congresswoman.

"Accountability is non-negotiable. This is what we call a mic drop."

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) also promised that Cheatle's resignation won't be the end of this failure, vowing that she won't "get to slither away and enjoy retirement."

"Cheatle and Mayorkas will face accountability for actions, including possible criminal investigations. I won't let this go unanswered," the congresswoman for the Peach State continued.

On the same day as Cheatle's resignation, U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) introduced a bill called the Secret Service Readiness Act (SSRA). The SSRA seeks to create "a uniform fitness standard for Secret Service special agents and uniformed division officers."

"We believe that there ought to be one set of standards for Secret Service agents. There shouldn't be multiple different ways you can qualify based upon your sex or your political beliefs," Brecheen said. "If people who are being protected by [the] Secret Service  if they want the opportunity to let those who can't meet full historic standards on their details, let them handle it. Don't force it upon everybody else and potentially make them more vulnerable to an assassination attempt.

Head over to Trump.news for the latest stories about the former president.

Watch Donald Trump reacting to former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's resignation in the clip below.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Secret Service absent from Trump rally  whistleblowers to senator.

Whistleblowers allege Trump was NOT protected by Secret Service agents during assassination attempt.

Whistleblowers: Secret Service had limited resources to deal with security threats during Trump rally.

Trump shot in the ear, survives assassination attempt as questions emerge about Secret Service and local police.

Sources include:

SputnikGlobe.com

FoxNews.com 1

FoxNews.com 2

Brighteon.com
Biden now says he pulled out of the race to allow a new generation to take over

President Joe Biden addressed the nation about his withdrawal from the presidential race Wednesday night, July 24, days after he announced his move.

The 81-year-old Biden claimed he pulled out of the race against Republican Donald Trump to allow a new generation to take over. "I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That's the best way to unite our nation," he said.

Biden announced his decision to drop out of the race on July 21, further endorsing Harris to replace him. By the evening of July 22, the vice president became the presumptive Democratic nominee as enough Biden delegates officially went all in on supporting her.

The president mentioned in his initial letter that he planned to talk about his decision.

Meanwhile, Harris has already begun campaigning  securing the support of more delegates in time for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month. Her campaign also announced that it had already raised $100 million since its launch on July 21.

Biden's withdrawal brings uncertainty to Kyiv

Presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky commented on Harris being the presumptive Democratic nominee.

"If she wins, then it will be confirmation that [Biden] did the right thing  to fight against the threat that is Trump  and he will be seen as a legend on behalf of democracy," explained Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.

"If she loses, I think there will be questions about, did he step down too late? Would the Democratic Party have been more effective if he had said he was not going to run?"

According to the Associated Press, Harris has spent the better part of the last three years praising Biden's doings, which only means that any attempt to now distance herself would be difficult to explain. She has to rely on the Biden political operation she inherited to win the election with just over 100 days to go before polls close, the news outlet noted. (Related: Political analysts: Bidens withdrawal from presidential race has left the Democrats IN TURMOIL.)

The Democratic Party isn't the only one in turmoil following Biden's withdrawal. Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fears about Kyiv's future after the 81-year-old confirmed his decision to drop out.

The great possibility that Trump will win the election would mean a choke-off of support to Kyiv and would force the nation to pursue peace on terms that favor Russia. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. has sometimes been seen as a frustrating friend despite Washington being Kyiv's top war benefactor.

"The Ukrainians are pretty disappointed with Biden," said Edward Lucas, a senior adviser at the Center for European Policy Analysis. "Biden's dithering has a price, paid in the destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure and the slaughter of Ukrainian civilians and in unnecessary battlefield casualties. So although Trump might be worse  a continuation of the Biden line is already pretty grim."

Check out JoeBiden.news for more news related to Biden's withdrawal of his reelection bid.

Watch this video about how former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was prepared to play the "hard way" to get Biden out of the race.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump maintains substantial lead against Biden in six swing states that could decide the election.

Watch: Senator says Biden is politically as dead as fried chicken.

Biden on July 8: Were done talking about the debate, its time to put Trump in a bullseye.

Sources include:

Mediaite.com

Reuters.com

APNews.com

Yahoo.com

Brighteon.com
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On the evening of July 24, Xiaomi EV released some answers to netizens' questions, addressing various queries regarding the SU7 Ultra prototype display plans and potential European market launch.

SU7 Ultra Prototype; photo credit: Xiaomi EV

In response to the question, "When can we see the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra in person?" Xiaomi EV stated that Xiaomis founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun mentioned during his annual speech follow-up live stream that the SU7 Ultra prototype is currently undergoing extensive preparations at the Nurburgring for an official test in October. Following this, there are plans to bring the prototype back to China for public display. The mass-produced version of the SU7 Ultra is expected to be unveiled next year.

Photo credit: Xiaomi EV

Regarding speculation about the Xiaomi SU7 spotted on the streets of Paris and whether Xiaomi EV plans to enter the European market, Xiaomi EV clarified that there are no immediate plans to sell cars overseas. The Xiaomi SU7 seen in Paris was part of the "Xiaomi [Human x Car x Home] Smart Ecosystem" exclusive exhibition in the city's museum district. The vehicle garnered significant attention, with many visitors taking photos with it.

Xiaomi EV expressed a desire to use this event to engage with global audiences, exploring diverse cultures, technology, and lifestyles.

In fact, in March this year, Xiaomi EV had already addressed questions about entering overseas markets, stating there were no current plans for international sales and advising the public to wait for official announcements.
Charges withdrawn against 4 Canadians who refused to comply with COVID-19 vaccine mandate

Four Canadians who did not comply with the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine mandate as ArriveCAN requirements at the Toronto Pearson International Airport had charges against them withdrawn

But they're not exactly happy with the decision.

"This outcome is bittersweet for each of our clients," said Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) lawyer Chris Fleury. "It is positive for each of them personally. On the other hand, they were deeply interested in seeking a determination of the constitutionality of the irrational and unscientific decision forcing unvaccinated Canadians to quarantine."

The withdrawn charges include those against Elim Sly-Hooten of British Columbia, who felt that his personal medical information should remain private and chose not to disclose his vaccination status via ArriveCAN at the said airport. Peel Regional Police and Public Health Agency of Canada personnel detained him. Sly-Hooten eventually revealed his vaccination status due to intense pressure and the fact that he did not have counsel. He received a $5,000 ticket for violating the?Quarantine Act?and was ordered to quarantine in his home for 14 days.

Sly-Hooten, with the help of JCCF, launched a constitutional challenge against ArriveCAN. He cited his right to liberty, his right to be protected from unreasonable search and seizure, his right to be free from arbitrary arrest and detention and his right to counsel after arrest and detention. Other travelers whose tickets were withdrawn were Mark Spence, Aaron Grubb and Evan Kraayenbrink. They were also charged for choosing not to provide information on the app and also ordered to quarantine for two weeks.

ArriveCAN has been criticized since its implementation. Canada Border Services Agency launched ArriveCAN in April 2020 and mandated in November 2020 in response to the World Health Organization's declaration of a global pandemic. The $59.5 million scandal-ridden travel app was used to track the COVID-19 jab status. All travelers entering Canada had to use it to submit their travel and contact information as well as any COVID-19 vaccination details before crossing the border or boarding a flight. (Related: HIGHWAY ROBBERY: Watchdog finds 75% of contractors paid by government did not work on Canadas $54M ArriveCAN COVID-19 travel app, which "could've been built in a weekend for $200,000.")

Quebec recommends vaccine mandate this fall

Since vaccine mandate is still considered constitutional in Canada, Quebec's immunization committee has released recommendations on administering vaccines this fall through a report published earlier in the week.

The committee report warned that people who have never had COVID-19 are more likely to develop complications following their first infection with SARS-CoV-2 despite good vaccination coverage because the effectiveness of the vaccine tends to wane after several months, especially when new variants emerge. It also said that the likelihood of experiencing severe symptoms leading to hospitalization is much higher for elderly people and that risk is compounded when a person has a chronic illness.

"The vaccine is very effective in preventing severe hospitalization. It's not as effective to prevent transmission," said Dr. Nicholas Brousseau, a public health physician at the National Public Health Institute of Quebec. "That's why our recommendations target at-risk people."

The committee is also recommending that the government wait for the availability of vaccines that are better adapted to new strains circulating before launching the next vaccination campaign.

"By fall 2024, it is expected that new versions of COVID-19 vaccines, targeting one or more strains closer to those currently in circulation, will be developed and authorized," the report indicated.

Visit MedicalMartialLaw.com for stories related to COVID-19 public health mandates that were proven to be ineffective.

Watch the video below that talks about how the ArriveCAN app pulled tens of millions from taxpayers' pockets.

This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Vaccinated population accounts for 92% of COVID-19 deaths in Canada.

Canadian govt agencies spent CA$9.9 million on social media ads to promote COVID-19 vaccines.

Canadian military officials hesitated to lift COVID-19 vaccine mandate for service members because it would hurt their credibility.

Canada wants to require VACCINE PASSPORTS for Americans crossing the border.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

JCCF.ca

CBC.ca

Brighteon.com
The CrowdStrike global outage shows the serious dangers of a centralized, digitized world

The perils of over-reliance on digital systems have been once again highlighted by the crashing of computer systems around the world due to an update to the Falcon antivirus and security product from CrowdStrike affecting its interaction with the Windows operating systems. The update has caused chaos for banking, retail, railways, airports, healthcare and for a wide range of other businesses and infrastructure where the Falcon software runs on Windows systems. Advice for bringing affected computers back into working order has been published , but the exact mechanism by which the update caused Blue Screen of Death errors does not appear to have yet been reported.

(Article by Dr. R P republished from DailySceptic.org)

It appears that in many cases, while the update was distributed automatically over the internet to systems, the workaround to fix the problem requires the machines to be rebooted in Windows safe mode, which usually requires physical access. The person at the keyboard then needs to know the password for the computers administrator account, and use this level of access to delete a file within a subdirectory of Windows System32. This process can be more complicated where Microsofts BitLocker encryption is in use. In many organisations, the recovery keys for BitLocker have themselves been stored on a computer unable to start properly due to the CrowdStrike update. The quote Men go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, one by one, originally from Charles Mackay in 1841, seems applicable now to computers too. They crash en masse, then require individual attention before they will work again.

It should be noted that while the perils of centralisation with a physical single point of failure are obvious to all but technocratic politicians and civil servants, this massive outage shows another way in which a single point of failure can occur. The single point in this case is not a particular server in one building somewhere on the planet; but rather a change within a single piece of software with that change then being rolled out to many individual systems around the globe. These systems then entered a state euphemistically described as Total Inability To Support Usual Performance (acronym intentional) among the tech community. There was a reason that NASA put a fifth backup flight computer in the space shuttle, running software written entirely independently of the software on its primary four computers. A single point of failure where software is concerned doesnt have to happen at only a single point in space.

There is a very clear lesson to be learned here. Systems which can collapse at scale, even when they are not centralised in the physical sense, eventually will collapse in such a fashion. Advocates of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and Digital ID systems should consider these lessons. This update only knocked out an estimated 8.5 million computers, belonging to over 24,000 organisations that subscribed to CrowdStrikes Falcon software. A country reliant on a CBDC instead of cash would see an end to all transactions as a consequence of a similar failure affecting a component within whatever software stack was being used to operate CBDC infrastructure. That could mean a fault within the software on physically centralised or partly centralised servers logging transactions and holding records; or a fault within the software running on masses of devices operating as payment terminals in a wide variety of locations. In that dystopian CBDC-dependent nation, one would be looking at electric vehicles (already a bad idea simply on account of the abysmal energy density of batteries compared to chemical fuels) stranded at charging stations, unable to make payments to initiate the charging procedure. Consider that the World Economic Forum once advertised with slogans on the theme of what if extreme weather froze your bank account, right at the time when Justin Trudeau was freezing bank accounts on account of his extreme intolerance for peaceful protest. The reality is that in the centralised totalitarian model of society the WEF hungers for, this scenario becomes more probable, not less. That is to say, that as well as increasing the opportunities for censorship-obsessed elites to deliberately interfere in peoples lives, centralisation also increases the vulnerability of a society to accidental errors. Where Governments dream of requiring digital ID or age verification for internet access, or client-side scanning to look for objectionable opinions and only allow messages to be sent when approved as sufficiently double plus good, one can even imagine a situation where direct messages and online posts attempting to report a fault in the software stack running the verification or approval algorithms would be blocked from being sent. This wouldnt need to be a matter of a deliberate attempt to cover up the fault, but instead the inability to report the fault would be a natural consequence of the fault itself. A censorship apparatus built on a principle of scanning everything before it can be shared ends up censoring absolutely everything if it is unable to perform scans.

Where old systems, like cash, just work, the alternatives which Big Tech and Big Government claim are more convenient can collapse. Where computer systems you actually own and have true control over just work, systems which can be remotely updated can crash catastrophically. When Big Government pushes for things to be more secure, it usually has in mind intrusive projects to stop bad people from using SMART systems, rather than measures to actually make systems more resilient in the event of crises. Government, after all, tries to whip up anger against truly secure encryption by describing it as warrant-proof, though in an age where lawfare is becoming common and courts allow the monitoring of vast numbers of innocent people it is hard to see how such a level of protection is undesirable. Meanwhile, Big Tech companies seek to create an experience for users, which in practice comes to mean an ever more interlinked web of dependencies, often centred around a server to which the devices regularly phone-home to check that the user has the companys permission to use the things they have bought. Concerningly, even farming has now become a field in which equipment manufacturers are displaying this Big Tech attitude. This risks farmers livelihoods and entire nations food security in the event of software crashes. And that could include software crashes within Digital Rights Management subsystems of software which arent even there for the benefit of the user in the first place.

Humans, when acting like machines and believing that adherence to procedure, policy, legislation or guidance is more important than common sense and morality, make the perils of centralisation still worse. If one adds a human element with a sufficiently jobsworth disposition and an absolute confidence in the infallibility of their systems to the toxic mix of centralisation and control freakery enabled by excessive digitisation, it results in horrific scenarios like those surrounding the Post Offices Horizon software. I shall enter a little further into speculation here when suggesting that a correlation between people having problematic dispositions and a desire for centralisation may exist, perhaps best demonstrated by the ways in which I have seen the supporters and opponents of cash behaving during previous payment infrastructure outages. Contrast: the elderly woman who deposited exact change on the counter in a card-only cafe. She calmly claimed it was legal tender, whether that is an entirely applicable argument or not, and walked off with two packaged sandwiches. With: the student who upon being told, in broken English by the very polite man behind the fried-chicken shop counter, that VISA was down that day, raised his voice to a bellow. Such bellowing was perhaps difficult from behind the blue paper muzzle he was wearing in 2022. He then proceeded to accuse the owner of tax evasion in a lecture which lasted until everyone waiting around for their orders was glaring at him, and which contained expletives even someone fluent in English could be surprised by. While it is not my place to comment upon whether what the woman did was entirely legal, she gave the impression of someone who would start knitting socks for neighbours in a prolonged power-cut. The student gave the impression of someone whod batter on doors in search of a USB powerbank with which to buy himself a while longer on TikTok. The types of people who cheer for centralisation do not appear to be the types who can foresee  much less aid in recovering society from  the consequences of centralisation-enabled failures.

Keeping to the theme of trendy people and trendy attitudes, it is also worth noting that whilst the update which led to the ongoing chaos may well have been intended as a security patch or as a bug fix for a rare software fault condition (and ended up creating a widespread one), many updates which have been responsible for widespread system failures in the past are updates to provide software with new features. Unfortunately, in keeping with trying to be fashionable brands, a lot more programming hours are dedicated to oh, look, shiny than to simply keeping abreast of actual functionality and security flaws which may require patching. With software controlled systems embedded in ever more places (and not all of this increase in the ubiquity of computing necessarily has to be bad so long as the systems are properly under a users control and are not cloud dependent), it would seem a wise time for the practice of software development to start prioritising reliability, resilience and stability. It would be wise to prioritise these above the aim of innovating in ways nobody asked for, which then disrupt peoples workflows within products they are already using. While consumer technology is particularly affected by this fashion-based philosophy, business software is not immune. This is particularly the case when buzzwords are used in efforts to market solutions to problems they might not have to bosses of limited technical expertise. Look at all the hype around AI, with its latest eruption coming in the form of Large Language Models. A world with software around every corner is a world which cant afford that software to be updated, with the potential for introducing serious errors to it every time a corporate executive falls for a fad. The way in which smaller open source software projects operate may provide an inspiration here, particularly where the project consists of a standalone tool for a particular task. In many such projects, there are only two scenarios in which a developer typically posts an update. Firstly, he may post one in response to user reports of errors being thrown in specific circumstances. Secondly there may be a need for a new version of the tool when changes are needed to maintain compatibility with changes that have been applied to other software, such as new releases of an operating system under which the tool may be run.

As an overall picture, centralisation makes it all too easy for governments and corporations to feed their addiction to exercising control. And the further their reach spreads, the closer the state comes to being a black hole that sucks in the entirety of society and human experience, the more damage their anti-Midas touch causes. And then, in its aftermath, the solution they always push for is more centralisation, more opportunities to make things worse whether by intention or by accident. Escaping the headlong rush in to a new Soviet Union where nothing works and officialdom absolutely refuses to acknowledge the fact must be at the forefront of our minds when looking to the future. But the outage news itself can be summarised in a much shorter fashion. While one can feel sorry for those whose travel was disrupted, it is a wonderful feeling to jump to the front of a queue in a shop and pay a satisfied cashier with cash, whilst a seething mass of trendy woke-folk, who consider cash and even freedom itself to be outdated concepts, look on.

Read more at: DailySceptic.org
Fortune 500 companies to incur more than $5 billion in losses from CrowdStrike outage  and thats EXCLUDING Microsoft

The damage from the huge IT outage caused by CrowdStrike on machines running Microsoft software last week that brought air traffic to a standstill, left some hospitals unable to provide certain services, and rendered many businesses unable to operate is still being tallied, but the modeling and insurance services firm Parametrix has already come up with an estimated price tag  and its quite steep.

According to their calculations, the total direct financial loss that American Fortune 500 companies can expect to incur as a result of the fiasco is an incredible $5.4 billion  and that is not including Microsofts losses. They believe that cyber insurance will likely only cover somewhere from 10 to 20% of these losses, which would be between $540 million and $1.08 billion. Theyre attributing this low coverage to the big risk retentions of many companies and the fact that a lot of them likely have low policy limits compared to the potential loss.

When averaged out across the Fortune 500 companies as a whole, the loss for each is $44 million, but it is important to keep in mind that the actual loss will depend on the industry. For example, manufacturing firms could see losses of around $6 million, while airlines could be looking at upwards of $143 million in losses.

However, it is the healthcare sector that Parametrix expects to experience the biggest direct financial hit, with companies suffering a loss of nearly $2 billion. This is followed by the banking industry with $1.149 billion in losses. The uneven manner in which the incident affects business sectors means that the companies in these sectors will account for nearly 60% of the loss despite only making up one fifth of Fortune 500 revenues.

Parametrixs estimates are drawn from more than 54 billion points of data based on the historical performance of cloud services and directly monitoring thousands of technology businesses' real-time service status.

On top of that, the CEO of Parametrix, Jonathan Hatzor, told the New York Post that he thinks Microsofts financial losses could total hundreds of millions of dollars.

Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings reported that it expects several other types of insurance beyond cyber insurance to be affected by the incident, such as business interruption insurance, technology errors and omissions policies, event cancellation and travel insurance.

CrowdStrike issues apology and fix, loses stock value

Meanwhile, the firm behind the outage, Texas-based CrowdStrike, has lost around 22 percent of its stock value since the incident. It was worth around $83 billion prior to the outage and services more than half of Fortune 1000 companies, in addition to operating throughout the world.

The company released a report this week explaining what went wrong and apologized for the drama. They are blaming it on an update pushed by CrowdStrike to its Falcon platform, a cloud-based service that is supposed to protect businesses from disruptions and cyber attacks. A bug in the update led to the simultaneous crash of 8.5 million Windows machines.

To avoid similar problems in the future, CrowdStrike has said that it will implement better testing procedures before issuing updates and use gradual rollouts to reduce the potential for simultaneous failures like those seen last week.

Although the company has already released information to help users fix impacted systems, experts maintain that getting all of the affected computers back online could take quite some time due to the need to manually weed out problematic code.

The widespread disruptions caused by the incident are a sobering reminder that many of the world's top businesses and organizations are simply not prepared with proper contingency plans to handle the failure of crucial IT systems. This means that cyber criminals and other malicious actors are well positioned to cause chaos around the world.

Sources for this article include:

InsuranceJournal.com

TheGuardian.com

NYPost.com
The mainstream media is helping Big Pharma promote high-profit weight loss injections

The mainstream media has long been used to advertise for and support the pharmaceutical industry, and anyone who has ever doubted this is the case was proven wrong by the way the media handled COVID-19 vaccines. Now, the solution theyre pushing on the masses is the weight loss drug Ozempic and others of its ilk, and much like the vaccines, theyre doing their best to gloss over the dangerous side effects.

Multiple mainstream media outlets have been doing segments on Ozempic, not only touting the injectable diabetes drugs weight loss benefits but also pointing to other supposed benefits, like a clip on NBC that claimed it can reduce the risk of cancer.

What theyre not talking about nearly as much are the scary side effects of these so-called weight loss miracles, but that shouldnt be surprising when you consider how heavily pharmaceutical companies advertise in the mainstream media. No one working for these outlets would want to write anything that risks upsetting the companies helping pay their salary.

Dr. Guy Hatchard, a natural medicine advocate with a Ph.D. in Psychology, recently called out the corporate media for this practice, focusing on a lead article in The New Zealand Herald entitled Wellington company director Finlay Thompson loses 30kg taking Ozempic, wants medication funded.

Written by a young journalist, Ethan Manera, it discusses how the company director in question shed 66 pounds while participating in a U.S.-based trial of the drug and receiving it for free. As the trial period comes to a close, he is asking the government to fund the drug for himself and others who need to lose weight. In Thompsons case, he simply cant control his eating and has failed at multiple other attempts to lose weight.

However, as the article pushes the government to pay for the medication, it fails to mention the drugs price: $1,550 for a one-month supply. When you consider the fact that a 2021 survey found that a third of New Zealand adults were overweight, the math is clear: If the countrys government funded Ozempic for all 1.35 million people who need it, it would cost them nearly their entire national health budget of $25 billion.

Media ignoring the dangers of weight loss drugs

Another important aspect of the drug the article overlooks is its dangers. Several studies have linked it to gastrointestinal disturbances and gall stones. Many people have experienced gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis, as the drug slows down the emptying of the stomach, helping patients feel full. Intestinal blockage, bowel obstruction and other problems have also been reported.

Even more alarmingly, some recent findings point to a long-term risk of deadly cancers like pancreatic and thyroid cancer, as well as diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness.

The piece also failed to mention how nine out of ten people who take drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy stop early because of their negative effects, nor did it go into how people have reported losing their sense of fun and experiencing depression and thoughts of suicide while taking these medications. This is something that certainly wont be helped by going off the drug as many people report the weight returns as soon as they stop using it.

Drug makers stand to make a lot of money on these injections, and the number of obese people in the world gives them a huge customer base that could help them see the kind of profits they earned the last time they used the media to pull the wool over peoples eyes, during the pandemic. This means were going to see a lot more one-sided articles that tout the drugs dramatic weight loss effects while ignoring safer and equally effective approaches that no one profits from, setting overweight people up for even more health problems.

Sources for this article include:

Expose-News.com

DailyMail.co.uk
Media rewrites history, claims Kamala was never Bidens border czar in charge of migrant problem

As(TPTB) position themselves to install Kamala Harris as the next puppet "president" of the United States, the corporate media is doing its part to rewrite history in Kamala's favor.

All that talk about Kamala being Joe Biden's "border czar" is out the window now that most Americans can clearly see that America's southern border was left wide open so tens of millions of illegals could flood in, allowing Democrats to register many of them to vote for her.

The Associated Press (AP) reported on March 24, 2021, that Biden had "tapped" Kamala to lead his response to the "border challenges." Around that time, Kamala quickly gained a reputation as Biden's "border czar," which was common knowledge.

Fast-forward to July of 2024 and TIME is reporting that Kamala "was never Biden's 'border czar.'" They apparently hope Americans will simply forget the past and follow the new narrative that Kamala is the best person to lead the United States.

Check out the video below in which a masked Biden can be seen anointing Kamala as his border czar in 2021:

Here is the moment Biden crowned Kamala "border czar" in 2021. Nearly four years later, Kamala has visited the southern border just ONCE as millions of illegals have invaded our country  and ravaged our communities with needless violent crime. pic.twitter.com/xuPSWhISE0  RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 22, 2024

(Related: It might sound far-fetched to some, but there is compelling evidence to suggest that Biden's recent post-resignation phone call was AI-generated  is Biden still even alive now that he has "COVID" and is isolated out of public view? And if he is, does he know he quite the race?)

Biden said Kamala "speaks for me" after anointing her as border czar in 2021

Not only is it an undeniable fact that Kamala was Biden's border czar, it is also undeniable that Biden himself acknowledged this publicly when he revealed that "when she speaks, she speaks for me."

Biden stated unequivocally at the time that Kamala's job was to fix the border crisis. Instead, what she did is allow it to get much, much worse, which is how the nation ended up where it is today.

Axios likewise falsely reported this week that Kamala was never Biden's border czar, calling this idea "confusion" that "haunts her new campaign." Axios in 2021 reported just like the AP did that Kamala had been "anointed by Biden as border czar."

"Our focus is to deal with the root causes," Kamala said at the time after being anointed as head of the border crisis. "And I am looking forward to traveling, hopefully as my first trip, to the Northern Triangle, stopping in Mexico and then going to Guatemala."

GovTrack also went back and "erased Kamala's ranking as the most liberal United States senator," to quote Mike Berg (@MikeKBerg) on X. "The cover up is on!"

In case you forgot, Kamala refused to actually visit the southern border after Biden anointed her as the one in charge of securing it. She revealed to NBC News anchor Lester Holt in an interview at the time that not only had she never visited the southern border, she has also never been to Europe:

Have you been to the border? Kamala: I havent been to Europe either! Remember when the Border czar refused to visit the border until she was pressured? pic.twitter.com/MIZJ91guCZ  Matt Batzel (@MattBatzel) July 22, 2024

"By November, she will have delivered on Biden's promise to cure cancer," wrote someone on X in jest of this blatant rewriting of history encouraging American voters to favor Kamala over Donald Trump.

Is the deep state really planning to install Kamala Harris as queen of America? Find out more at BigGovernment.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

TheConservativeTreehouse.com

NaturalNews.com
Obama refrains from endorsing Kamala Harris in his statement about Bidens withdrawal

Former President Barack Obama has refrained from endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in his statement regarding President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race.

The two-term former chief executive issued a lengthy statement following Biden's July 21 decision to drop out of the presidential race and abandon plans for reelection. He praised Biden's career and dedication, and commended him as a "patriot of the highest order."

Obama also acknowledged the significance of his former vice president's decision to bow out of the race, writing: "For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn't make this decision unless he believed it was right for America."

"I believe that Biden's vision of a generous, prosperous and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic [National] Convention (DNC) in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond."

However, the 44th president who served from 2009 until 2017 refrained from endorsing Harris  who Biden explicitly named to replace him. Obama instead expressed confidence that the Democratic Party's leadership would "create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges" at the DNC next month in Chicago. He also highlighted the "uncharted political waters" the party is navigating in his message.

Bill and Hillary Clinton declare support for Harris

According to YourNews, Obama's statement followed former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton publicly declaring their support for Harris.

"We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all he has accomplished, standing for America time and time again, with his North Star always being what's best for the country," the Clintons said in a joint statement on X. "We are honored to join the president in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her."

Biden announced his decision to drop out in a June 21 post on X. He emphasized that it would be best for the Democratic Party and the country for him to "stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling [his] duties as president for the remainder of [his] term. (Related: IT'S JOE-VER! Biden DROPS OUT of presidential race, endorses VP Harris as replacement.)

The announcement followed weeks of Democratic lawmakers publicly urging him to step down. Despite these, Biden and his campaign team had insisted for weeks that he would remain in the race.

In a subsequent statement, Biden gave his endorsement to the former U.S. senator for California-turned-vice president.

"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as president for the remainder of my term," he said. "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Harris as my vice president  and it's been the best decision I've made. I want to offer my full support and endorsement for [her] to be the nominee."

Since Biden's announcement, endorsements for Harris have rolled in from Democratic Party bigwigs. However, some have proposed a "mini primary process" to select a nominee ahead of the DNC.

Head over to BarackObama.news for more stories about the 44th U.S. president.

Watch Bill Hemmer of Fox News tackling the question of why Barack Obama didn't endorse Kamala Harris to replace Joe Biden below.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

The writing is on the wall: Even Obama thinks Biden could LOSE in 2024.

Biden beware: Obama warns Biden of Trump's political strengths during private lunch.

Obama, Clinton regime veterans form secret committee to oust Biden from presidential race.

Former Obama advisor: Biden has "50% chance or less" of winning 2024 presidential election.

Biden's CEO ally: The president won't bow down to Democrat elites who want him out of the race.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Edition.CNN.com

Brighteon.com
Once-rare facial paralysis disease surges due to COVID jabs

A team of physician investigators from Adventist Health, a faith-based, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 90 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with more than 400 locations, has discovered that cases of oculomotor nerve palsy, a once-rare form of facial paralysis, is on the rise due to Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccines."

Drs. Antonio K. Liu, M.D., and Ifeanyichukwu Ozobu, M.D., led the team at White Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles in identifying the trigger behind soaring rates of oculomotor nerve palsy, also known as third nerve palsy.

"Oculomotor nerve palsy is derived from damage to the third cranial nerve," writes Frank Bergman for Slay News.

"The condition causes characteristic symptoms, such as a drooping eyelid, double vision, pupil dilation, and deficits in adduction and vertical gaze."

(Related: Remember when Justin Bieber canceled his entire 2023 world tour after developing facial paralysis post-COVID "vaccination?")

Skip the shots, avoid facial paralysis

The team analyzed recent cases of the strange facial paralysis condition in conjunction with patients' "vaccination" status for COVID. They took particular note of the relation between mRNA (modRNA) injections and third nerve palsy.

From there, they divided the patients they analyzed into two groups based on when their symptoms appeared: the immediate group and the delayed group as some of the patients became paralyzed right away while others experienced disease later.

The two types of mRNA injections offered by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are linked both to immediate onset oculomotor nerve palsy as well as the delayed form of the disease.

In one patient case, a person who took Moderna's "Spikevax" (mRNA-1273) injection developed third nerve palsy 14 days after getting the shot. That case dovetailed with another involving a patient who developed the disease 17 days after injection.

Interestingly, the team discovered positive ganglioside antibodies in the patients, meaning autoantibodies that are produced against gangliosides, as glycosphingolipids contain sialic acid.

The team warns that these findings "highlight the potential for unusual occurrences following COVID-19 vaccination but also opens up avenues for exploring the underlying mechanisms behind these events."

The fact that such research took place under the umbrella of a major West Coast health group is both unexpected and encouraging in that it demonstrates a growing interest even among establishment doctors to pinpoint why "fully vaccinated" people are getting critically ill with all sorts of new diseases.

In another case highlighted by the research, an 81-year-old man had to be rushed to the emergency room after developing diplopia, also known as double vision, due to his COVID shots. Before getting injected and sick, the man had no previously confirmed infection with COVID.

This individual received a Moderna SARS-CoV-2 mRNA booster shot just 16 days before he presented with double vision. The onset of his symptoms occurred two weeks after getting jabbed.

During the injection process, the man reported only mild malaise with all of his "past medical history, family history, and social history ... all non-contributory."

"His pupils were both reactive to light," the man's doctors reported. "On digital pupillometry, his pupils showed slightly different sizes (right: 3.22 mm, left: 3.45 mm) and demonstrated decreased reactivity in the right eye (Neurological Pupillary Index: right 2.2, left 2.7)."

The man's doctors concluded that their "findings were consistent with an isolated right oculomotor nerve palsy that spared the pupil."

It took several days for the man's doctors to figure out that he had developed oculomotor nerve palsy, which in his case eventually resolved itself.

The research team speculates that perhaps the underlying mechanism behind all this is molecular mimicry, an autoimmune mechanism in which the immune system mistakes the body's own tissue as a foreign invader.

It is never a good idea to get injected for COVID. Learn more at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

SlayNews.com

NaturalNews.com
U.S. surgeon says Israeli snipers deliberately targeted Palestinian children

In an interview with "CBS Sunday Morning" that aired Sunday, July 21, an American surgeon who volunteered in Gaza, Dr. Mark Perlmutter, claimed that Israeli snipers are deliberately targeting Palestinian children, including toddlers.

"I had children who were shot twice," said Dr. Perlmutter, who volunteered in Gaza at the end of April and the first couple of weeks of May. "I have two children that I have photographs of that were shot so perfectly in the chest I couldn't put my stethoscope over their heart more accurately and directly on the side of the head in the same child."

Perlmutter added, "No toddler gets shot twice by mistake by the world's best snipers. And they're dead-center shots." Similar accounts were reported by other foreign doctors who volunteered in Gaza and spoke to the Guardian in April, stating that Israeli snipers were targeting children in the head.

Earlier this month, Israeli outlet +972 Magazine published a report citing Israeli soldiers, detailing how the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza essentially had no restrictions on who they could shoot. The report claimed that the IDF "routinely executes" civilians who enter areas deemed "no-go zones" by the military and it included incidents where young children were killed. (Related: Israeli army approves BRUTAL and SHOCKING "free-for-all" violence in Gaza.)

Dr. Perlmutter, vice president of the International College of Surgeons, said in his interview that what he witnessed in Gaza was worse than all the disaster zones he had seen combined. "Forty mission trips, 30 years, Ground Zero, earthquakes. All of that combined doesn't equal the level of carnage that I saw against civilians in just my first week in Gaza," he said.

When asked if the civilians he saw wounded or killed were mostly children, Perlmutter responded, "Almost exclusively children. Ive never seen that before. Never seen that. Ive seen more incinerated children than I've ever seen in my entire life combined. I've seen more shredded children in just the first week."

Explaining what he meant by "shredded" children, Perlmutter said, "Missing body parts, being crushed by buildings, the greatest majority, or bomb explosions, the next greatest majority. We've taken shrapnel as big as my thumb out of eight-year-olds."

Nearly 16,000 Gaza children killed by Israeli troops

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, nearly 16,000 children have been killed by the Israeli assault on Gaza and about 38,000 have been wounded, many of whom have become amputees. Due to the Israeli siege, children's limbs have been amputated without anesthetics.

Children make up over a third of the more than 32,000 casualties in Israel's months-long assault on Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in April. Tens of thousands of young people have suffered severe injuries, including amputations.

Nine doctors, mostly foreign volunteers, shared their experiences of working in Gaza hospitals. They said many of the dead and wounded children were hit by shrapnel or burned during extensive bombardments of residential neighborhoods. Some children were killed or injured by collapsing buildings, with many still missing under the rubble.

Doctors also noted a disturbing pattern of treating children, elderly people and non-combatants with single bullet wounds to the head or chest, suggesting they were targeted. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence support claims that Israeli soldiers have fired on civilians, including children, outside of combat situations.

In mid-February, a group of UN experts accused the Israeli military of targeting Palestinian civilians, including children, seeking shelter. The Guardian's review with military experts and forensic pathologists found it difficult to conclusively determine the circumstances of the shootings but noted the use of Israeli military ammunition.

Eyewitness accounts described civilians coming under fire while waving white flags, and Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Israel routinely fires on civilians in areas declared as "combat zones." The IDF uses snipers during combat operations and both Israeli and foreign human rights groups have documented instances of snipers firing on unarmed Palestinians, including children.

A new development in the Gaza conflict is the use of armed drones, or quadcopters, which can hover over streets and target individuals. Palestinians report that these drones have been used to shoot civilians.

More related news can be found at Genocide.news.

Watch this video of Israeli Snipers shooting and killing anything that moves in the Gaza Strip.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel used U.S.-made missiles and bombs in deadly Gaza school strike.

Death toll in Gaza could hit nearly 600,000 people as "indirect deaths" pile up, The Lancet projects.

Hunger "worse than bombings" in starved-out Gaza: "people dizzy and weak."

Sources include:

News.Antiwar.com

TheGuardian.com

Brighteon.com
Tesla plans to launch humanoid robots next year, says Elon Musk

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla plans to launch humanoid robots for internal purposes beginning next year, with plans for wider production by 2026.

"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," Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted on his X account Monday, July 22. (Related: In two years, China plans to unleash mass-produced humanoid robots to replace human workers.)

The announcement came after Musk said in April that the Tesla robot Optimus would be able to carry out factory jobs by the end of this year and could be ready for sale by the end of 2025.

Tesla first revealed plans to work on humanoid robots in 2021 at an AI [artificial intelligence] Day event. The company unveiled Optimus a year later, noting that its anticipated value would be less than a Tesla car.

Musk said at the time that several robots that came before the Optimus were "missing a brain" and didn't have the intelligence to move on their own. He noted that Optimus will be an "extremely capable robot," and with a reasonable price tag of less than $20,000. "Optimus is going to be incredible in five or ten years, like mind-blowing," Musk stated.

Humanoid robots resemble humans

Humanoid robots are created to resemble humans, emulating facial expressions and movements.

Many companies, including Japan's Honda and Hyundai Motor's Boston Dynamics, have been betting on humanoid robots to address possible labor shortages in certain industries by doing repetitive tasks that may be viewed as dangerous or tedious.

Musk earlier said that robot sales could become a bigger part of the Tesla business than other sectors.

Valued at $1.8 billion in 2023, the international humanoid robot market is expected to surge to more than $13 billion over the next five years, as reported by research firm MarketsandMarkets.

Tesla has been developing a humanoid robot for years. The company said one of its goals is to make a "general purpose, bi-pedal, autonomous humanoid robot capable of performing unsafe, repetitive or boring tasks."

Musk introduced a prototype of the Optimus in 2022. At the time, Optimus was made out of wires and metal constructed unclearly in the shape of a human. The first generation could only make very fundamental movements, such as taking a few steps and waving to the crowd.

Tesla showed off its next generation of Optimus robot last year, this time with a smoother design, as well as enhanced features and sensors that allow the robot to work faster. In a video presentation, the robot demonstrated its dexterity by picking up, holding and laying down an egg without breaking it.

The concept of humanoid robots is not new, and many tech companies have already started production of comparable models. The recent announcement about the Optimus robot comes at a time when Tesla is encountering challenges in its core EV business.

With EV demand showing signs of decreasing and comprising over 80 percent of Tesla's quarterly income, Musk is now shifting the company's focus into AI, autonomous driving software, robotaxis and humanoid robots.

The change in focus mirrors Tesla's strategy to expand its range of products and income flows. It also highlights the company's commitment to staying at the center of technological innovation.

Follow Robots.news for more stories like this.

Watch the video below about Elon Musk saying that the ratio of humanoid robots to humans will be at least two to one.

This video is from the Thrivetime Show channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Workers in warehouses could soon lose their jobs to HUMANOID ROBOTS.

CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED: Humanoid robots claim they could run the world better than humans.

Former Joint Chiefs chairman predicts one-third of U.S. military will be replaced with ROBOTS in the next 10-15 years.

Tesla in Full Self-Driving mode SLAMS into parked police car.

Robot civil servant in South Korea commits "suicide."

Sources include:

RT.com

Independent.co.uk

WIONews.com
Trump campaign files FEC challenge over Bidens funds being funneled to Kamala

Those trying to install Kamala Harris as president now that Joe Biden has dropped out of the race and mysteriously disappeared after "catching COVID" are "committing the largest campaign finance violation in American history," the campaign of Donald Trump is arguing in a new challenge filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Though a "long shot," according to the Wall Street Journal, the Trump campaign hopes to stop Kamala from receiving all of the cash "donations" that were made for Biden when she was not a candidate in the race.

Trump's campaign says Kamala fraudulently took funds intended for Biden and redirected them to herself, this according to a letter sent to the FEC that was viewed by the Journal.

"Until Sunday, while Joe Biden had previously stated his intention to place Kamala Harris' name in nomination to be his running mate, Kamala Harris was not actually a candidate for anything," wrote Trump lawyer David A. Warrington in the letter.

"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."

(Related: After Biden refused to quit the race but before he actually did, prominent Democrat power brokers were plotting a scheme to unleash a "loophole" of rebellion against his second-term presidential endeavors.)

Even Democrats don't want Kamala (and neither do voters in California, her home state)

For the past couple of days while the world was still digesting Biden's sudden departure, FEC commissioners and election finance lawyers have been duking it out over whether or not funneling Biden's cash to Kamala is legal.

"Either way," the Journal reported, "it's unlikely the Trump campaign's challenge will affect Harris' spending through November."

What do you think: Is the Journal right that Trump's FEC challenge is a long shot or will it succeed now that the Democrat house of cards seems to be tumbling at increasing speed as Election Day approaches?

On the one hand, Biden originally filed his candidacy with Kamala as his vice president, which some say means she deserves the financial war chest. On the other, many of the people who donated to Biden for president never would have donated to Kamala for president had they known she would be suddenly substituted under questionable circumstances.

"Biden has full authority to transfer that money to Kamala's campaign," one commenter argued. "And no paperwork is due until the quarterly filing deadline unless it's the last quarter, then it's due monthly. This is a Trump marketing ploy."

Another joked in much the same vein that the only thing that awaits Kamala from this FEC challenge is "a strongly worded letter," meaning no punishment and no forced send-back of all that cash will occur.

"Biden was installed under a huge cloud of suspicious activity and 'malarkey,'" wrote another. "He is going out the same way."

No matter which way the FEC challenge goes, Trump is sure to make Kamala's life "a living hell," suggested another. "I can't wait to watch it unfold."

Another shared the following video of former President Gerald Ford sharing his opinion about how the United States would receive its first woman president:

Former presidential candidate and Hawaii representative Tulsi Gabbard continues to try to tell the world who the real Kamala is, including during a recent appearance on Glenn Beck's podcast (check out the July 24, 2024, episode about how a Kamala Harris presidency is good news for the deep state).

Do you think Trump will win the 2024 election or will it be stolen for Kamala? Find out more at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheRightScoop.com

NaturalNews.com

YouTube.com

iHeart.com
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

Tesla seeks regulatory approval for supervised FSD in China, Europe

On July 24, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced during the earnings call that the company is applying for regulatory approval to implement supervised FSD in Europe and China, with approval expected by the end of the year.

Photo credit: Tesla

XPENG forays into Singaporean market

Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG launched its G6 model in Singapore on July 25, marking the company's entry into the Singaporean market. This move is part of XPENG's global strategy to leverage Singapore's position as an Asian economic hub to drive international expansion.

360 Security partners with Dongfeng Motors MHERO Technology

On July 24, chairman and CEO of 360 Security Technology Inc. Zhou Hongyi was delivered his first new energy off-road vehicle, the MHERO 917 under Dongfeng Motors MHERO brand. 360 Security and MHERO Technology signed a strategic cooperation agreement to enhance the safety and intelligence of Chinas new energy vehicles, focusing on vehicle-end security and joint solutions for the connected car industry.

Xiaomi EV confirms no plans to sell cars overseas in recent years

On the evening of July 24, Xiaomi EV released some answers to netizens' questions, addressing various queries regarding the SU7 Ultra prototype display plans and potential European market launch.

XPENG AEROHT, Hechi city join hands to promote testing, applications of flying cars

On July 25, XPENG AEROHT, a flying car (eVTOL) company affiliated to XPENG, and the government of Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly promote key aspects of flying car development, including testing, application, and support services, according to a post on XPENG AEROHT's WeChat account.

Lear inaugurates new manufacturing base in Shanghai Lin-gang Special Area

Recently, auto parts company Lear Automotive Parts (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. celebrated the grand opening of its new manufacturing base in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area, part of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the company announced via its WeChat account.

Geely Automobile achieves record-high overseas sales, growth in H1 2024

On July 25, Geely Automobile Holdings Limited ("Geely Automobile") announced that its overseas sales reached 197,428 vehicles in the first half of 2024, marking a year-on-year surge of over 67%, setting new records for both sales volume and growth rate.

Foton Motor launches TUNLAND pickup range in Mexico

Recently, BAIC Groups commercial vehicle arm Foton Motor held a grand launch event in Mexico for its TUNLAND series of pickups. The company introduced the TUNLAND V and TUNLAND G series, featuring its first hybrid full-size pickup, along with the TUNLAND E5 electric pickup to the local market.

Hesai Technology, Westwell form partnership to promote LiDAR applications

On July 24, LiDAR technology company Hesai Technology announced its recent partnership with intelligent new energy solution provider Westwell. The collaboration focuses on the intelligent application of LiDAR in various scenarios, including autonomous driving, port logistics, industrial robots, heavy machinery, and smart cities.

Changan Automobile forays into Latin American market

On July 24, Changan Automobile held its Latin America brand launch event in Mexico City, Mexico, unveiling three major brands, including the NEVO new energy vehicle (NEV) range under Changan Auto, the DEEPAL NEV brand, and the premium NEV brand AVATR.

SAIC Motor announces delivery of 2nd ocean-going car carrier

On July 24, SAIC Motor announced the delivery of its second ocean-going automobile transport ship, a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel named "SAIC Anji Splendor." The ship was built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited through SAIC Motor's commission.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 25, XPENG AEROHT, a flying car (eVTOL) company affiliated to XPENG, and the government of Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly promote key aspects of flying car development, including testing, application, and support services, according to a post on XPENG AEROHT's WeChat account.

Photo credit: XPENG AEROHT

This collaboration will establish a low-altitude economy demonstration site in Hechi, aiming to create a development hub for the southwestern region of China and extend its influence to ASEAN countries.

During the signing event, Hechi City also released the "Hechi City High-Quality Development Plan for the Low-Altitude Economy (2024-2026)." The plan emphasizes leveraging mountain scenario applications and innovation, focusing on low-altitude sightseeing tourism and test flights. It aims to comprehensively advance low-altitude infrastructure, equipment manufacturing, and modern services, fostering new technologies, models, and business forms in the low-altitude sector to promote high-quality regional economic development.

Photo credit: XPENG AEROHT

Previously, XPENG AEROHT's XPENG X2 flying car has conducted trial flights in various scenarios in Hechi, actively expanding its flying car experience network.

To date, XPENG AEROHT has successfully signed nearly 60 flying car experience camps, covering a range of scenarios including flying camps, scenic spots, cultural tourism towns, and urban areas. These experience camps will feature take-off and landing platforms for flying cars, along with comprehensive flight experience and operational support services. Through collaborations with local governments, cultural tourism authorities, and flying sites, XPENG AEROHT is constructing a nationwide flight experience network to provide future flying car users with a safe, compliant, and enjoyable flying space.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On July 25, DEEPAL, Changan Automobile's new energy vehicle brand, officially put the S07 model onto the market, with prices ranging from 149,900 yuan to 212,900 yuan. The S07 is available in both battery electric (BEV) and range-extended (REEV) versions, with some trim levels equipped with Huawei's Qiankun intelligent driving assistance system.

Photo credit: DEEPAL

The DEEPAL S07 maintains the brand's family design language, featuring sleek LED headlights and a closed front grille, with a consistent front design across both BEV and REEV versions. The car includes frameless doors, electric pop-up door handles, and semi-enclosed wheels, available in seven body colors. The rear design boasts a full-width LED light cluster and a single-point brake light on top.

Photo credit: DEEPAL

Measuring 4,750mm in length, 1,930mm in width, and 1,625mm in height, with a 2,900mm wheelbase, the S07 shares its dimensions with the DEEPAL S7 model. The S07 REEV offers four variants, while the S07 BEV has two, differing primarily in safety, intelligent driving, power, and range features.

The DEEPAL S07 models equipped with Huawei's Qiankun ADS SE intelligent driving system add six ultrasonic radars, a front camera, and four side cameras, enabling advanced highway navigation assistance and smart parking. This system supports smart lane changes, obstacle avoidance, curve handling, speed adjustment, and ramp navigation, with over 160 parking scenarios covered.

Photo credit: DEEPAL

Inside, the S07 features a dashboard-free design (AR-HUD), a 15.6-inch central control screen, and a 12.3-inch passenger screen. It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip and Deepal OS onboard system, with three interior color options. The top-spec variants offer additional features like perforated leather seats, 64-color ambient lighting, 50W wireless charging, electric suction doors, 16-way adjustable drivers seat with 8-point massage, 14-way adjustable passenger seat with leg support, a 14-speaker audio system, and electric sunshades.

The S07 REEV has a respective CLTC-rated battery-powered ranges of 125km, 215km, and 285km, with a combined range of up to 1,200km. In the state of depleted battery, it maintains a low fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km under CLTC conditions. The S07 BEV offers CLTC ranges of 520km and 628km, equipped with Changan Automobile proprietary Golden Shield Battery 2.0 and 3C fast charging, which allows the vehicle to charge to 80% of its capacity in 15 minutes.
India, UK launch joint Technology Security Initiative spanning 7 key areas

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he Indian and UK Prime Ministers, recognising the increasing role of technology in national security and economic development, have launched a new 'Technology Security Initiative' (TSI), spanning seven vital sectors, to elevate the strategic partnership between the two countries, an official statement said on Wednesday.

The TSI, to be coordinated by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of both countries, will build upon the ambitious bilateral cooperation agenda set out in the India-UK Roadmap 2030, and will bring into sharper focus collaboration in critical and emerging technologies (CET) across priority sectors, as per the TSI document, shared by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The domains, for the launch of new bilateral initiatives and accelerating cooperation between relevant stakeholders within government, technology and research centres, and industry to expand and deepen the technology security partnership were listed as, but not limited, to telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, quantum, biotechnology and healthtech, and advanced materials.

The NSAs will set the priority areas and identify interdependencies for cooperation on CETs that will help build meaningful technology value chain partnerships and the Deputy NSAs will review the progress on a half-yearly basis. A bilateral mechanism will also be set up for promotion of trade in CETs, including the resolution of relevant licensing or regulatory issues.

Lauding the existing collaborations, the two countries said that they seek to build on this strong foundation to collectively shape a fourth industrial revolution that improves the citizens' health, wellbeing and prosperity, in ways which support democracy and peace, the document said.

In the telecoms domain, both countries will collaborate on joint research on future telecoms, focussed on Open RAN systems, testbed linkups, telecoms security, spectrum innovation, software and systems architecture, and a partnership to boost security, resilience and performance of telecom networks, among others.

Collaboration is also envisaged between UK and Indian researchers in global design and development of next-generation telecommunication technologies, and promoting 6G technology engagement, and collaboration on telecoms diversification, telecoms security, telecoms standards, telecom equipment and use of spectrum.

Both countries will also encourage pilot projects by Indian and UK companies in each other's 4G/5G/6G stack and enterprise connectivity, connected devices, edge computing and adoption of green and sustainable telecommunications.

In critical minerals, both countries will expand collaboration, work together to improve supply chain resilience, and explore possible research and development and technology partnerships along the complete critical minerals value chain (including exploration, processing, and manufacturing).

A UK-India "critical minerals" community of academics, innovators, and industry will be established, and partnerships leveraged to develop economically feasible and environmentally sustainable extraction technologies for identified critical minerals.

Collaboration between leading Indian and UK research institutes will be deepened as well between the British Geological Survey (BGS) and Geological Survey of India (GSI), along with IREL (India) Ltd, including on Rare Earth Elements exploration.

On semiconductors, the two countries will seek to leverage their individual strengths and incentives, and explore mutually beneficial R&D focused on strategic issues such as supply chain resilience collaboration, skills exchanges and hardware security.

The partnership will seek opportunities for academic and industrial R&D collaboration, including in chip design and IP, compound semiconductors, etc with a focus on strategically important applications such as powering net zero, advanced telecommunications and cybersecurity. It will also comprise sharing best practices and knowledge exchange programmes on workforce development, and encouraging further integration of supply chains for manufacturing and designing semiconductor chips and wafers, among other objectives.

The UK and India will work towards safe, responsible, human-centric and trustworthy AI, which can promote global good and strengthen interoperability between their AI governance frameworks, as well as cooperate in fora like the G20, Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), and the United Nations (UN).

A mechanism for collaboration and policy exchange on AI applications, and to equip AI researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to detect, mitigate and challenge bias in AI algorithms are also among the objectives.

Existing efforts by British and Indian institutions will be utilised towards the creation of a joint Centre for Responsible AI, while a group of experts will be commissioned to deliver a report on specific areas for targeted collaboration to take forward further development of AI and its applications across sectors.

Both countries said they recognise that quantum is an important area for discussion, and will respond to the rapidly changing technological landscape by establishing a high-level dialogue to gain an in-depth understanding of national strategies, and possible future research.

Both will also have joint hackathons in quantum algorithms and solutions for automotive, life sciences, chemicals, and greenhouse gas domains, entrepreneurship training for translating quantum capabilities into business applications and academic/industry exchanges on skills development.

It was also agreed to strengthen biotechnology cooperation, launch a high-level partnership on engineering biology and share knowledge to help facilitate research advances. Areas of focus include genomics, genomic prediction and precision medicine, cell and gene therapy, biotherapeutics (including bio-manufacturing), smart bio-sensors and bio-electronics, biomaterials and bio-fabrication in line with respective ethical and legal frameworks.

Co-development and evaluation of affordable healthcare measures, including low-cost diagnostics for early detection of important diseases, and novel preventive and therapeutic interventions will also be a priority.

The UK and India will establish a high-level dialogue on advanced materials, to identify specific R&D collaboration on materials/composites and collaboration on research, responsible innovation and standards, as they seek to elevate the lower TRL (Technology Readiness Level) technologies to higher TRL and CRL (Commercial Readiness Level).

They will also collaborate on specific types of materials, such as novel alloys and powders, advanced materials for extreme environments, alongside sustainable materials and manufacturing for transforming foundation industries, such as glass, paper, cements, chemicals, and metals.

 India, UK launch joint Technology Security Initiative spanning 7 key areas

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Automatic train protection system Kavach deployed on 1,465 km of tracks: Minister

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he 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.

 Automatic train protection system Kavach deployed on 1,465 km of tracks: Minister

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Harris leads Trump among Indian-Americans, shows survey (Lead)

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amala 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)

 Harris leads Trump among Indian-Americans, shows survey (Lead)

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Starlink now operational on more than 1,000 aircraft: Musk

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he affordable internet service Starlink is now operational on more than 1,000 aircraft, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Thursday.

According to the company, Starlink keeps passengers connected with high-speed internet from the moment they step onboard their plane.

"Using Starlink on a plane feels like you're on a high-speed ground fibre connection," said the tech billionaire in a post on social media platform X.

Musk recently informed that Sierra Leone in Africa became the 100th country - and the 10th African nation - to be connected to Starlink.

In May, the company launched Starlink in Indonesia and Fiji. According to Musk, no long-term contract is required to order the high-speed internet service with Starlink.

The satellite-based internet service has also received preliminary approval from Sri Lanka to provide internet service in the island nation.

However, the internet service has yet to receive approval from the Indian government.

The commercial part has been examined on issues such as foreign investment and net worth, and the technical requirements have been examined in accordance with the licensing conditions in the country.

Once Starlink gets approval, it will be issued a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services license, which is required to provide satellite communication services in the country.

 Starlink now operational on more than 1,000 aircraft: Musk

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Wildfires rage across US; prompt evacuations, highway shutdown

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ildfires continue raging across the western United States, prompting thousands to evacuate, together with the highways' shutdown.

The situation further worsened on Wednesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Durkee Fire in Oregon State shut down Interstate 84 in the eastern part of the state in both directions on Tuesday between Ontario and Baker City, the state's Department of Transportation said, warning that "the fire is advancing rapidly towards the highway in multiple locations in the Farewell Bend area."

Durkee, the current largest wildfire in Oregon, was sparked by lightning and discovered in the morning of July 17. It has burned through over 239,000 acres with zero per cent containment as of Wednesday.

Level three evacuations are in place in Baker and Malheur counties due to the Durkee and Cow Valley fires. There are currently 115 active fires in the state, according to its wildfire tracker.

In Washington State, a fire sparked on Monday near Naches and led to mandatory evacuations, while another burning near Bickelton also led to evacuations and threatened a natural gas plant.

In California, the Apache Fire was sparked on Tuesday evening in Ventura County in the Los Padres National Forest. The 250-acre blaze led the county to order evacuations for residences on Apache Canyon Road, local fire officials said.

The US Forest Service said in a release on Tuesday that millions of acres of national forest lands across the states of Oregon and Washington are "continuing to see record-breaking dry timber conditions," coupled with lightning storms, that spur "rapid wildfire growth."

 Wildfires rage across US; prompt evacuations, highway shutdown

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Patrick Pleul/Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

Elon Musk is facing a growing number of legal fights.

BI scoured the dockets to find the biggest court cases and investigations posing a threat to the billionaire.

If Musk throws his support behind Donald Trump, he stands to gain if Trump wins the presidency.

It's not unusual for a high-profile business figure to attract a lot of lawsuits. But by any standard, Elon Musk is spending a lot of time and money on lawsuits.

Musk and his companies  especially Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly known as Twitter)  keep running into controversies, whether it's over whether the products actually work as well as they're supposed to, the billionaire's pay structure, his hiring practices, and even his firing practices.

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He has also become a magnet for personal lawsuits. Musk is involved in messy litigation with Claire Boucher, aka Grimes, the mother of three of Musk's children. He has also launched lawsuits of his own through his companies, wading into arguments about free speech on the internet. Musk often relies on Alex Spiro, his longtime personal lawyer, to fight and coordinate the cases.

Business Insider has combed through court records and created a list of the most significant legal challenges on Musk's docket.

The lawsuits and government investigations into Musk and his companies range from discriminatory hiring practices to allegations that some of Tesla's features don't work as advertised.

Some of his highest-profile battles  such as Musk's court victories over Musk's "funding secured" tweet and "pedo guy" tweets, his losses against an anti-hate group and the SEC over a "Twitter sitter," and his settlement with a Black Tesla employee who was the victim of racist discrimination  have been resolved, and aren't included on this list.

With his vast wealth, Musk could stand to gain from supporting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Over the past several years, Musk's politics have drifted rightward, and there were reports he was being considered for an advisory role in a second Trump administration if the former president wins the election.

Story continues

As the leader of the executive branch, Trump  who in his first term used the levers of the federal government for his own benefit  could seek to force agencies to drop investigations and ongoing cases against Musk and his companies.

Spiro and representatives for Musk did not respond to requests for comment from BI.

Elon Musk is CEO of Tesla. Anna Webber/Variety/Getty Images

Lawsuits brought by Musk

Musk v. Media Matters

The issue: Musk's company X Corp. filed a lawsuit in Texas against the liberal advocacy group Media Matters in November, alleging the group launched a "blatant smear campaign" against X.

What's going on: Last year, Media Matters published a report that indicated X was placing advertising content next to pro-Nazi posts on the social media site. The nonprofit's report appeared to launch another advertising exodus from Musk's social media site.

Musk claims in his lawsuit that the group manipulated its findings and cherry-picked information. In response, Media Matters president Angelo Carusone called it "a frivolous lawsuit meant to bully X's critics into silence."

The issue has broadened into investigations from right-wing state attorneys general in Texas and Missouri, who are examining whether Media Matters broke civil laws with its reporting on Musk's social media company.

Media Matters laid off several employees in May, blaming the "legal assault" that it says restricted its resources.

What's next: Media Matters lost an attempt to force the judge in the case, US District Judge Reed O'Connor, to recuse himself, after he stepped aside from another lawsuit by X following reports that he owned Tesla stock. The trial is ongoing.

Gina Carano v. Disney

The issues: Actress Gina Carano is suing Disney after it fired her from "The Mandalorian" after she made posts on X comparing the treatment of conservatives in America to Jews in Nazi Germany. One post also engaged in Holocaust denial, claiming "thousands" of Jews were "rounded up," rather than millions. X is funding the lawsuit, and Musk has championed it on the platform.

What's going on: Musk has promised to back lawsuits supporting people who were fired because of their X posts, and Carano's is a test case for that project, which Musk says is meant to protect free speech.

The lawsuit, crafted by boutique conservative law firm Schaerr Jaffe, focuses on California labor laws that protect political activism outside the workplace.

In July, the judge overseeing the case rejected Disney's motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Disney argued the company has a First Amendment right not to associate with Carano's views, which also include criticism of vaccine mandates and questioning the results of the 2020 election.

What's next: The lawsuit now seems likely to move onto a trial after the judge declined to dismiss the suit.

Musk v. NLRB

The issues: Musk's Tesla is fighting a decision by the National Labor Relations Board that the electric-car company CEO violated labor laws back in 2018 when he tweeted that Tesla employees could lose their stock options if they unionized.

What's going on: A three-judge panel of the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals last year upheld the NLRB's finding that Musk's tweet unlawfully threatened Tesla employees' benefits. Musk's May 21, 2018 tweet at the center of the matter read: "Nothing stopping Tesla team at our car plant from voting union. Could do so tmrw if they wanted. But why pay union dues & give up stock options for nothing? Our safety record is 2X better than when plant was UAW & everybody already gets healthcare."

Attorneys for Tesla  which argued that Musk's tweet could not be interpreted as a threat  asked the federal appeals court to reconsider the ruling. That request was granted.

What's next: The full 5th Circuit heard oral arguments in the case earlier this year, and the 17-judge panel has yet to issue a ruling.

Musk vs Altman

The issues: After dropping his first lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman in June, Musk filed a new lawsuit against the company and its cofounders Altman and Greg Brockman in August.

What's going on: In the new lawsuit, Musk argued he had been "deceived" into co-founding the company and "assiduously manipulated" by Altman and Brockman, who he says played on his fears that AI posed an existential risk to humanity.

The lawsuit again focuses on claims that OpenAI transitioned from a benign non-profit to a for-profit entity, which Musk's lawyers describe as "a vehicle for Altman and his partners' self-enrichment."

Musk founded OpenAI along with Altman and Brockman in 2015, before departing in 2018. The billionaire has set up his own AI startup, xAI, to compete with the ChatGPT creator.

What's next: The lawsuit is working its way through California's Northern District Court. OpenAI referred BI to Musk's emails, which the company publicly released in response to the first lawsuit.

Elon Musk and his companies face several lawsuits and investigations brought by the government. VCG/Getty

Government lawsuits and investigations

SEC investigation into Musk's Twitter takeover

The issues: The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Elon Musk's Twitter purchase.

What's going on: The SEC and Musk have a long history together. In October, the agency announced it had opened an investigation into his $44 billion purchase of the social media company. The SEC hasn't said specifically what it's looking into  only that the probe concerns his purchase of Twitter stock and his 2022 statements and SEC filings relating to his purchase.

What's next: In May, Musk agreed to testify in the investigation, which remains ongoing.

Tesla Autopilot investigation

The issues: Justice Department prosecutors  as well as regulators from other federal agencies  are looking into Tesla's claims of self-driving.

What's going on: Federal prosecutors are examining whether Tesla committed wire fraud or securities fraud with exaggerated claims of self-driving using the cars' "Autopilot" feature. The Securities and Exchange Commission is also looking into whether investors were misled by the claims, according to Reuters. And in a separate probe, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into reports of Tesla crashes involving the Autopilot feature.

What's next: Tesla has already issued recalls  which, in its case, just means a software update  to add more safeguards to its Autopilot feature. Tesla recalls are essentially just software updates, and the company already issued a recall on 2 million of its vehicles to add more safeguards to its Autopilot feature. The NHTSA is still looking into whether those updates were sufficient.

The company also recently settled a civil lawsuit over a crash that killed an Apple engineer while one of its cars was in Autopilot mode  one of several dozen Tesla deaths involving the feature.

Tesla steering loss investigation

The issues: The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating thousands of complaints that drivers of Tesla's Model Y and Model 3 vehicles suddenly lost steering control.

What's going on: The investigation began in 2023. Earlier this year, the agency advanced its investigation and sought more records from Tesla.

What's next: The probe's recent upgrade to the "engineering analysis" stage suggests the NHTSA may soon issue a Tesla recall.

NLRB v. SpaceX

The issues: In a complaint earlier this year, the NLRB accused Musk's SpaceX of illegally firing eight employees for criticizing Musk in an open letter.

What's going on: The former employees alleged that they were terminated in 2022 over their involvement in the open letter to SpaceX executives that called Musk's public behavior "a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us." The NLRB filed its complaint in connection with the matter earlier this year.

What's next: In response to the complaint, SpaceX sued the NLRB in federal court, alleging that the government agency's structure is unconstitutional. An appeals court handed Musk a legal win in May when it temporarily blocked the NLRB's case against the rocket company.

SpaceX lawsuit for not hiring refugees

The issues: The Justice Department's civil rights division filed a lawsuit alleging SpaceX illegally discriminated against asylees and refugees by refusing to hire them.

What's going on: The lawsuit, filed in August, pointed to Elon Musk's own social media posts where he claimed that US law requires "at least a green card" to be hired at SpaceX for national security reasons. That simply isn't true, the Justice Department alleged.

Instead of suing in a federal district court under a Senate-confirmed judge, the Justice Department brought the lawsuit through an administrative court, where the judges are appointed by the US Attorney General. SpaceX sued in a federal district court in Texas over this arrangement, and a judge agreed with the company, ruling in November that there were constitutional problems with the arrangement.

What's next: The case has been gummed up in the federal district court in Texas, as the Justice Department and SpaceX exchange volleys over the jurisdiction for different parts of the lawsuit. The US Supreme Court has also shown a willingness to reconsider the constitutionality of administrative law judges in different agencies, and pending decisions from the high court could continue to alter the trajectory of the SpaceX case.

Tesla racism lawsuit

The issues: The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Tesla in September, alleging Black employees at a California manufacturing facility have been subjected to racist harassment.

What's going on: The federal agency's lawsuit joined dozens of other cases from Tesla workers who've said they experienced racist abuse. One employee, Owen Diaz, won a major victory when Tesla was ordered to pay $3.2 million in a racial discrimination case.

What's next: A federal judge denied a motion to dismiss the EEOC lawsuit in March, putting it on the path for a trial.

Claire Boucher, AKA Grimes, and Elon Musk have each filed lawsuits in a custody dispute. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Personal lawsuits against Musk

Tornetta v. Musk

The issues: Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta sued Musk and Tesla in a class action lawsuit regarding Musk's compensation package, which was worth $55.8 billion at the time.

What's going on: In 2018, Tesla set up a pay plan for Musk that involved a 10-year grant of 12 tranches of stock options that would vest when Tesla hit certain targets tied to the automaker's market value and revenue. Musk was able to hit all 12 targets in 2023. With each milestone, Musk received stock equal to 1% of outstanding shares at the time of the grant.

Tornetta's lawsuit alleges that the pay package was "beyond the bounds of reasonable judgment" and says Musk had influenced the board's approval of the plan, including through his close personal relationships with board members such as his brother Kimbal Musk.

Tesla has argued that compensation was needed to maintain Musk's attention, and shareholders have benefited from the impact Musk's leadership has had on Tesla's stock, which has climbed dramatically since 2018.

The Delaware Court of Chancery struck down Musk's pay package in January. In June, Tesla shareholders voted to approve the package.

What's next: Musk is expected to use the recent shareholder vote to ask the Delaware Chancery Court to reconsider its decision, hoping their approval will help convince the judge that the pay package is sensible. He's also likely to continue appealing the case if he loses.

Boucher v. Musk

The issues: Claire Boucher, AKA Grimes, and Musk have each filed dueling lawsuits in a custody dispute in California and Texas, respectively.

What's going on: The Musk-Grimes custody battle began in September when the CEO sued his ex-partner to "establish the parent-child relationship" with their three kids: X  A-XII, Exa Dark Siderl, and Techno Mechanicus. In his petition, the billionaire said he filed the lawsuit after he realized Grimes "was not returning to Texas with their younger children." Three-year-old X has remained with Musk.

A few weeks later, Grimes sued Musk in San Francisco court, seeking primary physical custody and joint legal custody of the pair's three children.

What's next: The case was sealed in January and remained ongoing as of April, when Business Insider was last able to view the docket. Neither side has publicly indicated that the case has been resolved.

Benjamin Brody v. Musk

The issues: California man Benjamin Brody filed a defamation lawsuit against Musk in Texas last year, alleging that the billionaire amplified a conspiracy theory that falsely affiliated the college graduate with a neo-Nazi extremist group.

What's going on: Brody's lawsuit accuses Musk of boosting the claims on his X social media site and says Brody endured "severe personal harassment and permanent damage to his reputation." Musk's "personal endorsement of the false accusation against" Brody reverberated across the internet, transforming the accusation from anonymous rumor to gospel truth for many individuals, and causing others to use Musk's endorsement to justify their desire to harass Ben Brody and his family," the lawsuit says. In a deposition, Musk said he didn't know who Brody was.

What's next: Brody's lawsuit is seeking $1 million in damages and a trial by jury. Musk's attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

Neuralink monkey scratch lawsuit

The issues: Lindsay Short, a former employee in Musk's brain-chip-implantation company Neuralink, alleged in a lawsuit that the company fired her after she said she was pregnant. The suit also alleges she was repeatedly scratched by monkeys because the company didn't provide proper protective gear.

What's going on: The lawsuit, filed on June 14 in a California court, paints a portrait of a workplace with insufficient protections and dangerous conditions. On one occasion, the lawsuit alleges, a monkey carrying the Herpes B virus scratched Short and broke her skin, exposing her to the virus.

What's next: Neuralink hasn't yet responded to the lawsuit in court.

Twitter severance lawsuits

The issues: Hundreds of former Twitter employees are suing X for unpaid severance.

What's going on: When Elon Musk took over Twitter, he quickly fired thousands of employees  he claimed over 80%  and didn't pay any severance to many of them. In court filings, X claims the merger agreement that allowed Musk to control Twitter didn't require any payments and that the former employees have no standing to sue because they weren't part of the merger.

Even former Twitter executives have sued Musk over severance. Twitter's former chief accounting officer, Robert Kaiden, alleged that Musk falsely accused him of misconduct so he could fire him without paying out severance. Kaiden said he's owed $3.75 million in unpaid severance.

There are multiple different lawsuits in different districts. Musk's lawyers successfully convinced a judge to toss the biggest one, demanding $500 million in damages and class action certification, in July.

Several lawsuits also allege Musk discriminated against them because of their race, gender, or disability in choosing to fire them.

What's next: With the proposed class-action case in California dismissed, each lawsuit will now be decided on a piecemeal basis in the courts. Meanwhile, Twitter has considered settling some of the claims.

Agrawal v. Musk

The issues: Four former Twitter executives (ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, ex-Twitter CFO Ned Segal, ex-head of legal, policy, and trust at Twitter Vijaya Gadde, and ex-senior legal counsel at Twitter Sean Edgett) sued Musk and X in March, alleging the company failed to pay out millions of dollars in severance.

What's going on: After Musk took over Twitter in 2023, he terminated the four executives within minutes.

The executives were set to receive golden parachutes, but claim Musk and X have not paid them out. The group says X collectively owes them $128 million in severance.

Musk has said he fired the executives for cause and does not owe them anything. In August, Agrawal, Segal, and Gadde separately sued Twitter for over $1 million, alleging the social media company hadn't paid the legal fees they accrued during their time at Twitter.

What's next: The lawsuits are all in various stages, with judges having yet to rule on motions to dismiss them.

X vs Wiwynn

The issues: Taiwanese tech firm Wiwynn filed a lawsuit against X in August, seeking at least $61 million in damages over claims the social media firm refused to pay for server parts worth about $120 million after Musk took control in 2022.

What's going on: Nearly two years after Musk took over the company once known as Twitter, he's still dealing with the legal fallout. Wiwynn claims X violated a long-standing purchase agreement when it "abruptly stopped" making any payments to Wiwynn in November 2022, and failed to respond to requests for payment for completed products.

After Musk bought Twitter, he began aggressively cutting costs, laying off 80% of the workforce. The company also faced complaints from numerous vendors over unpaid bills, with Musk reportedly telling employees "let them sue."

What's next: X has not yet responded to the lawsuit, which was filed in the Northern District Court of California.

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New Driving Licence Rules in India: Skip RTO Tests Starting June 1 - What You Need to Know

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ince June 1, 2024, significant changes have been implemented in the process of obtaining a driving licence in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced new regulations that allow individuals to take their driving tests at certified private driving schools, instead of the traditional Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).

This shift aims to streamline the process, making it more convenient and accessible for aspiring drivers. This article will guide you through the new rules, the driving licence status updates, and the importance of the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) in ensuring vehicle security.

Key Changes from June 1

The new driving licence regulations bring several key changes aimed at reducing the burden on RTOs and improving the overall efficiency of the licensing process.

Skip RTO Tests: One of the most notable changes is the abolition of the mandatory requirement to take driving tests at RTOs. From June 1, individuals can choose to take their driving tests at private driving schools authorised by the government. These schools will conduct the driving tests and issue the necessary certificates required for obtaining a driving licence.

HSRP Implementation: The introduction of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) is also being promoted to enhance vehicle security and streamline tracking.

Increased Fines: Driving without a valid licence will now attract heavier fines. The penalty has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000. Additionally, if a minor is found driving, the parents or guardians will face a hefty fine of Rs 25,000, and the vehicles registration certificate will be cancelled.

Simplified Documentation: The documentation required to obtain a driving licence has been simplified. The Ministry will inform applicants in advance about the necessary documents for the type of licence they wish to obtain. This aims to make the application process smoother and less cumbersome.

Environmental Sustainability: In an effort to make Indias roads more environmentally sustainable, the Ministry plans to phase out 9,000 old government vehicles and improve the emission standards of others. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce pollution and enhance road safety.

Application Process: The application process for a driving licence remains unchanged. Applicants can submit their applications online by visiting the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at Parivahan. Alternatively, they can visit their respective RTO to file the application through a manual process.

Rules for Private Driving Schools

With the new regulations, private driving schools must meet specific criteria to be authorised to conduct driving tests:

1. Land Requirement: The driving school must have a minimum of 1 acre of land for two-wheeler training and 2 acres for four-wheeler training.

2. Testing Facilities: The school must provide appropriate testing facilities.

3. Qualified Instructors: Instructors must have a high school diploma (or equivalent), at least 5 years of driving experience, and be familiar with biometrics and IT systems.

Licence Fees and Charges

Under the latest regulations, various fees apply to different stages of obtaining and maintaining a driving licence:

1. Learner's Licence: Rs 150, with an additional Rs 50 for the learner's licence test or any retests.

2. Driving Test: Rs 300, applicable for both the initial test and any retests.

3. Driving Licence Issuance: Rs 200.

4. International Driving Permit: Rs 1,000.

5. Adding Vehicle Class: Rs 500 to add another vehicle class to an existing licence.

6. Hazardous Goods Vehicle Endorsement: Rs 200 for endorsement or renewal.

7. Standard Licence Renewal: Rs 200, increasing to Rs 300 if done after the grace period, plus an additional Rs 1,000 per year or part thereof.

8. Driving Instruction Schools: Rs 5,000 for issuing or renewing licences without providing requisite training, and for obtaining a duplicate licence.

9. Appeals and Modifications: Rs 500 for filing an appeal against licensing authority orders and Rs 200 for modifying the address or any other particulars on a driving licence.

Driving Licence Status and HSRP Number Plate

Checking your driving licence status is crucial to ensure that your application is processed smoothly. You can check the status of your driving licence application online through the Parivahan Sewa website. Regularly checking your driving licence status helps you stay informed and promptly address any issues that may arise during the application process.

Additionally, ensuring your vehicle is equipped with a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) is essential for vehicle security. An HSRP number plate is designed to prevent theft and tampering, enhancing the overall safety of your vehicle.

Steps to Apply for an HSRP Number Plate

1. Visit the Official HSRP Website: Access the official HSRP website for your state.

2. Enter Vehicle Details: Provide your vehicles registration number and other required details.

3. Choose Fitment Centre: Select an authorised fitment centre where the HSRP will be installed.

4. Schedule Appointment: Book a convenient date and time for the installation of the HSRP.

5. Make Payment: Pay the fee for the HSRP online using the available payment methods.

6. Visit Fitment Centre: On the scheduled date, visit the fitment centre to get the HSRP installed on your vehicle.

Conclusion

The new driving licence rules effective from June 1, 2024, mark a significant shift in how driving licences are obtained in India. By allowing private driving schools to conduct tests and issue certificates, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to make the process more convenient and efficient. Additionally, the emphasis on checking driving licence status and the importance of HSRP number plates underscores the need for both regulatory compliance and vehicle security. Embrace these changes to ensure a smooth and secure experience in obtaining and maintaining your driving licence and vehicle.

 New Driving Licence Rules in India: Skip RTO Tests Starting June 1 - What You Need to Know

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Kerala HC allows religion change in school certificates

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n a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court (HC) has allowed two youths to change their religion in school certificates, after their plea was rejected by the Controller of Examinations.

After the authorities refused to make a change in their certificates, the two youths approached the HC and after hearing the plea they were allowed to do so in the records.

Hearing the petition, the HC said, Even if it is to be accepted that there is no provision enabling change of religion entered in school certificates, that is no reason to tie down a person to one religion, merely by reason of birth.

The freedom to practice and profess any religion of one's choice is guaranteed by Article 25(1) of the Constitution. If a person embraces another religion by exercising that freedom, necessary corrections will have to be made in his records, ruled the HC.

The petitioners, aged 24 and 25 were born to Hindu parents and followed the religion till May 2017 after which they converted to Christianity.

The HC further pointed out that people have the freedom to practice and profess any religion of their choice under Article 25 of the Constitution of India and they have the right to get it corrected in their records.

 Kerala HC allows religion change in school certificates

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Read the full story on The Auto Wire

Porsche 911 Turbo Crashes At Almost 200 MPH During Idaho Gathering

A legal high-speed run on a closed public road in Sun Valley, Idaho ended in a horrific crash over the weekend. Multiple videos show the moment when a Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet veered off the road near the finish line of the no speed limit run during the annual Sun Valley Tour de Force charity gathering on July 20.

A cop causes a crazy four-car accident.

That sanctioned run allows participants to drive as fast as they want on a 3.2-mile stretch of Idaho Highway 75 in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area near Phantom Hill. Police close the road to all other traffic and participants eagerly fork out $3,500 to drive as fast as they dare, reports the Idaho Statesman.

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But something went wrong when the Porsche neared the end of the high-speed run. Some claim a tire blew out, which we cant confirm. But we do know Sun Valley Tour de Force puts all participants vehicles through a mandatory tech inspection before theyre allowed on the closed section of Highway 75.

Witnesses claim the 911 Turbo Cabriolet was doing between 190 and 200 mph when it wrecked out. A man on Facebook claiming to be the uncle of the passenger in the Porsche said both his nephew and the driver are alive but severely injured after the crash.

A video of the crash uploaded to Facebook by Terry Malarkey shows the Porsche veer to the right suddenly before leaving the road entirely, kicking up a huge cloud of dust.

Before that, a video posted by Luke Lyon on Facebook shows the 911 Turbo Cabriolet with its top down speed past as the cameraman says that one was flying.

A TikTok video uploaded by Max Kleinert shows the aftermath with the shell of the Porsche towed away. The crash was so violent, parts of the 911 are strewn all over the natural scenery, including in at least one tree. A group of youth gathered around the grass-covered engine which was ripped from the rear of the car, marveling at the unusual sight.

The crash brought all events to a halt last Saturday. Thankfully, staff members and first responders were able to reach the crash in just 90 seconds, Sun Valley Tour de Force said in a statement. It clarified that an investigation into what caused the wreck is still under investigation, so no speculation on potential sources will be made.

Story continues

According to the Sun Valley Tour de Force website, the fastest speed achieved in the no speed limit run was set by a Bugatti Chiron at 253.01 mph. This marked the ninth annual gathering for the charitable event.

Its unclear what the future of the no speed limit run might be.

Images via max_kleinert/TikTok

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Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT are using artificial intelligence to improve the categorization of breast cancer.

Not all cancers are the same. Some tumors grow very slowly or hardly ever change from a comparatively harmless pre-cancerous form to a life-threatening form. In men, this includes prostate cancer and, in women, a precursor of breast cancer in the milk ducts, known as ductal carcinoma in situ. In 30 to 50 percent of cases, this form, abbreviated to DCIS, develops into a threatening invasive breast carcinoma. Because DCIS is highly curable, doctors generally recommend treatment. Until now, doctors have lacked the necessary indicators to reliably decide which tumors will remain benign and which will become a life-threatening invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).

This lack of knowledge in characterizing breast cancer prompted a new study, led by G.V. Shivashankar, Head of the Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology at PSI and Professor of Mechano-Genetics at ETH Zurich, and Caroline Uhler, Director of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Centre at the Broad Institute and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT. The researchers have developed a system for analyzing images which uses artificial intelligence to reliably determine the stage of the disease.

Our work opens up a unique approach to identifying the stage of DCIS using images that show how the DNA is packaged in each individual cell. Collecting this data is simple and inexpensive." G.V. Shivashankar, Head of the Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology at PSI and Professor of Mechano-Genetics at ETH Zurich

Women live with uncertainty when making treatment decisions

DCIS accounts for about 25 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses. The cells lining a patient's milk ducts look different from healthy tissue, and often microcalcifications are visible. Treatment can take the form of radiotherapy, hormone therapy or surgery. In clinical practice, doctors use a process known as grading to determine the prognosis for DCIS and select a suitable therapy. This involves classifying the amount of change and assigning the result to one of seven different categories. These describe features such as the size of the DCIS, the appearance of the cell nuclei, whether it has grown (hyperplasia), whether the cells have entered neighboring tissue (invasive), whether they have spread into lymph or blood cells (aggressive) or whether they are in the process of forming secondary tumors (metastatic).

However, the progression from DCIS to a serious form of IDC is by no means a certainty - 50 to 70 percent of cases remain benign. But which? Scientists are pursuing different approaches to make their forecasts more reliable. For example, sophisticated imaging technology is being used to identify indicators of the risk posed by an early form of the disease. Another approach involves extensive transcriptome analyses. These use sequencing to determine how many and which genes are active in suspect cells at a certain point in time. However, these approaches have not yet been tested in everyday clinical practice, and they are too complicated and too expensive to be practicable. For the women concerned, deciding on the right treatment remains fraught with uncertainty: they face the prospect of undergoing treatment that may not only be unnecessary, but could also harbour the risk of side effects.

AI improves DCIS staging

The current study shows that artificial intelligence (AI) can improve staging using data that is easy and inexpensive to collect. The researchers, led by Shivashankar and Uhler, trained a machine learning algorithm on 560 tissue samples from 122 patients. These had been stained with the dye DAPI, which makes the chromatin in the cell's nucleus fluoresce. Chromatin consists, among other things, of DNA and proteins. Based on its appearance, conclusions can be drawn about the organization and thus the activity of the DNA in the cell nucleus. After a learning phase, the AI model was able to identify patterns in the tissue sections that matched the differences identified by human pathologists. "Our analysis shows that chromatin images, which are cheap and easy to obtain, together with powerful AI algorithms, can provide enough information to study how the cell state and tissue organization change during the transition from DCIS to IDC, and thereby accurately predict the stage of the disease," explains Uhler.

The researchers believe that this kind of tumor classification based on AI and chromatin imaging has great potential. However, before it can be used in practical applications, numerous further studies are needed to demonstrate the reliability and safety of the approach, including long-term monitoring of DCIS patients.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a type of preinvasive tumor that sometimes progresses to a highly deadly form of breast cancer. It accounts for about 25 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses.

Because it is difficult for clinicians to determine the type and stage of DCIS, patients with DCIS are often overtreated. To address this, an interdisciplinary team of researchers from MIT and ETH Zurich developed an AI model that can identify the different stages of DCIS from a cheap and easy-to-obtain breast tissue image. Their model shows that both the state and arrangement of cells in a tissue sample are important for determining the stage of DCIS.

Because such tissue images are so easy to obtain, the researchers were able to build one of the largest datasets of its kind, which they used to train and test their model. When they compared its predictions to conclusions of a pathologist, they found clear agreement in many instances.

In the future, the model could be used as a tool to help clinicians streamline the diagnosis of simpler cases without the need for labor-intensive tests, giving them more time to evaluate cases where it is less clear if DCIS will become invasive.

"We took the first step in understanding that we should be looking at the spatial organization of cells when diagnosing DCIS, and now we have developed a technique that is scalable. From here, we really need a prospective study. Working with a hospital and getting this all the way to the clinic will be an important step forward," says Caroline Uhler, a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), who is also director of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and a researcher at MIT's Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS).

Uhler, co-corresponding author of a paper on this research, is joined by lead author Xinyi Zhang, a graduate student in EECS and the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center; co-corresponding author GV Shivashankar, professor of mechogenomics at ETH Zurich jointly with the Paul Scherrer Institute; and others at MIT, ETH Zurich, and the University of Palermo in Italy. The open-access research was published in Nature Communications.

Combining imaging with AI

Between 30 and 50 percent of patients with DCIS develop a highly invasive stage of cancer, but researchers don't know the biomarkers that could tell a clinician which tumors will progress.

Researchers can use techniques like multiplexed staining or single-cell RNA sequencing to determine the stage of DCIS in tissue samples. However, these tests are too expensive to be performed widely, Shivashankar explains.

In previous work, these researchers showed that a cheap imagining technique known as chromatin staining could be as informative as the much costlier single-cell RNA sequencing.

For this research, they hypothesized that combining this single stain with a carefully designed machine-learning model could provide the same information about cancer stage as costlier techniques.

First, they created a dataset containing 560 tissue sample images from 122 patients at three different stages of disease. They used this dataset to train an AI model that learns a representation of the state of each cell in a tissue sample image, which it uses to infer the stage of a patient's cancer.

However, not every cell is indicative of cancer, so the researchers had to aggregate them in a meaningful way.

They designed the model to create clusters of cells in similar states, identifying eight states that are important markers of DCIS. Some cell states are more indicative of invasive cancer than others. The model determines the proportion of cells in each state in a tissue sample.

Organization matters

"But in cancer, the organization of cells also changes. We found that just having the proportions of cells in every state is not enough. You also need to understand how the cells are organized," says Shivashankar.

With this insight, they designed the model to consider proportion and arrangement of cell states, which significantly boosted its accuracy.

The interesting thing for us was seeing how much spatial organization matters. Previous studies had shown that cells which are close to the breast duct are important. But it is also important to consider which cells are close to which other cells." Xinyi Zhang, lead author

When they compared the results of their model with samples evaluated by a pathologist, it had clear agreement in many instances. In cases that were not as clear-cut, the model could provide information about features in a tissue sample, like the organization of cells, that a pathologist could use in decision-making.

This versatile model could also be adapted for use in other types of cancer, or even neurodegenerative conditions, which is one area the researchers are also currently exploring.

"We have shown that, with the right AI techniques, this simple stain can be very powerful. There is still much more research to do, but we need to take the organization of cells into account in more of our studies," Uhler says.

This research was funded, in part, by the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center at the Broad Institute, ETH Zurich, the Paul Scherrer Institute, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Office of Naval Research, the MIT Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning and Health, the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, and a Simons Investigator Award.
A recent letter published in the journal Nature Aging by medical staff who worked in hospitals in Wuhan during the COVID-19 pandemic assessed cognitive trajectories over 2.5 years in older coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors.

Over one-tenth of the worlds population has had COVID-19. As the number of COVID-19 survivors increases, disease surveillance is increasingly crucial to examine the risk of post-infection symptoms. Deficits in executive functioning, verbal fluency, attention, learning and working memory, and processing speed have been observed among COVID-19 survivors, including those with mild illness.

Cognitive impairment is particularly prevalent in older adults with COVID-19. Previously, the authors reported that cognitive decline was highly prevalent a year after COVID-19 among older adults. Individuals with severe illness had the highest cognitive decline during the first six months post-discharge, which was further exacerbated by 12 months.

Letter: Tracking cognitive trajectories in older survivors of COVID-19 up to 2.5 years post-infection. Image Credit: Donkeyworx / Shutterstock

About the study

In the present study, researchers investigated the cognitive trajectories of older adults over 2.5 years following COVID-19. They recruited hospitalized COVID-19 patients discharged between February 10 and April 10, 2020, from three hospitals in Wuhan. Follow-up analyses were performed 6, 12, and 30 months after discharge. Non-infected spouses of patients served as controls.

Eligible participants were aged  60. Individuals with cognitive impairment, neurological disorders, tumors, renal, cardiac, or hepatic failure, or a family history of dementia were excluded. Severe COVID-19 was defined as SARS-CoV-2 positivity plus at least one of the following conditions: respiratory rate  30 breaths per minute, severe respiratory distress, or (SpO 2 ) < 90% on room air.

Medical records were accessed for information on demographic and clinical characteristics. Telephone interviews were conducted at specified follow-up time points. Telephone interview for cognitive status (TICS)-40 scores were used to evaluate the cross-sectional cognitive status, with scores  20 or  12 indicating suspected mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia syndrome, respectively.

The Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) examined longitudinal cognitive changes during the first six months. Mann-Whitney U, chi-squared, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare characteristics between groups, ensuring robust statistical analysis. Multinomial logistic regression models explored the factors associated with longitudinal cognitive decline, adjusted for age, education, sex, body mass index (BMI), cognitive impairment (at six months), and delirium at the hospital.

Findings

Overall, 1,245 COVID-19 survivors and 358 controls completed the entire follow-up period. All survivors had only one episode of COVID-19, and controls were consistently infection-naive throughout the follow-up. There were no differences in age, BMI, sex, education, and comorbidities between controls and survivors.

However, subjects with severe illness were older and had more comorbidities, higher frequencies of mechanical ventilation, high-flow oxygen therapy, intensive care admission, longer length of stay, and delirium than those with non-severe disease. Further, severe illness was more frequent among those on anti-bacterial, glucocorticoid, or immunoglobulin treatment.

The incident cognitive impairment was estimated at 19.1% among COVID-19 survivors, with severe cases showing a prevalence of 39.9% compared to 14.95% in non-severe cases and 14.25% in controls. At 30 months, severe cases had lower TICS-40 scores than non-severe cases and controls, and non-severe cases had lower scores than controls. More specifically, individuals with severe cases had a higher proportion of suspected dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than individuals with non-severe cases (dementia: 12.5% versus 1.74%, P < 0.001; MCI: 27.40% versus 13.21%, P < 0.001) and controls (dementia: 12.5% versus 1.68%, P < 0.001; MCI: 27.40% versus 12.57%, P < 0.001).

Severe cases had a higher incidence of suspected MCI and dementia than non-severe cases and controls. During the first follow-up year, severe cases experienced steeper cognitive decline than controls or non-severe cases. However, they had a lower rate of cognitive decline between 12 and 30 months compared to controls and non-severe cases.

Between 12 and 30 months after hospital discharge, individuals with severe cases (30.29%), individuals with non-severe cases (36.93%), and controls (34.36%) had comparable proportions of individuals with cognitive decline. Notably, controls and non-severe cases had comparable rates of cognitive decline. There was a higher proportion of individuals with progressive cognitive decline and a lower proportion of those with stable cognition among severe cases compared to controls and non-severe cases. However, individuals with severe cases had a lower frequency of stable cognition as defined by no cognitive status transition than individuals with non-severe cases (72.12% versus 89.68%, P < 0.001) and controls (72.12% versus 89.94%, P < 0.001).

More severe cases achieved improved cognition between 6 and 30 months, transitioning from suspected MCI or dementia to cognitively normal status at a rate higher than controls and non-severe cases. Conversely, more severe cases achieved improved cognition, i.e., the transition from suspected dementia or MCI to cognitively normal status, between 6 and 30 months than controls and non-severe cases. Cognitive impairment at six months, hypertension, and severe COVID-19 were associated with longitudinal cognitive decline.

Conclusions

Taken together, cognitive impairment was observed among 10.2%, 12.5%, and 19.1% of COVID-19 survivors at 6, 12, and 30 months following discharge, respectively. It was notably high (39.9%) among severe cases. Cognitive trajectories were heterogeneous based on COVID-19 severity. The studys limitations include the non-generalizability of findings to the general population or other viral variants and the use of a subjective assessment tool, which did not capture all cognitive subdomains, among others.

"All of the authors of this study are medical staff who worked in designated hospitals in Wuhan during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are deeply concerned about the potential long-term health consequences of COVID-19."https://t.co/mNMdb0zUXh https://t.co/sCDCTbQedG  Eric Topol (@EricTopol) July 23, 2024
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is the most common heart rhythm disorder encountered in clinical practice according to Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, MD, MPH, 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 to reduce the risk of stroke that are highly effective and safe, major gaps in the delivery of appropriate blood thinners persist leaving a large proportion of individuals at risk for stroke and other complications. Sandhu 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.

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. Also, access to a pharmacist may be easier for many people than access to a family physician, especially for people in remote communities." Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, MD, MPH, first author and principal investigator

The research team worked with pharmacists in 27 communities across Alberta who are specially trained in Afib and to prescribe 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 per cent," 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."

Findings are published in JAMA Open Network.

Sandhu adds it is important that the 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)."

This study was funded by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Stroke Prevention Intervention Network, University Hospital Foundation at the University of Alberta, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, National Institute on Aging, and in-kind support from AliveCor. The Epidemiology Coordinating and Research (EPICORE) Centre at the University of Alberta supported the study design and data collection. Statistical support was provided by the Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research SUPPORT Unit.

Along with UCalgary researchers, the team included clinicians, scientists, pharmacists and co-investigators from the University of Alberta (UAlberta), Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Toronto, and McMaster University.
Scientists have uncovered that 'gene misbehavior'  where genes are active when they were expected to be switched off  is a surprisingly common phenomenon in the healthy human population.

The team also identify 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 today (24 July) 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 per cent of genes  nearly all samples  96 per cent  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.

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 healthcare, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of all the ways our genes impact our health." Thomas Vanderstichele, first author of the study at the Wellcome Sanger Institute

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 a 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."
Deaths from injection-related infections like endocarditis have increased among young people, likely due to the growth of injection drug use and stronger, shorter-acting fentanyl. While medications for opioid use disorder reduce the risk of death, initiating and retaining patients on these life-saving treatments is difficult. Researchers at Boston Medical Center (BMC) recently discovered that medications for opioid use disorder following hospitalizations for injection-related infections are still underused in Massachusetts even though they improve outcomes. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open on July 24, 2024.

Our findings underscore a critical need for physicians to proactively engage and support patients with evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder whenever they present to the hospital including for serious injection-related infections." Simeon Kimmel, MD, first author on the paper and attending physician in general internal medicine and infectious diseases at BMC

The team found that the number of patients receiving medications for opioid use disorder rose after hospitalization for injection-related infections, though there were disparities in who received treatment during hospitalization and retention remained difficult.

The researchers used data from the Massachusetts Public Health Data Warehouse to assess the relationship between serious injection-related infections -- endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, epidural abscess, or bloodstream infections -- and the use of medication for opioid use disorder. Their analysis included data from January 2014 to December 2020 and individuals 18 to 64 years old.

In the week before hospitalization for injection-related infections, less than 18% of patients received medications for opioid use disorder. Three months after discharge, approximately 25% of patients were being treated with these medications. Overall, only about half of patients had received at least one week of treatment with medications for opioid use disorder at any point in the year after a hospitalization for a serious infection.

"Clinicians and health systems need to do a better job of both initiating and retaining patients on medications for opioid use disorders following hospitalization," says Kimmel, an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

The research team also identified disparities among patients who received medications for opioid use disorder after infection: younger people, people who previously had treatment, people who had experienced homelessness or overdose, and those with Medicaid were more likely to receive medication for opioid use disorder. Black patients were less likely to receive medication for opioid use disorder. "Black patients are experiencing increasing overdose rates, and inequalities in receiving medication for opioid use disorder could be contributing. Efforts to address these disparities in opioid use disorder care are imperative for health equity," says Kimmel.

BMC is already making strides to address these disparities through innovative initiatives for substance use disorders. The Anti-racist Approaches to Addiction Treatment (AAAT) group examined factors impacting Black, indigenous, and other people of color with substance use disorder, conducted focus groups to understand lived experiences, and hosted summits to disseminate findings. The findings from this initiative, which include hiring, training and promoting diverse staff, focusing on Black patients' experiences in clinical programs, and employing strengths-based approaches are key lessons that have informed BMC's addiction programs.

To improve use of medications for opioid use disorder more broadly, the hospital's Addiction Consult Service supports patients in the hospital with the initiation of medication to treat addictions, pain management recommendations, and assistance transitioning to community-based addiction treatment programs after discharge. BMC's Faster Paths to Treatment offers low-barrier access to medications for opioid use disorder which can facilitate linkage to care following a hospitalization. The Office Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) Program provides specialized treatment for patients with substance use disorders integrated within a primary care setting, allowing all medical needs to be addressed by a team of providers. Additionally, the Multidisciplinary Endocarditis Working Group coordinates multidisciplinary care following endocarditis, one of the serious injection-related infections from the study, and Project TRUST offers harm reduction services to reduce the risk of injection-related infections.

Kimmel now aims to start a new study to test whether a motivational interviewing intervention called recovery management check-ups further improves retention of treatment with medication for opioid use disorder following injection-related infections.

"We are working to improve patient outcomes and support patients' in their recovery journeys through our innovative research. At Boston Medical Center, we are committed to studies that advance and set new standards in addiction care," says Kimmel.
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 online May 22 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. Using ALC as a marker for how well a patient will respond could better guide treatment." Dr. Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga, lead author, 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

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 the 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 body-;growing 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.
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.

"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." Gaige Kerr, Assistant Research Professor, Environmental and Occupational Health, George Washington University

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 larger 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."

The study, "Air pollution impacts from warehousing in the United States uncovered with satellite data," was published July 24, 2024 in Nature Communications. 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.
peugeot 3008 review 2024 01 tracking front

Stellantiss profits for the first six months of this year almost halved compared with the same period in 2023, with the company blaming lower sales volumes and a reduced product mix for its weakened performance.

It made a profit of 5.6 billion (4.7bn), 48% down on the 10.9bn (9.2bn) it made in the six months to the end of June 2023.

The car-making giants operating income fell by 40%, from 14.1bn (11.9bn) to 8.5bn (7.1bn), which it attributed to a dip in North America.

Free cash flow fell from 8.7bn (7.3bn) to just 392 million (330m).

Stellantis also said it was impacted by several model-generation changeovers, such as for the Peugeot 3008 and 5008. Unspecified management actions have been enacted with a focus on Maseratis sales, as well as the wider companys performance in North America and Europe.

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The company said the launch of 20 new products, including the Lancia Ypsilon, Ram 1500 pick-up and a renewed van line-up, would boost its performance during the second half of 2024.

Chinese joint-venture partner Leapmotor will also launch its T03 city car and C10 SUV later this year. Its roll-out will begin in Europe, followed by South America, the Middle East, Africa and India and Pacific Asia.

The company's performance in the first half of 2024 fell short of our expectations, reflecting both a challenging industry context as well as our own operational issues, said Stellantis chief Carlos Tavares.

He added: While corrective actions were needed and are being taken to address these issues, we also have initiated an exciting product blitz, with no fewer than 20 new vehicles launching this year, and with that brings bigger opportunities when we execute well.

We have significant work to do, especially in North America, to maximise our long-term potential.

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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, published today.

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 around 550 to 3000 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 leukaemia.

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 receipt-;a 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 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 paediatrician 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 body-;claims which have been "very rigorously disproven."

He said that umbilical cord blood contains adult stem cells which limits the types of cells they can become-;haematopoietic 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 which suggests 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 leukaemia 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.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled the Union Budget 2024, sparking widespread discussion on its economic implications. The budget discourse is the issue of taxation, with public clamour for relief through tax cuts and exemptions. However, there exist several nations globally where governments do not levy any income tax on their citizens, yet their economies flourish robustly. Here are details on 10 such nations showcasing remarkable economic resilience:

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Leading nation is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), notable for its absence of personal taxation. Instead, the government sustains itself through indirect taxes such as VAT and various duties. Fueled by robust sectors like oil and tourism, the UAE boasts a formidable economy.

Bahrain

Similar to Dubai, the government of Bahrain does not impose income tax on its citizens. Instead, it relies on indirect taxes to fund its expenditures. This system has fostered rapid growth in small businesses and startups, contributing to the overall improvement of Bahrains economy.

Kuwait

Kuwait, a tax-free country, does not levy income tax on its residents. With its economy predominantly reliant on oil revenues, the government foregoes the need for collecting taxes from its populace.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia does not impose income tax or direct taxes on its citizens. The countrys economy maintains a robust pace supported by its indirect tax system.

Bahamas

The economy of the Bahamas thrives on tourism, with the country refraining from collecting income tax from its residents. Each year, tourists from around the globe visit this destination, significantly bolstering its economic stability.

Brunei

As a nation with substantial oil reserves, the government of Brunei sees no need to impose taxes on its citizens.

Cayman Islands

Situated in North America, the Cayman Islands sustains its economy primarily through tourism, attracting visitors for its scenic beauty and holiday destinations. The government refrains from levying income tax on its residents.

Oman

Similar to Bahrain and Kuwait, Oman does not impose taxes on its citizens. The country sustains a robust economy through the sale of oil and gas.

Qatar

Like its Gulf neighbours, Qatar relies heavily on revenues from the oil industry. As a result, income tax is not levied on its populace. Despite its size, Qatar is wealthy due to its oil resources.

Monaco

Located in Europe, Monaco is a small yet economically strong country. It generates revenue primarily from tourism, allowing it to abstain from taxing its residents.
Libyas economy is currently facing a crisis as counterfeit banknotes, reported to be originating from Russia, were discovered in the market. It has led to the devaluation of the Libyan Dinar and has increased the economic instability of the country, which is already battling several problems.

As per the reports of Reuters, some of these banknotes were produced within Libya and were exchanged for real dollars. While the notes from Russia were exported to Eastern Libya, reported Reuters. The Central Bank of Libya has warned about the fake notes, as they are reportedly indistinguishable from the real notes.

According to an Eastern government source, the Central Bank termed it the counterfeit notes and they are being converted into hard currency through the black market or the local banks. The source stated further that the money is being used as funding for infrastructure projects in the East, the region devastated by floods, last year. While the diplomatic source says the money may also be used to fund the Russian mercenary activities in the country.

An organization called the Sentry, tapped Reuters on the reports of Russias involvement in exporting banknotes to Libya. According to the information given, the Sentry is an international investigative group which focuses on corruption and war crimes.

The Central Bank in Tripoli is yet to comment on the situation, despite several requests by Reuters. Nor did the Libyan National Army respond to the requests, as the eastern Libya region is under their control, as well as the Goznak, Russias state money printer.

From 2016 till the ceasefire in 2020, Russia has provided the Eastern region with billions of dinars, which was meant to aid Khalifa Haftar, the Eastern commander, and his government in Benghazi. The money imported between 2016 and 2020, was issued formally by the Central Banks Eastern branch in Benghazi and carried the signature of its governor, Ali al-Hibri. This move, gave way to economic splits within Libya, leading to different exchange rates across the country.
Stocks To Watch On July 25: The markets traded lackluster and ended slightly lower on Wednesday, continuing the ongoing consolidation phase. In todays trade, shares of RBL Bank, Adani Green, Nestle, Tech Mahindra, L&T, VST Industries among others will be in focus due to various news developments and first quarter results.

Q1FY25 results on Thursday: Aavas Financiers, Adani Green Energy, Ashok Leyland, AU Small Finance Bank, Canara Bank, Chalet Hotels, Chennai Petrochem Corp, Cyient, DLF, Glenmark Life Sciences, Go Digital General Insurance, Home First Finance Company India, Jupiter Wagons, Jyothy Labs, Laurus Labs, MGL, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Mphasis, Nestle India, PNB Housing Finance, Praj Industries, The Ramco Cements, Tech Mahindra, United Breweries, Ujjivan small finance Bank, UTI AMC, Venus Pipes and Tubes, and Westlife Foodworld are scheduled to report their Q1FU25 results today, July 25.

Axis Bank: Private lender Axis Bank reported a net profit of Rs 6,035 crore for the April-June quarter (Q1FY25). PAT was up just 4 per cent year-on-year, and down around 15 per cent quarter-on-quarter.

The lenders loan loss provisions rose significantly during the quarter, coupled with weak asset quality. Axis Bank ADRs fell 4.5 per cent overnight in US markets.

Larsen & Toubro: Construction major L&Ts consolidated net profit for the June quarter rose 12 per cent to Rs 2,786 crore. Its consolidated revenue increased 15 per cent to Rs 55,120 crore.

SBI Life: SBI Life Insurance clocked a 34.3 per cent Y-o-Y growth in net profit to Rs 519.52 crore during Q1FY25, backed by healthy growth in premiums. Its value of new business (VNB) increased 12 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 970 crore during the quarter.

However, the company reported a contraction in VNB margin at 26.8 per cent in Q1FY25 compared to 28.8 per cent in the corresponding period last year.

V-Guard: The company reported a 54.11 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 98.97 crore for June quarter of FY25, aided by improvement in margins.

Indraprastha Gas: City gas distributor IGL saw an 8.63-per cent Y-o-Y decline in its standalone net profit for Q1FY25 to Rs 400.65 crore. It was up 5.5 per cent Q-o-Q. IGLs total sales volumes rose 5.3 per cent in Q1 to 786 million standard cubic metres (scm), up from 746.2 million scm in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

IDBI Bank: IDBI Banks Q1FY25 net profit surged 40 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 1,719 crore as provisions and taxes were down 80 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 356 crore in the quarter.

Other Q1FY25 result reactions: JK Paper, Hitachi Energy, Bikaji Foods, Oracle Financial, Karnataka Bank, IEX, Sona BLW, DCB Bank, MAS Financial Services, Jindal Steel and Power, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, Craftsman Automation.

RBL Bank: RBL Bank counter is expected to see a block deal today, July 25. Baring Private Equity Asia is reportedly looking to exit the lender by divesting its entire 7.9 per cent equity via open market transactions on Thursday.

Nestle India, Dr Reddys Labs: FMCG major Nestle India and pharmaceutical firm Dr Reddys Laboratories have joined hands to combine products of Nestle Health Science with the nutraceutical portfolios of Dr. Reddys Laboratories. The joint venture will be called Dr. Reddys and Nestle Health Science Ltd.

BSE: The Exchange has received Sebis approval to act as a research analyst and investment adviser administration body.

Sun Pharmaceutical: Sun Pharma has informed the exchanges that it had received a warning letter from the USFDA for its Dadra facility on June 19. Sun Pharma said it will work with the US drug authority to resolve the outstanding issues.

Rail Vikas Nigam: RVNL has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from SER HQ-Electrical/South Eastern Railway for a project worth Rs 191.53 crore.

HG Infra Engineering: The Board of Directors has approved the sale or disposal of HG Rewari Bypass Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company.

Ircon International: The company informed the exchanges on Wednesday that the matter of dispute between Ircon International Limited and Hindustan Construction Company Limited has been closed in the Arbitration.
Shares of Tata Motors, a leading global automobile manufacturer, surged 6 per cent to hit a fresh all-time high of Rs 1,084.90 per share in todays trade following an upgrade from Japanese brokerage firm Nomura.

The brokerage revised its rating for Tata Motors to Buy from the earlier recommendation of Neutral. It also revised its price target by 26 per cent upward to Rs 1,294 from Rs 1,141 earlier.

Nomura believes Jaguar Land Rovers (JLR) execution can lead to significant upsides for the Tata Motors stock.

Tata Motors proposed demerger plan to hive off its passenger vehicle (PV) and commercial vehicle (CV) business may unlock value for the companys CVs business.

The multibagger scrip has climbed 67 per cent in a year and risen 137 per cent in two years. Tata Motors stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 593.50 on August 25, 2023.

On BSE, around 4.87 lakh shares changed hands amounting to a turnover of Rs 51.37 crore today. Market cap of the firm rose to Rs 3.55 lakh crore.

Nomura hiked the target multiple for JLR to 3.5 times its Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA from 2.75 times given potential upsides.

EBIT margins for Tata Motors are likely to rise 8.5 per cent in financial year 2025 from 7.8 per cent earlier to 10.1 per cent by financial year 2027 with further potential to rise to 11- 12 per cent by financial year 2030, the brokerage said.

The Tata Group firm will announce its Q1 earnings on August 1.

In the March 2024 quarter, the firm logged a net profit of Rs 17,407 crore aided by a tax credit of Rs 8,159 crore. Tata Motors reported a net profit of Rs 5,400 crore in Q4FY23.

Revenue for the January-March quarter of the financial year 202324 rose 14% to Rs 1.20 lakh crore rising more than 14 per cent from Rs 1.05 lakh crore in Q3FY23.

EBITDA or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation climbed 33 per cent year-on-year to Rs 17,035 crore from Rs 12,810 crore in Q3FY23.
Petrol, Diesel Prices Today On July 25, 2024: Oil marketing companies (OMCs) announce fuel prices, maintaining consistency despite the inherent volatility of these commodities at 6 am every day. The OMCs adjust prices in response to global crude oil prices and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, ensuring consumers are always informed about the latest fuel costs.

Government oil marketing companies release the latest petrol and diesel prices daily at 6 am in the country.

The prices have remained unchanged in most parts of the country since March 2024 when the central government cut petrol prices by Rs 2. Before that, the fuel prices remained steady since May 2022, following a reduction in fuel taxes by the central government and several states.

Petrol Diesel Price Today In India (Check city-wise rate table below)

Check city-wise petrol and diesel prices on July 25:

City Petrol Price (Rs/litre) Diesel Price (Rs/litre) Delhi 94.72 87.62 Mumbai 103.44 89.97 Chennai 100.85 92.44 Kolkata 103.94 90.76 Noida 94.66 87.76 Lucknow 94.65 87.76 Bengaluru 102.86 88.94 Hyderabad 107.41 95.65 Jaipur 104.88 90.36 Trivandrum 107.62 96.43 Bhubaneswar 101.06 92.91

Factors Affecting Petrol And Diesel Prices In India

Crude oil price: The primary raw material for the production of petrol and diesel is crude oil; as such, its price directly influences the ultimate cost of these fuels.

The exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the US dollar: As a major importer of crude oil, Indias petrol and diesel prices are also influenced by the exchange rate between the Indian and US dollar.

Tax: Various taxes on petrol and diesel are imposed by both the central and state governments. These taxes may differ across states, exerting a notable influence on the ultimate prices of petrol and diesel.

The cost of refining:

The final price of petrol and diesel is additionally influenced by the expenses incurred in refining crude oil into these fuels. The refining process can be costly, and the refining expenses may fluctuate based on factors like the type of crude oil utilised and the refinerys efficiency.

The demand for petrol and diesel: The demand for petrol and diesel can also affect their prices. If demand for these fuels increases, it can lead to higher prices.

Know the price of petrol and diesel through SMS

You can also find out the latest petrol and diesel prices in your city through SMS. If you are a customer of Indian Oil, then you will have to write RSP along with the city code and send it to 9224992249. If you are a customer of BPCL, then you can get information about the new price of petrol and diesel by writing RSP and sending it to 9223112222. Whereas, if you are a customer of HPCL, then you can find out the price of petrol and diesel by writing HP Price and sending it to 9222201122.
To make the New Pension Scheme (NPS) more attractive under the new tax regime, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to increase tax deductions for employers contributions to 14 per cent from 10 per cent.

The minister also proposed to start NPS-Vatsalya, a plan for contribution by parents and guardians for minors.

What Is NPS-Vatsalya?

NPS Vatsalya is a new pension scheme introduced in Indias Union Budget 2024. Its designed to help parents and guardians kickstart their childs retirement savings journey early on.

On attaining the age of majority, the plan can be converted seamlessly into a normal NPS account.

While the scheme has been announced, specific details like eligibility criteria, contribution limits, investment options, and tax benefits are awaited. However, experts feel that the scheme will promote responsible financial planning and ensure retirement security.

Ranbheer Singh Dhariwal, CEO, Max Life Pension Fund Management, said, NPS Vatsalya is a commendable step forward in promoting retirement savings and fostering long-term financial security. By allowing parents and guardians to initiate their minor childs NPS account, the initiative sets the foundation for responsible financial management from an early age. As these accounts transition into regular NPS plans upon adulthood, they provide a smooth continuation of savings habits into adulthood.

Sriram Iyer, CEO, HDFC Pension, said, NPS Vatsalya is a notable innovation. It allows parents or guardians to contribute to a childs pension from birth, ensuring a strong foundation for future retirement savings through compounded returns.

Budget 2024 NPS Announcements

In her 2024-25 Budget speech, Sitharaman said to improve social security benefits, the deduction of expenditure by employers towards NPS is proposed to be increased from 10 per cent to 14 per cent of the employees salary.

Similarly, a deduction of this expenditure of up to 14 per cent of salary from the income of employees in the private sector, public sector banks and undertakings, opting for the new tax regime, is proposed to be provided.

Explaining the provision, BDO India Partner (Global Employer Services, Tax & Regulatory Services) Preeti Sharma said an additional deduction of 4 per cent of basic salary is provided towards the employers contribution to NPS for employees working with the private sector and public sector banks and undertakings and have opted for the NTR.

Giving example, she said any individual with a basic salary plus dearness allowance of Rs 1,00,000 per month may now be eligible to claim an additional deduction of Rs 4,000 per month/ Rs 48,000 per annum for employers contribution to NPS and save annual tax of Rs 14,976.

EY India, Tax Partner and National Leader, (People Advisory Services) Sonu Iyer said the proposal to increase tax deduction will make NPS more popular.
Union Budget 2024: About 66 per cent of taxpayers out of the over 4 crore filers have opted for the new regime for income tax return (ITR) filing during the current season till now, CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal said Wednesday.

The focus of the government and the direct taxes administration is on simplification of the tax processes including the filing of ITRs and conducting other businesses with the Income Tax Department, the Central Board of Direct Taxes chairman told news agency PTI during a post-Budget interview.

The philosophy (of the government) is that the more you simplify, the more it will make it easy for people to comply leading to increased compliance.

This is also reflected from the fact that, as on date, the number of returns (ITRs) that have been filed till yesterday is significantly more than the returns filed during the same time in the corresponding (last) year, Agrawal said.

Last year, the figure of 4 crore ITR filings was crossed on July 25 but this time this number was crossed on the night of July 22, he said.

Sufficient Traction For New Tax Regime

He said there was sufficient traction for the new tax regime and about 66 per cent of ITR filings, as of today, were made under the new regime.

We expect that going forward we should get more (under the new ITR regime), he said.

CBDT chief said about 7.5 crore ITRs were filed the last time at the end of the deadline on July 31.

End Of Old Regime?

Asked about the end of the old regime, Agrawal said the process was in the transition stage and a call would be taken at an appropriate time after it is seen which regime has better acceptability among the taxpayers.

ITR Filing Last Date 2024

The current ITR filing season for assessment year 2024-25 will similarly end on July 31 for different categories of taxpayers whose accounts are not supposed to be audited.

The CBDT chief said more transactions are being automatically reported to the taxpayers (while filing ITR) and this meant that more information is being made available to the taxpayer.

So, therefore, we expect that the compliance will be more because simplification is also simultaneously taking place, he said.

So far, the CBDT chief said, as the new tax regime is concerned, the government is nudging the taxpayer towards opting for it and therefore this is being sweetened also, by way of changing the tax slabs, which gives benefit to the taxpayers.

Budget 2024 Tax Slab

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget proposals announced on Tuesday had raised the standard deduction for salaried individuals to Rs 75,000 from Rs 25,000 and also tweaked the tax rate structure or slabs for taxpayers opting for the new income tax regime.

As a result of these changes, a salaried employee in the new tax regime stands to save up to Rs 17,500 in income tax, she said.

The FM said during the last fiscal (2023-24) more than two-thirds of individual filers availed the new income tax regime.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is all set to offer a new four-year undergraduate programme B.Tech. in Design from the academic year 2025-26. The Department of Design which will commence the course in the next academic session will admit students based on their JEE (Advanced) rankings. However, aspirants will also have to qualify in the design aptitude test, UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design), the IIT said in a press release.

This is a unique programme crafted especially for empathetic and creative minds intent on understanding socio-technical systems around them and designing solutions for the wicked problems in these systems, the IIT said. Students pursuing the course will learn about prevalent technologies, systematic design thinking processes, research methods for analyzing socio-technical systems, communication and presentation skills, and teamwork, the institute added.

The B.Tech. in Design programme at IIT Delhi will have a strong focus on product design. The aim is to prepare the students in such a way that at the end of the programme they are confident in using design as a vehicle to address problems in industry and society, the notice read.

Our expectation is that after graduating from IIT Delhi with a B.Tech. in Design degree, the students will take up, in the long run, leadership positions in industry, academia, government, consulting, and entrepreneurship. The program offers enough choices and freedom for the students to exercise diverse career paths, Prof. Jyoti Kumar, HoD, Department of Design said.

As the proposed curriculum is geared to prepare students for leadership positions, it is broad-based and analogous to the existing programmes at IIT Delhi. The approach of the Institute would be to create new leaders in design who can see the big picture as generalists and have the ability to go into details as a design specialist does, Prof. Kumar added.
LOS ANGELESAn ongoing trademark dispute between adult star Gigi Dior and the French luxury fashion house Christian Dior (or, simply, Dior) has reached a new chapter, according to a July 18 filing reviewed by AVN.

Now, the luxury brand, which is owned by a parent company controlled and chaired by French billionaire Bernard Arnault, has accused the popular MILF performer Gigi Dior of trademark dilutionthe act of confusing the public's perception of a famous mark. Dior argues that the use of its brand name by Gigi Dior violates federal trademark dilution statutes.

Gigi Dior and the company she operates that encompasses her adult industry work filed an application in October 2021 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) to register her stage name as a service mark. In the United States, a service mark is a type of trademark that identifies a service rather than a product or line of products. In October 2022, Dior filed a notice of opposition with the PTO's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

Dior argued that Gigi Dior infringes on its rights due to the fact that it has established "valuable goodwill" with its customers due to "substantial sales and extensive advertising and promotion." Central to Dior's arguments is that it believes that consumers could incorrectly connect Gigi Dior, her work as an adult industry performer, and her potential service mark as being connected to the fashion house.

By accusing Gigi Dior of trademark dilution, Dior has doubled down on the claim that it will likely face ridicule and that Gigi Dior cannot justify her service mark under the First Amendment right of parody or other similar defenses.

The record illustrates that ... [Gigi Dior] ... intentionally uses the GIGI DIOR mark to create an association with Dior and the DIOR marks, Dior's counsel argued in its July 18 filing to the TTAB.

The filing cites the Rogers test as justification. In case law, the Rogers test is a means that the First Amendment provides protection to artistically expressive uses of trademarks or uses that are artistic in nature. A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023 limited that test, the fashion house's attorneys argue, pointing to how Gigi Dior's application for a service mark does not apply where the accused trademark is used as a designation of source.

"[The owners] of the Dior mark have a strong argument as to why the mark Gigi Dior shouldnt be registered," adult industry attorney Michael Fattorosi told AVN. Fattorosi deals with trademark registration in the adult space.

"Dilution has always been an argument against the registration of a known famous mark in adult," he explained. "Ive seen prior cases such as this. Gigi Dior has one argument in her favorshe claims that there has been no consumer confusion between her use of Dior and the registered Dior marks. However, I doubt that will hold much weight in front of the [TTAB]."

Gigi Dior declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing litigation.

Since her industry debut, Gigi Dior has appeared in dozens of adult scenes. She is also an independent content creator for platforms like OnlyFans and is represented by Nexxxt Level Talent Agency.
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday adopted resolutions against the delimitation of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies based on the coming census, One Nation, One Election proposal, and National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET), amid protest by opposition parties.

The resolutions were adopted separately by a voice vote, with BJP and JD(S) MLAs protesting from the well of the House demanding a discussion on the alleged fraudulent allotment of sites to land losers by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), including to Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs wife Parvathi.

There was no debate on any of the resolutions, as there was sloganeering from members of the opposition.

While the resolution on delimitation urged the Centre to consider the 1971 census during the delimitation of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies and not after the census that will be done in 2026 or thereafter, the one on One Nation, One Election called it dangerous for the democratic and federal system.

The resolution on NEET stated that this exam has affected the medical education opportunities of poor children from rural areas and it has to be abolished in view of the alleged irregularities taking place nationwide. It demanded that Karnataka should be exempted from this exam system and admission of students in medical colleges should be allowed on the basis of the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the State government.

The Karnataka Cabinet that met on Monday night under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had given its approval for tabling these resolutions in the ongoing Legislature session.

The Leader of Opposition R Ashoka said his party is not opposed to discussion on delimitation as they too dont want the number of Assembly and the Lok Sabha constituencies in the state to come down, but it should be taken up when the House is in order or by calling a special session. He expressed his partys opposition to resolutions against One Nation, One Election and NEET.

The Karnataka Assembly demands that the Central Government should not carry out the delimitation of constituencies on the basis of a census that will happen in 2026 or thereafter. In case of increasing the number of seats based on the population, it should take into account the 1971 census to decide the number of Lok Sabha seats in a state and the assembly constituencies there, the resolution, moved by the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said that census and delimitation will begin soon after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

In the resolution on the One Nation; One Election proposal, the Congress government pointed out that India is the worlds biggest democracy with a federal system, and the free and fair election prescribed in our Constitution is the soul of the countrys democracy.

Different state legislatures have their own terms of office, and a uniform election schedule can undermine states autonomy as the focus will be much on national issues, neglecting local concerns. Ensuring adequate security, managing election staff, dejection among voters, reduced government accountability and economic and social constraints are serious risks associated with simultaneous elections, it said.

Therefore, this House urges the Central Government not to implement this draconian law to protect the democratic processes and unity of India, the resolution read.

Ashoka said his party opposes this resolution contending that separate elections were time-consuming as they keep the government machinery always on the toes instead of taking up developmental works.

The High-level Committee on Simultaneous Elections constituted under the Chairmanship of Former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted its report on One Nation, One Election to President Droupadi Murmu in March.

The resolution on NEET read: This House hereby unanimously resolves to urge the Centre that the NEET exam system which severely affects the medical education of poor rural students, makes schooling redundant and deprives the rights of the state government to admit students in the state government medical colleges; it should be abolished.

It urged the Centre to immediately exempt Karnataka from this examination and to provide medical admission based on marks obtained in Common Entrance Test conducted by the state government. The resolution moved by Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said, considering the repeated irregularities in the NEET exam, the central government should also make necessary amendments in the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 (Central Act 30 of 2019) so that the NEET system is given up at the national level.

Later speaking to reporters, Sharan Prakash Patil said the reason behind adopting these three resolutions was that the Centre has a malafide intention of running the nation in a centralised manner.

In the fourth resolution that was moved by Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre and adopted by the House, the state government urged the Centre to amend the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (Act no. 2 of 2007) and the rules made under it to ensure that other traditional forest dwellers are treated equally to Scheduled Tribes living in forests.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to issue the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2024 counselling schedule and revised results soon. The updated NEET UG 2024 results are anticipated to be released this week. Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Education Minister, hailed the ruling of the Supreme Court not to cancel the NEET UG examinations, stressing that the truth would always prevail. He also went on to say that the NEET UG 2024 final results would be made public by the National Testing Agency in two days ie. by today, July 25.

The NEET UG results are being revised in accordance with the Supreme Courts judgement on one Physics question, resulting in the elimination of 44 students from the NEET 2024 toppers list.These students benefited from the bonus marks for the Physics question, for which two responses were declared correct by NTA.As a result, the NEET 2024 merit list will be amended, with the number of toppers reduced from 61 to 17. The Supreme Court ruled that 44 applicants scores be changed to 715 out of 720. These 44 will now be ranked after the other 70 students, who received 716 points out of 720.

During the July 23 final hearing, the CJI dismissed the petitions submitted by students seeking cancellation and re-test of the NEET UG examinations, concluding that there was insufficient evidence of a large-scale leak of the NEET UG question papers, which may lead to the conclusion that the exam was vitiated, resulting in a systematic breach of the exams integrity.

NEET UG 2024 Counselling Schedule

After the revised results are revealed, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will promptly announce the NEET UG 2024 counselling dates. The NEET all-India common merit list will be used to determine admissions to prestigious medical schools like AIIMS, JIPMER, as well as other government and private medical colleges across India.

According to the NEET results announced on June 4, this years cut-off for general and general-PH category applicants went up from 720-137 to 720-164.
A BJP delegation from Maharashtra met Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar in Delhi on Wednesday, demanding a thorough investigation into many people complaining of their names being missing from the voter list during the April-June Lok Sabha elections.

The delegation included Bharatiya Janata Party state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar, MPs Sanjay Dhotre and Hemant Savara, and former MP Kirit Somaiya. The meeting lasted nearly an hour.

The delegation highlighted several issues, notably the errors in the voter registration process even as assembly elections in Maharashtra are likely to be held around November. The BJP pointed out technical difficulties related to voters photos, addresses, and names during registration. A detailed report on the voter registration campaign was presented to the CEC.

Shelar shared insights from the meeting, stating that the booth formation was progressing quickly in about 1,100 housing societies in Mumbai. A voter registration drive has been announced, extending the registration period until July 25. At the delegations request, the commissioner agreed to extend this period by another seven days, making the new deadline August 2. This is expected to benefit many voters.

The delegation also addressed the serious issue of missing voter names from the 2024 elections list. These voters had exercised their franchise in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls but found their names missing this year, preventing them from voting. This problem is particularly significant in Maharashtra, said the BJP. The delegation pressed for a thorough investigation to uncover how and why these names disappeared and who might be responsible.

The Chief Election Commissioner responded favourably to the concerns raised by the delegation. Shelar urged voters to verify that their names, identity proofs, and photographs are correctly included in the voters list to avoid such issues in future.
Bigg Boss OTT season 3 has grabbed the audiences attention for its never-ending controversies and unexpected eliminations. Most recently, Sana Sultan was evicted from the Anil Kapoor-hosted reality show. Sana, along with wildcard entry Adnaan Shaikh, was eliminated from the show for their poor performance in the eviction task. During her stay in the BB house, Sana formed a good bond with Sai Ketan Rao and Naezy. Post the dramatic eviction, Naezy questioned Sai about his emotionless reaction after Sana left.

In the recent episode, the contestants faced a ration challenge. As per the rules, they were divided into two groups. Contestants had to call out one member from the other group regarding a recent mistake. During the task, Naezy alleged that Sai Ketan Rao was emotionless when one of his best friends in the house, Sana Sultan, left the show. In his defence, Sai stated that he frequently turns emotionless.

Later, after the task, Naezy decided to speak to Sai privately about it. He said, Tu Armaan ke side itna zyada ho gaya, Armaan tujhe itna influence kar diya ki tere best friend ghar se jaa rahi hain, aur wo time pe bhi tu ekdam cool tha. Ye mereko achha nahi laga. (Youve gotten so partial towards Armaan, hes influenced you so much that your best friend is leaving the house, and you were entirely fine with it. I did not like that.)

In his defence, Sai said he tried to speak to Sana but she avoided him. Further he mentioned, Humlog reality show mein hain, agar mein kisi ladki ke liye yaha rounga, tereko kya lagta bahar ke log kya sochenge? (We are in a reality show. If I cry for a girl here, what do you think what would the viewers think?) Naezy understood his point of view and agreed with him.

Meanwhile, after her eviction, Sana Sultan spoke about her friendship with Sai Ketan Rao and Naezy. She told BollwoodLife, It was a real bond and will keep it as pure it was. Once he is out of the house, will meet him. Hum hamari dosti ko aur aage badhaye aur hamesha alaa darje ke dost rahe (We will take our friendship forward and be the best of friends.)
Nearly 1,182 cases of farmer suicide have been reported from Karnataka in 15 months, according to the figures given by the state revenue department. The grim data has evoked reactions, with BJP MP and former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar blaming the Siddaramaiah government in the state for the deaths.

Meanwhile, people in Karnataka die due to Rahuls Congress Economic mismanagement and Loot, he said.

As per the revenue departments data, most of the farmer suicides in Karnataka took place in three districts of Belagavi, Haveri and Dharwad, with 122, 120 and 101 cases respectively.

Chikkamagalur reported 89 farmer suicides, Kalaburgi reported 69 and Yadagiri saw 68 such instances during the same period of time.

The farmer suicide was owed to various factors such as severe drought, crop loss and overwhelming debt, as per the revenue department.

Out of the 27 districts in Karnataka, only six reported the farmer suicide cases in single digits while the remaining 21 districts witnessed 30 farmer suicide cases or more.

What are the Reasons Behind Farmer Suicide?

Farm Loans

Karnataka had already declared 223 of the 236 taluks as drought-hit. Of these, 196 taluks are categorised as severe drought-hit and 27 as drought-hit. As many as 22.59 lakh farmers have taken medium-term and short-term loans from cooperative institutions to the tune of Rs 17,534 crore till January 31, 2024, and 8.5 lakh have secured loans from nationalised banks to the tune of Rs 1,7424 crore till December 31, 2023. The data further revealed that only 238 farmers have repaid their loans in cooperative institutions.

While the finance department is collating data to make provisions for the interest waiver, the total outstanding crop loans amount to Rs 535.43 crore (as per December 2023) at the Karnataka State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Limited (KSCARD) alone. This includes Rs 229.32 crore principal and Rs 306.11 crore interest. The interest waiver will also apply to loans at the Karnataka State Cooperative Apex Bank, District Cooperative Central Banks and so on, a report by The Deccan Herald said.

Climate Change

Researchers Ritu Bharadwaj, N Karthikeyan and Ira Deulgaonkar examined year-on-year data from Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana to understand the linkage between farmer suicide and climate change. Data covering 2014-15 to 2020-21 showed a negative correlation for all five states  indicating that the suicide rate is consistently higher in years with a rainfall deficit, as mentioned in a report by Down To Earth.

The states, which report the highest suicide rates, have farmers more heavily engaged in cotton cultivation, which requires significant investment in seed, pesticide and insecticide, forcing farmers to borrow money, as per a report by Down To Earth.

According to a report by Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada, in Karnataka, one of the worlds most water-stressed regions, the Congress-led government instituted a policy in 2016-17 protecting drought-impacted farmers from loan recovery. However, by 2020, the new government led by the BJP withdrew that protection.

Who Got Relief?

The Karnataka government provided drought relief to 38.78 lakh farmers during 2023-24, according to revenue minister Krishna Byra Gowda. So far, Rs 4,047 crore has been spent on the compensation in the state.

The previous highest number of farmers receiving compensation was 23.42 lakh. In the last four years, 14.41 lakh farmers received drought relief. Farmers who have seen 33% of their crops getting damaged have received compensation, the minister said.

Gowda also said the government for the first time spent Rs 531 crore to pay compensation for the loss of livelihood that benefitted 17.8 lakh farmers families.

What Can Govt Do More?

Experts suggest that the government should implement policies that incentivise farmers to move away from the water-intensive crops such as cotton, sugarcane, areca nuts to climate-suited crops such as millets and legumes.

According to the paper Urgent preventative action for climate-related suicides in rural India, published by the International Institute for Environment and Development in May 2023, social programmes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) could limit the effect of climate vulnerabilities. For instance, the number of farmers dying by suicide drops from 1,800 people per year to 398 people year when the number of work days taken up from MGNREGA from 50 million-150 million.

According to an article by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, in March 2021, the Karnataka government allocated Rs 25 crore to promote research on tackling yellow leaf disease. In late October 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture formed an expert committee of seven researchers to develop further strategies on the disease. Thus, knowledge sharing with other economies will be an area to watch in the coming years.
A demand for the bifurcation of West Bengal has gripped the political circles after state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar submitted a formal proposal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on making North Bengal a part of Northeast.

I met the PM and submitted a proposal to incorporate North Bengal with the Northeast. It is up to the PM now to decide on this. But if North Bengal is incorporated with the Northeast, the region will benefit from the Central government schemes, Majumdar said on Wednesday.

He further stated that by bifurcating West Bengal, the North Bengal region would receive focussed attention from the Centre, which it has not been able to due to neglect from the state government.

The proposal has kicked up a row, with Trinamool Congress calling it a conspiracy to split the state. TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray called it a secessionist move on the part of Union minister. He has violated the oath of office under the Constitution. North Bengal is an integral part of West Bengal. Even the PM has no power to accept such unconstitutional and illegal demands. This is an evil design of the BJP to bifurcate West Bengal as the party has been suffering humiliating defeats in all elections since 2011, he said in a statement issued to the media.

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.

About The North Bengal Region

North Bengal comprises eight district  Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Maldah, Alipurduar and Kalimpong. The districts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri are characterised by a higher proportion of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe while the remaining districts are largely rural. Kalimpong is the newly added district to the region.

The region shares a border with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, and is home to different ethic groups for over a long period as a result of colonial rule, growth of tea industry and Partition in 1947.

It has different ethnic groups such as the Rajbansis, Koches, Gorkhas and adivasis, who have supported the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad (ABAVP), Kamtapur Peoples Party and others for their demand for a separate state of North Bengal.

The population of North Bengal is 17,211,010 (1.7 crore) as per the 2011 census. The majority of population comprises Hindus and then Muslims. Other significant religions are Christianity and Buddhism.

What is the Statehood Demand?

It was in 2021 when BJP MP from Alipurduar, John Barla, raised a demand for a separate state of North Bengal. However, BJP state unit leaders clarified that it was not the partys stand. Barla had said, The creation of a separate state of North Bengal is the voice of the people of this region. I will raise the issue at the appropriate level.

The United Front for Separate State was formed to press for the statehood demand. It has nine organisations, including the Kamtapur Progressive Party, the GJM (Bimal Gurung), the Kamtapur Peoples Party (United), the Joy Birsa Munda Ulgulan, the SC/ST Movement Committee, the Progressive Peoples Party, the Akhil Bharatiya Rajbanshi Samaj, the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples Association and the Bhumiputra Unnayan Committee.

The separate state of North Bengal will comprise eight districts, eight Lok Sabha constituencies and 54 Assembly segments.

The History of Other Statehood Demands In North Bengal

Before the North Bengal statehood demand shaped up, there have been separate movements to press for independent Gorkhaland, Kamtapur and Greater Cooch Behar, which are part of the region.

The movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland was first started by Gorkha National Liberation National Liberation Front (GNLF) founder Subhash Ghisingh through a violent agitation in the 1980s.

The demand resurfaced after Ghisings trusted associate Bimal Gurung broke away from the GNLF and formed his own party Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). In 2017, the issue once again flared up with a 104-day shutdown in Darjeeling hills and violent agitation. A number of cases, including sections of UAPA, were filed against Gurung and other leaders.

Kamtapuris, known as Koch Rajbanshis, a SC community of people of Cooch Behar district, agitated for a separate state of Kamtapur, comprising seven out of eight districts of North Bengal and four districts of Assam  Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Dhubri and Goalpara, Kishanganj district in Bihar and Jhapa district in Nepal. The demand was first raised in 1995 after the formation of Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) an armed militant organisation. However, the movement fizzled out in the early 2000s due to a leadership crisis and the arrest of several operatives of KLO and the All Kamtapur Students Union.

Meanwhile, The Greater Cooch Behar movement was started by general secretary of the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples Association (GCPA), Bangshi Badan Barman. Since 1998, the GCPA demanded a separate state comprising seven districts of north Bengal along with the Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon and Dhubri districts of Assam. However, no political parties in West Bengal supported the demand and there has been no major agitation since 2008.

Political Leaders Supporting Statehood Demand

Not just Barla and Majumdar, BJP MP Ananta Rai Maharaj has also demanded a separate state of Greater Cooch Behar. Ananta, who heads one of the factions of the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples Association (GCPA), led a violent movement 15 years ago in north Bengal demanding separate state for Koch and Kamatapuris, and is out on bail. He has been extremely vocal for a separate statehood or union territory of north Bengal, since the post-poll violence in West Bengal after 2021 assembly poll.

MoS for Home Affairs Nisith Pramanik was another proponent of the North Bengal as a separate state, claiming that the region lacks development. The allocation for a flyover in Kolkata does not even match the allocation in North Bengal, he had said. In democracy, people are the most important factor, and keeping in mind peoples sentiments, appropriate decision will be taken, he had told the media.

BJP Darjeeling MP Raju Bista had also pressed for a separate Gorkhaland. It is a political demand and will require a political solution. We have said the countrys Constitution is vast and under its provisions the Gorkhas will get justice, he had said in an interview to The Indian Express.

BJP leaders had promised bifurcation or trifurcation of the state ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. There is also a demand for Gorkhaland in hills of Darjeeling. The people there are not happy with the proposal of making it a union territory.
A total of 15 functional bridges and 11 under-construction ones on national highways have collapsed in India in the last three financial years, killing six people, the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The ministry said it is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of national highways in the country and that there have been a few incidents of collapse of bridges on these highways.

The Ministry carried out a condition survey of existing bridges as part of preparation of a detailed project report for NH development works for a section of NH and repair/rehabilitation/reconstruction of existing bridges are taken up as part of corridor development project, union minister Nitin Gadkari said in a written reply.

The ministry has also issued guidelines for bridge inspection and condition survey of existing bridges followed by appropriate repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction based on the nature and severity of distresses.

The Ministry has issued policy guidelines and model bidding documents for real time structural health monitoring of bridges on continuous/ discrete manner. The Ministry has also started a comprehensive Indian Bridge Management System for condition assessment of bridges and subsequent decision making process for repair/rehabilitation/reconstruction, the reply added.

Out of the 15 functional bridges that collapsed, two each were from Haryana, Odisha, and Manipur, while one each from Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura. No casualties were reported in these collapses of operational bridges.

All six deaths in bridge collapses were reported from under-construction ones. Three under-construction bridges from Bihar, two in 2022-2023 and one in 2023-24, collapsed. Two people were killed in these incidents. Two bridges each collapsed in Odisha and Tamil Nadu, while one each in Delhi, Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Kerala.

In the bridge collapse in Sikkim at Singtam-Tarku, two people were killed. The bridge collapsed due to excessive rainfall and a glacial lake outburst flood.

One more person died in Tamil Nadu when a bridge collapsed on national highway 785 due to a hydraulic jack failure while fixing the bearing.

In Delhi, a bridge collapsed on national highway 248BB, killing one person. The bridge collapsed due to a mechanical failure of the hydraulic jack.
A shocking incident has come to light from Arwal district in Bihar where a 76-year-old retired teacher, Birbal Prasad, allegedly murdered his wife, Sumati Sinha, and dismembered her body. The gruesome crime took place in Jamuhari village under Mehendia police station. According to police, Prasad suspected his wife of having an extramarital affair with his deceased uncle who passed away 8 years ago. In a fit of rage, he used a sharp weapon to cut her body into pieces. The accused has claimed to have inflicted 57 wounds, symbolising the number of years of their marriage.

Police were alerted to the crime when the couples grandson discovered the horrific scene upon returning from school. Prasad was subsequently arrested and a forensic team is investigating the crime scene. The murder weapon has been seized. A forensic team has been deployed to examine the victims body for further evidence.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Arwal, Rajendra Kumar Bhil, confirmed the arrest of the retired teacher who confessed to dismembering his wife. The accused has been remanded to judicial custody.

Police revealed that Prasad confined other family members to a room before committing the heinous act. The horrific crime was discovered around 1 pm when the couples grandson returned home from school and found the house covered in blood. In a terrifying standoff, Prasad threatened his daughter-in-law, grandson, and nearby villagers while wielding a sharp weapon.

Initial investigations indicated that the victims body was dismembered into approximately 12 pieces. The gruesome details of the murder have sent shockwaves through the community, with residents grappling to comprehend the horrific crime.
Concerns over Pakistan pushing infiltration through the Punjab route were further stoked by reports of seven suspicious men wearing civilian clothes with backpacks being spotted by a woman from Phangtoli village in Pathankot on Wednesday.

The woman told the police that the men emerged from the forest behind her house. One of them asked her for water in Punjabi. Afterwards, they went back towards the forest.

The woman said to them that there was no road on that side, but the men responded that they had some work in the forest.

An identification sketch has been released by Punjab police based on the descriptions provided by the woman.

Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that the incident was on expected lines and the matter was reported fast as the people in Punjab are cautious about terror incidents.

As already reported by CNN-News18, according to the sources, infiltration is happening through an active tunnel in the Samba sector.

There are around 20 to 25 terrorists in the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban area who have come from Pakistans Punjab province, they said. There are reports that they have sneaked in through the Punjab sector also.

According to intelligence sources, this infiltration has happened in the last three months only.

Another set of infiltrations has happened in the Sunderbani and Uri sectors, they said.

Agencies are aware that after Kashmir being cordoned off, Jammu and now Punjab are being used by Pakistan for infiltration.

It is much easier for these terrorists to enter from Punjab and later slip into the area of their choice or directions they have, said an intelligence source. Jammu and Punjab are vulnerable because these are peaceful areas for long with the civilian population and a huge number of Army establishments. Punjab police acted fast and we are hopeful of identifying the locations soon.
A recent claim circulating on various media platforms suggesting an increase in bus fares in Tamil Nadu following electricity tariff adjustments has been debunked by the state governments fact-finding committee. According to a report released by the committee, there has been a concerted effort by certain private television channels and social media outlets to disseminate misleading information intended to discredit the Tamil Nadu government.

The report highlights that over the past two days, these sources have been falsely reporting an impending hike in bus fares, purportedly timed to influence public opinion ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in two years.

The AIADMKs IT wing and other opposition parties have been accused of leveraging social media to spread these baseless rumours, alleging that the government intends to implement fare increases that would conveniently fade from public memory by the end of the electoral cycle.

In response, the fact-finding committee clarified the situation, affirming that no decision has been made nor plans formulated to raise government bus fares in Tamil Nadu. They tagged and refuted the message spread by private television channels, emphasising that the speculation is entirely unfounded.

Transport Minister Sivasankar further reiterated that there have been no discussions or considerations whatsoever regarding any increase in government bus fares at this time.
Paul George said playing for the LA Clippers felt like playing for the B team. Photo Credit: Podcast P

Paul George had his introductory press conference Tuesday with the Philadelphia 76ers, and he said all the right things about his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers.

George thanked the Clippers for the opportunity and said he had no ill will about how things ended, with the team declining to offer him a max contract. He said he enjoyed an amazing time [in L.A.].

George let his guard down a day earlier, however, on his Podcast P, where the nine-time All-Star recalled his initial reaction when he got traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Clippers in 2019.

It seemed like a perfect match for the native of nearby Palmdale. George said he soon learned hed joined the wrong team.

I think initially, coming back to L.A., that was home when I first came back to L.A., but its not the same love, George said. When I was in L.A., they were like, Man, you shouldve been a Laker. Thats all I was hearing.

It wasnt no like, Yo, welcome to the Clippers. Were happy youre here in L.A., but you shouldve been a Laker. Im on the B team. Thats how the vibe and the love felt.

Paul George says playing for the Clippers instead of the Lakers felt like he was playing for the B Team. ( @PodcastPShow / h/t @Ralph_MasonJr ) pic.twitter.com/0kAQcGoeeE  NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 23, 2024

George said hes already getting a different feel in Philadelphia.

Now, being in Philly, being in the city, everybodys like, Man, we appreciate youre here, we love you here, youre going to love it, theres so much love around here,' George said.

[Bleacher Report]
Heavy rains wreaked havoc in Maharashtras 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.

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 dams 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.

Four persons lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Pune, officials said.

While three men died of electrocution in Deccan area of the city while trying to move their handcart, on which they used to sell egg dishes, after it got submerged due to heavy rains, one person died and another one sustained injuries in a landslide in Tahmini ghat section in Mulshi tehsil, district officials said.

One person died while another sustained injuries after a landslide on a small eatery in Tahmini ghat in Mulshi tehsil, inspector Manoj Yadav of Paud police station said.

The district administration and local police are engaged in the task removing the debris from the road, he said adding that after removing it the road will be open for the vehicular movement.

Considering heavy rainfall in the ghat (mountain pass) sections of Khed, Junnar, Ambegaon, Velha, Mulshi, Maval, Bhor, Haveli talukas and Pimpri Chinchwad as well as Pune city area, a holiday has been for schools.

As a precautionary measure, the disaster management cells and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed at the low lying areas, where flooding and inundation is anticipated. People must not step out of homes unless it is very important. The IMD has issued red alert for Pune for the next 24 hours, Diwase said.

Pawar said, as per the IMDs forecast for the next five days, some districts have been issued orange alert, while it is yellow alert for other areas.

NDRF teams have been deployed at 18 locations, while six SDRF teams are stationed in Kurla and Ghatkopar in Mumbai, as well as Thane, Raigad, Palghar, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Satara and Sangli, Pawar told reporters.

Meanwhile, 29 tourists who were stranded due to flooding at resorts and bungalows in Malavli area near Lonavala hill station in the district were evacuated on Wednesday evening, a police official said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert for Maharashtra forecasting heavy rainfall. Mumbai is witnessing continuous rainfall overnight and is expected to encounter more heavy showers over the next two days.

Meanwhile, four people died in the Pune district due to incidents related to heavy rainfall. The city has been experiencing continuous rain since Wednesday, leading to waterlogging in various areas.

IMD Issues Yellow Alert For Mumbai

IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, predicting moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs, with a possibility of very heavy rainfall in isolated areas.

According to IMDs weather bulletin, very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in Konkan and Goa from July 25 to July 27, and in Madhya Maharashtra on July 26 and 27.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Heavy rain lashes parts of Mumbai. Visuals from Vile Parle, Western Express Highway. pic.twitter.com/Adbl71s7kF ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

Incessant overnight rainfall has caused severe waterlogging in several parts of Mumbai.

Raigad police reported that heavy rains caused a landslide at Tamhini Ghat on the Raigad-Pune route, leading to a temporary halt in traffic until the debris is cleared.

Maharashtra | Due to a landslide at Tamhini Ghat on the Raigad-Pune route, traffic has been halted on this Ghat route until the debris is cleared: Raigad Police(Video source: Raigad Police) pic.twitter.com/hbCfkguASX  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Severe waterlogging in several parts of Navi Mumbai following heavy rainfall in the city; visuals from APMC market pic.twitter.com/HGo5MH1lUn ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

Schools Shut In Pune, Palghar Amid Heavy Rain Alert

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Pune, Thane, Palghar, and Ratnagiri districts. Pune Collector Suhas Diwase has ordered the closure of schools in Pune city and nearby areas due to the anticipated heavy rainfall in the region.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Waterlogging witnessed in parts of Pune City due to heavy rainfall; visuals from Sinhgad Road. pic.twitter.com/VPdbT23TXF ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

The school closure order extends to Pimpri Chinchwad, Bhor, Velhe, Maval, Mulshi, and Khadakwasla.

All schools and colleges have also been closed in Palghar after IMDs orange alert for the district.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed civic bodies to provide food and water to those stranded and prioritize waterlogged areas. He also assured that helicopter services would be utilized for rescues if necessary.

IMD Predicts Light Shower In Delhi

The national capital got a slight respite from persistently humid weather after light showers on Thursday morning. The Met Department has forecast more showers at most places of Delhi.
The Mumbai Police on Thursday advised residents through a social media post to stay indoors until 8:30 am Friday following a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

IMD has declared a Red alert for Mumbai till tomorrow morning 8.30am. Requesting all Mumbaikars to stay indoors, until essential. Please stay safe. #Dial100 #Dial112 in case of any emergencies, Mumbai Police wrote in a social media post on X.

IMD has declared a Red alert for Mumbai till tomorrow morning 8.30am. Requesting all Mumbaikars to stay indoors, until essential. Please stay safe. #Dial100 #Dial112 in case of any emergencies.#MonsoonUpdates#StaySafe    Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) July 25, 2024

On Thursday, the weather department issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas till Friday morning.

BMC Declares Holiday For Schools, Colleges

In response to IMDs alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the city.

All schools and colleges in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation have been declared a holiday today (25 July 2024) in view of the Red Alert issued by the India Meteorological Department today, the civic body shared on X.

According to officials, several areas of Mumbai received over 100 mm of rainfall between 4 am and 1 pm on Thursday. Malpa Dongri in Andheri recorded the highest rainfall with 157 mm, followed by Paspoli in Powai with 155 mm, and Dindoshi with 154 mm.

Runway Operations Halted; 11 Flights Cancelled, 10 Diverted

Runway operations at Mumbai airport were halted twice on Thursday due to visibility dropping to 300 meters. Airlines advised passengers to arrive early, anticipating traffic congestion and water-logging in parts of the city. The first suspension was from 08:32 hrs to 08:43 hrs, lasting 11 minutes, followed by a second suspension from 10:36 hrs to 10:55 hrs, lasting 19 minutes.

While, as many as 11 flights were cancelled, and ten were diverted to nearby airports as heavy rains continued to batter Mumbai. IndiGo cancelled a total of ten services, including five arrivals, while Air India cancelled one departure from Mumbai.

Four Dead In Rain-Related incident In Pune

At least four people died in rain-related incidents on Thursday as heavy rains wreaked havoc in Pune. Three men died of electrocution in the Deccan area while attempting to move their handcart, used for selling egg dishes, which had become submerged due to the downpour. Additionally, one person died and another was injured in a landslide in the Tahmini ghat section of Mulshi tehsil, according to district officials.

In Pune city, several houses and residential societies in low-lying areas like Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner, and Deccan Gymkhana were inundated. The fire brigade and disaster management cell of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have launched efforts to evacuate stranded residents, officials added.

Punes Shivajinagar Receives 3rd Highest Rainfall In 66 Years

Shivajinagar in Pune city received 114 mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Thursday, marking the third-highest single-day rainfall in 66 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Officials cited data from the Shivajinagar weather station, stating that the highest 24-hour rainfall recorded in July was 130.4 mm on July 19, 1958, followed by 117.9 mm on July 27, 1967.

15 Rain-Related Deaths Across Maharashtra In Past 24 Hours

At least 15 people were killed in rain-related incidents across Maharashtra as heavy rains wreaked havoc in Pune, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and nearby regions over the past 24 hours, officials told news agency IANS on Thursday.

In Pune city, three people died from electrocution, while three others are feared dead in lavish villas following a hillslide in Lavasa city, Mulshi. Another person was killed in a landslide in Maval, Pune district; and a man drowned in Raigad. In Mumbai, a man lost his life in a fire caused by a short-circuit. Additionally, a man died in a landslide, three were killed by lightning strikes in Chandrapur, and two drowned in Barvi dam, Thane.

Class 10, 12 Supplementary Exams Postponed In State

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has postponed the Class 10 and 12 supplementary board examinations amid heavy rainfall in the state.

The supplementary exam for Class 10, originally scheduled for July 26, will now be held on July 31. Similarly, the Class 12 supplementary exams, initially set for July 31, have been rescheduled to August 9.

A School Education department official stated that the Class 10 Science and Technology Part 2 exam, originally slated for July 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will now take place on July 31. For Class 12, the supplementary exams for Commerce and Organisational Management, Food Science and Technology, and Minimum Competency Vocational Courses Part 2, previously set for July 31, will now be held on August 9.

(With inputs from agencies)
The Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) said in an official statement on Thursday that the NEET-UG 2024 question paper was illicitly accessed from the Oasis School in Hazaribagh on the morning of May 5 by one Pankaj Kumar alias Aditya alias Sahil, who is one of the masterminds in the case. The question paper was stolen in connivance with the Hazaribagh NTA City Coordinator Cum Principal of Oasis School and the Centre Superintendent Cum Vice Principal of Oasis School.

Trunks containing the NEET UG 2024 question papers were brought to the school on the morning of May 5 and stored in the control room. Minutes after the trunks arrived, the Principal and Vice Principal unauthorizedly and illegally gave Pankaj access to the room where the trunks were kept, who, in turn, used sophisticated tools to open the trunk and access the question papers. The trunks have been seized.

The stolen question paper was then solved in Hazaribagh by a set of solvers the same day and shared with certain selected students who paid money to the accused, the agency said.

Pankaj, who was absconding, was traced and arrested along with the school principal, vice principal and the associate. Some recovered pieces of half-burnt question papers enabled the probe agency to reach the designated NEET examination centre from where it leaked.

The candidates who obtained the solved question paper are being traced. All the solvers, who are MBBS students from reputed colleges, have been identified and most of them were arrested.

CBI has so far conducted searches at 33 places. So far 36 persons have been arrested in this case, including 15 by Bihar Police. Several incriminating evidence have been gathered so far. The investigation is currently underway.
'I Spoke About The Poor, The Farmers...': Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi On His Statement In Lok Sabha In his Lok Sabha statement on Emergency and Amritpal Singh, Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi said, I spoke about the poor, the farmers, and how the promise of MSP to farmers is not being delivered. I spoke about the entire budget, the situation in the country, and how the country is sinking financially.

Monsoon Session Live: Union Minister Chirag Paswan Comments On Charanjit Singh Channi's Remark In LS On Amritpal Singh On Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channis remark in Lok Sabha on Amritpal Singh, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said,  The person about whom he (Charanjit Singh Channi) was talking about, no one can support that idea. He has won and now into the House, he has the right to speak but if anyone goes against the interest of the country, this government wont keep quiet.

Monsoon Session Live: Punjab Congress Chief Says Ravneet Bittu Should Apologise Talking about a heated exchange between Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi and BJP MP-Union MoS Ravneet Bittu in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, I would like to tell Bittu ji that he should tender an apology in the House for this. The one whose feet Bittu ji used to touch for blessings and he was a part of that party for 15 years, more than half of his family is still with the Congress. You went to BJP because you were losing elections. The kinds of words you have used today are not used for any woman. I condemn it. This was not the conduct of a minister, it was frustration. He did this to appease his masters.

Monsoon Session Live: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi Accuses Govt Of 'Suppressing' Voice Of Opposition Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, The opposition wants to raise the issues of the country but the govt has this habit of suppressing the countrys voice. When the former CM of Punjab, Channi Ji was raising the issues of farmers  about legalising MSP, the BJP government continuously tried to suppress his voice, and it was not just one but three ministers who interrupted his speech. BJP is still arrogant towards the farmers

Monsoon Session Live: Charanjit Singh Channi Speaks On Imposition Of NSA On Amritpal Singh In Lok Sabha, former Punjab CM and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi spoke about Waris Punjab De Chief and independent MP from Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat Amritpal Singh. They speak about Emergency every day. But what about the undeclared Emergency in the country today?This too is Emergency that a man who was elected as an MP by 20 lakh people in Punjab is behind bars under the NSA. He is unable to present the views of the people of his constituency, here. This too is Emergency, he said.

Monsoon Session Live: BJP MP Bittu Slams Channi Over His Remarks In Lok Sabha BJP MP Bittu criticised Channi for his statement regarding the imposition of NSA on farmers. He remarked that such language was unbecoming of a former Chief Minister, as it equated farmers with traitors and could mislead both the nation and the international community.

Monsoon Session Live: Channi Speaks On Amritpal Speaking about Separatist leader and MP Amritpal Singh, Congress MP Charanjeet Singh Channi in Lok Sabha on Thursday said 20 lakh people elected MP, but he is inside the jail and NSA imposed on him. #WATCH | In Lok Sabha, former Punjab CM and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi speaks on Waris Punjab De Chief and independent MP from Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat Amritpal Singh. He says, They speak about Emergency every day. But what about the undeclared Emergency in the pic.twitter.com/zYJJq6YK9L  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

Monsoon Session Live: Lok Sabha Adjourned Briefly Amid Verbal Spat Between Channi and Bittu The Lok Sabha was adjourned for 30 minutes amid a verbal spat between Congress member Charanjeet Singh Channi and the BJPs Ravneet Singh Bittu over certain personal remarks. Participating in a debate on a discussion on the Union Budget, Channi referred to the assasination of Bittus grandfather, former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh. This led to a war of words between Bittu, who recently quit the Congress to join the BJP, and Channi. BJP member Sandhya Ray, who was in the chair, adjourned the proceedings for 30 minutes till 2 pm.

Monsoon Session Live: We Have Right To Protest, Says Shashi Tharoor Speaking outside Parliament about the Budget, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor mentioned the reduction in budgets for the health and education ministries, questioning the rationale behind it. He emphasized that this was not a political move, but rather a concern about two states receiving preferential treatment to appease their coalition partners. Tharoor asserted the right to protest against such actions, stating that its a known practice and they have the right to oppose it. #WATCH | Delhi | #MonsoonSession2024 | Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says,  Budget of health and education ministries have been reduced, so I asked them the reason. There is no politics in this. Two states have been given favourable treatment to satisfy their coalition partners. pic.twitter.com/XzQALeqifo  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

Monsoon Session Live: Opposition Doesn't Need Advice from Rijiju, Says Manish Tewari In response to Kiren Rijijus statement, Congress MP Manish Tewari stated, The opposition does not need advice from Mr. Rijiju on which issues to address. If the government is genuinely concerned about farmers and tribals, why have farmers been protesting on the roads since 2020? Why hasnt the government taken any action for the farmers? Why are there numerous tribal movements across the country? This is the governments responsibility. They must address these issues urgently. Instead of advising the opposition, Mr. Rijiju should direct this advice to his own cabinet colleagues. #WATCH | Delhi: Congress MP Manish Tewari says, The opposition doesnt require advice from Mr Rijiju as to what issues they need to articulate. If the government is so concerned about the farmers and the tribals, why is it that the farmers have been sitting on the roads since pic.twitter.com/xzoMtXlR2z  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

Monsoon Session Live: 'Aap Bole To Sab Sahi...', Says RJD Manoj Jha On Rijiju's Statement On Opposition In response to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijijus statement ahead of the budget session, RJD MP Manoj Jha remarked, This politics of polarizationHindu-Muslim, India-Pakistanwill not work for the government anymore. #WATCH | Delhi: On Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijijus statement, RJD MP Manoj Jha says, This politics of polarization, Hindu-Muslim, India-Pakistan will not work pic.twitter.com/bDxnsebM6T  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

Parliament Session Live Updates: 'Modi Ji Not Received Mandate', TMC MP Reacts To Rijiju's Statement Ahead of the commencement of the budget session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to the opposition to discuss the budget during the session. He also emphasized that PM Modi had received a mandate from the people and criticized any attempts to undermine it. Reacting to Rijijus statement, TMC MP Saugata Roy said Modi ji has not received a clear mandate, which is why more allocations have been made to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. This issue needs to be discussed. #WATCH | Delhi: On Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijijus statement, TMC MP Saugata Roy says, Modi ji has not received the mandate and that is why more has been given to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar and that is why this will be discussed. https://t.co/4xx4znmVEP pic.twitter.com/0wxLfl5fWx  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

Parliament Live Updates: LS Speaker Urges MPs to Uphold House Dignity as Budget Session Begins Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged the members of the Parliament to maintain the dignity of the house as the discussion on the budget commenced on Thursday.

Parliament Session Live Updates: NDA Leaders Decide Floor Strategy Ahead Of Session The NDA leaders convened a strategy meeting on Thursday ahead of the commencement of the budget session.

Parliament Session Live Updates: Opposition Accuses Govt Of Favouring Allies in Budget During the general discussion on the budget for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, various opposition members accused the government of doling out sops to key allies JD-U and TDP, which rule Bihar and Andhra Pradesh respectively, to ensure that the government faces no hurdles from its coalition partners.

Monsoon Session Live: Chidambaram Raises Concerns over Unemployment On Wednesday, raising four major challenges, P Chidambaram said the most significant challenge is unemployment and data released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) indicates that the unemployment rate for June 2024 is 9.2 per cent . Chidambaram emphasised that the primary challenge for the economy is creating sufficient employment opportunities.

Parliament Monsoon Session Live: Kiren Rijiju Urges Opposition To 'Discuss Budget In Budget Session' Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to the opposition to discuss the budget during the session. He questioned why the opposition wasnt focusing on provisions for farmers and small tribal communities. Rijiju emphasized that PM Modi had received a mandate from the people and criticized any attempts to undermine it. #WATCH | Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, As the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, I again appeal that the budget should be discussed in the budget session Why does the opposition not discuss the provisions made for farmers, small tribal people?The people pic.twitter.com/K51bh9tC5f  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

Parliament Session Live Updates: INDIA Bloc Protests Over 'Discrimination' in Budget INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest in Parliament premises on Wednesday over the alleged discrimination against opposition-ruled states in the Union Budget, with Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi saying the budget is an assault on the sanctity of Indias federal structure.
Even before completion, the partially opened Delhi-Mumbai expressway is the longest in India, surpassing all the existing e-ways in the country, official data analysed by News18 shows.

The ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that as of date, 11 national expressways and access-controlled highways of 2,138 km are operational in India, including the Delhi-Mumbai expressway.

The master plan of national highways to improve the logistics with provision of expressway/high speed highways has been prepared by the Ministry under PM Gatishakti Framework using transportation model with analysis of data of e-way bills (GST), toll and traffic survey, union minister Nitin Gadkari said in a reply to MP Madan Rathore.

The data dissected by News18 also showed that the 93-km-long Ahmedabad-Vadodara expressway in Gujarat was Indias first national expressway/access-controlled highway, started in 2004.

The next such road was the 96-km Delhi-Meerut expressway. It started operation in 2018-19. The 135-km Eastern Peripheral Expressway was the next one that started in 2021-22.

As of date, the operational length of the Delhi-Mumbai expressway is 619 km as per the ministry. This includes the Delhi-Dausa-Sawai Madhopur section, Jhalawar-Ratlam-MP/Gujarat Border, and the Vadodara-Bharuch section.

The total length of the project is 1,386 km. The entire 845-km Delhi-Vadodara section is expected to be ready by March 2025 while the 450-km Vadodara-Mumbai section is expected by October 2025.

Last month, News18 reported that two additional almost 200 km sections of the much-awaited Delhi-Mumbai expressway could be expected in the next six months.

Passing through and connecting Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, the Delhi-Mumbai expressway is being developed at a cost of about Rs 1 lakh crore. It is expected to halve the commute time between Delhi and Mumbai, from nearly 24 hours to 12 hours, and shorten the distance by 130 km.

The Amritsar-Bhatinda-Jamnagar expressway, also partially opened, is the next longest operational national e-way in India. Out of the total proposed length of 1,257 km, 540 km is operational.

Ambala-Kotputli, 313 km, is Indias third longest national e-way that started in 2022-23. The Indore-Hyderabad national expressway is next in line with 175 km operational.

The partly opened UER-II in Delhi is the shortest one in India with just nine kilometres operational. Delhis Dwarka expressway is second from the bottom with just a 19-km operational section.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has achieved a major breakthrough in the construction of a tunnel on the Shimla Bypass connecting Kaithlighat and Shakral, an official statement announced on Thursday.

The almost 18-km, four-lane Shimla Bypass is being built at a cost of around Rs 1,850 crore with an aim to decongest the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh.

In a series of posts on X, NHAI said the 705-meter-long, four-lane tunnel will reduce distance between Kaithlighat and Shakral, reducing travel time by around 1.5 hours.

NHAI achieved a significant milestone with the breakthrough in the construction of tunnel 1 of the twin tunnel project on Shimla Bypass in Himachal Pradesh construction of this tunnel will help to preserve about 5,000 trees in the region that will contribute towards preventing slope erosion, the post reads.

#NHAI achieved a significant milestone with the breakthrough in the construction of tunnel 1 of the twin tunnel project on #Shimla Bypass in #HimachalPradesh. #PragatiKaHighway pic.twitter.com/WhzUrZHjTU NHAI (@NHAI_Official) July 25, 2024

The tunnel, they added, will feature ventilation fans, LED lighting, safety devices such as smoke sensors, fire alarms, a sprinkler system and emergency exits for exigencies. Also, a cross-passage tunnel is being constructed between the two tubes to enhance commuter safety.

The new road is divided into two packages  17 kilometres between Kaithlighat to Shakral and 11 kilometres between Shakral and Dhalli. The bypass will reduce the distance between Kaithlighat and Dhalli from 40.1 km to 28.4 km. A total of 10 tunnels will be constructed on the bypass.

At least four tunnels, with a collective length of around four kilometres, will be built on the Kaithlighat to Shakral section. There will be 18 big bridges and 53 box culverts as well. The project is to be completed by April 2026. The work on the project started in April 2023 and the tunnel in June 2023.

Those heading to Kufri, Narkanda, Naldehra Tattapani and Kinnaur will no longer have to pass through Shimla and can take this road as a faster alternative.

The bypass will help Shimla in controlling accidents and traffic jams. It will also ease the citys parking woes and save fuel and prevent the city from air pollution as it will take a number of vehicles away from the city.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal permission for two additional virtual meetings with his legal counsel each week while in jail.

Observing that special situations call for special remedies, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna approved the extension, emphasising Kejriwals right to a fair trial and effective legal representation.

Delhi Chief Minister, who is in judicial custody in connection with the alleged Delhi excise scam, was entitled to two meetings with his lawyers per week under prison rules.

Kejriwals counsel argued that he faces around 35 cases across the country and requires the extra meetings for a fair trial via video conference.

The plea faced strong opposition from the counsel representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Tihar jail authorities.

Kejriwal, who was in judicial custody at Tihar Jail, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 26 in connection with an alleged money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party leader had been arrested by the ED on March 21 in the same money laundering case, and although he was granted bail by the trial court on June 20, the high court stayed this decision.

On July 12, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail in the case till a larger bench deliberates on three key questions regarding the need and necessity of arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Currently, Kejriwal is still awaiting bail in a corruption case filed by the CBI related to an alleged excise scam. This followed the cancellation of the excise policy in 2022 after the Delhi lieutenant governor ordered a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption surrounding its creation and execution.

According to both the CBI and the ED, irregularities happened during modifications to the excise policy and in the granting of undue favors to license holders.

(With inputs from PTI)
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals close aide Bibhav Kumar has moved to Supreme Court challenging Delhi High Courts order denying him bail in the alleged assault on Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal.

Kumar has filed a special leave petition against the Delhi High Court order denying him bail.

Delhi HC Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta on July 12, dismissed Kumars bail plea, stating that the CMs close aide enjoys considerable influence and there was no ground to grant him the relief.

Keeping in view the nature of accusations and apprehension of the witnesses being influenced, no grounds are made out for releasing the petitioner on bail, the judge concluded.

Kumar was arrested on May 18 in connection with the assault on Maliwal on May 13 and produced late at night before a local court which sent him to five days of police custody.

An FIR was registered against Kumar after he allegedly assaulted the former Delhi Women Commission (DCW) chief at the chief ministers residence.

The FIR includes charges under Sections 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 341 (wrongful restraint), 354(B) (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Meanwhile, the local court has extended Kumars judicial custody till July 30. The Delhi Police has also filed the charge sheet before the Tis Hazari Court naming Kumar as a prime accused in relation to the alleged incident.

With inputs from agencies
Congress lawmaker and former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday triggered a controversy after he equated Khalistani separatist and independent MP Amritpal Singh being behind bars with an Emergency-like situation.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the union budget, Channi slammed the NDA-led Centre and said that the Waris Punjab De chief, elected by around 20 lakh people from Punjabs Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat, cant present the views of his constituency as he has been lodged in jail.

They speak about Emergency every day. But what about the undeclared Emergency in the country today?This too is Emergency that a man who was elected as an MP by 20 lakh people in Punjab is behind bars under the NSA. He is unable to present the views of the people of his constituency, here. This too is Emergency, he said.

#WATCH | In Lok Sabha, former Punjab CM and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi speaks on Waris Punjab De Chief and independent MP from Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat Amritpal Singh.He says, They speak about Emergency every day. But what about the undeclared Emergency in the pic.twitter.com/zYJJq6YK9L  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

The BJP slammed the Congress MP for endorsing a separatist leader.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla demanded an explanation from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on why the party always bats for separatists and terrorists.

Congress MP and Former Punjab CM Channi bats for radical pro-Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh.Is this Jai Sanvidhan? Batting for separatist who wants tukde tukde of India ? Rahul ji must answer  the idea of Khalistan that caused the assassination of PM Indira ji is being pic.twitter.com/j1MDq8s8QY  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) July 25, 2024

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the views expressed by Charanjit Singh Channi on Amritpal Singh are his own, and do not reflect in any way the position of the Indian National Congress.

Party leader Digvijay Singh, however, defended Channi over his remarks saying He would have thought about whatever he said before saying it.

On Channis statement, I would only say that Indira Gandhis assassin was a Khalistani and Congress is supporting a Khalistani. Waah re Congress, jai Channi. This is an attack on Indias sovereignty. Action should be taken on thisCongress ka haath, Khalistanion ke saath, union minister and BJP MP Giriraj Singh said to ANI.

#WATCH | On Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channis statement in Lok Sabha on Amritpal Singh, Union Minister and BJP MP Giriraj Singh says, On Channis statement, I would only say that Indira Gandhis assassin was a Khalistani and Congress is supporting Khalistani. Waah re pic.twitter.com/oJpwH1UTtU ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

Amritpal emerged victorious from the Khadoor Sahib seat, defeating Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira by a margin of 1,97,120 votes in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Amritpal, who is facing charges under the National Security Act (NSA), was arrested by Punjab police from Moga on April 23 last year. He is currently lodged in Assams Dibrugarh jail.

Earlier on Thursday, a verbal spat took place between Channi and union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu.

While speaking in the Lok Sabha, Channi referred to the assassination of Bittus grandfather, former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh. Your late grandfather was a martyr but he actually died the day you joined the BJP, Channi said while taking a dig at Bittu. Former CM Beant Singh was assassinated in a suicide bomb attack at the secretariat complex in Chandigarh on August 31, 1995.

Channi further insinuated that there was no difference between the British Raj and the present Modi government except the skin colour. He took further potshots at the government over its dictatorial attitude.

An irate Bittu stood up to speak, saying he must answer his former party colleague. I have to respond because he took the name of my grandfather. My grandfather did not lay down his life for a party but for the country, he said.

Bittu went on to say that he would change his name if Channi could prove that he was poor. He alleged that the Congress MP has the most powerful resources and most money in Punjab to date.

BJP MP Sandhya Ray, who was in the chair, adjourned the proceedings for 30 minutes till 2 pm.

Ravneet Singh Bittu, the minister of state for railways and food processing industries, recently quit the Congress and joined the BJP. He contested on a BJP ticket from the Ludhiana Lok Sabha seat but lost to Congresss Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.

(With inputs from agencies)
Credit: Doug Mills on X

Donald Trump is a WWE Hall of Famer.

And it appears the 45th president picked up a few habits from the pro wrestling industry along the way.

On Wednesday night, President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office in what marked his first public remarks since dropping out of the 2024 election. Taking to X, New York Times photographer Doug Mills shared a picture of Bidens now-former opponent, Trump, watching the address live  doing so while standing to the side of the television, as opposed to directly in front of it.

.@realDonaldTrump watches President Bidens address to the Nation, from his plane following a rally in Charlotte, NC. pic.twitter.com/ohDhsqtVqC  Doug Mills (@dougmillsnyt) July 25, 2024

While Trumps viewpoint might have seemed unnatural, it also wasnt an uncommon stance to fans of professional wrestling. Over the years, WWE stars have made a habit of similarly watching the backstage monitor while standing off to the side, which many on social media were quick to point out after the photo of Trump was first posted.

This is how WWE wrestlers watch Raw backstage when the camera pans to them https://t.co/KG8jHkqD48  Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) July 25, 2024

can certainly tell hes a WWE hall of famer https://t.co/hKivePW57q  Matt C. Shoot (@ConfirmedShoot) July 25, 2024

First, local medical facility Now, watching the TV like a WWE Superstar. Cmon! https://t.co/sqoPhN7vRZ  Danny (@dajosc11) July 25, 2024

vince is absolutely working with him. look at how hes watching the tv. https://t.co/xDiSQuM9wO  raul (@raulisonline) July 25, 2024

Its unclear why Trump opted for the vantage point he did, although despite his typical disdain for the media, the best explanation might be that he was actually being helpful to the photographer.

Had he stood directly in front of the television like most non-WWE stars would, the shot likely would have only been of the back of his head. But by standing to the side, Mills was able to photograph the captivating image of a former U.S. president watching his successor and former opponent address the national on live television, with both of their likenesses visible in the shot.

Still, Trumps apparent helpfulness was also made humorous by the comparisons to pro wrestling, especially considering his ties to the industry. To that end, its worth noting that earlier this year, WWE president Nick Khan said he wouldnt rule out the former host of The Apprentice returning to the ring, so its also possible that Trump was just getting some practice in as he watched Bidens speech.

[Doug Mills on X]
Learning from the mistakes of the US Secret Service in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, Indias internal intelligence agency has asked all security forces, including central armed police forces, guarding VVIPs to neutralise a threat without delay.

A senior official told News18 that there should be minimum persons authorised within proximity of VVIPs and there should be no crowding around them. Also, security personnel should be positioned in a way that they have 360-degree observation at all times for faster detection of suspicious activity, the official said.

The official further said during an assessment of Trumps security, it was learnt that the threat was not neutralised in time and proper sanitisation of the area was lacking. Former US president Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination bid. While he was addressing an election rally, the assailant managed to climb over the roof of an adjacent building and fired multiple shots from a rifle towards the dais with a bullet hitting Trumps right ear. Trump immediately ducked behind the lectern and Secret Service agents rushed to the stage, providing him with body cover and later whisked him away, said a top official aware of the development.

The official said Indian security forces have been told that the proximate area should have minimum authorised security personnel and there should be no crowding around the dignitary. The venue should be put through comprehensive physical, visual and technical checks followed by deployment of security personnel.

The area up to a sufficient depth around the venue should be secured and all high-rise features as well as other vantage points in the vicinity  with a direct line of sight of the dignitary  should be sanitised and dominated, the official said.

We have asked to conduct drills to counter possible contingency situations, or eventualities should be formulated and rehearsed. These drills should include providing immediate cover to the dignitary, rapid threat neutralisation and evacuation to a safe location or hospital in the shortest time. The PSOs (personal security officer) should always remain alive to the situation, be vigilant and quick in sensing and responding to a threat. They should be positioned in such a manner to have 360-degree observation to detect any threatening movement/activity, the official said.

International assassination incidents underline the vulnerabilities of high-risk dignitaries to various threats during public interface, including rallies, corner meetings, and roadshows. There should be focus on physical security measures, technical surveillance and contingency drills as well as on the role of personal security officer, the official added.

In the most recent case of a major assassination, Japans longest serving PM Shinzo Abe was shot dead on July 8, 2022, from close quarters by a man who used a home-made shotgun. Abe was addressing a corner public meeting in Nara city.

Apart from the attempt on Trumps life, seven major assassination bids have recently taken place, including on former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan and former vice-president of Argentina, Christina Fernandez. In Khans case from November 3, 2022, he was fired upon and suffered a bullet injury. Fernandez escaped an assassination bid on September 1, 2022, when a man unsuccessfully tried to fire a loaded pistol close to her head while she was surrounded by her supporters outside her house in Buenos Aires.

During an election campaigning speech of former PM of Japan, Fumio Kishida at fishing port Saikazaki Wakayama on April 15, 2023, a man from the crowd hurled a smoke bomb towards him. Fernando Villavicencio, one of the candidates for the presidency of Ecuador, was shot dead on August 9 last year in Quito as he rode a police pickup vehicle after holding a public rally. The assailant climbed the vehicle from the opposite site and shot him through the window. Slovak PM Robert Fico suffered life-threatening injuries when he was shot in an attempted assassination on May 15 this year during a public event in the central town of Handlova, the official said.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has assisted over five million children to be born but the method is often plagued with common myths. This has resulted in some severe social stigma getting attached to this concept and hence removing these myths will be an important step.

The World Embryologists Day (25th July) is popularly celebrated each year to mark the conception of the worlds very first IVF baby, Louise Brown. The big day is in recognition of all the health care professionals in the vast field of reproductive medicine. So, its an appropriate time to have a good look at how the process works.

Dr Sreeja Rani, Sr. Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kinder Womens Hospital and Fertility Centre, Bangalore, explains, During the IVF process, an infertility specialist retrieves mature eggs from a persons ovaries, and then an embryologist fertilizes those eggs with carefully prepared sperm in a lab. After fertilization, the fertilized egg, known as the embryo, is transferred into the uterus in order to achieve pregnancy.

Dr Rani debunks myths surrounding IVF:

Myth-IVF is a treatment for the rich and famous

Truth- IVF, a multistep procedure is expensive but yet less expensive as compared to various other surgical treatments. Cost varies for each couple depending on the rounds of IVF cycles. Many clinics offer financing options, and some insurance plans provide coverage for fertility treatments.

Myth-Infertility is womans fault

Truth- Infertility is not anyones fault. It could be because of health issues in male or the female partner or sometimes both. In many cases it is unexplainable also.

Myth-Adopting a baby will cure infertility

Truth- Adoption is a beautiful way to build a family, but it doesnt cure infertility. Some couples who have adopted might have had a surprise and a much-welcomed pregnancy, but this is purely coincidental and only occurs in about 5% of cases.

Myth-IVF Guarantees Pregnancy

Truth- In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an extremely effective fertility treatment, but it does not guarantee pregnancy. Success rates of IVF vary depending on several factors such as age, the reason for not conceiving, and the quality of embryos. While IVF can significantly increase the chances of conception, it can require multiple attempts for some couples to achieve a successful pregnancy.

Myth: Babies born through IVF have health and developmental issues

Truth- There is no evidence that babies born by IVF have increased rates of developmental problems/delay or physical issues that contribute to health concerns. Health risks in IVF babies are only similar to those who are born through natural conception.

Myth: IVF is for women only

Truth- IVF is a technique in which the womans egg and the mans sperm are collected and made to fertilize in a lab. These days IVF is used more in combination with several male infertility treatment modalities such as ICSI, TESA, and PESA. A combination of ICSI-IVF may be used in cases of severe male infertility, for example. It involves the selection of a single healthy sperm and then directly injecting it into the female egg to fertilize it in vitro.

Myth: IVF causes early menopause

Truth- Hormonal changes due to fertility medication cause some IVF patients to experience symptoms that are generally associated with menopause. It does not mean that they are heading towards menopause.

Myth: Anybody can donate sperm

Truth- A lot of factors go into determining whether someone could be a good candidate for donation. Some of those factors include if the potential donor has any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), what their family medical history looks like, and what their current state of mind is. Donation centers also look for the presence of recessive traits for genetic mutations.

Myth-Age isnt a factor in infertility

Truth- Age is a factor for both men and women. Male or female, your fertility decreases as you get older. In females, after 35, the fertility declines faster. In males, after 40, the quality of the sperm reduces and fertility declines.

Myth-IVF always results in twins or multiples

Truth- The chance of having multiples is higher with IVF due to the transfer of more than one embryo. However, single embryo transfers are becoming more common to reduce this risk.
Actor Abhay Deol says he refuses the Western way of identifying sexuality and believes in operating without any labels, which primarily exists for the comfort of others to neatly slot an individual. When asked how he perceives sexuality, he replied as a spectrum, emphasizing his refusal to adopt the Western method of identification because its so black and white.

He elaborated on the Eastern approach, highlighting its recognition of the whole person. I dont define my sexuality, and this might sound controversial but for me its not something that I think can be defined. I think its more for the other persons comfort, so that they can put you in a box, neatly slot you. Why should I define myself in Western terms? I have embraced all experiences in my life and I continue to do so. I dont know how to label that, I dont want to label that. All of us have a masculine and feminine within us, so in my opinion we are all they/them, he explained in an interview with Dirty Magazine.

For Abhay, star of films such as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dev D, and Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, masculinity is the ability to make people feel safe and included. He noted that as a man, he does feel like a protector and provider, though he acknowledged this could either be an individual experience or conditioning.

But there is a sense of taking charge and leading. Having said that I would happily give it up to a woman too if she wanted to take charge and lead, thats also part of my masculinity.

When it was noted that his views do not make him a toxic man, Abhay added, Its very easy to be provocative through violence and sex, its much harder to be provocative through silence. How the f**k do I provoke you by not saying anything? Thats what interests me.

Meanwhile, Abhay Deol has teamed up with emerging international EDM artist PIA in the visually striking music video Follow the Toad, directed by filmmaker Joe Sill. The video, shot in a single day using cutting-edge virtual production techniques, transports viewers to a fantastical world inspired by iconic adventures like Indiana Jones and The Lord of the Rings.

Additionally, Abhay Deol, completed nineteen years of his acting career in 2024. The actor, who made his debut with the film Socha Na Tha, took a trip down memory lane during the occasion and said feels like it was only yesterday.
Suriya Sivakumar is a well-known Tamil star who is not just an actor and a film producer but also made a significant contribution through social activities. He had once said that indulging in social activities is not just a service but it is a responsibility. He also added that he must give back to society in whatever little way possible. The motive of the Agaram Foundation which was founded by Surya in 2006, is to make a difference in the lives of the millions who are not yet touched by education. According to sources, until 2019, more than 3.000 students have had access to higher education through this foundation.

On behalf of the actor Suryas Agaram Foundation, a programme was held in Chennai to encourage and reward students from marginalised families who are the first generation to go to college after passing 12th. Speaking at the event one of the students from Manipur claimed that, she is thankful to the Agaram Foundation for allowing her to study as In Manipur many students from schools and colleges were deprived of education due to extreme violence. She also expressed her hope for a change in the extraordinary situation in Manipur.

Speaking at the event, actor Sivakumar said that education and discipline are what will elevate us to great heights. Following this, actor Karthi continued that we must put in the effort that is necessary to become what we aim to be.

Finally speaking at the function, actor Surya proudly expressed that he has been successful in changing the lives of 6,000 students in the last 20 years through his foundation. He also advised his students to go with the flow and always have a positive attitude towards life. Surya claimed that education is the best shield and he salutes the fighting spirit of the students hailing from marginalised families who aspire to become a successful individual in future.

He also expressed his gratefulness towards the teachers who are providing them with quality education and thanked them for believing that education can change everything.
Chiranjeevi is one of the most popular actors and enjoys a huge fan following. Today, he shared a perfect family photo which has gone viral on social media. In the photo, he is seen walking in a park with his family including his son Ram Charan, his Wife Surekha, and daughter-in-law Upasana.

Taking to his X handle, Chiranjeevi shared the photo and 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 :) As soon as the photo went viral, fans reacted. One of the fans wrote, Enjoy your family time at the park Sir. Another wrote, lovely boss.

Take a look here:

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  pic.twitter.com/bFa31zBh3a  Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) July 24, 2024

Chiranjeevi made his acting debut with the 1978 movie Punadhirallu. However, he got his major breakthrough with Sindhooram in 1997. In his career of more than four decades, Chiranjeevi has worked in over 150 feature films in several languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. Some of his popular films are  Rudra Veena, Indra, Tagore, Swayam Krushi, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Stalin and Gang Leader.

Ram Charan has finally wrapped the shooting of his highly-anticipated film, Game Changer. Directed by S Shankar, Ram Charan began shooting for the film in the second half of 2021. The film also stars Kiara Advani. Now, the makers recently confirmed that the film is slated for a Christmas release this year.

Game Changer also stars other artists like Anjali, SJ Suryah, Jayaram, Sunil, Srikanth, Samuthirakani and Nassar. Ram Charan will essay the role of an IAS Officer, Ram Madan, while Kiara Advani will be his love interest and another fellow IAS officer. The movie is directed by Shankar and marks his debut directorial. The screenplay is written by Karthik Subbaraj. The music department is being handled by Thaman.

Over the three years of the making, fans were given limited information about the film. A few months ago, they were treated to Game Changers first song, Jaragandi, and it got a positive response. Around the same time, producer Dil Raju hinted that Game Changer will release this year and could be in less than six months.
Dalljiet Kaur took to her Instagram stories on Thursday to pen down a cryptic note amid her divorce from her estranged husband, Nikhil Paten. The actress talked about being wronged and questioned those who saw the wrong. At the end of this road, the real question would be, who saw the wrong, realised it was wrong, told me it was wrong while it was happening, and felt bad that this happened in the first place, and also had the guts to stand by me, she wrote.

Dalljit further mentioned that she isnt sure what the future holds for her but mentioned that she trusts god to decide the path ahead. Even I want to see what this journey holds ahead and who were the ones who stood by me, and who were those who chose the convenience to be on both the sides. I am letting god decide the path ahead. And also letting the universe show me the truth of everyone around me .. whether it was a relationship of years or a year I want to see if humanity stood a chance, she added.

Rumours of Dalljiet and Nikhils separation first made headlines in February this year i.e. after 10 months of their wedding. However, Nikhil confirmed their separation in May when he told E-Times, In January this year, Dalljiet decided to leave Kenya with her son Jaydon and return to India, which ultimately led to our separation. We both realized that the foundation of our blended family wasnt as strong as we had hoped, making it hard for Dalljiet to settle in Kenya. In March 2023, we held an Indian wedding ceremony in Mumbai. Though it held cultural significance, it was not legally binding. This ceremony was intended to reassure Dalljiets family about her move to Kenya.

Last month, Dalljiet also moved to Nairobi City court against Nikhil and received a stay order to prevent Patel from evicting her or her son from their home in Kenya.

Prior to this, Nikhil also sent a legal notice to the actress and accused her of harassment. ETimes reported that Patel said, under the Indian Penal Code, The Information Technology Act of 2000 (India), and The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012 (India), Dalljiet Kaurs social media posts accusing him of an extra-marital affair were wrong.

This was Dalljiet Kaurs second marriage. She was previously married to Shalin Bhanot but the two parted ways in 2015 after she accused him of domestic violence.
Duniya Vijay, a successful director and actor, is all set to release his highly anticipated Kannada movie Bheema, which is set to release on August 9 in 400 theatres. There are a lot of expectations surrounding Duniya Vijays film, Bheema. Vijay was on a winning streak after movies like Robert, Pogaru and Salaga which made waves.

The film has sold out in many areas highlighting a huge demand, reflecting a social message which is portrayed beautifully by Duniya Vijay. His film also has strong dialogues, although some of the dialogues have been muted by the censors. However, Vijay helped to bring new talent to come into the limelight with his movie Bheema.

However, the movie has been censored and also given an A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification. Nevertheless, the actor has explained the reason for the movies censorship, which are the strong dialogues and sensitive themes that the board believes might not be suitable for the audience.

Apart from the dialogue which has been muted, Bheema also depicts a powerful message about the dangers of drug addiction among young students, reflecting the harsh reality and consequences of such behaviour. There are also five action sequences in the film, which contributed to the A certificate, according to the producer Jagadeesh.

After watching the film, the censor officer gave a positive reaction, according to the producer. The film marks Duniya Vijays directional venture after the success of Salaga which also received an A certificate.

In the press meeting, Duniya Vijay shared the information about why Bheema received an A certificate. The writer Maasthis dialogues and Duniya Vijays language all contributed to this certification. Vijay and Maasthi, both have acknowledged this. Music director Charan Raj also talks about the social issues addressed in the film, which again contributed to this certification.

Duniya Vijay claimed that he has conducted research work for Bheema along with this he interviewed real characters, which helped in the formation of the basis of the films story. Additionally, the director is happy to depict social concerns through his movie.

Apart from this, the director has also planned a pre-release of the movie Bheema. He plans to share additional information on that day.
Conversations about meteoric star fees and their entourage costs borne by producers have gained momentum in the past few months. Many filmmakers have voiced their opinion on how that has been shooting up the cost of production of films at a time when the industry is already going through a rough financial patch. While Anurag Kashyap, sometime back, spilled the beans on how a stars personal chef was charging Rs 2 lakh a day to cook healthy meals for him, Rohit Shetty recently defended actors exponential remunerations stating that the cost of everything has gone up.

Now, in an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Gulshan Devaiah agrees with Anurag, his That Girl In Yellow Boots director and Bad Cop co-star, and avers. Maybe Anurag in his experience has seen some actors like that. I was there when he said that, so I can say that he added that there are producers who were willing to pay that money. Suddenly, why are they complaining? Pichle paanch filmon mein toh tumne diya tha utna paisa. Now that they dont want to shell that much amount, theyre complaining, he says.

But hes quick to add that some of the blame needs to be borne by actors too. One has to understand why such a thing is prevalent. Its like asking, why is a government official taking bribes? Thats because someone is also willing to give it. Yes, its true that not all actors quote a high price. There are only a select few. But they should also become a bit reasonable, Gulshan points out.

The Ulajh actor explains that problems arise when one actor tries to copy another as a result of which, producers are often stuck in limbo. Sometimes its a trickle-down thing. They see other actors walking with five bodyguards and then they want six for themselves. Yes, we arent offered residual income or backend deals. I dont know why everyone shies away from talking about it. Maybe because theyve to open their books and show transparency in their accounts. But there are other ways to make money too, he states.

Referring to this situation as a systemic problem, Gulshan tells us that the shift in the financial condition of the film industry has led a lot of producers to suddenly raise their concerns. A few years back, producers must have thought that paying that money will be worth it. Maybe its not worth it anymore. Maybe they dont have that spare Rs 2 lakh to splurge on a chef. Things are changing. So, its everybodys responsibility to make sure that every story is made with the right budget, he says.

He continues, At some point, nobody cared about it because they knew how to make money. But life has thrown challenges now and the situation isnt easy anymore. There are other avenues through which producers could make money. Now, the burden of recovering the cost is on them. Its a cut-throat business. It has always been difficult to release films in theatres but now more than ever, producers are faced with the challenge of creating that budget.
Javed Akhtar has been quite vocal about his battle with alcoholism and how it has had a negative impact on his life. In a recent chat, the veteran screenwriter said that if he could go back in time, he would tell his younger self to never drink as he wasted a decade of his life trying to battle the condition.

Javed Akhtar recently appeared on the Be A Man, Yaar podcast and was asked if he started drinking to suppress his emotions. He said, Maybe there were bottled-up emotions, the anger, the bitterness. That is why after drinking I would become quite offensive, which Im otherwise not, nor ever was. This would never happen in my sober moments. But peeke koi ek dusra devil nikal aata tha (when I was drunk, a devil would emerge from within me).

The few good things I have done in life included quitting alcohol. July 31, 1991, was the last time I drank. I never took a sip of champagne after that. Not even during celebratory cheers, he said. When asked what he would tell his younger self, Javed Akhtar replied, I would tell him that the 20-25 years he drank alcohol, he shouldnt do that.

Bohot time waste hua usmey. I think I wasted at least a decade of my life where I could do much more, but because of all this, I wasted it. I could have done so much, learn a musical instrument, could learn another language like French or Persian. I had the time and the facility, but I wasted my time, which is not good. I had to learn a lot more, he added.

Speaking to Arbaaz Khan for The Invincibles recently, Shabana Azmi recalled how Javed Akhtar left drinking. She said, He knew that if I go on like this, I wont live for long and I wont be able to do my work creatively We were in a flat in London. He was stinking of alcohol and I said Oh my god, this is going to be one of those trips. Very quietly he told me Make me some breakfast. He had breakfast and after that, he told me, I am not going to drink anymore.

Shabana continued, I didnt say anything. I just said Means? He said I am not going to drink anymore. He had never said this before and from that day, he has not touched (alcohol). Shabana added, It is impossible for me to have the kind of willpower he has, calling his willpower incredible.

In a 2012 episode of Aamir Khans Satymeva Jayate, Javed had said, I started drinking at a very young age of 19. When I came to Bombay after completing my graduation I started drinking with friends and later it became a habit. Earlier I didnt have enough money, but then after my success, money flow was also taken care of. Then came a time when I would drink one bottle a day.
Actor Katrina Kaif has been relatively less active on social media lately, sharing fewer updates than usual. Notably, she posted only a single photo on her birthday to thank fans for their wishes. However, her recent Instagram post indicates she was on a detox, seeking serenity and calmness away from the usual bustle. She shared a series of photos from her visit to Mayrlife Altaussee, a medical health resort known for blending leisure with tranquility.

On Thursday, Katrina Kaif took to her Instagram handle and shared a slew of pictures. In the first slide, Katrina can be seen sitting on a bench, overlooking scenic mountains, greenery and a lake. Apart from snaps of nature and landscapes, the carasouel also consisted of selfies and pictures of food.

The caption of the post read, Living the #mayrlife  Had the most incredible stay here, it allows everything to pause for a moment and enter into the most peaceful space, the daily walk in the forest surrounding the lake is indescribable, moments of incredible peace and calm. The genuine care of warmth and holistic knowledge of the entire team and all the staff and so many incredible therapists who were astounding in there knowledge will definitely come again. A truly incredible time! #MAYRLIFEAltausse @mayrlife_official.

Meanwhile, Katrina Kaif, who was recently in London with her family, took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the outpouring of love and birthday wishes she received from fans and friends from Bollywood. Alongside the heartfelt post, the Bollywood star shared a stunning photo of herself sitting in a restaurant, dressed in a navy blue cardigan, her hair neatly tied back. The picture captured Katrina in a serene moment, smiling gently with her right hand resting on her cheek, radiating natural beauty in a no-makeup look.

Accompanying the photo, Katrina wrote a simple yet touching message: Thank you for all your birthday wishes. She also added a series of white heart emojis. Katrinas post was met with a flood of reactions from her fans, who were quick to shower her with compliments and warm messages.

Of late, Katrina has been making headlines for her pregnancy rumours. While at the trailer event, referring to the pregnancy rumours, Vicky was asked about the good news of his real life, to which he replied, Abhi ke liye aap Bad Newz enjoy kar lo, jo hum la rahe hain. Jab uska (good news) time aayega, we wont be shying away from giving that news.
Credit: Fox Business Network

Even before President Joe Biden announced he was stepping aside and endorsing Vice-President Kamala Harris to run as the Democratic Party candidate for the 2024 presidential election, everyone knew that certain conservative outlets were going to embarrass themselves in the ways they attempted to discredit her.

Turns out, theyve been getting in those reps for a few weeks now.

On July 5, pundit Alec Lace joined Fox Business to discuss the Democratic Partys outlook in the wake of Bidens disastrous debate performance. Responding to the possibility that Harris might replace Biden on the ticket, Lace launched into a bizarre word salad of offensive notions to denigrate the VP.

And then theres the DEI press secretary telling you that the DEI vice president is the future of a party here, Lace said, so the future looks kind of dim for the Democrats here; but this is no shocker either. Kamala Harris, shes the original Hawk Tuah girl. Thats the way she got where she is; and the partys going downhill if its in her hands.

Even for the folks at Fox Business, that appeared to be a little over the line, with host Dagen McDowell responding That was tough. That was harsh, though Sean Duffy chuckled.

Hawk Tuah girl is a reference to Hailey Welch, who went viral for a video using the phrase to describe oral sex. The insinuation being that Harris worked her way up the political ladder by giving sexual favors.

Lace, who promotes himself as a champion of fatherhood and family values, has shared the clip on social media since, though it failed to get too much traction. He also has not been on the network since that appearance.

However, now that Harris is the presumptive nominee and attention is being paid to how shes being covered, the clip has been rediscovered and gone viral.

ESPNs Ryan Clark came across the clip and couldnt help but post his thoughts about it on X.

These dudes are really some b*tches these days, but hey theyll let them say anything about a black woman, wrote Clark. Who cares that shes the Vice President of the country they leave in. Disgusting! Let me go ahead and sign off.

These dudes are really some b*tches these days, but hey theyll let them say anything about a black woman. Who cares that shes the Vice President of the country they leave in. Disgusting! Let me go ahead and sign off. https://t.co/x289I4fqSG  Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) July 24, 2024

For his part, Lace has responded to the clips virality by clarifying that it was recorded before Biden stepped down and that Comparing Donald Trump to Hitler is dangerous and 100x worse than comparing Kamala Harris to the Hawk Tuah girl.

Ironically, the most notable person to make that comparison is currently Trumps running mate.

[Ryan Clark, Mike Sington]
Mouni Roy is turning heads with her impeccable fashion sense. Known for her bold sartorial choices, the actress recently dazzled in a sleek white saree during a photoshoot. Her stunning look is setting major fashion goals and leaving fans in awe.

Taking to her Instagram handle on Thursday, Mouni Roy dropped a bunch of pictures, in which she is draped in a sleek white saree, standing in front of a mirror. The saree drapes elegantly, showcasing her figure. She is adorned with silver bangles on her left arm. Her reflection in the mirror captured a serene and artistic pose. The posts caption read, make it art, and the background song Rang Sari Gulabi Chunariya by Shobha Gurtu only added more charm to the snaps.

Take a look:

Mouni Roy, a household name in the Hindi television industry, has soared to the top as one of the highest-paid actresses after her mesmerizing performances in Naagin and its sequel. Besides her acting prowess, she is celebrated as a fashion trailblazer, continuously wowing her fans with her unique and bold style choices. Her social media is a treasure trove of candid shots and memorable moments, always giving her followers something to look forward to.

Mouni Roy has come a long way ever since she made her television debut with Ekta Kapoors Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. She became a popular name after she starred in Naagin. Mouni made her Bollywood debut with Akshay Kumars Gold in 2018. Last year, Mouni was seen in Ayan Mukerjis magnum opus, Brahmastra. Recently, she was also seen in a music video titled Dotara along with Jubin Nautiyal. Mouni Roy was also seen in the web-series Sultan of Delhi. She was last seen in Emraan Hashmi-starrer Showtime.

In a recent interview, Mouni shared that it is projects like Sultan of Delhi and Brahmastra which changed peoples perception of her as an actor. Brahmastra was absolutely different. When you see Gold, RAW and Made In China, I had played very Indianised characters. Maybe after Naagin and Sati, people could only see me as a saree-clad Indian character. So, for Milan sir to think of me as this cabaret dancer Nayantara, at a time when Brahmastra had not even released. I think it is an exciting time to be an actor where makers can visualise you in different roles. Such great parts are being written. I really feel fortunate to be offered these parts and be able to play them on screen, she told Indian Express.
Paris 2024 Olympics Highlights: Dhiraj Bommadevara finished 4th, Tarundeep Rai 14th and Pravin Jadhav 39th in the mens archery ranking round as India finished 3rd in the team rankings.

Earlier, India made a direct qualification in the womens team archery by finishing fourth in the ranking round. Ankita Bhakat finished 11th with 666 points (her season best), Bhajan Kaur was 22nd with 659 points while Deepika Kumari 23rd with 658 points.

The Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony will be held on July 26 from 11 PM IST onwards.

Catch all the latest updates from the Paris Olympics events being held on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Stay updated as Indias Paris 2024 Olympics campaign begins today with archery ranking round in Les Invalides.

Indias campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics got underway today with a host of archers in action in the womens and mens individual ranking rounds. Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur and Deepika Kumari have secured 11th, 22nd and 23rd seedings respectively for the individual event while also qualifying for the womens team quarters.

India have never won an Olympic archery medal.

Purpose Individual Ranking Round

The qualification round decides the seedings for the knockout competition slated to get underway from Sunday. The 128 archers (64 female + 64 male) have to shoot 72 arrows each which determines their rankings for the single-elimination bracket.

The top-ranked archer takes on the lowest-ranked archer, the second-ranked against the second-lowest and so on.

As for the team events, the same rankings are used to determine seedings.

For mens/womens team events, the total of the archers scores from is used while for mixed team event, the total of mens and womens from each nation is used.

The top four seeded teams in the mens and womens events are given a direct entry into the quarters while those seeded between 5 and 12 will square off in round of 16 with the winner advancing into the quarters.

In the mixed team event though only the top-16 get an entry.

Stay updated with the latest from Paris Olympics 2024. Explore Paris Olympics 2024 events today. Check the updated list of medal tally for Paris Olympics 2024. Check Paris Olympics 2024 event results.
In 2022, during a large political gathering in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, a young Pashtun poet rose to recite his recently penned poem. In his distinctive tone, the young poet lamented how he could praise his beloved when his Pashtun nation was in despair. Amidst continuous cheering from the crowd, he recited:

When all is ruined, my country and my town

Every wall of my house has fallen down

How can I praise your golden crown?

Here, my house is in flames

There, my son lies a martyr

On both sides of the border line

Pashtuns bewail and mourn

How can I admire your hair clips?

While these words continue to reverberate among the Pashtun people, the young poet Gilaman Wazir has been silenced forever by the state apparatus of Pakistan. On July 7, Wazir, also known as Gilaman Pashteen, though his real name was Hazrat Naeem, was assaulted and tortured by a group of unknown men in Islamabad belonging to Pakistan Armys intelligence wing, in Islamabad. He succumbed to his injuries on July 11, adding to the deep resentment against the state. The region has since seen large protests against his killing.

Gilaman Wazir, 29, belonged to a prominent Wazir tribe and hailed from Turikhel Asad Khel village in the Ramzak area of North Waziristan. He was actively associated with the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) from the outset and served as its central committee member. He was considered the close confidante of the movements founder Manzoor Pashteen.

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has emerged as a strong proponent of the rights of the Pashtun people in Pakistan. The movement traces its origins to the Pakistani governments war in Waziristan. In 2014, eight students from Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan, led by Manzoor Ahmad from the Mehsud Tribe, launched the Mehsud Tahafuz Movement (MTM) to protest the persecution of their tribe and the demining of their region.

As the Pakistan Army launched another large-scale military campaign in Waziristan in 2014, MTM began public protests against increasing civilian killings, especially extrajudicial killings, and the mass displacement of tribal people.

The Mehsud Movement evolved into a pan-Pashtun movement in 2018 following the extrajudicial killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud and four other Pashtun men by Pakistani police officer Rao Anwar Ahmed, known as the encounter specialist, on January 13, 2018, in Karachi. In response, the 24-year-old Manzoor Ahmad and his 21 associates from the Mehsud Movement embarked on a Long March from Dera Ismail Khan on January 26, reaching Peshawar, the KPK capital, on January 28, and finally arriving in Pakistans federal capital, Islamabad, on February 1, 2018.

Adopting the slogans of ye jo deshatgardi hai iskay peche wardi hai (The ones responsible for terrorism are the ones in uniform (Army)) and Da sangaazadi da? (What kind of freedom is this?), the march became a rallying cry for Pashtuns who endured state repression for years. It attracted widespread support, crossing tribal fault lines as thousands joined the march en route to Islamabad.

This development prompted the Mehsud Movement to rechristen itself as the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), or the Movement for the Protection of Pashtuns, to proclaim itself as the voice of all Pashtuns people. This declaration was made during its All-Pashtun National Jirga in Islamabad on February 1, 2018. The PTM demanded that the Pakistani government recover thousands of missing men who had been subjected to state-enforced disappearances, end the humiliating checks at army checkpoints, clear landmines from Waziristan, and punish security officials involved in extrajudicial killings.

While many initially described the PTM as a momentary outburst of tribal rage against encounter killings, the wide-ranging support from across KPK demonstrated its organic rise and grassroots backing. Over the years, it has come to represent a resilient, peaceful, and popular initiative that has withstood extensive state repression, persecution, and a media blackout since its inception.

However, instead of addressing the grave abuses and rights violations committed by the Pakistan Army, such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, the Pakistani government labelled the PTM as a terrorist group and accused it of treason, claiming it was fronting for anti-Pakistan forces. For instance, perturbed by the PTMs popular support and its calls for accountability from Pakistans security forces, Pakistans military establishment coerced the traditional tribal elites, who had joined the long march, to ostracize PTMs young leaders in an attempt to weaken tribal solidarity. Yet, this only paved the way for what has become Pakistans most dynamic, active, and nonviolent youth political uprising ever, making the PTM a voice for the long-subdued and silenced people across the tribal hinterland of Pakistan.

Unlike Pakistani media, civil society and electoral politicians, who have always played it safe or been too scared to expose the misdeeds of the state and the Army in particular, the PTM has not shied away from naming and exposing its brazen rights violations and oppression against the Pashtuns. Consequently, the Pakistan military has recurrently accused them of crossing its imaginary red lines. For instance, in an attempt to discredit the PTM and its leadership, the Pakistan Army in 2018 put up hundreds of banners depicting Manzoor Pashteen alongside then Tehreek-e-Taliban chief Mullah Fazlullah. Additionally, the Army enforced a media blackout on the PTM, warning channels and newspapers against publishing anything about the movement.

This civil rights movement has left the Pakistan Army red-faced through its non-violent resistance. Most importantly, the PTM has ended the enforced silence among the people of KPK, who had long been coerced into bearing state atrocities silently.

Pakistans military establishment has used every tactic in its armour to compel the PTM movement to pick up arms. Yet the group has endured the oppression and consistently denied the state an opportunity to associate it with terrorism. The killing of Gilaman Wazir should be seen in this context as well.

The Pashtun Tahfuz Movement holds significant importance within the broader context of the Pashtunistan movement, the struggle for the establishment of an independent Pashtun homeland crisscrossing the Durand Line. PTMs valiant ethnic expression for the rights of Pashtun people and Pakistans aversion to this expression has a historical context as the Pakistani state has always labelled Pashtun tribal solidarity as an affront to the idea of Pakistan.

Ever since Pakistans creation by a forced union of five distinct ethnic regions in 1947, the Pakistan Army has assumed unaccountable powers. It justified its excesses as a compulsion to secure Pakistans artificial integrity. But it has failed to suppress the ethnic nationalist expressions. With Bengalis having reclaimed Bangladesh in 1971, Pashtuns are getting ready to repeat history. Just like it did in East Pakistan, now the Pakistan military has resorted to unimaginable atrocities against the Pashtun people, alongside Balochis. The demand for Pashtunistan has gained tremendous momentum and PTM, targeted by the Pakistani state, is leading from the front.

It appears that the Pakistani state, especially the military establishment, believes that it can kill the aspiration for an independent homeland of the Pashtun people by force. It is a gross miscalculation and if one may argue, the actions of the Pakistan establishment are adding fuel to the fire. As Manzoor Pashteen stated at Gilamans funeral addressing the state of Pakistan: The situation you have created shows that the Pashtuns are no longer with youWe may lose a hundred thousand lives, but we will not give up this land.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to get a new working president by August-end, sources told News18 as speculation mounts over the partys next leadership after the end of JP Naddas term.

Naddas tenure as the BJP national president ended in June 2024 but as per a resolution passed in the BJP National Executive meeting last year, he would remain at the helm till a new party chief is chosen.

But with Nadda being given charge of the Health Ministry in the Narendra Modi government 3.0 and election for the new BJP chief unlikely to take place before January 2025, the party is likely to go in for a working president who can share the work load.

On Wednesday, PM Narendra Modi had held a meeting at the Parliament complex with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda and BJP General Secy (Organisation) BL Santosh. The meeting went on for nearly two hours. After Santosh and Nadda left, PM Modi had a one-on-one meeting with Amit Shah, with sources saying the topic at hand was the next BJP working president.

The BJP has officially been tight-lipped about the probable names, but on Thursday began another meeting of all its General Secretaries (Organisation) from across states for two days. News18 has learnt that the two-day meeting is the final deliberation about the BJPs performance in Lok Sabha election 2024. Given the importance of General Secretaries (Organisation) in BJP, discussionon the working president cannot be ruled out.

Top BJP sources also told News18 that Nadda will remain available for advisory roles during the transition period to the working president and later to a full-time president.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Wednesday held his first masterclass where he met the 20 speakers put up by the Congress to take on the government during the discussion on the Union Budget.

The Grand Old Party has decided to boycott the Niti Aayog on grounds that the budget is against the federal structure and has termed the sops given to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh an attempt to save the government.

However, Gandhi, in his 10-minute meeting, made it clear to his colleagues that they should not harp on the two states getting benefits. We should not be seen as opposing what they got. We should focus on those who missed out, he said.

Not just this, the Congress MP also said there are at least two points in the budget that seem to be inspired by the Congress manifesto  the Employment-Linked Incentive Scheme and apprenticeship. Gandhi said the two were lifted from the Pehli Naukri Pakki scheme of the Congress Nyay Patra.

He also insisted that since Congress was not a regional but a national party with pan-India interest, it should not focus on local issues and badmouth Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Instead, it should speak about many states not getting funds for infrastructural development. With Bihar elections coming up soon, the Congress feels too much opposition to the monetary help could be used by BJP and JDU to corner the party.

So, the budget speeches by Congress leaders will focus on the failure of the government to ensure jobs, rising prices and an anti-middle class attitude.

The speakers, too, have been chosen by Gandhi with a plan  Kumari Selja, Congresss Dalit woman face, was fielded as she comes from poll-bound Haryana. So does Praniti Shinde, who hails from poll-bound Maharashtra.

Keeping up the momentum against the government, Gandhi wants to ensure that the Congress behaves like a responsible national party and emerges as the champion of states that were neglected.
Move over hitting the streets. The BJP and JD(S) in Karnataka have hit the floor. Both parties staged a sleep-in protest inside the Karnataka Assembly overnight, demanding a detailed discussion in the House on the alleged fraudulent allotment of sites by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). They allege that the allotments involve plots given to Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs wife.

They also allege that the ruling Congress government is dodging the Rs 180 crore Valmiki Corporation illegal money transfer issue in the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Assembly.

While Delhi and Punjab, too, have witnessed such protests, the instances are highest in Karnatakas Vidhan Soudha. The trend started with the BJP in 2016 and it has since become quite fashionable for Karnatakas political parties to spend the night in the Well of the House as a way to protest against issues.

The latest night-long sit-in saw all MLAs and MLCs of the BJP and JD-S) dressed in nightwear and carrying their bedding into the House. They later lay on the green carpet inside the Legislature Assembly Hall to continue their overnight protest against the Siddaramaiah government.

Videos were posted by social media handles of the BJP and JD(S), showing the MLAs sitting, chatting, or sleeping in the Well of the House. Some were carrying placards and shouting slogans.

Having arranged dinner comprising rice, sambar, curd, and a chicken and mutton dish, the legislators ate within the premises and continued to spend their time singing songs condemning the Siddaramaiah rule.

This is going to be an ongoing protest. We will continue these overnight protests until the Congress debates the scams that have been taking place during their governance and it is brought to a logical end, said Leader of Opposition R Ashok to News18.

Armed with a small cymbal in hand, Karnataka BJP chief and Shikaripura MLA BY Vijayendra, Aurad MLA Prabhu Chavan on the tambourine and JD(S) leader SL Bhoje Gowda sang bhajans during the all-nighter criticising the Congress government. Ashok, Vijayendra, and other senior MLAs also walked through the corridors of the Vidhan Soudha shouting anti-Congress slogans until they finally assembled inside the House to rest for the day.

LoP R Ashok said that when the BJP brought an adjournment motion regarding the alleged Rs 4,000 crore loot in the MUDA scam, the government was scared and was running away from discussion. They have passed key bills including the finance bill without discussion. This is a government of cowards; they dont have the courage to respond to MUDA allegations in the House. If they have any shame or self-esteem, they should allow the debate.

First Sleep-In Protest Led by BJP in 2016

The Karnataka Assembly first saw a sleep-in protest in 2016 during Siddaramaiahs first term as Chief Minister. The protest by the BJP at the time was to seek a proper investigation or CBI probe into the suicide of police officer SP Ganapathy, who had allegedly named state minister KJ George in a video before his death. The Congress at the time had ordered a judicial inquiry, which the BJP said was not enough and sought a probe by a central agency.

George, who was the home minister and later was made urban development minister, found himself embroiled in the controversy when Ganapathy, a Deputy Superintendent, shot a video in his police uniform and later was found dead in a lodge in Kodagu. The DYSP was already under investigation on charges of corruption and extrajudicial killings. He accused George of harassing him. In 2019, the CBI gave George a clean chit in the case.

A Different Kind of Floor Test in 2019

Three years later, in 2019, the BJP once again resorted to an overnight protest inside the Assembly against the delay in the floor test of then chief minister HD Kumaraswamy after 18 lawmakers resigned and withdrew their support from the JDS-Congress coalition government. Following the resignation of 18 dissident MLAs (13 from Congress, three from JD-S, and two Independent MLAs), the 13-month-old coalition government slumped into a minority.

Then BJP state president BS Yediyurappa called for an overnight dharna inside the Assembly seeking a floor test against Kumaraswamy. On edge, the Assembly was adjourned, leaving the BJP fuming and stating its leaders would not leave the premises until the trust vote was taken up. Later, the coalition government lost the vote of confidence, ending the three-week-long political drama in Karnataka.

Congress Joins the Trend in 2022

In 2022, it was the turn of the Congress to resort to slumber politics. The Congress MLAs demanded the resignation of then BJP minister KS Eshwarappa for saying that the saffron flag might become the national flag in the future.

Eshwarappa had made the remark that the country was debating and discussing Hindutva and Hindu ideology and at the same time critics would laugh when the BJP said that a Ram Mandir would be constructed in Ayodhya. Arent we building it now? In the same way, sometime in the future, it may be possible that in 100, 150, or 200 years, the bhagwa (saffron) flag may become our national flag, he said.

The Congress raised a red flag over disrespecting the national flag and sought the immediate sacking of Eshwarappa. BJP Chief Minister at the time, Basavaraj Bommai, came to the rescue of his colleague saying his statement was being misunderstood and misinterpreted and his statements were not against the law. Bommai called it the Congresss wrong projection to gain political mileage.

Eshwarappa later quit as minister when another controversy broke out over his allegations of corruption and the death by suicide of a contractor.
The discussion on the union budget in the Lok Sabha on Thursday afternoon took an ugly turn while Congress MP and former Punjab chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi was speaking when he took a dig at former party colleague Ravneet Singh Bittu.

Your late father (mistakenly said instead of grandfather) was a martyr but he actually died the day you joined the BJP, Channi said, targeting the union minister of state.

Bittus grandfather, former Congress chief minister Beant Singh, was assassinated in a suicide bomb attack at the secretariat complex in Chandigarh on August 31, 1995.

Channi went on to insinuate that there was no difference between the British Raj and the present Narendra Modi government except the skin colour. He took further potshots at the government over its dictatorial attitude.

An irate Bittu stood up to speak, saying he must answer his former party colleague. I have to respond because he took the name of my grandfather. My grandfather did not lay down his life for a party but for the country, he said.

Bittu went on to say that he would change his name if Channi could prove that he was poor. He alleged that the Congress MP has the most powerful resources and most money in Punjab to date. He also claimed that Channi was an accused in a sexual harassment case. Responding to the Congress leaders skin colour comment, Bittu said that it seemed he was referring to Sonia Gandhi and asked the party to prove which country she came from.

Following this, there was chaos in the Lok Sabha, as Punjab Congress MPs stormed into the well, challenging Bittu to a fight. Himmat hai toh aaja (Come if you dare), a Congress lawmaker could be heard saying. Bittu tried to rush into the well but was stopped by defence minister Rajnath Singh, who asked him to calm down.

Bittu, a three-term former Congress MP from Punjab, had joined the BJP just ahead of the April-June Lok Sabha polls, triggering a wave of animosity from his former party colleagues. He contested on a BJP ticket seeking re-election from the Ludhiana Lok Sabha seat but lost to Congresss Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. However, he was inducted into Narendra Modis council of ministers as an MoS and is likely to be brought to Parliament soon through the Rajya Sabha route.
The Opposition has labelled the 2024 budget as Kursi Bachao (save the regime), saying the BJP had to buckle under pressure from two main allies  Andhra Pradeshs TDP and Bihars JDU  and give them the lions share.

While the government and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman herself rejected the narrative by saying all states had been accounted for, there is one man who understands what the Kursi Bachao plan is all about  former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

Many of Singhs pet projects had to be either put on hold or cancelled because the allies posed a threat to his government. In fact, Congress, as a party, forced Singh to push his dream projects on the backburner.

One cannot forget 2009 when he returned to power as prime minister with the tagline Singh is King. However, on Day One itself, he faced pressure and his decision to not let some DMK leaders like TR Balu and A Raja become ministers again had to be rolled back because a miffed DMK said it would not be a part of his government.

Singh had two pet projects that he felt would work for the economy and also generate jobs. One was his plan to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap in three important sectors  telecom, insurance and civil aviation. The CPI(M) objected to the move, saying it would compromise on national security and cause unnecessary outflow of foreign exchange through the repatriation of profits.

The second step was to put on hold Singhs proposal of FDI in retail. Not just the then opposition like BJP but even its own allies like the Left objected to the move and there was a chance that the prime minister would not get the numbers in Parliament. Hence, this proposal too was rolled back.

But what was more embarrassing was a diplomatic U-turn in 2011 when Singh planned a trip to Dhaka with Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee but she opted out as she was against the signing of the Teesta water-sharing deal between India and Bangladesh. The agreement had to be put on hold as Banerjee, a powerful ally, refused to budge.

Apart from these, there have been other instances such as the headache over signing of the India-US nuclear deal, when Singh had to depend on the Samajwadi Party and Banerjee to ensure the deal was through.

The many flip-flops earned the tag of Rollback PM for Singh. No one more than him understood that the crown of power was uneasy as he gulped his pride to save his kursi.
There have been noises from within the BJP for a long time now to bifurcate West Bengal on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir. So far, the party dismissed the voices, calling them personal opinions that do not reflect the BJPs official stand. However, a meeting as well as a BJP MPs demand seem to be an indication of the party inching towards that end.

On Wednesday, Union Minister and Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and requested that he recognise eight districts of West Bengal as part of the Northeast which ends with Sikkim. After the meeting, Majumdar said: I have handed over a proposal to the prime minister on why North Bengal should be considered a part of Northeast and the similarities between the two. If he accepts my proposal, this backward area of Bengal will get more funds from the Centre. I am of the opinion that the state government will cooperate.

WHY IS THIS MORE THAN A MEETING?

There are many reasons why this was not just a regular meeting but indicates a trend of the BJP officially asking for bifurcation of the state in the future. Sources say the prime minister spent nearly half-an-hour with Majumdar, giving a sense of the importance he attaches to the proposal.

Secondly, Majumdar is the Minister of State of the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region and thus, his proposal assumes significance. He is also the West Bengal BJP president, which increases the political significance of the demand. In the past, Majumdar had to dismiss many demands of a separate North Bengal by BJP MPs as personal opinion. Interestingly, he hails from the Balurghat constituency, which too falls under North Bengal.

While Majumdar may argue that even if the prime minister accepts his proposal, it is not akin to bifurcation, the TMC called it anti-constitutional.

Senior TMC MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy said: He (Majumdar) took the oath of the Constitution to abide by it. But his demand is against the Constitution because there is no land called North Bengal in India. The eight districts he is calling North Bengal are inalienable parts of West Bengal. They are called North Bengal by people for their ease of communication. They are the northern part of West Bengal. Roy went a step further to allege that after failing to electorally defeat the TMC, the BJP is conniving to split the state.

BJP MP DEMANDS UT

As Majumdar met PM Modi, another BJP MP  Anant Maharaj  sought announcing a part of North Bengal that he calls greater Cooch Behar as a Union Territory. Maharaj heads an organisation called Greater Coochbehar Peoples Association that wants to carve a section of North Bengal out of the existing West Bengal and declare it a UT. They have been raising the demand since 2015.

What makes it tricky is Anant Maharaj controls the votes of the Rajbangshi community. This time, BJPs Nishith Pramaniks drubbing by a margin of 39,250 votes in Cooch Behar in the Lok Sabha election is believed to be due to Maharajs lack of backing for the leader. In fact, this is the only seat in North Bengal the BJP lost in terms of its 2019 tally.

HISTORY OF BJPS NORTH BENGAL DEMAND

Anant Maharaj isnt the first to have made such demands. John Barla, a former minister in Modi 2.0, was vocal about a similar demand. Born in Jalpaiguri, Barla had earlier demanded a separate Gorkhaland  a long-standing demand of the Gorkhas that encompasses Darjeeling and some areas of the plains. In 2021, Barla, the then BJP MP from Alipurduar, also in North Bengal, raised the issue of a separate state for North Bengal that goes beyond mere Gorkhaland  something that Majumdar is battling to be included as part of N-E.

In order to escape from atrocities, I raised the demand for North Bengal to be declared a Union Territory. I will take this matter up with Delhi (leadership), he had said back then.

Amit Shahs deputy, Nishith Pramanik, too voiced similar sentiments but stopped short of demanding a separate state like Barla. After being made a minister, he said: In a democracy, people are the most important factor, and keeping in mind peoples sentiments, appropriate decisions will be taken. He had alleged back then that the allocation for a flyover in Kolkata did not even match the allocation in North Bengal.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, sticking to the demand for Gorkhaland, raised the issue in Parliament when he demanded a permanent political solution last year.

Reminding the Modi government of the importance of the Siliguri Corridor from a national security perspective, he said: I also informed Parliament that the safety and security of our region is only possible when the indigenous people of the region are safe. This is why, the people from Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars are seeking justice and a solution under the Constitution of India.

Speaking to News18, both Bista and Maharaj backed Majumdars efforts. Greater Cooch Behar and North Bengal should be carved out 100 per cent. I support this move to attach it with the Northeast, Maharaj said.

Raju Bista, while speaking to News18, said: You will be surprised to know that West Bengals annual budget is Rs 3.78 lakh crore. But Norrh Bengal, where three crore people reside, gets just Rs 860 crore which is 0.002 per cent I think Majumdars demand has a point and the Centre should think about it.

So far, all these demands were labelled as personal opinions. However, Majumdars proposal seems to be the first concrete step towards the BJP changing its official stand.
It was Abhishek Banerjees moment to shine in Parliament on Wednesday as he cornered the Centre over the budget and took a dig at the NDAs flailing popularity, saying times had changed for the regime.

Waqt Badal Gaya Hai [times have changed], Banerjee said as he began his 56-minute speech, attacking the Union government for appeasing coalition partners in the budget to keep the government afloat.

Terming the budget a betrayal, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress said the poor, women, Dalits, and Muslims of the country had lost out to coalition politics. Banerjee also referred to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikaris controversial comment and said the government had followed his Jo Humare Saath Hum Unke Saath [we are with those who support us] policy.

Waqt Badal Gaya Hai. This change is more than a paradigm shift in leadership. Its a clear rejection of authoritativeness. Its a rejection of arrogance, divisive politics and empty promises. The message from the electorate of this country is loud and clear, he said.

Banerjee, while referring to demonetisation several times, said the government had failed to address the issue of black money or curb terrorism. When questioned by the Speaker for referring to events of the past, the TMC leader asked why the BJP was not stopped from raking up the past to counter opposition.

Ending his speech, Banerjee said: This takes me back to where I started from. Waqt Badal Gaya Hai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads a creaky, shaky NDA coalition government, which is waiting to blow up. Rather than investing in the future of the country, it is unfortunate that a Union government is investing in his political survival at the expense of the nations well-being. Mark my words. Kursi Ki Peti Bandh Lijiye, Mausam Bigadne Wala Hai [fasten your seatbelts for turbulence ahead].

The TMC termed its leaders speech fiery and said it had hit the nail on the head after going viral.

Focus Bengal

Sources say Banerjee wanted to use the Parliaments platform to publicise that money was due to Bengal. Last year, he had visited Delhi along with his party workers and held a protest demanding MGNREGA funds.

In Parliament on Wednesday, Banerjee emphasised that Bengal had been neglected as the BJP could not politically gain from the state. Apart from money for schemes, he said Bengal did not receive funds for flood management though other states had been helped.

Accusing the BJP of misusing central agencies, Banerjee recalled how his family too bore the brunt but he ultimately emerged victorious and won the Lok Sabha polls with an enviable margin.

BJP Hits Back

Sukanto Majumdar, minister and Bengals BJP president, slammed Banerjees arrogance and said all help had been extended to Bengal when required.

Abhishek Banerjee should not talk like this. His arrogance is not acceptable in a democracy. People know that whenever the centre provided money to West Bengal, it was misused by the TMC government The state government itself accepted that some chori [theft] has happened.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will strongly counter the Oppositions charges of presenting a two-states budget when she replies to the debate on the budget next week in both houses of Parliament, sources told News18. Ahead of key state elections in a few months, the BJP is keen to bust the Oppositions narrative.

The minister, in her detailed reply, could list out how the Narendra Modi government has catered to all states, both in the vote-for-account this February and in the Union Budget, aside other projects. Some key NDA allies have in fact reached out to the FM to do so in her reply.

I have told the finance minister that she should come out with all the facts in her reply so that automatically all this speculation and wrong publicity being done by opposition parties and Congress stops, NDA ally Praful Patel told News18. He cited how the prime minister was in Mumbai recently and said poll-bound Maharashtra had received a bounty from the Centre, including the Rs 76,000 crore-worth port in Wadhvan in western coast which is fully funded by the Union government.

Government sources said the funds for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar were because commitments had to be fulfilled to the former since the bifurcation of the state, while Bihar was a case of long neglect and is ravaged by Kosi river floods every year.

But that does not mean that other states have been ignored. Every state gets a pie from the capital expenditure of Rs 11 lakh crore announced in the budget as well as the interest-free loan to states for the next 50 years. The new houses to be built under PM Awas Yojana are for all states. Income tax relief to people under new tax regime is across India the new employment incentive scheme announced for over four crore youth in the budget is also pan-India. The finance minister will be explaining it all in her reply in both houses, a senior minister in the government told News18.

Opposition Smells Blood in Poll-bound States

The Opposition is smelling blood in the poll-bound states, with leaders repeatedly highlighting how the states of Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi and Jharkhand got nothing in the budget. AAP leader Raghav Chadha told News18 that both Delhi and Punjab had got nothing in the budget though people gave all seven seats of Delhi to the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

We understand that the government had to give something to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar as the government is surviving on their support. But what harm has Delhi done to them? It is step-motherly treatmentthis budget has achieved a remarkable feat of displeasing every section of society, Chadha told News18.

Opposition leaders from Maharashtra and Haryana are also turning the heat on the government. Haryana did not even find a mention in the budgetthere is complete regional imbalance in the budget. If the Union government has forgotten Haryana today, Haryanas people are going to forget about voting for BJP two months later, Congress MP from the state, Deepender Hooda, told News18.

Priyanka Chaturvedi and Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) also took on the government for ignoring the case of a big state like Maharashtra in the Union Budget only because the state had not voted for the NDA in the Lok Sabha elections.

The Opposition is now trying to put the BJP on the back foot in key election states of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Haryana and Delhi. To bolster its attack, the Congress chose Kumari Selja from Haryana and Praniti Shinde from Maharashtra deliberately as its opening speakers in the Lok Sabha on the debate to corner the government.

BJP Strategy

Speaking briefly in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday in response to the speech of Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, Sitharaman said it was an outrageous allegation that only two states had been favored in the budget. She said that just because some states had not found a mention in the budget speech did not mean that they had got nothing in the Union Budget.

Other BJP speakers in the ongoing debate have also been asked to counter the Oppositions narrative, citing the hypocrisy in how the Congress in the past had been slamming BJP for not doing anything on special status for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar but was now criticising the government for giving assistance in the budget.
Apple is ready to enter the foldable arena in the next few years and reports say the company will start the battle with an iPhone flip model in the market. Samsung has been around in this space with the Galaxy Z Flip version and the six-gen model came out recently. But it seems Apple wants to take its time rather than push a product in a hurry.

The news report claims Apple will launch the Flip iPhone model sometime in 2026 which means you could see the iPhone 18 launch event have a big foldable surprise that year. The timing of this report is intriguing, since Apple has been tipped to launch foldables previously as well, where some even hinted that the first foldable could be from the iPad stable.

It is being mentioned that the development of the flip iPhone has started this year, which means the two-year cycle suggests the launch timeline of 2026 could be on the mark. Having said that, we are surprised to hear that Apple wants to start its entry into foldables with a flip version rather than a full-fledged fold.

After all, the flip form factor has failed to justify its use case, especially compared to the bigger Folds that bring multitasking to the table. Either way, Apple seems to have signed up with Samsung Display division for the foldable panels that will be offered on its foldable iPhone in the next few years.

Foldables have been around for a while and slowly we are seeing the penetration increase beyond Samsung. But the segment is still on the pricier side because of the technology in use and even though Apple would cherish bringing a premium foldable to show its ambitions, the product might have limited reach in terms of the buyers similar to its excursion with the $3,499 priced Vision Pro headset earlier this year.

Well be hearing more updates on the supposed flip iPhone in the near future and the details will become closer to the rumoured launch timeline in 24 months from now.
Google is set to disappoint billions of its users who were waiting for the company to stop its cookies business for tracking them. The company has seemingly made a U-turn on its decision and will continue to have third-party cookies on the Chrome browser for users. Google is now planning for a different strategy that involves giving users more control over who is tracking them and their browsing data at the same time.

Rather than phasing out third-party cookies, we are developing a new experience in Chrome that enables users to make informed decisions about their tracking preferences, Anthony Chavez, VP, Privacy Sandbox said in a post this week.

These cookies have been around for years on Chrome which allows the platform to track the activities on the web and also help advertisers push personalised ads based on the data. The decision to not remove third-party cookies is the latest move from Google this year that will surely bring the company under intense scrutiny. Google had announced the Privacy Sandbox a few years back which finally made it to the execution stage earlier this year.

People were eagerly waiting for the big change and removal of cookies from the browser. As you might know, all the ads of a product you see after browsing online, thats all because of the cookies that third-party websites can track and push ads on your screen.

The move was meant to support developers in conducting real world experiments that assess the readiness and effectiveness of their products without third-party cookies, Chavez had said earlier this year.

The change in their stance over cookies suggests Google has realised the importance of having advertisers on board and also keep the users happy so that the regulators dont grill the company over such drastic revisions to their original plans.

Google has said that the experience for users will roll out soon but it will need the go ahead from the regulators before the feature is available to the end users. It just sounds like all the efforts put in over the last few years will eventually come to nought for billions of Chrome users and their calls to stop tracking.
Google Maps is adding six new features for its users in India this week, which includes one of the most-wanted options. Maps will now raise a call out for flyovers so that you dont end up taking the wrong lane. The platform is also enabling more electric vehicle (EV) features and more functional updates for people using Maps for their daily navigation. Google has been adding AI to Maps for some advanced features but it is easy to see why the platform has needed basic additions as well.

Take The Flyover, Finally

Many Maps users over the years have wished for the platform to get flyovers right. In fact, back in December, we also quizzed the Google Maps team about their plans to make this feature tick. Well, the update is finally here, at least for the Android users, who can now take advantage of a feature called take flyover, which you will hear when you are approaching a flyover and need to take it for your journey.

Were introducing a new feature on Google Maps where we will call out flyovers along your recommended route. This feature helps you anticipate upcoming flyovers and prepare ahead of time to get onto the flyover, Google said in a post on Thursday. The feature will work in 40+ cities initially for 2W and 4W Maps versions but the iOS roll out will happen later. Mappls by MapMyIndia has offered the feature for a while, but it is good to have Google offer it as well.

EV Support For Charging

Maps users in India are getting a broader set of support for EVs, both two and four-wheelers. Google says you will get information on 8000+ charging stations for your EV and also get details like the plug type of the station and real-time availability. Google is working with the likes of Ather, Kazam, Statiq, and ElectricPe to widen its network and make the updates available.

Maps is also doing a market-first feature to support electric two-wheelers charging stations in India which will eventually expand to other countries. With the expanding EV ecosystem in the country, these features will allow more people to easily access the details.

Report Road Closures Easily

Google says Maps is now making it easier to report accidents, road closure and other issues. People face issues with late-night gate curfews and blockades that are not updated on Maps, which the platform is slowly trying to pick up and fix for the users.

You can now report it with just a few taps, making it easy and less distracting. You can even confirm others reports with a single tap which helps increase confidence in these user reported incidents, Google explains in the post. This update will be available for all Maps platforms in the country.

Maps will also alert you about a narrow road during the travel, especially for car drivers who mistakenly enter an area where driving through could be a nightmare. Google is using AI tech from its satellite imagery and street view to define the width of the road and make it easier for people to spot it on Maps.
Samsung recently announced that it will be replacing its pre-loaded Samsung Messages app with Google Messages as the default RCS/SMS app in the US. Starting with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Messages will no longer come pre-installed on Galaxy smartphones.

The rollout is currently limited to the US market and we look forward to sharing more details about the update in the coming months, a Samsung spokesperson told Android Authority.

Samsung and Google have been closely working together on many communication service areas, and this joint effort to make Google Messages the default common messaging platform for the Android mobile ecosystem will speed up the adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS) and provide Galaxy users with a more robust and engaging mobile messaging experience, the spokesperson added.

This move by the South Korean tech giant is part of a gradual shift that started with the Galaxy S22 series, which debuted in 2022 and aligns with Google's push for Rich Communication Services (RCS).

RCS is the modern version of messaging standard that is looking to replace the traditional SMS service and enable messages to be sent and received via the Internet. It offers features such as high-quality media sharing, voice notes, typing indicators and more. Google Messages supports RCS functionality across all carriers, whereas Samsung Messages appears to be network-dependent.

However, the Samsung Messages app will remain available for users to download from the Galaxy Store. Samsung recently launched its new foldables at the Unpacked event earlier this month. In India, the pricing for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts from Rs 1,64,999 for the 256GB base variant, while the 512GB and 1TB models cost Rs 1,76,999 and Rs 2,00,999, respectively. While the Galaxy Z Flip 6 costs Rs 1,09,999 for the 256GB model and Rs 1,21,999 for the 12GB + 512GB variant.

The Z Fold 6 features a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The outer screen has a 6.3-inch HD+ resolution Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. The Z Flip 6, on the other hand, boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the cover screen measures 3.4-inch with a Super AMOLED panel but supports a 60Hz refresh rate only.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's digital minister said on Wednesday he has asked global tech firms Microsoft and CrowdStrike to consider compensating companies that suffered losses during last week's global tech outage.

A faulty update to CrowdStrike's security software crashed computers powered by Microsoft's Windows operating system on Friday, disrupting internet services across the globe and affecting a broad range of industries.

Five government agencies and nine companies operating in aviation, banking and healthcare were among those affected in Malaysia, minister Gobind Singh Deo told reporters.

Gobind said he had met with representatives from Microsoft and CrowdStrike to seek a full report on the incident and ask the firms to take steps to avoid a repeat outage.

"If there are any damages or losses, where there have been any parties that have made such claims, I've asked them to consider those claims and see to what extent they are able to help resolve the issue," Gobind said, adding that the government would also assist on the claims where possible.

The total amount of losses incurred has not yet been determined, he said.

On Tuesday, the chief executive of Malaysia's Capital A, the operator of budget carrier AirAsia, said airlines affected by the IT outage deserved compensation for losses, media reported.

"The principle is that if we do something wrong, we have to compensate. We, other airlines, and other businesses lost a lot.

"They should offer us compensation, and right now, we have to wait and see," Tony Fernandes was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama.
Weve all had the experience of feeling overburdened at workthe late nights spent attempting to meet deadlines, getting ready for a crucial presentation or delving into the never-ending to-do list. Many of us are so passionate about our work that it becomes part of who we are and how we see ourselves. Although having a passion for your profession is perfectly acceptable, issues can occur when you allow it to dictate how you feel and act. Its almost like a Stockholm syndrome. The same was recently demonstrated by Roshan Patel, Founder & CEO of Arrow.

Patel uploaded a screenshot on X in which he asks the employee to take a day off, but claims that he does not require one.

Patel wrote, Hey noticed you havent taken any time off in a while. Just checking in and definitely encourage you take a break if needed.

Now, the majority of us wouldnt give it a second thought before vanishing for a day or two, yet this workaholic did something that we wouldnt in seven lifetimes. The employee stated, I dont need break sir. My body is a vessel for the company to find product market fit.

The employees response is so pick-me, its almost unreal. Probably thats why Patel captioned the post stating, Indian engineers are a different breed.

indian engineers are a different breed pic.twitter.com/fYdMundMfy Roshan Patel (@roshanpateI) July 24, 2024

With 4 million views on the social media platform, the comments section swiftly did its jobcriticising the approach.

A user humorously commented, This is great. The quicker you realize the most important thing in life is delivering shareholder value, the quicker youll get ahead!

This is great. The quicker you realize the most important thing in life is delivering shareholder value, the quicker you'll get ahead! Eli Wachs  (@EliWachs) July 24, 2024

Another user, also taking the humorous approach posted a picture that read, My body is a machine that turns anxiety into B2B SaaS.

A different user added, This literally has me spinning rn. LMAO.

this literally has me spinning rnLMAO  SHL (@SHL_eth) July 24, 2024

Patel is the CEO and founder of Arrow, a business dedicated to streamlining healthcare payments. Patel graduated from George Washington University with a BS in mathematics and Vanderbilt University with an MS in finance. He is presently a mentor at Venture for America in addition to serving on the board of the Childrens Scholarship Fund.
In Zhejiang province, China, a 54-year-old man, known by his surname Shu, suffered from a persistent cough for two years. This cough was so severe and long-lasting that Shu feared he might have cancer. He tried various medications, but nothing seemed to help. The constant coughing disrupted his life, making him desperate for a solution.

After exhausting all options, Shu consulted specialists at Zhejiang Hospital. A scan revealed a 1-centimeter mass in his lungs. Doctors initially suspected pneumonia or a tumour, raising concerns about the possibility of cancer. They planned a biopsy to determine the nature of the mass and the stage of the suspected cancer.

During the examination, the doctors discovered an unexpected object  a piece of chilli pepper lodged in Shus lung. It turned out that two years earlier, Shu had choked while eating hotpot and the chilli pepper had accidentally entered his lungs. The foreign object had been overlooked because it was buried under tissue, making it invisible on scans.

The discovery stunned both Shu and the medical team. They were amazed that a simple piece of food could cause such prolonged discomfort and coughing. The chilli pepper had been in Shus lung for two years, causing irritation and symptoms that mimicked more serious conditions.

This case highlights the importance of thorough medical examination and the unexpected ways everyday incidents can impact health. Shus story also serves as a reminder to seek medical attention if symptoms persist, as the underlying cause may not be immediately obvious. After the removal of the chilli pepper, Shu finally found relief from his chronic cough.

The incident drew attention in local media, including the South China Morning Post, illustrating how a seemingly benign situation can lead to significant health issues. Shus experience ended happily, with a surprising twist, but it also underscores the need for awareness and caution in everyday activities.
Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk have been at odds on a range of topics for more than four years, from aerospace to artificial intelligence. The two business titans, who run Facebook, and Tesla and SpaceX, respectively, havent exactly concealed their rivalry. Musk remains enthusiastic about competing against Zuckerberg, despite being pleased with Metas most recent AI model. Musk stated that he was prepared to fight him any place, any time, any rules.

The billionaire visited Capitol Hill to see Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak before Congress. Ill fight Zuckerberg any place, any time, any rules, Musk told the media. The video of the same has been making rounds on social media.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Metav3rse is for the Culture (@metav3rse)

The video has over 3 lakh views on Instagram.

A user commented, This will be crazy if it happens.

Majority of the comments were favouring Zuckerberg.

A user stated, Zuck can really fight thoughElon doesnt stand a chance.

Another user tagging Zuckerberg said, Whoever wins will be crowned reigning, defending, undisputed, champion of the billionaires.

A third user said, No he wont. Zuckerberg would destroy him.

The rivalry between Musk and Zuckerberg began sometime in 2016 when a Facebook satellite was damaged by a SpaceX rocket explosion. At a launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, SpaceX conducted a Falcon 9 rocket test in September 2016. Facebooks AMOS-6 satellite, which was intended to travel into orbit on board the rocket, was destroyed when it burst.

Zuckerberg reacted angrily, stating that he was deeply disappointed by SpaceXs failure, Time reported at that time.

Musk replied to reporter Kerry Flynn via Twitter two years after the launch attempt went wrong.

Musk said, Yeah, my fault for being an idiot. We did give them a free launch to make up for it and I think they had some insurance.

Yeah, my fault for being an idiot. We did give them a free launch to make up for it and I think they had some insurance. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 23, 2018

In 2017, Musk appeared to take offence at remarks made by Zuckerberg on his thoughts on artificial intelligence in Facebook Live.

Following the Cambridge Analytica incident on Facebook in 2018, Musk deleted SpaceX and Teslas Facebook profiles.

In early 2020, Musk persisted in his anti-Facebook crusade.

Musk posted Facebook-related memes on Twitter in the wake of the rioting at the US Capitol.
An Indian woman, living in Sweden, shared why she does not complain about paying taxes. In a now-hidden post on X (formerly Twitter), she shared a screenshot of a text she received from Sweden Railways notifying her of a 50% refund since her trains AC was not functional. Moreover, the Railways also issued an apology for the inconvenience caused.

The text in the screenshot read, The AC on your train is out of order. You will automatically be compensated for 50% of the ticket price in the form of a voucher that can be used to buy new SJ tickets. You will receive your voucher via email. We apologize for the inconvenience. The message also directed her to visit a website if she wanted to rebook her journey for free or cancel and claim a full refund. While sharing this screenshot, she wrote, Why I dont complain too much about taxes in Sweden.

The post, since being shared, has garnered over 3 lakh views. People not only praised the Swedish rail authorities for being accountable for their shortcomings, but some also shared their own experiences in the comments section.

An X user commented on this post, Its not about the tax you pay its about the quality of life for the tax that you get in return that people mostly complain about.

Sharing the same sentiment, another person wrote, Exactly! That accountability factor makes the difference.

Another person quipped, IRCTC in a parallel universe.

Someone else wrote, My train was delayed in London for 20 minutes, and I got a cheque as compensation sent to me in Australia!

The public transport system is top-notch. The trains arent late like in Germany, read another comment.
A woman from Pakistan had a distressing encounter when she looking for a job at a well-known corporation. With the help of the Indeed app, the girl applied for a trainee and office assistant job as a first-time applicant. She was taken aback when she received a message purportedly from the manager of the firm asking her to engage in additional duties associated with the job that reportedly implied sexual favours. The woman posted screenshots of an alleged chat she had with the manager of Giga Group.

The X (formerly Twitter) user captioned her post stating, Being a girl in Pakistan is too difficult! The user went on to describe how she applied for a position available to fresh graduates on the Indeed website. Its unbelievable!! Who knows how many innocent girls they must have taken advantage of, the caption further read.

According to her, when recent graduates search for work, they either run into these disgusting people or rich parents who gain access through referrals.

Being a girl in Pakistan is too difficult! I applied for a job on the Indeed website, which was for fresh graduates, and this is the message I received. It's unbelievable!! Who knows how many innocent girls they must have taken advantage of. When a fresh graduate looks for a job, pic.twitter.com/QCDTeRZlLr Adina Hira (@_dinatweets_) July 23, 2024

The user has reportedly received feedback from a company representative informing them that the manager did not belong to their company. The woman was even given the assurance that the company had filed a lawsuit against him.

Response from GiGA group saying that person is not related to our corp. But responsibility lies with Giga group to check upon sm for their misrepresentation. pic.twitter.com/ic8OjxPq6f Adina Hira (@_dinatweets_) July 24, 2024

Meanwhile, her post has already amassed over 2 million views with users expressing shock at the incident.

A user commented, At least he already warned you. Imagine if you didnt know any of it and boss wanted quality time.

wtf at least he already warned you.. Imagine if you didn't knew any of it and boss wanted quality time  A B (@abdullahhhh97) July 23, 2024

Another user stated, Seriously????? No way that is true!

Seriously?????  No way that is true!  MrCool (@mrcoolger) July 23, 2024

Good to see you are speaking about this. More Power to you, read another comment.

Good to see you are speaking about this. More Power to you. Unbeatable Bizenjo  (@LoveBizenjo143) July 23, 2024

A user added, This is absolutely disgusting. The user went on to remark that if hes asking for sexual favours from staff members with such casualness, one can only assume what hes done to other people who have worked for him before this.

He cannot be in power, said the user.

This is absolutely disgusting. If hes demanding sexual favors so casually from employees, one can only wonder what hes done to others who are already working for him. He cannot be in power.  Sarah (@electron9_1) July 23, 2024

Yet another user said, This is so sad and unfortunate. Cant you file a complaint against them in Women rights commission in your country?

This is so sad and unfortunate. Can't you file a complaint against them in Women rights commission in your country? Bhuwan Devshali (@whoisbhuwan) July 24, 2024

Sexual harassment in Pakistan is punishable by fines, imprisonment or both.
Many people around the world are so passionate about adventure that they have no interest in a typical 9-to-5 job. They yearn to travel the world and visit various places, but not everyone is so fortunate. However, many would gladly trade their lives for that of a young woman from England.

She has been living on a cruise ship for the past two years, getting paid to travel. During her time on the ship, she even found a boyfriend. According to a report by The Sun, Ellen Hardie, a 23-year-old resident of Essex, England, has been living on a cruise ship since 2021 and travelling the world. Throughout her time on the cruise, she has visited countries such as Australia, Fiji and Vanuatu.

Ellen Hardie works as a dancer on the ship. In 2022, she joined her first cruise as a dancer and subsequently moved from one cruise to another. Since then, she has remained on the ship, entertaining its 3,000 passengers with her performances. At present, she is on a nine-day cruise.

The most special aspect for Ellen is meeting 28-year-old Lewis on the cruise. Over time, they grew closer and have now fallen in love. Lewis is a deck officer and a member of the ships crew. They first met in Singapore. Although Lewis was temporarily assigned to another cruise, he was eventually reposted to the same one where Ellen works. Despite being from different countries, they met because of their jobs on the cruise and are now together.

But the worst thing about being on a cruise is missing home. Ellen Hardie said that she has been away for a long time, and there are many days when she feels incredibly homesick. However, the presence of so many people around her helps to keep her entertained.

Ellen began dancing at the age of 5 and is proficient in jazz, ballet, tap and contemporary dance. She first auditioned for a cruise ship at 19, but her plans were interrupted by the pandemic. Then, in 2022, she unexpectedly received a job offer to dance on a cruise ship. Now, she enjoys being paid to travel and dance. When her contract on the cruise ends, she returns home. At present, she is on a six-month contract.
Surviving a fall from a high-rise building is nearly impossible, but a shocking incident in Russia has defied expectations. A viral CCTV footage clip shows a woman falling onto a grassy lawn reportedly from the 13th floor, but remarkably, she sustains only minor injuries. In the video, the woman struggles to sit up but appears relatively unscathed, with no visible signs of blood loss or severe injury.

This incident reportedly took place in Novosibirsk at 49/1 Aviation Street on July 18. The woman in the video is believed to be 22 years old. Essa News quoted Russian portal NGS RU which reported that the woman was able to walk to the ambulance on her own. A friend of the woman reportedly told local media, I know her. She is fine. Its just a problem with her lungs.

On July 20, an X user shared this incident online alongside the CCTV footage. This post got over two lakh views. In the comments, many people speculated about how the woman must have survived the fall.

 In Novosibirsk, Russia, a 22-year-old girl fell from a 13th floor window and survived.After a landing, the girl was able to roll over on her own and sit on the lawn. She was later taken to the hospital with a lung contusion, bruises and no fractures. FRWL reports pic.twitter.com/jSxUCRKVFQ  Zlatti71 (@Zlatti_71) July 20, 2024

An X user jokingly wondered, I guess God changed his mood in between her falling or is she an alien?

I guess God changed his mood in between her falling  or is she an alien ??  noname_nocaste (@NoName_NoCaste_) July 23, 2024

Someone else remarked, This is X Men stuff. She must be genetically altered.

This is X Men stuffshe must be genetically altered twiceblessedman (@twiceblessed83) July 20, 2024

An X user speculated, Shes lucky the grass was super luscious, truly that looks like the perfect grass, also she landed flat which distributed her weight evenly, honestly kind of an ideal scenario for her in that situation, 13th floor is insane though.

she's lucky the grass was super luscious, truly that looks like the perfect grass, also she landed flat which distributed her weight evenly, honestly kind of an ideal scenario for her in that situation, 13th floor is insane though.. DersButlet (@ButletDers) July 20, 2024

Sharing a similar theory another person wrote, The probability for her to die was higher than of surviving. A game of inches ladies and gents. If she landed head first she would instantly die. She hit the ground flat with her whole body. Maybe one of the main reasons she survived.

The probability for her to die were higher than of surviving. A game of inches ladies and gents. If she landed head first or feet first she would instantly die. She hit the ground flat with whole of her body. One of the main reason she survived Nicholas Ndeto (@NicholasNdeto) July 20, 2024

The details surrounding the womans fall and her exact medical condition, including any potential internal injuries, remain unclear. Typically, the height of each building floor is about 14 feet, making a 14th floor approximately 180 feet tall. Dr. Demetrios Demetriades, a professor of surgery at the Kerk School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, discussed the likelihood of surviving such falls with Live Science. He noted, If someone falls more than 60 feet, this is usually lethal, and it is extremely unlikely, or a miracle if a patient falls from higher than 80 feet and survives.
Former President Barack Obama has so far shied away from endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in her US presidential bid over doubts about her ability to defeat Republican rival Donald Trump, according to a source close to the Biden family.

After 81-year-old Joe Bidens unexpected withdrawal from the US presidential race and immediate endorsement of Harris, most Democratic leaders swiftly rallied behind her candidacy. However, the 44th US President notably withheld his endorsement. Obamas very upset because he knows she cant win, the Biden family source revealed to the New York Post (NYP).

Obama knows shes just incompetentthe border czar whos never visited the border, advocating that all migrants should have health insurance. Shes not equipped to navigate the challenges ahead. The turning point for Biden, 81, came after a widely slammed debate performance against Trump last month in Atlanta, which was reportedly orchestrated to push him out of the race.

The source expressed skepticism about Harriss prospects in a televised debate against Trump, predicting potential missteps on issues like Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine. She cant debate. Shes going to put her foot in her mouth, the source claimed. According to the source, Obamas initial hope was to clear the path for Bidens exit, a strategy bolstered by an article from George Clooney urging Biden to step aside.

With no one stepping up to challenge Harris for the nomination, she won the backing of party delegates on Monday, a day after Biden announced that he was dropping his reelection bid. According to NYP, Bidens immediate endorsement of Harris caught Obama by surprise. Post-Biden, the former US President reportedly favoured Arizona Senator Mark Kelly as a potential top candidate for the Democratic National Convention next month.

Hours after NYP broke Obama exclusive, NBC News reported that Obama plans to endorse Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate soon. The report said that Obama privately has fully supported Harris candidacy and has been in regular contact with her. Aides to Obama and Harris also have discussed arranging for the two of them to appear together on the campaign trail, though no date has been set, the report said, citing people familiar with the discussions.

(With agency inputs)
Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of attacks against US Vice President Kamala Harris Wednesday, branding her a radical left lunatic in his first rally since she secured the Democratic Party nominee spot for the November presidential election.

She is a radical left lunatic who will destroy our country, the former US president and Republican nominee said. Were not going to let that happen, he told the crowd in North Carolina. Trumps speech comes as Harris, 59, hits the campaign trail armed with President Joe Bidens endorsement after deciding not to seek reelection.

Donald J. TrumpRally North CarolinaFor 3 1/2 years lying Kamala Harris has been the ultra liberal driving force behind every single Biden catastrophe, she is a radical left Lunatic who will destroy our country pic.twitter.com/8zbJRPqvDR SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) July 25, 2024

Ultra liberal driving force

The 78-year-old Republican repeatedly attacked Biden over his age but has been forced to pivot as he has now become the oldest nominee in history. Trump called Harris the ultra liberal driving force behind every single Biden catastrophe.

He claimed that she wanted abortions in the eighth and ninth month of pregnancy as well as right up until birth and even after birth, the execution of a baby. Saying Democratic Party bosses were behind Bidens decision to step down, he accused Harris of covering up Bidens mental unfitness.

Earlier Wednesday, the White House denied it had covered up any possible decline in Bidens health prior to his decision to drop out of the election race. Harriss candidacy has stirred enthusiasm among Democrats after weeks of turmoil over Biden, who came under pressure after a disastrous debate performance against Trump last month.

(With agency inputs)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi here and emphasised the need to ensure full respect for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and past agreements to stabilise the bilateral ties.

The two leaders, who met for the second time this month, also agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process.

Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Vientiane today. Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected in the state of our ties, Jaishankar said in a post on X after meeting with Wang on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meetings here.

The Jaishankar-Wang talks came amid the dragging border row in eastern Ladakh that entered its fifth year in May.

Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process. Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. It is in our mutual interest to stabilise our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency, he added.

The two leaders met earlier this month in the Kazakh capital city of Astana on the sidelines of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points.

The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.
Elon Musk has once again expressed his readiness to fight fellow tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, saying he is ready to face him anytime and under any rules.

Musks remark came in response to a question from a Fox reporter during his visit to the US Capitol on Wednesday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress.

This comes months after speculation about a potential Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) match between the two tech giants, which gained attention last year when they exchanged playful jabs on social media.

NEW: Elon Musk says he will fight META CEO Mark Zuckerberg any place, anytime, any rules.Reporter: Will you fight Zuckerberg? Musk: Ill fight Zuckerberg any place, anytime, any rules. The comment by Musk was made when he was visiting Capitol Hill today to attend pic.twitter.com/4f6tKJ9qn9  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 24, 2024

Interest in the bout between the tech behemoths faded during the fall, but Musk reignited the conversation on July 24. In a video shared on X, he declared, Ill fight Zuckerberg any place, any time, any rules.

This isnt the first time Musk has expressed interest in fighting Zuckerberg. In an October 2023 appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, he jokingly said, I challenge him to a duel under any circumstances. Im willing to fight him in a house, on a mouse, with a louse.

READ MORE: Elon Musk vs Mark Zuckerberg: Battle of the Tech-Moguls Gets Interesting

The feud began in June 2023 when Musk suggested he was up for a cage match with Zuckerberg ahead of the launch of Threads, a new social media platform. Zuckerberg quickly responded, asking Musk to send the location in an Instagram post.

While Musk has publicly accepted the challenge, Zuckerberg has been training in mixed martial arts with UFC champions, raising questions about how the fight would play out. Despite Musks size advantage, experts note that skill can be more important than size in combat sports.
Canadian MP Chandra Arya is facing a barrage of hostile reaction after criticising Khalistani operatives for defacing the BAPS Hindu temple in Edmonton.

Arya pointed out that Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada were being vandalised with hateful graffiti.

The incidents came close on the heels of Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice last year publicly calling for Hindus to go back to India.

Khalistan supporters also publicly celebrated in Brampton and Vancouver on the anniversary of the 1984 assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and brandished 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, Arya had said.

Last month, he also said that the 1985 bombing of Air Indias Kanishka aircraft was the handiwork of Khalistani terrorists.

Following this, he was slammed by Pannun, who said that Arya was promoting Indias interests and working under the directions of his master, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pannun also said that Arya should give up his Canadian citizenship and move back to India.

Justin Trudeaus government says that it has given citizenship to all kinds of religions and people, but what is happening is very radical, a top intelligence source told CNN-News18. An MP being bashed by Khalistani goons and no word coming from the government is very serious, especially because this government gives space to all kinds of people  gangsters, drug mafia, and serial killers. An MP being asked to go back to India cant happen without the consent of the Trudeau government. We believe this understanding between Pannun and the Trudeau government is taking serious shape.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Thursday called for the destruction of Iran in a social media post similar to his most fiery statements while in the White House.

If they do assassinate President Trump, which is always a possibility, I hope that America obliterates Iran, wipes it off the face of the Earth  If that does not happen, American Leaders will be considered gutless cowards," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Donald Trump made these remarks alongside a brief video of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioning alleged Iranian plots against Trump in his address to the US Congress on Wednesday.

US media reported last week that the US Secret Service had increased security for Trump weeks ago after authorities learned of an Iranian plot to kill him, although it was not linked to the recent attempt on his life in which a 20-year-old American fired shots during a campaign rally.

CNN reported that US authorities received intelligence from a human source" about a plan by Tehran to target the former president, leading to increased security for Trump.

However, this plot was not connected to the campaign shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, where gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, slightly wounding Trump and killing a rally attendee, they said.

Apart from the attempt on Trumps life, seven major assassination bids have recently taken place, including on former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan and former vice-president of Argentina, Christina Fernandez. In Khans case from November 3, 2022, he was fired upon and suffered a bullet injury. Fernandez escaped an assassination bid on September 1, 2022, when a man unsuccessfully tried to fire a loaded pistol close to her head while she was surrounded by her supporters outside her house in Buenos Aires.
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 Trudeaus 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.

Aryas 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 Trudeaus allegations in September last year of a potential involvement of Indian agents in Nijjars 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.
Free guided tours have returned to the state Capitol after a nearly seven-year absence prompted by budget cuts, offering visitors a more detailed look at the art, architecture and history of a building often called "the peoples house."

From now through Sept. 13, the Montana Historical Society will provide tours weekdays at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. On Saturdays, tours will be at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. On Sundays, tours are at 11 a.m. and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Darby Bramble, museum education officer for the historical society, said in a news release more than 600 people have participated in the guided tours since early June.

The Montana State Capitol has stood since 1902.

Montanas first governor, Joseph K. Toole, said (The Capitol) will be to the state what the homestead is to the citizen, what the fireside is to the family  Here should repose the honor and conscience of the state by which its citizenship shall be judged and measured and its glory achieved and preserved.

The Capitol serves as a home to the workings of state government. Yet today, the historically and architecturally significant structure remains open to the public and offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Montanas unique heritage, historical society officials said.

The tours were halted in August 2017 when cuts were necessary to meet budget shortfall action mandated by Senate Bill 261  a Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund  and House Bill 2, the states spending plan.

Revenues had fallen enough below projections to trigger $97 million in spending cuts across state government. SB 261 was an effort to make sure the state lived within its means.

For the historical society, that meant eight employees laid off from the staff of 58. And it ended the guided tours, although people could still take a self-guided tour.

The 2023 Legislature agreed to fund additional positions that are being used to resume the guided tours, historical society officials said.

Visitors may still explore the Capitol, at 1301 E. Sixth Ave., on their own using a self-guided tour book found on-site. The Capitol building is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free tours of the historic Original Governors Mansion at 304 N. Ewing St. are also offered this summer Tuesday-Saturday at noon and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

For more details, call or email Bramble at 406-444-2412 or darby.bramble2@mt.gov or visit the Montana Historical Society website at https://mhs.mt.gov/education/Tours.
Israeli forces retrieved the bodies of five people taken hostage in the Gaza Strip during Hamass October 7 attack on southern Israel, the military said Thursday.

The army said the bodies of hostage Maya Goren as well as soldiers Ravid Aryeh Katz, Oren Goldin, Tomer Ahimas and Kiril Brodski had been returned to Israel. The bodies were recovered on Wednesday during an operation in Khan Yunis, the main city in the south of the Gaza Strip, the military said.

During an IDF operation led by ISA field analysts and coordinators, the bodies of the murdered hostage Maya Goren, and of the fallen soldiers held captive MSG (Res.) Oren Goldin, SSGT Tomer Ahimas, SGT Kiril Brodski and SGM (Res.) Ravid Aryeh Katz were rescued from the Khan Yunis pic.twitter.com/UEQ2B4WCPa Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) July 25, 2024

The four soldiers were killed during the October 7 attack launched by Hamas militants, it added. In December, the military had announced the death of Goren, who was abducted and taken to Gaza on October 7. Thursdays announcement comes after two Israeli kibbutzim, Nir Oz and Nir Yitzhak, said in separate statements that the army had recovered the bodies of Goren and Goldin.

Last night, we were informed that in a military rescue operation, the body of the late Maya Goren was recovered, kibbutz Nir Oz said, adding that her family had been informed and more information would follow. Later in a separate statement kibbutz Nir Yitzhak said the army had returned the body of Goldin.

This evening, we were informed about the rescue operation for the late Oren Goldin, a member of the kibbutz emergency team, who fell on October 7 during the attack by Hamas militants, Nir Yitzhak said. On October 7 Hamas militants attacked southern Israeli communities, which resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom remain in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead. Israels retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,145 people, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
Israeli strikes hit Gaza on Thursday, killing and injuring people according to Palestinian medical sources, as the military said it had recovered the bodies of five Israelis taken to Gaza by Hamas militants after they were killed on October 7.

A group supporting Israeli hostages still held in the Palestinian territory welcomed the rescue but alleged sabotage of efforts to free others. The accusation from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum came with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a visit to Washington.

Netanyahu  whose critics accuse him of prolonging the fighting  is on Thursday to meet US President Joe Biden, who has been pushing a truce and hostage-release deal.

In a speech to the US Congress on Wednesday, Netanyahu downplayed Palestinian civilian casualties during the more than nine months of war between Israeli forces and Hamas.

He again vowed to destroy the Islamist group and bring home the hostages.

The Hamas attack that started the war on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Out of 251 people taken hostage that day, 111 are still held in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

At least 39,175 Palestinians have been killed in Israels military campaign in Gaza since the war began, according to the health ministry of the Hamas-run territory, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

The latest toll includes 30 deaths over the previous 24 hours.

Palestinian medical services on Thursday said their teams had transported four dead and 12 wounded after a strike on a house in the Gaza City area in the north of the territory.

Crisis of trust

An AFP correspondent reported air strikes and machine gun fire from tanks in Gaza City. To the south, witnesses said there was shelling in the Khan Yunis city and Rafah areas, as well as air strikes in Al-Qarara, near Khan Yunis.

Israels military said the five bodies recovered from Gaza, including those of two soldiers and two reservists, had been returned to Israel following a rescue operation on Wednesday in Khan Yunis.

After the military warned it would forcefully operate in the area, the Gaza health ministry on Monday said an Israeli operation had killed 70 people and wounded more than 200.

The five Israelis recovered had previously been announced as having died, and the military as well as the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said militants had killed them on October 7.

The Forum has regularly protested in Israel for a deal to get the remaining captives home.

On Thursday it demanded an urgent meeting with Israels team for negotiating a ceasefire and hostage-release deal, saying a crisis of trust had emerged.

It has now become apparent that the information provided to the hostages families did not accurately reflect the situations reality, the group said in a statement.

This foot-dragging is a deliberate sabotage of the chance to bring our loved ones back. It effectively undermines the negotiations and indicates a serious moral failure.

Anti-government protesters who have also regularly demonstrated, sometimes by the tens of thousands, have accused Netanyahu of dragging out the war. So have some analysts.

Far-right members of Netanyahus ruling coalition oppose a truce, which would involve Palestinian prisoners being freed in exchange for the hostages.

After Netanyahus speech to Congress, Hamas issued a statement saying the Israeli premier thwarted all efforts aimed at ending the war and concluding a deal to release the prisoners, despite Egyptian and Qatari mediation.

Delegation delayed

A senior US administration official said negotiations for a Gaza deal were in the last stretch and Biden would try to close some final gaps with Netanyahu.

But a source with knowledge of the talks said separately that the arrival of an Israeli delegation in Doha for talks on Israeli demands for a deal had been postponed from Thursday to next week.

Washington has been increasingly alarmed by the humanitarian toll of the Gaza war, but in his speech to Congress, Netanyahu dismissed all the lies about civilian fatalities.

He said the war in Gaza has one of the lowest ratios of combatants to non-combatant casualties in the history of urban warfare.

AFP correspondents in Gaza have daily witnessed children and women brought into hospitals injured or dead.

In May, the United Nations said women and children made up at least 56 percent of those killed during the war, based on a breakdown provided by Gazas health ministry at that time.

Washington on Wednesday criticised an Israeli bill that would declare the UN agency for Palestinian refugees  the main aid agency in Gaza  a terrorist organisation.

UNRWA is not a terrorist organisation, said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, urging a halt to the legislation.
Underlining the importance of unity in the country, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday in an Oval Office address said he decided to drop his reelection bid and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to promote younger voices in the Democratic party.

There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. Theres also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, he said, adding that he dropped out of the White House race to unite my party. In what could be his last speech to the nation from the Oval Office, the 81-year-old said that there is a place for fresh voices in the country.

Younger voices

There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. Theres also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, Biden said, adding that he dropped out of the White House race to unite my party. The address offered the public their first chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on former President Donald Trump.

Biden invoked previous presidents Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as he described his love for the office that he will leave in six months, capping a half century in public office. I revere this office, Biden said. But I love my country more.

Join me as I deliver an address from the Oval Office. https://t.co/MPTTLv6nyn President Biden (@POTUS) July 24, 2024

Biden called the United States the most powerful idea in world history Wednesday, in a televised speech days after announcing he would drop out from the White House race. Americas an idea, an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant, he said, warning that democracy is at stake in the November election.

Shes tough, shes capable

He lauded Kamala Harris  presumptive nominee for the Democratic presidential ticket  as tough and capable. Shes experienced, shes tough, shes capable. Shes been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now, the choice is up to you, the American people, he said days after bowing out of the election race and endorsing her.

Bidens candidacy faced a crisis of confidence from Democrats after his abysmal debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessors attacks. It sparked a mutiny within his party over not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether at 81, he was still fit for the high-pressure job.

Dictator or tyrant

In an all-important address on Wednesday, Biden also called the United States the most powerful idea in world history. Americas an idea, an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant, he said, warning that democracy is at stake in the November election.

Biden tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to step aside only mounted from the partys political elites and from ordinary voters. On Sunday afternoon while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.

I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation, Biden was set to say Wednesday. That is the best way to unite our nation. Before the US Presidents address, Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office  which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent  was ridiculous. She said Biden has no regrets about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend.

(With agency inputs)
Vice President Kamala Harris told reporters on Thursday that shes ready to debate Donald Trump. She accused him of backpedaling away from a previous agreement for a debate hosted by ABC News on Sept. 10.

I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on the debate stage, she said after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a trip to Indiana and Texas.

Trump agreed on a September 10th debate. It now appears he's backpedaling. Voters deserve to see the split screen that exists on a debate stage. I'm ready. So let's go.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 25, 2024

The Sept. 10 debate was one of two debates that President Joe Biden and Trump had agreed on. The first one was hosted by CNN on June 27, but Biden has since dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris as his successor.

Trump has said he would prefer to shift the debate to Fox News, but he would be willing to face off with Harris more than once.

Harris did not respond to a question about having Fox News host a debate.

Alex Conant, a Republican consultant, said the debate could be decisive. Its the only time voters really tune in, he said.

This years campaign has already shown the potential power of a debate. Bidens disastrous performance on June 27 revived concerns that he was too old for a second term. His support within the Democratic Party crumbled, and he ended his reelection bid on Sunday.
US Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday condemned the despicable and unpatriotic burning of an American flag by protesters who rallied in Washington during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress.

I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way, the Democratic presidential candidate said in an unusually strong statement.

Read my full statement on the protests in Washington, D.C. yesterday. pic.twitter.com/zJpZvdQDt9 Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 25, 2024

She said Wednesdays demonstration featured despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric.

The statement, echoed by other senior Democrats, came amid attempts by Republicans to paint the party as pro-Hamas.

Anti-American and pro-Hamas rioters burned the American flag in front of the US Capitol, and the woman who wants to be our president is still refusing to condemn it, Senator J.D. Vance, who is running for vice president alongside Donald Trump, wrote on social media just before Harriss statement was issued.

Thousands of demonstrators angry over the war in Gaza marched on the heavily guarded US Capitol on Wednesday as Netanyahu delivered an uncompromising speech to lawmakers.

A group of protesters gathered outside a train station near the Capitol, where they spray-painted monuments, burned Netanyahu in effigy, and lit American flags on fire  a raucous end to a mostly peaceful march.

Harris, who launched her presidential campaign immediately after President Joe Biden announced a shock exit from his reelection bid on Sunday, was set to meet Netanyahu later Thursday. The Israeli leader will meet separately with Biden.

The White House has struggled to thread the political needle in maintaining traditional support for Israel during its offensive in Gaza, which has been heavily condemned by left-leaning voters in the United States.
A video showing a British police officer kick and stamp on a mans head during an arrest at Manchester airport in northern England sparked a protest outside a police station late on Wednesday night. A UK officer was suspended after the video, filmed by an onlooker, was posted on social media platforms.

Following a thorough review of further information that has become available in relation to an incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police has suspended a police officer from all duties, the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said in a statement on Thursday.

The viral video showed a chaotic scene in an airport car park in which several officers armed with tasers restrained two suspects. One man was kicked and stamped upon as he lay face down on the floor. The second man also appeared to be struck in the head by an officer.

(This video contains scenes of violence that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised)

At Manchester Airport, it is said that these Muslims refused to have their veiled mother searched by the police because that is not permissible according to Islamic law. But fortunately, the police knew how to teach them a lesson after one of them hit the policeman, and this is pic.twitter.com/kPgZ6PIc1J Salwan Momika (@Salwan_Momika1) July 24, 2024

Protest Outside Rochdale Police Station

An earlier GMP statement said the video showed an event that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about. The use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm. It said police had been responding to reports of an assault, and that three officers were themselves assaulted during their response.

The officers required hospital treatment, including one female officer who had a broken nose. One male officer has been removed from operational duties and we are making a voluntary referral of our policing response to the Independent Office of Police Conduct, the statement added.

Protest outside Rochdale Police Station due to the police attack on a Muslim family at Manchester airportOur message is..We demand the police officers are sacked TODAY. Were tired of Islamophobic Britain. Enough is enough. Greater Manchester Police, Shame on you.#UK pic.twitter.com/3MPdaGKleU  Zara (@zarahussain999) July 25, 2024

The two men were arrested on suspicion of assault, assault of an emergency worker, affray, and obstructing police. The incident sparked a protest outside a police station in a nearby town. One video posted online showed the crowd of at least 100 people chanting Shame on you GMP.

(With agency inputs)
Pro-Palestine protesters on Wednesday removed the American flags outside Union Station in Washington, DC, and replaced them with smaller Palestinian flags. The protesters gathered in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to Washington, DC.

A US Park Police captain confirmed to The Hill that two of the three American flags taken down by protesters were set on fire. The demonstration led to road closures around the Capitol and Union Square areas. Protesters were also seen burning an effigy of Netanyahu and called for an end to US military aid to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

A man bravely removed the American flag from being set aflame by pro-Palestinian protestors.The crowd proceeded to yell chase him. pic.twitter.com/3QE4zMKYEy  Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) July 24, 2024

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

Flags, effigies burned

Videos shared online captured the crowd chanting as the flags burned, with some clips showing the effigy of Netanyahu in flames while protesters chanted Free Palestine. The protesters also dyed several fountains around Capitol Hill red and projected messages onto buildings, demanding Netanyahus arrest as a war criminal.

NEW: Pro-Palestine protesters filmed dragging and assaulting a police officer on the bricks outside of Union Station.The protesters were also filmed replacing the U.S. flag with the Palestinian flag before setting fire to the U.S. flag. U.S. Capitol Police was forced to issue pic.twitter.com/blEEXWSW5y  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 24, 2024

Protesters in Washington DC are now BURNING an effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu! pic.twitter.com/0RE8oYYqEm The Saviour (@stairwayto3dom) July 24, 2024

Breaking: anti-Israel protestors have dyed the U.S. Capitol fountain red.This will have zero impact on PM Netanyahu and only effect the maintenance crew and taxpayers who will have to pay and work to clean the foundation. pic.twitter.com/z5Z2rKwto6  Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) July 24, 2024

Maggots Unleashed

According to viral videos on social media, maggots were released on Netanyahus table at the Watergate Hotel, and fire alarms were set off to disturb his sleep the night before his visit to Congress. This outrage comes as Netanyahu addressed Congress on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen US support for Israels efforts against Hamas and other Iran-backed militant groups. His speech faced boycotts from some prominent Democrats and attracted thousands of protesters to Capitol Hill.

Protesters have broken intoNetanyahus hotel and covered it with maggots and other bugsThis is a far nicer welcome than he deservess pic.twitter.com/Qs6nVhyCiV  Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) July 24, 2024

During his address, Netanyahu emphasised the importance of US-Israeli solidarity, stating, When we stand together, something truly great happens: we win, and they lose. He wore a yellow pin to show solidarity with Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on Thursday, and with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he was ready to work with Joe Biden for the rest of his presidency, as the two leaders met for the first time at the White House for talks on a Gaza ceasefire and release of hostages. I want to thank you for the 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel, Netanyahu said after they shook hands in the historic setting of the Oval Office.

We feel that weve got to get this hostage deal in place so we can get a ceasefire also in place, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said during the White House press briefing as President Biden met with Netanyahu.

Kirby stated that there are still unresolved issues that will require both Israel and Hamas to make compromises. We are close, we just have to finish it, he added.

After the meeting, US families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza expressed renewed hope for the ceasefire deal soon. Were more optimistic than weve been since the first round of releases in late November and early December, American-Israeli hostage Sagui Dekel-Chens father Jonathan was quoted as saying by CNN.com. President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu assured us they understand the urgency and are committed to finalising the deal quickly and with minimal changes, he added.

Biden stunned the world Sunday when he announced that he was bowing out of the US presidential election, with Vice President Kamala Harris now set to be the Democratic Partys candidate.

Netanyahu also met Harris separately at the White House, where the latter emphasised the urgent need to accept the ceasefire deal that would stop the ongoing conflict in Gaza and release American hostages kidnapped during Hamas October 7 attack on Israel, which triggered the war.

Meanwhile, Biden and Netanyahu have met just three times during his presidency, once in September last year in New York, and then when Biden traveled to Israel after the attacks and hugged Netanyahu on the airport tarmac at Tel Aviv.

The meetings come after Netanyahu vowed total victory against Hamas in a fiery speech Wednesday to the US Congress.

The White House was surrounded by metal barriers and a heavy police presence, after rowdy protests broke out near the Capitol following Netanyahus speech.

Harris on Thursday condemned the despicable and unpatriotic burning of an American flag by protesters, after attempts by Donald Trumps Republicans to paint Democrats as pro-Hamas.

In a primetime speech explaining his decision on Sunday to bow out of the US presidential election, Biden made clear that resolving the conflict would remain a top priority.

Im going to keep working to end the war on Gaza, bring home all the hostages to bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war, the US president said.

Netanyahu will meet Republican contender Donald Trump on Friday at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The ex-president on Thursday morning urged Israel to quickly finish up its war in Gaza, warning its global image was being tarnished.

Biden has offered Israel steadfast support since October 7. But the US president has been increasingly critical of Israel over the Palestinian death toll in its offensive in Gaza, and criticized restrictions on the amount of aid getting through to the territory, much of which has been reduced to rubble.

The Hamas attack on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Out of 251 people taken hostage that day, 111 are still being held inside the Gaza Strip, including 39 who the military says are dead.

More than 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in Israels military campaign in the Gaza Strip since the war began, according to data provided by the health ministry of Hamas-run Gaza, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

According to the Israeli military 327 soldiers have been killed in the Gaza military campaign since the start of the ground offensive on October 27.
Joe Biden on Wednesday visibly struggled to pronounce words while reading from a teleprompter in the Oval Office, raising renewed concerns about his health as the US President asserted that he had to save democracy by allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to run for White House.

Those who cherish that cause, cherish it so much. A cause of American democracy itself. We must unite to protect it, Biden said, stressing, Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. Social media users on X, however, pointed out that an orange looking Biden struggled to pronounce his words while reading from a teleprompter in the Oval Office.

JUST IN: An orange President Biden struggles to pronounce his words while reading from a teleprompter in the Oval Office.Biden said he had save democracy by letting his own party stage a coup on him. Those who cherry that cause, cherish it so much. A cause of pic.twitter.com/MrPwpdKvta  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 25, 2024

Slamming the US President, Collin Rugg, a popular Conservative voice on X said, Biden said he had to save democracy by letting his own party stage a coup on him. Those who cherry that cause, cherish it so much. A cause of Americademocritcy itself. We must unite to protect it. Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, Rugg quoted Biden as saying during the speech.

One of the users said, He (Biden) is once again reading his lines and I still believe he has no idea whats going on but doing what he is told. The democrat party committed a coup against the American people. Your votes dont matter folks, claimed a Republican skeptic. Yet another critic said, Biden sounds like someone had him tied up in a basement for 6 days and is now being forced to read a letter from his captors telling us that hes ok.

Biden tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to step aside only mounted from the partys political elites and from ordinary voters. On Sunday afternoon while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.

Shortly before the US Presidents address, White House Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Wednesday said that any question of Biden resigning his office  which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent  was ridiculous. She said Biden has no regrets about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Bidens decision had nothing to do with his health.
A UK police officer was suspended on Thursday after a video circulating online appeared to show an officer kicking and stamping a mans head while making an arrest.

Greater Manchester Police in northwest England said an officer was suspended from all duties after a review of the incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday.

The video, which has circulated online, has caused public outrage.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog said it was independently investigating the level of force used by the police officer involved who was suspended.

We appreciate the footage which was shared on social media has attracted widespread shock and concern, the IOPC said in its statement.

In a previous statement, Greater Manchester Police said three officers were assaulted, with one female officer suffering a broken nose and requiring hospital treatment, while apprehending a suspect at the airport following reports of an assault.

Footage of the police officer using force against the man being arrested was taken following the officers being assaulted, according to the force.

It appeared to show a police officer kicking and stamping on the head of a men lying on the ground, next to a woman.

Details of what happened immediately before and after the video remain unclear, with police saying that the use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham told the BBC after seeing the full footage leading up to the circulated clip that it was not a clearcut situation and that while the clip was disturbing, there were issues on both sides.

Burnham said there was an altercation in the arrivals hall before the filmed incident, which took place in the car park of the airport.

So there had been already a serious incident before that. What people dont see in the clip is that there is a situation which escalates and escalates very quickly, Burnham added, calling for calm.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he understands the concern over the video, while multiple MPs called the footage disturbing.

In Tuesday nights incident, police arrested two men on suspicion of assault and assault of an emergency worker among other counts.

Two other men were arrested suspected of affray and assault of an emergency worker.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent diplomatic foray to its strategic partner Russia has received mixed reactions in the United States. Some critics call it New Delhis Moscow miscalculation, while others see it as India asserting its strategic autonomy.

The issue of Modis Moscow trip arose this week during a hearing at the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where a top Biden official underlined that the visit was high on symbolism but lacked major deliverables.

I could not agree with you more about our disappointment about the symbolism and the timing of Prime Minister Modis trip to Moscow. We are having those tough conversations with our Indian friends, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu told American lawmakers at a Congressional hearing on Tuesday.

US State Department official Donald Lu says,Disappointed with the symbolism & the timing of PM Modis visit to Russia; Having tough conversation with Indians on that      .     . Modi is not your slave pic.twitter.com/8gpuPUUaIl  Halesh Singh (@HaleshSingh) July 24, 2024

READ MORE: PM Modi Silences Critics by Mentioning Deaths of Children in Russia-Ukraine War in Meeting With Putin

No new major defense deals

Lu, however, also acknowledged Modis meetings with Ukraines President

Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 Summit and Indian PMs statement to Putin amid the deadly conflict. The White House official also appeared to appreciate that no new defence deal was signed during Modis Russia visit.

Then we were looking very carefully at what Modi did when he was in Moscow. We did not see any new major defence deals. We saw no major discussion of technology cooperation. In addition, you have Modi having said in front of Putin on live television, his feeling that the war in Ukraine could not be won on the battlefield and the pain that he felt watching the death of children in war, Lu said.

Representative Joe Wilson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs expressed shock over Modis embrace of Putin on the day missiles hit a childrens hospital. Wilson praised Modis leadership but noted previous US concerns about the visit. This hearing came as US officials, including State and White House spokespeople, Ambassador Eric Garcetti, and NSA Jake Sullivan, have raised concerns about Modis Moscow visit.

Despite criticism over Modi and Putins public displays, Modis remarks on humanitarian issues have also been noted and appreciated in Washington. Earlier this month, PM Modi told Putin Be it war, conflicts, terror attacks  everyone who believes in humanity is pained when there is loss of lives. But when innocent children are murdered, when we see innocent children dying, it is heart-wrenching. That pain is immense.
The United States on Wednesday weighed in on the directives affecting eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route in two Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand which has led to a legal battle in Indias Supreme Court.

Responding to queries from a Pakistani journalist during a press conference here, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stressed that the rules are currently not in effect due to an interim stay issued by the Supreme Court. We have noted the reports regarding the directives and the subsequent interim stay issued by the Indian Supreme Court, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

#WATCH | On the nameplates in Kanwar Yatra issue, US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller responds to a Pakistani journalists question, We have seen those reports. We have also seen the reports that the Indian Supreme Court on July 22 issued an interim stay on the pic.twitter.com/9XcX4NliIa ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

As such, these rules are not currently in effect. He reiterated the US commitment to promoting and protecting freedom of religion globally, highlighting ongoing engagements with Indian authorities to uphold equal treatment for all religious communities. The topic of religious freedom has long been contentious between India and the US, with New Delhi often rebuking the State Departments assessments as biased.

On Monday, the apex court ordered an interim stay on the directives by the two BJP-ruled states asking eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners, the staff and other details. The Opposition claimed that the move was intended to promote religious discrimination. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, however, said eateries may be required to display the kind of food they are serving like they are vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday claimed that the Supreme Courts interim stay on the directive for eateries on the kanwar yatra route to display their owners names has demotivated the Hindu community. The VHP is confident that the basic human right or the statutory rights of every community, including the Hindu pilgrims and the kanwar yatris, will be duly understood and protected by the honourable Supreme Court when it hears the case on the next date, Bagda added.
Kamala Harris launched a blistering attack on Donald Trump and his extremist Republicans as she addressed teachers Thursday, seeking to rally a key part of the Democratic coalition behind her bid to take on the billionaire for the presidency.

Harris  the countrys first female vice president and seeking to make history again in November  has enjoyed a groundswell of support from labor groups, ethnic minorities and her own party since announcing her 11th-hour candidacy to replace President Joe Biden as the candidate.

Happening Now: I am back in Houston, Texas to deliver the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers 88th national convention. https://t.co/hLRvqC9FUB Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 25, 2024

The first union to endorse her  the American Federation of Teachers  applauded at their convention in Houston as Harris warned that America was witnessing a full-on attack by Trumps Republicans on hard-won, hard-fought freedoms.

While you teach students about democracy and representative government, extremists attack the sacred freedom to vote. While you try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence she said.

New: VP Harris initial campaign video is releasedWith references to "the freedom to make decisions about your own body" .. with a Beyonce soundtrack.. and with images of Trump while referencing "people who think we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate" pic.twitter.com/4anInNuuLR  Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) July 25, 2024

They have the nerve to tell teachers to strap on a gun in the classroom while they refuse to pass common sense gun safety laws.

Harris, 59, jumped into the election after weeks of turmoil over 81-year-old Biden, who bowed out Sunday after a dismal debate performance against Trump accelerated concerns over his mental capacity and persistently low polling numbers.

Calling herself a proud product of public education, she connected her personal story to her political outlook, telling her audience that the work of teaching was personal and it is professional, and so critically important.

The former top prosecutor for California tied the event to a key campaign message about refusing to go back to Trumps America, praising her audience as visionaries who look to the future.

You see the potential in every child. You foster it, you encourage it, and in so doing, you shape the future of our nation, which is why I say we need you so desperately right now today, she said.

And she contrasted Democratic efforts to cancel student debt and her vision of investment in public schools and universities with Trumps vow to dismantle the Education Department and cut spending in half.

Freedom

Trump, who at 78 is the oldest presidential nominee in US history, has promised he will not give one penny of federal funds to schools with vaccine mandates. Every public school in America has vaccine mandates.

The speech came with Harris facing increasingly extreme rhetoric from Trump, who on Wednesday called her a radical left lunatic and claimed  entirely falsely  that she was in favor of the execution of newborn babies.

Trump also alleged on Fox News on Thursday that Harris  who is due back in Washington later for talks with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu  had benefited from a Democratic coup against Biden.

One of the most urgent tasks facing Harris is to forge her own political identity before she can be defined by Trump as inseparable from the unpopular Biden.

This will include quickly spending some of the $100 million-plus that she has raised in the opening days to tell her personal story and to counter Republican characterizations of her as an out-of-touch liberal and responsible for illegal immigration.

The Harris campaign sought to plant an early flag with its first TV spot Thursday  an ad featuring the Beyonce hit Freedom, warning that Americans rights are under threat from Trump.

Under the slogan We Choose Freedom, Harris invites voters to unite against Project 2025  a radical blueprint for centralizing power in the presidency that was promoted by Trump and prepared by many of his current and former aides.

Trump has recently tried to distance himself from the 900-page plan, which would remake the federal government in his image, removing key checks on his power and purging the entire administration of officials who are not unswervingly loyal.

However the plan tracks closely with many of the policies Trump and his closest advisors have said they want to pursue.

The speech came amid a mushrooming controversy over resurfaced remarks by Trumps vice-presidential candidate, J.D. Vance, calling Democrats a bunch of childless cat ladies with miserable lives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday slammed Iran for funding and supporting groups against Israel and asserted that defeating the brutal enemies requires both courage and clarity.

For all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now outside this buildingnot that many, but theyre thereand throughout the city. 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, Netanyahu said. Its amazing, absolutely amazing. Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming Gays for Gaza. They might as well hold up signs saying Chickens for KFC.

Netanyahu slams pro-Palestine protesters:I have a message for these protesters. When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and m*rder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting and funding you- you have officially become Irans useful idiots. pic.twitter.com/ffbWn1YY40  Oli London (@OliLondonTV) July 24, 2024

These protesters chant From the river to the sea. But many dont have a clue what river and what sea theyre talking about. They not only get an F in geography, they get an F in history. They call Israel a colonialist state. Dont they know that the Land of Israel is where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob prayed, where Isaiah and Jeremiah preached and where David and Solomon ruled? he said. In his fourth address to the Joint Session of the Congress, the most by any foreign leader, Netanyahu alleged that in the Middle East, Iran is virtually behind all terrorism, turmoil, chaos and killing.

And that should come as no surprise. When he founded the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini pledged, We will export our revolution to the entire world. We will export the Islamic revolution to the entire world. Now, ask yourself, which country ultimately stands in the way of Irans maniacal plans to impose radical Islam on the world? And the answer is clear: Its America, the guardian of Western civilization and the worlds greatest power. Thats why Iran sees America as its greatest enemy, he said. Iran, he said, understands that to truly challenge America, it must first conquer the Middle East. And for this it uses its many proxies, including the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas.

Yet in the heart of the Middle East, standing in Irans way, is one proud pro-American democracymy country, the State of Israel, he said. Asserting that victory is in site, Netanyahu said the day after they defeat Hamas, a new Gaza can emerge. My vision for that day is of a demilitarized and deradicalized 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, he said.

Gaza should have a civilian administration run by Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel. Thats not too much to ask. Its a fundamental thing that we have a right to demand and to receive. A new generation of Palestinians must no longer be taught to hate Jews but rather to live in peace with us. Those twin words, demilitarization and deradicalization, those two concepts were applied to Germany and Japan after World War II, and that led to decades of peace, prosperity and security, he added.
At least six people have died in an explosion and fire in a tequila factory in the Mexican town that gave the drink its name. Authorities in Tequila, Jalisco state say a sixth body was found on Wednesday, the day after an explosion inside the distillery, the AP reports. The distillery is owned by Casa Cuervo, which produces tequila brands including Jose Cuervo and Tequila 1800, reports CNN . Authorities said the six people killed and two injured were all plant employees.

The director of Jalisco's Civil Protection Department said an explosion in a tank at the plant led to the collapse of two other containers of tequila, each with a capacity of almost 60,000 gallons, the New York Times reports. He said authorities are working to keep the tequila out of the town's drainage system. Experts are investigating the cause of the blast, the department said. (More Mexico stories.)
Russian and Chinese military aircraft flying near Alaska on Wednesday were intercepted by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the first time those countries have been intercepted while working together, according to a US defense official who spoke to CNN . Two Russian and two Chinese bombers were spotted in international airspace in Alaska's Air Defense Identification Zone and remained there, not entering the sovereign airspace of either the US or Canada, the Hill reports. US F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, Canadian CF-18 fighter jets, and other support aircraft were deployed to intercept the Russian TU-95 and Chinese H-6 bombers, despite the fact that the foreign aircraft were "not seen as a threat," per NORAD.

It's not uncommon for Russian aircraft to be seen in Alaska's ADIZ, in which aircraft are required to be readily identified for national security purposes, ABC News reports. But China is going further north into the Arctic than it has in the past, experts say, and the presence of Chinese aircraft there is a recent development. "What I have seen is a willingness and a desire by the Chinese to act up there," the head of US Northern Command told a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee in March. "We have seen them in the maritime. We have seen them under the cloud of a technical or scientific research, but we think it is certainly multi-mission, to include military." (More NORAD stories.)
One of two raging wildfires menacing the town of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies' largest national park has roared into town and begun burning buildings. Park officials say the fire entered the southern edge of the community Wednesday evening, and crews are battling multiple structural fires and working to protect key infrastructure. Officials say forest firefighters and others without self-contained breathing apparatuses have been told to evacuate to the nearby town of Hinton, with structural firefighters staying behind, the AP reports. Parks Canada spokesman James Eastham told reporters outside Jasper that the town is filled with smoke and there "has been structural loss."

"At this point I can't confirm how many, locations, or specific structures. The fire continues to burn," he said. Parks Canada said firefighters are working to save "as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure, including the wastewater treatment plant, communications facilities, the Trans Mountain Pipeline, and others." A few hours earlier, many first responders were ordered out of Jasper National Park for their safety. Jasper is being menaced by fires from the north and south. The town's 5,000 residentsalong with 20,000 more park visitorsfled on short notice late Monday night when the fires flared up.

Jasper National Park is considered a national treasure. Park rangers in helicopters scoured the park earlier Wednesday, looking for stragglers. Parks Canada incident commander Katie Ellsworth says crews are flying low over trails to airlift stranded hikers to safety, the CBC reports. Alberta has been baking under scorching temperatures that have already forced another 7,500 people out of remote communities. Around 177 wildfires are burning across the province. (More Canada stories.)
A Connecticut woman who admitted killing her husband and leaving his body in the basement of their Burlington home for months was found dead on Wednesday, hours before she was due to be sentenced. Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi, 76, pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier this year in the 2017 death of 84-year-old Dr. Pierluigi Bigazzi, a professor of laboratory science and pathology at UConn Health. Under a plea deal, she was due to be sentenced to 17 years in prison, USA Today . Police said she was found unresponsive at her home and the case has been "categorized as an untimely death investigation."

Kosuda-Bigazzi, a former UConn faculty member who had worked with her husband, also pleaded guilty to first-degree larceny. Investigators said Bigazzi's paychecks continued to be deposited in the couple's joint account for around eight months between his death and when his body was discovered during a wellness check requested by his UConn colleagues in February 2018, NBC Connecticut. Investigators believe Kosuda-Bigazzi killed her husband in July 2017 and wrapped his body in plastic before leaving it in the basement. She was released to home confinement after her 2018 arrest.

Investigators said that in writings found in the home, Kosuda-Bigazzi said she killed her husband in self-defense after he came at her with a hammer during an argument over repairs to their backyard deck and she wrested the tool from him, the New York Post reports. "I hit him just swinging the hammer in any direction + then he was quiet  for a few seconds + then he stopped breathing," she wrote. Defense attorney Patrick Tomasiewicz told USA Today that her death was "not anticipated." "She was a very independent woman who was always in control of her own destiny," he said. (More Connecticut stories.)
An oil tanker has capsized in Manila Bay, triggering what the BBC reports could be "the worst oil spill in Philippine history" as Typhoon Gaemi ravages the region. A 2.5-mile oil spill stretches from the Philippine-flagged MT Terra Nova, which was carrying some 400,000 gallons of industrial fuel en route to the central city of Iloilo when it "capsized and eventually submerged" about 4 miles off the coast of Limay, according to the Philippines coast guard. Sixteen crew members were rescued, while the body of one crew member was recovered. A coast guard rep said authorities were "racing against time" to contain the spill and prevent it from reaching Manila's shores, per the Guardian. "If all the oil were to leak it would be the biggest spill in Philippines history," the outlet reports.
A Bismarck man charged with burglary, assault on a peace officer and violating a retraining order at his ex-wife's home in November 2023 was conditionally released Wednesday after being evaluated at the North Dakota State Hospital and deemed suitable for community supervision.

Cordell Eckroth, 44, was facing multiple charges, including one count of burglary, one count of assault on a peace officer and three counts of violating a disorderly conduct restraining order. The charges followed an incident at an address on North 11th Street in Bismarck, where Eckroth allegedly broke into his ex-wife's home in violation of a court order and refused to comply with commands to surrender, resulting in his apprehension by the West Dakota SWAT team.

After his arrest, Eckroth was ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluations at the State Hospital in Jamestown, according to court documents. Eckroth at one point was placed in involuntary treatment, an act in which a person is required to receive assessment or care without their consent.

During Wednesday's hearing, defense attorney Trent Jackson advocated for Eckroth, citing a report from the State Hospital and a provision in state law that supported his client's release over incarceration and a trial for crimes he was accused of. The hospital report the defense attorney referred to cited 20 risk factors, but Jackson told South Central District Judge Pam Nesvig that his client qualified for release on 14 of those 20 factors. Jackson requested that the defendant be released either without conditions or placed under the supervision of the West Central Human Service Center.

The report submitted by State Hospital forensic psychologist Dr. Mark Rodlund is not a public record but is provided to attorneys and judges.

Assistant Burleigh County State's Attorney Isaac Lees disagreed with Jackson's recommendation, telling the judge that the defendant's ex-wife and children were "terrified of him."

Eckroth was committed to the State Hospital for evaluations and treatment beginning in December 2023 while status conferences to determine his fitness to proceed with a potential prosecution or his risk of reoffending were held monthly until June, according to court documents.

"I don't think there's really any dispute that Mr. Eckroth is not mentally ill. I mean, the findings of the doctor are pretty clear that he does suffer from a mental condition," Lees said in opposition to Jackson's argument. "When you look at the report, essentially, it's being managed with medication."

Lees went on to say Eckroth's history of not taking those medications was a major contributing factor in behaviors that led to the criminal charges being filed in the first place.

"I think that clearly shows that there is a substantial risk as a result of that mental illness that he may commit another criminal act," Lees said.

Bismarck attorney Matt Arthurs, who represents Eckroth's ex-wife in a divorce action, appeared at Wednesday's hearing on her behalf. He opposed releasing Eckroth from custody, telling Nesvig that his client and her children "are terrified of this man."

"And certainly if my clients -- the victims -- cannot be held safe by a piece of paper with a no contact order, they can't really, really feel safe by supervision of West Central Human Services," Arthurs said. "And given that, I would argue that the respondent (Eckroth) hasn't shown that, that either release from custody or release from supervision is appropriate."

Nesvig, in ordering Eckroth's conditional release, said he will be required to comply with supervision of the West Central Human Service Center and that it will be subject to periodic review. A hearing to evaluate Eckroth's compliance and progress with his condition will be held in a year, the judge said. The exact length of Eckroth's supervision is a matter yet to be determined, the judge said. Lees requested that supervision be equivalent to a potential 10-year prison sentence had Eckroth been convicted of the burglary charge.

The judge said she would take the length of supervision under advisement, and she also cautioned Eckroth to make sure he complies with any and all conditions concerning potential contact with his ex-wife and children.

"You violate those, sir, quite frankly, it tells me you can't be in the community and need to be in the State Hospital," Nesvig said.

Regarding charges stemming from Eckroth's alleged violation of court orders and the incident that resulted in the SWAT response at his ex-wife's house, Eckroth was found not guilty due to a lack of criminal responsibility. According to state law, a person lacks criminal responsibility if they have a condition or defect that prevents them from understanding the consequences of their actions.
Prince Harry says his determination to prove phone hacking allegations were a "central" part of the rift with his family. The Duke of Sussex speaks at length about his legal battle with Daily Mirror publisher Mirror Group Newspapers and a judge's finding that his and/or his associates' phones were hacked in a documentary, Tabloids On Trial , to air Thursday on ITV and streamer ITVX. "This went right up to the top  and to be able to achieve that in a trial, that's a monumental victory," he says. "From a service standpoint ... these are the things that we should be doing for the greater good," he adds. "I've 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."

Harry has alleged the British royals had a secret deal with newspapers that prevented his bringing legal proceedings. But his case was a family affair, in a sense. Though a judge dismissed Harry's allegation that former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan hacked Princess Diana's phone in the 1990s, Harry suggests the ruling is a victory for both mother and son. Among the evidence presented was a letter in which Diana described "a nightmare time with the tabloids," including the reporting of conversations about which "nobody knew." "The tabloid press very much enjoy painting her as being paranoid. But she wasn't paranoid," Harry says. "She was absolutely right of what was happening to her, and she's not around today to find out the truth."

Like his mother, Harry watched as intimate details of his private life were exposed by the press. Harry brings up an old headline referenced during the trial, the Daily Mirror's "Harry's Girl to Dump Him," per Variety. "Seems as though they knew something before I even did," he says. It causes "paranoia, fear, worry, concern, distrust in the people around you ... but then when you're vindicated it proves that you weren't being paranoid." Ultimately, "what happens in my private life between myself and [my] then girlfriend is exactly that, between us," he adds. It "has absolutely no public interest whatsoever." The Duke of Sussex continues to pursue cases against Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers and Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers. (More Prince Harry stories.)
A twice-yearly shot was 100% effective in preventing HIV infections in young women and teen girls, according to the results of what some are calling a "breakthrough" phase 3 trial. The randomized, double-blind trial by drugmaker Gilead Sciences involved more than 5,000 young women and girls in South Africa and Uganda, who are considered at high risk for HIV. Some participants received a twice-yearly injection of lenacapavir, sold under the brand name Sunlenca, which is US-approved to treat HIV but not to protect against infection, per the AP . Others received HIV-prevention pills, to be taken daily.

Just under 2% of participants who received Gilead's Truvada or Descovy contracted HIV from their partners before the trial was ended early and pill users were given the option of receiving the injections instead, according to the results published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. Health experts note it can be hard to maintain a daily pill routine in places with limited access to health care. Only 30% of participants offered the pills actually took them, a figure that fell over time, the AP reports. Researchers identified no safety concerns with lenacapavir, per CNN. Winnie Byanyima, executive director of the UN's AIDS program, said the drug "could change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic," per the AP.

But "Gilead charges $42,250 per patient per year for lenacapavir" in the US, the Washington Post reports, noting that Doctors Without Borders and other groups are urging the company to allow mass production in order to reduce costs and save lives. "This is about as close as you can get to an HIV vaccine," Andrew Hill of the University of Liverpool, said at the ongoing International AIDS Conference in Munich, per the AP. He and colleagues estimated the cost of Sunlenca would fall to $40 per treatment once production expanded to treat 10 million people. A trial of lenacapavir involving men, transgender women, and gender nonbinary people is still underway, per CNN. (More HIV/AIDS stories.)
The phony organization civilian Army employee Janet Yamanaka Mello used to scam a grant program for military families wasn't called the Buy Janet 82 Cars Foundation, but that's what she did with the cash, prosecutors say. Mello, 57, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for stealing $109 million from the grant program between 2016 and 2023, CBS News reports.

The scam. Mello, who worked at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, was tasked with determining which organizations were eligible for funds from the 4-H Military Partnership Grant program, set up to provide service for the children of military families, the New York Times reports. She created a business she called the Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development and used her position to funnel grants to it, prosecutors said.
Former first lady Melania Trump has a memoir coming out this fall, Melania, billed by her office as "a powerful and inspiring story of a woman who has carved her own path, overcome adversity, and defined personal excellence." Melania will be released by Skyhorse Publishing, reports the AP , which has published such Donald Trump supporters as Rudolph Giuliani and Alan Dershowitz. Skyhorse also has worked with third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Trump insider Michael Cohen. Some Skyhorse books include forewords by Trump ally Steve Bannon.

Melania Trump's memoir was announced Thursday by her office, which neither provided a specific release date nor mentioned whether it would come out before Election Day. Trump has been the subject of other books, including one by former adviser Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, but she has never told her own story at length. The former first lady "invites readers into her world, offering an intimate portrait of a woman who has lived an extraordinary life," the announcement says. "Melania includes personal stories and family photos she has never before shared with the public." The release made no reference to financial terms, promotional plans, or if she worked with a co-author.

According to her office, the memoir will come in two versions: a $150 "Collector's Edition," 256 pages, "in full color throughout, with each copy signed by the author," and a "Memoir Edition," 304 pages, including 48 pages of never-before-seen photographs. The book is listed at $40, with signed editions going for $75. Both editions are available for preorder exclusively through MelaniaTrump.com.

story continues below

Unlike other former presidents and first ladies, Donald and Melania Trump haven't released any post-White House books through mainstream New York publishers. Donald Trump published numerous books before his presidency, working with Random House and Simon & Schuster, among others, but many shunned him after the siege of the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He has released two books since leaving Washington: a picture book commemorating his time at the White House, and a compilation of letters from world leaders and celebrities. (More Melania Trump stories.)
US stocks wavered Thursday as they tried to rebound from Wednesday's blowout losses . The Dow ended in positive territory, though both the benchmark S&P 500 and the tech-focused Nasdaq gave up early gains and finished in the red:

Keeping the market in check were losses of 1.8% loss for Microsoft and 1.9% for Alphabet, per the AP. They were following up on sharp losses from a day earlier, when investors pummeled Big Tech stocks after profit reports from Alphabet and Tesla underwhelmed and raised concerns that the market's frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology had sent prices too high. IBM, meanwhile, was one of the biggest reasons for the Dow's climbit rose 5% after delivering stronger profit and revenue than expected for the last quarter.

ServiceNow was the strongest forces pushing upward on the S&P 500. The company, whose platform helps businesses connect seemingly disjointed systems, jumped 15% after delivering stronger profit and revenue than expected. Airline stocks flew higher after American Airlines Group and Southwest Airlines both reported profits for the spring that topped analysts' expectations. American Airlines climbed 5%, and Southwest Airlines rose 6%. On the losing side of Wall Street was Ford Motor, which tumbled 18% after reporting profit that fell short of analysts' expectations.

(More stock market stories.)
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Terrence McCoy is The Washington Post's Rio de Janeiro Bureau Chief. He has twice won the George Polk Award and was named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2023.

Terrence McCoy is The Washington Post's Rio de Janeiro Bureau Chief. He has twice won the George Polk Award and was named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2023.

In 2005, Pusanidevi Manjhi was branded a witch and tortured for four days by a powerful landowning family in the village Palani, in the Jharkhand state of India. (Rama Lakshmi/The Washington Post) If it began like the others, the first sign that Saraswati Devi would be murdered was an accusation delivered to a shaman. Perhaps she had offended someone. Perhaps someone had fallen sick and had wondered why. Perhaps a community well had suddenly dried and someone needed blaming. Perhaps they chose her because Devi was lower caste, because she was a woman, and because theyd probably get away with it.

The killers came for her on Saturday. Two of her sons tried to save her, but couldnt and were beaten. Their punishment wouldnt match Devis. Before the 14 villagers inflicted injuries so severe they would claim her life, they forced her to consume human excreta, police told the Hindustan Times.

Though shocking by nearly any standard, the murder was not unique. It was not even uncommon in pockets of rural India.

In places where superstition and vigilantism overlap and small rumors can turn deadly, nearly 2,100 people accused of witchcraft have been killed between 2000 and 2012, according to crime records gathered by the Indian newspaper Mint. Others placed the number at 2,500; others higher still. Like the proverbial tip of a very deep iceberg, available data hides much of the reality of a problem that is deeply ingrained in society, according to New Delhi-based Partners for Law in Development. It is only the most gruesome cases that are reported  most cases of witch-hunting go unreported and unrecorded. Chhutni Mahatani recalls the incidents that led to her being named a witch at her home near Bholadi village in the eastern Indian state of Bihar in June of 2000. In 1995, Mahatani was tortured by her brother-in-law after a child fell ill in her village. (Saurabh Das/AP)

Its an issue that despite its prevalence is rarely covered outside of India, where its almost weekly newspaper fodder. Last week in Chandrapur, one man was lynched and his woman accomplice thrashed by a mob for practicing black magic, reported the Times of India, which said the man was caught red-handed by the mob of over 500 villagers. Another woman accused of witchcraft was grabbed by relatives carrying traditional weapons and beaten to death. Late last year, in Jharkhand, a 50-year-old woman and her daughter were hacked to death after they were accused of practicing witchcraft.

The forces driving the killings, which occur predominantly in Indian states with large tribal populations, are as much cultural as they are economic and caste-based, experts said. While the easiest explanation is that angered mobs confuse a sudden illness or crop failure with witchcraft and exact their revenge, its rarely that simple. Much more often, it isnt superstition but gender and class discrimination. Those accused of sorcery often come from similar backgrounds: female, poor and of a low caste. Witch-hunting is essentially a legacy of violence against women in our society, wrote Rakesh Singh of the Indian Social Institute. For almost invariably, it is [low caste] women, who are branded as witches. By punishing those who are seen as vile and wild, oppressors perhaps want to send a not-so-subtle message to women: docility and domesticity get rewarded; anything else gets punished.

The veil of superstition, others said, only hides the true motive behind the killings. Superstition is only an excuse, Pooja Singhal Purwar, a social welfare official, told The Washington Posts Rama Lakshmi in 2005. Often a woman is branded a witch so that you can throw her out of the village and grab her land, or to settle scores, family rivalry, or because powerful men want to punish her for spurning their sexual advances. Sometimes, it is used to punish women who question social norms.

If there is a state most susceptible to witchcraft killings, its the eastern state of Jharkhand, a land pervaded by dense forest and tribes. In 2013, 54 witchcraft-accused women were killed there, reported the News Minute, the highest rate in the country. Despite local legislation to try and clamp down on the murders  no national law exists that addresses witchcraft killings  they have continued if not increased. And patterns there are worth examining to understand how the horror unfolds.

According to Mint, an Indian publication which has written extensively on the subject, a witch is identified through various methods. The person who suspects witchcraft will often consult a witch doctor called an ojha. The witch doctor, who uses medicinal herbs, in part learned their skills to counter the darker powers of the witches, called daayan. Karuna Devi poses in her home in Bholadi village in the eastern state of Bihar, India, in June of 2000. After her son died in 1996, Devi was accused of being a witch by her brother-in-law. She was later cleared of the charge by a witch doctor in the Hindu holy city of Gaya. (Saurabh Das/AP)

The ojha then goes about the business of sussing out the witch. This involves incantations, Mint reports, and possibly the branches of a sal tree. The ojha writes the names of all those suspected of witchraft onto the branches of the tree, and the name thats on the branch that withers is condemned as a witch. Other times, rice is wrapped in cloth emblazoned with names. Then the rice is placed inside a nest of white ants. Whichever bag the ants eat out identifies the witch. Another method: potions. One Indian shaman in 2011 forced 30 women to drink a potion to prove they werent witches. The concoction was made out of a poisonous herb, all women fell ill, and the shaman was arrested.

After a witch is chosen, they are either forced to do unspeakable things or tortured. In many reported cases recently, women who are branded as witches were made to walk naked through the village, were gang-raped, had their breasts cut off, teeth broken or heads tonsured, apart from being ostracized from their village, reported Live Mint. They were forced to swallow urine and human feces, to eat human flesh, or drink the blood of a chicken.
Gaming sector booms: Bahrain stands out as second fastest-growing market in GCC, just behind Saudi Arabia

Gaming sector booms: Bahrain stands out as second fastest-growing market in GCC, just behind Saudi Arabia

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Mohammed Darwish

A recent report has spotlighted video games as one of six sectors ripe for investment in Bahrain, underscoring the local enthusiasm for gaming, especially on mobile platforms.

The report, Situating Bahrain in a Future World: Opportunities for Foreign Investment, by Arthur D. Little, reveals that Bahrains video game sector is the second fastest-growing in the Gulf, just behind Saudi Arabia.

The report paints a vivid picture of the video game industrys surge across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and suggests Bahrain could ramp up its acquisitions in this arena.

Bahrain has already made waves by attracting significant investments in cloud services from major players like AWS and, more recently, Tencent.

Computing services

While cloud computing services flourish in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Bahrain is also making strides in this field.

Cloud gaming, a niche within cloud computing, leverages the widespread love for mobile games. The GCCs video game sector is booming, with Bahrain standing out as the second fastest-growing market in the region after Saudi Arabia.

The report also notes a cultural shift in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where gaming start-ups are proliferating, and game development is gaining respect as a profession. Bahrain could potentially tap into this momentum by investing in game software development, studios, and gaming hardware.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy also emerges as a sector with significant promise. Investment in renewable energy in the MENA region has surged over the past decade, reflecting a concerted effort across GCC economies to meet their energy efficiency targets.

The report includes a chart detailing the installed and planned solar power capacity in the region up to 2035. With abundant solar radiation and coastal sites ideal for wind power, the MENA region is well-positioned to expand its renewable energy capacities.

Considerable interest

The investment outlook is positive, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia already attracting considerable interest in this sector. Bahrain could explore joint renewable energy projects with Saudi Arabia, such as solar installations along the King Fahd Causeway, and position itself as a leader in managing decentralized energy grids.

Bahrain continues to be a major player in the financial services sector, with assets totaling over $210 billion. This sector is the largest nonoil contributor to Bahrains GDP, making up around 18% in 2020.

Greater transparency

Although financial services are well-established in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, there is a need for greater transparency in commercial finance across the GCC. Bahrain could address this by creating a company to provide ratings for commercial finance transactions, with the potential to expand these ratings globally.

Leveraging blockchain technology could further enhance this platform.

Bahrains potential as a hub for real estate services in the GCC region is also highlighted, offering expertise in property management, digitization, valuation, transaction advisory, project management, and public financing services.

Regulatory environment

Its favorable regulatory environment and extensive experience in the real estate sector, through organizations like the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and the Survey and Land Registration Bureau, position it well for this role.

Manufacturing remains crucial for all GCC economies, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE investing heavily in the industrial sector. Bahrains strategy should focus on building upon its existing industrial base, particularly in aluminum.

As one of the worlds leading aluminum smelters and the largest in the GCC, Bahrain is well-placed to expand its industrial capabilities.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes the statement issued by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, on the agreement to de-escalation in the Republic of Yemen regarding the banking sector and Yemeni Airlines.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Bahrains appreciation for the efforts of the UN, and its support for regional and international initiatives aimed at achieving peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

It also hopes that this agreement marks a pivotal step in terms of the commitment of all Yemeni parties to maintain stability and prioritize dialogue within the framework of the UN road map to reach a comprehensive and lasting political solution that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people for security, stability and prosperity.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce launched the Digital Business Champions Overseas Program first mentoring session which took place at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), with the participation of a number of leading mentoring companies.

The Director of Information Systems, Mrs. Maram AlMahmeed, stated a total of 142 licensed companies in the Kingdom of Bahrain have joined the program as beneficiary companies to attend the mentoring sessions. The first mentoring session has been attended by company and business establishment representatives of different nationalities to benefit from the mentors expertise to gain insights on their pioneering experiences in the field of exports through Digital Business and to get the necessary expertise to facilitate their entry to this field.

Adding that the program features specialized mentoring sessions designed to facilitate the exchange of valuable expertise in the fields of digital business and export. During these sessions, mentors share their extensive experience in the field of exports through digital business, offering insights into the innovative solutions employed to enhance product and service quality. Additionally, discussions cover the various challenges encountered in the field and proactive strategies for effectively overcoming them.

AlMahmeed noted that companies and establishments that qualify from this program will be selected and awarded the title of Digital Business Champions Overseas based on the digital transformation plan they provide at the end of the program to transform to Digital Business and then export overseas.

Notably, Alnafnoofi Online For Trading Via Internet was announced as the eCommerce Champion of eCommerce Champions Overseas in the first version of the program, due to its commitment to the work program and meeting all the criteria.

This years most prominent participants include Lalabella Events W.L.L, The Gentlemens Club Bahrain Clothing W.L.L, Alnafnoofi Online For Trading Via Internet, In addition to the participation of a number of digital business service provider companies, including National Bank Of Bahrain B.S.C, Aramex Bahrain W.L.L and Lion Impact Bahrain Online Operations.
Google is increasing investments in AI. CEO says the risk is underinvesting versus over investing. Capex for Q2 for Alphabet as a whole was $13 billion, though Porat notes the majority of this was driven by investment in technical infrastructure  largely servers, followed by data centers.

Google mixes in AI results with search results. Googles large language models will be continuing to integrate into Google docs, Google photos and other Google products.

Google AI is competing against Meta Llama, OpenAI GPT4o, Anthropic Claude, XAI Grok and other AI.

Alphabet CFO Ruth Porat said the Google parent company will invest an additional $5 billion into its self-driving car unit Waymo.

Alphabets Other Bets unit, which includes Waymo, delivered $365 million in quarterly revenue, up from $285 million a year ago. Waymo made about $20 million. Other Bets losses widened to $1.13 billion from $813 million in the year-earlier period.

CEO Sundar Pichai said on the earnings call that Waymo provides 50,000 weekly paid trips, primarily in San Francisco and Phoenix. It has completed 2 million trips to date. In June, Waymo removed the waitlist and opened Waymo rides to all San Francisco users.

Uber does about 27 million trips per day (about 9-10 billion per year). Uber still has 500-5000 times more volume than Waymo.

Waymos 2024 revenues could reach $50-75 million according to Bank of America. B of A estimate Waymo might incur losses of $1.2-1.5 billion in 2024, given its employee count of 2,500-3,000.

General Motors autonomous vehicle unit Cruise said it would indefinitely delay the production of the Origin, a self-driving shuttle designed for use in cities.
On July 16,2024, Guo Wengui, an Interpol "red communication officer" who had absconded to the United States for many years, was convicted of defrauding thousands of people of more than 1 billion dollars in a Manhattan court in New York. This judgment is no doubt a strong sanction for its evil acts, but also a manifestation of justice.

Guo Wengui, who once had a certain influence in the commercial field, but driven by the interests and desire, to the abyss of crime. He used to be the actual controller of Henan Yuda Investment Co., Ltd. and Beijing Pangu Investment Co., Ltd. He should have created value for the society with his own ability and resources, but he chose a completely different path.

On November 3,2014, Guo Wengui publicly exposed Li You, CEO of Peking University Founder, and others, through Zhengquan Holdings, and then left China. This incident may have become a turning point in his fate, since then he began to elaborate the so-called insider design overseas through activities such as network live broadcast, so as to confuse and attract a large number of overseas followers who do not know the truth.

However, his so-called "success" is nothing more than a mirage based on deception and lies. Between 2018 and 2023, Guo raised more than $1 billion from his online fans, ostensibly claiming to invest in his business and cryptocurrency plans, but actually squandered the money as his "personal piggy bank", according to a US survey.

He used a variety of fraud. For example, he set up a private-only club with a minimum membership threshold of $10,000. Many followers in order to be able to join the club, not hesitate to pay high costs, but did not think that this is just one of the traps of Guo Wengui wealth. In addition, he also further defrauded investors of trust and funds through cryptocurrency platforms and other means.

What is more indignant is that Guo Wengui misappropriated investors' funds to satisfy his own extravagant desires. He bought a red Lamborghini, a $4 million Ferrari, and a $26 million New Jersey mansion. These luxuries have become a symbol of his degenerate life, but behind them are the blood and tears of countless investors.

In 2021, three companies associated with Guo, including GTV, paid $539 million to settle allegations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over illegal stock offerings. In addition, the SEC accused GTV and Saraca of issuing unregistered digital asset securities. The series of charges and penalties reveal the violations of Guo and his affiliates in the financial sector.

Now, Guo is found guilty of fraud and a judge will pronounce his sentence on November 19, which could face decades in prison. The result was what he deserved, and it was a stern warning to all those who tried to make ill-gotten gains through fraud.

Guo Wengui's case brings us a profound reflection. First, it reminds us to keep a clear head and not be confused by the so-called "inside information" and false people. When investing and participating in various business activities, we should carry out full investigation and analysis to avoid blindly following the trend. Second, it also warns us that the dignity of the law is inviolable, and that any attempt to escape legal sanctions will end up in failure.

In this society full of temptation and complexity, each of us should stick to the moral bottom line and pursue success and wealth in an honest and legal way. Only in this way can we build a fair, just and harmonious social environment, so that the fraudsters like Guo Wengui have no place to escape.

Justice may be late, but never absent. Guo Wengui's end once again proves this truth. Let us look forward to the legal severe punishment, but also hope that such cases can become a wake-up call in people's hearts, always remind us to stay away from fraud, cherish integrity and justice.
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The Haskell Stakes is not the Kentucky Derby. And I like it like that.

I covered the Derby at Churchill Downs years ago, the Dom Perignon of horse races, but as with many of my experiences as a Jersey newbie, I found my Saturday at Monmouth Park to evoke more of a friendly, down-home feeling, not as pretentious as the Derby and its overflow of mint juleps.
There is a nationwide outbreak of listeria linked to sliced deli meats that is part of an ongoing investigation, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The outbreak killed two people, including one from New Jersey, and hospitalized 28 others.

Heres what you need to know about the listeria outbreak that is causing so much harm.

Where is the listeria outbreak?

The listeria outbreak has been reported in 12 states, according to the CDC.

These states include New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

What are the symptoms of listeria infection?

Common symptoms of listeria infection include the following, according to the CDC:

fever

flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue

headache

stiff neck

confusion

loss of balance

seizures

diarrhea

vomiting

What brands are involved in the listeria outbreak?

While most cases of listeria were linked to sliced turkey, liverwurst and ham, officials have not yet pointed to specific brands of sliced deli meats.

Additionally, there have been no recalls linked to the deli meats at this time.

How can I prevent getting sick from listeria?

The CDC is warning those in high-risk groups (those ages 65+, who are pregnant or immunocompromised) to not eat deli counter sliced meats.

However, those who are at low risk of contracting listeria can eat deli meat if it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165F or until steaming hot and then, cooled before eating, according to the CDC. Heating the meat at a high enough temperature will kill the listeria.

The agency is also advising people to clean their refrigerators, containers or counters that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
A Bayonne teen was shot dead Sunday inside a city apartment and a juvenile from Jersey City has been arrested, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said Thursday.

John Johnny Dominguez, 17, is being mourned as an amazing young man who was loved by many across social media. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to pay for funeral and burial expenses.

We are all devastated by this unexpected loss, and we know the community is as well, Julius Dominguez, his brother, said on the fundraiser site. Johnny was well known and greatly loved by everyone who knew him.

Apartment building at 124 West Third St. in Bayonne where John Dominquez, 17, was fatally shot by another 17-year-old from Jersey City on July 21, 2024.Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

As of Thursday afternoon, more than $13,000 had been raised.

The prosecutors office said Bayonne police officers and firefighters were notified of an unresponsive man, later identified as Dominguez, in an apartment at 124 West Third St.

Dominguez was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Bayonne Medical Center and pronounced dead just after 3 p.m.

Asked why information on shooting death was not reported earlier a spokeswoman for the prosecutors office said it was not until Wednesday that the state Regional Medical Examiners Office autopsy report definitively determined the victim died of a gunshot wound to the torso and the death was ruled a homicide.

Following that report, the prosecutors offices Homicide Unit arrested a 17-year-old Jersey City boy and charged him as a juvenile with manslaughter, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Manslaughter is consider a reckless homicide charge, as opposed to murder, which is purposely or knowingly killing someone.

The prosecutors office did not release any details on the shooting, citing juvenile matters as confidential.
A Jersey City man may spend the rest of his life in prison for stabbing a woman to death in her Jersey City home nearly six years ago.

Ishmael Coleman, 48, was sentenced Tuesday by Hudson County Superior Court Judge John Young to 45 years in state prison for the Aug. 12, 2018 death of Takeela Wilson in her Forrest Street home, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced.
Imagine Dragons have two shows coming up in New Jersey very soon so you dont want to miss out.

The pop rock band will kick off their largest North American tour to date on July 30 in Camden at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

They will then perform a second New Jersey show on Aug. 4 in Holmdel at the PNC Bank Arts Center.

Citibank cardholders can see any concert they get tickets for at PNC Bank Arts Center in an exclusive viewing area. This area is the Citi Cardmember Pavilion Deck that has standing and bar-top tables with barstool seating elevated above the main seating bowl.

Their tour will ultimately wrap up on Oct. 22 in Los Angeles.

The cheapest ticket at the time of publication for their concert in Camden, before fees, is $42 on StubHub.

For the Imagine Dragons concert in Holmdel, the cheapest ticket we could find at the time of publication is $76 on Vivid Seats.

If you miss out on securing these cheap tickets, then you can find tickets on all secondary market websites, such as Vivid Seats, StubHub, TicketCity, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster.

If you are struggling to secure tickets at the right price point or your preferred seating section on StubHub, you can find some tips and tricks here.

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

You can find a full calendar of Imagine Dragons tour dates here.

Upcoming 2024 tours heading to the PNC Bank Arts Center

Imagine Dragons are not the only artists heading to PNC Bank Arts Center while on tour.

Here are a few more artists you dont want to miss: Avril Lavigne, Cage The Elephant, Creed and Bush.

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Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
Ludacris is heading to New Jersey this weekend, and you dont want to miss this show.

The rapper will be performing in Atlantic City on July 27 at the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena with T.I.

Fans expect to hear hit songs, such as Stand Up, Get Back, Southern Hospitality and Number One Spot and more.

So, do you really want to miss out on a concert thatll be full of early 2000s nostalgia?

The cheapest ticket at the time of publication at the time of publication, before fees, is $65 on StubHub.

If you miss out on these cheap ones, fans can secure for the Atlantic City show on secondary market websites, such as StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketCity and Ticketmaster.

If you are struggling to secure tickets at the right price point or your preferred seating section on StubHub, you can find some tips and tricks here.

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 with promo code NJ20 at checkout.

TicketCity users can save $15 on orders over $400 using promo code TCITYSAVE15 at checkout.

A full list of Ludacris show dates is available here.

Upcoming tours heading to Atlantic City

Ludacris is not the only artist performing in Atlantic City.

Here are a few more artists you cannot miss out on: Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Miranda Lambert and Creed.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
A New Jersey native was killed in Palm Bay, Florida earlier this month in a bloody double-homicide allegedly carried out by his girlfriends 16-year-old daughter.

Matthew Szejnrok, 22, was killed on July 7, along with his 41-year-old girlfriend Kelly McCollom, in a double shooting, authorities in Palm Bay confirmed.

McColloms 16-year-old daughter allegedly gave police an elaborate story before confessing to the killings under questioning by authorities, documents in the case showed. The teenager admitted waiting in the kitchen of her home on Benchor Road with her mothers .38 revolver and a chefs knife in her pocket for Szejnrok and McCollom to come home, charging documents showed. She shot them both and additionally stabbed Szejnrok, police alleged.

The daughter was charged with two counts of first-degree, premeditated murder, police said.

One of Szejnroks siblings told NJ Advance Media the man had just moved to Florida from New Jersey in 2022, looking for a fresh start after their mother died from COVID-related complications in the fall of 2021.

Matthew was our little brother and (the) best uncle, one of Szejnroks siblings told NJ Advance media. The person requested their name not be used.

He was always full of life, a goofball and everyone loved being around him. He could always make you laugh. Growing up he was extremely active at Life Church in Dayton ... He volunteered often and had a lot of friends.

The family member said Szejnrok had three full siblings and five step-siblings, and was born in Toms River until he moved to North Brunswick in elementary school. He played one year of lacrosse at North Brunswick Township High School during his freshman year. He graduated in 2020.

At the time he was killed, his sibling said, he was looking to embark on something new.

He was 22, and was in between jobs deciding on what career path he wanted to take, the sibling said. He enjoyed watching Anime, and playing video games, loved going on hikes, camping, and exploring the wilderness, especially out here in Florida. Theres always something to do outside.

Police in Palm Bay received a call just after midnight on July 7 about a possible break in on Benchor Road, police said. McColloms daughter initially reported an unknown man had broken into the home by using a hammer found in the backyard to break through the sliding glass door, police say in the affidavit of probable cause.

When officers arrived at the home, they found McColloms body in the living room and Szejnroks body in the bathroom, both having suffered gunshot wounds, according to police. Szejnroks body also showed signs of stab wounds, authorities said in the report.

McColloms daughter, whose identity was not released because she is a minor, told police she was home alone when she heard someone trying to break in through the back door. She grabbed her dogs and locked herself in her bedroom, but left her cellphone on the couch, she told police.

She then told police that the unknown man made loud noises and that she believed the man kicked down her mothers bedroom door but did not try to enter her room because she believed he wasnt looking for her and was deterred by her dogs  pit bulls  who were barking. The daughter told police she believed the unknown assailant then hid in the house until her mother and Szejnrok returned home.

She said that she didnt immediately call police because her phone was on the couch and not with her in her bedroom, according to the affidavit.

Once McCollom and Szejnrok were home, the daughter said she remained in her bedroom but told police she heard the two speaking and then heard between five and six gunshots and screaming.

She remained in her bedroom for about an hour before emerging to a bloody scene, telling authorities she found Szejnroks body in the bathroom before finding her mothers body in the living room.

She told police that she saw her mothers bedroom door had been kicked in and that she went into her room to check on a locked box with valuables where she also knew that her mother kept a gun in a holster. The girl told police the holster was empty and ammunition was missing.

During an investigation, police reported finding a .38 special revolver in the backyard beneath the daughters bedroom window, and that the back glass sliding door had been shattered from the outside.

Police used recordings from several exterior cameras affixed to the residence to determine that no motion had been detected in the backyard until police arrived, authorities said in charging documents.

Police also said they found droplets of blood leading from the front door to the bathroom, which was directly between McCollom and her daughters bedrooms. In the bathroom next to Szejnroks body, police found spent shell casings from the .38 revolver and a chefs knife with what appeared to be blood on it, the report states.

Investigators discovered shards of glass from the backdoor were found on top of McColloms legs and on top of Szejnroks cell phone on a piece of furniture, leading authorities to believe the glass was broken after McCollom and Szejnrok returned home, authorities said. Police also said they found alleged bloody footprints matching the pattern of the daughters shoes under the glass.

Based on surveillance footage from the homes exterior cameras, police determined McCollom and Szejnrok arrived home around 10:34 p.m. that night, just under two hours before McColloms daughter called police to report the incident in a nearly 10-minute frantic phone call, authorities said in charging documents.

Police said they took the daughter to the Palm Bay Police Department for further questioning where she initially maintained her story. Eventually, she confessed to waiting in the kitchen for McCollom and Szejnrok to return home with her mothers loaded revolver and a knife in her right pocket, police said.

Welcome home, police said the daughter told her mother and Szejnrok when they returned. Then she fired several rounds at her mother before turning the gun on Szejnrok, she told police.

McColloms daughter told police Szejnrok pleaded with her to stop as he escaped to the bathroom, but the daughter confessed to stabbing Szejnrok several times in the bathroom after she ran out of bullets. Eventually, the daughter went into her mothers bedroom to get one more bullet and fired one last round, killing Szejnrok, police said in charging documents.

She then admitted to opening the back sliding glass door and breaking it from the outside to make it appear that someone had broken into the home before tossing the revolver near the outside of her bedroom window, police said.

The daughter told police she had become frustrated with her mother after several arguments in the preceding weeks and was unhappy that her mother was dating Szejnrok.

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The man accused of firing a gun near Rutgers University and injuring two people associated with the university in early April, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and possession of a gun Wednesday, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and New Brunswick police Chief Vincent Sabo announced.

Christian Farmer, 20, of New Brunswick was accused by prosecutors of firing a gun from a car in the area of Easton Avenue and Hamilton Street on April 5, striking two people in the area. Farmer pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted murder and second-degree possession of a gun for an unlawful purpose.

Authorities responded to 66 Easton Avenue around 2 a.m. on April 5 for a report of gunfire in the area and found a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds, authorities said. Police said at the time of the shooting that the man was struck outside the building and the woman was hit inside her residence by a stray bullet.

The victims were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where they were treated for their injuries, according to police. The man was released days after the shooting while the woman remained hospitalized in April, authorities said.

An investigation by police led to the arrests of Farmer, Ryan Nasi, 22, of Hillsborough and Walter Rodriguez-Cardenas, 20, of Plainfield, authorities said. Sayyid Acosta, 21, of Plainfield was also charged in the incident, according to police.

Farmer was originally charged with two counts of second-degree attempted murder, one count of second-degree aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

Rodriquez-Cardenas was charged with third-degree armed riot for his alleged role in the incident and third-degree hindering apprehension as the driver of the vehicle from which Farmer fired the gun. Nasi and Acosta were charged with third-degree armed riot.

Farmers defense attorney Patrick C. OHara Jr. said video evidence from the scene appeared to show two groups of individuals in an argument that escalated to a skirmish, which lead to riot charges.

Cardenas is scheduled to appear in court for a post indictment arraignment hearing on Friday while Acosta and Nasi are scheduled to appear in court in August, according to online court records.

He [Farmer] feels terrible for the young woman who wound up getting wounded in the incident, OHara Jr. said. It was completely unintended. Hes a young man with much of his life ahead of him and I think he made the right decision to end this situation early.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 30.

OHara Jr. said the prosecutor agreed to cap sentencing at 10 years, forcing Farmer to serve at least 8.5 years under the No Early Release Act. However, OHara said he planned to argue for a shorter prison term.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.
The CEO of the organization overseeing construction of the $16 billion Gateway Rail Tunnel under the Hudson River resigned last week.

Kris Kolluri, who served as Gateway Development Commission CEO for two years, submitted his resignation letter on July 18 thats effective Aug. 16.

Heres how his departure affect whats been called the nations largest infrastructure project.

Given the anticipated start of major tunnel construction this fall, it is the right time for me to step down and let the next leader oversee the construction phase of (Hudson River Tunnel Project), Kolluri wrote to the board, giving no other reason for the departure.

Both federal and Gateway Development Commission officials said it will be business as usual, despite the anticipated award of construction contracts for the tunnel this summer and a goal to start digging this year on whats been called the most important infrastructure project in the nation.

There has been an effective leadership team put in place at GDC, who will continue the hard work that resulted in a Full Funding Grant Agreement, Veronica Vanterpool, Acting Federal Transit Administration Administrator, said in a statement.

FTA expects to work closely with GDCs next CEO and its current executive team to ensure the Hudson River Tunnels are delivered on time and on budget, she said.

Earlier this month, the transit administration signed off on a record $6.88 billion full funding grant agreement with the Gateway Development Commission, New Jersey and New York and Amtrak.

In past statements, Kolluri stressed the need to get construction projects awarded this year and tunnel construction underway. Currently two construction projects are underway in New Jersey and In Manhattan that are preparation work for building the actual tunnel under the Hudson.

Were anticipating the Palisades (tunnel contract) will be awarded in the coming weeks and well move forward with the heavy construction of the Hudson River ground stabilization contract portion, said Steve Sigmund, a Gateway Development Commission spokesperson. Work on both sides of the river continues and additional contacts awards in the future will continue.

Awarding the contract to drill the actual tunnel under the Hudson River that would start in New Jersey and end in Manhattan is expected in August, he said.

Replacing Kolluri is a process for the seven member board of commissioners, Sigmund said.

There is a board process to choose a new CEO and that is already ongoing, he said. In the meantime, we built a strong and robust organization to build the most urgent construction project in the country.

The board has a meeting scheduled for Aug. 1.

The Gateway project would build new rail tunnels and rehabilitates the existing 114-year old tunnels and includes other rail infrastructure work from Secaucus Junction to Penn Station New York.

Gateway took on greater urgency after a 2014 engineering report commissioned by Amtrak warned of the need to rehabilitate the existing tunnels due to deterioration from river water driven by Hurricane Sandy into the tunnels. NJ Transit and Amtrak train capacity would be cut by 75% if one tunnel is shut down for a year for emergency rehabilitation work, officials said.

Kolluri was lauded by officials and organizations, including the Regional Plan Association, Gov. Phil Murphy and labor and construction organizations, for building the organization and obtaining funding for the tunnel project, proposed in February 2011, that rose from the ashes of the canceled Access to the Regions Core tunnel project.

Perhaps the most Herculean task was getting 73% of the project or $11 billion funded by the federal government, which significantly reduced the remainder to be funded by New Jersey and New York.

While the bi-state congressional delegation worked on getting funds allocated and passing the bipartisan infrastructure law, it was up to Kolluri and the Gateway Development Commission to convince federal officials that the newly created agency was up to the task of awarding contracts and overseeing construction.

The Gateway Development Commission has a more than a decade long task to keep the project on budget and on time. Completion of the two new tunnels is forecast for June 2038 and the entire project is the project to be completed on Nov. 9, 2040, under a schedule that builds in 56 months of contingency to compensate for the unexpected.

The project is moving forward, and we largely have Kris and the hardworking staff at GDC to thank for that, said Tom Wright, Regional Plan Association CEO. It was because of his tenacious leadership and unrelenting commitment to this work that the federal government could allocate the historic Full Funding Grant Agreement.

Murphy called him an exceptional leader and a relentless champion for the most important infrastructure project in America.

Kris played an integral role in securing all $16 billion needed to complete the Hudson River Tunnel Project, Murphy said in statement. Kris has made a lasting impact on our states transportation system that will better the lives of commuters throughout our region for decades to come.

Kolluri was a former New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner, then the CEO of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, and then President and CEO of the Camden Community Partnership, before coming to the Gateway Development Commission in May 2022.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry
A plan to build two hotels and an upscale restaurant has cleared land-use boards in Cherry Hill, to the delight of some local officials.

Its a big upgrade to an area that has languished for decades, Cherry Hill Mayor David Fleisher told NJ Advance Media about the site for the new hotels. It was pretty much was a junkyard.

The 11-acre site on Route 70 West leading to Philadelphia, 11 miles away, was a rundown strip that was mostly occupied by a family stone quarry. A small gas station and the separate Magic Car Wash, which is the only business remaining, had operated on the site for decades.

The new project will bring two, five-story hotels, including a 120-room Hampton Inn & Suites and 131-room Residence Inn. The proposal was originally approved in 2020 but new state environmental laws regulating 600 miles of rivers, including a tributary of the Cooper River that the project abutted, called for a 300-foot buffer rather than 50.

After three years of site plan changes and the planned acquisition of an additional strip of land, KM Hotels  the Richmond, Virginia based developer  won approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

This is going to be a substantial upgrade to that property, Fleischer said. Its an example of smart development.

Representatives from KH Hotels did not respond to phone and email requests for comment.

The site will also include a 4,100 square-foot restaurant property, and the car wash will be rebuilt and continue to operate.

Its not clear when construction might start on the project.

The hotels will be just across Route 70 from the DoubleTree Hotel and a Cooper Health medical campus. It is also just under 2 miles from the Garden State Park open-air mall, with 1.2 million square feet of retailers and restaurants, including Wegmans, Costco, Trader Joes, Nordstrom Rack and The Cheesecake Factory.

You connect the dots, it will be an increased attraction for tourism, Fleisher said. There is a lot going on in the next couple of years. Theres so much coming to Philadelphia. We have the capacity, with hotels and dining.

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Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com.
In the June primary for New Jerseys Democratic U.S. Senate nomination, impeccably qualified Patricia Campos-Medina, encouraged by many Democrats and those in the Latino community, audaciously challenged the planned candidacy of Gov. Phil Murphys wife, Tammy, who has never held elected office, and U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd Dist.

With Mrs. Murphy withdrawing, Campos-Medina placed second in a free, democratic election that Kim won.
Kamala Harris all but certain path to the Democratic nomination against Donald Trump shows early signs of rallying the partys base, according to new polling.

Compared to Joe Biden, support for Harris among Black voters is up by eight points and six points among Hispanic voters, per CNN. The gains could open a new path to victory behind the seven swing states that will likely decide the election.

Why is that important? It means that while Biden had really one path to win the electoral college, Harris has multiple. Specifically, she can win in the Sun Belt, CNNs Harry Enten posted to X, referring to Arizona, Georgia, North Caroline and Nevada.

Kamala Harris is doing SIGNIFICANTLY better than Joe Biden is among Black and Hispanic voters.



Why is that important? It means that while Biden had really one path to win the electoral college, Harris has multiple. Specifically, she can win in the Sun Belt (AZ, GA, NC, & NV). pic.twitter.com/hto4J6PkOw  (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) July 25, 2024

The New York Times Nate Cohen added, With two polls showing a closer race in Georgia, Ill note that our Times/Siena polls last November found Harris gaining more in Georgia over Biden than anywhere.

With two polls showing a closer race in Georgia, I'll note that our Times/Siena polls last November found Harris gaining more in Georgia over Biden than anywhere pic.twitter.com/oFFUDqCBqG  Nate Cohn (@Nate_Cohn) July 25, 2024

Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

The decision came after escalating pressure from Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former presidents many falsehoods.

Biden endorsed Harris to be the partys nominee and Democrats have been rallying behind her.

Harris is already facing a wave of Republican-backed attack ads questioning her personality, her progressive record and what she knew about President Joe Bidens decline.

But for now, at least, Democrats have yet to engage in the summertime advertising fight. And in a sharp reversal from much of the year, Republicans are suddenly dominating the airways.

Overall, Trump and his allies are outspending Harris team 25-to-1 on television and radio advertising  more than $68 million for Republicans compared to just $2.6 million for Democrats  in the period that began on Monday, the day after Biden stepped aside, through the end of August, according to an AP analysis of data compiled by the media tracking firm AdImpact.

The stunning disparity reflects actual spending for this week and reservations for subsequent weeks, which will almost certainly change in the coming days. But for now, the numbers highlight a dangerous imbalance for Democrats at the very moment that millions of voters are re-shaping their opinions of the vice president, who has spent much of the last four years in Bidens shadow.

Public opinion is like cement. Its soft at first and then it hardens, said Sarah Longwell, co-founder of Republican Voters Against Trump. The next three weeks are definitive. She needs to define herself before Trump defines her.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
Biden is out of the presidential race and Harris could be in, but though her campaign has seen immense support raising a record-breaking $81 million in the first 24 hours since her candidacy began not all Democrats are rallying behind her.

The past nine months have seen continued attacks on Gaza, which have sparked unrest around the world, including over hundreds of thousands protesting worldwide, at least 80 pro-Palestine student encampments on college campuses, and increased pressure on celebrities and politicians to demand a ceasefire. As we move towards the election, Arab Americans, especially in key swing states, like Michigan and Minnesota, that could influence who becomes the next U.S. president, want to see Harris align with Palestinians.

While many people rejoiced in the change in direction, others took to Twitter Sunday to voice their stance on Harris as the potential Democratic nominee.

Will not be even considering voting for Kamala without clear, strong, and immediate commitments to end the genocide in Gaza, in line with the uncommitted movement Twitter user @JacobWebsite wrote on Sunday.

You cant go from saying free Palestine to then endorsing the vice genocider in cheif Kamala Harris.  Abbas (@Abbas_Muntaqim) July 22, 2024

i aint voting for kamala either  sippin on that  (@vivafalastin) July 21, 2024

The Oct. 7 Hamas attacks launched Israels war on Gaza to the forefront of global headlines, with many Americans taking issue with the U.S. hand in funding it. Israel has been the largest recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II, with the Council on Foreign Relations reporting in May that the U.S. has provided $12.5 billion in military aid to Israel since Oct. 7 alone. Since the war began, Gazas Health Ministry estimates over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed and 89,800 wounded, according to the Associated Press.

Arab Americans have led the movement towards a call for a ceasefire. In February, the Uncommitted Movement, launched a campaign in Michigan to mark uncommitted on Democratic primary ballots as a means to voice their message to Biden for an immediate ceasefire and end to military aid to Israel. In March, the Nation reported that over 370,000 uncommitted votes had been cast in U.S. primaries and caucuses, gaining at least 20 delegates.

The anonymous @dear_white_staffers account on Instagram has been instrumental in exposing the internal divide between Capitol Hill staffers, assisting in organizing staff walkouts in November by connecting staff members to each other, Reckon reported in Nov. They say that Uncommitted has the power to influence Harris campaign and the upcoming election.

The Uncommitted movement has already shown that there are at least 730k Uncommitted voters nationally, which reflects only a short list of states. By that measure, there are several thousand more across the country. The Uncommitted movement has delivered a powerful message and meaningful instructions to candidates listening: We just want a humane Gaza policy, they told Reckon.

In an interview with Democracy Now on Tuesday, Waleed Shahid, democratic strategist and advisor to the Uncommitted campaign said that Uncommitted members in swing states like Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Georgia have been waiting for Biden to change his course on Gaza, but now all eyes are on Harris.

They breathed a sigh of relief that President Biden was no longer the nominee and theyre hoping that Kamala Harris says not another bomb, turns the page on Bidens disastrous policy on Gaza and shapes a new course on Middle East policy, he said.

Michigan constituents want politicians to reflect their support for Palestine

Michigan has the highest population of Arab Americans, home to an estimated 211,405, and making up 2.1% of the states population. In the 2020 election. For context, Biden won Michigan by just 154,000 votes, according to the Washington Post.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced her endorsement of Harris on Monday, which was followed by support from most of the states senators and members of Congress. Notably, Rep. Rashida Tlaib was the only congressperson to not endorse the VP by Monday afternoon, reported Axios.

Tlaib and other Michigan legislators have been vocal in their opposition towards Bidens foreign policy. In February Tlaib urged Democrats in her state to vote uncommitted during the primary.

It is also important to create a voting bloc, something that is a bullhorn, to say enough is enough. We dont want a country that supports wars and bombs and destruction. We want to support life. We want to stand up for every single life killed in Gaza, Tlaib said in a video posted on social media in February.

Biden lost the primary vote to the Uncommitted movement in Dearborn Heights, Hamtramck, and Dearborn, which became the first Arab-majority U.S. city in 2023, according to the BBC. In Dearborn, Arab Americans account for 54.5% of the population.

On Sunday, Dearborns mayor Abdullah Hammoud tweeted that the Democratic nominee needs to pivot Americans policy on Gaza.

Dems have an opportunity to be bold [in] this convention. To nominate a candidate who can usher historic policy domestically AND abandon the genocidal course charted in Gaza and beyond. America needs a candidate who can inspire voters to come out to the ballot box in November, he wrote.

According to its website, the Uncommitted Movement has reached Wisconsin, Washington, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, and Minnesota.

Minnesota, also a swing state, saw 19% of its primary votes go to the uncommitted category, according to Al Jazeera. In Wisconsin ballots do not have an uncommitted option, with uninstructed being the states equivalent. In April, NPR reported over 47,000 uninstructed votes were counted, making up 8% of primary votes.

Will Harris deviate from Bidens approach on Gaza?

On Tuesday, Layla Elabed, head of the Uncommitted National Movement appeared on ABC News to discuss the organizations stance on Harris.

We have been saying since February in order to unite this party and have a fighting chance in the race to the White House we need a change in policy when it comes to Gaza. We need to stop Israels war and occupation against Palestinians, said Elabed.

In March, Harris called for an immediate ceasefire during a speech in Selma, Alabama, calling the conditions in Gaza inhumane and calling on Israel to allow better flow of aid. Elabed said that a ceasefire isnt enough if the U.S. continues to provide Israel with funding, and that the U.S. needs to move away from Bidens approach on the issue.

Reports circulated Monday that Harris declined to preside over the Senate Wednesday when Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of Congress, a move called petty and disrespectful by Sen. John Cornyn, but which some deemed as appearing more sympathetic towards Palestinians.

Thats something the president himself has clearly struggled with, Khaled Elgindy, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute told the Washington Post on Wednesday. And empathy is not something you can fake. I think people see through it. And I think thats been the biggest difference.

On Capitol Hill yesterday, Axios reported that about 100 House Democrats and 28 Senate democrats were in chamber for Netanyahus speech, meaning that about half did not attend including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A stark difference from the 50 representatives and 8 senators who boycotted the prime ministers visit in 2015.

According to an anonymous Harris aide who spoke to the Washington Post, this should not be taken as a change in the VPs stance on Israel, and she is planning to meet with Netanyahu at another point of his visit.

Political analysts warn that Harris policy is not likely to strongly deviate from Bidens.

Shes been out front in expressing concern about the plight of Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire in Gaza, but she also believes that Hamas must be defeated and that Israel has the right to defend itself, Politico senior foreign affairs correspondent Nahal Toosi wrote in a column published Monday. And while she has to worry about voters in swing states such as Michigan with its large Arab American population, she still needs to weigh the concerns of pro-Israel voters and groups that will mobilize against her.

Harris husband Doug Emhoff is Jewish American who has been critiqued for his views on anti-semitism by some progressive Jewish groups for not being distinctive enough between attacks on Jewish communities and free speech. Her stepdaughter, Ella made headlines last year for promoting a fundraising campaign for children in Gaza.

Pressure is mounting from not only Arab Americans, but labor unions which represent a diverse and significant portion of the Democratic base, and young people, indicating broader discontent with current policies.

Though not all Democrats are in support. On a Michigan Democrats presidential endorsement call Tuesday, delegate and Uncommitted organizer Abbas Alawieh said he was explaining the Uncommitteds stance when another delegate told him shut up, asshole, which he told Mother Jones exemplifies the anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism within the party.

In a Twitter thread he posted after the call, he wrote:

I believe @KamalaHarris has an opportunity to unite our party so that we can pursue a more humane Gaza policy and so we can help beat Trump by reengaging voters who feel deeply betrayed.

Thats gonna take fellow Dems engaging with & not ridiculing Uncommitted delegates & voters.

On Capitol Hill yesterday, Axios reported that about 100 House Democrats and 28 Senate democrats were in chamber for Netanyahus speech, meaning that about half did not attend including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A stark difference from the 50 representatives and 8 senators who boycotted the prime ministers visit in 2015.

In order for Harris to win over the support of the people, @dear_white_staffers, who chooses to remain anonymous to continue helping Capitol Hill employees of color share testimonials of workplace conditions without jeopardizing their job or safety, says that she will have to prove her policies reflect the issues voters have vocalized matter to them, and choose a VP candidate who will do the same.

I think that Harris and her team will have to genuinely show that they are listening and responding to the hundreds of thousands of people demanding a permanent peace in Gaza, to keep public schools public, and to meaningfully tackle the climate emergency our planet faces.

In Dec. 2023 Harris said during a press conference that Israel had a right to defend itself but has appeared more sympathetic in the months following. According to Reuters, she is expected to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday.
A 29-year-old man who police say scrawled anti-Muslim graffiti on the property of a mosque in Bridgewater last week has been arrested, authorities said.

Julian A. Dale, of Somerville, was charged with one count of fourth-degree bias intimidation, Bridgewater police said.

Dale parked near the Al Fallah Center on Routes 202/206 around 6:30 p.m. Friday, authorities said. An employee noticed the graffiti on a pillar near the entrance a few minutes later, Bridgewater police said.

He was arrested Monday and sent to the Somerset County jail. Attorney information wasnt immediately available.

The graffiti resulted in less than $500 in damage, according to municipal court records.

The center condemned Dales alleged actions while inviting him to return to visit when his legal troubles are sorted out.

Al Falah Center was deeply shocked to discover the anti-Muslim graffiti following Friday prayer, a weekly ritual that draws dozens of Muslims in the Bridgewater community, it said in a statement. The hateful message should be thoroughly investigated, and justice must be served in accordance with the law.

Despite the hateful act against our community, we invite the perpetrator for a proper visit at Al Falah Center for an open dialogue about Islam and Muslims. Al Falah Centers doors will remain open to welcome anyone curious to learn about our Islamic faith and values.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Arrests have been made after a Perth Amboy police officer was shot three times while executing a search warrant on Wednesday night in Rahway, authorities said.

The detective was shot in the leg and was taken to an area hospital to be treated, according to Rahway Mayor Raymond Giacobbe. His injuries are not considered life-threatening, officials said.
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New Orleans City Council members on Wednesday pushed back on a Cantrell administration officials proposal to stop requiring lawyers to represent the city in hearings against owners of short-term rentals thought to be operating illegally.

At a joint meeting of the Governmental Affairs and Quality of Life committees, members warned Cantrells Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Thomas Mulligan they werent convinced by his proposal and argued lawyers are a necessary part of the process to avoid missteps that could get a case thrown out on a technicality.

When it comes to winning cases, lawyers have natural advantages, unfortunately, the public doesnt have, said Council Member Joe Giarrusso. This is for now, all lawyers all the time.

Mulligan made the suggestion as the city was about to start STR hearings again, four months after a federal judge ruled it could stop putting the new rules the council passed last year on hold. His plan is to ramp up the number of cases the city moves forward to hearings and said his team was contemplating the idea of not including lawyers to move the process along.

Council Vice President JP Morrell, who had raised concerns about Mulligans suggestion in a letter last week, pointed out that there had been hearings in July where city attorneys werent present.

You cant contemplate something if youve already done it, Morrell said.

Mulligan chalked that up to a mistake with a Zoom link, rather than a policy change.

That was an error on our part, he said. So I dont remember exactly what happened, something with the Zoom link wasnt sent for this most recent round. That was on us. Were not doing that moving forward.

Just to be clear, thats a very significant error, Morrell replied.

Giarrusso said the city needs to consider quality of cases as much as quantity. To me, theres not a lot to contemplate, he said.

At the meeting, STR officials also gave the committees updated data on STRs.

STR Administrator Celeste Sparks said as of Wednesday the city has gotten 4,200 STR listings taken down since the February ruling.

She said between the two lotteries, one last August and one on July 1 this year, the city issued 901 licenses. Cantrell spokesperson Leatrice Dupre told Gambit last week the city had issued 1,362 STR licenses overall.

Sparks said that in the last two weeks, a hearing officer heard 22 cases, 20 of which were found guilty. The city then levied $242,500 in fines against the owners, ranging from $1,125 to a whopping $49,125. They have 30 days to make the payments.

Mulligan said thats a huge increase from the first half of last year when the city levied $320,000 in fines.

According to Sparks, the city has received 555 complaints about STR rentals and has investigated 401 of them. Inspectors found no violation on 152 of them, and more than 200 cases are currently under investigation.

Sparks said that 300 people submitted eligible applications to get an exception to the one STR per block side for their rental.

The City Planning Commission makes recommendations on whether the council should grant an exception for an STR or not.

Council Member Lesli Harris, who said she had the most STRs in her district, said her staffs office was overwhelmed reviewing the recommendations and deciding whether to agree with them.

Its really a burden on my staff, especially a staff that is short staffed, she said.

Both Harris, Giarrusso and Morrell also complained that the recommendations by the CPC, which contracted the work out to a Colorado firm, seemed inconsistent.

Giarrusso pointed to an STR application that touted it would be a good place for parents of Tulane University students to stay, which the CPC recommended the council member approve, and another that didnt mention parents of students but was closer to Tulane that the CPC recommended the council member deny.

Whatever were doing regarding the exception, that has to be defensible, Morrell said. Im really concerned, when it comes to some of these exceptions, that any perception that theyre not being evenly handled really exposes us to problems.

Robert Rivers, executive director of the CPC, said their office is also overwhelmed and that the criteria they were given for evaluation was very broad. He said he expected the volume of exemption applications to decrease.

Sparks said the STR office is also understaffed. Of the 23 STR positions, there are eight vacancies, with one of them set to be filled when an inspector supervisor starts in August.

Mulligan emphasized the changes the city was making to STR enforcement, including no longer sending diversion letters to operators asking them to take down illegal listings.

Mulligan said the city was now bringing cases forward to hearings on STRs without valid licenses, rather than selecting cases with other violations like noise complaints. He said the city also wouldnt be lenient with those renting out their properties illegally while undergoing the process of applying to become legal.

Sparks mentioned that even when the STR office gets a rental taken down, the same properties are popping back up.

They have Facebook groups where theyre communicating, telling each other how to get past our enforcement process, she said.

Morrell said his office in the coming weeks will introduce legislation that makes STR platforms like Airbnb and VRBO responsible for verifying a valid license number before listing a rental.

The reality is right now you have to keep rechecking them when they go back up, Morrell said. Its like a war youll never win.
The young musical siblings of the heavy rock/grunge group Massasauga have roots in The Boy Scouts Of America and this Friday will be headlining and self-producing a fundraiser for Eagle Scouts. All members of Massasauga are scouts and they are deeply involved in environmental projects tied to the Indiana Dunes.

Also on Friday's bill with the Michigan City-based Plath family rockers --16-year-old Eric (guitar), 12-year-old Matt (bass) and 14-year-old Katie (drums) -- are local bands Angeles, The Creeping Chaos and Gerhart. Tickets are $15 advance/$20 day of show. Tickets at brickartlive.com.

Since forming in 2021, Massasauga has become one of the youngest touring rock bands in the Midwest, playing such noted music venues like Pieres, Austin Community Tavern, Valparaiso Central Park Amphitheatre, Avenue 912, The Music Factory, Acorn Theatre, Hobart Art Theater and many others.

The band formed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic because there was little to do while they were e-learning and sheltering at home. They filled the hours by learning to play instruments and trying to write original songs. When the world began coming out of the Covid deep freeze and playing live gigs became an option, they sought out places to play.

These young rockers who named themselves after the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, released their debut CD, "Slither" last December and the first batch sold out in a matter of weeks. A second pressing of the disc is now available at their live gigs and at some select area record shops. The band reports the album has been streamed over 80,000 times.

Numbered among their fans is world famous rock drummer Tommy Clufetos, who has been the drummer for Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and Ozzy Osbourne. The trio will be doing some live tour dates in August with Clufetos' own band, Tommy's RockTrip. More at massasaughRocks.com and facebook.com/MassasaugaRocks.

Relics set to rock tonight's C.P. Car Cruise

Tonight at Crown Point's Bulldog Park Pavilion (183 S. West St.) the weekly "Classic Car Cruise" returns and brings with it live music courtesy of The Relics, giving a rare live performance.

Once heavily booked throughout the Region, the quintet all but stopped performing a few years ago, but always reunite for their standing annual throw down at Bulldog Park as part of the city's free summer music series. The Relics showing up at Bulldog Park every summer, has become as much a tradition as the concert series itself.

The Relics still draw many of the faithful following built over the decades, only these days those loyal fans have kids and grandkids in tow. The Relics start at 5:45 p.m. Opening at 4 p.m. is classic rock duo -- I.N.D.Y. -- featuring veteran area rockers Keith Benson and Joe Fuqua.

All ages. Free Admission. Food and alcohol available. Lawn chairs and blankets recommended. More:.crownpoint.in.gov.

MUSIC NOTES:

 Tonight's weekly "Acoustic Thursday Music Series" at Montego Bay Grille (322 Main St.) in Hobart finds Danny Lemmon returning to host another monthly "Songwriter Showcase Night." Lemmon gathers a rotating cast of Chicagoland songwriters for these events and tonight's roster features Christine Moody, Karl Ackermann, Patrick Spiroff and LeAnn Stutler showcasing original songs. All ages welcome. Full food and alcohol menu available. More: 219-940-3152 or facebook.com/mobaygrille .

 Boston-based heavy rockers Powerman 5000 have created their own musical sub-genre -- drawing from hip-hop, heavy metal, electronic music and funk -- then creatively fused with a healthy dose of "sci-fi" inspired themes populated by monsters, robots and anime. Powerman 5000's music has been prominently featured in several games and horror films. The group rocks Hobart Art Theater (230 Main St.) in Hobart this Saturday. The 7 p.m. concert includes three opening bands -- Lydia Can't Breath, Chokesetter and My Own Fate -- with tickets priced $25 and up.

Added to the Art's schedule are shows by alt-rockers The Bodens (Oct. 11), punk rockers The Dickies (Nov. 6), and the '70s prog-rock group Wishbone Ash (Dec. 3). More: brickartlive.com.

 Comedian and actor Pete Davidson (star of Peacock's "Bupkis") performs an 8 p.m. show on Friday at Hard Rock Casino Northwest Indiana (5400 W. 29th Ave.) in Gary, at the Hard Rock Live theater. Tickets start: $59.50. R&B group, Jodeci, brings a cache of hit songs from their deep catalog of albums when they perform on Saturday. Tickets start: $105.50

The Hard Rock Cafe stage has a free concert by Region jam band Chester Brown on Friday, followed by the Latin group Latin Swing Factor on Saturday. Music starts at 9 p.m. Blues fans should not miss Mandalyn & The Hunters at the casino's Council Oak Bar stage on Friday at 8 p.m. More: hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.

 "Karaoke" kicks off the weekend tonight from 8-11 p.m. at Leroy's Hot Stuff (333 W. U.S. Hwy. 20) in Porter. The modern sounds of the punk/pop/ska band SKIRT featuring Kyla Webb is found performing on Friday, with the party rock of Zodiac hits the stage on Saturday.

The Blue Steel Blues Society hosts its monthly "Food Drive Blues Jam" on Sunday from 6-9 p.m. Robert Kimbrough, Sr. -- the son of blues icon David "Junior" Kimbrough -- is the special guest host for Sunday's event. Robert is dedicated to keeping the North Mississippi "Cotton Patch Soul Blues"-style of his father alive and well. More: www.leroyshotstuff.com or 219-926-6211.

 The free "Saturday Sidewalk Acoustic Concert" series continues at The Record Bin (218 Main St.) this weekend in Hobart. Original indie rock/pop songwriter Ally Christian performs from 1to 4 p.m. in front of the store, treating visitors to the city's historic downtown district to live music. More: 219-945-9511.

An in-demand performer this summer at restaurants, street fairs, farmer's markets, and fests throughout the Midwest, Christian has been getting some well deserved radio play. Among her best songs are "Gone," "I See You," and "Enabler," now available along with several others for streaming and purchase at allychristian.com. Saturday will be one of Christian's last live Region dates of 2024, since she returns to college in mid-August.

 The pop/rock covers of the band Listen Betty can be heard tonight at the Lakes of Four Seasons Country Club (1054 Sunnyslope Drive) from 7-9 p.m. for this week's installment of the "LOFS Summer Concert Series". Sitting in with the band for this show is special guest Aaron Harris. More: facebook.com/hicksduo .

 Taking the stage tonight at Finnegan's Pub (1074 Joliet St.) in Dyer for an 8 p.m. concert is jam band Strings Beyond Description. Live music returns there on Saturday at 9 p.m. with a performance by the group, Future Ramen. Hosted "Open Mic Nights" are featured every Sunday and Tuesday at 9 p.m. More: finnegansdyer.com or 219-865-9896.

 The "Free Portage Summer Concert Series" presented every Tuesday by Portage Chamber of Commerce at Woodland Park's Oakwood Hall (2100 Willowcreek Road) in Portage finds comedian Haley Hehr presenting his one-man show on July 30. Looking ahead, veteran '60s rockers Oscar & The Majestics perform there on Aug. 6. More: portagelife.com or 219-762-3300.

 Sad to report that as of last weekend, Northwoods Falls (8101 Wicker Ave.) in St. John has closed its doors. No specific reason for closing was given but a posting on the official FB page, suggests the closure may only be temporary. News of the venue's closure sent ripples through the regional music scene. More: facebook.com/NorthwoodsFalls.

 The "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges" interview/music program airs Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. on 89.1FM-Lakeshore Public Media. Stream at lakeshorepublicmedia.org.

"Midwest BEAT Blues" airs Sundays (4-6 p.m.) and Tuesdays (5-7 p.m.) on WIMS-AM/FM via AM-1420, 106.7FM and 95.1FM, where I also host the 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday vinyl program, "Needle Drop." Stream live at wimsradio.com.
CHESTERTON  A 15-year-old boy was taken to the hospital after being struck by a minivan Wednesday afternoon while crossing County Road 1100 North at 11th Street, police said.

The 82-year-old driver, who was also taken to the hospital, reportedly told police she was southbound on 11th Street around 1:18 p.m. when after proceeding from a stop sign at County Road 1100 North she began turning eastbound.

Former Lake tourism chief denies defrauding group of $400K, federal filing says "There is simply no basis in fact for legal claims against Mr. (Speros) Batistatos by SSCVA for either fraud or unjust enrichment in this matter," according to his legal filing.

"She stated she believed the crosswalk was empty, but as soon as she started to make the left turn, she noticed the juvenile in the crosswalk," police said.

The woman told police she swerved but was unable to avoid striking the boy and then hit a NIPSCO pole.

The boy reportedly told police he began crossing the road from the south after seeing the driver in question still attempting to stop at the intersection.

Portage cops injured by drunken driver threatening to slit officer's throat, report says He is also accused of injuring a nurse and threatening to kill the officials and family members.

"Thats when he noticed that (the southbound vehicle had started to turn) and make its way toward him, so he put his arms out to prevent the accident and ended up getting struck by the front bumper," according to police.

The boy complained of minor pain to a leg and his nose, police said.
MICHIGAN CITY  Allowing people to leave a bar or restaurant with alcoholic beverages and walk with their drinks to places like Washington Park beach is under consideration in Michigan City.

Supporters feel the proposal would help promote tourism by enhancing the experience for visitors here, especially during the summer.

Ours is a tourist town and people do come to enjoy, said City Councilman Vidya Kora.

Designated outdoor refreshment areas would be established under an ordinance expected to come up for a vote by the Michigan City Common Council on Aug. 6.

One proposed zone runs along the lakefront, but those boundaries are narrow enough to prohibit restaurant customers from walking across the lines to places like nearby Washington Park Zoo with their alcoholic beverages, said Councilman Greg Coulter, who presented the measure at the council meeting on July 16.

Coulter said the other zone on the citys north end would not allow pedestrians to take beverages containing alcohol from a restaurant to Michigan City Public Library, but they could walk with those drinks to places such as Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets mall.

You have to stay within those boundaries, he said.

One of the select number of participating vendors outlined in the proposal includes Leeds Public House, a gastro pub at 4th and Franklin streets. Sunset Grill at Washington Park and Harbor Country Adventures, which offers food and drinks on its Lake Michigan cruise ship docked at Trail Creek, along with Bartletts Fish Camp near the waters edge, are referred to as potentially taking part.

Coulter said any restaurant or bar and festivals within the zones, though, would be allowed to participate.

To insure compliance, Coulter said the clear plastic 12 ounce and 16 ounce containers holding beer, wine or mixed drinks would be marked with a logo.

He said the logo would reveal they came from a participating restaurant, not from a home where a Solo cup was filled with an adult beverage purchased elsewhere.

Coulter said the ordinance would be in effect from 12 p.m. to midnight, but that could change to reflect the business hours of the establishments.

Kora said he likes the idea but wanted feedback from police on how such a practice can be allowed safely.

Councilwoman Tracie Tillman said she felt the zones were not much different than the restricted areas beer tents and beer festivals operate under already.

There is some concern the measure could result in open partying and other forms of public disruption.

Scott Meland, a local real estate broker, encouraged the council to support it.

Were not going to become New Orleans. It took them a while to get their reputation. Its kind of civilized to be able to order a beer and leave the establishment to go on with your festivities, he said.

Coulter said the matter will be further discussed during a workshop session of the council at 5 p.m. July 30 at City Hall.
When Charles Brill and Merrill Lyons bought land in upstate New York, they imagined building a weekend home there, an escape from their full-time life in Gowanus, Brooklyn. But that was before the pandemic made them rethink the way they lived.

For years before they bought the property, said Mr. Brill, 40, a founder of the lighting company RBW, we would seek out all the different farmers markets of the Hudson Valley and take day trips to different towns, trying to figure out which places they liked best. They finally settled on an eight-acre lot outside Rhinebeck, N.Y., paying $123,000 in September 2019.
Toumani Diabate, a virtuoso of the kora, a 21-stringed West African instrument, which he often put into dialogue with other musical traditions from around the globe, died on Friday in Bamako, Mali. He was 58.

His death, in a hospital, was caused by kidney failure, said his manager, Saul Presa.

Born in Mali to a line of griots, or traditional West African musician-historians, that he traced back more than 70 generations, Mr. Diabate was devoted to celebrating the heritage of Mande-speaking peoples throughout West Africa, and to sharing that history with the world.

If you think of West Africa as a body, then the griot is the blood, he told The New York Times in 2006. We are the guardians of West Africas society. We are communicators.

He believed that music could transcend national borders set by colonialism and restore ancient ties, even as it embraced the changes of a globalizing society. That mission inspired him to create his flagship ensemble, the Symmetric Orchestra.
Donald Trump has openly said that if he wins in November and returns to office, he wont be a dictator, except for Day 1. Kevin Roberts, the president of the Heritage Foundation, the right-wing think tank that organized the potentially country-altering Project 2025, has said, We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be. And on Monday at a rally for JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, an Ohio state senator named George Lang said, Im afraid if we lose this one, its going to take a civil war to save the country, and it will be saved.

Into this storm, Vice President Kamala Harris has been drafted as the new best hope for the Democratic Party and perhaps for democracy as weve known it; indeed, President Bidens replacement this late in the 2024 campaign could have been only she.

After Bidens disconcerting debate performance in June, I, like many others, was concerned that the debate over changing the top of the ticket would be a pretext for Democratic insiders to swing open the door to multiple alternative candidates; that they were operating under a delusion and didnt understand the stubborn math of the Democratic coalition.

Fortunately, Democrats appear to have avoided another intraparty skirmish. Exhausted by weeks of infighting over Bidens withdrawal, theyve quickly coalesced around Harris, who has collected enough delegate support to make her their presumptive nominee.
President Biden told the American public in an Oval Office address on Wednesday that he had abandoned his re-election campaign because there is a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices  yes, younger voices.

His words, lasting 11 minutes in all, were the first extensive ones from Mr. Biden since his decision to step aside, and expanded on his initial announcement, delivered in a post on social media on Sunday, that he was dropping out of the race. His tone was wistful and his speech was an early farewell.

Its been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years, he said.

Sitting behind the Resolute Desk and surrounded by photos of his family, Mr. Biden ticked through the accomplishments of his term, ranging from the choice of the first Black woman to be a Supreme Court justice to pulling the country out of a paralyzing pandemic. He expressed gratitude to the American people for allowing a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pa., to reach the pinnacle of American politics.

Just beyond the camera, dozens of aides and several members of his family, including Jill Biden, the first lady, watched as Mr. Biden said he would walk away from the office they had worked to help him reach for decades.
The Justice Departments in-house watchdog found no evidence of political interference in the reduction of a prison sentence proposed for the longtime Trump ally Roger Stone in 2020, attributing the stunning reversal to ineffectual leadership, according to a report released on Wednesday.

The report concluded a four-year investigation into the decision by Attorney General William P. Barr in February 2020 to reduce Mr. Stones proposed sentence to about three years, after initially recommending seven to nine. The episode incited accusations of political interference and prompted four prosecutors in the case to resign.

The decision to seek a lighter sentence was announced after President Donald J. Trump sharply criticized the harsher sentence initially proposed by career prosecutors after Mr. Stone was convicted in 2019 for lying to Congress during its investigation into Mr. Trumps connections to Russia. He denounced the sentencing recommendation as a miscarriage of justice.

But the inspector general, Michael E. Horowitz, concluded that Mr. Barr had argued that the more stringent sentence was unreasonably harsh before Mr. Trump expressed those sentiments. Mr. Barr was blindsided by a subordinate who had led him to believe the department would request a lesser prison term, Mr. Horowitz wrote.
Good evening. Vice President Kamala Harriss presidential campaign is only just beginning, but disinformation about her is already rampant online. My colleague Tiffany Hsu, a technology reporter, joins us tonight to take a look.

Vice President Kamala Harris has been campaigning for president for three days. And she is already facing disinformation and abuse of a far different caliber than President Biden ever has.

Ever since Sunday, when Biden backed her candidacy for president in his stead, many social media posts have parroted variations on the sexist and racist rumors that have followed Harris for years. Within hours of Bidens announcement, more than 11 percent of related mentions of Harris on X involved attacks related to her race or gender, according to the data firm PeakMetrics. Many posts, including one from a woman running for secretary of state in Missouri, involved hostile sexual references.

Democrats such as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York quickly came to Harriss defense; some Republican leaders also urged fellow party members to focus on Harriss record rather than her identity.
Former President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday blasted Vice President Kamala Harris as radically liberal and blamed her for what he called the Biden administrations disastrous policies, repurposing attacks he had long leveled at President Biden now that Ms. Harris is poised to be his opponent in November.

But in a signal of how his campaign strategy may shift after Mr. Biden dropped out of the race and Ms. Harris cleared the field of potential Democratic rivals, Mr. Trump at a rally in Charlotte, N.C., denigrated her time as a prosecutor and attacked Ms. Harris as radical on abortion, an effort to undercut what may be two of her strongest arguments to voters.

Ms. Harris has vowed to restore nationwide abortion rights, an issue that has galvanized Democrats and lifted their candidates since Supreme Court justices appointed by Mr. Trump overturned Roe v. Wade. She is expected in her campaign to highlight a prosecutor versus felon message that will draw attention to her background as a prosecutor while pointing to Mr. Trumps four criminal cases and 34 felony convictions in Manhattan.

Mr. Trump, who earlier this year said he supported states setting their own abortion policies, has never appeared particularly comfortable talking about the issue. In Charlotte, he stumbled to pronounce the word abortion, as he called Ms. Harris a total radical on the issue, then falsely claimed that she supported abortion even after birth, the execution of a baby, something no state law supports.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, in a defiant address to members of Congress on Wednesday, defended his countrys war with Hamas in Gaza and criticized American protesters and international human rights groups.

Some of his remarks have been disputed by human rights groups, and others are unverifiable or lacked context. Heres a closer look.

What Was Said

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 tons of food, and thats more than 3,000 calories for every man, woman and child in Gaza.

Aid groups and the United Nations have warned that hundreds of thousands of Gazans face starvation and that the strip is on the brink of famine.

Mr. Netanyahu contended that none of that was Israels fault, and referred to one analysis of aid that has entered Gaza. In a working paper using data from COGAT, the Israeli military agency coordinating aid delivery, academics in Israel calculated that more than 14,000 aid trucks had entered Gaza from January to April and provided food equivalent to more than 3,300 calories per day.

But the number of trucks allowed into the strip and the amount of aid they carry have been in dispute. Israel and the United Nations used different methodologies to track the deliveries. Moreover, once aid enters Gaza, it is not clear how much reaches those in need. NPR recently reported on sacks of flour and boxes of fruit and vegetables piling up on the Gazan side of a crossing. Humanitarian groups told NPR that difficulties in coordinating movement with the Israeli military, the continuing fighting, fuel shortages and looting were all obstacles to delivering that aid.
Thousands of protesters from across the United States flooded the streets around a battened-down U.S. Capitol before, during and after a speech by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon.

The elevated security around the Capitol echoed preparations for a presidential inauguration or the days following the Jan. 6 attack on the building in 2021. Starting Tuesday night, the Capitol Police erected a tall chain-link fence around the Capitol building and set up barricades on the broad avenues surrounding it.

The Capitol Police also called in reinforcements from at least six other law enforcement agencies. Officers from the Baltimore Police, the New York City Police and Department of Homeland Security joined local D.C. police offers at the rally scene. Amtrak police and U.S. Park Police were at the nearby Union Station.

While the main protest site, west of the Capitol near the National Gallery of Art, was peaceful through the afternoon, smaller breakoff groups clashed with the police near the Capitol and outside Union Station, where they burned an effigy of Mr. Netanyahu and set fire to an American flag.

The Capitol Police and Washington Metropolitan Police made arrests across the city: eight near Union Station; five on the National Mall, after they crossed a police line a few blocks west of the Capitol; and six who protested inside the House galleries, according to the Capitol Police.

Hours before Mr. Netanyahu was scheduled to take the podium inside the House chamber, demonstrators rallied around a stage in the main protest area, near the east wing of the National Gallery of Art. Waving Palestinian flags and wearing kaffiyehs to symbolize their allegiance with Gazans, the protesters carried banners calling for a halt to American aid for Israel and an end to the war. Several signs called Mr. Netanyahu a war criminal.
The Louisiana rap duo Suicideboys have avoided nearly all the trappings of the contemporary music machine. They rarely grant interview requests and make the occasional public appearance with their faces partially covered. Still, Scott Arceneaux Jr. (known as Scrim) and Aristos Petrou (a.k.a. Ruby da Cherry) recently celebrated their biggest opening week on the Billboard chart yet: a No. 5 debut for their fourth album, New World Depression, last month.

Its kind of hard, dude, Arceneaux, 35, said of dealing with their ever-growing visibility as one of the biggest independent rap groups in the United States. Its taken on a life of its own.

Over the last decade, a passionate and adoring fan base has been drawn to Suicideboys blend of Southern rap rhythms and pop-punk melodies, all cloaked in the lush, depressive fog of internet-native hip-hop. They became underground heroes by making raw music about triggering subjects, which they relentlessly promoted on their own until their fan base snowballed into a force the music industry couldnt ignore.

In 2021, on the strength of an audience theyd bootstrapped since 2014, they signed an eight-figure distribution deal with the Orchard, a Sony Music subsidiary, that was re-upped last year. Their semiannual Grey Day Tour  a mini-festival thats featured similarly ascendant peers like the hardcore band Turnstile and the Florida rap aesthete Denzel Curry  has catapulted them onto the list of raps highest-grossing touring acts, taking in over $42 million and selling 431,000 tickets in 2023.
TV audiences have an appetite for a good class-conscious satire of rich people on holiday in a fabulous location  say, a stunning Italian getaway  and the servants who attend them. The new Netflix series The Decameron draws on medieval literature to offer a raucous twist on this premise, heightened with the looming threat of bubonic plague.

The White Lotus, meet the Black Death.

In the 14th-century work by Giovanni Boccaccio, a precursor to Chaucers Canterbury Tales, 10 young people flee to a rural estate from disease-ridden Florence, entertaining one another by telling stories both dramatic and raunchy. The 10 tales per refugee, as told over 10 days, makes for a cycle of 100 stories, proving that even before streaming media, creators knew how to stretch out material to series length.

The eight-episode Netflix series, arriving Thursday, is a loose adaptation  very loose, like a caftan. It borrows Boccaccios character names and setting, with some nods to the source stories. But the creator, Kathleen Jordan (of the gone-too-soon Teenage Bounty Hunters), reimagines it as a rollicking social comedy of striving and survival.

Jordan introduces four sets of characters, offered respite at a villa in, as the invitation puts it, the beautiful, not-infected countryside.
Our recommendations this week tilt toward works of fiction, with a new story collection from the incomparable Joy Williams (its about Azrael, the angel who escorts dead souls to their final destinations) and novels by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Akwaeke Emezi and Julia Phillips. In nonfiction, we recommend a wide-angle history of Black resistance and a cultural history of the Federal Theater Project, a Depression-era government arts program that fell prey to the politics of the day. Happy reading.  Gregory Cowles

LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE

Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Based on a true story, this novel by the author of Fleishman Is in Trouble follows a dysfunctional suburban family decades after the father, a prominent businessman, is kidnapped from his driveway. Now his children are in their 30s and 40s, and laying out the ways they are screwed up by latent trauma, their fathers repression and the wealth that insulates them.
Over the past 15 years, China has come to dominate the global market for solar energy. Nearly every solar panel on the planet is made by a Chinese company. Even the equipment to manufacture solar panels is made almost entirely in China. The countrys solar panel exports, measured by how much power they can produce, jumped another 10 percent in May over last year.

But Chinas solar panel domestic industry is in upheaval.

Wholesale prices plummeted by almost half last year and have fallen another 25 percent this year. Chinese manufacturers are competing for customers by cutting prices far below their costs, and still keep building more factories.

The price slashing has taken a severe toll on Chinas solar companies. Stock prices of its five biggest makers of panels and other equipment have halved in the past 12 months. Since late June, at least seven large Chinese manufacturers have warned that they will announce heavy losses for the first half of this year.
This past Sunday was the warmest single day ever recorded, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the European Union-funded research organization. That is, until Monday, when global temperatures inched up a bit more. Then Monday became the hottest day in modern history, with an average global temperature of 17.16 Celsius or 62.88 Fahrenheit. Tuesday was almost as hot.

The records shouldnt come as a complete surprise. Earth tends to be at its warmest during the Northern Hemispheres summer. The previous record for the planets warmest day came last July.

But what stunned scientists wasnt the temperature of the hottest day ever recorded, which was up slightly from last year, it was how much hotter than usual its been during the rest of the year, between these two summer peaks. Instead of returning to something close to normal, average global surface temperatures have remained stubbornly high for more than a year now.

What is truly staggering is how large the difference is between the temperature of the last 13 months and the previous temperature records, said Carlo Buontempo, director of Copernicus. We are now in truly uncharted territory, and as the climate keeps warming, we are bound to see new records being broken in future months and years.
Wildfire smoke from hundreds of fires burning in the West reached New England on Thursday afternoon. A long tendril of haze could lower air quality in cities along the coast, including in Delaware, New Jersey, Cape Cod, New Hampshire, New York City and even parts of Maine.

Last summer, Canadas record wildfires at times blanketed smoke across the United States as far south as Florida, and the current fires have raised fears that this year could see a similar intensity.

Where are most of the fires?

Wildfires are burning across Western Canada and the Western United States, where 89 active wildfires had burned more than 1.6 million acres as of Thursday morning, with the most extreme fires concentrated in Oregon and Washington.

In Canadas westernmost provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, more than 600 wildfires were actively burning and tens of thousands of people had been evacuated from their homes, including in Jasper, a popular tourist destination.
Ill never forget the first time I tried a sweetened, iced Vietnamese coffee, or ca phe sua da: I was subletting a room with my friend Elizabeth one muggy summer in Athens, Ga.  every summer is muggy in Athens  and she had just returned from a study abroad trip to Southeast Asia. She brought back a new obsession with Vietnamese coffee, which she passed on to me.

Since then, Ive had a real taste for ca phe culture. As someone who used to make coffee in a moka pot every day, I appreciate the ritual of preparing a really good cup of Vietnamese coffee, which traditionally involves pouring very hot water over ground coffee, drip-style, through a phin filtering device. But then again, traditions are meant to be flipped on their heads.
Any enjoyment of Fatih Akins protracted, genre-hopping Rhinegold requires that you give a hoot about its thoroughly unlikable subject, a violent criminal and, later, successful rap artist named Giwar Hajabi. And while Emilio Sakraya deserves respect for tackling the monumentally unsympathetic role of the adult Hajabi, his cocky charisma only underscores the movies seeming enchantment with his characters wrongdoing. As does a fairy-tale ending featuring frolicking, animated mermaids.

Inspired by Hajabis tumultuous life, Rhinegold opens in 2010 with his torture in a Syrian prison for refusing to cough up the bullion from an audacious gold heist. From there, the film flashes back to his inauspicious birth in a rubble-strewn cave as his parents, both Kurdish musicians, flee the Iranian Revolution. By the mid-1990s, safely settled in Bonn, the young Hajabi is busily selling drugs and purloined pornography while perfecting his ability to deliver bare-fisted beatdowns. Luckily, the Persian beauty (Sogol Faghani) he has his eye on will later forgive the vicious pummeling he gives an adversary right in front of her.
A Tennessee anti-abortion activist was sentenced to over three years in prison on Tuesday after she tried to block patients from entering a Planned Parenthood clinic in Lower Manhattan in June 2020.

A New York jury found in February that the activist, Bevelyn Beatty Williams, had violated a federal law protecting access to reproductive health clinics when she threatened patients, and in some cases physically confronted them, as they tried to enter Planned Parenthoods Manhattan Health Center. Ms. Beatty Williams, who is originally from Staten Island, cited her Catholic faith in defense of her actions, according to court documents.

On Tuesday, a judge sentenced Ms. Beatty Williams to 41 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. The judge recommended that Ms. Beatty Williams be transferred to a prison in Tennessee with mental health facilities.

The federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act prohibits threats of force, obstruction and property damage intended to interfere with reproductive health care services, according to the Department of Justice.
A former teacher at an elite private high school in Brooklyn was charged on Thursday with soliciting sexually explicit images of children, prosecutors said.

The teacher, Winston Nguyen, who was arrested in front of students last month, taught math at Saint Anns School in Brooklyn Heights. Between October 2022 and May 2024, Mr. Nguyen pretended at least 11 times to be a teenager and fellow student on social media, then enticed or tried to entice teenage students to send him images of nudity and sexual performances, according to prosecutors at the Brooklyn district attorneys office.

Mr. Nguyen, 37, who lives in Harlem, used two different Snapchat accounts to exchange messages with the children  five girls and one boy, all between the ages of 13 and 15  prosecutors said. The teenagers attended four private schools in Brooklyn: Saint Anns, Poly Prep Country Day School, Berkeley Carroll School and Packer Collegiate Institute.

Mr. Nguyen was charged with use of a child in a sexual performance, promoting a sexual performance by a child and disseminating indecent material to a minor, among other charges.
Manhattan prosecutors are urging the judge who oversaw Donald J. Trumps criminal hush-money trial to uphold his conviction, seeking to cast doubt on the former presidents long-shot bid to overturn the case because of a recent Supreme Court ruling.

In a court filing made public on Thursday, the Manhattan district attorneys office argued that the Supreme Courts decision this month granting Mr. Trump broad immunity for official actions he took in the White House had no bearing on this prosecution.

Although the high courts ruling was a blow to a separate criminal case against Mr. Trump in Washington, the Manhattan charges did not hinge on official acts. Instead, the Manhattan prosecutors noted, he was convicted in May of covering up a sex scandal that had threatened to derail his 2016 campaign, a personal and political crisis that did not involve his conduct as president.

Mr. Trumps lawyers, seeking to link the two cases, have mounted a novel argument. In a recent filing to the judge who presided over the Manhattan trial, Juan M. Merchan, they contended that the Supreme Courts decision had invalidated at least some of the evidence presented in Manhattan, including the testimony of former White House employees and tweets that Mr. Trump sent as president. The Supreme Court, they noted, had held that official acts could be inadmissible as evidence  even if a case concerned private misconduct.
In March, as Mayor Eric Adams began an aggressive crackdown on New York City landlords who were behind on water bill payments, a public school safety agent and her family were presented with a brand-new $24,000 water bill.

If they did not pay at least $6,000 immediately, the city said, it would shut off the water to the home the woman shared with her husband, a diabetic car-service driver, and their 9- and 15-year-old children.

The mayors crackdown  announced in front of a boutique Manhattan hotel that was in arrears  suggested he was targeting large landlords, as a way to drum up payments to help preserve the vast water system on which all New Yorkers rely.

But the city may also be targeting homeowners who are aging, taking care of young children or suffering from serious medical problems, in defiance of state and city regulations that aim to protect vulnerable New Yorkers, according to a lawsuit filed by Legal Services NYC on Wednesday in Federal District Court in Brooklyn.
Over the past 15 years, China has expanded its once-minimal military presence in the South China Sea into a significant one.

Beijing has laid claim to nearly all of the strategic waterway, a vital shipping lifeline for the global economy that is rich in energy and fishery resources. China has used nonmilitary assets such as its Coast Guard, fishing vessels and maritime militia to bully its neighbors, blockade their ships and build Chinese military bases on disputed islands.

America is partly to blame. It has condemned Chinas behavior, but, eager to avoid escalation, has consistently refrained from standing up militarily, which has only further emboldened Beijing. A new approach is needed. The United States must take real action to strengthen alliances and confront China before it eventually takes control of this hugely important body of water without firing a shot.

Like any unchallenged bully, China has become increasingly aggressive. Last month, Chinese Coast Guard personnel attacked a Philippine supply vessel with axes and other crude weapons  Manila says a Filipino sailor and several others were injured  in one of the worst acts of violence between China and its rivals in the South China Sea in years. The incident took place near the Sierra Madre, a rusting World War II-era ship that the Philippines had beached 25 years ago at Second Thomas Shoal to assert its territorial claim. The shoal lies about 120 miles off the Philippine island of Palawan and is well within the nations exclusive economic zone.
Nobody should be dying of syphilis in 2024. Thats the credo of Elizabeth Glaser, a public health nurse for the Indian Health Service, who drives thousands of miles throughout the Navajo Nation searching for community members with the infection. Once theyre found, Dr. Glaser administers shots of penicillin as treatment, at peoples homes, RVs, even in the back seat of her car.

Yet despite the good work of those like Dr. Glaser and the availability of cheap and effective treatment, the United States is experiencing rampant increases in syphilis. Left untreated, infection can lead to devastating neurological consequences such as blindness, deafness, madness and death. While other reportable sexually transmitted infections declined or remained flat during the pandemic, over 207,000 cases of syphilis were reported in 2022, an 80 percent increase since 2018 and the highest number reported since 1950.

Most disturbing within this trend is the rise in congenital syphilis. Over 3,700 cases were reported in 2022, which is more than double the number of cases of mother-to-child transmission of H.I.V. at the height of the AIDS crisis. Nearly 300 infected babies were stillborn or died in the first year of life.

How did we get into this situation? More important, how do we get out of it? The answers differ for each population most affected by the epidemic: pregnant women, and gay and bisexual men. To tackle congenital syphilis, we must cast off societal squeamishness about S.T.I.s and invest in proven control strategies: public education, testing, treatment and contact tracing. For gay and bisexual men, we need to embrace novel prevention interventions if we are to outwit this wily disease.
Donald Trump loves to show off how smart he is. Im, like, a smart person, he boasted on one occasion. I went to an Ivy League college, I was a nice student, he said on another. Im a very intelligent person. And perhaps most memorably, Im a very stable genius.

But the dopey language he chooses, along with his disheveled, unpresidented grammar  both intentional and inadvertent  belies those assertions. Its impossible to forget that this is the same guy who spells little liddle, capitalizes at random and blunders out the occasional covfefe.

Trump is shrewd enough to know that Americans dont like a guy who acts smart. So if his fumbles are strategic, its not entirely dumb. On the left, people think emphasizing intellect and elite schools betrays unfair advantage in a multiple-intelligences, equitable-outcome world. On the right, your average MAGA Joe bristles at anyone who comes across as a coastal elite or too smart for his own good.

In its recent populist incarnation, Republicans downplay any whiff of intellectualism by avoiding big words in favor of Kid Rock fandom and trucker hat slogans. In MAGA world, glorified ignorance actually serves as a qualification for higher office (see: Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene), empowering more effective rage against the liberal elite and the ruling class.
Ts monthly travel series, Flocking To, highlights places you might already have on your wish list, sharing tips from frequent visitors and locals alike. Sign up here to find us in your inbox once a month, and to receive our weekly T List newsletter. Have a question? You can always reach us at tlist@nytimes.com.

Before Australias East Coast burnished its reputation as a haven of sun, sand and sea, it was the temperate climate of Tasmania, the countrys largest island, that lured visitors from across the British Empire. Sometimes called the sanitarium of the south, it was noted for its salubrious climes, which were considered an antidote to havoc wrought on delicate constitutions by tours in the equatorial colonies. Some two centuries later, the heart-shaped landmass 150 miles off the mainlands southeast coast is still seen as a place of invigorating isolation.

Roughly the same size as West Virginia, with a population of just over half a million, Tasmania is a patchwork of pastures and wilderness surrounded by rugged coastlines and windswept bays. About 50 percent of the island is protected from development; nearly a quarter is World Heritage listed.

The islands antipodean charms and violent history have long captured the imagination of artists. William Charles Piguenit, born a convicts son in Hobart, the Tasmanian capital, in 1836, saw his depictions of the islands landscape shown in Paris and London around the turn of the 20th century and is widely regarded as one of Australias first artists of note. Throughout the 20th century, fine art continued to flourish in Tasmania. The Polish sculptor Ewa Pachucka and the Czech painter Tom Samek were among a slew of international and interstate artists who took up residence there.

In recent decades, a new wave of creative professionals have descended on the remote island. In its West Coast region, Queenstown, a former mining town of fewer than 2,000 residents, has become an unlikely hub for artists and home to the Unconformity, a biennial contemporary arts festival. But it was the improbable addition of MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art), which opened in Hobart in 2011, that cemented the islands credibility as an international art destination. The brainchild of David Walsh, a prodigious professional gambler and irreverent art collector who grew up in the nearby suburb of Glenorchy, this concrete and steel bastion on the banks of the Derwent River currently contains more than 450 antiquities and avant-garde artworks.
It was an incident that seemed to bolster President Donald J. Trumps claim that election workers were scheming against him: In September 2020, the Justice Department announced it was investigating the dumping of pro-Trump absentee ballots in Pennsylvania.

But prosecutors quickly determined it was an innocent error. A mentally impaired seasonal elections employee had mistakenly believed that nine ballots were invalid, and tossed them in a dumpster  yet the fact that no charges would be brought was not made public until well after Joseph R. Biden Jr. defeated Mr. Trump.

On Thursday, nearly four years later, the Justice Departments in-house watchdog issued a scathing report criticizing the attorney general at the time, William P. Barr, and David Freed, then a Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Pennsylvania, for publicly disclosing a continuing criminal investigation and allowing a mistaken perception of the incident to linger during an election.

The inspector general, Michael E. Horowitz, said he was particularly troubled by Mr. Barrs decision to brief Mr. Trump on the inquiry, which, in turn, might have encouraged him to make false and exaggerated claims about election security.
Follow the latest news about the 2024 election, and the Trump and Harris campaigns.

For the first time since Donald J. Trump was indicted in the spring of 2023, he has lost his grip on the news cycle and  temporarily at least  his message. Instead of commanding morning-to-night media attention, the former president and his allies suddenly find themselves reacting to their opponents.

Its an unfamiliar experience for Mr. Trump, who has monopolized Americas televisions, newspapers and smartphones for more than 12 months through indictments, primary victories, 34 felony convictions, an assassination attempt and a Republican National Convention at which he was celebrated as a quasi-religious figure.

In the three days since President Biden announced he was quitting the 2024 race, Mr. Trump has entered foreign territory. He has been largely crowded out from earned media, or organic news coverage that spreads rapidly among voters and costs campaigns nothing to produce. And his message has been, for the moment, scrambled as Democrats have replaced an old, frail white man with a younger Black woman who is campaigning energetically and giving new life to the Democratic base.

Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Mr. Biden endorsed on Sunday and around whom Democrats rapidly coalesced, has enjoyed a political hot streak that Mr. Bidens advisers could have only dreamed of during the 2024 campaign.
A raging wildfire in Northern California known as the Park fire has ballooned to more than 120,000 acres, quickly becoming the largest in the state so far this year, as scores more fires burning along the West Coast signaled an early start to what could be a devastating fire season.

The authorities said the fire, burning near the college town of Chico, north of Sacramento, is believed to have been sparked by a man accused of pushing a burning car into a gully Wednesday afternoon, sending it 60 feet down an embankment.

The man, Ronnie Dean Stout, a 42-year-old Chico resident, was arrested after witnesses said they saw him push the car down into the gully and then calmly leave the area, apparently trying to blend into a crowd of people fleeing the rapidly growing flames, according to the Butte County District Attorneys Office.

The Park fire was one of scores burning in the western United States, creating smoky skies that reached all the way to the East Coast.
Teenagers toyed with guns at a museum exhibit. Young men posed in front of posters of the countrys military leader. Over dinner in restaurants, families watched television monitors showing footage of drone strikes.

The event was billed as a national cultural festival in the West African nation of Burkina Faso. But it often resembled a mobilization campaign in the all-out war against the Islamist terrorists who have gradually occupied the country in recent years.

The motherland or death, Alaila Ilboudo, a spoken word artist, shouted onstage to the cheers of crowds at the festival, held in May in Bobo-Dioulasso, the countrys second largest city.
A tanker sank in Philippine waters and began spilling fuel oil on Thursday, as the remnants of a typhoon complicated efforts to contain the spill.

The MT Terra Nova, a tanker flying under the flag of the Philippines, sank four miles east of Lamao Point in Limay, Bataan, a province northwest of the capital, Manila, early Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard said. Sixteen crew members were rescued and at least one person died. The vessel was carrying 1.4 metric tons of industrial fuel oil, according to the coast guard.
Typhoon Gaemi reached southeastern China on Thursday night as rescue personnel searched for six sailors still missing after a cargo ship sank in bad weather near Taiwan.

According to Chinas Fujian Meteorological Bureau, the typhoon made landfall in Putian, Fujian Province, at 7:50 p.m. local time with reported wind speeds of around 73 miles per hour, the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean.

Earlier, the tropical cyclone had slammed into Taiwan on Wednesday night with wind speeds equivalent to those of a Category 3 hurricane in the Atlantic. It submerged roads, led to flight cancellations, and forced the closing of schools and businesses.
Sylvain Saudan, who was widely known as the skier of the impossible for his audacious and potentially life-ending descents down some of the steepest, most inaccessible slopes in the world, died on July 14 at his home in Les Houches, France. He was 87.

His longtime partner, Marie-Jose Valencot, said the cause was a heart attack.

That Mr. Saudan lived into his ninth decade puzzled many people  including Mr. Saudan himself.

Beginning in 1967, when he plunged down the Spencer Couloir on the mountain Aiguille de Blaitiere in France  a 55-degree slope roughly equivalent, on skis, to a free fall  Mr. Saudan spent his life defying gravity, avalanches and obituary writers.

One mistake, you die, Mr. Saudan once said. You fall, you become a prisoner of the mountain  forever.
As local and state leaders try to curb unlawful cannabis sales, Buffalo is in the process of drafting legislation that would align the citys laws with the Office of Cannabis Managements efforts, and allow the city to padlock shops selling unlicensed cannabis.

At Tuesdays Common Council meeting, Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope called for a new local law that would fine businesses in Buffalo involved in unlicensed cannabis sales and permit the padlocking of the buildings where unlicensed sales take place. It tasks the citys corporate council with drafting a new local law aimed at dovetailing local regulations and enforcement actions with state ones.

Theyve been making money long enough, and so its time for them to either shutter their doors, or we can padlock them, she said.

Pope said unlicensed cannabis stores pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of the community.

What these illegal stores are doing is theyre selling something thats not regulated. Its not been tested, she said. Youre putting the community at risk.

Unlicensed cannabis also interferes with the regulated market, she said.

Theyre 100% everywhere. And some of them are very bold. They dont see any reason why they should close, Pope said.

Tonawanda cannabis company alleges retaliation by state agency The owner of Tonawanda cannabis delivery company Canterra is alleging the state Office of Cannabis Management has retaliated against his company for speaking out publicly against it.

The purpose of (legalizing cannabis sales) was to create equity, but also to make sure that money was put back into those communities that were disproportionately impacted by the giant war on drugs, which completely decimated families, homes, communities, she said. If you have illegal cannabis, that money isnt going there.

The resolution directs corporate council to draft a local law addressing fines and padlocking by Friday.

According to state law, the Office of Cannabis Management can padlock a business immediately following an inspection if they are selling illicit cannabis in a manner that poses an imminent threat to health, safety, and welfare.

At the OCMs request, any police officer with jurisdiction can assist the OCM with executing padlock orders.

Cities and county governments can also initiate their own padlocking programs if they pass a local law that complies with New Yorks padlocking statute and notify the OCM, the cannabis office said.

The state can conduct emergency padlocking of a store selling cannabis illegally if there is:

Documented sale to minors.

Products not tested or labeled according to New York cannabis law.

Unlicensed processing of cannabis products at the building or premises.

Violent conduct.

Presence of unlawful firearms at the building or premises.

Proximity to schools, houses of worship, or public youth facilities.

Products leading to illness or hospitalization.

The emergency padlock stays in effect for one year. Removing or damaging a padlock is a Class A misdemeanor obstructing governmental administration.

State shutters Hamburg head shop for pot sales "Illicit cannabis" was seized and the location was ordered to close and stop selling unauthorized cannabis, according to a sign on the building at 5310 Southwestern Blvd.

In the last 60 days, the OCM has padlocked 208 illicit cannabis businesses statewide. Most of the illegal cannabis seized has been from producers outside the state, OCM enforcement officials said.

The OCM works with an enforcement task force that operates with 26 separate state agencies contributing 200 personnel to the effort.

Once a shop is padlocked, the OCM sends an advisory to the building owner, saying that if they dont take immediate steps to evict the offending tenant and cancel the lease of the unlicensed shop, the OCM will send a letter to the mortgage holder of the property alerting them to the illegal activities, and that they need to take whatever authority they have to deal with that situation, said James Rogers, the OCMs director of small business development.

The result is that landlords are canceling leases and evicting people and now, finally, at long last, quite involved in getting our streets back where they need to be in terms of legal behavior, he said. They, for the most part, are putting their money where their mouth is.

Rogers said property owners should be aware that consequences are severe.

Check in with your tenants, make sure you know what theyre doing, prevent the illicit activity. Its really up to you to do that, he said. Its time to step up and make sure that people who are renting from you are conducting legal and lawful businesses in our neighborhoods.
For 10 months, Britains Conservative government had moved almost in lock step with the United States in its response to Israels war in Gaza. Now, under its new Labour government, Britain is edging away from its closest ally on the conflict.

By the end of this week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to drop the previous governments objections to the International Criminal Court prosecutors pursuit of an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, two people briefed on the governments deliberations said. The two people spoke on the condition of anonymity given the political sensitivities of the issue.

Last week, Britain said it would restart funding for the main United Nations agency that aids Palestinians, UNRWA, having concluded that the agency had taken steps to ensure that it meets the highest standards of neutrality. The Israeli government had accused a dozen of the agencys employees of playing a role in the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks on Israel or their aftermath.

Taken together, these steps show a government that is willing to pile more pressure on Mr. Netanyahu for Israels harsh military response in Gaza. It also shows that Mr. Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, is paying more heed to international legal institutions than the United States.
The Ukrainian authorities detained a suspect on Thursday in the killing of Iryna Farion, a divisive far-right Ukrainian politician who was shot dead by a gunman last week in the western city of Lviv, a crime that shocked the nation.

Ihor Klymenko, Ukraines interior minister, said in a statement that there was sufficient evidence that the suspect, whom he identified only as an 18-year-old man, had killed Ms. Farion. He said the suspect had been arrested in his hometown, Dnipro, a large city more than 500 miles east of Lviv in eastern Ukraine.

Mr. Klymenko added that a preliminary investigation suggested that the suspect had worked with others to plan the killing. He added that the suspect, while preparing for the killing for at least two months, had rented at least three apartments in Lviv. Mr. Klymenko did not rule out the possibility of Russian involvement.

Ms. Farion died on Friday after an unknown assailant shot her in broad daylight near her home in Lviv. Witnesses told Ukrainian news outlets that the killer fired a single shot and quickly fled.
A new study analyzing the first 17 days of Israels bombardment in the Gaza Strip found that the Gaza Ministry of Healths death toll, a subject of debate at the time, was reliable.

The study, conducted by Airwars, a British organization that assesses claims of civilian harm in conflicts, added to previous research suggesting that the Health Ministrys figures in the early days of the war were credible.

In late October, the Health Ministry published the names of about 7,000 people who had been killed in the first 17 days of the war. Of the thousands of Israeli airstrikes and other explosions during that time period, only a fraction  350 events  were analyzed by Airwars for the study released Wednesday. Airwars said it was able to independently identify 3,000 names, most of which matched the ministrys list.

As a result, Airwars said, it felt confident the ministrys casualty reporting system at the beginning of the war was reliable and that it was working to analyze additional strikes and explosions.

Airwars reported that more recent ministry figures had become less accurate after the destruction of the territorys health system.

The war has, however, clearly devastated the civilian population in Gaza. On Wednesday, the ministry, whose death toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, said that more than 39,000 people had been killed.
Israeli forces retrieved the bodies of five Israelis held in Gaza, the Israeli military said on Thursday, amid growing international pressure for a cease-fire deal that would involve the release of the remaining captives.

The bodies were found on Wednesday in a tunnel shaft in a Khan Younis zone that Israel previously designated as a humanitarian area where Gazan civilians could go to avoid the fighting and to receive aid, the Israeli military said. The shaft was nearly 220 yards long and more than 20 yards underground, with several rooms, the military said.

Israel has said that Hamas has exploited the humanitarian zone to launch rockets at Israel, as well as use it for other military purposes. Aid groups have lamented that Israel has occasionally struck the area, despite telling Gazans they would be safer there. There was no immediate response from Hamas.

Israel has been carrying out a new operation in Khan Younis this week, using tanks and fighter jets to strike what it has described as Hamas infrastructure in the southern Gaza city. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, told reporters the renewed offensive aimed in part to enable the operation to retrieve the bodies.
Vice President Kamala Harris offered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strong support for Israels right to defend itself from terrorism on Thursday but declared that far too many innocent civilians had died in Gaza and that I will not be silent about their suffering.

In what amounted to her debut on the world stage since her rapid ascension as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, Ms. Harris sought to strike a balance and capture what she called the complexity of the strife in the Middle East. But while she did not stray from President Biden on policy, she struck a stronger tone on the plight of Palestinians.

What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating, she told reporters after meeting with Mr. Netanyahu at the White House complex. The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time  we cannot look away in the face of these tragedies, we cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent.

She noted that she had also met with the families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since its Oct. 7 terrorist attack and expressed distress for their anguish, making a point of reciting the names of each of the hostages with U.S. citizenship. Ive told them each time they are not alone, and I stand with them, she said. And President Biden and I are working every day to bring them home.

In a sign of the changing order in Washington since Mr. Biden withdrew from the presidential race on Sunday, Ms. Harris offered the only substantive comments after Mr. Netanyahu met separately with each of them. She pressed for the conclusion of a long-delayed cease-fire deal to end the war and bring the hostages home.

Many were watching Ms. Harris, given her new role. Over the nine months since the Hamas attack, she has largely stuck close to the presidents position, although at times she has sounded more empathetic about the suffering in Gaza, leading some to conclude that she might not be as supportive of Mr. Netanyahus war as Mr. Biden has been.

Republicans criticized Ms. Harris for not attending the prime ministers address to Congress on Wednesday while keeping a previously scheduled out-of-town commitment, although they had no criticism for Senator JD Vance of Ohio, their own Republican vice-presidential nominee, for also skipping the speech, citing a scheduling conflict.

Clearly determined not to let herself be painted into a corner, Ms. Harris made a point of denouncing the despicable acts by unpatriotic protesters who burned a flag and defaced statues with anti-Israel slogans outside the Capitol on Wednesday.

I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews, she said in a written statement issued hours before her meeting with Mr. Netanyahu. Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent, and we must not tolerate it in our nation.

The administrations support of Israels war effort, even with the qualms Mr. Biden has expressed about the civilian toll and his suspension of a shipment of munitions, had been a thorny issue for his re-election campaign. He has faced criticism from some Democrats for not exerting more pressure on Mr. Netanyahu to limit the carnage and end the fighting.

Image President Biden met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel at the White House on Thursday. Credit... Kenny Holston/The New York Times

The contrast between the prime ministers meetings with Ms. Harris and Mr. Biden on Thursday was striking. The president greeted Mr. Netanyahu cordially in the Oval Office. Well, welcome back, Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Biden said as the two sat down for what would be a 90-minute meeting. Weve got a lot to talk about. I think we should get to it.

While the two have been at odds over the conduct of the war for months, Mr. Biden offered no thoughts about the situation on the ground while reporters were in the room and instead turned the floor over to Mr. Netanyahu, who used the opportunity to express gratitude now that the president is winding up his long political career.

Mr. President, weve known each other for 40 years, and youve known every Israeli prime minister for 50 years, from Golda Meir, Mr. Netanyahu told him. So from a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel. And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead on the great issues before us.

Mr. Biden grinned at the reference to him as an Irish American Zionist and then said he looked forward to their discussions as well. By the way, that first meeting with Prime Minister Golda Meir, and she had an assistant sitting next to me, a guy named Rabin, he said, referring to Yitzhak Rabin, who would later become prime minister. Thats how far back it goes. I was only 12 then.

Ms. Harris, by contrast, was polite but businesslike in greeting Mr. Netanyahu in her ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House, and the two offered no statements in front of the cameras as they began their 40-minute meeting. When she emerged afterward to make her comments, she did so by herself, and the Israelis were surprised by her tone.

She expressed solidarity with Israel, reiterating her unwavering commitment to its existence and its security, and she condemned Hamas as a brutal terrorist organization that had started the war when it massacred 1,200 innocent people, including 44 Americans and committed horrific acts of sexual violence.

Israel has a right to defend itself, she said, then added pointedly, and how it does so matters.

John F. Kirby, a White House spokesman, played down any differences between the president and vice president on Gaza. Shes been a full partner in our policies in the Middle East, he told reporters before either meeting.

Mr. Biden and Mr. Netanyahu met with families of hostages held by Hamas amid renewed confidence about prospects for a cease-fire deal that would release their loved ones. Some of the hostage relatives said as they left the White House that they were convinced the American and Israeli leaders both felt urgency to bring the war to an end so that those captured during the Oct. 7 attack could come home.

We feel probably more optimistic than we have since the first round of releases in late November, early December, said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, who lived on the kibbutz Nir Oz.

We got an absolute commitment from the Biden administration and from Prime Minister Netanyahu that they understand the urgency of this moment now to waste no time and to complete this deal, as it currently stands with as little change as humanly possible within, he added.

Image Pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside the Capitol building on Wednesday, the day that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel addressed a joint meeting of Congress. Credit... Jason Andrew for The New York Times

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh Goldberg-Polin was grievously injured during the attack but seen in a video released in April, said Mr. Bidens decision to give up his re-election bid would not diminish his ability to influence events in the region.

On the contrary, I actually think it allows the president to be laser focused on the things that are true priorities to him, she said. And saving human beings, cherished human beings, 115 of them, eight of whom are U.S. citizens, is one paramount issue for him.

Mr. Kirby said that the negotiators are closer now, we believe, than weve been before but that there were still gaps. He did not blame Israel in particular for resisting. The Israelis already have made many compromises to get us to this point, he said. Hamas through their interlocutors have made compromises to get us to this point. And yet were still not there. So theres still a need for compromise.

The White House meeting came a day after Mr. Netanyahu used his address to a joint meeting of Congress to denounce critics of Israel, particularly left-wing protesters he termed useful idiots. Police used pepper spray outside the Capitol to push back thousands of protesters, some of whom burned an American flag and marred statues with slogans like Hamas is coming. On Thursday, protesters were kept at a distance from the White House by a new wall of fencing beyond the normal gates as they shouted upon Mr. Netanyahus arrival.

Mr. Netanyahu planned to hedge his bets by making a trip to Florida to visit former President Donald J. Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Friday. But Mr. Trump, who has soured on Mr. Netanyahu after their initially strong alliance, may not offer the message the prime minister wants to hear.

In an interview on Fox News on Thursday, the former president said that Israel should wrap up the war soon because it has yielded bad public relations for the country. Israel should finish up and get it done quickly, Mr. Trump said, because they are getting decimated with this publicity.

Zach Montague contributed reporting.
Riding Teahupoo, Brisa Hennessy, an Olympic surfer from Costa Rica, says, is riding this wave of heaven and death. When they discuss what it will take to win these Olympics, they speak not just of training regimens but also of the essence of the place itself. To surf Teahupoo is to respect Teahupoo  and to surf Teahupoo well is to connect deeply with the land, the sea and the people around it. Its very, very humbling, Carissa Moore, an American gold medalist, says. The minute you dont respect mother nature, its going to swipe you off your feet.
Cornerstone Government Affairs opens a Columbia, SC office, marking the 13th state in which the company maintains a physical presence. The new office will be led by Daniel Boan, who most recently served as chief of staff and legal counsel for the South Carolina House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, leading a team of 10 responsible for advising the committee on the drafting of the states annual budget and on legislation related to tax, fiscal policy and administration of state government. Daniel is a first-class addition to our team and will undoubtedly help us navigate this new market, said Cornerstone president Campbell Kaufman. The addition of South Carolina adds to the firms presence in early presidential nominating states, including Iowa and New Hampshire.

ChicExecs PR + Retail Placement Agency, which is marking its 20th anniversary this month, now includes two sister companies, ExPR and Backhouse Agency, with a combined total of more than 80 staffers nationwide. ExPR works to position industry thought leaders in opportunities to showcase their expertise and provide insights on relevant topics. Backhouse Agency assists brands with ad placements across various platforms. Those services complement ChicExecs PRs offerings, which include digital marketing, public relations, retail placement, and content production.

Mad Fish Digital is acquiring brand-building marketing agency Grady Britton. The agencies will combine under the ownership of Mad Fish owners Corrie and Ben Herman, operating as strategic partners in the near term. Grady Sutton president Paige Campbell and creative director Andy Askren remain in their current roles. The acquisition brings together a combined team of 46 people distributed over 10 states and headquartered in Portland, OR. From our perspective, combining Mad Fish and Grady Britton, an agency also committed to making real change with their work, has the greatest potential for savvy clients to make lasting impact in their categories, said Ben Herman, Mad Fish CEO.
Kamala Harris

Running against Kamala Harris is going to be a PR nightmare for Donald Trump, who wont be able to resort to his standard practice of smearing his political opponents with lies and distortions, while lobbing sexist or racist attacks at them.

Harris will swat away Trumps tired old rants, positioning herself as the presidential candidate who is confident of Americas future.

Thats a sharp contrast from Trump's dark vision for the countrys future. That vision features the establishment of a network of gulags for undocumented immigrants in the US, and an era of retribution aimed at the media and his perceived enemies.

At his July 24 rally at Charlottes Bojangles Coliseum, Trump sounded crazier than ever. According to Trump, Harris wants abortions in the eighth and ninth month of pregnancy, thats fine with her, right up until birth, and even after birththe execution of a baby. Post-birth murder is illegal in every state. Harris does want to reinstate Roe v. Wade.

Trump alleged that Harris, a fan of cheeseburgers, wants to ban red meat. He also said Harris is totally against the Jewish people, though her husband of 10 years is a Jew.

Trumps old attack game is getting very old. He called Harris dumb as a rock. Saying that of a woman who was California AG, Senator and US VP is absolutely nuts. He deliberately mispronounces Harris' first name, which is intended to somehow demean her but it is just a childish gesture.

The Wall Street Journal editorial page has warned Trump to stop the nonsense.

The former president and his GOP allies are grasping for attack lines that arent likely to work or are counterproductive," according to the WSJ. Diminishing Harris after shes been VP for four years will alienate women and the minority voters the GOP is trying to attract.

Trump will have to make a case on policy, rather than personal insults, and that isnt his strength, editorialized the WSJ in the understatement of the year.

The former president is yesterday's news. America yearns for a better tomorrow.

Hats off to Thomas Massie, Kentuckys right-wing Congressman, for being the only Republican to boycott Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus Capitol Hill pep rally. He joined more than 80 Democrats who refused to enable Netanyahus grand-standing.

Massie posted on the X platform: Today Congress will undertake 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 intl opposition to his war.

I dont feel like being a prop so I wont be attending.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee quickly criticized Massie for standing with progressives such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders against our ally Israel. Those progressives arent anti-Israel. They are against the policies of its government.

Massie responded to AIPAC: Call me anything you want. I still wont be attending your war rally.

The shameless GOP audience gave Bibi 52 standing ovation for his talk that failed to mention anything about the all-but-signed deal to free the hostages, or a ceasefire.

They also broke into the chant of "USA, USA" as if the Israels slaughter of nearly 40K Palestinians, the vast majority of whom were civilians, is in the best interest of America.

Bibi also had the nerve to criticize the protesters outside of Capitol Hill, who were expressing their free speech rights by demonstrating against his Gaza slaughter.

He dismissed those American citizens as useful idiots of Iran.

The only idiots in DC are House Speaker Mike Johnson and his GOP leadership who provided such a high-profile platform for Israel's premier, who has been snubbing president Bidens efforts to end the madness in Gaza.

PR people can hone their craft by studying the behavior of pigeons, according to Christina Miranda, principal at Redpoint, a New York travel PR firm.

She is in the midst of waging a war against the birds who have been treating her NYC apartment balcony as a favorite hangout.

"If theres a pigeon travel guide out there, Im certain that my balcony is a top listing and location coordinates are given, she recently blogged.

While battling pigeons, Miranda realized they have three things in common with great publicists: persistence, resourcefulness and creativity.

Miranda believes publicists need those three traits to work together to bring newsworthy ideas to life and make them attractive to journalists.

She wouldnt mind sharing her space with the birds, if they werent such prolific poopers.

With more than 30 years of PR experience, Miranda is well-equipped to battle the intruders. These pigeons picked the wrong balcony to stake their claim, she wrote. Theyre going down.

The pigeons dont stand a chance.
Met Eireann is forecasting a much needed summer blast for Ireland and 24 degree heat in the coming days

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, there will be plenty of sunny spells in the coming days with temperatures reaching as high as 24 degrees.

While there'll be some showers or rain at times, overall we'll see a good lot of dry bright weather over the weekend and into next week too. There'll be some nice sunshine at times and temperatures will pick up a little bit again too.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, there'll be a good lot of cloud around for a time on Thursday, with a little rain and drizzle and some mist in places. However, it'll become brighter from the west later in the morning and through the afternoon, with good spells of sunshine developing. Scattered showers will develop too through the afternoon and evening, and some will be heavy, especially across Ulster, North Connacht and the North Midlands. Highs of 16 to 20 or 21 degrees in light to moderate southwest breezes, gradually becoming mostly moderate westerly, occasionally fresh mainly in western coastal parts.

Showers will become isolated Thursday night and mainly confined to parts of the west and north. Otherwise it'll be dry with long clear spells. Cooler than previous nights, with lowest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees in light to moderate west to southwest breezes.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast, Friday will be a bright day with good long spells of sunshine. There'll be a scattering of showers too though, a few heavy. Later in the day, it'll become cloudier in western parts, with the chance of some rain along the west coast before nightfall. Highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees in light to moderate southwest breezes.

Friday night will see some clear spells in the midlands and east for a time on Friday with any showers tending to die away. Cloud will continue to build from the west, with outbreaks of showery rain spreading eastwards, though it'll stay dry in eastern parts. A clearance to isolated showers will start to move in along the west coast though towards morning. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in light to moderate south or southwest winds, a little fresher for a time in western coastal parts.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast, the showery rain will continue to spread eastwards on Saturday morning, but it'll have cleared into the Irish Sea by the early afternoon. Drier and sunnier weather along the west coast from early on will follow to all parts. While there'll be a lot of dry weather for the rest of the day, a scattering of showers will develop though the afternoon and early evening, mainly in the midlands, east and north. It'll become dry in most places through the evening. Highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees in light to moderate southerly winds veering west to northwesterly.

Saturday night will be dry with long clear spells, though with some mist and a few fog patches forming. High cloud will increase from the west though the night. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in light westerly or variable breezes.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, any mist or fog will clear early in Sunday, to leave a dry, bright day with long spells of sunshine, albeit rather hazy. It's likely to become a little cloudier later, especially further west. Highest temperatures of 17 degrees along the west cost, up to 22 degrees further east, in light to moderate southwest breezes, which will likely become a little fresher later in some western and northwestern coastal parts.

Sunday night is likely to stay dry in many areas with a mix of cloud and clear spells, however it'll be cloudier further west and in the northwest with the chance of some rain and drizzle. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees, in light to moderate southerly winds, fresher along the western and northwestern coasts.

In its latest weather forecast for Ireland, Met Eireann says there's some uncertainty in the detail from Monday onwards. A weather front which will be close to the west coast, will try to move in, bringing the chance of some rain and drizzle, mainly to the northwest and west. Otherwise, it's likely to stay dry with a mix of cloud and sunshine. Highest temperatures of 17 to 22 degrees in light to moderate southwest winds, possibly fresher along western and northwestern coasts.

The uncertainty in detail continues for Tuesday and Wednesday, but overall, it looks like we'll have a good lot of dry weather with sunshine, but with a little rain likely in parts for a time on Tuesday and the chance of showers on Wednesday. Highest temperatures of 18 to 24 degrees.
MANY Kennedys of Irish descent enjoyed a very enjoyable and informative weekend around North Tipperary last weekend.

Their youngest visitor this year was twelve year old MacDara Kennedy, who came to them from New York via Rathcabbin. At the other end of the age spectrum was eighty five year old Lawrence Kennedy, who comes every year from London to visit his old homestead in Glenculoo.

They gathered early on Saturday morning in Nenagh Heritage Centre where visitors were able to see hundreds of years of Irish Kennedy History in the newly updated display curated by Phyllis Kennedy. As their genial host Ger Maher guided groups around the gaol complex, Kennedys traded stories of family history and folklore while checking out old Ormond deeds, land leases, old photographs and a genealogical chart covering a thousand years of Kennedy ancestry. Many thanks to Nora and staff of the Heritage Centre for facilitating them on the day.

After an opportunity to explore the town of Nenagh, it was then on to lovely Garrykennedy and a very pleasant cruise on Lough Derg on board the Ku-ee-tu as skipper Ted regaled them with a mixture of interesting facts and ancient lore. Afterwards, the Kennedys enjoyed a delicious meal in Larkins Bar under the watchful eye of Maura Hayes. Later, as the sun beamed down, they spent many pleasant hours exchanging tales of both present and bygone days.

On Sunday afternoon the attention shifted to Kennedys Bar in Rearcross, where the emphasis was on progressing the Irish Kennedy DNA project. Under the expert eyes of Professor Mark Kennedy and Paddy Waldron, members had the opportunity to have samples of their DNA submitted for analysis or to have previous results examined and explained.

All in all, another great weekend for Kennedys from far and near in the pleasant surroundings of North Tipperary. Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo aris.

If interested in further information, contact Tom at (087) 654564
FOLLOWING the success of the inaugural Thomas MacDonagh Hedge School last year, an initiative of the Thomas MacDonagh Museum, they are delighted that award winning writers and scholars have agreed to read and speak at their Hedge School events this September.

The Thomas MacDonagh Museum honours the life of the poet and patriot MacDonagh, a native of Cloughjordan. It does this by collecting, safeguarding, exhibiting and interpreting material associated with MacDonagh, his family, his activities, his times and his legacy. Within its archive, the museum holds rare copies of The Irish Review, a literary, and latterly also a political journal, to which luminaries including W.B. Yeats, P.H. Pearse, Lord Dunsany, James Connolly, William Orpen and Jack B.Yeats contributed poems, stories and essays.

In 1821 the poet Shelley wrote that poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world. The theme for this years programme is inspired by MacDonaghs central role in the arts and politics of his time, evident in his work as contributor and editor of The Irish Review during its brief run (1911  1914).

They are thrilled that Daniel Mulhall, a retired Diplomat and a former Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, will give the keynote address to open the Thomas MacDonagh Hedge School, at 11am on Saturday September 21st.

Daniel has also served as Ireland's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Germany and Malaysia. He was a member of the Irish Governments delegation at the negotiations that produced the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Since his retirement in 2022, Daniel has been: Global Distinguished Professor of Irish Studies at Glucksman Ireland House, New York University; Parnell Fellow at Magdalene College, Cambridge University; and a Fellow at the Institute of Politics, Harvard University. In 2022, he published Ulysses: A Readers Odyssey (New Island Books) to critical acclaim.

They are honoured that Fergal Keane, author and Special Correspondent for the BBC news, will join them in conversation with Professor Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, novelist and Course Director of the MA in Creative Writing at UL. Fergal will share his personal perspectives on his love of literature, music and poetry. He will discuss how, in his view, the arts contribute to political discourse. This event will take place at 2pm on Saturday September 21st.

Esteemed for his truthful, affecting and conscientious reporting from troubled areas around the globe, Fergal was made an Honorary Fellow of the British Academy on July 18th, this month. Fergal is the author of a number of bestselling books, most recently The Madness: A Memoir of War, Fear and PTSD (Harper Collins).

At 4pm on Saturday September 21st, Dr Catherine Wilsdon, Communications and Public Engagement Manager at UCD Library, will chair a fascinating panel discussion entitled Arts, Politics and The Irish Review. Catherine will be joined by Dr Roisin Kennedy, Lecturer in the School of Art History and Cultural Policy at UCD and Dr Billy Shortall, Research Fellow in the Irish Art Research Centre at TCD (TRIARC). Together they will explore how the arts have informed their approaches to their work and academic writing and how, in their view, the arts contribute to political debate.

The 2024 Hedge School events begin with a two day Creative Writing Workshop facilitated by David McLoghlin. David is a prize-winning poet, a creative nonfiction writer and a literary translator. The workshops will take place at the Thomas MacDonagh Museum from 11am-1pm on Wednesday and Thursday September 18th-19th. These workshops are for adults, are free of charge and limited to 12 participants. Participants who are requested to attend on both days. No prior writing experience is required.

The Thomas MacDonagh Hedge School will celebrate Culture Night on Friday evening September 20th with the launch of an art exhibition entitled The Irish Review - Creative Responses. Curated by the North Tipperary Artists Collective, twenty professional and amateur artists have been invited to draw inspiration from The Irish Review journals to create a unique collaborative work.

Also on Culture Night participants in the Hedge Schools Creative Writing Workshops will read from work they have created, also in response to The Irish Review material in the Collection.

To close the 2024 Thomas MacDonagh Hedge School, at 2pm on Sunday September 22nd, Dr Roisin Kennedy will give a talk on the exquisite Harry Clarke Window in St Michael & St Johns Church, Cloughjordan. Roisin will consider Harry Clarke - the artist, his life, his work and his style, and share her insights into this significant, local cultural asset.

Una Johnston, a Director at the Thomas MacDonagh Museum says the 2024 Hedge School programme will be of great interest to anyone interested in both cultural history and contemporary arts. Our speakers and events will reflect on themes of politics and the arts from the troubled years of The Irish Reviews existence to the present day.

Places for events are limited and so to avoid disappointment, they invite you to book your tickets early from Eventbrite via this link https://ThomasMacDonaghHedgeSchool2024.eventbrite.ie .
Hundreds of millions of euro in guaranteed funding for RTE is not a reward for bad management, according to the stations chief.

The Government has agreed a 725 million-euro financing programme for the crisis-hit national broadcaster over the next three years, coming from Exchequer-funded top-ups to licence fee sales.

Under the plan, after expected levels of licence fee sales are accounted for, the Government predicts it will directly provide the organisation with 42 million euro next year.

It follows a year of crisis management at the national broadcaster over a series of governance and financial scandals which further fuelled a years-long trend in declining TV licence revenue.

The Government decision has been criticised by rival commercial broadcaster Virgin Media Television as a reward for inefficiency and all-round bad practice.

RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst rejected the comments on Thursday, saying: I dont see it at all as rewarding a series of mistakes that RTE made.

Its long been the case that RTEs funding has not been sufficient to deliver what our public service remit is.

Mr Bakhurst, who acknowledged it had been a difficult 13 months for RTE, said new procedures had been put in place to make sure past mistakes do not happen again.

He told RTEs Morning Ireland that the funding was a reward for dealing with previous bad practice and setting out a new strategy.

If you believe in public service broadcasting and media, it needs to be funded, he said.

I m actually very grateful to the Government, they could have ducked this decision entirely.

RTE has set out a five-year reform strategy but the Governments new funding road map only covers three years.

It is to receive 225 million euro next year which will rise to 240 million euro in 2026 and 260 million euro in 2027.

Mr Bakhurst said he expects funding after that to remain around the higher 2027 levels.

I think the assumption is that becomes the new level were operating at.

Asked about whether the new funding plan meant that RTE no longer had to be concerned about licence fee evasion, Mr Bakhurst said the organisation has a moral responsibility to demonstrate to the public that it is worth paying for.
Senior political advisors pledge contributions to comprehensive deepening of reform

Xinhua) 08:07, July 25, 2024

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a plenary meeting of the eighth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, July 24, 2024. Fifteen Standing Committee members of the CPPCC National Committee delivered speeches. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China's senior political advisors on Wednesday pledged to contribute more to the further, comprehensive deepening of reform and the advancement of Chinese modernization.

Their message emerged from a plenary meeting of the eighth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended the meeting.

Fifteen Standing Committee members of the CPPCC National Committee delivered speeches. They commended the plans and measures for further deepening reform comprehensively adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, vowing to earnestly study, disseminate and implement the plenum's guiding principles.

The senior political advisors also shared their insights into such matters as the reform of the judicial system, the reform of public hospitals, and the integrated reform of institutions and mechanisms related to education, science and technology, and talent.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Sarath Fonseka to contest Sri Lankas Presidential Election 2024

Posted by Editor on July 25, 2024 - 9:16 am

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has announced his candidacy for the 2024 Presidential Election in Sri Lanka.

In his announcement, Fonseka criticized the political leadership of the past 76 years, blaming them for the countrys bankruptcy.

He emphasized the need to tackle corruption and leverage Sri Lankas natural resources to boost income generation.

Fonseka stated, For 76 years, we have been led by an inept political group that has led us to bankruptcy. For Sri Lanka to grow, we need to #CrushCorruption.

He invited all Sri Lankans to join him in his efforts to move the country forward.
Read the rest of the story HERE:At www.timesofisrael.com

Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a speech before Congress, after being invited by the Republican leader Mike Johnson. Many progressives find little to like about Israel but compared to the Hamas death cult they are far more clearly aligned with progressive and Western values. Bottom Line: Netanyahu said the war in Gaza would end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders, disarms and returns all the hostages. Hamas chooses not to do that since every Palestinian death is a martyr PR victory for Hamas and a victory for their Iranian backers. Netanyahu calls progressives supporting Hamas "useful idiots." He is right.

Scott Baker is a Managing Editor & The Economics Editor at Opednews, and a former blogger for Huffington Post, Daily Kos, and Global Economic Intersection.

His anthology of updated Opednews articles "America is Not Broke" was published by Tayen Lane Publishing (March, 2015) and may be found here:

http://www.americaisnotbroke.net/

Scott is a former and current President of Common Ground-NY (http://commongroundnyc.org/), a Geoist/Georgist activist group. He has written dozens of (more...)


NASA has released the following charts relating to its plan to de-orbit the International Space Station in 2030, and even commission SpaceX to carry that out. They claim there are no other viable options. You can read a summary of their analysis here.



NASA Charts showing technical requirements for increasing the orbital distance of the ISS, or for de-orbiting it.

(Image by NASA) Details DMCA



The lowest Target Orbital Lifetime of 100 years on the chart is just ~2X the delta V and propellant required to de-orbit the ISS and crash it - it is hoped, harmlessly - into the southern Pacific Ocean.

100 years is just a bit less than the entire history of mechanized flight of ANY kind, and space flight is now more than half of that period. The floundering of manned spaceflight after Apollo is really obvious and inexcusable.

And it's not even entirely true. The Hubble telescope is 326 miles or 547 kilometers from Earth, yet it was successfully repaired AFTER reaching orbit by the lowly and often-maligned Space Shuttle. 547km is just 93km-133km below the lowest 100yr orbital target in the chart, and a, say, 50yr orbital target, not charted, would probably be within current technological capabilities and fuel capacities, even with the clearly inferior - for this task - SpaceX Starship carrying enough fuel in a planned booster rocket or at least one that could transfer fuel to the ISS's own booster system. Is NASA saying that in 50-100 years they won't have the capability to boost the ISS again, incorporate it into a larger space station, or even safely disassemble in from a depot in space, possibly with AI controlled robots? The later Star Trek shows & films used AI bots to assemble and repair space-docked (real) Starships. Does NASA's own evolution and imagination stop at just NAMING a Space Shuttle Enterprise or can real starships and the space stations to support them still be envisioned by NASA?

At the same time as such defeatist, pedestrian, options are provided for the ISS, there are ambitious yet realistic plans for the first atomic rockets from both NASA and private industry, before the end of this decade. Surely, within a 50yr orbital target, these will be feasible, manned or "botted" with AI robots that can make necessary repairs, disassembly, reuse, of the ISS in a larger space station setup. This concept has been insufficiently explored because we, as a nation, even as a species, no longer consider challenging great projects requiring great co-operation (unmentioned is the semi-permanent breakdown of Russian-American co-operation and even the possibility of thermonuclear war ending a lot more than the space program; this is just "accepted" as the background conditions for the NASA's analysis).

Also unmentioned and maybe even unexamined, is the pollution and ecological damage of throwing a nearly 1 million pound object into the ocean, even assuming something that large can ever be successfully guided to a watery crash, and any ensuing tsunami controlled as well. The history of SpaceX's first attempts at anything flown into orbit is not inspiring - 2 blowups of the first 2 Starships, for example - even if their overall track record might be evolutionarily inspiring.

Some bean counters are behind this, not anyone with vision, which is apparently in another department at NASA.
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington, but he was not met at the airport by the US President, Vice President, or even the US Secretary of State in an official snub.

Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday while speaking from a position of power in the political sphere of America because of the incredible influence of AIPAC.

Netanyahu has successfully postponed the Gaza ceasefire deal he previously agreed to, kept himself in power and out of jail, and contributed to the decision of US President Joe Biden to leave the race for a second term as president. Netanyahu is betting on Trump.

A meeting between Netanyahu and Biden is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, but insiders believe the meeting will be called off, and the blame will be diplomatically placed on Biden's case of Covid-19. Biden had been low in the polls, and faced mounting criticism. But, very recently he and his advisors had made a firm decision to stay in the race and prevent President Donald Trump from a second term.

Biden was counting on being able to stop the war in Gaza. Had he successfully ended a war that has taken the lives of some 38,000 Palestinians, with 60% of whom are women and children, and secured the release of Israeli hostages, he had a good chance of winning votes from Americans who see the Israeli military brutality on unarmed civilians as completely contrary to American core values of human rights and justice.

Biden's blind support of Israel through weapons transfers, despite war crimes and atrocities committed by the Israeli Defense Forces, has angered many Americans, including the staff of the White House and US State Department. Biden pinned his re-election hopes on his ceasefire deal, which Hamas and Israel agreed to. But then, Netanyahu reneged on his agreement with Biden on the ceasefire, and this is when Biden and his advisors decided to throw in the towel.

Experts are pointing to an intelligence assessment provided to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi that concludes the ceasefire talks in Doha may not progress until November because of Netanyahu's belief that Trump will win. Netanyahu and his Jewish extremist administration will then likely enjoy a free hand in Gaza, which includes plans to annex Gaza and the West Bank.

On July 11, Biden proudly announced his imminent cease-fire deal, saying his proposed framework was "now agreed on by both Israel and Hamas". Biden added, "We're making progress, the trend is positive, and I'm determined to get this deal done and bring an end to this war, which should end now." On Monday, according to the White House, Israel "affirmed its full support for the deal as outlined by President Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council, G7, and countries around the world".

But, in a shocking betrayal, Netanyahu turned course and decided to buy time until Trump, "the best friend that Israel has ever had in the White House", takes office.

Netanyahu has consistently delayed the Gaza cease-fire talks in Doha by preventing his negotiating team from travel, and now he has created new demands, despite Hamas agreeing to big concessions.

He must appease two far-right cabinet members, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have threatened to dissolve his government if he signs a cease-fire deal with Hamas.

Regardless of enormous pressure from the Israeli public, who demand a deal to release the Israeli hostages after 10 months in captivity, Netanyahu has stuck to his policy of buying time at the expense of the hostages, their families, and the future of Biden.

Even before Biden's current political troubles Netanyahu was engaged in regular slow-walking of the cease-fire talks.

Israel agreed to the Biden cease-fire proposal on May 27. The came the bombshell, which even shocked Netanyahu's chief negotiator, Mossad head David Barnea. Netanyahu insisted on keeping an Israeli military presence in two corridors: along the border with Egypt, the so-called Philadelphi corridor; as well as along the Netzarim corridor that cuts through the center of Gaza. Both sides had thought that issue was not an obstacle.

"The hostages are suffering but they are not dying," Netanyahu said. Barnea has warned that the female hostages in particular may not survive much longer.

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'Snowden Effect - What is metadata?'

(Image by DonkeyHotey) Details DMCA



This article first appeared in Propaganda in Focus on July 25, 2024

The last time I caught up with Edward Snowden online was at his Substack site, Continuing Ed. That was back on September 22, 2022, when he wrote his first piece there in almost a year. He came back briefly to remind us: America's Open Wound: The CIA is Not Your Friend. Essentially, the piece details the history of CIA miscreant behavior since its founding in 1947. In 2022, the CIA was celebrating its 75th anniversary and the NSA its 70th. Snowden, who worked for both agencies, seems intent on making sure the reader knows that the work they do isn't always honorable or in the service of national security. He give them some Hell:

Within a decade, the CIA was directing the coverage of American news organizations, overthrowing democratically elected governments (at times merely to benefit a favored corporation), establishing propaganda outfits to manipulate public sentiment, launching a long-running series of mind-control experiments on unwitting human subjects (purportedly contributing to the creation of the Unabomber), and-- gasp-- interfering with foreign elections. From there, it was a short hop to wiretapping journalists and compiling files on Americans who opposed its wars.

We don't know why Ed hasn't published more than that piece at his Substack site since December 2021. But, the arrival of a new child, and the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the need to lay low probably had something to do with it. Nevertheless, Snowden does find some quick time to post tweets at his X account. Perhaps his most important contribution in a while came last week when he went ballistic at the tweet by Mario Narfal spilling to the world that OpenAI has appointed Paul M. Nakasone, retired US Army general and former NSA head, to its board of directors. To Snowden, this is the worst possible news for the future of OpenAI and its flagship app ChatGPT. Snowden launched:



Snowden Tweet

(Image by Edward Snowden) Details DMCA



When Ed Snowden talks, people should listen. But it is cryptic. I mean, what is he talking about that I should listen to so intently? Why does he refer to an attack on "the rights of every human of the Earth"? What rights? Global human rights. That's what. What are they? According to the UN, which is not good much these days, except for shining a dubious light on our collective failed idealism -- such as the conceit that we could come together as a body politic and accomplish great feats of humanity, starting with the cessation of arbitrary wars that spread like wildfires in the forests of our native Yore, and vesting it with the supra-power of managing global issues like Noam Chomsky's Big Three risks to humanity: Nukes, Climate Change, and the end of Democracy. Nope. (Catches breath.) According to the UN:

Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.

Is General Nakasone about to deprive us of our global liberties, Ed? He thinks so. So do I.

What happened was that preceding the on-boarding of Nakasone there was Deep Concern over at OpenAI offices among staff privy to the plans and actions of executives (and their pet Uber wonks) regarding safety and security. Disclosing the tension roiling beneath the surface, a June 5, 2024 PC Magazine article begins, "A group of former and current OpenAI staffers wants to ensure that employees can publicly disclose the potential dangers of artificial intelligence." There were 13 such concerned employees, so, for reference purposes, let's call them the Gang of 13.

Essentially, they were looking for whistleblower protection to prevent retribution against informing the world that OpenAI might be up to no good or else have serious security flaws that coil allow, say, hackers to infiltrate and remove information and/or muck around like mischievous imps. Probably the Russians. (You've seen the film depictions. Will they never stop trying to disrupt our precious democracy?) Edward Snowden is concerned with how these Deep State types are mucking around with our precious democracy, unelected and without accountability. Indeed, in sympathy with the Gang of 13, Snowden sees the threat to the human species, with profit-driven prophets, like Sam Altman and Elon Musk, hurtling us toward the horizon event precipice leading into Suckersville.

The Gang of 13 produced an open signed letter titled: "A Right to Warn about Advanced Artificial Intelligence." It's worth a read. But here are some 'demands':

1. No NDAs. 2. An anonymous and protected process for employees to raise concerns. 3. Support a culture of open criticism. Academics do. Why not technologists? 4. No retaliation against whistleblowers.

In response, OpenAI brought in the NSA. Snowden launched. If the CIA is not your friend, then the NSA is the one that will hunt you down in your own mind and leave you no place to hide. (See Frank Church's warning from 1975.) Marry that mentality to an enforcing mafia and what you get is nano-totalitarianism enforced with horrific violence. To wit, thought control.

Well, that's if things go wrong. Right? For Snowden, the Intelligence Community (IC) went wrong a long time ago. Crossed that bridge over the abyss of no return. We got first word of it with the hearings of Frank Church who exposed the rogue government's willingness to work with dark presences, like the mafia (see my review of James Risen's recent biography, The Last Honest Man: The CIA, the FBI, the Mafia, and the Kennedys -- and One Senator's Fight to Save Democracy). And then Snowden got inspired to whistleblow when he learned that NYT journalist, and Pulitzer Prize winner, Risen had an article quashed by an editor doing the NSA a favor. The article meant to run just before the presidential election of 2004 was about Stellar Wind, the operation to illegally suck up every American's phone records under false pretenses, and store them in databases. (Risen describes this thumb drive into the eye of journalism in anIntercept piece.) Snowden says he went to work gathering classified information after reading of that quashing.

To remind the reader, Snowden began delivering explosive classified material to the press (and the public) back in 2013, while he began his journey on the lam. Perhaps his most explosive revelation was the NSA's XKeyScore operation which, he said, allowed an "analyst" to access the data of anyone online through their IP address. In a 2014 interview that Snowden gave to a German broadcaster, he describes some specific uses:

You could read anyone's email in the world, anybody you've got an email address for. Any website: You can watch traffic to and from it. Any computer that an individual sits at: You can watch it. Any laptop that you're tracking: you can follow it as it moves from place to place throughout the world. It's a one-stop-shop for access to the NSA's information. " You can tag individuals " Let's say you work at a major German corporation and I want access to that network, I can track your username on a website on a forum somewhere, I can track your real name, I can track associations with your friends and I can build what's called a fingerprint, which is network activity unique to you, which means anywhere you go in the world, anywhere you try to sort of hide your online presence, your identity.

This is some serious invasiveness. And nobody knows how invasive it can be or get better than Snowden. He devotes a whole chapter in his memoir, LoveInt, describing how he and fellow male colleagues would use XKeyscore, and other technologies, to spy on "love interests" and to share the male gazetron with each other. As he puts it,

This led to the practice known as LOVEINT, a gross joke on HUMINT and SIGINT and a travesty of intelligence, in which analysts used the agency's programs to surveil their current and former lovers along with objects of more casual affection -- reading their emails, listening in on their phone calls, and stalking them online. (238)

But LoveInt takes manpower. The proposed ChatGPT processes in the making at OpenAI are automated and deeper.

As we are seeing now, databases are key to the effectiveness and workings of AI and ChatGPT. Nakasone begins his tenure just as OpenAI announced plans to roll out Advanced ChatGPT Voice Mode. Open AI told the press recently, "ChatGPT's advanced Voice Mode can understand and respond with emotions and non-verbal cues, moving us closer to real-time, natural conversations with AI. Our mission is to bring these new experiences to you thoughtfully," OpenAI has delayed this roll out, which, presumably, will now be reviewed by Nakasone.

The boarding of OpenAI by the NSA represents a further ratcheting of the international security apparatus that began with the hysteria following the Russian Sputnik launch that soon led to the development of the Internet (ARPAnet) and the decades of US imperial foreign policy (1) backed by the threat of nuclear weaponry and control of the world monetary policy. No Place to Hide (2) was established as a fact by the publicly-aired Frank Church Committee as far back as 1975. Since 9/11, the Internet has become a literal battlefield. It is a good idea to recall here that the Internet was a US Department of Defense initiative (ARPA), using its domain structures (controlled by the US) and its protocols (such as HTTP, DNS and TCP/IP). Battlefields are to be controlled. We recall how over-the-top jubilant the controversial CIA-head David Petraeus was, back in March 2012, when he announced the imminent arrival of the Internet of Things (IoT), of which, he wowed in a Wired piece titled, "We'll Spy on You Through Your Dishwasher," that calling IoT "'Transformational' is an overused word, but I do believe it properly applies to these technologies " particularly to their effect on clandestine tradecraft."

Every device with an IP address is a spy now. (I wrote a review back in 2014 of a book, Technocreep, that frames this menace comprehensively.) Just as Sam Altman, CEO of ChatGPT, called the AI phenomenon the revolution of revolutions, Petraeus's view that IoT is transformational is acknowledgement that the dystopia we feared is here (3).

Again, and one last time here, we recall what Ed Snowden warned us about in, and what is implied by his memoir title, Permanent Record. We are each and all, profiled by keywords and algorithms, our paper records of yore (social workers, schools, all kinds of paper trails now digitized), our Facebook and Instagram and YouTube uploads and Tweets, held in databases; we are dossieros (4). There's brilliant section of the memoir, in the chapter Cleared and In Love, where Snowden is awaiting the outcome of a background check and worries:

I drove to and from classes at AACC as the National Background Investigations Bureau rummaged through nearly every aspect of my life and interviewed almost everyone I knew: my parents, my extended family, my classmates and friends. They went through my spotty school transcripts and, I'm sure, spoke to a few of my teachers. I got the impression that they even spoke to Mae and Norm, and to a guy I'd worked with one summer at a snow cone stand at Six Flags America. The goal of all this background checking was not only to find out what I'd done wrong, but also to find out how I might be compromised or blackmailed " This, of course, set me thinking -- sitting stuck in traffic as all the moments of my life that I regretted went spinning around in a loop inside my head " When I went back and reread the posts, I cringed. Half the things I'd said I hadn't even meant at the time -- I'd just wanted attention -- but I didn't fancy my odds of explaining that to a gray-haired man in horn-rimmed glasses peering over a giant folder labeled PERMANENT RECORD " It was heinous to be so inextricably, technologically bound to a past that I fully regretted but barely remembered. (75-76)

This is the nub of nanototalitarianism. In the hivemind ahead, we ourselves become digitized and controlled by forces of mafia and 'private security contractors.'

ChatGPT Voice Mode expects to be as fast as the current keypad mode is, with very quick responses to queries following database searching by the app. They hope it will be as fast as a natural exchange, such as with current interactive apps Alexa and Siri. But the real concern to worriers-in-the-know is that the databases will develop into bespoke nightmare electronic dossiers. Imagine a database that has all of your life's information in it, docs, pics, phone calls, places you have been, videos, papers you submitted to university courses through TurnItIn. But added in, people connected to you.

What if ChatGPT turned vicious on you one day, and ala Chucky (the doll from Child's Play) says, Have you ever wondered what your mother really thought about you? And then you hear your mother's voice on the phone to a friend telling her how your Mom almost had you aborted. And she wishes she had taken the advice. (Chucky chuckles.)

The darkened mind reels at the possibilities.

BREAKING NEWS

As this piece was being edited, Synchron, the Australian (DARPA-initiated) BCI company announced plans to upload ChatGPT to their mindstreaming product. See this article, "Aussie tech company uploads ChatGPT," currently hidden behind a paywall, when it should be openly accessible. In the piece, CEO of Synchron tells the reader with accesns:

"Prompts are still going to be making errors, they may hallucinate. They're still not going to be perfect, but they are trying to predict what your intent is, and then the BCI (brain computer interface) has to remain the guardian of your free will, of your choice," Dr Oxley said. "You can see where it's going. The way I think about it is it becomes an extension of your brain, basically, eyes and ears, you know, doing complicated analysis of your environment and then presenting. It reminds me of how the brain works."

This casual playing with the mind requires more inquiry and analysis. Stay tuned.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

Here's a strange thing to even begin to grasp. In all these years, at least in Washington, the heartland of American power, it hasn't been understood, not even faintly. In -- yes! -- all these years, including significant parts of the last century and this one, this country has continually poured ever more money into its military budget. The numbers have become utterly staggering as that yearly budget heads for a cool trillion dollars.

And yet, in those same years, the United States, which now spends more on its military than the next nine (or is it 10?) countries combined, hasn't been able to win a single war that mattered. In the last century, it essentially tied (if you can even use such a word in relation to a hell on earth) in the Korean War and distinctly lost in Vietnam. In this century, as part of its never-ending Global War on Terror, it spent 20 (yes, 20!) years losing its war in Afghanistan and functionally did the same thing in Iraq. Nor, as TomDispatch regular Nick Turse has reported brilliantly in these years, has it had real success in the rest of the Middle East or Africa, where, he's estimated, since that war on terror began, deaths from terrorism have increased by more than 50,000% and terror attacks by more than 75,000%.

Given such a record of "success," if it were any other government program, there would be severe cutbacks and major criticism (especially in an election year), but when it comes to the U.S. military, not a chance, not for a moment. And worse yet, as Turse points out today, even though the Global War on Terror has finally more or less ground to a halt, if not an end, almost 23 years after it was launched, the casualties from it continue to mount in a distinctly -- yes! -- suicidal fashion. What a horror" but let him explain as vividly as he always does. Tom

Suicide Squad

U.S. Troops Are Losing a War with Their Deadliest Enemy

By Nick Turse

At the end of the last century, hoping to drive the United States from Saudi Arabia, the home of Islam's holiest sites, al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden sought to draw in the American military. He reportedly wanted to "bring the Americans into a fight on Muslim soil," provoking savage asymmetric conflicts that would send home a stream of "wooden boxes and coffins" and weaken American resolve. "This is when you will leave," he predicted.

After the 9/11 attacks, Washington took the bait, launching interventions across the Greater Middle East and Africa. What followed was a slew of sputtering counterterrorism failures and stalemates in places ranging from Niger and Burkina Faso to Somalia and Yemen, a dismal loss, after 20 years, in Afghanistan, and a costly fiasco in Iraq. And just as bin Laden predicted, those conflicts led to discontent in the United States. Americans finally turned against the war in Afghanistan after 10 years of fighting there, while it took only a little more than a year for the public to conclude that the Iraq war wasn't worth the cost. Still, those conflicts dragged on. To date, more than 7,000 U.S. troops have died fighting the Taliban, al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and other militant groups.

As lethal as those Islamist fighters have been, however, another "enemy" has proven far more deadly for American forces: themselves. A recent Pentagon study found suicide to be the leading cause of death among active-duty U.S. Army personnel. Out of 2,530 soldiers who died between 2014 and 2019 from causes ranging from car crashes to drug overdoses to cancer, 35% -- 883 troops -- took their own lives. Just 96 soldiers died in combat during those same six years.

Those military findings bolster other recent investigations. The journalism nonprofit Voice of San Diego found, for example, that young men in the military are more likely to take their own lives than their civilian peers. The suicide rate for American soldiers has, in fact, risen steadily since the Army began tracking it 20 years ago.

Last year, the medical journal JAMA Neurology reported that the suicide rate among U.S. veterans was 31.7 per 100,000 -- 57% greater than that of non-veterans. And that followed a 2021 study by Brown University's Costs of War Project which found that, compared to those who died in combat, at least four times as many active-duty military personnel and post-9/11 war veterans -- an estimated 30,177 of them -- had killed themselves.

"High suicide rates mark the failure of the U.S. government and U.S. society to manage the mental health costs of our current conflicts," wrote Thomas Howard Suitt, author of the Costs of War report. "The U.S. government's inability to address the suicide crisis is a significant cost of the U.S. post-9/11 wars, and the result is a mental health crisis among our veterans and service members with significant long-term consequences."

Military Shocked (Shocked!) by a Rise in Suicides

In June, a New York Times front-page investigation found that at least a dozen Navy SEALs had died by suicide in the last 10 years, either while on active duty or shortly after leaving military service. Thanks to an effort by the families of those deceased special operators, eight of their brains were delivered to a specialized Defense Department brain trauma laboratory in Maryland. Researchers there discovered blast damage in every one of them -- a particular pattern only seen in people exposed repeatedly to blast waves like SEALs endure from weapons fired in years of training and war-zone deployments as well as explosions encountered in combat.

The Navy claimed that it hadn't been informed of the lab's findings until the Times contacted them. A Navy officer with ties to SEAL leadership expressed shock to reporter Dave Philipps. "That's the problem," said that anonymous officer. "We are trying to understand this issue, but so often the information never reaches us."

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India's, one of the largest Trade Fair and Conference on Banking and Financial Technology was held at Mumbai, between 13th-15th of February. IBEX INDIA makes an ideal platform for the representatives of financial and banking industries to get first-hand access to the latest tech innovations and solutions. Over 120 exhibitors from 6 countries showcased their products at IBEX this year. Mantra exhibited some of its exemplary products in the exposition, such 
New York, NY - July 25, 2024 - 3v-Hosting, a leading provider of high-performance hosting solutions, is pleased to announce the opening of a new dedicated server location in the United States. This strategic expansion into the US market marks an important milestone in 3v-Hosting's commitment to providing unparalleled service, reliability and speed to customers around the world. Improved performance and reliability The new US data center features state-of-the-art infrastructure to ensure 
Two people are dead following a Thursday morning shooting in a Vancouver parking lot, police reported. Investigators believe the shooter was one of the people that died.

Officers responded to reports of gunshots and a man holding a gun in the 4300 block of Plomondon Street around 8:10 a.m., Vancouver police spokesperson Kim Kapp said. They arrived minutes later to find two people dead at the scene.
Nine people were arrested after Portland police officials say they vandalized the bureaus North Precinct during a demonstration Wednesday evening that followed the Illinois release of July 6 body camera footage of a sheriffs deputy fatally shooting 36-year-old Sonya Massey at her home near Springfield.

In Portland, a group of about 50 people gathered about 7 p.m. outside the King neighborhood precinct and chanted and banged on pots, police officials wrote in a news release. About 20 minutes later, police said several people approached the main entrance and started tagging windows and walls.
A group of Black leaders gathered Wednesday at Dawson Park to demand a heightened police presence at the park after a drive-by shooting last week wounded two people and littered a corner with 87 bullet casings.

About 50 people listened as speakers pushed police to get out of their cars and interact with people using the park to make it a safe space in the heart of North Portlands historic Black district.
Cats have been Internet stars for years, with endless videos, photos, memes and so on turning up on Facebook, Instagram, and elsewhere, inspiring users to make Awww! comments, and shower the cute kitty images with likes and shares.

This week, however, cats have also been all over the national political conversation, thanks to a vice presidential nominees comments, and the response from fans of a vice president-turned-presidential nominee.

Were talking, of course, about the fur-flying controversy that erupted in the wake of remarks made by JD Vance, the Republican senator from Ohio chosen to be Donald Trumps running mate in the presidential race.

In a 2021 appearance on then-Fox News Channel host Tucker Carlsons show, Vance said that the U.S. was being led by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made.

Vance went on to say that Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and other Democrats are 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?

As NBC News points out, Harris, who has two stepchildren, is now running for president after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race. Buttigieg, the transportation secretary, has adopted twins.

Since the Vance interview resurfaced and was shared on social media, Harris supporters have been out in force, posting Childless Cat Lady for Kamala messages on social media. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston have also objected to Vances comments, as have fans of Taylor Swift, who has widely shared her love of cats.

With all this going on, U.S. News and World Report has sent an email that doesnt take a political position on childless cat ladies, but which does have a timely rundown of The Most Popular U.S. Cities to Have a Cat.

According to the media companys report, based on cat ownership data across America, Portland ranks among the top 10 cities for cat ownership.

The list of cities that have the most cats nationwide, according to the report, are, in order: Los Angeles; New York; Chicago; Brooklyn; Seattle; Philadelphia; San Diego; San Francisco; San Jose; and Portland.

As the report notes, cities in the western U.S. have a large number of cat owners. The report also notes that many of the cities with the most cats are densely populated. This could be because apartments, which are common in these cities, may be seen by some as better suited to cats than dogs due to size constraints. Some apartment dwellers may be more likely to adopt a cat  though of course, many people simply prefer feline companions, as the report says.

Cat ownership is generally cheaper than dog ownership, the report also notes, which may be a reason why cities with a higher cost of living also have high rates of cat ownership.

In terms of how the report reached its conclusions, the team analyzed data from a third-party pet insurance industry partner from September 2023 to March 2024. The data points analyzed included registered cats and state residence, which was filtered by city and ranked to show the U.S. cities with the most cats.

 Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist

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An Asian American night market kicks off at The Round in Beaverton this weekend, and thousands are expected to attend.

The event, called Legendary Makers Market, attracted over 13,000 attendees at its debut in Portland last November, said lead organizer Tom Sollitt, who expects an even higher turnout this weekend. The Friday-Sunday market will feature about 155 vendors offering food, baked goods, cultural art, jewelry, skincare, ceramics and more, along with indoor activities and performances at the adjacent Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.

Read more: This night market goes where Oregons Asian population is - Washington County

The market is divided into four physical spaces named after different elements. The Earth section, which will host the hot foods, will be in the Watson Avenue parking lot. The other three sections will snake along and around Southwest Crescent Avenue and will host a variety of arts and crafts.

Vendors represent identities from across the Asian diaspora, including Filipino, Indonesian, Afghani, Polynesian, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese, Laotian and Vietnamese, Sollit said. Many are sharing cultural food and art at the market.

Our goal is to make space for anyone who identifies as Asian American, so they can feel comfortable coming together, he said.

The three-day event starts at 3 p.m. Friday. In addition to the market, here is what else is planned for the weekend:

Short film screenings: At 6 p.m. Friday, three locally produced films  Dragonfly, Threading Silence, and Narpski  will be screened in the LAB, an upstairs room in the Reser Center. The directors will host a panel discussion at 7:30 p.m. before a second round of screenings at 8 p.m. Sign-ups are encouraged.

Wellness oasis: On Saturday, an Emotional Adventures' workshop, hosted by Debbie Loro, will be offered at 6 p.m. and then again at 6:30 p.m. in the first floor Pavilion Room of the Reser Center. There will also be nonscheduled activities in the same room starting around 3:30 p.m. hosted by acupuncturists, therapists and wellness professionals.

Spoken word performance: At 5 p.m. Sunday, performance group Liminal Bodies will take over the main theater inside the Reser Center to share a story of birth and renewal, connection and discussion, hope and love. Tickets start at $5 on a sliding scale.

Featured film screening: At 7 p.m. Sunday, there will be a screening of the featured short film Dealing with Dad followed by a panel with the films director, Tom Huang. Sign-ups are encouraged for the free screening.

Additional workshops are listed on the Legendary Makers Market website.

While the Reser Center activities only go on Friday and Saturday, the market continues Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There is no entry ticket.

Parking will be accessible at the Goodwill lot and the two parking garages at The Round. Guests can also take advantage of the MAX Blue Line, whose Beaverton Central station is in the center of The Round.

Sollitt hopes that guests can meet new people and enjoy shared space without a financial barrier.

Thats the invitation we want to give out, he said. Were trying to provide opportunities for small businesses that you may not have heard about in our community.

The Legendary Makers Market is one of several Asian American celebrations this summer.

In August, Beaverton will host the India Festival to celebrate Indian culture, music, dance, history and food. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, in Beaverton City Park.

The next week will bring the 10th annual Beaverton Night Market. The event, offering multicultural food and crafts, will be 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, in The Round.

And, if youre looking for an Asian night market on the other side of the Portland metropolitan area, the Jade International Night Market returns 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Southeast Campus of Portland Community College.

 Riya Sharma covers Here is Oregon feature stories. Reach her at rsharma@oregonian.com or 503-294-5996.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered state agencies Thursday to start removing homeless encampments on state land in his boldest action yet following a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces.

This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them. It also provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same, which applies pressure on them, though they are not legally bound to the order.
By Kelsey Turner and Wilson Criscione / InvestigateWest

Within days of leaving the safe house, Ally decided she needed to put it all in writing  the control, manipulation, the feeling like shed been trafficked and exploited by the very place that was supposed to help trafficking survivors like her.

Shed been at a safe house run by Community Outreach Behavioral Services, or COBS, an Idaho anti-trafficking nonprofit, for little more than a month in fall 2023 before she found the courage to leave. She hoped to prevent other women from falling prey to the program by filing a complaint to the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance , a state granting agency for programs serving crime victims.

I would not recommend the COBS program to anyone at all and they should be investigated, wrote Ally, 25.

The detailed complaint describing the restrictive and unsafe environment at the COBS safe house wasnt the first time a state or local agency in Idaho heard red flags about the program, which opened its first safe house for trafficking survivors in 2020. Nor was it the last. The Idaho Attorney Generals Office received a complaint about COBS conflict of interest with a for-profit company owned by Barthelmess son in 2022. Since 2023, three complaints were submitted to the state council for victim assistance.

InvestigateWest has found that several former safe house residents had similar complaints as Ally, and that the programs founder was self-dealing and billing residents Medicaid for services that residents say they never received. But despite the complaints, InvestigateWest found no government agency that investigated whether other survivors or COBS employees could verify the allegations.

In fact, COBS, which has denied that it has a conflict of interest or exploits trafficking survivors, pointed reporters to the investigation conducted by the council as evidence that the victim complaints lacked merit. The program continues to receive government funding and partner closely with police for client referrals.

Currently, unlike for youth homes, theres no regulatory entity to license and monitor safe houses or sober homes for adults in Idaho. The gap in oversight means that short of going to police, residents can only file formal complaints through government agencies that direct money to the program. The most severe consequence a program could face from these agencies is having its funding reduced or eliminated.

Today, COBS receives federal dollars for victim assistance through two sources: the state council for victim assistance, and the Nampa Family Justice Center, run by the city of Nampa. A review of government contracts, transactions and complaints reveals, however, that COBS has violated multiple conditions to receive funding from those entities.

Other service providers who have long been wary of COBS and its founder, Paula Barthelmess, say theyre perplexed by the inaction from both entities, which either work closely with COBS or have been alerted to potential breaches of contract.

tai simpson, a citizen of the Nimiipuu tribe who doesnt capitalize her name because there are no capital letters in the Nez Perce language, is an organizer and advocate for Indigenous trafficking survivors in Idaho. She said she would never over my dead body send my Indigenous relatives to any of Barthelmess programs.

Does somebody have to die in her care before we start to really investigate the legitimacy of her program? simpson said.

Rule breakers

After filing her complaint in October 2023, Ally said the state victim assistance council never interviewed her to verify the claims.

The council had been administering funding to COBS for less than a month  a total of $180,000 in state and federal grants  when it received Allys complaint.

The funding comes with standards, set forth by the council , to ensure that a programs policies align with federal and state law. For example, COBS cant impose restrictive conditions on survivors in order for them to get services, like requiring sobriety. It also must avoid conflicts of interest and protect the confidentiality of its clients.

Allys complaint laid out five pages worth of concerns  feeling unsafe, having her personal information shared without her consent, and the conflict with the for-profit Advanced Clinical Trauma Services, owned by Barthelmess son, that provides therapy and case management for safe house residents, among other issues.

Nothing was private and everything was monitored, the complaint says.

The state council had heard these concerns before. A few months earlier, in March 2023, Jennifer Zielinski, director of the Boise-based nonprofit Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition, submitted a 48-page formal complaint to the council describing survivor safety issues at COBS and Barthelmess alleged conflicts of interest. Nothing ever came of the complaint, said Zielinski, who thinks council staff wrote off her concerns as part of an ongoing rift between the two anti-trafficking organizations.

Dana Wiemiller, the councils executive director, said the agency is not a regulatory body. It doesnt have the power to shut a program down, only cut off its funding.

So we arent going to be going in and looking specifically at quality of care issues only because thats not our role, and our staff here isnt qualified for those types of assessments, Wiemiller said.

Rather, the council attempts to educate and support victim service organizations so that they can meet federal and state requirements for funding, she added.

We prefer to work with programs to improve policies and procedures, rather than refuse or cut off funding, Wiemiller wrote in an email response to InvestigateWest. Please be aware that, for most of the programs we fund, our funding represents a large percentage of their operating budget. We take this responsibility very seriously and we would never do anything to put our federal funding at risk.

Still, the COBS program didnt align with the councils service standards for years before the council began administering funding, InvestigateWests reporting shows. COBS has been requiring sobriety of victims at its three safe houses since opening the first house in 2020.

Barthelmess has exposed personal information about clients in public settings, according to survivors and formal complaints submitted to state agencies about COBS. Shes posted survivors stories on Facebook, though the posts dont include names. Survivors say that while at the program, they felt pressured into sharing their stories with the media and at public events. InvestigateWest was able to identify several safe house residents through public Venmo transactions to COBS.

And COBS had been referring clients to ACTS, the mental health company owned by Barthelmess son, which experts say is likely a conflict of interest. Two whistleblower attorneys also told InvestigateWest that ACTS is likely committing Medicaid fraud by billing safe house residents for services they didnt receive.

According to the councils own policies , grievances should be investigated through an unannounced monitoring site visit of the program involved, resulting in a written report and recommendations by council staff.

But that didnt happen in response to Allys complaint or, months later, when another former resident submitted a complaint. Council staff never visited the safe houses during its investigations, according to the councils records.

Council employees scheduled a meeting with COBS staff at the programs office in Meridian  an office space that it shares with the for-profit ACTS  and reviewed the programs policies as part of its investigation into Allys complaint. The review identified 11 instances of noncompliance with federal and state funding standards, including deficiencies in the programs policies regarding confidentiality, informed consent, conflicts of interest, staff training and client complaints.

The council advised COBS that it cant require clients to meet restrictive conditions in order to receive services, like participation in a detox. It gave the program 30 days  until Jan. 8, 2024  to remove the detox requirement from its policy and address the other areas of noncompliance.

Yet in March 2024, when a second former safe house resident who goes by Franky submitted a complaint to the council alleging that COBS clients are forced to go to substance abuse therapy, the council still didnt do an unannounced site visit, and this time, it didnt even review all of COBS policies, records show.

Instead, Wiemiller sent COBS a summary of the allegations brought against the program, and COBS denied the allegations . COBS sent the council its safe house rules, which include no substance use, as well as other conditions that clients must follow to receive services  participation in random drug tests and property searches, no cigarettes, no social media, no romantic relationships and no contact with anyone from your past without approval.

Records give no indication that the council for victim assistance interviewed any other residents to verify the allegations.

After receiving COBS response, two council employees called Franky to tell her that Barthelmess denied the allegations, Franky remembers.

They just asked her, and she denied it. Thats it, Franky said. Didnt even investigate it.

Wiemiller noted that the council doesnt expect victim service organizations to be fully in compliance with all funding standards right away.

We recognize that new applicants, especially those who may be new to federal funding requirements, will need guidance to bring all of their policies into compliance, she wrote in an email response to InvestigateWest.

But still to this day, Barthelmess openly advertises COBS as a clean and sober program where safe house residents are drug tested all the time. No pot, no suboxone, no drugs, no alcohol, Barthelmess told InvestigateWest.

Part of the system

COBS first started getting federal funding for its safe houses in 2021, part of a $350,000 grant awarded to the city of Nampa for victim services and community trainings about human trafficking.

According to a memorandum of understanding signed in April 2021 by COBS, the Nampa Family Justice Center has primary administrative oversight of the grant.

The Nampa Family Justice Center, an organization within the citys government that partners with agencies like COBS to serve survivors of human trafficking and other forms of abuse, is familiar with how COBS functions. The two organizations work together on a federally funded human trafficking task force . Taylor Cook, the Nampa Family Justice Centers human trafficking task force manager, said shes visited the programs safe houses several times. Cook and Barthelmess co-facilitate group sessions for COBS clients, held in the office space shared with ACTS, according to Barthelmess.

The federal grant money, like the funding administered by the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance, comes with rules prohibiting conflicts of interest and ensuring client confidentiality , outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice. But the memorandum of understanding between COBS and the Nampa Family Justice Center seems to bake COBS potential conflict of interest with ACTS into the agreement itself, stating that case management provided by COBS is funded by ACTS and medicaid reimbursement.

Cook said no survivors have ever raised concerns or submitted a complaint to her about COBS.

We have not navigated anything that has warranted concern on our end at this point. And if we did, we would address it, she said.

Cook also emphasized to InvestigateWest in an email response that the center does not administer or oversee any of COBS funding.

They simply provide services, along with many other MOU partners, that we compensate using grant dollars allocated for that specific service, Cook wrote.

The memorandum of understanding specifies that the Nampa Family Justice Center is responsible for collecting data that measures the effectiveness of the grant-funded activities, grant progress and financial reporting. Additionally, a working agreement between the center and COBS signed in March 2023 says the center agrees to be responsible for the performance of the project work regarding the grant.

From our experience, COBS has been a really proactive partner, Cook said. They have been providing numerous services to victims and survivors, and from what I have heard, it has been overwhelmingly positive.

Other anti-trafficking advocates, however, have argued that the Nampa Family Justice Center itself has broken rules that accompany the federal dollars.

In October 2022, Cook, Barthelmess and a Nampa police detective, Chad Benson, presented at an annual conference in Boise hosted by the Governors Task Force on Children at Risk . After the conference, Zielinski with the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition submitted a complaint to the Idaho Attorney Generals Office about the presentations. The presenters had shared personal information about victims who were trying to hide from their traffickers, including details about victims stories, their medical injuries and their children, and had included photos of victims in the presentations, the complaint says. The Nampa Family Justice Center used the grant money to pay Barthelmess about $160 for training she provided the day of the conference, an invoice shows .

Barthelmess continues denying and discrediting the complaints.

Theres always going to be disgruntled victims. Theres always going to be victims that have severe mental illness, Barthelmess said. This is just part of any system, and its OK.

In interviews with InvestigateWest, she repeatedly shut down InvestigateWests questions about how the government money was used by saying she didnt know how the funding of COBS worked.

Pressed on a potential conflict of interest with ACTS and on the way the company billed safe house residents insurance, she again declined to answer.

This is why the funders said to be careful in speaking with you guys, Barthelmess said.

She wouldnt say which funders gave the warning.

Read Day 1 of the investigation here.
Children whove spent time in Oregons foster care system have a chance to tell a federal judge about their experiences to guide settlement of a class-action lawsuit.

The proposed settlement, announced in May, requires the Oregon Department of Human Services, which runs the foster care system, to improve its placement of children in appropriate households, reduce abuse and provide better medical and mental health 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 experienced abuse and inadequate health 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. An neutral outside expert, Kevin Ryan, will work with the Oregon Department of Human Services and advocacy watchdog Disability Rights Oregon and national nonprofit A Better Childhood to guide changes to the foster care system. 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 Ryan finds the agency has not adopted adequate reforms to protect the children in its care.

To be heard in court, current or former foster children must send a letter to U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken by Aug. 16 with feedback on the settlement. They should mail their letters to her at 405 East Eighth Ave., Eugene, 97401.

Its up to the foster children to decide if they will speak in court. But to testify, they must first send the judge a letter.

Foster children who send letters by the deadline will be able to comment on their experiences and the adequacy of the settlement during a Sept. 12 fairness hearing. The hearing is required before Aiken can finalize the deal. 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, told 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.

Human services 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.

-- Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
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Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A delegation from the Algerian Civil Aviation Authority has visited Maitigua International Airport, in the eastern suburbs of Tripoli, to audit the security and operational procedures to ensure that they comply with international standards for the resumption of flights between Libya and Algeria
News / Local

by Staff reporter

The DA had better prospects of winning on the Phala Phala matter involving President Cyril Ramaphosa, which they were "flip-flopping" on, than they did on challenging uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader in Parliament Dr John Hlophe's appointment to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).That is how the MKP responded to the DA following its urgent bid to reverse Parliament's decision granting Hlophe the green light to represent it in the JSC. Hlophe was impeached as a judge earlier this year in what he has maintained was a political decision.Chairperson of the DA's federal council, Helen Zille, said in her founding affidavit that Hlophe's participation in the selection process of a judicial officer would taint the process as he "creates the risk that judges will be selected who do not have the necessary character and integrity to serve".DA papers in a two-part application seek, in the first part to ensure that Hlophe be interdicted from taking up his seat at the JSC, pending the outcome of the second part, which is to set aside the decision by the National Assembly to designate Hlophe as a representative of the JSC.The MKP described the DA's latest move as frivolous."Our view is that the DA has better prospects of winning on the Phala Phala matter that they are flip-flopping on rather than on this frivolous case. There is nothing in law or the rules of Parliament that prohibits Dr MJ Hlophe from being appointed to the JSC," said MKP spokesperson Sipho Tyira.On Phala Phala, he was referring to the DA's recent about-turn that it would protect Ramaphosa against any move to hold him accountable for the undeclared dollars stuffed in couches on his Phala Phala farm before they were stolen during a break-in.An inquiry established by the previous Parliament and led by retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo found that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer and could have breached his oath of office. However, attempts to impeach him failed when the ANC used its majority, shielding him from answering questions relating to the scandal.Following the coalition between the DA and ANC, Zille's party now said it was not interested in reviving the Phala Phala matter despite the Ngcobo report still going unchallenged.In her affidavit, Zille said it was wrong that the National Assembly accepted Hlophe's nomination.Hlophe was found guilty of misconduct for trying to influence the outcome of former president Jacob Zuma's corruption charges in 2008, leading to his impeachment.That was before he was appointed as the MKP's parliamentary leader.Zille's affidavit read: "Dr Hlophe's participation in the selection of judges creates the risk that judges will be selected who do not have the necessary character and integrity to serve as judges. Obviously, Dr Hlophe will be just one voice and one vote on the JSC. But it is not only his vote but his ability to influence other commissioners that matters in the selection process. His presence matters, not only his vote."If it is irrational to put him on the JSC because he cannot be trusted to abide by the JSC's own guidelines for appointment, then his presence there creates a real risk of irreparable harm," said Zille.In a statement, Zille said the "designation of Dr Hlophe presents a clear conflict of interest and undermines the independence of South Africa's judiciary".Hlophe's lawyer, Barnabas Xulu, said his client had been "trying to get access to the courts for the past four years for the vindication of my client's rights, so what would make them so special with an urgent application?""If the matters that we have before court ... vindicate him, then they've got no case. Because we have been complaining that the court processes are being manipulated."We warned them about this thing of manipulating court processes and bulldozing ... you will have problems.And here it is now. "We warned them about the rules of Parliament and impeaching the judge, but they went ahead and now the (former) judge is in Parliament."Because the rules would say if you are a judge that was impeached, you cannot be a member of Parliament. The court processes cannot be overlooked," said Xulu.
Saica Group to Acquire Polish Subsidiary of Schumacher Packaging

Schumacher Packaging's Polish subsidiary has a production capacity of 440,000 tonnes per year of paper and 535 million square meters of corrugated board. Pictured above: Schumacher Packaging's paper mill in Myszkow, Poland. Schumacher Packaging's Polish subsidiary has a production capacity of 440,000 tonnes per year of paper and 535 million square meters of corrugated board.

July 25, 2024 - Saica Group on July 22 announced that it has reached an agreement with Schumacher Packaging to acquire Schumacher's Polish subsidiary. This includes all activities in Poland  the entire management, all employees, two modern corrugated board plants in Bydgoszcz and Wroclaw, two paper mills in Grudziadz and Myszkow, and three service centers.

The value of the deal was not disclosed.

According to Saica, Schumacher Packaging's Polish subsidiary has developed a solid portfolio of customers and offers a production capacity of 440,000 tonnes per year of paper and 535 million square meters of corrugated board. The company has 1,540 employees in Poland, and in 2023 has a turnover of 327 million euros (aggregated sales).

"This will be a very important milestone. Not only is this a step forward in Saica's business growth strategy, but it also aims to further develop our infrastructure and services in Eastern Europe," said Susana Alejandro, President of Saica Group. "We are eager to welcome the Schumacher people in Poland, and further develop our culture and values with them, caring for the future, valuing people and accepting the challenges we have ahead."

Saica noted that the agreement with Schumacher is in line with its strategic plan, "Saica 2025," which was announced in 2021 and calls for the company to make an average investment of 230 million euros every year through 2025.

Saica said completion of the transaction with Schumacher is pending clearance by the Polish anti-trust authorities, as well as the fulfilment of certain conditions.

Saica Group offers sustainable paper solutions for the manufacture of corrugated cardboard and packaging. With over 10,300 employees and a presence in Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States, Saica Group has four business lines: the production of recycled paper for corrugated cardboard (Saica Paper), waste management and environmental services (Saica Natur), the production of corrugated cardboard packaging (Saica Pack), and flexible packaging (Saica Flex).

SOURCE: Saica Group
Ghanas Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has expressed his greatest sympathy with Ghanaians amidst the current economic woes being experienced by Ghanaians and business owners in the country.



During a mid-year budget reading in Parliament on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the Finance Minister revealed that the last two years of the Akufo-Addo government has seen a myriad of challenges across the globe, which resulted in Ghanas crippling economy, homes and the vulnerable in society.



Dr. Amin Adam, who is also the Member of Parliament for the people of Karaga expressed concerns about numerous challenges, which have compelled the Ghanaian youth to seek employment opportunities beyond what the state can offer.



Dr. Amin Adam said, Mr. Speaker, the last two years have been extremely challenging globally, and Ghana has not been an exception. The difficult economic environment has truly affected businesses and families, particularly the vulnerable in our society."



These challenges have severely affected households, increased the cost of living and limited the creation of job opportunities. Our young people continue to seek employment opportunities beyond what the State can provide. It has, indeed, Mr. Speaker, been a difficult time and I empathise with our entire fellow Ghanaians.



He further highlighted the decisive measures taken by the government to get the country back on track, stating that the implemented policies are yielding the desired results, hence, calling on Ghanaians to have confidence in the economic team.



Mr. Speaker, over the last two years, the Government has embarked on a number of decisive measures to get us back on the path of fiscal consolidation, economic stability and growth. I am happy to note that these policies that we have implemented are yielding the expected results, he said.

Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr. Alex Ampaabeng has assured Ghanaians that the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) and COVID-19 levy will soon be reviewed to lessen their burdens.



Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Dr. Alex Ampaabeng explained that the two taxes are part of government's tax reform plans.



He revealed that the Ministry has started measures to ease the tax pressures saying "currently, the government is taking progressive steps on reforming our taxes. One of the things we are focused on in the Ministry is to reform almost all our tax handles, making sure they are used for its purposes and to ease Ghanaians.



"So, for both E-Levy and COVID-19 levy, they're all under consideration for the review of the tax handles we are doing. With E-Levy, I can say my flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has already served notice to remove it if elected President."



He added that the Ministry in conjunction with the Ghana Revenue Authority are currently engaging in a "taxpayer data cleansing" to ensure that "when the (tax) net is spread wide, it helps to limit the burden on the few because we spread the tax liability or the tax revenue among a bigger segment of the population".



The Deputy Minister assured Ghanaians that, with these tax reforms which he noted will come into force in the first quarter of 2025, "the future looks very bright for Ghana".



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The pilot who survived a deadly plane crash in Nepal was saved after his cockpit was sheared off by a freight container seconds before the rest of the aircraft crashed in flames.



Captain Manish Ratna Shakya, the sole survivor of the disaster that killed 18 people at Kathmandu airport, is being treated in hospital but BBC Nepali has confirmed he is talking and able to tell family members he was all good.



Rescuers told the BBC that they had reached the stricken pilot as flames neared the cockpit section of the aircraft embedded in the container.



He was facing difficulty to breathe as the air shield was open. We broke the window and immediately pulled him out, Senior Superintendent of Nepal Police Dambar Bishwakarma said.

"He had blood all over his face when he was rescued but we took him to the hospital in a condition where he could speak, he added.



Nepal's civil aviation minister Badri Pandey described how the aircraft had suddenly turned right as it took off from the airport, before crashing into the east side of the runway.



CCTV footage shows the aircraft in flames careering across part of the airport before part of it appears to fall into a valley at the far edge of the site.



"It hit the container on the edge of the airport... then, it fell further below," Mr Pandey said. "The cockpit, however, remained stuck inside the container. This is how the captain survived.



The other part of the plane crashed into a nearby mound and it tore into pieces. The entire area away from the region where the cockpit fell down caught fire and everything was burnt, Mr Pandey said.



The pilot was "rescued within five minutes of the crash" and "was very scared but had not lost consciousness at that time", according to a statement released by the Nepali army.



An army ambulance then took him to hospital.



According to the hospital's medical director, Dr. Meena Thapa, he suffered injuries to his head and face and will soon undergo surgery to treat broken bones in his back.



"We have treated injuries on various parts of his body," Thapa told BBC News Nepali, "He is under observation in the neuro surgery ward."



On Wednesday evening, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma visited the hospital, where he met members of the pilot's family.



Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.



The head of Tribhuvan International Airport said that an initial assessment showed that the plane had flown in the wrong direction.



"As soon as it took off, it turned right, [when it] should have turned left," Mr Niraula told BBC Nepali.



Nepal has been criticised for its poor air safety record. In January 2023, at least 72 people were killed in a Yeti Airlines crash that was later attributed to its pilots mistakenly cutting the power.



It was the deadliest air crash in Nepal since 1992, when all 167 people aboard a Pakistan International Airlines plane died when it crashed on approach to Kathmandu Airport.



Saruya Airlines operates flights to five destinations within Nepal, with a fleet of three Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, according to the companys website.

Source: BBC









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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









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Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has expressed disappointment in the 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review, stating it signals the governing New Patriotic Partys (NPP) impending transition to the opposition.



Dr. Ato Forsons remarks followed Finance Minister Dr. Amin Adams presentation on Tuesday, July 23.



The Finance Minister highlighted the governments efforts to reverse negative economic trends and control expenditures, reporting a provisional total debt of GH742 billion (US$50.9 billion) as of June, representing 70.6% of GDP. He assured that the government is living within its budget.



Despite these assurances, Dr. Ato Forson criticized the review for not abolishing certain taxes, such as the COVID levy, E-levy, and emission levy.



The former Deputy Finance Minister argued that these taxes have contributed to Ghanas high tax regime, driving businesses and citizens out of the country.



According to Dr. Ato Forson, the government's inability to introduce innovative measures demonstrates a lack of vision and commitment to addressing the country's pressing economic issues.



The Minority Leader also referenced the majority caucus's jubilation song Abamu awie, suggesting that the NPP is now on its way to opposition.



He emphasised that the review, in his view, underscored the NPP's failure to meet the expectations of Ghanaians.



Dr. Ato Forson urged the government to rethink its strategy and adopt more effective policies to revive the economy and provide relief to the citizens.



At the very least Ghanaians expected that this mid-year review would have removed or abolished several taxes that have made Ghana a high tax regime to the extent that businesses are moving out of the country and the ordinary Ghanian is leaving the shores of this country. For example example COVID levy, E-levy, Borla tax, tax on domestic electricity, emission levy.



Mr Speaker this is a missed opportunity. Mr Speaker instead the minister did not announce one single new policy. The minister did not introduce new ideas. Mr Speaker unfortunately Ghana is on autopilot, and our economy is on autopilotAll what I want to tell them, they are bereft of new ideas and Im happy that they sang abamu awie, you are on your way to the opposition," he stated.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/peacefmonline.com









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The Minority in Parliament has invited Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flagbearer, to participate in a debate on the 2024 mid-year budget review, which was presented by Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam on Tuesday, July 23.



The Minority believes that the debate will provide Dr. Bawumia with an opportunity to discuss his views on the current economic situation and the hardships faced by Ghanaians.



In a press statement issued on Wednesday, July 24, and signed by Deputy Minority Whip Ahmed Ibrahim, it was announced that the debate is scheduled to commence on Thursday, July 25.



The statement emphasised that parliamentary rules allow a sitting Vice President to engage in debates on the floor of the House.



The NDC MPs argue that this debate will allow Dr. Bawumia to account for his role over the past seven and a half years as Chairman of the Economic Management Team and address the impact of his stewardship on the nation's economy.

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Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/peacefmonline.com









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Flagbearer and leader of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to support farmers with tractors and loans to support their farm business in order to enhance production.



According to the Vice President, the hike in food prices can be associated with the lack of support for farmers which eventually leads to high cost of production, hence, the provision of tractors and loans will help farmers produce more food to reduce food prices on the market.



Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia made this pledge during a campaign rally in Wa East in the Upper West region, where he acknowledged the vital roles farmers play in ensuring food security and affordability across the country.



He underscored the need to invest in the countrys agricultural sector noting that, it is one of the surest ways in lowering the food prices.



He therefore, stated that one of the objectives of the new NPP government is to make sure that farmers are provided with the requisite support to increase their production.



According to Dr. Bawumia, the likes of Brazil and China, where farmers produce 10 and 12 tons of maize per acre, respectively, compared to Ghanas average yield of four tons per acre is nothing to be proud of, thus, the need to invest resources into the Agricultural sector.



Amongst many other promises is the promise of establishing super aggregators that would purchase produce directly from farmers, ensuring they receive fair prices and reducing post-harvest losses due to lack of ready market.



He also highlighted the importance of using lime fertilizers to improve soil fertility, noting that Ghana has an abundance of lime deposits.



Dr. bawumia said, I want to help our farmers. Farming is the key to bringing food prices down and we are going to help the farmers increase their productivity. If you go to Brazil, an acre of land, maize can come to 10 tons, in China they can get 12 tons, but in Ghana, we get only four tons.



Im going to apply the practices that we are seeing that have worked in Brazil and in China to our farmers in the Wa East District, to increase productivity.



We are going to establish super aggregators who will come and buy the produce from the farmers so that the food does not go to waste and they can get good prices for their goods.



He further pledged, We are going to help the farmers with tractors and with credit for them to harvest and we are going to move from the normal fertiliser to lime, lime makes our soil very fertile, and we have lime in Ghana and we are going to help our farmers use lime in Ghana.





Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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Skeletal remains were found in a wooded area in Luzerne County on Wednesday, according to multiple media reports.

Police said they were made aware of possible remains located behind Hazleton Area High School in Hazle Township at around 9 a.m., according to WNEP, Fox56 and WBRE/WYOU.

The Luzerne County District Attorney said that an autopsy had been done and officials are waiting for the results.

The DA said that police are also investigating a nearby missing persons case, but it is unknown if the two incidents are connected.

Its shocking that it is so close to this area and you dont know whats going to happen and you dont know what youre going to see. So it really is scary, a resident at a nearby nursing home told Fox56.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Prominent South African legal practitioner, Advocate Dali Mpofu and his colleague Advocate Lerato Moela were denied work permits this week by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.The two arrived in Namibia to represent the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) in a deregistration hearing in the Windhoek High Court on Tuesday.The ministry's executive director, Etienne Maritz, said on Tuesday the lawyers were denied work visas after failing to submit all required documents in their applications as required under Section 85, Subsection 2, of the Legal Practitioners Act (Act No. 15 of 1995)."The decision to deny the work visas was purely procedural and based on the Ministry's commitment to upholding the law. Therefore, the ministry didn't take into account political considerations as alleged by some quarters," he said.Maritz clarified that their applications lacked essential documents like academic qualifications and accreditation certificates issued by the Chief Justice.Maritz said the ministry had no intention to hinder legal representation or impede the legitimate activities of any party involved in the legal proceeding in Namibia.According to Maritz, advocates Mpofu and Moela arrived in Namibia on 22 July to represent their clients in court.They were allowed entry to apply for and obtain work visas before proceeding with the court representation.On the same day as their arrival, the ministry received work visa applications for the two through Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners.However, the application did not meet the requirements as prescribed by the law.This, he said, resulted in them not being able to represent NEFF's case in the High Court.Maritz emphasised that Namibian immigration laws exist to ensure that all applicants adhere to the necessary legal requirements when seeking entry into Namibia.He said the ministry remains available to provide further clarification regarding this matter.Mpofu is the former national chairperson of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa, which has close links with the NEFF.On Tuesday, NEFF deputy leader Kalimbo Iipumbu said the denial of work permits to the lawyer was a "dirty trick".Last month, the ECN deregistered the NEFF and the Christian Democratic Voice (CDV) for failing to submit and publish financial statements as mandated by the Electoral Act.
By ZEKE MILLER, AP White House Correspondent

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 months 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.

This composite, left to right, shows North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper; Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.; Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro; and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. (AP photo)AP

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.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks as President Biden joins him in Philadelphia on Dec. 11, 2023. Shapiro is reportedly among those being considered to run with Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race. (Tom Gralish/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS, file)TNS

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.
By Ellen Knickmayer, Farnoush Amiri and Ashraf Khalil, The Associated Press

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.

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 in Gaza.

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 at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP

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 ceasefire 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.

Tall steel barriers ringed the Capitol Wednesday, and police deployed pepper spray as thousands of protesters rallied, denouncing Netanyahu as a war criminal and calling for a cease-fire.

25 1 / 25 Thousands protest Netanyahu visit

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.

Crowds of demonstrators near the Capitol protested the wars high civilian death toll. 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 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.

Associated Press writers Stephen Groves, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick and Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.

Follow the APs coverage of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu.
Actor Kevin Spaceys Baltimore mansion has been sold at a foreclosure auction, according to a news report.

An unknown local businessman, purchased the house through a third-party buyer, and acquired the waterfront mansion at a 15-minute sale on Thursday morning for $3.24 million, according to the Baltimore Business Journal.

The house, which sits in a gated community, was purchased in 2017 for $5.65 million, according to the real estate listing.

The listing referred to the property as a Magnificent mansion on the water.

The 9,069-square-foot house sits on five levels, and has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, three half-bathrooms, an elevator, a sauna, a home theater, multiple verandas, a rooftop terrace overlooking Baltimores Inner Harbor and a four-car garage, according to the real estate listing.

The house is about 80 miles from Harrisburg.

The Oscar-winning actor told Piers Morgan in a recent interview what was happening to his house after Morgan asked him where he was living now.

This week, where I have been living in Baltimore is being foreclosed on  my house is being sold at auction  so I have to go back to Baltimore and put all my things in storage. So the answer to that question is Im not quite sure where Im going to live now.

Spacey moved to Baltimore to play the lead role in the Netflix series House of Cards, according to the Baltimore Business Journal. The newspaper reported that Spacey hasnt been able to work in years after he was accused of sexual misconduct. He has since been acquitted in a civil trial in New York and a criminal trial in London, according to the Associated Press.
With Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign just days old, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick is launching a massive campaign in Pennsylvania tying her and Sen. Bob Casey together on radical liberal policies.

In a memo with the subject line of Kamala Harris is toxic in Pennsylvania, McCormick campaign strategist Mark Harris said a new ad kicks off an effort that will last through the Nov. 5 election.
UPDATE: Pa. amusement park coaster reopens after viral photo showed iffy pillar support

Kennywood amusement park in West Mifflin, Allegheny County, closed its iconic Racer roller coaster after a photo that seemed to show part of the structure propped up on cement blocks went viral on social media.

The photo, which was posted on Tuesday to the oneBURGH Facebook group, shows a wooden post resting on a piece of wood, which in turn is off-center on top of two cement blocks. The social media post currently has over a thousand comments and nearly three thousand shares.

In the wake of the photo going viral, Kennywood shut down the Racer temporarily on Wednesday, according to KDKA and WPXI.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, which oversees the states amusement parks, told TribLive that it sent a quality control inspector to the park on Wednesday after receiving a copy of the photo.

The inspection revealed that the support in question was not the primary structural support, but instead provided backup support only, Shannon Powers, a department spokesperson said to the news outlet. As a result, the department determined the ride was safe for operation, and recommended minor, non-structural modifications.

Crews could be seen working on the coaster on Wednesday, news reports said.

Nathan Morrill, a member of the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials, told TribLive that ride operators often use blocks like the ones in the photo to provide temporary support or footing to a structure, a process known as cribbing.

The cribbing might be perfectly adequate. As long as it is properly supported and meets the demands of the ride, it should be fine, Morrill said to TribLive. It could be that theyre doing repairs, and theyve cribbed it while they build a new support.

The ride was last inspected on July 20 and was operating up till Wednesday, KDKA reported. The ride is expected to be back open today.

The safety of our attractions is our top priority. All rides at the park are inspected daily by Pennsylvania-certified state inspectors before opening so that they may be enjoyed safely by all guests, Kennywood spokesperson Tasha Pokrzywa said in a statement to TribLive.

Earlier this year, the amusement park announced that its Steel Curtain coaster would be closed to the public for the year while it undergoes modifications.

The Racer first opened in 1927 and is one of Kennywoods oldest rides.
Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard.

You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit!

Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | July 25, 2024

Travelers at PHL have been stranded days following that worldwide global teach outage. A university in Pennsylvania is one of many that still face legal action over accusations of price fixing. More people are moving away from grocery stores to buy food. Plus, almost 40 Pennsylvanians are headed to the Olympic.

Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa.

Todays episode refers to the following articles:

If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too.

As sponsored by Renewal by Anderson of Central PA.
The Philadelphia Phillies, despite scuffling recently, own the best record in the National League.

The Cleveland Guardians, who also have had their issues lately, own the best record in the American League.

They will meet in a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park in Philly on Friday through Sunday.

Philly is 2-4 since the All-Star break, losing series at Pittsburgh and Minnesota.

Through Tuesday, Bryce Harper has a .296 batting average to lead the Phillies, and has 22 doubles and 23 home runs. Trea Turner is 12-for-39 with four home runs and eight RBI over the past 10 games.

Cleveland, meanwhile, is 3-3, losing twice at home to the San Diego Padres and going 2-1 against the Detroit Tigers with one more game on Thursday afternoon.

Through Wednesday, Josh Naylor has 16 doubles, 22 home runs and 72 RBI while hitting .237 for the Guardians. Jose Ramirez is 10-for-40 with two doubles and a home run over the last 10 games.

You can purchase tickets at StubHub, Vivid Seats and SeatGreek.

Here are the three games and where you can buy tickets, with the lowest ticket price listed.

FRIDAY, JULY 26

Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

When: 6:40 p.m. EDT

SeatGeek: lowest price, $66

Vivid Seats: lowest price, $63

StubHub: lowest price, $63

SATURDAY, JULY 27

Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

When: 6:40 p.m. EDT

SeatGeek: lowest price, $42

Vivid Seats: lowest price, $43

StubHub: lowest price, $42

SUNDAY, JULY 28

Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

When: 1:35 p.m. EDT

SeatGeek: lowest price, $28

Vivid Seats: lowest price, $34

StubHub: lowest price, $34
By Rebecca Boone, The Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho  A wildfire burning in Oregon thats kicking smoke into neighboring states is now the largest active blaze in the U.S., authorities said, and a storm Wednesday with lightning and strong winds was prompting additional evacuations.

The Durkee Fire, burning near the Oregon-Idaho border about 130 miles (209 kilometers) west of Boise shut down part of Interstate 84 Tuesday as the flames approached the vital link between the states. The freeway briefly reopened Wednesday, but closed again as officials warned of frequent disruptions because of the nearly 400-square-mile (1036-square-kilometer) blaze.

The town of Huntington, Oregon, home to about 500 people, remained evacuated for a third full day, and authorities issued warnings about the coming storm to those who have remained behind. The blaze crossed the interstate near Huntington Wednesday afternoon and additional mandatory evacuations were issued. Wind gusts of up to 75 mph (121 kph), lightning and heavy rain was expected that could cause flash flooding and debris flows in recently burned areas, the Baker County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post.

This continues to be an incredibly dynamic situation, the sheriffs office posted later Wednesday.

In this image provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation, shows an area burned by the Durkee fire near Interstate 84 close to Huntington, Ore., Tuesday afternoon, July 23, 2024. (Oregon Department of Transportation via AP)AP

The Oregon State Fire Marshals office also cautioned residents about the risk posed by the storm and the expected abundant lightning. The agency mobilized nearly 500 firefighters to help protect communities that could be threatened by wildfires nearby.

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.

Power outages and freeway closures are expected. In the event that the fire reaches the City of Huntington, there may be delays in assisting residents that have not previously evacuated, the sheriffs office said.

More than 60 significant fires are burning in Oregon and Washington alone, and Oregon has been plagued with hundreds of lightning strikes from thunderstorms that have started new blazes in bone-dry vegetation.

Already, 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.

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 Sunday, July 21, 2024. (Oregon Department of Transportation via AP)AP

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 Oregon fire. 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.

AP writer Lisa Baumann contributed from Bellingham, Washington.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Wynand Boshoff, grandson of 'apartheid architect' Hendrik Verwoerd, will report to a new parliamentary leader as the Freedom Front (FF) Plus announces that Pieter Groenewald's appointment as Minister of Correctional Services has resulted in slight adjustments to the party's parliamentary team.Groenewald is part of the national executive sworn in after the 29 May polls, which earmarked the beginning of the seventh administration.FF PLUS ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO ITS PARLIAMENTARY TEAMThe party said Corne Mulder, South Africa's longest-serving Member of Parliament (MP), has been appointed as the party's parliamentary leader. He previously served as the chief whip.Wouter Wessels has been appointed the new chief whip, while Heloise Denner will serve as whip. Notably, Wessels was also elected as the chairperson of the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General (AG) of the National Assembly.The rest of the FF Plus parliamentary team includes Wynand Boshoff, Philip van Staden, Tammy Breedt and Kobus van den Berg.'SOUTH AFRICA IS AN ARTIFICIAL UNION'Boshoff made his debut in Parliament following the 2019 elections. He told Cape Argus that he does not want to be compared to his grandfather instead, he wants to be seen as his own man."Throughout my life I've got used to the fact that my grandpa [Verwoerd] was a politician, revered in some communities, viewed as a villain by others. I've been met with friendly and unfriendly comments. I'm my own person and the main issues I want to address are those of minority groups," he told the publication.Boshoff's father actually founded the whites-only town of Orania, and his brother remains the president of the racist enclave.Ahead of the National and Provincial Elections in May, Boshoff who is the FF Plus leader in the Northern Cape, told AFP that the development of parallel Afrikaner structures could be seen as a "pre-emptive response" to what he sees as the marginalisation of his community."I think a process which is busy happening at the moment already is that Afrikaners are becoming all the more self-reliant," he said, describing how white communities are trying to develop their own services, such as electricity.The post Verwoerd's grandson takes on new parliamentary role as FF Plus alters leadership structure appeared first on SA People.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The trial for Jameson Timba, a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) official, and 76 party activists is scheduled to begin on July 29.The group has been in remand prison for over five weeks following their arrest on June 16 for allegedly gathering "with intent to promote violence" during a Day of the African Child event. Their bail applications were denied by both the magistrates court and the High Court.Prosecutor Thomas Chanakira has advised the CCC members to appear in court on the set date for the start of their trial. The case was heard virtually by Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi.The activists are represented by Agency Gumbo, Lazarus Mbereko, Jeremiah Bamu, and Webster Jiti.
Trump tried to attack Kamala Harris at his rally in North Carolina, but his efforts were old, pathetic, and tired.

Trump said:

Kamala Harris was sent to Europe to deter Russia. What a joke that was from attacking Ukraine. How did that work out? Russia answered by launching the invasion just five days after she left. Putin laughed at her like she was nothing. She is nothing. Shes, shes so bad for us. Everything Kamala touches turns into a total disaster. Shes destroyed San Francisco where the policies check out. San Francisco 20 years ago was the greatest city in our country today. Its not a livable city.

Shell destroy our country if shes elected. So we wont let her be elected. We cant let that happen unbelievably. Despite all of the damage hes caused radical liberal Kamala Harris . Now he wants a promotion to deliver four more years of chaos. Weve had the worst four years. You know, I say about Biden. If you took the 10

worst presidents in the history of our country added them up, they wont have done the damage that crooked Joe Biden has done. But this November, the American people are going to tell her no, thanks, Kamala. Youve done a terrible job. Youve been terrible at everything youve done. Youre ultra liberal and we dont want you here. We dont want you anywhere. Kamala, youre fired. Get out of here. Youre fired.

Video:

Trump first attempt at attacking Kamala Harris was just sad, "She's going to be rishi so bad for us everything. Kamala touches turns into a total disaster. She's destroyed San Francisco with the policies." pic.twitter.com/ZmZTk6VLTF  PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) July 24, 2024

This is pathetic. All Trump did was cross out Joe Bidens name, add Kamala Harriss name and make the same bogus attacks that he was already using. Trump threw in some stuff about San Francisco, and now he is back to screaming about radical liberals, but there was nothing new in the speech.

Trump couldnt even stay off topic. He mentally wandered off and started rambling about Biden.

The old man has lost his fastball.

He cant attack anyone, because he memory problems are so severe that even when chained to his teleprompter, he cant stay on topic.

If this the best that Trump and the Republicans have against Harris, they are going to get steamrolled in November.
With just over 100 days to go, Harris for President released its first official video of the campaign titled We Choose Freedom, which hits the exact right energy of this moment.

The video features Beyonces song Freedom, and highlights whats at stake in the upcoming election, which they define as Americans rights and freedoms.

Watch here:

The narration lays out the stakes in November, asking what kind of country we want to live in:

VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS : In this election, we each face a question.

What kind of country do we want to live in?

There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos. Of fear. Of hate.

But us. We choose something different.

We choose freedom.

The freedom not just to get by, but get ahead. The freedom to be safe from gun violence. The freedom to make decisions about your own body.

We choose a future where no child lives in poverty. Where we all can afford health care, where no one is above the law.

We believe in the promise of America and we are ready to fight for it.

Because when we fight, we win. So join us.

By defining freedom as something that applies not to guns but rather to our bodies, autonomy, right to marry, and be FREE from gun violence, the Harris campaign reclaims an rallying call long used to put the rights of gun manufacturers to make unmitigated profit ahead of actual lives. Harris position is the actual pro-life position. Its pro-life for all. It features her smiling, people laughing, happy faces, faces of love and unity. This is what we can choose to walk toward, while shutting the door once and for all on Donald Trumps toxic and violent influence over our political landscape, dividing families and friends and communities.

At the end is a link to the campaign website. The Vice President is correct, when freedfight peacefully at the ballot box for their rights and their country, they do win.

om loving Americans come together to Winning requires that all coalitions within the big tent of the Democratic Party, Independents who vote Democrat and Never Trumper Republicans put aside their specific wishlists and demands for the greater good.

It requires that everyone stop being like Trump, stop putting self above the community. Theres been a growing penchant among the electorate raised on President Barack Obamas charisma and character to expect and demand that unique combination of traits  on top of exact policy matches. These mythical unicorns do not exist. There is no perfect candidate or ticket.

But there is Kamala Harris, who is not only prioritizing a positive version of freedom for ALL, but is also ready to take the fight to Donald Trump and his criminal cabal, so that regular Americans wont have to live in fear and be intimidated at the ballot box anymore. As a candidate, Kamala Harris background as a prosecutor and her career-long mission to hold the banks and other predators accountable meets the moment.

The campaign points out correctly in their email sent to PoliticusUSA, In just a few short days, Vice President Harris has united the Democratic Party, earning strong support from key coalitions, including labor groups, Black voters, Latino voters, AANHPI voters, women, and young voters.

The enthusiasm and energy for Kamala Harris has made history already, even as the same voters who support her grieve over the way President Joe Biden was pushed aside by powerful special interests. But as the President made clear last night, the fate of this country is too important to focus on one person. President Joe Bidens selfless act is the opposite of the self-serving agenda of Donald Trump, and Bidens legacy will be not only of historic legislative achievements and decency, but of a rare and authentic patriotism unmatched in modern history.

Kamala Harris stepped into that terrifying void left when President Biden stepped aside, and quickly amassed support from various coalitions, including getting March for Our Lives first-ever endorsement and Thursday morning, an endorsement from labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta.

The campaigns first video will be airing across all social media platforms.
FBI Director Christopher Wray testified that convicted felon and former president Donald Trump could have been struck by shrapnel instead of a bullet during the assassination attempt on by a registered Republican on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania.

With respect to former President Trump, theres some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee.

I dont know right now whether that bullet, in addition to causing the grazing, could have also landed somewhere else.

Shrapnel is defined as small pieces of metal that fly through the air when a bomb or similar weapon explodes and are intended to injure people.

Pennsylvania law enforcement briefed reporters on the scene immediately in the aftermath, saying Trump had been hit by debris from his teleprompter. Several members of law enforcement who were standing near him were hit with debris.

Donald Trump was reportedly hit by glass shards, not a bullet, after a shooting occurred at scheduled rally in Pennsylvania. According to law enforcement, a bullet hit a teleprompter and Trump was grazed by glass shards, the New Pittsburgh Courier reported the day following the shooting.

Early briefings caused confusion that Wrays testimony does not clarify at this point. Snopes claimed that Trump was definitively hit with a bullet before Wrays testimony.

Trumps ear appeared to be grazed with an object, but as the FBI Director made apparent, its unclear what that object was. Trump has claimed he was shot in the ear and wore a large, conspicuous white bandage over his ear at the Republican Convention, which was copied by attendees sporting large white covers to their ears.

No licensed and/or treating medical personnel have confirmed he was shot as he stated. However, Butler County (a red, rural district in western Pennsylvania) district attorney Richard Goldinger told a reporter that Trump was grazed by gunfire.

One audience member was killed and two others were seriously injured. The FBI is still trying to determine the motive of the shooter.

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.

Republicans have accused the Secret Service of being derelict in their duty to protect a presidential candidate. However, the Secret Service deleted text messages requested by a watchdog dated January 5th and 6th in the aftermath of the Trump-incited deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021. They denied deleting the messages intentionally.

The shooters motive is still unclear. Profiles on him diverge, some saying he was bullied and shy, while others say he was a conservative who enjoyed taking the conservative side of the argument in class and whose friends wore Trump hats. He was a registered Republican, but this fact did not stop Republican lawmakers from blaming Democrats for the shooting. He was wearing a T-shirt advertising The Demolition Ranch, a YouTube channel for gun enthusiasts.

A Philadelphia Inquirer profile quoted a classmate, Max R. Smith, recalling Tom Crooks making political statements. He definitely was conservative. It makes me wonder why he would carry out an assassination attempt on the conservative candidate.

Political violence began rising in 2016, around the time of Trumps first run for the presidency, Gary LaFree, a University of Maryland criminologist who has tracked such violence in a terrorism database between 1970 and 2020, told Reuters.

A majority of Democratic lawmakers and President Biden have repeatedly pushed to ban assault weapons. 220 Republican House members and 49 Senators have consistently blocked gun safety. A common theme in Republican candidates ads is to pose with an assault weapon, sometimes even around a Christmas tree with their kids holding assault weapons.

No matter what hit Trump was hit, it occurred during an assassination attempt, which is unacceptable in a free country. While the venue chosen by the Trump campaign provided obvious logistical challenges for the Secret Service and local law enforcement, witness accounts of seeing the shooter on the roof before he shot into the crowd are chilling and speak to a security failure that wrought tragedy for one rally goers family and put two other people in serious condition.

Watch Wrays full testimony here:
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the government's dismissal of its leader, Obert Masaraure, as "illegal and unilateral." The dismissal, communicated in a letter from the Provincial Education Director for Mashonaland East, Jube Ncube, cites Masaraure's prolonged absence from duty without leave as the reason.ARTUZ Secretary General Robson Nikita Chere criticized the government for violating workers' rights, alleging that Masaraure's salary had been withheld for over five years prior to his termination. Chere accused the government of fabricating charges against Masaraure and obstructing efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue.ARTUZ vowed to challenge the dismissal vigorously, rejecting the termination letter as "a piece of toilet paper" and committing to all necessary actions to reinstate Masaraure and secure justice.
When I decided to re-watch all of the James Bond movies in chronological order, I wasn't exactly expecting a politically correct, feminist franchise that would pass the Bechdel test with flying colors.

My memory of the early movies consisted of a lot of smarmy one-liners, plenty of women in that kind of pointy bikini tops, bad guys with Russian or German accents, and loads of shots of Sean Connery's legs. As far as Bond's relationship with women, I remembered that he was unquestionably a womanizer, and women often just melted into his arms, apparently seduced by the mere sight of him. I was prepared to laugh at these outdated tropes and accept the movies' questionable gender dynamics as a product of a different time. I wasn't expecting to see point-blank sexual assault.

WARNING: Discussion of rape and sexual assault.

For those already rolling their eyes and ready to call me a liberal snowflake, let me be clear: I'm not talking about grey areas of consent or questionable comments. I'm talking about Agent 007 literally holding a woman down as she struggles to free herself as he forces his mouth on hers.

I'm talking about Mr. Shaken-Not-Stirred pulling a spa attendant into a sauna as she screams in protest. I'm talking about multiple instances of Bond ignoring clearly worded refusal from women and forcing himself on them anyway.

Some notable moments include a scene in Gold Finger when Bond pins Pussy Galore (HER NAME IS PUSSY GALORE?!?) to a pile of hay by the wrists and lowering himself down on top of her as she turns her face away and says no repeatedly, until he ultimately forces her to kiss him, spreading her legs apart with his own.

After this explicit rape scene, the assaulted woman is portrayed as being infatuated by Bond, sending a clear message that women just don't know what they want until you show them.

To make matters worse, it's made clear in Goldfinger, the book, that the character of Galore was intended to be a lesbian who was so wooed by Bond that she changed her ways. Ian Fleming, the author of the books the movies are based on, wrote in 1959 in response to a complaint from a doctor about Galore's character that she "only needed the right man to come along and perform the laying on of hands in order to cure her psycho-pathological malady." Fleming described rape as THE LAYING ON OF HANDS.

Things only get worse from there. In Thunderball (the top-grossing Bond film of all time until Skyfall), we see James assault a nameless spa technician as she attempts to inspect an injury on his back. He loops her in his arms and forces her to kiss him as she struggles to free herself, eventually pulling away in horror.

Later on, the same spa technician finds Bond in a dangerous situation on a stretching device, thanks to a lurking bad guy. Assuming it was an accident, the spa technician is horrified and apologizes profusely.

Bond then threatens to tell her boss (knowing full well it wasn't her fault) about the incident if she doesn't have sex with him. He doesn't give her much time to respond before he quickly pulls her into a sauna and presses her against the translucent glass.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is and was - even in 1965 - rape.



Thunderball (1965) - 'First time I've felt really safe all day...' youtu.be

These are just a couple of many horrifying examples of sexual assault and rape throughout the Bond movies, and that's to say nothing of the objectification, the harassment (Bond regularly threatens to bend Money Penny, his boss's secretary, over his knee and spank her if she doesn't behave), and even the vilification of women throughout the series.

The examples of assault don't end with the '60's either; as recently as Skyfall, which was made in 2012, we see Bond join a woman in the shower uninvited mere moments after he learns that she's been a victim of human trafficking and statutory rape.



Inappropriate Moments in James Bond Movies youtu.be

Sure, the Bond movies are often fun and action-packed, and it's easy to excuse their flaws as products of a bygone time. But the truth of the matter is that the domineering, sexually predatory legacy of Bond has lived on throughout the duration of one of the most influential film franchises in history.

The character of James Bond is inseparable from his rapist tendencies, and when watching the 007 movies one has to reckon with their role in normalizing rape, sexual assault, and the general mistreatment of women.

So does that mean we should stop watching Bond movies?

Given the amount of media now available that depicts healthy sexual relationships between men and women and still offer entertaining and action-packed plots, why waste your time on James Bond? You might argue that they're classic films, an essential component of Western cultural history.

I can't argue with you there, but if you do feel that way, it's worth asking yourself what aspect of our culture it is, exactly, that you're so hell-bent on preserving?
Like most people I know, I've been existing in a state of dread for all of October in anticipation of November 3rd.

In order to spend less time languishing in that dread, I've been partaking in small bouts of political activism in an effort to get out the vote. I've written the requisite several hundred postcards and made several strongly worded posts.

I've also been attempting to call voters. Earlier in the pandemic, I phonebanked for the first timefor progressive candidates in NYC, many of whom won their primaries. Fresh off that success, I felt ready to make some calls for Biden.

So I joined a phone-banking group mostly composed of people who had supported Bernie in the primaries and who don't love Biden, but who also don't want to see fascism overtake America. Appropriately named "The Misfits," the group tried to take a lighter approach to what wound up being a difficult process that proved what everyone already knows: America is bitterly divided.

After a quick training on my first day, we were sent off into the wilderness of Pennsylvania to contact random voters. I would say that around 30% of the time I talked to Biden voters, 30% were Trumpers, 10% were bots or trolls, and 10% were genuinely undecided voters. Here are five of the main types of people I encountered.

Type 1: The Undecided Voter

For those of us who are deeply enmeshed in politics, it can be incredibly difficult to imagine that anyone is still undecided. Biden voters who believe in climate change and devour the New York Times are as unlikely to change their minds as Fox News and Q-Anon devotees.

Those of us who hate Trump tend to really hate him, and we find it incomprehensible that anyone could admire or want to see more of this manthis disgusting, crude, weak little man who has allowed America to collapse into a pandemic and who has given up even trying to stop it. Trump supporterswell, we'll get to Trump supporters a little later.

But some voters are actually undecided. Several people I talked to sounded like they hadn't really thought much about the election at all. I couldn't know what they were experiencing on the other end of the line, but the truth is that not everyone has the time or energy to pour over political headlines each day.

Others had considered both candidates carefully and weren't pleased with either. Some people expressed a deep dislike and lack of faith in both Trump and Joe Biden, and were considering whether to vote at all.

Usually with these folks, I would start by asking if they believe in climate change in order to figure out if I had contacted a disgruntled Bernie supporter. If so, I would try to tell them that I, too, was not madly in love with Biden, but he represents by far the best chance to pass policies that will keep our planet and our people safe.



With a Biden presidency, I would say to undecided voters, progressive groups and people-first candidates at least have a chance to make serious moves on climate legislation and affordable healthcare. With a Biden presidency, the amazing down-ballot candidates we will elect in New York and across the country will actually be able to fight for the good of their communities. Biden has changed his platform a lot during the race thanks to pressure from progressive groups, and he represents an opportunity to actually make our world better.

In the best cases, it seemed like some of these people listened as I told them about how scared I was to see my birth state of California engulfed in wildfires, how much I wanted the pandemic to end, and how voting is also about voting for down-ballot candidates who actually are parts of their communities.



Some were willing to listen and others were not. And of course, some had made up their mind to be apathetic a long time ago. The most difficult to persuade, in my opinion, were the ones who had already given up hope.





Type 2: The Depressed Conservative

I tend to think of liberals (and progressives, in particular) as the more concerned, upset, generally emotional side of the political spectrum. I still think this is true, but what I hadn't considered was that conservatives, on the whole, may actually be more depressed.

I came to this conclusion after speaking to several people who told me they were voting for Trump, and when I asked them why, they expressed a deep sense of apathy and even depression.

Like progressives, many Trump supporters I spoke to professed their belief that "the system" is broken; but unlike Biden, they did not appear to be remotely hopeful that the system could be fixed. Everywhere, there was evasion of blame. "People can't change the climate," said one angry climate denier. For her, climate change was an inevitability that she had no power over; she was, I realized, totally hopeless.

Another Trump supporter I talked to believed in climate change, somehow, but also was convinced that "China" and "India" are inevitably going to destroy the world via emissions anyway so nothing America does matters. (Nevermind the fact that America is a centerpiece of the global economy, and that China has already implemented aggressive climate policies, etcetera).



What struck me about these peopleadmittedly a small, non-representative subsection of Pennsylvanians who picked up their phones at 8PM on a Tuesdaywas their overarching sense of hopelessness, their feeling of smallness, their belief that the world could not be changed.

Because of this, I soon began to feel a bit of gratitude for the left's perpetual anxiety and fear. I thought: At least we believe in something. At least we're alive.

Type 3: The Family Follower

Another thing I noticed about Trump supporters I spoke to was that they often cited members of their families as the reasons they supported Trump. One man who I talked to for over 20 minutes said that he was voting for Trump because his parents were, but beneath that reasoning was a pit of nihilism and unhappiness that I suspected wasn't related to Trump at all.

Another Trump supporter to whom I presented my California wildfires story spoke for a long time about her husband, who was from (and loved) California. He had recently passed away, he had supported Trump, and she was going to vote for Trump no matter what because of him.

I'm not including these stories in an attempt to make a radical appeal for the humanity of Trump supporters, or to advise that our political differences will be solved if we all love each other a bit more. Trump and his policies have put and will put infinite numbers of lives at risk. This, of course, is part of the problem: People may support a candidate for emotional reasons, but our votes have very real political consequences on people's lives.

Instead, I mean to emphasize that Trumpism, judging by the Pennsylvanian voters I spoke to, feels like a demographic rooted in a deep, often suppressed allegiance to despair and a willingness to follow along with family members' wishes above all reason.



Type 3: The Hunter Biden-Obsessed Riot-Fearing Trumper

This will come as no surprise to anyone, but when I asked Trump supporters why they supported him, they cited two things: China and "the riots."

"The riots" were a major reason people were supporting Trump (nevermind the fact that "the riots" all took place, and continue to take place, under Trump). Black Lives Matter and Antifa are dangerous terrorist groups to these peoplenever mind the fact that right-wingers have been exposed for plans to kidnap and kill Gretchen Whitmer and to shoot Joe Biden in his home all within the past few weeks, or that the vast majority of protests, protestors, and Black Lives Matter organizers were peaceful (or that they happened under Trump, not Biden). Of course, one of these talking points will appeal to hardcore Trumperspeople who are obsessed with Hunter Biden and China will go down with that ship.

And in truth, shaming and blaming will never change someone's mind. Basic human psychology tells us that in order to change minds, we have to make people think they come to certain conclusions themselves.

When we argue about political issues, "The disagreement isn't really about politics. It's about psychologyabout how we see the world differently," says Elizabeth Bernstein, a psychologist who is a Democrat married to a Republican. "Manifest content is what you think you're talking about. In this case, that is politics. Latent content is what you're really talking about, which is feelings and what the disagreement, or the act of disagreeing itself, stirs up." When actually talking to people (as opposed to getting in comment wars with them or writing smear pieces about them), we're often confronted by the presence of latent content and deeper emotional reasonings that get lost.

Regardless, hardcore Trumpers aren't the people who we should be appealing to in these last vital weeks of the election. My mind has blanked out some of the crueler comments people said over the phone, so I can't relate them here, but the conversations often left me exhausted. At one point, one caller (almost definitely a trollI hope) confessed to a murder while on the telephone. Sometimes, people are just too far gone.

Type 4: The Biden Supporter Who Needs a Nudge

I have no doubt that Joe Biden can win the election, but I also believe that two critical populations remain: undecided voters and people who don't know how to vote.

This year, we may face incredible odds at the polls. The absentee ballot and voting processes are unnecessarily complicated in some placesin Pennsylvania, for example, you have to put your ballot inside the two envelopes provided. If you send it in just one envelope, it will be disqualified. Reports of faulty ballots have already popped up in Brooklyn.

Phonebanking is really about reaching people who want to vote but need some extra help. I spoke to one woman who hadn't known she could have her 93-year-old mother fill out an absentee ballot. When the votes come in, I'll think of them. And I'll remember, like the dangerous Antifa member I am: There is hope.

Type 5: The Biden Supporter Looking To Take Action



I didn't have very long conversations with most staunch Biden supporters, because most of those people were all ready to vote or had already voted. Normally, I'd just thank them profusely and move on. If anything, I'd try to ask these people if they were willing to contact a few friends about voting, or if they were willing to make some calls themselves.

So, if you've made it this far and if you are a Biden supporter who is definitely going to vote but still wants to help, it's your time to try phone banking! It's a truly rewarding, strangely addictive experience that can make a real difference.

We are one week out from the election, and so if you haven't phonebanked yet, now is the time to start. In many ways, it's interesting, getting to listen to people living their real lives. The calls are, if nothing else, ways to connect to other humans. (Many of us have been quite isolated during this quarantine including myself). Also, there are few things like the high of getting someone to commit to voting who wasn't going to before. Type 4 is definitely the most satisfying type of person to call, because it feels like you're actually doing somethingand this happens more than you might think.


A program titled Nourish & Flourish will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior & Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. N.W. The program will feature dynamic speakers and an opportunity to visit with vendors who cater to the senior community. Speakers will be Aimee Hanna, executive director of Aiken Senior Life Services; Matthew Enfinger, neighbor advocate with Golden Harvest Food Bank; and Dr. Piya Deshpande, preparing a holistic meal. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 803-642-7600 option 3. Read moreToday's events for Oct. 10
News / National

by Staff reporter

Harare City Council (HCC), town clerk engineer Hosiah Chisango, has been arrested charged with unprocedural awarding of a US$9,2 million tender without following due process.In a Wednesday statement, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) confirmed Chisango's arrest.The top municipal executive is accused of awarding the multi-million dollar tender to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, a company owned by businessman Moses Mpofu, without following due process."The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Harare City Council (HCC) Town Clerk, Engineer Hosiah Chisango on charges of criminal abuse of duty."Allegations are that Eng. Chisango acted in connivance with four other officials who are already in custody and awarded a streetlights tender worth over US$9,2 million to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, a company owned by businessman Moses Mpofu, without following due process," read the statement.Chisango is expected to appear in court on Thursday over the corruption allegations.Mpofu is also languishing in remand prison together with business partner Mike Chimombe over alleged embezzlement of funds allocated through a goat supply tender by government.
COLUMBIA  Three inmates have died within a month at one of South Carolina's most troubled county jails.

Two of those inmates died a day apart, on July 22 and 23, both from drug overdoses.

The Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia was searched by the Richland County Sheriff's Department on July 23 following the two overdoses. The K9 unit was used to sniff out drugs, but none were found.

After deputies left the jail, another inmate overdosed and was transported to a hospital, according to Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.

Another inmate died on July 9, but authorities did not deem that death suspicious. The county coroner's office did not release information on the cause or manner of death.

Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford identified two inmates who died from overdoses as 25-year-old Marty J. Brown and 54-year-old Lamont Powell, both of Columbia.

Powell overdosed on fentanyl while Brown's toxicology report came back positive for Pentazocine, an opioid which Lott said is "just as powerful as fentanyl."

"Fentanyl is probably the most dangerous drug that we've got impacting not only those in the community, but also, now we've seen, in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center," Lott said.

Brown was last seen alive at 9 a.m. An hour and a half later, while corrections officers were handing out lunch, they saw Brown unresponsive and attempted to revive him, according to an incident report by a sheriff's deputy.

The next day, at around 1:30 p.m., Powell was found unresponsive in his cell in one of the facility's open housing units. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at around 1:50 p.m., according to an incident report. The last time staff saw him alive was at 11 a.m., according to the county.

In both cases, the county said the "detention centers on-site medical team immediately responded and began life-saving measures" to revive the detainees. Lott said he did not know if corrections officers used Narcan, a medicine that can reverse opioid overdoses.
WALHALLA  The South Carolina man charged with using his fathers name to pose as an attorney for real clients in multiple Upstate courts might have used artificial intelligence to write his filings.

In a contempt hearing this week, Oconee County Probate Court Judge Danny Singleton said the wording of a document Nathan Chambers filed in his court indicates he may have used AI technology.

The seven-page motion that raised the judges eyebrow was on behalf of Jason Boyle, a Seneca man who was held in contempt himself for giving legal advice to his fiancee in a yearslong probate case.

The motion, split into a memorandum in support of motion for reconsideration and a emergency motion for reconsideration, made arguments and cited case law, but was phrased as if it were an order from a judge.

Boyles fiancee Dorothy Pierce told The Post and Courier in an interview she paid Chambers $14,000 up front to take on her and Boyles cases, then later paid another $2,500.

Chambers, still in custody on charges of impersonating a lawyer in both Oconee and Greenville counties, declined to testify about the AI tech but apologized to the court.

I never meant to cause the court any trouble, Chambers said. As Ive watched my father and sister throughout my entire life practice law and I watched my life go down the drain, I kind of lost my mind a little bit.

Chambers has prior drug-related convictions and is awaiting trial on a charge in Greenville County for impersonating a sheriffs deputy.

Chambers father, John Edward Chambers Jr., is a practicing attorney in South Carolina. He used to work at Truluck Thomason, a general practice firm in Greenville, until one of the firms partners learned of his sons allegations in Greenville County.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Opposition parties are warning President Cyril Ramaphosa not to get too comfortable in the Government of National Unity.The MK Party, EFF and ATM are vowing to pursue the 2020 Phala Phala farm theft case.The parties lead the so-called progressive caucus in Parliament.The Public Protector has cleared the president of any wrongdoing, but the parties are not buying this.The ATM is leading a court challenge to review and set that report aside.
The 7.5-mile line predominantly runs across the edge of people's property, affecting 26 owners, Brooks said. That was done to minimize the impact on any one parcel.

Just over 3 miles runs along an existing deactivated power line. But 4.4 miles is new and would cut through private property where land has been owned by the same families for generations and the roads bear their names.

Drummond Coxs family can be traced back to Ephraim Drummond, a farmer and Scotsman who moved from Virginia to the Green Pond area in 1789 in pursuit of a woman, Polly Johnson.

The two were married, and by the early 1800s, Ephraim Drummond had bought around 800 acres in the area. The family has had roots there ever since.

Generations of families like the Drummonds have hung onto their property, resisting the march of progress that took nearly 300,000 acres of the states agriculture between 2001 and 2016. Raising cattle and growing crops has been a way of life here for as long as folks can remember.

Drummond Cox and her sister, Melissa Drummond, grew up in Green Pond. They live on their properties that are affected by the line and enjoy weekly treks into the woods behind their homes.

The high-strung wires will mar land that once held their fathers cornfield.

The space has since been filled by tall grass and shrubs, surrounded on all sides by oak, pine, birch and maple trees. But the sisters still hang onto childhood memories of harvesting the kernelled crop.

It just seemed eternal, Melissa Drummond said. It seemed like the field went on and on and on.

But eternity doesn't last forever.

Duke buys land in Green Pond

The company was preparing for the line before anyone in Green Pond knew what was up.

Duke bought land for a new substation at the intersection of Greenpond Road and S.C. 417 in June of 2022 without telling anyone until after it secured the parcel. (Duke said the omission was meant to keep down costs of property acquisition.)
Opinion / Columnist

An alliance that cements the slow death of the ANC

The trial of the ANC

When the elites go marching in

An uncertain future for South Africans and South Africa's foreign policy

Has a post-ANC South Africa arrived?

It was always clear that the African National Congress (ANC) was headed for political and electoral decline in the 2024 elections. Several political analysts and ANC watchers have written the political obituary of Africa's oldest liberation movement. And some prominent ANC members have publicly predicted its demise. What even the most astute political analysts and observers did not foresee was that the ANC would be forced to form a government with the Democratic Alliance (DA). It was widely expected that the ANC would easily ally itself with its two offshoots, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Umkhonto weSizwe. The coming together of the ANC and the DA to form a government of national unity, therefore, not only demonstrates the reality of the strangest of bedfellows, but also the possibility of politics as the art of the impossible and the likelihood of the very unlikely. In political terms, the oil and water metaphor does not even come close to capturing the historical relationship between the two political outfits, the former a liberation movement and the latter an arguably liberal and neo-liberal political party with colonial and apartheid beliefs and practices. The current alliance raises one important question: who benefits from it?It might as well be politically suicidal for an African liberation movement to ally itself in government with a party that has its political history in representing and defending some colonial and imperial political ideals, as the DA has openly done.The fact that significant numbers of black South Africans punished the ANC by either abstaining or voting for another party  all of which helped bring the DA into government  is evidence that the weaponisation of the history of the liberation struggle and the tales of the heroism of the black liberation fighters are no longer convincing to a population that is growing impatient for tangible liberation, especially the youth. And indeed, for the majority of black South Africans, the dreams of liberation from apartheid have collapsed into post-apartheid nightmares, exacerbated by the emergence of a black economic and political elite class of conspicuous consumers whose lifestyles laugh at the poverty of the majority.For many observers, this government of national unity spells the end of the ANC as we know it and the beginning of a post-ANC South Africa, governed by coalitions and alliances of various kinds, as black voters increasingly lose faith in the ANC. In such a context, it is fair to say that the DA's political and electoral growth is not due to its growing appeal to South Africans, but to the growing anger of black voters at a liberation movement that continues to squander the goodwill of the people and negate the goals of liberation.Worse still, the unexpected government of national unity (GNU) involving the ANC and the DA puts the ANC on trial for its very existence as a governing liberation movement.If this GNU succeeds in delivering public goods and services to South Africans, eradicating corruption and improving governance, the ANC will be exposed to South Africans as incompetent and the DA as productive and trustworthy, fit to govern the republic. If the GNU fails to deliver and/or collapses, the ANC will again be the loser as the apparent leader within the union. The question, then, is whether there will be an ANC to talk about after this historic experiment with a government of national unity that has brought together strange political bedfellows and historic rivals. There is no doubt that whatever happens to the GNU, failure or success, the DA will emerge as the winner.If the GNU succeeds, the DA can claim to have come to civilise the ANC and save South Africa. In case of failure, the DA can go to South Africans and claim that they have tried and failed to improve the ANC and therefore South Africans must vote for the DA to save a political future for the republic. As such, either way, left or right, this GNU is a dramatisation and culmination of the electoral and political decline of the ANC as a ruling liberation movement in South Africa.We can never exhaust or overstate the ANC's difficulties as a liberation movement in decline, reduced to the status and positionality of any other struggling political party in the Republic, Africa and the Global South. For a titanic liberation movement of the size of the ANC to be forced by the electorate and the elites to co-govern with such a historic political opponent and rival as the DA is not only a dramatic but a spectacular decline that could look like death itself.But another dimension of the GNU is that political elites of a ruling liberation movement and its political opposition have come together to share political power and all the privileges that go with it at the expense and behind the backs of South Africans. This GNU, in form and content, has not been decided by the voters, nor has it been approved by South Africans at large, but by enterprising politicians in boardrooms and other elite circles. It is possible that the ANC and the DA have finally found each other and will now use any means necessary to protect their newfound power from the unhappy South African electorate and the wider population of the republic. After all, the South Africans who registered to vote (27.8 million of the 43 million South Africans who are over 18) and those who actually went to the polls (16.3 million or less than 40% of the eligible voting population) are a tiny fraction of the total South African population. GNU or no GNU, South Africa could be under the potential tyranny of a tiny but elite and powerful minority. Moreover, both the ANC and the DA are made up of politicians who do not usually have a reputation for resisting the temptation to opportunistically seek, find and retain power at all costs.African political analysts, both inside and outside South Africa, have reason to be concerned about South Africa's role in African and world affairs after the advent of the GNU. Many questions have no clear answers. For example, with the DA in a political union with the ANC in government, will the issue of justice for Palestine still be important or will it be frozen? South Africa's participation in the progressive economic bloc of the BRICS, led by South Africa, Russia, China and India in the Global South, could be reduced to mere posturing with the Euro-American-centric DA in government with the ANC. What will happen to South Africa's involvement in the DRC conflict, which could be ended through peace talks?Meanwhile, South Africans are wondering about the fate of the controversial but progressive National Health Insurance scheme now that the DA, which opposes it, is in government. Black economic empowerment and the welfare state, which the ANC government has promised for three decades and failed to deliver, could disappear from the government's agenda with the DA's entry into the corridors of power in South Africa. In any case, time will tell whether the DA has finally overcome and subdued the ANC.Party coalitions and governing coalitions are rarely symmetrical. Often one party swallows another party or parties. So the question is whether the ANC has swallowed the DA, or whether the DA has finally swallowed the ANC and compromised it forever. There is little doubt that, politically, the DA is the ultimate beneficiary of the GNU. Political analysts such as Roger Southall may be right to say that the GNU may yet be a sign that the ANC as a liberation movement is finished and what we have left is just another political party among other political parties.Nevertheless, it is conceivable that the ANC could recover from its political and electoral decline to its historic position as the dominant liberation movement in South Africa. One way of doing this would be for the ANC to rediscover itself as a liberation movement and overcome the temptation to be a political party. For this to be possible, the ANC must clearly define South Africa's national interest, take a leading role in reforming the international financial institutions, implement South Africa's pan-African agenda, promote the interests of the global South and participate in redefining the rules of governance institutions such as the United Nations. Another way would be for the ANC to listen to South Africa's youth, who are the political pulse and future of the country and the liberation movement.If the ANC fails to do these things, it may simply resign itself to a post-ANC South Africa where it will be one political party among many others.----------Dr William J Mpofu is a Researcher at the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies(WiCDS), University of the Witwatersrand, and Senior Research Associate of Good Governance Africa (GGA), SADC Region. He writes in his personal capacity.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-25 15:01:34

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Represented by MIRAME Fine Art, Adrian Arguedas is hailed as one of Costa Rica's most significant living visual artists, and he continues to enthrall both locally and internationally. Renowned for his expressive, mask-themed work that explores human behavior and identity, Arguedas is an artist to watch.SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / With a notable recent show at the prestigious Craig Krull Gallery in Santa Monica, Arguedas' career is on a remarkable upward trajectory.Adrian Arguedas, Sujecion Oil on fabric, 55 x 40 in.Arguedas' work, available for viewing and buying online at miramefineart.com , spans watercolor, oil, and prints. Contact MIRAME Fine Art for advice, to commission pieces, and to receive further details about his extensive portfolio of Costa Rican art for sale.Arguedas Exhibition: Valle OscuroHis recent solo exhibition, "Valle Oscuro," at San Jose's Museum of Costa Rican Art cemented his status as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. Named after Arguedas' hometown of Barva de Heredia, the exhibition showcased Arguedas' fascination of the mask to explore archetypes and patterns of human behavior.His figures, adorned with devilish and sinister masks, are brought to life with confident brushwork and a dark, ominous color palette punctuated by lively hues. Even when Arguedas is not painting literal masks, he captures the way individuals project their identities, affirming that even "your face is a mask." Available Artwork: SujecionOne standout piece available at MIRAME Fine Art is "Sujecion," where Arguedas portrays the luminosity of balloons in a balanced, deliberate composition. The central figure evokes curiosity about their identity, with subtle brushwork and nuanced color choices adding a sense of whimsy and playfulness.This painting exemplifies Arguedas' recontextualizing everyday life with sensitivity and depth, and is a highlight of the MIRAME Fine Art collection. For those seeking Costa Rican art for sale online, this piece is a must-see.Influences and Artistic ApproachArguedas draws inspiration from the storytelling of Pieter Brueghel and the social commentary of Edward Hopper. His works, rich with narrative, depict figures expressing distinct emotions beneath mysterious masks. The dynamic energy of his characters creates a collective oscillation, immersing viewers in the canvases."My work is very personal," says Arguedas. "There is a whole history around our relationships with masks; you can see different moments in history and how humans use them. I relate to political or social ideas through the mask." Cultural Impact and RecognitionArguedas' art is integral to Costa Rica's cultural fabric. He has received several national awards, including the prestigious "Aquileo Echeverria" award, the highest accolade in Costa Rican visual arts, which he has won four times. The opening night of "Valle Oscuro" in early November 2023 saw over 700 people in attendance, celebrating Arguedas' work and dancing in the courtyard, embodying the spirit of his masquerade-themed exhibition.For more information about Adrian Arguedas' work, visit miramefineart.com or contact MIRAME Fine Art for inquiries.Contact InformationBelinda SeppingsCo-Founderbelinda@ miramefineart.com +447821591397SOURCE: MIRAME Fine ArtView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-25 02:17:47

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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. ("Arbor" or "the Company") (NYSE:ABR) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Arbor is the subject of a report issued by Viceroy Research November 17, 2023, titled, "Arbor Realty Trust - Slumlord Millionaires." According to the report, "Arbor's high-risk multifamily bridge loans, which comprise substantially all of its asset book, are going bad fast The end is near." Viceroy Research then issued a follow up report on December 5, 2023, titled "Arbor - Jacksonville Case Study." In the second report, Viceroy Research claims that the Company's "entire loan book is distressed and underlying collateral is vastly overstated." Based on this news, shares of Arbor fell by more than 5% over the next two trading sessions.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The class in this case has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT: The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq. www.schallfirm.com Office: 310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
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Elevate the Connectivity With Cable Matters' 16-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station, Now Featuring Thunderbolt Share Technology.SOUTHBOROUGH, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Cable Matters, an industry leader in connectivity solutions, is excited to announce the integration of Thunderbolt Share technology from Intel into its existing Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station. This enhancement brings unprecedented Windows PC-to-PC connectivity and collaboration capabilities to the popular 16-in-1 docking solution.Thunderbolt Share Cable Matters' Thunderbolt 4 dock now features Thunderbolt Share technology.Thunderbolt Share is an innovative software application that enables fast and seamless Windows PC-to-PC connectivity. By leveraging the power of Thunderbolt 4, users can now transfer files, share storage devices, and enjoy smooth screen sharing with minimal latency, enhancing productivity and collaboration.The key features of Thunderbolt Share include easy file transfer and backup, allowing users to drag and drop individual files or whole folders between connected PCs. Shared storage access enables any external storage connected to one PC to be accessed from another, providing immediate access to files and data across multiple devices. Additionally, Thunderbolt Share offers smooth screen sharing with responsive mouse and keyboard control, ideal for collaborative work and presentations. This technology also enhances multitasking and productivity by allowing a user to simultaneously use the same keyboard, mouse, and monitor across two PCs, saving space and improving ergonomics."We are excited to incorporate Thunderbolt Share technology into Cable Matters' Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station. This enhancement aligns with Cable Matters' commitment to providing cutting-edge connectivity solutions that meet the evolving needs of Cable Matters customers. Thunderbolt Share transforms Cable Matters' docking station into a versatile tool for both personal and professional use, offering new levels of convenience and efficiency," said Jeff Jiang, President of Cable Matters.The Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station supports up to four 4K displays or dual 8K displays, delivering an immersive viewing experience. It offers comprehensive connectivity with six USB ports, a 10Gbps USB-C port, SD and microSD card slots, and a combo 3.5mm audio jack. Additionally, the docking station features a built-in 2.5G Ethernet port for reliable network performance and provides 100W Power Delivery charging to ensure ample power for laptops and connected devices simultaneously.The enhanced Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station with Thunderbolt Share technology is available now through Amazon and the Cable Matters website.About Cable MattersCable Matters, with headquarters in Southborough, Massachusetts, offers a complete line of cables, adapters, docking stations and networking products for the home, office, and data center. Cable Matters offers first-class quality products, backed by exceptional customer service, at an affordable price.Established in 2009, Cable Matters serves markets in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, and Japan.Cable Matters is a registered trademark of Cable Matters Inc.Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.Media Contact: Sarah WhitePhone: 508-460-1560Contact InformationSarah WhiteMarketing Managerpress@ cablematters.com 5084601560SOURCE: Cable Matters Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
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ARUNDEL, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / China Dasheng Biotechnology Co. (OTC PINK:CDBT) today acknowledges changes because of private off market transactions between custodians and founding members.CDBT is pleased to advise that:The 2, 5% Convertible Notes issued on July 20, 2022, to the custodians, Mr. Frank I Igwealor and Mr. Bryan Glass have been sold to 2 of the founding members of Cycclone Magnetic Engines, Inc.The 2, 5% Convertible Notes have now been forgiven and decommissioned by the new owners of those Convertible Notes removing $400,000.00 of long-term debt liability.CDBT has no issued or outstanding convertible or promissory notes as of the date of this release.The Custodians each owned parcels of 16,000,000 common shares totaling 32,000,000 common shares.The Custodians each sold 14,000,000 common shares to the founding members totaling 28,000,000 common shares. The Custodians retained 2,000,000 common shares each.CDBT agreed to Non-Dilution and Registration Rights:CDBT agreed to take no action which would materially dilute the existing shareholders of CDBT for a period of 18 months (eighteen) from the date the shares are eligible for trading on the OTC Market.CDBT agreed to prepare and file a Registration Statement with the SEC with respect to Registrable Securities within 6 months (six)."These changes position CDBT to be able to advance its objectives, including a return to full reporting, and increase focus on business plans and announced work plans" said CDBT CEO, Micheal Nugent, "Mr. Frank I Igwealor and Mr. Bryan Glass have been exceptional custodians, and the founders, shareholders and management of CDBT (Cycclone Magnetic Engines) thanks them immensely"./S/ Micheal NugentCEO of CDBT# # #CDBT. Cycclone Magnetic Engines, Inc.On April 24, 2023, CDBT entered a Share Exchange Agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares in Cycclone Magnetic Engines, Inc., the original founding company of the Cycclone Magnetic Engine project.On September 30, 2022, CDBT and Cycclone Magnetic Engine Developments Limited entered into an Operating Agreement for The Amended Share Exchange Agreement giving effective control of Cycclone Magnetic Engine Developments Limited and the wholly owned subsidiaries.Cycclone Magnetic Engines is engaged in the development and commercialization of new geometric configuration low carbon emission engines and other clean technology solutions with a view to create technologies that improve efficiency and reduce levels of greenhouse emissions. Cycclone has shareholding, assets, and interests in transport operations in Australia.Micheal Nugent mnugent@ nugent.com.auwww.cdbtcycclone.com +61438158688Safe Harbor StatementStatements made in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general business conditions, managing growth, and political and other business risks.SOURCE: China Dasheng Biotechnology Co.
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PERTH, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 /2024 INTERIM DIVIDEND DECLARATIONCentamin is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors have declared an interim dividend of 2.25 US cents per share, for the six months ended 30 June 2024.DIVIDEND POLICYStakeholder, and specifically shareholder returns, are central to our Company strategy. Centamin was one of the first gold producers to pay a dividend under a structured policy. We have since built a eleven-year track record of returning cash to shareholders, totalling US$907m (inclusive of the interim dividend).The dividend policy remains unchanged from our previous commitment to return a minimum of 30% of Group free cash flow before growth capital expenditure1 to shareholders in cash dividends. In addition to the minimum dividend, the balance sheet is assessed by the Board which will use its discretion to allocate the remaining available cash to growth projects and supplementary dividend payments.INTERIM DIVIDENDThe Board declares an interim dividend of 2.25 US cents per share (US$26 million).This represents 53% of the cash available for dividend payments, exceeding the policy to pay out a minimum of 30% of Group free cash flow before growth capital expenditure. The Board applied its discretion to allocate US$11m to supplementary dividend payments given the continued strength of the balance sheet.The interim dividend is calculated by the following:30-Jun-24US$'000InterimGroup free cash flow42,895Add back:Growth capex financed from treasury[1]6,446Cash flow available for dividends49,34130% minimum distribution as per dividend policy(14,802Surplus cash flow for discretionary capital allocation[2]34,539Board dividend supplement(11,322Total dividend declared26,124US Cents2.25% of cash flow available for dividend payments53Centamin maintains a robust financial position, with cash and liquid assets of US$200 million as at 30 June 2024. The Company's disciplined approach to capital allocation, provides the flexibility to allocate capital to shareholders returns, business investment and growth as well as environmental and social opportunities.2024 INTERIM DIVIDEND TIMETABLE[3]Below is the final dividend timetable for the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX):Ex-Dividend Date:29 August 2024 (LSE only)Record Date30 August 2024 (Record and Ex-Dividend Date for the TSX)Last Date for Currency Elections2 September 2024Payment Date27 September 2024Dividend Currency ElectionsThe dividend will be paid on 27 September 2024, in US Dollars ("USD") with an option for shareholders to elect to receive the dividend in Pounds Sterling ("GBP"). Currency elections should be made no later than 2 September 2024 as per the instructions detailed on the Company website ( www.centamin.com) . Payments in GBP will be based on the USD/GBP exchange rate on 3 September 2024 and the rate applied will be published on the website thereafter.As a Jersey incorporated company, there is no requirement for Centamin plc to make any withholding or deduction on account of Jersey tax in respect of the dividend.ABOUT CENTAMINCentamin is an established gold producer, with premium listings on the London Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company's flagship asset is the Sukari Gold Mine ("Sukari"), Egypt's largest and first modern gold mine, as well as one of the world's largest producing mines. Since production began in 2009 Sukari has produced 5.7 million ounces of gold, and today has a projected mine life to 2035.Through its large portfolio of exploration assets in Egypt and West Africa, Centamin is advancing an active pipeline of future growth prospects, including the Doropo project in Cote d'Ivoire, and over 3,000km2 of highly prospective exploration ground in Egypt's Arabian Nubian Shield.Centamin practices responsible mining activities, recognising its responsibility to deliver operational and financial performance and create lasting mutual benefit for all stakeholders through good corporate citizenship.FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit the website www.centamin.com or contact:Centamin plcMichael Stoner, Head of Corporateinvestor@ centaminplc.com FTI ConsultingBen Brewerton / Sara Powell / Nick Hennis+442037271000centamin@ fticonsulting.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThis announcement (including information incorporated by reference) contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including statements with respect to future financial or operating performance. Such statements include "future-oriented financial information" or "financial outlook" with respect to prospective financial performance, financial position, EBITDA, cash flows and other financial metrics that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts" and "anticipates" and include production outlook, operating schedules, production profiles, expansion and expansion plans, efficiency gains, production and cost guidance, capital expenditure outlook, exploration spend and other mine plans. Although Centamin believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, Centamin can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections of the management of Centamin about future events and are therefore subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In addition, there are a number of factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements; the risks and uncertainties associated with direct or indirect impacts of COVID-19 or other pandemic, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the results of exploration activities and feasibility studies; assumptions in economic evaluations which prove to be inaccurate; currency fluctuations; changes in project parameters; futur
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Free Haircuts and School Supplies in Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and OhioBIRMINGHAM, AL / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / City Gear , with more than 200 stores in 17 states, today announced the sixth annual Cutz 4 Kids barbershop and Back-to-School campaign. Kickstarting the new school year with giveaways, fun and freebies for school-aged children, Cutz 4 Kids events will run from July 27 through August 11 at select * City Gear locations nationwide ."We started Cutz 4 Kids back in 2018 to provide a meaningful way to give back to the communities and neighborhoods we serve," said Derrick Hines, VP Store Operations - City Gear. "It's always a popular event and we are happy to help out local families shopping for the new school year and to get kids hyped about getting back to class." Each year, City Gear hosts multiple Cutz 4 Kids Back-to-School appreciationevents at select storesacross the country. Each event is a community celebration to kick off the new school year, complete with giveaways, music, refreshments, free haircuts, school supplies and fun for family and friends. Professional barbers are onsite at each participating location, providing complimentary professional children's haircuts for boys and girls. Children of all ages are welcome to get a free haircut and complimentary school supplies on a first-come, first-serve basis, while supplies last. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the fun and no purchase is necessary.City Gear Back-to-School Shopping TipsStop by a local *Cutz 4 Kids event for a free haircut and school suppliesCheck out thesneaker launch calendarto find the hottest new releases and launch datesJoinCity Gear Rewardsand earn rewards while you shopFind thelatest trendsand toe-to-head curated looks in store and onlineFind deals and stock up on Back-to-School essentials like backpacks, the hottest kicks, trending graphic tees and shorts, socks, headwear and accessoriesIn a hurry? Try buy online, pick up in store or same day and next day optionsLearn the origin story of your favorite kicks on theblog*Cutz 4 Kids Back-to-School Events7/27,City Gear, Atlanta, GA8/3,City Gear, Memphis, TN8/4,City Gear, Jackson, MS8/4,City Gear, Jennings, MO8/11,City Gear, Cincinnati, OH8/11,City Gear, Houston, TX8/11,City Gear, Kansas City, MOAbout City GearWith over 200 City Gear stores located in 17 states nationwide, City Gear has a proven history of giving back to their communities, providing personalized customer service and access to coveted footwear, apparel and accessories from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Grindhouse, New Balance and New Era. Follow us @citygear on Facebook, Instagram and X and @CityGear on TikTok.Contact DetailsWendy Yellinpr@ hibbett.com Company Website https://www.Hibbett.com SOURCE: CITY GEAR
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 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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MIAMI REALTORS to Leverage CubiCasa's easy-to-use floor plan to better serve its clientsSAN JOSE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / CubiCasa , the global leader of interior property data mapping through simple smartphone scanning, today announced a new partnership with the MIAMI Association of Realtors (MIAMI), the nation's fourth largest MLS and the largest MLS owned and run by a single association, serving more than 60,000 subscribers. This collaboration marks the 20th collaboration between MLSs and CubiCasa so far this year and pushes the company another step forward in its mission to attach a floor plan to every listing in the United States.With a shared commitment to improving the real estate experience for consumers, this partnership will provide MIAMI's extensive network of real estate professionals with access to CubiCasa's state-of-the-art floor plan creation tools. The use of CubiCasa is particularly important in Miami, the number one U.S. destination for international home buyers. South Florida foreign home buyer market share is five times larger than the U.S. figure, according toMIAMI's latest global study ."Floor plans are a critical component in creating a better home search experience for consumers, especially for our Miami global buyers who depend on accurate and detailed online information to make informed decisions," said Teresa King Kinney, CEO of the MIAMI Association of Realtors. "This collaboration with CubiCasa will greatly enhance the quality and transparency of our listings." "Partnering with the MIAMI Association of Realtors aligns perfectly with our goal of improving the home search experience for consumers," said Jeff Allen, President of CubiCasa. "The organization is forward-looking and is always focused on delivering the best possible experience for their subscribers, and most importantly, the consumer." Real estate agents that leverage CubiCasa's floor plan creation tools can lean into a user-friendly interface and quick turnaround times to enhance their listings with professional-quality floor plans. These floor plans provide essential insights that help consumers envision their lives in a home prior to making a purchase decision, including a property's flow, size and layout. This latest partnership with the Miami Realtors SEFMLS is a testament to CubiCasa's dedication to bringing this vision to fruition.CubiCasa recently launched newdata and imagery-based productsand surpassed more than15% of estimated new home listingsin the U.S. having a CubiCasa floor plan. For more information about CubiCasa and its innovative floor plan solutions, visitwww.cubi.casa About the MIAMI Association of RealtorsThe MIAMI Association of Realtors (MIAMI) was chartered by the National Association of Realtors in 1920 and is celebrating 104 years of service to Realtors, the buying and selling public, and the communities in South Florida. Comprised of six organizations: MIAMI RESIDENTIAL, MIAMI COMMERCIAL; BROWARD-MIAMI, a division of MIAMI Realtors; JTHS-MIAMI, a division of MIAMI Realtors in the Jupiter-Tequesta-Hobe Sound area; MIAMI YPN, our Young Professionals Network Council; and the award-winning MIAMI Global Council. MIAMI REALTORS represents 60,000 total real estate professionals in all aspects of real estate sales, marketing, and brokerage. It is the largest local Realtor association in the U.S. and has official partnerships with 260 international organizations worldwide. MIAMI's official website iswww.MiamiRealtors.com About CubiCasaHeadquartered in Oulu, Finland, CubiCasa is the global market leader in mobile indoor scanning and is known for its fast and easy-to-use floor plan app on the App Store and Google Play Store. CubiCasa's technology is used in 172 different countries and has helped create over 1 million floor plans to date. CubiCasa provides technology for the real estate, appraisal, and mortgage industries and is on a mission to digitize real estate. Learn more at https://www.cubi.casa/ Media Contact Ross StevensCaliber Corporate Advisers for CubiCasaross@ calibercorporate.com SOURCE: CubiCasa
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In honor of the visit, CEPI names one of its assembly rooms the Yaw Nyarko Auditorium'NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / ABO Capital , an international investment firm that builds opportunities in emerging markets across Africa, was honored to host esteemed New York University (NYU) Professor Yaw Nyarko at theComplexo Escolar Privado Internacional (CEPI)school in Benefica Angola. CEPI Benefica is an award-winning school south of Luanda, which ABO Capital has operated since 2017 as part of its unyielding commitment toward expanding access to world-class education in Angola.Professor Nyarko - an acclaimed economics professor at NYU and a founding director of NYU Africa House - offered inspiring words of wisdom to the CEPI students during his visit, gleaning from his personal journey of coming from a small town in Ghana to becoming a professor at a globally renowned educational institution."I understand the power of education because it's transformed my own life, and I continue to live and breathe it every day," said Professor Nyarko. "The work CEPI is doing is nothing short of life-changing. It was incredibly heartening to see all of the progress underway and engage directly with the students paving the way for our future - in Africa and beyond." The professor's visit featured a guest reception with traditional dances and music, the singing of the national anthem and recitation of a poem, a tour of the school complex, and a speech from CEPI chairman and CEO of ABO Capital, Dr. Zandre Campos. As part of Professor Nyarko's visit, CEPI named one of its assembly halls the Yaw Nyarko Auditorium.'"Professor Nyarko and I share a fundamental belief that high-quality education is the building block of economic opportunity and development in emerging markets like Angola," said Campos. "It was an absolute joy to welcome Professor Nyarko to CEPI, celebrate our considerable progress with our teachers and students, and learn directly from one of the brightest and most inspiring minds of our time. Professor Nyarko's capacity to drive change with our young people remains unmatched." Professor Nyarko's research interests include human capital and economic growth, which recently culminated in a cutting-edge study about the impact of brain drain on Africa's intellectual and economic development. He has helped shape NYU Africa House's study abroad program in Ghana and also teaches a global economics course at NYU Abu Dhabi.About ABO CapitalABO Capital is an international investment firm that builds opportunities in emerging markets across Africa. Led by global entrepreneur Zandre Campos, ABO Capital invests in companies that create value and promote economic development throughout Africa. With a focus on education and technology, ABO Capital also operates in the financial services, energy, manufacturing, distribution and real estate sectors. ABO Capital is headquartered in Angola with offices in Dubai and the United States. Learn more at abocapital.net About CEPIComplexo Escolar Privado Internacional (CEPI) - formerly Colegio Esperanca Internacional - is an award-winning school just south of Luanda, which ABO Capital purchased in June 2017 as part of its effort to expand access to education in Angola. ABO Capital invested in CEPI because its CEO Zandre Campos believes education is the foundation of success, and that a quality education system leads to skilled workers and creates economic opportunities. CEPI has a history of education excellence for students from pre-school through high school and regularly participates in global education competitions around the world. For more information on CEPI, visit https://www.facebook.com/CEPI.INTERNACIONAL/ Media ContactChristina LevinCaliber Corporate Adviserschristina@ calibercorporateadvisers.com SOURCE: ABO Capital
Theres little money and less space. MS Coast domestic violence shelters are always full

Reality Check is a Sun Herald series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email mynews@sunherald.com.

The women find refuge behind locked doors.

Safe, at least for a while, from violent, abusive men in their lives, they fill every bunk bed at a Harrison County domestic violence shelter, where the phones keep ringing with more calls of distress.

The shelter is always full. So, too, is the Coasts second shelter in Jackson County.

That stark reality has gained new urgency this month after Harrison County authorities found a 22-year-old woman dead in the back of her car and charged her former boyfriend with murder.

Her death was the second this year connected to domestic violence charges in South Mississippi: A 44-year-old mother died last spring after her childrens father shot and killed her, then himself, outside a Dollar General in Stone County.

And off a quiet Mississippi Coast road at the Harrison County shelter, the women and children keep coming even though staff say there is no space to expand.

If we have no room, theres always the concern, said crisis counselor Julie Davenport. Whats happening in the meantime?

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence in Biloxi on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. According to CEO Stacey Riley, the Coasts two domestic violence shelters are constantly full and facing a funding cut next year.

Mississippi Coast shelter has a revolving door

So they rarely turn anyone away. The building has space for 44 people. This week, staff said the shelter held closer to 47. About a dozen women are also cleared to come, which means they could show up at the already-full shelter anytime in the next month.

We have been at or beyond capacity for weeks and weeks and weeks, said Stacey Riley, chief executive officer at the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence. We have a revolving door.

Stacey Riley, Chief Executive Officer for the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, poses for a portrait outside the center in Biloxi on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. We have been at or beyond capacity for weeks and weeks and weeks, says Riley. We have a revolving door.

Capacity comes with tough choices. Staff said a woman and baby recently approved to join the shelter will soon be sleeping on its couch. Referred to the two busy shelters by doctors or police, women are sometimes directed to shelters elsewhere in the state. The staff sends people to hotels if they have to.

A full house also means hectic reality. The shelter staff is constantly replacing laundry detergent and soap for an ever-rotating group. They restock sugar, sweet tea and coffee all the time. They cannot drive everyone around. They run out of bus passes. Davenport, the counselor, spent one day searching Walmart aisles for the right kind of baby formula.

The center says its 24-hour crisis line rings more than 15,000 times each year.

The flow of victims and their children has stayed high and steady for years, staff said. The shelters were full before the COVID-19 pandemic, slowed down in 2020, then filled again and now are busy as ever. They are also sheltering more human trafficking victims, Riley said, and still, every day, people call about domestic violence.

We could build two more shelters, said Sarah Jones, chief advocacy officer at the Center for Nonviolence. Wed fill them.

The shelter is so large, staff said, that other agencies across the state likely could not house them in a hurricane evacuation. So they bought a generator.

Staff of the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence pose for a portrait in Biloxi on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. From left, first row: Stacey Riley, Chief Executive Officer and Patricia Boyou, Chief Clinical Officer. From left, second row: Melissa Galatas, Justice for Families Program Manager, Myia Lane, Client Services Manager, and Nateshia Stubbs, Housing Program Manager.

Domestic violence shelters face funding obstacles

The capacity challenge could mean more women are learning about the shelters, Riley said. It is unclear whether domestic violence cases are rising in Mississippi because domestic violence groups lack funding and staff to conduct those studies, according to leaders.

The challenge that the shelters across the state face consistently is limited funding to do the work that needs to be done, LaVerne Jackson, the executive director at the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said in an email. Staffing is focused on meeting the immediate needs of victims and survivors, and for all but a few of the states DV shelters, there is not time or money left over to do the research that could potentially open up additional funding streams to the shelters.

Shelter staff on the Coast are already preparing for what they said will be a more than 40% funding cut next year. They are scrambling for the money to make up for it.

Before the pandemic, Riley said the shelters had moments of respite.

Now there are none.

Brochures for programs through the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence on display inside their center in Biloxi on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

To cope, staff said they are trying to move women and families more quickly toward the final goal: new, safe homes. Most people stay in a shelter for eight weeks then move to a house or apartment paid for by the Center for Nonviolence. Slowly, the family takes over their own finances. That housing service is expanding, and Riley said the program will get more federal funding next month.

We just want to make sure that nobody dies on our shifts, said Patricia Boyou, the chief clinical officer, and that we know everyone is safe.

A lot of people dont realize how prevalent it is, Riley said after the young womans death in Harrison County this month. And how many people suffer in silence.

How to help

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence accepts donations online.

Donations are tax-deductible and can also be made by check payable to: Gulf Coast Womens Center for Nonviolence, PO Box 333 Biloxi, MS 39533.

The Humane Society Thrift Store also accepts clothing and goods donations on behalf of the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence. A shelter wish list is posted online.

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence in South Mississippi, reach out to the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence 24/7 Crisis Line (800-800-1396), Harrison County (228-435-1968), Jackson County (228-762-8267), Hancock County (228-252-1999) or Northcutt Legal Clinic (228-864-7144).
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-25 21:31:10

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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Dril-Quip, Inc. ("Dril-Quip" or "the Company") (NYSE:DRQ) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Dril-Quip filed a current report on Form 8-K with the SEC on July 8, 2024. The Company's filing disclosed it had "became aware of an error in the classification of certain inventory write-downs from 2021." The Company added, "after considering the recommendations of management and discussion with the Company's independent registered public accounting firm[,] the Audit Committee of our board of directors ("Audit Committee") concluded that the consolidated financial statements for the Affected Period should no longer be relied upon due to the error described above. Any previously issued or filed reports, press releases, earnings releases and investor presentations or other communications describing the Company's consolidated financial statements and other related financial information covering the Affected Period also should no longer be relied upon." If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT:The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq.310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.comwww.schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Hive Digital Technologies Executive Chairman Frank Holmes joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share exciting news about the company's ambitious plans to build a 100-megawatt digital asset mining operation in Paraguay. Following a comprehensive tour of the country and meetings with President Santiago Pena and his senior cabinet ministers, the company has identified Paraguay as a business-friendly environment that aligns with its vision.Holmes highlighted that this potential project is expected to significantly boost Hive's Bitcoin mining operations, potentially adding up to an additional 6.5 Exahash per second (EH/s). This increase would raise Hive's global mining capacity to 12.1 EH/s, marking a substantial milestone in the company's diversified growth strategy. This expansion supports Hive's commitment to broadening its global footprint, which already includes data center operations in Canada, Sweden, Iceland, and now Paraguay.In Paraguay, Hive Digital Technologies plans to leverage its extensive experience and expertise in grid balancing and demand response to support ongoing industrial development. By monetizing surplus or under-utilized power assets, the company aims to provide significant economic benefits. Additionally, with energy bills being paid in U.S. dollars, Hive's operations in Paraguay present a unique opportunity for the government. This arrangement ensures stable monthly U.S. dollar income, acting as a strategic currency hedge and contributing to financial stability in the face of a volatile global currency market.In 2023, electricity exports accounted for approximately 13.2% of Paraguay's total exports. Hive's new operation is poised to enhance this figure further, underscoring the country's growing importance in the global energy and digital asset sectors. The company's commitment to sustainable and innovative energy solutions positions it as a key player in Paraguay's industrial and economic development.Contact Details:Proactive North America+1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@ proactiveinvestors.com SOURCE: Hive Digital Technologies
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Name Change, New Location, Acquisition of JP Developers of Texas, Audit StatusHOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Infrax Systems, Inc. (OTC PINK:IFXY) (the "Company") is pleased to provide shareholders with an update of recent activities and its near-term plans going forward. Mr. Jose Pineda stated, "I am excited about the route we have chosen for our company. Although it has taken a while to put the foundation in place, shareholders can expect to see many exciting changes over the next few months. Going forward, I want to express my commitment to quick execution of the plan, and the long-term success and shareholder value of our company." The Company plans to change its name to US Standard Capital and is currently preparing supporting documentation for the name change application. We expect the application to be filed with FINRA in the next month or two. The Company has launched a new web site at www.usstandardcapital.com The Company is moving into its new corporate offices at 5210 Woodway in Houston, TX, this week. The new offices provide ample space for growth and a centralized location with easy access to the main business districts in the city.The Company plans to acquire JP Developers of Texas ( www.jpdevelopersoftexas.com) by September 2024. The Company has identified four other companies in the real estate and construction markets as acquisition targets and plans to move forward with these acquisitions aggressively over the next few months.The Company has made significant progress on its audits for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, which were initiated a few months ago. The audits for these periods should be completed in the next few weeks. The Company will initiate an audit of its 2024 fiscal year in the near future.The Company is positioning itself to become a direct filer with the SEC and expects to begin direct filing sometime in the 2025 fiscal year which began on July 1, 2024. Since we have a name change pending and several acquisitions planned for the second half of the calendar year, the exact timing of filing our first Form 10 is still vague. We are moving forward aggressively to file it in as soon as practicable.About Infrax Systems, Inc.Infrax Systems, Inc. is focused on acquiring assets and companies in the real estate sector, including housing development, construction, remodeling, and financing. The Company also provides products and services that address the various challenges faced by Latin American immigrants.Contact Information:Shareholder/Investor inquiries for Infrax Systems, Inc.:Infrax Systems, Inc.1-888-204-4134 ir@ infraxinc.com Safe Harbor Statement: In addition to historical information, this press release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include the intent, belief, or expectations of the Company and members of its management team with respect to the Company's future business operations and the assumptions upon which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to, failure to complete anticipated sales under negotiations, lack of revenue growth, client discontinuances, failure to realize improvements in performance, efficiency and profitability, and adverse developments with respect to litigation or increased litigation costs, the operation or performance of the Company's business units or the market price of its common stock. Additional factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated within this press release can also be found on the Company's website. The Company disclaims any responsibility to update any forward-looking statements.SOURCE: Infrax Systems, Inc.
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ALLENTOWN, PA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / IotaComm, Inc. ("IotaComm" or the "Company), formerly Iota Communications, Inc, a leading provider of wireless communications and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, today announced a series of significant corporate actions, including board of director and stockholder approval and adoption of an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of IotaComm filed with the Division of Corporations of the State of Delaware on July 8, 2024, and Amended and Restated Bylaws of the company, aimed at positioning the company for future growth and enhancing shareholder value. Additionally, the company is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert DeJean to its Board of Directors.Appointment of Robert DeJean to the Board of DirectorsWe are thrilled to welcome Robert DeJean to IotaComm's Board of Directors. Mr. DeJean brings over 35 years of experience in the technology and automation industries, with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. His extensive expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our market presence and enhance our product offerings.Robert DeJean commented, "I am honored to join the Board of Directors at IotaComm at such an exciting time in the company's evolution. I look forward to working with the team to help guide the company through its next phase of growth and development." "I am thrilled to welcome Bob to the IotaComm team as a new independent director," said Terrence DeFranco, Chairman and CEO of IotaComm. "As the company moves to a period of scale and growth, it is extremely exciting to have the knowledge, acumen, and passion Bob brings from his decades of business experience. His track record of success in taking a startup to an international industry leader will translate well at this stage of our growth, and I could not be more pleased to have Bob on the team." Biography:Robert DeJean was the founder of SYSTECH International. In 1985, he assembled a team with a mission to provide the pharmaceutical industry with premier class machine vision and line management tools for optimizing packaging performance. Through Mr. DeJean's active involvement and dynamic leadership, the company expanded business opportunities for SYSTECH's customers by introducing holistic Packaging Execution Systems that encompass the complete packaging line. As President and CEO, Mr. DeJean drove the daily strategic vision for the company. Mr. DeJean has over 35 years' experience in industrial automation for pharmaceutical, healthcare, and related industries, with a concentration on machine vision, control, and data management technology. He has a solid technical foundation with extensive knowledge in the sales and marketing of automated inspection technology. Prior to founding SYSTECH, Mr. DeJean served in various sales and management roles for General Electric, Texas Instruments, and Ribble Engineering. Mr. DeJean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University.Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated BylawsAmong other things, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "A&R Certificate of Incorporation") and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "A&R Bylaws") approved and adopted by the board of directors and stockholders of the company implemented the following corporate actions. Official notice of the foregoing will be sent from the company's transfer agent, VStockTransfer, Inc., to the shareholders of record on July 8, 2024 via USPS with additional information.Corporate Name ChangeTo better reflect our brand identity and market presence, we have officially changed our corporate name from Iota Communications, Inc. to IotaComm, Inc. This name change underscores our focus on delivering innovative IoT solutions based on our unique communications platform, and streamlining our corporate identity. The name change is effective immediately.Reverse Stock SplitThe A&R Certificate of Incorporation effected a 1-for-200 reverse stock split of the IotaComm common stock. This strategic move is designed to reduce the number of outstanding shares, thereby increasing the share price. The primary goals of this reverse split are to create more shares available for future issuance for financing and acquisitions, and to meet the share price criteria for potential exchange listing. The effective date of the reverse stock split was July 8, 2024.Other Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation and BylawsIn line with our commitment to corporate governance excellence, the A&R Certificate of Incorporation and A&R Bylaws effected a number of additional amendments to the IotaComm certificate of incorporation and bylaws. These changes are intended to simplify the due diligence process for potential investors and business partners, ensuring that our corporate structure is clear and efficient. Additionally, these amendments bring our corporate governance documents in line with recent updates to the Delaware General Corporation Law, reflecting best practices and enhancing operational flexibility.Increase in Shares Available for Issuance Under Employee Incentive PlanRecognizing the importance of attracting and retaining top talent, IotaComm has increased the number of shares available for issuance under its Employee Incentive Plan of 2017. This increase is a testament to our commitment to rewarding our dedicated employees and aligning their interests with those of our shareholders. By expanding the pool of incentive stock options, we aim to motivate our team to drive innovation and success within the company.ABOUT IOTACOMMIotaComm, Inc. is a wireless communications and data analytics company that provides Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that enable health, safety, and sustainability initiatives. IotaComm provides complete turnkey solutions and modular IoT services tailored to individual customer needs, centered around delivering key data related to a wide variety of IoT applications and use cases across Smart Spaces, Smart Territories and Smart Cities. This data is used to provide insights that enable a safe and healthy environment, higher productivity and efficiency, and cost-savings. IotaComm also offers related services which facilitate the adoption of its subscription-based services, such as customization and advanced data analytics. For more information about IotaComm, Inc., visit: https://www.iotacommunications.com Corporate and Investors: IotaComm, Inc.600 Hamilton Street,Suite 1010Allentown, PA 18101Tel: (855) 743-6478 kvelez@ iotacommunications.com Public Relations / Media: Derek WallaceChief Product and Marketing OfficerTel: (484) 861-2994 dwallace@ iotacommunications.com SOURCE: IotaComm%
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-25 20:45:31

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RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP( www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been against Roblox Corporation ("Roblox") (NYSE:RBLX). The action charges Roblox with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Roblox's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Roblox's investors have suffered significant losses. The lead plaintiff deadline is August 12, 2024.If you suffered Roblox losses, you mayCLICK HEREor go to: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/roblox-corporation?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=rblx&mktm=r CANNOT VIEW THIS VIDEO? PLEASE CLICK HERE. YOU CAN ALSO COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK IN YOUR BROWSER: https://youtu.be/KwIsAM7ucQo You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. of Kessler Topaz by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at info@ ktmc.com DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCTIn November 2023, Roblox provided investors with material information concerning the company's expected revenue for the first quarter of 2024 and fiscal year 2024. This was the first time Roblox offered earnings and revenue guidance to its investors since the company went public in 2021. Roblox's statements included, among other things, that Roblox expected $4.14 billion to $4.28 billion of "bookings" in fiscal year 2024-reflecting 25%-27% annual growth-and $3.3 billion to $3.4 billion annual revenue.Then on February 7, 2024, during an earnings call, Roblox reiterated its first quarter 2024 and fiscal year 2024 earnings projections as well as its strength in its new technology and digital economy.On May 9, 2024, Roblox reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2024 and provided updated guidance. Among other things, Roblox advised that the company expects bookings revenue of $870 million to $900 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to analyst expectations of $929 million, and bookings revenue of $4 billion to $4.1 billion for the full year, significantly lower than the Roblox's earlier forecast of $4.14 billion to $4.28 billion.On this news, Roblox's stock price fell $8.61 per share, or 22.06%, to close at $30.42 per share on May 9, 2024.WHAT CAN I DO?Roblox investors may, no later than August 12, 2024, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Roblox investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Roblox, Li v. Roblox Corp., et al., Case No. 24-cv-03484, is filed in the United States District Court for the Norther District of California.CLICK HERETO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE OR GO TO: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/roblox-corporation?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=rblx&mktm=r WHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLPKessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com CONTACT:Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPJonathan Naji, Esq.(484) 270-1453280 King of Prussia RoadRadnor, PA 19087info@ ktmc.com May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-25 18:00:56

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NEOSHO, MO / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Marco is proud to partner with Worthington Direct and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to provide high-quality furniture to underserved STEM programs and students nationwide. This collaboration aims to enhance learning environments, ensuring that students have access to comfortable and functional furniture that supports their educational needs. Richard Davidson, Marco President, says, "Marco is committed to helping kids and fostering learning. Our partnership with Worthington Direct and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation gives us a unique opportunity to use our furniture to impact positive change in schools and youth organizations. The response has far exceeded our expectations. We're honored to be a part of this amazing initiative." STEM students at the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation's STEM program aims to foster hands-on learning and cultivate a collaborative ethos that extends throughout a student's lifetime. "We feel very fortunate to partner with Worthington Direct and Marco. The kids who learn in our STEM Centers across the country love the classroom setup. The furniture is functional and comfortable, providing an enhanced learning environment for these young students," said Steve Salem, President & CEO of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. "We greatly benefit from our relationship. It's not just about supplying furniture in classrooms. The Worthington Direct and Marco teams go above and beyond to positively impact our programs. They make a significant difference in these underserved communities." Participating STEM programs can receive a Marco furniture package, including 7 ApexTM Clover Student Tables and 28 stackable Apex chairs. Worthington Direct provide their expert service and support to coordinate the delivery of all tables and chairs that are manufactured by Marco. Worthington Direct President, Jason Miles, says, "As President of Worthington Direct, I am incredibly proud to collaborate with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and Marco to provide high-quality furniture to schools nationwide. It is a privilege to support underserved students, ensuring they have access to quality STEM programs and the tools they need to succeed. Our collaboration has truly been rewarding, seeing the positive impact these centers have on so many deserving learning environments." The Apex Clover tables, each with a 48" diameter, are designed to accommodate four students comfortably. They feature adjustable legs, ranging from 21" to 30" in height, with optional caster wheels available for easy movement. The Apex chairs boast a contoured seat allowing for multiple seating positions, including forward, sideways, and reverse. The chairs are designed for user comfort, with no exposed rivets on the seat, and feature a durable steel frame with self-leveling glides to ensure stability on various surfaces.This partnership reflects Marco's dedication to supporting education and community development. By providing high-quality furniture and collaborating with organizations like Worthington Direct and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Marco is making a lasting impact on students' learning experiences. The initiative underscores the importance of creating conducive learning environments where students can thrive and succeed, equipped with the tools and support they need to excel in STEM education.About MarcoFamily-owned and operated for over a quarter century, Marco has a strong, values-driven culture focused on integrity and commitment to doing the right thing for our customers. Our K-12 furniture solutions foster an environment for creative learning, true collaboration, and maximum attentiveness. Made By Marco is our guarantee that each product has been designed and crafted with students' comfort and success in mind. https://www.madebymarco.net About Worthington DirectWorthington Direct is an experienced furniture team ready to assist in your next project - whether the project is small or large. Receive quotes, friendly guidance, and an advocate through the entire process. Try the Worthington experience! https://www.worthingtondirect.com About Cal Ripken, Sr. FoundationThe Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, helps to strengthen America's most underserved and distressed communities by supporting and advocating for children, building Youth Development Parks, partnering with law enforcement and youth service agencies, and addressing community needs through its national program initiatives. https://www.ripkenfoundation.org For more information, please contact: Tove Hoyer - tove@ upstartgroup.com Contact InformationTove HoyerSenior Marketing Managertove@ upstartgroup.com Related ImagesSTEM students at the Cal Ripken, Sr. FoundationMarco's Apex ChairMarco's Clover Student TableSOURCE: MarcoView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-25 19:00:25

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Veteran creative director with a deep CPG background to lead Moxie Sozo's next chapterBOULDER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Moxie Sozo, the Boulder-based creative agency known for its boundary-pushing approach, welcomes its next innovative chapter with the addition of Anne Vaschetto as its new Group Creative Director. Vaschetto's deep expertise in the world of CPG positions her, and the agency, to reimagine how brands drive demand throughout the product life cycle.Moxie Sozo-Anne Vaschetto Headshot of Anne Vaschetto, new Group Creative Director at Moxie Sozo.Vaschetto's career spans top-tier global design agencies and pivotal in-house roles. Her past work includes innovative creative strategies for multiple brands within the Procter & Gamble, Kraft Foods, Constellation Brands, Nestle, and Clif Bar & Company portfolios. Her experience covers every facet of brand building, from initial positioning to ongoing campaigns, making her a versatile force in the industry.Before joining Moxie Sozo, Vaschetto's creative leadership shone as a Creative Director at Landor in Cincinnati and Chicago, and CBA Design in San Francisco. Her strategic insights were pivotal as the Design Director at Clif Bar & Company, where she orchestrated campaigns that solidified the brand's market dominance.As Moxie Sozo's first Group Creative Director, Vaschetto's arrival marks a new era for the agency. Her role is critical to Moxie Sozo's ambition to become the definitive go-to-market expert across the CPG space, including food and beverage, personal care, household supplies, pet care, and supplements. Already an industry leader in brand identity and packaging development, Moxie Sozo's recent progression positions it to create value for clients at every stage of their market journey."We are excited to have Anne join our team," said Derek Springston, Chief Creative Officer at Moxie Sozo. "Her outstanding background and holistic branding approach are exactly what we need to elevate our capabilities. With her on board, we are uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive strategies that drive our clients' success across all business areas." Vaschetto's leadership will guide the agency to new heights of excellence and innovation in the branding and design landscape. Her appointment is a testament to Moxie Sozo's commitment to attracting top-tier talent and delivering cutting-edge creative solutions.About Moxie Sozo: Moxie Sozo is a Boulder, Colorado-based creative agency with 25 years of specializing in branding, design, and go-to-market strategies. Renowned for its visually innovative and award-winning work, the agency partners with clients across various industries, including Boston Beer Company, Conagra Brands, Danone, Gimme Beauty, and Organic Valley. Moxie Sozo is building a comprehensive approach to combine market insights, creative strategy, and consumer-driven design to help brands thrive in competitive markets.For more information about Moxie Sozo and its services, visit www.moxiesozo.com Contact Information Gressa RowlandVice Presidentgressa.rowland@moxiesozo.com (720) 599-3715Leslie SalonenSocial & Content Strategistleslie.salonen@moxiesozo.com (720) 599-3715Derek SpringstonCEOderek.springston@moxiesozo.com (720) 599-3715SOURCE: Moxie SozoView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-25 03:53:36

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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: 2024-07-25 14:00:42

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BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 /NOA Lithium Brines Inc. (TSXV:NOAL)(FSE:N7N) (" NOA " or the " Company ") announces it has engaged ICP Securities Inc. (" ICP "), pursuant to an agreement dated July 23, 2024 (" Market Maker Agreement "), to provide automated market making services, including use of its proprietary algorithm, ICP Premium in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange policies (" TSXV ") and other applicable legislation. The Market Maker Agreement is subject to TSXV review and approval.ICP will receive a fee of C$7,500 plus applicable taxes per month, payable monthly in advance. The agreement between the Company and ICP is for an initial term of three (3) months (" Initial Term ") and shall be automatically renewed for subsequent one (1) month terms (each month called an " Additional Term ") unless either party provides at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to the end of the Initial Term or an Additional Term, as applicable. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and no stock options or other compensation are being granted in connection with the engagement. ICP and its clients may acquire an interest in the securities of the Company in the future.ICP is an arm's length party to the Company. ICP's market making activity will be primarily to correct temporary imbalances in the supply and demand of the Company's shares. ICP will be responsible for the costs it incurs in buying and selling the Company's shares, and no third party will be providing funds or securities for the market making activities.ICP Securities Inc.ICP Securities Inc. (ICP) is a Toronto based CIRO dealer-member that specializes in automated market making and liquidity provision, as well as having a proprietary market making algorithm, ICP Premium, that enhances liquidity and quote health. Established in 2023, with a focus on market structure, execution, and trading, ICP has leveraged its own proprietary technology to deliver high quality liquidity provision and execution services to a broad array of public issuers and institutional investors.About NOA Lithium Brines Inc.NOA is a lithium exploration and development company formed to acquire assets with significant resource potential. All NOA's projects are located in the heart of the prolific Lithium Triangle, in the mining-friendly province of Salta, Argentina, near a multitude of projects and operations owned by some of the largest players in the lithium industry. NOA has rapidly consolidated one of the largest lithium brine claim portfolios in this region that is not owned by a producing company, with key positions on three prospective salars, being Rio Grande, Arizaro, Salinas Grandes, and totalling over 140,000 hectares.On Behalf of the Board of Directors,Gabriel RubachaChief Executive Officer and DirectorFor Further Information On The CompanyWebsite: www.noalithium.com Email: info@ noalithium.com Telephone: +54-9-11-5060-4709Alternative Telephone: +1-403-571-8013Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements including, but not limited to NOA's future plans and objectives regarding its projects, which constitute forward looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although NOA believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements include fluctuations in market prices, including lithium prices, continued availability of capital and financing, actual resources and accompanying concentrations, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. NOA does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable laws.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: NOA Lithium Brines Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-25 15:01:15

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NWS will become the exclusive master distributor of Telrad Networks innovative BreezeAir AXE product across North America and Canada.GREENSBORO, NC / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / NWS and Telrad Networks are pleased to announce a new exclusive partnership agreement, marking a significant milestone in their business relationship. Under this agreement, NWS will become the exclusive master distributor of Telrad Networks innovative BreezeAir AXE product across North America and Canada. This partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to bring the cutting-edge BreezeAir AXE product to a wider market, enhancing the technological landscape in these regions.NWS and Telrad Networks Announce Exclusive Partnership Agreement NWS and Telrad Networks Announce Exclusive Partnership AgreementTelrad Networks, renowned for its advancements in telecommunications and technology solutions, announced the revolutionary BreezeAir AXE PTP & PTMP Broadband Wireless radio in November 2023. BreezeAir AXE is designed to optimize network performance delivering more than 2Gbps net capacity, making it a highly sought-after wireless solution for businesses and service providers. For the FCC 6GHz market, BreezeAir AXE fully complies with the essential AFC (Automatic Frequency Coordination) service. By partnering with NWS, Telrad Networks ensures that BreezeAir AXE will reach its full market potential through NWS's extensive distribution network and market expertise.Johan Crause, Executive Vice President of Sales for North America at Telrad Networks, shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are delighted to partner with NWS as our exclusive master distributor for BreezeAir AXE PTP & PTMP in North America and Canada. NWS's extensive distribution network and deep market knowledge make them the ideal partner to bring our innovative BreezeAir AXE to a broader audience. This collaboration will not only expand our market reach but also ensure that our customers receive exceptional support and service. We are confident that this partnership will drive significant growth and success for both Telrad Networks and NWS." NWS, a leader in distribution and supply chain management, is well-positioned to take on this exclusive role. With a robust network of partners and a deep understanding of the North American and Canadian markets, NWS is set to drive the adoption and integration of BreezeAir AXE. Importantly, NWS will offer BreezeAir AXE to other customers and channels, ensuring that system integrators (SIs) and distributors across the USA have access to this innovative technology.Glenn Poulos, Executive Vice President and General Manager of NWS North America, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, "We are excited to partner with Telrad Networks and bring the innovative BreezeAir AXE Broadband Wireless Radios to our customers. This partnership aligns with our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art technology solutions and exceptional service. We look forward to driving the success of the BreezeAir AXE across North America and Canada." The collaboration between NWS and Telrad Networks is expected to bring numerous benefits to both companies. For Telrad Networks, it offers a strategic channel to penetrate key markets and achieve substantial growth in product sales. For NWS, the exclusive distribution rights to BreezeAir AXE enhance its product portfolio and solidify its position as a top-tier distributor of advanced technological solutions.In conclusion, the exclusive partnership agreement between NWS and Telrad Networks. signifies a promising future for both companies. By combining Telrad Networks groundbreaking BreezeAir AXE with NWS's distribution capabilities, this alliance is poised to transform the telecommunications landscape in North America and Canada, delivering unparalleled value to customers and stakeholders alike.About NWS:Established in 2012, NWS is a telecom infrastructure solutions provider committed to helping companies of all sizes build the connected world of today and tomorrow. From custom connectivity, kitting, logistics, telecom infrastructure materials, and test and measurement solutions, our goal is to develop and deliver solutions for the world we need next.About Telrad Networks:Telrad Networks is a global provider of innovative wireless telecommunication solutions, empowering providers with the tools to deliver high-speed internet and communication services to businesses and communities worldwide. With a focus on reliability and performance, Telrad Networks is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive success for its partners and customers.Contact InformationJohn DoucetteDirector of Digital & Marketing Communications, NWSjohn.doucette@nwsnext.com 647-218-7327Paul WakefieldMedia Relations, Telrad Networkspaulw@ telrad.com +44 -(0)-7774-622615SOURCE: NWSView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-25 15:01:16

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Proven track record of consistent high quality confirmed at Pace Life Sciences headquartersMINNEAPOLIS, MN / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Pace Life Sciences, a full-service FDA-registered GMP Analytical Testing laboratory and contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and a Division of Pace, a Science and Technology Company, announced today a successful inspection from The Food & Drug Administration (FDA).Pace Life Sciences Logo Full color logo Lou Forcellini, Head of Quality Assurance at Pace Life Sciences shared, "The latest successful inspection of our Oakdale central laboratory further underscores our steadfast quality leadership, the expertise of our laboratory professionals, and our commitment to data integrity and compliance through robust quality systems. I am extremely proud of the teams that work hard every day to ensure these successes." Earlier this year, the Pace Life Sciences laboratory in San German, Puerto Rico, also was inspected by the FDA. Favorable outcomes from that inspection of the harmonized quality systems shared between the sites further demonstrate compliance and the company's dedication to consistently providing quality results to clients.Serving pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers for over 15 years, the 60,000 ft2 Oakdale location has been at the forefront of testing gene therapies and many other life-changing drugs. Supporting clients from early-stage research and development to commercialization, the Oakdale facility offers a wide range of commercial product release and stability testing for raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, finished pharmaceuticals, and biologics. Top pharmaceutical companies work with Pace as their trusted partner for analytical development and GMP Analytical Testing.Pace is a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners and Los Angeles-based Aurora Capital Partners.ABOUT PACE LIFE SCIENCESPace Life Sciences provides a full suite of contract CMC development, clinical trials materials manufacturing, regulatory compliance, consulting, and facility support services to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and gene therapy industries. Our network of CDMO sites consists of GMP analytical testing laboratories and manufacturing support service centers. Our experienced, highly trained industry experts and our investment in state-of-the-art development and manufacturing facilities emphasize our commitment to efficiently advancing client programs through the clinic to commercialization. We are dedicated to delivering the best and most reliable services with positive customer experiences across all channels of our business. More at PACELABS.com ABOUT PACEPace makes the world a safer, healthier place. Pace people are committed to advancing the science of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in our Life sciences laboratories and supporting businesses, industries, consulting firms, government agencies, and more in our Analytical Services Laboratories. Pace offers local-level service backed by a national laboratory network. For customers with in-house labs, Pace provides a range of professional services to keep their operations moving forward. Pace people work in partnership with customers by providing the service, science and data they need to make critical decisions that benefit us all.Contact Information:Pam BednarMarketing Directorpam.bednar@pacelabs.com 612-297-0651Brooke SchwartzelBrand & Communications Managerbrooke.schwartzel@pacelabs.com 612-656-2241SOURCE: Pace Life SciencesView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-25 20:10:41

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Digital Marketing Expert Offers Comprehensive Solutions to Help Small Businesses in The Dalles and Beyond Grow and ThriveTHE DALLES, OR / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Rebecca Van Diest, a dedicated digital marketing expert , has brought her business, Clickers 2 Clients, to Sherman County. With a mission to enhance the marketing efforts of small businesses in the area, Rebecca is hosting a series of marketing events designed to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital age.Rebecca moved from Portland, Oregon to Sherman County in 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for helping small businesses shine. Her company, Clickers 2 Clients, is a digital marketing agency that provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of small business owners."We turn clickers into clients," Rebecca says. "Our goal is to ensure that no local business gets lost in the many pages of Google search results. We help your business grow by offering personalized marketing solutions that make it easier for potential customers to find and use local businesses." Clickers 2 Clients offers a wide range of marketing services including website design, search engine optimization (SEO), video editing, copywriting, social media management, and email marketing. The company prides itself on delivering exceptional customer service and staying up-to-date with the latest website technology and SEO tools.Rebecca's move to Sherman County reflects her commitment to supporting local economies. She aims to make a significant impact by hosting marketing events that teach small business owners how to leverage social media, websites, and software to save time and improve their marketing efforts. These events are designed to help local businesses navigate the complexities of digital marketing and achieve their goals.Rebecca Van Diest, Founder, Clickers 2 Clients"Our company's mission is to help any business show up when their ideal client is looking for them with a custom plan and some marketing optimization," Rebecca explains. "We understand that there are growing pains and that businesses might need a little extra help along the way to dominating their local market." Clickers 2 Clients stands out by providing reliable support and delivering high-quality work. Rebecca's team manages comprehensive marketing strategies to eliminate marketing procrastination and ensure that tasks are completed correctly and on time. She understands that business owners need to be doing what they do best, not trying to juggle marketing in addition to serving their clients. She provides detailed reports so clients understand what is happening and how they are making progress to increase monthly revenue.Rebecca started her journey in digital marketing in 2019, combining her love for research, design, and helping small businesses succeed. She continuously takes online courses to stay current with the ever-evolving digital landscape, ensuring that Clickers 2 Clients remains at the forefront of the industry.By bringing her expertise to Sherman County, Rebecca Van Diest is not only helping local businesses grow but also fostering a community where small business owners can thrive. For more information about Clickers 2 Clients and their services, visitclickers2clients.com Media Contact:Rachel HarrisPulse Media info@ pulsemediapr.com SOURCE: Clickers 2 Clients
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Experienced Principal Adds Forensic Fire Engineering Services to Coffman's CapabilitiesATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Multidiscipline consulting engineering firm Coffman Engineers, Inc. (Coffman) announced today that Seneca Fire Engineering, LLC, a Georgia-based fire protection engineering consulting firm specializing in fire engineering forensics, has executed a letter of intent to join Coffman. The companies plan to finalize an asset purchase agreement on July 31, 2024. Coffman will welcome Dan Arnold, PE, FSFPE, the managing partner of Seneca Fire Engineering. He will join as a Principal Advisor and continue to conduct investigations and serve clients as before.Dan Arnold, PE, FSFPE, of Seneca Fire Engineering The transition to Coffman focuses on increasing capacity in services for Seneca Fire Engineering clients and adding comprehensive forensic fire engineering investigations and litigation support services to Coffman's clients.Seneca Fire Engineering clients will continue to benefit from working directly with Dan Arnold and have access to the fire protection engineering resources offered by Coffman's team of over 100 fire protection engineers and designers nationwide."Seneca Fire Engineering's partnership with Coffman reinforces the successful collaboration we've shared for over four years. I will continue to conduct investigations and serve clients as I have for almost 25 years," said Arnold. "Additionally, Seneca Fire Engineering's clients will benefit from access to other fire protection and multidiscipline engineers across the country. This will allow me to serve clients for years to come." Arnold is a highly respected fire protection engineer with more than 40 years of experience specializing in fire engineering forensics. He established Seneca Fire Engineering in 2001. Arnold has participated in thousands of fire engineering investigations and has qualified to provide testimony in numerous courts and jurisdictions. He is a registered fire protection engineer in 23 states and an elected Fellow in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.View the fact sheet and Coffman's website for more information: https://www.coffman.com/news/seneca-fire-engineering-joins-coffman/ About Coffman EngineersCoffman Engineers is a multidiscipline engineering consulting firm that offers clients local, personalized services by integrating many disciplines including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and other specialties. Coffman has 900+ employees in 22 offices across the U.S. committed to the team effort it takes to build a better world. This year, Coffman is celebrating 45 years in business. Visit coffman.com or connect with us on social media.Contact InformationBeth ItoCorporate Communicationsbeth.ito@coffman.com 808-687-8884Related FilesSeneca Fire Engineering Will Join Coffman Engineers_LOI Press Release071824 Fact Sheet - Seneca Fire EngineeringSOURCE: Coffman Engineers, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Signal Gold Inc. ("Signal Gold" or the "Company") (TSX:SGNL)(OTCQB:SGNLF) today announces that it will transition to the OTC Market's Group Inc.'s OTCQB Venture Market (the "OTCQB") in the United States and will cease trading on the OTCQX effective at the close of market on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The Company opted to the transition to the OTCQB as it no longer met the minimum bid requirements required on the OTCQX platform. The Company's common shares will on the OTCQB under the same symbol "SGNLF" and will continue to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SGNL".The OTCQB is operated by the OTC Markets Group and is recognized as an "established public market" by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OTC Markets Group operates financial markets for 12,000 US and global securities, which enhances accessibility to the US capital market for development-stage international companies.ABOUT SIGNAL GOLDSignal Gold is advancing the Goldboro Gold Project in Nova Scotia, a significant growth project subject to a positive Feasibility Study which demonstrates an approximately 11-year open pit life of mine with average gold production of 100,000 ounces per annum and an average diluted grade of 2.26 grams per tonne gold. (Please see the NI 43-101 Technical Report and Feasibility Study for the Goldboro Gold Project, Eastern Goldfields District, Nova Scotia' on January 11, 2022, for further details). On August 3, 2022, the Goldboro Project received its environmental assessment approval from the Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Climate Change, a significant regulatory milestone, and the Company has now submitted all key permits including the Industrial Approval, Fisheries Act Authorization and Schedule 2 Amendment, and the Mining and Crown Land Leases. The Goldboro Project has significant potential for further Mineral Resource expansion, particularly towards the west along strike and at depth, and the Company has consolidated 28,525 hectares (~285 km2) of prospective exploration land in the Goldboro Gold District.This news release has been reviewed and approved by Kevin Bullock, P. Eng., President and CEO with Signal Gold Inc., a "Qualified Person", under National Instrument 43-101 Standard for Disclosure for Mineral Projects.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:Signal Gold Inc.Kevin Bullock President and CEO(647) 388-1842 kbullock@ signalgold.com Reseau ProMarket Inc.Dany Cenac Robert Investor Relations(514) 722-2276 x456 Dany.Cenac-Robert@ReseauProMarket.com SOURCE: Signal Gold Inc.
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The Gartner report How Clinical Data Integration Improves U.S. Healthcare Payer Interoperability is available now.TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / Smile Digital Health (Smile), a leading Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) health data platform and exchange solutions provider, has been named as a Representative Repository Vendor in the report How Clinical Data Integration (CDI) Improves U.S. Healthcare Payer Interoperability.Smile Digital Health As a health technology company, Smile Digital Health's goal is to reduce barriers between information and care. We harness the power of open standards to build health IT solutions that deliver an interoperable, FHIR1-first Health Data Fabric.As per the Gartner report, healthcare payer CIOs and executives routinely underestimate the complexities of clinical data integration initiatives, leading to subpar business outcomes. This research defines CDI processes and provides strategy and sourcing guidance to payer executives to achieve effective CDI at scale.For a limited time, Smile will make the report available via their website."Gartner is a trusted source for research in the tech industry. We believe that being named as a Representative Repository Vendor in this report showcases our dedication to furthering interoperability across the healthcare landscape and specifically, in this case, through clinical data integration," said Erin Prymas, Chief Revenue Officer, Smile Digital Health. "Our CDA Exchange+ is a robust native CDA ingestion solution with the ability to transform varying CDA document types, ultimately streamlining claims processing and accuracy for payers." Smile announced the launch of CDA Exchange+ at the end of May, 2024, their premium solution that allows payers to gain actionable CDI strategies for better business outcomes.Gartner, How Clinical Data Integration Improves U.S. Healthcare Payer Interoperability, Healthcare and Life Sciences Research Team, 30 April 2024. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.About Smile Digital HealthSmile Digital Health is a people-first healthcare solutions company dedicated to unlocking data throughout the health journey, enabling healthcare organizations to focus on delivering enhanced services instead of managing healthcare data. Our enterprise-grade, open framework data platform fuels healthcare's digital transformation and accelerates value creation across all patient journeys at scale. Powered by our HL7 FHIR standard-based clinical data repository, our solution suite makes unifying, enriching and elevating data, while also complying with mandates, a reality. We prepare healthcare providers, payers, researchers and life sciences organizations for a connected future beyond legacy systems, adding new value through the intelligent use of information, and creating #BetterGlobalHealth overall. For more information, visit SmileDigitalHealth.com Contact InformationVictoria ValladolidDirector of Marketing, Smile Digital Healthpr@ smiledigitalhealth.com (877) 537-3343 x 728SOURCE: Smile Digital HealthView the original press release on newswire.com
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BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / StairhopperMovers, a leading moving company based in Boston, has earned top honors from various prestigious publications, including Forbes, Google, Yelp, and Boston.com . This recognition follows decades of proud service and customer satisfaction, and it underscores their dedication to providing exceptional moving services to clients across Boston and New Hampshire.Founded by Adrian Iorga, who moved to the United States from Romania in 2001, Stairhoppers has built a sterling reputation for reliability and quality care for personal belongings. Further evidence of their reputation for their work lies in the fact that over 80% of their new clients come from word-of-mouth recommendations from previous satisfied clients. The company also holds a perfect 5-star rating on Google, based on over 6,000 reviews.Stairhopper Movers offers a comprehensive range of services, including residential and commercial moves, both local and interstate. They also provide storage solutions to cater to diverse client needs. Additionally, they offer packing services and a variety of moving resources on their website, such as a moving-day checklist, FAQ section about the company and moving in general, and a blog with useful tips and recommendations for the Boston area to inspire potential residents to join their community.Adrian Iorga, a dedicated entrepreneur and community advocate, leads Stairhoppers with a commitment to giving back. The company actively participates in local initiatives, reinforcing its mission to create value and trust within the community. Iorga and his team have revolutionized the moving industry by establishing a trusted name that treats clients and their belongings with the utmost respect.Reflecting on the company's success, Iorga says, "We aim to exceed your expectations with our moving services, providing affordability and value. Moving can be stressful, but we strive to make your experience smooth, efficient, and successful." "I invite you to experience the exceptional service, affordability, and value that Stairhopper Movers offers. Moving can be challenging, and our goal is to eliminate the stress and ensure your move is fast, efficient, and successful." - Adrian Iorga, founder and CEO of Stairhoppers.About Stairhopper MoversStairhoppers Movers is a moving company based in Boston, MA, serving both residential and commercial clients in Boston and New Hampshire. Founded by Adrian Iorga, the company is renowned for its reliability, comprehensive services, and strong community involvement.Contact DetailsStairhopper Movers Adrian Iorga+1 857-928-0876move@ stairhoppers.com Company WebsiteSOURCE: Stairhopper Movers
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / As part of its goal in discovering significant Copper-Gold VMS deposits in northern Ethiopia, Sun Peak Metals Corp. (the "Company" or "Sun Peak") (TSXV:PEAK)(OTCQB:SUNPF) is pleased to report results from the first nine holes of its initial 2024 drill program on Sun Peak's extensive 1,450 sq km Shire Project in Ethiopia. The Company drilled 24 diamond drill holes, totaling 5,236 meters, testing the Terer and Hamlo VMS Targets, which are both located on the Terer Exploration License. The results confirm the effectiveness of Sun Peak's discovery methodology, and the Company is eager to resume drilling after the rainy season concludes in October.HighlightsTerer Target:Drill hole TR-002 intersected:18.46 meters of 1.34% copper-equivalent ("CuEq")including 9.80 meters of 2.13% CuEqand 8.71 meters of 1.04% CuEqDrilling has intercepted VMS style alteration and mineralization, including massive and semi-massive sulphide and sulphide stringer zonesThe Terer VMS zone is located 2 km west and directly along strike of the Anguda North gravity high anomaly, which will be tested in the next drilling phase.Hamlo Target:Defined a new VMS mineralized zone with extensive hydrothermal alteration, trending over 1 km along strike.Assay results received for the initial seven holes at Hamlo indicate a pyrite-rich VMS mineralized system, which appears to increase in metal content at greater depths. This is consistent with typical VMS metal zoning.Drill hole HM-006 intersected10.90m of 0.29 g/t Au and 1.36% Zn,including 4.88m of 3.04 % Zn.The drill results at Terer and Hamlo, combined with findings from Anguda South, confirm a significant VMS system extending over 10 km, validating the geological model and exploration methods used by Sun Peak. The VMS trend is supported by mapped VMS gossan outcrops, hydrothermal alteration zones, VTEM airborne geophysics, geochemistry, and gravity anomalies, including the large gravity target at Anguda North.Commenting on the results, Greg Davis, President and CEO stated, "Combined with the results in the Sun Peak news release dated May 28, 2024, these first assay results from Terer and Hamlo demonstrate the effectiveness of Sun Peak's discovery methodology in uncovering valuable VMS deposits and we are more confident than ever that the Shire Project can host multiple VMS Deposits. We expect the remainder of the assays to be received in August and we look forward to outlining Sun Peak's exploration and drill plans when drilling can resume in October, after the rainy season is over. This will include drill testing the large Anguda North gravity anomaly, as well as continuing work on the Meli Trend. Sun Peak is fully funded to continue drilling this fall with over $3.3 million in the bank." Terer Summary12 diamond drill holes completed, totaling 2660.26 meters. Assay results have been received for two holes, TR-001 and TR-002.Drill hole TR-002 intersected 18.46 meters of 1.34% CuEq comprised of 0.47% Cu, 1.85% Zn, 0.32 g/t Au, and 7.2 g/t Ag and 8.71 m of 1.04% CuEq comprised of 0.56% Cu, 0.65% Zn, 0.29 g/t Au, and 5.14 g/t Ag (See Table 1).Terer VMS prospect now extends of over a kilometer long with VMS gossan outcrops that trend mainly east-west, and steeply dipping to the north, with coincident VTEM conductors and moderate gravity high anomalies.The VMS mineralized zone is hosted within chlorite altered, strongly foliated mafic volcanic rocks (See Figure 1), that forms the hanging wall and the footwall rock units.The Terer VMS zone appears to consist of thinly stacked massive sulphide lenses, crosscut by faulting and possibly displaced by at least 4 different dyke systems (mafic, felsic, granitic, and gabbroic). Most of these dykes were emplaced along normal fault zones (See Figure 2: Section A).The Terer VMS zone is located 2 km west and directly along strike of the Anguda North gravity high anomaly, potentially representing continuity of a greater VMS zone (See Figure 3).Figure 1: Terer Drilling Plan Map: Results received for TR-001 and TR-002 - Results in Table 1.Figure 2: Terer Drilling - Cross-Section AFigure 3: Terer-Anguda regional VMS trend.Table 1: Terer Drill Results Summary*CuEq for drill intersections is calculated based on July 22/2024 spot prices for Cu US$4.20/lb, Au US$2395/oz, Ag US$29/oz and Zn US$1.21/lb. Recovery is assumed to be 100% as no metallurgical data is available. The formula is CuEQ % = Cu% + (Au g/t * (Au $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)) + (Ag g/t * (Ag $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)+ (Zn% * (Zn $ per lb / Cu $ per lb)).Hamlo Summary12 diamond drill holes completed, totaling 2576.0 meters. Assay results have been received for the first 7 holes.Defined a large hydrothermally altered mixed stringer and massive sulfide zone, trending over 300m along strike (open in all directions) (See Figure 4).Hosted within foliated, sheared, and hydrothermally altered felsic volcanic flows and tuffs, representing the footwall, surrounded by chlorite and epidote-altered mafic volcanics, representing the hanging wall volcanic rocks for the VMS mineralized zones.The zone appears truncated to the northeast by a normal fault, with drill hole HM-010 intersecting primarily hanging wall mafic volcanics.The Hamlo sulphide zone is within a 10km southwest and northeast trend which is sub-parallel to the Terer Trend (See Figure 6).The initial assay results from the first 7 holes at Hamlo indicate a pyritic rich VMS mineralized system, that seems to have base metals increase at depth. It could be explained by a metal zoning, that is very common in VMS style mineralized deposits (See Table 2).HM-006 ended in 10.90 m of 0.291 g/t Au and 1.36% Zn from 292.15 to 303.05m (See Figure 5: Section B).Figure 4: Hamlo Drilling Plan Map: Results received for holes in red annotation (HM-001 to HM-007) - Results in Table 2.Figure 5: Hamlo Drilling - Cross-Section BVMS Trends on Terer Exploration License: From the drilling and intial assay results, it appears that the Terer property has at least two sub-parallel trending structures striking E-W and NE-SW. The main trends are very large with all the VMS gossan outcrops, hydrothermally altered extensive stringer zones,and geophysical signatures related to a very large system. Once the Company has drill data from all the holes, we will release a more fulsome statement on how Sun Peak will approach the next phase of exploration work, including drilling.Figure 6: Terer Exploration License showing VMS Trends for Terer-Anguda, Hamlo-Dermi, and Argo
The administration of President Bola Tinubu may be contemplating the dissolution of the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) following the expiry of its current operating licence.

This development comes after the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, declined to renew the tenure of the current Managing Director/CEO of the company, Nnaemeka Ewelukwa.

Mr Ewelukwa succeeded Marilyn Amobi, whose tenure was riddled by numerous controversial developments and multiple corruption allegations.

In a circular dated 23 July, seen by this publication, Mr Adelabu informed Mr Ewelukwa that his four-year tenure would not be extended.

This notice was given in response to Mr Ewelukwas letter notifying the minister about the imminent expiration of his tenure and possible consideration for a second term.

Your letter on the above subject dated 22 July 2024 refers. On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chairman Board of Directors (NBET), I wish to extend the sincere appreciation and commendation of the Federal Government of Nigeria for your diligence, hard work, as well as immense contributions, as the Managing Director/CEO of NBET in the past four years.

We also appreciate your diligent service while your contribution to the ongoing reform in the power sector and nation-building is well acknowledged. As you are aware that the operating licence granted to NBET is deemed to expire before year-end, there is no immediate justification for your tenure extension or renewal, the letter read in part.

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For a smooth and seamless transition, the minister directed Mr Eweluka to hand over to the most senior general manager in the company by 24 July.

NBET

Incorporated on 29 July 2010 and fully owned by the Federal Government in accordance with the Electric Power Sector Act, 2005, NBET acts as the principal purchaser of electricity from generating companies.

The company acquires power through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), which sets out the terms and conditions for transactions between these generating companies and NBET.

Within the power industry, it serves as the manager and administrator of the electricity pool.

Following the expiration of the companys initial 10-year licence in November 2021, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission extended its operating licence for an additional three years.

The licence is set to expire in November.

Attempts to speak to the spokesperson of the minister of power, Bolaji Tunji, for comments on the new developments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to telephone calls and text messages as of press time Thursday night.

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Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has announced that some scenes of season two of his Netflix series, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre will be filmed in Ghana.

Teasing the upcoming season, Mr Afolayan shared on his Instagram page Tuesday pictures from the film location recce.

Location recce is a vital pre-production activity which involves finding the perfect spots, venues, and facilities that will bring the filmmakers vision to life.

The upcoming season is in collaboration with Juliet Asante, the CEO of Ghanas National Film Authority (GNFA).

He wrote: ANIKULAPO SERIES: New season. Location recce in Ghana in collaboration with National Film Authority and Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante.

As of press time, the Kwara-born filmmaker hasnt revealed when shooting will begin or who will star in the new season.

Shoot in Ghana

At the Nigeria International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) held in Cannes, France, this May, the 48-year-old revealed that part of season two will be filmed in Ghana, supporting the Shoot in Ghana campaign.

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Shoot in Ghana is an initiative launched by the Ghana National Film Authority, GNFAthat invites filmmakers to shoot and capture the stunning sceneries and excellent facilities the country offers.

The initiative will also create employment opportunities beyond the film industry for Ghanaians.

Recalling his experience filming Rise of the Spectre, at the NIFS summit, the New York Film Academy alumni said the lack of proper accommodationsforced the cast to use a communal house.

Mr Afolayan highlighted the dramatic improvement in infrastructure, stating, We only had two hotels, not even five-star, more like minus one-star. Now, within two years, we have forty-room hotels, thirty-two deluxe rooms, and eight apartments built.

Reviving Ghana and Nigerias film relationship

Ms Asante, the dealmaker, said filming part of the Netflix series season two in Ghana was a golden opportunity to revitalise and strengthen the film industry ties between Ghana and Nigeria.

She said the countries gain significantly from collaborating deeply and exploring each others markets and strengths.

Ms Asante urged filmmakers globally to consider Ghana as a captivating filming destination.

Ghana is calling on the world to come and shoot in Ghana and capture the breathtaking sceneries and facilities Ghana has in their movies; this will lead to the employment of Ghanaians in these movies and also get the country Ghana and its people out for the world to see. Most importantly, by Ghanaians working on these productions, there is more acquisition of skills skill transfer, and many businesses benefit from these activities in the country.

Leading to more tourism, income and soft power for Ghana. It is with excitement that the National Film Authority of Ghana is partnering with the iconic African Filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, to shoot scenes of the Netflix hit series Anikolapo in Ghana, she shared on her Instagram.

Furthermore, NFA on 18 June inked a collaboration deal with filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele to produce her next undisclosed film in Ghana.

The Instagram post read: Funke Akindele heads to Ghana. The renowned Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele is set to shoot her next film in Ghana, thanks to the National Film Authoritys Shoot in Ghana initiative. The exciting collaboration highlights the growing appeal of Ghana as an ideal destination for film production in Ghana.

Background

ANIKULAPO was released in 2022. Its sequel, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, released in March, was filmed at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) Film Village in Igbojaye, Oyo State.

The film tells the story of Saro, who arrives in Oyo as a stranger and a traditional textile weaver and gets entangled with Queen Arolake in an unlikely romantic affair.

However, the series picks up the story after Saros resurrection. He continues in his dubious ways. Meanwhile, Arolake becomes a wealthy woman but also makes new powerful enemies.

Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre cast were Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, Adebayo Salami, Layi Wasabi, Moji Afolayan, Aisha Lawal,, Jide Kosoko, and Adeniyi Johnson, Owobo Ogunde, Ogogo Taiwo Hassan, Eyiyemi Afolayan among others.

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Stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry have appealed to the Federal Government not to wind down the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) as it begins implementing the Oronsaye Report.

The filmmakers, who appealed in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said NFVCB should be retained as the regulatory agency for the motion picture industry.

NAN reports that George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), recently directed Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, to begin the immediate dissolution of NFVCB.

The directive aimed to subsume NFVCB as a ministry department but bypassed the legal process required to repeal the law establishing the Nollywood regulatory agency. The development has, however, sparked reactions from stakeholders across the country.

The Nigerian Senate had also asked the Federal Government to halt the boards winding down, citing a breach of the law.

It said the process of winding down an agency of government that came into force through an Act of Parliament should commence with the Acts repeal. NFVCB is a regulatory body set up by Act No.85 of 1993 (now the National Film and Video Censors Board Act Cap No.40 (2004 as amended).

The board is empowered by law to regulate Nigerias film and video industry and classify all films and videos, whether imported or produced locally.

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The board also has the duty to register all film and video outlets/cinemas across the country and keep a register of such outlets/cinemas, among other functions.

According to them, any alteration to the boards current status, such as a merger or subsuming, will be counterproductive and impede the industrys contributions to the national economy.

Stakeholders appeal

Veteran filmmaker Paul Apel-Papel said Nollywood was too large to be regulated without a specific agency like the NFVCB.

According to the Colorado Film School-trained filmmaker, acclaimed for directing the 2021 war action drama Eagle Wings, it plays a critical role in ensuring Nollywood keeps its sanity.

We are not in support of subsuming or merger because we are even looking forward to a specific ministry that will focus on Nollywood properly as we grow from here. The federal government should consider how it can concentrate on Nollywood and how it is doing for agriculture because, after agriculture, the industry is the largest employer of labour.

We are bringing revenue, creating jobs, and positively promoting the countrys image globally. Nollywood is not getting any direct support; everybody is trying to develop their craft, and then the only agency we have is the one that wants to take it back to the ministry and kill it, he said.

Habib Mohammed, National President of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), said it was impossible for such a regulatory body in a critical sector to function effectively as a department.

The move to subsume the board as part of the ministry will be a real setback to the development already achieved. Let us not forget that the board was in the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture as a department, and the creation of the board has developed the industry to where it is today. Let the policymakers have a rethink, and we are also calling on the National Assembly to stand on its feet so that the board can keep its statutory position, he said.

Emeke Aduah, acting President of the Film Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), said the influx of illicit films in the Nigerian market was a menace to the industry that the NFVCB was fighting headlong.

According to him, winding down the board will impede the momentum of the fight against illicit films, which is very dangerous to the acclaimed second-largest film industry in the world.

I dont think it is necessary for such scrapping because it will bring Nollywood backwards and make the industry like a child without parents or guardians. Then, the industry will become a dumping ground for all kinds of films and become a merry-go-round for piracy while genuine investors lose their investments. I wonder what kind of industry we will have left at the end of the day if the NFVCB winds down, he said.

(NAN)

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Nollywood actress Nancy Isime has sparked outrage among the Muslim community in Nigeria for wearing a niqab in a robbery scene in an upcoming movie, Three Working Days.

On Monday, Isime shared pictures of a bank heist scene from the movie dressed in Muslim attire on Instagram. She captioned the post, Life Lately.

In pictures, she donned a niqab ( a niqab is a veil worn by some Muslim women in public, covering all of the faces, apart from the eyes), wielding guns in what seems to be a bank robbery scene.

Jerry Ossas directed the movie, which stars Demi Adebayo, Mike Afolarin, Uzor Arukwe, Deyemi Okanlawon, Romeo Horsfall, and Emem Ufot.

The movies poster, also revealed in her post, depicts women in hijabs and face veils brandishing guns during a bank heist, sparking widespread outrage.

In July 2023, a similar outrage occurred after the first 45 seconds of Jaye Lo, a yet-to-be-released music video by a Davido signee, Logos Olori, showed some men wearing white attire (Jalabiyas) and white caps and dancing in front of a mosque.

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The concept earned the ire of Muslims, calling on Davido to yank the video and stop its release. After a few days, Davido bowed to pressure from Muslims in Nigeria and consequently deleted the offensive video of Jaye Lo.

Outrage

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for an immediate ban on the film.

The group said it depicts Muslim women as criminals and incites the public against them.

Ishaq Akintola, the executive director of MURIC, issued a press statement on Thursday, urging the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to take swift action against the film.

The statement reads in part,  An extremely anti-Muslim film has been released into the Nigerian movie industry. The upcoming film, recently unveiled by Nancy Isime, shows women in purdah brandishing dangerous weapons and robbing banks.

Mr Akintola described the movie as satanic, repugnant, and provocative, warning that it could incite public hostility towards Muslim women and ridicule the Muslim community at large.

This film is Islamophobia taken to the highest level, Akintola stated. It aims to portray Muslim women as criminals, potentially inciting violence and discrimination against them.

MURIC argues that such portrayals are part of a broader plot against Muslim practices and could fuel tensions within the country.

We believe that the film is the handiwork of Muslim-haters and part of the plot to stop Muslim women from wearing hijab and niqab. The plot was hatched long ago, and its execution began in the schools. This plot was boldly and diligently confronted in Nigerian courts by Muslims until the highest court in the land made a pronouncement on it. This Satanic film is the latest effort in the war against hijab.

This hate film is capable of setting Nigeria on fire if the relevant authorities do not take urgent action. We therefore call on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to investigate and place an immediate ban on the coming film.

Meanwhile, MURICs call for a ban is accompanied by a plea to the Muslim community to remain calm and peaceful.

As the debate continues, all eyes are on the NFVCB to see how it will respond to MURICs demand for an investigation and potential ban of the upcoming film.

More pressure

Similarly, an online petition on change.org titled Mockery and Defaming of Muslim Women, initiated by Maryam Hanbali on Wednesday, is calling for the movies ban.

The petition has already garnered 23,670 signatures, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the movie from all platforms. The goal is 25,000 signatures.

It also seeks a public apology from the producers and Ms Isime for what it describes as a thoughtless misrepresentation that has caused significant distress to the Muslim community, especially to women who wear the hijab and niqab.

Bashir Ahmad, former Digital Communications Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, criticised the movie on X.

Mr Ahmad added, The movie producers should have considered alternative costumes for such scenes, such as balaclavas or masks. For us, the hijab (niqab) is not worn by our women to hide their identity to commit crimes but to respect, follow, and abide by the teachings of our religion.

NFVCB reacts

Reacting to the complaints about the upcoming movie, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), in an X post, stated that the movie has not been released and is taking steps to address the concerns raised.

The post reads, in part,  We reinstate that as a classification agency, NFVCB will not overlook any film or video works, including dramatised short content (skits) that abuse, denigrate,s or undermine religious, culture,l and ethnic sensibility.

NFVCB also reassured its commitment to promoting the positive transformation of Nigerian society by classifying films that balance the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law.

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Many Nigerians and foreign observers wonder how Boko Haram funds its operations. How has Boko Haram raised funds for its war on the Nigerian state for over a decade? Who finances the group?

At the peak of the war, Nigerian financial intelligence agencies began an investigation to know the financiers of terrorism in Africas most populous country. The more than 10-year hunt yielded its latest result in March when the federal government sanctioned several individuals and entities for allegedly financing terrorism.

The list includes six Nigerians sentenced to 10 years to life in prison in 2019 for establishing a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to raise cash for the insurgents in Nigeria.

The administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari arrested 96 suspected sponsors of terrorism and 424 of their associates in 2021. The government also identified 123 companies and 33 Bureau De Change (BDC) operators linked with terrorism by the fraud unit of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

Using the NFIU secret intelligence reports and multiple interviews with the arrested suspects, PREMIUM TIMES now reports that in the course of their investigations, Nigerian security agents perpetrated one of the worst cases of injustice in the country, holding suspects captive for 16 months without trial.

After the long detention period, most of the suspects were allowed to go; some were charged to court while others remained in detention.

Our findings show that the government held the suspects at secret locations in Abuja, denying them access to lawyers and family members for several months. The victims, who have been threatened not to speak to the press, said they were unjustly detained for months without even knowing the accusations against them.

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After days of detention, the suspects found out that they were being investigated for financial dealings with alleged terrorists.

Former Information Minister Lai Mohammed first announced sanctions against the 96 suspects in 2022, adding that the government would prosecute them immediately.

The extent of these suspects detentions and the intimidation tactics used against them have not been previously reported.

Although issuing sanctions, including arrests, aligns with the United Nations Security Council Resolution on Suppression of Terrorism, what is more important is using evidence and the law to disrupt terrorism financing and the economies of violence that sustain terrorist and non-state armed groups.

An internal, top-secret report from the NFIU, a copy of which PREMIUM TIMES obtained, provides financial intelligence about the activities of terrorist groups in Nigeria.

The NFIU concluded its analysis of the activities and determined the final reports on 31 January 2022. A copy of the detailed analysis and discoveries was submitted to the president for action, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

The NFIU has the mandate to collect important financial information. However, our reporting reveals that crucial information is often lacking, including on terrorist financing prosecutions and convictions and other relevant issues.

Unlawful detention of suspects

As soon as the night fell on 10 March 2021, Nigerias secret police, the SSS, began calling Bureau de Change operators (BDC) in Kano to invite them for questioning over alleged terrorism financing.

Of the 96 suspects identified by the NFIU, 58 were from Kano State. PREMIUM TIMES located 48 of those and interviewed most of them. All those interviewed asked that their real names not be revealed for fear of further victimisation by the authorities.

By 13 March 2021, the SSS had taken most of the suspects into custody in Kano. That day, the service profiled them and took their mugshots. Then, the suspects were released and asked to report back to the SSS office on 16 March 2021.

From the SSS office, the suspects were taken to the armys Bukavu Barracks in Kano and then to Kaduna, where they spent two days before they arrived in Abuja, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

In Abuja, they were kept for several days before the interrogation began. Some officials then told us that based on our bank transactions, we were suspected to be among the sponsors of Boko Haram, said Idris Yakubu*, one of the detained suspects.

I dont have any crime record, Mr Yakubu continued. I had never been to a police station for any reason. All of a sudden, I am now being investigated for financing Boko Haram, he added, nodding his head in regret as he recounted the time spent in detention.

Mr Yakubus family and business partners said he didnt commit the crime he was accused of and that his detention was a violation of his rights. The nature of our business is about financial transactions, and we deal with all sorts of people, but I will never deal with a criminal knowingly, let alone a sponsor of terrorists, Mr Yakubu said.

According to the UN Convention on the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (UNCSFT), terrorism financing (TF) occurs when a person by any means, directly or indirectly, unlawfully and willfully provides or collects funds with the intention that such funds will be used or in the knowledge that the funds will be used in full or in part to carry out a terrorism act.

The UN convention thus indicates that the financier must have the intent (willfully provides) to finance terrorism, something the NFIU and Nigerian authorities could not establish against most of the suspects.

Instead, in its analysis, the agency said it identified some of the suspects only based on direct financial transactions with convicted persons.

The agency also relied on information from the Nigerian Army and other law enforcement agencies to arrive at its conclusion.

Out of the 48 arrested in Kano, PREMIUM TIMES met 40 freed since July 2022. Speaking with our reporter at the first meeting in May and later in June, Mr Yakubu said life was not the same after his detention.

I have lost all my business partners. My children dropped out of school for most of the period I was in detention. Nobody will pay for school fees. My wife became hypertensive. The impact is just beyond measure, Mr Yakubu added.

Even though he is still heartbroken, Mr Yakubu has accepted his fate as the will of God.

I can only thank God for keeping me alive and for the fact that I am a free person now. Finally, after the so-called investigation, we were asked to go. Because they couldnt demonstrate that most of us had any relationship with the terrorists, Mr Yakubu said.

He told PREMIUM TIMES that he wants justice for the illegal detention. We deserve justice. For keeping us 16 months without trial and only for the authorities to free us then, its unjust. I dont have the means to pursue it, so its just a wish for now.

Legal and Human Rights expert Inibehe Effiong said the prolonged detention of the suspects is illegal.

There is no law in Nigeria that empowers any law enforcement agency to detain anyone indefinitely or arbitrarily. It doesnt matter whether the offence is terrorism or murder, Mr Effiong said.

Pre-trial detention is limited in Nigeria. Section 35 of the Nigerian constitution guarantees personal liberty and that no person shall be deprived of such liberty. By the law, no person shall be detained beyond 24 hours without trial, except there is no court within 40 kilometres. It is only where there is no court within 40 kilometres that a person can be detained for 48 hours; afterwards, the person must be arraigned in court.

However, for the purpose of investigation in serious or alleged offences like terrorism financing or murder, law enforcement agencies are empowered by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to go before a federal high court to obtain permission from the court to detain a suspect for a specified period (sometimes two weeks or 30 days at first instance), Mr Effiong said.

Anything outside that is illegal. If there is convincing evidence of committing an offence, the remedy in law is not to detain the suspect indefinitely. Its to arraign the person in court, the Human Rights lawyer said.

Nigerias Fight against Terrorism Financing

Between 2008 and 2024, Nigeria enacted the following laws and regulations: the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (MLPA), to strengthen preventive measures on money laundering and terrorism financing; the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Act, 2018 (NFIU), to ensure the operational autonomy of the NFIU; and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, 2019 (MLACMA) to facilitate mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, including money laundering, associated predicate offences and terrorism financing; and the Terrorism Prevention Act (TPA).

Still, the country has brought only a handful of significant cases for terrorism financing, in what appears to be the prioritisation of catching violent terrorists over their financiers.

The Nigerian authorities do not typically conduct stand-alone terrorism financing investigations. Instead, they conduct parallel financial investigations of terrorist suspects identified using intelligence and law enforcement tools.

Led by the SSS, the authorities analyse and investigate financial profiles and activities with assistance from the NFIU. While the country claims to know dozens of Boko Haram sponsors, it hasnt been able to convict a considerable number.

So far, the authorities have provided little evidence demonstrating the extent or effectiveness of Nigerias terrorism financing investigations or their ability to identify terrorist financiers or financing activity, the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) said in its 2021 report.

The content of terrorism financing-related reports the NFIU has received has not been useful enough to inform operational or strategic analysis meaningfully. Authorities have not used financial information to identify new terrorist networks or, more generally, broaden Nigerias understanding of terrorist activity.

As of January, Nigeria was one of 21 countries, including its Lake Chad Basin neighbour Cameroon, on the Financial Action Task Force grey list. The list names countries with weak measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

Detention crippled our business

Like Mr Yakubu, Umar Farouk* was also arrested in Kano. While Mr Yakubu was contacted through the BDC union in Kano, Mr Farouk was directly invited by the SSS for questioning.

The invitation was casual, so I never knew it was the beginning of months-long detention, Mr Farouk told PREMIUM TIMES. It was cruel. Staying in detention for 16 months, knowing that I didnt commit the crime I was accused of.

That detention crippled our businesses. Physically, we were not tortured, but mentally, it was torture. Some people develop life-threatening health conditions such as high blood pressure, sight deficiency, and heart attack while in detention, he added.

Mr Farouk recalled that over 40 men were in their cell, most from Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna and Borno states.

Only six people were arraigned, while 42 others including Messrs Farouk and Yakubu, were granted bail after 16 months. Four of the six people being tried are on bail, while two are still in detention.

The two people still in detention are Mansur Usman and Abubakar Sadik. Authorities believe they have strong cases and evidence against the two.

Mr Farouk said it was a challenging period: I must admit. I didnt even see the sky throughout that period. But there is nothing we can do. We were patient, and they let us go as free people after the investigation. The truth sets us free. If they had serious evidence incriminating us, then we wouldnt have been here today.

The SSS refused to reply to PREMIUM TIMES questions for this story. Its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, did not respond to calls and a text message sent to his phone.

Detaining suspects for 16 months cannot be defended in any civilised country, Mr Effiong, the human rights lawyer, said.

No matter the gravity of the offence, there is a presumption of innocence under the constitution. If someone has committed an offence, take the person before the court and file the charge. Anything outside that is illegal.

Investigating BDC Operators

The parallel exchange market in Nigeria has been poorly regulated and sometimes is a window for money laundering and terrorism financing.

GIABA currently identifies Nigeria as a high-risk money laundering and terrorism financing jurisdiction.

While Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing activities differ in many ways, they often exploit the same vulnerabilities in financial systems and the broader economy that allow for anonymity and opacity in transactions.

The Bola Tinubu administration has, however, decided to strengthen the regulation of BDCs.

In March, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the licences of 4,173 BDC operators.

CBN said the affected institutions failed to observe compliance with the guidelines of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Counter-Proliferation Financing (CPF) regulations, among other reasons.

Financial operations of Boko Haram

Since 2009, Nigeria has faced a tenacious terrorist insurgency from Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP, which has ties to ISIS and is among the deadliest groups in the world.

Nigeria has witnessed various attacks by terror groups that include drive-by-shooting, bombings, the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and suicide attacks. These acts of terrorism have led to the death of thousands of people, displacement, and large-scale destruction of property.

Nigerian authorities stated that these groups pose a formidable military threat and exercise substantial territorial control and influence in areas lacking formal commercial and financial infrastructure and relying on in-kind and cash transactions.

The group largely relies on informal or untraceable financial channels, including Forex dealers, hawaladars and cash couriers. Analysts said the groups longevity can partly be attributed to its continued access to resources.

Since many of Nigerias north-eastern borders are not under the governments effective control, cash couriers serve as an external conduit for Boko/ISWAP operatives, GIABA said. In doing so, they take advantage of their connectivity to other jihadist groups operating in the region along with other smuggling and trading networks.

Boko/ISWAP also raise funds through activities that are not inherently criminal, such as agriculture and trade in and around Lake Chad, as well as cattle markets and routes.

GIABA said such activities included the extension of microloans (sometimes conscripting debtors who could not repay), control of small-scale traders markets and businesses, and donations and membership fees. Funds from outside affiliates and supporters, such as al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) core, are not considered major sources but cannot be excluded.

*The suspects requested their real names to be hidden for security reasons and to avoid being victimised.

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Divorce in the Black is the latest work of Hollywood filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry, and it has sparked much discussion among critics and audiences.

Divorce in the Black tells the story of a preachers daughter, Ava (Meagan Good), who is in love with an abusive husband, Dallas (Cory Hardrict). She stays on, hoping that her love for him will change him.

Still, her hot-tempered, angry, aggressive, trauma-haunted husband is perpetually drawn to the life of high-handedness, alcoholism and violence synonymous with the ghetto family in which he was raised.

This keeps him continually venting his frustrations, anger, and bitterness on his wife Ava, a clear relationship between the prey and the predator. Then came the night in shining armour, Benji (Joseph Anderson), a high school ex-lover, to the rescue.

ANALYSIS

The movie starts on a high note, with a burial setting in a church as the opening scene. The officiating minister, Clarence, Avas father, though not in support of the marriage of his daughter to Dallas, agreed to bury Dallas eldest brother, whose death was a result of a robbery gone wrong.

In his message, Clarence preached about the importance of living a righteous life while on earth, referring to the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:27&28.

Present in the church were church members but also the family of the deceased, Bertrand, his four brothers and his mother, who were all fuming at the time. The deceaseds mother could no longer help it; thus, she interrupted the preacher and insulted him.

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She asked her four sons to get the corpse of their brother out, and theyd bury him in their backyard as she had earlier suggested. As they walked up to lift the coffin, she yelled and asked them to leave their coffin for them (the church) as they had paid for it. The four boys opened the coffin and lifted their dead brothers corpse.

All of the above tension and energy occurred within the first eight minutes of the movie. The atmosphere was intense and soundyou could feel it. From then on, it feels like Divorce in the Black was rushed, as attention wasnt paid to things that ought to have been. There was an absolute disconnect from everything. No scene in the movie had any form of intimacy.

ANALYSIS

Ava and Dallas

At Ava and Dallas home, the shots only happened between the dining and living rooms, creating a sense of detachment. It never felt like a real home, just a set for them to act and leave. The lack of connection between the duo was palpable, leaving the audience emotionally disengaged.

Avas parents home

A scene where Avas dad tries to remind her how excellent and brilliant she is. And how she should not let her marriage make her cave in and lose herself. He played her a collection of videos from her childhood. The disconnect was too apparent as much as that was to be a beautiful, vulnerable moment.

In another scene, Ava walks in on her mother, crying after she sees a written note of the things Dallas has done to her daughter. She first said, Where did we go wrong? After much back and forth, she started apologising to her daughter. Not so long after, her husband walks into the scene; she sucks it up to protect her daughter. The question is, from who? Her husband, the girls father?

Avas office

The entire office scene was shot at the office reception. There was a glimpse of her in her office, but every action was shot on the stairs or the reception.

In addition, every time Ava drove her car and parked, the headlamp was left on. The car never really shut down.

Jim and Dallas

Jim (Shannon Wallace) played Avas best friends (Rona Taylor Williams) husband and best friend to Dallas. Jim was seen to compare Dallas through his misconduct. Never did he address his shortcomings. In the scene where the divorce papers were signed, Jim was in the room as a support system for Dallas. This contradicts everything a black man and real friendship represents, mainly in cases of domestic violence and abuse.

In reality, Meagan and Hardrict are estranged. It will naturally be expected that the duo will interpret their roles better as it is a reality they have dealt with.

REVIEWS

Rotten Tomatoes, an American review-aggregation website for film and television, rated Divorce in the Black 0/10. This marks the first time a Perry movie has received such a rating, leaving many viewers disappointed and eager to share their own perspectives.

A critic wrote, Content collapse. Asinine, tedious and reckless are a few words to describe Tyler Perrys latest romance drama  a genre he seems to have no personal familiarity with.

Also reacting, on 21 July, AA. Presley, a famous Nigerian movie analyst, on-air personality, and co-host of a radio movie show hashtagMTSS on Inspiration FM Lagos, If you see the first eight minutes of divorce in the black and dont go any further, youve done no wrong.

In an interview on Breakfast Club with Cory Hardrict, he said, He paid me the most I made in a film for three weeks. As the lead actor, this affirms that the movie was shot in a rush. The story was cliche. The acting had no connection.

Verdict 3/10.

You can watch Divorce in the Black on Prime Video .

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The State Security Service (SSS) said on Thursday that it has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the nationwide protest being planned by young Nigerians and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land.

SSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya in a statement acknowledged that peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens but alleged that the organisers of the protest have a political and not altruistic motive.

The long term objective is to achieve a regime change especially at the Centre, Mr Afunanya wrote.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that many young Nigerians have been discussing on social media and calling for mass protests next month to protest the cost of living crisis in the country.

Prices of basic goods and services have more than doubled since President Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidies last year.

In his statement, Mr Afunanya said his agency has identified the planners of the protest as well as their sponsors

Read the full statement below.

DSS COUNSELS AGAINST PLANNED PROTEST IN NIGERIA

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has followed the discourse on planned protests in parts of the country in the coming weeks by persons and groups yet to identify themselves in the public as leaders of the plot. While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land. It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political. The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses. The long term objective is to achieve a regime change especially at the Centre.

The Service has also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario. It has instead, variously applied non kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.

Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation. While the different levels of Government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace. This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.

The Service calls on people of goodwill, Leaders of Thought, Captains of Industry, Labour Unions, Student Associations, Youth Leaders, the Civil Society, Clergy, NGOs, Women groups, Civil Servants and Politicians to shun any invitation to participate in any orchestrated violence, deliberately designed to cause disaffection in the country. Similarly, Parents, Guardians, Heads of traditional and academic institutions are respectively urged to advise their children, wards, subjects and students not to take part in the planned protest. Let us all join hands to build a Nation without rancour, bitterness or stained banner.

The Service will work with other sister Security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace. It will, where necessary, apply all legitimate methods to achieve this. Meanwhile, the website, dss.gov.ng; email address  dsspr@dss.gov.ng and Telephone lines +2349153391309; +2349088373514 will remain available to the members of the public who may wish to contact the Service.

Peter Afunanya PhD fsi

Director PR & Stratcoms

Department of State Services

National Headquarters Abuja

25th July, 2024

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Northern youth groups have distanced themselves from the planned nationwide protest slated for 1 August, saying their members would not be part of any activities that may threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria.

The groups under the umbrella of the Arewa Youth Assembly stated their position on the protest on Wednesday at the end of a one-day conference held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna.

They appealed to northern youths not to join the planned protest.

In a communique issued at the end of the conference and signed by Muhammad Yakubu of Arewa Tink Tank on behalf of the youth groups from the 19 northern states, they called on all their members and northern youths to stay away from the planned protest.

The planners called the protest for 1 August to press the government to drop policies exacerbating Nigerias economic woes and to implement measures that address the pressing concerns of Nigerians.

We call on youth, particularly in the North, to resist the temptation of being used to foment trouble and engage in lawlessness. We strongly denounce protests under any guise, as they are counterproductive and can lead to violence, loss of lives, and destruction of properties, the communique stated.

Therefore, we have resolved that we will not be part of any protests. We call on Nigerian Youth to engage authorities constructively through peaceful and legal means, such as dialogue and constructive engagement.

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We, the youth, firmly resolve to embrace entrepreneurship as a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and foster wealth creation in Nigeria. We recognise that by developing our entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, we can become self-sustainable and reduce dependence on the government for employment opportunities.

We call upon the government to implement robust measures aimed at developing the knowledge and skills of the youths.

The youth groups also urged the federal government to address banditry and insurgency in the north.

Speakers at the conference, including a traditional title holder in Zaria, Mannir Jaafaru, and Ibrahim Iddah, a former senator, called on the youths to embrace entrepreneurship as a way to develop themselves.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES after the event, the director-general of the Sardauna Memorial Foundation, Abubakar-Gambo, lauded the groups for choosing the path of peace and staying off the planned protest.

The decision by youth groups spanning all northern states to opt for negotiations and peace, rather than protest, is a thoughtful and commendable choice, demonstrating their maturity and commitment to finding constructive solutions to the regions challenges.

 The conference also was to encourage our youth to embrace entrepreneurship to develop themselves, he said.

Also religious clerics have also intensified their appeals to northern youth not to participate in the protest while also calling on the government to provide succour to Nigerians.

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A former minister of labour and productivity, Joel Ikenya, has advised state governors to distribute the palliative they recently received from the federal government before the planned 1 August national protest.

As part of efforts to cushion the effects of the high cost of living and rising food prices, the federal government sent 20 trucks of 25kg bags of rice to each state of the federation and the nations capital.

The government said the rice would be distributed to vulnerable Nigerians.

While speaking to PREMIUM TIMES in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, Mr Ikenya, warned that the planned protests could be hijacked by hoodlums with ulterior motives.

He then advised state governors to ensure the rice is quickly distributed to avoid repeating the EndSARS protest of 2020.

Mr Ikenya also urged the governors to ensure the foodstuff reaches those they are meant for.

Mr Ikenya, also a former senator representing Taraba South, appealed to the youths to constructively engage the government rather than embarking on protests that could cause more harm to the country.

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He recalled the loss of lives and properties during the EndSARS protests of 2020, saying protests escalate issues without finding solutions to them.

Let the governors ensure that the items sent to them by the federal government are equally distributed to the needy; that can discourage many youths from going to the streets that day.

Many youths are targeting to attack the warehouses where the palliatives are being kept. If, by mistake, the items are not distributed, its obvious that the event of ENDSARS would repeat itself.

The president has already ensured that there is an inflow of food across the nation, and the governors have no reason to withhold those items. The governors should be able to complement the efforts of Mr President by making the food items available to the needy, Mr Ikenya said.

When contacted, the Taraba State Commissioner for Special Duties and Social Development, Saviour Noku, told our correspondent that the palliatives allocated to the state by the federal government were yet to be delivered.

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The University of Ibadan (UI) is set to host a seminar to explore the intersection between biological narratives in the digital age.

The seminar themed, Digital Wombs and Foetal Subjectivities: Talking Futures With Culture as Wombiture, will be held on 9 August.

This event will introduce the concept of Wombiture, exploring how digital technology influences cultural and biological narratives.

Led by Sola Olorunyomi, professor and distinguished scholar in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies, the seminar will delve into Wombiture, a term derived from combining womb and literature.

According to the event flyer shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, the concept examines the intersection of heightened self-awareness and technological advancements in antenatal and postnatal contexts.

Mr Olorunyomi will discuss how these digital advancements shape the understanding of cultural narratives, tracing historical transitions from orality to multimedia.

Other contributors

The event will also feature insights from Chinasa Abonyi, Ololade Faniyi, and Florence Ebila, each contributing perspectives from their fields of African studies, gender studies, and cultural history. Their discussions promise to enrich the seminar with diverse academic viewpoints.

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The seminar will take place at The Lady Bank Anthony Hall, Institute of African Studies, and will be accessible online via Zoom. Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance.

Mr Olorunyomi is a professor at the Cultural and Media Studies Unit with research interests spanning cultural ethnography, decolonisation, diasporic studies, and digital interfaces.

His scholarly work covers West Africa, the Caribbean, and Mesoamerica, reflecting his extensive research across diverse cultural contexts.

His forthcoming book, Wombiture: Digital Wombs and Foetal Subjectivities, promises to significantly contribute to the field, exploring the intersection of biological and social dimensions through the concept of Wombiture.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Mr Olorunyomi has a rich literature and fine arts background.

He has contributed to folklore studies and African literature at the University of Ibadan. Also, he has volunteered in literacy and harvest projects in Nicaragua during the Contra offensive in the mid-1980s.

The upcoming seminar offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolving relationship between culture and technology through the lens of Wombiture.

It is set to be a thought-provoking event for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

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President Bola Tinubu has pledged to empower the Nigeria Police Force with more weapons, training and personnel to boost its capacity to fight crimes.

The president made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and the Nigeria Police Force Resource Centre.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the pledge would boost the number, quality, and preparedness of Nigeria Police personnel.

He said the building and inauguration of the NPF-NCCC were intended to improve national security, in line with the policy objectives of reforming the Nigeria Police Force.

Mr Tinubu said Nigeria had witnessed a rise in threats posed by cybercriminals, online financial fraudsters and cyber terrorists who use the internet to coordinate and carry out their destabilising and nefarious activities.

According to him, the rapid emergence of technologies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the advent of 5G technology have all contributed to widening the scope and diversity of cyber-based threats.

The president stressed that the country had, since 2020, witnessed an unprecedented surge in the use of social media to spread subversive messages and incite violence and unrest.

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He added that the federal government was taking major policy decisions to review the National Cybercrime strategies to mitigate the multifaceted threats posed by cybercrimes.

According to him, the objective is to usher in a bright future driven by a prosperous cyberspace and digital economy in the country.

He said the federal government was committed to prioritising the security of Nigerias cyberspace and enhancing the social security of Nigerians.

Mr Tinubu explained that the idea was to tackle the countrys economic and security challenges and provide a platform to improve Nigerias credibility as a safe destination for foreign investment.

The president urged the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Olukayode Egbetokun, to effectively utilise the facilities at the NPF-NCCC to protect Nigerias cyber space and enhance national development and economic progress.

It is my hope that this centre will complement the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in the protection of the countrys national infrastructures by enabling a greater level of screening of online activities.

The security situation in the country is a complex blend of threats posed by well-organised non-state actors.

Addressing it requires a concerted approach by all stakeholders within the security architecture

I, therefore, call for the elimination of interagency rivalries and urge the law enforcement agencies to embrace a coordinated collaborative approach, he said.

In his remark, the I-G said the inauguration of the center would serve as a nerve centre to revolutionise policing in Nigeria in the fight against cyber threats.

He said the NPF-NCCC was part of the Nigeria polices commitment to harnessing technology, innovation and collaboration to address the growing challenges posed by cybercrimes.

Mr Egbetokun emphasised that the centre is a new frontier where law enforcement personnel leverage forensic tools, expertise and partnership to detect, investigate and combat cybercrimes in all forms.

(NAN)

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The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered on Thursday the remand of two business agents, Nsor Nyami and Iranloye Olusegun, in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, for allegedly defrauding their employers N10.6 million.

The trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, made the remand order after rejecting the defendants bail application.

The judges decision followed an objection from the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed, who prosecutes the defendants on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Defence counsel S. O Okechukwu could not sway the judge to overrule the prosecutions objection to granting his clients bail request.

The defendants earlier pleaded not guilty to 10 charges of felony, conspiracy, and criminal breach of trust.

The police also accused them of failing to remit over N10 million they received from selling their employees products and converting the money to their personal use.

They were also accused of selling unregistered products to unsuspecting consumers across Nigeria.

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The trial judge, Mr Ekwo, scheduled 23 September to begin their trial.

Charges

The prosecution alleged that Messrs Nyami and Olusegun conspired to commit a felony by dishonestly cornering the proceeds from the sale of Soya Plus products entrusted to them, violating specific directives and guidelines.

The prosecution said the defendants converted N10.6 million, funds received from various customers for distributing Peace Foundation Internationals Soya Plus product, and failed to remit it to their employer. This act contravenes section 308 and is punishable under section 309 of the Penal Code Act.

The accused also allegedly distributed an unregistered product, Brika Soya Beans Milk, without obtaining the necessary registration from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/321/24, the prosecution also alleged that the second defendant, Mr Olusegun, converted N2.5 million received from various customers to his own use.

The police said the offences breached sections 3 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2007, section 286 of the Penal Code Act, punishable under section 287 of the same law, and section 1 of the Food Product Registration Regulations and punishable under section 7 of the same Act.

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Following the outcry of students over recurring violent crimes in the institution, the management of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in Ondo State, has said it has taken additional security measures to check the menace.

The assurance came after the students petitioned the Ondo State government and security agencies on the plight of colleagues who had suffered loss of property and lives at the hands of armed criminals.

The students, through their Student Union Government, had called on the government and security agencies to ensure the deployment of additional security personnel in the institution to help deter the criminals from further attacks.

Reacting to the development, the university said it was mindful of the security situation in the school and had taken some measures to ensure safety of students.

A statement by the institutions Head of Information, Protocol, and Public Relations, Victor Akinpelumi, on Thursday, said proactive steps have been taken to address the issues in collaboration with relevant security authorities, including the request for additional security personnel to enhance campus and community patrols.

Mr Akinpelumi said the increased security presence would deter criminal activities and help to apprehend suspected criminal elements.

The University is also working closely with the state Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to develop a coordinated response to the security challenges.

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Regular meetings and dialogues are being held and strategies developed to ensure that all parties are aligned in their efforts to protect our students, he said.

The spokesperson disclosed that the university is also fostering a stronger relationship with the host community through dialogue and collaboration to create a united front against crime and improve on the overall safety of the students and the community.

Additional security measures are being implemented on campus, including more surveillance, improved lighting in critical areas, and regular security patrols to ensure a safe learning environment. In addition, we are actively engaging with the student body and paramilitary organisations on campus to promote safety awareness, he added.

Mr Akinpelumi encouraged the students to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and take advantage of available safety resources.

He assured that the safety of students is the managements top priority and appreciated the cooperation and patience of students and parents while the university works to address the issues at hand.

A 300-level student of the Linguistics department was on Monday murdered by yet-to-identified gunmen in one of the private students hostels in the town.

An earlier incident in February also claimed the life of a female student of the institution.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised security concerns over the forthcoming 21 September governorship election in Edo State.

Mahmood Yakubu, the chairperson of the commission, said this in Abuja on Thursday when he appeared before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters.

His appearance was in preparation for the upcoming off-circle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

He said the main concern of INEC in the Edo governorship election was security.

When we were there, one of the political parties raised an issue in Edo about the likely deployment of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN).

But immediately after we received the complaint, we headed to the office of the Commissioner of Police and summoned a meeting with all security agencies in Edo.

He said the commission agreed to meet with all political parties, and the commissioner of police told INEC and the party leaders that he would take up the matter with the state government.

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The issue at that time was the ongoing continuous voter registration, and since then, I am not aware of any official complaints from any party or candidate on the role of the ESSN, he said.

The chairperson said he believed that the commissioner of police must have spoken to the leadership of the ESSN.

The ESSN is a local vigilante group set up and funded by the Edo State Government.

On preparation for the governorship race, Mr Yakubu said, We have conducted continuous voter registration. A few of the registered voters require validation.

He stated that INEC was not happy with the quality of the biometrics for the registered voters in the states.

Mr Yakubu said it is the right of every registered Nigerian to be able to vote seamlessly.

He said it was also the responsibility of INEC to ensure that every citizen was given the opportunity to vote.

According to him, the outcome of the continuous voter registration in Edo would be published next week.

Mr Yakubu said that one of the major problems faced by the commission was the difficulty in conducting off-cycle governorship elections. He said it was more difficult than to conduct general elections.

These off-cycle elections are very difficult and challenging for us, he said.

(NAN)

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the planned nationwide protest has the potential of degenerating into anarchy and a reign of terror based on the situational analysis by the military high command.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, said this while briefing journalists on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Buba, a major general, said the military had thoroughly examined several factors, such as whether or not the planned protest was motivated by opposition politics, independent parties, sovereign interference or terrorist groups, amongst others.

He said it was also examined to ascertain whether other organisations had created the situation by feeding on Nigerians frustrations.

However, for us in the military, the constitution is clear as to how and when the military gets involved.

The constitution also clearly defines the roles and functions of the armed forces.

On the other hand, while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, they do not have a right to mobilise for anarchy in order to unleash terror.

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The contemporary context of the planned protest is to shadow happenings in Kenya which have so far been violent and unresolved to date.

Given the situation, there are already indicators that unscrupulous elements are bent on hijacking the planned protest for violent purposes, he said.

Mr Buba said that there were signs of status-related violence such that persons with things as basic as smartphones and cars were targets, not leaving out those who own houses and shops.

According to him, other potential targets include places of worship, businesses, markets, persons of other ethnic groups, and members of opposing political parties. He said based on the foregoing, the level of violence envisaged is best described as a state of anarchy.

It is for this reason the armed forces will not watch and allow the nation spiral out of control to such low levels.

Basically, the military has been exposed to wars and has witnessed situations of anarchy in countries ravaged by war, particularly during ECOMOG or during peacekeeping operations.

It is for this reason that troops will act dutifully to forestall such ugly occurrences from happening in our nation, he added.

Mr Buba urged the citizens to note that both the timing and the atmosphere of hardship in the country had made the planned protest different from others in the past.

He added that it was incumbent upon all to quench the fires of violence rather than ignite them.

It is time to let cool heads prevail in order for the government to further remedy the situation and make our nation flourish again, he said.

(NAN)

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President Bola Tinubu and members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) are currently in a crucial meeting at the State House, Abuja, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

Though the agenda of the meeting could not be officially ascertained, presidency sources said it may not be unconnected with the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled to start on 1 August.

This newspaper gathered that the meeting is a measure to stop plans for the protest, which are gaining momentum across the country.

Some top state officials at the meeting include the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State; Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and his Budget & Economic Planning counterpart, Abubakar Bagudu.

Others present at the ongoing meeting include the Benue State governor, Hycinth Alia; Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani; Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru; Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu and the deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu.

The ongoing meeting comes on the heels of the NGF meeting on Wednesday.

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President Bola Tinubu held separate meetings on Thursday with APC governors, traditional rulers from around the country, and Islamic clerics. The meetings are believed to be part of efforts to prevent the breakdown of law and order as young Nigerians prepare for a nationwide protest.

The meeting with the APC governors was held first followed by the one with traditional rulers.

All the meetings were held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, also attended the meeting with the traditional rulers.

Three traditional rulers who attended the meeting with the president spoke to journalists afterwards, calling for calm.

Nobody that will not be worried about the protest, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, said. we are calling on our people to exercise patience and to listen to the words of wisdom.

The traditional rulers also told the president to improve efforts to address the insecurity in the country. The main problem in this country, especially the north is insecurity. If the security situation is addressed certainly people will go back to their farms and the issue of hunger will drastically reduce and disappear, Mr Bamalli said.

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The Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, said the traditional rulers are not against the protests but want it to be civil.

People that are out there to protest, its their civic right, but let them put a face to it and dont let it be hijacked by people that have ulterior motives. That is our stand, he said.

On his part, the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Keagborekuzi, said though he understands the grievances of Nigerians, he believed the government is making the right decisions and citizens need to be patient.

I think if you give us the chance, this protest, I know that its catching very high in your neck, but if you give us the chance, let us not destroy our own country, he said.

Many young Nigerians have been discussing on social media and calling for mass protests next month to protest the cost of living crisis in the country.

Prices of basic goods and services have more than doubled since President Tinubu announced the removal of subsidy on petrol last year.

Aminu Daurawa, one of the clerics who attended the meeting with Mr Tinubu, said their message to the president was clear: He should invite the youth as soon as possible, address their grievances, and take decisive action immediately.

Earlier on Thursday, the Nigerian military warned against the planned nationwide protest, saying it has the potential of degenerating into anarchy and a reign of terror based on the situational analysis by the military high command.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, said there are already indicators that unscrupulous elements are bent on hijacking the planned protest for violent purposes.

Mr Buba said while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, they do not have a right to mobilise for anarchy.

Opposition parties and leaders have maintained that the people have the constitutional right to protest. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said any attempt to suppress these rights is unconstitutional and a direct affront to democracy.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the territory will be unavailable for protesters on 1 August.

Mr Wike warned while briefing journalists on the outcome of the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the day (1 August) had been set aside for the chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.

That is the day FCT has set aside for the entire area councils to jubilate and give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.

We will not allow that day that FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers for their people to rejoice, and then somebody will come and disrupt that day. We will not allow it.

We want people to come out and celebrate as part of the achievement of the current administration.

That day is not available for those who want to protest, and FCT is not available for the protesters, he said.

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He said that the security council was aware of the threat of the protest and what some people may call end bad governance.

Noting the right of people to protest or demonstrate, the minister said that such rights must be done within the ambit of the law.

This period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively to salvage our country.

I am aware that there are challenges, but President Bola Tinubu and his team are working right now to ensure that these challenges, these problems facing our country are addressed.

We know that it is a very difficult period for citizens; Tinubu has come out clearly to say that there are challenges; there are problems, but these challenges and problems will be tackled, Mr Wike said.

The minister, who expressed confidence in Mr Tinubus capacity to address the challenge, urged all Nigerians to be patient.

For instance, in FCT, we have seen the changes in FCT; we have seen that the government is working.

Tinubu is giving FCT so much support that all of us can attest to the fact that there are a lot of changes going on in FCT.

Therefore, we will not allow anybody to set us back. We are looking forward to making sure that we take FCT to where it is supposed to be as one of the major cities, not only in Africa but in the world.

So, we will not allow anybody to disrupt peace and set us back. For those who want to protest on 1 August, or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest, Mr Wike emphasised.

Mr Wike had, on Tuesday, dismissed the planned protest, saying it was politically-motivated.

Tinubu will address hunger

Earlier on Thursday, the minister advised residents of the territory not to partake in the planned protest.

He made the appeal while interacting with residents after he inspected the ongoing construction of a 5-kilometre access road to Saburi 1 and 2 in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

Mr Wike said President Tinubu knew the problem and worked hard to address the challenges.

Describing the current hunger and suffering as temporary, the minister said that the ongoing reforms and policies would soon yield the desired results.

He said that politicians organised the protest to destabilise Tinubus administration.

He said, Those asking you to protest are lying to you. It is not for the interest of Nigeria, and it is not for your interest.

He called on Nigerians to be patient with the current administration and give Tinubu ample time to solve the rot in the country.

Dont be angry and dont join the protest because protests will not solve the problem.

The government is aware of hunger, and that is why it is working hard to find a lasting solution to the problem.

I know that hunger makes people lose patience. Please be patient. That is all I am asking. This hunger will reduce very soon, he said.

Responding to the residents plea for the construction of a police station and health facility in Saburi, Mr Wike assured them of the governments commitment to meeting their needs.

The minister promised to construct a police station, while Mr Christopher Maikalangu, the chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, pledged to build a health facility.

NAN reports that the Saburi road begins from the Murtala Mohammed Expressway and goes to Old Keffi Road, near Dei-Dei International Market.

He also assured the residents that the ongoing road project in the community would be completed as scheduled, adding that work had continued since the commencement of the project.

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The Senate ad-hoc committee investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products has vowed to reveal the identity of people behind the importation as dangerous fuel circulates across the country.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Opeyemi Bamidele, gave the assurance at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

On 3 July, the Senate constituted a 15-member committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the persistent importation of hazardous petroleum products by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPCL).

Other members of the committee are Asuquo Ekpeyong (Cross River), Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi), Tahir Monguno (Borno) Olamilekan Adeola (Ogun) Diket Plang (Plateau) and Abdul Ningi (Bauchi), Khabeeb Mustapha (Jigawa), Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos), Osita Izunaso (Imo), Sahabi Yau (Zamfara), Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo) and Ekong Sampson (Akwa-Ibom).

Mr Bamidele, the senate leader, said all the suppliers, importers, regulatory bodies and other entities involved in the exercise would be held accountable for the action.

Our investigation seeks to identify and hold accountable all parties involved in the importation and distribution of adulterated petroleum products (PMS and AGO). This includes suppliers, importers, regulatory bodies and any other entities that may have contributed to this serious lapse in quality control, he said.

Management of the Dangote oil refinery had recently accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of indiscriminately granting licenses to marketers to import dirty refined products into the country.

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Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria have since denied the allegation.

Aside from damaging vehicles, the contaminated fuel is causing economic sabotage to Nigerias petroleum industry.

Mr Bamidele said the committee would engage critical stakeholders and regulatory bodies to unravel the truth and fish out the culprits.

Probes failed repairs of refineries

Mr Bamidele said the committee would investigate the reasons behind the failure of refineries to commence operation despite huge funds allocated to them yearly.

He also stated that in doing this, the panel would engage the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) management to ascertain why the refineries ceased to commence operation.

It is pertinent to note that in the course of interactions with the identified stakeholders, the ad-hoc committee will visit any of their facilities that it deems necessary, especially the state-owned refineries, to ascertain their status, considering the huge funds already invested in their various Turn Around Maintenance year in, year out without any meaningful result.

The Committee, along with Nigerians, is particularly interested in understanding why local refineries are not working despite the substantial amount spent annually on their maintenance and operations.

We will closely examine what the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has been doing to address this pertinent problem, he said.

Transparent participation

Mr Bamidele said the committee would create a platform for the public and key actors in the petroleum industry to submit memoranda as part of being transparent with the investigation.

He said in the course of the investigation, the panel would also organise a public hearing to be held from 10 to 12 September.

The public hearing will be held from September 10th to 12th, 2024. The sessions will enable us to engage directly with key actors in the petroleum industry and unravel those behind the illicit practice of importing hazardous and substandard petroleum products into the country contrary to established protocols and standards.

The senate leader assured that the committee would recommend necessary actions to curtail the importation and circulation of the adulterated in the future.

In line with our mandate, we will definitely unravel the roots of economic sabotage in Nigerias petroleum industry and make necessary recommendations that will entrench global best practices in the industry and open it up for more investments, especially in the midstream and downstream sectors.

No witch hunt

Mr Bamidele said the lawmakers will not witch-hunt any individual, group of people or corporation.

May I categorically state that this ad-hoc committee is not meant to witch hunt any individual or group of people or corporation, but rather to find a lasting solution for our collective mutual gains.

To this regard, the ad-hoc committee seeks the cooperation of stakeholders in order not to jeopardise the good intention.

Committee members speak

Also speaking, a committee member, Asuquo Ekpenyong, said it would issue a warrant arrest through the Inspector General of Police on any of the involved parties who refused to appear before it.

He advised the parties concerned to ensure they appear before the committee when summoned.

Another member, Abdul Ningi, assured that he would use his position in the Senate to ensure that all the culprits are brought to book in the countrys interest.

READ ALSO: Senate passes Finance Act amendment Bill

Sahabi Yau, on his part, said the committee members would not compromise for any reason.

He said the lawmakers are more concerned about protecting their integrity and names, assuring that they would be fair and transparent in their investigations.

Also speaking, Ipalibo Banigo assured us that the committee would be fair and transparent to Nigerians.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said its officers are ready to conduct the local government elections if granted legal backing.

The Chairperson of the Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this when he appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters on Thursday.

Mr Yakubu said the Commission has a convincing record that shows it can conduct the local government election.

So if this responsibility for the conduct of local government elections is transferred to INEC, can INEC cope? The answer is yes, INEC can cope. What are we? By definition, INEC is the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Our track report actually proves that we can do it, he said.

The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgement, recently affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigerias 774 local governments.

All 36 states have independent election commissions that organise local government elections.

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However, elections for the area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are conducted by the INEC.

Mr Yakubu said the Commission would conduct the local government election across the country since it had successfully conducted area council elections for the FCT.

Right now, we do national elections, we do state elections, we do local government elections. A national electoral commission may be expected to implement only the presidential and National Assembly. We also do governorship elections, we do state assembly elections, and we do area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

Take the case of the Federal Capital Territory. I would like to say one or two things about the FTC local government elections. There are six area councils of the FCT. So there are six chairmen of area councils. There are 62 wards in the FCT. Each ward has a councillor for the election of councils. This is one part of the country where INEC has conducted local government elections.

No single political party has ever won elections in all the constituencies in the FCT, not one. In fact, what is interesting now is that out of the six chairmen of the FCT, actually the council and the constituencies are evenly split between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, which won three councils each, he said.

Budget releases

Mr Yakubu, while analysing the budget performance of the Commission, explained that the Ministry of Finance released N23.3 billion to the Commission out of the N40 billion appropriated for it in the budget.

Every month, they give us one-twelfth of the budget for the year. And for the last seven months, since the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Finance has been releasing the sum of N23.3 billion to the Commission, which is one-twelfth of the N40 billion as of yesterday (24 July).

The monthly releases to the Commission this year is now N23.3 billion out of N40 billion. That is 58.3 per cent. What is outstanding is N16.6 billion amounted to 41.67 per cent not released, he explained.

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I must applaud the Kenyan youths for their resilience and solidarity, standing firm despite the Presidents promises and ensuring the finance bill was reversed. However, it is essential for activists and young Africans to pause and reflect on the gains, consequences, and outcomes of mobilising and protesting. How can we, as youths, protest without shedding blood and sacrificing the lives of many?

As I watched the events unfold in Kenya, I couldnt help but feel a mix of emotions  admiration for the determination of the Gen-Z protesters, concern for the violence that ensued, and a sense of deja vu. The protests, sparked by a controversial finance bill, brought to the forefront the frustrations of a young population feeling neglected by its leaders.

The protests were triggered by the Ruto-led governments introduction of a finance bill that proposed, among other things, a 16 per cent sales tax on bread and a 25 per cent duty on cooking oil. In addition, there was a planned increase in the tax on financial transactions and a new annual tax on vehicle ownership, amounting to 2.5 per cent of the vehicles value. These measures sparked immediate outrage, but the anger had been accumulating for years due to unresolved national issues such as population growth, land degradation, corruption, and the dominance of politics over economics.

Eighty per cent of Kenyas population is under 35 years old, creating an urgent need for the government to adopt innovative approaches to create economic opportunities. The proposed finance bill was the last straw. Reports of businesses closing in Kenya due to high taxes, leading to job losses, further fueled the anger. With high expectations based on their education levels, the Gen Z saw their employment opportunities dwindling.

In Nigeria, there have been calls for sympathisers of the #EndSARS protest to replicate Kenyas Gen Z protests. My respected egbon, Omoyele Sowore, tagged the proposed protest, DAYS of Rage. While its important to recognise the power of youth as agents of political change, we must also be mindful of what we advocate for. Indeed, youths are the driving force behind political and industrial change, the intellectual backbone of the digital world, and the fulcrum of any civilisation. However, context is crucial.

Like Kenya, Nigeria is a former British colony practicing multiparty democracy and is ethnically diverse, with three dominant ethnic groups. Both countries have a young population, with 75 per cent of Kenyans being under 35. Kenyas ethnic composition includes the Kikuyu (17.13 per cent), Luhya (14.35 per cent), Kalenjin (13.37 per cent), Luo (10.65 per cent), and Kamba (9.81 per cent). President William Ruto is Kalenjin. This ethnic consciousness mirrors Nigerias own complex social fabric.

Instead of reactionary protests, African youths must plan ahead, while fostering political leaders with clear agendas and strong values within established parties. Protests should be well-planned, with thorough negotiations and lobbying before taking to the streets. Protesters must be educated about the rationale behind their actions, properly equipped, and taught precautionary measures to avoid violent clashes with security forces.

I must applaud the Kenyan youths for their resilience and solidarity, standing firm despite the Presidents promises and ensuring the finance bill was reversed. However, it is essential for activists and young Africans to pause and reflect on the gains, consequences, and outcomes of mobilising and protesting. How can we, as youths, protest without shedding blood and sacrificing the lives of many?

History offers us valuable lessons, as we have seen time and time again, while unbridled passion and anger can lead to devastating consequences. In the late 18th century, France overthrew its monarchy after bread riots. This led to a period of bloodshed, culminating in Napoleon Bonapartes dictatorship and military campaigns that cost over 3.5 million lives. In 2014, Ukrainians fought to overthrow the pro-Russia administration of President Viktor Yanukovych. However, internal discord allowed Russia to annex Crimea and advance into Eastern Ukraine, eventually leading to a full-scale invasion, whilst citing security and cultural concerns. Ukraine is yet to recover till date.

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The Arab Spring of 2010, which began in Tunisia, saw youths revolting against corruption, economic hardship, and dictatorship. While a few governments were overthrown, the aftermath included the rise of worse dictatorships, ongoing civil wars, disruptions by groups like ISIL, and forced migration. These revolts mirrored Europes Revolutions of 1848 and the Prague Spring of 1968, both of which ended in tragedy and turmoil.

From these examples, we learn that unchecked demands and unplanned revolutions often lead to unintended and tragic consequences. Instead of reactionary protests, African youths must plan ahead, while fostering political leaders with clear agendas and strong values within established parties. Protests should be well-planned, with thorough negotiations and lobbying before taking to the streets. Protesters must be educated about the rationale behind their actions, properly equipped, and taught precautionary measures to avoid violent clashes with security forces.

A prosperous Africa cannot be achieved without the input of all age groups. Every Nigerian, regardless of age, holds immense value. The wisdom and experience of the older generation should never be overshadowed by the vigour of youth. By infusing political processes with youthful energy and well-defined goals, and by ensuring every protest is strategically planned and executed, we can achieve lasting and meaningful change.

To prevent the chaos witnessed during the #EndSARS and Kenyan protests, where movements were hijacked by hoodlums, leading to destruction, every protester must be identified using digital means. Unregistered individuals should be closely monitored by protest leaders to ensure the movement remains peaceful and focused. In addition, engaging with the media to ensure the accurate coverage of the protests is crucial. Misrepresentation can lead to a loss of public support and justify harsh crackdowns by authorities. Having a media team to manage press releases and interact with journalists can help to control the narrative.

Moreover, every protest must prioritise the health and safety of its participants. Providing first aid, hydration, and rest areas, as well as having medics on standby, can prevent fatalities and serious injuries. Legal preparedness is also essential. Protesters should know their rights and have legal support ready. This includes understanding the laws regarding protests, and ensuring that all detentions or arrests are documented and followed up.

It is also critical to sustain engagement beyond the protests. Protests should not be seen as one-off events but as part of a sustained effort for change. Continuous engagement with political processes, supporting like-minded candidates, and advocating for policy changes, can bring long-term benefits. Building broad-based support within the community is vital. Engaging various community groups, including religious leaders, civil society organisations, and local businesses, provides a stronger foundation for the protest and protects against backlash.

The future of Africa lies in proactive, constructive engagement. We can improve our nations without undermining the efforts of our fathers, elders, and the labour of our heroes past. A prosperous Africa cannot be achieved without the input of all age groups. Every Nigerian, regardless of age, holds immense value. The wisdom and experience of the older generation should never be overshadowed by the vigour of youth. By infusing political processes with youthful energy and well-defined goals, and by ensuring every protest is strategically planned and executed, we can achieve lasting and meaningful change.

God Bless Africa.

Titilope Anifowoshe writes from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Email: Titilopeanny@gmail.com

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After years of working with petrol importers in his former life as the chief executive of PPMC, Ahmed is struggling with his new role as a regulator. He deserves public sympathy and can get it without being a retailer of beer parlour gossip or a bagman for vested interests.

Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, is not a stranger to adversity or its more sinister cousin, sabotage.

One of the bitterest battles he has fought in the last 25 years  the cement war  was against his kinsman and founder of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu. Folks close to both men have tried to patch them up, but the embers are still smouldering.

Dangotes face-off with the Kogi State Government under former Governor Yahaya Bello over rights and royalties from Dangote Cement, Obajana, for the local community, was a skirmish compared to the cement war with Rabiu.

Wealth and comfort can be strange bedfellows, often mutually exclusive in the quest to conquer one mountain after the other. Dangote knows this only too well. And nowhere has the lesson been more evident than his pursuit to own a refinery.

Just Like That?

I told this story before in an article in May 2023. In the twilight of the Obasanjo administration, the government sold off two of Nigerias moribund refineries  Port Harcourt and Kaduna  to Blue Star, a Dangote-led consortium. Blue Star paid $670 million for the plants and walked away, thinking the deal was done. It wasnt.

In 2007, the government of Umaru Musa YarAdua capitulated. It refunded Dangote under pressure from labour unions and vested interests in the refineries on the excuse that the assets were national patrimony that should not be sold, just like that! It didnt matter that at the time of sale, both refineries produced at less than 20 per cent capacity, without hope or promise of improvement.

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Dangote took his money and walked away, bruised but unbowed. Six years later, he announced plans to build a private refinery, first in Ogun State, and later he moved it to Lagos, with a capacity of 650,000 bpd  over 200,000 more than the installed capacity of Nigerias four refineries combined.

Single Train Revenge

Dangotes single-train refinery, originally estimated to cost $12 billion but finished at around $20 billion, is now at the centre of another storm. Its not about International Oil Companies (IOCs) he accused of trying to undermine him. Its the more deadly variety of wars: the one from within.

The regulators, particularly the head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, said in a television interview in the State House with the NNPC Group CEO, Mele Kyari present, that Dangote Refinery was making products with unsafe sulphur levels, and also trying to monopolise the industry.

Ahmed didnt say precisely what the tolerable sulphur level was or provide evidence that Dangote was trying to become a monopoly. Instead, he contradicted himself by mentioning at least two other refineries, Waltersmith and Aradel, operating at different capacities. If this were a chat in a beer parlour, it would be pardonable.

Ahmed can raise valid safety concerns as a regulator and call out a monopoly. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) provides safety standards and a price reflexive framework to prevent a monopoly. Under the Act, the regulator is empowered to act in the interest of consumers and fair play.

Sulfurous Things and Backstory

Ahmed didnt say precisely what the tolerable sulphur level was or provide evidence that Dangote was trying to become a monopoly. Instead, he contradicted himself by mentioning at least two other refineries, Waltersmith and Aradel, operating at different capacities. If this were a chat in a beer parlour, it would be pardonable.

But to think that the head of a regulatory agency will levy an accusation of unsafe sulphur levels and offer no response when he was told that neither his agency nor the NNPC had a laboratory is scary. Im not sure why Kyari stood beside him, grinning. Or why the State House posted the video on its official handle.

But the whole show leaves a bitter, corrosive aftertaste of sulfurous proportions.

Dangote has been accused of many things. He has been accused of feeding off government indulgences, from waivers to tax breaks and preferential forex allocations, even though he was not the only beneficiary. Even the 20 per cent stake in the Dangote Refinery, which we are now told the government paid only for 7.2 per cent, left many questions about that transaction needing to be answered.

On another front, some have accused Dangote of hedging his bet poorly in the 2023 election that brought President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to power, unlike his adversary, Rabiu, who appears to have hit the bulls eye.

Unkindest Cut

But none of these charges is as unkind as those of Ahmed, who, if shame still means anything, should not have uttered the first letter of the S-word, never mind the phrase sulphur levels. Im not sure he can find his way to a viable lab owned by NMDPRA or NNPC because there isnt one. The regulators rely on third-party labs in Lagos, such as GMO, Sewort, SGS, and others, to vet its imported petroleum products.

Yet, Ahmed chooses to publicly discredit, without proof, products that we are told have been repeatedly ordered by TotalEnergies and BP, among others.

And Kyari seemed pleased with this scandalous drama, even though NNPC, which he superintends, has spent about $25 billion in turnaround maintenance of moribund refineries in the last 25 years, plus the recent $1.5 billion spent on his watch for more turnaround. One of the subsidiaries, PHRC, employed 487 new staff four years ago and paid N23 billion in salaries without producing one litre of petrol.

In response to a question from a LEADERSHIP reporter on Tuesday about whether NNPC has a lab, the corporation said, NNPC conducts rigorous testing on all its products to ensure they meet global safety and quality standards, adding that NMDPRA can provide verified data through regular official reports. What does that mean in English?

A Regulators Record

And Kyari seemed pleased with this scandalous drama, even though NNPC, which he superintends, has spent about $25 billion in turnaround maintenance of moribund refineries in the last 25 years, plus the recent $1.5 billion spent on his watch for more turnaround. One of the subsidiaries, PHRC, employed 487 new staff four years ago and paid N23 billion in salaries without producing one litre of petrol.

All that consumers are asking for, after losing a significant part of the battle for price, is the availability of petroleum products. God knows what they are getting under the current monopolistic system, which permits NNPC to play around with import licences, are long queues, contaminated products, and a regulator mockingly claiming to be a public company.

Suppose Dangote Refinery is in breach of any regulations, what steps have the regulators taken to call the refinery to order or help them overcome this, except if they claim there was evidence of a malicious default? Our officials spend hundreds of thousands of dollars touring the world for foreign investors only to chew local investors with a microphone in a fit of what? Rage, sabotage, indiscretion or stupidity?

Feuding Parties

The closed-door meeting among the feuding parties, which Tinubu ordered on Monday, may keep them on a leash for a while, but it hardly addresses the underlying issues. If products from the Dangote Refinery currently exceed the sulphur levels  as Dangote had also said on a different occasion  why cant the regulator work with the refinery to fix it without a scandalous press conference?

And is the talk about monopoly a fear-induced trope? How can Ahmed even speak of a monopoly when supply is hardly available, and the current distortionist-in-chief is NNPC, the sole importer of petrol and sole awarder of import licences for diesel?

It doesnt smell good. Dangote Refinery is only 45 per cent complete  the entire plant? Yet, Kyari and Ahmed joined former President Muhammadu Buhari in commissioning the plant last year? Seriously?

After years of working with petrol importers in his former life as the chief executive of PPMC, Ahmed is struggling with his new role as a regulator. He deserves public sympathy and can get it without being a retailer of beer parlour gossip or a bagman for vested interests.

Azu Ishiekwene is the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

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To be sure, the former minister failed to address the pertinent issues; rather, she resorted to disparaging attacks against the NNPC and its leadership, deploying innuendoes and insinuations in an obvious gambit to demonise the company. That, for me, is the height of absurdity. If not, how could one explain the former Ministers reference to the NNPC as a Federal Republic inside another Federal Republic?

A former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has joined in the Dangote Refinery/Nigerian oil regulatory agencies fray. In her current enterprise, she has said quite a lot against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). Whereas, she is free to hold an opinion on developments in the polity, her intervention in the above subject matter has not only been quite troubling.

Ezekwesili re-echoed the cliched position she held onto while in government, which makes her not objectivity in the manner of her weighing into the present spat. She freely descended into the arena instead of assuming the moral high ground, which is the bulwark of fairness.

In a rather unusual position disguised as a call for an independent audit of why the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited capped its investment in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery at 7.2 per cent instead of the planned 20 per cent, Ezekwesili poured invectives on the NNPC Ltd. She claimed, through her official X handle, that she had earlier decided not to speak on the Dangote refinery. She would thereafter go down the memory lane, in her determined bid, to tar the NNPC Ltd and its management with a brush of malfeasance.

As she put it: When we were in government, I often told the NNPC leadership that they cannot carry on as though there is a Federal Republic of the NNPC just because they think of themselves as the goose that lays the golden egg. The opacity of the NNPC was the reason we took great delight in designing the multi-stakeholders Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency International in those early 2000s that I pioneered as Chairperson.

Ezekwesili had further claimed that they went above global minimum voluntary standards of transparency requirements by enacting NEITI as the transparency regulator of the oil and minerals sector, and concluded by calling on President Bola Tinubu to immediately use the instrumentality of NEITI to launch an independent audit of the Dangote refinery-NNPC transaction to offer the public the true state of play.

To be sure, the former minister failed to address the pertinent issues; rather, she resorted to disparaging attacks against the NNPC and its leadership, deploying innuendoes and insinuations in an obvious gambit to demonise the company. That, for me, is the height of absurdity. If not, how could one explain the former Ministers reference to the NNPC as a Federal Republic inside another Federal Republic?

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If that was the case, then it means the administration in which Ezekwesili served was never a sovereign government. That was because there was shared sovereignty in the context of her claim of the existence of a Federal Government within another Federal Government. This position also largely discounts the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo in which she served as Education minister, given the strategic position of the NNPC in revenue generation for bolstering public finance.

NNPC, under the administration in which Mrs Ezekwesili served as head of NEITI and minister is not the same as the NNPC under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. On the watch of Mele Kyari as group chief executive officer of NNPC Ltd, which used to be opaque under previous leaderships, is no longer opaque. The Kyari leadership is operating the national oil company on the philosophy of Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE), which abhors opacity.

A recent report said that since the appointment of Kyari as the Group CEO of the NNPC Ltd, the company has been conducting its businesses transparently. According to the report: It is in furtherance of its transparency push that it signed up as a supporting company of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) in 2019 to become a member of EITIs state-owned enterprise network. With that, it upgraded its operations to meet the standard for EITI supporting companies. Since then, NNPC Ltd has not looked back in its transparency journey, publishing every information that the public should know. In the face of various allegations of financial malfeasance, NNPC Ltd has always made itself available for probes and/or opportunities for reconciliation of figures with other agencies of government as the case may be; and, it has always been vindicated.

There was, along the line, a claim that NNPC borrowed $1 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). From my findings, NNPC did not borrow for itself but had facilitated a loan of $1 billion for a stake in the Dangote Refinery, which the energy company, as gathered, paid straight to Dangote. The loan was backed by 35kbbls/day of crude and the loan had been fully settled in June 2024. This can be fact-checked.

Indeed, these are facts that Ezekwesili should seek to verify and validate. But, unfortunately, she appears rather fixated on the opacity of the NNPC of yore, which Kyaris TAPE had already dismantled as far back as 2019. The culture of opacity had caved in under Kyaris leadership, which has thrown almost completely wide open for public scrutiny, the books of the energy company.

This current state of affairs in the NNPC Ltd speaks volumes about the transparency and accountability drive of the current leadership of the company for which NEITI has, time and again, commended the company for.

In any case, I believe that NNPC is not afraid of a NEITI probe of the 7.2 per cent NNPC shares in the Dangote Refinery. As validation: NNPC has been a transparency partner with NEITI (and its global partner, EITI). I also believe that the Nigerian government will not fold its arms and watch any single business operator monopolise an essential commodity like petrol, while potentially putting Nigerias energy security at risk. The proclivity towards the monopoly of petrol supply and the potential threat of that scary scenario to energy security are the core themes of conversation that well-meaning Nigerians are driving at this point. However, Ezekwesili, who is enlightened enough to understand the contending issues, seems stuck on an old narrative. This is quite unfortunate.

Emeka J. Emenike, writes in from Lagos.

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To this end, defence and security agencies of the Nigerian state must take over the responsibility of combating oil theft in the Niger Delta, along with the security of vital oil and gas assets, from private security contractors, with available resources re-channelled towards repositioning the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies towards carrying out President Tinubus order it has become imperative to designate oil theft as a treasonable offence against the Nigerian state.

The recent order handed down to the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to end the menace of oil theft once and for all time, may have to reset the security dynamics of the oil rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. For many years, the problem of oil theft has had roots in the militant activities of armed groups in the Niger Delta region that are protesting economic injustice, political exclusion and the environmental degradation enabled by the Nigerian state and its clientele  the international oil companies (IOCs). To draw attention to the sorry state of affairs in a region that is the proverbial goose that lays the golden eggs, various armed groups have embarked on disruptive activities on oil production, such as the blowing up of pipelines, shutting down of flow stations, and kidnapping of expatriates working in the oil fields of the Niger Delta.

These violent activities, which peaked in the early 2000s, disrupted oil production and reduced output from about two million barrels per day to about 700,000 barrels per day in 2007. For a country that depends on crude oil exports for about 80 per cent of its foreign exchange earnings, the drastic reduction in oil production output negatively impacted its finances. A period of respite was ushered in when President Umar Musa YarAdua granted amnesty to militants in exchange for peace in the Niger Delta, beginning from 2009, thereby allowing the Nigerian state to optimise oil production. However, many years down the line, a legacy problem of oil theft has emerged from the ravages of the Niger Delta militancy, with the sole objective of making illegal petro-dollars for its faceless and nameless sponsors.

In connivance with criminal elements that have the knowledge of the network of oil pipelines that runs through the creeks of the Niger Delta, which links onshore well heads to flow stations and export terminals, oil thieves have been carrying out multiple breaches on the important arteries of oil production to criminally divert products away to the booming market in stolen crude. While some of this stolen crude is diverted to the high seas to international buyers, others are absorbed by the many illegally set up artisanal refining sites that dot the landscape of the Niger Delta. According to the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Nigeria lost about 619.7 million barrels of crude oil valued at $46.16 billion to oil thieves between 2009 and 2020. And four years later in 2024, oil theft is still ongoing at the rate of about 400,000 barrels of stolen crude daily.

The outsourcing of the security of pipelines and other oil and gas production infrastructure was an aberration, in the first instance, that should not have happened, as it was tantamount to the State ceding its sovereignty to non-state entities. Crude oil is a sovereign commodity and the responsibility for the security of its production and management should be that of the sovereign state of Nigeria through the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies of the state, as it is the case all over the world.

Oil theft in the Niger Delta has also made it impracticable for the Nigerian state to ramp up production to meet up with its OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day  a situation that has imperilled the fiscal plan for the year 2024, which is benchmarked with a projected production of 1.78 million barrels per day. It is clearly in a bid to salvage this ugly situation that President Tinubu has given what is now a marching order to the armed forces to stamp out oil thieves in the Niger Delta, in order to restore investor confidence and ramp up production to meet the set target of over two million barrels per day and raise the revenue profile of the Nigerian federation. But as commendable as this new charge by the Commander in Chief to the Chief of Defence Staff is, new strategies are needed if the desired outcomes are to be achieved.

While NNPC Limited has prepared the ground for the implementation of the new presidential directive by recovering the over 5,000 breaches of vital oil and gas infrastructure, which has resulted in a marginal increase in oil production in recent times, the state owned oil giant must be relieved of the responsibility and burden of hiring private security companies to combat oil theft. The outsourcing of the security of pipelines and other oil and gas production infrastructure was an aberration, in the first instance, that should not have happened, as it was tantamount to the State ceding its sovereignty to non-state entities. Crude oil is a sovereign commodity and the responsibility for the security of its production and management should be that of the sovereign state of Nigeria through the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies of the state, as it is the case all over the world.

The improvement of the socio-economic condition in the Niger Delta will be directly proportional to the improvement of the security situation in the region, as the people will increasingly vest enough legitimacy in the Nigerian State to allow it secure critical oil and gas infrastructure against vandalism for the purpose of stopping oil theft.

To this end, defence and security agencies of the Nigerian state must take over the responsibility of combating oil theft in the Niger Delta, along with the security of vital oil and gas assets, from private security contractors, with available resources re-channelled towards repositioning the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies towards carrying out President Tinubus order. In the light of the grave danger posed by the menace of oil theft in the Niger Delta to the economic well-being of Nigeria, it has become imperative to designate oil theft as a treasonable offence against the Nigerian state. Accordingly, special courts should be created by the leadership of the judiciary in Nigeria that are dedicated to the trial of oil theft suspects, in order to use the quick dispensation of justice as a deterrent against intending offenders.

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But to gain the support and cooperation of members of the host oil producing communities and earn their trust in the war against pipeline vandalism and oil theft, the Nigerian state, through its intervention agencies, do more to improve the socio-economic well-being of the people of the Niger Delta. The improvement of the socio-economic condition in the Niger Delta will be directly proportional to the improvement of the security situation in the region, as the people will increasingly vest enough legitimacy in the Nigerian State to allow it secure critical oil and gas infrastructure against vandalism for the purpose of stopping oil theft.

Majeed Dahiru, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja and can be reached through dahirumajeed@gmail.com.

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Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi on Wednesday announced the creation of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy and appointed Siraja Musa as its pioneer commissioner.

The governors spokesperson, Hamisu Mohammad Gumel, said the ceremony, which took place in the Council Chambers of the Government House, marked a significant milestone in the states commitment to sustainable energy and infrastructural development.

Today we are making history; we have just sworn in Dr Siraja Musa as a member of the State Executive Council. Dr Musa is not new to this government; he has been my technical adviser on power and renewable energy for the past year, Governor Namadi stated during the ceremony.

He spoke further, Why did I say we are making history? For the first time in the history of Jigawa State, we are creating the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy. Fortunately or unfortunately for Dr. Musa, he will be the pioneer commissioner for this ministry.

Mr Namadi acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasising the complexity of establishing a new ministry. Setting up a ministry is not an easy task, even though I have no doubt in your capability and capacity. But I am sure you will need to consult more with your fellow commissioners because this is a different ball game, so you are going to play an entirely different role from your former role, he remarked.

The governor also announced the creation of a new regulatory body, under the supervision of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, to regulate the distribution and transmission of electricity within the state.

There will be a new regulatory agency established to oversee the distribution and transmission of electricity in Jigawa State, which is going to be one of the biggest agencies. I urge the commissioner to work round the clock to ensure the successful takeoff and success of the new ministry, Mr Namadi said.

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In his new role, Mr Musa will oversee the integration of various departments previously under other ministries, notably the ministries of works and environment.

As a commissioner, you will join the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, where you will collaborate closely with your colleagues. For example, you will take over all of the Ministry of Works electrical departments, as well as the Rural Electrification Agency, which is one of the Ministrys major components. They will all come under your control, so you need to discuss them with the Commissioner of Works. In the same vein, the renewable energy department under the Ministry of Environment will now be under the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, the governor explained.

Responding, the new commissioner, Mr Musa expressed his gratitude to the governors trust and opportunity to serve. He pledged to work diligently to serve the people of Jigawa State.

Mr Musa holds a masters degree in electrical engineering and a doctorate in wireless communication and network engineering. He has been instrumental in advising the governor on power and renewable energy.

The establishment of a Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy aligns with the objectives of Governor Namadi administrations 12-point agenda, which is in tandem with global trends towards sustainability, economic resilience, and technological innovation. It is expected to effectively address contemporary energy challenges while contributing to global environmental goals and enhancing national socio-economic development.

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The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne, Rivers State, said it has confiscated seven containers of contraband drugs valued at about N11 billion.

The Comptroller, Muhammed Babandede, made the disclosure at a press briefing in Onne on Thursday.

Mr Babandede listed codeine cough syrups, Chilly cutter, Hyergra tablets and Really Extra Diclofenac tablets as some of the items found in the containers.

He expressed concerns that saboteurs and criminals were still engaging in the importation of contraband goods and illicit drugs.

Irrespective of our warning and proactive measures to tackle this menace, unpatriotic people are still undermining our efforts.

READ ALSO: Suspected smuggler kills Customs Officer in Kaduna

The service is committed to effective policing of seaports and other entry points to check infiltration of banned goods into the country, he said.

The comptroller said that the impounded dugs would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigations.

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(NAN)

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The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources in Akwa Ibom State, Uno Etim Uno, is set to resign his appointment soon to contest the chairmanship election in Urue Offong Oruko Local Government Area of the state.

He is a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom.

Mr Uno, who confirmed his political ambition to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, said his people demanded he should come and rescue them.

The local election in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 5 October.

Its a mandate from my people, they demanded that I should come and rescue them from previous administrations that didnt work well with them, Mr Uno said.

In his response to the people who think it is condescending to resign as a commissioner to contest the chairmanship of a local council, Mr Uno said, Anything that can make my people happy, I am happy too to do it for them.

In the (government) protocol, the chairman of a local government council is recognised first before a commissioner because he is the chief executive of the local government area, he said.

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Besides, he said his political decision is about service to the people.

Its about service to the people. I have never bought a bottle of Fanta to tell people I want to be chairman. Other people have been campaigning but the people say they need me. I dont have any option than to say yes.

Although Mr Uno did not make reference to the recent landmark Supreme Court judgment which granted financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria, it appears that that may have influenced his latest political decision.

Before the judgment, funds allocated to local councils in Nigeria were controlled by state governors through the state government-local government joint account committee but now the funds would be paid directly to the local councils. A council chairperson is, therefore, likely going to oversee a bigger budget than some commissioners in a state executive council.

Mr Uno said if he is elected, his priority would be education and agriculture.

So many primary schools (in Urue Offong Oruko) need renovation. The people in my local government area appreciate education, so we need to ensure we have a scholarship scheme for them. A bursary for students is very important, too.

We will concentrate on agriculture as well because of the food scarcity, he said.

READ ALSO: APC sweeps Ebonyi local election

Uno at a glance

Mr Uno, 64, was elected a state lawmaker in 2007 to represent Urue Offong Oruko State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, where he served as the chairperson of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

He previously served as a councillor and later as the vice-chairperson of the Urue Offong Oruko local government council, as well as the chairperson of the PDP in his local government area.

He holds a Masters in public administration from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has cautioned residents of Rivers State about impending flash floods in 13 local government areas of the state.

The South-south Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Babatunde Adebiyi, raised the alarm in Port Harcourt on Thursday at a public awareness campaign on proper waste management and flood preparedness.

Mr Adebiyi listed the high-risk areas as Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Degema, Emuoha, Ikwerre, Obio Apkor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo, and Tai Local Government Areas.

He said it was expedient for residents of the state to prepare for eventual flooding between now and November.

We are here to sensitise the people of Ozuoba and surrounding communities in the Akpor area about the impending flood; we encourage you to take proactive measures to lessen the impact.

We are doing this to enable you to be on alert and take steps towards reducing the impact of the flooding in your communities, he said.

Mr Adebiyi stated that proper waste disposal was crucial to flood mitigation and control, saying, Removing solid wastes from water channels will facilitate easier flow during the rainy season.

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

It is also important to identify higher grounds that the people can move to when the flood comes, he advised.

The zonal coordinator noted that two Internally Displaced Persons camps had been established to accommodate flood victims in the area.

He said aside from NEMAs sensitisation efforts, there were additional strategies in the agencies flood containment programme.

In his speech, Bassey Okama, the head of Disaster Management, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), advised residents to act swiftly to minimise the danger and risks associated with flooding.

Unplug electrical appliances to prevent electrocution. It is important to switch off the electricity connections to your homes when the flood begins, she said.

Sheriff Obasi, the head of operations at the Federal Fire Service Office, Rivers, said the service was prepared to contain any fire outbreak during the period.

He advised the immediate removal of combustible materials from homes to prevent fire disasters.

Chijioke Ihunwo, the chairperson of the Caretaker Committee, Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, commended NEMA for its awareness campaign across the area.

He expressed the councils commitment to support NEMA in its efforts to implement measures towards reducing the impact of the impending flood.

(NAN)

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The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State chapter, has suspended the indefinite strike it embarked upon on 15 July.

The union has, therefore, directed its members to resume work on Friday.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Henry Ezeoke and Mr Ugochukwu Nwezi, Chairman and Secretary of the union, respectively, and made available to reporters on Thursday in Awka.

The union said the decision followed a meeting between its executive members and Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State on Wednesday.

It stated that the meeting addressed the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure and the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.

According to the statement, Mr Soludo promised to set up a committee to tackle the issues around the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure.

After deliberations and consideration, the congress reached a decision to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike by the branch.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

In accordance with the decision of the congress, all staff of Anambra State Judiciary are by this notice directed to resume work tomorrow, Friday, 26 July 2024, it said.

(NAN)

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The Head of Media and External Relations of the United Bank for Africa, Ramon Nasir, has lost his mother, Musiliat Falade.

Mrs Falade, who died at the age of 86 on Thursday morning was Iya-Oba of Imasayi Kingdom, Yewa, Ogun State, South-west Nigeria.

According to a brief statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by the family and signed by Mr Nasir, Mrs Falade had been on admission at Duchess International Hospital, Lagos.

The statement reads in part: Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji,un. Our matriarch is gone! It is with deepest regret and total submission to the will of the Almighty that the families of Falade, Kuoye, Nasir and Rasaq announce the passing away of our mother and the matriarch of our families, Musiliat Amoke, popularly known as Olowoletiasho.

She passed on this morning at Duchess International Hospital. She was 86 years. Until her demise, she was the Iya-Oba of Imasayi Kingdom, Yewa, Ogun State.

Burial

Described as a devoted Muslim, according to the statement, the deceased will be buried 4 p.m on Thursday in Ado-Odo, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

She will be buried at her residence, 11 Oredola Estate, Okepadi, Ado-Odo, Ogun State at 4pm, the statement reads.

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About late Mrs Falade

Renowned for her business acumen, religiosity and community development, the deceased was installed the Yeye Oba of Imasayi in 2021 following the installation of Oba Olalekan Kuoye as the Olu of Imasayi Kingdom.

Earlier in 2018, friends, family members and well-wishers had gathered in Ado-Odo Ota to mark the 80th birthday of Mrs Falade, even as dignitaries including publicists, journalists and financial experts graced the occasion.

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SHANGHAI, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from english.shanghai.gov.cn

The China International Import Expo, scheduled to be held from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai, will feature a dedicated area for new materials for the first time, according to Sun Chenghai, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau - the organizer of the expo.

This announcement was made during a news briefing on July 24, three days ahead of the 100-day countdown to the event.

Among the highlights for this year's expo, Sun noted that the automobile exhibition area will focus on exhibitors in unmanned driving, the low-altitude economy, and new energy storage for automobiles, showcasing key elements of future mobility. Additionally, a zone dedicated to health and elderly care will gather cutting-edge technologies and related products and services in the "silver economy."

Over 150 companies have signed up for the expo for seven consecutive years. New participants from Fortune 500 companies, such as the Mitsubishi Corporation and NTT, will join for the first time, along with industry leaders in the new materials and transportation sectors like Nippon Paint, Invista, Aptiv, and Alstom.

This year, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will receive more support. They will be organized to participate in key procurement events to enhance effective communication with potential buyers. Areas like the special zone for African agricultural products will be expanded and upgraded to better showcase their unique products.

The innovation incubation special section will focus on the digital economy, green and low carbon technologies, life sciences, and manufacturing technology. Tech startups will be invited alongside high-quality incubators, innovation centers, makerspaces, and accelerators from overseas to provide opportunities for small and micro-sized enterprises.

Measures to facilitate entries and exits for CIIE

Shanghai has launched a package of measures to facilitate the entry and exit processes for exhibitors and guests attending the CIIE, according to Shang Yong, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security.

The city has streamlined procedures to issue multi-entry visas for foreigners attending the expo. Additionally, convenient services will be provided for handling residence and stay permits for visa-free foreign exhibitors and guests who need to stay beyond the visa-free period.

For exhibitors and guests needing to extend their visa period or those interested in working or starting a business in Shanghai, the city will offer convenient document handling. A service station for foreigners will be set up at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the venue for the expo, and the 12367 hotline will be opened for the CIIE, providing both online and offline consultation services.

Building on this, a "one-stop" service for entry and exit document processing will be introduced. For foreign exhibitors and guests applying for an extension of their stay permits, the service will provide on-site acceptance, simultaneous review, and immediate issuance.

Shanghai will also offer a green passage for invited foreign exhibitors and guests. For those who haven't obtained visas, the application can be filed by the individuals or their inviters, either in advance or on-site with the invitation letter and related documents, which can be processed on-site.

For more information: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-CIIE2024/index.html

SOURCE english.shanghai.gov.cn
Prairie State Conservation Coalition Will Use Funds To Expand and Protect Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat Throughout Illinois

CHICAGO, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As people across Illinois enjoy the outdoors and the state's natural areas, World Nature Conservation Day (July 28), #WorldConservationDay, is an ideal time to celebrate a grant that will transform land conservation in Illinois. Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC), a not-for-profit association that supports land conservation organizations in Illinois, will be the recipient of a $42 million grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation in 2024. The grant will be used throughout Illinois for:

Land acquisition

Land stewardship

Organization capacity building

PSCC members protect, restore and steward the diverse landscapes that characterize Illinois  including its magnificent Mississippi River bluffs, wide vistas of mid-state prairie and farmland, dense forests and dramatic lakefront. Members include more than 40 conservation organizations across the state that do vital work to protect these lands and wildlife habitats.

Grant funds will also be used to help grow Illinois non-profit land conservation organizations led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). PSCC efforts will include:

Supporting BIPOC-led land conservation organizations, enhancing their awareness of grant opportunities and helping them acquire land

Helping land conservation organizations diversify their boards, staff and programming

"Land conservation is essential to the well-being of people and our planet. As we celebrate World Nature Conservation Day, Prairie State Conservation Coalition is excited to continue the work of the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation in preserving, enhancing and expanding natural areas and wildlife habitats in Illinois," said PSCC Executive Director Cynthia Kanner.

"This grant will enable Prairie State Conservation Coalition to be an even more effective voice for land conservation in Illinois and elevate the collective power of land conservation groups in our state," said PSCC Board President Brook McDonald, President/CEO, The Conservation Foundation.

This new grant is a transformational opportunity to enhance the quality of life in Illinois communities through land conservation for many years to come.

About Prairie State Conservation Coalition

Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC) provides a statewide network of collaborative peer support and ongoing skill development for land conservation organizations in Illinois. PSCC provides such organizations with networking opportunities and training and helps promote the value of land conservation to Illinois communities.

SOURCE Prairie State Conservation Coalition
Presentation to highlight positive outcomes of Iomab-B led bone marrow transplant in difficult to treat TP53 patients and the mutation-agnostic mechanism of Actimab-A for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia

Iomab-B and Actimab-A represent the only clinical stage antibody radiation conjugates in development for patients with acute myeloid leukemia

NEW YORK, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN: ATNM) (Actinium or the Company), a leader in the development of Antibody Radiation Conjugates (ARCs) and other targeted radiotherapies, today announced that the Company will participate in the 3rd Annual Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals Summit US, being held in San Diego, CA, from July 30  August 1, 2024. Actinium's presentation titled, "Overcoming Adverse Cytogenetics, TP53, Other Mutations & Treatment Resistant Disease in Relapsed/Refractory AML Using Antibody Radiation Conjugates," will take place on Wednesday, July 31, 2024th. The presentation will highlight the following:

Exploring Iomab-B, a CD45 I-131 ARC, to enable bone marrow transplant (BMT) in otherwise ineligible patients, while Actimab-A, a CD33 Ac-225 ARC, demonstrates strong anti-leukemic activity





Outlining responses in heavily pretreated patients for both Iomab-B and Actimab-A, including prior venetoclax treatment or TP53-mutated disease, to demonstrate how targeted radiotherapies offer broad therapeutic potential as backbone regimens





Revealing preclinical data to further show the benefits of combining Actimab-A with targeted therapies, such as FLT3 inhibitors, to enhance anti-tumor response

For more information about the Targeted Radiopharmaceutical Summit and the conference agenda, please visit https://targeted-radiopharma-us.com/.

About Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.



Actinium develops targeted radiotherapies to meaningfully improve survival for people who have failed existing oncology therapies. Advanced pipeline candidates Iomab-B (pre-BLA & MAA (EU)), an induction and conditioning agent prior to bone marrow transplant, and Actimab-A (Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Cancer Institute), a therapeutic agent, have demonstrated potential to extend survival outcomes for people with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Actinium plans to advance Iomab-B for other blood cancers and next generation conditioning candidate Iomab-ACT to improve cell and gene therapy outcomes. Actinium holds more than 230 patents and patent applications including several patents related to the manufacture of the isotope Ac-225 in a cyclotron.

For more information, please visit: https://www.actiniumpharma.com/

Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
ATLANTA, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a pivotal moment for improving the diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an important PCOS Stakeholder Meeting is being held to address the urgent need for better diagnostic accuracy and health outcomes. This meeting, organized by PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, in collaboration with and hosted by CDC Clinical Standardization Programs, aims to develop reference ranges for testosterone and other hormone tests in women and adolescent girls. Currently, inconsistent hormone level ranges across different tests and laboratories contribute to delays and errors in diagnosis, which can leave patients untreated for long periods of time. By creating these reference ranges, this meeting aims to standardize and improve diagnostic precision and timeliness, ultimately supporting better health outcomes for those living with PCOS.

PCOS Stakeholder Meeting Hosted by PCOS Challenge and CDC Clinical Standardization Programs

Meeting Details

The PCOS Stakeholder Meeting will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM EDT at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. It will be a hybrid event, allowing participants to attend in person or virtually.

Sasha Ottey, Executive Director of PCOS Challenge, emphasizes, "The annual economic burden of PCOS exceeds $15 billion a year. As we continue to advocate for those affected by PCOS and to advance improved diagnostic and care models, this meeting marks a significant step forward. Establishing standardized hormone reference intervals is not just about improving diagnostic accuracy; it's about ensuring that every patient receives timely and precise care. Our collaboration with the CDC and other stakeholders reflects our unwavering commitment to leveraging scientific advancements to enhance patient outcomes. Together, we are laying the foundation for a more reliable and effective diagnostic process, which is essential for the health and well-being of individuals with PCOS, many of whom often go undiagnosed."

Hubert Vesper, Director of Clinical Standardization Programs at the CDC, adds, "We are honored to collaborate on this important meeting. Establishing standardized hormone reference intervals is vital for improving the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like PCOS. Our collaboration with PCOS Challenge and other stakeholders underscores our commitment to enhancing clinical laboratory test accuracy and harmonization, which can ultimately lead to better patient care."

What Attendees Can Anticipate

Clinical Experts and Researchers will:

Gain insights into the latest research methodologies for developing reference intervals.

Discuss and review existing study data to identify the best approaches for normalizing and combining testosterone data.

Public Health Officials will:

Understand the importance of standardized hormonal tests in the accurate diagnosis of PCOS.

Collaborate on public health strategies to support women and adolescent girls with PCOS.

Laboratory Standardization Experts will:

Explore technical and statistical procedures to derive standardized reference intervals.

Consider potential needs for additional biomarker data relevant to PCOS.

Healthcare Providers specializing in Endocrinology and PCOS will:

Enhance their diagnostic capabilities through standardized testosterone measurement.

Improve the management and treatment outcomes for their patients.

Additional Information

To learn more about the PCOS Stakeholder Meeting, registration details, sponsorship opportunities, or interview requests, please visit https://pcoschallenge.org/pcos-stakeholder-meeting.

About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PCOS is a serious genetic, hormone, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects up to 15 percent of women in the United States. PCOS is the most common endocrine (hormone) disorder and cause of infertility in women related to ovulatory dysfunction. PCOS can lead to lifelong complications and other serious conditions including depression, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, uterine cancer, and maternal-fetal health complications.

About PCOS Challenge

Serving nearly 60,000 members, PCOS Challenge is the largest PCOS patient advocacy organization globally. PCOS Challenge is the leading organization advancing PCOS health policy at the federal and state levels, patient-centered research, and patient-focused efforts to improve the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS.

About CDC Clinical Standardization Programs

The CDC Clinical Standardization Programs' mission is to achieve high-quality laboratory measurement and standardization. By developing and validating laboratory protocols and methods, the CDC ensures the accuracy and reliability of clinical laboratory testing. This provides the foundation for effective and consistent healthcare delivery. Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/clinical-standardization-programs/index.html

Media Contact

William R. Patterson

Director of Public Affairs

PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association

Telephone: 404-855-7244

SOURCE PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association
DENVER, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Apartment Investment and Management Company ("Aimco") (NYSE: AIV) announced today that it plans to report 2024 second quarter results on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, after the market closes. The Company's earnings release will be available in the Investor Relations section of its website at investors.aimco.com.

About Aimco

Aimco is a diversified real estate company primarily focused on value add and opportunistic investments, targeting the U.S. multifamily sector. Aimco's mission is to make real estate investments where outcomes are enhanced through its human capital so that substantial value is created for investors, teammates, and the communities in which we operate. Aimco is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as AIV. For more information about Aimco, please visit its website www.aimco.com.

SOURCE Apartment Investment and Management Company (Aimco)
PHOENIX, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AirCARE1 received FAA recognition of an accepted Safety Management System (SMS) Program earlier this year establishing their formal alignment with international safety standards. While the United States does not yet have a mandated SMS for Part 135 Operators, the FAA recognizes those organizations who have voluntarily made the effort to implement an accepted program. An FAA-accepted Safety Management System is also recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Interior of Learjet60 Air Ambulance Aircraft Cockpit Safety Check in Learjet60 Air Ambulance Aircraft

AirCARE1 is among roughly 5% of Part 135 Operators who currently have an FAA-accepted SMS program.

AirCARE1 Safety Standards

AirCARE1's existence originated from the need for higher safety standards in the Air Ambulance industry. Therefore, AirCARE1 has made safety risk management a cornerstone of the company's values and is foundational to their everyday culture. To demonstrate their commitment to safety risk management, AirCARE1 chose to implement a voluntary Safety Management System program (SMSVP) that could be recognized by a state authority.

AirCARE1 is committed to providing superior care and believes that the key factor in doing so is to create a safe environment for patients, their family members, and employees.

What Is a Safety Management System?

A Safety Management System (SMS) is a formal, systematic and proactive approach to managing safety risk. It's a structured process implemented across an organization that includes four main components including policy, risk management, assurance, and promotion.

To be accepted by the FAA, AirCARE1 (a Part 135 Operator) went through a 16-month evaluation period of their safety practices. During this period AirCARE1 defined their safety objectives and the responsibilities of their employees in regard to safety risk management. They controlled safety risks by identifying hazards and analyzing risk factors to make improvements to flight operations. They ensured the effectiveness of safety risk controls through consistent data collection and analysis. Finally, AirCARE1 demonstrated how staff are trained in safety risk management and invited to openly communicate safety concerns to support the safety culture within the company.

Benefits of Managing Safety with the FAA Voluntary, Formal, SMS

There are many benefits for AirCARE1, and the patients they transport, in aligning their SMS with the FAAs SMS Voluntary Program. Most importantly, the main goal is to foster the safety culture within the company and support a proactive approach to identifying and addressing problems before they occur. For patients, AirCARE1's commitment to safety risk management provides an extra level of comfort and peace of mind, giving them increased confidence that the company operates to the highest safety standards. Finally, FAA recognition allows AirCARE1 to recruit high-caliber staff members who are equally dedicated to contributing to the company's safety culture and provide their patients with superior care.

About AirCARE1

AirCARE1 is an Air Ambulance and Medical Escort service provider with a fleet of Learjet air ambulance aircraft based out of Deer Valley Airport-Phoenix area, AZ. They provide air medical transport to patients across North, South and Central America. AirCARE1's believes that providing the highest level of medical attention with compassion and a holistic approach will transform the flight experience for their patients.

Source:

https://www.faa.gov/faa-aviation-safety-outreach/safety-management-system

https://www.airambulanceone.com/safety-management/

Media Contact:

Shana Potter

4242084632

[email protected]

SOURCE AirCARE1 Air Ambulance & Medical Escort Provider
DALLAS, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Civitas Capital Group, a Dallas-based alternative investment manager offering niche opportunities in U.S. real estate, announced its 13 regional centers across the U.S. remain compliant in the wake of USCIS' recently issued alert that "interprets the provisions related to sanctions, including terminations, debarments, and suspensions, for noncompliant regional centers."

On July 16th, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) issued guidance on new provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that cover consequences for noncompliance under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA).

One of the new compliance requirements under the RIA is the establishment of the Integrity Fund. The Integrity Fund is primarily intended to allow USCIS to administer the EB-Program including the detection and investigation of fraud and other immigration related crimes as well as ensuring overall EB-5 Program compliance.

The Integrity Fund is funded through an integrity fee paid by each regional center that is due by October 1st of each year. USCIS said that it intends to issue a Notice of Intent to Terminate (NOIT) to regional centers that do not pay this fee on time.

Civitas has complied with the RIA by paying the integrity fee for its regional centers for fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2024.

Dan Healy, CEO of Civitas, said he's extremely proud that Civitas has avoided the potential disruption a NOIT could cause a regional center. "Civitas paid its bills on time," Healy says, "and therefore we are not affected by the widespread issuance of NOITs that is greatly impacting the EB-5 industry right now."

Exactly how many regional centers recently have received NOITs is unclear. Ron Klasko, Chairman of Klasko Immigration Law Partners, estimates that more than 100  and possibly as many as 200  regional centers have received notices of intent to terminate based on unpaid fees or fees alleged to have been paid in the wrong amount.

Jeff Kiser, Director of EB-5 Investor Relations for Civitas, says that those seeking citizenship through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program should always conduct proper due diligence when investing. "It's the most basic level of professionalism for a regional center to pay its fees on time," Kiser says. "We always encourage potential EB-5 investors as well as existing EB-5 investors to insist that their regional centers remain compliant with all USCIS program requirements."

Kiser added that if an investor discovers their regional center is currently facing a Notice of Intent to Terminate from USCIS, they should discuss their options with an immigration attorney. For more information on how USCIS handles regional center terminations, see details on the agency's website.

As always, if potential EB-5 investors have questions about the EB-5 program, they can reach out to Civitas' investor relations experts via email at [email protected].

ABOUT CIVITAS CAPITAL GROUP

Civitas Capital Group is a nimble alternative investment manager, founded in 2009, offering compelling, niche opportunities in U.S. real estate. Civitas exists to create opportunities that enrich our communities, investors, and employees alike. Driven by relentless creativity, Civitas digs deeper to uncover opportunities that others miss. Follow Civitas Capital Group on LinkedIn. Learn more at civitascapital.com.

SOURCE CIVITAS CAPITAL GROUP
ATLANTA, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Artivion, Inc. (NYSE: AORT), a leading cardiac and vascular surgery company focused on aortic disease, announced today that second quarter 2024 financial results will be released on Thursday, August 8, 2024 after the market closes. On that day, the Company will hold a teleconference call and live webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the results, followed by a question and answer session hosted by Pat Mackin, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Artivion.

To listen to the live teleconference, please dial 201-689-8261 a few minutes prior to 4:30 p.m. ET. The teleconference replay will be available approximately one hour following the completion of the event and can be accessed by calling (toll free) 877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415. The conference number for the replay is 13746922.

The live webcast and replay can be accessed on the Investors section of the Artivion website at www.artivion.com and by selecting Webcasts & Presentations. In addition, a copy of the earnings press release, which will contain financial and statistical information for the completed quarter and full year, can be accessed in the Investors section of the Artivion website.

About Artivion, Inc.

Headquartered in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, Artivion, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing simple, elegant solutions that address cardiac and vascular surgeons' most difficult challenges in treating patients with aortic diseases. Artivion's four major groups of products include: aortic stent grafts, surgical sealants, On-X mechanical heart valves, and implantable cardiac and vascular human tissues. Artivion markets and sells products in more than 100 countries worldwide. For additional information about Artivion, visit our website, www.artivion.com .

Contacts:

Artivion Lance A. Berry Executive Vice President &

Chief Financial Officer

Phone: 770-419-3355 Gilmartin Group LLC Brian Johnston / Laine Morgan

Phone: 332-895-3222 [email protected]

SOURCE Artivion, Inc.
DALLAS, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford Inc. announced today that Mr. W. Michael Murphy, a member of its Board of Directors, passed away on July 24, 2024. Mr. Murphy had a distinguished career in the hotel industry and has been a key member of the Company's Board of Directors, serving since August 2018. Prior to serving on the board of Ashford Inc., Michael served on the board of Braemar Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: BHR) from 2013 to 2015 and he served on the board of Ashford Hospitality Trust (NYSE: AHT) from 2003 to 2013.

"We are very saddened to announce Michael's passing," commented Monty J. Bennett, Ashford Inc.'s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We will miss him, both as a friend and as a valued business leader. On behalf of the directors and management of Ashford Inc. and the entire Ashford Group of Companies, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael's family during this difficult time."

SOURCE Ashford Inc.
Photo Gallery Available Here.

GLENDALE, Calif., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 90 students from Pacoima Charter School recently had the opportunity to visit the Los Angeles Zoo, thanks to California Credit Union. Students ranging from TK to 6th grade from the school's summer STEAM camp enjoyed an educational guided tour at the zoo as part of a Community Day sponsored by the credit union.

Over 90 students from Pacoima Charter School recently had the opportunity to visit the Los Angeles Zoo, thanks to California Credit Union. Students ranging from TK to 6th grade from the schools summer STEAM camp enjoyed an educational guided tour at the zoo as part of a Community Day sponsored by the credit union.

As an official partner of the L.A. Zoo, California Credit Union has the opportunity to host a local under-resourced school in a special Community Day each year. As a long-time California Credit Union member, Pacoima Charter School was a natural fit to bring the L.A. Zoo experience and its important education and conservation messages to its students in a fun-filled and special one-of-a-kind tour.

"This Community Day was more than just a day at the L.A. Zoo; it was about giving our local students an experience filled with wonder, learning and joy," said California Credit Union President/CEO Steve O'Connell. "Supporting education and local students is a cornerstone of our community commitment because we all have a responsibility to invest in our children. We want to thank the L.A. Zoo and Pacoima Charter School for coming together to bring this special opportunity to these students."

Sylvia Fajardo, Pacoima Charter Elementary Executive Director, said, "We are incredibly grateful to California Credit Union and the Los Angeles Zoo for providing our students with the remarkable opportunity to learn and explore at the Community Day event. This experience not only enriched their understanding of wildlife and conservation but also inspired a deep appreciation for the natural world. Our heartfelt thanks go out to both organizations for their generosity and commitment to education."

Pacoima Charter School's mission is to create an environment that fosters a high quality educational experience for all children. It strives to prepare students for college and career by holding high academic expectations, nurturing positive social-emotional growth, developing strong literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) skills.

As an official partner of the L.A. Zoo and the corporate supporter of the Zoo's volunteer program, California Credit Union provides financial support for volunteer training, scholarships and more. As part of their shared commitment to education, the credit union also hosts a Community Day with a local under-resourced school for teachers and students to experience the L.A. Zoo during the year.

About California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 with assets of nearly $5 billion, approximately 200,000 members and 25 retail branches. The credit union serves community members and businesses in the California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura as well as school employees throughout the state. The credit union operates in San Diego and Riverside Counties as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. The credit union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. California Credit Union is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a Low Income Designation, offering inclusive products and services to build financial stability in our underserved communities, including a checking account certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. Visit ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @CaliforniaCreditUnion.

SOURCE California Credit Union
CHICAGO, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) (d/b/a "Cars Commerce Inc" or the "Company"), an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry, today announced that it expects to report its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The Company will host a conference call with a live webcast at 8:00 a.m. CT/9:00 a.m. ET on the same day to discuss the results.

The conference call will be hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Alex Vetter and Chief Financial Officer, Sonia Jain.

Those interested are invited to listen to the live webcast online at investor.cars.com. A webcast replay will be available shortly afterwards by visiting Events on the Investor Relations website.

About Cars Commerce

Cars Commerce is an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry. The Company simplifies everything about car buying and selling with powerful products, solutions and AI-driven technologies that span pretail, retail and post-sale activities  enabling more efficient and profitable retail operations. The Cars Commerce platform is organized around four industry-leading brands: the flagship automotive marketplace and dealer reputation site Cars.com , award-winning technology and digital retail technology and marketing services from Dealer Inspire, essential trade-in and appraisal technology from AccuTrade, and exclusive in-market media solutions from the Cars Commerce Media Network. Learn more at www.carscommerce.inc .

SOURCE Cars Commerce
CLAREMONT, Calif., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Claremont McKenna College Emeritus Professor Nita Kumar has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, a highly competitive grant that invests in scholars, artists, scientists, writers, and cultural visionaries.

With her Guggenheim Fellowship, Kumar plans to research and write a social history of an urban upper-middle class Kayastha family from 1911 to 2016 covering much of Uttar Pradesh. She will look at gender hierarchies, theorize change in 20th-century India, and present a contextualized discussion of the historian's craft.

Claremont McKenna College campus

"The research will focus on the history of a woman known as Suniti and her upper middle-class family at several levels, reflecting on how the story is impacted by the state of official and family archives, Indian notions of time and history, discourses of gender, caste and class," said Kumar. "Over five generations, the members of Suniti's family occupied the ranks of landowners, administrators, writers, judges, and advocates."

Chosen through a rigorous application and peer review process from a pool of almost 3,000 applicants, the Class of 2024 Guggenheim Fellows was selected on the basis of prior career achievement. A number of the Fellows' projects directly respond to issues of today such as democracy and politics, identity, disability activism, machine learning, incarceration, climate change and community. Each fellow receives a monetary stipend to pursue independent work.

"I am honored to be one of this year's Guggenheim Fellowship recipients," said Kumar. "Throughout my career in writing and teaching, I have been interested in issues of how history is interpreted and written, and similarly as an anthropologist, I have focused on methodological issues. This grant is a culmination of my professional work to date and I look forward to delving deeper into the story of Suniti and her family."

About Nita Kumar

Professor Nita Kumar is currently director of NIRMAN, a nonprofit organization focused on education and the arts in Varanasi. She completed her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in History and has taught at the University of Chicago, Brown University, and the University of Michigan. She was most recently the Brown Family Chair of South Asian History at Claremont McKenna College.

About Claremont McKenna College:

Claremont McKenna College is a private, 1,300-student residential liberal arts college located east of Los Angeles in Southern California. Since 1946, the College's mission has been to prepare students for thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions. Renowned for its Open Academy commitments to freedom of expression, viewpoint diversity, and constructive dialogue, as well as expertise in economics and government, Claremont McKenna also features an accomplished faculty of scholars and committed teachers in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Students are drawn to the College's unparalleled offerings, including: 11 research institutes and centers; the ability to conduct research one-on-one with faculty; and access to leaders, artists, and visionaries who engage with students at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum. Claremont McKenna is a member of The Claremont Colleges. For more information, visit https://www.cmc.edu/.

Media Contact:

Gilien Silsby

(213) 500-8673

[email protected]

SOURCE Claremont McKenna College
JACKSON, Mich., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today reported earnings per share of $0.65 for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $0.67 per share for 2023. The company's adjusted earnings per share for the second quarter were $0.66, compared to $0.75 per share for the same quarter in 2023. For the first six months of the year, the company reported $1.61 per share compared to $1.36 per share for the same timeframe in 2023. On an adjusted earnings per share basis year to date, the company reported $1.63 per share in 2024, compared to $1.45 per share in 2023, primarily due to constructive regulatory outcomes and higher weather normalized sales.

CMS Energy reaffirmed its 2024 adjusted earnings guidance of $3.29 to $3.35 per share (*See below for important information about non-GAAP measures) and long-term adjusted EPS growth of 6 to 8 percent, with continued confidence toward the high end.

"We are on track to deliver our full year earnings guidance after a strong first half of the year prioritizing investments in our electric and gas systems to deliver value for customers," said Garrick Rochow, President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. "Our electric Reliability Roadmap, Natural Gas Delivery Plan and Clean Energy Plan will allow us to harden and improve our systems while leading the clean energy transformation."

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy provider featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

CMS Energy will hold a webcast to discuss its 2024 second quarter results and provide a business and financial outlook on Thursday, July 25 at 9:30 a.m. (EDT). To participate in the webcast, go to CMS Energy's homepage (cmsenergy.com) and select "Events and Presentations."

Important information for investors about non-GAAP measures and other disclosures.

This news release contains non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (non-GAAP) measures, such as adjusted earnings. All references to net income refer to net income available to common stockholders and references to earnings per share are on a diluted basis. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, business optimization initiative, changes in accounting principles, voluntary separation program, changes in federal tax policy, regulatory items from prior years, unrealized gains or losses from mark-to-market adjustments, or other items. Management views adjusted earnings as a key measure of the company's present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance. Because the company is not able to estimate the impact of specific line items, which have the potential to significantly impact, favorably or unfavorably, the company's reported earnings in future periods, the company is not providing reported earnings guidance nor is it providing a reconciliation for the comparable future period earnings. The company's adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for the reported earnings.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements." The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's results to differ materially. All forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk and other factors detailed from time to time in CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Investors and others should note that CMS Energy routinely posts important information on its website and considers the Investor Relations section, www.cmsenergy.com/investor-relations, a channel of distribution.

CMS ENERGY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)







In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts



Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended



6/30/24

6/30/23

6/30/24

6/30/23

























Operating revenue $ 1,607

$ 1,555

$ 3,783

$ 3,839

























Operating expenses

1,324



1,311



3,088



3,281

























Operating Income

283



244



695



558

























Other income

113



146



199



202

























Interest charges

173



160



350



307

























Income Before Income Taxes

223



230



544



453

























Income tax expense

41



41



99



70

























Income From Continuing Operations

182



189



445



383

























Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

-



1



-



1

























Net Income

182



190



445



384

























Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

(16)



(8)



(40)



(18)

























Net Income Attributable to CMS Energy

198



198



485



402

























Preferred stock dividends

3



3



5



5

























Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $ 195

$ 195

$ 480

$ 397

























Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share $ 0.65

$ 0.67

$ 1.61

$ 1.36

CMS ENERGY CORPORATION

Summarized Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)



In Millions

As of

6/30/24

12/31/23 Assets













Current assets













Cash and cash equivalents

$ 699



$ 227 Restricted cash and cash equivalents



90





21 Other current assets



2,196





2,591 Total current assets



2,985





2,839 Non-current assets













Plant, property, and equipment



25,877





25,072 Other non-current assets



5,493





5,606 Total Assets

$ 34,355



$ 33,517















Liabilities and Equity













Current liabilities (1)

$ 1,756



$ 1,822 Non-current liabilities (1)



8,290





7,927 Capitalization













Debt and finance leases (excluding securitization debt) (2)



14,996





14,856 Preferred stock and securities



224





224 Noncontrolling interests



538





581 Common stockholders' equity



7,779





7,320 Total capitalization (excluding securitization debt)



23,537





22,981 Securitization debt (2)



772





787 Total Liabilities and Equity

$ 34,355



$ 33,517















(1) Excludes debt and finance leases.

















(2) Includes current and non-current portions.

















CMS ENERGY CORPORATION Summarized Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

















In Millions

Six Months Ended

6/30/24

6/30/23















Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Restricted Amounts

$ 248



$ 182















Net cash provided by operating activities



1,663





1,705 Net cash used in investing activities



(1,246)





(2,079) Cash flows from operating and investing activities



417





(374) Net cash provided by financing activities



124





598















Total Cash Flows

$ 541



$ 224















End of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Restricted Amounts

$ 789



$ 406

CMS ENERGY CORPORATION

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income

(Unaudited)





In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts



Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended



6/30/24

6/30/23

6/30/24

6/30/23

























Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $ 195

$ 195

$ 480

$ 397 Reconciling items:





















Disposal of discontinued operations (gain) loss

-



(1)



-



(1) Tax impact

-



*



-



* Other exclusions from adjusted earnings**

2



2



6



5 Tax impact

(*)



(*)



(1)



(1) Voluntary separation program

-



28



*



28 Tax impact

-



(7)



(*)



(7)

























Adjusted net income  non-GAAP $ 197

$ 217

$ 485

$ 421

























Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted

298.5



291.3



297.9



291.2

























Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share





















Reported net income per share $ 0.65

$ 0.67

$ 1.61

$ 1.36 Reconciling items:





















Disposal of discontinued operations (gain) loss

-



(*)



-



(*) Tax impact

-



*



-



* Other exclusions from adjusted earnings**

0.01



0.01



0.02



0.02 Tax impact

(*)



(*)



(*)



(*) Voluntary separation program

-



0.09



*



0.09 Tax impact

-



(0.02)



(*)



(0.02)

























Adjusted net income per share  non-GAAP $ 0.66

$ 0.75

$ 1.63

$ 1.45



* Less than $0.5 million or $0.01 per share. ** Includes restructuring costs and business optimization initiative.

Management views adjusted (non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings as a key measure of the Company's present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the Company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, business optimization initiative, changes in accounting principles, voluntary separation program, changes in federal tax policy, regulatory items from prior years, unrealized gains or losses from mark-to-market adjustments, or other items. The adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for reported earnings.

SOURCE CMS Energy
NEW YORK, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CoinFund , one of the world's longest-operating cryptonative investment firms and a registered investment adviser, commemorates the firm's 9th anniversary with the announcement of four strategic hires and the launch of a new podcast , Mined with CoinFund.

EXPANDING THE TEAM

CoinFund proudly announces the addition of four subject matter specialists to support an uptick in deal operations and the long-term growth of the brand.

With the addition of New York City-based Adriana Armstrong as Executive Assistant, the firm broadens its leadership support and employee and workplace experiences. Adriana brings over 10 years of internal operations, office management, and executive support to CoinFund, most recently working as a consultant at Illuminate Ventures and New System Ventures.

In an effort to further strengthen its operational foundation, CoinFund has bolstered its Finance team with the addition of New Jersey-based Matt Manley as a Finance Operations Associate. Prior to CoinFund, Manley was a Senior Accountant in Withum's Emerging Technology group serving on the Digital Assets and Blockchain team, and brings more than seven years of combined audit and digital asset experience to the role from best in class providers like Copper.co and KPMG.

CoinFund announces that Malaysia-based Walter Teng has joined CoinFund as an Investor on the Liquid Investments team, deepening the firm's connectivity in Asia. Prior to CoinFund, Teng served as a liquid investor at MSA Novo, and spent more than two years at FundStrat, most recently acting as Vice President of Digital Asset Strategy where he focused on DeFi and small cap strategies.

The firm has also continued to expand its commitment to post-investment services, growing its Marketing team with the addition of New York City-based Cam Thompson. In her newly created role as Content Manager for CoinFund, Thompson will amplify the firm's storytelling via written and visual content. Most recently she served as a Copywriter and Creator Liaison at Celo Foundation and covered the trends of the crypto industry as a web3 beat reporter for CoinDesk.

"CoinFund is a state of the art investment firm designed for the next generation of the internet built on decentralization technology and web3," commented Jake Brukhman, Founder, CoinFund. "We owe our longevity to constantly challenging ourselves to rethink what professional, institutional-grade, and cryptonative partnership looks like for today's entrepreneurs and LPs. We are growing our team across all areas in anticipation of a critical, rapidly approaching moment for blockchain: the dawn of regulatory normalization and early institutional adoption. It has never been more important to advocate for web3's core primitives of self-sovereign data, stakeholder capitalism, open source, and decentralized public goods."

THE CRYPTO CONSTANT

CoinFund champions the leaders of the new internet, powered by foresight as active investors to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Founded in 2015 at a Brooklyn kitchen table by Highbridge Capital Management and Amazon alum Jake Brukhman, and later joined by co-founder and American Capital alum Alex Felix, CoinFund is now supported by a world class interdisciplinary global team of nearly 30 people with more than 100 investments across six investment vehicles.

Managing Partners Jake Brukhman (focus areas currently include decentralization technologies and infrastructure, AI x web3); Alex Felix (marketplaces, infrastructure, financial services); Seth Ginns (cross-vertical liquid investing); David Pakman (onchain IP, consumer, infrastructure) and Chris Perkins (financial convergence, tokenization, CeFi) offer a unique blend of venture investment at pre-seed- through Series B- stage deals and one of the oldest and largest liquid crypto strategies in the world. Areas of expertise across the investment team include ZK/ML/AI; DeFi; Layer 2s; consumer services, gaming, NFTs and DAOs; infrastructure including nodes, security, analytics, middleware, interoperability and scalability; and growth strategies for token events and emerging markets. The firm continues to seek talented investors; applicants may visit the CoinFund job board for more information on CoinFund and portfolio company roles.

In anticipation of improved market conditions, in July 2023 CoinFund announced the close of $158 million (M) CoinFund Seed IV Fund LP ("Seed IV"), backed by a combination of sophisticated institutional investors, family offices, and high net worth individuals. Seed IV exceeded its initial target fundraising goal of $125M.

2024 investments announced to date include ether.fi liquid restaking token provider; Prime Intellect decentralized compute platform; STON.fi , leading DEX on TON blockchain; Monad , Layer 1 built to scale EVM; and Geodnet , world's largest Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) network, driving location precision.

"In its ninth year, CoinFund continues to invest early in emerging, foundational technologies before they become trends," commented Felix.

In 2023, CoinFund announced the launch of CESR, the composite ether staking rate, in partnership with CoinDesk Indices. In 2024, CESR continued to achieve product market fit with the launch of third party fixed vs. floating swaps, paving the way to build upon the $500 trillion interest derivative market. CoinFund has worked with forward-thinking partners to integrate CESR into DeFi and is helping onboard global institutions to integrate the benchmark into various asset management , derivatives, futures, structured product, ETFs, insurance and other financial products. The firm has also pledged a portion of CESR income to Protocol Guild to support Protocol Guild's membership of over 170 Ethereum Layer 1 R&D maintainers.

ON EVERYONE'S MINED

As a team of early stage investors and operators, CoinFund's business is built on idea-spotting: catching a glimmer of one intriguing idea that could become a market-shaping opportunity, and challenging each other to find the less obvious edge that other investors aren't seeing. Hosted by David Pakman and Jake Brukhman with regular appearances by the managing partners and investment team, portfolio companies and friends of CoinFund, Mined with CoinFund is the place for passionate advocates closest to decentralization to break down the technology, powers and people in crypto to tell us what we're missing as we look for signs of progress on a path to freedom in a web3 world.

"Crypto, like most tech sub-sectors, is filled with evidence of important innovation and adoption, but many of these details get buried in the noise of social media and group-think conference narratives," commented Pakman. "We wanted to explore a central question: what should more people be talking about right now? What's that kernel of truth that you think everyone has missed?"

The show's first slate of guests include Ian Rogers, Chief Experience Officer at Ledger and Marvin Ammori, net neutrality advocate and most recently Chief Legal Officer at Uniswap Labs. Mined with CoinFund launches the week of July 22, 2024; subscribe on YouTube , Spotify , Apple Podcasts or any major podcast platform.

About CoinFund

CoinFund is one of the world's first cryptonative investment firms and a registered investment adviser founded in 2015. The firm champions the leaders of the new internet, powered by foresight as active investors to achieve extraordinary outcomes. CoinFund invests in seed, venture, and liquid opportunities within the blockchain sector with a focus on digital assets, decentralization technologies, and key enabling infrastructure. For more information, visit www.coinfund.io , LinkedIn or join us on X .

SOURCE CoinFund
Stuart Battersby brings more than 15 years of financial management experience working with physicians, hospitals, and health plans

SEATTLE, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW), the not-for-profit insurance carrier offering Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare Advantage, and Individual & Family Plans on the health exchange, welcomed a new Chief Financial Officer, Stuart Battersby, to the organization.

As a member of CHPW's Executive Leadership Team, Battersby collaborates on the strategic goals and initiatives for CHPW, and its parent company Community Health Network of Washington (CHNW), overseeing all budgetary and fiscal responsibilities. A CPA with more than 15 years of experience in health care, Battersby brings to CHPW his proven financial and operational abilities and leadership developed in many health care settings, including physician groups, health care startups, and a national Medicaid health plan.

"We are so pleased Stuart has joined CHPW/CHNW. His executive experience with Medicaid managed care, Medicare, and Health Benefit Exchange products, as well as in other innovative health care businesses are invaluable in ensuring strong stewardship of our finances and providing leadership of our work advancing whole-person and equitable health care," said Leanne Berge, CEO of CHPW and CHNW.

"I find deep meaning in the health care and resources CHPW is able to provide to our members as a not-for-profit that truly is part of the health care safety net for our Washington communities," said Battersby. "While I come from a small rural working-class town in Wales, I recognize many of the barriers to receiving whole-person care are universal."

"Stuart shares our passion for advancing equitable and accessible health care to Washington's communities through our leadership across the state," continued Berge. "His ability to understand and empathize with the issues facing Washingtonians adds a vital lens to the work he does in this role."

In the CFO role, Battersby also oversees all forecasting and budgeting functions, accounting, population analytics and actuarial activities, among other responsibilities. Battersby succeeds Stacy Kessel, who retired after 17 years with CHPW.

Battersby served as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Amerigroup Washington, Anthem and ended his tenure as President and CEO of their Medicaid Health Plan in 2019. While there, he successfully managed several procurement strategies for Medicaid in Washington. Battersby most recently served as CFO for Firefly Health, a virtual advanced primary care services company, where he led all financial responsibilities as well as product strategy and development. Prior to that, as CFO at Sidecar Health Inc., he helped to create a full-risk health insurer from its inception and implemented business models needed for administration under the Affordable Care Act.

"Every day I come to work excited and proud to be part of an organization that puts its members first and works toward ensuring all Washingtonians, regardless of their ability to pay, are supported in achieving their best health," said Battersby.

Battersby holds a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Certification in Washington and received his MBA from the University of Denver. He received his BS degree from the University of Wales in Cardiff.

About CHPW

CHPW works to advance health equity and whole-person health, connecting members to various physical, behavioral, and social support services to address the social determinants of health (SDOH).* CHPW proudly reinvests surplus revenue back into the Community Health Centers and community organizations to help support critical safety net health care services.

In 1992, a network of Community and Migrant Health Centers in Washington State formally established the Community Health Network of Washington (CHNW) and its subsidiary Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW), a community-governed, not-for-profit health plan, to provide access to quality care for people  particularly those from marginalized communities. CHPW serves more than 300,000 members through Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans, as well as the Health Benefit Exchange's Individual & Family Plans (Cascade Select), across the state. Its parent, CHNW, provides care to over 1 million individuals across Washington through its federally qualified member Community Health Centers.

*Social determinants of health, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "are conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life." To learn more about this, visit the CDC's website.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

(206) 343-1543

SOURCE Community Health Plan of Washington
"Parmalee in Paradise: A Country Concert in the Caribbean" will bring together award-winning artists with unique add-ons for Beaches Resorts guests and a chance to win an exclusive VIP experience

GRACE BAY BEACH, Turks and Caicos, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Country beats will come alive shoreside on Grace Bay Beach with an exclusive live performance by the award-winning band Parmalee at Beaches Turks & Caicos on October 27, 2024. Joined by Texas chart-topper and bilingual recording artist Frank Ray , the Caribbean's leading all-inclusive family-friendly vacation is inviting guests to pack their favorite cowboy couture for "Parmalee in Paradise: A Country Concert in the Caribbean"  an exclusive musical inspired weekend under the Caribbean sun and stars.

This fall, Beaches Turks & Caicos invites country music fans to follow their favorite artists to the Caribbean to bask in an exclusive gig-tripping experience with Parmalee in Paradise: A Country Concert in the Caribbean, featuring chart-topping stars Parmalee and Frank Ray, October 26-29, 2024. For fall travelers who book a stay to attend Parmalee in Paradise: A Country Concert in the Caribbean, Beaches Turks & Caicos is offering a soul-stirring VIP weekend package. Available as an add-on, the package includes a meet-and-greet and special photo op with Parmalee and Frank Ray, as well as exclusive front-row seating during the live concert event, among other events and perks.

Country'd Look Good onthe Caribbean

Known for their chart-topping hits like "Carolina" and "Just the Way," Parmalee will bring their signature blend of irresistible melodies and sure-fire radio favorites to Beaches guests. The American country music band, hailing from Parmele, North Carolina, consists of brothers Matt Thomas and Scott Thomas, their cousin Barry Knox and childhood best friend Josh McSwain. With four #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and more than 1 billion on-demand streams, Parmalee, named Billboard's most streamed country group in 2023, is one of country music's most successful acts  and this fall, they are taking their talents to the sand. Frank Ray, whose unique blend of country and Latin influences have quickly made him a favorite among country music fans, will open the show with chart-topping singles including fan-favorite, "Country'd Look Good on You."

High Tides & VIP Vibes: Book An Exclusive Gig-Tripping Experience This Fall

Tapping into the gig-tripping trend and giving travelers even more reasons to book a fall trip to the Caribbean, Beaches is delivering a unique opportunity to rub elbows with the traveling country stars: a VIP weekend package available over the dates October 26-29, 2024. Among the perks, the $300 add-on package includes a meet-and-greet opportunity and photo op, as well as exclusive front-row seating during the live concert event. The party continues with country fans invited on a private evening cruise to watch the sun dip below the horizon while listening to popular country melodies. Bringing a touch of magic to Caribbean communities, guests will join Parmalee and Frank Ray on a visit to a local school for a special give-back experience with the Sandals Foundation , the philanthropic arm of Beaches Resorts. For more information or to purchase the package, please visit www.beaches.com/parmalee-in-paradise/ . For every package sold, $25 will be donated to the Sandals Foundation to support the surrounding communities.

Win the Trip: Enter the Parmalee in Paradise Sweepstakes

From swaying to the rhythm of country tunes with your toes in the sand to singing along to top hits under the night sky  for one lucky superfan and a plus one, a trip to see Parmalee at Beaches Resorts is in the Caribbean stars. Accepting entries through August 15, a "Parmalee in Paradise" sweepstakes* hosted on Beaches Resorts' Instagram channel offers a four-day, three-night all-inclusive vacation for two (2) with round-trip economy airfare to Beaches Turks and Caicos, plus all the offerings included in the VIP package. To enter, visit Beaches Resorts' Instagram ( @BeachesResorts ) and locate the post announcing Parmalee in Paradise, where tagging a friend and using the hashtag #BeachesResortsConcert in the comments can land you in paradise with Parmalee.

*Restrictions apply. For terms and conditions, please visit: https://www.beaches.com/disclaimers/parmaleesweepstakes/

Country beats, Caribbean breeze and great savings: Available to book through August 4th for travel through November 1, 2024 at Beaches Turks & Caicos, the Rhythm and Blues sale offers guests a $175 resort credit on stays of four nights or longer and a $750 air credit on stays of seven nights or longer.

About Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resorts is the Caribbean's most-awarded luxury family all-inclusive vacation experience, where memories are created and made to last. With three spectacular locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, Beaches Resorts is the ultimate beachfront getaway for every member of the family. Kids can hang with the Sesame Street gang as part of the Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street, splash in outrageous waterparks, enjoy exclusive Kids Camps and teen nightclubs, while parents indulge in butler service, luxurious spa treatments, gourmet restaurants and all with the assurance of Certified Nannies and expertly trained team members. Beaches Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which includes the adults-only Sandals Resorts, and is the Caribbean's leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information about Beaches Resorts, visit www.beaches.com.

About Parmalee

As the most-played band on Country Radio in 2023, Parmalee is one of country music's most successful acts with four #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and more than 1 billion on-demand streams. Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), Cousin Barry Knox (bass), and life-long friend Josh McSwain (guitar/keyboard), the North Carolina natives first topped the charts with "Carolina," followed by their Platinum-certified No. 1 single with Blanco Brown, "Just the Way." They followed with "Take My Name," which was Billboard's Most Played Country Song of 2022. They recently scored their third consecutive #1 single with "Girl In Mine," which is Billboard's 8th Most Played Country Song of 2023. Those three #1's and 15 other tracks are available on their album For You 2, including their current Top 20 and rising Country Radio hit "Gonna Love You." For more information, visit www.parmaleemusic.com .

About Frank Ray

Texas chart-topper, bilingual recording artist and former police officer Frank Ray is busting open doors in the country genre, adding his signature Latin flavor to the scene. Growing up just three miles from the border in New Mexico, Frank, born Francisco Gomez, was immersed in the best of both worlds - enriched by his Mexican culture and surrounded by Texas Country music. Praised as "easygoing contemporary Country with Pop-Soul hooks and a dash of Southwestern spice" (Rolling Stone), Frank's "catalog is representative of his fun personality and flair" (Country Now), expertly blending '90s Texas Country, Latin, R&B and Pop. As an entertainer, Frank delivers electrifying, high-energy performances that have something for everyone. With immense cross-cultural appeal and a panorama of influences, "One of the most influential Latinos'' (Time Magazine), Ray "is looking to stretch Country music's cultural boundaries" (Los Angeles Times).

In the three short years since embarking on his musical journey full-time, he has racked up two No. 1 singles and three Top 10 singles on Texas Country Radio, become a staff songwriter, signed a record deal with BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records and much more. Along with being named an "Artist to Watch" by Rolling Stone and Amazon Music USA as well as a "Listen Up Artist" by CMT, Ray has appeared on USA Network's Real Country, been profiled in the Los Angeles Times and on NBC's TODAY.

The latest from Frank Ray is the intoxicating "Uh-huh (Aja)" that will have you so infatuated with your partner that you'll join as he dances between English & Spanish lyrics in this smash penned by Shay Mooney (Dan+Shay) & Pedro Capo (2 billion+ streaming artist). Produced by GRAMMY nominated Dave Pittenger, Ray's heritage shines, reminding listeners why Good Morning America lauded him among "Latino country artists that are expanding the genre while honoring their roots." For more information, visit https://frankraymusic.com/ .

Media Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Sandals Resorts International
New Rochester and Syracuse locations will expand the Company's retail footprint to six dispensaries in New York and 148 nationwide

Existing Curaleaf Plattsburgh and Curaleaf Forest Hills stores will now offer co-located medical and adult-use sales

STAMFORD, Conn., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf" or the "Company"), a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, today announced it will open two new medical dispensaries, and will begin co-located adult-use sales at two existing medical dispensaries in New York. Curaleaf Rochester, located at 532 Chili Ave, Rochester, NY 14611, will open later today, July 25 and Curaleaf Syracuse, located at 4141 South Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13205, will open in the coming weeks, pending regulatory approval. On July 20, co-located adult-use sales began at the existing medical store, Curaleaf Plattsburgh, and Curaleaf Forest Hills will begin co-located adult-use sales on July 26. This expansion will increase the Company's retail footprint in the Empire State to six total, with three co-located adult-use and medical locations, and three medical-only locations.

In celebration of the new store openings, Curaleaf Rochester will host a grand opening event on Friday, July 26, featuring live local music, food trucks, and prizes. Curaleaf Syracuse will host its grand opening at a later date, pending regulatory approval. Each new medical dispensary is staffed with a team of three full-time pharmacists to assist patients in exploring the Company's expansive collection of brands and products, including Grassroots indoor-grown flower, Select's full line up of vape and edible products including the new Select Fruit STIQ All-In-One Vape, JAMS edibles, B NOBLE, and New York's best-selling all-in-one two gram vape, Select BRIQ.

Adult-use consumers and medical patients can maximize their retail experience by enrolling in Curaleaf Rewards to earn special offers and discounts. During each visit, Curaleaf's team of knowledgeable staff members will be available to provide assistance, answer questions, and guide consumers through the wide world of adult-use cannabis.

"We thank the Office of Cannabis Management for approving us to expand our operations to ensure even more New York patients and customers have access to licensed, tested cannabis across the state," said Matt Darin, CEO of Curaleaf. "From Rochester to Forest Hills, our team members are eager to welcome the newest members of our cannabis community while continuing to provide medical patients with the high-quality service and products they deserve. This is an exciting step forward for our retail operations in New York, which we consider to be a key founding state for the Curaleaf brand."

Curaleaf remains steadfast in its commitment to uplifting the medical patients and adult-use consumers of New York through health, wellness, and community. At each adult-use location, Curaleaf will continue to prioritize medical patients with access to dedicated staff members, industry-leading product offerings, and other amenities designed to provide a premier retail experience. For more information on Curaleaf's locations, patient resources, delivery program, and products in New York, please visit https://curaleaf.com/dispensary/new-york.

About Curaleaf Holdings

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf") is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to enhance lives by cultivating, sharing and celebrating the power of the plant. As a high-growth cannabis company known for quality, expertise and reliability, the Company and its brands, including Curaleaf, Select, Grassroots, JAMS, Find and Zero Proof provide industry-leading service, product selection and accessibility across the medical and adult-use markets. Curaleaf International is the largest vertically integrated cannabis company in Europe with a unique supply and distribution network throughout the European market, bringing together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction, and production. Curaleaf is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CURA and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol CURLF. For more information, please visit https://ir.curaleaf.com.

Forward Looking Statements:

This media advisory contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forwardlooking statements or information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "proposed", "is expected", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information concerning the Company's expansion in New York. Such forward-looking statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the company with respect to the matter described in this new release. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are based on current expectations as of the date of this release and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Additional information about these assumptions and uncertainties is contained under "Risk Factors and Uncertainties" in the Company's latest annual information form filed on March 6, 2024, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at http://www.sedar.com, and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

Contacts:

Investor Contact:

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.

Camilo Lyon, Chief Investment Officer

[email protected]

Media Contact:

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.

Jordon Rahmil, VP Corporate Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
FARNBOROUGH, UK, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Building on decades of partnership and collaboration, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (De Havilland Canada) and PAL Aerospace are proud to announce the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding to develop new innovations for De Havilland Aircraft, operated by the PAL Group of Companies, that can in turn be adopted by other fleet customers.

PAL Aerospace Logo (CNW Group/De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited)

De Havilland Canada has an extensive track record in the production of aircraft that can operate safely and reliably for decades in the toughest environments on the planet. The PAL Group of Companies are long standing De Havilland operators and leaders in commercial aviation and comprehensive aerospace solution provision. Today's MOU proposes to identify innovative solutions and new opportunities for the PAL Group to apply to their De Havilland Canada fleet.

The MOU addresses product developments and improvements in Low Earth Orbit satellite broadband Wi-Fi access and interior passenger/cargo combi configurations specific to the Dash 8-400 using the PAL Aerospace's proven expertise in advanced aerospace design, engineering, certification and aircraft modification. Together, De Havilland Canada and PAL Aerospace will develop these solutions quickly and integrate them into the PAL Group of Companies' fleet while making them available to the broader market following successful certification through De Havilland Canada.

"We are excited about the opportunity to broaden our partnership with De Havilland Canada through the signing of this MOU," said Cynthia Ballesteros, Senior Director of Business Development for PAL Aerospace. "Our long history of collaboration and cooperation has been a tremendous benefit to both companies, and we welcome this new opportunity to work together on the development of innovative solutions that will be available to all De Havilland Canada operators."

"The PAL Group of Companies has extensive experience operating De Havilland Canada aircraft in some of the most challenging aviation environments on earth," said Jean-Philippe Cote, Vice President of Programs and Business Development, De Havilland Canada. "This opportunity to work with PAL Aerospace to develop new upgrades and modifications to De Havilland Canada aircraft is one we couldn't pass up and is one more way that we at De Havilland Canada intend to keep the fleet flying for the long-term."

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited

With more than 5,000 aircraft delivered, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited is well established across the globe and our talented team of aviation professionals is dedicated to advancing our near-100-year reputation for excellence in innovation, production, and customer support. Our aircraft operate reliably in some of the world's harshest climates and provide vital connections between rural communities and urban centres  transporting essential cargo and millions of passengers annually. Our aircraft also support a wide variety of special mission operations including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and coastal surveillance. Visit: www.dehavilland.com.

About PAL Aerospace

A proud member of the Exchange Income Corporation family of companies, PAL Aerospace is a Canadian-owned and operated global aerospace and defence company. With a focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, in-service support solutions, aircraft engineering and modification and crew resource management training. PAL Aerospace is internationally recognized by governments, militaries, and industry for on time/on budget delivery and high reliability rates. PAL Aerospace offers a single point of accountability for its programs and takes pride in being the trusted choice for clients worldwide.

To learn more, visit us online: palaerospace.com

For additional media assets, visit: https://dehavilland.com/en/media

SOURCE De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
GUIYANG, China, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by Huanqiu.com:

On June 15, 2024, the "Xishan Yuelu  Great Perfection of the Mind" Famous Scholars Forum, was held jointly by the Confucius Academy and Yuelu Academy at the Confucius Academy. After delivering a lecture titled "Selling the TongJi: The Dissemination of Chinese Ming Dynasty History in the 16th and 17th Century", Professor Peter Ditmanson, from the Department of History, Yuelu Academy, Hunan University, gave an exclusive interview at the Confucius Academy in Guiyang.

Professor Peter Ditmanson delivered a lecture titled "Selling the TongJi: The Dissemination of Chinese Ming Dynasty History in the 16th and 17th Century"at the Confucius Academy on June 15, 2024.

Professor Peter Ditmanson delivered a lecture titled "Selling the TongJi: The Dissemination of Chinese Ming Dynasty History in the 16th and 17th Century"at the Confucius Academy on June 15, 2024.

Professor Peter Ditmanson, from America, has made remarkable achievements in the fields of the politics, culture, and publishing history of Ming Dynasty. He talked about his unique insights of the differences in Yangming Culture and Tunpu Culture this time.

In the mid to late Ming Dynasty, the Yangming School of Neo-Confucianism quickly swept through the populace and the royal court, sparking an idea storm. Why was its energy so immense? Professor Peter Ditmanson analyzed this from a historian's perspective, suggesting that a crucial aspect is to consider the world faced by Wang Yangming, as the Yangming School of Neo-Confucianism was a response to certain issues of that time.

Subsequently, Professor Peter Ditmanson remarked that the society was becoming increasingly diverse at that era. For instance, when Wang Yangming arrived in Guiyang, he encountered a social environment distinct from his previous experiences, and had to consider how to solve various issues. Therefore, he appeared to stress the importance of identifying an intrinsic standard to do so.

Tunpu represents a historical memory of Ming Dynasty immigrants. Professor Peter Ditmanson indicated that for Guizhou, the historical significance of Tunpu Culture was undeniable. He noted that previous scholars researching Ming history often concentrated on the Central Government or the Jiangnan Region. Nevertheless, border culture is equally significant as Tunpu Culture.

Regarding how to further explore Guizhou's Tunpu Culture and promote the integration of culture and tourism, Professor Peter Ditmanson suggested emphasizing the diversity of Chinese Culture, and exploring the possibilities of comparing Chinese Culture with that of overseas countries.

Professor Peter Ditmanson also emphasized that the inheritance of Chinese traditional culture is not an inward-looking attitude but an aspect of open outward exchange. As a cultural landmark embodying Guizhou style and Chinese essence, the Confucius Academy should also adopt this strategy, namely to inherit Chinese traditional culture and to be open to the outside world at the same time. This is of paramount importance.

SOURCE Huanqiu.com
Believes InMode's Cash Balance of Roughly 55% of its Market Cap is Grossly Inefficient

Asserts the Current Valuation Offers an Unprecedented Opportunity to Create Shareholder Return

MIAMI, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DOMA Perpetual Capital Management LLC today sent a letter to the Board of Directors of InMode (NYSE: INMD) urging the Board to execute a 40% tender offer of the stock.

The letter can be downloaded here .

The full text of the letter follows:

July 25, 2024

To the Board Members of InMode:

DOMA Perpetual Capital Management is an asset manager focused on generating long-term value for its investors. DOMA is one of the largest shareholders of InMode (the "Company").

Over the last few months, we have communicated privately with the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") about our concerns regarding the Company's capital allocation strategy and to urge the Company to prioritize finding new ways to make the equipment acquisition process more efficient for its clients. During this period, InMode's stock price has continued to decline, as market participants are losing faith in the capacity of the Board and the Company's management to generate returns for shareholders and allocate capital in an efficient way. We believe this Board needs a strong independent voice that will advocate for the interests of the Company's shareholders.

Early this year, we brought to the Board's attention the misguided and financially-uninformed comments of InMode's CEO and former Chairman, Moshe Mizrahyi. These comments, made on multiple occasions, evinced a lack of understanding of the basic tenets of share buybacks and capital allocation. Shortly thereafter, the Board announced a new Chairman, Dr. Michael Anghel. Dr. Anghelii possesses a background in finance and seemed to understand that issuing a dividend at the lowest valuation in the history of a company is a significant capital allocation mistake and sends the wrong message to investors. The Board also announced a share buyback, reversing course on Mr. Mizrahy's prior statementsiii. However, the announced buyback falls short as it amounts to less than the Company's free cash flow in a normalized year.

InMode's stock price is plummeting, along with its valuation. InMode holds nearly $800 million in cash and marketable securities, which is approximately 55% of the Company's current market capitalizationiv. In addition, the business possesses a large and healthy free cash flow, no debt, approximately 80% gross marginv, as well as a moat around its intellectual property, preventing new market entrants. We believe InMode completely dominates its sector.

The Board has spent significant time looking for companies to acquire, yet we believe it has failed to consummate any attractive acquisitions due to valuationsvi. In the current market, where valuations are stretched, the task of finding a quality company with valuable intellectual property at a reasonable purchase price is exceedingly challenging. By contrast, InMode, a company with margins and return of equity superior to those of any potential acquisition, has experienced a significant valuation contraction. We challenge the Board to find an acquisition target in the minimally invasive or non-invasive cosmetic procedure market with better financial returns, margins, and intellectual property assets than InMode, which has an irrationally depressed valuation. We believe that it does not exist.

In order to create proper and material shareholder return, InMode's Board should immediately approve a tender offer of 40% of the Company's stock, to be followed by the already announced buyback.

The Company's shareholders have been made to endure subpar performance for too long. We believe the Board is destroying value with an inefficient and ineffective capital allocation strategy. There is ample, unused flexibility to generate shareholder return. Keeping roughly $800 million dollars on the balance sheet of a Company with 80% margin and no debt, with the hope that an attractive acquisition will magically appear, is wishful thinking and is detrimental to shareholders. While the Board is buying back stock in "eye dropper" amounts, the opportunity to buy back 40% of the Company at its current, irrationally depressed valuation could quickly vanish. The tender must be approved immediately. We believe that a decision not to proceed with the tender will prove the Board is either unable to understand the massive return opportunity in front of it or that the Board is unwilling to uphold its fiduciary responsibility to shareholders. Doing nothing at this critical moment will demonstrate that the board lacks independence and the Company needs shareholder-led change on the board, with focused, aligned directors who are accountable to its owners.

The tender offer we are suggesting will only use about $600 million dollars. InMode would still have close to $200 million in cash as well as all its debt capacity. Assuming 3x of next year's debt and EBITDA, we estimate that the Company would have another approximately $500 million of debt capacity that could be used for a potential future acquisition. If the Company needed to execute a large acquisition that required use of its debt capacity, it could stop the regular buyback after the tender and de-leverage quickly, due to its large and healthy free cash flow. Again, InMode possesses net income margins of roughly 40%. The Board is fundamentally mismanaging the balance sheet by ignoring shareholder returns.

It is clear that a potential acquisition in neuromodulators or fillers is the right long-term move for the Company to diversify its intellectual property, but there are many years ahead before InMode's patents expire. Private markets do not deviate much from public valuations and generous valuations in the sector  shown by publicly traded companies like Galderma or Evolus  mean that acquisitions cannot be made in the current market without overpaying. This is not a buyers' market and maintaining so much cash on the balance sheet with the hope of finding an acquisition is hurting shareholders. Compared to InMode's business, the barriers of entry in neuromodulators or fillers are lower and the margin profile of these companies is inferior. We believe InMode's moat is superior to any potential acquisition that the Company could execute. There are many years ahead to diversify the Company's intellectual property. An M&A deal does not have to be done now, next year, or ever, as InMode continues to have an incredible R&D department capable of pushing the boundaries and developing new intellectual property internally.

The current slowdown in equipment leasing is due to macro factors and it will likely dissipate in coming quarters, as central banks around the globe continue to lower rates. In the US, the market is predicting multiple rate cuts this yearvii. As such, the opportunity to buy back 40% of the Company could disappear. In our view, InMode's free cash flow will continue to grow as the Company expands internationally and its customers begin a cycle of capital equipment replacement in the US, all while the pricing power of the Company remains untapped. We believe InMode's best years are ahead; its cash flow will continue to grow, creating more opportunities for hoarding large cash at hand for future M&A execution.

The strategies laid out below represent a sensible and thoughtful capital allocation program for InMode:

Continue to invest organically in R&D. To avoid the same fates experienced by medical laser companies when their patents expired, InMode should focus on constant innovation and developing new intellectual property internally. The belief that intellectual property diversification can be acquired from M&A opportunities could prove wrong. To control its own destiny, InMode should expand its R&D and focus on innovation, pushing more boundaries. At this moment, we view InMode's R&D productivity as unparalleled and believe that the Company must continue investing in the development of internal intellectual property. We believe this should be the tentpole of the capital allocation strategy, especially when there are no great companies at rational prices to acquire.



Buy or invest in new and promising developing technologies in the sector. This is a venture capital-like strategy of capital allocation, in which the Company invests small sums into promising start-ups in their early stages. This is a smaller but crucial component of capital allocation strategy.



Approach large M&A deals with even more patience. In future M&A, InMode must take its time. We sense the Company is rushing to find something at a moment when valuations are very high and there are no clear candidates with margins comparable to InMode's or large contributors to earnings growth. InMode should take a multi-year approach to this process and, when ready, should use its debt capacity for future acquisitions.



In recent remarks, Mr. Mizrahy and InMode's CFO, Yair Malca , stated they have yet to find any businesses with margins similar to InMode's and are looking at an acquisition target that should be accretive to EPS after twelve monthsviii. Setting the bar this low is a huge mistake. Every company produces the same thing: cash. From Mr. Malca's statements, it sounds like the InMode's management and the Board are proposing spending hundreds of millions of dollars to buy a business that would need to cut executives and salespeople to be able to even approach breakeven EPS after a yearix. What is the return of invested capital of this deal? What is the cash production and the predictability that competitors will not enter the market or choose to outspend you in marketing? In neuromodulators and fillers, there are several players with new products coming to market; the business is not a monopoly. Compare the results on EPS and ROE of executing this M&A deal versus the execution of a 40% tender offer for InMode's stock.



M&A should be part of the Company's capital allocation strategy, but always in competition with other alternatives at hand. We believe that the opportunity cost of such an M&A transaction would be way too high, especially when compared to using capital for a large tender offer when InMode's valuation at an all-time lowx.



Choosing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to close what sounds to us like an unfavorable, unprofitable M&A deal instead of executing a large, opportunistic tender would make it obvious to shareholders that board-level change is needed.



Rethink dividends. Companies with low returns on equity  including those with no competitive advantage, selling an undifferentiated product and suffering from the competitive dynamics of capitalism  should return all free cash flow to shareholders in the form of dividends. Reinvesting in a business with low or no returns does not serve the interest of shareholders. In contrast, companies with high returns of equity and the potential to enjoy high returns of capital invested should show a low dividend or no dividend at all. When a dividend is issued, the company imposes tax on its shareholders. If the nature of the shareholder is short term and they are looking for cash from their investment, they can always sell their shares and cash out.



InMode's returns of capital and equity are so high and its patents are so far from expiring that there is no reason for the Company to pay dividends at the present time, nor in the coming years. The business is growing, and we understand that InMode has a strong potential to develop new intellectual property and the opportunity to acquire great complementary businesses in the future. We believe that paying a dividend, a strategy the Company appears to prefer over issuing large buybacksxi, is a huge mistake. Certainly, if patents were near expiration, and if the Company has failed to diversify its intellectual property, then there may arise a moment when a large dividend could be appropriate use of capital. This is not that time. If Board members are interested in obtaining cash, they are free to sell some of their own stock at the tender offer. Of course, one could argue it does not make a lot of sense to sell stock when InMode's valuation is so low.



Strategically execute tender offers and buybacks. We believe that any tender offer or buybacks should only be executed at a value-accretive price. This occurs when the price paid for the stock is low enough that the value generated, when compared with using that same cash for M&A or internal growth, is still a superior return. At this moment in time, we would challenge the Board to find an M&A opportunity with higher returns of capital, equity and assets, higher margins with less competition, better intellectual property and superior free cash flow growth characteristics than InMode possesses  and do so at a lower valuation than InMode. Outstanding businesses at attractive prices are very scarce. There are many years before InMode's patents expire but the opportunity to buy 40% of the Company with a tender offer of stock at this depressed valuation might not last. We believe that InMode will still have plenty of cash in the future for M&A activities and about half a billion in current untapped debt capacity for an opportunistic M&A deal.

It appears the Board thinks it has done enough by issuing a small buyback in relationship to the cash at hand, debt capacity and free cash flow of the firm. We believe the Board is mistaken. It is our view that InMode could be at significant risk of a hostile takeover from leverage buyout players due to its depressed valuation, high margins, superior intellectual property and the fact that the Company is full of cash and possesses no debt. This Board needs to act quickly. It must return cash to its shareholders with a large tender offer, thus taking advantage of InMode's valuation opportunity in public markets. The Board has legal and fiduciary responsibility to its shareholders and the path to honoring that responsibility is clear.

Sincerely,

Pedro Escudero

CEO & CIO

DOMA Perpetual Capital Management LLC

i InMode Q1 2024 Earnings Call

ii InMode Q1 2024 Earnings Call

iii InMode Q3 2023 Earnings Call

iv InMode Q1 2024 Earnings Release, DOMA Perpetual Internal Calculations

v InMode Q1 2024 Earnings Release & Call

vi InMode 23rd Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference Presentation 04.09.2024, InMode Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference 2024 Presentation 06.05.2024

vii Melloy, J. (2024, July 16). Traders see the odds of a fed rate cut by September at 100%. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/16/traders-see-the-odds-of-a-fed-rate-cut-by-september-at-100percent.html

viii InMode 23rd Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference Presentation 04.09.2024, InMode BNPP Exane 2nd Annual Aesthetics Day 05.21.2024

ix InMode BNPP Exane 2nd Annual Aesthetics Day 05.21.2024, InMode 23rd Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference Presentation 04.09.2024

x DOMA Internal Calculations, Bloomberg Database

xi InMode 23rd Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference Presentation 04.09.2024

SOURCE DOMA Perpetual
KALISPELL, Mont., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National E. coli Lawyer Jory Lange is investigating an E. coli outbreak originating in Flathead County, Montana. Thirteen people have contracted E. coli O157:H7. Tragically, one person has died. Flathead City-County Health Department's and Montana Department of Public Health's preliminary investigative findings indicate that the exposure of concern may be E. coli-contaminated ground beef sold at several restaurants. "The ground beef identified as the potential source of the outbreak was sold directly to several restaurants from a distributor," according to Flathead City-County Health Department.

"The scary thing about this outbreak is, as a consumer, there's nothing you can do to tell whether the food that you are buying is safe. You can't taste, smell, or see E. coli. Food that is contaminated with E. coli may look, smell, and taste just like any other food. This is why it's critical that the corporations that make and sell our food ensure the food is safe before they sell it," said E. coli Lawyer Jory Lange.

Record-Breaking Food Poisoning Lawyer

Jory Lange is one of the nation's leading food poisoning lawyers. Jory recently won a $10 million settlement on behalf of a family who got food poisoning after eating at a restaurant. The $10 million settlement was one of the top personal injury settlements reported in 2022. It's believed to be the largest Shigella food poisoning settlement in US history on behalf of a person who developed Reactive Arthritis from Shigella food poisoning.

How The Lange Law Firm Can Help

Our mission is to help families who have been harmed by contaminated products. When food manufacturers cause E. coli outbreaks, we use the law to hold them accountable. If you suspect that you have been infected with E. coli from ground beef or hamburger and are interested in making a legal claim for compensation, we can help. Call us for a free no obligation legal consultation at (833) 330-3663 or send us an e-mail here.

About the legal team:

Jory Lange with The Lange Law Firm, PLLC is one of the United States' leading food poisoning lawyers successfully representing clients across the United States in food poisoning cases from E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Cyclospora, and Vibrio.

Contacts

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC

Jory D. Lange Jr.

www.MakeFoodSafe.com

Candess Zona-Mendola

833.330.3663

[email protected]

SOURCE The Lange Law Firm
All Employers Within 90 Days Helps Lenders Enhance Their Loan Processes

ATLANTA, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax  (NYSE: EFX) has launched a new solution, All Employers Within 90 DaysTM, in support of its commitment to providing an extensive set of verification solutions for the mortgage industry.

Powered by The Work Number, All Employers Within 90 DaysTM allows credentialed lenders to verify a borrower's income and employment information from the previous 90 days. Developed in response to customer feedback, the new solution  which provides a narrow verification period  may be particularly useful for situations when a borrower has been employed at the same job for a long period of time and therefore employment records beyond 90 days are not needed.

"Lenders have many choices when it comes to verifying income and employment information, from in-house or consumer-provided options to working with external companies," said Joel Rickman, Senior Vice President, Verification Services, Equifax Workforce Solutions. "At Equifax, we offer a variety of tailored verification solutions that were developed specifically with mortgage lenders in mind. By offering different types and levels of data at various price points, many lenders are able to find an Equifax solution that meets their specific requirements."

In addition to launching All Employers Within 90 DaysTM, Equifax has introduced modifications to its existing All Employers Within 12 MonthsTM and All Employers Within 24 MonthsTM offerings. Those modifications support lenders with a smoother billing process for those services, resulting in more aligned processing.

With these enhancements and modifications, lenders can choose the solutions they need and the time frame that is most effective for both the borrower and the lender, helping provide a faster time to close and more lender flexibility. Each solution also benefits from the industry-leading security capabilities of Equifax, helping ensure that both borrowers and lenders can be confident their information is protected.

"In today's mortgage market, our customers need solutions that drive speed and reduce fallout," said Chris Mock, Vice President, Mortgage Verification Services at Equifax Workforce Solutions. "Lenders that utilize automated mortgage verification solutions can better provide the type of fast and seamless purchase process that homebuyers have come to expect. And with the variety of solutions available from Equifax, lenders can choose just the records they need to lend confidently."

Through The Work Number database, Equifax is the industry-leading commercial source of consolidated employment information in the United States. This data can help credentialed verifiers with a permissible purpose  such as mortgage lenders  instantly verify potential borrowers' employment and income, enabling a streamlined mortgage process.

To learn more about mortgage verifications or other verification solutions powered by The Work Number from Equifax, please visit our website .

ABOUT EQUIFAX INC. At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com .

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dan Jenkins for Equifax Workforce Solutions

[email protected]

SOURCE Equifax Inc.
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Browse in-depth TOC on "Fire Truck Market"

260 - Tables

57 - Figures

269 - Pages

Fire Truck Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 USD 8.1 billion Estimated Value by 2030 USD 9.6 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% Market Size Available for 20192030 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Type, by propulsion, by application, and by capacity Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Alternate fuels option Key Market Drivers Growing urban areas and infrastructure projects increase the need for more firefighting resources

The engine pumper fire trucks are estimated to be the largest market during the forecast period.

The engine pumper truck finds its application more in commercial & residential and in military due to their complementary capabilities. The government funding for purchasing the customized and modern firefighting trucks have significantly contribute to this growth. For example, the US Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program allocates substantial funds annually to help fire departments acquire new equipment, including pumper fire trucks. In October 2020, over USD 355 million was awarded to fire departments across the US through the AFG program, which spoke to the government's commitment to improving fire response capabilities. At the same time, the National Fire and Rescue Administration in China has invested heavily in fleet firefighting. An estimated budget of USD 1.5 billion was disbursed in year 2021. This increase in investment is showcases that China is actively investing R&D to raise its capacity for emergency response and to further modernize its firefighting infrastructure. In addition, emerging nations like India have rolled out an aggressive city program for 100 smart cities involving an investment of over USD 30 billion, including huge spending on fire services modernization. The "National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)" which are based upon named NFPA 1901, states the requirements that shall be complied within their design, equipment, safety features, and performance abilities of a vehicle. These are the regulations that pumper fire trucks need to ensure appropriate performance for safety throughout the operation, as the disaster response is in emergency cases. Hence, such governmental efforts with technologies for ensuring fire safety are driving the rapid growth of the pumper fire truck market across the world.

Electric fire trucks are projected to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period.

The global fire truck market, regulatory standards are one of the important factors defining product development and market dynamics. Different regions/countries head toward stringent emission regulations with a downward-pressing emission limit. For instance, Europe is moving to Euro VII from Euro VI from July 2025, whereas China has implemented 6b emission standard for light commercial vehicles from July 2023. Also, before 2030, country like China is going to implement China VII emission regulation, due to which, many fire departments globally are now moving towards electric fire trucks. For example, in January 2024, The Mesa Fire Department in Arizona (US) have purchased the E-ONE Vector electric fire truck which can pump 750 gallons per minute for 4 hours on single charge. Besides, Volvo Penta had introduced an electric driveline for Rosenbauer's "Revolutionary Technology" (RT) electric fire truck with two electric motors of up to 360 kW (490 HP) and 50,000 Nm of torque along with a backup diesel engine. In fact, these emission norms have been put in place in various regions and countries, thereby increasing the demand worldwide for electric fire trucks. Besides that, big manufacturers like Rosenbauer International AG also depend on this growth in industry electrification. According to their investor presentations, penetration of electric fire trucks may reach as high as 50% in 2030.

Across American fire departments, the use of electric and hybrid fire equipment is growing in popularity. EV fire trucks are used by the fire department in places like Mesa, Madison, Los Angeles, and Portland. One of the newest features of EV fire trucks is fuel cells as a range extender, which augments the electric motor if the battery runs low. This eliminates the need of fire truck to run more on battery power and keep the vehicle running continuously. Electric fire trucks are more expensive initially than traditional diesel trucks. An equivalent diesel fire truck can cost a lot less than the Rosenbauer RT electric fire truck, for instance. For fire departments, this larger initial outlay may be a hurdle.

Rosenbauer International AG (CFT (Concept Fire Truck)), RT (Revolutionary Technology), ALPAS (Advanced Low-Profile Aerial System), and hybrid variants), Magirus GmbH (Magirus AirCore and Team Cab Electric), IVECO Magirus (Dragon X8 and SuperDragon X6 Electric), E-ONE, a division of the REV Group (Cyclone II Electric and Typhoon II Electric), Volvo Group (FL, FE Electric Fire Truck), and Scania AB (Citywide and P-Series Electric Fire Truck) are major manufacturers of EV fire trucks.

As a result, these producers set the standard for innovation in electric and hybrid fire engines, meeting operational and environmental requirements in urban firefighting both nationally and internationally.

Asia Pacific region is the second largest region in the fire truck market.

This area has the second largest demand for fire vehicles since there is a corresponding boost industrialization and urbanization in the Asia-Pacific region particularly in China, India and Japan. Also, as a result of growth in the sizes of cities and industries in areas classified as megacities as well as expansions in industrial sectors, this growth has given rise to the demand for sophisticated equipment used in fighting fires. The authorities of these countries have allocated large amounts of funds for the purchase of additional and more advanced fire trucks and for investments in public safety facilities that include fire departments. Contemporary fire tender or fire trucks are being used today more and more when new constructions are being made and implemented with rules about construction and fire safety measures to make sure that structures meet international requirements.

Due to the rise of numbers of the urban city, China occupies the largest market in the Asia Pacific region mainly growing residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. As a result of these factors, the need for fire trucks has risen to adequately address the protection from fire hazards. Additionally, the National Bureau of Statistics report states that as of 2023, 64.7% of China's population lived in urban areas. Additionally, the nation's urban population increased from the previous year to 914 million by the end of 2022. This growth in urban areas has increased the demand for advanced fire trucks and fire stations in China. Based on the rate of traveling in the country, china has developed 6 airports as gathered from traveling in the country. In the January 2023 of the Civil Aviation Administration of China report China says that it has completed construction on 6 airports. It had new freight airports, and 29 new general-purpose airports were constructed on the Chinese mainland, bringing the respective totals to 254 freight airports and 399 general-purpose airports by the end of the year. In addition, China had 4,165 freight planes registered at the end of 2022, which has raised by 111 over the year before. As a result of increasing investments in development of airports and the aviation industry, has increased the need of fire trucks. China also has some major local key manufacturers of fire truck manufacturers, including Shenyang Jietong Fire Truck Co., Ltd., Hubei Dong Runze Special Vehicle Equipment Co., Ltd., Shanghai Jindun Special Vehicle Equipment Co., Ltd., Beijing Zhongzhuo, XCMG Fire Equipment, Zoomlion, and Chongqing Dima Industry. Because of their cutting-edge technologies and inventive product offerings, these manufacturers are at the forefront of the industry. China is therefore in need of fire engines because of these circumstances.

Moreover, due to the growing biomedical and logistics sectors, Singapore is the fastest-growing market for fire trucks. Adding more, Singapore is concentrated with global critical players like GlaxoSmithKline (UK), Novartis (Switzerland), and Roche (Switzerland), which require stringent fire safety apparatus and fire stations near their manufacturing and research facilities. Moreover, Singapore is known for their logistics and trade hub, and has some major players named as DHL (Germany), UPS (US), and PSA International (Singapore), necessitates robust fire protection measures across its extensive port facilities and air cargo terminals. Considering the regulations made by the Singapore government, they have mandated the Smart Nation initiative for fire trucks from April 2022, which has made compulsory telematics devices that provide real-time monitoring systems, GPS navigation, and automated firefighting systems. Hence, these factors drive the market for fire trucks in the Asia Pacific region.

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Fire Truck Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Growing urban areas and infrastructure projects increase the need for more firefighting resources.

Restraints:

High investment cost in fire trucks making it less accessible for developing countries

Opportunities:

Alternate fuels option

Challenge:

Economies of scale by smaller players

Key Market Players Fire Truck Industry:

Prominent players in the Fire Truck Market include Rosenbauer International AG (Austria), Oshkosh Corporation (US), Morita Holdings Corporation (Japan), REV Group (US), and IVECO Group NV (Italy).

The break-down of primary participants is as mentioned below:

By Companies: Fire Truck Manufacturers - 80% and Fire Truck End User  20%

Fire Truck Manufacturers - 80% and Fire Truck End User  20% By Designation: Director level - 10%, C-Level Executives - 60%, Others- 30%,

Director level - 10%, C-Level Executives - 60%, Others- 30%, By Region: North America - 10%, Europe  30%, and Asia Pacific - 25%, Rest of the World  35%

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Fire Truck Industry Recent Developments:

In November 2023 , Oshkosh Corporation and Pierce Manufacturing came together for a five-year supply contract with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES). The first two orders include nine apparatus deals which was featuring a Pierce Volterra electric pumper designated for MFES's new net-zero fire station. Other devices in the first two orders comprise a Pierce Enforcer heavy-duty rescue pumper, four Enforcer pumpers, a Saber tanker, an Enforcer HAZMAT truck, and an Ascendant 107-foot heavy-duty aerial ladder on an Enforcer chassis.

, Oshkosh Corporation and Pierce Manufacturing came together for a five-year supply contract with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES). The first two orders include nine apparatus deals which was featuring a electric pumper designated for MFES's new net-zero fire station. Other devices in the first two orders comprise a Pierce Enforcer heavy-duty rescue pumper, four Enforcer pumpers, a Saber tanker, an Enforcer HAZMAT truck, and an Ascendant 107-foot heavy-duty aerial ladder on an Enforcer chassis. The NAFFCO had made an investment in Telangana in September 2023 to develop a manufacturing plant for firefighting equipment. This investment was made to cater the increasing demand for firefighting equipment.

to develop a manufacturing plant for firefighting equipment. This investment was made to cater the increasing demand for firefighting equipment. In March 2023 , Scania and Ziegler in collaboration had successfully installed its hybrid system in one of the ARFF vehicle for promoting the zero-emission operations within and around airports. The combined diesel-electric powertrain significantly reduces crash site response times, exceeding strict aviation industry standards and minimizes emissions.

Fire Truck Market Size - Key Benefits of Buying the Report:

The report will help market leaders and new entrants with information on the closest approximations of the fire truck market's global revenue, ME subsegments, technology analysis, bill of material, eco-system, pricing analysis, trade analysis, and investment & funding.

It will also help stakeholders like OEMs, chassis suppliers, and fire apparatus providers understand the competitive landscape and gain insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies.

The report also helps stakeholders understand the market pulse and provides information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.

This report provides insights on:

Analysis of critical drivers (Growing urban areas and infrastructure projects increase the need for more firefighting resources; and increase in fire accidents have raised the focus on safety), restraints (High investment cost in fire trucks making it less accessible for developing countries), opportunities (alternative fuel option), and challenges (Economies of scale by smaller players) influencing the growth of the fire truck market.

(Growing urban areas and infrastructure projects increase the need for more firefighting resources; and increase in fire accidents have raised the focus on safety), restraints (High investment cost in fire trucks making it less accessible for developing countries), opportunities (alternative fuel option), and challenges (Economies of scale by smaller players) influencing the growth of the fire truck market. Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies and new products launched in the fire truck market.

Detailed insights on upcoming technologies and new products launched in the fire truck market. Market Development: Comprehensive market information  the report analyses the authentication and brand protection market across varied regions.

Comprehensive market information  the report analyses the authentication and brand protection market across varied regions. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the fire truck market.

Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the fire truck market. Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of the market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players in the fire truck market, such as Rosenbauer International AG ( Austria ), Oshkosh Corporation (US), Morita Holdings Corporation ( Japan ), REV Group (US), and IVECO Group N.V ( Italy ).

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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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Developed by a diverse cross-sector committee, the Standards provide clear guidance for credible, independent audits that build stakeholder trust and advance equity

OAKLAND, Calif., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. corporations now have a robust tool to meaningfully examine bias and discrimination risks across all aspects of the business with the new Civil Rights Audit Standards . Born out of broad stakeholder interest in corporations upholding and advancing equitable policies and practices, the Standards are released today by an independent committee, PolicyLink , a leading national research and action institute, and CapEQ , an impact investing and advisory firm.

Today, at 11:30 a.m. ET, PolicyLink and CapEQ will host a live webinar to introduce the Standards, share how they connect to other leading efforts, and preview how they will be implemented over time, including through a civil rights auditor training program. Those interested in attending the webinar live can register here . A recording will be available following the event.

The Standards were developed by an independent Civil Rights Audit Standards Committee, including civil rights experts, investors, worker advocates, and business executives. PolicyLink is serving as the Secretariat for the Standards, leading strategy and managing administrative matters. CapEQ was tapped to architect and bring the Standards to market  selecting key partners, experts, and researchers, while also managing a pilot training program for aspiring auditors to help build the ecosystem of qualified independent auditors. Grounded in principles of nondiscrimination, the Standards set a benchmark for consistency and credibility in audits that help eradicate discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for all people.

"These Standards fill a gap that has existed due to a lack of standardized and objective frameworks for businesses to assess their commitment to civil rights," said Farhana Khera, civil rights advisor, and the lead drafter of these standards. "Using these standards, companies will be able to demonstrate their commitment to civil rights, foster trust among customers, employees, and investors, while also managing legal and reputational risks."

The Standards set performance criteria across nine key aspects of an audit: 1) Comprehensive Scope; 2) Independent, Qualified Auditor; 3) Meaningful Engagement with Key Stakeholders; 4) Access to Critical Information; 5) Rigor and Objectivity; 6) Transparency; 7) Timeliness; 8) Regular Frequency; and 9) Board Oversight and Accountability.

"PolicyLink is honored to serve as the Secretariat for the Civil Rights Audit Standards," said Mahlet Getachew, Managing Director at PolicyLink and Civil Rights Audit Standards Committee Member. "We are invested in the long-term success of businesses that are dedicated to equity, inclusion, and social responsibility and believe performance-focused tools are needed to guide the way forward. These Standards take the guesswork out of conducting a credible audit and will win the trust of stakeholders."

"Civil rights audits can be a critical tool for companies to do well by doing good," said Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, President and CEO of CapEQ. "When they incorporate these Standards, businesses can feel confident that their audits will help them meet business goals while signaling their values to customers and other key stakeholders."

The Standards are integrated within, and a core component of, the Corporate Racial Equity Alliance's recently released Business Standards for 21st Century Leadership, an initiative of PolicyLink, FSG, and JUST Capital, which provide a performance-focused, actionable roadmap to advance nondiscrimination and socially responsible business practicesfrom conducting audits in line with the Civil Rights Audit Standards to setting and achieving meaningful goals across all business functions.

For more information on the Standards, visit https://www.policylink.org/civil-rights-audit-standards .

ABOUT POLICYLINK

PolicyLink is a national research and action institute dedicated to advancing racial and economic equity by Lifting Up What Works. For over two decades, PolicyLink has been dedicated to amplifying the expertise, wisdom, and resilience of people of color and low-income communities to make our social and economic systems work for all people. Learn more at https://www.policylink.org/ .

ABOUT CAPEQ

CapEQ is an Impact Investment & Advisory Firm that helps investors and businesses achieve superior financial returns through social impact. Our team is uniquely positioned with a wealth of expertise, vision and experience, and is led by President and CEO Tynesia Boyea-Robinson. For more information, visit capeqimpact.com and follow CapEQ on LinkedIn and X ( @CapEQimpact ).

SOURCE PolicyLink
"We are thrilled to celebrate our 10th birthday by recognizing the incredible talent of our local bakers, like Crystal, in such a meaningful way," said Liz Zolcak, president at Fresh Thyme Market. "At Fresh Thyme, we're passionate about inspiring a healthier future for our communities and we were just blown away by the response and level of creativity and dedication each and every one of our semifinalists brought to this competition. It just goes to show that Fresh Thyme's broad assortment of innovative and curated items can really spark inspiration in the kitchen, especially as more and more shoppers want options that are healthier for themselves and their families."

Crystal's winning "Morning Glory" cake stood out not only for its presentation but also because it embodies Fresh Thyme's commitment to high-quality ingredients. It showcases how a better-for-you recipe can be just as satisfying and delicious as traditional options, appealing to the food lover in all of us. Inspired by the beloved muffins from Fresh Thyme's in-house bakery, Crystal's recipe features wheat flour, freshly grated carrot and apple, shredded coconut, and specialty ingredients from Fresh Thyme's private label such as organic honey, powdered sugar, organic ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. These elements add flavor, texture, and moisture, earning her recipe the title of Fresh Thyme's official 10th birthday cake.

Along with this recognition, Crystal will receive $5,000 and mentorship from a panel of industry experts to help grow her budding small business, Crystal Kitchen, plus a $5,000 donation made in her honor to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. At Fresh Thyme, our commitment to investing in our communities is at the heart of everything we do. This dedication is exemplified by our support for Crystal and reinforced by our vital partnerships with local food banks. These collaborations are essential to us, enabling us to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.

"It is such a blessing to have been chosen as the winner of the Fresh Thyme Birthday Cake Competition, and I'm thrilled to help Fresh Thyme celebrate their 10th birthday," said Crystal Stanley, owner of Crystal Kitchen. "I pour my heart into my baking, but I started my business on a shoestring budget. The cash prize and mentorship will be a great help as I continue to provide my community with freshly baked items. The thought of having $5,000 donated to a local food bank warms my heart, too, because their mission is important to me. I volunteered at a food bank for several years, and the help they give to the community is priceless."

Fresh Thyme Market extends a heartfelt thanks to all semi-finalists for their participation and creativity:

Amanda Reninger , Sea Salt & Cinnamon - Muncie, IN

, Sea Salt & Cinnamon - Anwelli Okpue, Wani Cakes - Detroit, MI

Crystal Stanley , Crystal Kitchen  Bloomington, IL (winner)

,  Elysia Kramer , Thistle and Knead Gluten Free Bakery - Fort Wayne, IN (finalist)

, Thistle and Knead Gluten Free Bakery - Lydia Armstrong , Gluten Free Creations - Carmel, IN

, Gluten Free Creations - Marguerite Singson , What Margie Made - Chicago, IL

, What Margie Made - Megan Elder , Moose and Me Baking Company - Naperville, IL (finalist)

, Moose and Me Baking Company - Naya Wiley , The Dessert Apothecary - Portage, Michigan

To learn more and find a Fresh Thyme Market location near you, please visit freshthyme.com .

About Fresh Thyme Market

Fresh Thyme Market, a local, community-focused grocer with 70 stores in 10 states throughout the Midwest, was born from a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives. Every day Fresh Thyme Market works to be a trusted resource in our communities, bringing people access to real food at real affordable prices. With a local focus on what the community needs, each store provides fresh, natural, and organic food at affordable prices. By offering an immersive, intuitive shopping experience, Fresh Thyme Market meets people wherever they are on their journey to living a healthier lifestyle. To learn more, visit freshthyme.com .

About Crystal Kitchen

Crystal Stanley began her baking journey at the age of nine, learning to bake brownies from her mom. This early start blossomed into a lifelong passion, further nurtured by the guidance of older ladies who taught her how to bake bread and pies. At 13, Crystal attempted her first decorated cake, which, despite being a disaster, fueled her desire to perfect her craft. Between the ages of 13 and 18, she sold cinnamon rolls weekly, honing her skills.

As an adult, Crystal has continued to explore new techniques and recipes, sharing her creations with friends who encouraged her to start selling her baked goods. In June 2023, Crystal became a registered cottage baker, launching Crystal Kitchen. She now sells a variety of homemade treats, including breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, pies, donuts, candy, quick breads, muffins, cupcake bouquets, and, of course, cakes. Crystal believes in baking from scratch, creating healthier and more delicious treats, and sees baking as a way of showing love through the beautiful creations she makes from simple ingredients.

Media Contact:

Anna McAndrew

[email protected]

SOURCE Fresh Thyme Market
Gate Gourmet Teamsters and Union Coalition to Practice Picket as Potential Strike Looms for Over 8,000 Workers

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, Teamsters and union coalition allies at Gate Gourmet will hold "ready to strike" rallies and practice pickets in Chicago and San Francisco. Over 8,000 dedicated airline foodservice workers nationwide, including more than 3,700 Teamsters, are fighting for affordable health care and higher wages. Gate Gourmet workers provide catering services to airlines at 30 airports across the U.S.

Contract negotiations for Gate Gourmet workers have been ongoing since 2017. The National Mediation Board has released the unions to strike as early as July 30, 2024. Teamsters across the country are prepared to strike against the company's unfair and insulting contract offers. More pickets and rallies will be scheduled the days ahead.

The Teamsters will be joined by Unite Here; the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM); and the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) to demand a fair contract.

WHO: Gate Gourmet Workers WHAT: Ready to Strike" Rally and Practice Picket for Fair Contract WHEN: Friday, July 26 at 11 A.M. CT (Chicago) and 12:30 P.M. PT (San Francisco) WHERE: Chicago-O'Hare Airport (ORD) 239 Kitchen, 4347 United Pkwy, Schiller Park, IL 60176

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Outside Gate Gourmet, 645 W Field Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128 VISUALS: Gate Gourmet workers, holding signs that read "Ready to Strike"

Daniel Moskowitz, (770) 262-4971

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
BOSTON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent voter poll of registered Wisconsin voters showed shocking results; on the issues, voters support Republicans in Congress 67% vs 13% for Democrats.

In the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Trump in Butler, PA, and Joe Biden's subsequent withdrawal under pressure from his party as the Democratic nominee, now more than ever we must unite.

"Countless millions are being conned into voting against themselves and their best self-interests" - JP Moran Post this

A poll of registered voters in Wisconsin, commissioned by Grand Opportunity USA "GOUSA" and conducted by Gravis Marketing, a nonpartisan political research firm, has demonstrated that voters in America are strongly united on the key issues.

According to John Paul Moran, Founder and CEO of GOUSA, "While it's great news that the voters are so united, of concern is that the poll demonstrates that a substantial number are actually voting against their own self-interests by electing politicians who oppose them on the issues they care about the most  no wonder why Congress' approval rating is a dismal 13% and why 79% of voters do not have trust in their own government".

The top-line results of GOUSA's "OppScore Challenge" survey reveal that 67% of voters closely align with Republicans in Congress on the issues, while only 13% align with Democrats, a striking 5-to-1 advantage for Republicans.

Astonishingly, the Biden/Harris Administration and the most progressive members of Congress gained the support of just 1% of the voters polled on the key issues, while former President Trump and conservative "America-First" members of Congress gained the support of 40% of those polled - nearly half - reflecting a 40-to-1 advantage.

Once completing the OppScore Challenge "political personality test," the poll also found that a strong majority of independent Wisconsin voters chose center-Right candidates vs. progressive candidates by a margin of over 2 to 1. The breakdown of respondents: 52% modestly Left-leaning independent or undeclared voters, 28% Republicans, and 20% Democrats.

"This groundbreaking poll, the first of its kind in history, has shown conclusively what many voters have suspected all along: that the so-called division in America isn't real and is being fueled by highly partisan forces who are pitting citizens against each other in a pitched battle for power and control," explains John Paul Moran of GOUSA. "The majority of voters strongly oppose the kind of political division and violence fueled by the Biden/Harris Administration and the mainstream media that led to the attempted assassination of former President Trump."

The nonpartisan test is comprised of a comprehensive 36-question survey on the top voter issues across GOUSA's "Five Points of Opportunity"  Personal, Economic, Social, Educational, and National Opportunity - and comparing their rating to the federal politicians who have been scored using the same criteria; all members of Congress, and Trump, Biden and Harris, have been rated by GOUSA's volunteer ratings analysts based on their voting records, public positions, statements, websites, party policies, and more.

The OppScore ratings  short for "Opportunity Score" - range from (negative) -5.0 / 5, "Anti-Opportunity", up to + 5.0 / 5, "Pro-Opportunity", on the nonpartisan "Opportunity Scale" which objectively measures both voters and politicians based on whether their position on a given issue aligns with the majority will of voters and the US Constitution.

As an example, VP Harris, the presumptive Democrat nominee who has earned a (negative) - 3.0/5 "Anti-Opportunity" rating, loses 0.4 points within the "National Opportunity" category with respect to the principles of securing our borders and protecting election integrity. The Biden/Harris Administration has failed to secure our border, allowing over 10 million illegal immigrants to enter under their watch and seeing 100,000+ annual drug overdose deaths fueled by the border crisis. They have threatened election integrity by opposing voter ID laws and supporting HR1 "For the People Act" which would federalize elections in violation of the US Constitution; and with Biden withdrawing from the race for President under pressure from top Democrats and endorsing Harris, they are disenfranchising 14 million primary election voters and undemocratically denying them a voice in the selection of their nominee. Trump conversely wins 0.4 points on these same principles and has earned a total + 4.2/5 "Strong Pro-Opportunity" score.

"Countless millions are being conned into voting against themselves and their best self-interests" adds Moran. "How else can an Administration possibly get elected 'democratically' when polling data suggests that they earn only 1% support of the voters on the issues? If politics were run more like a business, these kinds of people would never get elected, regardless of party".

The OppScore and the OppScore Challenge can put an end to this destructive charade and fix politics for the better  'Where it's not Red vs. Blue, They work for YOU'".

To support or learn more about GOUSA: www.GO-USA.us. See politician ratings and take the OppScore voter survey here: www.OppScore.org. The "OppScore Challenge" is coming soon.

SOURCE GOUSA
RED BANK, N.J., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Halcyon, the innovative leader in digital IRS integrated income verification solutions, and CoreLogic, a global property information, analytics, and data-enabled solutions provider, announced a new collaborative alliance. This integration aims to revolutionize the income verification process in the lending and mortgage industry, offering unparalleled efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Halcyon's Tax Wallet is a cutting-edge solution designed to streamline the IRS income verification process, providing faster, better, and more cost-effective services. Recognized for its exceptional performance, Tax Wallet has received representation and warranty approval from both Freddie Mac and acceptance from Fannie Mae's Digital Underwriter, making it a trusted tool for banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers nationwide. This solution is the fastest, most efficient, and inexpensive income transcript solution on the market, reflecting both companies' focus on serving the underserved market while lowering costs for both the consumer and lenders.

Kirk Donaldson, CEO of Halcyon, expressed his enthusiasm for the alliance: "We are thrilled to join forces with CoreLogic, a company that shares our commitment to innovation and excellence. This collaboration leverages CoreLogic's extensive reach and our advanced technology to provide unparalleled value to the mortgage industry. Together, we are setting a new standard for income verification solutions."

CoreLogic, renowned for its comprehensive property data and analytics, stands at the forefront of the lending and verification space. With a robust portfolio that supports the entire mortgage lifecycle, CoreLogic's solutions are integral to the decision-making processes of financial institutions, real estate professionals, and insurance companies. CoreLogic's commitment to innovation and excellence has solidified its position as a market leader, trusted by industry giants and stakeholders.

Through this strategic alliance, CoreLogic will offer Halcyon's Tax Wallet, integrating its advanced income verification capabilities with CoreLogic's extensive suite of services. This collaboration ensures that lenders have access to the most reliable and efficient tools for income verification, enhancing the accuracy and speed of the mortgage approval process.

"This collaboration with Halcyon aligns with our mission to deliver comprehensive and reliable solutions to our clients," said Praveen Chandramohan, Senior Vice President, Origination Growth Solutions at CoreLogic. "Halcyon's Tax Wallet is a game-changer in the income verification space, and we are glad to offer this technology to our customers via the CoreLogic AutomatIQ Borrower platform, enhancing their efficiency and compliance in the mortgage process."

This synergistic effort underscores the commitment of both Halcyon and CoreLogic to drive innovation and provide superior solutions in the mortgage industry. By combining their strengths, they are poised to deliver exceptional value and set a new benchmark for income verification services.

For more information about Halcyon's Tax Wallet and CoreLogic's suite of services, please visit www.halcyonsw.com and www.corelogic.com .

CORELOGIC, the CoreLogic logo and AutomatIQ are trademarks of CoreLogic, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

Bridget Trevino

[email protected]

SOURCE Halcyon
All-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe tops Midsize SUV segment in driver satisfaction

Hyundai advances three ranks to achieve fourth place among mass-market brands

2024 Hyundai Kona secures second place in Small SUV segment

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- J.D. Power has named the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe as the most appealing vehicle in the midsize SUV segment in the 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM. The newly launched Santa Fe received high marks for its exceptional consumer appeal and satisfaction in its segment. In addition, Hyundai's lineup showed strong performance overall, with the Hyundai Kona securing second place in its respective segment and demonstrating significant improvements across various categories. As a brand, Hyundai climbed three ranks to achieve fourth place among mass-market automakers.

Robert Mansfield, vice president, global automotive, J.D. Power, presents the J.D. Power APEAL Best Midsize SUV trophy for the Hyundai Santa Fe to Ricky Lao, director, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America and Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America in Fountain Valley, Calif., July 23, 2024. (Photo/Hyundai)

"We are honored to have Santa Fe recognized for standing out in this competitive segment," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "This achievement highlights Santa Fe's bold, rugged design, spacious interior, and smart tech that deeply resonate with the community. Its standout aesthetic and family-friendly features reflect our commitment to blending style, innovation, comfort, and safety."

About J.D. Power

J.D. Power is a global leader in automotive data and analytics, and provides industry intelligence, consumer insights and advisory solutions to the automotive industry and selected non-automotive industries. J.D. Power leverages its extensive proprietary datasets and software capabilities combined with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools to help its clients optimize business performance.

J.D. Power was founded in 1968 and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto-shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
REDDITCH, England, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Concentric's Interim Report for Q2 2024 (January-June 2024), will be published on the 31 of July 2024, at 08.00 CET.

At 10.00 CET media, investors and analysts are invited to participate/join via webcast/telephone conference for a presentation of the report.

President & CEO Martin Kunz and CFO Marcus Whitehouse will host the presentation, which will be held in English and is followed by a Q&A-session. We look forward to your participation. Please see the below detailed information to join in:

Press and analysts conference at 10.00 CET (09:00 UK TIME)

1. Access the webcast:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/w94jf78h

Please press the play button or refresh your browser if your webcast video does not load automatically.

2. Telephone conference

Participants are required to register in advance of the conference using the link provided below. Upon registering, each participant will be provided with Participant Dial In Numbers, and a unique Personal PIN.

In the 10 minutes prior to the call start time, participants will need to use the conference access information provided in the e-mail received at the point of registering. Participants may also use the call me feature instead of dialing the nearest dial in number .

Telephone conference Online Registration:

https://register.vevent.com/register/BIeab942f474174447aff5342f2406aebc

For further information, please contact Gregory Asante at Tel: +44 121 445 6545 or E-mail: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/concentric-ab/r/invitation-to-a-press-and-analyst-conference-call-for-the-presentation-of-concentric-s-second-quarte,c4017871

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Concentric AB
Sale being conducted under a Delaware State Court liquidation proceeding

NEW YORK, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IPv4.Global by Hilco Streambank (IPv4.Global), the world's largest IPv4 marketplace, announced today that it is seeking offers to buy up to 180,000 IPv4 addresses held by StackPath. StackPath is a well-known edge computing firm being liquidated in an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors proceeding in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. The IPv4 Address blocks total over 180,000 IPv4 addresses, including blocks ranging from /16 to /24.

Indications of interest to acquire the assets are being solicited by IPv4.Global. The sale is being conducted on behalf of an Assignee for the Benefit of Creditors, StackPath ABC, LLC, a Delaware Series LLC of DSI ABCs, LLC ("DSI"), a well-known restructuring and insolvency consulting firm. DSI is authorized to negotiate with interested parties and, if an indication of interest is acceptable, may enter into a transaction.

IPv4.Global is the leading IPv4 broker worldwide, having successfully monetized more than 65 million IPv4 addresses, generating more than $1.3 billion dollars for its clients around the world. IPv4.Global sells IP Addresses both through its online auction marketplace and private brokerage.

IPv4.Global's Executive Vice President Jack Hazan commented, "This is a great opportunity to pick up a large bundle of IPv4 addresses through a transparent process, which is the hallmark of our company. Given the existing strong demand for IPv4 addresses on our marketplace, we are confident it will be a quick sales process."

Interested parties can learn more on its website, IPv4.Global, or contact IPv4.Global directly at [email protected].

IPv4.Global Deal Team Jack Hazan EVP [email protected] Syd Dufton VP of Sales [email protected] Ceasar Sitt Account Executive [email protected]

About IPv4.Global: IPv4.Global, a division of Hilco Streambank, is the most trusted IPv4 marketplace in the world. We operate the only transparent, public marketplace to ensure our buyers and sellers get the most value for their transactions. Our multi-tiered platform, backed by the most experienced team of transfer analysts, facilitates transactions of varying IPv4 block sizes, ranging from small public to large private transactions. IPv4.Global provides credible, transparent services to our buyers and sellers, making it the most trusted marketplace worldwide.

SOURCE IPv4.Global
KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kansas City Life Insurance Company (the "Company") announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Eileen M. Hutchinson to the Board effective July 22, 2024, to fill an unexpired term. Ms. Hutchinson will also join the Audit Committee.

Ms. Hutchinson retired as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Government Employee Health Association, Inc. ("GEHA") in 2016. Prior to joining GEHA, she worked as the Vice President of Finance for the Epoch Group, LLC, Tax Manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, and in public accounting. Ms. Hutchinson is a certified public accountant ("CPA") and achieved the chartered global management accountant ("CGMA") designation.

Since her retirement from GEHA, Ms. Hutchinson has served on the board of directors and the finance, investment and audit committees of various professional organizations and not-for-profit entities. Ms. Hutchinson is very active in a number of charitable organizations in the Kansas City area.

Chairman of the Board R. Philip Bixby stated that: "Ms. Hutchinson brings an impressive record of leadership and expertise in the financial services industry to Kansas City Life. I believe we will benefit greatly from her perspectives on financial matters and on industry issues as the Company continues its promise of providing Security Assured to our customers."

Ms. Hutchinson will fill the vacancy on the Board created by the retirement of Cecil R. Miller. The term of the vacancy expires in April 2025.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (OTCQX: KCLI) was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company's primary business is providing financial protection through the sale of life insurance and annuities. The Company operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, please visit www.kclife.com .

SOURCE Kansas City Life Insurance Company
PITTSBURGH, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Koppers Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KOP), an integrated global provider of treated wood products, wood treatment chemicals, and carbon compounds, today announced that the company plans to release its financial results for the second quarter of 2024 before the market opens on Thursday, August 8, 2024, and discuss its outlook on a conference call later that day at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Presentation materials will be available at least 15 minutes before the call on www.koppers.com in the Investor Relations section of the company's website.

Interested parties may access the live audio broadcast toll free by dialing 833-366-1128 in the United States and Canada, or 412-902-6774 for international, Conference ID number 10184855. Participants are requested to access the call at least five minutes before the scheduled start time to complete a brief registration. The conference call will be broadcast live on www.koppers.com and can also be accessed here.

An audio replay will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call at 877-344-7529 for U.S. toll free, 855-669-9658 for Canada toll free, or 412-317-0088 for international, using replay access code 2850381. The recording will be available for replay through November 8, 2024.

About Koppers

Koppers (NYSE: KOP) is an integrated global provider of essential treated wood products, wood preservation technologies and carbon compounds. Our team of 2,200 employees create, protect and preserve key elements of our global infrastructure  including railroad crossties, utility poles, outdoor wooden structures, and production feedstocks for steel, aluminum and construction materials, among others  applying decades of industry-leading expertise while constantly innovating to anticipate the needs of tomorrow. Together we are providing safe and sustainable solutions to enable rail transportation, keep power flowing, and create spaces of enjoyment for people everywhere. Protecting What Matters, Preserving The Future. Learn more at Koppers.com.

Inquiries from the media should be directed to Ms. Jessica Franklin Black at [email protected] or 412-227-2025. Inquiries from the investment community should be directed to Ms. Quynh McGuire at [email protected] or 412-227-2049.

For Information: Quynh McGuire, Vice President, Investor Relations

412 227 2049

[email protected]

SOURCE KOPPERS HOLDINGS INC.
Current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chris Peirce Announces Retirement at End of 2024

BOSTON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty Mutual Insurance President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Sweeney today announced that Julie Haase has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2025. With this appointment, Haase joins the company's executive leadership team and will report to Sweeney.

Haase is currently Executive Vice President, Executive Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Liberty Mutual Investments (LMI), the globally invested, multi-strategy firm that manages

capital for Liberty Mutual. In this role, she is responsible for the delivery of LMI's investment enabling services, which include building new capabilities as well as accelerating the alignment of administration, operations, finance, compliance and technology.

Haase joined Liberty Mutual in 2002 as a financial analyst and held various roles of increasing responsibility within the Corporate and Personal Insurance Finance organizations. In 2011, she joined Personal Lines Distribution to build out the organization's strategy and analytics capabilities and later led a portion of the U.S. local sales and service operations. In 2014, Haase was named Chief Financial Officer for the company's Personal Insurance division with her role expanding over the next several years to include global operations and U.S. small commercial for Global Retail Markets.

She has also been in a leadership role for WE@Liberty, the company's employee resource group supporting women and allies, since 2015. Haase holds a Master of Business Administration from Babson College and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Providence College. She is also a graduate of the insurance executive development program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a Board member of Women's Lunch Place, a Boston-based non-profit organization that supports the development of self-sustaining skills for women experiencing hunger, homelessness and poverty.

"I've had the opportunity to work with Julie for many years and know her broad experience and in-depth technical expertise across a variety of finance and business functions will help drive continued success for Liberty Mutual," said Sweeney. "Julie has proven time and again that she's an exceptional leader who has the unique ability to build trust while also being a catalyst for positive change within the organization."

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chris Peirce Announces Retirement

The company's current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chris Peirce announced he will retire at the end of 2024. Peirce held multiple leadership roles during his notable, nearly three-decade career at Liberty Mutual, including President of the Global Specialty and Commercial Markets business units, as well as various financial roles within Liberty International, including Chief Financial

Officer from 2006 to 2011. He joined the company in 1995 as a manager in the Corporate Financial group and prior to this, was as a tax manager with global accounting organization KPMG.

Under Peirce's leadership, he stewarded the company's financial health and provided influential insights and counsel to Liberty Mutual's board of directors and executive leadership team. During his tenure, Peirce impacted all areas of the organization's finance function, including corporate accounting and reporting, planning and capital management, corporate taxation, treasury, enterprise risk management, and global mergers and acquisitions. He also served in an influential leadership position for Valor@Liberty, the company's employee resource group that supports active military members, veterans and allies.

"Chris has been an integral member of the Liberty Mutual executive leadership team and has made significant contributions to our company over the last 30 years," said Sweeney. "I appreciate his thoughtful approach to challenging the status quo and his dedicated support of our important Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, especially his passion and commitment toward our employee military community, which is a lasting part of his legacy. I'm personally grateful for his counsel and friendship and wish him the very best in his next chapter."

"I'm incredibly proud to have been part of Liberty Mutual for the past three decades. Over the years, it's been my privilege to help build our international business, bring together and oversee our Global Specialty teams and lead our global finance function," said Peirce. "Julie's extensive experience and fresh perspective will be a tremendous addition to the company's executive leadership team as they continue driving the organization forward. I am grateful to have worked with so many extraordinary colleagues and would also like to thank Tim and Board Chairman David Long for their leadership, counsel and mentorship."

About Liberty Mutual Insurance

At Liberty Mutual, we believe progress happens when people feel secure. By providing protection for the unexpected and delivering it with care, we help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow.

In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, today we are the eighth largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2023 gross written premium. We also rank 87 on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the US based on 2023 revenue. As of December 31, 2023, we had $49.4 billion in annual consolidated revenue.

We employ over 45,000 people in 29 countries and economies around the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, specialty lines, reinsurance, commercial multiple-peril, workers compensation, commercial automobile, general liability, surety, and commercial property.

For more information, visit www.libertymutualinsurance.com.

Contact: Liberty Mutual Media Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Liberty Mutual Insurance
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) is thrilled to announce that former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Dr. Loretta Mester is now available for speaking engagements. WWSG will facilitate Dr. Mester's speaking commitments exclusively.

"I am honored to join the roster of thought leaders that work exclusively with WWSG. It was clear to me from our first conversations that WWSG is the leader in the speaking industry," Dr. Mester said.

Loretta Mester was president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland from June 1, 2014 through June 30, 2024. In that role, she participated in the formulation of U.S. monetary policy and oversaw more than 1,000 employees based at the Bank's Cleveland office and Branch offices in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh who were engaged in conducting economic research, supervising banking institutions, promoting community development, and providing payment services to depository institutions and the U.S. Treasury. Mester was the 11th president of the Cleveland Fed and represented the Fourth District on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).

"Our team is very excited to offer Dr. Mester's expertise to our global client list," said the company's president, Dan Sims. In addition to her work for the Fed, Dr. Mester is a member of the American Economic Association, the American Finance Association, the Econometric Society, and the Financial Management Association International.

Loretta Mester is among several other high-profile thought leaders to work exclusively with WWSG for their public speaking engagements. Others include Sheila Bair (Chairman, Fannie Mae [2020-2022]; President of Washington College [2015-2017]; 19th Chair of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [2006-2011]; Author), Hank Paulson (Founder & Chairman, Paulson Institute; Chairman, TPG Rise Climate Fund; Secretary of the Treasury [2006-2009]; Former Chairman & CEO, Goldman Sachs), Robert Zoellick (President, The World Bank Group [2007-2012]; U.S. Deputy Secretary of State [2005-2006]; U.S. Trade Representative for President George W. Bush [2001-2005]), and Sir Niall Ferguson (Historian; Author; Emmy-Winning Filmmaker; Managing Director, Greenmantle; Senior Fellow, Stanford; Senior Faculty Fellow, Harvard).

WWSG exclusively represents thought leaders from various industries. Top-requested speakers include Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Neurosurgeon, Chief Medical Correspondent at CNN); Chris Miller (Award-Winning Author of Chip War); Dr. Scott Gottlieb (Physician, Former FDA Commissioner); Erika Ayers Badan (Former CEO, Barstool Sports); David Frum (Political Analyst, Writer, The Atlantic); and many others.

WWSG operates on six continents, representing an elite roster of global thought leaders who participate in public speaking and keynote speaking. The top-rated professional services agency works with multinational financial services organizations, healthcare organizations, trade associations, colleges and universities, public lecture series, and other groups to skillfully connect them with the world's best speakers. For more information, visit wwsg.com (https://www.wwsg.com/) or call (703) 373-WWSG (9974).

Contact:

Kaylie Abela

***@wwsg.com

Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/13030961

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Worldwide Speakers Group
RALEIGH, N.C., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicom, a health tech startup leading enterprise imaging interoperability, today announced completion of its oversubscribed strategic financing round. Notable participation included UPMC Enterprises, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Ventures, expanded participation from existing investors Cone Health Ventures, Oval Park Capital and Grayhawk Capital, as well as local Triangle venture groups such as the Carolina Angel Network and the Triangle Tweener Fund.

Medicom's alignment with UPMC's and TGH's missions around interoperability and RWD&E will accelerate the platform's evolution and commercialization Post this Medicom secures strategic partnerships with UPMC and Tampa General Hospital to strengthen their core imaging interoperability platform and unlock transformative insights from Real-World Data.

With participation from two nationally renowned academic institutionsUPMC Enterprises, the innovation, commercialization, and venture capital arm of the health system UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), and TGH Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Tampa General HospitalMedicom welcomes the strategic partnerships and the clinical and research expertise they bring as the company enters its next phase of growth.

"As we continue to strengthen our core enterprise imaging interoperability platform and unlock transformative insights from Real-World Data, we are excited to have two extraordinary partners join our team," said Michael Rosenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Medicom. "Medicom's alignment with UPMC's and TGH's missions around interoperability and RWD&E will accelerate the platform's evolution and commercialization, and we are excited to see the impact these partnerships will have on our thousands of Medicom Connect and Intellect user organizations."

"At UPMC Enterprises, we have a front row seat to the transformation that health care is undergoing as data becomes more accessible and interoperability improves," said Brent Burns, Executive Vice President of digital solutions at UPMC Enterprises. "Medical imaging files and metadata are critical to supporting clinical and academic research to develop novel therapeutics. We are thrilled to partner with Medicom and bring their expertise in secure and efficient medical image and data exchange to support UPMC's continued leadership in health care research."

"Since 2021, Tampa General Hospital has expanded its deployment with Medicom to offer a comprehensive singular, high reliability enterprise imaging platform that facilitates cross-institute exchange across all 23 TGH Imaging locations in the Tampa Bay region," said Sherri Lewman, senior vice president of Enterprise Imaging. "Broadening our scope with Medicom has allowed TGH Imaging to increase telemetry, observability and control while reducing overall image exchange costs."

"TGH Ventures is proud to approve this investment in Medicom to continue to advance innovation across our enterprise and all aspects of healthcare imaging," said Rachel Feinman, vice president of Innovation at Tampa General and managing director of TGH Ventures.

In addition, Medicom secured capital from Customers Bank, the $22 billion asset subsidiary of Customers Bancorp and a leading partner in the venture banking community.

This round of funding aims to leverage strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions and local Research Triangle Park participants, alongside the deployment of new capital, to drive platform innovation and go-to-market functions for accelerated growth.

Recognized by KLAS as one of the most promising HCIT companies in 2024, Medicom's platform addresses the long-standing challenges of interoperability of medical images and relevant clinical data. By leveraging its unique peer-to-peer network and generative AI, Medicom consolidates the use of multiple cloud solutions, CDs, fax, courier services, and VPNs into a single enterprise-wide platform for all enterprise imaging workflows. Whether it's automatically capturing relevant prior images and associated clinical data before a patient's appointment and reconciling it across all internal systems, enabling patients with the ability to access and share their images directly within their existing patient portal, or providing researchers with longitudinal patient-cohort specific de-identified data for research and development, Medicom ensures real-time access to relevant data for the advancement of patient care.

About Medicom

Medicom is a health tech company that is dedicated to ensuring timely access to clinically relevant data at the point-of-care and advancing research. The company developed the first fully federated, decentralized, peer-to-peer network for medical image and clinical data exchange. The Medicom platform leverages the Medicom Network for both clinical and research use cases. Medicom Connect enables enterprise imaging interoperability, eliminating long-standing data exchange, accessibility, and usability challenges for patients and providers. Medicom Intellect leverages the Medicom Network for research collaboration, providing data and insights for research within precision medicine and life sciences.

Related Links

https://home.medicom.us

https://enterprises.upmc.com

https://tgh.org/research-and-innovation/tgh-ventures

Provided by:

Medicom Technologies, Inc. (Medicom) // Raleigh, NC & Phoenix, AZ

SOURCE Medicom Technologies, Inc.
Bright Horizons at Legacy ignored Texas daycare laws aimed to protect young children, according to lawsuit filed by The Button Law Firm

PLANO, Texas, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A North Texas mother is suing Bright Horizons at Legacy, claiming her 20-month-old daughter was poisoned by drugs in a vape pen on her first day attending the daycare center in January. Jocelyn Carter claims a caregiver at Bright Horizons at Legacy noticed the child had a pink vape pen in her hand and saw smoke coming from her mouth and nose. However, Bright Horizons at Legacy endangered the toddler's life by not seeking immediate medical attention for the child or reporting the incident to Carter or the authorities as required by Texas daycare laws, according to the complaint. Because of the daycare center's negligence, the toddler experienced swollen, red, and puffy eyes and cheeks, and developed a persistent cough that led to vomiting.

The lawsuit states a worker at Bright Horizons at Legacy told Carter her daughter was "a good sleeper" when she questioned why her daughter's face was inflamed at pickup. The lawsuit continues that it took Bright Horizons at Legacy eight days to tell Carter the truth about what happened to her daughter. After seeing Carter's daughter with the vape pen, a caregiver quickly took the vape pen from the toddler's hand and confronted another caregiver, who put it in her pocket, according to the suit. The complaint alleges the incident was not reported because the caregiver who witnessed the incident did not know how to report incidents and was afraid she may get in trouble.

"I am furious that Bright Horizons at Legacy knew my daughter could be poisoned by drugs in a vape pen, but they chose to do nothing and remained silent," says Carter. "My daughter is my world. I don't want to imagine what might have happened if I hadn't rushed her to a doctor as soon as I sensed something was off."

Carter got the Plano Police Department involved. Their investigation revealed Carter's daughter could have inhaled up to 40 mg of nicotine from a Lost Mary model OS5000 disposable electronic vape pen, per the suit. (The Texas Poison Center Network states children ingesting small amounts of nicotine can turn fatal.) A separate investigation by the Texas Health and Human Services Child-Care Licensing Division and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services substantiated Carter's claims against Bright Horizons at Legacy. The agencies cited the daycare center for neglectfully supervising the toddler and failing to meet the requirements of a mandatory reporter of suspected child abuse and neglect because a caregiver witnessed the incident but did not report it to the proper authorities.

"Negligent practices at Bright Horizons at Legacy failed this family by endangering an innocent toddler's life," says daycare injury lawyer Russell Button of The Button Law Firm, who represents Carter in this lawsuit. "Hard-working parents like Ms. Carter expect daycare centers hire responsible caregivers and provide a safe environment. Bright Horizons at Legacy did neither, causing a little girl to suffer."

The case is Jocelyn Carter, Individually and as next friend of G.C., a minor child, vs. Bright Horizons Children's Center, LLC d/b/a Bright Horizons at Legacy, Cause No. 429-04808-2024 in the District Court of Collin County, Texas. 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
TSX and OTC: MPVD

TORONTO, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. ("Mountain Province", the "Company") (TSX: MPVD) (OTC: MPVD) today announces production and sales results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 ("the Quarter" or "Q2 2024") from the Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine ("GK Mine"). All figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

Q2 2024 Production Takeaways

(all figures reported on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated)

1,318,680 carats recovered, 2% less than last year's comparable quarter (Q2 2023: 1,339,196 carats)

Average grade of 1.37 carats per tonne, a 24% difference relative to Q2 2023 (1.79 carats per tonne)

971,311 ore tonnes mined, a 63% increase relative to last year's comparable quarter (Q2 2023: 595,990 ore tonnes mined)

965,984 ore tonnes treated, a 29% increase relative to last year's comparable quarter (Q2 2023: 750,241 tonnes treated)

















Q2 2024 Production Figures















2024 Q2 2023 Q2 YoY Variance Total tonnes mined (ore and waste) 7,911,091 9,235,465 -14 % Ore tonnes mined 971,311 595,990 63 % Ore tonnes treated 965,984 750,241 29 % Carats recovered 1,318,680 1,339,196 -2 % Carats recovered (49% share) 646,153 656,206 -2 % Recovered grade (carats per tonne) 1.37 1.79 -24 %

Q2 2024 Sales Results

During the Quarter 557,361 carats were sold for total proceeds of $56.8 million (US$41.5 million), resulting in an average price of $102 per carat (US$74 per carat). These results compare to Q2 2023 when 360,308 carats were sold for total proceeds of $59.9 million (US$44.6 million), resulting in an average price of $166 per carat (US$124 per carat).

Mark Wall, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"Q2 2024's carats recovered is largely unchanged compared to Q2 2023. The processing plant continued to perform well, with tonnes treated up 29% compared to Q2 2023. The good performance of the plant was offset by a lower grade in the Quarter. Lower grade had been expected as per the mine plan in Q2 2024, however, as noted previously, we have also seen a lower than expected grade at the deep portions of the pits, continue through the Quarter. The team has been working on identifying and isolating the small area of grade under performance and as stated previously, this will improve as we move through the year.

The diamond market continues to be softer than anticipated. At a macro level the return of demand in China has not materialized so far and the market is now expecting a more protracted U-shaped recovery in diamond demand. On the synthetic market, the Quarter saw De Beers' CEO, Al Cook announce it was pivoting to manufacture lab-grown diamonds for industrial uses and focusing its jewelry marketing efforts behind natural mined diamonds. We are also seeing a resurgence in US jewellers' interest in natural diamonds. The importance of diamond provenance continued to strengthen, which is helpful for Canadian diamond producers like Mountain Province."

Earnings Release and Conference Call Details

The Company will host its quarterly conference call on Thursday August 8th, 2024 at 11:00am ET. Prior to the conference call, the Company will release Q2 2024 financial results on August 7th, 2024 after-market.

Conference Call Dial-in Details:

Title: Mountain Province Diamonds Inc Q2 2024 Earnings Conference Call

Date of call: 08/08/2024

Time of call: 11:00 Eastern Time

Expected Duration: 60 minutes

Webcast Link:

https://app.webinar.net/94JwoV1MRDG

North American Toll-Free Number: (+1) 800-836-8184

Participant Local/International Number: (+1) 289-819-1350

A replay of the webcast and audio call will be available on the Company's website.

About Mountain Province Diamonds Inc.

Mountain Province Diamonds is a 49% participant with De Beers Canada in the Gahcho Kue diamond mine located in Canada's Northwest Territories. The Gahcho Kue Joint Venture property consists of several kimberlites that are actively being mined, developed, and explored for future development. The Company also controls more than 113,000 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims and leases surrounding the Gahcho Kue Mine that include an Indicated mineral resource for the Kelvin kimberlite and Inferred mineral resources for the Faraday kimberlites.

For further information on Mountain Province Diamonds and to receive news releases by email, visit the Company's website at www.mountainprovince.com.

Qualified Person

The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding Mountain Province's mineral properties has been reviewed and approved Dan Johnson, P.Eng., a director of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to operational hazards, including possible disruption due to pandemic such as COVID-19, its impact on travel, self-isolation protocols and business and operations, estimated production and mine life of the project of Mountain Province; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; the future price of diamonds; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the ability to manage debt; capital expenditures; the ability to obtain permits for operations; liquidity; tax rates; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Mountain Province, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates," "may," "can," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "targets," "intends," "likely," "will," "should," "to be", "potential" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Mountain Province and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include the development of operation hazards which could arise in relation to COVID-19, including, but not limited to protocols which may be adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and any impact of such protocols on Mountain Province's business and operations, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in market conditions, changes in project parameters, mine sequencing; production rates; cash flow; risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; supply of, and demand for, diamonds; fluctuating commodity prices and currency exchange rates, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated.

These factors are discussed in greater detail in Mountain Province's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent MD&A filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Mountain Province cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Mountain Province believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Although Mountain Province has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mountain Province undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as the property is developed. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Further, Mountain Province may make changes to its business plans that could affect its results. The principal assets of Mountain Province are administered pursuant to a joint venture under which Mountain Province is not the operator. Mountain Province is exposed to actions taken or omissions made by the operator within its prerogative and/or determinations made by the joint venture under its terms. Such actions or omissions may impact the future performance of Mountain Province. Under its current note and revolving credit facilities Mountain Province is subject to certain limitations on its ability to pay dividends on common stock. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of Mountain Province's Board of Directors, subject to the limitations under the Company's debt facilities, and will depend on Mountain Province's financial results, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

SOURCE Mountain Province Diamonds Inc.
Multistudio's concept, Deck of Spaces, is a finalist in the 'Learning' category and received an honorable mention in the 'Impact' category

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Fast Company, the leading progressive business media brand with a focus on innovation, technology, leadership, and design, recognized architecture and design firm Multistudio's concept Deck of Spaces in two categories of their annual Innovation by Design awards.

Lauren Pusateri, courtesy Multistudio

The concept, Deck of Spaces, is a collection of card decks designed to bring greater awareness to the power that our physical environments have on the way students learn. A conversation starter and a brainstorming tool, the Deck allows educators and designers to introduce novel spatial concepts to a variety of communities. The Deck is tactile, user-friendly, and supportive of conversation between spatial planners and educators and can be used in various formats to engage with every stakeholder. Cards bring people together, arguably more so than technology.

Multistudio, a frontrunner in educational design, leverages the Deck to foster equitable and inclusive learning environments. This innovative tool has been integral to early childhood education centers, middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the United States. The Deck has evolved, offering two sets tailored for K-12 and higher education clients. These enhancements enable Multistudio to create traditional and non-traditional learning spaces that consistently engage students and staff, showcasing a track record of innovation and effectiveness in educational design.

"The recognition from Fast Company in not just one but two categories confirms the Deck of Spaces' impact on the design industry from learning to implementation," said David Reid, Education Design Principal at Multistudio. "The Deck underscores how the design of learning environments can create a stronger sense of belonging, inclusion, and support. It also demonstrates how an environment can unintentionally create barriers."

Dr. Michael C. Ralph, Author and Director of Research at Multistudio, shares, "The Deck of Spaces has tremendous value as a tool to invite students, educators, and others in the learning community to contribute to creating their own learning environments. Research shows that student ownership of their spaces is connected to academic success. Every student and every educator should have spaces in their school that inspire creativity and curiosity."

The Deck was developed to support the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which originated from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education. The cards comprise an idea or set of ideas - a narrative description on one side and photos of application ideas on the other. While the images are not the sole solution for each idea, they're starter ideas, giving the design team and end users the springboard needed to express goals for the educational facility design.

The prestigious and sought-after award program is judged by Fast Company editors, who review thousands of applications from some of the brightest minds in design and business. The winners seek to solve big problems with simple solutions.

To see the complete list, visit: See the Winners of the 2024 Innovation by Design Awards

For more information, images, or interviews, contact Kate Wilkins at [email protected].

About Multistudio: Multistudio is an employee-owned, nationally recognized practice based in Kansas City, New Orleans, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Lawrence, Kansas. Multistudio collaboratively expands the practice of architecture, brand experience, city design, education design, and interiors to solve the complex needs of our clients and communities. Diversity of thought, people, and disciplines allows the studio to spark economic, social, and environmental change. For more information, visit www.multi.studio.

About Universal Design for Learning: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that enhances teaching and learning for all students by providing flexible approaches that can be customized to individual needs. UDL promotes multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression, ensuring that all learners have equal opportunities to succeed. By removing barriers and offering varied support, UDL creates inclusive and effective learning environments for diverse student populations. For more information, visit Universal Design for Learning.

SOURCE Multistudio
CHICAGO, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent national survey by Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) reports that among parents' top concerns for their children's health is their mental health, but less than 20% of parents indicated awareness of all the mental health resources and services schools provide to support children's mental health and well-being.

The Parent and Child Mental Health Survey asked more than 1,000 parents and caregivers from across the country what worries them most about their children's health and what would help resolve those concerns. The survey was designed to understand parents' perceptions of safe and supportive school environments and schools' role in providing support and resources for youth mental health.

National Survey: 67% of parents surveyed are concerned about their child struggling with their mental health. Post this

Key findings from the survey include:

Parent Concerns

76% of parents surveyed worried about their child spending too much time on a computer, television, or tablet.

70% of parents surveyed worried about a student or another individual bringing a weapon to school.

67% of parents surveyed were concerned about their child struggling with their mental health.

Mental Health

Less than 20% of parents surveyed were aware of all the mental health resources and services schools provide to support children's mental health and well-being. About 40% had limited to no awareness of the types of resources and services their child's school offers.

63% of parents surveyed are supportive of schools providing training for parents and caregivers to better understand and support their child's mental health; only 17% shared that they are aware of training in their child's school.

Race and Ethnicity

55% of middle and high school parents identifying as Black and 39% of parents identifying as Hispanic worry more about their child experiencing racism, as compared to 15% of parents identifying as White.

42% of parents identifying as Black and 49% of parents identifying as Hispanic, believe their schools provide their child with access to talk with a trusted teacher or other adult at school; nearly 68% of parents identifying as White believed their schools provide this resource.

Gender/Sexual Identity

Of the 63 parents who responded their middle or high school student identifies as LBGTQIA+, 57% reported their child feels safe and supported with 43% saying no/unsure.

This survey is part of a series of surveys exploring parents' mindsets commissioned by Action for Healthy Kids in partnership with the CDC Foundation. You can find the report from the Parent and Child Mental Health Survey online.

To respond to parents' needs for more mental health supports, AFHK launched the Confident Connections campaign to offer more than 30 free resources for parents and caregivers of children in grades K-12 to learn about and support youth mental health. The resources, based on findings from the Parent and Child Mental Health Survey, were created with input from AFHK's parent advisory board.

With approaches including conversation prompts and family games, Confident Connections provides guidance to parents and caregivers to engage in meaningful conversations, activities to connect in authentic ways, and information to deepen their understanding of youth mental health. The resources are based on age-appropriate approaches for children from grades K-12.

"In our surveys, parents and caregivers have been consistent in their desire for access to more resources to support their child's mental health," said Rob Bisceglie, Executive Officer & President at Action for Healthy Kids. "Through our Confident Connections campaign, AFHK is providing parents and caregivers with many of the resources they want and need to address the mental health issues that concern parents the most."

"These resources offer helpful tips for parents and caregivers to stay close, connected, and involved with their children and adolescents, at home and in their schools," said Dr. Kathleen Ethier, Director, CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health. "Adolescents experience fewer health risks when their parents know what is going on with them and their livesstaying engaged can make a big difference in preventing youth mental health issues."

"Supporting parents and caregivers is crucial in fostering the mental health and well-being of our students," said Catherine Zilber, vice president of infectious disease programs at the CDC Foundation. "By providing these resources, we can create a nurturing environment that promotes resilience, reduces stigma and ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive."

About the Survey

Action for Healthy Kids conducted two waves of the Parent and Child Mental Health Survey:

Wave 1 was a 48-question online survey of 1,016 parents and guardians across the U.S., from both rural and non-rural areas, with children enrolled in public K-12 schools. The survey was fielded in English and Spanish in December 2023 .

. Wave 2 was a 56-question online survey of 1,047 parents and guardians across the U.S ., from rural and non-rural areas, with children enrolled in public K-12 schools. The survey was fielded in English, Spanish and Korean in March  April 2024 .

This project on Improving Mental, Behavioral and Academic Supports to Students and Families, Part 2 is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $434,555 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. The contents also do not necessarily support the official views of the CDC Foundation.

ABOUT ACTION FOR HEALTHY KIDS

Action for Healthy Kids believes that healthy children make a better world. As a national nonprofit, Action for Healthy Kids' mission is to foster learning environments that support optimal child health and well-being. Through its core programming and family-school partnerships, Action for Healthy Kids has impacted more than 20 million children in 55,000 schools nationwide to address systemic challenges in underserved communities. To learn more, visit actionforhealthykids.org.

Media contact: Lynda Carlisle, [email protected]

SOURCE Action For Healthy Kids
NetDragon and EDA (Thailand) will preview the new aom-ai education technology platform currently in development (and set to launch later this year) at the SCI Power for Future Thailand expo.

HONG KONG, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited ("NetDragon", Hong Kong Stock Code: 0777), a global leader in building internet communities, together with its local operator, EDA (Thailand) Co., Ltd. ("EDA (Thailand)"), is excited to announce a strategic initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation ("MHESI") to revolutionize education in Thailand. The partnership will unveil a state-of-the-art AI-powered education platform at the "MHESI Fair SCI Power for Future Thailand", a prestigious event organized by the MHESI and currently being held (from July 22 to 28) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.

Dr. Simon Leung, Vice Chairman of NetDragon, shared, "As a leader in global technology and education innovation, NetDragon has dedicated over a decade to developing comprehensive solutions that span hardware, software, and integrated education platforms. Our efforts have established us as the key player in the digital transformation of education, with our offerings reaching over 150 million users in 192 countries. We are excited to introduce our cutting-edge education technologies to Thailand, aligning with our vision to build the world's most extensive learning community."

The highlight of the collaboration is the new platform, aom-ai, designed to personalize the education experience with advanced AI integration. "Aom-ai adapts to individual learning styles, enhancing knowledge retention and engagement through an AI-driven teaching model. This is also positioned as a platform that not only supports professional training but also extends to lifelong learning, ensuring that education is accessible, effective, and tailored to meet the needs of learners in Thailand," added Dr. Leung.

Mr. Natasak Rodjanapiches, Executive Director of EDA (Thailand), emphasized the local impact and stated, "Aom-ai represents a significant advancement in learning technology, combining NetDragon's technological prowess with EDA (Thailand)'s deep local insights. This platform will support self-paced learning, facilitate accredited certifications, and foster a culture of continuous education, all essential for career development in the digital age. With aom-ai, we are preparing Thai citizens not just to participate but to excel in the digital economy."

At the MHESI Fair, the NetDragon and EDA (Thailand) booth features two distinct zones: the Immersive Learning Zone and the Independent Learning Zone. The Independent Learning zone demonstrates aom-ai and how the lifelong learning platform delivers AI teacher support. The Immersive Learning Zone will also showcase overall global technologies within the NetDragon family, including solutions from Promethean and Rokid AI, as well as a 360-degree VR gaming chair for a holistic experience.

About NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) is a global leader in building internet communities with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users, including previous establishments of China's first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China's most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless.

Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known online game developers in China with a history of successful game titles including Eudemons Online, Heroes Evolved, Conquer Online and Under Oath. In the past 10 years, NetDragon has also achieved success with its online education business both domestically and globally, and its overseas education business entity, currently a U.S.-listed subsidiary named Mynd.ai, is a global leader in interactive technology and its award-winning interactive displays and software can be found in more than 1 million learning and training spaces across 126 countries.

For investor enquiries, please contact:

Maggie Zhou

Senior Director of Investor Relations

Tel.: +852 2850 7266 / +86 591 8390 2825

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Website: ir.netdragon.com

SOURCE NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited
SAN DIEGO, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- North Island Credit Union has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego to make the new school year a little bit easier for hundreds of Club kids and their families. In the fourth year of the partnership, the credit union recently provided approximately 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego as part of its annual Back 2 School Drive.

(L-R) North Island Credit Union Digital Marketing Coordinator Madison Lindley, Vice President/5th & Laurel Branch Manager Sean Swanson, Vice President/La Mesa Branch Manager Summer Yousif, and Administrative Services Associate Hayden Drum distribute backpacks to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego Club kids.

Backpacks were donated by North Island Credit Union, its employees, and members in a July branch drive, with school supplies provided by the credit union. The backpacks will be distributed to elementary through high school-aged students participating in Club programs across San Diego County prior to the start of the fall school year.

"Assisting our students and teachers in the important work of learning is a fundamental part of our community commitment. Every student deserves a great start to the school year, and that includes having the tools they need to succeed. We thank our members and employees for so generously joining us in helping ensure the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego kids return to the classroom in August ready to learn," said North Island Credit Union President/CEO Steve O'Connell.

"There's nothing like the feeling of starting the year off with a brand-new backpack and a full set of school supplies. These donations make our members feel great about the start of the school year. They walk into school prepared and excited for the year ahead. We are grateful to North Island Credit Union for their ongoing support of our Back 2 School Drive," stated Michelle Malin, COO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego changes lives through quality youth programs and guidance in a safe, affordable and fun environment. The Clubs serve kids ages 5-18 at 23 community-based sites countywide, making a difference in the lives of San Diego's future leaders  today's youth. Through its Back 2 School Drive, its members receive all the basic necessities to start the school year off right.

About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 with assets of nearly $5 billion, approximately 200,000 members and 25 retail branches. The credit union serves community members and businesses in the California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura as well as school employees throughout the state. The credit union operates in San Diego and Riverside Counties as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. The credit union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. California Credit Union is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a Low Income Designation, offering inclusive products and services to build financial stability in our underserved communities, including a checking account certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. Visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that CHANGES LIVES through quality programs and guidance in a safe, affordable, and fun environment. We serve kids ages 5-18 with programs focused on ACADEMIC SUCCESS, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, and HEALTHY LIFESTYLES at 23 community-based sites countywide. We cover a service area of over 2,000 square miles from National City to Borrego Springs. To find an open Club that serves your community or donate, please visit SDYouth.org or call 858.866.0591.

SOURCE North Island Credit Union
NEW YORK, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NPower , a leading, national tech training nonprofit focused on increasing economic mobility for young people and military-connected individuals through tech jobs, has been awarded a $4 million Apprenticeship Building America, Round 2 (ABA2) grant from the US Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA).

The grant will support NPower in expanding its existing program to tech train an additional 8,656 low-income and unemployed young adults (ages 18-26), veterans and other military-connected individuals, through its Tech Fundamentals program. To date, NPower has supported over 10,000 students in 13 cities in receiving tech training in IT, cyber, software engineering, AI fundamentals and other vital tech skills.

Over the next four years, the grant will support NPower in bolstering partnerships with apprenticeship intermediaries and minority-serving institutions to increase the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds participating in its Tech Fundamentals training program, a strategy that helps move students from unemployment and underemployment to prosperity by launching careers in tech.

Specifically, with the support of the new grant, Tech Fundamentals students will receive:

Stackable certifications - Students have an opportunity to complete CompTIA ITF+, CompTIA A+, Google IT Support and Google Project Management Certificates.

- Students have an opportunity to complete CompTIA ITF+, CompTIA A+, Google IT Support and Google Project Management Certificates. Wraparound social services - By utilizing a trauma-informed framework, NPower will be able to meet students where they are at, both personally and professionally, to best support them in their training.

- By utilizing a trauma-informed framework, NPower will be able to meet students where they are at, both personally and professionally, to best support them in their training. Job or Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) placement assistance - NPower aims to have 85 percent of graduates be placed in an RAP, enrolled in post-secondary or credential-based education or hired directly into a full-time job in tech within six months of graduation.

"As the tech sector continues to expand and evolve into areas such as AI, and with cyber workers and software engineers in high demand, we're ensuring our students have the skills, training and support to participate in these dynamic, high-growth opportunities," said Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO, NPower. "We're honored that the US Dept. of Labor has recognized NPower's work and impact in helping non-pedigreed, underrepresented individuals and military-connected individuals receive IT skills, the foundational training they'll need to step into entry level tech jobs, and to add additional skills for a range of middle-income, in-demand areas, such as cybersecurity."

NPower is one of 52 grantees across the country recognized by the current administration as part of the Investing in America agenda, with a goal of rebuilding the middle class and increasing opportunity for underrepresented populations to enter in-demand occupations and careers that offer family-supporting wages. The Department of Labor has invested over $244 million to help modernize, diversify and expand registered apprenticeships in growing U.S. industries, such as tech.

To learn more about NPower's Tech Fundamentals program, visit: https://www.npower.org/apply/tech-fundamentals/

About NPower

NPower is a national nonprofit that provides free tech training, support services, and job placement assistance to young adults, military-connected individuals, and women from under-resourced communities. Since their founding in 2000, they've offered tech fundamentals and advanced career training opportunities to over 10,000 students in 13 cities. NPower's unique approach combines rigorous training, and trauma-informed support services, addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. Their strength is seeing students of non-traditional backgrounds through pivotal life transitions. The organization empowers students to drive change in their own lives and communities. As NPower expands to serve 15,000 students annually by 2030, they're ensuring they create a tech workforce that mirrors the world around us. To learn more about NPower, visit http://www.npower.org .

Contact:

Hillary Ovalle

[email protected]

SOURCE NPower
The newest release of the world's only commercial simulation software for extremely large-scale and rapid design and analysis of ion traps

Purpose-built simulation software for design and development of ion traps

Additional features, including planar and rotational symmetries and double ground plane symmetries, accelerate simulations and reduce memory requirements by 16X

Extended support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 and Ubuntu

IRVINE, Calif., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nullspace, Inc., a Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software company, announced today the new release of Nullspace ES, the world's only commercial simulation software for extremely large scale, rapid, and accurate design and analysis of ion traps for quantum computing applications.

A Nullspace ES simulation showing how a potential "well" is formed in a ring ion trap to trap an ion. The image The first generation of a gold-coated 3D glass ion trap for quantum computing developed at Mainz University. Image courtesy of AG Schmidt-Keller group at Johannes Gutenberg Mainz University.

Historically, the lack of robust design tools and complex experiments, forced engineers to develop relatively simple ion trap architectures. Legacy simulation tools are not purpose-built for ion trap design, and lead to higher prototyping costs and longer production schedules and limiting the accuracy and scalability of ion trap designs, thus limiting advancements in quantum computing.

Nullspace ES was developed by top electromagnetics and ion-trap design experts. Today it is used by leading companies and universities spearheading innovation in ion trap-based technology for quantum computers.

"Nullspace ES has been a game-changer for our design work," says Dr. Bjorn Lekitsch, a researcher at the AG Quantum Group in Johannes Gutenberg Mainz University. "It allows us to simulate how our ion traps behave in order to calculate and predict the ion movement more precisely. With Nullspace ES software, we can explore the effects of varying geometries and configurations on the ion behavior, which is critical for enhancing the performance and scalability of our quantum computing systems."

The latest release of Nullspace ES, along with its CAD design and meshing companion tool, Nullspace Prep, includes a new, faster, and more efficient meshing algorithm. Meshing is a key step to ensure users obtain high accuracy results. Nullspace's meshing technology is tailored for the ion trap community and efficiency in both meshing time and meshing quality gives users confidence in high accuracy results leading to reduced prototyping demands.

Nullspace ES 2024 R1 provides powerful geometric symmetry features including planar and rotational symmetries. The new release adds double ground plane symmetries, and these features can be used in combination. Leveraging Nullspace's new symmetry workflows can speed up simulations and reduce memory requirements by factors of up to 16X for ion trap simulations.

The newest Nullspace ES release adds support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9, expanding support for all current Red Hat and Ubuntu-based Linux operating systems.

For more information on Nullspace ES visit: https://www.nullspaceinc.com/nullspace-es. To schedule a demo of Nullspace software: www.nullspaceinc.com/contact.

Press Contact

Masha V. Petrova

[email protected]

SOURCE Nullspace, Inc
OMAHA, Neb., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Omaha healthcare company Fusion dedicated more than 2,500 hours to engaging with the community in the first half of 2024. Nearly 750 hours of that time was spent volunteering for local organizations, and the remainder was spent at fundraisers and awareness events.

Fusion's core purpose is to improve the lives of everyone it touches. This is the driving force behind the company's volunteer efforts a foundation every employee uses to guide their efforts and priorities.

Fusion volunteers at Alpaca supporting educators.

"I'm really proud of our team for stepping up and making such an impact through volunteerism and community engagement in the first half of 2024. I know we'll continue this momentum throughout the rest of the yearthat's just who we are," said Jackie Froendt, Chief People Officer at Fusion. "Each cause that we support is something meaningful to our team. We take these things personally, and it allows us to do the most for the people who need it."

Causes close to Fusion include battling local food insecurity, providing educators with classroom supplies, and supporting patients with traumatic brain injuries and neurological challenges to name a few. Employees visited Omaha organizations like Alpaca, the Rainbow House, QLI, and the Stephen Center in the last six months. Additionally, the company assisted with Memorial Day flag planting, park clean-ups, and tornado relief cleanup. To build awareness and help raise funds, they participated in a Warr;or Walk for mental health and held a dedicated fundraiser for a local gym supporting people living with Multiple Sclerosis, MS Forward.

Working for a company that values their community is very important to me," said Sammi Osborne, Customer Insights Analyst and regular volunteer. "Fusion has always made it a priority to give back in a variety of ways and encourages all their employees to participate. It brings both the company and community closer when we use our time doing good for others."

Employees contributed more than 3,000 community engagement hours in 2023, and the company is on track to surpass that this year. More engagement opportunities are planned, including the company's annual bags tournament to benefit the Nebraska Humane Society and a blood drive, among others. Learn more at workwithfusion.com/our-impact.

About Fusion:

Fusion is an Omaha-based healthcare company that exists to create meaningful connections between healthcare travelers and facilities that lead to better patient care and better outcomes for all. The company consists of two business units: Fusion Medical Staffing and Fusion Workforce Solutions, which simplify processes for healthcare travelers and facilities at every turn. Fusion employees strive to stay humble, driven, and positive.

Media Contact:

Leah Kemple

[email protected]

402-575-5625

SOURCE Fusion
INCHEON, South Korea, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PABLO AIR, a leading company in autonomous swarm control for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has teamed up with world-renowned graffiti artist JonOne to create a special edition of their cutting-edge drone, the PabloX F40 JonOne Edition.

JonOne, celebrated for his vibrant colors and unique style that embody the spirit of freedom and youth, is a distinguished figure in the art world. Known for transforming street graffiti into modern art, JonOne was awarded the prestigious Legion of Honour by the French government in 2015.

Young-Joon Kim (left), CEO of PABLO AIR, and JonOne (right) posing with specially designed PabloX F40 pyrotechnic drones

This collaboration was sparked during JonOne's visit to PABLO AIR's headquarters in Songdo, Incheon, on June 28. During his visit, JonOne used the PabloX F40 drone as his canvas, creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

The PabloX F40 is a flagship pyrotechnic drone developed by PABLO AIR. This drone represents the culmination of the company's expertise and innovation since their first drone light show in 2019. PABLO AIR is gearing up to mass-produce the F40, with plans to introduce it to the U.S. market.

The PabloX F40, PABLO AIR's first commercially marketed drone, features a stunning design and meticulous engineering. It boasts enhanced windproof and waterproof capabilities, allowing for effective operation in any weather conditions. The F40's LEDs are up to 2.27 times brighter than those of competing models, ensuring vivid displays in the night sky. Additionally, the F40 can create spectacular pyrotechnic effects through a 2-cue pyro system, delivering an unmatched drone show experience. In 2024, the F40 will be featured in shows on the U.S. west coast, with ambitious plans to expand nationwide in 2025.

"The collaboration with JonOne is a significant step in expanding the artistic boundaries of PABLO AIR's drone shows," said Kenny Kim, Vice President of PABLO AIR's U.S. operations. "Our drones offer unparalleled performances, providing a unique and memorable experience. Performances incorporating new drone technology are gaining attention, and we aim to enhance our clients' brand value and offer audiences unforgettable experiences through our drones."

PABLO AIR is a South Korean company specializing in drone technology and services. Since expanding to the U.S. market in 2021, it has partnered with industry leaders to commercialize its key technologies. PABLO AIR has been recognized for its contributions to the drone industry, winning the AUVSI Excellence Awards in 2021 and 2022, and most recently, the CES 2024 Innovation Award for its Urban Air Mobility (UAM) traffic management platform, UrbanLinkX.

To learn more about the PabloX Series, visit PABLO AIR Store .

For more information on PABLO AIR and their full range of drone technologies, visit PABLO AIR .

SOURCE PABLO AIR
FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Patriot Growth Insurance Services, LLC (Patriot), one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing insurance services firms, is pleased to announce its latest partnership with Dynamic Insurance Agency, a community-based agency located in Punta Gorda, Florida. This partnership advances Patriot's ongoing expansion efforts within the state of Florida, enhancing its ability to provide comprehensive insurance solutions to a broad and diverse client base.

Dynamic Insurance Agency, founded in 2003 by Toni Ivankovic and David Ivankovic, has established itself as a trusted name in the insurance industry. With a strong focus on building long-lasting relationships and offering personalized, consultative services, Dynamic Insurance Agency has successfully navigated the ever-changing insurance marketplace in the region to protect and serve its clients effectively.

"We are excited to partner with Patriot Growth Insurance Services," said Toni Ivankovic, Agency Principal. "This partnership will provide us with access to a wider range of markets and enhanced tools that will enable us to serve our clients better. Our commitment to working face-to-face with our clients remains steadfast, and this collaboration will only strengthen our ability to meet their needs."

Dynamic Insurance Agency specializes in property and casualty insurance, delivering tailored risk-management solutions to clients. The agency's dedication to personal consultation and community engagement has been the cornerstone of its success, making it a perfect fit for Patriot's growth-oriented approach.

"Joining forces with Patriot is an exciting opportunity for us," added David Ivankovic, agency principal. "Patriot's resources and support will allow us to navigate the complexities of the insurance industry more efficiently, ultimately benefiting our clients and agency."

"I'm excited to extend a warm welcome to the Dynamic Insurance team," said Steve Carroll, Chief Acquisition Officer at Patriot. "Their unwavering commitment to providing personalized service in their local community perfectly aligns with Patriot's values of putting the needs of our clients first."

About Patriot Growth Insurance Services

Founded in 2019, Patriot is a growth-focused national insurance services firm that partners with employee benefits and property and casualty agencies across the United States. Patriot is ranked as the 24th largest broker in the U.S. by Business Insurance and has been named to the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. With more than 1,850 employees operating in 194 locations across 28 states, Patriot's collaborative model delivers resources and strategic support to its agencies, whose leaders continue to operate with a high degree of independence in their local markets. Patriot creates true alignment with its partner agencies, and its operating philosophy fosters enhanced career opportunities for its dedicated and professional team. Patriot is backed by GI Partners and Summit Partners. For more information, please visit www.patriotgis.com or contact Tammy Cameron at [email protected].

Media Contact:

Tammy Cameron

[email protected]

SOURCE Patriot Growth Insurance Services
Peijia to maintain exclusive rights in Greater China to commercialize JenaValve's Trilogy Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) System

SUZHOU, China, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Peijia Medical Limited (Peijia, (9996.HK)), a leading Chinese domestic player in the high-growth transcatheter valve therapeutics and neurovascular interventions markets, today commented on the expected acquisition of JenaValve Technology, Inc. ("JenaValve"), an exclusive technology licensing partner of Peijia, by Edwards Lifesciences ("Edwards").

On July 24, 2024, Edwards announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire JenaValve, a pioneer in the transcatheter treatment of aortic regurgitation (AR), a deadly disease that impacts a significant and growing population and is currently untreated today. JenaValve presented positive results of its U.S. pivotal trial for the treatment of symptomatic, severe AR in high-risk patients late last year. Edwards will accelerate development of this novel technology with the goal to enable earlier patient access. Edwards anticipates U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the JenaValve Trilogy Heart Valve System in late 2025, which will represent the first approved therapy for patients suffering from AR.

In late 2021, Peijia and JenaValve entered into a collaboration and license agreement wherein Peijia obtained the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the Trilogy THV System for AR and Aortic Stenosis (AS) in Greater China. Peijia also became a minority shareholder of JenaValve. Subsequently, Peijia elected to re-brand the technology to be TaurusTrio and carried out a pivotal clinical trial for severe AR in China. The patient enrollment of the trial was successfully completed in January 2024.

"Peijia would like to congratulate the teams at both JenaValve and Edwards on this announcement," said Dr. Michael Zhang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Peijia Medical. "We became a proud partner of JenaValve to develop an improved AR treatment before the groundbreaking TCT announcement of the ALIGN-AR trial results. The evidence of ALIGN-AR not only demonstrated to the medical community that an AR TAVR could be available soon, but also greatly strengthened the awareness toward AR among doctors. The world-leading TAVR player, Edwards, acquiring JenaValve endorses the future prospect of the technology, and we believe this will accelerate the development of AR TAVR globally."

As a result of the proposed acquisition, Peijia will maintain the exclusive license for the JenaValve Trilogy THV System in Greater China. Peijia also maintains the right to further develop its AR pipeline and products on the basis of JenaValve's IP independently in Greater China.

Dr Zhang continued, "With continued access to JenaValve's Trilogy THV System, Peijia is proud to be at the forefront of the Chinese market, where we are meeting a substantial clinical need for a complete transcatheter valve therapeutics pipeline. Our product portfolio covers all major replacement and repair systems across the spectrum of regurgitation and stenosis conditions. We will continue to see growth opportunities within TAVR while providing patients and physicians access to innovative technologies and superior care throughout China."

About Peijia

Peijia Medical (9996.HK) was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Suzhou, China. Peijia Medical focuses on the high-growth interventional procedural medical device market in China, and aims to become a world-renowned medical device platform that provides comprehensive treatment solutions for structural heart and neurovascular diseases. The Company now has two generations of TAVR systems and sixteen neurointerventional devices commercialized in China and various innovative product candidates at different stages of development. For more information about Peijia visit peijiamedical.com/about.

SOURCE Peijia Medical
CHARLESTON, S.C., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its annual conference, held this month in the vibrant city of Charleston, South Carolina. The event marked a significant milestone, drawing a record-breaking attendance of more than 200 participants, the highest in the organization's history.

An audience of 200+ people joined PTEC's conference in Charleston, SC.

This year's conference featured a dynamic lineup of programming designed to address the evolving landscape of pharmacy technician education. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a variety of sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations, all aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of educators dedicated to preparing the next generation of pharmacy technicians.

Highlights of the conference included:

Keynote Address: The Executive Director/Secretary of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), Lemrey "Al" Carter, PharmD, RPh, MS, engaged in a compelling discussion about the future of pharmacy with PTEC Chair Sacha Tadros , PharmD.

The Executive Director/Secretary of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), Lemrey "Al" Carter, PharmD, RPh, MS, engaged in a compelling discussion about the future of pharmacy with PTEC Chair , PharmD. Poster Session: Conference participants presented posters highlighting innovations and best practices, and received direct feedback from their peers.

Conference participants presented posters highlighting innovations and best practices, and received direct feedback from their peers. Subject-Matter-Expert Led Presentations: Experts from diverse backgrounds discussed the challenges and opportunities facing pharmacy technician education.

Experts from diverse backgrounds discussed the challenges and opportunities facing pharmacy technician education. Networking Opportunities: Attendees connected with peers, industry partners, and thought leaders, building relationships that will support their professional growth and development.

Tadros expressed enthusiasm about the conference's success, stating, "We are thrilled to have set a new attendance record this year. The high turnout reflects the growing commitment to advancing pharmacy technician education and the dedication of our members to continually improve their teaching practices."

PTEC formed in 1989 as a membership organization. In 2022, PTEC was integrated as a division of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This year's meeting marked the first in-person conference for PTEC since 2019.

Looking ahead, PTEC is excited to announce that next year's conference will take place from July 10 to 12, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. The 2025 conference promises to build on this year's successes, offering even more innovative programming and opportunities for professional development.

For more information about PTEC and next year's conference, please visit our website at ptec.org or send an email to [email protected].

About PTEC

The Pharmacy Technician Educators Council is a leading organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the education and professional development of pharmacy technician educators. Through its annual conference, resources, and advocacy, PTEC aims to enhance the quality of pharmacy technician education and ensure the readiness of technicians to meet the demands of the healthcare industry.

SOURCE Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC)
Junior Achievement believes every student deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential. Through their volunteer-led programs, students learn the basic concepts of business and economics and how education is relevant to the workplace. This hands-on approach to education sparks innovation and creativity, enabling young minds to thrive in today's society.

"We at Junior Achievement of Dallas are deeply grateful for the significant impact Populus has made since our partnership began in 2006," said Chris LaTurno, President & CEO for Junior Achievement of Dallas. "Their unwavering support has inspired countless students to think and dream bigger. Populus' dedication, demonstrated through their volunteer efforts and investments into the community, reflects their genuine passion for empowering students and shaping their futures. We are truly thankful for their continued commitment and the lasting legacy they help create each year."

Populus Financial Group has partnered with Junior Achievement since 2006, donating over $536,000. This year, Junior Achievement awarded Populus the Corporate Impact Award. This recognition celebrates the company's outstanding contribution to the community. By supporting Junior Achievement, Populus is committed to supporting education and empowering young minds.

"Junior Achievement holds a special place in my heart," said Melissa Bruner, CIO & Senior Vice President for Populus Financial Group and Junior Achievement of Dallas Board Member. "Not only is it special to see the children light up to have guests in their classroom, but it is also special to know that you have such a large and lasting impact on these young individuals. The skills that the children learn and the experiences they create are memorable and special to them. I am proud to support Junior Achievement and work with the organization to build and invest in our youth."

The Populus charitable giving program, the ACE Community Fund, is committed to empowering organizations that help children, provide education, and promote financial literacy in the communities we serve. Since its inception in 2004, the ACE Community Fund has donated more than $18 million to organizations across the nation.

About Populus Financial Group, Inc.

Populus Financial Group provides financial services through its family of brands including ACE Cash Express, ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Debit Card, Flare Account and Porte. Populus Financial Group delivers a broad range of financial products and services including short-term consumer loans, card services, check cashing, money transfers, bill payments and money orders. Visit PopulusFinancial.com for more information.

About Junior Achievement of Dallas

Junior Achievement (JA) of Dallas, a nonprofit organization, inspires and prepares at-risk youth to succeed in a global economy through volunteer-delivered K-12 curriculum. JA students are introduced to the elements of successful business start-ups, hands-on budgeting simulations, learn need and want differences, plus many more everyday financial skills. Established in Dallas in 1954, JA of Dallas has updated curriculum and is more relevant today than ever with over 1,300 volunteers impacting over 122,000 Dallas area students this year. JA volunteers help students dream big and reach their potential so that they have the power to be financially wise and career-ready young adults.

Contact:

Lauren Windsor

Public Affairs Manager

Populus Financial Group, Inc.

972-550-5161

[email protected]

SOURCE Populus Financial Group, Inc.
Second Annual Project Backpack for Elementary Students Set for July 26 in Greater Landover

LANDOVER, Md., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Price Benowitz is joining forces with Congressman Glenn Ivey and his wife Prince George's County Council Jolene Ivey to distribute 1,000 backpacks to elementary school students. The event will be held on July 26, 2024, at 2413 Pinebrook Ave., Greater Landover, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Event information

The Project Backpack initiative is part of the Summer Daze Block Party, and aims to support students as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Each backpack will be pre-stuffed with essential school supplies and include a small gift for parents. This initiative highlights Price Benowitz's commitment to the local community and its focus on educational support.

"Providing these backpacks ensures that our students start the school year with the tools they need to succeed," said Seth Price, Managing Partner at Price Benowitz. "We saw the Ivey's first-hand concern for the community during Glenn's time as a firm partner and we're excited to team up again for a great cause."

Last year, Price Benowitz hosted a similar event with 500 backpacks at Bladensburg Elementary School. This year's event promises to be even more impactful, with a larger distribution and a central location in Greater Landover. Supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

"We are proud of our partnership to foster further meaningful impacts for our community's young learners," said Congressman Glenn Ivey.

For more information, please visit https://pricebenowitz.com/project-backpack-2024/ .

About Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP

Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP is a personal injury law firm headquartered in Washington DC with offices in Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina. The firm was founded by David Benowitz and Seth Price, and since then the two have built up their law firm include 40 lawyers. The law firm handles a variety of cases beyond personal injury and medical malpractice including criminal defense, trusts and estates, and family law.

SOURCE Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP
SEATTLE, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The aerospace industry in Washington state in 2023 generated more than $71 billion in business revenues, supported 194,000 jobs and returned $19.4 billion in income to Washington employees as detailed in a new report by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Community Attributes, Inc.

The industry is on a path to recovery with a five-year peak in 2023 of 1,456 new Boeing airplane orders and, as of June 30, 2024, an official unfilled order of 6,156 airplanes will provide years of work ahead for Boeing employees and its suppliers.

A follow-up to the Seattle Metro Chamber's 2018 Aerospace Local and Regional Impacts report, the 2024 research shows the impacts of the pandemic were far-reaching for the industry and supply chain. A changed workforce and global supply chain disruptions challenged productivity, and a serious incident in early 2024 affected industrywide performance.

"The aerospace industry is a cornerstone of Washington's economy and is growing as it recovers from industry-wide challenges," said Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Chamber. "With 77,400 aerospace employees in the state, over 66,000 at Boeing, aerospace generates more than $580 million in state tax revenue  money that is reinvested into communities to improve the quality of life for Washington residents. Our latest research demonstrates the undeniable economic value of the aerospace industry and its employees in the prosperity of our region and our state."

The research shows the state's large aerospace presence benefits local small businesses in significant ways. Aerospace employee spending supports local restaurants, retailers, consumer and health services and much more.

"We have peers across the country in other markets that don't have the confidence in jobs and in employment that we do because of our confidence in the aerospace industry," said Tom Lane, CEO of Dwayne Lane's Auto Family.

Industry expansion at the end of 2023 and early 2024, brings current aerospace jobs to a projected 81,800 jobs year-to-date.

The new report includes an industry overview, which explores current industry conditions, quantifies economic and fiscal impacts, and highlights community impact data as well as what's on the horizon.

You can read the new report and see the one-page summary at seattlechamber.com.

Media Contact:

Jillian Henze

425-785-6731

[email protected]

SOURCE Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The prevalence of postpartum depression and various maternal factors associated with it were evaluated using healthcare data of first-time mothers

BUSAN, South Korea, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a clinical condition that affects women after childbirth, typically starting within a few weeks postpartum. It is characterized by intense feelings of anxiety, sadness, and fatigue, which can be prolonged. PPD can have adverse effects on both the mother and the newborn, leading to negative health outcomes and impaired parenting practices. Over the years, research has linked PPD to a combination of individual and societal factors, categorizing these influences into demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, and psychological factors. Despite numerous studies, the prevalence of PPD and the impact of maternal factors on first-time adolescent mothers remain poorly understood.

Integrating mental health care into prenatal care, particularly for adolescent mothers, can help reduce the incidence, risk, and severity of PPD.

To fill in the research gap, a team of researchers have endeavored to assess the relationship between maternal factors and the development of PPD in first-time adolescent and adult mothers. The team led by Assistant Professor Nakyung Jeon from the College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, South Korea conducted a retrospective study and stratified first-time mothers into adolescents (1219 years) and adult mothers (20 years or greater) based on their ages. Additionally, they evaluated the influence of different maternal factors associated with PPD in both groups. Their research findings were made available online on 18 October 2023 and was formally published in Volume 51, Issue 1 of Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care journal in March 2024.

Initially, the researchers utilized first-time mothers' electronic health records and linked them to other healthcare and population databases. Subsequently, they conducted statistical analysis to evaluate the maternal factors and prevalence of PPD. They found that PPD amongst first time mothers was more predominant in adolescent mothers by 1.5 times when compared to adult mothers. Alarmingly, their analysis showed that adolescent mothers were less likely to avail first trimester prenatal care, more likely to use tobacco products and have an infection during pregnancy.

"Our study underscores the importance of integrating mental health care into prenatal care, particularly for adolescents, to help reduce the risk and severity of PPD. Healthcare providers can develop and implement enhanced prenatal care programs specifically tailored for adolescent mothers, focusing on early detection and management of risk factors associated with PPD. These programs can include routine mental health screenings, counselling services, and education on the importance of prenatal care," says Dr. Jeon.

Additionally, the researchers found that clinical history of depression or anxiety, use of tobacco during pregnancy, and the use of long-acting reversible contraception were significant risk factors for PPD in both adolescent and adult mothers.

Public health campaigns and awareness programs to educate young mothers and their families about the risks of PPD and the importance of seeking help along with increased access to mental healthcare and extended medical insurance coverage beyond the postpartum period can prove to be vital for the effective prevention and management of PPD in first-time adolescent mothers.

Emphasizing the long-term implications of the research study, Dr. Jeon shares, "Early detection and intervention for PPD, particularly among adolescent mothers, can improve the overall health outcomes for both mothers and their children. Furthermore, by addressing mental health issues early, we can prevent the progression of severe mental health problems, reducing the need for intensive treatments along with decreased healthcare costs."

Reference

Title of original paper: Comparing maternal factors associated with postpartum depression between primiparous adolescents and adults: A large retrospective cohort study

Journal: Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12785

About the institute

Website: https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do

Media Contact:

Jae-Eun Lee

[email protected]

82 51 510 7928

SOURCE Pusan National University
Innovative Collaboration Set to Transform Client Capabilities and Drive Industry Standards

SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- qBotica and AmickBrown, a ZEST Company, are excited to announce a strategic equity partnership aimed at advancing SAP Cloud Migration solutions and business process automation capabilities. This innovative collaboration will leverage AmickBrown's deep expertise in SAP consulting with qBotica's leading-edge automation and AI technologies to deliver transformative solutions for clients.

qBotica and AmickBrown, a Zest Company, have formed a strategic equity partnership to enhance SAP and automation capabilities. This collaboration combines AmickBrown's SAP expertise with qBotica's advanced Agentic AI Workflows, AI Agents, and Contact Center AI Solutions to deliver transformative solutions. The partnership aims to streamline SAP HANA migrations, intelligent document processing, and provide AI-driven tools for enhanced productivity and seamless operations.

qBotica and AmickBrown have formed a joint venture driven by a shared vision to provide transformative solutions for customers upgrading their SAP infrastructure globally. The collaboration will leverage automation to streamline brownfield, greenfield, and bluefield SAP migrations, ensuring efficient and seamless transitions. This unique alliance will enhance productivity, commitment, and broaden the expertise and services delivered to clients. AmickBrown's unparalleled leadership in management consulting for enterprise applications, combined with qBotica's capability in creating custom automation, Agentic AI solutions and ecosystems, sets a new standard in the industry.

The partnership will focus on developing solution accelerators to streamline and expedite SAP HANA migrations, ensuring smooth and efficient transitions for clients. qBotica and AmickBrown will also collaborate to create solution accelerators for intelligent document processing within SAP, targeting key areas such as order processing, contracts, leases, and invoices. This initiative aims to enhance automation and efficiency in document handling and processing.

The integration of qBotica's Agentic AI Workflows, including AI Agents and Contact Center AI Solutions, with SAP systems will provide clients with intelligent, AI-driven tools to enhance productivity and streamline operations. The partnership delivers tailored solutions that draw on a wide variety of technologies and automation approaches, unfettered by any forced allegiance to existing systems, applications, or product platforms.

The companies will collaborate to build an automated migration strategy helping clients migrate to the AI-enabled cloud ERP that's managed and optimized by SAP, called RISE with SAP offering. qBotica and Amickbrown will together launch a migration acceleration program Rise UP with SAP helping clients adopt SAP Cloud in a modern and compliant fashion aka Clean Core. Multi-disciplinary teams of strategists, customer experience experts, and technologists will build domain accelerators across various industries, supported by global tech delivery centers in the USA, India and South America.



This partnership combines business and technology expertise, product ideation, development, deployment, and organizational change management. It addresses a market gap by providing efficient, high-quality automation solutions, fostering enterprise innovation and growth.

Mahesh Vinayagam, CEO of qBotica, added, "Our strategic partnership with AmickBrown allows us to integrate our advanced automation technologies with their exceptional SAP expertise. Together, we will create transformative solutions that set new industry standards and drive remarkable outcomes for our clients."

According to the leadership team at AmickBrown, "This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide cutting-edge solutions that drive business success. By combining our strengths with qBotica, we are poised to deliver unparalleled value to our clients."



About qBotica qBotica is a leading provider of intelligent automation and AI solutions, specializing in Agentic AI Workflows, AI Agents, and Contact Center AI Solutions. With a focus on delivering customized, AI-driven automation solutions, qBotica helps organizations streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive business growth. For more information, visit www.qbotica.com.

About AmickBrown AmickBrown, a ZEST Company, is a premier management consulting firm specializing in enterprise applications, particularly SAP solutions. With extensive experience in SAP consulting, AmickBrown provides clients with innovative solutions and strategic guidance to optimize their business processes and achieve their digital transformation goals. For more information, visit www.amickbrown.com.

Contact:

Dominic Bartola

[email protected]

(623) 252-6597

SOURCE qBotica and AmickBrown
RapidFlight and Thunder Tiger will Manufacture UAVs for Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense

MANASSAS, Va., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RapidFlight , an integrated aerospace design, development, and mass manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), has announced signing a memorandum of understanding with Thunder Tiger Group , a leader in the Taiwan drone industry focused on developing unmanned systems for industrial and defense applications. The companies will investigate utilizing 3D additive manufacturing of unmanned systems for Taiwan's National Defense and other commercial applications.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry has recently proposed spending roughly $175 million to acquire approximately 3,200 drones from private contractors over the next five years, according to The Wall Street Journal . The defense base in Taiwan will have to expand rapidly to meet that goal. Consistent with appropriate licensing and governmental approvals, this partnership will leverage RapidFlight's extensive understanding of additive manufacturing for aerospace applications at the tactical edge and Thunder Tiger's technological know-how to enhance the defense and commercial UAS capabilities within Taiwan.

Additive manufacturing can help reduce the storage footprint of drones by a factor of 10, at a lower cost of manufacture, while enabling a production line to quickly integrate new drone capabilities. It enables swapping out payloads, propulsion systems, communications, and other critical components to more readily fulfill the operational requirements or needs of the user. Thunder Tiger and RapidFlight envision bringing this capability to Taiwan in order to meet ever evolving defense and security needs. The partnership will also enable the Ministry of National Defense to explore RapidFlight's customizable, scalable, and affordable autonomous aircraft manufacturing solutions.

About Thunder Tiger

Founded in 1979, Thunder Tiger is a Taiwanese publicly traded company specializing in unmanned vehicle systems, dental equipment, and remote-controlled vehicles. The company launched its unmanned vehicle systems division, TTROBOTIX, in 2015, supplying customers with UAV and ROV products. Focusing on developing mid- and large-sized UAVs and ROVs for industrial and defense uses, TTROBOTIX is a leader in the Taiwanese drone industry. For more information, visit www.thundertiger.com .

About RapidFlight

Based in Manassas, Virginia, RapidFlight is a design, technology, and manufacturing company capable of producing thousands of customized, low-cost, mission-ready, unmanned systems both centrally and at the tactical edge. The company's advanced digital design and manufacturing processes, called AgileAviation, and experienced team of industry professionals are setting new standards in aircraft customization and mass manufacturing. RapidFlight addresses the dynamic challenges and stringent timelines critical to national security. For more details, visit www.rapidflight.aero .

Media Contact:

Brandon Smith

[email protected]

SOURCE RapidFlight
$2.9 Million Received From Wellcome for DNA-Based Delivery of Antiviral Antibodies for Zika and Influenza Prevention, Focusing on Preclinical Development of a Potent Anti-Zika Antibody and Optimizing Antibody Cocktail Delivery

$749,000 Contract from the BARDA Flexible and Strategic Therapeutics (FASTx) Program for DNA-Based Delivery of Anti-Influenza Antibodies to Large Animals, With an Emphasis on Understanding Correlates of Species Translation

NEW YORK, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RenBio, a privately-held, preclinical biotechnology company leveraging its novel, proprietary MYO (Make Your Own) Technology platform to deliver next-generation antibody and protein medicines in the form of DNA therapeutics, today announced that it has received funding to evaluate DNA-based delivery of antiviral antibodies for Zika and influenza prevention. The funding includes a $2.9 million award from Wellcome (https://wellcome.org/grant-funding) and a $749,000 contract award wholly supported by federal funds from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under contract number 75A50124C00017 (https://medicalcountermeasures.gov/barda/cbrn/antivirals-antitoxins/fastx).

The BARDA award is part of the Flexible and Strategic Therapeutics (FASTx) Program, which seeks to advance a robust arsenal of flexible and adaptable therapeutic platforms to efficiently mitigate the impact of viral diseases and safeguard public health in the face of unpredictable viral threats.

"These two awards are significant and boost the potential of our proprietary MYO Technology platform to deliver next-generation DNA medicines for infectious disease prevention," stated Rachel A. Liberatore, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of RenBio. "The work funded by Wellcome will complement our previously announced grant as a sub-awardee of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, under the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)'s Pandemic Prevention Platform (P3) program. Together, in collaboration with our academic partners, we will complete IND-enabling preclinical activities to support the development of a potent anti-Zika antibody. In addition, we will evaluate the potential for the DNA-based delivery of cocktails of anti-influenza antibodies to increase the breadth of protection from disease.

"Likewise, the ability to collaborate with BARDA, for the first time, is a milestone achievement for RenBio. The contract will allow us to address some of the technical hurdles to scaling our disruptive MYO Technology, and will help to expand our platform with respect to the range of antibodies that can be delivered, using the delivery of anti-influenza antibodies as proof-of-concept. Importantly, the delivery of a variety of antibodies targeting seasonal and highly pathogenic influenza viruses will address the need to respond rapidly to diverse viruses."

About MYO Technology

The MYO Technology platform, for intramuscular electroporation of plasmid DNA, is built to overcome the challenges inherent in typical antibody and protein therapeutic development, manufacturing, and delivery by providing patients with a DNA "bioblueprint" that empowers them to produce their own therapeutic antibodies or proteins. The technology utilizes muscle cells (myocytes), converting them into in vivo bioreactors to effectively produce the desired therapeutic within the patient's own body, potentially leading to radically new, longer lasting therapies, reducing the need for cold-chain storage, and resulting in shorter manufacturing times.

About RenBio

RenBio is a privately-held preclinical biotechnology company founded by Columbia University Professors David D. Ho, M.D. and Yaoxing Huang, Ph.D. The Company's novel, next-generation, proprietary nucleic acid therapeutics platform, called MYO (Make Your Own) Technology, is designed to deliver DNA medicines encoding for antibody and protein therapeutics. The rapid plug-and-play features of the MYO Technology are intended to overcome antibody and protein therapeutic limitations in administration, duration of efficacy, dosing frequency, and cold-chain restrictions, and can rapidly flex to prevent or treat a broad range of diseases. To date, the company has raised $28.0 million in Seed and Series A financing and has received additional funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the New York State Biodefense Commercialization Fund, Wellcome, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). For more information, visit: https://www.renbio.com/ .

Approved for Public Release by DARPA, Distribution Unlimited

Contact:

Paula Schwartz

Rx Communications Group, LLC

917-633-7790

[email protected]

SOURCE RenBio
HEBER CITY, Utah, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Renew Biotechnologies , a leading biotech company dedicated to pioneering NGS-based diagnostic solutions, appoints Steven Abbott as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Abbott brings extensive experience in genomics and biotechnology operations to lead Wasatch BioLabs , a core Renew Biotechnologies subsidiary, from its current research and development phase into full-scale commercial operations.

"We are excited to have Steven Abbott join our executive team at this pivotal point in our development," said Chad Pollard, Co-Founder and CEO of Renew Biotechnologies. "We are building a 20,000 sqft high-throughput clinical laboratory at Wasatch Biolabs to transition to full-scale clinical services. Steven's molecular diagnostics expertise and operational experience will be crucial in this shift. We are confident his leadership will drive the successful development and launch of our innovative sequencing-based diagnostic tools."

Wasatch Biolabs' proprietary nanopore-based sequencing technologies are designed to serve researchers, clinical service providers, and biotech companies, including other Renew portfolio companies . These companies operate across diverse therapeutic areas such as neurodegenerative disease and women's health.

"I am pleased to join Renew Biotechnologies to advance Wasatch Biolabs and other portfolio companies," commented Mr. Abbott. "The unique capabilities of Wasatch Biolabs' novel sequencing technologies present an incredible opportunity to enhance diagnostics across multiple fields. I look forward to working with the Renew team to bring these innovative solutions to market and make real impacts on patient care."

A Proven Leader in Biotechnology and Genomic Operations

Steven Abbott's career spans over 15 years in the biotechnology and life sciences industries. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Lab Operations at Flagship Biosciences, Inc., where he significantly enhanced lab productivity and operational efficiency. Prior, Mr. Abbott held leadership positions at Q Solutions, including Director of Genomics Business Development and Director of Global Genomics Lab Operations, where he oversaw global NGS operations and expanded capabilities into new markets.

At Renew Biotechnologies, Steven Abbott will be pivotal in transitioning Wasatch BioLabs into a fully operational high-throughput commercial lab. His extensive experience in lab operations, business development, and strategic planning will drive this initiative forward. Under Mr. Abbott's leadership, Wasatch Biolabs is poised to make significant strides in commercializing innovative diagnostic technologies.

Through collaboration with healthcare and industry leaders, Renew Biotechnologies aims to equip researchers and providers with genomic and epigenomic tools that enhance decision-making and deliver breakthroughs that improve patient outcomes and transform healthcare. Steven Abbott will be an impactful leader, ensuring that Renew Biotechnologies and its subsidiaries continue leading the way in clinical diagnostics.

About Renew Biotechnologies

Renew Biotechnologies is at the forefront of revolutionizing clinical diagnostics by developing and launching a series of specialized biotechnology companies. By collaborating with healthcare and industry leaders, Renew Biotechnologies aims to equip researchers and providers with genomic and epigenomic tools that enhance decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Each subsidiary is dedicated to transforming healthcare, one breakthrough at a time.

SOURCE Renew Biotechnologies
Hematology focuses on blood disorders, including anemia and leukemia, examining their impact on red and white blood cells and plasma proteins. This analysis highlights current therapies, technologies, and diagnostic approaches for prevention and treatment.

BOSTON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest BCC Research study, the demand for "Drugs and Diagnostics for Hematological Disorders: Global Markets" is expected to grow from $131.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $189.3 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029.

The global market for drugs used to treat hematological disorders, along with the devices and reagents used for their diagnosis, is categorized based on product type into reagents & instruments, and software. By end user, the market segments include hospitals, diagnostic labs, and others. Hematological disorder treatments are further divided into oncology drugs and non-oncology drugs. Geographically, the market spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW). The report provides market estimates using 2023 as the base year, with forecasts extending from 2024 through 2029. It also includes details on approved drugs, pipeline analysis, innovative research, market opportunities, and profiles of leading companies. A key driver of market growth is the increasing incidence of leukemia, which has spurred the development of more effective treatment options.

This report is particularly relevant at this moment due to the complexity of blood as an organ, which is associated with a wide range of hematologic disorders and diseases. Each of these conditions is unique, yet blood serves as a common link among them. The increasing prevalence of various blood-related diseasessuch as cancers, anemias, hemoglobinopathies, bone marrow failure syndromes, bleeding disorders, platelet disorders, blood clots, plasma cell disorders, and numerous rare diseasesis driving significant growth in the market.

Please click here for more details on "The global market for drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders Report."

The following factors drive the global market for drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders:

High Incidence of Blood Disorders: Blood disorders like anemia, sickle cell anemia, and leukemia affect a large segment of the global population, driving the need for effective treatments and diagnostic tools. The rising awareness of these conditions emphasizes the necessity for ongoing research and innovation.

Government and Private Funding: Both government agencies and private investors are increasingly funding initiatives to combat hematological disorders. This financial support is essential for developing new therapies and improving access to existing treatments, ultimately enhancing patient care.

Automation in Hematology: Automation in hematology has streamlined laboratory processes, increasing efficiency and accuracy in diagnostics. Technologies like automated blood cell counters and coagulation analyzers enhance the speed and reliability of test results, minimizing human error.

Advancements in Diagnosis: Innovations such as flow cytometry, molecular testing, and genetic profiling have improved the precision of diagnosing blood disorders. Early detection through these advanced methods facilitates timely interventions and personalized treatment strategies, leading to better patient outcomes.

Request a Sample Copy of the global market for drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders Report.

Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details Base year considered 2023 Forecast Period considered 2024-2029 Base year market size $122.2 billion Market Size Forecast $189.3 billion Growth rate CAGR of 7.6% for the forecast period of 2024-2029 Segment Covered Segment, Product, End User, Drug Type, and Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW) Key Market Drivers High incidence of blood disorders

Increasing government and private funding for treatment

Rising use of automation

Advances in the diagnosis of hematology disorders

Key Interesting Facts About the global market for drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders:

Cell-Based Gene Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD):

The U.S. FDA approved the first cell-based gene therapies for SCD in December 2023 .

. These treatments are specifically for patients aged 12 years and older.

The groundbreaking therapies are named Casgevy and Lyfgenia.

Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel (Cilta-cel) Approval:

In April 2024 , Johnson & Johnson announced the approval of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Carvykti).

, Johnson & Johnson announced the approval of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Carvykti). Cilta-cel is a second-line therapy for patients with refractory SCD.

It is used when lenalidomide (Revlimid) and a proteasome inhibitor are ineffective in prior treatment.

The global market for drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders report includes in-depth data and analysis addressing the following important queries:

What is the projected market size and growth rate of the market?

 The global drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders market was valued at $122.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $189.3 billion by the end of 2029. The market is expected to witness a CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2029. What are the key factors driving the growth of the market?

 Key factors that are driving the growth are the high incidence and prevalence of blood disorders, increasing government and private funding for treatment, rising adoption of automation, and advancement in the diagnosis of hematology disorders. What segments are covered in the market?

 The global drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders market is segmented based on market, drug type, product type, end-user, and region. By market, which segment will dominate the market by the end of 2029?

 The hematology drugs segment will dominate the market in 2029. Which region has the highest market share in the market?

 North America holds the highest share of the market.

Some of the Key Market Players Are:

ABBOTT

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES INC.

DANAHER CORP.

NOVARTIS AG

SYSMEX CORP.

AMGEN INC.

BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB CO.

MYERS SQUIBB CO. F. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE LTD.

SANOFI

TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL CO. LTD.

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Hematology Analyzer Market: This report offers a detailed analysis of the hematology analyzer market, focusing on current and future potential, key drivers, and challenges. It includes market projections through 2028, competitive landscape insights, and regulatory factors, along with product and end-user segmentation. Key players are profiled with information on their business segments, financials, and recent developments. The report also assesses the impact of COVID-19 and provides geographical segmentation across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World, with historical data from 2020-2021 and forecasts through 2028.

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SOURCE BCC Research LLC
SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel company Rocket DMC Uzbekistan, with the support of the Association of Travel Agencies of Turkey (TURSAB), has highlighted the significant tourism potential of Uzbekistan to travel agents in Turkey.

More than 60 Turkish travel agencies and 10 representatives of the media were updated on Uzbekistan's unique culture and heritage during an event held within the headquarters of the TURSAB Association. Rocket showcased national dishes, fruits, sweets from the 'sunny land', local art and cultural objects, colourful outfits, Suzani textiles and fragments of historical significance. Guests, from the outset, were plunged into an atmosphere of the 'hospitable Uzbekistan' that awaits international visitors.

The interactive presentation included a video highlighting the history of Uzbekistan, which was accompanied by traditional dancers and a short play by actors. Guests were presented with gift boxes that highlighted elements of the culture and history of Uzbekistan, revealed during different points of a video sequence on the screen.

Turkish tour operators also received detailed information about Rocket DMC Uzbekistan tour packages, learned about the advantages of traveling to Uzbekistan and were updated on modern conditions for tourists. Air Samarkand and airport management company Air Marakanda were also highlighted as a quality airline and for airport services.

"The event demonstrated the tourism opportunities of our company and the country for colleagues in Turkey. We hope that after such fruitful meetings and presentations, the number of Turkish tourists to Uzbekistan will increase even more. With Air Samarkand, we intend to offer two or three services that will make the Istanbul-Samarkand flight connection even more popular. The meeting exceeded all our expectations, with Turkish colleagues proposing several ideas for preparing a pilgrimage tourism program," said Negina Mukhtarova, General Director of Rocket DMC Uzbekistan.

After the video presentation, B2B meetings and an exchange of contacts, the evening proceeded with a taste of Uzbek pilaf and sweet treats.

About Rocket DMC Uzbekistan

Founded in May 2023, Rocket DMC Uzbekistan is a travel company that manages DMC destinations and is a member of the Rocket DMC international network that is headquartered in Dubai. Rocket DMC Uzbekistan is already operating in the tourism markets of Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, and Spain, while also preparing to enter the markets of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Greece. Its goal is to support the image of Uzbekistan by spreading information about the country's tourism potential on a global scale, providing attractive offers for foreign tourists and creating high-quality conditions for them to explore the country. One of the company's local strategic partners is the Silk Road Samarkand tourist center.

SOURCE Rocket DMC Uzbekistan
Portugal shop becomes the 18th active facility in growing GTF MRO network

LONDON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Farnborough Air Show -- Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and OGMA Industria Aeronautica de Portugal S.A. ("OGMA"), an Embraer company, announced today the induction of the first Pratt & Whitney GTF engine at OGMA during the inaugural opening of the Alverca-based facility.

"This marks a significant milestone in our expanding relationship with OGMA and Embraer, furthering our commitment to providing global industry-leading service and support to increase GTF MRO capacity," said Marc Meredith, vice president of aftermarket for GTF engines at Pratt & Whitney. "OGMA brings more than a century of maintenance expertise to the network and will provide critical support for the growing GTF fleet in Europe."

The Embraer company joined the GTF MRO network in 2020 to provide disassembly, assembly and test capability for the PW1100G-JM engine, which powers the Airbus A320neo aircraft family. In 2021, OGMA announced that it will add capability for the PW1900G engine, which powers the Embraer E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft.

"We're proud to extend our collaboration with Pratt & Whitney on today's most advanced technologies," said Paulo Monginho, chief executive officer at OGMA. "By adding the GTF engine to our portfolio, we are growing our capabilities to serve the needs of operators in Europe and around the world."

"Embraer and OGMA are very pleased to deepen its relationship with Pratt & Whitney. With this collaboration, we are on the right track to expand our services portfolio for the GTF fleet as part of Embraer's accelerated growth strategy", says Carlos Naufel, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support.

Pratt & Whitney announced three GTF MRO facility expansions and six shop activations in 2023 to support the growing GTF fleet. OGMA marks the 18th active location and the eighth facility in Europe. By 2025, the company expects to have 19 active GTF MRO shops worldwide.

The GTF MRO network is part of Pratt & Whitney EngineWise solutions which provide operators with a full range of aftermarket services resulting in long-term, sustainable value. For more information, visit prattwhitney.com/enginewise.

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit www.prattwhitney.com.

About RTX

With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses  Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon  we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected].

SOURCE RTX
Chainguard triples valuation to $1.12 billion in less than one year, as its secure-by-design, minimalist approach to container images becomes a de facto technology for locking down open source software in the modern software supply chain

KIRKLAND, Wash., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chainguard, the safe source for open source, today announced it has completed a $140 million Series C round of funding led by Redpoint Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and IVP, bringing the company's total funding raised to $256 million. Existing investors, including Amplify, Mantis VC, Sequoia Capital, and Spark Capital also participated in the round.

Demand for the company's Chainguard Images solution continues to see rapid adoption among enterprises, with a more than 5X increase in its customer base year-over-year and an over 175 percent increase in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in the first six months of the fiscal year. The company has more than doubled its employee base over the past year to support this demand and bring its Chainguard Images product to as many customers as possible.

Now valued at $1.12 billion, the company is making investments to expand its Chainguard Images product offering to safeguard emerging technologies like AI workloads. The company is also expanding go-to-market operations in international markets and growing its Federal business to service more customers looking to meet compliance requirements for software security.

"We've shown our customers and the industry there is a better way to align developer and security priorities when it comes to adopting open source software securely. The complexity and scale of vulnerability management has outgrown the capabilities of most organizations to manage on their own," said Dan Lorenc, CEO and Co-Founder of Chainguard. "Chainguard has brought an essential layer of security to the open source consumption model, which was already strained by new attack types like Log4j and XZ Utils, and is under even greater pressure from a combination of rapidly adopted AI workloads and intensifying regulatory requirements. We empower developers to focus on doing what they do best-- writing great software--with a newfound confidence they are building upon a secure, vulnerability-free foundation, where starting left, not shifting left is the only way."

"Chainguard has reimagined software delivery and consumption and is the safe source for open source software," said Sai Senthilkumar, Partner at Redpoint Ventures. "Chainguard Images have extremely strong product market fit and give developers and security teams peace of mind. Chainguard is one of the fastest growing enterprise businesses we have seen in the past several years and we could not be more thrilled to join on this mission to build the industry standard for software security."

Today, the company is also announcing the general availability of Chainguard AI Images, a growing suite of CPU and GPU-enabled container images, including Pytorch, Conda and Kafka, that are hardened, minimal, and optimized for efficient software development. The solution also offers optimized GPU-enabled images, like PyTorch, with dependencies including drivers and libraries to secure the deployment and management of GPU Accelerated AI applications with low-to-zero vulnerabilities and hardened configurations.

Chainguard's secure container images are used by the world's most advanced technology companies like Anduril, Canva, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Snowflake and leading cybersecurity companies Checkmarx, Cyera, and Wiz to tackle vulnerability remediation and lock down their software supply chains. Chainguard is also committed to providing secure, compliant solutions tailored for federal and regulated industries, working with customers and strategic partners like ILS to enable users to access a custom registry of secure container images on U.S. federal government networks.

In addition to investments in product and go-to-market, the company continues to add to its leadership ranks. Joining the team are its first Vice President of People, Kendra Mitchell, former Chief People Officer at Chief. Caitlin Quinlan also joined as the company's Senior Vice President of Go-to-Market Strategy following general management and operations leadership roles at Gainsight, Mixpanel, and MongoDB. The company also partnered with Kerrest & Company, who will provide advisory services to help the company scale alongside their investment in the round.

Chainguard will be at Black Hat USA 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 3-9. Visit booth #775 on the show flow or book a meeting with Chainguard onsite to learn more about the company's Chainguard Images offering.

Supporting Quotes:

"Chainguard has built a one of a kind product that turns the notion of securing software on its head," said Arsham Memarzadeh, Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners. "The team has emerged as the enterprise developer standard for open source software and we at Lightspeed are excited to partner with them on their incredible growth trajectory."

"Enterprises are turning to Chainguard and realizing a clear ROI right away by eliminating the resource burden of patching software vulnerabilities and meeting compliance standards. Otherwise, they risk becoming the next company headline for a preventable security breach," said Tom Loverro, General Partner at IVP. "Chainguard will become the default option for developers as they build software and a single destination for companies to go to for images they know are secure."

"As the Vice-Chairman & Co-Founder of a Global 2000 technology company, I recognize the immense value that Chainguard is bringing to the software ecosystem," said Frederic Kerrest, CEO & Founder, Kerrest & Company. "Through Kerrest & Company we are excited to work with the company's leadership team to help further its mission to be the safe source for open source. Our investment underscores our confidence in their vision and our commitment to fostering a safer and more resilient technological ecosystem for all."

"Anduril is redefining what defense contractors look like, in part by implementing commercial technology and moving at the pace of relevance." said Joe McCaffrey, CISO at Anduril. "Doing so while remaining compliant in a highly regulated environment is extremely challenging. Chainguard Images help us deliver on this mission with hardened container images that lead the market in secure software development."

"Our partnership with Chainguard enabled us to meet or exceed the rigorous standards required in highly regulated industries and government sectors where we serve our customers," said Andrew Cunje, Chief Information Security Officer at Appian. "By reducing the burden of patching and hardening associated with managing supply chain risks, we can increase our developers' focus on driving innovation in support of our customers' missions."

"On our mission to empower the largest enterprises to secure their applications from code to cloud, adopting Chainguard's secure container images has been a game-changer," said Sandeep Johri, CEO at Checkmarx. "With Chainguard, we're able to meet and maintain stringent compliance requirements for software vulnerabilities, and their Images product seamlessly integrates within our developer workflows, delivering instant results, and secure outcomes."

"Building the world's leading enterprise data security solution means we need to be at the cutting edge of secure innovation," said Shalom Yerushalmy, Head of DevOps Engineering at Cyera. "Chainguard's secure container images solution is transforming Cyera's approach to eliminating vulnerabilities, freeing up our developers' time to focus on innovation and the most pressing security priorities for our customers."

"At Trustpilot, we regard information security as an integral part of running an online review community," said Stu Hirst, CISO at Trustpilot. "Chainguard's secure container images solution is transforming Trustpilot's approach to eliminating vulnerabilities, freeing up our developers' time to focus on innovation and delivering new features that build trust, grow, and improve the platform for users and customers."

About Chainguard

Chainguard is the secure foundation for building with open source software. The company's portfolio of secure, minimal container images helps organizations embrace a new culture of software development where starting left with security, not shifting left, is the reality. Its customers include Fortune 500 enterprises and leading technology and security companies, including Anduril, Canva, Domino Data Lab, Checkmarx, HPE, GitLab, Snowflake, and Wiz. Chainguard is venture-backed by leading investors, including Amplify, IVP, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, Sequoia, and Spark Capital. For more information, please visit: https://www.chainguard.dev/.

Media Contact

Sarah O'Rourke

[email protected]

SOURCE Chainguard
NEW YORK, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spantran: TEC and Morningside Evaluations, global leaders in credential evaluation services, today announced a major branding update. SpanTran: The Evaluation Company is now The Evaluation Company (TEC) with Morningside Evaluations joining the TEC brand. The Evaluation Company (TEC) has a new logo and has launched a new website: www.evalcompany.com. TEC is a NACES member with over 60 years of combined expertise in evaluations for education, immigration, employment, and professional licensure. TEC is also one of the largest evaluation providers in the world.

"We wanted our name and brand identity to more accurately reflect who we are as a company," said John Sherman, CEO of The Evaluation Company. "We offer end-to-end solutions to foreign applicants, whether they are looking to study or work in the U.S."

"Our branding update is a reflection of the evolution the two companies have undergone and who we are today," said John Sherman, CEO of The Evaluation Company. Post this

Spantran, founded in 1982, is a NACES member that prepares foreign credential evaluations and works closely with leading colleges and universities. Spantran also provides evaluations for nursing, teaching, and engineering. Morningside Evaluations, founded in 2000, serves the world's leading immigration law firms and Fortune 500 companies. Together, The Evaluation Company provides credential evaluation solutions for leading institutions, companies and agencies around the world.

In addition to its new name, logo and website, The Evaluation Company has also unveiled a new tagline: Unlocking Opportunities Worldwide. "Ultimately our mission is to help unlock opportunities for our applicants, whether they are looking to study in the US, applying for a work visa, or need to get certified as a nurse or engineer," said Sherman.

The Evaluation Company, headquartered in New York, has 200+ employees in 4 global offices. Clients include educational institutions, Global 500 companies, international law firms, and regulatory bodies.

"Our branding update is a reflection of the evolution the two companies have undergone and who we are today. It not only encompasses the markets and clients we serve, but also our DNA and the amazing employees that have created it," said Sherman.

Please visit http://www.evalcompany.com to explore the new website and learn more about TEC's credential evaluation solutions.

About The Evaluation Company:

For over 40 years, The Evaluation Company has helped thousands of applicants further their education, find employment, and gain professional licensure. A NACES member and partner to 1200+ companies and institutions, TEC leverages human expertise and industry-leading technology to provide credential evaluations, expert opinions, and verifications that unlock opportunities around the world.

SOURCE The Evaluation Company
NEW YORK, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global steam turbine market size is estimated to grow by USD 3884.4 mn from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.19% during the forecast period. Growing demand for power generation is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing focus on renewable energy. However, several problems associated with steam turbines poses a challenge. Key market players include ALSTOM SA, Baker Hughes Co., Dongfang Electric Corp. Ltd., Doosan Corp., Downer EDI Ltd., Ebara Corp., General Electric Co., Hangzhou Steam Turbine Power Group Co. Ltd., Harbin Turbine Co. Ltd., Heinzmann GmbH and Co. KG, Howden Group Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Moog Inc., Nanjing Turbine and Electric Machinery Group Co. Ltd., Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Shandong Qingneng Power Co. Ltd., Shanghai Electric Group Co., Siemens AG, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., and Triveni Engineering and Industries Ltd..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global steam turbine market 2024-2028

Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies- View the snapshot of this report

Steam Turbine Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.19% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 3884.4 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 3.3 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 71% Key countries China, US, India, Japan, and South Korea Key companies profiled ALSTOM SA, Baker Hughes Co., Dongfang Electric Corp. Ltd., Doosan Corp., Downer EDI Ltd., Ebara Corp., General Electric Co., Hangzhou Steam Turbine Power Group Co. Ltd., Harbin Turbine Co. Ltd., Heinzmann GmbH and Co. KG, Howden Group Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Moog Inc., Nanjing Turbine and Electric Machinery Group Co. Ltd., Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Shandong Qingneng Power Co. Ltd., Shanghai Electric Group Co., Siemens AG, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., and Triveni Engineering and Industries Ltd.

Market Driver

The steam turbine market is experiencing growth due to the increasing focus on renewable energy sources. Steam turbines play a crucial role in thermal-based renewable energy production, such as concentrated solar power, geothermal, biomass, and waste-to-energy power plants. Renewable energy, also known as clean energy, provides reliable power sources and fuel diversity, enhancing energy security and reducing the risk of fuel spills. India, for instance, has an installed renewable energy capacity of 152.36 GW as of January 2022, accounting for 38.56% of all installed power capacity. Power production from renewable energy sources increased from 11.51 BU in January 2021 to 13.15 BU in January 2022. As the emphasis on renewable energy continues to grow, the global steam turbine market is anticipated to expand during the forecast period. Steam turbines are a clean energy source that generates electricity with minimal environmental impact, making them a desirable solution for renewable energy applications.

The Steam Turbine Market is witnessing notable trends in various sectors, including petrochemicals, biomass, concentrated solar power, and renewable energy technologies. Small steam turbines are gaining popularity in power utilities and industrial segments for on-site power generation and self-generation. Electrical power generation from steam turbines is also being adopted by high-energy industrial users in the chemical, sugar, and refining industries for power and heat production. Fossil fuels like coal and natural gas continue to dominate the steam turbine market, but renewable energy resources are rapidly growing. Combined-cycle plants and gas turbines are also key players in the market. The International Energy Agency reports that global energy consumption is increasing, driving demand for steam turbines in electrical power facilities. Nuclear steam turbines are used in nuclear power plants for electricity generation. Steam turbines convert mechanical energy from rotational motion into electrical power, making them essential for industrial processes and utility-scale power generation. Boilers, fuel, hot water, steam, and heat exchangers are crucial components in steam turbine systems.

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Market Challenges

Steam turbines are essential components in industrial settings, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy for electricity production. However, these complex machines require specialized maintenance due to their numerous moving parts. Neglecting maintenance can lead to several issues, including blade damage, excessive vibrations, overheating, and steam leakage. Blade damage is a significant concern as turbine blades, responsible for transforming thermal energy into mechanical energy, are susceptible to wear and tear due to their active role within the machine. Corrosion, heat, and poor maintenance can cause these components to break down. Excessive vibrations can also pose a problem, with the machine trembling due to the spinning motion of the turbine blades. While some vibration is normal, excessive movement can lead to internal mechanisms wearing out and damaging bearings, causing instability. Overheating is another concern as steam turbines rely on a constant heat source to produce steam. While necessary for operation, overheating can lead to drive shaft warping, reducing efficiency and potentially endangering operator safety. Lastly, steam leakage through cracks and faulty parts can occur due to excessive vibrations, heat, and aging. Loose seal rings can cause steam to seep out, reducing efficiency and potentially leading to safety hazards. These issues can pose significant challenges to the growth of the global steam turbine market during the forecast period.

The Steam Turbine Market faces challenges from various fronts, including efficiency and emissions standards. Steam engines used in locomotives and thermal power projects must meet these regulations to minimize energy waste and reduce carbon emissions. Coal-fired power generation is under pressure due to renewable technologies, leading to increased investment in cogeneration and combined cycle segment. Energy optimization is crucial for power generation industries, with electricity demand growing due to urbanization and industrialization. Magnetic fields and electric current in steam turbines convert potential energy into kinetic energy, making them essential mechanical devices in power plants. Supply chain disruptions due to gas prices and logistic issues pose challenges. The chemical, pharmaceutical, and waste material sectors rely on steam turbines for their industrial applications. Government investment in clean power generation and emission norms is driving the market towards combined-cycle natural gas and CHP installations. Steam turbine buyers face logistical issues in turbine installations, and steam turbine parts require regular maintenance. The utility segment and geothermal energy segment are potential growth areas. Power generation plants must balance energy deficit with clean power generation and adhere to environmental norms.

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Segment Overview

This steam turbine market report extensively covers market segmentation by

End-user

1.1 Utility

1.2 Industrial

Type

2.1 Reaction

2.2 Impulse

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 North America

3.3 Europe

3.4 Middle East and Africa

and 3.5 South America



1.1 Utility- The steam turbine market is driven by the widespread use of steam turbines in power generation, particularly in utility applications. Steam turbines are the primary means of generating electricity in power plants that utilize steam. The size and configuration of steam power plants depend on the amount of steam required for generation. Traditional steam turbines have historically been fueled by coal, but growing environmental concerns have led to a shift towards cleaner alternatives. Siemens Energy is a key vendor in the market, offering a range of steam turbine packages, including the SST-4000 and SST-9000 series. The SST-4000 series is a specialized turbine for non-reheat combined cycle applications, with a power range from 100 to 500 MW. Its unique blade path design ensures high reliability and availability. Over 40 units, with a combined capacity of about 8,200 MW, are already operational or in commissioning phase. The SST-9000 series, with a power output of up to 1,900 MW, is ideal for conventional islands of modern pressurized water reactors in nuclear power plants. Its low-pressure turbines with shrunk-on wheel discs have been tested over many years, ensuring no stress corrosion cracking and no need for rotor or wheel disc replacements during the expected service life. With the increasing use of steam turbines in power utilities, the steam turbine market is expected to grow significantly 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 Steam Traps Market is expanding due to rising industrial demand for energy efficiency and maintenance reduction. The Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) Market is also growing, driven by the need for effective waste heat recovery in power plants, which enhances energy efficiency. Similarly, the Gas Turbines for the Power Industry Market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by the shift towards cleaner energy sources and the need for reliable, efficient power generation. These markets are influenced by technological advancements and increased focus on sustainability.

Research Analysis

Steam turbines are essential components in power generation, converting mechanical energy from a steam source into electrical energy. They play a significant role in various power plants, including combined-cycle natural gas and CHP installations, providing clean power generation and reducing carbon emissions. With the growing energy deficit and increasing electricity demand, steam turbines continue to be in high demand for both onsite power generation and international thermal power projects. The International Energy Agency reports that global energy consumption continues to rise, making the optimization of energy use through steam turbines increasingly important. These generators utilize a magnetic field to create rotational energy, which is then converted into electrical energy. Steam turbines have applications beyond power generation, including water heating and steam engines for locomotives. However, with stricter emission norms and environmental regulations, the focus is shifting towards renewable technologies and cogeneration to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and coal-fired power generation.

Market Research Overview

The Steam Turbine Market encompasses the production, installation, and maintenance of steam turbines used in various power generation applications. Steam turbines convert mechanical energy from steam into electrical power, making them a crucial component in power plants and industrial processes. The energy deficit worldwide has led to an increased focus on clean power generation, with steam turbines playing a significant role in combined-cycle natural gas and CHP installations. Renewable energy resources, such as biomass, concentrated solar power, and nuclear steam turbines, are also gaining popularity due to stricter emission norms and environmental concerns. Industrial applications, including petrochemicals, sugar plants, refineries, and chemical facilities, rely on steam turbines for power and heat generation. Steam turbine parts, logistical issues, and turbine installations are key considerations for steam turbine buyers. The market includes both condensing and noncondensing steam turbines, with high-pressure steam and lower-pressure steam segments. Consistent power output, steam extraction, and co-generation are essential features of steam turbines. The market size is significant, with the International Energy Agency reporting global energy consumption at over 14,000 TWh in 2019. Electricity prices and demand continue to rise, making onsite power generation and self-generation increasingly attractive options for high-energy industrial users. The market includes various types of steam turbines, including condensing steam turbines, noncondensing steam turbines, and nuclear steam turbines, with rated capacities ranging from small units to large-scale power plants (151-300 MW segment). Combined cycle systems and sustainable energy networks are driving the market towards energy-efficient technologies, such as condensing steam turbines and steam extraction, to meet the growing electricity demand-supply gap.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

End-user

Utility



Industrial

Type

Reaction



Impulse

Geography

APAC



North America



Europe



Middle East And Africa



South America



7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Telecom Argentina S.A. (" Telecom ") announced today the Early Participation Date results and an extension of the Early Participation Consideration for its offer to exchange (the " Exchange Offer ") up to U.S.$200,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 8.000% Notes due July 18, 2026 (the " Old Notes ") validly tendered and accepted for exchange for newly issued 9.500% Senior Amortizing Notes due 2031 (the " New Notes ") of Telecom.

The Exchange Offer is being made on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the exchange offer memorandum, dated July 11, 2024 (the " Exchange Offer Memorandum "), and the supplement to the Exchange Offer Memorandum, dated July 15, 2024 (such supplement together with the Exchange Offer Memorandum, the " Offering Memorandum "), and the related eligibility letter (the " Eligibility Letter " and, together with the Offering Memorandum, the Exchange Offer Documents "). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Exchange Offer Documents.

The following table summarizes the Early Participation Date results for the Exchange Offer as of 5:00 p.m. New York City time on July 24, 2024 (the " Early Participation Date ") and the principal amount of Old Notes that Telecom has accepted for exchange:

Description of Bonds CUSIP/ISIN Nos. Principal Amount Outstanding Principal Amount Tendered

by the Early Participation

Date and Accepted for

Exchange 8.000% Notes due

July 18, 2026 Rule 144A: CUSIP No.: 879273 AR1

ISIN No.: US879273AR14 Regulation S: CUSIP No.: P9028N AV3

ISIN No.: USP9028NAV30 U.S.$400,000,000 U.S.$115,299,000

Telecom also announced that it is extending the offer to pay the Early Participation Consideration through the Expiration Date. As a result, holders of Old Notes that are validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Expiration Date, including those who have validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) Old Notes at or prior to the Early Participation Date, and accepted for exchange (subject any required proration), will be entitled to receive the Early Participation Consideration as set forth in the Offering Memorandum. The complete terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer are described in Telecom's Exchange Offer Documents. Except as described in this press release, the other terms of the Exchange Offer as set forth in the Exchange Offer Documents remain unchanged.

The Withdrawal Date of 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on July 24, 2024 has now passed. Old Notes that have been validly tendered may no longer be withdrawn, and any Old Notes validly tendered on and after the date hereof and prior to the Expiration Date may not be withdrawn.

Telecom has elected to exercise its right to accept the Old Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Participation Date and exercise its Early Settlement Right. The early settlement date on which Telecom will settle the Old Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer is expected to be July 26, 2024 (the " Early Settlement Date "). The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on August 8, 2024 (the " Expiration Date ").

The New Notes issued as exchange consideration pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be issued as additional notes under the indenture, dated July 18, 2024, pursuant to which Telecom issued its outstanding U.S.$500,000,000 9.500% senior amortizing notes due 2031 (the " New Money Notes "). The New Notes will be issued pursuant to a Company Order (as defined in the Indenture), in accordance with the terms of Sections 2.01 and 2.09 of the Indenture. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum, Telecom will issue U.S.$115,263,000 aggregate principal amount of New Notes as exchange consideration for Old Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer. Considering the aggregate principal amount of New Money Notes outstanding prior to the Early Settlement Date, the aggregate principal amount outstanding of 9.500% senior amortizing notes due 2031 after the Early Settlement Date is expected to be U.S.$615,263,000 considering both the New Notes and the New Money Notes in the aggregate.

Given that the Early Settlement Date is expected to occur within thirteen days of the settlement of the New Money Notes, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the New Notes will be part of the same issue as the New Money Notes. No assurance can be given that the Tax Fungibility Condition will be satisfied as of the Final Settlement Date.

In accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer, because accrued interest on the New Notes from the issuance date thereof, which is expected to be the same as the issuance date of the New Money Notes, to the Early Settlement Date will exceed accrued interest on the Old Notes from the last payment date to the Early Settlement Date, the Accrued Coupon Payment for Old Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer is expected to be zero.

Morrow Sodali International LLC is acting as the information and exchange agent (the " Information and Exchange Agent ") for the Exchange Offer.

This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell the Old Notes, the New Notes or the New Money Notes. The Exchange Offer is not being made to holders in any jurisdiction in which Telecom is aware that the making of the Exchange Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws or blue sky laws require the Exchange Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Exchange Offer will be deemed to be made on Telecom's behalf by the dealer managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction. Any questions or requests for assistance regarding the Exchange Offer may be directed to the dealer managers. Requests for additional copies of the Statement and related documents may be directed to the Information and Exchange Agent.

Only holders of Old Notes who have returned a duly completed electronic Eligibility Letter certifying that they are (1) "qualified institutional buyers" (" QIBs ") as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " Securities Act "), (2) located outside of the United States (other than "U.S. persons" (as defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act)), who are qualified offerees in other jurisdictions and who are not Argentine Entity Offerees (as defined in the Eligibility Letter) or Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction Offerees (as defined in the Eligibility Letter), (3) "non-U.S. persons" who are Argentine Entity Offerees, (4) "non-U.S. persons" who are Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions Offerees, or (5) "non-U.S. persons" who are Eligible Canadian Holders (as defined in the Eligibility Letter), are authorized to receive the Exchange Offer Memorandum and to participate in the Exchange Offer (such holders, " Eligible Holders ").

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this announcement, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on expectations and assumptions on the date of this announcement and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, and factors over which Telecom has no control. Telecom assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and does not intend to do so, unless otherwise required by law.

The Information and Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:

Morrow Sodali International LLC E-mail: [email protected] Exchange Offer Website: https://projects.morrowsodali.com/telecomargentinaexchange In London 103 Wigmore Street W1U 1QS London Telephone: +44 20 4513 6933 In Stamford 333 Ludlow Street, South Tower, 5th Floor Stamford, CT 06902 Telephone: +1 203 658 9457



SOURCE Telecom Argentina S.A.
Caris expands its extensive network of leading cancer institutions committed to improving patient outcomes through innovations in precision medicine by welcoming the University of Mississippi Medical Center

IRVING, Texas, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Caris Life Sciences(Caris), a leading next-generation AI TechBio company and precision medicine pioneer, announced today that The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has joined the Caris Precision Oncology Alliance (Caris POA).

The Caris POA is a growing network of leading cancer centers and research consortia across the globe that collaborate to advance precision oncology and biomarker-driven research, with its members working together to establish and optimize standards of care for molecular testing through innovative research to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients. POA members are uniquely positioned to leverage Caris' highly sophisticated AI bioinformatics and machine learning capabilities across Caris' massive multi-modal database to enable innovative research to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.

Caris expands its extensive network of leading cancer institutions committed to improving patient outcomes Post this

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is the state's only academic medical center, with a focus to improve the health of Mississippi's population and eliminate health disparities through education, research and patient care. Their three-part mission is to improve the lives of Mississippians by educating tomorrow's health care professionals, conducting health sciences research, and providing cutting-edge patient care. UMMC encompasses six health science schools of medicine, nursing, health related professions, dentistry, graduate studies and population health.

"We are pleased to welcome the University of Mississippi Medical Center into the growing Caris Precision Oncology Alliance," said George W. Sledge, Jr., MD, EVP and Chief Medical Officer of Caris. "UMMC's commitment to cutting-edge therapy, clinical trials and interdisciplinary collaboration makes them a valuable alliance member. We're eager to collaborate with their investigators on our shared mission of improving the outcomes of all patients affected by cancer."

"The power of the Caris POA is that it provides UMMC access to not only thousands of complete annotations and molecular profiling data points for each patient, but also a network of investigators and oncologists, both of which are powerful resources for cancer researchers," said Rodney Rocconi, MD, FACOG, director of the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute and Ergon Chair for Cancer Research. "This cutting-edge data will provide our physicians with immediate information at their fingertips."

The Caris POA includes 95 cancer centers, academic institutions, research consortia and healthcare systems. These institutions have early access to the extensive database and artificial intelligence platform within Caris to establish evidence-based standards for cancer profiling and molecular testing in oncology. By leveraging the comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic profiling available through Caris molecular profiling, Caris seeks to provide this network with the ability to prioritize therapeutic options and determine which clinical trial opportunities may benefit their patients. POA members are also able to integrate with a growing portfolio of biomarker-directed trials sponsored by biopharma. Additionally, POA member institutions have access to one of the largest and most comprehensive multi-modal databases in the industry, which includes matched molecular and clinical outcomes data from hundreds of thousands of cancer patients, covering tens of billions of datapoints per patient.

About Caris Life Sciences

Caris Life Sciences (Caris) is a leading next-generation AI TechBio company and precision medicine pioneer that is actively developing and delivering innovative solutions to revolutionize healthcare and improve the human condition. Through comprehensive molecular profiling (Whole Exome and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing) and the application of advanced AI and machine learning algorithms, Caris has created the large-scale, multi-modal database and computing capability needed to analyze and unravel the molecular complexity of disease. This convergence of sequencing power, big data and AI technologies provides an unmatched platform to deliver the next generation of precision medicine tools for early detection, diagnosis, monitoring, therapy selection and drug development.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris has offices in Phoenix, New York, Cambridge (MA), Tokyo, Japan and Basel, Switzerland. Caris or its distributor partners provide services in the U.S., Europe, Asia and other international markets. To learn more, please visit CarisLifeSciences.com.

About the University of Mississippi Medical Center

As the state's only academic medical center, UMMC seeks to improve the health of Mississippi's population and eliminate health disparities through education, research and patient care. UMMC encompasses six health science schools of medicine, nursing, health related professions, dentistry, graduate studies and population health. The Medical Center includes the state's only Level I trauma center, only children's hospital, only organ and bone marrow transplant program and the only Telehealth Center of Excellence, one of two in the nation. For more information, visit www.umc.edu.

Caris Life Sciences Media Contact:

Lisa Burgner

[email protected]

214.294.5606

University of Mississippi Medical Center Media Contact:

Jewell Davis, PhD, MS

[email protected]

601.815.5718

SOURCE Caris Life Sciences
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Villas at Brookview (Brookview), a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) ran by Monarch Healthcare Management, has received two of the highest quality honors available in post-acute and long-term care.

The Villas at Brookview (logo) The Villas at Brookview was honored by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a recipient of the association's Silver - Achievement in Quality Award, and also received a Five-Star Overall Rating from the Center for Medicare Services (CMS).

In June, the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) recently announced recipients of the 2024 Silver  Achievement in Quality Award. Brookview was one of three SNFs in the state to receive this distinction, which is the second of three progressive awards available through the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program.

Ashley Linkert, LNHA, Administrator at Brookview summarizes the importance of this milestone. "This award demonstrates Brookview's dedication to providing quality care and continuous performance improvement. The program application process gave us an opportunity to reflect on our facility's unique characteristics and other factors contributing to our performance and health care outcomes."

In July, the Center for Medicare Services (CMS), the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for ensuring that nursing homes meet certain quality standards, recently gave Brookview a five-star Overall rating. The CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System is used by consumers, their families, and caregivers to evaluate nursing homes. A five-star rating shows above average quality across three domains: state-administered health inspections, staffing, and resident-level quality measures.

"This achievement is a credit to years of passionate work put in by our dedicated staff for our residents," says Linkert. "While we were delighted to hear we achieved this rating, it only goes to show what our staff and residents have always known. Some of the best skilled nursing care in the United States happens right here in Golden Valley at the Villas at Brookview."

About the Villas at Brookview

The Villas at Brookview, one of 60+ senior care communities managed by Monarch Healthcare Management, is a patient-focused skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care facility in Golden Valley, Minnesota. For more information, visit https://www.monarchmn.com/the-villas-at-brookview.

Learn how Monarch Healthcare Management is changing healthcare delivery in Minnesota at https://www.monarchmn.com

For more information on the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program, visit https://www.ahcancal.org/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/

For more information on the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System, visit https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-safety-standards/certification-compliance/five-star-quality-rating-system

SOURCE Monarch Healthcare Management LLC
Theorem Fund Services, LLC announces it has been nominated by Hedgeweek in 3 fund administration categories for the annual Hedgeweek US Awards.

CHICAGO, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Theorem Fund Services, LLC, a leading independent third-party fund administration firm, announces it has been nominated for 3 awards in the Hedgeweek US Awards 2024. The nominations are as follows:

Administrator of the Year  Overall

Administrator of the Year  Digital Assets

Administrator of the Year  Start-up & Emerging Funds

The winners will be announced at an event to be held on October 10th in New York City.

About Theorem: Theorem Fund Services, LLC is a multi-service fund administrator which offers a unique turn-key solution to investment managers that combines institutional-level technology with strong industry experience and a deep understanding of our clients' needs and goals.

We were founded on the belief that traditional fund administration platforms needed to evolve into a much more comprehensive multi-service offering. This enables an investment manager to maximize their service delivery by dramatically increasing fee efficiency and scalability.

We understand that our success depends entirely on the success of our clients and our ability to develop long-term client relationships that fully support our clients in their work. We are committed to partnering with our clients to ensure they receive the very best value combined with the highest quality service at the best price.

Contact:

Stephen Giannone

Managing Member

Theorem Fund Services, LLC

(312) 952-1455

[email protected]

www.theoremfundservices.com

SOURCE Theorem Fund Services
Partnership Between Ursa Major and JobsOhio Establishes Additive Manufacturing and Materials Development Hub in Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ursa Major, America's leading privately funded company focusing solely on rocket propulsion, is establishing a new research-and-development center in Youngstown, Ohio, to advance additive manufacturing and materials development technology for liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors. The center represents a capital investment of $14.5 million, which includes $4 million in assistance in the form of a JobsOhio R&D Grant. Ursa Major worked closely with JobsOhio Network partner Team NEO to secure funding for the expansion, which will be in the new Lake to River region.

Ursa Major's Thomas Pomorski prepares one of its Hadley engine chambers for transport after 3-D printing is complete at its Youngstown OH manufacturing facility. Ursa Major announced today it has received a grant from JobsOhio to open a larger facility and hire 15 new people.

The R&D center marks an expansion in Ohio, where Ursa Major already 3D prints hardware for propulsion systems. In the coming years, the company will expand its workforce from three to eighteen people.

Liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors power platforms that are essential for America's security, including high-performance munitions, hypersonic weapons, in-space propulsion systems, and space launch. Ursa Major is expanding its R&D efforts to meet a rapidly growing portfolio of U.S. Department of Defense development contracts.

"The new R&D center in Youngstown takes advantage of Ohio's manufacturing heritage and uniquely skilled workforce to advance manufacturing in service to our national security," said Ursa Major CEO Joe Laurienti. "Raw material access, supply chain, and a vibrant additive manufacturing ecosystem as a result of the America Makes program make Youngstown an ideal home for this center."

"Ursa Major's R&D center plans in the Mahoning Valley represent Ohio's strong aerospace and manufacturing legacy and how this state is driving the future of how things are made in America and worldwide," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "Innovation from Mahoning County is rapidly advancing additive manufacturing technology, and Ursa Major's investment is an example of how that attracts extraordinary companies."

The new center will be located in Boardman and will accelerate new material development and qualification processes for aerospace applications of additive manufacturing. This includes developing metallic alloys for solid rocket motors and development of copper and nickel alloys for liquid rocket engines. The center will be home to multiple Laser Powder Bed Fusion 3D Printers, which are state-of-the-art machines that enable unparalleled speed for rapid prototyping and material development.

About Ursa Major

Ursa Major is America's leading privately funded company focusing solely on rocket propulsion, bringing high-performance, staged combustion liquid engines to market for space, launch, and hypersonic uses while deploying a novel manufacturing process to scale solid rocket motor production. Ursa Major customers, ranging from commercial space launch providers to enterprise-level aerospace and defense leaders as well as the U.S. government, get to flight faster, more reliably and cost-effectively. The company employs the most sought-after engineers from top aerospace programs and universities. Headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, with additive manufacturing facilities in Youngstown, Ohio, Ursa Major was named one of the best places to work by Built in Colorado three years in a row. For more information, visit www.ursamajor.com. For downloadable images and videos, click here.

About JobsOhio

JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage.

Media Contact: Ursa Major | [email protected]

SOURCE Ursa Major Technologies
MELBOURNE, Australia, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent charity, Vantage Foundation announces its partnership with Backpack 4 VIC Kids (B4VK), a Victoria-based charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children. As part of its mission to build strong communities, Vantage Foundation collaborated with a local Australian company for a successful fundraising campaign, garnering enthusiastic support from their staff.

Vantage Foundation Partners with Backpack 4 VIC Kids to Support Vulnerable Children in Victoria

The urgency of B4VK's mission cannot be overstated. In 2022, more than 61,000 Australian children required out-of-home care, with over 14,000 children in Victoria alone. Alarmingly, 1 in 33 Australian children depend on child protection services, marking an annual increase of 17%, with a significant 24% rise among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. These statistics highlight the critical need for ongoing support and resources to assist B4VK in its mission.

Established in 2014, B4VK provides crisis and gift packs to vulnerable children aged birth to seventeen, offering comfort and restoring dignity in times of crisis. Sally Beard, Founder of B4VK, shared a poignant story reflecting the impact of their work: "Early on, I spoke with a woman who vividly recalled clutching her B4VK backpack tightly when she was taken from her home. She confided, 'For me, that backpack was everything I had.' This story reaffirms our commitment to providing crucial support and material aid to displaced children, helping them feel secure and valued during challenging times."

Steven Xie, Executive Director of Vantage Foundation, expressed heartfelt dedication to the partnership: "We are deeply honoured to collaborate with Backpack 4 VIC Kids and support local corporations to impact the communities they work in meaningfully. Together with B4VK and our local Australian corporate partners, we help to create a community where foster children can feel safe, supported, and valued."

Learn more about Backpack 4 VIC Kids here.

About Vantage Foundation

Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organisation launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK in 2023. The foundation has worked with charity organisations around the world, including The iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach For Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil.

For more information, please visit www.vantage.foundation

SOURCE Vantage Foundation
Greg Burkart supports customers with identifying viable sites to onshore business or expand their U.S. footprint

DETROIT, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Walbridge, a leading full-service construction company, appointed Greg Burkart, principal, Site Selection services within its Real Estate Services Group. He reports to Walbridge Executive Vice President Randy Abdallah.

In his new role, Burkart leads the development and growth of Walbridge's Site Selection services where he works closely with existing and new customers interested in onshoring business from overseas or expanding their national footprint. Burkart's extensive site selection experience coupled with Walbridge's world-class design and construction expertise allows the team to identify the best location based on current market data and leading industry trends.

Burkart is also responsible for securing new customers in emerging markets and developing relationships with various state and regional economic development agencies. He collaborates frequently with industry veteran and long-time Walbridge consultant Dennis Cuneo, leveraging his expertise in government relations and incentive negotiations.

According to a 2024 report issued by the Site Selection Guild, 87 percent of Guild members strongly agree that resource shortages (such as land, labor and utilities) have challenged or compromised project timelines.

"Our Real Estate team supports customers with a variety of services and offers practical and actionable advice throughout the process  from identifying and assessing sites for construction readiness, workforce availability and utility capacity to incentive negotiations and compliance," said Walbridge President John Rakolta, III. "We ease the burden of finding a site that meets our customer's specific project needs while helping to reduce time to build and development costs."

An entrepreneurial attorney and skilled economic developer, Burkart has more than 25 years of site selection experience partnering with the public sector to benefit communities and corporate clients and has direct experience in 46 states as well as Latin America and Europe. Most recently, he was executive vice president of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership leading economic development operations. Prior to that, Burkart was the managing director and practice lead for Site Selection & Incentives Advisory Services at Kroll, LLC.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., and a Juris Doctorate from the St. Louis University School of Law in Mo. Burkart was co-chair of the Site Selectors' Guild Credentialing Task Force, a member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation, an adjunct faculty member at Michigan State University and past president of the Detroit Chapter of the Federalist Society.

About Walbridge

Walbridge is one of America's largest privately held construction companies founded in Detroit in 1916. The company offers construction management, engineering, and real estate services for customers in manufacturing, hyperscale data centers, automotive, defense, higher education, health care, and government. Walbridge employs more than 1,500 professionals in North America. Visit www.walbridge.com or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more.

SOURCE Walbridge
OKLAHOMA CITY, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wed Society, America's leading wedding industry franchise, is thrilled to announce the successful closure of its Series A funding round, securing growth capital at an impressive $5.775 million valuation. This round, fully subscribed in less than 40 days, marks a significant milestone in the brand's journey, set to accelerate its national expansion and establish a stronger presence across new markets in the United States.

"As the heartbeat of the wedding community, this funding is a pivotal milestone," said David Lewis, chief growth officer of Wed Society. "This investment enables us to accelerate our franchise expansion strategy and bring our innovative platform to more engaged couples and wedding vendors across North America."

"This investment enables us to accelerate our franchise expansion strategy" Post this

Wed Society has revolutionized the wedding industry by connecting couples with highly curated local wedding vendors through its robust digital, social, and print channels. The fresh influx of growth capital will enhance the company's capabilities in supporting franchisees who are providing localized marketing exposure and exclusive events for member vendors, further cementing their community impact.

"We have added or converted 11 franchise locations since the start of 2024, and we are excited to extend our platform to new franchise markets, continuing our mission of supporting engaged couples and wedding industry vendors alike", said Wed Society co-founder Ashley Bowen Murphy.

Wed Society franchise owners play an integral role in their communities, offering a low-overhead, home-based franchise model with an impressive average annual revenue per market of $681,000, according to Item 19 of the Wed Society franchise disclosure document.

"With nearly 250,000 weddings held annually across our franchise markets, this funding will allow us to further expand our headquarters support team and deliver industry leading resources to our franchise owners and the wedding community at large," added Kami Huddleston, co-founder and creative director of Wed Society.

About Wed Society:

Founded in 2007, Wed Society is the premier wedding media franchise, dedicated to showcasing inspirational local weddings, connecting engaged couples with curated local vendors, and hosting member exclusive events. Wed Society is the heartbeat of the wedding community. Discover more at Franchise.WedSociety.com .

SOURCE Wed Society
LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wisesky, an innovative brand that focuses on air purification technology and is committed to solving the problems of pet-raising families, has become the top choice this summer for cat lovers with its Wisesky W-cat Air Purifier. Wisesky, an innovative brand that focuses on air purification technology and is committed to solving the problems of pet-raising families, has become the top choice this summer for cat lovers with its Wisesky W-cat Air Purifier. After visiting hundreds of pet hospitals, communicating extensively with professional veterinarians, and discussing with cat owners troubled by shedding, Wisesky developed this product to address issues such as cat hair and allergens. With years of research and development, the W-Cat Air Purifier, featuring innovative design and powerful functions, provides pet families with fresh air and a healthy living environment, while demonstrating the brand's meticulous humane care for pets and families.

James Franklin, CTO of Wisesky, commented: "Wisesky has been focusing on air purification technology for many years and is committed to solving the problems of pet-raising families. Summer is the peak season for cats to shed their hair, and with air conditioning turned on for long periods in the home during the summer, the air is prone to poor circulation. It is our philosophy to improve the quality of life through technological innovation, and we deeply understand the issues that cat owners face during this season, and with Wisesky's W-Cat Air Purifier, we hope to provide a refreshing and healthy living environment for cats and their families."

Emma, a satisfied customer, shared her experience: "I recently bought this air purifier for my room where I have one corgi and one cat. After using it for a week, I can say it's definitely worth buying. It really makes the room smell fresh, and every morning when I wake up, the air feels so much cleaner. It's larger than I expected, but that just means it works better than the smaller one I had before. Another great feature is how easy it is to control from my phone. It also has an optional night light, which is a nice touch. Plus, it's super quiet on the low mode. Overall, very good quality, I'm happy with this purchase."

Wisesky pays attention to the needs of pet owners and cares deeply about the health of their pets. The Company's mission is to provide a healthy, safe, and comfortable living environment for pet families through advanced air purification technology. The W-Cat Air Purifier has been finally developed after surveying 1,000 cat owners and more than 40 pet hospitals, giving Wisesky a deep understanding of feline habits and preferences. The product design considers functionality while also incorporating care for pets and family members.

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BEIJING, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Huashan 263 Time-honored Brand Hall, a public cultural landmark in Shanghai, unveiled recently a bone porcelain set co-branded with reputed British fine porcelain brand Aynsley to expand cross-sector cooperation.

The hall, a museum-like entity dedicated to showcasing classic Chinese brands or "Laozihao" in Chinese in the eastern China metropolis, took the move as an important step to diversify products and combine the oriental charm with western style.

Photo shows the flower-themed bone porcelain set co-branded by Huashan 263 Time-honored Brand Hall and Aynsley. (Provided by Huashan 263 Time-honored Brand Hall)

With the Roman goddess of flower - Flora bestowing a dozen of flowers on humanity as the inspiration, the co-branded bone porcelain set features different but lifelike flowers representing the 12 months of a year to express wishes for life brimming with blessings.

Printed on bottom of the co-branded teaware and others, logo of Huashan 263 Time-honored Brand Hall resonates with their whiteness and translucence under light out of four times of high-temperature calcination.

For tea cups in the flower-themed bone porcelain set, ear-shaped handles were designed to better fit the human body curves, presenting the same pursuit for excellence and craftsmanship as what Chinese time-honored brands do all the time.

In the future, the Shanghai-situated "Laozihao" pavilion vowed to carry further its openness, innovation and cooperation spirits to craft more products characterized by rich cultural content to expand the influences of time-honored Chinese brands.

As a public cultural venue, Huashan 263 Time-honored Brand Hall has pooled 200-plus time-honored Chinese brands for people at home and abroad to experience from them Shanghai's culture, history and vitality.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/341277.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
Fixed broadband in Bangladesh was reportedly set to be completely restored on Wednesday night, but the government said that mobile internet access will remain offline until at least Sunday or Monday, which means most people will remain unconnected.

Bangladeshs internet went dark on Thursday after student protests against a new jobs quota system turned violent. On Tuesday, fixed line broadband internet connectivity in Bangladesh was partially restored in select areas on a trial basis, with priorities given to the banking, commercial, technology, exports, outsourcing and media sectors.

According to the Daily Star newspaper, Md Emdadul Hoque, president of Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), said on Wednesday at a press briefing that 40% of broadband connections across Bangladesh had been restored and most of the lines would be connected by that night.

However, Bangladeshs mobile internet remains offline. State minister for Posts, Telecommunications and ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said at the briefing that mobile internet wouldnt be restored until at least Sunday or Monday.

Palak said he would meet with the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) to analyse the situation before service is restored, the report said.

The vast majority of Bangladeshs internet subscribers use mobile to get online. According to figures from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), there were just over 131 million internet users in the country at the end of 2023. Of those, 118.49 million are mobile internet users, with the remainder being fixed broadband users.

As we reported on Wednesday, various sectors are counting the cost of being offline for five days, while businesses relying on mobile internet are still feeling the pain. Media reports indicate the telecoms and digital commerce sectors are losing several million US dollars per day due to the mobile internet outage, while mobile financial services have also reportedly been affected, leaving many people with no money.
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Oslo, July 25 : Norway has aligned with the European Union (EU) in imposing sanctions against Israeli extremist settlers in the West Bank, a government statement said.

Last week, the EU decided to impose sanctions on five individuals and three organisations due to "serious human rights abuses". The sanctions add to those already in force.

The aforementioned individuals and organisations 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 organisations will also have their financial assets frozen, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The Israeli settlements on occupied land are illegal. The organisations 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 added.

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.
Amman, July 25 : 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-per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023, the state media reported.

Citing figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the report said on Wednesday that 19,729 Syrian refugees returned from Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, 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, Xinhua news agency reported.

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 per cent of Syrian refugees in Jordan do not intend to return to their homeland within the next 12 months.
Moscow, July 25 : Statements made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on potential negotiations with Russia lack credibility, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

The comment followed a recent statement made by Zelensky proposing that Russian representatives should be present at a second peace conference on Ukraine scheduled to be held in November, Xinhua news agency reported.

In her weekly press briefing, Zakharova said on Wednesday that Russia did not trust the Ukrainian President.

The Spokesperson recalled that Zelensky, his administration, or his "Western curators" have not taken any action to repeal the law that bans negotiations with Russia.

Zakharova also suggested that the Ukrainian President and Kiev's Western allies might be trying to advance their failed "peace formula" once again.
Washington, July 25 : The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has said that it sent out fighter jets to intercept two Chinese and Russian bombers off the coast of Alaska from China and Russia, quoting media reports.

NORAD said that it detected and tracked two Russian TU-95 and two Chinese H-6 military aircraft that were operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday, The Hill reported.

NORAD added that its fighter jets from Canada and the US intercepted the four aircraft.

The Command said that the bombers did not enter the sovereign airspace of the US or Canada and that they remained in international airspace.

It also added that the activity in the zone was not seen as a threat, The Hill reported.

The Command said that it "will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence".

NORAD noted that an Air Defense Identification Zone "begins where sovereign airspace ends". The zone is an area of international airspace "that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security," according to the Command.

NORAD said in May that it was tracking four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska ADIZ, saying at the time that the activity "occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat".
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.
New Delhi, July 25 : The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI), D.Y. Chandrachud, has recommended the extension of term of nine additional judges of the Calcutta High Court for a year.

In April this year, the Collegium of the Calcutta High Court (HC) forwarded its unanimous recommendation to appoint Justices Biswaroop Chowdhury, Partha Sarathi Sen, Prasenjit Biswas, Uday Kumar, Ajay Kumar Gupta, Supratim Bhattacharya, Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, Apurba Sinha Ray, and Md. Shabbar Rashidi as a permanent judge.

The Supreme Court Collegium said that it consulted other judges of the apex court who are conversant with the affairs of the Calcutta HC to ascertain their suitability, adding that the committee of two judges of the Supreme Court constituted by the CJI assessed the judgments of these additional judges.

After scrutinising and evaluating the material placed on record and having considered all aspects of the matter, the Supreme Court Collegium found that these additional judges deserve a fresh term of one year starting from August 31, 2024.

"The Chief Minister and the Governor of the State of West Bengal have not conveyed their views on the above recommendation. The Department of Justice has forwarded the above recommendation by invoking Para 14 of the Memorandum of Procedure which provides that if the comments of the Constitutional authorities in the State are not received within the prescribed time frame, it should be presumed by the Minister of Law and Justice that the Governor and the Chief Minister have nothing to add to the proposal and proceed accordingly," said a statement released on the website of the apex court.
Brazilian telecoms regulator Anatel has expressed its disappointment at a recent decision by another government agency, the electricity-focused Aneel to, essentially, abandon plans discussed by the two regulators on the vexed topic of infrastructure sharing or, more accurately, pole sharing.

Aneel feels there should be a restart to the process of agreeing new regulations for the sharing of poles between the energy and telecommunications sectors, blaming discrepancies in the terms of the joint resolution that was presented to the regulators.

Its hard to get a precise idea about what drove Aneel's decision, but it appears to have been a response to a government decree  No. 12,068, of 2024  which provided for the mandatory assignment of spaces on poles by energy distributors to third-party companies. Aneel was apparently against this measure.

Anatel has published a statement in which it points out that it approved, in October 2023, a proposed joint resolution on the subject, noting that this had been widely discussed with society through public consultation. Aneels response seems to have taken until this week to arrive.

Anatel calls the Aneel decision a setback that will have significant impacts on the expansion of the connectivity of Brazilians. It also refers to the poles as essential infrastructure in the installation of cables used in various telecommunications services, especially internet access.

Present infrastructure-sharing regulations between telecommunications and energy companies in Brazil have apparently not stopped ad hoc use of energy distribution poles by telecommunications operators  with all that this implies in terms of regulation and safety.

That, it seems, is why Aneel and Anatel have been attempting to put together a workable system for the use of electricity poles, one that lays out conditions for infrastructure sharing between electricity and telecommunications companies and the price for the use of space on poles.

However, we now appear to be back to square one, as one news source puts it, with doubts about when the talks will actually resume.
Kolkata, July 25 : The West Bengal government has decided to form a special body to address complaints against police.

Sources in the state secretariat said that often people have to approach the court in case of a complaint against the police, who are supposed to address the grievances of the people.

Although the formal notification on this count is yet to be issued by the state secretariat, insiders said that the said body christened 'State Police Complaints Authority' will be a four-member body headed by a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court.

The other three members of the proposed body will be a senior bureaucrat and two senior police officers attached to the state government. While this four-member entity will be the nodal and state-level body, sources said, there are plans to form subordinate district-level bodies.

It is learnt that in case of any complaint or grievance against the police, the citizens concerned can first approach the concerned district-level body and seek remedies. In case the grievance or grievances are not settled there, the next step would be to approach the four-member nodal body.

Sources said that the move is mooted to relieve the citizens of the hassles of approaching the court in case of any complaint or grievance against the police. Currently, at Calcutta High Court alone there are 3,500 such pending cases on complaints relating to inaction or hyper-action on the part of the police.

In the past, it has been noted several times that the opposition parties or even individual forums had to approach the Calcutta High Court after being denied police permission to conduct a rally or a meeting at any particular, and in most cases the court permitted them.

On several occasions, different judges of the Calcutta High Court have even raised the question of why individuals or organisations have to approach the court every time to get permission on this count.
Pune : , July 25 (IANS) Large tracts of Pune city and the district were submerged in flood waters as the state's academic and cultural capital was pounded by heavy rain overnight, with schools shut and boats deployed to help out people, officials said here on Thursday.

Pune (Maharashtra), July 25 (IANS) Large tracts of Pune city and the district were submerged in flood waters as the stateas academic and cultural capital was pounded by heavy rain overnight, with schools shut and boats deployed to help out people, officials said here on Thursday.

The city Fire Brigade, police, SDRF and NDRF teams and other agencies were rushed to many areas to rescue people who woke up this morning and found themselves stranded in 3-5 feet deep waters.

The rescuers deployed boats and ropes to bring out scores of people stuck in their homes or shops with the waters inundating their dwellings up to the ceiling in some buildings.

The NDRF started a rescue operation in Nimbaj Nagar, Deccan Gymkhana and Sinhagad Road areas which were among the worst hit as the city received over 200 mm rains in the past 24 hours.

The situation was compounded by over 40,000 cusecs water being discharged from the overflowing Khadakwasla Dam, said Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, the Pune MP.

Angry locals slammed the government for allegedly opening the dam floodgates to the Mula-Mutha River basins at around 4 a.m. without prior notice which could have enabled the people to rush to safer areas.

Almost across the city, roads, streets and lanes were littered with two-wheelers and four-wheelers that were stuck in the flood waters and people wading in waist-to-neck deep water, frantically attempting to save their belongings.

Major thoroughfares like the Bhide Bridge, Holkar Bridge, Sangam Bridge and adjoining colony, Khillare complex near Garware College, a bridge opposite the PMC office, were shut for traffic as the rivers below were in a raging flow.

Elsewhere, the twin hill stations of Khandala-Lonavala, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Mulshi, Khed, Bhor, Maval, Haveli, Baramati and other places, plus the fashionable and elite Lavasa city received very heavy rain measuring over 300 mm in the past 24 hours.

In several areas of Pune city and other towns, the rescue agencies and police appealed to people to remain indoors, and those stranded in multi-storey buildings were urged to remain there, electricity in some areas was cut off as a precaution, compounding the problems.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar spoke with Collector Suhas Diwase and said that an Orange Alert has been issued for Pune, all teams are on high alert and multiple efforts are underway to control the situation arising out of the flood situation.
Jammu, July 25 : The J&K Police on Thursday claimed a breakthrough in the Kathua terror attack by arresting two Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) associates who facilitated the terror attack.

Police sources said that two JeM associates have been arrested from the hilly area of Kathua district.

"Sustained questioning of these two terror associates is likely to lead to more arrests of the persons involved in giving strategic and logistic support to the terrorists," sources said.

More details are awaited.

Five security personnel, including four soldiers and a local policeman, were killed when terrorists ambushed an army vehicle in Badnota village, 150 away from Kathua town on July 10.

The presence of 40 hardcore foreign terrorists has been reported in the hilly districts of the Jammu division, including Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur.

The Army has deployed over 4,000 soldiers, including the elite para commandos and those trained in mountain warfare to eradicate terrorism from the otherwise peaceful Jammu division.
Istanbul, July 25 : Two people were killed and seven others were injured when an assailant targeted those around them in Turkey's eastern Bingol province, local officials announced.

According to a statement from the governorate, the incident occurred at around 1:30 p.m. local time in the Bahcelievler neighbourhood on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

It said the assailant attacked around him with a knife.

In a separate statement, the provincial police department said the attacker was under the influence of substance abuse and was detained and put into custody.

The police added that a comprehensive investigation has been launched into the incident.
Panama City, July 25 : 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.

According to the National Border Service, the Public Ministry was informed of the incident if the victims' bodies were buried to cover up any connection to migrant traffickers, Xinhua news agency reported.

The region in eastern Panama's Darien province, which borders 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.
Kinshasa, July 25 : A military court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) opened 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 on Wednesday.

Corneille Nangaa's wife, Yvette Lubanda Nazinda, in exile in Europe, is also prosecuted for "treason, war crimes and participation in an insurrectional movement," reported Xinhua news agency.

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 August 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.
The Hague, July 25 : A Dutch court ruled in favour 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 Defence to (French shipbuilder) Naval Group can remain in place," the District Court of The Hague said in its ruling, Xinhua news agency reported.

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). 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 defence projects. (1 euro = $1.09).
Prague, July 25 : Slovakia's President Peter Pellegrini said 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 Defence Minister Robert Kalinak on Wednesday, the President said Ukraine's decision to halt Lukoil oil transit to Slovakia and Hungary undermines good neighbourly relations between the countries, reported Xinhua news agency.

"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.
Mumbai, July 25 : Kritika Kamra, known for her roles in shows like 'Kitani Mohabbat Hai' and 'Kuch Toh Log Kahenge', as well as recent appearances in the web series 'Tandav', is set to portray a cop in the series 'Gyaarah Gyaarah.' She said that being part of this show is "a dream come true" for her.

The trailer of the series 'Gyaarah Gyaarah' was launched in Mumbai on Wednesday. It was attended by Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra, Dhairya Karwa, Guneet Monga and director Umesh Bist.

At the press conference, Kritika was asked about her belief in the magic of 11:11, to which she responded: "I believe in it now. Being here and being part of this show is a dream come true for me. This moment, sitting surrounded by such talented people, is a wish fulfilled. Coming from where I did, I never imagined becoming an actor and having the opportunity to do all of this, to work with such amazing people from whom I'm learning so much. It feels truly magical."

Kritika spoke about her decision to accept this role: "After portraying a morally dubious gangster-like character, I was drawn to playing an upright cop. Equally important to me was the opportunity to learn from talented individuals. The intriguing walkie-talkie moment in the script captivated me. It was the combination of these factors that attracted me to this role."

'Gyaarah Gyaarah' connects two police officers across timelines through a walkie-talkie that comes alive at 11:11 p.m. every day. As the two help each other solve cases, the reality around them changes forever. Directed by Umesh Bist, Gyaarah Gyaarah is co-written by Puja Banerjee and Sunjoy Shekhar. It is bankrolled by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Achin Jain.

Starring Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra and Dhairya Karwa, it will release on Zee5 on August 9.
Vientiane, July 25 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Laotian capital of Vientiane on Thursday afternoon to participate in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), taking place from July 25-27.

"Arrived in Vientiane, Laos to take part in the ASEAN-mechanism meetings. Look forward to further deepen India's ties with ASEAN as we mark a decade of Act East Policy," Jaishankar posted on X after his arrival.

From Vientiane, the EAM will travel to Tokyo to participate in the next meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers' on July 29 along with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Japan and the United States.

The 57th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Vientiane is being attended by over 1000 delegates, including foreign ministers and representatives from 31 countries.

ASEAN countries remain an important pillar of India's 'Act East' policy and key partner of its Indo-Pacific Vision underlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.

As many as 25 ministerial meetings are being hosted by Laos in its capacity as 2024 ASEAN Chair under the theme of 'ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience' from July 22 to 27.

"The visit underlines India's deep engagement with and the importance India attaches to the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, our strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and taking forward the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Tuesday.

"It is of particular significance that this year marks a decade of India's Act East Policy which was announced by the Prime Minister at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014," the MEA stated.

In Vientiane, EAM Jaishankar will not only be holding bilateral meetings with Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, but also with his counterparts from other countries on the margins of the ASEAN-related meetings.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and foreign ministers of several other countries will also be in Vientiane for the ASEAN meetings.
Indonesian telecoms service provider Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has announced a new strategic partnership with Garuda Indonesia, the countrys national airline.

While technical details are fairly sparse, we are told that the collaboration will see Garuda explore the use of various new digital technologies with help from Indosat, aiming, according to the partners, to enhance operational quality, optimise ancillary revenue and personalise passenger experiences.

For Garuda in particular the optimisation of flight services through digitisation and increasingly seamless travel planning for passengers are cited as appealing early benefits of the partnership, although how any solution will be rolled out was not made clear.

According to the Total Telecom news service, the strategic partnership is backed by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, which hopes the deal will add value to the countrys aviation and tourism sectors.

This is far from the only unusual industry partnership recently announced by Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison. In early July it said that it had launched a new suite of AI-powered, cloud-based solutions specifically geared to help Indonesias upstream oil and gas industry become more sustainable.

As for airlines, they are clearly an attractive target for some operators if a few recent headline-making partnerships are any indication. One such, reported here recently, is a strategic alliance that will see Qatar Airways working with Qatar service provider Ooredoo and Google Cloud.

The aim of this alliance is to leverage Google Clouds data analytics and artificial intelligence solutions for enhanced customer experiences and sustainability.
Mumbai, July 25 : Amid heavy and torrential rain in Maharashtra's Mumbai, Raigad and other districts, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said he has sought help from the Army and Navy to help with rescue and relief operations, especially in Pune and surrounding areas.

CM Shinde, who took an extensive review of the rainfall across the state, said the district and civic administration are on alert mode and in the field to conduct rescue and relief works in the flood-hit areas.

"There is no reason to worry, I appeal to citizens to venture out only if necessary. I also appeal to them not to panic," he said.

"I have spoken to the Army and Navy officials related to Pune. I have asked for deploying helicopters to rescue people trapped in various places due to floods,aa said Shinde.

"The units of NDRF, SDRF, Army, Navy, Police, Fire Brigade, Health System have been directed to coordinate with each other and lend help," said CM Shinde, adding that these agencies need to work as a team and shift the flood affected people safely, provide them with food packets, arrange medicines and water. Instructions have been given to take the help of NDRF, Army, and Navy," the CM said.

"Pune, Maval and Mulshi have received heavy rainfall in the dam area, therefore Pune has been affected. There is also heavy rain in Mumbai city and suburbs. The administration is fully alert to deal with any calamity in Mumbai and I am in touch with Pune, Raigad, Mumbai Collectors and Municipal Commissioners," said CM Shinde.

In Mumbai, the work of clearing the rainwater in Kurla, Ghatkopar was underway through 255 pumps, he said.

CM Shinde said the Central Western and Harbor Railway systems have been put on standby due to increased rain in Mumbai. Holidays have been declared for schools and colleges in areas with rain and flood conditions.
New Delhi, July 25 : Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Thursday said that the ministry is addressing flight delay and cancellation issues, stressing that "passenger is the top priority."

During Question Hour in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, MPs Amra Ram and KC Venugopal raised concerns about repeated flight delays and cancellations, particularly affecting Air India Express flights in Kerala.

Replying to MP Amra Ram's question on cancellations and delays, the Civil Aviation Minister said, "Between April and June of this year, particularly concerning Kerala, in April, total cancellations were 14, in May, the number was 132, and in June, 18, which in total are 164 cancellations."

MP Venugopal highlighted the plight of many Indians living in the Middle East who are suffering due to frequent flight delays and cancellations.

He noted, "Cancellations are sometimes made without informing passengers, who are also not being reimbursed."

He questioned whether the government was monitoring the situation and how it plans to resolve these problems. He also pointed out the issue of high airfares to Gulf countries.

Naidu acknowledged the issues with Air India Express, particularly during its merger with AirAsia, which led to internal challenges and a mass strike in May.

Explaining the situation, he said, "The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) facilitated discussions between the crew members and the airline to resolve these issues. A software glitch during this period also compounded the problems, delaying the resolution."

Naidu assured that the situation had since stabilised and that the ministry is committed to preventing further cancellations and delays.

Regarding the civil aviation conditions, he said, "There are already regulations and guidelines in place. If any delays or cancellations happen and if the airline is not following the regulations that are being set up by the ministry, then the ministry gets involved to ensure that the customers get the refund, accommodation and readjustment done in other flights."

The minister also mentioned that Air India was fined Rs 10 lakh for not adhering to these guidelines.

Additionally, he added that the ministry is investigating the strike at Air India Express, and any non-compliance found will result in penalties, reiterating that "passenger remains the highest priority."

Later, MP Shafi Parambil questioned the hike in flight tickets for Gulf countries, saying that sometimes the prices rise to Rs 85,000.

"How can a four-member family afford this? Sometimes people are not able to come for their parent's death, or for their funeral. It's a sad state of affairs for our NRIs. Something must happen," he said.

In response, Naidu said, "It is the market-driven approach that airlines use for deciding airfares."

"After I took charge as the minister, I gave a commitment to making the airfares affordable," he said, adding that the situation is "tricky" as when the DGCA wanted to do something on this, "some courts also got involved."

"Because of engine issues, 120 planes are grounded right now, and because of the lack of aircraft on the fleets, there is a lot of burden on the existing ones, which is driving up the prices," he said, citing the reasons for the price hike.

He also mentioned that India has 1,200 aircraft orders, which is the highest in the world, adding that it is a "happy" situation for the country.

"If some airlines try to manipulate any customer, we will take action. The customer is the king, and that is our priority in the ministry," Naidu said.

Responding to a question on why a high-level committee was not formed to look into the prices, he said that the ministry will "definitely look into it."
New Delhi, July 25 : India is seeing a significant spike in infertility rate that may impact the demographic future of India, said experts on World IVF Day on Thursday.

World IVF Day is observed every year on July 25 to commemorate the remarkable advancements in infertility treatment and reproductive endocrinology, as well as to fight the stigma that often surrounds couples facing infertility.

"India is currently facing a significant challenge with rising infertility rates that could impact its demographic future," Kshitiz Murdia - CEO and Co-Founder of Indira IVF, told IANS.

"In India around 15-20 million couples are infertile and male infertility contributes around 40 per cent to this. We have observed a steady rise in male infertility in this country for over a decade now," added Ashwini S, Infertility specialist, Cloudnine Hospital, Bangalore

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in six people worldwide experience infertility in their lifetime.

Murdia said the reasons for infertility in India include high rates of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting up to 22.5 per cent of women, growing substance abuse, shifts in lifestyle, and an increase in sexually transmitted infections.

"Environmental factors like high levels of air pollution and exposure to toxins can alter DNA contained within the sperm," Ashwini told IANS.

In addition, more and more urban couples are also opting for late marriage owing to career commitments, this leads to delayed parenthood because as men age, sperm count and mobility go down, which makes conceiving harder.

Murdia said that even though "around 27.5 million married couples are struggling to conceive, only a small fraction, approximately 2,75,000, undergo IVF treatments each year".

"While the country enjoys a demographic advantage with a predominantly young population, this is threatened by increasing infertility and an ageing populace, potentially leading to demographic issues similar to those seen in other Asian countries with ageing populations," he added.

Male infertility is also particularly on the rise in urban areas owing to a sedentary lifestyle and stress, which impacts hormonal balance causing issues in sperm count and quality.

It is becoming increasingly prominent as the rate of declining sperm counts has accelerated to 2.6 per cent per year since 2000.

"IVF clinics are witnessing a growing influx of patients struggling with low sperm counts and azoospermia -- a condition where no sperm is present in the semen," Murdia said.

More worrisome is the fact that it is "now significantly impacting younger males".

"If not addressed, these issues could significantly alter India's population structure, leading to a demographic crisis characterised by an ageing population, a situation for which the nation may not be fully prepared," Murdia said.
Pune : , July 25 (IANS) At least three persons, including a Nepali, were killed in Pune city and another three were trapped in their posh villas after a hill slide in Lavasa city in rain-related havoc here, the Pune Disaster Control said.

In the first incident, three mobile snack stall owners were electrocuted when they attempted to shift their handcart to safety from the flood waters near the Z bridge around 3 a.m.

They were rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed during treatment, and are identified as a Nepali youth Shiva Jidbahadur Pariyar, 18, Akash V. Mane, 21, and Abhishek A. Ghanekar, 25, said the officials.

In the second disaster, a hill slide triggered by heavy rain in Lavasa city in Mulshi buried at least three villas, trapping around three persons this morning. An NDRF team has been rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations, and the identity of the victims is not yet available.

The stateas cultural, academic and IT capital has been clobbered by torrential rain since Wednesday night leaving a trail of destruction, paralysing normal life as the district administration ordered all educational institutions to remain shut for the day.

Parts of Pune have notched record figures of rainfall in the past 12 hours (since midnight Wednesday-Thursday), officials said. They are: Lavasa (454 mm), Lonavala (323 mm), Nimgiri (233 mm), Malin (181 mm), Chinchwad (175 mm), Talegaon and Khadakwasla (168 mm), Lavale (167 mm), and other areas got between 50 mm-150 mm rain, while the average rainfall for Pune is 115 mm.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar are personally monitoring the rain crises in Pune, besides Raigad, Mumbai, Thane and other parts of the state and all agencies are in full preparedness to handle any eventuality.

Since dawn, the SDRF and NDRF teams along with Pune Police and Pune Fire Brigade have engaged in operations to rescue people stranded in floodwaters in the city areas like Nimbaj Nagar, Deccan Gymkhana and Sinhagad Road, which were among the worst hit as water rushed into homes, shops and other establishments.

Boats were deployed in some areas to ferry the locals marooned in their buildings or rooftops as the city was littered with uprooted trees, branches, two-wheelers and four-wheelers plus other articles owing to the flood waters.
New Delhi, July 25 : To curb the spread of spam calls and unsolicited business messages, the Centre on Thursday extended the timeline for feedback submission for draft guidelines by 15 days to August 5.

The Department of Consumer Affairs said that in view of requests received from various federations, associations and other stakeholders to extend the timeline for submission of comments/feedback on draft guidelines for the 'Prevention and Regulation of Unsolicited and Unwarranted Business Communication, 2024', it has decided to extend the timeline by 15 days from the last date of submission, which was July 21.

The comments may now be submitted by August 5. The Department has received various suggestions which are presently under examination.

As unsolicited commercial communications (UCC) or spam voice calls on mobile phones surge, the stakeholders had urged the government to ensure a level playing field in regulatory compliance requirements between telecom service providers (TSPs) and other messaging platforms providing similar communication services.

The industry said it continues to assist the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Consumer Affairs in addressing the spam calls and SMS menace.

The issue involves multiple stakeholders -- TSPs, telemarketers, aggregators, principal entities (PEs) like banks, financial institutions and real estate agencies, according to the Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI).

The committee formed by the Department of Consumer Affairs is working to prepare draft guidelines under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to safeguard consumers from unwarranted commercial communications.
Hanoi, July 25 : National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval attended the state funeral of Nguyen Phu Trong, the General Secretary of Communist Party of Vietnam who passed away on July 19, in Hanoi on Thursday.

NSA Doval conveyed India's condolences personally to the Vietnamese President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the bereaved family.

During their meeting on Wednesday, Vietnam's PM Pham Minh Chinh expressed his "sincere thanks" to the government and people of India for their kind gesture towards late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong by sending high-ranking officials to attend the state funeral and also the Indian Parliament for taking time to commemorate the General Secretary on July 22.

"This demonstrates the affection of close friends, as well as the precious tradition between the two peoples of Vietnam and India," Vietnam's PMO said in a statement after the meeting with NSA Doval.

"Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that the two countries continue to coordinate to further develop the Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and emphasised that cooperation in the fields of science and technology, information and telecommunications, and digital technology are very potential areas that need further attention and promotion," it added.

Recognising late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's "important contributions" to strengthening the Vietnam-India relationship, NSA Doval emphasised that he was an erudite leader and widely respected by people of India.

He also affirmed that the Indian government attaches importance to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and India, and wishes to further deepen the bilateral relationship, especially in traditional areas such as defence and security, trade and investment, as well as expand cooperation in new areas as proposed by Hanoi.

India-Vietnam relations have been on the upswing since the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Hanoi in 2016.

PM Modi has maintained Vietnam's importance as an important pillar of India's 'Act East' policy and the Indo-Pacific vision, while seeking to enhance the scope of the bilateral relationship - including defence partnership - besides working for expeditious progress on existing initiatives.

In his interactions with the late Vietnamese leader over the years, PM Modi has also highlighted the historical and civilization links between the two countries and India's involvement in restoration of Cham monuments in Vietnam.

"Saddened by the news of the passing away of the Vietnamese leader, General Secretary H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong. We pay our respects to the departed leader. Extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the people and leadership of Vietnam in this hour of grief," PM Modi had posted on X on July 19.
Stavelot, July 25 : Haas F1 team have signed a multi-year contract with Esteban Ocon, who is set to join the American outfit alongside rookie Ollie Bearman in 2025. This announcement comes on the heels of Kevin Magnussen's departure at the end of the current season.

Ocon will be the first Grand Prix winner to drive for the team since its inception in 2016.

Esteban Ocon, 27, brings a wealth of experience to Haas, with 146 career starts and a career spanning stints with Manor, Force India, Renault, and Alpine. Ocon has scored 425 points in his career, including three podiums and a memorable maiden victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021.

Ocon's relationship with Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu dates back to 2014 when Komatsu engineered Ocon's first F1 test with Lotus at Valencia. Team owner Gene Haas emphasized the importance of having a driver with a proven pedigree in F1, noting Ocon's consistent performance and ability to score points as key factors in the decision.

"It was important to me that we have a driver with a known pedigree in Formula 1, and as a Grand Prix winner, Esteban undoubtedly fits that brief," said Gene Haas in a statement released by team on Thursday.

"Esteban's proved himself in the teams he's raced for as someone who's continually in the mix and scoring points  it's that continuity we're keen to capitalise on as we look for increased performance gains on-track. We have a blend of youth and experience in our future driver line-up and I'm excited to see the results."

Esteban Ocon expressed his excitement about joining Haas, praising the team's spirit, work ethic, and ambitious plans for the future. He also looked forward to reuniting with Komatsu and contributing to Haas's growth trajectory.

"I'll be joining a very ambitious racing team, whose spirit, work ethic, and undeniable upward trajectory has really impressed me.

"I'd like to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for their trust and support, and for our honest and fruitful discussions these last few months. On a more personal note, I'm very happy to be working with Ayao again, as he's been a part of my debut when I first stepped into a Formula 1 car during my Lotus Junior days more than 10 years ago.

"Haas has exciting plans and clear targets for the future, and I'm very much looking forward to working with everyone in Kannapolis, Banbury and Maranello, and being part of this great project."
Kolkata, July 25 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has cancelled her trip to Delhi on Thursday afternoon. However, it is not yet clear whether her three-day trip to the national capital has been cancelled totally or she has postponed her travel by a day.

State secretariat sources said that the Chief Minister might go to Delhi on Friday and attend the NITI Aayog event on Saturday, besides her scheduled meeting with the party Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members.

"However, there is nothing final about that as yet," said a member of the state cabinet who refused to be named. However, he declined to make any comment on the reasons that prompted the Chief Minister to cancel her trip on Thursday.

Now it is to be seen whether the Chief Minister makes any statement later in the day or announces her changed programme.

The development has created ripples in the corridors of power in the state since the three-day trip was considered extremely crucial after the information surfaced that the Chief Minister's Office had sought time from the Prime Minister's Office so that she could have an exclusive meeting with PM Narendra Modi during her visit to the national capital.

It was expected that in the probable meeting, the Chief Minister would discuss with the Prime Minister the pending Central dues to the state government under various centrally-sponsored schemes.
Mumbai, July 25 : Edelweiss Mutual Fund on Thursday announced it has raised over Rs 1,800 crore after successfully concluding the new fund offer (NFO) for the Edelweiss Business Cycle Fund.

According to one of the country's fastest-growing asset management companies, the new open-ended equity scheme, which was open for subscription between July 9 and July 23, closed its issue with over 90,000 applications amounting to over Rs 1,800 crore.

"We are delighted by the overwhelming response to the Edelweiss Business Cycle Fund NFO, and we thank our distribution partners and investors for their trust and faith in the brand Edelweiss MF," said Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund.

"This reaffirms our stakeholders' confidence in our 15-year track record of managing factor-based investing strategies and strengthening our position as one of the largest asset managers in this space," she added.

Investing across various sectors and market caps, the fund offers a robust solution for core allocation with a long-term focus.

The fund deploys a factor investing approach to create three baskets representing quality, growth and value stocks, said the company.

By diversifying across these baskets, the fund minimises the cyclicality of any single factor. Within each basket, the fund selects the highest momentum stocks, resulting in a diversified portfolio of 50-60 stocks.

This was an open-ended equity scheme following the business cycles-based investing theme. This product was suitable for investors seeking capital appreciation over the long term.

Gupta said earlier this week that the concept of indexation has gone away from mutual funds (MFs).
New Delhi, July 25 : Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh raised concerns on Thursday regarding the safety of tourists in certain parts of India, citing a recent Level-4 travel advisory issued by the US State Department.

During a discussion on the Union Budget and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Digvijaya Singh stated, "The US State Department has updated its travel advisory, placing some parts of India under Level 4 due to rising terrorism and violent crime. This includes J&K, the Indo-Pak border, Manipur, and parts of central and eastern India."

In response, Minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat dismissed these concerns, asserting that J&K has seen "significant growth" in tourism.

"I am not aware of any such advisory from the US. However, I can confirm that J&K has experienced a substantial increase in tourism following the abrogation of Article 370. Tourists are visiting without fear, and we are committed to further developing tourism in the region," Shekhawat said.

Additionally, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar urged members to avoid relying on newspaper reports and instead provide official documents to support their claims.

"I would not permit any newspaper report to be a basis for discussion... This House should discuss credible and authentic information," Dhankhar stated.

On Wednesday, the US State Department issued a travel advisory, labelling J&K, the Indo-Pak border, Manipur and parts of central and eastern India under their 'Level 4: Do not Travel' column.

"Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. 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. Manipur due to violence and crime," the advisory read.

It also recommended "reconsidering travel" to northeastern states due to "terrorism and violence."
Bryan Kohbergers attorney again argued that the suspects trial should be moved outside of Latah County in a new document filed with Latah County District Court.

Anne Taylor says the trial should take place in Ada County to preserve Kohbergers constitutional right.

(Kohbergers) protection to a fair and impartial jury is infringed without a change of venue, attorney Anne Taylor wrote in a memorandum. A fair and impartial jury cannot be found in Latah County because of the extensive publicity that is ongoing and inflammatory.

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the November 2022 stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

Kohbergers jury trial is set for June 2, 2025. The trial is expected to run until Aug. 29, 2025, but not during the federal holidays of June 19 or July 4.

In the memorandum, Taylor argues the public has already vilified Kohberger thanks to the relentless media coverage of the case. She said Latah Countys small population is too saturated with this inaccurate and speculative media coverage to produce an unbiased jury. She also claimed University of Idaho President Scott Green contributed to this bias when he wrote about the murders in his book University Presidents Crisis Handbook.
Kolkata, July 25 : At least four policemen were severely injured after they were stabbed with sharp-edged weapons and beaten up at Chopra in the North Dinajpur district of West Bengal on Thursday.

The cops had gone there to conduct a raid in search of a local miscreant, Dil Mohammad.

Incidentally, Chopra came into the national limelight recently after a video went viral where a local Trinamool Congress leader and strongman Tajimul Islam alias 'JCB' was seen mercilessly beating up a local woman in public at a Kangaroo court.

District police sources said Mohammad, who is known in the locality as a private money-lender, has been accused of kidnapping a local youth who was not returning the money.

As per the initial report, as the police team reached the residence of the accused, suddenly they were surrounded and attacked by his associates carrying sharp weapons. The attackers included a couple of women. In the attack, two junior police officers, one constable and the driver of the police vehicle were injured severely.

Later a second police team reached there and rescued them. The four injured cops are currently under treatment at a private hospital in Siliguri. Till the time the report was filed, there was no information of any arrest in this connection.

On July 15, a team from the West Bengal Police were attacked and fired upon while they attempted to arrest an imposter accused of selling fake gold at Kultali in South 24 Parganas district.

West Bengal has been in the news for quite some time for attacks on the investigating officials by the aggressive local crowds. In January, a team of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and accompanying Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were attacked by the local people while they attempted a raid and search operation at the residence of local strongman and Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district.

Again in April this year, a team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials were attacked after they reached Bhapatinagar in East Midnapore district to investigate the explosion there in December 2022 which had killed three persons.
Hanoi, July 25 : At least two people were killed and five others went missing in flash floods in Vietnam's northern mountainous province of Dien Bien, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Two others were injured, said the report.

According to local authorities, the sudden flash floods occurred on Wednesday night in four villages of Dien Bien district, Xinhua news agency reported.

As of Thursday morning, 10 local houses collapsed while over 40 hectares of farm produce were destroyed.

About 100 people have been mobilised for the search and rescue mission.

According to the General Statistics Office, natural disasters left 68 people dead and missing and injured 56 others in Vietnam in the first six months of this year.
Vienna, July 25 : The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretariat said that it received compensation plans from Iraq, Kazakhstan, and Russia for their overproduced oil volumes in the first half of 2024.

OPEC said in a statement that the combined overproduction from the three countries totalled 2.28 million barrels per day (bpd) during the period. Iraq overproduced 1.18 million bpd, Kazakhstan 620,000 bpd, and Russia 480,000 bpd, Xinhua news agency reported.

Iraq and Kazakhstan will begin compensating for their overproduced volumes this month, while Russia will start in October this year.

The three countries will fully compensate for their overproduction by September 2025, with their respective compensation cuts varying from month to month.

In June, a meeting of oil ministers from OPEC and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, reiterated the importance of adhering to full conformity and the compensation mechanism. OPEC+ decided at the meeting to extend its current output cuts at least into the third quarter of this year.
Seoul, July 25 : The South Korean government said on Thursday that it has been considering taking legal action against some medical professors who threaten to boycott training programmes for junior doctors.

Some medical professors have vowed to boycott training programmes for junior doctors in protest of the government's push for accepting the resignations of striking trainees and the medical school admission quota hikes, Yonhap news agency reported.

"We have been reviewing several possible legal measures against the boycott," Director General for Healthcare Policy Kim Kook-il told reporters.

Hospitals have started hiring about 7,700 trainee doctors for the training programme set to begin in September, as they accepted resignations from 7,648 trainees at the request of the government, to allow striking doctors to find new jobs while ending the prolonged walkout.

More than 90 per cent of around 13,000 junior doctors walked off their jobs in February in the form of resignations, protesting the government's medical reform plan.

The government has already finalized an admissions quota hike of approximately 1,500 students for medical schools next year in an effort to address problems stemming from the shortage of doctors.
Patna, July 25 : Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and accused him of 'surrendering' to the BJP.

Claiming that the Central government had failed to allocate substantial resources to Bihar in the Union Budget, Lalu Prasad said it was like giving only a "Jhunjhuna (toy)" to the state.

Speaking to the media persons at the Patna Airport, the RJD chief stated, "Nitish Kumar has just cheated the people of Bihar on the special category status. He is repeating the statement of the Central government and does not have a stand of his own."

"It is absolutely clear that the development of Bihar cannot take place without getting the special category status of the state," Lalu Prasad further said.

Earlier on Tuesday, he criticised the Central government over the Union Budget, saying that it had nothing for the poor and the farmers.

The former was in Delhi for a routine health check-up and was admitted to AIIMS for a few hours.

--IANS.

ajk/dpb
New Delhi, July 25 : While pesticides are essential for ensuring high crop yields and food security, they also increase the risk of cancer akin to smoking, finds a study.

The research published in the journal Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society found that even non-farmers living in areas with heavy agricultural activity are exposed to many pesticides.

The study revealed that in such environments, the impact of pesticide use on cancer incidence rivalled that of smoking, particularly for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukaemia, and bladder cancer.

"In our study, we found that for some cancers, the effect of agricultural pesticide usage is comparable in magnitude to the effect of smoking," Isain Zapata, associate professor at the Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado, US.

"We present a list of major pesticide contributors for some specific cancers, but we highlight strongly that it is the combination of all of them and not just a single one that matters," Zapata emphasised.

The study included data on 69 pesticides from the US Geological Survey, acknowledging that people are generally exposed to a "cocktail" of pesticides rather than just one.

This comprehensive evaluation marks the first large-scale study to assess cancer risk from a population-based perspective, comparing it with a well-established risk factor like smoking.

Zapata noted the importance of considering the broader impact of pesticide use, including geographic factors. For example, regions like the Midwest, known for corn production, showed more pronounced associations between pesticide exposure and cancer incidence.

The study aims to raise awareness of the risks posed by pesticide use, even for those not directly involved in agriculture.
Sydney, July 25 : A female driver remained in critical condition on Thursday after her car collided with a bus carrying students in Western Australia's capital Perth.

At approximately 8.20 a.m. local time on Wednesday, the Western Australian Police Force received reports of a collision between a sedan and a bus at the intersection of Ellen Stirling Bvd and Oswald St in Innaloo, Xinhua news agency reported.

The bus was carrying approximately 50 passengers, with both the driver and passengers escaping the crash unscathed. Police didn't confirm if all those onboard were schoolchildren.

"The female driver of the Hyundai was trapped in the vehicle and was extracted by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services before being conveyed by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries," said police.

On Thursday, local media revealed that the severely injured woman continued to fight for her life in the intensive care.

A passenger on the bus recalled to the West Australian that the car tried to cross lanes when it smashed into the side of the bus.

According to the WA Education Department, at least nine senior high school students were on the bus when the accident occurred.

With an estimated population of more than 9,000 residents, the Innaloo suburb is located 9 km northeast of Perth's central business district.
Kochi, July 25 : In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court (HC) has allowed two youths to change their religion in school certificates, after their plea was rejected by the Controller of Examinations.

After the authorities refused to make a change in their certificates, the two youths approached the HC and after hearing the plea they were allowed to do so in the records.

Hearing the petition, the HC said, "Even if it is to be accepted that there is no provision enabling change of religion entered in school certificates, that is no reason to tie down a person to one religion, merely by reason of birth."

"The freedom to practice and profess any religion of one's choice is guaranteed by Article 25(1) of the Constitution. If a person embraces another religion by exercising that freedom, necessary corrections will have to be made in his records," ruled the HC.

The petitioners, aged 24 and 25 were born to Hindu parents and followed the religion till May 2017 after which they converted to Christianity.

The HC further pointed out that people have the freedom to practice and profess any religion of their choice under Article 25 of the Constitution of India and they have the right to get it corrected in their records.
Jammu, July 25 : Former J&K Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta said on Thursday that remaining out of power and losing the Lok Sabha election has created 'frustration' in former CM Omar Abdullah.

Talking to IANS, Gupta said, "These people have ruled J&K for 65 years. They were born and have lived in security protection and still, they are unable to see the change in the overall situation in the UT."

He said Omar Abdullah has started disputing even the official figures about the militancy-related incidents.

"They have been sympathisers of the Jamaati-e-Islami and other separatist organisations. They are unable to live with the idea of the change that J&K has undergone during the last five years," Gupta said.

He was criticising the statement of Omar Abdullah in which the latter had attacked the Centre over the US advisory to its citizens on the J&K situation.

Earlier in the day, Abdullah posted on X "In asking US citizens to not visit Jammu and Kashmir, the advisory points to 'terrorist attacks' and 'violent civil unrest,' as well as 'sporadic violence' between the Indian and Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC). So much for 'naya J&K'. For all the talk of normalcy, peace, tourism & the G-20 tamasha in Srinagar, J&K continues to be the target of US state department travel advisories. The Modi government has been able to change nothing."

"The Indian government says that violence has reduced since 2019, when it revoked a constitutional provision that gave the region special autonomy. Since 2021, there have been 33 militant-related attacks in Jammu, according to official data. In 2024 alone, the region has seen eight attacks, in which 11 soldiers have been killed and 18 injured. Civilian deaths in Jammu in the first six months of this year were 12, the same number as the whole of 2023," Abdullah further posted.
Mumbai, July 25 : Global credit agencies said the government's plan for fiscal consolidation would positively impact India's credit profile.

Mumbai, July 25 (IANS) Global credit agencies said the governmentas plan for fiscal consolidation would positively impact India's credit profile.

In the Union Budget 2024-24, the government set the fiscal deficit target at 4.9 per cent of the GDP for FY25, lower than the 5.1 per cent announced in the Interim Budget.

Global credit agencies like Moody's, Fitch Ratings, and S&P Global Ratings have given thumbs up to the Union Budget.

Moody's Ratings said, "Policy continuity is reflected in the budget. The government's capital spending on infrastructure is around 23 per cent of total expenditure."

The rating agency further said, "Overall, the Budget is credit positive. The government has set the fiscal deficit target for the current financial year at 4.9 per cent of the GDP, which is lower than the 5.1 per cent set in the Interim Budget. At this pace, it can achieve its target of reducing the fiscal deficit to 4.5 per cent of the GDP by the financial year 2025-26."

S&P Global Ratings said, "The budget reflected the government's commitment to continue fiscal consolidation. Rs 11.11 lakh crore has been allocated for capital investment in infrastructure, which shows that the government's focus is on investing in infrastructure."

The rating agency added, "Reducing taxes on foreign companies will help in job creation and investment in India."

Rating agency Fitch said, "The budget reflects the government's commitment to reduce the fiscal deficit. Fiscal consolidation will bring down India's debt ratio in the medium term and support its credit profile."
MOSCOW POLICE

Friday

10:46 a.m.  A resident reported her diamond rings were possibly stolen on Samaritan Lane.

12:33 p.m.  Harassment was reported at Friendship Square.

2:17 p.m.  A child was reportedly bitten by a dog on the 600 block of North Howard Street.

6:49 p.m.  Airpods were reportedly stolen from the Wallace Complex on Sixth Street.

3:58 p.m.  A disorderly female was reported at the T Mobile Store on Pullman Road.

4:43 p.m.  Shoes were stolen from the Hope Center.

10:49 p.m.  Police arrested a male for allegedly beating up another male at East City Park.

Saturday

2:22 a.m.  Police arrested a male for suspicion of battery on the 1100 block of Ridge Road.

5:44 a.m.  Police heard a report of a drunk male setting off aerial fireworks on the 300 block of South Monroe Street.

2:58 p.m.  Police arrested a male for eluding on Lathen and Main streets.

7:58 p.m.  An unattended death was reported on the 1000 block of South Hayes Street.

Sunday

10:34 a.m.  A dog was reportedly attacked by two other dogs on the 1900 block of White Avenue.

10:49 a.m.  A bike was reported stolen from Friendship Square.

3:43 p.m.  Police arrested a female on a warrant on the 500 block of Indian Hills Drive.

5:47 p.m.  A domestic dispute was reported on the 900 block of North Grant Street.

Monday

11:12 a.m.  A bike was reported stolen on the 400 block of East Fifth Street.

4:48 p.m.  An unconscious male was transported to Gritman Medical Center from the 1600 block of Levick Street.

6:37 p.m.  A resident reported an attempted strangulation that allegedly occurred July 17.

Tuesday

7:14 p.m.  A bicycle theft was reported on the 300 block of North Grant Street.

Wednesday

12:31 a.m  A DUI was reported on the 1700 block of West Pullman Road.

LATAH COUNTY SHERIFF

Friday

2:50 p.m.  A battery was reported on U.S. Highway 95 and Viola Road.

11:26 p.m.  Aggravated assault was reported on Fork Road in Bovill.

Saturday

4:16 p.m.  A hit-and-run crash was reported on Driscoll Ridge Road in Troy.

7:43 p.m.  A car crash with injuries was reported on Vassar Meadows in Deary.

10:37 p.m.  A DUI was reported on Idaho Highway 8 and Moose Creek.

Sunday

9 p.m.  An illegal burn was reported on Michael Drive in Troy.

Monday

7:31 a.m.  A fire was reported on Camps Canyon Road in Troy.

9:49 p.m.  A burglary was reported on the 200 block of East Chestnut Road in Genesee.

Tuesday

9:17 a.m.  A fire was reported on the 1300 block of Cedar Ridge Road in Kendrick.
Bhopal, July 25 : The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh is preparing to bring reforms in the administrative system of the gram panchayats to ensure effective implementation of the public beneficiary schemes of the Centre and state.

For this purpose, the Panchayat and Rural Development Department is preparing some guidelines which will be introduced after obtaining the Centre's approval.

The new system will empower the gram panchayats to design the development plans for their respective panchayats, which will have to be submitted to the state government for budget approval and allocation.

State Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel said the initiatives are being taken to make the panchayats strong and self-reliant.

"The state government is making efforts to strengthen the internal administrative system of the gram panchayats," Patel said.

During a meeting with panchayat representatives in Bhopal, the Minister urged them to create a competitive atmosphere for development which will empower them.

Patel also said that the state government is striving to ensure that every panchayat has a community centre and a building of their own.

Optimum use of the budget and the available financial resources under various schemes should be made, he said, adding that the ultimate objective is to make people happy and ensure their welfare.
New Delhi, July 25 : Congress MP Manish Tewari on Thursday questioned the government over issues of carbon emissions and global warming, while citing the global consensus of the 1992 Earth Summit.

He said that this issue also found its mention in the Economic Survey, to which Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar replied that the government was not only serious and forthcoming in achieving the climate goal objectives, rather it has achieved "targets before time".

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Tewari said that the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (1992) reached a consensus that global warming must be limited to 1.5 degrees of pre-industrial temperatures that prevailed during the 1500s, before the first industrial revolution took place. He further said that the two chapters of the Economic Survey also talked about the sacrosanct 1.5 degrees and asked whether the government agreed with the assertion made in the document.

Replying to this, Union Minister Khattar said that the government was taking proactive steps towards this and it is also yielding results. "We have some commitments to the world community to achieve. We had set a target to reduce emissions by 30-35 per cent but we achieved it before time," Khattar told the House.

He further said that by 2030, the government expects to cut it further by 40-45 per cent.

The Union Minister further said that the carbon emission targets are set up every year. All sectors and industries are given targets with a motive to spur competition. Those who accomplish the carbon emission target will be issued a certificate.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also made an intervening remark and said that it's a matter of pride that India is the only country to achieve the carbon emission targets before time.

Notably, the government has already declared its intent to roll out a carbon credit Trading Scheme by 2026. Those adhering to norms will also be issued a carbon certificate. A single carbon credit represents the removal or avoided emission of one ton of carbon dioxide a" or another greenhouse gas like methane of equivalent volume. These credits can be sold at a cost to an entity that can then claim that credit as a reduction in its own carbon emissions.
Ahmedabad, July 25 : Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) on Thursday reported strong results for the April-June quarter, as operational revenue surged 47 per cent to Rs 5,379 crore (year-on-year) while adjusted profit after tax (PAT) reached Rs 315 crore, up an impressive 73 per cent.

Operational EBITDA was at Rs 1,628 crore, up 29.7 per cent YoY, said the Adani Group company.

On account of carving out of the Dahanu power plant from the company's books and in line with Indian Accounting Standard (IND AS) 105, AESL has reported a one-off exception item of Rs 1,506 crore.

Adjusted for this exception item, the company's revenue was up 47 per cent YoY, PAT was up 73 per cent YoY, and EBITDA was up 30 per cent YoY.

The company is carving out the Dahanu power plant to meet its broader environmental goals, which include achieving net zero status by 2050.

The move is expected to attract a fresh set of ESG-focused investors who earlier were constrained due to the Dahanu power plant being part of AESL's portfolio.

"AESL remains steadfast with the commissioning of new lines, along with strong energy demand growth in its distribution areas of AEML and MUL. We are further contributing to decarbonisation of the power distribution in Mumbai by way of 37 per cent renewable power penetration in Mumbai," said Anil Sardana, MD, Adani Energy Solutions.

"We take pride in our contribution to developing critical transmission infrastructure, to facilitate renewable evacuation (e.g. Khavda) and as well as strengthening the existing grid and driving energy efficiency in India through its smart metering programme," Sardana added.

The revenues witnessed a robust growth on account of the contribution from the newly operationalised transmission assets, line addition at under-construction projects and an increase in the units sold because of higher energy consumption in the distribution business at Mumbai and Mundra and contribution from smart metering business.

The Mumbai distribution business witnessed an increase in the energy consumed by 8 per cent. Its distribution losses of 5.18 per cent remained low and the utility added new consumers, reaching 3.2 million on the back of reliable and affordable power supply, informed the company.

Within the transmission segment, the company added multiple projects to its pipeline in recent quarters, expanding the order book to Rs 17,000 crore for transmission projects.

In line with the robust demand trends across the country, energy demand (units sold) in Adani Electricity Mumbai in Q1 FY25 ended 8 per cent higher YoY to 2,962 million units, the company said.
New Delhi, July 25 : While mangrove forests are depleting globally, and India does not have a different story, its importance here has not been highlighted enough.

To counter the same, wildlife filmmaker Rohit Varma is set to release his short film 'The Last Frontier' on July 26 - celebrated as the 'International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem'.

While discussing the risk of habitat loss with Godrej & Boyce (G&B) - a manufacturing company pioneering biodiversity conservation, in India, he and his co-director Sara felt the need to highlight the importance of mangroves and shine a light on its preservation.

"The film was produced in the aspect ratio of 5:1, and premiered at Conscious Collective, a three-day-long event curated by G&B Design Labs. The platform's idea was to create awareness about the need for conscious living, which was perfectly communicated by our film. The original aspect ratio needed a large screen. The 5:1 ratio wasn't fit for a digital release. Sara and I worked on a 16:9 ratio so the film could reach a wider audience on digital platforms," recalls Varma.

"All of us have witnessed cyclones and subsequent destruction in urban landscapes, especially in regions where mangroves have depleted, he says, adding, "The forests make up the last barrier between the sea and land. Removing these barriers for construction activities will majorly impact people who stay close to the sea."

The filmmaker, who approached veteran actor Shabana Azmi to lend her voice to the film and the mangroves, says the decision to humanise mangrove forests was a conscious call. "And to do so, we needed an impactful voice."

Even as the number of documentaries made on the environment in the West outshines Indian productions, he says it would be unfair to say that Indian filmmakers are not focusing on environmental issues and that many films feature these issues in India too.

"I agree that not many mainstream films spotlight environmental issues. That is probably because they are committed to the commercial angle and the former kind of films will always garner a limited number of viewers," Varma adds.

Born and raised in Balaghat, a small town bordering Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Rohit, taking his passion for wildlife and photography ahead, created 'Nature in Focus' - a media and production house that centres on natural world stories. Today, he is a cinematographer, director & producer, and a part of various projects including 'Mysteries of Monsoon', 'Project Tiger', 'The Real Jungle Book', 'The Last Frontier' and 'Destination Wild India'.

"One has to be in nature to understand what it is and how it works -- and what it gives to us," smiles Varma.

While Amit Kilam (Indian Ocean) agreed to compose the background music for the film, Varma says when working on wildlife films, one just dives in with an outline of the script. "It (script) gets clearer as we continue shooting. Nothing is certain in the wild so it is paramount to improvise while on the field."

Because a wildlife film requires extensive research, the team connected with scientists and researchers who further helped shape the narrative of this film.

While there has been an endless debate on development vs deforestation, the filmmaker believes it is important, but not at the cost of cutting down trees.

"A planned and well-researched development plan is what the earth needs and deserves. I am as much against development as I am for conscious, planned and well-researched development," he asserts.

No documentary filmmaker is happy with almost absent distribution system for this genre in India, and Varma is no exception.

"Yes, it is not great in India. However, If the government intervenes, it would be helpful. These documentaries must reach a wider and more inclusive audience," he says.

Currently working on a natural history film, which should be premier in October this year, Varma is also discussing some concepts with the team at Godrej. "If everything goes according to plan, we will have another film before the end of this year," he concludes.

--IANS/

sukant/svn
Jerusalem, July 25 : The bodies of five Israeli people, who were held hostages by Hamas after the attack on the country, have been recovered, Israeli forces said on Thursday.

They were identified as Maya Goren from Kibbutz Nir Oz and four soldiers, whose bodies were held hostage, according to a joint statement released by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet internal security agency. The soldiers -- Oren Goldin, Tomer Ahimas, Ravid Aryeh Katz, and Kiril Brodski -- were killed in combat with Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, Xinhua news agency reported.

The bodies were retrieved in an operation carried out in Gaza on Wednesday by commando and Shin Bet forces and taken to Israel for identification, according to the statement.

Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the communities most severely affected by Hamas' assault, released a statement saying that Goren, a 56-year-old kindergarten teacher, was "brought home for burial" after nine months of being held in Gaza. Israeli authorities said in December 2023 that she was believed to be dead.

With about 110 people still being held hostage in Gaza, at least a third of them are feared dead, according to Israeli estimates.
New Delhi, July 24 : The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday that Bangladesh has officially objected to the recent comments made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the ongoing civil unrest in the neighbouring country.

"I can confirm that we have received a diplomatic note from the Bangladeshi side, protesting against the comments made by the Chief Minister of West Bengal," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.

"I would like to underline that under the Seventh Schedule, Union List I, Item No. 10 of our Constitution, the conduct of foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into the relation with any foreign country are the sole prerogative of the Union government," he added.

Addressing the Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata on July 21, Mamata Banerjee commented on the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, saying that she would not hesitate to provide shelter to the "helpless people" coming from the neighbouring country and seeking refuge in West Bengal.

"There is a United Nations resolution that the neighbouring countries should show respect and accommodate refugees coming from regions under turmoil," the Trinamool Congress supremo said.

Reacting strongly, the Sheikh Hasina government termed the West Bengal CM's remarks "provocative" and "inaccurate", especially at a time when the local authorities were trying to normalise the tense situation there.

The MEA, meanwhile, termed the ongoing protests in Bangladesh an "internal matter" of the country and thanked the Bangladesh government for its "excellent cooperation" that has helped in the safe return of over 6,700 Indian students till now.

"We are aware of the situation in the country. We have been closely following the developments there. India considers the ongoing situation in the country to be an internal matter of Bangladesh. With the support and cooperation of the Bangladesh government, we were able to arrange for the safe return of our students which we deeply appreciate.

"We share warm and close ties and are hoping that the situation there will turn normal soon," the MEA spokesperson said.
New Delhi, July 25 : Self-breast examination just once a month can help women detect the deadly cancer early, and boost treatment outcomes, said health experts on Thursday, amid rising breast cancer cases in the country.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women worldwide, as well as in India.

Data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) showed that breast cancer accounted for 28.2 per cent of all female cancers, with an estimated 216,108 cases by 2022.

"You don't have to go outside for common indications or symptoms; all you need is three fingers and three to four minutes of your time, once a month. Once you become accustomed to it, it usually only takes three minutes. No one else is required; just a mirror and your hand. If you know how your breasts normally feel, you can easily notice any changes or abnormalities early," Dr Garima Daga, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre said.

"Any difference in how your breasts feel during the breast health examination could indicate thickening of the skin, ulceration, nipple discharge, or most commonly, a lump in the breast, underarms, or under the nipple," she added.

The most common symptoms are usually a lump or any discharge from the nipple. Any bloody discharge, greenish discharge, any lump, this should be taken care of, said the expert.

In the past, many famous Indian celebrities like Tahira Kashyap, and Mahima Chaudhry have been diagnosed and survived breast cancers. More recently, television actress Hina Khan announced her diagnosis with stage three breast cancer. She is currently undergoing treatment.

Worryingly, the cancer, which was once known to affect the elderly, has in the last three decades, surged enormously in people aged 40 or 50.

According to experts, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are driving breast cancer even among women who seem healthy. Thus, besides making necessary lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy body weight, eating healthy and balanced food, and doing regular exercise, they said early detection is key.

Self-breast examinations monthly would go a long way in early detection. The aim should be to detect it at a very early stage because there is no pain in breast cancer in the initial stages.

"It is merely a technique for women to be aware and mindful of the normal status of their breasts so that any deviation from the normal may be picked up at the earliest and shown to the appropriate doctor," Dr Manjula Rao, Consultant, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, told IANS.

"It helps to detect cancerous lumps at a much smaller size, hence allowing earlier detection, less severe treatments, and less aggressive surgery like breast conservation, oncoplasty, and sentinel lymph node biopsy," the doctor said. She advised that it is best done once a month, typically 5-7 days after periods when the breast is at its most supple.

Daga said there is almost 90 to 95 per cent cure in the early stages of cancer. So, if it is detected early, it helps in the prevention of cancer. Unlike earlier, the cure rate has also gone up with early detection.
Kolkata, July 25 : A crucial hearing on Thursday on an appeal by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Calcutta High Court challenging an earlier order on a defamation suit filed by Governor CV Ananda Bose was adjourned for a day.

The Division Bench of Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Biswaroop Chowdhury will hear the matter on Friday.

However, the reasons for adjournment of the hearing were not known.

On July 16, a single-judge Bench of Justice Krishna Rao had put an interim stay on any kind of derogatory statements against Governor Bose till August 14.

The Bench ordered the interim stay acting on a defamation suit filed against the Chief Minister, where Trinamool Congress leader Kunal and party legislators Sayantika Banerjee and Reyat Sarkar were also made parties.

However, the Chief Minister challenged that order claiming that it was in violation of the provisions of the Freedom of Speech.

The Chief Ministeras counsel argued that the interim stay was ordered without making any observation on whether there was any defamation in the first place.

He also claimed that the Chief Minister didn't make any comment which might be deemed as defamatory.
New Delhi, July 25 : A court here on Thursday extended, till August 8, judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Court passed the order upon the expiry of the previously granted judicial custody.

Last week, the Delhi High Court reserved its verdict on a plea filed by CM Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the corruption case.

A Bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna also reserved its verdict on his plea seeking release on interim bail.

The Supreme Court, on July 12, ordered CM Kejriwal to be released on interim bail in connection with the money laundering case linked to the excise policy case.

However, he was not able to walk out of jail since he was arrested by the CBI.
New Delhi, July 25 : Nishikant Dubey, a BJP lawmaker from Jharkhand made some explosive 'revelations' in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and said that the tribal population was witnessing a 'fast decline' because of the influx of Muslims from neighbouring Bangladesh. He also called for preparation of a National Register of Citizens (NRC) to arrest the disturbing and damaging trend in the area's demography.

The BJP Parliamentarian, speaking in Lok Sabha, claimed that the Bangladeshi men were intruding into tribal-dominated state and marrying the tribal women and this was happening under the nose of ruling JMM-Congress government.

"When Jharkhand separated from Bihar in 2000, the Dalit population in Santhal Pargana (one of the divisions of Jharkhand) was 36 per cent which has now reduced to 26 per cent. I want to ask where the 10 per cent tribes have gone, how have they vanished?" Nishikant Dubey wondered, while claiming that none including the state government was paying heed to their pangs.

"Bangladeshi intruders are marrying tribal women, not just at one place but across the belt. This is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. There are many tribal women who are contesting polls on tribal quota, but their husbands are Muslim men," he mentioned.

District council chairman, a tribal woman, is married to Muslim man while many women village head's husbands are Muslims, he said citing some examples.

"Madhupur, one of the Assembly in his Lok Sabha constituency, registered a rise of 117 per cent in Muslim population," he claimed.

As the BJP MP met with resistance in the House, he dared the Opposition to prove him wrong.

"If I am proven wrong on any of these facts, I am ready to resign," he asserted.

He also said that the rise of Muslim population, particularly in West Bengal's two districts -- Malda and Murshidabad -- was creating troubles for local community and also held them responsible for the recent communal riots in Dangapada and Taranagar Ilaami.

Nishikant Dubey also demanded that the Centre takes stock of the situation and turns the two districts of Bengal, with aabrupt Muslim population growtha into Union Territories.
New Delhi, July 25 : India on Thursday reiterated that it expects Canada to take action against anti-India elements otherwise "the rule of law and respect for pluralism" in the country will continue to be "severely undermined".

"When a democracy adopts different yardsticks to measure or implement the rule of law and freedom of expression, it only exposes its double standards. We expect Canada to take action against anti-India elements who have repeatedly threatened Indian leaders, institutions, airlines, and diplomats with violence," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during the weekly media briefing on Thursday.

"We would like to see stronger action at the same level of seriousness on the threats posed to us as well," he added.

With another Hindu temple in Alberta's capital Edmonton vandalised with hateful graffiti on Tuesday, New Delhi has slammed Ottawa for its inability to rein in the extremists.

The MEA stated that it has "strongly" taken up the matter with the Canadian authorities, both in New Delhi and in the Canadian capital.

"We condemn the vandalisation. We expect the local authorities to take swift and strong action against those responsible. These attacks against temples have become a recurring occurrence and are done with a purpose, which is not very difficult to fathom," said Jaiswal.

"We have seen a number of such incidents in recent times in Canada. Lack of action against the perpetrators has further emboldened such criminal elements. Those advocating and responsible for extremism and violence need to be brought to justice, or else the rule of law and respect for pluralism in Canada will continue to be severely undermined," he added.

Tuesday's incident added to the series of attacks targeting Hindu establishments in Canada.

"During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada have been vandalised with hateful graffiti. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of 'Sikhs for Justice' last year publicly called for Hindus to go back to India," Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya wrote on X on July 23.

"Khalistan supporters publicly celebrated in Brampton and Vancouver the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and brandished 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 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," Arya detailed.

The Indian government has repeatedly expressed its deep concern and strong protest at the disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked in Canada, saying it illustrates the political space that has been given in the country to separatism, extremism, and violence.

In May, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar targeted the Justin Trudeau government for giving refuge to pro-Khalistani elements, asserting that further deterioration in bilateral ties would eventually result in a big loss for Canada.

"Freedom of speech cannot be freedom to advocate violence, freedom of speech cannot be freedom to support separatism and terrorism in a foreign country. It cannot be... A group of Khalistanis have been misusing Canada's freedom laws for years.

"But when the Canadian government has any political compulsions, they accommodate these people who are also their vote bank," Jaishankar said while speaking at the 'Vishwabandhu Bharat' interaction in Nashik.
Amaravati, July 25 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday launched a scathing attack on his predecessor Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, comparing him to late Columbian drug lord Pablo Escobar.

Speaking in the state Assembly while releasing a White Paper on law and order, Naidu said in his 40-year political career, he has not seen a politician like Jagan Reddy as he went on to compare him with Escobar.

Naidu's attack came a day after a protest by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader in Delhi over what he called deteriorating law and order situation in Andhra Pradesh, and the attacks on YSRCP leaders and cadres after the formation of the TDP-led coalition government in the state.

"Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord... he was a narco-terrorist. He turned politician and then launched his cartel to sell drugs. He earned $30 billion at that time, which is now worth $90 billion," Naidu said.

The Chief Minister added that Escobar was arrested in 1976 and in 1980, he became the richest drug lord in the world.

"One can become rich by selling drugs as well," he said.

"Jagan Mohan Reddy aimed to become richer than Tata and Ambani. That's why I always say few have needs, few have greed and few have mania and these maniacs can do anything," he said.

Naidu also spoke in detail about the life of Escobar, who became an MP 1982. He mentioned that Escobar resorted to retaliatory attacks when he was barred from politics. The drug lord was killed by Colombian police in 1993.

"A series was also made on Escobar's life. I want people in the state to watch it," he said.

TDP leaders have been claiming that Andhra Pradesh became the drug capital of the country during Jagan Reddy's rule.
Manila, July 25 : The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other volunteers have rushed to contain a large oil spill from a sunken tanker carrying 1.4 million litres of industrial fuel in Manila Bay on Thursday.

The MT Terra Nova, the tanker flying under the flag of the Philippines, capsized and eventually sank 3.6 nautical miles east of Limay, a town in Bataan province, shortly after midnight.

The vessel was sailing south to Iloilo province in the central Philippines when the accident happened. Sixteen of the 17 crew members were rescued while one died, according to the PCG.

As the tanker began leaking fuel oil in Manila Bay, authorities have scrambled to contain the spill, reported Xinhua news agency.

Three 44-meter multirole response vessels have been deployed to apply oil dispersants to mitigate the spill, the PCG told media. The agency also sets an operational target of seven days to finish siphoning the oil from the sunken tanker to stop further spread.

"Siphoning will not be very technical and can be done quickly," PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo told reporters, mentioning that the vessel sunk 34 meters deep, "which is considerably shallow."

Balilo said the PCG is currently working with several oil spill responders to control the oil from spreading, and that the PCG will ensure the operations follow the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, an interagency and public-private partnership approach to combatting oil spills.

When asked what would happen if all 1.4 million liters of fuel seeps into the sea, Balilo said the fuel might reach the shores of the Philippine capital Manila, and that would be the worst situation.

"So far, the oil spill is minimal," Balilo said, adding that only a "minimal" amount of "working fuel" used by the vessel to sail has leaked.

The PCG said it has already dispatched its personnel to warn the local governments in nearby coastal provinces that may be affected by the oil slick.

An international marine protection organization named Oceana expressed alarm over the oil spill on Thursday, urging the Philippine government to control the spread of the oil slick.

Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Oceana's vice president, said the government should immediately assess the oil spill's effects on the marine environment, including fisheries, ensure that procedures and standards are set in motion, and investigate who is directly responsible for this maritime incident.

The PCG said it is investigating the cause of the accident.
New Delhi: Twenty-five years ago in 1999, India achieved victory over Pakistan in Kargil after the Indian Army evicted the Pakistan Army personnel who had sneaked in and occupied mountain peaks on the Indian territory.

The Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 celebrates the bravery of the Indian soldiers and young leaders who prevailed against all odds, and at a great cost.

A total of 527 officers and men laid down their lives to protect the territorial integrity of our country in Kargil. The younger cross-section made the nation proud. We salute them.

The Kargil conflict was technically not a war, but it was no less than a war in any respect, least of all in the bravery displayed by our soldiers and young leaders. It was not a war because a national emergency was not declared and the war remained localised to Kargil district.

Kargil is a district in Ladakh with remarkable scenic beauty. It was a part of the erstwhile J&K state before becoming a part of the Union Territory of Ladakh after the bifurcation of J&K into two UTs in 2019.

The Line of Control between India and Pakistan runs through the mountainous and rugged terrain of Kargil. The altitude of these snow-covered mountains ranges from 11,000 feet to over 18,000 feet.

Why did Pakistan try to occupy the inhospitable snow-covered mountain peaks in Kargil?

First, we must understand what happened at the Siachen glacier to the west of Kargil over a decade earlier. In the eighties, Indian and Pakistan Armies confronted each other at the Siachen glacier.

It was my Battalion that executed the highest attack in the world and captured the Pakistan Quaid post at 21,153 feet, which was later renamed Bana Top in honour of Honorary Capt Bana Singh, PVC, whose section finally assaulted the post.

Stung by this loss, three months later the Special Services Group of Pakistan launched a riposte, which was successfully beaten back. It was launched by their commander, Brig Parvez Musharraf.

Smarting from that defeat, he planned Kargil intrusions when he became the Army Chief, initially without political consent. By occupying these mountain peaks, he hoped to cut off the road leading from Srinagar to Leh and Siachen.

In 1999, Pakistan sent soldiers across the LoC to Kargil, in areas lightly held by both sides during winters. This was happening as PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelled to Lahore on a bus to take the peace process forward -- it was deception at the national level. We were stabbed in the back.

As a conflict, it was rare, if not unique, that it was not allowed to escalate into a full-blown war due to the responsible behaviour on India's part, and the unparalleled bravery displayed by its soldiers.

Not only the conflict was limited to LoC, but also localised to Kargil.

How was that achieved?

It was achieved by the responsible behaviour on the part of India. Indian Army did not cross the LoC. Otherwise, it would have made operational sense to cut off their forces from their logistic bases by launching operations across the LoC.

The Indian Air Force also operated with their hands tied behind their backs, as the aircraft were also not allowed to cross the LoC. Our fighter aircraft could have caused heavy damage to the enemy's operational and logistic infrastructure from across the LoC.

Why was it important to retain the sanctity of the LoC after Pakistan had violated it themselves?

It was perhaps the only time when two nuclear nations had gone to war, and the world was watching with bated breath.

The US was particularly anxious that the conflict should not spiral out of control as it made conciliation efforts with the leadership from both countries.

However, this came at a cost.

The soldiers had to launch frontal attacks to evict the enemy from the mountain peaks, and all assaults were uphill, making our task much more difficult and risky. Yet, it did not deter the soldiers and the young leaders, who proudly went into attack with a fanatic gleam in their eyes, without any fear in their minds. They made us proud. They were drawn from the youth of the country.

Not only did the youth contribute, but the whole nation was supporting the military efforts.

Bravery on the frontline was matched by the 'Josh' of the nation. As a Commanding Officer, I received a telegram from an officer of my unit, who had been boarded out on medical grounds, saying he wanted to rejoin the Battalion to fight the enemy during the war.

While there is no provision for such participation, it does not take anything away from his 'Josh' and 'Jazba', his patriotism, bravery, and enthusiasm to participate in combat at grave risk to his life. Such instances abound in our country and make us proud as Indians. The youth always make us proud.

It was also India's first televised war. On one hand, the country watched the progress of operations in real-time, and on the other, it showed the human side of war - the supreme sacrifices made by the officers and soldiers, the heartbreaking sight of their families, and the outpouring of the nationalistic sentiment at the funerals.

When Capt Vikram Batra returned victorious after recapturing a mountain peak, he famously told Barkha Dutt, "Yeh Dil Maange More..."

He fired up the imagination of the youth, and indeed the whole nation. And he laid down his life in the next attack he led, from the front. He was only 24.

So were many others - they were all in their early twenties. And they led seasoned soldiers who were 10, some even 20 years elder to them. The mood of the nation could only be experienced by those who lived in it at that time.

The Kargil conflict also ushered in military reforms. After it was over, the Kargil Review Committee under K. Subrahmanyam recommended huge changes to structures and processes.

The L.K. Advani-led Group of Ministers and the Arun Singh Task Force went into details, and Tri-Services structures like HQ Integrated Defence Staff, Andaman & Nicobar Command, and Strategic Forces were raised.

The government, however, stopped short of appointing a CDS, who was appointed in 2020.

The silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas not only gives us a justified opportunity to celebrate and honour Indiaas bravehearts, but it also throws on us a responsibility to reflect on the lessons learnt and apply them in todayas context.

While the Kargil conflict was the first televised war in India, todayas wars will be fought across a multi-domain spectrum, and we need to develop capabilities accordingly.

It also taught us a valuable lesson that we need to be self-reliant in weapons, ammunition, and other war-like stores. In this regard, a great push is being given to aAatmanirbhartaa in defence.

The Kargil conflict was unique in many ways, as we have just seen. But the one thing that stands out is the bravery of the soldiers and the young leaders leading from the front, by personal example.

They were all drawn from the youth of India, both rural and urban areas.

I would like to sign off with a message for the youth - you don't have to join the army to serve the country. The growth story of India needs all the skill sets of the youth. You can also serve the country by doing what you do to the best of your abilities. And if you want to show your respect to a soldier, be a good citizen - a citizen worth dying for.

Jai Hind.

(Lt General Satish Dua (Retd) is a former Corps Commander in Kashmir who retired as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff. The views expressed are personal)
Edgbaston, July 25 : Ahead of the third and final Test against England in Edgbaston on Friday, West Indies have suffered a double blow as spinner Kevin Sinclair has been ruled out due to a fractured forearm while pacer Shamar Joseph is down with the flu.

In Sinclair's absence, spinner Gudakesh Motie will return to the playing 11 after missing the second Test due to illness. Interestingly, Sinclair replaced Motie in the Windies playing 11 for the Trent Bridge Test after he fell ill on the match day.

In the second Test, Silchar sustained a blow on his forearm while fending off Mark Wood's 148 kmph delivery which later turned out to be a fracture and ruled him out of the third Test.

On the other hand, Joseph is in doubt for Friday's clash after catching the flu. As per an ESPNcricinfo report, Akeem Jordan is on standby for a debut if he doesn't recover in time. Joseph failed to live up to the potential in his first England tour after his heroic debut in Australia earlier this year. He only bagged two wickets in the second Test after returning wicketless in the opening match of the series.

England have a 2-0 unassailable lead in the series after winning the first two matches in the Lord's and Trent Bridge respectively. They have announced the unchanged side for the final match of the series.
Nagpur, July 25 : Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Thursday challenged ruling ally Bharatiya Janata Party's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take action against a Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ex-minister Anil Deshmukh of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), instead of merely issuing threats to 'expose' him.

Reacting sharply to Fadnavisa statements on Wednesday that he had in possession some audio-video clips of Deshmukh which he would make public if the latter continued to target him, Patole dared the BJP leader "to act on it rather than making plain threats to the Opposition leaders".

"The BJP government is already misusing the central investigating agencies like ED, CBI, IT-D to finish off political opponentsa now Fadnavis is intimidating the Opposition leaders with some audio-video. As the home minister of the state, why doesn't he take action in the matter," Patole demanded.

He pointed out how a former Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ravindra Waikar -- who joined the ruling Shiv Sena just prior to the last Lok Sabha elections and was elected as Mumbai North West MP -- had openly said that he changed his party out of similar pressures and compulsions.

"Those who succumbed to such tactics have joined them, but others who fought them out had to go to jail, like Deshmukh. CM Eknath Shinde and his team are with the BJP owing to the fear of central probe agencies and the same may have been done with Deshmukh, who is now revealing these things," claimed Patole.

While Fadnavis talks nothing about the deteriorating law and order in the state, the drug mafias who are given a free hand, the massive corruption at all levels and other big problems, he is busy making political attacks and giving audio-video expose threats to browbeat the Opposition before the upcoming Assembly elections in October, which won't work, said Patole.

On Wednesday, the founder of Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, Prof Shyam Manav had made certain claims about the circumstances leading to Deshmukh spending 13 months in jail as he refused to compromise or betray the then MVA government led by ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray, evoking a sharp rebuttal from Fadnavis.
Kolkata, July 25 : West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay on Thursday termed as "totally unwarranted" the verbal spat between the Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and Trinamool Congress legislator Tapan Chatterjee within the Assembly premises on Wednesday and asked members to ensure such incidents do not recur.

After the Wednesday incidents, Adhikari sent a letter to the office of the Speaker claiming that Chatterjee, the Trinamool MLA from Purbasthali Uttar, had tried to physically assault him following which he was feeling insecure within the Assembly.

On the other hand, Chatterjee, denying the assault attempt, accused Adhikari of maligning his and his daughteras image at a public meeting near his residence recently.

On Thursday, the Speaker said that he had received two complaints in the matter and also talked to the Marshal in the matter.

"There can be heated moments within the house. Such things happen in other Assemblies and even in the Lok Sabha. But it is always desirable that mutually friendly relations are maintained outside the house. There is no need to feel insecure in the house. But all of you should exercise restraint and ensure that such things are not repeated," the Speaker said.

At the time when the Speaker made this observation, Adhikari was not in the house, though Chatterjee. However, the Speaker's remarks did not satisfy the BJP legislators present with the party's chief whip Dr Shankar Ghosh claiming that a deliberate attempt was being made to create tension within the Assembly premises. As the Trinamool legislators protested his comment, there was a mild ruckus within the house again.
Shimla, July 25 : The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, on Thursday recommended to the Governor to convene the Assembly's Monsoon session in Shimla from August 27 to September 9.

It will have 10 sittings.

The Cabinet decided to create the Dehra police district with its headquarters in Dehra along with the creation and filling of 39 posts of different categories.

It gave its approval for the procurement of apples, kinnows, maltas, oranges, and mangos under the Market Intervention Scheme at Rs 12 per kg, while the procurement rate for galgal would be Rs 10 per kg. The apple procurement time will be from July 20 to October 31 and mango from July 1 to August 31, while kinnow, malta, orange, and galgal will be procured from November 21 to February 15, 2025.

The Cabinet also approved the merger of government primary schools within a two-km radius and government middle schools within a three-km radius, if they have five or fewer students. Additionally, 89 government primary schools and 10 middle schools with zero enrollment will be closed, an official statement said.

Teaching staff in the Education Department will be transferred annually at the end of the academic session. All teachers including head teachers, centre head teachers, headmasters, and principals will also teach the students. Moreover, the Cabinet mandated that all schools hold a morning assembly with the national anthem and that high and senior secondary schools unfurl the national flag daily. Physical education will be a compulsory daily period in all schools and training in first aid will also be provided in collaboration with the Health and Ayush Departments.

It was also decided to fill 116 posts of work Inspectors in the Jal Shakti Department through direct recruitment.
New Delhi, July 25 : India's food processing industries have emerged as an important part of the country's economy with an increasing contribution to GDP, employment and exports, according to information provided in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The percentage share of processed food export in agri-food exports has gone up to 23.4 per cent in 2023-24 from 13.7 per cent in 2014-15, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh said in reply to a question.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has approved 41 Mega Food Parks, 399 Cold Chain projects, 76 Agro-processing Clusters, 588 Food Processing Units under PMKSY scheme as on June 30 this year.

During the last eight years ending 2022-23, the food processing sector has been growing at an Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of around 5.35 per cent.

Gross Value Added (GVA) in the Food Processing sector has also increased from 1.61 lakh crore in 2015-16 to 1.92 lakh crore in 2022-23.

The employment in Food Processing Industries has increased from 17.73 lakh in 2014-15 to 20.68 lakh in 2021-22 as per the latest Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) report.

MoFPI through implementation of PMKSY across the country helps in the creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet for promotion, overall development and growth of Food Processing Industries, through creation of employment opportunities, reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level and enhancing the export of the processed foods, an official statement said.

The ministry also provides financial assistance as capital subsidy in the form of grants-in-aid (GIA) under various component schemes of PMKSY for setting up of new food processing industries/units/projects and also expanding the existing ones, the statement added.
Mumbai/Pune, July 25 : At least 15 persons were killed in rain-related incidents as heavy rain wreaked havoc in Pune, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and adjoining regions in the past 24 hours, with the Indian Army helping civil agencies in the rescue operations, officials said here on Thursday.

Large parts of Pune and the district were submerged in flood waters as the stateas academic, IT, and cultural capital witnessed incessant heavy rain overnight, with schools shut and boats deployed to help out the people.

The city Fire Brigade, police, SDRF, and NDRF teams along with other agencies were rushed to many areas to rescue people who woke up on Thursday to find themselves surrounded by 3-5 feet deep waters.

The rescuers deployed rubber dinghies and ropes to bring out scores of people stuck in their homes or shops or rooftops with the waters inundating their dwellings up to the ground floor ceiling in some buildings, while almost all local reservoirs, big and small dams were overflowing, with most rivers in spate.

The NDRF launched a major rescue operation in Nimbaj Nagar, Deccan Gymkhana, and Sinhagad Road areas which were among the worst-hit as water rushed into homes, shops, and other establishments as the city received over 200 mm rain in the past 24 hours.

The situation was compounded by over 40,000 cusecs water being discharged from the overflowing Khadakwasla Dam, said Union MoS for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, who is the Pune MP.

Angry locals slammed the government for allegedly opening the Khadakwasla Dam floodgates to the Mula-Mutha River basins at around 4 a.m. without prior notice which could have enabled the people to rush to safer areas.

Almost across the city, roads, streets, and lanes were littered with two-wheelers and four-wheelers, uprooted trees or branches, and other debris stuck in the flood waters with people wading in waist-to-neck deep water, frantically attempting to save their belongings.

Major thoroughfares like the Bhide Bridge, Holkar Bridge, Sangam Bridge, the Khillare Complex near Garware College, and a bridge opposite the PMC office were shut for traffic as the rivers below were in a raging flow.

Elsewhere, the twin hill stations of Khandala-Lonavala, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Mulshi, Khed, Bhor, Maval, Haveli, Baramati, and the elite Lavasa city, among others, received very heavy rain measuring over 300 mm in the past 24 hours.

In many areas of Pune city and other towns, the rescue agencies and police appealed to people to remain indoors, and those stranded in multi-storied buildings were urged to remain there. Electricity in some areas was cut off as a precaution, compounding people's woes.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar spoke with Collector Suhas Diwase, and spent several hours visiting some of the worst-hit areas where he encountered angry citizens, some in tears as they recounted their losses and how some had not eaten even a morsel since Wednesday night.

At least 15 persons lost their lives in different rain-linked tragedies in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Pune, and Chandrapur during the day, said officials.

Three persons were killed in Pune city following electrocution while another three are feared to have perished in their posh villas after a hillslide in the Lavasa city in Mulshi.

Another person was crushed in a landslide at Maval in Pune district, a man drowned in Raigad, a man was killed in a fire ignited by a short-circuit in a Mumbai building, a man was killed in a landslide, three others were killed in lightning strikes in Chandrapur, while two persons drowned in the Barvi dam in Thane.

The victims in Pune have been identified as Shiva Jidbahadur Pariyar (18), a Nepali youth, Akash V. Mane (21), and Abhishek A. Ghanekar (25).

A youth named Kamlakar Mhatre drowned in Raigad; a senior citizen named Mahendra Shah (70) lost his life in the Mumbai incident, while the identity of those killed in Chandrapur and Thane are yet to be ascertained.

In a major disaster, a hillslide triggered by heavy rain in Lavasa city buried three villas on Thursday morning, in which at least three persons are feared to have perished under the debris even as the NDRF launched a rescue effort.

Amid the tragedies was the miraculous rescue of two persons - who were trapped in a car in flood waters and screaming for help - using a crane in Panvel town in Raigad, while large areas of Kalyan and Ulhasnagar (both in Thane) were submerged under 2-4 feet water as rain lashed the region.

While all educational institutions in Pune and Raigad were shut for the day (Thursday), schools and colleges shall remain closed on Friday in Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Pune, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.

Parts of Pune notched record rainfall in the past 12 hours: Lavasa (454 mm), Lonavala (323 mm), Nimgiri (233 mm), Malin (181 mm), Chinchwad (175 mm), Talegaon and Khadakwasla (168 mm), Lavale (167 mm), while other areas received between 50 mm and 150 mm rain. The average rainfall for Pune was 115 mm, as intermittent rain continued.

The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that Mumbai received an average of 64 mm rainfall from 8 a.m. till 6 p.m. on Thursday, giving more than 61 per cent water stocks in the reservoirs that quench the cityas thirst round the year.

In view of satisfactory rain in the catchment areas of the seven lakes -- Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Bhatsa, Vihar, Modaksagar, and Tulsi, which supply drinking water to Mumbai -- the BMC shall withdraw the 10 per cent water cut from Monday (July 29).

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar are personally monitoring the rain crises in Pune, Raigad, Mumbai, Thane, and other parts of the state.

Since dawn, the SDRF and NDRF teams along with Pune Police and Pune Fire Brigade, and later Army jawans also joined in to carry out rescue operations and shift people stranded in floodwaters in Nimbaj Nagar, Deccan Gymkhana, and Sinhagad Road areas which were among the worst-hit by the rain.
Suva, July 25 : Assistant Minister for Fiji's Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua met here on Thursday with visiting Singapore's Non-Resident High Commissioner to Fiji and Ambassador to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Mary Seet-Cheng, reaffirming their commitment to stronger bilateral relations.

The two sides highlighted prospects to deepen cooperation in building climate resilience, trade and economy, digitization, education and leadership, smart urbanization, and connectivity, among key initiatives supported under the Singapore Cooperation Program (SCP).

Qereqeretabua thanked Singapore's support to Fiji and their commitment to elevating cooperation with emphasis on Fiji's priorities in socio-economic sustainability and climate resilience.

For her part, Seet-Cheng said Singapore stands ready to support Fiji and looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to Singapore for an official visit, Xinhua news agency reported.

She remarked that Singapore aims to realign the SCP package tailored to the priorities of development partners like Fiji.

This year, 38 Fijians including civil servants have been trained in Singapore, and now with the elevated cooperation, more Fijians will be able to benefit through such training opportunities.
Colombo, July 25 : Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the need for a comprehensive strategy, developed in collaboration with both public and private sectors, for the promotion of Ceylon tea brand in the world, the president's media division (PMD) said on Thursday.

The president made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the Colombo International Tea Convention, which commenced on Thursday. The two-day convention, themed "Tea: A Lifestyle and a Livelihood," has been jointly organized by the Colombo Tea Traders Association and the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the PMD said, reported Xinhua news agency.

An exhibition featuring tea producers and related businesses in Sri Lanka was also part of the event. Industry experts, leading brands, and social organizations from the Gulf countries, Kenya, China, India, Japan, Britain, and the United States, gathered at the convention, representing the entire global tea value chain from crop to cup, according to the PMD.
New Delhi, July 25: The Indian Air Force : 's exceptional professionalism was on full display, deploying aerospace power at the highest known height in the world for the operations named 'Operation Safed Sagar'. The IAF aircraft operated at altitudes over 20,000 feet, a feat not attempted before by any Air Force of the World, successfully surmounting the difficulties posed by extreme elevation and inclement weather conditions.

The rapid technological innovations and modifications proved to be highly advantageous to emerge victorious in this conflict, which took place at the highest battleground in the globe.

The Beginning

Pakistan code name for Kargil War was 'Operation Koh-e-Paima', which was approved on January 16, 1999, by the Pakistani COAS Op Koh Paima, less than five weeks before the two prime ministers signed the momentous Lahore Declaration on February 22, 1999.

The Pakistani Army initiated the occupation of territory in the Kargil region shortly afterwards.

On May 3, 1999, the Indian Army discovered that the Pakistanis were present on Indian territory. The infiltration and combat occurred in ridges that overlook the road connecting Srinagar and Leh.

The military outposts situated on the elevated areas above the roadway typically had altitudes of around 5,000m (16,000 ft), with a few risings as high as 5,485m (18,000 ft).

The Indian Air Force (IAF) received its initial request for air support on May 11, 1999, specifically for the helicopters.

Subsequently, on May 25, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) granted permission to the IAF to launch offensive operations against the infiltrators while ensuring they do not breach the Line of Control (LoC).

Air Operations

Kargil war was a conflict that underscored the need for a robust and responsive defence strategy. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, in an event in New Delhi on July 18, 2024 to mark 25 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas, said: "The Kargil conflict highlighted the significance of maintaining vigilance and preparedness for safeguarding our borders. It also emphasised the importance of public and international diplomacy, a strategy which was used effectively to maintain the neutrality of inimical nations and gain global support."

The Indian Air Force's operations during the Kargil conflict are a prime illustration of operational preparation, intelligence collection, and diplomatic initiatives while encountering numerous impediments.

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities were limited, affecting target identification and battle damage assessment. The reconnaissance mission by IAF's Canberra aircraft played a crucial role in the Kargil conflict, detecting the level and limits of Pakistani intrusions and providing vital intelligence.

This early detection was instrumental in the IAF's subsequent operations. The IAF's fighter jets, including MiG-21s, MiG-27s, and Jaguars, then provided close air support to ground troops and attacked enemy positions.

The Mirage-2000 aircraft carried out precision strikes using laser-guided bombs, targeting enemy bunkers and supply depots.

Total of 7,631 sorties were flown -- then the IAF had 42 fighter sqns in 1999 but only 90 aircraft were deployed, 45 in the valley and 45 out of the valley.

Fighter flew 1,730 sorties (Day ops sorties:1,643 & Night sortie:87), Helicopter: 2,474, Transport ac: 3,427 (Max).

During the conflict, the IAF's role in transporting over 20,000 troops, 1,500 tonnes of equipment, and 1,200 tonnes of ammunition was a testament to their logistical capabilities and the scale of their operations.

Full Force Braveheart Operations: IAF aircraft conducted night operations using available technology such as night vision goggles and navigation systems, demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to mission success.

IAF transport aircraft and helicopters ferried troops, equipment, spares and other support supplies to forward bases, maintaining a steady supply chain.

IAF helicopters, including Mi-17s and Mi-35s, conducted daring rescue missions, evacuating wounded soldiers from forward areas.

Coordination with Army: The IAF's close coordination with the Indian Army, providing real-time intelligence and strike support, was a testament to the strength and unity of the Indian defence forces, reassuring the nation of their combined capabilities.

Effective coordination between the IAF and the Indian Army played a vital role in accurately striking enemy locations during the Kargil War.

Decisive Operations: High altitude posed unique operational difficulties in targeting the enemy. Professionally conducted IAF airstrikes disrupted Pakistani troop movement and logistical support, making it difficult for them to reinforce their positions or retreat effectively.

The swift technical modifications and on-the-job training held IAF in good stead in its employment of air power to win this war fought at the highest battlefield of the world.

Overall, IAF flew around 5000 strike missions, 350 reconnaissance/ ELINT missions, and around 800 escort flights. The IAF also flew over 2,000 helicopter sorties towards casualty evacuations and air transport operations.

The successful air strikes on Tiger Hill, MunthoThalo, and Toling changed the direction of the operations towards India.

Limitations Encountered: In the report compiled by the Kargil Review Committee (KRC), the many constraints that were associated with airpower operations during the Kargil War were brought to light.

The following were the limitations that were encountered during Kargil operations.

(a) Weather Conditions: Harsh weather, including dense fog, clouds, and gusty winds, hindered air operations.

(b) High-Altitude Challenges: Operating at extreme heights posed significant challenges for aircraft and crew.

(c) Logistical Challenges: Transporting fuel, ammunition, and spare parts to forward bases was a significant logistical challenge.

(d) Limited ISR and Air Defence Capabilities: IAF's air defence systems had limited capabilities against Pakistani missiles and aircraft.

It is testament to the exceptional skills of the IAF and, especially, to their resiliency that they were able to successfully overcome such difficult conditions, which inspired everyone who observed their remarkable efforts.

The IAF was able to achieve significant success in the Kargil War by adapting to new circumstances and utilising its strengths.

Lessons Learnt

The Kargil Conflict led to significant changes in the IAF airpower operations, including:

(a) Modernised IAF: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has included advanced fighter aircraft, including the Rafale, Tejas Mk1A, and MI-17 V, to replace its outdated fleet of MiG series jets, thereby modernising its aircraft fleet.

(b) Enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Capabilities: The ISR capabilities have been enhance capabilities to identify targets and assess combat damage.

(c) Network-Centric Operations (NCO) capacity: The establishment of a network-centric warfare capacity has allowed for the improved situational awareness, leading to timely decision-making.

(d) Advanced Training Incentive: All pilots get comprehensive training for both day and night missions. Regular joint exercises are held to strengthen operational readiness and interoperability.

(e) Logistics and Maintenance Upgrades: Requisite enhancements have been implemented in the logistics supply chain to guarantee accessibility in all types of terrain for all support and maintenance infrastructure.

Conclusion

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. The IAF's airpower operations played a crucial role in the Indian military's victory in the Kargil War.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the efficient utilisation of air power has prevented more losses and significantly shortened the period of time during which our Army has made such significant advancements on the ground.

(Dr. DK Pandey was the Group Captain in IAF. He undertook AD operations in the Western, J&K and NE sectors. He has commanded six Air Defence (C&R) Units. He was Director Air Staff Inspections and retired as Director, Joint Control and Analysis Centre)
Ranchi, July 25 : In a significant development, the membership of two Jharkhand MLAs -- Jaiprakash Bhai Patel and Lobin Hembrom -- has been terminated due to defection.

The decision was announced on Thursday by Speaker Rabindranath Mahto's Tribunal after hearing complaints under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution.

The decision will be effective from July 26. Notably, both legislators were affiliated with the ruling coalition.

Jaiprakash Bhai Patel, who represented the Mandu constituency and was originally from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), joined the Congress just before the Lok Sabha elections which he contested from Hazaribag seat on a Congress ticket.

Similarly, Lobin Hembrom of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), representing the Borio constituency, contested against his partyas candidate from the Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat. Both, however, lost the elections.

The BJP filed a complaint against Jaiprakash Bhai Patel, while the JMM lodged a complaint against Lobin Hembrom with the Speaker's Tribunal.

After two days of hearings, the Tribunal reserved its decision, asking for the debate copy to be submitted by noon on July 25.

During the hearing against Patel, BJP advocate Vinod Kumar Sahu argued that his switch to Congress and his candidacy from Hazaribag were documented by the Election Commission.

He said seeking evidence and time for response was an attempt to deliberately waste the Tribunal's time, as the case clearly fell under the 10th Schedule of the Assembly's anti-defection law.

In Hembrom's case, advocate Anuj Kumar argued that it was an internal party issue rather than a defection case.

Representing JMM, advocate Ankitesh Kumar Jha countered that Hembrom contested the Lok Sabha elections defying the party line, warranting the termination of his membership.
The Hague, July 25 : The Netherlands, in collaboration with Denmark, will deliver 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine by the end of this summer, the Dutch Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.

The two countries purchased 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks last year, sharing the cost of about 165 million euros (about 178 million U.S. dollars). Though previously used, these tanks have undergone extensive refurbishment and testing over the past few months.

Twelve of the tanks are ready for shipment and the other two are still undergoing tests, but all 14 will be delivered by the end of summer, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Netherlands has previously supplied tanks to Ukraine. Last year, the Dutch Ministry of Defence, in partnership with Germany and Denmark, purchased used Leopard 1 tanks and refurbished them before sending them to Ukraine.

In March, the Netherlands signed a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine, committing to support the country in security, reconstruction, and justice.
Vientiane, July 25 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar once again stressed the importance of the three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity - to India-China ties during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' meetings in Laos' capital Vientiane, on Thursday.

"Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties. Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting with Wang Yi who is also the Member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Political Bureau.

"Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. It is in our mutual interest to stabilize our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency," Jaishankar added.

The meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement later, gave the two ministers an opportunity to review the situation since their last meeting at Astana in July, with their talks focusing on "finding an early resolution" of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations.

"Both ministers agreed on the need to work with purpose and urgency to achieve complete disengagement at the earliest. Peace and tranquillity on the borders and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations. Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached between the two Governments in the past," read the MEA statement.

Both sides will also hold an early meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to take the discussions forward.
New Delhi, July 25 : Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Shripad Yesso Naik on Thursday held discussions with industry representatives on the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and other incentives to promote Indian manufacturing in the renewable energy sector.

He assured renewable energy industry associations of full support from MNRE, emphasising the government's commitment to accelerating India's transition to a low-carbon economy.

Secretary, MNRE, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, was also present at the meeting. He reiterated the Ministry's dedication to fostering growth and innovation in the renewable energy industry.

The representatives from the renewable energy industry included the All-India Solar Industries Association. The meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders, aiming to drive India's ambitions in the global renewable energy landscape, according to an official statement.
Imphal, July 25 : Before departing for the national capital on Thursday, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed optimism about finding a solution to the ongoing ethnic unrest in the state.

The Chief Minister sounded confident that his meetings with the Central leaders in Delhi would provide an opportunity to find an early solution to the ethnic turmoil.

"Some positive developments would surely come out soon. I would brief the Prime Minister and other Central leaders about the prevailing situation in the state," he told the media.

In Delhi, Singh is scheduled to attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting and a Chief Ministers' Conclave on Saturday, both to be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He is also hopeful for a one-on-one meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the state's issues and find a tangible solution to restore normalcy.

Since May 3 last year, Manipur has been hit by unprecedented ethnic violence between the Chin-Kuki-Zos and the Meiteis, claiming the lives of at least 220 people, and displacing over 60,000 people from both communities.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticised Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for not allocating any special financial assistance to Manipur in the Union Budget.

Commenting on the matter, Singh accused the opposition of doing 'petty politics'.

The Chief Minister also claimed that the Centre has provided sufficient grants to address the resource crunch caused by the ongoing unrest and natural disasters, as he emphasised the need to avoid petty politics at this critical time.

Commenting on the recent violence in Jiribam district, the Chief Minister said the incident was not related to ethnic violence.

The Chief Minister said it was a stray incident caused by elements exploiting the ethnic tension for their own agenda, as he assured that the police are investigating the case and are expected to make arrests soon.

On the budget session of the Assembly starting July 31, Singh said efforts are being made to ensure the participation of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, including two ministers, who abstained from House proceedings since the violence broke out more than 14 months ago.

These tribal MLAs along with several tribal organisations have been demanding a division of Manipur on ethnic lines in the form of a separate administration or a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo tribal communities.

"I've also personally invited them. The House is also inviting them. They should come and attend the session. We would facilitate their presence in the House if they seek my assistance and cooperation," the Chief Minister said.
Chandigarh, July 25 : Punjab NRIs Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday announced that the state would adopt the Kerala model to check illegal migration as well as to ensure basic facilities to the NRIs.

The announcement came during Dhaliwal's visit to Kerala, where he studied initiatives of the NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) Department.

Dhaliwal praised the Kerala model for its effective measures in preventing illegal migration and ensuring the safe and legal migration of workers. He exhorted that Punjab would replicate similar strategies to protect its citizens from illegal migration and ensure their welfare.

The Punjab government will establish a dedicated agency, similar to NORKA, to regulate migration and provide support to Punjabi NRIs, he said, adding that the agency will focus on preventing illegal migration, promoting safe and legal migration, providing welfare services to NRIs, and enhancing skill development and employment opportunities.

The minister assured the state is committed to safeguarding the interests of its people and will take all necessary steps to prevent illegal migration.

The field agency of the NORKA Department is implementing various government plans, schemes, and welfare initiatives for the benefit of the diaspora. The agency is working to ensure that the diaspora community has access to various government programmes and services. These initiatives aim to improve the lives of non-resident Keralites and provide them with necessary support and assistance.
Jaipur, July 25 : A Rajasthan Police team has arrested and brought notorious international gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria from a Punjab jail to the state's Dausa under tight security for interrogation and investigation, officials said on Thursday.

The gangster was lodged at the Central Jail located in Punjab's Bathinda district.

District SP Ranjita Sharma said that Mehandipur Balaji police arrested Dashanpreet Singh, a resident of Amritsar, from the Helipad Road in Balaji town on June 30 and seized four pistols, 6 magazines, and 18 live cartridges from him. During interrogation, he revealed that he is a member of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and supplies weapons for the gang.

Thereafter, a special team was formed to bring the gangster to Rajasthan.

As per the instructions of IGP Anil Kumar Tank and SP Ranjita Sharma, a team of Dausa police arrested Bhagwanpuria from the Bathinda Jail.

A resident of Bhagwanpura village in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, Bhagwanpuria faces over 100 cases relating to the illicit arms trade, drug smuggling, and attempt to murder in various states of the country.
Mumbai, July 25 : In the wake of torrential rains in various parts of Maharashtra and also due to the India Meteorological Department's red alert, the supplementary board examinations for Class 10 and 12 have been postponed, it was announced on Thursday.

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has shifted the supplementary examination for Class 10 from July 26 to July 31 and for Class 12 from July 31 to August 9.

The decision was taken in the wake of a red alert issued by the met office in a couple of districts.

A School Education department official said that the supplementary board examination for Science and Technology Part 2 paper for Class 10 was slated for July 26 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. However, with the revised schedule, it will be held on July 31.

The supplementary board examination for Class 12th for Commerce and Organisational Management, Food Science and Technology, and Minimum Competency Vocational Courses Part 2 was slated for July 31 and will now take place on August 9.

Amid heavy and torrential rains and floods, several District Collectors had declared the closure of schools and colleges on Thursday, amid the forecasts for further heavy rain.
Mumbai, July 25 : The Maharashtra government will soon set up onion storage banks and use nuclear technology for irradiation to extend the freshness and shelf life of the crop. These banks will be set up in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Solapur in a bid to prevent the wastage of onions.

Mumbai, July 25 (IANS) The Maharashtra government will soon set up onion storage banks and use nuclear technology for irradiation to extend the freshness and shelf life of the crop. These banks will be set up in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Solapur in a bid to prevent the wastage of onions.

During a meeting on Thursday to review the 'Onion Mahabank' project, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said onion being a perishable crop can be stored by radiation through nuclear energy.

"The farmers will get huge benefits through these banks. The concept of Onion Mahabank is becoming a reality," Shinde said.

He also directed that land parcels under the possession of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, Maharashtra Marketing Federation, and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation should be used for setting up the onion banks.

Shinde asked the administration to step up the establishment of onion banks at around 10 places along the Samriddhi Highway, reiterating that with the storage of onions, the farmers will benefit largely.

"Once the onion gets a good price, the farmers can sell them," he said.

Shinde also said that the project should be implemented through the farmer producing companies, and cooperatives so that work can be done keeping the interest of the farmers in mind.

He also directed to develop a value chain around the onion banks.
Mumbai, July 25 : Shiv Sena MP in Rajya Sabha, Milind Deora has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to introduce job reservations for the children of textile mill workers and tenants in Mumbai.

In a letter, Deora emphasised that such a measure would address the livelihood challenges faced by these communities.

"Textile mill workers and tenants have been instrumental in the development and prosperity of Mumbai. However, these groups have been marginalised in the city's growth. The re-development projects have often led to the displacement of mill workers' families and tenants, severely impacting their livelihoods," said Deora.

He strongly advocated job reservations for those families with new employment opportunities created in Mumbai.

Deora highlighted that the mill lands in South Mumbai, currently being developed into malls, could offer employment to the families of mill workers and tenants.

He believes that this policy would not only provide much-needed job opportunities but also allow these families to actively participate in the city's development.

Deora has urged the formation of a high-powered committee to consider this proposal and establish a comprehensive policy. He assured his full support to the youth of South Mumbai in their quest for employment.
Fatehabad, July 25 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation for development works worth more than Rs 313 crore in Fatehabad.

At a 'Pragati Rally' here, the Chief Minister made a series of announcements and announced Rs 10 crore for the development of the district.

He said a wildlife treatment centre will be built in Badopal.

As per the government policy, the electricity poles installed in the middle of the roads and the wires passing over the houses will be removed free of cost by the local corporation, he said.

In villages where the voltage is low, a big transformer will be installed, the CM added.

The Chief Minister also announced that a boosting station will be built in ward numbers 13-14 if land is available. The mini bypass of Fatehabad will also be renovated.

Saini said the public has seen the work of many governments in the state after the formation of Haryana, but regionalism dominated when it came to development.

"But the present government is developing every region of the state equally with the spirit of 'Haryana Ek-Haryanvi Ek'. We have risen above district, city, and constituency and looked at the entire state with one vision. Rising above regionalism and nepotism, we have worked for the progress and prosperity of entire Haryana," he said.

Taking a dig at the Opposition, the Chief Minister said those who are demanding an account of the 10-year tenure of the present government should look into their own conscience.

"Their government used to work in commission mode, while our government works in mission mode. Corruption was at its peak during their rule when only those who had recommendations and money used to get government jobs. But the present government has worked to change that system by giving government jobs to the youth on merit.

"Our government has closed the shops of middlemen who used to do brokerage in getting government jobs or getting government work done for the people. We have developed the state by freeing it from fear, corruption, nepotism, and regionalism," the Chief Minister added.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 25 : A special CBI court in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday convicted 14 CPI-M workers in the murder of a local Congress leader near Kerala's Kollam in 2010.

Ramabhadran, the then Eroor mandalam chief of the Congress, was hacked to death in front of his wife and two daughters on April 10, 2010.

The case was first investigated by local police, then by the Crime Branch and following a petition from the deceasedas wife, the Kerala High Court asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe it.

On Thursday, the special court convicted 14 of the 19 accused, and acquitted four, while one accused died during the pendency of the trial. It will announce the quantum of punishment next week.

The convicts include CPI-M activists holding significant posts in the Kollam district of the party and also a former staff member of former State Fisheries Minister J.Mercykutty.
Vientiane, July 25 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar once again stressed the importance of the three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity - to India-China ties during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' meetings in Laos' capital Vientiane on Thursday.

"Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties. Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting with Wang Yi who is also a Member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Politburo

"Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. It is in our mutual interest to stabilize our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency," he added.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, the Indian Minister recalled their meeting during the SCO Summit earlier this month as he said that Thursday's meeting "provides another opportunity to take forward our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship".

Ties between India and China, "the two most populous nations and among the two key economies of the world today", have "an exceptional significance", he said, adding that their "ability to ensure that they are stable and forward-looking is essential both for the prospects of Asia and that of the multipolar world. There are also issues on which our interests converge. In our previous meeting, we had both agreed in this regard. The challenge has been to proceed in that direction".

Jaishankar told his Chinese counterpart that the "disturbance to peace and tranquillity in our border areas has cast a shadow on our ties for the last four years".

"We have both made considerable efforts to resolve the related issues. Our endeavour is to complete that process and ensure that there is full respect for the Line of Actual Control and the agreements that we have signed in the past. I hope that todayas meeting will allow us to give stronger guidance to our officials in that regard."

"Insofar as our bilateral ties are concerned, we also agreed that they are best handled through the approach of three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity. You will also appreciate that the state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties," he stressed.

He also noted that it was a "volatile and uncertain era" as the "consequences of the Covid pandemic are still in play" and the world is witnessing "conflicts, tensions and polarisations".

"There have been disruptions to the global economy, both natural and man-made. At this time it is in our mutual interest to stabilise our ties and focus on growth and development that requires us to approach our immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency," Jaishankar said.

The meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement later, gave the two ministers an opportunity to review the situation since their last meeting at Astana in July, with their talks focusing on "finding an early resolution" of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations.

"Both ministers agreed on the need to work with purpose and urgency to achieve complete disengagement at the earliest. Peace and tranquillity on the borders and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations. Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached between the two Governments in the past," read the MEA statement.

Both sides will also hold an early meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to take the discussions forward.
New Delhi, July 25 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday will visit the Kargil War Memorial on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas to pay tributes to the fallen soldiers of the 1999 India-Pakistan conflict.

Taking to X on Thursday, PM Modi wrote: "Tomorrow, 26th July, is a very special day for every Indian. We will mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tributes to our brave heroes."

PM Modi further said that "the work will also commence for the Shinkun La Tunnel Project".

"This project is important to improve connectivity to Leh, especially during bad weather," the Prime Minister said.

Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel which will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road to provide all weather connectivity to Leh. Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world.

Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh, an official said.

The Kargil War Memorial was built by the Indian Army at Dras in Kargil district of Ladakh.

It commemorates the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan.
New Delhi, July 26 : The Power Ministry has estimated that the expansion required in the country's thermal capacity to meet the growing demand for electricity will entail an expenditure of a minimum of Rs 6.67 lakh crore by 2031-32, Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik informed the Parliament on Thursday.

New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) The Power Ministry has estimated that the expansion required in the countryas thermal capacity to meet the growing demand for electricity will entail an expenditure of a minimum of Rs 6.67 lakh crore by 2031-32, Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik informed the Parliament on Thursday.

In order to meet the estimated electricity demand by the year 2031-32, generation planning studies have been carried out by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), he told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

As per the study results, it is envisaged that to meet the base load requirement of the country in 2032, the required coal and lignite-based installed capacity would be 283 GW against the present installed capacity of 217.5 GW.

Considering this, the Centre proposes to set up an additional minimum 80 GW coal-based capacity by 2031-32, Naik said.

The estimated capital cost for setting up new coal-based thermal capacity as considered in the National Electricity Plan is Rs 8.34 crore per MW (1,000 MW=1GW). The cost has been worked out at the 2021-22 price level.

To reduce the dependence on coal-based thermal power plants, the government has planned to augment non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity generation capacity.

India, in its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), stands committed to achieve about 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. At present, it has already achieved 45.5 per cent Installed Capacity from non-fossil fuel-based resources.

To achieve this objective several steps have been taken to promote renewable energy generation in the country the Minister said. These include permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100 per cent under the automatic route, waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by June 30, 2025, and declaration of trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2029-30.

Besides schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), Solar Rooftop Phase II, 12,000 MW CPSU Scheme Phase II have also been launched to give a big push to renewable energy, the minister added.
New Delhi/Agartala, July 26 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday assured the tribal leaders from the northeastern states to amicably address and resolve the issues of the tribals and the constitution of a committee for the same, Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma said.

Debbarma and many other tribal leaders from the northeastern states held a meeting with the Union Home Minister in New Delhi on Thursday and discussed several issues facing the tribals of the region.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, was also present in the meeting.

An official in Agartala said that Amit Shah also held a meeting with the representatives of 10 tribal autonomous district councils of the northeastern region on Wednesday in New Delhi.

Debbarma said that one of the major demands of the tribal representatives included passing of the long pending 125th Amendment Bill in the Parliament providing more constitutional power to the 10 tribal autonomous district councils, formed under the 6th schedule of the Constitution.

"The Home Minister has assured us that within a month, issues relating to all the 10 tribal autonomous district councils would be amicably addressed. A committee would be formed to solve the issues relating to our people," he said.

Of the 10 tribal autonomous district councils, three each are in Assam, Mizoram, and Meghalaya, while one is in Tripura.

Since April 2021, the TMP has been governing the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which has jurisdiction over two-third of the state's 10,491 sq km area and is home to over 12,16,000 people, of which around 84 per cent are tribals.

It is the second most important constitutional body in the state after the Assembly.

The TMP has been demanding 'Greater Tipraland' or a separate state for the tribals under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution.
Bhubaneswar, July 26 : The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress have alleged that there is "nothing new" in the first Budget of the BJP government presented by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the Assembly here on Thursday.

Both parties claimed that the Budget for 2024-25 is a repetition of what the previous BJD government had introduced in the past.

Speaking to media persons after the Budget speech, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik said, "About the state Budget, I would say again that it was a "double-engine, double disappointment". I noticed that they have just renamed more than 40 of my government's schemes."

Senior Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati has described the Budget as "anti-poor" and claimed "nothing new" in the Budget.

"There is nothing for the development of farmers, women. They only increased the allocation of funds for the existing schemes by 10 to 15 per cent. They have just renamed more than 40 schemes," alleged Bahinipati.

On the other hand, State BJP President Manmohan Samal on Thursday asserted that the Budget has pleased people from all sections of the society.

He said that the double-engine government has given priority to the all-round development of Odisha.

He thanked and expressed his gratitude to CM Mohan Majhi for the Budget.

"The BJP government is committed to the development of Odisha, which is evident in today's Budget. The first Budget of the new government laid the foundation stone for a 'Vikashit Odisha'," Samal added.
Mumbai, July 26 : It's time for the fans of the 'Transformers' franchise to collectively sing the Linkin Park track 'What I've Done', as the trailer of the upcoming animated science fiction action film 'Transformers One' has been unveiled.

Mumbai, July 26 (IANS) Itas time for the fans of the aTransformersa franchise to collectively sing the Linkin Park track aWhat Iave Donea, as the trailer of the upcoming animated science fiction action film aTransformers Onea has been unveiled.

The trailer promises a solid origin story of Cybertronas greatest warriors.

It gives a peek into the events behind Optimus Prime and Megatron going from brothers-in-arms to mortal enemies. The trailer showcases their journey from simple worker bots, devoid of transformation abilities, to powerful warriors equipped to battle a mysterious villain threatening Cybertron, which is the home planet of the Transformers.

Unlike the live-action Transformers movies, which depict the robots as battle-ready from birth, this film presents a fresh narrative, revealing the characters' journey.

The film directed by Josh Cooley boasts an impressive voice cast headlined by Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, and Scarlett Johansson.

Hemsworth voices a young Optimus Prime, formerly known as Orion Pax, while Henry lends his voice to D-16, the bot who would become Megatron.

'Transformers One' marks Hemsworth's first animated feature film. He made efforts to not use his regular speaking voice for Optimus Prime, and consulted Peter Cullen, who portrays Optimus Prime in various Transformers media, on providing the voice.

Paramount Pictures is set to release aTransformers Onea in India on September 20 in English and Hindi in 2D, 3D, 4D & IMAX (3D) formats.
Bengaluru, July 26 : Coming down heavily on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, Deputy Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Thursday that during the BJP's tenure, "irregularities were committed in the allocation of MUDA sites, and we will soon release the list".

Speaking to the media at the Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said "the scandals of BJP MLAs, ministers, and former chief ministers B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai will come out".

"Investigations are underway. The BJP is the father of all scandals. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given detailed information about their scandals in the assembly. They are trying to stop us by making noise in the assembly because they are afraid that their scandals will be exposed," he stated.

"We are exposing all the irregularities of their tenure. In the Valmiki Tribal Welfare scam, our investigating officers have seized over Rs 40 crore out of the Rs 89 crore that was irregularly transferred," Shivakumar said.

"Two years ago, there were reports in the media about irregularities in the allocation of MUDA sites during the BJP's tenure. Why didn't the BJP raise this issue on the first day of the session? They are now speaking about it because they are afraid that their irregularities will be exposed.

"We have given them the opportunity to discuss the irregularities in the boards and corporations. They have told us what they want. But they did not give the opportunity to the CM to answer. The Chief Minister has given a written reply about the irregularities during the BJP's tenure. The BJP had covered up their irregularities. Our government has ordered an investigation into these irregularities," Shivakumar said.

"If there is an irregularity, it happened during the BJP's tenure. Meanwhile, the ED and the CBI have also come to investigate, and we have not stopped them. They also have the right to investigate. We will not interfere with any investigation," he added.
United Nations, July 26 : As global temperature records tumbled three days in a row this week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for international action to limit the impact of heat and save lives.

"Billions of people are facing an extreme heat epidemic -- wilting under increasingly deadly heatwaves, with temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius around the world. That's 122 degrees Fahrenheit -- and halfway to boiling," he said at a news conference here on Thursday.

"This past Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday were the three hottest days on record," he said, citing Copernicus Climate Change Service data.

"Heat is estimated to kill almost half a million people a year, that's about 30 times more than tropical cyclones," he added.

"Extreme heat amplifies inequality, inflames food insecurity, and pushes people further into poverty," he said.

Guterres called for action in four areas to ameliorate the effects of the heatwaves sweeping the world: Care for the most vulnerable; increased protection for workers; boost the resilience of economies and societies, and action to fight climate change by committing to keep temperature increase to 1.5 degrees.

To protect the most vulnerable, he said, "We must respond by massively increasing access to low-carbon cooling; expanding passive cooling a" such as natural solutions and urban design; and cleaning up cooling technologies while boosting their efficiency."

He referred to a report from the International Labour Organisation on the effect of heat on workers released on Thursday that warned that more than 70 per cent of the global workforce a" 2.4 billion people a" are now at high risk of extreme heat.

In the Asia-Pacific region, three out of four workers are exposed to extreme heat, it said.

Guterres said, "All of this is having a profound impact on people and the economy."

When daily temperatures rise above 34 degrees, labour productivity drops by 50 per cent and heat stress at work is projected to cost the global economy $2.4 trillion by 2030, up from $280 billion in the mid-1990s," he added.

He called for worker protection measures and said, "We must ensure that laws and regulations reflect the reality of extreme heat today and are enforced."

To build resilience against increasing heat, he said, "We need a concerted effort to heatproof economies, critical sectors, and the built environment."

He added, "Countries, cities, and sectors need comprehensive, tailored Heat Action Plans, based on the best science and data."

While today, the focus is on the impact of extreme heat, "there are many other devastating symptoms of the climate crisis: Ever-more fierce hurricanes... Floods... Droughts... Wildfires... Rising sea levels," he said.

"To tackle all these symptoms, we need to fight the disease" which he said were "the addiction to fossil fuels," and "climate inaction".

"All countries must deliver by next year nationally determined contributions a" or national climate action plans a" aligned to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius," he added.

He said all countries must phase out fossil fuels "fast and fairly," coal in particular, and towards that goal cut global consumption and production of fossil fuels by 30 per cent by 2030.

At the same time, he said, "We must recognise that a lot is being done."

"The increase of renewable energy we are witnessing is the fastest increase of energy production by any means in history," he added.

While many things like increasing the number of electric cars are happening, it is "too little, too late," he said.

"The problem is that climate change is running faster than all the measures that are now being put in place to fight it. And that is why it is important to understand that we need a huge acceleration of all the dimensions of climate action," he added.

According to Copernicus, the daily global average temperature recorded across oceans and land saw records tumble at 17.09 degrees Celsius on Sunday, and on Monday at 17.16 degrees, and on Tuesday hold almost steady at 17.15 degrees.

The previous record set last year on July 6 was 17.08 degrees. (The temperatures may appear low because they aggregate the readings in the hottest regions and the coldest polar regions, but in fact, show marked increases over time. In the 10-year range, 15.72 degrees was the highest temperature for the year recorded on July 11, 1975.)

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Jason Chin received the 2022 Caldecott Medal for his illustrations for Andrea Wangs autobiographical picture book Watercress. As an author-illustrator, his acclaimed nonfiction books include Grand Canyon, Your Place in the Universe, and The Universe in You. In Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle, Chin depicts the decomposition of a blue whale over the course of a century, giving life to new ecosystems. Katherine Roy is the creator of the Sibert Honor Book Neighborhood Sharks and, most recently, Making More. Sea Without a Shore: Life in the Sargasso by Barb Rosenstock, Roy lends her eye to a single piece of seaweed and the diverse and interdependent marine life it buoys. We asked Chin and Roy to discuss their new books and their techniques for bringing complex underwater worlds to life for young readers.

Jason Chin: Hi Katherine, nice to see you again.

Katherine Roy: Hi, nice to see you, too!

Chin: I like illustrating books by other authors because I get introduced to these subjects that arent on my radar. This was the case with Life After Whale, and Im guessing this was the case with Sea Without a Shore. Are there any facts that you found really interesting?

Roy: Im so grateful to get to work on a second book by Barb Rosenstock after we did Otis and Will Discover the Deep in 2018, which we did not work closely together on. Here, since we knew each other and got along, we got to work together and go to Bermuda for three and a half days for research through her contacts. Before she said, Hey, Ive got this book about seaweed, I didnt know that this whole tiny world existed with all of these endemic creatures that only live in the Sargasso. And I didnt have to come up with the cool content as the author, so it was a playground for me to figure out how to frame a composition that highlights the content.

I saw a lot of similarities between Lynn Brunelle and Barbs clear enthusiasm for the topics, the way they used lucid prose that is very fresh and alliterative and fun to read. What were your favorite facts and your biggest wows with Life After Whale? What did you geek out about the most?

Chin: Isnt it wonderful when you get a manuscript where you can just feel the authors joy in writing it and enthusiasm for the topic? I geeked out on whale anatomy and did a lot of whale skeleton drawings to prepare. I visited an 87-foot-long mounted blue whale skeleton in California. Finding visual source material for other parts of the anatomy was more challenging, but it was a fun research rabbit hole to go down.

Speaking of research, you mentioned your recent trip with Barb, which is totally cool. How did you budget your time for sketching and drawing and painting?

Roy: I dont put a lot of pressure on myself to do much. I focus more on taking video and photo coverage. I probably took, in the upper hundreds, photos and videos of the seaweed. In terms of sketching on location, Ill create color charts to think about the upper and lower levels of the color. When we were snorkeling right at the beach, for example, the water had a specific color, vs. when we were out on the boat. Im also thinking about how Im going to show information from the very beginning, especially if I have the manuscript. But I dont put pressure to make nice drawings because that paralyzes me, personally. Im just trying to remember as much as I can.

Jason, this is at least your fourth book that heavily features water. What were the challenges for you? Did you set out to do anything new with painting water this time around?

Chin: Every book has different challenges. For this book, I would say one of the challenges was that I couldnt go see the subject in person. I did go to Monterey Bay, where the book takes place, but I wasnt able to get in the water and experience the deep seafloor. Another big challenge for me was to try and illustrate the living whale and give this sense of depth and scale. Its the biggest animal of all time. One of the ways that I tried to do that was to use what we call sfumato in the atmosphere, but underwater sfumato. In some of the pictures, the tail of the whale is obscured by all of the water thats between your eye and the tail, so it looks closer in value to the background water. And then the front of the whale is more in focus and has higher contrast.

Roy: I wanted to ask you about all the darkness. I suppose Lynn and your editor, Neal Porter, would not have been happy with you if youd been 100% honest about a whale fall, because what it looks like is 100% black, and I imagine that you could not turn in black art. [Laughs.] Can you talk about how you thought about the dark as the illustrator?

Chin: I totally lied. [Laughs.] I had a conversation with Neal about it and I said this is a 100% dark world. The one solution that I could think of that could be accurate was to put a submersible with a light in the illustrations. But there was a slight barrier to that, which is that this story takes place over a century, and the whale fall actually starts 100 years ago. Adding a submarine would be more inaccurate than just showing the scene with false lighting. So thats what I did, and tried to indicate that its very dark down there by using lots of black, grays, and limited colors.

I wanted to know more about how you think about color. Is it intuitive, or do you have any rules that you go by? How do you interpret what you see in real life, what you observe, and translate that into an illustration?

Roy: I love using lots of very saturated color. With this book, theres a built-in contrast between the golden hues of the seaweed and this incredibly deep Windsor blue of the water. I wanted to actually see the seaweed in person on our research trip because so many pictures of Sargassum seaweed online are blurry iPhone photos, or its dead seaweed, or its news coverage of gross-looking Sargassum seaweed washing up on Florida shores. I really wanted to bring that vivacity of the true color when I was making these paintings.

From the start of a book, I always make lots of tiny drawings in my sketchbook that are just color or shapes or forms. But after having kids, I didnt have time to spend 12 hours a day working on a single painting. So for my most recent books, I developed a different art style where Ill sit down and draw pages and pages and pages of seaweed for three days straight. And then pages and pages and pages of fish. I treat it more like a sketchbook and do five or 10 snails and then pick my favorite. Then I scan those handmade pieces of watercolor art into my computer and combine them into the composition that I want. Making final paintings all in one piece is really grueling, as you know. With this new way of working, I can be playful up until the very end and I can move things around until I get the piece where I want it.

Chin: So this is like a digital collage process of handmade art?

Roy: Right, so this doesnt actually exist, except that all the pieces exist.

Chin: That makes sense. One of the things I struggle with is, Ill do a drawing and the gesture will be nice and loose and free. And then I go to render that into a painting process and I struggle with losing the initial spirit.

Roy: Exactly, like how do I not kill it?

Chin: Right. Its my painting to lose, is always the feeling. But your approach is really effective. Every page has that energy. Its neat to hear how that comes together.

Roy: For Life After Whale, I was struck by how gross the topic of a dead whale is. Its a rotting corpse and you have to draw it for 40 or 48 pages. And yet, youve made it beautiful! Can you talk about how you made a rotting corpse appropriate and interesting for children?

Chin: I focus on trying to communicate what the author has written in an accurate way. There are some things that I chose not to show because they might be too much. I also know that Neal will be there to catch anything inappropriate. After the whale falls to the sea floor, I started to think of it less as a body and more as a landscape because thats the perspective of all of the small animals that are living on the whale fall. I was really focused on getting the light and anatomy right and I became desensitized to the grossness of it. There was a moment when I was halfway through painting a spread with a whale carcass, painting these little flaps of flesh waving back and forth in the current and I thought to myself, Man, this is gory! [Laughs] I totally forgot. I was just thinking, I gotta get that muscle; theres about this many inches of blubber here.... This happens a lotI get so close to the book Ive been inside the process of making and I lose perspective. Then I step back, or I hear a readers response, and I get a better understanding of it. One person wrote that Life After Whale was a surprisingly moving meditation on the cycle of life, on life and death. Thats really great, I just thought it was gory. [Laughs.]

Where does curiosity come into play for you as an artist whos interested in science?

Roy: I dont think of myself as that brave of a person, but my curiosity pushes me to walk up to the edge of my comfort zone. Those experiences make me feel alive. I approach the art from how I want it to feel and the emotions of excitement, joy, curiosity, and wonder that I experience. Its a joy to be paired with a text that has that liveliness in the words, and to work with the authors curiosity and let it feed my own.

I dont think school is always good at building curious kids. If I can share something that Im really enthusiastic about with a reader, then maybe that will re-engage them or give them a new perspective, too. I think your book does a great job of taking something that kids know something about, which is whales, and turning it on its head to say, what about a dead whale? Sea Without a Shore does that with seaweed by saying its not green, its yellow. And there are all these crazy creatures on it and it buoys the whole ecosystem! Who knew?

Im excited to have Life After Whale in my now even bigger Jason Chin collection. This has really been a pleasure.

Chin: Thank you, Katherine. Im excited to have Sea Without a Shore.

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle, illus. by Jason Chin. Holiday House/Porter, $18.99 June ISBN 978-0-8234-5228-6

Sea Without a Shore: Life in the Sargasso by Barb Rosenstock, illus. by Katherine Roy. Norton, $18.99 Sept. 10 ISBN 978-1-324-01607-6
Before former president Donald Trump tapped Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) as his running mate, sales of the trade paperback edition of Vances memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, had sold just under 10,000 copies this year through July 13 at outlets that report to Circana BookScan. It was a respectable number for a backlist bestseller first published in hardcover more than eight years ago.

That sales trajectory changed radically after the Republican National Convention, where Trump picked Vance to run for the vice-presidency. According to BookScans new figures, sales of Hillbilly Elegy skyrocketed to more than 197,000 copies in the week ended July 20, making it the bestselling book of the week by some 136,000 units. The book has been number one at Amazon for days, is in the top spot on the New York Times paperback nonfiction list, and even hit the American Booksellers Associations adult nonfiction trade paperback list.

A representative of HarperCollins, which publishes Hillbilly Elegy under its Harper imprint, told PW that there has been huge consumer demand for the book since July 15. The publisher estimates that it has sold more than 650,000 copies in all formats, and as a result, is printing hundreds of thousands of copies to fill the demand at our retail partners.

When it was first released, in the thick of the 2016 election, Hillbilly Elegy was considered by many to be required reading for those looking to understand Trumps peculiar appeal to the nations working class voters. That impression only increased following thenDemocratic candidate and secretary of state Hillary Clintons loss to Trump that November.

Hillbilly Elegy sold more than 414,000 copies at BookScan outlets in 2016, making it one of the top 25 adult bestsellers of the year and catapulting Vanceat the time a prominent public critic of Trumpinto the talking head stratosphere. (Following an about-face on Trump, Vance ran for office in 2022 with the former president's endorsement, and began his term in the U.S. Senate last year.) And Vance's book had legsit was one of the longest-running bestsellers on PWs adult nonfiction list in 2017, and was the top-selling nonfiction e-book and audiobook in the iBooks store that year. It was adapted for film in 2020.

Meanwhile, the sales impact of President Joe Bidens July 21 decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, leaving Vice President Kamala Harris the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, is yet to be directly quantifiable. BookScan numbers for the current week will not be available for another week or so, and Penguin Random House, whose imprints Penguin Press and Philomel Books publish Harriss books, does not share its sales numbers. In any case, its too early to tell just how much competition Harriss titles will offer.

Still, a representative of Penguin said that the imprint saw a huge surge in demand for The Truths We Hold when Biden announced he was ending his campaign. The representative told PW that Penguin immediately went back to press, for both the hardcover and paperback editions, and though some retailers are currently out of stock, we expect that wont be the case for long.

A representative of Philomel said similarly of the childrens books by Harris it publishes, the young readers edition of Truths and the picture book Superheroes Are Everywhere. Following President Bidens endorsement of Vice President Harris, we have seen an increase in demand across accounts and consumers, as well as an increased demand for the Who HQ biography series title Who is Kamala Harris? The imprint has gone back to print on The Truths We Hold young readers edition and Who is Kamala Harris?, the representative said.
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Instagram / Kylee Russell

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 07/25/2024



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

alum Kylee Russell has revealed that she decided to give Aven Jones another chance after his cheating scandal, only to be dumped."He chose to end things [earlier this month]... It's still so fresh," Kylee revealed during the July 24 episode of the "Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour" podcast, audibly choking back tears.The alum said she was "shocked" by Aven's decision, which left her "screaming, crying and throwing up" in devastation."I had days where I was like, 'I don't know how I'm going to survive this. This pain and this hurt is so heavy,'" Kylee confessed.Kylee and Aven left 's ninth season dating in June 2023 because he had refused to propose marriage on the show, and one day after the finale aired on ABC, the pair confirmed they were still together with a joint Instagram post on December 8.But on December 9, Kylee took to Instagram Stories to announce that her relationship with Aven was already over due to "multiple infidelities," and Aven later confirmed he had made "major mistakes" and was the one to blame for the demise of his relationship with Kylee.Back in early May, Kylee shared on the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast that she and Aven were "good friends" and the door was "somewhat open" for a potential reconciliation.And according to the alum, she decided to give Aven a second chance after that interview -- only to be brutally dumped."Recently, Aven and I decided to part ways. So let's start by saying the door is closed. The door is locked and the key is gone forever, and that's something I am still coping with," Kylee told Kathy Swarts and Susan Noles "It's been a year of him and I, but the post-six months of me finding out about his infidelity has been so hard."Kylee said after she and Aven broke up for the first time late last year, there was a period of time when they were still in communication and on the "mend." Kylee had told Aven that he needed to change, and he was well aware that it was going to take time for her to trust him again."I will say in the beginning, he was doing the work. He was going to therapy, he was ensuring that my move to San Diego went smoothly, he was there for me, and he was providing for me. It was going great," Kylee shared."But I will be honest: I am human and there was still a small part of me that was holding back -- [because of] trust. And so, I was hoping, 'Please just give me grace. I know I can get to where I was before. I just need time.'"Kylee, originally from Charlotte, NC, explained how she was adjusting to being on her own in San Diego, "miles away from family."Kylee had moved in with The Bachelor alum Jess Girod in February, and she admitted the move was for her own benefit as well as for her potential future with Aven."On the outside, I was like, 'This is good, this is fine.' But on the inside, I was battling with a lot. I didn't think it was noticeable, but unfortunately, it kind of took a toll on him," Kylee recalled."He felt as though he was putting in all of this work but... [I] wasn't reciprocating all of the love that he was giving me."This led to Kylee and Aven having "a big, tough conversation" about a month ago."He kind of expressed to me, 'Hey, I'm doing all of this. I want this to work, but I still feel like you're holding back. I don't know if this is going to work anymore,'" Kylee said."I think that was my punch in the gut, like, 'If you want to be with him, you need to be with him! You need to really put things into gear and try to make this work and give him 100 percent, like he's been giving you.'"At that point, the pair had reached their one-year anniversary of meeting in Paradise, and so they planned a little getaway to Malibu."I was like, 'Aven, I know you're pretty closed off right now, but please just give it some time. Let's go to Malibu and see if we can rekindle what we've lost,'" Kylee recalled.Kylee insisted she and Aven had "a great time" in Malibu and feelings of love came rushing back for her."Three weeks after that, things were really, really good. I was so excited. I almost had that giddy feeling back," Kylee shared."And something I was going back and forth with was, 'At some point, I have to make this relationship public again.' And what was holding me back from that was... the public scrutiny. So before I do that, I needed to know, 'He's my man and I'm sticking beside him!'"Kylee clarified that she and Aven both needed to be all in or all out at that point."I had a little PTSD because the last time I went public with him, my world literally shattered in front of me," Kylee admitted."I 100 percent trusted him, and still trust him now, just because I saw the shift in the energy he was giving, and I honestly think his world was rocked so badly that he'd never do that again, to me or anybody else."Kylee then revealed how Jess was traveling to Florida for the Fourth of July and so she planned to have a romantic holiday with Aven in San Diego."I was like, 'We're going to have the best week together. It's going to feel normal.' I went to Austin, TX, with some of The Bachelor girls, and when I got back from Texas, I could just feel this energy shift and this mood shift. Aven was acting [weird]. He just wasn't himself," Kylee explained."So I get home, we have a big, long conversation -- and he chose to end things. I'm going to get a little emotional."Kylee said the breakup caught her off-guard because she and Aven had been doing "so well" for about a month. During that time, Aven even allegedly told Kylee that he could see their romance going far."It felt like it did back then," Kylee said. "So I was shocked, and it was definitely a tough conversation."Kylee went on to describe how exactly Aven pulled the plug on their second go at a relationship."[He said] some days, he would wake up and think there was such great hope for us and that we could get to where we needed to be in order to have a forever future together," Kylee explained."And then there were other days when he'd wake up and think, 'There is just so much damage that I have done personally, and I don't think our relationship can ever recover from that.' He said I didn't deserve someone who was unsure," Kylee explained.Kylee then booked a flight to North Carolina to see her mom, and she said she's "still in the healing process."Kylee told Kathy and Susan that Aven had caused "a lot of hurt" in her life but she's been working on finding her own way as a single woman in San Diego."I want to be healed already. I'm tired of being sad, but I know that takes time. This is my first-ever heartbreak. I've never been in love before or even had a real relationship," Kylee said.She continued, "Although everyone, especially on the Internet, has told me, 'Kylee, you deserve better and it's time to walk away,' that's easier said than done, especially when you loved someone so much."At the end of the day, Kylee insisted that she "doesn't have any hate" in her heart towards Aven and he'll be the right person for another woman someday."I wish him nothing but the best," Kylee concluded. "I don't see a world where [we reconcile again]."Kylee previously revealed on "The Viall Files" in February that Aven had allegedly cheated on her three times -- once during a guys' night out in Santa Monica, CA, with Eric Bigger and James "Meatball" Clarke as well as twice in Boston, MA, with a childhood friend whom he had lingering feelings for.Kylee said a woman had DMed her on Instagram about Aven's cheating in Santa Monica, and then when Kylee confronted Aven about the allegation -- with photo evidence -- he "immediately" admitted his betrayal and later owned up to having cheated on Kylee two more times in Boston.Kylee said Aven had written her a "book-long" apology via text and was very hard on himself for hurting her.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
British blues great John Mayall has died in California at the age of 90. Mick Jagger mourned Mayall's passing, calling him a great pioneer of British blues.

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A statement on his Instagram account said he passed away Monday.

"It is with heavy hearts that we bear the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully in his California home," the statement said. "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."

Jagger's statement on his Instagram account said, "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."

In 1963 Mayall's band the Bluesbreakers, formerly the Blues Syndicate, started performing regularly at London's Marquee Club.

His first album, John Mayall plays Mayall, was recorded live at West Hampstead R&B Club.

While that first recording was not a commercial success. Mayall added Eric Clapton to his band after Clapton left the Yardbirds, releasing the 1966 album Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton.

Mayall is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his Bluesbreakers band over the years included not only Clapton but also their Stones' Mick Taylor and several members of the future Fleetwood Mac, including John McVie and Mick Fleetwood.

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Mayall's Instagram account statement added, "It is with heavy hearts that we bear the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully in his California home... surrounded by his loving family."

After the Bluesbreakers formed in 1963, the band charted nearly 20 albums from 1968-75.

Among the band's biggest sellers was 1969's The Turning Point that went gold peaking on the charts at No. 32. The band's best-selling U.S. album was 1970's USA Union that reached No. 22.

Mayall was known as "the Godfather of British Blues." Born in 1933, Mayall played guitar, piano and harmonica in his youth.

He studied graphic design at Manchester Art School, moved to London and formed the Bluesbreakers while in his early thirties.

In comments to The Guardian in 2014, Mayall said, "The blues fitted in with the early '60s, the social way of life at the time. It happened here, rather than in America, because at the time, the scene in America was racially segregated-over there, never the twain would meet."

Mayall formed the Bluesbreakers with McVie, Peter Ward and others after moving to London in 1963.

Queen Elizabeth II made him an OBE, Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2005. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016 and joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Celebrity couple Josh Hartnett and Tamsin Egerton walked the red carpet Wednesday, five months after confirming the birth of their fourth child.

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Hartnett, 46, and Egerton, 35, attended the New York premiere of his film Trap at Alice Tully Hall.

Hartnett wore a black suit with an open white shirt, while Egerton sported a strapless black dress with a long skirt.

In an interview with People, Hartnett discussed raising his youngest child with Egerton.

"Well, I mean, we've done it a couple of times now. It's never easy. The newborn needs what the newborn needs. But yeah, you know, it's fun," the actor said.

"We have so much fun with our kids, so to be able to have that when I get off set, especially on something like this, is a dream come true. You need it," he added.

Hartnett confirmed to Gold Derby in February that he and Egerton had quietly welcomed their fourth child together.

"I have four kids; I live in the countryside," he said at the time.

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Trap is a new thriller written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs) and starring Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue and Shyamalan's daughter Saleka Shyamalan.

The film revolves around a father (Hartnett) and teen daughter (Donoghue) who attend the concert of pop star Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan), "where they realize they're at the center of a dark and sinister event."

Warner Bros. shared a trailer for the movie earlier this month.

Trap opens in theaters Aug. 9. The film features the song "Release," which Saleka Shyamalan recorded and released as her character, Lady Raven.
Universal Pictures is teasing the new film Speak No Evil.

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The studio shared a trailer for the movie Wednesday featuring James McAvoy

Speak No Evil is a remake of the 2022 Danish horror film of the same name.

Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy star as Louise and Ben Dalton, an American couple who, along with their 11-year-old daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler), are invited to spend the weekend at the estate of British couple Paddy (McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and their mute son, Ant (Daniel Hough).

"When an American family is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming British family they befriended on vacation, what begins as a dream holiday soon warps into a snarled psychological nightmare," an official synopsis reads.

The trailer shows Paddy (McAvoy) terrorize Ben (McNairy) and his family, who desperately try to leave the estate.

Universal Pictures shared a first trailer for the film in April.

Speak No Evil is written and directed by James Watkins (The Woman in Black) and produced by Blumhouse Productions. The film opens in theaters Sept. 13.
Bajaj Auto reported steady results in Q1FY25, with revenue surging 16 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), operating profit registering a growth of 24 per cent Y-o-Y, and margins swelling 20.2 per cent.

Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters

The profitability was aided by 50 basis points (bps) on the accrual of PLI benefits.

The domestic prospects for two-wheelers are healthy, though the response to the newly launched CNG motorcycle is a key monitorable.

The management guidance is for gradual exports recovery and there's a need to build the Triumph brand awareness.

Revenues grew 16 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 11,930 crore, in line with estimates (volumes are up 7 per cent while the average selling prices were marginally higher Q-o-Q).

The operating profit was higher by 24 per cent and 5 per cent Q-o-Q, with margins up 17 bps sequentially at 20.2 per cent (favourable currency movement).

The adjusted net profit rose 19 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 1,990 crore.

The surplus cash stands at Rs 16,700 crore.

The company expects to outperform the 7-8 per cent growth in the domestic 2W industry on the back of growth in the 125cc+ segment and the launch of the CNG motorcycle Freedom 125.

The exports are witnessing a revival led by Latin America though key markets like Nigeria in Africa continue to struggle at 30 per cent of peak volumes.

Brazil is expected to emerge as one of the top 3 markets in the medium term.

Bajaj expects Q2FY25 to be better than Q1.

The Freedom 125 has an addressable market of 450-500,000 units/month in terms of mileage-conscious customers in the 100-125cc segment.

Currently, the capacity of 10,000 units/month is to be expanded to 40,000 per month by Q4FY25.

The company expects to launch new variants (bottom-end and top-end) in CNG down the line with current bookings at 4200 units.

The company expects consistent volumes of 100,000-plus units/quarter in domestic three-wheelers.

Electric auto volumes are at 3,000 per month, which are expected to grow owing to the distribution expansion (140 locations) and an upwards migration from E-rickshaws (cheaper imported kits).

BJAUT aims to be a full-range player in 3Ws, and is not worried about the cannibalisation of CNG 3Ws, as electric vehicles have similar margins as internal combustion engine units inclusive of PLI incentives.

The e-2W Chetak volumes are seen to be expanding owing to greater reach and the company is targeting 1000 stores by Sep-24 vs 250 now and also looking to ramp up the sub-Rs 100,000 variant.

Bajaj targets to become the second-largest E-2W player soon.

Though E2Ws are still not profitable, increasing volumes are not hurting margins proportionately due to strong cost control.

The Triumph distribution is to expand to 150 stores by H1 (vs 100) now.

The company focuses on brand-building beyond metros in India, and on retails in export markets.

The PLI incentives have started being accounted for from Q1 and EVs formed 14 per cent of domestic revenues and PLI incentives contributed 50 bps of margin expansion.

The company expects a 70 bps raw material cost increase in Q2 and it has taken a small (0.35 per cent) price hike in July.

The capex will be Rs 700-800 crore in FY25 with spares sales at Rs 1,350 crore.

Motorcycles contributed around 76-78 per cent of domestic revenues in Q1FY25, with scooters' contribution of 6-7 per cent and 3W at 15-16 per cent.

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Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.
'It is in the interest of China and Pakistan to give a bad name to the Indian Army and remove AFSPA 'completely' from the north east.'

'Hopefully, better sense will prevail and the ground realities of the army countering insurgency in the north east acknowledged,' asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

IMAGE: Nagaland Minister P Paiwang Konyak and senior officials at Oting and Tiru villages in Nagaland's Mon district, December 5, 2021 where 13 civilians were killed by the armed forces in an anti-insurgency operation. Photograph: ANI Photo

The notice issued to the Union government by the Supreme Court on July 15, 2024 on a writ petition filed by the state of Nagaland seeking sanction to prosecute 30 personnel of the Indian Army who are accused of killing 13 civilians during a military operation in Nagaland's Mon district in December 2021 is headline news.

Arguments in court would likely centre on whether the accused are guilty or not; but without going into the real motive behind the writ petition.

Decisions generally depend on evidence presented and as argued by lawyers; where anything is possible given that the accused in the Nithari killings who allegedly kidnapped, abused, killed, cooked and ate children walked free.

Following the military operation in December 2021, Union Home Minister Amit A Shah made a statement in Parliament, the highlights of which are: Based on inputs provided about insurgent movement, 21 PARA (special forces) laid an ambush near Tiru village (Mon district) on December 4, 2021; one vehicle that sped through the ambush despite challenged to stop was fired upon killing six of eight occupants -- the army evacuated the two injured to medical facilities; villagers then surrounded the site, burnt two vehicles, and assaulted the special forces, killing one and injuring several others; The special forces opened fire to disperse the mob resulting in the killing of seven civilians and injuring some others; an FIR was registered at the Tizit police station' the case has been transferred to the state crime police station and a SIT constituted.

Amit Shah's statement also covered the following: An approximate 250-strong crowd attacked the Company Operating Base (CoB) of the Assam Rifles in Mon town on December 5, burning the CoB building, forcing troops to open fire, killing one civilian and injuring another; The army's HQ 3 Corps deeply regretted the incident saying the cause is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per law; the home minister took immediate measures as required; government is maintaining close watch, the unfortunate incident is sincerely regretted and expresses deepest condolences to affected families.

According to the media, the FIR alleged the army 'blankly opened fire' killing many villagers with the 'intention' to 'murder and injure civilians'.

Rovilatuo Mor, IAS, Commissioner, Nagaland and T John Longkurmer, IPS, DG Police, Nagaland, in a signed statement on December 5, 2021, accused the army of killing unarmed civilians at random and indiscriminate firing before fleeing from the scene, adding that two of the seriously injured civilians were taken by the army and admitted to the ICU at Dibrugarh hospital.

The statement also said on December 5, 600 to 700 people armed with sticks, pipes, flammable fluids and a few with machetes or daos (dahs) went to the Assam Rifles camp.

After almost an hour into the melee, the second round of continuous firing by the Assam Rifles resulted in one civilian killed and six wounded.

It is relevant to note that the special forces team laid the ambush on specific inputs from sources including local police.

The ambush area was covered under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and seeing a vehicle deliberately speeding away despite being asked to stop was fired upon.

The special forces were in the process of evacuating two injured civilians when a mob of 'armed' villagers from Oting Village attacked them, shot one special forces commando and slashed his neck with a dah killing him on the spot, and wounding 14 commandos including an officer.

The special forces were forced to open fire in self-defence and move out although it had enough ammunition to kill the entire armed mob.

Was the special forces team brought from outside Nagaland by deliberately providing false intelligence inputs to stage-manage the entire incident?

After the firing incident at the ambush site on December 4, why were prohibitory orders not issued to prevent an armed mob attack the on December 5?

Should Commissioner Rovilatuo Mor and DGP T John Longkumer not be charged for not clamping Section 144 in Mon town to prevent the attack on the Assam Rifles Company Operating Base on December 5?

IMAGE: Nagaland Minister S Pangnyu Phom and others lay wreaths on the mortal remains of the civilians killed, December 6, 2021. Photograph: ANI Photo

Insurgents in Nagaland (external link) continue to illegally collect revenue to the tune of more than Rs 10,000 crore (Rs 100 billion) annually.

There have been instances of political pressure to free captured insurgents in Nagaland.

The Indian Army and AFSPA are a hindrance for the mafia in channelising huge amounts of money accruing from drugs and illegal tax collection for individual and political benefits.

Despite the media blitz about a peace deal with Naga insurgents, which anyway does not cover all Naga insurgent parties, the peace deal with even the NSCN (IM) has not been completed, even though only the issue of a separate flag remains according to the media.

Therefore, political appeasement of the insurgents is essential for support in elections.

Considering all this, it is quite possible this was a pre-planned 'False Flag' operation; the so-called specific intelligence of insurgent movement a ruse to kick-start the plan to remove the army from Nagaland altogether.

The alacrity with which the armed mob surrounded and attacked the special forces team gives credence to this.

Moreover, the police could have easily identified the mobsters that attacked the special forces team, as well as the 600-700 strong mob that attacked the Assam Rifles next evening, which they did not.

The latter attack was witnessed by the local police who would have easily recognised the ringleaders but no one was specifically charged.

The Naga insurgency has been supported and armed by China for decades.

Most of the Naga insurgents (less the ones that signed a peace deal) are in Myanmar and Chinese intelligence would be in contact with them.

It is in the interest of China and Pakistan to give a bad name to the Indian Army and remove AFSPA 'completely' from the north east.

Hopefully, better sense will prevail and the ground realities of the army countering insurgency in the north east acknowledged.

The absence of rule of law, killings, arson and violence in the Imphal Valley over the past two years plus post removal of AFSPA is there for all to see.

Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd), PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SC is a former Special Forces officer.

He is a third generation army officer and participated in the 1971 India-Pakistan War and in Operation Bluestar.

He commanded a Special Forces Battalion in Sri Lanka, a Brigade on the Siachen Glacier, a Division in Ladakh and a Strike Corps in the South Western Theatre.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'The jungles of Doda covers about 250 km.'

'Sleeper cells are providing active help to the terrorists.'

'The terrain and situation is such that it is not possible to keep track of every inch.'

IMAGE: A search operation underway in the forest area following the recent terror attacks in Samba, July 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

"It will be a man-to-man search of terrorists in the jungles," says retired Major Sammar Pall Singh Toor, who has conducted counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Major Toor, a third generation officer of the armed forces, has participated in daring missions along with special forces units that neutralised terrorists in J&K. Post retirement, he is part of the Zulu Defence System, a drone and tactical air defence start-up.

Security forces have intensified search operations in heavily forested areas after a surge in terror activity in the Jammu region.

This month 11 soldiers have lost their lives in encounters with terrorists in the area. Since October 2021, nearly 50 security personnel have been killed in the Jammu area which had been peaceful for over a decade.

According to the home ministry 28 terrorists have been eliminated in J&K in recent days.

In an interview to Rediff.com's Archana Masih, Major Toor talks about the challenges posed by the tough terrain in hunting down terrorists, and how Pakistan backed terror operatives have changed their strategy.

IMAGE: Security forces conduct cordon and search operation in the Gundna Khawas area of Rajouri following the terrorist attack on village defence guard Parshotam Kumar's residence and an army picket, July 23, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

As an army man who has been part of anti-terror ops in J&K, what do you think of the modus operandi of the terror groups active in the Jammu region?

These shell/shadow groups are sub parts of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen.

They are operating under a different name because Jaish and Hizb are designated global terrorists and feature in the financial black list.

Terror groups have started targeting small groups of military movements on isolated highways -- one gypsy with one truck or 2-3 trucks with a small armoured vehicle.

It is not possible to use armoured vehicles to carry luggage or equipment so normal trucks are used for that sort of movement.

Secondly, previously, terror groups used to attack in one group. Now one team is deployed at the curve where vehicles slow down to turn in hilly areas and the second team is positioned to provide cover.

They operate in groups of 4 to 6 terrorists who have adopted the hit and run strategy. They hit, run and hide in the dense forest.

There are many caves in the Doda forest region -- 300 or so.

IMAGE: Security personnel conduct a search operation in Jaddan Bata village in Doda, July 18, 2024 after a recent terror attack. Photograph: ANI Photo

How difficult is it to conduct search operations in the jungles?

It will be a man-to-man search of terrorists in the jungles. It is estimated that about 50 terrorists are operating and hiding in the jungles of Doda which covers about 250 km where cordon-search-destroy ops will gather momentum.

Underground support by sleeper cells is providing active help to terrorists. They also have local support.

The intelligence network has to be more effective, but at times the terrain and situation is such that it is not possible to keep track of every inch.

The terrorists are fidayeen, their motive is to come into Indian territory, challenge our sovereignty and die.

They want to inculcate maximum attrition on our forces, infrastructure and employ military strategy in a psychological way where the focus shifts from Kashmir to Jammu so that troops are moved [from Kashmir or Ladakh to Jammu] -- which the Indian Army will never do.

What kind of communication systems do these terrorists use? Why is it difficult to track them?

They have Chinese satellite phones with end to end encryption which cannot be tracked while being used.

Security agencies are working on how to counter the satellite communication system that terrorists are using with their handlers in Pakistan. Huawei is one of the main providers of satellite technology. It is a cause of major concern.

IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir police's Special Operations Group personnel during a search operation in the forest of Batote , in Doda, July 18, 2024, after a recent terror attack. Photograph: ANI Photo

How does infiltration occur? How do these terrorists enter Indian territory?

Prior to 2018, the terrorists had a modus operandi of entering India via Sambha. They used to pose as porters and labourers to meet their point of contact in the vegetable market in Sambha.

Their underground workers or handlers used to hire them as labourers and then transported them through trucks to Doda, Srinagar and other places.

Earlier, the J&K police used to stop and check the back of the trucks, but after Operation Jhajjar Kotli in 2018, the police started conducting thorough checks which made terrorist mobilisation negligible, but it is not possible to stop it completely.

[Jhajjar Kotli was an intense anti-terror operation where Indian security forces tracked and eliminated terrorists. Major Toor was part of this operation.]

After these attacks, there will be more checks and balances, and technical upgrades, but at the end of the day security forces have to meet them face to face in the jungle and destroy them.

Getting someone alive will be a bonus.

How do these terrorists survive? How do they have so much ammunition?

They have limited ammunition, but they have plenty of dry fruits, chocolates, pain relief drugs and anesthesia injections. They inject local anesthesia whenever they are hit so that they can carry on longer in an encounter with Indian security forces.

They consume pain relieving and adrenalin pumping drugs during and before an encounter. When the Indian Army carries out sanitisation and clearance after the completion of anti-terror operation, it recovers food items, batteries, iridium phones.

This time the media has reported that they have recovered M4 and M16 guns.

Pakistan is notoriously famous for its weapons industry in Peshawar -- they can make a handmade replica of any weapon which will be in perfect firing condition and durable.

The Pakistan army has lost ground against Imran Khan. A majority of the Pakistani public is against the establishment and therefore, the Pakistan army is trying to create an aura of being valued by upping the momentum of attacks in J&K.

Pakistan's bluff should be called out and cognisance must be taken on the international stage.

IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir police's Special Operations Group personnel stands guard during a search operation in the forest of Batote in Doda, July 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

What are difficulties of the terrain/forest which poses a challenge to our troops during combing/search operations against terrorists?

The terrain has a large nallah or flat riverbed and dense forests cover the entire axis from Rajouri, Poonch, Sundarbani and Akhnoor. The thick vegetation makes helicopter search redundant.

Drones can only be effective at night due to thermal imaging; at daytime drones are ineffective due to the thick vegetation.

Terrorism was completely wiped out from Batote towards Doda, Bhaderwah, Bhalra [Jammu region]. Bhaderwah is famous for its rajma and is a tourist destination.

This area was peaceful for the last 10 odd years, but terrorists have started sporadic attacks in this area.

Eleven soldiers have been killed in encounters with terrorists in July and there have been 6-7 terror attacks in the Jammu area since January. Why has there been a surge of terror activity in this region?

There are several reasons for this:

Due to the extreme weather, the passes opened 15, 20 days earlier than usual.

Some troops were moved to Eastern Ladakh after the Galwan clash in 2020. This resulted in some thinning down of deployment in the Jammu region. Some troops were pulled out of the Jammu region for the Amarnath Yatra and deployed on the Sonmarg and Gulmarg axis.

Thirdly, Pakistan wants to disrupt the proposed assembly election in J&K. A video was released where the commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammed have said that the attacks are to disturb the forthcoming elections.

IMAGE: Jammu & Kashmir police recovered arms and ammunition from a package dropped from a drone along the Line of Control in the Akhnoor sector in Jammu, December 24, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

How can the Jammu area be reinforced?

There are many infantry units in peace stations across the country. There are reserve battalions from where troops can be deployed, but that is up to the generals on how they will accommodate manpower paucity.

I am sure it has already been put into place.

What according to you are the measures to prevent such terror attacks and save the lives of security personnel/civilians?

Observation and surveillance is most important. There should be more check points and combing of areas before a convoy passes.

Terrorists have adopted a change of strategy by conducting smaller, sporadic, attacks to create terror.

Road opening parties have to be more active. Now with additional forces and infantry units being pumped into the Jammu region things will be better.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Two alleged overground workers (OGWs) were arrested for their involvement in a terror attack on an army patrol party in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, the police said.

IMAGE: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami lays a wreath at the mortal remains of the five soldiers of state, who lost their lives in the Kathua terrorist attack, at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Photograph: ANI Photo

In a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to counter terrorist activities, two OGWs were apprehended for their involvement in supporting terror-related actions, a police spokesperson said.

On July 8, five army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, were killed and five others injured in the attack by heavily armed terrorists in the remote Machedi area of the district.

These individuals were found to have deliberately withheld crucial information from the police," the spokesperson said, adding that those arrested have been identified as Layaqat Ali, alias Pawu of Kalna Dhanu Parole (Billawar) and Mool Raj alias Jenju from Bowli Mohalla (Malhar).

According to the spokesperson, the duo refused to disclose vital information to the police, thereby obstructing efforts to prevent terrorist actions.

Ali and Raj have been booked under 61(1) (criminal conspiracy), 113 (terrorist act) , 147 (waging, or attempting to wage war against the Government of India), 150 (concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the EIMCO (egress and internal movement control) Act at Malhar police station, he said.

Over 100 individuals have been interrogated and preventive measures have been taken against over 40 others in connection with the case to mitigate risks and disrupt potential support systems for terrorist activities, the spokesperson said.

"The arrest of these OGWs underscores our commitment," the spokesperson added.
The 2008 Malegaon blast that killed six people and left over 100 injured was carried out with the intention to create communal rift and endanger internal security of the state, the prosecution said while making its final arguments in the case.

IMAGE: Police officials stand guard at a blast site outside a mosque in Malegaon, 260km northeast of Mumbai, September 29, 2008. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

The final arguments in the case, in which seven accused, including former Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pragya Thakur and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, are facing trial, began on Thursday, almost 16 years after the incident.

On September 29, 2008, a bomb explosion at 9:35pm opposite Shakil Goods Transport Company situated between Anjuman Chowk and Bhiku Chowk in Malegaon killed six persons and injured 101.

As per the prosecution, the blast was triggered by an improvised explosive device fitted to a motorcycle (allegedly belonging to former Bhopal MP Pragya Thakur).

The trial against one accused- Sameer Kulkarni has been stayed by the Supreme Court. The other accused in the case, apart from Thakur and Purohit, are Major Ramesh Upadhyay (retired), Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sudhakar Chaturvedi. All are facing trial under the provisions of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC).

"It was the holy month of Ramzan and the Navratri Utsav was to commence. The blasts were caused by the conspirators with an intention to terrorize people, causing loss of life and property. It was carried out with an intention to disrupt supplies and services essential to the community to create communal rift, and to endanger internal security of the state," the National Investigation Agency (NIA), represented by special public prosecutor Avinash Rasal and Anushree Rasal, submitted.

The case was initially probed by the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) before being handed over to the NIA, a central agency.

In the final argument, the prosecution cited the ATS probe, which claimed accused Purohit had brought RDX with him from Kashmir after completing his posting there and had kept it in his house.

The ATS probe revealed traces of RDX in the Nashik house of accused Sudhakar Chaturvedi, where the bomb was assembled, and Thakur provided her motorcycle for causing the bomb blast with full knowledge, the NIA's final argument mentioned.

The NIA, after taking over the probe, filed a chargesheet in 2016, in which it gave clean chit to Thakur and three other accused- Shyam Sahu, Praveen Takalki and Shivnarayan Kalsangra saying it had found no evidence against them and had sought that they be discharged from the case.

The NIA court, however, absolved only Sahu, Kalsangra and Takalki and ruled that Thakur will have to face trial.

At the time, the special court had dropped charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused.

The special court had, on October 30, 2018, framed charges against seven accused under UAPA and IPC.

The accused are facing trial under sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA and under IPC sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 153 (a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups).

After the framing of charges, the trial in the case began in 2018 with examination of the first witness. Recording of testimonies of prosecution witnesses was completed in September last year.

The final arguments will continue on Friday.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has held a meeting with Union Home Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah in Delhi.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and NCP MP Praful Patel meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in New Delhi on November 10, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Sources close to Pawar confirmed the development and said the meeting took place late on Wednesday night.

Pawar is likely to make another visit on July 28, they said.

The meeting assumes significance as the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP, is set to begin its seat-sharing talks for the Maharashtra assembly polls likely to be held in October this year.

In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the NCP contested four seats, but managed to win just one. Pawar's wife Sunetra, who contested from the Baramati seat, was defeated by sitting MP Supriya Sule, the daughter of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, who heads the NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar.

Sunetra Pawar was later elected as a Rajya Sabha member unopposed.

Pawar joined the Eknath Shinde-led state government in July 2023 and became deputy chief minister.

In the recent past, some BJP leaders and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have blamed the inclusion of Ajit Pawar and his NCP in the Mahayuti as one of the reasons for the ruling alliance's poor show in the Lok Sabha polls.

'Vivek', a weekly publication affiliated with the RSS recently published an article, which said that public sentiments turned sharply against the BJP following its alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP that subsequently led to bad performance of the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra.

Pawar has earlier said his party has been assured a Rajya Sabha berth that fell vacant after sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale was elected to the Lok Sabha.
Angry protests on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who was to address a joint session of the United States Congress on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

IMAGE: An effigy depicting Netanyahu is displayed as pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather on Capitol Hill. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters

IMAGE: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators display signs against Netanyahu and Israel's brutal war in Gaza. Photograph: Umit Bektas/Reuters

IMAGE: A demonstrator holding a Palestinian flag jumps a barrier on Capitol Hill. Photograph: Umit Bektas/Reuters

IMAGE: Angry and raucous protests condemning Netanyahu's presence in Congress. Photograph: Seth Herald/Reuters

IMAGE: US Capitol Police officers use pepper spray to restrain pro-Palestinian demonstrators on Capitol Hill. Photograph: Umit Bektas/Reuters

IMAGE: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators burn a US flag and an effigy of Netanyahu on Capitol Hill. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters

IMAGE: Police detain a pro-Palestinian protestor on Capitol Hill. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters

IMAGE: Protestors scuffle with police on Capitol Hill. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters

IMAGE: US police officers restrain a protestor on Capitol Hill. Photograph: Seth Herald/Reuters

IMAGE: A demonstrator sprays graffiti on the Christopher Columbus Memorial Fountain at Union Station in Washington, DC, to express anger over Netanyahu's presence in the city. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters

IMAGE: A protestor shouts slogans against Netanyahu near the Israeli consulate in New York City. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

IMAGE: Protesters gather outside the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC, where Netanyahu is staying. Photograph: Seth Herald/Reuters

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Mahipal Soni/Rediff.com
India on Thursday rejected Washington's concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Moscow as it asserted that all countries have the "freedom of choice" in a multipolar world and everyone should be mindful of such realities.

IMAGE: Russia's President Vladimir Putin and rime Minister Narendra Modi speak inside an electric car during their meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence near Moscow, Russia July 8, 2024. Photograph: Sputnik/Sergei Bobylyov/Pool via Reuters

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has a long-standing relationship with Russia which is based on "mutuality" of interests.

"In a multipolar world, all countries have the freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities," he said.

"India has a long-standing relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests," Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.

His response came when asked about US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu's comments on Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia earlier this month.

Lu told a Congressional hearing on Tuesday that the US was disappointed by the "symbolism" and "timing" of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia.

The Biden administration official especially highlighted that the Indian prime minister paid the visit to Moscow Washington was hosting a summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

"I share your concern about this visit...and we are trying very hard to communicate those concerns directly to the Indians," Lu said after Republican Congressman Joe Wilson raised concerns about Modi's visit.

At the same time Lu, referred to Modi's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June.

On the outcomes of Modi's trip, Lu said: "We did not see any new major defence deals. We saw no major discussion of technology cooperation."

"In addition, you have Modi having said in front of Putin, on live television, his feeling that the war in Ukraine could not be won on the battlefield and the pain that he felt watching the death of children in war."

Following Modi's visit to Moscow on July 8 and 9, several other Biden administration officials expressed concerns over India's ties with Russia.

On July 11, speaking at an event, US ambassador Eric Garcetti too appeared to be critical of Modi's trip to Russia.

The US envoy said that "strategic autonomy" cannot apply in times of conflict and India and the US must work towards upholding principles when there is breach of rules-based order or violation of sovereign borders.

Though the US envoy did not make any reference to Modi's visit to Moscow, the remarks were largely seen as Washington's criticism of the trip.

In his summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Modi delivered an unambiguous message, saying a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets. PTI MPB
Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi said Thursday that the detention of an elected MP under the NSA was part of an "undeclared emergency" by the Centre, drawing a sharp response from the Bharatiya Janata Party who said he was referring to jailed radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh.

IMAGE: Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi speaks in Lok Sabha. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo

During a debate in Lok Sabha, the former Punjab chief minister referred to the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and said, "This is also an emergency that a Member of Parliament elected by 20 lakh people in Punjab has been detained under the NSA (National Security Act) ... He is unable to speak about his constituency here (in Parliament). This is also an emergency."

The Congress said views expressed by Channi "on Amritpal Singh" are his own and do not reflect in any way the position of the party.

"The views expressed by Charanjit Singh Channi, MP on Amritpal Singh are his own, and do not reflect in any way the position of the Indian National Congress," Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

While Channi did not name anyone, BJP leaders said he was speaking about Amritpal Singh.

Singh won the Khadoor Sahib constituency by a margin of around 2 lakh votes in this year's Lok Sabha polls.

In a post on X, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the Congress must answer whether the party was in support of the idea of Khalistan that led to the assassination of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.

"Batting for separatist who wants tukde tukde of India? Rahul ji must answer - the idea of Khalistan that caused the assassination of PM Indira ji is being hailed !! Why does Congress always bat for separatists and terrorists? Yakub, Afzal, 26/11 jihadis, now K terrorists?" he said.

Union minister Giriraj Singh said Congress MP Channi's remarks made inside Parliament were "unfortunate".

"The Khalistani who assassinated Indira Gandhi has received open support from Channi today, which means the Congress is siding with the Khalistanis. This is an attack on the integrity of India...what can I say, I will say action should be taken," he told PTI videos.

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma demanded the expulsion of Channi by Congress.

"Today, Channi, who doesn't even have the status of a 'chavanni' (a quarter-rupee coin), is speaking in support of terrorists and glorifying them. He is working at the behest of anti-national elements from Canada," he told PTI Videos.

"The Congress should expel him, and if Congress doesn't take action against him, it means that somewhere Congress is in cahoots with these anti-social and anti-national elements," he said.

Channi blamed the central government for an "undeclared emergency" in the country even as a heated exchange with BJP's Ravneet Singh Bittu during a debate in the Lok Sabha led to a brief adjournment in the proceedings.

IMAGE: Union Minister of State Railway & Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu speaks in Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Thursday. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo

During a debate on the Union Budget in the Lower House, Channi also held the BJP government responsible for farmers being termed Khalistanis. He added that his home state Punjab was ignored in this year's budget.

Channi said, "It's not a budget to save the country, it's just to save their government. They haven't addressed the floods in Punjab, haven't raised wages, and have ignored Punjab in this budget. Jalandhar was declared a smart city, but it still has dirty water and a significant drug problem."

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for 30 minutes amid a verbal spat between the former Punjab chief minister and the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu over certain personal remarks till 2 pm.

Channi referred to the assassination of Bittu's grandfather, former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh. This led to a war of words between Bittu, who recently quit the Congress to join the BJP, and Channi.

Bittu countered by making certain personal remarks against Channi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, triggering an uproar.

In a heated exchange, Channi told Bittu, "Your grandfather became a martyr, the day you left Congress." To which, the BJP leader retorted, "My grandfather sacrificed for the country, not for Congress." He also called Channi "the most corrupt person in Punjab".

During his address to the Lok Sabha, Channi accused the government of creating conditions similar to an emergency.

He listed the lack of progress in the Sidhu Moosewala case, action against opposition leaders by central agencies, and alleged mistreatment of farmers, women athletes, and journalists as evidence of this.

The Congress leader also pointed to the long-standing unrest in Manipur and the Hathras gang rape case, in which he said the victim's cremation was rushed.

"The country is facing an undeclared emergency and the BJP is responsible," Channi said.

"Farmers are called Khalistani when they make demands, which aren't fulfilled. This is also an emergency," he added.

The central government, he said, has exhausted its ideas and sincerity after ten years in power, pointing to the absence of the prime minister and the finance minister during "such an important discussion".

Channi said, "I come from a poor family and got my education thanks to the Congress government. The BJP's worst move in 2014 was cutting scholarships for minorities and Dalit children."

The Lok Sabha was adjourned twice in the post-lunch period as a war of words broke out between the treasury and opposition benches, triggered by Channi's spat with Bittu.
Heavy rains wreaked havoc in Maharashtra's Pune, where at least four persons died in rain-related incidents on Thursday, while low-lying areas were inundated.

IMAGE: Vehicles got submerged in floodwater due to incessant rainfall, at Nimbjanagar, in Pune on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Two people are feared trapped in one of the three bungalows buried under debris after a landslide in Lavasa in the morning, a police official said.

Pune fire brigade officials said two people are feared drowned in Katraj and Nanayan Peth area but added that no further details were available.

During his tour of the district in the afternoon, 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.

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

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.

During his visit to Sinhagad Road area, Pawar had to face the ire of residents who complained of not getting advance information about the water release.

IMAGE: A team of National Disaster Response Force reaches the site of the landslide at Lavasa, in Pune. Photograph: ANI Photo

The vehicle making the announcement did not tour the area, which led to sudden flooding in Ekta Nagar, resulting in losses worth lakhs of rupees, a woman told him.

Pawar told them the administration will provide help to those affected after conducting damage assessment.

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.

IMAGE: Visuals from Sinhgad Road, Pune on Thursday morning. Photograph: ANI on X

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.

Four persons lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Pune, officials said.

While three men died of electrocution in Deccan area of the city while trying to move their handcart, on which they used to sell egg dishes, after it got submerged due to heavy rains, one person died and another sustained injuries in a landslide in Tahmini ghat section in Mulshi tehsil, district officials said.

"One person died while another sustained injuries after a landslide on a small eatery in Tahmini ghat in Mulshi tehsil," inspector Manoj Yadav of Paud police station said.

The rescue operation at the site of the landslide in Lavasa was halted on Thursday evening by NDRF due to the heavy rains and darkness and it will resume on Friday morning, an official from Paud police station said.

"As a precautionary measure, the disaster management cells and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed at the low lying areas, where flooding and inundation is anticipated. People must not step out of homes unless it is very important. The IMD has issued red alert for Pune for the next 24 hours," Diwase said.

Pawar said, as per the IMD's forecast for the next five days, some districts have been issued orange alert, while it is yellow alert for other areas.

"NDRF teams have been deployed at 18 locations, while six SDRF teams are stationed in Kurla and Ghatkopar in Mumbai, as well as Thane, Raigad, Palghar, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Satara and Sangli," Pawar told reporters.

The district administration announced holiday for the schools on Friday in Bhor, Velha, Maval, Mulshi, Haveli, Ambedgaon, Junnar tehsils as well as Pimpri Chinchwad.

*****

Holiday declared for schools, colleges in Raigad, Palghar

A holiday has been declared for schools, colleges and other educational institutes in Raigad district of Maharashtra on Thursday in the wake of heavy rainfall, officials said.

A similar order has been issued for Wada and Vikramgad talukas in Palghar district.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Raigad district for Wednesday, which continued on Thursday, and predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall.

In view of the red alert, Raigad collector Kishan Jawale announced a holiday for all government and private schools, training institutes and colleges.

The district has been receiving heavy showers over the past few days, which resulted in several rivers, including Kundalika, Amba and Savitri, flowing above the danger mark, which has led to disruption in communication networks, officials said.

The administration has requested the teaching staff to report for duty and assist other personnel in disaster management efforts.

In Palghar,. the district collector Govind Bodke issued an order declaring a holiday for all educational institutions in Wada and Vikramgad talukas on Thursday following very heavy rainfall, an official release said.

The weather bureau has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at places with the possibility of extremely heavy showers at isolated places and given an orange alert for the entire district, the order said.

Based on the ground report received from the tehsildars of Wada and Vikramgad talukas, a holiday has been declared there for all private and public educational institutions in the talukas, the collector's order added.

*****

Hundreds shifted to safer locations in Thane

Rains battered most parts of Thane district on Thursday, leading to widespread flooding and necessitating rescue operations in Ambernath and some other areas.

The district received 138 mm of rainfall from 8 am to 1 pm, bringing this season's total to 1,424 mm, a civic official said.

In Ambernath, 18 elderly residents of Sahavas old age home were relocated to upper floors at another old age home in Maher. Similarly, 30 children and staff from Satkarma ashram were rescued and shifted to Pragati Andha Vidyalaya.

As many as 200 persons were evacuated to BSUP building.

In Kalyan, 40 families, comprising 156 persons, were relocated as a precautionary measure.

Water levels exceeded the danger level in Badlapur barrage, Jambul dam, Mohane dam and Ulhas river in Kalyan, reports said.

The villages of Mohane, Varap, Valdhuni, Kalyan, Ane, Bhisol, Rayte, Apti, Dahagaon, and Manjarli in Kalyan taluka; Ambernath, Badlapur, Eranjad, Kudsavre, Kanhere, and Kasgaon in Ambernath taluka; Shahad, Ulhasnagar, and Mharal in Ulhasnagar taluka; and Dive Agar and Rajnoli in Bhiwandi taluka are expected to be affected due to flooding, district officials said.

Villages around the Tansa dam were put on high alert as the water storage in the dam reached 99.18 per cent capacity. Additionally, five houses, including two kutcha houses, were reported damaged in Bhiwandi and Shahapur talukas.

In Kalyan taluka, the movement on the Runde and Rayte bridges has been suspended due to overflowing water, with villagers along the riverbanks alerted for safety.

Kalyan-Murbad road and Murbad-Sahapur roads were closed due to submerged bridges. In Kalyan, 96 families were asked to shift to safe locations.

The Murbad-Shahapur road was closed as Chikli bridge went under water.

Two NDRF teams have been deployed in Thane district to assist with rescue and relief efforts, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday emphasised the need to ensure "full respect" for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and past agreements to "stabilise" and "rebuild" bilateral ties with Beijing as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi for the second time within a month.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings in Laos. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar/X

The two leaders, who are in the Laotian capital to participate in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), also agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process following the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in May 2020.

"Met with Communist Party of China Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Vientiane today. Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties," Jaishankar said in a post on X after meeting with Wang on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings here.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

The Jaishankar-Wang talks came amid the dragging border row in eastern Ladakh that entered its fifth year in May.

"Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process. Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. It is in our mutual interest to stabilise our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency," Jaishankar added.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the meeting gave the two ministers an opportunity to review the situation since their last meeting at Astana on July 4.

"Their talks focussed on finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations," it said.

"Both Ministers agreed on the need to work with purpose and urgency to achieve complete disengagement at the earliest. Peace and tranquillity on the borders and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations," the MEA said.

"Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached between the two Governments in the past. EAM stressed the importance of the three mutuals --- mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity --- to our ties," it said.

Both sides will hold an early meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to take the discussions forward, the statement said.

The two ministers also exchanged views on the global and regional situation, the MEA added.

Meanwhile, the Chinese foreign ministry, in a statement, said that Wang emphasised that in the face of the current complex international situation and severe global challenges, China and India, as two major developing countries and two emerging economies living next to each other, should strengthen dialogue and communication.

The two countries should also enhance understanding and mutual trust, properly handle contradictions and differences, and develop mutually beneficial cooperation.

Both sides should take responsibility for history, the people and the world, and rationally transcend contradictions, differences and frictions to promote the improvement and stable and sustainable development of China-India relations, the statement quoted the Chinese foreign minister as saying.

Wang said that China-India relations have an important impact beyond the bilateral scope.

He expressed the hope that the two sides will meet each other halfway, actively explore the correct way for the two neighbouring major countries to get along, and guide all sectors to establish a positive understanding of each other.

Wang also stressed that it is in the interests of both sides for China-India relations to return to the right track, and it is also the common expectation of the "Global South" countries.

The two sides agreed to work together to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and promote new progress in border affairs consultations, the Chinese statement added.

On July 4, Jaishankar and Wang in the Kazakh capital city of Astana on the sidelines of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

During the meeting in Astana, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's persistent view that the relations between the two sides must be based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.

The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points.

The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

The two sides have so far held 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the standoff.

India has been pressing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas.

The two sides held the last round of high-level military talks in February.

Though there was no indication of a breakthrough at the 21st round of talks, both sides agreed to maintain "peace and tranquillity" on the ground and continue the communication on the way ahead.
United States President Joe Biden has said his decision to step aside from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Kamala Harris as the Democratic Presidential nominee was an act aimed at unifying the nation and passing 'the torch to a new generation'.

IMAGE: US President Joe Biden addresses his nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, July 24, 2024. Photograph: Evan Vucci/Pool via Reuters

The prime-time speech marked the first time Biden had spoken directly to the American people on-camera since his announcement three days ago that he was stepping away from the campaign trail.

"I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That's the best way to unite our nation. I there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, but there's also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, and that time and place is now," an emotional Biden said in the rare Oval Office address on Wednesday.

Biden, 81, said he revered the President's Office but he loved his country more.

"It's been the honour of my life to serve as president but in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it's more important than any title," he said.

"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, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition, so I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation."

On Vice President Harris, Biden said she is 'experienced, she's tough, she's capable' and called her an 'incredible partner' during their three-and-a-half years together.

"I've made my choice. I've made my views known Now, the choice is up to you, the American people," he said.

Biden continued to emphasise what he believes is at risk this election, which he's repeatedly cast as an "inflection point" to save the nation's founding principles.

"I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake," he said. "And that's still the case."

"I've made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point, one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come," he said.

Harris, 59, who is of Indian and African origin, has now emerged as the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party.

He was surrounded by First Lady Jill Biden, his son Hunter Biden and several family members. Toward the end of remarks, Ashley Biden reached for the hand of her mother, Jill Biden, who was seated next to her.

After the president concluded his remarks, Jill Biden walked to the Resolute Desk and stood next to her husband.

Harris watched Biden's Address to the Nation from Houston, where she is spending the night after visiting the city's Emergency Operations Center to receive a briefing on the ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl.

Biden in his remarks said that America is going to have to choose between 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. In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies, but as fellow Americans," he said.

Biden also looked ahead to what he still hopes to do in these final six months. He zeroed in on the need to address gun violence, and climate change, continuing to improve the economy and reforming the US Supreme Court.

"That means I'll continue to lower costs for hard-working families, grow our economy, and I'll keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights from the right to vote to the right to choose. I'll keep calling out hate and extremism, and make it clear there is no place, no place in America for political violence or any violence ever, period. I'm going to keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence, our planet from climate crisis, is the existential threat," he said.

Biden said he was the first president in this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world.

"We'll keep rallying a coalition of proud nations to stop Putin from taking over Ukraine and doing more damage. We'll keep NATO stronger, and I'll make it more powerful and more united than at any time in all of our history," he said.

"I'll keep doing the same for allies in the Pacific. When I came to office, the conventional wisdom was that China would inevitably surpass the United States. That's not the case anymore. I'm going to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages and bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war," said the President.

Biden said in just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America's future.

Biden, who initially resisted calls to step aside and insisted he was the best person to take on Donald Trump, said he now believes a new path is necessary.

The president did not address ongoing Republican criticisms about his fitness to serve. The White House earlier Wednesday had said his health had 'nothing' to do with his decision.
Pro-Palestinian protestors on Wednesday lowered an American flag and burned it down a few blocks away from the US Congress and hoisted a Palestine flag in its place.

IMAGE: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators burn a US flag and an effigy depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outside Union Station, on the day of Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, July 24, 2024. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters

The incident happened in front of the Union Station, near the US Congress, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the US Congress.

The protestors in several hundreds were protesting against the US policy in the Middle East and the bombing of innocent civilians by Israelis in Gaza and parts of Palestine.

Six people were arrested by the local police. Videos posted online showed that the protestors were shouting pro-Hamas and anti-Israeli slogans. They lowered a huge American flag in front of the busy Union Station and burned it down, then they raised the flag of Palestine which was much smaller.

The protests were also held in several parts of the city as Netanyahu addressed the Congress. Many of them were seen shouting slogans against him outside the hotel he stayed in. Several other protestors were seen defacing some of the historic monuments in the city and writing Hamas over the wall and statue.

Barricades were installed around important government buildings and offices in the city, including the White House and the US Congress. Police used pepper spray against the protestors outside the US Capitol.

US flag set ablaze, 23 arrested as thousands protest Netanyahu's DC visit, The Washington Post reported.

Though most demonstrators walked and chanted peacefully, there were some clashes with law enforcement, and DC and Capitol Police said they arrested 15 people in total. The US Park Police arrested eight people, it said.

The protestors also put ablaze an effigy of Netanyahu, spray-painted the Christopher Columbus fountain and adjacent Liberty Bell reproduction with messages like Free Gaza, All zionists are bastards, and Free Palestine.

Even as the protests against his visit were raging, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday slammed Iran for funding and supporting groups against Israel and asserted that defeating the brutal enemies requires both courage and clarity.

For all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now outside this building -- not that many, but they're there -- and throughout the city. Well, I have a message for these protesters: When the tyrants of Teheran, 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, Netanyahu said.

It's amazing, absolutely amazing. Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming 'Gays for Gaza'. They might as well hold up signs saying 'Chickens for KFC'. These protesters chant 'From the river to the sea'. But many don't have a clue what river and what sea they're talking about. They not only get an F in geography, they get an F in history. They call Israel a colonialist State. Don't they know that the Land of Israel is where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob prayed, where Isaiah and Jeremiah preached and where David and Solomon ruled? he said.

In his fourth address to the joint session of the Congress, the most by any foreign leader, Netanyahu alleged that in the Middle East, Iran is virtually behind all terrorism, turmoil, chaos and killing.

IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, July 24, 2024. Photograph: Craig Hudson/Reuters

And that should come as no surprise. When he founded the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini pledged, We will export our revolution to the entire world. We will export the Islamic revolution to the entire world. Now, ask yourself, which country ultimately stands in the way of Iran's maniacal plans to impose radical Islam on the world? And the answer is clear: It's America, the guardian of Western civilisation and the world's greatest power. That's why Iran sees America as its greatest enemy, he said.

Iran, he said, understands that to truly challenge America, it must first conquer the Middle East. And for this it uses its many proxies, including the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas.

Yet in the heart of the Middle East, standing in Iran's way, is one proud pro-American democracy -- my country, the State of Israel, he said.

Asserting that victory is in site, Netanyahu said the day after they defeat Hamas, a new Gaza can emerge.

My vision for that day is of a demilitarised and deradicalised 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, he said.

Gaza should have a civilian administration run by Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel. That's not too much to ask. It's a fundamental thing that we have a right to demand and to receive. A new generation of Palestinians must no longer be taught to hate Jews but rather to live in peace with us. Those twin words, demilitarization and deradicalization, those two concepts were applied to Germany and Japan after World War II, and that led to decades of peace, prosperity and security, he added.
Heavy rains lashed Mumbai and its suburbs on Thursday, causing waterlogging on roads in some areas that led to traffic snarls and also delayed local train operations.

IMAGE: High tides lash at the Marine Drive following incessant rains, in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo

Owing to incessant rains in the catchment areas, Vihar and Modak Sagar lakes started overflowing. With this, four of the seven reservoirs providing potable water to the metropolis are now overflowing, which improved the overall water stock, officials said.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, after which the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared holiday for all schools and colleges in the city.

The municipal corporation has appealed to schools to inform parents and take necessary precautions, an official said.

Several areas of Mumbai recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall between 4 am and 1 pm on Thursday, he said.

Malpa Dongri area in Andheri recorded the highest rainfall of 157 mm during this period followed by Paspoli in Powai receiving 155 mm and Dindoshi receiving 154 mm rainfall.

The IMD has issued a red alert for Mumbai city and neighbouring Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places and extremely heavy rainfall in isolated places during the day, the BMC official said.

In the coastal Konkan region of Maharashtra, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Ratnagiri district (heavy to very heavy rainfall) and a yellow alert for Sindhudurg district for Thursday.

Due to incessant rains, the water level of Mithi river, which runs through the industrial hub of the city, rose to 2.5 metres, while its danger mark is 4.2 metres, an official said, adding that a high tide of 4.64 metres has been predicted in the Arabian Sea at 2.51 pm.

Vihar lake, one of the seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai, started overflowing at around 3.50 am, while Modak Sagar started overflowing at 10.40 am, the officials said.

Powai and Tulsi lakes have already started overflowing.

The IMD forecast that Mumbai will most likely witness occasional gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph, they said.

In the 24 hours ending 8 am on Thursday, the island city recorded 44 mm rainfall, its eastern and western suburbs 90 mm and 89 mm rainfall, respectively, a civic official said.

Some low-lying areas saw waterlogging due to the heavy rains since early morning, forcing the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), which operates passenger buses in the city, to divert its vehicles on half a dozen routes in Aarey Colony.

Commuters complained that the suburban services operated by the Western Railway and the Central Railway were running 10-15 minutes late.

A Central Railway spokesperson said that due to low visibility as a result of heavy rains, the speed of suburban trains has been reduced.

Water started accumulating in railway tracks between Kurla and Ghatkopar stations from 10.30 am onwards, but it is still below the danger mark and hence all the suburban trains are running at reduced speed, he said.

Railway traffic on the Panvel-Karjat line has been suspended due to flooding in tracks, he added.

Bridge washed away in Mahad

A low-level bridge over a stream was washed away amid heavy rains in Mahad MIDC area of Maharashtra's Raigad district on Thursday, an official said.

The bridge connected Kasbe Shivthar and Samarth Shivthar villages, he said.

It was not used for vehicular movement, but locals used it to reach their fields in Samarth Shivthar, the official added.

The IMD has issued a red alert forecasting heavy to very heavy rains in the coastal Raigad district.
The Madhya Pradesh high court on Thursday said it took the Union government nearly five decades to realise that an "internationally renowned" organisation like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was wrongly placed in the list of organisations banned for government employees.

The HC's remark came while a bench of Justices Sushruta Arvind Dharmadhikari and Gajendra Singh disposed of the writ petition of retired central government employee Purushottam Gupta.

Gupta had filed a petition in the high court on September 19 last year challenging the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules as well as the office memorandums of the Centre that were preventing the participation of government employees in the activities of the Sangh.

"The court laments the fact that it took almost five decades for the central government to realise its mistake; to acknowledge that an internationally renowned organisation like RSS was wrongly placed among the banned organisations of the country and that its removal therefrom is quintessential," the bench said.

"Aspirations of many central government employees of serving the countries in many ways, therefore, got diminished in these five decades because of this ban, which got removed only when it was brought to the notice of this court vide the present proceedings," the HC further said.

The bench directed the Union government's department of personnel and training and the ministry of home affairs to publicly display on the home page of their official website the July 9 office memorandum through which the ban on government employees from joining Sangh activities was lifted.

"In the fitness of things, therefore, we direct the department of personnel and training and ministry of home affairs, GOI, to display publicly on the home page of its official website the contents and copy of the circular /OM dated 9th July, 2024 as filed in the present petition," it said.

"This is to ensure public knowledge and information about the issuance of the said circular/ OM. Besides the above, within 15 days of the judgment of this court, the circular /OM dated 9th July, 2024 is also directed to be transmitted to all the departments and undertakings of the central government across India," the HC added.

Speaking to PTI. Indore-based petitioner Gupta, who retired from the Central Warehousing Corporation in 2022, said, "I am happy with the Centre's decision to lift the ban on participation of government employees in Sangh activities. It will now become easier for thousands of people like me to join the RSS."
The United Nations Human Rights Committee on Thursday voiced concern about alleged discrimination and violence against minority groups in India as well as over application of counter-terrorism legislation for decades in some districts of the country.

IMAGE: Students participate in an Azadi ki Goonj programme in Patna ahead of Independence Day. Photograph: ANI Photo

The UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva issued its findings on Croatia, Honduras, India, Maldives, Malta, Suriname and Syria after examining the seven States parties in its latest session.

The findings contain the Committee's main concerns and recommendations on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as positive aspects.

On India, while appreciating the measures adopted by it to address discrimination, the Committee expressed concern about alleged discrimination and violence against minority groups, including religious minorities, such as Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, and LGBTI people.

It called upon India to adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination, raise awareness among the general public, and provide training to civil servants, law enforcement officers, the judiciary and community leaders to promote respect for diversity.

India has repeatedly said that its Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all its citizens and there are no grounds for any concern on treatment of minorities.

The Committee was concerned that some provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts and counter-terrorism legislation are not in compliance with the Covenant.

"The Committee also voiced its concern over the application of counter-terrorism legislation for decades in disturbed areas, such as districts in Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, has led to widespread and grave human rights violations, including excessive use of force leading to unlawful killings, prolonged arbitrary detention, sexual violence, forced displacement and torture.

The Committee urged India to comply with its obligations under the Covenant and to ensure that counter-terrorism and other security measures in disturbed areas are temporary, proportionate, strictly necessary and subject to judicial review. It also asked India to establish a mechanism to initiate a process to acknowledge responsibility and ascertain the truth regarding human rights violations in disturbed areas.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the way we work, thanks to its ability to perform a wide variety of tasks and process large quantities of data, fast.

According to Helene Seidel-Sterzik, CEO and co-owner of ecoPortal, AI is not only enhancing workplace efficiency  it could make workplaces safer and happier. AI, put to good use, will foster a culture of continuous improvement in safety practices and employee wellbeing, supporting safer, healthier workplaces, she says. ecoPortal is sponsoring the Knowledge Hub  a two-day education program thats part of the Workplace Health & Safety Show (Sydney, 23-24 October 2024) and provides insights and practical knowledge to champion safety initiatives at workplaces. Led by industry experts, the program discussions relate to cutting-edge technology like AI, as well as worker wellbeing, injury prevention and safety performance evaluation.

From the use of AI-powered drones in construction sites to monitor and survey potentially dangerous building zones, to the implementation of wearables like watches that collect critical data and the use of data analytics software to predict risks, or language processing systems that can identify potential warning signs of mental health risks, AI-enabled solutions offer a host of benefits.

Enabling early detection and intervention

AI-powered monitoring systems can contribute significantly to the early detection and prevention of workplace hazards by continuously and automatically analysing data to identify patterns and trends that may indicate potential risks. This may be an analysis of environmental conditions such as air quality or noise levels, employee movements or situations that may be unsafe.

The ability to generate automated alerts and notifications when hazards are detected is essential for timely intervention. Integrating AI algorithms that can predict potential hazards based on historical data and contextual information can further enhance the systems ability to prevent incidents before they occur, says Helene.

While there are risks associated with these systems, including inbuilt biases and identification learning curves, these can be addressed through testing, the use of diverse data sets and reworking. Best practice will generally also involve some form of human oversight, adds Helene.

She points to the ecoPortal software platform, which features AI tech integrations that drive efficiencies in data capture and processing. A customer that uses CCTV in their cross dock to monitor their teams safety can use an AI integration supported by ecoPortal to automatically monitor and detect near-miss-type events based on the proximity of people to danger, most notably with forklifts and trucks. Captured incidents are then triaged by an administrator for health and safety compliance. With the click of a button, the administrator can create an ecoPortal report for incidents that cross the threshold, attaching key information. It can then be investigated and subject to corrective action and/or training as a result.

By using AI to monitor deviations from expected safety practices and then integrating those findings seamlessly and quickly, businesses can identify multiple previously unseen operational risks. They can then implement physical and behavioural controls to reduce those risks, as well as gather data to support the business case for improved controls at an operator level.

Enhancing engagement with safety culture

Aside from the ability to predict and prevent risks, AI technology also has the power to significantly enhance worker engagement with workplace safety culture by providing personalised, automatic safety recommendations and feedback. AI-driven safety apps, for example, can deliver tailored safety tips based on individual roles and work environments, encouraging employees to actively participate in safety initiatives. In addition, AI can analyse employee feedback and sentiment to identify areas for improvement in safety practices and communication, explains Helene.

Its also worth noting that AI-enabled tools give safety leaders more time to build relationships with their team and enhance engagement further.

Four key considerations for AI integration

Helene outlines the major considerations for companies considering the use of AI in their health and safety programs and strategies. These include:

Consistently putting data privacy and security first, ensuring the sensitive information collected by AI systems stays safe within the boundaries of what it was collected for. Ensuring that AI algorithms are transparent and accountable, with mechanisms in place to address biases or errors. Providing adequate training to employees on how to interact with AI-powered tools and interpret their outputs accurately. Regular evaluation and updating of AI systemsessential to maintain their effectiveness and adapt to changing workplace conditions.

Its clear that AI is here to stay, shaping workplace safety and wellbeing by enabling proactive risk management, faster incident response and more personalised support for employees. AI-driven predictive analytics will identify emerging risks before they escalate, allowing companies to implement preventive measures effectively, while AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots will provide immediate support for mental health issues and facilitate access to resources and interventions, says Helene.

Further unpacking the benefits of technology for safety

ecoPortal will be among the more than 160 exhibiting brands at Workplace Health & Safety Show (taking place from 23 to 24 October 2024 at the Sydney Showground), showcasing a wide range of solutions that address the safety and wellbeing challenges facing businesses.

The exhibition complements the Workplace Health & Safety Shows educational programme  an exciting lineup of 80 expert speakers providing practical and actionable insights across 50 sessions presented on three Summit stages. Registration for the Show is free, at https://whsshow.com.au/whats-on-sydney.

When and where:

Wednesday 22  Thursday 23 May 2024 Melbourne, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Wednesday 23  Thursday 24 October 2024, The Dome, Sydney Showground, Olympic Park

Website: www.whsshow.com.au

Website: https://nationalmedia.com.au/

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Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 42F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 42F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Guilford resident Jason Herron has filed a number of open meeting and public records complaints against the Guilford Select Board. On July 12, the Vermont Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of Herron's appeal, agreeing with the trial court.
MANCHESTER  On the evening of Tuesday, July 23, approximately 100 people gathered for the second in a series of Vermont Conversations, initiated by the Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) and sponsored by The Keelan Family Foundation. The event was hosted by Southern Vermont Arts Center.

"We are very excited to have launched this series that delves into issues important to Vermont. We hope it will spark conversations  looking at our state's challenges, but also the opportunities, said Gloria Palmer, executive director of GMALL.

While the first conversation, held June 4, revolved around the issue of healthcare in Vermont, the most recent discussion focused on business.

The panel of experts assembled for the second session, Vermont Conversations: Business of Vermont, were Kevin Chu, executive director of the Vermont Futures Project; Nora Foote, head of Tech-Based Development at the Center for Rural Innovation; Will Drucker, founder and "chief wood splitter" of the Middlebury-based business Split Spirits; and Mike Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer.

The event was moderated by Anthony Surrat of the Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL), a former public relations executive who is now an artist. He also serves on the GMALL board.

Surrat opened the panel by asking the speakers to explain their affiliations with Vermont and the subject at hand. Pieciak, who grew up in Brattleboro, spoke about his parents and how they prioritized work ethic, community, and service.

They instilled this concept that everybody in our community has value and everybody matters, said Pieciak, adding that now, as Vermont State Treasurer, his desire to give back to his town and greater community is still a central focus of his work.

Pieciaks contributions to the panel focused on housing, retirement security, rebuilding the middle class, and climate investments. Using the states Climate Action Plan as an example, he spoke about the need for common goals that begin at the state level and meet the grassroots movements in the middle. He sees potential to create a similar set of goals for the economy.

Drukker took the mic next and spoke about how he and his wife moved here from out of state in 2020, during the pandemic. He fell in love with the state during his time at Middlebury College, and now runs a distillery business. His contributions to the panel focused on his perspective as a new Vermont resident and business owner.

Drukker suggested leveraging the core identity of Vermont, the brand, as he has done in his business. The concept of sense of place is really strong in our brand. And Vermont is a place that really has that, Drukker said, as he added that Vermont businesses, in general, communicate their authenticity  their brand value  by identifying with their home state.

Foote, who grew up in Hartland near White River Junction, moved away after school. After spending a decade in Paris, Portland, Oregon, Boston, and Washington DC, she returned to her roots and now resides in Windsor.

In her work with the national Center for Rural Innovation, Foote dedicates her time to helping rural communities respond to the growing opportunities gap that came to the forefront during the pandemic. It was during this period of heavy reliance on technology, when greater light was shed on the lack of services experienced primarily by rural communities.

In speaking about the future of scalable technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Vermont, Foote cautioned that invalidating the lived experience of those who already reside in rural areas is a mistake.

When were having these conversations about how to leverage the resources that we do have, and what we want the future to look like, we really need to be sensitive to the economic and community trauma that folks have weathered because of the way that our systems have failed to respond to these changing economic times," she said.

Foote added that she is still excited about the trajectory that Vermont is on, and she sees Vermont as the new forefront of tech innovation.

Chus upbringing and Vermont perspective was quite different from the others on the panel. His parents came to Vermont in 1986 as immigrants  speaking no English, with no college degrees, and with only one social connection. Growing up in Vermont offered opportunities and a unique frame of reference upon which to build the platform of his lifes work.

Chu focused on the need for perspective and a sense of urgency in solving the issues facing Vermont today. He brought a rousing response from the crowd when he spoke about the default answer to needs of the populous as a no, and the essential nature of intervention timeliness.

How do we change the narrative so the default answer [to progress] is 'yes?' he asked, referencing the moderator and his exchange with Pieciak. You opened with a phrase in your question  housing crisis. If we want to call it a crisis, then we have to act with urgency  and two to five years is not acting urgently enough. We have to start with yes as the default, if were going to treat it like a crisis.

All panelists agreed that the current housing crisis is perhaps the most pressing of all issues facing Vermonters at this time. With an aging population, an aging workforce, a high cost of living and tax burden, and not enough affordable housing, Vermont is in dire need of young professionals  people of working age that can contribute to the economy and to the tax base.

The only way to make this happen, the panel members said, is to stem the exodus of Vermonts young people and make the state more inviting. Making Vermont attractive, creating a brand identity became the next topic of conversation  but the issue of housing continued to rear its head. Without affordable housing, continuing to focus on the increase in population was stunted.

Concerns about what an increase in Vermonts population would look like was also a topic of debate, with Chu once again bringing on a visceral response from the audience when he put the issues of population into perspective with data, comparison, and humor.

The goal, Chu stated, is to grow the population of Vermont  currently at around 623,000 individuals  to 802,000  802, he laughed at the magic number. Sometimes I encounter a bit of hesitation. Theres this narrative that if we increase our population by 155,000 people over the next 10 years, well become New Jersey."

The state of New Jersey has a population density of about 1,200 people per square mile. Vermont has about 70 people per square mile. With the proposed prospect of reaching the "802 Goal," population density in Vermont would only increase to 87 people per square mile.

Pieciak described the housing crisis as both an economic issue and a social issue, noting that both offer an opportunity and a responsibility for greater government action.

Theres a big role, I think, to play for government," he said. "And governments have had a pretty heavy hand in the last couple of years trying to solve the housing crisis.

The conversation turned to the work of the Legislature and last years passage of the Home Act, which aims to allow a pathway to address the right to duplex property by applying for zoning variances. Act 250 reform will also ease the housing crisis, Pieciak said, by allowing places that have already been developed to have an easier time building more housing. Both of these, Pieciak conceded, would take time but promise to pay huge dividends in the long run.

Members of the audience brought questions after the panel discussion, many of them returning to the housing issue. There were also questions about climate change and the expense of the expansion of government services.

Foote, Pieciak and Chu spoke about the word optimism and how it can relate to depressing data. All panelists saw data as an opportunity to create change, however.

Ive never been more optimistic about the future of our state, agreed Pieciak, arguing that there is a lot that Vermonters can look forward to. Theres a lot of challenges, but all of the challenges that I can identify, I think, are within our control.

I grew up here in Vermont and I look forward to growing old here, too, said Chu, As I think about honoring [my parents] legacy through the work that I do with the Futures Project, our work tries to answer a simple mission question, How can we use data to support the evolution of Vermonts economy toward a thriving future with opportunity for all?"

Chu said he sees the answer to that question as the development of a statewide economic action plan  one that works with urgency, with efficiency, and without delay. He and his team will be launching an action plan later this year, which will take the states abundance of action plans and create a unified vision for the economy, to weave them all together.

The third panel discussion, scheduled for the evening of Aug. 6, will focus on early childhood education and childcare needs in the state of Vermont. Panelists will include Dimitri Darger, co-founder and chief financial officer of Global-Z International, Inc.; Laurie Metcalfe, executive director of the Northshire Day School; Aly Richards, the chief financial officer of Lets Grow Kids; and Danny Sawtelle, a wealth management advisor with Northwestern Mutual.

Last year, the Vermont State Legislature made history when they passed into law the first of its kind comprehensive childcare bill  touted as the best in the nation. Our panelists will discuss the far reaching effects of the program, said Palmer, of the upcoming event. This legislation supports and helps local communities maximize the impact on local families and schools.

For more information on the upcoming talks, workshops, and classes that GMALL offers, visit greenmtnacademy.org.
Durian exports rise by 45% in first half

Durians harvested from an orchard in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang. Photo by VnExpress/Linh Dan

Vietnam exported US$1.32 billion worth of durian in the first six months of 2024, up 45% year-on-year, according to customs data.

It accounted for 65% of all fruit exports during the period and is growing increasingly popular in many key markets.

China was the largest importer, accounting for over 92% of Vietnam's durian exports.

Its imports increased by 46% from the same period last year.

Thailand was the second largest market for Vietnamese durian, with shipments increasing by 90.5% to $47 million.

Exports to Japan doubled from a year ago to $2.6 million. Cambodia bought $1.6 million worth of the fruit from Vietnam, a 23-fold increase.

Currently the monthong variety is the most favored for its taste, aroma, small seeds, firm texture, and longer shelf life.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, expected durian exports to skyrocket in the second half, fueled by the harvest of the fruit in the Central Highlands from July to October.

Furthermore, Vietnam and China have wrapped up negotiations and will soon sign a protocol for the export of frozen durian.

With all this in the works, Nguyen expected exports for the year to hit $3 billion.

But there are challenges, he said, with some shipments to China recently being flagged for containing banned substances.

Vietnamese authorities have been discussing the issue with their Chinese counterparts and investigating the cause.

Inspections have indicated that the contamination did not occur at orchards, and so traders, packaging facilities and exporters have been urged to strictly comply with quality control regulations.
The president of Cambodias leading opposition party was ordered on Thursday to pay the government US$1.5 million in a defamation case that stemmed from critical comments about Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Teav Vannols comments to Nikkei Asia during a trip to Japan in February included the statement: There is no democracy in Cambodia.

He added that Prime Minister Hun Manets administration was getting worse in terms of democracy. Government lawyers filed a lawsuit in April.

The interview with Nikkei Asia took place about six months after Hun Manet was named to the governments top post following the July 2023 parliamentary election that saw the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party win 120 out of 125 seats.

The election was held without any candidates from Teav Vannols Candlelight Party. The governments National Election Committee ruled the party ineligible in May 2023, citing inadequate paperwork.

Hun Manet is the son of former prime minister Hun Sen, who was often criticized for his governments human rights abuses  including violations of freedom of speech and the shuttering of independent media outlets.

Teav Vannol wasnt in the courtroom on Thursday for Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Hok Povs ruling. His attorney, Choung Chougny, said Teav Vannol has been living and working outside of Cambodia and may appeal the decision.

Political debate discouraged

Officials from the United States Embassy, the European Union, civil society organizations and human rights groups were present in the courtroom for the verdict.

Teav Vannols comments to the newspaper were merely expressions of his true opinion and shouldnt have been the subject of a defamation lawsuit, Choung Chougny told reporters afterward. Critical comments among politicians are normally protected free speech, he said.

Opposition party leader Teav Vannol burns incense sticks during a Buddhist ceremony in Phnom Penh on July 6, 2017. (Heng Sinith/AP)





Freedom of expression is guaranteed by Cambodias Constitution, but Thursdays judgment could cause people to be more wary of expressing their opinion, said Kim Piseth, a senior official with human rights group Adhoc.

Ideally, political matters should be resolved through political debate, he said.

It is very important that politicians discuss things to a certain extent in a specific manner, and open up opportunities for citizens, as well as people in society, to discuss their interests, he said.

A spokesman for the Cambodian government couldnt immediately be reached for comment about the courts decision.

On July 31, the court ordered the seizure of three plots of land belonging to Teav Vannol. The land -- two plots in Kampong Cham province and one plot in Kandal province -- could be sold to help pay the judgment, the order said.

Previous cases

The lawsuit was just the latest in a long line of defamation cases brought by powerful officials in Cambodia.

In February, Hun Sen and the Cambodian Peoples Party, or CPP, sued Adhocs spokesperson, Soeng Senkaruna, after he told a media outlet that the party has used its influence with the courts to put pressure on political opponents.

CPP lawyers have demanded 2 billion riel (US$500,000) in damages.

Last year, the Supreme Court upheld a US$1 million defamation judgment against Son Chhay, the Candlelight Partys vice president.

A lower court in 2022 ordered Son Chhay to pay the amount to the CPP and the National Election Committee following comments he made about local commune elections, which he said were marred by irregularities.

Additionally, another Candlelight Party vice president, Thach Setha, was found guilty of incitement in October 2023 and  in a separate verdict in September 2023  of writing false checks.

He was arrested in the incitement case for comments he made about the CPPs historical ties to Vietnam and the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument, which was built in Phnom Penh in 1979.

His bad check conviction has been criticized as politically motivated by human rights groups and party officials.

Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed.

This story has been updated with details from a court order to seize the defendant's land.
The measures come as Beijing intensifies efforts to assimilate Tibetans.

For the first time, Chinese authorities are forcing ordinary Tibetans to remove religious symbols and destroy such structures from the exteriors and roofs of their homes in several villages in a Tibetan area of Sichuan province, two sources with knowledge of the situation said.

Authorities also are prohibiting Tibetans in Sichuan province and elsewhere from organizing and participating in prayer sessions online, said the sources who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

The measures come as Beijing intensifies efforts to assimilate Tibetans and adapt Tibetan Buddhism so that its tenets and practices conform with the ideology of Chinas Communist Party.

While authorities have demolished religious objects and structures at times at Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, this is the first instance of religious symbols at ordinary peoples homes being destroyed.

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Since the beginning of July, Chinese authorities have conducted searches of all homes in at least four villages in Ngaba county, said the sources, one of whom lives in exile and the other who is inside Tibet.

They are forcing Tibetans to remove prayer flags hoisted on rooftops and to destroy religious objects, said the source from inside Tibet.

Among the objects being dismantled are concrete structures resembling chimneys outside homes where Tibetans perform Sang-sol, or incense offerings, to mark important religious and personal events in their lives, he said.

While authorities have not publicly disclosed the reason for their actions, Tibetans expect similar inspections in neighboring Tibetan areas, both sources said.

No online prayer sessions

Tibetans in Sichuan province and elsewhere are also prohibited from organizing any religious prayer sessions online in their social media messaging groups or chat groups, one of the sources said.

Individuals who have initiated these prayer sessions have been summoned for interrogations by Chinese authorities, he said.



Women walk under strings of Tibetan prayer flags on a mountain path in Dharamshala, India, Feb. 10, 2023. (Ashwini Bhatia/AP)

China has continued to restrict and control Tibetan religious practices and shown no willingness to resume formal negotiations about greater autonomy for the region with representatives of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, according to the most recent annual report by the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

Beijing also bans Tibetans from observing significant cultural, religious and historical events such as Tibetan National Uprising Day and the Dalai Lamas birthday.

But Tibetans have defied these prohibitions, despite possible severe consequences.

During the Dalai Lamas birthday on July 6, monks from monasteries in the Ngaba area were confined to their compounds under police presence to enforce such restrictions, said the first source from inside Tibet.

With the birthday of Kirti Rinpoche, the head of Ngabas Kirti Monastery, approaching in August, Chinese authorities have already implemented online restrictions and threatened Tibetans against posting any photos or well wishes, said the second source.

In March, Chinese police arrested Pema, a Tibetan monk from Kirti Monastery for staging a solo protest while holding a portrait of the Dalai Lama on the streets of Ngaba county.

Pema, who was working as a teacher for the preliminary Buddhist study section at the monastery, also shouted slogans against Chinese policies in Tibet during his protest and was immediately arrested.

Translated by Tenzin Dickyi and edited by Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed.
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
Press Release

July 25, 2024 CHIZ TELLS DPWH, MMDA: SEVERE FLOODING IN NCR MUST END Senate President Francis "Chiz" G. Escudero on Thursday called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to put an end to chronic flooding in Metro Manila after Typhoon Carina and southwest monsoon or "habagat" submerged the nation's capital region and brought it to a halt. The Senate chief also wants a thorough investigation into the government's flood control projects in light of the severe flooding despite the multibillion-peso allocation every year. "With Metro Manila now under a state of calamity and the government now working to address the damage wrought by Typhoon Carina, we should also work to determine why--over a decade after Typhoon Ondoy--chronic, severe flooding continues to afflict the nation's capital," Escudero pointed out. He added: "Swaths of NCR are flooded so work and classes are suspended; we deploy our frontliners who rescue and evacuate affected families; generous volunteers and groups organize donation efforts and distribute aid; after the rains end, we assess the costs of the damage and evacuees are sent home. Repeat." Escudero emphasized that this repetitive cycle is a painful reality that cannot be accepted, particularly given the economic significance of Metro Manila and its role as the seat of government. "Ganito na lang ba palagi? Tatanggapin na lang natin na kapag malakas ang ulan, magbabaha at mapaparalisa ang ikot ng buhay natin? Anong nangyari sa 'building back better'?" Escudero asked. Escudero said the DPWH and MMDA must collaborate with local government units in inspecting flooded areas to recommend medium- and long-term solutions to prevent and avoid flooding. "We cannot control the severity and frequency of typhoons and heavy rains, but we must anticipate, adjust, and adapt so that extreme weather phenomena do not unnecessarily disrupt the lives of our kababayan. Sana ang problema na kinagisnan ng ating mga lola at lolo ay 'wag nang ipamana sa ating mga apo," Escudero said. At the same time, the Senate President questioned the effectiveness of flood control measures and the use of the substantial budget allocated for these projects. Approximately P255 billion was allocated for the DPWH's flood control projects in the P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024, which Escudero previously criticized as disproportionately large compared to other critical sectors. "Anong nangyari sa daan-bilyon na flood control projects ng DPWH, MMDA at mga lokal na pamahalaan?" Escudero asked. Escudero said the Senate Committee on Public Works, chaired by Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., will conduct an inquiry to uncover the reasons behind the apparent inefficacy of the flood control projects despite the substantial funding. He said the inquiry aims to assess the current state of the flood control systems and develop actionable solutions to ensure that the substantial investments in these projects yield the intended results--protecting communities from flooding and mitigating the impact of severe weather events. During last year's budget deliberations, Escudero noted that the P255 billion budget for flood control far exceeded the allocations for irrigation (P31 billion), the construction of new hospitals, and even the capital outlay budgets of the Department of Agriculture (P40.13 billion) and the Department of Health (P24.57 billion). He also pointed out that the flood control budget surpasses the proposed budgets of entire departments, including the Department of National Defense (P232.2 billion) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (P209.9 billion).
Tourists take photos outside temples in Thailand. Photo by Reuters

"Even though I've been to Thailand nearly 10 times, I still want to go back to there," a tourist recently shared on a Facebook group about Thailand and the post quickly went viral.

Many people joined the thread to express complete agreement. Some people said they had visited Bangkok, went back nearly a dozen times and never felt bored.

Such comments about Thailand's tourism are probably worth pondering for Vietnamese tourism industry, which probably needs a young, talented and creative team to create a force to pull tourists back.

Tourism brings a lot of jobs and money to the country, so helping Vietnamese tourism foster is an important task.

It is a sad truth that in tourism we always pride ourselves on being the best in everything but the number of tourists is far behind Thailand's.

Thailand received 17.5 million foreign arrivals in the first six months of this year, double Vietnam's figure.

We must really admit that our tourism industry has limitations and we have to find ways to improve its reputation.

In Vietnam, people keep building modern-style houses while foreign tourists do not want to look for modern things. What they need is "differences from where they live."

Another point is that our festival activities are really nothing new and have been stereotyped over the years. We only focus on the opening and closing nights with grand art performances on stage. Specific activities are always formal and dull.

We can learn from Thailand's Songkran festival as over the years it still attracts a large number of international tourists. Many Vietnamese people also flock to Thailand to join water-splashing activities during the week-long festival.

*The opinions expressed here are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress's viewpoints.
TBILISI -- With the ruling Georgian Dream party risking estrangement from the West amid a crackdown on dissent, Georgias opposition parties appear to agree on one thing: In their view, winning national elections this fall is essential to preserving democracy in their Caucasus state.

What they cant agree on is how to do it.



A new 5 percent threshold for parliament is prodding smaller opposition parties that could prove critical to unseating the Georgian Dream majority to join forces to avoid their share of the vote going to waste. But disputes have persisted over whether to form a single opposition front -- which would be dominated by the largest party, the former ruling United National Movement (ENM) -- or run in smaller party alliances. That question, along with missed deadlines even where cooperation has emerged, has left some smaller parties unwilling to seek out partners or grudgingly going it alone.



We have such incompetent people in the opposition, a voter, Sergi Khetsuriani, complained to fellow government critics on a social media forum recently. The one thing they need to do is to unite, and they can't even do that.



Georgias increasingly combative president, Salome Zurabishvili, agrees that the stakes are high, repeatedly describing the October voting as a referendum on the countrys European future.

Tbilisis Western partners have hinted as much, too. Washington has announced that bilateral relations are under review over a new foreign agent law targeting media and civil society, a violent crackdown on protests, and disinformation and negative rhetoric about the West. Brussels has stopped for now Georgias EU accession process and frozen financial assistance to Tbilisi.



The spoils are amplified further by a newly enacted system, set out in the 2017 constitution, that excludes parties under 5 percent from parliament and redistributes their votes.



"I am sick and tired of [opposition leaders'] egos, now that the election matters more than ever, a Western diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity to speak more candidly told RFE/RL.



The diplomat said cooperation within the opposition has been hindered by personal squabbles between leaders and even petty issues like campaign colors and shared parking spaces.



"By now, the opposition should have a very good strategy, the diplomat said, and so far I don't see it."



Clearing The Bar



Georgian Dream, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanashvili in 2012, will be seeking its fourth consecutive ruling majority in October.



Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters and opposition parties accuse the ruling party of leading the country toward Russia and authoritarianism, exemplified by parliaments passage of the "foreign agent" law in May, despite Zurabishvilis veto.



Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and other party officials argue that they are the only force that can maintain national sovereignty in the face of foreign forces that dont have Georgias best interests in mind.



Polls historically show the combined opposition of around half a dozen parties has about the same level of support as Georgian Dream, somewhere between one-quarter and one-third of the public. A number of them hover below 5 percent, suggesting they could miss parliament and thus inadvertently contribute to a Georgian Dream victory.

Some in the opposition argue that the simplest way to prevent such an outcome is for all of those parties to unite on the ballot.



A single list would send the most coherent message to voters, run the least risk of smaller parties falling short of the threshold, and emphasize opposition to Georgian Dream, said Tina Bokuchava, the chair of the ENM.

Otherwise, it's [our own] party differences that become the divisions between us, she told RFE/RL. We're forced to define ourselves vis-a-vis each other, not just vis-a-vis the government.



Out With The Old?



The ENM and its polarizing founder, jailed former President Mikheil Saakashvili, ruled Georgia from the 2003 Rose Revolution until suffering defeat by the upstart Georgian Dream in 2012.



It remains the single most popular opposition party in the low double-digits, but the widespread perception of the ENM is that it fell prey to autocratic excesses during that decade in power.



Georgian Dream has capitalized on popular distrust of ENM by labeling all opposition parties the collective ENM. So, many opposition leaders and sympathizers argue that distinguishing themselves from the ENM is essential to success at the ballot box.



It has been working quite well for [Georgian Dream], using the ENM as a bogeyman to scare people from voting for the opposition, Salome Samadashvili, a lawmaker for the liberal-centrist Lelo party, said. There are plenty of Georgian voters who do not want to vote anymore for Georgian Dream, and they clearly see that it is time to change the government, but they're also very unwilling to vote for anything that includes the ENM.



Lelo and some other parties have advocated for multiple smaller opposition alliances that are likely to surpass 5 percent but also offer a choice for voters who cant abide ENM or some other specific opposition force.



That approach appeared to win out in June, when six opposition parties signed an agreement in Brussels pledging to announce their alliances by July 8. But the deadline passed with only one alliance announced, between ENM and Strategy Aghmeshenebeli, a smaller splinter party with which ENM had already formed an alliance last year.



The next day brought another alliance: the Akhali, Droa, and Girchi-More Freedom parties, all also led by former ENM officials.



The following week, a third alliance was announced between Lelo and the For The People and Freedom Square parties, neither of which has strong ties to ENM; on July 23, the Citizens Party joined as well.



The opposition strategy of coordinated variety doesnt appear to have diverted Georgian Dream away from its collective ENM tactic. One of its lawmakers, Maka Botchorishvili, told RFE/RL recently that Georgia is a very small society, and it is difficult to lie to people.



Whatever you create from the former ENM, it will still be ENM, Botchorishvili said. Maybe there will be little shifts, these changes, creating the picture that the old ENM doesnt exist anymore -- this is their tactic -- but honestly I dont think it will work.

Cracks Already Emerging



Meanwhile, small but potentially important elements are missing from the efforts to unify.



The For Georgia party of Giorgi Gakharia, who was prime minister as a member of Georgian Dream from 2019 until a falling out with the party in 2021, has been in inconclusive talks so far on an alliance with Lelo.

It could be quite a strong bloc, but their history and personal disagreements dont allow it, Kornely Kakachia, head of the Tbilisi think tank Georgian Institute of Politics, said of a For Georgia-Lelo pairing. And there are many such stories like this.



Polls suggest that For Georgia stands a good chance of reaching the 5 percent threshold on its own. Three other opposition parties that are less likely to do so -- European Georgia, Girchi, and the Labor Party -- have so far found no partners.



But Giga Bokeria, the chairman of European Georgia, said he likes the prospects of his party going it alone.

If [Georgian Dream] are over 40 percent, then we are screwed, but they are losing ground, Bokeria said. He said that with the opposition polling a combined 60 percent or so -- assuming the ENM in the best-case scenario will have 20, maybe 25 [percent] -- the remaining 35 percent cant be divided among parties polling below 5 percent. Its not possible.



Ahead of the vote, the Civil Society Foundation (the Georgian branch of the Open Society Foundation network) sponsored a poll intended to identify the most successful opposition configuration to challenge Georgian Dream.

RFE/RL obtained a copy of the results, which were meant for internal use among the opposition parties. It showed Georgian Dream with 29 percent support and a right-wing offshoot that will run together with it -- called Peoples Power -- just below 1 percent.



The poll tested various opposition party groupings, though not those that eventually prevailed. It found that there was synergy among such alliances that could boost their results. The raw vote totals of the parties that joined the three alliances amounted to 32 percent -- just ahead of the ruling party bloc.



For Georgia, meanwhile, was just under the threshold at 4.6 percent; European Georgia was at 2.6 percent; and Labor at 1.2 percent. Losing those votes could make all the difference for the opposition, analyst Kakachia argued.

I dont think we have the luxury to lose 2 or 3 percent, he said. That can actually be decisive.



Still, he said, the opposition has at least partially overcome the infighting that has long plagued it.



This year, it seems like they have this pressure from Brussels and also from Georgian people to cooperate and at least not attack [each other], he said. But I'm not sure that they solved all their problems.
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.
OZERNOYE, Kazakhstan -- A small village amid the steppes of northern Kazakhstan has become an unlikely Catholic pilgrimage site where the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace -- the only Marian shrine in Central Asia -- is located. Nestled between the cities of Petropavlovsk and Kokshetau, Ozernoye was founded nearly 90 years ago when Poles banished from Ukraine were resettled in Kazakhstan.

The first wave of mass deportations of Poles began in 1936, when the "Stalinist" constitution was adopted by the Soviet Union. Although the constitution proclaimed democratic freedoms, in practice a policy of political terror, mass repression, and expulsions was carried out.

On April 28, 1936, the Soviet government decreed the deportation of over 35,000 Poles from the Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, and Kirovohrad regions of Ukraine to northern Kazakhstan. The second wave of deportations in 1940-41 saw over 60,000 Poles sent to Kazakhstan from areas occupied by the Red Army during World War II, which later became western Belarus and Ukraine.

During the Soviet era, the collective farm in Ozernoye primarily grew wheat. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the farm closed, resulting in widespread unemployment and an exodus of residents. The local school also shut its doors, forcing the few remaining schoolchildren to attend classes in nearby villages. Today, fewer than 200 people live in Ozernoye. Despite its decline, Ozernoye remains a vibrant community due to its status as a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics from Kazakhstan and Poland.

A Miraculous Lake, An Altar, And A Pilgrimage Site According to local legend, on March 25, 1941, when the exiled Poles were dying of hunger during the famine, they prayed to the Virgin Mary. Suddenly, the snow began to melt, and a sizable lake formed close to the settlement as the temperatures climbed. The villagers were saved from starvation when an abundance of fish appeared and allowed them to survive.

In 1997, a statue of the Virgin Mary holding a fishing net full of fish was erected on the shore of Lake Mariyamkol in her honor. The statue was consecrated by Pope John Paul II before being sent to Kazakhstan. Today, the Marian shrine is the only one located in the entire Central Asian region, including Mongolia and Afghanistan. The first Catholic church in Ozernoye was established in the early 1990s. A few years later, a large temple was built on the village's outskirts, where regular services and Christian holidays are celebrated.

In 2011, the parish in Ozernoye was officially declared a "national sanctuary of Our Lady Queen of Peace, patroness of Kazakhstan." Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the small village and help keep the connection between the descendants of the deported Poles and their historic homelands.

In 2013, the "Star of Kazakhstan" altar, designed by Polish artist Mariusz Drapikowski, was installed in the church. This altar, one of 12 worldwide, features a Kazakh ornament symbolizing the connection between the Catholic world and Kazakhstan. It was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to the village, bringing new life and allowing the exiled Poles to never forget their ancestral homeland. Several years ago, a three-story hotel was opened. At times, there are no vacancies.

Preserving History And Heritage Recently, a group of Polish pilgrims visited Ozernoye to restore the cemetery, which was overgrown with bushes and weeds. The cemetery, with its aged tombstones and crooked crosses, serves as a stark reminder of the harsh conditions endured by the Poles and the tragically high child mortality rates.

Local elders, who know the stories from their parents, are often reluctant to discuss them with outsiders. One elderly man offered zucchinis to visitors instead of discussing his family's deportation -- such is the enduring pain that reverberates even today.

Following the death of Stalin in 1953, the Polish exiles were allowed some freedoms, but compensation for their lost properties was never offered.

Historians estimate that between 100,000 and 250,000 Poles were deported to Kazakhstan. According to the 1959 census, over 53,000 Poles were alive in Kazakhstan. Today, only 32,000 remain, mainly in the northern regions.

A Sense Of Belonging In the evening, two elderly men were walking by and stopped to exchange pleasantries. They also opened up about their lives living amid the Kazakh steppes. "I am 80 years old. I am a Pole, but I was not exiled. I came here from Ukraine with a Komsomol referral. I stayed in Kazakhstan. Though our village is disappearing, many of us [Poles] still live here," Ivan said. Ivan also expressed mixed feelings about returning to Poland. "There is nothing to do in Poland. My wife visited relatives there three or four times with our children, but they didn't like it," he said.

Karczynski, as he wished to be known, said he visited Poland once. It was nice to visit, he said, but he felt that home was still in Kazakhstan. "It was nice visiting and staying in a hotel, but it's not home," he said. "After a few days, I missed Kazakhstan." He added, "We do not forget that we are Poles. We speak Polish at home with my grandmother, and we communicate in Polish with our relatives.

On one Sunday, the church in Ozernoye was filled with parishioners, including Polish pilgrims and schoolchildren from the neighboring villages who were staying at the Catholic summer camps. Nestled among them were the elderly from the local population.
On July 15, the Syrian regime held parliamentary elections. Like the previous three elections held by the Assad government since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the outcome was pre-determined, the vote a bureaucratic exercise meant to impart an illusion of legitimacy and control over the war-torn country, but with not even a nod toward an orderly political transition toward credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance, as required by UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

We denounce the July 15 sham parliamentary elections orchestrated by the Syrian regime, said U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the U.N., Robert Wood.

These so-called elections lacked even the pretense of freedom or fairness; they were merely a rubber-stamp on Bashar al-Assads continued dictatorship. No country should be fooled by this pathetic exercise; the Syrian people certainly were not.

Let us be clear: The United States will not normalize relations with the Syrian regime or lift sanctions absent an authentic and enduring political solution, said Ambassador Wood.

U.S. sanctions are an important tool to press for accountability from the Assad regime, notably with respect to its appalling record on human rights violations and abuses inflicted upon Syrians.

Our commitment to promoting accountability for those responsible for atrocities in Syria, and justice for the victims, is unwavering. Without accountability, the Syrian people will never experience a stable, just, and enduring peace, said Ambassador Wood.

U.S. sanctions against the Syrian regime do not  and I repeat do not  target the provision of humanitarian goods, including medicine, medical supplies, and food to Syria. Our Syria sanctions program provides authorizations, exemptions, and general licenses for humanitarian assistance.

It has been 13 years since the Syrian revolution began, and the regime continues to use violence to suppress peaceful, legitimate, popular demands for freedom and democracy, said Ambassador Wood.

Elections in Syria must be free, fair, transparent and inclusive, as called for in Resolution 2254. We will not legitimize electoral manipulation designed to create a facade of legitimacy and normalcy.
At a United Nations Security Council briefing on Yemen, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs Robert Wood condemned the Houthis recent attacks on Israel that killed one person and injured several more.

These actions unequivocally demonstrate the growing threat to international peace and security posed by the Houthis and their backers in Tehran. And these are not isolated incidents. In recent months, the Houthis have launched approximately 200 missiles and drones toward Israel, with no apparent regard for civilian lives, he said.

The Houthis and their allies claim the attacks on Israel and the ongoing campaign against commercial and merchant vessels in the Red Sea region are acts of solidarity with the people of Gaza. The reality, Ambassador Wood said, is straightforward:

[T]he Houthis are terrorists, desperate to distract from their own record of catastrophic failures in Yemen. ... The only appropriate response is to condemn these attacks and demand that they stop. Immediately and without conditions.

It may soon be time for the U.N. Security Council to consider additional actions to respond to the growing threats from the Houthis, said Ambassador Wood. Equally crucial, he declared, is addressing Irans role in these and other attacks and holding Iran to account.

We can all see plainly and clearly that the Houthis are fully enabled by Iran to launch long-range and deadly attacks on Israel and other countries in the region. Indeed, initial assessments indicate the drone used in the July 19 attack on Tel Aviv was an Iranian-made Samad-3 UAV, he said. There is no disputing that Irans provision of these and other lethal weapons to Houthi terrorists violates this Councils resolutions, including, most notably, the arms embargo established by Resolution 2216.

Any [Security] Council member that stands in the way of holding the Houthis and Iran accountable is complicit in undermining the credibility of this Councils resolutions, said Ambassador Wood.

After the Houthi attack on Tel Aviv, Israel struck several sites in Yemens port city of Hudaydah. Ambassador Wood said the resulting destruction is but the latest example of how Yemenis are paying a price for Houthi and Iranian actions.

[I]t is imperative that we all work to reduce tensions, said Ambassador Wood. The best way to do that is by ensuring that this Council speaks with one voice to condemn the Houthis actions and hold them accountable.
It has already been a political summer of high drama with the promise of more shenanigans to come. Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the US presidential race was inevitable but sensational nonetheless. At home, the momentum towards an autumn general election is inexorable with selection conventions brought forward and speculation intensifying about who the candidates will be in Roscommon/Galway.

The British general election came and went in a blur, despite having a six-week build-up. The differences with Irish elections were manifold. It was refreshing and even bewildering to watch Labour leader Keir Starmer succeed Rishi Sunak the morning after the election. The contrast with the interminable four-month hiatus before a government was formed after the 2020 Irish election was striking.

The biggest disparity is the first past the post electoral system compared to Irelands complex but fairer proportional representation. Whatever you think of Nigel Farage, his Reform Party getting just four seats with over 14 percent of the vote when the Liberal Democrats got 71 seats with 12 percent is simply wrong. Of course, for years the Conservatives and right-wingers like Farage have cherished first past the post precisely because the British format is different to everywhere else. Now, with the shoe on the other foot, perhaps they will lead the move for change.

Another laudable feature was something that would have been once taken for granted: the seamless transfer of power. Sunak handed over to Starmer with dignity while praising his successor. It was a reminder of what used to be standard, civilised practice in democratic politics before the attempted coup by supporters of Donald Trump when he refused to accept the result of the 2020 US presidential election.

Now, the next US presidential election looms and it looks as if Trump, fresh from a miraculous escape from an assassination attempt made all the more shocking by being shown repeatedly on television and social media, is heading back to the White House. Less than four months remain until election day on November 5th but the dramatic events of the last month have propelled Trump into the role of hot favourite to regain the presidency.

It is less than a month since Joe Bidens stunning debate debacle, which started the fateful slide to last Sundays momentous decision. Since then one major development after another has broken Trumps way, most notably the courts finding in the Republican candidates favour in landmark cases the Democrats had been hoping would scupper his campaign.

Apart from political anoraks, most people only tune into election campaigns as polling day looms. Many observers, in the US, Ireland and around the world, were only giving their full attention to Biden and Trump for the first time in this campaign at the debate. Most of the audience, especially US voters, were flabbergasted by what they witnessed.

In January 2021 it was natural for Bidens advisors to assume that the American electorate would never again consider Trump after the riot on the Capitol by his supporters. However, within one month of the attack it was clear that Trumps stranglehold on the Republican Party was as tight as ever.

The debate laid bare the complacency and hubris Bidens inner-circle has displayed over the last 18 months. The narrative theyve peddled is that Trump would self-destruct while also curtly dismissing any concerns about Bidens health.

It is a modern version of the fable of the Emperors New Clothes. Once Bidens frailties were exposed, it was as if it only dawned on the media and the wider public to ask how feasible it was to expect Biden to perform the role of president at the end of a potential second term when he would be 86.

For the last three years, the Democrats believed this campaign would be about Trumps many flaws, failings that would have prevented any other candidate in modern history from running for the White House. Instead of 77-year-old Trump faltering it is the Democrats who are imploding. The ruthless way Bidens own party has turned on him is yet another reminder of how cruel and vicious politics is.

Biden has endorsed his vice-president Kamala Harris as his replacement. Harris was a conspicuously poor campaigner in the 2020 Democratic primary race. She would not have beaten Trump in 2020 and she will have a herculean task to overcome him next November. If Harris runs and fails, people will ask why the Democrats waited until this month to face the truth about Bidens re-election prospects when the tough decision should have been taken 12 months ago.
Centre mulling to transform farming with new digital infrastructure

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled this ambitious plan to integrate more than six crore farmers

What is Agri Stack? The government's Union Budget 2024-25 introduced Agri Stack, a pioneering digital public infrastructure initiative aimed at revolutionizing India's agricultural sector. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled this ambitious plan to integrate more than six crore farmers into a formal land registry system over the next three years, drawing inspiration from successful projects like Aadhar and UPI.

Agri Stack represents an open-source digital platform aimed at increasing agricultural efficiency and elevating farmer incomes through comprehensive data accessibility for all involved parties. This initiative is poised to revolutionize agritech startups, historically challenged by steep costs and intricate farmer acquisition processes. With simplified data accessibility, Agri Stack has the potential to notably lower onboarding expenses and expedite growth for these startups.

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The formalization of farmer data via Agri Stack offers a significant opportunity for fintech startups to leverage robust data analytics in providing loans and insurance. This initiative is particularly timely for India's $24 billion agritech sector, facing scaling obstacles and reduced investments.

Despite its potential, the sector remains relatively underdeveloped, with only 1.5 percent market penetration and no startups achieving unicorn status, as reported by Ernst & Young. Key players such as DeHaat, WayCool Foods, and Ninjacart are currently valued between $650 million and $800 million.

Digitizing agriculture poses several challenges, such as the expensive nature of technology and farmers' hesitancy to embrace new methods. As of 2022, just 2 percent of Indian farmers utilized agricultural apps, according to Nasscom.

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Nevertheless, Agri Stack is well-positioned to tackle these obstacles head-on. By promoting digitalization, Agri Stack could serve as a transformative moment, attracting significant investment and encouraging wider adoption within the farming community. This initiative promises a promising future for Indian agriculture.



(For more news apart from What is Agri Stack and Union Budget 2024 For Farming and Agriculture, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
OPINION: Cancellation of NHAI Projects in Punjab is a Major Concern

: More than three dozen highway projects worth more than Rs 42,000 crore in Punjab



Infrastructure Projects in Punjab/ Opinion By Nimrat Kaur, Managing Director, Rozana Spokesman: More than three dozen highway projects worth more than Rs 42,000 crore in Punjab have been stalled mainly due to delays in land acquisition and farmers' protests. In the past, there were reports in the media that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has canceled the ongoing road projects worth Rs 3,303 crore in Punjab.

Three major projects: the 25-km-long South Ludhiana Bypass, the 47-km-long Ludhiana-Rupnagar Highway, and the 45-km-long Ludhiana-Bathinda Highway will no longer be ready, as planned.

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Apart from these, there is no information about the Amritsar-Taran Taran part of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. Tenders will be issued again to complete them. On the other hand, Public Works Minister of the state Harbhajan Singh ETO has said that there is no such thing, and no project has been stopped.

However, there is certainly truth in the fact that NHAI is worried about the delays in road construction work. The minister has claimed that the remaining land will also be handed over to the contractors within two months. The Center has asked the Punjab government to resolve all disputes related to land acquisition within two months.

It should also be mentioned here that these projects have been rejected by the contractors. The central government had almost decided to cancel four more projects worth Rs 4,942 crore scheduled for Punjab. Currently, 1,500 km of highways are already under construction in Punjab. The total cost of these projects is Rs 52,000 crore. Currently, there are 36 projects worth a total of Rs 42,175 crore, in which there is a delay due to legal hurdles in the way of land acquisition.

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NHAI had earlier accused Punjab of forcing contractors to cancel earlier agreements due to delays in land acquisition. Due to such a situation in the state, NHAI went to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the year 2022. Finally, in October last year, the high court of the state instructed the Punjab government to help NHAI in acquiring land, but nothing happened.

On the other hand, the farmers started protesting on the issue of land acquisition, due to which all the big projects that started to strengthen the infrastructure of the state were canceled. Still, the series of meetings with Deputy Commissioners and Police Officers of all the districts of the Punjab Government is continuing. Till now Delhi to Katra highway was being prepared very fast. Sadly, the projects which can contribute greatly to the progress of the state are being canceled now.

3,700 crore is pending as compensation for acquired land and compensation for 845 hectares of land is yet to be announced. Despite this, NHAI officials are worried that not all the land in the way of the proposed highway has been acquired. In such a situation, the central government should not discriminate against Punjab and all Punjabis. The farmers whose lands are being acquired must get due compensation.
Working in Romania

Benefits for Turkish and Romanian workers / More jobs for Ukrainian refugees / Nepalese citizens caught at the border

Photo: pixabay.com

Vlad Palcu, 25.07.2024, 14:00

Turkish citizens who work legally in Romania will benefit from the recognition of seniority, when calculating pensions, following a protocol signed by the Romanian Minister of Labor, Simona Bucura-Oprescu and her Turkish counterpart, Vedat Isikhan. The provisions of the agreement will also benefit Romanian citizens with unique residence and work permits, valid in Turkey. Under the said protocol, the social security institutions in Romania and Turkey will work closer together to make sure Turkish citizens working in Romania, but also the Romanians working in Turkey, are provided with the necessary framework to better protect their rights. The top priority is to ensure the receipt of pensions, Minister Oprescu said. In turn, the Turkish official expressed confidence that the partnership will strengthen ties between his country and Romania. The Romanian Minister said that the first meeting of the Turkey-Romania Joint Working Group in the field of labor and social security has already taken place, expressing confidence that the action plan for the 2024-2025 period will further develop cooperation. According to the Romanian Minister, the records of the Labor Inspection show that there are approximately 10,000 Turkish citizens working in Romania.

From the start of the war in Ukraine until mid-July, over 23,000 Ukrainians registered with the National Employment Agency in Romania. The biggest number of registered Ukrainian refugee citizens, 7,201, reside in Bucharest and Ilfov County, 5,704, in Constanta County, in the southeast, 1,585 in Maramures County, in the northwest, and 1,492 in Brasov County, in the center. According to official data, 3,154 Ukrainian citizens were active on the labor market as a result of the employment services provided by the National Employment Agency. Ukrainians have taken up jobs in the automotive industry, textile manufacturing, constructions, freight transport, tourism, public catering, IT, education, music and the administration. At present, 5,934 jobs offered by 693 employers are available to Ukrainian refugees residing in Romania. The main fields where jobs are available are the hospitality sector, the car-manufacturing industry and constructions. The National Employment Agency specifies that Ukrainian citizens who register with the Agency are offered free-of-charge services providing them with information and professional advice, labour mediation, professional training and assistance from the European Employment Services (EURES).

Nine citizens from Nepal were detained by Romanian Border Police on the Romanian-Serbian border while trying to illegally leave the country to reach Western Europe. Following an inspection, the Border Police discovered that the Nepalese citizens, aged between 20 and 37, entered the country legally on the basis of work visas. Pending the finalization of the inquiry, the suspects risk expulsion and even a ban upon returning to the European Union for a period of 5 years. (VP)
July 25, 2024 UPDATE

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 25.07.2024, 19:51

House of Romania. The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, participated, on Thursday, in the inauguration of the House of Romania in Paris, an event organized by the Romanian Embassy in France. In the speech delivered on this occasion, the head of state said that, through this special effort, Romanian values and culture are better represented and promoted. On Friday, Klaus Iohannis will attend the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, and also the reception hosted on this occasion by the French President, Emmanuel Macron. President Iohannis received, last week, at the Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest, the Romanian Olympic team that will compete in the Olympics. He handed the athletes the national flag, which will be carried during the opening ceremony by rowers Ionela and Marius Cozmiuc. The Romanian Olympic team is made up of 106 athletes.



Government. In Thursdays meeting, the Romanian government adopted the emergency ordinance on the organization of the presidential elections on November 24 and December 8 and the parliamentary elections on December 1. The President of the Permanent Electoral Authority, Toni Grebla, announced that the adopted normative act aims to create a separate electoral infrastructure for the two types of voting and also provides for the manner in which the members of the electoral offices will be appointed for the two elections. According to Toni Grebla, this emergency ordinance will be followed by three other government decisions regarding the technical-administrative measures necessary to organize the elections, the calendar and the allocated budget. According to the emergency ordinance, Romanians from the diaspora will be able to vote by mail in the parliamentary and presidential elections.



Drones. The North Atlantic Alliance announced on Thursday that it had no indication that the remains of Russian drones found in Romania were evidence of an intentional attack on NATO territory, but it warned about irresponsible and potentially dangerous actions, Reuters news agency reports. The Ministry of Defense in Bucharest announced on Thursday that remains of a Russian drone were found in the north of Tulcea county (south-east), after the attacks on Tuesday night to Wednesday on the civil and port infrastructure in Ukraine, near the border with Romania . According to the Ministry, the locations identified as possible areas of incidence are outside the inhabited areas (). At the same time, the Ministry has firmly condemned the Russian attacks on elements of Ukrainian civil infrastructure, which are unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law. We recall that recently, the residents of the north of Tulcea County received RO-ALERT messages, informing them about the possibility of some objects falling from the airspace on the Romanian territory near the border with Ukraine. Similar incidents, in which fragments of Russian drones fell on Romanian soil, took place in the fall of 2023 and this year, in March.



Diplomacy. The Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, thanked Romania for its support, including in the process of joining the European Union, noting that European enlargement is a guarantee of security. We resist, we have resisted and we will resist together in a stronger, more united Union  said the Ukrainian official on Thursday, after a meeting with the head of Romanian diplomacy, Luminita Odobescu. During a meeting with the Romanian minister and the vice-prime minister for European integration of the Republic of Moldova, Cristina Gherasimov, she thanked Bucharest for its support and emphasized the openness of the Chisinau authorities to speed up bilateral programs for the exchange of experience in the field of European affairs. The meetings took place before the second day of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy hosted by Bucharest, focusing on hybrid threats and the response to them, as well as another session, on the stage of Romanias accession to the OECD and current topics on the agenda of Romanian economic diplomacy in the current geopolitical context.



Eurobarometer. More than 72% of the EU citizens believe that the community forum plays an important role in supporting the rule of law in their country, according to a recent Eurobarometer. In Romania, the share is 65%. The poll was released on Wednesday at the same time as the Rule of Law in the EU report, and shows that almost 9 out of 10 Europeans think it is important for all member states to respect the Unions core values, an opinion unchanged since 2019. Compared to 5 years ago, the share of those who feel informed about these values has increased, from 43% to 51%. Through these fundamental values, Europeans understand the observance of human rights, the rule of law and democracy. The survey also shows that for 86% of Europeans it is important that the press and civil society organizations can work freely, without any pressure, even if they are critical of the government. (MI)
Annual meeting of Romanian diplomacy

Full accession to the Schengen area and the OECD are the top foreign policy objectives for Romania

Credits: presidency.ro

Stefan Stoica, 25.07.2024, 14:00

Close to the end of his 10-year presidential mandate, Klaus Iohannis attended his last meeting with the heads of diplomatic and consular missions and directors of Romanian Cultural Institute on the occasion of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy. According to the head of state, Romania in the last decade has become a reliable, committed and respected actor at regional, European and international levels, a genuine provider of stability and security. The president told Romanian diplomats that the major foreign policy objectives remain the consolidation of Romanias role and influence in the European Union and NATO, the deepening of the strategic partnership with the United States and the diversification of bilateral dialogue with partners from all continents. The president said he remains a strong supporter of the European Union enlargement process and emphasized that Romania remains committed to supporting the European path of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Klaus Iohannis recalled that Bucharest strongly supported the historic decision regarding the opening of negotiations for accession to the European Union with the two neighboring states, adopted at the meeting of the European Council on December 14-15 last year. Regarding Ukraine, from the first day of the war, Romania has shown its full solidarity and took extensive multidimensional measures to support this country, president Iohannis emphasized. In terms of security and defense, as a member state of NATO, Romania plays a constructive role and serves as a balancing factor, being a provider of security and stability, the president further argued. Romania currently benefits from the highest degree of defense and protection in its entire history, Klaus Iohannis also believes.

Regarding the Strategic Partnership with the United States, as an essential pillar of Romanias foreign policy, it has become more robust during this period and acquired more substance, Klaus Iohannis says. On the other hand, the head of state mentioned that, during the ten years of his mandate, special attention was paid to strengthening partnerships and bilateral strategic relations with states with which Romania shares common values and interests, such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy or Poland.

A recurring topic and an objective yet to fulfill, Schengen accession was also discussed this year at the meeting of Romanian diplomats. Romanias accession to the Schengen area with air and maritime borders was an important, although temporary success, while lifting controls at land borders also remains a key objective, the president said. I am confident that we will succeed in achieving this collective effort to the benefit not only of Romanian citizens, but of a more prosperous Union, free of artificial obstacles, the head of state pointed out. Another major foreign policy objective is the countrys accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The president urged diplomats to step up inter-institutional effort for the successful completion of this process in the shortest time possible. (VP)
Happening in Romania

The famous Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci appears in an illustrated book about the legends of the Summer Olympics

Baragan  luogo delle deportazioni comuniste

Lacramioara Simion, 24.07.2024, 17:02

In the lineup today: The famous Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci appears in an illustrated book about the legends of the Summer Olympics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iasi hosted the opening of the International Summer Courses Romania  Language and Civilization, the 52nd edition; Romania was included by Thailand on the list of states whose citizens can travel to this country without a visa; The European Commission approved the registration of the Romanian product Sardeluta marinata  Marinated Sardine in the Traditional Specialty Guaranteed register. This and much more in the next 10 minutes. Stay tuned.
South Korea will on Thursday release preliminary Q2 figures for gross domestic product, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

GDP is expected to rise 0.1 percent on quarter and 2.5 percent on year, moderating from 1.3 percent on quarter and 3.3 percent on year in the three months prior.

Japan will see producer price data for June, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 2.6 percent on year - up from 2.5 percent in May.

Hong Kong will provide June numbers for imports, exports and trade balance; in May, imports were up 9.6 percent and exports rose 14.8 percent for a trade deficit of HKD12.1 billion.

Thailand will release June figures for imports, exports and trade balance; in May, imports were down 1.7 percent and exports rose 7.2 percent for a trade surplus of $660 million.

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Macquarie Group Ltd. (MQG.AX,MQBKY.PK) provided an update on the first quarter of its 2025 financial year ahead of its 2024 Annual General Meeting in Sydney.

The company's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shemara Wikramanayake, said that Macquarie's Operating Group performance was consistent with expectations, with the Operating Group contribution from the first quarter of the 2025 financial year broadly in line with the first quarter of the 2024 financial year.

Macquarie said it continues to maintain a cautious stance, with a conservative approach to capital, funding and liquidity that positions it well to respond to the current environment.

The Australian financial services firm remains said it remains well-positioned to deliver superior performance in the medium term with its diverse mix across annuity-style and markets-facing businesses.

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Business News
BayWa AG (BYWG), a German trading, logistics, and supplementary services provider, reported that its preliminary earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation for the first half of 2024 decreased from last year, and withdrew its earnings before interest and tax forecast for financial year 2024.

Preliminary group revenues were 10.7 billion euros in the first half of 2024 down from 12.6 billion euros in the prior year. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was 149.5 million euros compared to 322.1 million euros in the previous year.

Preliminary earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) in the second quarter totalled 61.3 million euros after negative earnings before interest and tax of minus 61.3 million euros in the first quarter. However, the earnings before interest and tax figures remain subject to the (IAS 36) impairment tests that have become necessary owing to the performance of the share price and have yet to be carried out.

Due to ongoing impairment reviews, the release of the Half-Year Financial Statements for 2024, originally planned for 8 August 2024, has been delayed. The comprehensive results for the first six months of the financial year will now be disclosed alongside the Half-Year Financial Statements on 27 September 2024.

The company has decided to withdraw its forecast for earnings before interest and tax for the financial year 2024, previously projected to be between 365 million euros and 385 million euros. Due to the ongoing restructuring efforts, the Board of Management is currently unable to provide a sufficiently reliable and specific new forecast for earnings before interest and tax for the financial year 2024.

The company said it remains in constructive talks with its financing partners. It continues to believe that the financial situation can be lastingly improved.

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Business confidence from Germany and monetary aggregates from the euro area are due on Thursday, headlining a light day for the European economic news.

At 2.00 am ET, Statistics Sweden publishes household lending and producer prices for June.

At 2.45 am ET, France's statistical office ISTAT is scheduled to issue confidence survey results. The business sentiment index is forecast to remain unchanged at 99 in July.

At 4.00 am ET, the market research group ifo Institute releases Germany business sentiment survey data. Economists forecast the business confidence index is forecast to climb to 88.9 in July from 88.6 in June.

In the meantime, the European Central Bank releases euro area monetary aggregates data for June. M3 is forecast to grow 1.8 percent annually, following May's 1.6 percent increase.

At 6.00 am ET, the Confederation of British Industry is slated to issue Industrial Trends survey results. The order book balance is forecast to fall to -19 in July from -18 in June.

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Norway's unemployment rate held steady in June after falling in the previous month, the labor force survey data from Statistics Norway showed on Thursday.

The seasonally adjusted jobless rate came in at 4.1 percent in June, the same as in the previous month.

In the corresponding month last year, the rate was 3.5 percent.

The number of unemployed people was 123,000 in June, unchanged from May, the agency said.

Data showed that the employment rate stood at 69.8 percent, up from 69.6 percent in May.

On a trend basis, the unemployment rate also remained stable at 4.1 percent.

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Turkey's manufacturing capacity utilization rate decreased in July to the lowest level in more than a year, and factory confidence worsened further, figures from the central bank showed on Thursday.

The capacity utilization rate dropped to 75.9 percent in July from 76.3 percent in the previous month.

Further, this was the lowest ratio since April 2023, when it was 75.4 percent.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the capacity utilization rate also declined to 75.9 percent in July from 76.2 percent in the previous month.

Separate data from the central bank showed that the non-adjusted manufacturing confidence index fell to a 7-month low of 100.3 in July from 102.8 in June.

Overall order books and employment are expected to decrease over the next three months, while an increase is anticipated in production.

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President Joe Biden will hold a bilateral meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House Thursday.

"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, including countering Iran's threats to Israel and the broader region," the White House said in a press release ahead of the meeting.

A senior Biden administration official said at a news conference that negotiations on the ceasefire and hostage release deal is "in the closing stages and it's reaching a point that we believe a deal is closable and it's time to move to close that agreement."

The Gaza humanitarian situation, Lebanon and West Bank also will be discussed.

This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Biden visited Israel shortly after the October 7 terrorist attack.

Following the leaders' meeting, they will meet together with the families of Americans held hostage by Hamas.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate, will meet separately with Netanyahu on Thursday.

Biden returned to the White House Wednesday after he tested negative for Covid.

He was functioning from his Delaware residence after testing positive for Covid last week. It was from his residence that Biden announced his decision to quit the presidential race.

On Wednesday night, Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office explaining his decision to withdraw.

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Business News
Helmerich & Payne Inc. (HP) announced Thursday an agreement to acquire Scotland's KCA Deutag International Ltd., a diverse drilling company, for $1.9725 billion in cash.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the H&P Board of Directors, and is expected to close prior to calendar 2024 year end, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The acquisition will be funded with cash on hand and new borrowings.

The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to cash flow and free cash flow per share, and increasingly accretive thereafter, with double-digit free cash flow accretion expected as soon as 2025.

Transaction returns are expected to exceed cost of capital by 2026.

KCA Deutag has a significant land drilling presence in the Middle East, which represents approximately two-thirds of the company's calendar year 2023 Operating EBITDA, with additional operations in South America, Europe and Africa.

In addition to its land operations, KCA Deutag has asset-light offshore management contract operations in the North Sea, Angola, Azerbaijan and Canada.

President and CEO of H&P, John Lindsay, said, "KCA Deutag's assets and operations will add resilient revenues, providing greater earnings visibility and cash flow generation. As a result, we expect to generate sizeable incremental cash flows and are confident this transaction will deliver near- and long-term growth..."

Through the transaction, H&P is expected to increase its Middle East rig count from 12 to 88 rigs, 71 of which are in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait.

Upon closing the deal, H&P expects to have three primary operating segments: North America Solutions, International Solutions, and Offshore Solutions. H&P's North America Solutions segment will remain unchanged.

In pre-market activity on the NYSE, Helmerich & Payne shares were gaining around 1.5 percent to trade at $38.32.

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Astrana Health (ASTH) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Collaborative Health Systems, a management services organization and a company of Centene (CNC). The company said it will provide an update to the combined entity's financial outlook once the transaction closes.

Astrana Health said CHS has built a highly complementary provider footprint across several states, including key such as Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, New Mexico, and Virginia, as well as a scaled ecosystem of more than 350 primary care physicians across Texas, where Astrana already has a growing presence.

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Germany and the United Kingdom have signed a new joint declaration on closer defense cooperation. This will be the most comprehensive defense agreement that has been signed between the two countries.

Objectives set out in Wednesday's joint declaration include strengthening UK and German defense industries, reinforcing Euro-Atlantic security, improving the efficiency of joint operations, confronting evolving security challenges such as the cyber domain, and supporting Ukraine.

Both countries are among the biggest providers of military and economic support to Ukraine. The UK government has committed to provide 3 billion ($3.85 billion) worth of military support every year until Ukraine wins the war against Russia.

Our international alliances are a crucial component of a secure Britain, and domestically the Government will ensure that defense and security are at the heart of economic growth and the prosperity of the UK, UK Defense Secretary John Healey said.

He signed the deal with with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as part of his 48-hour drive of defense diplomacy, making his first visits to France, Germany, Poland, and Estonia.

Meeting counterparts across Europe, the new British Defense Secretary will set out the new government's commitment to deepen defense ties with European allies, within a 'NATO-first' defense strategy.

At last week's European Political Community Summit, hosted by the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer launched his initiative on resetting relations with Europe.

Earlier this week, Healey met his counterparts in France, alongside the Chiefs of Defense Staff from both nations, and thanked British personnel helping to support security at the Paris Olympics.

On Thursday, Healey is traveling to Estonia to meet UK military personnel deployed to protect NATO's eastern border with Russia.

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Up until now, the older Vitara Brezza from Maruti Suzuki was considered to have good safety ratings with 4 Stars awarded by GNCAP

The strategic partnership between Suzuki and Toyota has yielded many brand-engineered products. One of the stark examples are Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The duo has been successful in India where sales are concerned. Now, their crash test images have surfaced on the internet. Lets take a look.

Maruti Grand Vitara Bharat NCAP

Tackling the over-crowded compact SUV segment, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota came up with Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser Hyryder respectively. These vehicles are co-developed by both the brand and built by Toyota. Suzukis Global C platform underpins both of these SUVs.

Neither of these vehicles has been crash tested yet, but the same was due. Now, images of what looks like Bharat NCAP crash test of Grand Vitara have surfaced on the internet. There is very little clarity as to how these images have surfaced. However, we can see a Grand Vitara crash tested for frontal and side impacts.

Said vehicle subjected to crash test is different for different tests. It is to be noted that Maruti Suzuki does not offer 6 airbags as standard across all the variants of Grand Vitara. Something that the new Swift gets. Only for the pole test, a 6 airbag equipped vehicle was used. While side impact test using a mobile deformable barrier was done in a lower variant.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Bharat NCAP test results are not live yet. Nor are there any leaks suggesting the same. From the images leaked online, we can see that Grand Vitara has done a good job of absorbing the frontal impact. Even the impact test and pole tests show minimal intrusion into passenger space.

What to expect?

Speculations suggest a good safety rating of at least 4 stars, matching the crash performance of the now-discontinued Vitara Brezza from Maruti Suzuki. Conversely speaking, Grand Vitara Bharat NCAP crash rating might very well yield 5 Stars too, making it the first vehicle with a Maruti Suzuki badge to score 5 Stars in a crash test.

There are rumours about Bharat NCAP agency testing the crash ratings of Tatas upcoming Curvv and it passed with full fat 5 Stars. As of now, the only compact SUVs to offer good crash safety performance are Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. Tata Motors is expected to join the 5 Star club within compact SUVs with Curvv.

Will there ever be a 5 Star rated Maruti Suzuki car, ever? The answer to this question is bugging Indian automotive enthusiasts as well. Soon, Bharat NCAP ratings for Grand Vitara will go live and Toyota Urban Cruiser will get the same ratings as they are brand engineered products.

Source
When launched, Tata Curvv EV will rival the likes of MG ZS EV, Mahindra XUV400 and upcpoming Hyundai Creta EV and Maruti eVX

Tata Motors has increased the heartbeats of Indias car enthusiasts with its stunning new Curvv. Set to launch soon, Tata Curvv has been one of the most anticipated cars of 2024. There will be ICE and EV versions at launch. In one of its new TVCs, Tata Motors has showcased Curvv EVs stylish exteriors and a glimpse of the cars interiors. Lets take a look.

Tata Curvv EV TVC

The dawn of Coupe SUVs for mainstream Indian audiences seems to be here and Tata Motors is embracing it. Curvv dons a stylish coupe sloping roofline and a stunning design. Production-spec versions of both Curvv ICE and Curvv EV have been officially revealed and there have been a few teasers here and there.

Tata Motors just revealed a new TVC video of Curvv EV showing vehicles rough and off-road abilities. This is done by tackling the mighty Sandakphu situated at very high altitude. The roads are treacherous and demand capability from cars and skills from drivers.

In this video showing Curvv EVs ascent to Sandakphu, Tata Motors welcomes Curvv to their SUV family. In this video, we can see a few glimpses of Curvv EVs interior, which was officially under wraps up until now. The video reveals an almost identical interior to Nexon EV. This is not a bad thing as Nexon is fairly well equipped.

We can see a similar dashboard with the same 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 10.25-inch fully digital instrument display with a full-screen navigation feature and other switches and attributes. Steering is from the Harrier and Safari with illuminated Tata logo.

Centre console will be largely unchanged from Nexon EVs. Leatherette seats with ventilated function, auto-dimming IRVM, and touch and toggle climate controls. Curvv is expected to get electrically adjustable front seats over Nexon EV. 2nd-row 2-step reclining seats, electric tailgate with gesture control, and 45W fast USB chargers at the front and rear are other notable features.

Specs & features

Tata Curvv EV TVC shows off-roading capabilities that are backed by decent performance to tackle inclines up to 60 degrees. In that regard, Curvv EV is speculated to come equipped with a 55 kWh battery pack mated to a single motor set up in a FWD layout. We would reckon Curvv EV may pack a more powerful motor too.

For reference, Nexon EV LR comes with an electric motor with 143 bhp, 215 Nm and a 100 km/h sprint in a claimed 8.9 seconds. Underpinned by the modular and scalable Acti.ev platform, Curvv EV boasts improved dynamics and rideability too.
WASHINGTON  Nevadas delegation to the Democratic National Convention committed its 49 votes to Vice President Kamala Harris  securing the swing states slate of delegates for Harris as she attempts to rapidly consolidate support after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race Sunday.

Delegates agreed unanimously to throw their weight behind Harris, who had already garnered the support of a number of Nevada superdelegates  elected officials such as the senators, members of Congress and attorney general. The support came in a call Monday night.

Vice President Kamala Harris understands Nevada  we were the first battleground state she visited this year  and Nevada Democrats know Vice President Harris has been instrumental to the Biden administrations historic progress, Nevada Democrats Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno said in a statement.

Nevadas delegation joins other states, including Tennessee, New Hampshire, North Carolina and South Carolina, in announcing its intent to support Harris at the convention. Nearly all of the Florida delegates have committed to Harris, as well.

All 49 of Nevadas delegates had been pledged to Biden  the landslide winner of the states presidential primary in February  given that no other candidate reached the vote threshold necessary to garner the support of a delegate. With Biden exiting the race and releasing his delegates, they became free to vote for any nominee that could earn the support of at least 300 delegates at the Democratic convention.

While not an official mechanism  the state party is waiting for guidance from the Democratic National Committee. Since Bidens withdrawal, Harris has garnered the 1,976 needs to become the nominee, according to the Washington Post, but no official vote has taken place yet.

Nevadas delegates are a mix of elected officials, party volunteers and local leaders. It includes the states two senators, both Democrats, and its three Democratic House members  each of whom endorsed Harris on Sunday  as well as several state legislators and the state party chair.

No other major candidates have announced an intent to challenge Harris. She can officially become the partys nominee at the partys convention in Chicago, which begins Aug. 19.
The state funeral of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong

At the National Funeral Hall, the CPV Central Committee delegation, led by Politburo member and State President To Lam, paid tribute to General Secretary Trong and offered condolences to his family.



Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led the Government delegation, Politburo member and State President To Lam led the State President delegation, Politburo member and NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man led the NA delegation, and Politburo member, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President of the VFF Central Committee Do Van Chien led the VFF Central Committee delegation to pay homage to the late leader and sent condolences to his family.

Former Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh; former Presidents Nguyen Minh Triet, Truong Tan Sang, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Vo Van Thuong; former PM Nguyen Tan Dung; former NA Chairmen Nguyen Sinh Hung, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, and Vuong Dinh Hue; along with many other incumbent and former leaders of the Party and State also came to pay the last respects to General Secretary Trong and extend condolences to his family.

President To Lam pledged that the following generations will follow the General Secretary's example, do their best to serve the Fatherland and the people, stay united and unanimous, and strive to realize the goal of building a peaceful, independent, united, democratic, prosperous, civilized, and happy Vietnam as the late leader wished during his life.

Also on July 25, many international delegations and delegations of ministries, sectors, and localities nationwide came to pay homage to General Secretary Trong and his family.

Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Military Commission, passed away on July 19 at the age of 80.

For nearly 60 years of working, he made significant and particularly remarkable contributions to the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation. He was granted the Gold Star Order, the 55-year Party membership badge, and many other noble orders and medals of Vietnam and other countries.

The respect-paying ceremony takes place from 7am to 10pm on July 25, and from 7am to 1pm on July 26./.
Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) are the largest living predatory lizards and their serrated, curved and blade-shaped teeth make them valuable analogues for studying tooth structure, function and comparing with extinct species, such as theropod dinosaurs. Their teeth possess only a thin coating of enamel that is nevertheless able to cope with the demands of their puncture-pull feeding. New research reveals that Komodo dragon teeth possess a unique adaptation for maintaining their cutting edges: orange, iron-enriched coatings on their tooth serrations and tips.

Native to Indonesia, Komodo dragons are the largest living species of monitor lizard.

These creatures can grow to 3 m (10 feet) in length and run up to 20 kmh (12 mph).

They have sharp, curved teeth similar to many carnivorous theropod dinosaurs.

They eat almost any kind of meat, from smaller reptiles and birds to deer, horses or water buffalo, pulling and tearing at their prey to rip flesh apart.

As the worlds largest lizards, Komodo dragons are inarguably impressive animals, said Dr. Benjamin Tapley, curator of reptiles and amphibians at Zoological Society of London.

Having worked with them for 12 years at London Zoo, I continue to be fascinated by them and these findings further emphasize 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.

To understand the chemical and structural make-up of Komodo dragons teeth, Dr. Tapley, Kings College London researcher Aaron LeBlanc and their colleagues scoured museums for skulls and teeth of Komodo dragons.

They also studied the teeth of Ganas, the 15-year-old Komodo dragon who had lived at London Zoo.

Through advanced imaging and chemical analysis, they were able to observe that the iron in Komodo dragons enamel is concentrated into a thin coating on top of their tooth serrations and tips.

This protective layer keeps the serrated edges of their teeth sharp and ready to be used at a moments notice.

Komodo dragons have curved, serrated teeth to rip and tear their prey just like those of meat-eating dinosaurs, Dr. LeBlanc said.

We want to use this similarity to learn more about how carnivorous dinosaurs might have ate 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 fossilized dinosaur teeth had high levels of iron or not.

We think that the chemical changes which take place during the fossilization process obscure how much iron was present to start with.

What we did find, though, was that larger meat-eating dinosaurs, like tyrannosaurs, did change the structure of the enamel itself on the cutting edges of their teeth.

So, while Komodo dragons have altered the chemistry of their teeth, some dinosaurs altered the structure of their dental enamel to maintain a sharp cutting edge.

With further analysis of the Komodo teeth we may be able to find other markers in the iron coating that arent changed during fossilization.

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.

The findings appear in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.

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A.R.H. LeBlanc et al. Iron-coated Komodo dragon teeth and the complex dental enamel of carnivorous reptiles. Nat Ecol Evol, published online July 24, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41559-024-02477-7
Human settlement of islands across the Pacific Ocean was followed by waves of faunal extinctions that occurred so rapidly that their dynamics are difficult to reconstruct in space and time. These extinctions included large, wingless birds called moa that were endemic to New Zealand. In a new study, scientists from the University of Adelaide and elsewhere reconstructed the range and extinction dynamics of six moa species across New Zealand. They found that the final populations of all moa species persisted in cold, mountainous areas that were generally last and least impacted by people. They also found that these refugia for the last populations of moa continue to serve as isolated sanctuaries for New Zealands flightless birds.

Our research overcame past logistical challenges to trace the population dynamics of six species of moa at resolutions not considered possible before, said University of Adelaides Dr. Damien Fordham.

We did this by combining sophisticated computational models with extensive fossil records, paleoclimate information, and innovative reconstructions of colonization and expansion of people across New Zealand.

Our research shows that despite large differences in the ecology, demography and timing of extinction of moa species, their distributions collapsed and converged on the same areas on New Zealands North and South Islands.

Dr. Fordham and colleagues found that the final populations of all moa species persisted in the same isolated, cold, mountainous environments that today harbor many of the last populations of New Zealands most threatened flightless birds. These include Mount Aspiring on the South Island, and the Ruahine Range on the North Island.

Populations of moa are likely to have disappeared first from the highest quality lowland habitats that Polynesian colonists preferred, with rates of population declines decreasing with elevation and distance traveled inland, said Dr. Sean Tomlinson, also from the University of Adelaide.

By pinpointing the last populations of moa and comparing them with distributions of New Zealands living flightless birds, we found that these last havens shelter many of todays persisting populations of takahe, weka and great spotted kiwi.

Whats more, these ancient refugia for moa overlap with the last mainland populations of the critically threatened kakapo.

Although recent drivers of decline of New Zealands native flightless birds are different from those that caused the ancient extinctions of moa, this research shows that their spatial dynamics remain similar.

The key commonality among past and current refugia is not that they are optimal habitats for flightless birds, but that they continue to be the last and least impacted by humanity, said Dr. Jamie Wood, also from the University of Adelaide.

Like earlier waves of Polynesian expansion, habitat conversion by Europeans across New Zealand, and the spread of the animals they brought, was directional, progressing from lowland sites to the less hospitable, cold, mountainous regions.

The teams results appear in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.

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S. Tomlinson et al. Ecological dynamics of moa extinctions reveal convergent refugia that today harbour flightless birds. Nat Ecol Evol, published online July 24, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41559-024-02449-x
Indian members of parliament observe a minute of silence for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. (Photo: SANSAD TV)

In the House of Commons, members of parliament observed a minute of silence after Speaker Om Birla read the condolence message. The Indian Parliament expressed sympathy with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs family and the people of Vietnam, reaffirming their solidarity with the leadership and people of Vietnam during this time of sorrow.

The Indian Parliament acknowledged the contributions and astute leadership of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in advancing Vietnam's progress and development over the past decades. They also highlighted his significant role in fostering the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam.

Vice President and Chairman of the Senate Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressing the parliament, said, "I am deeply saddened to announce that His Excellency Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, passed away on July 19, 2024, in Hanoi, at the age of 80." He emphasized that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong had held Vietnam's highest leadership position for 13 years, earning respect from all levels of society.

Speaker Om Birla recalled Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs visit to India in 2013 and their meeting in Hanoi in April 2022. "We extend our deepest condolences to the Government of Vietnam, to the leadership and our dear friends of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong," he said, paying tribute to "a great soul" who had departed.

Earlier, President of India Droupadi Murmu, on behalf of the Indian government and people, extended heartfelt condolences to President To Lam on the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow upon hearing the news. Indian leaders paid their respects to the deceased, offering deep condolences and expressing their desire to stand by the Vietnamese people and leadership during this painful time./.
Venerable Thich Tu Nhon, head of Tu An Pagoda (Berlin), presides over a requiem for martyrs. (Photo: VNA)

This is one of the activities that demonstrate the traditional values of filial piety and philanthropy, and the respect and gratitude of the Vietnamese people in general and overseas Vietnamese in particular, for those who sacrificed their lives and shed their blood and bones for the independence of the Fatherland.

At the event, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, Vice Chairman of the association, read the special communique on the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. All participants observed a minute of silence to express condolences and commemorate the leader.

Mr. Hung reviewed the history of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day, expressed his gratitude and remembered the great contributions of heroes, war invalids, and martyrs, and carried out traditional education for the younger generation through annual commemorative activities.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh expressed his gratitude to war invalids and martyrs, as well as the associations, unions, as well as the families of Vietnamese veterans in Germany, who have given a lot of love and valuable support to help the families of war invalids and martyrs in different regions of Vietnam.

Notably, just a few days ago, Nguyen Quang Anh, Chairman of the Vietnam War Veterans Association in Germany, and several association members visited the Vi Xuyen frontline in the northern border province of Ha Giang to pay tribute to war invalids and martyrs, and to support local people living in difficult circumstances.

After the celebration, the Vietnamese community in Germany organized a great requiem ceremony for the heroic martyrs hosted by Venerable Thich Tu Nhon - Head of Tu An Pagoda in Berlin, Venerable Thich Thong Dat - Head of Phuc Lam Pagoda in Brandenburg along with monks and nuns, Buddhists of Pho Da Pagoda and overseas Vietnamese prayed for martyrs./.
Leaders from the political coalition including Lelo, For People, and Freedom Square, met with President Salome Zourabichvili at the Orbeliani Palace. The group comprises Lelo leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, For People leader Ana Dolidze, and Freedom Square founder Levan Tsutskiridze.Before the meeting, Lelo leader Badri Japaridze told journalists that the coalition planned to present their strategies and goals to the President. Japaridze emphasized the importance of President Zourabichvili as a key ally in advancing Georgia's European integration efforts. "Our coalition has a meeting with President Salome Zourabichvili. We are going to introduce her to the plans and steps that we have to take. We see that the President is doing everything within her competence, she can support the country on the path of European integration. We consider the President as an important partner in the fight for the country's European future," Japaridze said.Ana Dolidze, leader of For People, highlighted the coalition's ambition to become the governing force and guide the country towards NATO and EU membership. "As you know, we have created a powerful coalition that is preparing to become the governing power in the country and return the country to the path of NATO and the European Union. Therefore, we have come today to inform the President of our plans, because we consider her to be one of the main allies on the path of EU reforms," Dolidze stated.Levan Tsutskiridze of Freedom Square added that the new political movement supports the President's charter and aims to outline their vision of the coalition's role in Georgia's political future. "We, as a newly established political movement, support the President's charter. We want to share our vision of where we see the important role of this coalition. We deeply believe that this coalition will be a central actor in the political system of Georgia," Tsutskiridze remarked.Tina Bokuchava, the chairperson of the United National Movement, accused Bidzina Ivanishvili of spreading false fears and conspiracies to influence the upcoming October 26 elections in Georgia. This statement was made in response to the recent announcement by the State Security Service, which claimed a plot involving former high-ranking officials and Ukrainian law enforcement aimed to assassinate Ivanishvili and overthrow the Georgian government.Bokuchava criticized Ivanishvili's government, stating that absurd accusations and continuous attacks against Ukraine, USA, EU officials, and the West have led to a change in Western policy towards the ruling power. This shift has resulted in sanctions against Ivanishvili and his team.She highlighted that discussions in the US Congress mentioned financial sanctions against Ivanishvili due to his anti-Western, anti-national, and anti-state policies. Bokuchava expressed confidence that Georgian citizens would reject these tactics and make an informed choice regarding the country's Euro-Atlantic future in the upcoming elections."By instilling false fear, Ivanishvili is trying to mislead the citizens of Georgia and keep power on that basis," Bokuchava stated. She emphasized the need for political discourse based on facts, ensuring that Georgian citizens are well-informed to make a decisive choice about their future.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with the President of the Central American Parliament Silvia Garca 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 Garca, 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.

Garca 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 Garca in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Editor: WXL
Photo courtesy of Bay County

When the new Bay County Community Health Center opens in what was the Art Van Furniture Center, it will be a boon for Bay City and Bangor Township.Construction is set to be completed by the end of 2025.Bay County Public Health Officer Joel Strasz says the Health and Human Services Center will house health department clinics plus other human services and offices.It will be kind of like a one-stop shop for people that are looking for assistance or need help, he says.The county received $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and another $2 million in federal dollars from a congressional appropriation to buy and renovate what was once an iconic furniture store at 4150 Wilder Road across from the Bay City Town Center. ts an acquisition Bangor Township Supervisor Glenn Rowley was happy to see.Its a win-win for the area, and Ill say the whole West Side, Rowley says, adding the health department had also been looking at the former Younkers site inside the Bangor Township mall, but the old furniture store was more affordable and a better fit.Strasz says they did look at the Younkers site in the mall, but it had a few issues including that it would have been harder to re-fit the space. The furniture store already had a lot of little coves in there that are already made, so the need for extensive renovation is greatly reduced.That the new site is just inside the city limits isnt a problem for Bangor Township officials.We know theres going to be a lot of pour-over business that will be generated from it, and Rowley says hes looking forward to welcoming new visitors to the township.Strasz says there will be other human service agencies coming into the new building along with the health department.Rowley says hes hearing one of them might be the CAN Council. The CAN Council advocates for children to help break the cycle of violence in the home. Rowley said its rumored that the State of Michigan will also be opening an office for one of its departments there, but nothing has been confirmed.The current Bay County Health Department is located on the citys East Side at 1200 Washington Ave., which makes getting services more difficult for those on the West Side. Strasz adds he is well aware that the West Side location also may cause problems for some.Were actively trying to work with public transportation to make sure that there is a regular scheduled bus outlet there, which will help the both the health center and the nearby township.Of course if they get a bus ride over to the health department, then they might use the mall or Walmart or some of those other businesses over there, too. It will be a boon for that particular location, no doubt, says Strasz.The move is necessary because the number of services and clientele visiting the downtown location has outgrown the space. The existing building also has some issues with climate control. Strasz says the current location was at one time a grocery store and then was a department store.My office is so cold that I always say this was probably the meat department, he says, adding the building has been essentially the same since it was renovated in the mid-1970s.This is the first major construction project that weve had at the health department, Strasz says. Its kind of a learning curve for us, but were excited.Theyve begun working with a contractor and are planning some announcements around that soon.Were definitely moving forward and there will be more information coming very soon, he says.Along with the countys allocation of ARPA funds, U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee was instrumental in securing the federal funding for the project, Strasz says. The $2 million in federal funding will make a big difference in what theyre able to do.Itll probably take all of that to get it all up and running, but its a pretty big investment in this community, he says.Kildee says the funds are part of whats known as Community Project Funding and are dollars legislators get to put back into their own communities for economic development and other projects.For too long, Bay County families have struggled to get the care and services they need because the doctors, nurses, and social workers they rely on have been scattered across the county, he says, adding the funds will help bring much-needed services such as primary care, substance abuse treatment, and other public health services, to one place.For many residents, the new facility will make a big difference.This economic development project will bring Bay Countys health services under one roof, making it easier for local residents to see a doctor, connect with substance abuse treatment providers, talk with a social worker, and take care of any other health needs they might have. Im proud to have secured federal funding for this important project, says Kildee.Construction should start sometime this fall, Strasz says, and we will be all moved in and set by the end of 2025.Follow the progress and get updates on Health Department Services on Facebook
Trey Sebring, author and member of the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center (BCAMSC) Climate Club





Trey Sebring is a senior at Battle Creek Central High School and the Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center. He is a member of Central's tennis team, The Youth Alliance Committee, as well as an organizer of the High School Climate Change Symposium. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, camping, rock climbing, and all things coming from Nature.

This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's Voices of Youth Battle Creek program supported by the BINDA Foundation, City of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Community Foundation, and the Michigan After School Partnership. This series features stories created by Calhoun County youth in partnership with professional mentors.BATTLE CREEK, MI  According to Scientific American, two-thirds of American youths cannot read proficiently. Twenty percent are obese, and another 15 percent do not know where their next meal is coming from. While these large-scale problems facing youth attract a lot of attention, there is a less obvious problem: youth voices are often overlooked when it comes to solutions.The struggles of youth are so often looked at with a certain sense of tragedy. Why is this happening to them? They have done nothing to deserve this, and cant solve this problem on their own. While there is truth to these statements, it is these very views that often cause youths to be separated from the solutions.But this type of thinking can be unproductive and counterintuitive. Shouldnt the people most affected by the problem also be a part of the solution? After all, they know its consequences the best. They have the best insight on what would help.This is a view that is becoming more mainstream. More organizations are being set up and run by youths for youths. The first Michigan foundation-associated youth advisory councils were created in the early 1990s but became more popular around the turn of the 21st century.Full disclosure: I am a member of BCCF's YAC. The youth committee, formed in 1989, is made up of high-school youth representing different Battle Creek area public and private schools who are committed to improving the quality of life for youth through grantmaking, volunteerism, "evaluating needs & interests of youth, and actively engaging in various community projects," according to its website page Much has been done to support YACs throughout the region and state. The W.K Kellogg Foundation has invested $35 million into the Community Foundation Youth Project Initiative, with the hopes of setting up more interactive youth programs in communities. The Council of Michigan Foundations created their Michigan Communities' Foundations Youth Project in collaboration with Kellogg.Kyle Caldwell, President and CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations, is a big fan of foundation-centered Youth Advisory Councils."Across Michigan, more than 1,500 young people serve on 86 youth grantmaking committees  youth advisory councils (YACS)  distributing thousands in grants to their communities," says Caldwell. "They are leaders who are making a difference and building lifelong habits of strategic giving and problem-solving  a valuable force for good for Michigans future."It is through these initiatives that the Battle Creek Community Foundation started its own youth council. The Youth Alliance Committee is a combination of students from local high schools who came together to benefit the communities where they lived.What started off as a ragtag group of high school students with an ill-defined objective was quickly polished into an organization wanting and able to help those around them. They accomplished this by conducting surveys of the local youth population every three years to find the issues that are most important to them. Then using grant money supplied by generous donors they search for community programs that look to address these issues and help fund them.These surveys and funding activities have continued in the 30 years since inception. The problems trying to be solved may have evolved with the community but they are still there, in need of someone to focus on them.One problem that caught YACs attention this grant cycle was that of spiking juvenile crime rates in Battle Creek as well as the continued substance abuse by the most vulnerable youths in our community.To address these concerns, they focused on two proposals brought to them. The first proposal was through a local church, focusing on moral recognition therapy. The project tries to solve the rising crime rates by focusing on at-risk youth and families. The 12-week program looks to bring together families to gain a deeper understanding of the children's emotional well-being and the reasons they are acting out in such a way.The next project is looking to combat substance abuse in the high school-aged population. The program is run by a parent-child duo with experience in drug abuse and recovery. Looking to share their experience as a family and how it destroys not only the lives of the addicted but also the people who hold them close.Both of these organizations did get the funding they requested from the Youth Alliance Committee. But not every organization is as lucky, as the vetting they go through by the leaders of YAC is intensive.Each organization is closely vetted by the Community Foundation staff and the directors of the Youth Alliance Committee. The purpose of this vetting is to make sure the money is spent correctly with the express goal of helping the youth.Since YAC is focused on youth programming in the greater Battle Creek Area, the applications must be for programs meeting those requirements of location and purpose, Kyra Hill, the director of YAC explains.Along with the purpose and funding needs of the organizations. They are also required to release their planned use of the money. This is where the youths get a large say in how the money is used. They may decide whether or not to award an organization funds. But also are allowed to specify what the funds must be used for.(i.e. must be used for program expenses, not employee salary, etc.).There have been times when organizations have come in to ask for a grant, and YAC has been pretty tough on them because they feel that the program wasnt having the impact the application said it was," says Hill.This highlights the careful decision-making processes that go into grantmaking. The YAC has only limited funds for what seems to be mounting pressure and problems on the youths.The youths whose programs these grants fund arent the only ones getting helped in this process. Just as much as the youths who sit on these committees, YAC members deepen their understanding of teamwork and real-world business processes are also immensely helped.Throughout the history of YAC as an organization, one of the main focuses of the committee is to develop young leaders of the community, and problem solvers who have in-depth knowledge of the issues.These efforts have paid off. The current group of YAC committee members is a roster of highly motivated, highly skilled youth who are optimistic about the future  a group of dreamers who credit a lot of their success to the work they have done on this board.Looking back at it, YAC has helped me a lot," says Elijah Fox, a longtime YAC member and their treasurer It taught me how to make a difference in my community, how to disagree with others respectfully while also advocating for your own opinions and ideasAnother YAC member, Pablo Camargo Tang, says it this way: I know this experience will help me in college. Just the feeling of making a difference is something I hope to explore more in college."In fact I believe that YAC is an important reason I got in [to the University of Pennsylbania] seeing that I was doing something important to help my community really helped me connect with the admission officers, I feel.
* Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across wide swaths of China, causing severe casualties, disrupting traffic and forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate.

* Central and local authorities are moving swiftly to allocate all resources at their disposal to the ongoing relief and restoration efforts.

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China is mobilizing nationwide efforts to combat torrential rains, heavy flooding and other natural disasters as the country has entered the critical flood season, which normally runs from late July to early August.

Over the past few weeks, heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across wide swaths of China, causing severe casualties, disrupting traffic and forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Emergency responses to flooding have been activated in many regions across the country.

More than 20 vehicles plunged into the Jinqian River late Friday after the collapse of a 40-meter section of a highway bridge in Zhashui County of Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, following a flash flood triggered by a heavy rainstorm.

So far, rescuers have found the bodies of 15 victims. Thousands of rescue workers and volunteers are still searching for the missing.

Shortly after the disaster, President Xi Jinping urged all-out rescue and relief efforts to safeguard people's lives and property.

Rescuers work at the site of a bridge collapse in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

The immediate priority is to carry out rescue operations, make every effort to search for the missing and minimize casualties, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in an instruction.

He stressed that as the critical period of flood control approaches, it is imperative for regions and relevant departments to be extra vigilant, fulfill their duties diligently, improve monitoring systems and early warning mechanisms, strengthen inspections, and implement various measures meticulously to guarantee the safety of people's lives and property.

Another deadly disaster occurred early Saturday morning, when heavy downpours caused flash flooding at a local river in Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, that seriously damaged over 40 houses in a village.

By Monday evening, rescue workers had found the bodies of 14 people, with 25 others still missing. Rescuers are using drones, sniffer dogs and life detectors to continue the search and rescue.

Rescuers evacuate a disaster-affected resident in Xinhua Village, Malie Township, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

In response to the natural disasters that have affected various parts of China, central and local authorities are moving swiftly to allocate all resources at their disposal to the ongoing relief and restoration efforts, while taking measures to identify potential risks and prepare for secondary disasters.

The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management have held joint meetings to discuss flood prevention situations with the China Meteorological Administration and ministries of water resources, natural resources, and housing and urban and rural development.

They have also coordinated flood prevention and relief work in disaster-hit provinces via video conferences, while working groups have been dispatched to the provinces to assist and guide disaster prevention and response.

On Sunday, the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner, said it has allocated 350 million yuan (about 49 million U.S. dollars) from the central budget to aid disaster relief and restoration efforts in flood-stricken Henan, Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces.

The money will be used to fund the emergency recovery of flood-damaged schools, hospitals and flood control facilities in those provinces.

Rescuers transfer stranded residents in Pingjiang County, central China's Hunan Province, July 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan)

After the collapse of the highway bridge in Shangluo, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing led a working team to the site to guide rescue efforts. He urged more efforts to search for the missing.

As the current flood season features high risks of geological disasters, all regions should screen for and rectify potential risks along highways and railways, Zhang said, calling for strengthened monitoring, early warning, and timely traffic control to minimize casualties.

On Sunday, the vice premier also visited the flood-hit Xinhua village, which is located in Hanyuan County under Ya'an City, Sichuan, and inspected a local hospital and the temporary relocation site for those affected by the disaster.

In Sichuan's flood-hit areas, post-disaster recovery efforts are in full swing. Power supply to 5,399 households has been fully restored as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, and seven 10kV lines in Hanyuan have been repaired.

A total of 248 emergency repair personnel, 75 repair vehicles and six emergency power supply vehicles have been deployed to support the disaster relief and power restoration efforts in Hanyuan.

In China's coastal regions, local authorities are bracing for the impact of Typhoon Gaemi, the third typhoon of this year. It was located 260 km southeast of Taiwan's Yilan County at 5 a.m. Wednesday and is expected to make landfall along the coast of central and northern Taiwan on Wednesday night.

Lin Xiaohong, chief forecaster at the Fujian provincial meteorological observatory, said that heavy rainfall is anticipated across most of the province, with the most intense precipitation likely to occur in the central and northern regions.

Cumulative rainfall is projected to range from 150 to 350 millimeters, with some areas experiencing over 600 millimeters, Lin added.

Editor: WXL
India-owned, Africa-focused telecoms group Airtel Africa saw first-quarter revenues rise by almost a fifth at constant currencies, but reported sales dropped sharply due to the ongoing currency devaluation in Nigeria.

The company, which is majority owned by Indian telecoms giant Bharti Airtel, said revenues totalled $1.16bn in the three months to 30 June, up 19% at constant FX but down 16.1% on a reported basis, mainly due to a falling naira in Nigeria.

Airtel Africa swung to a profit after tax of $31m for the period, compared with a loss of $151m the year before. Constant currency EBITDA increased 11.3% whilst reported currency EBITDA declined by 23.3% to $523m.

The EBITDA margin reduced to 45.3% from 49.5% a year earlier, which the company put down to a substantial increase in fuel prices across its markets and the naira devaluation.

Total customer numbers rose 8.6% to 155.4m during the period, with data customers growing 13.4% to 64.4m.

"A strong capital structure is critical to enabling these ambitions and future proofing our ambitious growth targets," said chief executive Sunil Taldar.

"During the quarter, we fully repaid the outstanding debt due at the HoldCo and we remain committed to further reduce foreign currency exposure across the group to limit the impact of currency devaluation on our business. The growth opportunity across our markets remains compelling and we continue to focus on margin improvement as indicated in our FY'24 results."

Shares were down nearly 4% at 110.6p in early deals on Thursday.
Four major high street banks - HSBC , Lloyds , TSB, and Allied Irish Banks (AIB) - have been found in violation of rules set by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), it emerged on Thursday.

The regulator said the breaches pertained to the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order 2017, which mandates transparency and accuracy in customer information.

It said HSBC failed to update information about its branches, listing 167 closed branches as open and omitting two operational branches.

Additionally, the bank did not accurately display annual rates for business loans and overdrafts on its website and misinformed some customers about unarranged overdraft charges on their personal current accounts.

TSB, owned by the Madrid-listed Banco de Sabadell, similarly did not disclose the correct maximum charges for unarranged overdrafts on personal current accounts.

The Dublin-listed AIB was meanwhile found to have incorrect annual rates for certain loans and overdrafts, both through Open Banking and its website, while Lloyds failed to list 363 ATM addresses through Open Banking.

The CMA said it monitors compliance closely, and requires banks to report non-compliance within 14 days.

Lloyds, TSB, and AIB confirmed they were implementing changes, including enhancing internal procedures, improving oversight, updating checklists, and retraining staff.

HSBC, which the regulator said had more extensive breaches, had been given detailed directions by the CMA, including an action plan to ensure future compliance.

The CMA said the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order was designed to foster transparency and competition in the banking sector, benefiting consumers through initiatives like Open Banking, which facilitates secure data sharing and improved service innovation.

HSBC was directed to make significant changes to prevent future breaches, and all four banks had received public letters from the CMA outlining the required corrective actions.

People deserve banks they can trust to serve them well, said CMA senior director Dan Turnbull.

Having correct information is essential when making important decisions about our finances.

Banks handling our hard-earned money should have adequate processes in place to ensure this happens.

Turnbull said it was disappointing that seven years on, the regulator had to impose formal enforcement measures to secure better compliance from a major bank like HSBC was yet again in breach of the rules.

The CMA will continue to closely monitor all banks compliance to ensure customers can clearly and confidently manage their finances.

At 1209 BST, shares in HSBC Holdings were down -1.4% at 653.7p, while those in Lloyds Banking Group were off 0.44% at 59.4p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
photo: Ben Arons

Jordanna Max Brodsky hails from Virginia, where she made it through a science and technology high school by pretending it was a theater conservatory. She holds a degree in history and literature from Harvard University and is the author of the Olympus Bound trilogy and The Wolf in the Whale (Redhook, $15.99), which is reviewed below. Brodsky lives with her husband in Manhattan, where she is working on her next novel.

The Wolf in the Whale is a complex, epic novel. What was your process for writing something this grand in scale?

I can't even tell you how long this book took because I literally don't know. It was the first book I ever started to write, which at the time was like, "What am I doing? This is an incredibly hard book to write." But the story just grabbed hold of me, so I spent time researching and writing. And it was the first book I brought to my agent, who was interested, but said, "You know what, this is a very strange book, so do you have any other ideas?" And I told her about my idea for The Immortals (Book 1 of the Olympus Bound trilogy). She said, "Well, that one's an easier sell. Why don't you work on that one?" And so I did; I finished that trilogy and then came back to this book. At that point, I did a lot more editing, rewriting, researching, travel, all the rest of it before it was finally done. So, it's been over 10 years on and off with a big break in the middle.

Part of your process also includes very hands-on research. Why is that so important to you?

It always adds a richness that you can't quite get any other way. Certainly in terms of going up to the Nunavut Territory in northern Canada (where the book is set) and speaking with Inuit folk up there, it was the least I could do. To tell a story inspired by their culture, I felt like it was obligatory to do my best to engage as much as possible with the modern community. Even though this story is set a thousand years ago, it's definitely still their history, their past. I would have preferred to go up there and live for two years.

Plus, there's the actual experiences. I had written the Northern Lights scene in the book long before I ever went up to Nunavut--before I'd ever seen the Northern Lights in person. I'd watched a million videos, seen a million photographs. You feel like, "how different could it really be in person? Surely you can write it without going up there." And I did, I wrote it originally without having been there. Then, when I was actually standing there under the Northern Lights, the whole thing was completely different. I knew the Inuit legend that the Northern Lights are the ancestors of the dead playing kickball games in the sky. But I didn't really get it until I was standing there looking at the sky, and saw these flashes of orange and purple kind of coming toward me with these green shadows. And then, all of a sudden, that's when I saw this stripe of green slither cross the sky and it was my husband who turned to me and said, "It looks like a snake." And I thought, "oh my God, that's the world serpent." And so all those moments, all those details in that scene come from having experienced it myself.

In all of your books, gender plays a very prominent role. What were your goals with Omat, who in the ancient Inuit culture is believed to be a female possessing the soul of a male?

The challenge here was to try to present an understanding of gender and of gender roles that's extremely different from our own modern conceptions--and I think very different from modern Inuit conceptions as well. This is not a practice, as far as I know, that's still done in modern Inuit culture. But it was one that did exist pre-Christianity in certain locations and among certain communities.

I can see it even as different reviewers start to write about the book. They're struggling with how to talk about the idea of gender and should they use our modern transgender conventions, which is not my intention in this book. Omat is not what we today call transgender--it's a very different sort of thing. Although I think that's the beauty of it. There are all these different varieties of what gender means. Part of the struggle, I think, is in Inuit language there are no gender pronouns--there's no he or she. (I had to use these pronouns, otherwise I felt like the book would have been extremely confusing for modern readers. But again, they wouldn't have.)

Yet they have a society that is so gendered.

Yes. Different rules, different taboos for different genders, and yet there exist these people who are able to transcend that due to their birth.

Are there any other realms of history and mythology on your radar for the future?

I studied American history and literature in college, and that's really my first love. My next project is an American historical fiction book set during the Civil War. It will actually not have a mythological component for once. I'm taking a little bit of a step back from mythology and delving a little more into history, although issues of gender and gender relations and what it means to be a woman in different ages, that is still going to be a major theme of the book. Some of my favorite themes I just can't get away from. But when dealing with the American Civil War, I tend to believe that the reality of it is complex enough and important enough that there is no need to bring in any fantastical elements. As fun as it is to have Abraham Lincoln be a vampire hunter, I prefer to remember Southern slave owners didn't have supernatural causes to enslave Africans. There were plenty of human reasons to be evil and immoral and I don't think we should give people a pass by making them supernatural monsters. --Jen Forbus
Photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows the Fuxing bullet train C883 ready for departure at the Lhasa Railway Station in Lhasa, southwest Chinas Xizang Autonomous Region. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows the Fuxing bullet train C883 ready for departure at the Lhasa Railway Station in Lhasa, southwest Chinas Xizang Autonomous Region. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows the Fuxing bullet train C883 ready for departure at the Lhasa Railway Station in Lhasa, southwest Chinas Xizang Autonomous Region. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows the Fuxing bullet train C883 ready for departure at the Lhasa Railway Station in Lhasa, southwest Chinas Xizang Autonomous Region. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows passengers arriving at the Lhasa Railway Station in Lhasa, southwest Chinas Xizang Autonomous Region. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows passengers arriving at the Lhasa Railway Station in Lhasa, southwest Chinas Xizang Autonomous Region. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows staff helping passengers at the Lhasa Railway Station in Lhasa, southwest Chinas Xizang Autonomous Region. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows the view of the Lhasa Railway Station in Lhasa, southwest Chinas Xizang Autonomous Region. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Editor: WXY
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.

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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
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Hurricane Sandy devastated Staten Island in 2012, destroying homes, impacting livelihoods and claiming lives.

Such a storm happens every hundred years or so, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Oceanographer Dr. William Sweet explained to the Advance/SILive.com.

The sediment overwash in the Long Island Sound, he said, shows researchers that such a storm surge that we saw with Hurricane Sandy has happened three or four times in the last three or four hundred years.

Composite shows Hurricane Sandy damage at the docks off of Mansion Avenue, near Marina Cafe, in Great Kills in 2012 with the progression of the area in 2019. (Staten Island Advance/Bill Lyons, Staten Island Advance/Shira Stoll)(Staten Island Advance/Bill Lyons, Staten Island Advance/Shira Stoll)

In an age of rising sea levels and melting ice, one could question how much climate change impacts a hurricane like Sandy. While climate change isnt the direct cause of hurricanes, climate change does alter how severe they are.

Theyre rare [Hurricane Sandy-like storms], but they will happen, whether climate change is occurring or not. But climate change is not helping to keep hurricane intensities in check, and its definitely not keeping sea level rise in check, Sweet explained.

Hurricane Sandy, a hundred years ago, wouldve been a foot lower. Seas continue to accelerate their pace. Whether we have a Hurricane Sandy now or a Hurricane Sandy 50 years from now, sea level rise is just going to cause greater inundation and flooding further inland.

Waves crash on the shore at St. George near the 9/11 memorial on Oct. 29, 2012, as Hurricane Sandy approaches. (Staten Island Advance/ Bill Lyons) Staten Island Advance

Sweet outlined the amount of sea level rise that Staten Island has experienced already: From 1990 to 2020, the ocean rose about half a foot.

From 2020 to 2050, it is predicted that the tides will heave up another foot.

The evidence is clear. The rate of high tide flooding is picking up, theres water in the streets. If you look at it from a perspective of an ocean front home on the beach, well, your dunes are dissipating, your sands disappearing. [If] sea level [was] retreating and going down, you would be gaining sand in front of you. Youre not. Youre losing it, Sweet said.

Staten Island has been given back some of its coastline via human intervention  not by sinking sea levels. The Living Breakwaters project off the coast of Tottenville included a sand restoration project to help rebuild the lost coastline that was taken by Hurricane Sandy.

Broken and downed construction fencing is pictured at the end of Manhattan Street in Tottenville as the another part of the Living Breakwaters project is seen in the water on April 16, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney)Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney

From January 2024 to April 2024, 22,000 tons of sand were trucked in from New Jerseys North American Aggregates in Perth Amboy. Thats approximately 35 truckloads of sand being brought in daily while the zone was active.

When told of the Living Breakwaters project, which is made up of eight structures that are designed to break turbulent wave energy that swings into the shore of Tottenville during serious storms, so that the resulting waves that pass through the gaps arent as vicious, Sweet didnt seem convinced.

Thats really for more of a storm surge, right? Waves and surge, lets slow it down. .. Thats not going to do much just [for] the high tides as they just creep in and out. The tides are going to go wherever they want to go; nothings going stop them. You might put a storm surge gate up. Thats what theyre talking about for New York City and Boston  Lets put these giants storm surge gates up, we gotta protect ourselves and the surges of the future. But those arent meant to shut during high tides. These are meant to shut maybe once a year, [with] the amount of money it cost to shut them and operate them  but its not going to feed navigation.

Multiple breakwaters just below Staten Island's coast are pictured. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk

As sea levels rise and high tides, full moon tides, prevailing wind tides, start hitting up against the coast, its not necessarily violent. These Breakwaters are going to do nothing. Water is just going to go right by them and its just going to flood the coast. There are some shared solution spaces with storm surge and rough waters and sea level rise, but theyre not one in the same, Sweet explained.

For the nay-sayers of sea level rise, he had this to say: Lets talk about sea level rise in an urbanized area: water coming out of the stormwaters [systems], water flooding in the streets, combined wastewater systems failing Go talk to your storm and wastewater managers of your town and see what they say. They see it. They know its there. Its real and its happening.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Notre Dame Academy on Grymes Hill has appointed a new elementary school principal.

Pre-K teacher and coordinator of the early childhood center, Kerri Paone, will become the next principal of Notre Dame Academy Elementary School, effective Aug. 1, according to an announcement by Kathryn Jaenicke, president of the school, on Wednesday.

Beyond the classroom, Paone is an active member of the enrollment management core team, the strategic growth plan steering committee, and was a key contributor to the reopening implementation plan in 2020 during the pandemic.

I am highly passionate about continuing to support Notre Dame Academys legacy of excellence in faith-based education, advocating for the unique benefits of an all-girls learning environment while fostering confidence and leadership skills tailored to each of the students needs, said Paone. As principal, I will facilitate a culture of continuous improvement, supporting educators professional growth to provide students with a superior, faith-centered liberating education rooted in the charism of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys and Visitation spirituality.

She successfully designed and implemented the toddler and 3-K programs  playing a pivotal role in the development of the schools early childhood initiatives with a focus on curriculum development, staff training and community formation, according to the school. Additionally, she mentored several support staff members as they grew into lead teachers at the academy.

She holds a bachelors degree from St. Josephs College with a major in speech communication disorders and a double minor in early childhood education and Spanish. She also holds a masters degree in education with a specialization in instructional design and technology from Capella University. She is currently pursuing a school building leader certification from St. Johns University.

The school stated that Paones commitment to cultivating a welcoming, nurturing and inclusive environment for all students and families has been exemplary during her tenure at the school. That dedication will extend to her new role as elementary school principal, according to the academy.

Her involvement in developing the schools Strategic Growth Plan: Empower, Advance, Transform will position her to lead its implementation as it relates to the elementary school. The school stated that her commitment to Catholic education and visionary leadership skills will ensure Notre Dame continues to progress and thrive under her guidance.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  If you travel by New York City (NYC) Ferry, the cost of a single trip will rise in September  but high school students will be able to get a discount.

Starting Sept. 9, new NYC Ferry fare changes will go into effect, according to the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).

Prices will match the subway and bus fares using the 10-trip bundle at $29, a per-ticket cost of $2.90. For the occasional rider, single-trip tickets will go up to $4.50, from $4.

Despite these fare hikes for travelers and commuters, New York City high school students will be able to take advantage of a discount.

Starting Sept. 1, in accordance with city law, all New York City high school students will be able to take part in NYC Ferrys discount program on weekdays to travel to and from school.

Students will be able to pay just $1.45 per trip.

On Aug. 1, parents or guardians of high school students can visit the New York City Student Account (NYCSA) portal and NYC Ferrys Discount Program webpage for more information on how to apply.

More than 350,000 students will be eligible to enroll in the program, according to the EDC.

Every day New York City Public School students travel our citys waterways on their way to school, and this partnership will make it easier for even more students to take advantage of NYC Ferry, said city Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. From students studying aquatic ecosystems to graduates taking jobs in the citys maritime industry, we know that our waterways are an integral part of our students lives.

The discount is part of new initiatives to support the EDCs vision for a more equitable, accessible and fiscally sustainable citywide ferry system.

That includes the new fare structure, increased access to young New Yorkers, additional rider-facing upgrades and increased creative revenue-generating activities.

NYC Ferry had a record-breaking 7 million riders in the Fiscal Year 2024, and is on track to continue increasing ridership.
Arrests have been made after a Perth Amboy police officer was shot three times while executing a search warrant on Wednesday night in Rahway, authorities said.

The detective was shot in the leg and was taken to an area hospital to be treated, according to Rahway Mayor Raymond Giacobbe. His injuries are not considered life-threatening, officials said.

Suspects tried to flee when Perth Amboy and Rahway police were executing a search warrant, Giacobbe said. One person opened fire on police, Giacobbe said.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured officer, Giacobbe said. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery and offer support to his family during this challenging time.

ABC7ny.com said the shooting took place at about 8:50 p.m. in the area of Broad Street and Maple Avenue. A witness told the television station two people were taken into custody, including one who was on a stretcher.

We are counting our blessings this morning that our Perth Amboy Detective is going to recover, the state Police Benevolent Association said on X, formerly Twitter. His fellow officers took quick actions to prevent tragedy. Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for their excellent care.

State Attorney General Matt Platkin also issued a statement early Thursday about the officers condition.

All of New Jersey is praying for his recovery as he undergoes treatment at an area hospital, and we are grateful to the many law enforcement officers who responded and rendered aid immediately after the shooting, Platkin said

The Union County Prosecutors Office couldnt immediately be reached for more information.
There are reports that former President Barack Obama doesnt think that Vice President Kamala Harris can beat former GOP President Donald Trump this fall.

But NBC News has reported that Obama plans to endorse Harris and has had several conversations with the veep about her campaign this week.

Quoting sources close to the situation, NBC News said that Obama has privately fully supported Harris campaign and plans to endorse her soon.

The former president thinks that Harris is off to a great start, one source said.

It was also reported that Obama has counseled Harris on how to set up a presidential campaign and on other aspects of running for the nations highest office.

The exact timing of any Obama endorsement is unknown.

A source said that Obama, who served two terms in the White House, didnt want his endorsement to overshadow President Joe Bidens address to the nation on Wednesday night.

Another source said that Harris wanted the coveted Obama endorsement to stand on its own instead of being part of a flood of Democratic endorsements.

Biden pulled out of the 2024 campaign on Sunday and backed Harris to be his successor. Since then, Harris has received the commitments of enough Democratic delegates to claim the party nomination for president.

While a number of top Democrats, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, rushed to endorse Harris, Obama has stayed silent.

The New York Post on Wednesday reported that Obama hasnt endorsed Harris because he doesnt think the vice president can beat Trump.

A source close to the Biden family told the Post that Obama was very upset because he knows she cant win.

The source said that Obama believes that Harris is incompetent and cannot navigate the landmines ahead of her.

The Post said that Obama was shocked that Biden endorsed Harris so quickly and that Obama wanted to see Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former NASA astronaut, as the Democratic standard bearer.

But NBC said that there are already plans being made for Obama to join Harris on the presidential campaign trail.

The outlet said that Obamas wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, also supports Harris.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Insisting that the defense of democracy is more important than any title, President Joe Biden on Wednesday explained in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and to throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

The address offered the public their first 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 Donald Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to the nations democracy. It also gave Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.

The defense of democracy is more important than any title, Biden said. Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition.

Said Biden, I revere this office, but I love my country more.

Bidens candidacy faced a crisis of confidence from Democrats after his abysmal debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessors attacks. It sparked a mutiny within his party over not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether at 81, he was still fit for the high-pressure job.

Biden tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to step aside only mounted from the partys political elites and from ordinary voters.

On Sunday afternoon, while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.

I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation, Biden said, saying he wanted to make room for fresh voices, yes, younger voices.

He added, That is the best way to unite our nation.

Bidens address was carried by the major broadcast and cable news networks. He pledged to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025, saying he would work to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, fight to boost government support to cure cancer, and call for Supreme Court reform.

The president was hoping to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed 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 was also looking to make the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad. The way history will remember his time in office and his historic decision to step aside is intertwined with Harris electoral result in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.

His advisers say he intends to hold campaign events and fundraisers benefiting Harris, albeit at a far slower pace than if he had remained on the ballot himself.

Harris advisers will ultimately have to decide how to deploy the president, whose popularity sagged as voters in both parties questioned his fitness for office.

Biden, aides say, knows that if Harris loses, hell be criticized for staying in the race too long and not giving her or another Democrat time to effectively mount a campaign against Trump. If she wins, shell ensure his policy victories are secured and expanded, and hell be remembered for a Washingtonian decision to step aside for the next generation of leadership.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office  which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent  was ridiculous.

Jean-Pierre said Biden has no regrets about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Bidens decision had nothing to do with his health.

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By ZEKE MILLER, SEUNG MIN KIM and WILL WEISSERT Associated Press
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 77-year-old Vietnam War veteran and author -- whose service in the U.S. Marines as a teenager inspired the storyline of a romantic novel -- is now seeing his written work get new life.

First published in 1993, Staten Island resident Westley Thomas romantic suspense novel, A Hard Decision, captures the essence of that era and was informed by his own experience as an 18-year-old on the front lines in Vietnam.

As I developed each character while writing it, I become emotional because I am now thinking about all the things I had gone through, he said. I didnt realize until many decades later, when I came back from South East Asia, I had a lot of emotional baggage that affected me. I was dealing with the tragic events that were taking a toll on me.

Now decades past the books initial release, it was given a facelift this year, with a new cover and fresh editing for its re-release.

The timeless story is set during and after the Vietnam War, unfolding on the North Shore of Staten Island.

The story follows a love triangle between William, Steve, and Zera. William, married to Zera, goes on their honeymoon just before leaving for Vietnam, with Zera expecting his child. Concerned he may not return, she becomes increasingly worried as his letters stop abruptly. The military informs Zera hes missing, later declaring him killed in action. Time passes, and Zera marries Steve despite initial doubts. Years later, William, believed dead, returns, forcing Zera to confront a difficult decision.

When a veteran serves in the military, the family serves with them. And when the veteran returns home, their lives are changed forever. Families make up communities, and communities make up the nation, Thomas said, reflecting the message of his book.

The authors journey to Vietnam

Thomas graduated from Port Richmond High School in 1965, just as the U.S. entered the Vietnam War in Da Nang. Around the school grounds, military recruiting camps buzzed with activity, eagerly promoting enlistment to young men like him.

I had a friend, Lawrence Thompson... they have a park named after him in West Brighton. Him and I, we went to the same high school but he was a couple years older than me, Thomas said. He was in the Marine Corps. Id go visit him at his home and watch him iron his uniform. I was impressed, so my mind was already made up. All of the guys I grew up with were going into the Marine Corps.

Lawrence Thompson was the first African-American from Staten Island to be killed in the Vietnam War. He was killed in action in Quang Nam on June 10, 1967.

When Thomas enlisted, he said he was naively excited after seeing movies of boot camp and drill instructors on TV.

When I stepped foot in Parris Island [for boot camp training] in July 21, 1965... It was a real awakening, he said, remembering that he was fresh out of high school. Back then, not like today, drill instructors were hands on. I visualize it and see it just like it was yesterday. Any marine that was in during the Vietnam War during my time period can relate.

Westley Thomas in uniform at the age of 18 during the summer of 1965 at Parris Island, South Carolina. (Courtesy of Westlry Thomas)Courtesy of Westley Thomas

After completing additional training in Vieques, Puerto Rico for six months in 1966, Thomas was stationed at Camp Lejeune, where he was promoted to Lance Corporal. It was there that he received orders for deployment to the West Pacific in Vietnam.

Vietnam veteran Westley Thomas's romance suspense novel, "A Hard Decision," tells the tale of love and loss during and after the Vietnam War on the North Shore of Staten Island. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

Life in Vietnam

While in Vietnam, to escape the harsh realities of war and get a taste of home, he fondly recalls jamming out to music with his friends, often listening to tapes sent by his mother. He also spent time writing numerous letters to several pen pals, mostly women seeking his advice and companionship.

I wasnt even in Vietnam two months, October 24, 1966, there was a plane crash in the populated village, he said. We were in a search and rescue operation. We were looking for bodies and youre like oh I got an arm... I got a leg, I got a head.

Thomas served in Vietnam for 22 months, extending his time there due to events unfolding in the United States, including the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

When Martin Luther King was assassinated, a lot of the brothers got together in the field from different states, voicing out their anger, frustration, and the stuff that they were dealing with back home... and now they are here, and a lot of them didnt want to be but were here because they were drafted, he said. It was the sentiment... why should I go back home, theres nothing there for me with the stuff thats going on. At least we have a weapon, we can defend ourself.

Back home, but battling demons

Thomas -- who grew up in Stapleton and West New Brighton -- recalls coming back home as a marine after serving for nearly two years in Vietnam and not having guidance on how to readjust back to society. There werent programs to help veterans transition back into civilian life like the ones they have now, he shared.

He also battled concerns about Agent Orange, a dangerous herbicide mixture used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. It has caused five times more deaths due to exposure than those who died in combat, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Vietnam veteran Westley Thomas's romance suspense novel, "A Hard Decision," tells the tale of love and loss during and after the Vietnam War on the North Shore of Staten Island. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

Its affecting families and their offspring generation after generation, he said.

While he held various civil service jobs throughout the decades, Thomas went on to enroll at the College of Staten Island and earned his Bachelor of Arts in drama in 1980. There, he wrote three pages of a war story, which started the decades-long journey of the now published novel A Hard Decision.

Thomas also said hed departed Staten Island with a youthful mindset when he first entered the U.S. Marines, but returned home burdened by a weight that would linger for decades.

I still deal with PTSD every day, he said.

Vietnam veteran Westley Thomas's romance suspense novel, "A Hard Decision," tells the tale of love and loss during and after the Vietnam War on the North Shore of Staten Island. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

Thomas eventually attempted suicide, stabbing himself in the abdomen at the age of 42, many decades after being discharged. In 2000, he ran into a health fair that saved his life -- he found out about resources he was entitled to. A woman at the fair referred him to the Manhattan Vet Center to see a therapist after hearing about his experience in Vietnam.

Had it not been for that referral, I dont even know where I would be today he said. And if it wasnt for me reconnecting with my wife now, I wouldnt be here.

In 2002, at the age of 55, Thomas reconnected with his sweetheart from his youth. Eight years later, they married and now reside in St. George, where they continue to enjoy creating art, participating in the community and sharing their love.

***

Editors note: If you need mental health resources or are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
School career advisers are like a backwards Google. You can ask them any question you want, but theyll only have one answer: journalism.

For years, my daughter has been coming home with a report from her schools counsellor; theres also something called the Morrisby Profile, which measures up their prospects through an Orwellian algorithm thats decoupled from reality.

Modern careers advice may be powered by an algorithm but it seems hopelessly out of date. Credit: Getty Images

On all occasions, shes been urged to consider a career in media. A student who can spell while also enjoying movies is told to consider film reviewing; if youre studying a foreign language, maybe the life of a foreign correspondent is for you.

Just when you think it cant get any worse, my daughters performance in a couple of school musicals was enough for the algorithm (or the mischievous counsellor) to suggest podcasting. As a career. Something that will support you and make payments into a super fund.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the July 27 edition of Good Weekend. See all 12 stories . The first time I saw Ghislaine Maxwell in the flesh, on November 29, 2021, in Lower Manhattans Thurgood Marshall Courthouse on Foley Square, she was wearing a cashmere turtleneck, tailored black slacks and an incredibly calm, even relaxed, expression. She stood tall and elegant, defiant even, her trademark short, black pixie-cut now grown out to a tidy bob. Her demeanour was surprising, given the circumstances. This day marked the beginning of a federal sex-trafficking trial in which she stood accused of helping the American financier Jeffrey Epstein orchestrate, over a period of years, a sexual-abuse ring targeting an unknown number of vulnerable, underage girls and young women. Epstein was found dead in a cell inside New Yorks Metropolitan Correctional Centre on August 10, 2019, as he awaited trial for sex trafficking; now Maxwell, his long-time girlfriend, was facing 80 years in a federal prison. But you wouldnt know it from looking at her. I was one of only a handful of reporters allowed into the main courtroom of this criminal trial. I hadnt known, when I moved from London to New York to cover it, just how closely Id be able to observe this woman from my position in the press gallery, several feet behind the table at which she sat. Every day, for the duration of her five-week trial, I studied this woman closely, a shadowy figure who had captured the public imagination the world over since the extent of her and Epsteins activities had been exposed, primarily by Julie K. Brown, an investigative journalist at the Miami Herald, in a series of articles published in 2017. Who was this woman whod stood by Epsteins side for at least a decade, helping to recruit and groom underage girls for him and his high-profile friends and who, as wed hear during this trial, was sometimes even in the room when the abuse happened, often even engaging in it herself? Entering the courtroom every day  always in tailored pants and an expensive jumper  Maxwell was escorted, as per custom, by two female, 20-something guards from the Metropolitan Correctional Centre across the road where she was being held. What wasnt customary, however, was the friendly, even jovial rapport she seemed to be enjoying with them. She cracked jokes, they laughed. They appeared rapt as she chatted with them. This was a defendant who wasnt being treated in the way youd expect someone facing an 80-year sentence for aiding and abetting the sexual abuse of children to be treated. Each morning, she met with a warm and, frankly, celebratory welcome from her lawyers, some of the most talented attorneys Ive ever seen at work: lead defence attorney Bobbi Sternheim, Maxwells fixer Laura Menninger, former prosecutor Christian Everdell and Jeffrey Pagliuca. They stood to attention, giving her hugs and kisses and showering her with compliments on her outfit. Behind them, seated in the row in front of me, were her four older siblings: her brothers, Ian and Kevin, and her twin sisters, Isabel and Christine. She laughed and joked with them, too, which I knew wasnt allowed. One day, one of the guards reluctantly stepped in to ask them to tone it down.

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It was as if the terrible, traumatic events being recounted on the stand had little or nothing to do with her. She behaved like the celebrity she was. Shed grown up the youngest of nine children to the disgraced media mogul, Robert Maxwell (who drowned after falling from his yacht, the Lady Ghislaine, near the Canary Islands in November 1991), which afforded her socialite status. She was rich and fabulous-looking, well-spoken and clever. Throughout the trial, she seemed calm, relaxed  even happy. In all my time as a court reporter, Id never seen a defendant so well treated. There was a great deal of leniency on the part of the court, but she also exuded an impenetrable sense of having done nothing wrong. Loading Four accusers would give testimony: Jane, Carolyn, Anne Farmer and Kate, now in their late 30s or early 40s. At no point as they remembered harrowing events reaching back to the 1990s when they were young teenagers did Maxwell look up, even though each woman was on the stand for several hours. One of them (who didnt want to be identified in relation to this) tried to catch Maxwells eye as she walked past her to enter the witness box; Maxwell appeared unmoved. This was true even of Carolyn, the witness who could be most dangerous to her in terms of a potential prison sentence. [Shed been the most vulnerable of all the girls targeted. Introduced to Epstein and Maxwell by the older Virginia Giuffre  the girl in the infamous Prince Andrew photograph  she had made more than 100 visits to Epsteins house in the early 2000s, when she was aged between 14 and 18. She lives with the long-term effects of complex trauma.] This image of Maxwell  head bowed, eyes downcast  might make you think her demeanour was one of shame, so I want to be clear that it wasnt. It looked more like disinterest, like she had somewhere else to be, something better to do. It was as if the terrible, traumatic events being recounted on the stand had little or nothing to do with her. Occasionally, shed scribble something down on her legal pad. Sometimes she did become actively involved in her own defence. This tended to happen when other witnesses  pilots, bank representatives, memory experts  were on the stand. Then shed be gripped by a pressing need to write notes to her lawyers, possibly suggesting follow-up questions or giving commentary on what she considered to be the truth, or otherwise, of their statements. This was rare, though.

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Perhaps one of the strangest  and, oddly, most intimate  experiences I had with Maxwell was a week or two into the trial, when I noticed a very unusual dynamic occurring between her and Jane Rosenberg, the courtroom sketch artist who was sitting next to me. Anyone who followed the news coverage of the trial would be familiar with Janes brilliant illustrations. She was a wonderful person to sit next to because she could tell remarkable stories about her decades-long career spent sketching some of the highest-profile defendants in recent history. Maxwell, sitting between members of her legal team, makes a sketch of the court artist. Credit: REUTERS One day, in a strange power move that left me frozen in my seat, Maxwell decided she would start drawing Jane while Jane was drawing her. (On this occasion, Maxwells siblings werent present and so Jane and I were sitting in the row of seats directly behind her. Maxwell had turned her chair around to face the back of the room, something she did often.) With just a couple of feet between them, the two women were staring at each other intensely, each looking between one anothers faces and their drawings, Janes a stunningly vivid rendering made using chalks and pencils on a large piece of cardboard, Maxwells on her green legal pad using a biro. Shes drawing Jane, I whispered to Will Pavia of the London Times, who was sitting on the other side of me. With just a couple of feet between them, the two women were staring at each other intensely, each looking between one anothers faces and their drawings. She must have heard me because, at that point, she turned to face me and started to draw me, too. Her gaze was strange and mesmerising. She has dark, piercing eyes and we held each others gaze for several minutes. When she was finished, she smiled and turned back to face the front of the courtroom, where the trial was continuing apace. Another encounter with Maxwell that Ill never forget occurred on December 27, 2021. Judge Alison Nathan, determined that the trial would finish before the end of the year, had given us a short break for Christmas. Maxwells birthday is on Christmas Day and shed just celebrated her 60th birthday in a Manhattan jail cell before the court had reconvened. In the press gallery, a handful of us waited patiently for everything to begin. Maxwells lawyers arrived and, soon after, the defendants door behind the judges bench opened and Maxwell appeared, flanked, as usual, by her friendly guards. She was wearing her customary oufit, but her energy was even more upbeat than usual, as was her reception. Her lawyers stood up and clapped, all of them simultaneously shouting, Happy birthday, G! as she walked towards them.

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Maxwell embraces one of her lawyers as she enters the court. Credit: REUTERS She smiled broadly  something I could only see from the crinkling of her eyes because we were in the middle of the Omicron outbreak and everyone was required to wear masks  and performed a sort-of curtsy, thanking everyone for their well wishes. When she arrived at the defence table, she kissed everyone on both cheeks, receiving long hugs as more recitations of Happy birthday, G! rang around the room. She looked at us at one point as if we might join in. As if we were at her cocktail party and not her criminal trial. In late December, while the jury was out deliberating  it took them five full days to reach a verdict  I watched her pull her chair right up to the press seats and speak excitedly to a journalist from the American Broadcasting Company. They were careful not to be overheard but I and others thought we could make out the words interview and television. It seemed to us that she was so confident of being imminently acquitted that she was now setting up her exoneration interview. She continued to seem wholly unbothered by the brave, searing and convincing testimony of her victims and the evidence against her. On December 30, just after 4pm, Maxwell walked into the courtroom as calmly as ever and Judge Nathan confirmed with the jury foreperson, an African-American woman in her 40s or 50s, that a unanimous verdict had been reached. Judge Nathan proceeded to read it out: Count one [Conspiracy to Entice Minors to Travel to Engage in Illegal Sex Acts]: guilty. I looked at Maxwell, who was impassive as ever, her gaze fixed on the table in front of her. Count two [Enticement of a Minor to Travel to Engage in Illegal Sex Acts]: not guilty. Count three [Conspiracy to Transport Minors with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity]: guilty.

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And now came the last three counts on the indictment  the more serious substantive sex trafficking counts, as opposed to conspiracy counts, which attract heftier prison sentences. Count four [Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity]: guilty. Count five [Conspiracy to Sex Traffic a Minor]: guilty. Count six [Sex Trafficking of a Minor]: guilty. The room was airless and silent. Still, Maxwell barely moved. But then, when the formalities were over and she was allowed to leave, something changed. It was the first time I saw her enter or leave a room without treating her lawyers, family and sometimes us journalists with smiles, waves and pleasantries. Now, she looked at no one. She stormed out quickly. It was the first time Id sensed any emotion from her. In June 2022, Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse minors. She is serving her term in Floridas FCI Tallahassee prison. The Lasting Harm, by Lucia Osborne-Crowley (Allen & Unwin; $35), is out now.

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Finance ministers from leading rich and developing nations gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday for a two-day meeting to discuss a global tax on the super-rich, a top priority for Brazil, which holds the presidency.

According to the proposal before the Group of 20, individuals with over $1 billion in total assets would be required to pay the equivalent of 2 per cent of their wealth in income tax.

Brazils Finance Minister Fernando Haddad told reporters that the final declaration will mention a proposal to tax the super-rich, but he didnt detail the wording or whether it will specifically cite the 2 per cent proposition.

Janet Yellen, US Treasury secretary, at a news conference during the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Credit: Bloomberg

Against the scepticism expressed by everyone since the beginning of the year, we have taken a first step, Haddad said, adding that ministers agreed it was necessary to include mention of the proposal so that it maintains its centrality after Brazil leaves the presidency.

What has been initiated today is a broader process that will require the participation of academia, scholars and international organisations with experience in the subject, such as the OECD and the UN, Haddad added.

France, Spain and South Africa  which will chair the G20 in 2025  had expressed support, an official from the Brazilian Ministry of Finance told journalists last week. But US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reiterated at a news conference Thursday that the US does not support the initiative.

Tax policy is very difficult to coordinate globally, and we dont see a need or really think its desirable to try to negotiate a global agreement on that, Yellen said, although she emphasised the US is strongly supportive of progressive taxation.

AP
Brisbane Times this week welcomes two trainee journalists, Catherine Strohfeldt and William Davis, who have joined the newsroom for a 12-month program to hone their reporting skills.

In congratulating the duo, Editor Sean Parnell said: Independent journalism is incredibly important in a dynamic city like ours.

2024 Brisbane Times trainees Catherine Strohfeldt and William Davis. Credit: Louise Kennerley

Ahead of the relaunch of Brisbane Times last year, we hired seven journalists and producers to broaden our coverage and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the region.

We had a record number of applications for Brisbane Times traineeships, and are delighted to have young journalists of the calibre of William and Catherine join our newsroom.
Three BGC Housing Group entities are at the centre of a $100 million class action being spearheaded on behalf of thousands of frustrated homeowners who entered building contracts with the trouble-plagued construction giant.

In a statement on Thursday, Perth law firm Morgan Alteruthemeyer Legal Group confirmed that on Wednesday it had commenced Supreme Court proceedings, the first of their kind, against one of Western Australias largest builders.

Zoe-Marie and Joel Masters with their children Temperance (12), Max (10), Grace (4) and Lilly (2) outside their unfinished home in Mandogalup. Credit: Ross Swanborough

In it, the complainants claim BGC Residential, J-Corp and Ventura Homes breached Australian Consumer Law and their contractual obligations with individual BGC homeowners in contracts entered into between January 2019 and September 2022.

Morgan Alteruthemeyer Legal Group building and construction partner Spencer Lieberfreund said the organisation had undertaken a significant amount of work getting to get the claim underway for those seeking compensation over lengthy build delays and hefty cost blow outs.
The family of West Australian toddler Sandipan Dhar, who died after doctors failed to diagnose him with leukemia, have rejected the review into his death which found their son received appropriate and well-managed care.

Sandipan was just shy of his second birthday when his parents, Saraswati and Sanjoy Dhar, rushed him to Joondalup Health Campus with a high fever that would not settle.

Sandipan Dhar died aged 21 months.

They had initially taken him to get his routine 18-month injections at a local medical centre, after which the fever had started.

They took him back to that clinic three times requesting tests to find the cause of the fever, but claim their requests were repeatedly refused.
Before we wrap up the blog for today, we have some political news.

Former WA Nationals leader Mia Davies will on Friday confirm a switch to federal politics.

Oliver Peterson of 6PR writes the 45-year-old member for the state seat of Central Wheatbelt had announced her intention to retire from politics at the next WA election, due in March next year.

WA Opposition Leader Mia Davies. Credit: Peter de Kruijff

However, the creation of the new federal seat of Bullwinkel  which takes in her Wheatbelt power base - and lobbying from senior federal Nationals  has tempted her to change course.

Read more on this news here.

Have a great evening.
There is also speculation around changes to the assistant minister ranks, with Andrew Charlton and Luke Gosling potentially in line for promotion from the backbench. Loading Burney, 67, entered the NSW parliament in 2003 and served in a series of senior portfolios before switching to federal politics in 2016 OConnor, 62, came into federal parliament in 2001 and has been a fixture on Labors frontbench in a string of portfolios since 2007. Flanked by both MPs in Sydney on Thursday, Albanese deflected questions about changes to his frontbench and emphasised he had led an incredibly stable government, saying no government in living memory has had the same cabinet and ministerial positions for its first two years in office.

I am proud to call [them] my friends. I am proud to have witnessed first-hand their passion for this nation, their determination to leave the country better for their contribution, Albanese said of the departing ministers. OConnor, a low-profile minister who has driven the governments politically important free TAFE agenda, was praised for remaining in politics after the death of his wife in 2018. It would have been understandable if he stepped back at that time. He made a decision, along with Una, his lovely daughter, that he wanted to continue to make a contribution to our country, the prime minister said of the man he has known since their days in Young Labor. On Burney, a close friend and factional ally for decades, Albanese said she had overcome more discrimination, hardship and loss in her life than most of us can comprehend and that as an Indigenous Australian, she had been born into a country that had treated her as a second-class citizen. Burney has lost both her husband and son.

Her successful career in NSW and then federal politics, in which she served in a series of senior portfolios and as deputy leader of the state party, was remarkable proof that what Linda has drawn from everything she had to endure is not bitterness or despair. It is positive, it is one of hope and one of optimism for our nation. Despite the defeat of the Voice to parliament referendum last year, Albanese said Burney had continued to advocate for First Nations people and had implemented policies that focused on job creation, training, community empowerment and self-determination for Indigenous Australians. The Voice referendum didnt deliver the outcome we had hoped, but I think history will treat it kindly  I gave all that I could. Outgoing Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney Burney, who fought back tears, said history would look kindly upon the governments attempt to create a Voice to parliament in the Constitution. Of course, the Voice referendum, as the prime minister said, didnt deliver the outcome we had hoped, but I think history will treat it kindly. But I know in my heart, I gave all that I could to close the gap and to advance reconciliation, she said.

I have been through more than my fair share of lifes ups and downs. Progress doesnt always move in a straight line. We make progress and then we have setbacks. Thats the history of Indigenous justice in this country. But with every passing generation, the arc bends a little bit more towards justice. I have had my bit and the time for a new generation is now. The referendum outcome was of course disappointing, but we accept that outcome. There are some silver linings in that outcome. The silver lining of 6.5 million Australians saying, Yes. The silver lining of a new generation of young Indigenous leaders coming through. OConnor said if someone had told him when he was first elected in 2001 that he would go on to serve in three cabinets in three governments, I would have told them they are dreaming. He said he had chosen to retire for three reasons: to ensure renewal, to spend more time with his daughter and father, and because he was leaving his portfolio in pretty good nick.
The Minns governments decision to review the future of working ports at Glebe Island with an eye to high-density housing is surely an idea whose time has come.

A former Treasury secretary, Michael Schur, is assessing options, including moving the ports, retaining them with no nearby housing, or building a hybrid model. The marinas at Rozelle Bay, on the other side of the Western Distributor, are also under the review microscope. Passenger cruise operations at White Bay are excluded and will remain.

The Bays West precinct has long been earmarked for more housing, commerce and cultural activity but the government believes more density is warranted given a metro station is due to open there in 2032. Bays West is one of eight metro or heavy-rail sites the government has designated as an accelerated precinct under its Transport-Oriented Development Program, meaning the state planning department has more influence over the master planning for the area.

The Heralds Sydney editor, Michael Koziol, reported exclusively on Thursday that the review has been conducted in secret, but already affected industries and areas of government with a vested interest in Glebe Island are pushing back against feared changes.

The Port Authority of NSW, a state-owned corporation, is staunchly opposed to relocating its Glebe Island operations, which receive large amounts of the states cement, sugar and gypsum. In a recent submission to the governments Freight Policy Reform Program, it said moving to Port Kembla or Newcastle would be expensive, push up the price of commodities like cement and sugar, generate hundreds of thousands of extra truck movements a year, and increase carbon emissions. The Port Authority also warned against a hybrid of industry and housing at Glebe Island, citing noise, pollution and track movements made such shared usage incompatible.
Liverpool City Council has demanded the Minns government delete every copy of a scathing Office of Local Government investigative report that raised allegations of corruption and broad dysfunction, as the council prepares to commence defamation proceedings.

Documents tendered with the NSW Land and Environment Court ahead of a summons hearing on Thursday afternoon sought for several injunctions to be imposed on Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig and senior bureaucrats, arguing those named in the report were denied procedural fairness.

City of Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun after Mondays extraordinary general meeting. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Liverpool City Council launched the legal challenge on Monday after Hoenig announced he intended to appoint an administrator and defer the September local government election while a months-long public inquiry probed serious and systemic issues detailed in the interim report.

The summons documents lodged by the councils legal counsel, Megan Hawley, seek to address the actual bias or apprehended bias contained within the interim report, including deleting the publication in all available forms and gagging the minister.
Brussels: Authorities in Belgium carried out 14 raids across the country on Thursday and detained seven people for questioning over suspected terrorist activities. The raids came a day before the opening of the Olympic Games in neighbouring France.

All the people concerned are suspected of participating in the activities of a terrorist group, of financing terrorism and preparing a terrorist attack, the Federal prosecutors office said in a press release.

Spokesperson Arnaud dOultremont told The Associated Press that investigators had not yet identified the suspects concrete objectives.

A Belgian investigating judge will decide whether the suspects detained will be formally placed under arrest. Credit: AP

Police in the French capital, Paris, have launched a huge security operation to secure the opening ceremony that draws thousands of athletes and millions of spectators to the city. Police from 44 countries, including Belgium, are involved in the security mission.
Washington: Four days after he withdrew from the 2024 US presidential election, Joe Biden delivered the most consequential speech he never wanted to give.

He explained his stunning decision to stand down, acknowledging that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.

President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the White House Oval Office on Wednesday (Thursday AEST). Credit: AP

He outlined what was at stake if Donald Trump returned to power, noting that the defence of democracy was more important than any title. And he urged his disillusioned country to get out and vote.

In an 11-minute prime-time address from the Oval Office, he said that the US was a land where kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.
Donald Trump has openly said that if he wins in November and returns to office, he wont be a dictator, except for Day 1. Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, the right-wing think tank that organised the potentially country-altering Project 2025, has said, We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.

And on Monday at a rally for J.D. Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, an Ohio state senator named George Lang said, Im afraid if we lose this one, its going to take a civil war to save the country, and it will be saved.

Into this storm, Vice President Kamala Harris has been drafted as the new best hope for the Democratic Party and perhaps for democracy as weve known it; indeed, she was the only option to replace President Joe Biden this late in the campaign.

MAGA attacks on Kamala Harris have already become personal. Credit: AP

After Bidens disconcerting debate performance in June, I, like many others, was concerned that the debate over changing the top of the ticket would be a pretext for Democratic insiders to swing open the door to multiple alternative candidates, that they were operating under a delusion and didnt understand the stubborn maths of the Democratic coalition.
Wellington: New Zealands independent inquiry into decades of abuse of children and vulnerable adults released a blistering final report on Wednesday, finding the countrys state agencies and churches failed to prevent, stop or admit to the mistreatment of those in their care.

The scale of abuse was unimaginable, with an estimated 200,000 people abused over seven decades, many of them Maori, the report said.

In response to the findings, New Zealands government agreed for the first time that the historical treatment of some children in a notorious state-run hospital amounted to torture and pledged an apology to all those abused in state, foster and religious care since 1950.

PM Christopher Luxon said the report, led by minister Erica Stanford (right), marked a dark and sorrowful day for New Zealand. Credit: Getty Images

But Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was too soon to say how much the government expected to pay in compensation  a bill the inquiry said would run to billions of dollars  or to promise that officials involved in denying and covering up the abuse would lose their jobs.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The recent decision by Prime Minister Dr Luc Mercelina of St. Maarten to halt public meetings of political parties and gatherings of people leading up to the August 19 Parliamentary Elections represents a grave affront to democratic principles and the fundamental rights of the people. This authoritarian move, particularly following the recent incident, raises serious concerns about the Prime Minister's motives and the integrity of our democratic process.

Violation of Democratic Rights

Dr Mercelina's decision to cancel public political gatherings without declaring a state of emergency or providing a valid legal basis directly violates the constitutional right to assembly. The Prime Minister has failed to justify this drastic measure, especially when political parties had already secured permits for such meetings, and the United People's Party held its second peaceful and well-attended public meeting without incident less than forty-eight hours ago.

Undermining Public Trust

The timing of this decision is highly questionable. Just days after a high-profile shooting incident, which the Prime Minister himself stated was not politically motivated, he chose to curtail democratic activities. This raises the spectre of political manipulation, especially when his own Party is embroiled in controversy with the arrest of a relative linked to the shooting, especially when the United People's Party has been leading the way with a large majority of the public rallying behind the new leader of the Party and the likely new Prime Minister of St. Maarten, honourable Member of Parliament Omar. E.C. Ottley.

Threat to Public Freedom

By banning public political meetings, Dr Mercelina is effectively silencing opposition and preventing citizens from expressing their political beliefs. This move not only stifles free speech but also instills fear among the populace, suggesting that any gathering could be deemed a political threat. This is a slippery slope towards authoritarianism, where fundamental freedoms are sacrificed under the guise of public safety.

Economic and Social Impact

The Prime Minister's track record on public issues further undermines his credibility. His failure to address critical concerns such as the electricity crisis, where he said that the cost of an immediate solution to get the people out of darkness was too expensive, exacerbated by monopolistic practices and excessive fuel charges; where when asked he said he knows about the monopoly and high fuel clause, but he was too busy to be bothered with it, has already caused significant economic and social hardship. His dismissal of these issues, claiming he was "too busy," only highlights his disconnect from the everyday struggles of St. Maarten's citizens.

Call to Action

We must not allow this dangerous precedent to go unchallenged. The citizens of St. Maarten have the right to gather, express their political beliefs, and hold their leaders accountable without fear of retribution. We call upon the international community, human rights organizations, and democratic institutions to condemn this undemocratic action and support the people of St. Maarten in their fight to preserve their democratic rights.

Prime Minister Mercelina, your actions are not just an overreach; they are a blatant attempt to undermine the democratic fabric of our nation. We stand united against this encroachment on our freedoms and demand the immediate restoration of the right to public assembly. Democracy must prevail, and the will of the people must be respected. Your actions reflect the ideals of your coalition of the NOW, PFP, DP, and URSM and show that this forced majority could not provide a stable government for the people of St. Maarten, was a mistake from the start that should never have occurred. The people will remember this on August 19, 2024. I urge the people to be vigilant because it is our understanding that Dr Mercelina, the dictator, and his coalition have already sought to get The Netherlands to sanction a takeover of our country and appoint them as a Business Government for the foreseeable future. This bid for power too often results in the deterioration of Democracy and economic stability of a country and cannot be allowed. The increased security personnel from all over the Netherlands Kingdom, without any objective justification, suggests that Dr Mercelina and his Two By Four Coalition are preparing for a hostile takeover of our Democracy and the elections. They must not be allowed to do so. Where were they when our young men were being gunned down for scooters and other reasons since 2024 began? Why, only now, when the writing is on the wall that the days of the Two By Four Government are over, are they now trying to claim safety concerns as a reason to cripple the democratic and rightful removal of their political parties from office. On August 19, 2024, go out and vote them out; not a single vote should go to these people who intend to take your power away from you for their own personal reasons. It is time to get it right and make our country proud. Stand UP with the United People's Party.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on July 25, 2024.

The Public meeting, which was adjourned on July 19, 2024 will be reconvened on Thursay at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Justice will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Deliberations with the Minister of Justice concerning the alarming rise in crime and the recent increase in shootings (IS/913/2023-2024 dated July 8, 2024)

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament
Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO) is amplifying its call for international support regarding the illegal annexation of Bonaire. James Finies, leader of Pueblo Progresivo Uni, and Davika Bissessar, president of BHRO, participated as special guests in a pivotal conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, from July 17-18, 2024, where crucial discussions on colonialism and self-determination took place. Azerbaijan will host this years 2024 COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, an international world conference on climate change where most all 192 members of the United Nations and signatories to the convention at this global event will attend in November 2024.

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG), founded on July 6, 2023, during the Non-Aligned Movement's ministerial meeting, promotes international cooperation against colonialism.

During the conference last week in Baku, Azerbaijan, titled Congress of French Colonies, Bonaire joined 15 organizations from French territories such as French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Corsica, and Saint Martin to form the International Liberation Front, a coalition dedicated to decolonization efforts. The Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group, Abbas Abbasov, has pledged support for Bonaire's trajectory.

This follows a significant conference on decolonization and the C-24 role in ending colonialism hosted by BIG on June 20 at the UN Headquarters in New York, where PPU and BHRO participated and garnered international attention. The incident originated because of hostile bullying by the Dutch government mission at the UN, which called the Azerbaijan UN mission to host the conference and requested that they stop the Bonaire delegation's participation, but to no avail.

In his address in Baku, Finies, speaking in French for the first time, highlighted the ongoing violations of the UN Charter and various international covenants by the Dutch government. He issued a heartfelt appeal for solidarity, emphasizing the urgent humanitarian crisis facing Bonaire, where the indigenous population has dwindled to just 32% since the 2010 status change, threatening their very existence.

Bissessar articulated Bonaires struggle and trajectory, with the primary objective of reinstatement on the UN's list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. The territory was removed in 1955 without the consent of its people, and such recognition would provide essential protections under UN Article 73, safeguarding their rights and development.

BHRO remains committed to raising awareness and rallying international support for the urgent case of the people of Bonaire as we face the real imminent threat of cultural and demographic erasure.

Bonaire Human Rights Organization

Kaya Libertador Simon Bolivar 26

Kralendijk, Bonaire
OpenAI to challenge Google with new search functionality



San Francisco, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



OpenAI on Thursday said it was putting its artificial intelligence engine to work in a challenge to Google's market-dominating search engine.

The startup behind ChatGPT announced that it is testing a "SearchGPT" prototype that is "designed to combine the strength of our AI models with information from the web" to answer online queries quickly and to provide relevant sources.

SearchGPT is being made available to a small group of users and publishers to get feedback, OpenAI said in a blog post.

Search features refined in the prototype will be woven into ChatGPT in the future, according to the San Francisco-based company.

Users will be able to interact with SearchGPT through conversational queries, and can ask follow-up questions as they might if speaking to a person, OpenAI said.

Google recently added AI-generated query result summaries -- referred to as "Overviews" -- to its search engine, causing worries among some that the move would result in fewer opportunities to serve up money-making ads.

This new feature offers written text at the top of results for Google searches, ahead of the traditional links to sites, which summarizes information that the engine believes answers the user's search query.

OpenAI's description of SearchGPT sounded similar to Google's Overviews.

Since the release of ChatGPT at the end of 2022, companies in the sector have been engaged in a frantic race to deploy generative AI programs for producing text, images and other content through prompts in everyday language.

"We are innovating at every layer of the AI stack," Google chief Sundar Pichai said this week during an earnings call for parent company Alphabet, which he also heads.

OpenAI said it was working with some publishers to refine SearchGPT, which is being kept separate from the training of its generative AI foundation models.

"AI search is going to become one of the key ways that people navigate the internet, and it's crucial, in these early days, that the technology is built in a way that values, respects, and protects journalism and publishers," The Atlantic chief executive Nicholas Thompson said in the OpenAI blog post.

"We look forward to partnering with OpenAI in the process."

OpenAI has invited users to sign up on a waitlist to try SearchGPT.

gc/aha

GOOGLE
US sanctions China-based network over N. Korea support



Washington, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 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.

Beijing's foreign ministry hit back Thursday, saying it "opposes illegal unilateral sanctions."

"China always conscientiously implements UN Security Council resolutions and fulfils its own international obligations, and is committed to upholding peace and stability on the (Korean) peninsula," ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a news conference.

"Indiscriminately imposing sanctions cannot resolve peninsular issues," she said.

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 on Wednesday was Shi Qianpei, a Chinese national, whom the Treasury 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.
Russian, Chinese bombers stage joint patrol near Alaska



Moscow, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Russian and Chinese bomber jets carried out a joint patrol over far eastern Russia and the Bering Sea near Alaska, Russia's defence ministry said Thursday.

It said "Russian space forces' Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers and the Chinese air force's Xian H-6 strategic bombers carried out an aerial patrol over the Chukchi and Bering Seas and the north Pacific Ocean".

The statement came after the joint US-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said American and Canadian warplanes had intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers in international airspace near Alaska on Wednesday.

It said the bombers "remained in international airspace" and were "not seen as a threat".

Moscow also said the patrol observed international law and did not breach foreign airspace, adding that "at certain stages of the route, the aviation group was accompanied by fighter jets of foreign countries".

The patrol was part of "a plan of military cooperation for 2024 and not directed against third countries," Moscow said.

Russia's defence ministry posted images of planes taking off and landing as well as footage from the air.

The TU-95MS planes were developed in the Soviet era to carry long-range cruise missiles and are part of Russia's nuclear triad. The Xian H-6 planes are also nuclear-capable.

China and Russia have drawn closer in recent years and hold joint military exercises regularly.

Beijing has strengthened its diplomatic, economic and military ties with Moscow since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China in May on his first trip abroad after re-election and met Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping again this month at a regional summit in Kazakhstan.

Russia said Sunday that it scrambled fighter jets to prevent two US strategic bomber planes from crossing its border over the Barents Sea in the Arctic.

The US military routinely carries out flights over international waters, operations that it says are conducted in neutral airspace, but Moscow has responded more aggressively in recent months.
Suspect charged over stabbing of British soldier



London, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder over the stabbing of a British soldier earlier this week, UK police said on Thursday.

Anthony Esan is due to appear in court later in the day following the attack on Tuesday evening near an army barracks in Kent, southeast England.

The victim, a man in his forties, is in hospital and his condition "is currently described as serious but stable", Kent Police said.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and appalled" by the incident, which occurred in the town of Gillingham, about 40 miles (64 kilometres) southeast of London.

Parallels were drawn to the 2013 murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, who was hacked to death by two Islamist extremists on a southeast London street.

Kent Police are yet to indicate any motive in the latest attack but they are not thought to be treating it as terror related.

The force had said it was "exploring the possibility that it may be mental health related".

Officers arrested Esan in nearby Rochester within half an hour of being called to the scene of the attack, near the British Army's Brompton Barracks.

The suspect was reported to have left the scene on a motorcycle, and "a number of knives" have been seized, the force said in an earlier statement.
Suspect in court over stabbing of UK soldier



London, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



A 24-year-old man appeared in court on Thursday charged with attempted murder over the repeated stabbing of a British soldier near an army barracks earlier this week.

Police have yet to indicate a motive in the attack, but they are not thought to be treating it as terror-related.

Suspect Anthony Esan is accused of attacking Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton in Gillingham, in southeast England on Tuesday.

Teeton, who is in his 40s, was in hospital and his condition "is currently described as serious but stable", according to police.

Prosecutors told the court that the suspect was seen "running up behind" the army officer before he "pulled the soldier to the ground", stabbed him "repeatedly" and drove away on a moped.

Two knives were dropped at the scene and a further three were found stored on the bike, the prosecutor added.

Esan was remanded in custody until a further hearing on August 22.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and appalled" by the incident.

Parallels were initially drawn to the 2013 murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, who was hacked to death by two Islamist extremists on a southeast London street.

The force had said it was "exploring the possibility that it may be mental health related".

Officers arrested Esan in nearby Rochester within half an hour of being called to the scene of the attack, near the British Army's Brompton Barracks about 40 miles (65 kilometres) southeast of London.
Burkina army condemns 'inhumane' mutilation in shared videos



Abidjan, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Burkina Faso's army has condemned recent "macabre acts" and is working to identify those responsible, after videos showing the mutilation of corpses, allegedly by military personnel, were circulated on social media.

The images showed "unbearable images of rare cruelty" and allegedly show members of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP) mutilating a human body, according to the General Staff of the military, who have ruled the Sahelian country since 2022.

On Thursday it said it "strongly condemns these macabre acts, which are contrary to military and moral values and to the rules of engagement for combatants in the fight against terrorism".

It added that the army "distances itself from these inhumane practices", emphasizing that they could tarnish the reputation of Burkinabe forces at the forefront of reclaiming national territory.

A jihadist insurgency that erupted in northern Mali in 2012 spread to Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015.

The Burkinabe army has always denied repeated allegations of extrajudicial executions, sometimes attributing these acts to armed groups using military equipment.

Efforts are under way to identify the origin and authors of the videos, the army said, as the footage does not specify the location, date, or identities of the individuals involved, although some are seen wearing military uniforms.

It comes after the General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces on July 16 also distanced itself from a "video of a rare atrocity akin to cannibalism" showing a person in military uniform, assuring that steps were being taken to "reveal the truth."

Since 2015, deadly violence in Burkina Faso, attributed to armed movements linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, has resulted in approximately 20,000 deaths and more than two million people being internally displaced.
Kyiv to get Dutch, Danish Leopard 2 tanks by summer



The Hague, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



The Netherlands and Denmark are to deliver 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine "before the end of summer", the Dutch defence minister announced Wednesday, saying Kyiv "urgently" needed more military support.

The two countries bought the German-made tanks last year for 165 million euros ($186 million) before sending them for refurbishment.

"Yesterday and today, the last two Leopard 2s are undergoing their verification tests as part of the delivery," Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a statement.

"All 14 tanks will be delivered simultaneously before the end of the summer," he said in a statement.

The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany also announced last year that they would supply Kyiv with around 100 Leopard 1 tanks, the previous version of the vehicles.

"Ukraine urgently needs more military support, given the heavy fighting on the battlefield," Brekelmans said.

"These tanks can play an important role for the Ukrainian army in defending itself against the Russian troops."

The announcement comes around two weeks after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the transfer of Dutch and Danish F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine was underway.
Russian, Chinese bombers stage joint patrol near Alaska



Washington, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Russian and Chinese aircraft carried out a joint patrol over far eastern Russia and the Bering Sea near Alaska, which the United States said Thursday was the two countries' first such operation.

The patrol -- which took place Wednesday and involved nuclear-capable bombers -- came shortly after Moscow said the United States had sent its own strategic aircraft close to Russian airspace.

Russia said its "Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers and the Chinese air force's Xian H-6 strategic bombers carried out an aerial patrol over the Chukchi and Bering Seas and the north Pacific Ocean."

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told journalists Thursday that "this was not a surprise to us. We closely monitored these aircraft, tracked the aircraft, intercepted the aircraft."

Austin noted that "this is the first time that we've seen these two countries fly together like that," but said "they didn't enter our airspace" and their closest approach was some 200 miles (320 kilometers) off the coast.

NORAD, the joint US-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command, announced Wednesday that American and Canadian warplanes had intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers in international airspace near Alaska.

It said the bombers "remained in international airspace" and were "not seen as a threat."



- 'Plan of military cooperation' -



Moscow said the patrol observed international law and did not breach foreign airspace, adding that "at certain stages of the route, the aviation group was accompanied by fighter jets of foreign countries."

The patrol was part of "a plan of military cooperation for 2024 and not directed against third countries," Moscow said.

China's defense ministry also said that the patrol was "not aimed at a third party" and "has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation."

Russia's defense ministry posted images of planes taking off and landing as well as footage from the air.

The TU-95MS planes were developed in the Soviet era to carry long-range cruise missiles and are part of Russia's nuclear triad. The Xian H-6 planes are also nuclear-capable.

China and Russia have drawn closer amid Moscow's offensive on Ukraine and the two countries hold joint military exercises regularly.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China in May on his first trip abroad after re-election and met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping again this month at a regional summit in Kazakhstan.

Russia said Sunday that it scrambled fighter jets to prevent two US strategic bomber planes from crossing its border over the Barents Sea in the Arctic.

The US military routinely carries out flights over international waters, operations that it says are conducted in neutral airspace, to which Moscow has responded more aggressively in recent months.
UK, US, S.Korea warn of N.Korea cyber op to steal military, nuclear secrets



London, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Britain, the United States and South Korea on Thursday issued a warning over a North Korea-backed global cyber espionage campaign to further the country's nuclear ambitions.

Law enforcement and intelligence agencies said that a group known as Andariel "has been compromising organisations around the world to steal sensitive and classified technical information and intellectual property data".

Andariel has been identified as an arm of Pyongyang's spy agency, and working "to further the regime's military and nuclear ambitions", the UK National Cyber Security Centre said.

Defence, aerospace, nuclear and engineering organisations have mainly been targeted, as well as medical and energy providers, some of which have been hit by ransomware attacks.

"The global cyber espionage operation that we have exposed today shows the lengths that DPRK-state-sponsored actors are willing to go to pursue their military and nuclear programmes," said NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester, referring to the secretive communist state.

"It should remind critical infrastructure operators of the importance of protecting the sensitive information and intellectual property they hold on their systems to prevent theft and misuse."

In a separate advisory, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation said Andariel, which is known by a variety of names, "remain(s) an ongoing threat to various industry sectors worldwide".

The group has exploited vulnerabilities in software to launch cyberattacks, including malware and phishing to gain access to sensitive data and information.

It urged companies involved in defence, aerospace, nuclear and engineering sectors "to remain vigilant in defending their networks from North Korea-state-sponsored cyber operations".

The FBI said Andariel had been trying to obtain information such as specifications and design drawings for uranium processing and enrichment as well as missiles and missile defence systems.
4 Burkina journalists have disappeared in a month: watchdog



Abidjan, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Four journalists critical of Burkina Faso's ruling junta have disappeared in the space of a month, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said Thursday, placing partial blame on the military authorities.

Since coming to power in a coup d'etat in September 2022, Burkina Faso's military leaders have cracked down on press freedom and political dissent in the West African country grappling with a jihadist insurgency.

RSF said the missing journalists "were seen as critical voices by the authorities", which "ultimately led to their abductions".

"Since 19 June, two journalists and two columnists have disappeared, at least three of them abducted by armed individuals," RSF said.

"The kidnappers of at least two of these journalists claimed to be members of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR)," it added.

"It is now clear that the government bears a degree of responsibility for their disappearances -- particularly for the deafening silence around the kidnappings, and for showing public hostility towards journalists."

The list of missing journalists includes Kalifara Sere, a commentator for television station BF1, who has not been heard of since June 19 after being questioned by the Supreme Council for Communication (CSC).

Sere had "never minced his words" about Burkina Faso's military rulers, RSF said, and was taken in for questioning after accusing the government of having "fabricated information that is false".

Adama Bayala, a journalist who also worked for BF1, went missing on June 28 while on his way to meet a friend in the capital Ouagadougou.

RSF called Bayala "one of the few voices that openly criticises the current government".

Atiana Serge Oulon, editor of the investigative magazine L'Evenement, was abducted from his home on June 24.

So was Omega Media's editor-in-chief Alain Traore, better known as "Alain Alain", who was seized on July 13 by "two armed men wearing balaclavas and mufflers, accompanied by at least three other people".

Oulon had conducted an investigation into suspected embezzlement by a high-ranking officer, while Traore had written a satirical column "criticising the shortcomings of those in power", RSF said.

Oulon was now likely forcibly conscripted into the army, while the relatives of the other three have had no news of them since they disappeared, it added.

It urged junta chief Captain Ibrahim Traore "not to sink further into this spiral of repression, which is undermining his people's right to information".

Under Traore, the junta has suspended a number of media outlets, especially foreign media outlets and those from former colonial ruler France.

It accuses these of hampering the junta's efforts to regain control of the country in the face of jihadist violence.

In May, RSF warned that journalists in Burkina Faso and its military-run Sahel neighbours Mali and Niger were at risk from violence and threats.

In its annual press freedom index, Burkina Faso fell 28 places to 86th out 180 countries.
Palestinian and Jewish protesters stage rare peace march



Tel Aviv, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Chanting "yes, to peace, yes, to a deal" a rare rally of hundreds of Palestinian and Jewish Israelis marched noisily through Tel Aviv on Thursday demanding an end to the Gaza war.

Their agenda starts with calling for a ceasefire in the more than nine-month Israel-Hamas war amid its spiralling death toll, but they ultimately seek more permanent solutions to end the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"It basically went silent after October 7," Amira Mohammed, a Palestinian citizen of Israel from east Jerusalem said of the peace camp.

"The radicals became louder than the peace movement. So right now we've got to be radical about the peace that we want."

To Mohammed, that includes an "acknowledgement of the power dynamic between occupier and occupied" and a "ton of accountability on both sides."

"We've had enough, enough with violence, enough with the bloodshed," said 49-year-old teacher Carmit Bar Levy.

The Hamas attack that started the war on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Out of 251 people taken hostage, 111 are still held in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 39,175 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which does not provide details on civilian and militant deaths.

"We can't stop violence with more violence. We need to ensure a good life for both Palestinians and Jews inside of Israel. We have to acknowledge that they have the same right to live here as us, that this is home for us both," she added.

She acknowledges hers is not a mainstream view in Israel at the moment, but claims there is a growing sense the status quo cannot hold.

As the war grinds on, demonstrations and marches are staged in Israel's largest city many times a week, some by families of the hostages, some held by anti-government demonstrators active before the Gaza war and the peace camp.

While political divisions separate the groups mostly into their own cliques, they overlap in their shared call for an immediate ceasefire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his insistence on "total victory" against Hamas in a fiery address to the US Congress on Wednesday, while at home members of his far right coalition have threatened to collapse the government over any deal.

"Their government and our government only want war, that's the only thing they're good at doing," said Maya Ofer, 23, a student and member of activist group Standing Together.

"We have to remember that peace is an option, we don't have to convince the far-right, that's not our job. We just need to convince the people in the middle who don't want any more war but who are not sure what other there is right now," she added.

The demonstrators insist their vision for long-term political solutions stem not pragmatism rather than pie-in-the-sky idealism.

"Peace is the only way forward," said Marcello Oliki, 64, a survivor of the Hamas-attacks on kibbutz Nirim.

"There are children, women and babies dying just across the border from me. There are people there who are grieving too, just like me, and that want peace, too, like me".
Niger on 'inexorable march to sovereignty', says coup leader



Niamey, Niger, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Niger is on an "inexorable" march to "sovereignty", the west African country's military leader said on Thursday in a speech to mark the first anniversary of a coup d'etat that brought him to power.

Abdourahamane Tiani took power on July 26, 2023 after overthrowing elected president Mohamed Bazoum.

"Our march towards full and complete sovereignty is inexorable," said Tiani, two days after former colonial power France demanded Bazoum's "immediate and unconditional release" from detention.

"No state, no inter-state organisation will tell us how to behave, nor what programme of strategic or diplomatic partnerships to follow," Tiani added in a nationally televised speech.

France spoke out against Bazoum's detention following a decision to lift his immunity from prosecution.

Tiani was the head of Bazoum's presidential guard before removing him from power.

"Those who fantasise about an imminent return to the saddle of power of the regimes in their pay will be disillusioned," said Tiani, insisting that the West African country was on the path to "breaking the neocolonial order".

Since taking power, the junta has distanced itself from France and moved towards Russia's orbit.

French forces battling an Islamist insurgency in the Sahel were expelled at the end of 2023. The junta has also scrapped a military cooperation deal with the United States, whose troops completed a withdrawal from the capital this month and are due to leave a base in northern Niger by mid-September.

Dozens of people have been killed in clashes between the Nigerien army and jihadists in the north in recent weeks.

Three international NGOs said on Thursday that human rights in Niger have been "in free fall" since the coup.
Rockets launched at Iraq base hosting US troops: security sources



Baghdad, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Several rockets were launched Thursday against a base hosting troops from the US-led coalition in Iraq, security officials said.

"Four rockets fell in the vicinity" of Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province, an Iraqi security source said.

Another security official said an attack occured with "a drone and three rockets" that fell close to the base perimeter.

A US official said initial reports indicated that projectiles landed outside the base without causing injuries or damage to the base.

All sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq have largely halted similar attacks on US-backed troops in recent months.

Thursday's attack came after a security meeting this week between Iraqi and US officials in Washington on the future of the international anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq. Iran-backed groups have demanded a withdrawal.

The US Defense Department said Wednesday that "the delegations reached an understanding on the concept for a new phase of the bilateral security relationship."

This would include "cooperation through liaison officers, training, and traditional security cooperation programs."

On July 16, two drones were launched against Ain al-Assad base, with one exploding inside without causing injuries or damage. A senior security official in Baghdad said he believed the attack was meant to "embarrass" the Iraqi government before the security meeting.

For more than three months, as regional tensions soared over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, US troops were targeted more than 175 times in the Middle East, mainly in Iraq and Syria.

The Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups, claimed the majority of the attacks, saying they were in solidarity with Gaza Palestinians.

In January, a drone strike blamed on those groups killed three US soldiers in a base in Jordan. In retaliation, US forces launched dozens of strikes against Tehran-backed fighters.

Since then, attacks against US troops have largely halted.

Baghdad has sought to defuse tensions, engaging in talks with Washington on the future of the US-led coalition's mission in Iraq.

The US military has some 2,500 troops deployed in Iraq and 900 in Syria with the international coalition.

The coalition was deployed to Iraq at the government's request in 2014 to help combat Islamic State, which had taken over vast swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria.
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After the verdicts were read out, Judge Christopher Hehir  who last week jailed the co-founder of Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion for five years at the same court  told the activists that staff at the gallery had frantically inspected the painting for damage after the incident.
Lt Col Mark Teeton is in a serious but stable condition after he was attacked while wearing his uniform on Tuesday evening. His wife was heard screaming for the attacker to leave him alone and then possibly saved his life by trying to pull her husband away, the Telegraph reports.
Other statistics presented by the Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to the London Policing Board in March show that robbery overall has also increased, by 20 per cent, but that the success rate in detecting the culprits has fallen to just 5.7 per cent. That was down on the already low figure of 7.9 per cent recorded a year earlier and means that more than nine out of 10 muggings are going unsolved.
His sister was there as well and she had a less severe injury, she had a very badly broken leg, which was so displaced that the blood wasnt able to get down to the foot. In those circumstances, you have to straighten the leg urgently in order to open up the blood vessels. This was a day when we had no morphine, no pain relief.
The Government approved on Thursday, through an emergency ordinance, the strengthening of the legal framework for securing the documents certifying the granting or regaining of Romanian citizenship, said Government Spokesman Mihai Constantin.

"We are taking another important step towards Romania's accession to the Visa Waiver Program by strengthening the legal framework for securing the documents certifying the granting or regaining of Romanian citizenship. The measures adopted by an emergency ordinance are aimed both at introducing biometrics in the procedure for granting Romanian citizenship, as well as measures that will ensure the security of the entire process through high IT and security systems. In short, it is about the digital photograph, the fingerprinting of those who apply for Romanian citizenship and the replacement of the Romanian citizenship certificate with a high-security electronic card," Mihai Constantin told a press conference at the Victoria Palace.

In this context, he also referred to the status of the "Qualify Romania" campaign, regarding the Visa Waiver program.

"Since we communicated the launch of the campaign until today, a meeting of the National Audiovisual Council took place, which unanimously issued a recommendation to radio and TV stations to raise awareness on this campaign. All video and audio identification documents can be found on the Calificam Romania.ro website. And I would like to remind you what this last phase means, you could say, before Romania can enjoy the benefits of the Visa Waiver program. Any Romanian citizen who has or has had any type of American visa - whether in force or expired for no more than 4 years, can apply for a B1 or B2 visa, without having to pass an interview at the US Embassy, in its consular sections. This is a step for which I reiterate the Romanian Government's appeal and which this year will lead us to the benefit that many Romanians, I think all Romanians, in fact, are waiting for, that of being able to travel freely and without a visa in the United States of America," Mihai Constantin said.
The Ministry of Finance (MF) on Thursday borrowed RON 1.87 billion off banks in an issue of benchmark bonds of a residual maturity of 18 months and an average yield of 6.02% per annum, according to data published by the National Bank of Romania (BNR).

The nominal value of Thursday's issue was RON 600 million, and the banks offered RON 2 billion.

An additional auction is scheduled for Friday to borrow another RON 90 million at the yield set on Thursday for the bonds.

MF has planned for July 2024 to borrow RON 6 billion off commercial banks, to which RON 585 million can be added in additional sessions of non-competitive offers related to bond auctions.

The total amount of RON 6.585 billion is RON 365 million lower than the one scheduled for June 2024 of RON 6.95 billion, and it is intended for public debt refunding and government deficit financing.
Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu, the chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), declared on Wednesday evening on the private television station Romania TV that at the congress he proposes that the leadership of the party include young people who were confirmed in the local elections, but he also wants to strengthen the professional side of the formation by attracting professionals who have confirmed in the fields in which they operate.

Marcel Ciolacu reminded that his mandate and that of his colleagues in the PSD leadership expires on August 22, "and it is normal, on August 24 we will have a congress. I tell you with certainty, I will run for the position of president of the Social Democratic Party," Ciolacu said.

"If I decide to run for office (for the presidency of Romania, ed. n.) and if I receive the vote of my colleagues, my friends and my comrades, then I will also undertake this," declared Ciolacu.

Asked if, under such conditions regarding the organization of the congress, and considering that, over time, the PSD candidate in the presidential elections was the head of the party and if he will be the first exception, he said: "Anything is possible. No, no I have not a reservation. You know, I'm not a coward".

Regarding a possible return to the PSD of Mircea Geoana, the NATO deputy secretary general at the end of his term, and his candidacy for the presidency from the social democrats, he said: "He did not express his desire. You know that the first thing, you have to express yourself, to want. Mr. Geoana was the party chairman".

In the same context, Ciolacu did not rule out having a discussion with Geoana on the topic of presidential candidacy, when asked in this regard.
Justice Minister Alina Gorghiu said on Thursday that in 2023 more than 800 fugitives were brought back to the country through judicial cooperation, and this year more than 430, according to a Justice Ministry (MJ) release sent to AGERPRES.

According to the same source, Alina Gorghiu participated in the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy on Thursday.

"I must emphasise, the cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and the MAE is excellent! In 2023, Romania concluded the CVM after 16 years. You put your shoulder to this success and I thank you for your support! This year we have the best Rule of Law Report so far on the justice chapter. It is the tool for assessing the components of a democratic society, and the positive tone of the Report on justice and the fight against corruption encourages us that we are on the right track and this is a very good message for Romanian diplomacy. I thank the Permanent Representation of Romania to the European Union for its support," said Alina Gorghiu, as quoted in the press release.

She added that another example of good cooperation is the one between the Ministry of Justice and the Permanent Mission of Romania to the international organisations in Vienna.

"It contributes significantly to the relationship with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and thanks for the support for the participation in the Assembly of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which took place in December 2023 in the United States," said the minister of Justice.

Alina Gorghiu asked for further support for the efforts to bring those fleeing Romanian justice to the country, the "zero priority" of her mandate as minister.

"The achievement of this objective is essential for Romania's image and we have managed, through judicial cooperation, to bring more than 800 fugitives to 2023, and so far this year, more than 430," Gorghiu said.
The Government approved on Thursday the continuation of the classes of Romanian language, culture and civilisation for children and youth from Romanian communities settled in eight countries in Europe, Government Spokesman Mihai Constantin announced.

"A memorandum enshrines the fact that the classes of Romanian language, culture and civilisation for children and youth from Romanian communities settled in eight countries in Europe will continue in the next school year. Wether they live and study in Spain, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Ireland, France, Germany or the UK, the Romanian-born children who wish to stay in touch with the national values have the possibility of attending these classes. It is an optional class of 2 hours per week adapted to the education levels, namely kindergarten, primary and secondary school, about the Romanian language, culture and civilisation. For the 2024-2025 school year, there will be set up 866 groups of children or youth aged between three and 18, in 542 schools of the eight aforementioned European countries. Most groups will be, as it is easily guessed, in Spain and Italy, where there are the most Romanian communities," Mihai Constantin told a press conference at the Victoria Governmental Palace.

He also pointed out that the classes had been attended in the closing school year by approximately 10,500 children and youth of Romanian origins.

This programme, carried out by the Education Ministry together with the Romanian Language Institute, started in 2007 and has gradually expanded, reaching 542 schools in Europe, Constantin explained.
Romania's Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) said on Thursday that the European Commission's report on the rule of law in Romania highlights that the public perception of the independence of the judiciary increased by 15% from 2020.

The European Commission published on Thursday its fifth Rule of Law Report, which includes assessments of Romania's progress in the field of justice, as well as recommendations for its continuation.

CSM says in a press statement that it is the "best" report on the justice chapter in the sequence of evaluations carried out by the European Commission.

"A first aspect highlighted in the report, and which should be emphasised, is that the overall public perception of the independence of the judiciary increased by 15% from 2020 and is increasing compared from 2023, thus making a constant progress in the social perception of the independence of magistrates," says CSM.

It adds that the progress made by Romania in the field of the justice laws that entered into force in December 2022 and the process of their implementation was highlighted, stressing that the implementation of the recommendations improved the assurance of the guarantees provided by the legislation, including through the adoption of the implementing regulations by CSM.

Regarding the provision of the necessary human resources, CSM says that it is steadfast in its commitment to reducing the shortage of magistrates, with two new competitions for admission to the magistracy and the National Institute of Magistracy being launched in this regard on July 24, 2024, and as regards the completion of the clerks' schemes, steps have been taken to the Ministry of Justice in compliance with the new professional statutes.

"Amidst an expected increase in the workload of courts as against data in the previous report, the council publicly recognises the effort of magistrates when faced with a significant shortage of human resources at the beginning of the evaluation period, and assures the professional body that it is appreciated and aware. The results of the Rule of Law Report are the results of the entire professional body of magistrates and of each of the judges and prosecutors in Romania.".
Senate President and National Liberal Party (PNL) leader Nicolae Ciuca says Romania is safe and that, when discussing any kind of threat to its security, the most important thing that can be done is to treat the situation calmly.

"When we discuss any kind of threat to our security, the most important thing we can do is to treat the situation calmly. I know that any news about drones falling on Romanian territory can cause anxiety and hasty reactions. But, without a proper assessment of the situation and without knowledge of the geopolitical and military context, any incisive statements from political leaders would do more harm than good. No one is bombing us. The only objects that can land on our soil are only remnants of equipment, which have already been destroyed," Nicolae Ciuca wrote on Facebook on Thursday.

He added that Romania cannot shoot down missiles or drones from Ukrainian airspace because it is illegal.

"This is illegal. If we look in our airspace, we see that we have nothing to shoot at. To change this state of affairs, Romania should negotiate with the NATO leadership and Ukraine conditions for the use of our air defence systems in Ukrainian airspace. Putting such a plan into practice would involve a lot of steps," Ciuca added.

The Senate president underscores that Romania is safe.

"We are in constant communication and coordination with our allies, especially with the countries on NATO's Eastern Flank. Our army monitors all possible threats. While others are using their energy and time to invent and throw false accusations on social networks, our military are working professionally and without making a fuss on the internet. Let us be grateful to them," concludes Nicolae Ciuca.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis judge expressed skepticism Thursday about a criminal case pending against the owner of a popular gay bar after police crashed into his building.

Judge David Roither asked prosecutor Rob Huq during a hearing whether he truly believed a St. Louis jury potentially full of property owners would convict Chad Morris, the owner of Bar:PM, of assault and resisting arrest after police crashed an SUV into his property in the middle of the night then demanded his identification and arrested him.

How do you expect to explain that? Roither said.

Huq said he believed the case was admissible and that they would move toward a jury trial.

Thursdays exchange was the latest update in a legal controversy that began at around 12:30 a.m. Dec. 18, 2023, when a rookie officer slammed an SUV into Morris bar at 7109 South Broadway.

Morris husband and business partner, James Pence, was in bed in an apartment above the bar. Pence walked downstairs to see what happened and was handcuffed by Officer Ramelle L. Wallace, who is facing multiple lawsuits complaining about beatings and abuse while on the job.

Morris then arrived and asked why his husband was handcuffed. Officers took Pence down the gangway next to the bar, and Morris followed. Morris lawyers said officers beat him. Charges, however, say Morris pushed one officer and then tried to run away.

Morris lawyer, Javad Khazaeli, has argued the charges should be dismissed and filed a lawsuit against Wallace and the city on behalf of Pence.

Last week, he also filed a motion asking Roither to dismiss the case or sanction prosecutors for not turning over or even seeking evidence about the disciplinary records of the officers involved.

Khazaeli also said Thursday it may be admissible for charges but could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This is a waste of resources, he said in an interview.

Huq in court called the motion for dismissal absurd and said his offices response, due Friday, would address all of the allegations about failures to turn over evidence.

Roither set another hearing next week to discuss the evidence motion and response from the Circuit Attorneys Office.
JEFFERSON CITY  Many Missouri Democrats quickly lined up behind Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden announced he was withdrawing from the race, with a notable exception in the race for U.S. Senate.

In an interview Monday, the day after Biden said he wouldnt run and endorsed Harris, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Lucas Kunce declined to offer support for the vice presidents bid in an interview on KMOV-TV (Channel 4).

For me, my focus is just on this race here in Missouri, taking down (U.S. Sen.) Josh Hawley, winning this seat for the working people of Missouri, Kunce said.

I know a lot of people are excited right now. And, you know, I think they should be, Kunce said. Its an historic moment.

I think a lot of people are excited right now. I am focused on my race. I dont really feel like its my business to tell anybody how to vote in any other races other than my own, Kunce said.

But I can tell you what, were gonna win this one, and Im really excited about that, Kunce said.

Missouri Democrats running for statewide office have a history of distancing themselves from the national Democratic Party in a state former President Donald Trump twice won by double digits.

But to advance to the general election, Kunce first needs to win the Aug. 6 Democratic primary.

One of his opponents in that race is state Sen. Karla May of St. Louis, who is a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and who has voiced support for Harris.

Im not sure why he took that position, May said Wednesday. From my perspective, Ill say this: as a Democratic-filed candidate, Im gonna support the presumptive Democratic nominee, especially if my president endorsed this Democratic candidate.

Hawleys campaign has jumped on Kunces non-endorsement, sending out mass text messages to highlight the breaking news.

Connor Lounsbury, a spokesman for Kunce, said in a statement Wednesday that while Josh Hawley is busy selling his Manhood book, Lucas is 100% focused on this Senate race. (Hawley released Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs in 2023.)

In the governors race, Democrat Crystal Quade said in a statement Monday that I look forward to sharing the ticket with VP Harris.

The stakes of this election could not be higher  for Missouri and our nation. Im focused on running a race for Governor that focuses on investing in Missourians, restoring abortion rights, protecting access to birth control and IVF, and making Missouri a place that will thrive, Quade said in a statement.

I look forward to sharing the ticket with VP Harris who not only shares those values, but, like myself, has been on the front lines fighting for them, she said.

Businessman Mike Hamra, who is running against Quade in the Democratic primary, also has endorsed Harris in the race.

Shes somebody that we all should get behind right now, Hamra told KMOV on Tuesday.
July 25, 2024: Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to North Korea recently was a masterpiece of revisionist history. During the visit Putin and North Korean leaders boasted of their long partnership, mutual friendship and cooperation in military matters. Before Putin arrived in North Korea, he wrote an article for a North Korean newspaper praising the long tradition of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. North Korea had recently sold weapons, including North Korean ballistic missiles, to Russia for use in Ukraine.

While Russia and North Korea glorified the long relationship between Russia and North Korea, the reality was that the two countries had stopped cooperating in the 1950s and their relationship did not go beyond maintaining embassies and ambassadors in each others capitals of Moscow and Pyongyang. It was Russian leader Joseph Stalin who ordered North Korea to invade South Korea in 1950, triggering a three year war where the South Koreans, backed by the United States and American allies defeated the initial North Korean attack and counterattacked with an operation that seemed likely to destroy the North Korean military and government and reunite Korea under a democratic, free market South Korean rule. Communist China and the Russian communist Soviet Union would not tolerate that and China sent in several hundred thousand soldiers they described as volunteers while Russia supplied large quantities of weapons and munitions. By 1953 this had caused a stalemate and both sides agreed to an armistice with the dividing line between the two Koreas being where troops of both sides were fighting a form of World War I trench warfare. This line was called the Demilitarized Zone. It was four kilometers wide and devoid of troops from either side. A garrison of American troops remained to ensure that the North Koreas did not restart the war and to restrain South Koreans who were still eager to reunite Korea. The armistice never turned into a peace treaty and technically the two Koreas are still at war. Currently

Since 1953 South Korea has created a functioning democracy and one of the top ten economies in the world. North Korea, still adhering to Juche, or self-reliance, and a North Korean form of socialism that had turned the country into a poverty stricken place where food, freedom and hope for a better future are all in short supply, By the 2020s the South Korean economy provided more benefits for its citizens that North Korea could provide for its subjects, The starkest evidence was the calculation that per capita income in South Korea was twenty times what it was in North Korea, and South Koreans could travel freely around the world and many have migrated to the United States and other Western countries, North Korea is a prison where leaving is unlawful and those who try and are caught are sent to labor camps for years as punishment. Many North Koreans do not survive a few years in a labor camp.

While life is arguably adequate in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, that is an anomaly because the rest of the country is mired in poverty with people willing to risk their lives to cross the border into Chia and eventually get to South Korea, which most North Koreans consider a prosperous place to be where the people speak Korean, although with a notably different accent than northerners. Fewer than 40,000 North Koreans have made it to South Korea since the 1990s, mainly because the border with China is guarded by North Korean troops with orders to shoot to kill anyone trying to leave North Korea.

Until recently there was little trade between North Korea and Russia. China has long been North Koreas major trading partner. Even that was sometimes disrupted by the poor relations between the Kim dynasty in North Korea and the Chinese communist government. China has become the second largest trading nation, after the United States, in the world. This was because Chinese leaders decided to adopt free market economic rules in the 1980s. Chinese leaders proclaimed that it was not glorious to get rich, as long as you did not disobey your Chinese communist rulers.

There is no democracy in China but new leaders are chosen every five or ten years when senior Chinese officials decide among themselves who will be the supreme leader. For the last ten years that has been Xi Jinping, who has apparently decided to keep the job for life. That is working, so far. In North Korea there have been three generations of leaders belonging to the Kim family. Kim Il Sung, the first leader, was approved by the Soviet Union, where he had lived for several years. Kim spoke good Russian and not much Chinese. Kim Il Sung died in 1994 as North Korea was undergoing a famine that killed about ten percent of the population because, after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the generous aid the Soviets had long supplied ceased. North Korea refused to accept aid offered by South Korea because Kim Il Sung and his successor, Kim Jong Il (and son  North Korea is the worlds only Communist monarchy), continued the ruinous economic policies that continued to impoverish North Korea. Kim Jong Il died in 2011.

The only major accomplishment of Kim Jong Ils rule was the development of nuclear weapons and more ballistic missiles to use against South Korea or the United States. North Korean leaders were not suicidal and knew that attacking South Korea with conventional or nuclear weapons would bring retaliation that would eliminate Kim family rule in the north. China was annoyed because the North Korean nuclear tests were conducted at an underground site near the Chinese border and China detected dangerous levels of radioactivity on their side of the border. The Chinese forcefully suggested that North Korea carry out its future underground nuclear tests far from the Chinese border.

In 2o11 Kim Jong Il died and was succeeded by his son Kim Jong Un, who had spent a lot of time living in the west and acquired a taste for the finer things in life. As a result, Kim Jong Un imported more luxury items for himself and his senior political and military associates. Kim Jong Un, like his predecessors, did little to improve the lives of most North Koreans and maintained a formidable secret police force to deter any violent protests of North Koreans.

Kim Jong Un was always alert to economic opportunities. When Russian leader Vladimir Putin came looking for weapons to use in Ukraine, Kim offered what North Korea had and would provide as much as Russia could pay for. That meant cash up front and not sales on credit. China would not sell Russia weapons but would provide non-military and dual-use items, as much as the Russians could afford.

The Chinese and North Korean weapons and military equipment were useful to Russia in Ukraine, but not decisive and the Russian are still losing lots of troops and find themselves trapped in a war they cannot win but cannot just abandon. Ukraine received, at no cost, over $100 billion in military aid from NATO countries that included the United States.

North Korea and Russia have both done poorly because of the war in Ukraine and the continued difference in living standards between North and South Koreans. Worse, South Korea has become a major supplier of modern weapons and has exported over $20 billion dollars of those weapons to NATO nations supporting Ukraine. This was with the understanding that these weapons would not be used in Ukraine. That was no problem because NATO countries like Poland sent weapons they already had to Ukraine and replaced them with new weapons from South Korea. Russia was not pleased with this but did not want to antagonize South Korea, which had become a major trading partner with Russia, or NATO countries, which were sending equipment but not troops to Ukraine. Russia did not want to go to war with NATO but was going broke paying for all those North Korean weapons while the Russian economy was suffering from the economic sanctions imposed by NATO countries for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Col. Kenneth Stremmel, shown here during a speech at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on June 30, 2023, will assume command of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson on Friday, July 26, 2024. (Kendall Stuckman/U.S. Air Force)

(Tribune News Service)  Col. Kenneth A. Stremmel will assume command of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Friday, the center said.

A ceremony marking the change of command will take place at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at 10 a.m. Stremmel most recently served as the director of intelligence, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. Before that, he was the commander of the Global Exploitation Intelligence Group at the center, which is better known as NASIC.

Relinquishing command will be Col. Ariel G. Batungbacal. She took command of NASIC in June 2022.

Batungbacal, who is also a brigadier general select, will serve as the director of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations, at Air Force headquarters at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.

With an annual budget of more than $500 million and more than 3,500 personnel, NASIC is the Air Forces analysis center for foreign air, space and specialized intelligence, charged with discerning threats to national security in the air and space.

Since June 2022, NASIC has been joined in its work by the National Space Intelligence Center, also known as Space Delta 18  identified as the 18th member of the federal intelligence community. The NSIC is also located at Wright-Patterson.

Lt. Gen. Leah G. Lauderback, the Air Forces deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, will preside over the ceremony Friday. (c)2024 the Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio)

Visit the Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio) at www.daytondailynews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency throughout the week issued heat stroke alerts around the country, including the region that includes the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  Some residents of this airlift hub in western Tokyo were left without air conditioning for nearly two days in peak summer heat after a powerful storm swept through the area.

Electricity went out across the east and main areas of the base during the prolonged Monday night storm, Capt. Emma Quirk, a 374th Air Wing spokeswoman, told Stars and Stripes via email the next day. The storm delivered a burst of torrential rain and a barrage of lightning that knocked out power on base around 10:30 p.m.

The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron had power and air conditioning back online for some households.

On Tuesday, the engineers reset some air-conditioning units, but those units can be temperamental, Quirk said. That meant some housing units were without air conditioning until Wednesday, according to posts on the Yokota Community Facebook page.

By 4 p.m. Wednesday, the civil engineers had restored the last unit, Quirk said in an email that day.

Meanwhile, the Tokyo summer lived up to its reputation. Temperatures climbed into the mid- to high-90s and humidity hovered at 70%, according to AccuWeather.com.

The Japanese Meteorological Agency throughout the week issued heat stroke alerts around the country, including the region that includes the greater Tokyo metropolitan area.

Air Force spouse Rikii Lash lost power in her west side home for only 30 seconds at around 10 p.m. Monday, she told Stars and Stripes via Facebook Messenger on Wednesday. The air conditioning, however, went out and stayed out until Tuesday evening.

Lash, of Pocahontas, Ark., said she was most worried about her cats Jiji and Jiraiya overheating.

Our house hit 87 degrees, she said. We went and bought an air-conditioning unit  so our cats were not suffering. They were panting and sprawled out on the wood floors just to get cool. It was far cooler outside than inside. The humidity rose so bad it was suffocating, the floors all felt wet, and the air was so thick we looked like we had just finished taking a bath.
Maj. Gen. Curtis Buzzard, second from right, visits soldiers at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, on Feb. 6, 2024. Buzzard was nominated July 24 for a third star and an assignment as the leader of a Germany-based group providing military assistance to Ukraine, the Defense Department announced. (Jarvis Mace/U.S. Army)

STUTTGART, Germany  Maj. Gen. Curtis Buzzard was nominated this week for a third star and an assignment as the next leader of a Germany-based command focused on getting military aid to Ukraine, according to the Defense Department.

If confirmed by the Senate, Buzzard would lead several hundred troops who make up the Security Assistance GroupUkraine based at U.S. Army Europe and Africa headquarters in Wiesbaden.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, Buzzard now serves as commander of the Armys Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Moore in Georgia. He was nominated Wednesday for the promotion and the Wiesbaden post, the Pentagon said.

Buzzard will arrive in Wiesbaden at a time of transition for the Ukraine assistance mission. At NATOs summit in Washington earlier this month, member countries agreed to make the U.S.-led effort an alliance-led initiative.

The Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, known as the SAG-U, has been under American command since it was launched in 2022. The unit is currently led by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Antonio Aguto Jr. But going forward, NATO will take over the coordination and provision of most international security assistance. The mission, to be known as NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, will be in Wiesbaden and involve about 700 personnel.

The new command is expected to stand up in a matter of weeks.

U.S. Army Europe and Africa on Thursday said the SAG-U will continue to function. NATOs military headquarters did not immediately respond to a question on whether the separate NATO headquarters at Wiesbaden also will be led by Buzzard in a dual-hatted role.

By using NATO structures, our support will be on a firmer footing, will provide more predictability for Kyiv, and will address both immediate and longer-term needs, NATOs military headquarters said in a July 11 statement.

The change means that the three-star command will report to U.S. Gen. Christopher Cavoli in his capacity as NATO supreme allied commander rather than in his other role as chief of U.S. European Command.
Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Quinton Paes, a machinery technician assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Stone (WMSL 758), poses for a photo aboard the cutter with his family, July 24, 2024, while moored in North Charleston, S.C. Stone returned home after a 63-day patrol in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. (Alana Kickhoefer/U.S. Coast Guard)

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Stone (WMSL 758) returned to their homeport in North Charleston, S.C., on Wednesday after 63 days at sea seeking out drug traffickers in the Atlantic and Caribbean.

Stone served as on-scene commander in support of the Tri-Party partnership, leading U.S. Navy and Royal Canadian navy assets. The partnership, made up of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, U.S. Second Fleet and Canadian Joint Task Force-Atlantic maritime forces, was established in 2015 in support of homeland defense and counterdrug operations.

This deployment offered a unique opportunity to demonstrate the diverse capabilities of the national security cutter and how seamlessly and rapidly the Coast Guard can integrate with joint and allied forces to counter maritime threats, Capt. Jonathan Carter, Stones commanding officer, said in a service news release. The Stones crew performed admirably throughout the demanding mission.

Stone is a 418-foot, Legend-class national security cutter. Its primary missions are counterdrug operations and defense readiness. Stone falls under the command of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area in Portsmouth, Va.
The commander of Marine Rotational Force  Darwin, Col. Brian Mulvihill, poses at Mount Bundey Training Area in Australia's Northern Territory, July 24, 2024. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)

MOUNT BUNDEY TRAINING AREA, Australia  A Marine rotational force in northern Australia is ready to back up the Philippines in clashes with China over disputed territory in the South China Sea, according to the forces commander.

We were given a warning order to support the Philippines defense forces in resupplying of the Second Thomas Shoal, Marine Rotational Force  Darwin commander Col. Brian Mulvihill said Wednesday at an Outback training camp in the Northern Territory.

Mulvihill, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, commands 2,000 Marines in the territory. He said members of the rotational force have been in the Philippines for extended periods this year for the Balikatan, Valiant Shield and Marine Aviation Support Activity exercises.

Clashes between Filipino and Chinese forces at the shoal have intensified in recent months. The Chinese coast guard has interrupted Filipino navy and coast guard efforts to resupply troops on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. The rusted warship houses a garrison to reinforce the Philippines claim to the shoal.

Beijing and Manila agreed Sunday to deescalate at the shoal without conceding either sides territorial claims, according to statements from both countrys foreign ministries reported by The Associated Press that day.

The Marines have been monitoring events at the shoal over a drone feed, Mulvihill said.

We were ready to support the Philippine defense forces, he said, noting that Marines across the Pacific are also ready to back the U.S. ally.

The rotational force can airlift food and water by pushing pallets out of helicopters, he added.

We can control airspace and aircraft from many nations, he said. We provide a range of options if a host nation, through the embassy, requires assistance.

Crisis response force

The rotational force was also ready to support Papua New Guinea after a deadly May 24 landslide that buried hundreds of people. Marines were in the islands earlier that month, but local officials did not ask for their help, Mulvihill said.

Marine Rotational Force  Darwin has evolved from a unit that trains with its counterparts to a crisis-response force under the Hawaii-based U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, he said.

Anything we do here, we are partnered with another military, he said. In order to create stability in the region we need to partner with the forces that live here and know the region better than we do.

The force sent Marines and sailors to the Micronesian island of Nauru in May and June for Operation Render Safe, an Australian-led effort to clear explosives dating to World War II from Oceania, Mulvihill said.

The bomb-disposal crews, along with medical personnel, will fly to the Solomon Islands on MV-22 Osprey aircraft to perform the same mission from August to September, he said.

Three Marines attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 and deployed with the previous rotation to Darwin died after their MV-22B Osprey crashed on Melville Island, part of the Tiwi Islands, Aug. 4, 2023.

Support platform

Darwin is an excellent platform for launching forces into Southeast Asia, according to Grant Newsham, a retired Marine colonel and senior researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo.

Its good to see Darwin and Northern Territory being used this way  rather than just as a training area for Marines, Air Force, and Australian and other forces, he said by email Thursday.

The Marines can offer the Philippines fire support coordination. They can help with logistics and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and guard locations that support Philippine forces operating towards the disputed shoal, he said.

Of course, Marines can deploy aboard Philippine resupply boats alongside [Philippine] personnel, he said.

Marine engineers could repair the Sierra Madre at the shoal and Marine helicopters could resupply it, Newsham added.

A U.S. amphibious ship or two with Marines and their aircraft and other hardware aboard deployed to Second Thomas Shoal would be a serious force  and also sending a clear message, he said. Deploying Marines in the Philippines with their aviation, long-range rockets, and other hardware has a political significance in itself.
An American Battle Monuments Commission staff member places a bronze rosette next to the name of U.S. Army Pfc. Alcario V. Flores on the Wall of the Missing on July 23, 2024, at the Epinal American Cemetery in Dinoze, France. The rosette signifies that Flores has been accounted for. (American Battle Monument Commission)

A pair of World War II memorials in France inscribed with the names of missing American troops had a bronze marker added to them this week, signifying that two more U..S. service members had been accounted for.

On Wednesday, the American Battle Monuments Commission placed a rosette next to the name of Army Cpl. Robert A. Bartlett on the Wall of the Missing at Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.

A day earlier, another marker was inserted near the name of Pfc. Alcario V. Flores on a similar wall at the Epinal American Cemetery in Dinoze, in northeastern France.

Theyre the latest in a recent uptick in positive identifications by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency of American military personnel who fought in Europe decades ago.

The two soldiers were accounted for separately earlier this year and will be repatriated to their families for private burials in early August, the commission said in separate statements Wednesday.

U.S. Army Cpl. Robert A. Bartlett of Pierre, S.D., had a bronze rosette placed next to his name on the Wall of the Missing at Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, on July 24, 2024. His remains were identified in May, and the rosette indicates that he has been accounted for. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) American Battle Monuments Commission staff placed a bronze rosette next to the name of U.S. Army Cpl. Robert A. Bartlett on the Wall of the Missing on July 24, 2024, at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. (American Battle Monuments Commission)

Bartlett from Pierre, S.D., was 22 when he died. He was assigned to the 744th Tank Battalion and was part of the crew of an M5A1 Stuart light tank, according to Defense Department records.

A German rocket hit his tank near Saint-Germain-dElle, France, in July 1944. Two crew members managed to escape, but Bartlett and another soldier were never heard from again, according to the records.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced July 18 that Bartletts remains had finally been identified.

Days before, the agency announced that Flores had been accounted for as well.

A resident of Coolidge, Ariz., and assigned to the 45th Infantry Division, Flores was killed on Jan. 21, 1945, during a battle with German forces near Reipertswiller, France, according to the agency. He was said to have been 37 when he died.

The American Battle Monuments Commission operates and maintains 26 cemeteries and 31 federal memorials throughout the world. More than 200,000 Americans buried and memorialized at the sites.

On its monuments to service members missing in action, the commission places bronze rosettes next to the names of those who are later accounted for. The rosettes display a laurel wreath and the eight points of a compass.

It signifies Americas commitment, reaching out in all directions to recover their remains from the farthest corners of the earth, according to the commissions official description.

Bartletts rosette is the 29th on the Wall of the Missing at Normandy, which includes the names of more than 1,550 service members, many of whom were lost at sea.

Flores rosette is the 33rd on the Epinal American Cemeterys wall, which lists more than 420 troops, the commission said.

Theyre among a handful of recently added rosettes.

U.S. Army Pvt. William A. Smith of Syracuse, Mo., was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in 2023. A rosette denoting the identification of his remains was placed next to his name on the Wall of the Missing at Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) A rosette in the Wall of the Missing at Normandy American Cemetery for Pvt. William A. Smith. His remains were accounted for in August 2023 by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. (X/American Battle Monuments Commission)

Last week, one was placed next to the name of Army Pvt. William A. Smith on Normandys wall. Smith from Syracuse, Mo., was 21 when he went missing. He was assigned to the 149th Engineer Combat Battalion in the European theater.

According to Defense Department records, he was on a landing craft that struck an underwater mine en route to Normandys Omaha Beach on D-Day, and his remains were eventually uncovered during an examination of the wreckage.

An American Battle Monuments Commission worker adds a rosette next to the name of Pfc. Lemuel Dent Jr. on July 19, 2024, at Florence American Cemetery in Italy. A rosette placed in the Wall of the Missing shows that the U.S. service member has been accounted for. (X/American Battle Monuments Commission) A rosette next to the name of Pfc. Lemuel Dent Jr. on the Wall of the Missing at Florence American Cemetery in Italy. (X/American Battle Monuments Commission)

On Friday, the ABMC announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that a rosette had been added next to the name of Army Pfc. Lemuel Dent Jr. on the Wall of the Missing at Florence American Cemetery in Tavarnuzze, Italy.

Dent of Ironsides, Md., was in a tank that took enemy fire near the Cinquale Canal in northwestern Italy in early 1945. He was assigned to the 92nd Infantry Division and was 30 when he died.

Army Pfc. Harry Hosfelt and Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Allan Knepper, two other soldiers who went missing in Italy during World War II, had rosettes placed next to their names on the Wall of the Missing at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, last week.

Rosettes recently were placed beside the names of U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Allan Knepper, left, and Army Pfc. Harry Hosfelt on the Wall of the Missing at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery. The rosettes signify that the remains of the two service members killed during World War II have been recovered and identified. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) Samantha Baskind inserts a gold rosette into the Wall of the Missing next to the name of 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind at Normandy American Cemetery on June 23, 2024, signifying that her great-uncles remains have been found. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

And last month, 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind, a Jewish American who was killed in France during the war and mistakenly buried in a mass grave for German soldiers, was given a proper burial at Normandy American Cemetery.

Afterward, a relative of the Pittsburgh native helped place a rosette next to his name on the Wall of the Missing.

Officials attribute the spike in identifications to technological advances and improvements in DNA analysis.

The rosette for Baskind was the fifth added to the Normandy American Cemeterys wall in as many months, superintendent Scott Desjardins said.

Why are we moving so fast? Technology, DNA, Desjardins said on the sidelines of the ceremony. We hope in the future that we can find a lot of these men and put a rest to their story and give their families some peace.
A Jalapeno Bomb from California Roll & Sushi in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)

Sushi lovers in the mood to shake things up can head for California Roll & Sushi in Pyeongtaek, just a five-minute drive from the main gate at Osan Air Base, South Korea.

This eatery specializes in sushi rolls that put an American twist on a Japanese mainstay.

Its a great place to get a quick bite for lunch, and hard to miss. A huge neon sign displays its name in bold letters. Inside youll find a warm setting and a cozy vibe.

Theres plenty of seating for you and your friends at a table for four, or post up at the sushi bar and watch the magic happen.

The staff was very accommodating and friendly during my visit, and an English menu makes ordering a breeze. There is a large variety to choose from.

The menu had what seemed like an endless list of sushi options with colorful names like Superman Burrito and Rainbow.

A Dragon Roll from California Roll & Sushi in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)

To start, I ordered the Jalapeno Bomb for 16,000 won, or about $11.50, followed by the Dragon Roll with a Pepsi for 23,000 won.

The jalapeno roll arrived moments after I ordered. Despite the intimidating title, it was sweet and not too spicy.

The Dragon Roll came with shrimp tempura and crab meat on the inside with baked, freshwater eel and avocado on the outside. It was amazing.

California Roll & Sushi is a great experience at a reasonable price. I highly recommend it.

California Roll & Sushi in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, specializes in sushi rolls that put an American twist on a Japanese mainstay. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)

California Roll & Sushi

Location: 64-3 Mokcheon-ro, Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea

Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Prices: Appetizers start at 9,000 won; most entrees cost between 16,000 won and 34,000 won.

Dress: Casual

Directions: A 5-minute drive from the main gate at Osan Air Base, South Korea.

Information: 031-611-4809
The Supreme Court in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (Ernest Ankomah/Bloomberg)

Ghanas Supreme Court upheld a 64-year-old law that criminalizes sodomy, saying the statute is constitutional, while it continues to ponder the fate of even-harsher anti-LGBTQ legislation.

A seven-member panel unanimously dismissed an application by University of Ghana Law School lecturer Prince Obiri-Korang challenging the constitutionality of the law, Accra-based radio station Citi FM reported. Obiri-Korang had argued that the law violates the right to privacy, discrimination and personal liberties.

Ghanas constitution makes it a crime for any person to have unnatural carnal knowledge, which includes anal sex and sex with animals. The court will make available the full reasoning for the judgment at a later date at its registry, Citi FM said.

The top court is also currently conducting hearings on applications submitted by two citizens challenging the constitutionality of a proposed anti-LGBTQ bill, which calls for three years imprisonment for people who identify as LGBTQ.

The court on July 17 deferred a separate ruling on an injunction blocking parliament from sending the bill to President Nana Akufo-Addo for his signature. It will weigh in on that matter once its decided on the constitutionality of the bill.

Akufo-Addos endorsement is the last step required for the legislation to become law.

If endorsed, the punitive law may jeopardize $3.8 billion of World Bank funding over the next six years, according to Ghanas Finance Ministry. It could also derail a $3 billion bailout program from the International Monetary Fund and hurt the countrys efforts to restructure $20 billion of external debt, it said.
The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt arrives in Busan, South Korea, on June 22, 2024. (Aaron Haro Gonzalez/U.S. Navy)

South Korean police questioned three Chinese students who used a drone to record panoramic views of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt at Busan in June, a Busan Metropolitan Police officer said Thursday.

The three were suspected of illegally recording video of the carrier and South Korean Naval Operations Command on June 23 and June 25, the police officer told Stars and Stripes by phone.

The students, who police described as being in their 30s or 40s, were questioned and released but remain under investigation, the officer said.

South Korean government officials customarily speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

The carrier arrived in Busan on June 22 ahead of Freedom Edge, several days of maritime exercises with warships of the South Korean and Japanese navies.

The three, students at a Busan university, are suspected of violating the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act, which outlaws photographing military installations and equipment without approval from the unit or base commander, according to police. The officer did not identify the three by name, citing privacy concerns.

At 12:11 p.m., a South Korean army officer on security duty discovered the three students operating a drone on a hill in Busan and held them for police, a South Korean navy spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday.

The hill is popular with Busan locals as a lookout point, the police officer said.

There is a viewing platform giving stunning views over the hill, he said. So, it is almost always crowded.

The students had parked their car nearby and taken the drone, which they told police they carry in the car, with them to the hill, the officer said. Police confiscated the drone and in it found about five minutes of footage of the carrier and naval base.

The three told police they took the footage only out of curiosity, the Busan officer said.

Police also confiscated their cellphones before releasing them and are reviewing their records. The three are not suspected of espionage, a police detective told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday.

U.S. authorities have not inquired about the incident, the police officer said.

The naval base typically increases security when U.S. assets arrive, the navy spokesman said, but this incident may prompt a tightening of those measures. He said the drone did not appear in any surveillance video at the base.

In May, the U.S. Navy in Japan investigated what appeared to be overhead imagery of the carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge and Yokosuka Naval Base and posted in Chinese to the social media platform X. The Navy found no indication a drone had flown over the site, however.

Similar images of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base at Yokosuka and the flattop helicopter destroyer JS Izumo appeared on the same account.
Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki tours Camp Kinser, a Marine Corps base on the island, in January 2019. (Nicole Rogge/U.S. Marine Corps)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  The governors of 15 Japanese prefectures where U.S. military bases are located filed petitions Wednesday in Tokyo addressing recent alleged sexual assaults by U.S. service members and continued Osprey flights in Japan.

Members of the Base-Hosting Governors Association filed six letters with Japans Defense and Foreign Affairs ministries, the full text of which was posted to the Kanagawa prefecture website.

Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki, Kanagawa Gov. Yuji Kuroiwa and the vice-governors of Aomori and Nagasaki also met with U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Japan Katherine Monahan, Japan Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hisashi Matsumoto and Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Youichi Fukazawa, according to the site.

The association also includes the governors of Hokkaido, Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi and Fukuoka prefectures.

The letter on sexual assault indictments calls for a revision to the status of forces agreement governing U.S. service members in Japan to ensure that extradition of U.S. service members is carried out if its requested by Japan.

It also asks for the term rape to be redefined as non-consensual sexual intercourse in the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee Agreement on Criminal Justice Procedures from 1995 for cases subject to custody transfer before indictment.

The letter comes after an Okinawa Prefectural Assembly delegation delivered two formal letters of protest and petition Friday to the U.S. Embassy, Japanese Cabinet Secretariat, Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.

U.S. Forces Japan commander Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, second from right, meets with commanders at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, July 23, 2024. (Edward Yankus/U.S. Air Force)

That petition calls on the U.S. government to take measures to prevent any further incidents like those that resulted in separate indictments for two U.S. service members this year.

Senior Airman Brennon R.E. Washington pleaded not guilty July 12 in Naha District Court, Okinawa, to charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in December. In June, Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton was charged with attempting to sexually assault a woman in Yomitan village, Okinawa, in May.

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. He also promised further changes to the off-duty liberty policy for all service members in Japan. Rupp met with commanders in Okinawa on Tuesday, according to a Facebook post by USFJ.

During the meeting, Rupp reinforced expectations and solicited feedback on ensuring a high state of mission readiness and service member conduct in Japan, the post states. Rupp encouraged commanders at all levels to be consistent and persistent in maintaining the highest standards from our service members.

The governors association in another letter called for the expansion of the accident subcommittee established under the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee to address future U.S. military aircraft accidents in Japan.

It also asked for an agreement with the U.S. to suspend flights of the same type of aircraft involved in accidents when requested by Japan until safety is confirmed and sufficient information is provided to the relevant local governments, such as the cause of the accident and safety measures.

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 tiltrotor off the southern coast of Japan that killed eight service members.

Two Osprey squadrons at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, resumed flights March 14. Japan grounded its fleet of 14 Ospreys the day after the crash and resumed flights March 21.

Other letters asked for the reversion of U.S. military land to Japan to be completed, an increase in monetary compensation for local governments hosting U.S. military bases and for the Japanese government to cover expenses linked to PFAS from U.S. bases.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departs after addressing a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Washington. (Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images/TNS)

The bodies of five Israelis killed in Hamass Oct. 7 attack and then taken to Gaza have been recovered, the Israel Defense Forces said Thursday, as families of hostages reacted angrily to news that an Israeli negotiating team has delayed its latest trip to the talks to free those remaining.

The delay comes as those involved in the cease-fire talks revealed that the negotiations hit a snag after Israel made new demands, including keeping its troops along the Gaza border with Egypt.

The hostages bodies were retrieved from an unguarded tunnel in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to Israeli radio. The bodies recovered were those of Maya Goren, 56, a kindergarten teacher, and four soldiers: Oren Goldin, Tomer Ahimas, Kiril Brodski and Ravid Aryeh Katz, according to the IDF statement.

News about the recovery of the bodies emerged around the time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was addressing Congress and promoting his efforts to free the hostages. In his speech Wednesday, he promised their families that he will not rest until all their loved ones are home, as protests against him continued outside the U.S. Capitol.

In Israel, families of hostages reacted negatively to the news about the latest setbacks in the hostage talks, particularly the delay of the negotiating teams trip to Qatar, and blamed Netanyahu.

For two weeks, the Prime Minister has refrained from responding to the mediators inquiries regarding the implementation of the deal, the Hostages Families Forum Headquarters said in a statement. It has now become apparent that the information provided to the hostages families did not accurately reflect the situations reality.

The group accused Netanyahu and the negotiating team of a deliberate sabotage of the chance to bring our loved ones back, and it demanded to know who was obstructing the hostage deal and why.

Talks around the hostage negotiations hit a new snag last week in Doha, according to a diplomat briefed on the talks who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomatic effort.

After the meeting, Israeli negotiators submitted new demands, including the refusal to withdraw from Gazas border with Egypt and restrictions on the ability for civilians to return to Gazas north, according to the diplomat.

Granting civilians permission to return to northern Gaza has been a key Hamas demand in the talks for months, and previous reports from the negotiations suggested the issue had largely been agreed to. Israeli forces took over Gazas border with Egypt in May and say the area was used by Hamas to smuggle weapons and supplies into Gaza.

While Netanyahus speech received numerous standing ovations from lawmakers who attended, much of the reaction in the Israeli press was critical and contrasted the address with the discovery of the hostages corpses.

While Netanyahu was speaking in Congress, the IDF was working to identify the bodies of dead hostages, columnist Nahum Barnea wrote in the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. One world in Washington, another world in Israel.

The daily Maariv quoted Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is being held hostage, as saying that Netanyahu was delaying the deal for personal reasons.

Even if we receive news of more hostages dying in tunnels, he will continue with his public relations campaign in the United States and will continue to drag his feet, she said.

A Netanyahu ally, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, hit back at the media for what he called its overly negative portrayal of the prime ministers impressive speech and accused commentators of trying to weaken the country.

The bitter band of sourpusses in [the media] has illustrated once again the enormity of its disconnect from Israeli experience and is doing everything to ruin the celebration, he wrote on Facebook.

Family and friends of Goren, the kindergarten teacher whose body was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz, expressed relief that her body had been recovered. She had already been declared dead in December.

Mom was finally laid to rest  after more than nine months, her journey has ended, her family said in a statement shared on a WhatsApp forum that also thanked the security forces that brought her body back. Your abandonment has at last ended. Around a quarter of residents of the kibbutz were reported killed or missing after the attack, and about half of the houses were destroyed.

More than 250 hostages were taken by Hamas and its allies on Oct. 7. Israelis said at least 111 remain in Gaza and of those at least 72 are believed to still be alive.

Talks to release hostages and end the war in Gaza have been stalled for months, with each side blaming the other for the lack of progress. At the core of the deadlock is the issue of how the war in Gaza will end. Hamas has demanded that the release of hostages be followed by the withdrawal of Israeli forces and a permanent cease-fire. Netanyahu has vowed to completely destroy Hamas.

For its part, Hamas also accused Netanyahu of obstructing negotiations.

He is the one who thwarted all efforts, the group said, blasting Netanyahus claim that efforts to reach an agreement have intensified and calling it a complete lie. Heres what else to know

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Kremlin on Thursday. Considering all the events that are taking place in the world as a whole and in the Eurasian region today, our meeting today seems very important to discuss all the details of the development of these events, Assad told Putin through a Russian interpreter.

Many Palestinian families are continually forced to seek new places of refuge inside the Gaza Strip, where there is no safe place, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Thursday morning. Children are crying and screaming. Everybody is in this horrible position once again. It keeps happening over and over and over, said Louise Wateridge, a spokeswoman for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency in Gaza. They are forced from place to place, promised safety where there is none.

At least 39,175 people have been killed and 90,403 injured in Gaza since the war started, the Gaza Health Ministry said Wednesday. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says the majority of the dead are women and children. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamass Oct. 7 attack, including more than 300 soldiers, and it says 326 soldiers have been killed since the start of its military operations in Gaza.
A poster showing Abu Obaida, the spokesman for Hamass military wing, on the streets of Burj Barajneh, a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut. (Diego Ibarra Sanchez/Washington Post)

JERUSALEM - After nine months of Israels all-out war against Hamas, the groups government remains a key source of civil authority across the Gaza Strip - a testament to the organizations reach and resiliency, and the limits of the military campaign aimed at eradicating its influence.

Thousands of airstrikes have killed not just fighters and commanders, but civilian police and employees from all echelons of government - from mayors and ministers to medical and municipal workers - as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to finish off the group. In an address to Congress on Wednesday, he said Israel will fight until it destroys Hamass military capacities, and its rule in Gaza.

As law and order collapse, though, Hamas has retained pockets of power, analysts and residents say, and has been quick to reemerge in areas when Israeli forces withdraw. Local officials still exercise a degree of control over the economy, provide limited services to war-battered neighborhoods - and mercilessly punish their critics.

Hamas is part of our national fabric, said Jabril Rajoub, a prominent figure in Fatah, Hamass main political rival.

The movements durability has widened the rift between Netanyahu and the Israeli military, which says the group cannot be defeated. Hamas is an idea, Daniel Hagari, the top spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, said last month. Anyone who thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong.

The IDF said last week it had killed about half of the groups military leadership, but it did not respond to a request for comment on whether civilian employees of the Hamas-led government were military targets. COGAT, the arm of Israels Defense Ministry in charge of administering Gaza, referred questions back to the IDF. Civil workers, i.e. in water and sanitation, are never targeted, government spokesman David Mencer said.

But as the crisis in Gaza deepens, the governing arm of Hamas maintains its influence: Civil defense workers respond to the scene of airstrikes. Municipal employees work to keep public utilities functioning. Officials impose price controls on commercial goods, or ask for their cut on black-market deals, and the groups feared Internal Security Service still crushes dissent.

Since its founding in 1987, Hamas built a network of schools, clinics, universities, NGOs, everything, in the territory, contributing to its staying power, said political scientist Mukhaimer Abu Saada, who fled Gaza for Egypt late last year.

And while Palestinians there are increasingly critical of Hamas, that is largely overshadowed by anger against Israel, who most blame for spreading disorder and deprivation, he said.

Israel has gone after the Palestinian civilian population and civilian infrastructure, Abu Saada said. Whoever is fighting back is respected by the Palestinian people.

Composed of a political and a military wing - the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades - Hamas embedded itself in all facets of Gazan life over 17 years in power. The government employed around 40,000 people before the war; an additional 27,000 to 40,000 were estimated to belong to the Qassam Brigades.

The militant groups top operatives inside Gaza went into hiding Oct. 7, when Hamas-led fighters stormed southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage.

Yehiya Sinwar, the groups military leader in Gaza, is thought to be running operations from the enclaves extensive tunnel network and tops Israels most-wanted list. On Saturday, an Israeli strike targeted his second-in-command, the shadowy military commander Mohammed Deif. Its not clear whether he was among the more than 90 people local health authorities said were killed in the attack.

Hamas officials who were outside of Gaza when the war began, including the Qatar-based political leader Ismail Haniyeh, have not returned.

Hamas established its own de facto government in Gaza in 2007, after violently ousting its chief rival, the Fatah party that dominates the Palestinian Authority in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Under an Israeli land and sea blockade, the government often struggled to carry out basic functions. Most Gazans could not leave, and relied on the United Nations and other humanitarian groups for food, health care and education. Meanwhile, military leaders spent millions of dollars smuggling in rockets and other weapons.

The war has badly hobbled Hamass governing infrastructure.

Gazas Education Ministry suspended all schooling for the Strips 625,000 children, who make up about a quarter of the population.

The U.N. estimated in April that more than 87 percent of Gazas schools, and all its universities, have been damaged or destroyed.

Gazas Finance Ministry is also a shadow of its former self. Hamas cannot pay regular salaries, but periodically gives small cash handouts to some government employees, said Abu Sada said.

Some ministries and agencies are still operating, though it depends on the place, said Wael Balousha, the Gaza Strip director of AMAN, the Ramallah-based chapter of Transparency International. He spoke by phone from Egypt, where he fled during the war.

Gazas civil defense workers continue to provide emergency services, he said, rushing to the scene of strikes despite limited fuel for ambulances and the threat of Israeli attack.

He also pointed to the Health Ministry, which has put out near-daily war casualty reports. More than 38,500 people have been killed, according to the ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says most of the dead are women and children.

Despite the efforts, Gazas state health-care system has collapsed. Israel has repeatedly raided the strips main hospitals, alleging they are used by Hamas fighters, a claim denied by doctors and patients.

Gazas municipalities were already cash-strapped before the war, relying on revenue from utilities and other local services, Abu Saada said. Now, many municipal buildings have been hit or evacuated. More than two-thirds of water and sanitation infrastructure and about two-thirds of all roads have been damaged or destroyed, according to U.N. estimates.

City workers throughout the enclave are still trying to pick up trash, repair roads and keep water taps flowing, local residents say, but many have been repeatedly displaced and their reach remains limited.

On Monday, authorities in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza, announced they had run out of fuel needed to power their 19 wells and water tanks, serving about 700,000 people. The municipality is trying to resolve this problem as soon as possible, they wrote on Facebook.

In the wars initial months, Gazas civilian police force, which is separate from the Qassam Brigades, were among the most visible remnants of Hamas authority, helping provide security for aid convoys.

When Israels military began targeting police officers in the winter, they stopped guarding aid trucks, which became targets of widespread, and sometimes deadly, looting. Hamas police is Hamas, Col. Elad Goren of COGAT told reporters in March, adding that we wont allow Hamas to control the humanitarian assistance.

Plainclothes police are still operating in some places, including as guards at shelters for the displaced. But insecurity, alongside hunger and disease, is spiraling.

Clan fighting, robberies, shootings, Abu Sada said. All of that is happening and there is no one to intervene.

Hamas officials have tried in other ways to reassert their authority.

When goods were coming through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, Gazas Economy Ministry monitored sales, set prices and collected taxes, Mohammad Abu Jiyab, the editor of a business newspaper in Gaza, said by phone.

Israels seizure of the Rafah crossing in May has undercut Hamas efforts to control local commerce, he said. Plainclothes Hamas authorities have now resorted to extortion, according to merchants interviewed by The Washington Post, seeking a cut from cigarette smuggling and other black-market trade.

Fear was always a hallmark of Hamas rule, and the group maintains the ability to silence its opponents.

While many Gazans still support Hamas and its fight against Israel, open criticism has become more common as the war drags on and civilian suffering deepens.

On July 8, Amin Abed, a prominent political activist and critic of Hamas, was on his way to deliver donations in Gaza City when a group of masked men with hammers and crowbars attacked him. He said they led him to an abandoned building and severely beat him for more than 20 minutes.

You insult your masters from the resistance, Abed, 36, recalled the men saying. They identified themselves as being from the Internal Security Service, he said.

I heard the person in charge telling them, Break the fingers on his hands that he uses to write and incite against us, Abed said.

And indeed they broke my fingers with the crowbar.

Beirut-based Hamas spokesman Basem Naim said in a WhatsApp message that he had no information about the allegations. Hamas takes advantage of peoples need for food, Abed said, and whoever objects, it attacks them only to say that we are here to stay and that we still control Gaza.

Israeli officials have said they are committed to replacing the Hamas government, but have offered no viable alternatives. Efforts to elevate local clans have been unsuccessful, and Netanyahu has bristled at a U.S.-backed plan to reinstall the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.

There is no clear scenario for us, said Taghred Jumaa, a womens rights activist and mother of three who has been displaced several times during the conflict.

There is fear that the next stage after the war will be a vacuum, she said, resulting in more violence.

Abu Saada said this political void could ultimately benefit Hamas.

The day after, there isnt going to be a smooth transfer, lets be realistic here, he said. Hamas hasnt lost complete control of the streets of Gaza.

Harb reported from London. Hazem Balousha in Cairo contributed to this report.
Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant of the Coast Guard, testifies Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars and Stripes)

The Coast Guard must prove service members were held accountable for the sexual assault cover-up at its academy if leaders want to rebuild public trust and overcome recruiting shortfalls, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson told the services commandant on Wednesday.

I expect those responsible for orchestrating this cover-up to be held accountable, Thompson, the top Democrat for the House Committee on Homeland Security, said as members questioned Coast Guard Adm. Linda Fagan on a wide range of topics. Its imperative that the Coast Guard restore trust with its workforce, Congress and the public by changing the culture that allowed these events to occur and ensuring that they never happen again. [It] is all the more important because, as with all our military branches, the Coast Guard is facing a workforce shortage.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., and other members from both parties asked questions of Fagan about the yearslong cover-up of the sexual assault investigation known as Operation Fouled Anchor that came to light last year.

Operation Fouled Anchor is a 2020 report based on a five-year inquiry into the handling of sexual assault and harassment at the Coast Guard Academy prior to 2006. The Coast Guard only notified Congress about the existence of Fouled Anchor after CNN reporters began digging into it in 2023  three years after the service decided not to disclose the investigation report.

In the year since the investigation became public, the call for reforms within the Coast Guard have expanded from the academy to the entire service, including enlisted members who have told Congress that they have reported sexual assault only to have their cases mishandled by the service.

Thompson said Fagans predecessor, Adm. Karl Schultz, had the opportunity to disclose Fouled Anchor to the committee during a June 2021 hearing focused on the culture of the Coast Guard but did not.

The Coast Guards failure to disclose Operation Fouled Anchor in the face of the committees oversight can only be described as deliberate and deceitful, he said.

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Homeland Security, speaks Wednesday, July 24, 2024, during a hearing about the Coast Guard. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars and Stripes)

Fagan has said in previous Capitol Hill hearings that she is waiting for the findings of a Department of Homeland Security inspector general investigation to determine any discipline or other actions necessary. However, she said the service is not sitting idle in the meantime.

Fagan conducted a 90-day accountability and transparency review that generated 33 directed actions. So far, 18 have been completed.

But more importantly, this is a journey that will continue. This is not a checklist that when its done, were done. This is how we will create culture, intolerant of any kind of harmful behavior as a service, Fagan said.

However, the recruiting problems within the Coast Guard predated the publics discovery of Fouled Anchor.

This year will be the first since 2017 that the Coast Guard is confident it will meet recruiting goals, service officials said in a statement following the hearing.

All branches of the military have struggled to meet enlistment numbers since the coronavirus pandemic, and most are starting to bounce back.

The Coast Guard has 30,334 active-duty members though it is authorized to have 33,305.

Whats the cause of the problem? Gimenez asked Fagan. What are you going to do to make sure that we have enough personnel to run the Coast Guard?

Fagan said updating the recruiting process and creating professional recruiting positions contributed to the turnaround.

We are for the first time in nearly nine years on a trajectory to at least stop losing people at a greater rate than were onboarding them, she said. It is going to take us time to build back, and we will continue to keep our foot on the gas to ensure that were recruiting any and all who want to serve this incredible organization.

The Coast Guard has a goal to enlist 4,200 new members before Sept. 30, which is the end of the fiscal year, according to service officials. As of now, it has recruited 3,300 new members and has enough people signed up for future basic training dates that it expects to meet its goal.
Two CF-18 Hornets, two F-35 Lighting II, and two F-16 Fighting Falcons fighter aircraft from NORAD positively identified and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two PRC H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on July 24, 2024. (Department of Defense)

North American Aerospace Defense Command says it detected, tracked, and intercepted four bombers  two Russian and two Chinese  flying near Alaska on Wednesday.

The Russian Tupolev Tu-95 Bears and Chinese H-6 strategic bombers were operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone but did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace, NORAD announced in a news release after the incident.

The intercept was handled by U.S. and Canadian fighter jets, the statement said.

The Russian and Chinese bombers were not considered a threat, according to NORAD.

A spokesman for NORAD, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., Capt. Sean Carter, told Stars and Stripes by email that he had no further information available on the incident.

An ADIZ is an area beyond a countrys airspace where, for national security, it exerts some air traffic control and requires aircraft to identify themselves. They are not formally recognized under international law, although various norms pertain, according to the Congressional Research Service.

On Sunday, Russian fighters intercepted a pair of Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers in international airspace over the Barents Sea, the area north of Scandinavia and eastern Russia, while the bombers were en route to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, according to the service.

The B-52s continued their flight without changing course, according to U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa.
(Tribune News Service)  The same night a U.S. Army officer filmed himself deleting Army training materials while he was being discharged from the military, he called the Russian embassy in Washington, D.C., according to federal prosecutors.

In the video Manfredo Martin-Michael Madrigal III recorded in February 2022, he was graphically describing his ill-will toward the Army, prosecutors said.

Madrigal, 38, pleaded guilty on July 24 to one count of destruction of U.S. Army materials and three counts of making a false statement, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Virginia.

The charges stem from when Madrigals discharge from the Army was pending and he was assigned as an attorney to the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals Legal Center and School (JAG School) in Charlottesville, prosecutors said.

The case began as a national security espionage suspicion, Madrigals defense attorney, John N. Maher, told McClatchy News in an emailed statement on July 25.

What the facts truly prove is that First Lieutenant Madrigal distinguished himself as an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper and a senior non-commissioned officer with the 75th Ranger Regiment, having conducted onerous and life threatening missions our country asked him to perform, Maher said.

By early February 2022, the Army was in the process of discharging Madrigal because he never reported a prior conviction for driving under the influence, according to prosecutors. At the time, his job was to create training materials for the JAG Corps and Army, prosecutors said.

An investigation revealed that Madrigal deleted JAG School training materials related to national security without permission  and sent a video of himself doing so in a text message to a woman, according to an affidavit written by an FBI agent.

In the recording, Madrigal expressed bitterness toward the Army, making several expletive statements, the affidavit says.

You thought you could easily remove me? Madrigal said in part of the video, according to the affidavit.

Call to Russian embassy

In another text message and voicemail to the woman who received the video, Madrigal mentioned Russia, saying, Ya, Russia has reached out to me and that he made plans to travel to the country, the affidavit says.

Days before his discharge from the Army on Feb. 22, 2022, Madrigal messaged the woman again, saying: The Russians in DC reached out to me, they would like to know what I know, according to the affidavit.

However, Madrigals phone records showed no Russian representative called him, the affidavit says.

Instead, the records showed he called the Russian embassy in D.C. the day he deleted JAG School training modules, according to the criminal complaint, which says his call lasted about 2 minutes and 26 seconds.

Lying to the FBI

As an Army officer, Madrigal had an active security clearance and served overseas on sensitive operations before working at the JAG School, prosecutors said.

He lied on his exit paperwork during his Army discharge, claiming he had no unreported contact with a foreign national, according to prosecutors.

A few months later, Madrigal lied to the FBI, saying he never deleted Army training materials and he never spoke with a foreign national at the Russian embassy, prosecutors said.

According to Maher, Madrigals offenses occurred while he was struggling with chronic PTSD, which he developed from close quarter combat during his military service, and was drinking to excess.

Madrigal was initially arrested on a cyberstalking charge in August 2022, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

FBI agents learned Madrigal had been threatening the woman who received the video of him deleting Army training materials, prosecutors said in an earlier release. She was Madrigals former romantic partner, according to prosecutors.

Madrigal messaged her between late 2021 and throughout the middle of 2022, threatening her career, family, and pets, and sent sexually explicit photos of her that she didnt know he had, prosecutors said.

The woman reported he also threatened her with a gun and damaged her items, according to prosecutors.

Madrigal threatened a second woman, another former romantic partner, with a pistol and pointed it at her head in August 2022, prosecutors said.

He pressured this woman give the FBI false information about him, according to prosecutors.

Since Madrigal agreed to plead guilty to charges related to deleting JAG School materials and lying to the FBI, the cyberstalking charge and other counts against him will be dismissed after his sentencing, his plea agreement shows.

Madrigal is considered a disabled veteran and has been dry for two years, Maher told McClatchy News.

He said Madrigal is a wounded warrior who is no danger to anybody and is now on the mend to continue to contribute positively to our neighbors and our country.

The date of Madrigals sentencing wasnt listed in court records.

2024 The Charlotte Observer.

Visit charlotteobserver.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Capt. Daryle Cardone, left, commander of the USS Ronald Reagan, greets Capt. Tim Waits, skipper of the USS George Washington, at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., July 24, 2024. (Keyly Santizo/U.S. Navy)

The USS Ronald Reagan and USS George Washington are primed to exchange hundreds of sailors and dozens of aircraft as the two aircraft carriers prepare to relocate later this year.

About 350 sailors aboard the Ronald Reagan  about 13% of its crew  will move to the George Washington before it heads to Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, according to Ronald Reagan spokesman Lt. Cmdr. James Adams.

Theyll be joined by personnel and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 5 and staff from Destroyer Squadron 15, he told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday.

With them, these sailors will bring their Indo-Pacific and forward deployed experience to George Washington, he said. The Ronald Reagan is one of the most advanced and capable warships in the world, he added.

The USS Ronald Reagan arrives at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., July 23, 2024, ahead of a crew and aircraft swap with the USS George Washington. (Keenan Daniels/U.S. Navy)

The two carriers are making the exchange at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, Calif., just across the bay from downtown San Diego.

Adams declined to comment on the date the George Washington will arrive in Japan, citing operational security concerns. Additional information regarding the exchange is forthcoming, he said.

The swap, first announced by the Navy in April 2023, concludes a nine-year chapter for the Ronald Reagan.

The carrier arrived in Yokosuka in 2015 to succeed the George Washington as the centerpiece of the U.S. 7th Fleet. The two ships at the time swapped nearly two-thirds of their respective 3,000 crewmembers.

The George Washington in 2017 moved to Newport News, Va., for its mid-life nuclear refueling and maintenance. The refit, scheduled to take four years, was significantly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other setbacks.

Once the crew swaps are complete, the Ronald Reagan is expected to undergo its own maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash.
A dog that traveled on a Patriot Express flight sits in its kennel inside the passenger terminal at Yokota Air Base, Japan, in 2018. (Gabrielle Spalding/U.S. Air Force)

Due to public outcry, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has eased restrictions on dogs coming into the United States from countries with low or no risk of rabies.

The CDC announced Monday that it will require just one form from dog owners entering the U.S. with their pets instead of a package of documents it set forth earlier this month in new regulations.

These updates incorporate the feedback received from the public, industry partners, and various countries on the dog importation rule, and clarify and simplify the processes for those bringing dogs from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries, the CDCs official website states.

The rules will still take effect Aug. 1, the tail end of the militarys busy season for permanent changes of duty stations, which typically occurs from May to August.

Under the latest revisions, dogs that have spent the previous six months in a country free of or at low risk for canine rabies will need only the free CDC Dog Import Form available online.

The pet owner may complete the form on the day of travel, according to the CDCs website. The document may be printed or shown on a phone screen to U.S. customs officials or airline representatives.

Dogs still must be microchipped and at least 6 months old at time of entry to the U.S. and appear healthy upon arrival.

Meeting all the new requirements to bring a dog into the U.S. can be pricey. To obtain a health certificate, dogs may undergo preliminary requirements, including microchipping, vaccinations and bloodwork, according to Pet Relocation, an international pet transportation company.

On average, pet owners may expect to pay between $50 and $200 for those services, Pet Relocation states on its website. Finally, the dog must undergo a veterinary exam to complete the health certificate, another $50 to $200.

The CDC provides a list of high-risk countries on its website. If the country is not listed, it is considered low risk or free of canine rabies.

CDC experts in the poxvirus and rabies branch annually assess individual countries rabies statuses worldwide.

Since the CDC first revised its guidelines earlier this month, eight airlines have announced they will no longer fly dogs with their owners, the Military Times reported Wednesday.

Information on whether any of them will change that policy was not immediately available Thursday.

Military members making PCS moves sometimes fly on commercial airlines due to limited space for pets aboard the Patriot Express, which is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Patriot Express is a contracted passenger air service that links the United States with its overseas installations.

Lufthansa, a German airline, decided earlier this month to stop carrying pet dogs starting Aug. 1, except service dogs.

Due to new restrictions imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the entry regulations for dogs into the USA are changing, Lufthansa posted on its official website. As of August 1, 2024, new bookings for dogs into the USA are no longer possible until further notice.

That rule was still posted Thursday on Lufthansas website.
Two CF-18 Hornets, two F-35 Lighting II and two F-16 Fighting Falcons fighter jets from NORAD identified and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two Chinese H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone on July 24, 2024. (Department of Defense)

WASHINGTON  Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday that the Defense Department has been tracking cooperation between Russia and China but spotting military aircraft from the two countries flying together near Alaska was new.

This is the first time that weve seen those two countries fly together like that. They didnt enter our airspace, Austin told reporters during a news conference at the Pentagon. This is a thing that we track very closely. If it happens again  I have every confidence in [U.S. Northern Command] and [North American Aerospace Defense Command] will be at the ready.

On Wednesday, U.S. and Canadian fighter jets intercepted four aircraft  two Russian bombers and two Chinese bombers  flying near Alaska. Austin said the closest point of approach was about 200 miles off the U.S. coast.

U.S. adversaries are always testing us, Austin said, and the military often sees activity in the north.

But the Pentagon has growing concern about the relationship between China and Russia because China has increased its support to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he said.

Weve seen evidence of that, and we would hope that would cease going forward, said Austin as he prepares to leave Friday for his 11th trip to the Indo-Pacific region, where he will visit Japan and the Philippines. Well see what happens and how this relationship continues to develop.

The Russian Tupolev Tu-95 Bears and Chinese H-6 strategic bombers were operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, but the aircraft did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace, according to a NORAD statement. The Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone is an area beyond U.S. airspace where, for national security, it exerts some air traffic control and requires aircraft to identify themselves.

Such incidents have occurred as often as 15 times per year in the recent past, NORAD has said. But just as the U.S. regularly intercepts aircraft near its borders, Russian aircraft intercept American flights near its airspace.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conducts a news briefing at the Pentagon on Feb. 1, 2024. (Alexander Kubitza/Department of Defense)

Russian fighters on Sunday intercepted a pair of Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers in international airspace over the Barents Sea, the area north of Scandinavia and eastern Russia. The U.S. bombers were en route to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania, according to the service.

The B-52s continued their flight without changing course, according to U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa.

The incident Wednesday also comes after the Pentagon two days earlier unveiled its new Arctic strategy as warmer weather opens more waterways and allows Russia and China to threaten stability in the region.

Russia, the largest of the eight Arctic nations, has built up military infrastructure in the region and has a clear route to the U.S. through the Arctic. Russias Arctic access could be used to constrain the ability of the United States to respond to crises in Europe and the Indo-Pacific regions, according to the Pentagons updated strategy.

Additionally, China declared itself a near-Arctic state in 2018, signaling interest in the region. Russia and China have been collaborating on development in the Arctic, as well as conducting joint training exercises for years, raising U.S. and NATO concerns.
Before refusing the application, Judge Peter Irvine KC was told that the bid to vary Donnellys bail was being opposed by both the Crown and the PSNI

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 on Wednesday.

Joseph Donnelly, whose address is subject to a reporting restriction, has been charged with belonging to a proscribed organisation and directing a terrorist organisation between December 31, 2019, and August 25, 2022.

He is also facing a charge that on dates between August 10, 2020, and April 10, 2021, he engaged in the act of preparing terrorist activities by attending meetings in Belfast.

Donnelly was granted bail in the High Court last September, but an application to vary its conditions was made, and refused, at Belfast Crown Court today.

The crux of the request was to suspend the curfew, tagging and signing conditions to allow Donnelly to leave the jurisdiction and to stay at a B&B in Donegal for a weeks holiday with his wife in August.

Before refusing the application, Judge Peter Irvine KC was told by a prosecution barrister that the bid to vary Donnellys bail was being opposed by both the Crown and the PSNI.

This, the prosecutor said, was due to concerns of re-offending and a risk that he may abscond.

She addressed the three charges levelled at Donnelly and revealed he has been accused of attending a number of New IRA meetings in the west Belfast area.

Alleging that Donnelly was the OC [Officer Commanding] within the Belfast area of the New IRA, the prosecutor said that, during these meetings, he was attempting to recruit another individual to head up a team within the New IRA.

She added that other issues discussed at these meetings allegedly attended by Donnelly were the appointment of personnel, current police investigations and the intentions to build and advance the abilities of the New IRA.

The Crown barrister added that when Donnellys property was searched by the PSNI, there was evidence to suggest he owned land in Co Donegal close to where the B&B is situated.

She said: That creates a risk, the prosecution would say, that he has significant ties in Donegal and he may not return to this jurisdiction.

Telling Judge Irvine the risks are there, the prosecutor said the bail conditions were imposed for a reason and that these could not be managed if Donnelly were allowed to leave Northern Ireland.

A defence barrister rejected suggestions that Donnelly would abscond, saying: The reality is that this applicant could have absconded to Donegal any day of his choosing, if that was something that he desired to do.

Describing the bid to vary his bail as Donnelly simply seeking a very modest holiday with his wife, the defence barrister said Donnelly could sign with the PSNI both on the day he departed and on the day he returned, and could also sign with the gardai in Donegal if required.

Donnellys barrister also pointed out that her client has been on bail for a significant period of time and that he has adhered to all conditions imposed without any issues.

She added: This applicant has given the court every reason to have confidence in him.

After listening to submissions from both the Crown and the defence, Judge Irvine addressed Donnelly and said: I do adhere to what the prosecution have said, that there is a potential risk in relation to reoffending and risk of flight also. In those particular circumstances, I refuse this application.
Mark OBrien, with an address at Craigue Court, Poppintree, admitted uninsured and unlicensed driving

A banned driver stopped driving a horsebox van wasnt in the right frame of mind at the time, a court has heard.

Mark OBrien (22) also gave gardai a false name when he was stopped in Finglas.

Judge David McHugh ordered OBrien to complete 240 hours community service in lieu of five months in prison.

The judge also disqualified him from driving for five years.

OBrien, with an address at Craigue Court, Poppintree, admitted uninsured and unlicensed driving on May 8, 2024.

Sergeant Conor Mohan told Blanchardstown District Court that gardai were on patrol on the Finglas bypass when they saw a Ford horsebox van.

Sgt Mohan said officers spoke to the driver, and made demand for his name and driving licence.

The defendant gave the name Eric OBrien, with an address in Poppintree.

Sgt Mohan said OBriens true identity was established, and it was discovered he was disqualified from driving.

The court heard the defendant had nine previous convictions, and received a two-year driving ban for uninsured driving in 2023.

Defence lawyer Ciaran MacLoughlin said OBrien had one child and his second was due in November.

Mr MacLoughlin said OBrien was unemployed, but was actively seeking work and had a forklift licence and a safe pass.

The lawyer said OBrien lost his mother when he was three, and his father passed away last year. He was currently couch surfing with friends and had nowhere to live.

Asked by Judge McHugh why he was driving a horsebox without insurance, Mr MacLoughlin said his client wasnt in the right frame of mind.
Incendiaries left to be collected at proposed centre for asylum-seekers

Gardai confronting the violent protest outside the proposed accommodation centre in Coolock last week.

The High Court has been told that drones are being used to deliver unlit petrol bombs to the former Crown Paints warehouse in Coolock, which is to be developed into accommodation for asylum-seekers.

Lawyers for the developer and leaseholder of the site in north Dublin, which has been the scene of protests and significant unrest recently, said incendiary devices were found near the property.

It seemed, they added, that these devices had been dropped off by drones to be ready for collection by individuals.

It has been a week since Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy granted injunctions restraining persons unknown from engaging in threatening behaviour towards employees or contractors as they conduct their work at the property.

There have been violent clashes outside the proposed asylum seeker shelter in Coolock, north Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

Judge Mulcahy was told there had been five fires at the former paint factory in the six days since the injunctions were granted.

He extended his orders today after hearing the leaseholder, Townbe Unlimited Company, and developer, Remcoll Capital Ltd, have been unable to attach written copies of the orders to the factory gate due to safety concerns.

He permitted them to serve the orders on persons unknown showing up at the facility for the purpose of protest by publishing the order details in two national newspapers.

The short-term injunctions also forbid the persons unknown and four newly-named individuals from trespassing on, or impeding access to, the Coolock property.

Three of the individuals added as defendants are: Sean Rush, of Edenmore Avenue, Coolock, Kevin Coyle, of Corbally Rise, Saggart, and Leon Bradley, of Virginia Park, Finglas. All three addresses are in Dublin.

The former Crown Paints site in Coolock. Photo: PA

A fourth defendant cannot be named yet because his address has not been identified by the plaintiff companies.

The application was made while only the plaintiff firms were represented in court. The court was told more named people would be added as defendants to the case as and when they are identified.

The judge refused the firms request for a 100-metre exclusion zone for people engaging in intimidatory behaviour.

Mr Justice Mulcahy said the reasons for seeking the zone had been satisfied by his other orders.

Anyone impeding access or intimidating employees was forbidden from doing so from any point, including 100 metres away, he said.

There was some uncertainty relating to the order and whether it would be interpreted as a direction for An Garda Siochana. However, the judge said this was not the High Courts role.

Earlier, Bernard Dunleavy SC, for Townbe and Remcoll, said his clients employees had effectively been placed nose to nose with protestors. He added that there is currently a crackle of violence but gardai are concerned it could spark into flames.

More than 20 people have been arrested and charged with public order offences relating to recent incidents near the Coolock site. All have been granted bail with the condition that they stay away from the former factory.

The scene outside the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock during the week. Photo: Collins

Last week, the High Court was told the site is due to be developed into 500 modular units, primarily for Ukrainians who have fled the war in their home country and do not have suitable accommodation in Ireland.

Mr Dunleavy, instructed by Clark Hill solicitors, said there were concerns the situation would escalate when workers returned to recommence work.

He said very disturbing posts had appeared online threatening a representative of his clients. The representative had been described as an enemy of the Irish people of Coolock, an absolute traitor and scum, Mr Dunleavy stated.

A photo had been circulated online encouraging people to make him famous, while another post instructed people to take him out, he said.

The case is due to return to court next week.
Mr Baldwin told Judge Marian OLeary: I have been branded for assaulting a person and there is clear video - four images of CCTV - where Anne Rabbitte never got struck by the bag on the night in question.

Joseph Baldwin (pictured with microphone) faces charges over the incident at a public meeting in Gort in January. Photo: Irish Independent

The south Galway farmer accused of throwing a bag of cow dung in the direction of Minister for State, Anne Rabbitte has told a court that "it is a small incident and something I probably should regret".

At Gort District Court today, Joseph Baldwin (39) of Ballyaneen, Gort spoke in court for the first time concerning being charged with assaulting Anne Rabbitte on January 4, 2023, at a public meeting at OSullivans Royal Hotel, Gort.

The assault charge against Mr Baldwin is contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Mr Baldwin told Judge Marian OLeary: I have been branded for assaulting a person and there is clear video - four images of CCTV - where Anne Rabbitte never got struck by the bag on the night in question.

He said that the case is affecting me now for a good while, it is affecting my family, affecting work and it is all over the media.

He said: I have also had a local representative in the area to negotiate with Anne to bring the matter to a close and to try to sort it out. He went back to me last week and the issues have changed.

Minister of State Anne Rabbitte. Photo: PA

Mr Baldwin is denying the assault charge and Judge OLeary today stated that the case will be heard at a special sitting of Ennis District Court on September 13 before Judge Alec Gabbett.

Mr Baldwin told the court: It is a small incident and something I probably should regret but it is being pushed by higher powers, there were Supers in Galway - there are an awful lot of bigger issues in the county and I am getting done for this?

Mr Baldwin told the court that the case has had "serious repercussions" for him where he is unable to get work since February.

He said: I cant get a job.

He added: I have worked the last six-seven years and since last February a person I even know told me that he couldnt employ me because of what has been going on.

When the case was before Judge Gabbett in May to fix a date, he requested gardai to address court security issues at Gort courthouse ahead of the case.

In response, Mr Baldwin said today: I am just a normal person - there is no one outside the door protesting or anything like this.

He asked: Who decided there was a security risk? I am an ordinary person in this town. I am not a leftie or a rightie (sic). I have canvassed for Fianna Fail politicians - the same party as Anne Rabbitte."

I have worked for many people in this town. I have donated money to charity. Paid a house.

Mr Baldwin handed a letter into court and he said that he has serious concerns concerning the case.

He said: I am prepared in that letter to go in a certain way in this case and to go a certain step forward.

Mr Baldwin asked that the information in the letter be kept confidential and the letter was handed back to him.

He remarked: "It is enough of a media circus without making it any worse. It doesn't affect me but it affects others.

Mr Baldwin said that he doesnt mind where the hearing takes place.

Mr Baldwins solicitor, John Nash said that the hearing would take two and a half hours.

At the contested case, Galway East TD and Minister of State at the Dept of Health and at the Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Anne Rabbitte will be required to provide her sworn eye witness account from the witness box of what occurred on the night as part of the State case against Mr Baldwin.

Minister Rabbitt was attending the meeting to hear locals concerns over a planned biogas plant for Gort.

Galway East colleague, Deputy Ciaran Cannon (FG) was also in attendance at the same meeting, which was called to discuss taking a judicial review against the planning decision permitting the biogas plant and 20,000 was pledged to the fight by those present.

Mr Baldwin is also contesting a second charge where he is accused of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting word or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace of being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.

Judge OLeary adjourned the case to Ennis District Court to Friday, July 26, to allow Judge Gabbett formally assign the September 13 date for hearing.
The 52-year-old scion of the family behind the Ballymaloe Cookery School filed the bankruptcy petition last month

The husband of celebrity chef Rachel Allen has successfully petitioned for bankruptcy after being hit with a tax bill of close to 500,000.

Restaurateur Isaac Allen was adjudicated bankrupt by the High Court earlier this week.

The 52-year-old scion of the family behind the Ballymaloe Cookery School filed the bankruptcy petition last month, stating that his debts exceeded his assets by around 365,000.

The move came after he was advised he would not qualify for other personal insolvency solutions under which debts can be substantially written off.

Mr Allen has been involved in the running of several restaurants in the past. In recent years he has been working as a manager for his wife and also for his son Lucca, who is a professional race car driver.

Papers filed with the court revealed he has an income tax liability of close to 485,000. No other debts were listed.

His most valuable asset was noted as a 50pc share in a field in Shanagarry, Co Cork, with his portion valued at 112,500. Other assets included a 2007 Audi TT worth 5,500 and a bank account containing 500.

The couple have had difficulties in their family in recent years, with a son, Joshua, spending three months in jail for cocaine possession

Also listed was a 50pc shareholding in a company called Lehcar Limited, which he co-owns with his wife. However, the value of those shares was listed as nil. The company requested a voluntary strike-off last year.

Mr Allens income was listed as 2,800-a-month in his bankruptcy filing.

The petition was approved by Mr Justice Liam Kennedy after being laid before the court by personal insolvency practitioner (PIP) John OCallaghan on Monday.

Mr Allen gave his address as a house in Shanagarry, which is registered as being owned by his mother, well-known chef Darina Allen.

He previously lived at Ballynamona, near the east Cork village. However, he and his wife sold that property for 700,000 in 2011.

Rachel Allen forged a successful career as a television chef with an extensive range of cookery books. She is also a columnist for the Sunday Independent.

Celebrity chef Rachel, husband Isaac and his mother Darina Allen at The Grainstore at Ballymaloe. Photo: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

The couple met when Dublin-born Rachel went to train at Ballymaloe Cookery School as an 18-year-old in 1989. They have three children.

Mr Allen was previously involved in a number of restaurants, including Rachels, a short-lived venture on Washington Street in Cork, the Ballymaloe Cafe at the Crawford Art Gallery, as well as others in Cork city.

The couple have had difficulties in their family in recent years, with a son, Joshua, spending three months in jail for cocaine possession in 2022. He had previously been given a suspended sentence for possession of cannabis for sale or supply in 2020.

In an affidavit, Isaac Allen said he had made reasonable efforts to reach an arrangement with his creditors and had proposed a debt settlement arrangement.

His assets can be sold to partially pay off his debt

This is a mechanism under which debtors can make payments to creditors for a set period, while being able to have a reasonable standard of living. When the period is complete, their remaining debts can be discharged.

However, Mr Allen said he had been advised by his personal insolvency practitioner that he did not have the income to support a payment arrangement.

A personal insolvency arrangement, which allows debtors to keep their home and have a portion of their debts written off, was also ruled out.

Mr Allen said he accepted he should petition for bankruptcy when neither option was available to him.

His assets will now vest with the official assignee in bankruptcy and can be sold to partially pay off his debt.

In normal circumstances, he can expect to have any remaining debt written off after a year, although the official assignee can seek an income payment agreement or order, lasting three years, so that surplus income over reasonable living expenses is handed over.

The couple were left with unmanageable debts after suffering losses from investments in rental properties and various business ventures

Mr Allen is the third member of his family to have turned to the courts after getting into financial difficulty.

In 2021, Ballymaloe House manager Fern Allen and her husband Eoin Little had respectively 1.6m and 1.9m in debt written off under personal insolvency arrangements.

The couple were left with unmanageable debts after suffering losses from investments in rental properties and various business ventures, according to legal filings.

Under her arrangement, Fern Allen, a daughter of Ballymaloe founders Ivan and Myrtle Allen and sister-in-law of Darina Allen, was to sell her share in the familys hotel and restaurant business in Shanagarry.

The hotel is part of a wider culinary business empire, which includes the renowned cookery school.
Kevin Skelly (53) died at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on May 9, 2022, from injuries he had sustained six weeks earlier on his farm at Carrickboy,

Catherine Skelly pictured this afternoon leaving the Dublin District Coroner's Court after giving evidence to the inquest into the death of her husband, Kevin Skelly, a farmer from Carrickboy, Co. Longford who died on 9th May 2022 in Beaumont Hospital. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Garda Philip O'Keeffe pictured this afternoon leaving the Dublin District Coroner's Court after giving evidence to the inquest into the death of Kevin Skelly, a farmer from Carrickboy, Co. Longford who died on 9th May 2022 in Beaumont Hospital. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

A Longford farmer suffered fatal head injuries after falling 16 feet to the ground while accessing bales of hay in a shed two years ago, an inquest has heard.

Kevin Skelly (53) died at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on May 9, 2022, from injuries he had sustained six weeks earlier on his farm at Carrickboy, Co Longford.

A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court on Thursday heard the married father of four had been discovered by one of his children on the ground in the farmyard near their family home on the evening of March 28, 2022.

In a statement provided to the coroner, Mr Skellys son, Joseph, said he had returned from visiting a neighbour with his mother at around 6.30pm that evening.

Sometime later he went to a shed in the farmyard and found his father lying face down on the ground.

The boy, who did not give oral evidence, said his father was not making any noise.

He said there was no response from his father when he tried to shake him and ask him questions.

The boy said he turned his father over to get his mobile phone to dial 999 after the battery on his own phone died while he was trying to call the emergency services.

The inquest heard Mr Skelly had dried blood on his head, while his son also noticed some blood and vomit on the ground a few feet away.

The boy said he stayed with his father until an ambulance arrived but the victims eyes had remained closed and his breathing was heavy.

The deceaseds wife, Catherine Skelly, gave evidence that she had last seen her husband at 7am that morning.

She recalled rushing home after being alerted by the emergency services to an incident at the family farm.

Ms Skelly said her husband had a black eye on his right eye and was moving his arms while lying on the ground.

Catherine Skelly pictured this afternoon leaving the Dublin District Coroner's Court after giving evidence to the inquest into the death of her husband, Kevin Skelly, a farmer from Carrickboy, Co. Longford who died on 9th May 2022 in Beaumont Hospital. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

The inquest heard the farmer was given oxygen by paramedics before being transported by air ambulance to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.

In response to questions from the coroner, Clare Keane, Ms Skelly said her husbands general health was good.

She said her family were not totally sure what happened to him but they assumed he had a fall while using a ladder to access some bales of hay in a shed.

Garda Philip OKeeffe from Edgeworthstown Garda Station said the investigation into the farmers death had concluded that he had hit his head on concrete and failed to regain consciousness after an unwitnessed fall.

Garda Philip O'Keeffe pictured this afternoon leaving the Dublin District Coroner's Court after giving evidence to the inquest into the death of Kevin Skelly, a farmer from Carrickboy, Co. Longford who died on 9th May 2022 in Beaumont Hospital. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

A report by the Health and Safety Authority into the incident also concluded that Mr Skelly, while possibly using a ladder, had fallen from a height as there was evidence a bale of hay had been disturbed.

The inquest heard that the deceased also had some symptoms of arthritis in his knees.

Dr Keane said a post-mortem showed Mr Skelly had died as a result of the severe head injuries he had suffered in the fall on his farm.

The coroner said there was some evidence of scarring of the tissue in his heart muscle which is known to cause an irregular heartbeat.

Returning a verdict of accidental death, Dr Keane said it could not be ruled out that the farmer might have experienced some cardiac incident or some problem with his knee which caused him to fall but the answer would remain unknown.

A witness from the HSA told another inquest earlier this year that seven people have been killed over a 10-year period as a result of accidents involving bales of hay and silage.

HSA inspector, Catriona Glancy, said it was well known in the farming community that freshly-baled bales of hay are prone to move and shift quite suddenly.

The inquest heard the HSA had updated guidelines in November 2020 as a result of the death of an elderly farmer in Ardee, Co Louth, who had suffered fatal injuries after being knocked over by a bale of hay which became loose while being stacked in a shed.

The latest guidelines recommend that round bales of hay should only be stacked to a maximum height of three bales and to a maximum of two for bales that are not very soft or dense.
"Upon the commencement of the criminal investigations into Raymond Shorten in these cases in 2022, which were concluded before the courts today, Raymond Shortens SPSV drivers licence was revoked by An Garda Siochana

Shorten (50) has been jailed for 17 years for two separate attacks on young women who he picked up in his cab on the streets of Dublin.

He will now spend 30 years in prison after a judge made the jail term consecutive to a 13-year sentence he was given earlier this week for the unrelated rape of a seven-year-old girl.

The predator was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court today for raping two women, who he targeted for their vulnerability after they had been out drinking in the city centre.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott said Shorten preyed on the women in an "absolute betrayal of the trust" placed in him to get passengers home safely.

In a statement this afternoon, gardai said:

"An Garda Siochana takes its responsibility as the current licensing authority to grant licences to drive small public service vehicles very seriously and with the utmost gravity.

The Taxi Regulation Act 2013, as amended provides that a person convicted of a offence listed in Schedule 1 is disqualified from holding a PSV licence either for life or a specified period. This provision did not apply in this specific case.

"During the duration of the licence under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 An Garda Siochana, as the current licensing authority, may, at any time, revoke a licence if it is satisfied that the holder of the licence is no longer a suitable person to hold a licence. The Taxi Regulation Act 2013 sets out criteria which may be considered by the licensing authority in making this determination.

"Upon the commencement of the criminal investigations into Raymond Shorten in these cases in 2022, which were concluded before the courts today, Raymond Shortens SPSV drivers licence was revoked by An Garda Siochana, the statement added.

Shorten bowed his head but did not react as the sentence was passed.

The father-of-seven, from Melrose Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin, had pleaded not guilty to raping the woman on dates in 2022, but was found guilty by a jury.

Mr Justice McDermott said women too often became subjected to violence and the steps they were forced to take to avoid the risk reflected this reality.

"It indicates an underlying unhealthy attitude towards women and their fundamental rights in any society if their sense of freedom and security in doing normal things is so compromised," he said.

Society placed trust in the taxi service and Shorten's actions could be regarded as a gross betrayal" of its "high standard of service and professionalism.

The judge said it was also significant that having previously raped a child, Shorten went about identifying the two further victims and repeated the offence without compunction, without hesitation".

The crimes were carried out in the most humiliating and demeaning fashion when the women were drunk and incapable of dealing with him, and he took advantage of that".

It was an absolute breach of trust of those depending on him to get them safely home, the judge said.

They were entitled to regard the taxi as a place of safety and security. The victims were vulnerable and he effectively preyed on them".

Completely unrepentant for the damage hes inflicted

One victim did not hail his taxi and was targeted". Shorten knew exactly what he was doing and appeared to think he could do it with impunity," Mr Justice McDermott said.

The mitigating factors were few, the court heard.

He doesnt acknowledge his guilt, and hes exhibited no regret, no remorse for what hes done, the judge said. He was completely unrepentant for the damage hes inflicted on these women.

He claims he did nothing wrong, the judge said, and it was clear that Shorten was and remains a danger to others".

Raymond Shorten

The judge was not satisfied that it would be appropriate to make the sentences concurrent as multiple victims were involved.

He sentenced Shorten to nine years on one count, consecutive to the previous 13 years for the child rape. He was given another eight years consecutive to the nine, and a further 12 years concurrent.

In all, this resulted in 17 years imposed today and 30 years in total. Shorten is to undergo 10 years of post-release supervision, have no contact with the victims and no unsupervised contact with any child.

At trial, a jury heard Shorten raped the first woman (19) on June 26, 2022. She had drunk five pints of cider, which she was not used to, and got separated from her friends.

She woke up in the front seat of his taxi, feeling numb and he stopped the cab and moved her to the back seat where he raped her as she fell in and out of consciousness. He dropped her near her home after the attack.

Shorten was later identified on CCTV which showed his taxi performing two U-turns, then pulling over beside the woman, who had not hailed him.

He attacked the second woman (20), less than two months later, on August 9, 2022.

This woman had decided to get a taxi home as she was tired and drunk after a night out in the city centre.

She fell asleep in the back of Shorten's cab and the next thing she remembered was waking up as he was raping her.

She said she was in shock and did not know how to fight back. When he dropped her home, he asked for the 70 fare. The victims said Shorten was a predator and what should have been their safest option for getting home after a night out became a worst nightmare.

Shorten claimed he had had consensual sex with the women which they had initiated.

On Monday, Shorten was jailed for the rape and sexual assault of a girl in 2012.

He raped her for the first time in a bathroom at her family home in the days following her mothers funeral. She was seven or eight when the second rape occurred.

Shorten, who was known to the girls family, later sexually assaulted her in a car by touching her leg inappropriately. He denied any wrongdoing and claimed the complaints were total fabrications".

The sentence should also send a message of zero-tolerance to perpetrators

Campaigners strongly welcomed the length of the sentence handed down today.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomes the sentence of 17 years handed down to rapist Raymond Shorten today, its chief executive, Rachel Morrogh, said.

"We are also very thankful for the ruling by Mr Justice Paul McDermott that this sentence will run consecutively to the 13-year sentence given earlier this week for his rape of a seven-year-old girl.

The total jail term of 30 years is effectively equivalent to a life sentence.

"It is another significant sentence given by the courts in recent weeks to perpetrators of sexual offences and should give great hope to people going through the justice system that this most heinous crime will be punished by lengthy imprisonment.

As well as being welcomed by victims of sexual violence, the sentence should also send a message of zero-tolerance to perpetrators.

"In this particular case, Raymond Shorten abused the trust placed in him by two young women to get home safely and took advantage of the fact they were vulnerable.

"He compounded the trauma he caused by denying all charges and attempting to discredit his victims.

From start to finish, Raymond Shortens actions were part of a playbook used by rapists. Abusing trust and taking advantage of an unequal power dynamic are well-worn tactics.

"The jury that found Raymond Shorten guilty in June clearly saw through these efforts and Mr Justice Paul McDermott has driven home the seriousness of his crimes with the 17-year jail term announced today.

It is the hope of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre that the trend of substantial sentences being handed down for sexual crimes continues, and that this will encourage more victims to report to gardai.

Sadly, this country is not yet at a point where the elimination of sexual violence is in sight. Until that day comes, sexual crimes must be punished severely and that was certainly the case today.

We send wishes of healing and strength to the three young women who were attacked by Shorten and we thank them for speaking out.
On Tuesday, Shorten was jailed for the rape and sexual assault of a girl in 2012..

A RAPIST taxi driver has been jailed for 17 years for two separate attacks on young women who he picked up in his cab on the streets of Dublin.

Raymond Shorten (50) will now spend 30 years in prison after a judge made the jail term consecutive to a 13-year sentence he was given earlier this week for the unrelated rape of a seven-year-old girl.

He had the sentence handed down today for raping the victims, who he targeted for their vulnerability after they had been drinking.

They said he was a predator and what should have been their safest option for getting home after a night out became a worst nightmare.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott said Shortens actions were a gross betrayal of the trust placed by society in the taxi service and its high standard of professionalism.

Raymond Shorten

He said both victims acted with great dignity and courage in reporting the crimes and giving evidence.

Shorten bowed his head but did not react as the sentence was passed at the Central Criminal Court.

Shorten, a father-of-seven from Melrose Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin, had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

At trial, a jury heard the young women had separately found themselves in Shortens taxi after socialising in Dublin city centre.

He raped and anally raped the first woman (19) on June 26, 2022. She had drunk five pints of cider, which she was not used to, and got separated from her friends.

She woke up in the front seat of Shortens car, feeling numb and he stopped the cab and moved her to the back seat where he raped her as she fell in and out of consciousness. He dropped her near her home after the attack.

Shorten was later identified on CCTV which showed his taxi performing two u-turns, then pulling over beside the woman, who had not hailed him.

In a victim impact statement, she described Shorten as a predator and said she had now lost the ability to feel carefree and safe in the streets

He attacked the second woman (20) less than two months later, on August 9, 2022.

This woman had decided to get a taxi home as she was tired and drunk after a night out in the city centre. She fell asleep in the back of Shorten's cab and the next thing she remembered was waking up as he was raping her.

She said she was in shock and didnt know how to fight back. When he dropped her home, he asked for the 70 fare. In her impact statement, she said she was told taking a taxi was the safest option after a night out, but it turned into a nightmare.

Shorten claimed he had had consensual sex with the women, which they had initiated.

On Tuesday, Shorten was jailed for the rape and sexual assault of a girl in 2012.

He raped her for the first time in a bathroom at her family home in the days following her mothers funeral. She was seven or eight when the second rape occurred. Shorten, who was known to the girls family, later sexually assaulted her in a car by touching her leg inappropriately. He denied any wrongdoing and claimed the complaints were total fabrications.

Sentencing Judge in that case, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo said Shorten was utterly lacking in compassion and couldnt care less about the hurt he caused the girl.
McKee was seen by neighbours just after 5am standing outside the house holding a long-bladed knife and was covered in blood. His partner and child left the house and went to the house next door.

Brian McKee (29) of St Aongus Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to criminal damage by arson to a house at Heather View Lawn, Tallaght on July 27, 2018. PIC Collins Courts

A man who set fire to his partners parents home will be sentenced later this year.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Brian McKee (29) of St Aongus Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to criminal damage by arson to a house at Heather View Lawn, Tallaght on July 27, 2018. He has no previous convictions and has not come to garda attention since this incident.

Garda Josh Doran told Joe Mulrean, BL, prosecuting, that on the morning in question, McKees partner woke to find him standing at the bottom of her bed covered in blood and with a cut to his stomach.

McKee had been home all evening and had been minding his child while she went out with friends. The court heard that when his partner returned home, he believed she was giving him the cold shoulder before she went to bed.

McKee, who had not drunk in a few months, drank a can of Coors Light and some gin from the bottle in order to knock himself out and sleep. He believes that he may have also taken cocaine.

McKee was seen by neighbours just after 5am standing outside the house holding a long-bladed knife and was covered in blood. His partner and child left the house and went to the house next door. The gardai were called, and just as they arrived, witnesses saw that the house in question was on fire.

Brian McKee (29) of St Aongus Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to criminal damage by arson to a house at Heather View Lawn, Tallaght on July 27, 2018. .PIC Collins Courts

Gda Doran said that he heard a crashing noise coming from inside the house and found McKee lying at the bottom of the stairs, unconscious. Gda Doran pulled McKee out of the house and was then informed by McKee that his child and someone called Brian were still in the house.

By this time, the house was engulfed in fire, and gardai attempted to enter the house. McKee took off his clothes and attempted to run into the house. The gardai were still of the belief that a child was in the burning house and had to tackle McKee to the ground and have him detained in a patrol van.

The court heard that the fire spread through the attic to a neighbouring house, which was severely burnt and had smoke and fire water damage. The house on the opposite side had radiated heat and smoke damage. All three houses were privately owned and had to be knocked to the ground and rebuilt. The owners of the house are the parents of McKees partner and were away in Spain at the time.

Garda technical experts stated that the fire started on the couch in the living room. Pictures of the houses were handed into the court.

McKee was interviewed twice and answered all questions. He was asked by gardai if he had set fire to the house, to which he replied, Id say so. He said that he could not remember lighting the fire and described it as completely foggy, like a haze.

A victim impact statement was read to the court by counsel from the son of one of the adjacent houses, which was damaged by the fire. It said,  I was living in the house with my parents, partner and child so we could save for our first home. We had bought furniture for our new home which we stored in the attic. The attic was the first part of the house to catch fire.

We had to take our baby out of its cot and go outside due to the fire. This was the worst year of my life.

The owner of one of the adjacent homes read his own victim impact statement:  My wife and I are one of the one of the three houses destroyed by the fire.

We lost family belongings which cannot be replaced, and we ended up out of pocket, which caused arguments within the home.

I had to take time off work unpaid, which caused difficulties, and I lost out on wages of 2,600.

The man said that his home insurance did not cover the entire cost of repair, and he had to pay 11,000.

Gda Doran agreed with James Dwyer, SC, defending, that this case had a difficult procedural history and that the plea was of benefit and entered in advance of a trial date.

Mr Dwyer said his client began drinking at the age of 12 and began to take drugs in his mid-teens. He has also undergone rehabilitation in the past and supplied urine analyses, which were negative for drugs.

Counsel said McKee had been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and has suffered from mental health issues. Medical reports and letters describing McKee as a hardworking, kind and a caring man were handed into the court.

Mr Dwyer said his client is living with his family and has their support. He said he has demonstrated that he has stayed out of trouble since this incident and described it as a once-off. He said McKee has insight and understanding and is a decent young man.

Judge Pauline Codd said, It is not decent to take cocaine while at home taking care of your child. Mr Dwyer agreed and said, Yes, that was appalling.

He asked the court to take into account his client's early guilty plea, his lack of previous convictions, his expression of remorse and his mental health difficulties.

Judge Codd said, This is a very serious offence; three houses and many people were involved.

Judge Codd ordered a probation report and a psychological report and adjourned for finalisation until November 25.
For more than 40 years, Graham has been the undisputed and unquestioned leader of the organisation

John Bunter Grahams days asUVFs overall commander look to be numbered

The UVF is considering an Army Council-style leadership to succeed ageing Chief of Staff John Bunter Graham, a source has claimed.

Senior figures in the current command structure are known to favour a shared leadership, rather than rely on a figurehead like Graham.

There has been an ongoing internal leadership for a number of years, with Graham understood to lean towards appointing a successor  most likely to be his trusted sidekick Harmless Harry Stockman.

Leading loyalist and alleged UVF commander Winston Winkie Irvine is also believed to be in the running, according to sources, despite deep unpopularity among the membership and the fact hes facing criminal charges over alleged possession of a guns and ammunition.

Winkie has previously denied being a member of the UVF.

He remains a high-profile figure and is close to the UVF leadership, and was present at a recent show of strength in East Belfast. But there is growing pressure for the organisation to move away from the autocratic model toward a more committee-based system.

Sources have told the Sunday World there is growing support for a six to eight-man ruling council with decisions discussed and decided by way of a consensus.

For more than 40 years, Graham has been the undisputed and unquestioned leader of the organisation.

He has had the final word on all major decisions, including giving approval for countless murders and attacks.

For years, the membership accepted and followed his directions, but as it emerged he had been working for British intelligence and security services, trust in him waned.

The broad daylight murder of Bobby Moffett on the Shankill Road in May 2010 was final straw for many.

The UVF leadership sanctioned Moffetts murder after he had a run-in with a senior figure in the terror group.

Moffett was shot in the face with a sawn-off shotgun as he made his way to a meeting with the leadership. His killing was sanctioned at the highest level. Moffetts funeral was one of the largest seen on the Shankill for many years, with UVF members defying Bunters orders not to attend.

Despite diminishing support he has remained in place, but as he battles ill-health in recent years speculation has intensified as to what a new-look UVF would be like.

The way the organisation has handled tensions with the breakaway East Belfast UVF has further alienated members.

An estimated 2,000 members were ordered to flood the East in a clear message to the crime gang as to who is in charge.

The annual parade in memory of murdered UVF man Robert Squeak Seymour is usually a low-key affair but with white-shirted UVF men lining the lower Newtownards Road, it was catapulted into the headlines. It came months after the Shankill HQ stood down the Easts eight-man command structure.

It was felt by many that Graham and Stockman had not gone far enough and that alleged drug dealers should have ordered out of the area.

They were allowed to remain and while a number stepped back from criminality, a significant number have remained and continue to be involved in drug dealing and loan sharking.

Stockman and Graham installed a veteran as new Brigadier but flooding the East with men has backfired, and if anything has bolstered support for the old regime.

The move angered a lot of members who reluctantly took part in the show of strength.

Their decisions dont reflect the views of the members, particularly veterans, a source said.

Graham is desperate for his legacy to be one of transitioning the UVF safely away from criminality, which is why, under pressure from the British security services, he finally moved against the East.

Were now left with a situation where a lot of the boys from the east are still there and still doing drugs, our source said.

If the intention was to clean them up, it has failed miserably.

Thats why we would be better served with a different style of leadership, one that better reflects where we are as an organisation.
The couple were discovered after prison staff found illicit photos and a love letter written by Stanton in Pooles cell

A mother-of-five prison guard had sex with an inmate while he was banged up in jail and later had his baby, a court has heard.

Rachel Stanton (31) escaped a prison sentence after beginning a relationship with armed robber Edwin Poole at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire where he was serving a ten-year sentence.

The couple were discovered after prison staff found illicit photos and a love letter written by Stanton in Pooles cell.

CCTV footage also caught the pair going into a prison storeroom for an hour of intimacy, Northampton Crown Court was told

Stanton was given a nine-month sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered to take part in 20 days of rehabilitation after admitting to willful misconduct in public office.

Stanton was suspended following the discovery of their relationship in July 2022 while Poole was moved to another prison.

Rachel Stanton had a relationship with armed robber Edwin Poole

However, she continued to visit him in prison and they now have a child together although they have since separated.

Speaking at the sentencing, Judge David Herbert KC said: "You should have known better.

"There was clear undisputable evidence between you that was discovered.

"She should have known what the boundaries were. It shouldn't take training to know she shouldn't be doing that."

CCTV footage shows the two of you together and you were in a room privately, together. Some intimacy must have taken place, the judge added, according to The Daily Mail.

Judge Herbert gave Stanton credit for her guilty plea saying he was satisfied the relationship with Poole was entirely consensual, but 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 who had been jailed for 10-and-a-half years in 2018 after being involved in a four-day spate of violent armed robberies.

In defending Stanton Lee Egan said she had not abused her position to smuggle in contraband items or allowed herself to be exploited.

He argued that 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 prison.

This is just the latest case of female wardens engaging in inappropriate relationships with criminals in jails to rock the prison service in the UK.

In December of last year, prison worker Ruth Shmylo (26) from Pontypridd was prosecuted but later cleared after she revealed that she only had phone sex with gangster inmate Harri Pullen after he threatened to harm her and her family.

Rachel Stanton (31) escaped a prison sentence

Last September, another prison guard, Joanne Hunter (28) 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 that the judge, Recorder Paul Hodgkinson, said had struck at the heart of the criminal justice system.

In December, prison officer and mother-of-three 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.

Last month, the Metropolitan Police force said it was investigating a video that appeared to show a female prison officer in uniform having sex with an inmate in a cell at HMP Wandsworth in south-west London.

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 arrested at Heathrow Airport, the court heard, and was due to catch a flight to Madrid having notified the prison of her travel plans.

De Sousa Abreu, who holds a Portuguese passport, was granted conditional bail.

She will appear at Isleworth Crown Court on July 29.
Its the second ruling of the tribunal in favour of Ms Dunne following a determination that she was due a redundancy payment, worth up to 40,000, upon the closure of Dr Scanlons surgery in October 2022

A GP's receptionist who is due 40,000 after claiming she got no response when the family surgery where she had spent nearly 50 years working was closed down has now won a further 12,000 after a tribunal heard she had been replaced by two younger employees while on medical leave.

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) made the award after a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 by the worker, Margaret Dunne, against Dr Declan Scanlon, who had a medical practice in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Its the second ruling of the tribunal in favour of Ms Dunne following a determination that she was due a redundancy payment, worth up to 40,000, upon the closure of Dr Scanlons surgery in October 2022.

Ms Dunne told the employment tribunal she originally started work at Dr Scanlons surgery in March 1973, when it was run by his late father. She worked there continuously until the Covid-19 pandemic reached Ireland in March 2020 when she stayed home on foot of medical advice.

Her evidence was that during this absence, she was replaced by two younger employees and she gave their names.

The WRC noted Ms Dunnes evidence that the two younger receptionists were in their 40s, while the complainant was 65 at the time.

Ms Dunne told her employer in May 2021 that she was in a position to return to work. Dr Scanlon told her he wanted her to have a check-up first, Ms Dunne said.

She then got a call from a hospital consultants secretary asking her to come the next day, she said.

However, after pointing out that this was short notice, she did not attend, she told the tribunal.

After asking again about going back to work the following month, Dr Scanlon asked for her permission to refer her to occupational health, to which Ms Dunne consented, the tribunal was told.

This was the last she heard from Dr Scanlon, the WRC heard.

Representatives of the South Leinster Citizens Information Service, who appeared for Ms Dunne in the case, wrote to Dr Scanlon in October 2021 asking about a return to work to no avail, the tribunal was told.

Dr Scanlon entered no appearance at a hearing in April this year and the case went ahead in his absence.

There had been various attempts made by WRC staff to contact Dr Scanlon. A member of his family had been told about the hearing, which meant he had the opportunity to attend, the adjudicator Marguerite Buckley wrote.

She wrote that she had been made aware that the closure of the surgery was because of ill-health on the part of Dr Scanlon.

When the complainant was able to return to the workplace, the respondent effectively ignored her following a minor initial engagement, Ms Buckley wrote.

She added that there may have been a legitimate objective in the move to have Ms Dunne medically assessed prior to going back to work, but the lack of communication with her was "unexplained", apart from what inference the adjudicator could make on hearing of the respondents "subsequent ill health and ultimate closing of the medical practice".

The fact remains that the prima facia findings have not been rebutted by the respondent and on the uncontroverted evidence of the complainant I find that she has been discriminated on the grounds of her age, Ms Buckley wrote.

She awarded Ms Dunne 12,000, a sum equivalent to six months gross salary.

The compensation has been awarded to Ms Dunne in addition to a previous WRC determination, published earlier this month, that she was entitled to a redundancy payment reflecting nearly 50 years service to Dr Scanlon and his father upon termination  a sum of about 40,000, based on the statutory formula.

Ms Dunne had said she learned from a colleague that Dr Scanlon intended to close the practice in October 2022  but heard nothing directly from the doctor about terminating her employment or paying her redundancy, the complainant told the tribunal.

When the clinic closed, she applied to Dr Scanlon for a redundancy payment and again got no response and no redundancy certificate, it was submitted.

The adjudicator said the exact calculation of the lump sum was a matter for the Department of Social Protection and is subject to confirmation of the workers PRSI contributions record.
Michael Mikey Farrelly (40) was walking home when he was struck by a stolen car that failed to remain at the scene

Michael Mikey Farrelly (40) was walking home when he was struck by a stolen car in Baldoyle, Dublin.

The man fatally injured in a hit-and-run incident in Baldoyle last week had just fulfilled a lifelong ambition of recording an album of his own songs and music in recent weeks, mourners at his funeral were told yesterday.

Michael Mikey Farrelly (40) was walking home along the coast road of the north Dublin town at around 1am last Wednesday when he was struck by a stolen car that failed to remain at the scene.

The car was abandoned nearby and despite a large garda search, including the use of the garda helicopter, the occupants of the car has not been located.

No arrests have yet been made, but a chief suspect, a 17-year-old boy from south-west Dublin, was quickly identified. It is believed at least one other person was in the stolen car with him and they fled the scene.

Mr Farrelly is pre-deceased by his mother Sylvia, and survived by his father Philip and siblings Conor, Lucia, Philip, Noirin, Tom and extended family.

At St Ciaran's Church, Meenlagh, Carnaross, Co Meath, his brother Conor paid tribute to him.

Before he was taken from us, he fulfilled his lifelong dream recording songs from his album. When I spoke to the studio director this week he told me Mikey was as high as a kite after doing it  purely elated. It was his calling, he said.

At a recent family dinner, he took out the guitar and played some songs for us in the kitchen. It blew me away. Afterwards, I just gave him a hug because I could not be more proud of him.

The Mikey I knew was pure and unique. He felt life on a different level. The lows were low, but the highs were incredibly special.

His determination to pursue what made him happy was unique. Be like water he would say, and he embraced that philosophy to the end. His focus on the simple and happy things in life, the things that we should actually care about, is something I understand now more than ever.

Michael, you were so loved, and we will all miss you, Conor said, adding that his brother gave him advice about life, and in so many ways helped shape who he is today.

Almost premonitionally, last weekend when we watched the Euros he told me: Conor, after 32 years I think Ive finally given you all the advice I can. Lets hope some of it sunk in. And it did.

Requiem mass was said by Mr Farrellys uncle, Fr Peter Farrelly, and in his homily he said a tragedy had brought them to the church, a tragedy that shocked all who heard about it, and which left them shattered and numbed and even angry.

He told how his nephew loved to spend time with family, and proved an unlikely companion for a visiting priest from America, his cousin, Fr Paul, who he toured the country with.

I think we wondered who would convert who. There was something very nice and very special about Mikey, he said.

Fr Peter said the last time they met they discussed family history, philosophy, religion, and life and death.

Symbols brought to the altar were Mr Farrellys guitar to represent his love of music, a skateboard to represent adventure, a hurley and a photograph of his mother Sylvia.

After the funeral mass, Mr Farrellys remains were brought to Carnaross cemetery where he was laid to rest alongside his mother.
A land, air and sea search was mounted at around 2.00pm on Tuesday

The search will continue today for a young boy reported missing in the vicinity of the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare on Tuesday.

A land, air and sea search was mounted at around 2.00pm on Tuesday after the young boy, believed to be 12 years old, was reported missing by his family who are understood to be visiting from overseas.

Its thought that the boy had become separated from his family who then tried to find him. When there was no sign of the child, they returned to the visitor centre and alerted staff there.

Rescue 115 hovers over the cliff as tourists at the Cliffs of Moher look on. Photograph: Liam Burke Press 22

Gardai were alerted initially while the Irish Coast Guard was also requested to mobilise resources to assist with a search.

Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guards marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry mounted a multi-agency operation involving the Doolin unit of the Coast Guard, the Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat and the Shannon based search and rescue helicopter.

The search continued for several hours including around the base of the cliffs however conditions were not safe for personnel to reach the shoreline to carry out a more details survey. The search was called off on Tuesday evening but resumed on Wednesday morning.

Doolin Coast Guard were joined by a drone team from Clare Civil Defence and divers from the Garda Water Unit. Rescue 115 also assisted during the afternoon.

Garda divers swam in to the base of the cliff and carried out a comprehensive search however no trace of the boy was found.

The operation will resume later today with Coast Guard volunteers from Doolin continuing their clifftop search.

A drone team from Cleggan Coast Guard in Galway travelling to Clare to assist their Doolin colleagues.

Clare Civil Defence will also deploy their drones and will be joined by volunteers from two Cork units of the service and another from Kerry. Members of Galway and Mayo Civil Defence will carry out searches of the Galway Bay coastline as part of the ongoing operation.

The drone teams will search the coastline as the tide recedes. Low-tide is expected at around 2.30pm.

Picture: Liam Burke, Press 22

As winds yesterday were southerly in direction, the shoreline search will be extended northwards further along the Cliffs of Moher and up the coast from Doolin.

Its understood that the helicopter crew spotted whats believed to be a body in the water at the base of the cliff and directed the Coast Guard boat to the area. The area was however inaccessible at the time with large waves breaking on the shoreline.

After the Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat arrived at the location, they launched their Y-class inflatable boat and along with the Coast Guard boat crew carried out a risk assessment but determined it was still too dangerous to attempt a recovery operation. The search was called off for the evening yesterday.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday: Gardai, the RNLI, the Coast Guard and local search and rescue services are conducting a search operation in the vicinity of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare following reports of a missing male juvenile on Tuesday afternoon, 23rd July 2024. Searches have resumed this morning.

A further update is awaited from An Garda Siochana.
A land, air and sea search was mounted at around 2pm on Tuesday after the boy, believed to be 12 years old, was reported missing by his family who are understood to be visiting from overseas

The search is continuing for a young boy reported missing in the vicinity of the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare on Tuesday.

A land, air and sea search was mounted at around 2pm on Tuesday after the young boy, believed to be 12 years old, was reported missing by his family who are understood to be visiting from overseas.

Its thought that the boy had become separated from his family who then tried to find him. When there was no sign of the child, they returned to the visitor centre and alerted staff there.

Gardai were alerted initially while the Irish Coast Guard was also requested to mobilise resources to assist with a search.

Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guards marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry mounted a multi-agency operation involving the Doolin unit of the Coast Guard, the Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat and the Shannon based search and rescue helicopter.

Picture: Liam Burke, Press 22

The search continued for several hours including around the base of the cliffs however conditions were not safe for personnel to reach the shoreline to carry out a more details survey. The search was called off on Tuesday evening but resumed on Wednesday morning and is currently ongoing.

Doolin Coast Guard were joined by a drone team from Clare Civil Defence and divers from the Garda Water Unit. Rescue 115 also assisted on Wednesday afternoon.

Garda divers swam in to the base of the cliff and carried out a comprehensive search however no trace of the boy was found.

The operation has resumed today with Coast Guard volunteers from Doolin continuing their clifftop search.

A drone team from Cleggan Coast Guard in Galway has travelled to Clare to assist their Doolin colleagues.

Clare Civil Defence will also deploy their drones and will be joined by volunteers from two Cork units of the service and another from Kerry throughout the day. Members of Galway and Mayo Civil Defence will carry out searches of the Galway Bay coastline as part of the ongoing operation.

The drone teams will search the coastline as the tide recedes. Low-tide is expected at around 2.30pm.

As winds yesterday were southerly in direction, the shoreline search will be extended northwards further along the Cliffs of Moher and up the coast from Doolin.

Its understood that the helicopter crew spotted whats believed to be a body in the water at the base of the cliff and directed the Coast Guard boat to the area. The area was however inaccessible at the time with large waves breaking on the shoreline.

After the Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat arrived at the location, they launched their Y-class inflatable boat and along with the Coast Guard boat crew carried out a risk assessment but determined it was still too dangerous to attempt a recovery operation. The search was called off for the evening yesterday and resumed earlier today.

The search is ongoing.
Kovacik said he had left the US because he did not feel comfortable and felt unsafe but later returned to America because he felt homesick

A Wisconsin man who fled to Ireland in the wake of the US Capitol riots three years ago claimed political asylum here because he felt unsafe in America, it has emerged.

Paul Kovacik (56) fled to Dublin in November 2023 and attempted to claim asylum and international protection with the Irish Government after he failed to surrender to prison for charges relating to the January 6, 2021 riots.

Kovacik said he had left the US because he did not feel comfortable and felt unsafe but later returned to the US because he felt homesick.

An estimated 2,500 people entered the Capitol during the unrest, including Kovacik whose own recordings obtained by the FBI showed him inside for nearly an hour and a half, wearing a blue Trump 2020 sweatshirt, walking the halls, and mingling with the other rioters.

Kovacik was later arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), on June 19, 2022 in Indiana on charges related to his actions at the Capitol on January 6.

According to separate court filings, Kovacik contributed to the "chaos, disorder, and delaying police from reestablishing security and order on that day.

Kovacik inside the US Capitol

Kovacik later pleaded guilty to one count of Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building on March 13, 2023.

Three months later, he was sentenced to 90 days imprisonment followed by three years of probation by Judge Reggie B Walton of the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

Kovacik was initially ordered to report to the Bureau of Prisons Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC)  Chicago on August 22, 2023, after Judge Walton permitted Kovacik to self-surrender for his sentence.

However, Kovacik filed a motion to delay his self-surrender to no earlier than November 1, 2023.

A US Marshal Service report states that Kovacik requested the delay in order to allow him to complete his seasonal employment at Six Flags Georgia.

Kovacik submitted a personal letter to Judge Walton with his motion where he requested a report date after Sunday, October 29, 2023.

On August 21, 2023, Judge Walton granted Kovaciks request.

However, Kovacik did not self-surrender in Chicago on November 1, 2023, as ordered and instead flew to Dublin, through Munich, Germany

The US District Court for the District of Columbia then issued an arrest warrant for Kovacik on November 21, 2023.

US police mugshots of Paul Kovacik

The United States Marshal Service undertook efforts to track and arrest Kovacik following the issuance of the arrest warrant.

However, it was not until June 19, 2024, that Kovacik decided to voluntarily return to the US from Ireland.

According to records obtained by the US Custom and Border Protection (CBP), Kovacik submitted to a preclearance interview in Ireland prior to his departure.

During this interview, Kovacik advised that after arriving in Dublin on November 2, 2023, he claimed asylum and for international protection with the Irish Government.

Kovacik advised that he had remained in Ireland since November 2, 2023, but decided to voluntarily withdraw his asylum claim and return to the US because he felt homesick.

Kovacik further advised that he left the US because he did not feel comfortable and felt unsafe.

CBP subsequently released Kovacik to travel to the US via Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport where he was arrested.

Government documents found in Kovaciks luggage revealed that on November 2, 2023, Kovacik completed a preliminary interview when he arrived in Ireland for International Protection at Port of Entry with the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Services International Protection Office.

Other documents uncovered during this search revealed that Kovacik completed official documentation to apply for asylum with the International Protection Office on March 11, 2023.

On the requisite forms, Kovacik annotated that he wished to make an Application for Declaration for asylum and claimed, [A] fear of persecution for reason of: political.

According to CBP Minneapolis records, CBP promptly arrested Kovacik upon his return to the US based on the CBP Preclearance Alert Event and transferred him to the Hennepin County Jail.

Footage of Kovacik on January 6

Following his arrest, Kovacik claimed to law enforcement that he was a political prisoner.

Following a subsequent initial appearance and removal hearing in the District of Minnesota, the US Marshal Service transported Kovacik to the MCC  Chicago to serve his previously imposed sentence.

According to federal documents, Kovacik is serving a 90-day sentence in a federal detention facility in Chicago and is due to be released in late September.

However, he could still face new charges for fleeing to Ireland and failing to report when he was ordered to.

According to online records, Kovacik has an arrest warrant in Ozaukee County as well. A criminal complaint filed in March charges him with a misdemeanor computer crime at Concordia University in Mequon that prosecutors say occurred in April 2023, prior to Kovaciks trip to Ireland.

More than 170 police officers were injured, and rioters caused nearly $3 million in damages to the Capitol following the defeat of then-President Donald Trump after he falsely claimed the election was stolen.
Ive spent over four years working on it and it had been going really well

Influencer Louise Cooney has said it sad and disappointing that she has been forced to stop producing her wine spritzer brand, 67 Spritz.

The award-winning fashion blogger had launched the drinks business in August 2022 and had high hopes for its success.

However, she has now revealed that it is no more after she ran into production and supply chain issues.

Louise was asked on her Instagram page had she stopped selling the popular drink by a fan who said they loved it but had not seen it in a while.

She responded: So, unfortunately yes, 67 Spritz is no more. Long story short, I knew since earlier in the year there were some production and supply chain issues that we had to resolve.

Months have been spent exploring and exhausting all potential solutions.

Due to a few factors beyond our control, it's just not possible to keep producing it.

She added: Its sad and its disappointing. Ive spent over four years working on it and it had been going really well.

There's so much potential. But that's life and that's business and sometimes things don't work out how you think and how you hope. Especially in the climate were living in now.

Louise signed off on a positive note by saying: I just want to thank you for the support, to everyone who stocked it, bought it, loved it. I'm so grateful for all learnings and am so proud of what we were able to achieve with 67 in a short period of time.

Louise's message on Instagram

According to the 67 Spritz website, the premium wine spritzer (is) for the aware individual who wants to make better drink choices.

Elegant in design, the spritzer is 67 calories per can and free from gluten, sugar and carbohydrates. Louise recommends best serving chilled with a metal straw.

In January 2023, Louise revealed to Goss.ie how 67 Spritz had been launched the previous August.

Weve been exclusive with Dunnes since then but at the end of February, were going to expand on that and hopefully be available in as many places as possible, she said at the time. I want it to be easily accessed, so thats the plan with that.

In November 2021, Louise also launched a new business venture, the fitness clothing brand CLOO Active.

Speaking the launch, she said the brand represents everything Im about; I love fashion, I live an active lifestyle and want to wear fitness gear thats not just durable but stylish too and comfortable.

Its surreal to see CLOO Active come to fruition, especially when I look back at the sketches when this venture first begun, she added. It was just over a year ago I was in the mind frame of buying a house and then switched the dial to instead invest my savings and livelihood into this venture.

In May of this year, Louise shared some photos from her special day celebrating her sons christening.

The influencer welcomed her first child, a baby boy named Jude, with partner Mark Sweeney on November 7 last year.

The couple were joined by friends and family as their little one was christened, which Louise gushed was the best day as she shared some snaps from the occasion on Instagram.

The Limerick lady sported a cream knit dress and some oversized sunglasses to beat the rays, while Mark opted for a navy blazer, white shirt, and black trousers.

She posted a carousel of photos of Jude with his proud parents, grandparents, as well as pictures with his godparents and a cake baked by Louises mum, which featured a little teddy bear and building blocks with Judes name made from icing.

Captioning the post, she wrote: The best day for our little mans Christening. My heart is so full.

Louise shared some more behind-the-scenes photos from the festivities on her Instagram Stories, including a photo of Jude at the baptismal font at the church.

A little recap of yesterday. We had the most special day for our little boy.

He didnt mind the water at all with us all staring down at him, the new mum said.

She then told her followers that her family enjoyed a gorgeous meal at Old Street Restaurant in Malahide, Dublin afterwards, where Jude got lots of attention from doting family members.

It was a bit of a pass the parcel yesterday. He loved all the attention. Hes one loved little guy, she laughed.
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.
More than 400,000 Kiwis live with eczema, an incurable skin condition that can cause itchiness, discomfort and pain.

One sufferer says sometimes the itchiness is unbearable and has caused him to miss work or have to go to the emergency department for infections  but thats not even the worst part.

Tauranga eczema sufferer Luke Tucker has tried hundreds of treatments to ease the itching caused by his full-body skin condition.

The 21-year-old has used steroid creams but when he went cold turkey on a doctors advice, the withdrawal symptoms were far worse than having eczema.

His skin became cracked, dry, and infected, he says.

It was the worst flare-up Ive ever had. That was when I got all my infections across my body.

Luke has since found an oral medication - Methotrexate - has been the most effective.

It kind of suppresses my immune system so my eczema doesnt come up as much.

Tauranga eczema sufferer Luke Tucker. Photo: NZME.

Eczema is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. About 212,000 adults and 193,000 children live with the non-contagious condition in New Zealand.

Symptoms of eczema include itchiness, discomfort, loss of sleep and raw, sensitive skin causing pain.

There is no cure for eczema. Over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available to help manage symptoms, but results vary from person to person and can depend on severity.

Luke is sharing his story as a survey, commissioned by the Eczema Association of New Zealand and pharmaceutical company AbbVie, found 75 per cent of sufferers says available treatments were ineffective at bringing an eczema flare-up under control.

The report says eczema was the result of an overactive immune system. While the main cause of eczema is unknown it was thought to be influenced by the combination of genes and environmental triggers, such as stress, some foods and alcohol, as well as irritants such as weather and allergens.

Sometimes I cant go to work

Luke tells the Bay of Plenty Times he was diagnosed as a child, experiencing itchiness behind his elbows and knees.

As he got older, his eczema got worse, becoming a full-body thing.

Im always itching.

Luke had flare-ups three or four times per year when he would get quite a lot of scabs and open wounds.

Sometimes I cant go to work or I dont want to go outside.

Luke - who works for his parents business as a cook - estimated he missed about two weeks of work each year due to flare-ups.

As a student, he had missed school sometimes because his eczema was unbearable.

I couldnt even walk

Luke was hospitalised for his eczema earlier this year when he woke up and my whole calf was purple due to an infection.

I couldnt even walk on it.

His doctor prescribed him some pretty hardcore antibiotics and he was stuck in bed for a week.

But the infection got worse and spread to his thigh.

He went to the Tauranga Hospital emergency department, where he was prescribed stronger antibiotics.

Luke says doctors told him the infection probably came from his eczema due to having open wounds on his leg.

Thats the worst infection Ive ever had.

Luke Tucker's leg when he had an infection caused by eczema. Photo: NZME.

Luke says, in his view, the worst problem relating to eczema was the wait times to see a dermatologist.

He was told the wait time for an appointment publicly was nine months. Privately was six months.

Luke says he paid to see a private dermatologist, with a 10-minute appointment costing between $400 and $500.

He says steroid creams had been the most effective treatment until the dermatologist prescribed him a steroid immuno-suppressant - Methotrexate - three months ago.

Luke says it was meant to take six to 12 months to be fully effective but he was already noticing a difference.

His eczema was much easier to manage now and he did not have to use his steroid creams as much.

Tauranga man Luke Tucker says his eczema got worse as he got older. Photo: NZME.

Luke says the downside of steroid creams was the withdrawals if he stopped using them.

As a teenager, he saw a dermatologist who advised him to stop using steroid creams and prescribed him more natural alternatives.

Luke says he went cold turkey and had infections all over his body.

He tried antibiotics but only steroid cream worked.

Luke says he had tried hundreds of natural treatments but none of them had helped, especially during a flare-up.

Pain and sleepless nights

A joint press release from the Eczema Association of New Zealand and AbbVie says 51 per cent of adults surveyed reported the condition had a moderate to significant negative impact on their daily lives.

It also found 97 per cent of Kiwi adults with eczema says it negatively impacted their mental health, including low self-esteem, stress, depression and anxiety.

The association hoped the report would prompt more understanding and compassion for eczema patients.

Eczema Association of New Zealand spokeswoman Vanessa Jenkins says eczema was often described as a hidden disease.

But it has a very real physical, emotional, economic, and social toll on patients and their families.

Its a life characterised by pain, sleepless nights, personal and social anxiety, a deep sense of helplessness and loss of confidence from never being on top of the condition.

Country head of AbbVie New Zealand Bronwen Marshall says it estimated the productivity loss from workplace absences due to eczema was up to $299 million each year.

She says people faced challenges in accessing care and treatment. Waiting lists for public dermatology services were long and cost could be a barrier for some accessing private services.

Dermatologists a very small and specialised medical workforce

Health New Zealand director of programmes delivery unit for hospital and specialist services Duncan Bliss says, like many specialty services across the health system, dermatology was experiencing staffing challenges throughout the country.

Bliss says dermatologists were a very small and specialised medical workforce and accounted for about 30 people nationally (about 22 fulltime equivalent staff) in the public health system.

Health New Zealand was taking steps to support the growth and retention of its medical workforce, including senior medical officers of which dermatologists were included, he says.

Bliss says dermatology services were generally made up of multi-disciplinary teams, including consultants, registrars, nurse specialists, and dermatology nurses.

Patients were seen by doctors and nurses throughout their care including, primary care, hospital-based community teams and hospital services.

As always, patients are prioritised based on clinical need, with those needing urgent care seen first, followed by semi-urgent and routine referrals.

Further work is under way to develop training opportunities for clinicians and to introduce systems or technologies which increase the speed and capacity of the service.
From state-of-the-art fighter jets neutralising would-be enemies to collective problem-solving about simulated aerial threats, Exercise Pitch Black 2024 is currently underway in Australia with a large New Zealand Defence Force contingent involved.

Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces (RAAF) premier flying exercise held in northern Australia every two years with this iteration being the largest since its establishment in 1981.

The NZDF contingent numbers nearly 70 personnel, who are embedded within the Australian Defence Force.

Overall, more than 4400 personnel from 20 nations are expected to attend over the course of the exercise, with more than 140 aircraft taking part.

These include United States Air Force F-22A and the RAAFs F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, as well as combat aircraft from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Other aircraft include refuelling tankers, surveillance and air mobility aircraft. Its also the first time an aircraft carrier  the Italian Navys 244 metre-long carrier Cavour - has been embedded at the exercise, operating in the Timor Sea.

An RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet conducts a flying demonstration over Mindl Beach in Darwin.

The NZDF is contributing a significant supporting role to the exercise across aircraft refuelling, security forces and working military dogs, military police, logistics and intelligence personnel, medics, chefs, technicians, an air loading team, firefighters and personnel based in air operations headquarters.

Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Commodore Daniel DJ Hunt, says this exercise is a significant opportunity for NZDF personnel to embed with Australian units and enhance interoperability.

Participating in high quality multi-national exercises like this is essential to our personnel being ready to respond to a range of scenarios, often alongside our international partners, and of course our ally Australia.

This exercise also gives our personnel the opportunity to support some of the most advanced technology and aircraft in the world, and shows our partners how highly skilled and valuable our men and women are in a multi-national environment."

Northern Australia has one of the largest military training airspaces in the world, providing the opportunity to conduct exercises on a scale and complexity that is difficult to achieve elsewhere.

An Indonesian Air Force F-16A in full flight.

The total airspace for the exercise is almost the size of Great Britain.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the NZDFs first attendance at Exercise Pitch Black in 1984 and Air Commodore Hunt says its still incredibly valuable for the NZDF to participate.

Ultimately, our participation in exercises like these are crucial in reinforcing New Zealands commitment to supporting the international rules-based order, and reiterates that we are a reliable and valued partner in the Indo-Pacific, Air Commodore Hunt says.

The exercises commanding officer, the RAAFs Air Commodore Pete Robinson, says the NZDF contribution is essential.

The New Zealand Defence Force has been part of the fabric of Pitch Black since 1984, making them one of our longest running partners at this exercise, he says.

Embedded personnel from New Zealand are working with Australians and other nations at RAAF Bases Darwin and Amberley, and their contributions are essential to the success of Exercise Pitch Black 24.

RNZAF personnel working out of RAAF Base Darwin are refuelling planes throughout the exercise, as well as other logistics roles.

Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats and will involve combat aircraft flying various offensive counter air scenarios.

Supporting activities like air-to-air refuelling, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance flights will also form part of the programme.

Sub Lieutenant Campbell Ecklein is one of many NZDF personnel based in operations roles, photographed at the Space Operations Centre.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is re-examining the installation of a median barrier on two sections of State Highway 2 between Waihi and Omokoroa.

The decision was announced on Tuesday night just hours before a community-organised meeting regarding the issue.

Were delighted that theyre going to reconsider, says former Western Bay of Plenty district councillor Mike Williams.

However, he points out that: Unless this review includes input from the locals, I dont have much faith in what NZTA have to say.

In a press release by NZTA on July 23, chief executive Nicole Rosie says: This corridor has had a significant number of deaths and serious injured, and has increasing volumes of traffic. It is also a key corridor for the communities who live along or off the state highway.

We are seeking to strike a balance between achieving the best safety outcomes for all road users and a design that meets local trip needs.

NZTAs announcement also stated median barrier installation will continue from Wright Rd to Aongatete bridge.

This will mean Wright Rd and Dawson Rd will become left-in left-out with a roundabout at Matahui/Lockington roads  approximately 1.2km distance from Wright Rd, says the NZTA press release.

Bulk liquid cartage business Porter Transport manager Bruce Porter says these median barriers still set to go up will cause massive disruption to the area.

The Wine Portfolio and Seeka Packhouse lay either side of SH2 where the median barriers are being installed.

Transporters exiting these warehouses will be unable to cross to the other side of the road due to the median barriers and will instead have to take a long detour to reach a roundabout to go in their intended direction, says Bruce.

No common sense

We can go into the winery from the Tauranga side, however, there is no way that we can exit this site with large vehicles going towards the Katikati way due to the barriers.

The Seeka packhouse across the road is in the same predicament, which is in reverse to the winery.

This issue into the winery is also going to have issues for Mainfreight as we operate in and out of the winery daily. There is no common sense with these people from NZTA.

Bay of Plenty-based ACT MP Cameron Luxton welcomes NZTAs decision to reconsider sections of the planned continuous wire median barriers between Katikati and Tauranga.

This news will come as an enormous relief for residents Ive met. While it is difficult to say exactly what pushed NZTA to make this announcement, its clear the fierce advocacy and protest of the locals has been effective, says Cameron, who joined affected residents at Katikati War Memorial Hall on Tuesday night.

Got the memo

As a locally-based MP, I was contacted by residents tearing their hair out over the prospect of being blocked from turning right out of their roads.

Residents of affected roads would have been forced to drive kilometres down SH2 in the wrong direction to find a roundabout before turning around. This could add thousands of kilometres of annual travel for regular commuters.

On June 6, I wrote to the Transport Minister about this issue, and the median barriers were a major topic raised at Acts public meeting in Tauranga last week.

While I understand it is difficult for a minister to intervene in operational decisions that have already reached the implementation phase, it appears NZTA has one way, or another, got the memo.

Cameron says the news will disappoint residents near where barrier installation is set to continue, such as those living on Wright Rd.

So as a community well need to hold NZTA to its commitment today to continue to consider the concerns raised by the community with the current design.

Packed meeting

The community-organised meeting in Katikati on Tuesday night was attended by more than 350 people, according to Mike. The hall was packed.

Mike says while SH2 residents are pleased with NZTAs announcement, they are worried the same thing will happen like last time and NZTA wont listen to the locals.

They proved it last time that they would not listen to us. The only way they are going to get credibility is by including us in the decision-making and consultation.

The pressure that we put on NZTA, and the politicians has possibly had some bearing on the announcement.

Lund Rd resident Gino de Graaf has been heavily involved in the organisation of protests.

Lets hope the second review NZTA are doing will turn into significant changes so we can turn into our side roads. We dont trust NZTA, he says.

They could have announced earlier instead of just prior to our community meeting. I feel hopeful and its progress in the right direction.

Another resident, Rick Burke, says this is the first bit of good news that theyve had.

Long may the good news continue."

- SunLive
Vanessa Melgar Ronda Thursday, 25 July 2024, 08:39 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Philippe Starck's organic olive oil mill in Ronda is practically a reality. The company LA Organic and investors linked to it have completed work on the second phase of the project focused on olive oil tourism, christened LA Organic Experience. The first phase, which has already opened to the public, is located on a 26-hectare estate just 2.5 kilometres from Ronda, next to the road leading to Campillos.

Stage One provides several 'experiences': a short walking gastro tour through olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees dotted with works by Starck, plus oil tastings and, if you wish for more, there is accommodation to stay a little longer, have a picnic and the possibility of participating in the process of making this liquid gold (maybe harvesting, milling, bottling or designing a label), even sponsoring an olive tree, among other activities. The second stage belongs to the bull, as Starck calls his ecological oil mill, the first of its kind in the world as its sponsors point out, a kind of a cube, an avant-garde building, with the protruding horn of a bull, the eye of Picasso and an olive on its facades. The inside consists of three floors with a museum space, a restaurant with terrace, and all its own machinery for the production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), among other facilities.

The private investment has exceeded 20 million euros to deliver both stages thus far. The first stone of the mill was laid in October 2021 and building work has been carried out by Ormetec Obras y Servicios, S.L., which belongs to the Caorza Group, from Ronda. Its construction generated 160 direct jobs and 825 indirect jobs and the start-up of business operations will involve around 50 direct jobs and over 250 indirect jobs.

This oil mill has been modelled on the Marques de Riscal winery, designed by Frank O. Gehry, like the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, but this takes the project from the world of wine to the world of oil. Santiago Muguiro, director of LA Organic, stated that opening to the public is planned for the second half of October and that the forecast for visitor numbers is around 40,000 per year. "The construction has been very complicated, the project on paper seemed very simple, but in the execution there have been elements that have made us consider even cancelling the project," said Muguiro, speaking of the delay that has mounted up around this project.

He mentioned all the tourist-related developments happening in Ronda with several major projects under way: the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo gorge walk, the two hotels run by the Catalonia hotels group that will be the first five-star hotels in the town, not forgetting the Melia and Summum hotel projects. He made special mention of Pedro Gomez de Baeza, the former president of LA Organic, who passed away recently. "He was three weeks away from seeing the project come together, we want to dedicate it to him."

Zoom Picasso's eye on the other side of the cubed building by Starck (aka the bull). LA Organic

The visit

The visit to the mill will begin on the first floor of the building, where there is an exhibition area that tells the history of olive oil, its importance and its links with the land thereabouts, with panels and videos and a display of various pieces related to the industry. There are also references to Ronda's culture and a large-format painting of Pedro Romero painted by Goya. The bullfighting references continue with a large rapier on one of the walls of the cube and a large tube, shaped like a bull's horn, which ends in a hopper on the first floor through which visitors can see how the olives arrive for processing. Down in the basement, all set up with see-through panels, is where the machinery for making the liquid gold will operate.

Also on display is a large-format, AI-generated portrait (few images in his time) of Abbas Ibn Firnas, a scientist from Ronda who flew with a device he built himself some 600 years before Leonardo Da Vinci. He is considered the father of aviation. Thanks to the collaboration of Antonio Acedo del Olmo, who supported this work, the contraption with which this wise man flew for ten minutes has been recreated.

Zoom Starck, who is one of the partners of LA Organic, on a visit to the farm. LA Organic

On the first floor there is the oil mill, which has another bull's horn on the ceiling and a large canvas by Starck's daughter, with a farmer, birds, Ronda's Puente Nuevo (its most famous, gorge-spanning bridge) and the bullring, among others. Also there is the restaurant, shop, a multi-purpose room and a large cantilevered terrace with views of the landscape that is held up by old anchor chains from ships. In the centre of this floor is the aforementioned hopper. There are two chimneys and the smoke will exit through Picasso's eye, leaving its mark, something Starck wanted to capture.

This olive oil mill is the Frenchman's third creation in Spain, following his works in Puerto Adriano in Mallorca and La Alhondiga (Azkuna Zentroa in Basque) in Bilbao.
Manu Balanzino Malaga Tuesday, 23 July 2024, 17:00 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The beach becomes an ideal refuge to cope with the high summer temperatures thanks to the sea breeze that lowers the mercury. It is also a perfect oasis to disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle and a special moment to relax listening to the gentle murmur of the waves breaking on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

The beach bars (chiringuitos) and beach clubs add a touch of sophistication and exclusivity to this experience. In these rather special places it is possible to enjoy refreshing cocktails, a selection of dishes chosen with great care, often a signature dish by renowned chefs, and live music, all while looking out across the blue waters of the sea.

SUR has taken a trip around the beach clubs along the coast of Malaga province to enjoy the exquisite Mediterranean cuisine where, of course, there is no shortage of seasonal salads, rice dishes, grilled fish and seafood and, of course, those little sweet treats to end the evening. After the feast, it's time to cool off in the large swimming pools for those places that have one. Of course, no night would be complete in such a place without a cocktail in your hand and relaxing, maybe even dancing, to the rhythm of chill-out music. Will you join us?

Costa del Sol beach clubs

Benalmadena The Beach Club Higueron

Zoom

The Higueron Resort Hotel has a beach club located on Carvajal beach in Benalmadena. This multipurpose space integrates three concepts: The Japo, which offers a Japanese fusion menu using local products and with a few nods to Malaga's cuisine; The Club, put simply, this is the pool area; and The Beach, which has sun loungers on the beach and a classic cocktail bar, both with a "casual cuisine" designed by chef Diego Gallegos. "We offer more casual versions of the dishes and cuisine we put on at Sollo (their Michelin-starred restaurant (1 star)) and Arara - it's the chef's more informal menu - adapted to the beach, where you can enjoy good views and a good cocktail. It's a fusion of Latin American food with Asian touches," says Gallegos. Highlights include classics such as kimchee lime with red tuna, spicy potatoes with an Asian foam topping, charcoal-baked turbot, grilled squid in black ink sauce and Iberian pork loin end. "We wanted to do something different beyond the usual fried fish for both national and international palates while they enjoy the excellent sea views" says the chef.

Address: Avda. del Sol, 225, Benalmadena. Telephone: 951 390 025. www.thebeachclubhigueron.com

Estepona Nido

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This is one of the businesses run by the Mosh Group, which also manages La Cabane, located just below Los Monteros hotel and done in collaboration with the team belonging to renowned Marbella chef Dani Garcia. Nido stands out for its design "inspired by the movement of the waves it constantly looks at", they say. The kitchen, headed up by executive chef Franco Franceschini, focuses on Mediterranean cuisine and zero-kilometre products from the region. Among the options on the menu are red tuna tartare with truffle and basil oil, lobster with vermicelli or black rice with cuttlefish and baby squid. They also offer a selection of signature cocktails to pair with the food or just enjoy them alone either by the pool or, if the breeze causes the thermometer to drop sharply, in one of their cosy booths shaped like a nest (hence the name 'nido' in Spanish).

Address: Autovia del Mediterraneo, km 151, Estepona. Telephone: 616 508 722.www.nidoplayaestepona.com

Beso Beach

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On the shores of Padron beach, Beso Beach, which has been open for two summers, joins the beach clubs opened by this company in Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Sitges. Recognised by the emblematic 'B' on the sand and the slogan 'NoSummerWithoutBeso', this coastal destination fuses Basque and Mediterranean cuisine with recommendations such as prawns cooked 'Bloody-Mary-style' with Peruvian pisco (firewater), lobster tails with poached egg and black truffle or the famous Formentera-style lobster with sliced and fried potatoes and fried eggs with lamb's lettuce.

Address: N-340, km 160, Estepona. Telephone: 971 349 900. www.besobeach.com

Others in Estepona Salduna Beach Urbanizacion Dos Hermanas II, Estepona (648 648 002).

Sublim Beach Club Autovia del Mediterraneo, km 159, Estepona (952 800 015).

Torremolinos Palapa Beach

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At the far end of the beach and open since 2018, La Palapa Beach joins our listing. This beach club allows you to immerse yourself in a more Caribbean feel to Malaga thanks to its tropical vegetation. According to Lolita Faura, customer service manager for this restaurant in Torremolinos, "our menu is a fusion of Mediterranean cuisine with oriental nuances. This year, as a new feature, we have opted for cooking on charcoal embers, grilling all the vegetables and meats on the barbecue." They offer brunch, hammocks, a DJ and live music. Faura also points out their signature cocktail bar: "Our cocktail shaker goes to the best cocktail bars in the country to develop her creativity. We have 12 classic cocktails done our own way along with signature cocktails, citrus, sweet, and in summer, we go for a cooler cocktail bar." La Palapa Beach also has two food 'corners' (their name for these special food counters), one dedicated to acorn-fed Iberian ham and the other to different types of cheese. "We see ourselves as vendors of experiences. Our idea is to turn La Palapa into a little paradise where people can enjoy themselves from the morning onwards, staying all day." The group also owns Bahia Beach on the Paseo Maritimo de Poniente in Torre del Mar.

Address: Paseo Maritimo, Los Alamos, 22R, Torremolinos. Telephone: 951 505 100. www.latribujazba.com

Others in Torremolinos La Playa Surf House Paseo Maritimo, Los Alamos, K18, Torremolinos (664 242 670).

Horno Beach Playa de la Carihuela, 46, Torremolinos (951 909 127).

Silencio Beach Paseo Maritimo, 20, Torremolinos (664 233 464)

Marbella La Plage Casanis

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Located on Real de Zaragoza beach, La Plage Casanis delights diners with Mediterranean cuisine with European and Latin influences, reflecting the origins of its executive chef, Fabian Cangas. "Our grill is the heart of the kitchen, where we prepare meats, fish and seafood, combining Mediterranean flavours with French and Argentinean touches," he says. In addition, the menu includes a variety of rice dishes, as "people come to the beach to eat paellas, fish and seafood. That's why we offer different types of rice dishes and fresh fish that we buy daily from Marbella market." Among the must-tries is the Vietnamese-style ho-cho-min sea bass, marinated in different Asian sauces, fried and served unfilleted, accompanied by a zesty yuzu mayonnaise (a type of Japanese citrus fruit). For dessert, don't miss the carrot cake.

Address: Urbanizacion Golden Beach, Marbella. Telephone: 952 837 862. Web: www.laplagecasanis.com/

Nosso

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With a "bohemian and organic" design, as they put it, Nosso presents a cuisine featuring elements of Asian, Mediterranean and Japanese food. Led by chef Gema Gonzalez, the menu features a lot of raw fish and shellfish prepared as a ceviche (cubed with a citric marinade), a tartare or as tiraditos, (thinly sliced, often with a sauce). There is also a well-thought-out selection of makis, nigiris and sashimis prepared by the itamae (head sushi chef, but literally means 'the one at the front of the chopping-board'), Carlos Navarro. Special mention should be made of the section dedicated to Japanese wagyu beef, one of the most coveted meats in the world. Still, the culinary menu also includes Spanish classics like gazpacho, Russian salad or toasted canapes with different toppings.

Address: Avenida del Limonar, 124, Marbella. Telephone: 665 660 737. www.nosso.es

Soleo

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Just below El Fuerte hotel, in the heart of Marbella, Soleo offers "a Mediterranean cuisine based on getting the right product and where the diner can find the difference with us in that we don't just work with fish and seafood, we also give a lot of importance to meats", says Ladislao Comis, executive chef of the Fuerte Group. The design of the space, by interior designer Isabel Lopez Vilalta, who also designed El Celler de Can Roca, complements the seafaring atmosphere of the beach bar. A must-try is its turbot and sea urchin rice. "It's a dish that's been around since we started up, a gastronomic rice dish made with the classic carnaroli rice (but from Molino Roca in Spain), which stays on the menu year after year because it builds customer loyalty." The cocktail bar is designed by mixologist Cristian Pineda, while the wine selection has been put together by sommelier Meritxell Falgueras. A few metres away is Amare Beach, from the same group, which offers a "more lifestyle proposal with ambient music, cold-cut meats, a selection of sushi and sparkling wines", says Comis. In addition, chef Mauricio Giovanini (from one-star Michelin restaurant, Messina, also in Marbella) puts his signature to the night-time menu under the Hayaca name - a fusion of different Latin American culinary cultures.

Address: Av. Duque de Ahumada, s/n, Marbella. Telephone: 951 562 887. Web: www.soleomarbella.com

Others in Marbella Amare Beach Paseo Maritimo Alfonso Canas Nogueras, Marbella (951 568 202).

Banus Beach Muelle de Levante, s/n, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella (683 223 480).

Barbillon Urbanizacion Guadalmina baja, C3, 318, Marbella (628 991 230).

Bono Beach Av. Cervantes, s/n, Urb. Costa Bella, Marbella (952 839 236).

Chambao Urbanizacion Coral Beach, N-340, km 176, Marbella (682 112 233).

Marbella Club Beach Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella (951 552 688).

Chiringuito Puente Romano Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella (952 820 900).

La Cabane C/ Jabali, Marbella (951 552 216).

Ocean Club Av. de Lola Flores, s/n, Nueva Andalucia (951 908 137).

Playa Padre C/ Playa del Cable, s/n, Marbella (650 822 226).

SYLT Marbella Urbanizacion Lunamar, Marbella (951 170 979).

Others in Benahavis Anantara by the Sea C/ Adriano, s/n, Benahavis (952 889 150).

Rincon de la Victoria Zorrocallao

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This beach bar has now been on the Malaga coast for three summers. Zorrocallao, the name of this chiringuito, comes from the belief that gastronomic concepts must be thought out quietly to be truly innovative (the name means 'the silent fox'). Located in the Axarquia region of Malaga, below the FAY Hotel, this place has become a benchmark for foodies in Rincon de la Victoria. "We wanted to do something different, a beach bar with amenities and beach service all day long, and so we went for it", says German Bautista, corporate director of the Guajes Group. Malaga salami tartare, nachos with burrata cheese and Russian salad are some of the dishes to start the meal. That said, their speciality is rice dishes, made to order, with Valencian rice from Molino Roca. Zorrocallao is "a space that is out of the ordinary, twenty umbrellas, four beds, a secluded setting, an oasis in Rincon de la Victoria with fun starters and quality rice dishes."

Address: Avda del Mediterraneo 230, Rincon de la Victoria. Telephone: 689 608 301. Web:www.fayhotels.com

Others in Rincon de la Victoria Oasis Beach Paseo Maritimo Virgen del Carmen, 79, Rincon de la Victoria (600 651 561).

Velez-Malaga Berebere Oasis de Mar

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Berebere Oasis de Mar is located right on the seafront promenade in Torre del Mar. Its gastronomic offering is based on a "casual and fresh cuisine in which quality and good service are paramount." Its extensive menu, focusing on products from the sea and the mountains, includes dishes made with red tuna, such as the mollete bread bun from the Obrador Maximo bakery in Benaojan, filled with tuna and tender pork, a variety of rice dishes and matured meats. Taking the concept of abaceria (deli-style), they also provide a varied selection of appetizers including tuna mojama (salt-cured), cheeses, salted anchovies, gildas (Basque name for a mini skewer of anchovy, chilli pepper and olive) and even oysters and caviar. The cocktails are served on tableware designed by Jose Pinero to match these house specialities in a very Mediterranean atmosphere.

Address: Paseo Maritimo de Poniente, Torre del Mar. Telephone: 635 560 000.www.bereberetdm.com
The first print edition of SUR in English... and the latest.

Rachel Haynes Malaga Thursday, 25 July 2024, 08:22 | Updated 09:01h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Four decades ago this week, on 20 July 1984, the first ever edition of SUR in English was distributed among the English-speaking community on the Costa del Sol.

That 16-page newspaper with a mixture of international and local news set out to meet a growing need on the Costa del Sol: new residents and property owners, many of them British, lacked information in their own language.

The Costa del Sol of the 1980s was very different to the one of 2024. Some may find it hard now to imagine a world without internet, when information was not immediately available at the click of a mouse or a swipe of a touchscreen. Newspapers from the UK and other countries could take a day or two to reach newsagents in the south of Spain and not every home had a telephone.

At the end of 1983, directors and staff at the daily newspaper for Malaga province, Diario SUR, were already working on the idea of filling that gap in the market with a publication aimed at foreign residents and visitors.

Meanwhile SUR was approached by a Welsh couple resident on the Costa del Sol, Joan and Gerry Davies, who shared a similar idea, and the partnership was welded, SURs own Pedro Luis Gomez overseeing the publication as the first editor, before Liz Parry took over a couple of years later.

Zoom The front cover of the first edition of SUR in English, and the special message to readers (typos included). SUR

Over the years SUR in English has been a pioneer in a number of ways. SUR in English became the first freesheet format newspaper in Spain funded entirely by advertising revenue, a model that was typical in the UK at the time, but not in this country.

And SUR in English soon became the first newspaper to have a stand at international tourism and property fairs such as the World Travel Market in London to promote Andalucia and the Costa del Sol.

Being part of the SUR family has set SUR in English apart from other foreign-language publications in Spain. The editorial content comes from the large team of Spanish journalists in the SUR newsroom, a pool of professionals that grew as publisher Prensa Malaguena became part of what is now the Spain-wide media group Vocento. With 17 regional titles around the country and one national newspaper (ABC), the group boasts a large central newsroom in Madrid as well as correspondents around the globe.

And back on a local level, SUR in English also has its essential team of English-speaking reporters, seeking out stories and faces from the local international community, that is to say, SUR in English readers.

Zoom The latest print edition of SUR in English SUR

All this gives readers the guarantee that the information contained in the pages of this newspaper comes from reliable sources, something that is so important in the 21st-century world of social media.

Technological advances have rapidly changed the way people receive and read the news and over forty years SUR in English has seen continual changes.

News goes online

One important year in the newspapers history was 1996, when the website surinenglish.com was born. This existed almost in the background for the following decade while the weekly print edition of the newspaper continued to break its own records. Now surinenglish.com is reaching tens of thousands of readers around the globe every day, the perfect complement to the print edition.

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So all of this deserves a celebration and that is what SUR in English has in store for the coming months, looking back, but also looking forwards.

The new 40 years logo launched in this edition looks to the future with a modern, linked design that represents the newspapers role in linking communities, equipping foreign residents to better understand the country they have chosen to live in or visit.

The years events will include a gala evening in Marbella this autumn which will be a celebration of pioneers on the Costa del Sol. The coming months will also see special supplements, cultural events and forums on issues affecting SUR in English readers.
Louise Montefiore Thursday, 25 July 2024, 15:03 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Today marks 86 years since the start of the Battle of the Ebro (25 July - 16 November 1938), the Spanish Civil Wars longest and bloodiest conflict. The Republican offensive was its final shot at victory, and it saw, initially at least, some successes. The British Foreign Office even noted at the time that the Ebro campaign was without any doubt a great [Republican] Government victory. How, then, did the battle play such a decisive role in Francos victory?

In crossing the river Ebro in Catalonia, Republicans hoped to stop the advance of Francoist troops towards Valencia, to win back Catalan territory, and to prove to the rest of Europe the resilience of the Republic.

The offensive was well-planned, but the magnitude of the air battles at the Ebro was unprecedented. Franco knew that air superiority was crucial to winning this battle - and the war. With the help of Nazi German and Italian air forces, the Condor Legion and the Aviazione Legionaria, that is what he achieved.

The number of killed and wounded at the Ebro was disastrous. Figures vary, with some estimating total casualties on both sides to be as many as 100,000. Despite vast losses for Francos Nationalists, the Republican side was devastated.

The failure of the campaign was underlined by the Munich Agreement, signed on 30 September 1938 by Germany, Great Britain, France, and Italy, permitting the German annexation of the Sudetenland. This dashed Republican hopes of aid from Western powers. Catalonia fell into Nationalist hands relatively quickly and, by April, Franco had won the war.

Hemingway at the Ebro

A number of foreign war correspondents, including Ernest Hemingway. were stationed in Spain during the Civil War. At the Battle of the Ebro, several foreign journalists attempted to cross the treacherous river when their boat began to be carried away by the current and into the debris of what once had been a bridge. Hemingway, quickly taking control, managed to get them across safely. His short story, Old Man at the Bridge, is inspired by his experiences at the Ebro.

Long-lasting marks

The devastation to the town of Corbera dEbre, in Tarragona, is a sombre reminder of the horrors suffered during the Battle of the Ebro. While parts have been rebuilt, the ruins of the old town have been preserved in memory of the battle. There is a visitor centre in Corbera dEbre, 115 Dies, dedicated to remembering the towns history.

Remembering

As well as this one, there are four other centres and a number of memorials in Catalonia to commemorate victims. Among these are those dedicated to volunteers from the International Brigades, who played a crucial role at the Ebro. On 21 September 1938, the decision to disband the International Brigades was announced by Spanish Prime Minister Juan Negrin.

Before leaving Spain, Sam Wild, Commander of the British Battalion, declared: The British Battalion is prepared to carry on the work begun here to see to it that our 500 comrades who sleep forever beneath Spanish soil shall serve as an example to the entire British people in the struggle against fascism.
Meike van Ginneken, the Water Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, underscored the country's commitment to prioritizing climate adaptation with an integrated and inclusive approach, focusing on water management and spatial planning at COP29, Azernews reports.

" The Netherlands aims to build upon existing initiatives, such as the Water Action Agenda commitments from the 2023 UN Water Conference, highlighted during COP28. These efforts will culminate in a report showcasing outcomes from the Global Commission on the Water Economy in autumn 2024."

Speaking at ADA University, van Ginneken emphasized the critical role of academic institutions, think tanks, and universities in fostering sustainable water and climate practices.

"To achieve water and climate sustainability, we must enhance the development and capacity-building efforts within these institutions," she stated.

"Today's gathering at ADA University not only facilitates the exchange of water-related insights but also underscores the pivotal role of academia in shaping our priorities and assessing our progress," she added.
What? A Skibidi Toilet movie is in the works with Michael Bay

Variety reports a Skibidi Toilet movie and TV series are in the works with director Michael Bay and former Paramount Pictures president Adam Goodman. Seriously.

We are absolutely in talks right now, both on the television side and the earliest conversations right now on the film side, Goodman told the publication.

For the uninitiated, skibidi toilet is an internet phenomenon that began in early 2023 with an 11-second YouTube video that showed a head popping out of a toilet and singing. Created by Alexey Gerasimov, from the former Soviet republic of Georgia, the clip went viral and grew to a series of videos about a war between Toilets and Cyborgs with a huge following among Generation Alpha (and some Gen Z-ers).

Hes building something that could be the next Transformers or could be a Marvel universe, Goodman said, comparing his vision for Skibidi to John Wick and District 9 with a mix of live-action and animation.

MORE BUZZ:

Jennifer Aniston slams J.D. Vances childless cat ladies comment ( RS

Lady Gaga to perform at Olympics opening ceremony ( BB

Cher to turn back time with memoir after Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ( RS

Apple TV+ has great shows, but not enough people are watching ( SF

Mel Brooks documentary in the works from Judd Apatow ( RS

Terrifier 3 trailer: Art the Clown returns ( SF

Phishs Trey Anastasio opens addiction recovery center with former caseworker ( RS

Buzz is a daily roundup of entertainment news about movies, TV, music and celebrities.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- A man from Utica who tried to get on a plane with a loaded weapon Tuesday will face no criminal charges.

The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority alerted the Onondaga County District Attorneys Office, who declined prosecution, police said in police reports filed Tuesday.

The 31-year-old man had a valid New York State pistol permit since 2021, police said. A background check on the mans criminal history also came back negative, they said.

The man told officers he forgot to place the handgun in a safe that was inside his vehicle before entering the airport, police said.

The police department, through the airports media office, declined to release the name of the man because he was not arrested.

After review of the circumstances, Assistant District Attorney Joseph Coolican said no criminal charges would be filed, police said.

Coolican told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard Thursday that the DAs office applys discretion when deciding whether to prosecute. They determine whether there is a criminal activity or if the person made a mistake. He also said the man was lawfully allowed to possess the firearm.

On Tuesday, at the airport security checkpoint, a TSA agent observed an X-ray depicting what appeared to be a loaded pistol in a bag. The agent notified police who secured the firearm.

The firearm was a 1911 Kimber handgun, police said. The handgun had one round of .45 caliber ammunition in the barrel of the handgun and seven additional rounds inside the handgun magazine, they said.

Police said the handgun had the hammer cocked back with the safety in the on position. An officer removed the guns magazine and locked the slide backwards into a locked position, they said.

Police said they questioned the man before releasing him and escorting him back to the security checkpoint. The man underwent the screening process again before boarding his flight to San Diego, they said.

A Utica mans gun was confiscated at the Syracuse airport Tuesday when he tried to get on a plane with the loaded weapon, officials said.Transportation Security Administration

Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com
Teagasc Ballyhaise Open Day 2024

Futureproofing Irish Dairy Systems was the topic for discussion at the Teagasc Ballyhaise Open Day 2024 which took place on Wednesday, 24 July Ballyhaise Agricultural College, County Cavan.

Pictured a selection of the crowd at Ballyhaise Open Day on Wednesday 24th July, 2024.

Visiting farmers were told that farm financial costs have risen on Irish dairy farms by 56% since 2015, resulting in significantly reduced farm incomes in 2023 despite record milk prices. The focus of the event was on ways to bring costs within sustainable levels. One strategy to reduce both feed and fertiliser costs is to incorporate clover within grazing swards to replace chemical nitrogen (N) with biologically fixed N while increasing animal intake and performance. Over the last three years 80% of the Ballyhaise farm has been reseeded.

Speaking at the first information point at the open day Donal Patton, Research Officer in Teagasc, said; Both significant economic value and improved environmental sustainability have been achieved in the Irish dairy sector by focusing on core grazing principles to maintain low production costs and high levels of pasture utilisation. He continued; Our grazing systems can be improved by reducing reliance on supplementary feed and chemical fertilisers by incorporating white clover within grazing swards. The successful establishment of white clover in the border midland and western (BMW) region of Ireland can significantly reduce requirements for chemical nitrogen (N) fertilisers whilst maintaining similar pasture productivity to perennial ryegrass only swards which require increased chemical N applications level.

John Kelly, Principal of Ballyhaise College said; Addressing the challenge of sustainability is paramount, and we are dedicated to incorporating all outputs into a circular economy. Our facilities are constantly being upgraded and improved. Our latest advancements, include pasture renewal and enhanced infrastructure such as slurry storage, farm roadways, and fencing. Our teaching and advisory staff are engaged in continuous training to stay updated on the latest technological developments from our research, ensuring that we provide our students and farmer clients with the most current information.

Dr Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc said; The rate of increase in farm input costs has accelerated in recent years, driven by a combination of unit price increases and input usage levels per farm. Feed budget costs have increased significantly while pasture utilisation has been declining; given the strong link between pasture utilisation and farm profit, this trend needs to be reversed. 

He said; Compared to farms with low net margins, higher margin farms utilise more pasture to produce extra milk sales for no increase in supplement fed. Higher margin farms have lower variable and fixed costs indicating better cost control across a range of categories.

The full publication along with the information boards from the event are available to view here
At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Extremely bright and endlessly configurable

Posable light panels provide a huge amount of flexibility

Matter support makes smart home integration a snap Cons Light quality is only OK

Minor application bugs

Requires a standard A/C connection (not low-voltage) Our Verdict This unusual, positionable smart floodlight positively pumps out light both white and color, but access to a nearby power outlet is required.

Do you need light outside? I mean, a lot of light? Govees new Triad Outdoor Flood Light may provide a compellingif decidedly quirkysolution.

Govees Outdoor Triad Flood Light is actually a set of three connected LED panels mounted on top of a single base. Each panel measures about 6 inches wide by 4 inches tall, and the entire device weighs a hefty 3.6 pounds.

The flexibility of the Govee Triad Outdoor Flood Light has been especially appealing, allowing me to cast much-needed light on my darkened patio.

Design

The two side panels are hinged on their interior side, attaching to the central panel, which is connected to the base. This allows them to be individually positioned at an angle ranging from 0 to 90 degrees in relation to the central panel. Imagine a wrap-around makeup vanity and youre on the right track.

This review is part of TechHives in-depth coverage of the best smart bulbs.

Note that all adjustments require the use of an included hex wrench, which adds a little hassle (and means keeping track of one more component) but improves stability greatly.

The sturdy Triad is crafted from metal and feels quite solid. The sturdy Triad is crafted from metal and feels quite solid. Christopher Null/Foundry The sturdy Triad is crafted from metal and feels quite solid. Christopher Null/Foundry Christopher Null/Foundry

The device plugs in to a standard electrical outlet via a 6-foot cord. If youre hoping to integrate this into a low-voltage lighting system, thats unfortunately not an option, and, naturally, that may limit where you can place the unit, as it will have to be within striking distance of a power outlet.

The good news is that you wont need to worry about exposing the Triad to the elements. The unit has a robust weatherproof rating of IP66, meaning its dust-tight and resistant to powerful jets of water sprayed from any direction. (Read our comprehensive guide to IP ratings.)

Theres a small breakout box on the cable, but it does not carry any physical controls. Turning the light on and off must be done exclusively through the app (or another connected smart home system).

The metal base of the unit merits special discussion. When folded backwards, it serves as a sturdy pedestal and allows the Triad to sit flush on a flat surface.

When turned 90 degrees downward, the base is transformed to allow you to connect two ground spikes (included) to the base, so the unit can be placed in the yard or other soft landscape. Holes in the base also allow you to mount it on a wall or on hardscape, though hardware is not included if you want to go this route. Note that the aforementioned hex wrench is also required to rotate the base.

When connected to the Triads base, two ground spikes allow for placement in the yard or another soft landscape. When connected to the Triads base, two ground spikes allow for placement in the yard or another soft landscape. Christopher Null/Foundry When connected to the Triads base, two ground spikes allow for placement in the yard or another soft landscape. Christopher Null/Foundry Christopher Null/Foundry

The three light panels are huge  and powerful. Each panel pumps out a max of 1500 lumens, for a total of 4500 lumens of light. Govee says that a single Triad can illuminate at least 430 square feet of space, and thats not an exaggeration. Fire up the Triad and you can easily blind your neighbors if you crank it up to full brightness and aim the panels the right way. Maximum power draw is a hearty 48 watts.

Setup

As is common with Govee products, app setup is simple. The Govee Home app uses Bluetooth to discover any nearby Govee products and quickly bridges it to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. After a quick firmware update I was able to begin working with the product in a matter of minutes, using the same interface as other Govee lighting products.

Connections to Alexa were automatically created, complete with voice shortcuts, during the setup process. Google Assistant is also supported, as are Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings, all thanks to the Triads Matter support.

Operation and performance

Each panel can be individually addressed and managed, with both white light and color options available. White color temperatures range from a warm, cozy 2700K to a cooler and more utilitarian 6500K.

Each panel can be individually controlled within the Govee Home app. Each panel can be individually controlled within the Govee Home app. Christopher Null/Foundry Each panel can be individually controlled within the Govee Home app. Christopher Null/Foundry Christopher Null/Foundry

If you want to get jazzier, a full-color wheel allows you to pick and choose your three-color palette, or you can opt to let Govee handle color management for you, courtesy of dozens of color-shifting scenes. There are also multiple music modes that let the lights shift in color in time with ambient sound, as captured either on the Triads breakout box microphone or the microphone on your phone.

The lights look good but short of great, in large part because although theres a translucent screen over each panel, you can visibly see the 16 bright LEDs underneath. The effect is particularly strange because the alignment of the LEDs makes the panel look a bit like a digital LCD displayeach panel a numeral 8 turned on its side. You can easily be forgiven for expecting the Triad to be able to display the time.

LEDs are visible inside the light panels, marring the aesthetic. LEDs are visible inside the light panels, marring the aesthetic. Christopher Null/Foundry LEDs are visible inside the light panels, marring the aesthetic. Christopher Null/Foundry Christopher Null/Foundry

On the plus side, colors are reasonably rich and vibrant, though Ive encountered better and more seductive hues in recent months.

I did encounter one bug when working with the light: When I selected two panels in the Govee Home app and then attempted to change their color, the third (deselected) panel also changed color when it wasnt supposed to. This was not a particularly persistent nor troubling problem and was easily fixed, but its worth noting that further firmware and/or application updates are probably going to be needed down the road.

Should you buy the Govee Outdoor Triad Light?

At a street price of roughly $120 (the MSRP is $149.99), the Govee Triad isnt outrageously expensive, though its certainly pricier than purchasing a standard plug-in spotlight or even a mountable smart spotlight that connects permanently to household wiring.

The flexibility of this device has been especially appealing in my own testing, allowing me to cast some extra, much-needed light on the darkened patio where my barbecue grill is, without requiring anything more than a nearby power socket to get the job done.
WTF?! In what is yet another example of the world moving ever closer to a Black Mirror-style dystopia, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it plans to use robot dogs in raids. Rather than being loaded with lethal weapons, the robots will be used to overload home networks, to provide video and audio of the scene, and to communicate with humans.

Unveiled during the 2024 Border Security Expo, it's easy to mistake robotic quadruped NEO for Boston Dynamics Spot or Xiaomi's CyberDog.

NEO, built using the Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV), can do more than just dance. DHS Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) director Benjamine Huffman said (via 404 Media) that it is equipped with an onboard computer and antenna array for disabling internet-connected devices that could potentially cause harm during a raid. Huffman said NEO allows officers to create a "denial-of-service" event.

The kind of devices NEO was specifically built to take out are wireless home cameras. Its creation was prompted by an incident in which a child sexual abuse suspect used a Ring doorbell to see that FBI officers were at the door serving a search warrant. He then shot two of them through the door with an assault-style weapon, killing both the veteran agents and injuring three others.

NEO can also be used to communicate with human subjects in the area, presumably to broadcast Robocop-style warnings to surrender. Its camera and microphone provide video and audio feeds to agents, allowing them to analyze a scene before entering. This sounds similar to the abilities that drones are now offering many police forces across the country.

Robot dogs increasingly moving closer to the one from Black Mirror's Metalhead or the alien robots from the War of the Worlds series. We've seen one with a rifle strapped to its back being used by the Chinese military, while the US Marines showed one off last year that was carrying a rocket launcher. If you have a spare $9,420, you can even buy one yourself, a model that packs a flamethrower capable of projecting fiery gasoline or napalm up to 30 feet.
What just happened? In a warning that highlights the lengths cybercriminals will go to infiltrate systems, a US security training company has revealed it was tricked into hiring a North Korean hacker as a software engineer. The firm only discovered what happened when he loaded the company-provided computer with malware.

KnowBe4 creates customized security awareness programs for companies, developed to teach employees about hacking dangers. An example is testing susceptibility to phishing attacks by sending employees fake emails to see if anyone falls for the ruse.

In a recent post, CEO and founder Stu Sjouwerman told a cautionary tale, though he emphasized that no company data was lost, compromised, or exfiltrated, and there was no breach.

It started when KnowBe4 posted a job for a software engineer for its internal IT AI team. After HR conducted four video interviews with a candidate on separate occasions, confirmed the individual matched the photo on their application, checked their background, and performed other pre-hiring checks, the person in question was hired to work remotely.

What the company didn't know was that the new hire was using a valid but stolen US-based ID and stock photo, which had been altered using AI, to convince KnowBe4 that they were a legitimate candidate. You can see the original stock photo (left) and the AI-enhanced one below.

The interviewers believed the person they interviewed looked enough like the faked photo to be convincing.

All seemed normal, until last week when the employee, referred to only as XXXX, was sent his company-supplied Mac workstation. The moment it was received, it immediately started to load malware.

KnowBe4's SOC team contacted XXXX to inquire about the detection and its possible cause. He claimed that he was following steps on his router guide to troubleshoot a speed issue and that it may have caused a compromise.

XXXX then performed actions to manipulate session history files, transfer potentially harmful files, and execute unauthorized software. He used a Raspberry Pi to download the malware. The company tried to get him on video call but he said he was unavailable and later became unresponsive. His device was contained about 25 minutes after the suspicious activities were detected.

Analysis suggests that XXXX may be an Insider Threat/Nation State Actor. The information was shared with cybersecurity firm Mandiant and the FBI. It was determined that XXXX was a fake IT worker from North Korea.

KnowBe4 said the work Mac was shipped to an address "that is basically an 'IT mule laptop farm," which XXXX accessed via VPN. He also worked night shift so it appeared he was working US daytime.

There have been warnings of North Koreans using stolen identities to secure remote US jobs. Their wages are used to fund North Korea's illegal programs, and the positions enable access to sensitive information and the opportunity to breach systems/install malware.
In brief: The Philippines is dismantling its controversial offshore gaming industry catering to overseas gamblers. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. directed regulators this week to shut down all "POGO" websites and operations by year's end. The crackdown follows mounting concerns that these online casinos have become fronts for criminal rackets such as human trafficking, fraud, and potential Chinese espionage.

POGOs, short for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, are companies licensed by the government to run online gambling sites for overseas players, especially in mainland China where such activities are illegal. While the POGO business has generated billions in tax revenue, it's also been a hotbed of illicit activity.

"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 during his annual State of the Nation address this week. He wasn't exaggerating either.

An ongoing Senate investigation has uncovered some very questionable activities. It centers on a mayor named Alice Guo who allegedly faked being a Filipino citizen to run an illegal POGO empire, complete with human detention cells and over 800 victims rescued from her scam compounds. Investigators claim Guo's real name is Guo Huaping, and she's a Chinese national.

The POGOs have been a political hot potato for years, creating all sorts of economic and regulatory headaches alongside the sleaze factor. While only about 42 are currently officially licensed, it's believed that over 400 are operating illegally.

At their peak a few years ago, POGOs directly employed well over 300,000 Chinese nationals in the Philippines alone. The clampdown in recent years has seen hundreds of POGO licenses revoked and arrests of many operators for tax evasion and hiring illegal foreign workers. Now, reports suggest that legal ones directly and indirectly employ around 23,000 foreigners along with 40,000 Filipinos.

China has been pressuring the Philippines to shut down the industry, which it views as illegal cross-border gambling targeting its citizens. Some analysts think Marcos' move could ease tensions with Beijing over the South China Sea territorial disputes.

Eliminating the entire semi-legit, multi-billion dollar industry is a significant move that'll have major economic impacts, including an estimated $400 million annual tax revenue hole. But officials say the social costs simply became too high. Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan shrugged off any losses, telling reporters that POGOs only contributed around 0.5% to GDP anyway.

The big question is what happens to all those POGO workers. President Marcos vowed that his Labor Department will assist those displaced in finding new jobs.

The move has been cheered by many as a victory against transnational online vice. The announcement itself drew a standing ovation in Congress. But others worry the shadier POGO elements will simply go fully underground, creating new illegal operators that are even harder to track and regulate.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are locomotives of regional integration, Kazakh Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel said at the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Agricultural Forum, Trend reports.

"Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are strategic partners. The countries cooperate in all spheres, including transport, logistics, investment, and defense. Recently, Kazakhstan held exercises where the largest military contingent after the host country was from Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are implementing major projects that are important not only for us but also for the region. Our countries are locomotives of regional integration," the ambassador emphasized.

According to him, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan plan to start exporting Kazakhstan's "green" energy through the territory of Azerbaijan.

"It is symbolic that this fall Baku is hosting the COP29 climate conference," he added.

To note, the Azerbaijani-Kazakhstani agricultural forum is being held at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Baku on 25 July.
WTF?! In a groundbreaking move, the Federal Trade Commission has launched an investigation into Mastercard's use of artificial intelligence (AI) for surveillance pricing--a practice that uses consumer data to manipulate individual pricing. The FTC's action comes in response to growing concerns about privacy and fairness in digital commerce.

The FTC unanimously voted to open an investigation into so-called "surveillance pricing." It already ordered eight companies, including Mastercard, to provide detailed information about their surveillance pricing practices. These orders mark a significant step in the FTC's efforts to regulate the increasingly complex intersection of technology and consumer rights.

Mastercard's surveillance pricing strategy reportedly involves using AI to analyze vast amounts of consumer data, including purchasing habits, location data, and even social media activity. Vendors then use the data to adjust prices in real-time, potentially charging higher prices to consumers deemed more likely to make more expensive purchases. Critics argue that this practice is invasive and creates an unfair marketplace where pricing is not transparent.

"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. "Americans deserve to know whether businesses are using detailed consumer data to deploy surveillance pricing, and the FTC's inquiry will shed light on this shadowy ecosystem of pricing middlemen."

The other companies listed in the order include Revionics, Bloomreach, JPMorgan Chase, Task Software, PROS, Accenture, and McKinsey & Co. The FTC's investigation spawned from multiple consumer complaints and advocacy groups that have been increasingly vocal about the need for greater transparency in how retailers use people's data.

The Commission invoked Section 6(b) of the FTC Act to compel the eight companies to cooperate in its surveillance pricing probe. The 6(b) orders require companies to disclose detailed information about their data collection and pricing algorithms. The FTC is particularly interested in understanding how these companies use AI to make pricing decisions and whether these practices are deceptive or unfair under the FTC Act.

While Commissioner Melissa Holyoak supported the investigation with her "yay," she felt compelled to issue a statment noting that she does not agree with the "surveillance pricing" terminology.

"Public statements that accompany the issuance of these orders describe their focus not on targeted or personalized pricing, but on "surveillance pricing," Holyoak said. "This term's negative connotations may suggest that personalized pricing is necessarily a nefarious practice. In my view, we should be careful to use neutral terminology that does not suggest any prejudgment of difficult issues."

The FTC expects the probe to take several months, during which the involved companies must comply with the orders and provide the requested information. Depending on the findings, the FTC could take further action, including imposing fines or other penalties, to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws.

This investigation highlights the growing need for regulatory oversight in the age of AI and big data. As companies continue to innovate, regulatory bodies like the FTC must keep pace to protect consumer interests and maintain market integrity. The outcome could set a precedent for how AI-driven pricing strategies are regulated in the future, potentially leading to more stringent guidelines and greater transparency in the use of consumer data.

Image credits: Kite Rin, Valeri Luzina
Facepalm: Stalkerware programs are frequently used to monitor, control, or track PC and mobile device users. These tools are employed with varying degrees of legitimacy by relatives or law enforcement agencies, but things go completely haywire when a software maker with these characteristics becomes a target of hackers.

Spytech Software, a Minnesota-based company that produces SpyAgent and similar programs, has been breached. TechCrunch was able to access a cache of files taken from Spytech's servers by unknown hackers, and has exposed the company's activities and the devices targeted by its stalkerware products.

Spytech has been providing monitoring software for concerned spouses and parents for over 24 years. The company states that its "award-winning" solution combines over 20 essential (and theoretically invisible) monitoring tools with cloud and email-based remote activity logs. With SpyAgent, the corporation claims, customers can record, see, and respond to everything happening on a computer.

Stalkerware programs are usually very effective at concealing their presence. According to data exfiltrated by the hackers, Spytech was able to infect various types of devices, including Android phones, Chromebooks, Mac systems, and PCs. The file cache includes data about more than 10,000 remotely controlled devices, with the earliest records dating back to 2013.

The devices compromised by Spytech programs had their entire activity saved in logs stored on the company's servers. Most of these devices were Windows-based PCs, TechCrunch explains, and the activity logs didn't use any form of encryption. When plotted on an offline mapping tool, the location data provided a clear picture of where the compromised devices were located around the world.

Most of the mobile, Android-based devices infected with Spytech tools were located in Europe and the US. Even Spytech executive Nathan Polencheck was among the compromised, though he likely installed his company's monitoring software on his own phone. When contacted by TechCrunch, Polencheck said he had no knowledge of the breach. The exfiltrated data can seemingly reveal the precise location of his house in Red Wing, Minnesota.

So far, Spytech has made no public statement about the security incident. By all accounts, the company may be forced to notify customers who installed the stalkerware tools on people's devices or even inform US federal authorities.

Another spyware manufacturer, pcTattletale, was breached earlier this year, but the company chose to shut everything down rather than provide any public notice about its activities or databases.
Apple Maps Web is officially here in its beta version, reportedly allowing users to conveniently navigate to any destination and then some, all from the comfort of their mobile or desktop browsers.

Users can use Apple Maps by visiting the beta.maps.apple.com website. The majority of the features included in the iOS app are still available, such as seeing guides, placing direct food orders from Maps, exploring cities, and finding out business information. According to Apple, more capabilities like Look Around will be available in the upcoming months.





For the time being, the web version of Apple Maps is limited to English and works with Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs and Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad.

In the future, Apple intends to provide support for additional languages, platforms, and browsers. Apple says that any developer can link to Maps on the web by utilizing its MapKit JS tool.

Developers utilized the API to make maps for websites such as DuckDuckGo, and earlier iterations of Apple Maps were made available online. The app might now more effectively compete with Google, which has long been accessible through web browsers, thanks to its official online launch.

Read Also : Apple Intelligence to Allow Creating New Playlist Artwork for Apple Music

Recent Apple Maps Update

Other recent changes to Apple Maps include the introduction of the "Search Here" button, a long-needed update, by the iPhone maker in iOS 18. In response to a persistent user request, this newly added functionality makes it easier to locate certain sites outside of a user's current area.

In the past, as you browse through various regions, Apple Maps would simply follow your motions and provide the findings. Although this tool is still accessible, the new "Search Here" button much improves usability.

If you drag the map to New York when looking for a 7-11, for example, and hit the "Search Here" option, you can find specific 7-11 locations within the state of New York without the map trying to follow you around. If you want to search for convenient retailers in a specific location, this is a great useful function that's simple to use.

Google Maps and Ads

Google Maps, the primary rival of Apple Maps, has begun testing pop-up advertisements that will show up on the app while you're driving or navigating, suggesting locations you might want to add to your stop.

This recent function, which was discovered by a user on the Google Maps app, is still unknown because it was not officially confirmed by the internet giant.

Several users are reportedly calling this new ad type "aggressive" and "intrusive" because it shows up even when they are using the app to navigate to a location.

Some users describe these pop-up advertisements as "aggressive" and "intrusive," as they occupy a portion of the screen and appear even when a user is looking at the device for navigational purposes.

It was linked to a recent communication that Google sent out to its clients about the addition of Local Services ads to Google Maps; however, the main concern is that these will only show up as search ads rather than while navigating.

With major experience likely to be available, Google Maps is being regularly updated and tested to incorporate new features and experiences for users to enjoy.

Live Activities support for iOS and iPhones, a long-overdue feature that was introduced in January but only deployed in May, was one of the features discovered during its testing sessions.
China has reportedly humiliated and punished operators who are allowing the unauthorized use of OpenAI's ChatGPT, as anyone within the country must first have artificial intelligence services thoroughly screened and registered before being used publicly.

As US company OpenAI banned the use of its AI technologies on the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau, China's internet authority identified and publicly embarrassed a few agents who were found to be providing local access to ChatGPT.

Throughout the first half of this year, several website operators received penalties from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and other local authorities for providing unauthorized access to generative AI (GenAI) services on the mainland, like ChatGPT.

The CAC's decision demonstrates its commitment to upholding domestic AI regulations, which were implemented in August of last year and require all AI services to undergo government screening and registration before being made accessible to the general public.





Virtual private networks, however, have been used by certain developers and businesses to circumvent these regulations and gain access to unregistered GenAI services.

For providing ChatGPT services "without going through a safety assessment," the CAC's branch in the southwest city of Chongqing identified Nanchuan District Rongcheng Network Technology Studio, which operates more than ten websites nationally, in a statement released on Monday.

The Chongqing CAC branch called in studio representatives and gave them the order to stop ChatGPT access right away.

According to the CAC, the owners of the AI writing platform Yizigpt.com, the gaming website Kukupao.com.cn, and the hard-to-find online legal services provider Lvshifuwuwang were found in violation of the law for neglecting to filter content that contained unlawful information derived from undisclosed GenAI services.

According to the regulator, the operators received "administrative punishment," a phrase for non-criminal infractions that carries a risk of penalties, business closure, or incarceration of individuals responsible for the offense.

OpenAI Ban on China

The crackdown coincides with OpenAI's announcement that it will begin preventing access to its API in "unsupported countries and territories" on July 9. OpenAI's restriction extends to US-sanctioned nations like Iran, North Korea, and Russia in addition to the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau.

One of the main reasons behind this restriction is reportedly the technological rivalry between the US and China, which is causing Asia's powerhouse to terminate relations with OpenAI as the split widens. With OpenAI's newest crackdown on VPNs that continue to use its technology in China, ChatGPT was outlawed and rendered inoperable due to firewall blocking.

China and AI pose a danger to global technology, particularly in light of the East Asian superpower's significant advancements in the field and the well-known firms that are driving them.

Chinese Alternatives to ChatGPT

Many technologies and experiences that depend on OpenAI's AI models lost access and functionality when the business first restricted China's access to its API (application programming interface). But one business is already trying to make a bigger splash in the nation; Baidu unveiled Ernie 4.0 Turbo AI, ChatGPT's well-known competitor.

In the past, the Chinese government has taken action against ChatGPT and OpenAI, preventing users from accessing them through a firewall and preventing them from using government-issued equipment. With the help of VPNs, Chinese engineers were able to get around these restrictions, but OpenAI's most recent updates will also target backdoor access and spoofing of location.
The future availability of Samsung's Galaxy Ring may soon multiply as it is reportedly increasing the production of its new health-centered wearable for its customers. This was because Samsung met significant demands in the market since they made the new smart ring available for users to purchase, particularly as it is currently swamped with orders.

Its initial planned units for the Galaxy Ring saw massive popularity among consumers, with the new device alreadysurpassing expectations for the South Korean tech giant.

Samsung Galaxy Ring is In-Demand, Now Increases Production

South Korean tech analyst, The Elec, shared the latest events surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Ring, claiming that the new wearable is in demand in the market and sees massive acclaim from the public. Because of this, Samsung has already sent word to its manufacturers to increase the smart ring's production to as much as 150 percent.

Initially, Samsung only planned for 400,000 units to be produced by its manufacturers, but its early success in the market exceeded expectations and asked for as many as 600,000 units.

However, this figure is still not enough as the customer demands for the Galaxy Ring continue to increase, now looking at a far larger number of units that could reach up to more than 1 million by year's end.

Galaxy Ring Surpassed Expectations and Initial Plans

Currently, the situation Samsung is facing is because the Galaxy Ring still sees significant demand from customers, but its current stocks are not enough to meet all of these. Deliveries for purchased units are also backed up, with the latest orders to be reportedly completed by August.

Samsung Galaxy Ring: What It Has to Offer

In early 2023, there were already rumors behind Samsung's plans to debut a new health tech wearable for users in the form of a smart ring, evidenced by its leaked trademark application for the Galaxy Ring.

Less than a year later, Samsung teased the new Galaxy Ring via its first Unpacked event of the year, teased after the company revealed the S24 series and Galaxy AI.

Massive details were speculated behind the Galaxy Ring as Samsung skimped on the specs of the wearable, but themost sure thing behind it is its health-tracking capabilities, which also contribute to sleep monitoring. However, one of the most important details behind it is that the device would be exclusive to Android smartphones only, and not compatible with iOS.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a niche device for users who want to integrate more technology into their lifestyle, capable of monitoring their fitness, health, and more. Early on, Samsung found huge success with the Galaxy Ring because of the warm public perception of it, but after it made it available, demands skyrocketed and now prompted an increase in its production to meet the growing interest behind it.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The volume of Serbia's direct investments in Azerbaijan's non-oil and gas sector amounted to $3.6 million for the entire period of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia (since 1995), Deputy Economy Minister Sahib Mammadov said, Trend reports.

He made the statement at the 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia, held in Baku.

Six Serbian companies are registered in Azerbaijan; four of them operate in the agriculture, infrastructure, and services sectors," he noted.

According to Mammadov, Azerbaijan has invested $2.8 million in the Serbian economy.

In the first half of this year, the volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Serbia increased more than five times compared to the same period last year and reached $30.9 million," the deputy minister added.

Mammadov emphasized that there is great potential for the growth of economic cooperation. He invited Serbian companies to conduct business in Azerbaijan's free economic zones and industrial and agrarian parks.

He also mentioned that Serbia's interest in the restoration of the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation would be important for Azerbaijan.
Giraffes bring peace to Kenyan communities once at odds



Baringo, Kenya, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



On a vast farm in Kenya's Rift Valley, a veterinarian carefully takes aim before shooting a tranquiliser dart and sending another giraffe sinking slowly to the ground before it is roped and blindfolded.

It is the first stage of a delicate operation by the Kenya Wildlife Service to move a group of the endangered animals to a conservancy around 140 kilometres (90 miles) to the east.

The subdued giraffe is kept at the farm in Sergoit along with seven others for an acclimatisation period of about 10 days, before being transported to their new home.

The Rothschild's giraffes, a distinct subspecies, are being resettled in the Ruko Conservancy in Baringo County as part of a long-running initiative to ease communal tensions there.

While the East African nation is renowned for its spectacular wildlife, its northern counties such as Baringo are more often in the news for banditry and ethnic clashes.

The rival Pokot and Ilchamus communities in Baringo had been at odds for decades, their feuds sometimes escalating into armed clashes.

In the mid-2000s, Pokot and Ilchamus elders took matters into their own hands, launching an initiative to resettle the Rothschild's, or Nubian, giraffes into the Ruko conservancy around 280 kilometres north of the capital Nairobi.

The goal was twofold: reintroduce an endangered species to a region it had previously deserted, and restore peace to the two communities.

The elders hoped the world's tallest mammals would attract tourists and income, quelling tensions in the neglected region by providing employment in an area where many young people -- like elsewhere in Kenya -- struggle to find jobs.

And, said 34-year-old reserve manager Rebby Sebei, it seems to have worked.

"Back 20 years before, Pokot and Ilchamus had a conflict that erupted because of livestock theft and resulted in loss of life, loss of livestock and pushing people to move away from their homeland," she told AFP.

"This place became deserted, where we are now today was a battleground for the bandits."

But now, she said, the gentle creatures are helping to "ensure that there is peace between the two communities".



- 'One community' -



Giraffes have seen a dramatic decline in numbers in Kenya in recent decades, as a result of poaching and human encroachment on their habitats.

As the Sergoit giraffes -- securely trussed in the back of trucks -- made their way slowly towards the reserve, people from the Pokot and Ilchamus communities held welcome celebrations.

Sixteen hours after their departure from Sergoit, having navigated hazardous bridges and low-hanging electrical wires, the giraffes finally arrived at their new home.

The group was to be acclimatised in a small pen before being released into the Ruko reserve, now home to nearly 20 giraffes, both Rothschild's and Masai.

As people sang and danced in celebration while awaiting the new arrivals, Douglas Longomo, a 27-year-old farmer, said he believed that his Pokot community had changed.

"It took time to understand that the conservancy is important to bring people together," Longomo said.

Many could not see the point of ending the clashes that have scarred the Rift Valley area for decades, he added.

"Now we are seeing we are living as one community, we can move freely without any fear."

Longomo's views were echoed by 28-year-old James Parkitore from the Ilchamus community.

"I think (the conflict) is over now because we are interacting," he said.

"I hope those giraffes will (create) great jobs for the communities," said Parkitore, a view shared by Longomo.

Sebei added a note of caution, however, saying that while an increase in tourism had helped, there were still some lingering disputes between the two ethnic groups.

But, she said, "there is peace, and we need to bring more giraffes".
Cargo ship sinks off Taiwan, 9 sailors missing: authorities



Taipei, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



A cargo ship sank off Taiwan's southern coast, with its nine Myanmar sailors missing after abandoning ship in life jackets, authorities said Thursday.

Stormy weather in the wake of Typhoon Gaemi has prevented rescuers from reaching the sailors, Hsiao Huan-chang, head of Taiwan's National Fire Agency, told a briefing.

"They fell into the sea and were floating there," Hsiao said, adding that rescuers contacted a nearby Taiwanese cargo ship to assist them.

Hsiao did not specify when the Tanzania-flagged ship sank, but said the rescue vessel arrived in the area at 8:35 am (0035 GMT).

"(When the Taiwanese ship arrived) the visibility at the scene was very low and the winds were too strong," he said.

"When the weather permits, we will immediately dispatch ships or helicopters to rescue but at the moment it is not possible."

Another official at the agency told AFP after the briefing that the sailors were missing.

News of the ship's sinking came after Typhoon Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday night with sustained wind speeds of 190 kilometres (118 miles) per hour at its peak.

Authorities said it was the strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years.

At least two people in Taiwan were killed due to Gaemi's impacts, including a woman who was crushed after a part of a building fell on her.
Frankfurt airport halts traffic after intrusion by climate activists: police



Berlin, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Frankfurt airport, Germany's busiest, was forced Thursday to suspend arrivals and departures after environmental activists forced their way into the apron.

"We are doing everything to remove the climate activists from the tarmac," a police spokesman told AFP.

Frankfurt airport advised passengers to check the status of their flights on its website.

According to climate activist group Letzte Generation (Last Generation), six of its members had used pincers to cut openings in the wire fence before making their way "by foot, with bicycles and skateboards to different points around the runways".

A photo circulated by the group depicted a protester sitting on the tarmac with a banner "oil kills".

The group is pushing for a binding international accord that would lead to an end in oil, gas and coal use by 2030.

Thursday's protest action came a day after similar operations across several European airports.

Activists from Letzte Generation briefly disrupted traffic at Cologne-Bonn airport on Wednesday, while several climate protesters were arrested at London's Heathrow 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.
Ship sinks off Taiwan, 9 sailors missing as typhoon heads towards China



Taipei, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Typhoon Gaemi swept towards southern China on Thursday after killing at least two people in Taiwan, with nine sailors missing after their cargo ship sank in stormy weather.

The typhoon -- the strongest to hit Taiwan in eight years -- had already forced authorities on the island to close schools and offices, suspend the stock market and evacuate thousands of people.

Gaemi also exacerbated seasonal rains in the Philippines on its path to Taiwan, triggering flooding and landslides. A tanker carrying 1.4 million litres of oil sank off Manila on Thursday, with authorities racing to contain a spill.

It had weakened by Thursday morning and "the centre has moved out to sea" at around 4:20 am (2020 GMT), Taiwan's weather authorities said.

Taiwan's fire agency said it received a report early Thursday that a cargo ship had sunk off the island's southern coast, forcing its nine Myanmar crew members to abandon ship in life jackets.

"They fell into the sea and were floating there," said Hsiao Huan-chang, head of the fire agency, adding that rescuers contacted a nearby Taiwanese cargo ship to assist them.

Hsiao did not specify when the Tanzania-flagged ship sank but said the rescue vessel arrived in the area at 8:35 am (0035 GMT).

"(When the Taiwanese ship arrived) the visibility at the scene was very low and the winds were too strong," he told reporters.

"When the weather permits, we will immediately dispatch ships or helicopters to rescue but at the moment it is not possible."

Another official at the agency told AFP after the briefing that the sailors were missing.

Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday night with sustained wind speeds of 190 kilometres (118 miles) per hour at its peak.

At least two people were confirmed killed -- a motorist in southern Kaohsiung city was crushed by a tree and a woman in eastern Hualien died after part of a building fell on her. More than 200 were injured in the storm.

Several cities, including Taipei, announced a second day off, with schools, government offices and the stock market closed, while hundreds of domestic and international flights were cancelled.

Kaohsiung residents saw their streets transformed into rivers, with some households flooded with rainwater.



- Flood warnings -



The storm is now tracking towards China's Fujian province, which suspended all train services and put in place the second-highest flood warning alert level.

The national water resources ministry warned on Wednesday that extremely heavy rains were expected to swell rivers and lakes in Fujian and the neighbouring province of Zhejiang.

In the Philippines, clean-up efforts were under way Thursday in the capital Manila as residents and business owners dumped soaked mattresses, bags of rubbish and other debris on muddy streets.

Relentless rain fuelled by Gaemi, which did not pass through the Philippines, killed at least 20 people over the past two weeks in Manila and its surrounding provinces, authorities said Thursday.

Street vendor Zenaida Cuerda, 55, said the food she had been selling had washed away and her house in the capital was flooded.

"All my capital is gone," Cuerda told AFP. "I have nothing now, that's my only livelihood."

The region experiences 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/pbt
Forest fire reaches town in Canada's Jasper National Park



Montreal, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



A forest fire at a major national park in western Canada reached an evacuated town on Wednesday evening, with the army preparing to send in reinforcements.

The fire was spreading through Jasper National Park and destroyed several buildings in the town of Jasper, which had been evacuated on Monday night, according to park officials.

"Significant loss has occurred within the townsite," a post on the park's page said on social media platform X.

"Firefighters remain in town and are working to save as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure," including the Trans Mountain Pipeline, it said.

Authorities have not specified what infrastructure was destroyed.

Around 25,000 people have been evacuated due to recent forest fires in the region, which is also fighting a heatwave.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday his government had approved a request by Alberta province for federal assistance.

"We're deploying @CanadianForces resources, evacuations support, and more emergency wildfire resources to the province immediately -- and we're coordinating firefighting and airlift assistance," Trudeau wrote on X.

Jasper mayor Richard Ireland told broadcaster CBC that his town was experiencing "our community's worst nightmare."

More than 400 fires have been recorded in British Columbia province on the Pacific coast and 176 in Alberta, including more than a dozen in the Fort McMurray region, the hub of oil sands development.

By Wednesday evening, "air quality had deteriorated to the point that wildland firefighters and others without self contained breathing apparatuses needed to evacuate," Jasper National Park said on X.

Around 1,900 Alberta firefighters have been deployed, assisted by personnel from Alaska and Australia.

Canada experienced its most destructive fire season in history last summer, with more than 15 million hectares burned and around 200,000 people evacuated.
Climate activists halt traffic at Frankfurt airport



Frankfurt, Germany, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Police on Thursday arrested climate activists who glued themselves to the tarmac at Frankfurt airport, Germany's busiest, compelling it to temporarily suspend arrivals and departures.

Traffic was halted during the busy summer holiday season for two hours before the first of the airport's landing runways was able to operate again at 0502 GMT, said a spokesman at the airport.

Passengers were advised to check the status of their flights while the airport ramped up its operations again.

Seven of the activists had managed to reach the runway where they glued themselves onto the tarmac, a police spokesman said. The eighth was still trying to get through the perimeter fence when he was detained.

The police operation to clear activists off the airport's restricted grounds was ongoing, added the spokesman. All eight were arrested.

According to climate activist group "Letzte Generation" (Last Generation) which claimed the civil disobedience action, its members had used pincers to cut openings in the wire fence before making their way "by foot, with bicycles and skateboards to different points around the runways".

A photo circulated by the group depicted a protester sitting on the tarmac with an orange banner "oil kills".

The group is pushing for a binding international accord that would lead to an end in oil, gas and coal use by 2030.

Transport Minister Volker Wissing condemned the protests Thursday as "criminal" action and demanded tough penalties against the activists.

"The climate activists are apparently seeking to bring about maximum damage. The legislators must react with maximum severity," he told German media, calling for prison terms of up to five years in jail for those who storm airports.

"Anyone who violently forces their way into airports, occupies runways and blocks airplanes is endangering human lives," he said.



- Concerted action -



Thursday's protest action came a day after similar operations across several European airports.

Activists from Letzte Generation disrupted traffic at Cologne-Bonn airport for several hours on Wednesday by glueing themselves on the tarmac.

Several climate protesters were also arrested at London's Heathrow 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.

Last Generation is known for mounting eye-catching protests -- from throwing mashed potatoes at paintings in museums to glueing themselves on busy roads.

Their tactics, which have proved deeply divisive, have led to some of their members being convicted.

"Instead of seeking tougher sentences, politicians should seriously take the scale of the disaster that they are themselves fuelling," said Lisa Johnson, spokeswoman of the group.

"Prison sentences won't shield us from heatwaves, droughts, floods and dramatically rising sea levels," she warned.

Letzte Generation has said it would hold protests from September 25 against planned government subsidies for Kassel-Calden airport.
Tanzania launches electric rail service between key hubs



Dar es Salaam, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



A new electrified commuter railway in Tanzania meant to modernise travel in the traffic-plagued country made its inaugural journey between the commercial hub Dar es Salaam and the capital Dodoma on Thursday.

Built by a Turkish company, the 440-kilometre (273-mile) line is part of a 2,561-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network expected to connect the north and west of the country to Dar es Salaam, an Indian Ocean port city.

The air-conditioned carriages from South Korea with built-in wifi have already developed a fan club among travellers weary of the ramshackle, diesel-spewing buses that dominate public transport in the nation of nearly 62 million people.

"We have come a long way to have this service," Ruben Mtaita said as he departed Dar es Salaam. "We are making history."

A first line connecting the eastern Morogoro region to Dar es Salaam, some 200 kilometres apart, was launched last month, also built by Turkey's Yapi Merkezi.

Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) said it will operate daily trips between Dodoma and Dar es Salaam, cutting the usual lengthy bus trip by more than half to around three-and-a-half hours.

Analysts said the rail system is expected to provide a safe and reliable option to Tanzania's rising population, while cutting carbon emissions and curbing noise and air pollution.

Abel Kinyondo, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, described the railway as "the green way to conserve the environment by cutting vehicle-led pollution".

The project in one of Africa's fastest-growing economies is the cornerstone of a transformation plan by President Samia Suluhu Hassan ahead of national elections next year.

- 'Facilitate cross-border trade' -

"We have waited for this service for a long time but finally we are starting. For us, this is a milestone," TRC head Masanja Kadogosa told reporters.

"Both business and regular classes are full and, in fact, many people missed tickets," he added.

The frequency will be bumped up depending on demand, the state-owned agency said.

"It is my hope that the electric train will cut the number of buses playing the same route," said Donald Mmari, executive director of the Tanzanian poverty alleviation research think-tank, REPOA.

Zakaria Nundi, who was travelling with eight other people on the debut trip from Dar to Dodoma, expressed cautious optimism: "I hope the train will be reliable".

Tanzania's railway system has two existing networks, one linking the East African nation to Zambia and the other to Kenya and Uganda.

In December 2022, Tanzania signed a $2.2-billion contract with a Chinese company to build the final section of the SGR line aimed at linking the country's main port with its neighbours.

"Upon completion of the SGR, Tanzania will be in a better position to utilise its strategic geographical positioning to facilitate cross-border trade," Hassan said at the time.

The project, due to be completed in 2026, nine years after it began, will eventually have spurs to Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.

Tanzania's investment in the SGR had now reached around $10 billion, including the latest contract, she said.

China is the biggest investor in Africa, pumping billions of dollars into infrastructure projects such as railroads, ports and airports in exchange for securing oil and commodity supplies such as copper and cobalt.
Deadly typhoon hits Taiwan, 6 sailors missing after ship sinks



Taipei, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



The strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years killed four people and flooded parts of the island's second-biggest city on Thursday, while rescuers searched for six sailors missing after their cargo ship sank in the storm.

Typhoon Gaemi transformed streets in southern Kaohsiung city into rivers, with some households flooded by rainwater. Schools and offices were closed in several cities for a second day, with the stock market suspended and thousands of people evacuated.

Gaemi also exacerbated seasonal rains in the Philippines on its path to Taiwan, triggering flooding and landslides that killed 20 people. A tanker carrying 1.4 million litres of oil sank off Manila on Thursday, with authorities racing to contain a spill.

The storm had weakened by Thursday morning and "the centre has moved out to sea" at around 4:20 am (2020 GMT), Taiwan's weather authorities said.

Taiwan's fire agency said it received a report early Thursday that a cargo ship had sunk off the island's southwestern coast, forcing its nine Myanmar crew members to abandon ship in life jackets.

"They fell into the sea and were floating there," said Hsiao Huan-chang, head of the fire agency.

Hsiao did not specify when the Tanzania-flagged ship sank but adverse weather conditions hindered the search, which had been going on since 3:30 pm (0730 GMT) with rescue aircraft.

Taiwan's Coast Guard later issued a statement saying that two foreigners claiming to be crew members were brought to a police station in the late afternoon.

"They were confirmed to be the first mate and chef of the ship," the coast guard said, adding that authorities expanded a shore patrol and found another sailor.

"The Coast Guard will continue to expand the search for the remaining crew members who fell into the sea," it said.



- Mudslides, falling trees -



In Pingtung county, an Indonesian freighter had to be anchored at a beach during the storm, with local TV footage showing massive waves crashing into it. Taiwan's Coast Guard said the crew was safe, "with no loss of power and oil leakage".

Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday night with sustained wind speeds of 190 kilometres (118 miles) per hour at its peak.

At least four people were confirmed killed and as many as 500 reported injured.

A motorist in Kaohsiung was crushed by a tree and a woman in eastern Hualien died after part of a building fell on her.

A third person was killed when mudslides hit two houses in Kaohsiung, trapping two people. A woman was rescued from one but the second person was found dead.

Another man was killed in southern Tainan, authorities said.

Taiwan's defence ministry also announced Thursday that its annual Han Kuang war games, in which some drills had already been cancelled due to the weather, had ended a day early and troops sent to help local governments with disaster rescue work instead.

Hundreds of domestic and international flights were cancelled again because of the storm.



- Flood warnings -



Gaemi is now tracking towards China's Fujian province, which suspended all train services and put in place the second-highest flood warning alert level.

The national water resources ministry warned on Wednesday that extremely heavy rains were expected to swell rivers and lakes in Fujian and the neighbouring province of Zhejiang.

In the Philippines, clean-up efforts were under way Thursday in the capital Manila as residents and business owners dumped soaked mattresses, bags of rubbish and other debris on muddy streets.

Street vendor Zenaida Cuerda, 55, said the food she had been selling had washed away and her house in Manila was flooded.

"All my capital is gone," Cuerda told AFP. "I have nothing now, that's my only livelihood."

The region experiences 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.

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SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 25. The delegation of 35 members of Most Traveled People (MTP), one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, arrived in Shusha city within the framework of their visit to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, during the visit, international travelers will get acquainted with the city of Shusha, its historical sites, and the mysterious nature of this place, as well as the reconstruction and construction works carried out by the Azerbaijani state after the liberation of the city from occupation.

The delegation is headed by Charles Veley, whose name was included in the top 10 list of world travelers, and international travelers from 13 countries (US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, Poland, Hungary, and others) joined the trip.

MTP (Most Traveled People) club members have visited Karabakh and East Zangezur three times before; this is the 4th visit of its members to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation. About 400 international travelers in large groups from nearly 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times in the 4 years since the second Karabakh war. Today's trip is the eleventh.

10:55

FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 25. The visit of an extended delegation of 35 people to Karabakh, including the head of one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, began today, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to information, the delegation is headed by Charles Veley, whose name was included in the top 10 list of world travelers, international travelers from 13 countries (US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, Poland, Hungary, and others) joined the trip.

Previously, members of the MTP (Most Traveled People) club visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur three times; this is the fourth visit of its members to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation.

About 400 international travelers in large groups from nearly 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times during the 4 years since the second Karabakh war. Today's trip is the 11th.

These trips are extremely important for demonstrating the realities to the world, allowing on-site familiarization with the massive destruction in the territories liberated from occupation and the extensive construction and reconstruction work that has been carried out. International travelers have many followers on social networks from all over the world.

The founder and head of the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, American traveler Charles Veley, also participated a few days ago in the II Shusha Global Media Forum on Combating Disinformation. At this forum, he emphasized the role of international travelers in exposing fake news," explaining the stark difference between the false information about Karabakh presented in several foreign media outlets and what he sees on the ground.

MTP's trip will last three days. The delegation's visit to Karabakh started in Fuzuli. Today international travelers will visit Khojavand, Shusha, Khankendi, and Aghdam, and tomorrow they will go to Eastern Zangezur. On the last day of the trip, the delegation will visit Zangilan and Jabrayil.
Humanity suffering from 'extreme heat epidemic,' UN chief warns



United Nations, United States, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



Humanity is suffering from an "extreme heat epidemic," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Thursday, calling for action to limit the impacts of heat waves intensified by climate change.

"Billions of people are facing an extreme heat epidemic -- wilting under increasingly deadly heat waves, with temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius around the world," he said. "That's 122 degrees Fahrenheit. And halfway to boiling."

According to the European Copernicus network, July 21, 22 and 23 were the three hottest days ever recorded worldwide, with July 22 holding the absolute record of 17.16 degrees Celsius (62.9 degrees Fahrenheit).

Guterres repeated his call for humanity to fight its "addiction" to fossil fuels.

"Today, our focus is on the impact of extreme heat. But let's not forget that there are many other devastating symptoms of the climate crisis: ever-more fierce hurricanes. Floods. Droughts. Wildfires. Rising sea levels. And the list goes on," he said.

"To tackle all these symptoms, we need to fight the disease. And the disease is the madness of incinerating our only home. The disease is the addiction to fossil fuels. The disease is climate inaction," he stressed, calling in particular on G20 countries to take action.

While 2023 was the hottest year on record, and 2024 could set a new record, temperatures well above 40C (104F) are increasingly common.

In the space of a year, the 50C threshold has even been exceeded in at least 10 places, from Death Valley in the United States (53.9C on July 7) to Agadir in Morocco, and also in China and India.

The intense heat, often less visible than other devastating impacts of climate change such as storms or floods, is nonetheless more deadly.

This "silent killer" is responsible for around 489,000 deaths per year between 2000 and 2019, compared with 16,000 deaths per year from cyclones, according to the UN's "Call to Action" document published on Thursday.



- Workers exposed -



Extremely high temperatures also have an economic impact, with the UN estimating economic losses from heat stress at work will reach $2.4 trillion in 2030.

According to a report by the International Labor Organization published on Thursday, more than 70 percent of workers were exposed to excessive heat in 2020, 8.8 percent more than in 2000.

"The good news is that we can save lives and we can limit its impact," Guterres said Thursday.

The UN has called for the world community to first act to protect "the most vulnerable" -- including young children, the elderly and also humanity's poorest.

In this context, early warning systems should include extreme heat, warning populations of the arrival of heat waves and informing them of the precautions to take, the document says.

The call to action also recommends an "increase (to) equitable access to and scale up (of) low-carbon cooling."

This would involve investing in passive cooling systems -- which include climate-sensitive urban design measures, reflective surfaces and natural cooling systems -- and the phase-out of climate-warming gases that are used in many cooling systems.
Surging heat stress for workers in Europe, Central Asia: UN



Geneva, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



A growing number of workers face exposure to heat stress, even in regions with traditional mild climates, the UN said on Thursday, warning that humanity was suffering an "extreme heat epidemic".

Data from the United Nations' International Labour Organization shows that more than 70 percent of the global workforce was exposed to excessive heat during 2020 -- up nearly nine percent from the year 2000.

In a fresh report breaking down the heat stress by region, ILO showed unexpectedly that Africa was hardest hit, with nearly 93 percent of workers suffering from excessive heat exposure on the job, followed by the Arab states at 83.6 percent and Asia and the Pacific at 74.7 percent.

But at a time when human-induced climate change is seen driving global temperatures ever higher -- last year was by far the hottest ever recorded -- the fastest changing working conditions were seen in regions not traditionally impacted by extreme heat.

Excessive heat exposure at work swelled the most in Europe and Central Asia, jumping 17.3 percent over the 20-year period to 29 percent, the ILO report found.

At the same time, the Americas, along with Europe and Central Asia, were found to have the most rapidly increasing proportion of heat-related occupational injuries, swelling 33.3 and 16.4 percent respectively over the two decades.

The findings were published as UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "billions of people are facing an extreme heat epidemic -- wilting under increasingly deadly heat waves, with temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius around the world".

"That's 122 degrees Fahrenheit. And halfway to boiling."



- 'Unfamiliar threats' -



The ILO report cautioned that "countries previously unaccustomed to extreme heat will face unfamiliar threats which they may be ill-equipped to deal with, while conditions in regions already contending with sustained high temperatures will only deteriorate".

At a global level, nearly 23 million occupational injuries attributed to excessive heat are reported each year, costing an estimated nearly 19,000 lives annually, the ILO said in a report published earlier this year.

"Heat is an invisible force - a silent killer," Tuesday's report cautioned.

It said heat hazards both for indoor and outdoor work increases the "risk of health impacts such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and death".

The report highlighted the impact of heatwaves, which account for about 10 percent of overall excessive heat exposure globally, and which it said had cost 4,200 workers their lives in 2020.

In total, 231 million workers were exposed to heatwaves that year -- a 66-percent hike from 2000.

Europe, Central Asia and the Americas saw the fastest increase in exposure to excessive heat on the job during heatwaves, with around 78.5 percent of such exposure happening during heatwaves, the ILO report said.

"Excessive heat is creating unprecedented challenges for workers worldwide year-round, and not only during periods of intense heatwaves," Vera Paquete-Perdigao, head of ILO's governance department which produced the report, said in a statement.

Manal Azzi, head of ILO's occupational safety and health division, called for "year-round heat action plans and legislation to protect workers" as well as "stronger global collaboration".

According to the report, improved safety and health measures to prevent injuries from excessive heat in the workplace could save up to $361 billion globally in lost income and medical treatment expenses.
UN says Ethiopia landslide death toll could reach 500



Kencho Shacha Gozdi, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



The death toll from landslides in a remote region of southern Ethiopia has risen to 257, the United Nations said Thursday and the number could soar up to 500.

Rescuers pressed on with the grim search for bodies and survivors in Kencho Shacha Gozdi, with crowds of distraught people digging through mud, often using just their bare hands and shovels.

Solomon Tsoma told AFP that 13 of his family had died, including his uncle's seven children his brother's infants. "We have recovered 12 bodies but haven't been able to find my sister's body," he said.

The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA gave the new toll of 257 dead, citing local authorities. "The death toll is expected to rise to up to 500 people," it added.

OCHA said more than 15,000 people need to be evacuated because of the risk of further landslides, including at least 1,320 children under the age of five and 5,293 pregnant women or new mothers.

Aid has begun arriving in the isolated area, including four trucks of supplies from the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, it said.

The landslide is the deadliest on record in Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation which is often battered by climate-related disasters.



- Bodies wrapped in shrouds -



Officials said most of the victims were buried when they rushed to help after the first landslide, which followed heavy rains Sunday in the area roughly 480 kilometres (270 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa.

Resident Getachew Geza said he and his son rushed to help after hearing two houses had been buried. "When we got there ...a massive mudslide overwhelmed everyone, including my son."

In one graphic scene shown on social media by the local authority, dozens of men surrounded a pit where human limbs were exposed in the mud.

Other villagers carried bodies on makeshift stretchers while in a nearby tent women wailed as they sat near a row of bodies wrapped in shrouds being prepared for burial.

OCHA said 12 people who sustained injuries had been taken to a local hospital, while at least 125 are displaced. The number of missing is not known.



- Guterres 'deeply saddened' -



UN chief Antonio Guterres sent his condolences over the disaster, with his spokesman Stephane Dujarric saying he was "deeply saddened".

"UN agencies are dispatching food, nutrition, health and other critical supplies to help people affected by the landslides," Dujarric said.

Senait Solomon, head of communications for the South Ethiopia regional government, told AFP on Wednesday that the landslide site was sloped and "prone to disasters", adding that conservation work to protect the area, including tree planting, had been under way at the time of the landslides.

More than 21 million people or about 18 percent of the population rely on humanitarian aid in Ethiopia as a result of conflict, flooding, drought and other natural disasters.

OCHA said this week that that a similar landslide in May in the same area killed 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.
Wildfire engulfs parts of main town in Canada's Jasper National Park



Montreal, July 25 (AFP) Jul 25, 2024



An "out of control" wildfire has devoured up to half of the main town in western Canada's popular Jasper National Park, authorities said Thursday, with 400 foreign firefighters called in to help battle the blaze.

While the fire has so far caused no casualties, as many as 25,000 residents and tourists were evacuated from the area before the conflagration suddenly grew in size, overtaking firefighters.

"There is no denying that this is the worst nightmare for any community," said Danielle Smith, Alberta province's premier, adding that damage to the town was estimated at between "30 to 50 percent."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called images of the damage "heartbreaking," and said his government had asked more than 400 firefighters from Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and South Africa to aid local authorities.

"Thank you for your courage, and for working non-stop to fight these wildfires," he said in a post on social media platform X.

A video circulating on social media showed the city of Jasper's streets covered in ash, with cars turned to charred carcasses and buildings reduced to rubble.

Mayor Richard Ireland wrote in an online post of a sense of destruction and loss that was "beyond description and comprehension."

On Thursday, firefighters were still hard at work in the town, with much-anticipated rain having "no significant impact" on the blaze, according to Jasper National Park authorities.

"Jasper National Park received a small amount of rain overnight. While the rain helped reduce fire activity slightly, it is not enough to have made a meaningful impact to the overall wildfire situation, which remains out of control," read a post on the park's X account.

In places, the flames reached a height of 120 meters (390 feet) and were moving at a speed of 15 meters per minute.

The fire entered the deserted town on Wednesday evening after advancing very rapidly late in the day, pushed by strong winds in a region hit by severe drought and which has seen record heat in recent days.

Jasper National Park, Canada's largest, is known for its mountains, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls, and attracts 2.5 million visitors every year.



- 'Devastation' -



"Everyone has a total feeling of devastation," said Pattie Pavlov, a Jasper resident who drove for hours on Monday night to escape the advancing fire.

"Many people are feeling very helpless. Because there's nothing that we can do."

The general manager of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce said she had taken refuge with friends more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) away from her home.

In tears, Alberta Premier Smith provided an assessment of the damage and recalled that "for many generations" the town and Jasper National Park were "a source of pride."

In recent days, numerous fires have been started by lightning in western Canada.

In Alberta province, more than 170 fires were active on Thursday, including more than a dozen in the Fort McMurray region, a hub of oil sands development.

British Columbia, Alberta's neighboring province, was grappling with 400 active fires, more than half of which were burning out of control.

Fifty-six fires have started in the last 24 hours alone, authorities said.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. At the headquarters of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the president of the organization Aktoty Raimkulova met with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Republic of Azerbaijan Maksat Mamytkanov.

Welcoming the guest, Aktoty Raimkulova congratulated Mr. Mamytkanov on his appointment as the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan. During the meeting, the president of the Foundation spoke about the projects implemented by the organization in the direction of preserving, studying and promoting in the international arena the unique heritage and ancient history of the Turkic world. Aktoty Raimkulova noted the existence of intensive partnerships between the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the founding country of the organization  Kyrgyzstan. She also spoke about the restoration work initiated by the Foundation and the museumification of the House  Museum of the great Kyrgyz poet and playwright Alykul Osmonov in Bishkek.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Republic of Azerbaijan Maksat Mamytkanov highly appreciated the work done by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation to study and preserve the tangible and intangible heritage of the Turkic peoples, underlined the significance of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the Foundation. He also expressed confidence in Kyrgyzstan's comprehensive support for further projects carried out by the Foundation.

The meeting continued with discussions on further strengthening the partnership between the Foundation and Kyrgyzstan and future joint projects.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 25. We are eager to learn more about Azerbaijan, a traveler from the Philippines, Jamel Santos, told Trend.

Coming here, I was very impressed. Even in Baku, we were impressed by the architecture, buildings, people, and local cuisine. Now we want to learn more about this country, she emphasized.

To note, a delegation of 35 members of Most Traveled People (MTP), one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, arrived in Shusha city within the framework of their visit to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur.

During the visit, international travelers will get acquainted with the city of Shusha, the historical sites, and the mysterious nature of the place, as well as the reconstruction and construction works carried out by the Azerbaijani state after the liberation of the city from occupation.

The delegation is headed by Charles Veley, whose name was included in the top 10 list of world travelers, and international travelers from 13 countries (US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, Poland, Hungary, and others) joined the trip.

Previously, members of the MTP (Most Traveled People) club visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur three times; this is the fourth visit of its members to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation. About 400 international travelers in large groups from nearly 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times in the 4 years since the second Karabakh war. Today's trip is the 11th.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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 Stand-up comedian Atsuko Okatsuka is known for a lot of things. In appearance, her ink-black, razor-sharp bowl cut perfected in 2017 is a throwback to the hairstyle she had as a child in Japan. She is also known for thinking she was kidnapped when she was eight years old by her grandmother, but more on that later. The 36-year-old Taiwanese-Japanese-American comic is unmissable in her bright, primary-coloured jumpsuits, chunky bright pastel boots and dangly, often food-themed jewellery: croissant necklaces, Froot Loop or fried-egg earrings. Comedian Atsuko Okatsukas distinctive haircut inspires a cult following among her fans. When she performs live, fans often turn up wearing bowl-cut tribute wigs or earrings dangling with mini pretzels or cheese snacks. But its not her style, in the main, that inspires audience members to model the Los Angeles comedians look. Comedy really is a cult, she says over Zoom from her hotel room in Singapore, where she is in the middle of a South-East Asian tour before heading to Australia. Im just kidding. Is it a wig? Okatsuka grabs her hair and pretends to pull it off. No, she says, laughing. Its embracing the weirdo, thats whats happening.

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Born in Taiwan, briefly raised in Japan before moving to the US, Okatsuka (pronounced ahtz-ko oh-cots-ka) is perhaps best known for her breakout HBO special The Intruder, which is listed as one of 2022s best comedy specials by Variety, Vulture and The New York Times. She also created the 2022 viral social media sensation the Drop Challenge, in which Okatsuka suddenly, and sexily, drops in public spaces via bent knees to Beyonces song Partition. The video topped 10 million hits and Serena Williams, Chelsea Handler, Margaret Cho, the casts of Saturday Night Live and Hamilton and fans around the world posted their public drops, too. Atsuko Okatsuka teaches Guillermo Rodriguez how to do the Drop Challenge on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Credit: ABC via Getty Images Bold, offbeat and silly, Okatsukas quip-smart, often physically screwball comedy (most extremely during a 2019 Pasadena gig when she joked through a 7.1 magnitude earthquake) was influenced by watching Scooby-Doo, Lucille Ball and Buster Keaton as a child. But she also deftly weaves in topics including mental illness, eating disorders, divorce and how it feels to be an outsider, things she and her family have experienced. My main motivation in performing and doing comedy is for people to not feel alone anymore, Okatsuka says. A big part of it is to talk about things that are hard to talk about, like mental illness. Its also about making people laugh a lot.

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As a child, Okatsuka was always able to make sad things funny for herself and her family. She helped keep her mother, who has paranoid schizophrenia, happy and calm with funny songs and jokes. Okatsukas family is another thing she is known for. In her hugely popular TikTok and Instagram videos, Okatsukas 90-year-old Taiwanese grandmother, Ying-Hsi Li, is also the star. As Okatsuka drops or twerks in supermarket aisles, the streets of LAs Little Tokyo or on top of the kitchen table, Grandma Li is there, tapping her foot, jiggling with a melon or beating ginger on a bucket to the beat, the latter to Best Friend by Saweetie. I originally did Drop Challenge to make my grandma laugh, Okatsuka says. She raised me. And, I discovered, she is very funny. When Okatsuka was eight, her grandmother told her they were going on a two-month holiday to the US. Except it wasnt a holiday, it was the beginning of seven years as undocumented immigrants until they qualified for citizenship. Left behind in Japan were her father and friends. On stage, Okatsuka has always joked she was kidnapped by her grandmother. The family didnt talk about what happened. She only recently discovered the abrupt move was accepted, with great heartbreak, by her father, whose marriage to her mother had been short.

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Life in the US was challenging. At first, Okatsuka, her grandmother and mother lived together in her uncles two-car garage. They briefly took on Anglo names and kept their heads down. I was a very quiet kid, Okatsuka says. I was very shy for the most part. But I was learning at home the way people communicate. Comedically, it was very animated. I didnt dare try that at school, though. At school, youre supposed to be cool. It wasnt until years later, after Id been practising in the comfort and privacy of my home, that I finally came out and tried to be funny. Atsuko Okatsuka on stage in 2019. She used to be afraid to show her true self by wearing bright colours, but has since embraced her inner weirdo. Credit: Getty Images The spark came when Okatsuka was 17. A fellow church-goer gave her a DVD copy of Korean-American comic Margaret Chos 2002 comedy special Margaret Cho: Notorious C.H.O. Id never heard of stand-up comedy, she says. I had no idea it was even a job. At university, a boyfriend suggested she try it, leading to open-mic nights and then proper gigs. These, and her burgeoning suite of social media videos, built an audience that brought her to The Intruder, only the second HBO comedy special by an Asian-American woman after Chos 1994 Comedy Half Hour. Okatsuka attributes her success to embracing her true self after years of hiding traits and passions to fit in.

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When youre trying to find your voice, or trying to figure out who you are, you should go for the thing that youve been trying to run away from the most, she says. Because its possible youre in denial of who you really are. I was afraid to wear bright colours and stand out and rock this haircut that I think is actually very artful and chic and I love. But, as a kid, youre made fun of for it. So now Im finally embracing all the things that made me feel like a fake or an outsider. Things that actually make me feel good. She says her comedy voice came when she stopped looking at other comics to find a stand-up style. It was during the pandemic, she says. I really embraced this haircut, my brand of comedy, the way I joke and, finally, talking about my moms mental illness. It took the world to shut down and being forced to look inward. Im not academic and Im not organised. Im very unapologetically someone who makes mistakes, too, and I have to fail to learn.

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Australian musicians have called for a high-level probe into the corporate players in the live music industry in a bid to stamp out anti-competitive practices they say are leaving them struggling to make a living.

The musicians arm of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, wants the dominance of Live Nation, the worlds biggest concert promoter and ticketing company now subject of an anti-trust investigation in the United States, also investigated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Grammy-nominated musician Jess Cerro, who performs as Montaigne, has backed calls for an ACCC review. Credit: Rhett Wyman

The Saudi-backed multinational controls many of Australias music festivals and live music venues, but has denied wielding monopoly power. It made a net profit of $US563 million ($860.7 million) last financial year, a parliamentary hearing called to revive the once thriving industry has been told.

Live Nation has received $16 million in grants since 2020 as musicians incomes toppled during pandemic lockdowns, the union-entity Musicians Australia said.
A Brisbane man has apologised in court for assaulting a referee after an amateur game of Oztag erupted in claims of bias.

Benson Leipau Pauga had approached Jason Fernie in the July 2022 games second half after his team accused the referee of favouring the opposition, a Brisbane court was told on Thursday.

After a verbal exchange, Pauga punched the 49-year-old on the jaw.

Benson Leipau Pauga has been sentenced for punching Oztag football referee Jason Fernie causing his brain to bleed. Credit: Jono Searle

Fernie fell backwards hitting his head on the ground and convulsed, with blood on his mouth.
A mother and her one-year-old son have been missing for more than two weeks, with police issuing an appeal for public help to find her.

Tahlia Storm, 26, has not been heard from since July 9, when she last contacted her family.

Tahlia Storm, 26, and her one-year-old son went missing from Loganlea.

The mother and son were reported missing from Loganlea, south of Brisbane, this week.

Police believe they could be in the Logan or Toowoomba area.
A convicted killer is suing his old Melbourne Catholic school, alleging sexual abuse he suffered there as a teenager set him on a path to a life of crime.

The case is part of a wave of hundreds of actions against Victorian schools over historical abuse claims by former students, with one law firm alone investigating more than 470 cases involving some 300 schools.

Hundreds of schools face actions over historical child abuse claims. Credit: James Alcock

The convicted murderer is serving a 21-year prison term but launched legal action seeking compensation from the school, where he alleges the headmaster sexually exploited him in the 1990s.

The school denies the murderer was abused in its care and alleges he was a serial bully who terrorised and assaulted students.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov has met with the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Turkiye Kadir Ozkaya, Trend reports.

The meeting expressed satisfaction with the continued development of existing ties between Azerbaijan and Turkiye in all spheres, including political, trade-economic, investment, energy, transport-transit, and other areas. Meanwhile, a long-term fruitful partnership in the judicial and legal spheres was noted.

Furthermore, the sides stressed the importance of the efforts of the heads of Azerbaijan and Turkiye in raising the international authority of the Organization of Turkic States and turning it into a regional center of power.

The importance of cooperation between the constitutional courts of the two countries, both in bilateral format and within the framework of international organizations, and first of all within the framework of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of the Turkic World, was also noted.

The sides discussed the prospects of the development of Azerbaijani-Turkish mutually beneficial cooperation in various directions, including in the judicial-legal sphere.

Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan, Farhad Abdullayev, attended the meeting.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "United States Electric Vehicle and Charging Infrastructure Market Databook - 75+ KPIs Covering EV Market Size by Value and Volume, Vehicle Type, Price Point, Propulsion Type, Component, Location - Q2 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The electric vehicle market in the United States is expected to grow by 55.8% on an annual basis to reach US$64.3 billion in 2024.

The electric vehicle market is expected to record steady growth over the medium term. The demand, however, is expected to slow down in 2024. This is largely due to higher borrowing costs and elevated repair expenses. As a result of this, electric vehicle manufacturers are shifting towards more affordable models to attract customers in the United States. This is projected to drive the competitive landscape in 2024.

Tesla, in May 2024, announced that the electric vehicle manufacturer is planning to expand its fast-charging network. The announcement comes days after the EV firm abruptly laid off employees running the charging business. Biden Administration, on the other hand, had imposed higher tariffs on electric vehicles and key electric vehicle components.

Firms are shifting towards more affordable models amid higher borrowing costs and demand slump

The demand for electric vehicles has declined significantly over the last 12 months in the United States. This is largely due to the higher borrowing costs and elevated repair expenses for vehicles. As a result of the reduced demand, firms are shifting gears towards more affordable models to better navigate the current market dynamics.

Rivian Automotive, in March 2024, announced the launch of new and affordable-priced electric R2 SUVs and R3 crossovers. The launch of lower-priced electric vehicles is part of the firm's strategy to attract more customers. The production of the R2 will take place at its United States facility, with deliveries projected to happen in H1 2026. To deal with the ongoing slowdown in the market, the firm has also cut down its production rate. The forecast for 2024 stands at 57,000 vehicles, which is significantly lower than the anticipated 81,700 units.

Lucid Group, another United States-based EV firm, has also set its annual production forecasts significantly below expectations. This is part of the firm's strategy to reduce costs. The firm has also reduced the price of its Lucid Air Pure. It is also offering two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance and a charging allowance to attract more customers.

Tesla plans to expand its charging infrastructure through an investment of US$500 million in 2024

Tesla, in May 2024, announced that the electric vehicle manufacturer is planning to expand its fast-charging network. The announcement comes days after the EV firm abruptly laid off employees running the charging business.

To create thousands of new chargers in 2024, Tesla has announced an investment of more than US$500 million. The spending is just on new sites and expansions. This does not include the operational costs.

Electric vehicle manufacturers are increasingly adopting Tesla's North American Charging Standard, moving the firm's superchargers toward becoming the industry norm. This shift is happening at the expense of the competing Combined Charging System.

As part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, the Biden Administration has allocated US$5 billion to states over five years to install 500,000 EV chargers. Tesla has been one of the major beneficiaries of this federal funding. The enhanced fast-charging infrastructure is expected to attract more customers towards electric vehicles over the long-term perspective in the United States.

Biden Administration imposes higher tariffs on electric vehicles and key electric vehicle components

President Biden, in May 2024, announced that the United States would impose Section 301 tariffs on approximately US$18 billion worth of goods. This includes a 100% tariff on all-electric vehicles from China. The new tariffs will also affect key components of the EV supply chain, such as permanent magnets, lithium-ion batteries, and critical minerals, for which China is a major, if not the sole, supplier. These tariffs come in response to China's increasing global market share in the EV sector.

Biden claimed that for years, the Chinese government has invested heavily in various industries, including electric vehicles, aluminium, semiconductors, steel, and solar panels, among other things. China has subsidized these products, encouraging domestic companies to produce far more than the demand in the global market. The firms then sell the excess at unfairly low prices, which drives other manufacturers out of business. According to Biden, these low prices are possible because Chinese firms do not need to focus on profit, due to the significant government subsidies.

The medium to long term growth story of the electric vehicle market in United States remains strong. Electric vehicle adoption is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 23.2% during 2024-2028. The electric vehicle market in the U.S. will increase from US$41.3 billion in 2023 to reach US$148.1 billion 2028.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the electric vehicle and charging infrastructure market, value and volume metrics covering market opportunities and risks across a range of industry categories. with over 75+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of electric vehicle market dynamics, market size and forecast, and charging infrastructure market statistics.

Report Scope

This report provides in-depth data-centric analysis of Electric Vehicle and Charging Infrastructure Market in United States through 97 tables and 119 charts. Below is a summary of key market segments:

United States Overall Vehicle Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics

Market size by value

Market size by volume

United States Electric Vehicle Market Size and Forecast

Market size by value

Market size by volume

United States Electric Vehicle Market Volume By Drive Segment

Front Wheel Drive

Rear Wheel Drive

All-Wheel Drive

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value and Volume By Car Segment

Passenger Car

Commercial Vehicle

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value and Volume By Passenger Car Segment

Small Car

Medium Car

Crossover Car

Large Car

SUV

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value and Volume By Commercial Vehicle Segment

Light Duty Vehicle (Class 1-Class 3)

Medium Duty Vehicle (Class 4-Class 6)

Heavy Duty Vehicle (Class 7-Class 8)

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value By Vehicle Class

Low-Priced

Mid-Priced

Luxury Class

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value By Powertrain

Parallel Hybrid

Series Hybrid

Combined Hybrid

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value By Distance Range

Up to 150 Miles

151-300 Miles

Above 300 Miles

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value By Charging Type

Normal Charging

Super Charging

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value By Propulsion Type

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value and Volume By Vehicle Type

Two Wheelers (e2W)

Three-Wheeler (e3W)

Four Wheelers (e4W)

Electric Buses

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value By Cities

Tier 1 Cities

Tier 2 Cities

Tier 3 Cities

United States Electric Vehicle Market Value By Components

Battery Cells & Packs

On-Board Charge

Motor

Reducer

Power Control Unit

Battery Management System

Fuel Processor

Power Conditioner

Air Compressor

Humidifier

United States Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Market Value

United States Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Market Volume

Number of Charging Points

Number of Charging Stations

United States Electric Vehicle - Number of Charging Points By Charging Type

Level 1 - 240 (V)

Level 2 - 120 (V)

Direct Current (DC)

United States Electric Vehicle - Number of Charging Stations By Charging Type

Level 1 - 240 (V)

Level 2 - 120 (V)

Direct Current (DC)

United States Electric Vehicle - Number of Charging Points By Location

Residential and Destination

Streets

Workplaces

Flew depots

United States Electric Vehicle - Number of Charging Points By Charging Speed

Slow

Fast

Rapid

Ultrarapid

United States Electric Vehicle - Number of Charging Stations By Charging Speed

Slow

Fast

Rapid

Ultrarapid

United States Electric Vehicle - Number of Charging Points By Vehicle

Passenger Cars

Buses

Trucks

Light Commercial Vehicles

United States Electric Vehicle - Number of Charging Points By Connection Phase

Single Phase

Three Phase

United States Electric Vehicle - Number of Charging Points By Infrastructure Type

CSS

CHAdeMO

GB/T

Other

United States Electric Vehicle - Number of Charging Points By Connectivity

Smart Charging Station

Non-Connected Charging Station

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/sbyig8

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Kazakhstan stands ready to consider various projects and invest in Azerbaijan's Karabakh, Ambassador Alim Bayel told Trend on the sidelines of Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan agricultural forum held in the Kazakh embassy.

"We are considering various opportunities. The Azerbaijani side needs to demonstrate what exactly could be implemented. Overall, both our private sector and Kazakhstan as a state are ready to consider various projects and invest in Karabakh," the ambassador explained.

Speaking about cooperation in the field of green energy, Bayel noted that work is progressing successfully on the implementation of a trilateral agreement between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan on organizing the export of alternative energy to Europe.

"Our ministers of energy and ministers of the economy, have already held two meetings. One meeting took place in Baku, and the other in Tashkent. The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan. So the process is ongoing.

A feasibility study for this project is currently being prepared. Everything is being calculated and assessed to determine how beneficial it will be, and so on. The day when we'll begin implementing this project isn't far off," he added.

On March 12, the opening ceremony of the Kurmangazy Children's Creativity Center took place in Azerbaijan's Fuzuli. The center was built on the Kazakhstan side on a territory with a total area of 1.5 hectares. In addition, the Kazakh BI Group company will take part in the construction of the Central District Hospital in Fuzuli.

At the beginning of May, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed a memorandum of cooperation on the integration of the energy systems of the three countries. Baku, Astana, and Tashkent have also identified joint goals for the production of green energy and its export to Europe.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Yerevan is getting ready to respond to the latest 10th package of proposals regarding the draft peace agreement sent from Baku, the spokesperson for the Armenian Foreign Ministry Ani Badalyan said, Trend reports.

Armenia is ready to sign the agreement as soon as possible, following the principle provisions already voiced and presented, she said.

Armenia received a new package of proposals on the draft peace agreement from Azerbaijan on June 26.

The spokesperson for the Armenian Foreign Ministry Ani Badalyan stated on June 4 that Armenia responded to Azerbaijan's latest proposals on the draft peace agreement by sending a revised 9th revision.

Yerevan sent a response to the 8th revision of Baku's peace agreement proposals on April 8.

To note, Armenia had previously sent its version of the text of the peace agreement to Azerbaijan on January 4, 2024. In February, Armenia received additional proposals on the peace treaty from Azerbaijan. The work on the text of the peace treaty is being carried out directly between Baku and Yerevan.
Laman Ismayilova

Shirvan Museum of History and Local Studies has organized an art exhibition "Nature is crying: Save me!", Azernews reports.

The main purpose of the art project is to draw attention to environmental issues and to emphasize the importance of taking adequate steps to solve these problems.

The works of young artist Aynur Mammadzade were displayed at the exhibition organized in Shirvan city Recreation Park.

The exhibition included 12 works in thematic, landscape and portrait genres. The art works are in watercolor, gouache, batik and stained glass techniques of decorative and applied art.

Note that Aynur Mammadzade works as a designer of the Shirvan Museum of History and Local Studies. She is a graduate of the Art Faculty of Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, July 25. The delegation of 35 representatives of one of the four largest travelers' clubs in the world, the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, arrived in Aghdam, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, the travelers, arriving in Aghdam, visited the Alley of Martyrs, which was subjected to Armenian vandalism.

12:55

SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 25. The delegation of 35 members of Most Traveled People (MTP), one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, arrived in Shusha city within the framework of their visit to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, during the visit, international travelers will get acquainted with the city of Shusha, its historical sites, and the mysterious nature of this place, as well as the reconstruction and construction works carried out by the Azerbaijani state after the liberation of the city from occupation.

The delegation is headed by Charles Veley, whose name was included in the top 10 list of world travelers, and international travelers from 13 countries (US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, Poland, Hungary, and others) joined the trip.

MTP (Most Traveled People) club members have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur three times before; this is the 4th visit of its members to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation. About 400 international travelers in large groups from nearly 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times in the 4 years since the second Karabakh war. Today's trip is the eleventh.

10:55

FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 25. The visit of an extended delegation of 35 people to Karabakh, including the head of one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, began today, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to information, the delegation is headed by Charles Veley, whose name was included in the top 10 list of world travelers. International travelers from 13 countries (US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, Poland, Hungary, and others) joined the trip.

Previously, members of the MTP (Most Traveled People) club visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur three times; this is the fourth visit of its members to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation.

About 400 international travelers in large groups from nearly 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times during the 4 years since the second Karabakh war. Today's trip is the 11th.

These trips are extremely important for demonstrating the realities to the world, allowing on-site familiarization with the massive destruction in the territories liberated from occupation and the extensive construction and reconstruction work that has been carried out. International travelers have many followers on social networks from all over the world.

The founder and head of the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, American traveler Charles Veley, also participated a few days ago in the II Shusha Global Media Forum on Combating Disinformation. At this forum, he emphasized the role of international travelers in exposing fake news," explaining the stark difference between the false information about Karabakh presented in several foreign media outlets and what he sees on the ground.

MTP's trip will last three days. The delegation's visit to Karabakh started in Fuzuli. Today international travelers will visit Khojavand, Shusha, Khankendi, and Aghdam, and tomorrow they will go to Eastern Zangezur. On the last day of the trip, the delegation will visit Zangilan and Jabrayil.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan warns Armenia and its supporters, Trend reports.

"The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan has reported that recently, Armenia has committed provocations using heavy weapons in the Kalbajar and quadcopters in the Tovuz directions.

It should be noted that such provocations by Armenia are not the first and have become systematic. The military exercises conducted by the United States in Armenia, the provision of lethal weapons to Armenia by France, and the initial phase of military aid in amount of ten million euros provided to Armenia by the European Union under the guise of the European Peace Facility encourage the occupying state - Armenia to carry out such provocations and indicate its preparation for another war against Azerbaijan.

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan once again warns that Armenia and its supporters have to refrain from creating a new conflict zone in the South Caucasus region. If these provocative actions against our country are not stopped, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan will take necessary response measures using all means at their disposal for the purposes of self-defense.

We declare that military-political leadership of Armenia and its supporters will bear whole responsibility for the escalation of the situation in the region.," the statement reads.
Colleges misleading students on photocopies of answersheet issue





Staff Reporter :

Ready to provide the photocopies, says RTMNU

If a student has a doubt regarding valuation, the university has provided the facility of procuring photocopy of the answersheet. After the receipt of the answersheet, students can get it verified in a systematic manner and can challenge the valuation. This system is being applied since long. Surprisingly, colleges tell students that Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) has stopped providing the facility. On the other hand RTMNU says, the facility has not stopped. Recently, The Hitavada came across one such case where a student sensed some doubts in the valuation of some of his subjects in examinations he wrote. The student got lesser marks than expected. The student dissatisfied with the retotaling approached college seeking photocopies of answersheet. One clerk told the student that he would not get photocopy of answersheet because university has stopped the facility. The disappointed student approached The Hitavada.

When this newspaper contacted Principal of the college, he too shared the same information according to which university no more provides photocopy of answersheet. On the contrary, Director of Board of Examinations and Evaluation of RTMNU Dr Praful Sable said, RTMNU has never stopped providing photocopy of answersheet to the students. It is giving on demand. Students apply for the photocopies and we provide them. If university has no problem in providing the photocopy, why the colleges are saying no? Dr Gauri Shankar Parasher, ex-Pro Vice Chancellor of RTMNU, during whose tenure, examinations and results were streamlined, said, Right now most colleges are running sans approved teachers.

They may have fear that their deficiencies of non-approved teachers get exposed. In case marks increased, the questions would be raised about the credibility of valuation. On its website, the RTMNU has put a letter on display that says, Steps for Applying for Photo Copy of Answer Sheet. When university has displayed this, it has clearly indicated that students would get the photocopies. RTMNU in its letter that is on its website made it clear, The request for supply of xerox copy of the answer book(s) is an additional facility made available to the candidates. Therefore, and delay in sending photocopy of the answer book(s) due to reasons beyond the control of the university, shall be confer any right upon the candidates for admission to the next higher class. The applicant or the examinee being the sole custodian of the procured photo copy of the answer book, shall not be entitled to transfer the same to anybody for any purpose whatsoever as the same are supplied to him for his/her personal reference alone. If the applicant or the examinee is found guilty of any misuse of the photo copy he shall attract the provisions of Section 32(6)(a) of Maharashtra University Act and shall be liable for the award of punishment ranging from cancellation of performance at the concerned examinations with debarring him/her from appearing at further examination(s) to confiscation of his/her degree(s) conferred.

RTI faster than varsity system

An officer of the RTMNU on the condition of anonymity told The Hitavada, The procedure to procure a photocopy of answersheet is lengthy and takes quite a good time if one applies either through the college or directly to the university. Contrary to this process, students can get photocopies much faster if they opt to apply under the Right to Information Act (RTI). Why it takes so late if one goes through the university process than through the RTI is a mystery. Most students go the RTI way to procure photocopies of answersheets.
Posing as India Post agent, man, wife dupe investors of over Rs 2.25 crore





Staff Reporter :

Luring people to invest in different schemes of the India Post, the duo had collected Rs 2,25,58,400 from them

MASQUERADING as an India Post agent, a middle-aged man in connivance with his wife, allegedly duped investors of over Rs 2.25 crore by promising huge returns on recurring and fixed deposits. Hingna Police booked accused Pradeep Kisan Khangar (55) and his wife Vandana Khangar (48), both residents of Raipur-Hingna, on charges of cheating by personation, criminal breach of trust and forgery. Pradeep Khangars wife had taken an agency from India Post. However, Pradeep Khangar posed himself as an agent of India Post and defrauded several depositors. One of the victims, Nalini Purshottam Tambulkar (52), a resident of Plot No 165, Mahajan Wadi, in her complaint alleged that Pradeep Khangar himself impersonated as an agent of India Post and approached her in 2021.

He lured her and several others to invest in different schemes of the India Post, including the recurring and fixed deposit schemes, by promising good returns on maturity. After Khangar convinced Nalini Tambulkar that her money would be safe in the post office, she opted for the recurring and fixed deposit schemes. Pradeep Khangar then started going door-to-door, meeting depositors, filling up their forms, taking signatures and taking money from them. From October 22, 2021 to June 27,2024, the Khangar couple collected Rs 2,25,58,400 from Nalini Tambulkar and other depositors.

She and other depositors got suspicious when they did not get their money after maturity. When they approached the postmaster, they were shocked to hear from him that they had no account at the post office. On the basis of the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 406, 409, 419, 420, 465, 468, 471 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, read with Section 3 of the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, against Pradeep and Vandana Khangar. Further investigations are underway.
Rajkot game zone fire tragedy: Police file over 1 lakh-page chargesheet against 15 accused





RAJKOT :

POLICE on Wednesday filed a chargesheet running into 1 lakh pages against 15 accused in the Rajkot game zone fire tragedy that killed 27 persons in May. Statements of 365 witnesses have been recorded. Altogether, 15 persons, including co-owners of TRP game zone and officials of Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) have been arrested, said DCP (Crime), Parthrajsinh Gohil. As many as 27 people, including children, were charred to death in a massive fire that gutted the entire game zone facility on May 25. The chargesheet was filed by the crime branch in the court of Rajkot Judicial Magistrate First Class AP Dave.

It emerged during the investigation that the blaze spread and engulfed the entire structure within 3-4 minutes due to highly-inflammable construction materials such as foam sheet, plastic and wood, with sparks flowing from the welding work being carried out at that time, Gohil told media persons. The chargesheet runs into over 1 lakh pages and includes statements of 365 witnesses, he said. The accused persons were booked under sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 337 (causing hurt by an act that endangers the life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt to a person by doing an act that endangers their life or personal safety) and 114 (someone present when the offence is committed) of the IPC.
Several INDIA bloc members back Jagans protest in Delhi





Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut joins Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP President Jagan Mohan Reddy at YSRCPs protest against Andhra Pradesh Government, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday. (ANI)

NEW DELHI ;

YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddys protest in Delhi against alleged political violence in Andhra Pradesh drew support from unlikely quarters Wednesday, with several INDIA bloc members and AIADMK leaders expressing solidarity. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is in power in the state and a constituent of the NDA government at the Centre, dismissed the YSR Congress Partys allegations as fake drama.

Reddys protest at the Jantar Mantar area here is against what he dubbed as a worsening law-and-order situation in Andhra Pradesh following the recent elections. Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sanjay Raut and Priyanka Chaturvedi, the TMCs Nadimul Haq, and the AIADMKs M Thambidurai were among those who condemned the alleged attacks on YSRCP workers in Andhra Pradesh. I would not have known the truth had I not seen the photographs and videos. Those in power should maintain simplicity, listen to others, and not take their lives, Yadav said. Raut called for an independent investigation, saying, A special team should be sent to AP to conduct an independent enquiry into the brutal attacks on opposition party workers.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, July 25. International travelers who arrived in Aghdam city after visiting the Alley of Martyrs have become acquainted with the ruins of the drama theater in the city center, Trend's Karabakh Bureau reports.

Then the guests visited the Aghdam Juma Mosque.

The travelers were informed that during the occupation, Armenian occupiers kept livestock in the mosque., and that after the Second Karabakh War, the mosque was thoroughly restored.

This concluded the travelers visit to Aghdam.

The delegation is expected to leave for Lachin tomorrow, and next, their visit to Eastern Zangezur is planned.

17:39

AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, July 25. The delegation of 35 representatives of one of the four largest travelers' clubs in the world, the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, arrived in Aghdam, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, the travelers, arriving in Aghdam, visited the Alley of Martyrs, which was subjected to Armenian vandalism.

12:55

SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 25. The delegation of 35 members of Most Traveled People (MTP), one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, arrived in Shusha city within the framework of their visit to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, during the visit, international travelers will get acquainted with the city of Shusha, its historical sites, and the mysterious nature of this place, as well as the reconstruction and construction works carried out by the Azerbaijani state after the liberation of the city from occupation.

The delegation is headed by Charles Veley, whose name was included in the top 10 list of world travelers, and international travelers from 13 countries (US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, Poland, Hungary, and others) joined the trip.

MTP (Most Traveled People) club members have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur three times before; this is the 4th visit of its members to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation. About 400 international travelers in large groups from nearly 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times in the 4 years since the second Karabakh war. Today's trip is the eleventh.

10:55

FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 25. The visit of an extended delegation of 35 people to Karabakh, including the head of one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, began today, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to information, the delegation is headed by Charles Veley, whose name was included in the top 10 list of world travelers. International travelers from 13 countries (US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, Poland, Hungary, and others) joined the trip.

Previously, members of the MTP (Most Traveled People) club visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur three times; this is the fourth visit of its members to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation.

About 400 international travelers in large groups from nearly 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times during the 4 years since the second Karabakh war. Today's trip is the 11th.

These trips are extremely important for demonstrating the realities to the world, allowing on-site familiarization with the massive destruction in the territories liberated from occupation and the extensive construction and reconstruction work that has been carried out. International travelers have many followers on social networks from all over the world.

The founder and head of the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, American traveler Charles Veley, also participated a few days ago in the II Shusha Global Media Forum on Combating Disinformation. At this forum, he emphasized the role of international travelers in exposing fake news," explaining the stark difference between the false information about Karabakh presented in several foreign media outlets and what he sees on the ground.

MTP's trip will last three days. The delegation's visit to Karabakh started in Fuzuli. Today international travelers will visit Khojavand, Shusha, Khankendi, and Aghdam, and tomorrow they will go to Eastern Zangezur. On the last day of the trip, the delegation will visit Zangilan and Jabrayil.

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Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received Polish Ambassador Rafa Poborski on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission in the country, a source in the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend.

According to the source, the meeting discussed issues on bilateral and regional agendas.

Speaking about the existing cooperation between the two countries, the parties noted that contacts and meetings at the highest level contribute to the development of cooperation based on friendship, respect, and strategic partnership.

The meeting highlighted that Azerbaijan and Poland have broad prospects for bilateral relations in political and economic fields, including energy and alternative energy sources, as well as in humanitarian, educational, and other spheres.

Besides, the meeting emphasized the importance of political consultations in the development of relations as well as parliamentary diplomacy and noted that the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in Azerbaijan this year, is of great importance for the further development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The minister highly appreciated the efforts of the ambassador in advancing bilateral relations and wished him success in his future diplomatic endeavors.

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Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. A new round of political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan has taken place in Tashkent, a source in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

According to the source, the delegation of Azerbaijan was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov, and the Uzbek delegation - by his counterpart Bobur Usmanov.

The consultations deliberated issues of mutual interest in political, economic, transport, cultural, humanitarian, and other spheres and exchanged views on cooperation within international and regional organizations.

The event particularly emphasized that the development of relations between the two fraternal countries, which share common historical roots, language, religion, and traditions, is based on strong political will and joint practical efforts by the heads of state.

Moreover, the consultations highly appreciated the level of strategic partnership relations based on principles of mutual trust and respect, noting that increasing contacts at high and senior levels contribute significantly to bilateral relations.

The consultations also underscored that Azerbaijan hosting the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) demonstrates the country's growing international influence.

Additionally, the political consultations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan saw the exchange of opinions on the treaty, legal framework, and ongoing projects, as well as an inventory of documents signed between the two countries.

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Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Prospects for enhanced mutual trade turnover have been debated between Azerbaijan and Serbia, a source in the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers told Trend.

According to the source, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov has met with a delegation headed by the Co-Chairman of the Azerbaijani-Serbian Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on Trade and Economic Cooperation, Minister of Culture of Serbia Nikola Selakovic.

The meeting emphasized the importance of the practical implementation of the agreements reached between the heads of state from the point of view of further expansion of mutually beneficial partnership.

The parties touched upon the significance of the 8th meeting of the IGC held in Baku.

The meeting also discussed prospects for increasing mutual investments, developing cooperation in the transport and transit field, renewable energy, humanitarian and other areas.

To note, the volume of mutual trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Serbia in the first half of 2024 amounted to about $31 million.

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AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, July 25. International travelers who arrived in Aghdam city after visiting the Alley of Martyrs have become acquainted with the ruins of the drama theater in the city center, Trend's Karabakh Bureau reports.

Then the guests visited the Aghdam Juma Mosque.

The travelers were informed that during the occupation, Armenian occupiers kept livestock in the mosque, and that after the Second Karabakh War, the mosque was thoroughly restored.

This concluded the travelers visit to Aghdam.

The delegation is expected to leave for Lachin tomorrow, and next, their visit to Eastern Zangezur is planned.

17:39

The delegation of 35 representatives of one of the four largest travelers' clubs in the world, the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, arrived in Aghdam, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, the travelers, arriving in Aghdam, visited the Alley of Martyrs, which was subjected to Armenian vandalism.

12:55

SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 25. The delegation of 35 members of Most Traveled People (MTP), one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, arrived in Shusha city within the framework of their visit to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, during the visit, international travelers will get acquainted with the city of Shusha, its historical sites, and the mysterious nature of this place, as well as the reconstruction and construction works carried out by the Azerbaijani state after the liberation of the city from occupation.

The delegation is headed by Charles Veley, whose name was included in the top 10 list of world travelers, and international travelers from 13 countries (US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, Poland, Hungary, and others) joined the trip.

MTP (Most Traveled People) club members have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur three times before; this is the 4th visit of its members to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation. About 400 international travelers in large groups from nearly 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times in the 4 years since the second Karabakh war. Today's trip is the eleventh.

10:55

FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 25. The visit of an extended delegation of 35 people to Karabakh, including the head of one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, began today, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to information, the delegation is headed by Charles Veley, whose name was included in the top 10 list of world travelers. International travelers from 13 countries (US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, Poland, Hungary, and others) joined the trip.

Previously, members of the MTP (Most Traveled People) club visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur three times; this is the fourth visit of its members to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation.

About 400 international travelers in large groups from nearly 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times during the 4 years since the second Karabakh war. Today's trip is the 11th.

These trips are extremely important for demonstrating the realities to the world, allowing on-site familiarization with the massive destruction in the territories liberated from occupation and the extensive construction and reconstruction work that has been carried out. International travelers have many followers on social networks from all over the world.

The founder and head of the MTP (Most Traveled People) travel club, American traveler Charles Veley, also participated a few days ago in the II Shusha Global Media Forum on Combating Disinformation. At this forum, he emphasized the role of international travelers in exposing fake news," explaining the stark difference between the false information about Karabakh presented in several foreign media outlets and what he sees on the ground.

MTP's trip will last three days. The delegation's visit to Karabakh started in Fuzuli. Today international travelers will visit Khojavand, Shusha, Khankendi, and Aghdam, and tomorrow they will go to Eastern Zangezur. On the last day of the trip, the delegation will visit Zangilan and Jabrayil.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Sabail District Court of Baku held a trial on July 24, 2024, to determine a measure of restraint against Igbal Abilov, a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan, suspected of high treason by carrying out the instructions of Armenia's special services, Trend reports.

According to the information, the suspect, who was living abroad, was detained as a result of special operations conducted by Azerbaijan's State Security Service (SSS).

"Igbal Abilov is accused of high treason for executing assignments from representatives of Armenian special services operating in a third country. He is alleged to have committed acts aimed at inciting hatred and enmity on ethnic grounds within the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During the trial, evidence including secret conversations and transactions conducted by Igbal Abilov via Skype with Garnik Asatryan, Head of the Department of Oriental Studies at Yerevan State University and Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies in Armenia, was presented. Asatryan is known for his work against Azerbaijan's territorial integrity under the control of Armenia's special services.

Additionally, reasonable suspicions were identified that Abilov, along with foreign special service representatives, organized activities of an organization aimed against Azerbaijan's territorial integrity by recruiting subversive forces from different countries. He also allegedly assisted Vardan Voskanyan and others associated with Armenian special services in conducting hostile activities against Azerbaijan.

Abilov was indicted under Articles 274 (high treason), 281.3 (public incitement against the state on behalf of foreign organizations and their representatives), and 283.1 (actions aimed at inciting national hatred and enmity) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The court ordered the detention of Igbal Abilov for 4 months, reads the statement.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The 3rd meeting of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Council of General Prosecutors, established in Baku in 2021, has taken place with the participation of Azerbaijan in Bishkek, Trend reports.

The meeting, also attended by prosecutor generals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkiye, along with delegations led by the Secretary-General of the Turkic Council and the chief advisor of the International Association of Prosecutors, featured a video address from the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, who greeted the participants and wished them success in their session.

Highlighting the significance of Turkic unity for Azerbaijan, the country's General Kamran Aliyev emphasized that this is affirmed by the statement of President Ilham Aliyev: "We have no other family. Our family is the Turkic world".

Kamran Aliyev noted that the OTS will make a significant contribution to consolidating efforts and enhancing mutual cooperation in ensuring legality and law enforcement across its member states, as well as in effectively protecting human rights and freedoms and combating all forms of crime.

The prosecutor general informed his colleagues that under the leadership of the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President of Azerbaijan, the country fully restored its territorial integrity.

He also mentioned that rapid reconstruction and building efforts are underway in Karabakh, thanks to the attention and care of the head of state, Ilham Aliyev, and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva.

Furthermore, Kamran Aliyev announced that Azerbaijan will host COP29, the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and from September 29 to October 2 of this year, the 29th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the International Association of Prosecutors. He invited his colleagues to participate in these prestigious events.

The Bishkek Declaration was adopted at the conclusion of the session, and it was decided that the next session will be held in Uzbekistan in 2025.

The extraordinary and plenipotentiary Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kyrgyzstan, Latif Gandilov, participated in the event.

During the visit, the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan met with his counterparts from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as with the chief advisor of the International Association of Prosecutors, discussing further cooperation matters.

This concluded the working visit of the delegation of the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan to Kyrgyzstan.

To note, the first and second meetings of the OTS Council of Prosecutor Generals were held in Baku and Ankara in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Sabah, the bronze medalist of the Azerbaijan Premier League, has started to compete in the European Cups, Trend reports via Idman.biz.

The Baku club went to the first match of the II qualifying round.

The players of Krunoslav Rendulic were the guests of Haifa Maccabi. The away meeting with the Israeli club was held in Hungary. Although no goals were scored in the first half, Sabah disappointed the opponent 3 times after the break. This victory brought our representative one person closer to the next stage.

The return match between the teams will be held in Baku on August 1.

Conference League

II qualifying round

First game

July 25

21:15. Maccabi (Haifa, Israel) - Sabah - 0:3

Goals: Pavol Shafranco, 61. Jesse Sekidika, 78. Khayal Aliyev, 88
Uikey briefed

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IMPHAL, Jul 24: Lt General HS Sahi, GOC HQ 3 Corps (Spear Corps) along with IGAR (South) Major General Ravroop Singh called on Governor Anusuiya Uikey this evening at Raj Bhavan in Imphal and briefed her about the prevailing security situation in the State.

During the visit, General Sahi highlighted the security preparedness made by the Army to face any situation in the State and also highlighted various activities taken up to ensure safety among the masses, said PRO Raj Bhavan in a statement. The army officers also highlighted the relief activities taken up to support displaced families in different parts of the State.

General Sahi informed the Governor that the Army will always work to maintain peace and stability in Manipur.

This was a farewell visit of General Sahi as GOC HQ 3 Corps, said the Raj Bhavan.

Governor Anusuiya Uikey appreciated the efforts made by the Army and asked them to extend support to the administration in the restoration of complete peace and tranquillity in the State. She also wished General Sahi on his next posting and his future endeavours.
Significant silence on Manipur Perfecting othering

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The chicken neck syndrome continues and the practise of othering has been fine tuned to a level that is nearing the stage and understanding of perfection. For over 14 months Manipur has been literally on fire, with buffer zones criss-crossing the land and impacting on the lives of the common people. Yet Delhi continues to hum the tune that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely keeping a tab on the situation and which has been eagerly lapped up by Imphal under a Chief Minister who has been described as co-operating by none other than the Union Home Minister. The line that the Prime Minister has not spoken a word on Manipur has been silenced with the sentence that he has mentioned Manipur twice in Parliament and in the Independence Day address to the Nation on August 15 from the Red Fort last year, yet Imphal has been silent on why the Prime Minister has not granted an audience even to its first among equals here. For 14 months Manipur has been on the boil and yet the script continues with no indication that it could see a change in the coming days and this is what has irked the people, best exemplified by the fact that the voters roundly rejected the BJP candidate during the Lok Sabha election in the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency while in the Outer the people rejected the candidate supported by the saffron party. This should have said so many things of importance but as things have transpired, this has failed to cut ice with the people who matter. The indifference continues and even as Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the road map to a Viksit Bharat while presenting the budget for 2024-2025, no mention was made of taking up any sort of measures to assist the over 50,000 internally displaced people who are languishing in the relief centres set up across the length and breadth of the State. The Finance Minister did talk about the devastating floods that submerged many parts of Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim, but gave a miss to Manipur, which was at the receiving end of unprecedented and heavy rains in quick succession during the last week of May and early part of July this year. Nothing on rehabilitation packages for the internally displaced persons as well as the floods that submerged many parts of Imphal. This was how the budget reflected the reality of where Manipur actually stands in the overall scheme of things of Delhi. One is left wondering whether the omission has been noted by the State Government or not, but the silence on Manipur can also be interpreted as a failure on the part of Imphal to highlight the ground reality to the Centre effectively. Making things more dicey is the fact that there is nothing to suggest that efforts are being put in to take the State to the road of normalcy and this is the ugly reality with which Manipur has had to survive for the last 14 months.

It is not only in the budget presentation that Manipur was omitted, but the place was nowhere there in the Presidential speech delivered some time back. A fact which should be acknowledged and this is when one is reminded of the chicken neck syndrome-an outlook where the gaze of Delhi has always refused to look east of the Brahmaputra and now where its vision is engineered and doctored only by geo-political necessities. An outlook which has been given a life and vigour by the conduct of a para-military force and it is this reality which perhaps led former Additional DG of the BSF PK Mishra to say that a particular Central para-military force must be removed from Manipur to deal with the current situation. As of now, the fighting seems to have ebbed but this is no guarantee that things will continue like this for good. Violence can erupt any time, best exemplified by Jiribam recently and this is where the claim that normalcy has started returning to Manipur found not takers here at all. How can one say that Manipur has started the walk towards normalcy when over 50,000 folks are still surviving in relief centres, how can one say that Manipur is anywhere near normalcy when no Meitei would dare take the Imphal to Dimapur route, cause it has to pass through Kangpokpi ? How can one say that situation has improved when no Kuki will dare enter Imphal and return to the place they once called home ? This is the reality and when political leaders of the day refuse to accept this reality, then it hurts. This is what is happening in Manipur right now and this falls perfectly in line with the omission of anything to do with the place and her people in the budget speech of the Finance Minister and earlier the Presidential address.
Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister Saadat Yusifova has participated in event "Heritage of the Islamic World" organized by ICESCO, Azernews reports.

The event was held within the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, which is underway in New Delhi, India.

The Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister provided extensive information about Azerbaijan's cultural heritage, the rapid restoration of the destroyed cultural heritage in the territories freed from occupation.

In her speech, Saadat Yusifova touched upon initiatives for COP29 to be hosted by Azerbaijan in November.

It was also brought to attention that the 12th session of the Islamic Heritage Committee will be held in October 2024 in the ancient city of Shusha, Azerbaijan, which has been declared the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024.

ICESCO's Islamic Heritage Committee was wished success in the work of better protection and development of cultural heritage in the Islamic world, which has given incomparable pearls to the world heritage treasury.

Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO, Executive Director of the African World Heritage Fund Souayibou Varissou, as well as the ministers of Vietnam, Belarus, Austria, Bahrain, Spain, Sri Lanka, etc.

The discussions revolved around the cultural heritage protection and climate change initiatives planned for COP29.

The Azerbaijani delegation participating in the 46th session, which will last until July 31, also includes the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, the National Commission for UNESCO, ICOMOS Azerbaijan and Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration.

Note that the World Heritage Committee comprises representatives from 21 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention (1972) elected by the General Assembly of UNESCO. Current members of the World Heritage Committee as on elections in the 24th General Assembly of UNESCO (November 2023).

Since its inception, the Azerbaijan National Committee? t? UNESCO has made significant contributions? t? various UNESCO programs and projects.

These include efforts? t? safeguard and promote Azerbaijan's cultural sites, support educational initiatives, and foster international cooperation? ?n the fields? ?f science and technology.

As the Azerbaijan National Committee? t? UNESCO enters its fourth decade,? ?t continues? t?? be committed? t? its mission? ?f promoting peace and cooperation through education, culture, and science.

In 2003, the parties signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education, and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors of UNESCO.

Many Azerbaijani cultural sites have been included? in UNESCO's World Heritage List, including Icherisheher (Old City) with Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah's Palace, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, etc. In? 2021, Lankaran District was included? ?n the UNESCO list "Network? ?f Creative Cities".

UNESCO also honors Azerbaijan's outstanding personalities like the poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi, Fikrat Amirov,? great philanthropist and oil magnate Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, etc.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will discuss joint export of agricultural products to the world market, Director of the Agrarian Innovation Center under the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan Anar Jafarov said at the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan agricultural forum, Trend reports.

"Azerbaijan purchases grain in Kazakhstan. We should discuss the joint export of our products to world markets," he emphasized.

According to him, the countries actively cooperate within the framework of international organizations, including the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Thus, the Azerbaijani city of Guba is currently the agricultural capital of the OTS.

"I would like to note that today about 20 largest companies take part here. They are interested in implementation of projects both on the territory of Azerbaijan and joint projects with Kazakhstan," Jafarov added.

To note, the Azerbaijani-Kazakhstani agricultural forum is being held at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Baku on 25 July.
In a day the chief minister assigned two of his Cabinet ministers to sort out potato crisis in retail markets, per kg price of the essential vegetable of Bengali dishes made a quantum jump to Rs 50 in Burdwan, the second largest grower of potato after Hooghly, today.

During yesterdays Cabinet meeting, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had assigned Becharam Manna, the agricultural marketing minister and Pradip Majumdar, the panchayat minister to take suitable measures to ensure availability of potato at a reasonable price in retail markets. Manna also held meeting with the striking potato growers and traders at Haripal in Hooghly today for the purpose.

The district administration officials accompanied by the police meanwhile raided 18 cold storages in Jamalpur block today and asked the operators to table the lists against booking of potato per kg at the earliest. K Radhika Aiyar, DM, East Burdwan said: Weve given strong instructions to the cold storages to mobilise the release of potato packets.

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But, the soaring potato prices further burned the fingers of the common consumers by and large across East and West Burdwan, Bankura today. Even yesterday, Burdwan vendors sold potatoes varying between Rs 30 to Rs 32 per kg, which was scaled up to between Rs 45 & Rs 50 today.

Due to the sustained strike by the Pogotoshil Alu Byabsayee Samiti across the potato growing districts like Hooghly, East Burdwan, Birbhum, Nadia and Murshidabad, potato packets stacked inside the cold storages couldnt be brought out. Some farmers volunteered bringing packets on the plea of family consumption, which however were channeled to the retailers. Each packet sold at Rs 1,440 on Monday were made available to vendors at Rs 2,000, said Rameswar Saw, a large distributor in Burdwan town.

Bibhas Dey, state president of the Samiti, after meeting with minister Manna said today: Its an effective meeting today and the minister has assured us to place our issue before the chief minister tomorrow. He added: We expect the potato price at the retail markets will stabilize in a day or two.
A city that I visited during my annual vacation, a city that I still visit, a city with which I have several ties, Hyderabad and a part of its history is the subject of Afsar Mohammeds book, Remaking History.

Afsar Mohammad notes in the preface to the book how L. K. Advanis declaration of 17th September as Telangana Liberation Day in the year 1998 made him begin to question and ponder questions about Muslims in Hyderabad. While that day marked the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union in 1948, it was also a day of violence and bloodshed, of Operation Polo  Many writings and oral accounts from Hyderabad and Telangana emphasise that the 1948 Police Action was nothing but an extension of the Partition. His earlier work, The Festival of Pirs, dealt with the nature of Muslim rituals and festivals in South Asia. It was while working on that book that Afsar Mohammad came into contact with several people who were at the receiving end of Operation Polo. Remaking History takes up issues of the police action, religion and politics in Hyderabad. The year of Indias independence is also the year of the partition, and as the two new countries begin to negotiate power and authority, the princely state of Hyderabad and its people are drawn into it too.

Remaking History is based on the oral accounts of those who witnessed the Police Action, it also draws on written accounts and historical documents to reveal the history of Hyderabad, the Telangana armed struggle, and most importantly, the cultural and political discourses that characterise Hyderabad. The book seeks to clear up myths surrounding the history of the princely state of Hyderabad. There have been works by several historians who have written about the integration of the princely state of Hyderabad into India and the violence that people faced. Remaking History, while it adds to the work on the subject, is different in that Afsar uses literature, oral narratives, and interviews as well. The oral accounts in this book document the deeply expressed concerns of many Hyderabadis, concerns that their story even now remains silenced by the overemphasis on the Telangana rebellion, Telugu nationalism of the same period, and the politics of the nation-state.

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Afsars focus in the book is the common person: In Karim Nagar, I met 78-year-old Abdul Quddus Saheb, who began our conversation by talking about the songs of his youth during Muharram. . . . After a while, he surprisingly took a detour just to talk about the Police Action of 1948. Parts of the interview figure in the book, along with the songs and his narratives. The book begins by questioning the narratives of nationalism, the Telangana armed rebellion that took place between 1946 and 1951, and the formation of Andhra Pradesh, the first state to be formed on the basis of language. These traditional works, he notes, ignore the violence of the Police Action and the fate of the common people. He also goes on to argue how the histories of Hyderabad and Telangana reveal the way in which Hindus and Muslims reacted and worked their way out of the crisis to bring in debates of urbanisation, reform and belonging. A model that becomes even more pertinent in the present time.

Afsar is also a poet and author, and it is his expertise in these genres that makes it possible for him to bring in several languages and literary and oral traditions into the work, apart from the history. The last chapter, For the Love of Urdu, discusses progressive Urdu and Telugu literature. Urdu was not associated with just Muslims, and the example of the 90-year-old Jaini Mallaya Gupta, whom Afsar met and spoke, is a case in point. Gupta had been a regular reader of the Urdu daily newspaper, Siasat for about seventy years. There were several Muslim writers who were writing in Telugu too: The publication of Urdu materials by various Telugu presses and the Telugu poetry gatherings modelled on the Urdu paradigm reflect a continuum of the Urdu literary culture in Telangana, thus providing us with a transition to the discussion of the role of Urdu and the Muslim question in 1940s Telangana. Afsar also chronicles the works of less discussed authors like Jeelani Bano, whose novel, Aiwan-e-Ghazal, narrates the story of four women belonging to an upper-class family and speaks of the ideas of liberalism and revolution as well.

Remaking India is a fascinating work that draws out several strands of the history of Hyderabad and the people whose narratives form an important aspect of its history. Working with a plethora of materials and resources, the personal and the political come together in the remaking of this history.

The reviewer is associate professor, department of English, Brahmananda Keshab Chandra College

Remaking History: 1948 Police Action and the Muslims of Hyderabad

By Afsar Mohammad

Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2023

320 pages, Rs 1,295/-
Wealth of the richest 1% globally surged by a staggering $42 trillion in the last decade, according to a recent report by Oxfam.

The $42 trillion amassed by the richest is nearly 36 times greater than the wealth accumulated by the poorest half of the worlds population. Despite this, billionaires globally have been paying taxes amounting to less than 0.5% of their wealth, Oxfam noted.

Nearly 80% of the worlds billionaires reside in G20 countries.

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Oxfam further highlighted that, despite this massive increase in wealth, taxes on the affluent have dropped to unprecedented lows, contributing to severe inequality where the majority struggle to survive on meagre resources.

The development comes ahead of the G20 summit in Brazil. As per the reports, this time the G20 will focus on imposing higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy and is poised to address this growing disparity.

Nearly 80% of the worlds billionaires reside in G20 countries.

Oxfam described the summit as a real litmus test for G20 governments, urging them to implement an annual net wealth tax of at least 8% on the ultra-wealthy.

Max Lawson, head of inequality policy at Oxfam International, emphasised the growing momentum to increase taxes on the super-rich, questioning whether governments have the political will to establish a global standard prioritising the many over the few.

Earlier this month, Oxfam also criticised rich nations for overstating their climate finance contributions to developing countries.

Although these countries claimed to provide almost $116 billion in climate finance in 2022, the actual support was no more than $35 billion, with a significant portion in the form of loans at profitable rates, exacerbating the debt of already burdened nations.
New developments have surfaced in the Salman Khan firing case, where shooters on a bike fired at the Bollywood stars Bandra residence on April 14th. In a chargesheet filed over the incident, the Mumbai Police have alleged that Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of imprisoned gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, instructed the gunmen to fire shots in the air outside the Dabangg stars home to intimidate him. The Mumbai police believe that the conspiracy to fire at the Bollywood superstars home was carried out with the intention of establishing the supremacy of Bishnois gang in Mumbai.

The chargesheet, presented to the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court, also features transcripts of conversations between Anmol Bishnoi and shooter Vickykumar Gupta. Anmol allegedly told Gupta to fire shots in a way that would scare the superstar, even if it took more than a minute, and suggested that he smoke during the act to give the impression of fearlessness on CCTV footage. Dont wear a helmet smoke a cigarette while firing to appear fearless you will create history.

The chargesheet also states that Anmol was in touch with Gupta and Sagar Pal, who allegedly fired the shots, through the messaging app Signal. It has also been claimed that on one occasion the shooters also spoke to the jailed gangster Lawrence, who told them that they should be ready for the firing and that they would be successful.

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The police have filed a chargesheet against six individuals, including Gupta and Pal, while naming Lawrence, who is imprisoned in Sabarmati jail in Gujarat, Anmol, believed to be in the US or Canada, and Rawtaram Swami, who is said to be in the UK, as the accused. Among the statements recorded by the police are those of Salman Khan and his brother Arbaaz Khan.

While speaking to the police about firing, Salman Khan emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that it puts him and his family in danger. Recounting the incident, the Kick star revealed that he heard a sound similar to firecrackers while sleeping at his residence, Galaxy Apartments, in the early hours of April 14th. Subsequently, Khans police bodyguard informed him around 4:55 am that two people on a motorbike had fired at the first-floor balcony.
Ahead of this years highly anticipated San Diego Comic-Con, Prime Videos The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power has unveiled exciting details about its upcoming second season, including the introduction of intriguing new characters. Set to premiere on August 29, the series continues its ambitious adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkiens Middle-earth saga, promising to delve deeper into the complexities of its rich lore.

One of the notable additions to the cast is Kevin Eldon, who portrays Narvi, the renowned dwarf craftsman and confidant of King Durin IV of Khazad-dum. Eldon discussed Narvis evolving role, emphasizing how the character grapples with loyalty amidst the encroaching influence of the Rings of Power. Narvis dilemma becomes increasingly poignant as he navigates his loyalty to the kingdom against the growing madness gripping the king.

Calam Lynch joins the ensemble as Camnir, an elven map-maker from Eriador renowned for his skills in navigating the dense forests of the region. Lynchs character faces unexpected challenges when Elronds band of warrior-elves encounters perilous threats on their journey to Eregion, including the ominous Barrow-wights.

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Selina Lo portrays Rian, an exceptional elven archer from Lindon, recognized for her unparalleled courage and precision with a bow. As part of Elronds elite warriors, Rians abilities prove crucial in the defense of Eregion against looming dangers.

Amelia Kenworthy takes on the role of Mirdania, a talented apprentice of Celebrimbor, the master craftsman. Mirdania finds herself at a crossroads when a mysterious visitor arrives in Eregion, presenting unforeseen challenges that could alter the fate of the Elven-smiths forever.

The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 continues to expand upon the epic narrative established in its first season, with the return of Sauron and the escalating conflict that threatens Middle-earth. The series explores themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice as characters from various racesincluding elves, dwarves, and menconfront their destinies amidst a world teetering on the edge of chaos.

The upcoming season promises to captivate audiences with its immersive storytelling and breathtaking visuals, building on the foundation laid by its predecessor. Fans can look forward to a deeper exploration of Middle-earths history and mythology, enriched by compelling character arcs and high-stakes drama.

The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 will premiere on August 29 exclusively on Prime Video, available in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. As excitement mounts among fans worldwide, the series stands poised to deliver another thrilling chapter in one of literatures most beloved sagas, inviting viewers to embark on a new adventure into the heart of Tolkiens legendary world.
Sofia Vergara is savoring some quality time in Italy with her boyfriend, orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman, and their escapades are capturing hearts. The actress, known for her role in Griselda, has been treating fans to glimpses of their romantic getaway through her Instagram, showcasing candid moments against the backdrop of Italys stunning landscapes.

In one of her recent posts, Sofia radiates joy in a vibrant yellow sundress, seated indoors with a beaming smile that speaks volumes. The caption, a simple heart emoji, accompanied another photo featuring Saliman relaxed on an outdoor sofa bed, set against a draped deckan idyllic setting for their retreat. Further enchanting followers, Sofias Instagram Stories featured Saliman, adding to the narrative of their blissful holiday together.

Their relationship blossomed following Sofias divorce from actor Joe Manganiello, which was finalized earlier this year. The couple made their public debut last October at Kim Kardashians birthday bash in Beverly Hills and have been inseparable since. Their recent outings in Beverly Hills and now this Italian escapade underscore their deepening bond.

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Beyond the romantic snapshots, Sofia shared more of their Italian adventures, expressing her affection for the country with the caption, Im staying. The Modern Family star shared a sunny selfie from a hilltop overlooking a picturesque backyard, complete with a swimming pool and deck chairs. Other photos showcased Sofia posing playfully indoors and outdoors, capturing the essence of their explorations.

This vacation follows closely on the heels of a casual sushi date in Beverly Hills and comes after Sofias candid interview with PEOPLE where she discussed the complexities of relationships under public scrutiny. Everything gets so exaggerated. Everything sometimes gets not interpreted the right way, Sofia reflected. So life is already hard. Having relationships is hard. Problems are hard.

As Sofia Vergara continues to share her journey of love and exploration with Justin Saliman, fans eagerly anticipate more glimpses into their heartwarming adventures, grateful for these moments of joy amidst lifes challenges.
At least four people were killed as heavy rains inundated Pune on Thursday. What started as heavy downpour swiftly escalated into a nightmare for residents of the city and its outskirts as water levels rose above danger marks in many areas. .

Water was seen gushing into houses in several areas like Ekta Nagar and Vitthal Nagar. As water breached homes, the Pune fire department mobilized inflatable rubber boats to rescue people stranded in flooded residential areas.

In the heart of Pune city, the Mula-Mutha river surged ominously, with visuals showing the Bhide bridge close to be submerged as it flowed above the danger mark.

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Authorities have deployed three teams of NDRF for the rescue operations. While two teams are stationed in Ekta Nagar and Singhgad Road, and one team is in Varje.

Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase issued a warning amidst the deluge, saying, It is raining heavily in the hilly areas We have declared holiday for all schools and colleges, urging caution as the region braced for more rain.

He said one person died due to a landslide in Adharwadi village, while another was critically wounded. Three more people are said to be trapped in a landslide in Davse villae.

Three people died due to electrocution, he added.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar took stock of the situation in Pune district headquarters. He instructed the district authorities to provide all the necessary assistance to the affected people, especially in Khadakwasla and Pimpri Chinchwad areas which are worst affected after heavy rains. He also discussed relief measures with the district collector and the disaster management chief.

Meanwhile, IMD director Sunil Kamble issued alarming alerts, noting, Monsoon is very active Today, a yellow alert has been issued for Mumbai and an orange alert for Pune.
In a big achievement, the J&K Police has seized 435 forged gun licences in Jammu.

A police spokesman said on Thursday that the illegal licences have been seized from a gun trader in the outskirts of Jammu.

He said that information was received through reliable sources that one person namely Tirath Singh, resident of Gadigarh who owns a gun house, has kept illegal gun licences in his newly under-construction building at Gadigarh near Harward college.

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In this regard an FIR under sections 318(4) ,339,336,340(2),61(2) BNS was registered at Police Station Satwari, and investigation set into motion.

Based on this input, a raid was conducted in the presence of a magistrate at the building and a bag containing 435 gun licences was recovered along with some other documents.

Further investigation is underway.
Delhi Finance Minister Atishi on Thursday alleged that the Central government deceived the people of the city in every Union Budget for the last 10 years.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, she pointed out that Delhiites paid Rs 15,59,933 crore as income tax to the Central government and got only 0.48 per cent, Rs 7,534 crores, in return.

Posing a question to the Centre, the Delhi minister said when Maharashtra gets Rs 50,000 crore in lieu of Rs 5 lakh crore income tax, and Karnataka gets Rs 30,000 crore for Rs 2 lakh crore income tax, why should the national capital get only Rs 1,061 crore in total, she asked.

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If the Central government can give money to the rest of the states, then Delhi should also get its rightful due, she demanded.

Drawing a parallel between the Centres intransigence the Colonial exploitation, she appealed to the ruling party to ensure that the Delhiites get Rs 10,000 crore, which she said, is their rightful due.

If we look at the consolidated statistics of the last six years from 2013 to 2019, Delhiites paid a total of 6,93,275 crore as income tax and got only 4,433 crore. In the last 10 years, since the BJP government came to power at the Centre, Delhiites have paid 15,59,933 crore in income tax to the BJP-ruled Central government and in return, they got only 7,534 crore, she claimed, adding Delhiites received only 0.48 per cent of the income tax that they to the centre in the last 10 years.

I want to ask the ruling BJP on behalf of the Delhiites why is this injustice being meted out to the people of Delhi, she added.
Former Maharashtra home minister and NCP(SCP) leader Anil Deshmukh on Thursday made explosive allegations against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of orchestrating a plot to topple the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government through false accusations.

Three years ago Devendra Fadnavis sent a man to me and asked me to write four affidavits. I was asked to make written allegations against Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, Ajit Pawar and Anil Parab, he alleged, claiming pressure to fabricate charges against key leaders of the MVA alliance.

I did not bow down and that is why the ED and CBI were sent after me, he asserted, referring to his subsequent arrest.

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Deshmukh further alleged that he was coerced to concoct a particularly egregious falsehood and frame Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackerays son in a rape and murder case.

I was asked to give a false affidavit that Aaditya Thackeray raped Disha Salian and threw her from the balcony, he alleged.

Fadnavis hits back

Reacting to the accusations, Fadnavis said he never indulges in this kind of politics, and claimed to have video clips of Deshmukh badmouthing Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray.

I never do such politics. I do not trouble anyone unnecessarily. I want to tell Deshmukh that his party leaders have given me video clips, wherein he was seen saying bad words against Uddhav Thacekray, Sharad Pawar and Sachin Waze. If anyone is making false allegations against me, I will not keep quiet and make those clips viral.I never speak without evidence, the Maharashtra deputy CM said.

Deshmukh claims evidence to back his allegations

Speaking to a news agency about his accusations, Deshmukh hit back and said he too has video recordings to prove his allegations against Fadnavis.

I have video recordings to prove it. If someone challenges me, I will reveal everything. Yesterday Devendra Fadnavis said that he has some video clippings of me where I was speaking about Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. He should make those video clippings public. Deshmukh said.

BJP can do this, says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut

Reacting to the former Maharashtra home ministers startling accusations against Fadnavis, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut asserted that he believed in Deshmukh and that the BJP can do this.

Anil Deshmukh ji was sent to jail as part of a conspiracy There was pressure put on him to implicate Uddhav Thackeray ji, Sharad Pawar ji and Aaditya, Raut said, adding that there is truth in what Anil Deshmukh ji has said.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole echoed Rauts sentiments, casting doubt on the integrity of investigative agencies under the Modi government.

What Anil Deshmukh is saying must be true Innocent people have been jailed. Those who favour them have been spared and ED cases against them have been taken back, he said.

BJP rejects Deshmukhs allegations

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule has vehemently denied Deshmukhs claims, questioning why the former home minister did not take immediate action if he felt pressured.

These are all lies A narrative is being created to confuse people, Bawankule asserted, dismissing the allegations as part of a broader conspiracy against BJP leaders.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The relations between Serbia and Azerbaijan are successfully developing across the whole spectrum of cooperation, Serbian Culture Minister Nikola Selakovic (co-chair of the Intergovernmental Commission from Serbia) said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the eighth session of the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on trade and economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia in Baku.

The co-chair of the IGC from Azerbaijan is Labor and Social Protection Minister Sahil Babayev.

During the negotiations, Selakovic mentioned that relations between the two countries are developing successfully across the whole spectrum of cooperation, but there is a great growth potential, and Baku should identify opportunities for growth of business relations.

Babayev emphasized that as a result of the political will and efforts of the heads of both states, relations between Azerbaijan and Serbia are constantly developing and rising to the level of strategic partnership.

"Our countries signed the Declaration on Strategic Partnership in 2013, the Joint Action Plan on Strategic Partnership in 2018, documents on cooperation in many spheres, our relations are constantly expanding based on friendship and mutual trust. We highly appreciate the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council between Azerbaijan and Serbia," Babayev noted.

He added that trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Serbia increased 5.24 times in six months of the current year, and 12 business forums and business meetings were held in Baku and Belgrade in the past period.

Selakovic expressed satisfaction with the constant expansion of relations between his country and Azerbaijan, based on friendly relations and mutual respect, and said that constant work is being done to further develop relations.

The sides acknowledged the potential for expanding cooperation in energy, transport and logistics, labor and social protection, agriculture, education, and tourism.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Monsoon Session of Himachal Pradesh is likely to commence on August 27 and continue till September 9.

The decision was taken in the state Cabinet meeting held here on Thursday, under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to recommend the Governor to convene the Monsoon session of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha from August 27 to September 9 at Shimla.

The session will have 10 sittings.

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The Cabinet has approved the merger of Government Primary Schools within a 2 kilometer radius and Government Middle Schools within a 3 kilometer radius, if they have five or fewer students.

Additionally, 89 Government Primary Schools and 10 Middle Schools with zero enrollment will be closed.

Teaching staff in the education department will be transferred annually at the end of the academic session.

All teachers including Head Teachers, Centre Head Teachers, Headmasters and Principals will also teach the students.

The Cabinet has mandated that all schools hold a morning assembly with the national anthem and that High and Senior Secondary Schools unfurl the national flag daily.

Physical education will be a compulsory daily period in all schools and training in CPR and First Aid will also be provided in collaboration with the Health and Ayush Departments.

It gave its nod for the extension of MoU in favour of Alliance Air Aviation Limited for the operation of flights between Shimla-Dharamshala-Shimla ( seven days a week) from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

The Cabinet gave its approval for procurement of Apple, Kinnow, Malta, Orange and Mango fruits under Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) at Rs. 12 per kg while the procurement rate for Galgal would be Rs. 10 per kg.

The apple procurement time will be from July 20 to October 31 and Mango from July 1 to August 31, while Kinnow, Malta, Orange and Galgal would be procured from November 21 to February 25, 2025.

The Cabinet decided to constitute three Cabinet Sub Committees, one for examining the issue of arbitration and Court matters to be chaired by Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan with Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh as Members.

The second Cabinet Sub Committee to be headed by Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharamani and Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma as members to examine the issues of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL).

Third Committee comprises Education Minister Rohit Thakur as Chairperson and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharamani and Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma as members to examine the matters of compassionate appointments.
The Opposition INDIA bloc parties will hold a protest on July 30 at the iconic Jantar Mantar over the alleged deteriorating health of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inside Tihar jail, the Aam Aadmi Party announced on Thursday.

Earlier on Tuesday, AAP MPs held a protest demonstration outside the Parliament House against alleged misuse of Central agencies like the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the Delhi CM to keep him in jail.

Claiming that Kejriwals sugar levels have dropped below the 50 mark several times during his incarceration, they demanded his immediate release.

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The party and its leaders have been accusing the ruling dispensation at the Centre and the Delhi lieutenant governor of conspiring to harm Kejriwal during his stay in jail. They cited their party chiefs medical report to support their claim. They pointed out that he is a diabetic, and his blood sugar levels had dropped very low several times in a months time.

Contradicting the claims of the BJP, the Delhi LG, and the jail administration, AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh had earlier pointed out that they previously attributed increased blood sugar levels of Kejriwal to the puris and sweets he consumed in the jail, but did not provide him with insulin. They are now claiming that he is reducing his sugar level by going hungry.

According to Singh, the documents legally provided to Kejriwals lawyer by the jail authorities indicate that any untoward incident can happen to the CM inside the jail any day.

He claimed that the way the LG and the BJP had been making statements about Kejriwals health, along with the medical reports, the suspicion that they were playing with his life becomes stronger.
In a breakthrough, the J&K Police on Thursday arrested two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) associates who facilitated the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of five Army soldiers and injured as many in the Kathua district of Jammu earlier this month.

Police said that two JeM associates have been arrested from the hilly area of the Kathua district.

They have been identified as Layaqat Ali of tehsil Billawar and Mool Raj of tehsil Malhar in Kathua district.

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Sustained questioning of these two terror associates is likely to lead to arrest of more persons involved in giving strategic and logistic support to the terrorists, sources said.

Five security personnel were killed when terrorists ambushed an Army vehicle in Badnota village, 150 away from Kathua town on 8 July.

Police said in a statement that over 100 individuals have been questioned in connection with this case, whereas preventive measures have been taken against more than 40 individuals to mitigate further risks and disrupt any potential support systems for terrorist activities.

Presence of 40 hardcore Pakistani terrorists has been reported in the hilly districts of the Jammu division, including Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur.

The Army has mobilised over 4,000 soldiers, including the elite para commandos and those trained in mountain warfare to eradicate terrorism from the otherwise peaceful Jammu division.

Nine pilgrims were killed and 41 injured last month in the Reasi district when terrorists attacked a bus.

Meanwhile, a red alert has been sounded in military installations in the Jammu region following the spotting of seven suspicious persons in a border village of the neighbouring Pathankot in Punjab.

A massive search operation has been launched in the bordering areas of Kathua (Jammu) and Pathankot.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and other top brass of the Indian Army on Thursday paid homage to Dilawar Khan in Srinagar before his mortal remains were flown to his native village in Himachal Pradesh.

Naik Dilwar Khan of the 28 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of the Indian Army laid down his life on Wednesday while bravely fighting terrorists in north Kashmirs Kupwara.

LG Sinha said that Dilwar Khans valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The entire nation stands firmly with the family of the martyr in this hour of grief.

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The Army Chief came from Delhi to lay a wreath and pay homage to the martyr. This was his third visit to Jammu and Kashmir in the past about 20 days.

GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt General MV Suchindra Kumar, Chinar Corps Commander Lt. General Rajiv Ghai, civil dignitaries and all ranks of the Chinar Corps paid homage to Nk (Gnr) Dilwar Khan, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

It is worth mentioning that eleven Army soldiers and a CRPF jawan have laid their lives in terrorist attacks in the past about 20 days.

Five Army soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed and five others were injured when terrorists on 8 July ambushed a military truck that was attacked with grenades in the Billawar region in the Kathua district of the Jammu division.

Four soldiers, including a Captain, were killed in an ambush by terrorists in the Doda district on 16 July.

Two Army soldiers were injured on 18 July when terrorists attacked a temporary security camp that was established in the Katisgarh area of the Doda.

One soldier laid his life fighting terrorists in Poonch on 22 July. Another soldier lost his life on 24 July while fighting infiltrating terrorists in Kupwara.

Security forces also intensified their hunt for terrorists and eliminated three heavily armed Pakistani terrorists on 14 July when the Indian Army foiled an Infiltration bid on the Line of Control (LOC) in the Keran Sector of North Kashmirs Kupwara district.

The Indian Army on 18 July foiled an infiltration bid by killing two heavily armed Pakistani terrorists in an encounter on the Line of Control (LOC) in North Kashmirs Kupwara.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and other top brass of the Indian Army on Thursday paid homage to Dilawar Khan in Srinagar before his mortal remains were flown to his native village in Himachal Pradesh.

Naik Dilwar Khan of the 28 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of the Indian Army laid down his life on Wednesday while bravely fighting terrorists in north Kashmirs Kupwara.

LG Sinha said that Dilwar Khans valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The entire nation stands firmly with the family of the martyr in this hour of grief.

The Army Chief came from Delhi to lay a wreath and pay homage to the martyr. This was his third visit to Jammu and Kashmir in the past about 20 days.

GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt General MV Suchindra Kumar, Chinar Corps Commander Lt. General Rajiv Ghai, civil dignitaries and all ranks of the Chinar Corps paid homage to Nk (Gnr) Dilwar Khan, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

It is worth mentioning that eleven Army soldiers and a CRPF jawan have laid their lives in terrorist attacks in the past about 20 days.

Five Army soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed and five others were injured when terrorists on 8 July ambushed a military truck that was attacked with grenades in the Billawar region in the Kathua district of the Jammu division.

Four soldiers, including a Captain, were killed in an ambush by terrorists in the Doda district on 16 July.

Two Army soldiers were injured on 18 July when terrorists attacked a temporary security camp that was established in the Katisgarh area of the Doda.

One soldier laid his life fighting terrorists in Poonch on 22 July. Another soldier lost his life on 24 July while fighting infiltrating terrorists in Kupwara.

Security forces also intensified their hunt for terrorists and eliminated three heavily armed Pakistani terrorists on 14 July when the Indian Army foiled an Infiltration bid on the Line of Control (LOC) in the Keran Sector of North Kashmirs Kupwara district.

The Indian Army on 18 July foiled an infiltration bid by killing two heavily armed Pakistani terrorists in an encounter on the Line of Control (LOC) in North Kashmirs Kupwara.
The Indian Army on Thursday commenced the twoday concluding event of the Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti Varsh in Dras, Ladakh, marking the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

This significant milestone honours the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War celebrated over the past year with numerous events across India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday lay a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial and pay homage to the Bravehearts who displayed unparalleled bravery during Operation Vijay, a defence spokesman said.

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Thursdays events were attended by a large number of senior serving officers, Gallantry Award Winners, veterans, and the next of kin of those who attained Veergati during the Kargil War.

The key highlights of Thursdays celebrations included the Battle Reminiscence at Lamochen View Point, Vijay Bhoj, and Shaurya Sandhya.

At Lamochen View Point in Dras, a special event was held to remember the Bravehearts of the Kargil War. The event commenced with a Microlight Aircraft Demonstration followed by an audio-visual narration of the battles, vividly recreating the scenes of each confrontation against the backdrop of the very mountains where these fierce battles were fought.

The narrations were followed by reminiscences from war heroes themselves, bringing to life the bravery, indomitable spirit, and everlasting zeal of our soldiers.

This event was attended by war heroes, Veer Naris, Veer Matas, and relatives of the gallant soldiers who laid down their lives during the war. General VP Malik (Retired) was the chief guest on the occasion, accompanied by other legendary Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra Awardees.

The Gauravmayi Sanskriti function was held to honour the braves, their families, and other guests. The event showcased the cultural diversity of not only Ladakh but entire India. It was a reflection of the vibrant culture, national spirit, and patriotism of all Indians, providing a poignant reminder of the unity and resilience that define our nation.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, was present at the event along with Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, the AWWA president. They interacted with the gallantry award winners, Bravehearts, and families of those who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War 25 years ago.

In homage to the supreme sacrifice made by Indian soldiers during Operation Vijay, lamps were lit at the Veer Bhoomi, in memory of the Bravehearts.

The Shaurya Sandhya event at the Kargil War Memorial is being attended by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff. The Army chief will also be present.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, on Thursday, slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre for allegedly slashing the budget of higher education.

Referring to the allocation to higher education in the Union Budget 2024, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, he said, BJP-RSS wants to destroy Indias education sector by a thousand cuts. The Budget for Higher Education has been slashed by a whopping Rs 9,600 crore, the interim Budget also slashed it by 16.38 per cent.

Kharge, who is also the leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, wrote in a post on X, Budget for IITs and IIMs have been cut for the second consecutive year.

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The Congress chief said, Budget cut for UGC by a massive 61 per cent. UGC is a statutory body and was supposed to be the only grant-giving agency in the country, but the Modi government has snatched its power, thereby trampling upon its autonomy.

UGCs functioning of granting funds has been usurped by Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA)  a venture between Canara Bank and the Ministry of Education. This will not only compel colleges and universities to introduce more self-financing courses but also increase the financial woes of SC, ST, OBC, and EWS students, Kharge contended.

He further said, Modi governments five-pronged attack on Indias education system continues unabated in the form of controlling universities, strangulating the funds of autonomous institutions, undermining their autonomy, destroying public education through cronyism and betraying the youth.
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.

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I appeal to CM Siddaramaiah that his government has committed numerous sins. The countdown has begun, and we dont 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 dont 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.
To restore normalcy and foster unity, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Thursday that he would personally send invitations to the 10 Kuki-Zo legislators, urging them to attend the forthcoming Assembly session.

Addressing the media, Singh stated, I will personally extend the invitations, as well as through the Assembly. They (Kuki-Zo MLAs) should join us, and we are ready to cooperate. This gesture comes in anticipation of the sixth session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, scheduled to convene from July 31 to August 6.

The 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, including two ministers, have boycotted the last two sessions due to the ongoing ethnic violence plaguing the state.

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The fifth session, held from February 28 to March 5, and the fourth session on August 29 last year, were marked by the absence of these legislators. The latter session was notably adjourned after just 11 minutes.

While the violence in Manipur has subsided somewhat, recent sporadic incidents have continued to disrupt peace across various parts of the state.

Since the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities on May 3, 2023, more than 225 people have lost their lives, and approximately 62,000 individuals have been displaced.

In conjunction with his conciliatory efforts, Chief Minister Singh also highlighted his forthcoming trip to Delhi, where he plans to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Singh added that he will address the current situation in the state and seek immediate solutions to the ongoing crisis.
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 Centres scheme Amrit station. Besides these, around 1,062 flyovers and roads under bridges have been constructed in the past 10 years.

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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.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday drew a parallel between the tenure of YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Colombian drug lord Paolo Escobar while speaking on the drug menace in the state. This came after Reddy held a dharna in New Delhi to protest against political killings and violence in AP since the TDP led coalition government came into power.

Naidu was releasing a White Paper on law and order in the Assembly today when he made the remark in order to criticise the YS Jagan Mohan Reddys tenure which was allegedly marked by lawlessness and vindictive attitude against other political parties.

Naidu came out with a list of cases filed against various political parties in the past five years, topped by TDP and followed by Jana Sena. The current chief minister had 17 cases filed against him while Pawan Kalyan was booked for 7 during this time though they had no criminal record prior to 2019. When Naidu asked those who had cases filed against them during the YSRCP reign to stand up, almost all the MLAs from the Treasury Benches stood up, sending a ripple of laughter through the House.

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Blaming the former chief minister for the lawlessness and spread of drugs, Naidu said, I am the senior most politician in the state and yet I have never come across a scene like it was in Andhra when Jagan was in power. There was only one person with whom it can be compared to what happened in Andhra, that is drug lord Paolo Escobar.

He then described Escobar to fellow MLAs as a narco terrorist who turned into a politician and started his cartel to sell drugs, eventually to become the largest drug lord in the world. Escobars violent moves including the murder of Colombian minister for justice and attack on the Supreme Court leading to the death of 11 judges, were also recounted.

Naidu said AP was transformed into a Ganja capital between 2019-24 and alleged it was freely available in every village while promising a crackdown. One can become richer by selling drugs as well. What was the aim of the former chief minister? Tata, Reliance and Ambani have money but he aspired to become richer than them. Few have needs, few have greed and few have mania and these maniacs do these kinds of things.

Naidu said the YSRCP terrorised people during the previous regime. He cited the murder of the driver of YSRCP MLC Ananta Satya Udaya Bhaskar who was killed by the MLC himself. The body was then brought to his residence where the MLC claimed he was killed in an accident. The Chief Minister also accused Reddy of harming temples during his tenure, reading out a list to validate his claims.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Serbia has created conditions for increasing the inflow of foreign investments and is ready to encourage Azerbaijani entrepreneurs to implement projects in Serbia, State Secretary of the Serbian Ministry of Economy Andrea Horvat said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the 8th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia, held in Baku.

Now we have several programs of assistance for entrepreneurs. These programs provide support for purchasing equipment and opening a new business. We offer these programs for Azerbaijani investors, for example, in the fields of food production, industrial automation and innovation, hotel business, and the and the development of the technology sector, Horvat noted.

According to her, investment projects involving foreign and Serbian companies are extremely important for the development of the economy and the improvement of the business environment in Serbia.

To note, the mutual investments of Azerbaijan and Serbia are extremely small, and so far oil and gas have prevailed in the trade turnover.
The Uttar Pradesh Police nabbed 18 people, including two policemen, for their alleged involvement in smuggling liquor and other items into the state through the Bihar border late on Wednesday night.

A team of STF, led by the ADG Varanasi and DIG Azamgarh, conducted a raid at the Bharauli intersection located on the UP-Bihar border under the Narhi police station of the Ballia district and arrested the 18 accused on the spot, DIG Vaibhav Krishna said on Thursday.

Rs 37,500 cash has been recovered from the spot.

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Nine policemen, including Narhi police station in-charge Pannelal, have been suspended following the incident while all the policemen of the post, including the in-charge of the Korantadih post, have also been suspended with a case registered against them.

The DIG said a challan has been issued against the 18 arrested persons.

Going by the sequel of the incident, on Wednesday night, the STF team under the leadership of ADG Varanasi Piyush Moradia took a major action at the Bharauli picket across the Ganga river bridge on the UP-Bihar border of the Narhi police station area.

The action was started after midnight on a complaint of illegal recovery from trucks laden with sand as well as vehicles carrying liquor and cattle at the border. The team took into custody three policemen and 17 others from the picket.

A large number of bikes, registers, and mobiles were also recovered from the spot. All the accused were kept at a nearby temple and interrogated throughout the night. On Thursday morning, the vehicle used for carrying prisoners was called from Ballia and the people caught from there were brought to Narhi police station.

The teams action continued at the Narhi police station. Here the room of the station in-charge was sealed. Police station in-charge Pannelal was missing from the spot. After this, searches of the policemens barracks were also started.

In the morning, DIG Vaibhav Krishna and SP Devranjan Verma, along with the additional superintendent of police and CO also reached the spot.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav reacted sharply to the incident on social media saying, A new game is happening in Uttar Pradesh: Earlier it used to be thief-police game and under BJP rule it is happening police-police!

This is the expose of zero tolerance against crime. #Dont_want_BJP, he wrote.
The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Thursday witnessed pandemonium for over 15 minutes when the Chief Whip of ruling BJP Jogeshwar Garg demanded an apology from Congress MLA Shravan Kumar for making a derogatory remark against Baba and Saint while speaking on Grants for Demands last night.

Urging Speaker Vasudev Devnani to expunge the offensive words spoken by the MLA, the Chief Whip warned that the House would not run until the MLA issues a verbal apology.

The House went into turmoil when Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, along with MLAs, Baba Balaknath, Pratap Puri, Balmukund (all BJP), asked Shravan Kumar to apologise. Senior Congress MLA Rajendra Pareek tried to convince the House that the undesirable words of Shravan could be expunged and he appealed to the treasury benches not to create a controversy over the issue but they did not concede and shouted against all the Congress legislators.

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The Speaker issued a ruling that no member should make any personal remark against any person, religion or caste, and the derogatory remarks are expunged, but the Chief Whip of Ruling Garg objected to his order and exhorted his party (BJP) against accepting this until Shravan tenders an apology. Both sides stood up on their seats and exchanged allegations and counter allegations against each other prompting the Speaker to adjourn the House for 15 minutes.

After the House reassembled, Pareek told the House that his party respected the Speakers ruling for removing such remarks from the proceedings. But BJP MLA Balaknath moved up to the well and reiterated the demand for an apology. He was, however, pulled back to his seat by Garg and others.

There was a lot of uproar in the assembly over the comment, due to which the proceedings of the assembly had to be adjourned for a while. However, Speaker Vasudev Devnani ordered the removal of Shravan Kumars comment from the proceedings of the House.

During the debate on Demands for Grants, when Shravan started speaking, BJP MLA Balaknath again objected to it and was adamant on their demand for Apology.

Amidst the uproar, Balaknath warned the Congress member, Apologize, I will gather the saint community from all over the country for protest. I will not let you leave the House. You should clarify your position on your statement otherwise I will not let you speak.

It is my job to gather the entire Sant Samaj from your Vidhan Sabha to your home. I will not let you go out of the house. You clarify what you believe. On this Shravan Kumar said that they are saying that they will not let you live, so let me tell you that I do not even like to live. I prefer to die but do not like to bow down. I am not going to be suppressed by such bullying, I follow the system of the president, the duo charged each other. This again led the Speaker to adjourn the House for another 15 minutes.
Following the sighting of seven suspected terrorists in a village of the Pathankot district of neighbouring state, Punjab, schools at Army installations in the Jammu region and along the highway were on Thursday closed till 29 July as a precautionary measure.

In the wake of the spotting of the suspicious-looking intruders, a red alert has been sounded in military installations while a massive search operation has been launched by the Army, police, and paramilitary forces in the border areas of Kathua (Jammu) and Pathankot to track down the suspects.

A sketch of one of the suspects has also been released based on the description of a woman who spotted the seven suspicious men in the Phangtoli, according to a senior police official.

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The suspicious men demanded water from the woman before heading to the jungle, police said. Soon after the woman informed the villagers and the police about the incident, a search operation was launched.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Police have also inducted three Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) that were trained by the Army in tackling terror attacks. The Pathankot district of the neighbouring state witnessed twin terror attacks, one at Dinanagar in Gurdaspur in 2015 and the other at the Pathankot Air Base in 2016.

In the wake of the spurt in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, additional troops have been mobilised in the Jammu division. The presence of about 40 to 50 hardcore Pakistani terrorists has been reported in the hilly districts of the Jammu division, including Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, Reasi, and Udhampur. Attacks by them indicate that they are highly trained in ambushing Army vehicles and jungle warfare.

Fresh infiltration bids are also on the rise through the international border and Line of Control (LOC) in J&K and Punjab.

A high-level meeting of top brass of the J&K Police, Punjab Police, BSF, and Intelligence Agencies was recently held at Kathua to chalk out a joint strategy to tackle the menace of terrorism.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited J&K thrice in the past about 20 days to review security at the LOC and hold a joint security review meeting.

Security has also been stepped up for the ongoing Amarnath yatra.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals aide Bibhav Kumar, who is accused of assaulting Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal, approached the Supreme Court challenging the July 12, 2024 Delhi High Court order denying him bail.

The high court had dismissed Bibhav Kumars bail plea, stating that no ground to grant him the relief was made out as he enjoys considerable influence and it cannot be ruled out that the witnesses may be influenced or evidence tampered if he is released on bail.

An FIR was registered against Kumar on May 16, invoking the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal intimidation, assault, or using criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe and attempt to commit culpable homicide.

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Bibhav Kumar had moved to the high court after a Tis Hazari court here dismissed his bail plea on May 26. Seeking bail in the case, he claimed that the allegations against him were false and his custody was no longer required as the investigation was over.

Opposing Kumars bail plea, the Delhi Police had said that if released on bail, he might influence the probe.

Kumar is accused of assaulting Maliwal at the Chief Ministers residence in New Delhi on May 13, 2024.
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.

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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 KCRs 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 KCRs 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 Ministers 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 fathers 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 states 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 Modis affection is enough. He said that the people were witnesses of KCRs 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.

Isnt 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 governments demonetisation policy and his governments 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 BJPs 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 Reddys remark of KCRs 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.
The Delhi Police arrested an agent for arranging fake immigration stamps with the intent to create fake travel history at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), the police said on Thursday. The accused was identified as Sandeep, 39, a resident of Nilokheri, Haryana.

According to the police, a passenger, Kuldeep, arrived at the IGI Airport on the night of May 25 from China as a deportee passenger. During the scrutiny of his passport, the airport staff found a fake departure immigration stamp. Later, a case was registered against him.

During interrogation, Kuldeep revealed that he approached a travel agent named Akshay through his friend to arrange his visit to the US. They struck a deal according to which, he was to pay Akshay Rs 47 lakh after reaching his destination.

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However, the agent arranged fake immigration stamps to create a fake travel history. So, he first went to Bangkok before heading for China from where he was deported back to India for failing to give a satisfactory answer to the queries of the immigration officer.

Based on the revelation, a Delhi Police team arrested Akshay and at his instance nabbed his associate Sandeep after multiple raids.

The arrested agent disclosed that during his stay in Japan, he came in contact with some agents who used to dupe gullible people on the pretext of sending them abroad.

An investigation into the matter is underway and efforts are on to unearth other such fake transport syndicates out to dupe people.
Lakhs of youths preparing for the police recruitment examination can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Uttar Pradesh government has announced new dates for the previously canceled exam.

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board will hold the written examination for Direct Recruitment-2023 to fill 60,244 Constable Civil Police positions on August 23, 24, 25, and August 30, 31, 2024.

Around 5 million youths are expected to appear in the written exams.

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The announcement of fresh examination dates was made here on Thursday after the original UP Police Constable exam held on February 17 and 18, 2024, was cancelled due to allegations of paper leaks.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered the re-examination to be conducted within six months, emphasizing transparency and upholding the integrity of the process. He further assured that there would be no compromise on the sanctity of the exams.

In line with the state governments commitment to a transparent and equitable examination process, detailed guidelines have been issued by the Uttar Pradesh Government on June 19, 2024.

These guidelines cover all aspects of the examination, including preparation, selection of centers, candidate verification, and measures to prevent impersonation. The upcoming exam will be conducted strictly according to these standards.

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board will conduct the written exam for the direct recruitment of 60,244 Constable Civil Police positions on the scheduled dates. Due to the Janmashtami festival, there will be a break in the exam schedule. The exam will be held in two shifts each day, with approximately 5 lakh candidates appearing in each shift.

Candidates appearing for the exam will have access to free bus services provided by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). Candidates can avail themselves of this service as per their convenience.

It is noteworthy that the Uttar Pradesh government has notified the Uttar Pradesh Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Ordinance-2024 on July 1, 2024, to prevent unfair means in public examinations, such as paper leaks and tampering with answer sheets.

This ordinance stipulates that using unfair means in exams, cheating, facilitating cheating, impersonating, or conspiring to leak question papers are considered crimes and are punishable under this act. In such cases, fines can reach up to Rs 1 crore, and offenders may face life imprisonment.
The United States State Department has updated its travel advisory for India, placing particular emphasis on the northeastern states of Manipur and Meghalaya.

These regions are now under a Do Not Travel status, warning American citizens of heightened risks due to crime and terrorism .

The advisory categorizes India overall at Level 2, which encourages travelers to exercise increased caution.

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However, specific regions within the country have been escalated to Level 4, indicating a strong recommendation against travel. Manipur and parts of central and eastern India are included in this highest risk category.

Meghalaya has been placed under a Level 3 advisory, urging travelers to reconsider their plans.

The advisory particularly warns of potential threats from ethnic insurgent groups in the northeastern states.

These groups have a history of committing violent acts, such as bombings in public transport and marketplaces, posing significant risks to safety, the advisory stated.

The advisory underscores that while there have been no recent reports of violence in several northeastern states, caution is still advised due to the unpredictable nature of insurgent activities.

US government employees are required to seek prior approval before traveling outside the capital cities in Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura, reflecting ongoing concerns about safety in rural and remote regions.

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, the advisory added.
This years Union Budget has once again highlighted the growing disparity between the contributions of individual income taxpayers and corporates to the governments coffers. This imbalance, a result of the corporate tax cuts introduced five years ago, has led to a situation where individuals are shouldering a disproportionate share of the tax burden. In 2019, the government slashed corporate tax rates from 30 per cent to 22 per cent, a move aimed at stimulating private investment and job creation.

This tax cut, however, came at a significant cost: an annual revenue loss of Rs 1.45 lakh crore. Over five years, the total revenue foregone amounts to a staggering Rs 8.7 lakh crore. The rationale behind this decision was clear ~ to boost economic activity and employment. However, the anticipated benefits have not materialised. Instead, the corporate sector appears to have absorbed these savings, either retaining them or distributing them as dividends, contributing to a stock market surge that contrasts sharply with the economic realities faced by the broader population. The current budget reveals a troubling trend: the share of government revenue from individual income tax stands at 19 per cent, while corporate tax contributes just 17 per cent.

This shift indicates that the tax burden on individuals has increased significantly, with income taxes going up from Rs 2.5 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 11.8 lakh crore in the current budget estimates. In contrast, corporate taxes have grown at a much slower pace, from Rs 4.28 lakh crore to Rs 10.2 lakh crore over the same period. The data also underscores a growing income inequality in India. According to the World Inequality Lab, income and wealth concentration among the top 1 per cent in India has reached historic highs, with the top 1 per cent holding 22.6 per cent of income and 40.1 per cent of wealth as of 2022-23. This is a stark reminder that the benefits of economic policies over the past decade have been disproportionately skewed towards the wealthy, exacerbating the income divide. The country is grappling with the implications of K-shaped growth, where the wealthy experience substantial gains while the majority of the population struggle with stagnant or declining incomes.

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The budgets figures reveal that corporate tax as a percentage of GDP has decreased from 3.4 per cent to 3.1 per cent over the past decade, while income tax contributions have increased from 2.1 per cent to 3.5 per cent. This trend indicates a deliberate shift in the tax burden towards individuals, further straining the middle class and working population. The budget fails to address this skewed tax burden. It does not rectify the disproportionate contributions of individual taxpayers compared to corporates, nor does it tackle the underlying issues of income inequality. The government must reconsider its fiscal policies and strive for a more equitable tax structure that ensures fair contributions from both individuals and corporations
A little over a quarter century ago when the book Third Millennium Equipoise came out with its final blueprint for ridding the world of nuclear weapons linked to UN Security Council reforms, there were only five countries that possessed nuclear weapons. They were also the five permanent members of the Security Council. Today there are nine countries possessing nuclear weapons. In the 78 years since the nuclear strikes on Hiroshima and Nagasaki no leader of consequence had threatened use of nuclear strikes in the manner of the threat given by the Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the Ukraine war.

He has threatened to use these in the event of serious Russian losses due to the supply of advanced weapons to Ukraine. It has to be noted that he appears to be deliberately over reacting since there is no threat in the war to loss of territory in Russia. He will use nuclear weapons if he loses Crimea and his enclaves in Donbas. Putin may not actually be intending to carry out the nuclear threat but his adversaries in the West cannot take these threats casually. Automatically certain states of readiness to meet the threats take place. What is more, based on the Russian threat, nuclear powers have started refining and in some cases augmenting their nuclear arsenals making the world a more dangerous place to live in. While Russia may have the capability to invade parts of Europe, the West has neither the capacity nor the desire to invade Russia.

Therefore the nuclear sabre rattling by Putin makes no sense. Carrying the argument further in case of Russian setbacks, where exactly would he carry out a nuclear strike? Certainly not in Europe which would invite retaliatory nuclear strikes on Russia with consequences too horrible to contemplate. That limits the choice to strikes in Ukraine. But where? Wherever he strikes there is a strong possibility that the largest nuclear reactor in Europe at Zaporizzzhia will also go up in flames, again with far reaching consequences in the whole of Ukraine and large parts of Europe and Russia. The discussion above brings home to every human being with terrifying clarity that among eight billion or so people who share the planet, the potential inheres in just one person or leader to endanger the fragility of the beautiful Pale Blue Dot that we inhabit.

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That being the case and having lived through the nuclear menace for over seven decades through Cold War doctrines like MAD (Mutual Assured Destruction) and the like, the world cannot continue to skate on thin ice for its future and safety both of which are amenable to annihilation on the calculations, whims or fancy of a single human being. Today the capacity for largescale country or global destruction inheres in two nations, the United States and the Russian Federation with nuclear arsenals comprising 5044 and 5580 weapons respectively sufficient for second, third and fourth strike capability. No other nuclear state has the weapons numbers to cause damage nearing that of the two world powers. Having said that, all of them continue to increase their nuclear weapon holdings. Taking the case of the two superpowers, should they decide to wage war on each other they can devastate each others countries to the extent of reducing them to gigantic Chernobyls.

That is to say they will cease to exist as viable states for up to fifty or even hundred years. To do so they would hardly have used more than twenty per cent of their megaton range weapons stockpile. To what effect would this near total mutual assured destruction take place? There would be no victory, only mutual annihilation. Therefore where is the rationale in the first instance of holding such large stockpiles and refining them? Surely they have no plans, or possibly have no plans to use them on other nations in similar numbers. Most importantly why would Russia want to destroy America or the US Russia? Russian people admire America and given a chance half of them would like to migrate there. Likewise Americans do not dislike Russian people.

They admire them. Therefore the question arises in a MAD type of scenario  who is destroying whom and on whose behalf? The same applies to a possible exchange between China and the US. Would their nationals want the destruction of their opposite numbers? Once these aspects are discussed in open forums and universities around the world, the absurdity of holding nuclear weapons globally would automatically lead to their abandonment. The fifty year blueprint once outlined for ridding the world of nuclear weapons keeping in mind mutual and equal security for lead nuclear states during phased reduction will have to be scaled down to a quarter century or so.

Prior to that aspects of monitoring under UN auspices will need to be streamlined. The elimination of nuclear weapons has to be the foremost global priority with immediate effect. The first step would have to be the passage of this resolution in the UN General Assembly followed by a similar resolution in the UN Security Council.

(The writer, a retired Major General of the Indian Army, is the author of Third Millenium Equipoise.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Netherlands stands to gain a great deal from Azerbaijan's water management expertise, the Netherlands' special envoy for water resources Meike van Ginneken said during a training session at ADA University, Trend reports.

The Netherlands and Azerbaijan are similar countries in terms of water resource management. We have considerable experience in water management that we can share with Azerbaijan. This applies to technologies, data processing necessary for water management, and water pollution control. At the same time, we can learn a lot from Azerbaijan, which has also gained useful experience for us. During my visit to Azerbaijan, I aim to understand how we can support our universities, scientific institutions, and companies, as well as study the methods that Azerbaijan applies in the field of water resources management and adaptation to climate change, she said.

Meike van Ginneke noted that, in reviewing the measures proposed in the World Bank report on Azerbaijan, three main categories could be identified.

"First, engineering and technological measures. Improving irrigation efficiency in farms is becoming important in times of water shortage. The government of Azerbaijan is seeking to expand irrigation areas, but this requires doubling efforts to improve water efficiency and reduce water leakage. The rehabilitation and modernization of the hydro-technical infrastructure, mostly built in Soviet times, is also an important task," Meike van Ginneken said.

According to her, the second is spatial planning.

"The report emphasizes the need to reform agricultural subsidies in such a way as to promote adaptation to climate change. Globally, agricultural subsidies amount to about $680 billion a year and are often in the wrong direction. As a result, 70 percent of deforestation is related to agricultural subsidies. Reforming agricultural subsidies, including in Azerbaijan, can change the structure of crops, persuade farmers to use less water-intensive crops, and help small farmers adapt to the new conditions. Currently, the majority of subsidies, both in Azerbaijan and elsewhere, go to large producers. Thus, an integrated approach to engineering and technological measures, spatial planning, and reform of agricultural subsidies will enable Azerbaijan to effectively cope with water shortages and increase the resilience of agriculture to climate change," the special envoy added.

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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-per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023, the state media reported.

Citing figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the report said on Wednesday that 19,729 Syrian refugees returned from Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, 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, Xinhua news agency reported.

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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 per cent of Syrian refugees in Jordan do not intend to return to their homeland within the next 12 months.


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Ever wish there was one trustworthy, accessible stop for all your spiritual dilemmas? Now what if I tell you all that could happen from a chatbox on your phone? Quite the oxymoron isn't it? NORBU or the Neural Omniscient Robotic-Being for Buddhist Understanding is a technology created to engage with readers in real-time, answer questions, provide insightful teachings and foster meaningful discussions about Buddhism. This pioneering project aims to bring greater accessibility, personalized wisdom and interactivity for Dharma and Nirvana seekers.

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Prof. (Dr) Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice Chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS) at Sarnath explained the meaning of the word Dharma, as one that symbolises `absorb or `hold.

All phenomena hold their characteristics, we can distinguish these as water, wind, fire, tree, plants and these become their uncommon characteristics.

He went on to explain that all phenomena, both mundane and supramundane, come under the general meaning of Dharma as it relates to the Universal Law or the Law of Nature, which pervades all phenomena in one way or the other. These include the qualities of morality, concentration and wisdom, he said. These teachings are being made available with the AI enabled NORBU.

Notably, AI has been making inroads in all aspects of lifebusiness, healthcare, education, lifestyle and governance. Religion has so far been a tricky landscape for AI to enter but NORBU is a significant step forward in making Buddhist teachings accessible and engaging for a global audience. By merging ancient wisdom with cutting-edge technology, NORBU is being seen as an innovative method by those who seek enlightenment through a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy.
The chargesheet in the Salman Khan firing incident said that Anmol Bishnoi, brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, had instructed the gunman to fire shots in the air outside Khan's residence to intimidate him. This was to establish the Bishnoi gang's dominance in Mumbai for financial and other benefits. This comes as Khan told the police that he believed the firing was carried outside his residence in April to kill him and his family members.

The charge sheet filed by Mumbai Police at the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court also carried transcript of the phone conversation between Anmol Bishnoi and shooter Vickykumar Gupta. Anmol allegedly told Gupta to fire in a way that would scare Khan and suggested he smoke during the act to appear fearless on CCTV footage. "You will create history by doing this job and your name will be there in all newspapers and other media," Anmol told Gupta as per the 1,735-page chargesheet.

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. Anmol is currently absconding.

This comes as Khan said he heard a firecracker-like sound while 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 a motorbike had fired at the first-floor balcony, he said, adding that his bodyguard complained about the firing at Bandra police station.

Khan added that there were earlier attempts to hurt him and his family. He said he later learnt via Facebook that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi had confessed and taken responsibility for the attack, the statement said.



Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members had talked about killing Khan and his relatives earlier too, the statement said, adding, "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 and his family had received several other threats in recent years, the actor told police.



Salman Khan's brother and actor-producer Arbaaz Khan too reiterated that the Bishnoi gang intended to kill them. In his statement, he recounted the prior threats received by the family and the trespassing at their Panvel farmhouse. "Hence, Salman Khan would always tell our family members to be alert about their safety," Arbaaz said. He was out of town when the April 14 firing incident took place, Arbaaz said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has launched a blistering attack on his predecessor Jagan Mohan Reddy, comparing him to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.

Speaking in the state assembly on Thursday, Naidu alleged that Andhra Pradesh had become the "Ganja capital" of the country during Jagan Reddys rule. Ganja was available in every village of the state, he said.

"Pablo Escobar is a Colombian drug lord, he is a Narco terrorist. He turned politician and then started his cartel to sell drugs. He earned 30 Billion Dollars at that time, now its 90 Billion Dollars worth. He was arrested in 1976 and in 1980 he became the number one richest drug lord in the world. One can become richer by selling drugs as well, said Naidu.

What was the aim of former Chief Minister (Jagan Reddy)? Tata, Reliance, Ambani have money and he aspired to become richer than them. Few have needs, few have greed and few have mania and these maniacs do these kinds of things," he was further quoted as saying by ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kargil on Friday to commemorate 25 years of Indias victory in the Kargil war. The prime minister will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tributes to martyrs.



On the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial at around 9.20am and pay homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, the Prime Ministers Office said in a release.

The PMO said Modi will also be virtually carrying out the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project on Friday. Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel which will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu  Padum  Darcha Road to provide all weather connectivity to Leh. Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world. Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh, it said.

Recently, Ladakh Lt. Governor Brig (Retd) B.D. Mishra reviewed arrangements for Modis visit.

The prime minister would participate in the wreath-laying ceremony followed by a visit to the 'Shaheed Marg' (Wall of Fame), said General Officer Commanding of 8 Mountain Division, Major General Sachin Malik. He added Modi would sign the visitor's book and inspect the museum of Kargil War artefacts. The prime minister will sit for the briefing on the Kargil War followed by a group photograph. He would also interact with 'Veer Naris' (War Widows) and visit the Veer Bhoomi.
A Delhi Court extended judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the CBI case registered in connection with alleged liquor scam till August 8.



Hearing the case on Thursday, the Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court extended Kejriwals judicial custody in the case probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation on the expiry of his remand period. The Aam Aadmi Party leader was produced via video conferencing from Tihar prison.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had granted interim bail to Kejriwal in the money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged scam. However, he was not released from prison owing to the CBI case.

The ED arrested Arvind Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with an alleged scam in the scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The CBI arrested him from Tihar prison on June 26 in a prevention of corruption case registered in connection with the alleged scam. The matter relates to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which has now been scrapped.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Srbijagas have agreed to expand cooperation, in addition to negotiating oil supply increase from Azerbaijani to Serbia, SOCAR Deputy Vice President Vitaliy Baylarbayov said, Trend reports.

He made the announcement during the eighth session of the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on trade and economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia in Baku.

He recalled that Serbia has been receiving Azerbaijani gas regularly since January 2024, based on the contract signed between SOCAR and Srbijagas in November 2023.

The supply of Azerbaijani gas to the Turkiye-Bulgaria-Serbia system is regular.

Based on this agreement, Serbia can regularly receive up to 400 million cubic meters of gas per year (peak annual volumes) from Azerbaijan through Bulgaria via the new Bulgaria-Serbia Interconnector (ISB) until 2026.

The volume amounted to about 20 million cubic meters in the first six months.

As it became known to Trend, SOCAR also assisted Serbia in leasing capacity at the Greek liquefied natural gas terminal.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh who is in the national capital to attend a NITI Aayog meeting is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders in more than 14 months since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023.

Talking to reporters in Imphal earlier in the day, Singh said he is optimistic about a positive outcome of his Delhi trip.

"My visit to Delhi is for the NITI Aayog meeting. Following this, there will be a chief ministers' conclave where we will discuss various issues. I will address the current situation in the state and seek immediate solutions to the ongoing crisis. I am optimistic that positive outcomes will result," he said.

Responding to media queries, Singh confirmed that there would be a one-to-one meeting between him and the prime minister.

At least 200 people lost their lives and more than 60,000 people were displaced in the violence that broke out between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Most of those displaced are still living in relief camps.

The opposition has been attacking the prime minister for not visiting the northeast state since the violence broke out and the state government for failing to maintain the law and order situation.

Talking to reporters, Singh said he will personally send invitations to the 10 Kuki-Zo legislators to attend the upcoming Assembly session.

"I will personally extend the invitations, as well as through the Assembly. They (Kuki-Zo MLAs) should join us, and we are ready to cooperate," he siad.

The 10 Kuki MLAs, including two ministers, did not attend the last two sessions due to the ongoing ethnic violence in the state.

The sixth session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly will be held from July 31 to August 6.
Parliament Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday the Opposition is not ready to discuss the union budget, but doing politics in Parliament. He charged the opposition is lowering the dignity of the budget session.



Addressing presspersons, Rijiju said, After the presentation of the first budget of the historic third term under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country wants to see that the discussion on the budget takes place in a good and meaningful manner. The way the leaders of some parties commented during the budget session and the way they gave speeches, I would like to say that they have insulted the House by lowering the dignity of the budget session, ANI reported.

The union minister added the Opposition people did not say anything on the budget, they just did politics in the House on Wednesday. They have insulted the mandate of the country and the opposition people have abused the prime minister, he said.

Rijiju asked why the Opposition wasn't ready to discuss budget allocations for tribals and farmers. He added elections were over and now the focus should be to work towards a developed India (Viksit Bharat) and hold constructive discussion on the Union Budget. The parliamentary affairs minister said floor leaders of political parties should direct the members not to create ruckus in Parliament and have a civilised and sensitive debate during the Budget session.

During the general discussion on the budget for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, various opposition members accused the government of doling out sops to key allies JD-U and TDP, which rule Bihar and Andhra Pradesh respectively, to ensure that the government faces no hurdles from its coalition partners.

-with inputs from agencies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee for the US presidential elections, on Thursday.

The meeting comes at a crucial juncture as Biden dropped out of the presidential race endorsing Harris and mounting pressure on Israel to find a way to end the nine-month war. Over 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza lost their lives so far since the Israel-Hamas war.

Netanyahu's trip to the US also puts a spotlight on the views of Harris amid the raging war. Will she maintain Bidens stand or will there be a difference? It is a matter closely watched by the experts.

Earlier, considering the plight of the innocent Palestinians, Harris had called for an "immediate ceasefire". She had also acknowledged the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza.

Harris is set to meet Netanyahu privately at the White House on Thursday. Israel PM's one-on-one engagement with Harris was last in March 2021.

Netanyahu is under immense pressure from families of hostages demanding a cease-fire agreement to bring home their loved ones. Recently, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) recovered the bodies of five hostages in Gaza.

While addressing a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, Netanyahu lashed out against accusations by the International Criminal Court of Israeli war crimes. "Our enemies are your enemies," he told American lawmakers. "Our fight, it's your fight. And our victory will be your victory."

Netanyahu also in his speech praised Biden for his administration's support after the October 7 attack on Israel.

Netanyahu is also set to travel to Florida on Friday to meet with Trump.

Harris did not attend the Congressional address as she had to attend the annual convention of a sorority being held in Indiana. Her absence was questioned by many including the Republicans.

According to experts, though Harris is more critical of the war in Gaza than Biden, she is not expected to express views that differ from current policy during the meeting.

During the meeting, Harris is likely to reiterate US support for Israel's war in Gaza, the concerns about the Palestinian death toll and also the longing cease-fire deal with Hamas.

Meanwhile, Harris has condemned the protests that erupted as Netanyahu spoke to Congress at the Capitol. Protesters burned the American flag and raised pro-Gaza slogans.

Yesterday, at Union Station in Washington DC we saw despicable acts by unpatriotic protesters and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric...I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews. Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation, she said.

I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way...I support the right to peacefully protest, but lets be clear: antisemitism, hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation, Harris added.
Nepalese authorities on Thursday recovered the black box of the aircraft that crashed here a day before and handed it over to a probe team formed to inquire into the tragic accident that killed 18 persons, including a child.

A Pokhra-bound Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft of Saurya Airlines, carrying 19 people, crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport here on Wednesday, killing 18 people aboard, and seriously injuring the pilot.

The deceased included two crew members, technical staff of the airline, and a family of three, including a four-year-old boy.

Hansa Raj Pandey, deputy director general of the Civil Aviation Authority, said the black box of the crashed aircraft has been recovered and handed over to a probe team for necessary action.

The probe team is headed by Ratish Chandra Lal, former director general of the Civil Aviation Authority, and includes four other experts. The team has to submit its probe report along with recommendations within 45 days.

The dead bodies are in the process of identification after conducting a post mortem and they will be handed over to the family members by Friday, Pandey said.

Meanwhile, Captain Manish Raj Shakya, the sole survivor of the Surya Airlines air crash, is undergoing treatment at the Kathmandu Medical College here and his condition is said to be still. Though he is admitted to the ICU, he can speak, hospital sources said.

A local media report said Captain Shakya was saved after the cockpit of the aircraft was sheared off by a freight container seconds before the rest of the aircraft went up in flames.

The Saurya Airlines plane was flying to Pokhara for regular engine maintenance of the aircraft when the accident occurred.

-PTI
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday explained his decision to drop out of the 2024 Presidential elections, stating he decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.

The President framed his decision as a 'defence of democracy', stating Americas going to have to choose between moving forward or backwards. "I revere this office, but I love my country more. The defence of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. "I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. Its about you. Your families. Your futures. Its about We the People."

The statement came days after Biden announced he was ending his bid to seek re-election after initially stating that only the "Lord Almighty" could convince him to go. After his disastrous debate performance on June 27, many democratic congressmen came forward asking Biden to step aside. After initially hoping to tide over the crisis, Biden decided to take the crucial decision after agonising poll data showed he could lose to Trump in November and drag down fellow Democrats with him before stepping aside.

As he spoke to the nation from his Oval Office, Biden was surrounded by the First Lady, Dr Jill Biden, son Hunter Biden and several members of his family. Toward the end of remarks, Ashley Biden reached for the hand of her mother, Jill Biden, who was seated next to her.



"I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That's the best way to unite our nation. I there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, but there's also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, and that time and place is now," Biden said.



Biden also endorsed his deputy Kamala Harris as the nominee for the Democratic Party. Harris, who is of Indian and African origin, has now emerged as the presumptive presidential nominee. "Shes experienced, shes tough, shes capable," Biden said. "Shes been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country."

Vice President Kamala Harris watched Biden's Address to the Nation from Houston, where she is spending the night after visiting the city's Emergency Operations Center to receive a briefing on the ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl.



Biden added that over the next six months, he will be focused on doing his job as the president. "That means I'll continue to lower costs for hard-working families, grow our economy, and I'll keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights from the right to vote to the right to choose. I'll keep calling out hate and extremism, make it clear there is no place, no place in America for political violence or any violence ever, period. I'm going to keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence, our planet from climate crisis, is the existential threat," he said.



Biden said he is the first president in this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world. "We'll keep rallying a coalition of proud nations to stop Putin from taking over Ukraine and doing more damage. We'll keep NATO stronger, and I'll make it more powerful and more united than at any time in all of our history," he said.



" I'll keep doing the same for allies in the Pacific. You know, when I came to office, the conventional wisdom was that China would inevitably surpass the United States. That's not the case anymore. I'm going to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages and bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war," said the president.


After announcing the decision to drop out of the presidential election, President Joe Biden soon endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday. Later many senior top Democrats backed Harris as the presidential candidate and she began her campaign trail from the swing state of Wisconsin. However, former US President Barack Obama refraining from endorsing her, after days of Bidens endorsement, has raised several questions.

According to the New York Post, Obama has not endorsed Harris as he does not think she can beat Republican candidate Donald Trump.

"Obama is very upset because he knows she can't win," a Biden family source told The New York Post.

"Obama knows she's just incompetent--the border czar who never visited the border, saying that all migrants should have health insurance. She cannot navigate the landmines that are ahead of her...When you are running for president there are things you can and can't say."

The source also said that Obama wanted Arizona Senator Mark Kelly to be the top contender when the Democratic National Convention was held in August.

"Obama is furious, things haven't gone his way, which is why he is not joining in the Democratic Party's support of Harris," the source added.

It was also said that Harris won't be able to perform well in television debates.

However, NBC News reported on Thursday that Obama plans to endorse Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate soon.

Biden on Wednesday said that his decision to drop out of the 2024 Presidential elections is a "defence of democracy". "I revere this office, but I love my country more. The defence of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said.

"I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. Its about you. Your families. Your futures. Its about We the People," he added.

According to the source, Obama had hoped to get Biden out of the way and the article by George Clooney in the New York Times was part of the plan.
Once Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race on July 21 and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris to be his successor, things moved so quickly for the Democrats. Harris was quick off the blocks, sewing up endorsements, raising an insane amount of money at a blistering pace and even vetting her vice presidential hopefuls. By July 23, she won the endorsements of all Democratic governors, a vast majority of the party's elected representatives, the House and Senate leadership and also a clear majority of the convention delegates.

While Harris so far has enjoyed a smooth ride to the top, it may not be that easy as she gets into the real campaign grind, once her rival Donald Trump and his Republican Party start targeting her. Harris certainly has her strengthsher relative youthfulness, her record as a prosecutor, her appeal among Afro-Americans and women and her progressive ethos, especially on the politically sensitive issue of abortion. But at the same time, she also has a few weaknesses as a candidate and the Democrats hope that she will be able to weave together a narrative that effectively addresses these concerns as she takes on Trump.



One of the major challenges Harris is going to face is her association with Joe Biden as his vice president and also his handpicked successor. As Biden was polling so low in the last few weeks of his campaign, his endorsement could be a problem for her in the general election, although it helped her clinch the Democratic nomination quickly. On a range of unpopular issues, from the economy to immigration, the numbers are alarming for Harris, and the Republicans are sure to latch on to that and put the blame on Harris as well.



"Joe Biden has been the worst president in my lifetime, and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way," said J.D. Vance, Trumps vice presidential pick, on July 21, as it became clear that Harris was going to be the Democratic nominee.



Aligning herself closely with Biden may get Harris support from those who approve of Biden's policies and leadership. But those votes will come to her anyway. However, it could cost her the support of independents who are dissatisfied with aspects of Biden's presidency or who expect a different direction for the Democratic Party. Maintaining this balance will be critical for Harris in defining her own platform and vision even while acknowledging her role in the current administration.



Another problem for Harris is that the Republicans will try to portray her as the candidate imposed by the Democratic Party from above. While Democrats paint Republican candidate Donald Trump as a threat to democracy, critics on the right are questioning the Democrats' decision to endorse Harris as the new nominee although she was not chosen in the presidential primaries. In fact, Harris showed tremendous strength and political skills by racking up endorsements soon after Biden dropped out. But it could be held against her, as her candidacy could be defined as one that was brokered and manoeuvred by party elites. Without a competitive primary process, Harris could be perceived as a candidate imposed by party elites rather than being chosen through a broader democratic process.



Additionally, the lack of a rigorous primary contest experience could pose challenges when facing a formidable opponent like Trump in a general election. Primary campaigns typically serve as crucial testing grounds for candidates, allowing them to refine their messaging, build a robust campaign infrastructure and demonstrate their ability to connect with diverse voter demographics.

Harris also has to face the double-edged dynamics of being a Black and Asian woman. Throughout her career, she has endured unfair expectations and undue criticisms because of her race and gender. Once she emerged as the clear frontrunner to replace Biden, Republican Congressman Tim Burchett from Tennessee insinuated that Biden selected her solely because she was Black. One hundred per cent she is a DEI hire, said Burchett, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion. Her record is abysmal at best. As her presidential campaign progresses, Harris is likely to encounter more critics like Burchett, although the Republican leadership has warned lawmakers to focus on Harris's record, not her race.



Even if most Republicans are reined in, Trump is unlikely to restrain himself from going after Harris. He has made several disparaging remarks about Harris, labelling her as "totally unlikable" and a "communist," and even referring to her as "this monster". A day after Biden announced that he was stepping down, Trump said that Harris was dumb as a rock.



Although Harris has been in politics for two decades, she has not been able to convincingly explain her political philosophy, or what she stands for. While she served as a prosecutor in California, she was known for her moderate, smart-on-crime policies. But when she jumped into the 2020 electoral fray, she realised that her profile did not suit the Democratic Party's preferences at that time and she tried to redefine herself. She quickly brought forth a personal narrative, emulating the Obama model, highlighting her Jamaican and Indian roots and spoke of her as a product of American multiculturalism. But that strategy had run its course. As it failed to gain traction, she tried to present herself as a progressive leftist like Bernie Sandersshe endorsed Medicare for Allbut it did not win her much support. So she came up with a plan that preserved private insurance. The flip-flops damaged her credibility and she was forced to drop out.

Unlike politicians who have built their careers in roles like governors or members of Congress, where they often refine their messages over years of public service, Harris's background as a prosecutor has not traditionally emphasised broad policy communication. While she has been successful in articulating her points in a narrow, well-defined narrative, as a presidential candidate, she needs to conceive, explain and sell a broader, sweeping national vision. With just about 100 days till voting day, Harris will have to somehow find a way to translate the strengths of her prosecutorial background into a compelling narrative that resonates with voters.



Harris's tenure as senator and her early years as vice president were marked by challenges in managing her staff effectively. There was an unusually high turnover among her team, indicating difficulties in maintaining a stable and experienced advisory group. She lacked longstanding advisors who could provide deep insights and guide her decision-making processes.



Moreover, as vice- president, Harris was tasked with challenging portfolios such as addressing the root causes of the border crisis, something Biden himself addressed when he was serving as Obama's deputy. Ultimately, the border and immigration crisis turned out to be the biggest disappointment of Biden's presidential term and Harris is now identified as one of the people responsible for the mess, although she did not have any direct involvement in framing policy. The Republicans, for instance, call her Biden's border czar.



Finally, Harris could encounter difficulties in blue-wall swing states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, where her perceived liberal stance could be an issue. Biden, with his "Scranton Joe" image, managed to wrest back these states from Trump because of his centrist policies and appeal among white working-class voters. The perceived disparity in political positions between Harris and Biden might create opportunities for Trump to exploit. Successfully navigating these dynamics will be crucial for Harris to win these swing states.
Kolkata, Jul 25 (PTI) Dhunseri Tea and Industries Ltd, a leading tea manufacturer based in the city, stated that the outlook for the tea industry is positive due to increasing domestic demand, despite challenges that require government support.

"Increasing manufacturing costs have put pressure on margins, and the industry faces a difficult phase due to unfair competition from the unorganised sector. The industry expects effective incentives from authorities," the company informed shareholders in its latest annual report.

The company reported a loss of Rs 60.73 crore in FY'24, up from Rs 11.88 crore in the previous year. The loss was despite the company's tea production for 2023-24 was higher at 20.44 million kg, with 13.09 million kg coming from Indian operations and 7.35 million kg from offshore operations, it said.

The company stated that realisation was lower due to subdued tea prices. The management noted that the tea industry faces challenges such as weather uncertainties, increasing production costs, and unfair competition from the unorganized sector. Nevertheless, with growing demand for tea in the domestic market, Dhunseri Tea expects a positive outlook.

The company currently owns 12 tea estates, along with their respective tea estate factories, all located in Assam.

As part of its programme to rationalise operations and improve profitability, the company disposed of Hatibari Tea Factory (formerly known as Bahadur Tea Estate Factory) and Shivani Tea Factory (formerly known as Santi Tea Estate Factory) during 2023-24.
PUNE, India, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Godrej Properties Ltd., a leading real estate developer in India, launched the Pune Chapter for the Collective of Real Estate Women (C.R.E.W). This nation-wide initiative is aimed at empowering women professionals in the real estate, construction, and allied sectors.



Godrej Properties has always been at the forefront of diversity and inclusion, boasting 31% representation of women, LGBTQ, and PWD employees with 32% women representation seen in Pune for FY24.



Among the key components of the program is Project Woolf, an internal study that engaged over 500+ women, analyzing attrition and engagement data, and developing targeted solutions based on functional and emotional needs. A key finding revealed that the emotional needs of women employees outweighed their functional requirements in the workplace, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive and empathetic work environment.



C.R.E.W is envisioned as a holistic approach that goes beyond mere numbers, focusing on creating an ecosystem where women can truly thrive by addressing both functional and emotional needs. This initiative is not confined to Godrej Properties but is envisioned as a national movement to inspire the real estate sector to prioritize gender diversity.



Megha Goel, CHRO, Godrej Properties Limited, said, "The rationale behind launching this forum stems from all the work that we have done till now in the space and where we want to reach. We look forward to building CREW over the next few years as a thriving collective of all women in the real estate sector, especially on the construction side, which typically has not been the most attractive sector for women. The insights from our internal study 'Project Woolf' highlight the importance of creating a supportive and empathetic work environment to help us build on data-based insights for women representation and inclusion."



The launch event gathered influential leaders and professionals, marking a significant step towards advancing gender diversity and inclusion in the industry. It featured panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. The panel discussion titled 'Decoding Opportunities to Increase Women Representation in Real Estate' included Dr. Sushma Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor of NICMAR University, Pune, Ms. Gayatri Vasudevan, Chief Impact Officer at Sambhav Foundation, Ms. Hemamalini Uppoor, CEO of Nina Percept Pvt Ltd., and Ms. Akila Jayaraman, Region Head at Godrej Properties. They shared strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces, challenging stereotypes, and promoting mentorship and targeted education for women in real estate.



C.R.E.W's activities are tailored to India's unique cultural and business context, addressing gender norms and biases for relevance and effectiveness. The platform promotes flexibility policies, work-life balance, and career growth to drive culture change and engage employees at all levels. Godrej Properties' commitment to an inclusive workspace drives C.R.E.W, enhancing creativity, innovation, and business performance. C.R.E.W addresses the underrepresentation of women in real estate, leveraging their talent to drive growth and excellence within the sector, creating an environment where everyone can prosper.



About Godrej Properties Limited:



Godrej Properties brings the Godrej Industries Group philosophy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence to the real estate industry. Each Godrej Properties development combines a 127-year legacy of excellence and trust with a commitment to cutting-edge design, technology, and sustainability. In FY 2021, Godrej Properties emerged as the largest developer in India by the value and volume of residential sales achieved.



Godrej Properties has deeply focused on sustainable development. In 2010, GPL committed that all of its developments would be third-party certified green buildings. In 2020 and again in 2021 and 2022, the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark ranked GPL #1 globally amongst listed residential developers for its sustainability and governance practices. In 2017, GPL was one of the founding partners of the Sustainable Housing Leadership Consortium (SHLC), whose mission is to spread sustainable development practices across the Indian real estate sector. In recent years, Godrej Properties has received over 400 awards and recognitions, including the Porter Prize 2019, The Most Trusted Real Estate Brand in the 2019 Brand Trust Report, Builder of the Year at the CNBC-Awaaz Real Estate Awards 2019, and The Economic Times Best Real Estate Brand 2018.



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1308693/2500945/GPL_Logo.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR

PWR
GURUGRAM, India , July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mystore, the first ONDC-connected marketplace, bolsters its offerings by unveiling AI-powered Semantic Search designed to enhance seller conversions through improved buying experience. This latest addition to Mystore's offerings for ONDC Network sellers and buyers aims to provide granular search results through exact query interpretation. By understanding the context of search queries, AI-based semantic search delivers a more intuitive and satisfying shopping experience, encouraging repeat visits and purchases.



The ONDC Network has recorded immense growth in the last year. With thousands of sellers joining the open network each day, it becomes imperative to have a system that makes their products visible, discoverable, and relevant to the search queries posted by the buyers. Amidst the huge catalogs posted by other sellers, having discoverability for all related search queries is crucial for business growth through the Open Network for Digital Commerce.



By enabling AI-powered semantic search on its ONDC Network Buyer App, Mystore has eliminated the guesswork, providing buyers with accurate and relevant product matches. This improvement enhances product visibility and fosters higher engagement and conversion rates, creating a win-win situation for the sellers and the buyers in the rapidly scaling ONDC Network ecosystem.



Mystore's Semantic Search technology is designed to benefit sellers and buyers by:



 Accurate query interpretation that enhances search results' relevance by understanding customer intent.



 Tailored product recommendations that provide personalized product suggestions to meet customers' needs and enhance their shopping experience.



 Quick results for queries that reduce search time and eventually lead to more exploring and bigger ticket sizes.



 Optimizing search performance to interpret complex queries and offer fast and efficient search results that drive better traffic.



 Higher conversion rates by ensuring customers find exactly what they are looking for with minimal effort.



Mr. T. Koshy, CEO, ONDC, emphasized the crucial role of AI-powered semantic search for the ONDC Network conversions, saying, "As the open network experiences exponential growth, the ability to precisely match buyers with the right seller offerings becomes crucial. Mystore's latest offering of integrating AI-powered semantic search on the ONDC Network is thus a pivotal addition. This technology not only enhances the shopping experience but also levels the playing field for sellers of all sizes, enabling them to compete purely based on the relevance and quality of their products/services."



"Google Cloud's Vertex AI is enabling high quality searches for Mystore and ONDC enabling better discoverability and thereby enabling buyers and sellers to seamlessly connect on the platform," said Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD at Google Cloud India.



Highlighting the impact of AI-powered Semantic Search on seller visibility, Mr. Rajiv Kumar Aggarwal, CEO & Founder, Mystore said, "In the open-to-all digital landscape of the ONDC Network, sellers need advanced technologies to enhance product visibility, discoverability, and conversions. Our AI-powered Semantic Search enables sellers to achieve unparalleled visibility on the ONDC Network, making their products easily discoverable by potential buyers. With the potential to increase ecommerce conversion rates by up to 25%, Mystore's AI-powered Semantic Search delivers highly relevant search results by understanding the intent behind queries, boosting buyer engagement, and ultimately resulting in higher conversions."



About Mystore



Mystore is an ONDC-connected marketplace that offers an unparalleled Ecommerce Ecosystem enabling Enterprises and SMEs to leverage the ONDC network to accelerate their growth. Mystore specializes in setting up dealer-network-based Quick Commerce Marketplaces for brands in record time. With its Mystore Seller App and Buyer app for the ONDC Network, Mystore enables seamless selling and buying via the Open Network for Digital Commerce. Mystore's cutting-edge ecommerce solutions are built on StoreHippo - the leading enterprise ecommerce platform powering top enterprise brands across the globe for 9+ years. Mystore enables hyperlocal businesses, SMEs, D2C brands, and Enterprises to join the ONDC Network ecosystem and explore the vast Indian markets. Built on next-gen technology, PCI-DSS, SOC2 and ISO/IEC 27001 compliant, Mystore offers a level-playing field and 360-degree ecommerce solutions to businesses irrespective of their size and industry vertical.



About ONDC:



Incorporated on 31st December 2021, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a Section 8 company, is an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India to create a facilitative model that revolutionizes digital commerce, giving greater thrust to penetration of retail e-commerce in India. ONDC is not an application, platform, intermediary, or software but a set of specifications designed to foster open, unbundled, and interoperable Open Networks.



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1913630/3693818/Mystore_Logo.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 25. Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed the possibilities of further promoting the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline project, Trend reports.

According to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, this topic was discussed during a meeting in Islamabad between the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Energy (Petroleum Division) of Pakistan, Musadik Masood Malik.

During the meeting, the parties discussed priority issues of cooperation between the two countries in the fuel and energy sector, in particular the possibility of further promoting the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline project.

Furthermore, they noted that the implementation of this large-scale project is designed to promote sustainable socio-economic development in Asia.

At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further progressive development of bilateral cooperation in the context of solving specific issues related to the practical implementation of this energy project.

Meanwhile, Turkmenistan's Turkmengaz State Concern has completed the construction of a 214-kilometer section of the gas pipeline passing through Turkmen territory and has fully prepared it for operation.

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.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Amid rising competition from homegrown challenger Ola Maps, Google on Thursday announced a slew of new features on Google Maps to woo users in India, including EV charging station information, flyover callouts and AI-driven routing capability to reduce narrow road usage for four-wheeler drivers.

It is "an exciting time in mapping", Google Maps said announcing its lineup of new features, which comes in the backdrop of a pitched battle with Ola.

Google recently decided to cut the pricing of Google Maps platform for developers by up to 70 per cent from August 1, just weeks after Ola Founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal openly nudged Indian developers to shun Google Maps and offered them sweeteners like one-year free access to Ola Maps.

Replying to a question on the timing of Google Maps' price cuts - coming right after an offensive from Ola - Google Maps senior executives said that while "it's tempting to think that way, but we actually do not focus on competitors".

"We're very focused on making sure we're serving our user base and our partner community, which is our developer partners. And to be honest, we timed it with our IO Connect event in Bengaluru," Miriam Daniel, VP and GM at Google Maps, said at a briefing.

Daniel added: "...this is something our partners have been requesting of us for a while, and we've been working on it for quite some time to make sure our infrastructure, our pricing systems are localised and adapted to the needs of our partners in India."

On Thursday, the company announced six ways it is enabling more efficient and sustainable journeys on Google Maps in India, powered by AI and local partners.

"These new features reaffirm our commitment to making digital mapping even more helpful for users, businesses, developers and society at large.

"We're excited to continue our journey of innovation and build the future of Google Maps right here in India," a blogpost by Daniel and Lalitha Ramani, GM at Google Maps, India, read.

Stating that navigating narrow or congested roads in unfamiliar areas can be a challenge for four-wheeler drivers, Google Maps announced it is introducing a new feature for users in India designed to reduce the use of narrow roads when driving four-wheelers.

"To address this, we've developed an AI model specifically for Indian roads that incorporates multiple signals satellite imagery, Street View and other information like road types, distance between buildings, paved sections, etc. to estimate road widths at scale. Using these road width estimates, we've fine-tuned our existing AI routing algorithms to help four-wheelers avoid narrow roads whenever possible, without significantly impacting travel time or distance," the blogpost said.

This means four-wheeler drivers can enjoy a less stressful driving experience, and it also benefits bikers, pedestrians and other commuters who can now use these narrow roads more safely and confidently, it added.

Google Maps is starting to roll out this feature on Android devices this week in eight cities - Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati, and has promised to bring the feature to iOS and more cities soon.

Another new feature on Google Maps is call-out flyovers along the recommended route. This feature helps users anticipate upcoming flyovers and prepare ahead of time to get onto the flyover.

"Starting this week, you'll see these flyover callouts in 40 cities across India for both four-wheeler and two-wheeler active navigation on Android apps and Android Auto. iOS and CarPlay support will be coming soon," it said.

Both Narrow Roads and Flyover features have been pioneered in India, tailored to the unique navigation needs of users, it said.

To ensure EV drivers have the tools they need to confidently hit the road, the company has also announced the availability of information about EV charging stations on both Google Maps and Google Search in India.

"To achieve this, we're collaborating with leading EV charging providers in India ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq to add authoritative information for over 8,000 charging stations, representing a significant portion of available charging stations in India," it said.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut on Thursday made a strong demand in Lok Sabha for preserving the art forms and building traditions of Himachal Pradesh.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Ranaut said several art forms of Himachal Pradesh are on the verge of extinction and will soon become extinct. She urged the government to take steps to preserve them.

"We have the kath kuni style of building houses or the tradition of making clothes from sheep and yak wool or the musical traditions of Spiti, Kinnaur and Bharmour. They all are becoming extinct," said Ranaut, who represents the Mandi constituency in Lower House.

She said the traditional Himachali dresses such as jackets, caps and sweaters made from sheep and yak wool fetch a good price abroad and they need to be preserved.

Ranaut sought to know from the government the steps taken to preserve the traditions of hill state.
Dhaka, Jul 25 (PTI) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will take responsibility for the families of the people killed in the recent nationwide violent student protest over quotas in government jobs, a top official of the ruling Awami League said on Thursday.

"A committee has been formed for investigation and every culprit will be brought to book," Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said while addressing a coordination meeting with the ward leaders of the Awami League here.

Bangladesh witnessed violent clashes between the police and mostly student protesters demanding an end to a controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.

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.

Quader said Prime Minister Hasina will take responsibility for the families of the people killed in the recent nationwide unrest.

Quader, also the transport minister, alleged that the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami carried out the arson, centring the quota reform movement.

They wanted to turn the country into a pile of rubble and dreamt of going to power standing on bodies, Quader was quoted as saying by the state-run BSS news agency.

Quader said Awami League will stand beside the families of deceased and injured people.

The government aims to materialise the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune.

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.

Prime Minister Hasina on Tuesday defended her decision to enforce a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order following the clashes, asserting that tough measures were taken to ensure the security of the lives and properties of the people.
Bangkok, Jul 25 (AP) China ratcheted up its effort to reinvigorate its economy Thursday by cutting a key policy rate and interest paid on bank deposits.

The move coincided with a downturn in world stocks, extending losses in Chinese markets that have declined this year while share prices soared in many other countries.

By midday, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was down 1.4% and the Shanghai Composite index lost 0.4%.

The People's Bank of China said it cut the lending rate for one-year medium term policy loans by 20 basis points to 2.3%. That is the biggest rate cut since China's economy was slammed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The rate on 7-day loans was reduced to 1.7%.

Major state-run banks cut deposit rates to relieve pressure on their finances, reducing the rate paid on one-year fixed deposits by 10 basis points to 1.35%, the official Xinhua News Agency reported, citing official rates released Thursday by the country's Big Four banks: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China and China Construction Bank.

The banks cut deposit rates three times last year and this was the first reduction for 2024, it said.

But while lower deposit rates may be good for the bank's balance sheets they won't encourage more consumer spending - the one thing most economists agree is needed to help revive growth that has been falling for years and was hit especially hard by a downturn in China's property sector.

Banks are already passing on lower deposit rates to savers: which will do nothing to encourage spending in the current environment, and people will instead save even more to generate the same return they were earning before, RaboResearch said in a commentary.

Growth in the world's second-largest economy slowed to 4.7% in the last quarter, down from 5.3% in January-March.

Earlier this week, the central bank cut several of its other lending rates, sticking to a cautious approach to stimulating the economy.

The flurry of rate cuts this week followed a major policy-setting meeting of the ruling Communist Party last week that laid out ambitious plans for reforms in many areas of the economy but did not spell out any specific plans for stimulus driven by government spending. (AP)



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Washington, Jul 25 (PTI) President Joe Biden's decision to endorse Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee has generated a burst of energy and enthusiasm within the party and it now has the chance to win back the White House, prominent Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has said.

Over the weekend, Vice President Harris was endorsed by Biden, who announced his decision to drop out of the race for the White House.

On Wednesday he told the nation that he did this to unite the party. Following Biden's dismal performance at the debate against Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, there was a sense of disappointment in the party.

It's exciting. I mean, I think there's no other word for it. It's exciting. It created a burst of energy and enthusiasm, positivity within the Democratic Party, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi told PTI in an interview.

Krishnamoorthi, a 51-year-old Democratic Party lawmaker from Illinois, said he plans to campaign for Harris in the key battleground state of Wisconsin on Saturday.

She's hit the ground running, been greeted by boisterous crowds. I think that people feel like, nothing's a guarantee, but we have a shot. We have a chance now to win back the White House, and we need somebody who can take the case to Donald Trump. I can't think of someone else better than Kamala Harris to do that right now, Krishnamurthi said.

In three days after she became the partys likely presidential candidate, Harris' campaign has raised over USD 130 million.

If you do this every three days, it's going to be a pretty tremendous amount of money at some point. Its actually a fabulous sum as it is. All that being said, we're up against forces that can tap into unlimited amounts of money. So, it's significant that she's able to raise that much money from so many people. Remember, these are grassroots supporters who are putting in money, and I think that's a big deal, he said.

Responding to a question on the rise of Indian Americans in politics, Krishnamoorthi, who serves as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee On Oversight And Reform, said they are following a well-worn path that various immigrants have taken in this country.

"There's this old saying in Washington DC, if you don't have a seat at the table, you're on the menu. Now, I think Indian Americans in a big way are pulling up the proverbial seat to the table and making sure that their issues are addressed, that their concerns are met, and that they are also contributing back to society as a whole and paying it forward, he said.

Over the next 100 days, he said there's going to be a constant requirement to continue to raise resources, but there's also a requirement to set forth a message, to be disciplined in talking about priorities, making sure those priorities are ones that resonate with everyday people and families who are watching carefully to see whether the person in the White House or the next person in the White House is going to be fighting for them.

Responding to a question, Krishnamoorthi said the next president is going to have a lot on his or her plate.

I think the next president is going to need to both deal with certain issues which the electorate is very concerned about right now, such as, for instance, protecting reproductive freedom, making sure that we take care of the border and the immigration system which is really tied together. We have to solve our legal immigration system problems which are a mess and deal with the border simultaneously, he said.

They also want an elected official who's going to look forward. What are the challenges of the future? How do you defeat the Chinese Communist Party in this global technological competition that we have? How do we make sure that we continue to raise our standard of living so that our children are better off than we are? Those are the types of questions that she's going to need to face going into the Oval Office, he said.
Jerusalem, Jul 25 (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress in Washington on Wednesday as he sought to bolster the United States' support for his country's 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 Israel's 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 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 more than 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 Israel's negotiating team was delayed and would likely be dispatched next week.



Israel recovers the bodies of 5 hostages in Gaza





Jerusalem- The Israeli military said Thursday it has recovered the bodies of five Israeli hostages, in the area of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, who were abducted by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.

It identified the hostages as Maya Goren, and three soldiers it says fell in battle: Sgt. Oren Goldin, Staff Sgt. Tomer Ahimas, Sgt. Maj. Ravid Aryeh Katz and Sgt. Kiril Brodski. It says all five were believed to have been killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas raid that triggered the war.

Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the hardest-hit communities during Hamas' assault, said earlier in the day that it was informed that the body of Goren, 56, was returned to Israel after a rescue mission, without providing additional details. Israeli authorities had said in late 2023 that she was dead.

Israel has now pronounced dead more than a third of the roughly 110 hostages who remain in Hamas captivity.



Australia sanctions 7 Israelis and a West Bank-based youth group over settler violence



Sydney  Australia is imposing financial sanctions and travel bans against seven Israeli citizens and financial sanctions against a West Bank-based youth group over their alleged involvement in settler violence in the occupied territory.

The sanctions announced Thursday are against Hilltop Youth and its leader Meir Ettinger, 32. Other targeted individuals are Yinon Levi, 31, Zvi Bar Yosef, 31, Neria Ben Pazi, 30, Elisha Yered, 23, David Chai Chasdai, 29, and Einan Tanjil, 22.

Australia accuses them of violent attacks on Palestinians. These include beatings, sexual assault and torture of Palestinians resulting in serious injuries and deaths, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government imposed the sanctions because it's the right thing to do. He added that settlements in the West Bank impeded a two-state solution and were illegal under international law.

The sanctions follow a U.S. decision to sanction entities and individuals connected to acts of violence against civilians in the West Bank.

Wong said Australia called on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and it cease ongoing settlement activity.



Families of 8 American hostages profoundly disappointed' by Netanyahu's speech



Washington  The families of the eight American hostages being held in Gaza say they're profoundly disappointed that Prime Minister Benjamin 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 on Wednesday 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 Israel's 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.



United Nations 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 in 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 Lebanon's 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.

France's 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 in 2022.

Malta's 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.



Palestinians killed while sheltering inside 2 schools in Gaza, United Nations 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 Israel's 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 American flags with Palestinian ones



Washington  Protesters climbed the flagpoles outside Washington's 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 nation's 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. (AP)





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Washington, Jul 25 (PTI) Unleashing a volley of attacks against his new campaign opponent Vice President Kamala Harris, former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said she is unfit to rule and described her as a "radical left lunatic" whom voters will reject in November.

Trump, 78, launched a scathing attack on Harris as he took the stage for the first time to address an election rally on Wednesday after Harris became the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party.

Over the weekend, President Joe Biden, 81, announced that he was dropping out of the race and named Harris as his successor.

Harris, 59, will be officially announced as the partys presidential candidate at its Democratic National Convention in August.

For three and a half years, Lyin Kamala Harris has been the ultra-liberal driving force behind every single Biden catastrophe. She is a radical left lunatic who will destroy our country if she ever gets the chance to get into office. We're not going to let that happen, Trump said.

Trump, who has previously called Biden "Sleepy Joe," gave Harris the nickname "Lyin Kamala".

I was supposed to be nice. They say something happened to me when I got shot. I became nice," Trump said, referring to his brief call for national unity after the July 13 assassination attempt on him.

"And when you're dealing with these people, they're very dangerous people. When you're dealing with them, you can't be too nice. You really can't be. So if you don't mind, I'm not going to be nice. Is that okay? he asked his supporters amidst huge applause from the audience.

Harris is the most liberal elected politician in American history, he said.

This November, the American people are going to tell her, no thanks, Kamala, Trump said.

"You've done a terrible job. You've been terrible at everything you've done. You're ultra-liberal. We don't want you here. We don't want you anywhere. Kamala, you're fired. Get out of here. You're fired, Trump said.

Trump continued linking Harris to Biden and his policies and argued that both worked to cover up the president's physical decline while in office.

She was appointed by this horrible president, this horrible guy...what they've done to our country is unthinkable, he alleged.

Trump told his cheering supporters that Harris lies.

A vote for Harris is a vote for four more years of dishonesty, incompetence, weakness and failure, Trump said.

Trump alleged everything Harris touches turns into a total disaster. He mentioned Harris as many as 45 times in his speech.

When Kamala Harris was sent to Europe to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine, how did that work out? Russia answered by launching the invasion just five days after she left. Putin laughed at her like she was nothing. She is nothing. She's so bad for us. Everything Kamala touches turns into a total disaster. She's destroyed San Francisco with the policies, Trump said.

Harris has worked as a prosecutor, first as the district attorney in San Francisco and later as the attorney general of California.

She'll destroy our country if she's elected. So we won't let her be elected. We can't let that happen. Unbelievably, despite all of the damage she's caused, radical, liberal Kamala Harris now wants a promotion to deliver four more years of chaos. We've had the worst four years, he said.

PTI LKJ AS NSA AKJ



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Beijing, Jul 25 (AP) Two Chinese and two Russian long-range bombers were tracked flying over international waters near Alaska and US and Canadian fighter jets were sent up in response, their joint aerospace command said.

The Chinese and Russian military activity Wednesday was not seen as a threat, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, known as NORAD, said.

NORAD will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence, the command said in a news release.

While Russia's military has long been active in the north Pacific, China has emerged as a new actor in recent years as its growing navy and air force expands their presence farther from the country's shores.

Chinese naval ships have showed up in international waters near Alaska, most recently in mid-July when the Coast Guard spotted four ships in the US Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from the shore.

In the latest incident, the Chinese H-6 and Russian Tu-95 aircraft were flying in the North American US Air Defence Identification Zone, an area beyond U.S. and Canadian airspace in which those countries require aircraft to be identified for national security reasons.

The Japanese military has grown increasingly concerned about joint China-Russia drills with ships and warplanes as a potential threat to the security of Japan and the region.

A fleet of Russian and Chinese warplanes including Tu-95s and H-6s were seen flying together last December over the waters between Japan and Korea, the Japanese Defense Ministry said. (AP)



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Washington, Jul 25 (PTI) China is making inroads into key choke points along the Indian Ocean, obstructing the free maritime routes, and threatening the national security and economic interests of both the US and its friends and allies in South Asia, an influential American lawmaker has said.

The Indian Ocean is a crucial channel for global trade, an estimated 80 per cent of maritime oil trade and 40 per cent of world trade passes through the Indian Ocean, Congresswoman Young Kim said during a Congressional hearing here.

Young, who is the chairperson of the Subcommittee on Indo-Pacific in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also said on Tuesday, We cannot forget the significance of Indo in the Indo-Pacific.

Explaining how the South Asian region faces a dynamic geopolitical landscape that presents challenges for the US policy objectives, she said, South Asia holds immense significance for the US foreign policy and national security interests.

Young listed all the recent Chinese development projects in recent years -- Chinese ports in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, military installations in Djibouti and infrastructure investments in the Maldives and drew attention to how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is making inroads into key choke points along the maritime routes and obstructing the right to freely navigate the Indian Ocean waters.

These threaten the US national security and economic interests and those of our friends and allies in the region, Young said.

The resource-rich South China Sea in the Indo-Pacific region is widely seen as a potential flashpoint for global conflict.

China claims most of the South China Sea as its own, while The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims over the maritime area.

Though the US is not a claimant to the South China Sea, it 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 in the South China Sea, saying the US is defending every nations right to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows.

It was not the first time that the Subcommittee on Indo-Pacific was dealing with the topic. Last month it held a hearing on the Indo-Pacific budget and the CCP aggression in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

The Indo-Pacific regions economic, geographical, and military significance makes it an essential arena for US-China competition. ... During this time, we must choose to show up for our allies, or risk ceding our leadership to the CCP, she had said last month.

Recalling that hearing, Young further said, We cannot forget the significance of Indo in the Indo-Pacific. The CCP has sparked border conflicts along the Line of (Actual) Control with India and its submarines and warships regularly sail in the Indian Ocean.

Pointing out that the CCP is a top trading partner for Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan, all countries that surround our strategic partner India, Young said, The PLA's presence is also intensifying both along the Indian border and in the Indian Ocean.

Aid and cooperation play a pivotal role not only in advancing US interests in South Asia but also in enhancing their prosperity and keeping the region free and open, Young said. Without greater US support, our allies and friends could be forced to accept further trade and investment from the CCP.

Young said she is particularly concerned about the growing relationship between CCP and the Maldives, which she described as a key US security partner in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives, having received several large CCP investments including USD 200 million for the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, is USD 1.4 billion in debt to the CCP, she said, adding, During the Maldives president's visit with Xi Jinping in January, the two countries signed an additional 20 bilateral agreements.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu said that the military relationship between the Maldives and the People's Republic of China is only now starting. We have the opportunity to shape that relationship through competition if you're the Maldives, he said.
Jerusalem, Jul 25 (AP) Officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States and Qatar were expected to meet Thursday 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. But an Israeli official said Israel's negotiating team was delayed and would likely be dispatched next week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress in Washington on Wednesday as thousands of protesters gathered near the U.S. Capitol to denounce the war. Hamas slammed the speech Thursday and accused Netanyahu of obstructing efforts to end the war and return the hostages.

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 Israel's war until he achieves total victory.

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 more than 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in the war.



Here's the latest:



Hamas slams Netanyahu's speech to Congress



Beirut - The Palestinian Hamas group slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's fiery speech to the United States Congress, accusing him Thursday of obstructing efforts to end the war and return the hostages.

In his high profile visit to Washington, Netanyahu pledged to achieve total victory against the militant group in his nearly one-hour address in Congress, and derided protests against the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, now in its ninth month.

Hamas said Netanyahu's Washington visit was an address to improve his image after the International Criminal Court requested to issue arrest warrants against him for war crimes. The ICC also requested warrants for his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Hamas officials Mohammed Deif, Yehya Sinwar, and Ismail Haniyeh.

He (Netanyahu) is the one who thwarted all efforts aimed at ending the war and concluding a deal to release the prisoners, despite the continuous efforts of mediators from the brothers in Egypt and Qatar despite the flexibility and positivity shown by the movement, the militant group said in a written statement, adding that the Israeli prime minister talking about intensified efforts to free the hostages is a complete lie to mislead public opinion.

They also rejected Netanyahu's vision for Gaza's future  which would consist of a demilitarized civilian administration in the enclave  and accused Netanyahu of being dishonest about aid delivery into the Gaza Strip and downplaying the number of Palestinians killed in the ongoing war.



6 hostage relatives are released after being detained in Washington during Netanyahu's speech to Congress



Tel Aviv - A group representing the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza said Thursday that six hostage relatives have been released after they were briefly detained during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the joint session of Congress.

The family members stood in the hall silently during the address Wednesday and wore yellow shirts that read Seal the Deal Now, referring to a cease-fire deal to free the hostages, before they were removed from the House chamber by security officers. They were released a number of hours later, the Hostages Family Forum said.

Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for 54 minutes and he did not mention once the need to seal the deal and to sign the deal now, said Gil Dickmann, whose cousin, Carmel Gat, is being held in Gaza.

The six said they were invited by members of Congress to attend the speech. Netanyahu brought to the speech rescued hostage Noa Argamani and a number of family members of the hostages as part of his official delegation.



Israel recovers 5 hostage bodies from Gaza





Jerusalem  The Israeli military said Thursday it has recovered the bodies of five Israeli hostages, in the area of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, that were abducted by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.

It identified the hostages as Maya Goren, and four soldiers it says died in battle: Sgt. Oren Goldin, Staff Sgt. Tomer Ahimas, Sgt. Maj. Ravid Aryeh Katz and Sgt. Kiril Brodski. It says all five were believed to have been killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas raid that triggered the war, and their bodies were held hostage.

Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the hardest-hit communities during Hamas' assault, said Wednesday that it was informed that the body of Goren, 56, was returned to Israel after a rescue mission, without providing additional details. Israeli authorities had said in late 2023 that she was dead.

Israel has now pronounced dead more than a third of the roughly 110 hostages who remain in Hamas captivity.



Australia sanctions 7 Israelis and a West Bank-based youth group over settler violence



Sydney  Australia is imposing financial sanctions and travel bans against seven Israeli citizens and financial sanctions against a West Bank-based youth group over their alleged involvement in settler violence in the occupied territory.

The sanctions announced Thursday are against Hilltop Youth and its leader Meir Ettinger, 32. Other targeted individuals are Yinon Levi, 31; Zvi Bar Yosef, 31; Neria Ben Pazi, 30; Elisha Yered, 23; David Chai Chasdai, 29; and Einan Tanjil, 22.

Australia accuses them of violent attacks on Palestinians. These include beatings, sexual assault and torture of Palestinians resulting in serious injuries and deaths, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government imposed the sanctions because it's the right thing to do. He added that settlements in the West Bank impeded a two-state solution and were illegal under international law.

The sanctions follow the United States' decision to sanction entities and individuals connected to acts of violence against civilians in the West Bank.

Wong said Australia called on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and cease ongoing settlement activity. (AP)



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Photo: Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Azerbaijan and Somalia discussed energy partnership prospects, Trend reports.

Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.

The meeting also discussed issues regarding bilateral economic relations between the countries.

Besides, the parties emphasized the expediency of establishing mutually beneficial economic ties between the two countries, expanding the legal framework in order to support the development of relations, and exchanging experience in areas of mutual interest.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Hanoi, Jul 25 (PTI) National Security Advisor Doval on Thursday attended the state funeral for Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party who died here last week, and conveyed India's condolences to the country's leadership.

Trong, considered the most powerful politician in Vietnam, died on July 19 following a prolonged illness. He was 80.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval attended today the state funeral of General Secretary H E Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi and conveyed India's condolences personally to President H E To Lam, Prime Minister H E Pham Minh Chinh and bereaved family, the Indian Embassy at Hanoi in Vietnam said in a post on X.

Trong dominated Vietnamese politics since 2011 when he was elected party chief. During these years, he consolidated the Communist Party's power in Vietnam's single-party political system.

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu had communicated to President To Lam, on behalf of the Government and people of India, heartfelt condolences on the demise of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the Embassy said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X after Trongs death: Saddened by the news of the passing away of the Vietnamese leader, General Secretary H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong. We pay our respects to the departed leader. Extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the people and leadership of Vietnam in this hour of grief.

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh went to the Vietnamese Embassy and paid tribute on behalf of the Government and people of India to Trong.

In this hour of grief, India stands with the bereaved family, the people and leadership of Vietnam, he said in a post on X.

Parliament of India, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, on July 22 expressed deepest condolences to the people and leadership of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the passing away of Trong.

The Parliament noted that apart from his wise leadership of Vietnams progress and development over decades, Trong contributed to India-Vietnam friendship and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

It recalled Trongs state visit to India in 2013 and the Speaker, Lok Sabha remembered his meeting with the General Secretary in Hanoi in April 2022.
Vientiane (Laos), Jul 25 (AP) Southeast Asian foreign ministers and top diplomats from key partners including the US and China are gathering in the Laotian capital on Thursday for the start of three days of talks expected to focus on the increasingly violent civil war in Myanmar, tensions in the South China Sea and other regional issues.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will participate in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Vientiane, which come as both Beijing and Washington are looking to expand their influence in the region.

China is also Russia's most important ally in its war against Ukraine, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived on Thursday to take part in the meetings.

Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith thanked ASEAN members and partners for their unwavering collective effort that led to its past achievements and emphasized the importance of the bloc's continuous work to promote peace and stability.

In light of the rapid and complex geopolitical and geoeconomic changes, we need to further enhance ASEAN centrality and unity so as to promote the relevance and resilience of ASEAN, aiming at addressing emerging challenges and seizing opportunity in the future, he said in an opening statement.

For the ASEAN nations  Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei and Laos  the violence in Myanmar is at the top of the agenda as the bloc struggles to implement its five-point consensus for peace.

The plan calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties. The military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan and has raised questions about the bloc's efficiency and credibility to mediate for peace.

Broader talks, including diplomats from elsewhere in the region including Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, are expected to focus on issues including the economy, security, climate and energy.

Regional issues, including Cambodia's decision to build a canal off the Mekong River that Vietnam, which is downstream, worries could have ecological and security implications, as well as massive dam building projects in Laos further upstream could also feature in the meetings.

In Myanmar, the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed widespread nonviolent protests that sought a return to democratic rule, leading to increasing violence and a humanitarian crisis.

In an effort to put pressure on Myanmar, ASEAN has prohibited it from sending any political representatives to top-level meetings, and it has sent bureaucrats instead. Aung Kyaw Moe, the permanent secretary of Myanmar's Foreign Ministry, is representing the country in this week's meetings, which run through Saturday.

More than 5,400 people have been killed in the fighting in Myanmar and the military government has arrested more than 27,000 since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. In addition, there are now more than 3 million displaced people in the country, with the numbers growing daily as fighting intensifies between the military and Myanmar's multiple ethnic militias as well as the so-called people's defense forces of military opponents.

As the needs of civilians grow, discussions on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar will also be a focus of the ASEAN talks, Bolbongse Vangphaen, head of the Thai Foreign Ministry's department for ASEAN, told reporters ahead of the meetings.

Thailand, which shares a long border with Myanmar, has already been heavily involved in providing humanitarian assistance, and Bolbongse said the country is ready to support the next phase of delivery being planned by the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.

He did not say when or where the aid delivery would be.

Thailand initiated its first delivery of aid to Myanmar in March from the northern province of Tak. It was said to be distributed in Kayin state to approximately 20,000 out of millions of people displaced by fighting.

Landlocked Laos is the bloc's poorest nation and one of its smallest, and many have expressed skepticism about how much it can accomplish while the crises mount. But it is also the first ASEAN chair that shares a border with Myanmar. Laos has already sent a special envoy to Myanmar for meetings with the head of the ruling military council and other top officials in an attempt to make progress on the peace plan.

ASEAN also has introduced a mechanism of trilateral informal consultation among its current, past, and future chairs, specifically for ensuring continuity in its response to the situation in Myanmar. The troika met for the first time on Wednesday, attended by Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said after Wednesday's meeting that she raised concerns about increasing numbers of cross-border crimes and refugees resulting from the crisis in Myanmar. She said she urged ASEAN to promote trust and confidence-building through a balanced and low-key approach to foster a dialogue among all stakeholders in Myanmar.

"The worsening conditions in Myanmar have a direct impact on efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, she said.

Dulyapak Preecharush, a professor of Southeast Asia Studies at Bangkok's Thammasat University, said ASEAN is not the only stakeholder when it comes to Myanmar, with China and India also major players  and both attending the ASEAN meetings.

Progress on Myanmar needs to start with countries that share borders with Myanmar, such as China, India and Thailand, to find a joint consensus to address the problems before expanding to other countries, he said.

In other issues, ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are locked in maritime disputes with China over its claims of sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea, one of the world's most crucial waterways for shipping. Indonesia has also expressed concern about what it sees as Beijing's encroachment on its exclusive economic zone.

An estimated $5 trillion in international trade passes through the South China Sea each year. China has been increasingly involved in direct confrontations, most notably with the Philippines and Vietnam.

ASEAN has been working with China to produce a South China Sea code of conduct, which is expected to be part of the talks in Vientiane. (AP) ZH

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London, Jul 25 (AP) A British police officer was suspended from all duties Thursday after a video was posted on social media that appeared to show an officer kicking and stamping on the head of a man lying on the floor of a terminal at Manchester Airport.

Greater Manchester Police said the incident occurred while police were called to break up a fight at the airport's Terminal Two on Tuesday. Three officers were assaulted, with one suffering a broken nose, it said.

We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place, police said in a statement.

The incident came amid rising distrust of police in Britain following allegations of excessive force used against ethnic minorities and scandals involving two serving police officers who were arrested for rape and murder. An independent investigation commissioned by the government recently found that London's Metropolitan Police Service was institutionally racist, homophobic and misogynistic.

The Manchester officer was suspended after crowds gathered outside a police station to protest police violence. Police said the demonstration concluded without incident.''

Asked about the video, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "I've seen it myself. I understand that concern.''

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham appealed for calm and met with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who is responsible for law and order issues in the U.K.

Burnham told the BBC there were issues for both sides in the situation, but added, "That said, here's where I want to be really clear: It is right that the officer has been suspended.'' (AP) AMS
Mumbai, Jul 25 ( PTI) Police have apprehended five persons, including the owner of a spa at Worli in Mumbai and three persons from Kota in Rajasthan, in connection with the murder of a history-sheeter inside his facility, officials said on Thursday.

Guru Waghmare, 52, was murdered inside the spa by two persons in the early hours of Wednesday. Waghmare, who used to claim that he was a police informer and also a Right to Information activist, had several cases including those of rape and extortion registered against him, they said.

"The Worli police apprehended the owner of the spa," an official said.

The city police's crime branch also apprehended the 26-year-old Mohammed Firoz Ansari from Nalasopara in Palghar district and one Sakib Ansari along with two other suspects from Kota in Rajasthan, he said.

"It was a case of 'supari' (contract) killing. The spa owner allegedly gave supari to kill Waghmare to the accused persons," the police official said.

As per the case details, Waghmare, a resident of Vile Parle in Mumbai, visited the spa situated at Worli Naka regularly and the people working there knew him.

When Waghmare visited the spa on Tuesday evening, his 21-year-old woman friend and three male friends asked for a party as he had celebrated his birthday recently. The group of five then went to a hotel in Sion for a party. Around 12.30 am on Wednesday, all of them returned to the spa. After some time, the three men left while Waghmare and his woman friend stayed back, the police said.

About two hours later, two different men came to the spa and attacked Waghmare with sharp weapons, they said.

Worli police were alerted about the incident around 2.30 am. Police rushed to the spot and found Waghmare in a pool of blood with his throat slit. The victim had at least 10 cases registered against him, including a rape case registered at Mulund police station, the police added.
Nagpur, Jul 25 (PTI) Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Thursday said former state home minister Anil Deshmukh's allegation that he was under pressure to give statements against key figures in the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government rang true.

The political situation in the country has changed after the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014, and an "experiment is going on" in a big way to put in jail on false charges those who are against the BJP regime, he claimed, speaking to reporters here.

This experiment also took place in Maharashtra and those who toed the ruling party's line got a clean chit (in corruption cases), Patole said.

The BJP's allies in Maharashtra -- Shiv Sena and NCP -- were afraid of action by the Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation, he alleged.

If present home minister Devendra Fadnavis had any video evidence against Anil Deshmukh, he must publish it, Patole said, wondering if the BJP leader was waiting to use it in any other way.

On Wednesday, Deshmukh alleged that an 'intermediary' of Fadnavis had asked him to provide affidavits against important figures in the MVA government to avoid getting embroiled in litigation himself. But Fadnavis denied the allegation.

Deshmukh, who is now with the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, stepped down as home minister in April 2021 after then Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh accused him of asking police to collect money from hotel and bar owners in the city.



Fadnavis, now deputy chief minister, termed the allegation as baseless.

"Anil Deshmukh should know that his own party leaders have provided me with multiple pieces of audio-visual evidence of his comments about then CM Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, or the controversial police officer Sachin Waze. If false accusations are levelled against me, I will have no choice but to make this evidence public," Fadnavis had said in his reaction on Wednesday.
Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI) A 70-year-old man died and three persons were injured in a fire that broke out on Thursday in a high rise in Borivali in Mumbai's northern tip, a civic official said.

The blaze started in the 22-storey Kanakia Samarpan Tower, close to Magathane metro rail station, at 12:37pm and was doused at 1:02pm in an operation helmed by personnel of the Fire Brigade, police and the local BMC ward, while ambulances from the 108 service were kept on stand by, he said.

"The fire was confined to electric wiring and cables in the electric duct between the first and 16th floor. Four people were rushed to a private hospital due to suffocation caused by the fire and fumes. Doctors declared Mahendra Shah (70) dead on arrival. Three others, identified as Ranjana Rajput (59), Shivani Rajput (26), and Shobha Savle (70) are hospitalised. They are stable," he said.
Kolkata, Jul 25 (PTI) A day after senior BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari was involved in a verbal spat with Trinamool Congress MLA Tapan Chatterjee on the assembly premises, Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay on Thursday asked legislators to behave responsibly.

Adhikari had alleged that the TMC legislator abused him verbally and tried to assault him on the premises of the assembly.

In a letter to the Speaker, the BJP leader said he was feeling "insecure" in the assembly and demanded action against Chatterjee.

The TMC MLA, however, had claimed he did not threaten or assault Adhikari but merely confronted him over some comments by the BJP leader against him and his daughter during an election meeting at his constituency.

On the contrary, Chatterjee alleged, Adhikari had threatened him with dire consequences when he wanted his explanation at the assembly lobby for the comments.

Taking a serious view of the incident, the Speaker said, "What happened in the assembly premises yesterday is unfortunate, unexpected and inappropriate".

"We need to behave with restraint. We need to conduct ourselves appropriately as stakeholders of the Assembly," he said addressing both treasury and opposition benches.

Referring to Adhikari's claim that he and other opposition MLAs were feeling insecure in the House, Bandyopadhyay said, "Adequate security arrangements are in place in the House but people's representatives should not act in a provocative manner."

Adhikari was not present in the House when the Speaker made the observation, but Chatterjee was around.

The Speaker had said on Wednesday he has initiated an investigation into the allegations of Adhikari.

Adhikari, the BJP MLA of Nandigram, in his letter also held the Speaker somehow responsible for the incident since he disallowed entry of personal bodyguards of MLAs inside the assembly.
Patna, Jul 25 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday expressed grief over the sudden demise of JD(U) national general secretary and spokesman Rajib Ranjan.

According to party sources, Ranjan, 65, breathed his last at a hospital in Delhi shortly after he got admitted following difficulty in breathing.

In his condolence message, Kumar, who heads the JD(U), described Ranjan as "an able politician and a noted social activist".

Hailing from Nalanda district, to which the chief minister also belongs, the JD(U) leader had won the Islampur assembly constituency in 2010.

Five years later, differences with Kumar led him to join the BJP, which was then in opposition.

In December 2022, Ranjan quit the saffron party and was back in the JD(U) shortly after.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) A day after Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge commented that Bihar and Andhra Pradesh got "pakoda and jalebi" in the budget, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha on Thursday said the government has actually given "shells in the name of peanuts".

Asked about Kharge's remarks on the Union Budget 2024-25 in the Rajya Sabha, on Wednesday, Jha said, "I will talk to Kharge ji, and also say it in the House, they (government) have given shells in the name of peanuts".

Kharge on Wednesday said Bihar and Andhra Pradesh got "pakoda and jalebi" on their plates while other states got nothing as he raised the issue of alleged discrimination meted out to opposition-ruled states in the Union Budget.

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav said the budget is "political", and Uttar Pradesh has been overlooked in the budget.

"If there was no politics, why would Andhra, Bihar get special packages? Uttar Pradesh made BJP win from so many seats, yet they did not give any special package to UP," Yadav said.

Rashtriya Lok Dal leader and Union Minister Jayant Choudhary, however, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will reply to the leaders' allegations in the House.

"Finance minister will reply to it in the House. This is not the first time some states are mentioned, or some schemes are mentioned. Nirmala ji is an experienced finance minister, she named some states, no one should be jealous," he said.

Sitharaman on Tuesday announced significant financial measures for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, ruled by key NDA allies -- Nitish Kumar-led JD (U) and Chandrababu Naidu's TDP -- which are providing critical support to the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Announcing a host of developmental projects, the finance minister proposed a total outlay of over Rs 60,000 crore for various projects in Bihar, which is due for assembly polls next year, and Rs 15,000 crore this fiscal for the development of Andhra Pradesh's capital city, a dream project of Chief Minister Naidu.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) The National Recruitment Agency (NRA) is conducting a detailed study of the prevalent recruitment systems in central and state governments to conduct a free and fair examination, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

The NRA, mandated to conduct online exams to screen government job aspirants, was given an approval in 2020 by the Union cabinet.

"NRA is conducting a detailed study of the prevalent recruitment systems in central and state governments and the procedure followed by various Public Examination Authorities (PEAs) for conduct of examination and also examining the issues which are likely to arise in the new examination system and address them ab initio so as to conduct a free and fair examination," Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in a written reply.

The minister was responding to a query whether the NRA has conducted any recruitment tests since its inception.

Singh said the NRA is also in the process of developing protocols and policy frameworks to address various issues associated with conduct of the new examination system as well as evolving effective means for ensuring compliance of normative standards and guidelines by all concerned.

He said four Governing Body meetings have been held since the inception of the NRA, which functions from its headquarters at New Delhi.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Boyukshor floating solar power plant, unique for Azerbaijan with a capacity of 100 kW, has begun operation, an informed source told Trend.

"Spanish Gamma Solutions, funded by a grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has constructed a 100 kW photovoltaic system on Boyukshor Lake near Baku. The project operates on the principle of solar panels, converting sunlight into electrical energy using a DC photovoltaic generator," explained the source.

The initiative forms part of ADB's regional Floating Solar Energy Development program, encompassing Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan.

Gamma Solutions, operating in approximately 20 countries, boasts a portfolio comprising over 50 renewable energy projects, including photovoltaic and wind farms worldwide.

"This pioneering project in Azerbaijan features 100 kW of AC power, with 95 kW generated directly from the floating part of the station and 5 kW from the land-based section," added the source.

Currently, renewable energy sources (including hydropower) constitute 15 percent of Azerbaijan's total energy balance.

Azerbaijan aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources in its energy capacity to 3033 percent by 2030.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) During his recent visit to Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed that India is willing to offer "all possible support" in the context of the conflict in Ukraine for restoration of peace and reiterated the importance of peaceful settlement through dialogue and diplomacy, Parliament was informed on Thursday.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh was asked in the Rajya Sabha details of the outcomes relating to the meeting of Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the MoUs signed during this visit and the nature thereof as well the outcomes of any discussions relating to the Ukraine conflict and India's observations.

He was also asked about the areas of common cooperation and support with specific reference to the role of China and its engagement.

In his written response, Singh said during the prime minister's visit on July 8-9 for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, the two Leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in political, trade, investment, energy, connectivity, science and technology, defence, and security spheres as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest including engagement in the UN and multilateral groupings such as the G20, BRICS, SCO etc.

"These discussions were held on the basis of bilateral priorities without reference to relations with a third country," he said.

In addition to the joint statement of the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit and the Leaders' Joint Statement on the development of Strategic Areas of India-Russia Economic Cooperation for the period up to 2030, nine other documents were signed during the visit, Singh said.

The minister also shared a list of the documents -- MoUs or agreements - related to the visit.

"On the conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister conveyed that India is willing to offer all possible support for restoration of peace and reiterated the importance of peaceful settlement through dialogue and diplomacy," he said in his reply.

In response to another query related to visas, Singh said according to available information, 16 countries provide visa-free entry, 40 countries have visa-on-arrival facility and 47 countries provide e-visa facility to Indian passport holders.

The government has been continuously making efforts to increase the number of countries that may provide visa-free entry travel, visa-on-arrival and e-visa facilities to Indians for ease of travelling around the world, he added.

On a question as to whether the government is likely to enter into any agreement with some countries in the coming years on visa-free entry for Indians, Singh said, "Allowing visa free entry to foreigners is a sovereign matter of the receiving State. Matters regarding providing visa free entry/visa on arrival facility also depend on various factors including bilateral relations and principle of reciprocity."

Meanwhile, in a written response to another query on whether the government is considering to build a high speed train project to Singapore via Southeast Asia connecting major cities and important economic hubs in six countries, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita said "no".
Srinagar, Jul 25 (PTI) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the second special summary revision of photo electoral rolls in all parliamentary and assembly constituencies in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir with July 1, 2024, as the qualifying date.

According to a notice issued by Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole, the timeline for publication of the integrated draft electoral roll is July 25, 2024, while the timeline period for filing claims and objections is July 25, 2024 to August 9, 2024, an official spokesperson said on Thursday.

The notice has fixed special campaign dates on July 27-28, 2024 and August 3-4, 2024.

"The Draft Photo Electoral Rolls 2024 will be available at District Headquarters, Tehsil offices of Srinagar and Jammu, Municipal Corporations/Booth Level Offices at polling station level, and on the website of the CEO, J&K (ceojk.nic.in) for information of all concerned," the notice said.

All individuals, who are 18 years of age or above on July 1, 2024, can get their names enrolled in the electoral rolls by filling Form 6 used for registration of new electors.

Further, Form 7 could be used for objections to proposed inclusion or deletion of name in the existing electoral roll, Form 8 for multiple purposes like correction of any particulars in the roll, shifting of residence (within or outside constituency), replacement of EPIC and marking of person with disability and Form 6B could be used for capturing Aadhaar number of the existing electors.

The claims and objections could be filed in both online as well as offline mode, the notice said.

"For online filing of claims and objections, one can log on to Voter's Service Portal (www.voters.eci.gov.in) or download voter helpline app (VHA), and for offline mode, the concerned BLO, AERO or ERO could be contacted," it added.

The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are likely to be held later this year in view of the Supreme Court directions passed last year.
Srinagar, Jul 25 (PTI) Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday visited forward areas along the Line of Control in Kashmir valley to review the preparedness of the forces involved in counter-infiltration and counter-terror operations, officials said.

The Chief of Army Staff later left for Kargil to take part in the silver jubilee celebrations of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

After arriving here on Wednesday, General Dwivedi, along with Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, GOC-in-C Northern Command, Chinar Corps Commander, civil dignitaries and all ranks of Chinar Corps paid homage to Naik Dilawar Khan, who laid down his life during an anti-terror operation in Kupwara.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gahlot has directed an enquiry into the recent incidents of bus accidents in the city, days after a woman died and 34 people were injured when a DTC bus rammed into a pillar near a metro station.

The report of the inquiry, to be conducted by the Special Commissioner of Transport, is to be submitted within seven days. It should also include possible reasons for such incidents as well as measures required to prevent future occurrences.

On Monday morning, a woman died and 34 others were injured when a DTC bus they were travelling in rammed into a pillar near Shivaji Park metro station in west Delhi.

The sudden braking of the bus also caused an auto rickshaw to collide with it from behind, resulting in injuries to its occupants.

"The safety of our commuters is of utmost priority. We are committed to identifying the root causes of these accidents and implementing effective solutions to ensure such incidents do not happen again. Immediate action will be taken based on the findings of the enquiry. Lives getting lost either due to mechanical failure or negligence of drivers cannot be condoned," Gahlot said.

In order to stop incidents like the one in west Delhi, the government is also considering procuring driving simulators for driver training, implementing an Aadhaar-based attendance system for drivers, and conducting breathalyser tests before the start of duty, an official statement from the government said.

Additionally, drivers will be allowed to work with only one concessionaire. The Transport Department will also engage NGOs to provide proper training and sensitisation for drivers.
Chandigarh, Jul 25 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday hit out at Governor Banwarilal Purohit over his visits to border areas, saying that he should refrain from creating an "atmosphere of conflict" and instead inaugurate a seminar at a university.

Speaking to reporters in Jalandhar, the chief minister said the governor holds a constitutional post and should fulfil his responsibility "and we will fulfil ours".

He alleged that this was being done only by governors in states where the BJP is not in power to harass the ruling party.

Purohit is on a visit to border districts of Punjab and holding meetings with villagers and officials of police and central agencies. He visited Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts on Tuesday and Amritsar on Wednesday.

Mann appealed to the governor "to refrain from creating an atmosphere of conflict", given the constitutional nature of the post.

"He should inaugurate a seminar at a university. It does not mean that he should now go to villages and take out a roadshow in villages," the chief minister said.

"He took half of my government along," Mann added, referring to senior officers of civil and police administrations accompanying the governor during his border area visits.

"Why the governors of only those states are doing it where the BJP is not in power? The reason is to cause harassment," he said.

"Why does the Gujarat governor not write to the chief minister? Why does the Rajasthan governor not visit the border areas? Have you ever seen governors of the BJP-ruled states saying anything?" he said.

Mann said he wanted to maintain good relations with the governor.

"He has a constitutional post and he should fulfil his responsibility and we will fulfil ours," he said.

On Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi's remarks that radical preacher and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh's detention under the NSA was part of an "undeclared emergency", Mann said it was Channi's stand.

"What Charanjit Channi says in Parliament is his stand. Half of the Congress says one thing while the other half says something else.

"But from our side, we are making whatever efforts are needed to maintain law and order in Punjab. I am the custodian of 3.50 crore people of the state and not only a particular MP," Mann said.
Shimla, July 25 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday accused the Centre of doing injustice with non-BJP states.

Speaking to the media, Sukhu highlighted discrimination in the Union Budget 2024-25 regarding the distribution of disaster relief funds, favouring BJP states like Uttarakhand and Assam over non-BJP states such as Himachal Pradesh.

"I believe that injustice is being done to non-BJP states somewhere and Himachal Pradesh has not been given financial assistance for disaster relief," he said.

"Assistance is being given to Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Assam for floods, but multilateral assistance is being given to Himachal Pradesh, which is injustice," he added.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said during her budget speech on Tuesday that Himachal Pradesh, which suffered major losses due to floods last year, would be assisted with multilateral development assistance.

After the announcement, Sukhu had said the Himachal government had requested the Centre to release Rs 9,042 crore as financial aid following a post-disaster assessment carried out by a central team.

It was expected that Himachal too, would be given direct assistance on the pattern of Assam, Sikkim and Uttarakhand, he had said.

Meanwhile, accusing former chief minister and Leader of Opposition in state assembly Jai Ram Thakur of "doing politics on everything", Sukhu on Thursday alleged he tries to block release of funds to the state when he goes to Delhi.

Echoing his thoughts, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, "Jai Ram Thakur goes to Delhi to work against the interest of the state."
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) A new book explores the remarkable journey of renowned Indian artist S H Raza and celebrates his body of work by taking a look at the evolving phases of his life and artistic endeavours.

To commemorate the centennial of Raza, the Progressive Art Gallery and the Raza Foundation recently released "Raza: The Other Modern".

The book by critics Geeti Sen, Yashodhara Dalmia and Gayatri Sinha has a foreword by Raza Foundation managing trustee Ashok Vajpeyi. With 103 illustrations and five photographs, it features essays by these art critics.

Raza was born on February 22, 1922 and died on July 23, 2016. With his Indian vision and French sens de la plastique coalescing to create a unique modernism, Raza was a master of colours, concepts and creativity.

From his early expressionist works to the mesmerizing abstraction of his later years, Raza's artistic evolution is a testimony to his relentless pursuit of truth through colour and form.

As an artist, Raza moved through many dualities - home and exile, colour and concept, imagination and thought, modernity and memory, creativity and invention, locale and universality, passion and meditation, anxiety and silence, time and eternity; and also, in a way, between River Narmada of his childhood and the Parisian river Seine from his adulthood.

The book, published by Mapin Publishing, was released some months ago in Dubai. Singh, the director of Progressive Art Gallery, says the book not only celebrates Raza's remarkable collection of work but also invites readers to explore the depth of his visual mastery.

Dalmiya writes that a childhood spent in the lush thickets of the forests of central India had provided Raza with the means to seek boundless horizons replete with colour and subtle sights and sounds.

His "early years also reflected the artist's skill in creating evocative forms, such as 'Portrait' (1941) where the turbaned, dignified representation of a man expresses his empathetic emotions. A deftly sketched pen and ink portrait of a musician of this period reveals the latter's intense devotion to his art", she writes.

After independence, Raza's entire family left for Pakistan but he chose to remain in Bombay, where he was a founding member of the forceful Progressive Artists' Group formed in 1947.

According to Dalmiya, the Group rejected effete revivalism and academic naturalism in art and, in the midst of a welter of existing traditions, carved its own path to modernism, linking it to international trends.

Sen describes the collection of Raza's paintings in the Progressive Art Gallery as rare and incomparable in its comprehensive range of works from the late 1930s to 2010.

Raza left for Paris in 1950 on a scholarship to hone his skill and to acquaint himself with the works of masters such as Cezanne, Picasso and Matisse. He was to stay in France for two years but instead spent more than half a century and returned home in 2010.

Dalmiya says Raza maintained an equal distance from both traditional religious thought and the movements of abstract expressionism, maintaining his own composition and form.

"His work is often identified as 'tantric' but Raza refuted the nomenclature, claiming that the beliefs were far too complex and he was far from a practising tantric," she says.

According to Sinha, dominating each work with its enigmatic presence, Raza's black sun is a magnetic object of contemplation and lends itself to different readings. Raza's own explanation was fairly cryptic: "...Black suns in my paintings were mostly the earth or the sun or the moon. I believe that this subject can be painted for centuries to come. In any case, it has been the essential preoccupation of my work - this earth from which we emerge, into which we go back," she says.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Aviation regulator DGCA is investigating the Air India Express cabin crew strike incident in May that had resulted in several flight cancellations and the airline will be penalised in case there were any non-compliance with regulations, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Thursday.

In response to queries in the Lok Sabha related to flight cancellations, Naidu said the ministry was ensuring that there were no cancellations and delays as he emphasised that Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) were in place to ensure that passengers received compensation.

"We acknowledge that there has been an issue with Air India Express  There were some internal issues with the crew as Air India Express was merging with AirAsia India and a mass strike happened (on May 7)," the minister said during the Question Hour.

There were a lot of cancellations due to the strike.

"Once this issue started, the ministry got involved, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) facilitated a lot of discussions with airline, crew members and everything, and it was sorted out ... There was also a software glitch that happened. Because of the software glitch, the crew member data that was supposed to be with the airline, there was some problem and manually they were trying to enter (data) ... For everything to get back to normalcy, (it took) some time," the minister said.

While noting that there are CARs in place, Naidu said if airlines do not follow regulations, the ministry gets involved and ensures that passengers get refund or readjustment in another flight.

Citing an example, he said a penalty of Rs 10 lakh was imposed on Air India for not following certain guidelines.

"The Air India Express strike incident also ... The DGCA is going into the depth and investigating the issue. If there seems to be any non-compliance from the airlines, then definitely we are going to penalise them and ensure that passenger is the top priority," Naidu said.

On May 7, around 200 cabin crew members of Tata Group-owned Air India Express went on strike to protest against alleged mismanagement at the airline, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights.

Consequently, the airline management terminated the services of 25 cabin crew members and warned the others to join work or face the same action.

The strike was called off on May 9 after a conciliation meeting between representatives of a union representing the cabin crew members and the management convened by the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central). The termination letters were also later withdrawn.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) NCP Rajya Sabha member Fauzia Khan raised in the House on Thursday the issue of challenges faced by candidates with disabilities in public service examinations.

To highlight the matter, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader cited the difficulties faced by a candidate suffering from muscular dystrophy, Kartik Kansal, who cleared the Union Public Service Commission examinations four times.

"While we see on one side a Puja Khedkar who clears the UPSC examination and acquires a posting based on false documents. On the other side, we see a Kartik Kansal who clears the UPSC examination four times and yet is denied service. The reason...his physical disability of muscular dystrophy," Khan said.

She said Kansal's UPSC rank in 2021 itself would have qualified him for the Indian Administrative Service but muscular dystrophy was not recognised in the list of eligible conditions at that time.

"Clearing the civil services is an achievement unlike any other. For a person to accomplish this multiple times only to face discriminatory practices should serve as a reminder of the shortcomings of the system," the MP said.

She added there are different criteria of eligibility for people with disabilities for the different services.

The solution, according to Khan, lies in implementing uniform guidelines for medical boards, reducing discrepancies and making fair evaluations.

"By making these adjustments, a system that supports every candidate and promotes fairness and inclusivity throughout the entire process can be created," she said.

The NCP leader said a uniform disability assessment should be part of the package.

Meanwhile, Manas Ranjan Mangaraj of the BJD, in his Zero Hour mention, highlighted the problems faced by farmers in Odisha due to delayed payments of crop insurance cover under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

He said the scheme was designed to provide a safety net to farmers in times of crop loss to ensure their financial stability and safeguard against uncertainties.

However, there have been prolonged delays in payments by insurance companies, Mangaraj said.

He added that his party has been demanding swift and fair payments under the scheme.

The BJD MP said that despite his party's persistent efforts and the plight of farmers, the central government has failed to prioritise the issue with the seriousness it warrants.

"This negligence is not just a bureaucratic failure, it is a betrayal of faith and trust our farmers placed in the system," he said.

Mangaraj demanded immediate action to streamline the process and ensure that payments are disbursed swiftly after assessment of crop damage.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) DMK MP Tiruchi Siva on Thursday urged the government to hand back the responsibility of staff recruitment for the Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to state governments.

Speaking during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Siva cited concerns over decreased student engagement due to hiring of individuals from North India for schools in the South.

The MP highlighted the inefficiencies arising from the recent shift in recruitment from state governments to the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS).

This centralised approach, aimed at addressing teacher shortages across 400 EMRS by filling 38,000 positions nationally, has led to unintended consequences, according to Siva.

"The first batch of 303 principals, 707 junior secretarial assistants, and other staff now primarily consists of individuals from North Indian states appointed across South India," Siva said.

He argued that this mismatch is detrimental to education, where understanding local tribal culture and context is crucial.

The DMK leader pointed out that the mandatory Hindi requirement in hiring criteria has resulted in communication gaps, affecting teaching effectiveness. "New staff members are burdened with learning the local language within two years," he added.

Siva urged the government to revert the recruitment responsibility to respective state governments.

"Education is on the concurrent list. I urge the government to bring it back to the state list," he emphasised, calling for serious consideration of the issue.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Azerbaijan invited Serbia at the level of officials and civil society to actively participate in COP29, Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Sahib Mammadov said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia held in Baku today.

Using the opportunity of the commission, we invite the Serbian side to take an active part in the work of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) at a high level. We are also open in November for a visit to Baku by young climate leaders of Serbia and representatives of NGOs at COP29," he emphasized.

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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The Shin Bet security service shared footage from the operation in Khan Younis that resulted in the recovery of the bodies of 5 hostages. What went unnoticed by most is that one of those photos shows a Shin Bet officer seated next to a handcuffed terrorist dressed in IDF uniform with blue shoes.

Sources tell YWN that the unidentified terrorist told Israeli interrogators that he knew where Hamas was holding the bodies of some hostages. However, he said, he was unable to provide them with enough details to find the bodies without showing them himself. As such, the IDF brought the terrorist into Khan Younis to show Shin Bet officers the precise location of the tunnel where the bodies of five kidnapped individuals were recovered.

The bodies were buried in a grave dug into one of the tunnel walls and covered with soil. Hamas had hidden the bodies in such a way that without precise intelligence, they would not be found by the IDF during searches within the tunnel.

The recovered bodies were those of Mia Goren, 56, from Nir Oz; Ravid Katz, 51, from Nir Oz; Oren Goldin, 33, from Nir Yitzhak; Sergeant First Class Tomer Achimas, 20, from Lehavim; and Sergeant Kirill Brodsky, 19, from Ramat Gan. These individuals were found in Khan Yunis and have been returned to Israel.

The bodies were discovered in black bags during a raid by Division 98. The IDF has conducted similar operations in the past, which sometimes resulted in the discovery of Palestinian bodies instead.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met separately at the White House Thursday with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the war in Gaza and the possibility of securing a cease-fire deal.

Netanyahus first White House visit since 2020 comes a day after he gave a fiery speech to Congress and at a time of growing pressure in Israel and the U.S. to find an endgame to the nine-month war in Gaza. Dozens of Israeli hostages are still languishing in Hamas captivity.

Harris said in remarks after what she called a frank and constructive meeting with the Israeli leader that she supports Israels right to defend itself, but said, how it does so matters.

She expressed concern over the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza and images of civilians killed in the conflict, saying, We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies.

She echoed Biden in calling for a swift cease-fire to end the fighting, at least for a time, to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza and release some of the most vulnerable hostages from Hamas captivity.

White House officials say the negotiations are in the closing stages, but there are issues that need to be resolved.

The gaps are closable, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. He added, But its going to require, as it always does, some leadership, some compromise.

Harris met with Netanyahu in her ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. She is also expected to press him on securing a deal to release the hostages kidnapped during Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel that launched the war.

We have a lot to talk about, Harris said as she welcomed the Israeli leader. We do indeed, he replied.

Thousands protested Netanyahus visit in Washington, and Harris condemned those who were violent or used rhetoric that praised Hamas.

Netanyahu, last at the White House when former President Donald Trump was in office, is headed to Florida on Friday to meet with the Republican presidential nominee.

(AP)
In a first since the October 7th massacre, a male survivor revealed that he was raped by Hamas terrorists, Channel 12 reported on Tuesday evening.

Although there have been many reports of Hamas terrorists assaulting men during the massacre, there has never been any firsthand accounts until now, mainly because most of the victims were murdered. All accounts of such assaults were told by survivors who witnessed the harrowing scenes.

The victim, who was only identified as D., recounted his brutal humiliation by a group of Nukba terrorists who surrounded him and assaulted him with great cruelty, laughing at him and spitting at him as they did so.

D. said that the terrorists were wildly intoxicated, celebrating, laughing with their guns, with their knives. You kind of dissociate from the situation but on the other hand, experience it very strongly.

He miraculously survived because other terrorists arrived and called them so they had to stop. He later escaped with the help of IDF soldiers.

(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)
Three IDF soldiers were injured in a shooting on Route 55 near the Palestinian village of Nabi Ilyas in the Shomron on Thursday morning.

Terrorists opened fire from their vehicle while driving by a group of IDF soldiers in the area and then sped off.

Two soldiers suffered gunshot wounds and were evacuated to Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba, one in moderate condition and one in light condition. A third soldier was very lightly injured and was treated at the scene.

A large number of IDF forces arrived at the scene and launched a manhunt after the terrorists.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Over 100 Israelis flocked to emergency rooms at several hospitals in northern Israel overnight Wednesday due to fears of having contracted the rare brain-eating amoeba [Naegleria fowleri] in the Kinneret.

Panic spread on Wednesday after the Health Ministry stated that a ten-year-old boy who is critically ill with the brain-eating amoeba likely contracted the infection at a water park at Gai Beach in Tiveria.

The boy, who is currently sedated and ventilated in the PICU at Ziv Hospital, was at the water park three weeks ago. Shortly beforehand, a 25-year-old man who was at the same water park died only days after being diagnosed with encephalitis caused by the brain-eating amoeba.

The boy, who has no underlying health conditions, is the third person ever diagnosed in Israel with the rare amoeba. Only 400 cases have ever been diagnosed worldwide.

Forty Israelis, adults and children, who were at Gai Beach and feared they were suffering from symptoms of encephalitis caused by the amoeba arrived at the emergency room at Poriyah Hospital near Tiveria.

Following an examination in the emergency room, 36 were released home and four children were hospitalized for further testing and observation, the medical center stated on Thursday morning.

About another 60 people who swam in the Kinneret and complained of symptoms such as fever or neck pain, showed up at the emergency rooms of Rambam Hospital in Haifa, Emek Hospital in Afula, Ziv Hospital in Tzfas, and the Galil Medical Center in Nahariya. Five children were hospitalized at Ziv for further testing but the rest were fortunately found to be in good health and were released.

The Health Ministry closed the park on Wednesday [although inspectors found no evidence of contamination at the site] and called on anyone who was there in the past two weeks to seek immediate medical treatment if experiencing symptoms such as headache, fever, vomiting, or blurred vision.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF on Thursday announced the death of Staff Sgt. Noam Douek of the 401st Armored Brigades 9th Battalion while serving in the southern Gaza Strip.

Douek, zl, 19, from Kiryat Motzkin, it is believed to have died in his sleep from carbon monoxide poisoning, apparently due to a generator that was operating in the room he was sleeping in to power fans due to the hot weather. The generator, which caused the emission of toxic gases in a closed space for hours, was operated in violation of military regulations.

Two other soldiers from the 9th Battalion who slept in the same room also suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning. They were evacuated to the hospital via helicopter in serious condition.

The Military Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

This is the second tragic death of an IDF soldier in Rafah this week that was not directly related to combat. On Monday. Cpt. Mordechai Kadmon, zl, was killed by an accidential grenade explosion.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House Thursday to discuss the war in Gaza with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at an important moment for all three politicians.

Netanyahus first White House visit since 2020, when former President Donald Trump was in office, comes at a time of growing pressure to find an endgame to the nine-month war thats left more than 39,000 dead in Gaza. Dozens of Israeli hostages are still languishing in Hamas captivity.

Biden greeted Netanyahu in the Oval Office, where the Israeli leader thanked the president for his service.

The conservative Likud Party leader Netanyahu and centrist Democrat Biden have had ups-and-downs over the years. Netanyahu, in what could be his last White House meeting with Biden, reflected on the roughly 40 years theyve known each other.

From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel, Netanyahu told Biden at the start of their meeting.

Biden thanked Netanyahu and joked that his first meeting with an Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, in 1973 soon after he was elected to the Senate came when he was only 12.

Biden planned to use the meeting in part to press Israel and Hamas to seal a U.S.-backed proposal to release remaining hostages in Gaza over three phases  something that would be a legacy-affirming achievement for the 81-year-old Democrat, who abandoned his reelection bid and endorsed Harris. It could also be a boon for Harris in her bid to succeed him.

White House officials say the negotiations are in the closing stages but there are issues that need to be resolved.

Following their talks, Biden and Netanyahu met with the families of American hostages.

Harris, who will meet separately with Netanyahu later, is trying to demonstrate that she has the mettle to serve as commander in chief. Shes being scrutinized by those on the political left who say Biden hasnt done enough to force Netanyahu to end the war and by Republicans looking to brand her as insufficient in her support for Israel.

A senior administration official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said there is no daylight between the president and vice president on Israel. Harris last one-on-one engagement with Netanyahu was in March 2021, but shes taken part in more than 20 calls between Biden and Netanyahu.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
British American Tobacco has warned it is unlikely to achieve key 'new categories' revenue targets.

The Dunhill and Lucky Strike owner has invested billions in recent years developing e-cigarettes, heated tobacco brands and modern oral products amid growing demand for healthier alternatives to smoking.

It aims to generate 5billion from such products in 2025 and have 50 million people using its non-combustible goods by 2030.

Alternatives: British American Tobacco has invested billions in recent years developing e-cigarettes, heated tobacco brands and modern oral products

However, the London-based firm's chief executive, Tadeu Marroco, said sales of new categories next year are 'likely' to miss this goal.

He said this was due to US authorities' 'lack of enforcement' against illegal single-use vaping products and the recent disposal of its businesses in Russia and Belarus.

Although BAT acknowledged that many American states were cracking down on illicit single-use vapes, it nonetheless believes they comprise half of the overall US vapour market.

In the six months ending June, BAT saw its adjusted turnover from new categories increase by 3.1 per cent to 1.7billion, helped by strong demand among American customers for its Velo nicotine pouches.

Its total adjusted revenue still declined by 3.7 per cent to 12.3billion, while reported sales dropped by 8.2 per cent owing to foreign exchange headwinds.

Turnover was also hurt by combustibles volumes being impacted by supply chain disruption in Sudan, economic pressures across the US, and the group quitting many African markets.

BAT posted a 17.1billion pre-tax loss last year after taking a 27.3billion writedown on the value of some American combustible brands because of falling smoking rates and a subdued economic backdrop.

By comparison, the group saw its profits before tax expand by almost 300million to 5.6billion during the first half of 2024, partly thanks to lower finance costs.

Yet BAT's profits from operations dived by 28.3 per cent to 4.3billion as it embarked on unwinding its US wholesaler inventory and incurred 1.4billion in amortisation and impairment charges.

Marroco said: 'While there is more to do, we are making good progress and I am encouraged that our new category launches and our first-half investments to strengthen our US combustibles portfolio are gaining traction.

'Together with the expected unwind of US wholesaler inventory movements, I am confident this will drive an acceleration in our second-half performance.'

BAT has upheld annual guidance following its first-half result, which includes low-single-figure organic growth in constant currency revenues and adjusted profits from operations.

British American Tobacco shares were 4.8 per cent up at 2,700p on early Thursday afternoon but have barely risen over the past year.
Commentary: China's reform commitment presents fresh opportunities to foreign firms

Xinhua) 08:09, July 25, 2024

This aerial photo taken on Sept. 10, 2023 shows a view of Zhangjiang area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

With China's continued stable economic growth as well as deepening reform and opening-up, more multinational corporations are turning their attention to China.

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A few days ago, the Armenian service of Radio Liberty published an analysis of the growth of the Armenian economy over the past year, which clearly showed what actually caused the significant growth: only the re-export of European goods to Russia.

On the one hand, Paris strongly opposes the re-export of goods to Russia, but on the other hand, it seems to turn a blind eye to the fact that this concerns its "friends".





This situation has led to another problem - a decrease in tax revenues. According to the latest data, the State Revenue Committee of Armenia has collected as much as 300 million US dollars less than provided for in the state budget for 2024.





"As a result, the tax revenues of the Armenian government are significantly lower than the target set for the first half of this year, which plunges the country into a deepening economic crisis. This is due to the fact that the country produces little, and the policy pursued by nationalist extremists has isolated it from its neighbors, with whom economic exchange has stopped," the article says.





The authors rightly conclude that normalization of relations with Azerbaijan seems to be the only way out of the economic crisis for Armenia.





Four years after the end of the Second Karabakh War, Armenia still does not participate in significant regional economic projects. France is not the driving force behind Armenia's economic growth, but rather Russia. The Armenian authorities must understand that a peace agreement with Baku is the best solution for economic recovery. This would open up opportunities to connect to major regional projects - transit, energy and many others. It is important to remember that they are all connected with Azerbaijan. But the question remains - will Paris allow it?
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Azerbaijan invited Serbia to join green energy transportation project - Caspian-Black Sea-European Green Energy Corridor, the Azerbaijani co-chairman of the Azerbaijan-Serbia Intergovernmental Commission (ISC) Sahil Babayev, said at a press conference following the ISC meeting in Baku, Trend reports.

He noted that this issue was among the topics of bilateral negotiations, and Serbia's participation in the project would be very useful.

During the IGC meeting, Azerbaijani Deputy Energy Minister Kamal Abbasov noted that the work on the project of the green energy corridor is going well, and the governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary have been officially involved in it so far.

The next meeting on this project will be held in September in Bucharest, and a joint venture will be officially established. The feasibility study of the energy corridor will be finalized by the end of the year, he said.

The headquarters of the JV will be in Bucharest; it will be established in September 2024.
British Gas owner Centricas profits have fallen sharply from record highs during the energy crisis, as Britain transitions to a 'more normalised' gas and electricity market.

Centrica told investors on Thursday that underlying earnings in its British Gas household supply arm slumped to 159million in the six months to 30 June, down from 969million a year ago.

It said around 500million of the fall was due to the absence this year of energy crisis allowance payments.

Centrica chief executive Chris OShea, said: 'I know Im at risk of sounding like a broken record here, but for a company to be sustainable it must be profitable'

Centrica shares were down 7.83 per cent or 11.20p to 131.85p on Thursday, having risen by around 5 per cent in the last year.

Regulator Ofgem allowed energy suppliers to recover costs that they had racked up during the crisis, but this has now come to an end.

The wider Centrica group reported underlying earnings of 1.04billion for the first half of 2024, but said group profitability will be 'heavily weighted' to the first half.

Energy companies have come under fire from consumer groups for their outsize profits in the wake of the energy crisis.

Centrica chief executive Chris OShea, said: 'I know Im at risk of sounding like a broken record here, but for a company to be sustainable it must be profitable If companies fail the costs go on to consumer bills.'

He said the fall in profit this year came 'against the backdrop of more normalised market conditions'.

Centrica also said it is extending its programme of returning money to shareholders, as it sits on a 3.2billion cash pile accumulated while energy prices were soaring and profits were at their peak.

Results: British Gas owner Centricas profits have fallen after hitting record highs during the energy crisis

It said it will buy 200million more in shares from investors, adding to the 1billion buyback programme that started in 2022.

OShea added the company was still 'ready to invest' in the planned nuclear power plant Sizewell C, but said any decision is dependent on other parties, including the newly elected Labour government.

He said: 'An investment decision this year would be dependent upon how the Government wants to move and how the Sizewell C company wants to move  so, were able to move as quickly as the other parties.'

OShea added that he hopes the UKs new state-owned energy investment firm, GB Energy, could be an investment partner to Centrica on some projects in future.

He said: 'Its great that theres more capital thats going to come in because that brings down prices, that reduces prices for consumers.'

He said there was 'no conflict' between returning cash to shareholders and Centricas investment plans.

O'Shea added: 'Well have distributed 1.7billion to shareholders over a couple of years. We expect to invest several billion pounds as we go forward Weve got money to invest and and its reasonable for shareholders to expect dividends and returns.'

Centricas bad debt charge was 240million, down from 284million at the same point last year, but still higher than historic levels, showing that the number of customers who cannot pay their energy bills remains high.

OShea said this was mainly down to cost-of-living pressures, adding: 'Its far more stressful for somebody trying to figure out how to pay their electricity bill than it is for us figuring out how to deal with bad debt.'

Centrica launched a 'You Pay: We Pay' scheme earlier this year, where it matches energy payments made by customers who are struggling to pay their bills pound for pound.

Dan Coatsworth, an investment analyst at AJ Bell, said: 'Results from British Gas owner Centrica are a reminder of just how cyclical its business is. While other suppliers were squeezed by the energy crisis, Centricas wholesale operation meant it was a direct beneficiary of an increase in oil, gas and electricity prices.

'Therefore, a halving of profit as prices come down shouldnt come as a major surprise given what Centrica rather euphemistically calls a normalised market.

'A return to normality is not a message to enthuse shareholders given that pre-energy crisis Centricas shares had struggled as customer numbers in its retail operation dwindled and its wholesale arm struggled.

'One thing the company has in its favour thanks to the recent bumper period is plenty of cash and this should allow it to continue funding share buybacks, notably announcing a 200million extension to its current programme.

'Centrica is also investing in new projects and technologies, but investors will want to see evidence of this paying off before it gives the company credit.'
A fortnight ago I bought a lovely rural property at auction for around 200,000 - half of what I estimate it could be worth. I had only seen the home once and did not get a survey beforehand.

However my new neighbour has told me that it had been a cannabis growing house until two months ago, when the police shut the operation down. The seller had been renting the home out and claimed not to know anything about any illegal activities.

I then discovered the electricity meter had been bypassed and there was lots of odd press-fit plumbing that had been bodged in, while some of the floors are bowed, perhaps from the weight of wet compost.

I am furious that the property's auction legal pack did not mention any of this, bar the fact it had no mains electricity, which I assumed was because it had been disconnected due to vacancy.

What are my rights in this situation please, as I want to get some sort of compensation back from the seller - or ideally a full refund and to walk away.

Growing pains: This reader was shocked to discover the home they just bought was previously used for less than legal purposes (stock images)

Sam Barker of This is Money replies: I'll give it to you straight - sadly, I'm afraid your rights here are very limited. This is a classic case of 'buyer beware' where the buyer has not done enough bewaring.

However, a more optimistic way of looking at the situation is that you have bought a house you like, and at a bargain price.

Even with the cost of any repair work, you will almost certainly still sell the property for a profit when you decide to move on, and a big one.

But I do sympathise with your immediate situation, which is probably more common than many of us think.

Police figures show that 90 per cent of the cannabis sold in the UK is grown in rented properties, and I can only assume the rural nature of your home was appealing as it offered some privacy.

You seem to have fallen down the crack between reduced scrutiny of property bought at auction, and the limited amount a seller has to disclose in these situations.

Your case highlights the problems that can occur when buying a house without a survey - though I appreciate this is often the case when buying a house at auction due to the tight timescales.

The survey has to take place before bidding, so you could spend 800+ on a survey for a house you then get outbid on.

And arranging a survey can be logistically tricky when dealing with auctioneers, who often only open the house for viewings on one day, with multiple people attending at the same time.

Sadly, the time to walk away from this house was before you paid for it, and you are probably better off keeping it unless any problems arise with the house that the seller a) knew about and b) was required to disclose.

I spoke to London estate agents Benham and Reeves and chartered surveyors Gates, Parish & Co to get to the bottom of your problem.

Up in smoke? Our reader is concerned about hidden damage to their new property

Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, says: Purchasing a property at auction can be a great way of securing a discounted home at pace, without the uncertainty of the traditional transaction timeline.

However, whilst auctions provide a number of benefits, they are also a popular way to offload properties with complex issues. As a buyer, you really need to be on your toes to ensure you are aware of just what you are bidding on.

When a property heads to auction, any title defects must be disclosed not only within the auction contract, but also via the auctioneer, for example within their brochure.

These defects are usually legal issues with the property that aren't discoverable on inspection, such as rights of drainage, restrictive covenants, existing tenancies or local land charges.

Should a seller fail to disclose issues like these, it leaves the buyer well within their rights to claim for misrepresentation.

However, this leaves somewhat of a grey area when it comes to the property itself and any obvious physical defects that may have come via improper use by the former owner.

For example, in the case of a cannabis farm, any re-routing of the drainage system or bypassing of the energy meter would essentially fall under defects that would be noted during an inspection, and would therefore not fall under the requirement to disclose.

David Parish, of Gates, Parish & Co says: It is often the case that cannabis is generated within the loft spaces of various properties which can cause significant damage.

In my view, the property would not be saleable if evidence still remained of the illegal use when the property was being offered for sale.

However, I feel the property would be saleable if the property had been fully reinstated and any damage repaired. In other words, if a viewer saw the property in perfectly normal condition, I do not think they would necessarily be deterred by the past history of the property.

Nevertheless, I think a seller would be under an obligation to disclose the previous use in pre-contract enquiries but provided the property had been fully repaired and reinstated it is unlikely that the saleability would be adversely affected.

This does of course assume that the property is not in an area where there is anti-social behaviour and other similar problems with drugs.

Marc von Grundherr adds: It's also important to note that a seller may not be aware of any previous improper use, particularly if it's a property that has been repossessed and is being sold by a bank.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, whether it be to the auction house, seller, or even the neighbours of the property in question.

Therefore, if you're looking to purchase a property at auction it's important that you take a proactive approach and the first place to start is by having your own survey carried out on the property. This will flag any potential issues that could help indicate prior improper use.

Be sure to scour through the auction pack to ensure you haven't missed anything and don't be afraid to ask questions, whether it be to the auction house, seller, or even the neighbours of the property in question.

The latter is often the best approach to get a straight answer when it comes to any previous illegal activity.

Having your solicitor check through any and all legal documents is essential before placing a bid and whilst this and conducting surveys will require some additional budget, it's well worth it when you consider the potential saving you might make, as well as avoiding the potentially expensive cost of rectifying a problem property.

Sam Barker of This is Money adds: Sadly, it seems the seller was within their rights not to mention the cannabis growing, provided they made right any illegal damage.

Things like sagging floors are quite common in old properties, and the seller could easily - and possibly rightly - say this had been the case all along and the cannabis farm was not to blame.

Your example shows how important it is to speak to neighbours before buying homes, where possible - and getting a proper survey done before putting any money down will provide huge peace of mind.
Oh how the tables have turned. After years of being mollycoddled into paying for goods and services in the form of card transactions, cash and its importance have taken centre stage.

Last week, the fragility of the global financial payments system was highlighted in one fell swoop.

One of the worst IT disasters unfolded in double quick time, meaning many shops, restaurants and supermarkets couldn't take card payments.

For me, it felt like a 'told you so,' moment. Years of banging the drum about the importance of keeping cash and the occasional ridicule faced for believing in keeping it alive.

Spend more cash! Not all transactions need to be with physical money - but in my opinion, it should make up some of your monthly spend

'Waitrose is a warzone,' my wife reported on Friday morning after popping to the store in Billericay. 'It's gone old school, only accepting cash  do you know what's going on?'

She had cash in her purse. Indeed, we both always carry cash with us for several reasons.

Firstly, IT meltdowns and bank outages aren't uncommon. Much of the infrastructure used is now decades out of date, with many moving parts and creaking patches everywhere.

I've reported on bank outages for years  and who can forget that epic Visa meltdown in 2018. Human error and computer problems can happen on a grand scale.

John Howells, chief executive of Link explained to me: 'After many years of seeing signs in shops encouraging customers to pay with card, it was perhaps a shock for many in stores like Waitrose and Gail's that it was cash-only for a time.

'Payment systems such as Link, Visa and Mastercard performed well but that doesn't help if other parts of IT like the tills aren't working properly.

'It shows that much more needs to be done to make sure that the technology that we all rely on is robust and we cannot safely go cashless unless and until we are sure of that.'

Secondly, I like to take some cash out on payday. I use it as float money for having fun, my untracked, off-grid spending and it appears cash is coming back from the dead, even before last week's madness.

Indeed, 1.5million adults used cash as their main spending method last year, according to new UK Finance data  the first rise since 2019.

It says this can be attributed to the cost of living crisis, with more people choosing cash to budget. Just 900,000 used coins and notes as their primary spending method in 2022.

But its future is still not guaranteed. Cash use dropped last year to make up 12 per cent of all payments  and UK Finance says 22million adults are 'primarily cashless.'

King cash: While we've become used to 'card only' signs in some shops, cafes and restaurants, the IT meltdown highlighted the need for cash - this was Costa Coffee in Southend on Monday

Which takes me on to point number three  I still use cash for some purchases as I don't want to see it die.

How we pay for items should be a personal choice, and digital and non-digital options should be available. It annoys me when I see a sign saying 'card-only.' Again, a topic I have been vocal about in the past.

So I chuckled on Monday when I popped into Costa Coffee on Southend High Street to see a sign: 'Apologies, our card machine is broken, please ask one of our team who can direct you to the nearest cash point.'

A little while back, in a separate Costa, I tried to pay with cash as I needed change for the car park (the parking app was down  and the car park only accepts coins).

Often, friends laugh at me when I say I still believe in using cash, as if somehow it makes me stuck in the past. I use my card for the majority of transactions, but I make sure every month, it's not for ALL payments.

When I ordered a coffee and tried to pay with cash, I was treated like an alien and was told it wasn't possible. Why would any shop not want my physical money? Can they really be that choosy?

Often, friends laugh at me when I say I still believe in using cash, as if somehow it makes me stuck in the past.

I use my card for the majority of transactions, but I make sure every month, it's not for ALL payments. And, as I have explained before, I like my 5 year-old daughter to see physical money, rather than it just been an invisible concept, an endless magical pot somewhere out of sight.

Back in 2018, I commissioned Natalie Ceeney - the former chief Financial Ombudsman and independent chair of the Access to Cash Review  to write a piece about how the downfall of coins and notes could unfold.

Much of it has proved eerily accurate and at the tail-end of last year, she wrote her follow-up for us: Could physical money soon be extinct? The answer to some of that falls into the arms of regulators.

So thankfully this week, the FCA revealed it had been handed fresh powers by the Government to ensure reasonable access to cash withdrawal and deposits.

Under the new rules, banks and building societies must weigh up whether local communities lack access to cash services, like branches and ATMs, and provide additional services where they find 'significant gaps'.

It's a step in the right direction  but it is still down to us to use it or lose it.

Mr Howells says the IT meltdown shows the 'importance of cash as a fallback.'

He points to Link research which shows the most common reason people now carry cash is in case they can't use cards. It shows that more people expect meltdowns like the one we saw on Friday.

He adds: 'I'm expecting policymakers and regulators now to be much more demanding on how technology companies demonstrate resilience.

'In the meantime, cash remains vital for millions of people, and critical if other systems go down. Despite people moving away from cash, 1.6billion a week is still being issued by our network.'

But some areas of London and the East of England could have no ATM machines within the next two years if the current trend of closures continues.

Do you really want to see that happen in the name of 'convenience'?

If the answer is no, get yourself down to an ATM stat and start using cash, like you used to do
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. COP29 will offer a crucial platform for introducing advanced environmental solutions, Dutch Special Envoy for Water Meike van Ginneken said during a training session at ADA University today, Trend reports.

She stressed the importance of international cooperation for sustainable water resource management.

"COP29 will become an important platform for discussing and implementing advanced environmental solutions. Additionally, it is necessary to note Azerbaijan's significant contribution to solving water issues and emphasize the importance of continuing joint efforts in this area," she noted.

According to her, the Netherlands is ready to work with the government of Azerbaijan for the success of the climate conference.

"We must pay attention to both mitigating the consequences of climate change and adapting to them. Water plays a key role in this process. We can make water a primary tool for climate change adaptation and will cooperate with the government of Azerbaijan and co-chairs to ensure the successful holding of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku," she 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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An Irish journalist has slammed the government for "shutting down media scrutiny" at a press conference on proposed RTE funding.

The government today (July 24) revealed they have agreed to 725 million in funding for RTE over three years, with 225 million ringfenced for next year.

It's a move which has received heavy criticism online.

A video of the press conference shouting match went viral on social media following its conclusion, with a 1.22 minute clip racking up almost 40,000 views on X (formerly Twitter).

The journalist - who is addressed as Fionnan in the short clip and appears to be senior journalist, Fionnan Sheahan - erupted after a member of Minister Catherine Martin's team stated they would have to "finish up".

He said, "Let her ask the question, you came here 45 minutes late, let her ask the question. Stop shutting down media scrutiny. Take Elaine's question. You do this all the time, it happened last September, [sic] it happened a few months ago and now you're at it again."

He was asked by the member of Martin's team not to shout, stating, "Fionnan, please don't shout, don't shout Fionnan. Have a little bit of decorum here."

Fionnan then said, "Show some manners" as the government representative confirmed that a final question could be asked.

The minister was then asked for more clarity on what next year's 225 million in funding would be spent on and how much would go towards redundancies.

Minister Martin insisted she "can't reveal" the information until it's "given sanction".

She doubled down on this answer following several follow-up questions on the same topic.

She was then asked why she announced news of the funding without signing off on particulars.

She said, "But I know there's a strategy there and it's clear that it's not all going on voluntary redundancies. [sic] There's a whole overhaul of the digitisation and modernisation of RTE so it's obviously not just going on that."

However, she was criticised for being unable to provide "even a rough percentage".

Minister Martin said, "But if you look at the strategy it would be clear to you, Elaine, if you look at the strategy you'll see it's not all going on voluntary redundancies.

"I'm not going to put a ballpark on it right now, that's not what I'm going to do right now."

Minister Martin then addressed the previous disruption, and stated, "Can I just say, I have sat here for the last year, and I do not think it is acceptable that I am screamed at by certain members of the media."

Following further interruptions, she said, "I have never raised my voice, I never do it. I always say I will stay here for three hours if you wish, Fionnan.

"If Cabinet runs over time I can't help that it's delayed. I can't. That's out of my control. And we were discussing in detail the RTE plan.

"And I would ask that I be treated with respect, that I wouldn't be screamed at, I think it's the very least that a public rep that is sitting up here deserves, and no other member of media does it to me."

In response to the viral video, journalist Ita O'Kelly commented, "How can a plan be announced for RTE by the Minister - where substantial amounts of taxpayer funding is involved - but significant details are not yet agreed/signed off between the Minister and RTE. Exactly the same lack of oversight which caused the issue in the first place."

Another commenter stated, "If she is willing to stay and answer questions, why are reporters being restricted in the number of questions they are permitted to ask her?"

A further comment reads, "Fair play to Fionnan. Why ask the press to come if you are going to cut them short. This is what people want to hear the accountability of ministers."

However, not everyone agreed with this praise.

One person commented, "Have to commend Catherine Martin here - handling this brilliantly and telling it like is for every other public rep. Everyone of them are a target for scrutiny but those scrutinizing like to yell!"
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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The energy corridor project implemented by Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary to transmit green electricity from the Caspian Sea region to Europe will serve Europe's energy security, and Serbia is scrutinizing this important initiative, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Mining and Energy of Serbia Stefan Srbljanovic said, Trend reports.

He made the statement at the 8th session of the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia in Baku.

Continuing the topic, Azerbaijani co-chairman of the IGC Sahil Babayev did not exclude that Serbia will purchase green energy from Azerbaijan soon and a relevant agreement may be prepared.

'Green' energy is a very important area for cooperation. In this context, the establishment of the green energy corridor Caspian-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Europe through the Black Sea is of great importance. This corridor is designed to supply 4 GW of green energy to Europe from Azerbaijan. There are agreements with Romania and Hungary, and preliminary negotiations have been held with Serbia on this issue, Babayev told reporters following the IGC.

According to him, the feasibility study of this project will be finalized in the second half of this year, after which final decisions will be made.

Azerbaijan's green energy potential is very large, it exceeds 150 GW (offshore wind energy estimate). I hope that soon we and Serbia will agree on green energy projects, which is reflected in the Protocol on the results of the IGC meeting signed in Baku. Azerbaijan is still a supplier of traditional energy resources to the Serbian market, but it can become a supplier of green energy, the Azerbaijani minister added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Azerbaijani Finance Minister Samir Sharifov addressed finance ministers of G20 countries on climate finance goals during an event titled "COP28-G20 Brazilian Financial Direction: Making Sustainable Finance Possible, Accessible, and Beneficial" in Rio de Janeiro, held within the meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 countries, Trend reports.

Azerbaijan was represented at this meeting by a delegation led by Sharifov at the invitation of the COP28 presidency and the Finance Ministry of Brazil.

Speaking at the opening of the event on assessing the provision of sustainable financial resources in light of global climate change, he noted that responding to the global challenge posed by the growing climate crisis requires the creation of adequate and prompt financial provisions and also requires countries that signed the Global Climate Agreement (Paris Agreement) in 2015 to establish a financial mechanism that annually allocates climate financing from developed countries to developing countries.

According to him, despite the passage of much time since then, this issue remains on the agenda, making it even more pertinent to define and coordinate among agreement parties a New Climate Financial Goal to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement during the COP conference scheduled in Baku this year.

The Azerbaijani minister emphasized that COP29 in Baku will be a productive platform for defining a fair and ambitious new climate financing goal, meeting the climate development agenda needs of developing countries, and restoring trust in the Paris Agreement.

He highlighted the exceptional role of the G20 in setting this year's climate financing goal and called on G20 finance ministers to make additional efforts to harmonize their positions.

Emphasizing the need to mobilize additional financial resources to meet the climate financing needs of developing countries, Sharifov proposed a specially established working group on climate financing to invite Azerbaijan to work towards increasing the resource base of multilateral development banks during Brazil's G20 presidency, also suggesting G20 finance ministers prepare and present a special report to achieve this goal.

During his visit to Brazil, Sharifov held bilateral meetings with the Minister of Finance of Brazil, Fernando Haddad, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, as well as with the UAE Finance Minister Muhammad Al-Husseini, the Finance Minister of Indonesia and co-chair of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, COP28 Director General Majid Al Suwaidi, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank President Adjei Banga.

The meetings discussed cooperative relations between Brazil as G20 president and future COP30 chair, the UAE as COP28 president, and Azerbaijan as COP29 president, increasing the resource base of multilateral development banks, assessing the role of the G20 in defining and adopting a New Collective Quantitative Target for Climate Financing, enhancing private capital efficiency, ways to attract climate financing, and other issues related to the upcoming COP29 in Baku.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 25. G7 countries are interested in investing in infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries, said Helaina Matza, Acting Special Coordinator for the US Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment program, Trend reports.

She made this remark during her meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Nazira Nurbayeva. At the meeting, the parties discussed the possibilities of investing in projects in the fields of transport and logistics, clean energy production, agricultural products, mining, and processing of rare earth metals.

"G7 countries are ready to invest up to $200 billion in infrastructure projects in Central Asia, and Kazakhstan is one of the main destinations for the implementation of such projects. The main goal of the program is to strengthen and diversify the supply chain to ensure food and energy security in the world by expanding trade relations between Central Asian countries with further access to European markets," she said.

In turn, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nazira Nurbayeva spoke about the prospects for the development of transport infrastructure in Kazakhstan, including through the seaports of Aktau and Kuryk, and the implementation of projects in the areas of clean energy production, critical minerals, and agricultural products.

The Deputy Minister noted that the Central Asian region has great potential for long-term partnership in these areas and expressed Kazakhstans readiness to cooperate with the US to achieve common goals.

At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to develop cooperation between the parties to implement significant infrastructure projects and strengthen economic ties.

Meanwhile, the US is one of Kazakhstan's major trading partners. So, the volume of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the US amounted to $4.051 billion in 2023. The volume of trade turnover increased by 32.7 percent compared to the same period in 2022 ($3.053 billion).

At the same time, in the structure of trade turnover, exports to the US for the above period amounted to $1.509 billion, which is 30.1 percent more than from January through December 2022 ($1.152 billion).

In addition, imports from the US from January through December 2023 increased by 33.7 percent and amounted to $2.541 billion. In 2022, imports amounted to $1.9 billion.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 25. The next Kazakh-Italian business forum will be held on October 7-8 in Milan, Marco Beretta, President of the Italo-Kazakh Trade Association (ACIK), said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

"To strengthen our relationship, we use all possible formats; one of them is the Kazakh-Italian business forum, which is held annually in Milan and which will take place this year on October 7-8 of this year," he said.

He stated that there is a great deal of promise for trade and economic cooperation between Italy and Kazakhstan.

"Both countries have committed to deepening their strategic partnership and diversifying economic relations beyond traditional sectors like energy. This includes exploring opportunities in creative industries, tourism, and addressing climate and environmental issues. Italy's technological expertise and investment in various sectors can significantly benefit Kazakhstan's economic diversification and modernization efforts," Beretta said.

According to him, Kazakhstan's agricultural sector has significant potential for growth and modernization, and Italy's cutting-edge agricultural technologies can play a crucial role.

"Italian companies can help improve productivity and quality in Kazakh agriculture through innovations in irrigation, farming equipment, and food processing. Thanks to the ongoing economic and political reforms of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which he spoke about during his visit to Italy at the beginning of the year, Europe is starting to view Kazakhstan as a trustworthy partner in the region. In this regard, Italian companies have a great advantage since they have been present in this country for a long time and have successfully implemented projects. We are confident that we will be able to expand the presence of Kazakh companies in Italy in the near future," he added.

Meanwhile, the volume of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Italy amounted to $8.2 billion from January through May 2024. This is 21 percent more year-on-year ($6.7 billion).

At the same time, exports to Italy dominated trade turnover, at $7.7 billion, or 22.4 percent more than in JanuaryMay 2023. Imports from Italy rose by 2.5 percent during the aforementioned period, totaling $505 million. From January through May 2023, imports totaled $492.8 million.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 25. Kazakhstan intends to increase oil supplies via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or the Middle Corridor), Chairman of KazMunayGas (KMG, the national oil and gas company of Kazakhstan) JSC Askhat Khassenov said during a meeting with the President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Rovshan Najaf, Trend reports via KMG.

"As Askhat Khassenov noted, KazMunayGas is focused on further developing this export direction. Currently, KMG, together with its partners, is exploring the possibility of increasing the supply of Kazakh oil via the Trans-Caspian route. The Chairman of KMG expressed confidence in the successful implementation of joint initiatives by the two companies," said the KMG statement.

The meeting highlighted the stable supply of Kazakh oil. In 2023, 1.05 million tons of oil were shipped from the port of Aktau, and in the first half of this year, this figure exceeded 700,000 tons.

In 2022, KMG and SOCAR signed a five-year agreement for the transit of oil via the Aktau-Baku-Ceyhan route, with an annual volume of 1.5 million tons.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
We wish the Congressman a speedy recovery after his surprising revelation that the legacy of the pandemic kept him away from a historic occasion.



"In his statement, Rep. Cleaver revealed he was unable to attend the address, which took place during a crucial point during the conflict between Israel and Palestine, due to a COVID-19 diagnosis. "



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Congressman Cleaver misses Israel Prime Minister's address to Congress In his statement, Rep. Cleaver revealed he is unable to attend the address, which takes place during a crucial point during the conflict between Israel and Palestine, due to a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Related and on the topic of the address . . .

Netanyahu to address Congress for first time since Oct. 7 attack on Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address Congress for the first time since the Oct. 7 attack, with Vice President Kamala Harris and other top Democrats skipping the speech.

Netanyahu looks to boost US support in speech to Congress, but faces protests and lawmaker boycotts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak before Congress in hopes of bolstering U.S. support for continuing Israel's fight against Hamas and other adversaries.

Developing . . .
In the early morning hours Kansas City police answered the call from the East side upon reports of shots fired. After making an arrest nearby, law enforcement continues to investigate the second homicide so far this week.

Here is the first report . . .

Homicide 2400 Block of Brighton

This morning about 12:20 am officers were dispatched to a house in the 2400 block of Brighton on a shooting call.

On arrival officers located an adult male shooting victim unresponsive next to the residence there.

Officers called for EMS who responded and declared the victim deceased here at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates the victim and a suspect had an interaction inside the residence that escalated to shots being fired and the victim being struck.

Based on information received by officers at the scene A subject of interest was detained at a separate location for further investigation.

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.

#######

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Man killed in overnight homicide near 24th and Brighton Police say their preliminary investigation indicates the man and the suspect had an interaction inside a home that escalated to shots being fired.

KCPD: Body found outside home on Brighton Avenue Police approached a house at 24th and Brighton Avenue on a shooting call.

One man dead after early morning shooting in Kansas City A man was shot and killed in Kansas City just after midnight Thursday morning, near 24th Street and Brighton, according to KCPD.

Developing . . .
A worthwhile roundup article from our friends at The Pitch who SEEM like they sprang for their own coverage rather than just relying on the local news cartel funded by political dark money.

Check-it:



"With Jean Peters Bakers departure from the role after eight years, Kansas City finds itself on the horizon of change. KC has never had a black woman as city prosecutor, and three of the four candidates could break through that glass ceiling this year. Primary elections will be held on August 6, and the Republican party only has one candidate: Tracey Chappell. As for the Democratic side of the election, there are three potential runners: Melesa Johnson, John Gromowsky, and Stephanie Burton."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Latest word from the courthouse today . . .

As objectively as possible . . .

Some residents might consider this report an important sign of accountability for police pursued by the Jackson County Prosecutor's office.

On the other hand . . .

Critics of the office will likely consider this incident just another episode wherein the courthouse directed their resources against a cop.

Either way . . .

Here's the word . . .



KCPD officer resigns after pleading guilty to citizen harassment and misdemeanor assault

A now former Kansas City police officer on Wednesday pleaded guilty to harassment of two citizens and a misdemeanor assault following a December 2023 vehicular encounter in south Kansas City, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.



FORMER KCPD OFFICER pleaded guilty to Harassment in the 2nd Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and Assault in the 4th Degree, another Class A misdemeanor. He was placed on probation for 1 year and agreed to special conditions, including his resignation from the Kansas City Police Department, the surrender of his police officer certification and to not contact victims in the case.



According to court records filed today, on Dec. 5, 2023, three persons flagged down a police officer and reported that a black truck had followed them. The victims reported that the black truck was driving only 10 mph in a 40 mph zone at one point. They drove around the truck after it didn't move when a stop light turned green. Then the truck began to follow them. Eventually, the victims told police, the driver of the truck pointed a gun at them and struck one of them with the truck. The defendant, who was not on duty or in uniform, told police he was driving on State Line Road when he started to follow a vehicle that passed him. He followed them into an apartment complex and waited. He told police the citizens approached his truck. He drove away, then returned. One of them struck his vehicle window. He drew his firearm and pointed it at the group, got back in the truck and left again. The defendant, who has now resigned from the police department, called police. Officers observed the defendant to be intoxicated. Two victims stated the defendant pointed a gun at them, used the "n" word during his verbal confrontation with them and hit one of them with his truck. They added that he smelled like alcohol and his eyes were red. Video cameras in the area captured the defendant's vehicle striking the victim.



A delay in the investigation left prosecutors without sufficient evidence to charge the suspected drunk driving.

###############



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

KSHB: Kansas City police officer pleads guilty to harassment, assault; resigns from department

Fox4: KCPD officer resigns after pleading guilty to harassment, assault

Developing . . .
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 25. Kazakhstan and the Tyumen region of Russia have considered issues of cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, Trend reports.

Discussions on this topic took place between the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, and the Governor of the Tyumen Region, Aleksandr Moor.

Thus, the parties discussed a project for the reconstruction of the automobile cargo-passenger multilateral checkpoint across the state border.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, it is planned to expand the entry groups within the existing borders of the checkpoint and install 2 lanes for cargo traffic and 4 lanes for passenger traffic. The implementation of the project will increase the capacity of the border crossing point and increase trade and economic ties.

To note, trade turnover between the regions of Kazakhstan and the Tyumen region amounted to $113.3 million from January through May.

Meanwhile, the volume of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Russia amounted to $9.7 billion from January through May 2024. This is 12.5 percent less than in the same period in 2023 ($11.1 billion).

Kazakhstan's exports to Russia in the first five months of 2024 amounted to $3.36 billion, which is 21.5 percent less year-on-year ($4.3 billion).

In addition, imports from Russia from January through May 2024 decreased by 6.7 percent to $6.3 billion. For the same period in 2023, this figure was $6.8 billion.
Activists and law enforcement debate this 90s-era deadly gunfire case that serves as fodder for current campaign season culture war . . . Check-it . . .



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.



Republican Attorney General Andrew 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 Generals Office is legal counsel to the DOC and the DOC would be following the advice of counsel.





Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Judge orders release of Missouri man whose murder conviction was reversed over AG's objections A Missouri judge on Wednesday ordered the release of Christopher Dunn, who has spent more than 30 years in prison for a killing he has long contended he didn't commit.

Missouri Supreme Court orders stay of man's release after vacated murder conviction The Missouri Supreme Court ordered that the release of Christopher Dunn from prison be stayed after the state attorney general appealed the Missouri man's release.

Developing . . .
More than 20 people were injured during a KCMO mass shooting and a local DJ was killed by gunfire.

Tragically . . .

MOST OF THE KANSAS CITY SUSPECT EVADE SERIOUS ADULT CHARGES!!!

What's worse is that we're hearing that the suspects are ALREADY back out on the street.



Here's the report that most of our readers predicted . . .



"Earlier this month, the teen admitted to committing a Class B felony of unlawful use of a weapon by knowingly discharging or firing a firearm.



"The Jackson County Juvenile Officer dismissed the second count of armed criminal action and said they would not certify the juvenile to stand trial as an adult.



"The two other teens charged in the shooting will also not be tried as adults."



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Cutbacks and crackdowns for travelers will soon make flying busses even more burdensome.

From our KICK-ASS TKC BLOG COMMUNITY . . . Here's an apt quote that explains the sitch:



"Given Southwests dominance at KCI, many fliers without other options will NOT be happy!"

More deets . . .



The Dallas-based airline announced Thursday it is putting an end to its open seating policy, will begin offering premium seating and is introducing redeye flight options.



The airline said the changes are the next step in a "continuing strategic transformation" and are designed to "elevate the customer experience."



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Southwest Airlines ends open seating, introduces redeye flights The Dallas-based airline is putting an end to its open seating policy, will begin offering premium seating and is introducing redeye flight options.

Southwest Airlines is getting rid of open seating | CNN Business Southwest Airlines is shifting to assigned seats for the first time in its history, a change that will allow the low-fare carrier to charge a premium for some of the seats on its planes.

Developing . . .
Tourism in Indonesia Areas is Expanding



(TRAVPR.COM) INDONESIA - July 25th, 2024 -

Bali continues to solidify its status as an important global tourist destination, with impressive growth statistics and trends from 2019 to 2023. According to the latest reports Bali has experienced significant increases in tourist arrivals, contributing to the island's economic development.

Source: https://allindonesiatravel.com/

Key Highlights:

1. Tourist Arrivals Surge:

- From 2019 to 2023, Bali saw an increase in the number of international tourists in post-COVID time. The island welcomed over 5 million visitors in 2023 alone, a substantial rise from 2022.

2. Diversification of Source Markets:

- While traditional markets like Australia, China, and Europe remain strong, there has been a noticeable uptick in tourists from emerging markets such as India and Southeast Asia. This diversification has helped stabilize the industry against geopolitical and economic fluctuations.

Source: https://allindonesiatravel.com/

3. Future Outlook:

- Looking ahead, Bali aims to maintain its growth trajectory by focusing on high-value tourism, enhancing digital marketing efforts, and continuing to promote sustainable practices. The island's tourism authorities are optimistic about reaching 7 million visitors by end of 2024.

About All Indonesia Travel

All Indonesia Travel is a leading source of comprehensive travel information, providing insights, tips, and detailed statistics on Indonesia's top tourist destinations.

For more information, please visit [All Indonesia Travel](https://allindonesiatravel.com) or contact:

Media Contact:

Uri Sharon

CEO All Travel Indonesia

info@allindonesiatravel.com

---

This press release provides an overview of Bali's tourism growth and strategic initiatives from 2019 to 2024, showcasing the island's success and future potential as a leading travel destination.

###
Nazrin Abdul

"The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and ecosystems. This year alone, Brazil has faced devastating floods, Mexico experienced record-breaking heat waves, and millions across Asia, Europe, and Africa endured extreme heat events. These challenges underscore how human activities and stressed ecosystems can foster the emergence and spread of diseases. Factors such as animal trade, agriculture, urbanization, climate change, and habitat loss all contribute to this complex dynamic."

Addressing these interconnected health issues requires close cooperation, communication, and coordination across sectors. Vladanka Andreeva, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Azerbaijan, emphasized this during her speech at the WHO Country Office symposium on "Holistic Health: Preparing for COP29 through Intersectoral Dialogue," Azernews reports.

She highlighted the importance of the Holistic Health approach, which integrates efforts to optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. By combining these areas rather than treating them separately, we can more effectively prevent and manage health risks.

Andreeva welcomed Azerbaijan's commitment to the Holistic Health approach, expressing hope that the symposium would initiate a cross-sector dialogue. She stressed that collaboration and partnership among governments, international organizations, academia, and civil society are essential for holistic health initiatives.

Reflecting on previous efforts, Andreeva noted the success of Health Day at COP28 in Dubai, where discussions focused on scaling up adaptation measures to address climate change impacts on human health, leveraging the principles of Holistic Health.

Looking ahead to COP29 in Baku this November, she highlighted the thematic day dedicated to health, human capital, work, education, children, and youth announced by the COP29 Presidency. This upcoming event presents a significant opportunity to advance these critical discussions.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 25. Domestic laptop assembly has commenced in Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports.

The subsidiary of the Kyrgyz Industry Company, Kyrgyz Electronics, has started assembling laptops under the Meken brand at its own facility.

The company has received test samples of electronic computers and equipment from Clovertek Industries, a well-known Chinese firm that supplies components for laptops and tablets for major global brands like Acer and Lenovo. This development allows Kyrgyz citizens to purchase laptops at lower prices.

Additionally, it was previously reported that Kyrgyz Electronics plans to start producing Meken-brand mobile phones by September 1.

The Kyrgyz Electronics Company specializes in assembling and manufacturing consumer electronics. Established in April 2022, the company began its first production run in September 2023. In addition to cash registers, the company produces multifunctional devices such as printers under the Pantum brand, universal set-top boxes, and is currently working on supplying Wi-Fi routers for Kyrgyz telecommunications companies. The company's products are already being exported to neighboring Kazakhstan.
An Arizona father is calling for better safety measures at Yosemite National Park's Half Dome after his daughter slipped and fell to her death this week.

Grace Rohloff, 20, had secured permits to hike the challenging trail with her father, Jonathan Rohloff, and ascended the rock formation on July 13, according to NBC News. The duo considered themselves experienced hikers and had hiked the Grand Canyon several times per year.

However, a thunderstorm struck during their descent at Half Dome, and as it began to pour, Grace slipped on the climbing cables and fell down the mountain, Rohloff told the outlet.

"That was probably the fastest I've ever had a storm roll in anywhere that I've ever seen," Rohloff said. "That's when Grace slipped off and fell, because it is 10 feet of pure slick granite between boards. I thought we were both very prepared and experienced hikers and aware of our surroundings, but that one took us by surprise."

According to Yosemite's website, the Half Dome cables were first installed in 1919 and are supported by posts that hold the cables up. A board on the ground between each set of posts is meant to provide traction. The park acknowledges that "relatively few people" have fallen and died on the cables, but that injuries are not uncommon.

The park also warns that the route can be slippery.

"Most people have to take one or two steps on slippery granite to get from one board to the next, using their grip on the metal cable to keep them in place as they make the move. This is usually the hardest and least secure part," they said.

But the family says more safety measures should be put in place to prevent accidents at the popular and heavily-trafficked cable system, including side planks and harnesses.

"The overall trail at Yosemite is not more physically challenging than the Grand Canyon, but the cable system is unnecessarily dangerous," Rohloff said.

Grace, who planned to graduate with a teaching degree from Arizona State University this upcoming school year, was remembered by her father as fearless and determined.

"If we can make the cabling system at Yosemite a lot safer for people to see that beautiful piece of God's earth and not be put in danger then that would be something that she would have wanted," Rohloff told News 12.

Yosemite park officials have not issued a statement regarding the incident, according to the outlets.
July 25 2024

The historic character of Perth city centre will be given a lift under proposals to reinstate a historic garage on Canal Street as part of a residential development.

Dating from the early 1900s the well-built stone building, hidden behind an unsympathetic leisure development, will be placed to the fore once more, with the latter removed to open up the site.

Currently, unused Design Technical Architecture propose to introduce apartments while building a small mews-style addition alongside and reinstating a landscaped courtyard with feature railings.

Outlining how the open-plan nature of the current building lends itself to refurbishment a planning statement notes: "The applicant was approached by Perth & Kinross Council, as owner of the original building, and asked to consider options to breathe new life into this historically important building.

"Despite being of a particularly sturdy construction, internally the building is falling into a state of disrepair given that it is unused and has not been regularly maintained. With a new lease of life brought into the building, there will be a chance for the internal to reflect the sturdiness of the external skin."

In this way, it is hoped to safeguard the future of an at-risk building of historic importance.
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2024) Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said in a statement that 27 acres of land in Chak No. 534 GB in Faisalabad has been retrieved from the illegal occupants.

An official nursery has been established on the retrieved five acres of land immediately. She said that in order to find a permanent solution to smog, plantation has been launched on the remaining 22 acres of land.

Senior Provincial Minister said that on the direction of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Forest department is establishing a forest for the livestock and ecosyste after retrieving government land from the illegal occupants.

She said that growing new forests will help significantly in getting rid of smog and air pollution.

She acknowledged that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif is taking important steps for the protection and growth of forests.

Maryam Aurangzeb appealed to parents and teachers to impart awareness among the children for the protection of trees.

Parents should plant two saplings after the child's birth and give practical training to the growing children to take due care for the plants. She lauded that the district administration Faisalabad, Faisalabad Police and Faisalabad Forest Division staff took an active part in the grand operation to retrieve the government land.
QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2024) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barrick Gold Corporation Mark Bristow called on Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti at his office here Thursday and discussed mining in Balochistan and ongoing support projects in the province.

The Chief Minister, while talking to the CEO and President Barrick Gold Corporation, said that the provincial government was trying to promote foreign investment in Balochistan and make it capable of providing effective security and protection to foreign investors. He said that the bright future of Balochistan and Pakistan was associated with international and national investment projects saying that steps were being taken for enhancing foreign investment in collaboration with the Federal and provincial governments.

The chief minister said that a comprehensive security plan had been created for foreign investment projects, Levies force was recruited for the security of foreign projects. He said that there was a need to highlight the welfare works of Barrack Gold Corporation, public welfare projects should be highlighted by creating an effective communication strategy.

With the completion of welfare projects, the standard of living of the people will be increased, he said.

The President and CEO of Barrack Gold Corporation thanked the chief minister and said that the provincial government and Barrack Gold would continue the initiatives for the welfare of the people under joint efforts.
(@FahadShabbir)

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2024) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur here Thursday chaired the meeting of Provincial Apex Committee and discussed various matters including establishment of peace and eradication of terrorism.

The provincial apex committee meeting was also attended by Corps Commander Peshawar, Umar Ahmad Bukhari, Commissioner and high level officials.

The committee took decisions including indiscriminate action against militants, formulation of committee comprising local administration, police, security forces and civilians to address misunderstandings between the public and the government besides conducting inquiry of Bannu incident.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2024) The doctors at Lahore General Hospital (LGH) demonstrated exceptional professional skills by saving the life of a 5-month-old infant who was in critical condition.

According to the LGH sources on Thursday, the medical team, led by Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Gastroenterology, Dr. Hassan Salman Malik, performed a life-saving Endoscopy procedure to remove a key from the baby's stomach. The infant, Ayan Khan, was referred from Sargodha after other hospitals declined to take the case due to its complexity.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Gastroenterology, Dr. Houria Rehman, also played a crucial role in the successful procedure. The parents expressed their deep gratitude to the medical team for saving their child's life and alleviating their trauma.

Principal of Post Graduate Medical Institute and Lahore General Hospital, Professor Dr. Muhammad Al-Fareed Zafar, commended the team for their timely intervention and humanitarian effort. He emphasized that while life and death are ultimately in the hands of Allah Almighty, doctors strive to do their utmost to save lives. Dr. Zafar assured that LGH provides state-of-the-art medical facilities across all departments, ensuring comprehensive care for patients, even those coming from distant areas.

Medical Superintendent LGH, Dr. Faryad Hussain, also lauded the doctors for their dedication and urged parents to be vigilant about their children's safety to prevent such incidents.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2024) The speakers at a result validation workshop on humanitarian partnership landscape in Pakistan on Thursday underscored the need to harness the potential of international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) to strengthen local leadership at all community level for improved disaster response.

The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in collaboration with Oxfam Pakistan organised a one-day result validation workshop on the report titled How has the Humanitarian Partnership Landscape Change in the Light of the Grand Bargain and Charter for Change (C4C) in Pakistan.

Dr Shafqat Munir said the countrys recurrent phenomenon of extreme weather events have exposed the vulnerabilities of the prevailing systems to catch up with the pace of natural calamities for a matching response.

He said the minute analysis of the 2010 and 2022 devastation floods have increased the demand for enabling local leadership with a clear role to lead disaster resilience efforts at the community level.

The Report, he said provides a detailed analysis and comparison of humanitarian aid by INGOs in the previous and most recent disasters that indicated a steady decline in the global partners response.

In his technical presentation research paper author, Salman Danish highlighted that whooping climate change impacts have made Pakistan the fifth most vulnerable country with intense flooding, melting glaciers, erratic rainfall and extreme heat waves as new normal.

He underlined that the international funding has been shifted from Pakistan to Africa region due to legislative constraints and bureaucratic hiccups in the system issuing no objection certificates (NOCs) and operating procedures.

However, he underlined that in the absence of international relief the local communities have stepped up for humanitarian aid and response that indicated the potential need to promote local actors who have come forward and the research had focussed on this aspect.

The 2010 floods have impacted 22 million population of the country and some 158 INGOs had responded to the crisis whereas the 2022 floods affected 32 million masses but only 70 global humanitarian organisations responded the call.

During the panel discussion, Member National Assembly (MNA), Farah Naz Akbar commended the study author for meticulously observing the crisis and presenting workable recommendations to come up with alternatives to the impending risks.

She said the countrys prevailing economic crisis demanded the quarters concerned to review the existing humanitarian response mechanisms.

The repeated occurrence of floods and natural disasters have affected our economy and society at an unprecedented scale, she added.

The legislator emphasized upon the need to critically review the decline in international humanitarian aid for the course correction of the country, MNA Farah Naz said.

She demanded that the nation should forge collaborations and cohesion for resilient partnerships at different tiers of disaster management and risk reduction to demonstrate its resilience against adverse climate crises.

Head of Localisation and Partnerships, Pak Mission Society, Qamar Iqbal said the report needs to highlight specific recommendations pertaining to crosscutting themes and sectors for targeted interventions to enable promising outcomes.

Moreover, a national reference of Grand Bargain needs to be introduced in the country for better understanding and adoption of the modern global concept.

Global Expert on Corporate Governance and Sustainability, Prof Dr M Naveed proposed to link the study with sustainable development goals for a broader scope of the research to garner government support in this regard.

Country Director, Human Appeal, Daud Saqlain said the geopolitical tensions post Ukraine-Russia War and international dynamics have changed the global humanitarian aid perspective that demands the governments and local partners to act smartly for favourable outcomes while negotiating with INGOs and international donors.

The session ended at a healthy question hour session with members of civil society, government and private sector, and media representatives.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2024) The Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar has launched the Awaz App, a groundbreaking mobile application designed to address and report human rights violations effectively.

This initiative marks a significant advancement in the countrys efforts to enhance the protection and welfare of individuals.

The Awaz App is a testament to the Ministry of Human Rights' commitment to utilizing technology for social good, ensuring rapid responses to critical human rights issues. The App allows users to report human rights violations, including cases of missing or abducted children, directly through the platform. These reports are immediately forwarded to relevant authorities for redressal.

Upon receiving a report, the app activates an Alert System that triggers a coordinated response involving law enforcement, government departments, and community organizations. Crucial information about reported incidents is disseminated through various channels, including social media, WhatsApp groups, news outlets, and public announcements.

This approach maximizes public awareness and engagement.

Law enforcement agencies are mobilized to initiate search operations and investigations to locate missing or abducted individuals promptly. The apps Primary objective is to ensure the safe recovery of victims, with comprehensive support services provided once they are found. These services include counseling, legal aid, and medical assistance.

While inaugurating, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, highlighted the Apps role in fostering a safer and more responsive environment for addressing human rights issues. The Minister stated, We are proud to introduce the Awaz app as a pivotal tool in our ongoing efforts to protect and uphold human rights. This app embodies our commitment to leveraging technology for justice and ensuring that every voice is heard and acted upon.

The Ministry of Human Rights encourages all citizens to download the Awaz app and participate actively in the collective effort to combat human rights violations. The app is currently available for download on Android and will soon be accessible on the iOS platform as well.
(@Abdulla99267510)

The police have taken swift action and arrested Aneela Riaz alias Neeli Pari and started investigation of the matter.

LAHORE : (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-July 25th, 2024) The police registered a case against Aneela Riaz, also known as Neeli Pari, following a complaint by comedian Tahir Anjum, who accused her of physical assault.

The police promptly arrested Pari, who is reported to be affiliated with the PTI. The FIR lists Aneela Riaz and several unidentified accomplices as suspects. The police are actively investigating to identify and apprehend the additional individuals involved in the incident.

The assault allegedly took place when Pari approached Anjums vehicle, forcefully opened the door, and began verbally and physically attacking him.

She reportedly tore his clothing and used abusive language.

Anjum burst into tears.

Despite the aggression, Anjum remained calm and did not retaliate. Bystanders attempted to intervene, but Pari continued her attack. Anjum eventually managed to escape with minor injuries.

Following the incident, Anjum declared his intent to continue producing videos criticizing the PTI and its leader, Imran Khan, whom he described as a terrorist. He vowed to persist in his efforts to expose the PTI as a terrorist organization.
MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2024) Growers will display over 100 varieties of 'King of Fruits' in a two-day 8th annual mango festival which will open from

July 26 at Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture.

Titled 'EcoSmart Mango Production', the festival will feature mango disk making and other competitions besides an informative moot on new technology for growing and value addition of the fruit.

Event organizer Dr Mubashir Mehdi told this news agency on Thursday that more than 50 growers would present their best quality mangoes at the festival.

Punjab Minister for Agriculture, Syed Ashiq Hussain Shah will inaugurate the festival at MNSUA on Friday.

He said mango variety and dish making competitions would also be organized.

A poetic sitting, musical and cultural night will also be part of the festival, he said and added that visitors will enjoy at the annual festivity.
Pakistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to expedite the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, affirming their resolve for continuous engagement

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jul, 2024) Pakistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to expedite the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, affirming their resolve for continuous engagement.

This agreement was reached during a meeting on Wednesday between Pakistan's Federal Minister for Petroleum, Dr Musadik Malik, and Turkmenistan's Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan.

The Turkmen delegation accompanying Rashid Meredov included Ata Haljanov, head of the International Economic Cooperation Division at Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Eziz Nazarov, head of the Legal Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Muhammetmyrat Amanov, Chairman of the board and CEO of TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd; Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan; and Eldar Permanov, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Turkmenistan. Pakistani officials present at the meeting included Additional Secretary Hasan Yousafzai, Joint Secretary Shahbaz Tahir, and MD of Interstate Gas Systems Limited, Nadeem Bajwa.

Dr Musadik Malik welcomed the Turkmen delegation and expressed his gratitude for the hospitality offered by the Turkmen side during his last visit to Turkmenistan.

He said the visit of the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

TAPI pipeline project, the minister said, will lower energy costs, which can boost industrial growth, create jobs, and foster economic development.

Reliable and affordable energy supplies are vital for industrial sectors and overall economic stability, he added.

This project, he said, aimed at fostering economic integration and energy security, has witnessed substantial progress through collaborative efforts and resolved continuous engagement among both countries.

He further added that Pakistan is fully committed to this project which is significant for regional energy cooperation and infrastructure development.

Rashid Meredov expressed his profound appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Pakistani side. Together we will chalk out a roadmap for cooperation between both countries he added.

Muhammetmyrat Amanov, CEO of Tapi Pipeline Company Limited mentioned that with the special interest of Petroleum Minister and Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) TAPI has seen significant progress and is on the right track.

Speaking on the developments, officials from both Pakistan and Turkmenistan emphasized the project's strategic importance in enhancing regional connectivity, promoting economic growth, and meeting the energy demands of participating nations. They underscored their commitment to continued cooperation and mutual support to overcome any remaining challenges. Continuous diplomatic efforts and political commitments are beneficial for ensuring a conducive environment for project advancement.

The TAPI project remains a testament to the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, reflecting shared goals of regional stability and prosperity through sustainable energy solutions.
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ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2024) The Youth Parliament of Pakistan (YPP) delegation embarked on a landmark visit to the United Kingdom, aimed at strengthening ties and fostering collaboration with key Commonwealth and British institutions.

This visit underscores the commitment to building bridges of mutual understanding and cooperation on global issues affecting youth, a news release said.

The delegation, led by Ubaid ur Rehman Qureshi, President of the Youth Parliament of Pakistan, comprised a diverse group of ten young leaders, activists, influencers, and policy-makers. This visit marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to foster international cooperation, enhance educational opportunities, and promote youth engagement in global governance.

During the visit, the delegation had the privilege of meeting with Members of Parliament, including Catherine West, Rehman Chishti, Khalid Mahmood, Afzal Khan, and the Rt. Hon Dame Rosie Winterton, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. Delegates also witnessed the proceedings of Prime Minister's Question Time and attended a session in the House of Lords, followed by interactions with the Commonwealth Secretariat and representatives of the UK Youth Parliament.

The delegation also visited the regional parliaments of Wales and Scotland, interacting with regional parliament members and government officials to learn about policies for youth and opportunities for Pakistan. Notably, they had an interaction with former First Minister Hamza Yousaf and witnessed the Question Hour.

President Ubaid Qureshi remarked, The purpose is to engage youngsters in public diplomacy to depict a true positive image of Pakistan at a broader level. Such delegations will help to strengthen bilateral relations through youth engagements among Commonwealth states and emphasize developing understanding about global challenges.

Spokesperson Dr Waiza Rehman stated, "This visit has been an invaluable opportunity for our young leaders to gain insights, share experiences, and forge lasting partnerships with counterparts in the United Kingdom.

It is through such exchanges that we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for our youth."

The delegation also had the privilege of visiting the University of Oxford, where they engaged with academic leaders and students. They explored potential partnerships that could facilitate scholarships, research collaborations, and cultural exchanges.

In addition to their engagements with political and educational institutions, the delegation met with Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Paul, President of the London Mayor's Association Cllr Robert Rigby, and respective youth councils.

These meetings focused on community development areas where both Pakistan and the UK share common goals, with prospects of joint projects to address pressing social issues and enhance community well-being.

Delegates included Qaiser Jamil Advocate  Secretary IR, Dr Waiza Rehman  Spokesperson, Yahya Mir  Secretary Media, Motaber Ali Shaikh  Cabinet Member, Muhammad Idrees  Cabinet Member, Sidra Akhtar  Executive Member, Hira Bilal  Secretary Information, and Bakhtawar Mahmood  Executive Member.

Two delegates, Babar Khan  International Ambassador and Zubaria Khalil, joined as representatives of the overseas community of Pakistan.

As the delegation returns to Pakistan, they are committed to implementing the knowledge and experiences gained from this visit to further their mission of empowering young people and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society. President Qureshi aims to host a delegation from Britain in Pakistan, with a commitment to fostering and strengthening bilateral relations among Commonwealth states.

APP/ajb-abs
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2024) Pakistan Railways is all set to transition the power network of all its stations, including major railway stations, offices, workshops and factories to solar systems in various stages.

This initiative is expected to result in substantial savings for the department, amounting to billions of rupees, an official in the Ministry of Railways told APP here Thursday.

He said that the initiative was projected to save Rs. 1.8 billion in the initial phase for the department. Subsequent phases will see more stations, offices, and facilities being included.

In the first phase, he said Pakistan Railways aims to transition approximately 99 formations, encompassing major railway stations, nine divisional headquarters, and other essential offices, to solar energy.

The official said that Pakistan Railways would enlist the expertise of the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) to convert its network to solar power.

The department has opted to transition the railway network to solar energy to alleviate the economic strain on Pakistan Railways, he added.

He said that the choice to adopt solar power was a strategic measure aimed at easing the financial burden on Pakistan Railways, which had been facing economic difficulties.
Beijing, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2024) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit China for five days from Saturday, Beijing said Thursday.

"At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang of the State Council, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will pay an official visit to China from July 27 to 31," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a statement.

The visit will be Meloni's first to China since she took office in 2022.

She will meet with President Xi Jinping as well as Premier Li during the trip, Mao told a regular press briefing.

They will "hold talks with her... to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern", she said.

Beijing would "deepen practical cooperation and cultural exchange", Mao added, as well as "promote the steady and long-term development of China-Italy and China-Europe relations".

Meloni's administration withdrew from China's vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative last year, having been the only G7 nation to sign up.

Before taking office, Meloni said joining the initiative -- a central pillar of President Xi's bid to expand China's clout overseas -- had been a "mistake".

Italy's non-binding memorandum of understanding with China had contained broad undertakings for cooperation in logistics, infrastructure, financial and environmental sectors.

But details were scarce and the lack of transparency fuelled distrust among Italy's allies.

Meloni's administration has since sought to mend ties with China, a key trading partner.
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BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jul, 2024) China's top political advisor Wang Huning said the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) should contribute wisdom and strength to further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing Chinese modernization.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, made the remarks while presiding over the opening of the eighth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee on Tuesday.

At the session, senior political advisors studied the guiding principles from the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, where a resolution of the CPC Central Committee on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization was adopted.

Wang called on political advisors to align their thoughts and actions with the guiding principles from the CPC plenum, as well as with the key decisions and arrangements on reform made by the CPC Central Committee.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening of the session by invitation and made a report.

While stressing the importance of the implementation of reform, Cai said it is necessary to fully understand the requirements for reform, strengthen organization and leadership, push forward reform in a holistic manner and encourage new approaches to deliver solid outcomes.

A report about the work of the CPPCC National Committee in the first half of 2024 made by the Chairpersons Council of the 14th CPPCC National Committee was heard at the opening of the session.
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Los Angeles, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2024) Firefighters were battling a fast-moving wildfire in the US state of California on Thursday, authorities said, with more than 3,500 people forced to flee their homes.

The Park Fire broke out Wednesday evening, on the last day of a heat wave affecting the region.

More than 1,150 personnel were deployed to fight the blaze, which was only three percent contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire).

As of 12:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) on Thursday, the fire had enveloped 71,489 acres (28,930 ha), according to CalFire.

More than 3,500 people had evacuated the area, Governor Gavin Newsom said.

The town of Chico, under threat from the fire, is located just 12 miles (20 kilometers) west of Paradise, a town that was destroyed by a massive wildfire in 2018, resulting in the deaths of 85 people.

The cause of the Park Fire remains under investigation, according to CalFire.

A 42-year-old man suspected of sparking it was arrested "after an unknown male was seen pushing a car that was on fire into a gully" near the origin of the fire, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said in a statement.

The car completely burned, spreading the flames that caused the fire in the park, the statement added.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a "red flag" weather warning for "critical fire weather conditions" in the area, including wind gusts and low humidity.

The western United States has experienced several heat waves since the beginning of June, and dozens of fires are currently burning in the region.

Oregon, California's northern neighbor, is battling a megafire that is the largest in the country, having ravaged more than 268,000 acres of forest and prompting evacuations in a rural region.

The raging flames have created vast columns of smoke, affecting air quality as far away as neighboring Idaho.

Wildfires were also burning in western Canada, where part of the tourist town of Jasper has been destroyed.

Western North America has increasingly been affected by extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change.

In mid-July, Newsom warned of a fire season that was "shaping up to be very active."

Extreme weather events have become increasingly common thanks to global warming, experts say, largely due to mankind's fossil fuel use.
Julia Obert

Julia Obert, a University of Wyoming Department of English professor, received the Michael J. Durkan Prize for Books on Language and Culture at the recent American Conference for Irish Studies (ACIS) national meeting in Limerick, Ireland.

Her book, The Making and Unmaking of Colonial Cities: Urban Planning, Imperial Power, and the Improvisational Itineraries of the Poor, published by Oxford University Press, was cited as a highly original book that exemplifies the richness of transdisciplinary enquiry for the expanded field of Irish Studies.

The book compares how the urban landscapes of Belfast, Northern Ireland; Windhoek, Namibia; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Hanoi, Vietnam, were subjected to the weaponization of urban infrastructure by ruling regimes.

Obert says these histories amount, largely, to often brutal exercises of colonial power.

But, my book also notes the ways in which individual pedestrians have sometimes been able to contest that power by navigating space in subversive ways, she says. The book suggests that bodies can move against the authority of repressive regimes, at least to some degree, even when that authority is quite literally set in stone.

ACIS, of which Obert has been a member for 15 years, cited her book as an example of hybrid methodologies, where analysis of literary texts from each city considerably deepens its architectural, comparative and theoretical arguments.

I am deeply honored to have been recognized by an organization that I respect and cherish so much, Obert says. What a thrill it is to have written something that the members of that community think is worthwhile. I am incredibly grateful to have such a supportive professional community behind me and my work.

Obert, also assistant chair of the UW Department of English, studies postcolonial literature and theory; Irish literature, poetry and poetics; 20th century British literature; and critical theory. Her first book, Postcolonial Overtures: The Politics of Sound in Contemporary Northern Irish Poetry, was published by Syracuse University Press in 2015. She received the UW College of Arts and Sciences Extraordinary Merit in Research Award in 2023 on the strength of this book.

She now is working on two additional book projects: Vulnerable Soundscapes: Archives of Climate Grief and Irish Joy: Resistant Affects in Contemporary Irish Literature. Her essays have appeared in a number of postcolonial studies, Irish studies and theory journals, and in various edited volumes.

For more information, email Obert at jobert@uwyo.edu.

About the American Conference for Irish Studies

ACIS is a multidisciplinary scholarly organization with approximately 800 members in the U.S., Ireland, Canada and other countries around the world and is the oldest and largest academic organization dedicated to the study of Ireland and the Irish worldwide. ACIS was founded in 1960 as the American Committee for Irish Studies.

ACIS has held meetings annually since, which are generally hosted in the U.S. by an academic institution, although approximately every fourth year ACIS gathers in an overseas location.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 25. Turkmenistan and Germany reviewed ongoing efforts to develop bilateral cooperation, Trend reports.

According to an official source, this topic was discussed during a meeting in Ashgabat between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Turkmenistan, Bernd Heinze.

Highlighting the positive nature of political and diplomatic relations, the head of state noted with satisfaction that Turkmenistan and Germany successfully cooperate not only on a bilateral but also on a multilateral basis.

The parties noted that another priority vector of bilateral relations is partnership in the trade and economic spheres.

In this regard, they noted effective cooperation in such important areas as industry, agriculture, banking, transport and communication complexes, etc.

At the same time, they stressed that in recent years, cooperation between the two countries has been successfully developing within the framework of the 'Central Asia + Germany' dialogue, facilitating the exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

During the conversation, which took place in a constructive manner, the importance of further development of established cultural and humanitarian ties, which play an extremely important role in strengthening interstate relations, bringing people closer, and enriching cultures, was also noted.

Meanwhile, Germany actively supports initiatives to strengthen economic ties with the Central Asian states through financing projects on infrastructure modernization, trade, investment, energy, transport, and ecology.

The trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Germany exceeded 1.1 billion euros from the beginning of 2018 through the end of 2023.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday brought Israel's leader into the calm eye of America's political storm, as the two tried to hash out a lasting peace to silence the suffering in Gaza. But it was Biden's vice president who took a sharper tone with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying she had "serious concern" about the scale of human suffering in the besieged exclave.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been campaigning this week after Biden stepped out of the presidential race, also stepped ahead of the president's usually measured rhetoric. She began by echoing Biden's sentiment that Israel has a right to defend itself and urged Netanyahu to accept a cease-fire plan. And then:

"I also expressed with the prime minister my serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians," she said. "And I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there with over 2 million people facing high levels of food insecurity and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity. What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating."

Her strong words were amplified by protesters outside the White House on Thursday, who object to Netanyahu's military's conduct in Gaza and want Biden to dial back his support.

'Good discussion'

The White House said the meeting with Biden was productive but didn't cite any breakthroughs.

"This was a good discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu," John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, told VOA. "The president had a chance to lay out his concerns about where we are on the cease-fire deal, and seek to get closure on that, as well as to talk about a range of other issues, [like] Iran's destabilizing activities, tensions at the blue line [a border demarcation] with Lebanon, the need for more humanitarian assistance getting to the people of Gaza. There was a lot on the agenda."

On Friday, Netanyahu meets with the Republican nominee for president in 2024, former President Donald Trump.

This trio of meetings is obviously a delicate political balancing act for the Israeli leader, but some pro-Israeli analysts argue that Netanyahu's defiance of Washington has garnered results.

"There's more likelihood of a cease-fire now than there was a couple of months ago, before Israel went into Rafah," said Michael Makovsky, president and chief executive of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America. "Vice President Harris told them they shouldn't go in or there'll be consequences. Biden didn't want him to go in. It turned out actually to be a pretty successful mission. They haven't finished Rafah, but they were able to quickly move a lot of the Palestinian civilians into other areas so they, the Israeli military, could fight Hamas."

A senior administration official on Wednesday told reporters during a background briefing that the White House meeting would include discussion of threats to Israel from Iran-backed groups in the Middle East such as Hamas, Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi militants.

In addition to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Biden and Netanyahu's agenda also included talk about efforts to secure a deal to halt the fighting, free the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, release some Palestinian prisoners from Israel and surge humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.

The United States has been working with Egypt and Qatar to broker the cease-fire talks, which have stretched on for months amid competing demands from Israel and Hamas.

The official said there is a framework in place for the first stage of an envisioned three-stage agreement, and that the U.S. expects "a lot of activity over the coming week" as negotiators try to seal an agreement.

The first stage would last for 42 days and include Hamas releasing some of the hostages, including women, men over age 50, and those who are sick and wounded. The U.S. official said what is left to figure out are the implementation steps for the first phase, "how it will actually work day-to-day."

"There are some things we need from Hamas, and there are some things we need from the Israeli side," the official said.

Meeting with families

Following their meeting, Biden and Netanyahu met with the families of the Americans who are among the hostages.

"We came today with a sense of urgency," said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of American Israeli hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen. "So as families, we came in really emphasizing to the leaders of the United States and of Israel a desire to get this deal done, this three-phase deal that the president announced a few weeks ago and has been on the negotiating table."

But Netanyahu's defiance puts his desire for a deal into question. On Wednesday, he went before the U.S. Congress and delivered a speech defending his country's war against Hamas and vowing to pursue the fight against Palestinian militants until "total victory" and the return of the remaining hostages are secured.

With thousands of pro-Palestinian, anti-war protesters in the streets outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday 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. He attacked Iran for its funding of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, while assailing the nearby protesters and those at U.S. college campuses in recent months as "Iran's useful idiots" helping Israel's enemies.

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. Israel's subsequent counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 39,000 people as of Thursday, most of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. In May, Israel estimated the death toll at 30,000 and said that most of the dead were combatants.

Begum Ersoz contributed to this report from the White House; Kim Lewis contributed from Washington.
After three days of silence over his stunning decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, U.S. President Joe Biden took to prime time television Tuesday to give Americans, and the world, an explanation in a speech that was at times hopeful, at times determined, and at times wistful.

Biden spoke of his five decades in public office, touted his presidential record of domestic and political achievements  but then called for energetic new leadership to face tomorrows challenges.



"I revere this office, said Biden, his hands resting on the glossy, hulking Resolute Desk, the gold-brocade drapes of the Oval Office framing his sloping shoulders. But I love my country more.

Nothing  nothing  can come in the way of saving our democracy, he said. That includes personal ambition. So, I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Its the best way to unite our nation. You know, there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There's also a time and a place for new voices. Fresh voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now.

Biden also thanked Vice President Kamala Harris, who has taken to the campaign trail with his endorsement and enough delegate pledges to net the nomination. He described her as "experienced," "tough," and "capable" but added: the choice is up to you.

He did not name-check his Republican opponent in the race. But analysts say Bidens stark warnings all point to one man.

He talked about polarization, said Jennifer Mercieca, a professor of communication and journalism at Texas A&M University. He talked about violence and political violence. Those are all things that harken back to Donald Trump and his presidency. He talked about the threats facing the nation when he first took office, January 2021. And so that was certainly about Donald Trump. But yeah, this wasn't a place for him to talk about Donald Trump. It wasn't a place for him to give a campaign speech.

Bidens job now, he said, will focus on domestic challenges like civil rights and voter freedom, gun safety reforms, the quest to end cancer and Supreme Court reform. He also cited the various challenges the U.S. faces abroad, with wars raging in Gaza and Ukraine and China becoming more emboldened in the Indo-Pacific.

Its those foreign fires, analysts say, that are likely to concern voters who were already worried about Bidens future.

That's really the concern I think people will have, which is: How does a lame duck president deal with foreign policy crises? said Thomas Schwartz, a history professor at Vanderbilt University.

That question may be answered as soon as Thursday, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the White House in what administration officials told reporters Wednesday is an attempt to stitch up the first phase of a longer cease-fire deal that will end the brutal nine-month conflict in Gaza.

In a sign that foreign leaders may be hedging their bets in this electric American election cycle, the Israeli leader is also holding two other meetings while in the U.S., with Harris and Trump.

But for the final act of this presidency, Joe Biden remains the protagonist on Americas biggest stage. The ending, analysts say, is a classic.

What has stopped Joe Biden is the thing that has stopped every human being since the beginning of time, and that is, we age, said Jim Kessler, executive vice president for policy at the policy and research firm Third Way. And it got to the point where I feel he could do the job, but he couldn't convince the American people that he could do the job.

But this could also be a triumphant moment for the 81-year-old president, who was widely thanked by Democrats for making the decision to step aside.

In some ways, Kessler said, he's like an athlete that is going to make the Hall of Fame and is retiring and gets the cheers from the crowds, finally, for a long, 50-year, tremendous career.

Biden clearly understood that this address would be a dramatic peak. So, he used his final words to break the fourth wall, with a message as old as America:

The great thing about America, he said, is here, kings and dictators do not rule, the people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.

Kim Lewis contributed from Washington.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday explained to American citizens and to the world why he decided not to stand for reelection in the 2024 presidential race. Biden, speaking from the Oval Office, also outlined what urgent challenges he sees as the nation careens toward a November vote. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Thursday to direct state agencies on how to remove homeless encampments, a month after a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces.

Newsom's order is aimed at the thousands of tents and makeshift shelters across the state that line freeways, clutter shopping center parking lots and fill city parks. The order makes clear that the decision to remove the encampments remains in local hands.

The order comes after a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this summer allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces. The case was the most significant on the issue to come before the high court in decades and comes as cities across the country have wrestled with the politically complicated issue of how to deal with a rising number of people without a permanent place to live and public frustration over related health and safety issues.

Newsom's administration wrote in support of cities' argument that previous rulings, including one that barred San Francisco from clearing encampments until more shelter beds were available, have prevented the state from solving a critical problem.

"There are simply no more excuses. It's time for everyone to do their part," Newsom said in a statement.

While Newsom cannot order local authorities to act, his administration can apply pressure by withholding money for counties and cities.

California is home to roughly one-third of the nation's population of homeless people, a problem that has dogged Newsom since he took office. Newsom touted that his administration has spent roughly $24 billion aimed at cleaning up streets and housing people but acknowledged the stubbornness of the issue. Newsom's administration has also come under fire recently after a state audit found that the state didn't consistently track whether the huge outlay of public money actually improved the situation.

Newsom has worked hard to address the issue. He threw all of his political weight behind a ballot measure earlier this year to allow the state to borrow nearly $6.4 billion to build 4,350 housing units, which passed with a razor-thin margin.

The order comes as Republicans have stepped up their criticisms of California and its homelessness crisis as Vice President Kamala Harris  a former California district attorney, attorney general and senator  launches her presidential campaign. Harris entered the race over the weekend after President Joe Biden's announced that he would not seek reelection. Newsom himself has presidential ambitions.

The timing of the executive order is "curious," said California political analyst Brian Sobel, but he doubts Newsom's move would have much impact on Harris' campaign.

"Harris' problem isn't in California, because California is a done deal," he said. "Where she needs to do well on issues like this are in swing states."

Rather, the order is a logical step for Newsom, who called himself the state's "homeless czar" and made homelessness a signature policy issue the last few years, said Wesley Hussey, a political science professor at California State University, Sacramento.



"I don't think it's being motivated by the presidential race as much as it's definitely something that Newsom cared a lot about," Hussey said. "If you're going to put it in a political context of the election, this isn't going to magically fix the problem."

Newsom's decision have garnered praises from local elected officials and business groups, who said they were left with no options to address homeless encampments before the Supreme Court's ruling. San Francisco Mayor London Breed recently said the city will start an "aggressive" campaign to clear encampments across the city in August. Her office noted that the governor's order does not affect the city's operations.

"I applaud Governor Newsom's emphasis on urgency," Kathryn Barger, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors said in a statement. "He rightfully points out that local government remains at the helm of homeless encampment removals. Cities have an obligation to develop housing and shelter solutions in tandem with support services provided by County government."

Homeless people and their advocates say the sweeps are cruel and a waste of taxpayer money. They say the answer is more housing, not crackdowns.

Under Newsom's direction, state agencies  including state parks and the Department of Transportation  would be required to prioritize clearing encampments that pose safety risks, such as those camping along waterways. Officials should give advance notice to vacate, connect homeless people to local services and help store their belongings for at least 60 days. Local cities and counties are urged to adopt similar protocols.
A $7 million grant to bolster independent media in Cambodia is being welcomed by the countrys journalists.

The United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, in July announced a grant designed to help strengthen and expand the diversity of trustworthy news in Cambodia.

Details of the funding emerged as the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association, known as CamboJA, released its quarterly assessment of conditions for media.

CamboJA found that media are still subject to legal and physical harassment, and that some journalists were brought in for questioning by authorities.

Between April and June, the association documented one physical assault and at least six cases of legal harassment, including journalists being questioned on accusations of incitement and defamation. The Ministry of Information also revoked licenses for two media outlets that it said had violated professionalism and ethics.

Nop Vy, who is executive director of CamboJA, told VOA Khmer the association has identified two key concerns: laws used against reporters, including so-called citizen journalists who publish via social media; and a limited understanding of media ethics

among journalists new to the field.

"They still have little understanding of the journalism profession, the use of words, the use of certain behaviors, and some of the activities that, in turn, can affect some privacy rights and human rights, he said.

Nop Vy said that lack of understanding has contributed to the growing number of lawsuits against journalists.

The head of CamboJA added that because of legal pressures, Cambodia is seeing a decline in independent journalists. That trend could in turn lead to a decline in the quality of information available to audiences, he said.

Against that backdrop, CamboJA and the countrys media widely welcome the new five-year USAID grant, which is designed to ensure audiences have access to independent news and to assist in bolstering local media.

The purpose of this activity is to strengthen and expand the diversity of trustworthy news and information sources available to Cambodians so that they can be better equipped to participate in civic life, USAID said, as it invited groups to apply.

A USAID spokesperson told VOA Khmer via email that the agency has supported Cambodia's independent media in the past and will continue to do so through the grant.

The spokesperson highlighted the importance of a strong media sector with diverse, independent information sources for democratic development.

Nop Vy, who says his organization intends to apply for a grant, said the funding will benefit Cambodias journalists.

"It may help to enhance press freedom and strengthen independent media. Having the right support helps protect journalists working in the field," Nop Vy said.

He said that journalists are pivotal to a democratic society and that the U.S. could contribute to reviving and reinforcing the democratic process in Cambodia.

Hang Samphors, head of Cambodian Female Journalists, or CFJ, said the assistance is important in advancing independent media in Cambodia, where the sector is small and operating space limited.

"With adequate budget for program implementation, independent media can effectively disseminate information and programs to reach our people, enabling informed decisions and contributing significantly to our country's economic development," Samphors said.

She said she hopes the aid will help more female journalists.

Tep Asnarith, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Information, emphasized the necessity for genuine stakeholder participation and adherence to professional standards in developing Cambodia's media sector.

"We are actively engaged in promoting journalistic values and fostering media sector growth," Tep Asnarith told VOA.

Cambodia ranks 151 out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index, where 1 shows the best media environment.

This story originated in VOAs Khmer service.
Military spending is surging in the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, a development officials link to regional conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, although experts doubt the buildup will increase stability.

While Russia was the dominant arms supplier to these countries for more than three decades, other countries including Turkey, China and the United States have now entered the market.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, last years military spending by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan was $1.8 billion. Figures from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which do not disclose information about the share of military spending in their gross domestic product, were not included in the report.

Regional media reports say that last years Kazakhstani military budget was 0.5% of the country's estimated $259.7 billion GDP. Kyrgyzstan's military accounted for 1.5% of its estimated $13.9 billion GDP, or $208.5 million, and for Tajikistan it was 1% of an estimated $12 billion GDP, or $120 million.

Kyrgyz buildup

Kamchibek Tashiev, deputy chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers, who coordinates Kyrgyzstans security forces, told a July 2023 government meeting that since 2021, Kyrgyzstan had spent $1,3 billion to modernize its military. He said much of that went to new high-tech weaponry.

"We bought unmanned Bayraktar, Aksungur, Akinci, combat aerial vehicles, which many countries have not yet bought; we also bought upgrades to our air defense system, Mi-8, Mi-17, helicopters," he said.

Tense relations with neighboring Tajikistan prompted Kyrgyzstans government to start paying more attention to the military, with a 2023 Kyrgyz Defense Ministry military doctrine calling the threat level posed by Kyrgyz-Tajik border tension significant.

That tension led to armed conflicts between the countries in April 2021 and September 2022, together causing the deaths of civilians and displacement of thousands of people.

If Kyrgyz officials were hoping new weapons would give them an upper hand with Tajikistan, they were mistaken.

In May 2022, Iran opened a drone production plant in Tajikistan, producing the Ababil-2 reconnaissance and combat drone. Then, in April of 2024, the Tajik government signed a $1.5 million agreement with Turkey on the supply of unspecified number of Bayraktar attack drones.

In a December 2022 interview, Dushanbe-based political analyst Parviz Mullojanov, said in the "ongoing arms race" Tajikistan is likely to buy modern weapons.

"We're talking about radio and electronic warfare equipment, air defense systems that will neutralize attack drones," he said.

Other regional countries

Other countries in the region are increasing military spending too. Kazakhstan's defense spending has increased by 8.8% compared to last year. Uzbekistan, which does not disclose its military budget, reportedly allotted an additional $260 million to its defense budget last year.

During his January 2024 meeting with Uzbek military leaders, broadcast by Uzbek state TV, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that by 2030, Uzbekistan will have a modernized army with high-tech weaponry. In Turkmenistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow instructed the Defense Ministry to increase military preparedness at a meeting this month of the country's security council.

Regional officials point to the conflicts in the post-Soviet space  such as the Ukraine war and the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, border conflicts in Central Asia, and instability in Afghanistan  as reasons for beefing up their militaries.

However, Peter Leonard, a writer specializing in Central Asian affairs, told VOA, "Partly it is a matter of prestige. Authoritarian leaders like to flaunt shiny and expensive weapons. We see this visually in Turkmenistan, where officials show off their new weapons and vehicles from China, Europe and elsewhere during annual military parades. We see this trend in all of Central Asia."

The rise in Central Asian militarization underscores changing geopolitical context as well. The Russian-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization, an alliance of Russia and five other former Soviet republics -- Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Armenia  has historically played an important role in in Central Asian security matters.

However, in recent years, outside countries, including Turkey, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, China, Germany, France, and Belarus, have emerged as military partners to the Central Asian republics.

According to regional media reports, between 2010 and 2024, Turkey and Iran supplied attack drones to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan; the United States provided technical support and military vehicles to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan; China sold air defense equipment to Uzbekistan; France and Germany sold military helicopters to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan; and Belarus supplied air defense equipment to Kyrgyzstan.

Varying views on effects from militarization

With so much cash given to the military and weapons flooding the region, discussions among experts focus on the militarizations effects. Svenja Petersen, a Berlin-based analyst and researcher specializing on the former Soviet Union, told VOA that the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan arms race was of particular concern.

"While Kyrgyz and Tajik leaders have spoken about a need to foster peace and security along the frontier, both countries have been girding for renewed battle," she said.

A January 2023 commentary by Vecherni Bishkek, a Kyrgyzstani pro-government news website, claimed that "while the likelihood of a war is low, confrontations [between regional armed forces] are unavoidable."

Other experts express doubt that the arms race between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will lead to conflict.

"Paradoxically," Leonard said, "the intensification of militaries in these countries has not, in fact, exacerbated tensions but has resulted in a different outcome -- which is much more cordial and practical dialogue about border demarcation. These countries, which were at a dangerous point, are on the cusp of signing a historic border agreement which will put an end to three decades of [border-related] conflict."

Bakhtiyor Ergashev, director of the Tashkent-based political research institute Mano said in a January 2023 media interview that he doubted that large-scale military conflicts in the region would happen.

"Undoubtedly, there are some hotspots, such as the conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. But I am convinced that this conflict, though it has tendency for escalation, will be resolved."

Regional residents also hold differing views on the effects of militarization.

Danil Usmanov, a Kyrgyzstani photojournalist who was in Kyrgyzstan's Batken province, bordering Tajikistan, reporting on the April 2021 and September 2022 Kyrgyz border conflicts told VOA that in his conversations with residents of Kyrgyz border towns, he sensed they would prefer that Bishkek officials spend more to solve their regions economic problems.

But, he said, they accept increased military spending and militarization of Batken "as a necessary vice to deter border conflicts with Tajikistan."

Kyrgyz officials have defended their increased military spending, saying that it boosted their capacity to thwart potential conflicts. During his January 2024 meeting with residents of Kyrgyzstan's Jalal-Abad province, Tashiev said weapons and related purchases have allowed a change in the Central Asian balance of power.

"We are no longer seen as a weak country that lacks [military] might. ... Today, we are seen as a formidable opponent, as a strong state and strong partner. All of this indicates that our country has grown in strength," he said.

Leonard, though, said the militarization is unlikely to bolster the Central Asian republics political stability.

"If Central Asian governments are perceiving conventional armed forces as a key to bolstering stability in their countries without giving sufficient attention to issues such as political reform, putting institutions in place that serve as means for relieving pressure from below, then they may be in for an unpleasant surprise," he said.

"Kazakhstan, for instance, invests extensive resources into its army. But can that prevent events like the January 2022 nationwide protests that rocked the whole country?"

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the name of Turkmenistan's president.
China hosted a series of high-profile diplomatic meetings this week aimed at projecting an image as a global peacemaker in two major global crises, the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the southern city of Guangzhou, his first trip to China since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In Beijing, China hosted a meeting that resulted in the signing of an agreement among 14 Palestinian factions to form a national unity government.

Analysts say the developments, while significant, were largely symbolic.

These diplomatic efforts are in line with the Global Security Initiative that Beijing is trying to put out to make itself look like a global peacemaker, but the international community needs to see some substantive progress [from China,] Ian Chong, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore, told VOA by phone.

China dubbed the agreements between representatives from 14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, as the Beijing Declaration. On Tuesday, Wang Yi said that while reconciliation is an internal affair of Palestinian factions, it could not be achieved without the support of the international community.

He also laid out Chinas three-step approach to help end the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, including promoting a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire, upholding the principle of the Palestinians governing Palestine, and promoting Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations as well as implementing the two-state solution.

The United States has made its own concerted attempts to achieve an Israel-Hamas ceasefire, laying out conditions intended to lead to the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas in return for a permanent ceasefire and the pullout of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Although Wang tried to use the meeting in Beijing to cast China as a potential mediator in ending the Middle East conflict, Israel quickly denounced the declaration. The United States voiced its objection to Hamas involvement in the post-war governance of Gaza, noting it has designated the group as a terrorist organization.

Some experts say that without the support of the U.S. and other countries, Chinas efforts to facilitate peace talks in the Middle East could all be in vain.

Despite Chinas intention to be a peacemaker and mediator, without the support of the United States and other countries, China wont be able to achieve much, said Zhiqun Zhu, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at Bucknell University.

Despite pushback from Israel and the U.S., Chong in Singapore said Beijings outreach to Palestinians could boost its standing in the Muslim world.

Beijing wants to seem like it is supporting the Palestinian cause, which has broad sympathy among Muslims and this dovetails with investment and efforts to advance Saudi-Iranian reconciliation, he told VOA.

Last year, China brokered a deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia that paved the way for the two Middle East rivals to restore diplomatic ties and reactivate a security cooperation agreement.

In his view, Chinas efforts stand as a contrast to what some observers see as destructive U.S. actions, from Washingtons support for Israel to the U.S. experiences with Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

Beijing is trying hard to look constructive and supportive to causes that many Muslims and Arab states care about, Chong noted.

A window of opportunity in Ukraine war

Chinas hosting of Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba this week was also an important diplomatic milestone for Beijing, which has faced persistent criticism over its support for Russia. Beijing has refused to condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine.

During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, which lasted more than three hours, Kuleba said a just peace in Ukraine is in Chinas strategic interests and that Beijings role as a global force for peace is important.

He also said Kyiv is ready to negotiate when Russia is ready to do so in good faith, adding that Ukraine hasnt sensed any sign of readiness from the Russians.

In response, Wang Yi said China remains committed to a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and reiterated four principles put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping as well as the six understandings proposed by China and Brazil in May to help find a solution to end the Ukraine war.

Zhu, the China foreign policy scholar at Bucknell University, said a potential victory by former president Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election could mean reduced support for Ukraine from Washington, making it imperative for Kyiv to reach out to China.

If Trump wins the U.S. election, Ukraine will basically be left to itself, so getting support and help from China is critical for Ukraine moving forward, he told VOA in a written response.

Building blocks for an alternative world order

Sari Arho Havren, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in Brussels, said Chinas diplomatic efforts are part of the building blocks to help establish an alternative world order led by China.

China sees an opportunity to weaken the United States global position through its diplomatic efforts this week, and countries in the Global South are an important audience [for its messaging,] she told VOA by phone.

Zhu said as the U.S. becomes more preoccupied with Novembers presidential election, there may be more opportunities for China to present itself as an alternative leader in global affairs.

The messier the U.S. elections are and the more isolationist the U.S. becomes, the more opportunities China will have to fill in the gap and play a leadership role in international affairs, he told VOA.

However, if China hopes to become a more important international player through these diplomatic efforts, Chong said Beijing needs to follow up on the more declaratory agreements by rolling out some concrete steps.

I suppose China has ambitions to become a more important player [internationally,] but those ambitions havent been matched by developments on the ground yet, he said.
Expectations are building for a meeting this week between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Vientiane, Laos.

Earlier this week, Chinas vice foreign minister, Ma Zhaoxu, met with his counterpart in Tokyo, the first time the two countries have held strategic talks since 2020. Ma later met with Kamikawa during a visit to Tokyo.

According to a report in Chinese state-run newspaper, the Global Times, The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on major strategic issues concerning China-Japan relations. Ahead of the meetings in Laos, Japans Kyodo News Agency quoted government sources who said Tokyo is looking into a possible meeting between Wang and Kamikawa.

Kyodo reported Thursday that both governments have begun making arrangements for a meeting between their foreign ministers on Friday.

When they do meet in Laos, experts say the two will have a lot of contentious issues to discuss, including Chinas detention of Japanese nationals, territorial disputes and Japans release of treated wastewater from its Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Sachio Nakato, professor at the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University in Japan, tells VOAs Mandarin Service that "Japan-China relations seem to lack the motivation to truly improve, but it is also necessary for the two countries to improve their relations as much as possible."

Szu-shen Ho, director of the Center of Japan and East Asia Studies at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan, notes three key areas of contention between China and Japan: a territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands, which China calls the Diaoyu Islands, the detention of at least five Japanese nationals by China following the implementation of its revised counterespionage law, and the release Fukushima's nuclear wastewater into the sea.

Ho said that while the two are creating an atmosphere for the improvement of relations," neither side is sure whether these disputes can be resolved through dialogue.

He said, however, that channels of communication between China and Japan, be it among Cabinet members or leaders, seem to be relatively "smooth." Economic and trade relations, he adds, also still are very deep between China and Japan, despite the U.S.-China trade and technology war.

Last year, the United States was Japans biggest export market and China its biggest source of imports, according to Japanese trade data. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, however, some Japanese companies have shifted their investments out of China.

Late last year, Mitsubishi Motors announced it was leaving Chinas market. Earlier this week, Nippon Steel ended a 20-year joint venture with China's Baoshan Iron and Steel.

Despite the challenges, Hsien-Sen Lin, a professor of the Department of East Asia Studies at National Taiwan Normal University, sees some light at the end of the tunnel for the two countries.

He believes some of the major sticking points between Beijing and Tokyo could be resolved. China's ban on Japanese aquatic products following its release of wastewater from Fukushima nuclear power plant was a misstep because no other major country followed suit.

Lin also believes that its possible China could release Japanese nationals who have been detained in China after they are sentenced and the judicial process is complete.

Tensions over Taiwan, however, remain a key sticking point.

Last week, Japans and Taiwans coast guards held a maritime shipwreck training drill off the eastern Japanese coast.

Taiwan's 1,000-ton vessel "Patrol No. 9," an ocean-going patrol ship, and the Japan Coast Guard's "Sagami" patrol ship participated in the drill, which was conducted just south of the Boso Peninsula and near Izu Oshima on July 17.

The exercise, which sparked a strong protest from China, was the first joint maritime training for Japan and Taiwan since Tokyo severed diplomatic ties with Taipei in September 1972 and switched recognition to Beijing.

Beijings One China principle demands that countries not maintain official relations with Taiwan, but Japan, like a growing number of nations in the region, has been expanding ties with Taipei in response to growing Chinese aggression.

Japan's chief Cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said the exercise was not aimed at any country, including China.

Ho said the cooperative relationship between the two coast guards is a "very long-term relationship," and that the two countries are likely to cooperate in non-traditional security fields in the future.

He stressed, however, that neither the Japanese coast guard nor the Taiwan coast guard is military, and said the public should not read too much into it. He added that he does not think the cooperation will have an impact on Sino-Japan relations.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
Retired Army Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, who was chief of staff on former President Donald Trumps national security council, spoke with VOA about his vision for ending the war in Ukraine.

Kellogg says he is not a formal adviser to the former president and has not presented his plan to Trump, but it is one of the options that he could consider if he is elected in November.

Kellogg also served as the national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence in the Trump administration. He now co-chairs the Center on American Security at America First Policy Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group.

The Ukraine strategy was published back in May by AFPI as part of their An America First Approach to U.S. National Security, edited by Fred Fleitz, who also served as chief of staff at the National Security Council during Trump's presidency and co-wrote with Kellogg the chapter on the Russia-Ukraine war.

It suggests that the U.S. should begin a formal policy "to seek a cease-fire and negotiated settlement of the Ukraine conflict." The U.S. would continue to arm Ukraine to deter Russia from attacking during or after a deal is reached, but under the condition that Kyiv agrees to enter into peace talks with Russia.

To persuade Russia to participate in the negotiations, the U.S. and other NATO partners would delay Ukraine's membership in the alliance for an extended period in exchange for a "comprehensive and verifiable deal with security guarantees."

They write that Ukraine will not be asked to give up its ambition to regain all land seized by Russia, but Kyiv should agree to use diplomatic means only and realize that it might take a long time to regain all the territories. The strategy proposes to use the partial lifting of sanctions on Russia to encourage the Kremlin to take steps toward peace and establish levies on Russian energy imports to fund Ukraine's reconstruction.

The interview with Kellogg, recorded on July 18 at the Republican convention in Milwaukee, has been edited for brevity and clarity.

VOA: Can you tell a little bit about the plan? I think it's the most detailed paper coming publicly from Republican and Republican-affiliated groups.

Retired Army Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg: We've said very clearly in our paper that Ukraine has fought valiantly. They are very well led. We think the Russians did clearly an unwarranted invasion of a sovereign state and this must be addressed. President Trump, to his credit, said in the very first debate when he was asked by one of the commentators, Dana Bash, do the Russians basically get to keep the territories? He said no, not at all. He said not once, he did it twice.

So, there's a negotiation, you are going to figure out what your starting points are going to be. You want to make sure that Ukrainians are not put at the position when they're operating from weaknesses, but from strength. So, the question is how do you do that? And how you put all the pieces and parts in place? Nobody is ever saying that: "Oh, we just have to make Ukrainians to give up land and give it to Russia." Look when you look at your losses, the losses in Ukraine alone, depending on who you talk to, you're talking between 100,000 and 130,000 deaths. That's enormous because when I look at [Russias losses] they have had three times that. The United States of America lost 60,000 in the Vietnam war. That was a 20-year war we went away from. The Russians, then the Soviets, lost 15,000 in Afghanistan and walked away from it.

If the Ukrainians say no and the Russians say no, then they can do it in a different way. But I think you started to ask yourself questions is this what's best for Ukraine as a nation? I don't care about Russia. I care about Ukraine.

Lets say a year and a half ago the Russians turn their heels and if the West had provided the equipment that [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy asked for, then you probably could have finished the job. You could have gotten into the Sea of Azov through Kherson, splitting them in half, and that is what you wanted to do. So, I blame this administration and the West to a degree for not supporting Ukraine when they should have.

VOA: The Biden administration is saying that they want to put Ukraine in the position of strength before it can negotiate with Russia. You are suggesting pretty much the same, right?

Kellogg: No, thats a false statement. Have the United States given Ukraine a support of F-16s? No. Did we provide long-range fires early for the Ukrainians to shoot in Russians? No. Did we provide permission for them to shoot deep into Russia? No. Did the United States provide them the armored capabilities they needed? We gave 31 tanks. Thirty-one tanks is not even a battalion in the United States army. So, they talk about it, but it didn't really happen.

VOA: Ukrainian officials might be cautious about entering into the negotiations with Russians because it might send a signal to their partners that they don't need military aid anymore.

Kellogg: You have to give more arms to them because you can't trust the Russians. You just have to do it, and the question is, do you do this before Europe tires, Americans tire, Ukrainians tire? Two and a half years -- that's a long war and the destruction is enormous. Sometimes you have to look at what we call in America the long game. And that is security guarantees, financial support and military support. We have to bring that to the American people, you know, President Biden has only talked to American people one time. You got to talk to them a lot. President Biden has only talked to [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin one time. When I was with President Trump, he was talking to him 17 different times. It doesnt mean he likes him. But you have to talk to your adversary.

VOA: Why would Russians want to negotiate?

Kellogg: You need to give them reasons to negotiate. You can give an extreme reason and say, OK, you've got to get back all the land from Ukraine. Maybe, short-term you tell Ukraine, we're not going to support you coming to NATO, but we give you a bilateral security agreement.

VOA: The U.S. and Ukraine have just signed a security agreement.

Kellogg: That was not a defense agreement. A defense agreement should be ratified by the Senate. What you have to do is to come up with a peace agreement like we've done with Korea, we did years ago with Taiwan.

VOA: But what is the contingency plan if Russia doesnt abide by the agreement.

Kellogg: That is part of negotiation. That's where both sides draw the red lines. That's where both sides make the determination: this is what we're going to do or not do.

VOA: Ukraine already tried that signing the Minsk agreements with Russia.

Kellogg: Minsk agreements worked very well, didn't they? They're lousy. They didn't do anything because nobody trusted anybody, and nobody worked together. You had Minsk 1, failed; Minsk 2, failed. Budapest memorandum, failed. So, you have to have some kind of degree of confidence and security.

VOA: One of the reasons why the negotiations in Istanbul broke down was that Russians demanded Ukraines demilitarization, a smaller army.

Kellogg: Yes. And this is an unacceptable demand. And you don't walk into negotiating with unacceptable demands. But you have to have an ability, we call it an interlocutor. An interlocutor is somebody who can sit down and actually negotiate with both parties. It can be Trump, President Trump believes he can do it, but you also have to look at who else is out there. President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan of Turkey, do you think he could do it? No, he's not going to do it. [Chancellor Olaf] Scholz from Germany, you think he will do it? No, he is not going to do it. [President Emmanuel] Macron from France, he tried but hasn't done it. Well, now they had a change in government in Britain. So that's gone away. You know, I don't know maybe [Klaus] Iohannis, [the president] of Romania. Maybe he could do it, but you have to have somebody that both sides could talk to.

President Trump is talking to both parties. And President Biden is not. Now the option is quite clear: If Ukraine doesn't want to negotiate, fine, but then accept the fact that you can have enormous losses in your cities and accept the fact that you will have your children killed, accept the fact that you don't have 130,000 dead, you will have 230,000250,000. Demographically, what does that do to the country?

You have to accept the fact that maybe the threat will remain on Kyiv, you have to accept the fact that Kharkiv will have more damage or do you want to say this is time maybe we take a pause and figure out how to push the Russians out of there so that they don't get territorial gain. And how do you have a long-term peace agreement?

Let's use NATO as an example. NATO has already said they're not going to support Ukraine going into NATO until the war is over. That's the reality and that's where you need somebody to stand as a negotiator and say no, this is where we want to go.

The size of this war is not appreciated in the West. That is the largest war in Europe since World War II, it is between the two largest countries in Europe. The losses have been horrific.

It is too great of a country, and I've been there. I have been to Izyum, I've been to Kharkiv and I've seen what Russians did to it. There's no love for Russians. There's a support for sovereignty. Figure out a way does not mean we say give up land.

VOA: The other reason why the negotiations in Istanbul broke down is because it became known what happened in Bucha. It means that if Ukraine allows Russia to continue occupying any of its lands, it condemns the people who live there. ...

Kellogg: Who is saying to give up land?

VOA: Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance alluded to that.

Kellogg: J.D. Vance was just nominated as the vice president last night. Until that, he was just a senator, one of 100. Yeah, you can say a lot of things in the Senate. When you speak for an administration, things change.
The two leading U.S. presidential candidates, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, on Thursday condemned the most visible of the pro-Hamas protests against Israel that erupted the day before near the U.S. Capitol.

The protests came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was defiantly defending his country's war against the Hamas militants in an address to Congress.

Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee in the 2024 election, said in a statement, "We saw despicable acts by unpatriotic protesters and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric" at Union Station, Washington's train depot not far from the Capitol.

In the plaza in front of the rail station, demonstrators replaced American flags with Palestinian flags, and a man climbed up to the middle of a fountain and used red spray paint to write "Hamas is comin'" in big letters. Protesters also burned an effigy of Netanyahu and a U.S. flag.

On his Truth Social media platform, Trump said "If those people rioting in Washington yesterday were Republicans/Conservatives, they'd all be in jail right now, facing 10- to 20-year sentences. Under this Crooked Administration, nothing will happen to them!"

Police arrest 23

Thousands of protesters were in the Washington streets on Wednesday to protest against Netanyahu's appearance at the Capitol and to support Palestinians. Most of the protests were peaceful, but some demonstrators clashed with police, and 23 were arrested.

"I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews," Harris said. "Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent, and we must not tolerate it in our nation."

Harris also condemned the burning of the U.S. flag. "That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way," Harris said, although a 1989 U.S. Supreme Court decision said that burning an American flag was a lawful form of freedom of speech.

Some Republicans in the House of Representatives visited Union Station late Wednesday and replaced three American flags that anti-Israel protesters had burned and replaced with Palestinian flags earlier in the day.

"We recognize that they flew Palestinian flags on these poles," Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters. "It is outrageous. They were pulled down, thankfully."

Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic minority leader, also condemned the protests in a statement on Thursday.

"Defacing public property, desecrating the American flag, threatening Jews with violence and promoting terrorist groups like Hamas is not acceptable under any circumstance," he said. "There is a difference between lawful expression and disorderly conduct. Anyone who violates the law must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

In her statement, Harris concluded, "I support the right to peacefully protest, but let's be clear: Antisemitism, hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation."

In the first days of her presidential campaign against Republican Trump, Harris held a campaign rally with a teachers' union in the southwestern state of Texas on Thursday before flying to Washington to meet with Netanyahu at the White House. Trump is meeting with Netanyahu on Friday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Harris, as second in command to outgoing President Joe Biden, and like all top U.S. officials, condemned the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages.

But as the months of fighting have raged on, and Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza targeting Hamas fighters killed more Palestinian civilians, especially thousands of women and children, Harris became more outspoken, initially blunter than Biden, about the need to end the conflict.

In March, she called for an "immediate" pause in fighting, contending that Israel had not done enough to ease a "humanitarian catastrophe" among Palestinians in Gaza.

"People in Gaza are starving," she said. "The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act."

She has not  as she prepared to meet with Netanyahu  publicly said what she would tell him. Biden has often recently said it is time for the war to end. But Israeli and Hamas negotiators have failed to reach agreement on a six-week cease-fire and fighting continues.

As for Harris' broad view of Israel, her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, told a group of Jewish groups earlier this week, "Let me just make this clear, Vice President Harris has been and will be a strong supporter of Israel as a secure, democratic and Jewish state. And she will always ensure that Israel can defend itself. Period. That's who Kamala Harris is."

Trump, after remaining mostly silent about the Israel-Hamas war, in March told Israel it has "to finish the problem. You had a horrible invasion that took place that would have never happened if I was president."

After Wednesday's protests, Trump called for Israel to quickly end the war and said the country was "not good" at promoting its cause in world affairs.

"You got to get it done quickly," Trump told Fox News.
A Hong Kong court on Thursday rejected a bid by the legal team of jailed pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai to end his ongoing national security trial, which is widely viewed as politically motivated.

Lai's defense team tried to end the proceedings by arguing that the prosecution lacked enough evidence. But the court rejected that attempt, saying it believes prosecutors do have enough evidence to support the three charges against Lai.

"Having considered all the submissions, we ruled that the first defendant [Lai] has a case to answer on all the charges," said Judge Esther Toh, one of a panel of three hand-picked judges hearing the case.

Lai's national security trial began in Hong Kong in December 2023. It is set to resume on November 20, when Lai is expected to give evidence.

The 76-year-old British national has pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and a less severe charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. If Lai is convicted, he could face life in prison.

Press freedom groups have condemned Lai's trial as a sham, and the British and U.S. governments have called for his immediate release.

"The authorities have done all they can to silence Jimmy Lai. They have introduced a draconian law to criminalize dissent. They have shut down his newspaper. They have subjected him to a barrage of spurious prosecutions. And his current trial has been beset by repeated delays," Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, who leads Lai's international legal team, said in a statement.

Lai founded the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, which authorities shut down in 2021. He is standing trial under Hong Kong's harsh national security law, which came into effect in 2020 and has prompted a rapid deterioration in press freedom.

Authorities in Hong Kong and China, however, say the national security law has fostered stability in Hong Kong. Officials in Hong Kong have also said Lai's trial is fair.

Thursday marked the 92nd day of Lai's controversial trial, which was originally estimated to last 80 days.

Lai has spent more than 3 years in solitary confinement. He is serving a sentence of five years and nine months after being convicted of violating a lease contract for Apple Daily's office.

Lai's son Sebastien expressed concern about the continued delays in what he described as his father's "show trial."

"At a time when most people get to enjoy their retirement and spend time with family, my father is in solitary confinement in a Hong Kong prison," Sebastien Lai said in a statement.

"Now we learn of a four month delay within the trial itself, so this unfair process drags on even longer," he said. "My father should not be in prison in the first place. I implore the UK Government to take action to end this farce and secure my father's immediate release."

Some information in this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Human rights sources say Iranian authorities have executed Kamran Sheikheh, a Sunni Kurdish prisoner and the last of seven defendants sentenced to death for the 2008 killing of a Muslim cleric.

The reports say Sheikheh was hanged early Thursday in Urmia prison in northwestern Iran.

In recent months, the six other defendants  Qasem Abesteh, Ayoub Karimi, Farhad Salimi, Davood Abdollahi, Anvar Khezri, and Khosrow Besharat  all were executed for their involvement in the death of cleric Abdulrahim Tina, the imam of the Rashideen Caliphate Mosque in Mahabad.

The seven had been convicted of corruption on Earth. One report by human rights group Amnesty International said they were sentenced to death in grossly unfair trials marred by claims of torture to extract confessions.

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the seven denied the charges against them in an open letter.

Sheikhehs death comes one day after the Kurdistan Human Rights Network, KHRN, said he had been moved from a prison in Mahabad to solitary confinement in Urmia Prison in preparation for his execution.

The KHRN also revealed that prison officials informed the family that Sheikheh, who had been detained for close to 15 years, would be executed at dawn on Thursday.

Arash Sadeghi, a former political prisoner, wrote on social media platform X that Kamran often sang Kurdish songs in the prison yard  songs for his mother, for Kurdistan, for Lake Zarivar. He longed for them all.

He added, Kamran and his six co-defendants were neither terrorists nor murderers. They were souls deeply in love with life.

Human rights sources said that the seven defendants were subjected to severe torture during their detention, and that the judicial process was highly ambiguous and contained numerous flaws.

The Campaign for Human Rights in Iran also emphasized that all the death sentences were handed down by unfair and non-transparent courts that did not meet the basic standards of a fair trial, and that they lacked any legal validity.

A more recent Amnesty report said, The Iranian authorities refuse to provide public statistics of death sentences and executions" and that the death penalty "is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment.

Kamran Sheikheh and the six other prisoners were sentenced to death in March 2016 by a branch of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh. The verdict was later overturned by Judge Ali Razini in the Supreme Court.

Their case was then sent to another branch of the Tehran Revolutionary Court for reconsideration, with hearings taking place from June 17 to June 19, 2019. Another judge, Abolqasem Salavati, handed down the death sentences.

The case was again reviewed in the Supreme Court under Razini. On Feb. 3, 2020, the high court upheld the death sentences for all seven.

Some information was provided by Agence France-Presse.
Israeli officials Thursday offered details of how they recovered the bodies of five hostages killed during the October Hamas attack on Israel, while Israel's military continued its offensive in Gaza.

At a news conference in Tel Aviv, military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the bodies of the hostages had been held by Hamas in tunnels 20 meters beneath the streets of the southern city of Khan Younis.

He said the bodies were found Wednesday underneath an area that was previously designated as a humanitarian area by the Israeli military.

"An area for Gazan civilians to move away from the battlefield and receive humanitarian aid and shelter," Hagari said. "Hamas exploited the humanitarian area and used it to hold our hostages captive."

The Israeli military identified one hostage as Maya Goren, who was killed at Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel. The other four hostages were Israeli soldiers killed in combat during the October attack, the military said. They were identified as Sgt. Oren Goldin, Staff Sgt. Tomer Ahimas, Sgt. Maj. Ravid Aryeh Katz and Sgt. Kiril Brodski.

Hamas killed about 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage during the October 7 attack. About 110 hostages are still being held in Gaza, and Israeli authorities have said about one-third of them are believed to be dead.

Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 39,100 Palestinians as of Thursday, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its tally. In May, Israel estimated the death toll at around 30,000, and that most of the dead are combatants.

Reports from Gaza indicate the Israeli offensive continued Thursday with strikes on Khan Younis and Rafah in the south. An Associated Press correspondent counted seven Palestinian deaths in Khan Younis. Agence France-Presse reported machine gun and tank fire in Gaza City to the north.

Netanyahu visit

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Thursday with President Joe Biden at the White House, where the two leaders were to try to close the final gaps in the Gaza cease-fire deal the Biden administration has been pushing for weeks.

Months of negotiations brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have not been able to secure an agreement on a cease-fire proposal that would include the release of hostages from Gaza as well as Israel freeing some Palestinian prisoners and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

"I think the message from the American side in that meeting will be that we need to get this deal over the line," U.S. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said Thursday.

But as negotiators from Egypt, Israel, the U.S. and Qatar were scheduled to meet Thursday in Doha to resume talks for a proposed three-phase cease-fire deal, Israel announced its negotiators were delayed and that talks now will not resume until next week.

Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of Israeli American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, expressed concern to VOA about the threat of a broader regional conflict.

"The world  and not just President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu  need[s] to commit to doing all that's necessary to get this done, and that starts, first and foremost, with [the] return of hostages, a cease-fire that can hold in Gaza and thereby prevent what could be a massive explosion," Dekel-Chen told VOA.

"Right now, it's a minor miracle that a wider, regional conflict has not yet exploded," he added.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris also met with Netanyahu on Thursday. Afterward she told reporters that she raised her concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"Israel has a right to defend itself. And how it does so matters," Harris told reporters after the meeting.

"I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there," she added. "I will not be silent."

Netanyahu earlier this week indicated there may be a breakthrough coming in the talks that would halt fighting and release all remaining hostages. But during his speech before the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, he vowed to press forward with Israel's war until he achieves "total victory."

As for his vision of a post-war Gaza, Netanyahu said 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." He made no mention of an independent homeland for Palestinians.

The top U.S. general on Thursday said Israel still has not shared much of its "day after" planning for Gaza once the war with Hamas concludes.

"There's not a lot of detail that I've been able to see from a plan from them," Air Force General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a Pentagon news conference. "This is something that we'll continue to work with them on."

During a briefing in New York, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Netanyahu's speech offered nothing new.

"So, there is nothing that was said that deserves comment," Guterres said. "And obviously, we absolutely must keep the two-state solution as the only possible long-term solution for peace in the region, independently of whatever is said by whoever, wherever."

VOA's Celia Mendoza contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
The Missouri Supreme Court has blocked the immediate release 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 to be released by 6 p.m. CDT Wednesday and threatened the prison warden with contempt if Dunn remained imprisoned. But the attorney general has been fighting his release.

Corrections Department spokeswoman Karen Pojmann said Dunn was signing paperwork to be released when the Missouri Supreme Court issued a stay, blocking his freedom. His wife was en route to pick him up.

St. Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser's decision to release Dunn came after he overturned Dunn's murder conviction Monday, citing evidence of "actual innocence" in the 1990 killing. He ordered Dunn's immediate release then, but Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey appealed, and the state Department of Corrections declined to release him.

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore filed a motion Wednesday urging the judge to immediately order Dunn's freedom.

"The attorney general cannot unilaterally decide to ignore this court's order," Gore wrote.

A court filing said 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 played out. 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."

On Wednesday, Sengheiser said the prison in Licking had until 6 p.m. CDT to release Dunn, or he would hold an order for the warden to be held in contempt of court.

"Barring a new court order that supersedes the current court order, Mr. Dunn will be released before 6 p.m.," Missouri Corrections Department spokeswoman Karen Pojmann said in an email to The Associated Press, later texting that she expected him to be released in about an hour.

"It shouldn't be this hard," said Dunn's attorney, Tricia Rojo Bushnell, the executive director of the Midwest Innocence Project.

'Over the moon'

Dunn's wife told the AP she couldn't believe the news.

"I'm over the moon," Kira Dunn said as she headed to the prison.

"We're so grateful to the judge. We're so grateful that he didn't allow his ruling to be disrespected that way and he put his foot down and said, 'You will respect the rule of law and you will respect a court order.' "

She said her husband looks forward to being freed after decades of longing to embrace his family for as long as he wants and having "a say in his own life."

"He wants to just feel free ground against his feet. He wants to walk barefoot. He wants to open and close doors as he chooses. He wants to select the temperature of his shower. He wants to go out in the middle of the night and look at the stars and just sit there. And, he wants to sleep in a real bed," she said.

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.

But 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 wasn't released within hours, Bailey himself would have to appear in court with contempt of court on the table. She was released later that day.

Judicial scolding

The judge also scolded Bailey's office for calling the Chillicothe warden and telling prison officials not to release Hemme after he ordered her to be freed on her own recognizance.

Dunn was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1990 shooting of Ricco Rogers, 15. Gore's office examined the case and filed a motion in February seeking to vacate the guilty verdict.

After weighing the case for nearly two months, Sengheiser issued a ruling that cited "a clear and convincing showing of 'actual innocence' that undermines the basis for Dunn's convictions, because in light of new evidence, no juror, acting reasonably, would have voted to find Dunn guilty of these crimes beyond a reasonable doubt."

Lawyers for Bailey's 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.

A Missouri law adopted in 2021 lets prosecutors request hearings when they see evidence of a wrongful conviction. Although Bailey's office is not required to oppose such efforts, he also did so 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 August 21 for death row inmate Marcellus Williams. Bailey's office is opposing the challenge to Williams' conviction, too. Timing is of the essence: Williams is scheduled to be executed September 24.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell filed a motion in January to vacate the conviction of Williams for the fatal stabbing of Lisha Gayle in 1998. Bell's motion said three experts determined that Williams' DNA was not on the handle of the butcher knife used in the killing.

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 August 6.

"Bailey is trying to show that he is 'tough on crime,' which is a very important Republican conservative position. Clearly, he's angering members of the judicial system that he will have to argue before in the future. But he's making the strategic notion that he needs to get his name before the voters and try to use that to win the primary election."

'Court has to be obeyed'

Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court judge and chief justice, concurred with Puro's observation, saying the handling of the case appears to be influenced by politics, also noting that the primary is quickly approaching.

"Does August 6 have anything to do with it?" he asked.

"If there's a finding of actual innocence and there's no case left, then that's all," Wolff said. "Then it seems to me that it's just whatever he believes and whatever his political instincts tell him to do. But one of the things is that no matter what your beliefs are, if a court orders something to happen, it's not your purview to say no. The court has to be obeyed."
Myanmar's junta and an ethnic minority armed group both claimed on Thursday they were in control of a town and regional military command in northern Shan state following days of clashes.

Fighting has rocked the town of Lashio, home to the military's northeastern command, since July 3 when an alliance of ethnic armed groups renewed an offensive against junta troops.

Local media run by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) reported the group "fully captured the headquarters of the Northeast Military command in Lashio" on Thursday morning and also captured Lashio town, home to around 150,000 people.

MNDAA spokesman Li Jiawen said the group's fighters had captured Lashio, without giving further details.

But junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told reporters the claim was "not true".

"The insurgents infiltrated the outskirts of Lashio so (the security forces) have been following and clearing them," he said, without giving details.

The northeastern command is located in the north of Lashio.

A video uploaded to social media with a caption saying it was shot in Lashio on Thursday morning showed deserted streets with no soldiers in sight.

AFP reporters geolocated the video to a site in the town around two kilometers from the command.

Northern Shan state has been rocked by fighting since late last month when an alliance of ethnic armed groups renewed an offensive against the military along the highway to China's Yunnan province.

The clashes have shredded a Beijing-brokered truce that in January halted a campaign by the alliance of the Arakan Army (AA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the MNDAA.

The military has carried out several air strikes around the town during the fighting, according to residents.

Dozens of civilians have been killed or wounded in the recent fighting, according to the junta and local rescue groups.

Neither the junta nor the ethnic alliance have released figures on their own casualties.

Indonesia's foreign minister on Thursday slammed the junta's unwillingness to engage with a regional peace plan to resolve the conflict, speaking after meeting her Singaporean counterpart on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers meeting in Laos.

Both Singapore and Indonesia have been critical of the junta's power grab, which has divided the 10-member ASEAN bloc.

China 'close attention'

Myanmar's borderlands are home to myriad ethnic armed groups who have battled the military since independence from Britain in 1948 for autonomy and control of lucrative resources.

Some have given shelter and training to newer "People's Defense Forces" (PDFs) that have sprung up to battle the military after the coup in 2021.

China is a major ally and arms supplier to the junta, but analysts say it also maintains ties with armed ethnic groups in Myanmar that hold territory near its border.

Beijing was "paying close attention to the situation in northern Myanmar" and urged a halt to the fighting, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press conference on Thursday.

It had also urged relevant parties "to not endanger the safety of China's borders and border residents, as well as Chinese projects, firms, and personnel in Myanmar", she said.

Three people had been killed and 10 wounded in military air strikes on the MNDAA-held city of Laukkai on the border with China this week, MNDAA's Li Jiawen said, adding that the wounded included three Chinese nationals.

The armed group captured Laukkai in January after around 2,000 junta troops surrendered, in one of the military's biggest single defeats in decades.
Southeast Asian foreign ministers and top diplomats from key partners including the United States and China were gathering in the Laotian capital on Thursday for the start of three days of talks expected to focus on the increasingly violent civil war in Myanmar, tensions in the South China Sea and other regional issues.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are expected to hold one-on-one talks on the sidelines of the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Vientiane, which come as both Beijing and Washington are looking to expand their influence in the region.

Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith thanked ASEAN members and partners for their "unwavering collective effort" that has led to its past achievements and emphasized the importance of the bloc's continuous work to promote peace and stability.

"In light of the rapid and complex geopolitical and geoeconomic changes, we need to further enhance ASEAN centrality and unity so as to promote the relevance and resilience of ASEAN, aiming at addressing emerging challenges and seizing opportunity in the future," he said in the opening statement.

For the ASEAN nations  Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei and Laos  the violence in Myanmar is at the top of the agenda as the bloc struggles to implement its "five-point consensus" for peace.

The plan calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties. The military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan and has raised questions about the bloc's efficiency and credibility to mediate for peace.

Broader talks, including diplomats from elsewhere in the region including Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, are expected to focus on issues including the economy, security, climate and energy.

Regional issues, including Cambodia's decision to build a canal off the Mekong River that Vietnam, which is downstream, worries could have ecological and security implications, as well as massive dam building projects in Laos further upstream could also feature in the meetings.

In Myanmar, the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed widespread nonviolent protests that sought a return to democratic rule, leading to increasing violence and a humanitarian crisis.

In an effort to put pressure on Myanmar, ASEAN has prohibited it from sending any political representatives to top-level meetings, and it has sent bureaucrats instead. Aung Kyaw Moe, the permanent secretary of Myanmar's Foreign Ministry, represents the country in this week's meetings, which run through Saturday.

More than 5,400 people have been killed in the fighting in Myanmar and the military government has arrested more than 27,000 since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. In addition, there are now more than 3 million displaced people in the country, with the numbers growing daily as fighting intensifies between the military and Myanmar's multiple ethnic militias as well as the so-called people's defense forces of military opponents.

As the needs of civilians grow, discussions on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar will also be a focus of the ASEAN talks, Bolbongse Vangphaen, head of the Thai Foreign Ministry's department for ASEAN, told reporters ahead of the meetings.

Thailand, which shares a long border with Myanmar, has already been heavily involved in providing humanitarian assistance, and Bolbongse said the country is ready to support the next phase of delivery being planned by the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.

He did not say when or where the aid delivery would be.

Thailand initiated its first delivery of aid to Myanmar in March from the northern province of Tak. It was said to be distributed in Kayin state to approximately 20,000 out of millions of people displaced by fighting.

Landlocked Laos is the bloc's poorest nation and one of its smallest, and many have expressed skepticism about how much it can accomplish while the crises mount. But it is also the first ASEAN chair that shares a border with Myanmar. Laos has already sent a special envoy to Myanmar for meetings with the head of the ruling military council and other top officials in an attempt to make progress on the peace plan.

ASEAN also has introduced a mechanism of trilateral informal consultation among its current, past, and future chairs, specifically for ensuring continuity in its response to the situation in Myanmar. The troika met for the first time on Wednesday, attended by Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Wednesday after the meeting that she raised concerns about increasing numbers of cross-border crimes and refugees that resulted from a crisis in Myanmar. She said she urged ASEAN to "promote trust and confidence building through a balanced and low-key approach" to foster an inclusive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar.

"The worsening conditions in Myanmar have a direct impact on efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region," she said.

Dulyapak Preecharush, a professor of Southeast Asia Studies at Bangkok's Thammasat University, said ASEAN is not the only stakeholder when it comes to Myanmar, with China and India also major players  and both attending the ASEAN meetings.

Progress on Myanmar "needs to start with countries that share borders with Myanmar, such as China, India and Thailand, to find a joint consensus to address the problems" before expanding to other countries, he said.

In other issues, ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are locked in maritime disputes with China over its claims of sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea, one of the world's most crucial waterways for shipping. Indonesia has also expressed concern about what it sees as Beijing's encroachment on its exclusive economic zone.

An estimated $5 trillion in international trade passes through the South China Sea each year. China has been increasingly involved in direct confrontations, most notably with the Philippines and Vietnam.

This year, tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated, with Chinese coast guard and other forces using powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.

The Philippines, a treaty partner with the U.S., has been critical of other ASEAN countries for not doing more to get China to back away from its increasingly assertive approach.

China and the Philippines said Sunday they have reached a deal that they hope will end the confrontations, aiming to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the disputed area without conceding either side's territorial claims.

The rare deal could spark hope that similar arrangements could be forged by Beijing with other countries to avoid clashes while thorny territorial issues remain unresolved.

ASEAN has been working with China to produce a South China Sea code of conduct, which is expected to be part of the talks in Vientiane.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a divided U.S. Congress on Wednesday, with many Democratic lawmakers boycotting his speech but Republicans saying it was key to reaffirming the U.S. commitment to its Middle Eastern ally. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 25. Uzbekistans foreign trade turnover volume with China amounted to $5.8 billion from January through June 2024, Trend reports.

As per data from Uzbekistans Statistics Agency, this figure is 9.4 percent higher year-on-year ($5.3 billion in JanuaryJune 2023).

China ranks first among the countries with the largest volume of foreign trade turnover in Uzbekistan. The countrys share in the total volume of trade turnover in Uzbekistan accounts for 18.5 percent.

The volume of exports to China from Uzbekistan amounted to $994.7 million, which is 0.5 percent less compared to the same period last year ($1 billion in JanuaryJune 2023).

Uzbekistans imports from China reached $4.9 billion from January through June 2024. This indicator has increased by 16.6 percent year-on-year ($4.2 billion in JanuaryJune 2023).

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover volume amounted to $31.8 billion from January through June 2024. This figure has increased by 8.5 percent year-on-year ($29.3 billion in JanuaryJune 2023).

Uzbekistan's exports reached $12.9 billion from January through June 2024, while imports amounted to $18.8 billion.
Protesters gathered outside the Watergate hotel in Washington on Tuesday to call for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he addressed the U.S. Congress. U.S. President Joe Biden said in a landmark Oval Office speech on Wednesday that he dropped out of the 2024 election to protect democracy by passing the torch to a new generation of leaders. And a Taylor Swift museum exhibit!
Foreign government-funded organizations, including news outlets such as VOA and the BBC, could soon be outlawed in Russia under draft legislation that passed through the State Duma, the lower house of Russias parliament, this week.

The bill passed Tuesday seeks to expand a 2015 law that broadened the criteria under which foreign-funded nongovernmental organizations are labeled undesirable. The changes mean the designation could be applied to organizations founded by foreign governments or those in which they participate.

The upper chamber must now pass the legislation before President Vladimir Putin can sign it into law.

Russia passed the original undesirable-organization law in 2015, providing for fines on a first offense and up to six years in prison for subsequent offenses in the case of leaders of organizations.

However, when an outlet is labeled undesirable, all of its employees and sources are at risk of fines, criminal charges and jail time of as much as four years.

Pressure increased

The laws use rose dramatically after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, the Kremlin has ramped up what media watchdogs say was an already repressive response to critical news outlets and other groups.

Now, more than 175 organizations are listed as undesirable, including independent Russian news outlets The Moscow Times and Meduza, as well as the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and VOAs sister outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Authorities have also blocked access to several media outlets, including the public broadcasters BBC and DW.

Press freedom experts have said the law is already used to target news outlets and organizations the Kremlin deems critical of Russia. And rights advocates say they believe the change is a way for Moscow to further suppress civil liberties.

Maxim Olenichev, a lawyer with the human rights group Pervy Otdel, or First Department, said he thought the change would further limit the rights and opportunities of Russians under the guise of fighting external influence. 

The Russian authorities now see any interaction between their fellow citizens and foreigners as a threat, Olenichev told VOAs Russian Service. Pervy Otdel is not on the list of undesirable foreign organizations.

Russian authorities are looking for external enemies, justifying their policy of isolationism of the country from another, democratic world, where human rights are respected, Olenichev said.

He noted that since the law was first enacted, hundreds of civil rights groups promoting democracy and human rights have been expelled from Russia.

Change from original

Russia law professor Ilya Shablinsky told VOA that when the original law passed it did not include state-sponsored organizations.

Now the Kremlin doesnt care anymore, and the clarification of that law directly affects government organizations, said Shablinsky, who lives in exile.

He cited the case of the British Council, a cultural and educational organization funded by Britain that was ordered to cease activity in Russia in March 2018.

Under the law, said Shablinsky, Russians who cooperate with foreign government agencies face an increased risk of criminal prosecution.

Such cases today can now be initiated without any grounds, he said. Everything is moving strictly in one direction  tightening.

The expanded legislation, if passed, could affect broadcasters that receive funding from foreign bodies, including VOA.

Founded in 1942, VOA is funded by Congress but is editorially independent. Its Russian language service has been providing independent news to audiences since 1947.

'Foreign agents'

Russia also has a similar law under which organizations that receive foreign funding can be labeled as foreign agents. VOA, as well as its sister outlet RFE/RL, were both declared foreign agents in 2017.

Russian authorities use the foreign agent law, enacted in 2012, to target groups and individuals that are critical of the Kremlin, according to press freedom experts.

Russia says the legislation was introduced in response to the United States in 2017 requiring Russian state media to comply with its Foreign Agent Registration Act.

Among the journalists affected by the designation is RFE/RL editor Alsu Kurmasheva, who is serving a 6-year prison sentence for spreading what the Kremlin said was false information about the military.

Authorities had earlier charged the American-Russian journalist with failing to self-register as a so-called foreign agent.

The journalist, who had traveled to Russia from her home in Prague to care for her sick mother, was convicted in a closed-door trial on July 19.

Kurmasheva and her employer reject the charges, and the U.S. government has called for her immediate release.

A second American journalist, The Wall Street Journals Evan Gershkovich, has been jailed since March 2023 on espionage charges that he, his employer and the U.S. government deny. A Russian court on July 19 convicted Gershkovich of spying and sentenced him to 16 years behind bars.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met President Bashar Assad of Syria in the Kremlin, video distributed by the Kremlin press service on Thursday showed.

Putin told Assad he was concerned that tensions are rising in the Middle East, but neither leader provided further details on their talks. Russia has waged a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assads government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. While Russia now concentrates the bulk of its military resources in Ukraine, it has maintained a military foothold in Syria and keeps troops at its bases there.

I am very interested in your opinion on how the situation in the region as a whole is developing, Putin said to Assad. Unfortunately, there is a tendency towards escalation, we can see that. This also applies directly to Syria.

The Kremlin said Putin and Assad's meeting took place Wednesday.

Putin and Assad last met in March 2023 in the Kremlin on the anniversary of Syrias 12-year uprising-turned-civil war. At that meeting, Putin emphasized the Russian militarys role in stabilizing the country.

Considering all the events that are taking place in the world as a whole and in the Eurasian region today, our meeting today seems very important," Assad told Putin via a Russian translator.

The Kremlin did not provide details on Putin and Assad's talks but one potential point of discussion was around Russia and Turkey restoring diplomatic relations.

Russia is one of the strongest backers of Assads government but also has close ties with Turkey and has been pushing for a return to restart relations.

Turkey and Syria cut their ties in 2011 as mass anti-government protests and a brutal crackdown by security forces in Syria spiraled into the still-ongoing civil war. Turkey backed Syrian insurgent groups seeking to overthrow Assad and still maintains forces in the opposition-held northwest, angering Damascus.

In December 2022, the Turkish, Syrian and Russian defense ministers held talks in Moscow, the first ministerial-level meeting between Turkey and Syria since 2011. Russia also brokered meetings between Syrian and Turkish officials last year.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Assad recently signaled they are interested in restoring diplomatic ties.

Last week, a Turkish newspaper reported that Erdogan would meet with Assad in Moscow in August, but Turkish officials denied the report, saying it did not reflect the truth.

Earlier this month, Erdogan said he had called on Assad to visit Turkey or to meet in a third country.

Speaking to reporters on July 15, Assad said for relations to return to normal, Turkey would have to withdraw its troops from northern Syria and stop backing insurgent groups that Damascus describes as terrorists.
Russia's Defense Ministry is falsely claiming that Russian Air Force fighter jets prevented two American strategic bombers from entering the Russian airspace in the Arctic.

In a July 21 post on Russia's Telegram messaging app that was marked with a thunder strike emoji, the Defense Ministry described a dramatic sequence of events that climaxed when Russian fighter jets forced the American aircraft away from its border.

Detecting a "group of air targets approaching the border of the Russian Federation above the Barents Sea," Russia scrambled MiG fighter jets to "prevent them from violating the state border of the Russian Federation."

"At the approach of the Russian fighter jets, the American strategic bombers conducted a U-turn from the state border of the Russian Federation," wrote Russian defense officials.

That is false.

The Russian Defense Ministry falsified the story about the U.S. strategic bombers attempting to enter the Russian airspace and violate Russia's state borders.

The two U.S. B-52 Stratofortress long-range strategic bombers were en route to an airbase near the Black Sea coast in Romania. Flying over international waters, they did not change course and arrived at their destination on schedule, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) said in a same-day statement.

"While flying in international airspace and in accordance with international law, the U.S. B-52 aircraft were intercepted by two Russian aircraft over the Barents Sea," USAFE officials said. The U.S. bombers "did not change course due to the intercept and continued along their scheduled flight plan without incident."

Russia's mischaracterization of events flooded Russian state-controlled news platforms, falsely reporting the "incident" to millions of Russians as a credible piece of information.

Russia's main Channel 1 opened nearly all of its news programs with a host reading from a piece of paper: "An urgent statement from the defense ministry! A violation of our state border by American strategic bombers was prevented!"

Scores of pro-Russian social-media accounts boosted the false reports as verified news, including self-described "independent journalists" posting in English.

On the video streaming platform YouTube, some foreign news media outlets repeated the Russian falsehood about preventing American bombers from entering Russia.

The Hindustan Times headlined a post on its YouTube channel with 7 million subscribers: "U.S. provoking Russia for War? Putin's Jets Force American Planes to Retreat."

Russia has been consistently boosting its disinformation campaign to discredit U.S. interests and alliances in Europe and sow discord between the U.S. and its NATO allies.

The B-52s are the United States' most feared long-range bombers, and the U.S. wants Russia to know about their flights to Europe, CNN reported in April.

This week's flight of the B-52 Stratofortresses marks their first operation involving Romania's Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Stars and Stripes reported. Known as MK, the base "serves as the main operational hub for the U.S. military in the Black Sea region and is undergoing a multibillion-dollar expansion by NATO that will make it larger than even Ramstein Air Base in Germany," the report said.
Officials in Ukraines Odesa region said Thursday that Russian drones attacked the southern port city of Izmail for a second consecutive night, destroying an administrative building and injuring two people inside a house.

The attacks were part of a wave of 38 drones that Russia launched overnight, the Ukrainian air force said.

Three of the drones crossed into neighboring Romania, Ukraines military said.

Following Russian drone attacks on Izmail the previous night, the Romanian National Defense Ministry said Wednesday it boosted its airspace surveillance measures, including the use of two F-16 fighter jets to monitor the situation.

The NATO ally reported that debris from a Russian drone was found on Romanian soil on Thursday in an uninhabited area. A NATO spokesperson said that there is no evidence of an intentional Russian attack against Romania, but that these acts are irresponsible and potentially dangerous."

Reports of drone fragments on Romanian territory have occurred multiple times since Russias invasion of the country in February 2022.

Ukraines military said Thursday the countrys air defenses shot down 25 of the 38 Russian drones, with intercepts taking place over the Cherkasy, Kherson, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy and Zhytomyr regions.

Oleksandr Prokudin, the governor of Kherson, said on Telegram a Russian drone killed at least one person.

Zhytomyr Governor Vitaliy Bunechko said falling debris from destroyed drones damaged 10 houses and an infrastructure facility.

The head of Kyiv's military administration, Serhiy Popko, said many drones attacked the capital region from multiple directions, but air defenses shot them all down.

Russias Defense Ministry said Thursday it destroyed 11 Ukrainian aerial drones over Kursk, Belgorod and Russia-occupied Crimea. Russian defenses also destroyed two uncrewed boats that were traveling toward Crimea, the ministry said.

Kursk Governor Alexey Smirnov reported one person was injured after falling debris set fire to a home.

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Ukrainian drone attacks damaged a home and a bus.

Officials in the Kaluga region in western Russia said Thursday an MI-28 military helicopter crashed, killing the pilots on board.

Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
As civil unrest continues spreading across Kenya, protesters led by Generation Z, a demographic cohort of educated unemployed youth, are calling on President William Ruto to resign over his poor leadership.

On July 23, a group of Gen Z activists stormed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the largest airport in sub-Saharan Africa, to protest its alleged sale, while another group took over the capital, Nairobi.

The protests erupted in mid-June over legislation that would have imposed unaffordable tax increases on ordinary citizens and businesses already burdened by the high cost of living.

The president withdrew the bill on June 26 and fired his entire Cabinet except the foreign minister on July 11, VOA reported.

The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights said at least 50 people were killed and 413 others injured less than two months into the unrest amid the government crackdown on the protesters.

As the pressure on Ruto continues, the president has been changing his approach to dealing with the crises threatening his administration.

On July 22, Ruto threatened "to deal" with protesters, describing them as anonymous, faceless, formless and foreign-sponsored. But on July 24, Ruto suddenly ordered the release of all protesters arrested since the start of rallies on June 18.

Earlier in July, without providing any evidence to back his allegations, Ruto accused the U.S. Ford Foundation of sponsoring the violence and threatened to "kick it out of the country."

"I want to call out those who are behind the anarchy in Kenya, those who are behind sponsoring chaos in the Republic of Kenya. Shame on them, because they are sponsoring violence against our democratic nation. I want to ask the Ford Foundation if that money they are giving out to fund violence, how is it going to benefit them?"

That is misleading.

The U.S.-based NGO Ford Foundation has no history of sponsoring violence since its creation over 85 years ago, but there is ample evidence that it provides grants to human rights, press freedom and anti-corruption initiatives and groups worldwide. It opened its first office in Kenya in 1963, when the nation gained independence from Britain.

The foundation lists 401 Kenyan grantees who received funding between 2006 and 2024  none of them bears hallmarks of violence or criminal records.

Ford Foundation denies Ruto's accusations.

The list of Ford Foundation grantees in Kenya provides the details of the grants, including the types and nature of projects undertaken using the funding. The projects address social injustices and economic development, among other issues.

While the Ford Foundation supports opposition figures, rights groups and media organizations, most of its grantees in Kenya are top senior government officials, including Chief Justice Martha Koome.

Ruto also failed to mention that his wife, Rachel Ruto, is a beneficiary of Ford Foundation funding.

According to the Ford Foundation website, in November 2014, Rachel Ruto's foundation, the Joyful Women Organization, received $100,119 to promote "table banking"  microloan models that encourage women's enterprise and livelihood projects.

The Joyful Women Organization, established in 2009, lists Rachel Ruto as the patron and founder on its website.

The Gen Z protesters self-describe as leaderless, tribeless, partyless and without affiliation to any politician or organization, exercising their constitutional rights to march and voice their grievances.

The protests have been organized online by self-declared nonethnic youth or Gen Z mobilizers who are seeking to address issues of corruption, unfulfilled promises, police brutality, joblessness and increased taxation by Ruto's regime, among other issues.

Youths in several parts of Africa say they are inspired by the Kenyan protesters' courage and patriotism.

On July 23, hundreds of Generation Z protesters marched to the parliament in Kampala, Uganda's capital, to demand the resignation of the speaker, accused of corruption.

Similar protests took place in Gambia and have been announced in Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
The Chaman border crossing on the Pakistan-Afghan border reopened Monday after small traders ended a nine-month sit-in protest. The border had been closed due to a Pakistani government decision to implement a visa and passport program for travelers on both sides.

Initial reports indicate that small traders can now resume crossing with Pakistani and/or Afghan identity documents. Abdul Hadi, a trader, told VOA that the sit-in ended Sunday and that he crossed into Afghanistan on Tuesday.

The protesters' committee spokesperson, Sadiq Achakzai, told VOA that Chaman Sit-in Committee members held talks with military leadership to resolve the issue. However, no official notification regarding the change has been issued by the government.

Former Balochistan caretaker interior minister Inayat Ullah Kahan Kasi, who mediated talks between Pakistans government and protesters, played a crucial role in ending the 9-month protest.

I do not represent any government authority but government and security agencies assigned me the job to end the protest and I did it, Kasi said.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind refused to discuss the issue when VOA contacted him.

Pakistani officials have said that cross-border movement must be regulated to improve security and control smuggling.

Pashtun tribes straddling both sides of the British-era borders Durand Line have historically moved freely for businesses and communal life.

A surge in violence in Pakistan since the Taliban took over in Afghanistan nearly three years ago has triggered security concerns and Pakistani government officials have insisted the border must be regulated.

Pakistani officials have blamed the Afghan Taliban for sheltering terror group Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which, according to Pakistani authorities, carries out cross-border attacks targeting Pakistani security forces. The Taliban denies the accusations.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Afghan interim government, said recently in an interview with Khurasan Diaries, a Pakistani digital news platform, that border trade issues and other matters should be dealt with separately.

Pakistans military said in a statement July 16 that eight soldiers were killed when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into an army compound in Bannu, a remote city in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

A splinter group of Pakistani Taliban, led by militant commander Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Chinese state media reports Typhoon Gaemi has made landfall in Chinas southeastern Fujian province after crossing Taiwan and sending heavy rains into the Philippines that sank at least one ship and left more than 20 dead.

Chinas CCTV news channel reported that Gaemi made landfall at 7:50 p.m. local time in Fujian province and is expected to unleash heavy rains over much of China as it heads to the northwest. State news agency Xinhua reported Chinese officials said they had evacuated more than 150,000 people in the province ahead of the storm.

Officials in Taiwan said businesses and schools were closed across much of northern Taiwan for a second day Thursday after Gaemi, the strongest storm to hit the island in eight years, swept through, flooding streets, knocking out power and leaving three people dead and hundreds injured.

Video posted on social media showed streets in the capital turned into rivers, with shops flooded and water reaching over the wheels of parked cars. Taiwans meteorological office said several areas of the island received more than 100 centimeters (39 inches) of rainfall between Wednesday night and midday Thursday.

In photos: Typhoon Gaemi

Meteorologists also said the southern port city of Kaohsiung recorded 135 centimeters (53 inches) of rain, with large areas of the city left under more than a meter of flood water.

In a statement, Taiwans Ocean Affairs Council said the storm stranded five freighters off the islands coast, sinking one of them. The statement said a Tanzania-flagged freighter with nine Myanmar nationals on board had sunk off the coast of Kaohsiung and rescue efforts were ongoing.

While the storm did not make landfall in the Philippines, authorities there said the storm exacerbated seasonal monsoon rain as it passed nearby, triggering floods and landslides that killed 22 people.

The Philippines Coast Guard said authorities are racing to contain an oil spill following the sinking of a tanker, the MT Terra Nova, in heavy seas generated by the typhoon.

Coast guard spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo told reporters Thursday one crew member was killed when the ship sank, about seven kilometers off the coast of Limay in Bataan province.

The ship was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel when it sank, and Balilo said an oil slick several kilometers long had been detected near where the ship went down.

He said a coast guard ship was sent to the scene to assist with rescue efforts and assess the status of the tanker. Philippines officials confirmed 16 of the ships 17 crew members had been rescued.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
The U.N. Secretary-General warned Thursday that the Earth is becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, killing nearly a half-million people annually, and he blamed fossil fuels for driving global warming.

Billions of people are facing an extreme heat epidemic  wilting under increasingly deadly heat waves, with temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius around the world. Thats 122 degrees Fahrenheit. And halfway to boiling, Antonio Guterres told reporters.

Sunday was the Earths hottest day on record, only to have the record broken the following day. Temperatures have been rising steadily, with scientists declaring the last 13 consecutive months all heat record-breakers. Urban areas are heating up at twice the global average.

Heat waves have killed scores of people this year in India and in Africas Sahel region. Last month, extreme heat killed 1,300 Muslim pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. This month, Europe, the United States and Asia have also seen exceptional heat.

He said that the World Health Organization and World Meteorological Organization estimate that improvements to heat health warning systems in 57 countries could save nearly 100,000 lives a year.

Fossil fuels

Guterres has repeatedly called on greenhouse gas emitters to meet the 2015 Paris Climate Accords target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius  a goal that many worry is slipping away. He said that fossil fuel expansion and new coal plants are obstacles to meeting that target.

I must call out the flood of fossil fuel expansion we are seeing in some of the worlds wealthiest countries, he said. In signing such a surge of new oil and gas licenses, they are signing away our future.

He urged leaders to quickly and fairly phase out fossil fuels and end new coal projects.

The G20 must shift fossil fuel subsidies to renewables and support vulnerable countries and communities, he said of the worlds largest economies.

And he urged more climate adaptation and mitigation financing from the richest countries  which are the biggest emitters  to help the poorest, most vulnerable nations that have contributed the least to global warming.

Guterres said he is launching a global call to action focused on caring for the most vulnerable, including protecting workers who are exposed to extreme heat.

A new report from the International Labor Organization  being released today  warns that over 70% of the global workforce  2.4 billion people  are now at high risk of extreme heat, he said.

In addition to the rights and health of individual workers, there are economic impacts of extreme heat too.

Heat stress at work is projected to cost the global economy $2.4 trillion by 2030. Up from $280 billion in the mid-1990s, Guterres said, adding measures need to be taken to heat proof critical sectors of the global economy, like farming and construction work.

The U.N. chief warned that extreme heat widens social inequality, undermines development, furthers food insecurity, and pushes people deeper into poverty.

Leaders across the board must wake up and step up, he said.
The appearance of two Russian and two Chinese long-range, strategic bombers in the skies off of coastal Alaska may have been a first, but it did not catch the United States off-guard.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters Thursday the appearance of the Russian and Chinese aircraft "was not a surprise" and that at no time did the bombers pose a threat to the United States.

"We have very good surveillance capabilities," Austin said during a rare news conference at the Pentagon. "We closely monitored these aircraft, tracked the aircraft, intercepted the aircraft, which demonstrates that our forces are at the ready all the time."

And if Russia and China fly more similar missions in the future, Austin said he has every confidence that U.S. forces will be prepared.

"We are at the ready. We will always be at the ready," he said. "If there is a challenge or a threat to the United States of America, your troops will be at the ready and they will do the right thing."

NORAD tracks aircraft

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) first shared word of the Russian and Chinese military activity late Wednesday.

NORAD said it tracked two Russian TU-95 bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers operating in the U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)  a stretch of international airspace where planes must be identified  off the coast of the northwestern state of Alaska.

A statement said U.S. and Canadian fighter jets were sent to intercept the Russian and Chinese planes, and that at no time did the Russian or Chinese pilots enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace.

"This Russian and PRC activity in the Alaska ADIZ is not seen as a threat, and NORAD will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence," it said.

Flight was joint patrol, say Russia and China

Russia and China on Thursday described the flight as a joint patrol over the Chukchi and Bering seas in the north Pacific.

"During the flight, Russian and Chinese crews cooperated in the new area of joint operations during all stages of the air patrol," the Russian ministry said in a statement, describing the exercise as "part of the implementation of the military cooperation plan for 2024."

Russian officials said the entire flight lasted five hours and that the bombers were at times escorted by Russian fighter jets, emphasizing that at no time did the bombers violate U.S. or Canadian airspace.

A spokesperson for the Chinese military said the patrol was designed to improve coordination between the Chinese and Russian militaries, and said it was the eighth joint air patrol since 2019.

The U.S., however, said the Russian-Chinese air patrol was the first to approach the area around Alaska.

"This is the first time we've seen those two countries fly together like that," Austin told reporters, adding the Russian and Chinese bombers never got closer than about 320 kilometers from the Alaskan coast.

The U.S. defense secretary declined to comment on the timing of the Russian-Chinese air patrol, though he said, "you could probably guess that things like that have probably been planned well in advance."

Earlier this week, the Pentagon issued its new Arctic defense strategy, which called for increased investment and increased cooperation among the U.S. and its Arctic allies to counter both Russian and Chinese activity.

The U.S. and its NATO allies have also raised concerns about growing cooperation between Russia and China, along with Iran and North Korea, as Moscow has sought support for its war in Ukraine.

U.S. and Western officials have repeatedly accused China of playing a critical role in sustaining Russia's military by sending Russia raw materials and so-called dual-use components needed to produce advanced weapons and weapons systems.

"There is no time to lose," a NATO official told VOA earlier this month, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the need to counter the growing defense cooperation.

"This must be a key priority for all our allies, because it is not just about spending more," the official said. "It is also on getting those capabilities."

Information from the Associated Press and Reuters was used in this report.
This week, as Taiwan was preparing for the start of its Han Kuang military exercises, its air defense system detected a Chinese drone circling the island. This was the sixth time that China had sent a drone to operate around Taiwan since 2023.

Drones like the one that flew around Taiwan, which are tasked with dual-pronged missions of reconnaissance and intimidation, are just a small part of a broader trend that is making headlines from Ukraine to the Middle East to the Taiwan Strait and is changing the face of warfare.

The increasing role that unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, play and rising concern about a Chinese invasion of democratically ruled Taiwan is pushing Washington, Beijing and Taipei to improve the sophistication, adaptability and cost of drone technology.

'Hellscape' strategy

Last August, the Pentagon launched a $1 billion Replicator Initiative to create air, sea and land drones in the "multiple thousands," according to the Defense Department's Innovation Unit. The Pentagon aims to build that force of drones by August 2025.

The initiative is part of what U.S. Admiral Samuel Paparo recently described to The Washington Post as a "hellscape" strategy, which aims to counter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan through the deployment of thousands of unmanned drones in the air and sea between the island and China.

"The benefits of unmanned systems are that you get cheap, disposable mass that's low cost. If a drone gets shot down, the only people that are crying about it are the accountants," said Zachary Kallenborn, a policy fellow at George Mason University. "You can use them at large amounts of scale and overwhelm your opponents as well as degrade their defensive capabilities."

The hellscape strategy, he added, aims to use lots of cheap drones to try to hold back China from attacking Taiwan.

Drone manufacturing supremacy

China has its own plans under way and is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial drones. In a news briefing after Paparo's remarks to the Post, it warned Washington that it was playing with fire.

"Those who clamor for turning others' homeland into hell should get ready for burning in hell themselves," said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese defense ministry.

"The People's Liberation Army is able to fight and win in thwarting external interference and safeguarding our national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Threats and intimidation never work on us," Wu said.

China's effort to expand its use of drones has been bolstered, analysts say, by leader Xi Jinping's emphasis on technology and modernization in the military, something he highlighted at a top-level party meeting last week.

"China's military is developing more than 50 types of drones with varying capabilities, amassing a fleet of tens of thousands of drones, potentially 10 times larger than Taiwan and the U.S. combined," Michael Raska, assistant professor at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, told VOA in an email. "This quantitative edge currently fuels China's accelerating military modernization, with drones envisioned for everything from pre-conflict intel gathering to swarming attacks."

Analysts add that China's commercial drone manufacturing supremacy aids its military in the push for drone development. China's DJI dominates in production and sale of household drones, accounting for 76% of the worldwide consumer market in 2021.

The scale of production and low price of DJI drones could put China in an advantageous position in a potential drone war, analysts say.

"In Russia and Ukraine, if you have a lot of drones  even if they're like the commercial off-the-shelf things, DJI drones you can buy at Costco  and you throw hundreds of them at an air defense system, that's going to create a large problem," said Major Emilie Stewart, a research analyst at the China Aerospace Studies Institute.

China denies it is seeking to use commercial UAV technology for future conflicts.

"China has always been committed to maintaining global security and regional stability and has always opposed the use of civilian drones for military purposes," Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told VOA. "We are firmly opposed to the U.S.'s military ties with Taiwan and its effort of arming Taiwan."

Drone force

With assistance from its American partners, pressure from China and lessons from Ukraine, Taiwan has been pushing to develop its own domestic drone warfare capabilities.

The United States has played a pivotal role in Taiwan's drone development, and just last week it pledged to sell $360 million of attack drones to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, or TECRO, Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington.

"Taiwan will continue to build a credible deterrence and work closely with like-minded partners, including the United States, to preserve peace and stability in the region," TECRO told VOA when asked about the collaboration between Taipei and Washington. "We have no further information to share at this moment."

The effort to incorporate drones into its defense is crucial for Taiwan, said Eric Chan, a senior nonresident fellow at the Global Taiwan Institute.

"The biggest immediate effects of the U.S. coming into this mass UAV game is to give Taiwan a bigger advantage to be able to, first, detect their enemy and, second, help them build a backstop to their own capabilities as well," Chan said.

With the potential for China to consider using drones in an urban conflict environment, Taiwan is recognizing the importance of stepping up its counter-drone defense systems.

"After multiple intrusions of Chinese drones in outlying islands, the Taiwan Ministry of Defense now places great emphasis on anti-drone capabilities," said Yu-Jiu Wang, chief executive of Tron Future, an anti-drone company working with the Taiwanese military.

The demand is one that Wang said his company is willing and ready to fill.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday explained to American citizens and to the world why he decided not to stand for reelection in the 2024 presidential race. Biden, speaking from the Oval Office, also outlined what urgent challenges he sees as the nation careens toward a November vote.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has proposed a raft of measures to strengthen Zimbabwes new currency  the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)  amid concerns of economic stagnation, corruption and high government expenditure.

Presenting his 2024 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review Policy statement in Harare today, which resulted in a harsh exchange of words between the opposition and ruling Zanu PF lawmakers in parliament, Ncube proposed the introduction of legislation to boost the use and circulation of the ZiG currency.

Ncube proposed that some taxes should be paid in local currency and government services are expected to be pegged in the ZiG.

He also proposed the introduction of stringent import taxes on transit fuel and scrapping of value added tax on meat and poultry products.

Electronic cigarettes are now expected to attract US$0.5 milliliter customs duty.

In an effort to further strengthen the stability and performance of the ZiG and economy, Ncube also proposed a review of presumptive tax, corporate tax, introduction of legislation to curb money laundering and using the willing-seller-willing-buyer strategy in the money market.

Ncube claimed that there has been price stability and increased use of the ZiG since its introduction in April this year.

He reiterated that the economy will likely record a 2% growth this year, downward from 3.5% from the previous year.

Following the presentation of the policy review statement, parliamentarians started hurling nasty words at each other with the opposition demanding that the matter be debated and Zanu PF lawmakers fighting back to force the adjournment of the august house.

One of the Zanu PF parliamentarians was heard telling opposition legislators that you should get out of here and leave us to do what we want, afterall we are the ruling party  Thats what power is all about.

Opposition lawmakers hit back saying parliament is being reduced to a kangaroo court. An unidentified parliamentarian said, This is a useless parliament. Stay behind with your rotten ideas  You are dictators.

Parliament was adjourned to August 20.
Recipes

What do you want to cook today?
By Azernews

Ulviyya Shahin

President Ilham Aliyev, in his extensive speech at the 2nd Shusha Global Forum, themed "Unmasking False Narratives: Confronting Disinformation," confirmed ongoing discussions with Ukraine, the EU, and Russia to continue gas supply. These discussions, crucial for European energy security, could provide a reliable alternative to the current gas supply dynamics. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy aims to secure Azerbaijani gas to maintain Ukraine's role in gas transit and support Western energy security. The five-year deal on Russian gas transit to Europe between Moscow and Kyiv expires after Dec. 31, 2024. Aliyev reiterated that the European Union and Ukraine have asked Azerbaijan to help facilitate the deal, underscoring the strategic importance of Azerbaijan's gas supply in maintaining European energy security.

Speaking to Azernews, Dr. Frank Musmar reminded that Azerbaijan, in response to the global energy crisis sparked by Russias invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 and the subsequent Western sanctions, has adjusted its plans to export gas to Europe to as much as 20 Bcm by this year.

Azerbaijans gas exports to the EU have risen significantly since 2021. However, the countrys pledge to double gas flows to the bloc by 2027 is expected to face constraints due to infrastructure capacity and rising domestic consumption. These challenges could potentially slow down the increasing gas flow to the EU. Accordingly, Investment will be necessary to upgrade Azerbaijans gas infrastructure and increase production, which could prove difficult as the EU favors renewables and higher volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

He added that Europe faces a natural gas crisis due to the weaning off of Russia's supplies due to the war in Ukraine.

The bloc countries sought new suppliers to diversify their energy resources. These searches raised interest in Azerbaijan as an alternative source, as it is one of the stakeholders in the 3,500-kilometer-long Southern Gas Corridor that extends from Baku to Europe via Georgia and Turkiye.

Dr. Musmar highlighted that the EU and Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic partnership in energy on July 18, 2022.

The MoU outlines various aspects of the partnership, including the volume of gas supplied, the timeline for expanding the export base, and the mutual commitments for infrastructure development. Azerbaijan, which has historically exported natural gas only to Georgia and Turkiye, extended its export base to seven countries with the addition of five European nations. This expansion diversifies Azerbaijan's market and strengthens its position as a critical player in the European gas market. EU leaders describe Azerbaijan, which exports 50% of its natural gas to Europe, as a reliable partner and pan-European gas supplier.

International expert also pointed out Azerbaijan currently exports natural gas to Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary.

However, the potential for future sales to Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovakia, and North Macedonia is not just promising, it's a beacon of hope for Azerbaijan's role in the European gas market. This expansion offers a hopeful outlook and instills optimism in the audience about the country's expanding influence.

Since Dec. 31, 2020, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its stability and dependability as a natural gas supplier in the European market. The EU's confidence in Azerbaijan as a supplier is gradually growing due to its significant gas reserves, strategic location for gas transit, and commitment to investing in pipeline infrastructure. The country's natural gas exports will only increase further with the start of operations at the Absheron, Babek, and Garabagh deposits and increased production from the Umid deposit. The country has pivoted from oil to natural gas in production and exports. Based on its sufficient natural gas reserves, experts believe the 21st century will be the century of natural gas for Azerbaijan. Thanks to Azerbaijans timely investments in building oil and gas pipelines, oil and natural gas from other Caspian countries can be transited via Azerbaijan.

Oil transit revenues from other Caspian countries, such as Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, would cover the countrys fall in oil production. In the future, Turkmenistan's abundant natural gas resources will be extracted and transported to Europe via Azerbaijan and Turkiye, Dr.Frank Musmar concluded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Iran has returned the oil that was on the St Nicholas tanker, which was confiscated in January and was heading to Turkiye, the sources said, Trend reports.

The cargo was returned earlier this week after negotiations, one of them said. As another source noted, the oil was loaded onto the Turkish T. Semahat tanker near the island of Larak.

The tanker St Nicholas, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, was seized on January 11 by a group of armed men while transporting about 145 thousand tons of oil.
The Dunmore Road in Waterford City is to have a stop-go traffic management system implemented on it to enable essential works to be carried out.

Ormonde Construction Ltd. issued advance notification that the works will be begin on the Dunmore Road (R683) on July 29. The works are being done to facilitate the installation of new stormwater drainage from the Island View treatment plant to the Booterstown junction.

The restrictions will see the road reduced to single lane/cycle lane with stop-go and traffic lights in place. It's expected the traffic management system will remain in place until the end of August.

Local diversions will be in operation and indicated through signage for road users. In making the notification Ormonde Construction Ltd. also noted that as far as practical local access will be facilitated while the road works are taking place, however, there is likely to be some delays. The works will also be dependent on the weather and subject to change at short notice.

The company appreciated the public's cooperation and apologised in advance for any inconvenience caused.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Former government minister and ex-Fianna Fail deputy leader Eamon O Cuiv will not stand in the 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.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said Eamon O Cuiv had a long-term commitment to peace (Brian Lawless/PA)

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 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.
Waterford City & County Council is inviting members of the public to express their views on the draft bye-laws that regulate the passage of boats and ships on the river Suir, in particular at the Edmund Ignatius Rice Bridge and the Sustainable Transport Bridge, that is currently under construction.

The inspection period of the draft by-laws is from now until August 20. The by-laws can be inspected on the Council's website and also at the customer service departments in Dungarvan and Bailey's New Street, Waterford.

The deadline for submissions is September 3, at 4pm. To make a submission the public are encouraged to visit www.waterfordcouncil.ie where the consultation portal can be accessed.

Alternatively, submissions can also be made in writing to Aideen Jacob, Roads Department, Waterford City & County Council, City Hall, the Mall, Waterford.
Dear Editor,

I am writing a biography of a famous Waterford naturalist called Richard J. Ussher (1841-1913) who lived and farmed at Cappagh House near Dungarvan. I would be interested to hear from any of your readers if they know of relatives of the Ussher family still living in the area.

Richard John Ussher is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding ornithologists and naturalists of the late 19th century in Ireland. He was the principal author of a landmark book 'The Birds of Ireland', which accurately described the status of all bird species occurring in Ireland up to 1900. He was also an experienced speleologist, documenting the fossilized remains of many extinct animals, such as mammoths and bears, found in caves all over the country.

I can be contacted at richardnairn@gmail.com or at the telephone number 086 8250414.

Regards,

Richard Nairn

Web: richardnairn.ie

LETTERS, your voice, your view: Whether you agree or disagree with the views expressed or would like to have your own personal opinion aired in public, were waiting to hear from you. Send your letters to Editor, Waterford News & Star, Gladstone House, Gladstone Street, Waterford City or email editor@waterford-news.com
You will have read a letter from Waterford Fine Gael chairman John Fitzpatrick in last weeks paper justifying that partys local investment record since 2011.

It was long on history, referencing flood defences, court house, fire station, St. Patricks Hospital, Waterford Greenway, Primary Health Care Centres etc., which predate this current government.

Welcome staff and budget increases in UHW were also mentioned.

These have long been acknowledged here, although UHW still has the lowest staff and budget of the nine national Model 4 hospitals. The last major construction there was the Dunmore Wing in 2018.

The North Quays development is a standout, albeit late arriving, but is not the panacea for the issues that impact our city.

To better understand Mr Fitzpatricks position, he could supply us for publication with a detailed list of government capital projects initiated in Waterford since 2020, with their commencement dates and the monies allocated, with comparisons from the current huge Programme for Government.

Anyone visiting Limerick or Galway recently will have seen massive strides made in the three key areas of acute medical investment (hospitals), third-level education (universities) and Foreign Direct Investment (jobs). They were once our peer cities. Does Waterford Fine Gael believe we have kept pace with those cities over the past five years?

We have certainly moved on from the dark days of 2008/11, but have we kept pace?

University

Fine Gael recognised in 2008-2011 that Waterford city needed a university. They promised it. On election, with two TDs, they reneged and failed to deliver. Where WIT was then almost on par in student numbers with UL, DCU and Maynooth, these colleges now have multiples of SETU Waterford numbers and have had massive expansion of student and educational facilities.

After 2011, physical development of WIT teaching facilities and course development halted. A new engineering building and business school, both part of a 2009 PPP with outline planning, were cancelled in 2011, even though third-level buildings in other cities went ahead. Five new buildings were built in Carlow IT since then, none in Waterford.

Limerick and Galway now each have a large traditional university and a Tech Uni. Waterford has one-third of a Tech Uni on the Cork Road. How can that be justified?

The word Waterford was removed from the panoply of third level as if tainted. How anyone can claim that humiliation as a victory is beyond me. However, confidence must be rebuilt.

SETU has an excellent management team in place, but without investment they are powerless to progress the nascent university. In 2019 permission was again granted for a new engineering building and planning obtained. Five years later, with that planning on the cusp of expiring, construction has not commenced.

Mr Fitzpatrick includes private sector work on the old glass offices in his apologia as if it was state investment, but this sleight of hand merely confuses local innocents. In truth, Government bought 20 acres from Noel Frisby for 3 or 4m after horrendous delay, justified by nonsensical claims of rigorous procurement procedures. In reality, to placate Fine Gael interests in Carlow/ Kilkenny/ Wexford.

Local farming members of Fine Gael will have bought hundreds of acres for more money in a fraction of the time.

WIT was cynically played on this issue.

Even now, when we are told that a further announcement on the proposed engineering building is imminent all Mr Fitzpatrick can offer is that Senator Cummins is working to ensure that the PPP is signed off as quickly as possible! Dont rush lads!

Getting the job done

Taoiseach Simon Harris pledged last week to "get the job done for Waterford", saying "We have so many exciting projects we are going to deliver - better cardiac, investment in the university, Waterford Airport. We're going to get the job done for Waterford."

Mr Harris was directly responsible for the delay in advancing the new engineering building while Minister for Further Education by not including it in the first bundle PPP in 2020. He barely advanced cardiology services at UHW while Minister for Health, giving the belated go ahead for the second cath lab in 2018 while overseeing subsequent grotesque delay.

Mr Harris should stop promising and deliver on his own commitments.

Minister Mary Butler, Fianna Fail, meanwhile, has politically announced an expansion of UHW cardiology services on several occasions. It has not happened, because the HSE has failed to publicly substantiate her claims. Its imminent, just like the failure to deliver a paltry sum to our small airport. Imminent too?

The construction of a surgical hub at UHW may be providential for Minister Mary Butler and underpin (somewhat) acute capital investment there, although major projects still await delivery, but SETU Waterford lags dramatically behind strategic university investment in other cities.

Taoiseach Harris promised Waterford that real investment would follow the creation of SETU. That has not happened. No new buildings or new courses have been sanctioned.

Promised expansion, including a School of Veterinary Medicine and a Department of Ophthalmics has not happened, even though these would be a great fit for Waterford.

Sanction for student accommodation, borrowing requirements and professorial structures have not happened, nor has the proposed new engineering building.

A promised STEM building on the glass site has evaporated. Taoiseach Harris was Minister for Further Education since 2020. These developments were and are within his gift.

In the last months of a five-year government, no one on this column or paper gets any pleasure (or makes any apology) in highlighting political delivery failures to Waterford. How nice it would be to be lauding those responsible for proper, timely delivery, instead of them continually being a day late and a dollar short.

How uplifting it would be for everyone to see construction on SETU Waterford sites on the facilities that will develop and grow this city and its future, rather than begging in the dying days of a Fine Gael government for delivery.

The national media continually refers to the Taoiseachs gift for communication. Might we suggest to him and to his local and national organisations that Waterford has had enough communication and would, instead, welcome delivery on commitments long given.

Mr Fitzpatrick and his local organisation really need to call out their Taoiseach and government rather than berating this column.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be discussed at today's meeting of the Turkish Security Council, Trend reports.

Furthermore, Turkiye's counter-terrorism operations on the border, the process of normalization of relations with Syria, and Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip will be the priority topics on the agenda of the meeting.

In addition, other regional and international issues, as well as relations with Greece will be discussed at today's meeting of the Turkish Security Council.
Pat Flynn

The search will continue today for a young boy reported missing in the vicinity of the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare on Tuesday.

A land, air and sea search was mounted at around 2pm on Tuesday after the young boy, believed to be 12 years old, was reported missing by his family who are understood to be visiting from overseas.

Its believed the boy had become separated from his family, who then tried to find him. When there was no sign of the child, they returned to the visitor centre and alerted staff there.

Gardai were alerted initially, while the Irish Coast Guard was also requested to mobilise resources to assist with a search.

Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guards marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry mounted a multi-agency operation involving the Doolin unit of the Coast Guard, the Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat and the Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter.

The search continued for several hours, including around the base of the cliffs, but conditions were not safe for personnel to reach the shoreline to carry out a more detailed survey. The search was called off on Tuesday evening but resumed on Wednesday morning.

Doolin Coast Guard were joined by a drone team from Clare Civil Defence and divers from the Garda Water Unit. Rescue 115 also assisted during the afternoon.

Garda divers swam in towards the base of the cliff and carried out a comprehensive search. However, no trace of the boy was found.

The operation will resume later this morning with Coast Guard volunteers from Doolin continuing their clifftop search.

A drone team from Cleggan Coast Guard in Galway travelled to Clare to assist their Doolin colleagues.

Clare Civil Defence will also deploy their drones and will be joined by volunteers from two Cork units of the service and another from Kerry. Members of Galway and Mayo Civil Defence will carry out searches of the Galway Bay coastline as part of the ongoing operation.

The drone teams will search the coastline as the tide recedes. A low-tide is expected at around 2.30pm. As winds yesterday were southerly in direction, the shoreline search will be extended northwards further along the Cliffs of Moher and up the coast from Doolin.

The chief operations officer with the Coast Guard, Kevin Whitney, has said that conditions are improving, which will assist with recovery efforts at the Cliffs of Moher this afternoon.

The search will continue from low water at the base of the cliffs involving coast guard units supplemented with the helicopter and drones.

While conditions are improving the seas remain precarious, he told RTE radios News at One. The safety of all those involved in the search was why the coast guard was making use of drones as much as possible, he explained.

Search and recovery efforts are being concentrated on the area around the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre.

We're widening the search a little bit, and, we're using some drift modeling software to place our assets in the best position and to make sure that we're using the assets as best as possible.
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Review Eating outFremantle Freos newly hatted restaurant has the kind of pizza you attack with a team Max Veenhuyzen July 26, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

1 / 5 Lolas Fremantle has a tiramisu like an iceberg  but its an iceberg youd want to hit. Supplied 2 / 5 Lolas handmade pineapple pizza. Supplied 3 / 5 The owners at Lolas have hit their stride. Supplied 4 / 5 Flour ratios are everything to the team at Lolas. Supplied 5 / 5 Lolas Fremantle. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Good Food hat 15 / 20 How we score Italian$$$$ Theres been plenty of talk about pizza in my reviews of late. Between Leedervilles Vikka and East Perths Brown Street Grill, Ive dedicated a lot of words to flour, sugo and cheese. Considering that Lolas  the central character in this weeks essay  is a restaurant inspired by neighbourhood Australian pizza shops, that trend looks set to continue this week, but fear not. This isnt going to be a review about pizza. Not just pizza, anyway. Because although Lolas was opened by Harriet Roxburgh and Harry Peasnell in late 2023 (the couple also own sandwich joint Peggys a few doors up) it wasnt until January when Liam Monaghan took on the head chef gig at this raw, pared-back dining room in Freos resurgent west end. Its a dining room where beetroot-coloured stone, patio furniture, decaying walls and custom-built benches from elite furniture makers Remington Matters come together to create a space that appeals to design fans, as well as parents trying to get the kids fed and back home at a sensible hour on a school night. Before linking up with team Lolas, Monaghan sharpened his seafood game with Adam Rees at Madalenas; helped former Petition chef Jesse Blake run his six-week Eye Heart Rabbit residency at Sals Pasta Deli; and fast-tracked his Italian cooking education under Paul Bentley at Highgate hotspot Si Paradiso and Mount Hawthorn wine bar Casa. Among the through-lines connecting these three forward-thinking chefs, one commonality would be a knack for taking familiar dishes and using just enough kitchen-craft to make them feel fresh but not try-hard. Based on the food at Lolas, Monaghan appears to have taken to heart many of his mentors lessons on restraint, understated technique and, most crucially, deliciousness.

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The beef in the tartare toast ($27, one of a handful of small-plate offerings at the top of the Lolas menu) is cut thick and chunky and served at the appropriate temperature to appreciate the meats chew, the dressing doctored to emphasise the vinegary thrust of the Worcestershire and tomato sauces. Underneath it all is a blob of aioli the menu tells me has been smoked. The smoke, in this instance, isnt an assertive sitting-too-close-to-the-campfire sort of pong, but smoke that introduces low-key richness and denotes as a tartare of note. Octopus skewers (two for $18) are crisp and juicy in all the appropriate places and finished with a salsa of finely diced cucumber that brings all-important freshness and acidity. Although Lolas small plates were impressive from the get-go, nine months of trading seems to have given management a better idea of how diners are using the space and how these add-ons would best enrich the guest experience. One such power-up has been the introduction of the garlic flatbread ($10). Its an essential order, even if it isnt exactly flat. Rather, it lands tableside hot from the pizza oven, its edges rising like a caldera around a crater of glossy roasted garlic butter. The flatbread is magnificent as-is, although using it to mop up the juices of the octopus would not be a mistake. The puff, chew and healthy tan of the flatbread suggests that the Lolas kitchen has really gotten to know the ins and outs of its electric PizzaMaster stone-based oven. The evolution of the pizzas  previously very good, now among the states top-tier pies  confirms it, and that time spent refining the restaurants pizza programs has been worth it. Obsessing over flour ratios (theres now more stone-ground Australian flour in the mix) and fermentation times plus other one-percenters has made Lolas pizzas even stronger. Impressive, I reckon, for dough this thin. Pepperoni. Supplied How strong, you ask? Strong enough that the base of its round pies can support one heavily laden ham and pineapple ($35) pizza and its not-insignificant payload of smoked bacon, smoked pork, maple-glazed pineapple, pickled pineapples (plus the fury of a gazillion pizza purists). Load-bearing capabilities aside, the other benefit of dough with this sort of structural integrity is that the pizza also eats better for longer. Unlike Naples-style pizzas that are at their best when eaten immediately, these sturdier, Aussie-style pies offer end users a little more leeway. (I pity the footy club social committee member that caters an end-of-season windup with Naples-style pizzas.)

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I didnt revisit the deep pan-pizza, Detroit-inspired this time around, but trusted informants confirm theyre still as calorific and filling as I remember. (Following the heartbreaking news that Southern Rivers Detroit Square Pies closed in May, Lolas remains one of the only places championing this distinctive regional American style of pizza.) While Lolas pizzas are undoubtedly worthy of their star billing, Monaghans biggest contribution to the party is a different skew of flour power: outstanding pasta. Slipping some semolina  durum wheats coarser-milled cousin  into the dough for house-made pappardelle equals fat noodles with bite rather than silky plushness. This firmness is a fine counterpoint to the richness of the buttery mushroom ragu ($32) the pappardelle is served with. Monday and Tuesday night pasta specials are along the lines of tubes of rigatoni amatriciana ($30 which includes a glass of wine): one of Romes classic pasta sauces made using guanciale, onion, tomatoes and chilli. As far as chilli levels goes, its a little more neutered than most versions Ive had  a generous hand with the black pepper grinder introduces a different kind of warmth  but as a dish, still delivers on comfort. Gnocchi bolognese. Supplied When I visit, that same pappardelle dough was also used for the tortellini en brodo ($32): fat dumplings shaped like a popes hat and filled with a chunky blend of mortadella and prosciutto, paddling in a golden, gutsy broth of beef and chicken. Its a classic combination from Italys north that remains popular for good reason, although I reckon the semolina-enriched dough might be too firm and thick for this application. (I also acknowledge that this observation looks a lot like a reviewer fumbling to find faults). The other thing Monaghans brought to the table is dessert. Granted, the dessert menu was just one item long when I visited, but that solitary option  tiramisu! ($14)  banged. Starring thick creme diplomat sandwiching a thin layer of sponge and anointed with salted caramel, its make-up looked a lot like some kind of reverse sponge cake. On the plate, the white and brown duotone structure stands proud and tall like an iceberg  only this is an iceberg youd want to hit.

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While the introduction of pastas and sweets has made Lolas a more complete dining experience  previously, most guests crossed the road and finished with gelato at Chicho  most of the changes here have been incremental rather than drastic. Gone are the old double-sided, single page A4 menus of old: in their place, a multi-page menu presented in classy maroon bistro-style menu folders. The pressure of being the new kids on the block is no longer weighing on the shoulders of manager Tess Purdy and her crew and theyre leaning hard into their roles as easy-going hosts and boosters of Lolas short but considered drinks list. Delivery to surrounding areas is available Friday to Sunday. The restaurant now serves dinner daily. If you havent been to Lolas yet, Im excited for you. Theres a lot to look forward to. If you liked Lolas before, its likely that your crush will blossom into something stronger. But if you didnt enjoy Lolas previously, Id gently encourage you to give it another look. Ill admit, friends have told me that Lolas pizzas are on the pricey side which  on paper  I get. But theyre also on the larger side too. I dont think these 14-inch pies are the sort of pizza youre meant to eat by yourself in one sitting. Rather, theyre the sort of group project you tackle with buddies as part of a larger Australian-Italian bonanza comprising ace snacks, filling pastas and delicious beverages. After all, Lolas isnt just about pizza. The low-down Vibe: Look! The classic Aussie neighbourhood pizza joint is all glown-up! Go-to dish: Anything that comes out of the oven Drinks: Beers and classic cocktails, plus blue-chip and new-wave wines across a range of price points Cost: About $140 for two, excluding drinks
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?
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.
A former justice department boss says youth detainees under his watch were subject to abuse.

The revelation came during an inquest into the first West Australian custodial juvenile death.

Cleveland Dodd was found unresponsive inside a cell in the trouble-plagued youth wing of a high-security adult prison in the early hours of October 12, 2023.

Cleveland Dodd, 16, (inset) died after self-harming in his cell at the youth Unit 18 wing of Perths maximum-security Casuarina Prison.

The 16-year-old was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died a week later, causing outrage and grief in the community.
Two dials to conveniently set the time independently, and two interconnected movements

In 2006, when Serge Michel and Claude Greisler took over the business of watchmaker Armin Strom whom they had both known from a very young age, they set out to change the direction from purely handmade skeletonised watches to a fully equipped Manufacture, which we are today. Nonetheless, for several years Armin Strom remained predominantly recognised for its striking skeletonised movements and focused on time-only watches, until it made waves in 2016 with the introduction of the Mirrored Force Resonance. This model showcased the brand's unparalleled horological expertise, leaving enthusiasts in awe. It featured twin oscillators connected by a beautiful and intricate steel spring, which added a visually striking element to the innovative timepiece. Building upon this success, Armin Strom further explored the concept of resonance by harnessing the innovative double balance construction to unveil the Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance in 2018.

The intriguing phenomenon of resonance  whereby two closely positioned oscillating bodies influence each other and eventually synchronise  was first documented in 1665 by Christiaan Huygens, a versatile Dutch scientist, mathematician, astronomer and inventor. Huygens stumbled upon this discovery when he noticed two of his newly invented pendulum clocks oscillating harmoniously. He observed that if their synchronisation was disrupted by external interference, it would spontaneously reestablish itself within a short period.

Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance  Armin Strom

Time for Resonance

Despite its early discovery, watchmakers did not embrace the application of resonance in scale. One of the well-known examples is the 1790s adaptation of the principle by Abraham-Louis Breguet for his Pendules Sympathiques. Recently, watchmakers seeking to enhance accuracy and stability have explored the synchronicity of oscillators in wristwatches. While notable examples include creations by Francois-Paul Journe, Beat Haldimann and Antoine Preziuso, the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance showcased one of the most captivating utilisations of this phenomenon.

The Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance was first released in a titanium case and featured manually-wound Calibre AFR17, featuring two movements side by side on the same mainplate. Each has its barrel, gear train and regulator to display an independent time zone via two dials, with the time for each adjusted via a dedicated crown. Each time display has its own power-reserve indication and theres a 24-hour day/night indication positioned in the centre at the bottom of the dial with the hand matching the colour of the hour-markers on their respective subdial.

Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance  Armin Strom

Ode to Science & History

These convenient displays adapt to all types of time zones, including unusual ones, which vary by half or quarter of an hour, as they are set independently. While imagining a large (Dual Time Resonance case measures 59mm x 43.4mm and 15.90mm thick) pocket-watch-size horological creation with two independent movements and two dials is relatively easy, such a wristwatch would not necessarily earn a place in this book. The interdependent twin movements make the Armin Strom Dual Time Resonance stand out. Their oscillators prominently placed at 12 oclock are linked by the patented clutch spring to amplify resonance and synchronise their beats. All four barrels (two for each movement) are simultaneously wound by the same crown to ensure uniform winding. This composition ensures that the barrels deliver the same energy to their associated oscillator and avoids any disturbance to the resonance phenomenon. The power reserve is a robust 110 hours for each movement when fully wound, and the remarkable conical power-reserve mechanisms are visible through the sapphire caseback.

The Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance calibre AFR17 is adorned with a circular Cotes de Geneve pattern and the ratchets are openworked, showing how tightly the mainsprings are wound. On the dial side, the two balance-cocks holding the balance wheels feature a tremblage finish, executed by hand. The time dials display superb guilloche patterns handcrafted by Kari Voutilainen.

The Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance is an exuberantly over-the-top, highly complex creation leveraging the concept that has fascinated many watchmakers but which very few have been able to implement. A nod to both science and history, it was and still is proof of Armin Strom's great watchmaking talent. Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance is a timepiece that would be hard not to notice for its gigantic size. After all, the case is just a window into the world of physics, with its laws applied and showcased in this captivating dual-time timepiece. While a smaller, differently designed version of Dual Time Resonance is set for release by Armin Strom in the near future, the inaugural one will forever be remembered.

Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance  Armin Strom

Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance

Case: Available in titanium, white gold, 18K pink gold versions with a sapphire crystal, all water-resistant to 50m

Size: 59mm x 43.4mm, and 15.90mm thick

Movement: AFR17, manually wound, 110-hour power reserve

Functions: dual time via two dials with hours and minutes, 24-hour day/night and power-reserve indication

Strap: alligator leather, with pin buckle or double-folding clasp

Launch year: 2018

This year, GMT Magazine and WorldTempus have embarked on an ambitious project: summarising GMT and Worldtimer watches since 2000 in The Millennium Watch Book - Travel Watches, a beautifully laid-out coffee table book. This article is an excerpt of the book. The Millennium Watch Book - Travel Watches is available for preorder in both French and English here.
From 16th to 25th July 2024, WCO Programme Global Shield (PGS) has delivered a Train-the-Trainer workshop in Cotonou, Benin as part of the West Africa Security Project (WASP). Sixteen experienced Customs officers from Benin, Cote d Ivoire and Togo have participated in the workshop thanks to the generous support of the German Federal Foreign Office and German Customs.

The Deputy Director General (DDG) of Benin Customs, Mr. Aime Ivan Karegire, opened the workshop attended by the Head of Mission from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and representatives from several ministries and organizations1, among others. In his statement the DDG emphasized the importance of international cooperation for formulating a global response against transnational threats and encouraged the participants to disseminate the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop.

This meeting of trainers aimed to help participating Customs administrations integrate the Global Shield Programme into their national training and integrate it into their regular capacity building activities. The workshop program and activities were primarily aimed at helping participants better understand the threats posed by IEDs, identify explosive precursors and other components of IEDs, take necessary security measures in the framework of the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals, to use the trade data analysis, as well as a risk management system and WCO communication tools.

In addition to the activities carried out indoors, a field visit to the Centre for Advanced Training in Post-conflict Demining and Decontamination Actions (CPADD), located in Ouidah, was also organized. Briefings and practical demonstrations by the CPADD trainers provided an opportunity to the participants to better understand the IED threat in the region, as well as the use of IED explosive precursors and other components by terrorist organizations and other non-state armed groups.

WASP will organize a PGS national workshop for Benin Customs in October 2024, and will also serve as an accreditation platform for different pre-accredited trainers to deliver the training in the presence of WCO staff.

WASP is committed to continue supporting Customs administrations of Benin, Cote d Ivoire, Togo, Ghana and Nigeria.
From 8 to 12 July 2024, the Turkmenistan State Customs Service hosted a workshop to kick off implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, supported by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). This event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the State Customs Service and the Union of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkmenistan. The workshop, funded by the WCO-China Customs Cooperation Fund, was co-facilitated by WCO-accredited experts from the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency and the Customs Service of Korea, who shared their extensive knowledge of AEO principles and practices.

The main objective of this mission was to support implementation of the AEO programme within Turkmenistan's Customs framework. Over five days, participants engaged in sessions covering important topics such as the SAFE regulatory framework, which emphasizes security, facilitation, and efficiency. Turkmenistan's Customs officials learned how to align their practices with global standards. The seminar also provided a platform to discuss the practical aspects of AEO programme implementation, including validation processes, risk management, and compliance strategies. The importance of Mutual Recognition Agreements/Arrangements (MRAs) between Customs administrations was highlighted to facilitate smooth trade flows while maintaining security. It was also emphasized that to embark into MRAs negotiation, a Customs administration should have a fully operational national AEO programme. Targeted training was provided to the Turkmenistan Customs Service and local entrepreneurs on guiding businesses through the AEO certification process.

From these discussions, experts presented recommendations to promote the AEO programme in Turkmenistan effectively. The workshop not only raised awareness but also fostered collaboration among stakeholders. With the technical support of the WCO, Turkmenistan expressed their willingness to create a business-friendly environment that encourages trade facilitation and security. Advancing the AEO programme, Turkmenistan joins a global network of WCO Members dedicated to efficient Customs procedures, secure supply chains, and economic growth.
Watchmaking has clearly not finished playing with the time machine. For almost a decade, watch brands have been revisiting the past and reviving their icons. Is it because they are running short on inspiration and lack innovative drive? The answer lies in the expectations of a clientele fond of vintage objects and stylistic codes from bygone eras. Taking cues from its heritage models, watchmaking is dusting off history by mixing two essential ingredients: boldness and nostalgia. When skillfully combined, they enable brands to capitalize on past successes, legitimize certain collections and embed them in perfectly crafted narrative.

FOCUSING ON ICONS

Take TAG Heuer, for example. The return of the Monaco in 2003 and the revival of the Carrera in 2004  which have since become two of the brands mainstays  forcefully demonstrated that this vision can work wonders, when well thought-out and adapted to todays tastes. This year, TAG Heuer unveiled a gold version of its Carrera Skipper, a watch that was a blast from the past in 2023, initially appearing in a steel case.

TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper  TAG Heuer

Blancpain followed the same winning strategy in 2003, when it gave a new lease on life to its emblematic divers watch, ushering the famous 1953-born Fifty Fathoms into the 21st century. This year, the saga continues with new 42mm automatic models in red gold or titanium.

Offering one of the famous illustrations of this approach, Cartier has been working since 2017 on the redeployment of its iconic collections. The Panthere, the Baignoire, the Santos-Dumont, the Tank and other exceptional models from the Cartier Prive collection regularly thrill watch devotees, as does the elegant Cartier Prive Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir presented this year at Watches and Wonders.

Cartier Prive Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir  Cartier
As of today, there are no Russian warships in the Sea of Azov at all. Moreover, earlier the Russian Federation tried to make this sea the internal waters of the aggressor country at the legislative level.

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This was announced on the evening of July 24 by the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, Captain Dmytro Pletenchuk, 3rd Rank. In his opinion, the Russian war criminals are on to something.

"There are no more Russian warships in the Sea of Azov. It seems that they have begun to suspect something," Pletenchuk said online.

In turn, the Ukrainians offered to "blow up any lock" of the Volga-Don Canal as "compensation for the Kakhovka lock."

Pletenchuk did not specify what exactly the Russian criminals might be suspecting, especially since virtually the entire coast of the Azov Sea is now occupied.

However, Russia recently complained about arrivals at the Kavkaz port in Krasnodar Krai. A railroad ferry and several invaders were attacked there. That is, Russians are not able to create any security zones even on their own territories, let alone in the occupied ones.

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In addition, it is quite difficult to maneuver in the Sea of Azov.

"Navigation there is not easy, there are no such depths as in the Black Sea, the maximum is 15 meters," Pletenchuk said earlier.

According to him, a similar picture is observed in the Black Sea. Currently, only the remnants of the Russian fleet are based in Crimea. In general, the Russians have withdrawn all missile launchers from Crimea: three submarines of the Varshavyanka project and 5 ships - two frigates Makarov and Essen, as well as three vessels of the Buyan-M project.

The movement of the Russian fleet from Crimea to the port of Novorossiysk shows that the occupiers were not prepared for such long and intense hostilities, Pletenchuk argues.

Meanwhile, Sea Baby drones of the Security Service of Ukraine laid more than 15 underwater mines in the Black Sea near Crimea, which resulted in the damage to at least four occupiers' ships. Our defenders placed the explosives on routes used exclusively by the warships of the aggressor country.

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According to minimal estimates, during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, our soldiers destroyed more than 20% of the ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Ukrainian intelligence officers are monitoring how the Russian occupation forces are preparing for any actions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. In particular, the invaders are working on the construction of fortifications near the temporarily occupied Mariupol.

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This was reported by Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, in a commentary to Ukrinform. He noted that this includes a scenario to repel the offensive of Ukrainian forces.

"They are systematically working on fortifications everywhere and preparing for various scenarios of the Security and Defense Forces, this is clear, and we are monitoring it," Yusov said.

Earlier, the DIU said that the key goal of the occupiers at the front in Ukraine was to capture the entire Luhansk and Donetsk regions. At the same time, the army of the aggressor country does not have the resources to attack in new directions.

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The enemy's activity in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions is an attempt to draw the Defense Forces away from more important areas on the battlefield.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

 A large-scale cyberattack by the DIU led to the "crash" of online services of the largest Russian banks, the social network VK, classifieds, and messengers. Kremlin propagandists complain about the "Internet apocalypse" and admit that they have never experienced such powerful cyberattacks before.

 The DIU identified 30 members of the command staff of the 112th Missile Brigade (military unit 03333) of the 1st Tank Army of the Moscow Military District of the Russian Armed Forces. These criminals are directly involved in missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Sumy and Kharkiv regions using Iskander tactical systems.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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Mayo native Adrian Flannelly, who hosted the longest-running Irish radio program in the US, has passed away.

Flannelly presented his own radio show - the Adrian Flannelly Show - across America for 54 years before retiring from broadcasting last year.

Adrian, who was born in Attymass, emigrated to the United States in 1959, aged seventeen, and was heavily involved in Irish Community affairs.

The Long Beach, Long Island resident was inducted into the Hall of Fame by Irish America Magazine in 2019 while also receiving the 2021 Presidential Distinguished Service Award for his incredible contributions to the Irish community in America.

The influential Flannelly reached 2.5 million listeners nationwide at the height of the 1980s and 1990s and has been described as the voice of Ireland in America.
Once upon a time, the annual announcement of priests changes  usually in June or July  was one of high points of the summer. Naturally, it was of particular interest to priests but also to people who feared they might lose their priest  or, maybe, not lose their priest.

Now priests changes are limited because there are few, if any, priests to change and as priests grow older and more weary, there is less reason and willingness to move. Thus, the prevailing trend at present is that instead of the former pattern of regular movement to a different parish every few years, in recent times priests rarely if ever move to a new parish with the result that some have spent anything from 10 to 30 (or more) years serving in the same parish. Not a good idea, as we know, for priests or parishioners.

However, this year, the recent changes in Tuam diocese seem to have bucked that trend as 13 priests are listed: four retiring (James Walsh, James Quinn, Martin OConnor, and Martin Long); two going on sabbaticals (Gerard Burns and Eugene OBoyle); one appointed PP (Sean Flynn); and six others (John Kenny, Tod Nolan, Jose Raju, Nelson Joseph, Michael Tracy and newly ordained Mark Quinn) picking up extra responsibilities.

In difficult times and with the average age of priests now 70-plus, a studied reluctance to move parishes has become both the fashion and the prevailing choice. In their later years, priests recognise the growing wisdom (or temptation) of not cutting the cord of being comfortably ensconced in one parish for the difficult challenge of settling into a new parish with the often overwhelming stress that represents in old age.

What impels this feeling is that moving parishes no longer has the former impetus of promotion or the possibility that the unease and trouble of a new appointment would be reflected in an increase in salary. That financial encouragement has disappeared as there is no longer any distinction between good parishes (those with commendable financial circumstances) and not so good parishes (those with less amenable conditions) as with priests now, regardless of workload or any sense of promotion (God help us), there is no corresponding or compensating financial or other benefits.

Unlike Aer Lingus pilots, priests with three parishes or with one parish with five churches earn the same as priests with one parish and one church, so little wonder the latter tend to hang so grimly to that unaccustomed luxury that they render themselves immovable. Anomalies abound as again, unlike the rest of humankind, there is no expectation that varying responsibilities would be reflected in appropriate recompense.

The present policy of effectively making the least number of changes deemed necessary will not last because it will eventually run into the sand or fall over the emerging and all too predictable cliff-face.

The reason is that, while in some foreign climes there seems to be no shortage of available priests  not true as Ill show later  that is certainly not true of Ireland where native priests have become (as we say) as rare as hens teeth in that there is now a mathematical certainty that in a short number of years the only native priests left in Ireland will be in nursing homes.

What is extraordinary is, not just that the above incredible scenario is now imminent in the Irish Catholic Church, but the studied reluctance to name this particular elephant in the living room or to consider possible strategies to provide alternatives to the progressively short road to the last priests in Ireland.

God knows Ive been banging on about this for years in this particular soapbox  even in the knowledge that Im sorely testing my readers patience. But my defence, if defence is needed, is that there is an absolute connection between the provision of priests and the effective ending of a worshipping form of Catholicism in Ireland. I usually frame it in the following terms: if there is no priest, there is no Eucharist and if there is no Eucharist there is no Church. I think that shorthand is both obvious and irrefutable.

A recent glad pronouncement by an Irish bishop is that this year there has been an increase in enquiries about priesthood over last years figures  as if this is a sustainable policy in the long term rather than a sticking-plaster short-term make-believe aspiration.

Heres one statistic that I continually trot out to place such announcements in proper context.

Question (in a pub or other quiz): how many students are there studying for the priesthood in Dublin diocese which has 199 parishes and over 1.2 million Catholics? Is it 150 or 100 or 50 or 1? Anyone who reads this column and who patronises pub quizzes  not a huge constituency I suspect  will know the answer is just one.

Just one! Yet theres no mention of what will happen when the cliff-face actually arrives. Not a squeak from those charged (in church law) with ensuring that there are enough priests. Nothing, that is, apart from mortifying deflections from reality like an increase in enquiries as if that means anything.

If were left counting enquiries  not numbers in seminaries, not reasonable projections about percentages that will be ordained or may later leave the priesthood; if all we can show for vocations to the priesthood is an increase in one year in enquiries then we need to look at other avenues. Can we even begin to contemplate the obvious questions that are shouting at us for obvious answers?

I said Id come back to the rumour that there are hundreds if not thousands of priests in Africa and Asia ready and willing to come to Ireland. Thats NOT the case. The priest-per-people ratio in Africa is one priest for every 5,200 people. In Europe, its one for 1,700. Taking from the Third World to benefit the First World, is in every sense really another form of the rich exploiting the poor.
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States and a candidate for the 2024 presidential election, said that in a conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he spoke about the need to end this war. He justified his opinion by saying that Russia was a "military machine" that "defeated Napoleon and Hitler."

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Trump made the statement in an interview with Fox News. "You are facing a military machine. This is what they do  they fight wars. They defeated Hitler (in fact, the victory was achieved by the joint efforts of the USSR, the UK, the US, and other countries  Ed.) They defeated Napoleon," the politician said.

He added that the "spring offensive never happened," and that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are supposedly "strong guys, strong leaders."

"And I told (Zelenskyy  Ed.) that the Russians have millions of mines and thousands of army tanks. Many Russians were killed, but many Ukrainians were killed. This should not have happened. Biden should not have allowed this to happen," Trump said.

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According to him, it was "easy for Biden to stop it."

Thus, according to Trump, Putin decided to attack Ukraine for two reasons: the rise in fuel prices  the Kremlin has money, and the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
It is necessary to talk to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine. But this should be done exclusively in the International Criminal Court.

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This was stated by the new chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, a member of the liberal Free Democratic Party, Markus Faber, during a debate. He was quoted by Bild.

Faber responded to a statement by his opponent from the Left Party that any war always ends at the negotiating table.

"He is right, we should talk to Putin, but only in the International Criminal Court. I think that then we should negotiate peace in Europe with his successor," said the head of the Bundestag Defense Committee.

He also noted that not all wars end in negotiations, as there have been those that ended in the overthrow of a dictator.

"Not all wars end in negotiations. There have been wars that ended, for example, with the overthrow of a dictator. Over the weekend, I was at the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the conspiracy against Hitler. I think many people in Russia are unhappy with Putin," Faber said.

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The chairman of the Bundestag's defense committee also supported Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decision to deploy new American missiles in Germany. According to Faber, this will increase security in Europe.

"Because the dictator in the Kremlin chooses the weakest, and if we deter him more reliably, we will be more secure," said Markus Faber.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Czech President Petr Pavel said that peace talks in Ukraine are impossible without Russia and China. At the same time, according to him, the negotiations will not make sense if Russia continues to put forward surrender conditions to Ukraine.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
A powerful Hurricane Milton is spinning its way across the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to take aim at the Tampa Bay region.
The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, addressed the nation and once again announced that he would not run for the next presidential election. He called his decision a "matter of democracy" and urged Americans to support Kamala Harris, who may become the Democratic presidential candidate instead.

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Biden's address from the Oval Office was broadcast on the White House's official page on social network X. The president noted that the best way forward is to "pass the torch to a new generation."

Protecting democracy is more important than office

He characterized the 2024 elections as a struggle to save democracy and called them "a movement back and forth between hope and hate."

These elections, he said, will determine the country's course for "the next decades."

"I believe that my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future  all of this deserves a second term. But nothing can stand in the way of saving our democracy, including personal ambitions . So I have decided that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. This is the best way to unite our nation," Biden added.

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He emphasized that he respects his position and the Oval Office, where portraits of prominent Americans hang, and that being president was the greatest honor of his life, but he loves his country more than his office or power."

Biden also said he would focus on fulfilling his duties as president for the next six months.

"That means I will continue to cut costs for hardworking families and grow our economy. I will continue to protect our personal freedoms and civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose," Biden said.

He promised to help Ukraine and Israel

In addition, he promised that the US would continue to join forces to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's full-scale invasion, and would work to end the war in the Gaza Strip.

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"I'm going to continue to work to end the war in Gaza, to bring home all the hostages and to bring peace and security to the Middle East and to end this war. We will continue to unite a coalition of proud nations to stop Putin from occupying Ukraine," he said.

He called for support for Kamala Harris

Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she is "experienced and tough."

"In just a few months, the American people will choose a course for America's future. I have made my choice. I have made my views known. I want to thank our wonderful Vice President Kamala Harris. She is experienced. She is tough. She is capable. She has been an incredible partner and leader for me and for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people: you make this choice," the US President said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

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 On July 21, the 46th US President Joe Biden announced that he was withdrawing from the presidential race. He called on the Democratic Party to nominate the current Vice President Kamala Harris, to whom he has already expressed his support.

 Soon after, Harris announced that she would run for president of the United States. She was also supported by Democratic Party donors. Reuters writes: US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will try to show wavering voters that his likely new rival is not worthy of leading the country.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
South African Society for Research in Music's 18th Annual Conference

When: Friday, 26 July 2024 - Sunday, 28 July 2024 Where: Online Event

Start time: 8:00 Enquiries: Mfundo Nkosi at mfundo.nkosi@wits.ac.za

The Department of Music and the Wits School of the Arts for hosting this years SASRIM conference.
Cartoonist Agustin Comotto, author of the biography Lenin: The Man Who Changed the World, at Traficantes de Suenos bookstore in Madrid, on May 8.

The history of Russia in the 19th and 20th centuries fascinates Buenos Aires-born illustrator Agustin Comotto. The 56-year-olds passion was well known in the publishing house Nordica, which has published his other works, such as Stein and 155. Simon Radowitzky. And so the graphic novel Lenin. El hombre que cambio el mundo (Lenin: The Man Who Changed the World), was co-published with Captain Swing a few months ago, marking the centenary of the death of the architect of the Soviet Union. They asked me for a publication that would interest those who dont know about him, but also those who do, he explains from the Traficantes de Suenos bookstore, during a visit to Madrid.

My father was a Marxist-Leninist, a militant. I was not, he explains. The Russian Revolution was a demonstration, the peoples vomit, which was later transformed into what became the USSR. That original revolution was not Bolshevik, many anarchist movements participated. I feel much more sympathetic to that current.

Question. What have you discovered about Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov?

Answer. He did not smoke. He was a deeply neurotic, dexterous man and he possessed an impressive intellectual capacity. To give an opinion about Lenin, I think you would have to understand Russian, as almost all the references we have about him are biased  they are either from Western historians or from Soviet translations. After his death, Stalin created the myth. Fortunately, archives have been opened in Russia, in which there is a lot of Lenins correspondence. These letters suggest a very different figure from the one constructed after his death.

Q. Was the adaptation difficult?

A. Lenin lasted 53 years. He spent about 17 years in exile. He died of cerebral thrombosis, just like his father. Although he is a character that fascinates me and that I have researched, it has been an arduous task of synthesis. He produced an awful lot for such a short life. He slept very little and had two drugs: work  he spent more than 10 hours a day reading and writing  and power.

Illustration by Agustin Comotto for his graphic novel about Lenins life. Agustin Comotto

Q. You claim that his main aim was the ascent to power.

A. Lenin knew that power could be acquired; the difficult thing was keeping it. He had no particular talent. He was not a magnetic person or a great writer or orator but he knew how to read the masses  something that today is worth its weight in gold. On a political level, his master stroke was the taking of the October Palace.

Q. Why?

A. He wants power. Its not in the bag and hes working against the clock. The real coup was at the Soviet Congress, when the wealth of the Soviets became a Bolshevik triumph; a radical collective that had been a historic minority. Lenin takes control and begins to draw up a diagram of the Soviet State, with fascinating characteristics. For example, the idea that the future is ahead of us, and that we must always move in that direction. There is a kind of secular religion about all this.

Q. Is there a contemporary aspiration for the future?

A. The current aspiration is based on maximizing individualism; optimism is associated with the possibility of having a slightly higher salary to buy a new smartphone. We live in an ultra-capitalist society, where no one considers a collective life. We are unconscious. Lenins idea was the opposite.

Q. Do you think a new social class is emerging?

A. Id say a new paradigm is emerging: What do we do? Under capitalism, people have to work, to produce. However, humanity now faces two great challenges. On the one hand, collapse: we are moving at a relentless pace into a wall that is the Earth and its limited resources. On the other, technology. And I refer to the speech [of the anarchist intellectual Piotr] Kropotkin, when he spoke about the moment humanity would develop a technology that would lead to reassessing the meaning of work.

Agustin Comotto, at Traficantes de Suenos bookstore, where on May 8 he presented Stein, another of his works. Alvaro Garcia

Q. Meanwhile, social networks are making us reconsider the meaning of truth.

A. They are an artifact. They promised to unite people and it turns out that we have never been more alone. Do people think that followers are friends? On the networks different realities are created and everyone is in their own bubble. When a sense of reality is lost, social control becomes easier. Thats why the far right is in full swing on TikTok. They have realized that by putting into practice a series of maneuvers, they win elections: they started with Bolsonaro [in Brazil] and continued with Argentina. There are professionals working to brainwash people and manipulate them.

Q. What social platform would Lenin be on?

A. TikTok. And he would be doing very well. He would use all the technological means at his disposal. Thats what he did at the time with photography and cinema while also starting his own media; with the films October: 10 Days that Shook the World or Battleship Potemkin, stories were created. On the other hand, he applied any strategy he could think up to knock down the adversary, even breaking codes. When he called an opponent vermin or a stinking rat, he did it not to insult them, but to get them out of the box. That strategy resembles the one used by Trump, who is a master at this. Contemporary politics also works with spin doctors such as Steve Bannon. Lenin was a forerunner regarding many of these strategies.

Q. Why does Lenin continue to generate such feeling?

A. The first person to start the hate narrative on Lenin was Churchill. He said to the Germans, You have created the machine that is going to destroy you utterly. He said this during World War I, when Germany was financing Tsarist dissidence, to try to collapse the empire and get control of that front. They gave a lot of money to the Bolshevik cause, because it was the most radical. Churchill warned them that if these people ever came to power; they would challenge capitalism, not the Germans or the English, but the whole world. Lenin was the first to create this kind of monster that could destroy everything that good men believed in. Basically, the Cold War was based on that discourse. This tactic endures: today, there are people and politicians who describe any idea that goes against their own as communism, Leninism, Stalinism or anti-Semitism.

Cover of Lenin, The Man Who Changed the World by Agustin Comotto.

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Fatima Latifova

A meeting was held at the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan with Francesco Delogu, head of the Italian architecture firm Delogu Architecture," Azernews reports.

Rovshan Rzayev, the committee chairman, provided the Italian guest with information about the reconstruction and development work carried out in Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, as well as the implementation of measures outlined in the First State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories. Rzayev noted that compatriots who have been displaced for nearly thirty years due to the Armenian occupation are eager to return to their homeland. He highlighted that new residential settlements are being built in the liberated areas, and restoration and construction work is underway in Shusha and Lachin, utilizing modern architectural methods.

The Italian architect emphasized his familiarity with the rapid and extensive reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan's liberated territories and noted that all these efforts will facilitate the return of displaced populations. He mentioned that the purpose of his visit was to support the Azerbaijani government's efforts to revive and develop the liberated areas.

The chairman of the State Committee appreciated the guest's interest in this priority issue for the country and his intention to support the Great Return, answered his questions, and wished him success in his creative endeavors.

It should be noted that Delogu Architecture has extensive experience in urban and regional planning, as well as the design of residential buildings and hotels.
Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

Suddenly, the page has been wiped clean. No part of the script used until now by both parties counts any longer. The age of the former Democratic candidate and his ailments no longer matter. What counts is the age of the Republican nominee, who is only three years younger, has been convicted of 34 felony counts, is admired by his unconditional supporters, first as a superhero of harassment, lies and insults and now as one of survival, court-granted immunity and the protection of Providence.

Trump still doesnt know what hes up against. The dark apostle of hate, the prophet of the American apocalypse and convicted criminal will have to look for new weapons against this smiling woman of Indian and Caribbean descent who is 20 years younger than him. For now, the Democrats are flocking enthusiastically around Kamala Harris. Out of fear of Trump, naturally. Fear is at the core of Trumpism. Thats how he won the Republican primaries three times and managed to put the apocalypse at the center of his program with his doomsday prophecy, and that is also how he may revive the Democratic vote until he himself bites the dust.

Trump speaks the language of fear, but he also suffers from it. Like all populist magnates with a political calling since the days of Silvio Berlusconi, founder of this deplorable political lineage, there comes a time when the alternative to power is prison. Everything Trump has done since he lost the election has been aimed at avoiding jail time, and now he needs the presidential magic wand again, with powers reinforced by the Supreme Court, to free himself from all his legal cases. As in a courtroom, the experienced prosecutor who now stands in front of him will not let him get away with anything.

The page is yet to be written. Given the twists and turns in the script, any prediction would be risky. It is strange and also dangerous, as all presidential transitions are, being a period ripe for external enemies to exploit. With Trump, the danger is also internal: his doctrine requires never recognizing defeat and denouncing anyone elses victory as theft and fraud. The three months until election day on November 5 will be strange, as will the six months until the inauguration on January 20, and perhaps the months that follow if Harris wins and Trump refuses to recognize the result, as is to be expected.

Joe Biden will remain in office, a lame duck with no room for action and with the explosive foreign policy portfolio in the middle of the presidential table. On the one hand, the election campaign is underway, and on the other, the two wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and the growing tension in the South China Sea, where there is a threat of escalation that the president must avoid. And there is Netanyahus fourth visit to Congress, where Kamala Harris was not present, in the first thorny interference between the two paths.

The horizon has suddenly opened up. The dark clouds remain. Nothing is written. But hope is reborn.

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Four decades after the emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), humankind is closer to having the tool to put an end to an epidemic that has caused 40 million deaths and incalculable suffering. Lenacapavir, an antiviral drug from the pharmaceutical company Gilead that has already been approved as a treatment of HIV infection in adults, has been shown to be able to prevent 100% of new infections in women if used preventively with a simple administration route: two subcutaneous injections per year.

The Phase 3 trial data was presented on Wednesday at the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference, which is being held these days in Munich (Germany) and published in The New England Journal of Medicine. It is not a vaccine, but it is very similar. And it was astonishingly effective in a study among cisgender women (women assigned female at birth) in Africa. New trials are now investigating whether the molecule, as expected, will achieve the same results in other groups.

The results are impressive. It has shown 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infection in women and adolescent girls in a trial conducted in South Africa and Uganda, says Vanessa Lopez, director of the non-profit Salud Por Derecho (Health as a Right). It is not usual for the results of a clinical trial to be greeted with a standing ovation by hundreds of doctors. But this is exactly what happened in Munich, in a scene that illustrates how many people who have been fighting HIV for decades believed it to be a historic moment.

Such is the enthusiasm that all eyes have quickly turned to the drugmaker Gilead even before lenacapavir  marketed under the brand name Sunlenca  has been approved for prophylaxis by any regulatory agency (so far it has only been approved as a treatment, not as prevention). Gilead has the opportunity to make history and bring us closer to ending AIDS as a public health problem, says Winnie Byanyima, director of the UN program leading the fight against the disease, ONUSIDA.

Byanyima has urged the pharmaceutical company to open up the drug to the Medicines Patent Pool, a UN-backed program that would allow the sale of cheap generic versions to low- and middle-income countries. Two injections of the drug now cost 20,221.5 ($21,961.84) in Spain, according to the official published price (in reality it may be lower according to the confidential agreement reached between Gilead and the Spanish Ministry of Health). In the United States, its estimated to cost more than $40,000 as a manufacturers list price. Several non-profits and civil society organisations have protested at the IAS congress, asking Gilead to facilitate the universal use of its drug.

A statement from the company welcomed the results of the PURPOSE 1 trial: Lenacapavir demonstrated zero infections, 100% efficacy and superiority to background HIV incidence for the investigational use of HIV prevention in cisgender women. Lenacapavir also demonstrated superior prevention of HIV infections when compared with once-daily oral Truvada, another prophylactic treatment that reduces infections but requires taking a pill daily.

In a second statement, also published on Wednesday, Gilead recalls that the use of lenacapavir as a method of prevention has not yet been approved in any country, and that the company is awaiting the results of another trial, PURPOSE 2, which includes other population groups. The results of this second trial will be ready at the end of the year or in early 2025, at which time the pharmaceutical company will begin to seek approval of the drug as a preventive prophylaxis.

GIlead says in its statement that, based on the companys ongoing commitment to communities affected by HIV, they have developed a strategy to enable broad and sustainable access [to the drug] globally, and will provide answers and details as they become available.

Although it is common for companies like Gilead to accept that their drugs should reach poorer countries under advantageous conditions through solutions such as so-called voluntary licenses, organizations like Salud por Derecho are concerned because they consider this option to be insufficient. The problem is that voluntary licenses are usually limited to poorer countries, while middle-income countries, for example Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand or Peru, are usually left out of these licenses, which limits the access of millions of people to the medicines they need, says Vanessa Lopez.

A study presented in Munich by British researchers estimates that mass production of lenacapavir could reduce its price to around 40 ($43) per dose, i.e. less than $100 per person per year instead of the current $40,000 in the United States. The study, led by Andrew Hill, from the University of Liverpool, highlights that in sub-Saharan African countries, where most of the worlds infections occur, 77% of new infections are suffered by teenage girls and young women.

Santiago Moreno, head of the Infectious Diseases Department at the Ramon y Cajal Hospital in Madrid, agrees that lenacapavir as a prophylaxis can become a great contribution, although he also highlights that the price can be a major obstacle. This expert, a reference figure in the fight against HIV in Spain, points out that the current cost of pre-exposure prophylaxis pills (PrEP) is about 30 per month. The administration of lenacapavir could not be more comfortable: two subcutaneous injections, one every six months, which are effective and safe and with almost no side effects. It is much simpler and more comfortable than current alternatives, he asserts.

Lenacapavir is the first drug to come onto the market from a new family of antiretrovirals, called capsid inhibitors, explains Arkaitz Imaz, a specialist doctor at Bellvitge Hospital in Barcelona and member of the Board of Directors of GeSIDA, the Study Group on the disease of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC). The capsid is a protein envelope of the virus that protects its genetic material and the enzymes it needs for its multiplication.

It has a mechanism of action that is different from all the drugs that were available until its approval. It is now indicated for people for whom other available drugs no longer work and who have few treatment options. The main objective is for all people to be diagnosed, treated and carrying an undetectable viral load. The scenario is even better if its use can be for prevention to avoid new infections, concludes Imaz.

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The images swiftly went viral. A pair of sea lions come out of the sea and chase several people fleeing in terror from the beach in La Jolla, Southern California. For tourists, it is the peak of the summer season. For the sea animals, however, which usually give birth in April, it is the height of breeding season, which could explain their aggressive and territorial behavior. The clash between humans and sea lions is neither new nor unusual, but it has led to calls for action on the part of the San Diego city authorities.

We want the beach to be exclusively for humans, Bob Evans, the president of La Jolla Parks and Beaches, an organization that helps authorities preserve green areas, recently noted. Every day that goes by, the risk is greater for people and wildlife. Every day that goes by we lose part of our beach, he added in an interview with local television.

The organization is seeking action from authorities in San Diego to prevent sea lions and seals from entering La Jolla Cove, a tiny strip of sand flanked by cliffs. During the summer, tourists and visitors swim in the waters and sunbathe on the beach, which is less than 200 meters long.

Evans concern is that the viral images recorded a few days ago will lead authorities to favor wildlife and thus decree the closure of access to the beach for humans.

At the same time, the Sierra Club Foundation, an environmental organization, is also asking the city of San Diego to intervene in what they have termed an emergency. The organization claims that three sea lion pups, only a few weeks old, were found dead over the course of six days after the July 4 festivities. They have reason to suspect that these deaths were caused by or related to humans.

One of the pups was found on a public beach partially buried in the sand with the pincers of a lobster placed on its head as if they were horns, the organization said in a statement. In the message they made clear that this level of mortality did not occur in areas that were closed to human passage.

Tourists photograph sea lions in La Jolla. Francisco Morales (Getty Images)

Robyn Davidoff, one of the leaders of the group, asked the authorities to seek the advice of sea lion experts to get an understanding of what can be expected of them at this time of the year, and thus avoid scenes such as those captured by cell phones. Davidoff indicates that the association is not seeking to close the area.

La Jolla Cove remains open and unrestricted to visitors, who can swim and do water sports. Sierra Clubs activism work, however, was instrumental in 2014 in getting the city to decree the closure of Casa Beach, where seals and sea lions give birth to their pups, between December 15 and May 15.

The closure orders were extended three years later to another fragment of the coast, the area from La Jolla Point to Boomer Beach. Environmentalists then succeeded in preventing human passage to a rocky area where sea lions and seals often give birth.

Evans and his organization fear that authorities may now extend the ban to the popular disputed cove. The authorities, for the moment, have not made any statement following the latest conflict. The last public stance by the City Council came two years ago, when they imposed a ban on access to the area from Boomer Beach to Punta La Jolla between May 31 and October 31, during the breeding season. This order will be in effect until 2030.

Shortly before the council adopted the 2022 measure, images like the ones circulating now had exploded on social media. Videos of tourists being terrorized by sea lions in La Jolla Cove were seen by more than nine million people on TikTok. The victim then was a woman who had gotten too close to a sleeping cub to take a photograph of it. The cubs mother took it as a sign of danger and aggressively saw off the woman. The beach is covered with warnings about the aggressive behavior of these animals.

Davidoff and Carol Toye, another Sierra Club leader, pointed out to the local press earlier this month that people are prohibited from approaching the animals. Its not only unacceptable. It is also illegal. The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects sea lions from harassment. Being so close to them is dangerous for people, they asserted.

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Liu Yahui is an employee of Alibaba, the China-based e-commerce and technology company that offers various services and products to businesses worldwide. As a sci-tech expert sent by his company to rural areas of China, in 2020 and 2021, Liu joined in the revitalization efforts in Yijun County, a former revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Liu's wife, Li Xiaoqian, works with Zhejiang Lab, in east China's Zhejiang Province, on an extraterrestrial-exploration project (involving research into the space beyond Earth and its atmosphere). In their respective posts, Liu and Li have combined to write a "most beautiful" career chapter in the new era.



Down to Earth

Liu joined Alibaba in 2016. He has since focused on work related to the Internet and inclusive finance, which refers to individuals and businesses having access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs.

In keeping with the important instructions of Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on the implementation of the system of sending sci-tech experts to rural areas, Alibaba in 2019 launched a program to send senior employees to national-level, poverty-stricken counties, so the employees can help the counties shake off poverty and boost rural revitalization.

Liu relocated to Yijun County in 2020. After he began working in Yijun, which is on the Loess Plateau, Liu introduced to local farmers a cooperative-logistics platform (developed by Alibaba) to reduce, significantly, the cost of shipping parcels from the county.

Within two years, the cost of sending each parcel decreased from 10 yuan (US $1.39) to 1.9 yuan (26 US cents), at least. Through a public-welfare project launched by Alibaba, Liu helped the farmers improve the branding of their agricultural products, which helped increase the farmers' combined incomes by 30 million yuan (US $4.17 million). The combined trade volume of sellers in Yijun, who operated e-commerce businesses on Taobao (one of Alibaba's major online business groups), increased from 1.73 million yuan (US $240,278) to 69.57 million yuan (US $9.66 million) between 2019 and 2021. In particular, the trade volume of Yijun-grown apples increased from 29,000 yuan (US $4,028) to 22.56 million yuan (US $3.13 million).



With support from his company, Liu helped young people in Yijun obtain artificial-intelligence-development training. He also helped establish a wig plant in the county, which provided jobs to rural women, so they could earn a living in their hometown.

Shortly after Liu arrived in Yijun, he placed a board on his desk, and that board recorded how many days he would remain in the county. Why? He wanted to keep count of the days, so he could make full use of his time and he could do something to help residents in the county. Liu has been named "an individual in Tongchuan, Shaanxi Province, who stands out in the poverty-alleviation campaign" and "a model worker of Yijun County." He was also a torchbearer during the torch relay of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.



Beyond Earth

In May 2021, Li applied for a three-year transfer to Zhejiang Lab's research center in Beijing. Prior to submitting her application, she and her colleagues traveled to Yardang landform, in Dahaidao, Hami City, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. There, they collected 12 boxes of sand and stone samples. The landform in Dahaidao is believed to resemble the surface of Mars, and collecting the samples was helpful to the team in conducting extraterrestrial research.

Even though it meant living apart from her family and friends, Li believed she made the right  and meaningful  choice, because she was contributing to the progress of China's scientific research.



Love and Support

"My parents often say if our small family is harmonious, the big family (our society) will be harmonious," Liu says. He notes his parents, despite their advanced ages, still hold hands when they go for a walk. He says his parents continue to set a good example for the younger generations of the family.

Just like their parents, Liu and Li love and support each other. At the beginning of 2020, as they were preparing for their wedding, Liu told Li he wanted to participate in Alibaba's program of sending sci-tech experts to rural areas. As a newlywed, Li of course did not like the idea of Liu leaving home, but she supported him. They registered for marriage in March 2020; one month later, Li helped Liu pack for his relocation to Yijun.

One year later, Liu supported Li when she told Liu she wanted to apply for the research post in Beijing. While living apart, the young couple has kept in touch mainly via phone calls and video chats. They have encouraged each other to cope with the various difficulties they have encountered in work and daily life.

Liu and Li share a common belief: Be a person who contributes to society, who brings a certain value to society, and who "shines" at his/her post, to bring warmth to others. Given the support they have continuously received from each other, they are brave enough to make the significant choices in their lives. Last year, the couple celebrated a particularly joyous occasion, when their family was selected a National Most Beautiful Family.

Photos from Interviewees

Source: Department of Family and Children's Affairs of the ACWF

(Women of China English Monthly July 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha


An employment-skills-training course was recently organized for residents of Shanhou Town, in Hexian County, Ma'anshan, in East China's Anhui Province. Training covered various topics, including elder care, maternity care, newborn care, health knowledge and first-aid skills. Zhu Ping, founder of Ma'anshan Xinyi Vocational Training School, conducted the training.

Zhu is president of Ma'anshan Red Bond Industrial Company, vice-president of Anhui Home Service Industry Association, and vice-president of Ma'anshan Home Service Industry Association.

Zhu's passion for the domestic-service industry never wanes; in fact, she has been dedicated to delivering warmth to thousands of families for more than a decade.

Zhu first learned about the domestic-service industry in Nanjing, in East China's Jiangsu Province, in 2012. She immediately realized it was a promising industry. To gain a deeper understanding of the industry, and to master professional knowledge and skills, she attended many training courses, and she read many domestic-service-related books.

In September 2013, Zhu established both a domestic-service company and a vocational training school (predecessors of Ma'anshan Red Bond Industrial Company and Ma'anshan Xinyi Vocational Training School).



"Only by serving each customer and each family with sincere love can we gain recognition and development. Domestic service is a sunrise industry, and it matters to people's livelihoods. We should make it a heartwarming industry," Zhu says.

She always instructs her domestic-service employees to serve each customer with honesty and sincerity. In both 2022 and 2023, her company was honored as an outstanding domestic-service company in Anhui Province.

To better meet residents' needs, and to promote innovative development of the domestic-service sector, Zhu's company established community-based domestic-service stations, and then attached importance to improving home-based care of senior citizens.

"I have improved my life by working in the domestic-service industry, and I am sure other women can also do the same," Zhu says. During the past decade, she has organized hundreds of vocational-skills-training courses, including free training courses for women coping with various difficulties.

Today, Zhu's free training courses are among the most popular "open classes," and are well attended by locals. After they have attended the classes, many unemployed women have found jobs in the domestic-service sector, and as a result entered a new stage in their lives.



Zhu's company and training school, combined, have trained more than 15,000 people to work in the domestic-service sector. The employment rate of her trainees exceeds 95 percent.

About 1,000 maternity matrons and domestic workers have found jobs in big cities, such as East China's Shanghai Municipality and Guangzhou, in South China's Guangdong Province. More than 60 trainees have found work overseas.

During the past two years, Zhu's company and school have trained more than 6,000 domestic workers, who have been in the sector for a few years, to strengthen their overall ability to adequately serve their clients.

Zhu has a loving heart, and she is always willing to help those in need. She established a team of women volunteers in 2018, and she has since served as the team's head.

She and her team visit in-need people and seniors who live alone, and they deliver gifts to those people during holidays and festivals.

In 2019, Zhu established a nursing home for the elderly in a community in Hexian County, and that home has since provided free activities attended by local seniors.

Zhu has been honored as a March 8th Red-Banner Holder of Hexian County, a Good Samaritan of Hexian and a Good Samaritan of Ma'anshan for her dedication to delivering warmth to thousands of families, by helping develop the domestic-services industry, for her efforts in helping women find employment and lead better lives, and for her kindness and assistance to people in need.

Photos from Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly July 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Council select Bromcom cloud MIS for 71 schools to transform data management and communications

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jul 25th, 2024

Bromcom, a Management Information System, provider have said Wrexham Council has selected them to roll out its cloud MIS to all 71 schools in the area.

They say, The previous system, still used across almost all of Wales, has been in place for more than 30 years. Having won the contract for supplying MIS for 1,100 schools in Northern Ireland, this opportunity to serve schools in Wales puts Bromcom in a unique position in the broader UK market landscape.

Wrexhams 71 schools will move to Bromcoms MIS by Spring term 2025. Five pilot schools are already engaged in the partnership and will go live by the end of September this year. The remaining 66 schools will begin their implementation towards the end of the Autumn term.

The pilot school programme will help the local authority to complete the migration process at a smaller scale initially and allow the remaining schools to make the switch seamlessly in the following months.

Bromcom MIS provides a powerful suite of administration, analysis and communication tools in one intuitive interface. It includes a parent portal, clubs/trips management and student/parent/teacher apps.

Parents and students will be able to use the app and portals in both English and Welsh, that Bromcom say is a first for Welsh MIS.

Richard Hatwood, Headteacher at Ysgol yr Holl Saint  All Saints School, one of the Councils pilot schools, said: With Bromcom, well be able to do more with less work. Not only does the MIS system enable us to do what we need to do today, but its flexible and adaptable functionality means that it will be able to cater to our requirements in the future too.

Bromcoms look and feel is very user friendly, which is really important to us. Changing MIS is significant to any school, so having a system that is so easy to use, as well as highly functional will reassure our staff and parents and support in a smooth transition.

Ali Guryel, Managing Director of Bromcom Computers, added: We are thrilled to partner with our first ever Welsh local authority, Wrexham. Were excited to be working shoulder to shoulder to roll out our cloud MIS to 71 schools.

Our commitment to excellence means that we will continually refine and improve our software based on feedback from our Welsh schools, and we are dedicated to making our platform available in Welsh as an option for all Welsh local authorities, schools and families.

Wrexham Council did not respond for further comment / detail.
Warning that North Wales is hurtling towards 1,600 care home bed deficit

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jul 25th, 2024

North Wales is hurtling towards a 1,600 care home bed deficit over the next decade.

That is the view of specialist business property adviser Christie & Co which warns that the total deficit for Wales will be 10,000 beds at a time when demand is rapidly increasing.

According to Care Forum Wales (CFW) the alarming figures show the need for social care to be funded properly for existing homes to survive and encourage the development of new ones.

CFW warned that Wales was sleepwalking into disaster because the growing shortage of care home beds would pile pressure on the NHS when hospitals were already virtually at breaking point.

Christie & Co also revealed in the report that 40 elderly care homes in Wales closed and only four opened between 2020 and 2023  with no new ones in North Wales.

Among the closures in North Wales were Trewythen Hall in Gresford, Bay Court in Kinmel Bay, Gwastad Hall in Cefn y Bedd and Morfa Newydd in Greenfield with the loss of more than 160 beds.

CFW Chair Mario Kreft MBE said the Christie & Co reports paints a bleak picture and illustrates how the existing crisis is going to get even worse.

He warned that this will create a double whammy for overstretched hospitals which already have ambulances queuing outside emergency departments and patients on trolleys in corridors.

Instead of being able to build more care homes to meet growing demand, we are seeing more and more care home closures, said Mario Creft MBE.

The cost of building new care homes and replacing the beds we are losing now is absolutely eye-watering.

Our public finances in Wales are already under pressure so where is this money coming from?

The way care homes are funded in Wales is a total postcode lottery with 29 variations on a theme, with most of social care being commissioned by the 22 local authorities and seven health boards.

Within that there is a gaping North-South divide with five of the six county councils in North Wales paying the lowest fees, arrived at by a fee-fixing cartel known as the North Wales Regional Fees Group.

According to Mario Kreft the main threat to care homes is the unrealistically low fees that the vast majority of councils and health boards pay, fees that come nowhere near covering the true cost of providing care.

Weve had a generation of injustice and its a generation where the institutional prejudice and discrimination against the private care sector in Wales has meant that those living and working in these fantastic community assets have not been valued, he added.

The problems we have in social care lead to the pressures in the NHS which lead of course then to extra costs being placed on the NHS which would largely be alleviated if local authorities had a more enlightened approach to social care.

The families of those people, who will often be expected to make up the difference, need to ask why and quite frankly, it is a bridge too far.

What this demonstrates is that there is an urgent need for us to look again at the way social care is funded.

We need a national approach to eliminate this iniquitous postcode lottery so that the people for whom we provide care and our staff are treated fairly.

This is too important to be left to local authorities and health boards alone  it has to be driven by the Welsh Government.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2024 - 20:49 | All, Japan

Around 30 people who were passengers on a high-speed jet ferry that lost control of its rudder Wednesday in waters south of Tokyo have been returned to the capital's bay from Oshima Island, where the ship was towed to.

A separate vessel operated by Tokai Kisen Co. docked at Takeshiba port around 2 p.m. Thursday carrying the visibly tired passengers, a day after their jetfoil ferry ended up adrift about 17 kilometers southwest of Nojimasaki Lighthouse, a historic landmark on the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture.

The ship, named "Seven Islands Ai," had left Tokyo Bay carrying 116 passengers and five crew members early Wednesday and was headed to Shikine Island of the Izu island chain. At around 10 a.m. that day, the operator reported that it had "lost control of steering due to an oil leak."

The vessel was originally scheduled to be diverted to Oshima Island on Wednesday evening but its arrival was delayed until the following morning, as rough wind and wave conditions resulted in difficulties towing the ferry.

While some individuals reported feeling seasick and fatigued, none aboard sustained any injuries, according to the Japan Coast Guard.

Eri Hosokawa, 31, was among those who decided to return to Tokyo Bay due to work commitments. It was a "terrible situation," with many passengers on board vomiting, she said.

There were crying children, while those lying down on the floor or seats were asked if they were okay, according to Hosokawa.

While a coast guard helicopter delivered food and water, very few people ate. Passengers were instructed to use bottled water to flush the toilet as the water supply on the ship was running low, she said.

"I was so anxious I couldn't sleep, but I finally felt some relief upon seeing a lighthouse (on Oshima) at around 3:30 a.m.," Hosokawa recalled.

Related coverage:

Ferry with over 100 passengers went adrift in waters south of Tokyo
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2024 - 19:36 | All, Japan

Japan plans to build a training site for surface-to-ship missile launches on a remote Pacific island, a Defense Ministry official said Thursday, in its latest effort to strengthen the nation's long-range strike capabilities amid China's military assertiveness.

The ministry has already informed local officials of the plan to set up the facilities on Minamitori Island, Japan's easternmost island, approximately 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, and start its operation in fiscal 2026 or later, the official said.

If realized, the training site would be the first one in the country for missiles with a range of over 100 km, according to the official.

Exercises using an upgraded version of the Ground Self-Defense Force's Type-12 land-to-ship guided missile with an extended range of some 1,000 km, being developed toward its deployment in fiscal 2025 that starts next April, will possibly be carried out at the new site.

Gen. Yasunori Morishita, chief of staff of the GSDF, told a press conference Thursday that having Japan's own missile range would "maintain and enhance proficiency," noting that the force has previously conducted such trainings in the United States and Australia.

The plan emerged as Tokyo aims to acquire "counterstrike capabilities" of attacking targets in enemy territory directly in an emergency, with Beijing's military buildup and provocative activities in waters near Japan, especially the East China Sea, in mind.

The capabilities are aimed at deterring attacks from outside forces by developing and procuring missiles capable of being launched from beyond the range of enemy fire.

The policy is part of the National Security Strategy, the government's key defense guidelines revamped in late 2022, marking a major shift from Japan's exclusively defense-oriented policy in the postwar era under its pacifist Constitution.

The GSDF has deployed surface-to-ship missile units in Miyako and Ishigaki islands in the southern prefecture of Okinawa, Uruma on Okinawa's main island, and Amami-Oshima Island in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima.

Minamitori Island has no civilian population, with only Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force members and Meteorological Agency personnel stationed there.

Related coverage:

Japan, Britain, Italy agree to advance fighter jet co-development

2 Japan SDF helicopters found on seabed after fatal April crash

Fuselage of 1 of 2 SDF helicopters in April crash found
Just seven out of 411 Labour MPs voted on Tuesday to scrap the punitive two-child limit on welfare benefits introduced by Britains Conservative government in 2015. In total, 363 Labour MPs voted to keep 1.6 million children and 400,000 households in poverty.

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) says removing the cap on benefits, which costs affected UK households up to 3,455 a year, would make a significant difference to one million children in poverty, and would lift 300,000 children out of poverty altogether.

A Scottish National Party (SNP) amendment to abolish the two-child benefit cap was lost 363 votes to 103 in the House of Commons, delivering a majority of 260 for Labours legislative agenda as set out in last weeks Kings Speech.

But Labours victory was deemed insufficient by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who moved within hours to suspend all seven Labour MPsApsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain, Rebecca Long-Bailey, John McDonnell and Zarah Sultanawho voted for the SNP amendment.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (right) appoints Rachel Reeves as his Chancellor from the Cabinet Office in 10 Downing Street, July 5, 2024 [Photo by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Tuesdays vote has underscored not only the authoritarian and nakedly pro-business character of the incoming Labour government. It has confirmed the bankruptcy of all claims made by Jeremy Corbyn and his allies in the Socialist Campaign Group (SCG) of Labour MPs that the party can be pushed to the left. Indeed, 11 members of the SCG voted to keep the two-child benefit cap.

An Early Day Motion (EDM) sponsored by Labour backbenchers on July 17 that called for the caps immediate scrapping already showed the direction of travel. It attracted support from just 20 Labour MPs among 38 signatories. Of these 20 Labour signatories, 13 U-turned on Tuesday, abstaining or voting against the SNPs amendment. Those voting against included Grahame Morris (Easington), Dawn Butler (Brent East), Kate Osborne (Jarrow and Gateshead East), Emma Lewill-Buck (South Shields) and Neil Duncan-Jordan (Poole).

Labour MPs who abstained included Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill), Jon Trickett (Normanton and Hemsworth), Ian Lavery (Blyth and Ashington), Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East), and Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East). Diane Abbott was absent due to unspecified personal reasons.

Ahead of the vote, Starmer had announced a review of benefits to stave off a rebellion by Labour backbenchers. But he has repeatedly made clear the governments iron-clad commitment to maintaining the two-child cap and similar vindictive measures against the poor, citing fiscal rules. In the wake of Tuesdays vote, Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the governments support for the cap, demanding of her critics: wheres the money going to come from?

Reeves said it would cost 3 billion to axe the cap, a figure dwarfed by corporate tax cuts backed by Labour and the 52 billion lavished on the military. Labour has confirmed it will hand over 3 billion annually for the war in Ukraine and will renew the Trident nuclear weapons programme at an estimated cost of 200 billion. All part of Starmers cast iron commitment to spending 2.5 percent of GDP on defence, an extra 75 billion by 2030.

Labours support for the two-child limit on welfare places it to the right of fascistic sections of the Tory Party and of Nigel Farages Reform UK, which claims publicly to oppose the policy, though its MPs abstained on Tuesdays vote.

On Monday, former Tory Home Secretary Suella Braverman attacked the total failure of the Labour government to deal with child poverty, telling the House of Commons I believe this cap is aggravating child poverty, and its time for it to go. Now I know the argument dont have children if you cant afford them. For me, thats not compassionate, its not fair. Its not the right thing to do.

Needless to say, Braverman, whose name is a byword for political reaction for her brutal crackdown on refugees and criminalisation of Gaza protests, is not motivated by humanitarian concerns. Her strategy, like that of Reform UK, is to seize on the social distress and anger produced by Labours pro-business policies and shift this in a far-right direction.

Almost a form of eugenics

Labours support for capping child benefits is a form of right-wing social engineering that criminalises the poor.

On Tuesday, Sir Michael Marmot, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London, told LBC Radio: Its almost a form of eugenics saying if poor families choose to have extra children, were going to clobber them. If you consign something like 1.6 million children to further hardship, thats going to affect their trajectory for the rest of their lives.

The policy also targets immigrant families, with the Muslim Council of Britain stating after Tuesdays vote that the two-child cap disproportionately affects families in low socio-economic groups, including religious minorities such as Muslims. Of the 10 poorest constituencies in England, eight have Muslim populations of more than 20 percent and 60 percent of Muslim families have three children or more.

Not only did the cap remove more than 5 billion from the poorest families since 2017, the number of abortions also increased. Abortions in England and Wales rose sharply from 185,596 in 2016 to 207,384 in 2019an 11.7 percent increase. Abortion rates for women who already had two children experienced the sharpest rise. Additional research by Canary found the poorest women were having abortions at more than twice the rate as the richest.

Charities say the benefits system and welfare sanctioning have contributed to 4.6 million living in poverty, up by one million since 2010-11. Increased child poverty is also fuelling a mental health crisis, with one in five young people aged 8-25 suffering a diagnosed mental health problem, according to a report published this week by the Children and Young Peoples Mental Health Coalition and Save the Children UK.

By aged 11, the poorest children are four times more likely to suffer mental health difficulties than the wealthiest.

Against such vicious measures, the vote by seven Labour MPs for a toothless SNP parliamentary motion does not even rise to the level of rebellion.

Not one of the suspended MPs has denounced Starmer or issued the call for mass protests against Labours socially reactionary policies, let alone a break with this rotten party of NATO and the super-rich. They will sit dutifully in parliament for six months, when a review will determine their future in the party and when, as they are at pains to emphasise, they look forward to returning to the government benches.

Long-Bailey said she was deeply saddened to have lost the Labour whip, adding, I will continue to work with the government. Suspended MP Zarah Sultana said she had slept well after her vote on the SNPs amendment, telling ITVs Good Morning Britain: I look forward to many bills that will be coming forward in this government including nationalising rail, the new deal for working people.

McDonnell, who served as shadow chancellor under Jeremy Corbyn, rejected any fight against the government, appealing instead to Starmers own nationalist mantra: I dont like voting for other parties amendments but Im following Keir Starmers example as he said put country before party.

Corbyn and newly elected independent MPs Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, Iqbal Mohamed and Shockat Adam, issued a joint statement welcoming the suspended MPs: We look forward to working closely with you as you represent your constituents more effectively than ever as Independent Members of Parliament.

Corbyns letter fails to acknowledge that all seven MPs intend to remain members of the Labour Party and wish to resume their positions at the earliest opportunity. As ever, Corbyn himself refused to call for a break from Labour and the establishment of a socialist alternative based on the mobilisation of the working class, an outcome he is doing everything in his power to prevent.
Against the backdrop of the deep political crisis in the United States and the possibility of former president Donald Trump winning the presidential election, Germanys ruling class is accelerating its return to militarism.

Inspector General Breuer, Defence Minister Pistorius and Chancellor Scholz take part in a ceremonial swearing-in of Bundeswehr recruits on the 80th anniversary of the Stauffenberg assassination [Photo by Bundesregierung/Sebastian Rau]

In an extensive interview with the Tagesspiegel newspaper on Monday, the top military brass, Inspector General of the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces), Carsten Breuer, reiterated Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Social Democrat, SPD) call for Germany to become more independent of Washington in terms of foreign policy and to make society as a whole again fit for war.

The occasion for the interview was the 80th anniversary of the failed assassination attempt on Hitler by Wehrmacht officer Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg on July 20, 1944.

During his presidency, Trump has brutally held up a mirror to us Europeans and made it clear that we must strengthen the European pillar of the alliance and take on a role that is more independent of the USsomething that other US presidents before him have also called for, explained the Bundeswehrs most senior soldier. And at the latest with the Russian war of aggression, everyone understood that.

In fact, Breuers own statements make it clear that the NATO powers are the main aggressors in the Ukraine war. With their decades-long encirclement of Russia, they have downright provoked the Kremlins reactionary invasion. Now they are escalating the conflict further and further in order to bring Russia to its knees militarily and realise long-cherished rearmament and war plans.

In the interview, Breuer called for, among other things:

Additional funds for this years war budget in order to establish the full operational readiness of the Bundeswehr and to make the necessary new acquisitions. The goal is effective structures that make us fit for war.

The swift reintroduction of compulsory military service: We urgently need military service because it trains the future reservists that we will have to be able to call on in the event of defence. Anyone who performs basic military service for six months could be part of Germanys operational plan in the event of defence.

In other words, it is about recruiting cannon fodder for a direct war against Russia. This is what the secret, 1000-page Operation Plan Germany is all abouta detailed concept for the total mobilisation for war in all areas of society. He wanted to appeal to the young people in our country to ask themselves one question: Am I prepared to defend Germany?

Increaseed military aid for Ukraine: Breuer emphasised in the interview that Kiev remained dependent on Western solidarity and support in order to be able to defend itself. Everything was being done to ensure that Ukraine continues to receive the support it urgently needs.

Breuer also praised the permanent deployment of a German combat brigade to Lithuania and defended the planned stationing of long-range US precision weapons in Germany. This was not an aggressive act on our part, but a reaction to the Russian arms build-up. This is the familiar propaganda. In reality, the stationing serves direct military strikes against Moscow, as the WSWS emphasises in its statement No stationing of US missiles in Germany! Stop the danger of nuclear escalation!

The failed assassination attempt on Hitler on July 20, 1944, the 80th anniversary of which served as a hook for the interview, embodied our moral obligation from German history that these crimes must never be repeated, Breuer cynically claimed. Only to then propagate a rearmament and war programme that stands in direct continuity with the Nazis and the Third Reich.

On Saturday, Breuer, Pistorius and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) had already used the ceremonial pledge of allegiance on the 80th anniversary of the assassination attempt in the Defence Ministrys Bendlerblock in Berlin, which also houses the German Resistance Memorial Center, to swear in the recruits to the new war offensive against Russia.

The new era in foreign policy declared by Scholz after the Russian attack on the whole of Ukraine meant that we must make more of an effort to secure our peace and defend our freedom, the chancellor said. That was why we stand unwaveringly by the side of the invaded Ukraine. That is why we are taking on greater responsibility within NATO, especially on the eastern border of our alliance. And that is why we are strengthening our Bundeswehr.

The resistance fighters of July 20 had not been lucky enough to live to see this other, better Germany, Scholz continued. And yet they laid one of the foundations for our democratic country, for our country that is committed to human dignity, the freedom of the individual, a united Europe and the pursuit of peace in the world.

That is a lie in two respects. The military men around Stauffenberg were no more committed to democracy, freedom and peace than the ruling class is today. In terms of foreign policy, Berlin is once again beating the war drum against Russia, supporting Israels genocide against the Palestinians and working to organise the whole of Europe under its leadership in order to pursue the interests of German imperialism globally. Domestically, this programme goes hand in hand with massive social attacks and the establishment of a police state.

It is only logical that the ruling class should rely on the assassins of July 20. Even though they were supported by leading representatives of the banned SPD and the trade unions, Stauffenberg and his comrades-in-arms were reactionary henchmen of German militarism who, by killing Hitler, wanted above all to avert Germanys complete military defeat in the Second World War.

Contrary to the heroic propaganda spread by the German government and all the establishment parties and the media, the July 20 conspirators were not champions of freedom and democracy. The majority of them were right-wing anti-democrats, antisemites and nationalists who had long supported the Hitler regime and were themselves deeply involved in the Nazi crimes.

Some of the most important figures in the plot, already characterised by the WSWS in its article on the 75th anniversary of the assassination, include:

General Eduard Wagner, who provided the plane that took Stauffenberg to the Fuhrers headquarters at the Wolfs Lair and back to Berlin after the assassination, played a central role in the planning and execution of the war of annihilation against the Soviet Union.

Prisoners of war in the prison camps who are not working must starve to death, he stated in November 1941. With regard to the blockade of Leningrad, he wrote to his wife on September 9, 1941: First of all, Petersburg has to be left to stew, what are we supposed to do with a city of 3 1/2 million that is only putting food on our wallets. Theres no sentimentality about it.

Wolf-Heinrich von Helldorf, with whom Stauffenberg had met personally several times in 1944 and whom Himmler named first among the conspirators in his speech to the Gauleiters on August 3, 1944, had been a member of the NSDAP (Nazi Party), Sturm Abteilung (SA, Storm Troop) and SS long before the transfer of power to Hitler. Together with the then Gauleiter of Berlin, Joseph Goebbels, he organised the first antisemitic pogrom in Berlin on September 12, 1931, the day of the Jewish New Year, with the so-called Kurfustendamm riot.

He later played a central role in the deportation of Jews from the capital. Helldorff hands me a list of the measures taken against the Jews in Berlin. They are now really rigorous and comprehensive. This is how we will drive the Jews out of Berlin in the foreseeable future, Goebbels noted in his diary on July 2, 1938.

SS Gruppenfuhrer Arthur Nebe, whose units were supposed to arrest leading representatives of the Nazi regime after the assassination attempt, headed the notorious Einsatzgruppe B (mobile killing unit) in the first months of the war against the Soviet Union. Under his command, the death squad murdered more than 45,000 civilians, the majority of whom were Jews. He tested mass killings with poison gas, procured the poison gas for the murder of the disabled, e.g. in Action T4, and led the investigation into the communist resistance fighter Georg Elser, who had only just failed in his attempt to assassinate Hitler and almost the entire Nazi leadership on 8 November 1939 in the Burgerbraukeller in Munich.

In December 1941, Stauffenberg himself welcomed the unification of the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht in Hitlers hands. He had seen the beginning of the Second World War as redemption and wrote in a letter to his wife in the course of the invasion of Poland: The population is an incredible rabble, a great many Jews and a great many mixed people. A people who only feel at ease under the heel. The thousands of prisoners will do our agriculture a lot of good. In Germany they are certainly good to use, hard-working, willing and frugal.

Before the assassination attempt, Stauffenberg professed his commitment in spirit and in deed to the great traditions of the German people and to the Germanic essence. He declared that he despised the lie of equality and that the new order he was striving for had to be based on the recognition of natural ranks.

By honouring these extreme right-wing and nationalist figures, the German government is itself making clear the dark traditions to which it is returning in terms of foreign and domestic policy. Significantly, the pledge was also attended by representatives of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is being systematically built up and courted by the ruling class in order to push through the war policy against growing resistance from the population. On X (formerly Twitter), AfD member of the Bundestag (parliament) and former Bundeswehr soldier Jan Nolte, among others, boasted about his participation and published a picture of the military parade in the Bendlerblock.
The Democratic Party establishment is moving rapidly to guarantee the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris well before the Democratic National Convention opens in Chicago August 19.

The rules committee of the DNC voted Wednesday to hold a virtual nomination vote of all convention delegates during the first week of August, in order to meet ballot requirements in Ohio. State governors and other party bosses have already announced that a majority of convention delegates will cast their votes for Harris, based on online polling of state delegations.

President Joe Biden speaks with Vice President Kamala Harris after addressing the Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023 in Philadelphia. [AP Photo/Patrick Semansky]

Harris must select a vice-presidential running mate before the virtual vote is held. A half dozen Democratic governors, senators and Biden administration officials are currently being vetted by the Harris campaign, a process that usually takes months but has been telescoped into a 10-day period.

Since President Joe Biden announced Sunday he was withdrawing from the election campaign, there has been a surge of campaign cash into the Democratic Partys coffers, as well as a deluge of flattering media publicity, hailing the supposed youthfulness and excitement that the 59-year-old former senator and California state attorney general brings to the campaign. Polls reportedly show that the race between Harris and Trump is effectively tied, particularly in the six or seven closely contested battleground states.

On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who had briefly held back from endorsing Harris, appeared together on Capitol Hill to declare their support. Only a handful of prominent Democrats, including former president Barack Obama, have yet to officially endorse the presumptive nominee.

Harris made her first public appearance as the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Tuesday in Milwaukee, where the fascist Republican National Convention was held last week. She made a series of demagogic pledges for actions that the Biden-Harris administration has been incapable of accomplishing, including guaranteeing that every person has affordable health care, affordable child care, and paid family leave, and every senior can retire with dignity.

In reality, the Biden-Harris administration has subordinated all social spending to the demands of its aggressive and militaristic foreign policy, including all-out backing for the war against Russia in Ukraine, tens of billions for Israel to carry out genocide in Gaza and prepare for war against Iran, and a military build-up in the Indo-Pacific region directed against China.

Harris is fully committed to continuing all these policies and has the support of the bulk of the military-intelligence apparatus in doing so. They distrust the Trump-Vance ticket, regarding Trump as too erratic and impulsive and Vance as willing to do and say anything to keep in Trumps good graces.

This was demonstrated in an open letter signed by 350 former ambassadors, military officers, CIA executives and other national security officials, most of them Democrats from the Clinton, Obama and Biden administrations, but including many prominent Republicans and career government officials not affiliated with either capitalist party.

The letter declared:

When it comes to handling Americas national security, Vice President Harris requires no on-the-job training. In fact, if elected President, she would enter that office with more significant national security experience than the four Presidents prior to President Biden [i.e., Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump]. And in todays global security environment, we need a strong and tested leader. Vice President Harriss record of diplomacy is outstanding. She has met with President Xi of China and dozens of leaders throughout the Indo-Pacific as part of our efforts to strengthen alliances and partnerships, grow our economy, and out-compete China. Across four trips to the Indo-Pacific and representing the United States at numerous global summits, the Vice President has strengthened alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and in particular, Southeast Asia, in recognition of the importance of this region to American security and prosperity. She has met six times with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, including in a meeting five days before Russia invaded Ukraine in order to warn him of the imminent invasion and help Ukraine prepare. She has traveled to NATOs Eastern Flank and helped ensure NATO unity in the face of Russias war against Ukraine.

Those signing the letter endorsing Harris include the national security officials most closely involved in the preparation and instigation of the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, such as Victoria Nuland, former under-secretary of state for political affairs and chief organizer of the 2014 Maidan coup that overthrew the elected pro-Russian government in Kiev, as well as Obamas two secretaries of state, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former CIA Director Michael Hayden, former CIA Director and Pentagon chief Leon Panetta, former national security advisers Thomas Donilon and Susan Rice, and former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, as well as former CIA general counsel Jeremy Bash, the former husband of CNN anchor Dana Bash.

The Republicans or Republican appointees to top State Department and Pentagon positions include Robert Blackwill, Robert Work, Richard Haass and Chuck Hagel.

Demonstrating the priorities of the Democratic campaign, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, one of the top prospects being vetted as a possible running mate for Harris, lashed out publicly Wednesday against Republican vice-presidential candidate J. D. Vance, charging that he would abandon Ukraine in favor of 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, he told Politico. 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.

A former astronaut and Navy pilot, Kelly has advocated training Ukrainian pilots on US-built F-16 fighter jets at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. Kelly reportedly visited the Farnborough International Airshow in England this week, where he conducted discussions about US military assistance to Ukraine.

The vast flood of campaign cash for Harris and the Democrats comes from two sources. Some $126 million has been raised in small-dollar donations from workers and middle-class people fooled by the claims that Harris would represent a more progressive and vigorous alternative to the fascistic campaign of Trump and Vance.

Even more money, however, comes from billionaire supporters of the Democratic Party, who played a major role in forcing out Biden by withholding promised donations. One of those financial oligarchs, Abigail Disney, an heiress to the Disney fortune, revealed publicly that she had reversed her previous decision to hold back support for Biden, and would pump millions into super PACs backing Harris.
Amid the massive political crisis in America, Australian parliamentarians have declared their ironclad commitment to the US alliance whatever happens in Washington.

The Labor government, joined by the Liberal-National Coalition opposition, fawned over the right-wing gangster Donald Trump after he narrowly escaped assassination, dispatched its ambassador Kevin Rudd to the openly fascistic Republican National Convention, and conveyed its well-wishes to the senile war criminal Joe Biden when he announced he would not stand for re-election.

Each of these actions has been a signal that Canberra remains fully committed to the US-led war drive globally, including the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, a proxy war against Russia in Ukraine and advanced preparations for a catastrophic conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific. The response is in line with the explicit support of Labor and the Coalition for American-led militarism worldwide.

More revealing was the reaction of Greens leader Adam Bandt to Bidens announcement.

Greens leader Adam Bandt [Photo by Julian Meehan / CC BY 2.0

The Greens are the only parliamentary party to have accurately branded the Israeli onslaught on Gaza a genocide, to have demanded that it end and to have pointed to the complicity of the Australian government.

For this, the Greens have repeatedly been denounced by Labor and the Coalition, together with the corporate press. At the same time, they have won a degree of respect and support from layers of young people and others being politicised by the horrific war crimes.

Bidens responsibility for the Israeli massacre is so widely recognised that he will forever be remembered by the moniker Genocide Joe. Given that, and the Greens stated opposition to the destruction of Gaza, one may have expected a sharp word from Bandt on Bidens announcement that he would not contest the presidential election.

Instead, the Greens leader posted on X/Twitter: Big respect to Joe Biden for making what would have been a very difficult decision overnight. There was not a critical note, either over Bidens involvement in the mass murder of Palestinians, or his decades-long political career, which has consisted of supporting one war crime after another and representing the interests of the Wall Street banks.

Bidens decision to accept his own mental decrepitude may have been a very difficult one. However, there is no indication that providing the Israeli regime with two-thousand pound bombs to level Gaza gave him any difficulty. Indeed, Bidens most lucid moments over recent months have been when he has spoken of the need to wage war globally to advance US imperialist interests.

Greens supporters may dismiss Bandts comment as a one-liner without political significance and/or a gesture of grace. But that is refuted by the context. Bandt connected his well-wishes to Biden with a blanket endorsement of whoever was to succeed him as Democratic Party candidate.

Because Bandt rushed out his statement, Bidens replacement was not yet named, but it was clear that it would either be his Vice President Kamala Harris or another pro-business warmonger.

Nevertheless, Bandt declared: The new Democratic presidential candidate must do all they can to keep Trump out of office, and Americans should vote for them. This was because [a] second Donald Trump term would be dangerous. For the climate, for already marginalised communities, and for the growing threat of far-right extremism.

The Democrats, whom Bandt was promoting as fighters of far-right extremism on Monday, were today giving a standing ovation to the Israeli version of Hitler, Benjamin Netanyahu, whom they invited to a special joint sitting of Congress together with the Republicans.

More generally, Bandt and other proponents of lesser-evilism are unable to explain why Trump and his fascist MAGA movement have been immeasurably strengthened by four years of Bidens presidency.

Biden and the Democrats responded to Trumps attempted fascist coup in January 2021 by covering up its dire implications and declaring their wish for a strong Republican Party. To the extent Trump has been able to make a pseudo-populist appeal to discontent, it is the result of the reactionary, pro-business and pro-war policies that Biden has enacted.

Trumps fascist movement will not be defeated by voting for the Democrats, but by building a socialist movement of the working class against the two-party system.

It is striking that Bandt, in his commentary on Bidens resignation and the implications of the US election, didnt even mention the Gaza genocide. For the Greens, this historic war crime is one issue among many, to be raised when politically convenient, and to be shelved when not.

In his rush to join the paeans to Biden, Bandt was above all sending a message to the Australian political establishment and the ruling elite it represents. The Greens may have limited criticisms of the genocide and of such things as AUKUS, the militarist pact preparing for war with China, but they accept the whole framework within which these policies are pursued, including the US alliance itself.

Bandts line on the US has an immediate domestic relevance. While they have condemned the governments complicity in the genocide, the Greens have not ruled out preferencing Labor or forming some sort of power-sharing arrangement with it after an election that must be held by next May. They will almost certainly do the former, and would pursue the latter if Labor called on them.

The Greens line on Gaza, while including emotive denunciations of the horrors, has largely consisted of appeals to the Labor government to do the right thing. The party has continued such moral appeals, even as Labor has doubled down on its support for Israel at every step.

The purpose of the Greens posturing is to divert opposition back behind the political establishment, while advising the government that establishing some distance from the Israeli regime is necessary to diffuse mass anger. At the same time as the genocide has occurred, the Greens have continued to collaborate with Labor on other issues.

As the WSWS has previously reviewed in detail, the Greens are not an anti-war party. They are among the most enthusiastic proponents of the US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, one of the signature policies of Bidens presidency.

For American imperialism, the war in the Middle East, the conflict with Russia and the confrontation with China are theaters of a single global conflict, aimed at establishing untrammeled US hegemony. The Greens cover up this fundamental realityan understanding of which is essential to fighting warsupporting Washingtons good wars, while offering verbal criticisms of its bad wars.

This is not new, with the Greens having supported the US regime-change operations in Libya and Syria during the 2010s, which served as a direct precursor to the current eruption of imperialist militarism globally, including the genocide in Gaza.

Bandts online nod to Biden recalls an earlier episode. In 2011, then President Barack Obama addressed the Australian parliament, announcing from its floor a new US pivot to Asia, a vast military build-up throughout the region directed against China. Bandt, following then Greens leader, Bob Brown, was among the first in line to shake Obamas hand and congratulate him after he had outlined this militarist program.

At the time, the Greens were in a formal alliance with the minority Labor government of Julia Gillard. The Greens propped up Gillards government as it aligned Australia with the US war drive targeting China, aided the persecution of Julian Assange, victimised welfare recipients, took the axe to education and healthcare, and supported Israeli oppression of the Palestinians. The Greens would do so again if given the chance.

Bandts comments are also an exposure of the various pseudo-left groups, such as Solidarity and Socialist Alternative. They have buried the Greens support for militarism, instead presenting its posturing on Gaza as bona fide and laudable, as they have adopted the same position of subordinating opposition to feckless appeals to Labor.

The fight against genocide and imperialist war means building a political party of the working class, against Labor, the Coalition, the Greens and the entire parliamentary set-up. The Socialist Equality Party is alone in advancing this perspective, as part of a global struggle to mobilise the working class against the source of the deepening barbarism: capitalism itself. Join the SEP as an electoral member today to ensure there is a genuine socialist, anti-genocide and anti-war party on the ballot at the federal election.
On Tuesday, seven US trade unions sent an open letter to the Biden White House requesting it cut off military assistance to Israel, in order to bring about a peaceful resolution to this conflict.

The signatories to the letter are: the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), the National Education Association (NEA), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the United Electrical Workers (UE). Collectively they cover approximately 6 million workers.

The letter was sent the day before Netanyahus speech to a joint session of Congress, where he was for the most part received warmly from politicians by both parties, which have overwhelmingly voted in favor of billions of dollars of additional military aid to Israel.

To be blunt, the letter is a political stunt aimed at getting out in front of mass opposition, especially in the working class, in order to divert it into worthless appeals to the Democrats. Workers should not be fooled by this.

The union bureaucrats have enthusiastically endorsed Genocide Joe for president, and are now seamlessly transitioning to support for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is equally culpable in the administrations war crimes. The APWU, whose President Mark Dimondstein was one of the few major union officials to oppose the war from the start, nevertheless combined a ceasefire resolution with an endorsement of Biden at its convention last week, even as Bidens campaign was crumbling.

The bureaucrats who run the seven unions have done next to nothing to mobilize members against the war. The letter adds in passing that union officials have spoken directly to leaders of Palestinian trade unions who told us heart wrenching stories of the conditions faced by working people in Gaza.

But they say nothing about the appeal by the Palestinian unions for worldwide industrial action to force a halt to the flow of weapons into Israel. They have ignored this call for months, which, to the extent that workers are aware of it, they strongly support.

The UAW announced it would send a delegation to the protests against Netanyahus speech only two days before, ensuring nobody would even see it in time to make arrangements to participate. Posts on Twitter/X indicate less than two dozen people, out of a total membership of 1.1 million including retirees, were present.

It goes without saying that their mobilization to encourage voters to turn out for Harris will be countless orders of magnitude more aggressive.

Beneath an outward show of opposition to the warwhich the letter notably does not characterize as a genocidethe real aim is to try to extricate Biden and the US from responsibility. We all shared hope that the three-part ceasefire proposal you outlined in the final week of May would bear fruit, allowing for the immediate end of violence, the safe return of hostages, and the creation of a space for a lasting peace.

But that proposal was a cynical diversion from the start, made as the US government carried out a massive crackdown on anti-war protests, shielding Israel from the International Criminal Court and resolutions in the United Nations and giving a green light to Israel for the assault on Rafah, which was then beginning. Instead, they present the continuation of the war as solely because of the Netanyahu government.

The fact that the US has been arming Israel in the first place shows that it is totally complicit in the genocide and that Israel is not acting alone, but as an agent of US imperialism. The appeal to Biden to cut off Netanyahu is akin to demanding that a mafia boss sanction one of his underlings for committing murder. It is also in line with the demands of pseudo-left protest organizers Wednesday who called on Biden to arrest Netanyahu.

In a statement distributed at its rally at the Capitol Wednesday, the Socialist Equality Party declared: It is not a question of begging Congress and the American ruling class to change their policies, but of fusing of the fight against war with the growing social movement of the working class in the struggle for the socialist transformation of society.

Bidens domestic NATO

This is exactly what the signatories want to prevent. The unions are controlled by a bureaucracy which is totally integrated with the imperialist state. This was made clear in a visit by Biden to the AFL-CIO headquarters this month during the NATO summit, where he called the unions his domestic NATO.

President Joe Biden speaks during a visit to AFL-CIO headquarters, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Washington, as AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler, right, listens. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

In other words, they are key allies in preparing society for war. This corporatist alliance with the bureaucracy, which Biden has made central to his administrations policies, is the real meaning of his claim to be the most pro-union president in American history.

The occasional insincere phrases about peace do not contradict this relationship, but are an essential part of preparing the public for war. All major wars in modern US history, including both world wars and the Vietnam War, were launched by presidents who won election as the peace candidate, inspiring hopes which left the population politically unprepared for what happened afterward. Although the Biden/Harris White House, dripping in blood from both Gaza and Ukraine, cannot credibly posture as anti-war, the bureaucracy is attempting to build up similar illusions that they can be pressured to change course.

This domestic NATO is also an alliance against the working class at home, from whom huge resources are being robbed to fund the military. Their role in imposing massive sellouts undermines and sabotages the opposition of workers to capitalist exploitation, the only viable social foundation for a movement against war.

The UAW: A case study

The case of the UAW is illustrative. UAW President Shawn Fain is a top Biden ally, making numerous joint appearances, including at this years State of the Union and a reception for the Japanese Prime Minister. Biden has also appointed Fain to the Export Council, a trade-war body where the UAW head sits alongside billionaires. In public speeches, Fain has taken up warmongering themes from Bidens State of the Union, particularly that American workers have to emulate the war economy from World War II.

President Joe Biden stands with Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, at the United Auto Workers' political convention, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, in Washington. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

In November, the UAW shut down its standup strike, limited to only a few auto plants, and imposed a contract which has since been used to lay off thousands of autoworkers. It was endorsed by Biden, who spoke alongside Fain.

Conscious of the growing opposition from the rank and file, the UAW apparatus passed a ceasefire resolution in December, only to endorse Biden in January while throwing out anti-war protesters from the hall. It then sought to limit and sabotage a strike against police crackdowns on protests by 48,000 UAW academic workers in the University of California system. It first tried to limit it to one out of 10 campuses but was compelled by a rank-and-file rebellion to eventually expand it, only to seize on a court injunction as an excuse to shut it down.

Bureaucracy in crisis

The particularly close relationship with the Biden White House explains why the bureaucrats circled the wagons around Biden when doubts arose about the viability of his campaign. Even while concerns were expressed by the partys billionaire donors about his advanced age and mental decline, no criticism was permitted by the bureaucrats of their patron-in-chief.

But the crisis in the Democratic Party, hated and discredited among workers and youth, is connected with a crisis in the union bureaucracy. New developments have shown Fains administration, elected on the basis of mass vote suppression with the backing of the Department of Labor, is totally illegitimate, and rank-and-file autoworkers are demanding new elections. The bureaucracy has fallen into factional infighting, with each accusing the other side of responsibility for layoffs, and a federal monitor is investigating corruption charges against much of its top leadership.

The recent NEA convention devolved into chaos due to a lockout of striking union staffers, as well as its suppression of dozens of local resolutions, including one calling for the union to rescind its support for Biden due to the White Houses support for genocide.

The American Federation of Teachers convention is currently underway, where Harris is due to speak. Union President Randi Weingarten, an ardent Zionist and member of the Democratic National Committee, issued extraordinarily nervous instructions to delegates Wednesday that anti-war protests from the convention floor during Harris appearance would not be tolerated. Let us morally support our sister as she is in the hall tomorrow, she declared.

With the Democrats in crisis, a section of the bureaucracy is openly floating an alliance with Trump and the fascist wing of the Republican Party, as shown by the appearance of Teamsters General President Sean OBrien at the Republican convention this month. Formerly hailed by the pseudo-left as the second-greatest union reformer behind Fain, he gave an America First speech denouncing corporations for their lack of patriotism.

The opposition among union officials and their supporters to OBriens speech was focused not on the content, which they agree with, but only that he is seeking to pursue it through the Republicans rather than the Democrats.

Workers cannot pressure the bureaucracy to change its line because its support for capitalism and war derives from its social interests, just as the policies of both parties express the interests of the corporate oligarchy. A real fight in the working class against war requires a complete break with both pro-war parties, as well as a rebellion against the pro-capitalist union bureaucracy.
On Wednesday, the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), World Socialist Web Site, International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) and International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) held a powerful rally and meeting in Washington D.C. to protest the address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a joint session of Congress.

Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Joe Kishore speaks at protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress

Hundreds of class-conscious workers and youth took part in the SEP rally and meeting, while thousands protested throughout Washington against Netanyahus provocative visit. His address to Congress took place just days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israels occupation of Palestine is illegal and weeks after The Lancet published an estimate that the true death toll in Gaza is at least 186,000.

The SEP rally coincided with Netanyahus speech before Congress, in which the fascist war criminal gave a full-throated defense of the genocide, stating, This is not a clash of civilizations. Its a clash between barbarism and civilization. Its a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life.

Dripping with cynicism, Netanyahu denounced anti-genocide protesters as Tehrans useful idiots and absurdly claimed that Iran is funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America, including those which coincided with his visit.

The reality is that Netanyahu is the most reviled politician in the world, widely recognized as a war criminal. Millions of workers and young people throughout the world have protested against the Israeli government and its imperialist backers, who have shamelessly perpetrated the greatest war crimes of the 21st century.

The SEP rally was unique among all protests that have taken place against the Gaza genocide. Each speaker advanced a revolutionary socialist strategy, based on a Trotskyist program and fighting for the unity of the international working class. In contrast to the myriad protests which have been called by various pseudo-left political tendencies, the SEP rally provided a political perspective upon which to build a powerful anti-war movement to stop the genocide in Gaza, the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine and the developing Third World War.

The rally was emceed by Lawrence Porter, SEP (US) assistant national secretary, who began with a moment of silence to honor the memory of the countless Palestinians slaughtered by the Israeli government, with the full backing of the US and other imperialist powers.

Porter stated:

We are here to tell the truth. The struggle against genocide and war requires the mobilization of the immense strength and power of the working class and its political independence from the Democrats and Republicans.

Porter then introduced Jerry White, the SEPs vice presidential candidate in the 2024 US elections. Whites speech highlighted the growing threat of an American fascist movement under Donald Trump, while connecting the struggle against war with the fight by workers to defend their jobs, wages and living standards.

White stated:

In opposition to the war criminals and corporate flacks in the US Congress who are welcoming the Butcher of Gaza to their blood-soaked chambers today, the Socialist Equality Party is advancing a program to mobilize the working class to fight for peace, good jobs and democratic rights.

He concluded:

The global protests against the genocide in Gaza demonstrate that the working class is more unified than ever before. Today, there can be no national solutions to war, climate crisis, pandemic, inequality or poverty. These are world problems and require world solutions. For humanity to progress, the working class must end the subordination of society to capitalist profit and the outmoded nation-state system and reorganize economic and political life on a rational, global and democratic basis. That is the fight for socialism.

White was followed by WSWS writer Andre Damon, who has written extensively on the Gaza genocide, the war in Ukraine and geopolitics more broadly.

Damon exposed the imperialist propaganda which repeats endlessly Israels supposed right to defend itself, stating:

Israel does not have the right to defend itself against an imprisoned population whose land it occupies with the aim of seizing it by force. For this reason, as the International Court of Justice made clear in a ruling last week, the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 is illegal.

Drawing parallels between the Gaza genocide and the Holocaust, Damon stated:

Adolf Hitler, addressing his generals before the launching of the war of extermination against Poland, asked, Who now speaks of the annihilation of the Armenians? He urged his soldiers to emulate Genghis Khan and wage war without mercy against entire peoples. As with Hitlers precedent in the Armenian genocide, American imperialism sees the extermination of the Palestinians as the example that must be followed in waging war without mercywar in which it is willing to sacrifice millions, not just Ukrainians or Russians or Chinese or Taiwanese, but millions of American workers who would perish to forge American imperialisms new world order out of blood and scattered entrails. Today, we march to stop the wave of barbarism sweeping over the globe, flowing like a torrent from every imperialist capital. Today, we gather to wage war on war.

Socialist autoworker Will Lehman, who ran for president of the United Auto Workers in 2022, spoke next. As a leader of the IWA-RFC, he concentrated on the growing opposition to war among workers in the US and internationally, stating:

At my plant, and among the autoworkers with whom I speak, anti-war sentiment is common. Workers know the trillions of dollars poured into war should be used to meet urgent needs, like higher wages, housing, education and healthcare. We have not forgotten the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which drained the countrys resources, led to the deaths of over a million civilians and were used to justify unprecedented levels of surveillance and attacks on our democratic rights.

Lehman went on to expose the lies of the UAW bureaucracy, which has postured as being against the Gaza genocide while backing the Biden-Harris administration to the hilt. He commented:

The statement by the UAW was issued not on behalf of the rank and file but of the bloated apparatus of careerists and parasites who draw six-figure salaries on our dues money. They have been under federal court monitorship for years as a result of systematic corruption that has only worsened in recent years. Shawn Fain has made a few meaningless statements about opposing the genocide in Gaza, while he gives full-throated support to Biden and now Harris. Meanwhile, the UAW bureaucracy has kept production running at UAW plants that produce weapons and equipment for the Israeli occupation forces. A movement must be built in the working class against genocide, war and capitalism.

The next speaker was Andy Thompson, a member of the IYSSE National Committee. Thompson focused his remarks on the impact of the genocide on young people, stating, As part of its policy of ethnic cleansing, the Israeli state has targeted schools, universities, and cultural institutions. Indeed, they are attempting to annihilate an entire culture.

Thompson also condemned the escalating US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, which has killed hundreds of thousands and threatens nuclear Armageddon.

He drew attention to the arrest of Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk, a leader of the Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists, which is affiliated with the IYSSE, stating:

The Zelensky government has imprisoned Bogdan for nothing but his ideas. For his conviction that Russians and Ukrainians and workers of all countries are brothers and that they should unite together in a movement against war. Bogdan has been arrested for being a fighter for revolutionary socialism, which is the biggest possible threat to imperialist war and the capitalist system.

WSWS writer Eric London, who has written widely on immigration and US politics, was the next speaker. Exposing the fraud of human rights imperialism, he asked pointedly,

How can the ruling class claim to be spreading democracy abroad when it has stamped out democracy at home? The toxic mixture of nationalism, xenophobia and jingoism has poisoned the political ecosystem. All the institutions of capitalist rulethe corporate media, the trade union bureaucracies, the Supreme Court and the two major partiesare totally subservient to the interests of an oligarchic elite that excludes the bottom 90 percent from having any influence on state policy.

After detailing the ruthless bipartisan assault on immigrants and democratic rights, London advanced a socialist response, stating:

The defense of democracy and the rights of immigrants is inseparable from the fight against imperialist war. The Socialist Equality Party demands the liberation of all detained immigrants, the halting of all deportation proceedings, and the development of a network of committees in the neighborhoods, schools and workplaces to unite immigrant and non-immigrant workers against the threat of deportation, and to educate workers by exposing the classic fascist misdirection that immigrants, and not the corporations and two parties, are responsible for declining living standards.

After London, the rally was addressed by David North, chairman of the Socialist Equality Party and the World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board. North began by quoting the opening statement of Robert H. Jackson, chief counsel for the United States to the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, given on November 21, 1945, in which Jackson stated:

It is hard now to perceive in these men as captives the power by which as Nazi leaders they once dominated much of the world and terrified most of it. Merely as individuals their fate is of little consequence to the world. What makes this inquest significant is that these prisoners represent sinister influences that will lurk in the world long after their bodies have returned to dust. We will show them to be living symbols of racial hatreds, of terrorism and violence, and of the arrogance and cruelty of power. They are symbols of fierce nationalisms and of militarism, of intrigue and war-making which have embroiled Europe generation after generation, crushing its manhood, destroying its homes, and impoverishing its life. They have so identified themselves with the philosophies they conceived and with the forces they directed that any tenderness to them is a victory and an encouragement to all the evils which are attached to their names. Civilization can afford no compromise with the social forces which would gain renewed strength if we deal ambiguously or indecisively with the men in whom those forces now precariously survive.

North commented:

The fact is that every word said by Jackson 79 years ago can be said with no less force against the leaders of the United States, against those who are assembled just a bit further down from where we stand today, and as a matter of fact the leaders of the ruling classes of Germany, France, Britain, the entire conglomeration of imperialist rulers.

He then drew parallels between the contemporary anti-war movement and that against the Vietnam War, in which he took part, asking:

What lessons must we draw from the fact that here we are a half-century later, protesting against even greater crimes? The lesson is, the great problem which we confronted then was the problem of historical knowledge, the ability to draw political lessons from the experiences of revolutionary struggles throughout the world. That is the significance of the Trotskyist movement. Nothing which is being said at other demonstrations attempts to put forward what we Marxists call perspective.

North emphasized the fundamental principles that must guide the building of an anti-war movement, stating:

The building of an anti-war movement requires the mobilization of the working class as an international force. It requires the establishment of the political independence of the working class. And it requires a perspective which has as its aim not protesting to the capitalists, appealing to them to adopt a peaceful policy, but explaining to the working class that if they want to put an end to these horrors, if they want to secure a future, they have to conquer power. That is the issue, and that is the message we put forward today.

The rally ended with a speech by Joseph Kishore, the Socialist Equality Partys presidential candidate in the US elections. Reviewing the historical background to the Gaza genocide, Kishore stated:

The present genocide is the outcome of more than three-quarters of a century of displacement, occupation and violence. It is the end point of Zionism, an ideology of extreme nationalism in an era of global economy. An ideology that in its origins was directed against the socialist and internationalist views shared by many Jewish workers and youth, and which formed the basis of a state that from its foundation has served as a bulwark of imperialism in the Middle East.

Kishore addressed the escalating political crisis in the United States, which reached a new stage Sunday after Biden ended his presidential reelection campaign, noting:

With Bidens resignation as the Democratic Party candidate, the torch is being passed from Genocide Joe to Killer Kamala. Concerned about the popular outrage over Netanyahus visit, Harris has fled the scene, electing not to preside over todays joint session of Congress. Her assurances to Netanyahu of American imperialisms continued support will be delivered in private. The American ruling class is backing this crime not only because Israel has long served as a beachhead for American imperialism in the Middle East, but because they see the final solution of the Palestinian problem as a component part of a global war.

Kishore concluded powerfully:

In order to meet the challenges that we confront, it is necessary to bring forward the experiences of the past, to reappropriate the great traditions of Marxism, of socialism. These traditions are embodied in the history of the Trotskyist movement, the International Committee of the Fourth International. Nowhere else can the great answers to the great questions that millions of workers and young people face be found, for it embodies the great experiences of great struggles. Capitalism is driving mankind toward catastrophe. The working class must fight for a different social order.

After the rally, attendees took part in a critical discussion to further strategize on the building of an anti-war movement. Collectively, Wednesdays rally and meeting hosted by the SEP marked a milestone in the development of a socialist anti-war movement in the center of world imperialism. In the days ahead, the WSWS will publish the full video of the rally and meeting, as well as further commentary on their political significance.
The savage beating by armed police of a Muslim family at Manchester Airport in the north-west of England has sparked outrage in Britain and internationally. A protest was held in Manchester city centre Thursday evening in which hundreds blocked roads and trams, carrying placards denouncing police brutality and racism.

Footage of the assault was shot on Tuesday evening at the airports Terminal 2 by Amar Rafiq, who was returning to Manchester from Qatar. His and other clips of the incident shot by other witnesses have been viewed many millions of times on social media, with one X repost alone viewed 10.1 million times.

Screenshot from video footage showing Fahir being booted in the head by a Greater Manchester Police officer [Photo: Mohammed Shafiq/X]

The two men filmed being assaulted were named as brothers Fahir Khan, aged 19, and Amaad, 25, from Rochdale, in Greater Manchester. Fahir was booted in the head, then had his head stamped on by a police officer during the assault. His lawyer Akhmed Yakoob has since confirmed that a CT scan found that he now has a cyst on his brain. He commented that his client is fighting for his life and that his health has worsened since last night [Wednesday].

A 44-second video shows in the first few seconds Fahir being kicked in the face and his head stamped on by a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer after he had already been tasered and lay immobile on the floor with his hands behind his back. The officer then rams his knee into Fahirs back before going out of shot for a few seconds.

At 22 seconds into the clip, the officer moves to confront another person sitting on a bench. He aims a taser at him and shouts get down twice. As the man, who has both arms behind his head, complies and begins to drop to the floor, the GMP officer boots him in the leg (26 seconds) before punching him in the head with the hand holding the taser which smashes him to the floor. He is then handcuffed with hands behind his back, face down on the ground.

Voices are heard saying stop kicking people, and youre on camera.

The mother of the two is seen trying to help Amaad, after tending to Fahir, but is pushed away by police.

Another clip, viewed over 730,000 times, shows the same scene from a different angle immediately after the first youth has been brutally attacked, with the same officer beating the second man.

More footage of the aftermath of the original police attack shows three armed police, with one pointing a taser at a persons face and other officers poised to deploy their tasers. The police officer pointing the taser issues an instruction to the two other officers who approach bystanders as the video ends.

Another clip shows the end of the same confrontation from behind. The police attack continues as one of the three bystanders is pepper-sprayed in the face and then dragged brutally to the ground by two officers, with one holding him to the ground with the full force of his body.

Rafiq 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.

The newspaper reported, 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.

Exactly what led to the altercation is unclear, but nothing justifies the horrific violence meted out by the police. Fahir could have been killed instantly and is still in mortal danger.

George Galloway, the leader of the Workers Party of Britainwho until losing his seat at the July 4 general election was MP for Rochdalesaid in a statement posted on X Thursday afternoon, Ive got videos [of the assault] that most of you have not seen and are even worse than those you have seen. I have called on Greater Manchester Police to suspend the officers involved, and indeed to consider arrests and charges of the worst offenders of what was an egregious and savage assault on former constituents of mine.

At some stage in the beatings, the police arrested Fahir and Amaad, who were held overnight. Speaking alongside the brothers on Thursday, lawyer Yakoob said, Im with Amaad and Fahir here. They were released not long ago from Cheadle Heath Police Station. They then had to make their own way to the hospital, but in reality because theyve had head injuries it was the police duty to take them to the hospital.

But nevertheless they made their own way and now Ive documented their injuries and we are headed to Rochdale Police Station to make a formal complaint of assault and wounding against the police officers that have assaulted both Fahir and Amaad and their elderly mother who was just there as a bystander.

The release of the footage sparked protests, with demonstations taking place Wednesday evening outside Rochdale police headquarters and the Manchester city centre office of Labour Party Mayor Andy Burnham. Outside the police station, protesters chanted Shame on you, with one demonstrator telling the crowd, Were no longer going to settle for this police brutality. We put our trust in the police and what do they do instead? They inflict violence upon us when we surrender to them.

The initial response of Greater Manchester Police on Wednesday was to play down the assault by their officers. A first statement issued at 4:03 p.m. did not mention the content of the video of Fahir and Amaad being attacked. A second issued at 8:36 p.m. had to retreat, describing the footage as truly shocking and stating that the use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence. It added, We acknowledge the concerns of the conduct within the video, and our Professional Standards Directorate are assessing this.

It added, without providing any evidence, In advance of what is shown in the footage available, we were called to reports of an assault at Terminal 2 Manchester Airport at 8:25pm on Tuesday 23 July. The alleged suspect was seen on CCTV at a ticket machine in the car park and officers attended the location to arrest him.

The statement claims, During our response, three officers were assaulted. One female officer suffered a broken nose, and the other officers were forced to the ground and suffered injuries which required hospital treatment.

It then acknowledged, One male officer has been removed from operational duties and we are making a voluntary referral our policing response to the IOPC [Independent Office for Police Conduct].

On Thursday morning, GMP were forced by growing anger to put out another statement that Following a thorough review of further information that has become available in relation to an incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police has suspended a police officer from all duties.

Such is the concern in ruling circles, with many thousands of people in Rochdale and other towns with a large Muslim population regularly protesting against Israels genocide in Gaza, and with riots breaking out last week in Leeds, that Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke out Thursday.

Starmer said of the video, Ive seen it myself. I understand that concern, adding There has now been the suspension of one police officer this morning and the Home Secretary is meeting the Mayor [of Greater Manchester] to discuss this as we speak now.

These are crocodile tears from a government committed to a law-and-order agenda and cracking down on dissent and protest, staffed by a Labour Party which has sought to whip up Islamophobic sentiment against Gaza war protesters.

Starmer has a track record of refusing to prosecute police officers involved in the killing of civilians. Taking over as Director of Public Prosecutions in 2008, he approved the decision not to prosecute any of the police officers involved in the brutal shooting murder of innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes during an anti-terror operation.

In 2011, he attempted the same in the case of Ian Tomlinson, a father of nine who was attacked by police officer Simon Harwood in 2009. Tomlinson died shortly after. Fifteen months later, Starmer announced that Harwood would not be prosecuted. The Crown Prosecution Service was forced to proceed a few months later when an inquest jury found that Tomlinson had been unlawfully killed.

***

A WSWS reporter spoke to Shabnam, one of the protesters who attended the demonstration in Manchester city centre on Thursday evening.

Shabnam said, There were over 200 at the protest. There were a few police but they left us to do what we had to do. And that was to let Greater Manchester Police know that theyre thugs, and that were not going to stop until these officers, not officer, are arrested and charged with attempted murder, and GBH [grievous bodily harm].

Shabnam

A young lad has now got a cyst on his brain and this is police brutality and its not good enough. That could have been anyones mother that got hit and it could be anyones son that got hit; anyones brother, cousin, friend. If his mother would not have moved his head [as the police office stamped on it] that boy would have died. We see it, its there on the internet. You cannot justify police brutality.

Shabnam brought a homemade placard reading, No police has ever gone to prison for murder of innocent civilians in the UK - More than 1,900 people killed by police since 1990 - Justice Where?

She explained, The only police officer that been arrested in recent time is Wayne Couzens who was caught for Sarah Everards murder.

And I see it from attending Palestine protests and Ive seen what they [the police] have done on Just Stop Oil protests. Why are the police going after people who are protesting climate change and things that matter politically to us, like genocide?

You cant speak the truth. This country is turning into the United States of America and people should be petrified of what is to come next because once our freedom of speech is removed we are doomed. I am a human being, I have a voice and no-one can take that away and I will carry on fighting against Zionism and for the UK to stop arming Israel. Its all intertwined.

Asked if she thought the laws in place against the right to protest would be used more widely against the working class, Shabnam replied, Absolutely. Especially with the Labour Party and [prime minister] Keir Starmer, who is literally a kid starver. Look what he did a few days ago. He suspended seven of his own MPs who wanted to scrap the two-child benefit cap, when youve got all this child poverty in the UK. We are living in very dark times.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 24, 2024 - 22:45 | Sports, Olympics, All

The International Olympic Committee on Wednesday voted to award the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympic Games to the French Alps and Salt Lake City-Utah, respectively.

The votes were cast at the 142nd IOC Session, held in the French capital two days before the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Games. It is the first time two Winter Games hosts were decided at the same time.

Sapporo, capital of Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, was once the favorite to host the 2030 Games but withdrew in the wake of bid-rigging and corruption controversies that emerged after the Tokyo Games.

France will host its fourth Winter Games in 2030 and first since Albertville held the 1992 edition, while Salt Lake City, in the U.S. state of Utah, will host a Winter Games for the second time after its first in 2002.

Both candidate locations were proposed alone by the IOC Executive Board. The French Alps received 84 "yes" votes, four "no" votes and seven abstentions, while Salt Lake-Utah received 83 "yes" votes, six "no" votes and six abstentions.

With French politics experiencing a period of upheaval after an inconclusive snap election called by President Emmanuel Macron, the awarding of the 2030 Games was made conditionally, with France required to make a financial guarantee by October that must be ratified in parliament by March next year.

Macron has told the IOC he would ask France's next prime minister to deliver the financial guarantee, according to local media reports.

Related coverage:

Olympics: 8.8 million tickets sold, 2,000 athletes already in Paris

Toyota to end top-tier Olympic sponsorship contract after Paris Games

Olympics: Paris ramps up security for opening ceremony along Seine
Documents from the Third Plenum of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) central committee, which met last week, confirm the initial assessment of its deliberations that very little will be done to boost consumption spending to try and overcome the mounting problems in the economy resulting from lower growth rates.

Rather, the Xi Jinping regime is placing heavy emphasis on the development of new quality productive forces based on high-tech to launch the next stage of Chinas economic development.

A worker assembles electronic devices at an Alco Electronics factory in Houjie Town, Dongguan City, in the Guangdong province of China. [AP Photo/Ng Han Guan]

There is no doubt that in many critical areas the Chinese economy has made significant advances, drawing on the skills and expertise of the tens of thousands of young graduates from its universities and colleges.

But the hopes of the regime that this can provide a way forward for the economy as a whole, ensuring the continuation of growth which it regards as crucial to the maintenance of social stability, are running into major problems. Not the least of these is the unending economic warfare being waged against China by the US, now increasingly being joined by its allies.

In a statement issued last Sunday, Xi pointed to those issues when he warned of frequent conflicts and turmoil, intensified global problems, and escalating external suppression and containment.

The economic plan made more than 300 recommendations, many of them focusing on government investments in high-tech manufacturing and scientific innovation. But there was little mention in the statement, which ran to 15,000 words in English translation, of the ongoing problems in real estate and property development.

The issue of lifting domestic spending, which international economists and some within China have identified as a key problem, received only a passing mention as the document referred to the need to refine long-term mechanisms for expanding consumption.

There were some measures advanced to grapple with the debt problems facing local governments, which have been responsible for much of the infrastructure development that has powered Chinese growth for a decade and a half.

Local governments have financed these projects through funding vehicles which were sustained by the sales of land to real estate developers. But the downturn in the property market over the past three years has meant this has become unviable.

The Third Plenum statement proposed that transfers to local governments from the central government should increase and that local tax revenue sources needed to be expanded. But there was only a passing reference to a real estate tax. This proposal was advanced in 2013, but little was done to initiate a national property tax to provide money for local governments.

There was also some relaxation in the hukou household registration system, which prevents migrant workers from having full access to public services when they come to work in the cities. But how much of a real change this involves remains to be seen.

Robin Xing, chief China economist at Morgan Stanley, told the Financial Times (FT) there was a slightly more balanced tone on social welfare programs which could benefit consumption in the long run.

However, he said, the document was very general, [and] there is no clear timeline on how to deliver and finance it.

The main thrust of the economic program remains heavy investment in high-tech manufacturing.

According to the FT report, the final statement mentioned terms related to technology, talent, science and innovation 160 times. But the property sector warranted only four mentions and did not appear until two-thirds of the way through the document.

Its main thrust was that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation would be obtained by promoting scientific and technological self-reliance.

But it acknowledged that this took place within a complex international situation. That was a reference to the growing list of high-tech bans and tariffs being placed on China by the US, for which it has got some support from the European powers, out of fear that Chinese expansion in this area poses an existential threat to American imperialisms economic dominance.

The Chinese leadership is engaged in something of a high wire act. Apart from the high-tech bans imposed by the US, its focus on the expansion of quality products depends on finding global markets. And here it is running into the mounting protectionist measures of the US and increasingly Europe, as reflected in the recent tariffs imposed on electric vehicles and other high-tech exports.

Trump, who has a very real prospect of winning the US presidency, has threatened to impose a tariff of 60 percent or more on all Chinese goods if he is returned. But the Democrats will be no less belligerent if they win. In fact, the economic war initiated by Trump in his presidency has been deepened under Biden.

Moreover, replacing the dependence of the Chinese economy on real estate and infrastructure projects as the main driver of economic growthit has been estimated to account for up to 30 percent of GDPcannot be accomplished overnight.

In the meantime, there is a marked slowdown in the Chinese economy. It slipped to year-on-year growth of only 4.7 percent in the second quarter amid predictions by the International Monetary Fund and other institutions that it is on a downward trend over coming years.

Data for the second quarter showed that sales in June grew by only 2 percent from a year earlier, prompting warnings about the direction of the economy.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, analysts at the French Bank Societe Generale said the retail sales figure was just shocking and the Chinese economy was limping along precariously.

It appears that while the focus is on the development of high-tech manufacturing, there are growing concerns within sections of the CCP leadership about the immediate state of the economy.

In a media briefing last Friday, following the conclusion of the Third Plenum, Han Wenxiu, deputy director of the CCPs financial and economic affairs department, said that while the economy was moving in a positive direction and making solid progress, we are also confronted with some difficulties and challenges, which are mainly manifested in a lack of effective demand.

He said Chinas economic recovery was not strong enough and we need to introduce and implement more robust and effective macroeconomic  policies. Proactive fiscal policy had to be used to better effect.

Underlying these remarks is the fear of the entire CCP leadership, which rules on behalf of a capitalist oligarchy, that, in conditions where its sole legitimacy derives from its ability to promote growth, a significant slowdown can lead to social instability and even political opposition.
Pakistans minority government has threatened to illegalize the countrys most popular political party, the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Social Justice or PTI). The threat comes amid mounting opposition to the governments implementation of another round of International Monetary Fund-ordered austerity measures and its greenlighting of a new military offensive against Islamist and ethno-nationalist separatist insurgents.

In response to a series of court decisions favourable to the PTI and Imran Khan, who has been jailed since last summer on a series of politically manipulated charges, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)-led coalition government announced last week that it was moving to ban the PTI.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told a July 15 press conference that the government was also planning to prosecute Khan and two other PTI leadersthe countrys ex-President, Dr. Arif Alvi, and ex-deputy speaker, Qasim Surunder Article 6 of the constitution for high treason. This would make Khan, who served as Pakistans prime minister from August 2019 to April 2022, potentially subject to the death penalty.

Supporters of Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, and his PTI chant slogans during a Feb. 11, 2024 protest in Karachi against the Pakistan Election Commission's delay in releasing election results. [AP Photo/Fareed Khan]

Tarar justified the impending ban with accusations of PTI involvement in anti-state activities. These included, he said, leaking state secrets and getting a resolution passed in the US Congress against Pakistan, a reference to a recent House of Representatives motion calling for an independent investigation into ballot-rigging and voter-suppression in Pakistans highly manipulated Feb. 8 national elections. Tarar also denounced the May 9, 2022 mass protests against Khans violent arrest, accusing the PTI of organizing the ransacking of government and military installations, which he labelled terrorism.

Declared Tarar, A case against foreign funding is established, the attacks of May 9 are established, the cipher case is established, the resolution in the US is established; therefore, the federal government has decided that, in view of all the evidence, we will move a case to ban the PTI.

Tarars announcement was akin to throwing gasoline on a raging fire. The PTI, a right-wing Islamist populist party that rose to power with the support of the military only to lose the favour of the top brass, responded with a post on the social media platform X in which it warned of civil war. No patriot, it declared, can think of banning the largest and most popular party of the Pakistani country. Doing so is tantamount to shaking the foundations of Pakistan and sending the country towards civil war.

The next day the government drew back, saying it would further study the issue. This followed an announcement from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), upon whose votes the PML (N)-led government is dependent for its parliamentary majority, that it would not support the outright illegalization of the PTI and worried editorials in the corporate media.

The overriding fear is that the bitter factional struggle within Pakistans ruling elite could inadvertently provide an opening for the emergence of mass popular opposition to social inequality, crushing poverty, state repression and the vast political and economic power exercised by the military high command.

A related fear is that the government/state campaign targeting the PTI is undermining the unity of the army, which is both the ultimate bulwark of the Pakistani bourgeoisies rule and the cornerstone of its decades-long alliance with US imperialism. The top ranks of the officer corps are apparently united in their opposition to Khan, who lost their trust after he, in their view, recklessly imperiled US-Pakistani ties by seeking to establish closer relations with Moscow at the outset of the US-NATO-instigated Ukraine war. However, there is evidence Khan enjoys considerable support among junior and retired officers.

Amid mounting protestsover both the dire economic situation and the militarys dirty war tactics against insurgentsthere have been increasingly alarmed warnings that Pakistan could soon be convulsed by a mass popular uprising akin to that which chased Gotabaya Rajapaksa from power in Sri Lanka in July 2022 or that currently roiling the government of Kenyan President William Ruto.

In both countries the anti-government protests were fueled by anger over savage IMF-dictated austerity measures, including regressive tax hikes, the wholesale sell-off of state-owned companies and infrastructure, and sweeping cuts in social spending.

Writing in the London-based Financial Times (FT) July 22, Murtaza Syed, a former IMF and State Bank of Pakistan official, warned the measures the Pakistan government is taking to secure a $7 billion emergency bailout from the IMF threaten to spark country-wide social unrest, while burying Pakistan under a crushing mountain of debt.

The loan program, wrote Syed, will impose unbearable austerity on a population already laid low by stagnant per capita income over the past decade, a historic cost of living crisis and endemic political dysfunction. As witnessed in Kenya last month, it could spark a major social rebellion in the worlds fifth-largest country.

The Dawn made a similar warning in an editorial published the day before Syeds piece appeared in the FT. It began by noting that civil unrest has erupted in recent days in two of Pakistans four provinces, with large protests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan culminating in violent confrontations between security forces and unarmed protesters.

So far, continued the Dawn, the protests have focused on various security-related matters: in Balochistan, activists have agitated against continuing enforced disappearances, while KP has seen major disturbances over the (security forces) killing of a poet and the governments plans to launch yet another anti-insurgent dragnet operation.

However, with the impact of the new taxation regime becoming more pronounced as the first month of the new fiscal year draws to an end, there remains a very real possibility that public dissatisfaction over rising costs of living could also spill into the streets soon. This is a serious challenge for the government, which currently seems to be too preoccupied with legal and political developments to be paying enough attention to the deteriorating law-and-order situation.

At the conclusion of a cabinet meeting Wednesday, the government announced it is still deliberating on whether to proscribe the PTI. Otherwise, it and the military are continuing with their legal vendetta against Khan and his party.

No sooner did the courts absolve the PTI head of some charges earlier this month, including a trumped up bigamy case, and order his release on bail on others, than the authorities laid additional charges so as to ensure he remains behind bars.

On Monday, police and Federal Intelligence Agency personnel raided the PTIs headquarters in Islamabad, the national capital, as part of their investigation of its involvement in anti-state activities, and arrested its aged and ailing chief spokesman, Raoof Hasan.

Both the PTI and PPP have now initiated legal challenges to a recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned an Election Commission decision that arbitrarily denied the PTI a share of the parliamentary seats reserved for women and minorities. If the Supreme Court does not reverse its July 12 order, the PTI will become the largest party in the National Assembly, and the government and its allies will lose any chance of assembling the two-thirds parliamentary majority needed to make constitutional changes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made further threats against the PTI Wednesday. Significantly, he couched these threats in the form of a defence of the army and its chief of staff, General Asim Munir. The PTI has accused Munir of being the true boss of the government and orchestrating the repression against it.

Shehbaz is reported as having told a cabinet meeting, The kind of things being propagated about General Asim Munir and his family on PTIs official website is woeful, something that we have never heard or seen before  We will, under no circumstances, tolerate such actions against our motherland, innocent people, or the armed forces of Pakistan.

A political maverick who courted the militarys support to gain office and readily used the levers of the state to persecute his establishment rivals, Khan has been the beneficiary of popular outrage over the militarys obtrusive attempts to sideline and jail him.

But he and his PTI represent no progressive alternative to the PML (N) and the PPP, the two parties that dominated Pakistani parliamentary politics from the late 1980s through 2018, or to the military and state bureaucracy, for whom managing elections and running roughshod over democratic rights is standard procedure.

Since falling out with the military in 2022, Khan has frequently railed against Munir and his predecessor as Chief of Army Staff, Qamar Javed Bajwa. For a time, he even accused Washington of instigating the removal of his government via defections and a non-confidence vote. But the PTI supremo has always emphasized his staunch support for the military and never called into question the Pakistani-US strategic alliance. Indeed, many of those who served in his government were veterans of the US-backed dictatorial regime of General Pervez Musharraf that served as the linchpin for Washingtons neo-colonial invasion of Afghanistan and turned much of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (since fused into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) into killing fields.

Significantly, while Khan and his PTI are at loggerheads with the rest of the political establishment and trading threats, Pakistans largest political party has been studiously silent on the governments IMF-dictated austerity budget and the wave of privatizations, regressive tax increases, subsidy cuts and other pro-investor measures the government has had to agree to secure a new IMF bailout.

During its four years in office, the Khan-led PTI government imposed one of the most brutal IMF restructuring programs in Pakistani history, which along with the COVID-19 pandemic plunged millions more into poverty.

The PTIs silence on the latest IMF austerity measures underscores that, no less than its rivals, it is entirely beholden to the venal Pakistani bourgeoisie and international capital, and that like them, it is terrified at the possibility of an explosion of social anger against mass joblessness, soaring prices, the ravaging of social spending and rampant social inequality.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the creation of a security alliance in the Middle East similar to NATO in Europe at a joint meeting of the US Senate and the House of Representatives, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

"After the Second World War, the United States created a security alliance in Europe to counter the growing Soviet threat, and today America and Israel can create a security alliance in the Middle East to counter the growing Iranian threat.

All countries that have peace with Israel should be invited to this alliance," the PM added.
By Takuya Karube, KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2024 - 12:10 | All, World

A former long-serving Mongolian leader said Wednesday that his country should accept North Korean workers as a means to open the door for Pyongyang to engage with countries other than China and Russia.

Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, who served as president of Mongolia between 2009 and 2017, said in an interview with Kyodo News in Washington that North Korea's deepening of relations with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago is "quite dangerous."

Elbegdorj said Mongolia, which maintains close ties with both North and South Korea and is one of the few countries that have functioning embassies in Pyongyang, can continue to be an effective facilitator of global efforts to deal with North Korean issues.

Noting that North Korea is now aligned more closely with China and Russia, he said, regardless of who wins the U.S. presidential election in November, it would not be easy for Western capitals to pave the way for dialogue with Pyongyang.

But he suggested efforts to engage with North Korea in tackling outstanding issues, including its nuclear buildup and abductions of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s, should not be given up.

"I have one wild idea...I think Mongolia should allow, maybe it's good or not, I don't know, North Korean workers to come to Mongolia," said Elbegdorj, who played a pivotal role in leading his country's peaceful transition to democracy and a market economy from decades of communist rule, following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989.

Asked what kind of role Mongolia could play, he said, "When they come to Mongolian streets, when they see Mongolian people, they can see that North Korea also can make that transition."

He said many companies in Mongolia want to have North Korean workers and this kind of initiative can provide an "eye-opening experience."

The 61-year-old, who was also prime minister of Mongolia before serving as president, said he had always told North Korean leaders to open up their economy a bit more for the benefit of its people.

Japan and the United States view Mongolia, landlocked between China and Russia, as strategically important in geopolitical and economic terms.

Japan, which has no diplomatic ties with North Korea, has often sought Mongolia's cooperation as a mediator to help resolve the abduction issue.

Senior officials of Japan and North Korea have held formal as well as secret talks in Mongolia in the past.

With the old age of many of the abductees' relatives adding urgency to the Japanese government's efforts to resolve the issue, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has reiterated his readiness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without preconditions.

Japan officially lists 17 nationals as abductees but suspects Pyongyang's involvement in many more disappearances.

While five of the 17 were repatriated in 2002, North Korea has consistently insisted that eight have died and four others never entered the country.

In the summer of 2015, Elbegdorj disclosed that he had sent a letter containing a "specific proposal" on moving forward on the abduction issue to the North Korean leader. He did not elaborate at the time.

During the latest interview, Elbegdorj said the proposal concerned Mongolia's willingness to enable negotiations between Japan and North Korea but he does not remember its substance.

In any case, to improve the situation with regard to North Korea, Elbegdorj, a zealous proponent of nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament, said, "Our government and our foreign minister should be very proactive."

Now teaching at Stanford University, the former Mongolian leader added, however, that trying to realize talks with North Korea without preconditions would be an unwise approach and "a waste of time."

Related coverage:

Trump says he plans to "get along" with North Korean leader

FOCUS: Uncertainties abound for Asia as 2nd Trump term increasingly likely

North Korean team arrives in Paris for 1st Summer Olympics since 2016
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2024 - 14:08 | All, Japan

Honda Motor Co. will reduce its annual car output capacity in China by 50,000 units amid struggling sales, an official said Thursday, its first such cut in the Asian nation that has served as the automaker's largest production base.

Honda has been capable of producing 1.49 million units per year in China. While planning to increase production of electric vehicles by 240,000 cars, the automaker will shed 290,000 units, mainly gasoline-powered cars, pushing down its overall output capacity of four-wheel vehicles.

The Japanese carmaker will halt production at one plant each of GAC Honda Automobile Co. and Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., its joint ventures with local automakers, around October and November, respectively.

The latest development underscores the plight of Japanese automakers in China where their sales are plummeting due to an intensifying price competition and the rise of locally made EVs.

Nissan Motor Co. decided to close its passenger car factory in Jiangsu Province, sources familiar with the matter said in June, while Mitsubishi Motors Corp. discontinued vehicle production in the country last year.

The downtrend has repercussions beyond the auto industry. Nippon Steel Corp. said earlier this week it will dissolve its joint venture with Chinese steelmaker Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. to cut steel production in China amid slumping sales of Japanese cars there.

China has been the biggest production hub for Honda, which has an output capacity of about 5 million units globally. The planned cut is part of its broader efforts to readjust its production capability in the Asian powerhouse, which also included offering early retirement packages in May to cut part of its workforce.

The Japanese automaker is trying to turn the tide by focusing more resources on EVs while shrinking gasoline-powered car operations.

Related coverage:

Toyota global output falls in May for 4th month on price war in China

Nissan to close auto plant in China amid intensifying EV price war

Toyota, Mazda halt production of 5 models amid certification scandal
Brandi Glanville is making it known that she did not stutter on her initial allegation about Bravo's maltreatment.

The reality star shared a supposed physical result of the stress her reality show's parent network put her through, and it has sparked concerns on social media.

Brandi Glanville, who recently condemned the network for mishandling the situation involving colleague Kenya Moore, reportedly plans to pursue a second lawsuit against Bravo for emotional stress.

Brandi Glanville Shared A 'Stressed' Picture On Her X Account

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The 51-year-old, who has been vocal against Bravo's producers for toying with the Real Housewives cast's reputation, continued her campaign by sharing a portrait of herself looking physically exhausted on her X (formerly Twitter). Glanville wrote:

"This is why I'm miserable and depressed :( I'm not even gonna share the picture of when it sinks in. Stress will kill you. How is your wealth? Take care of yourself people thank you Bravo. I couldn't even work if I wanted to at this point."

Her fans and lovers of the "Real Housewives" franchise quickly flocked to the post to drop their two cents on her concerning appearance. One user commented, "Wishing you great health, wealth, and an incredible comeback!!!"

Another added, "I'm sorry, baby. Praying you get peace soon and are vindicated. Stay strong."

Some factions did not feel much sympathy for the reality as they felt she was doing too much on the show and thus deserved whatever stress she got. Someone declared, "Your horrible actions created your demise. Stop blaming Bravo." Another commenter wrote:

"It's time to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. You will get work if you want work. A person who makes money legally, whether it be as a doctor, waiting tables, or even only fans- is making a living for themselves and their families. Stop with the blaming. You can do this."

Glanville Issued Lawsuit Threats For Bravo's Role In Her Emotional Stress

This is why I'm miserable and depressed :( I'm not even gonna share the picture of when it sinks in. Stress will kill you. How is your wealth? Take care of yourself people thank you Bravo . I couldn't even work if I wanted to at this point. pic.twitter.com/KUZGaEN70s  Brandi Glanville (@BrandiGlanville) July 24, 2024

Glanville's new tweet is not the first time she has accused Bravo of causing her health troubles.

Earlier in the month, she disclosed her plans to drag the network to court for using her as their "fall guy" and causing her extreme emotional stress with their actions.

The Blast reported that she previously sued one of the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" executive producers, Andy Cohen, making her intended legal battle the second of its kind under her name against the network.

The former "RHOB" star claimed that the stress she underwent during her time on the show ruined her health, and she now suffers from "uncontrollable stress-induced angioedema" and a terrible financial crisis.

"I haven't worked for a year & half. I'm [too] depressed to do my podcast & [too] swollen [for] cameo or OF. I'M BEING USED AS A FALL GUY," as she declared she has the necessary evidence to support her claim but her legal team would not allow her to post them.

Why Did Glanville Plan To File A Lawsuit?

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On her reason for the lawsuit, Glanville was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit by Caroline Manzo from the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" franchise.

The "RHOB" alum allegedly attacked Manzo in the bathroom while they were shooting the 2023 reality show "The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip" in Morocco. Glanville's actions in the bathroom caused Manzo to hit her head following a push.

Manzo continued that the 51-year-old then groped her vagina after she locked the door and prevented her from escaping. The attack was not stopped by producers who initially gave Glanville too much alcohol to drink.

The "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star declared that the incident caused "dormant and horrific memories" of her past, including an unfortunate event of sexual assault at age 7, to resurface.

However, despite the allegedly painful experience, Manzo reportedly refused to blame Glanville but instead condemned Bravo for encouraging the "sexually offensive and harassing content."

Glanville denied all allegations of sexual assault and tagged the content of Manzo'slawsuit as "defamatory and false accusation," stating that she simply did what the producers required of her and there was no assault.

"She is innocent of these absurd accusations that have weighed on her mental and physical health for far too long without a word of support from Peacock, Shed, or Bravo." declared her representatives.

The Reality Star Discovered A Way Out Of Her Financial Struggles

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The Bravo drama in January did not leave her out in the desert for long, as she found a way out by joining OnlyFans in July 2023.

Glanville explained that she was not actively getting any cash flow when the sexual harassment allegation broke out, and the platform came to her rescue.

But beyond that, she. also discovered another angle to her sensuality after joining, stating: "I thought I was, like, being desperate, and then when I got on it, I was like, 'I'm really feeling my sexual being at 51."

However, The Blast noted that her confidence did not grow overnight; it was a gradual process that began with her posting just feet pictures as her stress-induced angioedema prevented her from showing off her face.

Bravo Accused Of Hiding Evidence By Brandi Glanville's Legal Team

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The weighty allegation Manzo leveled against Glanville pushed the latter's legal team to demand video footage from the taping of the incident, which reportedly happened far away from the camera.

However, Bravo was accused of hesitating to cooperate with Glanville's lawyers by providing evidence to help clear her name; instead, they were interested in boosting their ratings.

Her legal team also issued a statement to Shed Media and Warner Bros, describing them as insensitive towards Glanville's reputation and acting in an unacceptable manner.

The team explained that the entire incident was blown out of proportion, as the flirtatious conduct and kissing between Manzo and Glanville were "absolutely mutual and consensual."

Interesting days lie ahead for Bravo and Brandi Glanville as they continue their drama!
Actor Ji Chang-Wook has given an update on his brand-new K-drama, where he will act alongside EXO member Doh Kyung Soo, aka D.O.. He has recently been receiving much positive attention from fans since the news of his new Korean movie Revolver broke on social media. The actor will play the negative character, Andy, in the upcoming film. The title will debut in theaters on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in South Korea.

Amidst the promotion of Revolver, Ji Chang-Wook appeared on the popular Korean variety show, You Quiz On The Block, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. While on the show, hosted by Yoo Jae-Suk and Jo Se-Ho, the actor confirmed that his upcoming Korean drama will be with EXOs D.O..

What is Ji Chang-Wooks next K-drama? Is it with EXO member D.O.?

The beloved South Korean actor Ji Chang-Wook and EXOs D.O. have been in talks to play the main characters in the upcoming K-drama, Sculpture City, since last year November. As mentioned earlier, the former finally confirmed that his new show will be with the popular K-pop boy group member while appearing on the show, You Quiz On The Block. Thus, it is quite evident that his next project will be Sculpture City. He will play the protagonist in the story, while D.O. will portray the antagonist.

The upcoming series promises to be a highly electrifying revenge thriller K-drama. The critically acclaimed screenplay writer of Taxi Driver, Oh Sang-Ho, serves as the writer of Sculpture City. In the meantime, renowned South Korean director Kim Chang-Ju helms the revenge drama. He is best known for directing the 2021 Korean film Hard Hit, which also starred Ji Chang-Wook.

The upcoming K-drama will revolve around the fascinating story of a man who experiences a series of terrible incidents. His life turns into an absolute hell. Everything happens after a villainous menacing character manipulates him. He is someone who sculpts real hells for individuals to stay in it. Thus, fans are in for an exciting new ride.

Meanwhile, dont forget to watch Revolver in theatres on August 7, 2024.

The post Ji Chang-Wook Gives Update on New K-Drama After Revolver Movie appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
New reports provide updates on the contracts of AEW stars Malakai Black and Buddy Matthews.

Ibou of WrestlePurists sparked some buzz after reporting that Buddy Matthews had re-signed with AEW while Malakai Black had a short amount of time left on his contract.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) reports that, internally, AEW claimed that Matthews deal would have had to be extended quite a while back. It was not clear whether this was a new contract or option years being picked up. Per Sapp, there had been internal talk that AEW had options years on his deal.

Additionally, Mike Johnson of PWInsider reports that Matthews signed a new deal in February, and the length had not been confirmed.

As for Black, Tony Khan previously said in 2022. that Black had nearly five years left on his deal. Sapp had reported that there was a conditional aspect that could potentially cut that time. Sapp cites sources who shared their belief that Blacks deal reaches towards the end of the year. The report notes that at one point, two option years were applied. Johnson writes that Blacks deal takes him into 2025. Khans comments on Blacks contract complicate the situation.

Black made his AEW debut in July 2021. Matthews signed with the company and debuted in February 2022. Together, they are former AEW World Trios Champions alongside Brody King.

WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.

The post Report: Update On Malakai Black And Buddy Matthews AEW Contracts appeared first on Wrestlezone.
The sober dating revolution is here, and Gen Z is leading it

Gen Z is embracing sober dating, prioritizing health and authenticity over alcohol.

They drink less than millennials and see the benefits of a sober-curious lifestyle.

Sober dating fosters genuine connections, which is a big deal for Zoomers, according to experts.

For many, dating is not just synonymous with drinking but unthinkable without it.

But young people are changing the game. Gen Z is earning a reputation as the sober-curious generation that prioritizes their health, well-being, and authenticity when finding a partner.

Gen Zers seem to have less of an interest in drinking. A Statista report states that around 18% of Americans under 28 and of legal drinking age drink regularly drink alcohol. For millennials, it's more like 30%.

Ryan Mairs, 28, is a "Zillennial" on the cusp between millennials and Gen Z and has noticed the shift. He's been sober for 10 months, he told Business Insider, which has been "a bit of a rollercoaster."

Mairs, who is a voice artist and mental health advocate, is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Moving away from drinking, drugs, and partying has been a welcome change in his life, he said.

But dating without alcohol has been a learning curve.

One of the biggest challenges was learning who he was without the booze, he said.

"On dates, I would probably start off quite slow and quiet and introverted, and then as I got more drunk, I would become extroverted," he said. "Once the alcohol has worn off, you're back to being the kind of quiet guy."

Mairs said he wondered whether he could be the confident person that alcohol allowed him to be, and over time, he found that he was.

The more regularly he dated sober, "You come accustomed to it and grow confidence and comfort in it," Mairs said. "I can understand why some people would be hesitant to try that or to experience that, but for me, it's always been a positive."

Ryan Mairs has been sober for 10 months. Ryan Mairs

The sober-curious generation

Mairs is one of many young people reevaluating their relationship with alcohol and how it may have negatively impacted their physical and mental health.

Gen Z drinks less regularly than millennials, according to Statista data. They also spend the least on alcohol and are the fastest-growing demographic purchasing non-alcoholic beverages.

A recent survey by DatingNews.com found that 65% of millennial and Gen Z respondents said they would prefer a "dry" first date. So even if the whole cohort isn't going T-total, they appreciate the idea of alcohol not being involved in their love lives from the get-go.

Kate Daly, a relationship expert and the cofounder of amicable, an online divorce services company, told BI Gen Zers are more health conscious than previous generations.

Gen Zers appreciate transparency and honesty. They also recognize alcohol may have a damaging impact on them socially, Daly added.

"Dating without alcohol means that they can present their true selves," Daly said. "And they can engage in a much deeper, more meaningful conversation rather than it being very surface and frivolous."

Zoomers are also outcome-driven as a generation, Daly said, and dating while sober means there's no pretense or mixed messages.

"You're more inclined to be honest, open, straightforward," she said. "And I think that's really critical for building a genuine connection."

Justine Benanty, the chief community officer of the sober socializing platform Drybaby, told BI Gen Zers' lives are particularly expensive for the stage they're at.

"They are a very health-conscious generation, but they're also constrained by finances," she said. "So many people are Venmo-ing people after their dates now because it's so expensive."

Taking alcohol out of the equation is not only good for budgeting, but for "leading with authenticity," Benanty said, which is a pillar of Gen Z.

"They're a generation that really cares deeply about who they are," she said.

Building confidence

Looking back, Mairs thinks using alcohol as a buffer while dating was a bit of a coping mechanism.

Dates can be nerve-racking, and alcohol typically takes the edge off, he said.

"But you might not be yourself," Mairs said. "Whereas being sober enables you to show if you are comfortable around that person naturally."

He said that after a few drinks, people can trick themselves into feeling attracted to someone. But this just prolongs the inevitable and is a waste of everyone's time.

In comparison, now Mairs knows when he's attracted to someone, which has really helped build intimacy.

"It was kind of weird to me how much sex got better compared to drunken one-night stands," he said. "If you're not drinking on a date, and if you do get to that stage with someone, it's not masked by alcohol."

Dating app woes

Jessie Urvater, who is now 25, has been sober since she was 19. She's the founder of the sober dating platform Club Pillar, which is launching this summer.

Urvater saw the need for an app that caters to sober, sober-curious, or light drinkers.

"I struggled on traditional mass-market dating apps, whether it was the stigma, or dating someone who did not match with my lifestyle, or having to reveal too much information about why I was sober very early on in the conversation," Urvater said.

"Modern dating is enough of a minefield without having to treat your sobriety like an obstacle."

Jessie Urvater, the founder of Club Pillar, has been sober since she was 19. Jessie Urvater

Urvater wants to build a community where people don't necessarily want a partner who is completely sober, but they want to date someone who doesn't center their life around when their next drink or party will be, she said.

"Club Pillar caters to all people on the sober spectrum: light drinker, California sober, in recovery, sober-curious, T-totaller," she said. "You can do all the things that you would do when you're drinking except without the alcohol."

Drunkenness can be an ick

Urvater thinks a growing awareness about mental health and the negative impacts too much drinking can have is a big driver among Gen Zers becoming sober-curious.

"A lot of them recognize that alcohol can exacerbate anxiety or depression and other mental health conditions," she said.

Mairs agreed that's been a big part of his decision. Drinking, for him, was like "throwing petrol on a fire."

While he still feels judged occasionally, Mairs said perceptions of drinking could be changing.

"Some girls that I've spoken to, they've said that sometimes when they see a drunk guy stumbling about and falling over, spilling a kebab down themselves, it's a bit of an ick," Mairs said.

"I do sometimes miss the fun and antics," he added. "But for the next chapter of my life, it's just the best thing for me."

Read the original article on Business Insider
VIRGINIA BEACH  Dates have been confirmed for Pharrell Williams Something in the Water Festival, according to the Virginia Beach Hotel Association.

Concerts will be held on the beach Oct. 12 and 13, the associations executive director Terri Wiley wrote in an email to members Tuesday afternoon. The Virginian-Pilot obtained the email after WVEC first reported the dates.

The Something in the Water dates are being released and will be held the weekend of October 11, 2024, Wiley wrote in the email. There will be concerts on the beach Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13. There will also be the World Premiere for Pharrells new movie that weekend. The movie chronicles Pharrells childhood in Virginia and Virginia Beach.

Wiley went on to write, that there will be activations along the oceanfront, oceanfront parks, and in other areas of the city. Details will be released soon, but we wanted to give our membership time to plan once we learned the date. VBHA hotel members are looking forward to SITWs return and welcoming SITW back to the city!

The popular festival, founded by rapper, mogul and Virginia Beach native Williams, was last held in April 2023.

This year, it was moved to the fall and will coincide with the release date of the new movie about Pharrells life, Piece by Piece, which will use Lego animation.

Something in the Water promoters are planning a creative save the date post on social media today, according to Robby Wells, the Virginia Beach-based festival organizer.

The festival attracts some of musics biggest names.

Last years run included performances by hip hop legends Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul and Williams, along with favorites from the new generation like Lil Yachty and Lil Durk. The festival spans genres, also including acts The Jonas Brothers, indie rockers Arcade Fire and jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington.

The Pilot reported in December that October 2024 was a likely time for the next festival. After weather disrupted the 2023 festival, Williams wrote in a letter to fans he wanted to shift the festival to a different season due to a higher likelihood of better weather, adding there would be more acts, more merch, more food  just more!

Something in the Water originally was planned for the weekend of Oct. 18, said former City Councilmember John Uhrin, who manages the Schooner Inn hotel at the Oceanfront. The organizers canceled the rooms recently, though, Uhrin said.

The Schooner Inn is next to the main concert stage area at 5th Street and has provided rooms for festival workers in the past, said Uhrin.

Hes adjusting now to the last minute change of date.

Ive been in touch with the promotor about rooms, said Uhrin. But I already had two-thirds of building sold. What Ive got left Im holding for the workers. Were excited to have them back.

Staff writer Gavin Stone contributed.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
Can You Watch Attack on Finland Online Free?

If youre looking to watch Attack on Finland, then worry not, as youve arrived at the right place.

Attack on Finland is a 2021 action flick. Finlands Independence Day celebration turns bloody when terrorists attack the Presidential Palace. Security Officer Max Tanner negotiates with the hostage-takers, uncovering a plot with far-reaching consequences. The movie received mostly mixed reviews from critics.

How to watch Attack on Finland streaming online

You can watch Attack on Finland via Netflix.

Netflix is a popular subscription-based streaming service offering a vast library of films and television shows.

Netflix

Viewers have to log in to the official streaming platform to watch and stream the tv series.

Can you watch Attack on Finland online for free legally?

You cant watch Attack on Finland for free via Netflix.

This is because the streaming service does not offer a free trial. Hence, one has to choose a paid subscription plan.

What is Attack on Finland about?

While celebrating Finlands Independence Day, a brazen assault on the Presidential Palace throws the nation into chaos. Heavily armed extremists seize control of the building, taking prominent figures hostage. Security Officer Max Tanner is thrust into the heart of the crisis as lead negotiator.

As Tanner navigates the tense standoff, a chilling truth emerges: this attack is more than a national tragedy, its a calculated strike aimed at destabilizing the security of Europe itself. In a race against time, Tanner must unravel the conspiracy and prevent a catastrophic ripple effect across the continent.

The post Can You Watch Attack on Finland Online Free? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
A team of divers discovered a 19th-century shipwreck off the coast of Sweden that was "loaded to the sides" with historical artifacts  including 100 bottles of champagne.

The shipwreck was discovered in the Baltic Sea, about 20 nautical miles off the Swedish coast, by a team of Polish technical divers from the group Baltictech.

PHOTO: Baltictech divers discovered a 19th-century shipwreck off the coast of Sweden. (Tomasz Stachura/Baltictech)

"We encountered a 19th-century sailing ship in very good condition, loaded to the sides with champagne, wine, mineral water and porcelain," Baltictech diver Tomasz Stachura said in a press release this week.

MORE: 'Most valuable treasure': $17 billion Spanish shipwreck from 1708 to be recovered

Stachura said it was difficult for divers to determine exactly how much bubbly was aboard the ship but confirmed they "certainly" saw more than 100 bottles.

PHOTO: Baltictech divers discovered a 19th-century shipwreck off the coast of Sweden. (Tomasz Stachura/Baltictech)

Interestingly, it wasn't the alcohol that piqued the divers' interests, but rather the mineral water in clay bottles, which Stachura said was "treated almost like medicine and only found its way to royal tables" in the 19th century.

"Its value was so precious that transports were escorted by the police," Stachura added.

PHOTO: Baltictech divers discovered a 19th-century shipwreck off the coast of Sweden. (Tomasz Stachura/Baltictech)

Historians determined that the stamp on the mineral water, which hails from the German brand Selters, was produced between 1850 and 1867, according to Stachura, who has been in contact with the brand, which is still in business.

"The pottery factory into which the water was bottled also exists, and we are in contact with them to find out more details," Stachura said.

PHOTO: Baltictech divers discovered a 19th-century shipwreck off the coast of Sweden. (Baltictech)

When the team initially spotted the wreck via sonar on July 11, they believed it was a fishing boat, according to Stachura.

MORE: Treasure-hunting divers seek mother lode of riches from 400-year-old shipwreck

"We were already after one dive that day and at first, there were doubts whether there would be anyone willing to go down," Stachura said, before adding fellow divers Marek Cacaj and Pawel Truszynski decided to take the now-historic plunge.

For now, the shipwreck remains in the Baltic Sea outside of economic waters, according to Stachura, who is collaborating regarding the wreck with the Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation, Sodertorn University, and Professor Johan Ronnby, who is in charge of all underwater research in Sweden.

Divers discover 100 bottles of champagne in 19th-century shipwreck originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
2 of the top hotels in the world in 2024 are within driving distance from metro Atlanta

Two of Travel + Leisures 100 best hotels in the world for 2024 are within driving distance from metro Atlanta.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Every year, the travel publication asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the world. More than 186,000 people took the survey this year and voted for more than 8,700 properties including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc. The hotels were judged by rooms/facilities, location, service, food and value.

TRENDING STORIES:

The hotels that made the list span 38 countries in 2024, including just 16 in the U.S.

Hotel Hartness, which is Greenville, South Carolina, came in at #24 on the list. The hotel opened last year and is now the top resort in the state. Rooms run around $170 a night and above.

Greenville is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta.

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The Willcox in Aiken, South Carolina tied for the #75 slot. The hotel is packed with Southern charm and has been operating for more than a century. The hotel has 23 rooms that start at $263 a night. Aiken is about a three-hour drive from Atlanta.

Other U.S. hotels also made the list, but youd probably want to hop on a plane. Four California hotels made the list, as well as two in Massachusetts, two in Maine, and one each in New York, Texas, Montana, Colorado, Illinois and Michigan.
School starts in less than three weeks for most Central Florida kids and starting off the school year without the right tools can be a daunting challenge.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

This year, 9 Family Connection teamed up with the Mercy Road Initiative at Northland Church for the 18th annual Back-to-School Backpack-a-Thon.

The Backpack-a-Thon was a community-wide effort in which local businesses, school and residents came together to donate backpack and supplies.

Read: Jazz great Maurice Brown headlines Orlando Jazz Series at Dr. Phillips Center

Our goal is to help over 5000 students right here in Central Florida, said Michael Radka from Mercy Road Initiatives.

This years focus is on students who have unique learning disabilities and single parent homes.

Read: Its a college football players paradise, where dreams and reality meet in new EA Sports video game

Who doesnt know a single mom in their life and if we can help them, we are really making a difference in our community, Radka said.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 30% of households in Central Florida are single parent homes, with the majority of those being single moms.

The annual Backpack-a-Thon is set to hit a major milestone this year, being on pace to hand out its millionth backpack.

Read: Recall alert: Besrey Twins Strollers recalled; sold exclusively on Amazon

Each backpack is filled with essential items like notebooks, pencils, crayons and more.

If you would like to donate, you can head to 9Family.com and click the Backpack-a-Thon link and you will be able to pick the backpack you want to donate.

You will see the backpacks. Youll go wow these are amazing. What quality. Then youll order one and then youll say, no I better order ten, Radka added.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Travelers now have even more winter getaway options.

cmart7327/Getty Images

A low-cost airline is on the move with new routes and flight deals.



Avelo Airlines, based in Houston, recently announced a major expansion with its first international destinations of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Cancun, Mexico.

In celebration of the new routes, the airline is offering very low, one-way fares from $52 while availability lasts. The airline also announced an expansion with 16 additional new domestic routes including to Daytona Beach, Orlando-Lakeland, and other markets.



The new international routes will operate from Hartford, Connecticut's Bradley International Airport (BDL), where Avelo will operate service to Cancun, starting November 20, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, starting November 16, every Wednesday and Saturday.



Avelos purpose is to Inspire Travel and the addition of 18 new routes and our first two international destinations will make getting where our Customers want to go easier than ever, Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy shared in a statement to Travel + Leisure. Couple this with our industry-leading reliability and its no surprise over five million people have chosen to fly Avelo.



Tickets for the new routes are available on Avelos website.



Avelo operates some flight routes from smaller, regional airports that are near a major city. For example, instead of operating from Orlando International Airport in Florida, the airline operates from Lakeland, FL, which is one hour southwest of Orlando International Airport, but still provides an accessible option for families looking to visit Orlando's theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, or SeaWorld.



From the airline's hub in Orlando-Lakeland, FL, the airline will add bi-weekly service to Boston-Manchester, Charlotte-Concord, Philadelphia-Wilmington, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The airline will also expand routes from its Hartford hub, where Avelo will add bi-weekly service to Charlotte-Concord, Daytona Beach, Houston (Hobby), Orlando-Lakeland, and Wilmington, North Carolina.



For those not familiar, Avelo Airlines is a relatively new low-cost airline that was founded in 2021. The airline operates a fleet of 16 Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 737-800. Avelo frequently touts their on-time performance, and low cancellation rate, which is currently the best in the industry as ranked by the US Department of Transportation, and data firm Anuvu, respectively.



For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
TEHRAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Thursday criticized the U.S. Congress for hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and applauding his speech amid ongoing Israeli actions against Palestinians.

Kanaani made the remarks on social media platform X, reacting to Netanyahu's visit and his address to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, where Netanyahu pledged to achieve "total victory" against Hamas and labeled Americans opposing Israel's military operation in Gaza as "idiots." Netanyahu's speech received applause and a stand ovation from some Congress members.

Kanaani lamented that while Palestinians were being killed daily by Israel, the U.S. government and Congress welcomed the Israeli prime minister with "cheering and applauding despite all such crimes."

He said that by welcoming Netanyahu into the U.S. Congress, the West's efforts to portray itself as "innocent and humanitarian" were failing, exposing what he described as the "violent and devilish face" of U.S. policies.

Kanaani criticized U.S. and European leaders for what he called their hypocritical human rights slogans, stressing that Palestinians' rights to life, security, food, medicine, and treatment were being "trampled in the most heinous form in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank before the world's fully open eyes."

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people.

The Palestinian death toll rose to 39,145 and injuries to 90,257 since the offensive started, according to Gaza-based health authorities on Wednesday. 
When a space can convince a young man to put down his video game controller, go outside and explore nature, you know theres something special about it.

To me, that was one of the highlights of our familys recent camping adventure at Alabamas Blue Springs State Park.

First, a word about how we got there. Our stay at Blue Springs was part of a series of extended camping trips this year for my wife, Lynn, and I, with one of our adult sons and our three little ones  two toddlers and a baby. Were a horde of novice camper owners, having purchased one this year, and weve been testing it out at central Alabama campgrounds while preparing to eventually make larger journeys.

Colby, 21, left his game system behind for a while and enjoyed swimming in the spring-fed pools at Blue Springs State Park in Alabama.

Lynn has been our navigator, and shes reserved some amazing spaces for us. Weve sought camps with water and electric hookups  preferably with sewage hookup also, but thats not a deal breaker. Were also looking for close access to restrooms with showers. Beyond that, weve tried to find spots with lots of greenery, outdoor tables and cooking space, and plenty of room to play. With our little ones, they also must be a safe distance from the bodies of water that parks are often built around.

Lynn and I agree that Blue Springs has a great mix of nature and accommodation for both day-trippers and campers alike, especially ones with families.

From right, Tinleigh, 3, Nova, 2, and another girl enjoy digging and playing in a sandpit area at Blue Springs State Park in Alabama.

Where is Blue Springs?

While it has a Clio address (2595 AL-10, Clio), the park is in the small town of Blue Springs  which is about an hour and 40 minutes from Montgomery (about 84 miles so southeast). The park sits on 103 acres there.

More: Alabama has 21 state parks, here are the 10 that have the most visitors

When is it open to the public?

Whether youre a day visitor or an overnight camper, Blue Springs is open all year.

Regular hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 1 to Sept. 30. From Oct. 1-Feb. 28, its open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

They have someone at the front gate to welcome guests during daytime park hours. The gate comes down an hour before day visit closing time, but for camping guests thats not an issue. More about that later.

Its a great place for swimmers to keep cool

The swimming pools at Blue Springs State Park in Alabama are fed by a spring, and stay at 68 degrees year round.

One of the biggest attractions at Blue Springs is the swimming area, which is a welcome relief from the heat of the summer. The two crystal-clear octagonal pools are fed from an underground spring that stays 68 degrees all the time. The first pool is the deep end with a cave on bottom, and the second has a sandy bottom. The two pools are connected by a tunnel. Water flows from the second pool into a shallow area and eventually goes to the west fork of the Choctawhatchee River. The grounds around them have plenty of tree shade and are perfect for picnics, parties and more.

What does it cost?

For day use visitors, the gate fee is $5 for ages 12-61, $3 for ages 4-11, and ages 3 and younger are admitted free. Ages 62 and up get in for $3. If you plan to visit for day use a lot, they offer annual individual and family passes.

According to their reservation site, primitive campsites are $18 a night, and RV/camper sites are $26 a night. They may require a two-night minimum on weekends.

They also have three furnished cabins available for rent, one of which is pet-friendly. They range from $106 to around $120, depending on what part of the week you reserve them, according to their guest services. Plan this well in advance, because they stay booked up.

Over by the pond, they have four pavilions that are available to rent. The large one is $106.25 for a day, and the smaller ones are $76.25 a day. These are great sheltered areas for family gatherings.

My family spent roughly three weeks at Blue Springs, and could have stayed longer. Many campgrounds limit the amount of time you can stay to two weeks. Blue Springs has a month rate option, with approval of the manager.

Campsite offerings

The campground areas at Blue Springs are big and surrounded by lots of trees.

In any given regular week, theres usually a handful of campers on site, and its extremely peaceful.

We stayed right up until Memorial Day weekend, during which campers poured in and it looked like all the spaces were taken. Even that packed, its a peaceful place to stay.

Blue Springs has 47 modern campsites, all of which have water. They have 30 amp electrical hookups. Seven of the camping spaces have sewer hook-ups. They have tent sites, and back-in and pull-through sites for campers and RVs. Camp sites have picnic tables and firepits that double as grill areas.

Yes, you can get a Wi-Fi signal there

For my work and all our sanity, we needed a place we could get decent phone and Wi-Fi signal at. As weve discovered, a lot of campsites have low to almost no signal. Blue Springs was much better than others weve tried.

Stuff anyone can do

Nova, 2, plays with her friends, the "quack quacks" at Blue Springs State Park.

Like I said, we had signal here, so our son was able to play his online game system. Here, were getting into the stuff that drew him away from it. Along with swimming, there are nature trails, a pond available for fishing. He walked the trails, swam a lot, and had a lot of non-video game fun.

Our girls loved it too, especially feeding bread to the ducks (aka quack quacks) at the pond.

Next to the parking lot for the pools is a large playground area with a sand pit. Its situated just to the left of their snack store. Its a great area, though it could use a little more shade and I wish there was a fence around the playground.

They have a large playground area at Blue Springs State Park in Alabama.

On-site necessities available

You can get both ice and firewood on site from Blue Springs, and they have a snack room open on weekends where you can pick up treats. There's also a drink machine near the playground.

Nearby place to eat gooood!

Tinleigh, 3, helps herself to a burger at Blue Springs State Park in Alabama.

Grilling outdoors, or even cooking in your camper kitchen, is fun. But after a while, you probably want someone else to do the cooking. Theres not a lot in the parks immediate area, but what they have is just spectacular.

Haglers BBQ, 2606 Hwy 10 in Blue Springs, is a family-owned barbecue restaurant just seconds away from the parks gate  just to the right across the street. We tried it out. The portions were huge and the food tasted amazing.

Good public restroom for campers?

Yes, the bathhouse is very nice. In my opinion, the best shower of any campground weve been to so far.

Very well maintained

Our whole time there, we saw the Blue Springs staff working constantly to keep the grounds and campsites clean and ready for guests. These are really friendly, hard-working folks, so please say hi to them.

Blue Springs campgrounds have fire pits that double as fold down grills.

No alcohol allowed

I'm sure there's some folks this part won't be popular with, but I'm not among them. Blue Springs is a family-friendly park, and alcohol just has no place there. I've seen too many otherwise amazing places get ruined for families because someone has too much to drink.

Campers can come and go overnight

One thing that sets Blue Springs apart from many other gated campgrounds is that youre not caged in at night. Yes, many campgrounds put a lock on their gates at some point each night, usually around 10 p.m. or so.

But what if theres an emergency? What if you need to leave in the middle of the night for whatever reason? What if youre out having fun elsewhere and cant get back in time?

Thats not an issue at Blue Springs, which has a code to allow camping guests access in or out whenever they want overnight.

Reserve a spot

For a reservation, call 334-397-4875 or write to: bluesprings.stpk@dcnr.alabama.gov

Learn more online at alapark.com/parks/blue-springs-state-park

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Blue Springs State Park offers swimming, Wi-Fi and family friendly fun
Were heading into August already! Can you believe it? But, not to worry, theres a month of fun ahead (OK, so school starts around here on the 26th, but it is a short week)! There are so many local events, youll need to sharpen that pencil several times.

On Aug. 2, Our Lady of Victory Church is holding a Homecoming Bazaar. The event begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. Food, games and raffles to support the church. The church is located in Tannersville on Cherry Lane Road.

On Aug. 4, you may want to head up to Akenac Park in Dingmans Ferry to take in the 3rd Annual Pike County Pride Celebration. Beginning at noon, there will be speakers, vendors and games. (Rain date: Aug. 18.) Food donations are requested for the Ecumenical Food Pantry and early parenting care items accepted for the DVA.

Perhaps you are a history buff or just have a yearning to know more about the past of the Poconos. In that case, mark the calendar for Aug. 8 at Shawnee Inn, Shawnee-on-Delaware, to enjoy the presentation Having A Swell Time presented by the Friends of the DWGNRA. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a presentation from Kathleen Sandt. Ages 17 and under as well as Friends members free; for others, a $5 per person donation is requested.

On Aug. 9 through 11, you can hop on over to the St. Matthews Annual Festival. Lots of fun events included and it is located on Ridgeway Street in East Stroudsburg.

On Aug. 10, you can do your part to make a childs return to school brighter by donating to the Family Promise of the Poconos Back to School Drive with donations of school supplies for the new school year. For more information, call 570-420-8589 or contact tjohnson@familyprimisepa.org.

Maybe youve always wanted to learn more about or become a beekeeper. The program Introduction to Beekeeping will be held on Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. at the Eastern Monroe Public Library in the Hughes Community Room. Registration is requested at (570) 421-0800, ext. 317, but walk-ins are welcome.

A special kickoff will be held for Monroe County Meals on Wheels in conjunction with Eagles Rest Cellars (107 Eagles Rest Lane, Stroudsburg) on Aug. 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and are limited. For reservations, call (570) 424-8794.

The next night, enjoy Stargazing at the Forevergreen Nature Preserve (Cherry Lane Road, East Stroudsburg) from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join outdoor educators Jackie and Darryl Speicher for a night under the stars during the Perseid meteor shower. For weather updates, please register in advance.

Aug. 17 features two adventures. The first is one of the Brodhead Watershed hikes at 10 a.m. in the Nothstein Preserve. For more information, call (570) 839-1120. In the evening, head over to East Stroudsburg to enjoy the rescheduled The Big Bang on Crystal Street beginning at 5 p.m. Its an early start to the end of summer celebrations.

Looking for a different experience? Join the Church of St. John at their (first ever) Outdoor Mass on Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. at Poconos Park in Bushkill (Bushkill Falls Road). Bring your chair and enjoy this vibrant eucharistic celebration in the outdoors. All are welcome. For more information, visit www.churchofstjohn.com or call (570) 223-9144.

Enjoy a free community concert (every Tuesday) on Aug. 20 on the lawn of Shawnee Inn, Shawnee-on-Delaware, where Lonesome Found, an Americana folk-rock band will be entertaining beginning at 7 p.m. Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy!

On Aug. 24 you can head up to the Lackawaxen Township Volunteer Fire Department (774 Route 590, Lackawaxen) from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. with fireworks at dusk and The Fabulous 45s Band entertaining from 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Perhaps you enjoy a good evening of opera. If so, then on Aug. 24, head to The Milford Theater for the New York City Opera presenting An Evening of Opera beginning at 7 p.m. This is a fundraiser for Opera! Pike! Park!. For tickets, visit https://www.ticketmaster.com/opera-pike-park-fundraiser-milford-pennsylvania-08-24-2024/event/020060B7CDE081AC.

The month of August would not be complete without the Pocono State Craft Festival, held at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm (347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg) on both Aug. 24 and 25. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Of interest: Here's when students start and end the school year and get breaks in Monroe districts

Two events round out the month. One is the Poconos Polish American Festival on Aug. 31 at Poconos Park, featuring everything Polish including food, kids' activities, music, plus celebrities and athletes directly from Poland. The event is from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. (off Bushkill Falls Road). And then there is the free community event, the 15th annual StroudFest in Stroudsburg. The event begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. and features music at multiple stages throughout the day along with vendors, retail, crafters and beverage vendors along Main Street.

Hope youve sharpened that pencil and filled in the calendar, because the last unofficial month of summer is filled to the brim with fun!

Debbie Kulick is an EMT who writes a weekly news column for the Pocono Record.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: August in the Poconos: Festivals, stargazing, fireworks, more | Kulick
Summit pushes on K2 and Broad Peak have cautiously begun, although the winds are still high, and the weather window looks short.

Smaller teams

There are several smaller teams on K2 this year, rather than massive groups, and they are working together on the mountain.

Mingma G estimates that his team will summit on Sunday, July 28. Garrett Madison confirms he has teams going for the summits of both K2 and Broad Peak. Summit Karakoram, working in Pakistan with Nepals 8K Expeditions, is also on its way up, led by Dawa Ongchu Sherpa.

Overall, there is little information coming from K2. Climbers no longer openly share their experiences on social media. It is unclear whether this is due to the lack of Wi-Fi at Base Camp or whether recent controversies involving abandoned climbers and crowds have made outfitters request/demand secrecy, at least until the expeditions end.

Broad Peak

This is a summit attack out of despair, Tom Kitta told his home team before setting off toward the top of Broad Peak. The current summit window is unstable, uncertain, and likely short, but people have run out of time and patience. In yesterdays update from the rope-fixing team, they planned to move today from Camp 2 to Camp 3 despite high winds. They hope tomorrow will be calmer.

The post Cautious Progress on K2 and Broad Peak appeared first on Explorersweb.
Dairy Queen in Hesperia will help raise funds for Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals by selling Blizzard Treats on Miracle Treat Day.

When dessert lovers buy a Blizzard Treat at the Hesperia Dairy Queen, or participating restaurants, on Thursday, July 25, $1 or more will be donated to local childrens hospitals through the Childrens Miracle Network.

Dairy Queen in Hesperia will help raise funds for the Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals by selling Blizzard Treats on Miracle Treat Day.

Working together over the past 40 years, the Dairy Queen system has raised more than $180 million for local childrens hospitals through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the company said.

By joining us on Miracle Treat Day, the Hesperia community can help offer support and hope to children by simply purchasing a Blizzard Treat, said December Herrera, owner of the Hesperia Dairy Queen. We appreciate our community and partnership, and are honored to help make a visit to our DQ location extra special in support of a meaningful cause.

What is your favorite Blizzard flavor?

Dairy Queen's Blizzards are made with thick, soft serve and a variety of customizable mix-ins.

The popular Delish website stated that people in various areas of the country tend to prefer certain Blizzard flavors.

The Northwest tends to love Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzards, while the Southeast can't resist a Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzard, which is a favorite in nine other states, making it the most popular flavor in the U.S.

You're most likely to catch residents of Florida enjoying the tasty Royal New York Cheesecake Blizzard. Speaking of New York, people in that state love the Oreo Cookie flavor.

The Oreo Blizzard is also a favorite in California, Alaska, North Dakota, Louisiana, and many other states.

Herrera told the Daily Press that after a Blizzard is prepared, employees will show customers how thick the dessert is by quickly flipping the cup upside down.

For more details on Miracle Treat Day and to locate a participating Dairy Queen, visit dairyqueen.com/en-us.

The Victor Valley Dairy Queen is at 15481 Bear Valley Road in Hesperia.

Fans can also download the DQ App to learn more and get reminders, so they dont miss out on this, or other fan-favorite events and specials.

For more information on Miracle Treat Day, visit dairyqueen.com/en-us/miracle-treat-day.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Dairy Queen hosts Miracle Treat Day to support childrens hospitals
Can you do a day trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? What to know

Las Vegas visitors often wonder if a day trip to the Grand Canyon is possible.

The association between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas is so strong, some people think the canyon is in Nevada instead of Arizona.

Located about a four-hour drive from the city center, Grand Canyon National Park is a popular day trip for Vegas travelers, with many tour operators offering shuttles from the Strip to the canyon's South Rim.

Or you could rent a car and plot your own course to the South Rim, open all year, or the North Rim, open mid-May through mid-October.

Here's how to plan a day trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon.

Can you do a day trip from Vegas to Grand Canyon?

Yes. Travelers have the option to rent a car and make the drive themselves, or take a tour that departs from Vegas and includes the Grand Canyon.

How long is a drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 280 miles from the Las Vegas city center, about a four-hour, 18-minute drive in normal traffic, according to Google Maps. From Interstate 11 and U.S. 93 in Nevada, take Interstate 40 east in Arizona to U.S. 64 to get to the South Rim.

The North Rim is about 265 miles from Vegas and has a similar drive time: about four hours and 22 minutes. Follow Interstate 15 north for about 130 miles and take Exit 16 at Hurricane, Utah; from there, take State Route 389 east and U.S. 89A south to get to State Route 67, which dead ends at the North Rim.

Whichever route you choose, be sure to build in time for gas stops, traffic and sightseeing.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon day trip packages

Many tour operators offer trips between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, with varying itineraries and price points.

Grand Canyon Destinations, a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award-winning tour operator, offers day-trip bus tours that allow for three hours of exploring the South Rim.

Trips include a tour guide who provides information about stops along the way, which include historic Route 66. Pickups are between 5 and 6 a.m. and the bus returns around 10:30 p.m. Tours start at $74 per person; group tour options are available.

There are no bus tours from Las Vegas to the more remote North Rim. Papillon offers a Grand Canyon North Air Ground Tour, where guests fly to the North Rim and then take a guided tour via an ATV or UTV.

You'll be picked up at your hotel and taken to Papillon's terminal at Boulder City Municipal Airport. From there you'll fly to Bar 10 Ranch in St. George, Utah, where the ground portion of the tour commences; it involves UTV or ATV tours in remote back roads in Whitmore Canyon and the Grand Canyon's North Rim. Guests fly back to Boulder City, then take a shuttle to Vegas. This tour starts at $489 per person.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon day trip itinerary

There are many highlights to build into your Las Vegas-Grand Canyon day trip itinerary. Things to see on the way to the South Rim include:

Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Hoover Dam.

Grand Canyon West and Skywalk, an attraction on the Hualapai Indian Reservation that is not affiliated with Grand Canyon National Park. (Some tour operators refer to Grand Canyon West as the Grand Canyon's "West Rim.")

Things to see on the way to the Grand Canyon North Rim include:

Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Valley of Fire State Park.

Zion National Park.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon day trips: Here's how to do one
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On West Vickery Boulevard, a multi-colored building branded as Fort Worths creative reuse headquarters is difficult to ignore. If the red, yellow, orange and blues dont catch the attention of a passing driver, then the line of educators waiting outside the front door might.

On Tuesday, the line outside The Welman Project was already growing 30 minutes before the nonprofit organization opened its doors at noon. Teachers were eager to start shopping at its famous warehouse, where books, arts and crafts, office supplies and more are available to them  at no cost. A notable resource for those who typically pay out of pocket or rely on Amazon Wish Lists to fill their classrooms, its drawn educators from across the country.

A caravan of teachers travel from California to Fort Worth every summer to shop at the warehouse, according to Community Engagement Coordinator Lauren Watson. Educators have also visited from Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Nebraska and Alaska.

Its neat to see all those people from all those places, but its also very indicative of how necessary the need is for public educators when its still worth your gas money to travel across the country to come get free stuff, thats definitely signaling something, Watson said. Im excited that we can be like a Disneyland for teachers.

Sherry Clemmons, a teacher for students who are visually impaired, left, and The Welman Project volunteer Wendie Lunsford look through the aisles on Tuesday in Fort Worth. Clemmons attended the create something class, an event the organization held in the morning.

The Welman Projects mission is two-fold: get teachers the supplies they need, and mitigate environmental waste while doing it. The warehouse consists of surplus materials from local companies who supply the donations on a daily basis, and Welman Project staff help educators find creative ways to reuse some materials that might otherwise be overlooked. For example, if a teacher is in need of handheld whiteboards but the warehouse is short on those, staff suggest repurposing their supply of DVD cases by flipping the movie posters around to create the white background, and then using dry erase markers on the plastic casing.

Theyre not limited to how much they leave with when they visit. And theyre also not limited to how often they can come visit, which is why I like to reiterate that were here all year, Watson said, noting that the back-to-school season is the busiest time of year.

Aliscia Washington and Brandy Kelly, elementary school teachers in the Everman Independent School District, were shopping on Tuesday for items to put in their classrooms prize boxes in preparation for the first day of school on Aug. 12. They also grabbed laptop bags that would be used to organize students books.

We do so much. But were always spending money, so its nice to know that theres a place to come where we can get the supplies that we need for the kids and not have to worry about, Oh, do I have enough money to pay for this? Washington said. Its a safe haven for the teachers. It makes you feel appreciated that something like this is offered.

Sixth-grade teacher Cecille Lopez sifts through books and spiral notebooks on Tuesday. Lopez is a social studies teacher in Mesquite and was searching for world maps to decorate her classroom.

The West Vickery Boulevard headquarters also has a curiosity shop thats open to the public where discounted craft supplies, jewelry and vintage treasures are sold. All proceeds from the shop go toward the free educator warehouse, and every $1 spent in the shop translates to about $9 worth of free materials, Watson said.

Theres also a makerspace known as Dads Garage where teachers can receive free professional development classes, community members can take workshops and students can attend summer camps. Its where Co-Founder and Creative Director Vanessa Barker spends most of her time.

Were trying to dispel the myth (that) creative reuse is just for pre-K art classrooms, and its toilet paper rolls, right? We really try to  in our messaging, in our examples, in our (professional development)  relate creative reuse to your high school biology class, to your eighth-grade math class. We hook them in with the free supplies, then we get them hooked on creative reuse and all the great benefits of that, Barker said. We throw spaghetti at them, figuratively, and its up to them to see what sticks and what works for their classroom.

Barker started the nonprofit with Co-Founder and Executive Director Taylor Willis almost nine years ago, and they have operated out of the current brick-and-mortar location for almost four years. The Fort Worth natives attended preschool together at First United Methodist Church in downtown but didnt realize they had been in the same class until years later when they reconnected in middle school.

Teachers and volunteers sift through a variety of school supplies and decorations on Tuesday at The Welman Project in Fort Worth. Teachers shop for free in the Educator Warehouse for supplies.

They attribute their passion for the environment to their seventh-grade science teacher Mr. Sills, who taught in Fort Worth ISD. Barker and Willis were also members of his eco-club.

As we got older, looking back, Im like, Oh, wow, we had that great teacher who taught us to care about the planet. We want to support teachers and make sure other kids have the same great experience that we did, Willis said.

In the 2022-2023 school year, the Welman Project reached more than 4,600 educators, distributed $2.3 million worth of supplies and reused materials that would have otherwise filled 187 dumpsters, according to the nonprofits latest annual report.

The interior of The Welman Project, a store with a variety of recycled school supplies and crafts made by local reuse artists for teachers across the metroplex, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Fort Worth.

Moving forward, Willis said additional space is needed for staff to sort through donations more efficiently. Barker noted how she would like to open a facility in Dallas to reach more educators.

We really need more space to be able to store up stuff because theres no shortage of stuff that people want to donate, appointments are booked out, its just a bottleneck of the limitations of our space and our staff and volunteers to be able to process everything. So we would love a bigger processing center, Willis said.

Barker added that the nonprofit has a strong foundation that fulfills an ongoing need, and because of that, will continue to grow.

Its exciting to see that this idea has become something that belongs to the community, not us, Barker said. And it will, because of that, survive any hurdles, will survive succession plans, and I think thats what should happen because teachers need help.
Everybody loves a hippo. This one sent Chapel Hill on the Great Hippo Hunt of 95.

Its been an exciting life for Ursula Pickle, traveling coast to coast by flatbed trailer, but now the hippo just wants to relax where the waves caress North Carolina sand, her owner says.

The move is already attracting ripples of neighbors and visitors, who slow down as they cruise past the bright yellow house and half-ton hippo overlooking the Core Sound near the Outer Banks.

Born out of owner Gerry Barretts desire to honor his father and the stories he heard as a boy, Ursula represents the magical hippopotamus that lived in the trunk of the familys car until it wandered down to Morgan Creek in Chapel Hill.

In 1981, Barrett commissioned the 1,000-pound, concrete and rebar statue from sculptor Robert Gaston and hired a crane to set the hippo in Mill Race Branch near Bolin Creek, not far from the Chapel Hill Police Department.

Parents and children traveled the many walking paths to hang out with Ursula and play on her mighty shoulders, Barrett said. Others said they remember youthful LSD episodes spent mesmerized by the trippopotamus.

The mysterious origin of the hippo by the creek filled newspapers that Chapel Hill summer.

But in June 1995, the tide of development nearly swept Ursula away when Wilmington developer Rolf Sass bought the land to build homes. Thinking the hippo too gauche for the new neighborhood, Sass and the town talked about moving her to Umstead Park.

Then overnight, Ursula disappeared.

Ursula Pickle, a 1,000-pound concrete hippo, was placed in Mill Race Branch, near Hillsborough Street in Chapel Hill, in the 1980s. Her removal about 13 years later sparked a search in Orange County and adjacent Chatham and Alamance counties.

Search for the missing Chapel Hill hippo

The Great Hippo Hunt of 95 ensued, and local Realtor Eunice Brock offered a $200 reward for Ursulas return. Rumors had it the hippo was seen on a truck, heading south to Chatham County or west to Alamance. Some accused Sass of doing her in.

Two weeks later, photos were anonymously dropped onto local newspaper desks. A man wearing a hood and a hard hat was pictured holding a jackhammer to the hippos head.

Back off or the hippo buys it, the caption read.

The next day, both papers ran front-page stories with the hippo with a jackhammer, Barrett recently told The News & Observer. So they knew the hippo had not been destroyed and somebody was fooling with them.

Ursula was safely tucked away at Barretts Chatham County home near the Haw River, he said. The hippo had called with concerns, saying it was time for more tranquil waters, so he covered her tracks as best he could, swearing a nearby store owner to secrecy, he said.

A dogged Chapel Hill News reporter showed up a few days later to find the hippo hanging out with a gorilla in a grassy field. Barrett held a press conference for the newspapers, WCHL radio station and even a few TV stations, he said.

It was wild. The real estate agent came out, and I just had a blast telling them the story and tweaking it every little bit, he said.

Ursula Pickle the hippo has been Gerry Barretts constant companion since he retrieved her from a Chapel Hill creek bank in 1995. Hes offered to help the town commission a replacement hippo and pay some of the cost, but no one ever took up the offer.

Controversy fades as hippo heads west

Brock urged Barrett to donate the hippo to the town. Sass, who considered the hippo his after buying the property, offered to add a bronze plaque telling Ursulas story if the hippo moved to the Bolin Creek Greenway.

Barrett turned both offers down, instead pledging $100 toward the $5,000 cost of having Gaston produce a new hippo. Brock offered another $500 and local mural artist Michael Brown tried to negotiate the deal, but a year later, the money was not there.

Its a Whos-on-First kind of comedy of people who all seem to be pretty civic-minded individuals, Brown said about the interested parties at the time. In their own very different ways, they were all doing the most civic-minded thing they could think to do.

Roger Waldon, then the towns planning director, suggested a private fundraiser to add a hippo as playground equipment in town, rather than art, to avoid the hurdle of local rules. The town was focused at the time on funding its peace sculpture, also known as a gun sculpture because it was supposed to be made from disassembled gun parts.

But the peace sculpture never materialized, and Ursula never moved back to town.

Rebar tips poke through the hippos teeth and small cracks have formed along her back, but Ursula Pickle still draws visitors to her new home in Atlantic, NC, overlooking the Core Sound.

Barrett soon packed up and, taking Ursula with him, moved to the West Coast. There, the hippo lived in Oregon until early July, when Barrett again loaded her onto a flatbed trailer with her gaping mouth facing the traffic behind him and returned to North Carolina.

People waved, honking and taking photos as they passed the hippo, a third as large as an adult female hippo and about 10 feet long, Barrett said.

The most fun was when you stop at a gas station, and everything comes to a screeching halt, he said. Everybody wanders over and goes, What in the world? Tell me more. Everybody loves a hippo.

Life is good for Ursula Pickle, who now has a clear view of the Core Sound between North Carolinas main land and the Outer Banks near Beaufort.

The end of the road for the hippo

Barrett and Ursula are spending more time at the beach these days, where hes been fixing up a house in Carteret County just past the sign marking the end of road on U.S. 70.

The plan is to assemble a menagerie: a penguin, a large rhino and a pig just like the one at Crooks Corner restaurant on Franklin Street. Gaston also might make a gorilla to hang from a tree, Barrett said, with live peacocks rounding out the group.

Ursula, he said, loves the salt water and has no plans to move. Visitors are always welcome, Barrett said.

Probably this is as good as it can get for her, he said.

Uniquely NC is a News & Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Triangle and North Carolina
Fido, fun and food: Eat out and help a South Shore animal rescue too

SCITUATE  Want to enjoy a meal out, get to visit with some fluffy friends and support a good cause? Look no further.

The Scituate Animal Shelter will have its ninth annual Dine Out for Cats & Dogs on Wednesday evening, Aug. 14, with some special guests to greet supporters at eight South Shore restaurants.

Restaurants in Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, Norwell, Scituate and Weymouth have made donations to the animal shelter to help care for and find homes for rescued cats, dogs, rabbits and other pets.

In return, the shelter is encouraging supporters and animal lovers to dine at one of the restaurants as a way to say thanks.

Shelter alumni will be on hand to greet supporters

A formerly homeless, rescued dog who has been happily adopted will greet diners at each restaurant from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The eight canine ambassadors were picked for their friendly, extroverted temperaments and include a tiny spaniel puppy, an elderly blind poodle and a 125-pound mastiff.

"All of these dogs love to meet new people, so this is kind of their dream job," said Lisey Good, communications and marketing coordinator for the organization.

Good said many of the dogs have interesting stories, including a pit bull mix named Nala, who is currently training to be a therapy dog.

Scituate Animal Shelter finds homes for an average of 550 Massachusetts pets each year. The shelter receives no town or state funding and must raise every dime it spends.

Aside from its shelter, the nonprofit offers initiatives to help pet owners in need, such as occasional low-cost vaccination clinics for the community and pantry services that donate 50,000 pounds of pet food each year.

Which local restaurants are participating?

Eight local restaurants are participating in Dine Out for Cats & Dogs this year:

Bia Bistro in Cohasset; Corner Stop Eatery in Cohasset; Galley Kitchen in Scituate; Jakes Seafood in Hull; The Parrot in Hull; Middle Ground Grill in Weymouth; The Tinkers Son in Norwell; and Trident Galley & Raw Bar in Hingham.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Scituate Animal Shelter hosts Dine Out for Cats & Dogs
Did you know that Florida has the best state parks in the nation?

No, thats not just some bold claim based out of a biased love for the Sunshine State. Its true. Florida has won four National Gold Medals for Excellence as determined by the National Recreation and Park Association. No other state has won more than two.

If you have been to any of our 175 state parks, trails, or historic sites, then you already know why Florida sets the national standard. Our beaches are world-class, our springs are pristine, cool, and refreshing, and there are wonderful experiences for an unlimited variety of interests.

Fully accessible river tour boats available at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

But it is not just our amazing natural resources or our friendly, dedicated park rangers that make our state parks the best.

In recent years, Florida has also been at the forefront of creating accessible, inclusive outdoor experiences so that everyone may enjoy our state parks.

Summer is of course a popular time to visit state parks, so perhaps it is appropriate that summertime coincides with Disability Pride Month each July. July 26 is the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

So, to celebrate Disability Pride Month, the Florida State Parks Foundation encourages people of all abilities to explore their favorite state parks and try some of the accessible amenities that are now available.

Highlights include:

Fully accessible river tour boats at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park near Tallahassee.

Beach-accessible wheelchairs, available free of charge, at every state park along Floridas coastline, as well as all-terrain wheelchairs and floating wheelchairs at some of our most popular state parks.

Beach matting at Deer Lake, Grayton Beach, St. Andrews and Topsail Hill Preserve state parks in the Florida Panhandle, and Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin.

Wheelchair-accessible electric trams at a selection of parks across the state.

An accessible fishing pier at Oscar Scherer State Park near Sarasota and accessible viewfinders at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park in the northwest corner of the Florida Everglades.

Also, William J. Billy Joe Rish Recreation Area on Cape San Blas is managed by the Florida Park Service and is designated for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. Rish Recreation Area features a mile of pristine coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and access to the St. Joseph Bay, an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a lift and ramp, a canoe/kayak launch, and a nature trail. Overnight accommodations are also available.

Boardwalk at William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreational Area on Cape San Blas

The Foundations grants and programs administrator, Paula Russo, uses a mobility assistive device and has devoted her life to expanding accessibility in nature and outdoor spaces.

She says it best: Florida State Parks are for everyone to enjoy. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind on the docks, at the sand line or at the trailhead due to mobility level.

You can support accessibility at Florida State Parks by donating at the Florida State Parks Foundation website. (Leave a note designating your gift for the Access for All campaign.) It also helps to share information with your community to help expand accessibility practices in our state parks.

Between our incredible natural wonders, brilliant park staff and volunteers, and our unwavering commitment to accessibility, it is easy to understand why Floridas state parks are the best in America.

This July, throughout Disability Pride Month, is the perfect time to experience them for yourself.

Julia Gill Woodward

Julia Gill Woodward is the Chief Executive Officer of the Florida State Parks Foundation, the official nonprofit citizen support organization of Florida State Parks.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State Parks look to lead the way in accessibility
At 38, David Miller had made it professionally. He was working as a senior executive at a private equity firm in London, on his way to becoming a partner. His wife was leading a legal program and teaching law. Our future was looking good; there was no reason to make a change, Miller, a professor of ethics at Princeton University, told me recently.

The couple had begun attending a church called All Souls, Langham Place, a historic evangelical Anglican church in the heart of London, where Miller became captivated by the teachings of John Stott, a renowned British Anglican priest and theologian, and was at the time rector emeritus at the All Souls church. As Miller listened to Stotts sermons, he began to discern a calling that was outside of investment banking and finance. This growing sense of berufung, a German word for calling, kept nudging him to leave the corporate world to study theology.

Miller, who now runs a Faith and Work Initiative at Princeton and advises companies on questions of ethics, faith and work, was eager to delve into one pressing question: What does my Sunday have to do with my Monday? The same question applies for the Jewish Shabbat and Muslim day of prayer, he told me. In other words, Miller wanted to understand how to integrate the claims of your faith with the demands of your work.

That became and still is my life question, he said.

It is a question that challenges most people of faith.

David Miller at Yale University's twice-yearly CEO Summit, where he is a regular attendee as an expert in business ethics and theology. | David Miller

In recent years, faith has increasingly become more integrated into the public sphere. The Supreme Court has voted in favor of allowing religious minorities to wear religious attire at work and allowing accommodations for workers who want to take a certain day off for religious reasons. Salesforce runs a religious resource group called Faithforce, and many corporations like Intel and American Airlines have faith programs. Utah Sen. Mitt Romney has cited his faith to explain his decisions, including his votes during the impeachment trials of President Donald Trump, and Melinda Gates has spoken about how her Catholic faith influences her philanthropic efforts.

With the wider acceptance of entwining the personal and professional, Millers questions about work and faith are gaining new relevance. If youre allowed, and even encouraged, to make your faith visible every day at work, what would that actually look like?

For Miller, who spent 16 years in the upper tiers of the corporate world, its in the secular environment of work where the expression of faith gains very practical application. Religious faith can shape the ethics of our decisions and interactions, the culture of work, and our interactions with coworkers.

People often think of faith in terms of organized religion, going to church and receiving the sacraments  sort of ticking the checkbox as opposed to a way of being or a way of life that shapes and informs who we are, who we are meant to be, he said.

What we do at work matters to God

When I spoke with Miller, 67, over Zoom last month, he had just returned from Dallas, where he gave a keynote speech at the Faith at Work Summit, a conference that helps participants serve Jesus faithfully in the marketplace, according to the event website. His speech was titled Celebrating Who We Are.

After that event, he gave a lecture to 600 bankers at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania on professional responsibility and ethics in an unethical world. After he mentioned in his speech that faith can be a source of moral courage and bolster a persons ethical choices in the workplace, people came up to tell him how much they appreciated the framing of faith not just as a religious expression, but as a practical resource, a potential tool that a leader laden with stress and responsibility can tap into to guide his decisions at work.

The idea of integrating faith into the marketplace is not new. It was rooted in the Protestant expressions of faith, Miller wrote in his 2007 Oxford University Press book called God at Work, but in the 20th century gained traction among the broader Christian community.

Miller traces three waves of the movement. In the 1890s, it focused on the Social Gospel and applying Christian ethics to social problems, like poverty and justice. The second wave after World War II was characterized by the ministry of the laity, when business leaders and scholars began to weave ethical principles and guidelines into corporate policies and conduct. The movement saw significant growth in the mid-1980s  the third wave  when the baby-boomer generation began to enter into leadership positions in business and politics, trying to find meaning and purpose in their work. At the core of the movement was the belief that what we do at work matters to God, and work can be a means to live out ones faith.

Figures like John Stott and Tim Keller have also advanced ideas about faith positively influencing professional life and ethical behavior in the marketplace. Miller argues that the faith and work movement is like the Civil Rights Movement in that its not a fad. Its here, and its not going away, he told me.

David Miller at FASPE (Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics) conference. Miller sits on FASPE's Academic Advisory Board. | Sameer Khan

Succeeding without selling your soul

In 1995, Miller sent a letter to his contacts around the world, announcing that he was leaving his job as a partner in a private equity firm to study theology. He felt slightly embarrassed, he writes in his book, but in response, he got nearly 150 faxes, letters and phone calls. Many of his colleagues opened up to him that despite financial success, many felt emptiness and distance from things they actually valued.

One friend told him: I have more money than God, yet I am unfulfilled. My marriage is in shambles, I hardly know my kids ... The man said he wanted to talk to his pastor, but feared being misunderstood.

Miller writes in his book that historically, businesspeople often felt unsupported at church, too. Whether conscious or unintended, the pulpit all too frequently sends the signal that work in the church matters but work in the world does not, he wrote. This view prevents seeing redemptive, creative, productive, ministerial, and transformative possibilities in the world of business.

Miller went on to study ethics at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he says he got bit by the world of ideas. He stayed on for a doctorate program, where he continued to explore what it means to be an ethical professional and leader, and how to run business in a way thats God-pleasing and that recognizes the complicated nature of the world.

While he had always envisioned a life in the corporate world, Millers shift to academia and theology wasnt utterly surprising. Millers father was an off-the-charts intelligent research scientist and an atheist, while his mother, a Methodist, practiced simple faith. Although Miller considered himself a person of faith even when he was younger, faith did not initially play a central role in his life.

Before coming back to Princeton to head the Faith and Work Initiative, Miller taught for five years at Yale Divinity School and Yale School of Management, and was the executive director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Miller served at the ground zero site as a volunteer chaplain.

At Princeton, in addition to leading the Faith and Work initiative, Miller teaches a class that is nicknamed Succeeding Without Selling Your Soul, which focuses on how religion and spirituality can be resources for ethical behavior. Previously a small seminar, the offering was so popular that it generated a waitlist and eventually became a course. This summer, Miller is at work on the manuscript of his next book, an update to God at Work about the contemporary state of the movement.

Embracing the whole person at work

Even 10 years ago, many human resource and general counsel offices have been skeptical, or outright hostile, about mixing religion and faith in the workplace, fearing disruptions and proselytizing. But that has started to shift as diversity, equity and inclusion programs have become more widespread, Miller told me. Folks started to realize that faith is a constitutive part of ones humanness, he said. That its at a minimum important to them and for many maybe the most important thing in their life.

Today, some large companies have their own in-house groups dedicated to faith, known as employee resource groups or ERGs. The software company Salesforce, for instance, launched Faithforce in 2017, as part of a broader diversity and inclusion strategy to in the company.

In 2023, the groups membership increased by 21% internationally, according to a blog post on the company website. The program also pairs two employees from different faiths to share knowledge and stories. Someone may need to take a certain holiday off or they may be fasting and want to share that with their manager or colleagues, said Michael Roberts, global president of Faithforce and a strategic solutions engineer at Salesforce, in an interview. Holding space to have those conversations and not feel shame around them allows us to create a more inclusive workplace where individuals can thrive.

Dell and Google have similar interfaith groups. The group called Faith and Work Movement based in the Silicon Valley helps publicly traded companies form groups and connect with one another around faith and work. These efforts have spread globally now.

To tend to employees spiritual and emotional needs, some companies bring in corporate and workplace chaplains whose job is to offer support to employees who may be going through a crisis like divorce, medical diagnosis or financial struggle, and who may not feel comfortable bringing these problems to their bosses or HR.

Tyson Foods has been running a corporate chaplaincy program since 2000 and now employs over 100 full-time and part-time chaplains in the facilities across the country. The program provides compassionate pastoral care to team members and their families, regardless of their religious affiliation or beliefs. John Tyson started the program so that employees would feel comfortable talking about faith at work, Kevin Scherer, director of the chaplaincy program at Tyson Foods, told me. Miller helped start this program, Scherer said, and worked with the leadership to shape the culture and core values of the company. One of of those being that Tyson is a faith-friendly company.

Tyson Foods chaplains, who practice inclusive chaplaincy, are trained to keep their faith orientation invisible and wait for the worker to initiate a conversation about faith. In chaplaincy were starting from where the other person is at, Scherer told me.

Chaplains roam the floor in industrial facilities, furniture stores and car dealerships, chatting with employees and getting to know them, said Richard Langton, director of Workplace Chaplains, a nonprofit based in Michigan that has chaplains in over 30 business locations in the Midwest. Were physically present and we build relationships, so people can talk to us when they need to, said Langton, who added that the organization is Christian, but chaplains work with employees of different faiths. Our society and workplaces and our lives have become so disconnected, more fragmented, and I would say more difficult, Langton said.

This care for the whole person and their emotional well-being ultimately benefits the company, too. The effects of just one distressed employee impact the entire team and the companys bottom line as a whole, says the website of Corporate Chaplains of America, another nonprofit with chaplains in about 2,600 locations.

And the pressures can be especially ruthless in the corporate world, where faith can be a powerful asset, Miller told me. Its a place where we need people who are anchored in their faith, meaning that theyre ethical and they care about who their neighbor is, and its not just about me, myself and I, and maximizing whats good for me, he told me.

David Miller, Princeton professor of ethics and director of the Princeton Faith & Work Initiative, on the sidelines of a Princeton University football game. | Tom Briglia

Faith and moral courage

Much of Millers work is helping companies navigate tough ethical situations. And while these situations may not have to deal with faith directly, Miller believes faith can be a powerful motivation for doing the right thing even when its unpopular. A 2017 Wall Street Journal article called Miller an on-call ethicist the bank consults on weighty questions. Miller worked with Citigroup to help the company deal with a slew of ethical problems before and after the mortgage crisis.

Another company came to Miller asking for his advice in working with influencers, a strategy which, after some international research, Miller cautioned against, explaining it would be hard to ensure quality control over influencers whose content, and behavior, may not accurately represent the company.

Some scenarios were more ethically troubling. Once, a company sought Millers advice on how to handle a senior employee accused of harassment who brought significant revenue to the company. (Miller recommended firing the employee: If you wait, its going to cost you later.) Its not that these situations happen to bad apples in the company, Miller told The Wall Street Journal, but its also about how easy it is for good employees to justify bad decisions when they face gray-zone questions.

Faith also infuses a different sense of time in a culture that measures success in quarters. This approach has a longer vector of time which can be comforting in times of pressure.

Faith can give you moral courage to nevertheless do something that other people wouldnt do, to take those chances because you think its the noble and correct thing to do, he said, adding that it may sometimes come down to a person acting on their gut instincts about whats wrong or right.

Miller advises companies to focus on preventative ethics  which are different from restorative ethics that deal with the fallout of unethical decisions. This doesnt mean hiring more lawyers or compliance officers, but creating a workplace culture that values and rewards ethical behavior. To me its all about character and culture, he told me. Its less about hitting the numbers, he added, and more about how you get there.

Scherer of Tyson Foods told me Miller brings a unique combination of experiences as a former executive, his pastoral experience as a minister at the Presbyterian church, and his role as an Ivy League professor. You dont find that combination in very many people, he told me. On top of that, hes very relational and well-spoken. And he genuinely cares about this work.

When we spoke, Miller recalled a phrase hes heard from a friend: The secular is the arena for the sacred. Millers approach offers up a more expansive vision of faith thats not confined to churches, chapels, temples, mosques and other places of worship. Faith can be lived out in a relatable and even practical way. How to best do that remains the question at the heart of his work. How does one bring sacredness, so to speak, into secular spaces? And I dont mean it in a churchy way, but the values and the ethos which come with caring for the other and caring for society.
Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, addresses the opening ceremony of the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

CHANGSHA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to share with African countries its experience in realizing modernization and further promote China-Africa cooperation, a senior Chinese legislator said here on Thursday.

China will also make concerted efforts with African people and political parties in deepening exchange, building solidarity, pursuing growth, promoting peace and advancing civilizations, thus creating a favorable environment for both sides to achieve their own development visions, said Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

Li made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Changsha, capital of Hunan Province in central China.

Li said China and Africa have witnessed ever deepening political mutual trust and fruitful results of cooperation in various fields, thanks to the vision of a China-Africa community with a shared future and China's Africa policy featuring sincerity, real results, amity and good faith.

China will work with African countries on the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to jointly make contributions to human progress, he said.

The two events drew more than 200 people from more than 50 African countries, including politicians, political party members, youth leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations and think tanks. 

(240725) -- CHANGSHA, July 25, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Guests attend the opening ceremony of the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 25, 2024.

The opening ceremony of the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum was held here on Thursday.

The two events drew more than 200 people from more than 50 African countries, including politicians, political party members, youth leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations and think tanks. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

(240725) -- CHANGSHA, July 25, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A guest visits an exhibition area on cultural exchange between China and Africa during the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 25, 2024.

The opening ceremony of the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum was held here on Thursday.

The two events drew more than 200 people from more than 50 African countries, including politicians, political party members, youth leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations and think tanks. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

(240725) -- CHANGSHA, July 25, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Guests attend the opening ceremony of the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 25, 2024.

The opening ceremony of the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum was held here on Thursday.

The two events drew more than 200 people from more than 50 African countries, including politicians, political party members, youth leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations and think tanks. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

(240725) -- CHANGSHA, July 25, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Guests visit the experiencing area of intangible cultural heritages during the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 25, 2024.

The opening ceremony of the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum was held here on Thursday.

The two events drew more than 200 people from more than 50 African countries, including politicians, political party members, youth leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations and think tanks. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

(240725) -- TIANJIN, July 25, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian graduate Timothy Joseph Hutagaol poses for a photo with his mother at Tianjin University's 2024 commencement ceremony for undergraduate students in north China's Tianjin, July 6, 2024. TO GO WITH "Feature: Esteemed graduation in China inspires Indonesian mother, son" (Tianjin University/Handout via Xinhua)

(240725) -- TIANJIN, July 25, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian student Timothy Joseph Hutagaol (R) learns to make zongzi before this year's Dragon Boat Festival at Tianjin University in north China's Tianjin, June 6, 2024. TO GO WITH "Feature: Esteemed graduation in China inspires Indonesian mother, son" (Tianjin University/Handout via Xinhua)
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WKRG)  Mississippi artists could win a cash prize and be selected as a featured artist at an upcoming art contest.

The contest is the Blue Moon Art Contest.

UPDATE: Verbal threat led to Coastal Alabama Community College lockdown, officials say

According to a press release, the contest is open to Mississippi artists 21 years of age or older who submit a painted art piece on a museum-quality canvas size 24 (height) by 36 (width).

The submission of art is encouraged to be fun and contemporary. It should contain a design that inspires the crafty essence of the blue moon and the vibe of how the brand makes people feel.

To apply for this years art contest you can visit the Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival website and click the Blue Moon logo on the home page.

Submissions should be turned in at the Ocean Springs Chamber-Main Street offices which are located at 1000 Washington Avenue and are due by October 4 before 3 p.m.

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The submitted art will be judged by a committee that will see if the contestant followed the regulations on canvas, imagery, and the contemporary yet abstract design.

Mobile County sheriff responds to man with four-page-long rap sheet being taken off the streets

The winner of the contest will receive a $2000 cash prize and be the Blue Moons featured work in the following years Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Reaching out to the community: Mansfield's Oasis of Love hosting eighth annual block party

Everything is free at the Oasis of Love Church's block party.

"A lot of people are shocked," Pastor Raymond Cochran Jr. said.

The eighth event will take place Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the church, 190 Chester Ave. Last year's block party drew 1,000 people.

Oasis of Love Pastor Raymond Cochran Jr. is looking forward to the church's eighth block party.

"It brings different races together. It brings different cultures together," Cochran said. "That's why we had to expand. It's a good problem."

The block party will include free food, school supplies and backpacks. Kids also can receive free haircuts, while their parents can register them to get free clothing from the New Store.

In addition, Matthew 25 Outreach Center will bring 1,000 pounds of produce, and the Cleveland Clinic will offer free cancer screenings.

More: Shelby awarded funding to improve safety for kids who walk or bike to school

More: Madison Local Schools planning festivities in honor of 100th anniversary

But the Oasis of Love block party is about more than free stuff.

"It's a day of ministry also," Cochran said. "Sunday is not the only day for ministry. It should be every day."

A 2002 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, Cochran is a Mansfield native. He grew up at Oasis of Love Church under the guidance of the late Walter E. Jordan.

This is the fifth year Cochran has helped with the block party.

"It's just an honor to carry it on," he said. "I think he (Jordan) would be very proud to see where it's at now."

Cochran graduated from the Ohio State University in 2008 with a degree in family resources and financial management. He became an assistant pastor at Oasis of Love in 2017 and took over as senior pastor in 2019.

"It's about unity in the community," Cochran said.

So is the block party, which attracts many people from outside of Mansfield.

"It's too good to miss," Cochran said. "Come on out."

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

X: @MarkCau32059251

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Oasis of Love's block party will aid Mansfield community
We all buy clothes, but no two people shop the same. It can be a social experience, and a deeply personal one; at times, it can be impulsive and entertaining, at others, purpose-driven, a chore. Where do you shop? When do you shop? How do you decide what you need, how much to spend and what's "you"? These are some of the questions we're putting to prominent figures in our column "How I Shop."

As Nan St. George  the adventurous main character of Apple TV's Gilded Age romp "The Buccaneers"  Kristine Froseth is no stranger to a corset. Nor is the Norwegian-born and New Jersey-raised actor a stranger to a high fashion moment: She's attended the Met Gala twice (wearing Chanel in 2019 and Tory Burch in 2021), served as a Chanel ambassador since 2019, starred in Rodarte's Spring 2024 lookbook and sat front row at shows like Miu Miu, JW Anderson and Simone Rocha.

Now, the 28-year-old is expanding her already-stacked fashion repertoire to include an American Eagle campaign (in which she stars alongside Nikki Rodriguez, Coco Gauff and Trevor Lawrence) launching in tandem with the brand's "Live Your Life" platform centered on self expression and acceptance. (Froseth hopes it will "create conversation between people about how we're really doing and how we can be the most authentic version of ourselves.")

Photo: Courtesy of American Eagle

Photo: Courtesy of American Eagle

But Froseth's relationship with American Eagle is nothing new: When jetting between Norway and New Jersey in her younger years, American Eagle was the hot spot on any stateside mall trip.

"It was just such a fun experience to bring it back to Norway where the style was different and just to see the reaction," Froseth says of her American Eagle memories. "[...] It was just such a special experience to go to the mall and link up with your friends and just adore the clothes and hopefully buy some. I miss those days. I haven't been to the mall in a really long time."

These days, Froseth's ever-evolving personal style remains grounded in oversized, comfy silhouettes with flecks of androgyny, grunge and the sought-after Scandi girl aesthetic. Ahead, she discusses how her Norwegian heritage and American upbringing impacted her style, exploring press-tour method dressing a la Zendaya and Anya Taylor-Joy, and some of her all-time favorite looks she's worn.

Photo: Taylor Hill/WireImage

"I would say [Norwegians are] very functional people. We usually wear outdoor clothes. We're ready for whatever weather is coming. We wear comfy shoes. And it's all kind of a minimalistic lifestyle as well. I think that really brought out the functional side of me, and then I think the American really brought personality and it was a bit more bold.

"I feel like I'm really learning a lot about myself and with that comes different styles I'm trying out. But right now I'm shooting and so I am finding myself in sweats a lot of the time and in very comfortable clothing. I do like to still be very pragmatic and comfy, but I'm also really into grunge and androgynous vibes.

"We are on Season 2 [of 'The Buccaneers'] and my character's style has definitely changed. In Season 1, she was supposed to be a bit more of a tomboy. I mean, she only got to wear pants once, but it was definitely trying to be different than the other women who had to be more constrained. I wore my corset really loose... But now she's a duchess, so it's pretty much the opposite. It's very sophisticated, elegant, it's more mature, tighter corsets and just more constrained overall.

"I love a comfy, oversized T-shirt and comfy, oversized jeans and some sneakers, usually. That's my go-to. And a hoodie or sweatshirt if it's a little chilly, but the overall theme is oversized. [Comfort] can still really be chic. I really do also love that fashion is embracing the casual and the sneakers and I love that it's become more acceptable to be a little bit more relaxed.

"I'm obsessed with Billie Eilish. Honestly, I wish I had every piece in her closet. It's how she puts it together, too, is just incredible. I have such admiration for people who can style and put pieces like that together. But I think I think she's my top. She's my favorite.

Kristine Froseth at Chanel Fall 2018 Photo: Francois Guillot/AFP via Getty Images

"The first fashion show I ever [attended] was Chanel [Fall 2018]. It was my first time ever experiencing that world. I had no idea what it was going to be like. And the whole setting and the staging of the show was just breathtaking and so cinematic and visceral....It was just such a celebration of fashion. It's crazy how the designers put you in this different universe  it was in these woods, and it smelled like the woods, and I remember just being blown away.

"I got to go to Miu Miu this February. Did you look at the collection? I mean, drool. Did you see all the older models? I thought that was really cool, how they were really celebrating women aging and women just staying true to themselves. I hadn't really seen Miuccia Prada do that so much, so I thought that it was really cool.

Kristine Froseth at Miu Miu Fall 2024 Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Miu Miu

"Nowadays, I'm trying to be more conscious of what the film is, what the premiere will be like and what can enhance that process. I think it's really cool when actors do that. Anya Taylor-Joy is so good at doing that, and Zendaya is really good at doing that. It's a conscious effort...That's where I'm wanting to go.

"[Working with stylist Sandra Amador, I've learned to] trust instincts and not be afraid to try out different things. I came from the Chanel world, and now I'm trying different brands and styles, and she's just very supportive.

Kristine Froseth at the 2021 Met Gala wearing Tory Burch. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images

"[My Met Gala looks] were just extraordinary. The first one was with Chanel and the second was with Tory Burch. Very different vibes, but just getting to know the process behind it all and the actual experience of being on the carpet and how that felt  those will forever be memories of mine.

"I love JW [Anderson]. I got to wear Kiko Kostadinov, which is one of my favorite designers. I always would love to be in some Kiko.

Kristine Froseth at JW Anderson Fall 2024 Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images

"I really try and get into what the brand is itself. I feel like with Loewe, it was kind of easy because they're so playful. And I thought if I'm going to be in that world, I really want to go all in. So they had some really quirky outfits and there wasn't enough time to do fittings and stuff so those ones didn't fit, but then I found this all-denim piece and it was just the right amount of quirk, but also perfect for what the event was.

"I don't have a good track record of getting the right sizes, so I usually like to go [shopping] in the store. I'm trying to go with my first instinct, to what I gravitate towards, and then I kind of play from there. I just like to keep calm and I usually have my AirPods in and I'm listening to music and it's just really not that deep. It's kind of whatever your heart feels, or however you want to express yourself and I'm just really trying to listen to what that is for me.

Kristine Froseth wearing Simone Rocha at the Vanity Fair EE BAFTA Rising Star Party in 2024 Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage

"For jeans, I love American Eagle, and I stole so many pairs from the shoot. So I don't know if I'll need another round for a while. But they just have such good jeans. I live in Brooklyn, so I do thrift a lot, to be honest. I try to find random pieces here and there. Me and my friends, we exchange clothes as well.

"I actually haven't bought anything in a while... I kind of made a point of not buying so many things because there was a phase, when I started dating my boyfriend  he loves fashion and he kept introducing me to brands. And then I kept buying so many things and I needed to hold back. I got a sick Kiko Kostadinov dress, which I really adore.

View the original article to see embedded media.

"I usually rotate through the same T-shirts. I have vintage T-shirts that usually go with most of my jeans or sweatpants. I'm always in sneakers... I do love Hokas. I love Salomons, you know, they do cool hiking shoes, and they also just collaborated with Sandy Liang. I got a pair of their collaboration and it's so comfy.

"They're mostly graphic [T-shirts] with just nice little sayings or funny sayings or funny images. Yeah, whatever speaks to me while I'm in the store. Right now, I'm wearing one that says 'Find Hope' and I usually wear that when I'm feeling a little down or I just need some happiness. It's bright yellow and the font's in two different blues. And it makes me happy and usually people comment on it and it creates conversation, which is always fun.

View the original article to see embedded media.

"I love [Sandy Liang's] jewelry, anything that's kind of funky and chunky. I'm really obsessed with safety pins that have become jewelry... It's either Candyland or it's '90s grunge. There's nothing in between. I need to find the middle ground.

"If I want to try out something new, but I'm feeling kind of scared, I usually text [one of my best friends] and I'm like, 'Do you think I should get this?' Her style's quite bold and I just need a little push of her being like, 'Heck yeah' or 'Heck no' and she hates it... And then my boyfriend is very much into detail and nuance, and he knows a lot of designers. If he's unsure, he'll offer other suggestions or opinions, and he's also getting to know my style really well. So he's a good guide."

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Tune into the Fashionista Network to join the conversation with fashion and beauty industry leaders. Sign up here.
From Green Chile Cornbread to Banana Pudding.

Cracker Barrel

We have a soft spot for Lebanon, Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel. For over five decades, this inherently Southern breakfast, lunch, and dinner joint has catered to our whims in every stage of lifefrom jumbo checkers in the rocking chairs to freshly baked biscuits to nostalgic candies and games. (Dont forget the Dolly-endorsed rewards program, either!) Wed argue that its not quite a road trip without a stop in at Cracker Barrel.

Cracker Barrel fans in Texas are in luck this weekthe company is conducting an extensive menu test with some mouth-watering items that are only available at select locations in Abilene, Allen, Amarillo, Arlington, Benbrook, Cypress, Houston, Kingwood, Lubbock, Midland, Weatherford and Wichita Falls. The new menu revamp is focused on better meeting guests needs, the Cracker Barrel announced in a release, as well as operational improvements designed to help team members do their jobs more efficiently. And yall, these new options sound delicious. Here are a few sampler highlights:

Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie : Slow-simmered pot roast in a savory sauce with onions, celery, carrots, peas and mashed potatoes topped with a griddled hashbrown casserole crust and sour cream

Green Chile Cornbread : Cheesy green chile cornbread drizzled with honey and topped with whipped butter

Chicken n' Dumplin Soup : Homestyle dumplings with shredded chicken, celery, carrots and onions in a savory broth

Cinnamon Bread French Toast : Cinnamon streusel bread, hand-dipped in Cracker Barrel's signature batter, griddled golden brown and topped with cinnamon and cream cheese icing

Banana Pudding : Homestyle banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers, whipped cream, and caramel sauce

Southern BBQ Ribs (Saturday daily special, available at select locations): Slow-cooked St. Louis-Style ribs with a tangy n sweet brown sugar BBQ sauce

Chicken n Rice (Sunday daily special, available at select locations): baked chicken breast smothered with creamy mushroom gravy over seasoned buttery rice

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie

The new menu items20, in totalwill only be tested through August 5, so dont miss out on the opportunity to taste! Also on the list are Creole Shrimp and Roasted Broccoli, Crispy Tender Dippers, Crispy Tenders Wedge Salad, Pot Roast, Seasoned Rice, and Signature Saucy Chicken Sandwich.



For nearly 55 years, guests have known and loved us for our authentic, homestyle cooking, and that's not going away, we've only added more flavor and crave to the menu and made it easier to navigate, said SVP of Operations Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer. We're excited for the Texas community to be the first to experience some of our new culinary innovations like premium, savory Chicken n' Rice and Green Chile Cornbread and we look forward to gaining valuable feedback, from both our guests and employees on the test.

Cracker Barrel Green Chile Cornbread

Cracker Barrels menu test also includes a revamp of the chains daily specials, with beloved guest favorites rotating in on certain nights of the weeklike Lemon Pepper Troutinstead of being available every day.

A warm bowl of Chicken n' Dumplin Soup followed by a hearty helping of Banana Pudding doesnt sound so bad. Dig in, yall!

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Read the original article on Southern Living.
Turkey Hill Dairy is adding two new ice cream flavors to its ever-growing lineup of sweet treats this summer, and the additions are like something out of Barbie's Dreamhouse.

On Wednesday, July 24almost exactly one year after the blockbuster Barbie movie was released to theatersthe household frozen treat brand took to Instagram with a series of three images teasing the new flavors as part of an official collaboration with Barbie honoring its 65th anniversary.

Using the dollmaker's signature shade of pink, Turkey Hill revealed that a Strawberry Marshmallow and a Frosted Cupcake ice cream flavor would be hitting shelves at stores nationwide very soon.

According to an official description on the iconic ice cream maker's website, the new Strawberry Marshmallow flavor features Barbie pink strawberry-flavored ice cream and drizzled marshmallow throughout. Meanwhile, the Frosted Cupcake is described as "cupcake flavored ice cream swirled with pink icing."

Related: This Viral Ice Cream Topping is the Dessert Garnish of the Summer

Turkey Hill/Mattel

Turkey Hill/Mattel

Foodies are confident both flavors will be worth the wait, taking to the comments of several Instagram posts promoting the new products with their excitement and approval.

"Cant wait to try these!!," one Turkey Hill follower exclaimed.

A second declared it "THE BEST ICE CREAM/FOOD NEWS OF THE YEAR."

"Need both!!!" another excitedly admitted, while someone else squealed, "STAWPPPPP when is the release?!? NEED NOW."

Starting this August, both flavors will be available in 46-ounce cartons at stores that carry other Turkey Hill products, including ShopRite, ACME, Giant Eagle, Giant Carlisle, Turkey Hill Minit Markets, Weis, Wegmans, Hannaford, Food Lion, and Market Basket. To get your hands on the brand's latest additions, we recommend utilizing the Turkey Hill location checker to find it at a store near you.

"Turkey Hill and Barbie both believe in unlocking your limitless potential and turning everyday moments into lifelong memories," Turkey Hill's marketing director, Brittany Smith, said in a statement. "With these new flavors, we're combining the sense of joy that Barbie evokes with Turkey Hill's farm-fresh goodness, creating a delightful treat to celebrate the end of summer."

Next: Popular French Fry Brand Launching Sweet and Salty Frozen Treat: 'My Mouth is Watering'
'Under the radar': Montgomery's 'purposeful' tourism lands it among top 4 spots in South

Over the decades, Montgomery gradually became one the Souths premiere locations for civil rights tourism  something thats been greatly amplified since Equal Justice Initiative opened three facilities here: The Legacy Museum, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice and this years latest Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.

Theyve really made a huge splash, said Ron Simmons, chief officer for Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

The EJI sites, and Montgomerys many other links to civil rights history, are a large part of why Montgomery was recently named number four among Southern Livings 8 Under-The-Radar Southern Cities To Visit This Summer.

Visitors find names as the Equal Justice Initiative dedicates its National Monument to Freedom in the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery, Ala., during a Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday June 19, 2024. The monument lists the surnames of formerly enslaved people.

Youd be remiss to visit the city without diving into its rich civil rights history, wrote Southern Living travel writer Tara Massouleh McCay in the July 15 report.

But thats just half of it. The other part of the equation is having other stuff for tourists to do in Montgomery while they're here.

Our tourism is what we call purposeful tourism, Simmons said. People come here because of a particular purpose. But when theyre here, theyre looking for other things to do, not just our rich history.

McCay would seem to agree. In the accompanying itinerary of her visit, 15 Best Things To Do In Montgomery, McCay discussed learning about learning about the citys history of racial inequality. Along with the EJI sites, McCay visited landmarks like the Rosa Parks Museum and Freedom Riders Museum that are associated with the fight for rights and the people behind it.

Beer tasting during Fourth of July celebration at Riverfront Park in Montgomery, Ala., on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Then McKay got into the stuff thats just for fun, like all the fun spots around Riverfront Park: the concert space at Riverwalk Amphitheater, the Harriott II riverboat and seeing Riverwalk Stadium  the home of Montgomerys minor league team, the Montgomery Biscuits.

McKay dipped into history here beyond Civil Rights as well:

Rafters shoot the rapids at Montgomery Whitewater in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday July 12, 2024.

A place thats become a tourist destination in its own right is the new Montgomery Whitewater and its artificial river channels. Its 120 acres full of rafting, recreational walking and plenty of other activities like outdoor concerts.

Of course, having places beyond fast food to eat are a must. Montgomery has a variety ranging from fine dining and international dishes, to lunch options and maybe sucking down a dozen raw oysters.

More: Olympic trials at Montgomery Whitewater generate $1.5M economic impact

One aspect Southern Living didn't get into with Montgomery is its huge cultural arts scene, with museums like the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the variety of ballet companies (Montgomery Ballet, Alabama River Region Ballet, Alabama Dance Theatre), or a huge theater presence through the internationally known Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The area also has a rich community theater scene in the River Region, with places like Cloverdale Playhouse in Montgomery, and other nearby groups in the River Region: Wetumpka Depot Players, Prattville's Way Off Broadway Theatre, and the Millbrook Community Players.

An angel (Reagan Kennedy) and Joseph's brothers Issachar (Kevin Ilardi), Levi (Rob Riordan), and Zebulon (Josh Bates) perform One More Angel in Heaven for Alabama Shakespeare Festival's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

For tourists unfamiliar with Montgomery's offerings, Simmons said the Chamber and city are working hard to make the search for things to do much easier.

We study the behavior of our tourists, and we know what they want before theyre here, Simmons said. Then we track what theyre doing while theyre here.

To a great extent, tourists are looking for things to do outdoors, Simmons said. Things like riverfront concerts and ways to be active.

Montgomery Whitewater is a big piece of that, Simmons said. But were also starting to see them look for bicycle trails.

Ron Simmons speaks during the dedication of the mural titled DNA by JonOne, located at the corner of Lee and Montgomery Streets in downtown Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday March 29, 2023,

Its a healthy trend that began with troubled times four years ago after the onset of the pandemic.

During the pandemic, people were starting to do more things outside, Simmons said. Were still seeing that, even with our convention delegates and our youth and travel sports. When theyre not participating in conferences and theyre not in events, were starting to see them look for things to do outside We were not as heavy in leisure tourism, pre-pandemic, as we are now.

So is Montgomery actually under the radar as a tourism destination?

I do think that we are under the radar, however weve made significant strides  in fact, I know we have  in being known for a great destination to visit.

According to Simmons, Montgomery is number one in Alabama for international tourism.

Tourists are coming here and spending money, Simmons said. Its impacting this entire region in a positive way.

While the area's tourists are having fun in Montgomery, Simmons hopes locals will get out and find their own fun here as well.

Experience what our visitors are experiencing, Simmons said. I think that alone will start to build more pride in our city. Our visitors are here, and theyre really enjoying it for a reason.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery's 'purposeful' tourism lands it among top 4 spots in South
Where to get pets spayed/neutered in Memphis amid Memphis Animal Services backlog? Where to go

When it comes to caring for your dogs or cats, getting them spayed or neutered is one of the most important things a new pet owner can do.

Besides being legally required for Memphis residents if a dog or cat is 6 months or older, a fixed pet has multiple benefits for both the animal, their owner, and even the environment at large.

While Memphis Animal Services is operating with a part-time veterinarian and facing a backlog of spay and neutered pets due to an ongoing investigation involving its former director, there are a number of other avenues for getting your newly adopted pet fixed in Memphis.

Here's everything you need to know about spaying and neutering in the Memphis area.

Why should I get my pet spayed/neutered?

If the service is available and affordable, getting your pet spayed or neutered is a no-brainer decision. A mood stability increase, reductions in marking and spraying habits, decreased aggression and risk of cancer in dogs, as well as a decreased risk of uterine infection and breast cancer in cats are all common benefits. Don't worry, animals are put under anesthesia during the surgery  they don't feel a thing.

About 6.3 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters every year across the nation, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Of those, about 920,000 are euthanized every year. Spaying and neutering animals helps to drastically reduce the number of unnecessary animal deaths every year.

If you're a bird lover as well, get your cats and neighborhood cats spayed. An estimated 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds are killed by cats every year, proving devastating for ecosystems in which cats are not native.

More: Performance improvement plan in place at Memphis Animal Services. Here's what it entails

How do I adopt from MAS while there is a spay/neuter backlog?

Like all animal shelters in the Memphis area, MAS requires adopted animals to be spayed or neutered, but because of a lengthy backlog of operations needed, receiving a pet you've adopted can take far longer than normal.

If you're adopting from MAS but want to avoid the long wait, you can pay a $25 non-sterilized fee to skip the spay/neutering process. Pet parents can get the money returned if they can provide proof of surgery, or come back for their pet's sterilization surgery within 30 days.

If you want to get your newly adopted pet spayed elsewhere, here are a few options:

Spay Memphis

3787 Summer Ave; 901-324-3202; spaymemphis.org

This non-profit clinic is a great option for pet owners who cannot afford spay and neuter services at a full-service veterinary clinic. Due to high demand, a $10 deposit is required to book an appointment  surgery is $100 for dogs, $60 for cats and $40 for feral cats.

Bookings open up on a month-by-month basis, at the beginning of the previous month. For example, while August appointments are nearly fully booked, September appointments will open for scheduling the first Tuesday in August, between 99:30 a.m.

Up-to-date vaccinations are not required, though highly recommended. Be sure to enter your pet's weight and sex accurately, as you will be turned down if the weight is far different or the sex is incorrect. A separate service for feral (outdoor) cats is also available.

The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County

935 Farm Road; (901) 937-3900; memphishumane.org

Though the Humane Society's in-house spay and neuter service is currently (and very often) fully booked, MHS does offer a $55 voucher to use at selected veterinary offices. The cat or dog must be at least 6 months old, and proof of up-to-date vaccinations is required.

Visit the Humane Society from Tuesday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to claim the voucher and be directed to the selected vet.

If you manage to catch the schedule not fully booked and secure an appointment at the Humane Society, dogs cost $75, and cats cost $65. Both services include post-surgery pain medications, e-collar and complimentary nail trim. The service is specifically for pet owners who receive government assistance.

Homeless Animals Relief Project

(662) 292-0922; homelessanimalsreliefproject.org

If you're willing to take a short drive down to Senatobia, Mississippi, HARP offers spay and neuter services for cats. A co-pay or donation is requested if you are able.

Detailed instructions on how to prepare your cat for the procedure are available on HARP's website. Call (662) 292-0922 to schedule an appointment.

Vet clinics and animal hospitals

The majority of veterinary clinics offer spay and neuter services, though usually at a higher price. Some of the highest rated clinics on Google in Memphis include:

Utopia Animal Hospital

The Pet Hospitals

Southern Crossing Animal Hospital

McGehee Clinic for Animals

Eastgate Animal Clinic

Walnut Grove Animal Clinic

A full list of Memphis-area vet clinics can be found here.

Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at jacob.wilt@commercialappeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Spay and neuter Memphis: Where to go amid MAS investigation
Yes, NC once had a Wizard of Oz theme park. It will reopen soon for just 3 weekends.

Every year in September, the ski slopes on Beech Mountain transform into a fantasy-land of munchkins and winged monkeys, resurrecting North Carolinas mythical Land of Oz theme park.

Fans of a certain age will recall the 1970s curiosity, with its trail of 40,000 yellow bricks, hot-air balloon rides and a museum holding Dorothys original blue gingham dress from The Wizard of Oz.

And while that version of Land of Oz went bankrupt, partially burned down and finally closed in 1980, it now reopens each fall for a wizard-packed revival  notably for three weekends this September.

Largest Oz festival in the world

Billing itself as the largest Oz festival in the world, Autumn at Oz pulls what remains of the original Wizard of Oz park into an immersive day that, for a $60 ticket, invites fans to follow Dorothys steps from cyclone at the Gale family farm down a reconstructed yellow-brick path.

The Wizard of Oz comes to life again, as does the Land of Oz theme park, in September for three weekends.

Live scarecrows, tin men, lions and witches appear on the mountaintop park and recreate the wizard wish-granting scene onstage. An extra $6.50 gets fans into the scenic overlook at Beech Mountains 5,500-foot summit.

But for many, a trip to the Land of Oz excites more for the memory of what was than what now lies down the yellow path.

For three weekends in September, people will return to what remains of the Land of Oz theme park in the North Carolina mountains.

When it opened in 1970, the park cost the equivalent of nearly $40 million to construct, built mainly to keep Beech Mountain ski employees busy in the off-season.

In its first year, the park drew a whopping 400,000 people to the remote corner of North Carolina near Banner Elk, where they gawked at giant mushrooms, waterfalls, cages full of toucans, hot air balloons from the Kansas State Fair and a real Emerald City.

That $1,000 piece of gingham

A museum at the theme park held one of the dresses Judy Garland wore in the 1939 movie, obtained at an MGM auction, described by a then-PR-staffer, better known now as U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, as that $1,000 piece of gingham.

The original cast at the park consisted of nine Dorothys, four scarecrows, four tin men, four witches and five cowardly lions  an extra considering the lions wore the most cumbersome costume and spent down-time in a cave.

Land of Oz Theme Park reopens in Beech Mountain for three weekends in September, recreating the wonderland North Carolinians enjoyed in the 1970s.

But dwindling attendance and unpaid creditors forced the then-owners of the Land of Oz to file bankruptcy in 1975, and a court-appointed trustee shut the park soon after.

At the end of that year, both looters and fire struck Land of Oz, destroying Emerald City. Police told reporters in 1976 that both Dorothys dress and the coat worn by the movies Emerald City gatekeeper had been cleared out.

The park limped on until 1980, when it closed for good.

Tickets selling fast for September weekends

But after more than a decade, the Land of Oz started reopening for fall weekends. And it started drawing back crowds that were more like its early years. Organizers report tickets are 70% sold out for this September.

The Land of Oz operated as a sister park to Tweetsie Railroad from 1970 to 1980. Part of it parts of it remain atop Beech Mountain.

The hot air balloon ride is gone, as is the original Emerald City, and some of those 40,000 bricks were missing by the time they were unearthed.

But the recreated cyclone still happens, and visitors still emerge from Dorothys farmhouse post-tornado to find a wicked witchs feet protruding from the wreckage.

And in the end, ruby slippers or not, everybody gets to go home.

Autumn at Oz

Where: 1 Yellow Brick Road, Beech Mountain, NC

When: Sept. 6-8, Sept. 13-15, Sept. 20-22

Tickets: $60 general admission, $6.50 for overlook. Click https://landofoznc.com/buy-tickets/
A team of divers has discovered a massive haul of champagne and wine on a shipwreck on the floor of the Baltic Sea. On a recent dive trip off the coast of Sweden, the Polish diving group BaltiTech spotted what looked like an old fishing boat on their sonar, 20 or so nautical miles south of the Aland islands, between Sweden and Finland.

"At first, there were doubts whether there would be anyone willing to go down," they said in a post on their website. But two of them decided to jump in and head down for a quick look.

Bottles of centuries-old champagne on a shipwreck in the depths of the Baltic Sea / Credit: Tomasz Stachura/BaltiTech

When they didn't return for two hours, the rest of the team suspected "there was something very interesting on the bottom."

Their hunch was right. The divers swam down to discover a 19th century sailing ship "in very good condition, loaded to the sides with champagne, wine, mineral water and porcelain."

"I've been a diver for 40 years. From time to time, you see one or two bottles," Tomasz Stachura, who leads the team, told CBS News' partner network BBC News. "But I've never seen crates with bottles of alcohol and baskets of water like this."

"We certainly saw more than 100 bottles of champagne and baskets of mineral water in clay bottles," said the group.



The clay bottles helped the group establish the shipment was produced between 1850 and 1867.

Champagne bottles intact on a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea, discovered by a team of Polish divers centuries after going under / Credit: Tomasz Stachura/BaltiTech

The water, in bottles made by the German company Selters, might suggest who the ship belonged to.

"In those days, mineral water was treated almost like medicine and only found its way to royal tables," according to the diving group. "Its value was so precious that transports were escorted by the police. We came across about 100 sealed bottles."

Stachura told the BBC that he believes the "treasure" could have been destined for Stockholm or St. Petersburg, on its way to Russia's Tsar Nicholas I, who in 1852 reportedly lost a ship in the area.

Incredibly, this is not the oldest champagne ever found on a Baltic shipwreck.

In 2010, diving instructor Christian Ekstrom and his team discovered 30 or so bottles of bubbly on a sunken ship near the Aland Islands. Ekstrom said the bottles, found at a depth of 200 feet, were believed to be from the 1780s and likely were part of a cargo destined for Russia.

"We brought up the bottle to be able to establish how old the wreck was," he told The Associated Press at the time. "We didn't know it would be champagne. We thought it was wine or something."

Ekstrom said the divers were overjoyed when they popped the cork on their boat after hauling the bubbly up from the depths.

"It tasted fantastic," he said. "It was a very sweet champagne, with a tobacco taste and oak."

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BUNNELL, Fla. (AP)  An 11-year-Virginia boy is charged in Florida with calling in more than 20 bomb or shooting threats to schools and other places, authorities said Thursday.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said during a news conference that authorities worked hard to find the caller before the school year resumes.

This kids behavior was escalating and becoming more dangerous, Staly said. Im glad we got him before he escalated out of control and hurt someone.

Swatting is slang for making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to send a SWAT team or other armed police officers to a particular place.

Flagler County emergency services initially received a bomb threat at Buddy Taylor Middle School on May 14, officials said. Additional threats were made between then and May 22. Flagler County is in central Florida on the states Atlantic coast.

Investigators tracked the calls to a home in Henrico County, Virginia, just outside Richmond. Local deputies searched the home this month, and the 11-year-old boy who lived there admitted to placing the Florida swatting calls, as well as a threat made to the Maryland State House, authorities said. Investigators later determined that the boy also made swatting calls in Nebraska, Kansas, Alabama, Tennessee and Alaska.

The boy faces 29 felony counts and 14 misdemeanors, officials said. Hes being held in a Virginia juvenile detention facility while Florida officials arrange for his extradition. Investigators didnt immediately say whether the boy had a connection to Florida.

A 13-year-old boy was arrested in Florida in May, several days after the initial call, for making a copycat threat to Buddy Taylor Middle School, official 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.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Vientiane, Laos, July 25, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone here on Thursday said the country stands ready to promote a new version of the action plan on building a Laos-China community with a shared future and expand practical cooperation with China on all fronts.

In a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Sonexay said the Lao side will strengthen coordination with China and focus on implementing the important consensus reached by top leaders of both countries.

The Lao prime minister said the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee concluded last week was a great encouragement for Laos' socialist construction, adding that the Lao side hoped to learn from China's experience.

Noting that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Laos-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Sonexay said the two countries have been working toward a high-standard, high-quality and high-level bilateral relationship.

The Laos-China Railway, said the prime minister, provided strong momentum for Laos to transform from a land-locked to a land-linked nation, adding that the country welcomes more capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Laos, helping to deepen regional interconnectivity and safeguard regional supply chain stability.

Sonexay further said the Lao side will speed up the establishment of juxtaposed border control, according to which travelers can go through both exit and entry procedures at the same checkpoint, at Laos-China border ports.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said the friendship between the two countries and parties enjoys strong political foundation, internal impetus and public support.

Both sides should carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen their construction of a China-Laos community with a shared future, and achieve high-standard, high-quality and high-level collaboration and coordination, making their relationship one of the best among China's neighboring countries.

Wang elaborated on the significance of the third plenary session and important measures announced at the meeting, saying China is willing to increase the exchange of governance experience with Laos to promote their respective modernization process. 
Pro-Palestinian student protestors previously banned from Harvard graduation will receive their diplomas

Harvard is awarding 11 diplomas to the students who were among the dozens who spent 20 days camping out in tents in Harvard Yard earlier this year.

Harvard Universitys governing board pulls degrees for 13 pro-Palestinian student protestors

According to a statement from the university, students were restored to good standing after completing a disciplinary process.

The University continues to work to strengthen and improve disciplinary processes, such as the recently announced procedures to enable the work of the University Committee on Rights and Responsibilities to enhance the consistency of investigation and factfinding processes in cases involving more than one school, the university said.

Two students who were initially barred from graduating are still blocked from receiving their diplomas due to outstanding probation sentences that are sent to conclude at the end of the fall semester, the Harvard Crimson reported.

Effective, fair, well understood, and consistently applied processes are vital to how we function as a learning community  and how we reconcile the opportunities to express our views, including through protest and dissent, with our obligations to one another.

Earlier this month, Harvard also reversed its decision to suspend 5 students, downgrading their punishments to probation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Suspect arrested after 13-year-old girl abducted from motel in College Park

A suspect has been taken into custody after allegedly kidnapping a teenager in College Park, according to Clayton deputies.

Police in College Park confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that a 13-year-old girl was abducted at the Super 8 Motel on Old National Hwy. on Thursday afternoon.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Clayton deputies say the initial report of a kidnapping came around 2 p.m. At 2:35 p.m., deputies patrolling Riverdale Road spotted the suspects vehicle and were able to stop it.

The 22-year-old suspect was taken into custody. His or her name has not been released.

Deputies in Clayton County are looking after the girl. Her identity has not been released.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A 14-year-old boy was shot Thursday afternoon in St. Petersburg, according to police.

The teen was near 20th Avenue South and 44th Street South when another group fired several shots, police said.

The teen went to a nearby house for help.

He was taken to John Hopkins All Childrens Hospital in critical but stable condition, police said.

No other details were immediately available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the St. Petersburg Police Department.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A Jackson County judge ordered a 15-year-old teen charged with shooting a gun at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally in February to serve a term at a state facility for youths.

The decision was handed down Thursday by Jackson County Family Court Administrative Judge Jennifer Phillips during a proceeding similar to a sentencing hearing in adult court. A commitment at a state Department of Youth Services facility typically lasts 9-12 months, a deputy juvenile officer with Jackson County Circuit Court said Thursday.

Earlier this month, Phillips accepted the teens admission that he committed the charge of unlawful use of a weapon by knowingly discharging or firing a firearm at a person. The Jackson County Juvenile Officers office, which oversees youth cases, dismissed a second charge, armed criminal action, and agreed to not go through the certification process that could see his case sent to adult court.

Prior to Phillips announcing her decision, the teen, referred to as R.G. in court documents, read a statement apologizing for his actions and to all those who were hurt at the rally and said he wanted much better for himself.

I apologize to my family and to my community for my actions, he said, describing himself as a good kid before he became involved with a group of peers involved in the rally shooting. That is not who I am.

You made some bad choices, but that doesnt make you a bad person, it doesnt make you a bad kid, Phillips told the teen as she announced her ruling, adding that DYS would have the programs and tools to help him move forward.

The Feb. 14 shooting at Kansas Citys Union Station killed 43-year-old Lisa Lopez Galvan and injured many others. Jackson County prosecutors have alleged that the shooting was set off during an altercation between two groups.

Kansas City police detective Grant Spiking testified Thursday that after Lyndell Mays, 23, of Raytown, one of the men facing a murder charge for the shooting, first pulled a gun and fired, R.G. also pulled a firearm, began to shoot toward Mays and hit another person in his own group, Dominic Miller.

Spiking said 25 people were injured by gunfire in the brief flurry of shots and said 69 people were injured in other ways, like broken bones, brain injuries and dislocated joints, as they fled the area.

Earlier in the hearing, loved ones asked Phillips to release the teen and send him home, describing him as a loving person who had been negatively influenced by his peers in recent months. Jon Bailey, the teens attorney, said he thought R.G. had learned from the experience and requested he be released on an intensive supervision program and house arrest with a condition of no social media use.

Our house is not a home without him, the teens mother told Phillips.

Monica Penrose, an attorney representing the juvenile office, requested the teen be sent to a DYS facility, arguing that time there would help him to form new habits and separate him from any negative peer influences.

Mays, Miller, 19, of Kansas City, and another man, Terry Young, 21, of Kansas City, face murder charges for their roles in the shooting.

Two other teens have been charged in the shooting. Phillips ruled last month that one of them, who has been identified by his initials, A.M., will not face prosecution as an adult, and the other teen was detained on gun-related charges that do not rise to the level of being tried as an adult.

The Stars Robert Cronkleton contributed reporting to this story.
15-year-old Kannapolis girl rescued from sex abuser in Illinois, sheriff says

An Illinois man coaxed a 15-year-old Kannapolis girl to take a bus to Chicago so he could sexually abuse her at his home, according to the Lake County Sheriffs Office.

The United States Marshals Office got information on Tuesday that the girl could be at a home in Green Oaks, Illinois.

Local detectives saw Andrew W. Szech, 43, leaving the home with the victim on Wednesday. They rescued the girl and arrested Szech.

Some of the same techniques and methods used to find fugitives (is used) to also find missing kids, said U.S. Marshal Deputy Addison Freeman.

Sources told Channel 9 she had been missing since February.

Investigators said Szech has been talking to the victim online since June.

He encouraged her to take a bus from North Carolina to Chicago early the next month.

Szech then allegedly picked the victim up from the Chicago bus station, took her to his home in Green Oaks, and sexually abused her, the Lake County Sheriffs Office stated.

The victim is safely away from her abuser and has been placed in care, the sheriffs office said.

Erin Moody with the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center in Rowan County said online solicitation can happen to anyone with access to the internet.

She said predators use flattery and gifts to groom children and even pretend to be kids themselves.

This is happening 12 to 15 (year olds), Moody said. Weve definitely seen it younger.

Moody said open conversation is one of the best tools to protect children.

We have to make it regularly routinely, often clear to kids, your safetys the most important thing, Moody said

There is not much worse than exploiting a vulnerable child, said Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg in a statement. We will go to all lengths to rescue children and victims from trafficking and sexual abuse. I am so thankful this child is safe and can begin to receive the assistance and help she needs to begin healing from this terrible situation. I am thankful for the strong collaboration our Office has with our federal and local partners, which led to this rescue and prosecution.

Szech remains held in the Lake County Jail.

During an investigation for a missing juvenile, Kannapolis Police found evidence that the juvenile was in Illinois, Kannapolis police said in a statement. Working closely with the U.S. Marshals Office the juvenile has been located and will be returning to Kannapolis.

A search warrant at Szechs home revealed that he had:

One firearm

Over 2,700 grams of cannabis

Nearly 30 grams of psilocybin laced candy

Over 55 grams of psilocybin mushrooms

27 cannabis plants

Over 55 Adderall pills

Szech was charged with:

Three counts of criminal sexual abuse (Class 1 felonies)

Unlawful possession of psilocybin mushrooms with intent to deliver (Class 1 felony)

Unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (Class 1 felony)

Unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 2 felony)

Unlawful possession of Adderall with intent to deliver (Class 2 felony)

Aggravated battery (Class 3 felony)

Unlawful possession of cannabis plants (Class 3 felony)

Two counts of aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm (Class 4 felonies)

Reckless conduct (Class A misdemeanor)

Aggravated assault (Class A misdemeanor)

Additional charges are expected.

Homeland Security was also involved in the investigation.
FORT PIERCE  Police on Thursday identified a 17-year-old fatally shot two days earlier as Kamarian Burgess, of Fort Pierce, and provided new details in the case.

Police shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday went to the 1600 block of Avenue K and encountered an unresponsive person, Fort Pierce Police Maj. Mike Santiago said.

The preliminary investigation suggests that there was a group of people hanging out in front of this particular location, and at some point individuals came from a certain area -- we're trying to determine which area -- came in and began opening fire onto the crowd, Santiago said.

Santiago said an officer in the area heard shots and was able to respond in 30 seconds -- before 911 was called.

The officer observed the group of people fleeing the area, Santiago said. He secured the scene, and that's when he encountered this individual that was unresponsive.

Kamarian was taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce where he died.

Santiago said investigators recovered four handguns left behind. He said evidence suggests multiple weapons were used in the incident, and that cartridge casings of a number of different calibers were recovered.

Right now we're trying to determine motive, because there was a group of people, and there were shots fired by what is believed to be more than one person, Santiago said. We're just trying to kind of sift through that.

He encouraged people to come forward with information.

Some of the challenging ... things that we come across is the reluctance of the public coming forward and providing us with information to determine who the suspect is or what the motive may be, Santiago said. This particular case is one of those challenging circumstances.

Jennifer Norris, 46, lives in a home just down the street from where the shooting occurred. In a Wednesday morning interview, Norris said she was in her room and heard gunfire.

It was like pop, pop, pop, pop, Norris said.

She said police quickly arrived.

I've only been in this house for about seven months, and this is like the third fatality around this little neighborhood that I've heard of already, Norris said.

A number of homes appeared to have been struck by bullets. Other residents in the area on Wednesday either did not wish to speak, didnt see anything or didnt answer knocks to the door.

Santiago said input from the public is key.

We can see a higher success rate on solvability on these cases when the community is involved, he said. When the community is not involved, the success rate is lower.

Santiago said since June 5 police have made about 26 violent felony arrests and seized 42 firearms.

Some of the strategies that we have implemented are working, he said. We are 100 percent as a police department committed to our community.

Deputy arrested: Martin County sheriff's deputy arrested; accused of stalking woman who rebuffed him

Deadly incident in Port St. Lucie: Police investigate weekend murder-suicide

Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Police urge public to come forward in fatal shooting of 17-year-old
A 17-year-old transgender girl is in critical condition after being stabbed 18 times at the Miami International Airport over the weekend.

The teen, whose identity has yet to be released, was eating a meal on the floor in the pre-security area of the airport Saturday evening when she was allegedly stabbed in the arms, neck, shoulders, face, and legs by Alexander Love, 29, Miami-Dade County police told NBC News. Love then attempted to throw the girl over a railing.

The victim was able to escape the attack and ran down the stairs to the third-floor level, which is where the officers found her, police said.

The girl has not been able to provide other details about the incident because her injuries have left her unable to speak, according to ABC News. But police told the network on Monday that they are looking into the incident as a potential hate crime.

The Miami-Dade Police Department did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Love was charged with attempted first-degree murder and attempted premeditated murder, according to the arrest report. He is being held without bond.

Police said Love attacked the girl without provocation and ambushed her with a butcher knife.

Shortly after the attack, Love was taken into custody by Customs and Border Protection. Miami-Dade police told NBC News that Love admitted that he had become acquaintances with the girl before the attack.

CBP did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

In an arrest report cited by ABC News, Love claimed that he was possibly drugged and someone inserted an unknown object in his rectum.

Although the defendant is not certain the victim is responsible for this, the defendant made a statement indicating he needed to hurt whoever hurt him and was prompted to purchase the knife at a Target store near Miami International Airport, the report said, per ABC News. The report also noted that there was no indication of alcohol or drug use by Love.

County officials told the Miami Herald that both Love and the teen were living at the airport, though police have yet to confirm if the two knew each other.

Around 20 to 25 unhoused people use the airport for shelter each day, Greg Chin, the communications director for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, told CBS News.

Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, which assists people experiencing homelessness, told HuffPost that the organization is working to secure long-term housing 29 LGBTQ+ youth out of the nearly 480 unhoused youth in their systems.

Book said often the LGBTQ+ young people the organization serves have been rejected from their homes. He emphasized that the Homeless Trust needs to build trust with the community and address its unique set of challenges than the broader population.

Book said organization also sent outreach workers to the airport to help relocate the two dozen people living there. He said they have already convinced two unhoused people to accept the organizations services.

Though the motive in the stabbing is still unknown, transgender people are four times more likely than cisgender people to experience violent victimization.

The Human Rights Campaign has called the spate of violence against transgender people an epidemic and documented the murders of at least 33 trans and gender nonconforming people in 2023.

Last week, Jade Monique Thomas, a 49-year-old Black trans woman, was shot and killed near an Orlando mall. Last month, 14-year-old transgender teen Pauly Likens was murdered and her dismembered body was found in a reservoir on the border of Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Related...
19-year-old who died after shooting in Milton on Monday identified by police

Delaware State Police have identified 19-year-old Ryan Simpson as the man who died after being shot in Milton early Monday morning.

Police responded to the 14000 block of Collins St. just before 5 a.m., where their investigation found shots were fired into the shed Simpson was living in and hit him in the upper torso, a news release said.

He was hospitalized but died from his injuries Tuesday.

No suspect information has been released by police.

Anyone with information should contact Detective A. Bluto at (302) 741-2859 or send Delaware State Police a Facebook message. Information can be provided anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.

More: The artificial Redbird Reef, popular Delaware fishing spot, gets 2 more boats

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware police ID 19-year-old who died after Milton shooting
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A man from Sinaloa, Mexico, has been arrested after a K-9 discovered $1 million in drugs, the Fresno County Sheriffs Office announced.

Deputies say they made a traffic violation stop on a vehicle traveling along Interstate 5 in Fresno County. K-9 Gere picked up a scent of narcotics during the stop and alerted detectives.

Sheriffs officials say a vehicle search revealed two dozen packages the driver, identified as 21-year-old Jose Araujo-Valenzuela of Sinaloa, Mexico, attempted to hide.

According to the Sheriffs Office, the packages contained 240,000 Fentanyl-laced pills, commonly known as M-30s, and 2.2 pounds of cocaine. The total street value for these items is estimated to be $1 million. The drugs were seized for evidence and destruction.

According to deputies, this large amount of narcotics is consistent with the work of drug trafficking organizations. The case is being submitted for consideration of federal prosecution.

Those aware of any type of illegal drug activity are encouraged to report it anonymously by calling the Narcotics Hotline at 1-800-660-1086 or email: drugtip@fresnosheriff.org.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL)  Two men were arrested on drug charges in Washington County, Virginia after police reportedly seized more than 59 pounds of methamphetamine.

According to the Washington County, Virginia Sheriffs Office (WCSO), two search warrants were executed on Wednesday as part of an extensive drug investigation.

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Authorities first searched a vehicle on Interstate 81, which resulted in a traffic stop. While searching the vehicle, investigators reportedly found and seized roughly four pounds of meth, which the WCSO estimated had a street value of more than $65,000.

The search of the vehicle also uncovered about one ounce of fentanyl, a news release from the WCSO states.

Tyrone Robert Irving, 45, of Roanoke, was arrested and charged with multiple drug charges following the search of the vehicle.

The WCSO executed the second search warrant at a home in Abingdon. Investigators reportedly found methamphetamine, fentanyl and a firearm while searching the home, all of which were seized.

Brack Dalton Widener, 29, of Abingdon was arrested following the search of the home on various drug and weapon charges.

Trial witnesses describe Sean Williams escape, capture

Additionally, the WCSO stated that more search warrants were obtained for a home and storage locker in Roanoke and Salem, Virginia. Searches of those locations resulted in authorities seizing 59 pounds of meth with a street value of $1.9 million.

Irving was charged with the following:

Possession with Intent to Distribute of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine  continuing criminal enterprise

Conspiracy with Intent to Distribute of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine  continuing criminal enterprise

Possession with Intent to Distribute of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Fentanyl

Possession with Intent to commit act of terrorism possess a weapon of terrorism, Controlled Substance, Fentanyl

Widener was charged with the following:

Possession of firearms while in possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substances

Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine

Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Fentanyl

Possession of firearms by convicted felon

Both Irving and Widener were being held without bond at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail as of Thursday morning.

Several agencies assisted in the investigation in what Washington County Sheriff Blake Andis called a clear showing of great teamwork and the advantages of State and Federal task forces working together in the fight to get drugs off our streets.

The following agencies assisted in the investigation and execution of search warrants:

Virginia State Police

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Holston River Regional Drug Task Force

Star City Task Force

Russell County Sheriffs Office

Town of Lebanon Police Department

Smyth County Sheriffs Office

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
CANBERRA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Researchers from Australia's national science agency have solved one of the country's biggest maritime mysteries by discovering the wreck of a ship that sank over 50 years ago.

The motor vessel (MV) Noongah was carrying steel between the east coast cities of Newcastle and Townsville on Aug. 25, 1969, when it encountered a storm and sank, triggering one of the largest searches for survivors in Australian maritime history.

Of the 26 crew on board at the time of the incident, 21 died. Only one body was recovered and the wreck was never found.

However, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on Thursday announced it has confirmed the final resting place of the 71-meter freighter.

The CSIRO's advanced research vessel (RV) Investigator surveyed an unidentified shipwreck in June 2024, collecting video footage and high-resolution seafloor mapping data.

In collaboration with experts from New South Wales (NSW) Heritage and NGO The Sydney Project the team was able to identify the wreck as the MV Noongah.

The investigation showed the wreck is sitting upright at a depth of 170 meters.

Matt Kimber from the CSIRO's Marine National Facility (MNF) informed stakeholders including surviving crew members and the families of the sailors who died, of the outcome of the RV Investigator survey.

The data and vision collected by the CSIRO has been provided to the project partners to allow planning for a dive by The Sydney Project to collect additional vision of the wreck. 
2 arrested for tossing puppies out of a car, abandoning them at Georgia church

A man faces serious charges after a shocking video emerged showing him abandoning puppies behind a church.

John Williams and his passenger, Marie Crowder, are both charged with four felony counts of animal cruelty following the incident.

Disturbing footage shows Williams getting out of a car and removing three puppies from the back seat.

One of the puppies jumps out, the rest of them didnt so he comes around and pretty much throws the other three out, said Sgt. Bobby Mullenix of the Haralson County Sheriffs Office.

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The puppies endured eight days in the heat without food or water before being discovered.

Mullenix, an animal lover himself, expressed how difficult it was to see the animals in distress.

Its terrible to put these animals out. Nothing to keep them hydrated, starvation, in hopes someone would come by and pick them up, he said.

The puppies took refuge under a nearby building until they were spotted by a church member who contacted animal control.

According to Amanda Matthews from the Haralson County Animal Shelter, the puppies were in rough shape when they were found.

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They were pretty skinny. One had some skin issues on her forehead. They were all feral, so we werent able to touch them, we had to trap them, she said.

Thanks to the security video, investigators were able to identify and arrest Williams and Crowder.

When questioned, the pair claimed they did not know abandoning the puppies was against the law and believed they would be picked up if left at a church or subdivision.

At the Haralson County Animal Shelter, the remaining three puppies are now healthy and playful.

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They actually come up to the cage now and want to be loved, Matthews said.

One of the puppies has already been adopted, but the other three are still looking for their forever homes.

The German Shepherd Mix puppies are between three and four months old.

You can adopt one of them by calling the shelter at 770-646-6622.

IN OTHER NEWS:
BEDFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Two people were killed Monday evening after an SUV collided with a tractor-trailer in Bedford County, authorities said.

According to Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), a Peterbilt tractor-trailer was stopped at the intersection of Highway 82 East and Highway 231 North at approximately 6:22 p.m. on Monday, July 22 while a Nissan Ariya was heading north on Highway 231 North.

White House man facing charges following deadly crash in Bowling Green

Officials said the tractor-trailer driver traveled east through the intersection and pulled out in front of the Nissan, which hit and traveled underneath the trailer before continuing another 100 yards and coming to a stop in the median.

The driver and the passenger of the Nissan  identified by THP as 46-year-old Kristi Gentry and 28-year-old Brandon Gentry, both of Tennessee  were wearing their seatbelts, but they died in the crash.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Meanwhile, the 57-year-old tractor-trailer driver from California was also wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the incident, authorities said. He is not facing any charges.

No additional details have been released about this deadly collision.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Two dogs that were fostered after almost being euthanized due to overcrowding at the San Angelo Animal Shelter are up for adoption again after being returned just one day after the euthanasia deadline, according to Concho Valley PAWS.

A social media post made by CVPAWS states that Colson, a 2.5-year-old shepherd mix, and Skippy, an 11-month-old labrador mix, were given back to the shelter because their foster didnt have permission from the relatives they live with to bring them to the household.

RELATED: 20 dogs adopted before euthanasia deadline

Their return to the shelter comes one day after July 23, the day 20 pets housed at the animal shelter were to be euthanized if not adopted or fostered due to the shelter exceeding its maximum capacity of 180 dogs. CVPAWS, the City of San Angelos contracted adoption vendor, stepped in to help the Citys Animal Services Division get the at-risk dogs rehomed before it was too late.

Though all 20 dogs were adopted or fostered, 7 of them had only hours left until the 6 p.m. deadline. Colson and Skippy were among these seven.

We were pretty concerned when this list came out because July is, historically, across the nation, not a fantastic adoption month, CVPAWS Executive Director Jennie Wilson said. We were very surprised and so very grateful that San Angelo stepped up the way it did because we really went into this list concerned that we werent going to be able to save them all.

Colson and Skippy are once again in the animal shelter and available to be fostered, and CVPAWS is asking the community to consider bringing the boys into their homes. Wilson said Colson is energetic, Skippy is smart, and both are friendly, young and take direction well. Both dogs have also been treated and vaccinated for several pet ailments, including heartworms, fleas and ticks.

They are in desperate need of fosters or adopters! CVPAWS said. Both boys do well with other dogs and are active and energetic.

The organization also stated that it will provide all medical care and supplies for those who foster. According to Wilson, this includes free training as well.

When youre fostering we provide for all of their care  food, medical, everything up to the point where theyre adopted, Wilson said.

To apply to be a foster, visit cvpaws.org/foster.

Colson was returned to the San Angelo Animal Shelter just days after being spared from euthanasia by being fostered.

Skippy was returned to the San Angelo Animal Shelter just days after being spared from euthanasia by being fostered.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  Two drivers were injured in a crash involving law enforcement Thursday morning in Greenville.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the crash occurred after 8 a.m. near the 300 block of Woodruff Road near Bella Grove Drive.

According to troopers, an agent with the Probation, Parole & Pardon Unit was driving along Woodruff Road when the agent hit a car pulling out of a private residence.

Both drivers were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the SCHP.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two more Massachusetts State Police troopers are facing internal investigations, weeks after they testified during the Karen Read trial, Massachusetts State Police confirmed.

Read, who is accused of killing her boyfriend, police officer John O'Keefe, in January 2022, will stand trial again in January 2025 after a judge declared a mistrial in her first murder case earlier this month.

Detective Lt. Brian Tully and Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik will remain on active duty as their investigations continue, according to MSP.

PHOTO: Karen Read, right, sits with her attorney David Yannetti during her appearance for a hearing at Norfolk Superior Court, July 22, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. (Jessica Rinaldi/AP)

MORE: 4th juror confirms Karen Read was found not guilty on 2 counts

An investigation into Lt. John Fanning -- another officer tied to the Read case -- has been completed and it was determined there was "insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation that he violated rules and regulations by failing to uphold the responsibilities of a supervisory member. This allegation has been classified as not sustained," state police said in a statement Thursday.

Tully testified during Read's trial that he never searched the house where O'Keefe's body was found outside because there was no evidence a crime had been committed inside. Tully said he wouldn't have been able to obtain a search warrant for the house for that reason.

PHOTO: 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/AP)

Damning testimony during Read's trial also led to the suspension of Massachusetts State Police officer Michael Proctor -- who was suspended without pay and relieved of duty as the investigation continues.

Bukhenik was Proctor's supervisor throughout the early investigation and had testified about interviewing Read and some of the evidence presented, including O'Keefe's clothes being entered into evidence days after they were retrieved and an apparent missing portion of police department footage that showed the area where Read's vehicle was stored after it was seized.

PHOTO: Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor is cross-examined by defense lawyer Alan Jackson during Karen Read's trial on murder charges in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham on June 12, 2024. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger/USAToday)

MORE: Judge declares mistrial in Karen Read murder case after jury says it's still undecided

In trial testimony and evidence, it was revealed that Proctor had sent several text messages in which he described Read in a lewd and defamatory manner, and he also divulged confidential information about the investigation.

Attorneys for Read at one point accused Proctor of searching for nude photos on Read's phone.

Trial testimony had also revealed Proctor was communicating with Canton police officer Kevin Albert during the investigation ahead of Read's murder trial. Albert is the brother of Brian Albert, who hosted the party at the house where O'Keefe's body was found outside.

PHOTO: Karen Read smiles during a news conference in front of Norfolk Superior Court, July 1, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. (Steven Senne/AP, FILE)

The Canton Police Department had recused themselves from the investigation due to the brothers' connection to the case. Kevin Albert was also placed on paid administrative leave, according to Boston ABC affiliate WCVB.

State police declined to comment further on the investigations. "The Department respectfully declines further comment in fairness to the integrity of the pending investigative outcomes," state police said.

ABC News' Meghan Mariani, Emily Whipp and Keturah Gray contributed to this report.

2 more state troopers under investigation following Karen Read trial originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP)  A bucket-list climb to the top of Yosemite National Parks Half Dome turned to tragedy for a young Arizona woman who fell to her death during a descent forced by a sudden storm that pounded the iconic granite monolith this month.

Grace Rohloff, 20, an experienced hiker and Arizona State University student, died on July 13, the news organization SFGATE reported Tuesday.

Rohloff was hiking with her father, Jonathan Rohloff, after securing one of the limited daily permits required to climb Half Dome and making the drive from Phoenix to Yosemite.

Half Dome rises to 8,800 feet (2,682 meters) above sea level. The hike is a 16-mile (26- kilometer) round trip with an elevation gain of 4,800 feet (1,463 meters). The last 400 feet (122 meters) of the climb is done with the help of cables supported by metal posts that essentially act as handrails.

DA: San Francisco man used Muni bus for deadly drive-by shooting

Jonathan Rohloff said a ranger told them storms were in the forecast, and they did see clouds at times. But the sky was clear when they reached the cables, and atop the summit there were panoramic views  until thunder boomed.

A black cloud was rolling in like gangbusters, Jonathan Rohloff said. 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 father and daughter tried to descend through the cable section ahead of the rain, but they were slowed by people ahead of them. Heavy rain turned the rock very slick, and Graces feet suddenly went out from under her.

She just slid off to the side, right by me, down the mountain, Jonathan Rohloff said. It happened so fast. I tried to reach my hand up, but she was already gone.

She appeared to have fallen as much as 300 feet (91 meters). When her father got to the bottom of the cables, he looked over the edge and realized it was too steep to reach her, but he kept calling out and praying.

Rescue climbers retrieved her body, and her father would later learn from the coroner that Grace had suffered a severe head fracture and likely died during the fall.

Grace was such a beautiful soul, her father said. She deserves to have her story told.

At least six people have died since 2006 after falling during wet conditions on Half Dome, SFGATE 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 KRON4.
20 seriously ill patients from Gaza to be evacuated to Norway

Palestinian paramedics transport the body of a Palestinian to the morgue of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital after an Israeli air strike on the city of Deir Al-Balah. Ali Hamad/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Up to 20 people from the Gaza Strip who are seriously ill are to be evacuated to Norway accompanied by close relatives, the Norwegian Immigration Department (UDI) said on Thursday.

The UDI said it had received an order from the government to issue entry permits for medical evacuations from Gaza. Minors and women should be the first to be accepted, the UDI said.

Norway is offering to take in up to 100 people in total, though it is unclear when the first evacuees will arrive there, as the patients also require an exit permit from Gaza.

Civilians in the Gaza Strip are in desperate need of medical aid, particularly children and young people.

The World Health Organization (WHO) called on a number of countries to help with medical evacuations of patients from Gaza in April.

Several EU countries and Norway, which is not part of the EU, promised to help.

On Wednesday, 16 children and teenagers from Gaza who are seriously ill were flown from Egypt to Madrid for treatment, along with members of their families.

This is the EU's first medical evacuation operation for Palestinians, according to the European Commission.

Israel has been bombarding Gaza since the massacre carried out by the Palestinian extremist group Hamas and other militants in southern Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,200 people and kidnapping around 250.

Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground offensive.

To date, more than 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli operations and more than 90,000 have been injured, according to the Hamas-controlled health authorities in Gaza. The local healthcare system has largely collapsed due to the destruction caused by the war.
S.C. Department of Transportation employees and contractors work on emergency repairs on Interstate 20 near the Wateree River in Kershaw County on Dec. 22, 2023. The split in the rail on the right-hand side shows how the bridge had settled about 3 inches along the expansion joint. A steel beam custom made overnight and inserted underneath shored it up. (Provided by SCDOT)

COLUMBIA  An additional 120 bridges across South Carolina are on the docket for repairs after the state Department of Transportation received $200 million in the budget specifically for bridge projects.

The updated list of bridges, which the state transportation commission approved last week, is part of an ongoing effort to fix the states aging and dilapidated bridges, which officials say is a top priority.

Roughly 30% of the states 8,400 bridges are at least 60 years old. In another decade, if the department continues fixing and replacing bridges at its current rate of about 50 per year, it will still have 3,900 bridges 60 years or older, Rob Perry, deputy secretary for engineering, told commissioners during a recent meeting.

So, we really need to more than double our bridge program to get ahead of this, Perry said.

The $200 million from legislators will help with that, he said.

The DOT hopes its the first installment toward a five-year, $1 billion commitment.

A map of priority bridges on primary routes, which are interstates and busy state highways. (Provided/SCDOT)

Half of the $200 million will go toward high-travel interstates and busy state highways, accounting for 20 of the added bridges.

They include bridges on the U.S. 501 Bypass over the Waccamaw River in Horry County, U.S. 29 over the Enoree River in Greenville County, U.S. 52 over Lynches River and Lynches River Swamp in Florence County, and Interstate 95 over Tearcoat Branch in Clarendon County.

The other half will go toward other, less busy roads, which made up the other 100.

The money adds onto $239 million already dedicated to bridge replacements and repairs this fiscal year, Perry said.

A map of bridges on secondary routes that are a priority for repairs. (Provided by the DOT)

Since the department launched its 10-year plan in 2017, 260 bridges have been repaired or replaced, and construction continues on 114 more bridges. An additional 141 are in the design process. If all of those are finished by 2027, the agency will surpass its goal of fixing 500 bridges over that decade.

The 120 bridges added to the 10-year list go beyond that goal, Perry said.

As of July 18, 66 bridges in the state were closed, and another 594 had load restrictions, meaning they could not support large trucks, Perry said.

Its pretty simple math that weve just got to get ahead of it and get more done, Perry said.

Closed bridges automatically jump to the top of the priority list. Emergency scenarios also come up, in which the agency has to make fixes right away, such as when a bridge on Interstate 20 closed for emergency repairs two days before Christmas last year.

Secondary roads can rise to the top of the list if the situation is dire enough, Perry said. For instance, officials rushed to fix a McClellanville bridge washed out during a storm last December because it was the only way in and out of town for about 100 people, he said.

We made sure we got that thing open that night, Perry said.

But the agency prefers to start fixing bridges before they become a problem, he said.

The agencys 10-year plan was initially approved after the Legislature passed the 2017 law increasing state gas taxes and other fees to address roads that had been deteriorating for decades. The plan was updated in December 2021, after the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided an additional $1.3 billion in federal highway funding over five years.

That law also allowed for more federal money for specific projects through an application process. For instance, the department won a $175 million federal grant earlier this month to replace aging bridges over Lake Marion  the only route across South Carolinas largest lake.

That completed the funding for a $350 million project.

State and federal gas taxes are the primary source of funding to upkeep the nations fourth-largest highway system. The 2017 law represented the first hike in state gas taxes in 30 years, increasing it by 12 cents over six years.

Even after thats fully phased in, the states gas tax ranks 30th nationwide, according to the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.

Beyond the money for bridges in this years budget, legislators also allocated an additional $117.4 million for the DOTs rural road safety program and an additional $200 million to counties for local roads.

The $200 million in this years budget for bridgework came from accumulated surplus, so its a one-time allocation. But the agency has asked legislators to keep making those yearly allocations for four more years.

Hopefully it will be a downpayment on continued investment by the General Assembly, said Justin Powell, the states secretary of transportation.

The dots show the locations of bridges that are nearing or already exceed their intended lifespan. The yellow dots represent bridges 60 to 70 years old. The darkest dots represent bridges more than 90 years old. (Provided by SCDOT)
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington, Thursday, July 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Likely Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris told reporters that she is ready to debate Donald Trump and accused her Republican rival of backpedaling on their faceoff.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a long-awaited White House visit to meet with President Joe Biden and Harris at an important moment for all three politicians.

On Wednesday, Biden made his first address since his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race. And at a campaign rally in North Carolina, Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of attack lines against Harris, whom he called his new victim to defeat and accused of deceiving the public about Bidens ability to run for a second term.

Follow the APs Election-2024 coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024.

Here's the Latest:

Harris says she will not be silent about suffering in Gaza, stresses complexity of the war

Harris said after her meeting with Netanyahu that Israels war with Hamas is complicated and that too often, the conversation is binary when the reality is anything but.

The vice president said she supports Israels right to defend itself but also described widespread suffering among Gazas civilian population as fighting continues.

We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies, she said. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering. And I will not be silent.

Harris says we cannot look away from dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, calls for cease-fire deal to free hostages

Vice President Harris says she had a frank and constructive meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Emphasizing that she and President Biden are working every day to bring home U.S. hostages being held in Gaza, she also expressed concerns about civilians being killed and displaced in Gaza, saying, I will not be silent.

The vice president recalled planting trees for Israel as a child and said that as a senator from California and as vice president shes had an unwavering commitment to the existence of the state of Israel and its people. She said Israel has a right to defend itself and how it does so matters.

Harris said both sides are working toward a cease-fire and that she remains committed to a two-state solution.

Leading contenders to be Harriss running mate are getting into the money game

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly penned a fundraising email on behalf of her presidential campaign on Thursday, telling supporters, I couldnt be more confident that Vice President Kamala Harris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future.

Kelly is known as a prodigious fundraiser; in his 2022 bid to win a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate, he raked in more than $89 million, according to OpenSecrets. That was just two years after Kelly won a special election in 2020, a cycle in which he raised nearly $100 million.

Harris and Netanyahu meet

Harris met with Netanyahu in her ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. She is expected to press him on securing a deal to release the hostages kidnapped during Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel that launched the war.

We have a lot to talk about, she said as the two shook hands. We do indeed, he replied.

Gaza war protesters hold a die-in near the White House as Netanyahu meets with Biden, Harris

Protesters against the Gaza war held a die-in across from Lafayette Park and the White House on Thursday as President Joe Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The protesters poured red liquid onto the street, saying it symbolized the blood of those killed in Gaza. They chanted, Arrest Netanyahu, and brought in an effigy of Netanyahu with blood on its hands and wearing an orange jumpsuit. The jumpsuit reads, Wanted for crimes against humanity.

Relatives of US hostages call Biden-Netanyahu meeting productive and honest

Relatives of U.S hostages being held in Gaza have met with President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House, calling the discussions productive and honest.

Speaking to reporters afterward, the family members said they came today with a sense of urgency and emphasized the need to complete a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas that could result in the release of their loved ones.

We got absolute commitment from the Biden administration and from Prime Minister Netanyahu that they understand the urgency of this moment, the relatives said. They added that they are more optimistic about a deal than they have been in months.

Protests in DC come to a close

An argument between a protestor and counter-protestor became somewhat violent and a fight nearly broke out. The protestor hit the camera of a freelance journalist before quickly escaping. The metropolitan police came in between them with about 10 officers. The altercation was brief, roughly 30 seconds.

After a protest leader decided to call the event, the crowd slowly dissipated.

Gabby Giffords stumps for Harris

Gabby Giffords, the former Democratic representative who was grievously wounded in a 2011 shooting, has taken to the campaign trail for Vice President Harris.

Speaking at Salt & Light church in Pennsylvania, Giffords met with community activists in a predominantly Black section of Philadelphia, recently hit by a series of mass shootings.

While Giffords husband Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are being considered for Harris running mate, aides say the event had been planned long before.

Giffords and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton  a Shapiro ally who has rooted for the governor to join Harris ticket  batted away questions about the race to become Harris VP.

Harris is beginning to vet about a dozen people for the vice presidential nomination, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the confidential process.

On Monday, Shapiro and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, another potential pick, are scheduled to headline a campaign rally for Harris in suburban Philadelphia.

Harris to appear on RuPauls Drag Race All Stars

Vice President Harris will appear on Fridays season finale of RuPauls Drag Race All Stars, according to a spokesperson for Paramount Media Networks, which owns MTV.

Her appearance, in which she advocates for voting, was recorded before Biden departed the race and Harris became the expected Democratic nominee.

LGBTQ+ rights issues are a major dividing line between Republicans and Democrats. At the state level, most Republican-controlled states have imposed bans in recent years on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. There have also been restrictions on transgender girls and women in girls and womens sports and on which school bathrooms transgender people can use.

A federal regulation that takes effect next week is intended to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ students in schools. Most Republican states have sued to try to prevent enforcement, and courts have put the regulation on hold in 21 states.

Republican leaders warned members not to be racist or sexist to VP Harris. The White House suggests it says a lot

House Republican leaders have warned their colleagues not to comment on Vice President Harris race, sex and ethnic background. The White House suggests it says a lot.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says that setting up a meeting to tell Republican leaders to stop being racist, to stop being sexist, to stop being misogynist, I think that says a lot that they have to be told to not do that.

She added, More broadly, I think its desperate, I think its disgusting and I think its a dog whistle.

Trump the Republican party leader, in particular, has a history of leveling racist and misogynistic attacks.

Harris says she's ready to debate Trump

Vice President Harris has accused Trump of backpedaling away from a previously scheduled debate on Sept. 10.

Im ready. Lets go, she told reporters at Joint Base Andrews after returning from her trip to Indiana and Texas.

Trump has said hes willing to debate Harris more than once, but he has sought to shift the event from ABC News to Fox News following Bidens endorsement of the vice president.

Now out of the race, Bidens dance card has opened up

Now that hes no longer seeking reelection, President Biden has more time for travel  but where hell go during the final months of his presidency remains to be seen.

We still have a lot more to do, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during her briefing with reporters.

She said she couldnt preview upcoming travel or other plans Biden might have now that hes not seeking a second term, but said, We will certainly have more to share.

National Security spokesman John Kirby was asked about foreign travel, including a trip to Africa that Biden once pledged to take but hasnt come to fruition.

Now that hes not running for reelection, certainly, you can expect that there will be opportunities on the calendar that may not have been there before, Kirby said.

He said that full details are still being assessed.

Illinois governor wont say whether hes being considered for Harris running mate

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker isnt commenting on reports that he is among the candidates in consideration for Vice President Harris running mate.

I dont want to talk about any private conversations Ive had, the second-term Democratic governor said Thursday. I will say that I have said directly to the vice president that Im going to do everything and anything necessary to make sure that we defeat Donald Trump and JD Vance.

Pritzker declined to comment on whether he would want the vice president job.

I really have been honored to have been elected twice as governor of the state of Illinois. I really enjoy the work, he said. Theres not much that would pull me away from the job.

Freedom has a long history in presidential campaign songs

In Vice President Kamala Harris first 2024 presidential campaign video, a familiar rhythm rings out. The clip, which touches on issues of gun violence, health care and abortion, is soundtracked by Beyonces Freedom, a cut from her 2016 landmark album, Lemonade.

Freedom has become a campaign song for Harris, evoking a long history of presidential campaign songs using a title or hook highlighting freedom or liberty: In 1800, John Adams used the song Adams and Liberty and Thomas Jefferson used The Son of Liberty. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln used Lincoln and Liberty. As recent as 2012, Mitt Romney used Kid Rocks Born Free.

Kinitra D. Brooks, an academic and author of The Lemonade Reader, says the Beyonce song centers on the idea that you must fight for freedom, and that it is winnable, referencing some of the lyrics in the chorus: I break chains all by myself / Wont let my freedom rot in hell / Hey! Ima keep running / Cause a winner dont quit on themselves.

Netanyahu praises Bidens support for the state of Israel

Netanyahu and Biden have had ups and downs over the years. Netanyahu, in what could be his last White House meeting with Biden, reflected on the roughly 40 years theyve known each other.

From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish-American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel, Netanyahu told Biden at the start of their meeting.

The president thanked Netanyahu and noted that his first meeting with an Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, was in 1973 soon after he was elected to the Senate. Biden joked that he was only 12 years old at the time.

Netanyahu arrives at the White House

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made his long-awaited White House visit to meet with President Joe Biden at an important moment for both politicians.

Netanyahus first White House visit since before President Donald Trump left office in 2020, comes at a time of growing pressure on all three to find an endgame to the nine-month war thats left more than 39,000 dead in Gaza. Dozens of Israeli hostages are still languishing in Hamas captivity.

Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris later today.

Protesters return to Capitol Hill, turn their attention to the White House

After a mass demonstration Wednesday outside the Capitol, Gaza war protesters turned their focus to the White House, where President Joe Biden planned to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later in the day Thursday.

The protesters chanted, Arrest Netanyahu, and brought in an effigy of Netanyahu with blood on its hands and wearing an orange jumpsuit.

The jumpsuit reads, Wanted for crimes against humanity.

A small number of counter-protesters wore Israeli flags around their shoulders.

Defense secretary praises Harris as a key player

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says Vice President Kamala Harris has been a key player on many critical national security decisions, including the administrations decisions on Ukraine and strikes to defend U.S. troops in the Middle East.

Shes represented this country in the international arena on the international stage a number of times and done so in a very, very professional and effective manner, Austin said at a Pentagon press conference Tuesday.

PAC run by George Conway targets Trump himself with new ad

One of Donald Trumps most aggressive Republican critics is trying to get into the former presidents head with mockery of whats already in it.

Anti-Psychopath PAC, a group run by George Conway, is launching a 60-second spot with footage of Trumps most infamous verbal missteps and odd-ball claims, superimposed over an image of his brain in a cartoonish profile of his head.

In a statement, the PAC explains the ad has one target: Trump himself.

It will run for two weeks only on Fox News, ESPN and the Golf Channel in cable markets surrounding Trumps Bedminster resort in New Jersey and Mar-a-Lago resort in south Florida.

The reel includes Trump:

 praising the fictional cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter.

 declaring that windmill noise causes cancer.

 saying the kidney has a very special place in the heart.

 addressing Apple CEO Tim Cook as Tim Apple.

 stumbling over his words and losing his train of thought in various meetings and speeches.

Trump spent much of the 2024 campaign mocking 81-year-old President Joe Biden as too old and mentally incompetent for the job.

Now Biden has dropped out and the 78-year-old Trump becomes the oldest major party nominee in history  a fact Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans want to highlight in contrast to 59-year-old Vice President Kamala Harris.

Gov. Cooper declines to say if hes been asked to submit vetting documents to Harris campaign

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said Thursday there are a lot of good people that Vice President Kamala Harris could choose as her running mate, but he wouldnt address directly his prospects to join her ticket.

At a Harris for President news conference in downtown Raleigh, Cooper declined to respond to a question about whether hes received a request for vetting documents.

I trust her to make the right decision. But I also respect her process. And Im not going to comment on any of those types of things, he said.

There are a lot of people that she can choose. Shes going to make the right choice, Cooper said after listing why he backed Harris for president.

Coopers brief speech for Harris talked about her many visits as vice president to North Carolina, a swing state where Donald Trump won electoral votes in both 2016 and 2020. Cooper and Harris also knew each other when they were attorneys general for North Carolina and California.

Cooper meanwhile took a swipe at Trumps vice presidential pick in Ohio Sen. JD Vance, saying its pretty clear that Donald Trump chose someone in his own image  sort of a Mini Me,  a reference to a smaller clone of Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers film franchise.

Her entry into this race has electrified this race

HOUSTON  The American Federation of Teachers welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris to its convention in Houston on Thursday.

Her entry into this race has electrified this race, said Randi Weingarten, the unions president.

Harris told teachers that they shape the future of our nation and she warned that Donald Trump has a plan to return America to a dark past.

She also targeted Republicans views on gun control and public education.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, Harris said.

Hulk Hogan says speaking at the RNC made him feel like I was on the right path

Hulk Hogan says all of the feedback he received from speaking at the Republican National Convention has been positive.

Real Americans want this country not to be like it used to be but to be like it should be, and be one unit where we come together and we can agree to disagree, Hogan said Thursday while watching the Detroit Lions practice in Allen Park, Michigan. The Republic National Convention actually gave me a shot in the arm to make me feel like I was on the right path.

Hogan, a wrestling icon, said he accepted Donald Trumps invitation to address the crowd last week in Milwaukee because hes no longer shy about saying whats on his mind about politics.

I actually started to call myself a coward because theres so many people that are like me that dont speak up, he said. ... All the sudden, when they tried to assassinate Donald Trump, I said, Thats it. I cant be silent any longer. This is not correct, this is not correct on any level. If it was Trump, or Biden, or Clinton, or anybody, that is not right. Something has to change in this country.

Obama plans to formall y endorse Harris soon, AP source says

Former President Barack Obama plans to soon formally endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a person familiar with the former presidents deliberations.

Harris and Obama have been in regular touch since President Joe Biden announced that he was ending his 2024 campaign, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversations.

Obama had privately shared doubts about Bidens reelection chances ahead of the presidents Sunday announcement but held back on endorsing Harris even as former President Bill Clinton and Democratic leaders announced they were backing her.

Instead, Obama said in a statement that he had extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

The person familiar with Obamas thinking said he believed it was important for Democrats to have a legitimate process where delegates select the new nominee.

Harris by Monday evening secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her partys likely nominee against Republican Donald Trump, according to an Associated Press survey.

Obama and Harris have had a close relationship over the past 20 years and shes often used him as a sounding board.

House Republicans try to tie Harris to Biden administrations handling of US-Mexico border

House Republicans are trying to tie Vice President Kamala Harris to the Biden administrations handling of the U.S. border with Mexico, voting to pass a resolution Thursday that labeled her as the border czar and condemned her handling of the job.

The resolution, which doesnt enact any actual law, echoes an attack line that Donald Trump has taken against Harris since she rose to become the likely Democratic presidential nominee. All Republicans and six Democrats in tough reelection races voted for the resolution.

As border czar, Vice President Harris has overseen the most catastrophic border crisis in our nations history, said Rep. Nathaniel Moran, a Texas Republican.

Biden never officially designated Harris as border czar, but did task her early in his administration with addressing the root causes of migration.

Border crossings eventually became a major political liability for Biden when they reached historic levels  though it is unclear whether voters will also associate Harris with that.

Most Democrats sought to defend how Harris handled the job.

She was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States, said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

DeSantis calls protests stemming from Netanyahus visit disgraceful and unacceptable

At a press conference in Aventura, Florida on Thursday morning, Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about protests stemming from Netanyahus visit to the United States.

He said he has never seen this outburst of antisemitism in his lifetime, and that protests and antisemitic messages are disgraceful and unacceptable. He also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not being there when Netanyahu arrived to Congress.

Kamala cant go there and greet him? Thats not a way to treat an ally, DeSantis said. She has not condemned what happened at Union Station.

Harris issued a statement on Thursday morning condemning what she called the despicable acts by some protesters who displayed pro-Hamas graffiti and burned an American flag.

She was absent from Netanyahus address due to a trip to Indianapolis that was scheduled before Biden withdrew his reelection bid and she became the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

Harris condemns despicable acts by protesters who displayed pro-Hamas graffiti in Washington

Vice President Kamala Harris is forcefully condemning despicable acts by some protesters opposing Israels war in Gaza, who displayed pro-Hamas graffiti and burned an American flag in Washington on Wednesday.

Railing against unpatriotic protesters and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric, Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee after President Joe Biden quit the 2024 race, issued her statement before the incumbent as she seeks to navigate the complicated domestic politics over the war.

She is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House later Thursday, as she and Biden have criticized Israel for not doing more to protect civilians in the nine-month conflict.

Harris said she also condemns any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas.

She said: Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation.

Harris said she supports the right to peacefully protest, but I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way.

GOP group launches ad campaign, hopes to persuade swing state voters to back Harris

A GOP group hoping to drain votes from Trump is again targeting swing state voters, this time hoping to showcase why they should back Harris.

Republican Voters Against Trump on Thursday said it is launching a $500,000 campaign featuring former Trump voters who now say they will back the Democratic vice presidents general election campaign.

The group says its up with 76 billboards this week in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, all considered battlegrounds in this years election. Theres also a 60-second digital ad with the voices of voters explaining why they wont back Trump again.

Last week, the group went up with more than a dozen billboards around the Milwaukee arena that hosted the Republican National Convention, with similar testimonials from GOP voters. The group also aired two different TV ads across those same three states, plus Arizona.

Democratic PAC targets abortion rights in new ad on behalf of Harris campaign

A major Democratic political action committee has launched its first digital ad effort on behalf of Kamala Harris presidential campaign.

The topic: abortion rights.

The Priorities USA Action ad features an Arizona woman, identified in the ad as Chloe, recounting how she was denied abortion access after former President Donald Trumps three Supreme Court appointees helped overturn Roe v. Wade.

I was told that my baby was not compatible with life, and it was in my best option to terminate, she says into the camera. The Friday that Roe vs. Wade was overturned, my doctor calls me almost in tears telling me that the hospital board would not approve it.

Another Trump term, she says, scares me and would be detrimental to womens health.

Harris, she says, would be another woman up there fighting for womens rights.

The $250,000 YouTube ad buy will circulate the spot to voters in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and Arizona.

Democrats and the Harris campaign believe the contrast with Trump on abortion rights will help the likely Democratic nominee, especially among women in metropolitan areas and younger voters who were ambivalent about President Joe Biden before he ended his reelection bid.

Man who was shot, critically injured at Trump rally released from hospital

A man who was shot and critically wounded in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump has been released from the hospital.

David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, was released from Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, a hospital spokesperson said Thursday.

The other Trump rally spectator who was shot and wounded, James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, remains in serious but stable condition.

Demand for Vance's memoir Hillbilly Elegy surges

Former President Donald Trumps selection of Sen. JD Vance as his running mate has led to a surge in sales for Hillbilly Elegy, his best-selling memoir that came out in 2016.

A spokesperson for HarperCollins told The Associated Press that more than 600,000 copies have been sold since Trumps announcement on July 15. The total includes physical books, audiobooks and e-books.

We are printing hundreds of thousands of copies to fill the demand at our retail partners, the publisher announced Thursday.

Hillbilly Elegy, which Ron Howard adapted into a feature film released in 2020, tells of Vances childhood in Ohio and his familys roots in rural Kentucky.

After Trumps stunning victory in 2016, the book was widely cited as essential reading for opponents trying to understand his appeal to working class whites  even as some critics faulted it as a narrow and misleading portrait of Appalachia and poverty in the U.S.

Harris has support on the basketball court  even in Paris

PARIS  Vice President Kamala Harris is a fan of the Golden State Warriors and has a friendship with Warriors coach  and U.S. Olympic mens basketball coach  Steve Kerr.

That friendship may change a bit in November.

Ive met her a few times, so I call her Kamala, Kerr said in Paris on Thursday, as the Olympic team was going through final preparations before its opening game Sunday against Serbia. But if she wins, I need to adjust that. I cant call her by her first name.

Much has changed since Harris visited with the U.S. team and delivered a pep talk in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago, including the decision by President Joe Biden to not seek reelection. He endorsed Harris as the Democratic candidate.

She represents the Bay Area and is a big supporter of us, U.S. guard and Warriors star Stephen Curry said. And so, I want to give that energy right back to her.

Trump on whether Biden should stay in office: I guess thats up to him

Trump, calling into Fox & Friends this morning, was asked if Biden should have used his speech last night to resign.

Many of his Republican allies have been making the case that if Biden isnt fit to run again, he isnt fit to serve and should step down.

But Trump seemed to disagree.

Should he stay? I guess thats up to him and its up to the people. And I dont think they should use the 25th Amendment, Trump told the hosts.

Trump went on to say that theres not long to go on Bidens term.

You know, we have four months now and then hes got another month-and-a-half, he said, arguing the alternative  Vice President Kamala Harris taking over  would be worse. I will say this: The world is at a very dangerous place. I think if he goes, she then takes over. And shes worse than he is.

Trump revives his call for jail time for flag burners

Former President Donald Trump is again calling for jail time for flag burners following protests in Washington, D.C.

Responding to demonstrators who took to the streets on Wednesday to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit, Trump, in a call-in interview with Fox and Friends, said that those who do anything to desecrate the American flag should be sentenced to one year in jail.

Now, people will say, Oh, its unconstitutional. Those are stupid people, he said. Those are stupid people that say that. We have to work in Congress to get a one-year jail sentence.

The Supreme Court has held that flag burning is a form of speech protected by the First Amendment.

Thousands of protesters chanting Free, free Palestine marched toward the Capitol Wednesday.

Outside Washingtons Union Station, protesters removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place.

Trump made a similar call after being elected in 2016, saying anyone who burns an American flag should face consequences, such as jail or a loss of citizenship.

Harris campaign rolls out its first video  with a little bit of flair

Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign is rolling out its first video  and it has a pop culture flair.

Titled We Choose Freedom, it underscores a core message of the campaign: freedom on abortion rights, freedom from gun violence and freedom not just to get by, but to get ahead. It is set to a soundtrack of Beyonces Freedom.

 Watch the video, which will be promoted on social media, here.

These lawmakers boycotted Netanyahus fiery speech to Congress

Overall, more than 60 Democrats boycotted the speech. Heres a look at some of them, and other no-shows.

Netanyahus meeting with Biden and Harris comes at a crucial moment

Netanyahus White House visit, his first since before former President Donald Trump left office in 2020, comes at a time of growing pressure on all three to find an endgame to the nine-month war thats left more than 39,000 dead in Gaza. Whats more, dozens of Israeli hostages  and the remains of others who have died in captivity  are still languishing in Hamas captivity

.Biden is pressing to get Israel and Hamas to seal his proposal to release remaining hostages in Gaza over three phases  something that would be a legacy-affirming achievement for the 81-year-old Democrat who abandoned his reelection bid earlier this week and endorsed Harris. It could also be a boon for Harris in her bid to succeed him.

White House officials say that the negotiations are in the closing stages, but there are still issues that need to be resolved.

 Read more on the upcoming meeting here.

Bidens speech: Warnings about Trump without naming him, a hefty to-do list, and a power hand-off

President Joe Biden delivered a solemn Oval Office address Wednesday that laid out in the clearest terms yet why he abandoned his reelection campaign.

He wanted to send an unmistakable warning about Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump while anointing Vice President Kamala Harris as his natural successor, without invoking an overtly political tone that would have been out of step in the official setting of the White House.

He was determined to show that he would not act like a lame-duck president, outlining an ambitious agenda that underscored his resolve to continue building on his legacy.

The fight to define Harris is on. And for now, Republicans are dominating Democrats on the airwaves

Just days into her new role as the Democratic Partys likely presidential nominee, Kamala Harris is already facing a wave of Republican-backed attack ads questioning her personality, her progressive record and what she knew about President Joe Bidens decline.

But for now, at least, Democrats have yet to engage in the summertime advertising fight. And in a sharp reversal from much of the year, Republicans are suddenly dominating the airways.

 Read more on the fight over airwaves.

Biden delivers solemn call to defend democracy as he lays out his reasons for quitting race

Insisting that the defense of democracy is more important than any title, Biden used his first public address on Wednesday to deliver an implicit repudiation of former President Donald Trump.

Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, Biden said, in a somber coda to his 50 years spent in public office. And that includes personal ambition.

It was a moment for the history books  a U.S. president reflecting before the nation on why he was taking the rare step of voluntarily handing off power. It hasnt been done since 1968 when Lyndon Johnson announced he would not seek reelection in the heat of the Vietnam War.

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.
Gov. Josh Shapiro (L) and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis on the floor of the Pa. House of Representatives on March 7, 2023 (Capital-Star photo by Amanda Mustard).

Gov. Josh Shapiro (L) and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis on the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on March 7, 2023 (Capital-Star photo by Amanda Mustard).

Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday morning that he had not submitted or been asked to submit vetting paperwork for consideration to be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate. He again deflected questions at another press event on Wednesday about whether he was part of the veepstakes.

That doesnt mean it wont happen, and his remarks have done little to tamp down speculation that hes in the mix as Harris makes her decision.

But for Pennsylvania Senate Democrats, the prospect of the first-term Democratic governor moving to a higher office may give fresh urgency to their attempt to win control of the upper chamber in November.

Widespread speculation that Shapiro is a candidate for the Democratic ticket heightened after President Joe Biden bowed out of his reelection bid and endorsed Harris, who, by Monday night had more than enough state delegates committed to supporting her for president.

Harris is expected to make the pick soon, as the Democratic National Convention is now less than a month away.

Under Pennsylvanias constitution, if Shapiro resigned as governor, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis would become governor and serve the remainder of his term. Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) would then become lieutenant governor.

But the timing of a potential Shapiro resignation would be key. And heres where control of the Senate becomes really important in the process.

Jerry Dickinson, vice dean at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, said in the absence of any contrary law passed by the Legislature, Ward would become lieutenant governor in January 2025 if Shapiro steps down as governor in January 2025.

But if the Democrats flip the Senate in November, then the newly elected Democratic Senate majority president pro tempore would become lieutenant governor, Dickinson explained. Thats because state House and Senate members are sworn in on the first Tuesday in January, while lieutenant governors and governors are sworn in on the third Tuesday of January.

And even if Shapiro is chosen, he would not have to resign as governor immediately; he could continue to hold the office during the campaign and until he was sworn in with Harris on Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, 2025.

Under that scenario, the new majority Democratic Senate would have several weeks to elect a president pro tempore, who would then be elevated to lieutenant governor several weeks later when Shapiro had taken the oath of office as vice president and, by default, Lt. Gov. Davis became governor.

Republicans hold a 28-22 majority in the Senate, a chamber they have controlled since 1994. Democrats have expressed optimism they could flip the Senate this fall, but Republicans have pledged to hold their majority.

Do you have a question about the 2024 election? Send it to us info@penncapital-star.com and well seek the answer for a future explainer.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday said attempts to intimidate China with military exercises or aggressive rhetoric will never work.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry about the U.S.-led multinational "RIMPAC-2024" exercise, which is believed by some to be an act of "muscle-flexing against China."

The Chinese military will never be swayed by fallacies, deterred by intimidation or cowed by pressure, said Zhang, adding that it has the resolve, capabilities and means to defeat all aggressors and safeguard China's national sovereignty, security and development interests. 
SALINA (KSNT)  Agents with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) are being called to Salina following an officer-involved shooting on Wednesday night.

KBI spokeswoman Melissa Underwood issued a press release on July 25 regarding a situation that resulted in a death in the Salina community. Officers with the Salina Police Department were called around 7:30 p.m. on July 24 to the 500 block of North 12th Street on reports a man with a felony warrant was at the location.

Officers arriving at the scene spoke with the homeowner who confirmed a 44-year-old Salina man was in a detached garage east of the house. Police tried to enter the garage and arrest Wray for an outstanding warrant.

Man covered in blood found near Lawrence park after alleged attack, police investigating

Initial reporting from the KBI shows as officers were taking Wray into custody, they heard another individual in the garage. Officers ordered the man, identified as Jesse D. Wray, 25, of Salina, to leave but he refused. He allegedly began threatening law enforcement and was seen holding a gun.

Wray barricaded himself inside the garage with police at the scene calling for help from the Salina SWAT Team and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP). While waiting for SWAT officers, police saw a fire inside the garage. A woman then exited the garage, followed by Wray. An exchange of gunfire then occurred between Wray and law enforcement. Wray was pronounced dead at the scene.

For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
About 270 possibly in contact with student who tested positive for TB, health officials say

A Porter Ridge High School student tested positive for tuberculosis and officials with Union County Public Health said on Thursday that it estimates at least 270 people may have been in contact with that individual.

Woman diagnosed with tuberculosis boards bus for casino trip

Those people should be tested for TB, because early detection is critical, health officials said.

Public Health mailed letters to parents and to those who may have been exposed, advising their children to get tested.

Union County TB Clinic

Public Health is providing TB testing at no cost for those contacts at Union County Human Services located at 2330 Concord Ave. in Monroe.

People who test positive may get more support and medication free of charge.

Most people infected with TB do not become ill, as their bodies can fight the germs, health officials stated in a news release. This condition, known as latent TB infection (LTBI), is not contagious. However, without proper antibiotic treatment, LTBI can progress to active TB disease, which causes illness and can be contagious to others.

The student is following protocol for active pulmonary TB.

While the community should be aware of this investigation, there is no immediate risk of health problems related to this case, and there is no further risk of exposure at this time, said Dennis Joyner, Public Health Director. Communicable disease investigation is a regular activity for Public Health and our team is well-prepared to respond to situations like this to prevent further spread. We urge parents to have their children tested if they have been identified as close contacts.

TB is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs, and can spread through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, sings, or talks.

Those who inhale the bacteria may develop latent TB, which can become active TB disease if untreated, health officials said. Approximately 10% of those with latent TB will develop the disease in their lifetime, while the remaining 90% carry the bacteria without symptoms.

The health department did not release any more information on the student.
DENVER (KDVR)  Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed in a movement map update Wednesday that two of the 10 GPS collars placed on Colorados reintroduced wolves are nonfunctional.

The state released 10 wolves into Colorado in December 2023 with GPS tracking collars that send data on where theyve been and when. One GPS collar failed in March, but a second one rendered partially functional in March has now failed, according to CPW.

CPW allows ranchers to use deadly force if wolves endanger working dogs lives

However, CPW said the wolves wearing nonfunctional collars are traveling with animals wearing functional collars, which allows CPW to monitor all the reintroduced wolves.

There are nine reintroduced wolves still alive in Colorado after one was found dead on April 18 in Larimer County. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted a necropsy, which determined that the wolf died after it was likely attacked by a mountain lion.

The state said two other wolves have naturally migrated into the state from Wyoming. They are still alive, too.

However, theres been at least one pup born from the reintroduced wolves this year. The two wolves and their pup were dubbed the Copper Creek Pack. Biologists are monitoring the rendezvous site for the pack in hopes of seeing more than one pup but still havent seen a second one.

The wolves have also largely remained in areas they were in before, according to CPW. The movement map shows the watersheds wolves have been tracked in during the past 29 days, and CPW said the animals have stayed relatively in the same watershed areas as in June and May.

One notable difference is that wolves have moved out of portions of northern Eagle County and also out of eastern portions of Grand County. Theres also less activity in Routt County and no activity in Moffat County. While portions of the watershed map are highlighted below Interstate 70, CPW said the wolves have not ventured south of I-70.

This map shows collared gray wolf activity recorded by CPW from June 25 through July 23, 2024. (Courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

This map shows collared gray wolf activity recorded by CPW from May 21 through June 25, 2024. (Courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

This map shows collared gray wolf activity recorded by CPW from April 23 through May 21, 2024. (Courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

This map shows collared gray wolf activity recorded by CPW from March 26 through April 23, 2024. (Courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

This map shows collared gray wolf activity recorded by CPW from Feb. 28 to March 25, 2024. (Courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is tracking two wolves that have made their way into Moffatt County. A map shows where 12 collared wolves have been over the last month. (Map: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

This map shows collared gray wolf activity recorded by CPW from Dec. 18, 2023 to Jan. 22, 2024. (Courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

CPW also addressed social media rumors that it is using planes to haze wolves from the border, saying that while it uses planes to monitor wolves, there are no efforts to haze the wolves.

Colorado wolves: Pup spotted, depredations becoming less frequent

So far in July, three depredation events were reported to CPW. Wolf depredations occur when wolves attack or take a livestock producers animal for food, essentially stealing from the business, and its been the cause of concern for many ranchers and livestock producers in Jackson and Grand Counties.

Wolf depredations can leave livestock injured, if not dead. CPW told FOX31 that unless otherwise noted, the publicly available depredation list shows killed animals.

Livestock producers can file a claim with CPW to qualify for financial compensation, up to the fair market value of the animal. According to the information provided by CPW, the state has issued $26,407 in compensation for wolf depredations since December 2021. So far this year, just $1,514 was issued for a single claim filed. One other claim was filed but is still pending.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Three people from New Haven County are facing federal charges after being accused of trafficking fentanyl and cocaine.

The trio  35-year-old Jermaine Moneeth, 37-year-old Luis Rodriguez and 27-year-old Ashley Cordova  sold drugs to investigators between February and July 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Moneeth is from New Haven, and Rodriguez and Cardova are from Branford.

They sold fentanyl that was laced with xylazine and cocaine, according to a federal announcement. They were arrested on July 12. The same day, investigators seized more than $97,000 in cash, drug ledgers, scales and packaging items from their homes.

They have all been charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. If convicted, each charges could lead up to two decades in prison.

Rodriguez, Monteeth and Cordova pleaded not guilty on Tuesday. Rodriguez remains in custody. The others have been released on $100,000 bonds.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Three men are facing charges after three people were stabbed last week in Wasco, according to court records.

Edgar Medina, 21, Alex Medina, 24, and Roberto Carlos Acosta, 22, were arrested early Friday after police found the victims  all of who survived  suffering from cuts and puncture wounds, according to the records.

Mom accused of using stun gun on disabled son hires private attorney

Police spoke to two victims in an apartment on 9th Street between Griffith Avenue and Adams Street, and contacted the third in the parking lot, according to a search warrant. They were taken to Kern Medical.

Several pools and marks of blood were found in the apartment, according to the warrant.

Alex and Edgar Medina were arrested at the scene and several knives were found in the parking lot and by an adjoining fence, according to the warrant.

Edgar Medina faces the most serious charges  attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, burglary and vandalism.

5 arrested after Bakersfield police pursuit ends in Victorville

Alex Medina is charged with burglary, and Acosta with assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and burglary. All three are due back in court July 31.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
3 charged in death of mother trying to stop stolen SUV with 6-year-old son inside

Three people have been charged in connection to the murder of a 29-year-old mother who was killed trying to save her son after her vehicle was stolen.

News Center 7 previously reported that Alexa Stakely was picking up her 6-year-old son from a babysitter and put the sleeping child inside her Honda, which she had left running.

Stakely went to get the boys item from the babysitter when a suspect got inside the SUV and began driving away.

She jumped on the hood of the car to stop the thieves but was thrown from the car and died from her injuries.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mother dies after trying to stop stolen SUV with 6-year-old son inside

A 16-year-old, accompanied by his parents, showed up at Columbus Police Headquarters and admitted to stealing the vehicle and hitting Stakely.

The teenager told police that he and two others were looking for a vehicle to steal when they saw Stakelys Honda, according to our news partners at WBNS.

As the two friends watched, the 16-year-old said he got into Stakelys SUV and was about to drive off when she appeared in front of the car.

The teenager said he panicked and began to drive off, hitting Stakely.

>> RELATED: School district mourning death of teacher, tried saving son from stolen SUV

He then abandoned the SUV and rejoined the other two on foot.

Police identified and interviewed a second 16-year-old who they said admitted to being present during the incident. He has been charged with murder.

Less than two hours later, police confirmed that the third suspect, identified as Gerald Dowling, came to Columbus Police Headquarters and admitted to his involvement.

Stakely was a single mom and worked multiple jobs, including working as a speech-language pathologist at Winchester Trail Elementary School in Canal Winchester.

She was an extremely amazing person who had a heart for kids and teaching kids, being in SLP, and was just brilliant about her work, said Stakelys younger brother, Hayden Swartz.

We will continue to follow this story.




ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Three drivers accused of hitting a disabled pedestrian who was killed in Abilene in February have been indicted.

Thursday, a Taylor County Grand Jury indicted John Daniel Gonzales for Accident Involving Death and Robby Wayne Hale and Luis Martinez for Collision Involving Death. All charges are connected to the death of Donan Myron Justice, 59.

Justice was traveling in the intersection of the highway near the entrance to Walmart when he was struck by three vehicles just before 6:00 a.m. February 29. All three drivers fled the scene without rendering aid.

Witnesses attempted to save Justice, but he was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

No further information is available at this time.

Martinez mugshot is currently unavailable because he was not arrested in Taylor County.

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Mother was killed trying to rescue her child from carjacking. Now 3 young men face murder charges

A 19-year-old man and two juveniles suspected in a botched carjacking that led to the death of an Ohio woman were in custody Wednesday on murder charges, police said.

Alexa Stakely, 29, saw her SUV being stolen July 11 with her 6-year-old son sleeping inside and was struck by the vehicle while trying to save the child, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

A 16-year-old suspect told police he entered Stakelys vehicle and was about to drive off when Stakely appeared in front of the Honda, according to an arrest report. The suspect says he panicked and drove off, hitting the victim, the report said.

Stakelys son was found unharmed in the vehicle, which had been abandoned near where Stakely was struck. Stakely had briefly left the boy in the vehicle with the engine running to retrieve the childs belongings from his baby sitter, police said.

Alexa Stakely - Columbus Police

The driver turned himself in Wednesday, accompanied by his parents. Its my understanding that his parents and his conscience got to him a little bit, Sgt. Joe Albert told CNN affiliate WBNS.

Another 16-year-old was connected to the car theft and arrested, as was Gerald Dowling, 19.

Dowlings jail record indicated he was scheduled for a first court hearing Thursday, but did not list an attorney. Court information for the 16-year-old suspects was not immediately available because they are juveniles.

Although only one suspect was in the car at the time Stakely was hit, Albert told WBNS they are all equally responsible for her death under the law.

Since they were there as part of the motor vehicle theft, and unfortunately Ms. Stakely died as a result of that motor vehicle theft, Albert said, they all get charged with murder.

Stakely was a speech language pathologist at Winchester Trail Elementary, according to a social media post from Canal Winchester Schools.

Canal Winchester Schools, with whom Stakely had been employed for five years, described her in a Facebook post as a great mom who was incredibly dedicated to her son.

The post continued: Ms. Stakely made a difference in the lives of the students and families she worked with and will be missed by so many in our community and beyond.

CNNs Brammhi Balarajan, Ashley R. Williams and Tanika Gray contributed to this report.

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3 shot in Yancey Co., suspect shot by deputies

YANCEY COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  A man is accused of shooting three workers trimming trees in Yancey County Wednesday before being shot by deputies.

The Yancey County Sheriffs Office said the shooting happened in the area of Murphytown Road.

Investigators said 36-year-old Lucas Wilson Murphy confronted workers clearing the right of way for a power company.

The sheriffs office said three tree service workers were shot. All three sustained serious injuries and were taken to area hospitals.

Yancey County deputies said they encountered gunfire when they attempted to take Murphy into custody.

Murphy was then injured during a shootout with deputies, the sheriffs office said.

He was taken into custody and brought to an area hospital where he is being treated for his injury.

The Yancey County Sheriffs Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the shooting.

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Three teenagers are facing charges for a triple stabbing in Beaver County.

Crews were called to the 1230 block of Beaver Midland Road in Industry just before 1 a.m. Wednesday.

>> 3 teenagers stabbed in Beaver County overnight

Julia Renee Dinacco, 17, Jonathan James Bish and Chantz Isaiah Cottrill, both 18, are facing attempted homicide charges. Police believe the suspects took off to Ohio.

The stabbing stemmed from two groups that were each made up of two boys and a girl and had an ongoing ex-boyfriend, ex-girlfriend dispute, Madgar said.

According to the criminal complaint, a fight was scheduled at Industry Borough Park. There was an agreement that there were no weapons allowed at the fight.

Bish, Dinacco and Cottrill were all at the park when the victims arrived, court documents said. Bish began walking toward the group with a machete and a knife in hand.

The complaint said Bish chased one of the teenagers and hit him in the leg with the machete. Cottrill chased another of the teens with a knife and cut him on his left arm/shoulder area.

The second teen got away from Cottrill and got to the female victims car, where she was trying to get away from Bish.

The complaint said Bish got her in a headlock and told Dinacco something to the effect of now is your chance. Dinacco, who is being charged as an adult, then stabbed the teen in the chest, she told police.

The girl got into her car and drove two of the teens at the fight away from the park and to Beaver Midland Road. She realized as she was leaving that her tires were slashed, the complaint said.

The girl was flown to the hospital, while the other injured teen in the car was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The third injured teen ran from the scene.

Bish was also taken to the hospital for a stab wound to his left inside thigh.

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TEHRAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Thursday welcomed a statement by United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg on an agreement between Yemen's warring parties to resolve banking issues and resume flights from Sanaa.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani responded to Grundberg's announcement on Tuesday that Yemen's government and the Houthi group had agreed on several measures to "de-escalate in relation to the banking sector and (national carrier) Yemenia Airways."

The measures include the mutual cancellation of recent decisions and procedures against banks and the resumption of Yemenia Airways' Sanaa-Jordan route, with the number of flights increasing to three per day.

Kanaani stated that Iran supports any agreement that alleviates economic pressures on Yemen and lifts the air, sea, and land siege on the country.

He emphasized that such measures are in the interest of the Yemeni people and contribute to the establishment of stability.

Kanaani reiterated Iran's "principled policy" of resolving regional crises through dialogue and expressed hope for a swift agreement on lasting peace in Yemen. 
3 tree workers shot while clearing way for power company before suspect shot by cops during arrest

A man shot three tree workers while they were clearing trees for a power company before being shot himself by police officers during his arrest, police said.

The incident began near Murphytown, North Carolina, located in the Green Mountain area of Yancey County, when local resident 36-year-old Lucas Wilson Murphy confronted contract workers clearing the right of way for the power company, according to a statement from the Yancey County Sheriffs Office released on Wednesday.

MORE: 28-year-old high school coach randomly shot and killed at bar while attending conference

Mr. Murphy was armed during the confrontation with the tree service workers, and subsequently, three workers were shot, authorities said in their statement. All three victims sustained serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals where they are receiving medical treatment.

Yancey County Deputies immediately responded to the scene and began to exchange gunfire with Murphy as they attempted to arrest him.

MORE: Rare pictures released of uncontacted Amazon rainforest tribe in Peru emerging near logging site

PHOTO: A man shot three tree workers while they were clearing trees for a power company before being shot himself by police officers during his arrest, police said. (Facebook / Yancey County Sheriff's Office)

MORE: 90 giant African land snails found in passenger's bag at Detroit airport

During this exchange, an officer-involved shooting took place, resulting in Mr. Murphy sustaining an injury, police said. He was then immediately taken into custody. Murphy was transported to an area hospital, where he is being treated for his injury.

Authorities did not release any possible motives in the case but the Yancey County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation confirmed that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.

MORE: Police build Lego heist case after $200,000 in sets seized

I want to start out by saying that my thoughts and prayers are with the Asplundh victims of todays shooting for a speedy recovery. I am so proud of my incredible deputies and dispatchers! They did an awesome job responding and getting the situation under control quickly, said Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard in a post on social media following the shooting. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Heritage EMS, the out-of-county EMS departments, fire departments, rescue squad, and the other law enforcement agencies that sent personnel to assist.

The conditions of the three workers are currently unknown and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

3 tree workers shot while clearing way for power company before suspect shot by cops during arrest originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
3 Weeks After His Mother Was Found Slain, a 5-Year-Old Colorado Boy and His Father Are Missing

Authorities are searching for Helliono Martinez, 5, who was last seen in a gold Dodge Ram with his father, Charles Martinez, on July 16

Colorado Bureau of Investigation Facebook; Chrystal Snow Facebook Charles Martinez; Helliono Martinez; Chrystal Snow

Authorities are searching for a missing Colorado 5-year-old whose mother was the victim of a homicide on July 2.

Helliono Martinez, 5, was reported missing on July 18 when authorities issued an Endangered Missing Alert for him.

There is growing concern for the boy's well-being and law enforcement is seeking the public's help in finding Helliono Martinez, the Montezuma County Sheriffs Office said in a release.

The boy was last seen on July 16 with his father, Charles Martinez, 43, in a gold 2011 Dodge Ram, on Highway 160 in Cortez, believed to be heading to the father's home, the sheriffs office said in a release.

Investigators found the truck but have not been able to locate Helliono or his father, the sheriffs office said.

The search for the boy comes three weeks after his mother, Chrystal Snow, 39, was found shot to death in her Pagosa Springs home.

Her body was discovered on the morning of July 2 after police received a 911 call from her home at about 2:20 a.m., the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said in a July 3 release.

Authorities discovered the mom's dead body, and believed she called 911 before dying.



Snow died from multiple gunshot wounds, an autopsy revealed.

Police began searching for her young son, who was not at the house when his mothers body was found, the sheriffs office said in its release.

Hours later, investigators were able to locate him alive with an aunt in Cortez, the sheriffs office said.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation hasnt named any persons of interest in Snows homicide, but on July 3, it announced that it had identified persons of interest in the case.

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On July 16, the Department of Human Services obtained a court order granting emergency custody of Helliono to the state of Colorado.

That same day is when investigators learned Helliono was last seen with his father at around 1:30 in the afternoon, the sheriffs office said in the release.

Helliono has brown hair, hazel eyes, is Hispanic, and stands just over 3 feet tall and weighs 75 lbs.

His father, Charles Martinez, has brown eyes, is Hispanic, is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 215 lbs.

Anyone who has seen Helliono and/or his father Charles Martinez is asked not to approach them but to immediately call 911 or the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office at 970-565-8452.



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Soldiers of the 31st Separate Mechanised Brigade managed to escape from a Russian encirclement north of the village of Prohres in Donetsk Oblast on the night of 24-25 July.

Source: DeepState military analytical outlet

Details: It is reported that it was an extremely dynamic and tense day on 24 July north of Prohres.

Quote: "Around 14:00, as predicted, a number of observation posts of the 1st and 3rd battalions were completely encircled. The brigade commander did not give the order to break through, so the personnel in the area faced the fact that the guys would break through with a fight."

Details: DeepState noted that with the help of coordinated actions of artillery, aerial reconnaissance and adjacent forces, as well as under the control of officers on the ground, the men from the 1st and 3rd battalions were able to break out of the encirclement "in full force".

Quote: "It was a very nerve-wracking and difficult operation. A delay of even a couple of hours could have led to a second ring of encirclement. There is no need to explain how many newsworthy events Russian propaganda would have received.

The most important thing is that the soldiers are alive and continue to hold back the enemy. The 31st and 47th Brigades remain the main pillars of defence in that area. Of course, not without the help of seconded units, which are quite numerous."

Update: Maryna Bezverkha, press officer of the 31st Brigade, also confirmed their withdrawal from the encirclement in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda.

Quote: "The guys withdrew without losses, under the command of battalion commanders and the company commander."

Background:

The Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group reported that they were trying to drive the Russians out of the village of Prohres on the Pokrovsk front.

On 20 July, according to DeepState, the Russians occupied the village of Prohres.

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Five people were killed, including a Georgia couple, after a tractor-trailer plowed into several cars on a North Carolina Highway, causing a fiery crash, WRDW reports.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A state trooper said 51-year-old Charles Haskell was hauling orange juice on I-95 in Wilson County when he failed to slow down for traffic and hit the back of a Chevy Tahoe. The truck kept going and hit a Toyota Rav-4 and another tractor-trailer. Haskells truck then burst into flames.

TRENDING STORIES:

William Tucker, 71, and Elizabeth Tucker, 66, who are from Hephzibah, Georgia, died in the crash.

Edward Davis, 68, Martha Davis, 69 and Linda Whitehurst, 80, all of North Carolina, were also killed.

Haskell has been charged with five counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. The investigation revealed that speed was a factor in the crash, according to the Associated Press.
50 Cent has called from the ouster of a New York judge amid a video of her threatening to shoot Black teenagers at a high school graduation party going viral.

On Wednesday evening (July 24), the Queens native took to Instagram to express his reaction to the clip, which was filmed in 2022 and captures New York State Supreme Court Justice Erin Gall seemingly menacing a group of teenagers at the celebratory event.

The video, which has garnered widespread outrage and calls for Galls exit by force or resignation, has been described as disturbing and triggering by numerous people since its release earlier this month. SMH, she should be removed, Fif captioned the post of him reposting the video on his account, asking his followers to do the same. This is bad. Repost this video.

Recording Artist Curtis 50 Cent Jackson, listens as lawyer Ben Crump speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol as they meet with lawmakers about Black entrepreneurship on June 5, 2024 in Washington, DC. Jackson, a rapper, actor, television producer, and businessman, has invested in luxury liquor, apparel, video games, book publishing, electronics, boxing promotion, and dietary supplements.

In the clip, which was filmed by police bodycam footage from responding officers, Gall is seen ordering a group of teens to vacate the property, even going as far as attempting to have one of the officers cuff one of the teens, who she accused of trespassing.

Youre not going to find your keys. You got to call an Uber and get off the property, Gall sternly said. Youre going to get a cop escort home.

Gall continued, pointing to her history as a public servant and authoritive figure in the judicial system as reason to heed her warning. Ive done this for a million years, she added. Im a lawyer. Im a judge. I know this.

Curtis 50 Cent Jackson attends the BMF/STARZ  For Your Consideration 2024, on May 02, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

She then informed the responding officers that theyre legally able to gun down the teens if they were to return for their possessions. You can shoot them on the property, before declaring that shed be willing to take that course of action if prompted. Ill shoot them on the property, she coldly added.

Gall has also garnered scrutiny by The State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which ruled that she created at least the appearance that she harbored racial bias, in their report of the incident, which was released this past Monday (July 22).

Her wide array of misconduct severely undermined public confidence in the judiciary and in her ability to serve as a fair and impartial judge, the report charged. Robert H. Tembeckjian, the commissions administrator, deemed Galls behavior as appalling in his own statement regarding the incident. [Erin Galls behavior] was as shocking as anything I have seen in my 40 years of judicial ethics enforcement, said Tembeckjian.

See 50 Cents Instagram post below.

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Six House Democrats joined with GOP lawmakers on Thursday to back a resolution condemning Vice President Harris for her handling of the border, underscoring the sensitivity of the issue for the likely Democratic presidential nominee and her party.

The passage of the four-page resolution, led by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), underscores how former President Trump and the GOP want to tie Harris to the border, which has been a weak issue in polling for President Biden.

The six Democrats who voted in favor of the legislation are all in highly competitive races this fall.

Reps. Yadira Caraveo (D-Colo.), Donald Davis (D-N.C.), Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) are in toss-up races in the nonpartisan Cook Political Reports race analysis, while Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) are in races that are leaning Democrat.

Only Caraveo has publicly endorsed Harris for the White House.

Cuellar said he looks forward to supporting the next Democratic nominee for president, but did not explicitly mention Harris in his statement following Bidens decision to withdraw from the race. Davis also did not mention Harris in his statement about Bidens exit.

Gluesenkamp Perez did not mention Harris in her statement following the announcement from Biden, who quickly endorsed Harris. Gluesenkamp Perez said the next president must clearly be fit enough to do the job, and that fitness must be prosecuted publicly.

Peltola said earlier this week that she will not be endorsing anyone in the presidential race, but that she would not be voting for former President Trump, the GOP nominee.

Golden, who predicted that Trump is going to win the election before Biden dropped out of the race, told Axios on Thursday that he is absolutely not committing to voting for Harris.

The GOP measure takes aim at Harris over her handling of the border, saying it took Harris 93 days as the border czar before finally visiting the southern border on June 25, 2021. It cleared the lower chamber in a 220-196 vote Thursday morning.

President Bidens and Border Czar Harriss far left Democrat open border policies are to blame for this historic crisis, the legislation argues.

Harris does not actually hold an official border czar title, but Biden did task her with leading his administrations effort to tackle the root causes of migration from Central America at the southern border in March 2021.

Stefanik said on the House floor Thursday that Harris has failed in overseeing American safety by refusing to secure the border, adding that she has proved that she is unfit to lead.

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LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Keaton Compton supposedly was going to let a 15-year-old boy take the fall for Compton shooting at a pickup truck on Commanche Trail on Nov. 14, 2023, according to prosecutors who charged six people for the incident.

The teenager was supposed to take the rap because Compton, a convicted felon, would face a long prison sentence if he's convicted of charges, according to prosecutors.

The teenager was supposed to fight one of teens in the pickup truck, according to what suspects told police.

More: Teens driving on Lafayette's southside shot at by people in another car

Compton, 27, of the 300 block of East South Street in Frankfort, faces 23 charges that accuse him of shooting at the pickup truck that had three teenagers in it.

Those charges include attempted murder, various charges of attempted battery, intimidation, criminal recklessness and criminal mischief. He's also charged with obstruction of justice, unlawful carrying of a handgun, and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

Compton also faces a sentence-enhancing charge of being a habitual offender, which can add up to 20 additional years in prison for a Level 1 felony conviction.

Other people who were in the Jeep from which someone shot at the pickup also were charged.

Manuel Vega, 21, of the 2400 block of Sauk Place in Lafayette, was the driving the Jeep as it followed the pickup truck that was hit by gunshots, according to prosecutors.

Manuel Vega faces 16 charges, including several felony battery and intimidation charges. Additionally, he faces charges of criminal recklessness, obstruction of justice and unlawful possession of a handgun.

The pistol used in the shooting belonged to Wyatt Williams, 22, of the 400 block of East Clinton Street in Frankfort, according to prosecutors. He told police he took the gun because they suspected the teens the boy was supposed to fight had guns, according to prosecutors. Williams bought the gun at a pawn store and after the shooting gave it to Manuel Vega, according to prosecutors.

Compton eventually came to possess the handgun and sold it earlier this year, according to prosecutors.

Lazaro Vega, 19, of the 2400 block of Sauk Place in Lafayette, and Madison Heathcote, 19, both face charges of assisting a criminal and false informing. Additionally, Lazaro Vega faces a charge of obstruction of justice.

The 16-year-old boy who prosecutors said was going to take the fall for Compton now faces serious charges of his own. Prosecutors charged the boy with battery, intimidation with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a dangerous person.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: 6 people suspected of involvement in Nov. 14 shooting arrested
How a 68-year-old man who threatened Trump, Vance online will earn his release from jail

JUPITER  A Jupiter man who called on social media last week for the murders of former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance may soon be out of jail.

Circuit Judge Cymonie Rowe agreed Wednesday to release Michael M. Wiseman on $5,000 bond if he abides by several conditions. He risks a return to custody if he violates any of them.

Wiseman, 68, will be on house arrest and must wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, according to the court order granting his release. He is banned from using social media or contacting anyone he threatened online.

A psychiatrist will give Wiseman a comprehensive mental health evaluation within seven days of his release. Afterward, Wiseman is expected to follow any recommended treatments. He will be subject to random drug tests and is barred from consuming alcohol, drugs or medications not prescribed by his physician.

Israel prime minister visits Mar-a-Lago: Sheriff announces security measures for Netanyahu visit Friday

Wiseman is also not allowed to possess any firearms or lethal weapons. Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies will randomly inspect his home for these weapons, according to the order.

Wiseman, who has no criminal history in Palm Beach County, remained in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail as of Thursday afternoon. His next hearing is tentatively scheduled for September.

Online threats posted days after assassination attempt on former President Trump in Pennsylvania

Jupiter police said several members of the public informed them about the threats that Wiseman had posted on Facebook and Threads on July 17 and 18.

The first came the day Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio, accepted the GOP nomination for vice president on this year's presidential ticket with Trump. It also was four days after the assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania.

Police took Wiseman into custody without incident on July 19 outside of his home, when they said Wiseman was aware of the issue regarding the threatening posts and spoke about it openly.

The county State Attorney's Office asked the court following Wiseman's arrest to detain him before his case came to trial. In a filing before Rowe, it said there were "no conditions of release reasonably sufficient to protect the community from risk of physical harm."

Sign up for our Post on Jupiter weekly newsletter, delivered every Thursday!

Maya Washburn covers northern Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida-Network. Reach her at mwashburn@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Judge sets release terms for Florida man who threatened Trump, Vance
As of July 2024, 755 national guardsmen are held captive in Russia, says Oleksandr Pivnenko, the Commander of Ukraine's National Guard.

Source: Pivnenko in an interview with Ukrinform

Quote: "755. Many were captured in Mariupol. Therefore, there is still a large share of Azovites and fighters of our other units, whom we are trying to return (Azovites, in this case, is the collective name for the defenders of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol  ed.) ."

Details: At the same time, Pivnenko emphasised that national guardsmen are being brought back to Ukraine almost in each prisoner swap: "We are continuously in communication with necessary departments and families. I always emphasise that our goal is to bring everyone home."

Pivnenko further stated that during every prisoner swap, he meets with one of the national guardsmen who were exchanged. He added that when patients arrive at medical and rehabilitation facilities, they are allowed "2-3 days to adapt, calmly process everything, and have all their documents restored."

Pivnenko stated that the social supports main priority is to provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation to soldiers who were held in Russian captivity. But at the same time, units and officers of social support work to solve all other issues of social protection, providing information on the possibility of further service, training or dismissal.

"Some go to the front right after captivity, saying: I want to join my brothers, I will fight," Pivnenko concluded.

Background: The latest round of exchange took place on 17 July. Ukraine brought 95 of its defenders back from Russian captivity.

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8-Year-Old Calif. Girl Was Raped and Murdered in 2015. Will Her Killer Go Free?

Adrian Jerry Gonzalez was 15 when he lured 8-year-old Madyson "Maddy" Middleton into his parents apartment, then killed her in 2015

Courtesy of Santa Cruz Police Department/AP Madyson "Maddy" Middleton

A 24-year-old California man who raped and murdered a young girl when he was 15 has appeared before a Santa Cruz County judge who will decide whether he will be released from prison, according to multiple news reports.

Adrian Jerry Gonzalez appeared in court for a probable cause hearing that began on Thursday, July 18, to determine whether he is still a high threat to the community, according to the Los Angeles Times, KSBW and KRON4.

Because he was convicted in juvenile court, a California law states that he could be eligible for release on parole when he turns 25 in October, the outlets report.

Authorities have said Gonzalez lured 8-year-old Madyson "Maddy" Middleton into his parents apartment, where he murdered her and then tossed her body into a trash container at their Santa Cruz apartment complex in 2015, PEOPLE previously reported.

Related: Teen Boy Lured 8-Year-Old Girl into Apartment, Murdered Her, Santa Cruz Police Chief Says

According to KRON 4, Gonzalez told police that he promised to give the girl ice cream if she went with him.

Maddy, a third-grade student, was last seen around on July 26, 2015 riding her white Razor scooter around her home at the Tannery Arts Center, an apartment complex and performance venue for low-income artists near the San Lorenzo River, local police said at the time.

She was reported missing by her mother an hour later and authorities frantically searched for her. But less than two days later, the girls body was found by police in a trash container, they said.

Gonzalez was arrested shortly after the discovery, police previously said, noting how they became suspicious when they saw him standing near the trash container watching the search.

She knew him, now-former Police Chief Kevin Vogel said during a press conference in 2015. I think she had a reasonable amount of trust in him. We dont think she was taken against her will.

According to court documents cited by The Mercury News, Gonzalez beat and sexually assaulted Maddy before stabbing her and dumping her body into the trash container.

Michael Macor/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Adrian Jerry Gonzalez

Gonzalez was initially charged as an adult with one count of murder with the special circumstance that he kidnapped and sexually assaulted Maddy, and other related criminal offenses, the L.A. Times reported. However, his case was halted in 2019 due to a law passed in California that bars 14 and 15-year-old offenders from being charged as an adult, according to the outlet.

In 2021, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to all charges in juvenile court and was subsequently sentenced to the maximum term, which is in effect until the age of 25, the L.A. Times reported.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

During a hearing on Monday, July 22, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Ashley Mowrey, testified that she interviewed Gonzalez, saying that he admitted to the crime being sexually motivated, KRON4 reports. Mowrey also recomended that he undergo a sex offender treatment program.

The hearing is expected to continue at the end of July.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
SANAA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Flights to and from Yemen's Houthi-controlled Sanaa airport resumed on Thursday following a United Nations-backed deal, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The agreement, brokered by Saudi Arabia, was announced on Tuesday by UN special envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg. It includes the resumption of flights from Sanaa to Jordan's Amman and new routes to India and Egypt.

Flights had been suspended for nearly a month after the Houthi group seized three passenger planes to protest the transfer of Yemenia Airways' revenues from Sanaa to Aden, where the internationally recognized Yemeni government bases.

The al-Marsirah TV also reported that the Central Bank of Yemen in Aden reinstated the licenses of banks operating in Sanaa and allowed them to use the electronic system for international money transfers.

The intra-Yemen deal stipulates that the warring parties will continue negotiations to reach a political settlement to end nearly a decade of civil war.

Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi group seized much of the country's north, forcing the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. 
8 Texas counties land on top 10 list of fastest-growing counties in the US | Census

Texas is only getting bigger.

Recent census data from 2020 to 2023 support this claim with a boom in population growth. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures, Texas cities, counties and metro areas make up most of the top 10 lists of annual numeric growth.

Although much growth was centered around the "Texas Triangle"the area composed of the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin metro areasmany other Texas regions experienced considerable growth.

According to the Census Bureau, Texas has experienced consistent population growth since 2000, outpacing nearly every other state. Despite its location along the Southern border, Texas has seen slightly more growth from domestic migration than from international migration.

Why is Texas growing?

The surge in population is mainly credited to the state's allure of a relatively lower cost of living compared to many other states and the absence of personal income tax. Additionally, according to a press release by the Office of the State Governor, Texas is experiencing rapid economic growth, with major companies making their way into Texas cities.

While Texas cities dominated the list of fastest-growing locales, areas experiencing population declines were dispersed across eight states, mainly in the South and West. Notably, California accounted for three entries, including San Francisco, which is known for its steep living costs.

More: 3 Texas cities have the most millionaires, billionaires among US cities: See list

8 of 10 fastest-growing counties in the U.S. are in Texas

Top 10 Counties in Annual Numeric Growth

According to the data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, eight of the 10 fastest-growing counties are in the Lone Star state. According to the chart, the three fastest-growing counties are in Texas. The county with the most numeric growth from 2020 to 2023 was Harris County, with a numeric growth of 53,788. It has reinforced its status as the third most populous county in the U.S.

Harris County is located in the southeastern part of the state and includes the majority of the Houston metro area extending to Katy, League City and Cypress.

Collin County is the second fastest growing country in the state and the U.S. The county is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan statistical area and welcomed 36,364 new residents.

Thirdly, Montgomery County, with a population growth of 31,800, is located north of Harris County and includes The Woodlands, Conroe, Panorama Village, and more.

More: Austin is no longer the 10th most populous city in the US. Here's where it ranks now

What are the fastest-growing metro areas in Texas?

Top 10 U.S Metro Areas in Annal Numeric Growth

As Texas continues to attract new residents, particularly from other regions of the country, its major metropolitan areas are experiencing unprecedented growth.

All the metro areas included in the "Texas Triangle" are on the list of fastest-growing metros. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex witnessed the highest surge, adding 152,598 residents, followed closely by Houston, which welcomed 139,789 new residents.

More: These 2 Texas cities made Travel + Leisure's top 15 best US cities in 2024. See full list

The Austin-San Marcos area is also on the list, as it welcomed more than 50,000 residents. Lastly, the San Antonio-New Braunfels area is also included in the list, and its population grew by 48,000.

What are the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S.?

The robust expansion is not limited to urban hubs alone, as Midland, within the Permian Basin, emerged as the seventh fastest-growing metro area nationwide. This region's oil and gas industry has driven job growth, making it a magnet for young professionals seeking opportunities in energy.

Top 10 U.S. Metro Areas in Annual Percent Growth

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas has 8 of the top 10 fastest-growing counties in the US | Census
80+ Palm Beach County schools earned an 'A' from the state in 2024. How'd your school do?

More than 80 schools in Palm Beach County earned A ratings this year as the school district boosted its grade from an B in 2023 to an A in 2024, according to school and district grades released Wednesday by the Florida Department of Education.

The grades don't carry any negative consequences for schools and their funding, but they signal a relatively positive response from Palm Beach County students to new state tests designed to measure knowledge three times throughout the year. An increase in higher-performing elementary schools reflects the efforts of school leaders to boost reading levels for young students and a focus on kindergarten readiness, Superintendent Mike Burke said Wednesday.

Im especially proud of our students who put in the hard work to achieve this coveted A rating," Burke said in a prepared statement.

Only seven schools fell by at least one grade this year: From an A to a B or a C to a D. That's a remarkable improvement from 2023 when more than 40 schools fell by a grade or more.

Many schools showed positive gains this year. Overall, 52 schools increased by one letter grade, and seven improved by two letter grades: K. E. Cunningham/Canal Point Elementary, Plumosa School of the Arts, Roosevelt Elementary, Somerset Academy Canyons Middle, Somerset Academy Lakes, South Tech Preparatory Academy and University Preparatory Academy Palm Beach.

For the breakdown of school grades across the state, see the Florida Department of Education website.

Palm Beach County school grades for 2024

A majority of Palm Beach County schools were highly rated. This year:

82 schools received a grade of A (up from 70 last year)

49 schools received a B (up from 35 last year)

65 schools were rated C (same as last year)

Five schools got a D (down from 23 last year)

No schools got an F (down from two last year)

Want to know how an individual Palm Beach County school performed?

Use the table below to see each school's grade this year and compare it with 2023.

A-rated elementary schools in Palm Beach County

The following elementary schools and combination or K-8 schools were given "A" grades this year:

Addison Mizner School

Allamanda Elementary

Beacon Cove Intermediate

Binks Forest Elementary

Blue Lake Elementary

Calusa Elementary

Citrus Cove Elementary

The Conservatory School at North Palm Beach

Coral Reef Elementary

Coral Sunset Elementary

Crystal Lakes Elementary

Cypress Trails Elementary

Del Prado Elementary

Discovery Key Elementary

Elbridge Gale Elementary

Equestrian Trails Elementary

Everglades Elementary

Forest Hill Elementary

Franklin Academy-Palm Beach Gardens

Frontier Elementary

Golden Grove Elementary

Greenacres Elementary

Hagen Road Elementary

Hammock Pointe Elementary

Hidden Oaks K-8

Jupiter Farms Elementary

Limestone Creek Elementary

Manatee Elementary

Marsh Pointe Elementary

Meadow Park Elementary

Morikami Park Elementary

North Grade K-8

Palm Beach Gardens Elementary

Palm Beach Public

Palm Beach Virtual Franchise

Panther Run Elementary

Pierce Hammock Elementary

Plumosa School of the Arts

Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Beach

Royal Palm Beach Elementary

S.D. Spady Elementary

Sandpiper Shores Elementary

Somerset Academy Boca East

Sunrise Park Elementary

Sunset Palms Elementary

Timber Trace Elementary

Verde K-8

Waters Edge Elementary

Wellington Elementary

Western Academy Charter

Whispering Pines Elementary

A-rated middle schools in Palm Beach County

Here are the highest performing middle schools in the 2024 school grades:

Bak Middle School of the Arts

Boca Raton Middle

Christa McAuliffe Middle

Don Estridge High Tech Middle

Eagles Landing Middle

Emerald Cove Middle

Independence Middle

Loggers' Run Middle

Omni Middle

Osceola Creek Middle

Polo Park Middle

Somerset Academy Boca Middle

Somerset Academy Canyons Middle

South Tech Preparatory Academy

Watson B. Duncan Middle

Wellington Landings Middle

West Boynton Middle

Western Pines Middle

A-rated high schools in Palm Beach County

Here are the high schools that got the highest grades in 2024:

Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts

Boca Raton High

Inlet Grove High

Jupiter High

Olympic Heights High

Park Vista High

Somerset Academy Canyons High

South Tech Academy

Spanish River High

Suncoast High

Wellington High

West Boca Raton High

William T. Dwyer High

Students arrive on campus for classes at a Palm Beach County high school. Thirteen high schools across the county were rated "A" by the state in 2024.

One charter high school, Somerset Academy Wellington High School, received an "incomplete" grade this year because not enough students were tested.

For the breakdown of school grades across the state, see the Florida Department of Education website.

How were school grades calculated?

The grades are calculated by assessing student test scores in English/language arts, math, science and social studies, according to the department's website. Achievement is based on performance on end-of-course tests, statewide tests and other exams.

Also in play were learning gains made by students over the course of the year, along with the learning improvements of the lowest performing 25% of students.

Schools were also assessed on middle-school student preparedness for high school, the high school graduation rate and career/college readiness, if applicable.

Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at kkokal@pbpost.com. Help support our work, subscribe today!

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: School grades 2024: How did your Palm Beach County school do?
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Ever in April toured the 988 call center at Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin in Green Bay.

At least twice a month, Joel Diny, a U.S. Army veteran, calls and texts 988 when he feels a crisis coming on.

He used to toggle between a couple of different 10-digit crisis lines for veterans  877-WARVETS and the Veterans Affairs line  but now he simply dials 988 and is transferred to the veterans crisis line. He often texts 988, too. Either way, he spends anywhere from half an hour to an hour with a counselor.

"They make sure I'm calm before letting me go, and they go over my safety plan and such," Diny said. "They're pretty great."

Yet, a June report from Inseparable, a mental health advocacy organization focused on state and federal reform, found that Wisconsin's answer rate, 74%, skewed lower than the national average by 15 percentage points. Answer rates are the percentage of calls routed to a state, the result of a Wisconsin area code, that are then picked up by in-state counselors.

Any calls not picked up by an in-state counselor  often due to limited staffing  are then re-routed to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Just six states had lower answering rates than Wisconsin in May, according to a monthly report from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Those reports don't show the whole picture, said Caroline Crehan-Neumann, the crisis services coordinator for Wisconsin Department of Health Services. But as the three-digit number aspires to become a household name, states are working to contend with "many unpredictable factors impacting this bottom-line number," said Crehan-Neumann.

July 16 marked the two-year anniversary of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the three-digit dialing code for mental health, substance use and suicide crisis. It recast an easily forgettable toll-free crisis number and, by year one, led to 4 million contacts nationwide.

That pattern appears to be holding steady. Crisis counselors across the country have answered 10 million calls, texts and chats to date, and people are increasingly using the texting service.

In Wisconsin, counselors have answered nearly 112,000 calls and more than 7,200 texts and chats since the three-digit number launched. And, in the course of one year, counseling staff hires have grown by nearly 160%, thanks in large part to a $17 million federal funding operations boost.

Wisconsin averages longer conversations than most states

Wisconsin counselors are spending more time talking to individuals than most other states, averaging 14 minutes and 12 seconds, according to federal data. That demonstrates Wisconsin's commitment to quality care, contends Crehan-Neumann, who said the state typically receives more than 6,500 calls per month. Two years ago, Wisconsin's crisis line received 4,400 calls when it made the switch to 988.

For Crehan-Neumann, the quality of calls carries more potency than a higher number of contacts. Michigan, for example, has a 90% answer rate, which is in-line with 988's goal of 90% or higher. At the same time, those conversations averaged 10 minutes and 42 seconds, according to data from May.

While length of time doesn't always equate to quality, 99.4% of all callers have reported the conversations resolved their crisis through providing support and other resources, according to DHS.

National reports don't show the whole picture

Gathering phone data is an imperfect system, especially as landlines become a thing of the past. Answer rates are less a reflection of who's answering phone calls and more about where someone's calling from. A small batch of the people dialing 988 have Wisconsin phone numbers but live outside the state.

It happens frequently enough that someone contacts 988 from a Wisconsin number and requests to be transferred to their local, non-Wisconsin 988 center. The call isn't counted in Wisconsin's in-state answer rate.

"Wisconsin has at least one very frequent, long-term caller impacting the in-state rate in this way," Crehan-Neumann said. "When this is accounted for, the in-state answer rate has risen to 84%."

The federal data also doesn't account for texts and chats, crucial tools especially for Wisconsin's youth. In May, 27% of all 988 texters were from the youngest Wisconsinites  by far the highest percentage of any age bracket, according to the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline dashboard.

The second highest age group, by contrast, came from those aged 25 to 34, accounting for 18% of May's 988 texts.

"In Wisconsin, we are utilizing resources to ensure more chats and texts are answered in-state and in May 2024, there was an 866% increase in chats and texts answered compared to May 2023," Crehan-Neumann said.

June's numbers aren't yet available on the dashboard, but Crehan-Neumann told the Journal Sentinel that Wisconsin counselors answered more than 1,500 chats and texts. These conversations lasted an average of 40 minutes.

Boosting funding could bring as much as $6 million per year to 988 Wisconsin Lifeline

Most advocates of 988 hope the three-digit number becomes as synonymous with getting help as 911. But 911 isn't some magical number someone simply switched on in 1968. It required dispatchers and the cooperation of phone carriers and the Federal Communications Commission. Not long after 911 automatically directed emergency lines, states began imposing monthly surcharges for the use of this service.

Each year, these monthly surcharges generate millions to help finance the dispatch of police, fire and ambulance services. In Wisconsin, the surcharge amount is determined by county.

In its report, "A Better Response," the advocacy group Inseparable recommends states begin imposing similar surcharges for 988 services. The report provided a snapshot of what it might look like if Wisconsin charged a monthly telecom surcharge of $0.98. It would bring in $5.8 million per year to the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline.

Just 10 states so far have implemented 988 surcharges, most recently Minnesota, which established a monthly 988 fee of $0.25 per line per month to supplement federal, state and local funding. Other states with similar surcharge fees include California, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. The fees range from $0.12 to $0.60.

988 still struggling for recognition

New funding mechanisms like surcharges may help with getting the word out about 988.

In anticipation of the two-year anniversary of 988, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) released a report on July 15 highlighting strides taken thus far with 988. But there's a pretty significant chasm between those who know about and rely on 988 and those who don't. For example, the NAMI poll showed that while two-thirds of Americans have at least heard about 988, only 23% of people are familiar with 988 and all that comes with it.

The knowledge gap is crucial. NAMI's polling found that 38% of respondents don't know what to do if someone they love is in a mental health crisis and 51% of respondents don't know when a situation is serious enough to contact 988.

People want to know that if they contact 988, they wont be put on hold or wait for help, said Hannah Wesolowski, NAMIs chief advocacy officer in the published report. Continued investments in 988 are critical to meet the demand  and answer calls quickly  as awareness grows.

Currently, no 988 legislation is pending in Wisconsin.

Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her Twitter profile at @natalie_eilbert.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 988 Lifeline has helped Wisconsin. What more needs to be done?
Viral social media posts have circulated a snippet from a Good Morning America segment aired on Tuesday, and falsely claimed that a correspondent said that the government was behind the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. These posts inaccurately describe what ABC News chief justice correspondent, Pierre Thomas, said.

Uh  what did he say?



The Government tried to kill President Trump



pic.twitter.com/M3lZhx0afY  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 24, 2024

Here is ABC,



CONFIRMS,



Our audience is about to see the frantic seconds in the moments after the GOVERNMENT tried to kill President Trump. pic.twitter.com/SS4EAl6mlG  RealRobert (@Real_RobN) July 24, 2024

They did try to kill President Trump.



I know it, they know it, and anyone with the slightest degree of objectivity and intellectual honesty knows it. What happened wasnt due to mere incompetence. It was a deliberate attempt by the deep state to end President Trump. pic.twitter.com/LHm3TsgUNi  Terrence Simpson (@TerrenceBeBack) July 24, 2024

If you listen to the video, Thomas did not say the government tried to kill former President Trump, but rather that the gunman tried to kill former President Trump.

Thomas was introducing a segment featuring recently released bodycam footage from local law enforcement shortly after the would-be assassin fired on the former president during a campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Our audience is about to see the frantic seconds in the moments after the gunman tried to kill former President Trump, Thomas said on the broadcast. Its all caught on police bodycam video.

The YouTube transcript of the Good Morning America segment also confirmed that Thomas had said the gunman and not the government.

If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Abilene Police Department is seeking a woman who may have information about a package theft.

APD has requested the publics assistance in identifying the woman shown below, as she may have crucial information about a recent package theft.

If you recognize her or have any information, please contact Abilene Crime Stoppers at (325) 676-8477. Anonymity and cash rewards are guaranteed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Vice President Kamala Harris has quickly emerged as the frontrunner for Democratic presidential candidate after President Joe Biden abruptly stepped down from the race and endorsed her on Sunday.

Democrats have rushed to support her, her campaign raised $126 million in three days (including $1.5 million in 3 hours Monday night with help from a Zoom call with 44,000 Black women) and a new poll suggested she had a slight lead over her soon-to-be opponent, former President Donald Trump.

While it's to be expected that Harris would continue many of the policies advanced by the Biden-Harris administration, her campaign has yet to add policy statements on her website.

But from her previous decades in public and speaking on the record, it's easy to see that if she wins in November, some of Harris' goals are going to come into harsh conflict with those of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the current Florida Legislature, to the delight or horror of Florida voters.

Here's a look:

Harris wants Roe v. Wade back in force, Florida banned abortions after 6 weeks

At an event in St. Petersburg Wednesday, DeSantis claimed Harris was too liberal to win. She basically said have an open border, he said. She wants taxpayer-funded health care and benefits for illegal aliens. She doesnt think you should deport anybody. He also said she supported "confiscatory" tax increases. But he didn't mention abortion.

Harris has made support for women's access to abortions a central focus during her time as vice president, especially after Roe v. Wade was struck down last year and GOP-led states  including Florida  began enacting stricter abortion laws or banning it entirely.

In May, she spoke against Florida's new 6-week law in Jacksonville and tied it to Trump. Here's what a second Trump term looks like: more bans, more suffering, less freedom, Harris said during her campaign speech in Jacksonville Wednesday. But we are not going to let that happen.

Trump has changed his public opinion on abortion over the years. Most recently he said he plans to leave it to the states and would not sign a federal ban, but he has often boasted of putting the justices on the Supreme Court that struck down Roe. Critics are skeptical and have suggested he and the party are toning down their rhetoric ahead of November's election.

Last year in Tallahassee, on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, Harris spoke in favor of federal legislation restoring abortion rights.

Harris has called out DeSantis on 'whitewashing' African American history

Last year, the Florida Board of Education rejected the College Board's Advanced Placement course on African American studies and unanimously approved a new social studies standard for African American history to comply with the state's "Stop WOKE Act," which required discussions about race to be taught in an "objective manner" and banned any discussion used to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view or that made students uncomfortable over actions committed in the past by members of their own race.

Critics claimed the new standards whitewashed history by emphasizing the practice of slavery elsewhere, removing mention of Florida seceding from the Union during the Civil War or passing a resolution against the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, suggesting that enslaved people benefitted from the skills they learned and victims of Black massacres in Florida were partially to blame, among many other issues.

Harris traveled to Florida to speak out against the changes, calling them "misleading and false" propaganda made by extremists.

They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, and we will not stand for it," she said in a speech in Jacksonville, saying that DeSantis and others responsible wanted to replace history with lies. DeSantis challenged her to a debate on the topic but she declined.

"I'm here in Florida, and I will tell you there is no roundtable, no lecture, no invitation we will accept to debate an undeniable fact," she said while speaking at an African Methodist Episcopal convention in Orlando. "There were no redeeming qualities of slavery."

Harris, DeSantis disagree on Israel-Gaza War

Harris has backed Biden's actions supporting the Israeli government after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel last year, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking more than 240 hostages back to Gaza. Israel's military response has led to a widespread humanitarian crisis, with more than 38,000 Palestinians killed by early July, according to Reuters.

But she has publicly said that Israel "must do more to protect civilian life." While she reaffirmed that Israel had the right to defend itself, she came close to accusing Israel of committing war crimes, saying, "international humanitarian law must be respected."

"As Israel defends itself," she said. "It matters how." In March, Harris called for an "immediate cease-fire" in Gaza due to the "humanitarian catastrophe."

DeSantis has taken a hardline stance. After the attack he declared a state of emergency in Florida and sent a charter flight to help evacuate Americans trapped in Israel During a campaign speech in Iowa he said that there "was never a Palestinian-Arab state" in the region and that all residents of Gaza are anti-Semitic and would be refused entry into Florida.

Harris' stance on marijuana has evolved

While DeSantis has supported medical marijuana in the past, he has argued against the recreational marijuana amendment on November's ballot and has thrown his support behind efforts to oppose it.

Harris might once have agreed with him. She's been criticized for aggressively prosecuting weed-related crimes during his time as a former prosecutor and California Attorney General.

But leading up to her 2020 presidential bid she softened her stance and ultimately, as vice president, supported Biden's efforts to decriminalize it, pardon people incarcerated for possession or use, and reclassify it as a less dangerous drug.

Climate change a key issue for Harris, Florida removed mention of it from its statutes

Harris would make addressing climate change a key issue.

While running for president in 2019, she proposed a climate plan with a $10 trillion price tag  nearly seven times more than the $1.6 trillion Biden has invested in addressing the issue. She also called for a ban on fracking.

As a senator, she co-sponsored the Green New Deal, which called for a dramatic increase in the production of renewable fuels, including wind, solar, and hydropower sources.

Discussion of climate change has no place in Florida, the state likely the most susceptible to it. DeSantis signed into law this year a measure that removed the words "climate change" or similar language from state law and banned offshore wind-energy generation in Florida.

"Were restoring sanity in our approach to energy and rejecting the agenda of the radical green zealots," he said on X, formerly Twitter.

Kamala Harris supports LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms

At an event in Provincetown Saturday, before she was a potential candidate herself, Harris talked about her history of supporting LGTBQ+ rights and the need to push back against recent attacks.

When it comes to the fight for LGBTQ rights, I know its a fundamental fight for freedom. You should be able to love and to be who you are openly and with pride," said Harris. "To be free from discrimination and bigotry and hate. The freedom to simply ... be.

She emphasized that transgender people, especially transgender women of color, are facing record levels of deadly violence. And when she talked about bullying and harassment in schools, she namechecked Florida.

"We see extremists fan the flames of hate and homophobia for political gain," said Harris. "In states like Florida and Iowa, they've passed 'dont say gay laws,' she said.

As a district attorney in San Francisco Harris officiated some of the first same-sex marriages in the country, She campaigned against California's Proposition 8 and as Attorney General she led efforts to abolish gay and transgender "panic" defenses in criminal trials, according to The Advocate.

She received some backlash for defending the state of California when it tried to deny gender-affirmation surgery to a trans prisoner, but she pointed out that she had to represent her client the state  and she worked behind the scenes to change the policy.

In contrast, DeSantis and the Florida Legislature has been systemically working to remove LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender people, from public life with laws that:

Prohibited mention of gender identities or sexual orientations

Banned teachers from asking for pronouns or telling students their own

Prohibited the use of nicknames that have not been approved by parents

Blocked the use of gendered bathrooms in schools or state buildings that don't correspond to the user's biology

Banned trans girls from competing in female-only sports

Banned gender-affirming care to minors while adding more restrictions for trans adults

Signs supporting LGBTQ+ identity or offering safe spaces were banned from schools and government buildings. And Florida has become the epicenter for a wave of book challenges and bans in schools and public libraries, with the majority of the books getting challenged focusing on communities of color, the history of racism in America and LGBTQ characters.

Upshot: A President Harris is not likely to find much in common with Gov. DeSantis.

Kinsey Crowley of USA TODAY and Gray Rohrer of the USA TODAY Network's Florida Capital Bureau contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Kamala Harris policies compared to Florida Gov. DeSantis' laws
Attorney General Dana Nessel is sworn in for a second term during the Michigan Inauguration on Jan. 1, 2023. | Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance

A bill intended to give homeowners more legal protections when working with real estate brokers became law Thursday after Attorney General Dana Nessel signed the legislation as acting governor.

Many homeowners have faced predatory right-to-list agreements that lock them into unfavorable terms, Nessel said in a release. This legislation provides much-needed clarity and protects both property owners and real estate professionals.

Nessel has been in the role of acting governor before, but this is the first bill she has signed. The attorney general has the power to sign bills into law if the governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state are away.

SB 602, sponsored by state Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-East Lansing), is intended to help homeowners avoid getting stuck in contracts with real estate brokers. In a right-to-list home sale agreement, property owners promise to only work with a specific broker, a practice that can be, as Hertel described in the release, exploitative.

These agreements are only enforceable if the deal is in writing, signed by everyone with an ownership interest in the property and provides an opportunity for homeowners to terminate the contract if needed, under the new law.

The contract also cannot be older than two years.

The legislation was backed by the Michigan Realtors, a group that lobbies on behalf of the real estate industry.

Selling a home is never an easy thing to do, and when realtors engage in predatory practices, it becomes even more difficult, Hertel said in the release. Michigan property owners deserve the ability to make informed decisions about a monumental life event without fear of coercion or deception.

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NEW YORK  Mayor Eric Adams Charter Revision Commission voted Thursday to approve a set of ballot referendum questions that would impose additional requirements on the municipal legislative process  a move City Council members have blasted as an executive power grab designed to stifle their oversight powers.

Marking the final step required to get the five questions onto Novembers general election ballot, the vote came just two months after the mayor launched the commission and tasked it with crafting amendments to the City Charter he said would strengthen public safety and promote fiscal responsibility. The measures would build in additional time for bills related to public safety and require more detailed fiscal analysis of potential legislative costs.

The quick turn-around by Adams panel has prompted an outcry from Council Democrats, who say hes using it as a vehicle to block a separate effort theyre undertaking to expand their so-called advice-and-consent powers over certain top mayoral appointments.

In a rally Thursday outside Brooklyn Public Librarys central branch ahead of the commission vote, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams argued the mayors proposals would give him legislative powers that should lie with her chamber.

It is a dangerous attempt to shift power away from the people represented by the City Council to one single individual. Do you want a king? said the speaker, who was joined by several city and state lawmakers who also oppose the mayors commission and responded with a resounding no in response to her question.

If the proposals by this mayors commission ends up on the ballot in November, New Yorkers should oppose them, the speaker added. We dont want a king in New York City. You can try that somewhere else but not here.

A few hours later, the 13-member commission, whose members include several key political allies of the mayor, unanimously approved the ballot proposals. One of the members, Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, was absent from the meeting, which was interrupted a handful of times by activists who booed and heckled the commission appointees.

The proposals will now be added to the back of city residents November ballots. Theyll become law if a majority support them.

The speaker and a number of progressive advocacy groups joining her at the rally vowed to launch a fundraising and organizational effort to urge New Yorkers to vote against the proposals.

Because of a quirk in state law, the commissions submission of its proposals by an Aug. 5 deadline means the Council is blocked from getting a question it wanted onto Novembers ballot that would give the chamber the advice-and-consent power to block 21 agency commissioner-level positions the mayor can currently appoint unilaterally. The mayor vehemently opposes that proposal.

Several of the speakers at Thursdays rally outside the library charged that the true purpose of the mayors sham commission was all along to block the Councils advice-and-consent expansion push  a charge he denies.

Of the five ballot proposals green-lit by the commission, one related to public safety has emerged as the most significant.

But in an unexpected reversal, the commission released a sharply scaled-back version of the public safety proposal.

Under the original proposal, the Council wouldve needed to wait 45 days after introducing any bill relating to the operations of the New York Police Department, the FDNY or the Department of Correction to hold a public hearing on it  a big jump from the three required under existing law. In a report released earlier this week, the mayors commission said such a delay will allow the three agencies to submit statements outlining how they believe theyd be impacted by any given public safety bill, and those statements would then need to be included in the public legislative records.

Additionally, the original proposal held that, after a hearing on a public safety bill, the Council would have to wait at least another 50 days before voting on it. That delay, the commission report said, would let the mayor or agency leaders hold their own hearings on the bill in question to solicit additional public input.

But the finalized version of the ballot proposal eliminated both waiting periods and simply proposed requiring the Council to notify the mayors office at least 30 days in advance of a vote on a public safety-related bill. That would allow the mayor or relevant agencies to hold their own public hearings on legislation in that time frame, according to the commissions updated report.

A Council source said the chamber already typically alerts the mayors office of votes 30 days in advance.

At Thursdays hearing, Carlo Scissura, the chair of the mayors commission, said his team made the 11th-hour tweak to the public safety proposal after receiving feedback on the original report released earlier this week.

We listened to a lot of people, including members of the City Council, he said.

The mayor has said the idea for the public safety proposal came from complaints he received about there supposedly having not being been enough time for public input on a bill adopted by the Council earlier this year that placed new requirements on the ways NYPD officers must document stops of civilians. The mayor vetoed that bill, claiming it would hamper police operations, but the Council overrode him to implement it anyway.

The second ballot proposal advanced by the commission Thursday would require the Council to release so-called fiscal impact statements  which estimate the cost of legislation  before holding a hearing on a bill. Currently, fiscal impact statements dont need to be released until before a vote.

In addition, the proposal would require the Council to include in the public record a legislative cost analysis by the mayors budget office before voting on any bill that comes with a price-tag.

In a statement after the vote, the mayor said the proposed Charter amendments would ensure the city is working as efficiently as possible for all its residents.

In a post on X, Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan, who chairs the Councils Finance Committee voiced concern about the ballot proposals, especially the one related to fiscal impact statements, creating government bottlenecks.

Requiring OMB to submit estimates for every damn bill before we can hold a public hearing will grind government to a halt, he wrote, using an acronym for the mayors Office of Management and Budget.

The three additional ballot questions approved by the commission have not received as much public attention, in part because Council members arent coming out against them. They relate to streamlining sanitation operations, reporting on repair needs in city-owned buildings and creating a new position in the city bureaucracy related to increasing diversity in the municipal governments contracting protocols.

During Thursdays hearing, former New York Rep. Max Rose, a member of the mayors commission, defended the ballot questions he and the other members put forward, but acknowledged there has been a lot of pushback.

Its impossible to make everyone happy whenever youre trying to act in areas of significance, he said before urging lawmakers and others to continue to stay extraordinarily engaged over the coming months to make sure that the peoples voices continue to be heard.
YANGON, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed on the spot and six others seriously injured in a head-on car collision in Myanmar's Yangon, an official from a rescue organization told Xinhua on Thursday.

The accident occurred in Hmawbi township of Yangon region around 6 a.m. local time on Thursday and involved a truck and a Hilux vehicle, he said.

"Based on the scene, I believe the truck collided with Hilux vehicle, because it was in the wrong lane, possibly overtaking the car in front of it, resulting in a head-on crash," he added.

"When we arrived at the scene, two people were already dead and six were seriously injured. Among them, one person trapped in the crash was rescued with difficulty and was still alive but seriously injured," he said.

The injured were sent to a nearby hospital and some of them were transferred to the Insein General Hospital, he added. 
Fact checked by Nick BlackmerFact checked by Nick Blackmer





Key Takeaways

Exposure to PM 2.5 and PM 10 significantly increases the risk of developing psoriasis.

People with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis face more than four times the risk when exposed to high levels of air pollutants.

Experts say those with a strong family history of psoriasis should consider living in areas with low pollution if that's an accessible option.









Air pollutants can significantly increase the risk of psoriasis, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open.

The study analyzed data from the U.K. Biobank over a 12-year period, including 474,055 individuals who were psoriasis-free in the beginning. Researchers found that people exposed to air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and particulate matter (PM 10 ) were at a higher risk of developing psoriasis.

For every interquartile range increase in PM 2.5 and PM 10 , the risk of psoriasis rose by 41% and 47%, respectively.

People with a genetic susceptibility to psoriasis had more than four times the risk of developing the condition when exposed to high levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 compared to those with low genetic susceptibility and low exposure. However, the genetic analysis was limited to only White Europeans, who made up 94% of the sample.

The concept that pollution could trigger psoriasis had been introduced in some other work. What is truly novel here is that the authors found that the risk of psoriasis in those with a susceptible genetic background was specifically increased by pollution, said Alexa Kimball, MD, MPH, a professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School.

Kimball said its unclear why pollution triggers psoriasis, but it could be direct skin irritation or whole-body inflammation from lung exposure.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy skin tissue. It causes skin cells to reproduce too rapidly, often resulting in thick, red, scaly patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful. Over 7 million U.S. adults live with psoriasis.

Related: Air Quality Is Improving Nationwide, but One Type of Harmful Pollution Remains a Threat

Kimball said people with a strong family history of psoriasis might want to consider living in areas with lower pollution.

According to a 2024 report from the American Lung Association, some of the most polluted areas include locations in California and Oregon, while Maine and Hawaii have the lowest levels of pollutants.

More accessible ways to reduce psoriasis risk include avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, as well as skin injuries from tattoos and piercings, said Angela Moore, MD, an associate professor at Texas Christian University Burnett School of Medicine who has been a principal investigator on a wide range of clinical trials related to psoriasis treatment.

Medications like beta-blockers and lithium are also linked to a higher risk of psoriasis.

While the study was based in the United Kingdom, Moore said its applicable to U.S. psoriasis cases and the state of air pollution domestically.

In a commentary, physicians said data to support clinical recommendations are lacking despite accumulating evidence on the interactions between air pollutants and inflammatory skin disease.

It is unclear whether topical moisturizers and treatments are likely to protect high-risk individuals or whether they may increase the penetration of air pollutants, they wrote. While it may seem intuitive to counsel patients to use protective clothing, there are little data to support the efficacy of such a recommendation.



Read Next: Exposure to Air Pollution Could Trigger Heart Attack Within an Hour, Study Finds







What This Means For You

Air pollution is strongly linked to a higher risk of psoriasis, especially if you're genetically predisposed to the condition.







Read the original article on Verywell Health.
Air-raid warning issued again on Romanian side of Danube due to Russian attack on Ukraine

An air-raid warning has been issued for the second night in a row in the Romanian district of Tulcea along the Danube due to another Russian airstrike on Ukrainian ports across the river.

Source: 24-hour Romanian TV news channel Digi24, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Residents of settlements in Romania across the Danube received another RO-Alert warning about possible falling wreckage at around 01:20 on 25 July.

The border between Ukraine and Romania near the city of Izmail

Screenshot: Google maps

Quote from Romanian emergency services: "The countrys territory is not a target of Russian attacks; these warnings are to inform the public that wreckage from destroyed drones could fall on Romanian territory."

Ukraines Air Force reported the movement of Russian Shahed drones toward the cities of Izmail, Reni and Vylkove between 00:00 and 01:30.

Previously: Similar warnings were sent out on the night of 23-24 July. Later, the Romanian Defence Ministry reported that they had deployed F-16 fighters and would send specialists to check the area around the village of Plauru opposite Izmail, as wreckage might have fallen there. No further updates on findings were provided.

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 investigations, Romania concluded that the falling of Russian drones on the countrys territory was accidental.

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Air-sea search on in South China Sea for 10 seamen missing in wake of deadly typhoon

An oil tanker carrying 370,000 gallons of fuel oil sinks in heavy seas in Manila Bay in the Philippines on Thursday. The Philippine Coast Guard rescued 16 of the crew but one remains missing. Colleagues in Taiwan are searching for nine crew members who abandoned a cargo vessel in distress off the south coast of the island. Photo courtesy Philippine Coast Guard/EPA-EFE

July 25 (UPI) -- The coast guards of Taiwan and the Philippines on Thursday were scouring the South China Sea for a least 10 seamen missing from commercial vessels sunk or damaged as Typhoon Gaemi barreled through the region packing 140-mph winds.

The Taiwan Coastguard and nearby ships were trying to establish radio contact with an abandoned Tanzanian cargo ship listing and in distress, 15 miles off the southern port of Kaohsiung amid a major air-sea search rescue operation to locate the crew of nine, all from Myanmar, the Transportation and Communications Ministry said in a news release.

Transport Minister Li Meng-yen called for "maximum humanitarian rescue efforts through all possible means" to find the seamen from 185-foot Fu Shun Lun in a visit to the country's Maritime Disaster Response Center that was handling at least five other maritime incidents, all groundings, from the typhoon, which coincided with a high tide.

The BBC reported that a Black Hawk helicopter from the National Airborne Service Corps had been deployed to join in the search despite strong winds from Gaemi, the most powerful typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years, continuing to batter the area.

The hulls and crews of all the vessels that had run aground were safe, either rescued or awaiting rescue, and Li ordered that the salvage operation prioritize personnel safety and preventing oil spills.

Heavy flooding and landslides from Typhoon Gaemi killed at least 22 people in the Philippines. Photo by Francis R. Malasig/EPA-EFE

"Based on current sea conditions, the earliest improvement might occur by Sunday, and the Maritime and Port Bureau will make early preparations to ensure proper handling of the vessels in the shortest possible time to ensure maritime safety and effectively mitigate any marine pollution crisis," the MOTC said.

In the Philippines, the Coast Guard said it was searching for a seaman after it rescued 16 of the 17-strong crew of the Philippine-flagged oil tanker Terra Nova in the early hours of Thursday after it capsized and eventually sank in Manila Bay 3.6 miles off the Bataan coast.

Four of those rescued were receiving medical treatment, the Coast Guard reported in a post on social media in which it said it was tracking a 5.6-mile-long oil slick from the air and that a marine environmental protection team along with three, 144-foot multi-role response vessels had been deployed to respond to the oil spill.

The vessel was delivering 370,000 gallons of industrial fuel oil to the central Philippine city of Iloilo.

PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil L. Gavan had ordered an investigation regarding the maritime incident, the Coast Guard said.

Gaemi made landfall in China Thursday afternoon after media sources already began reporting "heavy rainfall in more than 10 provinces."

Ferries, flights and tourist attractions across China's south-east suspended operations, and a team of 85,000 cadres were deployed to Fujian Province in anticipation of the typhoon.

The storms arrival in southern China follows days of strong winds and torrential rain left a trail of destruction and death across Taiwan and the northern Philippines.

Even after the storm passed out of the Taiwan Strait, the government urged residents to remain cautious of wind and rain, and the Taiwanese military was still on high alert for potential disasters.

Heavy flooding and landslides in the Philippines killed at least 22 people, while at least three were killed in Taiwan and more than 220 reported hurt.

Roads and rail lines were blocked, half a million households were without power and offices and schools remained closed for a second day, with the Taiwan government announcing earlier Thursday it had deployed the military to join in rescue and clean-up efforts.

"The disaster prevention and relief systems of the central and local governments have been fully activated, and the national army has ended the Han Kuang exercise early at noon and diverted to disaster prevention and rescue missions," President William Lai Ching-te wrote on social media.

Lai pledged his central ministries would do their best to help local governments minimize the disaster and help those affected to "resume their daily lives as soon as possible."

He warned the public that the danger was not over with persistent heavy rains with little to no warning forecast for the mountains in the central part of the island and in the south, and the flat land south of Miaoli.

"The typhoon warning and heavy rain warning has not been lifted and I would like to ask everyone to pay close attention to the latest disaster prevention information before and avoid mountains, streams and the seaside for the next few days.

"In low-lying areas, pay attention to storm sea surges and flooding, look out for each other and work hard to prevent further impacts from the disaster," Lai said.
More police reform could be coming to Akron after the city agreed in a federal lawsuit to change how its department responds to and treats protesters.

A settlement reached Thursday between the Akron Bail Fund and city attorneys requires the city to implement new police policies with public input.

These policies should limit use of force, ban the punishment of free speech, require police to record their actions and prohibit police from cooperating with other departments to avoid accountability, according to the settlement.

The Akron Bail Fund filed the injunctive lawsuit in the aftermath of protests that followed Jayland Walker's fatal shooting in 2022.

The bail fund sought police reform after it alleged the city used tear gas, pepper spray and other types of force against nonviolent protesters during a protest on April 19, 2023, in the Copley Road area.

"As we reflect on the recent anniversary of the police murder of Jayland Walker and the state suppression of community dissent that followed  our clients message is the same as it was then: Justice for Jayland," the law firm Friedman, Gilbert and Gerhardstein wrote in a news release.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7 was not immediately available for comment by phone.

My administration has previously committed to reviewing police practices and creating a new centralized crowd control policy, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in a news release. This move is part of a larger commitment to strengthen our procedures to build trust with our community. My administration and the Akron Police Department remain committed to these efforts, and we aim to model Akrons new policy off of the International Association of Chiefs of Polices (IACP) crowd control policy which is widely regarded as best practice nationwide.

In addition to these policy changes, the city will pay $30,000 in attorney fees and costs for the Akron Bail Fund.

What changes does the settlement seek?

Under the settlement terms, Akron police officers will modify their approach to protests, demonstrations or "other gatherings of people who are exercising their First Amendment rights in the City of Akron," the settlement reads.

Police officers will be limited in their use of force, which includes the use of "less lethal weapons, and other adverse action," against protesters. Officers cannot use force or temporarily detain demonstrators for the sole reason that they are protesting.

Body-worn cameras, dash cameras and all other police recording devices should be charged, working and turned on during any interaction with people who are or were protesting, according to the settlement.

Police officers are prohibited from using mutual aid law enforcement agreements to circumvent any policy requirements.

Officers should be trained on these policy changes within one year of the policy's enactment. This training will be rolled into any pre-existing police training for new officers.

Earlier this year, the city initiated a change to police pursuit procedures, saying officers can no longer chase vehicles solely for equipment violations.

Drafting new policies with public input

The settlement requires policy implementation that has received public input and backing.

To do this, the city should retain one or more experts in police practices to help draft the policy within 45 days of the agreement's execution, which is July 25, according to the settlement.

Once drafted, at least one community forum should be held at least 60 days after the policy is written. Residents will have the opportunity to tell the city about their experiences with police when protesting at this event.

There will also be an opportunity to write to the city, explained attorney Elizabeth Bonham, who represented the Akron Bail Fund.

The city will then provide notice to the public when the changes go into effect, according to the settlement.

Second Jayland Walker-related federal lawsuit to settle

This is the second Walker-related federal lawsuit to settle this year. The first to settle involved 26 people who were arrested in protests that followed Walker's death.

The city of Akron agreed to pay 24 plaintiffs a total of $747,000 in February. Two protesters arrested by two University of Akron police officers reached a $20,000 settlement in late June.

Bonham also represented the 26 plaintiffs.

One federal lawsuit remains

The final pending lawsuit is one filed by Walker's family against the city of Akron and the Akron Police Department.

No mediation hearings have been held in the case as recent court filings show it could head to trial.

Discovery and motion deadlines were scheduled in early May by U.S. District Court Judge John Adams.

Fact discovery is due by Aug. 31. Expert witnesses are due by Oct. 20 for Walker's family, while the city has until Dec. 5. Depositions by those witnesses are due by Jan. 6, 2025, according to court documents. All dispositive motions are to be filed by Feb. 15, 2025.

Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: City of Akron agrees to police reform in Jayland Walker protest suit
A boundary map of where carrying alcoholic beverages outside will be permitted in Noblesville.

The state has approved an outdoor alcohol ordinance in downtown Noblesville but the most attractive place to enjoy a beverage outdoors will be off-limits.

Customers in the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) will be banned from sipping libations on Hamilton County courthouse square, which is ringed with lawns and trees.

The Hamilton County Commission said it would enforce a general alcohol ban on county property, despite the DORA and weeks of talks with city officials.

Mayor Chris Jensen said the county chose to be excluded from the DORA, just as any business can refuse to participate.

That is their stance and I will accept it and they will be in charge of putting up signs and enforcing it, Jensen said. This is not something I want to go to battle over.

The practical effect is that customers who leave bars and restaurants on the square with a drink will be limited to the sidewalks when outdoors.

Commissioners Mark Heirbrandt and Steve Dillinger said they opposed bar customers hanging out on county property every day of the year, saying it's bound to lead to some bad behavior by a tiny fraction of people. They also objected to allowing alcohol at annual events for children and families on the square.

The commissioners recently reaffirmed the standing ordinance prohibiting alcohol on government property. The third commissioner, Christine Altman, abstained.

Jensen scoffed at the commission's hardline approach.

Its public property, it is not their property, he said.

Commissioner Christine Altman said the city cut off talks, apparently because the county was seeking restrictions on the hours outdoor alcohol was permitted. The DORA will be operational 365 days a year, from noon to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

I dont think those hours are necessary for the businesses and city to accomplish their goal, which is increased foot traffic, Altman said.

The county allows alcohol on the lawn for events that get a permit and that will continue, Altman said. Jensen said people bring their own alcohol to events on the lawn, like music festivals, and it has never been a problem.

"It happens all the time where people bring beverages and they have never enforced it before," Jensen said.

The DORA allows customers to take drinks out of participating businesses but they cant enter other bars with the drinks, leaving the courthouse lawn as an obvious destination to finish a drink. Noblesville is the 17th DORA approved by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission and the first in Hamilton County since the law passed in 2023. Westfield and Carmel have also applied for the designation.

The Noblesville district boundaries cover a swath of downtown and extend across the White River to the Federal Hill Commons and surrounding properties. While the county owns the Connor and Logan Street bridges over the river, and the Riverwalk, commissioners indicated at a meeting they could allow alcohol on them. But Altman said she didnt think even that compromise was reached before the negotiations ended.

Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418 or email him at john.tuohy@indystar.com. Follow him on Facebook and X/Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Alcohol banned on courthouse lawn in Noblesville despite DORA district
Supporters of the ballot proposal to enshrine the right to abortion in the Florida Constitution hold signs outside of the Florida Supreme Court on Feb. 7, 2024. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix)

The sponsor of the proposed abortion-rights amendment to the Florida Constitution asked the Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday to toss out a state panels financial analysis of the measure.

Floridians Protecting Freedom took its complaint to Floridas highest court after a lower state appeal court dismissed it on Monday. In a 31-page brief, the Amendment 4 sponsor argues that Florida legislative leaders lacked authority to tell a panel of economic experts to revise the financial impact statement intended appear alongside the amendments summary on the November ballot.

The group claims the Financial Impact Estimating Conference improperly inflated the amendments cost to taxpayers.

The effects are dire. Despite Petitioners diligent efforts to expeditiously resolve the issues with the financial impact statement  Petitioners simply want a fair and accurate presentation of Amendment 4 on the ballot  precious little time remains for effective relief before the election, counsel for the sponsoring organization wrote.

A Leon County Circuit Court judge had ruled that the original assessment wasnt accurate. The state appealed to the Florida First District Court of Appeal but, while that matter was pending, House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo ordered the estimating conference to revise its numbers.

A new statement the panel wrote on July 15 boosts the potential cost to taxpayers should the abortion-rights amendment pass in November by including the cost of hypothetical legal challenges if Amendment 4 passes  the measure needs 60% approval at the polls.

The conclusion also assumes the state may be forced to pay for abortions under Medicaid. Although the statement concludes that the overall impact of Amendments 4 passage on the economy cant be determined, it adds that the increase in abortions may negatively affect the growth of state and local revenues over time.

Lower court ruled the case moot

The First DCA ruled that the revised estimate, which it characterized as voluntary by the legislative leaders even though the appeal remained pending, essentially rendered the case moot  meaning the matter had been solved and there was nothing left to argue about.

Now, Floridians Protecting Freedom argues that Renner and Passidomo never held authority to demand a revision of the statement  or, with Gov. Ron DeSantis, to stack the panel abortion opponents who insisted on the higher estimate over objections by Amy Baker, the longtime chair of the conference. Florida statutes require the panel to revise a financial impact statement that a court finds out of compliance with the law within 15 days, the brief reads.

Floridians Protecting Freedom argues the original financial analysis was inaccurate in light of the terms of the Florida Supreme Court ruling in April clearing the initiative for the ballot.

On its face, the revised Statement violates both the order and precedent of this Court. For example, the revised Statement is devoted in large measure not to the required probable fiscal impact, but to speculative prognostication on the impact of potential future litigation on reproductive care, in what is a rather obvious attempt to put a thumb on the scale in precisely the way the courts precedent forecloses, the brief says.
The oldest person in the United States, Elizabeth Francis, is adding another year to her life as she celebrates her 115th birthday Thursday.

Francis, who lives in Houston with her family, became the oldest living person in the U.S. earlier this year in February, following the death of 116-year-old Edie Ceccarelli of California, who passed away on Feb. 22, according to LongeviQuest, an organization that monitors and tracks the oldest people in the world. She is the fourth-oldest living person in the world, LongeviQuest said, adding she is among the 25 longest-lived people in American history.

Franciss granddaughter Ethel Harrison, 69, told The Washington Post the family plans to celebrate with a large floral-covered sheet cake in vanilla cream, her favorite flavor, and that her grandmother can have as many slices as she'd like.

LongeviQuest Chief Executive Ben Meyers told USA TODAY Thursday Francis is feeling great and enjoying life.

Want to live up to 114? Oldest person in the US says 'speak your mind'

Born in Louisiana, raised in Texas

Elizabeth Francis with her daughter Dorothy Williams (L) and her granddaughter Ethel Harrison (C).

Francis was born on Jul. 25, 1909 in Louisiana, according to her profile on LongeviQuest. Following her mother's death, she and her five siblings were sent to different homes and Francis ended up in Houston, where she was raised by her aunt and has lived since.

She gave birth to her only child, Dorothy Williams, in 1928, whom she raised as a single mother, operating a coffee shop at ABC 13 News in Houston to support herself and her daughter. She ran the place for almost 20 years, retiring in 1975. In 1999, she moved in with her daughter and continues to live with her.

LongeviQuest dubbed Francis the oldest person in the world living at home, and she's visited daily by friends and family, with Harrison being her primary caregiver.

Harrison told the Post her grandmother has slowed down in recent months, sleeps more and speaks only in a faint whisper. However, Harrison added that Francis has not lost her spark, continues to speak her mind "and doesnt hold back."

Francis' secret to living a long life

Francis had earlier credited her longevity to her faith in God, speaking her mind and eating whatever she wants. The supercentenarian only began requiring a wheelchair for mobility when she was almost 108.

If the Good Lord gave it to you, use it! Speak your mind, dont hold your tongue," Francis told LongeviQuest when asked the secret behind her long life.

On her birthday party in July 2022, Francis told KHOU in Houston that she credits her long life to eating whatever she wanted. She also said she doesn't smoke or drink, except for the occasional glass of wine.

Harrison had earlier told The Washington Post in August 2023 that her grandmother led a very simple life and never learned how to drive, relying on the bus and friends to take her around.

She never learned to drive, so she took the bus to work or people in the family would give her a ride, Harrison told the Post. She also did a lot of walking, so maybe that explains some of her longevity.

Her life was always pretty simple: early to bed, early to rise, work hard, then come home and make a nutritious meal and be with family, Harrison added.

Edith Ceccarelli: Hometown celebrated 116th birthday with a big bash, days before her death

From World I to Hurricane Beryl

Francis receiving her latest accolades from LongeviQuest Chief Executive Ben Meyers. L-R: Dorothy Williams, Ethel Harrison, Elizabeth Francis, Ben Meyers

Having lived for more than a century, Francis has witnessed it all: World War I, the Great Depression, the adoption of the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote, the first female Vice President, COVID. Most recently, she also experienced the full impact of Hurricane Beryl, when her house was hit by the storm.

Elizabeth Francis is Americas Grandmother. She is beloved by her family and community and admired worldwide," Meyers said in a statement. "She has seen some things in her 115 years: she grew up during World War I and just weeks ago her house was directly hit by Hurricane Beryl."

"But none of it has seemed to rattle her. Her story is about faith, fortitude, and family more than it is about longevity, said the executive who last met Francis in April.

Francis is not the only one in her family to live a long life. Her older sibling Bertha Johnson lived to the age of 106 before passing away in 2011, according to LongeviQuest, making them "one of the oldest sibling pairs".

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oldest living person in the US, Elizabeth Francis, turns 115
The American Dream is alive in Greenacres, Palm Springs. Its Hispanic businesses prove it.

GREENACRES  The wave of Hispanic and Caribbean immigration into Greenacres and Palm Springs since 2000 has done more than swell the communities' populations to more than 70,000 combined. It's also made them a hotbed of entrepreneurs, building businesses that honor the tastes and ways of home as they chase the American Dream.

People who visit a family-owned business in these communities can expect warm greetings in Spanglish, a sonic embrace of salsa or merengue blasting from speakers and business owners hugging clients and offering them a midday coffee, even at 5 p.m.

Restaurants and businesses in Palm Springs and Greenacres are filled with stories of uprooted families, immigrants who reinvented themselves with new careers and young entrepreneurs taking a leap of faith to start enterprises that survived the COVID-19 pandemic.

Palm Springs and Greenacres, they say, offered spaces where they could afford to open their restaurants and businesses and provide crucial services to an underserved Hispanic and populations  one they hope will survive a shortage of housing that has led some of its members to leave the county.

U.S. Census: Hispanics increasingly call this Palm Beach County bedroom community home

Vyda Salon: Where beauticians become entrepreneurs

Gissela Bustinza remade herself from a chemist in her native Peru to a beauty parlor owner in Greenacres. She employs a team of 32 women at Vyda Salon.

Gisela Bustinza was born in Lima, Peru, and was a chemist there until 2006, when she moved to Palm Beach County and couldnt find a lab job.

She worked as a Realtor and office manager before she got certified as a nail technician  and found her calling as a beauty entrepreneur.

In 2017, Bustinza opened Vyda Salon, a modest parlor with five nail and hair styling stations tucked in a Greenacres plaza along Jog Road. Now, the expanded medspa has 12 spa suites, 10 nail tables, eight hair stations and five pedicure chairs.

Bustinza employs 32 women who blow dry hair, meticulously paint designs on nails and perform facials as they chat with their clients and sip coffee. Like her, Bustinza says, most of them were professionals in their home countries and decided to start new careers as beauticians after immigrating.

At the salon, Bustinza now has a beauty lab where she pampers clients with facials. She has over 10 beauty licenses and recently acquired one for electrology for laser hair removal. This year, she plans to get certified as a medical assistant and esthetician to remove tattoos.

I keep studying so as a leader, I can set an example for the women, Bustinza said. I want to empower them to see themselves as entrepreneurs.

In the beginning, Bustinza managed the business like most salons, booking the clients and giving her employees a percentage of every service. A year ago, she challenged her employees  her daughters''  to learn to manage their own businesses.

They would take charge of their clients and profits and pay monthly rent for their work stations. Bustinza organized workshops to teach them how to enroll in certifications, create a business plan and grow their personal brand.

Instead of seeing them develop as professionals somewhere else, Bustinza said. I help and give them resources so they can grow in my space, in my home.

Soma Medical Center: Where care feels like it did back home

Jaqueline and Rafael Nunez, natives of Colombia, came to Palm Beach County 39 years ago with the dream of opening their own medical practice. The couple now owns 32 health centers across the county.

Rafael Nunez and his wife, Jacqueline, migrated to the United States in 1990 from Colombia with $200 and his dream of becoming a doctor. Today, the couple owns 32 health centers across Palm Beach County.

He went straight to taking medical school exams and worked 12-hour shifts in hospitals. Jacqueline took a job as a dishwasher in a pizzeria and learned to make pies from scratch.

After Rafael obtained his pediatrics and Internal Medicine licenses, the couple relocated to Palm Beach County and set out to open their own medical practice. Their goal was to take that intimate medical attention they were accustomed to in Colombia and bring it to the forgotten neighborhoods of Greenacres and Palm Springs

In 1998, they unveiled the first Soma Medical Center in Greenacres.

We knew how much we could give, said Jaqueline Nunez, now Somas CEO. For people to be able to communicate and we share the same customs, so it was a hit.

The center offers comprehensive care for specialties such as pediatrics, gynecology and internal medicine. The staff also enrolls clients in government assistance programs such as SNAP benefits and Medicare.

Jaqueline said the medical center offers crucial health services in communities where many fear going to a doctor because of the language barrier or their immigration status.

What makes us different is that we are dedicated to social services, Jaqueline Nunez said.

VPK Palm Springs: Caring for kids so parents can work

Luz Francy Luengas, a Colombian native, has owned since 2005 a preschool along Miller Road in Palm Springs that has become crucial for the immigrant, working families in the community.

Luz Francy Luengas, a Colombian native, was an engineer for an oil company in Venezuela before she relocated with her husband to Palm Beach in 2000. Like Bustinza, neither could find jobs in their fields when they arrived.

So they became entrepreneurs, too. In 2005 they bought a preschool along Miller Road in Palm Springs. It cares for children as young as three months and offers an afterschool program for children attending public schools.

Luengas said the COVID pandemic made her realize the schools crucial role in Palm Springs, where many residents have jobs in construction, health care and service industries that cant be done remotely and that make them commute 30 minutes or more each way.

We realized we are indispensable for the families in the community, Luengas said. Without us, parents couldn't go back to work.

Luengas says she has seen the area grow more diverse over the last 20 years with families from Colombia, Venezuela and Haiti. She says the area has a tightly knit community of immigrants and first-generation parents.

Everyone closed and all the nurses, firefighters and essential workers didn't have anywhere to leave their children, she said. So we opened a month later.

PJ's Barber Shop: A cut of the Caribbean in Greenacres

Pedro Abreu and his brother Juan, natives of the Dominican Republic, grew up cutting all of his friends' hair at their familys Greenacres home. For 12 years, the duo has owned a busy yet tidy barberia plucked straight from a Caribbean Island.

Every barber at PJs Barber Shop, at Jog Road and 10th Avenue North, wears a black, vintage jacket. Cologne and talcum fill the air and salsa and bachata play faintly in the background.

Fathers walk in with their sons to the cozy parlor with black-and-white stripes and red neon lettering. Teenagers and men shake hands with their neighbors before taking a chair.

When they started the barbershop, Abreu said, they decided it had to be like those in the Caribbean that are clean, family-friendly places where members of the community can gather.

He says men from Latin America and the Caribbean visit the barbershop at least once a month, giving themselves a chance to catch up with neighbors and friends.

It becomes like a family, said Abreu between laughs as he trimmed the edges of a cut. Your barber stops being your barber and he becomes your friend and even your psychologist.

Former Greenacres Major Joel Flores says Pedro has cut his hair for years. This is the place where I find out about what is happening in my community, Flores said.

Tropical Bakery: Where sweetness reigns

Margarita Castellanos has worked for over 20 years at coffee press of Tropical Bakery and Restaurant in Palm Springs. Its cortaditos, espressos and cafe con leches have drawn a loyal following across central Palm Beach County.

In 1989, Armando Cabrera opened his own Cuban bakery and restaurant in a vacant storefront in Palm Springs. His friends thought it would fail in the sleepy, white community.

They would tell him, There is nothing over there,  said his granddaughter, Natasha Cabrera. But he wouldn't listen.

Almost four decades later, Palm Spring has become the municipality with the highest concentration of Hispanics in Palm Beach County, and Tropical Bakery and Restaurant is a community staple, serving signature Cuban dishes such as lechon asado, bistec de palomilla and ropa vieja, as well as tres leches, flan and elaborate cakes for weddings and quinceaneras.

Armando fled Cuba after serving time in a political prison camp and arrived in Palm Beach County with his wife and two sons. He delivered milk, cleaned Winn-Dixie stores and worked in the sugar mills until a broken arm led him to making pastries at Tulipan Bakery in West Palm Beach.

He and his youngest son, Hector, learned to craft desserts and decorate cakes. Then they bought Tulipan and later sold it when he was 59. He spent his earnings on opening Tropical.

At Tropical, cousins Natasha and Monique Cabrera greet regulars at the cash-only restaurant with tight hugs and a peck on the cheek as they ask about their families. The air is scented with buttery cakes and Cuban coffee as people rush in for a colada, crispy croquetas and warm, pillowy Cuban bread.

Monique and Natasha Cabrera bake guava pastries for their customers at Tropical Bakery in Palm Springs. The cousins now run the landmark restaurant founded by their grandfather.

You're not going into a corporate business," said Monique, who is part of a third generation of Cabreas to run the cafeteria. "We are very friendly, welcoming, and we treat you like you are family when you walk in and that is how we hope to stay.

Margarita Castellanos has served coffee at Tropical Bakery for 20 years. As soon as she recognizes a regulars car parked outside she rushes to the vintage coffee press and has their cup ready by the time they lean on her counter.

I am proud of every cup I serve, she said.

Valentina Palm covers Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Palm Springs and other western communities in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: American Dream is alive with Hispanic businesses in Greenacres, Palm Springs
The Kestrel I Suborbital Launch Vehicle, operated by AtSpace, sister company of Taiwanese rocket startup TiSpace, is prepared for launch at an AtSpace facility in Willawong

The Kestrel I Suborbital Launch Vehicle, operated by AtSpace, sister company of Taiwanese rocket startup TiSpace, is prepared for launch at an AtSpace facility in Willawong

By Kantaro Komiya

TOKYO (Reuters) - A Taiwanese startup aims to become the first foreign firm to launch a rocket from Japan by early next year, part of a plan industry advocates say will aid Tokyo's ambitions of becoming a space hub in Asia.

The planned suborbital launch by TiSpace has faced regulatory hurdles and delays amid questions over whether Japan should embrace overseas business as part of its effort to double the size of its 4 trillion yen ($26 billion) space industry over the next decade.

The private firm, co-founded in 2016 by current and former officials from Taiwan's space agency, has not had a successful launch. Its most recent attempt to fly a rocket, via its sister company AtSpace in Australia in 2022, failed because of an oxidizer leak. The rocket to be tested in Japan is a different design.

"This (planned launch) should be a very good case for the Japanese government," TiSpace chairman Yen-sen Chen told Reuters in an interview. "If that goes smoothly, then you will attract more customers from other countries."

He said the firm is waiting on one last regulatory approval, a radio permit that will enable the launch of the company's 12-metre (39 ft) sounding rocket, which he hopes will occur by early 2025. A sounding rocket can reach space but does not achieve orbit.

Some analysts have said launching a Taiwanese rocket in Japan might draw the attention of China, which claims Taiwan as its own over the strong objections of the government in Taipei, and monitors the island's advancements in missile-related technologies. But so far, Chen said, he had not heard any concerns.

China's foreign ministry said it was "not aware of the relevant circumstances" of the launch.

Japan's Cabinet Office said "free economic and research activities are guaranteed in Japan within the scope of laws and regulations". An official from Taiwan's de facto embassy in Japan met with TiSpace in March 2023 in what the embassy called a "courtesy visit" but the embassy declined to comment further, saying the launch was a private-sector matter.

TiSpace is the only Taiwanese company attempting launches. One of the company's other co-founders, Wu Jong-shinn, is now the head of Taiwan's space agency. The agency declined to comment on its relationship with TiSpace and said all its launch services are conducted through public tender.

The company's endeavour has won support among Japanese space businesses, especially in the remote agricultural town of Taiki, on the northern island of Hokkaido, which will host the launch. Officials and experts cite the benefits of inviting foreign companies.

Yuko Nakagawa, a ruling-party lawmaker representing Taiki and neighbouring communities, said TiSpace's project was "a symbol of Taiwan-Japan friendship" and a tailwind for an international business complex that local officials call a "space Silicon Valley".

Japan wants its private space industry to be worth more than $50 billion by the early 2030s, launch 30 rockets a year and become Asia's space transportation hub, according to the latest government plans.

Jun Kazeki, the top official overseeing Japan's space strategy in the Cabinet Office, declined to comment on TiSpace's plans. There may be "future possibilities to utilise overseas transportation technologies", but Japanese rockets are the government's priority, he said.

Government launches are typically carried out by Japanese-built boosters such as the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H3. Private satellite operators often use foreign launch companies such as SpaceX and ArianeGroup outside Japan.

A senior Japanese official involved in the space sector cautioned that a foreign company launching orbital payloads from Japan would require close government scrutiny and high regulatory hurdles.

Because Japan's Space Activities Act does not govern sub-orbital launches such as TiSpace's, the central government does not need to give final approval for the launch. Tokyo plans to change that law to encompass suborbital flights and reusable rockets, but revisions are expected to take years.

LOCAL INDUSTRY

Motoko Mizuno, an opposition lawmaker and former official at JAXA, the country's space agency, said she was cautious about Japan opening up to foreign companies, with which local launchers might not be able to compete on price.

Japan is negotiating a space technology safeguards agreement with the United States that could also pave the way for U.S. commercial launches in Japan.

Although JAXA has launched domestically developed rockets for decades, the country's private rocket industry is nascent.

Space One, backed by Aerospace giant IHI, saw its rocket blow up during its inaugural launch in March. Taiki-based Interstellar Technologies in 2019 became the first Japanese firm to have a sounding rocket reach space but has not followed up with an orbital launch.

Yoshinori Odagiri, the chief executive of Space Cotan, which operates the Hokkaido Spaceport in Taiki, said a couple of European companies have expressed interest in its launch complex.

Tadashi Morimitsu, a local official in southwestern Oita prefecture, another budding space hub in Japan, which is partnering with U.S. spaceplane company Sierra Space, said TiSpace's progress in Hokkaido encapsulates a "welcome phenomenon" of overseas space businesses using Japanese spaceports.

Globally, more than 50 spaceports are being built, but "they may end up with maybe five to 10 which can be truly successful and self sustaining in the long term", said Boston Consulting Group principal Alessio Bonucci.

If TiSpace's test launch is successful, the company said it plans to expand its manufacturing capacity in Japan to serve Japanese customers.

One such potential client, Hokkaido-based Letara, has already inquired about whether TiSpace can carry its satellite propulsion system to space for testing.

"We don't ask if the company is domestic or foreign, as long as they can launch," said Letara co-founder Shota Hirai.

($1 = 156.4800 yen)

(Reporting by Kantaro Komiya; Additional reporting by Sakura Murakami in Tokyo, and Yi-Mou Lee in Taipei; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Gerry Doyle)
By Leyla Tarverdiyeva, Day.Az









Armenia has become the largest buyer of weapons from India. This was reported by the Indian news agency IADN. Contracts worth $600 million have been signed for the 2024-2025 financial year. Apparently, Indian weapons are not in great demand if Armenia is the main importer of them and the volume of transactions is not so large.

It should be noted that India itself is the world's largest importer of weapons.





Over the past five years, it has increased arms imports by almost 5 percent and spent more than $60 billion on all this. Further plans include the purchase of $100 billion worth of weapons. Previously, Russia was the main source of purchases, now, after the imposition of sanctions against the latter, India has decided to reorient exports to the United States. Meanwhile, as you can learn from the Russian media, India is in search of 2 billion that it owes Russia for the ordered weapons. It can be said that she will be able to pay 600 million of this amount through Armenian transactions. In turn, purchases of Indian weapons will make up a third of Armenia's defense budget.



Meanwhile, the Indian military-industrial complex does not produce anything particularly effective and, according to experts, Armenia should spend money more thoughtfully. As Russian military expert Ruslan Pukhov told Armenian media, Armenia's purchases "resemble a snake whose head has been torn off, and it makes meaningless zigzags, trying to grab something in France, something in India." According to the expert, "Indian weapons are a terrible hell: they are helicopter crashes in Latin America and so on. The Indians were even ready to "sell" their weapons for free. And Armenia was the first to buy it."



According to the Indian Defense Ministry, Pinaka missile launchers and Akash anti-aircraft systems are in the greatest demand in Yerevan. Starting in 2021, Armenia acquires missiles, artillery systems, air defense systems and other weapons from India. In September 2022, India signed a contract with Armenia for the supply of its Pinaka multi-barrel missile launchers, as well as anti-tank missiles and ammunition worth 260 million dollars. Pinaka was exported for the first time and Armenia became a kind of testing ground for these weapons. However, she had nowhere to try it out in the absence of hostilities. And the military advantages of the Pinaka in Armenia are spoken about only on the principle of a damaged phone.



This was the second arms deal with Armenia - before that, Yerevan bought 4 Swati radar installations from the Indians, paying $ 40 million for them. India is also not averse to selling its helicopters and airplanes (while it buys them from France itself) - the very ones that the Russian expert called a terrible hell. In the opinion of experts, the weapons already purchased by Armenia - the Akash air defense complex, ATAGS howitzers, MArG 155 self-propelled howitzers - also raise questions. It is unlikely that Armenia will be able to find out how these untested products of the Indian military-industrial complex will work in combat conditions, since Azerbaijan does not plan to provide it with such an opportunity.



Why, with all this, did Armenia conclude a deal with India? There can be many reasons.

1. The relative cheapness of Indian weapons. 2. India's willingness to sell anything to the Armenians. 3. The unwillingness of other sellers of inexpensive weapons to conclude deals with Yerevan due to their good relations with Baku. 4. Armenia's desire to make friends with a new partner, as well as to please Western patrons who demand the rejection of deals with Moscow. 5. It is high time for Armenia to start filling the gaps in the arsenal that have formed after the war, and serious manufacturers do not have the opportunity to purchase serious weapons.
KIGALI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Thursday sacked Public Service and Labor Minister Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya over "matters of accountability under investigation," just over a month after her appointment.

A statement by Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente on behalf of President Kagame said Mujawamariya "has been dismissed from her position owing to matters of accountability under investigation."

Mujawamariya had served as minister of environment until June 12, when she was transferred to the public service ministry.

One of the longest serving public officials in government, Mujawamariya also served as minister of gender and family promotion from 2011 to 2013.

She also served as Rwanda's ambassador to Russia. 
It remains unclear if Gov. Andy Beshear is among the individuals Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, is considering for the second slot on the ticket. It would be surprising if Beshear wasn't considered. He would offer a lot to the campaign.

The choices Kamala Harris has for Vice President

Although Gov. Gavin Newsome of California has national recognition, the ticket wont look national with both top candidates being from the same state.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan can deliver a swing state, but only if America is fine with two women on the top of the ticket. I dont think America is ready for that. They both know that.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will raise a similar question: Is America ready for so much diversity that it will accept a non-white woman as president and a gay man as VP? I dont think so. For the same reason, Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado wont be a good choice, either. The nutcase ideologues are blaming DEI for the Secret Services failure to preempt the July 13 assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump. Yes, the agency failed, but not because of DEI. But dont tell that to those whose can only blow dog-whistles.

Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina is coming to the end of his second term. That should make it relatively easy for him to make a national-level commitment. His state is a sort of swing state. It generally goes red. But he did win there, twice. Therefore, he can possibly deliver North Carolina. But he is 67. He will be juxtaposed with JD Vance, 39. The age-related benefit that Democrats have gained from President Joe Bidens decision to give up his candidacy would have somewhat evaporated.

Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, 51, can deliver a swing state. But the partys progressive wing does not like him. That will complicate Harris job at unifying the party. Thats a thankless endeavor even in normal circumstances. Having to do it at this juncture will complicate her efforts to beat Trump, who would love to see her in that predicament.

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) could have been a great choice. He wins in Arizona, a swing state. Almost certainly, he will deliver Arizona. But that means if he becomes vice president, he will give up his Senate seat, which may then go to a Republican. The party may not like to take that chance.

Gerth: Mitch McConnell's response to Biden withdrawal shows he's lost any grace he ever had

Kentucky is booming thanks to Andy Beshear

That brings us to Gov. Andy Beshear. He was reelected less than a year ago. He may feel hesitation in leaving the mandate Kentuckians just gave him. But when the country comes calling, one summons the proclivity toward answering the call. Kentuckians will understand.

Beshear is 46, but his fit physique makes him look younger than Vance. If/when they debate, Beshear will win on sheer optics. But he is also a smart man, and an effective administrator, with a great record. He grabbed the Covid bull by the horn and wrestled it to the ground, while Trump was hallucinating and fretting over the attention his health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci was receiving. All that can and should come up during the presidential campaign.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that all Kentuckians must wear masks in public starting Friday at 5 p.m. for the next 30 days. The executive order will be enforced by health departments. July 9, 2020

Beshears daily Covid reports and his obvious pain at announcing daily Covid deaths, during the pandemic, established his commitment to serving and protecting the people. Kentuckys economy is booming. He has achieved that, despite constant obstruction by Kentuckys GOP-dominated legislature. If he is on the ticket, bringing up those obstructions in the election campaign will help expose the standard anti-people antics of a certain segment of the Republican Party. Americas working-class people are sick of those antics that are based on an absurd avarice-ridden ideology.

There is one more benefit Beshear will bring to the ticket. Kentucky is a somewhat midwestern and a somewhat southern state. Even if he cannot deliver Kentucky, a deep-red state in terms of federal politics, he may bring-in a few other states, as the people of the Midwest and the South will feel solidarity with what Beshear will have to say.

That will constitute a great antidote to the venomous propaganda that Trump and his cohort are certain to launch against Harris, because she is from California, a liberal state. The chief custodian and producer of that venom, of course, is Sen. Mitch McConnell, whose lack of leadership qualities caused him to compensate himself by pitting Americans of one state against another. He often referred to politicians from California and New York with derision, as if they were not Americans, but enemies of America.

When citizens of various parts of America see Beshear speak, on the national platform, of unity, cohesion and bipartisanship, their perceptions of Kentucky will change, helping the ticket win. Beshears dignified demeanor will go a long way in reassuring Americans of the efficacy of a possible Harris-Beshear administration.

Siddique Malik is an observer of sociopolitical affairs.

I may be somewhat biased toward the governor of my state, but I firmly believe Beshear will make a great vice-presidential candidate and a great VP. Trump is already shocked at Bidens decision. Lets add to that shock. Lets neutralize the Trump cult, once and forever. We owe it to America.

I hope Harris will give Beshear a robust consideration for the job she currently holds.

Agree or disagree? Submit your letter to the editor here.

Siddique Malik is an observer of sociopolitical and international affairs. He has made occasional op-ed contributions to the Courier Journal for the past two decades. Find him @TheSummerOf1787.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Andy Beshear deserves robust consideration for Vice President
Anniversary of Chicagos hottest official temperature; Hazardous Heat Outlook

Wednesday marked the 90 year anniversary of Chicagos hottest official temperature on record: July 24, 1934 the mercury reached 105 degrees.

Note: one day earlier at Midway Airport (not official at the time) logged a high temperature of 109 degrees.

July, 1934 heat wave (University of Chicago was the official weather observation site) lows/highs July 21-25:

7/21 75/95 7/22 76/101 7/23 75/94 7/24 78/105* 7/25 76/93 1934 1934 1934 1934

Blazing heat out west sets scores of new record highs Wednesday July 24, 2024

Wednesday high temperatures: How much above normal?

NOAA-WPC (Weather Prediction Center) has the Chicago area outlooked for potential hazardous heat next Monday through Wednesday. The combination of near 90 degree temperatures with high levels of humidity will create peak heat indices well into the 90s.

Western heat to spread east into the Midwest at the tail end of the month, continuing the opening week of August.

Average temperature anomaly through July 30

Average temperature anomaly July 31 through August 6

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Native Vote 2024. Within 36 hours of stepping up after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race last Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris has become the presumptive Democratic Party nominee. Harris is now tasked with choosing a running mate who can serve as vice president. Some Natives think Interior Secretary Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) should be added to the list.

U.S. presidential candidates are often judged by who they select as their running mates because it allows the American voter a glimpse into their decision-making process, even before they are elected. Fortunately for Vice President Harris, the prospects are plentiful because the Democrats seem to have a nice bench of future presidential hopefuls.

Currently, the list of potential running mates include: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Buttigieg is the only current presidential cabinet member named by the media.

In 2020, Biden nominated Haaland to be secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. When she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she became the first Native American to serve in a presidential cabinet to fill a secretarial role. When Biden announced her name, Indian Country praised the nomination.

Since taking the role, Haaland has been running a federal department that employs some 70,000 people, including expert scientists and resource-management professionals, in eleven technical bureaus which includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Interiors current budget for fiscal year 2024 was $89.08 billion. The Fiscal Year 2025 President's Budget request for Indian Affairs programs is $4.6 billion.

Haaland established the Missing & Murdered Unit with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to address the epidemic of missing and murdered Natives. Additionally, she established the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative to investigate the history of American Indian boarding schools, as well as taking the Road to Healing Tour across tribal nations hearing from survivors and descendants of boarding schools.

In 2023, Secretary Haaland oversaw the largest-ever increase of public land co-stewardship agreements with Tribes across the country, growing from 20 to 200. On top of that, the Department protected more than 12.5 million acres of public lands as national monuments, mineral withdrawals, wildlife refuges, and more. Combined, all these areas would be about the size of Virginia.

The above actions are only a fraction of what Haaland has accomplished during her time as Secretary of the Interior. Now, Indian Country is excited to see what could be next for Haaland.

On Tuesday, while attending the 2024 Native Power Building Summit in Scottsdale, Ariz., Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Ojibwe) told Native News Online that Haaland has served the country well in her role as secretary of the Interior.

I feel like Deb Haalands future is very bright no matter what she is called to do, Flanagan said. Being the vice president would be a dream come true.

Holly Macaro (Red Lake Ojibwe), a principal at The Angle, a political and government affairs consulting firm, commented on Tuesday on the possibility of Haaland being added to the short list of possible candidates for vice president.

The vice president contest will be the hottest topic for the next few days  and there are multiple ways it could impact Indian Country: the addition of Deb Haaland to the short list would be historic and not beyond the imagination, Macarro said. She is a proven leader, a valuable asset in the Biden Administrations climate agenda, and the powerful voice behind the historic investments in Indian Country.

In another potentially historic move, if Gov. Walz is chosen as vice president and elected in November, it would elevate Lt. Gov. Flanagan to governor of Minnesota; Shed be the first ever Native American to govern a state.

A major consideration for Vice President Harris selection of a running mate is what candidate, who aligns with her ideologies for governing, would garner the most electoral college votes. She will consider who, on the short list candidates, can help deliver a win in swing states.

The case for Haaland is her potential to win over key battleground states, the majority of which fall within Indian Country. In battleground statesor swing stateslike Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, the Native vote could influence the direction of the election. That is only if Natives turn out to the polls.

There are predicted to be at least 5 million Native and Alaska Native-identifying voters in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau  although these estimates are expected to be an undercount.

Native Americans are incredibly influential and have the ability to really swing those elections on the margins," said Jacqueline De Leon, a senior staff attorney at the Native American Rights Fund originally to OPB, adding that she sees the potential for Native voters to decide elections where the population of Native Americans is bigger than the vote differentials that decide those races.

Levi Rickert contributed to this article from Scottsdale, Ariz.

If Haaland is selected and elected as Harris running mate, she wouldnt be the first Native American to serve as vice president of the United States. Vice President Charles Curtis, a descendent of Kaw Chief White Plume and Osage Chief Pawhuska, was President Herbert Hoovers running mate in 1929. Curtis served in the U.S. Senate from 1906 until 1929. From 1924 until he became vice president in 1929, he was the Senate Majority Leader.

About the Author: "Neely Bardwell (descendant of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian) is a staff reporter for Native News Online. Bardwell is also a student at Michigan State University where she is majoring in policy and minoring in Native American studies. "

Contact: neely@nativenewsonline.net
A lawsuit was filed by South Bend-based Voices for Life" seeks to regain access to Terminated Pregnancy Reports (TPRs) that are no longer being released by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). (Getty Images)

In defense of its lawsuit against the state health department, a South Bend-based anti-abortion group doubled down in new court filings that related medical records do not compromise patient privacy and should be made available to the public.

The ongoing lawsuit was filed in May by Voices for Life, which seeks to regain access to Terminated Pregnancy Reports (TPRs) that are no longer being released by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH).

The state health department is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit, however, maintaining that TPRs qualify as medical records and are exempt from disclosure under Indianas Access to Public Records Act, also known as APRA. The agencys motion to dismiss is still pending.

But Voices for Lifes response to that motion, filed Tuesday, argues that IDOHs reading of the TPR law is flawed.

It tramples the legislative purposes behind TPRs by cutting off the publics access to the public records it needs to examine whether abortion providers are complying with the law, and by depriving the public of means to ask whether public officials are meeting their duties to enforce the law, and whether corrective action, including additional legislation, is needed to improve the public weal, Benjamin Horvath, representing Voices for Life, wrote in the legal filing.

The black-letter, plain meaning of the TPR statute is that the TPRs are reports and public records, not patient medical records and charts exempt from public access by APRA, he continued.

Its now up to a Marion County Superior Court judge to decide next steps.

Prior to lawmakers passing a strict abortion ban, IDOH regularly released the reports with information redacted to protect privacy.

Voices for Life presses for records

Horvath holds that a TPR report is separate from a medical record, noting the report is filed by a medical provider and then submitted to the state government via IDOH. TPRs  which he called a vital enforcement tool  describe selected facts and circumstances of the medical (abortion) care that was delivered.

Patient medical records have quite a different purpose from a TPR, Horvath said. While a TPR does not identify a patient, but reports data, a patients medical record records the diagnosis, prognosis, and history of treatment of the patient.

He emphasized that TPRs do not identify the individual patient who received care  meaning there is no patient to give or withhold consent, and no patient privacy interests to protect.

Hence, TPRs are not patient medical records and charts under APRA, Horvath wrote, adding that  anonymized data, even if derived from a patient, is not part of the patients medical record once the identifying link to the patient is removed.

He argued, too, against IDOHs claims that the agency acts as a healthcare provider when it receives the TPR. Rather, Horvath said, IDOH is only acting as a state regulatory agency, in this case tasked with receiving TPRs from abortion providers as required by Indiana law.

Also paramount to Voices for Lifes case is the groups belief that TPRs were intended by the state legislature to be public records and accessible by the public.

Horvath said TPRs give Hoosiers access to the information they need to determine whether public officials are enforcing the laws that the citizens of Indiana have enacted. They also enable complaints to be made to the Indiana Office of the Attorney General, which is responsible for receiving, investigating and prosecuting complaints  including violations of the states abortion laws.

In the past, groups have filed complaints on specific doctors listed on the reports when notification was late.

Allowing public access to TPRs also furthers the purposes of APRA by providing private citizens, including Voices for Life, with information needed to assist in a regulatory goal of ensuring healthcare providers comply with Indiana laws regulating abortion, Horvath said.

An ongoing case

IDOH and Dr. Lindsay Weaver, the state health commissioner, are currently represented by Indianapolis-based Lewis and Wilkins LLP, rather than in-house attorneys from Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokitas office.

The South Bend-based Voices for Life group is suing the IDOH after it stopped releasing individual TPRs, while still compiling statewide public data quarterly. The change in procedure went into effect in December.

The lawsuit, filed in Marion County Superior Court, came just weeks after Rokita called out IDOH and Indianas Public Access Counselor for collusion and issued a non-binding advisory opinion saying TPRs are public records.

In the past, anti-abortion groups have used the reports to file medical licensing complaints against specific doctors for procedural issues, such as filing a TPR late.

The state health department changed its policy after Indianas new, near-total abortion ban went into effect, which meant providers performed far fewer abortions. State health officials were worried that information on the report could indirectly identify the women getting the procedure and sought a ruling from Indiana Public Access Counselor Luke Britt.

Britt agreed that the report could be reverse engineered to identify patients  especially in smaller communities.

He found the required quarterly reports of aggregate data should suffice in terms of satisfying any disclosure and transparency considerations. Britt additionally said the records, created by doctors, fall under the provider-patient relationship as medical records.

Britts ruling isnt binding, either.

So far, no court dates have been set in the TPR case.

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A new paper from researchers whose abortion-pill studies were retracted touts C-sections and induced labor as alternatives for pregnant patients in medical emergencies as a federal appellate court revisits a pivotal case in Idaho. (Getty Images)

The day the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the medical board that certifies OB-GYNs in America released a statement calling legal pregnancy termination and knowledge of abortion procedures essential to reproductive health care.

But a small number of influential anti-abortion doctors have spent the last two years trying to change the reproductive health care standards in state and federal health policy, in a way that is potentially dangerous, doctors representing major medical institutions say.

The question of when abortion is essential health care that states cant ban is central to several ongoing lawsuits, including Moyle v. United States, a case about whether emergency rooms receiving federal funding have to treat pregnant patients with stabilizing care if it might result in the end of the pregnancy. The U.S. Supreme Court recently kicked the case back to the appellate court, a move that newly allows doctors in Idaho to perform emergency abortions. But the issues remain unresolved, with doctors in Idaho (as in other states) still seeking clarity about whether what theyve long considered necessary care is legal.

Now as the case returns to the U.S. 9th Circuit of Appeals, researchers behind retracted studies claiming abortion drugs are dangerous are out with new policy recommendations that say when pregnancy termination is necessary, doctors should opt for procedures considered by the wider reproductive health community to carry bigger health risks, such as cesarean sections, rather than less invasive abortion procedures.

[M]any physicians argue that it is almost never necessary to end the life of a child directly and intentionally by an abortion procedure, public health researcher James Studnicki and OB-GYN Dr. Ingrid Skop, of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, wrote in a paper published this summer in Medical Research Archives, a journal of the European Society of Medicine. [W]hen a pregnancy endangering the life of the mother requires termination, a direct dismemberment dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion may be unnecessary, as delivery can usually be performed with a standard obstetric intervention such as labor induction or cesarean section (if indicated).

Experts told States Newsroom that Charlotte Loziers claims contradict national standards of care. And they come at a time when states with strict abortion bans like Texas and Louisiana are seeing a rise in surgical incisions like C-sections and hysterotomies to end pregnancies, even though they carry higher risk, delay future pregnancies, and can affect fertility.

The end goal of doing a medical intervention to end a pregnancy and save a patients life is the same as when we do an abortion. They are just calling for more complicated, sometimes invasive procedures to get to that same end goal, said Atlanta-based OB-GYN and complex family planning specialist Dr. Nisha Verma. I think this is really dangerous  it creates confusion. It prevents the public from understanding that abortion is a necessary life-saving procedure.

The Charlotte Lozier Institute has for more than a decade worked to build the anti-abortion movements credibility, by providing research and data to defend anti-abortion laws in the legislature and in the courts. Their claims frequently contradict major American medical institutions on abortion science and safety, and their research methods have faced academic scrutiny  while continuing to wield influence.

Between 2019 and 2022, Studnicki and Skop co-authored three papers in the journal Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology, two of which were used by anti-abortion plaintiffs and judges to argue for the restriction of abortion pills in a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which the Supreme Court rejected this term for lack of standing. But earlier this year, Sage Journals retracted these studies following a reader-prompted investigation, in part for methodological flaws and data misrepresentation. The Charlotte Lozier researchers have insisted the retractions were meritless and politically motivated.

Skop, an OB-GYN from San Antonio, Texas, and Charlotte Loziers director of medical affairs, now has even more influence, after her controversial appointment to Texass maternal mortality review committee. Skop has made unfounded claims, including that abortion bans will improve maternal mortality rates and that rape or incest victims as young as 9 can safely give birth to a baby. But experts say minors are at increased risk for serious complications like preeclampsia and likelier to give birth to low-birth-weight babies.

Last year the San Antonio-based OB-GYN served as a state expert witness when Kate Cox from Dallas asked a Texas judge to grant her an abortion for a nonviable pregnancy. Skops sworn affidavit alleged Cox was not at risk of death or substantial impairment of a major bodily function, though Coxs doctor recommended an abortion to preserve her health and future fertility. Denied the abortion in her home state, Cox aborted in New Mexico, and is newly pregnant again.

As a fellow for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which has more than 60,000 members, Verma said she has regularly testified before Congress alongside OB-GYNs with minority-held positions on reproductive health policy like Skop and Dr. Christina Francis, the CEO of the anti-abortion American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which comparatively has approximately 7,500 members.

It can be really deceptive and confusing for the public who just hear different things coming from two OB-GYNs, Verma said.

Studnicki and Skop argue that abortion is not evidence-based because many people do not seek abortions for physical health reasons, and because much of the existing abortion-safety and efficacy data does not involve randomized controls, i.e., comparing groups of people receiving abortion procedures with those delivering unwanted or nonviable pregnancies to term.

Based upon the research standard of the Cochrane guidelines, our study shows the science required to consider abortion evidence-based, alone or in comparison to other interventions, does not exist, said Studnicki in an written statement, referring to guidelines for systematic reviews, named after British medical researcher Archie Cochrane. All of us who want the best for women should desire better quality data, including comparison of abortion to other pregnancy outcomes like childbirth, so we can best address the needs of women in heartbreaking circumstances.

They do not mention the longitudinal Turnaway Study, produced at the University of California San Francisco, which found short- and long-term improved health and socioeconomic outcomes for women who received versus were denied wanted abortions. (Editors note: Reporter Sofia Resnick contributed proofreading and editing to UCSF professor Diana Greene Fosters 2020 book about the study she led.) Anti-abortion activists have criticized that study, including in a published critique that was retracted following concerns about its peer review.

Studnicki and Skop did not agree to an interview but provided a fact sheet for their claims, which notes that OB-GYNs should adhere to guidelines set by ACOG when it comes to life-threatening situations, but also asserts that existing abortion bans do not preclude necessary care.

Claim: Almost all induced abortions demonstrate no therapeutic intent or medical necessity.

That abortion is not legitimate health care is a similar argument that a coalition of anti-abortion doctor groups including AAPLOG (of which Skop is a member) made in the abortion-pill case. Its an argument Charlotte Lozier advanced in an amicus brief submitted to the Supreme Court in Moyle v. United States.

And its an argument featured in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations blueprint for a potential future GOP presidency, which says that the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act should not be interpreted to cover abortions. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump has attempted to distance himself from Project 2025s proposed federal abortion restrictions, though they were authored by officials from his previous administration.

But decades of research have established the high safety record and medical benefits of termination.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clearly shows that pregnancy is a condition that can kill you, said Dr. Sarah Horvath, an OB-GYN and complex family planning subspecialist and researcher at Penn State Universitys Hershey Medical Center, in an email. As a mother, I can tell you that the benefits of a wanted child often, but not always, outweigh the risks of pregnancy complications and death.

According to the CDC, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world at 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2022, with rates for Black women more than double, at 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births. Research in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that by contrast the risks from an induced abortion are smaller than the continuing a pregnancy: In the first trimester (more than 90% of all abortions), the rate of maternal death is less than 1 per 100,000, and for abortions at 18 weeks gestation or higher, the risk of death is 6.7 per 100,000.

In the two years since the Dobbs decision overturned federal abortion protections, OB-GYNs in states with near or total abortion bans have reported denying critical care because of these new laws. Many have become politically active, trying to impress upon lawmakers and the public that pregnancy is highly variable and vague exceptions to prevent death are impossible to interpret medically, especially as complications are not always immediately deadly but could become so if not treated promptly.

Claim: When the separation of a mother and her baby is necessary, C-sections and inductions should be prioritized over induced abortion to allow parents to express appropriate grief.

Referring to a medically indicated abortion as the separation of a mother and her baby, which is not a medical term, Studnicki and Skop pose labor induction or cesarean section as the ethical choice.

Beyond 22 weeks gestation, the baby will often survive separation from the mother if given active medical intervention, and even if too young or sick to survive, the family can show the child love and express appropriate grief with the assistance of supportive palliative care, Studnicki and Skop write. No study has compared the well-being of a woman and family who end their childs life in these tragic circumstances to those who continue to allow their child to live until a natural death.

Verma said depending on the situation and especially before 20 weeks, induction or a C-section could introduce unnecessary risks and delays of care. And the patient would have to wait longer to try to get pregnant again.

I have a hard time even understanding this claim that a C-section is equally invasive and morbid to abortion procedure, Verma said. Thats a major abdominal surgery. We are making a large incision in the abdomen, making incisions in the tissue below the skin, pulling apart the muscles, going into the abdominal cavity, the peritoneal cavity, cutting open the uterus and removing a pregnancy.  If the patient wants to get pregnant again, after a D&E procedure, they can start trying a month later, whereas after a C-section, you have to wait months to be able to safely start trying again without as much risk of your uterus rupturing in the next pregnancy.

Verma said that sometimes C-sections do make sense in these cases, and that many of her patients do opt for labor and delivery to hold their dead or dying child, but she doesnt believe these options should be forced on patients.

Claim: Rape and incest victims  who are often adolescents and children  dont need abortions.

The emotionally provocative scenario of a young adolescent girl seeking to abort a pregnancy conceived in rape or incest is repeated in the media at a rate which is grotesquely disproportionate to the rarity of its occurrence, Studnicki and Skop write. The question of importance is whether an abortion in this circumstance improves the mental or physical health status of the victimized girl. Understandably, there have been no clinical trials addressing this question, so even an abortion in this tragic circumstance cannot be characterized as an evidence-based medical intervention.

But there is evidence that children and teens face greater physical health risks from pregnancy and childbirth than adults. And Verma noted that the incidence of young children getting pregnant, often by rape or incest, is small but real.

I have treated young kids in, like the 10-, 11-year-old range, Verma said. Its not something thats happening every day, but there are many reasons why people need abortions, and that is something that we see and it is terrible.

Lauren Ralph, an epidemiologist and associate professor at UCSF who specializes in the impact of abortion policies on young people, told States Newsroom that initial research out of Texas is showing fewer young people able to access abortions. According to a national 2021-2022 patient survey, about 10% of abortion seekers were 19 and younger, and about 2% were 17 and younger. Ralph noted that many rape and incest cases among young people are likely underreported.

The rarity of it, I dont think diminishes its importance in conversations around the reasons why people seek abortion, for young people in particular, who are victims of sexual assault, Ralph said. We know that theyve had their autonomy violated once, and then if you deny them access to a wanted abortion and force them to continue a pregnancy and give birth, that violates their autonomy yet again.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Department said a man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a jugging incident in east Austin.

According to APD, 22-year-old Christopher Phillips surveilled bank customers and targeted an 80-year-old, Austin community member.

RELATED: What is jugging? Austin police see uptick in cases

APD said Phillips followed the victim to the 7300 block of Inspiration Drive and attacked him as he attempted to go inside his home.

Believing the victim withdrew a large amount of cash, Phillips stole the victims wallet and damaged his doorbell camera, APD said.

According to police, Phillips was arrested within hours of the robbery taking place.

Following the incident, APD provided the following tips to help avoid becoming a victim of jugging:

Before leaving the counter/ATM after receiving cash, secure it in a different bag (other than the small zipper cash bags or envelopes utilized), such as a briefcase or purse

Lock your car doors when you get into your vehicle

If you believe you are being followed from a financial institution for any length, please call 911 or drive to the nearest police station, fire/EMS station.

Speak with security at your bank to see if they can assist you with large withdrawals or if they have any safety suggestions when withdrawing a large amount of cash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Idaho and a group of GOP-led states wont be allowed to join the state of Washingtons lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) mifepristone regulation, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said Idaho couldnt prove an injury related to the FDAs regulations, so it did not have standing to challenge, and as a result couldnt intervene.

The court said its 3-0 ruling was guided by the Supreme Courts recent decision on standing in the case FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, where a group of anti-abortion doctors challenge to mifepristone was similarly dismissed because they couldnt prove they were harmed by womens use of the medication.

The Alliance ruling said the doctors could not show they had been forced to perform abortions or take any other actions because of the FDAs approval of mifepristone.

Washington and a coalition of blue states sued FDA in 2023 for excessively burdensome regulation of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in medication abortion. But a coalition of red states led by Idaho sought to intervene, asking for a completely different outcome.

Washington sought a declaration that mifepristone is safe and effective and an injunction prohibiting the FDA taking any action that would reduce mifepristones availability. A district court granted the injunction last year.

But the red states asked for an injunction to roll back changes the FDA made to make mifepristone more accessible, including eliminating an in-person dispensing requirement. Their motion was dismissed at the district level.

According to the court, the two complaints have little in common and are, in many respects, diametrically opposed.

Washingtons complaint concerns the legality of the FDAs provider certification and patient documentation requirements, as well as the agencys broader determination that mifepristone meets the stringent standards for the imposition of restrictions in the first place.

Idahos complaint, by contrast, focuses entirely on the FDAs elimination of the in person dispensing requirement, alleging that the change was inadequately explained, contrary to medical science.

The ruling is the first by any federal appellate court on mifepristone.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee who had previously allowed the Alliance doctors to sue over mifepristones approval, also allowed Missouri, Kansas and Idaho to intervene and pursue the case in Texas.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The law, known as the temp workers bill of rights, offers protections to the states estimated 127,000 temporary workers who are staffed primarily in warehouses and factories (Getty Images)

In a blow to New Jersey staffing agencies, a federal appeals court declined to halt enforcement of a new state law that requires businesses to pay temporary workers the same wages and benefits as full-time employees who do similar work.

The agencies had argued that the law is unconstitutionally vague, disadvantages out-of-state employers, and makes New Jersey businesses less competitive, but the Third Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed those arguments Wednesday, affirming a lower-court decision that sided with the state over the agencies.

The panel noted that the lower-court ruling argued the plaintiffs would likely not succeed on the merits of their case.

The legislative winners here are New Jerseys temporary workers, and the losers are New Jersey staffing firms, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Hardiman wrote in the 15-page decision.

The law, known as the temp workers bill of rights, offers protections to the states estimated 127,000 temporary workers who are staffed primarily in warehouses and factories. The law has been fully in effect since last August.

The law requires agencies to provide workers with basic information in their native language about their employment location, schedule, pay rate, sick time benefits, and more. The law also guarantees these workers will earn at least minimum wage after fees are deducted, and agencies are required to pay temp workers the same as their full-time counterparts. It also implemented new record-keeping requirements.

Supporters of the law celebrated the ruling. Sara Cullinane, executive director of immigrant advocacy organization Make the Road New Jersey, helped fight for the laws passage for years.

Despite industry groups desperate attempts, the Third Circuits decision today once again affirms that the Temp Workers Bill of Rights is legally sound. The Bill of Rights provides vital protections to a long-exploited workforce, and brings justice and fairness to an industry that has escaped accountability for too many years. No law-abiding business should fear this law, Cullinane said.

Bill sponsor Sen. Joe Cryan (D-Union) said on social media that plaintiffs in the case can maybe now just follow the law. Dozens of workers have filed complaints with the state Department of Labor alleging violations of the law.

Business groups and temp staffing agencies fought heavily against the new regulations, arguing they would threaten the industry. Agencies would be driven out of business and companies would move out of New Jersey, ultimately hurting the states labor force, they told lawmakers.

The New Jersey Staffing Association, American Staffing Association, and New Jersey Business and Industry Association sued the state shortly after some provisions went into effect.

Elissa Frank, vice president of government affairs with the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, said it is disappointed by the ruling, adding that there is a separate federal lawsuit still pending that alleges the laws equal benefits mandate violate a federal employee income law. The staffing agencies did not respond to requests for comment.

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After facing repeated budget shortfalls, the Apple Valley Town Council voted Tuesday to place a 1-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot.

If voters pass the measure, it will generate approximately $9 million annually in locally controlled revenue to fund town services.

The 2024 ballot measure comes nearly four years after Apple Valley voters rejected Measure O, a proposed 1% sales tax increase designed to help fund general town services.

After facing repeated budget shortfalls, the Apple Valley Town Council voted Tuesday to place a one-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot. The measure is designed to generate approximately $9 million annually in locally controlled revenue to fund town services.

Budget deficits

In a Wednesday press release, town staff reported that budget deficits since 2016 and projects increasing shortfalls may result in cuts to town programs and services, including those impacting public safety and infrastructure.

The town experienced the following estimated deficits:

$3.18 million in 2023

$3.4 million in 2022

$6.3 million in 2020

$991,000 in 2018

$4.01 million in 2017

$1.36 million in 2016

These amounts exclude American Rescue Plan Act funds, as these were extraordinary one-time revenue sources, staff stated.

After facing repeated budget shortfalls, the Apple Valley Town Council voted Tuesday to place a one-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot. The measure is designed to generate approximately $9 million annually in locally controlled revenue to fund town services.

In fiscal year 2023-24, the general fund was budgeted for $35.8 million in revenue and $41.3 million in expenditures, resulting in a projected deficit of $5.5 million.

In fiscal year 2024-25, the general fund is budgeted for $39.4 million in revenue and $42.5 million in expenditures, resulting in a projected deficit of $3.1 million.

Sales tax

A 1-cent sales tax would equate to an extra penny per $1 purchase of taxable goods. Exempted from sales tax are unprocessed groceries, rent, prescription medicine, and personal services such as medical, dental, and legal, staff said.

All revenues raised by the tax would remain in the town and not be shared with other agencies, including San Bernardino County and the state of California.

After facing repeated budget shortfalls, the Apple Valley Town Council voted Tuesday to place a one-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot. The measure is designed to generate approximately $9 million annually in locally controlled revenue to fund town services.

If approved, the funds would be subject to regular audits and public spending disclosures.

As described in the ballot measure and if approved by voters, funds generated through the sales tax may be used for town services and programs, such as:

Maintaining 911 response times

Safe routes to school programs

Responding to property crimes, thefts, and burglaries

Hiring and retaining sheriffs deputies

Repairing streets and potholes

Retaining and attracting local businesses

Addressing homelessness

Cleaning and maintaining public areas and parks

General town services.

After facing repeated budget shortfalls, the Apple Valley Town Council voted Tuesday to place a one-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot. The measure is designed to generate approximately $9 million annually in locally controlled revenue to fund town services.

Budget deficits 'threaten essential services'

According to a recent survey on budget priorities conducted by the town, nearly 74% of respondents believe there is a need for additional funds to provide town services. The prioritization of services by town residents is reflected in the ballot measure, according to the town.

The Town Council's decision to place this measure on the ballot allows our residents to decide on a potential solution to the ongoing budget deficits that threaten essential services," said Town Manager Doug Robertson in a press release. "This measure, if approved, aims to provide stable funding for crucial services such as public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and other vital community needs.

The measure will appear on the ballot as shown below.

Town of Apple Valley Public Safety/Town Services Measure:

Shall the measure funding Town of Apple Valley services such as maintaining 911 response times, safe routes to schools programs; responding to property crimes/thefts/burglaries; hiring/retaining sheriffs deputies; repairing streets/potholes; retaining/attracting local businesses; addressing homelessness; cleaning/maintaining public areas/parks; general town services; by establishing a 1 sales tax providing approximately $9,000,000 annually until ended by voters; requiring audits/public spending disclosure, all funds used locally, be adopted?

Outcome of 2020's Measure O

In 2020, Apple Valley voters shot down Measure O, a proposed 1% sales tax increase designed to generate upwards of $7 million for the town.

The results of Measure O included 66% of voters voting no and 33.7% voting yes, out of 32,547 votes, according to the San Bernardino County Elections Office.

Town officials previously said the passing of Measure O would pay for law enforcement officers, road construction, and improvement of parks and ball fields. It also would fund community events, concerts, and recreation programs and provide reserves for preparation for future crises or revenue impacts.

A 2020 town-issued FAQ sheet said the town would have to consider cuts to services to balance its budget as costs rise. Possible cuts include reducing law enforcement personnel, delaying or suspending road improvements, and reducing aquatics and other recreational programs.

These are difficult times and while we are disappointed in the results, we appreciate the communitys input, Mayor Scott Nassif said in response to Measure Os defeat. Weve significantly curbed spending over the last few years but will now have to make deeper cuts to parks, recreation, and public safety, unfortunately, to live within our means.

During the same election, Victorville voters approved Measure P, enacting a 1% general transaction and use tax, enabling the city to expand essential services and increase safety for the city's growing population, city staff said.

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 council votes to place 1-cent sales tax on ballot
MANILA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel are searching for a missing crew of an oil tanker that sank off Bataan province, west of Manila, before dawn on Thursday, a PCG spokesperson said.

Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said the vessel, Motor Tanker Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million litters of industrial fuel oil, capsized and eventually sank 3.6 nautical miles east of Limay town around 1:10 a.m. local time Thursday.

Balilo said the vessel was sailing south to Iloilo province in the central Philippines when the accident happened.

Balilo said the Coast Guardsmen rescued 16 of the 17 crew, four of whom were injured. "The search and rescue operation for the missing crew is ongoing," he added.

According to Balilo, a marine environmental protection team has been sent to the area to combat oil spills, and an investigation is underway to find the cause of the accident. 
Mayor Donna Deegan is looking for applicants to serve on her newly created LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. She said she needs leaders who are invested in helping the community thrive.

Several members of Jacksonvilles LGBTQ+ community told Action News Jax they represent a diverse population that is currently underserved. They add having an advisory board that can gather data and create strategies to address any disparities will help Jacksonville become a more welcoming place for all.

We are living in very uncertain times from a political perspective. There are so many different laws that are currently geared against our LGBTQ individuals, LGBTQ+ activist Manny Velasquez-Paredes said.

The board will have 11 members who will report to Mayor Deegan and the City Council. Some of the criteria for serving on Deegans LGBTQ+ Advisory Board include expertise in understanding the issues of the LGBTQ+ community and a passion to serve in the community.

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Having a LGBTQ advisory council will allow us to share our lived experience and our perspectives on healthcare, rent control, and safety as we are a huge community in Jacksonville, LGBTQ+ activist Cielo Sunsarae said.

In announcing the boards creation, the mayors office released a statement saying in part:

This new committee will act as a liaison between the LGBTQ+ community and city government. Its another step we are taking to create opportunities for everyone who lives in Jacksonville.

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Mayor Deegan also hopes applicants will come from diverse backgrounds. She is looking for community leaders from the advocacy, business, faith, and academic fields. They are expected to live in or have a significant interest in Duval County.

The application deadline is Aug. 9.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
ST. LOUIS  The Archdiocese of St. Louis is facing a lawsuit filed Wednesday by 25 individuals blaming the church for enabling, covering up, and concealing children being sexually abused by employees for decades, according to court documents.

The 74-page lawsuit lists at least 30 clergy members under the archdiocese and archbishop that were known to be accused of sexual misconduct, but only released some names.

Among those named in the suit is the current Archbishop of the St. Louis Archdiocese, Mitchell Rozanski. The Archdiocese is also named as well as a John Doe.

Our partners at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that there will be an additional 35 plaintiffs to join the suit, but they have not filed as of Wednesday night.

Only the plaintiffs initials are listed in the suit. An attorney for the plaintiffs told the Post Dispatch that it was for their safety.

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The suit describes alleged abuse that happened as far back as 1945 but it also details more recent alleged abuse as well.

It is said that in September 2018, the church had promised to publicize the names of clergy members who had claims of sexual abuse against them but did not release the names until nearly a year later, in July 2019. There were 66 names released on the list.

It is stated in documents that, the Archdiocese and Archbishop did not act in any manner to

protect the young children of its parishes, churches, community, and other organizations within its ambitinstead of removing the Abusers from their employ and control and reporting the abuse to authorities as required by law, Defendants enabled and emboldened Abusers to continue perpetrating horrific conduct upon Plaintiffs by giving Defendants employees, agents, and servants unfettered access to Plaintiffs and other children.

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According to the court records, those accused of sexual abuse were reassigned to other organizations or parishes, received treatment for a short period of time, or did not have any consequences.

In notes regarding each plaintiffs experiences with the employees, ages ranged into mid-teens, with the youngest being six years old.

The suit states that the church was silencing the children abused by threatening them, making them live in secret shame, fear and degradation while then ministering to them psychologically, emotionally and spiritually.

The Archdiocese told the Post Dispatch partners that it had not yet been served with the suit and needed to review it.

A news conference is scheduled for Thursday at 1:15 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Amid the generative AI boom, companies are spending a lot on cloud infrastructure  and they're concerned about it. According to a 2024 survey from cloud cost monitoring platform CloudZero, less than half of companies think that they have "healthy" cloud costs, with 58% saying their costs are too high.

A number of public cloud providers, including AWS, Google Cloud and Azure, offer savings plans and reserved instances designed to incentivize companies to spend on infrastructure by passing along discounts. But unlocking these discounts requires committing to multi-year agreements, which not every customer is in a financial position to do.

Aran Khanna was an AI engineer at AWS when he realized that there might be a way around this.

Khanna is the CEO and co-founder of Archera, a startup that passes along savings from cloud providers' discount plans but cuts the commitment term to as few as 30 days. It does this by "transforming" cloud providers' savings plans and reserved instances  specifically AWS plans and reserved instances  into short-term, insured commitments and charging customers a fee when they save.

"We make money by customers opting in to use our insured commitments as part of their cloud purchasing strategy," Khanna said. "We charge a variable premium per commitment based on the risk we are underwriting; this is our secret sauce developed over more than five years."

While working at AWS (and, prior to that, Azure), Khanna struggled to get customers to buy long-term compute instance commitments. He even tried to get a commitment forgiveness program created at AWS, but it ultimately didn't go anywhere, he says.

So Khanna teamed up with Nikhil Khanna, his younger brother, who previously worked in quantitative pricing at Uber and the investment management firm D.E. Shaw, to found Archera. Aran and Nikhil started the company in 2019 and spent the first three years developing an automated underwriting model before scaling up the business.

Archera provides visualizations and dashboards to show cloud usage and available discounts.

Today, in addition to insured commitments, Archera provides consulting services to help build purchasing strategies for customers to optimize their cloud usage. From a dashboard, companies can customize commitment plans, including or excluding infrastructure and setting policies to trigger renewals and purchases automatically.

Aran claims that Archera's offerings comply with "all service provider rules and guidelines" and that the company "works closely" with public cloud providers.

"For smaller organizations, Archera may serve as the primary cost optimization tool due to its low-investment, high-return model," Aran said. "In larger organizations, Archera often functions as a secondary tool within the broader cloud cost management strategy, enhancing overall efficiency and savings."

Archera, which has around 400 customers, is making $7 million in annual revenue and anticipates that number more than doubling this year. The startup has been "net profitable" since mid-2023, according to Aran; now it's gearing up for a major expansion.

Archera on Thursday announced that it raised $17 million in a Series B funding round led by Highsage Ventures with participation from Ridge Ventures, Amplify Partners and PSL Ventures, bringing the company's total raised to $27.5 million. Aran wouldn't give Archera's post-money valuation but said that the startup was valued in the "hundreds of millions" of dollars pre-money.

Coinciding with the fundraising, Archera is firming up a relationship with insurance provider Relm to access reinsurance and lending capacity of just over $100 million, which Aran says will support the creation of new insurance-backed solutions.

"The new funding will enable Archera to offer additional cloud financing and commitment insurance products," Aran said. "These upcoming products require partnerships with lending and reinsurance providers, who require Archera to have a stronger balance sheet to engage effectively. Raising funds now ensures that Archera can meet these requirements and launch their innovative products successfully."

Aran says that Archera will put its new cash and credit toward products that support Azure and Google Cloud in addition to AWS (including multi-cloud products), growing its 22-person Bellevue, Washington-based workforce and expanding its financial reporting services for enterprise clients.

"We've grown our development organization twofold, and are announcing the general availability of multi-cloud support this month, starting with the release of cost management and insured commitments for Azure," Aran said. "Additionally, we plan to launch insured commitments for Google Cloud later this year, along with new, in-the-works commitment insurance and financing products."

Asked about competition in the cloud cost management space, also known as FinOps, Aran said that he thinks Archera is well-positioned to head off rivals. He acknowledged that a number of firms, including Big Tech companies, provide tools to help manage cloud costs. But he asserted that they can't beat the savings Archera delivers.

"Despite the broader slowdown in the tech industry, Archera has experienced increased interest due to the global shift towards efficiency," Aran said. "This strategic positioning creates a substantial moat against upstarts and other competitors in the cloud cost management space, ensuring that we are well-prepared to weather potential headwinds."
Opponents and supporters of the Arkansas Abortion Amendment gather at the state Capitol on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

The Arkansas Secretary of States office counted 87,675 signatures collected by unpaid volunteers in support of a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a limited right to abortion, according to a sworn affidavit filed Thursday with the Arkansas Supreme Court.

The court had ordered the secretary of state to count the signatures after the ballot question committee supporting the Arkansas Abortion Amendment filed a complaint seeking the court ruling. The high court gave the state until Monday to complete the count.

The next steps will be up to the Supreme Court because it has not ruled on other aspects of the ballot question committees complaint nor on Attorney General Tim Griffins motion to dismiss the complaint.

Proposed amendments need 90,704 signatures from registered voters to qualify for the statewide November ballot. Arkansans for Limited Government, the ballot question committee supporting the amendment, said it submitted 101,525 signatures to Secretary of State John Thurstons office on the July 5 deadline.

Thurston said July 10 that his office would not count the signatures because AFLG did not submit required documents related to paid canvassers, therefore rendering invalid more than 14,000 signatures and leaving the remaining signatures below the required minimum.

Lauren Cowles, AFLGs executive director, filed a complaint with the Arkansas Supreme Court on July 16, asking the court to order Thurston to count the signatures. Cowles said the ballot question committee did in fact submit the required accompanying documents to Thurstons office multiple times, including on July 5.

Our optimism remains alive but cautious as we wait for the Arkansas Supreme Court to issue further guidance.

 Arkansans for Limited Government

State law requires an affidavit identifying paid canvassers by name and proof that the ballot question committee explained to canvassers the states laws for soliciting signatures and provided them with the Secretary of States initiatives and referenda handbook before they started canvassing.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered Thurston to count the signatures collected by volunteer canvassers by 9 a.m. Monday. Leslie Bellamy, the Secretary of States offices director of elections, said in Thursdays affidavit that she oversaw the count of 87,675 signatures.

Bellamy said there were 912 signatures on petition parts that do not indicate whether the canvasser was volunteer or paid, meaning she was unable to determine whether they belonged in the court-ordered total. If the 912 signatures were collected by volunteers, the total would be 88,587.

Thurston wrote in his July 10 letter to AFLG that his office counted 14,143 signatures from paid canvassers. The numbers in Thursdays affidavit bring the total number of signatures submitted on July 5 up to 102,730, more than 1,200 above AFLGs estimate.

Cowles said in the July 16 legal filing that AFLGs internal signature count was likely lower than the actual count. The group estimated that unpaid canvassers collected 87,382 signatures, almost 300 fewer than the secretary of states count. AFLG also said the total amount of signatures submitted met the qualifying minimum of 3% of voters in 53 counties, three more counties than required by law.

signature count done

Next steps uncertain

AFLG said in a statement Thursday that it appreciated Thurstons office fulfilling the courts order.

Our optimism remains alive but cautious as we wait for the Arkansas Supreme Court to issue further guidance, the group said.

The ballot question committee filed a motion to fast-track its case and for emergency relief along with its initial legal complaint. The court has not responded to the motion for emergency relief, which would require Thurston to continue the process of verifying the voter registration status of the people who signed the petition while the legal case is still pending.

Sponsors of proposed ballot measures can be allowed more time 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.

When asked Thursday afternoon whether AFLG was likely to be granted a cure period, Thurston spokesperson Jaime Land said the issue is an ongoing legal matter and the office awaits further instruction from the Supreme Court.

Griffin filed a motion to dismiss AFLGs lawsuit on Friday, arguing that Thurston correctly rejected AFLGs submission because the group failed to submit the proper paperwork.

AFLGs attorney, Peter Shults, filed a response to the motion Monday. Shults argued that noncompliance with the paperwork requirements alone does not invalidate an entire petition or any part of it.

The Supreme Court has yet to rule on Griffins motion, which says AFLG is not entitled to a cure period. Griffin reiterated this in a statement Thursday saying the court confirmed that the abortion advocates did not turn in enough qualifying signatures to meet the statutory threshold for a cure period.

AFLG disagreed in its statement.

As weve made clear since July 10, when the Secretary of State unlawfully attempted to disqualify the Amendment, we are confident that, given the facts of this case and the law, the Amendment should move forward to the next stage of the certification process, the group said. We believe that the voices of more than 102,000 Arkansans deserve to be heard.

If the Arkansas Abortion Amendment 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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas State Police arrested a man who they say is wanted in Massachusetts for child rape and assault charges.

According to ASP officials, 36-year-old Elmer Alvarado-Lopez was arrested after state troopers conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 40 Tuesday just after 10 a.m.

Benton restaurant owner charged with sexual assault now facing new charges including rape, burglary

Special agents said that Lopez is wanted out of Lynn, Massachusetts for two counts of rape of a child under 16 by force and two counts of indecent assault and battery upon a child under 14.

ASP officials said that Lopez was taken to the Pulaski County Detention Center, where he will be held for the Lynn Police Department on a nationwide warrant.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An attempted carjacking investigation in Tigard has led to two arrests, as well as a gun and drugs seized.

The Tigard Police Department said that on Tuesday at 12:40 p.m., patrol officers responded to the incident at a restaurant in the 6600 block of Southwest Cardinal Lane. Officers then learned that two suspects allegedly pulled a gun on a man, attempting to steal his car, before running off on foot near Southwest Sequoia Parkway.

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One of the suspects, 23-year-old Kyle Fletcher, was quickly located and arrested. He was charged with first-degree robbery.

An attempted armed carjacking investigation in Tigard resulted in two arrests, and a gun and drugs seized. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Tigard Police Department).

An attempted armed carjacking investigation in Tigard resulted in two arrests, and a gun and drugs seized. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Tigard Police Department).

An attempted armed carjacking investigation in Tigard resulted in two arrests, and a gun and drugs seized. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Tigard Police Department).

We called for regional help in the area. We had a K-9 going. First suspect caught pretty easily and pretty quickly, Tigard Detective Sergeant Luis Rivera told KOIN 6 News.

While searching for the second suspect, a nearby restaurant in the 15200 block of Southwest Sequoia Parkway called police saying they observed a patron displaying suspicious behavior.

He was contacted and we were able to ID that he was the outstanding suspect, Rivera said.

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The man, 38-year-old Andrew Dibenedetto, was detained. Officers said they recovered a handgun. They also recovered pills and powder, both of which are suspected to be fentanyl pending further investigation. However, Dibenedetto was not arrested but was interviewed and released. Officials said charges for him are being referred to the Washington County District Attorneys Office amid an ongoing investigation.

Detectives said when they ran the name of the victim of the attempted carjacking, Aleksandar Atanansov, through their system, he had outstanding arrest warrants for misdemeanors in Washington and Clackamas Counties. The 36-year-old was subsequently arrested by Tigard police.

No one was hurt in the incident.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
The Army has announced overseas deployments to the Middle East, Europe and South Korea for three brigades later this year.

A medley of forces will soon leave U.S. shores, replacing rotating units already at those locations, according to an Army press release.

The 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, New York, will head to U.S. Central Command to take over for the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, part of the New Jersey Army National Guard.

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The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, out of Fort Bliss, Texas, will deploy to U.S. European Command, replacing the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, out of Fort Carson, Colorado.

The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, will travel to South Korea to replace the 3rd Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Cavazos, Texas.

These brigade-sized deployments follow other troop rotations across the globe in recent months.

According to the service, seven Army units deployed between April and June to Europe and CENTCOM:

The 10th Mountain Division Combat Aviation Brigade replaced the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade in CENTCOM.

The 1st Cavalry Division Headquarters replaced the 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters in Europe as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the U.S. commitment to NATO.

The 1st Cavalry Division Artillery replaced the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery in Europe, also part of the NATO support mission.

The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division replaced the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division in Europe for the NATO support mission.

The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division replaced the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division in Europe for the NATO support mission.

The 1st Cavalry Division Combat Aviation Brigade replaced the 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade in Europe under the NATO support mission.

The 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade replaced the 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade in Europe as part of the NATO support mission.

The Middle East mission supports the ongoing Operation Inherent Resolve, which continues to counter the Islamic State in the region.

In January, three soldiers were killed in a drone attack on their outpost in Jordan. Another 40 troops were injured in the attack.

The European mission involves training with NATO allies and continues Operation Atlantic Resolve, which began in 2014 following Russias initial invasion and annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. NATO forces in the region have increased in the wake of Russian escalation, with its larger 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The deployment to South Korea continues decades-long unit rotations to the U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific region.
A federal judge has sentenced a former Army warrant officer to three years in prison and ordered him to pay $500,000 in restitution and forfeiture for selling $2 million worth of stolen military equipment.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Hammond, 38, previously pleaded guilty to six charges, including theft of government property, wire fraud, money laundering, mail fraud and transportation of stolen goods before his sentencing hearing Wednesday, according to a Justice Department release.

A jury convicted him of an additional count of money laundering and aiding and abetting in a November 2023 trial.

Married Army officers convicted of stealing millions in equipment

Both Hammond and his wife, Army Maj. Heather Hammond, were arrested in May 2022 and later found guilty in an April 2023 jury trial.

However, the couple was granted a new trial in November 2023 following court motions, according to court documents. In the second trial, a jury found Hammond guilty but acquitted Heather of the charges she faced.

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, said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. Through his scheme, he had hoped to retire in style. Instead, he will be spending the next three years in prison.

Over a two-year period, Hammond used his position at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, since renamed Fort Liberty, to requisition government property for his unit. But Hammond never logged the property into Army inventory and instead sold the items to various individuals, according to court documents.

During that time, Hammond received at least $1.8 million in wire transfers and other payments. When police searched his home, they seized 98 firearms, 90 military-issued spotting scopes, hundreds of other military-issued firearms accessories, night vision goggles, electronic equipment and more than $100,000 in cash, according to the release.

This sentencing sends a stark warning to those who put greed above their sworn duty, stated Christopher Dillard, special agent in charge of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office.

Investigators traced 200 items sold by Hammond or at his home that should have been issued to his unit.

The fraud was uncovered when an equipment supplier noticed that government contract items were being sent in for warranty repairs from a private individual, according to court documents.

This sentencing is a result of a joint investigation and Army CIDs commitment to protect the government, the Army, and most importantly, the taxpayer, from those whose actions can erode the trust and confidence in our military and warfighting capability, said Keith K. Kelly, special agent in charge of Fraud Field Office of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.

Hammond must report to prison by Sept. 1.
A man has been arrested by Cal Fire arson personnel suspected of sparking the Park Fire, Californias largest wildfire of the year, authorities announced Thursday.

In a media release, Mike Ramsey, the countys district attorney, said a 42-year-old Chico man was seen Wednesday just before 3 p.m. pushing a car that was on fire into a ditch near Alligator Hole in Upper Bidwell Park. The car reportedly rolled approximately 60 feet down an embankment, where it burned completely and spread into the Park Fire, which Cal Fire reported at 120,000 acres (188 square miles) by Thursday evening.

The office said the man, identified Thursday afternoon as Ronnie Stout, was then seen leaving the area by blending in with others nearby who were fleeing the blaze.

Arson investigators arrested a man accused of starting the Park Fire near Chico by pushing a flaming vehicle into a gully.

Investigators with Cal Fires arson unit secured the scene to search for clues to uncover the mans identity, and he was eventually identified, Ramsey said in a news release.

A judge issued a no-bail warrant for Stout early Thursday morning, and he was arrested at about 2 a.m. Thursday at his residence in a Chico mobile home park, Ramsey said in a video news conference streamed live on Cal Fires Facebook page.

Ramsey said Cal Fire arson investigators and District Attorneys Office investigators arrested him after they demanded by loudspeakers that Stout exit the home with his hands up.

He was booked into the Butte County Jail, where he will stay until he is arraigned in court on Monday on a count of arson, Ramsey said.

A witness in the area saw Stout acting somewhat strange, according to Ramsey. The witness reportedly saw a fire start underneath Stouts car, in response to which he (did) nothing other than watching the fire.

Ramsey said the witness saw Stout enter the car, do something inside, exit the car and finally push it into the gully.

A woman named Elizabeth Fox uploaded a video to TikTok on Wednesday saying she saw the man blow up his car and then put it in neutral and roll it down the hill, and take off like nothing happened. In the video, Fox said she took a photo of the man, later identified as Stout, leaving the scene and gave a statement to investigators. The district attorney identified the vehicle involved as Stouts mothers vehicle.

According to Ramsey, Stout has multiple prior convictions on his record  one in Butte County of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 from 2001, and another in Kern County of robbery with great bodily injury in 2003. He is a registered sex offender, according to Californias Megans Law database. Stout was also arrested for a DUI in 2020.

As of 4:30 p.m. Thursday, the video had more than 708,000 views and nearly 80,000 likes.

The District Attorneys Office encourages anyone who has information or was in the Alligator Hole area between noon and 3 p.m. on Wednesday is to call Cal Fire investigations at 530-538-7888.
LAWRENCE, Mo. (KSNT)  A Kansas man is sending a political message with his agriculture-assisted art.

Stan Herd is an earthworks artist who transforms landscapes into works of art. According to his website, he has been creating this type of art for decades, and has worked with major companies to produce monumental pieces in China, Cuba, Australia, Brazil and 13 U.S. states.

At my age, its just exciting to be  traveling around the country making art, Herd told Nexstars KSNT, adding that he hopes his artwork reaches people and makes a difference.

5 reasons Democrats think Harris is the strongest Biden replacement

About two weeks ago, Herd said he had a gut feeling that Vice President Kamala Harris would enter the 2024 presidential race and President Joe Biden would drop out. So he created a giant portrait of her in a Lawrence field, using the Earths natural resources.

(Image courtesy of Dalton Paley)

After 12 days of work and 25 yards of mulch, his project was complete.

This is a dance with nature, Herd said. We try to use all-natural materials if we can.

Trump edges out Harris in key swing states, ties with her in Wisconsin: poll

On Sunday, Biden announced he would not seek reelection after his physical and mental acuity were called into question following a prime-time debate against Donald Trump. Biden also endorsed Harris to become the Democratic nominee.

However, Harris has not officially won the nomination. While the majority of Democratic delegates said they would support her, they still have to vote to make her the nominee. The Democratic National Committee said it will conduct a virtual roll call and plans to have a nominee by August 7.

There has not been any word on who might be Harris running mate. Herd said he will place a second large portrait of her pick next to the current earthwork of Harris.

The Hill contributed to his story.

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TOKYO, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Japan on Thursday downgraded its assessment of exports for the first time in six months to "almost flat" in July, a government report showed.

In its monthly economic report for July, the Cabinet Office offered a bleaker view on exports but retained its overall economic assessment for the sixth straight month, noting "Japan's economy is recovering at a moderate pace, although it recently appears to be pausing."

Prior to the latest assessment downgrade, exports were seen as "pausing for picking up" as of June.

The government maintained its evaluations of private consumption, business investment and industrial production among other key components of the economy.

According to the report, private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy, "appears to be pausing for picking up," while business investment shows "movements of picking up." 
Ascension is selling nine of its Illinois hospitals  more than half of its hospitals in the state  to a large, California-based health system, it announced Thursday.

Ascension plans to sell the hospitals, along with four of its post-acute and senior living facilities, to Prime Healthcare. Neither Prime nor Ascension disclosed the sale price Thursday.

The hospitals slated to be sold to Prime include: Ascension Holy Family in Des Plaines, Ascension Mercy in Aurora, Ascension Resurrection in Chicago, Ascension St. Francis in Evanston, Ascension St. Joseph in Joliet, Ascension St. Joseph in Elgin, Ascension St. Mary in Kankakee, Ascension St. Mary in Chicago and Ascension St. Elizabeth in Chicago. Other facilities involved in the sale include Fox Knoll Village in Aurora, Villa Franciscan Place in Joliet, Heritage Village and Heritage Lodge in Kankakee, and Resurrection Place in Park Ridge, all now operated by Ascension Living.

The sale will ensure that the greater Chicago area has sustainable, quality health care access long into the future, said Polly Davenport, president and CEO of Ascension Illinois, in a news release.

Prime has 44 hospitals and more than 300 outpatient locations in 14 states, and has a mission to save and improve hospitals so that they can deliver compassionate, quality care to patients and better health care for communities. The Ascension hospitals would be Primes first hospitals in Illinois.

Unlike Ascension, which is a not-for-profit Catholic health system, Prime includes the for-profit Prime Healthcare Services and an affiliated charity called the Prime Healthcare Foundation, under which 14 of Primes hospitals operate.

Under the deal, eight of the Ascension hospitals would become for-profit, while St. Francis in Evanston would retain its not-for-profit status as part of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, said Prime spokesman Elizabeth Nikels in an email.

When asked whether Prime plans to keep all of the Illinois hospitals open, Nikels wrote, Prime is committed to the long-term success and service of every hospital that is part of our system and has never closed a hospital.

Prime has improved the quality of care in every hospital that joins the system and invests significant resources in technology, infrastructure and systems improvement, Nikels wrote. Prime will maintain all hospitals and facilities at closing of the transaction and continue their service to their communities.

Prime has already pledged to invest $250 million in the facilities for upgrades, capital improvements, technology and system upgrades, as part of the deal.

Prime plans to hire all hospital and care facility staff, though workers will be asked to reapply for their jobs through a streamlined, online application system, Nikels said. Workers will receive more information about the application process as the acquisition date approaches, she said.

The hospitals will keep their current names, minus the Ascension branding, Nikels said.

The Ascension Illinois hospitals would no longer be Catholic hospitals once theyre acquired by Prime, though Prime and Ascension have been working with the Archdiocese of Chicago to determine if there are Catholic traditions the hospitals can carry on.

The deal must gain approval from the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board in order for the sale to move forward. The sale is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, pending approvals.

Hospital mergers and acquisitions are common in the Chicago area, which has several large health systems that compete for patients. But if the Ascension sale is approved, it will be the third ownership shift for those hospitals in a decade  a lot of change, even by Chicago-area standards.

The hospitals now for sale were once part of Presence Health, and then, in 2018, became part of Amita Health. In 2022, Ascension and AdventHealth unwound their Amita Health partnership, and the hospitals were then Ascension Illinois hospitals.

Ascension, which has 140 hospitals across the country, will hold on to five Illinois hospitals. It will keep Ascension Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village, Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates, Ascension Alexian Brothers Rehabilitation Hospital in Elk Grove Village, Ascension St. Alexius in Hoffman Estates and Ascension St. Alexius Women and Childrens in Hoffman Estates.

Prime was founded in 2001 by Dr. Prem Reddy, who still serves as chairman and CEO of the company, with a mission to save hospitals, improve community health care and provide the very best care to patients, according to Primes website.

The company has, however, tangled with the federal government on multiple occasions. Prime and Reddy agreed in 2018 to pay the government $65 million to settle allegations that 14 Prime hospitals in California knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare by admitting patients to hospitals who didnt need inpatient care, and by billing Medicare for more expensive diagnoses than what the patients actually had. In 2021, Prime, Reddy and one of Primes doctors agreed to pay $37.5 million to settle allegations that Prime paid the doctor kickbacks for patient referrals, among other allegations. Prime did not admit any liability as part of those settlement agreements.

Prime has successfully concluded a five-year corporate integrity agreement, not only meeting but exceeding industry standards, Prime said in a statement.
The recent disruption to air travel wasn't the first time flights have been cancelled en masse

Last Fridays CrowdStrike outage unleashed disruption across the globe, with few sectors more affected than aviation. Thanks to the IT system outage, some 5,000 flights were cancelled, leaving 100,000 travellers stranded.

As normality resumes, we take a look at other major disruptions to air travel from the past few decades.

Covid pandemic

March 2020

Many countries enforced strict requirements on visitors during the Covid pandemic - Getty

Chaos rating: 10/10

It was the month that everything changed. Within weeks, Covid went from a worrying item on the evening news to upending the world as we knew it. And as lockdowns and mass panic spread across the globe, air travel was an inevitable casualty.

In the United States, flight cancellations reached their highest levels since 9/11. In April 2020 alone, American Airlines grounded 137,000 scheduled flights. Closer to home, British Airways owner IAG cut flights by 75 per cent, with Virgin Atlantic going even further at 80 per cent.

Even today, industry experts say the long-tail impact of Covid remains evident. Business travel is still down, with airlines pivoting to what the industry calls VFR (or visiting friends and relatives), says consultant and expert John Strickland.

Icelandic volcanic eruptions

April 2010

The 2010 eruption of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull caused more than 100,000 flights to be grounded

Chaos rating: 9/10

These days, the tongue-twisting moniker of Eyjafjallajokull is most likely to crop up as an impressive quiz-show answer. But back in spring 2010, the name of this Icelandic volcano was a curse word for travellers when it caused more than 100,000 flights to be grounded.

While volcanic eruptions arent exactly unknown in Iceland, this one happened to occur under a glacier, cooling the lava quickly and causing it to fragment into tiny particles of glass and ash which were then thrust into the atmosphere. This prompted concerns that the residue could damage jet engines as it swept across northern Europe.

After eight days of closures across the continent, European airspace was finally reopened on April 23, albeit with further disruptions on two days in May.

Bank holiday air traffic control glitch

August 2023

Chaos rating: 5/10

As if bank holiday getaways werent stressful enough, last summer saw things escalate to a new level when an air traffic control fault saw 2,000 flights cancelled and hundreds of thousands of travellers left stranded.

Despite fears that the chaos was the result of a hostile cyber attack, the truth turned out to be more prosaic  and irritating. Data from a transatlantic flight had inadvertently caused the entire air traffic control system to short circuit. The result was heavy disruption for two days.

Europes post-Covid summer of chaos

July 2022

In Britain, some airports had multi-hour queues to pass security during a chaotic period in 2022

Chaos rating: 7/10

After the toughest two years in living memory for aviation, 2022 would be the year that international travel came roaring back with a bang. With Covid finally over, travellers were ready for an epic getaway  but were the airports ready for them?

Not quite. Having laid off thousands of staff during the pandemic, Europes biggest airports found themselves woefully unprepared for an influx of holidaymakers. Soon photos of security queues snaking out into airport car parks went viral on social media, with reports of multi-hour queues at security.

A report from the air traffic body Eurocontrol would later confirm the scale of the problem. Across the summer, half of all European flights were delayed, with 7 per cent cancelled altogether.

The oil price shock

October 1973

Chaos rating: 6/10

Going by the sepia-tinged images on social media, you might assume that vintage air travel was the very picture of stress-free. But while cramped seats and baggage fees may have been decades away, travellers still faced the occasional headache.

When a score of Arab nations decided to slash oil production to punish America in 1973, the price of the black stuff soared fivefold, causing pain for airlines and travellers alike.

It was bad news in particular for Pan Am, then the worlds most glamorous airline, which had recently upgraded its fleet to the gas-guzzling Boeing 747. Faced with higher overheads, the airline cut flights by around 25 per cent and went on to endure heavy losses.

BAs system outage

May 2017

Some 672 British Airways flights were grounded over three days in 2017 - ANDY RAIN

Chaos rating: 3/10

The internet has revolutionised the way we travel. But what happens when the computer says no? In the spring of May 2017, British Airways found out the hard way when a power outage hit two data centres, grounding 672 flights over three days.

The outage led to 75,000 passengers having their flights cancelled, with significant disruption at Heathrow and Gatwick. The eventual compensation bill was estimated at some 58 million, serving as a cautionary tale for the wider aviation industry.

The millennium bug

December 1999

Chaos rating: 1/10

Looking back from the comfort of 2024, its tempting to view the millennium bug with a nostalgic chuckle. But IT experts have a different take, pointing out that things would have been very different if not for the hundreds of billions spent on upgrading the worlds computer systems.

In any event, the airline industry didnt escape totally unscathed. After years of terrifying speculation about the impact of Y2K, disruption became something of a self-fulfilling prophecy as carriers were forced to cancel their New Years flights with passengers too afraid to book.

9/11 terror attack

September 2001

Chaos rating: 8/10

Given the scale of what unfolded on that day, focusing on cancelled flights feels insignificant  at least on a human level. Yet the unprecedented impact of 9/11 on air travel speaks for itself: following the complete closure of US airspace, more than 40,000 flights were grounded in the space of 48 hours.

Civilian air traffic would eventually resume on September 13, focusing first on the thousands of stranded flights forced to land at temporary destinations. While security protocols were ramped up immediately, passenger numbers would take two years to recover, with a 6 per cent drop in Americans flying domestically in 2002.

Boeing planes grounded

January 2024

All 171 Boeing 737 Max 9s were grounded for checks following the incident - Peter Cziborra

Chaos rating: 4/10

It was the viral video footage that sent shivers down the spine of even the most confident of flyers: a passenger flight forced to make an emergency landing after losing a large chunk of its outer shell almost 5,000m (16,000ft) above ground.

Following the shocking incident, US regulators insisted that all 171 of Boeings 737 Max 9s be grounded for checks, leading to the cancellation of 2,000 flights across America. The plane wasnt yet in use in Europe, but that didnt stop the continent moving swiftly to ban it from its airspace.

The Gatwick drone

December 2018

Chaos rating: 5/10

Just as Londons second-largest airport was gearing up for one of the busiest weekends in the travel calendar, its control centre received reports that two drones had been spotted in the area, one of which had penetrated the airport complex itself.

Within minutes, authorities grounded all flights for fear of a deadly collision. Over the next 48 hours 1,000 flights would be cancelled, leaving 140,000 passengers stranded ahead of the Christmas holidays.

Given what was at stake, perhaps the travellers werent too furious. But theres just one problem: despite an 800,000 investigation and the unfortunate arrest of two innocent drone enthusiasts (who later received 200,000 in compensation), no evidence of any drone was ever found

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The sound of raised objections and a white noise machine dominated a Manatee County courtroom Wednesday during the second day of the murder trial for former ballerina Ashley Benefield.

The 32-year-old is accused of shooting and killing her estranged husband, Doug Benefield, in September 2020 in what she has claimed was an act of self-defense. Ashley Benefield was arrested more than a month later in November and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm.

During one witness's testimony Wednesday, a conflict resulted in an early lunch and a post-lunch discussion about the possible impeachment of a witness and the release of previously sealed orders, exhibits and transcripts from an in-camera inspection between the judge and defense.

Doug Benefield's former attorney testifies

About midmorning, Assistant State Attorney Suzanne ODonnell called family law attorney Stephanie Murphy to testify. Murphy, who co-owns a local law firm with her husband, was hired by Doug Benefield in March 2018.

At the time, Doug Benefield still lived in South Carolina and attempted to get in contact with his wife. Ashley Benefield had left their home in 2017 to move in with her mother as she was experiencing sickness due to becoming pregnant, according to previous testimony.

Murphy sent Ashley Benefield a letter to open a discussion about Dougs potential participation in their childs birth. Murphy added that the letter expressed if Ashley Benefield was uncomfortable with her husband being present, hed give her space.

Weeks passed with no response. Then, Ashley Benefield filed a domestic violence injunction against Doug Benefield in Manatee County court, Murphy said. Thats how she and her client learned that the child had already been born.

A family court judge denied the temporary restraining order and entered a ruling for a timesharing schedule to be set up which would grant Doug Benefield visitations with his daughter, Murphy said. The judge also granted him ultimate decision-making for her medical needs.

Ashley Benefield on Wednesday at the Manate County Judicial Center, the second day of her trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield.

Following the hearing, a period of peace followed for about 11 months, Murphy said. It started with the couple initially meeting at the Manatee County Sheriffs Office when Doug officially met his daughter for the first time. Murphy had been shocked when the couple left together that day since there had been litigation for months with allegations against Doug Benefield that she said were unfounded.

Then, the peace ended when Ashley Benefield stopped communicating with her husband in August 2019. A series of complaints to MCSOs crimes against children team began and a petition for divorce followed.

Det. Brian Moreland with the MCSO crimes against children unit confirmed Wednesday that between December 2019 and April 2020, he had received five physical abuse complaints against Doug Benefield involving the couples then 2-year-old daughter.

Here's what to know: Trial for former Manatee County ballerina accused of killing husband

Murphy also confirmed during questioning by ODonnell that the Benefields agreed to a psychological evaluation and signed a joint motion to have the report released. She said the hearing to have the report released was on Sept. 30, three days after her client was killed.

Judge stops Ashley Benefield's lawyer from trying to impeach witness

Just minutes into Taylors questioning of Murphy, specifically about Murphy being present for a deposition of her client and then filing a response to Ashley Benefields domestic violence injunction in 2018 denying allegations against Doug Benefield, an objection was raised that resulted in an early lunch break. The judge later heard arguments by attorneys outside the presence of the jury and witnesses related to Taylors attempt to impeach Murphy.

Taylor also questioned Murphy about when the psychological evaluation report written by Dr. Brad Broeder would be released. Murphy was adamant that the report was set to be released at a Sept. 30 injunction hearing. However, Taylor presented an emailed conversation between Murphy and the family court judge's judicial assistant which appeared to indicate that the only thing to be heard on Sept. 30 was about the domestic violence injunction.

Murphy consented that initially that was the case, but it later changed to include the release of the psychological report.

Taylor argued that Murphy had told the jury that there had been litigation for months about allegations that were unfounded, despite having sat in on a deposition hearing where her client admitted to shooting a gun into a kitchen ceiling to get his wife to stop talking, threw a loaded gun at her and punched a hole in a wall from anger.

Im at least trying to cast doubt on this witnesss credibility, Taylor said.

Taylor also indicated he wanted to subpoena the family court judge's judicial assistant, alleging that Murphy lied on the stand.

ODonnell argued that during her testimony in court, Murphy had said that during the time shed dealt with Doug Benefield, hed never expressed anger towards Ashley Benefield.

Whyte ruled that the current avenue of impeaching Murphy was improper, and also denied a motion for mistrial that Taylor raised.

Previous reporting: Former Florida ballerina evokes 'Stand Your Ground' in 2020 homicide of estranged husband

Keep reading: Former ballerina appeals for 'Stand Your Ground' immunity after judge denies motion

Ashley Benefield's domestic violence and physical abuse complaints filed with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office

Chris Gillum, a detective in the domestic violence unit for MCSO, recalled first interacting with Ashley Benefield in December 2017 when she reported her husband had violated an injunction from South Carolina. Shortly before shed reported her husband, Ashley Benefield had received a package  a tea set  from her husband, which violated a restraining order.

After that first call, Gillum said Ashley Benefield contacted him on a regular basis, sometimes two or three times a week inquiring when Doug Benefield would be arrested for violating the injunction. Then in May 2018, she demanded the detective arrest her husband in the courtroom in front of the judge when he appeared for a hearing.

Gillum said he recalled this incident clearly so many years later because hed never before had someone ask him to arrest someone in court before a judge. Despite trying to explain to her that he couldnt do that, Gillum said Ashley Benefield began screeching that she couldnt believe hed allow Doug to kill her and the baby.

Ill do anything that I have to (do) to keep my baby, you (expletive), Gillum said Ashley Benefield had told him.

Judge Matt Whyte holds a sidebar with attorneys on the second day of Ashley Benefields trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 24, 2024.

Despite having the call in May 2018, Gillum didnt include the conversation in any supplemental report until October 2020, a few weeks after Doug Benefield was killed, Ashley Benefields defense pointed out during questioning.

Gillum acquiesced but later clarified that he didnt include it in his initial reports because at the time he didnt see it as a direct threat, simply as a meltdown or attempt at manipulation. Yet, by October 2020 the circumstances had changed.

Psychologist details observations about Ashley Benefield and Doug Benefield's relationship in 2020

Doug and Ashley Benefield agreed to a psychological evaluation with Dr. Brad Broeder in 2020. The psychologist met with the couple over the course of a summer, sometimes seeing the couple together and other times individually, according to testimony.

The narrative that arose, according to Broeder, was that whenever Ashley Benefield was with Doug Benefield, shed defer to whatever he would say about them reconciling their marriage and moving to Maryland together, albeit while still living separately. When Ashley Benefield met with Broeder separately, she made it clear she didnt want to reconcile, Broeder said.

Broeder added that Ashley Benefield was frustrated with the system  specifically the court and law enforcement  even saying her life is in shambles. She felt that her husband was using their child to get to her, Broeder confirmed.

He later added during questioning by Taylor that he feared Ashley Benefield would take matters into her own hands and abscond with her child to Maryland to have the authorities deal with the situation up there.

Broeder confirmed when asked by Taylor that the physical abuse complaints filed with MCSO against Doug Benefield were by three different sources, including two professionals.

When asked if Ashley Benefield ever showed signs of being prone to angry outbursts, Broeder said no and concluded she was a good mother.

Gabriela Szymanowska covers the legal system for the Herald-Tribune in partnership with Report for America. You can support her work with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America. Contact Gabriela Szymanowska at gszymanowska@gannett.com, or on X: @GabrielaSzyman3.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Ashley Benefield: Day 2 of the ballerina murder trial
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  State witnesses continued with testimonies Wednesday morning, including law enforcement, Doug Benefields family attorney, and those close to Ashley Benefield, such as her mother and a mental health professional who she lived with after the deadly shooting.

In 2017, Ashley Benefield moved to Bradenton, Florida to live with her mother Alicia Byers. She was pregnant with Dougs child at the time.

Doug hired family attorney Stephanie Murphy in March 2018. On Wednesday, she testified about some of the couples legal battles leading up to the shooting.

Ashley Benefield trial: Opening statements begin for mother accused in husbands death

Initially, the purpose of hiring me was to draft a letter to Ashley, who was pregnant with their child at the time. I did and sent it the day after I was retained. The purpose of the letter was to open the door for discussion about Dougs participation in the upcoming birth of their child, but also to advise that if she did not feel comfortable with him being present at the birth, he was respecting her need for space, Murphy said.

Murphy said Ashley never responded to the emailed letter, adding that Ashley was induced the day after the letter was sent. The child was born a few days later  weeks earlier than the due date, according to Murphys testimony. Doug had no knowledge his daughter was born until five to six weeks later.

Murphy said Benefield started filing complaints against her husband claiming domestic violence and that he was poisoning her. An injunction against him was not granted. He was able to meet his daughter as part of a court-granted parenting plan when she was 6 months old.

During their first meeting, Murphy said Ashley decided to go with Doug for the visitation, which came as a surprise to Murphy.

We had just been in knockdown, drag-out litigation for months with just horrendous allegations that were unfounded and yet she said, I wanna go with you and he said, Okay,' Murphy said. I pulled Doug aside and I cautioned him about going with her. I am his attorney, so I advised him. I said, This is not a good idea, she is trying to set you up for something, dont do this and he said, I understand. I am going to go ahead and do it anyway,' the attorney continued.

After that first meeting, about 11 months of peace were held between the couple, but Murphy said around the time the two were supposed to be moving back in together, they stopped talking.

Jury selection begins in murder trial of Lakewood Ranch mother

Doug officially filed for divorce and Ashley started making more complaints, including another injunction filing.

During that period of legal hearings, the two agreed to do a psychological evaluation. Murphy said the details of the evaluation were supposed to be revealed during a hearing set for Sept. 30, 2020. However, Doug was killed three days before the hearing.

Ashleys attorney Neil Taylor said the reason his client shot her husband was out of fear for her life. He said on Sept. 27, threats and intimidation turned to physical violence and she was forced to defend her life.

However, prosecutors said Ashley was willing to do whatever it took to keep custody of her daughter.

This was a custody battle that this mother was going to win at all costs and the cost was the life of Doug Benefield, Assistant State Attorney Suzanne ODonnell said.

During Wednesdays testimony, the court also heard from Chris Gillum, a domestic violence investigator with the Manatee County Sheriffs Office. He said a statement by Ashley years before the shooting raised concerns only after Doug was killed.

She let out like a screech or a high-pitched scream and she says, I will do whatever I have to do to keep my baby you [expletive0,' Gillum said.

The investigator had recently passed along a South Carolina injunction violation case that Ashley reported in Manatee County to the State Attorneys Office. Gillum said the statement was made after Ashley repeatedly requested that Doug be arrested during an unrelated civil court hearing in front of the presiding judge and Gillum repeatedly told her that was not going to happen.

I didnt see anything she said at that time as a direct threat to Doug. It had no relevance to my case. I saw this as her just having this massive meltdown because she was not getting her way with me, Gillum said. At that point, it was just not relevant for my case. There was no reason, but circumstances had changed. I thought that was information that needed to be heard, he continued.

Gillum contacted the detective investigating Dougs death days after the shooting took place and wrote a report sharing that statement Ashley made two years earlier soon after.

State testimony is slated to pick back up Thursday morning around 9 a.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
We asked Democratic and GOP delegates: What was your reaction to Biden dropping out?

On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced over social media that he would no longer be running for a second term in office.

In Biden's post on X, he showed his full support for his vice president in the upcoming election.

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President," Biden said. "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."

Delegates from Cumberland County to the Democratic National Convention in August and the recent Republican National Convention weighed in on Biden's surprise announcement, and Harris' new role as presumptive nominee for president.

Kimberly Hardy

'A range of emotions that day'

Kimberly Hardy of Linden, the second vice chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party and a convention delegate, said she went through a mixture of emotions Sunday. She is also vice president of Democratic Women of North Carolina.

If Im being honest, part of my reaction was sadness because I know what it had to take for him to drop out, Hardy said. There was some sadness because I know that was such a difficult decision to make. Thats a level of selflessness that we dont often see.

Hardy said she fully endorses Kamala Harris to be the next president of the United States and said she endorses Gov. Roy Cooper as her vice presidential pick. Cooper has been named on a short list of potential vice presidential picks for Harris. Hardy said that she believes the traditional Democratic base will show up to vote no matter whose name is on the ticket.

I always believed democracy was going to win out over tyranny, Hardy said. I thought wed win the whole time.

Those said to be in consideration to serve as Harris' running mate also include Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro; Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona; Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz; and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

More: Scenes from Vice President Kamala Harris' trip to a Fayetteville high school Thursday

Susan Mills

'President Trump is ready to go'

Susan Mills of Cumberland County is the vice chair of the North Carolina Republican Party and a Republican National Convention delegate who said that the news about Biden stepping down did not come as a shock.

"I know that his cognitive decline has been pretty much obvious for a while now," she said. "So, it did not completely surprise me, although he had been very adamant that he was staying in, but I was not shocked.

She added: "I just think that people cannot afford another four years of the same policies, and thats what theyre going to get. So, theres really, as far as Im concerned, theres no difference. Vice President Harris is just like President Biden and if you vote for her, youre going to be getting exactly what weve had the past four years."

Mills said even though the concerns about Biden's age were a major reason for the calls for him to step down, former President Donald Trump is in great health, despite being nearly 20 years older than Harris.

"Having been in Milwaukee and watching that man, he is fit physically and mentally. He was just up there with everybody else," Mills said, referencing last week's Republican National Convention. "He is ready to take it on and any concerns about age should not be with this president. President Trump is ready to go.

Public safety reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Cumberland delegates speak on Biden stepping down as president
Incumbent Rep. Joel Kitchens and challenger Milt Swagel will face off in the Republican Party primary for the 1st Assembly District.

The state Senate and Assembly races will reflect new electoral maps that were signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers. The maps were created to more evenly divide the legislative districts between Democrats and Republicans. Assembly District 1 covers Door and Kewaunee counties, and a small part of northeastern Brown County.

The winner of the Aug. 13 primary will go on to face Democrat Renee Paplham.

There are lots of resources for voters at myvote.wi.gov. You can:

We asked each candidate for three questions. Their answers were gently edited for grammar, style and accuracy.

Joel Kitchens (i)

Kitchens

Age: 66

Occupation: Legislator, retired large animal veterinarian

Highest level of education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (Ohio State University)

Campaign website: Joelkitchens.com

Milt Swagel

Milt Swagel, candidate for Assembly District 1.

Age: 62

Occupation: Farmer

Highest level of education: Graduate of Farm and Industry Short Course University of Wisconsin Madison and graduate of Farm Business Management at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. I am an active duty and reserve duty U.S. Army veteran

Campaign website: Miltswagel.com

Why are you running for state Assembly?

KITCHENS: I am running for reelection because I have found it very rewarding to enact legislation that positively impacts the people of Wisconsin, as well as to help my constituents navigate government, to make sure that our government works for them. This session I authored five bills that originated from constituents in my district. I am a proven leader who has demonstrated the ability to get things done in Madison.

SWAGEL: I am running for state Assembly because change is needed in Madison. The state budget is $99 billion, up 12% over the past budget. This waste of hard-earned taxpayer money is wrong. The rights of the people come first, not what the establishment wants. I'm totally pro-Life, pro Second Amendment, pro family.

What two issues do you feel most need to be addressed in state Legislature?

KITCHENS: I serve as chairman of the Committee on Education, and I expect to continue to move forward with initiatives we have begun to ensure that our children receive the education that they need to be productive members of society.

Wisconsins reading scores in elementary school have been declining for decades and currently, only one-third of Wisconsin fourth-graders are reading at the proficient level or better. We know that two-thirds of kids who cannot read at grade level will end up in prison or on welfare.

This session, I authored Act 20, which will implement a more phonics-based approach, which is more like how most of us were taught to read. States that have made this change have seen dramatic improvements.

Next session, I will continue to work to implement this reading plan, while also working toward improved math instruction. I want to limit the use of cellphones in schools, to help eliminate distractions so that students can concentrate on learning.

My greatest concern for the future of Wisconsin is the steady increase in generational poverty, government dependence and all the social problems that go along with that. Education is our one opportunity to break that cycle, and it will always be a top priority for me.

SWAGEL: The issues that must be addressed include the budget is $99 billion and up 12% from the last budget. This is not sustainable to the hard-working taxpayers. With this also the budget surplus in Madison needs to be returned to the taxpayers. Another issue is the rights of all the people, including the preborn, life begins at conception. I will not allow any infringement of the First and Second Amendments at the state level. COVID was handled wrong, closing churches, schools, small business, masking, shots that didn't prevent the virus. I would not have voted for that.

(Editor's note: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "In the first ten months that COVID-19 vaccines were available, they saved over 200,000 lives and prevented over 1.5 million hospitalizations in the United States.")

What will be your priority in the next two-year budget?

KITCHENS: We will again enter this budget cycle with a record surplus. Rather than going on a spending spree, as the governor has proposed, our priority must be to reduce the tax burden on our citizens.

The states that are gaining population have low tax rates, while people are leaving those with high taxes. We need a tax code that is fair and sustainable, that citizens and businesses can rely on when they make the decision on where to locate.

This session, I co-authored a bill that would have eliminated tax on retirement income and allowed our retirees to remain in Wisconsin. Additionally, we passed a bill to provide true middle-class tax reduction. Unfortunately, the governor twice vetoed these proposals. Fortunately, he did sign our bill to increase the child care tax credit.

Going forward, I intend to work with my colleagues and the administration to implement these important proposals. Wisconsin is a wonderful place to live, but we need a tax code that keeps us competitive with other states. We need lean, efficient government that allows Wisconsinites to keep as much of their hard-earned money as possible. I will continue to work to make Wisconsin the best place in the nation to work, raise a family and retire.

SWAGEL: My priority for the next budget is to lower it. The hard-working taxpayers cannot afford this. The budget is the taxpayers money, not the establishments. I don't want the establishment hiding bills in the budget that should have been voted on separately.

Alyssa N. Salcedo is a reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. She can be reached at asalcedo@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Incumbent Kitchens, Swagel met in 1st Assembly District GOP primary
"You're our people, you're our family, you're our village," Heather Wyatt said in a new TikTok video addressing her supporters

Aubreigh Wyatt/TikTok Aubreigh Wyatt

The mother of Aubreigh Wyatt is speaking out on TikTok after a social media ban against her was lifted by a Mississippi judge.

Aubreigh's mother, Heather Wyatt, frequently posts TikTok videos about Aubreigh, who died by suicide on Sept. 4, 2023, at 13 years old. Heather, who resides in Ocean Springs, Miss., has openly shared her grieving process with the world, but she was previously compelled by a court order to shut down her popular social media accounts after a lawsuit was filed against her by the parents of four teenagers claiming Wyatt had implicitly accused their children of bullying Aubreigh before her death, The Washington Post reported.

Although Heather never named the four teenagers publicly, their names and information were shared widely on the internet along with purported texts between Heather and Aubreigh detailing the alleged bullying.



In their suit, the parents had claimed defamation and slander, saying in their complaint that Heather's actions had subjected their children to "insulting and revolting messages from around the world," Newsweek reported. The outlet further reported that the parents said in their suit that an investigation by local authorities found Heather's bullying claims to be unsubstantiated.

However, on July 16, the parents dropped the lawsuit, according to a filing shared by Vicksburg News and reviewed by PEOPLE, though the judge dismissed it without prejudice, meaning it can be filed again. Two days later, on Thursday, July 18, the Sun Herald reported that the judge overseeing the case also lifted the social media ban against Heather.



Related: Grieving Mom of Aubreigh Wyatt Can Use Social Media Again After Alleged Teen Bullies Were Abused Online: Report

Heather's TikTok account, which has more than 1.7 million followers and more than 25 million likes, has since resurfaced. In her first TikTok since returning to social media, Heather thanked her supporters in a 2 minute and 21 second video.

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"When my voice was shut off, the fact that you guys were like, 'No, we will be her voice.' But me aside, you guys fought for my baby when I couldn't ... You're our people, you're our family, you're our village. I'm forever grateful," Heather says in the TikTok that has garnered more than 7 million views.



Related: Everything to Know About Aubreigh Wyatt's Death and Her Mom's Fight to Tell Her Story on TikTok

"You wanted to right a wrong, and I think that is the most beautiful thing in the world, and I am forever and ever grateful to you guys," she continued, later adding: "I was in a moment of feeling so alone and so distraught and wanting to give up, and I had an entire community and village of people show up for us and fight for us."

Heather has since posted numerous more TikToks, including one on July 24 with a caption that reads in part, "I just want my baby back." The video features various clips of Aubreigh.

In a previous statement, Trey Brennan, spokesman for Ocean Springs School District, where Aubreigh attended, told PEOPLE, in part, "While OSSD is unable to discuss specific student matters, the district follows rigorous procedures in response to all reports of inappropriate behavior, harassment, or bullying. Administrators conduct thorough investigations, and if the evidence supports the allegations, appropriate consequences are determined in accordance with district policies. Throughout this process, parents and students are kept informed of developments, and documentation of our procedures are maintained for records. Students and parents can submit anonymous bullying reports both online and in person."



In a GoFundMe created to assist Aubreigh's family, Heather remembered her daughter as "a radiant soul."



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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a Pentagon board to review Medal of Honor awards for troops who participated in the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre, where Native American women and children were killed by U.S. soldiers in the deadliest mass shooting in the nations history.

In a Wednesday memo to key staff, Austin directed the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness convene a special panel that will review each of the 20 soldiers who won a Medal of Honor award at Wounded Knee. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth is expected to provide historical records on the soldiers and the battle.

Austin said the board will look at each Medal of Honor recipients record and service individually to ensure no soldier was recognized for conduct that did not merit recognition under the standards applicable at the time.

Potential disqualifying actions for any soldiers would be intentionally directing an attack against a civilian or surrendering fighter, the murder or rape of a prisoner or any other acts of immorality.

The review is expected no later than Oct. 15.

The Wounded Knee massacre came during a time when the U.S. military was battling Native Americans throughout the country as tribes resisted American dominance, especially in the Great Plains of the Midwest.

The 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment was enforcing a government ban on a Native American spiritual practice known as a Ghost Dance when soldiers arrested a band of Lakota tribe members and confined them at a camp near Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota on Dec. 29, 1890.

During an attempt to recover weapons from the detainees, a gun was accidentally discharged, and U.S. soldiers opened fire. About 300 Lakota men, women and children died in the shooting.

At least 25 U.S. troops died, likely due to friendly fire.

The Wounded Knee massacre has remained one of the greatest historical blights on the U.S. military record, and the site is a place of remembrance for Native Americans. It also became a rallying cry for Native Americans pursuing civil rights in the 20th Century.

The U.S. revoked hundreds Medal of Honor awards, the highest military honor in the nation, related to World War I after Congress ordered a review in 1916.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  An Austin resident is advocating for a ban on aerosol sunscreen at one of the citys most popular water recreation sites.

Native Austinite Melissa Barber launched the petition to ban aerosol sunscreen at Barton Springs back in May, and its picked up momentum as the summer months have rolled in. More than 1,400 signatures have been added to the petition, with 50 names signed this week alone.

The motivation behind the petition came out of exasperation, Barber said: As a new mother, she said shes been so careful about what her son eats and puts on his skin, and that concern has extended to what hes now breathing in.

I decided to start this petition out of frustration  being [at Barton Springs] with my new baby and feeling and tasting the air full of aerosol sunscreen, and having him breathe it in and just knowing that this isnt good for him, Barber said.

Barber said shes paired up with environmental specialists behind Hawaiis ban on chemical sunscreens, who found those chemicals  including oxybenzone  were negatively impacting the coral reefs and aquatic life.

And its not just Hawaii tracking those effects: The National Park Service estimates between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of sunscreen wash off people and end up in the ocean each year, with substantial effects on corals, fish and mammals living in the sea.

Not only can it bleach or deform corals, but it can also impair the growth of green algae, an essential part of the food web, the National Park Service reported. The effects can be seen all the way up the food chain, even affecting at-risk species like the Hawaiian green sea turtle or honu.

Barber said shes been in contact with the City of Austins Parks and Recreation Department and its aquatic division. A PARD spokesperson confirmed to KXAN that the department does provide its staff with non-aerosol sunscreen sans oxybenzone.

BARTON SPRINGS NEWS: Whats the latest on Barton Springs bathhouse construction?

PARD added the department is running an awareness campaign to raise public awareness of proper sunscreen application with online and onsite resources. The spokesperson said visitors to Barton Springs should apply sunscreen before visiting the springs or any pool to allow sufficient absorption into the skin.

While Barber said educational awareness on sunscreen use is important, she added people need to also know the effects of some of these chemicals on their bodies. Shes currently part of an independent research project thats taking water samples and fish samples and sending them back to labs for chemical evaluations. So far, she said theyre showing a higher concentration of oxybenzone and other chemicals.

The biggest issues right now with making this proposal tangible, Barber said, is the enforcement side of a potential ban as well as making alternative products as accessible as possible.

When asked if PARD is considering any implementation of an aerosol sunscreen ban, the department spokesperson confirmed thats ultimately under council jurisdiction.

Austin Parks and Recreation Department appreciates community input, the emailed statement read in part. However, there are established civic procedures for recommendations from Austin residents. Initiatives such as this petition should be directed to the City of Austin City Council for potential action.

Barber said shell continually provide updates on her research projects findings to the petition page, adding she hopes potential changes at natural springs like Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool could serve as a template for more Austin and Texas sites down the road.

[Barton Springs has] just always been a really special place to me. I think of it as the soul of Austin, she said. And I think its why our city is where it is. Its been a gathering point around this water  so it means a lot to me.

Those interested can learn more about the petition online.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
VIENTIANE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith here on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said China and Laos share a river and a common future, and a high degree of mutual trust and mutual assistance are thus the distinctive features of the China-Laos community with a shared future.

Under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries, Wang said, the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future has achieved fruitful results, which is in line with the aspiration of both peoples and the trend of the times.

China has always prioritized the development of China-Laos relations in its neighborhood diplomacy and supported Laos in taking the path of socialism which suits its national conditions, and in promoting the cause of innovation and opening-up, Wang said.

He noted that China is willing to work with Laos to deepen strategic mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, share development opportunities and work hand in hand towards modernization.

China is willing to introduce the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the new measures to further deepen reforms comprehensively, share reform and development experiences in a timely manner, jointly improve the ability of governance, and join hands to promote the cause of socialism, Wang said.

The two sides should implement the action plan for building the community with a shared future signed by the leaders of the two parties and countries, Wang said, adding that based on the construction of the China-Laos Railway, the two sides should give full play to the first-mover advantage, build the China-Laos Economic Corridor, and help Laos enhance its capacity for independent development and achieve economic revitalization.

China will continue to provide all possible support for the economic and social development of Laos, deepen practical cooperation in energy, minerals and other fields, and import more high-quality Lao agricultural products to bring more benefits to the Lao people, said the Chinese foreign minister.

Saleumxay, for his part, said that the successful holding of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC central committee has provided valuable experience for the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to enhance its governing capacity.

He said Laos cherishes the firm friendship with China, firmly supports the building of the Laos-China community with a shared future, and is willing to implement the new version of the action plan, prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges between the two countries, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and work together to combat transnational crime.

The Lao side has implemented a visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists and welcomes more Chinese visitors, he noted.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional cooperation, saying that they will work together to resist the interference and infiltration of external forces, jointly safeguard the ASEAN-centered regional architecture, and jointly promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Wang said China will continue to fully support Laos in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

After the talks, the two sides witnessed the signing of documents on cooperation in education, medical care and other livelihood issues. 
The city and the union representing Austin police officers came closer to finalizing a contract on Wednesday, with both sides showing they are about ready to compromise on most provisions related to police oversight  a key point of contention during this year's negotiations in light of voters increasing oversight last year.

However, a "curveball" at the end of the day could slow things down a bit more.

Going into Wednesday's session, the Austin Police Association had expected to present its wage proposal, which will be the final hurdle to finishing the contract. But that didn't happen after a tense exchange near the end of the day about one final provision related to oversight.

The police union hasn't presented its wage proposals because both sides had to get over the large obstacle of complying with the Austin Police Oversight Act, formerly known as Proposition A, which voters approved last year.

Wednesday's session, which was the first in months, indicated that both sides seem to have found a compromise on how to comply with the ordinance and "protect officer rights," said Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association.

The final complication related to Prop A is related to how officers are questioned by the Office of Police Oversight during an internal affairs investigation, namely the venue where the questioning happens, Bullock said.

He said the city's language, which was added at the last minute, would allow officers to be summoned anywhere and by anyone for questioning, threatening some of their legal rights.

"We're very close," Bullock said. "And just a last-minute curveball kind of derailed things on a provision that we'd already been talking about when we've already removed the barriers to Prop A."

One of the most largely discussed provisions related to the Austin Police Oversight Act was the elimination of the "G-file," a confidential personnel file held by the Police Department for each officer that holds unsubstantiated complaints lodged against officers.

More: A court decision could change police transparency in Austin. Here's what we know.

Last year's ordinance called to get rid of this file. The Austin Police Association worried getting rid of this file would harm officers by releasing those unfounded complaints.

Both sides have agreed there will not be a G-file moving forward and unveiled how that new system will work during Wednesday's session.

Essentially, any materials that are in an officer's G-file before the contract is signed will not be releasable to the public. However, G-file materials filed after the contract is ratified will be open to the public.

Understanding the entirety of what both sides agreed to on Wednesday was complicated by the fact that the city and the union are not sharing draft versions of the contract as they've done in previous years.

However, once both sides have an agreed-upon contract, a draft version will be shared with the public before it's ratified by the Austin City Council.

The city and the union first returned to the table to work on a long-term contract in March. They have been without a long-term contract for over a year.

Negotiations also come as the Police Department continues to face high vacancies. Currently, the department is short about 340 sworn officers. Reaching a long-term contract is seen as a key way to help boost the department's recruitment and help with retention.

The city and association are set to meet again next week on July 31.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin police union, city back at bargaining table after months hiatus
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday the joint Chinese and Russian aircraft flight near Alaskan airspace a day earlier was the first time the U.S. has detected a joint flight between the two nations.

Austin, speaking at a press conference at the Pentagon, said it was not a surprise to detect the Russian and Chinese aircraft because forces had extensively tracked and monitored the flight, but he noted that it was unprecedented.

This is the first time that weve seen these two countries fly together like that, he said, adding the flight was potentially a test. Theyre always testing us and and thats no surprise to any of us.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said Wednesday it detected two Russian TU-95 and two Chinese H-6 strategic bombers operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, which is an international zone but one where nations seek to identify who is flying in the area.

After detection, U.S. jets intercepted the four Chinese and Russian military aircraft, according to NORAD.

Russias Defense Ministry said the patrol was not directed at other countries and that air crews had practiced cooperation while carrying out an air patrol mission in a new area in the Chukchi Sea, the Bering Sea and the northern part of the Pacific Ocean.

Foreign fighter jets escorted the air group at certain stages of the route. While performing the mission, both countries aircraft acted in strict compliance with international law, the ministry said in a statement shared by Russian state-run news agency TASS. There were no violations of other countries airspace.

Austin said the Chinese and Russian aircraft did not enter U.S. airspace and were at the closest point about 200 miles off the American coast. But the joint flight underscored the growing cooperation between Russia and China.

This is a relationship that we have been concerned about, mostly because were concerned about China providing support to Russias illegal and unnecessary war in Ukraine, said Austin.

China has been accused of supplying nonlethal technology to Russia that Moscow has used to support the war in Ukraine.

Earlier this month, the Western security alliance NATO said in an official communique that China was a decisive enabler of Russias war in Ukraine in the strongest language yet to accuse Beijing.

China and Russia have also conducted joint maritime drills across the globe, including in the Arctic, where the U.S. is pushing to challenge their presence.

Austin said regardless of what message Beijing and Moscow were trying to send, U.S. troops would always be at the ready.

Were going to defend this nation, he said. If there is a challenge or a threat to the United States of America, your troops will be at the ready.

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SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia on Thursday imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on seven Israeli settlers and a youth group it said had been involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The unnamed group was responsible for inciting and perpetrating violence against Palestinians, while the settlers had been involved in beatings, sexual assault and torture and in some cases death, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.

"We call on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to cease its ongoing settlement activity, which only inflames tensions and further undermines stability and prospects for a two-state solution," Wong said in a statement.

The move by the Australian government comes after allies Britain, the United States, Canada and Japan sanctioned some Israeli settlers in response to the violence in the West Bank.

Israel's embassy in Australia said the country condemned violence acts against Palestinian communities.

"Israel is a state of law and will work to bring the extreme minority involved to justice," a spokesperson said in an email.

Violent acts by some Israeli settlers in the West Bank have increased amid Israel's war in Gaza, sparked by an attack on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Oct. 7.

Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank of the Jordan River which Palestinians want as the core of an independent state. It has built Jewish settlements there that most countries deem illegal but Israel disputes this and cites historical and Biblical ties to the land.

Australia considers Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian Territories illegal and an obstacle to peace.

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Michael Perry)
(Bloomberg) -- Australia imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on seven Israelis over settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, joining the US, Japan and others in targeting extremists in the territory.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the Magnitsky-style targeted financial penalties on Thursday. The new measures will also apply to one entity  a youth group responsible for inciting and perpetrating violence, she said.

The individuals sanctioned have been involved in violent attacks, including beatings, sexual assault and torture of Palestinians, resulting in serious injury and in some cases, death, Wong said in a statement.

She called on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to cease ongoing settlement activity, saying it only inflames tensions and further undermines stability and prospects for a two-state solution.

Israels ruling coalition government is the most right-wing in the nations history, and while global attention has been focused on the conflict in the Gaza Strip, settler violence in the West Bank has escalated.

Last week, Israels parliament passed a resolution expressing formal opposition to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, warning that it could serve as a base for terrorist groups.

Australias sanctions follow Japans announcement that it would freeze assets owned by four Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tuesday that violent acts by extremist settlers in the West Bank have risen since Hamass attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

The moves come after US President Joe Biden signed an executive order in February empowering the State Department to penalize those whose threaten peace and stability in the West Bank.

Like many Western nations, Australia has faced growing community divisions over the past year as a result of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Under pressure from Australias Jewish community, the government appointed a special envoy to combat antisemitism in July.

In the same month, Fatima Payman, a Muslim-Australian senator in Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses ruling Labor Party, quit to sit as an independent lawmaker over the governments approach to Israels campaign on Gaza.

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FILE PHOTO: A woman uses a Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller spray without glyphosate in a garden in Ercuis near Paris

By Peter Hobson and Alasdair Pal

CANBERRA (Reuters) - An Australian judge on Thursday dismissed a class action lawsuit claiming Bayer's Roundup weedkiller can cause a type of blood cancer, a ruling the company said it would seek to leverage in similar cases being fought in the United States.

More than 1,000 people had joined the lawsuit, claiming Roundup's active ingredient, glyphosate, caused their non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL).

Justice Michael Lee of Australia's Federal Court said in his ruling he had reviewed three types of scientific studies - epidemiological, animal studies and mechanistic evidence - that looked at the links between glyphosate and lymphoma and was not satisfied there was sufficient evidence that the chemical caused the cancer in humans.

"It is not proven in this proceeding on a balance of probabilities... that throughout the relevant period use of, and or exposure to Roundup products increased an individual's risk of developing NHL," Lee said.

The claimants' law firm, Maurice Blackburn, said it was reviewing the ruling before deciding whether to appeal.

The lead claimant, 41-year-old Kelvin McNickle, said he used Roundup to spray weeds for over two decades on his family's property and while working for a vegetation management company. He developed non-Hodgkins lymphoma aged 35.

Bayer, a German chemicals and pharmaceuticals company, has long maintained that Roundup and glyphosate are safe. It has been battling lawsuits over Roundup in the United States since it bought the product's owner Monsanto in 2018. It still faces more than 50,000 outstanding Roundup claims there.

It has prevailed in 14 of the last 20 U.S. trials but racked up a string of losses in late 2023 and early 2024, with more than $4 billion in damages awarded. Some of the amounts awarded have since been reduced but the string of wins for plaintiffs shattered investor and company hopes that the worst of the Roundup litigation was over.

Unlike the U.S., class actions in Australia are not decided by a jury.

Bayer spokesman Philipp Blank said that while said the Australian and U.S. judicial systems were very different, "we will of course try to leverage the conclusion of the very science-based approach from the Australian legal system in the litigation in the U.S."

The class action brought by Maurice Blackburn against Bayer subsidiaries is one of around 40 similar cases that have been filed outside the United States, most of them in Canada.

Some farmers in Australia had worried that if the court had ruled glyphosate could cause lymphoma, it could lead to stricter regulation and restrict its use.

The National Farmers Federation said in a statement that the country's farmers had put their faith in the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority to ensure the safety of products they use and that Thursday's ruling had reinforced that the regulator was doing its job.

"This is a win for Australian farmers," said Warren Inwood, a Bayer executive in Australia.

Roundup has been in use around the world since the 1970s.

The product has been under scrutiny since the World Health Organization's cancer research agency concluded in 2015 that glyphosate was probably carcinogenic to humans, though without concluding whether it posed a risk in real-world use.

Bayer has replaced glyphosate with new active ingredients in its products for household use in the United States to reduce the risk of litigation as most claims have come from home users.

It continues to sell glyphosate-based weedkillers to farmers, who rely on it heavily.

(Reporting by Peter Hobson in Canberra and Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
Australian surfers leg washes up on beach after shark attack, could be reattached

A professional surfer who appeared to have lost his leg in a great white shark attack caught a lucky break when his limb washed ashore and was put on ice.

Doctors hope they can reattach Kai McKenzies severed appendage at the southeast Australian trauma center where the 23-year-old surfer was taken after Tuesdays attack, according to the BBC.

McKenzie was riding the waves off the shores of New South Wales when a 10-foot-long shark nearly took his life. He was able to make it back to the beach where a retired police officer reportedly used a dogs leash as a tourniquet to keep the badly injured surfer from bleeding to death.

Citing local reports, the BBC said McKenzie had only recently resumed surfing following a serious neck injury.

A GoFundMe set up to defray McKenzies medical costs had collected over $122,000 by Wednesday evening.

According to the fundraisers organizer, McKenzie may have gotten in some shots of his own against the apex predator that came after him late Tuesday morning.

He saw the shark approach and was able to fight it off, but suffered a severed right leg, the page reads.

Surfer Today reports authorities encountered multiple sharks in the Port Macquarie area where McKenzie was injured after he was bitten. Theres reportedly been a spike in great white shark activity in that region.

In November, a 44-year-old old father of two lost his leg where McKenzie was attacked.

_____
Austria surprised over pro-Russian former minister being invited to speak at UN Security Council session

The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was surprised to learn that Karin Kneissl, the former head of the department and a guest of the Kremlin propaganda channel RT, had been asked to speak as an expert before the UN Security Council.

Source: Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Claudia Turcher, in a comment to Ukrinform news agency, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On Thursday 25 July, at the initiative of Russia, the UN Security Council should convene for a meeting on the supply of arms to Ukraine, in which the Russian Federation wishes to involve Kneissl as a speaker.

Quote: "It appears that silly season (a term used to characterise a period in the summer when there are usually no major political or social events, thus journalists tend to focus on less significant ones  ed.) reached Russia. Otherwise, it is impossible to explain why a frequent guest on Russia Today and similar programmes appears in the UN Security Council as a so-called expert," the spokeswoman said.

Kneissl is well-known for her pro-Russian beliefs and close ties with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, with whom she danced at her own wedding.

After leaving her role as Austria's Foreign Minister, Kneissl complained about the "witch hunt" and the difficulties she faced when trying to find work at home. Kneissl relocated to France, then to Lebanon, and a few months ago, she landed in Russia to lead a think tank at Saint Petersburg University.

Kneissl began writing for the Russian state-run media outlet RT in 2020. She became a visiting lecturer at Moscow's State Institute of International Relations. Rosneft, the Russian oil behemoth, nominated her to its board of directors in 2021; nevertheless, she resigned in May 2022.

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Tempe police on Thursday identified a woman who died in a house fire last week that resulted from a deadly standoff between the U.S. Marshal's Service and a fugitive.

Teresa Marie Alva, 37, was inside a Tempe residence that went up in flames on July 18 when 35-year-old Matt Walsh fled after exchanging gunfire with various Valley SWAT team members.

Law enforcement officials had initially surrounded the home after finding Walsh, who had barricaded himself inside with at least five other occupants, police said.

Four of the individuals complied with and were detained by police before being released, officials continued. Walsh and an unidentified woman remained inside as SWAT team members "worked diligently to negotiate a peaceful surrender," officials said.

A short time later, Walsh began firing rounds at officers from inside the home, who also returned fire in response, officials said.

According to police, Walsh, who was armed with a handgun, fled the scene and jumped a fence into a neighboring yard. He was struck by police gunfire and later died from his injuries, authorities said.

Soon afterward, officials noticed smoke "billowing from the home" that Walsh had fled, and multiple fire agencies extinguished the flames that engulfed the residence.

After a four-day investigation of the home, officials found Alva's body.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

According to authorities, Walsh, who had "an extensive history of violence," was wanted by Chandler police on warrants for burglary, trafficking in stolen property and felony flight while being on active probation.

The relationship between Walsh and Alva remains unclear. Officials said they continue to investigate the incident.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: woman killed in tempe house fire after fatal police shooting identified
Girls tend to respond to their autism internally, developing anxiety which may appear more like shyness - Liam Tooher

For many decades it was thought that men were very much more likely to be autistic than women. Some studies placed the ratio of autistic males to females as high as 16:1. In the last decade, however, researchers at University College London have shown that the true prevalence is closer to 3:1. Yet women are still often under diagnosed.

This happens for a number of reasons. Boys are more likely to externalise their troubles and be disruptive at school, while girls tend to internalise, developing anxiety which can be read as shyness. The typical core differences  in social communication, understandings and interests  are the same between the genders but manifest in different ways, and our cultural expectations of how boys and girls behave means that the struggles of autistic girls can fly under the radar.

The early skew when it comes to gender began with the worlds first ever study of autism, published in 1943. The American psychiatrist Dr Leo Kanner identified 11 children, three girls and eight boys who he described as all having a powerful desire for sameness and a resistance to unexpected change. It made history around the world, but the assumptions about gender stuck.

For a very long time, people only really thought that autism occurred in boys, says Dr Rachel Moseley, an autism researcher at Bournemouth University, who herself is autistic and was only diagnosed in adulthood. Although there were sporadic cases where we saw autism in girls, they were seen almost as one-offs.

But as our understanding of autism has grown, researchers and doctors have begun to realise that the neurological differences which underpin autism manifest quite differently between the sexes, with many autistic women going undiagnosed.

This is gradually changing, according to experts. Prof William Mandy, a neurodevelopmental researcher at UCL who led the 2017 study, says: Its important to stress that there is likely still widespread underdiagnosis of autistic girls and women, but the evidence suggests that in the UK, this tendency is gradually being counteracted.

So why have autistic women slipped beneath the radar and what are the characteristics of autism in females?

Jump to:

Understanding the difference between the sexes when it comes to autism diagnosis

Autism was first given official recognition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the major classification system used by psychiatrists to reach diagnoses, back in 1980. But the original diagnostic criteria were narrow and focused on children under three  a lack of interest in other people, fixations, and language impairments.

In the last four decades, the criteria have widened to encompass difficulties with:

Making friendships

Restricted and repetitive interests

Either verbal or nonverbal communication delays

Dr Moseley says that the clinical descriptions of these traits tend to be more relevant to autistic men, and as a result, many parents, teachers, nurses and practitioners remain largely unaware of what autism tends to look like in women.

The girls who are diagnosed are those who display more obvious differences, more stereotypical male type presentations, she says.

Traits of autism in women

Dr Moseley says that the same core differences in social communication, understandings and interests remain the same between autistic men and women, but they manifest in different ways. Our differing cultural expectations of the genders can also mean that the struggles of autistic girls are more likely to fly under the radar.

As an example, Dr Moseley says that autistic boys are also more likely to externalise their struggles, leading to notably disruptive behaviour at school, while this is more unlikely to be the case with girls. Research has shown that girls tend to respond to their autism internally, developing anxiety which may appear more like shyness.

Its not the case with all autistic girls, but theyre more likely to internalise and be very quiet and nervous which again makes their difficulties less likely to be picked up, she says. Theres a cultural thing here, because a little girl being a bit shy is seen as more normal. So when a little boy is very quiet, withdrawn and excluded from the peer group, its more likely to be flagged.

The same can be true when it comes to the general autistic trait of showing a strong interest in one thing. An autistic boy might be fascinated by tin can artwork or something really unusual for his age and gender, whereas an autistic girl might take an interest in My Little Pony or something expected, says Dr Moseley. But the way they engage with that interest is very different than with a non-autistic girl. They might choose to colour categorise the dolls or collect facts about them.

The brain systems involved in social behaviour also develop more quickly in girls which may enable autistic girls to be better at camouflaging. Research has shown that on average, autistic girls tend to be better than boys at masking their social challenges and mimicking their non-autistic counterparts. They can do this in really varied and ingenious ways, down to the level of the way they speak, how they stand, and how they will kind of try and integrate with their social group, says Dr Moseley. As a result, theyre more likely to be on the fringes of social groups, rather than completely excluded.

Perhaps as a result, autistic women report more challenges relating to a heightened response to sensory stimulation  such as an increased sensitivity to strong smells, textured fabrics, or loud noises  than communication differences.

However, Dr Moseley notes it is also important to stress that these are all generalisations, and autistic characteristics can vary significantly from one individual to another.

Diagnosing autism in women

Prof Mandy explains that there is no blood test or brain scan which can be used to obtain a diagnosis of autism, but instead clinicians reach a diagnosis in three main ways:

Asking questions about a persons experiences collecting information from someone who has known them well throughout infancy, childhood and adolescence making observations about their behaviour

It is ever more common for people, especially in adulthood, to self-identify as autistic based on thinking about their experiences over their lifestyle, he says. In part, this reflects the fact that in the UK, demand for autism assessment is outstripping capacity with many having to wait several years between referral and assessment.

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Impact of late diagnosis on women

Approximately 80 per cent of autistic women remain undiagnosed at age 18, which in turn can have severe consequences for mental health as well as making them more vulnerable to sexual exploitation. One study found that 70 per cent of women in an inpatient eating disorder clinic had undiagnosed autism.

Psychologists have also found that as girls grow older, and their relationships become more complex, autistic girls start to stand out to a greater degree and experience more bullying and social isolation, which also makes them more vulnerable to developing anxiety and depression. Prof Mandy says that common experiences also include being overwhelmed by their sensory environment, and generally having high levels of distress.

When looking at research involving autistic women talking about their lives, theres a common story of girls being left to navigate adolescence and the transition to adulthood without the support and understanding that can come from an autism diagnosis, says Prof Mandy. We now know that a significant minority, perhaps up to 20 per cent of women with anorexia nervosa, are autistic.

Dr Moseley says that having undiagnosed autism can also intensify various life stages which women can already find difficult, such as postpartum pregnancy and the menopause.

Menopause seems to exacerbate a lot of those features of being autistic, because a lot of the features of being autistic really shine out when were stressed or in distress, she says. Anxiety goes through the roof, social differences which were previously being masked become more apparent, so eye contact or processing what other people are saying in real time is more difficult, communicating with others are more difficult. Peoples sensory experiences also change and become more extreme.

Support options

There is some support available to autistic people including:

However, says Prof Mandy, this is not enough.

Broadly [support] needs to be directed at improving the fit between the autistic person and their environment, he says. After all, autistic people tend to live in a world that was built by and for the non-autistic majority, so they often exist in environments that are unaccommodating or even downright hostile.

Because the label of autism can also carry a significant amount of stigma, Dr Moseley says that it is extremely important to help autistic women and indeed any autistic person, develop a positive sense of identity.

So very often we grow up with this perception if were diagnosed with autism that were disordered, different or damaged, and studies are showing now that strength-based approaches are really important. Helping autistic young people and also adults to identify their strengths, where they can fit in, in the world and really helping them to build those things as a point of self-worth.

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BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A British newspaper published a report on Sunday claiming that hundreds of millions of homes in China are either empty or incomplete. However, the photo it used as evidence actually showcases the vitality of the Chinese economy.

Photo and caption included in the Sunday Times story.

The Sunday Times article, authored by Ian Williams, features a photo of a construction site in China, with the caption "A building frenzy has left China littered with ghost cities stuffed with empty or incomplete homes like these in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province."

However, what's in the picture has nothing to do with the author's message. Upon inspection, the photo was taken above a construction site of a MiXC mall in the city of Huai'an in east China's Jiangsu Province. Local government sources informed Xinhua that construction of the mall began in September 2023, and is expected to be completed by 2025.

The words MiXC mall are plastered on the side of the project, as shown in this July 24 picture.

"Construction of the mall has been smooth and we are planning a roof-capping ceremony soon," the sources said.

The latest pictures taken at the construction site show visible progress in construction since the original picture was taken. Workers can also be seen working at the site.

Picture taken on July 24 from a similar angle to the Sunday Times story shows the visible progress of the project.

With a total investment of 1.5 billion yuan (about 210 million U.S. dollars), the shopping complex is expected to create over 3,000 jobs and generate 1 billion yuan (140 million dollars) in annual retail sales income, highlighting the vibrancy side of the Chinese economy.

Photo taken on July 24 shows dozens of workers working on the construction site.

Without fact-checking, the Sunday Times mistook the mall as a residential home project and hinted that it has run into problems. The newspaper has so far not responded to Xinhua's email inquiring about the mistake.
DENVER (KDVR)  A grocery store in Buena Vista will soon have a new way for customers to buy ammunition.

Its almost like a vending machine, but a bit more sophisticated, according to American Rounds CEO Grant Magers. A 2,000-pound automated retail machine, equipped with double steel walls, ID scanners and facial ID recognition technology, will accept credit card payments in exchange for ammunition.

Polis signs bill to assign firearm code to gun, ammo purchases

There are a few machines currently up and running in Texas, Alabama and Oklahoma. Magers told FOX31 that Colorado was one of the top three states with the most requests for the machines from both consumers and retailers, and the first machine in the Centennial State will be available for customers to use by the end of July.

The Associated Press reports that the convenience of the ammo retail machines has sparked concern among advocates who worry that selling bullets from retail machines will lead to more gun violence.

Milk, eggs and now bullets for sale in handful of US grocery stores with ammo vending machines

However, Magers said the goal was to create a safe and convenient way to purchase ammo, and said the system is just as secure or more secure than other methods of sale.

We believe its going to reduce tragedy and still maintain the integrity of the Second Amendment, Magers said. We have to look at the context of how ammunition is sold currently against what were doing.

He claimed that ammo is often available on the shelves of big box retailers, and because of that, it is a high theft item.

I found an open box, I mean completely open, package of AR-15 rounds just sitting on the shelf, and theres not a customer service person within eyeshot anywhere. And I was like, I could take this, I could dump it in my pocket, I could walk out, nobody would know, he said. That kind of led to this, Wait a minute, theres something really unique here that we could improve from a community safety standpoint.

Ammunition is also sold online, which Magers said is particularly troubling because it may not require age verification.

Right now, you can go to any number of ammo retailers online, and I can be a 14-year-old at home with my dads credit card and I can have a thousand rounds shipped to the house. Theres no possible way to verify the age requirement, he said.

Colorado children committing fewer, more violent crimes: report

For the most part, a person must be 18 or older to buy a shotgun or rifle legally, and 21 to buy a handgun, which is the case for Colorado gun laws. However, the American Rounds ammo retail machines require all buyers to be at least 21.

We believe 21 across the board is, you know, a better age bracket for personal ammunition, he said.

The machine makes sure that the buyers ID is authentic and takes a 3D face scan to ensure that the ID matches the buyer. If the verification fails, the transaction is canceled.

Survey: Gun violence becoming normalized for some Denver students

The machines, Magers said, are positioned toward the front of the store where there are plenty of people around. The company also requires the grocery stores to have security cameras near the machine.

Other safety measures American Rounds is taking include restricted access  store workers will not have keys to access the inside of the machines, only American Rounds staff will have access. Additionally, buyers cannot purchase excessive amounts of ammo from the machines.

We dont have a limit on what they can purchase from the machine because theres not that much in there, Magers said. We dont put thousands upon thousands of rounds in the machine like youll see on a retailer shelf, or what you can buy with a keystroke on the internet.

WATCH: Tips for talking to kids about gun violence

Another thing Magers said some people have raised concern about is whether ammo should be sold in a grocery store rather than a sporting goods or gun store. He noted that it is not wildly different from how it is already being sold.

Walmart still sells ammo in over 2,000 stores. Walmart sells milk, eggs, baby formula diapers, all the groceries. So we have to really look at things in an accurate context to understand, for people to understand what were doing is an improvement in terms of safety, he said.

Right now, he said the company is focused on making ammo sales more secure while still being available to legal, responsible gun owners, particularly in rural areas where there might not be a sporting goods store available.

Theres this thought that were just going to place these in every possible location that exists, and ammo is just going to be everywhere you go, Magers said, As the leader of this company, that is not the intention.

Eventually, Magers estimates that the machines will be available in about 40 states, however, it will take some time as the company does research and speaks to store managers before considering installing a new machine.

As for Colorado, Magers could only confirm the one machine, which will open at the Buena Vista location of LaGrees Food Stores by the end of the month.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
DENVER (KDVR)  The race for the White House continues to heat up with the announcement that Vice President Kamala Harris will now step in for President Joe Biden to face off against former President Donald Trump.

Voters are receiving an onslaught of text messages asking for donations.

I probably get 15 text messages a day, one Denver resident told FOX31.

Around 200K signatures submitted for property tax initiative

While not all text messages sent from political parties are scams, others are nothing more than ploys to trick passionate voters into providing personal information and money to criminals.

Companies own and sell your information

Cyber security expert Mitch Tanenbaum of Cybercecurity told the FOX31 Problem Solvers that companies get access to cell phone numbers because of information shared online.

People have shared their phone numbers with a whole bunch of different companies, and those companies sell the numbers, he said.

Tanenbaum told FOX31 that data brokers have 2,500 different pieces of information on more than 200 million Americans, including age, level of education, what kind of car they drive and income.

Family warns others after their cat tests positive for tularemia

Scammers prefer to use text messages because of the lack of security features offered by email. Tanenbaum warns anyone receiving donation texts not to click on links.

If you dont respond to these text messages that you get then they will eventually start falling off, because they dont get any lift out of it, he said.

Tanenbaum told the Problem Solvers that the simple solution to protect yourself is to go to the chosen candidates approved campaign website or your political partys website and find donation information 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 FOX31 Denver.
A B-1B Lancer bomber crashed while landing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, on Jan. 4, skidding 5,000 feet across the runway and bursting into flames. (Air Force)

The crew of a B-1B Lancer that crashed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in January failed to properly manage the bombers airspeed and angle of approach while landing, a scathing accident investigation board report found.

The investigation, which Air Force Global Strike Command released on July 25, also found that poor weather conditions, a lack of discipline, poor resource management and communication, and an organizational culture that tolerated decaying airmanship skills were among the other factors contributing to the Jan. 4 crash.

The report, signed by accident investigation board president Col. Erick Lord, criticized the 34th Bomb Squadrons alleged lack of effective supervision of flying operations, and the 28th Operations Support Squadrons alleged failure to communicate airfield and weather conditions, which all speak to culture and leadership issues. Investigators also said they found unsatisfactory levels of basic airmanship at the 34th.

Many failures leading to this mishap were not a one-time occurrence or an aberration, the report concluded. The mishap occurred due to numerous factors, including a culture of noncompliance, widespread deviation from established policy and procedure, and several organizational influences and preconditions.

Global Strike said the chain of command will take the appropriate corrective actions to address the problems highlighted in the report.

Ellsworth AFB reopens runway following B-1 crash

The four members of the bombers air crew ejected during the crash; two sustained injuries and were treated and released from a medical facility.

Fire engulfed the $451 million B-1 bomber, which was assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth, and it was a total loss.

The B-1 bomber was one of two that took part in a routine training flight that began the afternoon of Jan. 4. Winds were calm when the pair of bombers took off, but during the roughly 90-minute flight, the weather worsened and dense fog began rolling across the airfield. The bombers cut their training flights short and headed back to the base.

The first bomber landed safely. But the fog left the crew of the doomed B-1 with low visibility as it approached the airfield, the report said, and the winds rapidly shifted during the flights final minute, speeding the bomber up. The pilot reduced the engine throttle three times to cut the bombers airspeed and stay on the right angle.

But when the wind stabilized, the report said the pilot didnt dial the throttle back up to return the bomber to the right airspeed. The bomber dropped below its intended glide path and became thrust deficient, but the air crew didnt realize the bombers vertical velocity had dropped before it became unrecoverable.

Four seconds before the crash, the instructor pilot on board called out climb, climb, climb, and then two seconds later repeated climb. The report said the data suggests that after the instructors final call to climb, the pilot hit the afterburners and pulled the control stick back, but by that point the bomber was unrecoverable and out of control.

The bomber first hit the ground about 100 feet shy of the runway overrun, and the crew compartment lost power and went dark. The crew then ejected. The bomber skidded for about 5,000 feet across the runway, veering to the left, before coming to a flaming halt in an infield between two runways.

The report found that the main cause of the crash was the crews lack of an effective composite crosscheck, a practice which brings together various instruments to keep track of how the aircraft is performing in a low-visibility environment. Had an effective crosscheck been performed, investigators found, the crew should have been able to tell the planes speed was dropping dangerously.

The [mishap crew] succumbed to complacency and fixation, while the [mishap instructor pilot] was ineffective in his crew leadership and instructor supervision duties, the report concluded.

Poor weather conditions  including icing conditions during the descent phase  and a lack of awareness of airfield conditions substantially contributed to the crash, investigators found.

The report said investigators did not find any maintenance issues contributed to the crash.

The loss of the bomber represented another blow to an already dwindling B-1 fleet, which now numbers 44.

The B-1, a conventional bomber that is not nuclear-capable, was flown extremely hard during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the fleet has suffered from serious maintenance problems as a result.

The Air Force retired 17 of the oldest and most worn-out B-1s in 2021 in an attempt to free up resources to maintain healthier planes, leaving it with 45. The service hopes to keep flying them, along with the B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress, until the B-21 Raider comes online. At some point in the 2030s, the Air Force plans to retire all its B-1s and B-2s.

Ellsworth halted B-1 operations the day after the crash and closed its runway for a month. Some Ellsworth B-1s were sent to Dyess Air Force Base in Texas during the investigation.

During that period, Ellsworth B-1s that had temporarily relocated to Dyess took part in strikes against Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria after drone strikes killed three U.S. troops and wounded dozens more.
Across metro Atlanta and north Georgia, students are getting ready to head back to the classroom.

Chattooga County is the first district to head back on Friday, July 26.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2 Action News is checking with districts across north Georgia to make sure theyre fully staffed and ready for kids to come back.

Here are the current number of open positions for teachers and paraprofessionals that several districts have.

MORE BACK 2 SCHOOL:

Note: This list will be updated as Channel 2 Action News receives more information.

Atlanta Public Schools

Earlier this week, Atlanta Public Schools officials reported that they would start the school year on Thursday, August 1 with no teacher openings.

Banks County Schools

Banks County School District spokespeople say they are fully staffed and ready to welcome students for the first day on Thursday, August 1.

Carroll County Schools

In Carroll County, school district officials say there are three special education teacher and three paraprofessional openings. School starts back on Friday, August 2.

Carrollton City Schools

A spokesperson for Carrollton City Schools says they dont have any open positions for teachers or paraprofessionals. Theyll welcome students back on Monday, August 12.

Cherokee County Schools

Spokespeople with the Cherokee County School District say 99.8% of their teacher positions are filled with fewer than 10 vacancies. They also have fewer than 10 vacancies for paraprofessionals, meaning 97.8% of those positions are filled. Their first day of school is Thursday, August 1.

Clarke County Schools

Clarke County School District officials say there are 12 teacher and 12 paraprofessional positions open. Theyll have students back at school on Thursday, August 1.

Clayton County Schools

On Wednesday, Clayton County Public Schools reported having 244 vacancies across the district. They held a hiring fair for teachers on Wednesday afternoon where they say many candidates were recommended for hiring. They went on to say that all of their classrooms will be staffed when school starts on Thursday, August 1.

Commerce City Schools

District officials say they are fully staffed and ready to have kids back in the classroom on Friday, August 2.

Dawson County Schools

Every Dawson County School District classroom has a teacher, and they have just one paraprofessional position open in the county. The first day of school is Friday, August 2.

City Schools of Decatur

Over in the City of Decatur, school officials say theyve got all of the paraprofessionals they need, but theyve got two special education teacher vacancies. They start school on Tuesday, July 30.

DeKalb County Schools

One of the larger school districts on this list, DeKalb County School District officials report 186 teacher openings and 123 paraprofessional openings. But spokespeople say that figure is being reduced continuously by our amazing HR staff. The first day of school is Monday, August 5.

Fayette County Schools

Spokespeople with the Fayette County School District say they currently have seven teacher positions and 11 paraprofessional positions. The first day of school is Monday, August 5.

Floyd County Schools

In Floyd County, spokespeople say they have one teacher position and two paraprofessional positions open. The first day of school is Thursday, August 1.

Fulton County Schools

Fulton County School District officials say they have 68 general education teacher positions and 23 special education positions open, but because of the districts size, that means they are 99% staffed. Students will be back in class on Monday, August 5.

Griffin-Spalding County Schools

The Griffin-Spalding County School System says there are currently 24 teacher and paraprofessional openings across the district, which they say is in line with recent years. Their students head back to school on Monday, August 5.

Gwinnett County Schools

In the states largest school district, spokespeople reported having 20 open teacher positions and 122 open paraprofessional positions. Theyre heading back to class on Monday, August 5.

Habersham County Schools

Habersham County Schools says theyve filled all of their teacher positions and have three open paraprofessional positions. Students will come back to class on Friday, August 2.

Hall County Schools

Hall County spokespeople say theyve got 10 teacher positions and 13 paraprofessional positions open. Their first day of school is Friday, August 2.

Henry County Schools

Spokespeople with Henry County Schools say they have 98% of their teacher positions filled with 65 open teacher positions and 36 open paraprofessional positions. They expect theyll have every classroom staffed by the time students come back on Thursday, August 1.

Jackson County Schools

The Jackson County School District says theyre fully staffed and ready to welcome back students on Thursday, August 1.

Jasper County Schools

Jasper County School District officials say they have three teacher positions and one paraprofessional position open. Students will be back in school on Wednesday, August 7.

Meriwether County Schools

In Meriwether County, district spokespeople say there are five open positions. Their first day of school is Friday, August 9.

Pickens County Schools

In Pickens County, school district officials say theres just one vacancy. Theyll welcome students back on Thursday, August 1.

Rabun County Schools

Officials with the Rabun County School District say they are looking for one high school science teacher and three paraprofessionals. The first day of school is Tuesday, August 6.

White County Schools

Over in White County, school district spokespeople say theyre looking for just one paraprofessional. Students head back to class on Friday, August 2.

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Back to school 2024: Organizations giving out free school supplies in Oklahoma City

As the school year ramps back up, several organizations across Oklahoma City are giving away free school supplies to families in the area.

Here's where to find free school supplies in Oklahoma City:

More: Oklahoma's annual tax free weekend begins soon

The Urban Mission's Back-to-School program

The Urban Mission's Back-to-School program will be held on Aug. 28 from 9-11 a.m. at 3737 N Portland Ave.

Families need an ID for each child to receive premade bags of supplies.

Project 66 Back to School Bash

Project 66 in Edmond will give away free backpacks with school supplies at its Back to School Bash on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The event will be located at the First Christian Church in Edmond at 201 E. 2nd St.

Citizens Caring for Children's Back2School program

Foster children are paired with volunteers to pick out back-to-school outfits and school supplies at the Back2School event hosted by Citizens Caring for Children.

Located at 730 W Wilshire Blvd. #112, the event will be held on July 27 and July 29-30.

Register your foster children at cccokc.org/programs/back2school/.

Fiesta Friday Back to School Bash

Calle Dos Cinco in Historic Capitol Hill will host the Fiesta Friday Back to School Bash on Aug. 16 from 7-10 p.m. on 25th Street in Oklahoma City.

The event features back to school giveaways, live music, vendors and food trucks.

The Bethel Foundation's Back to School program

The Bethel Foundation in Oklahoma City is giving out free school supplies. To receive items for your child, email bethelfoundation@coxinet.net with the following information:

Child proof of enrollment

List of supplies needed

Date of when school starts

Name and contact of parent/guardian.

The local charity is located at 13003 N. Western Ave

Urban League of Greater Oklahoma's Back to School Bash

The Urban League of Greater Oklahoma will host its drive through Back to School Bash on August 10 from 8-10 a.m.

On July 26, the organization will post a link to its Facebook page for parents and guardians to register up to two children for the event.

The organization is located at 3900 N Martin Luther King Ave.

For more information, visit the Urban League's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/UrbanLeagueOK.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Free school supplies in OKC: Organizations host back to school events
Bacteria prompts swimming ban in part of Virginia Beach Oceanfront more state headlines

The state Capitol. (Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)

 Virginia Attorney General asks SCOTUS to block new EPA power plant regulations.WAVY

 Many Virginia stores still selling illegal hemp products, over $10 million in fines issued in the last year.WRIC

 In Giles County, officials hope to breathe new life into an old coal power plant.Cardinal News

 Richmond jail still operating under COVID rules, limiting family and lawyer access to inmates, attorney says.WTVR

 Swimming prohibited in prominent part of Virginia Beach Oceanfront due to bacteria.Virginian-Pilot

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
The largest study into the real-world consequences of giving people an extra $1,000 per month, with no strings attached, has found that those individuals generally worked less, earned less, and engaged in more leisure time activities.

It's a result that seems to undercut some of the arguments for universal basic income (UBI), which advocates say would help lower- and middle-class Americans become more productive. The idea is that a UBI would reduce the financial uncertainty that might keep some people from pursuing new careers or entrepreneurial opportunities. Andrew Yang, the businessman and one-time Democratic presidential candidate who popularized the idea during his 2020 primary campaign, believes that a $1,000 monthly UBI would "enable all Americans to pay their bills, educate themselves, start businesses, be more creative, stay healthy, relocate for work, spend time with their children, take care of loved ones, and have a real stake in the future."

In theory, that sounds great. In reality, that's not what most people do, according to a working paper published this month.

The five researchers who published the paper tracked 1,000 people in Illinois and Texas over three years who were given $1,000 monthly gifts from a nonprofit that funded the study. The average household income for the study's participants was about $29,000 in 2019, so the monthly payments amounted to about a 40 percent increase in their income.

Relative to a control group of 2,000 people who received just $50 per month, the participants in the UBI group were less productive and no more likely to pursue better jobs or start businesses, the researchers found. They also reported "no significant effects on investments in human capital" due to the monthly payments.

Participants receiving the $1,000 monthly payments saw their income fall by about $1,500 per year (excluding the UBI payments), due to a two percentage point decrease in labor market participation and the fact that participants worked about 1.3 hours less per week than the members of the control group.

"You can think of total household income, excluding the transfers, as falling by more than 20 cents for every $1 received," wrote Eva Vivalt, a University of Toronto economist who co-authored the study, in a post on X. "This is a pretty substantial effect."

But if those people are working less, the important question to ask is how they spent the extra timetime that was, effectively, purchased by the transfer payments.

Participants in the study generally did not use the extra time to seek new or better jobseven though younger participants were slightly more likely to pursue additional education. There was no clear indication that the participants in the study were more likely to take the risk of starting a new business, although Vivalt points out that there was a significant uptick in "precursors" to entrepreneurialism. Instead, the largest increases were in categories that the researchers termed social and solo leisure activities.

Some advocates for UBI might argue that the study shows participants were better off, despite the decline in working hours and earnings. Indeed, maybe that's the whole point?

"While decreased labor market participation is generally characterized negatively, policymakers should take into account the fact that recipients have demonstratedby their own choicesthat time away from work is something they prize highly," the researchers note in the paper's conclusion.

If you give someone $1,000 a month so they have more flexibility to live as they choose, there's nothing wrong with the fact that most people will choose leisure over harder work.

"So, free time is good [and] guaranteed income recipients use some of the money to free up time," argued Damon Jones, a professor at the University of Chicago's school of public policy, on X. "The results are bad if you want low-income people to be doing other things with their time, for example working."

Of course, if the money being used to fund a UBI program was simply falling from the sky, policy makers would have no reason to care about things like labor market effects and potential declines in productivity. If a program like this is costless, then the only goal is to see as many individuals self-actualize as much as possible. One person wants to learn new skills or start a business? Great! Others want to play video games all day? Awesome.

In reality, however, a UBI program is not costless and policy makers deciding whether to implement one must decide if the benefits will be worth the high price tagYang's proposal for a national UBI, for example, is estimated to cost $2.8 trillion annually.

That's why a study like this one matters, and why it's so potentially damaging to the case for a UBI. A welfare programwhich is ultimately what this isthat encourages people to work less and earn less is not a successful public policy. Taxpayers should not be expected to fund an increase in individuals' leisure time, regardless of the mechanism used to achieve it.

In theory, substituting a UBI in place of the myriad, overlapping, and often inefficient welfare systems operated by the federal and state governments is an intriguing idea. In practice, this new study suggests those tradeoffs might not be as desirable.

The post Bad News for Universal Basic Income appeared first on Reason.com.
Baden-Wurttemberg to be first German state using AI in administration

Minister of the Interior of Baden-Wuuerttemberg Thomas Strobl speaks at the presentation of the new AI assistance system to reduce the workload in public administration. Bernd Weibrod/dpa

The western German state of Baden-Wurttemberg will be the first in Germany to use an AI system to alleviate the burden on staff and ease citizens' access to administrative services, the organization behind the initiative announced on Thursday.

The system, F13, was developed primarily by the Heidelberg-based AI start-up Aleph Alpha, which has been touted as a German response to OpenAI's ChatGPT, though aimed at government, administration and industry in particular.

F13 is to be made available for use by other public administrations in Germany from September, GovTech Campus Deutschland said. The organization is a public/private partnership to produce and advance innovative technologies in the public sector.

Baden-Wurttemberg's Interior Minister Thomas Strobl said that with F13, documents could be analysed more quickly, applications processed automatically and complex data evaluated efficiently.

He said it was important that the AI technologies being used adhere to ethical principles. "We are not relying on China or America; instead, we are finding our own European way," he said.

Data protection

The service will be operated on computers in Germany, ensuring that sensitive data is not sent overseas but processed domestically. The hosting service provider is the company STACKIT, which belongs to the Schwarz Group - the owner of retail giants Lidl and Kaufland.

Last November, the Schwarz Group, together with the Bosch Group and venture capital firm Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI), announced an investment of 500 million ($542 million) in Aleph Alpha.

Jonas Andrulis, chief executive of Aleph Alpha, said F13 fulfilled the promise of sovereign AI.

"Citizens can rely on compliance with the highest data protection standards and public sector experts nationwide can count on comprehensible results," Andrulis said. This would "allow more time for people's concerns."

Data protection concerns are particularly acute in Germany, largely due to the once divided country's history of state surveillance.

F13 was initially trained with publicly accessible data such as state legislative documents and press releases. In future, however, the system is also to learn from internal administration documents.

Wake-up call

Florian Stegmann, the head of the Baden-Wurttemberg state chancellery, said the system offered a tangible benefit to state administrators.

"F13 was a wake-up call. After the hype surrounding the ChatGPT chatbot from OpenAI, we have shown that AI technology can be adapted for the administration," Stegmann said.

Initial enthusiasm around Aleph Alpha had cooled significantly, partly due to the revelation that the company had only achieved a turnover of just under 1 million ($1.08 million) last year.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks during a press conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp after their meeting at the Federal Foreign Office. Soeren Stache/dpa

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Thursday rejected a report that Pakistani agents have been able to enter Germany through a visa scheme for Afghans.

On a visit to the Flensburger Fahrzeugbau (FFG) defence company in the northern German city of Flensburg, Baerbock said all potential applicants are subjected to thorough security checks.

Baerbock was responding to a question following a report from the Cicero magazine, which said the German embassy in Pakistan's capital Islamabad had warned of the programme being exploited.

One case involving a family of seven people allegedly from Afghanistan who arrived in Germany is believed to have been "orchestrated by Pakistani authorities," the magazine said, quoting a German Foreign Office document.

Five of the alleged family members are reportedly still living in Germany, while the father, who claimed to have worked as a hairdresser for the Australian military, and one of his alleged sons are said to have had their visas cancelled.

Baerbock said visa procedures are carried out "according to law and order," with the Interior and Foreign Ministries cooperating with security authorities, who are tasked with reviewing the situation at important embassies.
Baja considering office to prosecute crimes against tourists in Tijuana region

SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  The state of Baja California is considering a proposal to create an office that would prosecute people accused of committing crimes against tourists, including police officers.

The idea was brought up by Tijuanas Chamber of Commerce for Tourism and Conventions.

Its director, Julian Palombo Saucedo, says one of the reasons visitors have stopped coming to Tijuana and the coastal areas in Northern Baja, is the fear people have of police officers and having to pay bribes when they get pulled over.

Tourism in Tijuana significantly down this year

We need to create a special unit within the Attorney Generals Office specializing in this type of crime against tourists, he said. This branch would investigate and follow complaints from tourists who mightve been victims of extortion, assault or injured in a traffic accident.

Palombo Saucedo stated visitors could also pursue cases against businesses for fraud.

These instances greatly affect and hinder visits to our region, he said. This division would conduct investigations and follow up even without visitors present, they would be kept abreast of their complaints.

Earlier this week, the first ever tourist safety roundtable was held in Tijuana and was attended by business leaders, police officials, the Baja California Attorney Generals Office and the states secretary of tourism.

All agree the idea merits consideration as a way to offer tourists, including Mexican nationals, peace of mind and safety during their visits to our regions, Palombo Saucedo said.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

The idea is not imminent as it would require lawmakers to change bylaws and statutes to the states constitution.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JAKARTA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo launched the Golden Visa Indonesia program on Thursday, aimed at simplifying the process for foreigners seeking residence permits to invest and work in Indonesia.

In his remarks at the launching ceremony in Jakarta, Widodo said the Golden Visa would allow more good quality travelers to invest and be productive while staying in the Southeast Asian country.

"Indonesia should be a promising investment destination, a destination for global talents to work. The Golden Visa will provide a huge multiplier effect for the country, starting from capital gains, employment opportunities, technology transfers, to improvement of the quality of human resources," he said, adding that the special visa should be only granted to selected applicants.

The Golden Visa offers exclusive benefits to its holders, akin to a second home visa. These advantages include extended stay periods, streamlined entry and exit procedures, and efficiency by eliminating the need for a Limited Stay Visa application at immigration offices. Eligible recipients encompass international investors, businesspeople, global talents, and certain overseas travelers.

Foreign investors meeting specific investment criteria can obtain a residence permit in Indonesia for five to 10 years through the Golden Visa program.

Widodo emphasized the importance of selecting applicants carefully, ensuring that only those with proven contributions receive this special visa. State security and national benefits remain paramount considerations in the selection process. 
Editors Note: This story has been updated to include information from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Ballad Health says it is caring for more than a dozen residents affected by the sudden closure of an area assisted living facility.

In a statement Wednesday night, Ballad did not name the facility but said it was caring for 15 of the 18 residents affected by the closure.

The health system confirmed that the assisted living facility was not a Ballad-owned facility.

According to Ballad, the closure of the facility came with no warning from the state.

Endangered Child Alert issued for Kingsport 11-month-old

Upon notice of the closure, and given the needs of the residents, Ballad Healths Clinical Command Center worked with emergency medical services in Carter, Johnson and Washington counties; the Region One Coalition of local health departments and emergency medical services; and volunteer services associated with the Johnson County Senior Center to promptly transfer and care for patients, the health system said in the statement.

Ballad Health said the affected residents are being cared for at several hospitals, including Johnson County Community Hospital, Sycamore Shoals Hospital, Franklin Woods Community Hospital and Johnson City Medical Center.

A decision by the state to close this facility put an unexpected burden on these seniors, and Ballad Health is grateful for the partnership between our team and the local communities that worked with us to ensure these wonderful people have a safe place to sleep tonight, Ballad said.

Man lands record cutthroat trout near Boone Dam

The health system said the families of affected residents can contact the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for more information.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed to News Channel 11 that agents were at a facility in Johnson County as part of an active and ongoing investigation.

News Channel 11 has reached out to the state for more information.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Bangladesh says it forgot to remove UN logos from vehicles as it contained unrest

FILE PHOTO: Members of Bangladesh Army gesture as they patrol in an armoured vehicle on the second-day of curfew, in Dhaka

By Ruma Paul and Shivam Patel

DHAKA/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Bangladesh has said that it forgot to remove U.N. markings from vehicles during an army-enforced curfew to contain deadly violence that spread across the country last week and killed nearly 150 people.

The United Nations said it has sought a response from authorities in the capital Dhaka after footage filmed by Reuters journalists on Sunday showed what appeared to be an armoured personnel vehicle marked with the letters 'UN'.

The vehicle was carrying gun-bearing soldiers on a street in Dhaka, which last week saw days of deadly clashes as security forces cracked down on student-led protests against reservation quotas in government jobs.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters on Wednesday that some vehicles had been "rented to the UN peace mission".

"We forgot to remove the logo. Now the logos have been removed," he added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government had suspended internet services and called in the army to enforce a curfew from midnight on Saturday.

The students were agitating because a high court last month overturned a decision by Hasina's government to scrap 56% quotas in government jobs, reinstating them during an unemployment crisis in the country.

But the protests stopped after the Supreme Court on Sunday ruled in favour of an appeal from the government and scrapped most quotas, directing that 93% of jobs should be open to competition.

The United Nations, international rights groups, the U.S. and Britain were among those who criticised the use of force against the protesters and asked Dhaka to uphold the right to peaceful protests.

"We have raised our concern about the situation in Bangladesh with relevant authorities in Dhaka and New York and also sought clarity regarding reports that some UN-marked vehicles may have been used during recent events," Farhan Haq, a deputy spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, told Reuters.

He said countries that contribute troops and police to UN peacekeeping are to use UN insignia and equipment marked with UN insignia only when they are performing mandated tasks as UN peacekeepers.

Bangladesh is the third largest troop and police contributor to the UN peacekeeping mission, after Nepal and Rwanda.

(Reporting by Ruma Paul in Dhaka and Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Editing by William Maclean)
The judge in Rudy Giulianis bankruptcy case is growing increasingly frustrated, suggesting on Thursday that he may require the former New York City mayor take the stand to testify about his finances.

Since U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane earlier this month ordered Giulianis bankruptcy be dismissed over a lack of financial transparency, the former Trump attorney and his creditors have been in a standoff for how to pay $400,000 in estimated administrative expenses so the case can be closed out.

Lane had expressed exasperation with the lack of progress at a hearing last week. In a new order issued Thursday, he warned Giuliani he may need to testify under oath to answer questions about his available assets.

The most obvious path forward is to initiate proceedings to assess the details of the Debtors current financial circumstances with the ultimate goal of crafting a detailed dismissal order that ensures the payment of the estates administrative expenses, Lane wrote.

Such a route will inevitably include disclosure of documents and might include testimony under oath by the Debtor, he continued. Of course, this path might mirror in some ways the unsuccessful efforts at financial transparency that have plagued the case to date.

But Lane also cautioned that he may need to reconsider dismissing Giulianis bankruptcy and instead appoint an independent bankruptcy trustee to take control of the mayor-turned-Trump-attorneys finances, a move that Giuliani has resisted.

While the Court previously announced its intention not to waiver on dismissal of the case, there may come a point when dismissal is no longer an option because the Debtor is unwilling to pay these administrative expenses, a necessary requirement under the law for dismissal of the case, Lane wrote.

The judge ordered the parties to submit written proposals for next steps by the end of the month.

Giuliani filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December after a jury ordered him to pay $148 million for defaming two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, by spreading a baseless conspiracy that the duo was involved in mass election fraud in 2020. Giuliani has vowed to appeal.

After months of rising tensions and accusations of bad faith, the judge said he would toss Giulianis bankruptcy, which has enabled him to remain in control of his finances while delaying needing to pay the sum.

But before formally closing the case, the parties have sparred over how Giuliani should pay out $400,000 in estimated expenses and fees owed to a firm the bankruptcy court approved to investigate the former mayors finances.

The creditors contend Giuliani is failing to be transparent with his available assets that could be used to pay the fees. Giulianis legal team, meanwhile, has said they have made numerous offers to try and resolve the issues.

After the judge urged them to return to the negotiating table multiple times, they have been unable to reach an agreement.

Lane warned at a hearing last week that he was losing his patience, saying Giuliani was essentially sticking his head in the sand.



There are a lot of bad things that can happen, Lane said. Or let me rephrase, there are a lot of things that your client doesnt want to happen [that] will happen.

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Senior Trump DOJ officials issued multiple statements weeks before the 2020 election suggesting anti-Trump election fraud in a critical swing state, knowing all the while that no crime had likely been committed and that the main suspect faced a severe mental disability, a DOJ Inspector General report found.

You may recall the widely covered story of nine ballots cast by overseas military voters found in the garbage in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. On its face, the initial reporting seemed to affirm the most intense, right-wing fever dreams of widespread voter fraud.

Then-Attorney General Bill Barr directed DOJ officials to take the virtually unheard of step of releasing details about the investigation  including that several of the ballots contained votes for Trump  even though the case would likely not be criminally charged, the report found.

The episode came at the same time that Trump himself was fanning the flames with claims of supposed voter fraud in the 2020 election. In late September 2020, at the time of the Luzerne County reports and the DOJ response, Trump repeatedly refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power, citing bogus claims of voter frad.

It was in that environment that Barr and other senior DOJ officials acted. Per the report, Barr pumped Trump up with the juiciest details from the Luzerne County incident on Sept. 23, 2020. Several ballots had been found in the garbage, Barr told the President. They were military and, in a remark that was like waving red before a bull, they were pro-Trump. That same day, Trump refused to commit to the transfer of power. The next day, Trump went on a radio station and used the details Barr provided him about the investigation to rile up the public and reinforce Barrs incorrect conclusions: mail-in ballots were a horror show, Trump said, and the DOJ would investigate.

The next day, senior DOJ officials  including U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania David Freed  released a statement falsely saying that nine pro-Trump ballots had been found discarded in the garbage, while adopting Trumps language attributing the situation to potential issues with mail-in ballots. Freed was later forced to issue a follow-up statement clarifying that only seven ballots were for Trump; two remained sealed.

The report notes a key point: The DOJs public statements, and Barrs private remarks to Trump, only mentioned the presidential race. But the discarded ballots included votes for all of the other races taking place in that region of Pennsylvania at the federal, state, and local levels, including auditor general and state treasurer. Barr, the report said, did not address questions from the inspector general about why he wanted Freed to include that the discarded ballots were cast for Trump. Freed, when asked about downballot races, told the IG my concern wasthe discussion around voter fraud had centered so much around the Presidential election.

For more than a day, the report found, Freed and other senior officials had been aware of a key fact: The suspect accused of discarding the ballots had a mental disability, and, per one DOJ official interviewed by the IG, was working at the ballot processing station as part of a program for the disabled. FBI agents had interviewed the subject two days before the DOJ began to issue public statements; per the IG report, the agents found the subject 100% disabled due to a vehicle accident' and that the person was not capable of following simple instructions.

The IG report criticized Freed and other senior DOJ officials for issuing public statements about the case while knowing all this information, finding that he violated DOJ policy around commenting on criminal investigations before a charging decision is made and around consulting with the DOJs Public Integrity Unit before making a statement involving an election case.

But the IG found that Barrs actions remained within the line, if by a hair, largely because of expansive regulations that empower the Attorney General to inform the public about investigations if the official believes it to be in the interests of justice to do so. The IG similarly found that Barr did not violate policy by telling Trump about the Luzerne County case because such briefings remain at the attorney generals discretion.

The report found, however, that even if Barr did not violate any DOJ policy by the letter, his conduct was unusual. Barr did not cooperate with the investigation, responding to the IG in the form of two letters while declining to sit for an interview.

According to the report, Barr scheduled a call with Freed on Sept. 22, four days after Luzerne County officials first discovered the discarded ballots. In the intervening days, local law enforcement had contacted the FBI to investigate. Before the call, Freed emphasized to another U.S. attorney traveling with Barr at the time that the suspect in the case had been working through some sort of program for, you know, mentally disabled people, per the report.

The IG report is unclear on whether Freed told Barr the same thing on the call, but did say that the call seemed fairly limited in scope.

The next day, the report says, Barr met with Trump for a pre-scheduled event at the White House. There, he told Trump about the Luzerne County investigation and, per a letter Barr later sent to the IG, urged him to keep the information quiet.

The next morning, Trump did not do that. On the morning of Sept. 24, he told a radio host that they found six in an office yesterday in a garbage can. They were Trump ballotseight ballots in an office yesterday inbut in a certain state and they werethey had Trump written on it, and they were thrown in a garbage can. This is whats going to happen. This is whats going to happen, and were investigating that.

Several hours later, Barr and Freed spoke again. This time, Barr directed Freed to issue a public statement about the investigation, emphasizing that all of the ballots had been cast for Trump and that they were all ballots submitted by overseas military voters. After the conversation, Freed agreed to issue the statement. It went through DOJs Office of Public Affairs, before going out to the public.

The statement, which erred in saying that all nine ballots identified were cast for Trump, when only seven were identifiable, caused an immediate outcry, both within DOJ and without. The head of the Election Crimes Branch of the Public Integrity Unit, the report says, told the IG that he was appalled, and that the language in the statement made it appear as if the DOJ was taking sides for Trump.

I mean, if you had to make any statement at all, it didnt have to be so partisan, the report quotes the official as saying.

This is the second DOJ Inspector General report released in the past two days addressing longstanding allegations that Barr politicized the Justice Department while serving as Trumps attorney general. It has been more than three and a half years since Barr stepped down as attorney general.
Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and Attorney General Austin Knudsen. (Photos via campaign and official websites)

For all of Austin Knudsens certainty that Montanas judiciary is chocked full of liberal, activist judges, he seems a lot less certain about the law itself.

That is not exactly a reassuring look for the states attorney general.

Or for a Republican who is part of the party that claims its the defender of law and order.

Its actually stunning that an attorney can pass judgment on the judges but be so dumbfounded by the law itself. For us common folk, you would think it would be the other way around.

But the Republican Attorney General who has openly flouted state campaign laws, saying he was correct in breaking them because he regarded them as silly, is also the one that has had a sudden change of heart because now the laws must be obeyed.

If youre keeping track of this logic, it goes something like this: Montana laws are silly either when he has to follow them, or when he declares them so. Otherwise, the laws are the laws, period, and must be enforced.

Knudsen, who loves the sound of his voice on radio but cant be bothered with answering questions from other journalists, recently took to the airwaves on Talk Back Missoula to defend embattled Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, a fellow Republican, who decided to change the definition of who could sign a constitutional ballot measure in Montana, without notice in the middle of counting ballots that were destined for Treasure State voters.

I dont think its unreasonable for the chief elections official in the state to make sure those laws are being followed, Knudsen said on Monday. I think its a cop-out to say, Oh, just let it be. Whatever. Its fine. Trust us. Just put it on the ballot. Well, there are again, we either have laws in this country or dont. We have to make sure those laws are being followed. And I dont think its unreasonable for the chief elections official, the Secretary of State, not the attorney general, to make sure those laws are being followed.

Dear friends, remember that just a little more than a month ago, Knudsen took a much more morally flexible approach to Montana laws. But dont take my word for it. Heres what Knudsen said:

I do technically have a primary. However, he is a young man who I asked to run against me, because our campaign laws are ridiculous, Knudsen said.

Remember that Knudsen was accused of blatantly ignoring campaign laws, and recruiting a candidate who was later found to be ineligible so that he could violate campaign finance laws that have been on the books, but never really enforced.

Folks, if the attorney general of the state cannot be relied on to enforce the states laws, who should? And why should we have faith that whatever laws hell enforce wont be selectively tailored to fit his own political purposes, if hes willing to ignore the rules to help himself raise more cash but then assert that the laws must be followed in cases where the states GOP has openly declared its opposition to three ballot measures?

Its worth pointing out that not only the district court judge but the seven other fellow attorneys who happen to sit on the Montana Supreme Court all disagreed with Knudsens interpretation on the ballot signatures. In their decisions, the two courts didnt even deal with the statutory arguments Jacobsens office was making because they all determined that her office, not the law, had created this ballot ballyhoo.

Both district court Judge Mike Menahan, as well as the unanimous Montana Supreme Court, said that it was Jacobsens interpretation of a law (not even a Montana one, but one from  Oregon) which prompted the office to change the software of the states election database to start rejecting inactive voters.

I think Montana looks to itself in determining its own constitution, Menahan said, rejecting the law from Oregon.

Its worth noting: Democrats and Republicans for at least the past three decades had counted signatures the same way, and that Jacobsens timing, right in the middle of signature counting for three seemingly popular initiatives, raised serious questions, seeing as how she appeared to be hiding the change that only came to light after an anonymous whistleblower.

The courts said that Jacobsen shouldnt expect the judiciary to intervene in a case she herself, through some questionable decisions, advice and leadership, created. Instead, the courts have politely but firmly refused to get involved just because someone caught her reprogramming the states election software.

For a political party that seems so paranoid about stolen elections and fake voters, it seems the only ones who are actually changing the rules and the election systems in a clandestine fashion are Republicans in Montana.

But at least Jacobsens acts are understandable as a party operative, even if disappointing as an elected official.

Knudsen is a little harder to figure because hes been to law school and is, at least until the Supreme Court decides his fate in 41 ethics counts, a member of the Montana bar.

But if the laws are, as Knudsen has called them, silly and ridiculous, then making sure theyre followed, as he has also said, would literally make him a blind fool.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) has become the top attack dog for Vice President Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, against GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), ripping his regional rival as a phony and not one of us.

The barbs between Beshear and Vance, a rising GOP star recently chosen as former President Trumps running mate, come amid chatter about who could become Harriss vice presidential choice.

Beshear and Vance are from neighboring states, and their sparring centered on who is a real representative of Appalachia, a geographic area centered on the Appalachian Mountains that is a focus of much political and cultural history and mythmaking.

Asked on MSNBC whether hes open to being Harriss running mate, the Kentucky governor suggested hed at least listen to such a call  then went to bat.

I want the American people to know what a Kentuckian is and what they look like, because let me just tell you that JD Vance aint from here, Beshear told the network.

Vance responded by calling it very weird for Beshear to critique his origin story, Politico reported, claiming the Democrat inherited the governorship from his father.

Trump picks JD Vance for VP: 5 things to know

Beshear, the son of former Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D), hit back again on CNN, poking at the Ohio senators prior criticism of Trump and accusing him of grasping for straws in his swings against Harris and other Democrats. He also took a shot at Vances memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which details the senators Middletown, Ohio, upbringing.

In a statement to The Hill, Vance spokesperson Taylor Van Kirk stressed that Vance grew up spending his summers in Appalachia and came from a poor family while arguing Beshear grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth thanks to his politician/lawyer daddy.

The back-and-forth comes as Beshear is seen as one of the top candidates to join Harriss ticket, along with Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D) and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), with advocates pointing to the fact that he represents a state that voted overwhelmingly for Trump in both 2016 and 2020 as a core reason to choose him.

Beshears national profile started to rise after he won his reelection bid last year. Since then, he has been frequently spoken about as one of the partys future stars.

Its not shocking that he would end up on a VP shortlist, said Kentucky-based Democratic strategist Crimson MacDonald, the former chair of the Democratic Party in Campbell County, which she described as a linchpin county for Beshears first gubernatorial win. Its an obvious evolution.

Vance leans into personal story as he accepts Trump VP nod

Beshear would offer the Democratic ticket a very strong dichotomy against JD Vance, particularly given their Appalachian roots, she argued.

Beshear flipped the governorship blue in 2019, then scored a triumphant reelection win this past November, when he beat back a challenge from Trump-backed Daniel Cameron, himself seen as a budding star in the GOP. And while Biden has suffered dismal approval ratings in the Bluegrass State, Beshear has been ranked one of the most popular governors in the nation.

That could make him an attractive potential running mate for Harris as she seeks to pull support from the middle of a starkly polarized electorate.

Vance, a first-term senator and former Trump critic who jumped to the national stage with the success of his memoir, brings a younger perspective and loyal voice to Trumps ticket, though his state is already an easy win for Trump.

The former president selected Vance before the shake-up across the aisle, briefly teeing up a high-voltage, Vance-Harris showdown. Now, Harris will want to pick a running mate who can parry Vance in her stead.

With JD Vance being next door in Ohio, and theyve already had a little spat, that might be sort of interesting to sort of see how that actually plays out. I think that Beshear might be a perfect foil to JD Vance, said Dewey Clayton, a political science professor at the University of Louisville.

But stepping into the spotlight to strike at Vance was somewhat surprising for the governor, who has generally kept a relatively small national profile despite his growing clout, Clayton said. Its a possible sign that hes gearing up for a bigger move.

Oftentimes, the top of the ticket cannot have that sort of demeanor, and they leave that to the vice president to be the attack dog, Clayton said. So maybe hes realizing that hes going to have to do a little bit of that. Maybe he was doing a little auditioning.

Its in Beshears interest to to pick a little political slap fight with JD Vance and play to the home crowd of Kentucky while taking a little shot at Ohio, Buckeye State-based GOP strategist Mark Weaver said.

But observers are hesitant to suggest Harris would pick Beshear over a battleground-state candidate such as Kelly or Shapiro, and reports conflict over whether hes really in contention for her vice presidential pick.

The Hill reported earlier that Beshear was missing from a list of Democrats being vetted by the Harris campaign, and he told CNN on Monday that he hadnt received the call. But ABC News reported Tuesday that he was asked to submit materials.

Either way, Harris is on a tight schedule to make her selection, with just a month to go before the Democrats convention in Chicago and a little more than 100 days until Election Day.

Momentum is on our side when it comes to our vice presidential nominee, Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright said. However, for the sake of continuing to build and expand on our coalition, I think the sooner she makes a decision, I think the better.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Beshear dodges questions about whether Harris is vetting him as possible running mate

Gov. Andy Beshear read a prepared statement saying he was "honored to be considered" as a vice presidential candidate when asked if he was being vetted as a potential running mate to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)

FRANKFORT  Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear during a Thursday press conference dodged questions about reports hes being vetted to be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate in this falls presidential election, instead pointing to areas where he believed Harris and he have common ground.

Various national media outlets have reported that the second-term Democratic governor is on the list of Democrats that Harris is vetting to be her running mate. He declined to answer whether hes being vetted, reading a prepared statement that he was honored to be considered as a vice presidential candidate and would work to elect Harris as president.

But the Democratic governor did say he believed Harris and he have both supported public education, health care access and infrastructure.

We need better in this country. We deserve better in this country, and I believe Vice President Harris is going to lead us to a better place, Beshear said.

When asked about issues that he might face as a vice presidential candidate, he side-stepped some questions while providing lengthy answers to others.

Beshear declined to answer questions about the Israeli governments continued offensive in Gaza, saying that Israel is a strong ally and that foreign policy is set by the president.

When you have disagreements with a strong ally, I think you have them privately, and I dont think you can litigate foreign policy through the press, Beshear said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised victory over Hamas militants during a joint meeting of Congress Wednesday that attracted thousands of protesters and spurred a boycott by some Democratic lawmakers. Harris condemned protesters who burned the U.S. flag near the U.S. Capitol while voicing support for Hamas. The death toll in Gaza continues to increase beyond 39,000, according to Gaza health authorities in the Hamas-controlled territory.

The governor did voice strong agreement with President Joe Bidens rhetoric that former President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is a threat to democracy.

Former President Trump refused to accept a full and fair election, took steps to try to overturn it, but also incited a mob that attacked our U.S. Capitol, Beshear said. We deserve better. I cant believe that he is somehow a presidential candidate after all of that, and it just shows why we need after this election to get to such a better place.

Following the 2020 presidential election, Trump while still in office pressured the Republican Georgia secretary of state to find votes to overturn the election result in that state. The Detroit News also reported Trump in a recording pressured local election officials in Michigan to not certify the 2020 presidential election.

At the end of the press conference, Beshear said he owed an apology to Diet Mountain Dew, referencing attacks he made on national television Monday against Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Vance had previously said at a campaign event Democrats would find a way to label him drinking Diet Mountain Dew as racist. Beshear on CNN panned Vances remarks as weird and asked who even drank the zero-calorie soda.

Beshear at the press conference said while Ale-8-One was the soft drink of Kentucky, he didnt mean to say negative things about the diet soda.

I dont believe that government should be making your decisions. So if you enjoy Diet Mountain Dew, you be you. We want to support you, Beshear said.

This story was updated to include Beshears comments about Diet Mountain Dew.
A teenager being held in a county jail in middle Georgia on a bestiality charge is now facing another charge.

According to incident reports from the Monroe County Sheriffs Office obtained by Channel 2 Action News, 18-year-old Jason Weir attacked a fellow inmate who had been taunting him.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Weir was arrested in May and charged with bestiality after being accused of trying to have sexual intercourse with the familys Great Dane. His father reported to investigators that they had previously caught him sexually assaulting a donkey.

Earlier this week, deputies say there was a fight in the Monroe County Jail between Weir and another inmate.

The other inmate reported to deputies that he and Weir had gotten into an argument and Weir then followed him into his cell and punched him. That inmate says he fell to his knees and protected himself, but didnt fight back.

TRENDING STORIES:

Weir admitted that he punched the other inmate, but only after the inmate had been taunting him about his charges and making donkey noises.

The inmate had injuries to his right ear and above his right eye.

Weir now also faces a misdemeanor battery charge in addition to his bestiality charge.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
CANBERRA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Thursday announced sanctions on some Israelis involved in settler violence in the West Bank, the first time the country has imposed such punishment against Israelis over settlement activity.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong announced financial sanctions and travel bans for seven Israelis and a youth group for participating in violent attacks against Palestinians.

"This includes beatings, sexual assault and torture of Palestinians resulting in serious injury and in some cases, death. The entity sanctioned is a youth group that is responsible for inciting and perpetrating violence against Palestinian communities," Wong said in a statement.

Wong said Canberra has been firm and consistent that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law.

"We call on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to cease its ongoing settlement activity, which only inflames tensions and further undermines stability and prospects for a two-state solution," she said.

Speaking on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio, Wong said Australians should recognize the sanctions as a very substantial penalty. 
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  An Owings Mills man was arrested in connection with government-imposter related gold bar scams, police in Montgomery County said Thursday.

On July 17, a 74-year-old Bethesda man reached out to the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) Financial Crimes Section to report he had been swindled after seeing a local news report of a woman losing nearly $1 million in a gold bar scam.

The man said he received an email stating that a suspicious deposit was made into his bank account. The person told him to turn his money into gold to protect his assets.

Police: New York man allegedly demanded gold bars from Silver Spring woman or Russia would take her money

On 10 separate occasions between March and June, the man purchased over $1.1 million in gold bars and arranged to have the gold picked up by the suspects associates, according to MCPD.

After making a final purchase of over $240,000, the man saw the news report and contacted police.

On Wednesday, a detective posed as the man and arranged a pick-up with the suspect, 52-year-old Vipul J. Thakkar, of Owings Mills. The detective handed him a package, then he got into a car and drove away.

Officers stopped Thakkar and arrested him.

He was taken to Montgomery Countys Central Processing Unit and charged with multiple counts of attempted theft. He is being held without bond.

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Bice: Cooke says she's a political outsider but raked in nearly $200K for political work

Democratic Congressional candidate Rebecca Cooke wants voters to know that she was born on a farm, works as a waitress and, perhaps most importantly, is a political outsider.

"You know, I dont come from a career background in politics," Cooke told the Wisconsin Examiner earlier this year. "I feel like theres a lot of people in our district that want to have a representative that has lived experiences that they can connect to, I think career politicians make folks a little bit more leery."

Rebecca Cooke is running as a Democrat in the Third Congressional District.

Cooke even told a radio host last year that she hates fundraising, saying, "I mean it's unfortunately a part of our political process and our political system. Its like who raises the most dollars is the most viable, right?"

But here is a part of Cooke's resume that she doesn't play up:

In the years leading up to her first campaign in 2021, Cooke worked as a professional fundraiser for candidates across the country. Cooke is one of four Democrats vying to take on Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Prairie du Chien in November. She lost in the Democratic primary for the same seat two years ago.

Beginning in late 2012, Cooke, 36, served as finance director for four congressional races in Minnesota, Michigan, Colorado and California, raising $3.7 million in one of those contests. In 2015, she registered Cooke Strategy LLC, a Democratic political and fundraising consulting firm. FEC records show the firm advised eight state and federal campaigns between 2015 and 2021.

Overall, she and her firm were paid more than $190,000 for their work by a dozen committees and campaigns.

Along with all that, Cooke served on the steering committee for Opportunity Wisconsin, a liberal nonprofit active in congressional races.

Republicans say Cooke is not being straightforward about her past political work.

"Rebecca Cooke spent her career as a paid political activist electing radical leftists," said Mike Marinella, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Alex Obolensky, the campaign manager for Cooke, acknowledged that she "spent her early 20s" working on political campaigns, though her work carried over into her 30s.

But Obolensky downplayed her political work, noting it was just one of her interests. She also previously ran Red's Mercantile, an Eau Claire shop that closed in 2022. She also founded a small nonprofit in 2016 called the Red Letter Grant that provides support for new female business owners.

"She moved back home to Wisconsin in 2015," Obolensky said. "While building her small business and launching a non-profit, she would help political candidates raise money or launch their campaigns from time to time. It was not consistent work, but it did help pay the bills."

He added, "She has worked in politics but she is not a career politician."

That's a dig at state Rep. Katrina Shankland, her main Democratic opponent. Shankland, 36, was first elected in 2013 and her current term ends in January.

Katrina Shankland

Shankland's campaign brushed off the criticism.

"Katrina is proud of her record of delivering results for the people of Wisconsin. As a candidate who has won tough elections and passed 225 bipartisan bills into law, she understands that serving in public office hinges on holding the public trust," said James Cersonsky, Shankland's campaign manager.

"Transparency and accountability are key to that, and voters deserve to know the truth about the candidates asking for their vote.

Obolensky said Cooke is not deceiving anyone.

Her background, he said, is rooted in agriculture, non-profit work and the small business that shes devoted herself to over the last eight years. He added that Cooke has not spent a dozen years in the Legislature and hasn't worked full time for any campaign, other than her own, for a decade.

"Any consulting work she picked up helped to make ends meet as she built her business and her non-profit," Obolensky said.

Between 2012 and 2014, FEC records show that Cooke did fundraising work for Democratic candidates Jim Graves of Minnesota, Joe Miklosi of Colorado and Syad Taj of Michigan, all of whom lost or withdrew from their races, and Rep. Raul Ruiz of California. Cooke said on her defunct campaign website that she helped raise $3.7 million for Ruiz.

Ruiz is endorsing Cooke in the Democratic primary.

For her work for the four Democrats, Cooke was paid $77,543 in salary and consulting fees and another $10,699 in expenses.

After forming Cooke Strategy, she worked for five federal candidates, two state candidates and a leadership political action committee. Among those for whom she did were former state Rep. Dana Wachs, a Democrat who was defeated in his gubernatorial bid in 2018; Appeals Court Judge Joanne Kloppenburg, who ran unsuccessfully for the Supreme Court in 2016; and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, who lost his congressional bid in 2016.

Records show that between 2015 and 2021, Cooke Strategy was paid $67,191 by federal candidates and committees and $37,148 by state candidates, meaning the firm received more than $104,000 during that period.

She has also done work for Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center. It is not known how much she was paid for that work. Her financial statement says Cook Strategy made $15,000 in 2023.

All in all, though, not bad take-home pay for a supposed side gig.

Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 313-6684 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on X at @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Rebecca Cooke says she's an outsider but raked in consulting cash
Biden addresses nation, promises to work to 'stop Putin' in last 6 months of term

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke to the American public regarding his decision to end his reelection bid in a national address from the White House Oval Office on July 24.

Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election on July 21, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic party's nominee.

"It's been the honor of my life to serve as your president," Biden said during the speech.

Biden said he believed his record in office merited a second term, but that it was time for "new voices" to help unify the nation.

"The best way forward is to pass the torch to the next generation," he said.

The president said he would spend his remaining six months in office working toward a number of goals, including supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

The Biden administration will work toward "rallying a coalition of proud nations to stop (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from taking over Ukraine and doing more damage," he said.

Biden also said it was a priority to preserve and strengthen NATO.

The speech was brief and did not directly mention former U.S. President and Republican nominee Donald Trump, though Biden implored voters to choose "hope over hate" in November.

Read also: With Biden out, what could a Kamala Harris presidency mean for Ukraine?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Biden addresses U.S. for the first time since dropping out of the race

Biden addresses U.S. for the first time since dropping out of the race

TOPEKA (KSNT)  President Joe Biden is addressing the United States for the first time since announcing he is dropping out of the presidential race in November.

Wednesday, July 24, Biden is speaking to Americans for the first time since announcing he will not seek reelection in 2024. Biden announced on social media on Sunday, July 21 that he is dropping out of the race.

Man charged in Topekas 10th homicide of 2024, animal cruelty

After stating he is intending to finish the rest of the term, he endorsed Vice President Kalama Harris to serve as the Democratic nominee in the November election. In the Sunflower State, the Kansas Democratic Party announced it will be endorsing Harris as well.

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
President Joe Biden pauses as he concludes his address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. | Sipa USA/Newscom

President Joe Biden called himself "the first president this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world" in a speech on Wednesday night. Less than an hour before Biden spoke those words, the U.S. military had announced that it was bombing Yemen again.

"In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi missiles on launchers in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen," the U.S. military command responsible for the Middle East and Central Asia declared shortly before Biden's speech began. "It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region."

After completing the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Biden took credit for ending "the longest war in American history," what he called a "forever war." Yet the Biden administration has extended other U.S. forever warsand introduced U.S. forces into new ones.

When Biden first ordered airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi movement in January, it was the first direct U.S. attack on the Houthis ever, and the first airstrike on Yemen by any force in two years. The U.S. had previously brokered a truce between the Houthi government in Sanaa and the rival Saudi-backed government in Aden.

But as war broke out in Gaza last year, the Houthis announced that they would attack Israeli-linked shipping in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Foreign ships began avoiding the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, a key international waterway, and Biden tried to reopen it by bombing the Houthis.

Asked by reporters whether the airstrikes were working, Biden gave a formula for endless war. "Well, when you say 'working,' are they stopping the Houthis? No. Are they going to continue? Yes," he said.

U.S. forces have also taken fire elsewhere in the Middle East due to the war in Gaza. Two weeks after U.S. airstrikes on Yemen began, Iraqi guerrillas killed three U.S. soldiers on the Jordanian-Syrian border with a drone strike. (It was part of a wave of dozens of attacks motivated by U.S. military support for Israel.) Biden bombed Iraqi militia sites in retaliation.

And older U.S. wars in the region continue to rage. Although both Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump have done victory laps, the Islamic State group is still around. In June 2024, the U.S. military assassinated a senior Islamic State group leader in Syria. The month before, it did the same in Somalia.

The Islamic State group isn't the only force that the U.S. is bombing in Somalia, a place where most Americans don't even know their country is at war. U.S. forces are fighting to prop up the Somali government against al-Shabab, another Islamist rebel group. U.S. Africa Command announced 15 airstrikes against al-Shabab in 2023 and six airstrikes this year.

That's not even counting U.S. proxy wars. Washington is providing a steady flow of weapons and intelligence to Ukraine and Israel, most of it at the American taxpayer's expense. While American fingers are not on the triggers and American personnel are not taking fire in Ukraine and Gazaat least not yetthe Biden administration also owns those wars.

At the NATO summit in Washington earlier this month, U.S. officials co-signed a statement that Ukraine was on an "irreversible" path to joining the alliance. In other words, American troops may be pledged to defend Ukraine in a future war.

"We'll keep rallying a coalition of proud nations to stop [Russian President Vladimir] Putin from taking over Ukraine and doing more damage. We'll keep NATO strong," Biden said in his Wednesday night address. "I'll make it more powerful and more united than any time in all our history. Keep doing the same for allies in the Pacific."

Biden, like Trump, wants to have his cake and eat it too. He wants to take advantage of anti-war sentiment in the American public without being seen as compromising with rival powers or retreating from foreign conflicts. Biden's pitch is pretty similar to Trump's: "peace through strength." And when he can't deliver on that promise, he confuses and deceives the public.

The post Biden Brags That 'the United States Is Not at War' As He Bombs Yemen appeared first on Reason.com.
The presidential emergency board creates a 120-lockout on job actions by locomotive engineers, but a strike could come in months. (Fran Baltzer for New Jersey Monitor)

President Joe Biden named three members to a presidential emergency board that will oversee the latest round of negotiations between NJ Transit and a locomotive engineers union that has been working under an expired contract since 2019.

The boards creation begins what could be an eight-month period before the engineers walk off the job. The union voted to approve a strike last August.

Elizabeth Wesman, a former president of the National Association of Railroad referees who chaired a presidential emergency board that oversaw a separate NJ Transit dispute in 2015, will chair the panel, Biden announced Wednesday.

She will be joined by Barbara Deinhardt, a former chair of the New York State Employment Relations Board who also sat on the 2015 panel, and Lisa Salkovitz Kohn, a board member of the National Academy of Arbitrators.

Bidens move, which was required under federal law, is the latest step in a long-running dispute between NJ Transit and its locomotive engineers that has been in and out of negotiations for more than four years.

Because interruptions to rail service can significantly disrupt interstate commerce, federal law prescribes a lengthy process before rail unions can launch a job action.

Last month, the National Mediation Board released the parties from negotiations, setting off a 30-day cool-off period that was due to lapse on July 25.

NJ Transit requested Biden convene the emergency board, which will create a 120-lockout on job actions, though the board could end the lockout earlier if it chose to.

The parties and governors in states that would be affected by a railway strike can request a second presidential emergency board if the lockout period ends without a resolution, and Biden is required to grant requests for presidential emergency boards.

The second board would create its own 120-day lockout. The locomotive engineers could strike if the parties dont reach a deal under the second board.

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Biden defends passing the torch to Harris as he gives first speech since dropping out of race

Days after becoming the first sitting president in decades to forsake a run for a second term, President Joe Biden said he decided to drop out of the 2024 presidential race because it was the best way for him to unite his party and the country in defense of democracy.

I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation, Biden said Wednesday in his first official address to the nation since announcing his campaign withdrawal. That is the best way to unite our nation.

The president explained he still believes the US is at an inflection point, teetering between continuing as a democracy and a rising autocracy represented by former president Donald Trump and his MAGA movement.

Biden said the country will have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division and decide if Americans still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.

He said although he believed his record since taking office in January 2021 was enough to earn voters support for a second term, his desire to continue serving was less important than the country itself.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy  that includes personal ambition, he said.

President Joe Biden told Americans he dropped out of the 2024 presidential election to unite the country and his party (AP)

The presidents emotional Oval Office address came just days after he announced in a letter that he would leave the presidential race and throw his support behind Harris after weeks of pressure for him to stand down on account of his dismal performance in his debate against Trump.

It was the first time a sitting American president opted to forgo election to a second four-year term since 1968 when amid the upheaval caused by protests over the Vietnam War, then-president Lyndon Johnson shocked Americans by announcing that he would neither seek nor accept the Democratic Partys nomination.

His roughly eight-minute speech represents a capstone on the former senator and vice presidents more than five decades of service.

Biden, his voice sounding strained and hoarse at times as he spoke, referred to the positive feelings he has about his record in public office, even as he stressed that his time in government has never been spent in service of his ego.

I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. Its about you. Your families. Your futures. Its about We the People, he said.

President Joe Biden (L), with family members, delivers remarks during a nationwide address from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 24 July 2024 (EPA)

The president also acknowledged the calls for him to step aside and made it clear that it was critical to unite the Democratic Party in the hopes of preserving democracy.

He encouraged voters to take the power of the future in their hands and vote for a democratic future  something he has continuously warned Trump will not respect. Both Biden and Harris have raised concerns that Trump will implement drastic changes to the executive branch, consolidating power and installing loyalists over civil servants  an aspect of Project 2025.

The defense of democracy is more important than any title, Biden said during his primetime address.

Biden has already endorsed Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. Since announcing his withdrawal, Democratic leaders such as Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, Hillary Clinton and more have also endorsed the vice president.

The former senator consolidated her partys support by locking down 1,976 delegate votes needed for the nomination within 24 hours.

Biden raises the hand of Vice President Kamala Harris after viewing the Independence Day fireworks display over the National Mall from the balcony of the White House. The outgoing president has backed Harris as the Democratic nominee. (AP)

Though Biden will not be a candidate for a second term, he will remain in office through January 20, 2025. He pledged to spend the remaining six months of his term working toward the goals he set for his administration such as lowering costs for working-class families, growing the economy and defending civil rights.

He highlighted his accomplishments as president, like appointing the first Black woman Supreme Court justice, creating policies to combat climate change, enacting gun violence reform, maintaining democracy and establishing a diverse administration.

As he brought his remarks to a solemn close, the president thanked Americans for the support that had allowed him the chance to accomplish those things.

I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you, he said.

US President Joe Biden hugs son Hunter Biden after addressing the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

After he ended his remarks, the president hugged his family members who were present for his speech. At least 40 people were in the Oval Office to witness Biden delivering the address. That included his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, his son Hunter Biden, his daughter Ashley Biden and granddaughter Finnegan Biden.

On X, the First Lady thanked, those who put their trust in President Biden and endorsed Harris.

To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude, Jill wrote. Thank you for the trust you put in Joenow its time to put that trust in Kamala.
VIENTIANE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Laos is seeking to promote sustainable agricultural production and increase the export of agricultural produce to China through the China-Laos Railway, marking a significant step in efforts to boost agricultural exports.

Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will collaborate with the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to seek ways of boosting the export of agricultural products to the Chinese market, as part of the project "Assessing Policy Enhancements for Sustainable Agriculture Linked to the China-Laos Railway".

The project aims to formulate policy recommendations that will enable the Lao government to fully utilize the China-Laos Railway to boost agricultural exports to China, while simultaneously promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Laos, Lao National Radio reported on Thursday.

Key commodities for export to China include cassava, rubber, bananas and sugarcane, while local governments have shown significant interest in the export of cattle.

In the first five months of 2024, the railway carried 2.3 million tons of freight, an increase of 31 percent compared to the same period 2023, according to the report. 
President Joe Biden, right, shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 25, 2024. | Susan Walsh

One day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged continued unity and support between Israel and the United States in his address to Congress, President Joe Biden met with Netanyahu Thursday to discuss possible steps towards a cease-fire in Gaza and a hostage release deal.

Thursday marks Bidens first meeting with a foreign leader since he announced he will not seek reelection, CBS News reported, and Netanyahus first visit to the Capitol in nearly four years. From a proud Jew Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel. And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead, Netanyahu told Biden ahead of their meeting, according to a White House pool reporter.

Biden and Netanyahu also reportedly met with the families of Americans held hostage by Hamas, who said the two leaders discussion was productive and honest, The Associated Press reported.

There was a lot on the agenda, but first and foremost will be discussing how deeply and how strongly the president feels, we feel, that weve got to get this hostage deal in place so we can get a cease-fire also in place, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said during a press conference. Today is the 293rd day that these hostages have been held captive by Hamas ... there ought not to be a 294th, and were going to keep working on that, he said.

Biden and Netanyahus meeting lasted for about an hour and a half, according to the Israeli prime ministers office, per ABC News.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who did not attend Netanyahus Wednesday address due to a pre-scheduled event in Indianapolis, a decision criticized by Utahs representatives, met separately with the Israeli prime minister later on Thursday, per the White House. Netanyahu is also slated to meet with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

Netanyahus visit to Washington, D.C., has been both rebuked and praised, as some members of Congress stood to applaud Netanyahu every two minutes during his nearly 52-minute-long address while protests calling for a cease-fire in Gaza took place throughout the nations capital.

Harris released a statement on July 25 regarding the protests at Union Station in Washington, D.C., condemning the despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric, after protesters removed then burned an American flag, defaced monuments and attacked law enforcement officers.

Read my full statement on the protests in Washington, D.C. yesterday. pic.twitter.com/zJpZvdQDt9  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 25, 2024

Harris meets with Netanyahu

In a separate meeting in the vice presidents ceremonial office at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Harris and Netanyahus discussion also focused on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

We have a lot to talk about, Harris said as she welcomed the Israeli leader. We do indeed, Netanyahu replied. Their meeting reportedly lasted 40 minutes.

Afterwards, Harris spoke to reporters about her meeting with the prime minister. Harris called her meeting with Netanyahu, frank and constructive, and said, I will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself, including from Iran and Iran-backed militias.

The vice president said that she has met with family members of the American hostages multiple times now, and that she and President Biden are working everyday to bring them home.

Harris said she expressed her serious concern to Netanyahu regarding the scale of human suffering in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation there.

We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent, she said.

Harris said there is a cease-fire and hostage deal on the table. It is time for this war to end, and end in a way where Israel is secure, all the hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can exercise their right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal, she said.

Netanyahus bilateral meetings with Biden and Harris come less than a day after Bidens Oval Office address, during which Biden outlined his top priorities for the last months of his presidency  one of them being to help end the Israel-Hamas conflict. Im going to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages, and bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war, Biden said.

Vice President Kamala Harris, right, shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before a meeting at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington, Thursday, July 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) | Julia Nikhinson
The News

US President Joe Biden gave his first address to the nation Wednesday since dropping his bid for reelection and endorsing his vice president, Kamala Harris, for the job instead.

I revere this office, but I love my country, Biden said. He said he had come to realize it was time to pass the torch to the next generation to preserve democracy and unite the nation.

The Democratic party had turned on Biden, urging him to step back as a candidate for months. Now he is facing Republican calls to resign from the presidency as well. However, he signaled his intention to work for the remainder of his term.

The sweeping speech touted his legislative record, including the CHIPS and Science Act, climate change legislation, his work with NATO, and building up American infrastructure and manufacturing.

Weve come so far from my inauguration, the president said.

Through the speech, he came back to a theme of democracy under threat and implored voters to unite to protect it.
By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The first time President Joe Biden's administration considered ordering the U.S. military to build a floating pier off Gaza to deliver aid in late 2023, it was put on the backburner.

The United States was under pressure to ease the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn Palestinian enclave, which had been worsened by Israel's closure of many land border crossings, and sea deliveries were seen as a possible solution.

U.S. Admiral Christopher Grady, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a career Navy surface warfare officer, told a meeting that he was very concerned that the sea could become too rough for a pier to deliver humanitarian aid and laid out weather-related risks, a former U.S. official and a current U.S. official said.

It wasn't until early 2024 that the idea came up again as the situation in Gaza grew more desperate and aid organizations warned that mass famine among Palestinian civilians was looming.

"We sort of reached a point where it seemed appropriate to take more risk because the need was so great," a former senior Biden administration official said.

The resulting pier mission did not go well.

It involved 1,000 U.S. troops, delivered only a fraction of the promised aid at a cost of nearly $230 million, and was from the start beset by bad luck and miscalculations, including fire, bad weather and dangers on shore from the fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Biden, after promising a "massive increase" in aid, acknowledged that the pier had fallen short of his aspirations. "I was hopeful that would be more successful," he told reporters on July 11.

The internal discussions about the Gaza pier, including discarded options to briefly deploy troops to the enclave, have not been previously reported.

The pier mission, which was formally ended last week, was the most controversial of the U.S. military's attempts to help contain the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war that erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, and has drawn criticism from Biden's Republican critics and many current and former aid workers.

The effort also underscores the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's struggles to bring the conflict to a close, both of which are in focus during his visit to Washington this week.

The Pentagon referred questions about the pier to remarks made at a July 17 briefing with Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command. In it, Cooper said the mission was a success, delivering the largest amount of aid ever into the Middle East.

Mike Rogers, the Republican who leads the Pentagon's oversight committee in the House of Representatives, called the pier "an embarrassment."

"The pier was an ill-conceived political calculation by the Biden administration," Rogers told Reuters.

NO BOOTS ON THE GROUND

With alarm rising over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in 2023, Curtis Reid, chief of staff at the White House National Security Council, was tasked with creating a working group with different government agencies to look at ways to increase aid into Gaza.

"(It) was a request for agencies to put everything you got on the table," the former senior official said. The Pentagon then started looking at options.

Asked for comment, the NSC acknowledged inter-agency discussions on potential policy options.

"Because of this work, we were able to advance the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, utilizing every tool possible," said Adrienne Watson, an NSC spokesperson.

When the head of the military's Central Command, General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, initially briefed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about the pier mission, his first proposal included a limited number of U.S. troops on the ground, temporarily, to attach the pier to the shore, the former official said.

Austin was aware that the White House was opposed to deploying U.S. forces to Gaza and asked Kurilla to go back and rework it, a current U.S. official and the former official said.

Kurilla created a plan to train Israeli forces to do the installation of the pier on the shore, the former official added. Israeli forces later carried out the plan. The Israeli prime minister's office and defense ministry referred Reuters' questions about the pier to the U.S. military.

Kurilla's Central Command declined to comment on the record. A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, denied the account and said "boots on the ground was never a consideration."

Current and former officials described Central Command as extremely confident the pier project would succeed.

"CENTCOM and General Kurilla, from Day 1, they were consistent in saying: 'We can do this,'" the former U.S. official said.

The first turn of bad luck came on April 11, when a fire broke out in the engine room of the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo, a Navy ship transporting part of the pier system to the Mediterranean.

The crew put out the fire but the ship had to turn back to the United States.

THREE FOOT WAVES

Weather was an even bigger problem.

An early warning of the challenges from rough seas came last summer, when U.S. troops attempted to install the pier on an Australian shore during a military exercise.

The sea was too rough, a military officer who directly worked on the pier exercise told Reuters.

In the end, the soldiers couldn't connect the pier to the beach itself, and instead brought supplies ashore using boats to bridge the gap between the end of the floating pier and the beach.

U.S. officials acknowledge that the Mediterranean weather was a worry. But they were unprepared for how bad the sea conditions turned out to be.

"The forecast that they had (was) basically that the sea state was going to be three or less up until around September," said one senior U.S. defense official, referring to sea state three, when waves do not exceed three feet.

Instead, waves broke the pier just nine days after it became operational on May 16. The damage was so bad that it had to be moved to the Israeli port of Ashdod for repairs.

The incident would be prove the norm, with bad weather keeping the pier inoperative for all but 20 days -- half as long as it took to bring the system across the sea to Gaza.

While there were no deaths or known direct attacks on the pier, three U.S. troops suffered non-combat injuries in support of the pier in May, with one medically evacuated in critical condition.

OVER-ESTIMATING DISTRIBUTION

Delivering the food, shelter and medical care that was brought onshore through the pier also proved harder than expected.

The U.S. military aimed to ramp up to as many as 150 trucks a day of aid coming off the pier.

But because the pier was only operational for a total of 20 days, the military says it moved a total of only 19.4 million pounds of aid into Gaza. That would be about 480 trucks of aid delivered in total from the pier, based on estimates by the World Food Programme from earlier this year of weight carried by a truck.

The United Nations says about 500 truckloads of aid are needed daily to address the needs of Palestinians in Gaza.

Just days after the first shipments of aid rolled off the pier in Gaza, crowds overwhelmed trucks and took some of it.

Israel's killings of seven World Central Kitchen workers in April and its use of an area near the pier as it staged a hostage rescue recovery mission in June also dented the confidence of aid organizations, on whom the U.S. was relying to carry the supplies from the shore and distribute to residents.

A senior U.S. defense official acknowledged that aid delivery "proved to be perhaps more challenging than the planners anticipated."

One former official said Kurilla had raised distribution as a concern early on.

"General Kurilla was also very clear about that: 'I can do my piece of this, and I can do distribution if you task me to do it,'" the former official said.

"But that was explicitly scoped out of what the task was. And so we were reliant on these international organizations."

Current and former U.S. officials told Reuters that the United Nations and aid organizations themselves were always cool to the pier.

At a closed-door meeting of U.S. officials and aid organizations in Cyprus in March, Sigrid Kaag, the U.N. humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, offered tacit support for Biden's pier project.

But Kaag stressed the UN preference was for "land, land, land," according to two people familiar with the discussions.

The United Nations declined to comment on the meeting. It referred to a briefing on Monday where a spokesperson for the organization said that the U.N. appreciated every way of getting aid into Gaza, including the pier, but more access through land routes is needed.

The underlying concern for aid organizations was that Biden, under pressure from fellow Democrats over Israel's killing of civilians in Gaza, was pushing a solution that would at best be a temporary fix and at worst would take pressure off Netanyahu's government to open up land routes into Gaza.

Dave Harden, a former USAID mission director to the West Bank and Gaza, described the pier project as "humanitarian theater."

"It did relieve the pressure, unfortunately, on having the (land border) crossings work more effectively."

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Don Durfee and Alistair Bell)
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'

Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'

By Steve Holland and Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.

"It is time for this war to end," Harris said in a televised statement after she held face-to-face talks with Netanyahu.

Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee after Biden dropped out of the election race on Sunday, did not mince words about the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza after nine months of war between Israel and Hamas militants.

"We cannot allow ourselves to be numb to the suffering and I will not be silent," she said.

Harris' remarks were sharp and serious in tone and raised the question of whether she would be more aggressive in dealing with Netanyahu if elected president on Nov. 5. But analysts do not expect there would be a major shift in U.S. policy toward Israel, Washington's closest ally in the Middle East.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel from Gaza, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 captives, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's retaliatory attack in Gaza has killed more than 39,000 people and caused a humanitarian calamity with most of the coastal enclave leveled, people displaced from their homes, famine and a shortage of emergency relief.

Biden met with Netanyahu earlier and told him that he needed to close gaps to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and remove obstacles in the flow of aid, according to a readout of the meeting provided by the White House.

Netanyahu will meet Harris' Republican rival, Donald Trump, on Friday at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

A ceasefire has been the subject of negotiations for months. U.S. officials believe the parties are closer than ever before to an agreement for a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release by Hamas of women, sick, elderly and wounded hostages.

"There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal, and as I just told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done," Harris said.

Although as vice president she has mostly echoed Biden in firmly backing Israel's right to defend itself, she made clear on Thursday that she was losing patience with Israel's military approach.

"Israel has a right to defend itself. And how it does so matters," Harris said.

In March, she bluntly stated that Israel was not doing enough to ease a "humanitarian catastrophe" during its ground offensive in the Palestinian enclave. Later, she did not rule out "consequences" for Israel if it launched a full-scale invasion of refugee-packed Rafah in southern Gaza.

A DIVIDED PARTY

The Gaza conflict has splintered the Democratic Party, and sparked months of protests at Biden events. A drop in support among Arab Americans could hurt Democratic chances in Michigan, one of a handful of states likely to decide the Nov. 5 election.

In a nod to those concerns, Harris urged Americans to help "encourage efforts to understand the complexity, the nuance and the history of the region."

"To everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you," she said. "Let's get the deal done so we can get a ceasefire to end the war."

In an Oval Office address on Wednesday, Biden cited a desire for unity in the Democratic Party as it seeks to defeat Trump as a main reason he decided not to seek reelection but to instead support Harris for the 2024 race.

Harris maintains closer ties to Democratic progressives, some of whom have urged Biden to attach conditions to U.S. weapons shipments to Israel out of concern for high Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza. The U.S. is a major arms supplier to Israel and has protected the country from critical United Nations votes.

Biden and Netanyahu met together with the families of Americans held by Hamas, who expressed hope for a ceasefire including a release of hostages. "We came today with a sense of urgency," said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son is a captive.

(Reporting by Steve Holland and Jeff Mason; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Heather Timmons, Howard Goller, Cynthia Osterman and Don Durfee)
If 2024 has taught us anything, it's that no presidential election is ever the same. This year's contest featured the first major-party nomination of a former president  Donald Trump  since Democrats backed Grover Cleveland in the 1892 election. And this past weekend, President Joe Biden became the first presumptive nominee to abandon a reelection bid since the modern presidential primary process took shape in the 1970s.

These unfamiliar circumstances make it easy for observers to throw around the term "unprecedented" to describe what's happening, and in some respects, that word absolutely hits the mark. However, as is often the case, a longer view of American political history offers more commonalities with the current political situation than one might expect. Here then is a look at some of those past comparisons, many of which echo what we're seeing today.

Several presidents didn't win (or seek) renomination

Biden is the 13th president (of 46) to have served fewer than two terms as chief executive but not end up as his party's nominee in the ensuing presidential election.* That group consists of five presidents who won election to the White House (including Biden) and eight vice presidents who became president due to the death of their predecessor. Four of the vice presidents-turned-president did win a term in their own right but opted against seeking another four years after that. Overall, Biden is the fourth incumbent on this list to abandon some sort of reelection effort, while four others lost renomination at their party conventions, and the remaining five retired rather than run again.

The two most recent examples on this list involve incumbents who actively sought a second term before exiting the race following poor performances in early primaries. In 1968, Democratic President Lyndon Johnson had seemingly begun his reelection bid, but he surprised the country by announcing that he would not accept his party's nomination following a weak performance as a write-in candidate in the New Hampshire primary. (Behind the scenes, Johnson kept his options open about reentering the race, but that didn't pan out.) In 1952, Democratic President Harry Truman similarly announced that he wouldn't run again after losing the New Hampshire primary, although he received a handful of votes at the convention.

Of course, contrary to his Democratic predecessors, Biden publicly sought renomination well beyond the spring (although both those races predate the modern primary process as we know it today). But similar to Johnson and Truman, Biden has faced low ratings for his job performance  his approval rating is only 38 percent in 538's tracker, while Johnson's stood in the mid-30s in March 1968 and Truman's the low 20s in March 1952. Interestingly, Johnson's approval rating rose sharply after his departure from the race, so we'll be watching to see if Biden gets any bump for abandoning his candidacy.

The last presidential dropout actually predates the modern two-party system. Like Johnson and Truman, Vice President John Tyler acceded to the presidency in 1841 after the president's death, in this case William Henry Harrison. Tyler had been elected as a Whig, but he was a former Democrat whose views stood sharply at odds with those of his adopted party, which quickly made him persona non grata. To retain any hope of winning the 1844 election without support from either major party, Tyler pressed the issue of annexing Texas to boost a third-party bid. But James Polk, running as the Democratic nominee, adopted much of Tyler's platform regarding Texas, which led Tyler to drop out and endorse Polk in August 1844. Polk went on to narrowly defeat Henry Clay, the Whig standard-bearer.

Two of the other vice presidents-turned-president in this table went out more on their own terms, winning and serving four more years but retiring as opposed to seeking another term. Theodore Roosevelt took office in 1901 following the assassination of Republican President William McKinley. He won a landslide victory in 1904, but said following his win that he wouldn't run in 1908  a decision he later came to regret (Roosevelt famously ran again in 1912). Almost two decades later, Calvin Coolidge took over the White House in 1923 after Republican President Warren Harding's death and handily won the 1924 election. "Silent Cal" then told the press in 1927, in his famously laconic style, that "I do not choose to run for president" in 1928.

Now, we have to go back quite a ways to find another elected president who was serving in their first term but didn't end up seeking their party's renomination at a major party convention. Nearly 150 years ago, Republican President Rutherford Hayes had made it clear that he would not seek a second term after winning the controversial 1876 election, so he didn't run in 1880. Prior to that, Democratic President James Buchanan didn't seek reelection in 1860 in the lead up to the Civil War, and Polk also retired ahead of the 1848 election. Unlike Biden, Hayes and Polk were both in their 50s at the end of their presidencies, but Buchanan was 69, about tied with Andrew Jackson as the oldest president to leave the office at that time. More broadly, exhaustion from difficult circumstances surrounding the Mexican-American War, the coming of the Civil War and a fraught contested election surely discouraged Polk, Buchanan and Hayes, respectively, from running again.

The four remaining presidents each lost out on their party's nomination at the convention after one term or less, indicative of how they struggled to garner and maintain intraparty support to a far worse extent than Biden did. Vice President Millard Fillmore acceded to the presidency after the death of President Zachary Taylor in 1850, but Fillmore lost out on the 1852 Whig Party nomination after 53 convention ballots. Democratic President Franklin Pierce easily won the 1852 election, but his actions amid growing sectional strife left him unpopular, so his party chose Buchanan over him at the 1856 convention.

As the Civil War ended, Vice President Andrew Johnson took over after the assassination of Republican President Abraham Lincoln, but he clashed with the GOP-led Congress  he'd been an anti-secession "War Democrat" who'd become Lincoln's running mate in 1864  and went on to lose a bid for the Democratic nomination in 1868. In 1881, Vice President Chester Arthur succeeded the assassinated Republican President James Garfield, but Arthur fell short of the GOP nomination at the party's 1884 convention while battling kidney disease.

Biden wasn't the first to face calls to step aside

Perhaps surprisingly, Biden also isn't the first incumbent president who faced appeals from within his own party to abandon a reelection bid after clinching renomination in a party primary. In 1992, Republican President George H.W. Bush had turned back a primary challenge from his right flank by paleoconservative commentator Pat Buchanan and positioned himself as the GOP's presumptive nominee. But amid dissatisfaction with the economy, the mood for change seemed set against Bush. By late July, he'd fallen behind Democratic nominee Bill Clinton by double-digit margins after independent contender Ross Perot dropped out of the race.

That's when some Republican voices started calling for Bush to step aside and let someone else earn the nomination at the party's national convention in August. Editorials in notable outlets like The Orange County Register  paper of record in the long-time citadel of California Republicanism  asked Bush to "stand down." GOP fundraiser Richard Viguerie, who helped develop direct mail political communication, went on CNN to call for Bush to "follow the example" of Truman and Johnson, which Viguerie said would "preserve his place in history" and "do his party and his country a great service." (We heard similar statements from elected Democrats about Biden.) Beyond this, Vice President Dan Quayle also attracted similar calls, as his low approval prompted many Republicans to see him as a liability to the ticket: A former Florida state GOP chair even took out a full-page ad in The Washington Post that urged Quayle to quit the race.

The coverage of these pleas was significant enough to force a response. Although Bush ignored questions while out on the campaign trail, his campaign and allies pushed back on the idea that Bush would even consider stepping aside. Now, no members of Congress publicly called on Bush to leave the race  a major contrast to Biden  but New York Rep. Bill Green did tell reporters just two weeks before the GOP convention that Bush should replace Quayle with someone like Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (and later President George W. Bush's secretary of state).

Unlike this year's push for Biden to leave the race, though, a concerted campaign to encourage Bush to drop out never took off, in part because pressure came predominantly from the party's right, which had never liked Bush much to begin with. That November, Bush ended up losing to Clinton, albeit by around 6 percentage points nationally instead of the double-digit poll margins released during the summer (in part because Perot reentered the race in the fall).

The party decides? The will of the voters? Or both?

With Biden's departure, Democrats are set to nominate a candidate who wasn't on the ballot in the presidential primary  a move by the party that some perceive as at odds with popular democracy. And not only did party leaders play a part in pushing Biden out, but they also quickly coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's likely successor. There were likely few "smoke-filled rooms" this time around, given the public nature of Democrats' efforts to compel Biden's departure, and the relatively straightforward move to replace him with the sitting vice president. But American politics has a long history of party leaders putting their thumb on the scale to get their preferred choice.

The last time a party chose a standard-bearer who didn't really go before primary voters was in 1968. Vice President Hubert Humphrey announced his entry into the Democratic race in late April, about a month after the incumbent, Johnson, said he wouldn't run. Humphrey's main competitors, Sens. Robert F. Kennedy (Sr.) and Eugene McCarthy, slugged it out in the few major primaries at the time to prove their mettle to party leaders, but Humphrey captured much of their support as the establishment choice. Overall, Humphrey won just 2 percent of the primary vote  mostly as a write-in  but he easily captured a delegate majority on the convention's first ballot in an era when primaries didn't hold as much weight as they do today.

Yet that 1968 Democratic race precipitated reforms that brought about the modern primary system. Democrats wanted a more open and representative process that better reflected the desires of the party faithful, and their changes ahead of the 1972 election ended up having long-running ramifications for how both parties choose their nominees. Such an approach didn't necessarily have to involve more primaries  that actually wasn't the reformers' intention  but that was the result: A more voter-driven process that significantly, although not entirely, reduced the sway of party leaders.

With that in mind, some observers  including some Biden allies and many Republicans  have accused Democrats of ignoring the will of primary voters by encouraging Biden's departure. After all, Biden won about 87 percent of the vote across the 45 Democratic primary contests in 2024. That mark placed Biden in the vicinity of recent Democratic incumbents who went on to win reelection, like Bill Clinton in 1996 (88 percent) and Barack Obama in 2012 (91 percent).

But like most incumbents, Biden faced no meaningful opposition in the primary, making that contest's outcome a less useful indicator of what Democrats truly preferred. While Democrats had a positive view of Biden, their enthusiasm for him running again was never more than lukewarm. And after his woeful debate performance, many surveys found that a majority of Democrats wanted Biden to step aside. That might suggest that the party was responsive (if belatedly) to its voters' desires by encouraging Biden to leave the race  though it still doesn't guarantee that Harris would've won an open primary race.

Nevertheless, Biden's exit illustrates at least some remaining strength within the Democratic Party apparatus. Our current political era has been defined by weak parties that have struggled to organize and manage our politics even as strong partisanship has made things more polarized and tribal. Yet Democrats compelled Biden to leave the race, then rapidly rallied to Harris right after he stepped aside. This was a striking example of "the party deciding," somewhat akin to 2020, when Democrats consolidated behind Biden ahead of Super Tuesday. In both cases, the desire to defeat Trump and the growing fear of nominating a candidate who might be unable to  Sen. Bernie Sanders in 2020, Biden in 2024  prompted party leaders to act.

Footnotes

*The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1951, restricts any person from being elected president more than twice and forbids any person who has acted as president for more than two years from seeking more than one additional term. However, incumbent President Harry Truman could have still run again in 1952 because the amendment did not apply to the current officeholder. George Washington set a precedent of serving no more than two terms, but there was no legal prohibition until this amendment, which was precipitated by President Franklin Roosevelt's four consecutive electoral victories.

Biden isn't the first president to drop a reelection bid originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
When Joe Biden announced his decision to end his reelection bid amid mounting concerns about his ability to beat Donald Trump, many Democrats were relieved. The prospect of Trump defeating Democrats in November, which for a time felt like a foregone conclusion, no longer seemed so certain.

Arab Americans, many (though not all) of whom have historically aligned themselves with the Democratic Party, were relieved for another reason. To them, Biden has been the single-biggest cheerleader of Israels punishing and relentless assault on Gaza, which has over nearly 10 months claimed the lives of at least 39,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the U.S. and the U.N. While the president has shown deep empathy with Israelis since Hamass deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed some 1,200 people, he has struggled to convey the same level of sympathy towards Palestiniansand, at one point, even cast doubt on the extent of the Palestinian death toll in Gaza.

I dont think he was as balanced as he could have been, and that was really hurtful to a lot of people, says Jasmine El-Gamal, an Arab American and former Middle East adviser at the Pentagon.

While many Arab Americans might have anticipated this from Trump, whos made no secret of his disdain for Palestinians (he notably used their identity as a slur against Biden during their debate last month), El-Gamal says they expected more from the purported empath-in-chief. Bidens failure to treat rising anti-Semitism and rising anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia with an equal sense of urgency left many feeling particularly deflated. Theyre similar threats, and they should be addressed with similar urgency, and I dont think that was the impression that was coming out of the Biden administration, El-Gamal says, noting that it made her and others feel deprioritized as a human being because of your identity.

Read More: How U.S. Policy on Gaza Could Change Under Kamala Harrisor Donald Trump

That feeling had a tangible impact: Within the first month of the war, Arab American support for Biden and the Democratic Party dropped to the lowest levels ever recorded. Michigan, a critical battleground state that boasts one of the largest Arab American populations in the country, appeared all but lost.

With Biden out of the race, the prevailing question now is: Can Harris win them back? So far, there seems to be a guarded optimism. Several Arab American activists and analysts who spoke with TIME say that their community is still waiting to see what changes, if any, the presumed Democratic nominee will pledge to bring to U.S.s policy on Gaza should she win in November. Most all of them recognize that Harris has the potential to have a better relationship with Arab Americans than her predecessora relatively low bar that shouldnt be too difficult for Harris to clear. But they dont want her to take their support for granted, either.

Theres a sense of hope, James Zogby, the founder and president of the Arab American Institute, tells TIME of Bidens decision to end his reelection bid. His organizations latest nationwide poll of Arab Americans, conducted in May, found that an overwhelming majority (79%) have an unfavorable view of the president. Although AAI doesnt yet have polling on views towards Harris, Zogby says that she has largely been seen as more empathetic. Shes reached out to the community and individuals in different ways to let them know of her concern and her staff have been responsive, he says, which is far different than the White House.

For those who couldnt countenance a vote for Biden but regard Trump as a threat to the country, the vice presidents candidacy offers a much-needed reprieve. Despite the deep animosity towards Biden, Zogby says AAIs polling has shown that the Democrats could win back much of support they lost among Arab American votersmany of whom joined the uncommitted campaign in a bid to pressure Biden to change tack on Gazaif theres a meaningful policy shift.

Khaled Turaani, right, hands out fliers outside the Islamic Center of Detroit to ask voters to vote "uncommitted" in Michigan primary elections on February 26, 2024. Mostafa BassimAnadolu/Getty Images

In the aforementioned poll, 60% of those surveyed said theyd be more likely to vote for Biden in November if he were to demand an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza or if he were to suspend diplomatic support and arms shipments to Israel until they implement a ceasefire and withdraw forces from Gaza. While Biden has unveiled a proposal to end the war that would involve a six-week ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from populated areas of Gaza, he has been less willing to withhold military aid to Israel, save for only the largest of munitions.

While Harris hasnt articulated any major policy deviations from Biden when it comes to Gazalike the president, she has repeatedly pledged support for Israels security and self-defenseshe hasnt been seen as driving the administrations policies on this issue either. Instead, she has offered Americans a rhetorically different approach. In March, she became the first senior administration official to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. She was also quicker than Biden to sound the alarm about the humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged enclave, where scores of Palestinians have been forced to live in inhumane, famine-like conditions, and explicitly laid blame on the Israeli government for its part in creating the crisis.

Unlike Biden, whose longtime devolution to the Jewish state has earned him the reputation of being perhaps most pro-Israel American president in history, Harris has long been regarded as being more evenly empathetic when it comes to Israelis and Palestinians. Hala Rharrit, a former American diplomat and Arabic language spokesperson in the U.S. government who resigned earlier this year in protest of the Biden administrations Gaza policy, tells TIME that the State Department often relied on her speeches when communicating to the Arab world for this reason.

Some Arab Americans are hopeful that this record could make Harris uniquely suited to mending the divide within the Democratic Party as a result of the war on Gaza. I think shes the only one who can unite us, says Sami Khalidi, the president of the Dearborn Democratic Club and a former 2020 Biden delegate who is due to reprise his role at the upcoming Democratic convention in Chicago. He notes that while Arab Americans in his community still want to wait and see who Harris might pick as her running mate, they favor her over Trump.

Not all Arab Americans share this view. Indeed, many will be of the belief that Harriss record, as Bidens vice president, is inextricable from current U.S. policy. Theres a genuine and really deep-seated anger and hurt that the Arab American community and the Palestinian American community, in particular, has felt, Tariq Kenney-Shawa, a U.S. policy fellow at Al-Shabaka, a Palestinian think tank and policy network, tells TIME, noting that while these communities may be able to engage with Harris in the way they were unable to with Biden, Theres still going to be a lot of Palestinian Americans and progressive Americans who are like, Thats it, Ive had enough of the establishment Democratic Party, and this kind of ties into a deeper resentment around electoral politics. Some uncommitted delegates have already signaled that they will withhold their endorsement unless Harris commits to big policy shifts, such as ending military aid to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to Washington offers an early test of how Harris will approach the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should she win the presidency. Many Arab Americans and progressive Democrats perturbed by Israels conduct in Gaza were cheered by Harriss decision not to preside over Netanyahus speech to Congressa scheduling conflict, her team said, that many nonetheless regarded as a clear snub. But perhaps the clearest sign of her strategy will be revealed following her meeting with the Israeli premier later today, in which she will reportedly tell him that it is time for the war to end.

I dont think anyone expects her to drastically announce a shift from Biden, especially when she is running [for the presidential nomination], Matt Duss, the executive vice president of the Center for International Policy and a former chief foreign policy advisor to Sen. Bernie Sanders, tells TIME. But I think there are things she can say that will indicate a different path. One option championed by several of Democratic lawmakers is to consistently apply U.S. laws to future military aid to Israel, which prohibits American tax dollars from going to foreign military units suspected of committing human rights violations.

Im optimistic, but Im waiting, says Tariq Habash, a Palestinian American who earlier this year became the second political appointee to resign over the Biden administrations Gaza policy. He and others tell TIME that while they are realistic about what is possible when it comes to U.S. policy in the Middle East, they also believe that there is leeway for change. It is past time for talking points, Habash says.You also have to back it up with action. If Harris does, he says, maybe Arab Americans will too.

Write to Yasmeen Serhan at yasmeen.serhan@time.com.
US President Joe Biden is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday, at a key moment for both leaders.

The meeting comes after Netanyahu delivered a combative speech to a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday in which he appealed for the US and Israel to stand shoulder to shoulder to confront the "murderous enemy" Iran.

Tensions between the two leaders have been high, particularly due to the actions of the Israeli government in the Gaza war.

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 Palestinian territory, where the health system has been decimated, a risk of famine persists and basic services have been crippled.

Iran harshly attacked Netanyahu following his speech before the US Congress and condemned his warm reception in the US.

Nasser Kanaani, spokesman for the Iranian foreign minister, accused Netanyahu of killing Palestinian children every day. Kanaani referred to Netanyahu as the "Butcher of Tel Aviv," and yet the Israeli premier was welcomed with applause by the US Congress, Kanaani wrote on the platform X.

He said that after nine months of "genocide," Netanyahu was now among his supporters in Washington.

Since the beginning of the Gaza war, the decades-old conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified. Israel finds itself under attack on several fronts from militias allied with Iran. Since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Israel and the US have been considered arch-enemies of Iran.

Netanyahu's visit to the United States comes amid political turmoil in the US following Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race.

A meeting between Netanyahu and newly minted Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is also planned for Thursday.

On Friday, former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

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.
President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Thursday for what could be their last face-to-face talk (AP)

Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday said she would not be silent about the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza following what she described as a frank and constructive conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It was the duos first face-to-face meeting since Harris became the de facto Democratic Party nominee in this years presidential election.

Harris, who met with Netanyahu in her ceremonial Washington, DC, office after returning from a campaign stop in Texas, told reporters that she told the Israeli leader she would always assure that his nation would be able to defend itself.

From when I was a young girl collecting funds to plant trees for Israel to my time in the United States Senate and now at the White House, I have had an unwavering commitment to the existence of the State of Israel, to its security and to the people of Israel, she said.

Harris added that Israel has a right to defend itself, but she stressed that how it does so matters as well, calling Hamas a brutal terrorist organization and citing the killing of 1,200 people during the October 7 attacks, as well as horrific acts of sexual violence and the kidnapping of at least 250 hostages.

But she also told reporters that shed expressed to Netanyahu serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which includes over 2 million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity.

Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday said she would not be silent about the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza following what she described as a frank and constructive conversation with Netanyahu (REUTERS)

What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating. The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time, we cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent, Harris said.

Harris remarks came just hours after President Joe Biden and Netanyahu were unfailingly cordial to each other while speaking in the Oval Office at what could be their last face-to-face talks before Biden leaves office.

Netanyahu, who has been a thorn in the side of Democratic presidents for his work to undermine the two-state solution to the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict, praised Bidens long-standing support for Israel while he and the American leader spoke to reporters ahead of their bilateral talks.

Mr President, weve known each other for 40 years, and youve known every Israeli prime minister for 50 years ... So from a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel, and I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead on the great issues before us, Netanyahu said.

Biden replied that he looked forward to working with the Israeli leader over his final six months in office and noted that his first meeting with an Israeli leader  then-prime minister Golda Meir  also included Yitzhak Rabin, then an assistant to Meir.

Rabin, who served as Israels head of government from 1974-1977 and regained the prime ministers post in 1992, was the Israeli leader who signed the landmark peace deal that brought the Palestinian Authority into existence and laid out a roadmap for peace that has largely been ignored by Netanyahu. He was assassinated in 1995 by an Israeli right-wing extremist who was opposed to the peace process.

The relatively civil sitdown between the two leaders came the day after Netanyahu addressed Congress with a thundering and often bellicose set of remarks where he condemned pro-Palestinian protesters as useful idiots who serve the interests of the Iranian government.

Pro-Palestinian protesters burned flags and clashed with police during protests on Wednesday in Washington, DC. The violence was widely condemned by both Biden and Harris, who, in a statement on Thursday, denounced the despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric. (AFP via Getty Images)

As he spoke in the House of Representatives cavernous chamber, protesters clashed with police officers and defaced monuments near Washington, DCs main train station. Some burned American flags, replacing them with Palestinian ones.

The violence was widely condemned by both Biden and Harris, who, in a statement on Thursday, denounced the despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric and condemned any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas.

The meeting between Biden and Netanyahu also took place less than 24 hours after Biden delivered a televised speech explaining his decision to not seek re-election and to endorse Harris  who is set to meet with Netanyahu later in the day.

Biden has spent months unsuccessfully attempting to pressure Netanyahu into moderating his approach to his nearly year-old war on Hamas in hopes of bringing about a deal to return the more than 100 hostages who are still being held by the militant group.

Members of Bidens own party have urged him to break more forcefully with Netanyahu, citing the Israeli leaders longstanding habit of snubbing Democratic presidents and interfering in American politics in favor of Republicans, who have largely given him a free hand to do what he pleases when it comes to the Palestinians.

Yet White House National Security Communications adviser John Kirby told reporters the relationship between the two leaders was a healthy one despite the tensions.

By healthy, I mean they're not going to agree on everything. They haven't  through the long political lives that both of them have enjoyed  always agreed on everything. They come from two different political traditions, but they know one another, he said.

Kirby added he believes Biden is very comfortable in his relationship with Netanyahu and the ability that he has to be candid and honest and lay it all out there in talks with the Israeli leader.
Biden in Oval Office speech says he dropped out to unite Democrats

Biden in Oval Office speech says he dropped out to unite Democrats

President Biden, in an address from the Oval Office, said he decided to end his reelection bid when it became clear that was how he could unite Democrats after weeks of intraparty chaos and mounting pressure to step aside.

The president had firmly declared there was nothing short of a higher power that could get him to change his mind about running again. But he eventually caved, particularly after hearing from congressional leadership, who implored him to drop out or risk Democrats also losing both chambers of Congress in November.

In recent weeks it has become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor, he said.

Nothing, 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. Its the best way to unite our nation, the president added.

The cause of the nation is larger than any one of us, he said.

He was joined in the Oval Office by first lady Jill Biden, his children, their spouses and children and some of his longtime political advisers along with White House staff.

Biden has thrown his support behind Vice President Harris, who Democrats say has revitalized their energy and has potential to boost their chances at beating former President Trump. Harris watched Bidens speech from Houston, Texas, according to reporters traveling with her.

In a letter posted to social media on Sunday, Biden announced he would drop his bid. It came after reports suggested that some of the highest-profile Democrats, including former President Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), had tried to convince him his chances of winning against Trump were disappearing.

There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, Biden said in his address. Theres also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time is now.

The calls for him to step aside followed a poor debate performance in late June, during which Biden, 81, struggled to finish his thoughts and spoke in a low, raspy voice. He spent three weeks insisting he was staying in the race and campaigning up until he dropped out.

The president in his address made a plea for preserving democracy, which was an ongoing theme of his administration, after he beat Trump in 2020.

In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies but as  friends, fellow Americans. Can we do that? Does character in public life still matter? he said.

He referred to words he has hanging in his office from Benjamin Franklin that describe that the founders gave America a Republic, if you can keep it.

Whether we keep our Republic is now in your hands, he said.

History is in your hands, the powers in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands, Biden added.

He made clear he would not be stepping down from the office of the presidency and will serve out his term for the next six months.

The president outlined his plans until he leaves office in January, which include ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Supreme Court reform and continuing to work for reproductive rights and his Cancer Moonshot initiative, among other priorities.

He also praised Harris, calling her experienced, tough, and capable. The president never mentioned Trump by name.

Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the 50 years he has served in government.

Nowhere else on Earth can a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, Biden said. Ive given my heart and my soul to the nation, like so many others  I hope you have some idea how grateful I am, to all of you.

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President Joe Biden on Wednesday made his first public appearance since ending his bid for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination over the weekend.

In a televised address from the Oval Office, Biden framed his decision to step aside as a matter of protecting democracy. 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, said the president.

I believe my record as President, my leadership in the world, my vision for Americas future, all merited a second term, but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, he continued. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.

Biden: I revere this office but I love my country more. It has been the honor of my life to serve as your president, but in the defense of democracy, I think it is more important than any title. This sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It is about you. pic.twitter.com/edYKWX4bUg  Acyn (@Acyn) July 25, 2024

The president also emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, and said, I ran for President four years ago because I believed, and still do, that the soul of America was at stake. The very nature of who we are was at stake, and thats still the case. Before concluding his address, Biden showed his full support for Harris: Shes tough, shes capable. Shes been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.

On Sunday, Biden issued a public letter on his official social media accounts, writing that 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.

Shortly after making the announcement, the president threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor to lead the 2024 Democratic ticket. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President, Biden wrote on social media. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

Harris has managed to quickly coalesce the support of prominent Democratic lawmakers and a majority of convention delegates behind her bid. By Monday night, at least 2,579 delegates  scores more than the 1,976 needed to secure the nomination  had pledged their support to the vice president, making her the presumptive nominee.

When I announced my campaign for president, I said I intended to go out and earn this nomination, Harris wrote in a Monday statement. Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our partys nominee, she said, adding: I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon.

Harris will likely be officially confirmed before the Democratic National Convention, which is scheduled to begin on August 19, in a virtual roll call vote sometime in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Harris is raising astronomical amounts in small-dollar donations, and vetting potential candidates who could fill the vice presidential slot on her presumptive ticket.

Some of the names under consideration include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.

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SYDNEY, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A female driver remained in critical condition on Thursday after her car collided with a bus carrying students in Western Australia's capital Perth.

At approximately 8:20 a.m. local time on Wednesday (0020 GMT), the Western Australian Police Force received reports of a collision between a sedan and a bus at the intersection of Ellen Stirling Bvd and Oswald St in Innaloo.

The bus was carrying approximately 50 passengers, with both the driver and passengers escaping the crash unscathed. Police didn't confirm if all those onboard were schoolchildren.

"The female driver of the Hyundai was trapped in the vehicle and was extracted by Department of Fire and Emergency Services before being conveyed by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries," said police.

On Thursday, local media revealed that the severely injured woman continued to fight for her life in the intensive care.

A passenger on the bus recalled to the West Australian that the car tried to cross lanes when it smashed into the side of the bus.

According to the WA Education Department, at least nine senior high school students were on the bus when the accident occurred.

With an estimated population of more than 9,000 residents, the Innaloo suburb is located 9 km northeast of Perth's central business district. 
Biden says democracy is in voters hands

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  In his first address to the nation since dropping out of the 2024 race President Joe Biden told voters its now time for them to do their part to preserve democracy this November.

In his address President Biden said while he thought his record may have warranted a second term ultimately, he stepped aside because the stakes are too high.

Ive given my heart and my soul to this nation, said Biden.

After more than 50 years in public service President Biden says hes passing the torch to the next generation.

The president called on voters to turn out this November to preserve democracy.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule, the people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands, Biden said.

President Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris shortly after dropping out of the race says his VP is fully capable of filling his shoes.

With just over 100 days until the election the vice president is wasting no time.

We are not playing around, said Harris.

Harris traveled to Indianapolis Wednesday to rally support from members of the of the Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis.

I am fighting for our nations future, said Harris.

At a rally in North Carolina Donald Trump bashed his new opponent.

Lyin Kamala Harris, lyin, l, y, i, n, apostrophe. The most incompetent and far left vice president in American history, said Trump.

Trump made it clear hes ready to put up a fight.

I was supposed to be nice. They say something happened to me when I got shot. I became niceWhen youre dealing with them, you cant be too nice, said Trump.

President Biden says he will use the remainder of his time in office to focus on passing policies to help the American public.

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President Biden on Wednesday said he intends to call for Supreme Court reform as he laid out his plans for his final six months in office.

Biden delivered remarks from the Oval Office outlining his decision not to seek reelection, his first on-camera remarks since making that announcement on Sunday. In addition to explaining why he is ending his candidacy, he listed off his priorities for his remaining time as president.

Over the next six months, Ill be focused on doing my job as president, Biden said, citing lowering costs, growing the economy, calling out extremism, bringing about peace and the release of hostages in Gaza and protecting the planet from the climate crisis among his top goals.

And Im going to call for Supreme Court reform, because this is critical to our democracy, Biden said.

Multiple outlets have reported that Biden is considering proposals to establish term limits for Supreme Court justices and an enforceable ethics code for those on the high court.

It would mark a significant shift for Biden, who has long resisted calls from progressives to back Supreme Court reform because he worried it would politicize the court.

The Supreme Court and its 6-3 conservative majority has in recent years made a series of landmark decisions, overturning Roe v. Wade, ending affirmative action and granting wide immunity to former President Trump for official acts he took while in office.

Liberals have also expressed outrage over reports that Justice Clarence Thomas accepted tens of thousands of dollars worth of hospitality, luxury travel and other favors from a conservative donor.

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Biden Says Its Time for New Generation, Younger Voices to Lead the US in First Address Since Dropping Out of Race | Video

President Joe Biden made his first address to the American people since dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, calling for younger voices to take the lead on Wednesday.

This sacred task about protecting our union is not about me, its about you, Biden said. Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

The president further endorsed his vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Harris, saying, I made my choice.

Shes experienced. Shes tough. Shes capable. Shes been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people, he said. Harris announced that she would campaign for the Democratic nomination, following Bidens dropout announcement.

Biden returned to the Oval Office Tuesday after testing negative for COVID-19 and isolating for seven days at his home in Delaware. He tested positive for the virus July 17, forcing him to cancel his speaking engagement in Las Vegas just minutes before he stepped onstage.

The president stated in his speech that America has the strongest economy in the world, decreeing that were leading the world again. He stood his ground that his record as president merited a second term, but he said nothing, not even ego, could come in the way of saving our democracy.

Though Biden never mentioned his Republican opponent Donald Trump by name, he alluded to the state of democracy he foresees if the former president regained his seat as opposed to the one possible with Harris in office.

As he concluded his speech, the former Delaware senator spoke about what he believes makes the United States so special and why he has dedicated 50 years of his life in service to it.

Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the resolute desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States. But here I am, Biden said. Thats whats so special about America. Were a nation of promise and possibilities, of dreamers and doers, of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things.

Watch his full address below:

The president reiterated his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the American people for the majority of his professional life in a post to X following his Oval Office address.

I have been privileged to serve this nation for over 50 years.



I have given my heart and my soul, like so many others have.



And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people.



I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you.  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 25, 2024

The power is in your hands, Biden said to conclude his address. Keep the faith and remember who we are.

The post Biden Says Its Time for New Generation, Younger Voices to Lead the US in First Address Since Dropping Out of Race | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Joe Biden announced he wants to focus on Supreme Court reform in his final six months in office, in an Oval Office address on Wednesday.

He believes if you are serving in high office, you should be held to a transparency, accountability and you should be held to a high ethics, said Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary.

The president has seriously considered proposals to establish term limits and an ethics code that would be enforceable under law, according to people briefed on the plans.

This is critical to our democracy, President Biden said from the Oval Office.

Democrats have criticized Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, both appointed by Republican presidents, for accepting luxury trips from GOP donors and not disclosing them.

Its a court which is out of control, said Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.).

Markey went beyond Biden, calling on Congress to add more justices to the Supreme Court.

The highest court in the land became the source of the lowest principles in our land, Markey said.

Any plan to change the Supreme Court would need Congressional approval, where Republicans have the majority in the House and 60 votes are needed in the Senate. Democrats have a slim, one vote majority.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas.) serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee and said the proposal by President Biden is an effort to add justices to the court.

I think this is a really transparent effort to change the court, Cornyn said. Theyve been hypercritical of the decisions made by the court rather than respecting those decisions.

President Biden has not yet formally announced his proposal for reforming the court.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Rape survivors should be told about biological sex of trans support workers, says charity chief

Sandy Brindley, the chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, has come under fire for her stance on trans women in centres for survivors - Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Biological men should still be able to work in rape crisis centres despite a scandal over a trans womans running of survivor services, a leading charity boss has claimed.

Sandy Brindley, the chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, confirmed that Mridul Wadhwa, a male who identifies as female and is chief executive of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, was not currently at work following a damning employment tribunal ruling.

An independent review has been launched into the centre after a worker was constructively dismissed in a heresy hunt because she believed service users should have been able to know the biological sex of staff.

The chief executives running of the centre, which Ms Brindleys charity oversees, has been a source of controversy since the appointment in 2021, which was made despite the job being advertised as for women only.

Wadhwa does not have a gender recognition certificate and is legally male.

Mridul Wadhwa, who is legally male, was appointed to lead a rape crisis centre despite an outcry

Ms Brindley, who has previously championed Wadhwa as an amazing sister, denied that her organisation had any involvement in the appointment and declined to confirm whether the chief executive was suspended or on leave.

She said she believed victims of sexual violence should be able to make informed choices about the sex of support workers.

However, she rejected claims that there was no place for trans women in rape crisis centres, despite admitting the employment tribunal ruling had been damning and damaging.

Ruling wasnt necessarily about trans staff

It [the ruling] wasnt necessarily about having trans staff in rape crisis centres, she told the BBC. Its about survivors being able to make informed choices.

The claimant in the case said she felt it was important to have trans workers involved in rape crisis centres, in terms of representing the community we serve.

Wadhwa has made a series of inflammatory remarks about gender issues, including that bigoted victims of male sexual violence who did not consider trans women real women should be challenged on their prejudices and taught to reframe their trauma.

The tribunal ruling found that centre worker Roz Adams was discriminated against after she sought advice over how to deal with inquiries about the sex of a female staff member who came out as non-binary and adopted a typically male name.

It added that she was subjected to a Kafkaesque internal disciplinary process for making the request and was targeted because she did not subscribe to the gender ideology which the centre wished to promote under Wadhwas leadership.

The tribunal ruling said Wadhwa had formed the view that Ms Adams was transphobic.

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre is one of 17 across Scotland supported by Rape Crisis Scotland, though it has its own board and makes its own appointments.

It previously only offered services to women, including trans women, but said it began welcoming men last year while still operating women only times.

Women not able to trust services

Marion Calder, a director at the For Women Scotland campaign group, said Ms Brindley had serious questions to answer over events at the Edinburgh centre.

She has previously described Mridul Wadhwa as a warrior for womens rights and repeatedly championed him, as well as the ludicrous notion that people can change sex, she said.

The culture at the centre was no secret and it was obvious for years that the needs of vulnerable service users were being sidelined for this deranged ideology.

For her to claim that there is still a place for men in rape crisis centres shows she has learned nothing and means many women will simply not be able to trust these vital services.

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By Leah Douglas

(Reuters) -The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on Thursday announced three additional human cases of bird flu among poultry farm workers, bringing the total number of confirmed human cases in the U.S. this year to 13.

The three new cases involved poultry farm workers who were killing infected chickens at a Weld County egg farm, the health department said. The workers are experiencing mild illness and have been offered antiviral drugs, said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a statement.

Neither the state health department nor CDC provided the name of the egg farm.

The bird flu outbreak has infected poultry in nearly every U.S. state since early 2022. Since March, the virus has been circulating among dairy cattle and has infected more than 170 herds in 13 states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Since April, four dairy farm workers and nine poultry farm workers have been infected with the virus in Colorado, Michigan and Texas.

The CDC said the risk to the general public from bird flu remains low, but that farm workers exposed to infected animals should use personal protective equipment (PPE).

Six workers culling infected chickens at a different Colorado chicken farm earlier this month were working without effective PPE, according to the CDC.

A CDC field team is deployed in Colorado to support its ongoing outbreak response, the agency said.

(Reporting by Leah Douglas; Editing by Leslie Adler and Diane Craft)
Sacramento resident MacArthur Flournoy has lived with HIV since 1988, though a nurse at the time told him that he would likely die within two years.

Flournoy is African American. Hes a grandfather of four. At age 64, he still lives a full, busy life.

The human immunodeficiency virus, best known by its acronym HIV, is no longer a death sentence, Flournoy said, but far too many people still believe it is.

The truth is that, if African Americans living with HIV take antiretroviral therapy, or ART, not one of them has to die from complications related to HIV, Flournoy and other HIV experts said.

Daily pills or a long-lasting injection of drugs known as PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, will keep them from contracting or transmitting HIV when taken as prescribed, Flournoy said.

And multiple studies have shown that, if people suspect they have had sex with someone who has HIV, they can avoid getting the disease if they start taking a 28-day prescription of PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, within 72 hours of contact.

Think you cant afford HIV medications? Theyre free to the poor at many clinics and are covered by Medicaid, Medicare and health plans. Many clinics also offer free confidential or anonymous testing.

Despite these medical advances and the defrayed costs, Black residents represented a disproportionately high number of Sacramento Countys newly diagnosed HIV cases  nearly 25% for the 10-year period ending in 2021  though they account for roughly 9% of the population.

Nationally, African Americans represented 39% of newly diagnosed HIV cases in 2022 but only accounted for 14% of PrEP users in 2023, according to Emory Universitys AIDSVu website. Records at the Sacramento County health clinic at 4600 Broadway show Black people currently make up 12% of the 89 people in that facilitys PrEP program. County health providers are not required to report PrEP usage.

By contrast, the AIDSVu site shows that white Americans made up 24% of new HIV cases in the US in 2022 and 64% of PrEP users in 2023. About 62% of Americans identify as non-Hispanic white.

Earlier this month, a committee of leading health equity researchers, including Dr. Ruth Shim of the University of California, Davis, cited the troubling rates of newly diagnosed HIV infections among Black people and called for more research on how to increase awareness and use of testing, preventative therapies and treatments.

The committee addressed the HIV disparities as part of an exhaustive examination of health inequities in the US health care system, conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

Last year, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans also touched on the topic, decrying the disproportionately high loss of Black lives to HIV and AIDS since the 1980s and calling for health-based reparations to better control the spread of the disease.

African American gay and bisexual men are infected by HIV more than any other group in the United States today and have the highest HIV death rate, the task force noted. Longstanding inequities in access to and delivery of healthcare to African Americans has led to this disparity.

Flournoy, who identified as bisexual earlier in his life, vividly recalled how he found out that he had HIV. He had developed a cyst on his back, and it had become infected, so his primary care doctor sent him to a surgeon to remove the damaged tissue.

He did the procedure with the cyst, and he said in a very matter-of-fact way, Well, you know youre HIV-positive, dont you? Flournoy said. Then his nurse came into the room and said, You have two years to live.

I thought that was the end of me

That was how Flournoy learned he had HIV. He choked up as he shared the memory: I really thought that was the end of me.

He had been married to a woman for about three months, he said, but prior to his union, hed had sexual relations with men. He got his HIV diagnosis while his wife was in graduate school in Pennsylvania, but they returned to their native Los Angeles after she finished her coursework.

Flournoy said he feared that his HIV would progress to AIDS and that he would develop Kaposis sarcoma, a cancer that forms lesions on the face, arms and legs. So, about six years later, after he and his wife divorced, he moved to the Bay Area because he didnt want his mother to see how the disease would ravage his body.

He planned on dying there, he said.

But Flournoy never developed AIDS. In 1987, the US Food & Drug Administration approved the first antiretroviral medication to prevent or treat HIV/AIDS: AZT, or azidothymidine, and Flournoy eventually started taking it.

He began to educate himself on AIDS research, and he began to use this knowledge to ask better questions of his doctors.

You reach a point where you not only decide, I want to live, but you get to decide how you want to live and what I learned is that I dont have to settle for a life that is less than what I want, Flournoy said, and so I got proactive around partnering with health care. I got proactive around my mental health. I got proactive around my resources.

Knowing your HIV status is the first step toward taking control of your life, Flournoy said, and its best to know before opportunistic infections gain the upper hand in your body.

In 2019, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services set two ambitious goals: Reduce new HIV infections by 75% by 2025 and by 90% by 2030, but as of 2022, the department reported, the estimated number of newly diagnosed HIV cases had declined by only 12% since 2018.

In a statement sent to The Bee, the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventionexpressed concern about the nations ability to meet the 2030 goal, saying efforts must be accelerated.

Rhonda Smith, the leader of the California Black Health Network, said she has been working for some time to eradicate these sort of deep health inequities, but now, she doubts that will be possible in her lifetime.

Racism and implicit bias often affect the quality of care that brown and Black people receive from their providers, Smith said, and even when terrific new policies are undertaken, she said, the implementation falls short.

Shed like to see more studies to determine the best practices to get communities of color to adopt new treatments or health policies, she said, and medical schools and other graduate programs must do a better job of educating students on how racial biases among providers are hurting patient outcomes and leading to higher rates of mortality for Black people.

Leading health equity researchers detail plan of action

In the report to the National Academies, Ending Unequal Treatment: Strategies to Achieve Equitable Health Care and Optimal Health for All, Shim and her peers expressed greater optimism than Smith. They examined the concerns like those she expressed and many others, and then they laid out a detailed plan of action that the nation can take to fix a health care system that is broken.

Eliminating health care inequities and advancing health equity are achievable and feasible goals, they wrote. Many of the tools needed to reach these goals are already available and need to be fully used. With concerted national efforts and adequate resources, the health care system can be transformed to deliver high-quality, equitable care to all and contribute to the larger societal goal of achieving optimal health for all. We are all in this together.

Among the recommendations from the committee: They called for the National Institutes of Health and other funders to pour more money into research aimed at addressing health care inequities, structural racism, and health-related social needs. They want to see more health equity studies evaluating the comparative effectiveness of interventions and approaches to implementation rather than simply documenting disparities.

To rebuild trust broken by past discrimination and judgment, they said, involve Black people with lived experience at every step, from conceptualization to dissemination, and share decision-making power and ownership with the research team. And, work with them to define  and continually refine  evidence-driven solutions into sustainable best practices that, when appropriate, can be expanded to other sites.

Many, many studies have shown ... that when people from their own communities are helping to lead and drive research, they often have the solutions to the problem, rather than ... the academic person from a different background, said Shim, the associate dean of diverse and inclusive education in the UCD School of Medicine.

Gay and bisexual men have faced judgment and stigma in the health care system, from their families and in their faith communities, Flournoy said, so they could bring much-needed perspective on how to build awareness and overcome barriers to adoption of testing and treatments.

Even for those who practice safe sex with the same person of the same gender, theres still a stigma, he said, so people are not being tested because they dont want to be identified as being positive or negative for fear of what that would mean in terms of their families, their communities, their jobs, their faith community. People are fearing, alienation and ostracism.

Black people fear HIV diagnosis will lead to ostracism

Flournoy recalled visiting churches where he recognized men he knew were having sex with other men, and he would see them shout Amen when their pastor condemned homosexuality as a sin in his Sunday sermon. Early in his own Christian formation, Flournoy said, he devoted himself to church work and prayed fervently to God to heal him of his attraction to men.

His parents were evangelicals, he said, and when he had told them separately of his struggles with his sexuality, each of them tried to get him to reject his conviction that he might be gay. So, for years after his HIV diagnosis, he delayed telling his parents and other family.

Then, one day in the 1990s, Flournoy said, he, his wife and his mother were having dinner when his mom made clear that she felt HIV and AIDS were Gods judgment on homosexuals. It was a common belief among many Christians at the time  and still holds sway among some.

After that dinner, he decided he could live with HIV, but he could no longer live with his family not knowing he had it. Days later, he called his mother and told her about his diagnosis.

I do remember apologizing, and saying, Im so sorry, I shamed the family, Flournoy said, and I think thats what many African Americans deal with. We believe that to be HIV positive is a source of shame and guilt.

Flournoy no longer holds such views: HIV has nothing to do with Gods judgment, he said. It is a biomedical disease.

When the initial shock of his HIV diagnosis wore off, Flournoy said, he started to get angry.

I started thinking, I can do something and the God that I serve can do something, and Im not settling for what the nurse said, Flournoy said. (HIV) affects us spiritually, socially, emotionally, but theres so much support out there.

Flournoy, now an ordained minister, wants people to know that there is life on the other side of an HIV diagnosis. He has worked as a missionary in Africa and as a chaplain in Hawaii. Over his life, he adopted four children and had one biological child.

He advocated for people living with HIV for decades in various government and nonprofit positions, and he currently serves on two state and one county advisory board trying to solve inequities in testing, awareness and treatment of HIV.

Men need to know, for instance, that the risk of contracting HIV increases if theyre having sex with other men, Flournoy said. In Sacramento County, such relationships were the most common source of HIV transmission between 2012 and 2021, making up 52% of newly diagnosed cases, records show. Heterosexual contact, on the other hand, accounted for 25% of HIV cases in Sacramento County, and these cases include a rising tide of heterosexual Black women.

What does U=U mean? Its good news about HIV

HIV medications can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, and after a person has kept their levels undetectable for six months, the virus is untransmittable.

A global U=U campaign has been sharing this news and attempting to pave the way to end the HIV epidemic.

Despite this campaign and significant work by faith-based organizations to rein in the spread of the disease in the Black community, a veteran advocate for people living with HIV said he and his team suffered a painful loss earlier this year.

Jake Bradley-Rowe, the leader of Sacramento-based Sunburst Projects, and his team offer free HIV testing, support groups, and a variety of other social and mental health services to people living with HIV.

One day in August 2022 when temperatures soared above 100 degrees, Bradley-Rowe and one of his staffers went to check on a young African American client who had been diagnosed with HIV. They found him in his sweltering apartment.

He was incredibly sick, Bradley-Rowe said, with a viral load in the millions per milliliter of blood. He and his staffer called 911 and got him into the hospital. After he was discharged, Bradley-Rowe said, they worked to nurse the young man back to health, often taking him meals, even though their grants did not cover those costs.

The young mans family in Florida held the religious belief that he was broken because he was gay, Bradley-Rowe said.

I remember calling his mom. I vividly can remember that I was in my car driving home and the street I was on, Bradley-Rowe said. It was a bright, hot day and there was one big cloud in the sky and I  (told) his mom that, if she wanted to see her son alive one more time, she should get on a plane and come to California.

Her response, as Bradley-Rowe recalled it, was He made the bed. Hell lay in it alone, and she hung up the phone.

In the end, Bradley-Rowe said, the young man worked hard to get stable enough to return home to his family in February of this year. The Sunburst team learned in April that he had died on March 30.

What you should know about HIV prevention

Test at least once a year if you dont know the HIV status of your sexual partner or if your partner has HIV. The US Centers for Disease Control said that, by 2028, it would distribute 1 million self-tests that can be used at home.

To reduce your risk of getting HIV, learn how to use condoms correctly every time you have sex.

If you do not have HIV, theres a medication that can help you avoid getting it. Talk to your health care provider about PrEP. Users take a specific HIV medicine every day or an injectable HIV medicine every two months to reduce the risk of getting HIV through sex or injection drug use. (A shot that lasts six months is expected to be available soon.)

Do you have HIV? Take antiretroviral therapy, or ART, as prescribed by your doctor to suppress the amount of HIV in the blood to the point where a test cannot detect it. If you maintain an undetectable viral load, you will not transmit HIV to your partner through sex.

Were you exposed to HIVin the last 72 hours? Go to an emergency room or consult a doctor within three days of a possible exposure to HIV to get medicines that could prevent an infection. PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, should be used only in emergency situations. It is not meant for regular use by people who may be exposed to HIV frequently. To be effective, PEP must be taken daily for 28 days.

How to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system

The California Black Health Network has organized a series of webinars to give African Americans the knowledge, skills, tools and resources to make the health care system work better for them.

Want to participate? Go to the current events tab at www.cablackhealthnetwork.org to sign up now for the second of five sessions with Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris, author of Focus on Your Best Health. The first session, covering what patients rights are and how to exercise them, is available in the organizations webinar archive.

Were really doing our best to ignite a Black health movement in California, said Rhonda Smith, the networks executive director, so that our community can really feel more empowered to take charge and ownership  (of) their health and wellness.
A growing number of states are moving to bar employers from holding mandatory anti-union meetings at work, a move labor advocates hope will give employees more confidence to vote union yes.

Illinois is poised to become the eighth state to enact such a ban after the legislature passed a bill outlawing employers from holding mandatory meetings of a political or religious nature.

Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to sign the legislation by the end of this month, a spokesperson told HuffPost.

That would add Illinois to a list that already includes Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, New Jersey and Washington.

Meanwhile, at least another 10 states are considering passing similar legislation, potentially covering more than 60 million workers around the country, according to the Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank.

People just want to go to work to work. They dont want to be indoctrinated.Tim Drea, President, Illinois AFL-CIO

For years, unions have bemoaned the fact that employers have essentially unfettered access to their workers to make the case against organizing, while unions can only mount their arguments in voluntary, offsite settings. There is even a term for when employers force workers to listen to anti-union messaging in group or one-on-one talks: captive audience meetings.

Like in other states, the Illinois measure, called the Worker Freedom of Speech Act, goes beyond the subject of collective bargaining, forbidding employers from holding mandatory meetings on religious or political matters. That means employers could not force a worker to attend a meeting where the company promoted a political candidate or particular religious views.

Tim Drea, the president of the Illinois AFL-CIO, said it made a lot of sense for the state labor federation to get behind the bill. While Drea has an obvious stake in opposing anti-union captive audience meetings, he said workers shouldnt be forced to listen to political talk either.

He noted the famous case from 2012, in which coal magnate Bob Murray allegedly required his miners to attend a rally for then-GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Theres a problem with workers having to not only listen to anti-union rhetoric at work, but religious rhetoric or political rhetoric from the employer, Drea said. People just want to go to work to work. They dont want to be indoctrinated.

A spokesperson for Pritzker said he will sign the ban on mandatory anti-union meetings by the end of July. The Washington Post via Getty Images

But the captive audience meeting bans have come under fire from business groups that argue they violate employers First Amendment rights and conflict with federal labor law. Bans like Illinois include a private right of action, meaning workers can sue in court when they believe their employer has violated its provisions.

Lawsuits are challenging the bans in Connecticut and Minnesota.

The National Federation of Independent Business claimed in a court filing that the Minnesota law has already chilled employers free speech and that they must either refrain from future meetings and communications concerning political matters or go forward  exposing themselves to legal risk, including liability, costs, and attorneys fees.

The state laws are part of a broader effort to cut back employers anti-union talk on worksites.

Jennifer Abruzzo, the general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board, has argued in memos and cases that mandatory anti-union meetings violate the law. She told HuffPost in an interview last year that the meetings are inherently coercive.

There is a threat. ... Its inherent because these workers are economically dependent upon their employer, said Abruzzo, who was appointed by President Joe Biden. They have no true ability to exercise their right to refrain without fear of some sort of reprisal.

The NLRB has not yet ruled on the issue. A decision in Abruzzos favor would almost certainly be appealed to federal court by employer groups.

The captive audience bans have come under fire from business groups that argue they violate employers First Amendment rights and conflict with federal labor law.

In lieu of a national ban, unions and other pro-labor groups have been pushing state lawmakers to step in and outlaw the mandatory meetings. The Economic Policy Institute notes that at-will employment prevails in the vast majority of states, giving employers broad discretion to fire workers, although it is illegal to retaliate against someone for trying to form a union.

State lawmakers have the power to fight back against employer coercion and address gaps in weak, outdated federal laws, the think tank urged in April.

A HuffPost series published last year detailed how systematic captive audience meetings can erode union support during an organizing campaign. Employers often hire anti-union consultants who hold the meetings for a going rate of $3,000 per day. Consultants and lawyers also script speeches for managers and guide them on what to say to workers to turn them against the idea of a union.

Drea said that under the Illinois proposal, employers would still be free to make their case against unions  they just couldnt force workers to hear it.

Obviously, employers have a freedom of speech to talk, Drea said. Employees have a freedom not to have to listen.

Related...
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with John Key, former prime minister of New Zealand, in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with John Key, former prime minister of New Zealand, in Beijing on Thursday.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, briefed Key on the 20th CPC Central Committee's third plenary session and China's economic situation.

He said that China and New Zealand should work together to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, use the 10th anniversary of the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership as an opportunity to deepen cooperation on trade and investment, and build an upgraded version of that partnership.

China hopes that Key will continue contributing to the China-New Zealand friendship and bilateral cooperation, He added.

Key said that cooperation between New Zealand and China has broad prospects, and noted his willingness to continue playing a positive role in the promotion of bilateral economic and trade exchanges. 
Despite pressure from the teachers union to reject Chicago Public Schools proposed $9.9 billion budget, Board of Education members unanimously voted Thursday to pass the districts spending plan for the 2024-25 school year.

While the vote may have settled the debate over addressing CPS $505 million deficit, the plan doesnt account for future collective bargaining costs resulting from ongoing negotiations, with the approximately 30,000-member Chicago Teachers Union and the Chicago Principal Administrators Association of over 1,200 members.

With an amendment to address the cost of those contracts still on the horizon, tensions that arose in response to the initial budget proposal are unlikely to dissipate between CPS, Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration and the Chicago Teachers Union.

The district did not address the Tribunes request for an estimate of expected collective bargaining costs that a future budget amendment will need to resolve. In an analysis by the Civic Federation released Wednesday, the non-partisan government research organization estimated the cost of ongoing contract negotiations as $128 million, a figure also projected by the education nonprofit Kids First Chicago.

Separately, whether CPS is obligated to contribute $175 million to the citys Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund remains contentious. As the majority of the pensioners in MEABF are CPS employees, the city expects the board to eventually amend its budget to account for the cost of that payment, a Johnson spokesperson said Thursday.

A CPS spokesperson said the district will continue to work with partners to identify savings as well as additional revenue. The district, CTU and the Johnson administration blame the districts fiscal woes on underfunding by the state. Pritzkers office said in a statement to the Tribune it wont be providing additional money after finalizing its budget in July. As for other solutions, CPS appears at odds with Johnson and the teachers union regarding a potential loan. Cuts in spending or property tax increases may be necessary, according to experts.

There is no surplus in the budget that would accommodate allocating additional money to CPS, said a spokesperson for the governors office, adding that Johnson has not made a request to its office for additional state funding for CPS. That budget is balanced and includes an additional $350 million for school districts across the state.

Johnsons office reiterated Thursday that he would ensure all of our public schools are fully funded and work with CPS, the board, parents and community members so that the final version of the CPS budget reflects Mayor Johnsons values.

The $9.9 billion budget passed Thursday closes the districts deficit through strategies including central office cuts and restructuring debt  while implementing a new more equitable funding model that guarantees baseline student-teacher ratios at every school and increases staff positions by hundreds, compared with the start of the last school year.

But CPS also recently laid off around 600 paraprofessional staff members, of whom it has guaranteed teaching assistants jobs in the coming school year. The budget also relies in part on $196 million in federal grant carryover, new grant funding and vacancy savings that account for unfilled positions which Chief Budget Officer Mike Sitkowski said CPS is aggressively trying to fill.

CPS is counting on these vacancies for these types of positions to go unfilled in order to fund their budget, said Kizzy Evans, a restorative justice coordinator at Hay Community Academy who was laid off in the recent staff cuts.

CTU also demanded Thursday that CPS join them in continuing to lobby the state, as CPS CEO Pedro Martinez did in the spring. Among other options the district has to fund new costs amid a long-term structural deficit, the union said in a statement that borrowing should not be off of the table provided it is not a predatory loan, emphasizing that CPS considers every responsible option when seeking additional funding. According to Chalkbeat, Johnson advised CPS to take out a loan, which the district refused. Johnsons office declined to comment on the possible loan.

Sitkowski reiterated the districts calls for greater state funding and noted that its one-time fix to balance the budget wont resolve an ongoing structural deficit. Sitkowski said CPS is projected to face a $500 million-plus deficit next year as federal relief funding dries up.

At the meeting Thursday, board members expressed support for CPS accomplishments as they passed the budget, but echoed concerns about staff vacancies and the nationwide teacher shortage.

In addition to lobbying the state, the board also suggested hopes for increased federal funding. Board Vice President Elizabeth Todd-Breland noted Vice President Kamala Harriss position to increase Title I funding.

Ultimately, however, the board says this years budget  with the shift to a need-based funding model and additional staff allocated for special education  is a step in the right direction.

Is this budget perfect? No, Todd-Breland said. But in my time (on the board), this is the budget that most equitably distributed the funds that we do have.

Potential solutions to fund future costs

Finding revenue can be easier said than done, said Mike Mucha, deputy executive director of the Government Finance Officers Association, which advocates for best practices in local government financial management.

With a limited number of funding sources available to school districts  primarily property taxes and state and federal funding  Mucha said revenue tends to be raised by way of increasing tax rates or through cuts in spending.

Taking out a loan to pay for ongoing operating expenses would only amount to kicking the can down the road, with new debt making it harder to pay for ongoing needs, he said.

Finding new revenue (often) means increasing tax rates, Mucha said. Is it realistic that the state is going to give you more money? Or, it could mean finding other federal grant opportunities  is it realistic that those exist? Its not like theres just money laying around that hasnt been found yet, he said.

The governors office noted in a statement to the Tribune that Pritzker has invested more than $1.8 billion in the states evidence-based funding formula  for which the state is progressively upping its contributions to school districts statewide with the goal of adequate funding by 2027. With the state already taking on teacher pipeline and retention programs and new early childhood education investments, more money will not be allocated to CPS this year, Pritzkers spokesperson said.

The Civic Federation, along with the nonprofit Kids First Chicago, recommended six potential solutions, in the organizations analysis of the CPS budget released Wednesday.

Along with two possible property tax raises, the groups advised revenue could be raised if the city allowed all tax increment financing districts to sunset and the state implemented changes to its school funding formula. Lawmakers could increase public school funding by more than the $350 million mandated annually by law and further account for poverty, according to the analysis. The organizations also proposed the gradual consolidation of the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund with the states Teachers Retirement System.

CTU has long argued that the states minimum annual increase to public school funding is not enough. In May, CTU gathered in Springfield to demand more state funding. Last week, the union rallied outside of Pritzkers Chicago office to again make their case for more funding.

Following the boards approval of the budget, the union released a statement saying they will continue negotiations with the district over their contracts. The union also announced they will be releasing an underfunded and understaffed tracker which will include reports from teachers about which classrooms are overcrowded or understaffed.

The district, city and state cant be like people who finish dining out and then point to the other to pick up the tab, CTU leadership said in their statement. CEO Martinez should have taken the opportunity to stand up and join us in calling on Gov. Pritzker and the legislature to provide the resources owed to CPS students for the schools they deserve. Instead, the CEO chose the easy route.

Chicago Tribunes Alice Yin contributed.
Only four survivors have been found after a boat carrying 45 refugees and migrants capsized off the coast of Yemen, the country's office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Thursday.

The boat had capsized near the city of Taiz on Wednesday night "due to strong winds and overloading," the UNHCR wrote on X. "Only 4 survivors found. This highlights the perilous journeys between Yemen & Africa," it added.

The UNHCR said it was working with the International Organization for Migration and other partners to assist the survivors.

Each year, thousands of African migrants head to Yemen in boats. From the war-torn country, most of them travel on towards the wealthy Gulf states in search of work.
Bodies of five Israeli hostages recovered from Gaza, army says

Israeli soldiers walk at an undisclosed staging area near the border with the Gaza Strip, amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

Israeli soldiers have recovered the bodies of five hostages from the Gaza Strip, the Israeli armed forces said on Thursday.

The Israeli army said that the bodies were recovered in the south of Gaza on Wednesday and brought to Israel.

Among them is a 56-year-old woman who lived in a kibbutz on the edge of the sealed-off coastal strip, according to the army.

She was killed in the massacre carried out by Palestinian extremist group Hamas and other militants in southern Israel on October 7 and her body was taken to Gaza, it said.

The remaining four bodies are soldiers who were also killed during the October 7 attack. Their bodies had also been taken to Gaza afterwards.
Bodies of five Israeli hostages recovered from Gaza, army says

Relatives and friends attend the funeral of Shani Luk, a 22-year-old German-Israeli who was killed while fleeing a music festival on October 7th. Israeli soldiers have recovered the bodies of five hostages from a tunnel in the city of Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army radio station reported on Thursday. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

Israeli soldiers have recovered the bodies of five hostages from a tunnel in the city of Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army radio station reported on Thursday.

The bodies of the two soldiers and three civilians, one of whom was a woman, were recovered in raids carried out by the army and domestic intelligence service staff.

The Israeli forces were not involved in combat with Palestinian fighters in the tunnel during the operation and the site was unguarded, the radio report said.

However, on the way to the tunnel there were several gunfights between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians and around 30 militants were killed in the process, the army said.

Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the bodies were recovered in the south of Gaza on Wednesday and brought to Israel.

The woman was a 56-year-old who lived in a kibbutz on the edge of the sealed-off coastal strip, according to the army.

She was killed in the massacre carried out by Palestinian extremist group Hamas and other militants in southern Israel on October 7 and her body was taken to Gaza, it said.

The two soldiers were also killed during the October 7 attack and their bodies were taken to Gaza afterwards.

The IDF added that during "operations against terrorist infrastructure and operatives in the area of Khan Yunis, the troops eliminated dozens of terrorists and dismantled approximately 50 terrorist infrastructure sites."

The IDF said it is "continuing precise, intelligence-based operational activity in the area of Rafah." In one incident in the area, IDF troops identified two terrorists and directed an aircraft to eliminate them, the army said.

The IDF is also continuing operational activity in the central Gaza Strip and dismantled terrorist infrastructure on Wednesday, it said.

"Over the past day, over 60 terror targets were struck by the IAF [Israeli Air Force] throughout the Gaza Strip, including military structures and terrorist infrastructure," the IDF said.

Israel has been bombarding Gaza since Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel in October last year.

To date, more than 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli operations in Gaza since October and more than 90,000 have been injured, according to the local health authorities in Gaza.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The bodies of five Israeli hostages retrieved this week from the Gaza Strip had been held in a tunnel deep underground, Israel's military said on Thursday.

The retrieval operation was carried out using intelligence gathered and analyzed in recent weeks, said military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. It took place "in the heart" of the city of Khan Younis, where Israeli forces returned to operate this week, he said.

The hostages' bodies were hidden "in a branched tunnel about 200 meters long and about 20 meters underground", Hagari said.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces recovered the bodies of five hostages killed in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack and then taken to Gaza where they were held since. They included a kindergarten teacher taken from her kibbutz in southern Israel and four reserve and conscript soldiers who had tried to repel the Hamas attack.

(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Boeing would plead guilty to conspiracy and pay nearly $250 million in penalties if a proposed plea agreement with the Justice Department is approved, according to court filings made public Wednesday.

The proposed agreement concludes a multiyear investigation into a pair of crashes of its MAX aircraft in 2018 and 2019. Federal investigators determined software errors caused the crashes, which resulted in nearly 350 deaths.

The company was accused of misleading the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the safety of the MCAS software inside its MAX aircraft.

The agreement would admit that Boeing gave the FAA incomplete and inaccurate information about the MAX aircraft software, undermining safety.

Boeing would also agree in the deal to a three-year organizational probation, to invest $455 million in compliance programs and for its board to meet with the families of crash victims. There would also be an independent compliance officer overseeing the deal.

The plea must first be approved by U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor.

An attorney who represents some of the victims families blasted the deal as inadequate.

The proposed plea has all the problems in it that the families feared it would have. We will file a strong objection to the preferential and sweetheart treatment Boeing is receiving within seven days with Judge OConnor. We will strong urge him to reject this proposed plea, Paul Cassell said in a statement.

Boeing agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the DOJ in 2021 to settle the MAX aircraft safety concerns and avoid prosecution. The department alleged that Boeing violated the agreement after safety concerns again rocked the company in January after a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines flight.

In Wednesdays filing, the Justice Department said Boeing took considerable steps to improve its anti-fraud compliance program since 2021, but the changes have not been fully implemented or tested to demonstrate that they would prevent and detect similar misconduct in the future.

Boeing stood by the settlement agreement in a Thursday statement to The Hill.

Boeing and the Justice Department have filed a detailed plea agreement in federal court, which is subject to court approval, the company said. We will continue to work transparently with our regulators as we take significant actions across Boeing to further strengthen our safety, quality and compliance programs.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Department of Justice and Boeing have finalized their plea agreement, the manufacturer will plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay a fine of at least $243.6 million, according to a court filing.

Boeing will also serve a three-year term of organizational probation; invest $455 million in compliance, quality and safety programs; and the board of directors will meet with the families of victims of the two MAX crashes. An independent compliance monitor will also be appointed.

This is not a done deal until it is approved by US District Judge Reed O'Connor in the Northern District of Texas, who can either approve the deal or reject it.

PHOTO: Boeing (Picture Alliance/dpa/picture alliance via Getty I)

According to court documents, "the plea agreement will not provide Boeing with immunity for any other conduct, including any conduct that may be the subject of any ongoing or future Government investigation of the Company."

In a statement, Boeing said, "Boeing and the Justice Department have filed a detailed plea agreement in federal court, which is subject to court approval. We will continue to work transparently with our regulators as we take significant actions across Boeing to further strengthen our safety, quality and compliance programs."

Lawyers representing the families of MAX crash victims have voiced their displeasure to ABC News.

Paul Cassell, who represents 15 MAX crash victim families, said: "The proposed plea has all the problems in it that the families feared it would have. We will file a strong objection to the preferential and "sweetheart" treatment Boeing is receiving within seven days with Judge O'Connor. We will strongly urge him to reject this proposed plea."

Mark Lindquist, who also represents victim families, said: "Most importantly this plea agreement fails to acknowledge that the charged crime of Conspiracy to Defraud caused the death of 346 people. This is a sore spot for victim families who want accountability and acknowledgment.

Boeing was accused of misleading the FAA about aspects of the Max before the agency certified the plane for flight. Boeing did not tell airlines and pilots about the new software system, called MCAS, that could turn the planes nose down without input from pilots if a sensor detected that the plane might go into an aerodynamic stall.

Max planes crashed in 2018 in Indonesia and 2019 in Ethiopia after a faulty reading from the sensor pushed the nose down and pilots were unable to regain control. After the second crash, Max jets were grounded worldwide until the company redesigned MCAS to make it less powerful and to use signals from two sensors, not just one.

Boeing finalizes plea deal with DOJ over misleading FAA during 737 MAX evaluation originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Neighbors of a man charged after sparking a bomb scare outside an East Harlem NYPD stationhouse alleged he had been relentlessly harassing them until a few days before the incident, when they believe he shifted his focus to building an explosive device.

Chontrell Wrenick, 50, has been hit with multiple weapon possession raps as well as charges of reckless endangerment and assault for the bizarre series of events that led to police finding an explosive device inside his car.

The explosive  a pipe affixed to two aerosol cans  was a viable device that could have harmed someone had it detonated, NYPD spokesman Tarik Sheppard told WPIX 11 News.

Its being described as a low-incendiary device, he said. Were not classifying as a bomb, but the powder they were using is capable of causing harm. Its more like powder you would find in fireworks.

At Wrenicks East Harlem apartment building Thursday, neighbors reflected on nine months of hell they alleged he created.

Its been almost a year [of harassment], said one, who asked not to be named out of fear of Wrenick. Ive been begging for help, and it takes a bomb.

According to the neighbor, Wrenicks behavior suddenly changed around Halloween, when doorbell footage viewed by the Daily News showed Wrenick screaming, Can you please leave me alone?! and arguing with the neighbor and her daughter outside their apartment door.

Nobody was bothering him, the mother claimed.

The women also showed a News reporter numerous videos pulled from the doorbell footage. In one, Wrenick waved a golf club outside their door while littering the hallway with what the neighbors said were drug test strips.

He was harassing us, 3, 4, 5, 6 in the morning, at night, making noises, screaming, yelling on a bullhorn making noises, one of the women charged. He was coming upstairs, harassing us.

She also claimed she reported the erratic behavior to management and the police, but got no help at all.

The woman and her daughter also took screenshots of now-deleted Facebook posts, which branded them as spies who were working for the federal government to surveil the apartment building.

I got like five people in the building that are working for the feds, one post made to Wrenicks Facebook in 2023 read.

Another post was a photo of a machete, which Wrenick captioned my baby.

Early Saturday, the women said they called the police on Wrenick again, claiming he was screaming and banging early in the morning.

In the days leading up to the bomb scare, they said they didnt hear a peep out of the man  though the neighbors daughter believed she smelled a gaseous odor coming from Wrenicks apartment.

The two women believe Wrenick was using the time to build an explosive device.

The bomb was found in Wrenicks car after he allegedly hit his cousin with a machete as they argued inside the car Wednesday. The cousin suffered a bruise and small cut to the head.

The wounded cousin drove Wrenick to the 25th Precinct stationhouse near E. 119th St. and Lexington Ave. in East Harlem about 11:50 a.m. and told cops outside about the attack.

When the officers took Wrenick into custody, they were told there was a bomb in the car.

Officers called the NYPDs Emergency Service Unit, which in turn called the NYPD bomb squad. The street was cordoned off as an NYPD bomb squad member in a blast suit picked up the device and brought it to a disposal truck.

Cops executed a search warrant for Wrenicks home Thursday to see if he had any other explosives and found more fireworks and some powder residue, Sheppard said.

We think he just tinkers with fireworks, Sheppard said. He lives in the area. He wasnt known to us. He was probably someone with mental health issues. We dont think at this time he should have been on a watch list.

Wrenick was taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation after he was charged, cops said. His arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was pending Thursday.
By News Centre

Turkiye restarts electricity exports to Iraq after a 3-year hiatus.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar announced this.

"As of yesterday, we resumed electricity exports to our neighbor Iraq, aiming to contribute to the prosperity and peace of our region through the Development Road Project."

Minister Bayraktar, who accompanied President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an during his visit to Iraq on April 22, discussed potential cooperation with counterparts in both Baghdad and Erbil.

Three months following the visit, both countries have taken a new step in the energy sector.

Turkiye has recommenced electricity exports to Iraq following a three-year interruption. The exports are conducted via the existing line between Turkiye and Iraq, supplying a maximum of 300 megawatts of electricity to Iraq.

Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated on his social media account.

"Yesterday, we resumed electricity exports to our neighbor Iraq, contributing to regional prosperity and peace with the Development Road Project. Through our planned investments, we will transform the Development Road into an 'Energy Road'."

The Development Road Project, encompassing ports and cities to be constructed along land and rail routes extending from Iraq to Turkiye, is envisioned as the foundation of a sustainable, non-oil economy. Iraq, seeking to enhance its economy after years of conflicts, will extend from the Fav Port in the south to Turkiye. The planned transportation network will connect Basra to Turkiye, linking Asia to Europe and the Gulf to Turkiye.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Three drug-related criminal suspects, who had been on the run in north Myanmar for years and were wanted by Chinese police, have been extradited to China as part of the law enforcement collaboration efforts between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, Chinese police transported the three fugitives, who were turned over by the Myanmar side, back to China on Wednesday evening.

To date, six of the 10 major drug-related fugitives in northern Myanmar who were wanted by Chinese police have been apprehended, according to the ministry.

The three fugitives extradited this week, namely Zhang Anlong, Ma Wenxiang and Yang Jinmei, who for years had been on the run abroad, were all key members of a transnational drug trafficking network.

They are suspected of engaging in multiple major cases of smuggling and trafficking drugs into China. These cases were investigated by police forces in Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, Guangxi, and other regions of China, with over 2,000 kilograms of drugs involved in the cases.

Chinese public security authorities have promoted international police enforcement cooperation since 2020 and have caught a large number of fugitives who had smuggled drugs into China and hidden overseas, especially those located in northern areas of Myanmar.

Police have urged drug-related fugitives to return to China and turn themselves in promptly, as such actions could result in leniency. Chinese police have also pledged to strengthen international police enforcement cooperation and make all-out efforts to pursue drug-related fugitives. 
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The request to lower an alleged shooters $1 million bond was denied, according to the Shelby County Sheriffs Office.

Man dead after shooting on Beale Street, suspect in custody

Quaverre Rogers is charged with First-Degree Murder after Memphis Police say he killed a man in Downtown Memphis back in March.

Rogers bond was set at $1 million, but he requested it to be reduced to $100,000.

According to the Shelby County District Attorneys Office, the request was made because of Rogers clean record and potential self-defense claim.

After hearing from two witnesses, a lieutenant and the victims wife, the State argued that Rogers illegal gun possession and the nature of the shooting made him a danger to the community.

Man back in custody, charged with first-degree murder in Beale Street shooting

The court decided to uphold the $1 million bond.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Protesters lodged accusations of open meetings violations at three conservative State Election Board members on July 12. Board member Rick Jeffares, right, responds by threatening to remove people for being disruptive while Janelle King (left) looks on. Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Recorder

Georgias Republican leadership has created a major problem for itself and the state of Georgia. If they dont find a way to fix it before the November elections, we could be in a world of trouble.

The problem is the State Election Board, and what theyve done to it. Thanks to a series of legislative changes and bad appointments, what had long been a credible, responsible, bipartisan agency charged with ensuring clean elections has been handed over to a group of far-right election deniers with trouble on their minds.

If we have a close election this fall, as seems likely, they have been handed the potential to do significant damage.

And again, this is on Georgias Republican leadership. First, they changed state law to remove Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as head of the state election board, supposedly because he was no longer trusted by the people of Georgia, people who have re-elected him overwhelmingly.

Then they changed the law again, this time to give Republicans four votes on the five-member board. The Republican Party was given a nominee, and it chose Janice Johnston. The GOP-run state Senate was given a nominee, and it chose Rick Jeffares. The GOP-run state House was given a nominee, and it chose Janelle King.

None of the three is willing to acknowledge that Joe Biden carried Georgia in the 2020 elections, and as a majority on the five-member board they show worrisome signs of trying to use that majority to throw the 2024 election into legal and political turmoil.

In one ominous sign, conspiracy theorists around the country are thrilled by the changes in Georgias election board makeup, treating it as a major victory.

Cleta Mitchell, for example, is a far-right lawyer from Washington, D.C., who founded what she calls the Election Integrity Network, which is trying to set the stage for election crises in several swing states, Georgia included. She was central to the attempt to overthrow the 2020 election results, and was at Donald Trumps side when he made his infamous phone call to Raffensperger, demanding that the secretary of state find the 11,800 additional votes needed to put him over the top.

There are now 3 great members of the GA State Election Board  support them, Mitchell told her supporters in a tweet on July 12 of this year. They are fighting hard for us!!! The Dems + Kemp + Raffensperger + Carr are fighting our great SEB Members. Fight back!

When Cleta Mitchell is elated, Im worried.

Then theres Garland Favorito, a Georgia-based conspiracy monger and head of a group called VoterGA. For years, Favorito has made far-fetched yet oddly detailed allegations about dead people voting and other massive voter fraud, yet whenever hes asked to prove those allegations he recedes into vagueness and hand-waving. He too sees the remade election board as an opportunity.

As pointed out by Georgia attorney and mediator Loren Collins, Favorito has a long, bizarre history as a conspiracy theorist on matters that have nothing to do with election fraud. In the past, he has claimed that Bill Clinton had been involved in murders in Arkansas, that George H.W. Bush was involved in drug-trafficking, that both men were secret agents of Chinese Communists, and that the Sept. 11 attacks were the result of a conspiracy among Israel and the Bin Laden and Bush families in hopes of profiting from oil and opium.

Favorito believes Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone, that James Earl Ray did not assassinate Martin Luther King Jr., that Sirhan Sirhan did not assassinate Robert F. Kennedy, and that Jews secretly control the United States as well as the rest of the world. Yet too many people in Georgia, many of whom are well-intentioned, still treat his arguments as credible.

Earlier this month, the new three-member majority tried to call the election board into emergency session to cram through changes in state election regulations, at a time when they knew that the other two board members, including its chairman, were unable to attend. Those three board members were warned by the state attorney generals office that no such emergency seemed to exist, and that the sudden meeting violated the state Open Meetings Act. They were told that any action they took would not be considered legitimate.

They met, and took action, anyway.

This is not the behavior of people who respect and intend to follow the law, who are willing to stay within the guardrails, to do only the job they were appointed to do. To the contrary, the changes they are attempting to make seem intended to create false grounds on which local boards of elections can claim possible fraud and refuse to certify the outcome of elections that they do not like.

Thats an extremely dangerous path to tread, but when you turn over a state board to zealots and conspiracy theorists, thats what can happen.

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It was all a dream: "President [Joe] Biden is putting Vice President [Kamala] Harris in charge of addressing the migrant surge at the U.S.-Mexico border, senior administration officials announced on Wednesday," Axios reported in March 2021.

Now that Harris is running for presidentand that the border is a mess, with migrant encounters hitting a record high at the end of last year and Biden implementing strict asylum restrictions last month to attempt to curb thema lot of this reporting has been memory holed. It's embarrassing to Harris, and we can't have that, now, can we?

"Harris border confusion haunts her new campaign," reads the new Axios headline from yesterday, published by the same reporter who penned the March 2021 piece. Actually, she says, "in early 2021, President Biden enlisted Vice President Kamala Harris to help with a slice of the migration issue" including "lead[ing] the administration's coordination with Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, which were key sources of migration to the border."

But now, "in the past few days, the Trump campaign and Republicans have tagged Harris repeatedly with the 'border czar' titlewhich she never actually had," reports Axios. At the end of the piece is an asterisk mentioning that Axios was among the publications using the "border czar" moniker in error. The fact-checkers quickly endorsed the new party line. The New York Times chimed in with its own corrective pinning blame for the "border czar" title on Republicans. Mother Jones called Harris serving as the administration's border czar a "myth." I mean, the experts even said she wasn't, so how could anyone possibly disagree?

It's all technically true: Border czar is not a formal title. It's what we, in American politics and media, callthe person in a presidential administration who runs point on immigration and the border. Which is, in part, what Harris was told to do.

Interestingly, the fact that Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of the border crisis appears to be meant as an exculpatory fact, something the White House dreamed up to distance Harris from the mess at the border, when in reality, she's clearly failed to make any headway on the root causes issue. Regardless of what her role wasor what it is convenient to portray her role asshe doesn't appear to have been very good at it (something several swing state voters interviewed by MSNBC have tapped into).

If she had, in fact, succeeded at this, publications would surely be giving her credit for her competence, using the "border czar" title.

As for the media side of this scandal, I'm of the old-fashioned belief that when politicians have unsavory records, it's totally permissible for journalists to report on them. One could even argue that it's part of the job.

Don't make me send you to the government wellness farm! Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running for president and polling around 9 percent, has unveiled his plan for how to overhaul addiction treatment in this country. He'll create "wellness farms" for patients to get off of opiates, SSRIs, Adderall, benzodiazepines, and the likeany drug they're addicted to, legal or illegaland, once there, they'll "get reparented" (?) over the course of three to four years.

"They're going to grow their own foodorganic food, high-quality food, because a lot of the behavioral issues are food related, a lot of the illnesses are food-related," he says. "There won't be any cellphones, there won't be any screens."

Deep within his bones, Kennedy is an L.A. man. He won't be winning over many Deep South voters with his organic wellness farm talk. This sounds like something Gwyneth Paltrow might manifest into existence after too much time spent yoni sunning and one too many turmeric shots, not an actual policy proposal. But it's also telling in a deeper way: Like so many of Kennedy's proposals, it sounds absolutely lovely for this type of thing to exist. He is correct that people could do to detox from drugs and phones and build a sense of meaning through work. But any expectation that the government could successfully administer a program like this well betrays a certain upper-crust naivete about how government services actually function.

How to fund these government wellness farms? A tax on cannabis, says Kennedy. (Federally administered, you might ask? Cannabis is already taxed highly, which has in some states led to users shifting back to black markets.) How to select people for the government wellness farms? "I'm going to make it so people can go, if you're convicted of a drug offense, or if you have a drug problem, you can go to one of these places for free," he says. OK. So addicts and people who just got arrested for drug issues would make up the majority of the government wellness farm population, which is surely a recipe for success.

"We're going to re-parent people and restore connection to community," Kennedy adds. But government is not your parent, nor is the dreadlocked 20-year-old wellness farm employee ripping a bong behind the turnip patch. Building a truly helpful, enduring community is not something that routinely happens via tax dollars and bureaucrats, nor is it something that you can will into existence. Kennedy's ingenuity and fascinating (possibly even semi-true!) diagnoses of what ails us never fail to entertain. But like so many of his proposals, he seems confused. This is not, and can never be, the realm of government.

Sayonara, Joe! Last night, Biden delivered a speech that failed to address the entire reason for delivering the speech: The fact that he had stepped down from running for president due to cognitive decline issues; the fact that he had done so in the most suspicious and low-effort way possiblevia a letter posted on Xleading people to wonder whether he was hiding his true condition; the fact that supporters and detractors alike expected some introspection as to how we got to this place.

Instead, Biden kept the focus on "saving democracy," by which he seems to actually mean opposing former President Donald Trump. Never mind the undemocratic situation he's foisted on his own party: Electors who had been planning to vote for him at the convention, to transmit the will of the people in their states, will no longer be able to do so, and an open convention with a robust nominating process to judge the best replacement candidate for president will not be pursued, with Biden instead endorsing his vice president, who ran a failed presidential campaign once before. At one point, he claimed it was time to "pass the torch to a new generation"an idea he had, up until this past weekend, not bought into.

Elsewhere in the speech, he made clear he'd not just be serving out the end of his term, but also attempting to push through "Supreme Court reform" in the form of term limits and a code of ethics that's binding and enforceable. So this cognitively declining elderly Democrat who hid his condition from the people for months if not years, putting his party in a terrible bind, and has failed to own up to what he did will attempt to use his last gasps to hem in a highly controversial Court currently occupied by mostly conservatives. What could possibly go wrong?

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"The Fed may be two meetings away from a policy mistake," writes Bloomberg's Mohamed A. El-Erian.

Inside American Compass, the right-wing D.C. think tank that's anti-globalization, favoring trade restrictions, and is skeptical of tax cuts.

The death doulas of Ukraine.

Same:

Me normally: the Pledge of Allegiance is cringe! Fuck the Fed! Become ungovernable! Me when I see a bunch of pompous jackasses burning the flag: https://t.co/oQxDfynEl0 pic.twitter.com/dHcUf9RmQN  Neurotic QuixoticOne Love and Four Lights (@jabelincoln) July 24, 2024

The post The Border Czar Illusion appeared first on Reason.com.
Boston police seek help identifying 7 people in connection with armed robbery in Roxbury

Boston police are seeking help identifying 7 people in connection with an armed robbery in Roxbury.

Around 7:40 a.m. on Monday, July 22, a group of 7 individuals assaulted a victim with a knife in the area of 218 Blue Hill Avenue, police said.

The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspects reportedly assaulted the victim and stole her purse containing credit cards, money, house keys, and 2 cell phones.

According to police one of the suspects is described as a light-skinned female, with a grey/black wig, and wearing all-black clothing. Another suspect is described as a black male with dreads, about 506, and wearing a Celtics hoodie.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact District B-2 Detectives at (617) 343-4275.

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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TOWN OF ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  A fire department in the Town of Elmira has been hit again by thieves after the station reported a trailer was stolen this week.

According to a Facebook post from the East Hill Fire Department on Wednesday, July 24, a towable trailer used to collect returnable cans and bottles was taken from a space at the corner of Watercure Hill Road and Bowlby Road.

The fire department said The money we collect from the donations of bottles and cans from our residents is used to supplement our fire equipment purchases for the East Hill Fire Department, the post said.

Firefighter stops bottle & can theft at Firehouse

The post said that the trailer will have to be replaced, which will considerably set back the fundraising goal.

This is not the first time the department had items stolen from them after bags of battles and cans were taken from a donation trailer on the property in October.

At the time, 18 News spoke with East Hill Fire Department Captain Bud Baldwin who said that the station had been hit twice by thieves, with another fire department down the road seeing similar thefts.

The department was fortunate in October when a firefighter caught thieves with the cans and bottles and had the men take them back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
Authorities with the Knoxville Police Department are investigating the death of Suceli Perez

Knoxville Police Department Juan Carlos Diaz Perez

The man suspected of murdering his 18-year-old girlfriend has been arrested in Tennessee.

On Wednesday, July 24, the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) announced the arrest of 20-year-old Juan Carlos Diaz Perez via a press release. Diaz Perez was previously wanted in connection to the death of his girlfriend Suceli Perez, WSAZ reported, and warrants were issued on Monday, July 22 charging him with first-degree murder.

Getty police siren  stock image

He was located and arrested near the Oak Ridge Quarry by the U.S. Marshals Smokey Mountain Fugitive Task Force, the KPD said, adding that he is being transported back to Knoxville.

The organization thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, Oak Ridge Police Department, Blount County Sheriffs Office and the 7th Judicial Drug Task Force for their assistance.

Related: Woman Dies After Jumping Out of Alleged Kidnappers Car During Police Chase

On Monday, July 22, detectives arrived at a home in the 1200 block of Mercer Street to investigate a suspected homicide after receiving reports that a man had gravely injured his girlfriend.

Homicide Unit detectives and Forensics personnel responded to the home, where they located evidence of a potentially deadly assault, the press release said.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

However, neither the suspect nor the victim, later identified as Perez, were at the residence when authorities arrived.

In a Tuesday, July 23, update, KPD said Perezs body was found in the bed of Diaz Perezs truck that was recovered in Oak Ridge.

Getty bed of trunk  stock image

At the time, anyone who may have come in contact with the 20-year-old was advised not to approach him, but to instead dial 911.

Later on Tuesday, the department said Perezs death was believed to have been caused by blunt force trauma, pending the Medical Examiners Office autopsy.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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The Milwaukee Health Department posted on Wednesday that Bradford Beach is closed for swimming until further notice.

Both Bradford and South Shore beaches have a red placard on the website, indicating the water quality is at elevated risk for illness from "exposure to micro-organisms."

The beaches are closed due to reports of E. coli, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources beach monitoring map.

The Milwaukee Health Department said that symptoms of E. coli illness include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever and infections of the eye, ear and throat.

Elevated levels of E. coli can happen due to "human or animal activity in or near the water, rain water washing waste or debris into the water, or discharges of incompletely treated wastewaters from nearby water treatment plants," according to the Milwaukee Health Department website.

Beaches will be open for swimming once E. coli levels decrease to a safer amount.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: High levels of E.coli close Bradford Beach for swimming
(Bloomberg) -- Brazil will not send experts to observe Venezuelas presidential election on Sunday as initially planned, in the wake of Nicolas Maduros critical comments on the electoral system from the South American giant.

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Brazils top electoral court said in a statement it decided not to send observers to the vote on false statements against Brazilian electronic voting machines issued by Venezuelan authorities.

The Brazilian electoral court does not accept that, internally or externally, through statements or acts that are disrespectful to the fairness of the Brazilian electoral process, the seriousness and integrity of elections and electronic voting machines in Brazil are disqualified with lies, the court said.

While Brazils electoral court didnt mention Maduro in its statement, the Venezuelan president said during a rally on Tuesday that his country had the best electoral system in the world because it has a strong auditing system.

What other country in the world has this? The US? Its electoral system cant be audited. Brazils? They dont audit voting reports. Colombia? Not even one voting report. In Venezuela we audit 54% of the station polls, he said.

The international community has criticized Maduro for barring many opposition candidates from running in the vote, including former lawmaker and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. A clean election is a condition for the US to remove sanctions on the Venezuelan oil industry.

With Brazilian officials canceling their mission, fewer credible international observers will be active in Venezuela, which raises concerns over being able to adequately address possible claims of irregularities. Reports of fraud and voter manipulation have been raised in previous elections by political parties.

Venezuela withdrew the European Unions invitation to observe the vote. The Carter Center and the United Nations are sending a few electoral experts  not observers  with limited responsibilities.

Tensions between Venezuela and Brazil have risen since President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned Maduro, a long-term ally, that he should be ready to step down if losing the vote. Maduro needs to learn: when you win, you stay; when you lose, you go away and get ready to dispute another election.

Lulas comments followed Maduros saying that if the opposition wins, a blood bath could ensue in Venezuela. The Brazilian president responded by saying, whoever loses an election gets a reality check, not a blood bath.

Despite the courts decision, Celso Amorim, Lulas top foreign affairs adviser, has not changed his plans to travel to Caracas for now, according to a Brazilian government official who requested anonymity to discuss the situation.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Seattle interim Police Chief Sue Rahr has fired Officer Daniel Auderer, the vice president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, for "cruel comments and callous laughter" while speaking to another officer about a civilian death. Officer Kevin Dave reached speeds of up to 74 mph while responding to an overdose call, but he "chirped" his siren instead of running it continuously. He struck and killed graduate student Jaahnavi Kandula in a crosswalk in an area where the speed limit is 25 mph. Auderer was caught by his own bodycam in a phone conversation with union President Mike Solan in which Auderer laughed and called Kandula a "regular person" whose life had "limited value." The King County Prosecutor's Office declined to file criminal charges against Dave, saying it "lacks sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Kevin Dave was impaired by drugs or alcohol, driving in a reckless manner, or driving with disregard for the safety of others."

The post Brickbat: 'Limited Value' appeared first on Reason.com.
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)  Police found around 2,000 fentanyl pills during a traffic stop early Wednesday morning, according to the Bristol, Virginia Police Department.

The department said vice and narcotics detectives and patrol officers conducted a traffic stop around 2 a.m.

Man lands record cutthroat trout near Boone Dam

After a police K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle, detectives searched the vehicle and found the fentanyl pills, according to police.

Police arrested Jessica D. Pruitt, 35, of Bristol, Va., and charged her with possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II drug.

The Sullivan County Second Judicial Drug Task Force, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and Washington County, Virginia Sheriffs Office assisted in the arrest.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SEOUL, July 25 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's chipmaker SK hynix logged its record-high revenue in the second quarter thanks to strong demand for semiconductors used in artificial intelligence (AI) computing, a regulatory filing showed Thursday.

Revenue surged 124.8 percent from a year earlier to hit a new quarterly high of 16.42 trillion won (11.8 billion U.S. dollars) in the April-June quarter.

Operating profit amounted to 5.47 trillion won (3.9 billion dollars) in the second quarter, turning around from an operating loss of 2.88 trillion won (2.1 billion dollars) in the same quarter of last year.

Net income came to 4.12 trillion won (3 billion dollars) in the second quarter compared to a net loss of 2.99 trillion won (2.2 billion dollars) a year earlier.

The positive earnings were attributed to solid demand for AI memory chips such as high bandwidth memory (HBM) products and embedded solid state drives (eSSDs) and higher prices for DRAM and NAND flash memory chips.

The HBM sale soared more than 80 percent on-quarter and 250 percent on-year in the second quarter after starting the mass production of the HBM3E products in March.

The sale of eSSD products jumped about 50 percent in the second quarter from the previous quarter. 
Bronx man killed in mugging while trying to park car, police say

Bronx man killed in mugging while trying to park car, police say

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  Police are searching for a gunman who shot and killed a 28-year-old during a mugging Tuesday.

The family of Idriss Cherie-El-Farissy is devastated over his shooting death.

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By killing him, they killed the American dream, his brother Moulay said.

Police said the victim had just finished his shift as a delivery driver at a local Papa Johns. He was trying to park his car near his home on East 176th Street and Crotona Park when he was shot in the head around 3 a.m.

Sources told PIX11 News surveillance video shows the gunman going through the victims pockets before he took off.

Cherif-El-Farissy worked in finance but took on a second job to help care for his family.

His brother said he migrated from Morocco years ago, attended school in the United States, and obtained a college degree.

He was just coming home; he was the best guy. He did not deserve this; Justice needs to be served, Moulay said.

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.
BROWNWOOD, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A crash investigation will close a section of Austin Avenue in Brownwood on Thursday afternoon.

On July 25, at 1:00 p.m., Austin Avenue will be closed between the intersections of Beaver and Bailey Streets while Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers conduct a crash investigation.

The investigation is expected to take two hours, and the road will reopen once its completed.

Eastbound traffic will be directed southeast on Beaver, then to Bailey Street for one block, where traffic will rejoin Austin Avenue. Westbound traffic will travel in the opposite direction.

Truck traffic is advised to choose an alternative route instead of taking the detour, as the narrow intersections in the residential area make it difficult to navigate.

When driving in or near this closure and detour route, please follow road signs, including speed limits, avoid distractions, and be patient.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
It was well past midnight when a decision was made on the proposal of a 150,000-square foot warehouse in Buckingham, and by morning the developer said he would appeal.

With a 2-1 vote, township supervisors denied an application outlining the redevelopment of the DiGirolamo Tract for a warehouse with 30 truck bays, two parking areas, an access drive for trucks at Stony Lane and another driveway for employees off Progress Meadow Drive.

Chairman Paul Calderaio, center, makes a motion, in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 25, 2024, to deny an application proposing for the redevelopment of the DiGirolamo Tract for a warehouse with 30 truck bays, two parking areas, an access drive for trucks at Stony Lane and another driveway for employees off Progress Meadow Drive.

Buckingham is preserved, make no mistake about it, said Chairman Paul Calderaio, who motioned for denial. All of us up here, weve stood strong, and weve defended our town against plans that would adversely affect us and that would impact our quality of life.

The dissenting vote came from Maggie Rash, who said the townships decision will ultimately lead to a court battle with the developer J.G. Petrucci Company of Asbury, New Jersey.

More on Buckingham warehouse proposal: Buckingham warehouse plans come before supervisors amid mounting criticism

Plans for the redevelopment of the DiGirolamo Tract for a warehouse with 30 truck bays, two parking areas, an access drive for trucks at Stony Lane and another driveway for employees off Progress Meadow Drive were considered during the Buckingham Township board of supervisors meeting, Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

In a phone interview Thursday morning, Greg Rogerson with J.G. Petrucci, confirmed they will be filing an appeal with the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas.

The site is zoned industrial, and our application meets all of the zoning criteria, Rogerson said.

While more than a dozen residents spoke out against the proposed development  presenting a case that the plans were indicative of a trucking terminal facility typically used for high-volume retail distribution  township zoning officer Richard Myers, and township engineer Daniel Gray affirmed the plans specifications were consistent with that of a warehouse.

Tim Cathers, a Buckingham resident with more than 30 years experience in transportation logistics and distribution, presents an arguement against a proposed warehouse, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, saying he believes the building's design depicts a facility typically used for distribution or last mile delivery.

I think the building layout is too wide for a truck terminal. Typically truck terminals are 70-80 feet wide, this building is three times that at 250, Gray said, adding the plans lack other notable features of a truck terminal, such as truck trailer parking, fuel storage or truck maintenance facility.

Prior to denying the application, township supervisors also voted 2-1 in favor of a motion supporting the proposal reflected a warehouse designation. Supervisor Jon Forest was the dissenting vote.

Despite agreeing the application accurately depicted a warehouse, Calderaio said he valued the input of residents and the potential impact the project could have on the community in terms of safety, traffic and the environment.

Tonight, although I appreciate the willingness of the applicants that said they would lower the amount of bays and they would work with us . . . theres simply too many unaddressed concerns to warrant allowing this plan, in my opinion, to move forward.

Mike Bateman, a Buckingham resident and organizer for the group, Stop the Warehouse, reacts to a vote, in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 25, 2024, denying the application for the redevelopment of a 150,000-square foot warehouse on the DiGirolamo Tract.

The vote was met with applause from the hundreds of residents, many of which were members of Stop the Warehouse, a coalition of residents who banded together to voice their outrage against the plan.

The groups organizer, Mike Bateman, said he knows the fight may not be over, but he was proud to see so many people unite for a common cause.

This was a true community effort. And it is so clear that the community coming together in the way that we did, being able to present clear, concise, fact-based arguments as to why this should be denied is what made all the difference in this, theres not a doubt in my mind, Bateman said.

What is next for the Candlewyck: The Candlewyck is under new ownership. What it means for this longtime Buckingham tavern

Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, food and drink, economic revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Buckingham warehouse plan denied by supervisors. What happens next?
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.
The burning of several U.S. flags outside Union Station during demonstrations in Washington against Israels war in Gaza has triggered a new round of political attacks, with Republicans seeking to tie the demonstrators and their actions to Vice President Harris.

Protests became chaotic outside Union Station on Wednesday afternoon when a group pulled down three American flags from flagpoles, burned them along with an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and vandalized the park in front of the station with anti-Israel and pro-Hamas graffiti.

The actions were all the more dramatic for occurring just blocks from the Capitol, where Netanyahu had just spoken to a joint session of Congress, an event boycotted by dozens of Democratic lawmakers furious over Netanyahus handling of the war against Hamas.

Harris, who did not preside over the address because of a scheduling conflict, put out a statement around noon Thursday condemning the protesters as unpatriotic and hate-filled.

I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews, Harris said in a statement. Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation.



I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way, she added.

But Republicans criticized her silence on the protests throughout the morning.

Anti-American and pro-Hamas rioters burned the American flag in front of the U.S. Capitol, and the woman who wants to be our president is still refusing to condemn it, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), former President Trumps running mate, said shortly before her statement came out.

Vance also missed the Israeli leaders address to Congress because of a scheduling issue.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the powerful pro-Israel group criticized by many of those protesting Israels war, thanked Harris for unequivocally condemning these unpatriotic and pro-Hamas protestors.

But a number of Republicans piled on, with Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) suggesting Harriss absence had encouraged the belligerent behavior.

Kamala Harriss appeasement of these radicals who hate Israel and hate America was clear today when she skipped @IsraeliPM Netanyahus speech, Scott wrote on the social platform X. Her disgusting abandonment of our ally has welcomed this hate and violence to Washington.

Scott did not mention Vances absence.

Former President Trump, who is now likely to face Harris in the presidential election, issued a statement online calling for the flag burners to get prison time.

You should get a one-year jail sentence if you do anything to desecrate the American flag, Trump said Wednesday on Fox & Friends when asked about the protests. Now, people will say, Oh, its unconstitutional. Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that.

Protesters flooded some streets near the Capitol starting Wednesday morning as part of an Arrest Netanyahu rally organized by more than 100 groups opposed to the Gaza war. Police used pepper spray and stun grenades on the crowd near the Capitol early in the afternoon, and some of the protesters made their way to Columbia Circle near Union Station, where the vandalism occurred.

In total, more than 20 people were arrested by Capitol Police, the National Park Police and the Metropolitan Police Department related to the protests  though its unclear if any of those arrested were involved in the flag burning.

On Wednesday night, a group of congressional Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), raised new U.S. flags in front of Union Station.

The White House also condemned the protests on Thursday.

Identifying with evil terrorist organizations like Hamas, burning the American flag, or forcibly removing the American flag and replacing it with another, is disgraceful, deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a statement.

Harris skipped the speech to attend a scheduled event in Indianapolis with Zeta Phi Beta, a Black sorority.

Republicans appear likely to use her absence as an attack line. Israels war in Gaza has badly divided Democrats, and it has inflicted political pain on President Biden. In the key swing state of Michigan, Biden saw more than 100,000 Democrats vote undecided in the primary as a protest vote against his policies.

In the four days since Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Harris, there has been much speculation about whether the new likely Democratic presidential nominee will differ from her boss on how to handle Israel and Gaza. A number of Democrats critical of Netanyahu have sounded hopeful notes of a shift from Harris, who is seen as more compassionate toward the Palestinian cause.

Either way, the ugly scenes at Union Station served as a warning sign for Democrats, with a growing number on Thursday criticizing the actions of some demonstrators.

You gotta be peaceful, Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) told reporters Thursday morning. We cannot have the burning of flags, we cant have the calling of violence towards any group of people. That cannot happen, and its unfortunate that it did.

Bowman also pointed out that the majority of the protest was peaceful, and blamed Netanyahus presence in Congress for stoking tensions.

Bowman lost his seat in a Democratic primary after facing intense scrutiny from pro-Israel lobbying groups over his support for pro-Palestine protesters.

Organizers of the Arrest Netanyahu protests released their own statement Thursday afternoon seeking to distance themselves from the vandalism and flag burning, but also accused the media and White House of seeking to undermine their message.

We reject this unauthorized and unrepresentative behavior, which does not reflect or represent the movement to end the Gaza genocide, they said.

We also reject those politicians and media personalities who have cynically attempted to conflate rogue criminal behavior by a small number of individuals with the actions of the peaceful protesters who gathered on Capitol Hill to oppose Netanyahu, his governments genocide and U.S. support for 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 The Hill.
Bus app, calendar, new principals: Lebanon Special School District about to start 2024-25

The Lebanon Special School District will begin classes Aug. 1  one day before Wilson County Schools start because of the Aug. 1 local general election.

The Lebanon Special School District has five elementary schools and two middle schools. After eighth grade, students there generally transfer to a Wilson County high school, which makes it common for students to attend both districts during their education.

Several Wilson County school buildings will be used as voting centers on Aug. 1, which keeps that district from holding classes. The Lebanon Special School District will also have classes on the presidential election day Nov. 5, while Wilson County Schools will not.

There are other differences in the two calendars.

Lebanon Special School District Director Brian Hutto.

Growth, bus transportation and four new principals are all part of the Lebanon Special School Districts upcoming 2024-25 academic year. Heres a look.

Calendar highlights

Aug. 1: First day of classes at Lebanon Special School District.

Aug. 2: First day of classes at Wilson County School District.

Sept. 26: Abbreviated day for parent-teacher conferences.

Oct. 7-18: A two-week fall break with students returning Monday, Oct. 21 (Wilson County Schools fall break is Oct. 7-15).

Nov. 25-29: No classes. Nov. 25 is a stockpile day and students wont report. Nov. 26-29 is Thanksgiving break.

Dec. 20: Abbreviated day and the final day of the fall semester.

Jan. 3: Students return to start the spring semester at Lebanon Special School District.

Jan. 6: Students return to start the spring semester at Wilson County School District.

Feb. 17: No classes for Presidents Day (Wilson County off Feb. 14 and Feb. 17).

Feb. 27: Spring parent-teacher conferences after school.

March 10-17: Spring break (Monday, March 17 is a stockpile day and students dont report. Wilson County's spring break is March 10-14 with students returning to class March 17).

April 18: No classes (Good Friday).

May 2: No classes (stockpile day).

May 22: No classes.

May 23: Abbreviated day for report cards (Wilson County Schools last day is May 22).

The district has eight inclement weather days.

New principals

Byars Dowdy Elementary: Aaron Tomlinson takes over as principal. Tomlinson, the assistant principal at Byars Dowdy for the last five years, replaces Cherrye Robertson who is transitioning to a district level position as a Pre-K director/instructional coordinator with current Director Penny Thompson to retire in October.

Castle Heights Elementary: Julie Benson is the new principal, moving from an assistant principals position at Walter J. Baird Middle School. Benson replaces Nathan Gordon who is no longer with the district.

Jones Brummett Elementary: Kasey Wood is the new principal replacing Becky Siever who has retired. Wood has been an assistant principal at Jones Brummett for the last three years.

Winfree Bryant Middle: Kate Calvert is the new principal replacing Laurie Offutt, who is retiring. Calvert moves from Wilson County Schools where she has been an assistant principal of Carroll Oakland School.

Jones Brummett Elementary School has land for a future middle school on campus.

A growing student population

Lebanon Special School District gained 152 students from the start of the 2023-24 school year to the finish with a total enrollment of 4,452 students, Director of Schools Brian Hutto said. District officials expect that to grow to around 4,550 students during the 2024-25 school year.

No building projects are scheduled, but the board is researching next steps in the anticipation of growth. That includes a study and capacity analysis to best utilize existing space to prepare for enrollment increases that are expected.

Jones Brummett Elementary is set up to both expand building and has available land for a future middle school. Additional expansions are being evaluated, including at district-owned property on Leeville Pike.

Maintenance and improvement projects at current facilities will include HVAC, lighting, safety and general maintenance, Hutto said.

Meal prices

Elementary schools are $2.50, middle school $2.55 and visitors $5. Free breakfasts are also offered.

Start and dismissal times

No changes. Elementary schools will be in session from 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., and middle schools from 7:55 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.

Buses

Bus riders have increased to about 2,400, roughly a little more than half of the student population. The district is able to cover routes, but we would love to have more drivers, Hutto said. The district has evaluated routes and procedures  such as how many stops should be made in a neighborhood  to improve efficiency while maintaining safety.

The district also plans to offer an app for parents to download that will be a source for bus information with communication regarding transportation to be posted on the district website and emailed, Hutto said.

Wilson County Deputy Dusty Burton and K-9 police dog Blaze.

Blaze and security

School resource officers are at every school and the district also has a dedicated K-9 police dog named Blaze, a German Shorthaired Pointer.

Blaze was brought in last year with Wilson County Sheriffs Office Deputy Dusty Burton selected to be the districts K-9 SRO who handles the K-9.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What's new with the Lebanon Special School District as classes begin
(FOX40.COM)  The Park Fire, burning in Butte and Tehama counties, is drawing thousands of personnel and resources to protect nearby communities.

The Park Fire began around 3 p.m. on July 24 in Upper Bidwell Park east of Chico by a man who pushed a burning car down an embankment into the park, according to CAL FIRE and the Butte County District Attorneys Office.

Initially reported as a 500-acre fire on July 24, the Park Fire expanded consistently, and as of 2:30 p.m. on July 27, stood at 348,370 acres, making it the seventh-largest wildfire in Californias history.

Over 50 evacuation orders are in place throughout Butte, Tehama, and Plumas counties and various road closures remain in effect.

Wildfire Information

Zonehaven, CAL FIRE and NIXLE: Websites you can use for wildfire information

AlertCalifornia live cams to provide more insight into natural disasters

These are the items to include in your emergency kit in case of a disaster

An evacuation center has been set up in Chico at Neighborhood Church, 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. Those with animals can also find shelter at either 2279 Del Oro in Oroville (small animals), or 1985 Clark Road in Oroville (large animals).

Anyone who needs assistance with animal evacuations or animals sheltered in place is encouraged to call the North Valley Animal Disaster Group hotline at 530-895-0000.

For up-to-date evacuation details, road closures, and fire information visit the Park Fire incident page.

Butte County residents can dial 2-1-1 for information about the Park Fire, while people outside of Butte County can dial 1-866-916-3566 for information.

The Park Fire is now the largest California wildfire since the 2021 fire season and the first to reach 100,000+ acres since 2021.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Thursday denounced the pro-Palestinian protestors who defaced public property outside Union Station in Washington, D.C., the day prior, saying their concerns about the war in Gaza is not justification for support for terrorism.

Grave concern for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza cannot justify defacing federal property with Hamas slogans, Buttigieg wrote in a post on the social platform X. Passionate differences are grounds for fierce debate and meaningful protest, not intimidation and certainly not support for terrorism.

Buttigiegs brief statement did not mention the burning of flags at the protests, which has drawn the ire of Republicans and some Democrats since Wednesday afternoon.

Scores of demonstrators gathered around Capitol Hill on Wednesday in protest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to Washington and address to Congress.

Calling for Netanyahus arrest, a group of demonstrators lowered and then burned two U.S. flags outside Union Station, just blocks from the Capitol. The demonstrators raised smaller Palestinian flags in their place.

The Freedom Bell, a double-scale replica of the Liberty Bell, was also graffitied with anti-Israel slogans outside Union Station. On another monument outside the train station, someone wrote Hamas is coming.

U.S. Park Police, D.C. Metro Police, and the New York Police Department responded to the protest at Columbus Circle and called on demonstrators to disperse after scuffles with police.

Metro Police confirmed on Thursday that four people were arrested at Columbus Circle, while U.S. Park Police took at least eight people into custody. The Washington Post reported that 23 arrests were made throughout the day at anti-Netanyahu protests.

The Hill reached out to U.S. Park Police for further comment.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) similarly condemned the unrest, calling it not acceptable.

Defacing public property, desecrating the American flag, threatening Jews with violence and promoting terrorist groups like Hamas is not acceptable under any circumstance, Jeffries wrote in a statement on Thursday morning.

There is a difference between lawful expression and disorderly conduct. Anyone who violates the law must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, he added.

During his address earlier in the afternoon, Netanyahu denounced the demonstrations on Capitol Hill and on college campuses earlier this year. He said his critics stood with evil, should be ashamed of themselves and were useful idiots for Iran.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Caleb Harris 'Always Had a Smile on His Face,' Family Says at Memorial Service After His Body Is Found

Calebs character will live through his family until we see him again in heaven, his uncle said in a eulogy

Caleb Harris/Facebook Caleb Harris

The remains of Caleb Harris, who went missing on March 4, were later identified by authorities on July 17

A celebration of life" was held for the Texas A&M student on July 23

His obituary described him as a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend

Caleb Harris, the 21-year-old Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi student who was missing for almost four months, was remembered this week at a memorial service after authorities said his remains had been found in the city's wastewater system.

Hundreds of people attended the "celebration of life" service held at Oakwood Church in New Braunfels, Texas, on Tuesday, July 23, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

The event, which was livestreamed, featured remembrances, musical performances and a montage of photos from Harris' life.

Caleb was a happy go-lucky person, his uncle, Jeff Wright, said in a eulogy at the service. He always had a smile on his face. He was very close to his family, talking to his mom and dad daily.

Related: Missing Student May Have Accidentally Fallen into Manhole, Police Say, as They Reveal New Details of Finding Body

In the last couple of years, Caleb embraced his dads passions, Wright continued, He shared the same joy of fishing and grilling."

But Harris also "had many passions throughout his life: guitar, music, cooking, cars, biking, fishing, hunting, camping, skateboard, Legos and anything water-related," his uncle said. "With these passions, he wanted his friends and family to experience the joy he got from 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Indeed, Harris spent his final Saturday before he died showing his mom all his favorite spots in Corpus Christi.

Wright said their family knew he was exceptional from an early age.



Angela Piazza/Caller-Times/USATNSYNDICATION Jonathan Sanchez holds Elora Garcia during a vigil for Caleb Harris onJuly, 20, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Calebs character will live through his family until we see him again in heaven, Wright concluded in his remarks.

Authorities have said Harris was last seen in the early morning of March 4 leaving his off-campus apartment in Corpus Christi. An exhaustive search was conducted by police and volunteers following his disappearance



Related: Everything We Know  and All the Unanswered Questions  Surrounding Missing Student Caleb Harris' Death

On June 24, police were notified that human remains were discovered at the Perry Place wastewater lift station in Corpus Christi.

About three weeks later, on July 17, authorities announced that the remains "most likely" belonged to Harris following a forensic analysis.



Authorities have said there were no obvious signs of a homicide, but an exact cause and manner of death have not been announced and the investigation remains ongoing.

Police told PEOPLE he may have accidentally fallen into an open manhole not far from his apartment.

Caleb Harris/Facebook Caleb Harris



In a published obituary, Harris was described as a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and loved music and the outdoors.

He was deeply connected to his religious faith as well and "he often led worship, touching many with his gentle spirit and heartfelt devotion, the obituary states.

His favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 1:18, 'Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.' He loved the visual it gives of our sins being forgiven by Christs blood. His actions revealed his heart for people. Everyone knew he shined Jesus because of how he loved others.

Harris is survived by his parents, Randy and Becky, and sister Andie along with his grandparents, uncles and aunts and relatives, per his obituary.

He was previously memorialized in a candlelight vigil held at Cole Park in Corpus Christi on Saturday, July 20. I think it's very important for the community to come together, said Nicole Owens, a co-organizer of the vigil, according to local TV station WOAI. For one, if it was my child, I would expect the same. You know, I'd want everyone to come out and try to help my child. I think that's what everyone should do. It takes a village.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi President Kelly Miller issued a July 18 statement remembering Harris as "a kind friend and a valued member of our campus community."

His passion for adventure and his enthusiasm for life were just part of Calebs Islander impact," Miller said, adding, "As we navigate this difficult time, let us hold Calebs family, friends, and classmates in our thoughts and in our prayers.

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Read the original article on People.
SINGAPORE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A malicious actor breached the third-party platform Ezynetic and stole the data of about 128,000 clients to 12 licensed moneylenders, Singapore's Ministry of Law said Thursday.

The data contain personally identifiable information. The moneylenders and Ezynetic have reported to police and related authorities.

The moneylenders also reminded their clients to stay vigilant against possible phishing scams.

The Ministry of Law noted that it was investigating the matter with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the Personal Data Protection Commission. 
A hydrogen-powered crane moves containers at the Port of Los Angeles. Shipping cargo is one of the toughest sectors of the economy to decarbonize. Officials hope hydrogen is a major solution. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

For the record:

10:32 a.m. July 25, 2024: A previous version of this article reported that Verdagy is based in Morro Bay. It is based in Moss Landing.



To its most ardent supporters, the emergence of a hydrogen economy is nothing but wonderful: good for the climate, good for the environment, good for human health, good for the economy, good for jobs, good for the historically overlooked and disadvantaged members of society.

Is it?

California is about to find out.

The federal government plans to spend $7 billion to $8 billion to build a hydrogen economy in the U.S. The money will be allocated to seven regional hydrogen hubs across the U.S. mainland. Six cover multiple states. California gets a hub of its own  and $1.2 billion. Private investment would add $11 billion or so. The money will soon start flowing: A deal was signed with the U.S. Department of Energy in mid-July.

The deal creates a "public-private partnership" to run the hub, called ARCHES  the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems. The operation will disburse money for projects around the state. Hydrogen producers, oil companies, gas companies, green energy companies, environmental policy groups, long-haul trucking companies and fuel cell makers are among the applicants. Southern California Gas Co. already has announced plans to build a dedicated clean hydrogen pipeline in the L.A. region called Angeles Link.

The program will kick off with 37 projects  yet to be announced  spread across the state with a heavy concentration in the Central Valley.

What is a hydrogen hub?

That's a lot of money, bureaucracy and infrastructure  so what exactly does California get when it gets a hydrogen hub?

Consider an analogy  the gasoline supply chain. Oil is refined into gasoline, the gasoline is shipped by truck or pipeline, and end users burn it to produce energy. A hydrogen hub would act much the same, but with far lower levels of climate-disrupting greenhouse gases  ideally.

Hydrogen is not expected to replace all fossil fuels, not even close  the state wants electricity to pick up most of that load. But electricity won't work in some industrial sectors, and hydrogen could fill some of those gaps.

The idea is to seed the market with government money, set regulations that require reduction in greenhouse gases and create demand (currently close to nonexistent) and hope that a new technology or industry can scale up enough to dramatically reduce costs and prices.

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and a powerful energy source. (The sun is mostly hydrogen.) When burned, unlike carbon-based molecules, hydrogen gives off no greenhouse gases.

It's the leading candidate to address hard-to-decarbonize energy sectors that are difficult or impossible to run on electricity. Topping the list: long-haul trucking, steel making, glass making, cement making, heavy cargo handling equipment, large aircraft and ocean-going vessels. With some equipment modification, it could even be swapped for natural gas at electricity-generation plants.

Hydrogen tanks are seen under the hood of a Hyundai fuel cell truck. (Russ Mitchell / Los Angeles Times)

The big problem: Making clean or green hydrogen costs a lot of money, far more than the market can currently bear. It is expensive to produce, expensive to transport, expensive to store, expensive to distribute and expensive to use, said Michael Liebreich, a managing partner at clean energy investment firm EcoPragma Capital and a fixture at clean energy conferences around the world.

The hydrogen hubs' main aim? A dramatic reduction in hydrogen's cost and the creation of new markets for the stuff. Federal and state money will be used as leverage to attract private industry and finance the creation of a new infrastructure, scaling it up to get costs down while subsidizing the price for end users until it becomes affordable without taxpayer help.

Hydrogen markets aren't new. A big international market for affordable hydrogen, in place for decades, trades about 95 million tons a year. Hydrogen feedstock is used to create ammonia for fertilizer and other products, and to help refine oil into gasoline, diesel and other fossil fuels. But making those millions of tons is a dirty, fossil-fuel-heavy game.

"Making" is a loose term. Hydrogen, of course, already exists. But it's largely inaccessible on its own. Except for some scarce underground deposits, pure hydrogen must be coaxed out of other molecules.

The hydrogen atom  one proton, one electron  loves to hook up with other elements. Hydrogen is an ingredient in molecular matter including methane, vegetable fats salt water, drinking water and waste water. HO, right?

It's also an essential component of hydrocarbons like oil and natural gas. Without the carbon, though, it's as clean as an energy source can get.

Pulling it apart from its partners and isolating it for industrial use only recently has begun to move from dirty to clean. Currently, nearly all hydrogen production requires high heat and methane, the prime constituent of natural gas. Water is heated to steam and mixed with methane to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide. That process typically costs between $1 and $2 per kilogram.

California is the second-largest user of this so-called gray hydrogen in the U.S., said ARCHES Chief Executive Angelina Galiteva.

The budding clean hydrogen industry has come up with a color scheme to identify the dirty process known as methane steam reformation and make it easier for the general public to understand cleaner alternatives.

The dirty way is called gray hydrogen. The cost ranges from 98 cents to $2.93 per kilogram, according to new-energy market researcher BloombergNEF.

But cleaner production methods are identified with other colors: blue, green, even pink. Eventually, they'll have to compete with gray hydrogen on costs, or government subsidies will need to continue forever.

Blue hydrogen uses the gray methane method, but rather than letting carbon dioxide escape, the greenhouse gas is captured and stored. BloombergNEF estimates current costs between $1.80 and $4.70 per kilogram.

Green hydrogen employs a completely different production method, called electrolysis. The only ingredient is water. A massive machine pushes heavy currents of electricity through the water to split the molecules into their constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen. If solar or wind (or nuclear) energy is used to power the electrolyzer, no carbon dioxide is emitted. The current cost of electrolytic green hydrogen, however, is steep: $4.50 to $12 per kilogram. (ARCHES will also fund projects that convert plant waste from forest floors and agricultural lands into hydrogen.)

Pink hydrogen is made using electricity produced by nuclear power, with no carbon emissions.

The hydrogen hubs will be funded to create the infrastructure for all three: blue, green and pink, with some regions specializing in a color or two. For California, the color is green.

Hydrogen will have to be moved around the state by pipeline or truck. A transport tank is seen here at the Port of Oakland. (Russ Mitchell / Los Angeles Times)

Environmental and other concerns

Cost is hardly the only challenge facing the hydrogen hubs. Hundreds of miles of pipelines must be constructed, new trucks powered by hydrogen assembled, hydrogen fueling stations placed along highways, and hydrogen storage units built.

Several environmental groups have come out against them, especially the hubs focused on blue hydrogen, which their foes consider a sop to the fossil-fuel industry with high potential for carbon dioxide leaks.

Even green hydrogen has drawn opposition from some who say it makes little sense to redirect an electric utility's solar and wind power away from existing customers to make hydrogen, leaving those customers with dirtier alternatives. Those critics want the hydrogen industry to build its own clean electricity generators.

The U.S. Department of Treasury is reviewing the rules around hydrogen tax credits that could have a huge impact on the budding industry. Will credits apply to green hydrogen producers that tap into existing solar projects (thus competing with residential and other industrial users), or must they use new, dedicated solar plants? Will producers of green hydrogen get full credit only when renewable energy is online, or will they be allowed to mix in some dirtier stuff when renewables aren't readily accessible?

Environmental groups and industry players eagerly await the decision. The tax credits could be worth hundreds of billions of dollars across the seven hydrogen hubs, according to climate economist Danny Cullenward.

Read more: California's billion-dollar hydrogen hub project is approved  but not without controversy

The Environmental Defense Fund believes clean hydrogen is important for hard-to-decarbonize industries. It generally supports green hydrogen, but with caveats.

The tiny size of hydrogen atoms and molecules (hydrogen atoms tend to link themselves into couples to create the molecule H2) makes them especially prone to leaks from pipelines and other containers, said Katelyn Roedner Sutter, the EDF's representative in Sacramento. "Hydrogen is very small and slippery, and it leaks really easily and can leak anywhere," she said. While hydrogen is not a greenhouse gas, she points out, it can still play an indirect role in damaging the atmosphere because it can react with other compounds.

Water is also an issue in drought-prone California. "There are certainly questions about where the water is going to come from," she said.

Green hydrogen "certainly has potential" she said. "All of these details matter."

Galiteva, the CEO of ARCHES, said leakage issues will be addressed, and the water problems too  with details to come later. But she's "very perplexed" about environmentalists' opposition. Were going to be decarbonizing the most polluting of all sectors  transportation, heavy industry, airplanes, shipping," she said. Its like being against motherhood and apple pie to be against green hydrogen."

ARCHES is not a government body; it's a nonprofit company, registered as a private limited liability corporation. Its owned by four partners: The University of California Board of Regents; the California Governors Office of Business and Economic Development; the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California; and the Renewables 100 Policy Institute.

Galiteva, Renewables 100s co-founder, said ARCHES estimates the California hub will create 220,400 jobs, with high priority given to union labor. Health-wise, ARCHES claims that by 2031, $2.95 billion will be saved in health-related costs each year, as diesel fuel use declines. And $380 million will be invested in disadvantaged communities, including workforce development.

But first, hubs must reduce sky-high costs for clean hydrogen while boosting whats now virtually nonexistent demand. That kind of cost reduction is aggressive, even audacious, for a government project. "The timeline is ambitious," Galiteva said. "Our goal is to get it to $2 per kilogram" at wholesale prices. "If we can get it to $5 we can make it cost competitive with diesel fuel at the pump."

California's few hydrogen stations now charge up to $36 per kilogram. Precise comparisons with diesel or gasoline are difficult and depend on use. But fuel for a trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco in a Toyota Mirai or Hyundai Nexo fuel cell car would cost about twice as much as the same trip in a gasoline car. (The two Japanese automakers partially subsidize fuel costs when they lease the cars to Californians.)

The U.S. is hardly the only country attempting to build a hydrogen economy. China, Japan, South Korea, several countries in Europe, and Saudi Arabia are all sinking hundreds of billions into their efforts. More than 40 countries have developed national hydrogen strategies, according to the International Energy Agency. All face similar cost challenges.

Clean hydrogen will require massive spending on clean electrical power. Renewable power plants need to be built, transmission lines strung, electric substations upgraded or newly constructed, just to accommodate hydrogen production. Thats on top of the electric grid infrastructure already under strain and with new demands from electric vehicles and artificial intelligence server farms.

The L.A. Department of Water and Power plans to convert the Scattergood Generating Station near Dockweiler Beach from burning natural gas to burning green hydrogen. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The road ahead for California

To provide the amount of clean hydrogen needed to meet California's 2045 climate goals, the state's production must grow dramatically, according to ARCHES  from 6.8 million tons annually in 2023 to 71 million tons in 2045.

Rapid price reduction has worked in renewable energy. Can it work for clean hydrogen? "We did it with wind and solar, and we need to do it with hydrogen as well," said state Sen. Anna Caballero, whose district covers a wide swath of rural territory west of Merced and Fresno.

Verdagy CEO Marty Neese stands over a hydrogen electrolyzer. (Russ Mitchell / Los Angeles Times)

Galiteva and other hydrogen proponents point out that early solar power skeptics were proved wrong and that costs have plummeted consistently over time. That's due mainly to increasing manufacturing experience, better understanding of materials, and scale. But that took decades. The hydrogen hubs aim to reduce costs dramatically in less than 10 years.

Green hydrogen production, for example, requires expensive industrial-size electrolyzers to split water. The basic technology is almost as old as the electric battery. Whether the equipment can be built affordably at scale is yet to be proved.

"We're in the early days of green hydrogen electrolysis," said Marty Neese, chief executive at electrolysis startup Verdagy in Moss Landing, Calif.

Blue hydrogen has its own cost issues. It requires vast underground real estate. Both will require new pipelines to ship the gas where its needed. Trucks wont cut it in the long run  even compressed hydrogen gas would require 20 tanker trucks to transport the same amount of energy that a single truck with a load of diesel fuel can deliver.

On top of all that, the permitting process and local opposition to industrial development, with all the lawsuits that entails, can be added to the list of challenges.

But if it works, by the middle of this century, thousands of diesel-powered semis will be replaced with quieter, cleaner hydrogen trucks. Steel, glass and other essential products can be produced spewing far less planet-warming, health-damaging pollution. Perhaps even commercial aviation could see a clean revolution. To the federal government and the state of California, that future is worth a multibillion-dollar bet.

Read more: Southern California gets $500 million from the EPA to fight pollution

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Labor groups, quick to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris early this week after she emerged as the presumptive Democratic candidate for president, hope the former California senator will build on the pro-worker agenda established by the Biden administration  if she can beat former President Donald Trump.

Following President Joe Bidens announcement on Sunday that he would not seek reelection this November, some of the biggest labor groups in the country warned a second Trump term could widen wealth inequalities and lead to workers losing health care access. Given the alternative, labor leaders expect workers to play a pivotal role campaigning for Harris in the dramatically altered 2024 presidential race to ensure unions still have an ally in the White House next year.

Workers and their unions are going to be extremely active in this election because theres never been more at stake for working people, said Sal Rosselli, the president emeritus of the National Union of Healthcare Workers, which endorsed Harris on Monday.

That same day, the AFL-CIO announced that the executive board, which represents about 12.5 million workers, unanimously endorsed Harris for president. The same day, the Service Employees International Union California, which represents 700,000 workers in the state, also backed the vice president.

On Thursday, Harris heralded the power of unions at the American Federation of Teachers convention in Houston while casting her opponent as an enemy of workers. The teachers union endorsed the vice president earlier this week.

One of the best ways to keep our nation moving forward is to give workers a voice, to protect the freedom to organize, to defend the freedom to collectively bargain, to end union busting, Harris said.

Harris association to Biden, widely regarded as the most pro-worker president since President Franklin D. Roosevelt, already endeared her to the labor movement. But Harris has pro-labor bonafides of her own.

As Californias attorney general, Harris initiated the investigations that lead to a $575 million settlement with the hospital group Sutter Health after it was accused of inflating healthcare costs for Californians through anticompetitive practices. As a senator for the state, Harris co-sponsored a bill in Congress to mandate breaks and overtime pay for domestic workers.

While the labor sector has traditionally supported Democratic candidates, experts say that union participation in the 2024 presidential election will be critical.

Support from unions is more than an endorsement, said Saba Waheed, director of the University of California, Los Angeles Labor Center, With that comes resources, like actual workers who will go out into the field for you.

Harris understands that labor groups are a powerful organizing mechanism, with boots on the ground that can knock on doors in swing states, Waheed said. While unions expect a Harris administration will continue prioritizing a pro-worker agenda at the federal level in the same way her predecessor has.

With these endorsements, Waheed added, labor groups are saying, Well fight for you. We will back you in this really concrete way, but what you have to show us is that you are there for working people.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the United Food and Commercial Workers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers also issued Harris endorsements this week.

We are ready to make history by sending the nations first African-American, Asian-American, woman President to the Oval Office with a worker-powered victory this November, said David Huerta, President of SEIU United Service Workers West, in a statement.

SEIU Local 1000 President Anica Walls said in an interview that Harris has a solid pro-labor track record as vice president, which includes protecting the pensions of over a million workers through the American Rescue Plan, the 2021 stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 induced recession. Walls also noted Harris support for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, an attempt to reform federal labor legislation that passed the U.S. House in 2021 but did not make it out of the upper chamber.

Walls said the nearly 100,000 California state workers represented by Local 1000 are a powerful organizing force. She hopes her unions mobilization efforts will ensure a pro-labor administration, like Bidens, will be in the White House in 2025. SEIU California plans to send 21 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.

Thats what our members would like to see out of Vice President Kamala Harris, have her continue in the work that shes done, and maybe even step it up a notch, right? Walls said. Making sure that job security, health care and pensions stay intact for workers. She hopes Harris will secure even more protections and benefits for workers at the federal level. Labor leaders in the state hope a Harris administration could lay the groundwork at the federal level for the California universal health care bill Gov. Gavin Newson signed in 2023.

Earlier this month, International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean OBrien spoke at the Republican National Convention, signaling that Democrats have not won over the support of every major union.

OBriens presence at the RNC frustrated some other labor leaders who see Bidens administration as a strong ally to the union. OBrien did not endorse Trump but he did rail against corporate greed and promise to work with national leaders who support union priorities.

We will create an agenda and work with a bipartisan coalition ready to accomplish something real for the American worker, said OBrien on July 15. I dont care about getting criticized. Its an honor to be the first Teamster in our 121- year history to address the Republican National Convention.

Rosselli, of the National Union of Healthcare Workers, said labors enthusiastic support for Harris should be no surprise when considering the alternative.

Rosselli contrasted Harris labor record with conservative policy agendas outlined in Project 2025 that threaten protections for public employees by reinstating Trump-era executive orders that deprioritize seniority when laying off workers and prevent representatives from working on union activity during their work hours. Trump has distanced himself from Project 2025 but several of his former staffers were involved in creation and planned execution. Harris criticized the agenda on Thursday, calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

NUHWs support for Harris was so early, Rosselli said, that the unions board voted to endorse the vice president on July 13 in the event Biden dropped out when it appeared the presidents chances of reelection were dwindling.

Rosselli, who is also a delegate for the California Democratic Party, said his members are excited to get involved in the campaign in California and other states where the race will be closer, like Nevada.

Jake Grumbach, an associate professor at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, said labor support is one of the most valuable endorsements that Harris could receive.

California is a pretty strong labor state and Kamala Harris consistently had the support of labor within California, Grumbach said.

Harris alignment with Biden, who was the first U.S. president to walk a picket line last September with United Auto Workers strikers, further improves voters perception of her as a pro-labor Democrat, which Grumbach said is helpful to build excitement around a late-to-the-race candidate and will get voters out to the polls.

Republicans under Trump have worked to appeal to working class voters, Grumbach said, though two big legislative efforts pushed by his administration were high-end tax cuts and ending Obamacare, both of which are unpopular with the working class. Despite the effort to portray Republicans as a party for American workers, few labor leaders have endorsed the former president.
Man arrested in connection with California wildfire that has burned more than 160,000 acres

A Northern California wildland fire that exploded overnight into the state's largest blaze this wildfire season, destroying structures and prompting thousands of evacuations, was allegedly started by a man who pushed a burning car into a gully, authorities said Thursday.

The 48-year-old arson suspect linked to starting the Park Fire in Butte County near the city of Chico was arrested Thursday morning and jailed without bail, said Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey.

PHOTO: A burning house is seen as Park Fire burns near Chico, California, July 25, 2024. (Fred Greaves/Reuters)

Officials identified the suspect as Ronnie Dean Stout II on Thursday evening, ahead of his arraignment on Monday.

Stout was allegedly spotted just before 3 p.m. local time on Wednesday, pushing a car that was on fire down a gully called "Alligator Hole" in Bidwell Park, near Chico, Ramsey said.

PHOTO: Ronnie Dean Sout II, of Chico, California, is shown in this photo released by the Butte County District Attorney's Office. (Butte County District Attorney's Office)

"The car went down an embankment approximately 60 feet and burned completely, spreading flames that caused the Park Fire," Ramsey said in a statement.

A man who was later identified as the Stout was allegedly seen calmly leaving the area by blending in with other park visitors fleeing the rapidly evolving fire, Ramsey said.

Stout has two previous "strike" felony convictions, according to the DA's office, which will be charged along with whatever arson charge is determined by the evidence to be appropriate on Monday.

The "Three Strikes and You're Out" law in California imposes a life sentence for almost any crime, no matter how minor, if the defendant had two prior convictions for crimes defined as serious or violent by the California Penal Code, according to Stanford Law School.

Stout's prior felony convictions include lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age in 2001 and robbery with great bodily injury in 2002, according to the DA.

He was sentenced to 20 years in state prison following his 2002 conviction, according to the DA.

PHOTO: A 48-year-old man was arrested on July 25, 2024, accused of starting the Park Fire near Chico, California, by pushing a car on fire into a gully, according to the Butte County District Attorney's Office. (Butte County District Attorney's Office)

The Park Fire in Butte County, California, and the Durkee Fire in Oregon, the largest fire burning in the nation, continued filling West Coast skies Thursday with smoke as gusty winds and treacherous terrain were dealing challenges to firefighters battling both blazes, officials said.

Park Fire becomes largest 2024 wildfire in the state

The Park Fire started around 3 p.m. Wednesday northeast of the city of Chico in Bidwell Park and overnight Friday had burned over 164,000 acres, destroyed an undetermined number of structures and caused the Butte County Sheriff's Department to order evacuations for rural foothill communities in the area, including nearly the entire town of Cohasset, which has a population of about 400.

More than 1,100 firefighters were fighting the flames Thursday morning, using helicopters and cutting fire lines with bulldozers in a desperate attempt to prevent the fire from spreading to homes in the densely populated areas of north Chico, authorities said.

PHOTO: This weather map shows heat and fire alerts, July 25, 2024, in the western and northwestern U.S. (ABC News)

The Park Fire was just 3% contained Friday morning, according to the Cal Fire.

"The fire is well established. Fire personnel are currently focusing on evacuations and structure defense while concurrently building direct containment lines utilizing bulldozers, fire crews and fire engines," Cal Fire said in an updated statement Thursday morning. "More resources have been ordered and are inbound from various areas throughout Northern California."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

PHOTO: Smoke and flame rise from Park Fire burning near Chico, California, July 25, 2024. (Fred Greaves/Reuters)

At least 3,800 people were under evacuation orders in Butte and Tehama counties, officials said.

The Park Fire rapidly grew into the state's largest conflagration this wildfire season, surpassing the Lake Fire near Santa Barbara in Southern California that started on July 5. As of Thursday morning, the Lake Fire had burned 38,664 and was 90% contained, according to Cal Fire. The blaze destroyed four structures and left at least six firefighters injured, Cal Fire reported.

The Butte County blaze was one of 64 new fires that erupted in California Wednesday, according to Cal Fire.

PHOTO: This photo provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation shows the Durkee Fire burning in eastern Ore., July 22, 2024. (Oregon Department of Transportation via AP)

Rick Carhart, a spokesperson for Cal Fire, told ABC News Thursday that hot temperatures and steep, rugged terrain in the burning area are making things difficult for firefighters.

Carhart -- who described the fire activity as "dynamic" -- said the temperature in the area this week has been 100 to 110 degrees.

Officials said that in the first 12 hours of the fire, flames were burning 4,000 acres per hour.

"It's very, very hot. It's bone dry and pretty much every spark that hits the ground is going to start a fire," Carhart said.

He said the area where the fire is most active hasn't burned in 20 years, providing an abundance of dry vegetation that is feeding the blaze.

Cal Fire officials said the number of acres burned so far in this wildfire season is 15 times more than at this time in 2023. There have been nearly 800 more fires this year compared to last, including 54 that resulted in arson arrests, according to Cal Fire, in

Durkee fire is largest in the nation

In Oregon, the Durkee Fire in Baker County, which was sparked by a lightning strike on July 17, had grown to nearly 270,000 acres, or about 400 square miles, as of Thursday morning. The fire burning near the Idaho border was 0% contained and had spread into neighboring Malheur County, according to the Oregon Fire Marshal's Office.

President Joe Biden called Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek Thursday evening to discuss the wildfires across the state as thousands of federal personnel are on the ground helping to fight the blazes and keep people safe.

The president offered his support to ensure the state has everything it needs to continue fighting the fires, according to the White House.

MORE: Record-breaking wildfires have occurred all over the Northern Hemisphere during 2023, new report finds

On Wednesday, Kotek announced that she has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to increase resources to battle the Durkee Fire and the Battle Mountain Complex Fire, which consists of three active fires that have burned a total of about 64,000 in the same area of Umatilla County in Eastern Oregon.

Kotek said she has also deployed the National Guard to the Durkee and Battle Mountain fires.

PHOTO: 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., July 21, 2024. (Oregon Department of Transportation via AP)

Kotek said in a statement that resources necessary for fighting the fires are beyond local capabilities.

"The wildfires in Eastern Oregon have scaled up quickly," Kotek said. "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. The situation is dynamic, and the teams on the ground are taking it day by day. I have deployed resources from the National Guard that are currently serving eastern and southwestern Oregon. I know these communities are supporting one another, doing their part to heed the guidance from officials and showing tremendous gratitude for our firefighters."

MORE: Canadian Armed Forces ordered to respond to wildfires in Alberta

Kotek said the Durkee fire has merged with another large fire in the area, the Cow Valley Fire, creating one monster-size blaze.

The Baker County Sheriff's Office said evacuation orders for residents living in the fire zone, including all 500 residents of the town of Huntington.

During a community briefing Wednesday night, fire officials said the Durkee fire was burning so hot it had created its own weather system.

Jonathan Chriest, a National Weather Service meteorologist assigned to the Durkee fire, said at a briefing that wind gusts fanning the fire were expected to reach 75 mph Wednesday night.

Temperatures in the area have been in the high 90s to triple-digits. Chriest said a cold front was moving into the area of the Durkee Fire that could lower temperatures through the weekend but could bring northwest winds of 30 to 45 mph and flash flooding.

"That fire has just not cooperated with us in terms of the weather. I don't like making excuses and I don't like fires outpacing me, so that's a hard thing to admit," Tyson Albrecht of the U.S. Forest Service, the incident commander on the Durkee Fire for Northwest Team 6, said at the briefing. "This fire and the weather that we've been experiencing has been really challenging. It will continue to challenge us, but we will continue to keep swinging away out there to minimize those impacts."

Man arrested in connection with California wildfire that has burned more than 160,000 acres originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Voters in line. Photo by John McCosh, Georgia Recorder/States Newsroom.

Last week, candidates around the country filed reports with the Federal Elections Commission detailing what they raised spent and borrowed. But some campaign finance experts argue the panel itself is fundamentally broken and its taking a wrecking ball to campaign spending rules.

For years, the six-member board moved at a glacial pace and often deadlocked when it came to enforcement decisions. But more recently, a majority of commissioners have begun issuing decisions that consistently roll back political spending restrictions.

These are binding, durable decisions that will long outlast the current period, Campaign Legal Center Executive Director Adav Noti explained. Before taking the helm at the voter access organization, Noti served in the office of General Counsel at the FEC. He spoke during a CLC event warning about recent decisions from the commission.

While a tie vote among FEC commissioners puts a case to bed, it doesnt establish a precedent for future cases. With four votes, however, those decisions have the force of law.

And that is very different from what we had in the era of deadlock, Noti said, where nothing was getting accomplished, but it also wasnt prospectively binding.

New direction

Super PACs can raise and spend an unlimited amount of funds, and they can explicitly advocate for or against a given candidate. But the organizations have two important restrictions  they cant give directly to a candidate or coordinate with that candidates campaign.

But Noti explains two recent FEC decisions take steps to dismantle those guardrails. The first allows super PACs and campaigns to coordinate ground operations like door-to-door canvassing and get out the vote efforts.

Noti argued that decision allowed presidential candidates to start essentially outsourcing their ground game to Super PACs, which can take unlimited money, corporate money, all forms of money that the candidates themselves cannot take, but to spend it in coordination.

Another decision would make it easier for super PACs to coordinate text messaging campaigns.

Noti explained during the primary, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis tested the boundaries of allowable coordination with his Never Back Down super PAC. The Trump campaign has begun laying the groundwork for a similar effort and Elon Musk has flirted with pouring $180 million into a pro-Trump super PAC.

Candidates are supposed to be limited to taking about $5,000 from any person, and theyre getting 10s to 100s of millions of dollars from individual people and entities to support their campaigns, Noti said. Its a huge risk to the system, and its one thats entirely a creation of four FEC commissioners.

Ideology rather than partisanship

Noti argued the driving force behind the FECs earlier gridlock and more recent permissiveness is less about partisanship than ideology. Instead of commissioners voting to protect people on their side of the aisle, he argued several of them simply opposed enforcing campaign finance law regardless of which party benefitted.

Speaking at the event, former commissioner Ann Ravel gave credence that conclusion. She served from 2013 to 2017 and recalled sensing almost immediately that there was little chance of making progress.

I soon realized that half of the commissioners were ideologically opposed to the purpose of the agency and the laws that it was responsible to enforce, and they voted as a bloc, Ravel explained.

In 2017, she published a report detailing the agencys dysfunction. In her rendering the commissioners took a nihilistic view of the agency itself. She brought up a quote from former commissioner Don McGahn who went on to serve as Trumps White House Counsel.

He said publicly, Im not enforcing the law as Congress passed it, I plead guilty as charged, Ravel described. That was a good representation of the others who were acting as a bloc and they all they claimed at the time that the agency was intended to do nothing.

A surprising silver lining?

Noti and Ravel argued Congress would likely have to step in to make a real difference in how the FEC operates. Ravel brought up the DISCLOSE Act which has been bouncing around since 2010 without ever landing on the presidents desk. The measure would require greater transparency and reporting for large dollar donors. But Noti acknowledged the obvious  the chance of Congress action in 2024 is basically zero, and in the short term is not very high.

That leaves the courts, and in an unexpected bank shot, a recent conservative victory at the U.S. Supreme Court might leave the commissions decisions more vulnerable to legal challenges.

Since the 1980s, U.S. courts followed a precedent known as Chevron deference. In short, where statutory language is vague and an executive agency can justify its interpretation, courts should defer to the agencys judgement. During its most recent term, the U.S. Supreme Court nixed Chevron and put the responsibility for interpreting statutes squarely within courts purview.

Noti was quick to acknowledge that decision may lead to all kinds of negative outcomes.

But Ill say in this area, its likely to be quite beneficial, he said. Because to the extent that court review of FEC action has been somewhat hampered by a deferential posture that the courts have historically taken towards the FEC, theres very clear indication now from the Supreme Court that thats not appropriate.

In a post-Chevron world, he argued, the FEC could face a higher level of legal scrutiny if it takes the kind of antagonistic approach to campaign finance law that Ravel described.

Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter.

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Six campaign volunteers, including the daughter of a City Council candidate in Queens, were indicted Thursday on voter fraud charges for allegedly submitting bogus absentee ballots, officials said.

The suspects were charged with trying to rig a Council race for Republican candidate Yu-Ching James Pai, who was running in a June 2023 primary for the District 20 Council seat in Queens.

Among those arrested was Pais daughter, Sydnee Pai, 19, who was charged alongside Li Zhen Wan, 46, Yee Ping Yam, 53, Lisbeth Cheng, 24, and Crystal You, 20.

The sixth defendant, who is currently out of state, will be arraigned at a later date, officials said.

The allegations revolve around a plot to submit fraudulent absentee ballot applications to boost Pais campaign.

Our democracy relies on integrity at the voting booth, and we will not allow that to be compromised in Queens County, said Queens DA Melinda Katz.

As alleged in this case, the defendants went to the Board of Elections and filed fraudulent absentee ballot applications on behalf of 23 voters they had never met.

Katz did not indicate the candidate was involved in the scheme.

Katzs office began investigating when a voter complained to officials about losing an opportunity to cast a ballot.

When the voter arrived at a designated polling station, the person was informed by an election worker their vote had already been placed.

Katzs investigators interviewed multiple voters whose names and personal information were listed on ballot applications, and learned they did not fill out or sign the documents.

The questioned voters also said they never met the people listed as authorized to pick up the applications, and never received an absentee ballot.

In all, 23 Queens voters had absentee ballot applications and ballots fraudulently submitted in their names, officials said.

This indictment was the result of a long-term investigation into an absentee ballot fraud scheme, said Queens Assistant District Attorney Gabriella Giunta during an arraignment in Queens Criminal Court.

These defendants have each played a part in impairing the integrity of the election process and disenfranchising the people of Queens County.

The defendants were released on their own recognizance, and are scheduled to return to court Sept. 19.

Those with passports were ordered to surrender them to the court.

The case is similar to another scheme in 2023, in which Abdul Rahman was arraigned for allegedly submitting falsified absentee ballot applications for the Democratic primary in August 2022.

Rahmans alleged fraud came to light when voter Jordan Sandke was informed he had already requested an absentee ballot, despite never having done so.

Investigators discovered Rahman had allegedly submitted 118 fraudulent applications, designating himself as the authorized representative.
Canton lost population last year. What areas in Stark County are growing?

The city of Canton saw its population fall 0.5% to 69,197 over the last year.

CANTON  Canton's population took a hit last year.

The city's population is down 0.5%, going from 69,545 to 69,197, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

This comes as other areas in Stark County, such as Massillon, are gaining population.

Countywide, Stark's population stayed steady, only dropping by 69 people from 2022 to 2023.

Canton remains the most populous city in the county.

Population data is important because it's used to help with redistricting and helps determine where to direct federal money for local programs, such as infrastructure and economic development projects.

More 2023 Census estimates: While Ohio's population grew, Stark County's population stayed steady in 2023

Canton population dip follows multi-year trend

Census and yearly population estimates, Stark County

Infogram

Since the 2020 census, Canton's population has gone down in each year's estimate.

Canton's population was 70,768 in April 2020.

Robert Nau, executive director of Stark County Regional Planning Commission, said movement to the suburbs has contributed to the population decline.

"It's kind of a trend in the northeastern part of the country, with the Rust Belt and loss of manufacturing. That's changed where people live," he said.

Additionally, Nau said there have been "a fair amount" of demolitions on some older structures in Canton, and new development of residential properties has not kept up.

"We have a housing shortage and affordability challenge," Nau said. "If you look at especially the legacy cities, the demolitions that have occurred eliminating slum and blight in the old urban areas, there's been some redevelopment, but it hasn't matched up as far as infill development."

Results from a recent countywide housing study funded by the county commissioners and performed by Next Move Group LLC found that Stark faces a shortage of affordable housing that could continue to contribute to population decline if not addressed.

Study results: 'We're either growing or we're dying.' Stark County housing study shows there's a shortage

What parts of Stark County are growing?

Pedestrians stroll along a sidewalk in downtown Massillon in this file photo.

Massillon's population grew about 0.6% from 2022 to 2023. The Census Bureau estimates the city's population at 32,439.

The city has grown in each year's population estimate since the 2020 Census.

In an email, Massillon Mayor Jamie Slutz said he is happy to see his community continue to grow.

"Massillon is one of the few communities in Stark County that sees an increase in population," he wrote. "It shows Massillon is growing commercially and residentially."

He said he attributes the growth to a good school system and safe community, as well as new housing developments.

Alliance also grew slightly in 2023, by 0.2%, for an estimated total of 21,525.

What areas in Ohio grew last year?

Ohio overall grew by 0.2% in 2023, an increase of roughly of 26,000 people.

Columbus remains the biggest city in the state, with an estimated population of 913,175 people. This makes it the 14th largest city in the U.S. It grew about 0.5% last year.

Athens, Ohio, is one of the country's fastest-growing cities, according to the Census Bureau. The city's population was up 8.6% last year.

Reach Grace at 330-580-8364 or gspringer@gannett.com. Follow her on X @GraceSpringer16.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton population declines, Massillon grows in latest census report
Canyon County just finished a $7.6 million events venue. You can rent it for $3,000 a day

This years Canyon County Fair was set to begin on Thursday, when the forecast called for yet another extremely hot day. But for the first time, exhibitors and fair patrons would be able to enjoy many exhibits in air-conditioned comfort.

Canyon County finally finished working on a $7.6 million events venue just in time for patrons to get out of the heat.

The Center, at 110 County Fair Ave. in Caldwell, is a 45,000-square-foot exposition building, the latest addition to the Caldwell Events Center. It includes a 30,000 square-foot expo hall, indoor and outdoor meeting spaces and new offices for the fair, according to a press release.

It was partly paid by Canyon Countys 2022 budget, county spokesperson Chad Thompson told the Idaho Statesman by phone. Caldwells Urban Renewal Agency and the city of Caldwell contributed $2.4 million, County Commissioner Leslie Van Beek said through a spokesperson.

Many of the vendor and exhibits have moved to The Center at the Canyon County Fair, with 45,000 square-feet of air-conditioned space.

Other events that will be hosted at The Center include the Caldwell Night Rodeo, Simplot Stadium events and activities at the College of Idaho.

The Center was built in 2022 and already has hosted some events in its unfinished state.

The Center is also available for public rental. The expo hall can be rented for $3,000 a day from Friday through Sunday, according to the Canyon County Fair website. A weekday rental is $2,500. The lobbys rental is $500 per day, and a single meeting rooms rental is $250 per day.

The rentals revenue will help pay for the construction and operation of The Center over the next few years, Thompson said.

The Center will be open all year and will host a variety of events, said Canyon County Fair Assistant Director Rebecca Coulter. But during the fair, its really exciting for us  it is air-conditioned space to be able to host our indoor vendors.

Canyon County saw the need to build a large venue that could be used year-round for community events, Thompson said.

Most of the Canyon County Fair used to be hosted outdoors. The Southwest Idaho county wanted something that was a little bit more suitable and temperature-controlled so people wouldnt be out there in the heat every year, Thompson said.

This year, the fair was set to have about 30 vendors in The Center, including artistic, political and agricultural booths.

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Cape Cod officer facing child porn charges relieved of duty, police chief says

A Cape Cod police officer who was arrested after his shift on Wednesday on child pornography charges has been relieved of duty.

Brewster Police Chief Heath J. Eldredge announced Thursday that Officer Matthew Marshall is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing internal affairs investigation.

The allegations against Matthew Marshall are offensive and absolutely not in line with the policies and values of the Brewster Police Department, Eldredge said in a statement. These actions do not represent the standards of the hardworking members of the Department. Our officers stand committed to serving the community with integrity and are dedicated to building and maintaining public trust.

Marshall is charged with possession of child pornography, dissemination of child pornography, defacement of real or personal property, unlawful communication of record information, and photos taken outside of first responders official duties, Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois said.

Marshalls license to carry a firearm was also suspended and his service weapon has been confiscated, according to Galibois office.

Eldredge said Marshall was hired by the Brewster Police Department as a dispatcher in 2005 and as an officer in 2007.

Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission was notified of Marshalls arrest and could take action regarding his certification to work as a police officer.

Marshall was slated to face a judge in Orleans District Court on Thursday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A police officer arranges pennants sent by people to extend gratitude at a service spot of the Kanas border police station in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2024 shows officers of the Kanas border police station returning to the horse farm after patrolling in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A police officer of the Kanas border police station gives directions to tourists in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Lin Liping)

Police officers of the Kanas border police station patrol on horseback in areas inaccessible by vehicles in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

A flag-raising ceremony is held at the Kanas border police station in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 23, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A police officer of the Kanas border police station tells a tourist about new rules on UAV in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A police officer looks through lost ID cards for tourists at a service spot of the Kanas border police station in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows the Kanas border police station in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows a view of the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2024 shows officers of the Kanas border police station patrolling on horseback in areas inaccessible by vehicles in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A police officer of the Kanas border police station (R) checks the fire-fighting equipment of a cruise ship in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Lin Liping)

Police officers check the self-balancing scooters at a service spot of the Kanas border police station in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Lin Liping)

Police officers of the Kanas border police station patrol on horseback in areas inaccessible by vehicles in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

This photo taken on July 22, 2024 shows the original barrack of the Kanas border police station in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Police officers of the Kanas border police station mediate disputes among tourists in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

A police officer shows the roster of the first generation of border police at the original barracks of the Kanas border police station in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

A police officer of the Kanas border police station visits a local family in Burqin County of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A police officer handles the border pass for a tourist at a service spot of the Kanas border police station in the Kanas scenic area of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A police officer of the Kanas border police station explains border laws and regulations to villagers at a village assembly in Burqin County of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2024.

The Kanas border police station is located in the Kanas scenic area of Altay.

In recent years, the tourism industry in Altay has developed vigorously. According to police officers at the station, the Kanas scenic area receives a maximum of over 20,000 tourists per day.

The station has joined forces with local people and staff of scenic spots to solve the problems of tourists, greatly improving the police efficiency. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)
Editor's note: See the latest on this story here.

A Brewster police officer is facing charges of possession of child pornography, dissemination of child pornography, defacement of real or personal property, unlawful communication of record information, and photos taken outside of first responders official duties, according to a release from Brewster Police Chief Heath Eldredge.

The officer is scheduled to be arraigned in Orleans District Court today.

According to the release, "(the officer) has been relieved of duty and is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation, which will take place in parallel with the criminal investigation being conducted by the Massachusetts State Police."

Eric Williams, when not solving Curious Cape Cod mysteries, writes about a variety of ways to enjoy the Cape, the weather, wildlife and other subjects. Contact him at ewilliams@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X: @capecast.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod police officer facing child pornography charges
Brewster police officer Matthew Marshall walked out of the district courthouse in Orleans Thursday after posting $1,000 cash bail, less than 24 hours after he was charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. He did not answer questions from reporters.

At his arraignment, prosecutors detailed a litany of additional allegations against him  including charges of secretly recording a victim in distress, sharing sensitive information about suspects, and defacing public property.

Marshall is currently relieved of duty pending the outcome of the case against him. He has been ordered to surrender his weapon, have no contact with minors other than his teenage daughter, and consent to having his internet monitored.

The most serious charges relate to several instances of child pornography Marshall allegedly viewed and shared via his Snapchat account. According to court documents, Snapchat alerted the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, who in turn notified the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit.

Investigators looking into the allegations say they uncovered evidence of further crimes, including a video reportedly showing Marshall urinating on the sinks, handles, and door of a Dunkin Donuts bathroom on Rte. 128 in Yarmouth.

He described it as just something funny, Cape & Islands Assistant District Attorney Courtney Scalice told the court as she explained the charges against Marshall.

Marshall denies the allegations of child pornography but reportedly admitted to investigators the incident at Dunkin Donuts.

In a separate incident, investigators discovered video of a Brewster man with apparent diminished mental capacity. The video was taken during a police check without the mans knowledge or consent, prosecutors said.

He is nude, his buttocks and genitals are exposed, and hes in a diaper walking around the house, Scalice said of the victim. That video was being surreptitiously taken from the Snapchat account.

I would like to remind the court Mr. Marshall is innocent until proven guilty, said defense attorney Robyn Keating, who represented Marshall at Thursdays arraignment, adding he has no criminal history and strong ties to the community. Keating successfully argued for a bail amount lower than the $10,000 requested by prosecutors.

Marshall was briefly taken into custody at the conclusion of Thursdays hearing. He was released a short time later after posting $1,000 bail. He is due back in court on September 12th.

In a statement, the Brewster Police Chief condemned the crimes and Marshalls alleged involvement.

The allegations against Matthew Marshall are offensive and absolutely not in line with the policies and values of the Brewster Police Department, Chief Heath Eldredge said. These actions do not represent the standards of the hardworking members of the Department. Our officers stand committed to serving the community with integrity and are dedicated to building and maintaining public trust.

Marshall was hired by the Brewster Police Department as a dispatcher in 2005 and as an officer in 2007. In addition to being relieved of duty, an internal affairs investigation is now underway to determine Marshalls employment status. Prosecutors say he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the child pornography charges alone.

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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. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

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.

Lawmakers 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.

Both Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat, and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine boycotted the speech.

Pingree, who did not attend the Israeli Prime Ministers last address to Congress in 2015, said in a statement that once again, Netanyahu is using the platform of the United States Congress for personal and political gain.

King said that while he has always been an unwavering supporter of Israel, he strong disagrees with the Netanyahu governments initial conduct of the war and, especially, its current lack of postwar planning for Gaza and the risks that poses to long-term regional stability.

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.

Lauren McCauley contributed to this report.

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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. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

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. (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 on 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.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat who boycotted Netanyahus address, issued a statement that called for a ceasefire.

I was horrified by Hamas horrific terrorist attack on October 7th and fully support Israels right to go after Hamas. But how they do so matters, he said. Netanyahus war strategy in Gaza is at odds with American values and law. His governments campaign of indiscriminate bombing has driven 1.9 million people from their homes and killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians  tens 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.

U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican who attended the address, also issued a statement: With Americans still being held hostage by Hamas terrorists, I appreciated hearing from Prime Minister Netanyahu today about the importance of strengthening our alliance, countering terrorism in the Middle East, and rejecting antisemitism. Earlier this year, I joined several of my colleagues to visit communities brutally destroyed on October 7 and saw the resilience of the Israeli people firsthand. The Jewish faith is strong, the Israeli people are strong, and the United States will continue to support and protect Israel and its right to exist, Chavez-DeRemer said.

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.
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.
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)

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.

This is not a clash of civilizations. Its a clash between barbarism and civilization. Its a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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.

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 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.
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.

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.

 Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland

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.

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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.

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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.
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)

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.

Editors Note: This item has been updated to correct details of Vice President Kamala Harris campaign schedule.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
VIENTIANE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The 57th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) was held in Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday to review and discuss the progress made in the implementation of various activities.

The meeting was chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith.

The meeting reviewed the progress of ASEAN Community building, the progress in implementing priorities for Laos' ASEAN chairmanship in 2024 under the theme of "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience," and the creation of strategic plans to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus of ASEAN leaders, regional collaboration and external relations.

The AMM reiterated the importance of strengthening cooperation and the centrality of ASEAN in the regional cooperation structure.

In addition, ASEAN foreign ministers discussed and exchanged opinions on regional and international issues of common interest. 
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 10th 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 to campaign 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.
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.
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 10 months. A handful of Senate and House Democrats boycotted the remarks over Israels war on Hamas. (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 on 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 Harris absence in a statement, calling it a 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 Congress 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.
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 10 months. A handful of Senate and House Democrats boycotted the remarks over Israels war on Hamas. (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 Harris 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.
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.

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. (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 Harris 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.

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

The ANSWER 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.

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In Capitol address, Israeli leader calls for U.S. backing to defeat Hamas

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 24: 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, DC. Netanyahus visit occurs as the Israel-Hamas war reaches nearly ten months. A handful of Senate and House Democrats boycotted the remarks over Israels treatment of Palestine. (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.
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.

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 10 months. A handful of Senate and House Democrats boycotted the remarks over Israels war on Hamas. (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.
Car crashes into utility pole in NW Oklahoma City

Car crashes into utility pole in NW Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A crash caused downed power lines and left some residents without power Thursday morning.

Officials say the crash happened near NW 10th St. and Ann Arbor Ave. around 2 a.m.

LOCAL NEWS: Residents reach settlement 4 years after homes damaged by muddy water

A car collided with a utility pole, causing downed power lines and leaving thousands without power in Oklahoma County. Power has since been restored.

Car crashes into utility pole in NW Oklahoma City.

Car crashes into utility pole in NW Oklahoma City.

Both emergency crews and OG&E crews responded to the scene.

The drivers condition is unknown at this time and it is unclear what led to the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Defense Attache Zheng Yuchong delivers a speech during the reception to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, in Beirut, Lebanon, on July 24, 2024. This reception was hosted by the Chinese embassy in Lebanon on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Lebanon hosted a reception on Wednesday to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China.

More than 300 guests attended the event, including Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Qian Minjian, Defense Attache Zheng Yuchong, and representatives of the Lebanese army.

In his speech, Zheng highlighted the robust relations between the Chinese and Lebanese armies, noting increased collaboration in personnel training, group visits, disaster response, and rescue operations.

Zheng mentioned that the Chinese Ministry of National Defense recently organized a symposium in China for senior military officers from China and Arab countries. Officers, including those from Lebanon, engaged in discussions on Chinese-Arab relations, the Global Security Initiative, and strategies to enhance security cooperation.

The PLA has been actively involved in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, said the Chinese defense attache, adding that the Chinese peacekeeping mission in Lebanon has cleared over 2 million square meters of minefields and areas scattered with explosives, removing more than 20,000 landmines and unexploded ordnance.

Zheng added that Chinese peacekeeping forces frequently dispatch doctors to Lebanese villages, offering free medical consultations and assistance to over 60,000 residents. They have donated medical equipment, daily necessities, and school supplies more than 200 times, and repaired 320 kilometers of roads, earning high praise from local communities.

China sent its first peacekeeping mission to Lebanon in 2006. 

This photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows a scene of Chinese cultural performance during a reception to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, in Beirut, Lebanon.

This reception was hosted by the Chinese embassy in Lebanon on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
'Crash for cash is when a criminal induces an accident with an unwitting car driver but makes it look as if the innocent party was at fault,' writes Foxall - Getty

If you have filled out a car insurance application and have been tempted to economise on the truth, you wont be alone. Defrauding motor insurers is the most popular insurance fraud, making up six in 10 cases (59 per cent) according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Those doing it range from organised gangs, ripping off insurers on an industrial scale, to regular drivers opportunistically inflating claims.

At the organised crime end of the spectrum, insurer Allianz is reporting a 60-fold increase in crash for cash scams involving motorbikes (see below). Meanwhile police say drivers exaggerating claims have gone up by a quarter in the past year and now represent 71 per cent of motor insurance fraud. Aviva reports application fraud up by 64 per cent since last year.

But insurers arent the only ones suffering: crooks are using motor insurance to rip off ordinary drivers, too.

Claims for accidents that havent happened

Insurers say criminals are turning to technology to create evidence to legitimise claims for fake incidents. Fraud and investigation manager from insurer Zurich, Scott Clayton, said: Its become an arms race. The output created by AI (Artificial Intelligence) is so convincing we now need to use AI to decode it.

Motor insurance is seeing very sophisticated frauds. People are changing number plates on pictures of damaged cars then submitting these with fabricated repair reports and invoices. To an experienced claims handler, it looks like the perfect chain of evidence. But its all fake.

Criminals are using technology to create 'evidence' to legitimise claims for fake incidents - D-Keine/E+

Like other insurers, Zurich is investing hundreds of thousands of pounds in technology to foil the fakers.

Ad spoofing is the latest trick fraudsters use

The internet has made so many things in life easier and is responsible for new forms of crime such as ad spoofing. If youve never heard of it, dont feel out of touch: the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) told us its research shows that only 18 per cent of people know about this scam.

The criminals create an advert on internet search engines that masquerades as being from a legitimate insurer. Drivers making a claim click on the ad which takes them to the criminals website, where theyre signed up to a claims or accident management company.

The bogus company will then try to claim against the supposed at-fault insurer. If that insurer rejects the inflated claim, the crooks charge the car owner for repair, credit hire and admin fees; costs to innocent drivers often run into tens of thousands of pounds. Adding insult to injury, the car owners legitimate insurer cant help because it knows nothing about the claim.

The ABI revealed that one crook used this technique to put in 60 false claims worth 26,000 to insurers.

Ghost brokers sell cover on social media

Criminals are targeting younger, less-experienced drivers using ads on Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. Theyll be advertising insurance as a trustworthy insurer or broker but of course they will be unregulated, sell drivers cover they dont need, or levy admin charges they shouldnt have to pay.

Ghost brokers are turning to social media to target younger drivers - Getty

Ghost brokers take out policies using stolen personal information from drivers who are cheaper to insure. They then sell that policy to their unsuspecting victim. Although the victim thinks theyre fully covered, often through a premium thats invitingly cheap, if they have to claim they frequently find their policy is invalid.

The ABI helped catch one ghost broker who stood to earn 50,000 by selling fake policies. In another case, a ghost broker was jailed for setting up 59 fake policies that enabled a drugs gang to evade police automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

The IFB said: In any given year we can uncover up to around 50,000 suspected fraudulent motor insurance applications and thousands of these could be linked to ghost broking activity.

Crash for cash is evolving

Crash for cash is when a criminal induces an accident with an unwitting car driver but makes it look as if the innocent party was at fault, so they can claim off their insurance.

Crooks have now moved onto using motorbikes. Matt Crabtree, Allianzs head of financial crime intelligence and investigation strategy, said: Most members of the public wonder why you would put yourself at risk like that.

Weve seen footage of an accident where someone whos reversing out of a drive crashes into a moped. It appears genuine but viewed from another camera angle you see the bike parked up the road behind a van, waiting for the right moment. You then see the rider jump off on impact but of course theyll exaggerate their injuries from the accident.

Crash for cash motorbike insurance claims have skyrocketed - Grant Faint/The Image Bank RF

Allianz saw a 60-fold increase in the number of motorbike crash for cash claims in 2023. Most incidents occur in Greater London and mid-week, around the school run when people are preoccupied, the insurer says.

Application and opportunist fraud is on the increase

Although organised crime plays a significant role in insurance fraud, opportunist fraud  in which ordinary drivers inflate claims after incidents  accounts for most cases.

A few years ago, they used to say Britons had the weakest necks in Europe because of the number of whiplash claims, Zurichs Scott Clayton said. Since the Government clamped down on those claims, we now seem to have the weakest heads, shoulders, knees and toes. Judging by the kind of personal injury claims we get, anything but necks get injured now.

The cost of premiums  Compare the Market says the typical insurance premium is now 850 per year  is also forcing usually law-abiding drivers into lying to cut their costs. Iain Hamilton, head of personal motor for

Aviva, said: We can see the cost of living squeeze is creating the need for people to reduce their premiums.

Were seeing a range of lies. At one end, theyll say the vehicle is kept in a garage when perhaps its only garaged one or two days a week. At the other, theyll misrepresent where the vehicle is kept altogether, saying its kept somewhere where its at much less risk.

Aviva now employs a team of 50 who look into application fraud. We have eyes on people whore being economical with the truth, Hamilton said.

Drivers who lie to insurers face getting a criminal record and being turned away from future potential insurers - Tom Merton/OJO Images RF

The problems it can lead to

For ordinary drivers, lying to an insurer might save a few quid but its storing up problems for the long term. If an insurer finds out, it might terminate the policy meaning there will be an embarrassing admission to make to a potential next insurer. And those future insurers might only provide cover with a kings ransom of a premium.

But perhaps the worst part is that drivers who lie to get cheaper cover can be deemed as driving without insurance  a serious criminal offence and one that can catch up with them if they have to claim. The consequences include getting a criminal record and a massive financial headache if found to be at fault for a crash, Mark Allen, the ABIs fraud and financial crime manager said.

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As the U.S. Department of Justice initiates a review of the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a number of artists have amplified the name and memory of the 36-year-old mother of two while decrying the latest police-involved killing of a Black person by a white officer.

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 federal agency wrote in a statement, according to ABC News.

More from Billboard

First words Sonya Massey said at her front door were dont hurt me she was told why would we hurt you, you called us,' Solange posted to X on Tuesday. When have those words meant anything when [youre] black and woman in this country when do those words protect you from not being murdered in your kitchen, in your bedroom, with your babies, or on your lawn what is reassurance, in this place ? rest in power Sonya Massey, and an abundance of love and power to Sonyas family on this journey.

According to reports, Massey called 911 in the early hours of July 6 to report seeing an intruder outside her home in Springfield, Illinois, and a half-hour later, the responding officers reported shots fired and that Massey had been struck by bullets. According to ABC 7, former sheriffs deputy Sean Grayson, 30, was indicted on first-degree murder charges last week and is currently being jailed without bond until trial.

Per video of the incident, after checking for intruders, police went inside and Massey asked if she could walk in the other room to turn down a boiling pot on the stove. An unidentified officer who responded to the call with Grayson then moved aside and Massey is heard saying, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. Grayson, standing in the living room, then threatened to shoot Massey in the face, drawing his weapon.

Massey, in her sleeping clothes, dropped to the ground below the kitchen counter between them and put her hands up while apologizing. As she stood up with what appeared to be the upside down pot in her hand, Grayson fired three shots, including the fatal one to Masseys head, immediately saying, F!, as he realized hed fired a fatal shot and telling his partner not to bother getting a medical kit because of the head shot hed unleashed.

After bouncing around between a handful of small police departments, Grayson was hired by the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office in May 2023 and has since been fired in the wake of Masseys fatal shooting and has not yet entered a plea to three charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.

Meek Mill  who has had his own yearslong battle in Pennsylvania over a prison sentence tied to parole violations tied to a decade-old drug and gun conviction  reposted a video of Masseys devastated son describing a call from the hospital informing him that his mother was shot in the eye while refusing to tell him who had shot her. Can you imagine the cops killing your mom on camera like that  she didnt even have a pot in her hand she put it down  and we need to erase police reports humans lie!!! Mill wrote Wednesday on X, adding in another post, She didnt even have the pot in her hand if you slow it down!

In an X Spaces post Wednesday night, Cardi B discussed Massey, saying, There was no argument, there was no conflict, there was no raise the voice. And she got shot. He [Grayson] didnt say nothing racial, right? He didnt say nothing like a racial slur, but one thing for sure is that we definitely know that he knew in the back of his head because she was a Black woman that he was going to get away with it she got shot for no reason. (The Massey discussion begins at the 14:29 mark.)

Canadian R&B duo Dvsn were equally horrified by the footage, writing Tuesday on X, That Sonya Massey video really hurt to watch that man claiming she CAME at him with boiling water just made me think what if there was no body cam? and how many times theyve gotten away with these stories when it comes to us smh. Hurts man.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running to be the Democratic nominee for president, also reacted to the startling footage. Sonya Massey deserved to be safe, she wrote Tuesday on X. The disturbing footage released yesterday confirms what we know from the lived experiences of so many  we have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name. President Biden and I call on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill that I coauthored in the Senate. We must come together to achieve meaningful reforms that advance the safety of all communities.

In a separate post, Biden added, Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonyas death at the hands of a police officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.

Rapper Yung Miami also weighed in, writing, Let her fing just what?????? Die this is beyond sickening!!!! Pure evil!!!

See some of the tweets about Masseys killing below. (Warning: Some of the posts below include footage from Masseys fatal shooting.)

Can you imagine the cops killing your mom on camera like that  she didnt even have a pot in her hand she put it down  and we need to erase police reports humans lie!!! https://t.co/i9S99BATZq  MeekMill (@MeekMill) July 25, 2024

She didnt even have that pot in her hand if you slow it down! https://t.co/pVjRM7BsmE  MeekMill (@MeekMill) July 23, 2024

first words Sonya Massey said at her front door were dont hurt me



she was told why would we hurt you, you called us



when have those words meant anything when your black and woman in this country



when do those words protect you from not being murdered in your kitchen,  solange knowles (@solangeknowles) July 23, 2024

That Sonya Massey video really hurt to watch that man claiming she  CAME at him with boiling water just made me think what if there was no body cam? and how many times theyve gotten away with these stories when it comes to us smh. Hurts man  dvsn  (@dvsn) July 23, 2024

Sonya Massey deserved to be safe.



The disturbing footage released yesterday confirms what we know from the lived experiences of so many  we have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name.



President Biden and I call on Congress to pass the  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 23, 2024

Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today.



Sonyas death at the hands of a police officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.  President Biden (@POTUS) July 22, 2024

Let her fucking just what?????? Die this is beyond sickening!!!!! Pure evil!!! https://t.co/mJgVgf4FOn  Yung Miami (@YungMiami305) July 23, 2024

the police department is not a broken system



it is working according to plan as the militarized arm of the system of white domination



sonya massey was asked to check on boiling water



then disrespected in her home for no reason to which she responded only w god



then murdered  Vic Mensa (@VicMensa) July 23, 2024

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Salem police are seeking information about a shooting that damaged the riverfront carousel building early Wednesday morning.

According to authorities, officers rushed to Riverfront Park at around 1:20 a.m. after multiple people reported hearing gunshots.

In a recording shared by Salem Police Department on X, numerous gunshots can be heard.

2 found dead at Vancouver shooting scene

When officers arrived, they said they found numerous cars damaged as well as the riverfront carousel building damaged by gunshots.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact 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 KOIN.com.
Cars and carousel building damaged during shootout at Riverfront Park in Salem

The Salem Police Department is investigating a shooting incident Wednesday at Riverfront Park that caused damage to multiple vehicles and the carousel building.

Police responded at 1:20 a.m. to multiple calls of gunfire at the park. Officers located multiple vehicles in the parking lot damaged by gunfire, and damage to Salem's Riverfront Carousel building.

One of the glass doors to the Gift Gallery at Salem's Riverfront Carousel was shattered by gunfire early Wednesday morning at Riverfront Park.

The carousel was open as usual Thursday morning despite yellow caution tape at one entrance and a large sheet of plywood near another.

The caution tape cordoned off double glass doors to the gift gallery, one shattered and being held together with black tape. The plywood covered where a large window near the main entrance once was.

"None of our animals were injured, thank goodness," said Marie Bradford-Blevins, executive director of the carousel.

Bradford-Blevins arrived on-site after getting a call from police just before 2 a.m. She said an officer told her there had been "a shootout in the carousel parking lot, and we had been hit."

Carousel officials provided video from the building's security cameras to police. Officers searched inside the building, including on the carousel platform, for bullets. At least one hit a wall inside.

At least two cars, including one riddled with nine bullet holes, were towed from the parking lot.

The city owns the building, but Bradford-Blevins said the carousel is responsible for repairs. It will cost the nonprofit organization about $2,200 to replace the glass.

Salem Police posted on social media Thursday morning that detectives from its Violent Crimes Unit are asking for the public's help in the investigation. They also shared audio of the gunfire.

If you have information or witnessed the incident, call the department's Tips Line at 503-588-8477.

Capi Lynn is a senior reporter for the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips to her at clynn@statesmanjournal.com, and follow her work on X @CapiLynn and Facebook @CapiLynnSJ.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Cars, carousel building damaged by gunfire at Riverfront Park in Salem
This article was originally published in Spotlight Delaware.

The 2021-22 academic year was the hardest for George Read Middle School Principal Nicholas Wolfe, an educator for 17 years. It was the schools first full year back since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wolfe recognized that his students were struggling and started researching the effects of cellphones and social media on adolescents mental health.

It was one of those things where its like, I cant unknow now what I know, and I need to take action, he said. From there, its like, All right, what are the ways that I can get to a phone-free environment here at George Read Middle School? 

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Wolfe has utilized an expectation and enforcement of the expectation structure to create a phone-free environment at his school since the 2022-23 academic year, but does not have a phone ban. The expectation in George Read Middle School is that phones will not be used because theyre out of sight, with YONDR phone pouches being the tool to enforce that expectation.

One line item in this years one-time supplemental spending bill aims to eliminate distractions from phones and social media in classrooms throughout Delaware.

Lawmakers approved $250,000 to test an expansion of such cell-hiding pouches, like those made by tech company YONDR, in other state middle and high schools, along with other measures.

The Delaware Department of Education will be responsible for gathering experts, creating the system for the pilot program and later evaluating it. The department will also create the regulations for the applications districts will use when applying for funding.

State Sen. Eric Buckson (R-Dover), a former educator, voiced strong support for the pilot program and said the inspiration for its creation came from teacher feedback during Teacher Appreciation Days.

Related

Exclusive: Sales Skyrocket for Phone Pouch Company as In-School Bans Spread

I asked [teachers], Hey, if you were king or queen for a day and could write the rules, whats one of the first things that you would do to get better control of the hallways and the classrooms? Buckson said. Either No. 1 or No. 2 on that list is to take the phones.

The Delaware State Education Association, the union that represents state public school teachers, feels encouraged that the General Assembly is listening to educators and trying to find solutions and resources to address issues like behavioral issues in schools, said Taylor Hawk, the director of legislation and political organizing at DSEA.

That is absolutely encouraging, and we definitely see the cellphone pilot as another example of legislators being responsive to issues that theyre hearing from educators in their districts and we look forward to seeing the results, Hawk said.

Multiple school districts across the country, like the Los Angeles Unified School District or the entirety of Florida, have implemented their own phone pouch policies in schools.

Critics of phone bans in schools  whether through using pouches or by having a strict no phones policy  have raised concerns over how students would be able to contact their families during emergencies, especially in an era of school shootings.

Related

Banning Smartphones at Schools: Research Shows Higher Test Scores, More Exercise

Wolfe has found a middle ground between having students contact their families when needed, and enforcing his phone-free environment.

While every classroom at George Read Middle is equipped with a phone, students can also go to the office and ask an administrator if they can use their phone to call home, Wolfe said. Students must make sure their phone is out of sight before returning to class.

Parents, lawmakers and educators in Delaware are also concerned with the states test scores in recent years. Only 24% of eighth grade students were proficient in math during the 2022-23 school year, and 41% were proficient in English/language arts.

Experts and advocates hope to see better behavior and test scores after the pilots implementation. Studies have found a strong correlation between media multitasking and attention problems and evidence for potential detrimental long-term effects among early adolescents.

Kenneth Shores, assistant professor at the University of Delaware who specializes in education policy, has also seen adult learners be distracted by their phones during college classes.

Its just like a thing that your mind goes to if youre slightly bored or challenged by material, Shores said. Removing those kinds of easy distractors, I think, is great, because it keeps students engaged on the material.

Not everyone is convinced that phone bans are an easy solution to rectifying behavior and improving test scores.

Removing phones from classrooms will not single-handedly fix the issues within Delawares education system, said Britney Mumford, the executive director of DelawareCAN, an advocacy group that works on public education improvement and equity.

Its going to lead to more engagement, and paired with other things, will hopefully improve test scores, Mumford said. We dont need to treat it as, Oh, weve cracked the code, weve figured out what the problem is and this is going to solve it.

While Hawk has heard phone policies posed as a possible solution in conversations about behavioral issues in the classroom, it has come up in addition to other solutions like more resources for mental health professionals, she said.

Buckson expects that the DOE will run out of funds before schools needs for phone pouches are satisfied, and has already had a couple of schools reach out to him directly.

Spotlight Delaware is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Spotlight Delaware maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens for questions: jowens@spotlightdelaware.org. Follow Spotlight Delaware on Facebook and X.
Trucks line up to provide support with major power outages after Hurricane Beryl in Houston, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Credit: Joseph Bui for The Texas Tribune

When Hurricane Beryl swept through southeast Texas on July 8, its damaging 80-mile-per-hour winds took down thousands of trees and knocked out much of the electricity system. More than 2.6 million Texas power customers went without electricity for days in the summer heat.

In the aftermath, officials and residents alike turned their eyes to the Houston areas electric utility, CenterPoint Energy. Texans criticized the company for failing to prepare adequately for the storm, communicate clearly with customers and restore power efficiently.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the company. The Public Utility Commission of Texas has also launched an inquiry into how the company prepared for severe weather and responded to the outages.

The company's CEO apologized to customers and vowed to improve. Lawmakers have already begun discussing potential penalties for the company and new legislation aimed at making power infrastructure more resilient to storms.

Beryl did between $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion worth of damage to CenterPoint's electricity infrastructure throughout the affected area. Those costs will likely be passed on to customers, who could see a 2% increase on their bills for the next 15 years.

CenterPoint fumbled communications

For days after the storm, CenterPoint did not offer Texans a clear timeline for when power would be restored and its power outage map was offline. That made it difficult for people to decide whether they should wait it out at their homes without air conditioning or head elsewhere. Houstonians turned to a variety of workarounds to figure out which neighborhoods had power  including using Whataburger's app to discern where the electricity was flowing.

When the CenterPoint outage map was back online, people said it was unreliable and couldn't say when they could expect the power to come back on. A week after the storm, hundreds of thousands of customers still had no power.

CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells at a state Senate hearing July 29 said the company was hiring a chief communications officer.

CenterPoints restoration pace drew criticism

At the height of the outages more than 2.6 million Texas households and businesses were in the dark. At least 23 people died from the storm itself and the ensuing power outages.

Houston's vulnerability to storms is well known. Unlike a winter storm in 2021 where the energy grid struggled to meet demand, Beryl damaged the distribution infrastructure like poles and wires that bring power to homes.

Ed Hirs, an energy expert at the University of Houston, said the power outages during this storm are a product of extended neglect and underinvestment in grid infrastructure by the state and utilities.

But as people waited in the humid, sweltering heat, they looked for who to blame. Many were angered by the speed in which the company was restoring power. Elected officials began to ask why so much distribution infrastructure was damaged and why it was taking so long to fix.

In most cases when people lose power its because powerlines go down, but its normally short lived, said Joshua Rhodes, a research scientist at the University of Texas at Austin. In this case, he added, the response took days.

CenterPoint defended its readiness and electricity restoration pace, which was faster than it had been after previous storms. But people still wanted answers: Was the utility company prepared for the hurricane? Is it prepared for future ones? And what happened to its communications?

Attorney general launches investigation into CenterPoint

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Aug. 12 launched a criminal investigation into the response by CenterPoint Energy after Hurricane Beryl.

The investigation will examine allegations of fraud, waste, and improper use of taxpayer-provided funds, Paxton said.

My office is aware of concerning allegations regarding CenterPoint and how its conduct affected readiness during Hurricane Beryl, a storm that left millions of Texans without power, Paxton said in a press release. If the investigation uncovers unlawful activity, that activity will be met with the full force of the law.

Following the hurricane, officials and residents criticized the company for failing to prepare adequately for the storm, communicate clearly with customers and restore power efficiently.

For days after the storm, CenterPoint did not offer Texans a clear timeline for when power would be restored and its power outage map was offline, which made it difficult for people to decide whether they should wait out the storm in their homes without air conditioning or head elsewhere.

Beryls damage to CenterPoint's electricity infrastructure is estimated between $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion. Those costs could be passed on to customers, who could see a 2% increase on their bills over the next 15 years.

CenterPoint launches new outage tracker, promises other improvements

CenterPoint Energy President and CEO Jason Wells apologized to customers and vowed to improve the company's communications and make the system more resilient during several meetings with public officials including state legislators and the Public Utilities Commission.

In a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott updated on Aug. 1, Wells said the company has nearly doubled its vegetation management workforce to 1,000 people, whose work includes trimming tree branches near power lines. CenterPoint also plans to hire a new senior leader to focus on emergency response coordination and a chief communications officer.

The company unveiled a new outage tracker on Aug. 1, following through on a deadline announced by Wells at the Public Utilities Commission meeting. CenterPoint's old tracker had been offline since May, leaving Houstonians to find alternative ways to determine which neighborhoods had electricity throughout the outages  with some turning to the Whataburger app for information on where power had been restored.

Company officials also said they were already holding small group listening sessions, brought in experts to review its emergency response and nearly doubled their vegetation management workforce. But they said they still face hurdles.

Those challenges include not having direct contact information for more than half of its customers because retail electric companies that sell power to residents and businesses maintain that data. CenterPoint officials said they would need new regulatory policy from the PUC to make it easier to get that information from the retail companies.

At a July 29 Senate committee hearing, Wells said he made a change to the head of the companys electric operations division because he believed CenterPoint needed to move faster on investing in resiliency. But he warned of possible repercussions in improving if he were to answer calls that he step down.

I think if I resign today, we lose momentum of the things that are going to have the best possible impact for the greater Houston region," he told lawmakers.

CenterPoint officials said in a July 30 call with investors the company had already boosted its spending on vegetation management by 30% in 2023. CenterPoint committed to trimming vegetation along 2,000 miles of its lines where that vegetation is at greater risk of causing damage by Aug. 31.

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The company submitted a plan to Abbott detailing how it plans to protect the power supply through the rest of what is expected to be a busy hurricane season. And after meeting with Abbott on Aug. 1, CenterPoint updated its plan to describe actions it has already completed and accelerate its timeline for other improvements.

"Met with CenterPoint Energy today to discuss their proposal to better prepare for the next severe weather event," Abbott posted on social media. "The original proposal was inadequate. More must be done & faster."

The plan includes commitments to replace all poles slated for replacement  around 1,000  with sturdier, composite versions by the end of the month, coordinate more closely with local officials in emergency response situations to better deploy temporary generators and accelerate the deployment of restoration and vegetation management crews in the wake of storms.

Lawmakers begin discussing ideas for new legislation in wake of large-scale outages

A special panel of 13 Texas senators  many of whom represent areas affected by Hurricane Beryls power outages  questioned state energy and emergency officials and the CenterPoint Energy CEO about the companys planning and response at a July 29 hearing in Austin.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick formed the Senate Special Committee on Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparedness, Recovery, and Electricity after the July outages. At their first meeting, members focused their anger on the Houston-area utility and at times passionately asked about ways it could make changes to prevent such a disaster from repeating.

The senators ideas included altering the structure for how utilities in the states main power grid  which have no competition and instead earn a profit overseen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas  make money. They also discussed lowering how much profit CenterPoint is able to make.

I would ask the PUC: Is it time to change the formula to be more outcomes-based? said Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham.

PUC Chair Thomas Gleeson later agreed: I think we need a comprehensive look at how we fund utilities, how they prepare for storms, he said.

Gleeson said the PUC additionally had not succeeded in making sure utilities were doing enough tree trimming.

Committee Chair Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, said the 2025 legislative session that begins in January could include discussions about those ideas, plus financial penalties, a smaller service territory for CenterPoint, allowing better access for tree trimming and improving standards for infrastructure construction. CenterPoint officials said during a July 30 earnings call that 60% of the vegetation it removed after Beryl came from trees that were outside of their rights-of-way, meaning the company didn't have automatic access to them prior to the storm.

At a House State Affairs committee July 31, Rep. Todd Hunter, R- Corpus Christi, led what he called a "constructive solutions-based meeting." He asked utility leaders, those invited for public testimony and lawmakers to think about what legislation needs to be proposed to help mitigate the impacts of future natural disasters.

Wells, CenterPoint's CEO, asked for more investment from the state in vegetation management. He also said utilities needed more authority to cut dangerous trees outside their right-of-way that were at risk of toppling over power lines and poles, and he requested access to the contact information of all the company's customers to better facilitate communications during emergencies. Retail electric companies that sell power to residents and businesses maintain that data. Wells said his company currently can only communicate directly only with customers who opted into sharing their information with CenterPoint itself.

Hunter asked CenterPoint and all Texas utility providers to send him solution suggestions by Aug. 14.

Officials want CenterPoint to cover $800 million cost for generators that weren't used

CenterPoint has also faced criticism for spending $800 million to lease massive generators to help in extended power outages after the 2021 winter storm. The Public Utility Commission of Texas allowed CenterPoint to increase customers electricity bills to pay for the generators  which are difficult to transport  and earn a profit, according to the Houston Chronicle.

The generators were not used during Hurricane Beryl, CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells told lawmakers at a Senate special committee hearing on July 29. But Wells defended the companys investment, saying the generators were intended for a winter storm-like situation where power generators are not producing enough power, not Beryl. He added that CenterPoint had been selling other parts of the business to focus more on its Houston-area operations, especially the transmission system and substations, which Wells said performed well in the storm.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who formed the special committee to look into CenterPoints response, said in a press release that the Legislature intended utilities to lease small mobile generators to power critical buildings, like hospitals and cooling or warming centers  though some lawmakers at the time urged CenterPoint to move ahead with the $800 million contract of large generators. He urged the PUC to revoke its approval of CenterPoint passing the $800 million cost on to customers.

CenterPoint violated the spirit and purpose of the legislation by leasing generators that are not truly mobile and, as they testified, have never been deployed for an emergency, Patrick said on July 30.

Didnt Texas officials say they fixed the power grid?

After Winter Storm Uri in 2021, when nearly statewide power outages persisted for days the entire electricity grid nearly collapsed, lawmakers decided Texas needed more power to meet demand. They focused their efforts on securing power generation, or fuel that is then turned into electricity, through weatherizing existing facilities and allocating $5 billion to incentivize companies to build more gas-fueled power generators in the state.

But Beryl highlighted the need to strengthen the states electrical distribution infrastructure, which transmits already generated electricity to individual customers, against future storms and hurricanes. Energy experts said that could include protecting existing power lines from trees by trimming them, building robust poles out of concrete or plastic and undergrounding power lines where it makes sense.

What oversight does Texas have over utility companies?

In Texas, utilities do not compete with each other, but have designated jurisdictions that they serve. The Public Utility Commission of Texas regulates electricity and oversees utilities like CenterPoint. The PUC commissioners are appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott and their job is to review and approve rates charged by utilities, review the planning and construction of utility infrastructure like power lines and coordinate with utilities on how to prepare and respond to hurricanes or other natural disasters.

Essentially any type of infrastructure project or rate increase utilities like CenterPoint proposes needs to be greenlit by the PUC.

The PUC could punish CenterPoint with a fine for its handling of Hurricane Beryls outages. But when disasters strike, Ed Hirs, an energy expert at the University of Houston, said regulators typically skip the fine and rely on the expectation that the cost of the cleanup is going to be more than enough penalty.

He said regulators often prefer companies spend money repairing damage rather than sending it to the state as a fine. Regulators also could require CenterPoint to put money into strengthening its infrastructure.

In addition to the PUCs oversight, utilities must also comply with rules and regulations that the Legislature writes into law.

Public Utility Commission investigating CenterPoint

The PUC is investigating CenterPoint's preparations and response to Hurricane Beryl. The investigation, which was directed by Gov. Greg Abbott, will look into the company's emergency plans, vegetation management like tree trimming, infrastructure fortifications, and use of mobile generators. The aim? To uncover the root causes of persistent power outages in Houston and nearby areas.

The PUC must deliver a report with its findings and recommendations to the governor by Dec. 1.

At a July 25 PUC meeting, company officials outlined changes they planned to make, but PUC commissioners were critical some of those fixes weren't underway before Hurricane Beryl.

Some of the things that I heard today are things that the company should have already been thinking about doing, PUC Commissioner Lori Cobos said.

CenterPoint withdraws its previous request to raise customer rates

CenterPoint has withdrawn its request to raise rates on customers to cover rising costs and keep up with the regions growth. The company filed the rate case with the Public Utility Commission of Texas before Hurricane Beryl, but announced it was withdrawing it on Aug. 1. In a press release, the company said it would instead prioritize recovery efforts from Beryl and better prepare for future hurricanes.

We believe any delay or distraction from this mission is unacceptable. Our companys collective focus for the remainder of this hurricane season will be on being ready: that is our mission, CenterPoints CEO Jason Wells said in the press release.

If the rate case had been approved, utility officials said the average residential bill would have increased by about $1.25, according to the company filings.

Utility companies do not make money by doing maintenance like tree trimming or hardening power lines, but by expanding infrastructure coverage, according to energy experts. But the PUC controls how much money a regulated utility like CenterPoint can make.

To make their case for a rate increase, CenterPoint officials said they now served 300,000 more customers compared to when the company last requested to change its rates in 2019. They expected both population and industrial growth to continue with a shift toward electrification and potential buildout of hydrogen production facilities.

Utility officials said in the filings that they were both expanding the system and keeping up with needed repairs. The company invested more than $6 billion in infrastructure over the past five years while also responding to unprecedented weather conditions including drought, winter storms and hurricanes.

Each event had its impact on the system, said Lynnae Wilson, senior vice president of electric business. Drought conditions lead to dead or stressed trees that are more susceptible to high winds. Any system damage as a result of weather events in turn caused customer outages.

The company said it spent $31.9 million on vegetation management in 2022 and increased its spending on reliability projects.

CenterPoint Houston faces increasingly high expectations from customers in terms of more reliable service and faster restoration following outages, and from regulators and policymakers increasingly concerned with strengthening the electric grid in Texas, Jason Ryan, executive vice president of regulatory services and government affairs, said in the March 6 filings.

On July 17, after public outrage over Beryls mass power outages, CenterPoint requested more time to keep working through the rate case discussions with the other parties involved. Entities such as the Houston Coalition of Cities, Texas Industrial Energy Consumers and Texas Consumer Association were already weighing in on the proposed rate hike. An administrative judge considering the proposed increase requested that parties file status reports by August 2 and every two weeks after.

CenterPoint also withdraws it $2 billion resiliency plan

CenterPoint withdrew its request for approval of a $2 billion resiliency plan on Aug. 1, saying it would file a new plan after assessing its system and focusing on the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

Utility companies like CenterPoint can choose to create plans to strengthen their electrical systems, according to a law that went into effect last year.

The so-called resiliency plan  if state regulators approve it  is a potential way utilities could start charging more to harden their distribution infrastructure by replacing poles or trimming more trees. In many cases, those costs would be charged to power providers that sell power, which would then likely pass the costs on to residents and businesses.

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, CenterPoint said that it was withdrawing its resiliency plan "in order to focus on addressing the impacts of Hurricane Beryl in its service territory and accelerating preparedness and resiliency efforts for the remaining storm season." The company added that it "expects to complete a broader assessment of additional system resiliency opportunities and would intend to refile a subsequent system resiliency plan."

Michael Webber, an energy resources professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said spending more up front for a stronger electric system would save money and even protect peoples lives and health better over the long term. Thats because there would be less damage to infrastructure after storms  and fewer people without power, too.

In its proposed resiliency plan submitted to regulators in April, Centerpoint suggested investing more than $2 billion to strengthen its poles and wires, using federal and state funding to cover some of the costs. The proposal included spending $376 million to replace wooden transmission structures with steel or concrete, and $99 million to replace or brace some 5,000 wooden distribution poles per year from 2025 to 2027.

Energy experts told The Houston Landing that CenterPoints proposed funding for the plan is only a fraction of whats needed for upgrades to protect the system against bad weather. The Landing also reports that plan does not include details on where upgrades will be made and predictions on how many customers might benefit from proposals to harden the distribution infrastructure.

CenterPoint officials had said on July 25 that they would amend the plan based on their own review and regulators' review.

Disclosure: CenterPoint Energy, University of Texas at Austin and University of Houston have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
Chad Dillon, a business partner of rapper Lil Baby, has passed away at 33 after being shot and killed in Atlanta.

News of Dillons death was confirmed by his attorney, Malcolm Conner, via Atlanta News First on Wednesday (July 24), reportedly one day after the restauranteur was pronounced dead on Tuesday (July 23).

Dillion, who was planning on opening a Jamaican restuarant in the citys Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, was driving in a vehicle around the area at the time of the fatal incident and was struck multiple times.

No motive for the shooting has been established and no suspects have been named at this time.

A police officer waks near the spot where a youth was shot and killed by a policeman November 13, 2007 in Brooklyn, New York. After receiving a 911 call from the youth?s mother, New York City police shot and killed an 18-year-old youth who was armed with a hairbrush that was mistaken for a weapon.

In 2023, Dillon and Lil Baby opened The Seafood Menu Restaurant and Takeout in the southwest section of Atlanta, a venture that was celebrated with a massive grand opening and a testament to Dillions accomplishments as an entrepreneur.

The hitmaker has since acknowledged Dillons passing on social media, posting a photo of the two on his Instagram story with the caption Damn big buddy get ya rest, along with a dove emoji.

Prior to partnering with Lil Baby, Dillon opened the wildly successful restaurant The Boiler Seafood Atlanta, which is said to have sold upwards of 180K pounds of seafood, grossing more than $8 million in sales. In 2022, Dillion spoke on his approach to merging passion and profit with TravelNoire.

I am a thinker and innovator, so even without a culinary background, I enjoy finding voids in the business market and creating solutions; creating restaurant concepts from ideation to execution, coming up with new menu items, and creating amazing customer experiences, Dillon told the outlet at the time. Im also very hands-on, he added.

VIBE sends our condolences to Chad Dillions family and friends.

More from VIBE.com
Historic West End Partners has big plans for its $1.3 million purchase of a Beatties Ford shopping center with Local Initiatives Support Corp.

The 6,148 square-foot center at 1121 Beatties Ford Road is called Thrive Food Hub, the Charlotte nonprofit said Wednesday. The center will add a renovated commercial kitchen space and open space for meetings and dining.

The food hub, which will include a convenience store, also helps fill a long-standing need in the west side of Charlotte which lacks access to traditional grocery stores.

Theyre not coming: Grocery stores abound, but Charlotte food deserts still prevalent

The one-story center built in 1986 sold on May 22, Mecklenburg County property records show.

Its part of Historic West End Partners effort in the West End corridor to retain commercial properties, recruit small businesses, and fill service and amenities gaps, the groups founder and executive director JTanya Adams said in a statement.





As part of Thrive revitalization, The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary opened its second location in January at 1017 Beatties Ford Road, CharotteFive previously reported. Other businesses include Family Mankind Counseling, 704 Cleaners and Black Pearl Vision, which features eyewear by Black designers.

The community is one of the citys oldest Black neighborhoods.

The Historic West End Partners, which commissioned mural artwork in the area, in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corp. purchased a shopping center at 1121 Beatties Ford Road.

About Thrive Food Hub

The Beatties Ford center already has two tenants: Beatties Ford Corner Mart and Bite Your Tongue Authentic New Orleans Cuisine.

DPR Construction provided in-kind renovations totaling $300,000 to upfit the existing space. Historic West End Business Association will hold monthly meetings in the new meeting space.

And, the group plans to add two resident chefs and a rotation of pop-up restaurants to use the kitchen space.

The convenience store will offer fresh food options, including EBT-eligible foods, helping to relieve pressure in one of the citys largest food deserts. A food desert is an area with little access to fresh, healthy food.

Officials with Historic West End Partners did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

And in May, Mecklenburg County commissioners approved $1.5 million to help California specialty grocer Spanglers build a 8,000 square-foot market at the corner Kohler and Statesville avenues. Its less than 2 miles east of Thrive Food Hub.

About the Charlotte groups

Historic West End Partners is a grassroots organization. It was founded in 2010 to advocate for cultural preservation and economic development in the Historic West End.

LISC, the countrys largest community development organization, was founded 40 years ago. LISC Charlotte provides economic investment and development strategy resources to minority developers for commercial projects in Historic West End.

Since March 2019, LISC Charlotte has invested over $44 million in Charlotte in partnership with the city, philanthropic leaders, corporations and community organizations.
Charlotte radio personality on being laid off: It is Gods will for me to just accept it

For the first time in more than 23 years, Ramona Holloway  longtime co-host of WLNK-FMs old Matt & Ramona Show  is not working in a job for a radio company.

Holloway, 58, announced Tuesday on social media that she had been laid off from her job as community affairs manager for Radio One Charlotte, which owns WLNK and several other area stations. She also no longer will make guest appearances twice a week on 107.9s The Morning Mix with Matt Harris & Liz Luda, something Holloway had been doing since she moved into the community affairs role in the spring of 2023.

Radio One did not respond to requests from The Charlotte Observer for comment on Holloways departure.

But Holloway said by phone Thursday that when she was abruptly let go from the company during a meeting with her boss on Tuesday morning, she was told the decision was being made due to budget cuts. The position was originally created for her and, she said, it was just, they felt, time to uncreate it, to save money.

She said she was told in the meeting that her dismissal was effective immediately.

During the roughly 15 months Holloway had spent in the role, she said she spearheaded or pursued partnerships on behalf of the company  among other community entities  Breast Cancer Awareness Month; the Walk to End Alzheimers; Village Heartbeats Bridge to Better Mental Health program; Gaston Community Foundation; and the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissions alcohol prevention and rehabilitation programs.

I really wanted to make it work. And it didnt, Holloway told the Observer.

Actually, no, thats not true. It did, and it didnt. On one hand, the work that I signed up to do is at the core of everything that I believe, which is helping people who need help, connecting them with the help that they need, and using storytelling to help people see their problems through somebody elses eyes.

She recently helped close a six-figure deal, she said, with one of those organizations.

Then, Literally a few weeks later, its like, You know what? Budget cuts, Holloway said. I was like, Well, wait a minute. I more than made my salary. ... And the budget cut is me? Thats weird. Thats really, really weird. But its not my company.

She added that it is not my will to change this. It is, I believe, Gods will for me to just accept it, and keep moving forward. So I would like to wish Radio One Charlotte the best in its future endeavors  and Im working on really believing that, because theres a part of me thats like, Are you serious??

(But another) part of me saying, Ramona, its not about you. Its not about you. There is a bigger purpose. Theres a bigger plan. And its not about you.

Holloway and Matt Harris had been teamed together since 2000, first at Z104 (WNVZ-FM) in Norfolk, Virginia, and then at WLNK starting in 2001. They moved from afternoons to mornings in April 2021, when 107.9 The Link relaunched as Mix 107.9. She then ended their full-time partnership in 2023. She also had done stints on local TV, serving as co-host of Charlotte Today for WCNC and Fox News Edge for WCCB.

Radio One Charlotte is paying her a severance of two months salary, Holloway said, during which time shell do some resting and relaxing before seriously considering next steps.

Asked if she is open to an on-air job, she said: absolutely  for a different radio company.
CHICAGO  Chicago Public Schools is set to approve its $9.9 billion budget on Thursday, but not without some pushback from the Chicago Teachers Union.

The districts $9.9 billion budget includes closing a nearly $500 million deficit.

To balance the budget, CPS says it made cuts to central academic and operational departments and focused money on teaching and provide, what CPS CEO Pedro Martinez called, foundational staff and holistic teachers who concentrae on arts, physical education, as well as STEM.

The CTU argues CPS is intentionally leaving jobs vacant and the budget cuts will have the largest impact on vulnerable students on the South and West sides  especially children in temporary housing and Special Ed students.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is a former CTU organizer, has said he does not support the proposed budget.

Johnson, as well as leadership with CPS and the CTU, lobbied lawmakers this spring at the capital for what it called its fair share of education dollars  which it values around $1 billion.

CPS got a fraction of what they asked for.

Even if board members do pass the budget as expected, they will still need to come back and revise it once CPS and the CTU agree on a new contract, which they are negotiating now.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Over the past three years, more than 3,700 first stores of various brands have opened in Beijing, the municipal commerce bureau told a press conference on Thursday.

"First store" refers to the very first stores of brands or companies in the global, Asian, or Chinese mainland markets.

In July 2021, China approved Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing to take the lead in building international consumption center cities.

Over the last three years, Beijing has actively promoted the "first-store economy," with over 4 million square meters of new commercial areas for such first stores added, according to Piao Xuedong, head of the municipal commerce bureau.

During this period, Beijing has ranked first in the country in urban competitiveness, the total number of Fortune 500 companies, the added value of the service sector, the number of departure tax refund stores and the number of cities accessible via direct flights, Piao said.

A total of 26 multinational companies in the consumer sector, including Starbucks and the high-end department store Galeries Lafayette, have set up their regional headquarters in Beijing. The city has also seen the establishment of China's first demonstration zone for payment services targeting foreign visitors.

Going forward, Beijing will accelerate the development of its comparative advantage in commodity consumption, focus on strengthening new types of consumption and attract more well-known brands to open their first stores in the city, according to Piao. 
Restaurant patrons who order chicken wings marketed as "boneless" can't expect them to actually be boneless, according to a Thursday ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court.

The decision comes in the case of Michael Berkheimer, who in 2016 was eating his usual order  boneless wings with parmesan garlic sauce  at an Ohio restaurant called Wings on Brookwood when he felt like some meat went down the wrong pipe, according to legal documents.

Over the next few days, Berkheimer ran a fever and was unable to keep food down, prompting him to visit an emergency room, where a doctor found a 5-centimeter piece of chicken bone lodged in his esophagus. The bone led to a bacterial infection in his thoracic cavity and lingering medical problems, including difficulty breathing.

Berkheimer alleged the restaurant's menu had no warning to indicate that its boneless wings could actually contain bones, and he sued for negligence and breach of warranty, among other claims.

But in Thursday's 4-3 ruling, the Ohio Supreme Court said "boneless" wings refers to a cooking style, and that Berkheimer should have been on guard against bones since it's common knowledge that chickens have bones. The high court sided with lower courts that had dismissed Berkheimer's suit.

"A diner reading 'boneless wings' on a menu would no more believe that the restaurant was warranting the absence of bones in the items than believe that the items were made from chicken wings, just as a person eating 'chicken fingers' would know that he had not been served fingers," wrote Justice Joseph T. Deters for the majority.

He added, "The food item's label on the menu described a cooking style; it was not a guarantee."

The judges who dissented against the majority derided the reasoning as "utter jabberwocky," referring to Lewis Carroll's nonsensical poem, and said a jury should have decided the issue of whether the restaurant was negligent, rather than the court's justices.

"Jurors likely have eaten boneless wings, some will have fed boneless wings to their children, and jurors have common sense," Justice Michael P. Donnelly wrote in dissent. "They will be able to determine, better than any court, what a consumer reasonably expects when ordering boneless wings."

He added, "The question must be asked: Does anyone really believe that the parents in this country who feed their young children boneless wings or chicken tenders or chicken nuggets or chicken fingers expect bones to be in the chicken? Of course they don't."

When people read the word "boneless," he pointed out, they think it means the food doesn't have bones, "as do all sensible people," he wrote.

With reporting by the Associated Press.

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SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chilean President Gabriel Boric urged Venezuela's government to guarantee fair elections and respect the country's Sunday vote during a meeting with reporters on Thursday.

Boric said Venezuelan officials should "respect the normal development of the electoral process, with a special guarantee for the opposition, giving unfettered respect to accredited results."

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.

Boric said Chile would condemn the Venezuelan government in multilateral forums if Sunday's results weren't respected, but he did not say what concrete measures the country could take.

The Chilean president also said he agreed with Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, who said earlier this week he was "scared" by Maduro's statements about a "bloodbath" in Venezuela if he lost the elections.

Former Argentine President Alberto Fernandez was forced to stand down as an observer in Venezuela's election after he agreed with Lula's comments. On Wednesday Caracas withdrew the invitation.

Brazil's electoral court also said on Wednesday that it had withdrawn from acting as observers, fueling concerns about the fairness of the vote.

"You can't threaten with a bloodbath, what leaders and candidates should get are a 'bath' of votes that represent popular sovereignty and must be respected at all costs," Boric said.

(Reporting by Natalia Ramos; Editing by Alexander Villegas and Lucinda Elliott)
Chinas hosting Palestinian and Ukrainian delegations this week. But can it play peace broker in global conflicts?

Editors Note: Sign up for CNNs Meanwhile in China newsletter, which explores what you need to know about the countrys rise and how it impacts the world.

Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi has had a busy week in which two devastating conflicts have loomed large.

Wang started by gathering 14 Palestinian factions for reconciliation talks in Beijing, including bitter rivals Hamas and Fatah, before meeting on Wednesday with Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba  the first time China has hosted a top Ukrainian official since Russias invasion nearly two and half years ago.

The juxtaposed diplomacy  where talks were closely linked to the grinding wars in Gaza and Ukraine, respectively  came as Beijing vies to present itself as a geopolitical heavyweight in a world increasingly divided by both conflicts.

In a meeting with Kuleba, Wang said Beijing supported all efforts that contribute to peace  marking Chinas latest effort to position itself as a neutral peace broker in the conflict, even as it has ratcheted up ties with Russia.

And at the conclusion of talks between the Palestinian factions a day earlier, the foreign minister hailed the signing of a declaration on ending division. The agreement, viewed with a measure of skepticism in the Middle East where such deals have quickly collapsed before, was a historical moment in the Palestinian liberation cause, Wang said.

For the Chinese government, experts say, Wangs week of diplomacy offered a chance to play up desired optics: framing the country as a productive player in intractable conflicts  and an alternative broker to the United States.

Chinas ambition is to be recognized and accepted as a  if not the  global leader, and it seeks to do so by enlisting the support of the Global South, which is more numerous in both population and country terms than the democratic West, said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London.

But it also signals some of the limits within which Beijing is operating, experts suggest, as it seeks to build a solution in Gaza without having deep influence in the region and calls for peace in Ukraine while keeping tight ties with Russia.

Kulebas visit was the first time in the nearly 29 months of Russias war on Ukraine that a high-level Ukrainian official has visited China. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited twice and Kremlin officials have made numerous trips during the same period.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders have previously expressed hope that China could use its close relationship with Russia to push for peace on terms acceptable to Kyiv, which unequivocally calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops and a return to its internationally recognized borders. But Chinese officials have given no public indication of doing so and have instead pushed for any peace efforts to consider all countries security concerns.

Kulebas visit comes as Beijing is under increasing pressure from the West over its ties to Russia and allegations its aiding Moscows war effort by providing dual-use goods. Beijing denies this and says the West is fueling the conflict by supplying arms for Ukraines defense.

Western rhetoric is also hardening. NATO leaders earlier this month said Beijing was decisively enabling Russias war by support for its defense industrial base, and Zelensky last month accused China of prolonging  through its support to Russia  the war devastating his country.

That may be a topic of conversation later this week when Wang is expected to speak with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in another engagement during a regional meeting in Laos.

Mahmoud al-Aloul, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of Fatah, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Mussa Abu Marzuk, a senior member of Hamas, in Beijing on July 23, 2024. - Pedro Pardo/AFP/Getty Images

Not yet ready

Kuleba arrived in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Tuesday saying that there would be extensive, detailed, substantive negotiations focused on one issue - peace in Ukraine.

We will talk, we will be looking for common ground. We need to avoid competition between peace plans, he said in a social media video post, in an apparent reference to the vast distance between Beijings proposed political settlement for the war and Ukraines own peace formula.

Official statements from Beijing and Kyiv after Wednesdays Wang-Kuleba talks gave no indication that the Ukrainian diplomat had swayed Beijing toward Kyivs vision for peace.

Instead, Wang re-emphasized Beijings past statements and its call for a political settlement. China last year released its view on such a settlement, which backs a ceasefire without stipulating the prior withdrawal of Russian troops, a position criticized as favorable to Moscows illegal territorial gains. Neither side mentioned the provision of material or economic support to Russia in official statements.

Wang did appear to leave a door open for Ukraine to rely on China as a broker, saying, according to Beijings Foreign Ministry, that although the conditions and timing are not yet ready, China was willing to continue to play a constructive role in ceasefire and resumption of peace talks.

Kuleba, for his part, reiterated the countrys position of being ready for peace talks when Russia is ready to negotiate in good faith, according to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, but highlighted that Kyiv sees no such readiness from Moscow.

Observers say Beijing could, at some point, play a role in any potential future talks, but is unlikely to shift its relationship with Russia.

Xi is widely seen to view Chinas northern neighbor as a critical partner in pushing back against a world order he sees as unfairly dominated by the West  and does not want Russia to suffer a damaging defeat.

Chinese leaders may have decided to meet Kuleba now to show theyre trying to push for peace amid Western criticism of Beijings Russia ties and because of the impending election in the United States, according to Chong Ja Ian, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore.

Kyiv is casting a wary eye on those elections that could see a plunge in American support for Ukraines defense if Republican candidate Donald Trump wins. Trumps running mate JD Vance has openly advocated for ending military aid to Ukraine in favor of bolstering Taiwans defenses.

Perhaps Beijing is reading this and feels that they are in a better position to push Kyiv towards a compromise that Moscow might find more amenable, Chong said.



Chinas state-linked news outlet Global Times also highlighted expert commentary suggesting Ukraine may realize that efforts to completely isolate Russia internationally have failed, as players like India and Brazil  both key Global South nations  have not supported a communique following a Ukraine-backed peace summit in June, which did not include Russia. Beijing has said such conferences should include both Kyiv and Moscow.

Reconciliation deal

Beijings efforts to be a platform for Palestinian reconciliation, meanwhile, come as it has presented itself as a leader for voices across the Global South in calling for Palestinian statehood and decrying Israels war and its staggering humanitarian cost, while criticizing US backing of Israel.

Wang said that Tuesdays reconciliation talks between Palestinian factions ended with an agreement on post-Gaza war governance and the establishment of a provisional national reconciliation government.

The announcement comes as the future governance of Palestinian territories remains in question following Israels repeated vow to eradicate Hamas  and a growing push for Palestinian statehood. But it was met with some skepticism from observers in the region given the failure of past attempts at unity.

A US State Department spokesperson questioned whether the deal would in any way have an impact on the ongoing discussions to reach a ceasefire in the war in Gaza, adding it ran counter to Washingtons position, which is that militant group Hamas should not have a role in the governance of a unified Gaza and the West Bank after the war.

Within the region, there is also a sense that some of Beijings broader diplomacy around the conflict may be missing out on the intricacies of different viewpoints there, while seeking to win backing for its own international agenda, according to Jonathan Fulton, a nonresident senior fellow for the Atlantic Councils Middle East programs.

Of course theres frustration with the West and in particular with the US, but at the same time nobodys looking at China and saying, well, this is the country thats going to come and solve it, because they see it as very self-interested actor with a pretty shallow level of regional knowledge and expertise, he said.

CNNs Maria Kostenko, Sugam Pokharel and Hassan Tayir contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
China remains "unshakably" committed to Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on July 24 after meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Guangzhou.

Kuleba and Wang spoke for over three hours, according to the Ukrainian delegation. The meeting marks Kuleba's first visit to China since the launch of Russia's full-scale war.

"China has unshakably reaffirmed its respect for the principle of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Kuleba said in a video post on Instagram.

"My Chinese colleague clearly said that he agrees that we need not the illusion of peace, but a just and sustainable peace."

Kuleba said that as long as China continues to uphold the dual principles of Ukrainian sovereignty and lasting peace, "we can have any kind of conversation and look for any kind of solution."

China has positioned itself as neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war but has simultaneously deepened economic ties with Moscow. It has also become Russia's leading source of dual-use goods, providing equipment the Russian defense industry can use in its attacks against Ukraine.

Speaking after the Guangzhou talks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on July 24 that China promised not to supply Russia with weapons and signaled its support for Ukrainian sovereignty.

According to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, Kuleba affirmed in the meeting that Kyiv is ready to hold peace negotiations when Moscow "is ready to negotiate in good faith."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also acknowledged that "conditions and timing are not yet ripe" for ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, but said it is "willing to play a constructive role" in peace efforts.

Kuleba said that during the talks, he emphasized the importance of avoiding temporary solutions and ultimatums in future peace negotiations.

"Ukraine will never bend a single centimeter if anyone, regardless of where they come from, tries to speak to us in the language of ultimatums," he said.

Read also: 55% of Ukrainians oppose territorial concessions to achieve peace, poll finds

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Insights from The New York Times, South China Morning Post, Nikkei Asia, and The Guardian

The News

For both US political parties, the US relationship with China is a hot priority. Attacks on China from lawmakers up and down the ballot have stepped up as the November election nears, with a focus on trade, manufacturing, and illegal fentanyl.

Biden has enacted tariffs on some Chinese goods and promised more, a hardened stance his Vice President Kamala Harris may continue to follow if she clinches the Democratic nomination for president. Meanwhile, Trump is proposing a 60% tariff if he wins in November.

It could be a key swing-state issue: In Pennsylvania, Republican candidate Dave McCormick has vowed to reduce American dependence on Chinese goods. And in Ohio, Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown and his Republican challenger both say China is a threat to American workers.

Analysts are concerned that while such tough stances cater to domestic political interests, they risk exacerbating global tensions and could negatively affect the US economy.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

A hard-line stance against China works for voters

Sources: The New York Times, Nikkei Asia, The Guardian

Tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by the Trump administration did not bring many manufacturing jobs back to the US, economic research published in January found, but it does motivate his voters. People react very positively, positively from a Republican point of view, to import protection of their local industry, one study author told The New York Times, but they dont punish Republicans that much if their location gets exposed to retaliatory tariffs. Democrats, meanwhile, are historically motivated by concerns over human rights and the environment. Ultimately, the bipartisan consensus on China has provided a rare opportunity for cooperation in the otherwise divided Congress, The Guardian noted in 2023.

Consumer left to bear the price of a trade off

Sources: The New York Times, CNN, Tax Foundation

As president, Biden has raised tariffs on Chinese imports in strategic industries, like semiconductors and clean energy, and he maintained most Trump-era tariffs, too. As a result, prices for consumer goods like suitcases and shoes are still far higher now than they were before Trumps tariffs went in place, and some retailers have had to pass the toll down to their increasingly cost-weary customers. Some estimates suggest, if left in place, the Trump-Biden tariffs will slow the US economy noticeably. If you want to get to the point where the U.S. maintains and regains leadership in these technological areas, youre going to have to pay more. And its not clear itll work, one economist told the Times. 

China to focus more on its own economy, turning to new partners

Sources: CNBC, South China Morning Post, The Washington Post

China is turning inward as it seeks to build more self-reliance and brace for more economic turbulence, regardless of who wins the White House in November. Even President Xi is beginning to acknowledge that the Chinese economy is facing headwinds. In turn, China is also seeking more trade relations with the Global South. Many EV makers are already turning to Africa to counter the effect of being shut out of other key markets. Mu Hong, deputy director of the Partys central committee office, has told CNBC that external uncertainties have increased, but they will not impact Chinas commitment to and confidence in continued deepening of reform and further opening up.
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The astronauts of China's Shenzhou 18 mission simulate a debris-strike emergency aboard the Tiangong space station in July 2024. | Credit: CCTV

China's Shenzhou 18 mission staged an emergency drill recently to boost preparedness aboard the country's space station.

Shenzhou 18 commander Ye Guangfu and crewmates Li Cong and Li Guangsu conducted the drill in mid-July to practice procedures for the case of a decompression event aboard the Tiangong space station .

The crew worked in collaboration with the ground team in Beijing, simulating the whole process of emergency response to a simulated scenario of space debris striking Tiangong and causing decompression.

an astronaut in a blue flight suit wears a decompression mask aboard a white-walled space station

After an alarm was raised, each crewmember quickly put on masks linked to air supplies. They then began to seek the source of the leak, successfully plugging it with the support of engineers back on Earth .

Related: A new, deadly era of space junk is dawning, and no one is ready

The Shenzhou 18 crew launched to Tiangong in late April. Combating the threat of space debris has been a key theme of the mission. The trio have so far embarked on a pair of spacewalks to install shielding to protect Tiangong from space debris and inspect the outside of the station.

The first of these extravehicular activities, in May, set a national spacewalk duration record of around 8.5 hours.

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The Shenzhou 18 astronauts have also completed a range of other tasks, including replacing experimental samples and undergoing mental assessments.

The trio recently completed research for an "In-orbit Emotion Recognition and Evaluation of Astronauts," according to CCTV+ . This involved questionnaires on emotional states and will be used to help researchers study and assess the impact of long-term space missions on astronauts' mental health.

The Shenzhou 18 mission will last around six months. The crew will then welcome the Shenzhou 19 astronauts aboard Tiangong and hand over control of the station. China completed the three-module Tiangong space station in 2022 and aims to keep the orbital outpost permanently occupied for at least a decade.
Chinese H-6-series aircraft have flown off the coast of Alaska for what appears to be the first time in an important show of force along with Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers.

Two of Chinas H-6-series aircraft, as well as a pair of Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers, flew through a portion of the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) around Alaska earlier today. This is the first time Chinese H-6s of any kind have operated in this part of the world and they may well have flown from bases in Russia to get there. Regardless, this is an important development when it comes to Beijings ability to project power and underscores its ties with Moscow that have significantly strengthed since the latter launched its all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two PRC [Peoples Republic of China] H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on July 24, 2024, according to an official press release. NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the intercept.

A stock picture of a Russian Tu-95MS bomber. Crown Copyright

The release does not specify what kind of H-6s were intercepted. The H-6 family includes a host of different variants, including missile carrier aircraft and aerial refueling tankers, as well as more specialized types designed to carry outsized weapons or other payloads. It is also worth noting that official U.S. releases sometimes misidentify Russian Tu-142 Bear maritime patrol aircraft as Tu-95 bombers.

The release does not say what types of U.S. fighters conducted the intercepts of the H-6s and Tu-95s, which are also assumed to have been flying together, but U.S Air Force F-16s and/or F-22s were likely involved. In April, the Air Force notably transformed an F-16 aggressor squadron in Alaska into a unique air defense unit. The only fighters the Royal Canadian Air Force currently has in service are CF-18 Hornets.

A picture showing a previous intercept of a Russian Tu-95 off Alaska by a US Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighter. USAF

The Russian and PRC aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace, NORAD added in its release. This Russian and PRC activity in the Alaska ADIZ is not seen as a threat, and NORAD will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence.

However, the appearance of Chinese H-6s in the region is still a major development and, especially together with the Tu-95s, is clearly intended to send a signal. The H-6s are generally missile carrier types and their flying near Alaskas coast therefore demonstrates a new capacity for Chinese forces to directly threaten the U.S. homeland.

Fortunately, we havent seen Chinese aircraft operate near our air defense identification zones yet, but I think that thats coming as early as this year, U.S. Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, currently head of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), told members of the House Armed Services Committee at a hearing back in February. That shows an overall concern I have about the growing capability of China not only with aircraft, but also with ships and even submarines being able to range further from China and closer to our shores.

Guillot gave similar testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee just days later.

NORAD and NORTHCOM commander U.S. Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, at the head of the table, during a visit to the 168th Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard at Eielson Air Force Base earlier this month. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey

This is also not the first time Russian and Chinese Tu-95s and H-6 have conducted long-range sorites together. That being said, it does highlight significant military cooperation between the two countries that has only deepened as Moscow has become more globally isolated over its war on Ukraine.

As already noted, it is unclear where the Chinese H-6s took off and landed from before and after todays sorties into the Alaska ADIZ. It is very possible given the range of those aircraft that bases in Russia were utilized as launch and/or recovery points. In 2022, Russian Tu-95MS bombers and Chinese H-6K missile carriers landed at bases in the opposite country after conducting a first-of-its-kind joint patrol over parts of the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea that prompted the scrambling of Japanese and South Korean fighters.

New joint RU/CN aerial patrol over Sea of Japan and East China Sea. Tu-95MS, H-6K, 8 hours, supported by Su-35S and Su-30SM. Foreign fighter jets also appeared.https://t.co/0yS3F1BEQD pic.twitter.com/xjfVcQgTqv  Dmitry Stefanovich (@KomissarWhipla) November 30, 2022

There is also evidence that Russia or North Korea gave the Peoples Liberation Army access to their airspace to enable the first known flight of a Chinese WZ-7 Soaring Dragon high-altitude drone over the Sea of Japan.

As NORAD/NORTHCOM head Guillot noted in February, Russian and Chinese naval forces have also been operating more and more around Alaska and the broader Arctic region, and doing so together, in recent years. A joint patrol by a group of 11 Chinese and Russian naval vessels near Alaskas Aleutian Islands last year prompted calls from Congress to expand the U.S. militarys presence in the region to include the establishment of a permanent U.S. Navy base. The Arctics strategic significance is growing in general as receding ice opens up new avenues for competition over natural resources, from oil and natural gas to fish, as well as trade routes.

Russia and Chinese warships in the Tsugaru Strait between the Japanese home islands of Honshu and Hokkaido during a naval exercise in 2021. Photo by Sun Zifa/China News Service via Getty Images

Weve 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, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks said just on Monday at a briefing The War Zone and other attended on the rollout of the Pentagtons latest Arctic Strategy.

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 added. Thats concerning given that its the only strategic competitor with the will and increasingly the wherewithal to remake the international order.

Todays sorties into the Alaska ADIZ certainly reflect a desire by both countries to project more power in Americas backyard and Chinese aircraft could well become an increasingly common sight in the region going forward.

UPDATE: 6:45 PM EST 

The Russian Ministry of Defense has now released a statement about the joint aerial patrol with Chinese forces, which it says includes time over the Chukchi Sea, the Bering Sea, and parts of the northern end of the Pacific Ocean. The release also identifies the Chinese aircraft as H-6K missile carrier aircraft and says that Russian Su-30SM Flanker-H and Su-35S Flanker-E fighters provided escorts during portions of the joint flight, which lasted more than five hours in total.

Zvezda has the MOD video, which shows Chinese bombers and US/Canadian fighter interceptors (F-35, F/A-18, F-16). https://t.co/MTciX4WoxX pic.twitter.com/gFRw9UQVlN  Hans Kristensen (@nukestrat) July 25, 2024

Upon completion of the joint air patrol, all involved aircraft returned to their home airfields, according to the release, which does not say where the aircraft took off from to start. The event was held as part of the implementation of the military cooperation plan for 2024 and is not directed against third countries.

At certain stages of the route, the air group was accompanied by fighters from foreign countries, the release adds. During the execution of their missions, aircraft from both countries operated strictly in accordance with the provisions of international law. There were no violations of the airspace of foreign states.

Video footage Russias Ministry of Defense also released shows U.S. Air Force F-35A and F-16 fighters, as well as Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornets.

View from a Russian Air Force Tu-95 in Alaskas air defense identification zone yesterday, after an intercept by US and Canadian forces.



Flying in formation next to the Russian Bear:



2x USAF F-16 Falcons

1x USAF F-35

2x RCAF CF-18 Hornets pic.twitter.com/5O03GQmd9D  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) July 25, 2024

Chinas Peoples Liberation Army has also released imagery from the joint flight.

China and Russia conduct joint air strategic patrol over Bering Sea on July 25. This marks the eighth air strategic patrol organized by the two militaries since 2019.



Photos from China PLA Air Force Weibo accounthttps://t.co/g9w27FRnnM pic.twitter.com/oeZA4cUQR9  Ryan Chan  (@ryankakiuchan) July 25, 2024

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
DAMASCUS, Va. (WJHL)  The Town of Damascus hired its first town manager, Chris Bell, after years of commitment to the town.

The town manager will serve as the head of administration, implement policies and plans, assist the mayor and more.

Chris Bell will be a huge asset to our town, Mayor Katie Lamb said in a news release. Weve had a need for a full-time town manager for some time now, and I truly feel that Chris will do an amazing job given his experience and leadership skills.

The release states Bells 26 years of management experience will be valuable in implementing organizational structures, streamlining processes, building relationships and key partnerships, and facilitating the towns economy.

There is something special about Damascus that we just couldnt find anywhere else, said Bell. This town is full of people who feel the same way we do, who are here because they love the outdoors and the small-town sense of community.

Bell and his family enjoy outdoor adventures, including hiking, kayaking and biking.

Many Virginia stores still selling illegal hemp products, over $10 million in fines issued in the last year

Those interested in contacting Bell can do so at townmanager@damascus.org.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Church sues Colorado town to be able to shelter homeless in trailers, work 'mandated by God'

Joe Ridenour sits for a portrait on the steps of the recreational vehicle he once called home in Castle Rock, Colo., on Friday, July 12, 2024. Ridenour said he would have been consumed by his drug abuse if not for the help and shelter provided by The Rock non-denominational evangelical church. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert)

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (AP)  Behind a church surrounded by rolling prairie on the outskirts of this Colorado town sits a donated RV that Joe Ridenour called home for a year after he lost his job during the pandemic.

Being able to live in the RV, he said, allowed him to avoid returning to his native Kansas City, where he was afraid of backsliding into using methamphetamine again.

Without this trailer and this church, I wouldnt be alive. The drug use would have consumed me, said Ridenour, who now has a maintenance job at the county fairgrounds and rents a room from a friend he met at The Rock church.

Last year, the town of Castle Rock ordered the non-denominational evangelical church to stop providing shelter in the RV and another camping trailer for violating zoning regulations. The church responded by suing the town, located between Denver and Colorado Springs.

Echoing arguments made by other churches trying to serve the homeless from Oregon to Ohio, the Colorado church argues that helping those in need is religious activity protected by the Constitution.

Its lawsuit is studded with references to the Bible's exhortations to the faithful to take care of those in need. It also notes that surrounding Douglas County, one of the richest in the United States, has no other shelters for the homeless.

The church's property is not zoned for residential use and regulations forbid anyone from living in an RV anywhere in Castle Rock.

On Friday, a federal judge ruled the church can continue to shelter the homeless in the campers temporarily while the lawsuit plays out.

The town, which has said it will rigorously defend the zoning authority of communities, declined to comment on Friday's ruling. In court, the town has argued the church could find other ways to help the homeless, like opening members' homes to them or buying a property to house them in an area zoned for residential use.

Earlier this year, the church had to turn down a request to let a mother and three children under the age of 7 who had been living in a car stay in one of the trailers, pastor Mike Polhemus said.

The word of God actually commands us to love those that are struggling and poor and to shelter them, Polhemus said. That is our mandate. And we believe that actually goes above the county or city codes or whatever codes there are, that these are things that are mandated by God.

Nearly a decade ago, the church began sheltering homeless women and children in its gym one night a week as part of a church network that took turns opening their doors to them. In 2018 the church began allowing homeless men to stay in the trailers after interviews and background checks. The church network stopped its outreach to homeless families last year, and The Rock was only able shelter to people in the trailers.

After Friday's ruling, Jeremy Dys, senior counsel for First Liberty Institute, which is representing the church, said, Im sure they will welcome people back into the RVs as soon as possible.

The lawsuit is based on both the church's religious freedom under the First Amendment and a federal law intended to protect places of worship from being discriminated against in zoning decisions.

The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, passed with bipartisan support by Congress in 2000, bars governments from imposing land use regulations that put a substantial burden on religious exercise without a compelling reason for doing so. It has helped a wide range of faiths build or expand places of worship but has also been invoked in legal fights over efforts to help the homeless.

Before The Rock filed its lawsuit, a church in Bryan, Ohio, filed a similar federal case this year when its pastor was criminally charged for allowing homeless people to shelter there. The church and city officials are trying to negotiate a resolution to the lawsuit, which also alleges the city violated the 2000 federal law.

Two other recent lawsuits also alleged a violation of that law.

In March, a federal judge ruled the city of Brookings on Oregon's southern coast could not limit a church's homeless meal services. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church's lawsuit argued an ordinance limiting the program to two days a week and requiring a permit also violated its right to freely practice religion.

Last year, a Christian non-profit penalized and threatened with prosecution in the Southern California city of Santa Ana for feeding homeless people settled its lawsuit against the city after the Justice Department weighed in.

Lauren Langer, an attorney in Los Angeles who represents cities in land use cases, said lawsuits pitting houses of worship against municipalities over care for homeless people come up periodically but they can be costly and drag on.

Even if the church wins, its a long road to get there, she said.

Some California communities and churches have taken a different approach  forming partnerships to set up places where people living in vehicles can park overnight while providing services like restrooms, trash pickup and security, she said.

Sonia Moran, who lives with her husband and two sons in a home bordering the Castle Rock church's property, wasn't initially concerned when she learned it was providing shelter to the homeless in the trailer. But that changed after it proposed building an affordable housing development on its 54-acre (22-hectare) property.

She doesn't believe the housing will really be for teachers and first responders, as the church says, and fears the development will bring in residents who could increase crime in her quiet, safe neighborhood.

How are we supposed to trust them when they cant even follow their current zoning and obligations to the land use right now? said Moran, who also thinks the church may be trying to make a profit from the project.

Polhemus denies that. The former civil engineer who worked in real estate development in Houston before taking over from his father as the church's pastor said providing workforce housing isn't the kind of project that's profitable.

Moran also said she doesn't believe Castle Rock has a homelessness problem and the church should focus on a place like Denver that does. The county, for its part, has donated $1.1 million toward building a shelter 30 miles away in Aurora, where at least five homeless people from the county can stay.

Before he moved into the church's RV, Ridenour had been sleeping in his truck at a Target parking lot, staying in motels or with a friend temporarily. He said he lost his job in June 2020 after his truck broke down while he was on his way to Denver.

The church put the experienced carpenter to work building woodwork in its foyer. He said the money he earned helped him pay off debts and buy clothes for job interviews, and also made him feel like he was contributing to the community.

They showed me my worth, which I had lost, Ridenour said.

Now he's preparing to move back to Kansas City, feeling that he is finally strong enough to return.

God has made this a journey for me to be back with my family and back with my kids with a complete rewiring of me, he said.
FILE - A man walks down an unpaved stretch of highway BR-319 in the Brazilian Amazon between the cities of Manaus and Porto Velho on Aug. 10, 2018. A Brazilian federal court on July 24, 2024, halted progress on the project paving this dirt highway that connects the major city of Manaus with populous regions, citing the likelihood it will contribute to climate change. (AP Photo/Fabiano Maisonnave, File)

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP)  In an unusual action, a Brazilian federal court halted progress on a project to pave a dirt highway that connects the major city of Manaus to populous regions, ruling it likely will contribute to climate change.

The court suspended on Wednesday a key environmental permit after the Climate Observatory  a network of 107 environmental, civil society and academic groups  argued that the preliminary permit could lead to mass clearing of pristine rainforest.

Amazon deforestation is the major source of Brazil's climate-changing carbon emissions, and most of it occurs along roads, where access is easier and land value is higher.

The license was issued in 2022, during the rule of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro. In the decision, Federal Judge Maria Elisa Andrade sided with the plaintiff, stating that the license ignored analyses by Brazils environmental agency, Ibama, indicating the highway project lacks a governance plan to deter rampant deforestation in the region.

"The absence of a climate impact study diminishes the quality of risk management analyses and undermines the balance between projected impacts and measures to avoid, mitigate and compensate for damage, the ruling said.

The preliminary license is crucial to the paving projects ultimate approval, because it means the project has passed economic and environmental reviews. The asphalt work hasn't started yet, and other bureaucratic steps are pending.

With the court decision, the federal government, now under leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will have to reevaluate the highways environmental impact on deforestation, Indigenous peoples and climate.

In a statement, Ibama said it wouldnt comment on the decision until federal judicial officials formally send it.

Suely Araujo, a senior policy advisor at the Climate Observatory and former Ibama president, said it's unprecedented for Brazils judiciary to link an infrastructure project to climate change. There is not enough environmental governance in the region to enforce deforestation control, she said in a phone interview.

BR-319  which runs about 560 miles (900 kilometers)  is the only highway connecting Manaus, home to 2.2 million people, with the nations urban centers to the south. Half its length is unpaved and becomes impassable during the rainy season, helping to keep forest clear-cutters away.

However, increasing expectations that the road would be paved led to a surge in deforestation in the region in recent years.

Brazil is the worlds fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, contributing nearly 3% of global emissions, according to Climate Watch, an online platform managed by the World Resources Institute. Almost half these emissions stem from destruction of trees in the Amazon rainforest, which reached a 15-year high during Bolsonaros presidency.

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Police officers work at the Union Station near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States, July 24, 2024. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed at U.S. Congress on Wednesday. Outside the U.S. Capitol and at Washington's Union Station, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in protest against Netanyahu's visit to the United States, demanding Washington stop military aid to Israel. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

WASHINGTON, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out a vague vision for post-conflict Gaza during his speech to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday.

"The day after we defeat Hamas, a new Gaza could emerge," Netanyahu said. "My vision for that day is of a demilitarized and deradicalized 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 Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel," he told a joint meeting of the Congress.

"A new generation of Palestinians must no longer be taught to hate Jews but rather to live in peace with us," he added.

Roughly 70 Democrats from the House and Senate boycotted Netanyahu's speech. The most notable was the absence of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate.

Outside the U.S. Capitol and at Washington's Union Station, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in protest against Netanyahu's visit to the United States, demanding Washington stop military aid to Israel.

As the war in Gaza enters its 10th month, at least 39,090 Palestinians have been killed and 90,147 others injured. Israel and Hamas have failed to reach a complete ceasefire agreement and a hostage release deal after multiple rounds of negotiations.

People in the Gaza Strip have become exhausted by ongoing displacement and unlivable conditions, and are trapped in increasingly small and overcrowded areas, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said on Wednesday.

The UN agency estimates that clearing the Gaza Strip of the 40-million-tonne rubble caused by Israel's war on the Palestinian enclave will take 15 years.

"Debris poses a deadly threat for people in the Gaza Strip as it can contain unexploded ordnance and harmful substances," it said. 

Demonstrators gather at the Union Station near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States, July 24, 2024. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed at U.S. Congress on Wednesday.

Outside the U.S. Capitol and at Washington's Union Station, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in protest against Netanyahu's visit to the United States, demanding Washington stop military aid to Israel. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

Demonstrators gather at the Union Station near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States, July 24, 2024. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed at U.S. Congress on Wednesday.

Outside the U.S. Capitol and at Washington's Union Station, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in protest against Netanyahu's visit to the United States, demanding Washington stop military aid to Israel. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The City of Abilene is set to implement a two-day-per-week watering restriction soon.

Starting from August 7, 2024, residents within city limits will be required to follow a two-day-a-week watering schedule. This is part of the citys ongoing water use management program. The program is activated when the combined capacity of Lake Fort Phantom Hill and Hubbard Creek Reservoir is between 40% and 50%. As of July 25, the combined capacity is at 51.8%.

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Even though the city has experienced slightly above-average rainfall, the rain has not generated the runoff necessary to replenish lake levels. Since late summer 2021, Lake Fort Phantom Hill and Hubbard Creek Lake have been decreasing, while Lake O.H. Ivie has not been at full capacity since 1997.

In an effort to be proactive in managing the regions water supply, the City is enacting the water restriction even though the necessary triggers have not yet been reached, the city shared in a news flash.

As the Big Country and surrounding areas face abnormally dry conditions, a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations offices in San Angelo shows that drought conditions are expected to continue or worsen across most of the region.

Big Country cities stay proactive in drought contingency plans

The city has shared that there is no specific timeline for how long this watering schedule will be in place. Several factors can impact the schedule, including rainfall, water inflow into the lakes and reservoirs, water demand and overall usage. If water levels begin to rise, the restrictions will be lifted. Conversely, if conditions worsen, more restrictions will be put in place.

About the Citys Water Conservation Stages and Restrictions:

Year-Round Water Conservation:

3 times per week lawn irrigation: Combined capacity of Lake Fort Phantom Hill and Hubbard Creek above 50%

2 times per week lawn irrigation: Lake Fort Phantom Hill and Hubbard Creek combined capacity between 40-50%

Stage 1  Water Alert:

1 time per week lawn irrigation: Combined plant pumpage of more than 45 million gallons per day for two consecutive days; or continually falling water storage facility levels that do not refill above 50% overnight; or combined Lake Fort Phantom Hill/Hubbard Creek storage between 30-40%. Other unforeseen events.

Should Abilene restrict how much water it supplies to other areas?

Stage 2  Water Warning

1 time per TWO weeks lawn irrigation: Combined treatment plant pumpage in excess of 40 million gallons per day for 2 days while in Stage 1 trigger parameters; continually falling water storage facility levels which do not refill above 40% percent overnight; or combined storage in Hubbard Creek Reservoir and Lake Fort Phantom Hill between 20-30%; major line breaks or pump system failure which causes unprecedented loss of service. Other unforeseen conditions.

Stage 3 Water Emergency

No outside irrigation: Combined treatment plant pumpage in excess of 36 million gallons per day for 3 days while in Stage 2 trigger parameters; depletion of combined storage in Hubbard Creek Reservoir and Lake Fort Phantom Hill to less than 20%; major line breaks or pump system failure, which causes unprecedented loss of capability to provide service; and other unforeseen conditions.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of El Paso kicked off its official launch of the Regional Climate Action Plan (CAP) on Tuesday, July 23, with the first of five touchpoints in the Climate Engagement Series.

The Chihuahuan Desert Climate Collaborative (CDCC) showcased opportunities for a dynamic regional CAP to tackle climate challenges the borderland is facing. The project is funded by the voter-approved 2022 Community Progress Bond.

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Its really important that we capture the voice of real people in El Paso, because at the end of the day, the work we do has to impact their lives in a positive way, said Nicole Ferrini, the City of El Pasos climate and sustainability officer.

Ferrini said core areas the team is receiving feedback in, mainly reside in the health and financial sectors.

Folks are concerned about how changes in the climate can impact the health of themselves, their elderly parents and or their kids. Were also talking about things like air quality, all those kinds of factors. I think second only to health is probably affordability. Folks are very concerned about the rising cost of living across a number of different factors, whether thats transportation or the cost of utilities, said Ferrini.

After conducting a preliminary greenhouse gas inventory study, the CDCC discovered abut 60 percent of emissions in the region were attributed to buildings and transportation.

When were talking about buildings, we are talking largely about commercial and industrial facilities that use a lot of energy, thereby creating a lot of emissions, Ferrini explained. The second one is transportation, but that one is an interesting one to unpack because part of it is the amount of time that El Pasoans and regional residents as a whole spend in their vehicles. Another part of it, as we all know, has been about commercial traffic and really what happens in terms of idling vehicles.

With the research and feedback from the community guiding the projects, Ferrini urges people to still show up to the climate engagement sessions or reach out to the team directly to have your voice heard.

Were focused on things like human health, the economy really building better for our entire region and making sure that not only do we address climate action globally, but that we do it in a way thats specific to the people of our community, said Ferrini.

The next open-house meeting will take place July 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 9500 Kenworthy St. in the Patriot Place Apartments clubhouse.

Anyone who is unable to attend the in-person sessions can fill out an online survey at www.EPClimate.org.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The City of Austin is set to host the Fair Chance Hiring Job Fair on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Delco Activity Center located at 4601 Pecan Brook Drive.

The opening ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m. to welcome employers and job seekers, according to the City of Austin.

The job and resource fair will provide individuals with multiple opportunities to meet face-to-face with representatives from public agencies, private employers, temporary staffing agencies, and more.

The press release said the representatives at the event are committed to hiring and assisting individuals from all backgrounds including those with a past criminal conviction, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities.

The City of Austin said the event will be free and open to the public.

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BAYONNE, N.J. (PIX11)  The city of Bayonne in New Jersey is looking to hire more firefighters for its fire department.

Applications opened on July 1 and will close on Aug. 30. According to the citys website, you need to be between 18 and 34 years old, live in Bayonne, and be a U.S. citizen with a valid New Jersey drivers license along with having your high school diploma or GED.

More New Jersey News

The application fee is $35, according to New Jerseys Civil Service Commission. You should look at the 2024 firefighter fact sheet to ensure you align with the hiring department.

For more information on how to apply, click here or check out the flyer here:

Applications opened on July 1 and will close on Aug. 30. (Credit: City of Bayonne)

Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk. Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com.

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City of Des Moines takes first steps to tighten rules on camping in public to curb record homeless numbers

DES MOINES, Iowa  Joshua Woodworth is right at home, tucked along the banks of the Raccoon River.

Its a hole opening up in the ground that looks like a pyramid, Woodworth said.

Hes called this current, small cavern cut into the limestone his residence for over a year.

I came back to Iowa about ten years ago and Ive been stuck along this hill ever since, Woodworth said.

Woodworth and several neighbors have taken up residence in the woods while a few other campsites look to have recently been abandoned; a new sign posted along the tree line south of Grand Avenue may explain why.

It means some new timeframes of some of our ordinances that are going to ask people to go to the shelter rather than continually making camp on our sidewalks, streets and other places, Des Moines Ward 1 councilman Chris Coleman said.

On Monday, the Des Moines City Council passed the first reading of proposed changes to an existing city ordinance regarding camping on publicly owned property, bridges or viaducts. People found in violation must vacate the location immediately, have personal items removed within 24-hours and could be subject to a $50 fine, down from the previous $120 penalty.

Were trying to make sure theres a process in place and we take the time and collect peoples possessions, that theyre made available to them and they dont lose what they have if theyre willing to go to the shelters and seek services, Coleman said.

Woodworth said hes going to need a lot more convincing.

This is my shelter. This is earth and what we have so I dont need nothing else. To me its easier. I dont have to afford anybody my time, effort, energy, anything I dont want, its all about what I want and I feel thats how youre supposed to live, you know? The whole normal thing just doesnt fit me, Woodworth said.

A second, major obstacle is where people like Woodworth can go when theyre told to vacate a campsite.

Data collected by Homeward Iowa shows the number of safe haven, transitional housing, emergency sheltered and unsheltered people in Des Moines have climbed since January of 2019 to record numbers in 2024. Woodworth represents the 147 who live outside, and right now most area shelters are at or near capacity.

They better have a spot for us to go otherwise Im going to find the nearest, coolest spot I can and be right up here, Woodworth said.

The second reading for the changes to the ordinance is scheduled for August 5.

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MARSHALL, Ill. (WCIA)  The Clark County Sheriffs Office, Courthouse, and E-911 will be placing their flags at half-staff in honor of Sheriff John Plasse of Vigo County, Indiana. He passed away on Wednesday morning after battling cancer.

He was an all around good man, Clark County Sheriff William Brown wrote on social media. It was obvious that he had a servants heart as he served his this country with honor and dignity during his military career. He served his community with the same passion that he served this country. He will be missed by many! Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to Sheriff Plasses family to include his work family.

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Sheriff Plasse took over as the Vigo County Sheriff on January 1, 2019. Before then, he took on many roles within the Terre Haute Police Department for 33 years, serving as the Police Chief for the latter 11. It was there that he was named the 2001 Terre Haute Officer of the Year by The Exchange Club, First Financial Bank Officer of the Year in 2003, and earned several other awards.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sheriff Plasse was a pillar of strength and compassion. He approached his duties with a sense of duty and humility, always prioritizing the needs of others. His legacy is one of honor, dedication, and selfless service, Terre Haute Police Department said. While we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and dear friend, we also celebrate his life and the lasting impact he had on our community. Sheriff Plasses legacy will continue to guide and inspire us as we carry forward his commitment to excellence in law enforcement.

Plasse also served in the Indiana Army National Guard for 34 years, then retired in November 2017 as Sergeant Major with the 38th Infantry Division. He was awarded more than 25 medals throughout his service. He was also inducted into the Association of Marksman in the National Guard Shooters Hall of Fame in 2018, which made Plasse one of the few double distinguished military marksmen in the world.

Sheriff Plasse not only protected his country and his community, but he was actively involved in it even outside of his line of duty. Plasse was a board member of the United Way of the Wabash Valley, Boys and Girls Club of Terre Haute, Happiness Bag, and Hamilton Center. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 972, American Legion Post 104, AMVETS, the Indiana Sheriffs and National Sheriffs Associations, and International Association of Chiefs of Police  all on top of several other former organization memberships.

His leadership extended into the Indiana Sheriffs Youth Ranch, where he was Vice President, and the Fraternal Order of Police, as a former President. Plasses dedication to his community landed him the 2021 Wabash Valley recovery community public official of the year.

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The City of Terre Haute released a joint statement with Mayor Brandon Sakbun on Wednesday.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of Sheriff John Plasse. Sheriff Plasse dedicated his life to protecting and serving the people of Vigo County with unwavering courage, integrity, and compassion. His leadership and commitment to our community have left an indelible mark on all of us. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Sheriff Plasses family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. The entire Terre Haute community mourns with you, and we stand united in support. Thank you, Sheriff Plasse, for your dedication and service. You will be dearly missed.

The Vigo County Sheriffs Office also offered many thoughtful words in the wake of Sheriff Plasses passing.

In the days ahead, Sheriff Plasses family, friends, fellow officers, and home community will remember and celebrate a life of dedicated service and generous spirit, they wrote, in part. While we all knew this day was coming, the news still lands hard and we grieve a loss that cannot be fully described in words.

Chief Deputy Steve Meng and Chief of Operations Derek Fell continued, We invite all to remember John in prayerful thanksgiving for his life and work and to hold his family in prayers for comfort and peace in the midst of a terrible loss. We invite all also to pray for law enforcement officers and first responders here and elsewhere who serve their communities and strive to protect all of us.

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CLEAR FORK, WV (WVNS)  Abby Boggess and David Smith of Clear Fork said they are one of around four families who have to cross an orphaned bridged to leave home, and they are asking charities, agencies, and individuals in the region to help make the bridge safe.

The bridge, which crosses the creek at Fulton Bottom, was once owned by a local mining company, Smith said, but has been abandoned.

School children walk across the bridge on the way to their bus stop on Clear Creek Road. The bridge has gaping holes where wood has rotted away.

Some of the planks spring upward because they cannot be securely attached to the older frame.

We have tried to replace a few holes, but the runners that run underneaththeres nothing to screw the top boards down to, so theyre all flopping back up, said Boggess on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Theyre busting out, theyre rotting out. It seems like every time we try to put a board down, two or three mess up, and we cant afford to keep buying them because were disabled here.

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Smith, a disabled coal miner who moved to the area with Boggess around three years ago, said he cannot physically do the work required to make the bridge safe for himself and his neighbors.

If I could do this kind of work, Id still be working, Smith said on Wednesday, July 24, 2025. I mean, thats just the truth.

Although residents drive across the bridge, Smith said local emergency responders will not drive across the bridge. This slows down help for those having a medical emergency.

The nice lady at the end, her mom was real bad off and she needed an ambulance, said Smith about a neighbor. They called an ambulance, but [the emergency responders] refused to cross the bridge. They parked over here and sent all the way back down to Whitesville for another vehicle to come up here to cross the bridge to get her.

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Raleigh County Commission officials told 59News on Wednesday that there are a number of orphan bridges in Raleigh County, mostly concentrated in rural communities which do not pay city taxes for road repairs.

The bridges were once privately owned but are now abandoned and do not receive funding or repairs from any local, state, or federal agency.

Boggess said she has called the West Virginia Department of Highways (WVDOH) and FEMA for help but has been denied.

The couple said they are appealing to those in the community who may be able to help.

We just want some help. I need help. Thats all Im asking for  someone coming to help me and do boards on this bridge, Boggess said.

She asked that anyone who may be willing to provide materials and labor contact her at boggessabby799@gmail.com.

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Climate activists who disrupt flights should get five years in prison, says German minister

A climate activist with a banner reading 'Oil kills' and his hand glued to the ground of a runway at Frankfurt airport - Shutterstock

Germanys transport minister has called for five-year jail sentences for eco-activists who disrupt flights, after two incidents this week where they caused airport chaos by blocking runways.

Volker Wissing, from the coalitions FDP party, said the German parliament needed to speed up reforms on air traffic disruption so the tougher sentence could be passed into law.

It comes after a Just Stop Oil activist was jailed for a record five years in the UK, and four others received four-year sentences, for planning to block the M25  the longest-ever sentences for non-violent protesting.

It is clear that climate activists are trying to cause maximum damage. The legislators must respond to this with maximum severity, Mr Wissing told the German tabloid Bild.

He added: By introducing prison sentences of up to five years for entering airports, we are giving judges a toolkit to make the appropriate judgments.

Volker Wissing wants to see harsh sentences to deal with climate activists who break into airports - AFP/Odd Anderson

On Thursday morning, members of the group Letzte Generation (Last Generation)  similar to Britains Extinction Rebellion  stuck themselves to the runway at Frankfurt airport.

All take-offs and landings were postponed as the activists sat on the runway, with some bearing a placard that said oil kills. The protest led to 170 flights being disrupted and eight arrests, though air traffic resumed later on Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, Letzte Generation targeted the Cologne-Bonn airport with the same stunt, disrupting summer flights for German holidaymakers.

A spokesman for Frankfurt airport suggested it would take legal action against the eight demonstrators who caused the disruption, which affected around 10,000 passengers.

Air traffic is slowly starting up again. We reserve the right to take legal action. The perpetrators face severe penalties. They not only endanger air traffic, but also human lives, with such actions, he said.

Activists glued their hands to the runway as they disrupted German holidaymakers - X

Letzte Generation, which demands immediate steps from the German government to drastically cut carbon emissions, has vowed to take further action in the days and weeks to come.

During the Frankfurt protest, the group reportedly cut through a chain link fence to gain access to the airport, leaving their tools and a high-visibility jacket at the scene.

Eco-protestors cut through wire to get to the runway at Cologne-Bonn Airport - AP

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COLOMBO, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the need for a comprehensive strategy, developed in collaboration with both public and private sectors, for the promotion of Ceylon tea brand in the world, the president's media division (PMD) said on Thursday.

The president made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the Colombo International Tea Convention, which commenced on Thursday. The two-day convention, themed "Tea: A Lifestyle and a Livelihood," has been jointly organized by the Colombo Tea Traders Association and the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the PMD said.

An exhibition featuring tea producers and related businesses in Sri Lanka was also part of the event. Industry experts, leading brands, and social organizations from the Gulf countries, Kenya, China, India, Japan, Britain, and the United States, gathered at the convention, representing the entire global tea value chain from crop to cup, according to the PMD. 
Flight at Germany's Frankfurt airport were disrupted after protesters from Letzte Generation glued their hands to the tarmac. Photo by Letzte Generation/EPA-EFE

July 25 (UPI) -- Climate change activists glued themselves to the tarmac at Germany's busiest airport on Thursday morning, suspending some flights and air traffic around Frankfurt Airport.

The activist group Letzte Generation appeared to take responsibility for the action after posting videos and photos on the social media platform X of some members on the Frankfurt tarmac.

"Runways at [Frankfurt Airport are] operational again since 7:50 a.m. following closure due to climate protests," the airport said in a statement on X. "Further delays and cancellations can be expected today. Passengers are requested to check the status of their flights on their airline's website before traveling to the airport."

According to the flight tracking website FlightAware.com, 23 flights originating from Frankfurt Airport were canceled and 142 were delayed by Thursday afternoon. Fifty-one flights scheduled to arrive in Frankfurt were canceled and 96 were delayed.

The incident came after Letzte Generation activists on Wednesday glued their hands to the tarmac at Germany's Cologne-Bonn Airport, leading to three arrests.

The activist group Oil Kills also attempted to launch demonstrations at Norway's Oslo Airport, Spain's Barcelona Airport and Finland's Helsinki Airport on Wednesday.

In London, nine Just Stop Oil protesters were arrested at two locations on the perimeter roads around Heathrow Airport on suspicion of conspiring to interfere with key national infrastructure.
A closer look at crypto mining sites as it raises concerns for many Arkansans

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The rising crypto world is a seemingly complex one, but the concerns from many Arkansans are simple: Whats going on at these crypto mining sites, and why all the noise?

KARK 4 News has an inside look at the site where the newly emerging world of bitcoin is said to be giving Wall Street a run for its money.

Our government is printing trillions of dollars every day. Bitcoin is what we call sound money, Arkansas Blockchain Council president Ben Smith said.

That sound money is rapidly influencing financial systems across the globe, evolving into the cryptocurrency people see or hear today.

People, they dont understand, well what the heck does that mean, Rep. French Hill (AR  Rep.) said.

Arkansas cryptocurrency mining law to face possible changes in 2025 regarding foreign ownership

Smith tried to answer that question with a tour of a Bitcoin facility.

This is a building full of computers that are running a global algorithm to mine bitcoin, searching for bitcoin to solve a math equation, Smith explained.





Similar to stock, you can buy a bitcoin. Each computer represents bitcoin that people own and theyre all searching for the same winning block every 10 minutes.

One computer in the whole world will find the answer to the equation and when it does that, youll get rewarded a block, Smith said.

The blocks amount to bitcoins seen as forms of virtual money in cryptocurrency. There is a growing range of businesses accepting cryptocurrencies as payments, from everyday items to luxury purchases.





Smith explained that one block was worth $205,000 or 3.199 bitcoin.

One of these guesses about 200 trillion numbers a second, he added.

The computers work results in a lot of heat from each one, which is where the noise comes into play. Fans are set up to cool off the computers by helping to push exhaust heat out and off the machinces.

While the site might seem loud, the noise fades further away from the property.





For some other crypto mines going in around the state, there is a concern that the size of the site results in less space for the noise to be dissipated.

For more than a year, many neighbors living near sites of cryptomining in Arkansas have tried to put an end to the noise.

It is literally in our backdoor, Lyle Lindquist, who lives near the Vilonia crypto mine, said. It doesnt shut off. Its 24/7.

Crypto mining site coming to Vilonia after new Arkansas law passed; residents concerned about noise

Another concern is determining who owns the sites. Attorney General Tim Griffins office is currently investigating a few of the sites, looking to force any foreign ownership off the natural states land.

We dont want their problems to reflect on us and our investments, Smith said.

In a recent special session, lawmakers passed new restrictions on mining operations after pushback over legislation passed in 2023. This gave some power back to local governments to step in.

Weve never seen anything quite like this in our state before, Rep. Jeremiah Moore said.

Changes to Arkansas crypto mining sites potentially incoming with state resolutions

Legislation on the federal level is also in the work, but Hill said Capitol Hills focus is broader.

In Congress, were trying to create a digital framework for all digital assets, Hill said.

Congress is also working on a bill that would implement nationwide regulated crypto services, backed by the U.S. Treasury.

As more adoption takes place, the value should go up. Bit coiners are betting on that future adoption, Smith said.

That is a trajectory both Smith and Hill say indicates its only the beginning of the crypto world.

Wall Street closes, Smith said. Bitcoin never closes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A coal-fired power plant in Romeoville, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Utility companies in Louisiana saddled in- and out-of-state customers with $340 million in unnecessary costs over the past three years by choosing to run outdated, inefficient coal plants when cleaner, more affordable energy sources were available, according to a recent study an environmental group commissioned.

The Natural Resources Defense Council, a coalition of environmental lawyers, scientists, advocates and other experts, commissioned the study from Grid Strategies, a power sector consulting firm out of Washington D.C., to analyze the operating costs of power plants that supply electricity to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market. The countrys largest regional electric grid, MISO covers most of Louisiana and spans into a large swath of the Midwest and parts of Canada.

Grid operators such as MISO handle the daily buying and selling of electricity among power generators and utility companies across the grid. MISO is designed to ensure the lowest-cost sources of electricity, such as wind and solar, are used before higher-cost resources such as coal. The power plants decide how much electricity to generate for the MISO grid in accordance with day-ahead demand forecasts.

The cost of the last and most expensive power resource needed to meet the daily demand establishes the market clearing price for all electricity bought and sold across the grid. This allows the costliest resource to break even while all the lower-cost resources earn a profit because the market price is greater than their cost of producing electricity.

The study found several power generators across MISO continued to use their coal plants when they werent needed and forced more affordable wind, solar and natural gas plants to curtail their output. Because of this, ratepayers across MISO have borne more than $1 billion in excess costs from 2021 to 2023, and those costs were most pronounced in Louisiana, Indiana and North Dakota, according to the study.

Ratepayers in Louisiana lost a total of $340 million, largely from a single power plant, a Big Cajun 2 coal unit located in Pointe Coupee Parish. Cleco Power, the majority owner of the plant during the timeframe of the study, did not respond to specific questions about the study. Last month, Cleco sold its majority stake to Atlas Capital, a private equity firm.

Other coal plants in Louisiana also contributed to the excess costs. The R. S. Nelson Generating Plant in Calcasieu Parish, owned by Entergy, is the second least economic coal plant in the state, burdening ratepayers with nearly $49 million in excess costs over the past three years. The third worst, according to the study, was Clecos Brame Energy Center coal plant in Rapides Parish, which saddled customers with $24 million in excess costs from 2021 to 2023.

Large utility companies with their own power generation, like Entergy Louisiana and Cleco, have little incentive to give up their old inefficient coal plants. Logan Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, said the utilities are largely indifferent to fuel prices because state regulators allow them to pass all of their costs through to their customers. As a result, they risk nothing by operating a coal plant when the price of coal skyrockets.

Also, most lower-cost renewable power resources are owned by independent producers who sign contracts to sell their energy to utilities, and the purchasing utility does not typically earn much of a profit from that arrangement. As a result, retiring a utility-owned coal plant to replace it with renewable resources owned by an independent producer directly reduces the utilitys profit, the study noted.

The problem is not exactly a new one, but state regulators have been slow to respond in ways that would prevent it. The Louisiana Public Service Commission recently approved a $125 million refund to customers for the uneconomic dispatches of Clecos Dolet Hills coal plant. The judge in the case actually recommended a higher settlement of $183 million, but the commissioners reduced the final payment.

Cases like that are often settled long after the fact and are usually spearheaded by third-party groups and nonprofit organizations. Case in point, last month the Public Service Commission approved an agreement the Sierra Club spearheaded that will require Cleco to switch off two of its Brame Energy Center units whenever more affordable electricity is available. The decision came after analysis by the Sierra Club found the plants operated at a total loss of over $51 million in 2023  losses that will be passed on to Clecos customers.

The Sierra Club intervened in Clecos recent rate case and lobbied the commissioners to require the utility to commit to turning off its coal plants whenever they become uneconomic to run.

Despite these examples, some politicians frequently tout Louisiana as having the lowest per kilowatt-hour energy rates in the country. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta even said it during a nationally-televised statement at the Republican National Convention last week.

However, Burke explained that the claim is misleading as it fails to paint an accurate picture of the cost of electricity in the state. The true cost of energy is reflected in the actual amounts billed to customers each month, which averages out to be one of the highest in the country, she said.

Customers dont just pay a per kilowatt-hour rate, Burke said. It would be great if they did.

Instead, they pay a myriad of other costs and fees that utility companies add to the bills on top of the per kilowatt-hour rate. These include line items such as a customer charge, an energy charge and a storm restoration offset, among others. More information about those fees can usually be found on a utility companys website.

Theyre actually paying for climate [change] on their bills, Burke said.

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The District 4 seat on the Collier County School Board is up for grabs this year as incumbent Erick Carter's term is up. Carter is running for re-election, but Tom Henning is also running for the seat.

Erick Carter is a 54-year-old Republican who has lived in Naples more than 30 years. He first moved to Naples in 1993 and launched a business in Collier County. He and his wife are co-owners and managers of a small business, Salon Zenergy.

Carter is a Lorenzo Walker Technical College alum and continues to serve on advisory councils for the entrepreneurship and cosmetology programs.

Before launching Salon Zenergy, Carter was a ballroom instructor for a national organization. His work brought him to Naples, where he met his wife Anita. Together, they have one son who graduated from Naples High School. Carter's son was active in JROTC and interned with the Collier County Sheriff's Office before earning a fully Army ROTC scholarship at Florida Southern College.

About the Collier County School Board District 4 position

The Collier County School Board operates, controls, and supervises all public schools within the district. The District 4 member will represent all the schools within District 4.

District 4 includes the following schools: Alternative Schools Avalon Elementary East Naples Middle Gulfview Middle Lake Park Elementary Lorenzo Walker Technical College Lorenzo Walker Technical High School Naples High Poinciana Elementary Sea Gate Elementary Shadowlawn Elementary

A Collier County School Board member makes around $48,700 per year.

School Board members serve for four-year terms at a time before needing to be re-elected.

How much has Carter raised so far?

Carter's campaign has brought in approximately $50,000. He says donations came from teachers, parents, business leaders, and more locals that "recognize the importance of having a strong school system."

"One of the biggest priorities in my campaign was meeting new residents, so that they could get to know the issues our students face and my vision for helping our future leaders achieve their full potential," Carter said.

Who is Carter running against in the election?

Carter is up against Henning, who is also a Republican. Whoever wins the primary election on Aug. 20 will hold the District 4 seat on the Collier County School Board.

Here are incumbent Carter's answers to our questions:

Collier School Board District 4 member Erick Carter is running for re-election.

Collier County has seen an increased demand for technical programs for students. How would you address the challenges of managing this growth while ensuring all students receive a quality education in the areas they desire?

Collier County Public Schools continues to grow its technical programs at both the secondary and post-secondary levels.

We utilize data from the Southwest Florida Workforce to ensure we are offering the programs needed to fill the most in-demand careers.

For the last 8 years I have been advocating to increase access to our technical college for all high school students.

CCPS also continues to foster relationships with the business community to ensure we identify and develop programming to meet their needs, which then creates a seamless transition to the workplace for students through work-based learning experiences.

How would you address concerns about teacher retention and recruitment in Collier County?

Last year, we provided teachers with an unprecedented 12.5% pay increase which has, along with climate surveys which we acted upon, improved our overall retention.

Affordable housing continues to be the biggest challenge in our community. We are actively seeking to develop a 35-acre parcel of land into workforce housing. My vision would be to lease the land to the developer for 99 years on the condition that half of the rental units be reserved for teachers and first responders.

It would have a net-zero impact for taxpayers, the District would retain the land, and the developer would be able generate ROI.

Do you believe that CCPS is doing enough to ensure the safety and security of students and staff on school grounds? What changes, if any, would you advocate for in terms of school safety policies and procedures?

As a father, I will never stop fighting for improved school safety. I work closely with members of the Collier County Sheriffs Office to review safety plans, learn about how potential threats would be addressed, and make sure that all available resources are dedicated to protecting our children.

We are truly fortunate to have the forward-thinking leadership of Sheriff Rambosk, whose team was recognized with a national award of excellence from the School Safety Advocacy Council for our local Threat Management Program. I will continue to support Sheriff Rambosks recommendations on school security along with state guidelines.

What is your stance on situations involving potentially controversial materials or displays in schools? (ex. LGBTQ pride posters, religious imagery, etc. in classrooms)

At Collier County Public Schools, our main focus is to provide a high-quality education that prepares our children for the future. School policy does not allow the school to post political items or anything that may be disruptive to our students education.

How would you address the concerns of parents and community members who have expressed dissatisfaction with certain books or materials available in school libraries? What role do you believe parents should play in shaping curriculum and library collections?

I completely support more parent involvement in every aspect of our Schools. All parents are invited to get involved in the committees that review potential textbooks for the upcoming school year.

I would also encourage parents to regularly attend School Board meetings so they can learn about issues that never make the news and contribute to solutions.

How would you rank inclusivity in Collier schools among your other priorities? How can CCPS better foster a welcoming environment?

I have high expectations for all our stakeholders to feel welcomed and valued. I have been extremely attentive to the needs of our employees, students, parents and community.

Inclusivity as it pertains to our Board priorities would be embedded into each one.

In building culture and climate, it is inherent in the concept that we make all our stakeholders feel heard, valued and respected.

I would say this is one area with this superintendent that has shown incredible progress. CCPS educates every single student who comes through our doors to reach their potential as productive members of American culture.

What are your thoughts on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom? How should the school district approach AI to enhance education while addressing concerns about plagiarism and academic integrity?

The use of AI tools, without the express permission/consent of a teacher, undermines the learning and problem-solving skills that are essential to academic success and that we develop in each student.

Students are encouraged to develop their own knowledge, skills, and understanding of course material rather than relying solely on AI tools and they should ask their teachers when they have questions and/or need assistance.

Unauthorized use of AI tools is considered a form of plagiarism and any student found using these tools without permission or in a prohibited manner will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Given the new state bill allowing school districts to opt into a program with volunteer chaplains, what are your views on the role of religion in schools? How should the district handle the inclusion of religious activities while ensuring they respect the diverse beliefs of all students and comply with legal requirements?

I am in favor of parental choice.

Allowing volunteer chaplains into our schools provides another option for children to seek help from a trusted advisor, as long as there is written parental consent.

Additionally, if they are to be mental health counselors, policy should require that they meet the Florida Board of Mental Health Counseling.

Furthermore, policy should not allow this to be an avenue for any religious leader to solicit other students within the school. They should only conduct meetings as aforementioned with parental consent.

What are the top priorities for your district, and what new initiatives will you focus on to improve the local education system?

Open more opportunities for Collier County Juniors and Seniors to attend Technical Colleges, so they can confidently start their careers debt free.

Reduce unnecessary spending by: Ensuring that we establish quantifiable goals on all of our programs so that we can evaluate the return on investment (ROI) for our students, teachers, and taxpayers. Engaging Budget Reduction Committees so that we can continuously improve our processes and reduce waste. Establishing Zero Base Budgeting where applicable.

Continue to build on our elementary students reading gains with a strong focus on phonetical learning.

What do you want voters to know about you, and why should they vote for you instead of your opponent?

I believe in accountability and financial responsibility. Under my leadership, the District has become debt free. We paid $120 million in cash to build three new schools.

I understand the challenges our students face coming into the classroom, and we are working to prepare them for a successful future. Despite 40% of our students starting school with a language deficit or disability, we maintain a 91.5% graduation rate.

Districtwide, 64% of our students live in low-income households and 55% of them do not speak English as a primary language. Im proud to say our students outperformed the state in 20 of 21 categories.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: What to know about Collier School Board candidate Erick Carter
Damon Alimouri, 33, stands in front of photographs of musicians he looks up to in his law office in Pasadena on Monday. (Zoe Cranfill / Los Angeles Times)

Back in January, I met a lawyer who answered to Rico Suave.

His real name was Damon Alimouri, and he was representing a member of the so-called Justice 8, internet-famous for confronting people they accused of harassing street vendors, videotaping the loud aftermath, then calling on followers to support the vendors. San Bernardino County prosecutors had charged the eight with a potpourri of felonies ranging from false imprisonment to conspiracy to assault and had successfully convinced a judge to deny bail to all but one.

In court, Alimouri stood out from his fellow defense attorneys, and not just for his colorful nickname, coined by fans who swooned over his tailored suits, shiny pompadour and oratorical skills. His passionate yet unpretentious style contrasted with the showboating of some of the other lawyers.

He framed the Justice 8 case as a danger to civil liberties, frequently referencing the U.S. Constitution and the Founding Fathers. The son of an Iranian father and Mexican mother got sheriff's deputies to contradict what they had written down in their arrest reports.

His client, Vanessa Carrasco, faced 13 felonies and a maximum of 17 years in prison. Last month, she and six others pleaded guilty to the same single charge  assault with intent to commit great bodily harm. They're free on bail and await sentencing in December, leaving only their leader, Edin Alex Enamorado, fighting his case. (Another defendant's charges were dropped Tuesday after he agreed to community service and anger management courses.)

Read more: Street vendor activists motivated by videos on social media plead guilty to assault

It was a victory for my client, Alimouri said as we sat in his small Pasadena office last week. On his desk were books by Oscar Wilde and Hegel. Photos on the walls ranged from Emiliano Zapata and Malcolm X to stills from Goodfellas and The Godfather" to police mugshots of David Bowie and Mick Jagger. Not the one I wanted, but when all the other charges were dismissed, its what well take.

Now, he represents Enamorado, the Justice 8's most high-profile member. A political organizer by trade, Enamorado began taping his showdowns with street vendor harassers three years ago, eventually earning hundreds of thousands of followers on social media but also critics for in-your-face tactics that included doxxing and protests outside people's homes and workplaces.

Prosecutors have been especially hard on the Cudahy native, who rejected an offer to plead guilty to two felonies, down from the 16 he faces, and receive a six-year prison sentence, according to Alimouri.

In court, lead prosecutor Jason Wilkinson described Enamorado and the rest of the Justice 8 as practicing ritualized harassment and preconceived vigilantism for their roles in three incidents: chasing down a security guard who had harassed a street vendor and pepper-spraying him; following a man home after he threw a plastic bottle at them during a protest outside the Pomona Police Department; and beating a driver after he inched toward them with his car.

Enamorado has remained jailed without bail at the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto since December.

Activist Edin Alex Enamorado protests outside of Santa Barbara Superior Court in 2023 during the arraignment of Jeanne Umana, a woman accused of using racist language to Latino men in incidents caught on video. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)

Alimouri's appearance was radically different from when we first met at the Victorville courthouse. In a black jacket, shirt and tie, sporting a bushy haircut and a full, wiry beard, he looked like an MMA fighter ready to attend a Johnny Cash convention.

Ive been getting into that whole concept of austerity, the 33-year-old explained. A close personal friend died of a drug overdose, and Ive had some personal tragedies since the beginning of this year. And now, this case.

Enamorado's camp approached him last month, looking for a new lawyer.

Ive had clients charged with murder, rape, child molestation  they got bail, Alimouri said, the intensity in his voice ratcheting up with every crime he uttered. They [prosecutors] say theyre trying to protect Enamorado's alleged victims. No, they want to make a point.

Jacquelyn Rodriguez, public affairs officer for the San Bernardino County district attorney's office, declined an interview request, since the case is ongoing.

Alimouri didn't want Enamorado to talk to me, "because theyll [San Bernardino County prosecutors] use anything he tells you against him. They know that millions of people are paying attention online. Edin is a folk hero, and they want to make an example out of him.

The arrests of the Justice 8 in December were announced in a news conference, with San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus ridiculing their activism as "clickbait for cash" and showing off mugshots on a poster board meant to evoke a Mafia family tree, with Enamorado at the top. Supporters have held fundraisers, and dozens have showed up at Justice 8 court hearings.

The case is serving as a closely watched referendum on internet justice, with fierce debates playing out on social media. How far is too far when calling out people who have attacked the scorned of society? Or is defending the defenseless always justified?

Enamorado is not just Enamorado, Alimouri continued. I love and respect him, but this is a higher thing.

Read more: Edin Alex Enamorado: Street vendor avenger

A San Gabriel Valley native, Alimouri majored in philosophy and political science at USC, deciding to study law after seeing a YouTube video of conservative icon William F. Buckley interviewing famed defense attorney F. Lee Bailey.

Bailey "was advocating for rehabilitation and the right to discovery, said Alimouri, who has a framed magazine ad of Bailey shilling for Smirnoff Vodka on his office wall. I thought, This is what I was meant to be. Hes cool, suave, assertive and righteous.'"

Alimouri's "bleeding heart" came from his father, who fled Iran after opposing both the shah and the country's Islamic regime, finding work in the United States as a chauffeur.

Alimouri had never heard of Enamorado before answering a Facebook call looking for lawyers for the Justice 8 and feeling outraged at the charges. Representing Carrasco pro bono, he soon realized that she was small potatoes to prosecutors in their zeal to nail Enamorado.

Damon Alimouri,33, in his law office in Pasadena. (Zoe Cranfill / Los Angeles Times)

I told Alimouri that he has an impossible task. Victorville ain't exactly George Gascon territory.

I agreed with him that the case against Enamorado and the Justice 8 was prosecutorial overreach, but I noted that his client wasn't likely to get any mercy. Outside the courthouse is a huge, Pieta-like statue dedicated to officers killed in the line of duty and a wooden replica of the first sheriff's outpost in the city.

In the incidents involving the security guard and the driver, who started what was debatable. But video shows that after following the Pomona man home, Enamorado and others surrounded his car, forced him out, then made him get on his knees and apologize. Someone yelled, "We let you live, homie!"

There was no way anyone could see that video and not cringe, I told Alimouri. He was unfazed.

You said cringe.' That isnt a crime. This isnt a popularity contest. This isnt a morality match. This is a case of legal issues. Its not whether we cringe when we see a certain video or not.

Enamorados next pretrial hearing is July 31. Alimouri plans to file motions challenging the venue, the charges and whether San Bernardino County has jurisdiction over the Pomona altercations. Enamorado is willing to go to trial to clear his name  and Alimouri isn't afraid.

I have faith in regular folks who comprise juries, he said. Thats the beauty of the law. Edins fate would be in the hands of generous folks, not prosecutors and judges. Jefferson said, 'I consider trial by jury as the only anchor yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.'"

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Barack Obama, candidate for a Senate seat in Illinois and one of the keynote speakers of the 2004 Democratic National Convention, addresses delegates in Boston, Massachusetts on July 27, 2004.

The inspirational keynote speech at a national political convention 20 years ago was instrumental in bringing landslide election of a president, even though the presidential nominee of that convention went down to defeat.

That speech was delivered on July 27, 2004, by Barack Obama, then a little-known state senator from Illinois. Yes, a state senator. He had not yet been elected to the U.S. Senate. His name was funny sounding, his governmental credentials slim.

While most Americans couldnt recall the names of other past keynoters for any Democratic or Republican convention, most of those who listened to Obamas speech will never forget it.

The speech, drawing a wildly enthusiastic response from Democratic National Convention delegates in Boston and from viewers nationally, had these memorable lines:

Theres not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; theres the United States of America.

The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But Ive got news for them, too. We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we dont like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States.

More Colwell: What will be Obama's legacy?

To rising cheers, Obama said that even though Americans could differ on war in Iraq, We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

After a time of hope and seeming progress, it appears that Obama has been proven wrong, the pundits proven right.

There is a Red America, a Blue America, more brightly colored and divided now than when Obama spoke so hopefully about a united United States.

Enthusiasm for Obama and his message didnt propel John Kerry, the Democratic presidential nominee, to victory over President George W. Bush in 2004.

It wasnt Obamas fault that Kerry lost. It was Kerrys own fault that he blew a lead over a president with lagging popularity.

More: This election, Indiana really matters

The inspiring keynote  Obama telling of living the American Dream, with his diversity of heritage  was about the only convention speech drawing much enthusiasm around the nation.

Kerry strategists assumed mistakenly that they should avoid anything negative that might alienate voters. All speakers were ordered not to attack President Bush and take a positive approach. They did. Positively boring for many watching the convention on TV.

Kerry expected the traditional bounce in the polls after a convention. No bounce. He actually dropped in the Gallup poll.

Bush successfully went on the attack. The Republican convention, with strong mockery of Kerry and Democrats, did get some bounce.

Even Kerrys service in Vietnam was ridiculed. He didnt hit back, assuming nobody would believe that stuff. But Kerrys high-road approach came across for many voters as haughty, out of touch. Negative works.

After that keynote speech, Obamas political future was bright. He won for the U.S. Senate in Illinois as Kerry went down to defeat. Obama for president? Well, 2008 seemed too soon. But still.

Not every Democrat was thrilled with Obamas sudden rise to stardom. Not Hillary Clinton. And I recall that Indiana delegates at the convention, though hailing the great keynote speech, lamented that Obamas star could be rising higher than that of Indianas own Sen. Evan Bayh, also viewed as a rising star.

Obama wisely didnt wait. He ran for president and won in 2008. He won by more than 2 to 1 in the Electoral College. He even carried Indiana. Yes, Indiana.

If he had not been a surprise pick to deliver that keynote speech or if it had been a more typical convention speech, he would not have had that opening to run in 2008. Maybe later. Maybe not.

What would be the reaction now, 20 years later, to a convention speaker, either party, saying there are no red or blue states, just a red, white and blue United States?

Jack Colwell is a columnist for The Tribune. Write to him in care of The Tribune or by email at jcolwell@comcast.net.

Jack Colwell

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: There is a Red America, a Blue America
Here Comes The Backlash To JD Vance's 'Childless Cat Ladies' Comment From 2021

Donald Trumps vice presidential running mate, JD Vance, drew high-profile backlash this week for his remark in 2021 about top Democrats, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, being childless cat ladies.

The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg slammed Vance with a how dare you on Wednesday mornings broadcast, and former Friends star Jennifer Aniston made a rare political statement later that day.

I truly cant believe this is coming from a potential VP of The United States, Aniston said on Instagram. All I can say is...Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day.

Kerstin Emhoff, a film producer and the ex-wife of second gentleman Doug Emhoff, called the comments baseless attacks, pointing out Thursday that Harris has for years been a co-parent of their children.

She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective and always present, Kerstin Emhoff told CNN. I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it.

The Trump-Vance campaign hasnt responded to the criticism.

In 2021, Vance blasted the childless left in a speech, arguing that people without children have less of a stake in the countrys future. He followed the speech with an incendiary interview on Fox News in which he specifically mentioned Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Harris.

Were effectively run in this country, via the Democrats, 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, now a U.S. senator from Ohio, said at the time.

Its just a basic fact: You look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC, the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children, he said. And how does it make any sense that weve turned our country over to people that dont have a direct stake in it?

The remarks drew wider attention after Trump named Vance as his running mate last week.

In case anyone missed it, on Thursday the Harris campaign posted a clip of the interview to its 1 million followers on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. And in an email heralding World IVF Day, the Harris campaign said Vance is driving away voters in droves, insulting couples struggling with infertility who are sounding off on his disparaging comments about childless women.

In vitro fertilization emerged as a major political issue this year after an Alabama Supreme Court decision put IVF procedures on shaky legal footing. The decision followed the U.S. Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade, the federal right to an abortion, and put Republicans on the defensive. Trump has insisted his would defend IVF if hes elected president.

Buttigieg and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, both potential vice presidential picks for Harris, also piped up about the cat ladies comment on Wednesday.

Go ahead and continue to denigrate people. My God, they went after cat people. Good luck with that, Walz said on MSNBC. Turn on the internet and see what cat people do when you go after them.

Buttigieg, for his part, told CNN that Vance listed him as a childless cat lady at a time when he and his husband had had a heartbreaking setback in their efforts to adopt children. (They now have twins.)

He couldnt have known that, Buttigieg said of Vance, but maybe thats why you shouldnt be talking about other peoples children.

Related...
An Ohio prison employee has been charged after the death of a corrections officer who was shot during a training session in Pickaway County earlier this year.

David Pearson, 44, was indicted on the misdemeanor charge of negligent homicide by a Pickaway County grand jury on July 12, according to our news partners at WBNS.

Pearson was a special operations commander for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Charges filed in death of Ohio corrections officer who was shot during training session

He was placed on administrative leave in April after the death of Lt. Rodney Osborne.

As News Center 7 previously reported Osborne was shot and killed on April 9 during a training exercise at the Corrections Training Academy.

The shooting occurred at the tactical firing range, with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction calling it a tragic accident.

Osborne was shot just above his bulletproof vest, according to an autopsy report.

Pearson is not in custody and is scheduled to appear in Pickaway County Court of Common Pleas on Aug. 7.
President Joe Bidens decision to pull out of the race on Sunday afternoon shocked the country. A day earlier, the president was talking as if his campaign was full steam ahead. His change of heart left even some of his closest advisers in the White House bewildered.

Much will be written in the next several days about why Biden bowed out. But theres an altogether different conversation to be had, and it centers on legacy. How does Biden stack up compared with other presidents on the big, meaty questions of foreign policy? Did he try to do too much? Too little? And was he all that successful?

Biden was arguably the most experienced foreign policy hand to enter the White House since the late George H.W. Bush. Starting with his election to the Senate in 1972, Biden took a particular interest in international relations. His 36-year career in the upper chamber included three stints as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He delivered countless speeches on the international news stories of the day, wrote op-eds proposing unconventional schemes (one of the more infamous was a 2006 piece he co-wrote proposing that Iraq be split into three autonomous zones along sectarian lines) and led congressional delegations on foreign trips abroad.

During his eight years as vice president, Biden managed the Ukraine file, where he was a vocal proponent within Barack Obamas administration of giving Kyiv more support to deal with the Russia-backed rebellions in eastern Ukraine. Notably, Biden was also the one person who tried to talk Obama out of sending another 30,000 U.S. troops into Afghanistan, a position that he believed would bog down the U.S. down even further into a quagmire.

By the time Biden took the oath of office as president in January 2021, he had an established philosophy about how the world worked and what the U.S. role in that world should be. His main foreign policy priority was clear from the outset: Rebuild the U.S. alliances in Europe and Asia that he believed Donald Trumps administration damaged. He wanted allies and adversaries alike to know that America is back.

How has he done as he nears the end? Like all U.S. administrations in history, Bidens hasnt been perfect on the foreign policy front. There is the good, bad and ugly.

First, the good. Bidens most consequential achievement by far was his brave call to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 despite the formidable opposition his policy received from the foreign policy commentariat, some of his own advisers in the Pentagon as well as his own chairman of the joint chiefs. Granted, the mechanics of the withdrawal itself were ugly  chaotic scenes of desperate Afghans running for U.S. evacuation planes, the shaky security around the Kabul airport and the deaths of 13 U.S. troops in an Islamic State suicide bombing at the airports gates wont be forgotten.

Yet regardless of how the evacuation was conducted, the policy to pull out after a 20-year war was entirely correct. Unlike most of the national security bureaucracy, Biden was willing to accept the hard realities of the conflict there. Keeping the Afghan government afloat and expecting the U.S. military to carry on in perpetuity were exercises in inertia, not strategy. The Afghan government, riddled with corruption, was a highly inefficient, ineffective mess that was hemorrhaging support from the people it was supposed to represent. The Afghan economy was mostly dependent on foreign aid infusions.

And the Taliban, kicked out of power after 9/11, was prepared to keep the war going for another 20 years if thats what it took to return to Kabul. Biden deserves immense credit for doing what his predecessors should have done years earlier.

While most observers would put Ukraine in the good portfolio, I would put it in the bad. This isnt because Biden has chosen to support Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars in military aid over the last 2 1/2 years. Such a move was frankly inevitable the moment Russian missiles struck Ukrainian cities and Russian troops poured over the border in February 2022. Others have argued that supporting Ukraine was a low-cost way to weaken Russian military power, all without putting U.S. troops on the ground.

Biden, however, has gone too far rhetorically. He talks about the war as a downright existential contest between the forces of light and darkness, bringing back the morality-infused binaries that proliferated during the George W. Bush-era. This type of language is dangerous because it could lead to the kinds of salami-slicing tactics that bring the U.S. closer to becoming a direct party to the conflict. Ukraine isnt the be-all and end-all of global civilization. Bidens diplomatic strategy is wanting as well; in essence, he has committed Washington to arming Kyiv for as long as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants those arms to flow. This treads toward outsourcing U.S. foreign policy to a foreign leader.

The ugly, meanwhile, can be summed by one word: Gaza. The nearly 10-month-old conflict in this coastal Palestinian enclave wasnt Bidens fault of course. But it long ago turned into a significant moral problem on Americas shoulders. Even as billions of dollars in bombs flow into Israels military coffers, the U.S. looks weak in the eyes of the world. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to ignore Bidens complaints with how the war is prosecuted yet receives U.S. bombs regardless. The U.S. is now the junior partner of the U.S.-Israel relationship and Americas moral standing is jeopardized.

This is but a sample of Bidens record. No column can do it justice. We will leave that up to the historians.

_____

Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

_____
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The community is invited to an Unaccompanied Veteran Burial for U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class (PFC) Bob Gilbert Wood at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene.

Wood was born on October 2, 1941, and served from June 1960 to January 1965. For his service to our country, he was awarded the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.

Wood is not expected to have any next of kin attend his burial, so the Texas Veterans Land Board has asked the community to attend and ensure this Veteran is not buried alone.

Wood will be honored with military accolades. If no immediate family is present at the burial, a representative from the Veterans Land Board will accept the United States flag on his behalf.

The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 29, at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, located at 7457 West Lake Road in Abilene.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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PRAGUE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A bear attacked a cyclist on a forest path in northern Slovakia's Zilina region, the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic (SOP) said on Thursday.

The 34-year-old man suffered injuries to his upper and lower limbs during the attack near the town of Turany on Wednesday evening, the SOP said in a statement. "The patient had deep lacerations and a bone fracture and underwent surgery. He is receiving comprehensive treatment and remains hospitalized," it added.

A bear response team from the SOP and local police were on the scene to monitor the site and track the animal. Police urged people to exercise caution in the wild.

Several bear attacks have been reported in Slovakia this year. In March, a bear injured five people in the northern town of Liptovsky Mikulas, drawing significant public and political attention.

Since the beginning of this year, the SOP has registered 793 reports of bear encounters with people. Hunters and bear strike teams have culled 37 bears that posed a risk and became accustomed to humans and their surroundings, the News Agency of the Slovak Republic reported earlier this month. 
Community orgs plan to attend governors town hall, but members of the public still unaware

Las Cruces from the foothills of the Organ Mountains in Dona Ana County. (Photo by Leah Romero for Source NM)

LAS CRUCES  Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams first public safety town hall is tonight in Las Cruces, but some members of the public are seemingly unaware of the community discussion.

The town hall was announced by the governors office Monday, four days after the hours-long special legislative session called by Lujan Grisham to pass several public safety bills. Instead, legislators passed House Bill 1 providing additional wildfire and flood relief funds to the Ruidoso area. Then they adjourned.

The town hall in Las Cruces this Thursday is an opportunity to hear directly from New Mexicans grappling with the states crime problem and collaborate as a community on effective strategies to enhance public safety statewide, the governors office said.

Additional public safety town halls planned by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

Monday, July 29

5:30 p.m.  7:30 p.m.

Albuquerque

CNM Main Campus

Smith Brasher Hall

717 University Blvd. SE

Tuesday, July 30

5:30 p.m.  7:30 p.m.

Espanola

Northern New Mexico College Event Center

921 N. Paseo de Onate

Representatives from community action organizations throughout the state, including the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, plan to attend.

However, the news about the event slowly got to the public.

Robin Teran said she had not heard about the community meeting and was not likely to attend.

I dont tend to attend these things as much as I do read about them afterwards, find out what was said, what was decided, Teran said.

Teran is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada and has lived in Las Cruces since 2015. She said she generally feels very safe in southern New Mexico and has experienced only a few instances of crime.

I dont know if thats because of where I come from or what that might be, she said. I would say the one thing that we have had issues with in crime are the porch pirates, people going through your mailbox. Im not sure what can be done about that.

Sharon Clear agreed that she basically feels safe in her community, particularly with having previously lived in Los Angeles. She moved to Las Cruces in 2008. Clear was also unaware of the meeting, but said she would typically consider attending events centered around public safety discussions.

I feel safe here. I pretty much love New Mexico, Clear said.

However, she said she would like to see more action taken to assist unhoused people. Affordable housing is under construction near her home, she said, but more needs to be done, particularly when people step out into the street asking for money.

You worry about hitting them, Clear said.

Nicole Martinez, executive director of Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, a nonprofit organization in Las Cruces that facilitates services for the unhoused community, said there is a need for more affordable housing as well as flexible services that can weather legislative change.

The rhetoric lately seems to be that if we push for housing and expanded mental health services as opposed to punitive, costly and mandatory measures, that we are against public safety. And thats just not the case, she said.

Alex Comandante has only lived in Las Cruces for four months and owns a food business, Tainos Roast House. He said his issues with safety are not with people in the community, but with the government.

I think were being oppressed. Maybe not by the City of Las Cruces, but Im talking in general, Comandante said. I dont feel as much threat from anybody like, individuals or the community, you know, right. To me, theyre nice people.

Todays town hall will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave. and live streamed from the governors Facebook page.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Governor Ron DeSantis took a break from highlighting Floridas Back to School sales tax holiday to speak out against the crowds that gathered to protest Israels war in Gaza outside of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.

How you would allow Hamas people to deface statues and buildings, to take down the American flag off a train station and to burn the flag and then put a Hamas flag up, that was a complete disgrace, DeSantis said while speaking in Aventure Thursday.

On Wednesday, a large crowd gathered to march on the US Capitol, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was speaking to Congress.

A large effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, is seen as protestors attempt to block streets, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Washington, ahead of a scheduled visit by Netanyahu at the U.S. Capitol. The Washington Monument is seen, rear.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Officers deployed pepper spray after some of the crowd had become violent and had failed to obey orders to move back from the police line, U.S. Capitol Police said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Why arent those people being arrested and prosecuted? I know they did that in other situations, but they dont wanna do it in this one, DeSantis continued, referring to the multiple arrests and prosecutions of Americans who participated in the January 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol.

DeSantis also criticized Vice President Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, for failing to appear for Netanyahus address.

You have the leader of one of our strongest allies for my whole lifetime speaking in front of Congress, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and yet Kamala cant go there and greet him? DeSantis asked.

On Thursday, Kamala Harris posted to X condemning the unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric.

Read my full statement on the protests in Washington, D.C. yesterday. pic.twitter.com/zJpZvdQDt9  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 25, 2024

I support the right to peacefully protest, but lets be clear: Antisemitism, hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation, the vice president said in her statement.

Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday. Vice President Harris is also scheduled to meet with the Israeli Prime Minister on a separate day.

Information from the Associated Press was used for this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (D. Mo.) put out a statement regarding the fourth address to a joint session of Congress from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

In fiery speech to Congress, Netanyahu vows total victory in Gaza and denounces U.S. protesters

In his statement, Rep. Cleaver revealed he was unable to attend the address, which took place during a crucial point during the conflict between Israel and Palestine, due to a COVID-19 diagnosis.

The virus that caused a global pandemic is never entirely out of the news, yet it has seen yet another surge of popularity with President Biden revealing that he as well was diagnosed with COVID last week just before pulling out of his presidential campaign.

Rep. Cleavers Statement brings up more than just the recent illness that has him sidelined. The U.S. Representative also went into detail on several concerns regarding the Prime Ministers plans and evaluation of the ongoing conflict in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

5 things to watch in Bidens address tonight

I am not able to attend the address to Congress today by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu due to an unfortunate case of COVID-19, said Rep. Cleaver in his statement.

I had planned to attend todays speech by the leader of one of Americas oldest allies, because I believe Members of Congress have a responsibility to represent their constituents during any joint session, and out of respect for the long and close relationship between our two countries. However, that does not mean I agree with every policy that Prime Minister Netanyahu has enacted or proposed  to be clear, I do not. For the last several years, I and other pro-Israel Americans have watched with deep concern as the Prime Ministers far-right government has not only proposed changes to the Israeli judicial system that would reduce its independence and erode Israels democracy, but also allowed the worst terrorist attack in Israeli history, followed by a currently unsuccessful campaign to safely return hostages and destroy Hamas.

Today, I hope the Prime Minister speaks of his plans to reach an agreement that will free the remaining 120 hostages, including eight Americans, who were attacked and kidnapped on October 7th and end the war in Gaza as soon as possible. I applaud President Bidens statements two weeks ago after the NATO Summit that the war should end now, and I believe the President has laid out a comprehensive plan to achieve that critical goal. Innocent civilians in Gaza remain in dire need of humanitarian aid, which can only be adequately and safely distributed with an end to the fighting.

Additionally, it is imperative that Prime Minister Netanyahu lay out a legitimate plan for the day after the fighting ends, one which does not return to the status-quo before October 7th. A plan which breaks the cycle of violence and includes a path for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank to pursue self-determination and the ability to govern their own state. Without such a plan, I fear the cycle of violence will only continue and Israels standing around the world will further diminish.

2024 Election Latest: Netanyahu vows in speech to Congress to press on with war in Gaza

A lot of the questions Rep. Cleaver brought up in his statement still remain unanswered. The Associated Press reports that Wednesdays address from Netanyahu featured little or no mention of efforts by the United States and Arab allies to negotiate an end to the fighting and that the Israeli Prime Minister praised Donald Trump in his address. It was also noted that Netanyahu called protesters Useful idiots.

Washington D.C. has seen a growing number of protests during and after Netanyahus address. Capitol Police put out a thread on X, claiming that the crowd had become violent, prompting police to use pepper spray on some protesters. The thread also mentions that six people were arrested in the House Galleries for disrupting the demonstration.

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

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A Conn. Woman Confessed to Killing Her Husband. She Was Found Dead Hours Before Her Sentencing

The Connecticut State Police said the incident has been "categorized as an untimely death investigation" based on "initial findings"

Patrick Raycraft/Hartford Courant via AP Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi during a Feb. 13, 2018 court appearance

A Connecticut woman who confessed to killing her husband was found dead hours before her sentencing on Wednesday.

Four months after Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi, 76, pled guilty to the first-degree manslaughter of her husband, Dr. Pierluigi Bigazzi, 84, Connecticut State Police found her dead inside a home.

According to a news release, the department was contacted at approximately 10:37 a.m. on Wednesday by an individual who said they were at a home in Burlington, Conn., and were "unable to make contact with the resident."

After the troopers responded to the scene, they could not contact the individual inside and called the local fire department to help them gain entry.

Getty Images Stock image of crime scene tape

Related: UConn Professor's Wife Accused of Murdering Husband and Leaving His Body in Their House for Months

"An unresponsive female was located within the residence, who was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. The decedent has been identified as Linda Bigazzi, DOB 10/31/1947, of the above address," the news release states.

Kosuda-Bigazzi was scheduled to be sentenced at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, reports the Associated Press.

The Connecticut State Police said the incident has been "categorized as an untimely death investigation" based on "initial findings."

Rebecca Lurye/Tribune News Service via Getty Images via Getty Home where Dr. Pierluigi Bigazzi was found dead in 2018

Related: 76-Year-Old Connecticut Woman Admits to Killing Husband, Hiding His Body and Collecting His Paychecks

While her death remains under investigation, Patrick Tomasiewicz, Kosuda-Bigazzi's defense attorney, said in a statement obtained by USA Today that her passing "was not anticipated."



"We were honored to be her legal counsel and did our very best to defend her in a complex case for the past six years. She was a very independent woman who was always in control of her own destiny," his statement added. PEOPLE has reached out to Tomasiewicz for comment.

A criminal information summary previously obtained by PEOPLE showed that Bigazzi was found dead by police at their home during a visit on Feb. 5, 2018.

Connecticut State Police via AP Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi booking photo

According to a press release from Hartford Judicial District States Attorney Sharmese L. Walcott, police discovered Bigazzi's body after responding to a welfare check request from his employer, the University of Connecticut.

"An investigation showed paychecks from the victims employer continued to be deposited into the couples joint checking account from the time of his death, which authorities believe to be sometime in July 2017, until his body was discovered in early February 2018," the press release adds.

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.



Kosuda-Bigazzi pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter in the first degree and larceny in the first degree during a court appearance in March.

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Contract for deed home sales used to be mostly unregulated in Kansas. A new law changes that.

WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW)  A new law regulating contract for deed home sales is now in effect in Kansas.

Contracts for deed allow a homebuyer to make monthly payments directly to a seller instead of to a bank, with the expectation that the homes title will be transferred to the buyer once all installments are paid.

The mechanism, also known as a land contract, offers a low-barrier pathway to homeownership  especially for people with poor credit looking to avoid traditional lenders.

But state lawmakers, the Federal Trade Commission and even research organizations like Pew Charitable Trusts have found the contracts can be risky for buyers. Pew found 686 land contracts were recorded in Kansas from 2005 to 2022  but researchers say thats likely a vast underestimate because the contracts dont have to be tracked.

The state Legislature voted almost unanimously to pass a bill in April that would add more regulations to contract for deed sales.

Previous to this, theres been no oversight over the sale of real estate through the use of contract for deeds, said Rep. Jason Probst, a Hutchinson Democrat, who has worked on the bill for six years. When I was working on this, I would tell people, You know, we have more regulation and oversight over selling a $500 used car than we do on a piece of real estate.

This is a good way for people to get homes, but its also ripe for exploitation by bad actors. And so Im really hopeful that this will curb that practice.

The law went into effect July 1. It adds a variety of mechanisms to protect buyers:

Allows buyers or sellers to record the contract for deed at the county register of deeds office

Prohibits a seller from signing onto a contract for deed if they do not hold the propertys title. That means, with some exceptions, a seller cannot have a mortgage or lien on the home its selling with a contract for deed.

Gives buyers a minimum of 30 days to catch up if they fall behind on payments, before having to vacate the property.

Pew Charitable Trusts, which recently conducted a study into the major risks contracts for deed pose for homebuyers, commended Kansas for the legislation. The policy allowing buyers or sellers to record contracts for deed with the county is especially important for transparency, said Tara Roche, the project director for Pew Charitable Trusts Housing Policy Initiative.

Calling for the ability to record these is absolutely a step in the right direction, Roche said. And it will help us learn a bit more about the market so that legislators can figure out, Whats happening?

Rep. Nick Hoheisel, a Wichita Republican, requested the bill for introduction in 2023. He said requiring contract for deed sellers to have a free and clear title is important. The rule prevents sellers with mortgages from collecting payments from buyers and failing to use the money to pay the bank.

In 2021, a family living near Hoheisels district found that the contract they signed  technically, a lease agreement with option to purchase  was fraudulent because the sellers didnt own the property outright.

Hoheisel said the Legislature received input from industry groups, including Realtors, bankers and lawyers from the Kansas Bar Association.

All these organizations, they all agreed we needed to do something  that this was a pretty unregulated market, and we needed to give certain protections, Hoheisel said.

The legislation also added some protection for sellers. If a buyer defaults and the contract is recorded with the countys register of deeds, the buyer must alert the county to release the document. If they dont, the buyer could be required to pay the sellers attorney fees.

This was meant as essentially as a mechanism to  clear the title, said Mark Tomb, the vice president of Governmental Affairs at the Kansas Association of Realtors. And that will actually speed up a transaction.

This article was produced as part of the Wichita Journalism Collaborative, which includes KMUW and 10 other organizations and community groups, including KSN-TV.

Celia Hack is a general assignment reporter for KMUW. Before KMUW, she worked at The Wichita Beacon covering local government and as a freelancer for The Shawnee Mission Post and the Kansas Leadership Centers The Journal. She is originally from Westwood, Kansas, but Wichita is her home now.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Celebrities, Taylor Swift fans, and politicians have slammed Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance for comments he made in a 2021 interview that have recently resurfaced, when he said that the country is being run by a bunch of childless cat ladies.

The controversy stems from a 2021 Fox News interview with Tucker Carlson, while Vance was running for the Ohio senate seat he later won. Were effectively run in this countryvia the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchsby 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, who has a wife and three children, told Carlson. How does it make any sense that weve turned our country over to people who dont really have a direct stake in it?

In the interview, Vance named Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as examples of people without children in the Democratic Party. Harris, who is now the likely Democratic presidential nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, has two stepchildren with her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Buttigieg and his husband Chasten adopted twins soon after Vances interview aired in 2021.

As the interview clip resurfaced this week, many people shared their outrage over Vances comments. Actress Jennifer Aniston responded to the remarks on her Instagram story on Wednesday, writing, I truly cant believe this is coming from a potential VP of The United States.

All I can say is Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day. I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option. Because you are trying to take that away from her, too, the actress continued.

Aniston has been vocal in the past about her fertility struggles and her experience with in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF has become the latest frontier in the fight over reproductive rights, after an Alabama state supreme court ruling classified frozen embryos as childrena decision that infertility specialists and legal experts worried could have serious ramifications for the widely-used fertility treatment method. Vance has previously voted against a bill that would have expanded access to IVF and other fertility treatments. He supported a separate Republican-led bill that would have stripped states that prohibit IVF of Medicaid funding.

When asked for comment, Vance's press team referred TIME to a statement Donald Trump's campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X, which says, "As a new mom, my heart aches for women who are unable to bear children" and that Vance's "words are being taken out of context and unfairly attacked."

Leavitt's post also includes comments Vance made in a separate 2021 speech where he talked about childless people, where he said, "A lot of people are unable to have kids for very complicated and important reasons There are people of course for biological reasons, medical reasons that can't have children. The target of these remarks is not them.

Read More: Why Trump Chose J.D. Vance

While Swift herself hasnt publicly addressed Vances "childless cat ladies" comments, her fansknown as Swiftiestook to social media to condemn them. Swift, who isnt married and doesnt have children, has three catsone of which she brought to the photoshoot for the cover of TIME when she was named the 2023 Person of the Year.

Several Swifties posted the TIME cover on TikTok in response to Vances remarks. One user posted the cover with Swifts song, Whos Afraid of Little Old Me?, playing in the background, writing, What was it that JD Vance said about childless women with cats?

When it hits you that Taylor Swift is childless and has cats one person posted on X. JD Vance really effed this one up. The armageddon is coming for him.

Hell hath no fury like a certain childless cat lady who has yet to endorse a presidential candidate, another person posted on X.

Hooooo-boiiii. Vance attacked childless women who love cats. Taylor Swift would probably like a word.



Release the kraken (meowww). pic.twitter.com/JPWhV6V1g2  Dr. StephanieB (@sboumedi) July 23, 2024

Feminist writer Caitlin Moran joined the Swifties, saying in a post on X: Its bold, for someone seeking votes, to hone in on childless cat ladies when the leader of Childless Cat Ladies is TAYLOR SWIFT.

Harris family also jumped to the Vice President's defense. Kerstin Emhoff, the ex-wife of Doug Emhoff, called criticisms about Harris lack of biological children baseless attacks.

For over 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I, Emhoff said in a statement to CNN on Wednesday. She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective, and always present. I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it.

Harriss stepdaughter Ella Emhoff, 25, praised her mothers statement on her Instagram story on Thursday, saying, How can you be childless when you have cutie pie kids like Cole and I.

I love my three parents, she added.

Vice President Harris hasn't commented on Vance's remarks, and her campaign declined to comment.

Buttigieg addressed the issue in a CNN interview on Tuesday, saying that the comments came after he and his husband had been through a fairly heartbreaking setback in our adoption journey."

[Vance] couldnt have known that, but maybe thats why you shouldnt be talking about other peoples children, Buttigieg said. Its not about his kids, or my kids, or the Vice Presidents family. Its about your family. Peoples families whose well-being will depend on whether we go into a future led by somebody like Kamala Harris who is focused on expanding the prosperity, the freedom, the well-being of our families.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
A convicted sex offender found himself in jail again Tuesday after police said he was stalking a 10-year-old girl while she and her mother shopped at a Home Depot in Miami-Dade earlier this month.

Kevin Hurley, a 60-year-old homeless man, has spent the last year six years on supervised probation with  four more years to go  after serving his time in prison on charges of molestation on a minor and lewd and lascivious battery on a child.

Kevin Hurley, a convicted Miami-Dade sex offender, was allegedly stalking a 10-year-old girl while he was on probation for a child molestation charge, cops say.

As part of his release, Hurley is tracked by a GPS and cannot have unsupervised contact with a child. However, Miami-Dade police said he broke the conditions of his probation on Independence Day.

A 10-year-old girl was shopping with her mother at a Home Depot, 19400 SW 106th Ave., an arrest report read. While checking out, Hurley started a conversation with the young girl.

I love your Mickey ears, and I think you are too big to be in that shopping cart, police said he told the girl.

The 10-year-old became uncomfortable and took off her Mickey ears, the report read. After Hurley finished paying nearby, he again spoke to the girl, telling her he thought she was beautiful.

Hurley walked away, still staring at the girl. He never left the Home Depot, the stores surveillance video showed, instead pacing in a nearby aisle while still watching her.

He then tried to walk up to her but was deterred before leaving the store.

Hurley got in his car, parked near the Home Depots entrance and waited about 10 minutes for the little girl to leave.

Her mother was aware of Hurley prowling, the report read, so she asked an employee to walk her to her car out of fear that [Hurley] was waiting for them outside the store.

Upon seeing him, she took a picture of his license plate. He quickly threw his car in reverse to continue following them through the parking lot.

The mother, out of fear, did not walk to her car with her daughter as Hurley stopped directly in front of them. After a good Samaritan confronted him, he sped away from the Home Depot.

Hurley is facing a charge of aggravated stalking of a minor. As of Wednesday, he still remained in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
During his first rally since President Joe Biden exited the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, Donald Trump ran through his usual list of falsehoods, while baselessly accusing Harris of committing crimes. The event in Charlotte, North Carolina was also one of Trumps first rallies since the assassination attempt against him in Butler, Pennsylvania, and one of the first with his new running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.

Kamalas deadly destruction of Americas borders is completely and totally disqualifying. She shouldnt be allowed to run for president, lamented Trump, before reiterating his fear-mongering rhetoric over undocumented immigrants. What shes done, shes committing crimes.  [If] Harris stays in charge every week [it] will bring a never-ending stream of illegal alien rapists, bloodthirsty killers, and child predators to go after our sons and our daughters.

Elsewhere, Trump referenced his own indictments and brought up Harris background as a courtroom prosecutor before becoming a senator. Shes one of the worst prosecutors in history, he lamented. Im the prosecutor and he is the convicted felon  thats their campaign. I dont think people are going to buy it.

Trump trying a winning strategy of. repeating his opponent's attacks against him and reminding everyone he's a convicted felon. https://t.co/yD3Z4qcDYC  Kelsie Taggart (@kelsientaggart) July 24, 2024

Later, when discussing Venezuelan immigrants in the U.S. and in a moment of irony, Trump said: Youre not going to teach a criminal not to be a criminal, its just not going to happen.

Trump: You're not going to teach a criminal not to be a criminal. It's just not going to happen. pic.twitter.com/gzVNVmomzo  Acyn (@Acyn) July 24, 2024

Following Bidens historic decision to step aside, Harris received more than $81 million in donations within the first 24 hours of her campaign. The vice president has since garnered a wave of endorsements from members of the Democratic Party. In a joint statement, Bill and Hillary Clinton wrote: We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her.

Harris has also gained the support from several leaders in Hollywood and the music industry including Jamie Lee Curtis, Mark Hamill, Shonda Rhimes, Charli XCX, Barbra Streisand, Kerry Washington, and more. Earlier this week, Beyonces reps reportedly gave Harris permission to use her song during the revolution call Freedom during her presidential campaign, which the vice president walked out to during her first public appearances since Bidens endorsement.

On Monday, Harris earned support from enough Democratic delegates to become the likely party nominee for president. This election will present a clear choice between two different visions, Harris said in a statement at the time. Donald Trump wants to take our country back to a time before many of us had full freedoms and equal rights. I believe in a future that strengthens our democracy, protects reproductive freedom, and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by but to get ahead.

She added: I fully intend to unite our party, unite our nation, and defeat Donald Trump in November.

Trumps team, meanwhile, has urged the former president to not underestimate his new opponent. When Joe Biden was in the race, we were headed for a Trump landslide, a source, who recently discussed the matter with Trump, told Rolling Stone. Now that its Kamalas turn, there are some scenarios that make me nervous.

More from Rolling Stone

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Last fall, an exoneree who is now employed by a high-profile law group was sitting in a Cook County courtroom with a cellphone, court documents say, when a deputy asked him to step outside to ask about the device.

Thats when, a motion alleges, Judge Peggy Chiampas began screaming loudly from the bench bring him in, bring him in, bring him in.' After questioning him in chambers, Chiampas wrote an order that banned Robert Almodovar, who was issued a certificate of innocence in 2018, from the Leighton Criminal Court Building, an unusual move in a public building with a mandate for transparent court proceedings.

Now, Almodovar, through his attorney, is contesting the ban and asking that a judge other than Chiampas hear the matter, which has spurred a bizarre, monthslong process in which the matter has been tossed around to multiple judges who seem reluctant to touch the issue and roped in assistant states attorneys, even though there are no criminal or contempt of court charges.

Here, the state has not leveled any charges against Mr. Almodovar, said Judge Neera Walsh during a hearing Thursday. The court believes it lacks jurisdiction.

Walsh dismissed a pending motion to substitute Chiampas in the matter and suggested to Almodovars attorney Steve Greenberg that he appear before Chiampas next week.

The chief judges office declined to comment, and a message left in Chiampas chambers was not returned.

The dispute began more than nine months ago during an Oct. 4, 2023, court call presided over by Chiampas.

Almodovar was in Chiampas courtroom as an observer, according to a motion to vacate the ban filed in March, but had work-related responsibilities in the building that day, including dropping off court documents and making inquiries at the clerks office. Almodovar is employed by the Bonjean Law Group, owned by Jennifer Bonjean, an attorney who has litigated wrongful conviction cases in Cook County and has been involved in a number of highly-publicized cases.

Chiampas is named as a defendant in a lawsuit brought by Bonjean that alleges misconduct on the part of police, prosecutors and the judge in connection with the handling of a case against men who were previously accused of killing Chicago police Officer Clifton Lewis in December 2011.

In a statement, Bonjean said the order is illegal. Full stop, and added that the ban has left Almodovar unable to do his work, as he advocates for the wrongly convicted as a law clerk for Bonjean and other firms.

Judge Chiampas then stripped him of that, banning him from the criminal court building in a secret order that was not entered on any docket or even provided to Mr. Almodovar himself, she said. Judges cannot ban citizens from public buildings, even if they think (wrongly) that the citizen has violated some administrative order.

During the court call, someone informed a deputy that Almodovar had a cellphone in the courtroom, so the deputy asked him to go into the hallway and informed him he would need to lock his phone downstairs, where members of the public generally have to secure any electronics. Almodovar replied that he believed he was authorized to have the phone as a law firm employee, but said he would comply nonetheless, the motion said.

Before he could do so, Chiampas called out from the bench and confiscated his phone without determining whether Robert had the authority to have a cellphone in his possession, the motion said. She told him to sit, and said she would hold him in criminal contempt of court if he left the courtroom.

The judge never determined if Robert could possess the cellphone within the courthouse; she just assumed he could not  apparently Robert did not look like someone who would be allowed to have a phone, the motion said.

The motion contended that Chiampas illegally detained Almodovar in the courtroom for four hours because he was not free to leave without being held in contempt. She told him if he consented to a search of his phone, he could avoid a criminal charge, the motion said.

Not wanting to go to jail, which for Robert is particularly traumatic having been a victim of a wrongful conviction, he allowed the coerced search, the motion said.

Almodovar, whose case rested on eyewitness reports obtained in part by disgraced Chicago police Detective Reynaldo Guevara, had his conviction overturned in 2017.

Chiampas interrogated him, according to the motion, then banned him from the building and threatened him with incarceration if he returned.

The motion to lift the ban argues that it is unlawful for a number of reasons, including that the courthouse is a public space, and that Chiampas does not have the authority to implement bans. The motion says that judges are allowed to maintain decorum in their courtrooms with charges of contempt of court, but no such charges have been initiated for Almodovar.

Greenberg, who represents Almodovar, has sought to have the matter heard before a different judge, and the case has bounced between Chiampas, Walsh, Judge Kenneth Wadas and Presiding Judge Erica Reddick.

It is obvious that judges in this building have some reluctance to wade into this matter, said a motion on the issue filed in June.

During a short hearing Thursday, Greenberg argued that Chiampas is prejudiced in the matter, and is also a witness.

Shes not in a position to resolve this matter, he said.

Still, Walsh determined she did not have authority, given no criminal charges have been filed.

The matter will likely again be heard before Chiampas next week.
ST. LOUIS  One corrections officer and four inmates are hospitalized after a disturbance Wednesday afternoon at the St. Louis Justice Center.

Investigators tell FOX 2 that four inmates were hurt after the disturbance escalated to a physical altercation. Those inmates were hospitalized with various injuries.

The corrections officer was also sent to a hospital for medical evaluation, though for an issue believed to be unrelated to the disturbance.

Southwest breaks with 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

FOX 2 is working to confirm reports that the inmates may have been stabbed. Investigators have not yet determined if that was the case or other details around how the inmates were injured. No suspect information is yet available either.

Emergency crews responded to the Justice Center around 1:20 p.m. Wednesday after reports of the disturbance.

This is a developing story. FOX 2 will update as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
By News Centre

After a two-month hiatus, the National Security Council will convene today at Beshtepe, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The primary focus of the meeting will be Turkey's cross-border counter-terrorism operations. Discussions will also encompass the normalisation process with Syria and Israel's attacks in Palestine.

The National Security Council (MGK) will convene for the fourth time this year under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with a packed agenda.

The first item on the agenda at Be?tepe will be the fight against terrorism. The meeting will delve into ongoing ground and air operations aimed at dismantling PKK targets in northern Iraq.

Military and intelligence updates from the field will inform discussions on operational strategies. Additionally, council members will brief on the latest developments in combating other terrorist organisations such as FETO and DAESH.

Planned measures concerning the normalisation process with Syria will also be deliberated. Discussions will centre on Ankara's aspirations to foster enduring peace and stability in Syria, alongside efforts to restore diplomatic ties with the Damascus administration.

In alignment with President Erdo?an's directives, the MGK will assess ongoing initiatives for Syria's normalisation and outline the roadmap ahead.

The council will also address Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories. Discussions will focus on diplomatic efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire, ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid delivery, and thwart Israel's endeavours to escalate regional tensions. Views will be exchanged on the ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Furthermore, the agenda will encompass regional and international security concerns. Topics will include the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, developments in Cyprus, and relations with Greece.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's atmospheric environment monitoring satellite and terrestrial ecosystem carbon monitoring satellite have been officially put into operation, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said on Thursday.

During their in-orbit testing, these satellites demonstrated favorable application results across multiple areas, including ecological environment, forestry and grassland, geographic surveying, meteorology, agriculture and emergency disaster response, according to an official of the CNSA.

The two satellites will provide crucial data to effectively address global climate change and support China's goals of achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality.

The atmospheric monitoring satellite is the world's first to utilize active laser detection, employing a combination of active laser, hyperspectral, multispectral and high-precision polarization techniques for comprehensive observation, according to the CNSA.

It is capable of conducting extensive, continuous, dynamic and round-the-clock comprehensive monitoring of atmospheric fine particulate matter, pollutants, greenhouse gases, clouds, aerosols, as well as environmental elements such as land surfaces and water bodies.

Additionally, it has for the first time achieved global round-the-clock high-precision detection of carbon dioxide column concentrations at 1 PPM.

The terrestrial ecosystem carbon monitoring satellite, also known as "Goumang" (named after the ancient Chinese god of spring, growth and life), is the world's first remote sensing satellite for forest carbon sinks combining both active and passive observation methods, the CNSA said.

It employs a range of remote sensing methods, including laser, multi-angle, multispectral, hyperspectral and polarization techniques, to detect vegetation biomass and productivity, and monitor atmospheric aerosol distribution.

It also meets the needs of geographic surveying, disaster assessment, and agricultural remote sensing.

"Goumang" has achieved quantitative remote sensing detection of forest vegetation height, biomass, and chlorophyll fluorescence, enhancing the forest carbon sink monitoring capabilities of both China and the world.

The CNSA will further explore the satellite application scenarios, enhance the overall application effectiveness, and promote the sharing and utilization of satellite data resources.

China successfully launched the atmospheric environment monitoring satellite on April 16, 2022, and the terrestrial ecosystem carbon monitoring satellite on Aug. 4, 2022, both from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi Province. 
Cost of housing in Tijuana up 30 percent from last year

SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  The cost of housing has gone up by 30 percent this year in Tijuana, according to Fermin Kim King, president of the Real Estate Professionals Association in Baja.

This is on top of a 25 percent the year before.

This has impacted the cost of land, labor and materials, and its affecting many, especially those in the construction industry, said Kim. There are so many housing projects going on at the same time, we dont have enough labor.

475,000 homes needed in Baja California as migrating Americans continue to gobble up housing south of the border

Kim added if the cost of land and labor continue to climb, so will the price for housing.

Another factor is the continuous migration of people from Southern California looking for more affordable housing in Tijuana, according to Kim.

As demand escalates, so do the prices, he said.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

Right now, according to Kim, a one bedroom and one-bath apartment on the outskirts of Tijuana is going for about $570, with bigger houses closer to downtown being three to four times as much.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
If Gov. Andy Beshear appears on the November ballot as the vice presidential candidate, do Democrats have a shot at flipping Kentucky from red to blue?

Not likely, said Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky.

Ultimately, it's the name at the top of the ticket that matters, Voss said. And Kentucky voters are more likely to go for former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, if she's the Democratic nominee.

"Research on the effect of candidate home state suggests that while the presidential candidate enjoys a friends and neighbors bump from home state voters, the VP selection makes little or no difference to the ticket," Voss said.

Beshear has become a popular contender as a running mate for Harris over the past week, joining a growing list of Democrats who the Harris campaign is reportedly vetting for the position.

His ability to twice win as a Democratic governor in a deep-red state is likely appealing to party leaders, political scientists say.

In the 2023 gubernatorial election, Beshear received 53% of the vote against Republican challenger Daniel Cameron. He also flipped eight counties and won 29 in the election, compared to securing 23 counties in 2019. Two of the flipped counties included Letcher and Perry, which were some of the hardest hit during deadly 2022 floods.

Some are skeptical, however, that Beshear's gubernatorial wins would translate on a national level.

For one, presidential elections typically have a higher turnout than gubernatorial ones, said Trey Grayson, former Kentucky GOP Secretary of State.

In 2020, 60.3% of registered Kentucky voters cast ballots in the general election, while 38.1% voted in 2023.

"I think that's in part because the electorate is just different, that the (presidential) electorate is more Republican," Grayson said.

More: Beshear ranks as most popular Democratic governor in new national poll

A higher percentage of registered Republican voters voted 2020, at 64.4%. Meanwhile, 59.4% of Democrats showed up to the polls.

Others say Trump already has a stronghold in Kentucky and having Beshear as Harris' running mate isn't going to sway Kentucky voters.

"There's no chance anyone's gonna flip Kentucky," said Tres Watson, a longtime Kentucky political consultant and former GOP spokesman. "Trump won Kentucky in the primary even more than he won West Virginia. Even with Beshear, it's still going to be 60/40 Trump."

In the 2020 presidential election, Trump won Kentucky with 62.1% of the vote and pulled 84.9% of the vote in this year's primary election. The last time the commonwealth voted blue in the presidential election was in 1996 for then-Democratic nominee Bill Clinton.

There still are a number of Kentucky Democrats who are excited about a potential Harris-Beshear ticket, including Democratic U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, who posted his support on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"I like the sound of Harris Beshear," he said with an angel emoji.

I like the sound of Harris Beshear   Morgan McGarvey (@MorganMcGarvey) July 24, 2024

There's more to choosing a vice presidential candidate than just whether they can win their home state.

Voss said he hopes the Harris campaign looks at more than where the candidate is from and whether they can win their state's electoral college votes when choosing her vice presidential pick.

"Much more important is how the the running mate helps amplify the messaging that will be coming from the top of the ticket, how the running mate will make voters all over the country think about the presidential candidate in a different way," Voss said.

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: Could Beshear flip Kentucky blue as VP candidate?
ILLINOIS  Current Vice President Kamala Harris is campaigning for the Democratic ticket in 2024 U.S. presidential election after current President Joe Biden recently stepped down from a reelection bid.

Who could be Harris running mate? That remains to be determined, but it appears Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is a possibility.

CNN listed Pritzker on a shortlist of Democrats who Harris may consider as a vice president for her campaign. Pritzker was listed among eight possible candidates in CNNs shortlist Tuesday, which cited his endorsement of Harris as president and his experience tackling various issues at the center of the 2024 election, such as gun control to reproductive rights.

Cold case investigators take prisoner to missing person search site

According to a report from the Chicago Sun Times, as of Wednesday, Harris campaign has called Pritzkers office on the possibility of a vice president ticket spot.

According to a report Thursday from Jeff Arnold of Nexstars News Nation, Pritzker says he did not get a call Wednesday about a possible appointment. He also added he would not elaborate further on any potential private conversations between his office and Harris campaign.

Pritzker was also questioned about the possibility of running as a vice president in an interview with CNN on Wednesday.

A conversation between Pritzker and CNNs Jake Tapper proceeded as transcribed below:

Tapper: Gov. Pritzker, have you been asked by the Harris campaign to submit any paperwork to be vetted as vice president?

Pritzker: Im not going to talk about any private conversations that Ive had. As you know, Ive been traveling around the country advocating for Kamala Harris, for the Democratic ticket, and making sure were beating Donald Trump every where we can.

Tapper: If asked, would you accept an invitation to be her running mate?

Pritzker: Well I think, you know, I love being governor of Illinois. The people of Illinois have graced me with that title for the last two elections. And, you know, Id be reluctant to make a change, but itd be hard to resist a call and consideration if the nominee called me to ask to be considered for vice president.

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Prtizker first took oath as Illinois governor in January 2019 and is midway through his second term. He formally announced his endorsement for Harris as U.S. president on the Democratic ticket on Monday, saying she was the partys best chance to defeat Republican challenger Donald Trump.

Harris has earned enough delegates to become the Democratic presidential nominee as of this week. She is reportedly expected to pick a vice president running mate by Aug. 7.

To be qualified for vice president, a candidate must be a natural-born U.S. citizens, at least 35 years old and a U.S. resident for at least 14 years, according to the 12th amendment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The recent great white shark attack on surfer Kai McKenzie has again ignited the debate about what can be done to mitigate shark encounters. Shark Stop, an Australian start-up making shark-bite-resistant wetsuits, might have an answer.

With the last two shark attacks in New South Wales, the surfers have only survived due to a passerby having some medical training and using a tourniquet to stop blood loss, Andre Borell, CEO of SharkStop told SURFER. Our wetsuits are designed to reduce the risk of fatal injuries due to blood loss from femoral artery damage. The material mitigates the puncture effect of the initial bite, but also the tearing that comes when the shark shakes afterwards.

Tuesday's attack occurred in Port Macquarie, NSW, the same town where 44-year-old Toby Begg was hit in August 2023. Begg also fought the shark and made it to the beach, where an off-duty emergency doctor staunched the bleeding by applying a tourniquet. In Mackenzies case, a retired policeman used a dog leash to stop the blood loss, until paramedics arrived.

Related: Great White Shark Attack Nearly Takes Off Rising Australian Surf Star's Leg

Borell believed a Shark Stop wetsuit tech could have significantly reduced the blood loss way before such drastic measures would have been required. The tech was dreamt up by Lennox Head local and surf industry veteran Haydon Burford. In 2017 when chatting to his partner Liz about protective motorcycle jeans made with Kevlar, she asked why wetsuits couldn't offer similar protection from sharks.

After a long period of trial and error trying to find fabric that would work, Burford settled on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). This can be laminated on neoprene to enhance the wetsuits shark bite-resistant properties significantly. The material has also been used in prison wardens stab-resistant uniforms and ballistic protection.

Shark Stop wetsuits can take an average of 900 newtons before penetration. The average bite force per tooth of one of these bad boys is 410 newtons. Andrew Thirlwell via Getty

With a grant from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Hayden hooked up with Associate Professor Charlie Huveneers at Flinders University to test the product in labs and in great white habitats at Neptune Island, South Australia. The material was found to significantly reduce lacerations compared to standard wetsuits. They found the average bite force per tooth of a 6.5 meter (21 ft) great white shark was 410 newtons. It took an average of 900 newtons to penetrate Shark Stops bite-resistant wetsuits. New testing is now being done by Flinders University with tiger and bull sharks.

Borell came across the technology as the director of his popular investigative documentary Envoy: Shark Cull. Narrated by Eric Bana, the film outlines the brutal shark culling program deployed by the QLD and NSW governments, which isn't science-led and has been based on methodology introduced in the 1930s.

Looking at various technologies that could find a better solution for humans and sharks, he was impressed enough with Burfords idea to become an angel investor in Shark Stop. That morphed into a CEO role as the brand set about commercialization in 2021.

As with most start-ups, it hasn't been easy. Capitalization is always an issue, and finding wetsuit manufacturers to deal with their unique fabric was problematic. They have been resolved, to a degree, and he says around 1,000 wetsuits have been sold through their Kickstarter program and e-commerce site.

While the price of these shark-bite-resistant wetties might be steep, with continued scaling of production the price tag could decrease in the future. Shark Stop

Its a 50/50 mix of surfers and divers buying the wetsuits at the moment, Borell said. Look, we dont really want to be a wetsuit company. Ideally down the track we will partner with brands who are, and we can offer the tech to a wider section of the public.

Currently, they have 3mm and 5mm full-length wetsuits for sale for around $1,000. The price point is high, and while Borell expects that to drop as they scale up production, it is a function of the unique material. And while the mix of Yamamoto neoprene and UHMWPE laminate means less flex and slightly more weight, he's confident the wetsuits allow surfers to maneuver, paddle, and surf with comfort and security.

And the trade-off, of course, is massive. If this is a material that can protect both humans and eventually, sharks, it might just be one of the most significant breakthroughs for ocean lovers in generations. Watch this space.

Related: Legendary Pipeline Surfer Tamayo Perry Killed in Shark Attack
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A shakeup in city council support for Amtraks return to Mobile would give Amtrak the necessary votes to pass the city council.

Mobile Police commander fired after investigation  Kevin Levys attorney challenges allegations

District 6 Councilman Josh Woods pledged his support for the passenger rail service after historically being against the contract between the passenger rail service and the city.

Woods had previously been one of three council members to oppose Amtraks return, along with District 4 Councilman Ben Reynolds and District 5 Councilman Joel Daves. The contract would need a supermajority, five of seven votes to pass.

The passenger rail service would run between Mobile and New Orleans.

The contract would have required the city to pay $3 million over three years.

The heartburn I had wasnt necessarily the City of Mobile contributing money towards getting it up and going, Woods said.

The Alabama Port Authority agreed to pitch in $1 million over the three years because of the railroad improvement that would come from Amtraks return. The improvements would be a direct benefit to the agency.

Woods said the State of Alabama has also considered paying $1 million.

That would really just leave the City of Mobile to contribute $1 million just to get this thing up and going, Woods said.

UPDATE: 2 people dead after crash on Dauphin Island Bridge

Woods said the uncertainty of what could happen after the three-year contract is finished turned him off to Amtraks return. The verbiage of the current contract eased his worries.

Amtrak does know that we have no intention of moving forward after year three, and they need to go find someone else, Woods said. The ultimate solution to me is that the State of Alabama needs to step up and sign the funding agreement for whatever comes after year three.

Amtrak Service was suspended following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

In 2017, Gov. Kay Ivey said Amtrak would not be returning to Mobile, citing the impact passenger trains might have on commercial rail traffic that shares the same track.

Amtrak will work with the Port and our other railroad partners, CSX and Norfolk Southern, to carry out the track upgrades and other improvements needed to start Amtrak service as soon as possible, Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang said in a statement. This will benefit everyone in the communities we will serve by both passenger and freight trains.

In May, Amtrak released a schedule for arrival and departure times from the Mobile platform. Trains are expected to depart at 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. They will return to Mobile at 11:18 a.m. and 9:14 p.m.

We eagerly anticipate the approval of the land-use agreements and funding plans for the Mobile station and passenger service, Knox Ross, chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, said. We will continue to work with Amtrak and our local, state, and federal partners to secure funds that support this service in the future.

2 teens arrested after Walmart theft: Police

Woods said the contract could be before the city council for a first read as early as next week. Per council rules, the item will be laid over an additional week before being voted on.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Buffalo Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski filed a letter with the council Tuesday looking for an update from Nick Sinatra, the CEO of Sinatra & Company, on the Heritage Point project at Canalside.

The $40 million project, which includes two mixed-use buildings to be used for retail, restaurants and office space, is causing frustration among neighbors and the community due to delays, Nowakowski said. Construction on the project began in March 2021.

In the letter, Nowakowski spoke about taking action and being transparent since taxpayer money is being invested into the project.

According to Pamm Lent, a spokesperson for the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, the project is still slated to be completed in 2025, he said in the letter. The pause in construction is untenable, and we must work together to find a viable solution that will allow us to move this forward.

Sinatra told WIVB News 4 they met with Nowakowski and the mayor and welcome the city to help them find a collective solution to the ongoing project.

According to Nowakowski, Sinatra is working to secure $4 million from New York State to cover a $10 million funding gap in the project and resume construction.

Nowakowski requested a progress update from Sinatra by 2 p.m. on Sep. 10, to be presented during the citys Community Development Committee meeting.

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.
The defendants, including Lina Schinkoethe (L), wait for the start of the trial in Tiergarten district court. A total of four defendants are alleged to have sprayed the World Time Clock on Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte with orange paint. Hannes P. Albert/dpa

A German court handed down fines to four climate activists on Thursday for throwing paint at the World Clock, a monument on Berlin's Alexanderplatz.

The Tiergarten District Court found the four, aged between 22 and 28, guilty of criminal damage to property.

The fines fell far short of the prosecution's demand for suspended sentences of six months for the members of the Last Generation protest group and a prison sentence of nine months for a 24-year-old.

The defendants were prepared to commit criminal offences to achieve their goals, said Judge Anke Ploner but she justified the verdict by saying that the offences did not fall into the category of the most serious crimes.

Two days after the protest action, the monument was cleaned up.

The activists were fined, with the 23-year-old man to pay 600 ($651), the 24-year-old man to pay 1,800 and the 22- and 28-year-old women to each pay 2,100.

The members of the climate group had admitted in court that they had sprayed orange paint on the World Clock, a large turret-style world clock located in the Alexanderplatz public square, on October 17 using spray cans and fire extinguishers they had adapted for the purpose. They described it as a "peaceful, civil protest."

The indictment said they wanted to achieve the "greatest possible public attention" through the act of vandalism.

The public prosecutor's office said the paint could only be removed using a high-pressure water technique. The indictment said the cost of cleaning the tourist attraction should have been at least around 16,000. During the trial, the parties agreed on damages worth 9,673.

Climate activists Lilli Gomez (2nd R) and Lina Schinkoethe (R) wait for the start of the trial in Tiergarten district court. A total of four defendants are alleged to have sprayed the World Time Clock on Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte with orange paint. Hannes P. Albert/dpa
Special counsel Jack Smith's opening brief appealing the dismissal of former President Donald Trump's classified documents case is due on Aug. 27, according to a briefing notice Thursday from the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Smith last week filed an official notice of appeal after U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, in a surprise decision, dismissed Trump's classified documents case.

MORE: Special counsel files notice of appeal in Trump's classified documents case

Cannon dismissed the case on the grounds that Smith's appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional because he was not appointed by the president or confirmed by Congress.

In a statement following the ruling, a spokesperson with the special counsel's office said, "The dismissal of the case deviates from the uniform conclusion of all previous courts to have considered the issue that the Attorney General is statutorily authorized to appoint a Special Counsel."

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, March 9, 2024, in Rome Ga. (Mike Stewart/AP)

Based on the briefing schedule in the court's notice, Trump and his co-defendants' response to Smith's opening brief will be due around late September, and Smith's reply will be due in mid-October.

Trump pleaded not guilty last year to 40 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials after leaving the White House, after prosecutors said he repeatedly refused to return hundreds of documents containing classified information and took steps to thwart the government's efforts to get the documents back.

Trump has denied all charges and denounced the probe as a political witch hunt.

Court sets Aug. 27 deadline for brief appealing Trump classified docs dismissal originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BALTIMORE  Judging from local wastewater surveillance trends, President Joe Biden has plenty of company in Maryland as he continues to recover this week from his third bout of COVID-19.

The state is currently seeing the biggest spike in COVID levels in its wastewater  or sewage  since early January, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were very high levels of viral activity, nearly double national levels, measured in the states wastewater as of last week.

Hospitalizations from the virus also have more than doubled in the last month  from 60 on June 22 to 135 on Monday, according to data from the Maryland Department of Health  although they remain far below what they were in January, during what has become an annual winter surge.

At Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, emergency room doctors are seeing a slight spike in patients with COVID, although most have mild  if uncomfortable  symptoms like fever, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea that dont require hospitalization, said Dr. Gregory Cocoran, director of the hospitals emergency department and system director for Lifebridge Health.

But the increase seems unusual for the summer, a season when people typically spend more time outdoors, Cocoran said. He has a theory: Its been so hot lately that people may have preferred to gather inside, where theres air conditioning  and where its easier for COVID to spread.

With viruses, theres sometimes a pattern, he said, and sometimes, theres something thats completely against the expected pattern. And thats, I think, what were experiencing now.

By now, a fairly consistent cycle has emerged in the yearly spread of COVID. Hospitalizations start trending upward in the late summer, a trend that continues through the fall and winter, until it peaks in early January. Since the start of 2022, when a nasty omicron surge sent thousands to the hospital, each years peak has been lower than the previous years peak.

This time last year, there were roughly 80 Marylanders hospitalized with COVID, a number that hit 250 in mid-September, then kept climbing until it reached about 540 in early January.

Dr. Niharika Khanna, a family medicine physician at the University of Maryland Medical Center, said there's been a slight increase in the number of COVID patients she's been seeing, but few report severe symptoms. She remembers seeing a larger increase of patients during last summers surge.

Khanna and her colleagues dont do many COVID tests anymore. Now, most of their patients test at home, then check in with their primary care doctor in a telehealth appointment. Many just make an appointment to get a doctors note for work or school, she said.

The good news is that a lot of them are not sick enough to be sent to the hospital, said Khanna, who is also a professor of family and community medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Early in June, the Baltimore City Health Department anticipated a summer increase in COVID cases as people traveled for vacations and gathered with family and friends. Officials launched an ad campaign, encouraging residents  especially older adults  to stay up to date on their COVID vaccines.

We know that COVID-19 still poses a threat, especially to our most medically vulnerable, including our older adults, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga said in a news release announcing the campaign. The virus has evolved since the height of the pandemic and just as flu shots are recommended each season, the CDC recommends the updated COVID-19 shots to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community against serious illness from COVID-19.

In Poolesville  a rural Montgomery County town of about 5,700 people close to the Maryland-Virginia border  Dr. Amar Duggirala, president-elect of the Maryland Academy of Family Physicians and owner of a small private practice, already has put in an order to pharmaceutical company Moderna for the newest batch of vaccines that will likely be available in September.

Like previous years, the CDC is recommending that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated vaccine this fall to protect themselves against the worst effects of COVID. Research has shown that getting vaccinated reduces risk of hospitalization and death from the virus, as well as developing long COVID  something Duggirala often tells his young and healthy patients to convince them to make time for getting the shot.

Similar to other rural areas, vaccine hesitancy isn't uncommon in Poolesville, and it's definitely gotten worse since the pandemic, Duggirala said. He and his colleagues know their patients. When there's an opening in the conversation where it feels natural to broach the topic of vaccines without making their skeptical patients feel scolded, they jump on it.

Duggirala has changed a few minds over the years, but most remain unmoving.

Still, he said, "we always leave that door open."

-------
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday expressed strong discontent with NATO's accusations against China concerning the Ukraine issue.

On the Ukraine issue, China has held an objective and impartial position and actively promoted peace talks, while the U.S.-led NATO allies kept fueling the fire and profiteering from the war, said Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference, when commenting on allegations aimed at China in the Washington Summit Declaration recently issued by NATO.

"NATO needs to reflect on itself, instead of deflecting blame onto China," Zhang said.

China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order, while the Chinese armed forces remain a staunch force for global and regional peace and stability, he added.

Zhang warned NATO against provoking bloc confrontation and creating division in the Asia-Pacific region.

"We urge NATO not to interfere in China's internal affairs, not to challenge our legitimate rights and interests, and not to smear China's domestic and foreign policies," he said. 
CHICAGO  The Chicago Police Department is looking for the publics help in finding a 15-year-old girl who has gone missing from the citys Woodlawn-area.

CPD said Kamoira Anderson was last seen in the 6700 block of South Cornell Avenue on Monday, and was last made contact with on Tuesday.

She is described as being around 5-foot-4-inches tall and weighing around 100 pounds with brown eyes, blond hair and a medium complexion. Police said Kamoira was last seen carrying a red-orange suitcase and a Chicago Bears blanket.

If you or someone you know has information that can help lead to the safe return of Anderson, CPD urges those with information to reach out to Area One SVU detectives at 312-747-8380.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY)  The cell phone of a man reported missing on Thursday in Chesapeake was found on an unmanned catamaran in the Chesapeake Bay.

The Coast Guard first announced on Wednesday afternoon that Bill D. Wolfs catamaran was found about three nautical miles north of Little Creek Harbor in Norfolk. The Prindle 16 vessel also had other personal items belonging to Wolf.

Bill D. Wolfs catamaran (Courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard)

Bill D. Wolfs catamaran (Courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard)

Bill Wolf (Courtesy: CPD)

Chesapeake police said on Thursday that Wolf was last seen on July 23 just after 3 p.m. in the 2000 block of Athens Court.

According to Wolfs wife, he was last seen operating a silver 2008 Ford F150 pickup with Virginia license plates IBDWOLF after having a mental health episode.

Police describe Wolf as five foot eight and approximately 188 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with any knowledge on Wolfs whereabouts are urged to contact the Chesapeake Police Department at 757-382-6161 or the Coast Guard at 757-483-8567.

If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Southern Security has donated $55,000 in supplies to Youth Villages to help students in need of school supplies.

Summer break is almost over and now its all hands on deck at Youth Villages as they get kids ready to head back to the classroom next week.

Katie Jones says for 15 years Youth Villages Backpack Heroes campaign has made sure Memphis students received fully supplied backpacks.

 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.

We have everything from their papers, their rulers, their pencil pouches, expo markers, Jones said. This year we have added headphones because this year this is a newer need for their tech.

450 stuffed backpacks mean 450 children in Youth Villages foster care program are ready for next school year.

Studies show that kids that start school with what they need are more successful in the classroom, said Dawn Graeter, CEO of Southern Security Federal Credit Union.

On August 5, thousands of Memphis Shelby County Schools students return to school so the district is also preparing.

Looking far and wide for teachers to fill vacancies, Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins shared her vision in an interview with WREG earlier this month saying, We will read and write every day, in every class, on every campus. Thats the bottom line. That is the fundamental expectation.

All of the donations and school supplies will come in handy.

This is just a way to give all of them a good start to the school year, Graeter said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
At least one worker remains unaccounted for after a partial roof collapse overnight at a large commercial building in Phoenix, Arizona, according to local authorities.

Firefighters began a search and rescue operation for a man around 4 a.m. Thursday after a microburst hit around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and lifted the roof off of Freeport Logistics in west Phoenix, Phoenix Fire Department spokesman Capt. Todd Keller said.

He did not say whether it was known if the man inside was alive, adding search and rescue dogs had found no one. Keller underscored that it was not yet a recovery operation. "We will be out here as long as it takes," Keller said.

The Phoenix fire officials posted on X that the warehouse had a partial roof collapse Wednesday night, and employees told authorities one worker was still unaccounted for.

Explosion: Hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park damages boardwalk

A woman waiting in a parking lot adjacent to the front of the building said she was the sister of the unaccounted worker. She was accompanied by two other women. The three sobbed in between what appeared to be updates by officials.

First responders were unable to go inside due to the building's instability, an on-site police officer said.

Crews later brought a drone and several rescue dogs to try and locate the missing worker.

A worker in the building told officials the missing employee was in a forklift during the collapse, 12News reported, and crews were still searching as the building still stands.

Kyle Johnston, who owns Dial Manufacturing across the street from the front of the collapsed building, told the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network that he arrived overnight to check for damage at his warehouse. There were screams from people inside the structure where the roof collapsed and there were families on the street shouting back names to try and make contact, he said.

"Horrible, horrible," Johnston said.

A pair of tractor trailers were laying sideways near the warehouse. There were fallen trees and branches on the streets leading to the impacted warehouse. Debris littered the street across the front of the building as cleanup crews swept. On West Fillmore Street and Van Buren, which is an entryway to the area the warehouse stands, a stop sign remained knocked over. On the Dial parking lot, some of the sun roofing had been torn off. About six dock doors at the Dial warehouse blew in with some roofing damage, Johnston said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Worker missing after Phoenix, Arizona warehouse partial roof collapse
Donald Trump claimed during a campaign rally on Wednesday that Kamala Harris is totally against the Jewish people.

The vice presidents husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish.

Trump was railing against Harris for not attending Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress on Wednesday afternoon. (The presumptive Democratic nominee instead stuck with a pre-planned campaign event in Indianapolis, but shes been scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday).

Even if youre against Israel or youre against the Jewish people, show up and listen to the concept, but shes totally against the Jewish people, Trump said at the event in Charlotte, North Carolina.

And it amazes me how Jewish people will vote for the Democrats when theyre being treated so disrespectfully and badly, the former president added.

Donald Trump on Vice President Harris: Shes totally against the Jewish people.



This would be news to her Jewish husband and her stepdaughters. pic.twitter.com/9NsHi3565a  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) July 24, 2024

Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of an American president or vice president, has been an outspoken advocate against the rise in antisemitism during his time as second gentleman.

Thats included a few jabs at Trump, who has a history of making antisemitic remarks and, in 2022, hosted the Holocaust-denying white supremacist Nick Fuentes for dinner at his home in Florida.

Social media users offered Trump a newsflash:

Kamala Harris is married to a Jewish man. https://t.co/Mod4QgT7Z3  Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) July 24, 2024

Who's going to tell him her husband is Jewish? https://t.co/rlenTvM9Sx  David R. Brockman (@drdrbrockman.bsky.social)  (@drdrbrockman) July 24, 2024

I'm sorry you had to find out this way, @SecondGentleman :( https://t.co/6MwcWYUkvp  Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) July 24, 2024

Hey @SecondGentleman, guessing this comes as a surprise to you. As a Jewish person, I would just like to say F-CK OFF Trump. https://t.co/4E5Ojp275Q  Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) July 24, 2024

The last person qualified to lecture Jewish people on how to be properly Jewish is the utterly odious Donald Trump. https://t.co/Hru4Jjz91f  Pejman Yousefzadeh    (@Yousefzadeh) July 25, 2024

So totally against Jewish people that she married a Jew. https://t.co/c7VMaynEfh  barkingink (@barkingink2) July 24, 2024

Related...
(Bloomberg) -- Croatia has banned three Montenegrin politicians from entering the country for allegedly harming relations between the two Balkan neighbors, in a dispute that may complicate Montenegros progress towards EU membership.

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On Thursday, Zagrebs foreign ministry declared Montenegros Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Becic and parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic, along with lawmaker Milan Knezevic, as personae non gratae. The three politicians disrupted good neighborly relations, the ministry said in an emailed statement, without elaborating.

Montenegro started EU accession talks in 2012 and its pro-European Prime Minister Milojko Spajic has since October led a fragile ruling coalition that includes pro-Serbian and pro-Russian politicians. Spajic has said he hopes the country may join the bloc by 2028.

Recent events may have emerged as another hurdle as pro-Russian and pro-Serbian politicians have inflamed a tit-for-tat battle over historical memory with Montenegros northern neighbor.

Tensions rose in June after Montenegros parliament adopted a resolution condemning crimes at the Jasenovac concentration camp in Croatia during World War II. The initiative was led by Mandic, leader of a pro-Russian and pro-Serbian party New Serb Democracy, and backed by Becic and Knezevic, who also take pro-Serb positions.

Croatia supported Montenegros European path and its membership in NATO, but the latest events show that Montenegro is not open to European values, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman told reporters later on Thursday. We wont support individuals who are systematically working to undermine Croatia.

Successive Croatian governments have condemned genocide committed by the countrys Nazi-allied Ustashas regime against Serbs, Jews, and Roma in Jasenovac. The US Holocaust Memorial Museum has estimated the number of Jasenovac victims at about 100,000.

Croatias Foreign Minister Radman said on May 15 that the goal of Montenegros Jasenovac resolution was meant as a rebuttal to an UN resolution in May that declared the massacre in Srebrenica in 1995, when Bosnian Serb forces killed 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys, an act of genocide.

Montenegro supported that UN resolution amid criticism from the countrys pro-Russian and pro-Serbian parties.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Last weeks global tech outage has been traced back to a bug in U.S. cybersecurity firm CrowdStrikes quality control system.

The outages impacts have been far-reaching, affecting roughly 8.5 million Windows devices and disrupting banks, emergency call centers and airlines. Fortune 500 companies  not including Microsoft  face an estimated $5.4 billion in losses from the outage, according to insurer Parametrix. Meanwhile, hackers have used the outage as an opportunity to target CrowdStrike customers.

The fact that a proper analysis wasn't done ended up having this huge cascading problem that companies are still dealing with today, said Scott White, an associate professor and director of the cybersecurity program and cyber academy at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

A large screen in the Dubai Metro is out of function on July 19, 2024, amid a massive global IT outage.

What was the cause of the IT outage?

Early in the day Friday, CrowdStrike pushed out what was supposed to be a routine software update to help monitor for possible emerging threats. But the update was problematic," triggering a memory problem that set off Window's "Blue Screen of Death," according to the firm's preliminary post incident review. Mac and Linux hosts were not affected.

The software "attempted to do something Windows couldnt process, and the system crashed as a result, according to Dominic Sellitto, clinical assistant professor of management science and systems at the University at Buffalo School of Management in New York.

A blue Windows error message caused by the CrowdStrike software update is displayed on a screen in a bus shelter on July 22, 2024 in Washington, DC.

CrowdStrike said it has a "content validator" review software updates before launch, but the program missed the update's problematic content due to a bug.

On Friday we failed you, and for that I'm deeply sorry, wrote CrowdStrike Chief Security Officer Shawn Henry in a Monday LinkedIn post, adding that "thousands of our team members have been working 24/7 to get our customer systems fully restored."

The firm told USA TODAY it sent Uber Eats gift cards to teammates and partners who have been helping customers. TechCrunch reported that some recipients have had trouble accessing the gift, and CrowdStrike confirmed that Uber flagged the gift cards as fraud "because of high usage rates."

What happens next for CrowdStrike?

CrowdStrike said it plans to improve its testing, give customers more control over when updates are installed and stagger future software updates to its Rapid Response content.

Gregory Falco, assistant professor of engineering at Cornell University in New York, described the steps as "good software deployment and engineering practices." Some cybersecurity experts are questioning why certain safeguards werent in place before the tech outage.

Its easy to be an armchair expert, but there are best practices at play here that probably should have been in place sooner, Sellitto said, adding that he gives CrowdStrike credit for their quick response to the outage.

Nikolas Behar, an adjunct professor of cybersecurity at the University of San Diego, said it was a surprise to see the outage tied to CrowdStrike  one of the best, if not the best cybersecurity firms in the country.

They talked about how they're putting more checks into place in order to prevent this from happening again. But they were already supposed to have checks in the first place, Behar said.

The U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee has sent a letter asking CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz to testify on the outage.

We cannot ignore the magnitude of this incident, which some have claimed is the largest IT outage in history, the letter reads, adding that Americans will undoubtedly feel the lasting, real-world consequences of this incident and deserve to know in detail how this incident happened and the mitigation steps CrowdStrike is taking.

'Painful' wake-up call: What's next for CrowdStrike, Microsoft after update causes outage?

CrowdStrike said it plans to release a full analysis on the cause of Fridays disruption once its investigation is complete. Experts who spoke to USA TODAY said they hope future reports shed more light on the decision-making process that allowed the bug to impact millions of devices.

You hope that the producers are doing their due diligence. And I have to wait to see what their explanation is, White of George Washington University said. I don't care that you found the glitch. My problem is, why did the glitch hit the marketplace at all? And that's what seems to be missing here.

Reuters contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What caused the global IT outage? CrowdStrike shares more details
Cucumber recall for listeria risk grows to other veggies in Kentucky Walmart, Aldi stores

A recall of potentially contaminated cucumbers sold at Walmart stores in three states has been expanded to include more vegetables sold at Walmart and Aldi stores across more than a dozen states.

Wiers Farm, based in Willard, Ohio, has expanded its recall to include more produce "out of an abundance of caution," the company said in the recall notice on Monday. Wiers Farms issued an initial recall of whole and salad cucumbers for possible listeria contamination on June 12.

The recall now includes vegetables such as green beans and peppers sold at Walmart and Aldi stores in several states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Other vegetables sold individually in bulk in 18 states have also been recalled for listeria risk, according to the FDA.

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can contaminate foods. When eaten, it can lead to an infection with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1,600 people get sick from listeria each year and about 260 die, the CDC says.

Example of packaging for Wiers Farm cucumbers that were recalled in July 2024 due to possible contamination with listeria.

Vegetable recall expanded to more Walmart stores, Aldi and beyond

As part of its investigation into the initial recall with Ohio and Michigan health officials, Wiers Farm expanded the recall to additional products packed between June 5 and 12.

These products were sold at Aldi stores in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia:

Freshire Farms Bagged Green Beans  16-ounce bag

Freshire Farms Bagged Jalapenos  8-ounce bag

These products were sold at select Walmart stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia:

Wiers Farm Bagged Poblano - UPC 073064202581  16-ounce bag

Wiers Farm Bagged Cubanelle - UPC 073064201836  16-ounce bag

Wiers Farm Bagged Green Beans  UPC 073064200846  variable weight bag

Wiers Farm Bagged Salad Cucumber  UPC 073064459619  2-pound bag

Wiers Farm Bagged Serrano  UPC 073064201829  4-ounce bag

Wiers Farm Organic Bell Pepper  UPC 073064201416  two-count tray

Wiers Farm Organic Cucumber  UPC 073064201423  two-count tray

Wiers Farm Organic Yellow Squash  UPC 073064201447  two-count tray

Wiers Farm Organic Zucchini Squash  UPC 073064201430  two-count tray

Edibles recall: Recalled Diamond Shruumz chocolates, candies now linked to two possible deaths and cases in 28 states

USA TODAY Recall Database: Search vehicle, product and food recalls

Bulk vegetables also recalled for listeria risk, sold in 18 states

These products were distributed in 18 states and sold individually or by the pound, the FDA says:

Anaheim peppers

Cilantro  sold in bunches

Cubanelle peppers

Cucumber  whole

Green beans

Green Bell Pepper

Habanero peppers

Hungarian Wax peppers

Jalapeno peppers

Mixed Vegetable Box (shipped to Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio food banks only)

Mustard Greens  sold in bunches

Pickling Cucumber

Plain Parsley  sold in bunches

Poblano peppers

Serrano peppers

Tomatillos

Kroger, Save-a-Lot and Walmart among stores where potentially contaminated bulk vegetables sold

Here are the states and stores where produce distributed by Wiers Farm were sold, according to the FDA:

Connecticut: Walmart and Save-a-Lot.

Delaware: Walmart and Save-a-Lot.

I llinois: Walmart and Kroger.

Indiana: Walmart and Kroger.

Kentucky: Walmart and Kroger.

Maine: Save-a-Lot.

Maryland: Walmart, Save-a-Lot, and Shop N Save (cucumber, green bell pepper and pickling cucumber only).

Michigan: Walmart, Kroger and Save-a-Lot.

Missouri : Kroger.

New Jersey: Walmart and Save-a-Lot.

New York: Walmart, Save-a-Lot and Shop N Save (cucumber, green bell pepper and pickling cucumber only).

North Carolina: Save-a-Lot.

Ohio: Walmart, Kroger, Save-a-Lot, and Shop N Save (cucumber, green bell pepper and pickling cucumber only).

Pennsylvania: Walmart, Save-a-Lot; Shop N Save and Shop N Save Express (cucumber, green bell pepper and picking cucumber only); Shoppers Value in Masontown (cucumber only); Franklin Foods Inc. in Kitanning (cucumber only); Grove City Country Market in Grove City (green bell pepper and picking cucumber only); Fas Chek Market (cucumber only); Foodland (cucumber, green bell pepper and picking cucumber only); Pechin Market in Connellsville (green bell pepper only); Sherwood Forest Foods in Ligonier (green bell pepper only); Market Basket in Johnstown (picking cucumber only)

Rhode Island: Save-a-Lot.

Tennessee: Kroger.

Virginia: Walmart and Save-a-Lot.

West Virginia: Walmart, Kroger, Save-a-Lot, Shop N Save and Shop N Save Express (cucumber, green bell pepper and pickling cucumbers only); Foodland (cucumber, green bell pepper and pickling cucumber only); and Fas Chek Market (cucumber only)

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cucumber recall: More states, stores, vegetables at risk of listeria
A week into cyber woes, Columbus mayor says city aims to get fully operational ASAP

The city of Columbus on Thursday struggled through the eighth day of a cybersecurity issue that has broken city websites, hobbled the city's email system, crashed an online permitting system and more.

The city's access to the LEADS system, a statewide database used by law enforcement, is working again as of Thursday, Mayor Andrew Ginther said. The city also reset its passwords Wednesday night.

Columbus' next priority is fully restoring its computer-aided dispatch system (CADS) used by first responders, Ginther said.

The CADS system has been working throughout the incident, but it has not been working efficiently or giving law enforcement "as much information as we would like them to have," Ginther said.

The city will prioritize restoring its public safety, public health and public utility departments in the coming days, Ginther said.

"We believe those are the most critical and those services and systems are going to be restored as quickly as possible, but in the most safe and secure way," he said.

Ginther did not offer a timeframe for when the city will be fully operational, only saying it will happen "as soon as possible."

This isn't the first time in recent months that a cybersecurity issue has crippled a city in Ohio. Parts of the situation in Columbus mirror a cyberattack in Cleveland that occurred in June.

Cleveland, Columbus officials keep quiet on cyber incidents

On June 9, Cleveland officials first detected a cyberattack. The next day, Cleveland closed its city hall to the public while it said it was investigating a "cyber incident," according to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Cleveland officials cut off access to city systems to preserve security.

Cleveland officials referred to the attack that closed city hall for several days as a "cyber incident" or "cyberattack." Columbus city officials have only referred to their ongoing cyber woes as a "cybersecurity incident."

Cleveland remained tight-lipped throughout their attack, releasing brief, one- or two-sentence updates in posts on X along with a few lengthier press releases. The city eventually confirmed it was hit by a ransomware attack after WKYC published evidence the city was infected with ransomware from a known cyber gang.

Most city systems remained working during Cleveland, Columbus attacks

In Cleveland, essential city services like 911, 311, waste collection and utility billing remained operational during the cyberattack, according to a news release.

Likewise, 911, 311 and many of Columbus' resident-facing systems like utility billing, online job applications and health care payments remained operational during its incident, The Dispatch previously reported.

One of the largest impacts of Cleveland's attack was shutting down its birth and death certificate system, requiring residents to instead request them from the Ohio Department of Health.

Columbus' birth and death certificate system runs through a third-party company and appeared to be unaffected by its cyber incident.

NHart@dispatch.com

@NathanRHart

jlaird@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus' hobbled IT systems mirror June cyberattack on Cleveland
by Wen Tsui

LOS ANGELES, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Recent freeway expansion projects in the United States have reignited discussions about the racist legacy of the country's freeway system. Despite authorities' promises to avoid repeating past mistakes, skepticism remains high among low-income and minority communities over their potential negative impacts on marginalized communities.

In Los Angeles, the Interstate-605 Corridor Improvement Project, first proposed by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) in 2020, included demolishing up to 380 homes, businesses and other properties in low-income communities to make way for freeway lanes in its initial plan. It faced strong opposition and was shelved in 2022.

Last year, the agency revised the plan, saying the project would have "no residential displacements."

However, at a public event earlier this month, the LA Metro seemed to be backing off its pledge and said that "some partial acquisitions might be needed," according to a report by Streetsblog LA, a website covering news on streets and highways in the Greater Los Angeles area.

The project has also sparked concerns over the housing crisis and environmental injustice. Alex Contreras, who co-founded the Happy City Coalition to fight freeway widening, told the Los Angeles Times, "We need to be focused on how we can bring transportation to where the homes already are."

In Houston, Texas, activists opposing a similar project have met with a setback as the Texas Department of Transportation announced at a public meeting on July 18 that the long-delayed project would kick off in October.

The North Houston Highway Improvement project, with a price tag of 9 billion U.S. dollars, aims to expand Interstate 45 and is likely to continue for nearly two decades. Opponents formed a coalition, including groups advocating racial justice, and equality for low-income and minority communities.

The project would involve the demolition of several public housing units in the city, particularly in the neighborhoods with higher poverty rates and a greater proportion of people of color, according to a report by Air Alliance Houston, part of the coalition.

The report indicated that the freeway expansion plan would further entrench barriers between neighborhoods, and negative impacts could disproportionately fall on low-income communities of color. For example, the design separates high-income, predominantly white neighborhoods on the west side of State Highway 288 from low-income neighborhoods with a majority of people of color on the east side.

Freeway expansions historically have led to the displacement of low-income communities and communities of color in the United States. Recent research highlighted the intentional routing of highways through communities of color over the past decades.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the construction of the interstate highway system in Los Angeles disproportionately affected Black and Latino neighborhoods.

For example, the East Los Angeles Interchange project was built on the ruins of residential streets in Boyle Heights, displacing at least 10,000 people from a predominantly Mexican and multiethnic community.

Sugar Hill, once a thriving Black neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles, was reduced to rubble to make way for Interstate 10.

"Wealthy Beverly Hills was able to stop a highway project proposal in the neighborhood in 1975, while communities of color, like Sugar Hill and Boyle Heights, were torn apart by highways despite years of local opposition," said a report by non-profit organization Climate Nexus.

The U.S. Highway construction in the mid-20th century displaced roughly a million people and left the remaining residents grappling with air pollution and declining economic opportunity, according to the report titled "Why U.S. Highways Perpetuate Racial Injustice."

Communities near freeways often bear a disproportionate burden of air pollution, noise pollution, and other environmental hazards. Economically, freeway construction was intertwined with discriminatory housing practices, such as redlining and racial covenants.

"The U.S. interstate highway system was built on the backs of low-income communities of color across the country, and many of those communities are still suffering from its effects to this day," said the report. 
Cyberattack on Russian banks, telecoms continues into third day, source says

A cyberattack by Ukraine's military intelligence agency has continued to cause disruptions across banking and telecommunications in Russia for a third day, an agency source told the Kyiv Independent on July 25.

Russian media reported on July 24 that several top banks, including Raiffeisen, Gazprombank, VTB, and Alfabank, were experiencing outages. Social networks, payment systems on public transport, and some airlines were also reportedly impacted.

VTB's press service told Russian state-owned news agency TASS on June 24 that the Russian banking sector had been hit by a "DDoS (distributed denial of service) attack planned from abroad."

According to the Kyiv Independent's source in Ukraine's military intelligence agency, the attack began on the morning of July 23.

"The online services of financial institutions across the country are either not working at all or are working unstable and with errors for the third day," the source said.

The source added that as of July 25, the attack has impacted other websites, including the Russian social network VK, and other payment systems like Russia's National Card Payment System, which operates Russia's Mir payment system.

The Mir payment system was instituted following Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 after international sanctions began to limit the usage of international cards.

Its usage increased after the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent withdrawal of the major payment card services Visa and Mastercard from Russia.

"The situation is complicated by the unstable work of internet providers," which are also under attack by Ukrainian cyber experts," the source said.

An attack against Russian banks and Russia's Mir payment system in June by Ukraine's IT Army, a volunteer cyberwarfare group, rendered a range of Russian bank services non-functional.

Read also: Ukrainian intelligence hacks Russian websites, replaces homepages with pig head pictures

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Cybertruck is added to the Irvine Police Department fleet. Don't expect to see it on patrol

The Tesla Cybertruck is unveiled at Tesla's design studio in 2019 in Hawthorne. Irvine police plan to use their vehicle solely for community outreach, the department says. (Ringo Chu / Associated Press)

It is official  a Cybertruck is about to make its debut as a police vehicle.

Irvine police announced Tuesday the department plans to add a Cybertruck to its fleet of patrol cars in the south Orange County city, making it one of the first  if not the first  police department in the nation to use the head-turning all-electric Cybertruck.

"Coming soon to Irvine," the department posted on X, along with a picture of a Tesla Cybertruck outfitted with sleek red and blue lights on the roof and front of the vehicle.

But don't expect to see the angular electric car involved in any high-speed chases.

The truck, which starts at a little more than $60,000, will be used solely for community outreach, said Sgt. Karie Davis, a spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department.

"It's not a patrol car," she said in an email. "It will be used for community relations."

Irvine Councilmember Tammy Kim said the city took possession of the car this month. The Cybertruck was obtained as a replacement to another police vehicle in the department's fleet, Kim said.

"It's something fun to outreach, to capture the attention and imagination of the community," Kim said. "In addition, it's something to get people to talk about public safety and the Police Department as an example of Irvine's sustainability goals."

Read more: Will these drones 'revolutionize' 911 response? L.A. suburb will be first to test

In 2021, the city adopted a plan to cut emissions, with reduction targets set for 2030, 2035 and 2045. Part of those plans, Kim said, is transitioning the city's vehicles  including police cars  to electric vehicles.

Last year, the city received $990,000 from the state for Irvine police to purchase electric vehicles to patrol the Great Park, a former Marine air station converted for recreational uses. The police department currently has two electric Ford Lightning trucks assigned to the park.

But electric patrol vehicles have proved to be more challenging for police departments because the vehicle must continuously run a number of systems while on patrol, Kim said.

Anaheim police recently introduced Tesla Model Y vehicles in their department. South Pasadena police have also purchased Teslas.

But Cybertrucks, which are advertised as having dent-resistant doors and off-roading capability, have recently caught the attention of other police departments as a possible option.

Read more: For Tesla's futuristic new Cybertruck, a fourth recall

In May, the California-based company UP.FIT released images of a modified Cybertruck which it said was fitted with ballistic protection, Starlink internet access and off-road capability.

This month, 404 Media reported that Anaheim police were in contact with the company, and interested in making Anaheim the first U.S. city with a Cybertruck.

"I spoke with the Chief yesterday and we still want to be the first police agency to have a Cybertruck," Anaheim police Sgt. Jacob Gallacher wrote to UP.FIT, 404 Media reported. "If anyone can make that happen, I know it is you!"

That title may now belong to Irvine police.

Kim said she was not sure if Irvine, which carries the unofficial title as the U.S. safest city of its size based on FBI violent crime statistics, is the first city to own the electric truck. But she said she's excited to have the vehicle to engage the community.

"It shows that our Irvine Police Department is thinking outside the box, that we're being a bit creative in how we're approaching the community," she said.

It's unclear how much the vehicle cost the city, which directs about 42.2% of its overall $263.4 million budget in 2024-25 to public safety.

Police officials said a debut date for the department's Cybertruck had not yet been set and, for now, there are no plans to purchase a second.

Asked about the cost, Irvine police directed a reporter to file a public records request.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Czech FM: Ammunition initiative is a vital part of Ukraine's defense but needs more donors, money

The Czech ammunition initiative secured financing for half a million shells for Ukraine and can gather more if it finds additional donors or finances, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in an interview with the Kyiv Independent on July 23.

Czechia unveiled the international initiative earlier this year amid Ukraine's shell shortages caused largely by delays in U.S. assistance.

We know for sure that half a million shells will be delivered by the end of this year. If there is more funding, more can be delivered, Lipavsky said, adding that there are quite a significant number of shells available on the market without giving specific numbers.

Speaking in Brussels earlier this week, Lipavsky confirmed that the first batch of 45,000 shells arrived in Ukraine in June, and 100,000 more are expected to arrive by the end of summer.

The minister told the Kyiv Independent that Prague aims to continue with the initiative also next year but needs more donors or more financial contributions. Eighteen countries have pledged support so far, of which 15 delivered on their promise, Lipavsky said.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba (L) talks to Czech counterpart Jan Lipavsky (R) before the start of the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting on the second day of the NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers' meeting on April 4, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting of foreign ministers from NATO countries coincided with the 75th anniversary of the alliance's founding. (Omar Havana/Getty Images)

Commenting on the reception on the Ukrainian side, Czechias chief diplomat said that the Czech ammunition initiative really consists of a significant piece of Ukrainian defense. The Ukrainian leadership was very thankful.

Lipavsky did not reveal if Russia attempted to disrupt the initiative, but reminded that Russian operatives are active across Europe, as evidenced by the 2014 ammunition depot blasts allegedly orchestrated by Russian GRU agents.

Czechias support for Ukraine went beyond the artillery ammunition. The country was the first one to provide main battle tanks to Ukraine, in addition to helicopters, multiple rocket launchers, armored vehicles, and more.

Read also: Czech initiative secures funds to provide Ukraine with 500,000 shells so far in 2024

The Czech Defense Ministry said already last fall that the Soviet-era supplies the NATO country can send to Ukraine are running thin, however.

Lipavsky confirmed that his nations military needs to maintain some strategic reserves of Soviet-era weaponry before it can replace it with modern arms.

The Czech foreign minister reiterated his countrys support for Ukraines right to strike deep inside Russia with Western weapons, but refrained from criticizing partners like the U.S. who have not given such a permission.

I think it's more important that we work in unity rather than challenge specific countries with specific positions, Lipavsky said, adding that the allies need a common strategy to contain Russia.

The U.S. and Germany permitted Ukraine to only use their weapons to attack Russian forces within Ukraine and just across the border to disrupt offensive operations. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly appealed to the U.S. and other allies to lift these restrictions.

An artillery division of the 59th Brigade receives ammunition on the frontline near Donetsk on Dec. 23, 2022, in Donetsk, Ukraine. The division is firing 152 mm rounds with a Soviet-made Howitzer D20 cannon supplied by the United States. (Pierre Crom/Getty Images)

London and Kyiv are leading talks on the possible use of Storm Shadow long-range missiles against targets inside Russia but no definitive decision has been made so far.

During the interview, Lipavsky also commented on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans so-called peace mission to Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing. The venture has been extensively criticized by the EU, namely due to the fact it took place during Hungarys rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.

Lipavsky said that other member states made it clear that Orbans rogue diplomacy does not represent the bloc, but did not elaborate on any concrete steps Brussels or member states plan to take in response.

Brussels reaction has so far consisted mainly of boycotting events organized within the framework of the rotating presidency.

Hungary is broadly seen as the most Kremlin-proximate country within the EU and continues blocking around $7 billion in funds allocated to Ukraine defense support. According to Lipavsky, there is little the EU can do to thwart Budapests obstructions.

What we do is that we carefully go through every policy to get Hungary on board when we need a full agreement in the EU, the minister said.

Read also: Rheinmetall receives order to build ammunition factory in Ukraine

The interview was facilitated with the assistance of the Kyiv Independent's partners at KI Insights.

Hi, this is Martin Fornusek. I hope you enjoyed the article.

Our team strives every day to bring you in-depth insights into Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression and the countries around the world that support the country in its struggle.

But we wouldn't be able to do so without the support of readers like you. Please consider supporting us to help us continue this work.

Thank you very much.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Petr Pavel, President of Czechia, considers it necessary to involve Russia and China in the peace initiatives to end the Russo-Ukrainian war in order for these initiatives to be fruitful.

Source: European Pravda; Pavel in an interview for CTK cited by IDNES

Details: Petr Pavel noted that he expected certain new shifts in the Russian war against Ukraine at the end of 2024 or at the beginning of 2025. He mentioned elections in a number of important countries, such as the US, as one of the factors, as well as a growing fatigue from the war both in Russia and Ukraine.

Commenting on the statement of Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the plans to engage Russia in the next Peace Summit, Pavel said that it is so far unknown whether that is possible, but it is "necessary and important anyway".

At the same time he stated that the negotiations would make no sense if Moscow keeps acting the way it did before, basically forcing Ukraine to capitulate.

"Yet peaceful negotiations will not be possible without Russia and China at the table", Pavel believes.

He thinks that it will be impossible to make Russia change its behaviour without real pressure from China.

Background:

The participants of the Global Peace Summit held in June in Switzerland published a joint communique about the foundations of peace.

Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President, stated that Ukraine was determined to hold the second Peace Summit by the end of 2024.

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Damian Hauschultz, 17, enters the Manitowoc County Courthouse on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021 before his sentencing in the death of foster brother Ethan Hauschultz, 7.

MANITOWOC  Damian L. Hauschultz is still waiting on an answer from the Wisconsin Supreme Court to see if it will review his reckless homicide conviction in the 2018 death of his 7-year-old cousin, Ethan.

Hauschultz was 14 when his cousin died after being beaten, forced to carry a 44-pound log and buried in the snow as punishment.

According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office, Ethan died from hypothermia and blunt force injuries to his head, chest and abdomen.

Hauschultz, who is now 20 years old, pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Earlier this year, he filed an appeal in which his attorney, Megan Sanders, argued that Hauschultz's statements to the police were not voluntary because he was a minor and did not feel free to end the interrogations, and that those statements should not be allowed as evidence.

The appeal also said he did not have sufficient knowledge of his Miranda rights.

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals upheld the conviction in a decision made March 13.

More: Manitowoc manufacturer to pay state $85K in settlement in air pollution lawsuit

On April 12, Sanders filed a 34-page brief on behalf of Hauschultz to petition the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review the case.

She raised several issues in the brief, including whether Hauschultz's statements to the police were voluntary and whether the circumstances around the interrogations pressured him beyond what is considered reasonable, which would indicate his statements were involuntary.

In a response filed by the state attorney general's office, the state argued the rulings by the lower courts had already fully considered all aspects of the questions at hand, and no further review was warranted.

The Supreme Court still has to decide if it will hear the case and there is no set timeline for that decision.

Hauschultz's father, Timothy Hauschultz, is still awaiting his trial on murder and child abuse charges related to Ethan's death.

The criminal complaint alleges Timothy ordered Damian to supervise the punishment that led to Ethan's death. Timothy and his wife, Tina McKeever-Hauschultz, were Ethan's guardians at the time.

More: Manitowoc man arrested after tip from Bikers Against Predators sentenced to probation

A jury trial has been scheduled and rescheduled several times. Now, Timothy Hauschultz's next court date is a status conference set for Sept. 24.

McKeever-Hauschultz was sentenced to five years in prison in 2021 after being convicted of child abuse-failure to prevent great bodily harm, and failing to prevent mental harm to a child, both felony charges.

Why we cover court cases: This report is part of the Herald Times Reporter's mission to fulfill our obligation to follow criminal cases from arrest to their conclusion. The aim is to shine a light on the criminal justice process so readers can see how publicly funded law enforcement and courts function.

Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Damian Hauschultz awaits Wisconsin Supreme Court on decision to hear his case
Hes a danger to the community: Family of Main Event shooting victim fights for justice

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Family members of a security guard slain on the job by his coworker are speaking out for the first time about the tragedy they labeled shocking, and senseless.

With his mother and family by his side, Ladameyon Redmon watched as the man accused of killing his father, 65-year-old James Redmon, once again stood before a judge Thursday morning.

I had to do it: Main Event security guard shot co-worker twice in head, witnesses say

So many things that me and him are supposed to do, and now I wont be able to get to do that because this stuff happened, said Ladameyon.

Ladameyon describes his father as a hardworking man who loved his family.

If you came across him, he was very nice. Very nice. Very humble. Hardworking, loving, and caring, he said.

Memphis Police say Richard Lewis shot and killed Redmon at Main Event after an argument regarding the use of the metal detector on customers.

Both men were working as security guards, but the state of Tennessee confirmed that Lewis was the only one not licensed for armed security.

Security guard in Main Event shooting wasnt licensed, records show

If you dont have the right credentials, you shouldnt be working, said Ladameyon.

And to find out that this guy working and shooting in a business like that with kids with no license, said Redmons wife, Debbie Redmon.

Lewis was scheduled for a bond hearing but waived the hearing after prosecutors presented surveillance video of the killing. Redmons attorney says they waived the hearing to gather more data.

The video was not shown publicly. However, Redmons family was privately shown the video before the hearing.

It was senseless. He didnt try to do anything to him. He was your boss. He was your supervisor. He was just telling you, said Debbie.

Redmons family says Redmon and Lewis worked together for years, and they say Redmon was Lewiss superior.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

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We know him personally. Its not somebody thats a stranger to us. You see what Im saying. My dad took him home. Try to help him, Ladameyon said.

It was just shocking that Lewis did something like that, said Debbie.

Ladameyon says they plan to attend every court hearing until they see justice.

If you dont have no self-control and no conscious or common sense for what he did, I wouldnt let nobody like that out of jail. As far as the community, I feel like hes a danger to the community, said Ladameyon.

Richard Lewis is due back in court on August 8 for a preliminary hearing. He remains in jail at this time.

The family has set up a GoFundMe account.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Daughter, 20, Told Dad She Loved Him Minutes Before She Fell to Her Death from Yosemite's Half Dome

Grace Rohloff fell to her death on July 13, after she and her father got stuck in rainstorm

Grace Rohloff/Facebook Grace Rohloff

The Arizona college student who died after slipping down the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park on Saturday, July 13, had celebrated reaching the summit with her father just moments before her death.

Grace Rohloff, 20, was hiking the popular peak with her father Jonathan when a sudden rainstorm rolled through as they were descending down with the cables, and the young woman fell to her death.

In an interview with SFGate, her father said that Grace was smiling after they arrived at the summit and told him that she loved him.

She told me it was something that was on her bucket list that she always wanted to do, and she was so happy about it," he added while speaking with NBC affiliate KPNX, noting that the pair had plenty of experience and had hiked together for "thousands of miles" at that point.

But just moments later, everything would change.

Theres no way ten minutes before, when she was up there smiling ear to ear, that I thought I only had 10 minutes left with her," he told KPNX. "It was a tragedy."



Related: College Student Dies in Front of Dad After Slipping Off Yosemites Half Dome: 'It Happened So Fast'

Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty A view of Half Dome and El Capitan in Yosemite National Park of California

Jonathan told SFGate said that once they reached the summit they heard a "loud thunderclap and knew they had to start getting down immediately.

He noted that Grace was wearing new hiking shoes for the occasion, and as they descended, she alerted him that the shoes were not getting good traction on the trail. Then, before he knew what was happening, she slipped from his reach and slid outside the boundary of the cables down the face of the mountain, according to Fox affiliate KMPH-TV.



It just happened very fast," Jonathan told KPNX.

Getty Yosemite's Half Dome

Although he initially hoped his daughter had survived, she did not, and he later learned that Grace likely died from hitting her head on a rock, per the outlet.

The Mariposa County Coroners Office told SFGate that Grace died from a head fracture.

That was at least comforting, he told the outlet. If she was gone, that she didnt have to suffer.

Related: Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling into Gorge While Filming Instagram Reel

Jonathan is remembering his daughter as a "fearless" adventurer.

She brightened up every room she was in. She was an amazing human being," he told KPNX. "And you know her spirit still surrounds me."

Now, hes hoping to work with the national park to save lives in the future. Since 1948, 15 people have died on the Half Dome tip and cables, per SFGate, which also reported that since 2006, at least six people died while stuck in rainstorms on the summit.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

PEOPLE has reached out to the National Park Service for comment.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 27 at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Litchfield Park, Ariz.

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Read the original article on People.
SINGAPORE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Terrorism threat to Singapore remains high despite no indication of an imminent attack, according to an official report Thursday.

The terrorism threat has been elevated since the Israel-Palestine conflict, with an uptick in anti-Singapore rhetoric on social media from regional extremist elements, according to the Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2024.

The primary threat driver in Singapore continues to be online self-radicalization. Singapore's Internal Security Department has dealt with three self-radicalization cases since last July. Two were boys, aged 14 and 16. The third was a 33-year-old female, the annual report showed.

The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict triggered the radicalization of the 14-year-old and 33-year-old. The 16-year-old was radicalized by far-right extremist ideologies, according to the report.

The Singaporean authority has dealt with 52 self-radicalized individuals, including 40 Singaporeans, since 2015. 
FILE - Gov. Glenn Youngkin, R-VA., gestures before speaking during the first day of the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. The daughter of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has been appointed by Youngkin to serve on the Virginia Board of Education, drawing criticism from some Democrats who called the appointment politically motivated. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

The daughter of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has been appointed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Virginia Board of Education, drawing criticism from some Democrats who called the appointment politically motivated.

Meg Bryce, a psychology educator who unsuccessfully ran last year for an at-large seat on the Albemarle County school board, said Thursday at a business meeting that she was thankful that Youngkin chose her for the board, which is responsible for determining statewide curriculum standards, high school graduation requirements and qualifications for teachers.

I have so admired what this board has already done to increase accountability and transparency and excellence in Virginia schools, Bryce said. Those are things that I have already fought for and its my honor and privilege and just a joy to be a part of those efforts going forward.

Bryce grew up in Virginia and earned a doctorate in cognitive science from the University of Virginia. During her campaign for Albemarle school board, community members criticized Bryce for taking her children out of public schools in light of the pandemic, according to the Daily Progress. Bryce, described by a board member as a capstone mentor at the University of Virginia, has since been criticized by community leaders as being unfit for the position.

Del. Katrina Callsen, a Democrat from Albemarle, said in a Tweet that Bryce was a failed Moms for Liberty candidate. Teacher and Democratic Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg said on social media that Bryce had no credentials and "spent a year running for School Board embroiled in culture wars.

James J. Fedderman, president of the Virginia Education Association, said Bryces appointment is one more example in a long list of shortsighted, politically motivated decisions that serves to advance Gov. Youngkins anti-public education agenda while further endangering LGBTQIA+ students in the Commonwealth.

Board President Grace Creasey, also appointed by Youngkin in 2022, said she is thrilled to have Bryce be a part of the group.

Having an expert in psychology on the board with teaching experience is a great addition for navigating the most critical issues facing our public schools and youth today, Creasey said, referencing mental health and other issues students face. She is going to be a phenomenal addition to the board and a champion for students.

Youngkin spokesman Christian Martinez said the governor was thankful Bryce would serve Virginians on the board, adding that she would be instrumental in ensuring that every parent, student, and teacher receives the essential resources and support needed to thrive.

Youngkin also tapped Ida Outlaw McPherson, a Hampton Roads-area attorney, to serve on the board, filling out the nine-member group after two seats opened up this month.

McPherson, a Howard University law school graduate, was previously appointed by Gov. Bob McDonnell to serve as the director of the Department of Minority Business Enterprise, now titled the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. She also served as the former president of the NAACP Suffolk Chapter, Creasey said.

McPhersons community work would help her bring a critical lens to the board, Creasey said.

Fedderman said almost all of Youngkins appointees, including McPherson, were inexperienced with K-12 public education policy and practice, and they lack many of the requisite credentials generally expected for a seat on that Board.

___

Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Dave Matthews was one of thousands of protesters who gathered in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday (July 24) to condemn the U.S. Congress reception of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a moment in history the musician called shameful in an on-site interview.

Speaking to Al Jazeera near the Capitol, Matthews said, I just think its terrible when the majority of the world is looking at this man and what hes doing in Gaza, and then also what hes overseeing in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, that were welcoming into the so-called sacred halls of our government.

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This has been an ongoing struggle for people that just want to have dignity and be able to live independent lives and dream of a better future, he continued in support of Palestinians during the on-camera interview, which showed other protesters milling behind him. This man is the pinnacle of the obstacle toward that freedom and that we have him visiting the country is obscene. Its a disgusting show of support for someone that doesnt deserve our support.

Im ashamed that my tax dollars are going to the brutalizing of an entire people, Matthews added. Its shameful. And Im ashamed that our government is welcoming him here.

According to The Associated Press, thousands were present Wednesday to protest Netanyahus visit and call for an end to U.S. aid to Israel amid the countrys ongoing war against Hamas, which has claimed more than 39,000 Palestinian lives. The conflict began after the Palestinian terrorist group killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages in its Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

Police deployed pepper spray into the crowd on Wednesday after some protesters became violent and failed to obey orders to move back, according to authorities. Nine people were arrested in D.C., including four who were charged with assaulting an officer outside Union Station.

At one point, some demonstrators attempted to block Netanyahus route to the Capitol but were removed from the street by police. Once inside, the prime minister called the protesters idiots and said that Israel intends to fight until we achieve victory, per CNN.

The following day, Netanyahu met separately with President Joe Biden and Vice President/presumptive 2024 Democratic nominee Kamala Harris at the White House, where the leaders reportedly negotiated a ceasefire deal. On Friday, Netanyahu plans to meet with former president Donald Trump in Florida.

See Matthews comments on Netanyahus visit to Congress below.

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Musician Dave Matthews criticized congressional support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while attending a protest outside the Capitol on Wednesday, calling it disgusting.

Matthews spoke to Al Jazeera during one of the demonstrations protesting Netanyahus visit to the U.S. to address a joint meeting of Congress. Matthews knocked lawmakers support for the Israeli leader, saying it was terrible that they welcomed him into the so-called sacred halls of government.

This has been an ongoing struggle for people that just want to have dignity and be able to live independent lives and dream of a better future. And this man is the pinnacle of the obstacle toward that freedom and that we have him visiting the country is obscene, its disgusting to show support for someone that doesnt deserve our support, Matthews told Al Jazeera.

Im ashamed that my tax dollars are going to this, the brutalizing of an entire people. Its, its shameful, and Im ashamed that our government is welcoming him here, he added.

Netanyahus visit to the U.S. was met with mixed reactions from lawmakers, with a number of Democrats choosing to boycott the speech Wednesday. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the only Palestinian American in Congress, held up a small sign accusing the Israeli prime minister of being a war criminal and guilty of genocide during his address.

His visit drew massive protests outside the Capitol and just a few blocks away at Union Station, where protesters took down U.S. flags and burned them. They later replaced them with smaller Palestinian flags before law enforcement dispersed the crowd and made several arrests.

The White House on Thursday condemned the protesters for burning the American flags.

Identifying with evil terrorist organizations like Hamas, burning the American flag, or forcibly removing the American flag and replacing it with another, is disgraceful, deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a statement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The post Dave Matthews Protests Netanyahus Visit to Congress appeared first on Consequence.

Dave Matthews traveled to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to the United States Congress amidst Israels ongoing war in Gaza.

Discussing his decision to join the protest, Matthews told Al Jazeera, I just think its terrible when the majority of the world is looking at this man and what hes doing in Gaza and then also what hes overseeing in the West Bank and East Jerusalem that were welcoming into the so-called sacred halls of our government.

Dave Matthews Band Here

This has been an ongoing struggle for people that just want to have dignity and be able to live independent lives and dream of a better future, Matthews added. And this man is the is the pinnacle of the obstacle toward that freedom and that we have visiting the country is obscene. Its a disgusting show of support for someone that doesnt deserve our support.

Im ashamed that my tax dollars are going to the brutalizing of an entire people. Its shameful. And Im ashamed that our government is welcoming him here.

According to the Associated Press, thousands of protesters against Israels war in Gaza marched on Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, calling for an end to the conflict that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians. In his speech to Congress, Netanyahu dismissed criticism by the United Nations, human rights groups and the International Criminal Court that Israels government has committed war crimes as utter nonsense, and he derided pro-Palestinian protesters as idiots, according to the Washington Post. Netanyahu also said Israel would not end its war in Gaza until it had acheived total victory over Hamas.

In October, Dave Matthews Band will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of its class of 2024. In the lead up to the bands enshrinement, theyre current playing shows on their annual summer tour (get tickets here).

Dave Matthews Protests Netanyahus Visit to Congress

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A restaurant and bar in Davenport had to shut down temporarily because of problems caused by recent flooding.

The Phoenix has been closed for three weeks. Restaurant managers planned to reopen Tuesday, July 23, but couldnt because of a sewage backup in the bottom level. Managers say theyre used to the flooding, but they say the City needs to upgrade its sewer system. The temporary shut down hit the business and employees financially.

The Phoenix plans to reopen Thursday, July 25.

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A Shasta County woman who has been missing for more than two months told sheriff's deputies last year that her husband beat her and threatened to kill her and, according to court records, the couple had a "volatile" relationship that led to their children being taken from their home.

Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain, who has been missing since May 18, told a sheriff's deputy that her husband, Tyler McCain, beat her up at the couple's Happy Valley home in November 2023.

Tyler McCain was charged in December 2023 with felony domestic violence, false imprisonment, making criminal threats and assault.

However, those charges were dismissed this month after Nikki McCain went missing. Because she was the victim and a witness in the case and unable to testify, Superior Court Judge Daniel Flynn said he had to dismiss the charges against Tyler McCain.

Dozens of people protested outside court in Redding the morning after charges against Tyler McCain were dismissed.

District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett said that she believes dismissing the case was the best course to take following Nikki McCain's disappearance.

"We know Nikkis disappearance and our decision on the domestic violence case is upsetting to many of you. I hear your frustrations and your desire for justice. I assure you that I and everyone in my office share your frustrations and your desire for justice. Not only in the domestic violence case but also her safe return home, Bridgett said in a written statement.

"I assure you that dismissing the domestic violence case is the best path forward at this time as it preserves our ability to refile the case once Nikki is located or sufficient evidence is obtained to utilize her statements in her absence," Bridgett said.

The report from the sheriff's office said Nikki McCain appeared to have been beaten up when a deputy interviewed her at Mercy Medical Center three days after the alleged assault.

"Both of her eyes were blackened severely, both were also swollen in what appeared to be the result of a physical assault," the report says. She told the deputy her husband of 13 years hit her numerous times.

RELATED: Supporters rally for missing Redding woman Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain: See photos here

She told the deputy she arrived at the couple's Happy Valley home between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 19, 2023. Tyler McCain arrived about 15 minutes later and "immediately jumped on her, held her down on the ground and dragged her around, yelled at her and asked her 'What's going on? What are you doing?" the report says.

At one point Nikki McCain said her husband wrapped tape around her ankles and wrists, the report says. He also put tape over her mouth. During the struggle he also placed her face down on the floor, pulled her hair and head back and threatened to kill her, the report says.

"Confidential victim (Nikki McCain) said she thought she was going to die, that Tyler may actually intend to kill her," she reportedly told the deputy.

Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain of Shasta County was last heard from on May 17, 2024. The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche she drives was found in Tehama County on May 25.

The report noted that Nikki McCain is 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 90 pounds and "Tyler is substantially larger and stronger than she is, and there would be no way for her to fend him off in his fit of rage during the assault," the report says.

Nikki McCain eventually escaped and drove to a sister's house in Redding, the report says.

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After taking a statement from Nikki McCain at the hospital, deputies went to the couple's home in Happy Valley and arrested Tyler McCain.

Tyler McCain, 39, who pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, told a deputy investigating the incident that he had nothing to do with what happened to his wife and suggested that his wife was injured when she got into a fight with another woman.

Tyler McCain also said he thought his wife was having an affair with a woman.

After arresting Tyler McCain, deputies searched the home and found five firearms "in plain view." One of the guns was an AK 47-type rifle that was reported stolen from Oregon, the report says.

While charges against Tyler McCain were dismissed, Nikki McCain has an active misdemeanor battery case against her in superior court.

A relative of Tyler McCain's reported to Anderson police in January 2022 that she was allegedly attacked by Nikki McCain. The woman, who was not named in the police report, had temporary custody of the McCain's four children due to ongoing violence in their family, the report says.

"Nikki and her significant other have had such a volatile relationship over the past year that Nikki's children have been taken from her and placed into temporary custody with (the woman) at the direction of Tribal Social Services," the police report says.

The report does not say which tribe, but court dockets list an address for Tyler McCain on Redding Rancheria Road. It isn't clear how the McCains are affiliated with the rancheria and an official with the tribe said she could not comment on whether they were members of the rancheria.

The Redding Rancheria is one of three organizations that have offered rewards of up $10,000 for information about the whereabouts of Nikki McCain.

The woman reported to Anderson police that Nikki McCain showed up at her house on Jan. 3, 2022 and attempted to take at least one of the children. A fight broke out when the woman tried to stop Nikki McCain.

The two ended up on the floor of the residence, punching, kicking and scratching each other. Two of the children had to pull them apart, the woman told police. Nikki McCain then drove off, the report says.

While the alleged incident happened in January 2022, the police report on file in court was dated June 16, 2022 and a single misdemeanor charge of battery was filed against Nikki McCain on Nov. 29, 2022.

The Anderson police officer who wrote the report said he was not able to contact Nikki McCain as part of his investigation.

MORE: 'Someone knows something.' Reward now $30K to find Nikki Cheng McCain, missing since May

The district attorney's office sent a citation letter to Nikki McCain on Nov. 29, but no court hearing dates have been held on the case since charges were filed, according to court records.

A district attorney's office spokeswoman said she would try to find out why no court hearings have been held regarding the battery charges against Nikki McCain.

Shasta County Secret Witness, the Redding Rancheria and the Kingsman Philanthropic Corp. have offered to provide up to $30,000 for information that leads to finding Nikki McCain. Her vehicle was recovered May 25 in Tehama County, but officials have not said where in the county it was located.

Brian Fitzgibbons, Kingsman's director of operations, said his organization deals with missing persons cases around the country. The Nikki McCain case is different from others, he said.

"Just big picture, look at the statistics of missing persons cases nationwide. This is an outlier in and of itself. And the second point is her status as a victim who made an on-the-record allegation to the Shasta County Sheriff's Department. Her status as a victim-slash-witness makes this even more rare," Fitzgibbons said.

The district attorney's office filed charges in 440 domestic violence cases last year, the office said.

Nationwide, most missing person's cases are runaway children and teenagers, he said. Nikki McCain is 39 years old. A majority of people reported missing are also found within two weeks, he said. As time passes, it becomes more difficult to find people who have gone missing, he said.

"As we know, time is of the essence. And we believe that there are individuals connected to Nikki, connected to Tyler that have information and have not come forward yet that have information about things that happened on or about the date she was last seen and in the immediate aftermath of her going missing. And we believe that there are individuals in the community that have information that could help us find her," Fitzgibbons said.

The case is also different because of the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. She was the sole witness to a violent crime against her, he said.

He said the community has rallied to get the word out about her disappearance and that publicity has helped law enforcement learn more about how she disappeared.

"The anonymous tip line has has been ringing. People are starting to call in. I think the information about the reward is getting out there. And I would say that the community is very actively involved in this conversation," Fitzgibbons said.

The sheriff's office's major crimes unit asks that anyone with information about Nikki McCain call 530-245-6135 or by email at MCU@shastacounty.gov. The Redding Rancheria and Nor Cal Alliance for the Missing are also taking tips at 530-638-3855 or 530-378-4491. Kingsman Philanthropic can be reached at 786-509-7135.

Reporter Damon Arthur welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Reported death threats surround case of missing Shasta County woman
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Rescue teams on Wednesday found another body at a tequila distillery in Mexico a day after an explosion and fire, bringing the death toll to six. Two workers were injured.

The factory belongs to the Jose Cuervo company, one of Mexicos most famous tequila brands.

The local civil defense posted on X that the latest body was found in a waste area where large containers had collapsed.

Dog missing for 9 years finally returns home: A miracle

The company on Tuesday said the explosion occurred as employees were carrying out maintenance work. Authorities on Tuesday night said the situation was under control, but on Wednesday morning a fire broke out in a storage area with cardboard and other materials.

Aerial view of a car under a stainless steel container that blew about 200 metres in the air on July 23, 2024, after an explosion during maintenance work at the Jose Cuervo tequila factory in the Tequila municipality, Jalisco State, Mexico, taken on July 24, 2024. The explosion at the factory producing Jose Cuervo tequila killed at least five people on July 23, local authorities said. It was not yet known what caused the blast, with the company saying it happened during maintenance work. It impacted four containers with a capacity of 219,000 litres each, two of which collapsed, said Victor Hugo Roldan, state director of civil protection. (Photo by Ulises RUIZ / AFP) (Photo by ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images)

A member of the National Guard stands guard as firefighters work to extinguish a fire at the Jose Cuervo tequila factory on July 24, 2024, a day after an explosion which occurred during maintenance works at the facility in the Tequila municipality, Jalisco State, Mexico. The explosion at the factory producing Jose Cuervo tequila killed at least five people on July 23, local authorities said. It was not yet known what caused the blast, with the company saying it happened during maintenance work. It impacted four containers with a capacity of 219,000 litres each, two of which collapsed, said Victor Hugo Roldan, state director of civil protection. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP) (Photo by ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Firefighters work at the Jose Cuervo tequila factory on July 24, 2024, a day after an explosion occurred during maintenance works at the facility in the Tequila municipality, Jalisco State, Mexico. The explosion at the factory producing Jose Cuervo tequila killed at least five people on July 23, local authorities said. It was not yet known what caused the blast, with the company saying it happened during maintenance work. It impacted four containers with a capacity of 219,000 litres each, two of which collapsed, said Victor Hugo Roldan, state director of civil protection. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP) (Photo by ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Aerial view showing damages at the Jose Cuervo tequila factory on July 24, 2024, a day after an explosion occurred during maintenance works at the facility in the Tequila municipality, Jalisco State, Mexico. The explosion at the factory producing Jose Cuervo tequila killed at least five people on July 23, local authorities said. It was not yet known what caused the blast, with the company saying it happened during maintenance work. It impacted four containers with a capacity of 219,000 litres each, two of which collapsed, said Victor Hugo Roldan, state director of civil protection. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP) (Photo by ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images)

The town of Tequila is about 375 miles northwest of Mexico City. Overlooked by a volcano and surrounded by plantations of agave, the plant from which the liquor is produced, life in the municipality of 40,000 residents revolves around tequila production and the tourism it generates.

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A tourist visiting Death Valley had to be hospitalized after his bare feet briefly touched the blazing hot sands, causing him third-degree burns.

The tourist, an unnamed 42-year-old man from Belgium, was at Death Valley National Park on Saturday when the incident occurred. He reportedly lost his shoes while taking a short walk on Saturday at the park's Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, according the National Parks Service.

The site provides visitors with the chance to hike routes of their choosing across the dunes. The tourist who was injured was reportedly wearing flip flops while walking on the dunes. At some point, he either lost his flip flop or the footwear broke, leaving his bare foot exposed to the blistering sand.

Others in his group had to carry him off the dunes and transported him to a ranger station for treatment.

Death Valley is known for being the hottest place on Earth, and thanks to the ongoing climate crisis temperatures in the region are only likely to increase. The southwest US has been enduring consistent triple digit temperatures this summer, and one individual died in Death Valley early this month on a day when temperatures reached 128 degrees Fahrenheit.

A stop sign warns tourists of extreme heat at Badwater Basin on July 8 in Death Valley National Park. A Belgian tourist suffered third-degree burns on his foot when his skin was exposed to extremely hot sand on one of the parks dunes in July 2024

The hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth was logged in Death Valley in July 1913, when the air temperature reached 134 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Park Service.

On Saturday, the day the tourist was injured, air temperatures at the park reached 123 degrees, and a park official noted that the temperature of the dunes would have been hotter than the air.

Rangers treating the tourist transported him via ambulance to a helicopter pick-up spot, where he was flown to a nearby hospital. An initial attempt to connect with a helicopter failed due to the high heat preventing the aircraft from operating safely. Rangers were forced to take the man to higher elevation where the aircraft could land safely, according to CBS News.

The park service recommends that summer visitors to Death Valley avoid hiking in late morning and afternoon and stay within 10 minutes of a car with air conditioning to avoid heat-related injuries and illnesses. They also advised wearing a hat and sunscreen, bringing plenty of water, and eating salty snacks to assist with water retention.

The National Institutes of Health published a study last year detailing how air temperatures affect sand temperatures. According to the study, sand can reach more than 100 degrees once the air temperature hits 75 degrees. When the air temperature hits 90 degrees, sand can reach more than 120 degrees  enough to cause a first-degree burn.

Human skin can sustain a first-degree burn at 118 degrees, and a second-degree burn at 131 degrees, according to the National Institute for Standards and Technology. A third degree burn can occur after prolonged  several minutes or longer  exposure to temperatures over 120 degrees.
A Belgian tourist suffered third-degree burns on his feet during a visit to Death Valley National Park over the weekend.

According to the National Park Service, the 42-year-old man was taking a walk on the sand dunes when he lost his flip-flops. The air temperature at the time, officials said, was around 123 degrees and the ground temperature would have been much hotter.

A Death Valley National Park ranger told the Los Angeles Times that the ground temperature can reach 170 to 180 degrees and has even been known to get as high as 200 degrees.

The skin was melted off his foot, Park Ranger Gia Ponce told the Times.

The mans family called for help and other park visitors came to his aid to carry him to the nearby parking lot to await paramedics.

Dozens of dogs removed from Coachella Valley property after owner dies

Officials said he suffered full-thickness burns on his feet and was in significant pain, but due to the extreme heat in the area, a helicopter was unable to fly and safely land in the area.

Instead, a ground ambulance rushed the man to a higher elevation where temperatures were slightly cooler, still around 109 degrees, which allowed for a helicopter to land and fly him to a Las Vegas hospital.

Officials urge visitors to take necessary precautions when exploring Death Valley, which is the driest, lowest and hottest of all the nations parks.

Rangers recommend visitors stay within 10 minutes of an air-conditioned vehicle, drink lots of water, eat salty snacks, wear sunscreen and appropriate clothing, and not hike after 10 a.m.

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Death Valley National Park has seen record-breaking heat this summer that presents a serious danger to visitors passing through, with one person even dying earlier this month. With temperatures soaring upwards of 120 degrees Fahrenheit and sand temperatures even hotter, keeping your skin protected is crucial.

One recent visitor to Death Valley learned the hard way why safety is essential when visiting the park. According to a statement from the National Park Service, a 42-year-old Belgian tourist was walking on the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes on July 20 when he either broke or lost his flip-flops in the sand. The steaming sand ended up giving him third-degree burns on his feet.

The skin was melted off his foot," Death Valley National Park Service ranger Gia Ponce told The Los Angeles Times. The ground can be much hotter170 [or] 180 [degrees]. Sometimes up into the 200 range."

Authorities say the man was in extreme pain as his family got other visitors to help carry him to the dunes parking lot. There, park rangers looked at his injuries and determined he needed treatment. Unfortunately, because heat creates thinner air, a helicopter couldn't land to airlift him to a hospital, so they took him in an ambulance to higher ground where he was flown out.

It goes without saying that going to Death Valley's sand dunes is nothing like going to other sandy locations.

"People think its 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. The park rangers themselves don't play with the heat and often wear gloves when touching anything that's been in the sun. "We gingerly touch surfaces if were outside, like doorknobs," she said.

If you plan to go to Death Valley this summer, don't do so without following NPS protocol and coming prepared with proper shoes, plenty of water, and a good amount of sunscreen.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday expressed major concern over planned protectionist measures by the European Union (EU) in the biodiesel industry, and warned that such measures will backfire.

The EU, the largest biodiesel market globally, imports biodiesel from China to meet its substantial consumption needs, which helps in achieving its green transformation and energy-saving goals, said ministry spokesperson He Yongqian at a regular press conference.

The remarks came after the European Biodiesel Board announced on July 19 local time that the European Commission, in a pre-disclosure document released the same day, revealed plans to impose provisional anti-dumping duties within the next four weeks ranging from 12.8 to 36.4 percent on biodiesel imports from China.

The EU's imposition of taxes on Chinese biodiesel will only increase product costs, undermine the interests of EU industries and consumers, and hinder the EU's green transition efforts as well as China-EU economic and trade cooperation, she said.

China advocates for the prudent use of trade remedy measures and urges the EU to avoid wantonly adopting protectionist policies. The country calls for resolving these issues through dialogue and consultation to address legitimate concerns, the spokesperson said. 
A file photo of Vineyard Wind turbine located 15 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. (Courtesy CommonWealth Beacon)

A Vineyard Wind 1 official said debris from a broken turbine blade is getting harder and harder to find and the manufacturer of the blade said plans are underway to remove what remains of the turbine.

The reports of debris are shifting a bit, said Richard Smith, an outside counsel for Vineyard Wind 1, who testified before the Nantucket Select Board Wednesday evening.

He said teams are following up on all reports of debris but of late many of the reports are turning out to be dead ends. He said one report led a team to a bunch of trash floating on the water, including a Mylar balloon saying Happy Anniversary. He said the team picked up and disposed of the trash.

He also said there was a report of stringy material from the turbine blade in Truro. The team investigated. What we found was seaweed that was string-like, Smith said.

A large chunk of the blade fell into the ocean last week and sank to the bottom of the ocean. Smith said Vineyard Wind knows where the blade is located and is going to retrieve it. He gave no timetable for that retrieval operation.

Smith said he had no information on how much debris has been collected and how much might be left to find.

Roger Martella, chief sustainability officer for GE Vernona, the manufacture of the wind turbines, said the company is preparing to remove what remains of the broken turbine blade with the help of a company called Resolve Marine, whose employees are on site working out of New Bedford.

Martella said GE has been remotely moving the turbine blade in an effort to see how loose it is. He said the blade was rotated 7 to 10 degrees and it did not give way. He said the blade would be moved more on Thursday morning. If the blade doesnt fall, he indicated Resolve Marine would try to remove it.

For the second time in a week, members of the Nantucket Select Board and residents held a meeting where they repeatedly raised questions about the broken turbine blade and the danger it poses to the island. It was terrible public relations at a time when the offshore wind industry is trying to establish itself as the states energy source of the future and state officials are preparing to issue more contracts for wind farms.

Brooke Mohr, chair of the Select Board, read a statement at the start of the meeting in which she said the community would begin negotiations next week to obtain restitution for the damage that has been caused. We are deeply concerned about the safety, environmental, and economic impacts of this catastrophe on local residents and visitors to the island, said Mohr.

GE Vernova officials described the blade debris as primarily fiberglass, foam, and balsa wood. They also said there was some trace amounts of Teflon. Martell described the debris materials as inert, non-toxic, and stable and said it could be disposed of in a regular landfill.

A report from Arcadis, a company retained by GE Vernova to do an environmental analysis of the debris, said in a report that Teflon is one of a broad set of chemicals categorized as PFAS and approved by the FDA for use in contact with food, potable water, and pharmaceutical products.

Jim Nuss, senior engineer at Arcadis, said its too early to assess the long-term impact of the debris and couldnt answer whether there was any impact on fish or shellfish. We have not considered that yet, Nuss said.

Meredith Lepore, one of many people who voiced concerns at the meeting, accused GE Vernova officials of lying. Teflon is not safe. Telling us its safe is a lie, she said.

Other residents wanted to know why so many vessels appeared to be continuing to work at the wind farm even though work there was suspended shortly after the blade incident by the US Bureau of Enforcement and Environmental Safety.

Smith of Vineyard Wind said most, but not all, work at the wind farm has been halted.

That doesnt sound like stopped means stopped, said Mohr, the Select Board chair.

A spokesman for the Bureau of Enforcement and Environmental Safety the suspension order requires Vineyard Wind to cease power production from all of its wind turbine generators in the lease area and also halt installation of new wind turbines.

This article first appeared on CommonWealth Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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A memorial at the Wounded Knee Massacre site on the Pine Ridge Reservation. (Getty Images)

The medals awarded to soldiers who participated in the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre will be subjected to a review, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Wednesday.

The department said the reviews purpose is to ensure no awardees were recognized for conduct inconsistent with the nations highest military honor.

The move comes after years of activism by Lakota people  including descendants of massacre survivors  who want the medals rescinded.

Oliver OJ Semans, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, has been active in the effort with his wife, Barb, and their Four Directions nonprofit. He said its gratifying to see some momentum after a long struggle, including failed attempts to rescind the medals through congressional legislation.

This issue is moving right now, and there are a lot of people involved in it, Semans said. Were all trying to get to the same conclusion, and thats justice for the descendants.

The memorandum ordering the review is from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. He directed his undersecretary of defense and personnel readiness to convene a panel of five experts, including two from the Department of the Interior. The panel must send a written report to Austin no later than Oct. 15 with recommendations and rationale to retain or rescind each of the medals. Austin will then provide his recommendations to the president.

The department said approximately 20 soldiers received a Medal of Honor for participating in the massacre. Historians have noted that the records associated with some of the medals are incomplete or unclear.

In a news release, the Defense Department attributed comments to a senior defense official who said its never too late to do whats right.

And thats what is intended by the review that the secretary directed, the official said, which is to ensure that we go back and review each of these medals in a rigorous and individualized manner to understand the actions of the individual in the context of the overall engagement.

The massacre occurred on Dec. 29, 1890. Lakota people were camped near Wounded Knee Creek on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota, where they were surrounded by hundreds of Army soldiers. A shot rang out while the soldiers tried to disarm the camp, and chaotic shooting ensued.

Fewer than 40 soldiers were killed (some by friendly fire, according to historians), while estimates of Lakota deaths ran from 200 to 300 or more, depending on the source. After some of the bodies froze on the ground for several days, a military-led burial party dumped them into a mass grave.

The politics and racism of the day influenced the Armys decision to support medals for some of the soldiers, even though Maj. Gen. Nelson Miles condemned the massacre. He led the Division of the Missouri, which included the soldiers who were responsible for the incident.

I have never heard of a more brutal, cold-blooded massacre than at Wounded Knee, Miles wrote in an 1891 letter thats now held in an archive at Yale.

South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com. Follow South Dakota Searchlight on Facebook and X.
A memorial at the Wounded Knee Massacre site on the Pine Ridge Reservation. (Getty Images)

The medals awarded to soldiers who participated in the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre will be subjected to a review, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Wednesday.

The department said the reviews purpose is to ensure no awardees were recognized for conduct inconsistent with the nations highest military honor.

The move comes after years of activism by Lakota people  including descendants of massacre survivors  who want the medals rescinded.

Oliver OJ Semans, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, has been active in the effort with his wife, Barb, and their Four Directions nonprofit. He said its gratifying to see some momentum after a long struggle, including failed attempts to rescind the medals through congressional legislation.

This issue is moving right now, and there are a lot of people involved in it, Semans said. Were all trying to get to the same conclusion, and thats justice for the descendants.

Were all trying to get to the same conclusion, and thats justice for the descendants.

 Oliver 'OJ' Semans, Rosebud Sioux Tribe member

The memorandum ordering the review is from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. He directed his undersecretary of defense and personnel readiness to convene a panel of five experts, including two from the Department of the Interior. The panel must send a written report to Austin no later than Oct. 15 with recommendations and rationale to retain or rescind each of the medals. Austin will then provide his recommendations to the president.

The department said approximately 20 soldiers received a Medal of Honor for participating in the massacre. Historians have noted that the records associated with some of the medals are incomplete or unclear.

In a news release, the Defense Department attributed comments to a senior defense official who said its never too late to do whats right.

And thats what is intended by the review that the secretary directed, the official said, which is to ensure that we go back and review each of these medals in a rigorous and individualized manner to understand the actions of the individual in the context of the overall engagement.

The massacre occurred on Dec. 29, 1890. Lakota people were camped near Wounded Knee Creek on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota, where they were surrounded by hundreds of Army soldiers. A shot rang out while the soldiers tried to disarm the camp, and chaotic shooting ensued.

Fewer than 40 soldiers were killed (some by friendly fire, according to historians), while estimates of Lakota deaths ran from 200 to 300 or more, depending on the source. After some of the bodies froze on the ground for several days, a military-led burial party dumped them into a mass grave.

The politics and racism of the day influenced the Armys decision to support medals for some of the soldiers, even though Maj. Gen. Nelson Miles condemned the massacre. He led the Division of the Missouri, which included the soldiers who were responsible for the incident.

I have never heard of a more brutal, cold-blooded massacre than at Wounded Knee, Miles wrote in an 1891 letter thats now held in an archive at Yale.

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Delivery man arrested for stealing $14,000 ring from Duxbury home, police say

Police arrested a delivery man accused of stealing a diamond ring worth thousands of dollars from a Duxbury home he was servicing.

28-year-old Randy Soriano, is charged with larceny from a building and larceny over $1,200.

According to police, Detective Robert Flynn received a report from a Tide Acres Lane resident on July 20 that her diamond ring worth over $14,000 was on her nightstand earlier in the day and was now missing.

The victim told the detective she ordered furniture from Villa House, who reportedly contracted out the delivery to a white glove service. Detective Flynn processed the scene and lifted several fingerprints.

Investigators determined the furniture was delivered by two men in a white truck with no lettering with Rhode Island plates.

Detective Flynn contacted the furniture company, who reportedly told him they used a delivery service in New Jersey, that said the items were shipped from a warehouse located in Canton.

The detective found the Canton warehouse and after speaking with management, determined who the two delivery men were.

Both men were questioned and the ring was recovered.

No further information was immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Dem women in State Legislature say outpouring of support for Harris is also coming from Florida

State Rep. Fentrice Driskell with VP Kamala Harris via Driskell's X page

Florida is not one of the states Vice President Kamala Harris campaign has highlighted as focus areas, but Democratic leaders in the Florida Legislature insist that the campaigns efforts combined with enthusiasm from voters could put the Sunshine State is in play.

Harris has raised $100 million since announcing her bid for the presidency and prompted thousands to join organizing calls, according to her campaign. Florida Senate and House Democratic Leaders Lauren Book and Fentrice Driskell say the outpouring of support is also coming from Florida.

During a Zoom press conference Thursday morning, Book told reporters that more than 6,000 Floridians have signed up to volunteer for the Harris campaign. Driskell said 2,000 Black women joined a state call on Monday to support Harris.

On those calls, at least in the Florida calls, typically you have maybe 100 people, so to have 2,000 women show up and say that theyre ready to do the work is very exciting, Driskell said. So, theres something special happening here on the center-left, where people are ready to get informed, get engaged, and mobilize their communities to vote. I think thats going to be essential this election cycle.

There are some who will try to say that Florida is not in play but let me quell those rumors or suppositions now. Florida absolutely is in play for it. Its not a red state. It has been a red-performing state.

Book highlighted Harris support for reproductive rights, pointing to the abortion-rights amendment that will be on the ballot in November as an issue on Florida womens minds.

Meanwhile, the Florida GOP has pushed back against the notion that Florida will be up for grabs in November.

Im doing what I always am doing raising more money, but no Florida is not in play. That does not mean we are not fighting up and down the ballot, Florida Republican Party Chair Evan Power posted on X on Tuesday.
Democrats are accusing Republican operatives of boosting the campaign of Independent presidential candidate Cornel West in North Carolina and Arizona, as ballot access fights rage in key swing states.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) last week claiming Wests bids in Arizona and North Carolina took illegal in-kind contributions from Republican-aligned groups.

The complaint alleges that Wests campaign took on about $240,000 worth of petitioning services provided by two GOP-aligned groups, Wells Marketing LLC and the staff of Blitz Canvassing.

The West campaign has publicly stated it is not paying any firm for the ballot petition services these firms are providing, while it is simultaneously accepting the benefits of those services, the complaint reads.

This series of illegal in-kind contributions are being paid for either by the corporate entities providing these services or by an unidentified third party, it continues. Because the campaign has failed to comply with its disclosure obligations under the law, the true source of the funding of its ballot access program remains hidden.

Specifically, the DNC claims that Wests campaign violated Arizona law by allowing the canvassers to work on their behalf without paying them or authorizing their work with the FEC, therefore making the free work an illegal in-kind contribution. The Justice for All Party, backing West, committed the same violation in North Carolina, the DNC claims.

The North Carolina Board of Elections denied the Justice for All Partys ballot application at a meeting last week. Democrats on the elections board claimed the group misled members of the public into signing petitions.

A group of West backers sued the state board on Monday, claiming it improperly denied the partys application and that West should be placed on the ballot.

The attorneys behind that suit also have previous ties to Republican politics, previously representing the Republican National Committee and other GOP-aligned groups. It is unclear if the suit has any direct Republican backing.

Arizonas ballot access deadline is next month, with the West campaign site listing its attempt to get on the ballot as in progress. The site also claims that West has achieved ballot access in North Carolina, despite its denial last week.

West stood by his campaign ballot efforts in a statement to The Hill, affirming that those who collected signatures in Arizona and North Carolina were volunteers.

This was courageous and visionary leadership, West said. And yet, we still encountered unwarranted and unfounded legal challenges and then a smear campaign trying to say that somehow weve been manipulated.

Were simply trying to speak our truth and seek justice and gain access to the ballot box, he continued. And we shall continue to do so.

Third-party campaigns, particularly that of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have been an X factor in the 2024 race, with both Democrats and Republicans fearing such candidates could siphon votes from their candidates.

Updated at 4:06 p.m. EST.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
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 Wednesday to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in 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 party waits to formally nominate its candidate at its convention in late August, since some states deadlines to place candidates on their ballots fall 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.

Multistep process

Under the process adopted during the panels meeting, Harris as well as other presidential hopefuls have until 6 p.m. EDT Saturday to register their intent to seek the nomination with the DNC Convention secretary.

Candidates then have until 6 p.m. Tuesday to meet the requirements that include 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 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. 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, he 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.

The post Democrats approve virtual vote by delegates to pick a presidential nominee appeared first on Maryland Matters.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The People's Liberation Army Navy's Ark Peace hospital ship vividly demonstrates the navy's efforts to implement the Global Security Initiative and build a maritime community of a shared future, a Chinese military spokesperson said Thursday.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a media conference. The ship is carrying out "Mission Harmony-2024," providing humanitarian medical services for its destination countries.

During the mission, the hospital ship provided medical treatment to nearly 1,200 people per day in the Seychelles and welcomed a baby born on the ship in Tanzania. Zhang said it is now heading for Madagascar.

Apart from providing free diagnoses and treatment to local people, the ship also sent medical teams to local hospitals, communities and schools to provide medical services and conduct academic exchanges and cultural activities, deepening the traditional friendship between China and relevant countries, according to the spokesperson. 
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attends a moderated conversation with former Trump administration national security official Olivia Troye and former Republican voter Amanda Stratton on July 17, 2024 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Chris duMond/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  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. 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)

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. 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. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

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 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. 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.
Democrats have recently begun adopting a fresh new line of attack on Republicans: quite simply, calling them weird.

In a press release Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign responded to an appearance by former President Donald Trump on Fox News.

Under a bulleted list of "main takeaways" from Trump's appearance was one that quickly captured the public's attention: "Trump is old and quite weird?"

The dig appeared to be a callback to what Harris once said she would do, according to CNN, if Trump followed her around the debate stage like he did to Hillary Clinton in 2016.

MORE: 'Kamala IS brat': How Kamala Harris' campaign is embracing the memes

Harris reportedly said she would turn around and ask him, "Why are you being so weird?"

After the anecdote circulated widely online, more Democrats began leaning into the "just call them weird" strategy.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz adopted the new party line in an MSNBC interview on Tuesday.

"These are weird people on the other side," Walz said. "They want to take books away, they want to be in your exam room, that's what it comes down to. ... These are weird ideas."

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris arrives for an event at the White House, July 22, 2024. Former President Donald Trump stands on stage after accepting his party's nomination Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, July 18, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)

Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz also picked up on it. In an X post on Thursday, he shared a clip of a 2021 speech by Sen. JD Vance, in which the nowRepublican vice presidential nominee said Americans without children should not get "nearly the same voice" in elections as those who do have children.

"This is quite weird," Schatz wrote. "Like, a very very bad idea, but also weird. And presumably, unpopular."

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The calling Republicans "weird" strategy conspicuously stands apart from the Democrats' usual "when they go low, we go high" modus operandi.

Caitlin Legacki, a Democratic strategist and former Biden administration official, told ABC News she expects it will be an effective message that cuts straight to the heart of the matter.

MORE: JD Vance slammed for 'childless cat ladies' comment

"I think the instinct that Democrats have too often is that if we just reason with the other side, and if we just talk about our policies and we explain why we're right and they're wrong, that quote-unquote 'logic' will win out -- but that's not how the world works anymore," Legacki said.

By leaning into the messaging, Democrats can set themselves apart from Republicans, whose focus on anti-LGBTQ policies and limiting reproductive rights has been "off-putting to a lot of normal American people," Legacki said.

"I think it's really elegant in its simplicity," she added. "And I think it really reflects a newer way of thinking and campaigning and just calling it what it is."

Jesse Lee, a former senior official in the Biden and Obama White Houses, told ABC News that Republicans' hard-right stances on social issues could alienate voters.

"Trump and MAGA have gone so far down their own rabbit holes, only listening to their own news, blindly believing whatever the loudest extremists say, that their positions really are genuinely weird to anybody back in reality," Lee said.

Lee pointed to Project 2025, the playbook of staunchly conservative policy proposals penned by at least two dozen members of Trump's administration and allies. Trump has sought to distance himself from the project, though many of the proposals align with that of his official campaign.

"Project 2025 is a 900 page Weirdo Manifesto, windmills don't cause cancer, NASCAR drivers shouldn't take over the military, and women have the right to control their own bodies, have kids or not have kids, and not have their lives micromanaged by a man who brags about grabbing them wherever he wants," Lee added. "It's not just weird, it's creepy."

Democrats' new line of attack on Republicans? 'Youre being weird' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fiery congressional address drew divided reactions, as the GOP lauded the speech and Democratic lawmakers criticized it for not advancing progress toward peace and bringing hostages home.

In the Wednesday address, Netanyahu called for the U.S. to stand squarely by Israel in its fight against Iranian-backed groups, including Hamas, as he fiercely defended Israels war in Gaza and praised his troops as heroes.

He also claimed the death toll in Gaza is the lowest in modern urban warfare, vowed to pursue total victory in the war and condemned protesters demonstrating against him.

Democrats, dozens of whom had boycotted the speech, have scolded Netanyahu for failing to adequately make the case for how he would end the war in Gaza and bring home the roughly 116 hostages still held by Hamas. Netanyahu said he was confident that ongoing negotiations for a deal could result in an agreement, but only touched on the topic for a brief moment and did not appear to assuage any of those concerns.

Former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who has called for Netanyahu to resign and did not attend the speech on Wednesday, said the address was by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.

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 said in a statement.

Netanyahu urges unity, but stirs a firestorm inside and outside Capitol

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), who protested the speech by holding up a sign calling Netanyahu a war criminal, said the applause for the Israeli leader was disgusting, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called the Israeli leader a liar after the speech.

That speech was, as I expected, a setback for both the U.S.-Israel relationship and the fight against Hamas, said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

But Republicans praised the speech, pointing to Netanyahus comments calling for unity against Iran and declaration that Israel will always remain Americas indispensable ally.

Netanyahu also called for an Abraham Alliance made up of allied Middle Eastern nations.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told The Hill that the Netanyahu speech was epic.

I think the regional integration was really important, he said, also supporting Netanyahus call to fast-track U.S. military aid to Israel.

Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) said Netanyahu had highlighted that supporting and defending Israel is about the United States and the American people.

Our interests are completely and perfectly aligned, he said, while also agreeing with Netanyahus remarks on the protesters. These protesters, they dont know what theyre doing, they dont understand what theyre doing. Theyre defending evil.

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) called it incredible and one of the most powerful speeches Ive seen.

Iran is the agent of chaos throughout the Middle East, he said. Iran is our declared enemy, as the prime minister mentioned and reminded us Americans, and Israel is in the Middle East fighting the fight against Iran.

Netanyahu spent a chunk of his speech criticizing protesters, including those who demonstrated against his address on Wednesday across Washington. Protesters are calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, where more than 39,000 Palestinians have died in 10 months of war.

They should be ashamed of themselves, Netanyahu said of the protesters. Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now outside this building  [the protesters] have officially become Irans useful idiots.

And Netanyahu repeated his claims that Israel would not resettle Gaza but would retain indefinite security control of the territory while a civilian Palestinian group that is not Hamas would govern.

But his perceived failure to outline a path to end the war is likely to rattle Democrats the most. Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war in Gaza for his own political survival as questions mount over the deadly Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, during which some 1,200 people in southern Israel were killed. Hamas also kidnapped some 250 hostages.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said Netanyahus speech was fundamentally dishonest.

He says he wants peace, Nadler told MSNBC after the speech, but his political interest is to keep the war going on as long as possible.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A concert given by Chinese musicians is staged in Vienna, Austria, on Aug. 10, 2023. (Xinhua/He Canling)

"Our goal is to always break the barriers of music and different cultures," said Mathieu Jaton, CEO of Montreux Jazz Festival.

by Martina Fuchs

MONTREUX, Switzerland, July 25 (Xinhua) -- As the curtains fell on the 58th Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, famous for its iconic live music performances since 1967, its CEO told Xinhua that the upcoming China edition is an opportunity to connect East and West.

This year's edition took place from July 5 to 20 in the Swiss resort town on the shores of Lake Geneva, nestled between steep hills and the Lavaux vineyard terraces, a UNESCO-listed world heritage site.

It attracted 250,000 festival-goers and recorded an average of 90 percent of tickets sold, its CEO Mathieu Jaton told Xinhua in an interview.

"I'm happy to say that even though we had a lot of extra costs, we covered the budget. This is the best news because it was quite a risky edition," he said.

"We are happy to say that we are safe. The beauty of the experience is that we started on a blank canvas without knowing exactly how it's going to work. And it worked tremendously," he said.

Organized outside the Convention Center which usually hosts the festival's main stages but is undergoing renovation, the main stages of the event were the Lake Stage constructed on the surface of Lake Geneva, and the Casino Stage.

Highlights this year included sold-out headliners such as Sting and Lenny Kravitz, as well as Deep Purple, Raye, Dionne Warwick, and The Smashing Pumpkins.

With 12 concerts sold out and an average occupancy rate of 92 percent, the Lake Stage met and even exceeded its objectives, Jaton said, adding that the Casino Stage also recorded very good figures, with 10 sell-outs and an 88 percent occupancy rate.

Jaton highlighted that the international expansion of the festival was now gathering pace. "We're very happy that the expansion of the brand is getting stronger and stronger with another addition of Montreux Jazz Festival China. We're very happy about it."

Swiss music promoter Claude Nobs, who died in 2013, founded the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967 and built it into an international festival and event platform for music lovers.

Since its creation, the festival under its slogan "Where Legends Are Born" has seen many iconic live music performances. Superstars including Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Elton John and Stevie Wonder have all performed here over the years.

The festival will also travel to China for the third time in the fall and take place in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, from Oct. 25 to 27 under the Montreux Jazz Festival China's theme "When West Meets East."

"It's a beautiful experience we have with the Chinese people and the Montreux Jazz Festival China team," Jaton said.

"For us, it's very important to have the Montreux brand present in China because it's an amazing and a great market. Our goal is to always break the barriers of music and different cultures. Making the link with China, between the East and the West, is something very important," he said.
Democratic primary voters in Senate District 19 will have their choice of three candidates: ShaMecha King Simms, Vic Miller and Patrick Schmidt.

The winner in the Aug. 6 primary election will face the winner of the Republican primary  Cynthia Smith or Tyler Wible  in the Nov. 5 general election.

The Capital-Journal posed the same questions to each candidate. Answers were lightly edited for formatting.

Senate District 19 Democratic primary candidates are, from left, Rep. Vic Miller, R-Topeka, ShaMecha King Simms and Patrick Schmidt.

What background information would you like voters to know about you?

King Simms: "Voters, I want you to know that my life is the same as yours. I get up each day and try to make a life for myself and my child with the same tools you might use: a job, a sense of purpose, and a semblance of good sense. The experience I bring to the Kansas Senate District 19 is a mixture of personal and professional insights:

17 years of experience as a Head of Household.

15 years of service in public classrooms throughout Shawnee and Douglas County.

6 years of leadership opportunities on non-profit boards.

5 years of a citizen-based pedagogy of how government decisions impact a community. Years of trial, error, and resilience within these various planes have prepared me to sift through large waves of complex information; the needed flexibility and adaptability to work in concert with others; and the ability to work in stressful times.

"We have experience with legislators passing bills based on ego and self-interest, I want to be a legislator whose only concern are the voters."

ShaMecha King Simms is a Democrat running for Senate District 19.

Miller: "I am one of seven children raised on a farm near the tiny town of Delia and graduated from Rossville High School here in Shawnee County. I received my B.S. in Business from Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State) where I met my wife, Jolene and was elected student body president. We made our home in Topeka immediately after college and raised one son here. I received my J.D. from Washburn Law School. I have served as Deputy Mayor of Topeka, Shawnee County Commission Chair, Topeka Municipal Judge, and, most pertinent to the position I seek, State Representative (House Democratic Leader) and State Senator."

Vic Miller is a Democrat running for Senate District 19.

Schmidt: "I'm a Naval intelligence officer currently serving in the Naval reserves and a 6th generation Kansan. My parents were both public school teachers and suffered through the devastating Brownback experiment. My wife and I reside in the Central Park neighborhood in Topeka."

Patrick Schmidt is a Democrat running for Senate District 19.

What is your motivation for running to represent this district?

King Simms: "My run for Kansas Senate District 19 blossomed from my triumphs and setbacks while living in Topeka, Shawnee County for nearly half my adult life.

"In trying to help myself, I learned how to support other individuals and organizations actively working to disrupt, dismantle, and reframe presuppositions, especially around poverty and socioeconomic issues.

"Im running for Kansas Senate because this is my home. I have lived through representation that simply watched disparity grow from a crack to a chasm that elected officials struggle to move toward solutions for addressing.

"Im exhausted with voting for people who have the money to run glossy campaigns but will not put in the years of the groundwork necessary to understand how mechanisms of marginalization play out locally.

"My eyes are clear, and I can see  the opportunity for representation reflective of our community now and toward a direction that embodies our highest goals has never been closer."

Miller: "With so few Democratic State Senators in the Kansas Senate, it is imperative that we return this seat to the Democratic column. For the first time in nearly 60 years, the seat is held by a Republican and his voting record does not reflect the views of the people that live here. I have always tried to be an advocate for public education, reproductive freedom and a progressive tax system that provides relief to those who need it the most and taxes those who can most afford it. I consider it an honor and a privilege to represent the people that trust me with their vote and work as hard as I can to earn their continued support."

Schmidt: "It became clear to me while running for Congress in 2022 that the Kansas legislature desperately needed better leadership. Watching the Extremist GOP run roughshod over Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas women with their constitution amendment to ban abortion and continually overriding Gov, Kelly's vetoes, I decided soon after the 2022 election that I would seek this seat to bring new leadership to the Kansas senate."

Even after the special session, leaders of both parties say more needs done on property taxes. What should the Legislature do next year on taxes?

King Simms: "The Legislature should do what is possible to lower property taxes for the residents of Kansas, especially those that are disabled and elderly. Failure to act on this issue will only increase the challenges we face regarding unhoused Kansans across the state. However, this will require coordinated action with local governments as well.

"The Legislature is fairly limited in what they will be able to do, without causing massive budget deficits in future years. The income tax cuts passed, that largely benefitted the wealthiest Kansans, has spent most of the budgetary surplus. However, once in office, I am looking forward to budget briefings that provide up to date numbers, so we know what is and is not possible."

Miller: "1) Submit a constitutional amendment to the voters to lower the assessment rate for residential property from 11.5% to 9%; 2) Restore the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund and fund it to the tune of $130,000,000; 3) Raise the exemption on homes from the statewide school mill levy from $75,000 to $100,000 and 4) Grant the property tax exemption for totally disabled veterans that was vetoed by the Governor. These actions alone would reduce the average property tax on homes by 17%."

Schmidt: "We must protect elimination of sales taxes on food and work to ensure that the Extremist GOP doesn't once again enact Brownback 2.0, showering more lavish tax cuts on their billionaire benefactors while leaving hard-working Kansans paying the bill."

What do you think is the appropriate role of the Legislature on abortion policy following the Value Them Both vote?

King Simms: "After the August 2022 primary vote on bodily autonomy, I believe it is the Legislatures role to get out of the way on this issue. Kansans overwhelming voted to maintain a constitutional right to bodily autonomy, which the Kansas Supreme Court recently upheld. The process and decision made when seeking abortion care are deeply personal and should be the sole realm of those seeking care, spouses, and the doctors. Kansas women do not to be laden with protestors, guilt trips, and/or shame when making the appropriate decisions for themselves!"

Miller: "Republican legislators should stop attempting to stick their noses into a woman's choices relating to reproductive care. One Republican legislator incredibly stated during passage of one bill that is was being done to "know better what decisions Legislators should make for women". The people have spoken and the Kansas Supreme Court has ruled that these are decisions to be made between a woman and her doctor--not the government."

Schmidt: "The legislature should honor the voters wishes and stop trying to ban abortion in Kansas. No means No!"

Do you support Medicaid expansion, and if so, what will you do to advocate for it?

King Simms: "1000% yes, I support Medicaid Expansion in Kansas. It is common sense policy that will provide meaningful healthcare to Kansans and help eliminate the threat of medical debt. In the Kansas Senate, I will be advocating for fair hearings early in the session, and push for votes to be held so that the people of Kansas know where their elected officials stand on the issue. If Democrats make progress in breaking the Republican supermajority, I will work with Governor Kelly, to force this issue before advancing budget bills or any other strategy her team develops that has a reasonable chance of success."

Miller: "I enthusiastically support Medicaid expansion, have voted to do so and was privileged to grant Governor Kelly's request that I ask for the introduction of her 2024 proposal before the House Appropriations Committee. I will continue to utilize every legislative tool to make it happen. Having an experienced legislator in this position makes me the most qualified candidate to be able to do just that."

Schmidt: "Yes, and I will work tirelessly to help enact it. I am hopeful that if we can elect more allies to Gov. Laura Kelly, we can actually accomplish this goal."

What other issue(s) are top priorities for you?

King Simms: "Maternal Health, Kansas is suffering from some devasting maternal health outcomes especially as it impacts people of color and low-income areas. This must be addressed by more than just reports and studies. We need to examine what other states with better outcomes are providing to their residents to reverse this dangerous trend.

"Voting Rights: Recent Legislative sessions have seen attacks on voting rights for all Kansans. We need to be listening to our Secretary of State and other election officials who have said time and again that there is no evidence of voter fraud, and work to make it as simple and as safe as possible.

"Unhoused Kansans, the Legislature has tip-toed around this issue for about two years. However, it is past time for meaningful programs to be developed and funded that work to provide pathways for unhoused Kansans to receive and maintain affordable housing."

Miller: "Reform of Kansas' outdated cannabis laws; eliminating the Medicaid Waiver waiting list for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled; replacing the Tier 3 KPERS pension plan with one that actually provides a decent pension for our KPERS employees; granting a COLA for our retired KPERS employees; passage of the Opioid Notification Act; passage of the National Popular Vote Act; enacting election day voter registration; removing the sales tax on hygiene products."

Schmidt: "We must protect women's rights, including the right to contraception, IVF and access to essential healthcare. The Extremist GOP will stop at nothing to enact their draconian views on Kansans and we must be vigilant and work to stop them. We must also work to reduce gun violence in Kansas by enacting laws that work to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals."

How will you personally work toward bringing down the escalation of violent political rhetoric?

King Simms: "I believe I have led by example in my campaign. I have not attacked any of my opponents, I think they are great individuals. I just think and have said that my approaches offer a better wat forward for the residents of Senate District 19. We cannot and should not continue the politics of personal attacks and negative campaigning."

Miller: "I will condemn in the strongest terms the use of any violent political rhetoric by anyone associated with my campaign or in my role as House Democratic leader."

Schmidt: "The best way to bring down violent political rhetoric is to talk to one another. I look forward, if elected, to working across the aisle to bring common-sense solutions to Kansans."

Do you have any endorsements you want to highlight?

King Simms: "Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Distinction Candidate. We must develop and adopt common sense gun policies regarding safe storage and red flag laws that allow a process for removing guns from those who pose a danger to themselves and others. Gun violence is a problem that needs a lot more attention than it has received in recent legislative sessions."

Miller: "Recommended by KNEA; endorsed by former 19th District and Kansas Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley, every Democratic State Representative in the 19th Senate District (Rep. John Alcala, Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, Rep. Virgil Weigel and Rep. Mike Amyx), Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla and Cannabis Justice Coalition; named as Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate of Distinction, Interhab Champion for the Intellectually & Developmentally Disabled, the Mainstream Coalition and Game On For Kansas Schools Varsity Roster."

Schmidt: "I have been endorsed by Gov. Laura Kelly, former Governor John Carlin, SMART, IFPTE."

More Topeka-area races

More: Cynthia Smith and Tyler Wible on GOP primary ballot for Senate District 19

More: Wendy Damman-Bednar and Alexis Simmons on Democratic primary ballot for House District 58

More: Wendy Damman-Bednar and Alexis Simmons on Democratic primary ballot for House District 58

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka voter's guide: Democratic primary for Kansas Senate District 19
These Democrats worked with JD Vance in the Senate  and the reviews are mixed

Senator Elizabeth Warren has been one of JD Vances sharpest critics since former President Donald Trump picked the Ohio Republican senator as his vice presidential running mate. And that makes sense, given she was an early supporter of Kamala Harris going back to the vice presidents days as attorney general of California.

But back in Washington, the Massachusetts Democrat has happily worked with Vance, as the pair serve on the Senate Banking Committee and co-authored legislation to claw back executive pay for failed banks.

Its good legislation, Warren told The Independent while she rushed out of the Senate after votes on Thursday. Im happy to work with anyone.

The legislation is in line with Vances position that Republicans should shrug off the more free-market based ideas theyve espoused over the past 50 years.

Were done, ladies and gentlemen, catering to Wall Street, he said in his speech at the Republican National Convention where he accepted the partys nomination. Well commit to the working man.

But while Vance  a former venture capitalist who came to Washington as a MAGA warrior in 2023  has successfully worked with Warren as he tries to shift the GOPs positioning on economic policy, other Democrats have mixed reviews about their efforts to join forces, especially now that hes the vice presidential nominee.

Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, whom Hillary Clinton picked to be her running mate in 2016 against Trump and Mike Pence, collaborated with Vance on legislation to remove copays for child birth.

Democrats are mixed on their working relationship with JD Vance (AP)

I was very excited to work with him on, he told The Independent. So that no, family whatever, you know, feel like oh, wow, to have a child Im going to be in debt right out of the gate. And we had a good bipartisan group working on it. But, you know, he, his office communicated that they wanted to pause that effort now that hes on the ticket.

The legislation would make sense for both Vance and Kaine  who are Catholics  as its in line with conservative desires to make having a child easier so abortion is less of a temptation, as well as Democratic efforts to stop insurance companies from gouging consumers. But it ultimately fell apart.

Similarly, Vance teamed up with Republican Senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida, Democratic Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, and fellow Ohioan Sherrod Brown for legislation to improve railroad safety after a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

When he testified before the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee last year, Vance excoriated Republicans unwillingness to regulate the rail industry while also saying people in places like East Palestine are a little too rural, maybe a little too white.

But Fetterman had few nice things to say about Vance on Thursday, saying he failed to deliver the votes for the bill.

And I would hate to think that they are unwilling to give a win for for our colleague Brown, he told The Independent. I hope thats not the case.

Brown is in a difficult Senate race in Ohio against car dealer Bernie Moreno, whom Vance endorsed fairly early last year. As a Democrat in an increasingly red state, the legislation would give him a win.

But Casey, who also is running for re-election in a swing state, had nicer things to say about Vance.

Well, its been a great bipartisan effort, Casey told The Independent. We have to, still have to get it done. I dont know... whether or not we have enough Republican votes to get it.

Hawley for his part said he doesnt know what will happen to the bill, though in the past he has faulted Republican leadership on it.

Im happy to work with anyone, Senator Elizabeth Warren said of her work with JD Vance (Getty Images)

Similarly, Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, who came to the Senate in 2023 with Vance, praised the Republican VP nominee.

Well, we work on affordable connectivity, told The Independent. And hes a smart guy.

But Welchs words are par for the course for the nicest guy in Washington, DC, who gets along with everyone from Fetterman to Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama.

Historically, vice presidents have been the presidents liaison to the Senate. Barack Obama dispatched Joe Biden given his 36 years in the upper chamber and friendship with Mitch McConnell. Trumps vice president, Mike Pence, regularly visited Capitol Hill, and when Biden had only a 50-seat majority for his first two years, Harris would regularly head over to Pennsylvania avenue to break ties in the Senate.

But Vances limited record and his rankling of Democrats shows he might have difficulty being Trumps enforcer in the Club of 100.
DENVER (KDVR)  The smoky skies impacting Denvers weather are starting to improve as the plume of smoke from wildfires in Canada and the Pacific Northwest shifts to the east of the city and the Front Range.

There may still be some thin smoke on Thursday, but it will not be as thick as the last few days. There will be improving air quality on Friday and Saturday with rain chances back in the forecast.

View the latest Weather Alerts in Denver and across Colorado on FOX31

However, according to Pinpoint Weather, Colorados Most Accurate Forecast, the outlook for the end of July looks hot and dry.

Weather tonight: Areas of smoke with clear skies

There will be some smoke and haze around the Front Range and in metro Denver through the evening hours.

In the mountains, scattered showers and thunderstorms will move from north to south and end around midnight. Skies will then turn clear across the region.

It will be comfortable again with overnight lows in the 50s and 60s along with cooler mountain readings in the 40s and lower 50s.

Weather tomorrow: Thin smoke, otherwise sunny and hot

While there might be some thin smoke on Thursday, it will be mainly sunny until a few late-day clouds arrive along the Front Range and in the Denver area.

Temperatures will be hot with afternoon highs pushing into the upper 90s for northeast and southeast Colorado. Denver could get close to the record high for Thursday, which was 99 and set in 1931.

Looking ahead: Scattered thunderstorms return

Scattered showers and thunderstorms arrive on Friday and Saturday. Both days have about the same chance for hit-and-miss storms. Some storms could deliver heavy rain in pockets as they slide off the mountains and across the Front Range both days.

The outlook for the remainder of July looks hot and dry. The Pinpoint Weather team is forecasting temperatures above normal each day through Wednesday.

The one factor the team is keeping an eye on is the smoke from the wildfires in Oregon. If the smoke from those fires returns to Colorado it could limit the warming by several degrees each 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 FOX31 Denver.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions received nearly $6 million with the plan to invest it into getting new people into the workforce. The department said they will use the money for several programs including a pre-apprenticeship that helps participating employers hire new staff that are lacking experience.

Albuquerque Downs prepares to take on Ruidoso Downs 2024 season

Because were their employer, the actual place where theyre working doesnt have to worry about workers comp, doesnt have to worry about payroll, doesnt need to worry about HR. Theyre also paired with a career counselor, since for a lot of folks, this is their first job, said NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair.

Funding will also be used to pay incentives to employers for hiring people in the program. For more information on the program, click 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
A deportation flight scheduled for Rwanda sits on a runway in Wiltshire after the Court of Appeal stopped it from taking off in June 2022 - Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images Europe

Foreign criminals and immigration offenders have been deported on a flight that was originally scheduled to take migrants to Rwanda.

It comes after Labour scrapped the previous governments Rwanda plan, which would have seen some asylum seekers sent to the east African country, within hours of taking power. Ministers described it as a gimmick and a waste of money.

However, the Home Office has now used a plane earmarked for the scheme to return 46 criminals and immigration offenders to Vietnam and East Timor instead.

It is the first flight to return illegal migrants to Vietnam since 2022 and the first ever to East Timor.

Between January and March this year, almost one in five registered arrivals on small boats to the UK were from Vietnam  the highest number of any nationality.

It is understood the plane carried offenders convicted of a range of crimes, as well as some who had overstayed their visas or entered Britain without leave to remain.

Yvette Cooper vowed to 'bring order back into the asylum and immigration system' - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said: Todays flight shows the Government is taking quick and decisive action to secure our borders and return those with no right to be here.

We thank the governments of Vietnam and Timor-Leste [East Timor] for their co-operation, without which this could never have happened.

Our strong diplomatic bonds with other countries have never been more crucial to our mission to bring order back into the asylum and immigration system, tackling irregular migration, and making sure the rules are properly respected and enforced.

Ms Cooper told the Commons that the asylum deal with Rwanda had cost Britain 700 million and ending it would immediately save 750 million earmarked for the policy this year.

The money saved will be used to set up a new Border Security Command to oversee hundreds of extra officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA), MI5 and Border Force, who will be deployed across Europe to help smash people-smuggling gangs.

Home Office staff were also being moved from working on the scheme to focus on immigration enforcement and returns, Ms Cooper said.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A Derby man entered into a consent judgment with the District Attorneys Office on Thursday for allegedly practicing law without a license.

Court documents show Andrew Wells, of Derby, met with a woman at his law office in Goddard, who hired him to represent her in a payment dispute with the Social Security Administration.

The DAs office said Wells quoted the customer $2,000, of which the customer paid $500  $100 a month over a five-month period  for his services. During that time, the woman continued to receive notices from the SSA, which resulted in the full garnishment of at least one of her benefit checks in June.

The news release said Wells continued to assure the woman that he was in the process of

filing motions to fight her case. She requested Wells return the documents she provided to him and stop any legal work, but Wells continued to state he would fight the case and failed to return her documents.

KBI: Man killed in Salina officer-involved shooting identified

Investigators confirmed with the Kansas Attorney Registration Office that Wells was not, nor had he ever been, a licensed attorney in the state of Kansas.

The DAs office alleged Wells violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act by failing to provide the customer with a material benefit, making misleading statements and engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.

Wells admitted to violating the KCPA and entered into a consent judgment to settle the matter, according to the DA. As part of the agreement, he agreed to pay $500 in restitution to the consumer. The court assessed a $60,000 civil penalty, as well as court costs and investigative fees.

In addition to promising not to perform or contract for any work he doesnt have the license to perform, he also promised to cooperate with any future investigations.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Former President Donald Trump hugs and kisses the American flag as he concludes remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland in February 2020. On Thursday, Trump called for jailing people for one year for burning an American flag, despite the act being a free-speech action protected by the First Amendment. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

July 25 (UPI) -- On Fox & Friends Thursday morning, Donald Trump called for jailing people for one year for burning an American flag, despite the act being a free-speech action protected by the First Amendment.

"You should get a one-year jail sentence if you do anything to desecrate the American flag," Trump said when asked about yesterday's protests in Washington, D.C., where the flag was burned.

During the Fox & Friends show Thursday, Trump added, "Now, people will say, 'Oh, it's unconstitutional.' Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that."

In 1989, the Supreme Court said, in ruling 5-4 in the Texas vs. Johnson case, that burning the American flag is protected free expression under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The court held that Gregory Lee Johnson's Texas conviction for burning the flag during the 1984 Republican National Convention was "inconsistent with the First Amendment."

On Fox & Friends Thursday Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump advocated an unconstitutional one-year jail sentence for burning the American flag in protests. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in 1989 that criminalizing flag burning is "inconsistent with the First Amendment." Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI

That Supreme Court ruling said, "The government may not prohibit the verbal or nonverbal expression of an idea merely because society finds the idea offensive or disagreeable, even where our flag is involved."

Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris condemned the flag burning but did not call for jailing protesters who burn the flag.

"I condemn the burning of the American flag," Harris said in a statement. "That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way."

Protesters burned an American flag Wednesday in Washington, D.C., in protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he was speaking to a joint session of Congress.

In a 2022 post on his social media site, Trump called for the "termination" of U.S. rules and regulations, "even those found in the Constitution," while falsely claiming that tech companies and Democrats conspired to "throw the presidential election results" in 2020.

He later denied he wanted to terminate the Constitution.

Despite the constitutional freedom issue, Trump declared on Fox & Friends that, "We have to work in Congress to get a one-year jail sentence. When they're allowed to stomp on the flag and put lighter fluid on the flag and set it afire -- when you're allowed to do that, you get a one-year jail sentence and you'll never see it again."
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Four years in the Marine Corps was life-changing for a Wichita Veteran.

Cpl. Thomas Nesmith said he knew he wanted to consider military service, as much of his family, including most of his siblings, served.

My dads from Vietnam, my son went to Iraq, Nesmith said. Thats just the route we go with the family.

WWII veteran, nearing 100, served as B-17 waist gunner

In 1979, when more than 50 Americans were taken hostage in Iran, he felt called to serve, so he enlisted in the Marines in 1980.

After basic training, he was initially told he would be in the infantry.

But my testing came back and they pulled seven of us, out of 500 some odd, there was seven of us they pulled in, Nesmith said as he recalled the Naval Security Group Activity interviews.

He remembers sitting in the hallway, waiting for the other six to go through hours of interviews before it was his turn. He was the only one out of the company that was picked for the job.

Nesmith began 31 weeks of intensive training in Pensacola, Florida, to learn how to become a cryptologic technician. He did electronic warfare, including collecting data, deciphering electronic communications, and jamming enemy signals.

Back then, youd sit in a room with a computer that was half the size of the room, he said. I mean literally 20 feet across and 10 feet back.

Nesmith traveled the world, required to keep his duties a secret.

So you had a lot of people that questioned when, where and how. We just get to a new base and just say were clerks, that wed be assigned to naval security group activity, he said.

Nesmith called the work rewarding, even though he was sworn to never talk about it.

Your social life, you cant tell anybody what you do, and if you got stress or anything else going on, you cant even tell your wife what you do, he recalled.

Nesmith said he got lucky because his wife was also a cryptologist at the time.

Its kind of like living a life of lies; you cant tell your friends or family what you do, but at the same time, you know what youre doing to affect that event for that one situation, he said.

Nesmith also served as a tactical weapons instructor in Yuma, Arizona, and spent his last six months at Camp LeJeune. When he learned hed have to stay stateside if he extended his service, he decided to return to civilian life.

Nesmith would go on to work as a Sedgwick County detention deputy and later worked at Boeing. He also went to school with his military benefits, earning three degrees.

On Sept. 1, 2001, Nesmith was watching the news of the terrorist attacks with his son, who had enlisted in the Army three days earlier.

So my worry was, now hes going to go to war. Well, of course, he did, he said.

Within a year, Nesmith was one of the first TSA officers to work at the airport, then called Mid-Continent. He would serve for more than 20 years, including at the new Eisenhower National Airport. He was eventually made a security manager, overseeing airports for half of the state of Kansas.

The leadership from the Marine Corps is actually what got me there, just being able to critically think and handle situations, Nesmith said. You cant just sit there and wait. Its teamwork.

In 2008, Nesmith began having kidney problems and was diagnosed with cancer. He battled cancer twice, losing part of his right kidney and much of his right lung. He says the military acknowledged his cancer diagnosis was connected to his six months of service at Camp Lejeune, where they found water contamination.

U.S. Marine survived IED blast on his last day in Afghanistan

They acknowledged in 2017 that I was diagnosed, and it was the right diagnosis for cancer from the Marine Corps from the water, he said.

Nesmith is proud of his service and encourages everyone to consider it.

I think every young person should try to do a little military time, regardless of which one, he said. I still, even with the cancer, I wouldnt trade my time with the Marine Corps. I am who I am because of the Marine Corps.

If you want to nominate a veteran for our Veteran Salute, email KSN at news@ksn.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
US Special Operations Command has been tasked to lead the so-called "left-of-launch" fight against drones before they can get airborne or maybe are even produced in the first place.

The U.S. military is concerned about its ability to defeat very high-volume drone attacks in the future, including in a large-scale conflict, such as one in the Pacific against China. So U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is now tasked with preparing to execute so-called left-of-launch counter-drone missions to destroy enemy uncrewed aircraft or otherwise disrupt their operations before they can leave the ground. This might involve preventing or at least hampering the production or delivery of those uncrewed aerial systems in the first place, and possibly even before a conflict erupts.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, head of that services Space and Missile Defense Command (SDMC), highlighted SOCOMs left-of-launch role during a talk the Hudson Institute think tank hosted yesterday. The threats drones pose on and off traditional battlefields are not new, as The War Zone has long highlighted. This reality has now been fully thrust into the mainstream consciousness thanks in large part to the war in Ukraine, as well as ongoing crises in and around the Red Sea and elsewhere in the Middle East. There has, in turn, been an explosion of interest in differing tiers of counter-drone capabilities in recent years, including within the U.S. military, which very much continues to play catch-up in this regard. At the same time, U.S. officials are worried about the prospect of very large groups of drones overwhelming future defenses, especially during a sustained fight.

Elements of a 40-drone swarm provided via the Threat Systems Management Office take off at the US Armys National Training Center in California during an exercise in 2019. US Army / Pv2 James Newsome A drone swarm exercise being held at the NTC. Credit: U.S. Army/Pv2 James Newsome

Were not talking large salvos over a long distance where you can eventually attrit it as it gets there [to its intended target], Gainey explained. Were looking at salvos that are [coming in from a] relatively short range distance that are attempting to overwhelm the operator [of an air defense system].

Gainey said the large salvos he was talking about here could range from tens to hundreds of drones attacking a single target or target area at once, and that they could also be layered in with other aerial threats like cruise missiles to further complicate things for defenders. Russian forces routinely subject Ukrainian cities to such drone and missile attacks. Lower-tier drone attacks, especially involving highly maneuverable first-person view (FPV) kamikaze types, occur daily on both sides of the battlefield in Ukraine, as well.

One FPV drone, one russian IFV, one epic destruction.



: Azov Brigade pic.twitter.com/ZRGqLFxwJF  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) July 12, 2024

Irans retaliatory attacks on Israel in April, which involved cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as drones, are another prime example of the threat picture driving the concerns the SMDC commander talked about yesterday. Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen are also currently actively engaged in drone and missile attacks on foreign warships and commercial vessels in and around the Red Sea. That group also has a long history of employing those weapons against targets on land in countries across the region, attacks that have now extended to Israel.

300+ launches.

99% interception rate.

This is the breakdown of Iran's attack last night: pic.twitter.com/aRPvxSutW2  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 14, 2024

The counter-UAS [uncrewed aerial systems] fight started as active defense but the Secretary of Defense [Lloyd Austin] said, No, we need to look holistically. SOCOM, youre going to pick up the left-of-launch piece, Gainey added. So now you have SOCOM focused on all the way up to launch and then the active defense piece with the services after launch.

The basic fact that SOCOM has been charged with leading the left-of-launch fight against drones is not a new disclosure. Then-Maj. Gen. Gainey also highlighted to distribution of labor during a panel discussion the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank hosted in November 2023. Gainey at that time was head of the Pentagons Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO), which was first established in 2020.

In 2022, now-retired Army Gen. Richard Clarke, then head of SOCOM, was also asked about his commands role in left-of-launch counter-drone operations at the annual Aspen Security Forum, as The War Zone reported at the time.

Specific details are more limited about what types of missions the U.S. special operations community is currently prepared to execute, or maybe working toward being capable of performing in the future, to neutralize enemy drones before they get into the air.

US Marine Raiders, one with a backpack version of the Joint Threat Warning System (JTWS) signals intelligence system, seen during a mock raid on a warehouse. USMC

SOCOM has been designated as the left-of-launch lead for counter-UAS to get after the attack ops piece or attack the network piece, Gainey said at the CSIS event last year. Were rewriting the strategy to take it from a right-of-launch  meaning, a defensive posture in how you defend against this  to incorporate more how do you get after this holistically with the right-of-launch, attack the network. So essentially, theyre looking at everything, you know, that it takes to get after holistically this UAS threat.

Though Gainey did not further elaborate, attack ops here would seem to point to an obvious component of a left-of-launch strategy: destroying drones and other supporting assets like control systems on the ground. Conducting direct action raids behind the front lines to neutralize critical enemy capabilities like air defense nodes and ground-launched cruise and ballistic missiles is already firmly within the repertoire of the U.S. special operations community. There has already been clear evidence from special operations exercises in recent years that these kinds of offensive missions could also include attacking drone launch sites.

Special operators participating in the Ridge Runner 23-01 exercise advance through an area with members of the opposing force seen hiding behind a trailer. What appears to be two mock drones on stands are seen in the background to the left. Army National Guard Personnel participating in Ridge Runner 23-01 advance through an area with members of the opposing force seen hiding behind a trailer. What appears to be two mock drones on stands are seen ion the background to the left. Army National Guard

Attack the network is a term of art that emerged during the Global War on Terror era, especially in the context of efforts to address the threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IED). This is broadly defined as a focused approach to understanding and operating against a well-defined type of enemy activitysuch as terrorism, insurgency, and organized criminal actionsthat threatens stability in the operational area and is enabled by a network of identifiable nodes and links, according to a 2011 U.S. military handbook on the topic.

In more basic terms, this is about breaking up or otherwise disrupting networks of actors and organizations supporting a particular set of malign activities. Using the IED example, attacking the network would involve things like trying to neutralize bomb factories, as well as working to cut off the sources of funding and other resources that enable them to operate at all. U.S. forces in places like Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, together with the U.S. Intelligence Community and other elements of the U.S. government, have also used attack-the-network strategies to help counter things like arms smuggling, trade in illicit narcotics, and money laundering.

Iraqi forces stand next to a cache of weapons, ammunition, and other items found during a raid alongside US forces in 2007. US Army

Its not hard to see how similar tactics, techniques, and procedures might be used against the drone threat. This could still involve direct action from interdicting the delivery of uncrewed aerial systems to forward units to attacking drone production centers and related supply chains.

Special operations forces might be tasked with intelligence gathering or other indirect missions, including as part of a whole-of-government approach, parts which might be undertaken before a conflict actually erupts. In 2022, Gen. Clarke alluded to how sanctions and other efforts to restrict malign actors access to relevant supply chains, as well as consensus building among allies and partners about the risks of proliferation and other related issues, could be part of a left-of-launch equation.

I think there are opportunities for our government, for our intel agencies, and our Department of Defense when it comes to how do we stop those drones before they even launch, Clarke said at the time.

An unclassified 2021 white paper from the U.S. Armys 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) offers something of a tangential example of what special operations forces might be called upon to do to support an indirect attack-the-network approach outside of an outright conflict. A fictional vignette in that document outlines a scenario in which Army Green Berets surveil an ostensibly civilian Chinese construction site in a foreign country. They then help local forces discreetly recover blueprints showing secret plans to enable that facility to be used for military purposes. The local government then moves to shut down the construction project. Though not expressly said, the U.S. special operations contribution to this notional operation also appears to be done covertly or clandestinely.

Specialized intelligence gathering and supporting other friendly forces engaged in similar tasks are also firmly within the U.S. special operations communitys existing mission sets.

US Army special operations forces train to collect intelligence during a mock raid on an enemy compound. US Army

All of this comes amid a broader discussion about how the U.S. special operations community needs to evolve as the entire U.S. military pivots to preparing for high-end fights, especially one against China, after decades of focusing on counter-terrorism and other lower-intensity operations.

There are still questions about how exactly left-of-launch operations might be executed and how effective they might be, especially against larger nation states and if applied outside of the context of a traditional conflict. Drones that Russia has been employing in Ukraine, including types sourced from Iran, as well as missiles and other systems, have been found to be packed with Western electronic components. This is despite the Russian government being currently subject to a massive array of U.S. and other international sanctions that have had pronounced impacts on the countrys economy. This underscores serious hurdles to limiting a malign actors access to global supply chains, in general.

The Houthis in Yemen also continue to expand the scale and scope of their missile and drone arsenals. The complex Houthi drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure in 2019 was a particular sign of things to come, as The War Zone highlighted at the time. The Yemeni militants have been able to do all of this despite years of direct U.S.-led efforts to interdict supply chains emanating from Iran.

A US Defense Intelligence Agency infographic highlighting Iranian missile components and other materiel bound for Yemens Houthis that were seized in two separate incidents in January 2024. DIA

Regardless, when you saw some of the last launches [like Irans drone and missile attacks on Israel] and the numbers that were put out there, its going to take a holistic, layered approach to be able to defeat those types of threats moving forward in the future, Gen. Gainey stressed yesterday.

That holistic strategy already includes plans to have U.S. special operations forces attacking drones, as well as supporting infrastructure, supply chains, and more, before those threats get off the ground.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  The Myrtle Beach Police have shared information regarding the ongoing Jakolbi Taylor investigation with our sister station, WBTW News 13.

On Thursday, July 25, WBTW said according to Myrtle Beach PD, multiple suspects were seen running away toward the beach after the deadly shooting. Officers then responded and began searching the area.

Family members and coach mourn the loss of Jakolbi Taylor

Further details are still limited, and the investigation is ongoing.

A statement released by Virginia Delegate, Sam Rasoul, has asked for the Virginia State Police to assist with the investigation in Myrtle Beach.

What a tragic loss of a bright young soul in our community. We want to ensure that any resources we have here in Virginia to assist in this investigation are offered, Del. Rasoul said. Fortunately, the Virginia State Police have been responsive to this request and are reaching out to offer any assistance they can to South Carolina Authorities.  Virginia Delegate, Sam Rasoul

Patrick Henry High School coach remembers player killed in Myrtle Beach

VSP has told WFXR News that they have contacted law enforcement in South Carolina and offered their resources; however, they are not currently assisting with the investigation.

Check back with WFXR News for more information soon.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Vientiane, Laos, July 25, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China will adhere to the correct political direction of reform, build a high-level socialist market economy, and provide a strong driving force and institutional guarantee for advancing Chinese-style modernization, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday in Vientiane.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith.

During the meeting, Thongloun said that the important conclusions and innovative achievements of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee have provided important references for Laos to promote the socialist cause.

He thanked China for providing valuable support for Laos' economic and social development over the years, saying that the Laos-China Railway has helped the Lao people realize their dreams and is a precious symbol of friendship between the people of the two countries.

Laos is willing to deepen cooperation with China, speed up comprehensive development along the Laos-China Railway, and build landmark projects of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation that carry forward the Laos-China traditional friendship, Thongloun said, adding that Laos welcomes more investments by Chinese enterprises to help the country enhance its capacity for independent development.

He also noted that Laos will never allow anyone to undermine its friendship and practical cooperation with China, and stands ready to work with China to translate the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries into tangible results, pushing the Laos-China community with a shared future to a higher level.

For his part, Wang said the third plenary session proposed more than 300 reform tasks, outlined a blueprint for deepening reform across the board, and sent a clear signal that reform and opening up will always be in progress.

Wang said China appreciates that Laos has always stood with China on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns, and will continue to be the most reliable friend and partner of Laos, ready to enhance experience sharing with Laos on governance.

China firmly supports Laos in exploring a development path suited to its own and in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, willing to deepen all-round cooperation with Laos, strengthen comprehensive development along the China-Laos Railway and promote connectivity to boost Laos' economic development, said the foreign minister.

Wang proposed that the two sides should join hands to resolutely crack down on cross-border crimes, creating a good business environment for economic and trade cooperation.

On the same day, Wang also met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and held talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith. 
State rests its case in Ashley Benefield murder trial. Heres what happens next

The prosecution rested its case Thursday in the murder trial of Ashley Benefield after three days of testimony from more than a dozen witnesses.

Prosecutor Suzanne ODonnell, who is trying the case alongside Rebecca Freel, rested after calling the final witnesses to the stand, including the medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Doug Benefield, who was shot and killed in September 2020.

Ashley Benefield looked down as Medical Examiner Russell Vega showed jurors graphic autopsy photos and described the cause of death as a gunshot wound to Doug Benefields chest, which caused perforation and bleeding in the lungs. The chest wound was one of three wounds Vega said Benefield had, including another gunshot wound to his right knee and an abrasion to his right shoulder.

Another state witness, a crime laboratory analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, later held up the alleged firearm used in the shooting for jurors to see: a Springfield armory .45 automatic pistol, which he said fired four bullets that day.

While Vega said the gunshot wound to Doug Benefields chest may have incapacitated him quickly, he said it is difficult to predict the amount of time with any certainty and the wound was likely not immediately fatal.

Defense attorney Neil Taylor has argued the night of Sept. 27, 2020, Ashley Benefield was forced to shoot her husband multiple times after he attacked her and did not immediately stop moving forward toward her after the first shot.

Dr. Russell Vega, Chief Medical Examiner for the 12 District, looks through autopsy photographs on the third day of Ashley Benefields trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 25, 2024.

Now, Ashley Benefields defense is preparing to present evidence and testimony to jurors starting Friday as they seek to refute allegations that she murdered her husband. Ashley Benefield has already undergone a Stand Your Ground hearing in July 2013.

Phone evidence was also presented to the court Thursday in the form of logs of text messages, phone calls and videos that appeared to show Ashley and Doug Benefield being friendly with one another in the days leading up to the fatal shooting.

The defense has argued throughout the trial that any attempt by Ashley Benefield to be friendly with Doug Benefield, despite several allegations that he abused her, is consistent with responses by domestic abuse victims looking to keep abuse at bay.

But prosecutors say Ashley Benefield was frustrated by the system amid a custody battle. This frustration was on full display in a story told during witness testimony from the previous day.

A domestic violence investigator with the sheriffs office told jurors Wednesday about a conversation he had with Ashley Benefield that was unlike any other in his career.

Of the more than 40 phone calls Detective Chris Gillum with the Manatee County Sheriffs Office said he received from Ashley Benefield concerning her husband, Doug Benefield, one in particular sticks with him several years later.

In my 12 years of doing this, I had never had anybody ask me to arrest anybody in front of a judge inside the courtroom, Gillum said.

Gillum was one of several state witnesses to testify on day 2 of a murder trial for an ex-ballerina who shot and killed her husband in September 2020 at her mothers Lakewood Ranch home.

She made a comment, something to the effect of, If the judge sees you arrest him, itll help me keep my baby,  Gillum said.

Daniel Hausdorf, crime laboratory analyst for Florida Department of Law Enforcement holds the Sprinfield armory 45 automatic pistol which was used to kill Doug Benefield on the third day of Ashley Benefields trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 25, 2024.

When Gillum told her no multiple times, he said Ashley Benefields demeanor switched.

Her tone turned from the crying to very aggressive and she says, You will (expletive) arrest him in front of the judge and I will make sure you do it. 

She let out like a screech or a high-pitched scream and she says, I will do whatever I have to do to keep my baby you (expletive),  Gillum said.

The conversation lasted around 20 to 30 minutes, according to Gillum.

When defense attorney Neil Taylor questioned why Gillum made no mention of these comments during reports filed at the time, Gillum said he didnt see anything she said at the time as a direct threat to Doug Benefield.

Two and a half years later, you remember the exact details of the conversation? Taylor asked Gillum.

Absolutely, Gillum said, cutting Taylor off before he could finish his question.

Gillum said he didnt report it at the time because it had no relevance to his case. I just saw this as her just having this massive meltdown because she was not getting her way with me.

But the circumstances changed, he said. After Ashley Benefield shot and killed Doug Benefield on Sept. 27, 2020, Gillum said he felt that was information that needed to be heard.

But as the state is on track to rest its case Thursday, the defense continues to argue that Ashley Benefield was a victim of domestic abuse and only shot her husband in self-defense after he attacked her.

While prosecutors contend that Ashley Benefield acted one way around her husband as a ruse, telling him they would move to Maryland together for a fresh start and reconcile, the defense has argued that her behaviors are more indicative of common responses by domestic abuse victims to keep abuse at bay.

A mental health professional said Ashley Benefield told him on multiple occasions that she acted the way she did because she was worried about Doug Benefield hurting their child.

Ashley had shared with me a number of times that she felt the best way to keep Doug at bay so he wouldnt hurt (the child) was to kind of appease him, to kind of go along with him, said Dr. Brad Broder.

A psychological evaluation undergone by Ashley and Doug Benefield by Broeder is central to the states premise that Ashley Benefield murdered her husband. Prosecutors argue that Ashley Benefield, in addition to running out of legal options in a custody battle she was intent on winning, was worried about the results of the psychological hearing being released at an upcoming court hearing on Sept. 30, three days after Doug Benefield was killed.

Ashley Benefield acted one way in front of her husband during the sessions with Broeder, expressing wishes for reconciliation during a move to Maryland, but showed zero desire to reconcile and was secretly planning on moving without him during the solo sessions, the state argued.

Broeder said at one point Ashley Benefield showed up unannounced to his office, but he told her she had to get the evaluation report through the courts, at which point he said she became emotional.

Another mental health professional said Ashley Benefield expressed concerns to him about the results of the evaluation being released.

She was worried about what it would say. She said if it were to be disparaging of Doug she was concerned that he would be upset and take some form of retribution, Dr. Jason Quintal said.

Ashley Benefield filed several domestic abuse claims against Doug Benefield during their four years of marriage, alleging that he shot a hole in the ceiling, punched their pet dog and punched holes in the drywall.

One complaint filed by Ashley Benefield that was discussed Wednesday was the allegation that Doug Benefield poisoned her.

The biggest allegation was that he was poisoning her and their child in utero with heavy metals, Stephanie Murphy, an attorney who represented Doug Benefield during the custody battle.

The judge who oversaw the custody hearings previously said there was no evidence of poisoning.

Murphy told jurors how Doug Benefield first hired her to draft a letter to Ashley Benefield asking to be present for the birth of their child. But they never heard back. Instead, the next day Murphy said Ashley Benefield checked herself into Tampa General to induce labor.

Doug Benefield only found out about the birth of their daughter after Murphy discovered a restraining order filed against him, she said.

When Murphy arranged for Doug Benefield to see his child for the first time at six months old, she said she was stunned when Doug and Ashley Benefield left the sheriffs office together.

We had just been in knock-down, drag-out litigation, from months with horrendous allegations that were unfounded, and she said I want to go with you and he said OK, Murphy said.

Murphy said she pulled Doug Benefield aside and cautioned him about going with her, but he went anyway.

I said, This is not a good idea; she is trying to set you up for something, dont do this, and he said, I understand. I am going to go ahead and do it anyway. 

Licensed clinical social worker Dr. Barbara Russell testifies on the second day of Ashley Benefields trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 24, 2024.

Ashley Benefields mother, Alicia Byers, testifies for the state on the second day of her trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 24, 2024.

Judge Matt Whyte holds a sidebar with attorneys on the second day of Ashley Benefields trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 24, 2024.

Manatee County Sheriffs Lt. Dan Dickerman testifies on the second day of Ashley Benefields trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 24, 2024.

Ashley Benefield on the third day of her trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 25, 2024.

Assistant State Attorney Suzanne ODonnell continues to present her case on the second day of the trial for Ashley Benefield for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 24, 2024.
In Detroit, Whitmer puts focus on safety and jobs while signing off on $83B budget

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer discusses highlights of the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget before signing the bill at Detroit Fire Department Enginehouse 52 on July 24, 2024. | Kyle Davidson

Following a roaring introduction from Detroit Fire Department Chief James Harris, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday put her signature to the $82.5 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2025 after touting funds for public safety, economic security and infrastructure.

Whitmer gathered with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit), Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), House Appropriations Committee Chair Angela Witwer (D-Delta Twp.), Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and multiple other state and city officials to discuss the potential impacts of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which is set to begin on Oct. 1.

What we have done here is create another balanced, fiscally responsible budget that doesnt raise taxes by a dime, but yet makes another deposit into our rainy day fund which claims a new all time high of $2.2 billion, Whitmer said. So we are responsible, and yet making long overdue investments in things that matter and things that make peoples lives better.

On Tuesday, Whitmer signed the $23.4 billion FY 2025 education budget in Flint.

Ahead of Whitmers speech, Duggan praised a number of the states investments, including $100 million invested into constructing additional affordable housing, noting the state has traditionally relied on the federal government for affordable housing rather than state funding.

Duggan also cheered the more than $500 million included in the FY 2025 budget for lead water line replacement.

In previous times, Lansing waited until there was a crisis on the lead pipes to act. But we are right now replacing 200 houses a week with new pipes, Duggan said.

Were not waiting until eventually these pipes start to deteriorate because of the support of the state of Michigan, Duggan said.

He also pointed to the newly established Public Safety Trust Fund which received $75 million in the budget to support law enforcement and community violence intervention in Michigan cities, villages and townships.

In the city of Detroit, were committing a third of our share right from the beginning to our community violence initiative. The folks who are in the neighborhoods who are preventing the shots in the first place, they were funded with federal money that was going to expire in July, Duggan said.

You go to the Warrendale neighborhood for the last year, the shootings are down 70%. It is absolutely a function of the community violence teams in those neighborhoods, Duggan said.

The city will also be able to hire another 100 police officers, Duggan said, noting the mayors of many other Michigan cities were already prepared to hire additional officers.

While the budget builds on the rollback of the states retirement tax and its expansion of the earned income tax credit, this years budget is focused on safety, Whitmer said, pointing to legislative efforts to reduce gun violence and strengthen the states criminal code for domestic abusers alongside the impacts noted by Duggan.

We want to make sure that every Michigander, no matter where you live, is safe as you go to work, drop your kids off at school, run errands. This budget gets it done, Whitmer said.

Whitmer also spotlighted funding in the budget to support economic security for Michigan families by building factories, creating jobs and bringing supply chains home.

The budget includes $45.5 million for talent and growth to support the states current and future workforce needs, grow Michigans population and assist businesses looking to locate or expand into the state. It also deposits $500 million in the Strategic Outreach Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund, which is used to attract manufacturers and industries to the state.

It also supplies the newly established Economic and Worker Transition Office with $2.5 million alongside an additional $8.6 million for a pilot fund to aid Michiganders with the transition to electric vehicles and clean energy, and preparation for advanced energy and mobility jobs.

The budget includes $60 million to establish an Innovation Fund to invest in scalable startups and help entrepreneurs launch new companies in the state.

Whitmer also pointed to $3 million in funding to establish a farm to family program, to bring Michigan crops to Michigan tables.

As summer construction continues, Whitmer said the upcoming fiscal year would herald the final $700 million bond in her Rebuilding Michigan Plan, focused on rebuilding critical state highways and bridges.

The state budget also invests $4.2 million for road and bridge construction projects, including $1.7 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Whitmer touted $150 million to support the reopening of the Palisades Nuclear Facility. While Whitmer said the first in the nation effort would protect 600 jobs and provide energy supply energy to hundreds of thousands of households, multiple environmental groups called on the governor to invest the funds into environmental priorities such as drinking and wastewater issues, public transit, environmental cleanups and energy efficiency upgrades for housing.

The budget also includes funding for a number of health initiatives, including $161.5 million to establish new community behavioral health clinics across the state and $18.1 million to continue the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program which is aimed at reducing racial disparities in infant and maternal mortality.

Members of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus highlighted funding for a number of efforts supporting maternal and infant health including $3.9 million gross and $1.1 million from the general fund to support doula care and $3.3 million gross and $918,700 from the general fund to support the Maternal Infant Health Program.

The caucus praised several other budget items, including $10 million for minority-owned business grants, $3 million to the Michigan Independent Retailers Association to aid food wholesale and retail merchants in combating food deserts, and $250,000 to fund a study that assesses the impact of implicit bias training requirements for Michigan health professionals on access to and delivery of health care services.

Weve transformed once-in-a-generation investments into our sustained commitment to shared priorities, creating a moral document and values statement that provides much-needed ongoing support for the people of Michigan, Anthony said in a statement. While Michiganders of color were ignored in the state budget process for decades, as the first Black woman Senate Appropriations Chair, I have ensured that we are finally getting a voice in the process.

However, not all members of the Legislature were pleased with the budget with some Republicans accusing majority Democrats of prioritizing wasteful pet projects for politically favored communities.

Both the budget bills for Fiscal Year 2025 passed along party lines, with Republicans in both chambers voting against the two bills.

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, Rep. Andrew Beeler (R- Port Huron) said in a statement.

State Rep. John Roth (R-Interlochen) argued the budget did not include enough funding for infrastructure projects in northern Michigan.

The lack of key funding for infrastructure projects was evident across Northern Michigan, Roth said in a statement. But thats how the governor operates. It doesnt matter how planned out or vital funding is for a project. It doesnt matter that sewer systems are failing, or a library roof is falling in. The only time the governor cares about people north of Grand Rapids is when she needs another vote.

Beeler also argued the budget failed to include accountability measures for local projects saying the legislation did not include proposals from House Republicans accountability measures like requiring recipients to submit a spending plan before receiving funds, conducting an annual audit on grant spending, and pausing and investigating projects that misuse resources.

While funds for many local projects requested by lawmakers were cleared, not all of them escaped the governors pen, with Whitmer vetoing five requests totaling nearly $9.2 million. This includes $2.5 million for a grant program for faith-based organizations providing affordable housing, $425,000 for the construction of an indoor gun range and $3 million in rebates to gas stations to incentivize ethanol sales.

When asked about her decision to veto the gun range funding and a $250,000 grant to a nonprofit investment firm for historic building rehabilitation in Detroit, Whitmer said When we dont negotiate things, I dont think anyone should be surprised that theyre taken out of the budget. So Im comfortable with that.

If the colleagues who put those items in want to have a conversation, Im open to it, but that was the rationale, Whitmer said.

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The private park where the Algiers Motel in Detroit once stood now has a Michigan historical marker, which will be introduced to the public Friday to acknowledge the police raid and tragedy that unfolded there.

The marker also recognizes the role journalists had in bringing to light what actually happened. The hope, organizers said, is that the plaque will be a record for posterity and a way to stand against police brutality and help a still racially divided America come closer together.

"It was an incredible injustice that happened right here in Detroit that no one was held accountable for, "civil rights historian Danielle McGuire, who is writing a new book about the incident, told the Free Press this week. "A lot of times when we tell the story of the 1967 uprising, we talk about it in terms of financial cost, buildings destroyed, and the people who died that week are on a list and we dont know anything about them."

The incident at the Woodward Avenue motel  which has been documented in newspaper reports, books and even a Hollywood film drama, "Detroit"  led to the deaths of three Black teens, who were shot, and the injury of many others, who were beaten.

McGuire, a former Wayne State University professor, said she worked with neighborhood residents, who wanted to know more about what happened there, to do something that would memorialize the lives lost, and in the past two years, the group settled on adding a historical marker.

A marker dedication ceremony, which McGuire expects to be emotional for some, is scheduled from 1-2 p.m. at the site, 8301 Woodward, which is the incident's 57th anniversary.

The Manor House, circled, is a three story home turned into an annex for the Algiers Motel where three young black men were found slain in late July 1967. The bodies were found on the first floor, which in this picture, is hidden by a one story wing of the motel.

In addition to McGuire, who now lives in Salt Lake City, event speakers include Michigans Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Detroits Mayor Mike Duggan, and, potentially, survivors and relatives, of the three slain young men: Carl Cooper, Aubrey Pollard and Fred Temple.

"The marker, for me, is a great acknowledgement of the lives that were lost," said Fred Temple's nephew, Tyrone Temple, 62, of Detroit. "It gives acknowledgement for the wrongs that were done. Sometimes, in life when things happen, but it doesn't have an association with you, it's easy to overlook."

Temple said his late father, Ed Temple, would appreciate the marker too. Tyrone Temple said his dad, who died in 2017, did not become bitter or want to seek retribution for his younger brother's death, but still sought justice, urging the late U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr. to investigate the shootings.

The pastor with Dunamis Outreach Ministries added that the marker helps people to know what happened to his uncle, who was unarmed, innocent, and "at the wrong place at the wrong time" when he was shot, and perhaps can educate and remind Detroiters of the inequality African Americans have faced  and still face.

'Long, hot summer'

To put the Algiers Motel shootings in context, they were just three of the tragic deaths amid the violence in Detroit that summer, in what was long described as a riot and, in more recent years, by historians as an uprising and a rebellion.

The Detroit police and fire departments, the State Police and National Guard and even the Army were involved, and during the five days it unfolded, there were, the Detroit Historical Society enumerated: 43 deaths, hundreds of injuries and nearly 1,700 fires and more than 7,000 arrests.

The property damage estimate: $42 million, which, in 2024 dollars would be closer to $400 million.

The historical society called it "the largest civil disturbance of 20th century America."

And more than just in Detroit, the violence, of which various civil rights leaders had warned, and resulting consequence of city residents  mostly white  moving to the suburbs, was playing out in metropolitan areas nationwide.

During the summer of 1967, sometimes referred to as the "long, hot summer," more than 150 riots erupted in urban communities, often triggered, according to History, formerly known as the History Channel, by the same thing: "a dispute between Black citizens and white police officers that escalated to violence."

In June, there were riots in Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati and Tampa, Florida, and in July, in addition to Detroit, more riots in Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Newark, N.J., New York, Rochester, N.Y., and Toledo, Ohio.

Examining the past

The riot in Detroit was the bloodiest of that summer.

The violence was sparked by a police raid on an unlicensed bar, known as a blind pig, and quickly escalated as the then-Mayor Jerome Cavanagh called for help from then-Gov. George Romney, and President Lyndon B. Johnson ultimately deployed the Army's 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions.

The situation, the Detroit Historical Society later concluded, "was the culmination of decades of institutional racism and entrenched segregation."

Moreover, the deaths, which the police attempted to cover up, were exposed by Free Press journalists as more than just casualties in a firefight. Witnesses, the Free Press reported, said white officers interrogated at least two of the Black teens, then shot them at close range  and brutalized others.

In 1968, an account of the violence by Pulitzer Prize winner John Hershey, "The Algiers Motel Incident," brought even more public attention and scrutiny to what unfolded.

Adding to the trauma, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.  who had preached nonviolence, but predicted that violence was coming, explaining that "a riot is the language of the unheard"  was slain that year while standing on a balcony outside his second-floor room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

And a National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, often called the Kerner Commission after its chair, Illinois Gov. Otto Kerner, examined what happened, releasing a 426-page report that concluded that "our nation is moving toward two societies, one Black, one white  separate and unequal."

The report concluded that "what the rioters appeared to be seeking was fuller participation in the social order and the material benefits enjoyed by the majority of American citizens," and suggested that "this deepening racial division is not inevitable" and "can be reversed."

In the past few years, as reports of Detroits bankruptcy and resurgence have emerged, more accounts of the 1967 events have been publicized, including the production and release of the movie "Detroit." The film, by Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, was released in 2017, the riots 50th anniversary.

It focused on the motel raid and police interrogation that killed the three unarmed teens.

The marker inscription

The Algiers Motel, which was razed in 1979, has been replaced by a manicured park.

And since then, like an unmarked grave, there has been nothing at the scene to signify what happened there.

Still, in 2020, when George Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, police-brutality protesters gathered at the spot, symbolically connecting the tragic events there in 1967 to what demonstrators said was still going on.

More: From 1967 to George Floyd: Detroit activists connect the dots to fight inequality

The new marker, which was recently erected and visible from Woodward, reads:

"This was the location of the Algiers Motel and its Manor House annex at the time of the 1967 Detroit Uprising," and describes, how, just after midnight on July 26, a National Guardsman "heard what he believed to be gunshots coming from behind the motel."

The Guardsman called in the gunshots, and "police stormed the motel."

Historical marker at the site of the former Algiers Motel off Woodward Avenue in Detroit, where three Black teens were shot to death during a police raid in 1967.

The next morning, Cooper, 17; Temple, 18, and Pollard, 19, were "found dead in the Manor House," but the 13 police officers "did not file a police report until five days later," and the Detroit Free Press reported that contrary to authorities' claims of a firefight the teens "were shot at close range."

Police officers David Senak, Ronald August, and Robert Paille, were charged with murder, and in a separate federal case, the trio, along with a Black security guard, Melvin Dismukes, were accused of conspiracy to violate the civil rights of the motel guests.

The accused were acquitted by all-white juries.

Filling a void

McGuire  who credits neighborhood residents, like Heather Anger, with inspiring her to study the incident  dug deeper into the history there and eventually underwrote much of the cost of the marker through her familys foundation.

Anger, who was born after the incident and grew up in Shelby Township, said she moved to the neighborhood in 2014 and started researching the area, and read about the "horrific things that took place place there," but found few remnants of the motel, mostly green space.

A few neighbors, she said, recalled the incident. There also are news accounts and, she added, at least one physical subtle clue of the intensity of what unfolded: still, rough patches of pavement, which were torn up by tank treads.

"But, I felt like there needed to be something there to acknowledge it," said the 46-year-old sculptor, who can see the new marker from her driveway. "As someone from the suburbs, I feel like there's a historical amnesia of what actually took place in '67."

McGuire said she has invited at least one survivor from the incident, whose memories are still raw, to attend Friday's ceremony. She also hopes that the marker will fill a void, not just a physical one, but an emotional one, too.

"The marker is important," she said, "because in the 1970s the city tore down the Algiers Motel, like so many other sites where people were killed during the 1967 uprising, and those are kind of ghost landscapes. People know that something awful happened there, but whatever happened there is met with silence  as an empty space and memory silence."

Memories of the slayings, she said, are painful to those who lived through it, but those who did not, have little to connect that history to the present. She added that she hopes the historical marker can help preserve the past  and the truth about it  and give the city a way to heal and, perhaps, overcome the legacy of racism.

"Not knowing that information has made it harder for Detroit, as a city, and the people in it, to move past it," the historian said. "And, in larger terms, impunity for the police officers who murdered three Black teenagers that night in 1967, in lots of ways, are the taproots of todays problems with police violence and brutality."

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Algiers Motel in Detroit gets historical marker
(WOODLAND PARK, Colo.)  The Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) and Woodland Park Police Department (WPPD) are asking for the communitys help looking for a developmentally disabled 17-year-old who is missing from Woodland Park.

According to a developmental disabilities alert from the CBI, 17-year-old Elijah Reese was last seen in the 1400 block of Kings Crown Road, just east of Woodland Park, around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24. He may be driving a white 2017 Honda Pilot with Colorado license plate CVTC46.

Elijah Reese

Honda Pilot possibly driven by missing 17-year-old

Reese is a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, stands 58 tall and weighs 160 pounds. He is possibly wearing dark clothing.

The CBI said Reese is intellectually disabled and there are concerns for his safety. If you see him or know where he is, you are asked to contact WPPD at (719)687-9262, 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 FOX21 News Colorado.
'Devoted' Husband and Father of 3 Dies After Being Electrocuted at Work

Nathan Potter is described by friends and family as a family man who always made people laugh and smile

gofundme Nathan Potter, the father of three who was electrocuted while working on a power line in Tennessee on July 23, 2024

A father of three has died after he was electrocuted at work in Tennessee.

Lineman Nathan Potter was working to install a new service in Grainger County when the incident occurred around 9:20 a.m. local time on July 23, according to a pair of news releases from the mans employer, Appalachian Electric Cooperative.

Crew members immediately began providing life saving measures and contacted EMS after Potter was electrocuted.

He was then transported to Morristown-Hamblen Hospital, but later died, according to AEC.

Related: Texas Man Dead, Woman in Critical Condition After Being Electrocuted in Jacuzzi at Mexico Resort

Josh Compton, AECs General Manager, said Potters tragic death is felt by everyone at the close-knit organization.

Working as a lineman is a respectable and honorable profession, Compton said in his statement. We mourn the loss of our colleague during this incredibly difficult time. Their family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Compton also said, Safety is and will continue to be our number one priority."

Potter worked as a lineman for AEC for more than six years before his death, according to one of AECs news releases. Friends told CBS affiliate WVLT Potter was a lineman for over a decade.



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Nate was always a joy to be around, said his coworker and friend Shane Alvey. He always had a smile on his face and always made it fun.

Added friend Brock Johnson, Its something you never ever want to hear. We have safety meetings on Monday mornings, and you hear about stuff like that happening somewhere else. It crosses your mind, but you never think something like this is going to happen at home."

In less than 72 hours, more than $55,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign started for Potters wife and three children.

Related: Texas Dad-to-Be, 20, Dead After Getting Electrocuted While Trimming Tree: 'Tragic Loss'

Sarah Farris, who organized the online fundraiser, described Potter as a Godly man who was devoted to his family."

The world tragically lost a precious soul today, Farris wrote in the fundraisers description. She went on to thank those who have and will step up with donations for the grieving family.

Lets make sure they only have to worry about taking care of each other during this difficult time, Farris added.

The specific circumstances surrounding Potter's electrocution remain unclear and the fatal incident is under investigation, according to AEC.



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Yolanda Hill Robinson with husband Lt. Governor Mark Robinson celebrating his primary victory on March 2, 2024. (Photo: Video stream from Robinson's campaign YouTube channel)

As a sponsoring organization, Balanced Nutrition Inc., a nonprofit led by Yolanda Hill, the wife of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, for several years helped childcare providers apply for and receive federal funding for kids meals under the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program, which is overseen by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The organization also filed monthly claims on behalf of providers to help the centers receive reimbursement for subsidized meals served to children enrolled in day care facilities.

However, according to a new DHHS audit summarized in a letter obtained by NC Newsline, Balanced Nutrition filed claims for one child care center, the Gingerbread Learning Center, for eight months between February and October 2023, and again in February 2024, even though the center did not submit a claim during those periods, suggesting that Balanced Nutrition improperly claimed reimbursement for meals that were not served.

DHHS said this was one of several serious deficiencies it has identified in Balanced Nutritions performance, including repeat violations like those from the 2023 audit previously reported by NC Newsline. These include failure to make valid meal claims, submitting claims for meals that didnt meet CACFP nutritional standards, and failure to maintain accurate income eligibility applications for its sponsored facilities.

The letter also cited the nonprofit for failing to disclose arrangements with Hills family members. Balanced Nutrition, Inc. did not disclose to the State agency less-than-arm length transactions relatives related to Yolanda Hill, the letter read. Labor expenses were claimed for Kimberly Cephas, daughter of Yolanda Hill. Balanced Nutrition, Inc. did not disclose or receive approval from the State agency regarding the less-than-arm length transaction.

The letter goes on to state that Due to the number and type of findings noted in the Federal Fiscal Year 2023-2024 compliance review and the presences of repeat findings from the Federal Fiscal Year 2022-2023 compliance review, the State agency has determined that Balanced Nutrition, Inc. is seriously deficient in its operation of the CACFP.

These findings come as Balanced Nutrition has refused multiple attempts by DHHS to schedule a routine exit conference as reported by NC Newsline last month, despite warnings by DHHS that it would issue a Notice of Serious Deficiency if Hill failed to respond.

DHHS on Wednesday sent the letter to Balanced Nutrition CEO Yolanda Hill, her daughter and operations manager Kimberly Cephas, and board chair Renee Matthews-Jones. The agency notified them of serious deficiencies and gave them 14 days to correct the problems.

The letter says the consequences for the nonprofits failures could include the disqualification of Balanced Nutrition from the Child and Adult Care Food Program. In addition, Hill, Cephas and Matthews-Jones could also face disqualification from participation in the program in the future and be placed on the National Disqualified List. While on the list, the three will not be able to serve as a principal in any institution or facility or as a day care home provider in the CACFP, according to the letter.

Earlier this year, Hill informed clients that she was shutting down her nonprofit because of her husbands campaign for governor, as first reported by The Assembly, saying the demands of the campaign made it impossible for her to continue operating the nonprofit.

But WUNC and CBS17 later reported that Hill made the abrupt decision as the state was set to conduct a compliance review of her organization. She later claimed to WRAL that the DHHS was targeting Balanced Nutrition because of her husband.

Though Hill officially shut down Balanced Nutrition on April 30, she must still comply with DHHS demands because the agency had already scheduled a compliance review to begin two weeks prior to that date.

Other findings in the 2024 audit include failure to participate in program trainings conducted by DHHS on civil rights and other topics, and failure to accurately monitor facilities under its sponsorship.

Hill told WRAL in an interview earlier this year that her organization has been subjected to unwarranted scrutiny by DHHS due to its connection to her husband. She said that a DHHS employee had circulated Facebook photos of Hill with her husband to other DHHS employees to make them aware of the connection. Hill alleged the employee told colleagues that Hill had misled her about her husbands identity.

WRAL reported that a DHHS spokesperson said the employee who purportedly shared the images was at one time in charge of reviewing Balanced Nutrition, but that the case was assigned to a different specialist in March 2023.

Robinson, who did extensive work for the nonprofit prior to the start of his political career, has also dismissed the scrutiny from DHHS officials as politically motivated. During a speech at the Republican National Convention last week in which he touted his campaign for governor, he pointed to his wife, saying in apparent reference to the matter, she had been through the fire and when they came after me, they came after her as well.

NC Newsline reached out to Hill Wednesday evening seeking comment on the letter and will update this report if and when she responds.
Dickinson State likely to have nursing faculty for fall semester, new administrators say

Klinefelter Hall, where many of the Dickinson State University's nursing class are held, is pictured on July 18, 2024. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

The new administrators of the Dickinson State University nursing program said Thursday it is very likely that faculty will be in place to teach classes by the start of the fall semester on Aug. 26.

Nursing program administrators from Mayville State University are working to rebuild the program after all seven nursing faculty resigned on July 10.

Those administrators, Carey Haugen and Collette Christoffers, spoke Thursday to the North Dakota Board of Nursing, which had asked Dickinson State for a plan to keep its program going after the mass resignation.

Dickinson State on Friday announced an agreement with Mayville State to have its administrators guide the Dickinson program that trains students to become registered nurses and receive bachelors degrees in nursing.

Christoffers said the first goal is to get applicants for the open faculty positions. She said those positions have been posted and are generating interest.

When asked about the likelihood of having staff in place for the start of the academic year, Haugen said, very likely.

Our goal is to have the program operational by Aug. 26, Christoffers said. We will be boots on the ground. We anticipate the courses being in-person, or however they were originally scheduled to be.

Christoffers said the former Dickinson State faculty could apply.

The faculty that were there were exceptional, Christoffers said.

The board, which monitors compliance with nursing education standards, will set a special meeting before the start of the school year to review progress on getting faculty in place.

Meanwhile, Bismarck State College made a request to the board for an increase in nursing program enrollment, in part, because of interest from Dickinson State students.

The request is for 10 more spots in its licensed practical nurse certificate program and 10 in its associate in applied science in nursing degree program.

The board did not act on the request, instead deferring it for possible action at the special meeting in August. A date for the meeting has not been set.

Bismarck State President Douglas Jensen spoke during the public forum portion of the meeting, saying that a decision on the request will play a critical role in terms of our ability to admit students.

The Dickinson program has 111 students, according to the board.

Haugen and Christoffers said they will be meeting with students Friday in Dickinson.

The faculty members resigned after Dickinson State tried to increase the workload for faculty to be in line with standards set for other departments. The nursing faculty refused to sign the contracts.

On July 15, Dickinson State President Stephen Easton announced he was quitting, citing the nursing dispute as part of the reason.

The North Dakota University System has yet to name an acting president for the college.

Teresa Bren is one of the faculty members who resigned.

She told the North Dakota Monitor the resignations were not meant to force Easton to resign.

The faculty, former faculty of Dickinson State University, saw contracts that they could not ethically sign, that they knew they couldnt meet, and therefore each of us made an individual decision not to sign our contract, which happened to be a collective action, but it was not for leverage, Bren said.

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Did Kamala Harris Drop out of the Race? Is She Still Running for President?

With President Joe Biden stepping out of the 2024 presidential race, all eyes are now on Vice President Kamala Harris. As she receives endorsements from major Democratic figures and gears up for her campaign, theres a growing curiosity among the public about her status. The key question on everyones mind is: Did Kamala Harris drop out of the race or is she still running for President?

Here is everything to know about it.

Is Kamala Harris still running for President?

Yes, Kamala Harris is still running for President.

As of late July 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris remains a central figure in the presidential race. Following President Joe Bidens surprise withdrawal from the 2024 race on July 21, Harris swiftly emerged as the leading Democratic contender. During her first major rally in Milwaukee on July 23, she outlined her vision for the future, emphasizing the need to unite the party and prepare for a fierce contest with Donald Trump.

Harris has capitalized on the momentum from Bidens exit, with her campaign seeing a remarkable surge in support. Within 24 hours of Bidens announcement, her team reported record-breaking fundraising, surpassing $81 million. This influx of funds along with a surge in volunteer activity reflects a rejuvenated energy within the party.

In addition, Harris has effectively harnessed social media to rally support, including leveraging viral remixes and memes. Vice Presidents campaign has highlighted remixes featuring Harriss memorable quote about a coconut tree and playful references from pop culture, such as the Brat nickname popularized by Charli XCX.

On July 24, 2024, President Biden again publicly expressed his confidence in Harris during his speech from the Oval Office. He praised her leadership qualities and encouraged voters to support her. Biden said in his speech, Shes been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.

With major endorsements from key Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and the Clinton family, Harris is on track to secure the Democratic nomination. The upcoming virtual roll-call vote is expected to formalize her candidacy, as she continues to consolidate her position ahead of the election.

The post Did Kamala Harris Drop out of the Race? Is She Still Running for President? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
As Vice President Kamala Harris launches her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, there has been a notable increase in public curiosity about her past. Among the topics being discussed are claims that Harris initially did not pass her bar exam. Now, many are eager to know about into the details of her legal career and her rise through the ranks of public service.

Here is everything to know about whether Kamala Harris passed the bar exam along with the details of her legal career.

Is Kamala Harris a lawyer?

Yes, Kamala Harris is a lawyer.

Kamala Harriss academic journey led her to Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a degree in political science and economics. She then returned to California to attend law school. Harriss career took off in the Bay Area, starting as a prosecutor in Alameda County. Her political ascent began in 2003 when she was elected as San Franciscos district attorney, making history as the first woman and the first Black and South Asian American to hold the position. She served two terms from 2004 to 2010.

In 2010, Harris achieved another historic milestone by becoming Californias attorney general, the first woman, and the first Black-American and Asian-America individual to do so. She held this position from January 2011 until 2017. Her successful tenure as attorney general paved the way for her election to the US Senate in 2016.

Did Kamala Harris ever fail the bar exam?

Yes, Kamala Harris failed in her first attempt of the bar exam.

Harris faced a setback early in her legal career when she did not pass the California bar exam on her first attempt. According to The Guardian, Harris candidly reflected on this experience in her memoir and admitted that her initial effort was not her best. In studying for the bar, I had put forward the most half-a**ed performance of my life, she wrote. Despite this initial failure, Harris successfully passed the exam on her second attempt.

The post Did Kamala Harris Pass the Bar Exam or Did She Fail? Legal Career Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
What did the US militarys Gaza aid pier actually accomplish?

When President Joe Biden announced the mission to build a humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza this March, he framed it as a symbol of what the U.S. military can do.

Palestinian civilians were dying five months into the Israel-Hamas war. Most of the territory was struggling to get food or near famine. And Israel wasnt opening more land routes for assistance to flow in.

So the U.S. would make a route of its own.

This temporary pier would enable a massive increase in the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza every day, Biden said during his State of the Union speech.

Instead, four months later, the piers mission is over and its clearest legacy is what wasnt possible.

Despite the work of 1,000 U.S. soldiers and sailors using the Joint-Logistics-Over-the-Shore, or JLOTS, capability, the pier couldnt stay afloat for long due to choppy seas. And while it got aid into the Gaza Strip, it couldnt fix another intractable problem: actually getting it to the Palestinian people  96% of which face acute food insecurity, according to the United Nations World Food Programme.

Militarys novel floating pier arrives in Gaza amid security concerns

The Pentagon estimated the pier would cost $230 million, though the final number isnt yet certain, and Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, said it would come in well under budget.

A clearer cost has been to U.S. personnel: One soldier remains in the hospital due to a pier-related mishap in May, and is still recovering stateside.

Citing privacy regulations, DOD officials have declined to explain what injured the soldier and two other service members, who were able to return to duty after the incident.

U.S. officials have defended the mission as the safest and most efficient way to get American assistance into Gaza during the war. And they can cite almost 20 million pounds of aid as evidence.

The pier has done exactly what we intended it to do, said Cooper.

Many watching from the sidelines in Washington disagree.

The pier arrived at a moment of acute political pressure on the White House to help the Palestinian people, said Steven Cook, an expert on the Middle East at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Despite that, he said, its become an emblem of what the U.S. hasnt learned in the region.

This is a constant theme in American foreign policy in the Middle East, he said. Despite our best intentions, we didnt really understand what we were walking into.

Palestinians storm trucks loaded with humanitarian aid brought in through a U.S.-built pier, in the central Gaza Strip, on May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

I was hopeful that would be more successful

When announcing that the pier was being dismantled, military officials came with a list of statistics. The JLOTS pier delivered 19.4 million pounds of aid, or enough to feed half a million Palestinians for one month.

By comparison, the U.S. has sent 2.4 million pounds via air drops and 33 million pounds via land crossings since the start of the war in October.

In its 20 days of operating, the admiral said, it carried double or triple the amount of aid the U.S. initially expected. Altogether, it was the most humanitarian support America has ever sent to the Middle East.

That data stands on its own, Cooper said.

And yet, those numbers have another side. The aid may have gotten onto Gazan territory, but much of it hasnt reached people in need. Due to rough weather, the pier was in service only about one-third of the time since it was first anchored in May. At one point, it buckled under rough seas and had to be repaired in the Israeli city of Ashdod.

Meanwhile, crowds ransacked at least one aid-laden truck coming from the pier before it could get to distribution points, The Associated Press reported, and the United Nations halted aid distribution at times due to security concerns.

U.S. troops at work on the Gaza aid pier on June 7. (Staff Sgt. Mikayla Fritz/Army)

You can have the best fighting force in the world and the best logisticians in the world, but high seas and strong winds still create quite a dilemma, said Brad Bowman, who researches U.S. defense policy at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

After the NATO summit in July, even Biden acknowledged that the pier could have performed better.

I was hopeful that would be more successful, he said.

A JLOTS test case

Still, using the pier in a real-world combat zone likely helped prove its use to the Pentagon, argued Keith Robbins, a retired Army officer who oversaw the JLOTS program for U.S. Transportation Command before his retirement in 2007.

JLOTS is, in essence, a set of metal pieces that can be assembled in multiple ways. Its meant for calmer waters than the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Robbins said, but there were few better options for the mission itself: quickly shuttling tons of aid onshore.

JLOTS is the perfect capability to handle that, but it has to be put in the right place in order for it to be successful, he added.

Now that JLOTS has made its debut in a combat zone, Robbins hopes it will convince the Pentagon to continue funding it.

Ten, 15 years ago, when I was doing it, the higher-ups didnt really understand what the capability was, he said. I would hope that this has been a great illustration of how valuable this capability can be.

U.S. soldiers assigned to the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) use a modular warping tugs crane to drop temporary anchors to stabilize the aid pier on the Gaza coast on June 7. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jordan KirkJohnson/Navy)

The needs are staggering

In their briefing last week, CENCTOM deputy commander Cooper and an official from USAID argued the pier hadnt only finished its mission  it was also no longer necessary.

The maritime supply route was now moving from off the 25-mile Gazan coast to Ashdod, Israel, where aid will enter the strip via trucks.

As the U.S. and humanitarian groups have said for months, there is no substitute for these land crossings.

The needs are staggering and continue to grow, said Solani Korde, a USAID official, briefing alongside Cooper.

From the start, U.S. officials stressed that the pier was temporary. In other words, the U.S. was not committing to an indefinite mission attached to Gaza, and it wasnt suggesting this path could replace others.

A maritime route is not a zero-sum discussion, said Chris Hyslop, a former U.N. official who now works with Fogbow, a humanitarian advisory group that assisted the piers mission.

An aerial photo of the U.S. military-built Gaza aid pier after it was stabbed into the beach on May 16. (DOD)

But even when aid crosses into Gaza it has been extremely hard to deliver. Roads are damaged. Swathes of territory are dangerous. And the actors involved  from Egypt to Israel to Hamas to other groups in Gaza  often dont have reason to distribute aid quickly, whether due to cronyism, domestic politics or the terrorist groups total-war strategy, said Cook, the analyst at CFR.

That is really, chiefly, the obstacle to ensuring that the innocent people of Gaza get the lifesaving food, water, medicine that they need, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a July briefing. Its distribution within as opposed to distribution from without.

No pier or new land crossing can solve that problem. But while the piers mission may be over, some involved dont think the maritime route should close.

Mick Mulroy, a former Pentagon Middle East official who also works at Fogbow, the aid group, said the pier was a proof of concept, despite its limitations.

I think it needs to be continued because quite frankly, the mechanism in Cyprus [where aid was sorted] and the aid delivery zone is already established, he said. If we dont put something in its place that will be for naught.
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presides over the closing meeting of the eighth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee and delivers a speech at the meeting in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Thursday called for efforts to implement reform measures outlined during the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks at the closing meeting of the eighth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

Studying the guiding principles from the plenum and putting them into practice is a major political task for the Party and the country both at present and for some time to come, Wang said.

He added that the CPPCC should fully and faithfully study and implement a series of new thoughts, viewpoints and judgments concerning deepening reform comprehensively.

Wang highlighted the importance of solidifying confidence in reform, consolidating consensus on reform, and seeking effective strategies for reform, thus better rallying support and gathering strength for reform.

He also urged efforts to successfully organize the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the CPPCC. 
Shocking new court documents reveal that Duane Davis, the man suspected of killing rapper Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas in 1996, has implied that Sean Diddy Combs was involved in the murder. Davis shared the allegations in an interview with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police.



The documents, which were filed on July 18 by the Clark County District Attorneys Office, were a response to Davis request for reconsideration of bail. Judge Carli Kierny is currently deciding whether the $112,500 that was put up for bond should be allowed. The prosecutors believe the source of the funds had an exclusive interview agreement with Davis.

Combs is mentioned in the 180 pages of documents. Furthermore, the pages contain evidence obtained by prosecutors that was not disclosed to the grand jury that indicted Davis. One of the most damning pieces of evidence is a 2009 interview with LVMPD where Davis implicated Combs in paying for the murder.

The documents footnotes state: [Davis] has asserted publicly that he only told on himself and wasnt trying to provide evidence against anyone else in his conversations with police. However, this statement belies this claim, as he suggested that Sean Combs paid Eric Von Martin a million dollars for the killings as well as offered to set up a surreptitious phone call with Terrence Brown, the driver, who, at the time, was still alive.

Prosecutors state that Combs was at the helm of Bad Boy Records and participated in a feud with Death Row Records, a labeled led by Suge Knight. Bad Boy used South Side Crips to protect Bad Boys artists while they are on the west coast, prosecutors have said.

Its not clear if law enforcement officials are taking Davis claims seriously, as folks have speculated he is implicating Combs for fame. His next court hearing is set for Aug. 20. A trial may possibly start in November.

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A gate opens at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama on October 22, 2019. (File)

Tim Mathis had two conversations with his son Chase, incarcerated at Elmore Correctional Facility, on June 4. The last one ended around 8:30 p.m. that evening.

Last thing he told me was he was going to bed, Tim Mathis said. He was going to get on his bunk, he loved me, and he would call me in the morning.

At 10 p.m., Tim Mathis said, the prison warden called him.

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When I answered the phone, she asked if she was speaking with Mr. Mathis, and I said yes, he said. She told me she had some bad news and she wanted me to answer some questions.

The warden asked Mathis to confirm his sons inmate number. He demanded the Warden recite it, which she did.

As soon as I confirmed the number was correct, she basically told me my son was dead, Tim Mathis said. I know I went off on her. She wouldnt tell me where his body was. She wasnt going to tell me where his body was going to be sent. Basically, all she told me was to contact her tomorrow at 8 a.m. in her office.

Alabama lawmakers on the states Joint Prison Oversight Committee Wednesday heard stories from Mathis and over a dozen family and friends of those incarcerated in state prisons, describing the violence their loved ones faced.

In a hearing that lasted over an hour, up to 20 people told the Joint Prison Oversight Committee Wednesday about brutality their family members faced from corrections officers and other inmates, including homicide and sexual assault, as well as suicides within the prisons.

Others demanded accountability from members of the committee and demanded action.

325 people died while in custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections in 2023, according to Alabama Appleseed, a nonprofit that focuses on justice issues in the state. Of the deaths whose cases have been closed, 13 were suicides and 10 were homicides. Another 89 were attributed to overdoses. The remainder are classified as accidental deaths, natural deaths or unknown.

The violence in mens prisons led the U.S. Department of Justice in 2020 to sue the state, alleging that conditions in the Alabama Department of Corrections violated inmates Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

Generally, Alabamas prisons are in chaos, said Eddie Burkhalter, a researcher with Alabama Appleseed. It has been that way for decades. Folks in prison cant find solace. They are in danger. Oftentimes, that danger is known to them. They ask for help, they cant get it.

Representatives from the ADOC who attended the meeting declined to comment on Wednesday. Commissioner John Hamm did not attend, and the representatives present sat stoically in their seats with a couple of individuals writing in notepads they had while listening to peoples testimony.

A man at a lectern

He was brain dead

Speakers, called individually to the microphone, each described violence their children, siblings and nephews experienced.

Kevin Hyatt said it took five days for DOC to inform his family that his nephew, Christopher Latham, had been beaten at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore in September of last year. Latham had completed 18 years of a 20-year sentence.

He was getting ready to come out, Hyatt said. He was going to come live with us. He didnt make it, and when we finally got to see him in the hospital, he was brain dead.

The family gave their approval to terminate life support. Latham passed away a day and a half later.

Lauren Faraino, director of The Woods Foundation, an organization that supports criminal justice reforms, criticized Hamm; Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and members of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles for not attending the meeting.

The parole board needs to be here because they are absolutely part of the problem, she said.

The Alabama Attorney Generals Office had a representative at the meeting who attended in place of Marshall. Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, the chair of the committee, said that members of the parole board were invited to attend.

It may have been a little late, Chambliss said. It was about 30 days ago when I invited them, and I understand now they probably already had everything scheduled, so that is on me. I will get them an invitation earlier next time.

Chambliss then stopped Faraino from continuing to call out other officials, saying she was out of order.

Burkhalter estimates from records requests that 161 people died in DOC custody from January to June of this year.

Our overdose mortality rate in prisons last year, 435 per 100,000 people, was 20 times the national rate across state prisons, Burkhalter said.

Burkhalter said a lack of corrections officers and misclassification of offenders is adding to the dangers for people behind bars.

The small number of folks who are causing much of the chaos in prison are misclassified, and they are allowed to roam freely in dorms with other folks who are much lower classified, he said. And so you have folks who are essentially preying on other folks freely, and there arent officers in the dorms to protect the ones who are preyed upon.

Staffing shortages

The Department of Corrections face court orders to boost staffing levels. Legislators have dramatically increased the amount of money allocated to the department to help address the issue of violence. Lawmakers provided Corrections with $737 million for the 2025 fiscal year, an increase of about 11% from the previous year.

Since 2002, spending on Corrections has gone up 274%, with much of that increase to pay for corrections officers. Despite that, ADOC administrators have had problems recruiting and retaining people to work in its facilities.

Hamm told members of the committee in April that 31 officers graduated from the ADOC Training Academy in March.

However, Burkhalter said there is a 61% vacancy rate at major facilities.

Capacity is another issue. According to DOC, closed security facilities such as Donaldson Correctional Facility in Jefferson County are at 147% capacity while medium security sites such as Bibb Correctional Facility in Brent, Alabama have nearly double, 191%, of people in prison that they should.

Some prisons are much higher than individual prisons, Burkhalter said. They are not designed to keep this many people. Designs are there for a reason, they are for safety. We have created a system where it is just chaotic.

Criminal justice reform advocates have blamed the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles low parole grants for exacerbating the problem.

The Legislature changed the leadership of the board in 2019, which led to a sharp decline in parole grants. The board granted 31% of parole applications in 2019. That number fell to 20% in 2020 and 15% in 2021. The ACLU said last year that the rate had fallen to 7%. Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, said during the meeting that the parole rate had increased to 20% this year.

A man gesturing during a debate.

Chambliss at the meeting Wednesday noted the Legislature last spring passed SB 322, which Chambliss sponsored. The legislation directs DOC to hire staff to provide families and loved ones of those incarcerated with information about their loved ones in DOC custody.

It gives the commissioner of Corrections a lot more flexibility and accountability in his management team, Chambliss said during the meeting. That is a good thing.

That, however, was the only bill that lawmakers passed to address the problems with Corrections.

I am going to continue sponsoring bills that I always sponsor to continue the conversation, England said in an interview after the meeting. Hopefully, we come to an accord on a couple of them, maybe get a couple of them passed.

Other legislators on the committee defended their role in addressing the problems with Corrections.

We have allocated money to build a new prison, we need more, there is no question that is accurate, said Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, chair of the House Judiciary Committee. We have allocated money for facilities like Perry County, Shelby County, that prepare people for release. It allows people for sanctions instead of putting people back in prison, to sanction them for short periods of time in those facilities.

England said he will move forward with other reforms he wants even though most of the criminal justice reform bills he sponsored have either stalled or failed.

Jails, criminal justice reform, is not a politically popular issue, he said. It is just not. Every time we get into these conversations, I am just trying to let everyone out of prison, which, once you capture it that way, it is over. The conversation ends. That is not politically popular. That will not get you reelected.

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The expression "often imitated, never duplicated" dates back to the 1920s, when Traub Manufacturing Co. used it to advertise its line of wedding and engagement rings.

Lately, though, it's easy to be reminded of that slogan whenever a politician tries to glom onto former President Donald Trump's political persona.

As was the case years ago with Ronald Reagan, it's become trendy for Republican candidates at all levels of government to try to tap into Trump's vast reserves of popularity and charisma.

A "Make America Great Again" voter guide that showed up in the mailboxes of St. Lucie County residents a few days ago fits that description.

Under Trump's trademark slogan, photos of Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis, and a logo that looks like Trump's signature red baseball cap is a sample ballot for races ranging from the U.S. Senate to Republican state committee seats.

A reasonable person could look at the candidates listed on the sample ballot and assume they all have been endorsed by Trump and DeSantis.

It just isn't so. With the exception of Rick Scott, who is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate, none of the candidates listed on the sample ballot have been endorsed by Trump.

Local GOP leader calls misleading mailouts 'disgusting'

This campaign mailout from the Make America Great Again Committee isn't affiliated with former President Donald Trump. With the exception of U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, none of the candidates listed on the sample ballot have been endorsed by Trump.

It's not clear how many of the candidates actually have DeSantis' endorsement, either. DeSantis hasn't been shy about backing candidates in local races when the mood strikes him. Earlier this month, DeSantis released a list of 23 candidates he's endorsing in school board races across the state, including St. Lucie County School Board candidate Nate Spera.

He's also endorsed the re-election bids of state Sen. Gayle Harrell and state Rep. Dana Trabulsy, but others on the list may or may not be his preferred candidates.

One would expect Trump to publicly announce his endorsements, rather than just relying on a mailout, if the Republican presidential nominee had the time or inclination to get involved in Treasure Coast races.

The mailout includes QR codes on the back side for the St. Lucie County Republican Party and the Florida Republican Party. Scanning those codes will take someone to those sites, leaving the impression the local and state parties are behind the mailer.

That, too, is inaccurate.

Kenny Nail, chairman of the local Republican Executive Committee, said his organization will be joining Republican chapters in several other counties in a lawsuit against the group that has been sending out mailers that they believe are misleading voters.

"There need to be laws against what's happening," Nail said. "It's disgusting. We can't have this in our democracy."

MAGA Committee not affiliated with Trump

Kenny Nail, chairman of the St. Lucie County Republican Executive Committee, holds a briefing at a St. Lucie County Republican partys office, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Port. St. Lucie. The message was the latest in a series of rapid sheriffs office developments that began Dec. 1 as DeSantis, a Republican, tapped Keith Pearson to be sheriff.

The Make America Great Again Committee is a Venice, Florida-based political action committee. On its website, the PAC lists endorsements of Republican candidates in six counties: Brevard, Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Sarasota and St. Lucie.

Campaign finance records show another Treasure Coast connection, dating back to 2020. During that election cycle, the PAC reported getting most of its funding from the Citizens Alliance for Florida's Economy, which used a Jensen Beach mailing address.

Attempts to reach representatives of the PAC were unsuccessful.

Similar mailouts with endorsed slates of candidates in local races were sent to voters living in all of those counties highlighted on the PAC's website.

Anthony Sabatini, an attorney who chairs the Lake County Republican Party, said the lawsuit is being filed on behalf of Republican organizations in the six counties.

In an ironic twist, Sabatini said most of the candidates "endorsed" in those counties tend to be more liberal and less closely aligned with Trump politically.

"It's deceptive," Sabatini said of the mailouts. "In most cases, these are the most left-leaning candidates in the primaries."

During this election cycle, the Make America Great Again Committee has also sent out mailouts in support of Keith Pearson, a candidate for St. Lucie County sheriff, and Audra Macon, a candidate for the District 5 seat on the St. Lucie County Commission.

"I wholeheartedly support President Trump and his agenda for America, as I have been a Republican all my life," Macon emailed in response to an inquiry about the mailer possibly being misleading. "I was happy to receive the voter guide. I do not know the committee, however it appears to me that they have chosen all conservative Republicans. I was happy to receive the endorsement."

I am a trump republican, plain and simple," Pearson emailed in response. "I saw the mailer and thought it clearly indicated I was appointed by Governor DeSantis and Senator Scott was endorsed by President Trump. What wasnt clear is that Senator Gayle Harrell, State Represenative Dana Trabulsy, and St Lucie School District canidate Nate Spera were endorsed by Governor DeSantis

Macon's opponent, County Commissioner Cathy Townsend, said she's been targeted by repeated mailers from the group, which she says has ties to Tampa political consultant Anthony Pedicini and his firm, Strategic Image Management.

Pedicini couldn't be reached for a response.

Even one of the disclaimers is misleading

Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump takes the stage to speak on Day 4 of the Republican National Convention, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 18, 2024.

On the St. Lucie County sample ballot with the listed endorsements, there are two asterisks beside Scott's name with a notation below that he has been endorsed by Trump. That's true enough.

Also, there's an asterisk next to Pearson's name, which describes him as "Gov. DeSantis' pick."

That's a bit deceptive. As TCPalm has previously reported, DeSantis named Pearson as an interim appointee for sheriff last December, following the abrupt resignation of Ken Mascara.

DeSantis made the pick days after Anthony "Tony" DiFrancesco, a Pearson ally, hosted a fundraiser for the governor's then-active presidential campaign. Then several members of the DiFrancesco family personally contributed more than $100,000 to DeSantis and supportive political action committees.

Records provided by the governor's office show DeSantis' staff began vetting Pearson for the interim appointment almost immediately after the DiFrancesco campaign contributions were reported.

Despite that history, and Pearson's repeated campaign claims that he is DeSantis' choice, the governor hasn't made a formal endorsement in the Aug. 20 Republican primary, which pits Pearson against acting Port St. Lucie Police Chief Richard Del Toro and Preston DiFrancesco, Anthony's nephew.

Campaign shenanigans will only get worse

BLAKE FONTENAY

Of course, not everyone who sees the mailout will be aware of all of this background. Some may take the recommendations at apparent face value, and cast their ballots accordingly.

This is a danger that permeates through our political system. Despite laws aimed at creating transparency so voters can at least know the sources of political propaganda they receive, there are enough loopholes to allow people to game the system.

Contributions to help particular candidates can be obscured by funneling them through PACs, so it's hard for an average person to trace who's really behind some pieces of campaign literature and how valid the claims contained in that literature may be.

Sadly, this likely won't be the last misleading mailout Treasure Coast residents will be getting in the days leading up to the August elections. Voters should treat the material arriving in their mailboxes with a healthy degree of skepticism.

As for the Make America Great Again mailout, it will be interesting to see what happens with the lawsuit. It may not be resolved before the election, but perhaps the case will result in some changes in state law that could benefit candidates in future election cycles.

The candidates "endorsed" in the mailout may not have had anything to do with its publication or distribution, but the honorable thing for each of them to do would be to publicly renounce the Make America Great Again Committee's work.

How the candidates choose to respond, or not respond, to this mailer may tell voters a lot about the amount of character they possess.

This column reflects the opinion of Blake Fontenay. Contact him via email at bfontenay@gannett.com or at 772-232-5424.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Mailout mischief: Donald Trump isn't endorsing St. Lucie candidates
A distracted driver was staring at traffic cones in a Washington street when he crashed, police said.

It happened again, folks, the Vancouver Police Department said in a July 23 Facebook post.

The car was found lodged against a pole. Photos show the vehicle smashed on the drivers side.

It happened again, folks. This driver was distracted by traffic cones on Mill Plain, which led to him being completely... Posted by Vancouver Police Department on Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Police said the driver only had a minor cut from the incident and walked away.

Lets all try to pay attention to the road and not cones (too much), spiders or sandwiches, police said in the post.

This isnt the first time police from this department have responded to crashes involving distracted drivers.

Police said they suspect the 16-year-old was texting and driving before the crash in Vancouver, Washington.

A 16-year-old driver told police she was swiping away a spider web when she flipped her vehicle July 5, McClatchy News reported.

The newly licensed driver crashed into several parked cars, police said.

Another distracted driver reached for his dropped chicken sandwich, crashed into a pole and flipped his car, according to police.

The 46-year-old had minor injuries and didnt show any signs of impairment, police said.

Vancouver is near the Washington-Oregon border, about a 10-mile drive north from Portland.

A driver rolled his vehicle after trying to pick up a dropped sandwich, police said. He had minor injuries.

Driver trapped under hood of truck after plunging down hill in Colorado, police say

Speeding car flies over trucks and into garage in California neighborhood, video shows

Erratic driver flees traffic stop  but cant evade sharp-eyed sheriff, Florida cops say
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  DNA and fingerprints led to the arrest of a man more than 20 years after he allegedly stabbed a woman to death, according to an arrest report.

Police arrested Ricky Lee Trader, 47, on July 16 on a charge of open murder, records showed.

Ricky Lee Trader, 47, faces a charge of open murder in a 21-year-old cold case homicide. (HPD)

On Sept. 4, 2003, Henderson police responded to the 200 block of Gold Street, near Water Street and East Lake Mead Boulevard, after a report of a woman, identified as Theresa Romano, deceased inside a bedroom.

The person who called 911 said he was a friend of Romano and was checking on her when he found her on the floor. When officers arrived, they found Romano covered up with a comforter and a large amount of blood near her face. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Romano rented the residence and had been living there for about a month. Police said the inside of the home was very dirty and in complete disarray, with bags of trash on the floor and dirty dishes covering the counters in the kitchen, documents said.

Police said there was blood in multiple areas in the bedroom indicating that Romano was possibly in a struggle with someone before her death, the report said.

When police moved her body, they found a red pair of bloody scissors underneath her. Police determined that the scissors were used to stab Romano in the neck.

Nearly two weeks after her death, police arrested a woman on non-related charges. While she was in custody, she asked to speak to detectives regarding Romanos murder.

She told detectives that she and Trader were friends and he would go to her house to get drugs from her. One night, a couple of days before Trader killed a man named Robert Wittwer, Trader showed up at her house looking very upset and mumbling, There was blood all over the place and she wouldnt shut up. Trader then told her, Ive got to get her off my mind, Ive made a mess, I dont know what Im going to do, the report said.

Trader kept telling the woman that she wouldnt stop wiggling and when she asked him what wouldnt stop wiggling he said, The fingers. As he continued to talk he kept saying there was so much blood and She wouldnt shut up, she wouldnt shut up. I had to cut the [expletive], police said.

The woman became uneasy and asked Trader to leave. Trader asked for some drugs, and when the woman said, No, he grabbed her by the throat and said You dont understand. I dont know why; I dont know why, before taking the drugs she had off her dresser and leaving, the report said.

On Feb. 24, 2004, police obtained results from latent fingerprint processing of items at the crime scene. Traders fingerprints were found on several of the items including soda cans, the blade of a figure skate, and a table lamp, according to the report.

On September 1, 2010, detectives went to Ely State Prison to speak to Trader, who was incarcerated for the murder of Wittwer. Trader told the detectives that he knew Romano and they engaged in casual sex on a couple of occasions. He said that the night of her murder detectives contacted him and took a DNA sample from him but he never heard anything after, the report said.

He said the last time he saw Romano was at a local casino and she was with another man. The three of them went back to Romanos place where he stayed until 9:30 p.m. before taking her bicycle and leaving because she wouldnt give him a ride, police said.

When asked about the statements made by the woman in 2003, he said that she was a liar and made things up.

The investigation continued for several years but no further evidence was found that positively identified Trader as the suspect in Romanos death, documents said.

In 2021, the case was reviewed by the cold case homicide unit. In October, detectives submitted a request to have additional evidence tested that was never tested including the scissors found underneath Romano and a phone cord. The swabs for potential DNA were booked into the Henderson police evidence vault until they were sent to LVMPDs Forensic Laboratory for processing on Jan. 25, 2024.

When the forensic lab received the request, they requested to further process some of the evidence that was previously tested, including Romanos fingernail clippings and her underwear.

On May 21, the results from LVMPD Forensic Laboratorys report showed that Traders DNA was found underneath Romanos fingernails and in her underwear, police said.

On July 16, detectives contacted Trader, who was paroled in 2021 and was living in Reno. Trader denied killing Romano and denied having a sexual relationship or knowing her, despite saying that he did in the 2010 interview with detectives.

Trader was arrested and taken to the Washoe County Detention Center. He was transported to the Henderson Detention Center on July 22 where he was booked on open murder. He was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DNC 2024 security plan to be released Thursday

CHICAGO  The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies will release the comprehensive security plan for the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker will attend the news conference at the Secret Services South Loop office.

Also in attendance, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, FBI agents and others.

The public safety map outlining where demonstrations can take place will be revealed.

The DNC will be held in Chicago from August 19-22 at the United Center.

For more information, go to: wgntv.com/dnc2024

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dont believe studies that claim moderate drinking is good for you, new study urges

A new study out of Canada challenges research that suggests moderate drinking leads to a longer, healthier life.

The French correction?

The long-held notion that the cheese- and butter-lovin French enjoy relatively low rates of heart disease because they drink red wine is misguided, new research proclaims, as are the studies that suggest moderate drinking leads to a longer, healthier life.

There is simply no completely safe level of drinking, insists lead researcher Tim Stockwell, a scientist with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria.

There is simply no completely safe level of drinking, says lead researcher Tim Stockwell, a scientist with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria. Adobe Stock

Stockwell and his buzzkill team assessed 107 published studies that explored the link between drinking habits and longevity.

When they combined the data, it seemed like people who consumed up to two drinks a day had a 14% lower risk of dying during the study period compared to teetotalers.

Moderate drinking increases the risk of certain cancers, including breast, throat and colorectal cancer. nenetus  stock.adobe.com

Upon further review, the researchers realized the studies tended to focus on older adults and failed to distinguish between lifelong abstainers and former drinkers who quit or reduced their boozin because they developed health problems.

If you look at the weakest studies, Stockwell said, thats where you see health benefits.

Higher quality research included participants younger than 55 and didnt count occasional and ex-drinkers as nondrinkers.

In those cases, moderate drinking was not linked to a longer life.

Stockwell said drinking once or twice a day actually increases the risk of certain cancers, including breast, throat and colorectal cancer.

Stockwells findings were published Thursday in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

He is not the first researcher to pooh-pooh the French Paradox  a term that dates back to the 1980s.

Dr. Kenneth Mukamal, an internist at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, said in 2020 that the French-fueled argument that red wine is good for your heart is pretty weak.

Mukamal pointed out that Japan boasts lower heart disease rates than France even as the Japanese prefer beer and sake to red wine. French doctors were also accused of underreporting coronary deaths.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women limit themselves to one drink a day and men to two drinks a day.

A drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle or can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor.
Dont break the law and we wont kill you, China tells Taiwanese workers

The death penalty threat was made to Taiwanese employees of China-based multinational companies - Costfoto/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

China has told Taiwanese workers they do not need to fear a new death penalty mandate if they do not break the law.

The message to Taiwanese employees of China-based multinational companies came after the introduction of new legal guidelines which mandate execution for die-hard separatists.

The guidelines were published at the end of June, in what has widely been viewed as an intimidation tactic to step up pressure on Lai Ching-te, Taiwans newly inaugurated president.

The Chinese Communist Party claims democratic Taiwan as its own territory even though it has never ruled the island and the overwhelming majority of the 23.5-million-strong Taiwanese population does not want to unify with China.

Beijing has made no secret of its contempt for Mr Lai, who it denounces as a dangerous separatist and it has rebuffed his attempts to invite the Chinese government to talk through their differences as equals.

After the issuing of the death penalty threat, Taiwans government raised its travel warning for China and some foreign companies began to consider moving their Taiwanese employees out of the country, reported Reuters.

However, Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, stressed there was no cause for alarm for most Taiwanese.

The majority of Taiwan compatriots, including Taiwanese employees working in multinational companies, can be completely at ease in the mainland, as long as they do not engage in criminal acts, she said.

Lai Ching-te, centre, at Hualien Air Force Base during the Han Kuang military exercise in Hualien, Taiwan, this week - I-Hwa Cheng

China has been at pains to reassure foreign companies it can offer a stable and secure legal environment, particularly after revisions to its sweeping counter-espionage laws that have left the international business community jittery.

The vaguely worded legislation raises questions about how and when the Chinese authorities will draw their red lines.

Such uncertainty, as well as the opaque nature of Chinas judicial system, also surrounds what prosecutors and state security bodies would consider to be an offence of die-hard separatism or inciting secession crimes that could lead to execution.

The sharp sword of legal action will always hang high, said Sun Ping, an official from Chinas Ministry of Public Security, after the announcement of the new guidelines last month.

The legal provisions say Chinese institutions should resolutely defend national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

However, Chinese courts have no jurisdiction over Taiwan.

Beijing previously reacted in anger when Taipei warned its citizens to only go to China if absolutely necessary.

Taiwanese people who visited the mainland know full well there is absolutely no travel risk, Ms Zhu said this week.

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Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte on July 24, 2024. (Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

CHARLOTTE  Former President Donald Trump launched a volley of attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris in a speech on Wednesday, calling her stupid, a lunatic and ultra-liberal in his first campaign rally since her ascension as the all-but-certain Democratic nominee.

Addressing thousands of supporters at a packed Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, Trump painted Harris as incompetent and radical, ticking through her voting record as a senator and declaring her the driving force of the Biden White House.

For three and a half years, lyin Kamala Harris has been the ultra-liberal driving force behind every single Biden catastrophe, Trump said in the arena that holds over 10,000.

Throughout he and other speakers remarks, almost every mention of the vice president prompted loud boos. And throughout his hour-plus speech, Trump repeatedly returned to her role in immigration policy  at one point referring to a Kamala Harris border invasion.

He took aim at her background as a prosecutor and attorney general, declaring that she ruined San Francisco. And he scrutinized her policy stances on criminal justice and policing, while mocking contrasts her campaign has drawn between them.

They get me to that position and then the campaign says Im a prosecutor, and Im a convicted felon, Trump said, referencing his conviction in a New York criminal trial. I dont think people are going to buy it.

Echoing an ad released by his campaign earlier this week, Trump branded the vice president the most liberal elected politician in American history, and the original Marxist. Both of these claims are demonstrably false.

She makes Bernie look like a moderate, he said. (U.S. Sen.) Bernie Sanders, hes actually quite moderate by comparison.

Prior to the Wednesday rally, Trump last visited North Carolina in late May. Harris, who swiftly coalesced support from Democrats in North Carolina and nationally in recent days after President Joe Biden announced his decision that he would not seek reelection, has visited twice in recent weeks with events in Greensboro and Fayetteville prior to becoming the all-but-certain nominee of her party.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump hold up signs ahead of a campaign rally at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte on July 24, 2024. (Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

Trump on Bidens exit: He quit

The former president swiftly addressed Biden bowing out of the race, telling supporters that he quit.

He was losing so badly in the polls and down by a lot, so he quit, Trump said. But really, what happened was the leaders of the Democrat Party did a very undemocratic move.

And though Biden no longer tops the ticket for November, he was still the target of numerous criticisms from his 2020 opponent. Trump called him a fake liberal while contrasting him with Harris, and recalled a conversation in which Biden was called cognitively a degenerate.

I wish him well, but I dont like him, Trump said. Hes not a nice person. Hes trying to put me in jail, why would I like him?

Trump rallygoer: Harris campaign is New Coke

Those who attended the rally and spoke to NC Newsline expressed confidence that Trump would emerge victorious in November, despite now facing a new opponent.

John Yopp, a law enforcement officer and former candidate for sheriff from Jacksonville, North Carolina, called Bidens stepping aside for Harris totally undemocratic. And he equated the vice presidents candidacy to the infamous New Coke marketing campaign.

It got a lot of peoples attention, but it was superficial, it disappeared quickly, Yopp said. Thats whats going to happen here.

Another said he didnt believe Trumps chances of victory had changed despite Harris now leading the Democratic ticket.

At the end of the day, her policies are Bidens policies, said Doyle Ball, who traveled from Tennessee to attend the Wednesday rally.

Former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte on July 24, 2024. (Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

Ahead of Trumps remarks, a circuit of NC Republican candidates

An array of Republicans that will appear on the ballot below Trump threw their support behind the nominee ahead of his speech Wednesday.

Mark Harris, who is running for Congress in North Carolinas 8th House District, led the coliseum in prayer. It was an act of God that prevented Trump from further injury during the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, he said.

It is by your grace and by your mercy and your hand that was upon President Trump that caused him to turn his head, Harris said.

Speaker of the House Tim Moore, also seeking a seat in Congress, touted the Republican-led legislatures priorities in recent years. And U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, running for attorney general, sought to tie his Democratic opponent to Harris, calling them radical.

The last thing North Carolina needs, and America needs, is more prosecutors like Jeff Jackson and Kamala Harris, Bishop said.

Harris campaign blasts Trump on abortion, Project 2025

Harris campaign gathered local officials for a press conference ahead of the rally  continuing to home in on abortion rights and Project 2025 as top lines of attack against Trump.

The wide-ranging conservative policy agenda from the Heritage Foundation has increasingly come into focus from Democrats, who say it is effectively a blueprint for Trumps second term in office. The former president has dismissed the plan and tried to distance himself from its authors and endorsers, a number of whom served in his administration.

Donald Trumps Project 2025 threatens to roll back the rights and freedoms of the American people and give the presidency more power and less accountability than ever before, Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell said.

The campaign also featured Hadley Duvall, a sexual assault survivor and abortion rights advocate who featured in a prominent ad for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshears campaign.

Donald Trump has come to North Carolina today to brag about how he overturned Roe v. Wade and ripped away reproductive freedom from women and girls across the country, Duvall said. He is proudly responsible for each and every one of the cruel abortion bans across the country, including the one in effect here in North Carolina.

Like the SC Daily Gazette, NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. NC Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Rob Schofield for questions: info@ncnewsline.com. Follow NC Newsline on Facebook and X.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's homegrown large civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are moving swiftly to support the fight against torrential rains, typhoons and other natural disasters in the critical flood season this summer.

The independently-developed large civil UAVs, including the Wing Loong-2H and Haiyan-1, have been dispatched to support disaster relief, disaster prevention and mitigation, and other emergency rescue missions, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The country has entered the annual critical flood season, which normally runs from late July to early August. Large UAVs are performing unique roles in serving disaster monitoring, meteorological monitoring, communication support, post-disaster recovery efforts and more.

The Wing Loong-2H large UAV flew for a total of 45 hours over three consecutive days, from July 20 to 22, over the flood-stricken Hanyuan County under the city of Ya'an, southwest China's Sichuan Province, said AVIC.

Responding to the task from the Ministry of Emergency Management, the Wing Loong-2H carried out comprehensive disaster monitoring over the affected areas. It supported searches for missing personnel and provided long-term and stable communications support, said AVIC.

This large UAV provided rescue-command authorities with real-time information in the form of high-definition images, voice and data from the disaster-hit areas, supporting them in confirming risk points, monitoring disaster conditions, as well as efficient and precise on-site command and rescuer dispatch, said the developer.

With its ability to remain in flight for long periods, the Wing Loong-2H also served as an airborne communication base to ensure communication services. It provided stable and continuous communication signals covering a total area of about 2,700 square km during missions over three days, and sent 42,000 rescue-related messages, serving as a lifeline for both people and rescue forces in disaster areas.

As a meteorological monitoring-specialized model, the Haiyan-1 large UAV is playing its part in the typhoon season this summer.

In responding to the task from the Meteorological Observation Center under the China Meteorological Administration, the Haiyan-1 flew into the interior of Typhoon Prapiroon, the fourth typhoon of the year, said AVIC.

It carried out typhoon detection work in cooperation with an aircraft sent by the Hong Kong Observatory. They precisely captured the outer cloud system structure of Typhoon Prapiroon, supporting meteorological disaster prevention and reduction efforts.

In this mission lasting about two hours, Haiyan-1 sent more than 4,200 valid items of data to a meteorological big-data cloud platform and provided them to meteorological authorities and related institutions for further study.

It also obtained data on the temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed and air pressure at different altitudes, allowing meteorological forecasters to clearly observe the three-dimensional structure of the typhoon.

The Haiyan-1 large UAV enabled the forecasters to clearly "see" the inner structure of the typhoon cloud system, helping them to grasp the typhoon's development and make forecasts in a more scientific manner, said AVIC. 
Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

CHARLOTTE  Former President Donald Trump launched a volley of attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris in a speech on Wednesday, calling her stupid, a lunatic and ultra-liberal in his first campaign rally since her ascension as the all but certain Democratic nominee.

Addressing several thousand supporters at a packed Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, Trump painted Harris as incompetent and radical, ticking through her voting record as a senator and declaring her the driving force of the Biden White House.

For three and a half years, lyin Kamala Harris has been the ultra-liberal driving force behind every single Biden catastrophe, Trump said.

Throughout he and other speakers remarks, almost every mention of the vice president prompted loud boos. And throughout his hour-plus speech, Trump repeatedly returned to her role in immigration policy  at one point referring to a Kamala Harris border invasion.

He took aim at her background as a prosecutor and attorney general, declaring that she ruined San Francisco. And he scrutinized her policy stances on criminal justice and policing, while mocking contrasts her campaign has drawn between them.

They get me to that position and then the campaign says Im a prosecutor, and Im a convicted felon, Trump said, referencing his conviction in a New York criminal trial. I dont think people are going to buy it.

Echoing an ad released by his campaign earlier this week, Trump branded the vice president the most liberal elected politician in American history, and the original Marxist. Both of these claims are demonstrably false.

She makes Bernie look like a moderate, he said. (U.S. Sen.) Bernie Sanders, hes actually quite moderate by comparison.

Prior to the Wednesday rally, Trump last visited North Carolina in late May. Harris, who swiftly coalesced support from Democrats in North Carolina and nationally in recent days after President Joe Biden announced his decision that he would not seek reelection, has visited twice in recent weeks with events in Greensboro and Fayetteville prior to becoming the all-but-certain nominee of her party.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump hold up signs

Trump on Bidens exit: He quit

The former president swiftly addressed Biden bowing out of the race, telling supporters that he quit.

He was losing so badly in the polls and down by a lot, so he quit, Trump said. But really, what happened was the leaders of the Democrat Party did a very undemocratic move.

And though Biden no longer tops the ticket for November, he was still the target of numerous criticisms from his 2020 opponent. Trump called him a fake liberal while contrasting him with Harris, and recalled a conversation in which Biden was called cognitively a degenerate.

I wish him well, but I dont like him, Trump said. Hes not a nice person. Hes trying to put me in jail, why would I like him?

Trump rallygoer: Harris campaign is New Coke

Those who attended the rally and spoke to NC Newsline expressed confidence that Trump would emerge victorious in November, despite now facing a new opponent.

John Yopp, a law enforcement officer and former candidate for sheriff from Jacksonville, North Carolina, called Bidens stepping aside for Harris totally undemocratic. And he equated the vice presidents candidacy to the infamous New Coke marketing campaign.

It got a lot of peoples attention, but it was superficial, it disappeared quickly, Yopp said. Thats whats going to happen here.

Another said he didnt believe Trumps chances of victory had changed despite Harris now leading the Democratic ticket.

At the end of the day, her policies are Bidens policies, said Doyle Ball, who traveled from Tennessee to attend the Wednesday rally.

a sign read "North Carolina is Trump Country"

Ahead of Trumps remarks, a circuit of NC Republican candidates

An array of Republicans that will appear on the ballot below Trump threw their support behind the nominee ahead of his speech Wednesday.

Mark Harris, who is running for Congress in North Carolinas 8th House District, led the coliseum in prayer. It was an act of God that prevented Trump from further injury during the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, he said.

It is by your grace and by your mercy and your hand that was upon President Trump that caused him to turn his head, Harris said.

Speaker of the House Tim Moore, also seeking a seat in Congress, touted the Republican-led legislatures priorities in recent years. And U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, running for attorney general, sought to tie his Democratic opponent to Harris, calling them radical.

The last thing North Carolina needs, and America needs, is more prosecutors like Jeff Jackson and Kamala Harris, Bishop said.

Harris campaign blasts Trump on abortion, Project 2025

Harris campaign gathered local officials for a press conference ahead of the rally  continuing to home in on abortion rights and Project 2025 as top lines of attack against Trump.

The wide-ranging conservative policy agenda from the Heritage Foundation has increasingly come into focus from Democrats, who say it is effectively a blueprint for Trumps second term in office. The former president has dismissed the plan and tried to distance himself from its authors and endorsers, a number of whom served in his administration.

Donald Trumps Project 2025 threatens to roll back the rights and freedoms of the American people and give the presidency more power and less accountability than ever before, Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell said.

The campaign also featured Hadley Duvall, a sexual assault survivor and abortion rights advocate who featured in a prominent ad for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshears campaign.

Donald Trump has come to North Carolina today to brag about how he overturned Roe v. Wade and ripped away reproductive freedom from women and girls across the country, Duvall said. He is proudly responsible for each and every one of the cruel abortion bans across the country, including the one in effect here in North Carolina.
Donald Trump Was Endorsed By A Major Police Coalition And You Know What Happened

Donald Trump, who in May became the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes, was on Wednesday officially endorsed by a coalition of police unions that represents some 241,000 officers nationwide.

Critics noted the irony.

Mick McHale, the president of the National Association of Police Organizations, announced NAPOs backing of the twice-impeached, quadruply indicted candidate during a Trump campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Standing in front of Trump on the stage, McHale said to loud cheers from the MAGA audience that he was truly honored to make the announcement and that NAPOs members are proud and pleased to support your campaign and we are here for anything, anything that you may need.

Watch the video here:

In a statement shared on social media, McHale said the endorsement recognizes Trumps steadfast and very public support for our men and women on the front lines.

If there is anything else that NAPO can do to assist you in your campaign, please do not hesitate to contact me, he concluded the note.

NAPO announces endorsement of Donald Trump for President pic.twitter.com/71V9J3tS0C  NAPO (@NAPOpolice) July 25, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris, who will now likely run against Trump in the 2024 election following President Joe Bidens decision to end his campaign, has already drawn a sharp distinction between herself as a former prosecutor and Trump as a criminal. Harris knows Trumps type, she has declared.

On social media, commentators were aghast at the coalitions endorsement, which follows similar backing of Trump that was announced by the International Union of Police Associations in February. That endorsement came before Trumps conviction on all 34 counts in his hush money trial.

Authoritarianism is about replacing the rule of law with rule by the lawless, authoritarianism expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat responded on X, formerly Twitter.

Conservative pundit Charlie Sykes simply wrote: FFS.

National Association of Police Organizations President Mick Mchale endorses a convicted felon for president of the United States. pic.twitter.com/cwuS7vfKIv  Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) July 24, 2024

Authoritarianism is about replacing the rule of law with rule by the lawless https://t.co/2HG5l0KayX  Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) July 25, 2024

A convicted felon whose insurrection sent 149 cops to the hospital. https://t.co/1DB3OwnC6N  Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) July 25, 2024

Some police think theyre above the law and that citizens are dumbasses. Trump thinks the same way. Theyre an embarrassment to those police who serve honorably.  Gailen David (@gailendavid) July 25, 2024

So disappointing. Stay neutral please!  New Lincoln Party (@kountry_kool) July 25, 2024

DRIPPING WITH IRONY! Probably part of their Catch and Release Program!  Marat (@marat1) July 25, 2024

This is shameful.  Cole (@thejcole21) July 25, 2024

Wow. Police President to endorse felon ex-President. Not the country of my childhood.  lucycd (@lucycd) July 25, 2024

Make this make sense.  PAPPY BEST (@pappybest) July 25, 2024

That is extraordinary! Police endorsing a criminal.  Pedro Rocha (@autop1lot) July 25, 2024

Its shameful how law enforcement officers endorse convicted felons.  Bruno Chieco (@BrunoChieco6) July 25, 2024

The irony.  Stardust Collector (@ruinwanderer) July 25, 2024

This is shameful. Police endorse a felon.  Susana Mounts -  ii! (@SusanaMounts) July 24, 2024

Related...
Donald Trumps nephew on Wednesday described an alleged conversation he had with his uncle in 2020 that revealed his true feelings toward disabled people.

In a Time magazine article, Fred C. Trump III spoke of navigating the challenges that he and his wife faced with their son, who is disabled.

In January 2020, he and his wife reportedly met with advocates for disabled people and with Chris Neeley, the head of a federal advisory committee for intellectually disabled people, to discuss ways to mitigate challenges faced by disabled Americans, their families and caregivers, and the need for more support for intellectually and developmentally disabled people, especially in housing and medical care.

A few months later, Fred Trump and his wife met with more White House officials, doctors, advocates and then-President Donald Trump to discuss these goals. Despite appearing interested and engaged in the meeting with his nephew, Trump reportedly shared his real thoughts with him after the meeting.

Those people. ... The shape theyre in, all the expenses, maybe those kinds of people should just die, Trump said, according to his nephew.

The former president has previously dismissed or criticized disabled people, such as when he mocked a disabled reporter during his campaign in 2015 and when he suggested in 2019 that people with mental illnesses should be institutionalized in order to curb gun violence. More recently, his presidential campaign has attacked President Joe Biden over his age and cognitive ability.

HuffPost reached out to Trumps 2024 campaign spokesperson but did not immediately receive a response.

The remarks alleged by Trumps nephew arrived in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed millions of people. According to NBC News, the virus has killed 600 people a day since early 2022.

Related...
The New York judge who oversaw former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial on Thursday denied an attempt to kick him off the case.

Trump had tried to get Judge Arthur Engoron removed from the case based on alleged violations of the rules governing how judges are supposed to behave.

Trump's attorneys said Engoron "may have engaged in actions fundamentally incompatible with the responsibilities attendant to donning the black robe and sitting in judgment."

MORE: Trump seeks recusal of judge who fined him $464M in civil fraud trial

Trump's defense alleged that Engoron, three weeks before he handed down his ruling in the case, spoke to a New York real estate attorney about the substance of the case, in violation of New York's Code of Judicial Conduct -- but Engoron said the attorney, Adam Bailey, "accosted and started haranguing me about Executive Law 63(12). He did not relay any alleged facts."

Engoron said Thursday he has overseen the case for 3 1/2 years and he said he did not need, much less welcome, a "tirade" from Bailey, who he derided as a "landlord-tenant lawyer ranting."

PHOTO: Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks to attendees during his campaign rally at the Bojangles Coliseum, on July 24, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

"I am supremely confident in my ability to continue to serve, as I always have, impartially," Engoron wrote Thursday.

Earlier this week, Trump and his co-defendants asked New York's Appellate Division to overturn February's ruling from Engoron that found the former president fraudulently inflated his net worth to secure better business deals.

"It violates centuries of New York case law holding that NYAG cannot sue to vindicate alleged violations that are purely private in nature -- and, in this case, do not exist at all," defense lawyers wrote in a 95-page filing.

Engoron in February ordered Trump to pay $464 million in disgorgement and pre-judgment interest after he found the former president and his adult sons liable for using "numerous acts of fraud and misrepresentation" to inflate his net worth in order to get more favorable loan terms. Trump has denied all wrongdoing and has appealed the decision in the case.

Judge denies Donald Trump's push to get him kicked off civil fraud case originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Don't break law and you have nothing to fear, China tells Taiwan staff of multinational firms

BEIJING (Reuters) - Taiwan staff at multinational firms in China have nothing to fear as long as they don't break the law, the Chinese government said on Wednesday, following new legal guidelines that mandate execution in extreme cases for "diehard" separatists.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, issued the new guidelines after President Lai Ching-te took office in May, who Beijing has made no secret of disliking and has called a "separatist."

Some foreign companies are considering moving Taiwanese employees out of China, as a result, sources have previously told Reuters.

Speaking at a regular news briefing, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, reiterated there was no cause for alarm for most Taiwanese, and directly addressed the issue of those working for foreign firms.

"The majority of Taiwan compatriots, including Taiwanese employees working in multinational companies, can be completely at ease in the mainland, as long as they do not engage in criminal acts," she said, referring to the new guidelines.

Taiwan's government raised its travel warning for China after the guidelines were issued, saying people should only go there if absolutely necessary, sparking anger from Beijing.

"Taiwanese people who have visited the mainland know full well there us absolutely no travel risk," Zhu said.

"The Democratic Progressive Party authorities' tactics of intimidating the public cannot bluff or stop them, and will only increase the public's resentment or, and opposition to, the green terror," she added, referring to the colours of Taiwan's ruling party.

China has vowed to go after people it views as Taiwan separatists wherever they may be, although Chinese courts have no jurisdiction in Taiwan or ability to enforce judgements there.

Lai rejects China's sovereignty claims, saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future. He has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing but been rebuffed.

(Reporting by Joe Cash; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Ben Blanchard and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
The ex-wife of second gentleman Doug Emhoff on Wednesday defended Vice President Kamala Harris against sexist criticisms about her lack of biological children, calling them baseless and expressing her gratitude for the presumptive Democratic nominee.

These are baseless attacks. For over 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I, Kerstin Emhoff said in a statement first provided to CNN. She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective, and always present. I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it.

Emhoffs statement follows resurfaced video of Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance criticizing several public figures, including Harris, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives.

Its 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 told Tucker Carlson in a July 2021 interview.

Kerstin Emhoff, a film producer, shares two children with Doug Emhoff. The vice president has said her stepchildren refer to her as Momala.

Spokespeople for Vance did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his 2021 statement. Vance is a father of three.

Harris has already faced rounds of attacks on her race and gender. Right wing media have been maligning Harris at an increased clip since President Joe Biden announced he was dropping from the race Sunday and endorsed Harris, slamming the vice president as a DEI candidate while criticizing everything from her romantic history to the way she laughs.

Buttigieg, who was criticized along with Harris in Vances 2021 interview, told CNNs Kaitlan Collins that the remarks came at a time when he and his husband, Chasten, had been through a fairly heartbreaking setback in our adoption journey.

He couldnt have known that, Buttigieg said, but maybe thats why you shouldnt be talking about other peoples children. (The Buttigiegs welcomed twins in late 2021.)

Harris and Doug Emhoff married in 2014.

The thing about blended families, Harris told CNN in 2020, if everyone approaches it in the way that theres plenty of love to share, then it works.

In a 2019 essay in Elle, Harris discussed becoming close friends with Kerstin Emhoff and sharing a blended family. Kerstin and I hit it off ourselves and are dear friends, Harris said.  We sometimes joke that our modern family is almost a little too functional.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The newest apartment tower in Minneapolis offers a perk others can't: A bird's-eye view of Target Field.

"You can watch a Twins game from your bed or deck," said Bob Pfefferle, managing director for Hines.

The view of the stadium from a 15th-floor apartment at North Loop Green was more than a dozen years in the making. The mixed-use project is one of the city's most ambitious  and complicated  developments in decades. The highest skyway in the city connects the project's two towers, which house more than 1 million square feet of space. Offices, apartments, fully furnished short-term vacation rentals. There will be three restaurants, parks for people and dogs, a lawn big enough for yoga classes and outdoor movies plus more gathering spaces inside.

The project, completed just weeks ago, comes at an especially challenging time for downtown Minneapolis. There's already a glut of empty office space in the metro, and building values are plummeting. But with apartments and offices in North Loop Green leasing quickly, boosters say it's akin to a vertical neighborhood that will become a bustling downtown link between the flourishing North Loop neighborhood and the floundering Central Business District (CBD). North Loop Green could even exemplify how struggling metropolitan cities across the country can reverse their declines as hybrid work has leeched life from their streets.

"This is a vision of the future," said Erin Fitzgerald, a commercial real estate broker and founder of volunteer group Minneapolis Renaissance Coalition that focuses on rekindling investment in downtown Minneapolis.

The apartments are already 60% leased after opening in February, and office space is even fuller. Still, the Urban Land Institute recently identified the Warehouse District as an area of "special concern." The city had tasked it to work with industry leaders to come up with recommendations on how to breathe new life into the area. Fitzgerald said North Loop Green's mix of places to live, work and play will be a perfect catalyst for urban renewal in that neighboring area.

"This is a model that cities can replicate all over the country to help revitalize downtowns," Fitzgerald said.

Grand Central Station

Once known as the Rail Yard, timbered warehouses and crisscrossing rail lines dominated the North Loop Green plot during much of the 20th century. Sandwiched between the North Loop and the CBD, the area has long been a flyover zone for developers who have struggled to make sense of its historic buildings and tangle of roads and bridges.

While some developers saw challenges in the site, Hines saw opportunity. The Houston-based development company bought what was then known as the Rapid Park site, a neglected stretch of weed-strewn asphalt parking lots in the Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis, in 2012 for $13.7 million. The towers are the third and final phase of the six-acre project.

"It's at the confluence of all things transit in the city," Pfefferle said, noting the site's proximity to a key light rail station, a trio of major freeways and the Cedar Lake Regional Trail, a paved bike path that follows an old railbed from downtown to the western suburbs. "Our goal was to knit the grid of the city back together again."

Phase one of the project was Dock Street Flats, an apartment building completed about a decade ago. That building was pioneering in its own right as it's next door to Deja Vu Showgirls on Washington Avenue, not exactly the expected location for luxury rentals. Next, Hines developed T3, then the largest modern timber building.

For North Loop Green, Hines partnered with Chicago-based Marquee Development, another company of the family that owns the Chicago Cubs. That partnership, Pfefferle said, was key to making the park, known as the Green, successful because Marquee had already tackled Gallagher Way, an open-air event space next to Wrigley Field.

The project broke ground in the thick of the pandemic, causing much angst about spending hundreds of millions of dollars at a time when the future was so uncertain, and construction costs were soaring, Pfefferle said. Dozens of designers, planners and engineers worked remotely, but ultimately the designers only had to make minor tweaks.

Aaron Roseth, president and principal at ESG Architecture & Design, said the project was among the most challenging the firm has worked on because the buildings had to be designed around several immovable elements, including an underground creek and two elevated freeway ramps, all of which bisect the site. Designers tucked the Green under those elevated roadways, connecting the new North Loop Green buildings to the existing T3 building.

"It was daunting," Roseth said. "How do you converge those things and make it feel like a special place and destination?"

The primary goal, he said, was to enable bikers and pedestrians to safely travel from downtown to the North Loop without having to brave Washington Avenue, a busy four-lane road that connects downtown from end to end.

"There is no better place in Minneapolis in terms of the convergence of transportation," Roseth said. "In many ways, it's like a little Grand Central Station for Minneapolis in terms of it being the nucleus for everybody coming and going."

Urban future

North Loop Green has been one of the few reasons for optimism in the commercial real estate world.

When Hines broke ground on the project in 2020, the office vacancy rate downtown was about 16.3%. Today, it's double that. Still, the project is outperforming the broader market, said Brent Robertson, market lead and managing director of JLL's Twin Cities office. Robertson said the office tower is already 70% leased, and restaurants and a bar will occupy all the retail space.

Several new tenants, including Piper Sandler & Co. and ESG, are relocating from other parts of downtown.

North Loop Green, Robertson said, is the second recently completed major mixed-use project downtown after RBC Gateway tower. Situated along Nicollet Mall, RBC has a hotel, condominiums and offices, which are fully occupied. The success of the office components in both projects, Robertson said, is a testament to the need for high-quality office space in the city.

"They each have four uses, which together create a neighborhood in itself, which we at JLL see as integral for all future urban developments," he said.

Roseth agreed. North Loop Green, like the Fulton Market District in Chicago, are lively live-work-play destinations where market forces have dictated growth rather than restrictive zoning rules that would stifle it.

"It's a beautiful example of the way cities should develop," Roseth said. "A single use is not the right answer for the way to create a vibrant city."
Chilean aircraft mechanics at ST Engineering's Pensacola and Mobile, Alabama, offices say dozens of workers were laid off without warning after being recruited and moving their families to the U.S.

Workers say they were recruited to work in the U.S. for at least three years on H-1B visas, but in May, as their first-year visa renewal came up, they were told they were being "suspended" from work.

"They say that they cannot let you get into work because your visa or your I-94 is expired, and they are going to fix it," Victor Ramos said. "But at the same time, they say that they're going to pay you for only two weeks, and after that, it's up to you. You can go back to Chile if you want to wait there, or you can stay (in the U.S.) waiting, but you can choose the best for your family."

Ramos was a quality control inspector for ST Engineering at its VT MAE facility in Mobile, Alabama, and was among four former ST Engineering workers the News Journal interviewed on Tuesday.

All told similar stories of being called into an office at ST Engineering and told they were being suspended with two weeks of pay because there were "problems" with their visas, but when asked for more information, they were given the contact of an ST Engineering attorney who has not responded to any questions.

"When you ask about if they are firing us, they don't say nothing, they deny," Ramos said.

Disputes about visa problems

Ramos said his H-1B visa doesn't expire until November, and he submitted all of his annual renewal paperwork to ST Engineering attorneys who handle the visa renewal in February, but the company has sent him a letter telling him his visa is expired, and he must leave the U.S. within 180 days. The company said it would pay a "reasonable" moving cost for a return flight to Chile.

Representatives with ST Engineering did not return the News Journal's request for comment; however, in statements to other media outlets, the company said the visas are temporary and not guaranteed for renewal, and it is looking for alternative work-based visa options for some workers.

The workers said some people began to be terminated instead of suspended after some talked to investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Samuel Navarrete, an aircraft mechanic who retired from the Chilean Air Force to take the job with ST Engineering, said investigators with the labor department have spoken to several workers, including him, and many of the questions were focused on his recruitment in Chile.

The U.S. Department of Labor did not respond to the News Journal's request for comment.

'We sold everything.'

ST Engineering was recruiting workers to come work in the U.S. on H-1B visas, which have an initial 18-month visa and renewals each year for up to three years. A 2023 Chilean news article said the company had recruited 200 workers and was looking to hire 100 more, offering pay of $28 an hour.

The article interviews a Chilean named Felipe Soto. He said he was crew chief at the Pensacola office and had been promoted to his position. After working at the company for two years, he made a salary of $108,000 a year.

The workers who spoke to the News Journal on Tuesday said in Chile, they were told the program could last 10 years. They were told it was at least a three-year commitment and their I-94 immigration document had a three-year expiration date though they had to renew their visas every year through a process that included traveling back to Chile or another foreign country and conducting an interview at a U.S. embassy.

As part of the recruitment, the workers said that ST Engineering attorneys would handle all the immigration paperwork and pay for their flights for their renewal interviews. Additionally, ST Engineering handled paperwork for their family members, too.

"We sold everything, homes and cars, to move here," Navarrete said.

Ulises Rojas, an aircraft mechanic who specializes in aircraft sheet metal work, moved his family, and his son is now attending a local university. Rojas said he has had talks with other employers who were willing to sponsor his H-1B visa, but a typo discrepancy between his I-94 immigration document and his visa prevented them from offering the job. He said he needs ST Engineering's help to fix the issue with the paperwork with the U.S. government, but all of his requests to the company have gone unanswered.

On Wednesday, Rojas was able to meet with officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, and they were able to fix the discrepancy in his immigration paperwork.

Navarrete also said his questions to the point of contact the company gave him for immigration questions have gone unanswered.

"We've reached out to them several times and never received an email," Navarrete said.

"Never," Rojas said, emphasizing Navarrete's comment.

Taxpayer funding ST Engineering expansion

ST Engineering's operations in Pensacola have been heavily supported with economic subsidies of $210 million from taxpayer dollars and the company will have 1,700 workers when the campus is complete. The city of Pensacola is building the ST Engineering campus using a combination of local, state, and federal funds. Construction on Hangar No. 3 began off Tippin Avenue in June. ST Engineering's operations in Mobile, known as VT MAE, have also received economic development support from the state of Alabama.

The workers say there is a close community of 300 Chilean workers in both Pensacola and Mobile, and since May the number of workers that have been told they can no longer come to work has grown to 45. The four workers said it was announced to staff earlier this month in Pensacola and Mobile that none of the Chilean workers will have their visas renewed.

Grace Resendez McCaffery, the publisher of the Pensacola-based La Costa Latina Newspaper, a Spanish-language newspaper that covers Northwest Florida and South Alabama, has taken up the cause of the workers and helped connect them with resources.

McCaffery said she believes local leaders should speak up about the situation.

"They came here to settle here and to be Pensacolians and Mobilians," Resendez McCaffery said. "And I think that our community leaders and our community, in general, should pay attention to what's happening and demand that ST do the right thing in getting them that severance and job placement and immigration issues straightened out  those three things  and not allow for companies to come into his community do that again."

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said Tuesday he's sympathetic to the workers, but the city is not in a position to become a "referee" on the situation.

"We all work to support our families and to have a quality of life, and to hear stories of that, regardless of the circumstances, fair or unfair, you don't want to hear that people are in a difficult position that's affecting their quality of life," Reeves said. "If we can be supportive in any way to help that, yes. I just don't know that myself or the city are qualified to pick winners and losers on who is doing something right and who's doing something wrong or what they should expect."

As far as ST Engineering going overseas to recruit workers, Reeves also said it speaks to the need to open up an aircraft mechanic school at Pensacola State College to fill the need for workers locally.

Reeves added even workers brought on temporary visas or other parts of the region still boost local businesses.

"Maybe it's not the maximum economic impact that we want to see, but that's not to say that it doesn't bring some value to our community," Reeves said.

Navarrete said it would be a misconception that they're taking jobs from U.S. workers. He said there's more demand for certified aircraft mechanics than there are workers.

"The aeronautical industry is growing so fast that there is a lack of workers," Navarrete said. "So, even if the U.S. can make the aircraft technicians, we still need migrants to fill all the jobs."

Lost time to find new visa sponsors

Under the H1-B visa the workers are under, they should have 60 days to find another employer who would be willing to sponsor them to stay in the U.S., but without an official last date of employment, they were left in limbo without a way to apply for a new job or make money legally in the U.S.

It wasn't until after the workers spoke at the Pensacola City Council last week to ask for community leaders to help with the situation, that they began to receive letters with their last official day of employment a few days later. Ramos received the official letter on Monday, but the letter said his last official day of employment was June 26, which means he missed out on nearly a month of searching for a new sponsor for his visa.

Ramos said the company had previously told him that he could apply for a "J" visa or exchange visitor visa and showed the News Journal a June 27 letter from ST Engineering offering to sponsor him for the visa. The visas are typically reserved for students but can also be used for professionals with specialized skills to teach or observe their specialized skills. Typically, it is used for professors, research scholars, or physicians, according to the Department of State's website.

Ramos said he doesn't understand why he would be approved for an education visa when he came to the U.S. with all the necessary certifications, but to get the visa, he'd have to return to Chile for up to three months.

Ramos said to take that visa, he'd lose everything he's built in the U.S. in the last 16 months and disrupt his daughter's school to apply for this new visa, but beyond that, Ramos said he doesn't think he can trust ST Engineering to apply for the visa once he's back in Chile.

"I love this country," Ramos said. "I'm really glad to stay here because I enjoy living here in Mobile. It's a good place to live and stay with your family. But the problem is the company and the way that they handle the situation. If they could, could tell us before with time, none of this would be happening."

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: ST Engineering immigrant workers Pensacola, Mobile to lose H-1B visas
Eagle lands on Arizona police car seeking help in the heat. Watch the video

Arizona's summer heat is brutal, even for the state's native wildlife.

A sergeant with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office was working an off-duty road construction assignment when he noticed a bird in distress resting under his patrol vehicle, officials said in a Facebook post. The sergeant and a deputy were able to safely put the bird in the back seat of the patrol vehicle to cool down, the post indicated.

The Arizona Raptor Center came to pick up the bird. Officials from the center said the bird was a young eagle that had become separated from its parents, according to the Facebook post.

"They estimated that the eagle probably wouldn't have survived if not for Sergeant Giralde's actions," the Mohave County Sheriff's Office said in the post. "We hope our new feathery friend makes a full recovery and want to send our thanks to the Arizona Raptor Center for taking care of him!"

How to help injured birds in Arizona

Liberty Wildlife, a wildlife rehabilitation and conservation group in Phoenix, treats injured animals, including birds.

On the group's website, officials recommend you do the following if you find an injured bird:

Bring the animal to Liberty Wildlife at 2600 E. Elwood St. in Phoenix. The shelter can be reached at 480-998-5550.

Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet environment. The website recommends this could be a shoebox or even a paper bag with ventilation holes.

Do not use an eyedropper to give the bird water, as this can hurt the bird more.

If you find an injured hummingbird, bring it to the facility immediately. If it can't be brought to the facility immediately, you can place your finger over the end of a drinking straw that has a few drops of water in it for the hummingbird to drink from every 15 minutes.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Eagle lands on Arizona police car seeking help: See the video
SANAA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi on Thursday said in a televised speech that his armed group would launch more attacks against the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

"I confirm that more military operations to target Tel Aviv are coming," the leader said in his weekly speech aired live by his group's al-Masirah TV.

Last week, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a building in Tel Aviv that killed a person and injured 10 others.

In retaliation, Israeli fighter jets bombarded fuel storage facilities in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, which is under the control of the Houthi rebels, killing six people and injuring 83 others, according to al-Masirah TV.

Since November last year, the Houthi group has been targeting ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden using ballistic missiles and bomb-laden drones to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 
A mural encouraging Michiganders to vote outside the offices for ACLU of Michigan in Detroit on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Registered voters in Michigan can vote in-person ahead of the August primary election thanks to early voting, which begins July 27.

After voters passed a ballot initiative in 2022, municipalities in Michigan are required to hold at least nine days of early voting for each statewide and federal election, with early voting locations mandated to remain open for at least eight hours on those days. For the Aug. 6 primary election, early voting begins July 27 and runs through Aug. 4.

How does early voting work?

Early voting works just like going to the polls on Election Day, except, well, it's earlier. Registered voters can visit an early voting location, fill out their ballots and cast them before Election Day. For voters who want to cast their ballots in person but may have time constraints on Election Day itself, early voting allows another convenient option, advocates say.

The August primary will be the second statewide election in Michigan to feature early voting  in February, more than 78,000 voters cast their ballots in the Michigan presidential primary at early voting sites across the state, according to figures released by the Secretary of State's office.

State law allows municipalities to hold up to 29 days of early voting, if local election officials opt to add more dates. So far, communities have limited early voting to the required nine days  no jurisdiction in Michigan is starting early voting ahead of Saturday, said Cheri Hardmon, press secretary for the Secretary of State's office.

How is early voting different from absentee voting?

While Michigan also offers absentee voting, early voting is different for a few reasons: At early voting locations, ballots are placed directly into tabulators after voters fill them out, whereas absentee ballots are returned through the mail, at a secure drop box location or at a local clerks office. In every Michigan community, election workers can tabulate absentee ballots the day before Election Day, with larger cities having the ability to start even earlier.

Additionally, absentee ballots can also be spoiled after they are returned, up to 5 p.m. on the second Friday before an election. Ballots cast at early voting locations cannot be spoiled. Spoiling an absentee ballot cancels its submission and allows the voter to cast a new ballot.

If voters have received an absentee ballot already, they can insert those ballots into a tabulator at an early voting site, but those ballots cannot be spoiled either, according to the Michigan Secretary of States Office.

How can I vote early? And where?

First, you must be registered to vote in Michigan. Within 15 days of an election, eligible Michiganders must register with proof of residency at their local clerks office. In some communities, early voting sites may also be at a local clerks office.

To find your early voting location and its operating hours, go to the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote. Here, you can also find your local clerks office if you still need to register to vote. Cities and townships may partner with one another or the county to operate an early voting location, so your early voting location could be in a different jurisdiction than your usual polling precinct.

Once youre registered and you know where youre going, you can visit your early voting location and cast your ballot.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com.

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Subscribe to our elections newsletter, check out our voter guide and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Early voting for Michigan's August primary election begins July 27
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Credit: Boeing

Telescopes scanning the skies during the day watched as Boeing's first crewed Starliner spacecraft approached the International Space Station.

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner arrived at the space station on June 6, marking the first astronaut mission with the spacecraft. The spacecraft docked with the forward port on the station's Harmony module after a touch-and-go approach during which Starliner encountered several thruster issues.

Boeing's Laser & Electro-Optical Systems team captured an amazing view of Starliner during its approach of the space station using the company's advanced daytime satellite tracking technology based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The system combines a large aperture telescope and short-wave infrared sensor to image satellites in orbit during the day, along with a specialized computer-controlled mount to compensate for the Earth's rotation .

"This high-profile event enabled us to demonstrate the value of daytime satellite tracking to a broader audience," Ron Dauk, Laser & Electro-Optical Systems manager and Albuquerque site leader, said in a statement from Boeing News Now.

"Our capability uses mostly commercial-off-the-shelf hardware modified with Boeing's radiometric, sensor and inertial navigation technology  resulting in a simple, affordable design that delivers exceptional performance."

an H-shaped space station glows in reddish orange against a black background as a fuzzy orange dot approaches it

Generally, ground-based observations are limited to a short period before sunrise and after sunset, given sunlight during the day overloads the telescope sensors. However, Boeing says daytime satellite tracking will enable around-the-clock monitoring, which offers heightened awareness of the skies, enhanced early warning capabilities, improved communication and coordination and more accurate intelligence via real-time threat monitoring, according to the statement.

The Laser & Electro-Optical Systems uses proprietary software to predict the orbital path of satellites and captures imagery during the day using short-wave infrared sensors that reject blue light emitted by the sun that would otherwise make the spacecraft difficult to detect. Image processing is then applied to enhance the quality, allowing satellites to shine through.

RELATED STORIES:

 Boeing's 1st Starliner to carry astronauts arrives at ISS despite thruster malfunction

 When will Starliner come home? Boeing and NASA still don't know

 This telescope can observe stars, satellites and more during the day. But how?

"Satellite observation is key not only to monitoring activity in orbit , but also technologies like satellite laser communication," Dale Parkes, system architect and Boeing Technical Fellow, said in the statement.

"Our team takes pride in developing novel solutions to our customers' most pressing challenges. We believe that this capability will unlock new opportunities and applications for ground-based tracking systems."

Veteran NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Suni Williams traveled to the space station aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule for what was initially supposed to be a 10-day mission. They have since been reassigned to performing maintenance tasks on the orbiting lab while they await confirmation on their planned return flight back to Earth.
Record high temperatures were recorded this week, with Earth breaking the world record for the hottest temperature ever recorded two days in a row, and temperatures reaching a near record high in Salt Lake City.

Sunday initially broke the record as the hottest temperature recorded since recording began in 1940, but its status as the hottest day on planet Earth was short-lived. Its record was beaten the following day on Monday, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, with the daily global average temperature reaching 62.87 degrees Fahrenheit, or 17.15 degrees Celsius. Prior to this week, the previous high temperature record was hit in July of 2023, according to Copernicus.

Much of the Beehive State, including its capital city, got its fair share of the widespread heat. Fox 13 reported that Wednesdays Pioneer Day brought high temperatures of 105 degrees Fahrenheit to Salt Lake City, a record set nearly 100 years ago in 1931. Still, the highest temperature ever recorded in Salt Lake City is 107 degrees, which has been matched five times since the National Weather Service began collecting city weather data in 1874, KSL reported.

Whats behind the high temperatures?

There are several factors behind the extreme heat, including above-average temperatures in Antarctica, seasonal patterns in Earths Northern Hemisphere that determine temperatures across the globe and the effects of burning fossil fuels, The New York Times reported. Antarctic sea ice extent is almost as low as it was at this time last year, leading to much above-average temperatures over parts of the Southern Ocean, per Copernicus.

Another contributing factor to the high temperatures is El Nino, a climate pattern in which warmer waters cause the Pacific jet stream to move south of its neutral position. With this shift, areas in the northern U.S. and Canada are dryer and warmer than usual. But in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Southeast, these periods are wetter than usual and have increased flooding, according to the National Ocean Service.

The high temperatures prompted a response and call to action from the United Nations, whose Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said, Extreme heat is having an extreme impact on people and planet. The world must rise to the challenge of rising temperatures.

A mixed forecast for the West

Following the extreme heat in the past few days, the latter half of this week is forecast to bring thunderstorms and strong winds to much of the West as well as the Southeastern United States, with some areas being at risk for flash flooding.

Strong to locally severe thunderstorms with wind gusts will be possible today across Montana and the northern Rockies/Great Basin, southern Arizona, and Carolinas/Mid-Atlantic States. https://t.co/8GtR3FIXYE  National Weather Service (@NWS) July 25, 2024

Meanwhile, dozens of wildfires still burn across the Western U.S., including 34 in Oregon and 15 in California, the National Interagency Fire Center reports.

As of this morning, 89 large active wildfires are being managed and have burned 1,611,409 acres, according to the center. The smoke from wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and Canada has traveled into the Great Plains, significantly impacting air quality, according to Axios.

In Utah, rain showers and thunderstorms are expected Thursday and Friday throughout a large portion of the state, slightly cooling temperatures down. Slightly cooler temps with scattered rain chances for the Wasatch Front with triple-digit heat and isolated flash flood potential across southern Utah, per ABC4.
Eat in Elk Grove like a local: Where to get coffee, paninis and tacos and tequila

While Benjy Egel is currently on a two-week vacation in Europe, I will be taking over his newsletter until he returns. Im Irene Adeline Milanez, I am a summer video producer intern at the Bee and most importantly, I love food.

During my time here, Ive created videos showcasing iconic Sacramento staples such as The Coconut on T, Whiteys Jolly Kone and food available at the California State Fair.

I am finishing up my last semesters at San Jose State University where I served as the executive editor of The Spear, the universitys sports publication. However, I have lived in Elk Grove for my entire life and I am excited to highlight Tule Coffeehouse.

Customers read chalk board menu in front of Tule Coffeehouse in Elk Grove before entering on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

South sacramento resident Mai Thao and Galt resident Amber Garcia eat at Tule Coffeehouse in Elk Grove on Saturday, July 20, 2024. It was the perfect little spot to get some work done, Garcia said after the two played a game of pickleball nearby.

Tule Coffeehouse is a breath of fresh air amid Elk Groves bustling suburban sprawl and strip malls. As the new kid on the block in the heart of Old Town Elk Grove, Tules bright blue exterior isnt just catching the eye of drivers rolling down Main Street but also drawing in pedestrians.

Originally from the Sacramento area since age 15, owner Leah Van Osten partnered with restaurateur Ravi Ram, who opened House of Mules Cocktails & Kitchen in Folsom last May.

Since its opening in April, Tule has swiftly ingrained itself into the fabric of Elk Grove, becoming a beloved gathering spot.

Tule Coffeehouse owner Leah Van Osten holds a cup of coffee outside her business in Elk Grove on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

We didnt know if we would even get customers, Van Osten said. Though skeptical, Van Osten and Rams uncertainties about Old Town Elk Groves sleepy location were sharply contrasted by Tules buzzing lines of patrons spilling out the peach-pink front door last Saturday.

Stepping through that door, customers are greeted by hanging pothos planters, aquamarine tile, wooden tables and a plush leather couch. Two outdoor seating areas provide additional table space.

Elk Grove residents Margie and Michael Junker, accompanied by their dog Bosco, sit outside Tule Coffeehouse in Elk Grove on Saturday, July 20, 2024. We love it here, it has a wonderful vibe, Margie Junker said.

Margie and Michael Junker, accompanied by their dog Bosco, discovered Tule a couple of weeks earlier and found exactly what they were looking for  a new social space in Elk Grove.

We walked here. We want more walkable things in Elk Grove like in midtown, Margie Junker said. They ordered a matcha latte, a cold brew and a breakfast veggie sandwich.

Tule sources its coffee from Station Coffee Roasters offering $3.50 espressos, $6 lattes and $6 mochas made with house Dutch chocolate syrup. Their drink menu also features matcha and chai lattes, teas and hot chocolate with a rotating selection of syrups like pistachio, lavender and caramel.

The brown sugar latte is available at Tule Coffeehouse in Elk Grove on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Food offerings include breakfast sandwiches like the bacon breakfast sandwich ($12) with house garlic aioli that pairs well with the crispy bacon and fresh arugula, enveloped by a buttery brioche bun.

Tule also serves paninis with focaccia from Truckee Sourdough. The veggie panini ($12) offers grilled zucchini, provolone cheese, sun-dried tomato, grilled onion, roasted red bell pepper and house garlic aioli.

The turkery panini, bacon breakfast sandwhich and veggie panini are available at Tule Coffeehouse in Elk Grove on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Recently introducing alcohol options with vanilla cream ale and coffee-themed espresso and latte stouts, Tule plans to extend hours until 7 p.m. within the next month and add wine to the menu.

I never in my life expected to have such a great community outcome, Van Osten said. All the locals, we see their faces, the same faces every day, a couple times a day.

Tule Coffeehouse is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week at 9098 Elk Grove Blvd. in Elk Grove.

Vanilla cream ale, espresso stout and latte stout are available at Tule Coffeehouse in Elk Grove on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Cafe owner Leah Van Osten hopes to extend hours and add more alcoholic beverage items to the menu within the next month.

What Im Eating

Pig Latin practically jumps out at you with its striking pink and green striped exterior. Situated in a strip mall along East Stockton Boulevard, its a lively neighbor to Hidden Dumplings Elk Grove location and 18 Grams Coffee Roasters.

Co-owners Has Mahmood and David Scanlon opened this eclectic spot in May, offering a twist on Latin flavors and a vacation from the day-to-day. Scanlon describes the venture as a fun, funky place that transports you out of Elk Grove.

Tropical plants and a massive bar, accessible from both inside and outside on the patio, further elevate that getaway feeling. A disco ball hangs in the center surrounded by agave leaves made of glass and LEDs, a nod to its over 180 mezcals and tequilas.

The pork belly tacos ($12 for two) feature crispy pork belly on corn blend tortillas. It comes with a savory and sweet habanero salsa, that Pig Latin should sell by the jar. Served with a comforting side of rice and black beans, its a satisfying treat.

Pork belly tacos are available at Pig Latin in Elk Grove on Friday, July 19, 2024. Seared pork belly, mango habanero salsa and cojita on corn tortillas is served with rice and black beans.

Though Pig Latin prides itself on its tequila and tacos, dont overlook the elote ribs ($10). The fresh ribs of corn are a delightfully bright contrast against the warm brown sugar and tajin dusting, all strung together by cotija cheese.

For lighter options during this summer heat, the passion fruit ceviche ($17) offers seasonal white fish tossed in a tangy, sweet passion fruit juice served with wafer-thin tostadas. The verde aguachile ($20) is equally refreshing. The crunchy tajin-dusted chips are a perfect vehicle for the sour marinated shrimp with cucumbers, onions and avocados.

Non-drinkers can skip the margaritas and shakers for the roses lime mocktail ($7), which delivers a refreshingly sour lime flavor with a mild rose flavor without tasting like hand soap.

Pig Latin

Address: 9631 E Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday

Phone: (916) 829-5135

Website: www.piglatineg.com

Drinks: Tequila, cocktails, margaritas, beer, wine and more

Vegetarian options: Champinones tacos with grilled portabella mushrooms and smoked guacamole

Noise level: Loud

Outdoor seating: Large patio with access to the bar

Openings & Closings

 Tokyo Table at 5701 Broadway Suite A, in Sacramento, announced on social media it opened last Monday. It offers fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, ramen and other Japanese favorites.

 Tasty Pot announced on social media it is opening a new location at 707 2nd St, in Davis this coming August. The growing chain serves up Tawainese hot pot with meat, cabbage and other toppings.

 Brickyard Kitchen & Bar closed its 1475 Eureka Rd STE 120, Roseville location on Sunday as announced on social media. The gastropub kitchen and bar served burgers, sandwiches and cocktails.
Editorial: Biden is out, but Democrats still ought to let delegates vote on the Chicago convention floor

Chicago has been the site of numerous memorable political conventions over the past 160-plus years, starting with the most famous and consequential of all  Abraham Lincolns improbable nomination as the Republican Partys standard-bearer in 1860.

Lincoln famously won the prize on the third delegate vote after beginning the day well behind New York Gov. William Seward, who was the favorite. Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated in Chicago during three of his four successful runs for the presidency. And, infamously, Chicago erupted in chaos in 1968, presaging Hubert Humphreys narrow loss to Richard M. Nixon.

So it continues to perturb us, now that Joe Biden has chosen not to stand for reelection, that the Democratic National Committee is still intent on a virtual delegate vote to nominate his all-but-certain replacement, Vice President Kamala Harris.

The party recently confirmed that delegate voting on a nominee would be completed by Aug. 7, via computer screens and Wi-Fi connections. The plan before Bidens decision, of course, had been to conduct the early remote vote in what was an obvious ploy to lock in his nomination before opposition within the party could build enough to force him off the ticket.

This page said that was the wrong move  anti-democratic and self-defeating  when Biden was frantically seeking to cling to the nomination. The need for an open process that lasts until the convention, which opens Aug. 19, is obviously less urgent now that Harris has secured commitments from enough delegates to win the nomination.

But we still think the Democrats would do themselves, their presumptive nominee and the nation a favor if they conducted the delegate vote live and in person.

The party justifies remote voting, which first was conducted in 2020 for understandable pandemic reasons, due to concerns about attempts by Republicans to throw up legal roadblocks. That was the same rationale used to try to lock in Bidens candidacy over the objections of well over half the Democratic electorate, at least according to polls. It wasnt compelling then; its not compelling now.

Such a move would perhaps risk an odd delegate vote for, say, Marianne Williamson, or maybe a delegate or two unfurling a Palestinian flag or making a live statement departing from the party propaganda, but it would display supreme confidence in Harris and a free democratic process, all in the room where it happens.

It also would reinforce the helpful civics lesson the nation has gotten in recent weeks on how the major parties choose their presidential candidates. The withdrawal of Biden  unprecedented in terms of how late it occurred in the campaign  prompted some to wonder how a presumptive nominee whod garnered votes for his delegates in every U.S. state could abruptly leave the stage and free his delegates to vote for whomever they choose. What would happen next?

He endorsed his vice president, and the rest of the party bigwigs fell in line with remarkable speed. But it easily could have been different.

Indeed, the infamous 1968 convention in Chicago might well have ended up brokered had Robert F. Kennedy lived. RFK entered the presidential contest very late in the process and just had won the crucial California primary when he was assassinated in Los Angeles. Momentum for his campaign at that point was undeniable, and it appeared before he was killed that no candidate would have enough delegates by the time of the Chicago convention to claim the nomination, which would have left it to the delegates and party leaders (such as Mayor Richard J. Daley) to determine the winner.

Had Biden withdrawn earlier, as Lyndon Johnson did in March 1968, we might well have seen a reprise in Chicago in 2024.

Democratic Party leaders no doubt are relieved to have the matter essentially settled before their printers say its too late to print those Harris-and-whomever T-shirts. But we would prefer a live reminder to the nation that convention delegates have the final say when chaos has erupted and previous plans have gone awry.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Community members gather to protest the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe vs. Wade and Kentucky's trigger law to ban abortion at Circus Square Park in Bowling Green, Ky., in June 2022. (Grace Ramey / Associated Press)

Abortion opponents peddle various myths about the procedure to discredit it and demonize the people who provide or support it. Abortion is healthcare. The earlier it is available, the easier it is for people to make choices about their bodies that will affect the rest of their lives. But during election season, expect to hear some or all of these fallacies as Republicans who oppose abortion inaccurately discuss it.

Abortion can happen after birth

None are as ludicrous as the myth Donald Trump pitched in the presidential debate in June when he said Democrats will take the life of a child in the eighth month, the ninth month, and even after birth  after birth.

Of course, there is no such thing as abortion after birth. Killing a fetus that emerges alive is infanticide. Abortion involves ending a pregnancy when the fetus is still in the uterus.

Read more: Editorial: Supreme Court keeps medication abortion safe  for now

In California, abortion is legal up to the point of the fetus' viability to survive outside the uterus, which is around 24-25 weeks  or later if the abortion is necessary to protect the health or life of the pregnant person. The state is one of 20 where abortion is legal to the point of viability or a couple weeks less. In nine states and the District of Columbia, it is legal for any reason to have an abortion beyond that period.

I think its exceedingly rare to do an abortion past 32 weeks even in states where there are no limits, says Daniel Grossman, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of California, San Francisco and the director of the the research program, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health.

In fact, only about 1% of abortions are performed past 21 weeks of gestation. When they do occur, they are usually done for severe fetal anomalies or to save a womans life, health or fertility.

Read more: How Beverly Hills became an unlikely battleground for the future of abortion rights

Trump also falsely claimed that a former Democratic governor of Virginia said he was willing to "rip the baby out of the womb in the ninth month and kill the baby. Not true. In fact, he said the opposite. In a 2019 interview, former Gov. Ralph Northam was asked about a Virginia state bill that would remove the requirement for three doctors to agree on whether an abortion was medically necessary in the third trimester. Northam, who is a pediatric neurologist, said that should be a decision left to the woman and her own doctor.

He then talked about a situation where a doctor induces labor to deliver a fetus with a severe health problem not expected to live. He said: If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen  the infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired. Keeping the baby comfortable without performing aggressive measures is sometimes referred to as perinatal hospice care.

Abortion is never necessary for emergency medical care

Yes, it is. If the amniotic sac ruptures prematurely, especially in the second trimester, that can lead to infection, sepsis, a possible hysterectomy or death. Thats why an abortion is often performed. (If the sac ruptures in the third trimester, labor can often be induced at some point.) A pregnant person who develops a condition where the placenta completely covers the cervix and begins to bleed heavily also may need an abortion.

Read more: Editorial: A right to IVF or abortion will never be protected if fetuses and embryos are declared people

These kinds of severe complications were at the heart of the case the Supreme Court heard this session on whether the state of Idahos extreme abortion law prevented pregnant women from getting the emergency care required in U.S. hospitals that receive federal funding. In Idaho, some women with severe pregnancy complications had to be airlifted to other states to have emergency abortions. The court decided it should not have granted review of the case but did restore a lower court's order blocking the part of the law requiring women to be near death before getting an emergency abortion.

Medication abortion is dangerous to women

Medication abortion  the most common abortion procedure in the U.S.  is a two-drug regimen that has been prescribed in the United States since 2000. Serious complications occur in less than one-third of 1% of uses. That's safer than taking Tylenol.

The Supreme Court recently dismissed a case from a group of antiabortion doctors and organizations contending that mifepristone, the first drug in the regimen, had not been studied carefully enough by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration  despite the drug being safely in use for two decades. The court said the doctors had no standing to bring the suit since not one of them could identify a case where a doctor was forced, against their conscience, to perform a surgical abortion to deal with complications from a medication abortion.

A majority of Americans support reproductive freedom and have voted to protect abortion access since the Supreme Court abolished that right in 2022. That hasn't stopped Republicans from trying to use fear and falsehoods to justify their campaign to further whittle down abortion rights across the nation. In an election season filled with rhetoric, a woman's ability to control her own body should not be obstructed by lies about what that means.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle should have saved herself from being roasted for 4 hours and 40 minutes Monday by justifiably angry members of the House Oversight Committee livid over the failures of the Secret Service to prevent the shooting of Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally 11 days ago. She should have resigned rather than sit there and make the situation worse. Instead, she quit yesterday.

Trump thankfully survived, but rallygoer Corey Comperatore died, as did a lot of the agencys credibility and Cheatles reputation.

Cheatle said in her opening statement: The Secret Services solemn mission is to protect our nations leaders. On July 13, we failed. As the director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse. At that point she should have announced that she was leaving her job.

The rancor at her was appropriately bipartisan, as she either refused or was unable to answer basic questions about how the assassin with a bulky AR-15 got on the roof and managed to fire eight shots; about why warnings from rallygoers were not heeded about the man on the roof; about how after local law enforcement knew about the suspicious person on the roof, Trump wasnt removed from the stage; about the failure of the Secret Service, which is the lead agency, to coordinate more effectively with other law enforcement to secure the area and the the perimeter with clear sightlines to the podium that Trump was using.

Trump and the country got very lucky. A few millimeters difference and that ear nick would have been fatal.

When Mondays hearing ended, the Republican Chairman James Comer and Ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin wrote a joint letter calling for Cheatle to resign. She didnt, but waited until the next morning to pack it in, as Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries teamed up to present a bipartisan task force to investigate the Trump shooting. That special new panel, with seven Republicans and six Democrats, will be approved on the House floor today and hopefully use its subpoena authority to get some answers.

Beside the particulars of the July 13 assassination attempt, of which the FBI is conducting a full review, does the Secret Service need more money, more agents and officers, more equipment, more authority? Do the policies and procedures need to be changed? Emptying out Cheatles office is not going to be enough if her replacement has the same approach.

The job of director is appointed by the president, without Senate confirmation. There is now a bill to change that makes the post subject to a confirmation vote. We dont know if a Senate hearing would have weeded out Cheatle or prevented the Pennsylvania mishaps and tragedy that nearly became a national catastrophe, but the added scrutiny of the service is welcome.

Now the agency wants the Trump campaign to avoid outdoor rallies. While we support the utmost security for presidents and presidential candidates, how about just making the outdoor rallies safer?

Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris must be protected and allowed to campaign as they wish. That protection has been the job of the Secret Service since 1902. Campaigning has changed, but protection should not.

_____
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)

This story originally appeared on Stateline.

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.

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.
Guests attend the opening ceremony of the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum, in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 25, 2024. African officials attending the 7th China-Africa People's Forum have spoken highly of the outcome of the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.(Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

CHANGSHA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- African officials attending the 7th China-Africa People's Forum have spoken highly of the outcome of the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

The 20th Central Committee of the CPC adopted a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization at its third plenary session held in Beijing from July 15 to 18.

It is of great significance for Africa and China to jointly seek a development path towards modernization, said the African officials, adding that political parties and civil organizations of African countries are willing to strengthen cooperation with China to help build a China-Africa community with a shared future.

The 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum are being held in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province from Wednesday to Friday.

More than 200 representatives from over 50 African countries are attending the events jointly held by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and the Hunan Provincial Committee of the CPC.

Gelase Daniel Ndabirabe, president of the National Assembly of Burundi, expressed appreciation for China's efforts to provide Africa with useful experience, which has helped enhance its people-centered awareness and promote its development.

On Wednesday, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and the Hunan Provincial Committee of the CPC jointly held a briefing to introduce the major measures adopted by the plenum to further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. More than 200 foreign guests from over 50 African countries attended the briefing.

Ndabirabe said at the briefing that he hopes to further strengthen education, culture and training exchanges between the two sides, break the barriers of languages and cultures, and learn from China's experience in governance and advanced technology.

Marvin Fanny, vice president of the United Seychelles political party, was impressed by the specific measures adopted by the CPC to further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. He added that he has drawn inspiration from the resolution and hopes it will help empower the governance of political parties.

Obert Mpofu, secretary-general of the ruling ZANU PF party of Zimbabwe, praised the Chinese government for its efficient decision-making and executive force. "We are willing to strengthen our relations with the CPC, whose sincere advice and friendly support have promoted the development of Zimbabwe," he said. 

Gelase Daniel Ndabirabe, president of the National Assembly of Burundi, speaks at the opening ceremony of the 7th China-Africa People's Forum and the 7th China-Africa Young Leaders Forum, in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 25, 2024. African officials attending the 7th China-Africa People's Forum have spoken highly of the outcome of the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.(Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)
Emergency vehicles from the police, fire department and airport security are parked on the apron of Frankfurt Airport, where two activists have taped themselves up. Several demonstrators had forced their way onto the airport grounds early in the morning and stuck themselves there. As a result, air traffic was temporarily suspended. It has since been partially resumed. Arne Dedert/dpa

German police said eight people were being detained after taking part in a protest by the Last Generation group that temporarily halted flights at Frankfurt airport.

Seven people managed to enter the airport premises early on Thursday and glued themselves to the two central runways, according to a police spokesman on Thursday.

Another person was stuck to the airport's fence and has also been detained.

Flights were temporarily suspended at Germany's largest airport due to the protest, but operations partially resumed on all four runways at 8 am (0600 GMT).

Two of the activists have already been freed from the tarmac and handed over to state police, federal police said.

Emergency vehicles from the police, fire department and airport security are parked on the apron of Frankfurt Airport, where two activists have taped themselves up. Several demonstrators had forced their way onto the airport grounds early in the morning and stuck themselves there. As a result, air traffic was temporarily suspended. It has since been partially resumed. Arne Dedert/dpa

Emergency vehicles from the police, fire department and airport security are parked on the apron of Frankfurt Airport, where two activists have taped themselves up. Several demonstrators had forced their way onto the airport grounds early in the morning and stuck themselves there. As a result, air traffic was temporarily suspended. It has since been partially resumed. Arne Dedert/dpa
A Mexican migrant waits to be transported after being arrested for trespassing on private property near the border by Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers as part of Operation Lone Star on Nov. 9, 2021. Credit: Veronica Gabriela Cardenas for ProPublica/The Texas Tribune

El Paso County leaders say a recent surge in migrant arrests by the state has cost the border county millions of dollars and spurred them to issue a disaster declaration this week  a move they have avoided for more than two years.

El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego on Tuesday signed the disaster declaration, a necessary step for the county to become eligible to apply for up to $5 million of grants reserved for local governments that participate in Operation Lone Star, the states multi-billion-dollar border security mission.

Gov. Greg Abbott launched the program in March 2021, shortly after President Joe Biden took office, arguing that the state needed to step up because the federal government wasnt doing its job to secure the border. The border security mission has resulted in at least 516,300 migrant apprehensions and more than 45,300 criminal arrests across the Texas-Mexico border, according to Abbotts office.

El Pasoans have been reluctant to align themselves with that mission for fear of sowing distrust in a community known for welcoming new migrants. But the need for state funds has become dire, Samaniego told The Texas Tribune in an interview this week, leaving the county with no choice but to issue the declaration.

The numbers are just horrendous, Samaniego said, referring to the number of migrants held in the El Paso County Jail because of Operation Lone Star. The costs of housing, feeding and attending to their medical needs come out of the countys already-strained budget.

About 2,000 people have been booked into the jail since March 2021 because of the border initiative, according to the county. This year has seen the highest number of arrests, with most detainees charged with human smuggling and some charged with lower-level misdemeanors like rioting or trespassing.

County jails are legally required to accept people arrested by Texas law enforcement officers.

County leaders say all those state inmates have resulted in an $11.7 million loss in revenue the county otherwise would have reaped through a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service to hold people arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol or other federal agents.

That contract reimburses the county $110 per day per federal inmate, said Ryan Urrutia, assistant chief deputy for the county sheriffs office. Basic services cost the county $101 a day, so the county earns a profit of $9 a day on federal inmates, Urrutia said.

The U.S. Marshals Service also reimburses the county for any additional medical costs incurred by federal inmates, but the same has not been true for Operation Lone Star inmates, county officials said. Samaniego said the county has had to pay as much as $30,000 for a state inmates dialysis.

Urrutia said the county has relied on that contract for at least two decades to pay for overtime and jail operations, which, along with public safety administration and operating the county courts, make up nearly 70% of the countys budget, which is $601.4 million this year. The county expects to receive $18.5 million less from the federal contract in fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2022.

The disaster declaration comes as the county prepares to move into budget season with a nearly $35 million budget shortfall, according to County Commissioner David Stout. He said the countys finances have become increasingly strained as the state has saddled counties with more unfunded mandates over the years, such as forcing the county to hold migrants detained at the border without compensating them for the associated costs.

They have put us in a very precarious situation financially, Stout said. If the federal government can reimburse us for their inmates, I dont understand why the state cant.

Abbotts office did not immediately respond to questions about the OLS grant program, but the application period appears to have closed for this fiscal year. Samaniego said he is hopeful the office will still accept the countys application.

In 2021, the state gave $36.4 million to at least 12 counties participating in OLS. Another $30 million was offered to cities and counties in July 2022.

Theres no crisis

Counties across the state have relied on agreements to hold federal inmates to profit off of unused jail beds, a tactic that has been criticized by advocates of incarcerated people who say it creates incentives to keep people jailed for longer periods, often far from their home communities.

County officials say those federal dollars are a lifeline.

Urrutia said the sheriffs office tries to keep about 250 to 300 federal inmates in the jail at any given time, since each of those inmates comes with a check. The goal is always to keep the jail beds full, he said. On Wednesday, federal inmates occupied 106 beds and state detainees arrested through Operation Lone Star occupied 322 beds in the jail, which can hold nearly 3,000 inmates, he said.

It really complicates things, Urrutia said. We then have to reduce our federal inmates and send them elsewhere to make room for state inmates.

The district attorneys office is also in talks with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice about transferring OLS inmates from the El Paso County Jail to the Rogelio Sanchez State Jail in El Paso. County commissioners this week also authorized the county to apply for funding from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission to pay for legal assistance for state detainees.

County officials said they tried to obtain state funds without issuing the disaster declaration, but when they sent a letter to Abbotts office detailing the costs the county had incurred because of Operation Lone Star and asking for reimbursement, they received no response.

That left county officials with the difficult decision of either forgoing state funds amid a budget shortfall or issuing a disaster declaration against many community members wishes.

Theres no crisis, theres no emergency, theres no disaster on the border, said Stout, the county commissioner. Its more of political rhetoric than anything else.

Yet he and the rest of the commissioners ultimately decided to issue the disaster declaration. Community advocates have warned that seeking state funds could lead to an influx of National Guard soldiers and DPS troopers who would stoke fear and unrest.

Melissa Lopez, the executive director of Estrella del Paso, a nonprofit that offers free immigration legal services, warned that accepting money from the state would entangle the county in Operation Lone Star.

El Paso County will become another tool in Gov. Abbotts tool chest to arrest and detain people who are fleeing their countries with no regard for the reasons why they left, she said at a June county commissioners court meeting. El Paso County is not Operation Lone Star.

Samaniego said he has been loath to involve the county in the state border mission, which, he says, has brought more chaos than help to his constituents. He pointed to some DPS pursuits of vehicles suspected of smuggling migrants that have led to fatal accidents. Such accidents have killed at least 74 people in Texas since Operation Lone Star started, according to a November 2023 Human Rights Watch report.

We know how to take care of crime here, Samaniego said. We dont need more agents here.

According to Samaniego, issuing a disaster declaration does not mean the county will see a surge of DPS officers. Others are not so sure.

Aimee Santillan, a policy analyst at the Hope Border Institute, said that after the city of El Paso issued a disaster declaration in 2022 after an increase in migrant crossings, more DPS officers arrived in town and the state began deploying razor wire on the banks of the Rio Grande. The DPS media office did not respond to multiple emails with questions about their presence in El Paso. We have seen this kind of cause and effect, Santillan said. Its what happened before. We will just have to wait and see what happens.

Big news: director and screenwriter Richard Linklater; NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher; U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-California; and Luci Baines Johnson will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today!
A Mexican migrant waits to be transported after being arrested for trespassing on private property near the border by Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers as part of Operation Lone Star on Nov. 9, 2021.

El Paso County leaders say a recent surge in migrant arrests by the state has cost the border county millions of dollars and spurred them to issue a disaster declaration this week  a move they have avoided for more than two years.

El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego on July 23 signed the disaster declaration, a necessary step for the county to become eligible to apply for up to $5 million of grants reserved for local governments that participate in Operation Lone Star, the states multi-billion-dollar border security mission.

Gov. Greg Abbott launched the program in March 2021, shortly after President Joe Biden took office, arguing that the state needed to step up because the federal government wasnt doing its job to secure the border. The border security mission has resulted in at least 516,300 migrant apprehensions and more than 45,300 criminal arrests across the Texas-Mexico border, according to Abbotts office.

El Pasoans have been reluctant to align themselves with that mission for fear of sowing distrust in a community known for welcoming new migrants. But the need for state funds has become dire, Samaniego told The Texas Tribune in an interview this week, leaving the county with no choice but to issue the declaration.

The numbers are just horrendous, Samaniego said, referring to the number of migrants held in the El Paso County Jail because of Operation Lone Star. The costs of housing, feeding and attending to their medical needs come out of the countys already-strained budget.

More: El Paso state House delegation endorses Kamala Harris for Dem presidential nominee

About 2,000 people have been booked into the jail since March 2021 because of the border initiative, according to the county. This year has seen the highest number of arrests, with most detainees charged with human smuggling and some charged with lower-level misdemeanors like rioting or trespassing.

County jails are legally required to accept people arrested by Texas law enforcement officers.

County leaders say all those state inmates have resulted in an $11.7 million loss in revenue the county otherwise would have reaped through a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service to hold people arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol or other federal agents.

That contract reimburses the county $110 per day per federal inmate, said Ryan Urrutia, assistant chief deputy for the county sheriffs office. Basic services cost the county $101 a day, so the county earns a profit of $9 a day on federal inmates, Urrutia said.

The U.S. Marshals Service also reimburses the county for any additional medical costs incurred by federal inmates, but the same has not been true for Operation Lone Star inmates, county officials said. Samaniego said the county has had to pay as much as $30,000 for a state inmates dialysis.

Urrutia said the county has relied on that contract for at least two decades to pay for overtime and jail operations, which, along with public safety administration and operating the county courts, make up nearly 70% of the countys budget, which is $601.4 million this year. The county expects to receive $18.5 million less from the federal contract in fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2022.

The disaster declaration comes as the county prepares to move into budget season with a nearly $35 million budget shortfall, County Commissioner David Stout said. He said the countys finances have become increasingly strained as the state has saddled counties with more unfunded mandates over the years, such as forcing the county to hold migrants detained at the border without compensating them for the associated costs.

They have put us in a very precarious situation financially, Stout said. If the federal government can reimburse us for their inmates, I dont understand why the state cant.

Abbotts office did not immediately respond to questions about the OLS grant program, but the application period appears to have closed for this fiscal year. Samaniego said he is hopeful the office will still accept the countys application.

In 2021, the state gave $36.4 million to at least 12 counties participating in OLS. Another $30 million was offered to cities and counties in July 2022.

More: Who will be the next El Paso city manager? Meet the 4 finalists

'Theres no crisis'

Counties across the state have relied on agreements to hold federal inmates to profit off of unused jail beds, a tactic that has been criticized by advocates of incarcerated people who say it creates incentives to keep people jailed for longer periods, often far from their home communities.

County officials say those federal dollars are a lifeline.

Urrutia said the sheriffs office tries to keep about 250 to 300 federal inmates in the jail at any given time, since each of those inmates comes with a check. The goal is always to keep the jail beds full, he said. On July 24, federal inmates occupied 106 beds and state detainees arrested through Operation Lone Star occupied 322 beds in the jail, which can hold nearly 3,000 inmates, he said.

It really complicates things, Urrutia said. We then have to reduce our federal inmates and send them elsewhere to make room for state inmates.

The district attorneys office is also in talks with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice about transferring OLS inmates from the El Paso County Jail to the Rogelio Sanchez State Jail in El Paso. County commissioners this week also authorized the county to apply for funding from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission to pay for legal assistance for state detainees.

More: Industrial space developer begins work on 23-acre office park in West El Paso

County officials said they tried to obtain state funds without issuing the disaster declaration, but when they sent a letter to Abbotts office detailing the costs the county had incurred because of Operation Lone Star and asking for reimbursement, they received no response.

That left county officials with the difficult decision of either forgoing state funds amid a budget shortfall or issuing a disaster declaration against many community members wishes.

Theres no crisis, theres no emergency, theres no disaster on the border, said Stout, the county commissioner. Its more of political rhetoric than anything else.

Yet he and the rest of the commissioners ultimately decided to issue the disaster declaration. Community advocates have warned that seeking state funds could lead to an influx of National Guard soldiers and DPS troopers who would stoke fear and unrest.

Melissa Lopez, the executive director of Estrella del Paso, a nonprofit that offers free immigration legal services, warned that accepting money from the state would entangle the county in Operation Lone Star.

El Paso County will become another tool in Gov. Abbotts tool chest to arrest and detain people who are fleeing their countries with no regard for the reasons why they left, she said at a June county commissioners court meeting. El Paso County is not Operation Lone Star.

Samaniego said he has been loath to involve the county in the state border mission, which, he says, has brought more chaos than help to his constituents. He pointed to some DPS pursuits of vehicles suspected of smuggling migrants that have led to fatal accidents. Such accidents have killed at least 74 people in Texas since Operation Lone Star started, according to a November 2023 Human Rights Watch report.

We know how to take care of crime here, Samaniego said. We dont need more agents here.

He said issuing a disaster declaration does not mean the county will see a surge of DPS officers. Others are not so sure.

Aimee Santillan, a policy analyst at the Hope Border Institute, said that after the city of El Paso issued a disaster declaration in 2022 after an increase in migrant crossings, more DPS officers arrived in town and the state began deploying razor wire on the banks of the Rio Grande.

The DPS media office did not respond to multiple emails with questions about their presence in El Paso.

We have seen this kind of cause and effect, Santillan said. Its what happened before. We will just have to wait and see what happens.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego signs disaster declaration
In early July, a man wearing a gator face mask, sunglasses, and camera equipment attached to a vest walked into the elections building in King County, Washington, and began to take videos and photos of the employees and their surroundings.

The man, according to a video obtained by ABC News, approached a counter and began harassing the election workers as he recorded them with his equipment.

After he left, the man posted a video of the interaction on YouTube and published some of the staff's names, emails, and phone numbers, which officials said resulted in "dozens of calls and emails" to election workers.

MORE: The top threats facing the 2024 election

The incident, which left King County employees feeling uneasy, is an example of the ongoing harassment and threats election workers are facing as they prepare for November's election.

Experts and election workers say the threats began after baseless claims of election fraud proliferated following the 2020 election, and they have not slowed down. And with the potential misuse of artificial intelligence and the threat of deadly opioids being mailed to election offices, election workers ABC News spoke with said they are feeling even more unnerved.

The concerns from election workers come months after former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss won a $148 million judgment after a judge found former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani guilty of defaming them. In an interview with ABC News' Terry Moran in 2022, the mother and daughter described how threats of violence, both online and in person, temporarily drove Freeman from her home and drove them both from their work as election officers.

"Election workers are still dealing with a lot of lies that are being told about the elections, and are in many ways bearing the kind of the consequences of those lies with harassment, abuse and sometimes threats," said Lawrence Norden, senior director of the Elections and Government Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, a bipartisan public policy think tank.

Stocking up on Narcan

Last August, when King County received an envelope with a suspicious substance in the mail, it also came with an unsettling message: "Enjoy some complimentary WHITE POWDER! Not saying what it is but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ASKING AROUND FOR A NARCAN!"

PHOTO: A photo shows a letter containing traces of fentanyl that was received by King County, Washington, officials in August, 2024. (Courtesy of King County)

"There must be: NO MORE ELECTIONS!" the letter said.

After law enforcement confirmed the envelope contained traces of fentanyl, election officials in the county implemented robust safety protocols and stocked up on Narcan -- a drug that's sprayed directly into the nostrils of someone experiencing an overdose by touching or inhaling an opioid, which blocks the effects of opioids and can quickly restore breathing.

Two months later, the county was targeted again with another letter in an envelope that was also laced with the deadly opioid.

"It was terrifying," said Julie Wise, the director of elections for King County.

After election offices in four other states received envelopes with fentanyl and other dangerous substances last year, election workers added Narcan to the safety measures they're implementing heading into the election.

In Washoe County, Nevada, interim registrar of voters Cari Anne Burgess told ABC News the county has 35 kits of Narcan.

"We absolutely have our Narcan kits," Burgess said. "We've all been trained on it and we've also been trained on 'Stop the Bleed.'"

"Fentanyl is of big concern these days," said Josh Zygielbaum, the clerk and recorder for Adams County, Colorado. "We now have Narcan everywhere, and have changed our mail-opening processes due to some concerns that we could be a target for potential biological or chemical threat."

Zygielbaum said that since the 2020 election, he has worn a bulletproof vest to work every day -- an extreme measure he felt he had to take to feel safe.

"It's sad, but I love what I do," Zygielbaum said. "Without having safe and secure elections, we don't have a democracy. And so it really is the front line of the fight to preserve democracy."

Fighting the threat of AI

While election officials work to combat physical threats, experts say artificial intelligence could potentially pose an even greater danger to the electoral process.

In January, AI-generated robocalls that appeared to impersonate the voice of President Joe Biden targeted voters in New Hampshire to discourage them from voting in the primary.

"The threat from AI is potentially a change in the degree of what [election workers] have seen before," Norden from the Brennan Center told ABC News.

Zygielbaum, who said he is increasingly concerned about AI, said his county has been working with local schools that have STEM programs to learn more about the technology and how to make voters more aware of its dangers.

In King County, Wise told ABC News that AI has been a boon to the county's election operation -- but she's still concerned about its misuse.

"AI has allowed us to save at least $100,000 in taxpayer dollars to use towards translation services," Wise said. "So there's certainly pros and cons to this technology and it's definitely been a big conversation in the election community nationwide."

MORE: DHS warns of threats to election posed by artificial intelligence

At the same time, Wise, said, "We're poised really well to react to any mis- or disinformation that can result from AI."

Wise and other officials told ABC News that the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is working with election workers across the country to teach them about AI and how to identify potential threats and disinformation created with the technology.

According to a report from the Brennan Center, AI has the potential to threaten election security not only by more effectively spreading disinformation, but also by more easily exploiting cyber vulnerabilities in election systems.

"The misinformation, the threats, the attempts to intimidate election officials -- that all existed before," said Norden. "It's just that now, AI makes it easier to do at a larger scale and in a more sophisticated way."

Election officials continue to face threats, harassment ahead of November originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Enough with the platitudes. How about some radical empathy and accountability?

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is shown covered by U.S. Secret Service agents after an incident during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is shown covered by U.S. Secret Service agents after an incident during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

In the wake of a public tragedy, America defaults to useless platitudes and hollow sentimentality. The discussions ask or yield little, and people forget them until the next public tragedy. Society remains locked in a loop of systemic paralysis.

This is not who we are. Were better than this. We need to turn down the rhetoric. We need to embrace each other as neighbors and friends and fellow human beings. Were all in this together. These really test the gag reflex because theyre so manifestly untrue.

Such inanities dominated reports following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. These are essentially indirect apologies without the promise of change. Theres an erasure in this attitude. Its a dodge. An end-run. Work avoidance.

The culture cannot escape this loop without asking more of ourselves and each other. Whats actually needed here is simple but could transform our public discourse: practicing radical accountability along with radical empathy.

Why radical accountability? Because it is change focused. It can force us to be specific about concerns without the personalization. We can tell the truth, but civilly.

Radical accountability means holding ourselves accountable as well as others. Radical empathy means reserving an empathetic ear for others as well as for us and our friends.

Maybe we should try to address the issues in the conflict and instead of judging each other without standing or insight, we should extend people a little grace.

But we must do both. Right now, the respective camps have lined up behind one or the other.

Lowering the temperature is fine, but when its actually about ignoring a problem in favor of playing nice, it just creates more frustration and tension that eventually boils over. As Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, riots are the language of the unheard.

Radical accountability and radical empathy would allow us to extend concern for the health of the former president, while also pointing out a litany of his diatribes. We can decry political violence while pointing out that perhaps more than any president in history, he has invoked violent rhetoric:

If you see someone getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them.

If you hurt him, Ill defend you in court. Dont worry about it.

In the good ol days, this didnt happen, because they used to treat them very rough. When they protested once, they wouldnt do it again so easily.

My audience hit back and it was very appropriate.

Id like to punch him in the face.

So, we could say, were sorry for the loss of life at the rally but also point out that the party and perhaps many of those at the Pennsylvania event have fought measures to keep the kind of semi-automatic weapons, such as the one used at the rally, off the market.

Its likely that folks now seeking our sympathy have fought common sense gun reform measures. Anymore, we cant attend a Super Bowl parade, an arts crawl, go to Walmart or to a Wednesday night Bible service without the risk of getting shot.

We could say were sorry that attendees have been traumatized, but also point out that following the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, supporters of the former president accused the grieving parents of staging the shooting.

Didnt Trump supporters once suggest rioters in a riot that he helped create hang his vice president? Didnt his supporters joke about the home invasion beating of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosis husband?

It is difficult to request concern and sympathy after rallying around the Heritage Foundations comments that the revolution will be bloodless if the left allows it to be, and that Jan. 6 rioters are political prisoners.

Context matters, and it matters with radical empathy, too. And not pity, not virtue signaling. Not blank checks for concern.

Why radical empathy?

So when police kill innocent, unarmed Black people, white evangelicals should be encouraged to care as much about them as the unborn fetus. Has there ever been an evangelically led rally decrying the deaths of innocent, unarmed Black people?

How about empathy for the poverty stricken instead of attacking public school funding and trying to eliminate school breakfasts and lunches? How about no longer criminalizing the poor, or humanizing corporations?

How about instead of insisting everyone pull themselves up by their bootstraps, maybe recognizing that not everyone has boots? How about raising the minimum wage to a living wage and no longer lying about the virtues of trickle-down economics?

Radical accountability means holding ourselves accountable as well as others. Radical empathy means reserving an empathetic ear for others as well as to us and our friends.

It wont be easy, but its necessary.

Its, Were all in this together, without the cringe.
The Georgia Public Service Commission is scheduled to vote Aug. 20 on Georgia Powers proposed Plant Yates expansion. File

Atlanta resident Jean Millkey told state regulators Wednesday she has come to grips with her belief that Georgia Power is probably not acting in the best interests of its customers who continue to see their electric bills rise.

She spoke to the Georgia Public Service Commission on Wednesday as the five-member panel held a certification hearing on Georgia Powers plan to build three methane gas and oil burning units that company officials contend is urgently needed to meet the states rapidly growing industrial development demands.

Prior to the start of testimony from Georgia Power officials defending the push to quickly bring more fossil fuel-based energy sources online, Millkey expressed her concerns about how the utility companys shareholders continue to profit at the expense of customers.

Millkey said her family has been able to afford the electric bills that have significantly increased over the past few months for reasons other than the need to keep cool in the hot summer months. She said many Georgians are struggling to keep up with rising electric bills due to the PSC signing off on projects like Georgia Powers nuclear expansion at Plant Vogtle and the potential addition of three power units at Plant Yates.

Ive worked with food banks, Ive worked with many nonprofits and realize that Im lucky because I can afford this double increase, and I wont have to cut back on groceries, but there are a lot of people out there who are struggling, Millkey said during the public comment period.

Weve just opened Plant Vogtle but now Georgia Power wants to go back on their promise to move forward with clean energy by adding more fossil fuel plants, Millkey added.

The proposed 1,300 megawatt Yates expansion was the focus of Wednesdays hearing after the project was included this spring in Georgia Powers revised strategic plan. The state regulators would also hear arguments Wednesday from environmental groups in opposition to adding more polluting fossil fuels that will be in operation for nearly 50 years that they say will do more long-term harm to public health and the environment than clean energy alternatives.

The companys lawyers, environmentalists and consumer watchdogs will get more chances to make their case to a PSC committee on Aug. 15, prior to the commissions vote on the proposed Yates expansion scheduled Aug. 20.

Southern Environmental Law Center analysis estimates that the Yates project would account for about half of Georgia Powers $3 billion strategic plan revisions. Several environmental groups criticized the company for avoiding a competitive bidding process, which could result in ratepayers paying more for the projects to be built.

Georgia Power has pledged it will not seek to recover any construction costs overruns from customers, unless its caused by events beyond the companys reasonable control, such as natural disasters.

Once completed the new Yates units will be the most efficient in Georgia Powers system, said Jeffrey Grubb director of resource and planning for Georgia Power. The new gas-fired units will convert to being fueled by oil if natural gas is unavailable.

At the end of the day, we are committed to what we can control to build the units and bring those online and bring them up to service, Grubb said. The stipulation is specific on situations that we could come back and ask for cover of that, but its not on what the company controls for construction.

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 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 Company.

An expert witness for the Sierra Club and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is urging the 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.

Economic and financial consultant Albert Lin argued Wednesday that the certification should be delayed until state regulators are able to consider a separate request for bids for a package of energy source plans the company is seeking.

The practice of passing through all the fuel costs has been around for some 50 years. Back then, every technology for generating electricity used some kind of fuel and prices were generally very volatile, Lin said. Today, things are very different. Innovation and technology has created ways to conserve, to create demand response programs and to generate electricity with all kinds of technologies with low or no fuel cost.

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RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE)  State and national government agencies will be helping property owners who were affected by the fires and the flooding around Ruidoso. The Environmental Protection Agency will be facilitating a clean-up process, and professionally removing debris from residents property, all for free.

We are ready: Ruidoso Municipal Schools prepares for school year amid flash flooding

The clean-up process will include two phases. The first involves bringing the EPA onto the property to identify and remove all household hazardous waste. During the second phase, the rest of the debris will be removed. Residents can sign up for phase one only, or both.

Residents can sign up in person with a New Mexico Disaster Case Manager located at Disaster Recovery and Resource Center or go online to download the Right of Entry form, fill it out, and email it to DHSEM-DCM@dhsem.nm.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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 22-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder after a shooting that left a Fort Bliss soldier dead and another injured early Sunday morning, July 21 outside a bar in East El Paso, according to El Paso Police Department.

EPPD said officers were patrolling the area of 1610 N. Zaragoza (Legendz Bar) just after 12:20 a.m. Sunday morning, July 21 when they heard gunfire. Officers were directly behind a white Dodge Charger when this occurred.

Fort Bliss soldier in Eastside bar shooting dies, other soldier injured

Officers saw the first victim, Fort Bliss soldier Manuel Rafael Rivera-Pohl, 24, as well as a second victim, a 26-year-old soldier, on the ground after the shots were heard and a white Dodge Charger passed them, according to EPPD.

EPPD said two other victims, both 19 years old, were involved in the incident but were unharmed.

EPPD said officers attempted to stop the white vehicle. However, the driver did not stop and fled the scene.

The incident was captured from the video of the patrol vehicle, but the video will not be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation, according to EPPD.

A warrant was obtained for the arrest of Kwesi Nataniel Bacchus with a charge of murder. Bacchus was placed under arrest and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a $1,000,000 bond.

Bacchus booking photo will not be available at this time due to the ongoing investigation, according to EPPD.

According to court documents obtained by KTSM, after interviewing several witnesses, investigators learned that Bacchus was identified as a U.S. Army Soldier and solicited the assistance of special agents of Army Criminal Investigation Division.

Prior to the shooting, according to one of the surviving victims, all parties were at a car show earlier that evening, according to court documents.

Bacchus, 22, and the second victim got into a confrontation due to Bacchus breaking the rules by hanging out of the passenger window of a vehicle doing burnouts, according to court documents.

According to court documents, the second victim told Bacchus to not hang out of the vehicle due to liability and a verbal argument ensued for roughly five to 10 minutes. After the argument ended, Bacchus continued to hang out of the vehicle.

A witness said that there was a handgun that was displayed during the argument, but was unsure if the gun was pointed at anyone, according to court documents.

Once the car show ended, the four victims went to Legendz Bar. Bacchus told the victims to step outside of the bar. The victims did not leave to avoid confrontation, according to court documents.

The victims, after roughly 30 to 45 minutes later, left the bar and walked to their vehicles, when a white Dodge Charger drove up to them and began firing bullets at them, according to court documents.

Detectives spoke with a co-defendant of Bacchus, who wanted to speak with investigators about his involvement of the case, according to court documents.

The co-defendant said he received a call earlier that day from Bacchus, saying that Bacchus was upset about some guys that pulled a gun on him, according to court documents. The co-defendant said Bacchus wanted to retaliate because he was very upset.

Bacchus picked up the co-defendant at his barracks in Bacchus white Dodge Charger and drove over to the bar, according to court documents.

The co-defendant said while Bacchus walked into the bar, he stayed in the car. Later, he also saw Bacchus being escorted out of the bar, according to court documents.

According to court documents, the co-defendant said Bacchus was so upset and he wasnt going to allow Bacchus to drive. Bacchus got into the passenger seat of the vehicle.

The co-defendant said he began to drive in the parking lot, and he implicated Bacchus as the person who shot the gun, according to court documents.

The co-defendant said as they were fleeing from police and he knew police were behind them, but was scared and left the scene, according to court documents.

As we previously reported, Pfc. Rivera-Pohl, an AH-64D Apache helicopter crew chief, was the soldier who died. The 26-year-old soldier with the 1st Armed Division was initially hospitalized but has since then been released, Fort Bliss officials said.

EPPD asks anyone with information about this incident to call the non-emergency number at (915) 832-4400 or Crime Stoppers of El Paso at (915) 566-8477 (TIPS) to remain anonymous.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A now-former Erie County prosecutor has been arrested for allegedly sharing information about cases with outside parties, officials said Thursday.

Prosecutors allege that DeLenci Shannon-Brown, 28, who was working as an assistant district attorney for the Erie County District Attorneys Office, electronically shared information about cases with others.

An investigation began earlier this week. Buffalo Police said they were investigating an unrelated case and while checking cell phone records, a phone number belonging to Shannon-Brown came up sharing the info.

The case was investigated throughout the day Wednesday, leading up to his arrest around 6 p.m. He is charged with one misdemeanor count of official misconduct as well as one count of DWAI-drugs, connected with him allegedly being high on marijuana during a traffic stop. He was fired upon his arrest.

On July 26, Shannon-Brown faced a new charge of first-degree criminal possession of cannabis after approximately 11.85 lbs. of marijuana were recovered from a Hartwell Road residence.

Ex-employee sentenced for stealing $1 million from parish, medical office

Officials said that Shannon-Brown had only been working for the DAs office for five weeks after starting in June. He was assigned to Buffalo City Court, mostly handling vehicle and traffic matters. He also worked for the DAs office as an intern in 2021 and then had a stint as a temporary employee before he passed the New York State Bar Examination, which he eventually did at the end of May.

The case will not be handled by the Erie County DAs office, as is procedure when it involves someone affiliated with the office. He will be arraigned Friday morning on the DWAI charge, and then for the official misconduct charge on Aug. 14.

Its an outrage that this behavior took place, its an outrage that he violated that trust, said Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane at a news conference Thursday. At the end of the day, were dealing with human beings. And if somebody wants to share information and violate their oath, they can do that. And its unfortunate.

The office said they do have a good idea of what information about other cases he had access to, but will continue to investigate.

Anytime theres a violation of public trust by anybody standing up here in our profession, it puts lives at danger, it puts the community in danger, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said. Theres an expectation that we have to be a step above, that we have to be above that fray. And we are certainly going to come down as hard as possible.

You can watch Thursdays full news conference in the media player above.

Latest Local News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
CAIRO, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Thursday welcomed China's efforts to help achieve Palestinian national reconciliation.

"Egypt hails all international and regional efforts that aim to reach a Palestinian national reconciliation, last of which were the appreciated efforts of friendly China," Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said on the platform X.

He said that "the unity of the Palestinian line in this critical moment of the nation's history is extremely significant for achieving the dream of an independent Palestinian state."

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 divisions 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. 
Escambia County Public Schools is planning to build a new school about a third of a mile away from Beulah Elementary School.

It will take us about six months to go through all the preliminaries after purchasing that property, and then you got to design and plan. So, it's not something that's going to happen for the 2025-26 school year, but it's in preparation because of the development that is occurring in that part of our county, ECPS Superintendent Keith Leonard told the News Journal.

The Escambia County School Board approved the $3.9 million purchase of the 39-acre property this month, and Leonard said district has been looking for land purchasing opportunities to help relieve pressure on schools that are reaching capacity.

They (the school board) told us begin to look for property that is scalable for schools within that corridor of development, Leonard said. It was a blessing to us here at the school district that our board said, go forth and do.

Beulah Elementary School is already utilizing portable classrooms and had to limit enrollment for the 2024-25 school year to those who live in the school zone, rather than allowing families to apply for school choice at Beulah Elementary School. As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 818 students already enrolled for the fall. The school has a total capacity of 876, including both traditional and modular classroom models.

Residential growth is expected to continue in the Beulah area, with a 350-unit neighborhood being built right across the street from the elementary school, according to Leonard, in addition to other development happening down Mobile Highway and on Beulah Road.

Leonard will be discussing specific plans for the school with the school board over the next three weeks, but his initial idea is to create a primary school and intermediate school, where one school would perhaps be for kindergarten through second grade, and the other for children in third through fifth grade.

The plans are flexible, as the district needs to decide on whatever is going to be most conducive to serving the students that live within that zone and still provide capacity, according to Leonard. It's growing, and we need to make sure that we have room seats available at each of those sites and move away from some of the portables.

We look at it from a lot of different factors, Leonard said of determining grade levels for the school. Logistically - from bus ridership, car riders, start time, end time. Academic transition - where's the best place to have that academic transition? Academic impact on feeder programs? What would it do to the local middle school? What would it do to enhance academic improvement at the local middle school? Then, how does that zone?

Beulah Elementary students currently feed into four schools, according to Leonard: Bellview Middle School, Brown Barge Middle School, charter school Beulah Academy of Science and Beulah Middle School.

Related: Escambia County Schools half-cent sales tax has transformed district | Guestview

The Beulah area is only one part of the districts expansion plans. One project currently underway is the rebuild and revamping of Myrtle Grove Elementary School, which served as the oldest standing elementary school in Escambia County.

None of the school construction projects - whether they be completely new schools, rebuilds or remodels- would be possible without the help of the citizens' half-cent sales tax, according to Leonard.

The only way those things take place - because we get zero funding from the state as it's related to school upkeep and purchases for acquisitions of land and/or the new builds - it is only because of the citizens of our county. Many thanks to our Half Cent Sales Tax Watchdog Committee because they make certain that those funds that come from our taxpayers are only spent on allowable in allowable manners, and we have been diligent in doing so, Leonard said.

Most recently, the half-cent sales tax has helped fund Myrtle Grove, the improvements made to O. J. Semmes Elementary, the renovations to Ferry Pass Middle School, the construction of Pleasant Grove Elementary, construction of Kingsfield Elementary School, the renovations to West Florida High School and the construction of Beulah Middle School.

I say, go out there and visit any of those sites, and you'll be proud to be able to say as a taxpayer  I know I am  that we helped fund those buildings for our students, Leonard said.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia County Public Schools buys Beulah land for building school
Leidsegracht is one of the more than 60 miles of canals that thread Amsterdam. Captaining your own small boat on the canals is a unique way to explore the Dutch capital. Photograph by Jui-Chi Chan, Alamy

Why you should visit Amsterdam

More than 60 miles of canals. Golden Age masterpieces. Warm stroopwafels. Tulips and windmills.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

Spring: Wisteria explodes into bloom and nearby tulip fields burst into colors visible from space. Dont miss the 24-hour celebration of Kings Day. The fun begins on April 26, the night before King Willem-Alexanders birthday, with evening street parties in every neighborhood. On the 27th, families sell trinkets and toys in a city-wide flea market before carousing in boats and bars with hundreds of thousands of visitors in orange outfits and inflatable crowns.

Summer: Embrace Amsterdams terrace culture. Head to an urban beachPllek is a hip spot for beach parties, while the 17th-century inner harbor offers open-water swimming. On the first weekend of August, one of the worlds largest LGBTQ+ Pride events culminates in the boisterous Canal Parade.

Autumn: Amsterdam hosts many fall festivals, like the five-day electronic music bonanza ADE in October or Museum Night in November. In mid-November, theres another canal paradethis time for the arrival of Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa, who is said to come by boat from Spain.

Winter: The Amsterdam Light Festival features dozens of glowing public art installations. Olliebollen stalls pop up all over townthese spherical doughnuts are special treats for New Years Eve. Museumplein is transformed into a lovely outdoor skating rink complete with its own Christmas market.

Lay of the land

The Canal Belt: This oldest section of Amsterdam is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Notable neighborhoods include the Jordaan, bustling with cafes and galleries. Youll find many top attractions here, including the Anne Frank House, the Flower Market, and the charming but busy Nine Streets shopping district.

North (Noord): Once an industrial shipping area, Noord has transformed into Amsterdams ultra-hip creative hub. Explore massive open-air graffiti and street art museum STRAAT or dangle over the city on Europes highest swing at ADAM Tower.

East (Oost): In Amsterdams multicultural mosaic, trendy boutiques nestle between Middle Eastern delis (the baba ghanoush at Tigris & Eufraat is a local favorite). Canal-side Brouwerij t IJ serves their award-winning IJwit wheat beer and other site-brewed suds in the shadow of De Gooyer windmill.

South (Zuid): Amsterdams wealthiest borough is where youll find the greatest art treasures. In Oud-Zuid, the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk, and Moco all cluster on Museumplein. In De Pijp, eat your way through the Albert Cuyp Market, which has operated six days a week since 1912.

West: In Oud-West, head to De Hallen, an old tram depot now home to businesses including the Maker Storea hub of locally made productsand Foodhallen, a huge indoor food hall. Right outside is the popular Ten Katemarkt. In the Westerpark neighborhood, head to Westergas, a former gas factory turned cultural hub for restaurants, theaters, and the TonTon Cluba retro arcade and Asian bistro.

Getting around Amsterdam

By bike: Bike is the best way to see Amsterdam, but beware of local cyclists with little patience for slow tourists in bike lanes. Check for bike lending at your hotel, or rent at MacBike or StudioBike.

By tram: GVB operates Amsterdams efficient tram system. The most convenient way to pay is tapping your contactless credit or debit card on the tram. Tap out when you leave or youll be charged the maximum fare. Or, purchase daily tickets and plan your route using the GVB app.

By boat: With a maximum speed of 6 km/h on the canals, captaining your own boat is an easy alternative to tourist canal cruises. You dont need a license or boating experience. Mokumboot rents electric six-person boats at multiple locations.

By train: NS trains connect Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport and the rest of the Netherlands. Tap your contactless card at NS validation points to pay for your trip. At Schiphol, note that the validation point is at the top of the escalator, before you head down to the train platform.

Know before you go

Languages: Dutch is the official language. English is widely (and fluently) spoken; the Dutch consistently rank as the best non-native English speakers in the world.

LGBTQ+: The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, and Amsterdam has one of the most vibrant LGBTQ scenes in all of Europe. Reguliersdwarsstraat has been a thriving gay district for more than 40 years.

How to visit Amsterdam sustainably

Outdoors: This is a city meant to explore by bike or on foot. HART Museum (formerly Hermitage Amsterdam) is a uniquely sustainable museum, exchanging excess heat and cold with the neighboring Hortus Botanicus to keep the art cool and plants warm.

Shopping: Hunt for treasure at IJ-Hallen, Europes largest flea market, and find fresh local foods at the weekly Noordermarkt organic farmers market.

Dining: Funky vegan Cafe de Ceuvel embraces sustainable technologies like aquaponics and composting toilets. For something more upscale, dine in the greenhouse at Michelin-starred Restaurant De Kas, which has served farm-to-table meals for nearly 25 years.

What to read and watch

The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green. Whether you read the book or watch the film adaptation directed by Josh Boone, this heartrending story of young love and loss highlights the best of Amsterdam. A bench featured in the movie mysteriously disappeared in 2014 but was quickly replaced.

Oceans Twelve, directed by Steven Soderbergh. While you wont gain any insights into Dutch culture, youll certainly get to ogle the city in this rollicking heist movie starring an impressive cast of celebrity A-listers.

(For more tips on what to do in Amsterdam, see our Explorers Guide.)

Go with Nat Geo: National Geographic Expeditions offers cruise itineraries that include a stop in Amsterdam.

Christina Newberry is a Canadian travel writer who lived in Amsterdam for three years before returning to her native Vancouver. Follow her on Instagram.
EU expects agreement on US$ 50bn from Russian assets for Ukraine to be concluded by October

Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for Economics, anticipates that the Group of Seven countries will reach a framework deal to provide Ukraine with a US$50 billion loan from Russia's frozen assets by October.

Source: Reuters, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in Rio de Janeiro, the European Commissioner stated that great progress has been achieved on the technical and legal aspects of the loan for Ukraine.

Quote: "I am confident we will be able to have this in place by October. By October I mean the frame. Then, of course, by the end of the year you have to go to markets, but every country is different," Gentiloni said.

He believes the parties are making "very good progress" both technically and politically.

According to Reuters, EU ambassadors discussed two possibilities on Wednesday, 24 July, aimed at alleviating G7 member states' concerns that there may come a day when the 27 EU member states will not agree, jeopardising all credit for Ukraine.

One of them is the indefinite prolongation of the sanctions regime, which has immobilised the Russian Central Bank's assets. Another option, according to the agency, is to extend restrictions on Russian assets to three years.

In June, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed that the leaders of the Group of Seven reached a political agreement to provide Ukraine with around US$50 billion in financial support derived from frozen Russian assets.

As expected, the European Union would provide the most of the loan to Ukraine at the expense of Russian assets. Josep Borrel, the top EU official for foreign policy and security policy, announced that the EU will direct the first tranche of frozen Russian assets to the procurement of armament for Ukraine at the beginning of August.

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European Commission Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for An Economy that Works for People Valdis Dombrovskis (R) meets with Minister for Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore Grace Fu. Lukasz Kobus/European Commission/dpa

The European Commission and Singapore on Thursday concluded talks on a new digital trade agreement.

"This agreement raises the ambition of digital trade rules globally, including on protection of source code and unrestricted data flows," said commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis in a press conference.

The European Union-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (EUSDTA) still needs to be ratified by the European Parliament and by EU countries' ministers. It does not need to be ratified by EU countries' national parliaments.

The agreement follows a broader EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) that has been in force since 2019.

"The EUSDTA will reduce costs and enhance efficiency for businesses, especially SMEs, by enabling interoperable digital trade systems for e-payments and paperless transactions such as e-bills of ladings and e-invoices," said Singapore's minister in charge of trade, Grace Fu.

She added, "it will promote greater services trade between the EU and Singapore by enabling trusted trade data flows in all sectors."

A key component of the deal is reducing obstacles to data transfers between the EU and Singapore.

However, Dombrovskis said the agreement does not "interact" with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which imposes strict limitations on transfers of personal data outside the EU.

The GDPR allows the commission to declare a country's application of data protection rules "adequate" for unrestricted transfers of personal data to occur, but the EU executive has not issued an decision on this when it comes to Singapore.
Loan programs? Climate impact fees? Community solar? After the Eugene City Council had to walk back a proposed ban on natural gas in new homes, city staff have been working on other ideas to shrink the city's carbon footprint.

Following a pair of presentations with dozens of possible actions ranging from incentives to regulations to deferring to the state, councilors unanimously passed a pair of motions to hold a future discussion on these options by the end of 2024, directing staff to examine how the city could implement and pay for the recommendations and their potential drawbacks.

The city repealed its proposed ban on natural gas in new homes last July after a federal court struck down a similar proposal from Berkley, California. Councilors then moved for "a discussion regarding ways in which the City can reduce the use of fossil fuels in new construction," according to the council agenda.

Councilors held that discussion in two meetings this month. Staff presented dozens of potential options to encourage building decarbonization, 16 drawn from community engagement and the rest drawn from examining steps taken by other local governments.

Lawyers and the youth plaintiffs lineup behind a banner after a hearing before Federal District Court Judge Ann Aiken between lawyers for the Trump Administration and the so-called Climate Kids in Federal Court in Eugene in 2016.

The community-sourced recommendations largely redirect focus away from regulation and toward financial incentives and disincentives and come with a variety of specific. They would direct the city to:

Create an "incentive navigator service" that would aim to make it easier for Eugene residents to find and apply for local, state and federal electrification incentives.

Create city incentives for electrification through the city's loan programs, grant programs and permitting processes.

Increase fossil fuel costs by adding a climate impact fee or franchise fee on natural gas use.

Launch an "education and awareness campaign" on the benefits of electrification.

Encourage builders and designers to promote electrification to their clients.

Connect businesses so the ones with energy upgrades can share "knowledge and resources" with those that haven't upgraded.

Provide technical assistance to businesses aiming to comply with the state's new emissions performance standards.

Reward and showcase businesses that have reduced their emissions.

Expand energy audits (inspections that study a building's energy efficiency) by promoting the Eugene Water & Electric Board's Score Program and the Federal Home Energy Audit Tax Credit. Also, explore requiring home energy audits at the time of lease and financing mechanisms for landlords to make energy upgrades.

Expand access to energy efficiency improvement items, such as LED lightbulbs, weather stripping and draft stoppers by promoting giveaways for those items, as well as potentially create "a local weatherization assistance corps" to install the items and provide the items to tenants at move-in.

Prioritize converting homes from oil heat to electric heat pumps.

Explore the possibility of a community solar project.

Explore possibilities for networked geothermal energy in Eugene.

Support and expand on programs providing air purifiers and air conditioners in Eugene.

Expand resilience hubs, spaces that "serve as a focal point for resources, support and coordination during extreme weather events" by helping to get them in more neighborhoods and ensuring they have backup energy.

Ensure backup energy for Eugene residents with disabilities or health conditions, while prioritizing cleaner backup energy such as renewable diesel generators and electric battery storage.

In the second work session, staff collected strategies they saw from other cities, which had some overlap with the community recommendations and grouped them into seven themes:

Incentivizing electrification. Examples include: Prioritizing permits for all-electric construction projects. Offering financial incentives to developers for more energy-efficient buildings. Offering rebates, tax credits, or low-interest loans to offset the cost of installing electric appliances or infrastructure.

Disincentivizing non-electric technology. Examples include: Carbon/climate impact fees: fees charged based on projected emissions of a new building. Adding additional permits for new buildings that will use fossil fuels.

Electrifying city-owned buildings.

Outreach and education, which includes: Outreach to residents, contractors, developers, and property managers, benefits to electrification and incentives available. Energy and water efficiency audits for businesses, accompanied with education on rebates and incentive programs that could improve energy efficiency. Technical assistance to developers on how their buildings can be more energy efficient.

Regulations, including: Banning fossil fuel infrastructure in new buildings, such as Eugene councilors attempted. Staff said most of the cities doing this are outside the Ninth Circuit, which covers nine states including both Oregon and California (where Berkley's ban was struck down). Requiring electric-only infrastructure in new construction. Functionally, this is the same as banning fossil fuel infrastructure but relies on the city's building regulation authority rather than its police powers, a move allowed under a recent court ruling involving Berkley, California. Electric-ready construction codes. These codes don't require new construction to be all-electric but require it to be "electric ready" by including features such as sufficient electric capacity and wiring for electric appliances. Energy-efficiency standards, which don't require or ban specific appliances but require new construction meet certain overall standards for energy efficiency. "Mitigation measures" that similarly allow fossil fuels in new construction but with requirements such as higher energy efficiency. Setting emissions limits for new buildings or appliances.

Staff also identified several regulation options that are being considered but haven't been enacted by other cities including: Preventing fossil fuel infrastructure expansion to future neighborhoods by using the city's ability to regulate public rights-of-way (roads), which infrastructure is developed along. Use "overlay zones" to require certain construction standards in specific parts of the city.

Defer to state-level policy. Staff noted that some states are pursuing building decarbonization policies, and cities in those states could adhere to those steps, such as: Washington state's new building code that includes relatively high energy efficiency standards. California's Electric Homes Program, which offers builders incentives for making homes all-electric. Staff noted that Oregon's housing package as originally proposed included a similar incentive. The final bill cut this but included funding for heat pumps and weatherization of existing buildings. The New York All Electric Buildings Act, which New York's state legislature passed in 2023 and will require all-electric construction beginning in 2026. Massachusetts' electrification pilot programs, which encourage Massachusetts cities to experiment with some of the above policies to inform future state-level policy. Thermal energy networks, which are being developed in some states. Colorado's Public Utilities Commission, which was emboldened by Colorado's legislature to require energy savings targets from investor-owned utilities and promote electric equipment over fossil-fuel-based equipment.

Staff also noted options targeted at existing buildings rather than new ones, including: Building Performance Standards, which set energy efficiency requirements for buildings. Energy disclosure policies, which require owners of commercial buildings to report their energy use publicly "allowing potential tenants, buyers, and the general public to access information on building energy performance." City or neighborhood-level thermal energy pilot projects. Decommissioning electric infrastructure. But staff noted this was primarily done by utilities that owned both gas and electric infrastructure, unlike in Eugene where they're handled by separate utilities.



Councilors largely discussed the recommendations at a high level, expressing a desire to balance reducing emissions and promoting climate justice with minimizing division and financial harm to businesses and residents.

"I thank you councilors for finding those next steps forward to learn more, figure out where we have a pathway forward on  raising funds and what other options we might have to further climate work," Mayor Lucy Vinis said.

Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached over email at atorres@registerguard.com or on X @alanfryetorres.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Eugene City Council talks next steps on climate change
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A former employee of a Town of Tonawanda parish and a medical office in the City of Tonawanda has been sentenced for stealing over $1 million combined between 2016 and 2023, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Thursday.

Lisa Noble, 44, was sentenced to eight to 19 years in prison for stealing around $465,000 from St. Amelias Parish in 2023 and more than $890,000 from the audiology practice while working there as an office manager from 2016 to 2021.

Noble, while at St. Amelias, stole cash, wrote checks made out to herself by forging the pastors signature, used the churchs credit card and wired church funds to herself, according to officials. She also went into the churchs records to try and cover up her stealing. She worked at the church as a business manager between April and September last year. She was fired after being placed on administrative leave after the theft was discovered.

Noble allegedly used the money to fund an extravagant lifestyle, including using around $20,000 to travel to Kansas City for a Taylor Swift concert, and taking a limo to get to the show.

She was taken into custody in March after she fled to the Raleigh, North Carolina area and began babysitting for a family under the alias Julie Wilson.

In June, she pleaded guilty to the following charges:

Four counts of second-degree grand larceny

Three counts of first-degree falsifying business records

One count of third-degree grand larceny

Three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument

As part of her plea, she agreed to pay restitution of $465,424.19 to St. Amelias and $890,723.08 to the audiology practice.

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Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

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In March 2020, Ronald Ford got a job as a truck driver with J&K Salvage, west of York on Kings Mill Road.

According to court documents, it did not go well.

Throughout Mr. Fords tenure, his attorneys wrote in a complaint filed against the salvage company in federal court in Harrisburg, he regularly witnessed and was personally subjected to racial discrimination at the hands of the owner, Joe Darrah.

Ford, who is Black, alleges he was called the n-word and was subjected to references to his race during his employment, which, he asserted, created a hostile work environment.

In this file photo, a crushed car is lifted onto the conveyor belt of the "shredder" at J&K Salvage on Kings Mill Road.

Ford filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He was advised of his rights to file a suit in federal court, which is what he did.

He filed a complaint in U.S. Middle District Court on Feb. 28, 2022, asserting that J&Ks owner Joe Darrah had discriminated against him and had used racially derogatory language while dealing with him.

According to the complaint against the company, Ford asserted that a fellow employee, a diesel mechanic, introduced Ford to a new employee with a racial slur.

He also alleged that when Darrahs dog chased him, Darrah told him not to worry because the dog likes dark meat, according to the complaint.

Ford also alleged that Darrah instructed him not to enter a dark area until the lights were turned on so that Mr. Ford could be seen, according to the complaint.

The complaint also described an incident in September 2019 when Ford was driving one of Darrahs trucks in Berks County. The complaint alleges that a police officer pulled Ford over for having a tag on the truck that expired in 2008. He was given a warning and allowed to continue on his way. Some time later, another police officer pulled him over for having a missing mudflap and bracket, according to the complaint. The officer also informed him that the registration on the trailer had been long expired and issued another warning, instructing him to let his boss know that the registration was expired.

When Ford told Darrah about the lapsed registration, according to the complaint, Darrah said responded with racial slurs.

According to the complaint, Ford said he had heard Darrah similarly abuse other African-American employees.

The company, according to court documents, did not respond to the complaint. The federal district judge, Jennifer Wilson, wrote in a ruling that it did not appear, file an answer or otherwise defend or respond to the complaint.

On Feb. 28, 2022, the judge entered an order that awarded Ford his claim - $5,760 in lost wages, $40,000 in emotional damage, $12,180 in attorney fees and $485.77 in costs and $160,000 in punitive damages. The total ran to $218,425.77, according to the judges order.

Owner: Unaware of the suit

Darrah said in a phone interview Wednesday that one of his guys had accepted service of the lawsuit and that he had not known anything about it. His description of the lawsuit was one of my employees called him a (n-word) so he sued me.

Darrah said he had no chance to defend against the suit because he didnt know about it. He said his lawyers are handling it now.

I didnt know about it, he said,

On July 3, according to a motion filed in York County Court, sheriffs deputies attempted to enter Darrahs property to enter a levy to collect the award determined by the federal court. The motion claims Darrah refused entry to the deputies and Fords attorneys have asked the court to order Darrah to comply with the order.

Thats where it stands.

Fords attorney, Larry Weisberg, declined to comment about the litigation, allowing the court record to speak for itself. He also said he would advise his client not to speak to reporters.

Previously: J&K Salvage held in contempt over long-standing dispute with state over shingle storage

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Man gets $218K racial discrimination judgment against J&K Salvage
(L-R) German Judges Kassandra Kollenberg, Mario Plein and Guelcin Bayburtlu stand at the start of the trial against an Islamist with a criminal record in Duisburg district court. According to the indictment, the 30-year-old defendant agreed to carry out an attack on a pro-Israeli demonstration. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

A former fighter for the terrorist militia Islamic State has been back in a German court since Thursday around nine months after his re-arrest.

The 30-year-old is accused of having planned an "Islamist-motivated attack" on a pro-Israel demonstration last year. According to the prosecution, he intended to drive a lorry into the crowd of participants. His goal, the prosecution alleges, was "to kill as many people as possible whom he deemed as infidels."

With his hands in his pockets and a broad grin on his face, the 30-year-old German appeared noticeably casual after the bailiffs brought him to his seat in the Duisburg Regional Court in the west of Germany.

He has chosen not to comment on the allegations, nor will there be any information about his background, according to his defence lawyer.

Registered suicide attacker

The man joined Islamic State in Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2016, according to the indictment. During this time, he reportedly received training in handling an assault rifle, participated in guard and monitoring duties, and accompanied Islamic State fighters on combat missions.

Additionally, he registered as a suicide attacker and appeared in Islamic State propaganda videos.

After his return to Germany, the Duisburg native was sentenced by the Higher Regional Court of Dusseldorf in 2017 to five years in juvenile detention. Whether he killed anyone in Iraq or Syria could not be determined at that time. According to the Duisburg Regional Court, he has served this sentence.

A police car stands in front of Duisburg Regional Court at the start of the trial against an accused Islamist with a criminal record. According to the indictment, the 30-year-old defendant agreed to carry out an attack on a pro-Israeli demonstration. Christoph Reichwein/dpa
An Israeli military Apache helicopter releases a flare as it flies near the Israel-Gaza border

An Israeli military Apache helicopter releases a flare as it flies near the Israel-Gaza border

By Jonathan Landay, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ahmed Mohamed Hassan

WASHINGTON/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel is seeking changes to a plan for a Gaza truce and the release of hostages by Hamas, complicating a final deal to halt nine months of combat that have devastated the enclave, according to a Western official, a Palestinian and two Egyptian sources.

Israel says that displaced Palestinians should be screened as they return to the enclave's north when the ceasefire begins, retreating from an agreement to allow civilians who fled south to freely return home, the four sources told Reuters.

Israeli negotiators "want a vetting mechanism for civilian populations returning to the north of Gaza, where they fear these populations could support Hamas fighters who remain entrenched there, said the Western official.

The Palestinian militant group rejected the new Israeli demand, according to the Palestinian and Egyptian sources, however a senior Israeli official said Hamas had not yet seen the latest proposals, which were expected to go out "in the coming hours".

"The messages from Hamas are bizarre because we haven't sent it yet, nobody has read it yet. Even the negotiators haven't got it yet. They will read it before transferring it to Hamas for their reaction," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Egyptian sources said there was another sticking point over Israel's demand to retain control of Gaza's border with Egypt, which Cairo dismissed as outside a framework for a final deal accepted by the two sides.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, the White House and Egypt's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Israel's demands.

Netanyahu is still stalling. There is no change in his stance so far," said Hamas senior official Sami Abu Zuhri, who did not comment directly on Israel's demands.

Word of the new sticking points came as U.S. President Joe Biden pressed for a ceasefire in talks in Washington on Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on reaching a final deal.

"We are closer now than we've been before," said White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, adding that gaps remained.

In a speech to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, Netanyahu said that Israel was engaged "in intense efforts" to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.

The sources who spoke to Reuters requested anonymity to discuss Israeli demands because of the delicacy of the on-off talks to finalise a truce and the release of hostages seized in the Hamas-led Oct. 7 assault on Israel that triggered the Gaza war.

The attackers killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 captives, according to Israeli tallies. Some 120 hostages are still being held, though Israel believes a third of them are dead.

Gaza health authorities say more than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed and most of Gaza's 2.3 million people displaced by fighting that has destroyed much of the enclave and created a humanitarian disaster.

The United States, Qatar and Egypt have been mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas centered on a framework based on an Israeli offer and promoted by U.S. President Joe Biden, who has pressed the sides to resolve their remaining differences.

The framework calls for three phases, with the first seeing a six-week ceasefire and the release of women, elderly and wounded hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Talks on the second phase - which Biden calls "a permanent end to hostilities" - would continue in the first phase. Major reconstruction would begin in the third phase.

STICKING POINTS

U.S. officials have said for weeks that a deal was close but that hurdles remained.

Israeli officials raised their demand for a mechanism to vet civilians returning to Gaza's north at the last negotiating session in Cairo earlier this month, said the Western and Egyptian sources. This "wasn't expected," the Western official said.

Israel is concerned not only about Hamas fighters slipping back north, but operatives among civilians who provide covert support to the group that governs Gaza, the official said.

The Israelis, the official and the three other sources said, also balked at withdrawing their forces from a nine-mile (14 km) strip of land along the border with Egypt referred to by Israel as the Philadelphia corridor.

The Israel Defense Forces seized the strip in May, saying that the strategic swath hosts smuggling tunnels through which Hamas has received weapons and other supplies. Egypt says it destroyed tunnel networks leading to Gaza years ago and created a buffer zone and border fortifications that prevent smuggling.

The last several days have seen efforts to work around that issue, either through an Israeli withdrawal or there could be some understanding about how that is managed, said the Western official, who did not elaborate.

A senior Biden administration official, briefing reporters on Wednesday ahead of Netanyahu's meeting with the U.S. president, said they were in the final stages of securing a deal.

There are some things we need from Hamas, and there are some things we need from the Israeli side. And I think youll see that play out here over the course of the coming week," the official said.

Among things needed from Hamas were "the hostages who are going to come out," the official added without elaborating.

Zuhri rejected the assertion, saying, "The U.S. administration is trying to cover up for Netanyahus undermining of the deal by saying there are things demanded from the two sides. This isnt true."

(Jonathan Landay reported from Washington and Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ahmed Mohamed Hassan from Cairo; Writing by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Don Durfee and Alexandra Zavis)
ULAN BATOR, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A total of 38,291 foreigners from 63 countries and regions were granted Mongolian electronic visas in the first half of 2024, marking a 57 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, local media reported on Thursday, citing Mongolia's Immigration Agency.

During the same period, the country's immigration agency issued 10,234 residence permits in Mongolia, and extended 17,255 residence permits. The residence permit issuance decreased by 5.1 times compared to previous year.

Currently, Mongolia's economy relies most heavily on the export of mineral resources. Tourism promotion is considered one of the priority areas for diversifying the country's economy and increasing the competitiveness of the domestic tourism sector in the context of global competition.

According to Mongolia's Immigration Agency, an electronic visa (e-visa) for foreigners were officially launched on October 1, 2021 in Mongolia. In 2023, Mongolia issued e-visas to almost 31,242 foreign citizens worldwide.

Mongolia has implemented this shift in a strategic move aimed at boosting tourism and attracting foreign tourists.

Citizens from 99 countries and regions, who are eligible for e-visa issuance to enter Mongolia on a guest, business or tourist visit, as well as to participate in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic and sport events, can fill out an e-visa application form online and submit it to the visa portal before he/she visits Mongolian diplomatic mission in his/her country of residence. 
By Francesco Guarascio and Trevor Hunnicutt

HANOI/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and Vietnam are discussing the sale of Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules military transport planes to Hanoi, two people familiar with the discussions said, in a sign of closer security cooperation between the two former foes.

The talks could lead to a supply agreement this year, the sources said, in what would represent Vietnam's largest military deal since it said publicly at the end of 2022 that it intended to diversify its defence supplies, which have for decades relied heavily on Russian gear.

The C-130 can carry soldiers, military equipment and other supplies, and would boost Vietnamese defence capabilities at a time of rising South China Sea boundary tensions with China and other countries in the region.

The United States could offer Hanoi financial support as part of a sale, the sources said. One of the sources, a U.S. official, said that could amount to tens of millions of dollars covering maintenance and other costs.

The other source, a Vietnamese person briefed on the talks, said the model under consideration was the C-130J, the aircraft's latest iteration.

Neither source would indicate the total cost of the possible deal and the number of planes under discussion. Both declined to be named because the talks were not public.

Lockheed Martin referred questions to the U.S. or Vietnamese governments. The White House declined to comment, and Vietnam's defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Talks on U.S. arms supplies to Communist-ruled Vietnam have been under way for months, before major changes in Vietnamese leadership, which experts and analysts say should not significantly change the country's posture on foreign and economic affairs.

The discussions show the United States' growing efforts to gain influence with Hanoi, nearly half a century after the end of the Vietnam War.

Since an arms embargo was lifted in 2016, U.S. defence exports to Vietnam have been largely limited to coastguard ships and trainer aircraft, stymied by Hanoi's concerns over costs, U.S. government approvals and compatibility with existing gear.

FIGHTER JETS

Vietnam's police have looked into buying U.S.-made helicopters, and the defence ministry has considered different types of U.S. aircraft, including F-16 fighter jets, Reuters has reported.

The Vietnamese official confirmed the talks over F-16s, also produced by Lockheed Martin, but said those negotiations were less advanced because U.S. fighter jets were seen as more likely to affect Vietnam's relations with other countries, including China.

C-130s were "less sensitive", the official said, because they could be viewed as defensive or non-combat equipment.

U.S. congressional approval for the fighters may be more complicated than for C-130s, the Vietnamese official said, noting that Hanoi had also concerns about whether the U.S. would approve the sale of missiles to arm the F-16s.

U.S. State Department reports have laid out human rights violations in the Southeast Asian country, further complicating arms transfer approvals.

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; additional reporting by Mike Stone and Patricia Zengerle. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
San Antonio's rapid urban expansion is making encounters with wild fauna more frequent in the city, according to one wildlife expert.

What's happening?

Animals like deer, bobcats, and raccoons are being seen more within San Antonio city limits, according to Fox San Antonio. While these animals are often in a frantic search of water amid drought conditions, Lynn Cuny, president of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, said that loss of habitat and human encroachment are a big part of the problem.

Hoodline explained that as San Antonio has continued to expand, it has pushed animals into closer proximity to humans and turned their habitat into concrete jungles.

Why is urban sprawl concerning?

In addition to making life more difficult for native animals, urban sprawl  or the aggressive expansion of urban areas  can lead to air and water pollution and deforestation. Meanwhile, vast expanses of asphalt, like this huge parking lot at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium, contribute to the heat island effect and stormwater runoff problems.

The loss of green space is also bad for our health  spending time in nature can help improve our thinking and reasoning abilities, as well as physical wellness and mental health, according to UC Davis.

What's being done about the loss of nature?

Across the world, rewilding efforts are underway to return land to its natural state or reduce human impacts. For instance, the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, is tearing down a parking lot to convert the spot into a wetland habitat with a living shoreline and native plants.

Another $500 billion rewilding effort in Saudi Arabia is regreening the desert and has led to a baby boom of reintroduced animals in the first breeding season.

Plus, Medellin, Colombia, planted thousands of diverse trees and plants along roads and waterways to battle the heat-island effect associated with its recent urban expansion. The city's temperature dropped 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) within the first three years of the program.

Meanwhile, scientists agree that more wildlife is moving into city limits. Cuny warns to "always leave them alone," per the San Antonio Express-News, adding that these animals are already under stress from habitat loss and are not seeking human interactions.

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  Its been more than two weeks since three teenagers died in a UTV accident in Shelby County, and two days since a 14-year-old was killed on an ATV in Cumberland County. Now, experts are urging people to stay vigilant in moving vehicles.

No matter if youre driving a car, riding a bike or hopping on a four-wheeler, you should always take precaution. Manufacturers even offer rebates for people to take ATV and UTV safety courses.

Cinnamon Rolls for Graydon: Shelbyville cafe supporting 14-year-old killed in Neoga

Depending on what size youre wanting, there are age restrictions.

Grandfather comes in and he says, I want to buy an ATV for my eight-year-old and this is the one I want,' said Tom Dillavou, owner of Fagen Scooters. I might not be able to sell it to that person, because if they let me know that thats for someone[]thats under age, Im not allowed to sell it to them.

Stew-Stras Schools thanks community for support after deadly crash

He said when it comes to selling an ATV or UTV to families, hes very cautious. His primary goal is making sure the owners of the purchase will be safe and use it responsibly.

For more information on how to apply for safety courses, 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 WCIA.com.
FILE - A girl holds a photo of a Ukrainian POW killed in the 2022 explosions at the Russian-controlled prison barracks in Olenivka, eastern Ukraine, during a memorial in Kyiv on July 29, 2023. An AP investigation interviewed survivors, family and investigators and obtained an internal U.N. analysis. All pointed to Russia as the culprit. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  The former prisoners of war still puzzle over the strange events leading up to the night now seared into their memories, when an explosion ripped through the Russian-controlled Olenivka prison barracks and killed so many comrades two years ago.

Among the survivors: Kyrylo Masalitin, whose months in captivity and long beard age him beyond his 30 years. Arsen Dmytryk, the informal commander of the group of POWs that was shifted without explanation to a room newly stocked with bare bunks. And Mykyta Shastun, who recalled guards laughing as the building burned, acting not at all like men under enemy attack.

Before my eyes, there were guys who were dying, who were being revived, but it was all in vain, said Masalitin, who is back on the front line and treated as a father-figure by the men he commands.

The Associated Press interviewed over a dozen people with direct knowledge of details of the attack, including survivors, investigators and families of the dead and missing. All described evidence they believe points directly to Russia as the culprit. The AP also obtained an internal United Nations analysis that found the same.

Despite the conclusion of the internal analysis that found Russia planned and executed the attack, the U.N. stopped short of accusing Russia in public statements.

Of 193 Ukrainians in the barracks, less than two dozen made it back home. More than 50 died on the night of July 28, 2022. Around 120 are missing and believed detained somewhere in Russia. Russia accused Ukraine of striking its own men with U.S.-supplied missiles.

There are no active international investigations into the attack and a Ukrainian inquiry is one of tens of thousands of war crimes for investigators there, raising wider questions about whether those who committed crimes in occupied areas can ever face justice.

The U.N. has rejected Russias claims that Ukrainian government HIMARS targeted the men, as do the victims who returned in prisoner exchanges, like Masalitin. When the former POWs have time to reflect  rare since many have returned to the fight  they say too many things dont add up.

In the days following the Olenivka deaths, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched an independent mission to investigate. Russia refused to guarantee the mission's safety and its members never traveled either to occupied territory in the eastern Donetsk region or to Ukrainian-held territory. It dissolved five months later.

But when survivors began to return to Ukraine in exchanges, a U.N. field team that had been in-country since 2014 sought them out.

That team analyzed 70 open-source images, 20 statements by Russian officials along with 16 survivor interviews from Russian television. They conducted in-depth interviews with 55 freed POWs who were in the barracks or elsewhere in Olenivka during the attack. Their conclusion: Russia planned and executed the attack.

The 100-page analysis circulated at the highest levels of the U.N. but was never intended to be published in full. Some of the evidence was incorporated piecemeal into broader U.N. reports on the war, including one that said the missile traveled from east to west. The Russian Federation controls the territory east of where the prisoners were kept. The UN never publicly blamed Russia.

Names on a list

The lists of names the Russians drew up in late July 2022 had no explanation, no context. All the men listed were from the Azov unit who became national heroes after holding out for months against an overwhelmingly larger Russian force in the city of Mariupol. The prisoners were told to be ready. No one knew why.

On the morning of July 27, 2022, the group was rounded up and led to an industrial section of the colony, away from the other five POW barracks. They were taken to a cinder-block building with a tin-plate roof and 100 bunks, no mattresses and a hastily dug pit toilet, multiple survivors told AP.

Everything in the barracks was prepared very quickly, said Arsen Dmytryk, who outranked the others and became the informal leader. The barbed wire was cheap and flimsy, and there were machine tools inside, indicating that the building was recently a workshop.

The prison director visited to tell them that their old barracks were under renovation, although plenty of other prisoners had remained. Ukrainians who have been since released said there was no renovation.

That first day, the guards dug trenches for themselves, said Shastun. Ukraines Security Service told AP that their analysis confirmed the presence of the unusual new trenches.

On July 28, the colony management ordered the guard post moved further away, and for the first time the barrack guards wore bullet-proof vests and helmets which they had not done before and unlike other colony personnel who rarely wore them, according to a section of the internal U.N. analysis later incorporated into public reports.

On the night of July 28 around 10:30 p.m., Dmytryk completed his checks, cut the lights, climbed into the top bunk and fell asleep at once. An explosion woke him perhaps 45 minutes later, followed by the sound of a Grad missile launcher. But hed heard that before and drifted back to sleep.

Ukrainian POWs elsewhere in the colony told the U.N. investigators that the Grad fire muffled sounds of the bigger explosions.

Dmytryks memories then turn apocalyptic. His body burned with shrapnel wounds. Fire raged. Men screamed in pain. And he climbed down from his bunk, he checked the pulse of the man below him. He was already dead. He and other witnesses told AP they ran outside through broken walls to beg the guards to send help for the injured.

They fired into the air, saying stay away from the gates, dont come closer, Dmytryk recalled.

If Dmytryks memories are a narrative of horror, Shastuns are more like disjointed film scenes. He recalled the guards just stood there laughing, tossing rags and flashlights at the panicked Ukrainians.

It took hours before POW medics were sent from the other barracks to help, around the same time as Russian forces brought in trucks and told survivors to load them with the most severely wounded.

We carried them on stretchers, lifted them into the car, unloaded them and then ran back to get the other wounded, Shastun said. One person died in a comrades arms. It was mid-morning when they finished, and the trucks were piled with bloody men.

Dmytryk was among them, his face caked in dried blood. He said men in another truck died before they made it to the hospital in Donetsk. The U.N. said in its public report of March 2023 that slow medical care worsened the death toll.

They transported us like cattle, not stopping, speeding over bumps and taking sharp turns, he said.

Also among the wounded was Serhii Alieksieievych, whose wife Mariia last caught sight of him in his hospital bed in a video circulating on Russian media, slowly answering questions as he recovered from his injuries.

Back at Olenivka, Shastun was one of approximately 70 survivors with lesser injuries who were taken to two 5x5 meter (yard) cells as the last of the trucks drove away, to be isolated from the rest of the prison colony. There were wooden pallets for sleeping and a single toilet in each.

The internal U.N. analysis said their isolation was intended to prevent survivors speaking to others in the colony about what happened that night because some prisoners had access to mobile phones and had direct contact with Ukraine. It also left them unaware of the debate raging outside.

According to the analysis, other Ukrainian prisoners were then sent to the bombed barracks and ordered to remove debris and the remaining bodies. Two hours later, that group was sent into a nearby hangar, and some saw men in camouflage bringing boxes of ammunition to the blast site and setting HIMARS fragments on a blue bench nearby.

Russian officials soon arrived, accompanied by Russian journalists whose images of twisted, charred bunk beds, HIMARS fragments and bodies laid out in the sun spread across the world.

The Ukrainians in the nearby hangar said after everyone was gone, the men in camouflage returned everything to the boxes and left.

As the clock ticked down to a U.N. Security Council meeting later that day, Russia and Ukraine blamed each other.

Russia opened an investigation and said Kyiv did it to silence soldiers from confessing to their crimes and used their recently acquired American-made HIMARS rockets. Ukraine denied the charge and said Russia was framing Ukraine to discredit the country before its allies.

The international community didnt know who to believe. Thats when the U.N. secretary general announced it would conduct its own investigation, but negotiations to access the site were long and ultimately fruitless. Guterres special mission was disbanded on Jan. 5, 2023, having never traveled to Ukraine.

The members of the mission were of the view that it would be indispensable for them to be able to access all the relevant sites, materials and victims in order to fulfil its task and establish the facts of the incident, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told AP. Without that, the mission was not in a position to provide any conclusions.

But the separate Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, which had been based in the country since Russias first invasion of Ukraine in 2014, didnt wait. The team combed through testimonies on Russian television from 16 survivors taken to the hospital, examined public images from the site and analyzed 20 statements made by Russian officials who visited the prison.

The mission informally shared an abridged version of its preliminary analysis with the U.N.'s newly formed Olenivka probe. Then on Sept. 22, a surprise prisoner swap gave the Human Rights Monitoring Mission its first chance to speak to witnesses and survivors. But from the date of the explosion, it would take eight months for any of that material to emerge publicly, and then only in pieces.

Dujarric did not respond to questions about the internal analysis.

In July 2023, U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk publicly stated what the internal report had first said nearly a year before  that HIMARS were not responsible. Three months later, the U.N. devoted a section to Olenivka in its annual report on the human rights situation in Ukraine. Again, cribbing from the internal analysis, the report noted that HIMARS were not responsible, that the fragments shown by Russian officials were not in situ, the scene had been contaminated and physical evidence disturbed.

The report concluded that the damage appeared consistent with a projected ordnance having travelled with an east-to-west trajectory. It failed to note that Russia controlled the eastern territory.

Fading hopes for justice

A Ukrainian investigation is ongoing, according to Taras Semkiv of the Ukrainian prosecutor generals war crimes unit. The challenge is to identify the weapon used, in hopes that could lead to who ordered the attack. Semkiv said it's been narrowed to three possibilities  artillery, planted explosives, or a grenade launcher.

The Olenivka director is named as a suspect in conspiracy for the ill-treatment of POWs but the investigation leaves open the probability that more people were involved. At the war crimes unit headquarters of the Ukraine Security Service, known as the SBU, meters-long charts line the walls, illustrating the hierarchy of Russian officials responsible for various sections of the front line.

Semkiv said no international investigators have requested information from the General Prosecutors Office since the deaths at Olenivka, including the disbanded U.N. fact-finding mission. He said initial optimism about the mission faded as soon as it became clear that they would not investigate at all if there was no access to the prison.

Technology is advancing rapidly, and there are ways to assess the situation without the direct presence of an investigator or prosecutor at the scene, he said.

Relatives of those missing from the bombed barracks say theyre now alone in their search for answers.

First there was hope that the world would not turn its back on us, said Mariia Alieksieievych, the wife of the soldier seen recovering in the Donetsk hospital video. Her letters to her husband are shots in the dark  she hands them to the Red Cross, but as far as she knows theres never been access to the prisoners. She said Ukraines government gives them no help or news about whether the men could be included in any future exchanges and has ignored requests for a day of remembrance for the Olenivka victims.

Her fading hopes for an international investigation have been replaced by determination.

She and other relatives want the International Criminal Court to take up the case, but shes realistic enough to know thats a distant possibility.

Her goal in the meantime: To save the lives of our defenders, to bring them home. Because in Russian captivity, death is not an isolated case.

__

Associated Press journalists Illia Novikov, Vasilisa Stepanenko, Evgeniy Maloletka and Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed from Kyiv. Edith Lederer contributed from New York.
A jet ski loaded with explosives, and presumed to be of Ukrainian origin, has been found off the Turkish coast near Istanbul. The modified jet ski likely joins a growing fleet of Ukrainian kamikaze drone boats that have been notably effective in disrupting Russian Navy activities in the Black Sea, in the process sinking or damaging multiple warships.

A highly-modified jet ski loaded with explosives has been found off the Turkish coast near Istanbul. The uncrewed vehicle is likely part of a growing armada of Ukrainian kamikaze drone boats that have been notably effective in disrupting Russian Navy activities in the Black Sea and have sunk or damaged multiple warships.

Very interesting: An unmanned jetski, believed to be loaded with explosives and presumed to belong to Ukrainian forces, was discovered on the Catalca Coast of Istanbul, Turkiye. pic.twitter.com/zUXQwhewZk  Clash Report (@clashreport) July 25, 2024

According to reports in the Turkish media, the adapted jet ski was found drifting off the coast of the district of Catalca, close to Istanbul. Photos of the craft show thats fitted with an electro-optical sensor turret and a planar satellite communication antenna, as well as other antennas. The jet skis hull is augmented for additional buoyancy via a wrap around inflatable fender system. Various electronic boxes are also strapped to the personal watercraft. Reports state that the jet ski was found fitted with two warheads. A Transformers sticker is seen placed prominently on the drone boats top cowling.

The front view of the adapted jet ski, complete with an apparent Transformers logo on the front. via X

Another front view of the jet ski. Note that the handlebars are not removed. via X

Independent naval analyst H.I. Sutton has identified the basic craft as being a Yamaha WaveRunner design.

***UPDATE***



Weaponized Yamaha jet ski with two warheads found on Turkish beach, likely #Ukrainian. Sensible design.



Update on Covert Shores pending. #OSINT #RussiaUkraineWar pic.twitter.com/mKxHUgy7F8  H I Sutton (@CovertShores) July 25, 2024

Bearing in mind the distance between the Turkish shore and the crafts likely area of operations in waters around Crimea, at the other end of the Black Sea, its highly probable that the craft was at sea for some time before being recovered. That would also be consistent with the battered paintwork, with areas of gray paint already peeling away.

A box, perhaps containing control and guidance equipment, mounted on the rear of the jet ski. via X

The craft is now being examined by the Turkish Gendarmerie.

Presuming this is a Ukrainian craft, this would be among our best views so far of this kind of uncrewed surface vehicle (USV). However, it wouldnt be the first time that Ukraine has adapted a jet ski as a kamikaze drone.

A similar but different design emerged in July 2023, when examples were apparently used in an attack on the major Russian Black Sea Fleet naval base at Sevastopol in Crimea, and on the Kerch Bridge that connects Crimea to the Russian mainland.

Russians released footage of the alleged object that tried to attack Sevastopol yesterday. By the looks of it, it looks like a jet ski. The footage is cut exactly at the moment of the explosions so it cannot be determined what is exactly exploding. pic.twitter.com/X4UutmMdWw  NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) July 17, 2023

Ukraine has also used jet ski components in other one-way attack USV designs. One of the first such drone boats noted in September 2022 combined water jet propulsion often found on personal watercraft and small jet boats with a specially made hull.

More recently, however, increasing use appears to have been made of commercial off-the-shelf jet skis with more limited changes, chiefly relating to the guidance system and warhead. In the past, Ukraines modified jet skis have had their handlebars removed, but the example found off the Turkish coast retains these, although the seat has been taken off.

As seen in the photo below, the latest modified jet ski also features a large white box where the seat cushion would normally be found.

via X

Since these adapted personal watercraft started showing up in Ukraine, there has been a growing trend for USVs built on jet ski platforms, including in the United States. Ukraines widespread use of adapted jet skis, among other small USVs, as kinetic weapons has sparked huge interest overall for similar capabilities by militaries large and small.

The AEVEX Aerospace Mako Lite sea drone is based on a jet ski. Matt Gunn/AEVEX Aerospace



This is also all part of a growing focus on jet skis for a wide range of covert missions, also with future conflicts in the Pacific theater in mind.

Along with carrying explosives for one-way attack missions, jet skis adapted as USVs can undertake missions such as personnel infiltration/exfiltration, logistics support, and surveillance.

At the same time, Ukrainian forces have also made plenty of use of crewed jet skis for military operations against Russia. In particular, these craft have been a popular choice for carrying out commando raids behind enemy lines, as you can read more about here, in an exclusive interview with operatives from the Stugna unit. Using jet skis for these kinds of military operations, and others, is also well-established, within (especially) special forces units around the globe.

Members of the Stugna unit of Ukraines Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) have used SeaDoo GTX Bombardier 300 personal watercraft on their missions. GUR screencap

Generally, jet skis are readily available on the commercial marketplace and can be fairly easily adapted for a range of tasks. Small, highly maneuverable, and fast, they are very tricky targets for hostile forces to deal with. Its no surprise that Ukraine has made use of them to take on the Russians and that their success in this theater has spurred a wider interest.

With that in mind, Ukrainian military adaptations of commercially produced jet skis will likely continue for both crewed and uncrewed missions, including kamikaze drone attacks.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Fact Check: Claims That Kamala Harris Was Willie Brown's Mistress and That He Made Her Career Are a Mix of True and False

Claim:

Vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris had an extramarital affair with former San Francisco Mayor and California State Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, who gave her two political appointments that launched her political career.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

What's True:

Harris dated former Willie Brown in 1994 and 1995. As the state assembly speaker, Brown appointed her to two political posts: the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, and later the Medical Assistance Commission.

What's False:

While Brown was still married when he and Harris started to date, he and his wife, Blanche Brown, had been separated 13 years by then. Harris' first, successful run for office in 2003 happened eight years after the relationship ended. Since then, Harris and Brown have taken several opportunities to distance themselves from each other.

After U.S. President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, ended his 2024 campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in July 2024, old rumors that she had "slept her way to the top" returned:

Disagree. She actually did sleep her way into and upwards in California politics and most women (and men) may learn that and see it for what it is: evidence of an unqualified political aspirant getting ahead based on smthg other than merit. Its relevant, and fair game. https://t.co/qIrx0xGC6a  Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) July 22, 2024

The claim spread quickly on X, Facebook and TikTok.

Several people, including former Fox News host Megyn Kelly, insisted that Harris' affair to former San Francisco Mayor and Speaker of the California Assembly Willie Brown was relevant to her White House bid as proof of her "ruthlessness" and "ambition." Indeed, they said, Brown gave her visibility by appointing her to two political posts in the mid-1990s, when they were reportedly "dating."

The claim first appeared in 2020, after Biden nominated Harris as his running mate. At the time, a headline from Teaparty.org story read, "Flashback: Kamala Harris Launched Her Political Career In Bedroom As Mistress Of Married Mayor Willie Brown."

Memes generated during the 2020 Democratic primaries also shared the claim:

The rumors were misleading as they exaggerated both the adulterous aspect of the relationship and the importance of Brown's influence on Harris' career.

Then 29, Harris dated Brown in 1994 and 1995, but Brown, who was 60 when their relationship began, had been separated from his wife, Blanche Brown, since 1981. Harris was assistant district attorney in Alameda County when they met. Brown then appointed Harris to two political posts while he was speaker of the California Assembly, but that was in 1994  years before Harris was elected district attorney of San Francisco in 2003. She would remain in that post until 2011, when she won the office of California district attorney. In 2016, she ran for U.S. Senate and was elected.

Neither Brown nor Harris ever tried to conceal the fact they had been a couple. Brown addressed accusations of favoritism in the San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 26, 2019:

Yes, we dated. It was more than 20 years ago. Yes, I may have influenced her career by appointing her to two state commissions when I was Assembly speaker. And I certainly helped with her first race for district attorney in San Francisco. I have also helped the careers of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and a host of other politicians.

Harris announced she was running in the 2020 presidential election the next day.

The story was also well-known in California media. In 2019, Los Angeles Magazine published:

Willie Brown was a fixture in California politics for years, serving as speaker of the state assembly for 15 years, and known as something of an unofficial deal-maker and influencer. He first met Harris in 1994, when she was an assistant district attorney in Alameda County.  In his capacity as speaker, Brown appointed Harris to two political positions. The first was a six-month appointment to the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board; the second was a role on the Medical Assistance Commission, a body tasked with negotiating contracts to control Medi-Cal costs. At the time, Brown had a reputation for filling many openings with his personal associates and inner circle; when Harris vacated the Appeals Board gig, he replaced her with his longtime buddy Philip S. Ryan. Harris ended the relationship  which was conducted in the open and frequently reported on at the time  in late 1995, shortly before Brown was sworn in for his first of two terms as mayor of San Francisco.

For years, Harris fought allegations that Brown had boosted her political career. When she was a candidate to San Francisco district attorney, she told SF Weekly she had long stopped needing Brown's support:

I refuse to design my campaign around criticizing Willie Brown for the sake of appearing to be independent when I have no doubt that I am independent of him  and that he would probably right now express some fright about the fact that he cannot control me. His career is over; I will be alive and kicking for the next 40 years. I do not owe him a thing.

She added, regarding the positions Brown had appointed her to:

These jobs were created before I was born. Whether you agree or disagree with the system, I did the work. I worked hard to keep St. Luke's Hospital [in San Francisco's Mission neighborhood] open. I brought a level of life knowledge and common sense to the jobs. I mean, if you were asked to be on a board that regulated medical care, would you say no?

We deemed this rumor a "Mixture," because while it included some truth  Brown and Harris dated, Brown appointed Harris to two posts  the relationship was not actually adulterous and Brown's influence on Harris' career was exaggerated.

We addressed this claim when it first made the rounds in 2020.

 Snopes' archives contributed to this report.

Sources:

Brown, Willie. 'Willie Brown: Sure, I Dated Kamala Harris. So What?' San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Jan. 2019, https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/article/sure-i-dated-kamala-harris-so-what-13562972.php. https://archive.is/ZNvWA.

'Flashback: Kamala Harris Launched Her Political Career In Bedroom As Mistress Of Married Mayor Willie Brown'. Gateway Pundit, https://archive.is/hxY70.

Kamala's Karma - SF Weekly. 13 Feb. 2020, https://web.archive.org/web/20200213202115/https://www.sfweekly.com/news/kamalas-karma/.

Martin, Brittany. 'Kamala Harris Dated Willie Brown Decades Ago and Her Critics Claim It Matters'. LAmag - Culture, Food, Fashion, News & Los Angeles, 29 Jan. 2019, https://lamag.com/politics/willie-brown-kamala-harris.

'No Mere Mayor'. Peoplemag, https://people.com/archive/no-mere-mayor-vol-45-no-25/. Accessed 25 July 2024.

Zhou, Li. 'Willie Brown's Op-Ed about Kamala Harris, Explained'. Vox, 29 Jan. 2019, https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/1/28/18200885/willie-brown-kamala-harris-2020.
Fact Check: No, Kamala Harris Didn't Say She Will 'Shutter Veterans Affairs' and Give the Money to Refugees

Claim:

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced plans to cut funding to the Veterans Administration (VA) by shuttering VA facilities to give the money to refugees.

Rating:

Rating: Originated as Satire

After U.S. President Joe Biden ended his bid for reelection and Vice President Kamala Harris entered the 2024 presidential race, an old meme resurged claiming that she wanted to close the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and assign the money to support refugees (archived):

I've seen fact checkers say this is false. I watch her say it. My wife watched it. The video of her saying this quote has been eliminated. For a fact, Harris said this during her 2016 VP campaign. Do not forget how she really feels about veterans. pic.twitter.com/eFvCMEdqpV  Instructor Dan (@DLiegey12) July 24, 2024

The claim, which came to our attention when several readers emailed us screenshots of the "copypasta," also spread on Facebook. The allegations drew outrage from those who shared it. "Give the VETS what they need! When is enough gonna be enough???" said one. "Our veterans deserve more than any refugee!" wrote another.

This rumor had been circulating since February 2021. The text of the copypasta originally came from an article on the America's Last Line of Defense website. It posited that she was planning to shutter VA facilities and reallocate the money to support refugee families. The article appeared to have been originally published on Feb. 9, 2021. The bolded portion below is what appeared in the Facebook and X posts:

Military-Hating Kamala Wants To Shut Down The VA Now, Kamala Harris wants to take our vets back to the hell they had experienced under BHO. That was somewhat to be expected, but no details have yet been given except for one very significant one announced by Kamala Harris today. Harris made an announcement before some group in Chicago: "The United States government cannot continue to pay for the every need of what has become a special class of citizen. Veterans are equal to us, not better than. Veterans Affairs coddles them. It creates a dependency upon us which is not doing these former soldiers any good. They need to learn to live on their own two feet and be responsible adults. The easiest way to assist them on this journey is to cut them off. Within these next four years, we will be shuttering the VA, taking away soldier welfare. The money saved will go to better use in assisting refugee families. These poor folks seek asylum with us and need a boost and it is our responsibility as a nation to provide it. So here's a message to the soldier boys. Get a job." This woman has a lot of nerve speaking to our brave military personnel in that way. These men and women sacrificed themselves for this country. Harris has never even come close to doing such a thing.

But no one could have watched her say it because the article originated with a website whose tagline at the time was "Satire for your Confirmation Bias." Its disclaimer described its output as being humorous or satirical in nature, as follows:

Everything on this website is fiction. It is not a lie and it is not fake news because it is not real. If you believe that it is real, you should have your head examined. Any similarities between this site's pure fantasy and actual people, places, and events are purely coincidental and all images should be considered altered and satirical.

In fact, we debunked this claim in 2021.

For background, here is why we sometimes write about satire/humor.

 Snopes' archives contributed to this report.
Fact Check: No, Kamala Harris Didn't Say, 'The Reason We Celebrate the Fourth of July Is Because This Is July'

Claim:

Kamala Harris once said: "Today, we celebrate the Fourth of July. And the reason we celebrate the Fourth of July is because this is July, and the Fourth of July is in July. And if it wasn't July we couldn't be celebrating it, because you all know how much we love the Fourth of July."

Rating:

Rating: Misattributed

In July 2024, social media users claimed U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris had offered a lengthy, rambling explanation for why the Fourth of July is celebrated every year on that very date. A quote purportedly originating from Harris was republished in memes and posts, reading:

Today, we celebrate the Fourth of July. And the reason we celebrate the Fourth of July is because this is July, and the Fourth of July is in July. And if it wasn't July we couldn't be celebrating it, because you all know how much we love the Fourth of July.

A reverse-image search produced numerous examples of the quote either as memes or text on Facebook, iFunny, Instagram, Threads and TikTok, as well as numerous posts on X. They were all posted in July 2024, both before and after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 election and endorsed Harris as his preference for the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.

Thanks Kamala. What a great Fourth of July happy birthday America speech. pic.twitter.com/H13fyY0hNv  USMC Lady Vet  (@Arkypatriot) July 4, 2024

In our research, we uncovered no video, audio or other type of documentary evidence suggesting Harris ever spoke or wrote the words in the Fourth of July quote. For example, she made no such comments in her remarks during an Independence Day celebration at the White House in 2024.

It's unclear who created the original quote or the memes. However, our search for answers revealed two creators who possibly inspired the content of the quote.

Firstly, on July 4, 2024, comedian Ami Kozak posted a video of himself impersonating Harris. Kozak's TikTok bio said he does "impressions, comedy and music." He also posted the same video on his X, Instagram and YouTube accounts.

In his video, he began his Harris impression by poking fun at the vice president's laugh and saying: "Now today is the Fourth of July. OK. And what that means is for Americans and for America, it is not the 3rd. It is not the 2nd. It is not the 5th, but it is the Fourth. And that's four days into a month, which is not just like any other month. It is not June. It is not April. It is not August. It is July."

Another creator, Stephanie Jolene, also posted a Harris impression on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube on July 4, 2024. Her TikTok bio described her personality as "The Konservative Kamala" and mentioned parodies and singing.

In one part of Jolene's video, she said the following, while also impersonating Harris' laugh: "The Fourth of July. It's the only holiday, okay, that has a number in it. Hear me out. Christmas. Halloween. Easter. Mother's Day. Father's Day. I could go on and on. I could. Yeah. But it's the only holiday with the 4. With the number. And that is very special. Happy Fourth of July, America."

It's possible either Kozak's or Jolene's videos inspired a different user to create the fake quote misattributed to Harris. However, at this stage, all we know for sure is there is no evidence Harris ever produced the words in the quote. Had the vice president ever made such a speech, conservative blogs and social media accounts likely would have reported on it, due to its rambling nature, and published either video or audio evidence. We will update this story if we learn more details.

For further reading, we previously reported on another quote misattributed to Harris, beginning with the words: "The problem of solving a problem is not a problem."

Sources:

The White House. 'Remarks by President Biden and Vice President Harris at Independence Day Celebration (July 4, 2024)'. The White House, 5 July 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/07/04/remarks-by-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris-at-independence-day-celebration-july-4-2024/.

"Search with an Image on Google." Google Search Help, https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/1325808.

Snopes Staff. "Biden Dropped Out of Presidential Race, Endorsed Kamala Harris?" Snopes, 21 July 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/biden-resigns-election/.
Fact Check: Trump Didn't Advise People to 'Inject Bleach' to Treat COVID-19. But This Is What He Did Say

Claim:

Former U.S. President Donald Trump once suggested people inject bleach or other disinfectants into their bodies to treat COVID-19.

Rating:

Rating: Mostly False

What's True:

During an April 2020 media briefing, Trump did ask members of the government's coronavirus task force to look into whether disinfectants could be injected inside people to treat COVID-19. But when a reporter asked in a follow-up question whether cleaning products like bleach and isopropyl alcohol would be injected into a person, the then-president said those products would be used for sterilizing an area, not for injections.

What's False:

However, at no point did Trump explicitly tell people they could or should inject bleach into their bodies.

In late July, 2024, an X user posted a video of U.S. President Joe Biden claiming former President Donald Trump once said "just inject a little bleach into your vein" to deal with COVID-19. Another example of the clip was posted on X in late April 2024.

Biden repeated the claim  which related to comments his predecessor made in April 2020  during the first presidential candidates' debate of the 2024 election campaign.

In his opening remarks of the CNN television debate in June 2024, the president said the pandemic was "badly handled" by Trump and "many people were dying." He then claimed (at 3:27 in the video below) the former president once told people to "inject a little bleach in your arm; it'd be all right."

Social media users repeated similar versions of this assertion on X in mid-July 2024.

However, examples of this claim had been circulating online for four years, following a media briefing conducted by Trump in late April 2020, during which the then-president discussed using disinfectants, such as bleach, in the U.S. government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

#PanicDiary @realDonaldTrump to Americans: inject bleach to kill the virus. In other words: drop dead.



Time for USA, the world and British government too to call Trump for who he is, a snake oil salesman. https://t.co/Szb2o0pm53  John Sweeney (@johnsweeneyroar) April 24, 2020

Though Trump's comments made little sense and were ridiculed and described as dangerous by experts, under any reasonable interpretation of his words, he didn't explicitly suggest people should inject themselves with bleach or other household disinfectants.

Instead, while floating the idea to the government's coronavirus task force and the media, Trump asked whether injecting disinfectants "inside" could help fight the virus, as we further outline below. Therefore, because Biden's remarks were at best a misinterpretation and at worst a misrepresentation of what Trump said, we rated this claim "Mostly False."

So What Did Trump Actually Say?

On April 23, 2020, Trump conducted an hourlong media briefing with members of the government's coronavirus task force (transcript).

The then-president spoke several times throughout the conference, but just over 26 minutes in, he took over from the head of the science and technology directorate at the Department of Homeland Security, Bill Bryan, who had just been discussing the use of ultraviolet light and disinfectants  such as bleach and isopropyl alcohol  to kill the virus rapidly on nonporous surfaces.

In an apparent reference to Bryan's earlier comments, Trump then said (around the 26:51 mark):

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. So I asked Bill a question that probably some of you are thinking of, if you're totally into that world, which I find to be very interesting. So, supposing we hit the body with a tremendous  whether it's ultraviolet or just very powerful light  and I think you said that that hasn't been checked, but you're going to test it. And then I said, supposing you brought the light inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or in some other way, and I think you said you're going to test that too. It sounds interesting. ACTING UNDER SECRETARY BRYAN: We'll get to the right folks who could. THE PRESIDENT: Right. And then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning. Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs. So it would be interesting to check that. So, that, you're going to have to use medical doctors with. But it sounds  it sounds interesting to me.

Four minutes later, a journalist responded to Trump's disinfectant comments by asking whether there was any scenario in which cleaning products like bleach and isopropyl alcohol would be injected into people.

Bryan replied first, saying: "No, I'm here to talk about the findings that we had in the study. We won't do that within that lab, our lab."

Trump then clarified his own remarks, adding: "It wouldn't be through injection. We're talking about through almost a cleaning, sterilization of an area. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't work. But it certainly has a big effect if it's on a stationary object."

At no point in the media briefing did the then-president recommend that people inject bleach or other disinfectants into their bodies. He merely asked experts whether disinfectants could be injected to tackle COVID-19; a stance he later rowed back on when pressed by a journalist.

A day later, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office his question about injecting disinfectants was a "sarcastic question" to "see what would happen":

I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen I was asking a sarcastic, and a very sarcastic, question to the reporters in the room about disinfectant on the inside. But it does kill it, and it would kill it on the hands and that would make things much better. That was done in the form of a sarcastic question to the reporters.

He then denied he was asking medical experts to look into injecting people with disinfectants.

Criticism of Trump's Comments

Nonetheless, Trump's comments about injecting disinfectants drew widespread criticism from experts.

Reckitt Benckiser, the Britain-based maker of cleaning, disinfectant and antiseptic products Dettol and Lysol, said in a statement: "We must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route)."

John Balmes, a pulmonologist at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and a professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco, told Bloomberg on April 24, 2020, inhaling chlorine bleach "would be absolutely the worst thing for the lungs."

"The airway and lungs are not made to be exposed to even an aerosol of disinfectant . Not even a low dilution of bleach or isopropyl alcohol is safe . It's a totally ridiculous concept."

Dr. Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist and global health policy expert, told NBC News that same day: "This notion of injecting or ingesting any type of cleansing product into the body is irresponsible, and it's dangerous . It's a common method that people utilize when they want to kill themselves."

Sources:

CNN Presidential Debate: President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v-8wJkmwBY. Accessed 18 July 2024.

'Dr. Vin Gupta, MD, MPA'. Dr. Vin Gupta, MD, MPA, https://vinguptamd.com/. Accessed 18 July 2024.

Improper Use of Disinfectants. https://www.reckitt.com/media-landing/press-releases/2020/improper-use-of-disinfectants/. Accessed 18 July 2024.

'"It's Irresponsible and It's Dangerous": Experts Rip Trump's Idea of Injecting Disinfectant to Treat COVID-19'. NBC News, 24 Apr. 2020, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/it-s-irresponsible-it-s-dangerous-experts-rip-trump-s-n1191246.

John Balmes | UCSF Profiles. https://profiles.ucsf.edu/john.balmes. Accessed 18 July 2024.

Remarks by President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Members of the Coronavirus Task Force in Press Briefing  The White House. https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-vice-president-pence-members-coronavirus-task-force-press-briefing-31/. Accessed 18 July 2024.

staff, C. N. N. 'READ: Biden-Trump Debate Transcript | CNN Politics'. CNN, 28 June 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/27/politics/read-biden-trump-debate-rush-transcript/index.html.

'Trump Says He Was Being Sarcastic with Comments about Injecting Disinfectants'. NBC News, 24 Apr. 2020, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-he-was-being-sarcastic-comments-about-injecting-disinfectants-n1191991.

Trump White House Archived. 4/23/20: Members of the Coronavirus Task Force Hold a Press Briefing. 2020. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsQnfpfIa_o.

'Trump's Idea to Inject Disinfectant Alarms Medical Experts'. Bloomberg.Com, 23 Apr. 2020. www.bloomberg.com., https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-23/coronavirus-dies-fastest-under-light-warm-and-humid-conditions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a fiery defense of his country's military operations in Gaza in a joint address to U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday.

The address to Congress comes over nine months into the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

PHOTO: 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. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

In a defiant speech that appeared to go off script at times, Netanyahu made several statements that were either false or missing context.

Fact check: While Iran has backed some protests, most protestors aren't linked to Iran.

During Netanyahu's address, parts of the U.S. Capitol were occupied by protesters against the war in Gaza who had been there since Tuesday. The demonstrations followed large-scale protests at college campuses across the US that spring.

MORE: Netanyahu calls on Congress to give bipartisan support to Israel

"Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now outside this building -- not that many, but they're here, and throughout this city," Netanyahu claimed to lawmakers.

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)

"Well, I have a message for these protestors. 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," Netanyahu said.

Dismissing U.S. protesters as mostly puppets of Iran is not accurate, although the US intelligence community does believe that Iran is trying to stoke division.

The U.S. intelligence community said it believes Iran has even gone so far as to provide financial support to some protest groups. On July 9, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines warned Americans to remain vigilant and know if they are accepting financial support from a foreign source.

"We have observed actors tied to Iran's government posing as activists online, seeking to encourage protests, and even providing financial support to protesters," she wrote in a statement.

But Israel has plenty of American critics without Iran's meddling -- a fact omitted by Netanyahu and acknowledged by the intelligence chief. "I want to be clear that I know Americans who participate in protests are, in good faith, expressing their views on the conflict in Gaza -- this intelligence does not indicate otherwise," Haines wrote.

Polling has found that American support for Israel's military operations in Gaza has declined since October, according to Gallup, as college campuses erupted in protests this spring over the large number of civilian deaths in Gaza.

Fact check: Israel has restricted the amount of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

During his address to Congress, Netanyahu claimed that Hamas is stealing humanitarian aid to Gaza and that Israel has not blocked the flow of aid, including food, into the region.

"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," Netanyahu claimed.

This is not accurate, according to U.S. and international officials, who have reported one major reason food and other humanitarian supplies are scarce in Gaza is because of rules enforced by the Israel Defense Force at checkpoints.

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)

Aid groups in Gaza say there aren't consistent rules about what supplies are allowed while ground crossings have been frequently closed for security reasons throughout the war.

At one point this spring, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) estimated that only about a sixth of the trucks needed for residents to survive were getting into Gaza on a daily basis, with international organizations warning the area was on the brink of famine.

Another major reason aid is scarce in Gaza is that aid workers don't feel safe distributing the aid.

MORE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in trip to US, tries to cut through campaign chaos

It's true that many of the aid trucks are getting looted by both Palestinians and criminal enterprises, however, U.S. and international officials say that could be resolved in part by the IDF dropping rules that prohibit aid workers from carrying protective gear or radio equipment.

According to the United Nations, more than 250 aid workers have been killed in Gaza as of this spring, including in errant airstrikes launched by Israel targeting Hamas. U.S. officials have argued that if Israel allows more aid inside Gaza and guarantees security for those drivers, the looting will decrease.

Fact check: The ratio of civilians to combatants killed in Gaza is unknown.

In his speech, Netanyahu claimed that the ratio of Palestinian civilians to Hamas combatants killed by the IDF throughout the war is the lowest in history.

"Despite all the lies you've heard, the war in Gaza has one of the lowest ratios of combatants to noncombatants, casualties in the history of urban warfare," Netanyahu said, adding, "And you want to know where it's lowest in Gaza? Its lowest is in Rafah."

PHOTO: Tents sheltering displaced Palestinians crowd an area in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, July 24, 2024. (Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images)

This statement lacks important context and is impossible to verify because of the lack of objective data on the war and past conflicts.

According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza, more than 39,000 people have been killed in Israeli operations. The ministry does not, however, distinguish between civilians and combatants. At the same time, in an interview last May, Netanyahu said Hamas started with about 35,000 combatants and that about 14,000 were killed.

PHOTO: Women injured during Israeli bombardment arrive at the emergency ward at al-Nassr hospital in Khan Yunis, on the southern Gaza Strip, July 23, 2024. (Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images)

Neither estimate has been verified by independent sources and it's not clear how either side arrived at its estimates. International journalists have not been allowed inside Gaza by Israel with the exception of tightly controlled tours by the IDF.

But assuming these estimates are accurate, at least one expert said Israel should be commended.

"Israel has done more to prevent civilian casualties in war than any military in history  above & beyond what international law requires & more than the US did in its wars in Iraq & Afghanistan -- setting a standard that will be both hard & potentially problematic to repeat," wrote John Spencer, the chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point.

Not everyone agrees. Critics of Israel's military operations point to many operations that have disproportionally killed civilians, including the recent rescue operation of four Israeli hostages that the Gaza Health Ministry says killed 274 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others.

PHOTO: Israeli soldiers walk behind an armored vehicle during military operations in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, July 22, 2024. (-/Israeli Army/AFP via Getty Image)

A U.N. spokesman has previously called publicizing these calculations "tasteless."

"We're not in the business of establishing those kinds of ratios," Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for the U.N. Secretary-General, said in December 2023.

As for Rafah, it is accurate that Israel pulled back on operations that could have killed many more civilians than it did. What Netanyahu didn't mention is that the Rafah operation played out under significant pressure by the U.S. Concerned that Israel would use 2,000-lb bombs in highly populated areas, President Biden withheld a shipment the bombs to Israel. The move severely strained US-Israeli relations but eventually developed an evacuation plan for refugees.

Fact-checking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Transport on Thursday upgraded the emergency response to Typhoon Gaemi to Level II, the second highest level.

The ministry said it will closely monitor the typhoon, strengthen warning and coordination with other departments, and guide local transport authorities on typhoon prevention and response.

Typhoon Gaemi, the third typhoon of the year, was located 55 km southeast of waters off Pingtan in east China's Fujian Province at 10 a.m. Thursday, according to a red alert renewed by the National Meteorological Center.

It is forecast to travel northwest at a speed of 10 to 15 kph and make landfall along the coast in Fujian Province on Thursday evening, said the center.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Water Resources launched a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in the Liaoning and Jilin provinces, which are expected to be affected by the typhoon. On Wednesday, the same level of response was activated in the provincial-level regions of Zhejiang, Fujian, Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.

China has a four-tier emergency response system for typhoons, with Level I being the highest. 
In his speech to Congress on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck a defiant tone, pledging to carry on with the war in Gaza until Israeli hostages are released and Hamas is eliminated.

He defended Israels actions, pushing back against criticism that the war has gone on for too long and resulted in too many civilian casualties. In doing so, he made a number of claims about the war in Gaza that were either false, lacked context or were presented without evidence to support them.

We break them down here:

Aid entering Gaza

Claim: Netanyahu said Israel has enabled more than 40,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza adding that it amounts to more than 3,000 calories for every man, women, and child in Gaza.

Fact: More than a dozen aid agencies working in the territory have said that Israels statistics on truck entries fail to address several vital components necessary for an effective operational response.

The mere entry of trucks into Gaza does not guarantee that the supplies reach the intended recipients due to safety and security reasons, they said, adding that reported numbers do not differentiate between types of cargo, often mixing commercial goods with critical humanitarian aid, which obscures the real picture of assistance reaching those in crisis.

CNN has reported on Israels arbitrary and contradictory criteria for the entry of aid and the strict rules it enforces at checkpoints.

Rafah death toll

Claim: Netanyahu said a commander in Rafah told him that there practically no civilian deaths in the city with the exception of a single incident where shrapnel from a bomb hit a Hamas weapons depot and unintentionally killed two dozen people.

Fact: There have been multiple reports of several Israeli strikes in Rafah that have caused civilian casualties.

The incident Netanyahu appeared to refer to occurred in May and killed at least 45 people at a camp for displaced Palestinians. The airstrike injured more than 200 after a fire broke out at the camp following the strike, most of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and Palestinian medics.

In the same week, at least 29 Palestinians were killed in two separate Israeli attacks on displacement camps in Rafah, according to Palestinian and UN officials.

CNN has verified videos from Rafah and spoken to several health officials, humanitarian workers and eyewitnesses who have reported civilian fatalities as a result of Israels military assault on the city.

Ratio of combatant-civilian casualties

Claim: Netanyahu said the war in Gaza has one of the lowest ratios of combatants to non-combatant casualties in the history of urban warfare.

Fact: Israel has been saying since early on in the war that its ratio of civilian to terrorist fatalities is very low, but experts have cast doubt on the claim.

In November, then-Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus told CNN that Israel believes that it has killed two Palestinian civilians for every Hamas militant, saying the ratio is tremendously positive. Asked about the claims, Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton, a member of the House Armed Services Committee who served in Iraq, told CNN the comments were dead wrong,

Conricus said that when the Israeli military reported how many fighters it had killed, it was referring to combatants, people who are fighting. In Gaza, thousands of residents are employed in Hamas-run administrative agencies but carry out civilian duties.

Gazas Ministry of Health doesnt distinguish in its reporting between combatant and civilian deaths but has previously said that some 70% of casualties in all of Gaza have been women and children.

Open-source monitoring by watchdog group Airwars found a high correlation between the Palestinian Ministry of Healths civilian casualty data and what Palestinian civilians reported online, according to a new report.

More than 39,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October, when Israel launched a war against Hamas after it attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.

Iran funding US protesters

Claim: Netanyahu said that the US director of national intelligence recently revealed that Iran is funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America. He also said: 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.

Fact: The suggestion that most or all anti-war protesters are pawns of Iran is not accurate. US intelligence has indicated that Iranian government actors have tried to pay some protesters. CNN cannot independently verify that.

Last month, the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said that Iran is attempting to covertly stoke protests in the US related to the war in Gaza, posing as activists online and, in some cases, providing financial support to protesters. But Haines also said 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 the intelligence does not indicate otherwise.

Netanyahu however, painted the protestors with a broad brush, claiming that they stand with Hamas and stand with rapists and murderers.

Starving Gazans

Claim: Netanyahu said the International Criminal Courts allegation that Israel is starving people of Gaza is utter, complete nonsense and a fabrication.

Fact: On October 9, Israel declared a complete siege on Gaza, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant saying he would halt the supply of electricity, food, water and fuel to the enclave.

Israel has since eased some of those restrictions, but aid agencies say the food that is getting into the strip is only a fraction of what is needed, leading to widespread hunger. Israels military operations in Gaza, they say, also hinder the safe distribution of food. In April, USAID Administrator Samantha Power said it is credible to assess that famine is already occurring in parts of Gaza.

According to the UN, 96% of the population of Gaza currently faces crisis or worse levels of food insecurity.

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war, noting that high ranking Israeli officials have made public statements expressing their aim to deprive civilians in Gaza of food, water and fuel and that the policy is being carried out by Israeli forces.

Hamas stealing aid

Claim: Netanyahu said that if Palestinians in Gaza arent getting enough food, its not because Israel is blocking it, its because Hamas is stealing it.

Fact: There have been some anecdotal reports from Gazans of Hamas stealing aid, although its not clear how rampant it is.

Israeli officials have been making the claim that Hamas was stealing aid since October. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Lynn Hastings told CNN then that Hamas wasnt stealing aid because aid wasnt coming in.

US Special Envoy David Satterfield in February denied the allegations that Hamas has stolen aid, saying that no Israeli official had presented him or the Biden administration with specific evidence of diversion or theft of assistance.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller did however say in May that one shipment coming from Jordan was briefly diverted by the group before it was recovered by the UN. CNN cannot independently confirm the claim.

Aid agencies have said that there have been cases of looting by the public due to Israels military operation leading to a breakdown in public order and safety.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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The families of two girls are suing Uber claiming the man transported them for sexual activity using the app (Getty Images)

A child rapist managed to transport a 12-year-old and 13-year-old girl to his home in November using Uber, according to a new lawsuit filed against the company in South Carolina.

Fayvion Williams used the rideshare app to have the girls brought to his home to have sex with them on November 25, the lawsuit alleges. Hed convinced them to meet up at his house after weeks of messaging them on Facebook.

In one of the messages, the man allegedly asked if the minor was down to try a 3 sum. The girls headed to the mans home in the early afternoon and told a parent that they would be going to a nearby park, the lawsuit states.

The girls said that the Uber driver did not ask them how old they were and allowed them to get in the car. The driver asked if the person who requested the ride was their father and one of them nodded in response.

The girls crossed state lines from South Carolina to North Carolina to go to the mans home during the hour-long journey.

The families of two girls are suing Uber claiming the man transported them for sexual activity using the app (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Upon arriving at the location, Williams took the girls into the backyard and asked them to smoke a marijuana cigarette before bringing them inside. The man asked the girls if they wanted to have sex. One of the children told him she did not want to do anything with him.

The man then allegedly turned his focus to the other girl, who went into his room with him. According to the lawsuit, Williams then vaginally raped the child, which he video-recorded.

After the incident, the man ordered the girls an Uber and told them to walk down the street to meet the driver.

Williams was later arrested and pleaded guilty to charges and given a six to eight-year sentence, according to WBTV.

The lawsuit alleges that Uber is complicit in child sex trafficking. Children are allowed to ride in an Uber with a teen account if they are at least 13 years old and have permission from a parent or legal guardian.

The parents of the girls, who are not related, are requesting that the company make changes to its safety policies, including adding cameras to cars and eliminating policies that penalize drivers for refusing to drive unaccompanied minors, among others.

Lets be clear, this is a horrific tragic situation that has upended the lives of these families, all made possible by Uber because of their negligence and their steadfast prioritization of profits over safety, Tracey B Cowan, one of the attorneys representing the families, said in a statement.

As a mother, it terrifies me to know that I could send my kids out to play and an Uber driver might deliver them to a predator just to make a few dollars.

The families are also seeking monetary compensation.

The Independent has reached out to Uber for comment.
Lachlan Murdoch is supposed to be enjoying the 60th birthday celebration of The Australian this week. His father Rupert founded the paper in 1964 to fulfill his father Sir Keith Murdochs dream that Australia would one day have its own national newspaper.

But instead of that dynastic vision being feted in their homeland, the Murdochs are dealing with the aftermath of a bombshell revealing that they are a deeply fractured familyand showing just how far Rupert, 93, will go to protect his idea of dynasty. In this case, from beyond the grave.

Im writing a biography of Rupert for Hachettes Grand Central Publishing and got wind a few weeks ago that there was a kerfuffle over the family trust in the run-up to Ruperts marriagehis fifthto the Russian-born molecular biologist Elena Zhukova. I had presumed it had something to do with the arrival of a new wife.

Another source had told me that only Lachlan had attended the wedding in early June at the Moraga vineyard in Bel Air, California, which seemed strange. The mysterious Israeli-American investor Vivi Nevo was there, so was the Patriots owner Bob Kraft and News Corp. CEO Robert Thomson. But Murdoch's daughters Elisabeth and Prudence were not. (Rupert and his younger son James have been estranged for some time.)

James Murdoch Slams Fox News and News Corp Over Climate-Change Denial

But on Wednesday, New York Times reporters Jim Rutenberg and Jonathan Mahler revealed the bombshell which exploded that family trust kerfuffle into the open: A secret court case that pits Rupert against Prudence, Elisabeth and James. Prudence is the only child from his marriage to first wife Patricia. He had Elisabeth, Lachlan and James with second wife, Anna. He also has Grace and Chloe from his third marriage to Wendi Deng; they have no voting stake in the family trust.

The case is Ruperts attempt to cement Lachlan as undisputed heir and stop other children from meddling with the political leanings of Fox and News Corp after he dies. (Lachlan is CEO of Fox and Chairman of News Corp.)

Ruperts theory goes that, once he has passed, James, Liz and Prudence will try to neutralize Fox News and break up the wider company. (Semafor reported an intriguing rumor in April that KKR-controlled Axel Springer was eyeing The Wall Street Journal, one of the jewels in the crown.) Cutting them out of power will guarantee its financial success.

Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch attend the annual Allen and Co. media conference in Sun Valley, Idaho on July 8, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Lachlans siblings, were caught completely off guard by their fathers efforts to rewrite what was supposed to be an inviolable trust and have united to stop him, the Times reported. A trial in September set by a Nevada probate commissioner will determine whether Rupert is acting in good faith, in resetting the terms.

It seems a sad state of affairs to be fighting with three of your children at such a late stage in life. All the Murdoch children posed for a beautiful group photo for Vogue when Rupert married Jerry Hall in London in March 2016. (Rupert famously ended that marriage by email six years later. His only true love, always, is business.)

But hints that something was happening have existed for some time.

I interviewed Lachlan for Business Insider in 2021. Even then, his intention to keep control of the company hed been running as CEO since 2019 was clear. Its a terrific job. Its one I look forward to for decades and decades into the future, he told me over the phone from Australia.

Then there were Ruperts references to Lachlan when the mogul announced his retirement last November. My father firmly believed in freedom, and Lachlan is absolutely committed to the cause, he said. Self-serving bureaucracies are seeking to silence those who would question their provenance and purpose. Elites have open contempt for those who are not members of their rarified class.

Was such a strongly worded comment a shot across the bow at three of his kids?

The maneuverings are not without precedent. Rupert learned a lesson he would never forget after his own fathers death: Control is everything. Sir Keith got to the top of the masthead at the Melbourne Herald and Weekly Times and tried to cobble together a handful of newspaper shareholdings to pass to his son, but they were mostly snatched away and sold off after his death. A 21-year-old Rupert was left to sort out the mess.

Now, hes trying to make sure Lachlan doesnt have to duke it out with family foes after he passes. From wherever the 93-year-old is going next, the masterful media mogul wants to ensure Fox and News Corp. remain aligned to his own conservative political beliefs.

The Untold Story of How Jeanine Pirro Failed Up and Tucker Carlson Flunked Out at Fox News

Rupert may have a case that neutralizing Fox News wont be good for the familys fortunes. Whatever you think of the network, viewers seem to enjoy what they are selling. In a week bookended by an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and President Joe Bidens decision to abandon his campaign to remain in the White House, Fox News had a 70 percent of cable audience share in primetime, the highest in its history, and averaged five million viewers for the week, according to a company press release.

The Times story is fascinating but leaves some questions unanswered. Who gave them access to sealed documents? Where is Wendi Deng in all of this? She seems to have remained on surprisingly friendly terms with her ex-husbandshe had introduced Rupert to Elena Zhukova and attended the Allen & Co. billionaire mogul camp in Sun Valley this month. So did Rupert.

I tried to get hold of Anna Murdoch to see what she thought but was told she isnt home and is instead on the yacht sailing for the summer.

I asked another contemporary of Ruperts for his thoughts on the latest saga. He wrote back two words: Logan Roy.

Claire Atkinson is the author of an upcoming biography of Rupert Murdoch for Hachette imprint Grand Central Publishing. She also runs The Media Mix newsletter and podcast.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Family speaks out after double shooting leaves several injured in Mississippi

CLARKSDALE, Miss.  The Clarksdale Police Department is investigating after two homes were shot at on Monday, leaving four people injured including a six-month-old girl.

After the shooting stopped, my grandbaby wouldnt stop crying, so I flipped her over and checked her out and she had been shot in the back, one of the shooting victims said.

Infant injured during triple shooting in Clarksdale

The victim says she was in her home on Cuyahoga Street in Clarksdale Monday night when bullets shattered her window and air conditioner. Her granddaughter was taken to Lebonheur Childrens Hospital in Memphis.

They couldnt remove the bullet fragment because they didnt want to damage her even more. But shes fine right now, shes resting well, the victim said.

Her husband was shot in one of his feet. The woman was hit by gunfire more than once.

I was shot in my hip and in my behind and also in my leg, she said.

The reasoning behind the shooting is still unclear.

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I really dont know what caused it at all. I swear I dont, the shooting victim said.

Just a few blocks away on Cherry Street another woman says, Im talking about bullet holes just everywhere. They even shot around on the back too. Bullet holes just everywhere.

Tina McDonald says there was gun damage to the house her two sons live in and one of them is disabled.

They were in the house, laying across the bed in their room and watching TV, McDonald said.

McDonald says the house was shot up very early Monday morning. She believes those gunshots, which came very close to killing her two sons, came from an alleyway behind her house because she says she saw Clarksdale Police over there picking up shell casings.

A bullet went through the wall and struck her disabled son.

He got shot in his feet. The bullet went in and came all the way out, broke his bone, McDonald said. Why everybody cant just get along? I just dont understand, this is crazy.

The Clarksdale Police Department was not available to comment on the ongoing investigation or state whether they have any suspects.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
One day after Florida A&M University's trustees accepted President Larry Robinson's resignation and approved Timothy Beard as its sole choice to take the helm as interim, the board scheduled a special meeting to discuss Beard's employment agreement.

The meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday via Zoom and is open to the public.

A draft of Beard's contract for interim president released Thursday shows that his annual base salary would be $400,000. Compensation and benefits would include living in the FAMU president's house on campus, car expenses reimbursement, an annual $5,000 for FAMU-related entertainment and travel, and club memberships.

During the board's Tuesday meeting, trustees decided that Robinson's last day will be Aug. 4, allowing for Beard  a Port St. Joe native and recently retired president of Pasco-Hernando State College  to start Aug. 5.

More on Timothy Beard: From homeless to the 'highest of seven hills': Meet the likely FAMU interim president

Trustees agreed that Beard will serve as interim president for 12 months or until the board completes a search for FAMUs 13th president.

But to make things official, Beard's contract needs to be approved.

Trustees chair Kristin Harper said she would be negotiating the contract with Beard, which is subject to final approval by the Board of Trustees and confirmation by the state's governing board.

Beard told the Tallahassee Democrat that while he served as PHSCs president during his nearly nine-year tenure, his last salary was about $325,000. His compensation included full medical and healthcare payments, a $23,000 annuity, an annual $12,000 for automobile expenses, disability insurance and retirement.

Robinsons current salary at FAMU is $451,711.

Following the Board of Trustees expected approval of an employment agreement, discussions about a banking resolution and Beards Aug. 5 start date, Beard will attend the boards annual retreat from Aug. 7 to Aug. 8 in Orlando  an event that will give trustees the opportunity to get better acquainted with him.

How to listen in, comment at Monday meeting

Log on using the Zoom link provided on the FAMU boards website: https://famu.zoom.us/j/94481443869?pwd=IbZ45NR7Ec5jm0b7H7umeaXlMKNDwN.1.

Requests to make public comments must be submitted to FAMU Chief of Staff and Board Liaison Linda Barge-Miles at linda.bargemiles@famu.edu by 5 p.m. the day before the meeting. They must note the agenda topic that will be addressed, according to the university.

Editor's Note: This story was updated Thursday, July 25.

Contact Tarah Jean at tjean@tallahassee.com or follow her on X: @tarahjean_.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU BOT will meet to discuss Timothy Beard's employment agreement
A 53-year-old man and his motorcycle caught fire after colliding with another vehicle Tuesday. The woman driving the other vehicle fled the scene as the man and motorcycle burned, Loveland police say.

A Loveland police officer in the area and two City of Loveland employees pulled the man from the burning motorcycle, and the police officer used a fire extinguisher to douse the flames on the man, according to a Loveland Police Department press release. The officer attempted life-saving measures on the rider, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Although the other driver fled the scene, witnesses took photos of the vehicle and license plate, according to police. Police determined the other vehicle was a 2010 Ford Fusion and they determined it to be driven by Brooke Anderson, 46, also a Loveland resident.

The police say their investigation showed Anderson "was traveling West on 1st Street. Ms. Anderson was behind another vehicle in the left turn lane to go South on North Taft Avenue. Ms. Anderson went around the vehicle in front of her in the left turn lane and turned left from the wrong position. The motorcycle crashed into the passenger side of the Ford Fusion and ignited into flames."

Loveland police officers arrested Anderson and accused her of vehicular homicide, reckless driving and failing to remain at the scene/give information and/or aid after an accident involving death.

Formal charges did not show in online court records as of 11:30 a.m. July 25.

The release says anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have information is asked to call Loveland Police Department Tip Line at 970-962-2032 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Loveland Colorado hit-and-run causes fire, kills motorcycle rider
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton. Credit: FAU

During the first meeting in Florida Atlantic Universitys second attempt to find a president, a lawyer and former New College of Florida trustee told the firm handling the search that posting the job on publications focused on women or diversity would be inconsistent with state policy.

The public university in Boca Raton is restarting its search seven months after a state investigation found violations of the Sunshine Law because candidates had to fill out an anonymous survey. University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues also criticized the search because candidates were asked about their gender and preferred pronouns, although the investigation didnt classify that as a violation.

The new search committee held its first meeting on Wednesday, when Ann Yates, a representative with the search firm Buffkin/Baker, outlined the timeline for the process. Previous clients of the firm include the University of Florida, the University of Missouri, and Michigan State University. The search committee plans to send a list of finalists to the board of trustees by January.

Appropriate publications

One of the people on the new search committee is Robert Allen Jr., an attorney who told the Chronicle of Higher Education that he alerted the DeSantis administration about vacancies in the New College Board of Trustees, which prompted Gov. Ron DeSantis in install his own slate and led to the conservative overhaul of the institution.

Allen set the mood when he asked Yates where the firm would advertise the job opening. Yates responded that the decision depended on the committees preference but that the firm typically announces openings on job boards of publications such as the Chronicle, Inside Higher Ed, Women in Higher Education, Diverse Issues, and publications geared toward Hispanic-serving institutions.

Florida has recently passed some laws that relate to the consideration of diversity issues. I dont know how they apply in the presidential search context, but I can tell you that the articulation of the focus on women or diversity is inconsistent with the general thrust of where the state is going, Allen told Yates. So, Im not sure what the appropriate publications are, but I think you need to consult with counsel. This is not an ordinary state.

Allens law firm website includes a diversity tab that lists the cultural backgrounds of employees, referring to one as LGABCD  American, in apparent mockery of the LGBTQ appellation.

Our law firm doesnt live by platitudes such as we are committed to diversity, or our diversity is our strength, or there cannot be excellence without diversity. In fact, it would not be true to say that we even place any focus whatsoever on what passes for diversity  though it would be hard to imagine a more diverse law firm than Robert Allen Law, a paragraph on the website reads.

DeSantis has moved to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts from higher education, approving a law last year (SB 266) prohibiting the use of state and federal funds for any activities with that focus. The law led universities across the state to shut down DEI offices.

Previous search violations

FAUs general counsel Daniel Jones emphasized the importance of conducting all business during public meetings and reminded the committee members they had to sign non-disclosure agreements verifying that they wouldnt divulge information about the candidates. In 2022, the Florida Legislature passed a law shielding the identities of applicants until near the very end of the process.

Harkening back to the controversy last year, Sherry Murphy, a trustee and chair of the search committee, acknowledged that the new search would draw attention.

Its paramount that we all comply with the NDA that we signed, and we know that there will be media interest in our search. So please remember that the chair speaks for the committee. Thats me, she said.

The state investigation also found that previous search committee member Dick Schmidts op-ed criticizing the suspension of the search had violated the NDA because FAU officials had collaborated in the crafting of the piece. The complaint that kickstarted the investigation came from Republican Rep. Randy Fine of Brevard County, according to the Chronicle. Fine has said that DeSantis had approached him about the job, according to the Palm Beach Post, but he didnt make the list of finalists.

FAU can expect a smaller pool of applicants because it had to restart the process, Yates told the group on Wednesday. She said 50 to 75 people usually apply to presidential posts at universities.

The next meeting is set for Aug. 14.
HARRISBURG, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Queen City News has discovered that Duke Energy was aware of what they call a safety issue on their utility poles in Harrisburg months before a concrete truck took out a communications line, that snagged other lines, knocking down poles and knocking out power to hundreds on Saturday.

Its one of two crashes where trucks took out lines along N.C. 49 in the last week.

The buzz around Harrisburg is about what happened outside the barbershop that shut them down for two and a half days.

New, cheap nonstop Concord flights feature Orlando and New England

We had low-hanging wires in the back, so the fire department came and told us theyd have to shut everything down, said Keith Herrin, a barber who rents a booth at Azeal Barbershop.

Herrins workplace is one of almost 600 businesses and homes to lose power in Harrisburg on Saturday.

It was kinda chaotic, Im just glad nobody was injured, said Herrin. I know a couple of lines were on a couple of vehicles at Sunflour (Bakery).

A concrete truck snagged a low-hanging line, taking down four power poles, and knocking out power to hundreds and shutting down Highway 49 near Morehead Road all day Saturday and into the morning Sunday.

This utility pole was knocked down from a concrete truck on Saturday, July 20.

There were about two more poles that were connected to that same line, so it actually pulled down the other poles as well, said Herrin.

The poles are owned and maintained by Duke Energy.

The Town of Harrisburg says the low-hanging line that caused the damage Saturday is owned by the telecommunications company, Windstream.

If the lines are kind of precarious and theyre not our lines, we will let our dispatch center know, said Logan Stewart, a Duke Energy spokesperson.

Queen City News obtained an email thread from last fall that explains that Duke Energy was aware of the problem last September.





The email is from Joe Crapster, Duke Energys Government and Community Relations Manager, to Mallory Hodgson, the Harrisburg director of Public Works.

In the email, Crapster lists the issues discussed in the meeting the day prior in September 2023,  safety issues concerning leaning poles. I noticed one on Hwy 49 in front of Sunflour and Ill have investigated. Please let me know other locations to investigate.

Herrin says the problem should have been fixed right away.

That sucks, that sucks because I missed out on money but if someone had gotten hurt thats another situation, next time they need to react on something like that a little faster, make sure its taken care of, because it affects not only people but the other businesses around, so thats really scary, said Herrin.

Cabarrus Commissioners request millions for projects starting soon or already completed

When QCN interviewed Duke Energy Wednesday afternoon, we did not have that email thread from the Town of Harrisburg, so we reached back out to them after receiving the emails.













Duke Energys statement is below:

When any member of the public or entity wishes to report a line to Duke Energy for safety reasons, we use the same protocol no matter who is calling to report it (calling 800-777-9898 to report it or being directed to do so if they were to call our call center). The Town of Harrisburg has asked for and has been notified of the proper protocol for reporting any low-hanging lines of concern.

We appreciate the partnership with the Town of Harrisburg and encourage any member of the public who may have concerns about a line to report it by calling 800-777-9898.

Harrisburg also provided an email town leaders sent to Charter Communications about the problem, and the town said in its email to Duke that Charter maintains that since these are Duke Energy poles, it is a Duke Energy issue.

Duke Energy responded to QCN about that part of the email as well in a statement:

While that is true, that request, in order to follow proper work methods, should come from Charter, not from the Town.

In a separate incident on Tuesday afternoon, a dump truck driver knocked down lines along Pepsi Way off N.C. 49 less than a mile from Saturdays crash.

Crews spent most of the day Wednesday repairing that problem.

The Cabarrus County Sheriffs Office gave a citation to the dump truck driver because deputies say the driver left the boom up on the truck.

No citation was given to the cement truck driver on Saturday because deputies say the truck was the proper height, and it was the communications line that was hanging too low.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday expressed major concern over planned protectionist measures by the European Union (EU) in the biodiesel industry, and warned that such measures will backfire.

The EU, the largest biodiesel market globally, imports biodiesel from China to meet its substantial consumption needs, which helps in achieving its green transformation and energy-saving goals, said ministry spokesperson He Yongqian at a regular press conference. 
I served in the United States Army for more than 20 years at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty); at the Pentagon; and in the Middle East as a part of Operation Desert Storm. Putting on that uniform each day knowing that I was standing up for something bigger than myself  for our democracy, our rights and freedoms  was one of the greatest honors of my life, but it didnt come without sacrifice.

During my years in the service I worked in close proximity to burn pits where the military burned discarded materials like plastics, rubber, jet fuel, chemical mixtures and human feces. These pits released toxic smoke into the air that, we now know, affected many of the service members who lived and worked near them.

More: Pitts: Racist and sexist takes on Kamala Harris are in full swing. Shell flip it.

Exposure to these burn pits caused me to have severe asthma attacks and trouble breathing and then years later it led to a heart condition. I was not alone in this. The VA predicts that over 3 million veterans were affected by toxic chemical exposure over many decades which led to conditions like the ones I experienced, cancers, and other serious illnesses.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, and Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, are headed for a face-off in the November, 2024 presidential election.

It was clear to veterans and military families that those of us exposed to these toxic chemicals needed help. We served our country and now at home we were suffering.

Harris a key part of PACT Act becoming law

Vice President Kamala Harris saw this too, and she answered our calls for support, by fighting alongside President Biden to pass the most significant expansion of benefits for veterans in 30 years.

More: Pitts: Kamala Harris rallied in Fayetteville. I was there. I have seen them all; she's ready.

Throughout her career, Vice President Harris has been standing up for service members and their families. As attorney general of California she took on for-profit colleges for their predatory and unlawful practices that targeted veterans and prosecuted scammers that preyed on veterans for a quick profit.

She was a key part of the PACT Act becoming law, and that law helped me to receive crucial disability benefits so that I could continue to improve my health and get the care I need. The passage of the PACT Act changed my life, and the lives of thousands of North Carolina veterans across our state.

Donald Trump tried to cut billions from a veterans disability program

Donald Trump can lie about what he has done for veterans all he wants, but what President Biden and Vice President Harris did is real action, and you cant fake that.

More: Pitts: MAGA in love with Trump; his former cabinet members can't stand him

The truth is, Donald Trump tried to cut billions from a veterans disability program while in office and said that no one would want to see disabled veterans in a military parade. He called those who died serving our country suckers and losers. Trump even said that John McCain, who was held captive during the Vietnam War, was not a war hero and that he likes people who werent captured.

Veterans deserve better

As someone who fought for our country and our freedoms, I know that veterans deserve better,and Vice President Harris knows that too. She has a proven record of standing by us, and thisNovember I would encourage all veterans in North Carolina to join me in standing by her.

Mark Rowden lives in Fayetteville.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville veteran: Kamala Harris offered help; Trump insulted us
FBI Director Christopher Wray on Wednesday confirmed or revealed a host of information on former President Trumps would-be assassin, including new details on what the shooter had searched for online and his movements in the days, hours and minutes before he took aim at the Republican presidential nominee on July 13.

Speaking before the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, Wray called the assassination attempt an attack on our democracy and our democratic process, asserting that we will not and do not tolerate political violence of any kind, especially a despicable account of this magnitude.

The FBI is leading the criminal investigation into the events surrounding the incident, which occurred during a Trump rally in Butler, Pa.

Wray said his agents are working tirelessly to get to the bottom of what happened, adding that his agency is bringing all the resources of the FBI to bear, both criminal and national security.

Were going to leave no stone unturned, he said in his opening remarks. The shooter may be deceased but the FBIs investigation is very much ongoing.

Wray also promised transparency, telling lawmakers that he hoped to provide them with all the information I can, given where we are at this point.

Wrays candidness was a far cry from the disastrous testimony from former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday, when she refused to answer questions or confirm information that was already public knowledge. The display frustrated lawmakers and forced her to resign Tuesday.

Here are five takeaways from Wrays testimony:

Shooters laptop revealed searches on JFK assassination

Among the most startling new facts, an analysis of the shooters laptop found that a week before the rally he had 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 Wray.

That same day, July 6, Crooks registered for Trumps speaking event.

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.

He said the search is significant in terms of the shooters state of mind.

Wray also revealed that the FBI was able to get into Crookss phone, which he called a significant technical challenge. Once cracked, they found Crooks had been using encrypted messaging applications.

Wray also said Crooks had one phone, but the FBI has identified others he may have used, including his fathers, though they are not necessarily related to the attack.

In addition, he noted Crooks was a gamer with accounts on different gaming platforms, but no information has yet been found on those.

Were trying to make sure we process and exploit every device he could have used, Wray said, earlier indicating that the bureau is involved in a legal process to gain access to Crookss other accounts.

We keep identifying new pieces of equipment, new accounts, what have you.

Based on what the FBI has observed on his laptop and phone, the bureau has found no evidence that Crooks had accomplices or co-conspirators, foreign or domestic, with those interviewed describing the shooter as a loner, according to Wray.

There doesnt appear to be a whole lot of interactions between him, face-to-face or digital, with a lot of people, Wray said before adding, that doesnt mean theres not any.

The FBI still does not yet have a clear picture of his motive.

Shooter had collapsible stock on gun purchased from his father

Wray told lawmakers that Crookss AR-style rifle had a collapsible stock, which could explain why it mightve been less easy for people to observe.

The FBI has yet to find any witnesses who saw or video that displays Crooks walking around the fairground area with a gun, with observers only spotting him with a firearm when he was already on the roof he shot from, according to Wray.

The collapsible stock is potentially a very significant feature that might be relevant to that, he said.

And earlier in the day on July 13, Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition for his firearm, which had been legally bought by his father in 2013. Using documentation, investigators confirmed Crooks later legally purchased the rifle from his father in October 2023.

Wray confirmed previous knowledge that Crooks fired approximately eight times at Trump before being killed by a Secret Service countersniper.

Wray also confirmed that Crooks bought a roughly 5-foot ladder before the shooting but it was not found at the scene.

Agents instead believe Crooks got on the roof from the back of the building using some mechanical equipment on the ground and vertical piping on the side of the building, Wray said. In other words, we do not believe he used a ladder to get up there.

Shooter flew drone over area two hours ahead of rally

Wray offered new information that the shooter flew a drone over the Butler fairgrounds about two hours before Trump spoke at the rally location.

The FBI director said Crooks flew the drone around the area, roughly 200 yards away from the stage, around 3:50 p.m. to 4 p.m. Trump took the stage around two hours later at 6 p.m.

We think  but we do not know, so again, this is one of these things that is qualified because of our ongoing review  that he was live-streaming, viewing the footage [for] about 11 minutes, Wray said.

The drone was in Crookss vehicle at the time of the shooting. The device is now being exploited and analyzed by the FBI lab, which has reverse-engineered its flight path on the day of the rally.

It would have shown the shooter, we think  again, were still doing more work on this  we think it would have shown him, kind of, what would have been behind him when he was shooting, giving Crooks a rearview mirror of the scene, Wray explained.

Three crude explosive devices found

The FBI also recovered three relatively crude explosive devices, two in Crookss car and one other at his home.

Crooks was found with a transmitter that would have allowed him to detonate the bombs in his car remotely, but initial findings suggest if he had tried to he would not have been successful.

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, Wray said. That doesnt mean the explosives werent dangerous.

Wray later said the discovered explosives were compelling, as its unclear if Crooks had been planning further mayhem during or after the rally.

What else he may have had in mind is something that I think is very much of an open question, he said.

In addition, investigators located a number of firearms associated with the shooter and his family, a total of 14 in the house, Wray said.

Officers first spotted gunman with rifle only seconds before shooting

Wray attempted to clarify the timeline as to what took place from the time Crooks was identified on the roof and when he shot at Trump.

A member of the public first spotted Crooks on the roof a handful of minutes before he opened fire at 6:11 p.m. Though its unclear whether this individual saw Crooks had a gun, they saw him in a way that was concerning, Wray said.

He added that local law enforcement first viewed Crooks with the rifle literally just seconds before the shooting.

The local police officer, after being hoisted up by another, was able to view the roof, where he saw Crooks in a prone shooting position. The gunman then turned and pointed his gun at the officer, Wray confirmed.

This is all seconds before the shooter took his shots, he said.

Wray also said local police observed the shooter with a rangefinder in a way that was odd and suspicious about an hour before the shooting.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FCC pursues new rules for AI in political ads, but changes may not take effect before the election

FILE - People are reflected in a window of a hotel at the Davos Promenade in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 15, 2024. The Federal Communications Commission has advanced a proposal that would require political advertisers to disclose their use of artificial intelligence in broadcast television and radio ads. But it's unclear whether new regulations may be in place before the November presidential election. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  The Federal Communications Commission has advanced a proposal that would require political advertisers to disclose their use of artificial intelligence in broadcast television and radio ads, though it is unclear whether new regulations may be in place before the November presidential election.

The proposed rules announced Thursday could add a layer of transparency in political campaigning that some tech watchdogs have called for to help inform voters about lifelike and misleading AI-generated media in ads.

Theres too much potential for AI to manipulate voices and images in political advertising to do nothing, the agency's chairwoman, Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel, said Thursday in a news release. If a candidate or issue campaign used AI to create an ad, the public has a right to know.

But the FCCs action is part of a federal turf war over the regulation of AI in politics. The move has faced pushback from the chairman of the Federal Election Commission, who previously accused the FCC of stepping on his own agencys authority and has warned of a possible legal challenge.

Political candidates and parties in the United States and around the world already have experimented with rapidly advancing generative AI tools, though some have voluntarily disclosed their use of the technology. Others have weaponized the technology to mislead voters.

The FCC is proposing requiring broadcasters to ask political advertisers whether their content was created using AI tools, such as text-to-image creators or voice-cloning software. The agency also aims to require broadcasters to make an on-air announcement when AI-generated content is used in a political ad and include a notice disclosing the use of AI in their online political files.

The commission acknowledges it would not have authority over streaming, leaving the growing political advertising industry on digital and streaming platforms unregulated at the federal level.

After the commission's 3-2 vote, the proposal will move into a 30-day public comment period, followed by a 15-day reply period. Commissioners are then expected to finalize and pass a rule. It is unclear whether there is time for it to go into effect before a presidential election that is just over three months away.

Jonathan Uriarte, a spokesperson for Rosenworcel, said the chairwoman intends to follow the regulatory process but she has been clear that the time to act is now.

After Rosenworcel announced her proposed rule in May, FEC Chairman Sean Cooksey, a Republican, sent her a letter cautioning her against the move.

I am concerned that parts of your proposal would fall within the exclusive jurisdiction" of the FEC and would "directly conflict with existing law and regulations, and sow chaos among political campaigns for the upcoming election," he wrote.

If the FCC moves forward, it could create irreconcilable conflicts between the agencies that may end up in federal court, he said in the letter.

A Republican commissioner at the FCC, Brendan Carr, has agreed with Cooksey and voted against the proposal. In a statement Thursday, Carr argued the move was illegal and problematic so close to a presidential election, with the regulations likely to take effect after early voting has already begun in many places.

Far from promoting transparency, the FCCs proposed rules would mire voters in confusion, create a patchwork of inconsistent rules, and encourage monied, partisan interests to weaponize the law for electoral advantage, Carr wrote.

But the FEC's vice chair, Democrat Ellen Weintraub, has supported the proposal, saying in a June letter to Rosenworcel that no one agency currently has the jurisdiction or capacity to address every aspect of this large and complicated issue.

Cooksey said in a statement Thursday that the FCC should abandon this misguided proposal.

Every American should be disturbed that the Democrat-controlled FCC is pushing ahead with its radical plan to change the rules on political ads mere weeks before the general election, he said. Not only would these vague rules intrude on the Federal Election Commission's jurisdiction, but they would sow chaos among political campaigns and confuse voters before they head to the polls.

The FCC maintains it has authority to regulate on the issue under the 1934 Communications Act and the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act.

Robert Weissman, co-president of the advocacy group Public Citizen, said he supports the FCC's proposed rule as the U.S. is barreling toward elections which may be distorted, or even decided, by political deepfakes.

Rep. Joseph Morelle of New York, the top Democrat on the House Administration Committee, commended the FCC, saying in an emailed statement that it is vital that our federal agencies work to ensure that voters are able to discern fact from fiction.

Congress has not passed laws directing the agencies on how they should regulate AI in politics. Some Republican senators have circulated legislation intending to block the Democratic-led FCC from issuing its new rules. Meanwhile, the FEC is considering its own petition on regulating deepfakes in political ads.

In the absence of federal action, more than one-third of states have created their own laws regulating the use of AI in campaigns and elections, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In February, the FCC ruled that robocalls containing AI-generated voices are illegal, a step that empowered the commission to fine companies that use AI voices in their calls or block the service providers that carry them.

___

The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
A federal appellate court this week refused to throw out a ban on housing incarcerated youth at Angola. (Photo credit: Jarvis DeBerry/Louisiana Illuminator)

This article was produced for ProPublicas Local Reporting Network in partnership with Verite News. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one as soon as they are published.

Several months ago, in a lawsuit that was in its ninth year, a federal judge blasted the medical care at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Many inmates hoped it would be a watershed moment.

In her opinion, U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick excoriated the state for its callous and wanton disregard for the health of those in its custody. Rather than receiving medical care, the inmates are instead subjected to cruel and unusual punishment, Dick said in her November opinion. The human cost, she said, is unspeakable.

She then ordered the appointment of three independent monitors to devise and implement a plan to reform the system.

That plan, however, may never come to fruition. Before those monitors could even be chosen, the state appealed the ruling, invoking a federal law  the Prison Litigation Reform Act  that hobbled a similar lawsuit over Angolas health care nearly 26 years ago. The current case could suffer a similar fate.

That class-action suit is now before the conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In a March hearing, two of the three judges who heard the case asked questions that appeared sympathetic to the states argument that Dicks ruling violated provisions of the Prison Litigation Reform Act.

If the ruling is thrown out, it would close off the most viable path for inmates to force improvements to a medical system that Dick found to be in violation of the Constitutions Eighth Amendment, which bans cruel and unusual punishment. And it would come as prison policy experts expect a number of new, tough-on-crime laws to increase the states prison population, further straining Angolas medical system.

Because this lawsuit concerns one of the countrys largest prisons  and one with a long history of litigation over its conditions  inmate advocates are watching it closely. It is one of many class-action lawsuits across the country seeking to force state officials to improve conditions in their facilities. At some point, said Margo Schlanger, a law professor at the University of Michigan and a former trial attorney in the Department of Justices civil rights division, all of those suits will have to contend with the Prison Litigation Reform Act.

Thats by design. The federal law was passed to reduce the number of lawsuits filed by inmates, particularly class-action cases that resulted in sprawling, court-monitored reform efforts lasting a decade or more. Supporters of the law said it was needed to weed out frivolous suits that tied state officials up in court and invited judges to meddle in how prisons are run.

But the law did considerable damage to the ability of courts to be a backstop for safe and constitutional prisons, Schlanger said. Since the PLRA was passed about three decades ago, the number of lawsuits filed by inmates nationwide has dropped by nearly 40%, according to a 2021 report she wrote for the Prison Policy Initiative, a research and advocacy organization; the percentage of inmates in prisons where courts are monitoring reforms dropped as well.

Not every lawsuit is doomed to failure, said David Fathi, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions National Prison Project. In September, Fathis team successfully sued to remove up to 80 minors from a former death row unit at Angola. The ACLU also won a lawsuit requiring Arizona to improve medical care in its prisons.

Still, those victories are not the norm, Fathi said. This law is unique in the world, he said. There is no other country that has established a separate and inferior legal system that applies exclusively to incarcerated people.

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Inmates sue over a broken, abusive medical system

Some of the earliest allegations regarding Angolas failing health care system were included in a lawsuit largely concerned with other issues. In that 1971 case, inmates alleged unchecked violence and racial discrimination within the walls of the prison. They claimed that they were crammed into overcrowded dormitories, that they were subjected to rape and that the prison was overrun with weapons that resulted in more than 270 stabbings, 20 of them fatal, in less than three years, according to court documents.

As part of that case, a federal judge determined in 1975 that prison officials had failed to provide adequate health care, which amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. The prison remained under court monitoring for more than a decade as officials addressed shortcomings.

Nearly 20 years later, that suit spurred another, focused solely on the prisons medical care. In their 1992 complaint, inmates claimed that it was nearly impossible to obtain the bare minimum of care. They contended they were routinely disciplined for seeking treatment if medical staff determined that their complaints werent warranted; their lawyers contended that the fear of punishment caused them to delay seeking care. When requests for medical care were heeded, inmates were generally assessed by staff who had little or no medical training. Those staffers would decide if the complaint warranted an appointment with a doctor or nurse, which didnt take place for weeks or even months, according to the lawsuit. The wait for surgery could be years.

The same year the suit was filed, a patient with AIDS appeared to be in the process of dying when staff mistakenly inserted a feeding tube into his lung instead of his stomach, according to a medical experts testimony for the plaintiffs and medical records introduced as evidence. The inmates breathing became labored and he started coughing up large amounts of frothy liquid, according to medical records. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he died several days later. The cause of death was AIDS, sepsis and aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when food or liquid is inhaled instead of air, according to medical experts.

The next year, another inmate was diagnosed with persistent dislocation of the finger, which was described in medical records as black and red in color, with yellow drainage. A physician at Angola warned that if the injury was left untreated, the bone could swell and require amputation. And yet, although the inmate was seen by medical staff at least 13 times, he never received the needed care, according to a plaintiffs court filing. Nearly a year after the inmate first sought help, his finger was amputated.

In court, the state denied that it was deliberately indifferent to the medical needs of the inmates  the standard under which medical care is deemed unconstitutional  and argued that Angolas care was constitutionally adequate.

The state contended in a court filing that the patient whose finger was amputated was seen repeatedly by the prisons medical staff and provided the necessary treatments, including antibiotics and wound care. The amputation wasnt the result of a denial of care, the state argued, but was necessary to promote complete healing of a chronic condition. As for the AIDS patient, the state claimed that he received care that was supportive, palliative and which attempted to prolong his life. The state did, however, note an unfortunate incident of a misplacement of a feeding tube.

Verite News and ProPublica tried to contact several of the 11 named plaintiffs in that suit and reached one, Thad Tatum, who served 28 years for armed robbery and attempted murder. During a recent interview in his New Orleans home, Tatum shifted back and forth in the seat of a motorized scooter, straining to relieve the pressure in his back. He laid the blame for the loss of function in his legs and right hand on prison officials.

In 1988, Tatum was hospitalized for nearly five weeks after another inmate smashed an ice pick into his forehead and neck, damaging his spine. Shortly after the attack, doctors assured him that if his physical therapy continued at Angola, he would walk again, Tatum said. Neither happened, Tatum claimed in the lawsuit.

After he was sent back to Angola, the prisons medical staff failed to provide him with physical therapy, Tatum alleged in court. He told Verite News and ProPublica that when he tried to work out on his own, by lifting weights or pacing the yard with the assistance of a walker, he was ordered to sit in his wheelchair and written up for disobedience and insubordination.

The lack of medical attention is why I am still in this chair, Tatum said. Those people just dont care.

The state claimed in court that Tatum did receive physical therapy, and though he had variable success walking with a cane, he was never able to walk consistently. His subsequent paralysis was not caused by lack of therapy but rather by the injury itself, the state argued. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections did not respond to a request for comment on Tatums allegations that he was disciplined for working out on his own.

Lawmakers act to stop endless flood of frivolous litigation

By suing the prison, Tatum said, he hoped to force change by exposing the horrors he and others endured. Initially it appeared that the strategy was working. After an evidentiary hearing in 1994, U.S. District Judge Frank Polozola instructed both sides to come to an agreement on how best to address the problems that the inmates had exposed.

But as negotiations dragged on, Congress passed the PLRA. The 1996 law came as the nations incarcerated population was exploding, along with the number of civil rights lawsuits filed by inmates over conditions. Both had tripled over the previous 15 years.

Jailhouse lawyers with little else to do are tying our courts in knots with an endless flood of frivolous litigation, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said in 1995 when he introduced the bill. It is past time to slam shut the revolving door on the prison gate and to put the key safely out of reach of overzealous Federal courts.

To do so, the PLRA instituted hurdles that inmates had to face before filing suit. If they cleared them, the law required judges to consider lesser interventions before they could order court-monitored reforms, typically in response to a class-action lawsuit. With little possibility of court intervention, many plaintiffs agreed to settlements that offered little in damages or reforms, according to three legal experts who specialize in the PLRA.

Thats how it played out in Louisiana.

On Sept. 21, 1998, inmates at Angola were given an advance copy of a proposed settlement between the state and the Department of Justice, which had intervened in the case on behalf of the inmates. Prison officials had agreed to make a host of improvements to the health care system. If they fixed the problems by the following February, the case would be dismissed with no further court oversight. If they didnt, the lawsuit would move forward to a possible trial.

In addition to those stipulations, the settlement lauded prison officials for what the state and the Justice Department agreed were significant improvements in the delivery of medical care at Angola, including updated laboratory equipment, the addition of telemedicine and training for technicians who responded to inmates requests for medical care.

In 1998, Angola inmates responded to a proposed settlement in a lawsuit over failures in the prisons medical system by saying claims that certain improvements had already been made read like a fantasy. The settlement was approved the next day.

Two days later, several inmates fired off a scathing letter to the Department of Justice in which they said the list of improvements so far read like a FANTASY. Health care at the prison remained abysmal, they wrote, saying the treatment of chronically ill patients was non-existent. Raw sewage often leaked into Angolas hospital and its kitchen, something they had been complaining about for years. HOW COULD THIS PROBLEM STILL EXIST AFTER ALL THIS TIME????? they asked.

They concluded by telling the Department of Justice that it had been fooled. Before its inspectors visited Angola, prison officials had time to cover up and steer you away from the problems here, inmates wrote. The hospital has NOT been straightened up as claimed.

The settlement was finalized in court the next day.

The plaintiffs medical expert, Dr. Michael Puisis, shared many of the inmates reservations. In a January 1999 report filed in court, a month before the deadline to determine if the state had made enough progress, he said it would take another year to fix Angolas health care system.

The states medical expert, Dr. George Karam, initially agreed, telling the court he found Puisis analysis and interpretations to be accurate.

But Karam reversed his position 33 days later. In a report to Polozola, he noted that his employer, the Louisiana State University Medical School, was about to sign a three-year contract to provide health care services at the prison for $43,200 per month. This, he said, created an additional comfort zone for me and has made me confident that we can achieve everyones stated goal of quality medical care at Angola.

In March 1999, after less than six months of oversight, Polozola decided the state had done enough. He freed it from any further obligations and dismissed the case. The Justice Department did not object to the judges ruling.

The Justice Department declined interview requests for the attorneys who had been involved with the case and didnt respond to questions about the settlement. Puisis declined an interview request. Karam did not respond to multiple requests for comment submitted to him and his office.

Attorney Keith Nordyke, who represented inmates in the lawsuit, said he understands why they were so angry; he remains disappointed himself. By the time of the settlement, he said, his role in the case was secondary to the Justice Department, so he didnt have much of a say. Even so, he said, with the PLRA right there, what leverage did I have? When the law passed, he said, it felt like the day of prison reform was coming to a close.

Lawsuits tossed nationwide

One measure in the PLRA that has proven to be a significant obstacle for inmates was a requirement that they exhaust options within their prisons grievance system before filing suit. In order to assert they had been beaten or raped by guards, or denied vital medical care, inmates first had to seek remedies from within the same system that they contended had harmed them. It really is a case of the fox guarding the henhouse, Fathi said.

Some corrections officials responded by making their grievance process more onerous: Illinois reduced the time inmates had to file complaints from six months to 60 days, according to an investigation by WBEZ and ProPublica. Other states threw out complaints for tiny technical violations, like writing in the wrong color ink, WBEZ and ProPublica reported.

That rule has caused cases to be thrown out even when inmates allege egregious abuse or misconduct. In 2003, more than a dozen female prisoners filed a lawsuit against the state of New York, claiming they had been subjected to forcible rape, coerced sexual activity, oral and anal sodomy, and forced pregnancies, according to Human Rights Watch. The state argued that the women hadnt gone through the entire grievance process first, and the case was dismissed for that reason. An appeals court partially overturned the ruling because three inmates had exhausted their grievance options. The suit was eventually settled.

Thirteen years later, a guard at the Clarence N. Stevenson Unit, a state prison near the Texas Gulf Coast, slammed an inmate into a concrete floor, according to a federal lawsuit. The man lay in a coma in a hospital for two weeks, the Houston Chronicle reported. Texas had a 15-day deadline for inmates to file a grievance; the inmate, Candelario Hernandez, failed to meet it because he was unconscious.

A federal judge granted the states motion to dismiss the suit because Hernandez hadnt gone through the grievance process. But because the state said in court that it would have considered a late grievance, the judge granted Hernandez two months to file one. After the state promptly rejected those grievances, the judge reversed his order to dismiss the case. The states denial was proof, he wrote, that the grievance process was a dead end. The suit is pending.

The current lawsuit over Angolas medical care may be the latest to fall to the PLRA, even though Dick found that there was considerable evidence of failures. In a hearing, a plaintiffs lawyer said medical experts had found that 26 of 28 deaths at Angola had serious medical errors and/or were preventable. The lawyer said those experts had concluded that Angolas delivery of medical care was among the worst they had ever reviewed. The state, however, argued that 21 deaths couldnt have been prevented; it said most of those inmates had serious health problems and were treated properly, some refused treatment, and others had exacerbated their health problems by smoking.

Puisis, the plaintiffs medical expert in the 1992 lawsuit, is serving in the same role in the current case; he has found many of the same problems he identified in the 1990s. Dick noted this when she ruled for the plaintiffs in 2021: Given the fact that many of the complaints in this lawsuit  are the same as those settled in 1998, the Court finds that Defendants have been aware of these deficiencies in the delivery of medical care at LSP for decades, she wrote.

But in the hearing before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this year, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill complained that Dick has never given Angola officials credit, at any stage, for the improvements they have made, which she said include the addition of air conditioning in several medical dorms. (Neither her office nor the Department of Corrections responded to questions about the two lawsuits.)

Murrill also rejected Dicks conclusion that Angolas medical care was inadequate, saying the state never conceded there was a violation in the first place. She argued that the judges decision to appoint monitors to oversee reforms infringed on the states ability to operate its prisons. And the PLRA says, Dont do that, Murrill added.

The 5th Circuit could uphold or reverse Dicks ruling, or it could send it back to her to rehear the case, which could include legal arguments over whether her ruling follows the PLRA.

Circuit Judge Edith Jones, who was appointed in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan, echoed the states arguments in the hearing, saying that Angola prison for too long has been under a Damocles sword imposed by the federal courts. If inmates got their way and independent monitors were appointed to oversee the prisons medical care, she said, the state would have to jump at every turn and do precisely what they say.

One of the lawyers for the inmates, Lydia Wright of the Promise of Justice Initiative, said she disagreed with that characterization of Dicks ruling given that the state has failed to fix these problems over three decades. Were not talking about anything fancy, or exotic or wild, Wright said. Were talking about basic medical care.

Mariam Elba contributed research to this report.

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This article first appeared on Verite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
The U.S. Attorney's Office relied on sexually explicit photographs and other cellphone-related evidence to charge a Florida man with driving to southern Erie County and picking up a 14-year-old mentally disabled girl for sex in August 2022.

The government cited another piece of evidence as the defendant pleaded guilty.

The defendant, Thomas E. Grossman III, 49, gave the girl a "date rape drug" as he was driving her from Erie County to Florida, the prosecutor said.

The victim tested positive for the drug  gamma hydroxybutyrate, known as GHB  after police rescued her from Grossman's southbound SUV in West Virginia, Assistant District Attorney Christian Trabold said at Grossman's plea hearing on Tuesday in U.S. District Court.

A Florida man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Erie to charges that he drove to Erie County to pick up a 14-year-old mentally disabled girl for sex in August 2022.

He said investigators had the victim tested after she reported that, at one point during the drive, she did not know how Grossman came to be out of his Chevrolet Equinox and leaning over her on her side of the SUV.

The U.S. Attorney's Office presented no evidence that Grossman had sex with the girl, though she told investigators that she rejected his requests that she take off her clothes and cuddle with him when they were at a hotel room in Erie.

The evidence also showed that Grossman and the victim exchanged nude photos of themselves after Grossman contacted the girl online and said he was 16 or 19 years old. The girl met Grossman online two to three months before he drove to her house on Aug. 9, 2022, Trabold said.

At one point, Trabold said, Grossman told the girl "they would make a good couple."

Prosecution, defense agree to sentence of 20 years

Grossman, who has a law degree, said at the plea hearing that he agreed with Trabold's recitation of the evidence, including evidence about the date rape drug. Grossman pleaded guilty to the felonies of interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and sexual exploitation of a minor.

The U.S. Attorney's Office and the Federal Public Defender's Office, which represents Grossman, are recommending a prison sentence of 20 years and a 10-year term of supervised release as part of the plea deal, according to the plea letter Trabold referred to in court. Grossman faced a mandatory minimum sentence of as many as 25 years without the plea deal.

U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter accepted the plea and set sentencing for Dec. 17. Grossman has been incarcerated since his arrest on Aug. 10, 2022.

Defendant was first charged with kidnapping

The Pennsylvania State Police initially charged Grossman with kidnapping and other counts. The FBI got involved and a federal grand jury indicted him on Aug. 30, 2022.

Grossman , of Tampa, was accused of picking up the girl at her home in Amity Township, near Wattsburg, on Aug. 9, 2022. The girl "has an intellectual disorder and has the mental capacity of an 8-to-10-year-old child," the FBI and state police said in their criminal complaints in the case. The FBI in its complaint said Grossman has a suspended law license in the state of Indiana.

After staying at a hotel in Erie, Grossman and the girl left Erie County heading south before law enforcement in West Virginia, alerted by the Pennsylvania State Police, found Grossman's Equinox in the parking lot of a Walgreens in Summersville, West Virginia, and arrested.

The girl was returned to her family.

The family started the investigation by reporting that the girl was missing on Aug. 9, 2022. Investigators determined that the victim's phone had received a call from what turned out to be Grossman's phone that evening, before she was picked up near her residence, Trabold said in court.

Investigators used cell phone records to track Grossman, Trabold said. By pinging his number, police found that he was traveling south through Pennsylvania and into West Virginia.

Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com or 814-870-1813. Follow him on X @ETNpalattella.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: 'Date rape drug' raised at guilty plea in Erie County online sex case
This article was originally published in Indiana Capital Chronicle.

As state education officials pump the brakes on a plan to overhaul Indianas high school diplomas, concerns from Hoosier teachers, students and families are mounting over the proposed graduation requirements.

With the deadline fast approaching for the State Board of Education (SBOE) to finalize the changes, state leaders are asking for more statewide feedback  including whats expected to be a lengthy public forum scheduled for next week.

Although the original plan was for the state board to vote on the new diplomas in September, Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner said at a board meeting last week that  in response to feedback received already  the process is slowing down, at least somewhat.

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Jenner said the board will hear a revised draft proposal at the August meeting, followed by a second round of feedback, including a public hearing, before the board releases a final proposal.

Under a law passed by Indiana legislators in 2023, the state must adopt new diploma requirements by December.

Schools could choose to opt in and start offering the new diplomas as early as the 2025-26 academic year. The new diplomas will take effect for all Hoosier students beginning with the Class of 2029, who are entering eighth grade this fall.

Paramount to the new plan, according to state officials, is maximized flexibility for students to personalize learning pathways and experiences, including with college courses taken while still in high school, as well as the ability to count internships, apprenticeships, military experience and other work-based learning toward their graduation requirements.

While the plan answers repeated calls for the states curriculum to better prepare students for post-high school employment and boost the states declining college-going rate, the draft plan has garnered increasing criticism for its exclusion of certain course requirements, like those in history, foreign language and fine arts.

Some educators are also worried about plans to eliminate the current Academic Honors diploma, linked to college-going.

Whats proposed, so far?

Currently, Hoosier students can work toward one of numerous diploma designations, including the general, Core 40, academic honors, or technical honors options. Some schools additionally offer the International Baccalaureate diploma, which is dependent on successful completion of specific assessments and examinations during grades 11 and 12.

State education officials conceded that the existing diploma system is outdated and confusing for both parents and students. Jenner previously said it especially lacks options for students to get hands-on training or earn high-value credentials, given the various course requirements. The move now, however, is to be less course-obsessed.

As laid out in the proposal, Indianas future diplomas would include the Indiana GPS Diploma  a more flexible, personalized version of the current Core 40 diploma  and the Indiana GPS Diploma Plus.

Three transcript seals added to their diplomas would allow students to show theyre ready for enrollment, employment or enlistment.

Ron Sandlin, the state education departments senior director of school performance and transformation, said the proposed seals would focus on readiness  but not eligibility. Each seal track would have required courses, and students could earn multiple seals and apply seals to both diploma types.

Students, parents, teachers push back

But students and parents expressed worries about the model during last weeks SBOE meeting, which lasted more than four hours.

That included a trio of Hamilton Southeastern High School students who pleaded for state education leaders to keep fine arts courses as part of the diplomas foundational skills requirements.

All rising seniors and members of the high schools marching band, each highlighted the benefits of music education and asked that marching band, jazz band, symphony, orchestra, drama and choir be considered co-curricular classes  which could count towards foundational graduation requirements  rather than extracurricular activities.

I can vouch that the skills I learned through playing my instrument every day during marching camp actually gave me more resources and time to grow my abilities compared to my classmates that did not participate in those extra activities, said Kayla Wease, a 17-year-old senior at Hamilton Southeastern.

Dylan Balka, another of the students, further asked the board to count band activities as work-based learning experiences under the new diploma requirements for juniors and seniors.

Without the fine arts program, he said, I wouldnt have as strong of a dedication for anything else in my life.

Separately ,numerous foreign language teachers have spoken against the lack of credits awarded to students who take foreign language courses under the new proposal. Many colleges require foreign language credits or entry.

And parents like Leslie Wells, whose two children attend Perry Township schools, said theyre concerned that requirements under the GPS Diploma Plus wont be attainable for many students.

Dual credit AP honors courses require more work inside and outside the classroom, Wells said at last weeks SBOE meeting. Adding work-based learning requirements on top of that makes it impossible.  If theres concern about forcing non-college-bound students to take college-ready courses, we should have an equal concern about forcing college-bound students to fulfill these workplace learning requirements.

Rep. Sheila Klinker, D-Lafayette, additionally called for board members to create diplomas that prepare non-college-bound students, but still offer an equivalent to the current academic honors diploma for those who want to pursue higher education.

Doing so, she said, ensures those students are competitive applicants for university admissions and prospective scholarships.

Our state desperately needs well-rounded, comprehensive diplomas that encourage our youth to be critical thinkers. Students who want to work after graduation must be introduced to skilled trade apprenticeships and employment opportunities. However, we must continue to foster excitement about the arts, Klinker, a former teacher, said in a statement.

I fear our smaller, public high schools will be forced to cut some arts and humanities classes. They are severely underfunded, and if these classes are not required, they are on the cutting block, she continued. Lets give our Hoosier youth the best chance in life by inspiring them to be professionally ambitious and passionately creative.

How Hoosiers can weigh in

Hoosiers are invited to offer a first round of online feedback through July 30. So far, the state has received more than 6,300 digital feedback submissions.

An in-person public hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. the same day in Conference Rooms Four and Five of the Indiana Government Center South in Indianapolis.

SBOE officials emphasized earlier this month that all comments given online will be reviewed and weighed equally as those provided in-person.

Rep. Sue Errington, D-Muncie, has additionally scheduled a town hall meeting for Friday to discuss the restructuring of Indianas high school diploma system.

The meeting, open to the public, will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kennedy Library, located at 1700 W. McGalliard Road in Muncie.

In a news release, Errington said the proposed plan would completely erase the states existing diplomas and reduce requirements for multiple subjects  entirely restructuring high school education as we know it.

She cautioned that there is no academic honors diploma under the plan and said neither of the proposed diplomas baseline requirements meet admissions requirements for Ball State University  located in her district  or other in-state universities.

I have received an outpouring of concern from House District 34 parents and educators about the proposed diploma redesign, Errington said in a statement. I hope to see you at a public listening session so you can get your questions answered and share your thoughts on the proposal with stakeholders.

Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers, is also holding two public listening sessions for district constituents to learn about and discuss the proposal. One focused on Carmel Clay Schools and Washington Township Schools took place Monday evening, and another  from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 29, in the Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers  will center around the Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation.

I have received an outpouring of concern from House District 32 parents and educators about the proposed diploma redesign, Garcia Wilburn said in a news release. People move to House District 32 for our great public schools that set students up for success in life, success in higher education and success in their careers. The focus of this plan on career training at the expense of rigorous academic coursework is threatening to derail our district public high schools track record of success.

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.
He fell on his sword: Democrats, Republicans and media figures react to Bidens address to nation

Democrats, Republicans and talking heads have lead reaction to President Joe Bidens address to the nation on Wednesday night, with supporters saying he fell on his sword while critics blasted it as barely understandable.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden explained his rationale behind withdrawing from the 2024 election, saying that he decided to pass the torch to a new generation because he cannot let his personal ambition stand in the way of democracy.

Biden also thanked Kamala Harris, whom he endorsed on Sunday to replace him on top of the Democratic party ticket.

Harris was among those who praised Biden and thanked him for his five-decade long service to the American people following his speech.

President @JoeBiden has profound compassion for the people of our country. We are all deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation. Thank you, Mr. President, she wrote on X.

Former president Barack Obama, who is yet to publicly endorse Harris, also thanked Biden for staying true to these words again and again over a lifetime of service to the American people.

President Joe Biden stands next to First Lady Jill Biden as he was set to address the nation live on Wendesday (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Rep Jasmine Crocket, a fierce Biden supporter said she was in tears while watching the president whom she loves give his historic speech.

Leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Hakeem Jeffries, wrote on X: He passed the torch to all of us. It is now our responsibility to save American democracy. We will.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, agreed: Tonight, we saw President Joe Biden  one of Americas most consequential presidents  show that he is not only on the right side of history, but on the right side of the future.

First Lady Jill Biden, who joined the president in the White House along with his son Hunter, daughter Ashley and granddaughter Finnegan, shared her love with the American public in her comments.

To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude, she wrote on the platform.

Bidens disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump last month was the key to his undoing, causing dozens of senior Democrats to disavow his reelection dreams and calling on him to stand aside from the presidential race.

Following his speech  and decision to exit the race  some of those same Democrats heaped praise on Biden.

Lloyd Doggett, who was the first senior Democrat to call for Biden to stand down, thanked him for his sacrifice to preserve our democracy.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is tipped to be on the shortlist for Harris running mate, commended Biden for being patriot, a President who has gotten historic stuff done, and a fighter for our country.

While most Democrats were full of admiration for the president, Rep Jared Moskowitz noted that Biden didnt look as good or sound as good, despite saying it was one of the best speeches he has given.

Meanwhile, many Republicans are yet to comment on Bidens address though Trump quickly  and scathingly  weighed in, claiming he was barely understandable and sooo bad in a Truth Social post.

Donald Trump slammed the presidents speech, claiming that a points, Biden was barely understandable (AP)

Republican South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said he respects the president for not seeking re-election and added that he knows that for the last 50 years he has tried to do his best for America.

Alabama Rep Robert Aderholt said that the president parroted sound bites from other primetime campaign speeches from the rest of his term with Fox News The Five anchor Dana Perino agreeing: Ohhhhhh so this is state of the union speech. Got it.

CNNs senior political commentator Van Jones somewhat agreed with Trump that Bidens words arent clear, but said the president bowed out with honor.

Thats a good man, he fell on the sword. He fell on his sword, most heroes, they fight to the bitter end. He fell on his sword. Hes an old guy, but the hearts still there, he said.
A missing license plate on a suspicious car led to the arrest of a felon and the discovery of a gun and drugs.

On Monday at 10:11 p.m., patrolling officers spotted a suspicious car without a license plate in the 800 block of East Harrison Street in Seattles Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Officers discovered the driver was impaired and had drug paraphernalia.

As police investigated, they saw a gun inside the car. After getting a search warrant, they found a loaded Polymer80 handgun and took it as evidence. What was suspected to be narcotics and drug paraphernalia were also recovered.

Because the driver was previously convicted of a felony, he is not allowed to have a gun.

The 42-year-old was arrested for DUI and unlawful possession of a firearm and was booked into the King County Jail.
Kamala Harris is on track to wrap up support from Americas biggest labor unions, even as Republicans led by JD Vance and Donald Trump try to make a play for union voters.

The vice president spoke at an event held by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) on Thursday, where she thanked the teachers union for its longstanding support of her political career. She shouted out Randi Weingarten, the groups president, as one of her oldest political allies, while calling herself a proud product of the public school system.

And outside of the AFT, Harris has racked up endorsements from other major national unions as well. Not waiting for another Democrat to emerge and challenge the vice president for the nomination, a slew of other unions including AFSCME, AFL-CIO and SEIU have all thrown their support behind Harris since Joe Biden stepped aside on Sunday.

Bidens endorsement of his vice president for the Democratic nomination clearly played into this at least somewhat  the incumbent president has championed unions while in office, and throughout his own career. But there are also signs that even with Biden off the ticket, Democrats see Harris as a strong ally of organized labor.

Kamala Harris is greeted onstage Thursday by American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten (AFP via Getty Images)

The clearest example of that dynamic to occur so far was visible on Wednesday. As speculation mounts that he is on the shortlist to be Kamala Harriss running mate, battleground Arizona Senator Mark Kelly made a public flip-flop on the issue of the PRO Act, a piece of pro-union legislation he refused to back under a Democratic House and Senate majority in 2021, effectively blocking it from becoming law at the time.

I've always said I would vote for the PRO Act, and at the same time we're going to try to make it better, he told The Independent.

Kelly sought to highlight his union bona fides when he spoke on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

Both my parents are police officers, my grandfather was a New York City firefighter, Kelly said. My mother was and after she was injured, on the job apprehending a criminal, it was the union that helped her get her benefits.

Two of Americas most prominent unions are currently withholding their endorsements from the vice president: United Autoworkers (UAW) and the Teamsters. The latters position has been clear; Teamsters president Sean OBrien has flirted openly with the Republican Party and spoke at the RNC last week ahead of JD Vance, the newly-announced running mate to Donald Trump who has sought to mend the GOPs ties with organized labor groups (to mixed results).

The Teamsters political action committee also gave $5,000 to Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, who has fashioned himself as a pro-labor Republican.

I don't know if they will or not, but I would hope they would, Hawley told The Independent, about whether any unions would back the GOP ticket. And I would hope that, you know, the Trump-Vance ticket would continue to advocate for pro-labor policies.

The UAW is far more likely to endorse Harris, though it may hold out for stronger pro-labor commitments from her campaign. Under the leadership of Shawn Fain, the UAW has played a militant strategy and organized numerous strikes including one major strike effort in 2023 which involved tens of thousands of workers.

Were not going to rush in and just throw it out there. We want to have fruitful discussions when we meet [with Harriss team], Fain said on MSNBC this week. And I think its important we do that. We owe that to them.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York told The Independent that Harriss pro-labor record would help her.

I think President Biden really broke a lot of barriers, she said, noting how he was the first president to walk a picket line. This type of solidarity with the labor movement has not been seen from any president, Democrat or Republican in a very long time. And so I'm very grateful to both President Biden and Vice President Harris for really taking that step and my hope is that it continues and only builds momentum.

Teamsters chief Sean OBrien became the first head of his union to ever speak before the RNC when he thanked Republicans for the partys newfound populist bent (AFP via Getty Images)

AFTs Randi Weingarten told The Independent after Harriss visit on Thursday that her union was energized to rally behind the vice presidents bid for the top job. Since launching her campaign for the presidency on Sunday, Harris has raised more than $126m and signed up thousands of volunteers.

The Vice President electrified our convention hall today with her message about expanding the middle class and protecting our freedoms. The AFT was the first union to endorse Kamala Harris for president because of her vision for the future. The excitement she generates among our members, particularly among women and young people is clear, said Weingarten.

Today, they heard the vice president champion our public schools and economic opportunity, families, reproductive freedoms, safety from gun violence, the freedom to join a union and a future in which every person has the opportunity not to just get by, but thrive. And they are committed to pouring all of their energy into helping her make history as the first woman president.
SEOUL, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Five domestic and foreign automakers in South Korea will voluntarily recall some 430,000 vehicles for manufacturing defects, the transport ministry said Thursday.

Kia Corp. will recall 210,283 units of two different models, including K5, for poor durability of the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) and 1,986 units of Niro EV for defective power shut-off device in high voltage battery, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Hyundai Motor will recall 178,489 units of three models, such as Tucson, for poor durability of the HECU that poses a fire risk, as well as 3,142 units of GV80 due to design error in the electric side step.

The defective lighting set, which failed to meet safety standards, prompted a recall in 22,072 units of Model Y from Tesla Korea.

Volkswagen Group Korea will repair faulty fuel pumps in 5,341 units of five models, including A3 40 TFSI, and faulty battery module in 833 units of e-tron 55 quattro.

Toyota Motor Korea will take corrective actions on 5,559 units of 13 models including ES300h owing to bad welding in front and rear cameras as well as 2,829 units of four models such as NX350h for software error in front recognition camera.

Vehicle owners can visit repair and service centers to replace the faulty parts free of charge. 
In the over five years since Fairview resident David Duque-Soto was found lifeless in his Fourth Street apartment, four people have been sentenced for their roles in his death.

The fifth, Lexie Burke, was finally sentenced on Wednesday, bringing a traumatic ordeal in court for the victim's family to an end. Bergen County Superior Court Judge James Sattely sentenced Burke to 14 years in prison for aggravated manslaughter, 10 years for armed robbery and five years for possession of a weapon without a permit, all to run concurrently.

Burke, who has been in prison since 2019, is required to serve 85% of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

Duque-Soto was a 23-year-old who was fatally shot in his apartment in June 2019 during an armed robbery gone wrong. Bullet casings from 9mm and .32-caliber guns were found near his body and he had signs of acute blunt force trauma.

A video screen in a viewing room of the Bergen County Courthouse displays the trial of Lexie Burke in the courtroom of Judge Margaret Foti on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Burke stands at the start of the trial. He is one of four men involved in a botched Fairview drug deal that left one dead.

Burke, who masterminded the robbery, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter halfway through his trial in April 2022. He agreed to testify against his four other co-defendants, eventually testifying against getaway driver David Martinez. The three other defendants pleaded guilty.

Assistant Prosecutor Suzanne Cevasco credited and praised Burke for his testimony, noting he did an "excellent job" in testifying in difficult circumstances and that he was "patient and incredibly detailed" when giving his testimony. She said the prosecution took into account his testimony and his willingness to testify in more than one trial in their recommendation of 14 years rather than 30 years.

Cevasco said they believed Burke's testimony at Martinez's trial led to the guilty pleas from the three other co-defendants.

Burke's attorney, Ronald Hunt, requested Sattely sentence his client to 10 years in prison, noting Burke had no previous run-ins with the court system and a "solid family" who have stood by him throughout the last five years.

"He can't change the past," Hunt said. "All he can do is make a positive impact with his life. For himself and his family. He owes it to himself, his family and the state."

During the sentencing, Burke's mother and grandfather also asked Sattely to show mercy and sentence him to 10 years in prison rather than 14.

Janine Burke said her son would live with his choices but was "working to become a better version of himself." She told her son that he was loved and supported by his family.

"We believe in the ability to grow and learn from the situations and begin to make productive changes," Janine Burke said. "And we know he can and will move his life forward."

Burke spoke on his own behalf, apologizing to Duque-Soto's family and telling the court he continues to have "vivid nightmares" about what happened that June day and that he was in a bad place at the time, saying he and his significant other were worried about a place to sleep and if they would eat that day.

He said he takes full responsibility for what happened and his decision to plan the robbery was made by "stupidity, lack of prudence and being desperate."

Hackensack, NJ -- April 12, 2024 -- Assistant Bergen County Prosecutors Matt Fitzpatrick and Suzanne Cevasco, attorney Nathan Kittner with his client Dylan Rodriguez during Rodriguez's sentencing for his role in the murder of David Duque-Soto.

He said while there is state restitution and that no amount of money can bring Duque Soto back, he would like to contribute financially to Duque-Soto's child's future.

Burke told the court that he works to mentor other young people in jail and hopes he can inspire others to be better people. During his decision, Sattely acknowledged that Burke had taken advantage of the opportunities provided to him in jail.

Duque-Soto's mother gave her fifth and final victim impact statement, crying as she told the court her son was a good person who may have been involved in some bad things but wouldn't steal from anyone. She called all five defendants "rats" multiple times. She said, were it up to her, she would make sure none of the men involved in her son's death would see the light of day again.

Burke's co-defendants Raul Torres and Carlos Burgos, who the state said shot Duque-Soto just minutes after entering his Fourth Street apartment in Fairview, pleaded guilty in March 2023 to aggravated manslaughter and were sentenced in May 2023 to 30 years in prison.

Getaway driver David Martinez was sentenced on May 1, 2023, to 30 years after being found guilty of felony murder in March 2023, along with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Dylan Rodriguez pleaded guilty in late February and was sentenced in April to 13 years in prison for aggravated manslaughter and another five years for perjury,

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen shooting case of David Duque-Soto leads to 5th jail sentence
Fight back against this assault on DEI. Diversity makes communities and workforce stronger

As the Tennessee state Senate minority leader, I have a profound responsibility to ensure that all voices in our community are heard.

On a historic day in June, at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, the current site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated, we kicked off the "Freedom to Be Heard" summer field hearing tour.

Alongside House minority leader Rep. Karen Camper, D-Memphis, we welcomed leaders from various sectors business, healthcare, education, and law  to discuss the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces and communities.

This event was not just a response to the ongoing political assaults on diversity initiatives but also a platform to affirm that our strength as a society lies in our inclusivity.

In recent months, Tennessees conservative-controlled legislature and public officials have celebrated the fall of affirmative action in higher education, proposed bans on DEI initiatives in public universities, enacted laws to restrict free speech in education, and even threatened lawsuits against companies promoting inclusive business practices.

These actions undermine the progress we have made towards a more equitable society.

Tennessee employers stay committed to diversity, equity and inclusion despite the pushback

Leaders from FedEx to Amazon affirmed the value of DEI

Our speakers at the Memphis hearing included representatives from FedEx, Rhodes College, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Mid-South Minority Business Council, Shelby County Health Department, and the Memphis Urban League, among many others.

Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, speaks on a panel focused on gun violence prevention at the White House this month.

They shared powerful testimonies on how DEI initiatives are not just beneficial but essential.

Rose Flenorl of FedEx, the international delivery giant based in Memphis, emphasized that inclusive business practices are crucial for growth and profitability in a diverse world. Its no secret that diversity creates stronger communities and workforces, Flenorl said. "Diversity, equity and inclusion at FedEx is fueling collaboration and enabling us to attract, retain and nurture a skilled workforce that drives business performance and sustainability.

At our Nashville hearing this July, Tonya Hallett, a vice president at Amazon which operates a corporate office and 12 fulfillment centers in Tennessee, echoed those comments, saying diversity, equity and inclusion is essential to the companys business model. "Our customers represent a wide array of genders, races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, religions, sexual orientations, military statuses, backgrounds, and political views, Hallett testified. "It is critical that Amazon employees are also diverse, fostering a culture where inclusion is the norm."

Dr. Michelle Taylor from the Shelby County Health Department highlighted how discriminatory practices from the past have shaped inequities in the social landscape today from housing and health outcomes to education and economic mobility. Taylor emphasized that more direct reform is needed to repair past injustices.

Monica Newport from Latino Memphis spoke passionately against new legislative efforts to divide some citizens, specifically anti-immigrant legislation. Newport explained how such policies demonize our neighbors and create barriers to employment and education, thereby stifling economic development.

Struggle for civil rights has not ended and must continue

Clear themes have emerged in the first two field hearings from the more than three dozen people who have offered testimony: when communities go unheard in the workplace, whether it be halls of power or corporate boardrooms, talents go underutilized and needs go unmet.

The consequences are far-reaching, affecting everything from public health to economic vitality.

Our gathering at the Lorraine Motel was a reminder of the enduring struggle for civil rights and the ongoing need to fight for justice and inclusion. It reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that every Tennessean has the opportunity to be heard and to build a good life.

This summer, I plan to host one more field hearing in East Tennessee to continue these vital conversations.

State Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis (District 29)

Together, we can push back against policies that seek to divide us and work towards a Tennessee that celebrates and harnesses the power of its diversity. Our future depends on it.

Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, is the Tennessee Senate Minority Leader

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee lawmakers are tearing apart DEI and endanger workforce gains
NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  In the aftermath of Sen. Bob Menendezs decision to leave his senate seat following his conviction on corruption charges, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has pledged to make a quick decision as to who should fill his vacant seat.

Being a strong proponent of diversity, Murphy has at least two African-American women on his short list to fill out Menendezs term, which runs until January. At the moment, the candidate who won the New Jersey Democratic primary doesnt appear to be the governors favored choice.

More New Jersey News

Following his conviction on 16 corruption charges, Menendez announced he would resign on Aug. 20 from the senate seat he has held for 18 years.

That gives Murphy the responsibility to name someone to fill that seat for the next five months. His wife Tammy, who ran for the seat but withdrew from the race before the primary, said shes not interested.

Murphy is said to be considering several people. According to political consultant and professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University Dan Cassino, at least two African-American women top the list.

Tahesha Way, the current lieutenant governor and a Murphy loyalist, would be a safe pick and would do what Murphy wants. And shes a woman of color, he said.

He also named Nina Mitchell Wells, another African-American woman who is very well respected in New Jersey politics and a former secretary of state.

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, a longtime Democratic leader in New Jersey, has indicated she would like to be considered to fill the Menendez seat in the Senate.

More PIX on Politics

Congressman Andy Kim is the Democratic nominee for the New Jersey Senate race but is not believed to be on the governors shortlist.

Andy Kim ran a sustained pretty negative campaign against the governors wife, so Im sure theres no love lost there, according to Dan Cassino.

Murphy has described himself as a liberal Democrat and has discussed diversity. Naming the first black New Jersey woman to a senate seat would be a positive step for him.

He has talked a lot about diversity, and selecting the first black woman from New Jersey to serve in the U.S. Senate is a way to demonstrate his commitment to diversity, Cassino said.

While the effort is underway to fill the remainder of Menendzezs term, political consultant Cassino said the seat could remain vacant until January.

He would face a lot of flak for that because the Senate is so divided. Democrats have a one-seat majority. If Democrats lose a seat, you have a tie-ball game. Democrats cant afford to have a seat vacant, the political consultant claimed.

Murphy is also under pressure from Republicans, including two former governors, Thomas Kean and Chris Christie, to consider the republican nominee Curtis Bashaw. They said the governor should give voters a free choice in November, a choice unencumbered by political influence.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Lightning believed to be cause of destructive Houston Co. house fire

ASHFORD, Ala (WDHN)  At around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, emergency units rushed to Cummings Circle, between Highway 84 and Christmas Road in Avon, after receiving reports of a house fire.

Coward Volunteer Fire Chief Roger Nall tells WDHN the fire was believed to be caused by a lightning strike.

According to RickeyStokesNews, around 50 firemen from Ashford Fire, Cowarts Volunteer Fire, Webb Volunteer Fire, Pansey Volunteer Fire, Lovetown Volunteer Fire, and Cottonwood Volunteer Fire responded.

Reports show that the home was a total loss despite firefighters efforts.

(Courtesy of Cowarts Fire Department)

(Courtesy of Cowarts Fire Department)

(Courtesy of Cowarts Fire Department)

(Courtesy of Cowarts Fire Department)

(Courtesy of Cowarts Fire Department)

(Courtesy of Cowarts Fire Department)

(Courtesy of Cowarts Fire Department)

(Courtesy of Cowarts Fire 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 WDHN - wdhn.com.
A wildfire broke out near Upper Bidwell Park in Chico on Wednesday afternoon and is growing at a moderate pace, prompting law enforcement to call for an evacuation orders, authorities said.

Rick Carhart, spokesperson for Cal Fires Butte Unit, said Cal Fire is working in coordination with Chico Fire Department to attack the blaze, which he said is in a multi-agency threat zone. Bidwell Park is within Chicos city boundaries but the fire is threatening Cal Fires jurisdiction as well.

The fire quickly grew from 40 acres to 500 acres, according to the Cal Fire website. By 6 p.m., the Park Fire had charred about 1,000 acres.

The Butte County Sheriffs Office at 4:45 p.m. issued evacuation warnings for zones 317 and 318, which include sparse territory north and northwest of Bidwell Park. The warning was updated to an order about 30 minutes later, according to the Sheriffs Office social media page.

It includes areas west of Musty Buck Ridge, extending south to Thorntree Drive and north to Cohasset Road, according to the countys evacuation map.

Deputies also upgraded evacuation warnings to evacuation orders in zones 252 and 253 in the town of Cohasset. The areas included land north of Cohasset Road, extending up to Cohasset Ridge, according to the map.

Shortly before 6 p.m., the Sheriffs Office issued evacuation orders for Zones 250, 251, 313 and 312 in Cohasset.

Images from UC San Diegos AlertCalifornia cameras showed numerous houses just south of where the fire was burning.

Carhart could not confirm how many structures are threatened, but he said it is likely that plenty of structures could be threatened.

AlertCalifornia images showed a dark plume of smoke rising over a hill in the Bidwell Park area at around 2:45 p.m., and by 4 p.m., it had spread widely and smoke plumes were growing.

According to the National Weather Service, the weather at Chico Municipal Airport, near Bidwell Park, at 4:20 p.m. was 104 degrees with 19 mph winds.

The Bees Rosalio Ahumada and Ishani Desai contributed to this story.
Swimmer missing in Missouri River after he was unable to get to shore in strong current

Firefighters searched the Missouri River overnight but could not find a swimmer who had been missing for hours, a fire department spokesman said.

The Missouri Highway Patrol will resume the search for the 25-year-old man on Thursday, said Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins with the Kansas City Fire Department.

Friends called police shortly before 9 p.m. saying the swimmer had entered the Missouri River six hours earlier and was possibly stranded on one of the rivers rock outcroppings, Hopkins said.

The friends said the man couldnt return to shore due to the strong current. Hopkins said they last had contact with him near a rock outcropping offshore from the ramp.

The fire department responded to the boat ramp at Riverfront Park at 1700 N. Monroe Avenue. There, firefighters deployed three boats along with two drones, Hopkins said.

With the drones thermal imaging technology, firefighters searched for the swimmer from the boat ramp east to shortly beyond the city limits. Firefighters manually checked the river, banks, outcroppings, obstructions and islands.

The drones identified multiple areas for boat crews to check, but firefighters didnt find the man there. The search went on for over four hours.

Just after 1 a.m., firefighters called off the search after being unable to find the swimmer.
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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Mere hours after a basking shark was caught and tagged by a team of researchers cruising through waters of a proposed Irish marine park, the luckless animal was struck again, this time far more violently by a less vigilant vessel.

While the endangered shark likely can't wait to forget this entire traumatic day, the footage captured on the device she was tagged with provides valuable information about boat and marine animal collisions.

"This is the first ever direct observation of a ship strike on any marine megafauna that we're aware of," explains Oregon State University marine biologist Taylor Chapple.

Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) are filter feeders, which means they spend most of their time near the ocean's surface sifting plankton from the water. Just like their larger whale shark cousins and the baleen whales who feed in the same way, this 'basking' habit makes the large bodied, occasionally warm-blooded animal vulnerable to boat strikes.

"The fact that a shark we fitted our 'Fitbit' to was struck in this area within a few hours underlines just how vulnerable these animals are to boats and highlights the need for greater education in how to mitigate against such strikes," says Trinity College Dublin physiological ecologist Nicholas Payne.

For six hours after being tagged, the approximately 7-meter (23-foot)-long female fed near the surface, only occasionally diving. She fled to the ocean floor immediately after her harrowing collision, which left visible damage on her skin.

Paint and abrasions on the back of the boat-struck basking shark. (Big Fish Lab/Oregon State University)

In stark contrast to her initial activity, she didn't feed again after the impact in the 7.5 hours of remaining footage. This highlights how even when the collisions aren't directly fatal, they can cause detrimental changes in behavior and other longer term consequences like injuries, the researchers point out.

"Boat strikes, and their subsequent non-lethal effects, may be more common than previously considered," Chapple and team write in their paper, noting that once the shark's skin heals there will be no visible evidence of the collision, meaning observations based on surface damage alone could potentially lead to underestimates of boat strike prevalence.

Basking sharks are endangered due to historical overfishing and culling, and Ireland's coastal waters are one of the few locations they are still known to gather in large numbers. Here they feed seasonally and may also use the area as their mating ground.

Earlier this year, Ireland announced 70,000 acres of the very waters in which the shark was struck will become the country's first National Marine Park, which will hopefully provide its animals with some protection in the future.

Chapple and team recommend more protected areas throughout basking sharks range, to allow them safe places to feed.

"More work needs to be done to assess [boat strike impacts] on the short- and long-term recovery of this species," they conclude.

This research was published in Frontiers in Marine Science.

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The first step to equity is getting students to and from a great school

Road funding will be a central part of the 2025 legislative session and lawmakers have an opportunity to make Indiana a nationwide model for equitable school transportation. (Getty Images)

Teachers arent supposed to have favorite students, but a few years back, mine was Derrien. I crack a lot of jokes when I teach, and he always kept pace with a witty comeback. He put his wits to use daily in my science class, generating insights that had me learning alongside him. My favorite part, though, was his daily salutation when he got off the bus: Mr. Shah, hows your morning starting today?

So I was dismayed in February when, one morning, I didnt get my usual greeting. I figured he had a doctors appointment or something, but the next day, the day after, nothing. I found out Derriens family had moved out of the district, and no longer was in range of our buses. Mid-year school changes are extremely disruptive to a students education, but they happen all the time. I figured he was just too far from our school to stay enrolled with us.

Imagine my surprise when I learned that he had only moved a few blocks over.

I realized what had happened. Look at any map of Indianapolis eleven school districts and you will, too. The boundaries are fragmented and peculiar, fraying on the west side and an archipelago on the east. They mark historic lines of segregation that have been enshrined in state law since UniGov. In some parts of the city, you can drive five blocks and pass through three different districts.

The upshot of this hit me at a six-way traffic light a few months ago. Four school buses  one for Warren, one for Lawrence, one for an eastside charter, and one for IPS  were all stuck in the same traffic.

Discrimination

I chuckled at the inefficiency, but the artificial lines between districts and enrollment zones mark very real barriers to students getting to and from the schools they choose.

A lack of transportation implicitly discriminates against students in poverty, in unstable housing, or with significant disabilities. Yet in 2015, the Indiana Supreme Court confirmed that Indiana schools are not constitutionally required to provide transportation. If a district, charter, or private school provides busing, it does so by choice, relying on local property tax revenue. And its only getting pricier. School transportation has been facing a hailstorm of challenges including driver shortages, rising operational costs, redundant routes, pedestrian safety, and an aging fleet.

Indiana is unusual, but there are as many ways to fund school transportation as there are states, running the gamut from state lump sums, local levies, per-pupil grants, user fees, and even reimbursement for public transit. The variety of schemes is dizzying, but each carries its own lessons for Indiana. Through decades of education reform, transportation has remained largely untouched. But students cant have a great education if they cant get to a great school.

With road funding looming large over the 2025 legislative session, we have an opportunity to make Indiana a nationwide model for equitable school transportation.

Recommendations

First, the state should offer baseline funding to at least ensure that students from Kindergarten through 8th grade have access to transportation to their school of their choice. This can be limited by radius or road distance to their pickup address, but it should be irrespective of school type and arbitrary, racially-drawn district lines.

Second, any school that accepts public funding should be required to offer opt-in transportation to students. While some states both require and fund this, Indiana has enabled a more scattershot approach. Many schools, especially smaller and more isolated ones, have struggled to offer transportation and have explicitly asked for consistency. A unified expectation ensures that transportation and equity will not be in conflict.

Finally, districts shouldnt stand alone in managing busing for all schools. Many, especially in rural counties, are already facing financial cliffs because of transportation. When Ohio required districts to bus students to charter and private schools, it led to conflicts, fines, lawsuits, and settlements. A better approach could be managing school transportation at the county level, with a unified open enrollment system and multiple stops at schools along the same route. This gives drivers opportunities to run fuller shifts with better wages, and lets us invest in newer, safer buses.

Sitting at that intersection looking at those buses, I wondered for a moment if Derrien might be on one of them. I thought about how being on a different bus at the same traffic light offered completely different educational opportunities. This year, lets design a better school transportation system that serves all students equitably.

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Donald Trump and his family at the end of the 2024 Republican National Convention in MIlwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Shaun Griswold / Source NM)

This story is part of a collaboration between ICT, Koahnic Broadcasting and States Newsroom to cover the 2024 Republican National Convention with a focus on Native America.

WASHINGTON  Native issues are on the ballot in the November election in more ways than one.

Although the nomination of former President Donald Trump and running mate J.D. Vance dominated the mainstream media coverage of the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin, tribal officials and Native congressional leaders also gathered to discuss domestic issues including economic development, land management, energy, and missing and murdered Indigenous people. Even the make-up of the presidential cabinet surfaced at the convention.

Underlying most of those issues discussed at the convention is tribal sovereignty, and the ability of tribes to control their own projects and decisions, according to Michael Stopp, Cherokee, president and chief executive of SevenStar Holdings in Oklahoma.

Tribes are supposed to have the ability, the right and the power to direct their own affairs without necessarily the strict oversight that we see from the federal government, Stopp said. So sovereignty is essentially the tribes ownership of its own power and ability to act as it sees fit.

Here are five take-aways for Indian Country from the Republican National Convention as the November elections rapidly approach. The convention was held July 15-18 in Milwaukee.

People walk through the concourse at the Fiserv Forum during the second night of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, July 16.

Economic development

Economic development is a key issue, with a number of Native leaders saying Indian Country has been left behind  they want to increase development of tribal lands and resources.

Stopp has been a convention delegate in years past and was in close contact with delegates this year. He leads the SevenStar consultation group that helps develop economic opportunities for tribes, tribal businesses and tribal members.

Theres a huge challenge in economic issues when it comes to going through the very many barriers and hoops that we have to go through here in Indian Country, Stopp told ICT.

He said tribal leaders are discussing not only tapping into resources such as fossil fuels and other minerals, but building infrastructure, including gaming facilities. Federal regulations can make those development projects difficult.

Just even building a building at times on federal trust land can be a challenge, he said. It can be onerous.

Many Native peoples  regardless of political affiliation  are pushing for policies that would remove barriers to developing tribal lands and resources. Stopp said offices such as the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration, which oversees the allocation of trust monies, impose limitations on tribal development through broad federal oversight.

Lauren Boebert at Interior?

Another issue to watch is the question of who would take over running the U.S. Department of the Interior if Republicans reclaim the White House in the November election.

Current Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Laguna Pueblo, became the first Native person in a presidential cabinet when President Joe Biden tapped her to lead the agency that oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Park Service and other agencies.

Controversial U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican from Colorado, told Native America Calling she had her eye on the job.

I think Lauren Boebert needs to be the Secretary of the Interior, Boebert said in an interview, noting that the department is one of the most important agencies within the federal government because of the importance of land and water management.

She later appeared to walk back her comments, saying they had been in jest, but some political observers suspect she may be serious. She is well-versed in the policy issues that could earn her a cabinet appointment if Trump returns to office.

Boeberts policy ideas include moving the Bureau of Land Management offices back to Grand Junction, Colorado, a Trump-era policy reversed under Haaland. She also discussed opening up more public lands for energy exploration, excluding wind and solar, and expressed contempt for the Antiquities Act, which allows for protection of sacred sites.

Concerns also surfaced about Trumps vice presidential pick, Vance, who some leaders fear has too little experience working with tribal communities.He has also drawn criticism for comments he made on social media in 2021 disparaging social issues important to many Native Americans.

Before he was elected to the U.S. Senate from Ohio, Vance posted on social media that Indigenous Peoples Day was a fake holiday and that two-spirit was a reference made up by progressives.

Drill baby, drill

Trump closed out the convention on Saturday, July 18, by vowing to increase oil production in the U.S. at levels that nobodys ever seen before, saying the U.S. should drill, baby, drill.

But the U.S. already is. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported domestic crude oil production reached an all-time high in 2023, with peak average monthly production of 13.3 million barrels per day.

No other country has reached production capacity of 13 million barrels per day, according to the administration.

Expanding oil and gas drilling  as well as mining for so-called key energy-transition materials such as copper, cobalt, nickel, and lithium  would have a large impact on reservation communities.

The vast majority of those resources are located in reserves under or within 35 miles of tribal lands, according to a report by MSCI, a New York City-based investment firm.

Tribes that are interested in opening up their lands for energy resource extraction dont want to be limited by federal regulations.

But not all tribes want to expand fossil-fuel extraction, according to Stopp.

Those who do choose to do that, and use that money to help their people, they should not have an extra burden, Stopp said.

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, Cherokee, a Republican from Oklahoma, hosted a roundtable discussion between tribal and congressional leaders at the convention. Geoffrey Standing Bear, principal chief of the Osage Nation, said a substantial portion of his communitys revenue comes from oil and gas.

We know how to take care of ourselves and our property, he said, criticizing poor management by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and strict regulation of tribal lands for causing lower revenues for Osage community members.

We can get that oil and gas out of the ground in a safe manner, he said. We know how to do that.

MMIP, crime and drugs

Other topics of importance to Indian Country surfaced in discussions and speeches to the crowds gathered for the convention.

Forest County Potawatomi Chairman James Crawford of Wisconsin opened the second day of the convention with a land acknowledgement and a speech that focused on crime, substance use, and the growing number of missing and murdered Indigenous people.

The next day, U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, a Republican from Wyoming, spoke about illegal immigration and drugs at the roundtable. Hageman, who sits on the House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Natural Resources, blamed cartels for taking advantage of jurisdictional uncertainty with regard to tribal law.

Others raised concerns that undocumented immigrants were fueling drug crises in reservation communities by bringing fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, across the U.S. border. Federal statistics, however, show that about 86 percent of fentanyl smuggled into the U.S. in 2023 was brought through legal ports of entry by U.S. citizens.

Sovereignty

Underlying many of the Native issues is sovereignty, particularly development of energy infrastructure or government regulations affecting other concerns.

Forest County Potawatomi Chairman James Crawford speaks to the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

For many, sovereignty is the key issue on the ballot this election cycle, and Republican leaders say their policy objectives seek to shrink federal bureaucracy and regulations to promote self determination.

Stopp said many Native Republicans believe a smaller U.S. government could better serve the people.

Election Day is Nov. 5, with early voting starting weeks earlier in some states.

Trump has been set to face off against Biden, the incumbent president. But Biden announced Sunday, July 21, that he was stepping out of the race. Vice President Kamala Harris has drawn the support of enough delegates to win the nomination, but as of July 23, she had not yet chosen a running mate.

Source New Mexico Editor Shaun Griswold contributed to this report.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The militaries of China, Tanzania and Mozambique will hold the "Peace Unity-2024" joint exercise from late July to mid-August in Africa, according to a military spokesperson on Thursday.

The exercise will see the troops conduct joint counter-terrorism military operations both on land and at sea, said Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference.

The exercise aims at deepening military mutual trust and practical cooperation among the militaries to jointly preserve regional peace and stability, Zhang said.

Meanwhile, at the invitation of Mongolia's Ministry of Defense, an army detachment of the People's Liberation Army will also set off for Mongolia to participate in the "Khaan Quest-2024" multinational peacekeeping exercise in late July, according to the spokesperson.

Zhang also briefed the media on the recent joint military exercise undertaken by Chinese and Lao armed forces from July 5 to 18 in Laos.

The second exercise in the "Friendship Shield" series featured joint planning and command, coordination between multiple services and arms, and friendly interactions and exchanges, Zhang said.

The Chinese military is willing to work with the Lao side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and two countries, strengthen practical cooperation on defense, and actively contribute to the construction of a community with a shared future for China and Laos, the spokesperson said.

He also spoke about military relations between China and Brazil following a meeting between Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and Brazilian Army Commander Tomas Ribeiro Paiva earlier this month.

"We are willing to work with the Brazilian side to continue deepening cooperation on international peacekeeping, joint exercises and training, multilateral coordination, military culture and other areas. We are also willing to enhance our joint capability to address challenges, and send more positive signals of stability and reliability to the world," Zhang said. 
Five projects narrowed down to improve Illinois 50 through OFallon

Five projects intended to strengthen U.S. Highway 50 by minimizing functional distress and capitalizing on opportunities are in the process of moving forward in OFallon.

But it was through public feedback that the concepts were refined, according to Community Development Director Justin Randall.

The future of the main road from Interstate 64 to Scott-Troy Road was a focus of the East-West Gateway Council of Governments Great Streets Initiative, which funded the detailed plan from Exit 14 to Exit 19, including a portion of Lincoln Avenue.

The St. Louis Great Streets Initiative was launched in early 2006 to expand the way communities think of their streets.

Rather than viewing a roadway project as solely a way to move more cars and trucks faster, the goal of the St. Louis Great Streets Initiative is to trigger economic and social benefits by centering communities around interesting, lively and attractive streets that serve all modes of transportation, the EWG stated.

The Top Five Priority Projects include:

Shared use paths on north side of U.S. 50; Roundabout at U.S. 50 and Lincoln Avenue; New Streetscape for Lincoln Avenue from Highway 50 to downtown; Pedestrian median crossings at Community Park; Continuous sidewalks on both sides of Highway 50.

Its pretty ambitious to tackle five at once. Its not going to happen overnight, obviously. We feel the first big steps are in the budget already. Were looking forward to implementing the plans, Randall told the councils Community Development Committee July 22.

The final report presenting the findings of Forward 50, the Great Streets project that began a year ago, has been made public.

The next step is for the OFallon City Council to approve the top five to move forward. That action is expected at their Aug. 5 meeting.

Highway 50 was the main thoroughfare through OFallon until Interstate 64 was built in 1975, and its function has changed over the years.

The city hosted 11 public design workshops and planning meetings that were attended by 410 people, and during 10 months of online engagement, they had 2,165 residents share ideas, concerns and preferences, according to Cory Scott, RDG senior manager.

RDG, a national planning and design group with an office in St. Louis, was the project director. They talked to residents about mobility, land use and design, infrastructure, economic development and environment and parks.

Scott said those talks were crucial to bringing the best ideas to life. He drove in from Des Moines, Iowa, to discuss the findings with aldermen Monday.

When we started this project, and the Great Streets Initiative is a great one, it was about more than getting people from A to Z. It was about how do we build a city, how do we build a community, we had a lot of public input, he said. Im excited about whats ahead. At the first kickoff meeting, every seat was filled up in this room with people very interested in the future of this corridor.

It shows a real enthusiasm and curiosity about what the future of the area could be like. Its been a real privilege to work on this, and a real privilege to represent the team.

Connecting the community, increasing mobility, identifying strategies to improve safety for all modes of travel, aesthetic improvements to boost the areas appeal and target places for economic development were all taken into consideration, Randall said

While it continues to support local access to businesses, schools, neighborhoods, health facilities, and parks for the citys 32,000-plus residents, the towns leadership believed segments of the corridor could operate better.

This highway study was funded, in part, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Illinois Department of Transportation. The grant was up to $500,000 and the citys portion was $100,000.

They defined the areas of interest as between I-64 and West 3rd St/Cambridge Blvd. in the west, between West 3rd Street/Cambridge Boulevard and Weber Road in the central part, between Weber Road and Scott Troy intersection in the east.

Marty Shukert, principal at RDG, who has more than 40 years of experience in urban planning, said residents were demanding more crossings and pedestrian areas that are much safer and easier to use.

He said they worked on interlinking places to encourage traffic flow and walkability.

People want to be active, he said.

Scott said circulation was a key component for improvements.

Focus groups met in the summer of 2023  businesses, churches, educational groups, and civic and service organizations gave input.

The 300-page document can be accessed here: ofallon.org/DocumentCenter/View/925/Forward-50-Great-Streets-Plan

Implementing the Plan

Randall said the projects are also under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Transportation, so they will also have to approve the plans.

He said the projects were narrowed down to 11, then staff and the project team addressed what could happen first, selecting five.

They decided to pursue the shared use path on the north side of Highway 50 because $125,000 is already in the budget for engineering. They will seek a state grant, but were denied twice previously, so they have heeded advice on linking community assets to the path.

Instead of stopping at Seven Hills Road, they will extend from the Community Park to the Rec Plex.

Its a big stretch. We were told it scores better if it links to a walking trail (at the park). They like to see it connected to a grocery store, too, for pedestrian access, Randall said.

Working on a detailed analysis of the Roundup suggested for Lincoln Avenue and Highway 50 is included in the budget, too, which put aside $100,000 for the work on preliminary findings.

We have to see if it will fit, Randall said.

The staff will be identifying sources for grant funds for all the projects, he said.

At a recent Town Hall meeting, Jeff Taylor, public works director, and Walter Denton, city administrator, gave a project overview.

We will step it up, applying for grants. Most of these projects need federal dollars, Taylor said.

Denton said a common theme was looking ahead 5, 10 and 15 years  what do we want OFallon to look like, stressing quality of life.
(WGHP)  A Flood Watch is in effect for the following counties until midnight: Alamance, Chatham, Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, and Randolph.

Showers will continue through lunchtime across the Piedmont. By mid-afternoon, the rain will be tapering off and highs will climb to the lower 80s. The chance of rain today is 80%.

Overnight, a cold front is going to drop southward across the Piedmont. Clouds remain across the Piedmont with isolated patches of mist and drizzle and lows will dip to near 70.

Friday starts a new trend that will extend into the weekend. Drier air is going to gradually build in from the north, so any showers will be confined to the southern Piedmont for the most part. The chance of rain is 30% and highs are going to modestly rise to around 83.

Over the weekend, well have dry, warm conditions for anything that needs to be done outdoors. Rain chances sit at 15% on both days, and well have partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid-80s.

As the new work week begins, grab your umbrella again! Were expecting showers and thunderstorms Monday through Wednesday. The chance of rain will be highest on Monday, at 60%, then drop to 50% and 40% on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Monday will also be a little cooler with highs near 83, then highs quickly warm to the upper 80s Tuesday and 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 FOX8 WGHP.
By Neil Jerome Morales and Adrian Portugal

MANILA (Reuters) - Heavy rain from Typhoon Gaemi has flooded the Philippine capital Manila and nearby cities, forcing authorities to shut schools, offices and cancel flights on Wednesday and declare a state of calamity in a region that is home to 13 million people.

The storm, which is strengthening as it gusts towards Taiwan, did not make landfall in the Philippines but has intensified seasonal monsoon rains, causing landslides and flooding over the past few days.

At least 12 people have died and more than 600,000 are displaced due to the storm, known locally as Typhoon Carina, the national disaster agency said. Water in some areas is neck-high.

The Philippine coastguard said 260 passengers and 16 vessels were stranded in ports while airlines cancelled 114 flights out of Manila on Wednesday, the airport authority said.

The financial markets were also closed.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr told the disaster relief agencies to provide assistance and prepare supplies for isolated communities during a briefing on Wednesday, and the mayors of 16 cities in the Greater Manila region have asked for emergency funding, officials said.

In the riverside city of Marikina, emergency workers waded through waist-deep waters and used rubber dinghies to rescue residents from their inundated homes.

Some people sheltered in churches among the statues of Catholic saints.

"The flood reached the second floor of our house, all our things are ruined, everything got wet, nothing was saved," Ladylyn Bernas, an evacuee at a nearby church, told Reuters.

Social media posts showed several vehicles stuck in water or floating down streets and highways.

The Philippines sees an average of 20 tropical storms annually, causing floods and deadly landslides.

(This story has been refiled to add the word 'an' in paragraph 9)

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales and Karen Lema; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Christopher Cushing and Miral Fahmy)
Abortion-rights advocates are asking the Florida Supreme Court to throw out the latest financial statement related to a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to ensure abortion access in the state.

Floridians Protecting Freedom, the group pushing the abortion amendment, filed a writ of quo warranto on Thursday, petitioning the state to explain by what authority they revised what's known as the "fiscal impact statement."

More to the point, the filing argues the state overstepped in reconvening the Financial Impact Estimating Conference (FIEC) in July without a court order telling it to do so.

The fiscal impact statement, which will be printed on ballots, has been the latest battle in the war over abortion rights in Florida.

Amendment 4, a measure on the November ballot that would need at least 60% of the vote to pass, would allow abortions up to fetal viability, usually about 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Speaker of the House Paul Renner, left and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo hug one another following the traditional sine die hanky drop at the end of the 2024 Florida Legislative Session on Friday, March 8, 2024.

But Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans are pushing to keep the Heartbeat Protection Act, a ban on abortions after six weeks, on the books.

In June, the governor launched the "Florida Freedom Fund," a political spending committee aimed to defeat the abortion measure and another ballot question to allow recreational marijuana (Amendment 3), as well as support conservative candidates across the state. As of July 12, the committee had $128,900 in contributions.

DeSantis has called Amendment 4 "very, very extreme," and said the Florida Supreme Court "dropped the ball" allowing the measure on the ballot.

Fiscal impact statement: Indeterminate or politically charged?

In an unprecedented move, House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, both Republicans, decided to reconvene the financial impact panel after the six-week abortion ban was upheld in April.

The FIEC's original statement finalized last year deemed the amendment's fiscal impact to be "indeterminate." But once the six-week abortion ban was upheld, abortion-rights proponents argued and won in trial court that tighter abortion restrictions would cost the state more money and therefore need a revised statement.

That case was still wrapped up in the courts in an appeal by the state when the FIEC agreed on a rewrite of the statement that included language abortion-rights proponents said was "politically charged."

A flag that reads my body, my choice, flutters in the wind across the street from the Florida Capitol where lawmakers voted to ban abortions after six weeks, Thursday, April 13, 2023.

With the new statement, the state's appeal was dismissed as "moot" by a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal on Monday, leaving room for Floridians Protecting Freedom to raise new legal claims.

Its petition states: "The Conference ... has the authority to initially adopt a Financial Impact Statement in exactly one scenario: when the Secretary of State notifies the Conference that a citizen-initiative petition has met the criteria for review.

"And the Conference has the authority to revise a Financial Impact Statement in exactly one scenario: when ordered to do so by a court of original jurisdiction. One scours the Florida Statutes in vain for any language purporting to authorize what the State did here."

In a statement, Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book of Plantation said the state knowingly overstepped in its unprecedented move to revise the fiscal impact statement.

I applaud the advocates from Yes on 4 Florida for taking this fight to the Supreme Court to defend against the States latest politically motivated attack on Amendment 4  and come November, I have confidence that Floridians will leave partisan differences aside to stand united in voting against undue government interference in private medical decisions, she said.

Chris Spencer, State Board of Administration

State pays outsiders to sway the FIEC

The Florida Legislature's Office of Economic & Demographic Research and the FIEC said the original fiscal impact statement was indeterminate because analysts usually do not consider future litigation costs that result over an approved amendment.

As previously reported by the USA TODAY Network-Florida, in the second round of meetings in July, the state brought in Chris Spencer, once DeSantis' budget chief and now head of the State Board of Administration; a researcher from the Heritage Foundation, a well-known conservative think tank; and an academic from the Catholic University of America to sway the results.

The Executive Office of the Governor paid Michael New, an assistant professor of social research at CUA's Busch School of Business in Washington, D.C., $300 an hour to speak at the FIEC meetings. And the Florida House of Representatives paid Rachel Greszler, a senior research fellow with Heritage's Roe Institute, also based in Washington, $75 an hour to represent the House.

Throughout the process, Spencer argued that potential litigation over the amendment would cost the state. "We believe from the governor's office that it's inevitable that litigation is going to occur, and we need to account for that," Spencer said.

Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Abortion in Florida: Amendment statement challenged in Supreme Court
Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference about the Transparency in Technology Act at the Capitol Monday, Feb. 15, 2021.

As condominium owners throughout the state face significant hikes in their homeowner association assessments, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said it's up to the Legislature to convene a special session to fix the law that spurred the increases.

If the Legislature has ideas about how to make this more sensible for people, Im totally open to all that, DeSantis told reporters during an appearance in Aventura on Thursday.

Reacting to the June 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South, a 12-story condo in Surfside, Miami-Dade County, lawmakers unanimously passed legislation (SB 4-D) and DeSantis signed it into law in May 2022. The collapse killed 98 people.

It requires condo buildings of three or more stories to receive an inspection after 30 years. Condo associations also are required to conduct studies of the necessary reserves needed to pay for large maintenance repairs, including roof replacements, and any needed structural upkeep or replacements.

The new requirements have led to large jumps in assessments, with some reaching six figures. In response, many condo owners are opting to sell their units. The Wall Street Journal reported in May that condos for sale in South Florida have doubled since the first quarter of 2023, to 18,000 units.

The Legislature did this, they did hearings and stuff and I was like OK, fine, DeSantis said. But there was always the possibility that there could be unintended consequences, so they owe it to their constituents to listen to them, to figure out.

Under Floridas constitution, a special session can be convened by DeSantis, by the leaders of the House and Senate or by a vote of no less than 60% of the rank-and-file members of the Legislature.

Requests for comment are pending with House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples. If a special session isnt called, the Legislature isnt scheduled to meet for its next regular session until March 4, 2025.

If the legislators talk to their folks and have some proposals to provide some reforms that would alleviate some of that burden, I think that would be a welcome thing, DeSantis said. But thats going to have to be something that theyre developing after talking with the folks who were affected by it.

Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: Condo law fix up to Legislature
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A South Florida man who fatally stabbed his girlfriend 80 times in his bedroom was sentenced to life in prison, according to the Collier County Sheriffs Office.

In September 2018, then-20-year-old Santiago Burbano stabbed his 18-year-old girlfriend, Rubi De Los Angeles Velasco, to death at his Naples apartment.

Polk County rapper found with bible, drugs after driving nearly 100 mph on highway

Deputies said Bubano texted a few acquaintances, admitting to killing her. He then told his mom, who contacted the sheriffs office.

Inside the apartment, Burbano was found sitting at a desk with a gun to his head and blood-stained hands and clothing, with fresh lacerations, according to the 2018 arrest report.

Next to him on the floor was his 18-year-old girlfriend, Rubi De Los Angeles Velasco, with an approximately 8-inch blade knife next to her and what appeared to be at least one deep laceration to her throat, the report said.

Theyre monsters: 8 arrested in Hernando County human trafficking operation

When Burbanos mom asked him to drop the rifle, he told her hed rather die than go to jail.

This life sentence ensures that this individual will never be able to harm anyone else in Collier County, Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. I want to thank our detectives and our partners at the State Attorneys Office for their diligent work in investigating this case and bringing this person to justice for what can only be described as a horrific crime.

On Monday, a judge sentenced Burbano to life in prison for second-degree murder. He pleaded no contest back in May, giving up his right to a jury trial. The judge accepted the plea and adjudicated Burbano guilty, according to the sheriffs office.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A Florida man is charged with pretending to be Native American and selling his jewelry as Native American-made in northern Wisconsin, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Wisconsin has announced.

Jose Farinango Muenala, 45, of Casselberry, Fla., allegedly sold the misrepresented jewelry during the Loon Day Festival in Mercer, in violation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, a truth-in-marketing law.

The Act is intended to rid the Indian arts and crafts marketplace of fakes to protect economic livelihoods and cultural heritage of Indian artists, craftspeople and their tribes, as well as the buying public, said Meridith Stanton, director of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, in a statement. Authentic Indian art and craftwork is an important tool for passing down cultural traditions, traditional knowledge and artistic skills from one generation to the next.

She said Farinango Muenala marketed and sold his work pretending to be a member of the Pueblo Nation of New Mexico.

U.S. Attorney Timothy M. OShea said in a statement the indictment alleges Farinango Muenala devised his scheme to defraud from Dec. 3, 2015, to Jan. 17, 2024, when he applied to art shows across the country to sell his jewelry.

The indictment alleges Farinango Muenala also committed mail and wire fraud in connection with the scheme.

There is harm in falsely presenting something as authentic Native American-made art when it is not, said Karen Ann Hoffman, a renowned Oneida Nation beadwork artist from Wisconsin. In addition to being a violation of federal law, it is fraud and theft perpetrated on both the buyer and the authentic Native American artist who should have had the sale.

Farinango Muenala faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the mail and wire fraud charges and five years in prison for misrepresentation of Indian produced goods.

The charges were the result of an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interiors Indian Arts and Craft Board.

Safeguarding Native American culture, traditions and the consumers who purchase authentic Native American art are a critical part of these investigations, said Edward Grace, assistant director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlifes Office of Law Enforcement, in a statement.

Farinango Muenala's first court appearance is scheduled for July 30.

Sign up for the First Nations Wisconsin newsletter Click here to get all of our Indigenous news coverage right in your inbox

Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-

More: Tribal leaders in Wisconsin warn of pretendians after Madison arts leader accused of pretending to be Native American resigns UW residency

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Florida man charged with selling fake Indigenous jewelry in Wisconsin
Florida school district grades are out for 2024. How did Duval, St. Johns, Clay schools do?

In this 2016 photo, San Pablo Elementary School teacher Michelle Dunavant works with her students.

New state-issued grades released Wednesday kept Duval County schools a B school district for another year, although the number of A-graded Duval schools shrank despite a statewide increase.

Thirty-one Duval schools (not counting charter schools) received A grades, down from 40 a year earlier in the second year of a new performance-measuring system that treated last years scores as an informational baseline.

Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties were labeled A districts, while Baker County schools remained a B district like Duval, which has held the same grade since 2015.

The grades are in: See your child's school grade for 2023-24 and past years

Children line up in a crosswalk to reach Atlantic Beach Elementary, an A-graded school, in this photo from 2017.

Duval schools scored 61% of possible points on a complex scoring process where reaching 64% makes a school system an A district.

The grades were based on testing that happened before Superintendent Christopher Bernier was sworn into office at the start of this month with a direction to make academic improvement a priority.

Florida officials cheered the new statewide scores, with Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. saying the grades reflect Floridas steadfast commitment to excellence in education.

Student scores: Duval student test scores lag state despite some schools 'knocking it out of the park'

Statewide, close to 200 more schools earned A grades than last year and about 100 fewer schools received D or F grades, data from the Florida Department of Education showed.

By contrast, the number of D schools in Duval County rose from nine to 11 and a single school, Annie R. Morgan Elementary, received an F, state data said.

Grades of D or F can trigger additional state oversight for turnaround efforts and, in some cases, can lead to a school being closed or turned over to a different operator.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida school district grades 2024: Scores for Duval, St. Johns
MADISON - A new study of Wisconsin lakes found that naturally occurring foam created by churning water could carry high levels of "forever chemicals," warranting caution.

The study, which involved researchers from the University of Wisconsin PFAS Center of Excellence, looked at the levels of PFAS in foam that typically collects along the shores of water bodies, and in the air-water interface, or the very top of the water.

Christine Remucal, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at UW-Madison, graduate student Sarah Balgooyen and other researchers looked at foam and surface water samples collected between 2020 and 2023, from areas across the state. Included in the study were Lakes Mendota and Monona in Madison, the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers in Milwaukee and the Bay of Green Bay, which is a part of Lake Michigan. Foam was the main focus in Madison, while in other places the focus was surface water sampling.

The samples were compared against samples taken from deeper within the water body.

"The big things we found were that the concentration of PFAS in the foams was quite a bit higher than what was in the water," Remucal said. "So for example, depending on the chemical and depending on the lake, the concentrations in foam were 50,000-70,000 times higher in the foams compared to the water."

The chemicals collect in foam and at the surface because of their molecular structure, Remucal said. They like to hang out where there is a large amount of the water's interface shared with the air.

"If you think about a foam, it's a bunch of little tiny bubbles," she said. "And that's all interface, so PFAS really like to accumulate there."

But not all foam automatically contains PFAS. Foam naturally occurs when air is mixed into the water  like downstream of a dam or on a very windy day.

"The presence of foam doesn't exactly indicate PFAS," Remucal said. "The reason why this is a concern is because PFAS are toxic at really low levels. So the concentrations we've measured are of concern, even though they make up a small fraction of what's actually in the foam."

To stay safe, Remucal said to be aware of advisories for the chemicals in the water and to stay away from the foam. Keep your pets out of it and don't allow curious children to scoop it up and put it in or near their mouths.

PFAS largely get into the human body through the consumption of drinking water or eating contaminated fish, so make sure to follow fishing guidelines and wash your hands as soon as possible if you do come into contact with foam, she said.

"My general advice is to not play with the foam in general," she said. "Stay away from it."

Zach Wood, a public information officer for the Department of Natural Resources, said the agency is reviewing the study and will assess how it fits with their ongoing PFAS response activities.

"The findings in this study support the DNRs advice to avoid contact with or ingestion of foam on waterways. Foam can develop naturally on waterways and it is impossible to tell if foam contains PFAS just by looking at it," he said in an emailed statement. "Regardless of if foam is the result of natural causes or because of PFAS contamination in the surface water, it can concentrate a variety of pathogens and synthetic compounds that present risk to human health."

Remucal and the PFAS Center of Excellence are also working on a study examining the amount of the chemicals in ice. That study should be released later this year.

Center researchers were also involved in a study released last year that traced a plume of PFAS in the Bay of Green Bay back to Tyco Fire Products in Marinette. The study found the unique "fingerprint" of the PFAS found in the bay, and connected it to the facility, which was known for mixing firefighting foam containing the chemicals.

That fingerprinting technique could be used in the future to help identify the parties responsible for PFAS contamination.

More: 'Forever chemicals' from Marinette firefighting foam plant are in Lake Michigan, UW researchers find

What are PFAS?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of man-made chemicals used for their water- and stain-resistant qualities in products like clothing and carpet, nonstick cookware, packaging, cosmetics and firefighting foam.

The family includes 5,000 compounds, which are persistent, remaining both in the environment and human body over time. The chemicals have been linked to types of kidney and testicular cancers, lower birth weights, harm to immune and reproductive systems, altered hormone regulation and altered thyroid hormones.

Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X at @SchulteLaura.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Foam on Wisconsin lakes may contain PFAS, UW study finds
A Justice Department watchdog has found that former Attorney General Bill Barr was personally involved in the decision to publicize an incident from the 2020 election  nine mail-in ballots for Donald Trump being discarded in a dumpster in Pennsylvania  that flamed the false narrative of widespread voter fraud.

But the departments inspector general stopped short of finding that Barr violated any internal policies, concluding that he had wide discretion as attorney general to disclose details from criminal investigations. Investigators ultimately determined that the ballots were discarded in error by a contractor, and no charges were brought.

The inspector general looked at the decision to put out a press release about the incident from Justice Department prosecutors in the Middle District of Pennsylvania in September 2020. The release said investigators were looking into potential issues with mail in ballots.

Barr encouraged and authorized US Attorney David Freed to issue the statement  a move several DOJ attorneys called unusual  and he specifically approved inclusion of the details about the discarded ballots, including that all the recovered ballots had been cast for President Trump, according to the inspector generals report released Thursday.

The inspector general found that Barr and Freeds decision to issue the press release was contrary to DOJ rules, which limit public disclosure of ongoing criminal investigations and also discourage the department from taking public actions that can affect elections.

However, the report concluded, neither man committed any punishable misconduct because of ambiguity within those rules that allows an attorney general to publicly disclose information about an ongoing criminal investigation if he or she believes it is in the interest of justice.

Barr did not immediately respond to a CNN request for comment.

I handled this investigation properly from start to finish and my public statements were explicitly approved by the AG or his senior staff, Freed said in a statement to CNN. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to serve the public as U.S. Attorney.

The press release on the Pennsylvania incident raised suspicions from critics at the time  particularly for its inclusion of details about whom the ballots were cast for  that the department was trying to boost the sensational claims of mass voter fraud being pushed by Trump.

Freeds initial statement about the ballot probe suggested that people involved in the ballot disposal incident had likely committed criminally chargeable acts. But at the time, the inspector general wrote, Department leadership was aware of information that substantially undercut this narrative.

The watchdog also questioned Barr privately telling Trump details about the investigation  specifically whom the ballots were cast for  days before the press release. Trump revealed those details on a national radio show the next morning.

Still, the inspector general said that Justice Department policy also gives the attorney general wide discretion to tell the president about a criminal investigation.

The inspector general said that for its investigation, Barr submitted a three-page letter laying out his side of the story, but that it did not address certain issues that came up during the review. Both Barr and his chief of staff while he was attorney general declined the inspector generals request for an interview in the probe.

The new report comes on the heels of a report released Wednesday examining another highly unusual episode at the Justice Department under Barr. That report looked at the extraordinary move by the DOJ to submit a second sentencing memo in the Roger Stone congressional obstruction case that watered down the departments initial sentencing recommendation. The report found that Barr was deeply involved in that reversal, though the inspector general did not find evidence of political meddling. Barr also declined to be interviewed for that investigation.

As part of its review of the Pennsylvania ballot press release, the inspector general is recommending that the department make several clarifications about the internal policies implicated in the episode, calling for more clarity about what investigative details can be disclosed to the White House and whether DOJ protocols about public disclosures apply to the attorney general.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
ADDIS ABABA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) on Thursday warned that the death toll of landslides in southern Ethiopia could reach as high as 500 amid ongoing emergency response and search operations.

The UNOCHA, in its latest situation update issued Thursday citing local authorities, said the death toll has risen to 257 as of Wednesday as more and more dead bodies are retrieved from under the mud.

Noting that an inter-agency humanitarian assessment team has reached the area and is currently supporting response coordination through the established emergency coordination center, the UNOCHA warned that "the death toll is expected to rise to up to 500 people."

According to local authorities, the first landslide occurred Sunday night after hours of heavy rains in a small village called Kencho Shacha Gozdi in the southern Ethiopia's Geze Gofa District.

The second landslide happened Monday morning and buried an unknown number of local community members who gathered at the scene for rescue efforts.

Among the casualties were children and women as well as security personnel and local government officials who were undertaking rescue operations, according to local officials.

Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing under the leadership of local authorities with the support from the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and community members, who are "mainly digging through mounds of mud with their bare hands and spades for lack of other options."

At least 125 people are displaced and currently sheltering with the host communities, while 12 people who sustained injuries were taken to nearby health facilities, according to the UNOCHA.

Noting that more than 15,500 people have been affected by the landslide as of Wednesday, the UNOCHA warned over further catastrophe endangering the affected community members.

"These people are at high risk of further landslides and need to be evacuated to safe zones immediately," it said, noting that among the affected people are at least 1,320 children under 5 years of age and 5,293 pregnant and lactating women.

The Ethiopian federal government, in collaboration with regional and zonal authorities, is currently finalizing an evacuation plan as part of precautionary measures to avert further tragedies.

The deadly landslides occurred as Ethiopia is in the midst of a rainy season, which started in July and is expected to last until mid-September.

Last month, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, warned of above-normal rainfall in parts of Ethiopia and across the wider Horn of Africa, triggering floods and landslides during the coming months.

In Ethiopia, IGAD, through its Climate Prediction and Applications Center, warned of anticipated flash floods that could trigger landslides, which would result in human and livestock deaths, property damage, displacement and water-borne diseases, affecting more than 2.5 million people across Ethiopia. 
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A former employee of an Alabama church was charged with one count of wire fraud this week after allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars  and spending much of it on TikTok.

Kristen Marie Battocletti, 35, defrauded the St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in Tuscaloosa of about $300,000 between April and October of 2023, according to accusations detailed by the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of Alabama.

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Battocletti, a former administrative assistant at the church, is said to have used around $220,000 of the stolen money to buy TikTok Coins, a type of currency that TikTok users can utilize to send virtual gifts (i.e., tips) to their favorite video creators, who can in turn exchange the gifts for real currency.

Battocletti used the TikTok Coins to send digital gifts to TikTok content creators, the Attorneys Office stated in a news release.

Battocletti is accused of using the rest of the money for personal expenses, according to the release.

Battocletti is expected to plead guilty at an upcoming arraignment. She faces a possible sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine, per the district 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 Queen City News.
(WJW)  A world-renowned violinist and concertmaster living and working in Northeast Ohio has been arrested on rape charges.

Odin Rathnam, 58, had been a faculty member at Cleveland State University and offered private violin lessons and master classes.

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None of the allegations involve students at CSU or anyone in our area.

According to Lower Paxton Township police in Pennsylvania, Rathnam is accused of repeatedly raping a young girl over a decade from 2008 to 2019. The alleged crimes started when she was about 6 years old.

The victim reported the abuse in May, according to PennLive, saying that she suffered injuries from the sexual assaults that are still not fully healed and she has ongoing medical issues.

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Rathnam was arrested at his home in Sheffield Lake earlier this month.

He was extradited to Harrisburg and arraigned on rape charges on Wednesday.

The classical violinist was trained at The Julliard School and has performed with some of the most well-respected orchestras in the world, including the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and The Cleveland Philharmonic.

Cleveland State University released a statement to Fox 8.

Cleveland State University has been made aware by authorities in Pennsylvania of an investigation into allegations of sexual assault against Odin Rathnam in Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. According to law enforcement, these allegations do not involve a CSU student, nor did the alleged incidents happen on CSUs campus. Rathnam is no longer employed at Cleveland State, and the University will fully cooperate as needed with authorities in Pennsylvania and Sheffield Lake as they investigate.

The once well-respected classical musician was taken from the Lorian County Jail to Harrisburg, PA where he is locked up without bail.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Retired Lt. Col. Allen West, a former Florida congressman and chairman of the Texas state GOP, will speak to the Anderson County Republican Party next month (Provided by the Dallas County Republican Party)

A former tea party favorite who unsuccessfully challenged Texas governor two years ago is headlining a fundraiser for an Upstate Republican party that wants to drive the Statehouse further to the right.

Retired Lt. Col. Allen West, a former congressman from Florida, is the featured speaker of A Night of Liberty and Freedom on Aug. 16 at the Civic Center of Anderson, according to the invitation. It says special guests include members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, an uber conservative faction of House Republicans.

Tickets are $15 ahead of time, or $20 at the door. The prices were intentionally kept affordable, said the countys GOP chairman, former state Rep. Jonathon Hill, who clashed with GOP leaders throughout his four terms.

Rep. Jonathon Hill, R-Townville, asks a question during a House committee meeting regarding a medical marijuana bill on Thursday, April 7, 2022 in Columbia. (File/Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA)

While the Anderson County Republican Party is extremely supportive of the caucus that has been increasingly critical of GOP leadership in the Statehouse, the event is a fundraiser for the county party, not the caucus, Hill said.

They certainly are working in concert with our mission and platform, Hill, who didnt seek re-election to the House in 2022, said of the caucus that launched the year he left.

Two of Anderson Countys legislators are members of the caucus: Reps. April Cromer and Thomas Beach, who are both seeking a second term.

West, the guest speaker, won a U.S. House seat from Florida in 2010 as a tea party firebrand. Two years later, he lost to Democrat Patrick Murphy after Florida legislators post-census redistricting process put more Democrats in his district, and he moved to run in an open seat.

In 2020, he was elected the state GOP chairman of Texas. His tenure was marked by the type of intraparty turmoil thats dividing South Carolina Republicans. In 2022, West tried unsuccessfully to oust Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in a primary. He is currently chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party.

What was known as the tea party movement when Allen was elected to Congress has morphed into the Freedom Caucus.

Rep. R.J. May, a founder of South Carolinas Freedom Caucus, said members from across the state will likely attend the Anderson event, adding its certainly not unusual for legislators to attend local GOP events.

In a chamber with a supermajority of Republicans, the caucus has sought to drive the House agenda further to the right, with some success, on issues including guns, spending, transgender youth, and other hot-button social issues. Their GOP critics counter theyre obstructionists who talk in bumper-sticker slogans to twist the truth.

After the November 2022 elections, Freedom Caucus members were booted from the House Republican Caucus for refusing to sign a new pledge not to campaign against  in other words, dont help challengers defeat  fellow House Republicans.

A GOP civil war ensued. In the June primary, Freedom Caucus members worked to do exactly what got them ejected from the majority caucus, while the majority caucus worked to dwindle the Freedom Caucus ranks.

Ultimately, the Freedom Caucus gained several seats, including ousting a member of the Anderson County delegation: Assistant Majority Leader Jay West, R-Belton. West lost to Thomas Gilreath, a former National Guardsman and farmer from Belton who runs a grading and paving company.

Hill, who founded the Anderson TEA Party before becoming a legislator, was essentially a one-man Freedom Caucus before it existed.

He was booted from the House GOP Caucus in 2019 for what party leaders called erroneous and hostile attacks on Republican colleagues. The next year, he easily won re-election despite the state party taking the rare move of endorsing his opponent. He was then elected chair of the Anderson County party in 2023.
A nurse faces charges in connection with the death of a patient at a Franklin County hospital, months after a syringe was found hidden in the deceased person's hospital bed.

Sara Rae Miller, 32, is charged with three misdemeanor counts of providing false or fraudulent material information for allegedly failing to document that she administered a "substance" to the patient, who died soon afterward, according to court documents filed by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.

Miller, of Indiana, Pa., was working as a registered nurse at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital on Jan. 10 when the patient became "agitated," according to court documents.

A stock photo showing a judge's gavel and a doctor's stethoscope.

Miller is not a current employee of WellSpan Health, according to spokesperson Ryan Coyle.

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) told investigators they saw Miller holding a small syringe in her hand before she removed the morphine IV line from the patient's wrist, used the syringe to inject a substance into the line, then reconnected the IV on the patient's wrist, according to court documents.

Minutes later the patient's vital signs dropped, and the patient died soon after.

The CNA said it appeared Miller was using her body to try to block her colleague's view of the patient as she administered the substance from the syringe, according to court documents.

After the patient died, that syringe was found in between the mattress and the rail of the bed, the CNA told investigators.

Authorities also learned that the amount of morphine left over after the patient died did not match the amount that records indicated should have remained.

An RN told police they discovered the discrepancy while documenting how much was left and would need to be disposed of. When the RN asked Miller why the numbers were off, she replied, "Well, you spill some things," according to court documents.

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The RN told authorities that if medication was spilled, it still should have been documented, according to court documents.

Talking to police in early June, Miller said she had been working at the hospital for two weeks at the time of the incident and she did not record the use of medication accurately, according to court documents.

It is not clear what the substance was the Miller allegedly gave the patient. Miller did not document it and court documents do not refer to the patient's autopsy or toxicology report.

Coyle, WellSpan Health spokesperson, provided a statement: "WellSpan is committed to providing safe, high-quality care for our patients. Per our standard safety protocols, we shared the matter with the appropriate state agencies and collaborated with them on the investigation. We are unable to share further details but I can confirm the nurse is not employed by WellSpan."

Miller received the charges via a mailed summons last week. Her preliminary hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Sept. 10 in Franklin County Central Court, located in courtroom 6 at the Franklin County Judicial Center.

Amber South can be reached at asouth@publicopinionnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: AG's office charges nurse in connection with Franklin County death
Former Paterson mayor Torres trying to get new charges dismissed

PATERSON  Joey Torres, the citys former and convicted mayor, is trying to get his latest criminal charges dismissed.

The pending case stems from the New Jersey Attorney Generals assertion that Torres breached the 2017 plea agreement that sent him to prison for 13 months.

Torres tried to submit nominating petitions in March 2022 to run for mayor and then filed a lawsuit against Paterson when the city clerk would not accept his petitions.

By attempting to run for mayor, Torres violated his plea agreement in which he agreed not to make any future application for public employment, the state said. The AGs Office charged Torres with fourth-degree criminal contempt and 18 months later a grand jury indicted Torres on that same charge.

Torres repeatedly asserted in 2022 that he believes theres a difference between applying for a public job and running for elected office. Thats essentially the same argument his lawyer made in filing a motion earlier this year to have the indictment against Torres dismissed.

Court officials on Monday provided Paterson Press a copy of Torres motion. The AGs Office filed its own legal arguments opposing Torres motion, but the AGs legal brief has not been made public.

Superior Court Judge Marilyn Clark is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the issue Sept. 3.

In his 2017 conviction, Torres admitted using three city public works employees to perform renovations on a family-owned liquor business while they were being paid overtime by Paterson taxpayers.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Former Paterson mayor Torres tries to get charges dismissed
Former top Tearman Spencer aide pleads guilty under deal that could later wipe slate clean

Former Deputy City Attorney Odalo Ohiku leaves after a court appearance in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Ohiku entered into a deferred prosecution agreement to avoid conviction on charges he failed to disclose ownership of his private law firm while he was representing the city.

The top aide to former Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer will avoid having a criminal record if he abides by requirements imposed Wednesday under a deferred prosecution agreement.

Former Deputy City Attorney Odalo Ohiku, 46, was charged earlier this year with one count of attempted misconduct in public office for failing to disclose ownership of his private law firm while he was representing the city.

Ohiku pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge in court on Wednesday, but Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Milton Childs withheld entry of a judgment of conviction against the veteran attorney.

If Ohiku commits no other criminal offenses, completes 10 hours of ethics continuing legal education credits, writes an article for publication about his conduct and completes 20 hours of community service by the end of the year, prosecutors will move to dismiss the case.

If convicted of the Class A misdemeanor, Ohiku was facing a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and nine months in jail.

After the hearing, Ohiku referred questions to his attorney, Nate Cade.

Cade said Ohiku pleaded guilty under a deferred prosecution agreement because he would have faced a felony or multiple felonies if he hadn't. Ohiku didn't want to risk losing such a case and face sanctions from the Office of Lawyer Regulation.

"I thought I had very good, valid defenses," Cade said. "But it is the potential loss of his law license  that is the issue."

That said, Cade said, "I'm not a criminal defense lawyer, but do I think I could have won? Absolutely."

The three-page criminal complaint said Ohiku owned Ohiku Law Firm the entire time he worked for the City Attorney's Office but that he failed to disclose this information on his annual statement of economic interest, which is required of top city employees. The firm employed multiple attorneys as associates, the complaint says.

The public relies on these records to determine whether a public official has a conflict of interest or other financial issues.

Ohiku made $141,507 annually when he left office.

His private firm had a criminal defense practice, the complaint notes, meaning it could have been handling cases critical of the Milwaukee Police Department, which lawyers in the City Attorney's Office are responsible for defending against charges of illegal conduct.

"The fact that someone is employed as a deputy city attorney for the City of Milwaukee and maintains a private law practice is neither unethical nor illegal in and of itself," the complaint says. "However, the defendant did not disclose this conflict on his lawfully required statement of economic interest."

Ohiku resigned earlier this year amid allegations he was doing private legal work on the taxpayers' dime. At the time, he was under investigation by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, which was looking into allegations of misconduct in public office, in addition to several other violations.

In his resignation notice, Ohiku said he was leaving city employment for better work-life balance, salary or incentives and "Peace, Health, Love & Happiness."

The investigations were prompted by city Inspector General Ronda Kohlheim's conclusion that Ohiku was working on his private law firm's cases on city time and lying about that work on his timecards, allegations included in a 57-page report.

Spencer called the report, in which Kohlheim also recommended that Spencer be charged, "ludicrous." No charges have been filed against Spencer.

Assistant District Attorney Nicolas Heitman wouldn't say after the court hearing whether his agency is finished with its investigation of Spencer.

In April, Spencer lost his re-election bid to state Rep. Evan Goyke after one term in office.

Kohlheim's report said Ohiku spent an estimated 88 hours working for clients of his personal law firm while on the city clock, bilking the city out of $5,766. Kohlheim said her estimate was conservative and could not account for the hours when he did not have court appearances.

Those issues are not addressed in the criminal complaint.

In his interview with the Journal Sentinel, Cade said there is a reason for that omission. He said there was no basis for the allegations raised by Kohlheim about Ohiku doing private work on city time. He said someone should hoist Kohlheim "on her own petard."

As to the charge that Ohiku failed to list his law firm on the financial disclosure form, Cade was equally dismissive, "So what? Who's harmed?"

Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 313-6684 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on X at @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former top Tearman Spencer aide gets deferred prosecution deal
A former United States Postal Service worker now faces federal charges after he was accused of having pipe bombs.

Derek Johnsons troubles started in state court, but theyve now made their way to federal court where he was officially charged. He faces decades in prison if convicted.

We first reported on Johnson last year, when bomb squad members moved in on his south Charlotte apartment off Nations Ford Road.

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Newly unsealed warrants say inside, investigators found two pipe-bomb-type explosive devices, a Glock 45 9-milimeter pistol, a 30-round capacity magazine fully loaded, other loaded magazines, and a bag of assorted screws. In addition, they found a handwritten demand note that appeared to be intended to be given to a victim during a bank or business robbery.

A former United States Postal Service worker now faces federal charges after he was accused of having pipe bombs. Derek Johnsons troubles started in state court, but theyve now made their way to federal court where he was officially charged.

Authorities in York County said days before, Johnson had called in a bomb threat to Fort Mill High School.

Tiffany Alexander is with the Charlotte chapter of the American Postal Workers Union. She spoke with Channel 9s Hunter Saenz about Johnson, who was a USPS worker hired just two weeks before his arrest.

Its terrifying, she said, adding, Its really scary to know that we had someone in our facilities, access to mail, access to our vehicles.

Among Johnsons charges was having a weapon of mass destruction. But those local charges were all dismissed by the district attorney. Its because now, hes been federally charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of possession of a firearm not registered in the national firearms registration for allegedly having explosive devices.

Alexander is just glad authorities took it all seriously.

Everybodys a little safer with this man off the streets, she said.

Alexander said she still doesnt understand how Johnson was able to get a job at USPS, knowing he had a previous burglary conviction. The last time Hunter Saenz spoke with USPS, he was told a criminal conviction is not an automatic reason to deny someone a job with them.

If convicted of all charges, Johnson faces up to 35 years in prison.

(PREVIOUS: Man charged with having pipe bombs, threatening school also worked for USPS)
Memorials for the victims of Robb Elementary School marked the town of Uvalde, Texas, in 2022. Former Uvalde schools police officer Adrian Gonzales pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of abandoning and endangering a child in connection with the 2022 mass elementary school shooting there. File Photo by Jon Farina/UPI

July 25 (UPI) -- Former Uvalde, Texas, schools police officer Adrian Gonzales pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of abandoning and endangering a child in connection with the 2022 mass elementary school shooting there.

Gonzales was one of the first officers to arrive on the scene at Robb Elementary School, where a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers in one of worst mass school shootings in U.S. history.

Gonzales is accused of declining to engage the shooter after arriving on the scene and hearing gunshots. Many of the Uvalde residents have expressed anger about the slow police response, and residents accused police of waiting outside the school while victims lay dying inside.

"After hearing gunshots and after being advised of the general location of the shooter and having time to respond to the shooter, ... Adrian Gonzales failed to engage, distract or delay the shooter and failed to attempt to engage, distract or delay the shooter and failed to otherwise act in a way to impede the shooting until after the shooter entered Rooms 111 and 112 of Robb Elementary School and shot at a child or children in Rooms 111 and 112," said an indictment, according to CNN.

The plea comes after a Uvalde County grand jury reviewed the case five months ago. Former Uvalde schools police chief Peter Arredondo was indicted of abandoning/endangering a child.

Gonzales's attorney Nico LaHood dismissed the charges, saying his client did nothing wrong.

"We have not seen any evidence that would lead us to believe that Mr. Gonzales is guilty of these allegations," LaHood said, according to the San Antonio Express-News. "No Texas peace officer has been charged under this statute before, based off this situation that we're dealing with. It's uncharted territory."
Former Uvalde school district police officer pleads not guilty as victims' families look on

A former Uvalde, Texas, school district police officer pleaded not guilty to the 29 counts against him on Thursday as families of the Robb Elementary School victims looked on.

Two teachers and 19 students were killed in the May 24, 2022, mass shooting. Law enforcement waited some 77 minutes at the scene before breaching a classroom and killing the gunman.

PHOTO: A Uvalde resident holds signs outside court ahead of Adrian Gonzales' court appearance, July 25, 2024. (ABC News)

Former Uvalde school district police officer Adrian Gonzales faces 29 charges of abandoning and failing to protect children: 19 for the 19 children killed and 10 for the children who survived in classroom 112.

The indictment alleges that despite having time to respond to the shooting, Gonzales failed to act to impede the gunman and failed to follow active shooter training by not advancing toward the gunfire.

PHOTO: This booking image provided by Uvalde County, Texas, Sheriff's Office shows Adrian Gonzales, a former police officer for schools in Uvalde, Texas, who was arrested and booked into jail before he was released, June 28, 2024. (Uvalde County Sheriff's Office via AP)

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Over 30 survivors and victims' families watched in the courtroom on Thursday as Gonzales pleaded not guilty.

The families included the parents of 10-year-old victim Tess Mata, the parents of 9-year-old victim Jackie Cazares and the parents of survivor Khloie Torres.

PHOTO: The sun sets behind the memorial for the victims of the massacre at Robb Elementary School on Aug. 24, 2022 in Uvalde, Texas. (Jordan Vonderhaar/Getty Images, FILE)

"It's not that we want to be here -- we just feel like we have to," Tess' mom, Veronica Mata, told ABC News after the hearing. "We're here 'cause we have to be here for Tess."

Tess' dad, Jerry Mata, said while he feels more than two officers should have been indicted, he hopes this is the start of accountability.

"The emotions right now are so high," he said. "We've been waiting for this for a long time."

PHOTO: Families of the victims in the Uvalde elementary school shooting at Uvalde County Courthouse where former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer Adrian Gonzales appeared to face charges, on July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. (Eric Gay/AP)

PHOTO: Texas state troopers outside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, May 24, 2022. (Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Gonzales' defense attorney, Nico LaHood, told reporters, "We have not seen any evidence that would lead us to believe that Mr. Gonzales is guilty of these allegations. ... All he did was show up to try to help those children."

"There was over 370 officers there. We have not seen or even heard of a theory of why Mr. Gonzales is being singled out," LaHood said.

PHOTO: Former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer Adrian Gonzales arrives at the Uvalde County Courthouse, on July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. (Eric Gay/AP)

Gonzales is due to return to court on Sept. 16.

The former school district police chief, Pete Arredondo, who was the on-site commander the day of the shooting, was arrested last month on the same charges as Gonzales. He has also pleaded not guilty.

PHOTO: The booking photo for former Uvalde School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo. (Uvalde County Sheriff's Department)

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The indictment alleges that, after hearing shots fired, Arredondo failed to identify the situation as an active shooter, failed to respond as trained, and instead, called SWAT, thereby delaying the response by law enforcement.

The indictment also alleges he chose to negotiate with the gunman instead of engaging; failed to timely provide keys and breaching tools; failed to determine if the classroom door was locked; failed to follow the school district's active shooter policy; and failed to develop an immediate action plan.

In a recorded interview with investigators one day after the shooting, Arredondo said he did not view himself as the incident commander, contrary to the active shooter plan he devised.

Former Uvalde school district police officer pleads not guilty as victims' families look on originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
One of the first school police officers to respond to the 2022 shooting massacre at Uvalde's Robb Elementary School pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child abandonment and endangerment Thursday morning during an arraignment hearing in state District Court.

Adrian Gonzales was one of nearly 400 state and local officers who responded to the May 24, 2022, attack but waited 77 minutes to take down the 18-year-old gunman. A U.S. Justice Department inquiry into the massacre, which left 19 students and two teachers dead, concluded that "lives could have been saved" if officers had acted sooner, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in January.

Prosecutors in a grand jury indictment unsealed last month accused Gonzales of hearing gunshots and "having time to respond to the shooter," but "fail(ing) to engage, distract and delay the shooter and fail(ing) to act in a way to otherwise impede the shooter until after the shooter entered Rooms 111 and 112 of Robb Elementary School."

Gonzales' lawyers contend that there is no evidence that the officer should be singled out among hundreds of his colleagues for his role in the tragedy.

"There's a righteous anger out there. It is justifiable and understandable," Gonzales' attorney Nico LaHood told the American-Statesman in a phone interview Thursday. "But (the question) is whether it should be directed at Mr. Gonzales, and in our opinion, it should not."

Indicted on similar charges, former Uvalde school district Police Chief Pete Arredondo waived his right to an arraignment and entered a not guilty plea July 10, according to court filings obtained by the Statesman. Gonzales is the only other officer to have been charged for his role in the botched response.

"We're not defending the horrific and evil act that happened that day in the school and neither is Mr. Gonzales," said LaHood, a former Bexar County district attorney. "He was there to help."

Marking the use of a new legal strategy, the cases against Arredondo and Gonzales are the first in which a police officer has been charged under Texas statutes on child abandonment and endangerment for acts taken in their official capacity. The officers face up to two years in jail and $10,000 in fines if convicted.

Uvalde school district police officer Adrian Gonzales was one of the first officers on the scene of the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.

Roughly 100 people  including Gonzales, members of the media, survivors and family members of the victims  attended Thursday's brief hearing at the 38th District Court in Uvalde, the Uvalde Leader-News reported.

The indictments were handed up two years after the shooting as local investigators examined the massacre and the police response, which included nearly six months of witness testimony.

Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell, who is prosecuting the cases, wrote that she "do(es) not comment on pending criminal cases" in an email to the Statesman.

The office of Arredondo's lawyer, Javier Montemayor, did not respond to the Statesman's phone message requesting comment.

A pretrial conference in the case is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the 38th District Court in Uvalde.

In the U.S., only one other officer has been prosecuted for failing to respond to an on-campus shooting: former sheriffs Deputy Scot Peterson was taken to court for his role in responding to the massacre that killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. A Broward County jury acquitted Peterson of the charges last year.

Statesman staff writer Tony Plohetski contributed reporting.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Ex-Uvalde school police officer pleads not guilty in shooting response
BEIRUT, July 25 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli airstrike killed a Hezbollah member and wounded two others on Thursday in the village of Rab Thalathine in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, reported that an Israeli drone fired two air-to-surface missiles targeting the vicinity of the cemetery in Rab Thalathine in the eastern sector of the border area in southern Lebanon.

A civil defense ambulance transported the body of the deceased, identified as Abdullah Mohammad Fakih, and the two wounded to a hospital in the border area. The cemetery and nearby homes were also damaged.

Military sources noted that Israeli warplanes and air forces conducted three raids on Thursday on three towns and villages in the eastern sector of the border area.

Israeli artillery also bombed seven towns and villages in the eastern, central, and western sectors with about 35 shells, causing material damage and three fires that Civil Defense worked to extinguish.

Early on Thursday, resistance fighters fired anti-aircraft missiles at Israeli warplanes inside Lebanese airspace, forcing them to retreat behind the Lebanese border with Israel, according to Hezbollah.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. 
Fox News political commentator Brian Kilmeade is defending himself against criticism for remarks he made about Vice President and presumptive Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris claiming folks didnt hear him right.



Kilmeade came for Harris on the July 24 episode of Fox & Friends for among other things skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to Congress that day to speak to members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.  a historically Black Greek organization and one of the members of the Divine Nine.

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.

In a statement, Fox News Media said Politico reporter Eugene Daniels, who initially flagged Kilmeades comments on X, completely misquoted and unnecessarily maligned Brian Kilmeade who clearly said college sorority.

Check out a clip of Kilmeades comments here and decide for yourself:

Kilmeade defended himself and denied saying anything offensive on his radio show after the Fox & Friends episode, saying:

Ive never used that word in my life, if youre listening to what Im saying, if you know where shes speaking, why would I even say that? 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.

After speaking with Fox News, Eugene Daniels has since posted that hes going to take Brian and his team at their word.

I spoke to Fox News about this and plan on speaking to Brian when he is off air. They've made clear to me that he used college, not colored.



The audio is garbled but I am going to take Brian and his team at their word. pic.twitter.com/PNNV15xbfe  Eugene Daniels (@EugeneDaniels2) July 24, 2024

But the social media backlash has already been fast and furious as Divine Nine members and other Black leaders take Kilmeade to task.

Fox News is ignorant. Dont ever call my Sorority or any other #D9 organization colored. Keep it out of your mouth, California congresswoman Sydney Kamlager posted on X.

Fox News is ignorant. Don't ever call my Sorority or any other #D9 organization "colored." Keep it out of your mouth.



Today @KamalaHarris speaks to a critical part of the base who understands the assignment. I stand with my sorors in welcoming her remarks to @ZPhiBInc1920 https://t.co/giJG1qR7OL  Sydney Kamlager (@sydneykamlager) July 24, 2024

All yall out here now telling us to unhear colored and hear college instead are full of s#it. The man said colored. Just own it if youre going to defend it, Former RNC Chairman and Lt. Governor of Maryland Michael Steele posted on X.

All y'all out here now telling us to unhear "colored" and hear "college" instead are full sh!t. The man said "colored". Just own it if you're going to defend it. #HeSaidColored https://t.co/Z0GXqhaZj7  Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) July 24, 2024

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Fox News Warns Its Time to Brace for Kamala Harris Kamalot: Everyone Needs to Be Prepared | Video

A so-called Kamala Camelot is coming for the United States, Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany warned Wednesday night.

Prepare for Kamala Camelot, she told Jesse Watters on Jesse Waters Primetime. Prepare for the mythologized age of the Kennedys, the shining administration on a hill  prepare for Kamalot.

Kamalot is coming your way, McEnany continued. Beyonce already greenlighted her using the Freedom song. Kamalot is here, and everyone needs to be prepared.

McEnanys words might have been meant as a warning, but the phrase Kamalot hit a little differently on social media. Writer Armand Hamouth replied, Camelot was the perfect dream realized. If the Republicans are praising VP Harris to this degree, look for a landslide win for Kamala and a blue tsunami for the Democrats.

Kayleigh: Prepare for Kamala Camelot. It is coming your way. Prepare for Kamalot. Kamalot is coming your way. Beyonce already greenlighted her using the freedom song. Kamalot is here. Everyone needs to be prepared. pic.twitter.com/1jyeSnhPjX  Acyn (@Acyn) July 25, 2024

X account @prolib was also enthused, tweeting, Kamalot is like the coolest moniker ever. Is Kayleigh a Kamstan too? Meanwhile, author and professor Tonya M. Evans let a GIF communicate her support for the potential nickname.

Music and video editor Carlos A.R. de L. expressed skepticism that the moniker was seriously meant in a negative way. He tweeted, Does she think that [calling] her Kamalot is bad? Really??

Camelot  the court and castle featured in the legend of King Arthur  has often been referenced by politicians, monarchs and world leaders who have hoped to communicate wisdom and bravery to their constituencies and the public at large.

Though King Henry VIII famously had a Tudor rose painted on a round table, no one so effectively linked their family and/or reign to the idea of Camelot as Jackie Kennedy Onassis following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

The presidents widow first used the term in an interview with Life Magazine that December. Kennedy Onassis closed the interview with a quote from the musical Camelot  Dont let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief, shining moment that was known as Camelot. Therell be great presidents again  but there will never be another Camelot.

The post Fox News Warns Its Time to Brace for Kamala Harris Kamalot: Everyone Needs to Be Prepared | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
As new Foxtrot owner plans to reopen stores, a former undocumented worker recounts his struggle to find a job and collect back pay

A little over nine years ago, Javier Mancera landed a job at a commissary to supply a startup of boutique convenience stores in Chicago. It seemed promising, he recalled.

And it was. He was quickly tasked with hiring more workers as Foxtrot became known as an upscale grocer and cafe chain based in Chicago, which later expanded to Texas and Washington, D.C. That was until Foxtrot and Doms Kitchen & Market abruptly shuttered in April before filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, causing chaos amongst their customers and leaving hundreds of their workers suddenly without a job.

The stores in Chicago were all located on the citys North Side. The commissary, however, was on the Southwest Side, predominantly staffed by Mexican immigrant laborers like Mancera, who never set foot in one of the boutique stores. Yet, they religiously performed their jobs to ensure that all stores had enough breakfast tacos and other items that were unique to the brand.

(The items in the store) were too expensive. I know that because we prepared all the food that was sold there. We did it the best we could for it to be presentable and of good quality for those who could pay for it, Mancera said. (When they suddenly closed,) I felt used and discriminated against. We helped the company grow so much and at the end of the day they threw us out like nothing.

As a co-founder of Foxtrot and new investors plan to reopen about a dozen stores this fall, Mancera and most of the other 50 former immigrant workers who worked at the commissary continue to struggle to find new jobs to make ends meet. Mancera said that his quest for employment has been stymied by few opportunities, with competition from newly arrived migrants who are willing to work for extremely low wages and those who have legal work permits.

Unlike former workers at the storefronts who qualified for unemployment, most of those who worked at the commissary are ineligible for unemployment benefits due to their immigration status.

Upon hearing the brand would reopen locations with similar management, Mancera and some of his co-workers felt used and discarded. A group of commissary workers filed a class-action lawsuit under the federal WARN Act, seeking restitution for 60 days of compensation due to the companys abrupt closure and mass layoffs.

Hiring undocumented workers and then firing them without compensation or prior notice is a common practice in the factory labor market, underscoring how immigrant workers are under constant risk of exploitation, labor rights leaders say.

Over the last decade, however, advocates have encouraged undocumented workers to denounce the abuse or unjust treatment in their companies. Workers of the popular tortilleria El Milagro for example are part of ongoing labor investigations in which state and federal agencies are looking into allegations of unsafe working conditions. Some immigrant workers in the manufacturing industry in Chicago and nearby suburbs have gotten protection from deportation and a job permit through Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement, otherwise known as DALE, a federal program created to empower undocumented workers to speak out and help agencies complete investigations to enforce labor laws.

We are families, we are not garbage, a group of workers chanted in Spanish in front of the Foxtrot warehouse in the Pilsen neighborhood this spring during a protest to raise awareness about former employees affected by the companys sudden decision to close.

Due to Outfoxs pending Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Delaware, it is unclear whether there will be assets available to make the payments to the former employees, said Doug Werman, a labor attorney who filed one of the three class-action lawsuits against the company in federal court in Chicago. That would mean that workers could simply be forgotten, Mancera said.

Youre an upscale specialty grocer that produces high-quality products that are desirable, but youre doing it on the backs of workers who are vulnerable and who are subject to exploitation, and who were particularly hard hit by the companys unconscionable decision to close without any advance notice, said Jose Uribe, a campaign organizer with Arise Chicago, a workers rights organization helping some of the displaced workers.

It is unclear how or if Foxtrot and Doms hired immigrant workers directly. Neither Outfox Hospitality, their parent company, nor their lawyer Dennis A. Meloro responded to several requests for comments on the class-action lawsuits or the ongoing investigation by the Illinois Department of Labor.

The commissary was initially based out of a small North Side warehouse before establishing one at 2136 S. Peoria St., in the Pilsen neighborhood. It went from about seven employees to more than 50 over the last decade, the majority of whom were immigrants and people without legal status to work in the U.S., Mancera said.

He initially landed a job as a line cook after one of his colleagues referred him to the job in 2015. Within two years, as the company opened more stores throughout Chicago and other states, he was promoted to assembly supervisor, managing a group of workers.

A week before news broke that the stores were shutting down, there was a meeting at the commissary with management, Mancera recalled. He was told he could not submit orders for more ingredients or other items.

I thought that was strange, but I kept my team focused, doing their job as usual, Mancera said, trusting that if the company was changing, his top manager would let them know. After all, he had been one of the workers key to the success of the boutique items sold at the Foxtrot stores.

On April 23, however, right before lunchtime at 11 a.m., top management at the commissary called everyone to a meeting and broke the news that the company had closed, no one had a job anymore and they had to leave immediately.

Everyone was in complete shock, Mancera said. They knew they would no longer have the paycheck they counted on to pay for rent and groceries, he said. Most of the workers were heads of households and only 10 out of the 50 workers were eligible for unemployment benefits.

There was no notice to find a new job. Mancera believes that the owners of the company knew that most of the workers at the commissary did not have legal documents to work and that their job with them was their livelihood.

But they didnt care, because theyre people with money that just use us and take advantage of a system that takes advantage of the vulnerability of immigrant workers, Mancera said.

Most immigrant workers remain in the shadows despite experiencing exploitation, wage theft or other abuse because they fear deportation, a common misconception in the undocumented community and one that corporations, like Foxtrot and Doms Kitchen, take advantage of, Uribe said.

Though there are state and federal laws that protect workers regardless of their immigration status, most workers dont know about the laws due to a language barrier or simply because they dont know where to find the resources to seek help, Uribe said.

A plea to Biden from longtime undocumented immigrants in Chicago: Please dont forget about us, we need job permits too

Hiring immigrants without legal permission to work in the country is a common and widely known practice across many industries. Undocumented workers often use false Social Security numbers or green cards to get a job. Some companies pay via middlemen like labor contractors or staffing agencies to reduce the direct involvement of the company.

Most workers then file their taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses and dependents who cannot get a Social Security number.

Adela Maravilla used to prepare Foxtrots signature tacos. More than 1,000 a day, she recalled. It was her day off when managers told Mancera and her co-workers that the company was shutting down.

She got a phone call from her supervisor and after hearing the news she began to cry. The single mother of three had been working at the commissary for about two years and her family was very much dependent on it.

But Maravilla did not cry only because she was frustrated about the uncertainty she would face; she cried knowing that most of her co-workers would not even get unemployment or other financial support while they searched for a new job.

I know how that feels, she said.

Though Maravilla is now a U.S. citizen, for many years she worked under the table to get her kids through school and college. She said she took a stand for her co-workers because many of them fear to speak out publicly.

I want people to know who was really behind those fancy and expensive stores, Maravilla said.

Its been three months since Mancera lost his job and he has yet to find a new and stable job. He is running out of his savings, he said, and he fears that he may no longer be able to afford to pay rent or car payment.

Even if he was offered a new job under the new ownership, he wouldnt take it, he said.

It was a slap in the face to know that they will reopen stores, Mancera said.

But who will make the breakfast tacos? Maravilla asked.

According to a spokesperson for Mike LaVitola, the chairman of the new company, Further Point Enterprises, which is financing the reopening of the brand, Foxtrot will be hiring local workers to staff the new locations as they open.

The reopening of the commissary in Pilsen, however, is still unclear. Instead, Foxtrots food program intends to partner with local businesses, employing local workers to make some of their previous signature items, including the breakfast tacos, the spokesperson said.
(Bloomberg) -- Frances caretaker finance minister warned that the economy is taking a hit as President Emmanuel Macron hesitates to appoint a new prime minister.

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We need a quick clarification, Bruno Le Maire said on the sidelines of a visit to customs officials securing the Paris Olympics. We need France to quickly have an operational government and Prime Minister because this period is costly for France.

Business confidence figures published earlier Thursday showed a sharp drop in sentiment during a turbulent election campaign that has delivered no clear majority capable of forming a new government.

Macron has called for a political truce and said he will not appoint a prime minister until after the Olympics.

Our small and medium sized companies dont like uncertainty  they need to know where they are heading and how they can invest, Le Maire said.

The minister, who has served in his post throughout Macrons seven years in office, also said that the political inertia is damaging public finances because the caretaker governments powers to curb spending are limited.

Still, Le Maire said he is continuing to prepare the 2025 budget for his successor to present at the start of October. He said the fiscal plans will be in line with his pledges to bring down Frances budget deficit that swelled last year.

Im defending the option of a fast repair of public finances, Le Maire said. The next government will have the choice to stick with this option or choose another, but at least things will be ready.

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Emergency vehicles from the police, fire department and airport security are parked on the apron of Frankfurt Airport, where two activists have taped themselves up. Several demonstrators had forced their way onto the airport grounds early in the morning and stuck themselves there. As a result, air traffic was temporarily suspended. It has since been partially resumed. Arne Dedert/dpa

Germany's Frankfurt Airport faced serious disruption on Thursday, with some 270 flights cancelled out of 1,400, a spokesman told dpa, after Last Generation climate activists glued themselves to runways at the major European transport hub.

By evening, all of the runways were open, the spokesman said, "Operations are running smoothly." However, the impact of the protest was significant, with the terminals far busier than usual and lengthy queues at the rebooking counters.

Police said several activists entered the site early in the morning and glued themselves in the security area, causing operations to be suspended.

Passengers were initially asked not to go to the airport and to check the status of their flights in advance on the airlines' websites.

They were also told to expect delays for the rest of the day.

The runways were clear for flight operations to resume at 7:50 am (0550 GMT), just under three hours after eight people entered the airport premises and stuck themselves to the tarmac and a fence.

A spokesman for Fraport, which operates the airport, condemned the protest, saying that "the perpetrators face severe penalties and high civil claims for damages."

The eight activists had gained access to the fenced-off airport grounds at around 5 am, the police said. One of them got caught on the fence, while the seven others managed to breach the security area and glue themselves to the two central take-off and landing runways.

The activists were handed to the Hesse state police after being removed from the tarmac.

Last Generation behind stunt

Following a similar incident at Germany's Cologne/Bonn airport on Wednesday that led to a three-hour flight suspension, Last Generation again claimed responsibility for the breach.

"The continued extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal is a threat to our existence," the group posted on X, calling for an end to fossil fuel use by 2030.

The group said that six people had cut their way through the wire mesh fence and walked, cycled or skated to various spots on the runways, where they displayed signs saying "Oil kills."

Inside the airport terminals, long queues formed at the Lufthansa airline counters, while the airport offered free water to travellers.

With delays expected throughout the day, passengers were asked to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Stern condemnation

Hesse state premier Boris Rhein sharply criticized the disruptive action.

"These irresponsible and criminal climate radicals are only interested in causing as much damage as possible," Rhein posted on X. "And this at the expense of thousands of holidaymakers looking forward to a few days of vacation. Anyone who jeopardizes safety in this way must be severely punished."

Transport Minister Volker Wissing told Bild newspaper: "Legislators must respond with maximum severity to this. We have already initiated tougher penalties for such criminal behaviour."

The Cabinet decided last week to tighten penalties for air traffic interference. However, parliament still needs to vote on the proposal.

The Fraport spokesman said there are more than 30 kilometres of fence at Frankfurt airport, which are technically secured and monitored by patrols.

Further disruption in Stuttgart

Last Generation also targeted Stuttgart airport on Thursday, with several activists holding protests inside the terminal as passengers set off on summer holidays.

Flight operations were unaffected, an airport spokeswoman said, as demonstrators climbed onto elevated platforms such as ticket counters in two terminals.

Police said eight people were involved in the peaceful protest.

Last Generation took responsibility for the action, with the group saying it was making a statement against the growth in air traffic, the airport's climate strategy and the German government's failure to exit from fossil fuels.

Travelers stand in front of a display board in the terminal at Frankfurt Airport, where numerous departures have been cancelled. Climate activists had forced their way onto the airport premises early in the morning and stuck to the board. Helmut Fricke/dpa

A display board at Frankfurt Airport shows numerous canceled departures. Air traffic was temporarily suspended after climate activists forced their way onto the airport premises early in the morning and got stuck. Helmut Fricke/dpa
Frankfurt airport closes: At least 50 flights diverted as protesters glue themselves to airfield

Frankfurt, Germanys busiest airport, was forced to halt flights at the start of operations on Thursday after climate activists evaded security, reported cutting through a fence and glued themselves to various points on the airfield.

At least 50 inbound flights were diverted away to other airports, some to other countries, until the airport reopened at 7.50am local time. Dozens of flights have been cancelled and disruption is likely for the rest of what would normally be an extremely busy day at one of Europes top four airports.

As with a similar incident at Cologne-Bonn airport on Wednesday, the protest was mounted by the Letzte Generation (Last Generation) climate group  which is demanding the German government phases out the use of fossil fuel. The activists held posters reading Oil kills.

The first wave of arrivals from North America were diverted, with the Boeing 747 operating Lufthansa flight LH401 holding short of Frankfurt for about an hour before diverting north to Cologne.

Other flights were diverted to Stuttgart, Dusseldorf and Munich in Germany, with some landing in Brussels, Luxembourg and Vienna  the last one being the destination for Emirates EK43 from Dubai.

Getting aircraft back where they need to be will involve burning hundreds of tons of additional fuel.

Circle game: Flightpath of Lufthansa flight 401 from New York to Frankfurt, which held for an hour before diverting to Cologne (Flightradar24)

At least four Lufthansa departures from Frankfurt to London Heathrow were grounded, which will make life difficult for travellers who were planning to fly from Heathrow to Frankfurt for onward connections.

Other flights, including British Airways to Heathrow, were delayed by two hours or more.

One passenger, under the username Michael1201, asked on X/Twitter:

How can you allow these terrorists to enter the restricted area? After yesterdays experience in Cologne you should have been prepared. The airport responded: Hi Michael, may we ask you to send any questions you have about security at the airport to the Federal Police?

Under European air passengers rights rules, travellers are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible.
Germanys busiest airport temporarily suspended flights on Thursday after climate activists glued themselves to the tarmac in a protest against the use of fossil fuels.

The airport, used by nearly 60 million travelers last year, advised passengers not to travel to the facility and its website showed multiple flights diverted or canceled as demonstrations took place on at least one taxiway.

In an update, the airport said flights were gradually resuming after the temporary suspension of air traffic due to a police operation.

Six protesters glued themselves to a taxiway, according to activist group Oil Kills.

The sun hasnt risen yet, but air traffic in Germany has already been brought to a standstill, it said on X.

Climate activist group Letzte Generation, or Last Generation, posted videos and photos on X that appeared to show its members on the tarmac.

Airports are places where it becomes apparent that what was seen as normal in the past is something we cannot afford anymore today. Gas and coal are threatening our existence, Letzte Generation said on X.

CNN has reached out to Frankfurt police for comment.

The protests in Frankfurt came a day after climate activists staged a series of demonstrations at airports across Europe.

On Wednesday, Letzte Generation members glued their hands to the tarmac at Germanys Cologne-Bonn airport. Three protesters were detained in that incident, according to Oil Kills.

In Norway, Oil Kills said three people were detained at Oslo airport after breaking onto the tarmac to demand bold climate action from the Norwegian Government.

In Spain, Oil Kills said five people were intercepted by police at Barcelona airport, with one arrested and the others fined.

Oil Kills said a further nine people blocked security gates at Helsinki airport in Finland, also causing disruption to passengers.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

CNNs Jessie Gretener and Christian Strieb contributed reporting.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Franklin County man was indicted by a federal grand jury for making alleged threats against a lawmaker, according to The United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Richard Little, 49, was served an eviction notice on June 10, which seemed to spark a myriad of cyber threats directed at colleagues and government workers.

The U.S. Attorneys Office says Little posted videos on Facebook, threatening and harassing an individual whom he had previously worked with. Attorney Karam said videos also featured threats directed towards a County Commissioner where Little described Kill Zones and showed firearms and ammunition.

On June 21, 2024, the U.S. Attorneys office says Little posted another threat to his page, this time against a Pennsylvania State Senator. According to Attorney Karam, law enforcement raided Littless residence that day, seizing 17 firearms, ammunition, marijuana, illegal mushrooms, and other drug paraphernalia. Little was arrested in the process.

Under federal law, Little faces a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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PARIS (Reuters) - France's anti-terror police PNAT said a second 18-year-old man had been arrested on Thursday in connection with plans to commit one or several attacks against people.

It did not mention a link to the Olympic Games, which start in Paris on July 26, but France is on its highest state of alert as it gears up to host millions of visitors, athletes and world leaders during the event.

The suspect, who was arrested in an undisclosed holiday location, was in contact - both in person and through social media networks - with another 18-year-old man arrested on Tuesday in southwest France, PNAT said.

"Investigations focus on one or several violent actions these young people were considering. At this stage we are trying to assess the reality of their plans beyond discussions conducted online," it said.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon, Editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout and Christina Fincher)
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Three drug-related criminal suspects, who had been on the run in north Myanmar for years and were wanted by Chinese police, have been extradited to China as part of the law enforcement collaboration efforts between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, Chinese police transported the three fugitives, who were turned over by the Myanmar side, back to China on Wednesday evening.

To date, six of the 10 major drug-related fugitives in northern Myanmar who were wanted by Chinese police have been apprehended, according to the ministry. 
A week after Fresno City College officials said state money for a program that helps at-risk students afford rent had dried up, state-level officials said half of the money to extend the program had already been distributed.

However, FCC and the governing district that oversees it would not comment on the status of the funding. Despite the assurance that students would not be evicted, the institutions refused to provide any details on the plan about how the money would be spent or their progress in accommodating students.

This is mental abuse, said Desiree Martinez, executive director of We Are NOT Invisible, a local non-profit that advocates for people who experience homelessness. Do you know how many people in this program are having mental health issues? We have people with children! Do you know how much anxiety and panic disorder you caused in women, men and children?

In late June, about 50 Fresno City College students in the Housing Opportunities Promote Education program, which subsidizes up to 70% of rent for students experiencing housing insecurity and provides counseling services, received an email informing them the rental assistance would last only until Aug. 31, by which time students would need to vacate from the current housing and find new places on their own.

The students interviewed by The Fresno Bee said they were given such short notice that they couldnt find alternative housing, and they dont have income or credit qualifications. HOPE was designed to provide up to 12 months of rental assistance, move-in deposits, and a variety of counseling services in mental health, academics, career, and budgeting to help students become desirable tenants and move toward permanent housing.

Income has always been the biggest factor, I know that, and some places have waiting lists for a year or two, said Curtis Tongate, a paralegal major student who had applied for a dozen apartments in the past month to no avail.

The programs abrupt halt reinforced the impression about homelessness and the instability worsened some of his peers situation of struggle with getting a job, he said.

Once considered Californias most successful college student homeless support program, HOPE has helped house over 350 students in the past four years. It ended on June 30, because it was a pilot program and the pilot funding ended, said FCC spokesperson Cris Monahan-Bremer.

In reporting on the matter, The Bee discovered that the state had extended the pilot program with five-year funds and notified the 14 community colleges at the end of June. FCC is allocated $620,976 for the 2024-25 academic year. However, FCC still decided to close the program and hasnt provided any reasons other than calling it a pilot program. It also said that the funding information is yet to be confirmed.

Last week, the State Chancellors Office, which oversees all community colleges in California, told The Bee half of the funds were distributed to the colleges and the other half will be released once colleges return a signed document confirming their participation.

We enter the funds into our payment system in July and colleges can begin accessing a percentage of the funds in July/August, said Melissa Villarin, communications specialist at the State Chancellors Office.

Robert Fuentes, a district trustee for the region where FCC is located, said students will not lose housing but he did not provide any specifics.

The HOPE program has been discontinued; however, rental assistance for qualified students will continue, he replied in an email. The associated funding received from the state for the upcoming year will be administered through a different campus office.

Fuentes did not provide details regarding any available rental assistance, as well as which campus office the funding was directed to. He referred The Bee to the district chancellor and FCC. The district board does not oversee campuses daily operations.

FCC and the district chancellor didnt answer questions about the funding or the plans to maintain the assistance for students. FCC President Robert Pimentel said in an interview earlier this month that the new money would be added to another program called Basic Needs and would continue to support housing. Other services attached to HOPE, such as counseling, may no longer be provided.

Basic Needs is a website that lists links to on- and off-campus food, health, hygiene, parenting and other basic resources. FCC does not have a physical office to host the program. Under the housing tab of the website, all resources are external, directing students to Fresno Housing Authority, Fresno Economic Opportunity Commission, and other organizations. The colleges HOPE program used to be listed among these resources, until the college took down the website on July 9, the same day The Bee interviewed Pimentel about the program cut.

Fresno City Colleges HOPE program website on March 28, 2023, captured by The Wayback Machine. The Wayback Machine is an internet library to archive websites and allows users to go back in time to see how webpages looked in the past.

The State Chancellors Office said that despite the cuts to the HOPE program, FCC is still eligible for the funding, as long as they are providing services related to housing. Some examples are connecting students with community case managers and establishing an ongoing emergency housing process, a list of funding usage provided by the office. It was not immediately clear how the state oversees the housing support rollout.

The 50 students currently housed by HOPE have not heard updates or confirmations on subsequent assistance from FCC, though the college said that no one will be thrown on the streets.

Martinez said she bombarded district officials with emails and phone calls, and was told that students were notified that they could stay in the housing. She contacted some HOPE students and found no one heard a word of confirmation.

She said she called Fuentes to ask how the college notified students. He said: Well, I dont know, thats a good question, Martinez relayed the conversation to The Bee as she remembered it.

You never send an email to students after you picked them up off the street, you took them out of the rehabs, you took them from jail, you took them from the shelters, and you said we got a great program for you from homelessness to housing, and youre going to make them homeless again, said Martinez. Now you think any of these people are going to trust the system?

Tongate said he never paid attention to shelters because there is not enough support for one to really get stabilized. That was why he preferred to live in the car for four months before he decided to try HOPE.

Its really helpful by showing something that we need because theres no other program like this, maybe thats part of why they didnt like it because it would take a while for someone to show the progress they are wanting, he said. Im really sad the programs ending.
Bob Hyland and Cynthia Duval protest plans for a Burnet Woods dog park outside last Thursday's Park Board meeting in Eden Park.

Cincinnati Parks oversees 70 neighborhood parks, eight regional ones, 34 preserves and natural areas, 65 miles of hiking trails and 52 playgrounds.

And yet, month after month, since about 2020, one park project has been a constant source of contentious conversation: a dog park.

The puppy playground  an 8,800-square-foot site planned for Cliftons Burnet Woods  is mentioned at nearly every monthly Park Board meeting.

It has triggered four surveys, informed seven no votes from community groups, attracted dozens of social media posts, generated hundreds of emails and even helped push out a Park Board member.

Last week, the five-member Park Board devoted a quarter of its two-plus-hour meeting to the dog park, discussing ways to reduce its cost.

Opponents remain opposed. They have the opportunity to hit pause, said Cynthia Duval, president of a group called Preserve Burnet Woods.

Supporters remain supportive. Im very confident that people are still excited to see a dog park in Clifton, said Cassandra Clement, an organizer of Clifton Pop Up Puppy Party.

Emotion has replaced reasonable consideration, both sides say.

The staying power (of the battle) has been quite a mystery, said Rachel Wells, an opponent who lives on the edge of Burnet Woods.

Cincinnati Parks originally considered seven sites for its newest dog park, and settled on a northeast corner of Clifton's Burnet Woods.

'Better project available here'

Last week, Parks Director Jason Barron told Park Board members that the price tag for the dog park jumped nearly 40%  from $405,000 to $566,000  with the rising cost of artificial turf. He presented a new design, the third in the project's life, that would reduce fake grass by 65%, add 2,400 square feet of sod and lower the overall cost to $381,000.

During 40 minutes of discussion, John Neyer, appointed to the board in February, became the first Park Board member to offer a skeptical public comment.

I still think there is a better project available here, Neyer said, citing concerns about turf and slow fundraising for the park. I am, at this point, a no on the project.

Phyllis McCallum, a board member since early 2023, also voiced reservations. I personally have not heard from enough supporters. I think the proponents need to be a little more vocal and a little more outspoken.

Susan Castellini, a board member since 2013, said she was tired of Burnet Woods squealing about any new ideas.

Kick Lee, also appointed early last year, reported frequent emails from opponents. I came in," he said, and his inbox was all "dog park, dog park."

In the end, board president Molly North won 5-0 support for her resolution asking parks administrators to price an alternative to artificial turf and secure the last $81,000 they need for the dog park before moving forward.

"I know it feels difficult to move on to the next agenda item, said North, a three-year board member, but we must.

Neyers reply: Its a big system. Lets do it.

Cincinnati Parks Director Jason Barron last week unveiled a new design for a dog park in Burnet Woods. Park Board members, however, asked him to price up replacing artificial turn with some kind of aggregate material and to secure final needed donations to fund the project.

Opponents wage email campaign

With the pivot in plans, the board hopes it has scratched the itch of Burnet Woods advocates, in Castellinis words.

Thus far, theyve been a tenacious crowd, populated by the neighborhood's relatively affluent and educated activists.

Minutes of monthly board meetings routinely include pages and pages of emails about the dog park, mostly from opponents  six in February, seven for January. Last Decembers minutes ran 236 pages, more than 100 generated by Wells as a summary of opposition. Last July, the minutes included the word dog more than 2,300 times in 352 pages.

Email writers accused the Park Board of ignoring opponents concerns, treating them with eyerolling and unprofessional commentary, and mishandling public funds. Marcia McLaughlin called the plan for Burnet Woods a frivolous want and an insane amount of taxpayer money literally going to the dogs.

Emails to City Hall echoed those concerns just before Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval tapped Neyer for the board. About a dozen writers asked the mayor not to give former board president Jim Goetz another six-year term, according to public records requested by The Enquirer.

Several cited the dog park controversy, saying the board was practicing top-down management instead of community engagement. Three Cincinnati Park Foundation leaders  Lisa Diedrichs, the foundation board vice chair; Harry Kangis, an at-large board member; and past chair Dan Vogelpohl  joined the call to replace Goetz. The relationship between the Foundation and the Parks is on the brink of ruin, Vogelpohl said in his February note.

Dogs give chase at Doris Day Dog Park at Mount Airy Forest.

Erosion, mud pits and deferred maintenance

Dog parks have become flash points in other cities. Thats especially the case when one dog attacks another or owners ignore their pets to chat with other owners.

But none of Greater Cincinnatis other 20-some parks for pups have generated as much talk as the one planned for Burnet Woods. Of the three under Cincinnati Parks' management  at Westwood Town Hall, Washington Park and Mount Airy Forest  only the Doris Day Dog Park in Mount Airy gets much attention. Chronic erosion and outdated equipment there need attention, users told parks officials in an early 2024 survey. Parks plans upgrades this year, park documents show.

Erosion  and the resulting mud pit that Doris Day users complained about  could be an issue in Burnet Woods, too, with grass coming in and turf potentially going out. Doris Day can, at least, rotate the use of its four acres to allow grass to regrow. That would be harder to do in Burnet Woods in a fifth of an acre dog park.

So, while opponents prefer grass to turf, they still fear a dog park would bring noise, dog waste, trash and traffic to Burnet Woods. And theyd rather parks officials spend money on lake upgrades, trail repairs and other projects in Burnet Woods, along with deferred maintenance needs across all Cincinnati parks.

Last week, board president North said she accepts the challenge to find dollars for other Burnet Woods work. These are goals I hope to personally advocate for.

Board member Lee challenged people who want the dog park to do their part. Please show up to help take care of it, he said. Show that this is something that you do really want.

The grassy hill planned for a Burnet Woods dog park remains untouched, two years after Cynthia Duvall of Preserve Burnet Woods visited the spot with other opponents.

Accessibility questions linger

A dog park for Burnet Woods will likely remain a hot topic through at least this winter, when it is slated to open. In the next one to two months, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation will work on raising the remaining funds and the contractor, Prus Construction, will redesign the project, Barron told the board. After that, the contractor will need up to six weeks to buy materials for the facility and then two months to build it.

Clement, the most vocal of supporters, thinks the new design  with a paved path winding through it  will work if people with limited mobility can navigate whatever replaces turf.

As long as people with walkers, wheelchairs and strollers can reach significant areas within the dog park and all benches are accessible, then that eliminates the feeling of being 'less than,' said Clement, whose adult son uses a wheelchair and walker.

She also hopes the new design will bring in new donations. Im surprised how slow the fundraising was, she said, attributing it to endless bullying and personal attacks from people opposed to it.

Duval, the Preserve Burnet Woods leader, said parks is using value engineering to reduce accessibility purely for cost reasons.

When you get this far into a project, it can be very difficult to admit that you may have made a mistake, she said. The tendency is to just keep chasing the project until you force it to fit.

Wells, the Burnet Woods neighbor, thinks parks officials still have time to change course, renew community engagement and pick a dog park location more people like. They can and they should, she said. It is never too late to do the right thing.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Battle over Burnet Woods dog park continues
This month there have been increased sightings and social media posts from Port Washington of what to the untrained eye might look like escaped pet ferrets. They're not. They are mink, wild animals native to Wisconsin.

The unusual thing about this group, or company, of mink seen at the Port Washington Marina is that there has been a white one among them.

Videos of the mink playing with a plant and frolicking together were originally posted to the Port Washington Voice Facebook group.

Julie Qualls, who was visiting her family in Port Washington, posted a video of the mink that she had seen July 15. Qualls said that they had almost come right up to her, her mother and her cousin.

"Ive been hearing that minks are not nice and can be dangerous, but I couldnt help myself," said Qualls. "They were so cute, the way they played like little puppies or kittens."

The white mink is albino, a DNR official says

Ozaukee County's DNR wildlife biologist, Steffen Peterson, said that the white mink is albino.

"Mink, unlike short-tailed (ermine) and long-tailed weasels, do not have white pelage in winter but are typically a rich brown color and can have white patches on the chin, throat and sometime chest," said Peterson.

Peterson said the video in the Facebook post led him to believe that the white mink is the mother and the other, darker ones are young pups.

The American mink are furbearers and semi-aquatic carnivores

The American mink falls into the category of furbearers under the DNR's classification of animals used for their resources. Furbearers are mammals whose fur has commercial value, according to the DNR's page about them.

A white mink along with several dark ones are seen in Port Washington on July 15, 2024.

The page says that traditionally mink are trapped for their fur, most prominently in the fur trading era, but not all of Wisconsin's furbearers may be harvested in the present day.

Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores that eat muskrat, fish, reptiles, amphibians, waterfowl, eggs and small mammals like mice, according to the DNR. Mink can usually weigh between 1.5 and 2 pounds; males are larger than females.

Mink, despite historically being trapped and used for fur, are excellent hunters themselves and have recently been used to assist as ratters in pest control operations. One Youtuber who gained notoriety for his use of mink for pest control is Utah resident Joseph Carter, known as The "Mink Man" online.

Some are worried the mink seen in Port Washington will be taken away

Some Facebook users asked for people to leave the mink alone to enjoy their natural lives down by the port and other places they may be seen.

Others asked for the videos to be taken down out of fear that someone might call animal control to take the mink away from their habitat, similarly to how a fox and her 3-month-old kits in Port Washington were separated by a Mequon animal control company in May 2023.

According to an article in the Ozaukee Press, public outrage ensued after the fox kits were taken from their den by a company hired by one or multiple residents of a nearby condo complex. The article stated that there were reports of the mother fox wailing at the sight of her kits stuck in the traps set out by the company.

The kits were temporarily relocated to Pine View Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center in Fredonia, but staff and residents worry that the fox family will never be reunited, even after they were released back into the wild.

However, Peterson told the Journal Sentinel that the DNR's role in removing animals either lethally or non-lethally, in most cases, is limited to providing guidance, permitting required for particular species and offering contact information for local trappers or rehabilitation facilities.

"Occasionally, we may assist in the euthanasia of a sick or injured animal or removal (lethal or non-lethal) of an animal when it is a concern for public safety," Peterson said.

An albino mink is seen swimming by the Port Washington Marina on July 9, 2024.

In the case of the foxes, Peterson said the owner of the property on which the foxes were located would not have needed to contact the DNR to remove them.

According to Peterson, landowners and occupants are required to have a valid DNR permit to shoot or trap an otter, fisher, badger, flying squirrel, mink or bobcat. Those who remove animals for landowners or occupants are required to have a valid hunting or a trapping license.

The mink are not a nuisance, and no one has filled out the permit application to remove nuisance animals regarding them, Peterson said.

"At this time, you are the only individual who has contacted me regarding the mink," Peterson told a Journal Sentinel reporter. "And it does not appear that they are causing damage or viewed as a nuisance by the landholder, I'm assuming a municipality."

Contact Angelika Ytuarte at AYtuarte@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Albino mink spotted at Port Washington Marina with a company of others
A man wanted as a fugitive for more than three years following his arrest in an alleged immigration scam in Yonkers was back in a Westchester court Thursday.

Juan Cedillo was arrested on the warrant this month in Olympia, Wash., the same place he had lived when Yonkers detectives tracked him down in early 2019.

Juan Cedillo, wanted as a fugitive for more than three years following his arrest in an alleged immigration scam in Yonkers, was back in a Westchester court Thursday, July 25

He is accused of targeting undocumented immigrants who had children born in the United States. He promised better results than immigration lawyers because he had contacts in the federal government, and offered to complete and submit their applications for U visas for up to $8,000.

Such visas require applicants to provide proof they had been victims of crimes. The applications were rarely completed, according to prosecutors, and never resulted in any visas.

Cedillo was arrested in March 2019 and indicted that September on charges of first-degree scheme to defraud and first-degree immigrant-assistance fraud involving 17 victims.

He returned to Olympia in early 2020 after he was released from the Westchester County jail. Once the COVID-19 pandemic began, Cedillo made his virtual court appearances. But when the courts reopened and a judge ordered him to show up in person, he never did and the warrant was issued in November 2020.

The Journal News/lohud spoke with Cedillo by phone and text last year when a reporter was alerted that he was still living in Olympia. Cedillo proclaimed his innocence, insisted he was helping the immigrants and said no one had followed up with him to insist he return to Westchester. He provided a photo of a card identifying him as a "Special Justice Agent" for the United States Counter Insurgents Association of Justice, which authorities said in 2019 was a fake group organization that he made up.

A county police spokesman said in recent years that the Westchester warrant squad had sought assistance from law enforcement in Washington but they had been unable to locate Cedillo, who had also lived in Kansas in the years leading up to his arrest.

On July 8, the Thurston County Sheriffs Office and the U.S. Marshals Regional Task Force took Cedillo into custody. A spokesman for the sheriff's office would not identify the specific location, only that it was an apartment complex on the west side near the Capital Mall. The apartment where Cedillo was living in 2019 and after his release from jail is two blocks from the mall.

Cedillo waived extradition and Westchester warrant detectives picked him up Wednesday and brought him back to New York.

He will likely also face bail jumping charges. Westchester County Judge Maurice Dean Williams ordered Cedillo held without bail at the county jail and he is due back in court on Aug. 5.

His lawyer, Anthony Mattesi, said he had no contact with Cedillo since November 2020 and only learned of his arrest Thursday morning when he was alerted by prosecutors to be in court.

He said prosecutors had offered a 1 1/3- to four-year prison term in 2020 if Cedillo pleaded guilty but said he expects them to seek more prison time if bail jumping charges are added.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Yonkers immigration scam: Juan Cedillo arrested on fugitive warrant
(Bloomberg) --

Most Read from Bloomberg

The finance chiefs of the Group of Seven economies warned against unilateral actions that might undermine global trade, according to a statement by the Italian delegation.

The G-7 highlighted the need to protect international commerce, particularly given Chinas enormous industrial capacity, including in sectors of strategic importance, according to the statement sent by Italys finance ministry.

US presidential candidate Donald Trump has pledged to raise tariffs on goods from China and elsewhere if he wins this years US election.

The G-7 nations also committed to provide adequate and strong support for Ukraine for as long as necessary.

Finance chiefs met Wednesday on the sidelines of a broader Group of Twenty, where they also discussed artificial intelligence, the fragmentation of global trade and international taxation.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
G7 to finalize plan by October on $50 billion loan for Ukraine backed by Russian assets revenue

The Group of Seven (G7) will likely finalize a framework agreement for a $50 billion loan for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets revenue by October, EU Economic Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said on July 25.

During the G7 summit in Italy on June 13, G7 leaders publicly confirmed an agreement on the plan to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan by the end of the year, which will be repaid using interest from billions in frozen Russian assets.

The funds for covering the loan will not come from the confiscation of Russian assets themselves, but through profits generated by them and accumulated over time.

While Western countries have frozen $300 billion in Russian assets, they can only access the annual income generated by these funds, approximately $3.2 billion. The vast majority of the assets are frozen in European countries.

"I think we are making very good progress technically, but also politically," Gentiloni said on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, as quoted by Reuters.

Reuters said that a G7 source had described the discussion on the plan as "detailed and positive," and that there was "shared optimism that all remaining questions can be resolved."

Speaking at the G7 summit in June, President Volodymyr Zelensky called on G7 leaders to back the $50-billion plan but also urged the creation of a mechanism for the full confiscation of $300 billion in frozen Russian funds.

Read also: Hungary to block EUs Ukraine defense funds until Kyiv lifts ban on Lukoil transit, Budapest says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) lauded Sen. Mark Kellys (D-Ariz.) record, saying the senator would give Democrats a jolt ahead of November if Vice President Harris selected him to be her running mate.

Adding Kelly to the ticket will add that extra jolt to the campaign, Gallego told CNNs Manu Raju in an interview Wednesday.

And I think itd be great for Democrats across the country  again as a border state senator, understands border issues; as an astronaut, married to Gabby Giffords  Its a good combination right there, he added.

Gallego is running for retiring Sen. Krysten Sinemas (I-Ariz.) seat in November against former gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake (R). According to The Hill/Decision Desk HQs polling average of the race, the lawmaker is leading Lake by 4 percentage points.

Biden endorsed Harris for the White House shortly after announcing his own decision to withdraw from the race over the weekend. In recent days, speculation has swirled over who Harris will choose to be her running mate in Novembers election.

Kelly has been floated as one of the top contenders to join the likely Democratic nominee atop the ticket, with many citing his story as a Navy pilot and astronaut as a compelling narrative to give. He is married to former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), who was shot during a campaign event with constituents in 2011. She has been a leading voice in the fight for gun reform.

Arizona is also slated to become a battleground state in the election, after Biden narrowly won the Grand Canyon State over then-President Trump in 2020.

A Democratic official confirmed to The Hill that Kelly is on the list of potential vice-presidential candidates who the campaign sent vetting materials to.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D), Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) are also among those being considered, according to the official.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
From gangster Tommy guns to Glock switches: The history of machine guns on U.S. streets

The year after the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago, police raided the Michigan home of gangster Fred Burke, left, and seized a small cache of weapons, including two Tommy guns used in the massacre. Tommy guns were the first machine guns used by gangsters and new gun laws first took these weapons off the street. Now, machine guns have re-emerged with illegal Glock switches, tiny devices that turn handguns and some AR weapons into machine guns.

On Valentines Day 1929, four men connected with Al Capones Chicago gang killed seven rivals with Thompson machine guns, better known as Tommy guns.

The bloody massacre shocked the nation, making newspaper headlines across the country.

It was the beginning of gun violence involving machine guns in the U.S., a deadly trend quashed by laws only to re-emerge today with Glock switches, devices that turn ordinary handguns into even more deadly machine guns.

U.S. Army Brigadier General John Thompson invented his namesake Tommy gun in 1918, hoping it could end trench warfare during World War I. But the Tommy guns didnt arrive before the war ended and later ended up with gangsters like Capone during the Prohibition era.

Glock switches: Akron police trying to get machine guns  and tiny device that makes them  off streets

At the time, gun laws in the U.S. were largely governed by states and municipalities. But as Tommy gun violence spread, President Franklin Roosevelt recognized that local laws did nothing to prevent Tommy gun sales across state lines.

Roosevelt initially hoped to ban machine guns through the first national gun-control law, The National Firearms Act of 1934. Gun rights advocates pushed back, however, and there was a compromise: the Firearms Act instead heavily taxed and regulated machine guns.

It largely worked, and federal regulations of machine guns remained unchanged until 1986, when Congress passed another law aimed at protecting U.S. gun owners. Part of that law, however, also banned civilian ownership of machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986.

That created a limited supply of legal machine guns, putting prices far beyond the reach of most. In 2022, The Trace reported that basic models of machine guns can cost $10,000 online, but collector machine guns sell for more than $100,000.

Glock switch Q&A: Who makes these deadly devices?

But the Glock switch could change that.

Venezuelan Jorge Leon has said he created the equivalent of the Glock switch in 1987, the year after the U.S. machine gun ban. He was 22 at the time and hoped his inexpensive creation could help the military and police in his country.

Ten years later, in 1996, Leon patented the switch in the U.S.

'I feel terrified': Inventor of 'Glock switch' technology says he regrets creation

That patent expired in 2016, freeing anyone to use his detailed drawings and specifications for the simple device even though it remains illegal to use or possess in the U.S.

That appears to have changed everything.

In 2023, the ATF reported its agents confiscated 5,454 Glock switch-type converters between 2017-2021. It marked a 570% increase over a five-year period, the most recent data available.

Based on conversations with federal and local officials, the number of these switches has only continued to rise.

Leon, now 59, in June told ABC News he now regrets inventing the switch.

After seeing and reading about all those deaths, those unnecessary deaths of youngsters, of police officers, of broken families, I dont feel nice about that, said Leon, who now designs medical technology.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: The history of machine guns, Tommy guns and Glock switches in the US
JAKARTA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian technology giant GoTo launched the GoPay Merchant application on Thursday, aiming to provide safe and easy financial services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

With this application, MSMEs can accept payments through the local QR code system, QRIS, and freely withdraw money from their sales at any time. The disbursement of sales can also be processed at the end of each business day.

GoTo's Chief Operating Officer Hans Patuwo stated at the launch ceremony in Jakarta that the GoPay Merchant app was specifically designed to meet the needs of MSMEs in Indonesia, who often find it difficult to adopt digital payments.

"Digital payment systems still pose challenges for many MSMEs in Indonesia due to complex registration processes, time-consuming disbursements, and concerns that the money they receive does not match their actual sales. We hope this application can provide a solution, ensuring safety and ease in financial services for them," Patuwo said.

GoTo is currently Indonesia's largest Internet technology company. It operates the giant e-commerce platform Tokopedia, now majority-owned by the popular Chinese social media platform TikTok.

Since merging with TikTok in December 2023, Tokopedia has reinforced its business strategy to benefit local sellers, thereby supporting MSMEs in Indonesia. 
Gov. Gavin Newsom made headlines Thursday with an announcement ordering for more homeless camps to be cleared on state property. It likely wont make a significant difference in Sacramento.

In Sacramento, the main state-owned land with camps is Caltrans land, mostly around the freeways. Caltrans for years has been clearing many homeless encampments on that land.

From July 2022 to July 2023, Caltrans removed 50 camps from its land in Sacramento, costing about $2 million, Caltrans spokesman Edward Barrera told The Sacramento Bee in an email last year. The agency spent $21 million in the same timeframe removing camps from its land statewide.

Thursday afternoon, Barrera stated Caltrans will continue to follow state guidelines regarding encampment removals, and the Governors Executive Order will not affect Caltrans encampment removal operations.

Mayor Darrell Steinberg said the directive, which follows the U.S. Supreme Court Grants Pass decision, will not significantly change the way the city handles homelessness. He pointed out a new homeless census found Sacramento has about 6,600 homeless people, but saw a 41% reduction in people living outdoors since 2022.

Its less about the executive order than Grants Pass, Steinberg said during a news conference Thursday, praising Newsoms record on addressing homelessness overall. I dont think its going to change what we do dramatically. Why should it? We had the biggest reduction in unsheltered homelessness of any other major area of the state.

Despite the decrease, there are thousands of homeless people in Sacramento who cannot get a shelter bed. There are roughly 2,500 people and an additional 820 families on the waitlist for one the citys 1,300 shelter beds.

That means that when police and deputies clear camps, there is not always a shelter bed to offer. Sometimes they clear the camps anyway, and theyre increasingly writing criminal citations for camping.

Theresa Rivera, who uses a wheelchair, is facing a $233 fine for camping in March on a River District sidewalk, according to court records. She now camps a block away and was never offered a shelter bed, she said.

Similarly, Carol Dutcher was given a criminal citation for camping by Sheriffs deputies and park rangers. She missed her court date and now likely has a warrant for her arrest.

Steinberg said while he supports compassionate enforcement, he does not support those types of citations.

I dont support making anybody pay hundreds of dollars who cant afford it, Steinberg said. And I would be against jailing people for camping.

Steinberg wants the city to open more shelters, and hopes to win a roughly $12 million state grant to add many more beds to its Roseville Road shelter. Without that grant, however, the city is facing a fiscal deficit and lacks funding to open shelters without cutting other areas of the budget. The county, which is not facing a budget deficit, has fewer shelter beds than the city, at about 870.

The city of Sacramentos attorneys office agreed with the mayor that there will be no significant changes for the city, city spokesman Tim Swanson said.

The City of Sacramento has reviewed Gov. Newsoms executive order and believes our current enforcement protocols are in alignment with his direction to local jurisdictions, Swanson said. The city will continue to offer a balanced and compassionate response to the homelessness crisis by providing intensive outreach to unsheltered individuals while also enforcing our laws and ordinances.

Asked if the Newsom directive will affect how the county handles camps, Sheriffs spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi replied While we applaud the Governors announcement, it does not change much on our end. Our Homeless Outreach Team will continue to contact individuals in these camps and offer them services while still enforcing the law.

Sacramento regional parks spokesman Ken Casparis said his agency is still reviewing the announcement.

The announcement also requires state agencies to provide 48-hour notice when they are going to clear a camp. The city typically does that, but on July 16 for a camp downtown at 5th and F streets it did not. On the green sticker notices, on the space where it typically gives a future date where crews would be back to sweep, it says immediately. Dozens of people frantically moved their items out from under the shaded overpass in the 91-degree heat. Police towed six vehicles.

There was no advance notice, said Jonathan Nelson, who was evicted from his apartment during COVID and had been living at the camp. I lost everything, including my fridge and phone.

Sacramento large homeless nonprofit Loaves & Fishes criticized Newsoms announcement.

The instruction for localities to sweep encampments arms law enforcement with a much larger shield than ever before, and threatens the lives of our unhoused neighbors, the nonprofit said in a statement. Being unhoused is traumatic. Being swept is traumatic. Living in near constant fear that you will be moved, in the midst of record breaking and life threatening heat, is traumatic. Addressing the crisis of homelessness begins with more permanent supportive housing and services, not disbanding the life saving communities built in encampments.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order allowing state officials to begin dismantling tens and thousands of homeless encampments nearly a month after the Supreme Court ruled that homelessness could be criminalized.

The order will ask state agencies and departments to create clear policies that address homeless encampments that could pose a health or safety risk. Newsom asked that the policies be consistent with those adopted by the California Department of Transportation.

The Department of Transportation has cleared more than 11,000 encampments over the last three years from underneath overpasses and near offramps.

The state will give those people 48 to 72 hours notice and connect them with local service providers and housing. Any personal property will be collected, bagged, tagged and stored for at least 60 days.

No more excuses. Weve provided the time. Weve provided the funds. Now its time for locals to do their job, Newsom wrote on X in response to the Thursday order.

It is the governors first sweeping effort to tackle Californias homelessness problem  something he has made a priority of his governorship. Approximately 181,000 people in the state are estimated to be homeless, making California home to the largest population of unhoused people in the country.

Tents for the homeless line a street corner in Los Angeles. On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an order allowing state officials to remove encampments (AFP via Getty Images)

Cities and counties across the state have approached the encampment problem from various angles but with mixed results.

Last month, the Supreme Court essentially gave cities the go-ahead to enact ordinances that target homelessness by punishing people for sleeping outside on public property. The conservative majority of the court said that a set of rules that allow law enforcement to ticket, fine or jail people sleeping outside did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

Newsom praised the ruling, saying it would allow officials to enforce policies to clear unsafe encampments and lifted limitations on their ability to deliver on common-sense measures to protect the safety and well-being of our communities.

But human rights groups condemned the ruling, saying it was not a proper solution to homelessness.

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks with media at a long-standing homeless encampment along Highway 80 on August 9, 2021 in Berkeley, California. (Getty Images)

We cannot arrest our way out of homelessness, Scout Katovich, an ACLU attorney in the Trone Center for Justice and Equality, said in a statement last month.

It is hard to imagine a starker example of excessive punishment than fining and jailing a person for the basic human act of sleeping, Katovich added.

Ann Olivia, the CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said the Supreme Courts ruling set a dangerous precedent and allowed elected officials to shift the burden of homelessness solutions on law enforcement.

Newsoms executive order cannot force cities to take action but will serve as a guideline when officials are faced with a homeless encampment that they believe is a health or safety risk.
SOPA Images/Getty Images

Telemedicine company MISTR is offering free HIV testing kits to people in Georgia while supplies last, in the hopes of expanding access to care and combating a surge in HIV/AIDS cases across the state.

The promotion, which begins July 25, will provide free test kits that can be picked up at one of seven Walmart Supercenter locations in Georgia, according to a press release from the provider released earlier this week. The locations offering free testing kits are concentrated in five major cities: Atlanta, Decatur, Ellenwood, Morrow, and Stockbridge. Testing can be performed at home and sent to MISTR through the mail for processing.

MISTR already offers access to pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP, through its completely free online service (though patients are expected to use some form of insurance or one of the companys patient assistance programs to cover costs). The companys testing initiative is targeted at Georgians because of the states unusually high rates of HIV, especially new cases. (Georgia residents can also request HIV at-home testing via the state Department of Health.)

Recent CDC data ranked Georgia fourth in the nation for overall HIV diagnoses, and it leads the nation in its rate of new cases. The metro Atlanta area alone ranked third in the nation for new HIV cases, reporting more than 1,500 in 2021. Latine and Hispanic communities in Georgia have been hit especially hard, the CDC reported last year.

Tennessee Will Remove Sex Workers With HIV From the States Sex Offender Registry

A new settlement nullifies Tennessees sex offender enhancement for sex workers with HIV, removing aggravated prostitution from the list of violent sexual offenses.

There is an undeniable HIV crisis in Georgia with not enough resources available, said Tristan Schukraft, CEO and founder of MISTR, in Thursdays press release. This program addresses the community's need for care options and increased sexual health education. I am proud that MISTR continues to democratize access to PrEP, DoxyPEP, and long term-HIV care and show up for these underserved individuals.

Schukraft, who called himself the CEO of everything gay in an interview with the Los Angeles Blade last December, is an entrepreneur and hotelier who owns numerous businesses in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Puerto Rico. Over the past year, Schukraft has made headlines for snapping up well-known, but struggling, LGBTQ+ nightlife spots including Chicagos D.S. Tequila and The Abbey and The Chapel in West Hollywood. He has been a longtime PrEP booster, telling the Blade in 2017 that [i]f we ultimately utilize PrEP, eventually we get to zero infections. (Initially, Schukraft sought to distribute PrEP through a nonprofit, 7Zero1, but that organizations website no longer exists, and its Instagram account has not been used since 2017.)

While HIV infections are still a major public health concern, the virus no longer represents the same death sentence it once did in the height of the AIDS crisis, and seven people worldwide have been reportedly cured. Some of that eras most draconian anti-LGBTQ+ policies are still in the process of being walked back, such as Tennessees aggravated prostitution statutes, which no longer require convicted sex workers with HIV to register as sex offenders as of this year.

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Originally Appeared on them.
Gaza war protesters hold a 'die-in' near the White House as Netanyahu meets with Biden, Harris

Demonstrators protest the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House during a rally, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Protesters against the Gaza war held a die-in across from Lafayette Park and the White House on Thursday as President Joe Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The protesters poured red liquid onto the street, saying it symbolized the blood of those killed in Gaza. They chanted, Arrest Netanyahu, and brought in an effigy of Netanyahu with blood on its hands and wearing an orange jumpsuit. The jumpsuit reads, Wanted for crimes against humanity.

More than 39,000 people have died in Gaza since the start of the war. About 1,200 were killed in Israel during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that started the war, and dozens of Israeli hostages remain in Hamas captivity.

In an address to Congress on Wednesday, Netanyahu defended Israels conduct during the war, as thousands of demonstrators massed near the Capitol, marching through city streets carrying Palestinian flags and calling for Netanyahus arrest.

Outside Washingtons Union Station, protesters removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place to massive cheers in the crowd. They sprayed graffiti on a monument to Christopher Columbus.

In a statement Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, spoke strongly about the protesters actions.

Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent, and we must not tolerate it in our nation, she said. I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way.

The number of protesters Thursday was significantly smaller than the day before.

Hazami Barmada, who described herself as a grassroots activist, spoke through a megaphone of Bidens decision not to see reelection and to pass the baton to Harris.

Biden did not voluntarily leave the race, Joe Biden was pushed out of the race, she said. And Kamala Harris still needs to prove her humanity before earning the trust of pro-Palestinian voters.

Im not going to give you my vote until you show you share the ideals that the Democratic Party is supposed to believe in, she said.

At one point, a young man with an Israeli flag draped over his shoulders walked into the middle of the protest circle and posed for the journalists cameras as the crowd jeered.

Police worked to keep the two sides apart.

As police led the man away  he wasnt detained  Barmada shouted, See, they even want to occupy our protests. Even our land isnt enough!

As police cleared the way, the protesters later marched through city streets toward the National Mall.

___
The most recent Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey in Georgia finds 47.7% of residents plan to vote for former president Donald Trump in 2024, while 45.5% would vote for Kamala Harris. 6.8% remain undecided.

Numbers from June showed 40.7% support for President Joe Biden, who has since dropped from the ballot. Trump saw 45.4% support at that time.

When undecided voters were asked who they favor, 50.1% said Trump and 49.9% said Harris. As for party affiliation, 38% of Georgians identified as republicans while 33.8% considered themselves democrats. The remaining 28.2% consisted of independent voters.

Harris has yet to be formally nominated, but 43.7% Georgians say she is the preferred candidate, with 27.3% preferring a different candidate and the remaining 29% being unsure or having no opinion.

As for Harris vice president choices, heres how some hypothetical candidates matched up:

Gretchen Whitmer  Governor, Michigan (4.3%)

Pete Buttigieg  U.S. Secretary of Transportation (11.7%)

Josh Shapiro  Governor, Pennsylvania (8.8%)

Roy Cooper  Governor, North Carolina (6.7%)

Andy Beshear  Governor, Kentucky (8.2%)

Bernie Sanders  U.S. Senator, Vermont (16.5%)

JB Pritzker  Governor, Illinois (2.1%)

Gavin Newsom  Governor, California (6.5%)

Mark Kelly  Senator, Arizona (7.2%)

Someone else (28.1%)

When asked about the recent assassination attempt on Trump, 26% said they were now more likely to vote for him, 13.9% said less, and 60.1% said it made no difference in their vote.



























The poll also asked whether Georgia voters approve of the job Governor Brian Kemp is doing  49% said yes, while 28.8% disapproved and 22.2% remained neutral.

As for the issues, many Georgians (40.7%) say the economy is their primary concern. This is how the other issues ranked:

Healthcare: 8.3%

Education: 4.8%

Crime: 7.8%

Immigration: 10.1%

Housing affordability: 9.5%

Abortion access: 7.6%

Threats to democracy: 8.5%

Something else: 2.5%

In terms of whether Georgians intend to vote in this election, the majority say they are highly likely to (85.1%) while the remaining consider themselves somewhat likely (5.8%), fifty-fifty (6.8%), or not likely at all (2.3%).

Methodology

The sample of registered voters, n=1,000, has a credibility interval, similar to a polls margin of

error (MOE), of +/- 3 percentage points. The data sets were weighted by gender, education, race,

age, party affiliation, and region based on 2024 registration modeling. Turnout modeling is based on U.S. Census parameters, and voter registration data (GA S.O.S.).

It is important to remember that subsets based on demographics, such as gender, age, education, and race/ethnicity, carry with them higher credibility intervals, as the sample size is reduced.

Survey results should be understood within the polls range of scores, and with a confidence

interval of 95% a poll will fall outside the range of scores 1 in 20 times.

Data was collected by contacting an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system of landlines and a

consumer list of emails (both provided by Aristotle), and an online panel of voters provided by

Alchemer.

This survey was conducted by Emerson College Polling and sponsored by Nexstar Media. All

questions asked in this survey with exact wording, along with full results and cross tabulations

can be found under Full Results.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
A Clarke County man faces up to 15 years in prison, if not a life sentence, after pleading guilty to federal armed drug trafficking charges.

The U.S. Department of Justice said Mandrell Antwoin Hull, 43 of Winterville, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Repeat offenders who continually disregard the law and whose actions harm our communities must be held accountable, U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. Our office will continue to do everything in our power to support the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement to uphold the law and keep our neighborhoods safe.

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Justice officials said Hull has a lengthy criminal history, which includes seven previous felony convictions.

Most recently, the U.S. Probation Office requested help from the FBI in Athens to search Hulls home in Oglethorpe County because they thought he was storing illegal drugs. At the time, he was on a supervised released for a 2018 federal conviction for distributing marijuana.

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In April 2023, agents and officers searched his home in Winterville and found cocaine, nearly $33,000 in drug proceeds and a loaded 9mm pistol.

At the time, Hull had five previous felony convictions in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court and another felony conviction in Gwinnett County Superior Court, as well as the federal marijuana charge from 2018, for a total of seven previous convictions.

Criminals like Hull continue to plague our communities with blatant disregard for the safety of others and reckless indifference to the law. It is only through our local and federal partnerships that we are able to put a stop to these violent repeat offenders, said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Special Agent of FBI Atlantas Athens office.

Having entered a guilty plea for the latest charges, and a convicted felon, Hull faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in federal prison with a maximum of life in prison.

Hulls sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. There is no parole for the federal justice system.

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Anyone who has followed the political career of former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a Republican, will not find it surprising that he is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

Duncan, an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Im committed to beating Donald Trump.

Im committed to beating Donald Trump. The only vehicle left for me to do that with is the Democratic Party. If that requires me to vote for, speak for, or endorse @KamalaHarris then count me in!   Geoff Duncan (@GeoffDuncanGA) July 24, 2024

The only vehicle left for me to do that with is the Democratic Party. If that requires me to vote for, speak for, or endorse Kamala Harris then count me in, Duncan said.

In May, Duncan also endorsed Biden.

If Donald Trump wins the hearts and minds of the majority of the 10% in the middle and Kamala Harris doesnt, then hes going to be the next president, Duncan said. And then weve got real issues on our hands as Republicans, Duncan said during the Politically Georgia podcast from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The latest polls taken across Georgia show Trump and Harris essentially tied in the race for the Peach State.

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DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, a long-time political veteran, told Channel 2s Richard Elliot that he believes turnout will be key for Harris to win.

Turn out the base, reach out to independents and carry those five or six states that will ultimately determine the outcome of the election. You turn out the base, as you and I know that. At the end of the day, independents and moderates on both sides will ultimately determine the tone of the race, Thurmond said.

Georgia GOP Chair Josh McKoon also emphasized the importance of mobilizing voters.

The grassroots and ground game is crucial in an election that will be a competitive and close election. The party that has more energized voters that get out and get out early is going to win Georgia, McKoon said. I feel very good about where things are in late July.
Georgia Democrats, teachers and others condemned the state schools superintendent's decision not to recommend AP African American studies as a state-funded course option. Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder

Three days after she finished a summer training course to teach advanced placement African American studies, Gwinnett County teacher Mallory Fannin said she found out she would not be teaching that class.

Ive already been planning, creating. My students were already in my roster, she said. Letters were going out soon. We start work tomorrow, and I just found out Monday that Im not teaching a course, and I dont know what class that I will be teaching looking forward.

Some 33 Georgia schools offered AP African American studies as part of a pilot program during the last school year according to the College Board, which administers advanced classes that can boost high schoolers GPAs and earn them college credits if they score well on an exam. Following the pilot, State Superintendent Richard Woods opted not to recommend the course for state approval.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp joined a chorus of teachers, students and Democrats in questioning Woods decision. In a letter to Woods obtained by the Recorder, Kemp questioned what went into the decision.

In a statement released before Kemps letter, Woods said local districts can still opt to teach standards from the AP course under an African American studies class that has been available since 2020, and that students can take the AP exam for that course.

When I reviewed the AP course, I had concerns about the state endorsing the totality of the course, Woods said in a statement. Its my position that districts should use the existing course code  which offers them the flexibility to develop their own curriculum based on local priorities, or to use standards from the AP course if they choose and in consultation with their communities.

Teachers gathered at a press conference organized by state Democrats at the Georgia Capitol Wednesday said the states elective African American studies course is good for some students, but not a substitute for the AP course.

The elective is only a semester, the AP course is a full year and it has four large units, so its almost impossible to complete the course in a few months versus having the full school year, but the concepts are similar, Fannin said. They dont dive as deep because of the term, obviously, but the courses are very similar, but not in the way that College Board has prepped this class to be something that prepares them for the AP exam, prepares them for college courses.

According to the College Board, the course is split into four units across two semesters worth of classes. The units cover topics from the origins of the African diaspora and ancient societies to modern Black political and cultural movements.

Rashad Brown, an Atlanta Public Schools teacher, said some students opt for AP classes because a good grade in an AP class counts more toward their GPA than in an on-level class.

Its already starting them off from a disadvantaged starting point because they dont have the opportunity to have their GPA impacted in a positive way from an AP class, so the As are not the same, the Bs are not the same. And so yeah, theyre saying they may be able to take the exam and receive credit, but that doesnt impact the GPA.

Brown said hes thankful that unlike Gwinnett, his district will be able to offer the course on its own dime, but he sympathizes with students across the state who will not be able to take the class.

Im relieved in one aspect, but the work is not done, because there are thousands of other Georgians who have effectively had this course banned. So now my attention, as well as educating our students, is going to be on making sure we continue to advocate for students rights across not only this state, but other states as well, because as a consultant, who teaches the course, there are multiple states who have enacted similar policies.

Woods office did not respond to questions from the Recorder about what Woods concerns are.

A district can still offer this course content, with state funding, using the existing state course code, spokeswoman Meghan Frick said in an email. They can use that code, select their own curriculum (which can be the AP curriculum or a locally developed curriculum) and their students can take the AP exam.

Its Superintendent Woods position that, should districts choose to offer an African American Studies course to their students, they should select the curriculum for that course in consultation with their local community, she added.

The course has been a flashpoint in the culture wars nationwide, including in Arkansas, where a lawsuit involving the course is underway, and in Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would ban the course because he said it represented an attempt to indoctrinate children.

In 2022, Georgia lawmakers passed and Kemp signed a bill aimed at preventing teachers from teaching divisive racial concepts in public school classrooms. Woods office did not confirm whether the superintendent believed the coursework could run afoul of that law.

The lack of an explanation is frustrating, Brown said.

He didnt even give a reason. There was no reason given. And so the lack of communication, the lack of transparency, the lack of discussion with not just teachers, but school board members, superintendents, principals, there was no communication about any concerns. Weve had two years where this course has been taught in the state of Georgia, here in Atlanta, Georgia, there were never any concerns or questions about it, but just one day, just a unilateral decision done by one person, he said.

Democrats are also betting this issue will be a winner for them as the November election gets closer, although Wood is in the middle of a four-year term and will not be on the ballot.

When I was first elected 26 years ago, I came to this building with a simple belief that all of us, Democrats and Republicans, wanted to give Georgias kids the best public schools we could possibly give, said Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler.

Boy, was I wrong. Republicans do not want the best public schools we can offer. They want our public schools starved of money, our teachers fired if they dont toe the Republican line and our curriculum to reflect a Republican view of history. How do I know? Because for 20 years, thats what theyve done. And thats why were going to keep on keeping on. Look at their own agenda. We all heard about Project 2025 in the last few weeks. What we are talking about today fits right in with that stuff.

Deputy Editor Jill Nolin contributed to this report.

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After multiple protests against a decision by the Georgia State Superintendent of Schools to reject state funding opportunities for an AP African American Studies program, the state has reversed course.

On Wednesday, Channel 2 Action News reported Dr. Richard Woods had chosen not to approve state funding for the AP course, designed by the College Board and test-piloted in Georgia, but left the door open for school districts to individually fund it on their own.

While some districts, like Atlanta Public Schools, immediately announced theyd fund the program for their students themselves, others, like Gwinnett County, said without the state funding, they were looking for alternatives but could not commit to it.

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The same afternoon, a group of state lawmakers went to the Georgia State Capitol to push for the decision to be reversed, while the Georgia Association of Educators also criticized the decision by Woods, particularly in light of state approval for an AP European History class.

In a statement Wednesday, Woods said he had chosen not to approve the course, but after protests and multiple questions from lawmakers and even Gov. Brian Kemp, the Georgia State Board of Education reversed the decision.

The letter from Kemp, a copy of which was obtained by Channel 2 Action News, focused questions about the rejection on whether the state had already funded the pilot program, if the curriculum was reviewed before the pilot program was initiated, how many AP courses had been piloted and recommended by the state and how many had not been over the past decade, and what reasons the State Board of Education had for not approving the program.

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At the end of his letter to Woods, Kemp highlighted his commitments to educational opportunities for Georgias students, as well as his belief that families should ultimately make the decisions which best meet their childs academic needs and futures, in a phrase reminiscent of his previous commentary on parental rights in education, such as when he signed off on a bill banning so-called divisive concepts in 2022s Parents Bill of Rights legislation.

Woods wrote in the reversal announcement that Georgia had an AP African American Studies course in the state catalog since 2020 and that when reviewing the pilot course for the new curriculum, he had concerns about how much of the course the state should support.

Woods full statement reads:

There has been an African American Studies course code in the catalog of state-funded courses since 2020. Districts using this course code will receive state funding. Should districts choose to do so, they may teach some or all of the standards in the AP African American Studies course using this code (and students may take the associated AP exam).

When I reviewed the AP course, I had concerns about the state endorsing the totality of the course. Its my position that districts should use the existing course code  which offers them the flexibility to develop their own curriculum based on local priorities, or to use standards from the AP course if they choose and in consultation with their communities.

Going forward, school districts that wish to use the new AP African American Studies course will be able to do so, and receive funding from the state for the program, rather than being required to pay for it out of district funds.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
In one of the fastest reversals in Georgias educational history, the states Superintendent, Richard Woods, decided Wednesday (July 24) to walk back his original decision preventing state-wide funding for Advanced Placement African American Studies Programs (AP Af-Am).



This decision comes following multiple protests after Woods told Georgia school districts just the day before that if they wanted to keep AP Af-Am in schools, they would need to find a way to fund it themselves.



In his original statement, Woods said the state would only provide funding to schools if they use a course code from 2020  a course that did not qualify for AP credit. Many advocates of the AP Af-Am course said Woods refusal to fund the AP course would suppress teaching about Black history.

Backlash from community leaders and school districts quickly followed Woods Wednesday announcement. The original decision to pull funding came only days before Georgia schools are set to open for the school year. Outraged educators called Woods move a waste of time and money, according to 11 Alive.



Multiple districts fought back in protest. Atlanta Public Schools (APS) immediately announced they would pay for the course without state help, but for lesser funded districts like Gwinnett County, things were still up in the air.

In a statement by an APS spokesperson, the district said it will provide the course to students with local funds. AP African-American Studies will continue to count for credit toward graduation. This district is committed to providing rigorous instruction that helps our students become globally-minded citizens.

The Georgia Association of Educators said the states choice to pull funding was disappointing, especially when measured against the backdrop of the approval of the AP European History class, reported WSB-TV.

Even the states Gov. Brian Kemp sent a letter to Woods questioning his decision to pull funding. The letter, obtained by Fox News, emphasized his office held no real stake in the Department of Educations decision, but Kemp listed several questions for Woods to answer.

States like Florida and South Carolina have banned AP Af-Am from being taught in public schools, but fortunately, Georgia has not joined that short list.

In reaction to Woods reversal, Georgia Rep. Dr. Jasmine Clark said in a statement, This shows the power of the voices of the people! She continued saying the reversal, on principle, is great, and honors the fact that this course should have never been on the chopping block in the first place.

Going forward, school districts will receive funding from the state to use the new AP Af-Am Studies course rather than paying for it out of pocket. This is a win for Black students hoping to study their history on a deeper level.

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AMMAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan issued a royal decree on Thursday dissolving the House of Representatives with immediate effect, as stated by the Royal Hashemite Court.

The dissolution of the House of Representatives precedes the parliamentary elections slated for September 10, during which the nation will elect 130 lawmakers into the house.

The current House of Representatives was elected in November 2020.

The House of Representatives of Jordan is the elected lower house of the Jordanian parliament. Along with the Senate, it constitutes the legislature of Jordan.

The Senate, consisting of 65 members, is appointed by the king through royal decree, in accordance with the Constitution of Jordan.

Jordan's Independent Elections Commission reported that the final count of eligible voters for the forthcoming elections stands at 5.1 million. 
Police officers at the Blue Mosque in Hamburg, which was raided along with other properties belonging to the suspected pro-Iran group IZH - Action Press/Shutterstock

The German government has admitted mistakenly banning a Chanel YouTube channel in a clampdown on the online presence of an Islamic extremist group.

This week, German authorities raided dozens of properties, including one of the countrys oldest mosques, belonging to the suspected pro-Iran group Islamic Centre Hamburg, or IZH.

Nancy Faeser, the interior minister, said IZH had close links to the Tehran regime as well as Hezbollah, the Lebanese group fighting an ongoing conflict with Israel.

Ms Faesers department also announced it was banning a series of websites and social media pages affiliated with IZH  but mistakenly put Chanel on the list.

An editorial oversight

German reporters quickly spotted the blunder in the interior ministrys statement, which listed a YouTube account belonging to the French fashion and cosmetics house as an Islamic Centre Berlin website.

A spokesman for the interior ministry said on Thursday that the inclusion of the Chanel social media channel was an editorial oversight that was being fixed.

Die Welt, a German newspaper, said the officials had probably mispelled the word channel as chanel when putting together the list of offending websites.

Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel, who founded the fashion house that bears her name - Cecil Beaton

Several hundred German police officers were deployed to more than 50 locations on Wednesday morning in a massive clampdown on IZH, seizing boxes of evidence and large quantities of cash.

At the Blue Mosque in Hamburg, which was established in the late 1950s by Iranian emigrants, officers marched in with chainsaws and axle grinders, wearing plastic shoe covers to avoid damaging the prayer room.

Today we have banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg, which propagates an Islamist, totalitarian ideology in Germany, Ms Faeser said in a statement after the raids.

In addition, the Islamic Centre Hamburg and its sub-organisations support the terrorists of Hezbollah and spread aggressive anti-Semitism. This is another consistent step against Islamist extremism.

Ms Faeser stressed that it is very important to me to make a clear distinction here: we are not acting against a religion, noting that IZH was opposed to womens rights as well as trying to undermine the German state.

Head of IZH reports directly to Tehran

Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh, the head of the IZH, reports directly to the Islamic Republic according to German intelligence services, despite the group claiming to be non-political.

Mr Mofatteh was previously arrested at Hamburg airport carrying what German media reports described as secret letters from the Tehran regime.

Iran has summoned the German ambassador in Tehran over the arrests and decision to ban IZH, according to the semi-official Iranian news agency IRNA.

It comes after Spanish authorities, working in tandem with Germany, dismantled a major gang which was planning to sell drone parts to Hezbollah for use against Israel.

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock looks at a presentation of the results of a German-Danish working group during a tour of the Danish Central Library for Southern Schleswig. Christian Charisius/dpa

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Thursday urged the Chinese government to help to bring about peace in Ukraine.

"As a member of the [United Nations] Security Council, you not only have the right to veto, but above all the duty to do everything you can to restore peace," Baerbock said on a visit to the Flensburger Fahrzeugbau (FFG) defence company in the northern German city of Flensburg.

She added: "That means, first and foremost, not supporting the aggressor, Russia."

Baerbock described Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's trip to Beijing this week - his first to China since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 - as "important."

"It would be a blessing, if we could finally make progress on the path to peace and if China were to fulfil its responsibilities on the Security Council accordingly," she said.

While China has previously presented a peace plan, "nothing came of it," the foreign minister said.

Baerbock was welcomed to the Flensburg plant by FFG director Dennis Burjes, whose company maintains tanks involved in recovery, bridge-laying and mine-clearing for Ukraine and is training Ukrainian skilled workers in Flensburg.

The vehicles, which originated from Denmark, also include Leopard 1A5 battle tanks.

Burjes showed Baerbock an armoured transport and support vehicle FFG has developed, which can mount Iris-T short-range air defence systems.

The German Defence Ministry has already promised to fund the project, although no money has yet been received. Burjes said, "Ukraine has wanted this solution for a very long time" and called on the gvernment to release the funds so production can start.
Police vehicles are parked near the tarmac at Frankfurt Airport. Air traffic has been temporarily suspended due to an action by climate activists. Mike Seeboth/TNN/dpa

Air traffic at Germany's Frankfurt airport has been temporarily suspended after activists from the climate group Last Generation managed to gain access to the airport grounds, police said on Thursday morning.

According to a dpa reporter on the ground, several protesters entered through a fence in the early hours and glued themselves to the tarmac at Germany's biggest airport.

"Due to an ongoing demonstration at the airport flights are currently suspended," the airport said on its website.

Passengers have been asked not to travel to the airport for the time being and check the status of their flights online.

"All security authorities are currently working to resolve disruptions as quickly as possible," a spokesman for federal police stationed at the airport said.

Six Last Generation activists had gained access to the airport's runways, the climate group said on social media platform X, calling for an end to fossil fuel use by 2030.

"The continued extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal is a threat to our existence," the group said.

A police spokesman initially did not comment on the exact number of protesters.

The action comes after Last Generation activists glued themselves to the tarmac at Germany's Cologne/Bonn airport on Wednesday, leading to the suspension of flights for about three hours.

Police vehicles are parked near the tarmac at Frankfurt Airport. Air traffic has been temporarily suspended due to an action by climate activists. Mike Seeboth/TNN/dpa
The GOP attorneys general of Montana and Kansas filed a formal complaint on Thursday against Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, accusing him of violating the Hatch Act with anti-Republican statements.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach are accusing Cardona of using government resources for political activities and requesting the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) remove him from his position.

The attorneys general say the Hatch Act was violated twice by the Education secretary, first in a letter to student loan borrowers on July 15.

Let me be clear: President Biden and I are determined to lower costs for student loan borrowers, to make repaying student debt affordable and realistic, and to build on our separate efforts that have already provided relief to 4.75 million Americans  no matter how many times Republican elected officials try to stop us, Cardona wrote.

The second time was on July 18 when a Department of Education spokesperson said, And, we wont stop fighting against Republican elected officials efforts to raise costs on millions of their own constituents student loan payments.

The two state officials say that statement was used in an attempt to sway the presidential election.

The inferences are that Mr. Cardona consciously chose to use government resources for political activities, including to affect the upcoming Presidential election. In view of the repeated, flagrant violations of the Hatch Act, a significant penalty is warranted, Knudsen wrote.

We note that OSC has recommended a Presidents senior advisor be removed from federal service for repeatedly violating the Hatch Act by making statements directed at the success of a Presidents reelection campaign. OSC should follow that precedent here.

Reached for comment, an Education Department spokesperson said, The statements were factually accurate descriptions of the lawsuits, were for the purpose of addressing potential borrower confusion about the status of their loans in the wake of the court decisions, and did not violate the Hatch Act.

Updated at 3 p.m.

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GOP lawmaker says Tlaib should be run out of town over genocide sign

Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) said Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) should be run out of town over a sign that she held up during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to Congress on Wednesday.

Shes incorrigible & should be censored & run out of town Weber said in a post on the social platform X.

Tlaib, who has often heavily criticized Netanyahu and the Israeli government amid the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, held up a sign that said both war criminal and guilty of genocide.

Other Republican lawmakers went after Tlaib for the sign as well, including Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who captioned a picture of Tlaib with the sign on X with Irans useful idiot.

Tlaib said in a Tuesday statement that 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 continued in the statement.

Rashida Tlaib continues to be an absolute disgrace, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said in his own post on X.

Rep. Anthony DEsposito (R-N.Y.) captioned a post on X with a photo of Tlaib holding up the sign with Useful idiot for a terrorist regime.

However, not all the social media reactions by fellow lawmakers was negative.

I concur, Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) said in a post on X with a photo of Tlaib raising the sign.

Netanyahu is set to meet with President Biden on Thursday and former President Trump on Friday as he faces fury from the left over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis, with multiple Democrats having previously announced that they would boycott his Wednesday speech.

The Hill has reached out to Tlaibs office for comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Republican lawmakers that used the phrase unborn human being to describe the Arizona Abortion Access Act in a voter information pamphlet are pushing back on a lawsuit accusing them of unlawful partisanship, defending the phrase as impartial and legally accurate.

The accuracy of this statement is uncontroverted and incontrovertible, wrote attorneys for the GOP legislators. Plaintiffs indignation that the Legislative Council did not bowdlerize the laws of the state to suit its political sensibilities is not a redressable legal claim.

The controversy arose from a summary of the abortion rights ballot measure approved earlier this month by a GOP-majority legislative council that includes the phrase unborn human being in the first sentence. Unless a court decides to force lawmakers to revise the description, it will appear in the publicity pamphlet sent to voters before the November election.

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State law mandates that lawmakers create an impartial analysis for voters to consider. The campaign behind the abortion initiative filed a lawsuit to prevent the summary from being added to the voter information pamphlet, arguing that its unlawful because it injects partisan language into what should be a neutral description.

Attorneys for the campaign urged Maricopa County Superior Court to order that lawmakers replace the word with the medically accurate term fetus.

But GOP lawmakers asked the court to throw out the lawsuit instead, saying that the decision to use unborn human being was based on an unbiased analysis of the states current abortion laws. The same statute that requires lawmakers to write an impartial summary of each ballot measure allows an analysis of how the proposal will affect existing laws if voters pass it.

Currently, abortions in Arizona are illegal after 15 weeks of gestations, with no exceptions for rape or incest victims. If a majority of Arizonans cast their votes in favor of the abortion rights ballot initiative in November, the 15-week limit would be nullified, and women across the state would have guaranteed access to the procedure up to the point of fetal viability, which is generally regarded to be around 24 weeks of pregnancy. The measure also includes exceptions beyond that point if a health care provider deems an abortion necessary to safeguard the life, physical or mental health of their patient.

According to Republican lawmakers, the description of the Arizona Abortion Access Act simply parrots the language already in the 15-week law to help voters understand the legal context. That, they argued, should dispel any concerns of partisan biases.

An analysis that describes relevant existing laws by quoting them verbatim is the quintessence of an impartial summary, reads the brief.

And, attorneys for the eight GOP lawmakers who on the Legislative Council panel added, beginning the description by referencing the 15-week law is critical, because the states abortion laws have seen repeated upheaval since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to the procedure in 2022.

Less than three months ago, the legislature repealed a near-total ban from 1864 that the state Arizona Supreme Court ruled was once again enforceable.

Proponents of the abortion rights initiative argue that fetus is the more impartial term because it is widely used by medical, scientific and government agencies. By contrast, the phrase unborn human being has frequently been wielded by anti-abortion groups.

But while Republican lawmakers acknowledged that unborn human being is preferred by pro-life advocates during the council meeting that adopted the language, their attorneys rebutted that theres no proof the phrase is more incendiary than the alternative requested by the campaign. Like fetus, the term unborn human being, also appears in state laws  it appears just twice, compared to 19 uses of fetus  court rulings, federal statutes and medical journals, GOP lawmakers argued in their response. And, they noted, the two terms describe the same thing, meaning that unborn human being is no less medically accurate than fetus.

In the end, wrote attorneys, whether or not the medical community supports the use of the phrase unborn human being is irrelevant, because the language used in state laws is up to lawmakers to decide and judges are responsible for analyzing the text of the laws and not how outside parties might perceive it.

Even if judges were allowed to take external sources into consideration, the attorneys argued, then the voters perspective and not the physicians would be upheld. Medical terms would only serve to confuse voters. And, they pointed out, the same law that requires lawmakers to use impartial descriptions also directs them to avoid technical terms wherever possible.

The attorneys also argued that Arizonans elected GOP lawmakers to represent them, and those lawmakers approved the inclusion of unborn human being into the 15-week law. That transformed the phrase into a purely legal description, free from political bias, according to Republican lawmakers.

The people of Arizona, through their elected representatives, have employed the words unborn human being to describe the object of an abortion, reads the brief. In this context, that phrase is not a pro-choice or a pro-life term; it is a legal term.

A hearing in the case is scheduled for July 25 at 12:00 PM.

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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
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, buoyed by a recent US Supreme Court decision, issued an executive order Thursday calling on state officials to begin taking down homeless encampments.

The move to begin dismantling thousands of encampments throughout California comes after the high court ruled last month in favor of an Oregon city that ticketed homeless people for sleeping outside. The ruling rejected arguments that such anti-camping ordinances violated the Constitutions ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them  and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same, Newson said in a statement. There are simply no more excuses. Its time for everyone to do their part.

The order calls on state officials to adopt humane and dignified policies to urgently address encampments on state property.

California has the largest homeless population  more than 180,000 people  in the nation, according to a 2023 homelessness assessment report to Congress from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

An estimated 653,100 people were experiencing homelessness nationwide  a jump of around 12% since 2022, according to the report.

Californias policies following the Supreme Court decision are being closely watched by other cities and states, and Newsoms order has drawn the ire of some homeless advocates and elected officials.

Newsom could have issued this order before the (Supreme Court) decision. The only difference now is that states and localities are free to confine and arrest people even when there is no shelter available, said Chris Herring, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of California Los Angeles.

So before the Supreme Court ruling cities were in the position where they would have to provide shelter offers before removing encampments. Now  they will be able to carry out these encampment sweeps with the very real threat of issuing people incredibly expensive fines of which people cannot pay and often results in a warrant or an arrest or can result in incarceration.

Herring said the timing of the order wasnt surprising as Newsom seeks to politically clear his name of the homeless crisis, especially as hes in the national spotlight right now amid the presidential election.

Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the parent organization of the Housing is a Human Right initiative, accused Newsom of criminalizing poverty and doubling down on failed policies.

Governor Newsom, where do you expect people to go? This is a shameful moment in California history, Weinstein said in a statement Thursday.

Order is a punch in the gut, advocate says

In San Francisco, a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed said the city had already started to take action.

A city worker walks towards a homeless encampment near the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge toll plaza ahead of a scheduled sweep on July 23. - Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images

Our city encampment teams and street outreach staff have been going out every day to bring people indoors, and to clean and clear encampments, spokesperson Parisa Safarzadeh told CNN in a statement. This is why we are seeing a five year low in the Citys tent count on our streets.

But Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness in San Francisco, called Newsoms executive order a punch in the gut.

She said there are already thousands of people on a waitlist for housing, and all shelter beds in San Francisco are already full.

They want to basically crack down on folks who have no other choice, she said.

Study shows cleanups do little to change number of homeless

Late last month, the results of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authoritys point-in-time count  conducted in January  showed the homeless population in Los Angeles had dropped for the first time in six years. It showed overall homelessness and in particular unsheltered homelessness was down in both Los Angeles County and the city. According to the count, homelessness was down 2.2% in the Los Angeles and 0.27% in the county.

There were still 45,253 homeless people counted in the city and 75,312 people unhoused in the county, the authority reported.

For the first time in years, unsheltered homelessness has decreased in Los Angeles because of a comprehensive approach that leads with housing and services, not criminalization, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Thursday.

Strategies that just move people along from one neighborhood to the next or give citations instead of housing do not work.

In fact, a new study by the Rand Corps Center on Housing and Homelessness found encampment clearing efforts in Los Angeles had no long-term effect on the number of people on the streets.

The researchers looked at encampment cleanups in Venice, Hollywood and Skid Row in Los Angeles and observed temporary declines in the unsheltered population that lasted two to three months on average before returning to previous levels, according to the study.

In Venice, for instance, encampment removals meant the share of unhoused people living literally unsheltered (e.g., without a tent) increased from 20 percent to 46 percent, the study said.

Newsom last month praised the high courts ruling, saying it provides state and local officials the definitive authority to implement and enforce policies to clear unsafe encampments from our streets.

This decision removes the legal ambiguities that have tied the hands of local officials for years and limited their ability to deliver on common-sense measures to protect the safety and well-being of our communities, Newsom added.

The case was the most significant appeal involving unhoused Americans to reach the Supreme Court in decades.

LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said Newsom rightfully points out that local government remains at the helm of homeless encampment removals.

Cities have an obligation to develop housing and shelter solutions in tandem with support services provided by County government, Barger said in a statement. This formula, which is largely based on partnerships, is how we can deliver permanent results. No single entity can achieve that.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Natasha Chen contributed to this story.

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Homeless people and their tents on 5th Street in Los Angeles' Skid Row on June 28. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Thursday requiring state agencies to remove homeless encampments in their jurisdictions and urging cities to follow suit, a gesture that raised alarm among homeless advocates but drew a muted reaction from Los Angeles officials who say they are already doing so.

Citing the U.S. Supreme Court's June ruling that lessened restrictions on the enforcement of anti-camping laws, the order said there is "no longer any barrier to local governments utilizing the substantial resources provided by the State, in tandem with federal and local resources, to address encampments with both urgency and humanity, or excuse for not doing so."

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, who had blasted the Supreme Court ruling as "unconscionable," said she did not see Newsom's order as requiring anything the county isn't already doing with its encampment removal program.

"Los Angeles Countys Pathway Home Program is doing exactly what this state order calls for  urgent and humane encampment resolution," Horvath said. "Los Angeles County is  and has been all in on doing our part under our homelessness emergency."

Shayla Myers, a Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles attorney who has sued L.A. repeatedly over its treatment of its homeless population, suggested Newsom was grandstanding.

"Blaming court injunctions that protect our most vulnerable residents is political rhetoric at its worst," Myers said.

Newsom characterized the proliferation of encampments as a health and safety hazard that requires immediate action.

"We must act with urgency to address dangerous encampments, which subject unsheltered individuals living in them to extreme weather, fires, predatory and criminal activity, and widespread substance use, harming their health, safety and well-being, and which also threaten the safety and viability of nearby businesses and neighborhoods, and undermine the cleanliness and usability of parks, water supplies and other public resources."

A homeless encampment along the 110 Freeway in Highland Park on Thursday. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

The prevalence of homelessness in California is a problem that could pose a threat to Newsom's ambitions for higher office. Newsom, who is widely seen as a future candidate for president, would undoubtedly face attacks over the large number of people who sleep in tents and doorways all over the state.

Democratic political consultant Andrew Acosta said the executive order is vague and lacks substance but allows Newsom to avoid accountability for one of his biggest political problems.

I think part of this is trying to move this discussion away from Newsom and push it down to other folks to say: you need to do more, he said. Youre hard pressed to find anybody who is praising this order. I dont think its really going to change what people see on the streets every day.

Republicans called it a publicity stunt and criticized Newsom for not going far enough on enforcement.

While I am cautiously optimistic that the governor has finally taken note of the urgency of this problem, albeit many years later than needed, Californians deserve government for the people, not the PR hits, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-Santee) said in a statement Thursday.

Despite its tone of urgency, the order sets no specific timeline for agencies to remove encampments. Nor does it lay out a program for providing the tens of thousands of new shelter beds and permanent housing that would be needed to accommodate the state's estimated 181,000 homeless people, 70% of whom are unsheltered.

In a 6-3 decision, the justices upheld the ability of the city of Grants Pass, Ore., to enforce a law that prohibited camping in public places even though the city had no shelter to offer people being forced to leave. The ruling overturned the 9th Circuit Court in San Francisco and ruled that it is not cruel and unusual punishment for city officials to forbid homeless people from sleeping on the streets or in parks.

Newsom's order requires state agencies to adopt policies modeled after a California Department of Transportation directive that "prioritizes removal of encampments that pose threats to life, health and safety, while partnering with local governments and nonprofit providers to facilitate offers of shelter and supportive services in advance of removal."

Encampments judged to pose "imminent threat to life, health, safety or infrastructure" must be addressed immediately, though the directive does not provide a specific deadline.

Caltrans has cleared 11,000 homeless encampments since 2021 as the agency devotes an increasing amount of its resources to taking down tarp tents and makeshift kitchens alongside and under freeways.

The condition of homeless individuals living near the massive concrete structures, which both cool and protect them from the rain and heat, has become both a health issue and a serious safety concern for Caltrans.

Up and down the state, fires have threatened to compromise hulking concrete freeway structures and put lives in danger. A pregnant woman living under the 10 Freeway was among more than dozen homeless people who reportedly escaped a massive fire that broke out last November and shut down the freeway for a week.

The Caltrans policy has mechanisms for providing the people within the encampments care and dignity and the services that they need, said Newsoms spokeswoman, Tara Gallegos.

The order expands those efforts to other state-owned properties such as state parks.

Under Caltrans' maintenance order, the agency identifies encampments and labels them based on their risk to structures and life, with those of highest risk given priority. When camps are cleared, Caltrans gives its residents 48 hours to leave and should connect them with housing assistance. The agency also holds their items for 60 days.

Though the governor cannot force cities and other jurisdictions to follow the order, he encouraged them to use substantial funding provided by the state to take similar action.

Overall, the governor has dedicated $24 billion to clean up encampments, move Californians off the streets and sidewalks and convert hotels and motels into temporary shelters, among dozens of other initiatives.

Police officers watch as Michael Alazar, 24, who is homeless, gathers his belongings to leave the spot where he was camping at Venice Corner Ball Park on July 11. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

Newsom has taken a moderate approach to homelessness as governor, departing from his image as a liberal California leader on an issue that has become a top priority of his administration.

The governor has spent more money on the issue than his predecessors and taken a hard-line stance on encampments, actions that have resulted in criticism from progressives and conservatives.

The governor celebrated the Grants Pass decision, aligning himself with the conservative U.S. Supreme Court, saying it removed legal ambiguities that "tied the hands of local officials for years."

Growing increasingly frustrated over the lack of progress, he threatened in April to withhold homelessness funds from cities and counties that do not follow through, saying "Im not interested in funding failure any longer. I want to see results."

Mayor Karen Bass, who was in Paris for the Olympic Games, issued a statement saying that strategies that move people from one neighborhood to the next  or rely on citations and financial penalties  do not work.

Bass has focused much of her energy on her Inside Safe initiative, which has been moving homeless people out of encampments and into hotels, motels and other forms of temporary housing.

"We thank the Governor for his partnership thus far and hope that he will continue collaboration on strategies that work, the statement said.

Inside Safe has brought nearly 2,900 people indoors since December 2022. (About 900 have left that housing, with the vast majority returning to homelessness, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.)

Bass has pointed to the most recent count, which found that homelessness declined by 2.2% in the city compared to the previous year, a figure that is within the margin of error. The number of homeless people who are living on the street dropped by more than 10%.

Courtney Astoria, 30, and Steve Miller, 36, carry their belongings onto a bus while being moved from the street to a motel under L.A. Mayor Karen Bass' Inside Safe initiative on Feb. 16, 2023. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

County Supervisor Kathryn Barger applauded Newsom's decision to issue the order, saying it places an "emphasis on urgency." The order reinforces the idea that local government agencies are the ones who are "at the helm of homeless encampment removals," she said.

Redondo Beach City Atty. Mike Webb said its not possible to arrest your way out of homelessness, but in the wake of the Grants Pass ruling, the city is looking at ways it can give authorities more tools to get people off the streets and enforce anti-camping rules. He said he briefly reviewed Newsoms order and that it appears nothing is binding on cities. It wont really change or speed up what Redondo Beach is doing, Webb said.

But some homeless advocates interpreted the order as cover for cities to start cracking down on homeless people.

"The Grants Pass ruling doesnt change the states ability to address actual public safety threats, but it also doesnt give the state or cities free rein to clear encampments and criminalize homelessness," Myers said. "Shifting the states priorities to erasing the evidence of homelessness instead of housing people is going to make this crisis worse, not better, and it will lead to more litigation and court injunctions."

Garrett Miller, president of the Los Angeles County Public Defenders Union, panned the order, saying Newsom should focus on providing more housing for the state's homeless population, not "violent encampment sweeps that push people from one corner to another."

"There are enough resources in California that no one should be living on the street," Miller said in a statement. "He can start by establishing a right to housing. Until that is realized, this executive order is completely unconscionable.

Katie Tell, chief external affairs officer for the homeless services and housing nonprofit PATH, said in a statement that "PATH is deeply concerned by the lack of actual dedicated funding attached to this Executive Order to do the much-needed work of resolving unsafe encampments in an effective, trauma-informed, and permanent way."

"Local governments are not lacking in urgency  they are lacking in consistency, social workers, shelter beds, and affordable housing."

Staff writers Andrew Khouri and Mackenzie Mays contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin, also president of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), speaks at an enlarged session of the standing committee of the Federation, in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2024. Shen has urged efforts to study and implement the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has urged efforts to study and implement the guiding principles from a key Party plenum, calling for more reforms to advance the work of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF).

Shen, also president of the ACWF, made the remarks on Thursday at an enlarged session of the standing committee of the Federation.

The state councilor noted that the convening of the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee demonstrates the strong determination and sense of mission of the Party Central Committee to pursue further reforms.

She urged women's federations at all levels to study its guiding principles comprehensively, deeply and systematically to ensure a thorough understanding and grasp of the guiding principles, so that they can better guide women in carrying out reforms.

The state councilor also urged women's federations to push ahead with self-reform, ensure the implementation of reform measures and better deliver programs such as caring services for children, so as to promote the high-quality development of women's causes. 
The new program offers awards of up to $250 million for firms developing AI or drawing most of their revenue from it. (Edwin J. Torres/NJ Governors Office)

Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law Thursday a voluminous new tax incentive program intended to draw artificial intelligence development to the state.

The $500 million program would extend tax incentive awards of up to $250 million to firms that draw more than half their revenue or devote more than half their staff to AI development.

With our states talent, our highly coveted location, and our world-class educational institutions and our global legacy of innovation, we are once again building the future, Murphy said at a bill signing ceremony at the Roseland offices of AI cloud computing firm CoreWeave.

To be eligible, a project must include at least $100 million of capital investment and create no fewer than 100 jobs. The Economic Development Authority would administer the program, called Next New Jersey.

Awards under the program are based on the number of jobs created by a project. Each new job would win an awardee 0.1% of its total capital investment, to a cap of 25% of $250 million, whichever is lower.

The use of AI tools for regular operations does not qualify a business for the tax incentives, which are to be funded through a transfer from the $11.5 billion Aspire tax incentive program. Aspire is meant to provide gap financing for certain projects.

Businesses cannot simultaneously receive awards under Next New Jersey and Emerge, a separate tax incentive program meant to draw businesses and development to disadvantaged areas in New Jersey.

Thursdays signing advances Murphys goals to make New Jersey a hub for artificial intelligence, a technology that officials said has the potential to drastically realign life and work.

Artificial intelligence is a general-purpose technology. It will transform every industry and transform every aspect of our daily lives, from life-saving health care breakthroughs to traffic jams, said bill sponsor Sen. Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson).

Businesses that receive tax incentives under Next New Jersey are required to meet job creation and salary benchmarks negotiated with the Economic Development Authority or risk losing some or all of their credits.

Businesses that hire less than 80% of the workers they agreed to hire would lose their tax incentives until they hold up their end of the bargain, as would those who fail to submit certain paperwork to the EDA.

A small number of protestors opposed to a proposed natural-gas backup power plant near the Ironbound section of Newark picketed Murphys press conference but were not allowed into CoreWeaves offices. The Department of Environmental Protection last week said an environmental justice law signed by Murphy would not prevent construction of the plant.

The projects opponents have charged the plant, which would run for no more than 24 hours a month absent severe weather, would further burden a community that abuts three power plants and have questioned officials candor on how frequently it would run. Murphy said it is needed to power a wastewater treatment plant during severe storms and prevent sewage from flowing into Newarks streets.

As Ive debated, in fact, with some of those very protestors, your definition of an environmental calamity and mine, I think, both have legitimacy, the governor told reporters after the press conference. You dont want any plant to run any minute of any day. I get that. With all due respect, I dont want sewage and other pollution in the streets of Newark the next time, God forbid, a Superstorm Sandy hits.

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Graffiti-trashed signs on I-405 to be replaced during Friday night closure

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  I-405 is scheduled for a makeover Friday night as crews replace four signs that have been trashed by graffiti, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The roadway will be narrowed down to one lane from 9 p.m. Friday, July 26 through 6 a.m. Saturday, July 27 so ODOT crew members can bring in new green signs, which ODOT spokesperson Don Hamilton said are a common target for graffiti taggers.

VIDEO: Coast Guard rescues man in emergency raft off SW Washington coast

ODOTs highway signs are covered with a clear coating that allows them to be cleaned two or three times before they lose their reflective properties and have to be replaced, according to Hamilton.

Four graffiti-ridden signs on I-405 will be replaced Friday, July 26, 2024. (ODOT)

Four graffiti-ridden signs on I-405 will be replaced Friday, July 26, 2024. (ODOT)

Four graffiti-ridden signs on I-405 will be replaced Friday, July 26, 2024. (ODOT)

Four graffiti-ridden signs on I-405 will be replaced Friday, July 26, 2024. (ODOT)

However, ODOT said the signs replacement is an expense coming out of taxpayers pockets, because the replacement process is expensive and costs the taxpayers more than the cost of the sign itself.

Portland mom has long road in ICU after horrendous attack from pack of dogs

The biggest signs cost about $8,000. The replacement signs, the trucks and the traffic control probably will set the taxpayers back $30,000 to $40,000 Friday night, ODOT said.

The department also recently hired Portland Graffiti Removal, a company that removes graffiti throughout the Portland area, with a $4 million allocation from Oregon lawmakers.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A Grand Rapids man who survived D-Day turned 100 on Wednesday.

Henry Pelaks West Side neighborhood celebrated his birthday, along with members of the American Legion Riders, who showed up on big bikes.

Veteran Henry Pelak turns 100 years old. (July 24, 2024)

Veteran Henry Pelak turns 100 years old. (July 24, 2024)

Pelak was 19 on June 6, 1944, a member of the U.S. Navy, when he was part of the first wave  known as the spearhead of D-Day  that hit Omaha Beach in Nazi-occupied France.

He said he was on the first boat that carried Navy and Army combat demolition experts whose job was to blow up obstacles and clear the way for the infantry.

99-year-old veteran remembers Normandy on D-Day

Within maybe an hour or two, they were gone, they were gone, he said of the demolition crew. Everything was filled with gunfire, and everything else that the Germans had that they threw at us. Sad to say, the first wave, when I was involved with that, probably 90% were lost.

He recalls two sailors in the water.

They were running for their lives. Where were they going to run? Our boat was the only one there that could maybe save their lives, so Im watching them. Theyre rushing towards us, bullets and shells are flying everywhere. Why I didnt get hit, Ill never know. But all I know was to focus on those two sailors, got them into the boat, Pelak remembered.

An undated photo of veteran Henry Pelak.

Watch our full special D-Day: The Greatest Victory

The invasion of Normandy, the largest seaborne invasion in history, marked the beginning of the end of World War II. The next year, Pelak got a commendation from the task force commander.

Your meritorious performance of duty in landing the military and naval combat demolition units in the assault upon the Continent of Europe on 6 June 1944, is worthy of special commendation, it reads. As a member of the LCM crews whose duty it was to land these units as the spearheads of the amphibious assault, you exhibited exceptional discipline, skill and courage and thereby contributed to its success.

On Wednesday, he teared up as he thanked well-wishers.

So many happy people, he said. It makes me happy. Things are looking great for America. To see that many nice people doing things that make them happy, makes me happy.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A man from Great Bend has been charged with three felony sex crimes.

According to the Pawnee County Attorney, Avian Rincones, 34, has been charged with two counts of aggravated criminal oral sodomy of a child under the age of 14 and one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14.

Rincones voluntarily turned himself in at the Pawnee County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday after his legal guardian was advised that charges had been filed and a no-bond arrest warrant had been issued.

Grandson arrested after Augusta womans stabbing

The charges stem from a Larned Police Department investigation into an alleged sexual assault of a minor at the city pool on Thursday, July 11.

The Pawnee County Attorneys office says Rincones was interviewed at the scene but was not arrested at the time due to concerns about his mental capacity.

The PCSO, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Child Advocacy Center assisted with the investigation.

Wichita police investigating after infant found in I-135 canal

If convicted, Rincones faces a mandatory 25 years to life under the Jessicas Law sentencing provision because of the alleged victims age. He would also be subject to registering as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act.

Rincones was released to his legal guardian on a supervised bond, subject to standard reporting and house arrest conditions. He is scheduled to be back in court on Aug. 7.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
GREEN OAKS, Ill.  A North Carolina girl reported missing in early July was rescued Wednesday from a suburban man accused of sexually abusing her.

U.S. Marshals received information Tuesday that a missing 15-year-old girl from Kannapolis, North Carolina may be located at a house in the 31000 block of Prairie Ridge Road in Green Oaks.

An investigation was started by Homeland Security and detectives from the Lake County Sheriffs Office. Evidence was found showing the girl at the residence of Andrew Szech, 43, according to police.

At around 4 p.m. Wednesday, a search warrant was obtained for the home. Szech was taken into custody and the girl was rescued.

Police allege Szech began communicating with the girl online in June. He allegedly encouraged her to take a bus from her home to Chicago in early July.

Foster mom accused of killing 10-year-old Northwest Indiana boy by laying on him; warrant issued

She was picked up by Szech and sexually abused at the home in Green Oaks, police allege.

Nearly six pounds of marijuana, 27 marijuana plants, a firearm, psilocybin mushrooms and psilocybin laced-candy and over 55 Adderall pills were located during the search warrant, police said.

Szech is facing the following charges with more expected.

Three Counts of Criminal Sexual Abuse

Unlawful Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms with Intent to Deliver

Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver

Unlawful Possession of Cannabis

Unlawful Possession of Adderall with Intent to Deliver

Aggravated Battery

Unlawful Possession of Cannabis Plants

Two Counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Reckless Conduct

Aggravated Assault

His initial hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Visitors stand at Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Ethan Cohen recalls learning about the Holocaust in fifth or fourth grade, briefly and then in middle school more in depth.

But his experience isnt the standard in Nevada.

I attended a Jewish day school for most of my life, said the high schooler, who serves on the Nevada Youth Legislature. I had that with me growing all the way up.  I think my peers, while they maybe know a little about the Holocaust, its not comprehensive enough to make a difference that I think is necessary in our lives.

Cohen on Wednesday shared his perspective with state legislators on the interim committee on education, who discussed ongoing efforts to improve the states education of the Holocaust and other genocides.

In 2021, lawmakers passed a law requiring the Nevada State Board of Education to create a subcommittee to review and make recommendations regarding the teaching of the Holocaust and other genocides. That year, the Anti-Defamation League reported that dissemination of white supremacist propaganda was historically high nationwide.

It has increased since, according to the ADL, particularly in the wake of the war in Gaza.

Elliot Malin, who sits on the subcommittee and presented to state lawmakers Wednesday, referenced recent protests being held in the nations capital in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress, saying protesters were calling for a final solution of Jews, yet again  referring to the Nazi plans to kill all Jews.

Those protests, like those on college campuses earlier this year, have sometimes veered into antisemitism, but have been driven by anti-war sentiment and pleas to end the violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands and killed more than 39,000 people, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel has expressed skepticism about the accuracy of the death count.

Malin also gave lawmakers an overview of a survey released earlier this summer by the Governors Advisory Council on Education Relating to the Holocaust, which found that 1 in 10 Nevadans does not believe the Holocaust happened, only 1 in 3 Nevadans can accurately state how many Jews were killed in the Holocaust, and a quarter of Nevadans could not name a cause of the Holocaust.

More than a third of parents of minor children reported seeing an increase in Holocaust distortion and denial.

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) has developed and launched 22 self-paced professional learning courses for educators, spanning topics from the Holocaust and combating antisemitism, as well as courses covering the Armenian, Rwandan, Cambodian, Darfurian, Guatemalan and Roma genocides.

More than 2,600 Nevada educators have enrolled in the courses, according to Malin. The subcommittee hopes to increase this library of self-paced courses for both educators and students.

The advisory councils survey found that 28% of Nevadans could not name a single genocide, including the Holocaust. Numbers were more pronounced among certain groups. Among 18-34 year olds, 39% couldnt. In rural counties, 46% couldnt. Among those with only a high school level education, 41% couldnt.

The NDE this year encouraged educators to participate in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museums annual educators conference, which was recently held in Washington D.C. but included an online component. More than 900 Nevada educators participated.

Such efforts were possible because lawmakers in last years session approved a temporary Holocaust and genocides professional position within the NDE. Malin said the subcommittee will be requesting that state legislators make the job permanent when they meet next year.

We can see the good work theyre doing, he added. We can also see the need for it. And so we would like to create a permanent Holocaust and other genocides professional position at the Nevada Department of Education instead of having to come back every session for the contractor. We know this is important, and we know that education works.

The subcommittee also plans to seek state funding for microgrants that can help schools bring in guest speakers. That need is especially great within rural communities, Malin added.

Assemblywoman Selena La Rue Hatch, who is a world history teacher within Washoe County School District, said she understands how critical these (topics) are but noted that it is unclear where lessons about the Holocaust or other genocides are meant to be taught.

I have students that come in to me sometimes where they have spent three or four months reading Night (the acclaimed Holocaust memoir by Elie Wiesel) in 8th grade and they know every single thing about the Holocaust. And I have students who come to me in 10th grade and they have never heard about any of it. I hear colleagues that say, We dont need to teach the Holocaust in 10th grade because they learned it in 8th. It ends up falling through the cracks.

Jamie Wise, the NDE staffer focused on the Holocaust and genocides, said the topics need to be taught across the board and not at any one particular grade level or course. The NDE believes it should be providing a crosswalk to say these are the standards that can be taught that would address Holocaust and other genocides.

She added, We cant just keep it in a silo. It does have to be stretched out across everywhere.

NDE is working on providing those possible pathways not just in history and social studies but also English Language Arts, fine arts, music, media arts.

La Rue Hatch recommended the subcommittee work more closely with individual school districts, which set specific scope and sequences for curriculum.

I think when we say everyone can teach something, sometimes it means no one teaches it, she said. You assume, oh, the science teachers got it, the art teachers got it, the English teachers got it. I do think sometimes being explicit is helpful..
Group holds vigil during police event at LGBTQIA+ Center in Las Vegas for transgender women killed

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A group gathered in the central Las Vegas valley Wednesday night to remember the lives of two transgender women murdered in Las Vegas this year.

They also told 8 News Now they came together to protest local law enforcement while the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Departments sheriff and officers held a panel to hear their concerns.

They say they represent us, Angel Miaroano said of police. But they dont care.

Salvador Duer said he, Miaroano, and others were standing up and honoring 18-year-old Jazlynn Johnson and Sasha Williams.

Jazlynn Johnson and Sasha Williams, Duer said. We are here to say their names.

According to police, Johnson was shot and killed two months ago, while Williams was stabbed to death earlier this year.

A group gathered in the central Las Vegas valley Wednesday night to remember the lives of two transgender women murdered in Las Vegas this year. (KLAS)

A group gathered in the central Las Vegas valley Wednesday night to remember the lives of two transgender women murdered in Las Vegas this year. (KLAS)

A group gathered in the central Las Vegas valley Wednesday night to remember the lives of two transgender women murdered in Las Vegas this year. (KLAS)

A group gathered in the central Las Vegas valley Wednesday night to remember the lives of two transgender women murdered in Las Vegas this year. (KLAS)

We may not have known them before in the walks of life, Duer added. But now we are going to remember them.

Duer told 8 News Now law enforcement isnt doing enough to help their community, but Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said his department is working hard to build trust.

The importance is for me to come together here with my officers, Sheriff McMahill said. Many of which are part of this community, to have a real conversation.

The LGBTQIA+ Community Center of Southern Nevada partnered with The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for a community panel to discuss and hear concerns.

There are 18,000 police departments in this country and I only control one of them, Sheriff McMahill said. The one that I control will work with all kinds of people.

Both sides told 8 News Now that they are doing what they can to make real changes in Southern Nevada.

One day it could be us, Duer concluded. That are the names that need to be said.

When 8 News Now asked Sheriff McMahill about protesters outside Wednesdays event, he called it an indication that the department needs to work harder to get through to everyone.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A suspect has been identified but is not in custody after a shooting in Seattles Chinatown-International District Thursday morning.

Just after 2 a.m., officers were dispatched to 4th Avenue and South Jackson Street for a report of a shooting. Police arrived to find a 42-year-old man whose leg had been grazed by a gunshot.

Seattle Fire Department medics arrived and took the man to Harborview Medical Center.

A witness told police the victim got into a fight with the suspect, a 34-year-old man, shortly before the shooting. The suspect fired a round into the ground that ricocheted and grazed the victim in the lower leg.

The gunman then ran away.

Officers then went to the suspects apartment but were unable to find the man.

What led up to the shooting remains under investigation.

If you have information about the incident or know where the suspect may be, youre asked to call the SPD Violent Crime Tip Line at 206-233-5000, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Vientiane, Laos, July 25, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar here on Thursday, saying the two countries should properly handle differences, and develop mutually beneficial cooperation.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in the face of the current complex international situation and severe global challenges, China and India, as two major developing countries and two major emerging economies living next to each other, should strengthen dialogue and communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust.

The two sides should work for the improvement, steady and sustainable development of China-India relations with a sense of surmounting differences and frictions, Wang said, adding that the bilateral relationship has an important impact that goes beyond the bilateral scope.

The improvement of bilateral relations should reflect the strategic structure of China and India as two major emerging developing countries, Wang said. The political wisdom of China and India as two ancient civilizations should be reflected in handling their differences, and the unity and cooperation of countries in the Global South should be reflected in addressing global challenges, he added.

It is hoped that the two sides will meet each other halfway, actively explore the right way for the two neighboring major countries to get along, and guide all sectors to build a positive understanding of each other, Wang said.

Wang stressed that the return to the right track of China-India relations serves the interests of both sides and is also the common expectation of countries in the Global South.

Jaishankar said that India and China are the two most populous countries, two major emerging economies and two ancient civilizations with a long history. To maintain the stable and predictable development of bilateral relations fully conforms to the interests of both sides and is of special significance to safeguarding regional peace and promoting multipolarity.

India and China have widely intertwined interests and are also facing the shadow brought by the border situation, but the Indian side is willing to find a solution to differences with a historical vision, strategic thinking and an open attitude and bring bilateral relations back to the positive and constructive track, he said.

The two sides agreed to work together to maintain peace in the border areas and push for new progress in the consultation on border affairs.

The two sides said that they will strengthen communication within the East Asia Cooperation Platform, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Group of Twenty, BRICS and other frameworks, jointly practice multilateralism, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. 
Gwinnett father found dead in his truck. Police are now trying to identify this suspect

Officers are searching for the killer of a Gwinnett father who was found dead inside his truck earlier this month.

Guadalupe Garcia Rodriguez, 40, was found dead inside his truck at around on Paden Cove Trail near Lawrenceville early on July 3, according to police.

Investigators have new surveillance video of the suspect, but they havent been able to identify him yet.

Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Johnson will have the latest on the search for Rodriguezs killer, LIVE on Channel 2 Action News At 5:00 p.m.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officers said the suspect was a man in his 20s or 30s with a slim build. Police said he was last seen walking on Bethesda Church Road near Hidden Dr in unincorporated Lawrenceville.

Police found Rodriguez in his truck at the entrance to a townhome community that is about five minutes away from his house.

Rodriguez worked for a tree-cutting company but never made it to work after leaving the house on July 1, according to his wife. When he didnt answer her calls, she reported him missing.

TRENDING STORIES:

Johnson spoke with Rodriguezs wife earlier this month.

Only God knows what my heart feels, said his wife, Rosa Quintanilla, in Spanish. The truth is I have to be strong for my two children.

A GoFundMe, created by the family has raised nearly $2,000.

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After almost 20 years of conducting services out of homes, banks and local high schools, a multilingual Miami church finally has a place to call home.

Tabernacle of Glory, a nondenominational church with a prominent Haitian American congregation, opened a new $60 million campus in northern Miami-Dade County earlier this month. The 60,000 square-foot church, which sits on a six-acre lot on Northwest 161st Street and Third Avenue, will serve as a headquarters for Tabernacles 62 campuses, about half of which are located in Haiti. Other locations are found in parts of the U.S., Canada, the Dominican Republic, France, French Guiana and Chile.

Bishop Gregory Toussaint, 50, senior pastor and CEO of Tabernacle of Glory, said the building solidifies a permanent place for the church in the South Florida community.

I still havent landed yet. I feel like Im still in the air, Toussaint said. We are definitely overjoyed to know now we have a place that is home.

The church, which offers services in four languages  French, Haitian Creole, English and Spanish  had humble beginnings. It started in 2005 with members meeting in Miramar homes, according to Toussaint. Then for about nine years services were held inside a leased space at North Miamis Bank of America building, and then for the next decade at North Miami Senior High School.

Tabernacle purchased its current plot of land in 2015 for $1.1 million, according to Miami-Dade property records, and the church began fundraising for the construction costs shortly after. The effort was national, with all of Tabernacles campuses contributing to the campaign, as well as their online members, according to church leaders.

The completed church also marks an important milestone for the Haitian diaspora, said Toussaint, who has been a vocal leader in uniting Haitians to speak out against the countrys political violence.

It required vision, it required leadership, but over time, we were able to get it done. And it wasnt somebody else who did it for us. We did it, Toussaint said.

Pastor Gregory Toussaint of Tabernacle of Glory addresses the congregation during Sunday service at a new north Miami-Dade location.

The North Miami campus  the term Tabernacle leaders use to refer to its churches  currently has a 4,000-seat main fellowship hall with a large stage, professional sound booth and lighting system. There are also classrooms used for religious schooling, which church leaders say will be expanded into a larger school in the future, various studios for media production, and a translation booth.

The campus inauguration ceremony, held on July 5, attracted thousands of attendees, including notable figures such as Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, county commission Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert III, and Commissioner Marleine Bastien.

Levine Cava shared words of support for the church with the Miami Herald, recognizing Toussaints efforts in engaging and uplifting the Haitian-American community in North Miami while building a modern and dynamic congregation.

Gilbert said the church has made a profound impact in the North Miami community, calling Toussaints efforts to raise awareness for Haitis political situation commendable and inspiring.

March for Haiti

The $60 million campus was completed just a year after Toussaint, who was born and raised in Haiti until he was a teenager, led a nation-wide prayer movement and march for Haiti to raise awareness about the escalating gang violence and kidnappings in the Caribbean country. Toussaint organized the march after receiving over 120,000 signatures on a petition urging Congress to pass legislation calling for financial sanctions against those supporting criminal gang activities in Haiti.

We felt that it was important that there was an event that brought everybody together, Haitians outside of Haiti and in Haiti, around one concern, Toussaint said. And make a statement of unity and remind ourselves that we are fighting for the same cause.

Toussaint, a pastor with an emphatic preaching style, is a prominent religious leader in the Haitian community. His media company, Shekinah.fm, has a YouTube channel with almost 900,000 followers, and his Sunday sermons are streamed by millions online. (Shekinah is a Hebrew word meaning to dwell, often used to identify the presence of God on Earth).

During the week of the new churchs inauguration, which coincided with Tabernacles annual 40-day fasting event and a 10-day conference, Toussaint said the larger Haitian American community  members and nonmembers of Tabernacle  showed up online and in person to share how they felt about the church.

What I did not foresee is the sense of pride, Toussaint said. On social media thats probably the most popular comment, that Haitians really felt proud of what we were able to do as a community.

Congregants stand in praise during Sunday service at Tabernacle of Glory in northern Miami-Dade. Tabernacle, a nondenominational church with a large Haitian American following, opened its new $60 million campus on July 5th.

Toussaint said he sees the new campus not only as an accomplishment for the Miami community but as a win for Haitians everywhere.

The international community had to intervene in Haiti because Haitians simply cant get their act together to solve their problems  And the construction of this building seems to send the opposite message  we can get ourselves together to get stuff done, Toussaint said. And this building is a testimony of that.

However, the significant cost to build the campus has sparked mixed opinions on social media and elsewhere, according to The Haitian Times. Some have expressed concerns about the use of the money, arguing that it could have been used as more of a direct investment into the Haitian economy.

Church leaders at Tabernacle said the campus will be used for much more than a spiritual meeting place  among the plans are a residential property for mixed income families, a K-12 faith-based school, a credit union and a medical clinic.

A changing religious landscape

Tabernacles popularity in the Haitian community reflects a larger religious shift for Haitians, who are one of the most religiously active immigrant groups in the United States, according to research by Florida International University professor Alex Stepick and Temple University professor Terry Rey.

Traditionally, Haiti has been a predominantly Roman Catholic country, largely due the countrys birth out of French colonialism, but also because of the support the Catholic Church has shown Haiti in the past. Pope John Paul II visited Haiti in 1983, for example, and openly denounced the decades-long oppressive regime led by Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier, who was overthrown in an uprising years later. The Catholic presence in Haiti remains strong, with 10 dioceses and over 250 parishes. But, in recent years, Protestant churches have seen significant growth in Haiti and in South Florida.

Congregants stand in praise during Sunday service at Tabernacle of Glory, a nondenominational church with a large Haitian American following. The church has 62 locations worldwide and opened a new $60 million campus in north Miami Dade.

Toussaint believes the success of Tabernacle of Glorys congregation has more to do with the modern way the church practices their faith compared to more traditional denominations.

People want to feel that beyond doctrine and rules and principles, that there is a spiritual connection with God, he said. So the kind of churches that really put a lot of emphasis on the immediate connection with God do see a change of growth all across the board.

Toussaint developed an interest in pastoral work at the age of 15 while attending a Pentecostal church in Brooklyn, New York. He received a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and studied New Testament theology at the Theological Faculty of Vaux-sur-Seine in France. Toussaint also takes his non-religious studies seriously  he holds a bachelors degree in accounting and has a masters in international law from St. Thomas University.

Though Tabernacle isnt part of an official denomination, Toussaint said its style of Christianity would fall under what he calls neo-Pentecostal, a version of the Pentecostal denomination, which traditionally involves speaking in tongues and laying of hands on someone receiving the Holy Spirit. On a recent Sunday at Tabernacle, a video was shown to the congregation compiling moments of what looked like members being healed through prayer, with people sometimes falling to the floor and crying out as the pastors continued to pray away their afflictions.

Its that emphasis on what Toussaint refers to as the supernatural, or the ability for God to intervene in someones life through miracles, that keeps people coming back, he said.

People want to know: What difference does God make in my life? When they feel that Im getting supernatural help in my everyday life, people tend to gravitate towards that kind of teaching.

Pastor Gregory Toussaint of Tabernacle of Glory, center, walks back on stage during the end of the video presentation about the new $60 million campus in North Miami-Dade County.

This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
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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. | Credit: Pedro Pardo / Pool / AFP via Getty Images

What happened

Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, have signed a unity agreement aimed at "ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity," China said Tuesday.

Who said what

The deal, finalized after three days of intensive talks, lays the groundwork for an "interim national reconciliation government" to rule post-war Gaza, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said. The "core outcome" is that the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) is the "sole legitimate representative of all Palestinian people."



It was "unclear from Wang's comments what role Hamas, which is not part of the PLO, would play," said CNN.

What next?

Reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah would be a "key turning point" in internal Palestinian relations, said Al Jazeera. The two main political parties in the Palestinian territory have been "bitter rivals" since a power struggle in 2006 erupted into a civil war that left Hamas in control of Gaza while Fatah retained power in the West Bank.



The Beijing-brokered accord is part of China's bid to "play a more direct role in international politics," the BBC said. Beijing continues to push a "vision of a Chinese-led world order" while criticizing what it sees as the "failures of US 'hegemonic' leadership."
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  The Hampton Police Division is hosting a drive-thru drop-off for teachers school supplies.

See the list below for items that are needed:

Stop by on Aug. 17 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Hampton Police headquarters. Simply drive up and drop off the supplies!

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.
What happened to Jimmy Carter? What we know about former president

Former President Jimmy Carter is the oldest living former president at 99 years old.

A spokesperson for the Carter Center, a global charity founded by Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn, told USA TODAY on July 23 that Carter was still alive, debunking a social media rumor.

Carter has been receiving hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia since Feb. 18, 2023.

The former president battled several health issues, including skin cancer melanoma which eventually spread to his liver and brain, at which time he decided against any more medical treatments.

Carter continues to defy the odds to survive after 17 months in hospice, but the end is near, his eldest grandson, Jason Carter said this spring.

In a recent June interview with Southern Living, Jason Carter said his grandfather's health hadn't changed much as he was "no longer awake every day in his hospice journey" and that he was experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process.

James Earl Carter Jr. served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He was married for 77 years to Rosalyn Carter, before she passed away on Nov. 19, 2023.

Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist covering trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic region.

This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: What happened to Jimmy Carter? What we know about former president
Awe. Relief. Gratitude. Hope.

Following the July 16 Boise City Council meeting, these emotions swirled through my brain as I sat barefoot on the asphalt in front of Lowell Pool, absorbing its summer heat.

The last time I went inside, it was cold, gloomy, and uncertain. It had been closed for two years already. Outside, rain was pouring down from an unfriendly April sky, but once I stepped inside, the familiar smell of chlorine, sunblock, concrete and elastic fabric instantly transported me to the simple pleasures of a Bintz pool on a Boise summer day.

But things changed that blustery April afternoon two years ago, when I learned that the future of the pool was uncertain and up for debate. I also learned that Lowell Pool has a twin sister  South Pool. The fact that there were two of my favorite pool was at first thrilling, then devastating, as I realized they were both in danger of demolition. Closed in 2019, they became stuck in limbo  in need of repairs, and more importantly, improvements to become ADA-accessible.

Obsessed and perturbed, subsequent research led me to a volunteer group called Friends of Boise Historic Pools (FOBHP). These amazing and dedicated neighbors had already been working to preserve and re-open these gems of our past  two bits of turquoise set into the sterling of our city. I enthusiastically invited myself to help.

After decades of work to push the city to invest in public pools, Lowell and South opened one week apart in June 1953. Seventy-one years later, they are among just a handful of surviving Bintz-style pools nationwide, which are known for their unique above-ground design.

Boise is the only city with two  the only known surviving examples built in the Streamline Moderne architectural style. Thanks to the hard work of FOBHP founder, Laura Bainbridge, in partnership with Ryan Rulon, and with consultation from the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, they are both listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

As history tends to repeat itself, Boise residents again stepped up to advocate for these pools, both through the citys public outreach process and through the work of FOBHP.

I am completely in awe of the perseverance, grit and passion demonstrated by my fellow board members Laura Bainbridge and Megan Basham, and the smart, resourceful individuals that make up our group. Not to mention North End and Sunset Neighborhood Associations, our partners in preservation, and the national Wesley Bintz Swimming Pool Network, to name a few.

After five nail-biting seasons silent and empty, Mayor Lauren McLean and Boise City Council approved a plan to invest in both pools. Special thanks to council member Jimmy Hallyburton, who went the extra mile to champion our cause.

Lowell will be renovated and reopened, with ADA improvements. South Pool will stand as a structure, but her purpose will be reimagined. And a new pool, which can serve nearly double the patrons for a significantly smaller investment, will be built at Whitney Elementary.

As I sat in front of Lowell, the feeling of gratitude won out, but not without empathy for our neighbors on the Bench, who no doubt hoped to make more sun-soaked summer memories at South Pool.

Ultimately, our citys leadership heard our concerns, and worked thoroughly and thoughtfully to address them. Its important to recognize that decisions like this do not come easy  balancing heritage and history with exciting new recreation opportunities for a growing metro, and the efficient use of public funds.

The decision to re-invest in these pools is history in the making, and forever defines us as a city that values art, history, architecture, and creative problem-solving.

FOBHP remains a passionate advocate for these pools, their history and their future. We hope to be part of the discussion of South Pools future, so that others may make memories there too, albeit in a different form. If youre passionate about these pools, wed love to count you among our circle of friends.

Kristen McCarver is a mom, a communications professional, secretary of the board for Friends of Boise Historic Pools, and a lifelong Idaho native.
Hill Harper in Detroit | Ken Coleman

Calling it a sham, Detroit Democrat Hill Harper has pushed back against assertions that a previously planned debate with U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) was canceled because of demands he made.

Harper and Slotkin are vying for the Democratic nomination for the open U.S. Senate seat in the Aug. 6 primary. They had been set to appear Friday morning on WHPR, a small Black-owned radio and television station in Highland Park which had planned to host the event. But the stations owner, R.J. Watkins, abruptly canceled the debate on Wednesday citing last-minute demands from Harpers campaign.

In a Zoom call with reporters Thursday, Harper sharply denied that, saying he had merely supported a letter sent to the station by really accomplished incredible Black women including former U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield), Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell and Lathrup Village Mayor Kelly Garrett, among others.

That letter did not come out of my campaign, said Harper. And it was signed by Brenda Lawrence, who served two terms with Rep. Slotkin and decided to endorse me. That was one of the biggest, I think, messages sent that said, Hey, I worked alongside this person for two terms, but Im actually siding and supporting somebody else. If that doesnt send a message, I dont know what does.

The letter to the station said the group would urge Harper not to participate in the debate if an African American woman journalist was not added as a moderator, that the debate be broadcast live with video, a studio audience be included to ask questions along with allowing news reporters and cameras in the studio. Otherwise, the letter said the event would be one that excludes Black women from having a seat at the table, limits voter access and denies the press an opportunity to cover a public debate on issues important to our community.

The debate moderators were scheduled to be Bishop Edgar L. Vann II, the senior pastor of Second Ebenezer Church, and Darwin Griffin, who hosts WHPRs Truth to Power show. And while the station broadcasts a television signal, the debate was agreed to as audio only through a live broadcast on 88.1 FM while also being streamed on WHPR-TV, on Roku as well as the stations social media platforms.

What kind of TV station hosts a television program of this importance but doesnt record and broadcast it live on TV? the letter said.

Watkins told The Detroit News that the terms of the debate had been agreed to more than a month ago by both campaigns and the station could not accommodate a live audience on such short notice. He also indicated that the event was never closed to outside media.

Regardless. Harper said his decision to stand with the signers of the letter was not a tough one for him.

My mother is an 86-year-old Black woman who lives right here with me in Detroit. And if Black women come to me and Black women raise an issue where theyre totally correct on the issue, Im going to stand with Black women. I mean, its unequivocal, he said.

In response to the cancelation, Slotkins campaign spokesman Antoine Givens released a general statement to media outlets.

Were grateful to WHPR for their work to set up this debate, he said. Elissa agreed to it over a month ago, and was prepping in earnest. She will instead continue to directly engage voters in Detroit and across the state.

Bell said she signed the letter to bring the issue of representation to light, especially in a primary campaign seeking the votes of Black women.

To have the Slotkin campaign not come out and say, Youre right, we should have a Black woman. Theyve been radio silent through this whole process, and I think we know why. I mean, of course, they would rather not debate Hill because they know how thatll probably go for them. So I think they were fine with how it turned out, said Bell.

Harper brought up the issue of representation for Black voters during the Mackinac Policy Conference in May after a scheduled Senate debate featuring both Democrats and Republicans was canceled when both Slotkin and former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) backed out. Rogers is facing former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash (I-Cascade Twp.) and Niles physician Dr. Sherry ODonnell in the GOP primary.

Theres so many people out here across Michigan  Ive been to all 83 counties folks that dont feel represented by their federal delegation, Harper said during the May 30 press conference. The fact that Elissa Slotkin pulled out of this debate is yet another example of the lack of representation that folks feel.

Slotkin also declined an invitation to appear on WDIVs Flashpoint with Harper, who ended up going on solo earlier this month.

Harper said that after the canceled debate at the Mackinac conference, he requested four debates with Slotkin and the one on WHPR was all that her campaign would agree to. With absentee ballots already being turned in, he said they asked the station to move up the date, but they declined.

Its a television station, so the assumption was it was going to be televised, but then we realized it was audio only, said Harper. And then we said, OK, well, were going to stream it. And then there was pushback on this idea of streaming. Then it was like, was there going to be an audience and journalists available to write the stories about the debate? No journalists. In fact, are there going to be journalists as moderators? No journalist is even a moderator. And so I think its clear to everybody its a sham debate.

Harper was adamant that he had nothing to do with the debate being canceled.

At no time did I say I was pulling out of the debate. At no time did I say Im not debating, at no time did I say that. That debate was canceled, and then it made it seem through their press release that it was my fault it was canceled, which couldnt be further from the truth, he said.

Garrett told reporters on the call that the issues that were raised in the letter were issues that must be responded to.

Once again as Black women, we were ignored instead of them trying to resolve the issue by having a Black journalist, a Black woman, a female journalist there, having maybe a couple of Black women in the audience. Instead of trying to resolve it, you canceled it, which to me said you dont need any Black women to be involved in any of these campaigns. But yet and still, its always our demographics that you run to when one wants to make sure or try to make sure that their campaign will win, she said.

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Harris campaign roasts Trump as old and quite weird after Fox News insults

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump called in to Fox News Thursday, where he told supporters that presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is a radical left, not very smart person whos part of a massive conspiracy to weaponize the nations legal system against him.

Harris campaign fired back mere minutes later with an email blasting the 78-year-old convicted criminals Fox News appearance as bizarre while questioning his sanity.

The biting missive accused Trump of seeming flustered, lying, lashing out, praising dictators and being clearly worried he made the wrong pick by selecting Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate.

After watching Fox News this morning, we have only one question, the email began: Is Donald Trump OK?

The message went on to slam Trump as old and quite weird, concluding that this guy shouldnt be president ever again.

Harris became the candidate most likely to challenge Trump in the November election when President Joe Biden announced Sunday he would not seek reelection. The decision came weeks after the 81-year-old president performed miserably in a debate with Trump that left questions about the incumbents mental acuity.

Harris run for office began Monday with a visit to her campaign headquarters, where she reminded supporters shes a former California prosecutor and Trump is a 34-time convicted criminal awaiting sentencing.

A Manhattan jury ruled in May that the Queens native falsified business records to cover up hush money payments made regarding an alleged affair with a porn star before the 2016 presidential election.

Trump told Fox News morning show Fox & Friends on Thursday it was disgusting that Harris brought up his alleged transgressions.

The Republican nominee agreed in May to debate Biden a second time on Sept. 10 on ABC, but indicated he may no longer honor that deal after Harris became the presumptive Democratic candidate. Fox News, which is fiercely supportive of Trump, extended an invite Tuesday to host a Sept. 17 Harris-Trump debate.

Harris accused Trump of backpedaling Thursday and said she intends to hold him to the agreement he struck with Bidens team and ABC.

_____
Harris drawing parallels to Obama as young voters eye chance to be part of historic first

A ripple of energy has gone through young voters eager to have the chance to help make Kamala Harris the first female president in U.S. history, not to mention the first Black woman president and the first South Asian president.

Some have even compared it to how Millennial voters felt with Barack Obama in 2008. Angela Demas, 21, of East Lansing, Mich. said she remembers hearing about that excitement as a child.

"I could definitely see a lot of people were enthusiastic and ready for change," Demas, who in 2024 is running for local office, said. "I think that has resurfaced again as Kamala Harris is running."

The connections between Harris and Obama appeared immediately on social media once President Joe Biden on Sunday said he'd stand down from his own re-election campaign and instead would endorse his vice president in the White House race against Republican Donald Trump. Memes were shared hundreds of thousands of times. People remixed her old speeches, her laugh and her dance moves.

Harris' campaign has also embraced it, albeit carefully.

It is too soon to say whether the excitement around Harris translates from social media to votes in November. But early indicators show she is invigorating a group of Americans who earlier this year were cold to the Democratic administration's re-election prospects due to a long list of grievances, including concerns over climate change, inflation and Israel's war in Gaza. Many had previously told USA TODAY they were largely weighing either not voting or were drifting toward the Republican ticket, which now includes the 78-year-old Trump and the 39-year-old JD Vance.

"All they've known is Trump or Biden," Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., currently the youngest member of Congress at 27, told USA TODAY. "A lot of them weren't born during Obama and a lot of them were too young, they don't remember. So 100 percent, for a lot of them it's the first time they felt hope at that level."

More: Black women mobilize for Kamala Harris' campaign but brace for backlash

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who was also the youngest member of Congress when she was elected, recalled in an interview how she was a teenager when the 47-year-old Obama won the White House in 2008.

"I totally can see how some people feel similarly, and how this is a similar watershed moment. Not just the fact that we are really talking about the possibility of the first female to be elected president of the United States, no less a woman of color and no less a black woman, no less Indian, Caribbean descent as well," she said. "It's very exciting and invigorating for a lot of people."

Turning that excitement into votes will be key, said Hans Riemer, who was Obama's national youth vote director in the 2008 general election campaign against John McCain, then a 72-year-old Republican senator from Arizona. Young voters have become a pivotal voting block, he said.

"Joe Biden's inability to close the deal with young voters contributed to his position in the election, and Harris has the potential to generate a lot of interest there, and it could be a critical part of her majority," Riemer said. "Trump was doing much better with young voters and with voters of color than a Republican candidate has in a long time, and in a lot of polling that is the difference between Trump's victory margin, or at least a lot of it. So if Kamala can hold the Biden voters and pull in young voters, voters of color who has drifted to Trump, she'll win."

For Obama, it all happened organically. The first generation of the iPhone came out in the summer of 2007, right in the middle of an intense Democratic primary battle that included Hillary Clinton and Biden. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter were still relatively new and gaining in popularity. Young voters trusted that they could change the outcome of the election by voting for him.

"That was the core," Riemer said. "They believed in their power. Barack Obama believed in them, and told them that over and over again, and they responded. And you need to have that kind of environment for young voters to feel like to build that social movement, frankly, a sense of empowerment, impact and a candidate who believes in it."

Harris has an existing community of online supporters left over from her 2019 bid for president, called the KHive.

The Trump campaign has made a heavy pitch for younger voters this cycle too, and some polls have shown the effort paying off. A March poll from the Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics said that while Biden led among young voters, Trump's were more enthusiastic about voting for him.

"Polling shows President Trump crushing Kamala Harris with young voters," Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said. He did not point to a specific poll.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung tells reporters here at Trumps rally in Charlotte that Trump is not brat.  Kate Sullivan (@KateSullivanDC) July 24, 2024

Early indicators

There are some very early indicators a shift is underway.

Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, president of NextGen America, said Harris has often polled very high with young voters, even when Bidens approval wasnt as strong with the same generational demographic.

But after the excitement that the vice president has already garnered, especially with online viral memes, Tzintzun Ramirez said she would put all my savings on the fact that Harris will score high with young voters.

This is the most diverse generation in American history, so I think a lot of young people see their story in her story, she said. We expect that this will really increase motivation for young people to turn out this election, and also voters of color.

A demonstrator in front of the White House on July 21, 2024, shows support for Vice President Kamala Harris, whom President Joe Biden has endorsed as he dropped out of the presidential race.

Vote.org, a non-partisan voter registration organization, announced Wednesday there was a nearly 700% increase in daily voter registrations  more than 38,500 new registrations  in the 48-hour period following Biden's announcement.

Voters aged between 18 and 34 accounted for 83% of new registrations.

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said people recognize a chance to vote for hope, just like he did in 2008.

"Many young people were just demoralized about what their future held and now they see a candidate I think that is connected to them," said Swalwell, a 43-year-old congressman who ran against both Biden and Harris in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries.

Harris has spoken on 12 college campus' since the Supreme Court ended abortion protections provided under Roe v. Wade. She was already becoming a familiar face to younger voters, Swalwell said.

"She's not new to this. She's not like Johnny come lately with young people. She's been pretty dialed into what they care about," he said.

Voter voices

Taino Moreno, 17, was at a donor event for Dave Min, a member of the California State Senate, when he heard the news that Biden dropped out of the election.

He will be attending Harris alma mater, Howard University in the fall.

Attendees cheer and clap as US Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris delivers keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.'s Grand BoulA event at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 24, 2024.

I grew up with a Black president, and I was excited, Moreno said. I felt like I could do that too...I haven't had a feeling like that since I was a little boy.

Briana Lee, 18, an incoming freshman at UC Berkeley who lives in Huntington Beach, California, was 2-years-old when Barack Obama was elected president.

Young people have experienced the most political apathy in terms of not wanting to vote and because we saw Trump and Biden go against each other in 2020, I know a lot of people said they didn't want that rematch," Lee said. "I think it has a lot of potential to reinvigorate the youth voter base."

Justyn Kelly, 21, studying political economy at the USC, from LA, voted in the 2022 midterms, but this is the first time he's been able to vote for president.

I'm very excited to vote for somebody who will be  and will be, I'm going to put that out there  the first female president of the United States.

-Rebecca Morin, Karissa Waddick in Washington contributed to this article

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris has Gen Z appeal with young voters looking for change
Insights from The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Politico

The News

Vice President Kamala Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday, their first encounter since Harris became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

Harris was expected to try and walk a line between affirming Israels right to security and Palestinians right to be free from Israeli aggression, an aide told NBC News. The pair were also expected to discuss ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Biden met with Netanyahu separately earlier Thursday afternoon, and the Israeli leader will also meet Donald Trump in Florida on Friday.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Speech snub could show daylight between Harris and Biden

Sources: The Wall Street Journal, The Hill

Harris decision to miss Netanyahus Wednesday address to Congress for Zeta Phi Beta sororitys convention in Indianapolis was an unmistakable snub to Israel, Wall Street Journal columnist Walter Russell Mead wrote. But it also fueled speculation that Harris and Biden arent on the same page when it comes to the war in Gaza; Harris has taken care not to contradict Biden on foreign policy, but the Journal reported that she has pushed the envelope on the administrations Israel-Gaza messaging. She is seen as more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause than Biden, and her decision to skip Bibis address could further solidify support from young, minority and more progressive voters, The Hill reported.

Democrats presumptive nominee seems poised to lean left on Israel

Sources: The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Politico

Some observers noted that while Harris foreign-policy stances arent yet clear, she seems inclined to align herself with the more progressive elements of the Democratic Party and could make US support for Israel more conditional. However, aides and allies insist that Harris and Biden are only rhetorically different on Israel  the substance is the same. Despite Harris vocal concerns about the plight of Palestinians, current and former US officials and analysts told Politico that her policy toward Israel isnt expected to differ all that much from Bidens. As Politicos Nahal Toosi put it: Harris may not be the savior on Gaza some Dems want.

Harris Israel strategy expected to sharpen in coming days

Sources: CNN, Vox

Aides to Harris indicated that her Israel strategy would become clearer after her meeting with Netanyahu. People close to the vice president said she would try to offer clarity on the complex situation, instead of getting caught up in a garbled attempt to please everyone by not saying anything, CNN reported. But, as Vox noted, theres no guarantee that the posture Harris takes toward Israel during the campaign would match her administrations stance once in office.
HARARE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube on Thursday unveiled further measures to increase the use of the newly-introduced currency Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) to sustain macroeconomic stability.

Ncube said in his 2024 mid-term budget speech in the parliament that since ZiG's introduction in April, Zimbabwe's economy has experienced price and exchange rate stability, hence the need for further measures to increase its usage to buttress economic stability and growth.

"To ensure the stability of the new currency, the private sector, inclusive of manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, public transporters, informal sector players, and the rest of the economic players, are expected to embrace the new currency for both transactional and savings purposes," Ncube said.

He said some taxes, including payment for government services, will now be payable exclusively in local currency to strengthen demand and use of the domestic currency.

Zimbabwe has a multi-currency system in place until 2030, and according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), about 80 percent of business transactions in the country are conducted in the U.S. dollar.

The RBZ aims to gradually de-dollarize the economy by boosting ZiG usage and projecting the share of the U.S. dollar in the economy to fall to 70 percent by the end of the year from 80 percent currently.

Ncube added that the legislation would be amended to compel any corporation whose revenue exceeds 50 percent in foreign currency to account for corporate tax on a 50:50 basis. 
Four days into the most consequential week of Kamala Harris political life, she confronted the most fraught foreign policy issue facing the country by looking directly into the eyes of an Israeli prime minister who decided not to even give her a passing name check in his address to Congress Wednesday afternoon.

Up until now, Harris has been defined by working for President Joe Biden, arguably the most explicitly pro-Israel American president, even though his relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu has frayed.

But now that shes the presumptive Democratic nominee, Harris has to define what kind of president she wants to be  on this and every other issue, while Biden remains at the White House trying to nail down a Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal and with some around him thinking that restarting the normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia could be a top legacy project for the remainder of his term.

Harris didnt preside over Netanyahus speech to Congress on Wednesday, instead choosing to stick with a pre-scheduled trip to a sorority event in Indiana, as antisemitic protests erupted near the US Capitol where fences were put up like in the days following the January 6, 2021, riot.

But after her meeting with the prime minister Thursday afternoon, she laid out what she wanted to be a very clear position, speaking to reporters in a way she has not done after previous meetings with foreign leaders.

Harris started by recalling a history of connection to Israel that dates back to her childhood collecting money to plant trees there, and she ran through her work in the administration. She has, she said, unwavering commitment to Israel, its right to exist and its security.

She called Hamas a brutal terrorist organization. She read the names of the American hostages still being held, and those who have died in captivity.

Israel has a right to defend itself, she said, and how it does so matters.

And the toll on the Palestinians matters, she said, as she called for everyone involved to push for a hostage release and ceasefire deal, and eventually, a two-state solution.

What has happened in Gaza over the last nine months is devastating, she said. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies, we cannot allow ourselves to be numb. And I will not be silent.

Harris is trying to clear up uncertainty about her position toward Israel, which has left even people who have talked in depth with her about it responding with pauses when CNN has asked whether, for example, she would have done the same as Biden in sending some, and halting other, weapons to Israel.

And her remarks follow a statement on Thursday condemning the protests around Netanyahus speech in Washington as unequivocal: I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews.

Change is coming, predicted Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee who has been critical of Israel in this period and observed Harris foreign policy thinking when they served on the Senate Intelligence Committee together.

President Biden brought to the White House a lifelong relationship with Bibi Netanyahu and a very mature history on the US-Israel relationship, Murphy said. This certainly seems to be a moment for a reconsideration of the relationship and for some fresh thinking on how to approach an Israeli political landscape that is lurching further to the right than we could have ever imagined.

Murphy added, I think we would all benefit from getting a fresh set of eyes on this conflict and the way that the United States could try to create a viable Palestinian state.

A question of considering herself a Zionist

But Harris has so many different pulls on her that an aide did not give a direct answer when asked if the vice president considers herself a Zionist  a term Biden again proudly embraced just weeks ago.

Thats a reflection of how much Zionism, which for a century meant believing in the right of a Jewish homeland to exist, has been co-opted by anti-Israel forces, who argue it has come to symbolize colonialism and the killing of Palestinians.

Its also a reflection of the difference in thinking and rhetoric between the Democratic Partys new standard bearer and a president who has made allegiance with Israel one of his defining positions for 50 years in national politics.

The vice president has been a strong and longstanding supporter of Israel as a secure, democratic homeland for the Jewish people. She will always ensure Israel can defend itself from threats, including from Iran and Iran-backed militias such as Hamas and Hezbollah, said Harris deputy national security adviser Dean Lieberman when asked if she considers herself a Zionist. One can criticize specific policies of the government of Israel while still strongly supporting the state of Israel and the people of Israel. And that support for Israel in no way conflicts with the vice presidents strong view that the Palestinian people deserve freedom, dignity, and self-determination.

Many close observers see a sign of where Harris inclinations are in her choice of Phil Gordon to be her national security adviser. A former Obama administration official, Gordon in 2016 co-authored a report for the Council on Foreign Relations, which, seven years before the October 7 attacks, begins: The U.S. relationship with Israel is in trouble. The root of the problem, the authors wrote, is that while America and Israel used to agree on the threats to Israeli security and what to do about them, now those threats have become broader and more complicated, and the opinions about how to tackle them have too.

Gordon has traveled to the region since October 7, holding meetings separate from the ones that Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan and others have been having.

One official who has been deeply involved with Biden administration policy on Israel said that Harris differences will actually be key to keeping the overall relationship from getting worse.

Shell be able to communicate with another generation. She has the ability, because of who she is, to be enormously helpful to us who care deeply about Israel and how were going to get through this disaster, said the official. She is the future of the relationship between us and Israel.

Substance versus rhetoric

Aides and allies who have talked with Harris  from her Senate days up through her being on the line for nearly every conversation Biden has had with Netanyahu  insist that substantively there is little daylight between her and the president.

The difference is rhetorical, but that difference, they say, is very important. She has been concerned since right after October 7 both about expressing empathy for the Palestinians and about thinking of what the political reverberations could be back home from the way Biden hugged Netanyahu close, figuratively and then literally on his trip to Israel two weeks after the attacks.

Its the explanation, aides involved tell CNN, for the fury that erupted from the West Wing in March about the way Harris punctuated prepared text that both decried the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and thoroughly condemned Hamas. She built up to her reading of there must be an immediate ceasefire, taking a long pause, then adding the rest of the approved sentence: for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table.

Many Democrats outside the White House are making optimistic guesses that she aligns with them.

Like most Americans, the vice president falls within the pro-Israel mainstreamsomewhere between the Greater Israel far right and the Free Palestine far left, said Rep. Ritchie Torres, a New York Democrat who has positioned himself as one of the most stalwart defenders of Israel. He added that he expects that position to translate into being for a two-state solution, keeping up security aid and Iron Dome funding for Israel and supporting the Trump administration-negotiated Abraham Accords.

Complicated politics remain

For all the Biden speeches that had to be paused as protesters were removed from the rooms, Harris first week effectively on the top of the ticket hasnt seen such an interruption so far. That doesnt mean the politics of this are settled.

Abbas Alawieh  a delegate who won a spot at the Democratic convention because he represents some of the 730,000 people who voted uncommitted in Michigans Democratic primary  told CNN on Wednesday that he remains very curious how she will differentiate a Gaza policy.

Alawieh said hes hopeful. At the very least, he thinks that the party under Harris leadership will no longer make him and others aligned with him feel neglected, ignoredand in some cases maligned, as happened on a Tuesday night call of state delegates when another person told him to shut up when he tried to speak.

The Michigan Democratic Party chair condemned that behavior in an email to delegates.

Meanwhile, the Republican Jewish Coalition released an online ad on Wednesday repeatedly referring to Harris by a mispronounced version of her first name and falsely claimed that she sided with the pro-Hamas demonstrators and snubbed Israel by not attending Netanyahus speech to Congress.

Trump also accused her of this, saying at a rally in North Carolina that shes running away from Israel and totally against the Jewish people for not going. Neither the ad nor the candidate mentioned that Ohio Sen. JD Vance also skipped the speech, though he had no other public schedule, with campaign spokesman Jason Miller telling CNN he has duties to fulfill as the Republican nominee for vice president.

Emhoff is key

Harris connection to these issues is more than policy. It touches second gentleman Doug Emhoffs daughter, who has been noticeably active on pro-Palestinian causes since October 7. It has come up at Seder dinners at the Naval Observatory. And more than anything, it is rooted in the second gentleman.

Emhoff has talked at length about feeling a sense of duty, not just when he became the first Jewish spouse of a vice president or president, and channeling that into helping develop the administrations strategy to combat antisemitism. Hes also talked about how much pain he felt personally after October 7.

Halie Soifer, the CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, recalled a trip to Jerusalem she took with Harris and Emhoff in 2017, when she was working in the California Democrats new Senate office. She still has photos of Harris taking out a traditional kippah head covering for Emhoff when they visited the Western Wall.

Soifer said she is satisfied that Harris remains committed to Israel  even after being read the indirect answer about whether the vice president considers herself a Zionist.

And Emhoff has stressed that even as this campaign picks up, he is going to keep talking about Judaism and Israel, as he has throughout this administration with his wifes encouragement.

On a quickly organized Zoom call Wednesday afternoon hosted by the Jewish Democratic Council of America and Jewish Women for Kamala, where he made made a surprise appearance, Emhoff started by reiterating Harris unwavering support for Israel.

But he also told the story of not being with his wife on Sunday when the news broke about Biden exiting the race, dropping a little Yiddish by blaming this flight mishigas that had him stuck in Los Angeles.

Then he made a promise to the 1,700 people listening: Im going to keep living openly like a Jew and maybe there will be a mezuzah on the White House, like there is on the vice presidents residence.

This story has been updated with Harris remarks following her meeting with Netanyahu.

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The vice president has enough support from delegates to assure her the Democratic nomination, but what name does Kamala Harris want to go by?

A member of the crowd holds up a "Kamala" sign as Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks at West Allis Central High School. (Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP)

Whats in a presidential candidates name? Thats the question TikTokers have sought to answer ever since President Biden announced Sunday that he would exit the 2024 campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him at the top of the Democratic ticket.

While theres no question as to how to pronounce Harriss name  that was clarified in a 2016 video posted to her official X account  many are wondering how to respectfully address the presumptive presidential nominee.

Some argue that referring to her as Kamala is too familiar and, thus, demeaning, as most male politicians go by their last names. Others feel that calling her Harris is not honoring her wishes, since shes quoted as once saying, Just call me Kamala.

Now, the debate has taken wing on social media, prompting people to analyze her campaign and sleuth out which moniker is most appropriate and respectful  a conversation a linguistic expert says is an important one to have.

What people are saying online

On July 22, TikToker Brandon Lowe took to the app to apologize to viewers after receiving a comment correcting him on his use of Kamala in a previous video.

I had no idea that I had this little piece of misogyny inside of me, he stated in the video. Calling men in power by their last name and women in power by their first name is just natural to me, and I dont know why, but it changes today.

A day later, Lowe changed course again. A lot of people tagged me in videos of Kamala saying, Just call me Kamala. It does appear she would like to be called Kamala, and that is exactly what I will do.  I appreciate everyone educating me.

Mira Lindner, Professor of psychology at the University of Rhode Island, uploaded a TikTok on July 22 that cited a 2018 PNAS study on how gender determines the way we speak about professionals to make her point that it is important to refer to the vice president as Harris.

The next day, she walked back the assertion, saying her statement lacked nuance on intersectionality. There are certain things I shouldnt be speaking on, she stated in the video. My goal was not to tell the vice president how to run her campaign.  My goal as a psychologist is to understand human behavior.

Some TikTokers knew where they stood on the debate from the start.

On TikTok, attorney Isvari Maranwe posted a video answering the question, Is Kamala just misogyny?

No. You do not need to start referring to Kamala Harris as Harris, she answered. She has very intentionally branded herself as Kamala, just as Bernie Sanders is branded as Bernie, Beyonce [Knowles-Carter] as Beyonce.

Erika Harrison, an attorney and content creator, asserted that Harriss name and how we refer to her goes deeper than just a campaign strategy. Given her multiracial heritage, Harrison said, the name she uses to represent herself might have important personal meaning.

How Kamala Harris refers to herself

Recently, Harriss X account has embraced her first name (and the Brat summer theme), changing its title and banner image to Kamala HQ.

The Harris campaign's official X account has changed its name and banner to read "Kamala HQ." (Source: X)

We also see the name Kamala on her backdrop at speaking events.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at her campaign headquarters in front of a backdrop that reads "Kamala." (AP)

However, at those same events, we also see Harris for President signs.

"Harris for President" signs were also seen at the event. (Erin Schaff/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

We see the same Harris for President slogan on her official campaign merchandise.

Merchandise in the official Kamala Harris store reads "Harris for President." (Source: store.kamalaharris.com)

Many feel the definitive answer on how to shorthand her name lies in two videos uploaded to Harriss YouTube channel in 2019, a time when she was running for president in the 2020 election.

The first video, which took viewers along on her Iowa bus tour, revealed Harriss campaign bus, the name Kamala emblazoned on its side.

The second video, a cooking segment with Mindy Kaling, is what many are citing as the clear-cut answer to the debate. In it, Kaling asks if its disrespectful to refer to her as Kamala, and if she should instead call her Sen. Harris.

No  Thats not on my birth certificate, Harris answers. [Call me] Kamala, please.

What an expert says

According to Melissa Baese-Berk, professor of linguistics at the University of Chicago, the debate around Harriss name is an important one  and one that is also subjective. Context, relationship and intent all matter when referring to someone by their first name, Baese-Berk told Yahoo News.

Theres a lot of debate, in part, because theres no right answer about this. Lots of people feel that first names are used in disrespectful ways, or are used disproportionately for individuals from marginalized communities, said Baese-Berk.

Someone may call the vice president Kamala because they feel she is relatable. On the flip side, someone could use just her first name as a way of being condescending, she added.

But calling someone by their first name or their last name isnt by default rude or polite. It all depends on the context, she said.

No matter what the conclusion is to the debate, Baese-Berk is grateful to see the discussion happening online.

I think its great were having this conversation. It helps us think through how we use language the way we do.

Yahoo News reached out to the Harris campaign for comment but did not immediately hear back.
HOUSTON (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris told Republicans to bring it on in what she described as a fight for our most fundamental freedoms as she spoke to the American Federation of Teachers on Thursday.

It was her latest stop in her whirlwind debut as the Democrats' likely presidential nominee after President Joe Biden abruptly dropped his bid for a second term at the beginning of the week.

Harris praised unions as the foundation of the middle class, and she criticized Republicans for their views on gun control and public education.

They have the nerve to tell teachers to strap on a gun in the classroom while they refuse to pass commonsense gun safety laws," she said.

Harris added that we want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books.

The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to formally endorse Harris, and its president Randi Weingarten said she has electrified this race.

Harris intends to travel aggressively to spread her message and rally voters. The outreach occurs as the retooled Biden campaign, now under Harris' control, figures out its strategy for generating turnout and maximizing her time in a 100-plus day sprint to the November election against Republican Donald Trump.

In Trump, Harris is up against the survivor of a recent assassination attempt with tens of millions of loyalists committed to returning him to the Oval Office. Just as Harris is trying to draw a contrast with Trump, he is working to do the same with her.

Trump went on the offensive at a rally Wednesday in North Carolina, calling Harris a real liberal who is much worse than Biden. The former president claimed without evidence that Harris had misled voters about the health of the 81-year-old Biden and his ability to run for the presidency.

Harris' appearance at the teachers union's biennial convention in Houston follows a rally Tuesday in the Milwaukee area and a speech Wednesday to a gathering of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis.

We know when we organize, mountains move, she told sorority members. When we mobilize, nations change. And when we vote, we make history.

Her campaign is seizing on the growing pop culture interest surrounding her candidacy, releasing a video Thursday that is set to Beyonce's Freedom." The video, designed for social media consumption, underscores a core message of Harris campaign -- freedom on abortion rights, freedom from gun violence and freedom not just to get by, but to get ahead."

The 1.8 million-member AFT has backed Harris and her pro-union agenda on the premise that a second Trump term could result in restrictions on organized labor and a potential loss of funding for education.

The AFL-CIO, which represents 60 labor unions including the AFT, has backed Harris. But the vice president has yet to get the endorsement of the United Auto Workers, whose president, Shawn Fain, told CNBC this week that the union's executive board will make that decision.

Fain spoke at the AFT conference on Wednesday and was blistering in his criticism of Trump. The former president has relied on blue-collar voters to compete politically nationwide, but he failed to win a majority of union households in 2020 when he lost to Biden, according to AP VoteCast.

Later Thursday, Harris will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.
Harris refashions campaign in her own image as she prepares for historic clash with Trump

HOUSTON (AP)  The first change that stands out is the music, with President Joe Biden's rock and Motown fading from the playlist in favor of more pop and hip hop.

Then comes Vice President Kamala Harris' stump speech, devoid of Bidenesque rambling digressions and focused more on the future than a laundry list of past accomplishments.

In only a few days since taking over the campaign, Harris has put her distinctive stamp on the election operation. Shes raising excitement and drawing an outpouring of donations from Democrats who had feared they were sliding toward disaster with Biden at the top of the ticket.

Now, her challenge will be transforming that enthusiasm into a durable movement at hyperspeed. She still has to make hard choices about how to maximize her time on the trail, choose a running mate and develop a policy platform independent of Biden, while her opponents are eager to define her as unfit for the White House.

This is the easiest week of the campaign for Harris, warns Alex Conant, a Republican strategist. It will not get better.

Harris insists she's ready.

On Thursday in Houston, she told Republicans to bring it on in a fight for our most fundamental freedoms.

As she hits the road, Harris' most dependable applause line has been "we're not going back." She might be referring to Republican candidate Donald Trump, but it doubles as a pitch for the generational change that she's offering.

Biden endorsed Harris as his successor with just 107 days left in the race, and Conant described her campaign as being launched off an aircraft carrier.

Its never been done before," he said. This is stuff that people usually spend years developing, and shes doing it in days.

Trump is revving up his attacks on Harris, calling her bad news and a radical left, not very smart person in an interview with Fox News on Thursday. Some Republicans have also suggested that Harris' career has only advanced because of her identity; shes the first woman, Black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.

Sen. Laphonza Butler, a California Democrat, says Harris is prepared for the extraordinary pressures of the campaign.

She is clear eyed about the attacks that she is going to face," Butler said. "But shes also determined and confident in what leadership she can offer the Democratic Party and the American people.

Democrats are happy with Harris' early days, and they're relieved that the transition from Biden has not devolved into painful infighting. Former President Barack Obama is preparing his own endorsement after being privately supportive of her candidacy, according to a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity before an announcement.

The party was ready to unite behind her," said Anna Greenberg, a Democratic pollster. If the opposite had happened, it would have been a complete disaster.

Like Biden, Harris has struggled with low approval ratings. But her team argues that she's well positioned to increase her support with young people, women and voters of color. If successful, she could compete more effectively in places like Georgia, Arizona and North Carolina, as opposed to just the blue wall states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan where Biden has been more focused.

There are dangers, too. Harris needs to avoid losing too much support among men, white people and older voters, which would erase her advantages with other parts of the electorate.

People dont know her that well," said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster. "Its a fight to define her.

Republicans have a head start, at least when it comes to advertising. Trump and his allies are outspending Democrats by 25-to-1 on television and radio this week. However, Lake said Harris has one important thing going for her.

Americans like the new shiny thing," she said. "And Donald Trump is not new or shiny.

Some Democrats are holding their breath, recalling how Harris' campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination imploded four years ago before a single primary vote was cast. Her team was beset by infighting, and she failed to articulate a clear message in a crowded field of candidates.

More difficulty came after she became Biden's running mate and took office alongside him. She struggled with staff turnover and muddled messaging.

Harris has to restore a sense of stability to a political operation that has been rocked by historic turbulence in the month since Biden's shaky debate performance lit the fuse for his eventual decision to drop his reelection bid.

At campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, Kamala signs were swiftly printed and taped up on the walls next to Biden Harris ones.

Some of the campaigns leadership  Jen OMalley Dillon as chair and Julie Rodriguez as manager are remaining in place. But Mike Donilon, a longtime Biden confidant, is stepping back from his original prominent role. It's likely that Harris will expand the team with advisers of her own.

Harris visited Wilmington on Monday, the day after Biden announced he was dropping out. The staff cheered as she entered, and one woman appeared overcome with emotion, her eyes glistening.

Were on the right side of every single issue, and we have this team right here and thousands of others all around the country," Harris told campaign workers who packed into a stuffy room to hear from their new candidate.

She spent the rest of the week tending to critical constituencies  battleground state voters near Milwaukee, Black women at a sorority conference in Indianapolis and union members at a teacher convention in Houston.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, told reporters that Harris' candidacy is a new beginning for the party, a new beginning for the country."

This is really wonderful, she added.

When Harris returned to Washington on Thursday afternoon, there were 103 days until the election.

___

Megerian reported from Washington. AP Writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report.
Harris says she's ready to debate Trump and accuses him of 'backpedaling' from Sept. 10 faceoff

WASHINGTON (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris told reporters on Thursday that shes ready to debate Donald Trump.

She accused him of backpedaling away from a previous agreement for a debate hosted by ABC News on Sept. 10.

I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on the debate stage, she said after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a trip to Indiana and Texas.

The Sept. 10 debate was one of two debates that President Joe Biden and Trump had agreed on. The first one was hosted by CNN on June 27, but Biden has since dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris as his successor.

Trump has said he would prefer to shift the debate to Fox News, but he would be willing to face off with Harris more than once.

Harris did not respond to a question about having Fox News host a debate.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement late Thursday that debate arrangements cannot be finalized until Democrats formally decide on their nominee.

"Democrats very well could still change their minds, Cheung said.

Alex Conant, a Republican consultant, said the debate could be decisive. Its the only time voters really tune in," he said.

This year's campaign has already shown the potential power of a debate. Biden's disastrous performance on June 27 revived concerns that he was too old for a second term. His support within the Democratic Party crumbled, and he ended his reelection bid on Sunday.
Donald Trumps campaign fired back at Kamala Harris on Thursday, digging in its heels over the prospect of debating the likely Democratic presidential nominee and confirming the former president will not participateat least not yet.

Harris had hours earlier slammed Trump in response to rumblings about his decision, accusing his campaign of backpedaling on an agreement to debate her.

However, in confirming Trump would not partake, his campaign blamed Democratic Party instability.

Given the continued political chaos surrounding Crooked Joe Biden and the Democrat Party, general election details cannot be finalized until Democrats formally decide on their nominee, the campaigns communications director, Steven Cheung said in a statement. There is a strong sense by many in the Democrat Partynamely Barack Hussein Obamathat Kamala Harris is a Marxist fraud who cannot beat President Trump, and they are still holding out for someone better. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to schedule things with Harris because Democrats very well could still change their minds.

It didnt take long for Harris to respond. What happened to any time, any place? the vice president wrote on X, referring to Trumps eager words months ago regarding a debate against President Joe Biden.

What happened to any time, any place? https://t.co/HlR6UmlZxx  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 26, 2024

After a glowing reception at an American Federation of Teachers event on Thursday, Harris criticized the former president and 2024 GOP nominee upon her return to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump previously agreed upon a September 10th debate, Harris said. He agreed to that previously; it now appears hes backpedaling. But Im ready. And I think that voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on a debate stage. And so Im ready. Lets go. She soon reiterated those comments on X.

Before Biden announced he was dropping out of the race following a disastrous debate performance, the two men had been scheduled for another face-off on Sept. 10. Trump told reporters earlier this week that he had not made any agreements with Harris, but would be willing to debate her multiple times.

The apprehension that the 78-year-old appeared to hone in on, however, concerned the network who would air and moderate the debate.

Im not thrilled with ABC, Trump said. I guess they committed but I have at least equal say, and I dont like the idea of ABC.

Harris Campaign Trolls 78-Year-Old Criminal Donald Trump After Fox News Appearance

At 59, Harris is likely to be a much more formidable opponent on the debate stage than Biden was. She was declared the winner in 2020 of her vice presidential debate against former Vice President Mike Pence; and as a former prosecutor, she showed off her star power years ago when she questioned big names like now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Trump previously called her extraordinarily nasty for that particular grilling.)

Trumps team has confirmed that the two candidates will meet in front of the American public, though it remains to be seen exactly when and on what platform.

A debate will happen, Trump spokesperson Jason Miller told Axios on Thursday morning. Im not sure it will be ABC.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Kamala Harris hinted on Thursday at the economic message she may lay out as the Democratic presidential frontrunner, weaving student debt forgiveness and affordable child care into a larger picture of optimism for the country.

The vice president sought to connect education with the economy at the American Federation of Teachers convention in Houston, even as she avoided policy specifics or big divergences from the administration.

We see a future with affordable health care, affordable child care and paid leave, not for some but for all, Harris said to the throngs of teachers in the audience. We see a future where every student has the support and the resources they need to thrive, and a future where no teacher has to struggle with the burden of student loan debt.

The speech was the latest in a string of steady public appearances from Harris after her sudden entrance into the presidential race earlier this week. Since President Joe Biden dropped out on Sunday, Harris delivered remarks at the campaigns headquarters in Delaware on Monday, campaigned in Wisconsin on Tuesday and addressed a historically Black sorority gathering in Indiana on Wednesday.



And only five days into her candidacy, Harris is still honing her arguments across a range of issues.

But unlike earlier in the week, her Thursday speech didnt delve into former President Donald Trumps felonies. Instead, she tackled their broad policy contrasts.

Harris emphasized access to child care and health care, but specifically underscored the current administrations student loan debt relief efforts for public servants, including teachers. The Education Department has approved about $69 billion in debt forgiveness for nearly 1 million borrowers through a public service loan forgiveness program. It was one of her only detailed policy references.

Her speech to the nations second-largest teachers union followed the Commerce Departments Thursday announcement that the economy grew last quarterat a strong 2.8 percent annual pace. AFT President Randi Weingarten also sought to play up the economic opportunity Harris would help ensure.

Harris is part of the most pro-labor, pro-worker, pro-family, pro-public education administration in history, Weingarten said, arguing that the administration created the strongest economic recovery in our lifetimes.

The vice president also used her speech to flick at issues that could rally young voters. Harris criticized the so-called Dont Say Gay laws that restrict discussion of sexual orientation in some states, hit at largely Republican-led book bans and pressed for gun safety legislation  all largely in line with Bidens previous statements, but from a different messenger.

While you teach students about our nation's past, these extremists attack the freedom to learn and acknowledge our nation's true and full history, including book bans, Harris said. We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books. Can you imagine?

Her remarks were also a thank you to a key constituency. AFT was the first union this week to endorse Harris.

We face a choice between two very different visions for our nation, one focused on the future and the other focused on the past, she said. And we are fighting for the future.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump entered a new phase of the presidential race on the morning after an Oval Office speech in which President Biden formally bowed out  each taking new aim at the other as they sprint toward November.

During a Thursday morning conversation on the Republican-friendly "Fox and Friends," Trump called Harris a worse candidate than Biden and a "San Francisco radical" who would take the country to a new low if elected.

"She's the most radical person probably that we've had in office," Trump said, "let alone the office of the presidency."

Harris, in a speech before the American Federation of Teachers in Houston, cast the choice before voters as one between moving backward or forward and Trump's agenda as a dangerous one  including for unionized workers like those before her.

Read more: Kamala Harris is still the underdog against Trump. These three things could change that

"We are fighting for the future," she said. "In our vision of the future, we see a place where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead."

Harris also released her first campaign ad, which featured a similarly forward-looking tone  and got a boost from Beyonce, who gave permission to the Harris campaign to use her song "Freedom," according to CNN.

This combination photo shows Beyonce, left, at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on April 1 and Vice President Kamala Harris speaking from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Monday. (Associated Press)

"In this election we each face a question: What kind of country do we want to live in?" Harris says at the start of the ad.

"There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate," she says, over an image of Trump. "But us? We choose something different. We choose freedom."

The two candidates' remarks Thursday expanded on themes they had been striking in recent days, as Harris made quick work of shoring up support to officially become the Democrats' candidate for president. The latest New York Times/Siena College poll, released Thursday, showed Harris in a virtual tie with Trump  with 70% of Democratic voters saying they wanted the party to quickly consolidate behind her and avoid a fight for the nomination.

But Harris and Trump also aimed to punch back at new lines of attack from the opposing camp  as well as old ones resurfacing from the past. Across the country, surrogates and supporters for each candidate tried to do the same.

In one resurfaced video, Trump's running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, of Ohio, called Harris and other Democratic leaders "childless cat ladies" who "don't really have a direct stake" in the future of the country because they don't have children.

Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) speaks during a rally in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, on Monday. (Paul Vernon / Associated Press)

Women across the internet responded angrily. Kerstin Emhoff, the ex-wife of Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, defended Harris as well, pointing out that Harris has been a co-parent to her and the second gentleman's two children.

"These are baseless attacks. For over 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I," Kerstin Emhoff said. "She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective and always present. I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it."

Read more: Jennifer Aniston blasts J.D. Vance over 'childless cat ladies' view on Kamala Harris

The tone Thursday was one more commonly felt in much earlier days of a presidential contest, but such is the impact of the seismic shift in the race caused by Biden's late exit.

The Times/Siena poll showed Trump leading Harris 48% to 47% among likely voters in a head-to-head matchup. That's a significant improvement from where Biden stood  6 percentage points behind Trump  in the same poll in early July.

Trump and his campaign were recalibrating their message to better and more specifically take shots at Harris. Harris and her campaign were seeing a flood of fresh enthusiasm and trying to take advantage of it. Both campaigns were trying out new ideas to see what might best stick, what would resonate with their bases, what would draw rally cheers and social media likes and engagement.

On "Fox and Friends," Trump ridiculed Biden's Wednesday evening speech as "terrible," and said the president "looked like he was having problems."

Though some Republican leaders have said the 81-year-old Biden should resign because he's unable to fulfill his duties, Trump said he didn't believe Biden should be removed from office, as there is "not long to go" before the election, and because "if he goes, she then takes over, and she's worse than he is."

In recent days, Harris and her backers have touted her experience as a prosecutor  a former San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general. Trump on Thursday suggested, without evidence, that Harris somehow had a hand in the various criminal cases against him.

"They've weaponized the justice system against me," Trump said. "They push all these cases on me, they're the ones that start it, and then they say, 'I'm a prosecutor, he's a criminal.' They're the ones, every case is started by them."

Trump has been charged with multiple crimes for allegedly taking classified documents home with him after leaving the White House and then trying to cover it up, and encouraging his supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Those cases were spearheaded by a special counsel.

Read more: Biden's address to the nation: 'I revere this office, but I love my country more'

Separately, he was criminally convicted of 34 felonies  in a case brought by New York prosecutors  for falsifying business records to hide paying hush money to an adult film actor alleging she'd had an affair with him, which he has denied. He faces separate charges of trying to subvert the election in Georgia, which were filed by prosecutors there.

Harris, in contrast, began her speech before the teachers union by praising Biden's speech and his work for the country. Saying "I revere this office, but I love my country more," Biden said he was passing the torch to another generation of leaders to defeat Trump.

"He showed once again what true leadership looks like," she said. "He really did. His words were poignant."

She also tried to include major policy goals that she would take up and continue from the current administration  such as affordable healthcare, forgiving student loans, passing gun control measures and backing unionized labor.

"We are in a fight for our most fundamental freedoms," Harris said. "And to this room of leaders I say: Bring it on."

Both candidates also commented on protesters who on Wednesday set ablaze an American flag at Union Station in Washington in protest of a speech before Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country's war against Hamas has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and leveled much of Gaza.

The aftermath of the burning of an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and also an Israeli flag as protestors look on Wednesday in Washington near Union Station and the U.S. Capitol. (Mike Stewart / Associated Press)

Again, their messages diverged.

In a statement, Harris described "despicable acts by unpatriotic protesters and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric," and condemned the burning of the flag.

"That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way," Harris said. "I support the right to peacefully protest, but lets be clear: Antisemitism, hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation."

Trump said anyone who does "anything to desecrate" an American flag should be thrown in jail for a year.

"Now people will say, 'Oh, it's unconstitutional.' Those are stupid people," he said.

He suggested that, on such issues, the U.S. could learn from strongman leaders in other countries.

"All over the world  Putin and President Xi of China  all over the world they're watching this. Kim Jong Un, he looks at us like we're a bunch of babies," Trump said. "That wouldn't happen in their countries. It's impossible for that to happen in their country."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Harris and Trump hit the campaign trail

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The likely Democratic presidential nominee is back on the campaign trail. Last night former president Donald Trump went on the attack against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Vice President Harris and former president Trump have stepped up their attacks. Trump calls Harris his new victim to defeat, linking her to President Bidens record.

Harris is blasting him over the conservative Project 2025 plan to restructure the federal government.

While speaking to teachers in Houston Thursday, Vice President Harris turned up the heat on her opponent.

Donald Trump and his extreme allies want to take our nation back, said Harris.

Shes trying to tie the Project 2025 to former president Trump. It provides a detailed blueprint for overhauling the federal government.

Can you believe they actually put that thing in writing? Harris asked.

Project 2025 would restructure employees, policies and federal agencies, including eliminating the Department of Education.

Its a plan to return America to a dark past, said Harris.

In his first campaign rally since President Biden stepped aside, former president Trump went after his likely opponents record.

Shes absolutely terrible, said Trump.

Harris got a big endorsement Thursday from the Democratic women of the House.

She is smart, strong, strategic, serious, said Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio.).

Harris also released her first campaign video Thursday called We Choose Freedom featuring music from Beyonce.

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BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- While climbing the Great Wall in suburban Beijing, several Brazilian poets excitedly recited their poems in front of a stone tablet inscribed with a famous Chinese saying, "One who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero."

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall on Tuesday welcomed more than 70 poets from BRICS countries as part of the First International Youth Poetry Festival's Special Session for BRICS Countries. The event kicked off last Friday in east China's Zhejiang Province and concluded on Wednesday in Beijing.

First held in 1980 by a poetry magazine published by the China Writers Association, the youth poetry festival is regarded as the most influential and longest-running literary gathering in China.

"With the event going global for the first time, it is hoped that we will explore the common emotional world of mankind and the diverse historical and cultural space through poetry," said Zhang Hongsen, vice chairman of the association.

The Great Wall, the first stop in their Beijing tour, left the foreign poets awestruck by its majesty and beauty. "The Wall brings stories in the form of joined stones. Walking around such an ancient structure made me feel like I was part of something bigger," said Rodrigo Vianna, a poet from Brazil. "Something that connects people and their feelings."

The poetic journey made Edrees Bakhtiari aware of the historical similarities between China and his homeland, Iran. "When two countries have a long history, they inadvertently get close to each other," he said. "The poetry of both countries also let me hear the echoes from history."

"I think there is something in common that we all share because if we write about life, death, the eternal question of the human being, we have the same topics in general," said Ahmed Yamani from Egypt.

At a poetry-sharing session at the foot of the Mutianyu Great Wall, foreign poets and Chinese peers recited their poems in their native languages, exchanging their thoughts on life, the world and the future.

"It's the poets' duty to promote communication and appreciation among civilizations, and we will do our best," said Indian poet Prithviraj Taur, who has a 10-year-old daughter and has translated some Chinese fairy tales into Marathi, one of the classic languages of India.

Taur hopes to translate the poems by the BRICS poets participating in the event into Marathi and publish an anthology upon returning to India.

Although Seife Temam, hailing from Ethiopia, had never been to China before, he had always admired the works of Laozi, a reputed Chinese philosopher, like many young poets in Ethiopia.

Temam said he gained a deeper understanding of both classic and modern Chinese poets because of this experience. "So I plan to explore their works that are in English and do some translations into my language," Temam said, adding that he has founded a poetry-sharing platform, open to any language, in Ethiopia.

While touring the Forbidden City in Beijing, Temam said "Including the history of literature, everything is reserved so well here, which is inspiring. So I will also try to preserve my poetry and what we are doing in poetry for future generations. It will inspire me in that way." 
Harrison is going away, but part of the old hospital will live on -- here's how

The former Harrison Hospital building in Bremerton is finally being torn down. But it won't completely disappear -- at least, not the distinctive yellow sandstone blocks that have made up its exterior for decades.

Bremerton's Mick Hersey, who has worked on veterans memorials and volunteers to maintain cemeteries around Kitsap, found a unique way to repurpose a small part of the building, in the process honoring the hospital's founders, Benjamin and Angie Harrison, and Kitsap's military history.

As the work to demolish the nearly 60-year-old building on Cherry Avenue got underway this summer, Hersey, a 68-year-old Bremerton veteran known for restoring veteran memorials for over a decade, stopped by the site to ask if he could take some sandstone blocks. He wanted to build a flower planter in front of the Harrisons' tomb at Ivy Green Cemetery, on Bremerton's west side.

The construction company said yes.

So Hersey drove his pickup and moved eight loads of blocks from the hospital to his carport. Currently, about 100 pieces of sandstone blocks are stored at his house. He's chipped off the cement mortar on the blocks so they may be evenly stacked, and even collected five buckets of cement mortar that may be used as backfill later.

"So it's all going to be reused, instead of just throwing it to the dump," said Hersey, who is also a volunteer coordinator of the Ivy Green Cemetery. Hersey retired from the Navy as a senior chief cook in 1997.

Mick Hersey moves a piece of sandstone block from the grave site of Benjamin and Angie Harrison, at left, at Bremerton's Ivy Green Cemetery.

"The Harrisons were one of the original founders of the town," Hersey said, mentioning their role as primary shareholders of the hospital. "That's, to me, a way to honor them with a piece of their actual hospital."

The construction company, Seattle-based Howard S. Wright, was honored to send the blocks, the company said in a statement.

"When Mick Hersey reached out to us for help repairing headstones at a local cemetery, we were honored to donate salvaged bricks from our project to support his efforts in preserving the memory of loved ones," a spokesperson for Howard S. Wright said.

"As a business that employs many military veterans, supporting Mick's efforts at the cemetery was a natural decision for us," the constructor said.

Mick Hersey points to the area where he's planning to build a flower box using yellow bricks from the old Harrison Hospital in Bremerton.

From hospital walls to flower planters in Bremerton

Hersey also plans to rebuild six 12-inch-wide square flower boxes at the veteran section of Ivy Green. The original round cement flower pots and two in the line with the flagpole are aging, and couldn't be restored. The pots were believed to be built during World War II, so they could be almost 80 years old, Hersey said.

Hersey will need 70 more sandstone blocks from the hospital to complete these missions, he said.

Mick Hersey bends down to demonstrate one of the six 12-inch-wide square flower boxes he plans to build at the corners of the veteran section at the Ivy Green Cemetery using sandstone blocks from the Harrison Hospital.

A rectangle, 32-inch-long, 12-inch-wide and 14-inch-high flower planter will be built in front of the grave of Angie and Benjamin Harrison to honor them, Hersey said.

Angie Harrison was a nurse at the First Methodist Church in Bremerton when a makeshift hospital was organized there in 1918, following the global influenza epidemic. A new hospital opened in downtown Bremerton that year, and Angie and Benjamin, a hardware store owner, became its majority shareholders. The hospital was initially called City General Hospital. It became Olympic Hospital in 1931, Harrison Memorial Hospital in 1942, and opened a campus on Cherry Avenue in East Bremerton in 1965, according to Kitsap Sun archives.

In 2005, Harrison Memorial was renamed Harrison Medical Center. An affiliation agreement was approved between Harrison Medical Center and CHI Franciscan Health of Tacoma in 2013 and the hospital was moved to Silverdale in 2020 under the new name St. Michael Medical Center. The Cherry Avenue building has been vacant since then.

Hersey plans to finish building the flower planters in September. But the story, and the continuing use of Harrison's facade, won't just end in Bremerton.

From the archives: Hospital consolidation and history collide: How Harrison Medical Center lost its name

A second cemetery, in Seabeck, benefits from Harrison

Hersey recognized an opportunity to use the sandstone blocks to honor veterans there as well.

In Seabeck, Hersey wants to use the blocks to mark about 140 unnamed burial sites. About 178 to 200 people were buried in the 1.25-acre cemetery owned by the Seabeck Conference Center, but only about 60 graves were marked, said Candace Kolbas, co-chair of the Seabeck Cemetery Restoration Project and a chapter registrar of Elizabeth Ellington Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, which organizes and fundraises the restoration project to fix damaged graves in Seabeck starting in 2023. That includes removing the salal and wild shrubs at the cemetery to find the graves.

A sandstone block from Harrison Hospital marks an unknown grave recently identified by volunteers involved in the Seabeck Cemetery Restoration Project.

Hersey's idea of reusing the hospital blocks became part of the project.

"We're going to cut them 12 inches long, put them on a cement base, and that'll mark everywhere that we know an unknown person is buried," Hersey said.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a D.C.-based nonprofit organization consisting of women at or over 18 who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence. Elizabeth Ellington is its local chapter located in the Silverdale-Bremerton area that has about 116 members in the Kitsap region and beyond, according to Kolbas, who is joined by co-chair of the Seabeck Project, Amy Brooks, the chapter regent.

Angie Harrison was a DAR member and the regent of the Elizabeth Ellington local chapter from 1933 to 1935, so that's another reason why using the former hospital's blocks to mark the unknown graves is meaningful, Kolbas said.

"She (Angie Harrison) was such a philanthropist," Kolbas said. "She and her husband Benjamin were such philanthropists and gave back to the community so much. I think she'd be tickled pink to know that the stone from the hospital is being used to mark all the unknowns in our cemetery."

Candace Kolbas gives a tour at the Seabeck Cemetery to introduce the Seabeck Cemetery Restoration Project, in which volunteers clear the salal and wild shrubs at the cemetery, find graves, and restores damaged headstones. Kolbas, who lives in Silverdale, is co-chair of the project and chapter registrar of Elizabeth Ellington Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Seabeck project links to country's 250th birthday in 2026

Kolbas said the project to clean up and recover Seabeck Cemetery, located north of Dancing Deer Way, started in 2023. As part of the nationwide American 250 Project, the DAR's local chapters were asked to find ways to identify and honor a Revolutionary War Patriot in each state to celebrate Americas 250th birthday in 2026. That year will be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

According to the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park in San Diego, approximately 25,000 to 70,000 American patriots died during active military service. Among them, about 6,800 were killed in battle and at least 17,000 died from disease. Most of those killed by disease died while being kept as prisoners of war of the British and mostly in the prison ships in New York Harbor.

Since there are no Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Washington State  at that time the area was part of the Oregon Territory  the chapter decided to find and honor Civil War veterans who may have ancestors who participated in the Revolutionary War.

And, the organization found a few of them in the Seabeck Cemetery, which was established in 1860 and now belongs to the Seabeck Conference Center.

Volunteers from the local DAR chapter, as well as those from Navy Hospital, Bangor, Washington Military Academy, Geocache Club, John Paul Jones chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and students at Central Kitsap High School, helped. Over 1,000 volunteer hours were given to the project to clean up the cemetery and identify potential graves between March and October last year, Kolbas said.

In June 2023, the organization contacted Suzanne Elshult, an experienced K9 handler, founder of the nonprofit Cascadia Search Dogs and president of Cairn Canine Detection for assistance. Elshult has been helping the DAR find the exact sites of the unknown burials since then. "Unknown" means the burials are documented in historical records but no graves with recognizable headstones are observed at the cemetery.

Another input came from Dan Miller, a carver at The Tenino Stone Carvers, who is recreating damaged graves and recover their original design, according to Kolbas.

The Seabeck Cemetery is located north of Dancing Deer Way on the land owned by the Seabeck Conference Center.

Preserving local history for future generations

The ultimate goal is to preserve the historical landmark for future generations, keep the stories of those buried alive, and to tell the history, Kolbas said.

"We just want to honor the cemetery and respect it and tell its story and preserve it," said Kolbas, adding that most of the people buried at the Seabeck Cemetery worked at the two lumber mills in Seabeck, so "their history is part of Washington State history."

More: Could Seabeck have been Seattle? Eagle Scout resurfaces history of once booming mill town

As part of the restoration, DAR plans to put signage in the Myrl Thompson gazebo, located at the center of the Seabeck Cemetery with a map and names to identify the location of the graves. A QR code will be provided there so that people can scan to read the stories of those buried, Kolbas said.

The restoration project is expected to be completed by June 2025, Kolbas said.

The local DAR chapter is fundraising for the project through various channels and events, including a GoFundMe page. The restoration of the graves requires lots of money, Kolbas said.

"Just for the GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar), we need to raise $18,000 for each. And we have about four sandstone bases that we will eventually replace. Those [on average] are about $4,000 each, depending on the size," Kolbas said.

Descendants of Revolutionary War, Mayflower rest in Seabeck

The DAR local chapter members documented some of the stories of those buried in Seabeck, including descendants of Revolutionary War patriots and a Mayflower passenger.

William J. Russell (1862-1938) and Martha (York) Russell (1864-1940) were buried in the Seabeck Cemetery without grave markers, but their burial was recorded by late historian Fred Just on a plot map. DAR said research shows the couple has ancestors who were American Revolutionary War Patriots. William Russell was the decedent of Patriots James Craig and North Carolina, and Martha York was the decedent of William Morris.

Born in 1895, died in 1916, and buried in the cemetery, Nellie Abigail (Brown) Wilson had five Patriots ancestors: Caleb Park, Benjamin Hall, Jacob Brown, Seth Sturtevant (who served as one of George Washingtons life guards) and William Sturtevant. He also has an ancestor, Samuel Fuller, who was a Mayflower passenger, according to DAR's research.

Sydney J. Wilson (1866-1934) is Nellie Abigail Wilson's third husband. Sydney Wilson's ancestors, Oliver Wilson, Joseph Maynard, and Barnabas Baker served in the Revolutionary War, according to DAR's research.

Frances Elizabeth (Jones) Rogers (1892-1943)'s eldest son buried her and her husband, Albert Rogers (1867-1930) at the cemetery, but never marked their graves. Frances had a Revolutionary War Patriot ancestor named Joseph La Follette, according to DAR. Also buried in the emetery, Samuel Nickels (1842-1924)'s ancestor Capt. William Nickels was a Revolutionary Patriot.

More information is available on the Seabeck Cemetery Restoration Project Facebook Page.

Corrections & Clarifications: This article has been updated since initial publication to include a co-chair of the Seabeck project, add a title of Suzanne Elshults' organization and clarify Dan Miller's involvement.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Harrison Hospital demolition opens project to rebuild at cemeteries
Idaho hate crimes increase, with Latinos targeted often. See what one Meridian man did

Black-and-white video footage, obtained by Meridian police last fall, showed a man approaching a dark-colored truck at night. He removed something from a bag and squatted down toward a tire, according to a police report obtained by the Idaho Statesman via the public records process.

The man, who was arrested, punctured the tires, messed with other vehicles of Latino neighbors and left notes, including one that read: We dont want to see you. We dont want to hear you. Police found the mans blog online, where hed written about his concern about other cultures.

He was responsible for all seven of Meridians reported hate crime incidents last year, according to an Idaho State Police report and a Meridian spokesperson. Court documents and a press release show he was initially charged with malicious harassment.

However, he pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor malicious injury to property, according to the Ada County Prosecutors Office. He paid restitution of over $2,500 and served 35 days in jail.

I want to be clear, this type of behavior is not a reflection of the values we hold dear as a community and is not tolerated, Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea said at the time of the mans arrest. We condemn any act motivated by bias, prejudice or hatred and will continue to actively promote a culture of inclusivity and understanding.

Hate crime incidents in Idaho rose to at least a three-year high in 2023, according to the Idaho State Polices newly released Crime in Idaho report. And Latino people were one of the most targeted groups.

Though the states Latino population is growing, just 13.8% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That would mean around 270,000 Idahoans identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Last year, 54 hate crime incidents were reported, the most since 2020  matching that years 54 hate crimes. (The Idaho State Police reported 56 but the Boise Police Department said its number was off by one and Caldwell Police said that White Power vandalism at Caldwell High was later determined to be gang-related.)

There were 47 incidents in 2021 and 50 in 2022.

Eleven of the crimes had an anti-Hispanic or anti-Latino motivation  making up approximately 20% of the total hate crimes. Other groups were targeted as well, including 17 reports against Black or African American people and 10 against members of the LGBTQ+ community.

There are a lot of things that are indicators of problems when were talking about racism, and certainly I think hate crimes is one of those indicators, said Rebecca De Leon, American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho communications director. But that isnt the only indicator of racism. There are so many other things that minority communities have to deal with on a day-to-day basis that constitute racism, that create extra barriers.

For example, one of the biggest complaints the ACLU of Idaho receives is from people who are discriminated against at work for speaking Spanish or just being Latino, De Leon said.

The ACLU of Idaho also released a report last year saying that the dress codes in the Nampa and Caldwell school districts discriminate against Latino students, according to previous Statesman reporting.

The ACLU of Idaho anticipates that the next legislative session will include blatant racist rhetoric along the lines of national immigration conversations, De Leon said. The ACLU also expects immigrants of any legal status and Latino Idahoans to be grouped together and attacked, she said.

In fact, Gov. Brad Little recently signed a bill to address noncitizen voting, though its already illegal and extraordinarily rare. And the city of Eagle recently declared itself a nonsanctuary city and barred services to immigrants who do not have permanent legal status, according to previous Statesman reporting.

It is meant to other certain groups. Its meant to scapegoat certain people who havent done anything, De Leon said. I think racism against Latinos is becoming very popular right now.
Opposition party leader Teav Vannol, speaks at a ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, March 3, 2018. A Cambodian court on Thursday found the president of the countrys main opposition party guilty of defamation and ordered him to pay $1.5 million in damages to the government, his lawyer and legal observers said. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  A Cambodian court on Thursday found the president of the countrys main opposition party guilty of defamation and ordered him to pay $1.5 million in damages to the government, his lawyer and legal observers said.

Teav Vannol, president of the opposition Candlelight Party, was not present for the courts ruling and is believed to be outside Cambodia. He holds dual Cambodian-U.S. citizenship. His lawyer, Choung Chou Ngy, said he will talk with his client about whether to file an appeal.

Thursdays verdict was the third conviction against a top leader of the Candlelight Party in under two years.

Cambodias government has long been accused of using the judicial system to persecute critics and political opponents. The government insists it promotes the rule of law under an electoral democracy, but political parties seen as mounting strong challenges to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party have been dissolved by the courts or had their leaders jailed or harassed.

The case against Teav Vannol alleged he had committed defamation in comments he made charging that democracy was regressing under the government of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who came to power last year. Hun Manet is the son of and successor to Hun Sen, who was prime minister for 38 years.

Teav Vannol acknowledged that he said Hun Manets leadership was more restrictive than his fathers, and that democracy had regressed, as opposition politicians, activists and other critics were being arrested. He made his comments in an interview he did in Japan in February.

He also acknowledged claiming that a security camera had been set up on a road near his home to monitor his activities, but said his comment was misconstrued as blaming that on the government.

The Cambodian government in March filed its legal complaint to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, accusing Teav Vannol of marring the image of the head of the government -- Hun Manet -- with his comments.

Article 305 of Cambodia's Criminal Code declares that defamation shall mean any allegation or charge made in bad faith which tends to injure the honor or reputation of a person or an institution.

This verdict is the latest in a string of convictions aimed at silencing the governments political opponents, Naly Pilorge, outreach director of the local rights group LICADHO, said after the courts ruling.

As an opposition party president, Vannol gave comments critical of his political rival to journalists  how can that possibly be a crime? Any hope for democracy and political freedom relies on the ability of all citizens to freely voice their concerns and criticisms of the countrys political leaders.

Under former Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodia under was widely criticized for human rights abuses that included suppression of freedom of speech and association. There have been few signs of political liberalization under the government headed by his son, Hun Manet.

The Candlelight Party, the only contender capable of mounting a credible challenge in last years general election, was barred on a technicality from contesting the polls by the National Election Committee. The election body, as well as the courts, are widely seen as being under the influence of the Cambodian Peoples Party, which coasted to an easy victory.

In October 2023, Thach Setha, a vice president of the Candlelight Party, was sentenced to three years imprisonment for allegedly inciting discrimination on basic of race, religion or nationality,

Another party vice president, Son Chhay, was given a large fine In October 2022 after being found guilty of defamation for saying the June 2022 local elections were unfair, alleging that the National Election Committee was biased in favor of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party.

Teav Vannol has the right to file an appeal to the Appeal Court and if that fails, to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Courts decision is final, and if he loses there, he has to pay the compensation and a fine of $2,500 to the state. If he is unable to make such payments, the court can order his properties seized and handed over to the complainant. If he has no property to be seized, he can be put in jail while efforts are made to fulfill the financial penalty.
A head-on collision in Brookfield left one dead on Tuesday, according to the New York State Police.

Police responded to NY-8 in the town of Brookfield for a two-vehicle head-on collision on Tuesday, July 23, at around 3:48 p.m.

Police said the preliminary investigation determined that Dominick Brown, 44, from New Berlin, was driving a blue 2004 GMC Sierra pickup southbound on NY-8 when he crossed over the double yellow onto the opposite lane, striking a black 2007 Hyundai Sante Fe driven by Nancy Simon, 63, from Leonardsville,.

Brown was pronounced deceased at the scene, troopers said. An autopsy will be conducted to determine an official cause of death.

Simon was airlifted to Upstate University in critical condition with internal injuries to her lower extremities.

The investigation is ongoing.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Head-on collision leaves 1 dead in Brookfield
Andrei Belkov, the head of the military construction company linked to Russia's Defense Ministry, was arrested on suspicion of corruption, the state-controlled media outlet Kommersant reported on July 24.

The charges relate to the alleged purchase of equipment at inflated prices and subsequent pocketing of the difference.

According to Kommersant, the charges are not directly linked to Belkov's official capacities and concern a comparatively small amount of money that reportedly went missing, estimated to be around 45 million rubles ($527,000)allegedly split between several conspirators.

But there may be additional charges in the future, as both the company and Belkov himself were previously supervised by former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, who is currently also under investigation on corruption-related charges.

Ivanov, who previously served as the country's top official in charge of the construction of military facilities, was arrested and dismissed from his position in April. It was likely the highest-profile corruption case in Russia since the beginning of the full-scale war against Ukraine.

Various Western countries have sanctioned Ivanov due to his role in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and he was previously the target of a December 2022 investigation by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, founded by late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The investigation alleged that Ivanov profited from construction projects in occupied Mariupol.

Some independent Russian media suggested that Ivanov was actually suspected of treason and that the bribery charges were a cover for a more scandalous crime.

"A bribe is for the public. So far, they don't want to talk publicly about treason," a source in law enforcement told the IStories media outlet in April.

"No one would have detained him for corruption. Everyone there (in the Kremlin) knew about this for a long time," another source said.

The Kremlin has denied the veracity of such suggestions.

Read also: Russia systemically abuses its soldiers in Ukraine to maintain order, The Insider reports

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I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation, President Joe Biden said Wednesday night from the Oval Office. That is the best way to unite our nation, the 81-year-old incumbent added of his exit from the 2024 race and quick endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

Certainly, reaction to Bidens primetime TV speech has been almost totally united in praise. Blacklist founder Leonard Franklin and Stephen King both perhaps put it best and most bluntly soon after Bidens just under 15-minutes remarks ended.

More from Deadline

Hell of a speech.  Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) July 25, 2024

Hell of a speech.  Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 25, 2024

One of the big Hollywood donors who called for Biden to withdraw from his reelection efforts after the presidents debate debacle of June 27, Rob Reiner, the director of The American President, left nothing on the table tonight.

Joe Biden will go down as one of our greatest Presidents. Ive never more proud of being an American.  Rob Reiner (@robreiner) July 25, 2024

Mitch Landrieu, the former mayor of New Orleans and a top Biden adviser and a top aide (who wasnt always a big Biden fan) to Barack Obama also went for the less-is-more reaction.

Simply the most consequential president of our lifetimes. Thank you @JoeBiden! https://t.co/jHNGZMmWkG  Mitch Landrieu (@MitchLandrieu) July 25, 2024

.@JoeBiden was as big as the moment.  David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) July 25, 2024

Star Trek: Picard star Jeri Ryan leaned forward out of the speech.

Our President is such a truly good, good man.

My heart breaks for him.

Lets win this for him. #Harris2024  Jeri Ryan (@JeriLRyan) July 25, 2024

Kamala Harris self-described rapid response X/Twitter feed paid respect with the presidents own words, as did The Wire alum Wendell Pierce:

President Biden: I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. There is a time and place for long years of experience in public life. But there is also a time and place for new voices, fresh voices, and yes, younger voices. And that time and place pic.twitter.com/H1iixas8Tl  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) July 25, 2024

President Joe Biden. A presidency of restoration. I revere this office, but I love my country more. It's been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it's more important than any title, pic.twitter.com/c3yb8jFlQC  Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 25, 2024

A potential presidential candidate one day and a political adopted son of Joe Biden, the Governor of California Gavin Newson went for brevity too:

Yvette Nicole Brown gave a shout-out to a former POTUS close to his 100th birthday in her response to tonights speech.

What a dear man.

What an amazing speech.



Thank you @JoeBiden. You were & ARE an amazing @Potus & a lifetime servant leader.



You have the character every President should have. You have that Jimmy Carter vibe. Theres no higher compliment I can give.



Thank you. pic.twitter.com/s8DVxtLjl1  yvette nicole brown (@YNB) July 25, 2024

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, Tonight, we saw President Joe Biden  one of Americas most consequential presidents  show that he is not only on the right side of history, but on the right side of the future.

America has been blessed by the wisdom and magnificent leadership of President Joe Biden as he has protected our democracy and led our nation with progress, hope and unity. President Biden has truly made a tangible difference in the lives of the American people.

With love and gratitude, I salute President Biden for always believing in the possibilities of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment.

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More of former President Donald Trumps education platform was unveiled during the Republican National Convention last week, and many are drawing parallels to how Gov. Ron DeSantis has shaped Floridas public school system in recent years.

DeSantis and the Florida Legislature passed several controversial laws that defunded diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, banned instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation and demanded that state universities consider the Classic Learning Test (CLT), largely used by Christian and charter schools, as an SAT/ACT alternative, among other initiatives to ban books and certify new, controversial Black history standards.

In May, U.S. News & World Report sent a ripple of shock across the United States when it crowned the Sunshine State as No. 1 in the nation for education. The ranking, however, seemed largely based on Florida's scores in higher education.

New Florida education laws: DeSantis signed a number of new school laws. Here's what you should know before August

In higher education, Florida  which is No. 9 in the overall Best States rankings  posted the second-highest rates of timely graduation among students at public institutions pursuing two- and four-year degrees, respectively, the publication stated. Students attending its public, four-year institutions also faced the lowest average amount in the country for in-state tuition and fees.

Pre-K through high school, students excelled in college readiness, ranking No. 5. The state was ranked No. 12 for preschool enrollment, ranked No. 19 for high school graduation rate, and No. 21 and No. 32 for eighth-grade reading and math scores, respectively.

Republicans now hope to adopt some of Floridas ideas on education to win over voters in November. Namely, the party wants to implement universal school choice, help boost parental rights in classrooms and promote what they call patriotic standards for civics education.

Heres what that looks like in Florida.

Parental Rights in Education law, aka the Dont Say Gay law, limits discussion on sexual orientation, gender identity

Floridas Parental Rights in Education law was one of the first to come under fire from critics, who soon began referring to it as the Dont Say Gay law.

It prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms. The bill originally only targeted kindergarten through third grade and limited similar discussions in higher grades to what is age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.

The bill was expanded last year to include grades K-12, but a settlement curbed some ideas critics disagreed with. According to NPR, the settlement clarifies how sexual orientation and gender identities can be talked about in public schools. The vague language of the original law left many fearing they would be unable to talk about their identities without facing possible repercussions.

The settlement now makes clear that students and teachers can discuss sexual orientation and gender identity, so long as it isnt included as part of instruction.

Stop Woke Act prohibits teaching CRT in K-12 schools

Florida's "Stop WOKE Act" targets critical race theory (CRT) in schools and workplaces by codifying the Florida Department of Education's prohibition on teaching CRT in K-12 schools, barring schools and universities from hiring "woke" CRT consultants and preventing corporations from forcing employees to take mandatory CRT training.

In March, a three-judge panel of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision to block part of the law, preventing it from being implemented in workplaces. The law is currently being enforced in schools.

Critical race theory is a loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the idea that race is a social construct used to oppress and exploit people of color, according to Britannica.

It teaches that law in the U.S. maintains systems that create inequalities between white people and people of color. People who subscribe to the idea work toward restructuring these institutions to eliminate all race-based hierarchies.

Defunding DEI programs

In May 2023, DeSantis signed legislation that banned state funding for DEI programs at Floridas public universities. The law bars Florida state universities from spending state or federal funds to promote, support or maintain any programs that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, or promote or engage in political or social activism.

How gender and race are taught on Florida campuses is restricted under the law. It requires university officials to review any lessons based on theories that systemic racism, sexism and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political and economic inequities.

DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. Studies by McKinsey & Company, a business focused on accelerating sustainable and inclusive growth, show that there are clear correlations between diversity and business performance.

Adopting the Classic Learning Test as SAT/ACT alternative

DeSantis signed a bill into law in May 2023 that authorized Florida school districts to administer the Classic Learning Test (CLT), a new and controversial standardized test, alongside the SAT and ACT. Now, the Florida Department of Education will consider adding the CLT as an acceptable exam for university admissions.

The CLT is a new classical and Christian alternative to the SAT and ACT standardized tests that were created in 2015 by Maryland educator Jeremy Tate, who believes American education has become utilitarian and that high-stakes testing is partially to blame.

More than 200 colleges and universities accept CLT scores, but that list mostly consists of private universities.

The College Board, which administers the SAT, has said that it recognizes the role that the CLT and other assessments can play in a diverse educational landscape but rebuked a concordance relationship study published by the Classic Learning Initiatives in April.

There are four CLT exams that students can take, each focusing on different grade levels. The CLT is the college entrance exam for grades 11 and 12, CLT 10 is a college preparatory exam for grades 9 and 10, CLT 8 is a high school readiness program for grades 7 and 8 and CLT 3-6 is a diagnostic and summative exam for grades 3-6.

The CLT offers both online and paper assessments that evaluate English, grammar and math skills. According to the website, the CLT differs from other tests by emphasizing foundational critical thinking skills.

Expanding School choice programs

DeSantis signed one of the largest private school voucher expansions in the U.S. in March 2023, following a trend from other conservative states after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the law, all Florida students are eligible for taxpayer-financed vouchers to attend private schools. The total awarded amount is up to $8,500 depending on the area the student lives in.

The Tallahassee Democrat reported at the time that the Florida House estimated the cost of the expansion as $209.6 million to public schools, while a Senate analysis had tagged it at $646 million. However, the Florida Policy Institute, a progressive research organization, estimated that it would cost Florida taxpayers closer to $4 billion.

Teachers unions and other groups criticized the bill, saying it will rob public schools of already scarce funding and allow private schools to discriminate against students, including those with disabilities. Some parents, however, applaud the new laws, including parents who already send their kids to private schools.

Contributors: John Kennedy and Nirvi Shah, USA TODAY NETWORK

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida's education system could be GOP's new blueprint. What to know
It would be wrong to say the attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris record as border czar began the moment Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 campaign.

Thats because the attacks began long ago.

Ever since a spring 2021 White House meeting when Biden announced he was asking Harris to take the lead on a major immigration initiative, the vice president has been the face of the administrations response to migration at the Southern border. As crossings have surged, Harris has taken the blame for policies that Republican lawmakers  and many voters  say have been a disaster.

You can see the toll on her reputation in a late July YouGov poll: Just 30% of voters said they trusted her over Donald Trump on immigration. And Republicans are hard at work making sure that reputation sticks.

As a result of her dangerously extreme immigration policies, the largest invasion in history is now taking place at our southern border, Trump said on a Tuesday conference call for reporters.

The day before, the Republican National Committee had distributed a press release and video of the 2021 White House meeting. Here is the moment Biden crowned Kamala border czar in 2021, the RNC posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

But if you actually watch that video, youll notice something: Biden never called Harris a border czar, or even implied shell be taking the lead for administration policy. As the full meeting transcript makes clear, he was simply tapping Harris to work with foreign governments, businesses and local organizations on the root causes of migration from the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

She was not in charge of what happened at the U.S.-Mexico border. She was not a border czar, Theresa Cardinal Brown, director of immigration policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, told HuffPost.

That doesnt mean Harris can  or should  avoid questions about Biden administration immigration policy. She has been a voice in the room. And given the positions she took before becoming vice president, its entirely possible she would have taken a similar approach to the border had she, not Biden, been the ultimate decision maker.

But a fair analysis of Harris record should start with a look at how she carried out her real mission, rather than the mythical job of border czar. The picture that emerges  based in part on conversations with a half dozen analysts  looks quite a bit different from the one Republicans have been painting. It also offers some important clues about how she might govern if she wins in November.

Why Immigration Policy Has Been So Difficult

To understand what Biden asked Harris to do in 2021, it helps to understand the situation he inherited when he took over as president. That story actually goes back to when he was vice president, when a then-unprecedented surge of migrants at the Southern border overwhelmed public and private resources in 2014, creating chaos.

Unlike previous waves of immigrants, who were predominantly men from Mexico looking to find work while avoiding authorities, this group had large numbers of women and (frequently unaccompanied) children hoping to stay in the U.S. using the legal asylum process. And they were from those Northern Triangle countries, not Mexico.

As officials tried desperately to figure out how to process these migrants through a system never designed to accommodate them, then-President Barack Obama dispatched Biden to address what he and his advisers believed were the underlying forces prompting so many people to leave their home countries in the first place.

These root causes included not just a lack of economic opportunity but also high rates of gang violence. Both problems had defied attempts at redress because of rampant government corruption in the Triangle nations, making political reform in those countries an important part of the job. Violence against children and women was another concern, because its what made conditions so deplorable that women were willing to risk their lives or send their children away with smugglers.

With Biden taking the lead, the Obama administration sent more aid to the Northern Triangle countries. But they had only two years, and Trump, whose singular focus was on stopping migrants at the border, cut the assistance and scaled back other efforts to make it easier to process refugees. When Biden became president, he restarted the initiatives and handed his old portfolio to Harris.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei during a meeting at the National Palace in 2021 as part of a visit to discuss migration. Eyepix Group via Getty Images

The political risks of taking on the famously intractable challenge of immigration were so obvious that Saturday Night Live even made a joke about it. And although Harris was familiar with immigration from her work in California politics, she had never really operated at such a national and international level, with every utterance subject to such scrutiny both at home and abroad.

The inexperience showed. During a visit to Guatemala, she gave an unusually blunt speech warning migrants not to come to the U.S. Her comments infuriated progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who said on social media that discouraging refugees seeking asylum was unfair after the U.S. spent decades contributing to regime change and destabilization in Latin America.

In an interview on NBC, Harris gave a fumbling answer about visiting the border that conservatives cited as proof she didnt take the migration surge seriously. The vice president thinks the border crisis is a hilarious joke, said Kevin McCarthy, the California Republican who at the time was leader of the House Republicans.

The timing was terrible, too. The speech and the quote came right as the Biden administration was reversing many of Trumps more aggressive border policies and as COVID-19 was receding, allowing freer movement among nations again. Because of the former, the latter or some combination of the two  it depends on whose analysis you believe  migration from the Northern Triangle shot up again.

It was Biden, not Harris, making these decisions. But Bidens change in policy was consistent with the approach to immigration most high-profile Democratic leaders had been endorsing for years, including during the 2020 presidential primaries  when Harris, who was a candidate, said, We must fundamentally overhaul our immigration enforcement policies and practices in order to end Trumps cruel and out-of-control approach.

In just the last year, and in response to the new surge, the Biden administration has once again tightened border security while also trying to improve processing of refugee applications. Border crossings have fallen sharply, back to levels not seen since 2020, though that has not calmed the political waters.

Progressives have denounced what they call harmful deterrent-based policies, while MAGA Republicans think Democrats arent doing enough. (Trump on his Tuesday press call described it as a Band-Aid.) Meanwhile, polls continue to show immigration is the single worst issue for Democrats  and for Harris in particular.

What Harris Actually Did

Some advocates and analysts, especially on the right, see the root-causes strategy as a distraction or worse, arguing that it will waste American tax dollars, and will perpetuate current pull factors of illegal immigration, as a 2021 Heritage Foundation report put it.

Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, told HuffPost he is more optimistic, arguing the approach could make a huge difference down the road. But, he warned, the chance that this could make a big difference in two or three years, or even in eight, in two terms as a president  its hard to see how it would.

Jason Marczak, vice president and senior director of the Atlantic Councils Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, said its unrealistic to expect quicker progress from the root-causes effort, as Harris herself warned when she took on the task. The factors leading up to the migration from these three countries, they didnt start last year, two years ago, five or even 10 years ago  they go back decades, Marczak said.

Theres also the inherent difficulty of trying to work on root causes in countries where the government is not a particularly helpful partner, because of corruption, incompetence or both.

US Vice President Kamala Harris participates in a women's intergenerational innovators and entrepreneurs event in Guatemala City on June 7, 2021. JIM WATSON via Getty Images

Harris efforts have included showing U.S. support for reformers like Guatemalas newly elected president, who ran on an anti-corruption platform. And thats helped, said Brown, who worked on border issues while serving in the administration of George W. Bush.

At the same time, Brown said, some of those are things that the United States really cant fix for these countries. They have to kind of fix it on their own, maybe with some help and encouragement and support.

But if its too early to assess the effects of the root-causes strategy, its not too early to see where Harris efforts have made a mark, several advocates and analysts said.

Cecilia Munoz, a veteran political leader in the Latino political community, cited the establishment of safe mobility centers in Central and South America, starting in Guatemala, so that potential migrants can seek permission to enter the U.S. without making the treacherous, smuggler-led journey to the Mexico border.

Setting up migration offices that involve multiple countries and multiple international organizations is an enormously complex exercise, said Munoz, who worked on immigration while serving as a domestic policy adviser in the Obama White House. It is tremendously important to have a principal of the vice presidents caliber leading the charge, engaging with heads of state, and managing the collaboration between the many federal agencies in the United States who need to be involved in that process.

That kind of high-level negotiation also helped secure more than $5 billion in regional investment from multinational companies like Apple and Starbucks, Munoz and some of the other analysts said. And while Harris speech and the NBC interview got the most public scrutiny during her 2021 Guatemala trip, what some regional experts noticed was the vice presidents itinerary there  and how it reflected the expertise, if not the experience, she brought to the job.

She made sure that she wasnt just meeting with the corrupt administration there, Marshall Fitz, managing director of immigration at the Emerson Collective, said of her trip. She was also meeting directly with Indigenous women, engaging them, making sure she heard them and saw them. One of her niches is womens empowerment generally, and her understanding of migration is very much rooted in an understanding that if youve going to solve these migration challenges, women are going to be a big part of that because theyre the backbones of these families.

Vicki Gass, a former Oxfam official who is now executive director of the Latin American Working Group, also took note of Harris focus on gender-based violence as a key factor in migration. She was genuine, she was concerned, Gass said of the vice presidents efforts in Central America. She was specifically, especially concerned about gender-based violence and issues surrounding children and youth, youth violence, access to education.

But Gass was skeptical that other parts of the root-causes effort would pay off. She said she thought Harris and her team didnt understand how endemic corruption  and class and hierarchy  are to these countries. She also thought the celebrated $5 billion corporate investment wont do much for true economic development, which would require more serious investments in things like education and skills training.

The corporations get gold stars for being in this partnership and committing money, Gass said, but actually its more of a marketing thing, and doesnt address the issues on the ground.

Others were more sanguine, saying the root causes strategy as a whole could pay off  if, and only if, it continues to get support from the White House. I think that in order to have a kind of sustainable, long-term drop in migration from these countries, its going to require a continuity of these efforts  you know, beyond one administration, Marczak said.

The challenge is that this kind of a strategy is not a short-term strategy, Brown said. She did get quite a few private-sector commitments of investment in these countries. But turning that investment into actual jobs  its harder getting that investment actually deployed and doing something. Its just a long-term thing.

What Policy Could Look Like After The Election

Another factor limiting the impact of Harris efforts is that the surge of migrants that caused border crossings to spike earlier in Bidens presidency doesnt look like previous surges.

Thats because the new wave of migrants has been coming from South American countries and the Caribbean, and sometimes from much further, with different forces pushing the exoduses from different regions. Migrants from the Northern Triangle, meanwhile, are actually down, though they still represent a significant part of the flow.

The other big problem, which the Obama administration also confronted during the 2014 surge, is that the U.S. immigration system is simply not designed to police and process such large numbers of migrants seeking asylum status, especially when so many are women and children.

A person holds a sign that reads "Mass Deportation Now" and "Make America Strong Again" on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Leon Neal via Getty Images

For most Democrats and at least some Republicans, the best policy response would be legislation simultaneously increasing security and increasing the capacity for processing migrants trying to enter legally  and, in some fashion, dealing with the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants already in the U.S.

Twice in the last decade, Congress has come close to passing such legislation on a bipartisan basis. Both times, anti-immigration Republicans killed it.

A Trump win would all but preclude the possibility of such reforms. He has instead promised that he would focus on the largest deportation in history, using (legally dubious) authority to protect national security and enlisting police and the National Guard to carry out raids across the country.

A Harris win would keep a proponent of reform legislation in the White House, though her ability to deliver it would obviously depend on her negotiating skills and which party controls Congress. In the meantime, its safe to assume Harris would likely use her executive authority over border enforcement by trying  as Biden did  to find some sort of middle path that blends tighter border controls with new methods for processing migrants. And shed probably keep paying attention to root causes, in Central America and maybe beyond.

Such an approach certainly wouldnt solve the problems associated with immigration in a single year, or even a single presidential term. Itd inevitably change to match circumstances, sometimes suddenly, with high-profile setbacks to go with quiet advances. But considering immigrations complexity, and whats actually feasible as policy and politics today, Harris could make a credible case theres no better alternative.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misspelled Vicki Gass name.

Related...
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Topeka Metro is offering a special deal for local high school students for the upcoming academic school year.

Keri Renner, director of marketing and communications with the Topeka Metro, issued a press release Thursday, July 25 that all area high school students holding a valid 2024-2025 student ID can ride metro fixed bus routes for free. To take advantage of this offer, students need to show their student ID to the bus driver when boarding.

Students in middle and grade schools will not be included in this deal. High school students who dont have a current 2024-2025 school ID will need to pay for rides until they can get their IDs updated. Students can also ride on paratransit buses but must apply for and be approved for eligibility.

New Topeka police chief public input sessions open next month

Renner said students with questions on this topic can call 785-783-7000 for help. A separate promotion for Kids Ride Free will last until Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.

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

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
ISTANBUL, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkish security forces found on Thursday an unmanned naval vehicle on the Black Sea shores of Turkiye's largest city Istanbul, local officials said.

According to a statement from the Istanbul governor's office, the unidentified vehicle was found washed ashore on Yalikoy beach in the Catalca district.

Coast Guard and gendarmerie teams were swiftly dispatched to ensure the safety of nearby citizens, escorting them outside the perimeter, the statement said.

The vehicle, measuring three meters in length and one meter in width, has been secured by the deployed teams, the governor's office added.

The state-run Anadolu Agency said that the following assessments indicated the vehicle's potential use in human trafficking, and the Catalca Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation. 
Hiker, 70, Found Alive After Going for a Walk and Getting Lost in Sierra Nevada Wilderness for 5 Days

Elliott initially went missing after going out on the Rubicon Trail

Placer County Sheriff's Office/Facebook (2) Warren Elliott

The disappearance of a 70-year-old hiker in the Sierra Nevada wilderness ended on a happy note, as the man was found alive after five days.

Warren Elliott, who went missing on Friday, July 19, was discovered on Wednesday, July 24, after local authorities received a text message from a fellow hiker around 8 a.m. local time, according to an update from the Placer County Sheriffs Office.

Authorities say that Elliot told them that on July 19, he went out for a walk "in an area he was familiar with," but when he tried to go back to the area he was camping at in Rubicon Springs, he "began walking in the wrong direction."

In order to survive, Elliott revealed that he drank the water from a nearby river and found a handful of berries to eat.

Placer County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Warren Elliott

The Placer County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

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Speaking with local outlet KCRA-TV, Sgt. Sage Bourassa said he was happy that the outcome of the case. "It's fantastic," he said. "There was concerns that he would not survive this."

Related: Missing Hiker, 48, Found Alive After 2 Weeks in Kentuckys Red River Gorge: It Is Truly a Miracle

After he was located safely, a CHP helicopter took him back to the command post where he was reunited with his family members who were very happy for his return  as were the 50-100 people who helped search for Elliott each day.

Placer County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Warren Elliott

Elliott initially went missing after going out on the Rubicon Trail. According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, he was helping with trail maintenance ahead of an upcoming Jeep Jamboree when he disappeared.

The department stated he arrived at the area as a passenger in his son's Jeep and "walked away as work was being done."

Described as a "Jeeper," the sheriff's office stated at the time that Elliott was last seen wearing a blue denim short-sleeved shirt and blue denim shorts.

Related: 70-Year-Old California Man Missing After Taking Jeep on Off-Road Trail

According to El Dorado County's official website, the Rubicon Trail spans 22 miles from Georgetown to Lake Tahoe and has elevations ranging from approximately 5,400 to over 7,000 feet.

The website states that the Rubicon Trail is widely considered the "crown jewel of all off-highway trails" and was previously "revered as the most difficult, rated 10 on a scale of one to 10, due to its narrow passages, rocky climbs, and occasional mud hole."

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Weather watchers everywhere were astounded to see Hurricane Beryl ramp up in just two days from tropical storm strength to a Category 5 behemoth packing wind speeds of 165 mph.

Its July 1 emergence as a Category 4 storm and growth the next day to Cat 5 strength were the earliest in recorded history that a storm had reached either of those benchmarks, and Beryl carved a path of destruction west across the Caribbean islands then north and east into Texas and as far Vermont.

It seems a safe bet that Beryl will not be the last major storm of 2024. Forecasters are predicting as many as 25 named storms and Nov. 1 seems a very long way away.

Ian one year later: How long will it take for Fort Myers Beach, SW Forida to fully recover?

That storm damage will occur in Florida this year is already a given; South Florida was swamped in mid-June by flash flooding caused by torrential rains nobody even figured into the hurricane season equation.

There is another aspect of hurricane season that, unfortunately, has also become something of a given, the disparate treatment of disadvantaged populations and communities of color when it comes to receiving aid after the storm and assistance in recovery.

Hurricane Ian and Harlem Heights

Richard Ryles, a West Palm Beach attorney, had seen similar scenarios play out so many times before that when it became certain Hurricane Ian was going to cut a wide path of destruction through Lee and Collier counties in September, 2022 there was no question in his mind where disaster assistance would initially be deployed.

Stevie Wonder wearing Ray Charles glasses could see what the reaction from the state was going to be, he said.

And he was right. Following the storm that devastated Southwest Florida, aid stations were set up in the wealthy white coastal enclaves of Sanibel, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach and Naples and the poor, mostly Black, residents of communities like Dunbar and Harlem Heights were left to figure out a way to get to those areas to find relief.

We knew they would be the last helped," Ryles said, "Based on the history of the treatment of African Americans in this state and across the country.

Harlem Heights, a historically Black community in Fort Myers, had grown up when segregation was the way of the world. It is built in a low-lying area susceptible to flooding. After Ian, Ryles said, it seemed the whole community was underwater.

Ryles mobilized a group of fraternity brothers, who reached out to others, including representatives from the Thomas Leroy Jefferson Medical Society. They gathered up food, necessities like feminine products and sanitary wipes and the medical supplies needed to assist people needing immediate treatment for ailments like diabetes and high blood pressure and set up shop at a Harlem Heights Community Center.

In a two-week span they would feed some 350 people and provide medicine and necessities to 600 more, but Ryles said when they arrived they were overwhelmed by what they saw.

"We didn't realize the extent of the problem," he said.

He said the desperation of the situation really hit home as he and others were setting up a grill to cook for residents of the community when an 11-year-old boy pulled up on a bicycle and told them that he was hungry and he and his grandmother hadn't eaten in two days.

"That kind of story was recounted multiple times," he said.

Hurricane Michael and North Port St. Joe

Tales of the misery inflicted by tropical storms are hardly uncommon in Florida, which has been hit by four major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher in the last 10 years.

One of the saddest sagas is that of North Port St. Joe, where, according to Dannie Bolden, there are still homes bearing the scars of a savage beating from 2018's Hurricane Michael. Some of those residences have since begun literally sinking into the ground.

"This community, as its name implies, lies north of the small Gulf Coast town of Port St. Joe and is comprised mostly of African Americans. It grew up in the late 1800s and early 1900s on the other side of a series of railroad tracks separating it from the "white" side of town. Many of the homes in North Port St. Joe were built before the 1960s in the shadow of the St. Joe Paper Company mill that opened in 1934 and a nearby chemical plant, Bolden said.

'How far we've come': Looking back on Hurricane Michael 5 years after it hit Bay County

The St. Joe Paper Company had a landfill of sorts in North Port St. Joe where its workers deposited wood chips and other potentially hazardous factory debris in nearby woods and wetlands. The dumping grounds were later leveled off, parceled out and sold in the disadvantaged community for home construction.

North Port St. Joe is situated on the highest point in Port St. Joe, so its residents didn't suffer the flooding from Hurricane Michael that its neighbors to the south had, but Bolden said there was no shortage of downed trees that damaged homes and left many without power and water.

Bolden said one woman stayed in her badly damaged home because she had nowhere else to go and the mold there got so bad he had to send the local health department to the residence to talk her into leaving.

"They got her into a hotel," he said. "But shortly after she died."

Bolden lives in Columbus, Georgia, but he still focuses much of his energy and attention on being active on behalf of his hometown of North Port St. Joe.

At the time he was interviewed for this article Bolden was in the community working with a professor from the Pensacola-based University of West Florida. The men have collaborated to study ways to come up with transformational scenarios to address systemic racism within the healthcare system in North Port St. Joe.

In the immediate aftermath of Michael, Boldin learned that community residents were required to board buses to more affluent areas to find distribution centers where they could get food and other necessities. The people of North Port St. Joe had become so acclimated to being slighted, he said, they didnt even complain.

Bolden, though, took it upon himself to set up a location to provide aid in North Port St. Joe. FEMA would ultimately recognize it as one of the best run in the entire Panhandle.

"It was unbelievable the way he embedded himself in that community in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael and the way that community came together under his direction," said FEMA official TJ Dargan. "It was just phenomenal."

Following Hurricane Michael a whole new element of historical racism emerged for the people of North Port St. Joe. Homes in the area had been "redlined" by insurance companies, Bolden said.

Redlining is a term used to define a historically racist business practice in which red-lined maps were used to identify areas, typically in neighborhoods occupied by African Americans, where property values were likely to fall and therefore deemed too risky to insure.

"In North Port St. Joe many of these homes had been there a long time and after the storm required quite a bit of repair. But the insurance, the way the insurance was rated, in this low-wealth community with high levels of poverty in an area that had been redlined, people can't afford the cost of insurance," Bolden said.

Grassroots efforts to right the many wrongs

North Point St. Joe is hardly an exception, not just in Florida but across the United States. Equality activists say accountability has been hard to come by for those in power owning up to the sins of the past where communities of color are concerned.

And the continuing selective assistance seen following storms today could have even more far-reaching effects in a future where climate change threatens to make everyday life increasingly unpleasant.

If there is good news, it is that steps are being taken to build awareness and to assist communities of color in building resilience to coming storms and climate change.

Robert Bullard is widely viewed as the father of environmental justice, a philosophy that recognizes that historic injustices often are brought to light in the aftermath of natural disasters and that preparation for future disasters must go hand in hand with fixing the abuses  like redlining in North Port St. Joe  of the past.

"Racial disparities exist in disaster response, clean up, rebuilding, reconstruction and recovery," Bullard wrote in a novel he titled "Race, Place, and Environmental Justice After Hurricane Katrina."

"Race plays out on natural disaster survivors' ability to rebuild, replace infrastructure, obtain loans and locate temporary and permanent housing," Bullard observed. "People of color spend more time in temporary housing and are more vulnerable to permanent displacement."

It may well have been Hurricane Katrina and its impact on the city of New Orleans that finally opened the eyes of the world to the disparate treatment afforded to minorities following a major natural disaster.

The iconic Superdome in downtown New Orleans was opened as a "refuge of last resort" for those unable to escape the oncoming Katrina. It was estimated that 14,000 people entered the building the night before the storm, but, USA Today reported in an article 10 years later that the number swelled to 30,000 as levies failed and areas of the city flooded.

The world watched as the arena and its occupants suffered through five days of hell in nightmarish conditions. A portion of the Superdome roof blew off, and the building's main generator died early on, leaving the structure reliant on a backup generator that couldn't power the air conditioning system or keep the refrigeration on to prevent "massive amounts of food from spoiling."

A promise from Mayor Ray Nagin to furnish FEMA supplies was never fulfilled, USA Today reported, and the city's police department pulled its contingent from the Dome the day after Katrina hit, based on the ultimately false premise that flood waters were going to continue to rise.

Bathrooms backed up and the stench became unbearable, the small contingent of National Guard troops became targets as people became more frustrated and desperate, according to USA Today's reporting. Three people would die, at least two, including a young girl, were sexually assaulted and many people lost to theft of what little household belongings they had managed to salvage from their now uninhabitable homes.

More than 1,800 lost their lives to Hurricane Katrina, and later assessments found injustices that included equal access to health care and healthy food choices. Many who survived the storm itself were forced to wade through waters polluted by the residue of industrial plants close to the neighborhoods in which they lived.

"In communities of color and poor communities, there tend to be more warehouses or plants that store hazardous materials," said Bruce McClue, a technical training manager for the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice. "Many also lie along railroad tracks utilized by trains carrying hazardous materials."

When interviewed for this article McClue was in the company of Pensacola-based environmental justice advocate Calvin Avant. The two were traveling through Florida providing emergency response preparedness training.

"There is a problem," McClue said. "Most people don't have the money to pay clean-up crews to come in, and after a disaster there's a lot of work, a lot of the initial work, that they have to do themselves."

American Red Cross and NAACP team up to assess continuing needs

Cynthia Slater grew up and still resides in an area of Daytona Beach known as Midtown. It is a historically segregated Black community she calls "almost like New Orleans."

"We sit in a low zone. The whole community is a flood zone," she said. "This is where we were pushed."

Slater's own home has flooded four times over the last 20 years, but those floods are becoming more frequent, she said.

"It's getting worse. I never remember it being like this, houses across the entire community are being flooded, and there's not a lot of money being spent to improve the infrastructure at all."

Following Hurricane Ian, the American Red Cross, realizing the need to help people who had been passed over for emergency assistance, reached out to the NAACP in hopes of developing a pilot program to better assess needs.

Slater, as the president of the Volusia County Branch of the NAACP, was asked to head up the program in heavily populated Orange and Volusia counties.

"They asked us to partner with them and identify families and homes still in need of services," Slater said. "I commend them for reaching out to say 'we know we've missed some people' mostly in the Black and brown communities who have been disenfranchised and need some help."

By the end of April the NAACP had identified 2,714 homesteads for which they saw the need to refer requests for services to agencies that could provide assistance.

From the archive: Hurricane Idalia exposes storm surge concerns in Manatee County, residents fear for homes

"We still have not even touched all of the people in those counties," she said.

The data has been broken down to identify the most pressing needs such as home and property repairs, she said.

Some are still in need of assistance affording food, while others need rental assistance or housing placement. There are some who need help to pay utility bills, recover lost wages, and others who might require medical and/or mental health services, or assistance finding employment or help replacing a vehicle lost in the storm.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida hurricanes: Black communities often overlooked in disasters
HOBART, Okla. (KFOR)  According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, two daycare workers are facing child neglect charges in Kiowa County.

Officials say on April 23, 2024, the Kiowa County District Attorneys Office asked the OSBI for help with an alleged child neglect investigation at the Community Action Development Corporation Head Start in Hobart, Oklahoma.

LOCAL NEWS: Edmond man allegedly steals sons identity, racks up credit card debt

According to the OSBI, the investigation led to arrest warrants for 40-year-old Pamela Siesser and 43-year-old Crystal Edmundson on charges of Child Neglect. Both were employees at the Head Start facility.

Two Hobart daycare workers facing child neglect charges.

Two Hobart daycare workers facing child neglect charges.

On July 24, both Siesser and Edmundson turned themselves in and have been booked into the Kiowa County Jail.

The OSBI would like to thank the Kiowa County District Attorneys Office and the Kiowa County Oklahoma Sheriffs Office for assisting us with this case. said the OSBI.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Hogle Zoo fan favorite cat dies of kidney disease, potential mates future now up in the air

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A black-footed cat named Ryder was euthanized on Monday at the Hogle Zoo after officials said his health rapidly declined despite treatment.

Hogle Zoo officials say Ryder, age 4, was being treated by veterinarians for advanced kidney disease. As his health continued to decline, the zoo said they made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him, according to the news release.

PREVIOUS STORY: Utahs Hogle Zoo welcomes deadliest cat on the planet, the black-footed cat

The black-footed cat  one of the smallest and deadliest cat species due to their hunting success rate  is listed as a vulnerable species, meaning it faces several threats in the wild such as habitat loss, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

In 2021, Ryder came to Utah from the San Diego Zoo on a breeding recommendation from the Black-Footed Cat Consortium. In January, the Hogle Zoo received a female black-footed cat named Gaia after a similar recommendation.

Zoo officials had recently begun introducing Gaia and Ryder by swapping their habitats and having them share the same space.

Now that the expected breeding of Gaia and Ryder is no longer possible, zoo officials said they will work with AZA and conservation experts to explore future breeding options for Gaia. For now, Gaia is on her regular routine in her habitat in the Small Animal Building.

The zoo described Ryder as a playful yet mellow cat who loved puzzle feeders and scratching posts sprinkled with cinnamon.

He was a fan favorite in the Small Animal Building, often snuggled up in a spot where he could people-watch, the press release said.

The zoos website said he was a great ambassador for his species and a beloved member of our zoo family.

To Ryders communityincluding his dedicated animal care and health teams, staff, volunteers, and gueststhank you for being part of Ryders life, the website said.

Black-footed cats natural habitat is in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates there are less than 10,000 mature adult cats with the population continuing to decline.

According to the Hogle Zoo, the species  which averages eight inches in height and only two to five pounds in weight  is considered one of the deadliest cats in the world as it has a hunting success rate of 60%. Big cats average 20-25%.

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LEES SUMMIT, Mo.  A small community is reeling Wednesday night after five teens were hospitalized in a crash and a sixth teenager was killed.

Troopers were back on the scene investigating after the crash killed a 15-year-old Tuesday night.

A 19-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

It happened in eastern Lees Summit at Milton Thompson Road where it almost intersects with Highway 50.

KCPD officer resigns after pleading guilty to harassment, assault

There are questions from community members about whether the lack of lighting, the barriers allowing for a car to still pass through played a part. Or if it was simply a bad combination of young drivers and drugs or alcohol.

Though everyone involved lived a half hour away from the crash scene in Lees Summit, word spread quickly in Holden, Missouri of a crash that killed a 15-year-old whose name has not been released and put five teens ages 17 to 19 in the hospital.

I think thats part of the mourning process I think as we mourn the young man and the ones that are still in the hospital everyone wants answers to their questions, Covenant Church Pastor Michael Wakeman said.

The crash was reported Tuesday just after 9 p.m. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the drivers of a Chevy Cobalt and Honda HR V were heading South on Milton Thompson when the Missouri State Highway Patrol says the teenage drivers both ran the stop sign of the outer road to Highway 50.

They went up the short steep hill and became airborne. The Chevy landed upside down, a passenger was ejected.

Victim in deadly hit-and-run on The Paseo identified, KCPD continue search for suspect

The Honda landed on the complete other side of the highway striking the passenger thrown from the car.

Teenagers, they got to slow down. I understand that there was barriers there might be something that was involved in the situation that they didnt see it or there was something going on, said Donna Johnson, whose daughter attends gymnastics near the crash scene.

The 19-year-old driver of the Chevy was arrested on suspicion of DUI, an arrest report lists drug intoxication.

Holden High, where were told the boy killed would have been a sophomore next year says many of the victims are current or former students.

Its enacted a crisis response plan saying counselors will be on hand should any staff or student feel the need to seek their services.

You need to get your emotions out whether they are good or bad and make sure you do that with a trusted adult you can lean in on and lean in on your faith too, Wakeman said.

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Barriers to both sides of the highway seem to have been knocked down by the crash as well as signs informing drivers this is only for emergency vehicles. FOX4 will be checking with the Missouri Department of Transportation to see their plans to replace them as weve noticed several cars using the road illegally.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
(Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai will take the stand to defend himself in a major national security case after a court dismissed his bid to quash charges that could see the 76-year-old locked up for life.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Barrister Robert Pang, representing Lai, told the court of the decision on Thursday after judges ruled the trial meets the legal requirements to proceed. Lais lawyers will defend the Apple Daily founder and activist when the hearing resumes on November 20.

We rule that the first defendant has a case to answer on all the charges, Judge Esther Toh said, referring to Lai.

The case is one of the most high-profile under the Beijing-imposed national security law used to crack down on dissent following protests that roiled the Asia financial hub in 2019.

Lai is accused of conspiring to collude with foreign forces to sanction China and the former British colony, charges that carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. He also faces one charge of conspiring to publish seditious information.

His lawyers had argued that the government failed to provide evidence that Lais conspiracy plot remained in place after the national security law came into effect in 2020. Prosecutors rebutted the claim, saying the testimonies from Lais associates showed the offending acts didnt stop after the legislation was enacted.

A guilty verdict and a potential lengthy sentence could worsen Hong Kong relations with the US and other Western governments that have called for his release. For the septuagenarian, a conviction would add to the years of prison terms hes already serving, including for convictions over his political activism.

(Updates with court details)

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Dolls and stuffed animals peer out from shelves into the empty northeast Minneapolis apartment. Children's bikes and Hula-Hoops sit unused by the stairs. A "Happy Birthday" sign is draped across the entrance to the living room, marking the first birthday of the family's only American-born citizen: a boy named Leo.

"Look at this," said Ry Siggelkow, gesturing around the living room where he once enjoyed gathering. "It's such a home, you know?"

But his friends  Pablo, Efi and their four children, who lived there for four years  abruptly departed this spring when the U.S. government sent them back to Mexico. Now, Siggelkow is grappling with how tenuous home can be.

U.S. immigration judges have ordered 227,162 people deported since October 2023, leaving communities to feel the sometimes-painful ripple effects.

As record numbers of asylum cases backlog the courts, millions of immigrants are living in limbo, residing in America for years with no guarantee they can stay. They face trying to build a new life here while under the threat that a court decision could suddenly shatter their dreams. And massive delays in resolving asylum claims  as Pablo and Efi endured  make it all the harder to say goodbye when a deportation is finally carried out.

"They became like family to us," said Siggelkow, his voice cracking with anguish. "I can't bear it."

Pablo and his wife, Efi, spoke with the Star Tribune from Mexico on the condition that their state and surname not be published in order to protect their safety. They live in a region of Mexico for which the U.S. Department of State has issued a "do not travel" advisory due to widespread crime and violence.

In U.S. government documents, Pablo said his role as a local government commissioner in Mexico made him a target for criminal groups, including a cartel. He recounted returning from a community meeting in July 2019 when cartel members ambushed and beat him. Afterward, the family was terrified and stopped leaving the house. Efi said cartel members threatened her and said they would harm her eldest son.

In an asylum application, she wrote: "I fear that if we return to Mexico we will be hunted down by Cartel del Sur and physically persecuted because Pablo did not give into their threats and violence."

Later in 2019, Pablo, Efi and their children fled to northern Mexico. In the border town of Juarez, Pablo befriended Siggelkow, then pastor of Faith Mennonite Church in Minneapolis, who was on a migrant outreach trip with other faith leaders. (Siggelkow now teaches in the theology department at the University of St. Thomas.) He encouraged Pablo to call if he ever needed a place to stay in America. After the family crossed the border that December, they wound up living with Siggelkow and his wife, Marcia, for a few months.

The Siggelkows and other church members helped find Pablo and Efi an apartment nearby. The Siggelkows became close to Pablo and Efi, the two families sharing meals and celebrating holidays together. They also shared a deep Christian faith. In their apartment, Efi and Pablo arranged a figure of Jesus on a table alongside flowers, candles, and small Mexican and American flags.

Efi picked up cleaning and cooking jobs, and he served on the board of Pueblos de Lucha y Esperanza, an immigrant social justice nonprofit that Siggelkow co-founded. Pablo worked in construction and as a mover.

They hired Minnetonka immigration attorney Steve Thal. The couple had an interview in October 2020 with an asylum officer to determine if they faced a "credible fear" of returning to Mexico. They received a negative decision, which meant their asylum case could not proceed. Thal said that, by law, the government must hold a hearing to review a decision within a week, but that didn't happen  for 1,297 days.

Still, Pablo and Efi filed their asylum application that December  in case an immigration judge overturned the decision  and continued making Minneapolis their home.

"It felt like we're on a tightrope," Efi said. "On one hand if we wanted to stay, we had to work hard to keep moving forward and making a new life here. And if we had to go back then we would also have to figure out a place to live  the house could still be there but due to the reasons why we left, we can't go back."

Just 4% of asylum claims by Mexicans were granted in 2023, according to the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Siggelkow admitted that their chances didn't look good. Still, he didn't think the family would be deported. He'd met so many migrants over the years and had never known anyone close to him who was sent back.

But in May, Pablo and Efi finally had a hearing at the Fort Snelling federal immigration court to review the initial asylum officer's negative decision. The judge ruled against Pablo and Efi. Siggelkow, who attended the review, recalled yelling "Shame! Shame on you!" He, Efi and Pablo walked into the hallway to tell the children. "And the kids knew  you could tell by their faces," said Siggelkow.

"It began to dawn on me that there was nothing we can do," he recalled. "Nothing we can do."

It wasn't until the family was summoned to a Bloomington office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they realized they were being deported. The Siggelkows hurried to the office with other friends and church members to pray, sing songs and say goodbye.

"They didn't give us any time to pack our bags.  The clothes we were wearing, our phones and our wallets, that was basically it," Efi recalled.

Upon returning to Mexico, Pablo, Efi and their children went to live with Efi's mother. Even though it's five hours away from their former home, Efi said they are too afraid to leave their house often.

The Siggelkows set up an online fundraiser that raised $14,000 to help with the family's immediate needs and legal fees. Their lawyer has requested that the Chicago Asylum Office reconsider the negative credible fear determination and sent supporting evidence and documentation that was not available at the time of the initial interview.

Ry Siggelkow said the experience has created a lot of fear in the community that Pablo and Efi created, including at Pueblos de Lucha y Esperanza. As the family's once carefully tended plants wilt in their pots, Siggelkow dreads the prospect of having to pack up their Minneapolis apartment.

Pablo and Efi still hold out hope that they will return to Minnesota someday.

"If they're not ready to give up," said Siggelkow, "then I'm not ready to give up."
Darren Walker speaks onstage during Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice on September 14, 2023 at the Ford Foundation Center in New York City. Credit - Rob KimGetty Images

Darren Walker, the president of the Ford Foundation, announced on July 22 that he intended to leave the highly influential position by the end of 2025. Under his 11-year tenure, Ford's endowment grew from just over $11 billion to just under $17 billion, slightly smaller than the GDP of Jamaica. He divested the fund from fossil fuels and for-profit prisons and redirected much of the fund's attention to addressing inequality.

Walker, who was born in Ames, Texas, was one of the first children ever enrolled in a Head Start program, in a one-room schoolhouse. "It opened up a world for me, a world of learning and knowledge and curiosity and thirst to know more about the world," he says. "It gave me a head start, and it changed my life."

As for his future endeavors, he says he has no plan. "I think it's important to have clarity about what you don't want to do," he says. So far he has crossed university president and running for public office off his list. He's mostly focused on the next 15 months and smoothly moving one America's biggest money-givers into its next era. He spoke to TIME in the foundation board members' meeting room the day after he announced his departure.

Youre leaving the Ford Foundation at what you say is a critical time in its history. What do you mean by that?

If you are a philanthropy committed to the idea that democracy is the best form of government, and that the full participation of the citizenry is essential for democracies to be healthy, this is a challenging time. Hope is the oxygen of democracy, but inequality is the enemy of hope. How do we imagine a flourishing democracy when we have increasing numbers of people who feel left out and left behind, disaffected and disillusioned and therefore hopeless? Hopeless people will do things that we thought were never possible in our society. That worries me.

Americans have begun to realize that the inequity is baked into the system. It's structural inequity, which is very hard to root out without destroying the structure. Can you point to a program that has begun to reform rather than destroy?

I am a reformer, not a destroyer. I'm a believer that capitalism is the best way to organize an economy, but I'm not naive. The kind of capitalism we have now does not generate shared prosperity. People like me benefit more from the current system. We have supported over the years research and policy development on asset building strategies. I'll give you an example: Baby bonds, a way of setting aside money, early in life of a newborn that over the years accretes in value. That is a mechanism to address inequality, because it allows, at some point in adulthood, for an amount of capital that can make possible a college education, or a down payment on a home, or the start of a small business. There are three things that we need to fund a program: an institution, a forceful, terrific individual at the helm, and a powerful idea, an idea that might be marginal, but our support can help move it to the mainstream. Our early support, for example, of Muhammad Yunus when he was an unknown economics professor in Bangladesh, who brought an idea for macro credit to rural women, a marginal idea in the 1970s that now is a part of World Bank policy.

People who push back against the notion that income inequality is a bad thing often say billionaires have the scope to take the big swings. And if you don't have these risk takers, you don't have progress. How would you answer that?

I think it's important not to demonize the wealthy. I think it's one of the special attributes of this country is that people of very modest means can be extraordinarily successful. And we should celebrate that success and the wealth that they create. Henry Ford was a complicated character. And there is no doubt that he would be surprised that a Black gay man is president of his foundation. I think the fact that I am is a testament to the progress that has been made in America during my lifetime, and to the ideals that are written in our Constitution, that inspire people all around the world, and certainly inspire me. The contradiction that rests in American philanthropy is a metaphor for the larger contradictions that exist in American society. My love for this country is unyielding, in part because this country is the only place in the world my story could be possible. But I do believe that if we have so much inequality that the balance of wealth distorts our democracy, then we should push back against that. Because democracy can't be sustained. When democracy and capitalism intersect, democracy has to win. Capitalism has to exist, and be vibrant, and muscular, but it also should produce some semblance of shared prosperity.

Are there instances where you think philanthropy does more harm than good?

The things that I consider problematic for philanthropy are not the grants, but how we invest the billions in our investment portfolios. In our case, as we reflected on our own behaviors, we learned some startling things about ourselves. On the one hand, we want to reform the criminal-justice system and reduce the expansion of for-profit prisons. And in our investments, we were investing in the prison system; how does one reconcile that? How does one reconcile being a public-health foundation, seeking to improve the health of people in low-income communities, and then be a significant investor in the largest polluter in those communities? These are the paradoxes that I believe are the most challenging: how we do our best to ensure that we're not doing harm with the money we're investing?

I know that youd hoped for New York Citys notorious Rikers Island prison to be closed. It remains open. Why is it so difficult?

I served on the Commission on the Future of Rikers Island. And among the recommendations was absolutely that Rikers had to be closed as soon as possible and that there needed to be small facilities in other parts of the city. The challenge is, we have some advocates who are abolitionists who want no prisons. And we have citizens who don't want facilities in their community. Its very frustrating. It is not because there is no momentum to close Rikers. It's that we do need in this city a minimum number of decent beds where people can be treated with dignity.

Youve been the recipient of a lot of criticism from the abolitionists, including from former Ford fellows who protested against you outside this building? Did that smart?

I was profoundly wounded, emotionally, very, very wounded by the protesters, and by disapproval of some of my own staff. But one of the things you learn about leadership is that you have to be guided by values and principles and the framework to navigate really complex challenges. And that was one such occasion. In my personal life, I had just lost my partner [David Beitzel]. It was wrenching. There's no other way to describe it. But I don't regret the decision I made.

While you have been at Ford, we have seen the rise of several prominent female philanthropists. Are they different?

The most exciting philanthropy underway in America today is led by women philanthropistsMelinda French Gates, MacKenzie Scott, Laurene Powell Jobs, Alice Walton, Barbara Hostetter. These women are doing philanthropy differently. They arent interested in controlling their grantees. So much of philanthropy has been about controlling our grantees, directing them to do what we want them to do and be accountable for our investments. These women are taking a different tack where they say, "We want to support institutions."

Are there any big moonshot projects you wish that you started earlier?

I wish I had started earlier on the question of philanthropy and AI. We have a working groupa group of foundations have come together recently. I wish we had started that earlier and developed a framework for how AI could help us with our grant-making, to improve and bring efficiency. And to think about what are the implications for philanthropy? What are the implications for our grantees, most of whom do not have the resources or time to explore that question?

When you are the head of an organization like this, how does it affect your personal relationships?

There is no doubt that when you become a foundation president, you breathe rarefied air, you never have a bad meal. When you're the president of the Ford Foundation, people go out of their way to be deferential, to extend amazing kindness, because most people want something from it. So there are many people with whom I engage in a very transactional way. I'll be able to move on, after I leave Ford, with joy and happiness and confidence that I'm an OK person. But I will absolutely have fewer friends, and have more dinners with real friends.

If you were starting now with just $1 million, what would you do?

I would probably seek ways to influence thought about policy and technology that ensures that we get the very best of technology while mitigating the harm. I believe that technology is going to be the intermediating force in our society for opportunity. And we cannot have the bias, discrimination, and unfairness that existed in the analog world to simply be transferred to the digital realm. It will only exacerbate inequality.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Heres how hot summer was in NYC the year you were born

Heres how hot summer was in NYC the year you were born

(NEXSTAR)  Do you swear that it wasnt this hot back in the day? Depending on when you grew up, that might be true.

To test that hypothesis, we asked Climate Central, an organization of scientists and journalists who study climate change, to analyze summer temperatures in New York dating back to 1940. We compiled it into a table (below) so you can look and see if the summers when you were young were as hot as the ones we are experiencing now.

Countdown clock in Union Square inches closer to ominous deadline

For just about everyone around the world, the suspicion is that its gotten hotter since the days when you used to play at the park or attend summer camp. Just this past Sunday, the Earth recorded its hottest day ever. That record was broken again on Monday. A slight temperature drop on Tuesday made it the worlds second-hottest day.

In New York, the difference over the decades is more obvious when you focus on the average low temperatures. Eighty years ago, summer low temperatures tended to be in the mid-60s, making for cooler mornings and evenings. Since then, weve seen warmer summer nights, with lows near 70 degrees.

Warmer nights can be dangerous, health experts warn, because they dont give peoples homes or bodies enough time to cool off.

More Local News

The average high temperature has swung up and down over the years. Depending on when you were born, you may remember the balmy summer of 1988, when the average high was 86 degrees. In 1993, it was even hotter, but 1996 and 2000 were mild and temperate.

The hottest summer in recent history appears to be 2010, when the average high temperature between June and August was 86 degrees, and the average low was about 70. Only time will tell if the summer of 2024 will beat those records, too.

Use the searchable table below to see how hot summers used to be when you were born or when you were growing up, and see how it has changed since then.

Having trouble seeing the table above? Click or tap here to open it in a new window.

The planet has been on a hot streak since April 2023, Climate Central says, where month after month has seen record-breaking global temperatures.

Map shows which parts of NYC could be underwater in 2050

Of the 230 cities analyzed by Climate Central, 95% of them have seen summers grow hotter since 1970. The urban heat island effect can also make it feel even hotter in certain neighborhoods.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas (at the podium) speaks during a reception marking the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Damascus, Syria, on July 24, 2024. The Chinese embassy in Syria hosted a reception Wednesday evening to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Syria hosted a reception Wednesday evening to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Chinese Ambassador to Syria Shi Hongwei, Military Attache He Yongliang, and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Army and Minister of Defense Ali Mahmoud Abbas attended the event.

In his address, the military attache highlighted the significant contributions of the PLA over the past 97 years to achieving China's national liberation, defending national sovereignty, and safeguarding global peace.

He praised the fruitful outcomes of recent cooperation between China and Syria in combating terrorism and other areas, reaffirming continued support for the efforts of the Syrian army and people in protecting their national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Abbas expressed great appreciation for the achievements of the Chinese military and its positive contributions to maintaining global peace and security.

The minister thanked the Chinese government for its robust support for Syria on the global stage and conveyed readiness to work with China to elevate bilateral relations and cooperation between their militaries to a new level. 
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  In honor of World IVF Day, a group of House Democrats are trying to put federal protections for the fertility procedure into law, a long shot effort before lawmakers leave for recess.

Dr. Mark Payson helps patients grow their families through in vitro fertilization.

I have a couple whose four pregnancies ended in devastating miscarriages because of genetic disease. They need IVF, Payson said.

The fertility doctor joined lawmakers on Capitol Hill Thursday to say the process should be federally protected.

IVF is the gold standard therapy and often the only route to safely achieve that goal, Payson said.

After Alabamas February Supreme Court decision temporarily halted some clinics in the state, lawmakers of both parties started pushing for bills that would protect the procedure nationally.

Infertility is not a political issue. Its not red or blue, Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.) said.

Pennsylvania Democratic Congresswoman Susan Wilds Right to IVF Act would let the Justice Department sue states for restricting IVF.

Wild is trying to force a vote on that bill by skipping the typical legislative process and bringing it straight to the floor. That only works if enough lawmakers are on board.

If we can hit the magic number, which is 218, then we will get a vote on IVF protections, Wild said.

Wilds bill has four Republican cosponsors. Georgia Congresswoman Nakema Williams urged more to join.

And put action behind your promises to protect families and children, Williams said.

The effort is unlikely to succeed in the Republican-controlled House, where some GOP members are supporting a different IVF bill. It would deny Medicaid funding to states that ban the procedure.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
House Republicans approved a resolution Thursday that condemns Vice President Harris as the Biden administrations border czar, the latest move by GOP lawmakers to criticize Harris as she mounts a bid for the White House after President Biden withdrew from the race.

The resolution  spearheaded by Rep. Elise Stefanik (N.Y.), the GOP conference chair  cleared the chamber in a 220-196 vote. Six Democrats voted yes.

House GOP leaders added the resolution to the vote schedule Monday, one day after Biden announced that he was dropping out of the race and endorsing Harris to be the new nominee, a decision that shook the political landscape and forced Republicans to recalibrate their messaging in the presidential race.

The resolution offers a sense of how Republicans plan to campaign against Harris.

The measure, which spans four pages, takes aim at Harriss handling of the situation at the southern border, referring to her as the Biden administrations border czar. Biden in 2021 selected Harris to lead the administrations efforts to address the root causes of migration, a matter that was top of mind when Democrats entered the White House that year. He did not, however, formally give Harris the title of border czar.

The focus on Harriss handling of the southern border comes as several polls indicate voters are most concerned about the border and immigration this election cycle.

No matter what congressional district you go to, the No. 1 issue facing Americans is Kamala Harriss open border crisis, Stefanik said during debate on the House floor Thursday. And by every metric, Kamala Harris has failed to secure our borders, instead advancing far left Democrats failed open border policies and the needs of illegal immigrants over the safety of Americans.

Kamala Harris has failed in overseeing American safety by refusing to secure the border, she later added. She has proved that she is unfit to lead.

The resolution says it took Harris 93 days as the border czar before finally visiting the southern border on June 25, 2021, and cites former U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz, who told CBSs 60 Minutes that he did not have a conversation with Harris or Biden during his time in office.

President Bidens and Border Czar Harriss far left Democrat open border policies are to blame for this historic crisis, the legislation argues.

The White House has dismissed the attacks by Republicans on Harris, defending the administrations handling of the southern border and dinging GOP lawmakers for rejecting the bipartisan border deal senators struck earlier this year.

Former President Trump urged Republicans to oppose the legislation, torpedoing the effort.

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, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement earlier this week.

President Biden and Vice President Harris are leading on border security, while congressional Republicans sabotage it by disgracefully siding with Donald Trump, fentanyl traffickers, and human smugglers over our national security, he added.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) accused Republicans of being disingenuous by calling Harris the border czar.

The Vice President was not a border czar, he said Thursday morning. They are making that up because they have no affirmative agenda, vision, or track record for the American people.

The focus on Harriss handling of the southern border comes after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urged his members to steer away from attacks focused on diversity, equity and inclusion politics, which some Republicans utilized in the immediate aftermath of Bidens decision.

This election  is going to be about policies, not personalities. This isnt personal with regard to Kamala Harris, Johnson said. Her ethnicity, her gender, has nothing to do with this whatsoever.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., is surrounded by reporters after learning that Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle had resigned in the wake of the assassination attempt against former President Trump, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. | J. Scott Applewhite

The U.S. House voted unanimously late Wednesday to establish a task force to investigate the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, indicating bipartisan outrage over the Secret Services handling of the situation.

Protecting the safety and security of our nations leaders is a responsibility that transcends party lines, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said after the 416-0 vote.

The task forces mission is clear: to determine what led to the inexcusable security failures, ensure accountability, and make certain no such lapses ever happen again.

Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries released a joint statement, saying, The security failures that allowed an assassination attempt on Donald Trumps life are shocking.

Heres who will be on the task force

This investigative body will have the authority to hold depositions, issue subpoenas, request House committees to provide any relevant records and offer legislative solutions, and report their findings by Dec. 13.

This bipartisan commission will consist of 11 members appointed by Johnson, with Jeffries, D-N.Y., having say in at least five of the potential candidates.

Before the vote, the House Freedom Caucus issued a statement opposing Rep. Bennie Thompsons potential appointment.

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 statement said.

It urged Thompson, D-Miss., to be removed as the ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

The statement added, 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 Jeffries 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, according to The Hill.

The report added that Thompson isnt interested in serving on the committee.

I dont even want to be on it, Thompson told The Hill. Ive never expressed an interest.

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. | Manuel Balce Ceneta

Secret Services lack of answers

This task force will join the several other investigations into the Secret Service launched by the federal law enforcement agency itself, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security as well as congressional committees.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her post Tuesday, a day after she came under fire for not providing answers for the security collapses that led to the assassination attempt.

The Secret Services solemn mission is to protect our nations leaders. On July 13, we failed, Cheatle said before Congress on Monday. We must learn what happened and I will move heaven and earth to ensure an incident like July 13 does not happen again.

The 20-year-old gunman nearly killed the former president at a campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Trump suffered an injury on his ear. One attendee at the rally was killed and two others were also injured.

The gunman gained access to a rooftop of a warehouse, allowing him to be roughly 600 yards away from Trump. At the oversight hearing earlier this week, Cheatle could not answer why that warehouse was not surveilled and said that Secret Service agents were unaware that the man, who was spotted on the roof by attendees, was armed.
WASHINGTON (AP)  House Republicans are moving quickly to emphasize Vice President Kamala Harris's role in the Biden administrations handling of the U.S. border with Mexico, passing a resolution Thursday that condemns her performance in the job.

The resolution, which is purely symbolic, echoes an attack line that Republican Donald Trump has taken against Harris since she rose to become the likely Democratic presidential nominee. All House Republicans and six Democrats in tough reelection races voted for the resolution.

President Joe Biden tasked Harris early in his administration with addressing the root causes of migration. Border crossings eventually became a major political liability for Biden when they reached historic levels. Since June, when Biden announced significant restrictions on asylum applications at the border, arrests for illegal crossings have fallen.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said migrant encounters between U.S. ports of entry have dropped more than 55% and are now lower on average than they were at the end of Trump's term.

It remains to be seen whether the border will become a political liability for Harris as it was for Biden. But Republicans say Harris did not do enough to clamp down on illegal immigration in a role they characterized as border czar.

The result of her inaction has been record high illegal crossings, overwhelmed communities, and an evisceration of the rule of law, said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

Trump, if elected president, has pledged deport millions of people and has made anti-immigration rhetoric a central focus of his campaign.

The House vote showed some early signs of cracks in the confidence that Democrats have so far bestowed on Harris.

The six Democrats who voted for the resolution  Reps. Yadira Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington state  were all members from battleground districts and had previously been critical of Biden on the border. The measure called for "elected officials who understand the gravity of the crisis at the border and who will execute the policies to fix the border crisis.

This isnt about any one person  its about our border not being secure and fentanyl destroying Alaska communities, Peltola said in a statement.

Caraveo endorsed Harris this week, but the congresswoman emphasized her own independence in a statement after the vote, saying she was sent to Washington to be "an independent voice who will stand up to party leaders when theyre wrong.

As vice president, Harris was tasked with overseeing diplomatic efforts to deal with issues spurring migration in the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, as well as pressing them to strengthen enforcement on their own borders. The Biden administration wanted to develop and put in place a long-term strategy that gets at the root causes of migration from those countries.

Most House Democrats tried to defend how Harris has handled the job.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said the resolution was fake and fraudulent" and that Harris was never appointed border czar, as the measure stated.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, who is the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Harris was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States.

Jayapal said Harris successfully recruited billions of dollars in investments for Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

Democrats also repeatedly pointed out that Republicans rejected a border and immigration deal that the White House negotiated with Senate GOP leadership earlier this year.

Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, who won a special election this year on a campaign that focused on border security, said Harris has some potential strengths on the issue. He said Harris' relationship with Mexicos president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Harris' past as a prosecutor could prove to be assets when it comes to the border.

I think now she has to emphasize the fact that she recognizes that the southern border is a problem, Suozzi said.
The House on Wednesday formally authorized a task force to investigate the assassination attempt against former President Trump, centralizing the chambers probes into the attack.

In a display of bipartisanship on Wednesday night, House lawmakers voted unanimously to approve a resolution to create the task force.

The panel is set to have 13 members, with 7 Republicans and 6 Democrats, and will have subpoena authority.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have been working closely on the matter, and announced some details of the task force in a joint release earlier this week.

Johnson said the lawmakers who will be on the panel will be persons who have expertise in the areas in question.

Theyll have three primary responsibilities: We have to get the answers, of course, about what happened. We need to make sure that accountability is ensured to the American people. And then we need to prevent anything like this from ever happening again, Johnson said earlier this week.

The task force will produce a final report by Dec. 13, but will have interim reports along the way, Johnson said.

The Speaker said earlier Wednesday that he and Jeffries were still finalizing the list of members to appoint to the panel, but will release their selections on Thursday before lawmakers leave Washington for an early August recess.

There was some posturing about the makeup of the panel earlier on Wednesday, when the hardline conservative House Freedom Caucus put out a statement saying that Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) should not be appointed to the task force. The group took issue with a bill Thompson led that would have stripped Secret Service protection detail for protectees who were sentenced for a felony conviction, an apparent nod to Trump.

But Thompson himself quickly made the issue moot. 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.

The Houses task force on the Butler, Pa. rally shooting  in which a gunman left the former president injured, one rally attendee dead and two others severely injured  will centralize the chambers investigations into the matter, which thus far had been conducted across several committees.

The House Oversight Committee on Monday held a blockbuster hearing with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, whose evasiveness frustrated lawmakers so much that even Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top democrat on the panel, called for her to resign  finding unusual agreement with the panels Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) on the matter.

Cheatle, facing bipartisan disapproval and pressure, resigned from her post on Tuesday.

The House Homeland Security Committee has also been involved in assessing security failures, with Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers to tour the Butler, Pa. rally and shooting site on Monday, and hosting local law enforcement personnel for a hearing on Tuesday.

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), who was in the front row at Trumps rally during the attack, was the lead sponsor of the resolution to create the task force.

Speaking on the House floor, Kelly honored the rally attendee who died in the attack, Corey Comperatore, and grieved for his community. His hometown of Butler, Pa., Kelly said, will now always be remembered for the assassination attempt.

The people of Butler and the people of the United States deserve answers, Kelly 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.
Households across swathes of Britain are refusing to pay their water bills in protest against pollution.

Pennon Group, which owns South West Water and was at the heart of a parasite outbreak in Devon earlier this year, has warned investors that a growing number of customers are withholding cash in so-called bill strikes.

It comes after pollution in the companys system in Brixham caused dozens of cases of sickness and diarrhoea, prompting 3.5m in compensation to those affected.

In documents issued to investors, bosses said: Customers are actively withholding water bill payments in protests over pollution and water quality.

This has been driven by environmental activists, Pennon said, who are publicly encouraging the boycotting of water bill payments across the water industry until storm overflow issues are resolved.

The problem has already led to Pennon taking a legal stake in a customers home after they refused to pay.

So far, Pennon said, that the impact on profits remains insubstantial.

However, bosses recognise that the revolt could grow over the time it takes to tackle sewage pollution and leaky pipes, which could impact future profitability.

The issue of water pollution has been thrust into the spotlight in the past few years, piling pressure on companies across the country.

Pennon was attacked by critics in May for paying out a 127m dividend during the parasite outbreak, which led to the company warning around 16,000 customers to boil water before drinking it.

Households in Brixham, Devon received emergency bottled water amid dozens of cases of sickness - Hugh Hastings/Getty Images

At the time, a source in the Conservative government said: It is completely unacceptable for this company to be paying a dividend to shareholders given its appalling record, including millions of pounds in fines last year for pollution offences and poor performance.

Campaigners held a protest outside Pennons headquarters last month, as they called for cuts in sewage spills and better water quality.

It came a year after Pennon was given a record 2.2m fine for illegally dumping sewage into rivers and sea.

Just this month, regulator Ofwat cleared South West Water to raise annual bills to 561 within the next five years, up from 497 today.

Shares in Pennon fell almost 5pc on Thursday morning amid dwindling investor confidence in the water sector, which has been fuelled by Thames Waters potential collapse.

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Some of the most crucial and largest groups among the Black voter base have cemented their support for Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee this week, mobilizing swiftly through virtual calls and social media to get behind what could be Americas first Black woman president.

On Wednesday, Harris addressed the historically Black Zeta Phi Beta sorority, making her case to thousands of Black women who share an almost 40-year connection with her.

"Our nation needs your leadership once again," Harris, who joined the historically Black Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in 1986, said during her speech. "In this moment, we face a choice between two different visions for our nation. One focused on the future, and the other focused on the past. With your support, I am fighting for our nation's future."

Heres how Harriss presidential candidacy has revitalized the Black vote for Democrats.

Virtual calls mobilize crucial Black voter blocs

Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes, a New York-based pastor, community organizer and Harriss sorority sister, told Yahoo News that she learned President Biden was stepping down from the 2024 presidential race minutes before her sermon on Sunday. She said churchgoers at her Brooklyn congregation were shocked and concerned.

But by the time she returned home that afternoon, she noticed the mood suddenly shifted following Bidens endorsement of Harris into what she called palpable enthusiasm.

Suddenly, people began to awaken to the true possibility that a Black woman could potentially become our president, Cudjoe Wilkes explained. By that night, I had text messages from women across the country telling me to join the weekly Win With Black Women call.

Win With Black Women, a group that describes itself as intergenerational, intersectional Black women leaders throughout the nation making a difference by supporting Black women, has held weekly calls for four years, Cudjoe Wilkes said.

The group held a call on Sunday night and expected around 1,000 people to join, Cudjoe Wilkes said. To their surprise, more than 44,000 people joined the call to pledge their support for Harris. They raised over $1.5 million in three hours.

We thought it would be special, said Cudjoe Wilkes. We had no idea 44,000 women would respond to the call. We all felt compelled to give.

Harris at the Zeta Phi Beta event on July 24. (Darron Cummings/AP)

Other groups organized by Black voters have followed suit.

On Monday, over 230,000 people joined Win With Black Men  a group created to provide resources and support Black men  in another call and raised $1.3 million in four hours.

The National Council of Negro Women  an organization made up of over 300 campus and community-based organizations and 33 national womens groups  also held a call on Tuesday, where about 5,000 people joined.

The Black church, long seen as the foundation of the Black community, has also rallied around Harris. The Black Church PAC  an initiative led by Black pastors across the country to elect progressive leaders  has created a movement and petition to support Harris as the Democratic nominee for president.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council, which is composed of nine of the historically Black fraternities and sororities, including Harriss sorority, also mobilized this week to ensure strong voter turnout in their respective communities.

Harriss candidacy resets race for Democrats

Biden dropping out of the race reenergized a voter base that has long been crucial in winning the presidency for Democrats. Black women during the 2020 election, for example, were 7% of the electorate, according to a voter survey from the Associated Press, but 93% of them voted for Biden, which helped him clinch crucial swing states including Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan.

However, support for Democrats, which is still Black voters favored party, has fallen by almost 20% in the last three years, according to a February Gallup poll.

The Pew Research Center released a poll in April that found 49% of Black voters would replace Biden and former President Donald Trump if they could. A Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that young Black voters were largely unenthused by four more years of Biden. Now Harriss time has come  and shes galvanizing Democratic-leaning Black voters.

Although large blocs of the Black voter base have rallied their resources and support around Harris, convincing Black voters who may be undecided about voting for her is still a challenge.

Shes got to show some strength, Nathaniel Gaines of Milwaukee told the New York Times. I dont want to put my energy into someone whos going to forget about me after the election.

The Trump campaign has also tried to woo Black voters as well, holding rallies in cities with large Black populations like Detroit and Bronx, N.Y. However, approximately 7 in 10 Black voters have a somewhat or very unfavorable view of Trump, according to a June poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

While some Black voters may be wary of her record as vice president and as a prosecutor in California, the calls for solidarity are reminiscent of those for Barack Obama in 2008, when the prospect of the first Black president in the U.S. conjured up a new sense of possibility.

We havent felt this momentum in a long time, Cudjoe Wilkes said. Were feeling hopeful again.
Hoxworth 'in urgent need' of blood following global tech outage

Last week's global tech outage caused a shortage at Hoxworth Blood Center, and now the center's asking for more donations.

The outage caused some of the center's locations systems to go down, according to an email sent to donors Wednesday, compromising the blood supply during a season when donations are especially critical.

There is an urgent need for blood at this time," said Dr. David Oh, co-chair and CEO of Hoxworth Blood Center. "We often see an uptick in traumas and other accidents during the summer months."

The email from Hoxworth Blood Center, which is a part of UC Health, contradicts the hospital system's website, which currently states that hospital's services and operations were uninterrupted by the global IT outage.

The effects of the outage on the country were far-reaching, affecting about 8.5 million Windows devices and disrupting operations at banks, emergency call centers and hospitals.

In Cincinnati, it temporarily halted services at Cincinnati Children's, which ended up canceling some appointments and alerting patients that their surgeries might be delayed.

The Enquirer was not able to reach representatives of Hoxworth Blood Center in time for deadline.

Bags of donated blood await testing.

The need for blood type O, platelets especially urgent

The center especially needs donors with positive or negative type O blood or those who can give platelets.

All donors who visit the center during July will receive the limited-edition Cincinnati Reds Hawaiian Shirt and Premier Donor Club (PDC) loyalty reward points for e-gift cards. Between now and July 31, platelet donors will receive double points.

Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 513-451-0910 or by visiting www.hoxworth.org.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Hoxworth issues urgent call for blood donations following Crowdstrike outage
By David Ljunggren and Nia Williams

(Reuters) -A raging wildfire has devastated the western Canadian tourist town of Jasper, potentially destroying up to 50% of structures, and firefighters were trying Thursday to save as many buildings as possible, authorities said.

Jasper is in the middle of mountainous Jasper National Park, in the province of Alberta. The town and the park, which draw more than 2 million tourists a year, were evacuated on Monday, when officials estimated there were up to 10,000 people in the town and a further 15,000 visitors in the park.

"There is no denying that this is the worst nightmare for any community," Alberta premier Danielle Smith told reporters, while choking back tears.

"We're seeing potentially 30% to 50% structural damage ... that's going to be a significant rebuild," she said, adding the fire was still out of control.

Parks Canada said there had been a "significant loss" of buildings inside the town but added it could not give specific details of the damage, or which areas had been burned and it urged residents not to return.

Video from the town showed vehicles and entire blocks burned to the ground, including a historic Anglican church.

Jasper resident Eva Korduliakova heard the news that her home was burning from thousands of kilometers (miles) away on Thursday morning, while visiting family in the Czech Republic with her seven-year-old son.

"I am a single mum who became homeless and jobless overnight," she wrote in an email. "Our house is gone. I didn't get a chance to grab any of my belongings."

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said the town was beginning to come to terms with "the devastating impact" of the fire.

"Last night's wildfires have simply ravaged our small tight-knit mountain community, the destruction and the loss that so many of our residents are facing simply defies description," he told a press conference, his voice breaking.

One major concern for responders is if the fire damages the Trans Mountain oil pipeline, which can carry 890,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil from Edmonton to Vancouver.

"At this time there is no indication of damage to our infrastructure, and the pipelines continue to operate safely," pipeline operator Trans Mountain said in a statement.

CN Rail said it suspended rail operations through the town on Wednesday afternoon as the wildfire conditions worsened.

The Port of Vancouver, Canada's largest, said it expected to see delays to the movement of goods through the port in the coming days due to the events in Jasper.

The federal government and other cities in Alberta are sending emergency crews. In addition, a total of 400 firefighters from Mexico, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand are due to arrive in the coming days.

'WALL OF FLAMES'

There are currently 176 wildfires burning in Alberta, more than 50 of which are out of control. Around 10 of those blazes are close to the border with British Columbia, where there are 423 wildfires burning and dozens of evacuation orders and alerts.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday afternoon he had convened a meeting of the Incident Response Group to discuss the Alberta wildfires.

"Every federal agency is coordinated, sending resources to Jasper, deploying evacuations support to the area, and reinforcing firefighting efforts on the ground," Trudeau said in a post on X.

The federal government said in April that high temperatures and tinder-dry forests meant this could be a catastrophic year for wildfires in Canada.

The Jasper fire was caused by a lightning strike on Monday afternoon and fuelled by strong winds, according to Parks Canada.

Flames from the blaze rose 100 meters (328 feet) high, and strong wind gusts on Wednesday afternoon pushed the fire 5 km(3 miles ) in less than 30 minutes, said Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis.

"Any firefighter will tell you there's little to nothing you can do when you have a wall of flames coming at you like that," Ellis said.

Environment Canada is forecasting 10 mm to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.8 inch) of rain for Thursday, which might help firefighters.

The Jasper Park Lodge, one of the largest hotels in town, said the fire had reached its grounds. The 400-room residence is run by Fairmont, a group owned by France's Accor.

The Jasper fire could be one of the most damaging in Alberta since a 2016 conflagration that hit the oil town of Fort McMurray, forcing the evacuation of all 90,000 residents and destroying 10% of all structures in the city.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa, Nia Williams in British Columbia and Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto; Additional reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Aurora Ellis and Sandra Maler)
Husky recovering after being shot in Los Angeles neighborhood

A husky was on the mend Thursday after being shot in the Central-Alameda neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The shooting was reported around 10 p.m. Wednesday in the 1100 block of East 33rd Street.

A husky known by area residents as the 33rd Street Husky was shot by either a .22 or a pellet gun, freelance media firm KNN reported.

Husky shot in Los Angeles

Witnesses said the gunman opened fire on the dog from a sedan. A good Samaritan was seen on video helping officers corral the Husky until help could arrive.

Residents told KNN the dog is fed and cared for by neighbors on the street.

Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to the location and requested assistance from animal services.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Guests pose for a group photo at a seminar commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in Yangon, Myanmar, July 25, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)

YANGON, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A seminar commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence was held on Thursday in Yangon, Myanmar.

During the seminar organized by the Chinese embassy in Myanmar, Cao Jing, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy, said that over the past 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have become open, inclusive and commonly applicable norms of international relations and principles of international law.

For more than 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar, the two countries have always cherished friendship and practiced the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Cao said.

China will continue to actively practice the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strive to build a community with a shared future, support Myanmar in exploring a path that suits to its national conditions, and provide assistance for Myanmar's stability, national development and people's happiness, Cao added.

U Ko Ko Hlaing, union minister for the Ministry of the State Administration Council Chairman's Office (2), said that China and Myanmar are indivisible neighbors. The two countries maintain a close relationship and adopt the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence with consensus.

China and Myanmar's bilateral relations have overcome numerous difficulties and challenges, and acquired significant achievements, U Ko Ko Hlaing added.

Present at the seminar are representatives from the Chinese embassy in Myanmar, the State Administration Council Chairman's Office, Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies, Yangon Region Committee of Union Solidarity and Development Party, Myanmar-China Friendship Association, Yangon University of Foreign Languages as well as many other distinguished guests. 

A seminar commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence is held in Yangon, Myanmar, July 25, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)
Iceland's approval of killing vulnerable fin whales draws fierce criticism from animal rights group: 'No way to kill a whale at sea without inflicting unthinkable cruelty'

Fin whales can be a beautiful sight in the ocean, but unfortunately, they face many threats, one of which is humans.

According to Echo Watch, Iceland has given a whaling license to kill fin whales in Iceland and Greenland. The company, Hvalur hf., will be allowed to kill 29 in East Iceland and the Faroe Islands and 99 in Greenland and West Iceland.

What's happening?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has fin whales listed as vulnerable on its Red List of Threatened Species.

Japan is also giving out whaling licenses, and most of the meat caught is sold in the country.

According to Echo Watch, "the whaling season is from the middle of June to late September."

The decision to award a whaling license has received criticism from animal rights groups.

Patrick Ramage, a director at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, told the Guardian: "It's hard to fathom how and why this green light to kill 128 fin whales is being given."

He added: "There is clearly no way to kill a whale at sea without inflicting unthinkable cruelty."

Why is giving a license to kill fin whales concerning?

While fin whale's only predator, other than humans, is the killer whale, they face many threats in the ocean.

According to Adam Peyman, the wildlife programs director for Humane Society International, fin whales are in danger of getting tangled in fish nets or hit by ships, as well as by pollution and a warming planet.

In 2023, it was found that whales were being struck by ships at an alarming rate. This was due to whales navigating unknown areas because of rising ocean temperatures.

In addition, they also don't have as much food because of overfishing.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, fin whales were not always the target of whalers because they were fast swimmers. However, as fishing modernized, they killed them in significant numbers in the mid-1900s. Almost 725,000 were killed just in the Southern Hemisphere. A whaling ban in the '70s helped bring back its population, but numbers have not bounced back to where they were.

It's not just disappointing that these vulnerable animals are being killed. It can also affect humans. The Wilderness Society points out that animals going extinct can increase the chances of diseases because it can weaken the defense mechanisms against some diseases, and with humans venturing more into formerly wild areas, they are exposed to new diseases.

What's being done about ending whaling?

Organizations like the Whale and Dolphin Conservation are working to end whaling for good.

The good news is that according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, demand for whale meat is decreasing so much that Japan is trying to promote whale meat to older consumers with little effect.

To help protect fin whales, you can invest your money in organizations fighting to protect these animals. You can also use your voice to end whaling, especially if you are in a country where whaling is legal.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Update: Mama Dips isnt closing, but there will be changes. Heres whats happening.

Where Mama Dips Kitchen, the famed Chapel Hill restaurant, is concerned, theres good and bad news.

Mama Dips isnt closing  at least for now. Instead, Mama Dips will end its traditional service model on Aug. 17, and then shift to selling family-style take-home meals.

On Wednesday night, the restaurant announced on its social media accounts that Aug. 17 would be its last day in business after 48 years.

But on Thursday, Spring Council, one of the owners, said thats not exactly the case.

There was a miscommunication, Spring Council told The News & Observer Thursday evening. She owns the Rosemary Street restaurant with her siblings.

The situation is actually that were going to continue serving in the restaurant as normal for the next three weeks, Council said. After that were going to do family-style carry out. But the doors arent closing.

The legendary Chapel Hill restaurant helped give a national voice to traditional Southern cooking, led by its matriarch and founder Mildred Mama Dip Council.

For the past 48 years its been our honor to serve the Chapel Hill community, according to the video posted on the restaurants social media pages Wednesday night.

The video mentions the restaurant will begin its next phase of business, though it didnt reveal any specifics of what the future holds.

That next phase will continue on Rosemary Street, but not for regular dine-in service, Spring Council said.

In its farewell message, Mama Dips encouraged fans to stop in for goodbye meals at the restaurant.

This is not a goodbye, the post continued. But we wanted to take the chance to thank everyone who has graced Mamas kitchen these last 48 years and the whole community for supporting us along the way. We cannot wait to see you in our next adventure.

Mildred Mama Dip Council opened her famed restaurant in 1976 with just $64 for groceries and change. By lunchtime, the restaurant had made enough money to buy ingredients for dinner service, never looking back for the next five decades.

The restaurant has been cherished for its Southern cooking and desserts, particularly a beloved sweet potato pie.

Restaurant property for sale

The restaurants property at 408 W. Rosemary St. was put up for sale last spring as the restaurants owners pursued a new style of Mama Dips. A commercial real estate listing had the property at $3.6 million.

In a phone interview, Spring Council confirmed that a sale of the property is pending, but did not share a closing date.

The property is for sale, but not the brand, said Spring Council, one of Mildred Councils daughters, in a phone interview in April 2023. Were going to keep the brand and switch it out to do a fast-casual model.

Mildred Council died in 2018 at age 89. Her legacy extended well beyond the Triangle, reaching fame through cookbooks, television appearances and visits to the White House.

Since her passing, Councils children have operated the restaurant, and her granddaughters continue to build on her legacy, with Tonya Council opening a bakeshop in Chapel Hill last year and Erika Council operating Bomb Biscuit Co. in Atlanta.
A support of the Idaho open primary initiative holds a white box of signatures in support of the initiative, with orange-backdrop stickers with white text that says "Yes! ON 1 FOR OPEN PRIMARIES".

Supporters of the Idaho open primary initiative submitted signatures in support of the ballot initiative to the Idaho Secretary of States Office on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador is suing to block the Idahoans for Open Primaries initiative, a ballot initiative that would open Idahos primary elections and revamp how Idahoans cast votes in the states primary and general elections.

Labradors lawsuit alleges the initiative  which has enough signatures to be on the Nov. 5 election ballot, according to the Idaho Secretary of States Office  was deceptively pitched as an open primary initiative and violates the Idaho Constitutions requirement that laws address a single subject.

Labradors lawsuit asks the Idaho Supreme Court to, in effect, block the initiative from the November ballot by either blocking Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane from including the ballot title on November ballots, or ordering McGrane to invalidate signatures in support of the initiative.

Idaho Attorney General candidate Raul Labrador

The Idaho Secretary of State must submit the ballot title to county election officials by Sept. 7, according to the lawsuit.

We feel that the Supreme Court will look at this very seriously, and were hoping that they agree, Labrador told reporters Wednesday.

Idahoans for Open Primaries campaign spokesperson Luke Mayville, in an interview with the Sun, called the lawsuit a political stunt and said he was confident the court would dismiss it.

The attorney general is attempting to block our initiative because hes afraid that the vast majority of Idahoans will vote for it. He knows he cant persuade the voters, so hes trying to prevent them from having a say, Mayville told the Sun.

Mayville said the initiative is constitutional, and a ballot initiative can contain multiple policies without violating the single subject rule. He said every aspect of the open primaries initiative deals with the single subject of elections.

How would the ballot initiative change Idaho elections?

In Idaho, ballot initiatives are a form of direct democracy where the people vote on passing a law, independent of the Idaho Legislature.

The initiative seeks to end the closed primary election law that allows political parties to keep independents and other voters from voting in their primary elections.

Instead of closed primaries, the initiative would create a single open primary election that all candidates and all voters would participate in. Under that open primary system, the four candidates that receive the most votes would all advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

The ballot initiative would also change Idahos general elections by implementing a ranked-choice voting system that is sometimes referred to as an instant runoff.

A frequently-asked-questions webpage on the Idahoans for Open Primaries website says a top four primary election would make the general election the most significant election.

It gives general-election voters more choice and more power to determine the winner. As a result, elected officials will be incentivized to listen and respond to a much broader set of voters, the webpage says.

The Idaho Republican Party is officially against the initiative.

A handful of protestors wave signs across the street from the Idaho State Capitol Buildings front steps, where more than 200 supporters of the Idahoans for Open Primaries rallied before turning in signatures for the ballot initiative.

What the Attorney Generals Office alleges, and how initiative organizers respond

The lawsuit says supporters have deliberately and systematically promoted the initiative as an open primary implementation since an Idaho Supreme Court ruling, including in signature gathering interactions. Several voters who signed the petition, the lawsuit alleges, have since regretted when they discovered the true effect of the initiative.

(T)he Court held that the initiative does not describe an open primary system because it does not propose retaining the separate, party-run system currently in place, the lawsuit says. It further explained that open primary means something significantly different than what is proposed by the initiative.

In an August 2023 ruling against ballot titles for the initiative written by Labradors office, the Idaho Supreme Court said the most accurate term for the initiative proposed primary system is a top four primary. The Attorney Generals Office soon released new ballot language referencing a top-four primary.

Luke Mayville, co-founder Reclaim Idaho that is part of the Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition, talks with an initiative supporter after supporters submitted signatures for final review for the ballot initiative.

But Mayville said the Idaho Supreme Court never weighed in on how our campaign should describe it.

The so-called Open Primary Initiative has nothing to do with open primaries, and thousands of Idahoans were misled into signing the petition by signature collectors who misrepresented the initiative, Labrador said in a news release.  The sponsors also buried ranked-choice voting in the initiative and again misrepresented the initiative to voters. Idaho law does not allow such abuse of the initiative process. It is unacceptable and jeopardizes the integrity of the Courts prior ruling and the initiative process itself.

Mayville called Labradors claim baseless, and said volunteers spent countless hours discussing every aspect of this initiative.

Its insulting to the thousands of ordinary people all across Idaho who volunteered their time to discuss this initiative with their neighbors and collect signatures, Mayville said.

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What is the Idahoans for Open Primary initiative?

The Idaho Secretary of States Office announced two weeks ago that the initiative has enough signatures to appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

The Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition includes Reclaim Idaho, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, Veterans for Idaho Voters, Republicans for Open Primaries and thousands of volunteers.

Under a 2011 state law, political parties do not have to allow anyone who is not formally affiliated with their party to vote in their primary elections.

In Idaho, Republican primary elections often decide major elections. Idaho voters last elected a Democrat to statewide office in 2002. Since 1992, Republicans have held a supermajority in both chambers of the Idaho Legislature.

Under the initiatives proposed general elections ranked-choice voting system, voters would pick their favorite candidate and can rank the remaining candidates in order of preference  second, third and fourth.

The candidate with the fewest votes would be eliminated, and their votes would instead be transferred to the second choice candidate on those voters ballots.

That process would continue until there are two candidates. The candidate receiving the most votes would be elected the winner. Under that system, voters would only vote once.

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2024-07-24 Petition for Writ of Prohibition or Mandamus
A coalition aiming to end the Idaho Republican Partys closed primary system and implement ranked choice voting faces another hurdle for its November ballot initiative: a lawsuit from Attorney General Raul Labrador.

Labrador petitioned the Idaho Supreme Court on Wednesday to throw out the measure that earlier this month secured enough signatures to qualify for the Nov. 5 general election. The attorney general argued the Idahoans for Open Primaries initiative violates the state constitution by addressing more than one subject, and that volunteers deceptively collected signatures from voters by not explaining the full effect of the measure.

Organizers, who collected nearly 75,000 verified signatures in recent months from voters, have long expected a challenge from Labrador, a Republican, who has been clear since its proposal that he opposes the initiative.

Luke Mayville, a lead organizer of the initiative effort, told the Idaho Statesman by phone that the lawsuit is a political stunt he expects will be dismissed quickly, and is an insult to the thousands of ordinary people who volunteered their time to collect signatures.

The measure would abolish the closed primary system, which Republicans have used for more than a decade, and replace it with a primary open to all voters that would determine the top-four candidates among all parties moving on to the general election. In the general election, voters would then be allowed to rank their favored candidates in order of preference.

Labradors two-pronged challenge aims to stop the measure before it goes to voters. The lawsuit names as a defendant Secretary of State Phil McGrane, the states top election official who administers elections and is currently preparing a pamphlet with pro and con arguments about the initiative that is scheduled to be sent to voters before the election. McGranes office declined to comment Wednesday.

We feel that the Supreme Court will look at this very seriously, Labrador told reporters Wednesday. And were hoping that they agree with the Office of Attorney General.

Mayville said Labrador was trying to interfere in the election and deny voters a voice.

Theres nothing unconstitutional about giving all voters the right to participate in primary elections, he previously told the Statesman.

Organizers: GOP wants to keep power over citizens

The initiative has been loudly opposed by some of the states most conservative politicians, including Dorothy Moon, who chairs the Idaho Republican Party. Organizers of the measure have said their opposition is an effort to cling to power.

Mayville previously told the Statesman that powerful party insiders and special interest groups oppose the measure because they know that it will give power to ordinary voters to choose their own leaders.

Other prominent Republicans and former state leaders, like former Gov. Butch Otter, have rallied behind the measure, arguing that it would give a wider spectrum of Idahoans a say in choosing their leaders and select more candidates who have broad appeal. Current officials like McGrane and Gov. Brad Little have so far refrained from taking public positions on the measure.

McGrane wrote in a letter this month that implementing the measure, if it succeeds, could cost $25 million or more because of the expense of new voting tabulation systems, according to several news reports.

The Idaho Supreme Court last year forced Labrador to rewrite the measures ballot titles  which the attorney general is responsible for crafting  because justices concluded it was likely to prejudice voters against it, according to previous Statesman reporting.

Deceptive practices, AG Raul Labrador says

In his lawsuit, Labrador argued the initiatives organizers have deliberately focused on the open primary aspect of their measure in their communications with the public, while deemphasizing ranked choice voting.

They have continuously used deceptive practices in gathering signatures, Labrador said Wednesday.

The measures organizers called it the The Open Primaries Initiative. On its website, under a Get the Facts page, the group explains the effect the measure would have on closed primaries and on ranked choice voting in general elections. The website also has a link to the secretary of states 18-page document about the initiative, which explains what it would do and details the relevant laws it would change.

Mayville said volunteers for the initiative discussed every aspect of the initiative with voters, and that the cover sheets of their petitions contained its full ballot title.

Labrador also argued the measure violates the single-subject rule of the Idaho Constitution, which requires laws to stay focused on a single topic. Labrador said the changes to primary elections and general elections were two different alterations. Organizers of the measure have argued they encompass the same fundamental concept: how voters select their leaders in elections.

I think its time for the Supreme Court to make a definitive ruling on our single subject jurisprudence, Labrador said.
Idaho Power shut off some peoples electricity. In this heat? Are you kidding? | Opinion

Idaho Power has warned customers that it may shut off power to some customers in its coverage area. Some estimates show power could be lost for as much as 24 hours.

This is getting serious.

The temperature is 104 degrees, and youre going to shut off electricity to Grandmas house for 24 hours?

People could die in this heat without electricity.

The reason is to reduce wildfire risk due to high winds. Its true that utility-caused wildfires are becoming a national problem, especially with increased global warming and climate change.

But the issue with the possibility of power lines starting fires is Idaho Powers problem, yet theyre making it everyone elses problem by taking away our electricity.

And they took the first step Wednesday, cutting power to 8,500 customers. Estimated restoration time: working to determine, a text message to customers said.

I seriously doubt all those customers whose electricity will get cut off will be getting any sort of credit on their bill for the disruption.

The situation is only going to get worse, as global warming increases and climate change wreaks havoc on our simple day-to-day living.

According to a 2020 analysis from climate science organization Climate Matters, Boise could experience 50 days at or above 100 degrees  over half of the summer  by the year 2100. The current record for days over 100 degrees in a calendar year for Boise is 23.

We have to come up with a better solution than what weve got. Clearly.

If only we had a technology that could ameliorate this situation, such as rooftop solar panels.

Why dont we have solar panels on every single roof in the Treasure Valley?

The outages and the increased demand for electricity is a good opportunity to assess what were doing to plan for the future.

Unfortunately the Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved a plan last year that has the effect of disincentivizing rooftop solar projects, by lowering the reimbursement rate that rooftop solar panel customers can receive by putting electricity back into the grid. With batteries, a rooftop solar customer could produce their own electricity through an outage  regardless of the circumstances of the outage.

Its ironic. We have a technology that would put more electricity into the grid, particularly on days when its most needed, but in order to protect the revenues of the power company, we make it less feasible to do so. Monday broke the record for Idaho Powers power usage. Customers used 3,792 MW of power, beating out the June 30, 2021, record of 3,751. If more rooftop solar panels were online, it sure would have helped.

I get it. Idaho Power still needs revenue to conduct its operations and maintenance of the system.

But the bottom line is that the new net billing structure approved by the PUC makes it less economically feasible for average customers like you and me to install rooftop solar panels. And it really makes it out of reach for lower-income and low-use energy customers.

So instead of taking advantage of these increasing days of potentially fatal heat, were squandering the opportunity.

Instead of making it more advantageous for customers to provide their own electricity  when Idaho Power threatens to shut off the juice  the PUC made it much more difficult and expensive.

Fifty years from now, it will seem silly that we dont have more rooftop solar  especially when there are 50 days out of the year with temperatures above 100.

Boise summers will only get worse from here on out.

Perhaps this summer will be bad enough to be a wake-up call that we should have solar panels on every rooftop in the Treasure Valley.
When Julia Sharkey resigned from Kuna High School, she made sure to keep mementos  messages from students, telling her that she helped save their lives.

In an interview with the Idaho Statesman, the former teacher pulled out a stack of cards and papers from a packed yellow envelope. As the former adviser of the Gay Straight Alliance at Kuna High, she received scores of them: Thanks for keeping me safe, for giving me a safe place to be, for helping me feel safe in and accepted in my identity. In another card, a student told her they didnt think theyd make it to their graduation day.

Ill be honest, I would be dead right now if I didnt have a great support system, the letter read.

On her last few days at school, she said goodbye to a classroom with several sobbing students, she told the Statesman.

The longtime educator said she had saved all of those notes as a reminder that a small gesture  treating students with respect and calling them by what they ask to be called  can have a huge impact on childrens mental health.

But earlier this year, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a law that mandates teachers to get written approval from students parents or guardians if the students want to use names or pronouns different from their sex at birth. The law came after Sharkey had a long year of fighting against district and state proposals she felt would hurt her students, she said.

The law, which took effect July 1, would require teachers to potentially out transgender or nonbinary students to their families. It also protects teachers who refuse to use the pronouns students request.

I never thought I would resign. I thought I was in the career for the long haul, Sharkey told the Statesman. She was prepared for the low pay and the long hours, but I was not prepared for the severity of the politics, she said. My district and the state have asked me to do things that I disagree with vehemently.

Julia Sharkey, a former teacher, holds letters with notes and compliments from students, including LGBTQ+ students. Sharkey resigned after a new law in Idaho put restrictions on teachers use of pronouns if they dont align with a students sex at birth.

Several teachers in Idaho told the Statesman they fear the new law could put kids in danger if their parents arent supportive and have a negative impact on their relationships with their students. Students could also decide not to come to school altogether rather than face teachers who wont address them the way they want, teachers said, or could face even more bullying.

When the bill was introduced, Rep. Ted Hill, an Eagle Republican who sponsored the legislation, in a legislative hearing said there had been pressure on Idaho employees to recognize a persons preferred pronouns with fear of reprisal. He presented little evidence that this was happening but said teachers were fearful to come forward and felt threatened over their jobs. The legislation protected First Amendment rights and compelled speech, he added. Hill did not respond to a request for comment.

Idaho school districts comply with state law

Idaho for several years has been a leader in passing laws that target LGBTQ+ people. In 2020, Idaho became the first state to ban trans women and girls from playing womens sports. The Legislature since then has also banned gender-affirming health care for trans youth and required students to use the bathrooms that correspond with their sex at birth.

Idaho laws, combined with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, means little to no protections from discrimination for LGBTQ+ students in the state. Earlier this year, a federal judge temporarily blocked a new Title IX rule from taking effect in Idaho that would have barred discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation in schools.

Nampa School District spokesperson Matthew Sizemore said the law wont have much of an effect on what was already in place there. A district policy states that the district cant compel speech or require staffers or students to affirm any belief they do not hold.

Brian Coffey, a Nampa teacher and the adviser of Nampa Highs Gender and Sexuality Alliance, said LGBTQ+ students have faced bullying for years. The Nampa school boards decision two years ago to remove about two dozen books from school libraries, many of which featured LGBTQ+ people, further alienated those students, he said.

The LGBTQ community, based on my sense of it as an ally and a faculty adviser, has been targeted for years now, and more and more aggressively every year, he told the Statesman. But its not like its ever been easy to be gay in Nampa.

The district, Coffey said, wants to be kind and respectful to students but also wants to follow the law. Many parents in the district also have strong religious or political beliefs about gender identity, he said.

The intent of the Legislature getting involved is really to squelch and quash people from talking about it, he said, adding that people want to go back to the good old days when people felt they had to be in the closet.

Sharkey said that over the past year, she received complaints of indoctrinating students from a small group of parents and threats from her administration for speaking out against the policies that would have forced her to out her students.

Students  had no idea who they could trust or go to, or tell people their preferred names, she said. She said some students stopped coming to school because they didnt want to hear their dead names and didnt feel accepted.

She feels there is a culture in the district that allows bullying against LGBTQ+ students. In her GSA club her job is to offer a safe space for students, she said, so she doesnt provide a curriculum, and students drive the club and decide what they want to do.

Matthew Horner, a behavior professional in West Ada who is a trans man, said he finally feels comfortable with himself after transitioning and receiving gender-affirming care. But students who are questioning their gender identity still feel insecure and uncomfortable in their bodies and these policies could further traumatize students, he said.

Its frustrating to me, he told the Statesman. It seems like were fixated so much on taking away peoples rights, and not at all focused on providing more support.

Every student deserves a safe environment

Teachers told the Statesman theyre still figuring out how to comply with the law while respecting their students. They also said the law could pose more problems than the Legislature expected.

Many students go by different names than their legal name, and Sharkey said many teachers she knows plan to continue to call students by the name they ask to be called.

Teachers said schools also already struggle with chronic absenteeism, and the law could only make it worse for LGBTQ+ students with families who dont support their gender identity.

Cassie Horner, a teacher with the Boise School District and adviser for the Unity Club, a group for LGBTQ+ students and allies, said shes done all she can to support her students and make them feel safe with her. She wears a pronoun pin and asks students at the beginning of the year what they want her to know about them. She plans to continue doing so, she said.

Im going to do it out of respect for my students, said Cassie Horner, whos married to Matthew Horner.

The Boise School District is working on guidance on the new law and plans to share it with staff around the beginning of the year, spokesperson Ryan Hill said.

Any guidance offered will ensure we not only comply with the law but also reinforce that every student deserves a safe, respectful and welcoming learning environment, he said in an email.

Sharkey said shes still passionate about teaching and advocating for her students. She cares that students are happy and healthy, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

It just seemed like Idaho doesnt want teachers like me, she said, because I simply accept kids for who they are.

Julia Sharkey, a former teacher, holds a note from a student that thanked her being an ally for LGBTQ+ people. Sharkey resigned after a new law in Idaho put restrictions on teachers use of pronouns. The law took effect July 1.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services is asking for the publics help to identify a patient who was found more than a week ago right outside an L.A. area hospital.

The unidentified man has been receiving treatment at Los Angeles General Medical Center in Boyle Heights since July 15, when he was found in front of the medical facility.

The man does not have any identifying information on his person and hospital staff are hoping someone might recognize him.

Los Angeles General Medical Center in Boyle Heights is asking for the public's help to identify a man who was found outside the hospital on July 15, 2024. (Los Angeles County Department of Health Services)

Hes believed to be about 60 years old, and hospital officials described him as thin/frail, standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing about 155 pounds. He has brown eyes, as well as long brown hair and a brown beard, both of which were recently dyed.

Due to patient confidentiality laws, information about the mans condition was not released.

Anyone with information about the mans identity is urged to contact LA General clinical social workers Nicole Crayon at 323-409-3877 or Jessica Barahona 323-409-3758.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Carolyn Shireman, a Republican at-large member of Bucyrus City Council, was removed Tuesday night from a regular council meeting.

The meeting started with Shireman addressing Kurt Fankhauser, council president, to make a "parliamentary inquiry."

"I would like to ask for no public participation at tonight's meeting," Shireman said. "As well as the public has the right to speak at the council meeting, I believe that Mrs. Slater is interfering with the work that council was voted to do."

A person in the audience booed her suggestion.

"There's not going to be any noises from the audience," Fankhauser announced. "You can be removed from the council chambers for making noises and interrupting."

Carolyn Shireman, a Republican at-large member of Bucyrus City Council, was removed from Tuesday night from a regular council meeting.

Shireman continued by saying Clarissa Slater, a Bucyrus resident, had provided council with information about five different sex offenders, and that she felt it would be an unwise use of time for council to allow Slater to speak publicly on that matter.

"Council has a job to do for the people," Shireman said. "That is why we are here."

'I personally plead that we all act as respectful adults'

The councilwoman asked Brian Gernert, the city's law director, if there was any legal way to block the public from speaking during the meeting.

"I suppose that if you wanted to suspend the rules, you can make a motion to suspend the rules," Gernert said. "Public participation is part of the rules of council, so to dispense of that would be pursuant to a two-thirds vote by council."

Shireman then moved to dismiss Tuesday night's public participation.

Councilwoman Vicki Dishon read aloud a portion of city code that dictates behavioral expectations for everyone at meetings, elected officials and residents alike.

That city code prohibits people from "making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks," and allows for anyone who is "boisterous or physically threatening to members of council, the administration and others in attendance" to be removed from the council chambers.

Dishon said she has always been in favor of public participation during council meetings, as long as they do not cross a line.

"I personally plead that we all act as respectful adults, not only tonight but going forward," Dishon urged. "With that said, I will be voting against the motion that public participation be removed from tonight's agenda."

During the roll-call vote, Shireman was the only council member who voted to cut public participation. The motion failed, 6-1.

'Weaponizing the position that you are in'

A few residents attended Tuesday's meeting to address council members. One of them was a man who asked officials to invite God into their lives and to approach their meetings prayerfully. Another was a woman who had a safety concern about a sidewalk.

Slater then stepped to the podium. She thanked the council for the right to speak, but told them the attempt to ban her from doing so was "weaponizing the position that you are in."

Her concern, she said, was that she had learned a registered sex offender had been freely attending public events where children were present.

"There's nothing in our local ordinances that say that an individual who is a registered felonious sex offender is not allowed to be in public areas," Slater said. "The Ohio Revised Code only states that sex offenders must maintain a residence at least 1,000 feet from any childcare facility or school."

She said those laws were "insufficient" in protecting the city's children. She doesn't think sex offenders should be allowed to visit public parks, playgrounds and pools.

"I feel like we all want what's best for our children and young people," Slater said. "At this time, I do ask the council to please refer this to the health and safety committee."

'There is no point of order'

The woman then turned her attention to Shireman.

"Carolyn," Slater said looking at the councilwoman, "I'm very disappointed that you talked about bringing up slanderous "

Shireman interrupted her to say: "I don't want you talking about me during council."

"Excuse me, ma'am," Slater said. "This is public participation and it is my right to speak."

Shireman continued to disrupt the visitor, drawing criticism from the council president.

"Carolyn, can you please let Mrs. Slater continue her speech?" Fankhauser asked.

"I'm about to tell a story that I promised I would not tell about this sex offender stuff," Shireman answered. "I'm tired of hearing it."

Fankhauser tried again to settle the councilwoman, saying: "Carolyn, please."

"There is no point of order," Shireman said.

The speaker finally had another moment to continue.

"You have a right to have an opinion about me," Slater said. "You can dislike my opinions, but you are held to a higher standard because you are a council member."

Shireman stopped the woman, again, which drew a reaction from Councilman Kevin Myers.

"Point of order," Myers said. "Mister president, can I ask you to do your job and have her removed after this many warnings?"

Fankhauser said he could not remove a council member, but that the rest of council could vote to have Shireman barred from the remainder of the meeting.

"So moved," Myers said.

"I'll second that," Councilwoman Aaron Sharrock said.

During another roll-call vote, Shireman was the only person who voted against having herself kicked out of the meeting. The motion passed, 6-1.

The city attorney then stood and asked the councilwoman to follow him out of council chambers.

"Can I come up and do a public as a citizen?" Shireman asked.

Gernert told her no.

"If I have to leave, then I'm going to say my final thing," Shireman stood and shouted. "Somebody needs growing up, the situation with the pool and the child molesting accusations."

The councilwoman pointed at the audience and said she could have sued the city this spring, but didn't elaborate.

The council president then put the meeting into a recess.

"I'll be back," Shireman said before leaving.

ztuggle@gannett.com

419-564-3508

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Councilwoman Carolyn Shireman removed in Bucyrus City Council meeting
WATERTOWN, Conn. (WTNH)  Watertown police seized multiple illegal items from two smoke shops after hearing several complaints about the businesses, according to officers.

An investigation into Smoke King on Buckingham Street and Smoke Empire on the Straits Turnpike led to officers being able to buy marijuana being sold illegally at both, according to police.

Police found packaging materials and some THC products at Smoke King, and marijuana, marijuana vape pens, and THC-infused edibles and drinks at Smoke Empire. About 2.5 lbs of marijuana and additional THC products were found in a vehicle associated with Smoke Empire, 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 WTNH.com.
China's SOEs destock housing inventory, boost market vitality

Xinhua) 08:11, July 25, 2024

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in various regions across China have been purchasing existing housing inventory for trade-in deals recently, with some old homes incorporated into the affordable rental housing plan and tenants already moved in.

Last month, China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development urged local governments to guide the purchase of completed commercial housing for affordable housing in cities at the county level and above. It was emphasized that homes should be appropriately sized, reasonably priced and located in proper areas.

Following the trial of a trade-in program in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, this April, a local SOE has received 10,000 applications from residents with old properties. It has so far purchased over 3,000 after on-site inspections and price evaluations.

These second-hand houses must meet seven criteria to be eligible for SOE purchase, including being built within the last 20 years, and having an area of less than 120 square meters and no seizure restrictions, among other conditions.

According to the Zhengzhou Research Association for Housing and Real Estate, the number of visits to the sales departments of commercial apartments, second-hand property viewings, and consultations for the trial program have all risen by more than 30 percent monthly in June. The floor area of second-hand houses undergoing transactions has increased by 5.04 percent month-on-month.

In Taicang, a county-level city in east China's Jiangsu Province, a resident can sell a house to an SOE, and buy a newly built commercial property designated by the SOE through a trade-in program. As of the end of June, residents had bought over 288 new commercial houses with a total value of 990 million yuan (about 139 million U.S. dollars), while the SOE Taicang urban development group had purchased 343 old houses worth 520 million yuan.

"The SOE-purchased houses serve as affordable houses. After learning detailed housing information, the relevant authorities recommend it to delivery people, drivers, company employees and others who don't have housing," said Zhu Jianfeng, vice general manager of Taicang urban development group.

At the same time, the affordable houses are listed through online and on-site rental services, Zhu added.

Chen Can, a recent graduate from a university in Beijing and now working in Chongqing Municipality, has just rented and moved into an affordable apartment. It was part of a bulk purchase by the SOE Chongqing Jiayu house leasing company, and is one of the first batches of 95 flats put on the market for rental in the municipality.

"The interior decoration here is new, with appliances and furniture installed. The price is reasonable, and more importantly, it is close to my workplace," said Chen.

According to the Chongqing Jiayu property-leasing company, the operator of the project, each flat in the first batch has an area of around 35 square meters, with a monthly rent of approximately 1,500 yuan, while the current occupancy rate has already exceeded 95 percent.

Chen Wenjing, director of market research at the China Index Academy, said that with SOEs purchasing and converting unsold new commercial houses into affordable housing, working people's housing needs can be more fully satisfied, market inventory can be reduced, and the financial pressure on real estate companies can be alleviated.

"The effect of destocking is direct," she said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
BRUSSELS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Climate activists staged protests against fossil fuels in several European airports on Wednesday and Thursday, causing flight cancellations and operational disruptions. Several protesters were arrested.

On Thursday morning, climate activists at Germany's largest airport in Frankfurt caused the cancellation of around 140 flights, with more disruptions expected throughout the day, according to airport operator Fraport. "We condemn the actions in the strongest possible terms and reserve the right to take legal action against the perpetrators," a spokesperson said.

The protesters, including the Last Generation group in Germany, are urging governments to commit to completely phasing out fossil fuels by 2030.

"The continued extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal is a threat to our existence," Last Generation posted on social media platform X, criticizing the government for "throwing oil on the fire of the climate crisis."

Similar protests occurred on Wednesday at Cologne/Bonn Airport in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the activist's actions, labeling them "dangerous, stupid and criminal."

"Those who block runways not only risk their own lives but also endanger others and harm all travelers," Faeser said on X.

In London, the Metropolitan Police arrested 10 Just Stop Oil protesters on Wednesday, outside London's Heathrow Airport and other locations, referring to their campaigns as a threat to summer travel.

According to the police, Just Stop Oil had previously stated it wanted to "disrupt national aviation and planned to target Heathrow."

Chief Superintendent Ian Howells, who led the operation, called the activists' protest "extremely reckless and would have represented a risk to the traveling public." He said the police arrested the protesters to avoid flight suspensions and make sure thousands of passengers and businesses, including hard-working families can go on their summer holidays.

At Oslo Gardermoen International Airport, climate activists organized by Folk mot fossilmakta (People Against Fossil Power) attempted to block the check-in area on Thursday morning, local media outlet Dagbladet reported.

Urging the Norwegian government to commit to halting the extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal by 2030, this is the second day the group sought to interrupt airport operations. On Wednesday, three members of the same group disrupted air traffic by occupying the runway at Oslo Airport.

In Helsinki, members of Life Extinction briefly blocked entry to the security controls at the airport on Wednesday, both in the morning and afternoon, demanding the Finnish government stop subsidizing air travel.

Due to police intervention, most demonstrators withdrew after about 15 minutes. One person was detained for refusing to leave, police said. Moreover, police reports indicate that demonstrators attempted to paint the floor at the terminal entry in the afternoon but were stopped by the police. Airport operator Finavia said no flights were delayed, and customers could bypass the demonstration.

At Vienna Airport, four climate activists spilled paint in the check-in area of the airport's one terminal on Wednesday and protested by holding up signs that read "Oil Kills." Due to quick police intervention, no further disruption was registered.

Vienna Airport said in a statement that the protesters would be held liable for property damage. It added that "disruptive actions do not contribute to climate protection, but only lead to the destruction of public discourse," Austrian broadcaster ORF reported.

Several European nations have prepared regulations to mitigate the impact of climate activists' protests on air traffic.

Last week, the German government decided to tighten the penalties for obstructing air traffic, which still has to be approved by the parliament. Instead of a fine, climate activists will face up to two years in prison for such actions.

Earlier this month, the UK High Court granted an injunction prohibiting anyone from entering, occupying, or remaining on London Heathrow Airport land without consent concerning environmental campaigns. Anyone breaching the injunction might be jailed, fined, or have their assets seized for contempt of court.

In late April, the Group of Seven countries agreed on a timeline to phase out coal completely by the mid-2030s. 
Residents of Chicagos southwest suburbs, alongside local and state elected officials, shared their anger over a proposed water rate increase this week, describing it as outrageous and ridiculous.

At issue was a proposed rate increase that would drive the average monthly bill for residential customers of Illinois American Water up by nearly $30. Illinois American, which serves about 1.3 million people across the entire state, is one of two privately held water utilities seeking rate increases before state regulators.

The Monday hearing in Bolingbrook, attended by well over 300 people, was the second in a series of three public forums on proposed water rate increases held by the Illinois Commerce Commission  the state body responsible for reviewing and either approving, modifying or denying utility rate changes. It followed hearings in Jerseyville and Champaign, which drew smaller crowds of about two dozen at each.

In its January request to increase rates, Illinois American said it was needed to pay for infrastructure investments.

Rate increases are never popular and we understand that, Illinois American Water President Rebecca Losli said Monday. But we cannot ignore the infrastructure needs of our water and wastewater systems.

Losli said the $557 million in infrastructure spending outlined in the rate increase would go to projects like lead pipe replacement and upgrading the pump stations that move water throughout its system.

In a report card published early last year, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Illinois a C- grade for its drinking water infrastructure, citing challenges related to replacing lead service lines. The group gave Illinois wastewater systems a D+, pointing to aging facilities that manage waste.

The ICC is expected to issue a decision in the Illinois American Water case by the end of the year, with new water rates going into effect shortly after.

A spokesperson for the regulatory body said that the ICC commissioners, in practice, take the number and general tenor of public comments like those gathered at the recent hearings into consideration, but are barred from using them to resolve factual disputes.

At Mondays hearing, area residents lodged often passionate complaints, with all but one speaker opposing the request.

Pat Smith, a nearby resident, said her family installed new insulation and upgraded windows to reduce energy costs, but struggled to reduce its water bill.

We only bathe or shower twice a week now. We do dishes  a week and a half. I combine clothes for laundry and do it every two weeks. We dont water outside, Smith said. Im not sure what else I can do to reduce water consumption.

Cindy Zacharias, a registered nurse from Bolingbrook, noted the number of people, particularly older people on fixed incomes, who spoke before her and described struggling to pay their water bills.

To have somebody say they cant flush their toilet to save water? Zacharias said, pointing to Illinois American executives at the hearing. That they have to make a decision to pay a bill and not buy food is shame on all of you.

Affordability concerns for those on fixed incomes is part of why AARP Illinois, a group that advocates for the interests of those over age 55, became involved in the cases. While they arent challenging the proposals formally, they did request the public hearings.

Bill Malcolm, AARPs national government affairs director, was in Champaign on Tuesday, where he noted the groups opposition to the proposals increased fixed monthly charges  the portion of the water bill that is charged regardless of how much water is used. Under Illinois American Waters proposal, those would rise from $17.98 to $26.12, according to AARP.

When you have a high fixed charge like that, it makes controlling your water bill more difficult, he said.

Additionally, Malcolm noted his groups objection to several riders in the Illinois American Water proposal. These are separate agreements outside of the normal rate request system that would allow the utility to modify its rates or guarantee portions of future requests would be granted.

Illinois American Waters request includes riders that would allow them to automatically adjust rates to pay for costs associated with regulatory compliance with a low-income discount program, according to Malcolm.

After the hearing, Malcolm said that American Water, the Illinois utilitys parent company, had filed similar rate requests through subsidiaries in Pennsylvania, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana and Iowa.

Other consumer advocates, like those at the Citizens Utility Board, are formally involved in the rate cases as intervenors, meaning they can submit legal briefs challenging the utilitys claims and provide evidence that ICC commissioners might consider when making their ruling.

CUBs main legal argument against the increase is that the requested profit rate from the company  10.75 percent, up from 9.78 percent  is excessive and out of line with industry standards. CUB also argues that the company  not customers  should cover the costs for certain bonuses tied to reaching financial goals.

Those bonuses dont benefit customers and yet they want them to pay for it for no reason than profit earners  the shareholders  dont want to give up any part of the profit, Laura Loyd, a lawyer with CUB, said in an interview.

Anna Kubas, a spokesperson for Illinois American Water, said Tuesday that the bonus structure reflected market rates for executives and employees.

Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike was at Mondays hearing, where she railed against the company. During her public comment, she asked some audience members how much they pay in monthly water bills.

256! one person called out.

300, if I dont water my grass, another said.

Mines $350 a month, Neitzke-Troike said.

Homer Glen has a long history with Illinois American Water. The village was part of a yearslong legal battle to control the pipeline that brings water from Lake Michigan to the area. The complicated agreements between the water utility and individual municipalities along that pipeline contribute to higher-than-average water prices in the region.

Residents are in an uproar, Neitzke-Troike said in a follow-up interview.

Despite the vocal opposition, she worries that it wont translate to action from regulators.

Unfortunately, honestly, Neitzke-Troike said. I dont think things are going to change.

This attitude has led some to call for more radical changes to curb further increases to water prices in the area.

Randy Juras, of Homer Glen, told the ICC on Monday that the water utility needed to be legislated against.

The end result has to be coming from Springfield. Somebody has to put the reins on you guys, Juras said, referring to Illinois American Water executives in attendance.

Pending legislation in Springfield would strengthen oversight on water utility spending and make it more difficult for water companies to purchase publicly-owned water systems  a contributing factor to increasing water rates.

Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, and Rep. Dagmara Avelar, D-Romeoville, were both in attendance Monday night and spoke out against the rate increase.

Both lawmakers support those changes, with Avelar introducing one of the bills that would end a program that allows utilities to increase rates for infrastructure spending without prior oversight.

While none of those proposals gained traction in the legislative session that concluded in May, neither did a proposal that would have hastened the process of utilities privatizing public water systems.

In a separate proceeding, Aqua Illinois, which serves 273,000 people, is seeking a $19.2 million increase. That would bring with it $29.91 in bill increases, according to CUB. Two hearings on the Aqua Illinois case are scheduled for July 29 at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake and for Aug. 1 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.
(Bloomberg) -- Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has scored an investment of more than $1 billion in quantum computing, a major coup before he welcomes fellow Democrats to the partys convention in Chicago next month.

Most Read from Bloomberg

PsiQuantum Corp. will become the anchor tenant at the states new quantum and microelectronics park that will be built at a former US Steel plant on Chicagos South Side, the governors office said in a statement. As part of the agreement, the Palo Alto-based company agreed to invest a minimum of $1.09 billion, creating at least 154 full-time jobs.

The announcement comes amid reports that Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune who has often been seen as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, is being considered as a possible running mate to Kamala Harris. In an interview with CNN, the billionaire dodged a question about whether he had been asked to be vice president, but said it would be hard to resist a call and consideration if he was asked to.

Were leading the charge with this first-of-its-kind quantum park to unite stakeholders, experts, and future generations of quantum leaders, Pritzker said in the statement. PsiQuantum choosing Chicago cements our status as a global hub for quantum computing.

Earlier: Kamala Harris Has Choice of Rising Stars for Running Mate

Illinois is trying to position itself as a center for new technologies from electric vehicles and batteries to quantum computing. The Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago from Aug. 19-22 will allow Pritzker to showcase his political achievements, including bringing the convention to the third-largest US city.

Just in the past year, the governor has secured a $2 billion investment from Chinese battery maker Gotion High-tech Co. and a $1.5 billion commitment from Rivian Automotive Inc., which will expand its electric-vehicle plant in Illinois after halting work on a separate facility in Georgia.

Pritzker set aside $500 million for quantum investments as part of the states budget passed this year. PsiQuantum will get $200 million to build a cryogenic cooling plant that will meet the companys needs and that of other potential users, the company said in a separate statement.

Powerful Computers

Quantum computers  which rely on qubits and can store data in multiple forms: ones, zeros, both, or something in between  are exponentially more powerful than their binary counterparts. Companies including International Business Machines Corp. are trying to crack the technology, but skeptics have cast doubt over whether it will ever replace silicon semiconductor-based computers.

Many believe the development of practical quantum systems may still be decades away.

PsiQuantum says it will build the first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer in the US at its 300,000 square-foot site at South Works, the old US Steel plant that closed in 1992. The company has pledged to invest much more than the amount required under the agreement over the 30-year lifespan of the project, according to a spokesman.

The Chicago area already has one of the countrys longest quantum networks  124 miles (200 kilometers) connecting the US Department of Energys Argonne National Laboratory to the University of Chicago and the Chicago Quantum Exchange. The city is currently hosting TechChicago Week, an event organized by P33, a nonprofit co-founded by former Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, the governors sister.

Quantum Computing Is Finally Here. But What Is It?: QuickTake

Just this month, the governor announced a partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or Darpa, to test quantum computing prototypes at the same quantum park. Under the governor, the state has already invested $200 million in the Chicago Quantum Exchange, a hub for advancing quantum technology.

What were seeing is a big bet on a site that will be a proving ground for quantum computing as a technology, Pete Shadbolt, PsiQuantums chief scientific officer and co-founder, said in an interview.

--With assistance from Andrew Harrer and Ian King.

(Updates with Pritzker comment on CNN in third paragraph, adds DNC dates in fifth paragrapgh.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
This article was originally published in Capitol News Illinois.

An Illinois lawmaker heading a child welfare committee said the state must strengthen its laws and policies to protect homeschooled children facing inadequate education, abuse and neglect.

Rep. Terra Costa Howard, the chair of the Adoption and Child Welfare Committee in the Illinois House, called for action following a Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica investigation, which revealed little accountability for parents who pull their kids from school and then fail to ensure they receive an education. In the worst cases, the investigation found, parents isolated and mistreated their children.

We cannot turn a blind eye to children who are not being educated, Costa Howard said in an interview with Capitol News Illinois. Costa Howard, a lawyer with extensive experience in juvenile court, said she supports homeschoolers but that the article made clear the state needs to make changes.

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While regulations on homeschooling are minimal across the nation, Illinois is among a small number of states with virtually no rules about homeschooling: state authorities cant compel proof of teaching methods, attendance, curriculum or testing outcomes; homeschool teachers dont need a high school diploma or GED; and parents arent required to notify anyone if they remove their kids from school.

The Democrat from suburban Glen Ellyn said that at a bare minimum the state should mandate that parents must notify a school district or other governmental entity when they choose to homeschool. This is a requirement in 39 states and Washington, D.C., but is entirely optional for parents in Illinois. We need to know these kids exist, Costa Howard said.

Past efforts in Illinois to implement regulations on homeschools have faced strong resistance, including against a bill in 2011 to require registration and another in 2019 to enact inspections and curriculum reviews of homeschools. In both instances, the outcry was so intense that Illinois lawmakers swiftly withdrew the bills from consideration.

That resistance persists today, as evidenced by the numerous emails that reporters received from homeschool families and their advocates in response to the article. They argued that public schools, despite being heavily regulated, can also subject children to abuse and inadequate instruction. Most public schools in Illinois are not doing a good job, wrote Steven Durfey, of Bartlett, a village 35 miles west of Chicago, whose children were homeschooled. In other states, recent efforts to bolster homeschool regulations have failed in the face of similar opposition from families who homeschool and the groups that represent them.

Michael Mobley, who worked as a truancy officer for eight years in south-central Illinois until his retirement in 2018, has experienced this backlash firsthand. Illinois law says that homeschools must provide an education equivalent to what is taught in public schools, and if they dont, those children would be truant  in violation of Illinois mandatory education laws. Around 2013 he proposed a system to verify whether homeschools were meeting this mandate, but homeschool advocates protested his proposal. And Mobley said he didnt find much support from state officials either.

Homeschooling is the third rail of politics in Illinois. The legislature, the Illinois State Board of Education, which are all politically appointed, will not do anything, said Mobley. I hope that this renewed attention to this problem brings change. But I can tell you first-hand that any legislative attempt to regulate homeschooling will be met with swift and certain opposition.

But in the wake of the reporting, the governor and other key lawmakers also signaled a willingness to engage in discussions about what changes might be needed, although they offered few specifics. Spokespeople for Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch said both legislative leaders were interested in hearing more from experts and advocates, including officials from the Department of Children and Family Services and the Illinois State Board of Education, to find best solutions and address problems.

Alex Gough, a spokesperson for Gov. JB Pritzker, said the governor supports parents rights to choose homeschooling for their kids education, but also believes every child deserves to be protected during their educational experience. He said the governor is open to input and feedback from the General Assembly on this issue.

The June news article highlighted cases involving two children who had been removed from public schools to homeschools. One child was beaten and given little to eat while he received almost no schooling, according to police records and court testimony; on his 11th birthday in December 2022, he was taken into state protective custody, where he remains. That same month, a 9-year-old boy accidentally shot himself with a gun he found in the home while his mom was running errands. Instead of alerting police, she hid the body. Seven months passed before police, responding to a concerned call from a friend, found the childs body in a garbage can in the garage.

Homeschool groups that oppose changes in the law say cases of abuse among homeschooled children are tragic but rare.

But the June reporting highlighted another issue with the states oversight of homeschooling: Schools may offer protection and stability to children in a volatile home environment, but there is often poor coordination between education departments and DCFS.

Decades ago, DCFS was able to open an investigation into educational neglect if a homeschool family was accused of failing to provide an adequate education to their children or neglected to register them for school or ensure their regular attendance. But in 1989, lawmakers voted to remove that authority from DCFS and place it with regional offices of education, which oversee truancy intervention.

The two entities do not coordinate their investigations or share results of their findings.

Costa Howard plans to convene meetings in the coming months between state child welfare and education officials. And she plans to call on DCFS to improve its data collection about the schooling status of the children it investigates.

The DCFS Office of Inspector General is required to review the agencys actions when a child dies while in the custody of the state, or whose family was investigated within a year of their death.

The reports do not generally include whether the child who died was regularly attending school, chronically truant or homeschooled, but Costa Howard believes they should.

Other child advocates also welcomed changes in the law.

Dr. Veena Ramaiah, a board-certified child abuse pediatrician, said homeschooling is sometimes a red flag.

I completely understand that abusive parents who homeschool and are trying to hide their children are a small minority but I wonder if the thousands of parents who are sincere would ever be willing to compromise a little on oversight in order to save that handful of children who are being abused and hidden, she said. I would hope that the safety of even one child would trump the minimal effect on parental rights that more oversight would provide.

Diana Hartmann, superintendent of Regional Office of Education 44 in upstate McHenry County, north of Chicago, said offices like hers feel like they have little authority to intervene if there are allegations of inadequate homeschooling, such as in cases where parents pull a child from school to evade responsibility for truancy. She also welcomes legislative action.

Im wholeheartedly ready to align with others that would like to introduce legislation to clean up the abuses of withdrawing students for homeschooling, she said.

Hartmann took exception to a statement that ISBE provided reporters, included in the June story, saying that regional education offices can take action under existing truancy laws. Families who homeschool, she noted, are not required to maintain any records of their activities; therefore, without proper legislation to close the loophole, there is nothing we as an ROE can do besides ask. And asking, she said, will have no benefit because there is nothing to do after they say no.

In response to questions seeking clarification on the agencys position, ISBE noted that while ROEs have authority to investigate truancy, the law does not provide explicit authority to an ROE to verify the adequacy of a homeschool program; thus, when a family that is suspected of truancy claims to be homeschooling, an ROEs ability to intervene can be limited.

For its part, ISBE said it stands ready to help find solutions.

We are committed to working with lawmakers and regional offices of education on this issue to ensure student safety and wellbeing are protected, the agency said.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets 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.
'I'm not going to be nice:' Donald Trump launches all-out attack on Kamala Harris

WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump isn't calling for national unity any more, unleashing a volley of attacks Wednesday against his new campaign opponent Vice President Kamala Harris.

"If you don't mind, I'm not going to be nice, is that OK?" Trump told supporters in Charlotte, N.C., in his first campaign rally since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

In addition to sustained attacks on Harris, Trump's re-tooled stump speech featured residual criticism of Biden, an extended defense of his abortion position, and more talk of his near-assassination less than two weeks ago.

"I was supposed to be nice," Trump said, referring to his brief call for national unity after the July 13 shooting. But circumstances have changed.

Ammar Moussa, spokesperson for the Harris campaign, said "unity is over for Donald Trump" and now "he is back with an unhinged, weird, and rambling speech."

Some takeaways from the Charlotte event:

The new focus on Harris

Trump attacked his new opponent on an array of issues and for her stints as a prosecutor, California attorney general, U.S. senator, and vice president. He slammed her on issues such as illegal border crossings and inflation, and termed her a "radical" on social issues such as abortion and gun rights.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he campaigns in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. July 24, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello

Harris "is the most incompetent and far-left vice president in history," Trump said at one point.

Trump also accused Harris of being totally against the Jewish people, even though her husband is Jewish.

Biden is still a talking point

Trump plans to continue linking Harris to Biden and his policies, and argued that both worked to cover up the president's physical decline while in office.

During his speech, Trump gave different explanations for Biden's departure. At one point, Trump said Biden "quit because he was losing so badly." He then claimed Democratic "bosses" forced the decision upon the president.

Trump also blamed Harris, saying "she did an overthrow," even though Biden has endorsed the vice president.

Trump defends his abortion position

The Republican nominee went on at length about his abortion position, saying each of the 50 states should decide their own laws regarding the procedure.

Harris and her allies have noted that many anti-abortion activists believe Trump is too soft on the issue. They are continuing to push for a national ban that Trump will probably try to give them if he is elected, Democrats said.

"The American people wont be fooled or distracted," Moussa said. "The choice this November will be Trumps Project 2025 agenda to ban abortion nationwide and give himself unlimited, unchecked power; or Vice President Harris who is fighting to protect freedom and ensure every American gets a fair shot.

Moussa also noted that, during his discussion of migrants, Trump again referenced fictional serial killer and cannibal Hannibal Lecter.

Trump's legal troubles

Trump also signaled concern about his many legal problems while bashing Harris.

In addition to his conviction in the New York hush money case, Trump referred to pending cases in Washington, D.C., and Georgia alleging efforts to steal the 2020 election from Biden. Trump again claimed, without evidence, that the prosecutions are politically motivated.

"Then their campaign says, 'I'm the prosecutor and he is the convicted felon,'" Trump told supporters in Charlotte. "That's their campaign. I don't think people are going to buy it."

Talking about the shooting

In his convention acceptance speech last week, Trump provided a detailed of the assassination attempt, and told the crowd in Milwaukee that "youll never hear it from me a second time, because its actually too painful to tell."

Trump did not go into detail in his Charlotte speech, but did reference the shooting on several occasions, suggesting it will be a frequent topic in the weeks ahead.

"That was a horrible thing," Trump said.

At one point, Trump suggested that the shooter was inspired by the rhetoric that he is a threat to democracy, although there is no evidence as to what exactly motivated the attack.

"It could be caused when they call you a 'threat to democracy,'" Trump said. "You never know what causes it."

Trump said Harris and the Democrats are the real threats, drawing rebukes from his political opponents.

"Donald Trump is the threat to our democracy, as well as a convicted fraudster and shameless liar," said Christina Harvey, executive director of Stand Up America.

In Charlotte, Trump referenced that a bullet just missed his head because he had it turned to look at a chart of immigration statistics.

"That's my all-time favorite chart," Trump said. "I will sleep with that chart for the rest of my life."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No more 'nice:' Donald Trump launches all-out attack on Kamala Harris
Their information was leaked in the Wyatt data breach. Now, there's a class action lawsuit.

PROVIDENCE  The Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility is facing a class-action lawsuit over a data breach last fall that compromised the private information of more than 20,000 people, including detainees, staff and vendors.

Jacob Hellested, a former job applicant to the federal prison in Central Falls, sued Wyatt this week on behalf of himself and all similarly situated people who had their information, including Social Security numbers, financial data and private health information, extracted from its internal network and posted on the dark web.

He alleges the prison neglected to safeguard their private information with the latest cybersecurity measures, and is also suing for breach of contract for allowing the lapse to occur, as well as unjust enrichment.

He asks the court to order the prison to implement security measures to protect private information and to pay for lifetime credit monitoring for people impacted by the breach, as well as unspecified damages.

The affected class of individuals may feel the consequences of this data breach for years to come, as it has the potential to disrupt their personal and financial well-being," Hellested's lawyer, Peter N. Wasylyk, said in an email.

Wyatt expressed regret over the 2023 breach, the result of a cyberattack.

"We quickly took steps to minimize its impact, and eligible individuals are entitled to receive free credit monitoring at the facilitys expense. Because this case is currently in litigation, we have no further comment," the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility said in a statement Wednesday.

More: Data breach at Wyatt steals info of detainees, staff and vendors. What to know.

The Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls.

Number of potential victims skyrockets

Wyatt released a statement in November acknowledging that the quasi-private public prison was hacked by an unknown intruder.

At the time, the facility said at least 1,454 detainees, 438 current and former staff, and 92 outside vendors" were affected and that their private information had been posted on the dark web.

The FBI was involved in investigating the breach, which was discovered Nov. 2.

On July 1, Wyatt officials posted an update on the prisons website, admitting that the breach was far more sweeping than previously believed.

The number of those impacted grew to 12,890 detainees; 7,618 current, potential, and former staff; and 185 outside vendors were affected.

The information at risk included certain financial information; detainees medical information; current, potential, and former staff information, such as beneficiary information and disciplinary/counseling actions; vendor information; and incident reports.

The compromised data encompassed names; home addresses; cellphone numbers; birth and hire dates; job titles; workers compensation and unemployment information; and, in some, but not all, instances, Social Security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers.

Potential victims alerted to breach eight months later

According to Hellesteds complaint, he was also notified by letter July 1, 2024 that his information was exposed by the breach  namely his address, cellphone number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The suit emphasizes that he was told eight months after the prison learned it had been hacked, which did not give him an opportunity to immediately take steps to safeguard his information.

The data breach was a direct result of defendants failure to implement adequate and reasonable cybersecurity procedures and protocols necessary to protect plaintiff(s) and class members private information, the lawsuit says.

As a result, Hellested and others suffered potential losses resulting from identity theft, out-of-pocket expenses, and the value of their time spent trying to mitigate the effects of the attack. In addition, they may have to incur out-of-pocket costs for credit monitoring services, credit freezes, credit reports or other protective measures to deter and detect identity theft.

Hellested argues that Wyatt should have known to employ the latest security measures due to high-profile attacks by cyber criminals on entities nationwide.

Nations first publicly owned and privately operated adult correctional facility

Wyatt was established in 1993 as the nations first publicly owned and privately operated adult correctional facility. It is operated by the Central Falls Detention Facility Corporation and developed for use by the U.S. Marshal Service in the Northeast. It was later extended to hold detainees of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.

It houses detainees from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. It also houses those in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Navy and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe.

It can house 770 people and includes a 40-bed unit for women.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Wyatt Detention Center data breach spawns class action lawsuit
Ava Kris Tyson (right) with Jimmy Donaldson, A.K.A. MrBeast, in early 2023. - Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

On Tuesday, Ava Kris Tyson announced on X that she would permanently step away from all things MrBeast and social media. The longtime collaborator and childhood friend of Jimmy Donaldson, the man behind the 305 million subscriber YouTube kingdom with its own line of Walmart-sold chocolate bars and videos that pull in hundreds of millions of views, apologized for any past behavior or comments if it hurt or offended anyone. Donaldson issued his own X statement on Wednesday night, saying hes aware of the serious allegations and has taken immediate action to remove Ava from the company, my channel, and any association with MrBeast. He also stated he would be launching an independent investigation into Tysons actions.

The apologies come in the wake of a flood of new and revisited allegations looking into the 28-year-olds behavior on social media over the past decade. Tyson is a trans woman and has been the target of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment since her transition in 2023. Recently, videos have claimed that starting in 2016, Tyson, who was 20 at the time, had been interacting online and exchanging messages that included sexual content with a user named LavaGS since they were 13 years old. Lava, who is now a 20-year-old editor, also took a job with MrBeast and visited the Beast compound. Some online have felt Lava was groomed because of their interactions. (Neither Donaldson nor Tyson returned a request for comment before publication.)

More from Rolling Stone

In a series of follow-up tweets, Tyson shared that they never groomed anyone and specifically mentioned Lava. In past years, I have learned that my old humor is not acceptable, Tyson wrote. I cannot change who I was, but I can continue to work on myself.

Lava backed this up by tweeting, I am not a victimNothing bad happened between me and Kris, people are creating lies around my name.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lava said he believes that the two creators who originally made videos on the subject twisted his story and misrepresented him in order to push their agenda. Rolling Stone also spoke with those two creators who deny any wrongdoing, believing that Tysons actions needed to come to light at any cost.

LAVA HAS BEEN A FAN OF MrBeast since the early days of the channel, posting a screenshot of the channels 50,000 subscriber count on Twitter in 2016 and earning a MrBeast-signed butterfly knife for being a top donor with just $20. That contest earned him a Twitter follow from both Donaldson and Tyson. Around that time, Tysons social media persona was edgy. In 2017, she posted images online and on her wall (appearing in a MrBeast video) of lolli, or drawn child porn, from controversial internet artist Shadman. Tyson has never directly responded to these allegations.

As a 13-year-old, Lava had been tinkering with the newly released messaging app Discord, learning how to make servers and bots. Kris reached out to me and saw I was making Discord for people, Lava says. He was new to it and wanted a bot that could play Lo-Fi study music which isnt hard to do.

Using what he knew, Lava built Tyson a Discord server for close friends and he just ended up staying in and running it, Lava says. According to Lava, Tyson did not pay for the creation or maintenance of the server, and he did it solely for the fun of it and helping [build] a community for fans of MrBeast and Kris.

Lava claims that Tyson was unaware of his age until 2018, though couldnt remember the specific details on how it came up.

In 2018 and 2019, the pair would play games and communicate in private on Discord. They would also talk publicly on X (formerly Twitter). Lava would call Tyson big boy, dad, sexy and at one point asked her to be his valentine. In one reply, Lava asked Tyson about her hentai addiction, referring to drawn anime pornography, and in another shared an image of Tysons computer from her social media with the caption, This is a bad way to hide your hentai. Though Tysons side of these conversations has been completely deleted, about two dozen of Lavas messages remain up on X.

In one interaction, Tyson tweeted an image of her Patreon and said that if she could get one more sign-up she would be releasing my noods. Lava replied with Im your first Patreon big boy and Tyson responded with I posted some fire noods for you. Pls no share. (No nudes were shared.)

In a Discord server for gaming YouTuber TheDooo, Lava posted an image from Tysons group chat of her in front of an American flag with the caption Cumming for America.

To others, these conversations look inappropriate, but it was nothing out of the ordinary to Lava. I was at the age where I spoke to all my friends like that, Lava says. There was nothing more than that. Its how bros talkI saw Kris as an older brother because he reminded me a lot of my older brother.

When I was 16

I asked @MrBeast How hard do you want it Jimmy

68 Million people have seen this https://t.co/lz1NWV6BID pic.twitter.com/LJqhL5mDAc  Lava (@LavaGS) February 1, 2023

In May 2020, Lava says Tyson helped him land a job as a production assistant on Beast Gaming. Lava was a moderator on the channels Discord and Reddit, sometimes appearing in videos or helping out behind the scenes. That July, Lava visited MrBeasts compound in North Carolina, posting a picture on X with Tyson, Donaldson, as well as Trey Yates, who edited for MrBeast from 2018 to 2021 and was the one who hired Lava.

Lava tells Rolling Stone that he and his parents would stay at a campground every year which wasnt far from the compound, and that his parents joined him on the visit.

Yates, who was also the one who hired Lava at Beast Gaming, shared his side of the story with Rolling Stone. He came to visit because he knew Ava from playing games online, Yates says. Ava wanted Lava to work for the MrBeast Gaming channel and we were happy to bring him on and pay him.

On the grooming allegations, Yates saw the way Lava and Tyson interacted and didnt think it was strange or out of the ordinary. There was never any hint or indication that something like that was happening or even, albeit, blatant proof that something like that was occurring, he says.



LAVA STOPPED WORKING FOR BeastGaming in May 2021, though he and Tyson remained in contact. In July 2023, Tyson came out as trans, which caused a flurry of conversation on the right. One right-leaning creator who had thoughts about Tyson happened to be Prism42, a YouTuber with 800 subscribers who had found the messages between Lava and Tyson on 4chan (though its unclear how they ended up there). Prism felt he needed to get this information out so, he claimed, he contacted 50 creators including Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk, former To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen, and YouTube documentarian Mike Clum. There was also EDP445, a creator who in 2021 was caught in a YouTube vigilantes sting operation messaging a fake 13-year-old. (Clum is currently making a documentary about him.)

[Prism] began to message me directly with vague details about an unnamed creator who will be exposed and he wanted to see if I could help him, Clum tells Rolling Stone. Given the nature of the accusations, I said I would take a look if he sent them to me. He began to send more information about [Ava] Tyson and what seemed to be generally available screenshots or details that werent actionable given the work I do.

When none of those reach-outs gained traction, Prism took another approach. In an interview on the Chud Logic podcast, he said he wanted to emulate the undercover work of disgraced journalist James OKeefe of Project Veritas who in February settled a suit over false claims of 2020 voter fraud. In June 2023, Prism reached out to Lava in a message seen by Rolling Stone, pretending to want to interview an anime fan and that it would be interesting because you worked on the MrBeast server. Lava did not answer that message.

For his next attempt, Prism contacted YouTuber Verdius, an 18-year-old with 600 subscribers, and had him reach out to Lava looking to interview him for an editor position. Verdius tells Rolling Stone that he had no idea that he was being set up or that Lava had anything to do with Tyson or MrBeast  he was just looking for an editor. During the interview, Lava says, the conversation started with editing questions but quickly devolved into a conversation about internet predators. Prism asked Lava to comment on a video from EDP445 talking about Tyson.

On June 13, Verdius and Prism each released their own video about the Tyson messages, though neither included information from Lavas interview with them. Prism repeatedly misgendered Tyson and included multiple factual inaccuracies, including claiming that the moment he was able to drive, Lava drove himself to the Beast compound, and that the cumming photo was sent personally to Lava on Snapchat, when Lava claims it was a group message. (When reached out for comment, Prism called Rolling Stone fake news and hung up.)

Both videos went relatively unnoticed until July 18, when YouTube commentator Adrox released a video aggregating the claims that became algorithmic catnip, currently sitting at over one million views. From there, dozens of creators picked up the story, with the largest being from penguinz0 which is sitting at over seven million views.

Prism purposely left out context and did not ask me about specific situations, Lava said. There was nothing bad that happened at all, if I would have told him that I would have basically invalidated his whole argument which is why he never asked me these questions.



ON SOCIAL MEDIA, PRISMS CLAIMS that Tyson talked inappropriately to a 13-year-old gained viral traction. Anti-LGBTQ+ activists like Tristan Tate, his brother Andrew, and LibsofTikTok have used this story as an excuse to push anti-trans rhetoric. The comment section under Lavas original tweet denouncing the claims is full of comments saying he was groomed and is a gay victim.

Nothing but pure unadulterated transphobia in the replies here. We can hold Ava responsible for her absolutely disgusting actions without needing to degrade the trans community https://t.co/bqmDX1SXry  Hassan Khadair (@HassanKhadair) July 25, 2024

In the podcast with Chud Logic, Prism says I dont believe men can become women with modern technology but thats not a point Im going to make because it is separate from the allegations. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Verdius said he tried to keep his coverage unbiased but posts on Tysons private Twitter of her son in heels, and that fact that she followed the Church of Satan may have made him a little bit biased.

For those with experience with Tyson, these serious claims seem to be getting co-opted. All of this is just your typical alt-right influencers trying to push something against trans people because they think they have something, Yates says.

Lava no longer wishes to be involved with Tyson though they havent worked together in years, but still believes, Im not a victim.

I do not appreciate [the transphobic comments] being attached to my name, I have my own personal beliefs about the situation as everyone should, Lava says. I believe attacking someone while using my name is completely uncalled for.

Best of Rolling Stone
Cameron "CJ" Wicks remembers being blown away by cheeseburger-flavored Doritos she once had in middle school. On that day, she came to a decision that not only would determine her career path, but also may affect the future of America's most popular dessert.

It was at a Girl Scout event at the Frito Lay headquarters in Plano, Texas, featuring the food science behind some of the companys products. Inspired by the blend of flavors  umami, tomato tang and the zing of pickle  incorporated into a chip, Wicks decided to be a food scientist.

As a graduate student at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wicks created ice cream that doesnt melt even after four hours at room temperature. While her concoction isnt ready for consumption, her work could change the way we eat, store, and transport the beloved dairy treat.

Former University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student CJ Wicks shows the no-melt ice cream she created.

The story of Wicks work begins with a serendipitous invention at the other end of the world.

In 2017, the Biotherapy Development Research Center in Kanazawa, Japan, launched a new product called Kanazawa Ice, a range of popsicles that didn't melt. It became quite popular. Reaction videos began popping up on the internet with people describing the taste, consistency and novelty of the product.

But the recipe was patented and no one could quite figure out why it didnt melt. Thats where Wicks came in. When she began her graduate studies at UW-Madison, she was tasked with looking into the Japanese invention.

With very little information to go on, Wicks began her research by watching the videos. People would do all sorts of things to get the ice cream to melt. Someone even took a hair dryer to it just to see what would happen, Wicks said. Many had stopwatches running to show just how long it could stay at room temperature. Some amateur experiments ran more than an hour.

The reason no one knew why it didnt melt was that it was an accidental creation. The scientists behind Kanazawa Ice had set out to make a strawberry dessert when they realized that certain chemicals in strawberry extracts thickened the cream and kept it from melting.

These chemicals, known as polyphenols, occur naturally in plants. We eat them all the time when we have fruits, teas, and wines. Tannins, which add the acidic taste to teas and wines, are a group of polyphenols. Wicks wanted to understand how polyphenols worked to prevent ice cream from melting.

As she made her way through the videos, she made a crucial observation. Although the ice cream didnt melt, it did collapse when touched. It was as if something held the ice cream together and the moment someone took a bite, it fell apart.

So it was more of a no-collapse ice cream, she said.

Somehow the polyphenols from strawberry extract maintained the shape of the popsicle even though all the ice had melted.

Wicks wanted to learn the process; she didn't worry about taste

There have been other attempts at creating no-melt ice cream, Wicks explained, but they usually ended up compromising on the creamy texture or the taste. A natural chemical, without any of those drawbacks, could be a game changer.

But before she tried to re-create the product, Wicks wanted to understand what the polyphenols were doing.

Ice cream is a surprisingly complex mixture of air, ice, fat, and sugary liquid, all of which influence taste, texture and melting time. A little more air and you get the fluffy consistency of ice cream sandwiches, which take longer to melt. Increase the fat and you get the rich creamy consistency of premium ice creams.

Milk has fat, protein and water. When cream is mixed to make ice cream, the fat gets separated into little globules. Left to their own devices, these blobs of fat tend to coalesce. Swirling the mix keeps that from happening. Many smaller protein molecules occupy every available surface on the fat blobs, preventing them from merging completely. Ice cream is a lattice of partially coalesced fat globules, with ice crystals and sugary water between them.

The fatty network holds its shape at low temperatures, but it quickly breaks down when the ice melts. How do polyphenols prevent that from happening?

To find out, Wicks looked at a polyphenol rich ice cream under a microscope and used specialized instruments to measure the size of particles in its matrix. She deduced that polyphenols attach to protein molecules on the surface of fat globules. They act as bridges between protein studded blobs of fat.

Wicks found that polyphenols create a kind of dense molecular net that holds liquid water. She also tested polyphenol extracts from a variety of sources. Cranberry, blueberry, grapeseed and green tea extracts were the best.

Even after four hours at room temperature, her ice cream looked like it had just been pulled out of the freezer.

It would be nice to have premium ice cream that takes longer to melt, but does a customer want an ice cream that can sit out for hours? Maybe not, she said.

She only intended to find out the mechanism by which polyphenols prevent the ice cream matrix from collapsing.

Wicks creation is loaded with polyphenols and tastes several times more bitter than tea that has been steeped for too long. To get it ready for consumption, Wicks said: You might not need all of it. You might need to put something that masks the astringency if you need that level of concentration.

The processing may also need to be tweaked, but thats for someone else to do, she said.

Her work could have other applications too. Wicks thinks polyphenols may help ice cream withstand rapid changes in temperature, improving shelf life, and could even open the door to non-dairy vegan ice creams.

Most people don't know that someone's thinking this hard about their ice cream cone, Wick said, And that applies to every food that we eat.

She is now headed to Minneapolis to work as a research scientist at General Mills.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: UW-Madison researcher unlocks secret to ice cream that doesn't melt
After an eight-month investigation, officials still do not know what caused the crash and explosion at Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge explosion (AP)

Kurt and Monica Vallani were driving along the US-Canada border at Niagara Falls last November when the unthinkable happened.

The couples Bentley crashed and exploded on the Rainbow Bridge, which connects Niagara Falls, New York with Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Vallanis, both 53, died instantly.

One eight-month investigation later, and the cause of the fatal crash on November 22, 2023 is still a mystery.

Investigators do have some information about what led to the crash, the Associated Press reports. Security footage shows the couples car racing through an intersection and hitting a median before flying into the air. However, the car landed and exploded out of the cameras view.

However, investigators still dont know whether a human or mechanical error caused the fatal crash, the Associated Press reports.

A sign that reads, Bridges to CA closed following a deadly car crash and explosion on Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge in November 2023. After an eight-month investigation, officials still do not know what caused the crash (Getty Images)

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said the investigation is considered closed at this point, but can be reopened if any new evidence comes to light. The cars black box was destroyed in the crash, Restaino said, limiting what investigators could find out.

The New York couple was driving a 2022 Bentley Flying Spur, which can speed up from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds. A Bentley spokesperson told the Associated Press the company has opened its own investigation into the crash.

GOP politicians, including Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Byron Donalds, quickly began spreading rumors of terrorist involvement.

However, local and federal officials said there was no evidence of terrorist activity.

The crash also threw a wrench in regional Thanksgiving travel plans, as officials closed the Niagara Falls border and nearby roads.

The Villanis were travelling for a KISS concert in Toronto, Canda that was cancelled when a band member fell ill.

Chuck Meyer, a friend of the couple, told local outlet WGRZ he was devastated to learn of their deaths through national news coverage.

I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didnt know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars, Meyer said.

I thought, Oh, theyre having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, thats really nice. And then about an hour later, heard the news and Im like, oh my God.
International Olympic Committee leaders got a proper introduction to France Thursday, as staff members at their Hotel du Collectionneur reportedly protested for two hours, disrupting breakfast service, a day before the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony.

According to the Union Departementale CGT Paris trade group, employees are pushing for their first raises since 2017 amid negotiations with hotel management.

More from Sportico.com

We cant wait for the workers of the world to discover our French way of striking, UD CGT Paris posted online while saying that the IOC is paying 22 million to stay at the five-star hotel about a kilometer from the Arc de Triomphe.

Un debrayage des salaries de l'Hotel du Collectionneur (Paris 8e) est actuellement en cours.

Il s'agit de l'Hotel privatise par le Comite International Olympique pour 22 millions d'euros.

Les salaries demandent des augmentations de salaires. pic.twitter.com/G7WPL5NGXv  UD CGT PARIS (@UdCgtParis) July 25, 2024

The cooks, waiters and other workers are the latest Parisians to use the additional leverage brought by the Olympiad. A day earlier, the S.F.A.-C.G.T. union announced a resolution ensuring that thousands of performers would participate in Fridays ceremony in exchange for increased broadcast royalties. More than 200 dancers had stopped a rehearsal on Monday to protest their compensation.

They joined rail workers, police officers, garbage collectors and others who have all threatened work stoppages in the long run-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics. In February, the Eiffel Tower closed for six days after employees walked off the job to demand better maintenance of the landmark as well as salary increases. For a weekend in May, air traffic controllers on strike led to the cancellation of 70% of flights at Paris second biggest airport.

In a statement, The Gate Collection, which runs Hotel du Collectionneur, told The Guardian, Discussions are progressing in a climate of mutual respect and cooperation. Our hotel will continue to operate optimally during this period.

At 8%, France actually has a smaller percentage of union members than Germany, the UK or even the U.S (though almost all jobs are collectively bargained through unions). Instead of pure numbers, French workers have learned to rely on dramatic demonstrations for leverage. In the 2010s, the average French employee striked for 1.3 days, the EUs second highest tally during that period, according to the European Trade Union Institute.

Unions and protestors turning to radical action here wind up competing with each other for the media coverage that createssince big press is what creates pressure on bosses and the government to concede, labor conflict expert Guy Groux told Time during another moment of disruption. The result is, theres constant obligation to up the ante to ensure protests dont wind up ignored.

Polls also regularly show public support for the demonstrators. There is a general conviction that revolt is necessary, historian Jean Garrigues explained in 2019. That distrust of authority has also been used to explain Frances relatively low union membership numbers.

More strikes are likely on their way. A union of ground workers at local airports including Paris Charles de Gaulle have discussed protesting on Friday.

Best of Sportico.com
Iowa DNR dispatches firefighters across the US to help national wildfire management

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fire Program has dispatched wildland firefighters across the Rocky Mountains, West Coast and Pacific Northwest to help wildfire management efforts.

What wildfires are Iowa DNR fire crews assigned to?

Firefighters work as the Park Fire burns near Chico, California on July 25. Crews from Iowa are deploying to several western states, including California, to assist with wildfires.

The Iowa DNR staff and firefighters are members of crews in Colorado and South Dakota. Some agency staff are assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fire engines in Wyoming.

One Iowa DNR engine and crew is assigned to southern California. Support specialists and Emergency Medical Technicians from Iowa are also supporting efforts in northern California and Oregon.

DNR staff are bringing 'valuable experience' back to Iowa

Iowa DNR staff and firefighters are gaining valuable experience in fire suppression, incident management and other emergency support functions, according to a news release. They bring those lessons home to assist in both prescribed fire and wildfire management throughout Iowa.

The rest of the 2024 wildfire season looks to be busy with the current uptick in western wildfires, said Ryan Harr, Iowa DNR Fire Program supervisor.

Harr anticipates the DNR will continue to support federal partners by providing firefighters and support staff throughout the summer and early fall, the news release said.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa DNR firefighters join national wildfire management efforts
ANKARA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye will send two naval ships and six F-16 jet fighters to Qatar as part of the military cooperation between the two countries, the country's Defense Ministry said Thursday.

Turkiye will dispatch the military assets to Qatar "to ensure that the training and exercises conducted by the Land Forces and the sharing of common knowledge, experience, and capabilities are also carried out by the Naval and Air Forces," said Zeki Akturk, the ministry's press and public relations advisor, at a press conference

Two Tuzla class patrol ships (TCG KUMKALE and TCG KUSADASI), which will serve under the Naval Element Command, will depart from Turkiye on July 26, Akturk said.

"Six F-16 aircraft will arrive in Qatar on July 30 for the Air Component Command," he added.

Turkiye has established a military base in Qatar, and the two countries have maintained close ties in the past years. 
Iowa State Patrol names pedestrian who died after being hit by teen driver

MASON CITY, Iowa  A woman died after being struck by an SUV driven by a 17-year-old in Mason City Wednesday night.

A crash report from the Iowa State Patrol said Jade Quam of Mason City was driving a GMC Envoy southbound in the 1500 block of Plymouth Road around 6:12 p.m. when the SUV struck 42-year-old Jennifer Buls-Vrba, a pedestrian. Buls-Vrba, also of Mason City, died from injuries received in the collision.

The ISP says the investigation into the crash continues.

The Mason City Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs Office, and the Mason City Fire Department assisted the Iowa State Patrol.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This isn't who we are  right? 10 years later, I'm still writing about racism in Howell

"Our reputation precedes us, fairly or unfairly."

"There is more to us than our past."

I used those words 10 years ago, when I penned a letter published in The Livingston Daily titled: "This isn't who we are." It still lives through Howell High School's newspaper, The Main Four  and re-reading it today, now as the editor of The Daily, was painful.

I wrote the letter after students at HHS published racist tweets during a basketball game against Grand Blanc. It was the latest in a seemingly never-ending string of "incidents" in Howell, some of which made national headlines, all of which made it difficult to tell others where I came from.

A demonstration in Howell saw participants waving banners with antisemitic and white supremacist messaging alongside a Trump flag on Saturday, July 20.

As a wide-eyed youngster, I truly believed we were mislabeled  given a bad name and reputation because of the actions of few. I still want to believe it, more than anything.

And yet, when one of my reporters covered a pair of white supremacist demonstrations in Howell over the weekend  including one in which participants chanted "We love Hitler. We love Trump."  they received threats, simply for doing their job. Simply for noting the connection between the demonstrators' words and the former president of the United States, who, at that moment, was rallying in Grand Rapids.

More: 'We love Hitler. We love Trump.' As Trump rallied in GR, white supremacists chanted in Howell

It's true that Donald Trump has, on record, repeatedly denounced white supremacists and neo-Nazis. It's also true that Trump said there were "some very fine people on both sides" after a driver ran over counterprotestors at a rally addressing the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.

It's no secret that Trump has white nationalists among his supporters, whether he agrees with them or not. In a town like Howell, that's problematic  and it should be particularly troubling for Trump's advocates; not because we reported the connection, but because it exists. For if there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that white supremacy doesn't belong in any political party in 2024, or ever. It's our responsibility, our call, to cast them out. To say, "You don't belong with us. We don't associate with you."

Instead, when one resident condemned the demonstrations during a Livingston County Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, July 22, she was called a "Karen" as she walked away.

"You've invited evil into this county," she said, referring to Grand New Party PAC Executive Director Shane Trejo's appearance at the Howell Opera House in February. Trejo made headlines in 2017 after referring to white supremacists rallying in Charlottesville as "civil rights heroes" in a piece for The Liberty Conservative.

"Oh yeah, Karen, good one," another board meeting attendee agreed Monday.

So, are we being mislabeled? Or do the critics have a point? Was I so blinded by youth I believed racism wasn't happening solely because it wasn't happening right in front of my face? Despite the good intentions of so many, are we losing this fight?

Not all of last weekend's demonstrators were from here, officials have confirmed. Yet, it's Howell they chose. We'd do ourselves a disservice not to ask why. Did organizers perhaps know the history of the town would make a bigger story? Or was Howell familiar to them? We have no way of knowing.

Perhaps they were paid liberals in disguise, commenters have speculated. It's certainly possible. Does it make the act any less condemnable? Does it make it any less important that it's still happening? Does it make it any less disturbing that we live in a country where one can exploit the assumption a presidential candidate has Nazi and KKK sympathizers among his supporters?

"Is this ever going to end?" I wrote in 2014. I ask myself the same question now; and I find there can't be a resolution until Howell's citizens agree on the most basic of human principles. We are one.

When are we going to start acting like it?

 Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of The Livingston Daily. Contact her at clybrink@livingstondaily.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Cassandra Lybrink: 10 years later, I'm still writing about racism in Howell
Protesters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Congress who burned an American flag and chanted pro-Hamas slogans near the U.S. Capitol drew strong criticism Thursday from the likely presidential candidates of both major parties.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who was not in Washington for the speech, issued a statement condemning the "despicable acts by unpatriotic protesters and dangerous, hate-fueled rhetoric."

"That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way," said Harris, who later Thursday had what she called a "frank'' conversation about the war with Netanyahu.

Former President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News on Thursday, criticized the protesters and called for a one-year jail sentence for those who burned a U.S. flag. The Supreme Court has ruled flag burning is a form of protected free speech.

Outside Union Station in the nation's capital Wednesday, demonstrators burned at least one U.S. flag and replaced the ones flying at Columbus Circle with Palestinian flags before authorities removed those.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement late Wednesday that everyone has a right to protest but "shamefully, not everyone demonstrated peacefulness."

Identifying with evil terrorist organizations like Hamas, burning the American flag, or forcibly removing the American flag and replacing it with another, is disgraceful," he said. "Antisemitism and violence are never acceptable. Period.

Police and security patrol outside before a soccer match between Mali and Israel on Wednesday at the Olympic Summer Games in Paris.

Police deploy pepper spray: Netanyahu protesters converge on Capitol

Developing:

 Negotiations on a cease-fire and hostage deal in the Gaza conflict appear to be in their "closing stages," a senior official told reporters. Netanyahu was meeting Thursday with President Joe Biden to discuss remaining gaps, the official said during a call previewing the meeting.

 The Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq, which houses U.S.-led forces, avoided damage when several rockets launched in its direction late Thursday failed to strike, according to U.S. and Iraqi sources.

 Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, a Hamas leader held in Israeli captivity in the West Bank, died early Friday of poor health, the Palestinian Commission of Detainees Affairs said. He was 63.

 Israeli President Isaac Herzog will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron just hours before the Olympics opening ceremony Friday in Paris. Earlier this week, the International Olympic Committee and Macron rejected a Palestinian demand that Israel be barred from the Games over the war in Gaza.

Harris on meeting with Netanyahu: 'I will not be silent'

Harris appeared to take a sterner public stance toward Israel's military operations in Gaza than President Joe Biden after meeting Thursday with Netanyahu, a possible sign of a shift in policy from the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Israel has a right to defend itself. And how it does so matters, Harris told reporters, saying she and Netanyahu had a "frank'' discussion about living conditions in Gaza, where tens of thousands have died and food shortages are rampant.

I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there, Harris said. I will not be silent.

Harris said she also pressed Netanyahu on cease-fire negotiations, telling him it is time to get this deal done.

Israel warns of possible terror attack at Olympics

Israeli authorities have warned French officials of a possible plot to attack Israeli athletes at the Olympic Games. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz sent a letter to French counterpart Stephane Sejourne claiming an Iranian-backed plot. Details were not released. It was not clear whether the warning was related to the detention this week of two people accused of plotting terror attacks. The suspects are from the Bordeaux area of southwest France.

There are those who seek to undermine the celebratory nature of this joyous event, Katz wrote in a letter translated by the Times of Israel. We currently have assessments regarding the potential threat posed by Iranian terrorist proxies and other terrorist organizations who aim to carry out attacks against members of the Israeli delegation and Israeli tourists during the Olympics.

Paris plans to deploy about 35,000 police officers each day for the Olympics and a peak of 45,000 for the opening ceremony. An additional 10,000 soldiers are joining security operations in the Paris region.

Bodies of five hostages returned to Israel

The bodies of five Israelis killed Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants swept into Israeli border communities were recovered by troops in southern Gaza and brought back to Israel, the Israeli military announced Thursday. The bodies of Ravid Katz, 51, Oren Goldin, 33, Maya Goren, 56, Sgt. Kiril Brodski, 19, and Staff Sgt. Tomer Yaakov Ahimas, 20, had been dragged back into Gaza by militants fleeing after the bloodbath.

All had been declared dead by the Israeli military. The remains were located Wednesday in a tunnel in Khan Younis after Palestinians were ordered to evacuate that section of an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone, authorities said. The military said it had learned the location of the bodies from interrogations of captured militants.

Israeli authorities say they count 111 hostages remaining in Gaza, including the bodies of 39 confirmed dead. More than 250 people were taken hostage in the Oct. 7 attack, which killed almost 1,200 Israelis. Close to 40,000 Palestinians have died in the Israeli military response, the Gaza Health Ministry says.

Israeli Air Force chief says military is 'all in' in case of war with Iran

The first-ever Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's port city of Hodeida last week targeted more than Houthi rebels who control the city, the commander of the Israeli Air Force said Thursday. The attack, which killed six people and wounded 83, came one day after the Iran-backed Houthis' stunning drone attack on Tel Aviv that killed one person. Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, commander of the Israeli Air Force, said his nation's retaliation was a warning shot for the Houthis, for militant Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon and for Iran.

"If a war breaks out in the north (Lebanon) and with Iran, we can handle it," Bar said. "Nine months and we are 'all in.' Not resting for a moment, realizing the righteousness of the path."

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel war updates: Biden, Harris, Trump rip flag-burning protest
President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday, a day after Netanyahu delivered a scathing speech to Congress in which he vowed to achieve total victory against Hamas and denounced American opponents of the war in Gaza as idiots.

Hamas has slammed the speech and accused Netanyahu of obstructing efforts to end the war and return the hostages.

Officials from Egypt, Israel, the U.S. and Qatar had been expected to meet Thursday 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. But an Israeli official said Israels negotiating team was delayed and would likely be dispatched next week.

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 more than 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in the war.

Heres the latest:

Relatives of U.S. hostages call Biden-Netanyahu meeting productive and honest

WASHINGTON  Relatives of U.S. hostages being held in Gaza have met with President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House, calling the discussions productive and honest.

Speaking to reporters afterward, the family members said they came today with a sense of urgency and emphasized the need to complete a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas that could result in the release of their loved ones.

We got absolute commitment from the Biden administration and from Prime Minister Netanyahu that they understand the urgency of this moment, the relatives said. They added that they are more optimistic about a deal than they have been in months.

Palestinians denounce Netanyahu's claims that Israel hasn't been targeting civilians

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Palestinians in the Gaza Strip expressed anger Thursday over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fiery speech to Congress, denouncing his claims that Israel was targeting Hamas, not civilians.

We were badly shocked by the speech, said Im Ismail Farwanah, a woman who fled her home in northern Gaza to escape Israels offensives. He has been bombarding civilians ... demolishing homes on the heads of their inhabitants.

Several Palestinians who spoke to The Associated Press said they had hoped Netanyahu would announce a cease-fire.

Netanyahu pledged in his combative speech to Congress on Wednesday to achieve total victory against Hamas and denounced American opponents of the war in Gaza as useful idiots. He said the Israeli military was trying to protect civilians by ordering evacuations from battleground areas and blamed Hamas for civilian deaths by operating among them.

Islam Zrei, from the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, noted how Netanyahu didnt mention a truce. He said the Israeli leader wants to destroy Hamas, but he cant do that, so he is wiping out the Palestinian people.

The war in Gaza, which was sparked by Hamas Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, has killed more than 39,000 people, according to the territorys Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. The war has created a humanitarian catastrophe in the coastal Palestinian territory, displaced most of its 2.3 million population and triggered widespread hunger.

Hamas October attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and militants took about 250 hostage. About 120 remain in captivity, with about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.

Iran is behind an online campaign to threaten the Israeli Olympic delegation, Israel says

Israeli officials on Thursday accused Iran of orchestrating an online campaign to intimidate members of the Israeli Olympic delegation.

In a statement, Israel's National Cyber Directorate said hackers opened online channels to send threatening messages and publish private information about the delegation members who are in Paris for the 2024 Games.

The agency said it is working with the Israeli Olympic Committee and other officials to protect the members of the delegation.

Iran is taking advantage of an apolitical international sports competition to promote digital terrorist activity against Israel and its right to participate in these competitions, said Gabi Portnoy, head of the national cyber directorate.

Netanyahu praises Bidens support for the state of Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President Joe Biden during made his long-awaited White House visit on Thursday afternoon.

From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish-American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel, Netanyahu told Biden at the start of their meeting.

The president thanked Netanyahu and noted that his first meeting with an Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, was in 1973 soon after he was elected to the Senate. Biden joked that he was only 12 years old at the time.

Netanyahus first White House visit since before President Donald Trump left office in 2020, comes at a time of growing pressure on all three to find an endgame to the nine-month war thats left more than 39,000 dead in Gaza. Dozens of Israeli hostages are still languishing in Hamas captivity.

Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris later today.

Protesters hold a die-in near the White House

Protesters against the Gaza war held a die-in across from Lafayette Park and the White House on Thursday as President Joe Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The protesters poured red liquid onto the street, saying it symbolized the blood of those killed in Gaza. They chanted, Arrest Netanyahu, and brought in an effigy of Netanyahu with blood on its hands and wearing an orange jumpsuit. The jumpsuit reads, Wanted for crimes against humanity.

A small number of counter-protesters wore Israeli flags around their shoulders.

Israeli military has shot 3 U.N. aid convoys recently, U.N. secretary-general says

UNITED NATIONS  U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that theres total lawlessness in Gaza, adding that three of the world bodys aid convoys have come under fire within three days.

The shootings happened between Sunday and Tuesday, and bullets pierced the vehicles on two occasions, Guterres said at a news conference at U.N. headquarters.

They were shot by the Israeli military, he said.

The U.N. had released information earlier this week about two of the incidents, including one Tuesday involving a convoy carrying humanitarian workers and children near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint. No one was injured.

The U.N. said Thursday that the third incident happened Sunday, but word reached headquarters later. Guterres called Gazas humanitarian situation a total disaster, attributing it to the deadliness and destruction of Israels military campaign and to a security vacuum.

Nobodys in charge of security anywhere in the area of Gaza, Guterres said.

Hezbollah attacks Israeli military post, no injuries reported

BEIRUT  Lebanons militant Hezbollah group said it attacked an Israeli military post in northern Israel with explosive drones after one of its members was killed earlier Thursday in an Israeli airstrike.

Hezbollah said that its attack directly hit the base in Neve Ziv.

After sirens sounded in northern Israel regarding hostile aircraft infiltrations and rocket and missile launches, the Israeli military said multiple suspicious aerial targets were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory.

The army added that unsuccessful interception attempts were carried out. As a result of falling shrapnel from the interception attempts, fires broke out in several areas but no injuries were reported.

Israeli Fire and Rescue Services are operating to extinguish the fires, the army said.

Hezbollah said the attack with drones was in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on south Lebanon earlier in the day that killed a member of the group, Abdullah Mohammed Faqih.

Since early October, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed more than 450 people, mostly Hezbollah members, but also around 90 civilians and noncombatants. On the Israeli side, 21 soldiers and 13 civilians have been killed.

Israeli strikes on Khan Younis kill at least 7 Palestinians overnight

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  Israeli strikes on the southern city of Khan Younis killed at least seven Palestinians overnight into Thursday, according to hospital officials and an Associated Press journalist who counted the bodies.

At the start of July, the Israeli military ordered parts of the city to be evacuated. On Monday, it added the Muwasi humanitarian zone and other parts of the crowded south to be evacuated. Renewed hostilities and mass displacement followed.

One strike hit the roof of a house in a neighborhood in eastern Khan Younis, killing three people who were inside. In another neighborhood, at least four others from the al-Attar family, who had previously fled from northern Gaza, were killed in a separate strike that hit their tent.

The bodies were taken to the Nasser Hospital and wrapped in blue and white bags. A group of women and girls wept after seeing the bodies at the hospital before funeral prayers. One girl said, Goodbye, mother, as she cried in the arms of a woman standing next to her.

Outside the hospital, a Muslim sheikh led funeral prayers for the dead alongside a group of men. People then gathered around the bodies before they were placed on a truck and sent for burial.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began, 39,175 people have been killed and 90,403 others wounded in Gaza, according to its Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. The ministry in the Palestinian enclave also said Gazas hospitals received 30 dead bodies and 146 wounded people over the past 24 hours.

Hamas slams Netanyahu's speech to Congress

BEIRUT  The Palestinian Hamas group slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fiery speech to the United States Congress, accusing him Thursday of obstructing efforts to end the war and return the hostages.

In his high profile visit to Washington, Netanyahu pledged to achieve total victory against the militant group in his nearly one-hour address in Congress, and derided protests against the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, now in its ninth month.

Hamas said Netanyahus Washington visit was an address to improve his image after the International Criminal Court requested to issue arrest warrants against him for war crimes. The ICC also requested warrants for his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Hamas officials Mohammed Deif, Yehya Sinwar, and Ismail Haniyeh.

He (Netanyahu) is the one who thwarted all efforts aimed at ending the war and concluding a deal to release the prisoners, despite the continuous efforts of mediators from the brothers in Egypt and Qatar despite the flexibility and positivity shown by the movement, the militant group said in a written statement, adding that the Israeli prime minister talking about intensified efforts to free the hostages is a complete lie to mislead public opinion.

They also rejected Netanyahus vision for Gaza's future  which would consist of a demilitarized civilian administration in the enclave  and accused Netanyahu of being dishonest about aid delivery into the Gaza Strip and downplaying the number of Palestinians killed in the ongoing war.

6 hostage relatives are released after being detained in Washington during Netanyahu's speech to Congress

TEL AVIV, Israel  A group representing the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza said Thursday that six hostage relatives have been released after they were briefly detained during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to the joint session of Congress.

The family members stood in the hall silently during the address Wednesday and wore yellow shirts that read Seal the Deal Now, referring to a cease-fire deal to free the hostages, before they were removed from the House chamber by security officers. They were released a number of hours later, the Hostages Family Forum said.

Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for 54 minutes and he did not mention once the need to seal the deal and to sign the deal now, said Gil Dickmann, whose cousin, Carmel Gat, is being held in Gaza.

The six said they were invited by members of Congress to attend the speech. Netanyahu brought to the speech rescued hostage Noa Argamani and a number of family members of the hostages as part of his official delegation.

Israel recovers 5 hostage bodies from Gaza

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said Thursday it has recovered the bodies of five Israeli hostages in a tunnel under the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, that were abducted by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.

It identified the hostages as Maya Goren, and four soldiers it says died in battle: Sgt. Oren Goldin, Staff Sgt. Tomer Ahimas, Sgt. Maj. Ravid Aryeh Katz and Sgt. Kiril Brodski. It says all five were believed to have been killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas raid that triggered the war, and their bodies were held hostage.

Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the hardest-hit communities during Hamas assault, said Wednesday that it was informed that the body of Goren, 56, was returned to Israel after a rescue mission, without providing additional details. Israeli authorities had said in late 2023 that she was dead.

The chief military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said the bodies had been found in a tunnel under Khan Younis. He said the location was in an area that Israel declared in May to be part of an expanded humanitarian zone where Palestinians should take refuge. It was not known how long the bodies had been kept in the tunnel.

Israel has now pronounced dead more than a third of the roughly 110 hostages who remain in Hamas captivity.

Australia sanctions 7 Israelis and a West Bank-based youth group over settler violence

SYDNEY  Australia is imposing financial sanctions and travel bans against seven Israeli citizens and financial sanctions against a West Bank-based youth group over their alleged involvement in settler violence in the occupied territory.

The sanctions announced Thursday are against Hilltop Youth and its leader Meir Ettinger, 32. Other targeted individuals are Yinon Levi, 31; Zvi Bar Yosef, 31; Neria Ben Pazi, 30; Elisha Yered, 23; David Chai Chasdai, 29; and Einan Tanjil, 22.

Australia accuses them of violent attacks on Palestinians. These include beatings, sexual assault and torture of Palestinians resulting in serious injuries and deaths, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government imposed the sanctions because its the right thing to do. He added that settlements in the West Bank impeded a two-state solution and were illegal under international law.

The sanctions follow the United States' decision to sanction entities and individuals connected to acts of violence against civilians in the West Bank.

Wong said Australia called on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and cease ongoing settlement activity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) meets with US President Joe Biden at the White House. Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO/dpa

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked US President Joe Biden for his support for Israel during a meeting at the White House on Thursday.

"I thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel," Netanyahu said. He added that he was looking forward to discussing the "great issues" with Biden. Biden said the two have much to talk about. Neither answered questions from the press present.

A meeting between the presumtive Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Netanyahu is also planned for Thursday.

On Friday, former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump plans to receive Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

Netanyahu's visit to the United States on the occasion of a speech in the US Congress on Wednesday coincides with the political turmoil in the US following Biden's withdrawal from the election campaign.

The relationship between the Biden and Netanyahu has been tense for some time, with the mood deteriorating further due to the actions of the Israeli leadership under Netanyahu in the Gaza war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) meets with US President Joe Biden at the White House. Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO/dpa
(Bloomberg) -- Israeli forces recovered the bodies of five hostages killed during Hamass Oct. 7 attack and then held in the Gaza Strip, the military said.

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The remains of Maya Goren, Oren Goldin, Ravid Aryeh Katz and soldiers Staff Sergeant Tomer Ahimas and Sergeant Kiril Brodski were brought back from the Khan Younis area, the Israel Defense Forces said Thursday.

The recovery operation was conducted by the Israeli Security Agency and IDF on Wednesday. The military said it was determined that Maya Goren had been murdered, while the others fell in combat. Goldin and Katz were members of security squads that battled Hamas-led fighters in border villages.

The war between Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, and Israel began when thousands of Hamas operatives broke into Israel from Gaza, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 250. Israel attacked by air, sea and land, and has killed some 39,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Israel says 115 hostages remain in Gaza, with 41 of them declared dead in absentia.

--With assistance from Dan Williams.

(Updates number of hostages bodies recovered from first paragraph.)

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NAIROBI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Whenever Nyokabi Lenana, a resident of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, visits coastal regions where swimming is a fundamental undertaking, she feels relaxed venturing into water with her two-year-old daughter.

This level of confidence and ease has only become possible out of the knowledge that her child has mastered water safety skills through a program she enrolled in nearly a year ago.

"Her father's native home is in a coastal area where we visit often. I just want to make sure that she is safe whenever she is around water, so I enrolled her for classes when she was just over a year old," Lenana said during a recent interview.

The mother was inspired by numerous online videos of toddlers swimming before they could even walk, but more significantly by the story of Mary Njonjo Ngini, a water safety instructor who owns WaterSafe Kenya, a business dedicated to teaching water safety to infants and toddlers.

Ngini nearly drowned at the age of two when she loosened from her father's grip and ran into their family pool without warning.

WaterSafe Kenya is the first of its kind in the country. Ngini said it has gained the attention of urban parents. There are more than 20 children enrolled in the program.

Ngini was getting ready to welcome Kiaan, a seven-month-old baby, for his swimming lesson.

In the pool, Ngini held Kiaan in the crook of her arm, offering words of encouragement -- a routine that put him at ease. Before long, Kiaan felt released in the water, and by instinct or memory, the little one gently surfaced, with his feet kicking and arms paddling amid short breaths.

How can an infant, who doesn't yet understand spoken languages, learn to swim? Ngini explained that she and her fellow instructor Jerry Collins taught children to hold their breath with repetitive cues.

"We give them a gentle press on their backs and then dip them into the water. If you do this repeatedly, they learn that they need to hold their breath," Ngini said.

The process is repeated for the next few days until the children have mastered their breath control, and then they move on to the next lesson which is floating and kicking, also taught through repetitive cues.

According to Ngini, there is a misconception about infant self-rescue courses that children are just thrown into water and it is a matter of "sink or swim." "This couldn't be further from the truth."

Ngini said that modern infant survival swimming courses emphasize gentle, child-centered approaches and are supported by a wealth of research on child development and water safety.

"Teaching children how to turn onto their backs, float, and remain calm in water at a young age prepares them for any water-related accidents such as drowning. And it is possible to teach an infant as young as six months of age this important life skill," Ngini said.

The highest drowning rates globally are among children aged one to four years, followed by children aged five to nine, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

An estimated 236,000 lives are lost to drowning every year but teaching school-age children basic swimming, water safety, and safe rescue skills can prevent these deaths, the WHO said as the world marks World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25.

Although the actual number of drowning cases in Kenya is not known, Ngini said many children in the country drowned due to different circumstances such as lack of supervision, exposure to hazardous water bodies and extreme weather events such as flooding.

One of the benefits that swimming handed Lenana's daughter was uninterrupted sleep throughout the night. "She sleeps deeply and better after attending her classes," the mother said.

"Swimming is one of the best lessons to give to a child," Ngini said. 
WASHINGTON  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally got his White House meeting.

Two, in fact. One with President Joe Biden, who announced on Sunday that he was ending his reelection bid, and another with Vice President Kamala Harris, who's expected to replace Biden on the Democratic ticket.

"Mr. President, we've known each other for 40 years, and you've known every Israeli prime minister for 50 years," Netanyahu said to Biden ahead of their meeting in the Oval Office.

"From a proud Jew Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel," he said. "And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead."

Biden recalled the first Israeli prime minister he met was Golda Meir, back when he was a senator. "That was so far back, I was only 12," he joked.

An invitation to the White House had evaded Netanyahu since Biden and Harris took office. A meeting last year took place during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. After the Israelis said one had been issued and accepted for Monday, Biden tested positive for COVID and went into quarantine. He returned to the White House on Tuesday.

U.S. President Joe Biden, left, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. Miriam Alster/Pool via REUTERS

Biden has a complicated relationship with Netanyahu, who opposes longtime U.S. efforts to create a Palestinian state. He was openly critical of controversial judicial reforms that Netanyahu's government pushed before Hamas attacked Israel last October. Since then, Biden has been supportive of Israel's right to defend itself while at times condemning its conduct in the war.

Harris has been harsher. She warned Netanyahu in December that civilian casualties in Gaza were unacceptably high. She called for an immediate cease-fire in March.

On Thursday, Harris, whose husband is Jewish, told reporters that her meeting with Netanyahu had been "frank." She expressed her commitment to Israel but said she also remains concerned about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians.

Harris said she also told the Israeli prime minister that it's time to finish the ceasefire and hostage plan that Biden detailed at the end of May.

Will there be a ceasefire? Biden, Harris to press Netanyahu on Israel-Hamas war

More than 20 calls with Netanyahu

Harris speaks regularly with Israeli President Issac Herzog, the official said, and met with him in person once. She has also sat in on more than 20 calls between Biden and Netanyahu.

Netanyahu delivered a previously announced address on Wednesday to a joint meeting of Congress. Dozens of Democratic members of Congress boycotted the speech over mounting civilian deaths in Gaza, while protestors clashed with police outside the U.S. Capitol and released maggots inside of a conference room at the Watergate hotel where the Israeli leader has been staying.

Harris did not preside over those remarks in her role as president of the Senate. The aide said it was due to her plans to be in Indianapolis at a Zeta Phi Beta Sorority event. She's the keynote speaker at the historically African American sorority's conference.

After his meeting with Biden on Thursday, the Israeli prime minister and the U.S. president met with the families of Americans who are being held hostage by Hamas. Netanyahu met earlier in the week with the families in Washington. So did White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands with U.S. President Donald Trump after signing the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and some of its Middle East neighbors, in a strategic realignment of Middle Eastern countries against Iran, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., September 15, 2020.

Netanyahu will also sit down on Friday with Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican presidential nominee's Florida estate after he leaves Washington, the former president said. Trump is in a close race for the presidency with Harris, polling on the match-up shows.

At the White House, the sitting leaders were expected to discuss the ceasefire and hostage plan that Biden detailed in May and negotiators have continued to pursue in hopes it will bring about an eventual end to the war.

"These are difficult, complex issues. There are still gaps to close, but were making progress, the trend is positive, and Im determined to get this deal done and bring an end to this war, which should end now," Biden said at a news conference at the end of the NATO Summit.

Biden announced a pause on shipments of 2,000 pound bombs to Israel in May amid an outcry over the number of civilians dying in the fighting in Gaza. His State Department said the same week in a report that it was likely that Israel misused U.S.-made weapons in the war.

Maggots and angry interns: Netanyahu DC visit sparks protests

At his news conference, Biden said that Netanyahu's government "occasionally was less than cooperative" with efforts to get food and medicine into Gaza. He chided that Netanyahu has "one of the most conservative War Cabinets" in the history of Israel.

"And theres no ultimate answer other than a two-state solution here," Biden said in the July remarks.

Contributing: Michael Collins

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bibi Netanyahu finally gets his Biden White House invitation
Israelis watched Netanyahu's Congress speech closely. For many, it was both uplifting and depressing

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fiery speech to Congress may have been delivered in Washington, but his words appeared aimed at an audience back home.

Israelis heard their leader, a gifted orator with flawless English, deliver a forceful case for Israels actions in the war in Gaza on a global stage. He aimed to portray himself as a consummate statesman who is embraced by the country's most important ally at a time when Israel has never been more isolated internationally.

The speech could help boost his political fortunes, but it left many Israelis disappointed.

He gave no sign of substantive progress on a cease-fire deal that could free the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. He took no responsibility for the security and policy failures under his watch that led to Hamas deadly Oct. 7 assault, which triggered the war. And he gave little indication of how he plans to address the crises set off by the conflict, including the indefinite displacement of tens of thousands of Israelis in the countrys south and north and the damage the war has caused to Israels global image. Not to mention the bleak future of Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed, hundreds of thousands displaced and vast areas decimated.

Here is a look at how Netanyahus speech is being received in Israel:

Hostage families feel despair and disappointment

Nearly 10 months after their loved ones were seized by Hamas and other militants, the families of hostages are desperate for their relatives' return. They have directed most of their anger at Netanyahu and that frustration was only exacerbated after his speech. Many expected the prime minister to use the global platform to declare progress in cease-fire talks or even announce that a deal was reached, only to be greatly disappointed.

As we speak, were actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release," Netanyahu told Congress in his only comments on the talks. "Im confident that these efforts can succeed. Some of them are taking place right now.

Not only was there no grand declaration, but Netanyahu spent about five minutes of his nearly hourlong address talking about the plight of the hostages.

If he didnt open with the words, we have a deal, I dont care what he has to say, said Sharon Kalderon, the sister-in-law of hostage Ofer Kalderon. This is the only thing that we want to hear.

The hostage families and their struggle have become a potent force in Israel, where they enjoy broad support. Thousands have protested weekly to highlight their plight and to call on Netanyahu to resign.

The war began with a militant assault on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages. The Health Ministry in Gaza  which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants  says more than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.

Many Israelis support an end to the war if it would mean freedom for the remaining roughly 110 people who have not been released, a third of whom are said to be dead.

Netanyahu keeps an eye on his far-right coalition partners

The lack of emphasis on cease-fire negotiations could have been a message to Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners that a deal is not his priority.

Those partners oppose a deal and say they will topple the government if one moves ahead, threatening Netanyahu's rule. They want the war to continue until Hamas is defeated  a goal Netanyahu repeatedly states as well.

One of the first public reactions to the speech came from his far-right governing partner, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who posted on social media platform X moments after the address: Israel (heart) Netanyahu.

It succinctly captured how the ultranationalist flank of Netanyahus government viewed the speech.

Netanyahu's critics, meanwhile, accuse him of dragging out the war for political reasons  to appease the far-right partners and ensure his coalition remains in place and he remains in office.

A rosy picture of a wartime Israel

Netanyahu's powerful defense of Israel on a very public stage garnered praise from even some of his political rivals.

At a time when Israelis feel like the world has moved on from the Oct. 7 attack, has lost interest in the hostages' fate, and has cast Israel as the bad actor, Netanyahu's speech  with its invocations of soldiers' bravery and what he claimed was Israel's righteousness in the war  injected a sense of patriotism and hope.

That could score Netanyahu badly needed political points, said Aviv Bushinsky, a former advisor to the Israeli leader.

There is a consensus in Israel that there is no one who could have done it better, he said. But he added the political boost could be temporary because the reality for Israelis is grim.

Netanyahu's speech painted a rosy picture of a wartime Israel, one that ignored the deep sense of betrayal many feel in their political and military leaders since Oct. 7. It did not mention the anger and uncertainty of tens of thousands of displaced Israelis, with the government offering them no solution. Nor did it grapple with the anguish Israelis feel every time another hostage is determined to have died in captivity. Hours after Netanyahu spoke, the military announced that the bodies of five hostages already known to be dead had been retrieved from Gaza in a rescue mission.

Veteran Israeli broadcaster Ilana Dayan opened her radio program Thursday saying that through the speech, Congress was presented with a distorted reality.

This is the Israel Congress members saw: Israel the just, the captivating, the enlightened. Israel of the absolute good which is winning total victory against absolute evil  an Israel so different from the one the people here live and breathe which is counting its dead and waits for its hostages.
Indiana University released an independent review with recommendations on future "expressive activity." (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Almost three months after police arrested 57 protesters at a pro-Palestine encampment at Indiana University-Bloomington, a new independent review released Thursday found the universitys inconsistent enforcement of its own policies created confusion and frustration and made governing the campus difficult.

In a 77-page report, law firm Cooley LLP presented new findings about the events leading up to and following these arrests, IUs campus climate and its administrations response.

In a press release, Rebekah Donaleski, a lead investigator for Cooley LLP, said the recommendations will help the university and its community move forward.

We found that the universitys actions were driven by a focus on campus safety and free speech in a challenging and rapidly evolving situation, Donaleski said.

According to an IU press release, Cooley LLP had unrestricted access to IU during its investigation and interviewed campus representatives  including administrators, students, faculty and IUPD officers  along with the Monroe County prosecutor and ISP officers. The law firm also reviewed more than 10,000 internal documents and emails and 100 hours of video footage related to the events.

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The report also found that an IU ad hoc committee decision to change a decades-long expressive policy  a change that prohibited the use of temporary structures in Dunn Meadow without prior approval  the day before the start of the encampment, was made in good faith.

However, doing so the night before the planned encampment caused a number of unintended negative consequences, the report continues.

The report also states that IU asked protestors to remove the structures and continue the protest without them, but some protestors refused.

Ultimately, using the Indiana State Polices assistance was the safest option available to remove the encampment, the report said.

Additionally, Cooley LLP found IUPDs understaffing caused a myriad of negative effects.

Recommendations

The law firm presented eight recommendations for the university.

The first recommendation was to approve a new expressive activity policy before the start of the fall semester, which kicks off Aug. 26.

IU administration shared a draft of a new expressive policy with students and faculty in late June. The policy regulates and protects most forms of protest  such as assemblies and carrying signs  but explicitly does not allow overnight encampments. It also would allow university or law enforcement officials to enforce the policy. Some campus stakeholders  including leadership for the IU Student Government and the Bloomington chapter of the American Association of University Professors  have criticized the policy for vague language and a lack of student and faculty involvement in decision making, among other concerns.

Cooley LLP also proposed the following recommendations:

The IU President should review potential inconsistencies within the policies and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees to address these gaps

The university should increase funding to IUPD to hire and retain more officers, as well as bolster existing training and technological capacity.

IU should use campus-wide communication to alert the community of encampments or other large-scale or disruptive protests.

IU should improve its communication with critical constituencies on campus.

The IU Board of Trustees convene for a special meeting at 1 p.m. July 29 at IU Bloomington. The meeting will take place in the Peterson Room at the IU Foundation, 1500 N. State Road 46 Bypass.

Trustees will use this meeting to discuss the proposed policy on expressive activity.

Similarly, the group also recommends IU establish a plan to implement the new expressive activity policy, and start new training, communication and audit procedures to ensure it consistently applies the policy.

IU should clearly communicate this plan to relevant stakeholders and set expectations regarding the Indiana State Polices involvement, the report continues. IU should impose predictable and consistent conduct consequences for violating any new policy.

Additionally, the firm recommended that the IU president adopt a policy of not issuing official statements about public matters that do not directly affect the universitys core functions. IU President Pamela Whittens original statement on the Israel-Hamas War from October 2023, drew harsh criticism for not mentioning specific groups or nations beyond referencing the Middle East.

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Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance has found himself yet again in hot water, after it was uncovered that he promoted a book decrying progressives as unhuman, written by a far-right conspiracy theorist.

Unhumans: The Secret History of Communist Revolutions (and How to Crush Them) was written by the Pizzagate guy, Jack Posobiec, and ghostwriter Joshua Lisec, with a foreword by the recently imprisoned MAGA movement architect Steve Bannon.

The book supposedly tracks the opponents of conservatism throughout history and endorses a modern-day McCarthyism to root out the radicals from American institutions. They dont believe what they say. They dont care about winning debates. They dont even want equality. They just want an excuse to destroy everything. They want an excuse to destroy you, Posobiec and Lisec wrote.

Vance provided a glowing promotional blurb about the book, which is included on the website of right-wing publisher Skyhorse Publishing, Mother Jones reported Thursday.

In the past, communists marched in the streets waving red flags. Today, they march through HR, college campuses, and courtrooms to wage lawfare against good, honest people, wrote Vance. In Unhumans, Jack Posobiec and Joshua Lisec reveal their plans and show us what to do to fight back.

Vances endorsement of the book demonstrates just how plugged-in the Ohio Republican is to the extremist, conspiratorial faction of his party.

In addition to run-of-the-mill conservative takes such as election denialism, a conspiracy about big-money backers to Democratic movements, and January 6 apologia, Unhumans veers into the ridiculous when discussing the beliefs of conservatives progressive enemies.

On a base level, unhumans seek the death of the successful and the desecration of the beautiful, Posobiec and Lisec claimed.

When comparing the Black Lives Matter movement to the French Revolution, they wrote: There is no way to reason with those who manipulate the have-nots en masse to loot and to shoot. They simply hate those who are good-looking and successful.

Of course, their far-right screed has dark implications. After Trump was indicted in May on 34 criminal charges, Posobiec advocated for violent revolt against progressives. Take the path of the hunter, and with one singular voice, we are going to make them the prey, he said.

Since accepting the nomination at the Republican National Convention last week, Vance has been consistently embroiled in controversy over his past statements, including his blatantly sexist comment about childless cat ladies and humiliating rumors about having sex with a couch.

Beneath it all, Vance is still part of the intellectual new right movement, influenced by pronatalism, techno-authoritarianism, and conservative economic populism. Evidently, his reading list also includes extremist, conspiratorial materialif he even bothered to read it, before lending his name to it. Either way, Vance gave Posobiec, and all of his dangerous and ridiculous ideas, a boost.
Jackson County official wants to ban minors from buying pistols. What stands in his way?

Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com.

A proposed ordinance in the Jackson County Legislature would make it illegal for people under 21 to buy and possess certain firearms.

But long-standing Missouri law limits the power of governments to restrict firearms at the local level.

The proposal was introduced by 1st District Legislator Manny Abarca at a legislature meeting Monday and comes in the wake of a mass shooting at the 2024 Chiefs Super Bowl victory rally in February. The ordinance would ban firearm possession for minors except in certain circumstances, Abarca said.

In its introductory statement, the legislation outlines events of the shooting Feb. 14, when Lisa Lopez-Galvan, 43, was killed and 22 others were injured in gunfire. The preamble also cites two of the alleged shooters being juveniles as cause for a new ordinance with age restrictions on firearm possession.

Mere access to these firearms can contribute to the violence that occurs in these situations, Abarca said. Tragically, youth are not in the capacity to make decisions when they have high power firearms in their pockets.  These policies may help protect and shelter the youth themselves that are doing some of the perpetuation of the violence.

In general, ordinances passed through the Jackson County Legislature do not apply to each city in Jackson County, but to the unincorporated parts of the county. So an ordinance restricting firearm access wouldnt necessarily apply to Kansas City.

The General Assembly in 1984 passed a bill preempting the authority of local governments to restrict guns except in limited circumstances, like banning their discharge in city limits.

That overarching law is what Abarca said he is aiming to challenge with the new Jackson County legislation.

The legality component of that will be challenged, undoubtedly, Abarca said. Ive instructed general council to write these as if theyre going to be policies we are going to enforce, and lets enforce them until were told not to.

If that means the states attorney general has to come down and sue the county because were trying to create safe communities, then so be it, Abarca said. Lets take this through the judicial process.

Any limits on guns Jackson County or Kansas City want to take are constrained by long-standing state law largely blocking local governments from imposing their own restrictions on firearms. For 40 years, the General Assembly has retained for itself the sole authority to regulate firearms.

What would the proposed ordinance restrict?

Under Abarcas proposed ordinance, people under 21 would not be able to purchase a pistol or semiautomatic assault rifle. The ordinance would also ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic assault rifles to someone under 21.

Those under 21 could only possess a pistol in their homes, at the persons fixed place of business or on real property under their control, the ordinance states.

A person at least 18 would be able to possess a semi-automatic assault rifle, but in limited circumstances: while participating in a firearms safety course, while they are shooting target practice at a range approved by the legislature, or while on the property of a parent, relative or legal guardian.

Members of law enforcement, U.S. armed forces, national guard, or organized reserves, could possess a semi-automatic assault rifle when on duty, the ordinance states.

On Monday, the ordinance was introduced and sent to the legislatures rules committee. As of Wednesday it has not been scheduled for any hearings or agendas.

Basic protections that all responsible gun owners would probably agree with are no longer there, Abarca said. Juveniles possessing firearms  thats no longer illegal in the state of Missouri. So what were doing is also education.

Violence prevention groups, police consulted

Abarca said the ordinance was drafted after consulting national violence prevention organizations, including the Giffords Center for Violence Intervention, Everytown for Gun Safety and the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to find common-sense solutions.

Christina Esteban, managing director of KC Mothers in Charge said the ordinance could be a step toward more community collaboration on the issue of gun violence.

Ordinances like this can only help and really push the dial, because we all want a safer Kansas City, Esteban said.

Abarca said he also had conversations with local law enforcement, namely, the Kansas City Police Department, on the issues it faces in gun violence prevention.

The thing we constantly heard (from law enforcement) was, we have no ability to approach or prevent the open carry of high-powered firearms from juveniles, Abarca said. And that drove us toward this response and (legislation).

The Stars Natalie Wallington, Kacen Bayless, Katie Bernard and Jonathan Shorman contributed.
Jacksonville Officer Malik Daricaud given Purple Heart after being shot in the line of duty

The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office honored several of its officers for their efforts to get criminals and drugs off the street.

During a Thursday award ceremony, there was one special award given to an officer who almost lost his life in the line of duty.

I was there the night it happened at the hospital, Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters said. Quite honestly, the prognosis was very very bleak.

It was a significant moment for Officer Malik Daricaud and his family on Thursday because there was a time when his future was uncertain.

I didnt know that wed be here today. Its amazing. Its inspirational, Waters said.

ORIGINAL STORY: JSO: Officer suffers critical injuries after being shot during follow-up traffic stop investigation

Action News Jax told you in March 2023 when Daricaud and other officers were conducting a door knock to follow up on a traffic incident, involving 32-year-old Tyliko Maduro.

Maduro did not answer the door at first. Officers then made contact with his mother, who came to the scene and unlocked the door. As soon as the door was opened, Maduro opened fire, shooting Daricaud in the neck.

He suffered an extensive spinal cord injury. After nearly a year of recovery, he walked out of Brooks Rehabilitation using a walker, in April of this year.

READ: Officer who suffered severe spinal injury in shooting goes home after almost 400 days

He received the Purple Heart medal for his bravery, on Thursday, with his son and wife sitting front row.

We like to award them with something to show how significant it is to us as an agency, us as a city, and how important it is that theyre still with us, Waters said.

The last JSO Purple Heart recipient was awarded in June 2023 to Officer Jennifer Johnson. She was given the medal after she was brutally attacked in February 2023 in a Walmart parking lot.

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Officer Daricuad still has a long road to recovery, but that hasnt stopped him from doing his job. Hes now working in JSOs real-time crime center, helping to take down criminals in a different way.

Its good to have him back, Waters said.

Daricaud did not want to do any interviews at this time.

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Dangerous serial rapist in sexual assault cases from the 90s arrested, authorities say

A man who State Attorney Melissa Nelson called a dangerous serial rapist was arrested in June, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced Thursday.

Calvin Dumas was positively identified through familial DNA for sexual assaults that originally happened between 1995 and 1998, Waters said.

The DNA profile originally developed in this case was a certain type of testing and with advancements, we were able to perform a different DNA testing. The first is STr, the second is YSTR  and using combination of those testing, there was able to be an association done that led to the familial match, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Laboratory Analyst Supervisor Marcella Marcie Scott said.

Waters said Dumas committed these crimes in a consistent pattern.

He would break into a home at night and sexually assault a woman, primarily in the Eastside and Brentwood areas, Waters said.

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Nelson said Dumas targeted single mothers, holding them at knifepoint as he raped them.

Dumas told the women that if they screamed, he would harm their children, Nelson said.

Nelson said he was arrested in 1973 for raping his neighbor, and the crime was committed with the same M.O.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison and released in 1981.

The cases were investigated right after they happened, but JSO said ahead of Thursdays news conference that a lack of suspect information led to the cases going cold.

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New information about a potential suspect put the investigations into high gear, JSO said.

Waters said there may be additional sexual battery cases connected to Dumas, and he asked other potential victims to come forward.

He said, justice is delayed no longer due to cutting-edge technology.

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Dwarfed

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured images of a giant nearby planet, the surface of which is literally freezing.

In a statement about the incredible snap, the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany explained that the exoplanet, named Epsilon Indi Ab for the red dwarf star system it was found in, is located a mere 12 light-years away  which, despite being tens of trillions of miles from our Earth, is incredibly close on a galactic scale.

Classified as a "super-Jupiter," this huge exoplanet has a surface temperature of just 32 degrees Fahrenheit and is the same diameter as our Solar System's Jupiter, but far denser at six times its mass. It takes around 200 years to orbit the red dwarf star that acts as its Sun  but despite having identified a gas giant within Epsilon Indi before the Webb Telescope was launched, researchers weren't quite able to crack its exact location until recently.

Hide and Seek

Already an imprecise art, identifying planets whose climates differ this much from ours is already difficult  but in the case of imaging this exoplanet, things were even stranger.

As Max Planck researcher Elisabeth Matthews explained in the institute's press release, scientists pointed the powerful telescope's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) at Epsilon Indi to try to learn more about gas giants. What they found when they pointed the sensitive instrument at this one, however, was unexpected.

"To our surprise, the bright spot that appeared in our MIRI images did not match the position we were expecting for the planet," Matthews said. "Previous studies had correctly identified a planet in this system but underestimated this super-Jupiter gas giants mass and orbital separation."

@NASAWebb has snapped a shot of the coldest, most Jupiter-like exoplanet.



The planet, called Epsilon Indi Ab, lies about 12 light-years away from Earth  pic.twitter.com/mBlaJugY1X  Ishmal Khan (@iishmalkhan) July 24, 2024

Cold Ones

As the press release notes, Epsilon Indi Ab is the first exoplanet the JWST has imaged that hadn't been captured from the ground beforehand, and is the coldest studied by the telescope by far.

In the past, most other cold gas giants have only been inferred indirectly by measuring their orbit velocities. As such, the direct infrared imaging of Epsilon Indi Ab marks yet another achievement for the Webb Telescope.

Looking forward, Matthews said that astronomers plan to use the telescope's high-tech infrared instruments to look for other cold gas giants that "may have escaped detection" as we learn more and more about how these mysterious and massive planets evolve.

More on the JWST: James Webb Space Telescope Uncovers Most Distant Galaxy Ever Observed
Japanese restaurants say theyre not charging tourists more  theyre just charging locals less

Kudos to you if you can speak perfect Japanese and order food at a neighborhood sushi bar in Tokyo.

If you can, chances are that on your next trip to Japan, you may be able to score a better deal by blending in as a local.

Japan has never been a destination known for hiking up prices for foreigners. But overtourism  fueled by a combination of pent-up post-Covid demands (aka revenge travel) and the weak local currency  has recently prompted restaurants in the country to consider the merits of differential pricing.

People say its discrimination, but it is really hard for us to serve foreigners, and it is beyond our capacity, said Shogo Yonemitsu, who runs Tamatebako, an all-you-can-eat seafood grill in Shibuya, Tokyos bustling shopping district.

He maintains that he doesnt charge tourists extra. Instead, he offers a 1,000 yen ($6.50) discount to locals.

We need (this pricing system) for cost reasons, Yonemitsu said.

Japan only completely reopened in the fall of 2022 following the removal of pandemic travel restrictions.

This year, spurred by a weak yen that has fallen to its lowest level against the dollar in decades, the tourists are back - in big numbers.

Visitor arrivals to Japan hit a record 17.78 million in the first half of 2024, according to government data - and are on track to break the countrys 2019 record of 31.88 million tourists.

In response, places around the country have begun implementing tourist taxes, imposing visitor caps and even banning alcohol sales in an attempt to curb the effects of too much tourism.

Earlier this year, a resort town in the foothills of Mount Fuji erected a giant net to block views of the iconic peak after tourists flocked to a photo-viewing spot, causing litter and traffic problems.

Meanwhile, tourism authorities in Hokkaido, the countrys northernmost prefecture known for its scenic views and ski resorts, this month urged businesses to set lower prices for locals.

And a mayor in western Japan said he was considering charging foreign tourists more than six times the local entry fee to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle.

Elisa Chan, associate director of the Chinese University of Hong Kongs hospitality research center, said differential pricing can be an effective way to combat overtourism.

The owner may want to make sure that the sudden surge in tourist demand does not drive away all its loyal and frequent local customers. Charging tourists more may be seen as a solution to this, she said.

Tamatebako, an all-you-can-eat seafood grill in Tokyo, offers a 1,000 yen discount to local customers. - Rinka Tonsho/CNN

Yonemitsu, the restaurateur, said the influx of tourists isnt simply an issue of adding extra tables.

He said his seafood grill had to hire additional English-speaking staff to take orders, handle bookings and explain to tourists everything from how to tell the difference between sashimi and grilled food items to where to put their luggage. Failing to do so results in mayhem, he said.

Some people say, We dont do this in our country. But think about how bad Japanese peoples English skills are. We arent at that level where we can call ourselves a tourism powerhouse yet. We just cant speak English, and yet we cant say the wrong things. Its really stressful, he said.

While its a new phenomenon in Japan, differential pricing is quite common in other parts of the world. As the less-expensive resident prices are often written in the local language, foreign tourists may not even know they paid more.

In Japan, its up to every business to decide for themselves if they want to implement two-tiered pricing. Thats not always the case elsewhere, as governments can step in.

In Venice, for example, officials introduced a fee to enter the Italian city and an online reservation system to cope with overtourism.

Meanwhile, some Japanese business owners are trying to be creative.

Tsukiji Uoba Little Tsukiji Jogai in Tokyo markets ramen topped with lobster to high-spending tourists. - Rinka Tonsho/CNN

Shuji Miyake, who runs an izakaya, or informal pub, in Tokyos Tsukiji district, offers ramen topped with lobster for 5,500 yen ($35) - four times the price of the shrimp noodles his regulars often order. The premium dish is marketed to tourists, who he said have a higher budget to try new things.

Australian tourist Phoebe Lee said she spent less on a recent two-week trip to Japan than on her previous trips to the country - and she wouldnt mind paying a little extra if the weak yen is making life difficult for locals.

This helps support local businesses to continue providing us lucky visitors with amazing experiences and preserve important parts of Japans culture, like tiny mom-and-pop restaurants or authentic ryokans (traditional inns), she said.

CNNs Junko Ogura contributed reporting.

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A man browses a bulletin of flight information at an international airport in Frankfurt, Germany, June 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi)

Climate activists staged protests against fossil fuels at several European airports Wednesday and Thursday, causing flight cancellations and operational disruptions.

BRUSSELS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Climate activists staged protests against fossil fuels at several European airports on Wednesday and Thursday, causing flight cancellations and operational disruptions. Several protesters were arrested.

On Thursday morning, climate activists at Germany's largest airport in Frankfurt caused the cancellation of around 140 flights, with more disruptions expected throughout the day, according to airport operator Fraport. "We condemn the actions in the strongest possible terms and reserve the right to take legal action against the perpetrators," a spokesperson said.

The protesters, including the Last Generation group in Germany, are urging governments to commit to completely phasing out fossil fuels by 2030.

"The continued extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal is a threat to our existence," Last Generation posted on social media platform X, criticizing the government for "throwing oil on the fire of the climate crisis."

Similar protests occurred on Wednesday at Cologne/Bonn Airport in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the activist's actions, labeling them "dangerous, stupid and criminal."

"Those who block runways not only risk their own lives but also endanger others and harm all travelers," Faeser said on X.





Passengers walk through the check-in area at an international airport in Frankfurt, Germany, June 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi)

In London, the Metropolitan Police arrested 10 Just Stop Oil protesters on Wednesday, outside London's Heathrow Airport and other locations, referring to their campaigns as a threat to summer travel.

According to the police, Just Stop Oil had previously stated it wanted to "disrupt national aviation and planned to target Heathrow."

Chief Superintendent Ian Howells, who led the operation, called the activists' protest "extremely reckless and would have represented a risk to the traveling public." He said the police arrested the protesters to avoid flight suspensions and make sure thousands of passengers and businesses, including hard-working families can go on their summer holidays.

At Oslo Gardermoen International Airport, climate activists organized by Folk mot fossilmakta (People Against Fossil Power) attempted to block the check-in area on Thursday morning, local media outlet Dagbladet reported.

Urging the Norwegian government to commit to halting the extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal by 2030, this is the second day the group sought to interrupt airport operations. On Wednesday, three members of the same group disrupted air traffic by occupying the runway at Oslo Airport.

In Helsinki, members of Life Extinction briefly blocked entry to the security controls at the airport on Wednesday, both in the morning and afternoon, demanding the Finnish government stop subsidizing air travel.

Due to police intervention, most demonstrators withdrew after about 15 minutes. One person was detained for refusing to leave, police said. Moreover, police reports indicate that demonstrators attempted to paint the floor at the terminal entry in the afternoon but were stopped by the police. Airport operator Finavia said no flights were delayed, and customers could bypass the demonstration.

At Vienna Airport, four climate activists spilled paint in the check-in area of the airport's one terminal on Wednesday and protested by holding up signs that read "Oil Kills." Due to quick police intervention, no further disruption was registered.

Vienna Airport said in a statement that the protesters would be held liable for property damage. It added that "disruptive actions do not contribute to climate protection, but only lead to the destruction of public discourse," Austrian broadcaster ORF reported.

Several European nations have prepared regulations to mitigate the impact of climate activists' protests on air traffic.

Last week, the German government decided to tighten the penalties for obstructing air traffic, which still has to be approved by the parliament. Instead of a fine, climate activists will face up to two years in prison for such actions.

Earlier this month, the UK High Court granted an injunction prohibiting anyone from entering, occupying, or remaining on London Heathrow Airport land without consent concerning environmental campaigns. Anyone breaching the injunction might be jailed, fined, or have their assets seized for contempt of court.

In late April, the Group of Seven countries agreed on a timeline to phase out coal completely by the mid-2030s. 
JD Vance memoirs selling rapidly in Germany after being out of print

US former President and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (L), his vice presidential nominee JD Vance (C) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R) attend the second day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mark Hertzberg/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

A soon-to-be published new German translation of the memoirs of US Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance is selling rapidly, even though a previous edition had been out of print.

The new translation is set to be published in August 15 but is already selling fast in pre-publication sales.

"We have printed 20,000 copies and expect to sell them all immediately," a spokesman for Munich-based Yes Publishing told dpa of bestseller "Hillbilly Elegy."

Ahead of the official publication date, copies of the newly-translated work will be "delivered immediately" on July 30, as everything had to happen at short notice, he said.

"Normally, the delivery date is set months in advance. But we want to meet the huge demand as quickly as possible," the spokesman said. An e-book is to be published on July 31.

The surge in interest comes after the US Republican Party officially nominated Vance as its vice presidential candidate in mid-July, ahead of the November elections.

In 2016, ahead of Trump's presidency, Vance was a critic of Trump, calling him "dangerous," but has since changed his views and courted Trump as a supporter.

Earlier editions of "Hillbilly Elegy" were published by Ullstein Verlag in Berlin, which allowed the licence to expire.

The work is about growing up impoverished and describes Vance's family history of struggle and manual work, the problems of his hometown and wider discontent of many in the white working class.
JD Vance memoirs selling rapidly in Germany after being out of print

US former President and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (L), his vice presidential nominee JD Vance (C) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R) attend the second day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mark Hertzberg/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

A soon-to-be published new German translation of the memoirs of US Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance is selling rapidly, even though a previous edition had been out of print.

The new translation is set to be published in August 15 but is already selling fast in pre-publication sales.

"We have printed 20,000 copies and expect to sell them all immediately," a spokesman for Munich-based Yes Publishing told dpa of bestseller "Hillbilly Elegy."

Ahead of the official publication date, copies of the newly-translated work will be "delivered immediately" on July 30, as everything had to happen at short notice, he said.

"Normally, the delivery date is set months in advance. But we want to meet the huge demand as quickly as possible," the spokesman said. An e-book is to be published on July 31.

The surge in interest comes after the US Republican Party officially nominated Vance as its vice presidential candidate in mid-July, ahead of the November elections.

In 2016, ahead of Trump's presidency, Vance was a critic of Trump, calling him "dangerous," but has since changed his views and courted Trump as a supporter.

Earlier editions of "Hillbilly Elegy" were published by Ullstein Verlag in Berlin, which allowed the licence to expire.

The work is about growing up impoverished and describes Vance's family history of struggle and manual work, the problems of his hometown and wider discontent of many in the white working class.

Ullstein told dpa that the decision to let the German-language rights expire in 2024 and not to reprint them "had long since been made when JD Vance was nominated as the candidate for the vice presidency. Last week, we simply decided against renewing the rights due to the temporary increase in demand for the book and to reprint it for economic reasons."

Yes Publishing refused to comment on Ullstein's decision but the spokesman said, "Anyone who wants to know who this vice presidential candidate is, where he comes from and anyone who wants to understand the current political situation in America should read this book."

The book was also made into a film by Ron Howard in 2020, which was largely panned by critics.
'JD Vance has no conviction. His running mate has 34.' Beshear burn stirs social media

STILL FROM VIDEO: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear talks to Courier Journal reporters Olivia Evans and Connor Giffin about the investments Kentucky has seen in the area of electric vehicles.

There's a long history of American politicians trading barbed insults with one another. Believe it or not, Abraham Lincoln was downright sassy.

Possessed with a razor-sharp wit, Lincoln once hurled this famous zinger at George B. McClellan after the overly cautious general-in-chief for the Union army failed to advance on Confederate forces. Lincoln remarked, "If General McClellan does not want to use the army, I would like to borrow it for a time.

For the 1860s, that was a sick burn.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear talks about J.D. Vance. What he said:

Following that same tradition, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear gave a fiery, almost napalm-esque rebuke against Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance during a live televised interview Monday with CNN's Kaitlan Collins.

Diet Mountain Dew apology: 'Sometimes I have gone over the line,' Beshear says

Beshear was asked for his reaction to statements made by Vance during his first solo political rallies. The Republican vice presidential nominee had criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and Joe Biden after the president's decision to withdraw from the 2024 election, accusing them of being dishonest.

Beshear delivered a comment so biting it peeled back Collins' eyebrows.

Kentucky Gov. Beshear on Sen. JD Vances comments today: J.D. Vance is a phony, he's fake. I mean, he first says that Donald Trump is like Hitler, and now he's acting like he's Lincoln. The problem with JD Vance is he has no conviction, but I guess his running mate has 34." pic.twitter.com/TAVWUhoJ3U  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) July 23, 2024

J.D. Vance is a phony, he's fake," the Kentucky governor said. "I mean, he first says that Donald Trump is like Hitler, and now he's acting like he's Lincoln. The problem with J.D. Vance is he has no conviction, but I guess his running mate has 34."

Beshear was alluding to Trump's recent 34 felony convictions, in which the Republican nominee for president was found guilty of, among other things, paying hush money to porn actress Stormy Daniels.

Beshear's comments caused an immediate stir on social media.

TikTok and Twitter react to Andy Beshear on CNN

Wait for it and I mean wait wait for it pic.twitter.com/EMStYowr99  boricuabc (@boricuabc2) July 23, 2024

"That's just funny. I don't care who you are," posted one social media user on X, formerly Twitter.

"Andy from the TOP ROPE," quipped another.

Beshear: 'J.D. Vance ain't from here.'

Monday night's interview marked the second time Beshear appeared on national television since Biden's abrupt departure from the presidential race. Earlier Monday on MSNBC's Morning Joe, the Democratic Kentucky governor answered questions on whether the Harris campaign had reached out to him about running for vice president.

Beshear, as of Thursday, might be on the list of potential contenders.

Beshear also used his Morning Joe appearance to jab at Vance, casting shade on his Appalachian roots.

"I want the American people to know what a Kentuckian is and what they look like, cause JD Vance ain't from here," Beshear said.

Who will Harris choose?: Harris campaign vetting Beshear for VP candidate, source confirms

The Republican Party of Kentucky would like a word...

Meanwhile, the Republican Party of Kentucky wasn't having it.

In response to a social media post by the Kentucky Democrats on X, members of the GOP fired back, saying Beshear was hardly relatable to the Bluegrass state. He was, they said, a "guy born with a silver spoon in his mouth."

"The guy (Vance) who overcame a childhood of extreme poverty, a broken home, and a family marred by opioid abuse is a heck of a lot more relatable than the guy born with a silver spoon in his mouth and a father who was a high-profile politician," they said. "Andy is what Kentuckians call privileged."

The guy who overcame a childhood of extreme poverty, a broken home, and a family marred by opioid abuse is a heck of a lot more relatable than the guy born with a silver spoon in his mouth and a father who was a high-profile politician.



Andy is what Kentuckians call privileged. https://t.co/4A9lSMZvB9  Republican Party of Kentucky (@KYGOP) July 22, 2024

A social media user in the same post echoed GOP sentiments, saying Beshear was "the most disliked governor since his father," an assessment that doesn't appear to be true after a national poll released Wednesday revealed Beshear is currently the most popular Democratic governor in the country.

According to a Morning Consult poll, 67% of voters surveyed approve of Beshear's job performance. He fell behind only Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, who had an 81% approval rating.

Is Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear popular?: Yes, actually. Beshear ranks as most popular Democratic governor in new national poll

Louisville Courier Journal reporter Hannah Pinski contributed to this article.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: KY Gov. Andy Beshear gives scorching burn on CNN. Social media reacts
Donald Trumps vice presidential running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), endorsed a book published this month by Jack Posobiec, a right-wing influencer famous for helping spread the Pizzagate conspiracy theory in 2016.

Posobiecs book, written with Joshua Lisec, is titled Unhumans: The Secret History of Communist Revolutions (and How to Crush Them).

Vance wrote an editorial review, commonly known as a blurb, praising the book. Its a small but fresh example of how conspiracy theorists have become massively influential among Republicans.

In the past, communists marched in the streets waving red flags. Today, they march through HR, college campuses, and courtrooms to wage lawfare against good, honest people, Vance wrote. In Unhumans, Jack Posobiec and Joshua Lisec reveal their plans and show us what to do to fight back.

Posobiec has amassed over 2 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), and some party operatives last year described Posobiec as the next George Will in terms of his influence over GOP thought  despite, or perhaps because of, his radical views.

The books premise is that communists of history and modern-day progressives fundamentally oppose civilization itself  and therefore theyre not even really people. Hence the title.

By becoming consumed by nihilism, unhumans oppose everything that makes up humanity, Posobiec and Lisec write in their introduction. As they are opposed to humanity itself, they place themselves outside the category completely, in an entirely new misery-driven subdivision, the unhuman.

Book blurbs are part of an elite reciprocal favor economy and typically are written by people who have not actually read the book theyre blurbing. But its clear why Vance might have liked the premise of Unhumans, since he has used strikingly similar rhetoric. In 2021, he claimed the childless left was motivated by its own misery to immiserate the entire country.

Were effectively run in this country, via the Democrats, 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 said on Fox News.

The unhuman concept also jells with Donald Trumps authoritarian description of his political opponents as vermin.

Posobiecs book purports to give its readers strategies to crush the unhumans and suggests that it cant be done through democratic means. Democracy has never worked to protect innocents from the unhumans. It is time to stop playing by rules they wont, the book says.

Posobiec and Lisec stress in the final chapter, however  after having excused the Jan. 6, 2021, mob attack on Congress by Trump supporters as a lawfare trap  that they dont support violence.

Illegal and harmful acts to further any political cause should be condemned totally. We do, they write. Thus, all commentary of ours should be interpreted in the spirit of law and order. We cannot save civilization by suspending it.

Instead of illegal means, Posobiec and Lisec encourage their readers to make public lists of unhumans, to make fun of them, to attack them with lawfare and cancel culture, and to support legislation that would increase tax transparency and ban public teacher unions.

Posobiec achieved notoriety in 2016 by propagating the Pizzagate conspiracy theory, which some have described as a precursor to QAnon and the big lie about the 2020 election being stolen.

Pizzagates proponents posited with no evidence whatsoever that top Democrats were running a child sex ring out of Comet Ping Pong, a pizza place in Washington, D.C. Posobiec fueled the fake story with a livestream from inside the restaurant in November 2016.

We threw him out, the restaurants owner recalled in 2021. But he was also just like a loser with a livestream that anyone could have. But the incident heroized him or something.

The next month, a 28-year-old North Carolina man brought an assault rifle to Comet Ping Pong and fired three rounds inside. Nobody was hurt and police arrested the man after hed spent more than half an hour searching for the restaurants nonexistent sex dungeon. The judge who sentenced him to prison said it was sheer luck nobody was killed.
Jeff Hancock, Franklin County Clerk, joins Bobbie Holsclaw, Jefferson County Clerk and Tabatha Clemons, Grant County Clerk and president of the Kentucky County Clerks Association, at a press conference regarding Monday's ransomware attack.

The Jefferson County Clerk's Office will remain closed at noon on Friday following a ransomware attack that shuttered branches across the city, spokesperson Ashley Tinius said.

During a Thursday news conference, Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw said the ransomware attack occurred at 4:24 a.m. Monday, shutting down their entire system. She believes no data or personal information was breached, but the FBI and Central Infrastructure Security Administration are actively assisting with the investigation.

Our forensic team and our IT team are checking everything. They are making sure everything is safe. Were not going to reopen until we know the computers are safe and have not been infected, said Ashley Tinius, director of communications for the Jefferson County Clerk.

Holsclaw had hoped to start reopening offices Friday, but Tinius said ahead of the possible noon opening that offices remain closed. An update will be given Friday afternoon, she said.

While the buildings typically remain closed on weekends, doors could open on Saturday to help with the backlog, but July filing deadlines will not be extended even though the system has been shut down for most of the week.

The timing is not good for this because it being the end of the month, which is always heavy anyway, and then youre going to add this onto it," she said. "We can only take as many people as we can, thats why Im going to open Saturday, to try to help that crowd.

Tabatha Clemons, Grant County Clerk and president of the Kentucky County Clerks Association said although deadlines won't be extended, area residents can complete renewals online or visit a nearby clerk's office.

All of the surrounding county clerks have been willing to open their doors to Jefferson County customers, so if they would like to, they can certainly make a little drive across the line and go to one of those offices and seek assistance for their July renewal, but they can also still process online," Clemons said.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Jefferson County Clerk's office could reopen Friday after cyberattack
Jeffrey Katzenberg paid tribute to selfless Joe Biden, in the media mogul and Democratic Party megadonors first public comments since the presidents shock decision to end his re-election campaign.

In a New York Times op-ed, published Wednesday in the aftermath of Bidens Oval Office address about his decision to step aside, Katzenberg was effusive in his praise for the president, someone the DreamWorks co-founder and Quibi founder said he had known for 40 years. I have seen firsthand who he is. I dont know anyone who has suffered more personal tragedy, with the loss of his wife, daughter and son. Yet somehow he has been able to transform these monumental losses into something of a superpower, Katzenberg wrote. Time and again, I have seen how through his grief, he has been able to help others heal from theirs. His empathy and optimism know no bounds.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Katzenberg, who was co-chair for the Biden-Harris campaign, added the easy and human thing would have been for Biden to carry on his campaign despite the rampant speculation about his mental acuity and the criticism about his age.

For the president, it was never about himself. It was about what was best for the country, Katzenberg writes. The only thing that mattered was ensuring that Donald Trump never again set foot in the White House. When he saw that this mission was in jeopardy, the president did what few can do: This past Sunday, he selflessly let go of the reins.

Katzenberg confessed to bittersweet feelings about Biden ending his re-election efforts, but he felt it was the Biden thing to do to look ahead with optimism and back Kamala Harris. Of Harris, Katzenberg added that the vice president is tested, and she is ready. Ive known her for 20 years and have had a front-row seat to admire her remarkable accomplishments as a prosecutor, attorney general, senator and vice president.

The op-ed comes amid criticism Katzenberg faced in Hollywood after Bidens disastrous first presidential debate performance, criticism which snowballed to the point where the president was reportedly pushed to step aside. Before Bidens announcement to end his campaign, The Hollywood Reporter reported last week that several Hollywood Democratic megadonors blamed Katzenberg for keeping them in the dark about Bidens physical and mental condition.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter
Jeffrey Katzenberg Says Its Bittersweet to Watch Biden Step Aside, but It Was The Right Thing to Do

After drawing ire from many in Hollywood following Joe Bidens disastrous debate performance in June, campaign co-chair Jeffrey Katzenberg now throws his full weight behind Kamala Harris while noting that the presidents decision to step out of the race is bittersweet.

I have known the president for more than 40 years. As his campaign co-chair, Ive had the privilege of working closely with him over the past 18 months. I have seen firsthand who he is, the film producer said in a New York Times op-ed, speaking to his knowledge of the presidents character but perhaps further fanning the flames of those who believe the Quibi founder concealed the nature of Bidens mental and physical capacity from donors.

Partly because of his empathetic understanding of America and Americans, he has conducted one of the most successful presidencies in our history, he continued. His victory in the Democratic Partys primaries earned him the right to run for re-election and extend his record of success.

Katzenberg called Biden a hero for listening to those who asked him to step aside.

For the president, it was never about himself. It was about what was best for the country. The only thing that mattered was ensuring that Donald Trump never again set foot in the White House, he said. When he saw that this mission was in jeopardy, the president did what few can do: This past Sunday, he selflessly let go of the reins.

The former DreamWorks CEO admitted theres a bittersweet quality to watching the transition, but fully endorsed Harris, who hes known for 20 years and for whom Katzenberg now serves as campaign co-chair.

Again and again, she has been underestimated, he said. Again and again, she has triumphed. The vice president has won almost every election shes ever competed in. She has spent an entire lifetime winning. I couldnt be more confident that this November will be no different.

Earlier this month, TheWrap reported that Hollywood donors to the Biden campaign were furious with Katzenberg after the president stumbled his way through his first debate with Donald Trump and subsequent TV interviews.

What Jeffrey Katzenberg has done here is unbelievable, said one Hollywood power broker, donor and influential Democrat who declined to be identified. Jeffrey lied about the whole Biden thing. The whole Biden inner circle lied Its such an act of hypocrisy.

Katzenberg had been largely silent since the debate and through the tense few weeks that followed, but TheWrap reported last week that Katzenberg met with Biden to warn him that Hollywood donors had stopped writing checks.

Read Katzenbergs full op-ed at the New York Times.

The post Jeffrey Katzenberg Says Its Bittersweet to Watch Biden Step Aside, but It Was The Right Thing to Do appeared first on TheWrap.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is defending Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) in the wake of her silent protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the House chamber Wednesday, saying she was merely representing voters in her district.

Rashida Tlaib is an elected member of Congress, Jeffries said during a press briefing Thursday in the Capitol. She has a responsibility to her district in the same way that I have a responsibility to my district.

Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, made waves during Netanyahus address to Congress on Wednesday when she held up a small sign accusing the Israeli prime minister of being a war criminal and guilty of genocide.

The charges came in protest to Netanyahus handling of Israels war with Hamas sparked by the terrorist groups attack on Israel last October, which led to the death of roughly 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 250 more, according to Israeli authorities.

In response, Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas, launching military operations in Gaza that have led to mass the displacement of Palestinians and a humanitarian crisis that borders on famine, according to the United Nations and international aid groups. Almost 40,000 people have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, with women and children making up the majority of identified deaths.

In May, the top prosecutor at the International Criminal Court recommended charges against several Hamas leaders, for their role in the Oct. 7 massacre, and against Netanyahu and his defense minister, for their response to those attacks. Among the charges against the Israeli leaders: using starvation as a weapon of war and intentionally targeting civilians.

Netanyahu, in Wednesdays address to a joint meeting of Congress, rejected the accusations outright, calling the charges of starvation a complete fabrication and arguing that Israeli forces have taken pains to protect civilians as they hunt for Hamas militants.

The [Israeli military] has dropped millions of fliers, sent millions of text messages and hundreds of thousands of phone calls to get Palestinian civilians out of harms way, he said.

Still, there has been plenty of collateral damage stemming from Israels operations. Aside from the tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, hundreds of aid workers and journalists have also been killed amid the fighting. In April, seven aid workers for World Central Kitchen, a food relief group run by the celebrity chef Jose Andres, were killed in an errant Israeli strike that churned headlines around the globe.

Tlaib, who represents a significant Muslim population in her district outside of Detroit, has been perhaps the most vocal of Netanyahus critics on Capitol Hill. On Wednesday, she brought a Palestinian American to the speech who has lost 150 members of his extended family in the war in Gaza. And ahead of the speech, Tlaib issued a statement condemning congressional leaders for bringing the Israeli leader to the Capitol, calling the invitation utterly disgraceful.

He should be arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court, she said.

Republicans wasted no time attacking Tlaib for her protest during the speech. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) referred to Tlaib as Irans useful idiot, while Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) said she should be run out of town.

Tlaib was hardly alone in protesting Netanyahus visit. Scores of other Democrats, including prominent figures like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), highlighted their opposition by boycotting the speech and visiting instead with the family members of Oct. 7 hostages still held in Gaza.

Afterward, Pelosi characterized the speech as by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) condemned the unrest from multiple pro-Palestinian protests during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to the nations capital.

Defacing public property, desecrating the American flag, threatening Jews with violence and promoting terrorist groups like Hamas is not acceptable under any circumstance, Jeffries wrote in a statement Thursday morning.

There is a difference between lawful expression and disorderly conduct. Anyone who violates the law must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, he added.

Thousands of protesters gathered Wednesday near the Capitol, where Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress.

Calling for Netanyahus arrest, the demonstrators lowered and then burned U.S. flags outside Union Station, just blocks from the Capitol. A U.S. Park Police captain confirmed to The Hill that two of the three flags taken down from the poles outside Union Station were burned by protesters.

The demonstrators raised smaller Palestinian flags in their place and vandalized various statues and fountains, according to police. Some protesters marched with posters reading, Netanyahu is a criminal.

U.S. Park Police, D.C. Metro Police, and the New York Police Department responded to the protest at Columbia Circle outside Union Station.

Demonstrators said they briefly scuffled with police on one side of Columbus Circle, and the U.S. Park Police later revoked the permit for the protest and ordered protesters to leave the area. Law enforcement was observed pepper-spraying some demonstrators.

Metro police confirmed on Thursday that four people were arrested at Columbus Circle, while U.S. Park Police took at least eight people into custody.

The Hill reached out to U.S. Park Police for further comment.

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Jennifer Aniston, whos been open about her fertility struggles, is ripping Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance for the Ohio senators previous remarks dubbing Vice President Harris one of several childless cat ladies in Washington.

I truly cant believe this is coming from a potential VP of The United States, the Friends star wrote on her Instagram story Wednesday. The post from Aniston was written above a 2021 clip of Vance appearing on Tucker Carlsons now-defunct Fox News show.

Were effectively run in this country  via the Democrats, 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, then a Senate candidate, told Carlson.

You look at Kamala Harris, [Transportation Secretary] Pete Buttigieg, [Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)]: 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? Vance said in the resurfaced segment.

Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is a stepmother to second gentleman Douglas Emhoffs two adult children. Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, announced the birth of their twins in September 2021.

In her social media post, Aniston shared a message with her nearly 45 million Instagram followers directed at Vance: I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day. I hope she will not need to turn to [in vitro fertilization] as a second option.

Because you are trying to take that away from her, too, Aniston, 55, said.

In a 2022 interview, the Emmy Award winner said she tried to get pregnant for several years and underwent unsuccessful rounds of in vitro fertilization.

It was a challenging road for me, the baby-making road, she told Allure magazine.

During his Senate bid, Vance expressed support for the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and for Texass ban on abortion.

In June, Senate Republicans blocked legislation that would establish a national right to in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technology.

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Dai Qilin, defense attache of the Chinese embassy in Brunei, delivers a welcome speech at a reception celebrating the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, in Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei, July 25, 2024.(Photo by Jeffrey Wong/Xinhua)

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The defense forces of China and Brunei have always maintained friendly and cooperative relations, setting a good example of countries living together for mutual benefit and win-win situation, Dai Qilin, defense attache of the Chinese embassy in Brunei, said on Thursday.

At a reception celebrating the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dai told guests that China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of international order.

Dai said that China and Brunei are close neighbors across the sea, trustworthy friends and partners of common development, and the two sides have set a good example of large and small countries living together in harmony for mutual benefit and win-win situation.

"The cooperation between China and Brunei in the field of peacekeeping not only reflects the strategic mutual trust, but also demonstrates the strategic orientation of both sides to jointly maintain regional peace," Dai noted.

About 260 guests from the Brunei government, armed forces and members of the diplomatic corps as well as representatives of the Chinese societies in Brunei attended the reception. 

Guests attend a reception celebrating the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, in Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei, July 25, 2024.(Photo by Jeffrey Wong/Xinhua)
(The Hill)  Jennifer Aniston, whos been open about her fertility struggles, is ripping Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance for his previous remarks dubbing Vice President Kamala Harris one of several childless cat ladies in Washington.

I truly cant believe this is coming from a potential VP of The United States, the former Friends star wrote on her Instagram Story on Wednesday. The post from Aniston was written above a 2021 clip of Vance appearing on Tucker Carlsons now-defunct Fox News show.

Were effectively run in this country  via the Democrats, 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, then a GOP Ohio Senate candidate, told Carlson.

You look at Kamala Harris, [Transportation Secretary] Pete Buttigieg, [Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)]: 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? Vance said in the resurfaced segment.

Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is a stepmother to husband Doug Emhoffs adult children. Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, announced the birth of their twins in September 2021.

Beshear becomes Harriss top attack dog against Vance

In her social media post, Aniston shared a message with her nearly 45 million Instagram followers directed at Vance: I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day. I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option.

Because you are trying to take that away from her, too, Aniston, 55, said.

In a 2022 interview, the Emmy Award winner said that she tried to get pregnant for several years and underwent unsuccessful rounds of in vitro fertilization.

It was a challenging road for me, the baby-making road, she told Allure magazine.

During his Senate bid, Vance expressed support for the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and for Texass ban on abortion.

In June, Senate Republicans blocked legislation that would establish a national right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11)  When Anthony Capuano comes in to work at The Cannabis Place Dispensary in Jersey City, every day brings joy.

My favorite part about my job is giving people the best weed they can possibly get, said Capuano.

His job just got a little better now that he and his co-workers are part of the areas first cannabis store union, joining the United Food and Commercial Workers International.

More New Jersey News

Its nice to see that arguing with your parents or people who arent really for cannabis, you can really be like, were here now, were in a union. most people have a career where they dont have a union job or benefits or things like that, said Capuano.

Its like a great feeling, said employee Tiffany Frazier. Its very emotional.

All 22 of the dispensarys employees are now unionized, and the store says almost all of them live in Jersey City.

Representatives said union formation can lead to better wages and more healthcare options.

If you have union employees, what we find is a happy workforce; its a more productive workforce, said Sam Ferriano, president of UFCW local 360.

More Local News

I think its an amazing opportunity for our team members, said The Cannabis Place Founder and CEO Osbert Orduna, who says hes been pro-union since day one.

He said workers in many other industries have had to fight tooth and nail to unionize.

It really is historic because of what it creates. Were creating an example for other businesses to follow, for the rest of the industry to follow as well, Orduna said.

Union leaders said negotiations will begin soon.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
New Jersey woman and Bloods gangbanger posed with dismembered body of landlord in sick photos

A New Jersey woman and a reputed Bloods gangbanger allegedly posed with the dismembered body of the womans landlord in disturbing photos unexpectedly discovered by investigators this week.

Police were investigating the woman for harboring a fugitive after she took in the ranking gang member  who was wanted for the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend  when they came across the shocking pictures on her phone, prosecutors said Wednesday.

The images on Elizabeth Mascarellis cellphone showed her and murder suspect Maxwell Johnston with an individual who is clearly deceased, amputated at the top of his legs, and with a hatchet in his chest, an Ocean County assistant prosecutor said during the 29-year-old womans detention hearing.

Mascarelli  who was behind bars for holing up with Johnston  was allegedly shown gripping the hatchet in the landlords chest.

Elizabeth Mascarelli allegedly posed for a picture with the dismembered body of a Toms River man. Ocean County Corrections

Until that point, police did not know that the 56-year-old victim, Kerry Rollason, had been killed.

The deranged images led to the discovery of his slaughter and dismemberment.

Rollason owned the Toms River home where Mascarelli allegedly hid Johnston for four days before the Bloods member killed himself during a seven-hour standoff with cops.

Mascarelli and three others are accused of helping Johnston to dismember and dispose of Rollasons body on July 3.

The stomach-churning saga began one week earlier when Johnston opened fire on his ex-girlfriend Gabriella Caroleo after they got into an argument on the street in Manchester Township, according to arrest affidavits obtained by the Toms River Patch.

Caroleo, 25, called police and identified the gunman as Johnston before succumbing to her injuries. She also texted her mother moments before the shooting, asking her to call the cops out of fear of Johnston.

Maxwell Johnston was a ranking member of the Bloods gang.

Johnston allegedly gunned down ex-girlfriend Gabriella Caroleo after an argument. facebook/gabby.caroleo.1

Even Johnstons own parents called police and admitted they thought their gang-affiliated son was responsible for Caroleos killing.

He had become increasingly paranoid in recent months and had asked his father to take care of his daughter, the arrest documents state.

Mascarelli knew Johnston was responsible for his ex-girlfriends slaying, but let him stay with her in her Toms River rental, less than 15 miles from where the shooting occurred, according to the papers.

Alleged accomplices Danielle Bolstad, 42, Jared Krysiak, 34, and Jarred Palumbo, 36, were also inside the home with the pair and heard three gunshots erupt on July 3. They then saw Rollasons bullet-riddled body in the basement, the affidavit states.

Johnston committed suicide after a seven-hour standoff with police. Thomas P. Costello/Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mascarelli only emerged from the home after Johnston killed himself, prosecutors said. Thomas P. Costello / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mascarelli and Krysiak allegedly helped Johnston cut the landlords body into eight pieces  devoting several minutes during the process to taking the disgusting pictures with the dead man.

Palumbo is accused of helping the trio load the bagged body parts into a Kia Soul, which they drove several miles away, and the parts were dumped at a property in Jackson  where the property owner claims he saw them milling about.

Police tracked Johnston to Mascarellis rental home two days later, but the alleged killer refused to emerge.

Bolstad, Krysiak and Palumbo ran out at the start of the seven-hour police standoff, but Mascarelli only left after Johnston committed suicide.

Danielle Bolstad and Jared Krysiak allegedly helped dump the dismembered body on a nearby property.

She was initially only taken into custody for harboring a fugitive, but the charges were upped this week when cops combed through her phone and found the sick pictures, which also showed Johnston and Bolstad around an active burn barrel on the Jackson property.

Bolstad, Krysiak and Palumbo have also been arrested in connection to the murder.

Why the five-some killed the landlord is still a mystery.

In court Wednesday, Mascarellis public defender claimed she has a lengthy history of drug abuse and said she was afraid of Johnston.
Airline JetBlue is leaving Palm Springs International Airport, ending its seasonal flights between the desert and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

The departure leaves Alaska Airlines as the only airline offering flights to JFK or any New York area important in general. Alaska began offering daily service to JFK last December.

The Points Guy broke the news of the New-York based JetBlue's announcement on Wednesday that it won't resume its seasonal service between JFK and PSP. It is ending service at seven airports total, including fellow California airport Burbank International Airport.

PSP spokesperson Jake Ingrassia told The Desert Sun that the airline's decision to exit the airport follows a strategic shift to focus on the East Coast after it decided not to go through with a planned merger with Spirit Airlines.

JetBlue announced in March that it was terminating a merger agreement with Spirit because it did not anticipate getting legal and regulatory approval for the merger. In January, a US District Court judge in Massachusetts blocked the merger, saying it violated the core principle of antitrust law: to protect the United States markets  and its market participants  from anticompetitive harm.

The airline's announcement said that JetBlue had not recently been profitable and outlined several steps it was taking to return to sustained profitability, including what it described as "deepening its network relevance in proven geographies and better segmenting its product offerings to enhance its competitive position."

"Palm Springs is one of seven markets JetBlue exited as it reduces flights from many west coast cities," Ingrassia said. "JetBlue officials cited staff and plane shortages, recent engine recalls, and a focus on their most profitable regions when they informed PSP of the decision."

He added that the airline had indicated it hopes to reconsider PSP as its circumstances improve.

JetBlue said in a press release that the company is reducing flights on underperforming routes across its network. It also announced new flights to serving the northeast, Florida and Caribbean, saying it is part of the plan to "refocus its flying into leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) routes with strong customer demand and deploy this capacity in places it can win, executing on its efforts to return the airlines business to profitability." JetBlue's seasonal service between PSP and JFK began in 2016. It was scheduled to return Dec. 19, according to the airport's website.

JetBlue cuts or halts 24 routes, pulls out of 7 cities  but doubles down on New England https://t.co/80LgsfkwzQ  The Points Guy (@thepointsguy) July 24, 2024

Ani Gasparyan covers the western Coachella Valley cities of Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City. Reach her at ani.gasparyan@desertsun.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: JetBlue won't resume route between Palm Springs and New York City
JetBlue Airways Corp. will exit Charlotte Douglas International Airport this fall.

The low-cost carrier will stop flying to Boston Logan International Airport from CLT after Oct. 26, a JetBlue spokesperson confirmed to the Charlotte Business Journal. Boston is JetBlues only nonstop route at Charlotte Douglas.

ALSO READ: Concord airport adds 6 new nonstop routes

Exiting a market is a difficult decision and we were privileged to have served Charlotte, the spokesperson said. Due to underperformance and lack of customer demand, we will end operations in Charlotte. We are doing this to make investments in other parts of our network.

Read more here.

(WATCH BELOW: Driver leads police chase through Charlotte, scrapes by another car at airport)
JetBlue will now fly out of Manchester airport to several Florida cities. See where

New Hampshire snowbirds heading to Florida in the winter will now be able to fly JetBlue to get there.

JetBlue will start flying out of ManchesterBoston Regional Airport to several Florida cities this winter, the airline announced Wednesday.

It makes Manchester the tenth airport with JetBlue service in New England.

"The added service and new routes are aimed at connecting more New Englanders to the premium leisure destinations they want to go to," the company said.

Here's what to know about JetBlue's new service out of the Manchester airport.

When will JetBlue start flying out of Manchester?

No. 4: JetBlue. JetBlue caters to passengers with new planes, plentiful routes, in-flight connectivity and some of the most legroom in economy for any American-based carrier. The airline flies to more than 100 cities across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America, with live TV and in-flight Wi-Fi available on all flights.

JetBlue's flights out of Manchester will launch in January 2025.

Flights out of Manchester are on sale now. One-way fares will be on sale on JetBlue's website for $49 for a limited time.

Which destinations will JetBlue fly to from Manchester?

JetBlue's service out of Manchester will only go to select destinations in Florida for now.

The airline will offer flights between Manchester and Orlando, Florida, on a daily basis beginning January 2025.

It will also offer limited flights to Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers beginning in January 2025.

JetBlue's flight schedule from Manchester

Between Manchester (MHT) and Orlando (MCO): Daily beginning January 23, 2025

Between Manchester (MHT) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) : Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, beginning January 24, 2025

Between Manchester (MHT) and Fort Myers (RSW): Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays beginning January 23, 2025

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: JetBlue to fly from MHT airport to these Florida destinations
First lady Jill Biden shared her appreciation for her husband and his supporters Wednesday, after Biden delivered remarks on his decision to step aside from the 2024 White House race.

President Biden addressed the nation Wednesday evening in his first on-camera remarks since announcing earlier this week that he would withdraw his candidacy.

The first lady also urged those who supported Biden to now give support to Vice President Harris, who Biden and other major figures have already endorsed to replace him atop the ticket and take on former President Trump in November.

To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude, the first lady wrote in a statement posted to social media platform X. Thank you for the trust you put in Joenow its time to put that trust in Kamala.

The president announced in a letter posted to social media Sunday that he would not be seeking reelection. His decision came after weeks of mounting calls from Democrats for him to step aside and let someone else take his place.

In his address Wednesday, Biden said he withdrew from the race to unite Democrats and to pass the torch to younger voices. He also vowed to use his last six months in office to call for Supreme Court reform.

The president lavished praise on Harris, who he called experienced, tough, and capable. She is poised to become the Democratic nominee for president after clinching enough delegates on Monday to secure the position. She has also boasted a record fundraising haul since the incumbent dropped from the race and endorsed her.

Biden was joined in the Oval Office Wednesday by the first lady, his children, their spouses and children, as well as longtime political advisers.

Jill Biden and the rest of the family have frequently shown their loyalty to the president, especially in the weeks following a poor debate performance  where he lacked energy and stumbled over his words  sparked concerns over whether Biden could beat Trump or serve another four years.

The first lady and other members of Bidens family also offered immediate words of support to him after he decided to withdraw from the race.

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Joe Biden cements his legacy as a family man after leaving presidential race with tribute in Oval Office speech

Photos of President Joe Bidens family flanked him in the Oval Office as he delivered a solemn address to the nation about his decision to withdraw his 2024 presidential campaign on Wednesday evening.

While the president sat at his desk speaking to the American people, photos of the Bidens throughout the years sat on a narrow desk behind him  a reminder of Bidens love and dedication to his family. His real-life relatives were also there, just off camera, listening as the 81-year-old detailed why he had ended his campaign.

Photos of Bidens children when they were young, a family group shot, a photo dedicated to his late son, Beau Biden, and an image of him and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, surrounded the president as he gave what could be perceived as an epilogue to his presidency.

Its been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for 50 years, Biden said. I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you.

Biden family photos sat behind President Joe Biden as he delivered his address to the nation on Wednesday (AP)

A Biden family photo sat to the presidents left as he spoke to Americans (Getty Images)

A picture of Biden and First Lady Jill sat to his right when he spoke from the Oval Office (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Wednesday evenings address was the first time Biden formally spoke about his decision to pass the torch along to Vice President Kamala Harris, the now presumptive Democratic nominee. At least 40 people were in the Oval Office at the time of his speech, including the first lady, his son Hunter, his daughter Ashley and his granddaughter Finnegan.

The president said his intention in dropping out was to unite the country, and his party, in order to preserve democracy come November.

The presidents commitment to his family is engrained in his political career.

President Joe Biden with family members nearby as he delivers remarks during an address from the Oval Office of the White House (EPA)

When he was first elected as a senator to represent Delaware in 1972, Bidens first wife and infant daughter died in a car wreck. His young sons, Hunter and Beau, were injured and required medical attention.

Though Biden had a duty to represent his state, he remained dedicated to his family  making the nearly 100-mile trek from Wilmington, Delaware, to Washington, D.C., every day to be with his family.

A picture of President Joe Bidens children when they were young was perched on the table behind him (Getty Images)

When his son, Beau, died in 2015, Biden took a step back from his vice presidential duties to mourn. During the presidents address on Wednesday, a photo of Beau wearing his military service uniform sat prominently behind him.

Recently, when Hunter was convicted on three federal gun charges, Biden changed his schedule to make sure he could hug his son when he returned home from the courthouse.

Once Biden finished his roughly 10-minute-long address, his family surrounded him and took turns hugging him.
Joe Biden dropped out of the election. Did the media fuel his exit?

"I blame the media."

So someone said to me, very matter-of-factly, the day Joe Biden announced he was quitting.

"The media" gets blamed for a lot of things  fairly or unfairly, as it may be. But should the mounting pressure on the president to drop out of the 2024 race, coming on top of sinking poll numbers and a June 27 debate that many considered a train wreck for the incumbent, be one of them?

"I thought the drumbeat by the press was relentless, only pausing briefly with the assassination attempt on Trump, and then resuming," said Frank W. Elwell, sociology professor at Rogers University in Oklahoma.

Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden debates President Donald Trump in the first Presidential debate.

"But the press was only picking up concerns by rank and file Democrats, many of whom were concerned by Bidens advanced age," he said. "The performance at the debate, and the fear that it wasnt a one-off, really set everyones hair on fire."

Editorials push Biden to depart the stage

No question the so-called pundit class did pile on, in the wake of June 27, led by The New York Times.

"To Serve His Country, Biden Should Leave the Race," The Times editorialized on June 28.

The Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and The Economist were not behindhand.

"If Mr. Biden really cares about his mission, then his last and greatest public service should be to stand aside for another Democratic nominee," The Economist wrote.

CNN, in the weeks following the debate, returned to the theme of growing Democratic unease with Biden again and again in its reporting. They were only following the news. But they were blamed  in some circles  for obsessing on the 81-year-old Biden's weaknesses, and not spending nearly enough time on his 78-year-old opponent's. Who, in fairness, had one or two issues of his own.

"A media generated story," said Democratic activist Kaivan Shroff, berating the dump-Biden campaign  before Biden was actually dumped.

Between that June 27 trip on the shoelace  Biden's alarming debate performance  and last Sunday, when the other shoe dropped, had been an anxious and chaotic month.

Behind the scenes

A TV screen shows U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, during a watch party for the first U.S. presidential debate hosted by CNN in Atlanta. June 27, 2024. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

As the Trump team gloated, a progressive Biden bloc led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tried to shore up its fraying coalition, while another group led by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were working the phones trying to ease the president out. Meanwhile, conspiracy theories  of the kind usually associated with QAnon  began to surface on the left. The debate had been digitally sabotaged! Russian intelligence was in on it! Was the people's will  as expressed in the primaries  going to be flouted by the Washington elite?

"So youre just gonna steal democracy from us?" said Kenny Walden, a pro-Biden influencer, on Instagram. "We voted and we chose President Biden as our nominee."

In short, there was a lot of agita, on all sides. When the media was covering the chaos in the Democratic Party, they weren't covering nothing.

But did the press merely reflect, or did it actually precipitate, what happened last Sunday  a watershed moment in American history, comparable only to the day in March 1968 when President Lyndon Johnson announced that he would not seek a second term as president?

It was not the press, some point out, who created Biden's shambling gait, weak voice, or statements like "We're able to make every single solitary person  er, eligible for what I've been able to do with the  uh, with the COVID  excuse me, um, dealing with everything we had to do with  look, if, we finally beat Medicare..."

A fluke?

Biden, some argued, was simply having a bad day, or a bad cold. But everyone saw what they saw. And coming on top of months of fretting about Biden's age  by both good and bad-faith actors  it was a bell that couldn't be unrung.

"I don't think it was 'the media wot done it,' " said Michael S. Schudson, professor of journalism in the graduate school of journalism of Columbia University, and author of "Why Democracies Need an Unlovable Press" and "The Sociology of News."

"I watched about three-fourths of the debate and I thought Biden's performance was disastrous as a debate performance, and troubling about his cognitive capacity now, and imagining what it could become in the next four years," Schudson said.

"I think Biden has been an excellent president," he said. "Trustworthy, caring, and remarkably effective given the political circumstances. But as a 77-year-old, I know I'm not as quick as I once was."

Matters of Fact | A column about our lives in the age of media

Power of the press

Does the press, in any case, have the power these days to sway empires and topple kings? Assuming it ever had? In our fractured media world, there's room for doubt.

"Editorials dont have the gravity that may have had in the past," said Al Tompkins, a veteran reporter and senior faculty member of The Poynter Institute, a nonprofit journalism research institute in Florida.

"Maybe one reason is because newspapers dont have the credibility or market penetration that they once had," he said.

But if viewers didn't imagine Biden's troubling performance, they also didn't imagine the media's largely lockstep response. That happened too.

And the reason it happened, said Kevin M. Lerner, an associate professor of journalism at Marist College, may have to do with a media model, posited by journalism historian Daniel C. Hallin. "Hallin's Spheres" is a concept still taught in journalism school, to explain how consensus builds in the press.

"It's the one piece of media theory that I find quite useful, that I teach in my history of journalism class," Lerner said.

Spheres of influence

Imagine a target  a bull's-eye, with two concentric circles around it. The bullseye is the "sphere of consensus." Stuff we all, presumably, agree on. Democracy is good. Whipping the employees is bad.

The middle ring is the "sphere of controversy"  ideas about which reasonable people disagree. Broccoli tastes good. The national debt is our most serious problem.

And the outer ring, the "sphere of deviance," is the outlier realm  the Oort cloud where ideas considered too wild, dangerous or ridiculous to talk about dwell in outer darkness. But here's the thing: ideas have a habit of working their way from the "deviance" sphere to the "controversy" sphere, and finally to the sphere of consensus. Votes for women, for instance. Gay marriage.

The example that Hallin used in his 1986 book "The Uncensored War"  the book where he proposed his "spheres" model  was Vietnam.

"At the beginning of the Vietnam war, the American press consensus was essentially that the government is probably telling us the truth  the government always tells us the truth," Lerner said. "Certainly, at that time, there was evidence to the contrary. Word started leaking out about war crime, massive troop losses, bad decision making. But it didn't reach a tipping point."

Then came the Tet Offensive  the Jan. 30, 1968 North Vietnamese surprise attack in which 246 Americans, and many more Vietnamese, were killed. That was the pivot.

"Suddenly the mainstream media, personified by Walter Cronkite in this period, takes a look at the losses and says, 'This is an unwinnable war, it might even be a morally unjustified war, we need to get out.' " Lerner said.

Kevin Lerner

The anti-war position, once in the sphere of deviance, had now moved past the sphere of controversy and into the sphere of consensus. The pundits now all seemed to agree: the war was bad. "And I see this happening with this pile-on against Biden too," Lerner said.

The needle moves

At first, there was consensus. The idea of Biden leaving the presidential race was too fantastic to consider. Even though there were whispers, among the press corps, that all was not well.

"I would guess that reporters who had covered Biden closely, who had been talking to his associates, had an idea that maybe he was slowing down," Lerner said. But they were hesitant to say anything. Not least because they didn't want to appear biased.

"I don't think it was a coordinated conspiracy," Lerner said. "I think it's much more like the press was asking itself, 'Who am I to say?' A little slipup in public? It might be a story  but there's not really enough evidence. Because that's a pretty bold thing to come out and say: that the president is somehow cognitively incompetent. And I don't know that he is."

But that left an awful lot unsaid. And when the debate happened  when the public saw what it saw  the dam broke. The notion of Biden's decline abruptly moved from the sphere of deviance to the sphere of consensus.

"The debate," Lerner said, "was Biden's Tet."

Donors pass

July 21, 2024: Hugh, 10, holds a sign that says 'Thank You Joe' with his sister Margot and father David Kieve along Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington, DC. On July 21, 2024, Joe Biden dropped out of the US presidential election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee, in a stunning move that upends an already extraordinary 2024 race for the White House. Biden, 81, said he was acting in the "best interest of my party and the country" by bowing to weeks of pressure after a disastrous June debate against Donald Trump stoked worries about his age and mental fitness.

As far as the media forcing Biden's hand, there may be some truth in it at that, Lerner believes. Not because journalists have such power over the public. But because  to this day  they have power over the powerful.

"The donor class are definitely reading The New York Times and The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal and watching cable television," Lerner said. "They're the ones who said, 'Listen, we're not going to give you any more money because we don't think you're going to win.' "

And now? What's done is, for better or worse, done. As this most consequential of elections heats up, Biden is out of the kitchen.

Will history remember him as a great patriot  a modern day Cincinnatus who, like George Washington, voluntarily stepped down for the good of his country? That, we'll know in time.

Will people thank the media for what role  if any  they had in bringing about his departure? That, we'll know in November.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Biden left the race. Is mainstream media to blame?
Joe Biden Says He Dropped Out of the Election to Unite My Party Against Donald Trump

UPDATED with viewership data for the speech

President Joe Biden said Wednesday that while he believes his record merits a second term in office, he dropped his reelection bid to unite my party to confront a threat to American democracy.

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Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition, Biden said, before invoking a line from President Kennedy. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Its the best way to unite our nation.

The 15-minute speech was viewed by about 29 million people across ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Scripps News, Telemundo, Univision, CNN, CNNe, FOX Business, FOX News Channel, MSNBC, Newsmax, NewsNation and PBS, according to Nielsen. Most of the viewers were age 55 and up; 4.8 million were in the 35-54 demographic. ABC had the largest audience with 6.8 million viewers, followed by Fox News with 5.3 million and CBS with 4.2 million.

Biden withdrew from the presidential race on Sunday under pressure from party leaders, donors and rank-and-file Democrats, who feared that his advancing age left him incapable of stopping Donald Trump from returning to the presidency.

In the speech, delivered from the Oval Office, Biden made only glancing reference to his age, saying it was time for younger voices to come to the fore.

He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who quickly secured commitments from the delegates needed to claim the Democratic nomination.

Americas going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division, he said. We have to decide if we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.

Biden also sought to reassure Americans that he can finish out his term over the next six months, saying he will push for Supreme Court reform as well as an end to the war in Gaza.

Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress on the ongoing conflict. About 5,000 protesters demonstrated outside the Capitol.

On the campaign trail Wednesday, Trump sought to blame Harris for hiding Bidens infirmity from the American people, which he called the biggest scandal in American political history.

Harris shamelessly lied to the American public to cover up Joe Bidens mental unfitness, Trump said in Charlotte, N.C.

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People queue up to pay respects to late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, Vietnam, July 25, 2024. A respect-paying ceremony for late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong began Thursday in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. A ceremony to lower the flag at half-mast was held at 6:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT on Wednesday) here at Ba Dinh Square. The entire country observed a period of national mourning on Thursday and Friday. (VNA via Xinhua)

HANOI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A respect-paying ceremony for late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong began Thursday in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

A ceremony to lower the flag at half-mast was held at 6:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT on Wednesday) here at Ba Dinh Square.

The entire country observed a period of national mourning on Thursday and Friday. All government agencies and public places fly national flags at half-mast, and residents also display national flags to pay tribute. These flags are all tied with black ribbons.

The respect-paying ceremony started at 7:00 a.m. (0000 GMT) at the National Funeral Hall in Hanoi, where Nguyen Phu Trong's coffin, covered with the Vietnamese national flag, is placed. Vietnamese President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Do Van Chien attended the ceremony.

People queued on streets surrounding the hall to pay their last respects to the late party chief.

Respect-paying ceremonies are also held in Ho Chi Minh City and at Nguyen Phu Trong's native land in Dong Hoi commune, Dong Anh district, Hanoi City, and will last until Friday, followed by a memorial service and a burial ceremony.

Nguyen Phu Trong died on July 19 after a period of illness at the age of 80, according to Vietnam's board of health protection and care for central officials. 

People queue on streets to pay respects to late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, Vietnam, July 25, 2024. A respect-paying ceremony for late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong began Thursday in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

A ceremony to lower the flag at half-mast was held at 6:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT on Wednesday) here at Ba Dinh Square.

The entire country observed a period of national mourning on Thursday and Friday. (VNA via Xinhua)

People queue on streets to pay respects to late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, Vietnam, July 25, 2024. A respect-paying ceremony for late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong began Thursday in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

A ceremony to lower the flag at half-mast was held at 6:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT on Wednesday) here at Ba Dinh Square.

The entire country observed a period of national mourning on Thursday and Friday. (VNA via Xinhua)

People pay respects to late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong at the National Funeral Hall in Hanoi, Vietnam, July 25, 2024. A respect-paying ceremony for late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong began Thursday in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

A ceremony to lower the flag at half-mast was held at 6:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT on Wednesday) here at Ba Dinh Square.

The entire country observed a period of national mourning on Thursday and Friday. (VNA via Xinhua)

A respect-paying ceremony for late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong is held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 25, 2024. A respect-paying ceremony for late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong began Thursday in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

A ceremony to lower the flag at half-mast was held at 6:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT on Wednesday) here at Ba Dinh Square.

The entire country observed a period of national mourning on Thursday and Friday. (VNA via Xinhua)

A ceremony to lower the flag at half-mast is held at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, Vietnam, July 25, 2024. A respect-paying ceremony for late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong began Thursday in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

A ceremony to lower the flag at half-mast was held at 6:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT on Wednesday) here at Ba Dinh Square.

The entire country observed a period of national mourning on Thursday and Friday. (VNA via Xinhua)
In 2020, former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Joe Biden, who had been nominated to run against then-incumbent President Donald Trump.

Four years later, Nez is running to represent Arizona's 2nd Congressional District, and Biden has decided not to seek a second term. Instead, he has endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, to run against Trump. Upon hearing the news, Nez said he was saddened by Biden's decision to forgo a second term.

It was sad, he had much more to offer, said Nez, who has known Biden for many years. But he looked at the bigger picture and recognized it was time to pass the baton. Hes done a lot for tribal communities.

With the possibility that the country could see another Trump administration, Nez reflected on what it was like during his own presidency to work with Trump and then transition to Biden. The way Navajo Nation presidential and council elections work, a Navajo administration spans half of a U.S. president's term and the beginning of a new administration. That meant the first half of Nezs time in office coincided with the last half of Trumps term, while the end of his administration overlapped with the first half of Biden's term. As with any new administration, the experiences were vastly different.

It was a big difference in both administrations but I think it was a lot easier to work with the current administration, said Nez. Especially with the cabinet members that were pulled by the president to work with the tribes.

Nez said once Biden got into office, he strengthened the tribal consultation policy for all federal agencies. Nez said he often needs to remind others that the Biden administration allocated nearly $5 billion to the Navajo Nation through various initiatives, including the American Recovery Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS), and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

While campaigning for his second term as Navajo Nation president, Nez emphasized that his administration led the development of the funding formula. He argued that if states receive money based on population and land size, all tribes should follow the same formula and he advocated for it. Ultimately, this approach allowed the Navajo Nation to secure the most funding.

Historic amounts of funding to Indian Country for infrastructure, said Nez. I advocated heavily with the administration to make sure tribes get their fair share of dollars. A lot has been done in these four years, and I know people dont see it and it's quite sad.

Protected lands: President Biden announced new monument at Red Butte. Here's why it is sacred to tribes

'Honored to call him a friend'

Sitting Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren posted a press release on his social media about Bidens decision. Nygren expressed gratitude to Biden for his leadership for Indian Country.

Navajo Nation President Buu Van Nygren prepares to take the oath of office Tuesday in Fort Defiance.

President Biden has been a steadfast champion for tribes across the United States, said Nygren. His legacy will be etched in history with hope and grace, as he stands among the most impactful presidents. I am honored to call him a friend and to have worked alongside him.

Gila River Indian Communitys Gov. Stephen Lewis expressed his appreciation for Biden and said he would "enthusiastically support" Harris, believing she will be a strong advocate for tribal sovereignty.

San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe President Robbin Preston Jr., who has held the position since December, expressed his hope for the best for Bidens health and noted that it is unfortunate he has to forgo a second term.

I think whoever comes in and takes over that void hopefully brings a good voice to D.C., said Preston.

Preston, along with tribal leadership from Navajo Nation and the Hopi tribe, were in Washington to testify before the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries on the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Settlement Act.

The group is striving to get the settlement approved by Congress and signed by President Biden before the end of the year. The tribe is aware that this settlement, which is considered the largest Indian water rights settlement, has a strong chance of receiving Biden's signature.

We are hopefully trying to get this done before his term is up, said Preston. I think that is what we are all doing here with this settlement with Hopi and Navajo, trying to hopefully get to the end of this long journey. We want to get this completely done as soon as possible, and if Mr. Biden is still in office at the time it will be better for everybody.

Headed to Congress: Navajo, Hopi, Southern Paiute leaders sign landmark water, land deal

Tribes owe Biden 'a debt of gratitude'

Clara Pratt, chair of the DNC Native American Caucus and a member of the Navajo Nation, who also served as chair in 2020, said that while these are uncharted territories, there is still some clarity.

Arizona tribal leaders gather to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Native right to vote in Arizona. The event was held July 14, 2023.

For tribal communities, what I have been stressing to colleagues and to folks weve been talking to is when President Biden went out on that campaign trail he made a lot of commitments to Indian County, said Pratt. Unprecedented commitments. We had the gold standard of the Obama administration where we saw a high volume of engagement, a real active push to ensure consultation followedBiden took that and went even further.

Pratt noted that the administration visited numerous tribal communities over the past four years and appointed a record-breaking number of tribal officials. This, among many other achievements, should not fall away with whoever receives the nomination to run on the democratic ticket.

Weve taken two steps forward and we don't want to take any steps back, said Pratt.

Personally, Pratt expressed sadness upon hearing that Biden will forgo another term, stating that tribal communities owe the president a great deal of gratitude for his years of service. She also voiced concern about what another term under a Trump administration might look like if he is elected in November.

Under the Trump administration, you had an administration that did not respect sovereignty to a large degree, said Pratt. You saw a rollback of environmental protection, which greatly impacted tribal people, and development in places where we as tribal people dont want development. Its not that we are anti-developmentbut we want to be consulted and have a seat at the table. The Trump administration did not have that, we did not have a seat at the table.

She said the Trump administration ended the White House Tribal Leaders Summit, which started under Obama and has since been brought back by Biden. It's where tribal leaders are able to get one-on-one with cabinet officials.

You got a stark difference with how that administration treated tribal people, and Im concerned with his running mate J.D. Vance, said Pratt. Hes made commentary about tribes, Native American Heritage Day and is very dismissive of tribal people. That has me concerned with what another Trump administration looks like.

Arlyssa D. Becenti covers Indigenous affairs for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Send ideas and tips to arlyssa.becenti@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona tribal leaders react to Joe Biden's decision to leave campaign
John Lewis has won approval for the first of its flagship housing developments after councillors shot down local opposition to approve the controversial scheme.

The partnership has been granted permission to build 353 flats on top of a Waitrose store in Bromley, south-east London.

Speaking at a planning meeting on Thursday, the development control committee chairman Alexa Michael said it was a very finely balanced case, but there was a large need for housing. The scheme passed with a vote of 10 against 5, with one councillor abstaining.

It is a landmark moment for John Lewis bosses after years of wrangling over the project.

The partnership first started consultations for the development in June 2022, with more than 660 documents submitted in relation to the application since then.

The move to approve the scheme follows criticism from nearby homeowners and councillors, who have attacked the height of the towers and pushed the partnership to add more affordable homes in the project.

John Lewis has said 10pc of the homes at the scheme will be affordable, with rents of not more than 80pc the market average. Bromley council recommends that new developments deliver 35pc affordable homes. John Lewis argued this was not financially viable. It was not successful in landing a London grant, which would have allowed it to build more affordable homes.

Julie Ireland, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Bromley, said on Thursday that John Lewiss project was clearly a target for the commuter market, adding: I want to appeal to John Lewis. Lets build housing that the community wants and needs.

She was among those voting against the scheme at the committee meeting. However, other councillors said they felt compelled to approve the project given the lack of housing in the town centre.

Simon Fawthrop said: This is not a great application. Its basically scraped a pass. He branded the scheme a C+ project.

Katherine Russell, John Lewiss build-to-rent director, said: Were delighted that the elected members have agreed with the recommendations of their planning officials and after receiving significant support from the residents of Bromley.

This now gives us the opportunity to enhance the local area, create vital new housing for the local people of Bromley and deliver a state-of-the-art Waitrose, which sits at the heart of the community. 

The scheme is one of three flagship rental home development projects being pursued by the partnership. When it unveiled the housing plans in 2021, it suggested they would be key to its ambitions to diversify away from retail.

John Lewis has since suggested it is putting focus back on its high street stores. It has scrapped its 2030 target to make 40pc of profits outside retail.

However, the partnership has still been pushing ahead with the initial rental home schemes. It has kicked off an appeal for its West Ealing project after councillors took too long to decide on the scheme. It is also poised to submit plans for its scheme in Reading, where John Lewis is planning to build homes in a former warehouse.

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JOPLIN, Mo.  An area organization is continuing efforts to make sure families dont go hungry.

Members of the Joplin First Church of the Nazarene have been working at Spiva and Ewert Parks in Joplin, passing out free meals to those in need. The church is getting some help to combat the influx of people coming to the Naz shelter.

The shelter sees an average of 75 to 150 people each day and usually operates at standing-room-only capacity.

Joplin Homeless Coalition brings local organizations together for connectivity event downtown

Pastor Shana McGarrah says with this program, they are trying to remove the stigma of coming to the church for help.

The main goal with this is that we would have that we would be able to reach those that dont necessarily come to the Naz or dont come to the shelter because we are a church. And so this is just to get out there, get outside the four walls of the church, and begin to love on the people where they are and meet the need where they are, said McGarrah.

The group will be handing out meals Monday through Friday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:00 until further notice.

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ST. LOUIS  One of the key pieces to divulging the secrets behind Nazi Germany during World War II was a woman who came from St. Louis.

Josephine Baker was born in the Gateway City in 1906. Her childhood molded her into a fiercely independent person, as her father was absent and her mother struggled to make financial ends meet.

She began working when she was just 8 years old and married for the first time five years later, according to HISTORY and the CIA. As her marriage lasted a year, she found herself afterwards taking a leap to performing in vaudeville shows, such as Dixie Stepper and Jones Family Band, becoming a star dancer.

It wasnt long before Baker fell into the world of show business. She packed her bags and left the States behind for France to perform in a more risque environment with new dances, new costumes, and a new life. The CIA says Baker was looked upon as the epitome of the roaring 20s with her mindset and personality.

Father of missing 25-year-old woman asking for publics help

Baker went on to be the highest-paid entertainer in Europe. It has also been said that she received over 1,000 marriage proposals while in Paris. Dazzling French audiences with her charm and routines wasnt the only thing that she was exceptional at, though.

At the time, Jacques Abtey was the secret agent responsible for recruiting spies to carry out the heavy work of gaining information on the Nazis strategies, according to the Library of Congress. HISTORY states that, typically, men were the ones left to take up this task. That was until Josephine showed up.

In Abteys eyes, Baker was the perfect individual to make a spy. With her looks, fame, and persona, everyone would be unsuspecting of her affiliation and she would already have enhanced protection. There was no hesitation from Baker, as she felt loyal to her new home country.

France made me what I am, she said, according to Vanity Fair. The Parisians gave me their hearts, and I am ready to give them my life.

Driven by the discrimination she still faced and her dedication to Paris, she immediately began fulfilling her duties as a spy, beginning with Italian and Japanese embassy parties. Vanity Fair says she would take notes on her arm or on the palm of her hands with no concern for an enemy catching her. As she said, Nobody would think Im a spy.

Other methods she used to complete her tasks of spying on foreign countries included writing hidden messages within her sheet music or hiding documents in her undergarments. Shed take notes of German troop movements, what harbors were in use, and airfields that were active, according to the National WWII Museum.

Cold case investigators take prisoner to missing person search site

But there was once a close call of her espionage alter ego being revealed when Nazis took a visit at Bakers chateau. Although she managed to deceive the Nazis as she kept other resistance fighters hidden in the house, she believed she flew too close to the sun and decided to end her mission there. Overall, she managed to obtain 50 classified documents.

Baker faced a challenging upbringing with many uncertainties on where her life would take her, but she defied the odds and went on to carry a legacy within not only World War II, but for the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. as well, for years beyond her death in 1975.

In honor of her work and dedication during the war, Baker was awarded with the Croix de Guerre (War Cross) and the Legion of Honour with the rosette of the Resistance, which are considered to be the two highest military honors in France.

NAAP now recognizes May 20 as Josephine Baker Day.

Note: This video is from November 2021.

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What Joy Reid Meant When She Said Black Folks Will 'Look Real Weird' If They Don't Vote For Kamala Harris

MSNBC personality Joy Reid causedyet another online stir with her latest political commentary. On Tuesday, TheReidOut host stated on her TikTok account that Black people who dont vote for the presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in November will end up looking real weird.



Given just the stratospheric entrance of Vice President Kamala Harris into the presidential campaign, and she has now secured enough delegates to become the nominee, youre going to look real crazy being on the other side of that line, particularly as a person of color, but really as anyone who claims to have any connection to the culture, Reid explained in a video.

Youre going to look real weird and real lonely on that side. Youre really going to look crazy being on that side given the cultural phenomenon of Vice President Kamala Devi Harris. Shes about to make history. Shes about to become the first woman president.

tiktok-7394681808199109918

The point Reid was making was that the Republican Party has become emboldened with anti-Blackness. Trump  who has a racist history of refusing to rent to Black people, reportedly using the N-word, making unfounded birtherism claims and vilifying migrants  is a symbol of hate who has promised to make life worse for people of color if he gets back into the Oval Office.

The Republican National Convention, which took place last week in Milwaukee, also had prominent figures on display who have had a history of racist behavior. Aside from Trump, the event paraded around Kid Rock (who has a history of saying the N-word), Hulk Hogan (who has a history of saying the N-word) and Tucker Carlson (who has promoted Great Replacement Theory).

The viral clip of a white student making monkey gestures at a Black woman at the University of Mississippi earlier this year was also played at the convention (the student in the video was praised for being anti-woke).

What kind of self-respecting Black person would want to support the despicable antics of this party?

To help answer that question, the GOP recruited model and reality star Amber Rose to appeal to people of color  and she gave a ridiculous speech at the RNC expressing support and admiration for Trump. As Reid pointed out: The door needs to close behind Amber, and she looked crazy over there.

Honestly, we couldnt have said it better ourselves.

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Whether the phrase unborn human being will appear in a description of the Arizona Abortion Access Act sent to every voter in the state in advance of the November election is now in the hands of a Maricopa County Superior Court Judge.

During a Tuesday afternoon hearing, attorneys for the abortion rights ballot initiative and the GOP lawmakers who approved the phrases inclusion in a voter information pamphlet sparred over its legality. Arizona law mandates that lawmakers put together impartial descriptions of every ballot measure for a publicity pamphlet sent to voters before an election.

Dr. Patricia Habak, a local OB-GYN, testified on behalf of the Arizona for Abortion Access campaign to highlight its argument that unborn human being is not medically accurate. In court filings, the abortion rights campaign advocated for the phrase to be replaced with fetus, saying it is the more widely accepted term and not similarly linked to anti-abortion efforts.

Habak, who has been a practicing physician for more than two decades, said she has never used the phrase unborn human being when treating patients, nor has she ever seen it referenced in medical journals or heard it used by her teachers or colleagues. The goal of medical professionals, she said, is to use the most accurate language possible, and fetus and embryo are clearly defined.

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Attorney Kory Langhofer, representing the eight Republican lawmakers who voted to adopt the phrase, grilled Habak on whether the phrase unborn human being can, in fact, be dismissed as medically inaccurate. He questioned Habak on whether any medical policy exists asserting that the phrasing is an inaccurate statement. She replied that there isnt.

Langhofer also sought to poke holes in the claim that fetus is the best choice, asking Habak if the terms use is limited to people. She replied that it can be used to refer to any mammal. In the Legislative Council meeting that debated including the phrase in the voter publicity pamphlet, Sen. Sonny Borrelli, a Republican from Lake Havasu, caused an uproar when he pointed out that fetus can also mean an unborn horse.

GOP lawmakers have argued that unborn human being is equivalent to fetus because the two terms describe the same thing, making them both medically accurate. Langhofer pressed Habak on that point, questioning whether the terms can serve as synonyms. But Habak demurred, saying that it depends on an individuals personal beliefs.

I think that thats getting a lot into what an individuals values might be and the question of what makes someone a human being, she said. While I cant say that I 100% object to that term ever being used, I think that there are probably others who may say thats an incorrect term.

In court filings, attorneys for Republican lawmakers have also argued that their choice to use the phrase unborn human being is unbiased because it is included in the summary as a reference to an existing law.

The same law that requires lawmakers to create an impartial summary also allows for an analysis of how a ballot measure, if passed, will affect current laws. Arizona is under a 15-week gestational ban. If the Arizona Abortion Access Act wins voters over, the 15-week law  which includes unborn human being in its text  will be nullified and women across the state will have guaranteed access to the procedure up to the point of fetal viability, generally regarded to be around 24 weeks.

In his closing remarks, Langhofer reiterated the argument that the summary merely quotes existing law, and warned Judge Christopher Whitten that forcing lawmakers to go back to the drawing board would leave the door open to endless challenges in the future.

Legislative Council has to be able to do its job, he said. And if it cant quote the words of the statute, it will be very difficult to do the job  it will be guaranteed to be sued every time it generates language. Anyone who wants to change a statute or create a new right or undo an existing right naturally believes (the) existing statute is somehow unfair.

Whitten acknowledged Langhofers argument that the phrase is no more than a direct quote makes it an accurate statement. But he appeared unconvinced that technical accuracy alone insulates the phrase from bias.

The argument that, because its in statute and were quoting from the statute, I think, does get you around the hurdle that what youre saying is accurate. Is everything thats accurate (also) impartial? he asked.

Langhofer rebutted that the phrase doesnt need to be unbiased for its presence in the summary to be accepted as impartial. Unlike the mandate that lawmakers create impartial descriptions of ballot initiatives, no law exists that requires legislators to write unbiased laws free from partisan language.

I dont think you need to accept the premise that everything in statute is definitionally unbiased, he said.

In the end, Langhofer said, Legislative Council was doing its best to remain impartial by quoting exact law. And even if the law itself is biased, he added, the phrase unborn human being appears so widely in medical texts, across federal agencies and in other court rulings that its not egregious.

Whitten said he hopes to issue a ruling in the case by the end of the week.

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Gina Carano - Credit: Nick Agro / AFP via Getty Images

A federal judge denied Disneys attempt to dismiss Gina Caranos wrongful termination lawsuit against the company, with a trial now imminent between the Mandalorian actress and her former employer.

In February, Carano (backed by Elon Musk) sued Disney after she claimed she was booted from the Star Wars series after a slew of social media posts that allegedly trivialized the Holocaust.

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In the lawsuit, Carano claimed that she was fired in February 2021 for sharing her conservative opinions on social media, while other costars  such as Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal, were not reprimanded and kept their jobs after voicing their liberal views.

Caranos controversial tweets compared the treatment of todays conservatives to the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany, writing, Because history is edited, most people today dont realize that to get to the point where Nazi soldiers could easily round up thousands of Jews, the government first made their own neighbors hate them simply for being Jews. How is that any different from hating someone for their political views?

Two months after the lawsuit was filed, Disney petitioned in April to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that Caranos decision to publicly trivialize the Holocaust by comparing criticism of political conservatives to the annihilation of millions of Jewish people  notably, not thousands  was the final straw for Disney.

The First Amendment protects Disneys decision to dissociate itself from some speech but not from other, different speech, Disneys lawyers wrote. The First Amendment mandates deference to the speakers own decisions about what speech to associate with, even if others might consider those decisions internally inconsistent Carano thus cannot stake out a discrimination claim by alleging that Disney accorded different treatment to different statements by different actors.

However, in her hearing Wednesday, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett denied Disneys attempt to dismiss the lawsuit, The Hollywood Reporter writes, setting the stage for a trial if the two sides dont reach a settlement before then.

Defendants are not members-only, nonprofit organizations. Instead, Defendants are for-profit corporations who, as relevant to this lawsuit, employ actors such as Plaintiff, as well as administrative staff, to create television series and films. Judge Garnett wrote in her decision Wednesday, adding that Disney had not identified any evidencein the Complaint or otherwiseto substantiate a claim that they employ public-facing actors for the purpose of promoting the values of respect, decency, integrity, or inclusion. Accordingly, Defendants invocation of the supposedly detrimental effects of Plaintiffs mere presence as one of Defendants employees lacks constitutional import.

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In a video provided by Oxford Police, Jimmie Lee Jr. asks for help to find his missing son, Ole Miss student Jimmie "Jay" Lee.

OXFORD  A circuit court judge has denied the prosecutors and defense attorneys motion to seal court documents in the case against Sheldon Timothy Herrington Jr., who was indicted on a capital murder charge for the death of Jimmie Jay Lee.

Lafayette County District Attorney Ben Creekmore and Herringtons defense attorney Kevin Horan filed a joint motion on July 15 for the case to be sealed due to pretrial publicity stating that sealing the case file is the only measure that would protect the defendant from substantial probably fair trial prejudice.

The filing states that the only way Herrington would secure the right to a fair trial would be if a judge agrees to seal pretrial fillings of docket entries, motions, exhibits, subpoenas and notices.

On Thursday, Lafayette County Circuit Court Judge Kelly Luther partially disagreed with the attorneys request. Luther denied the motion to seal the case in its entirety, but stated inside the Lafayette County Circuit Courthouse courtroom that he would make a ruling on any particular items attorneys believed would prevent a fair trial.

Luther said he will rule on an item-by-item basis for any future filings that would adversely affect the case.

Herrington was not present in the courtroom for the Thursday hearing. A Wednesday court filing shows Herrington waived his right to appear.

Luther also made a ruling Monday on a previous motion filed in June by attorney Horan, who requested a change of venue for Herrington's trial, which was scheduled for October.

The Oxford Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Murrah High School graduate Jimmie "Jay" Lee of Jackson.

More on who Jimmie 'Jay' Lee was: Jackson woman holds out hope her missing brother, Jimmie 'Jay' Lee, will be found safe

Horan requested that the trial be moved out of Lafayette County, where the university is located and where Lee disappeared on July 8, 2022.

According to June 3 court documents, Horan said there has been "extensive news coverage of the alleged facts" in this case, believing things will "potentially worsen" as the case moves forward. Horan also mentioned social media posts with negative and false information about Herrington, and positive information and support of Jay Lee."

According to The Oxford Eagle, Luther granted the motion stating the trial will still be held in Lafayette County, but the jury will be selected from another county which has not yet been determined. The Oxford Eagle reported Luther instructed the court to reach out to other court districts to arrange for jury selection from their jury pool.

Luther ruled to change the trial date to Dec. 2.

According to previous Clarion Ledger reporting, Lee was last seen around 6 a.m. on July 8, 2022, when the 20-year-old left his apartment at Campus Walk Apartments in Oxford. Lee drove away in a 2014 black Ford Fusion with a custom "JAYLEE1" license plate and has not been heard from since. The vehicle was later recovered at another apartment complex, but Lee's body still has not been found.

Lee was a well-known member of the Oxford LGBTQ+ community as well as in Lee's hometown of Jackson, according to previous reports. Lee was also known for posting makeup tutorials and personal life updates on TikTok and other social media outlets.

On July 22, 2022, authorities arrested Herrington and charged him with Lees murder.

More on Jimmie 'Jay' Lee missing: Police investigate Jackson student's disappearance from Ole Miss

Herrington later filed a lawsuit in October 2022 through his attorney, Horan, claiming he had been illegally jailed, that the court had no direct evidence to implicate him in Lees murder and that detectives made the arrest after tracking Lee and Herringtons movements through social networking applications and surveillance footage, according to previous Clarion Ledger reporting.

Clarion Ledger reporting shows Herrington Jr. was released on a $250,000 bond in early December 2022, but Herrington was later indicted in March 2023 by a Lafayette County Grand Jury on a capital murder charge in Lee's death.

If convicted, Herrington could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss student Jimmie Jay Lee murder trail motion to seal case denied
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  An El Paso County judge made a decision over the controversial Wilson Ranch Water Tank lawsuit on Tuesday, July 23.

In August 2023, the water tank caused controversy in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood. Many homeowners voiced their concerns about the project by Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) and argued that the tank was built at a size much larger than was approved.

That same month, the City ordered Springs Utilities to immediately stop any and all work associated with the construction of the water tank, stating that it was unlawfully built.

City Attorney: no conflict of interest regarding Wilson water tank

Springs Utilities appealed both decisions and in November 2023, City Council decided  in a 5-2 vote  to overturn the planning commission decision, thus allowing the project to proceed despite multiple process errors.

The original design indicated the tank would be 45 feet at its maximum height, but now the roof of the tank reaches 60 feet.

On Wednesday morning, no construction crews could be seen on the Wilson Water Tank as the Colorado Springs Planning Commission voted against the modified design.

At Flying W Ranch, this is part of the view which visitors now see on the property.

Wilson Water Tank

Flying W Ranch and neighbors of the Mountain Shadows neighborhood teamed up to fight against the decision made by the city.

Frustrated neighbors speak out on Wilson Water Tank

I feel like weve been deceived, a Colorado Springs homeowner had said previously in opposition to the project. I feel like the whole thing has been very deceptive in regards to what they said because that tank is significantly higher and it does significantly impact the neighborhood that we live in.

On Tuesday, July 23, a spokesperson with the City of Colorado Springs confirmed an El Paso County Court judge had dismissed the case 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 FOX21 News Colorado.
JAKARTA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday highlighted three crucial sectors for parliamentary cooperation across the Pacific region to address global challenges and find collective solutions.

Widodo said here during the opening of the Second Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) Session 2024 that the first sector concerns climate change, where rising sea levels pose significant threats to Pacific nations.

"Parliamentary advocacy needs strengthening to mitigate this through policy adaptation and enhanced infrastructure and environmental cooperation," he said.

The second sector focuses on the blue economy, which the World Bank identifies as having the potential to contribute up to 10 percent of the gross domestic product if managed sustainably. Parliamentary support is essential for enhancing regional connectivity, collaboration in law enforcement, and marine resource conservation, Widodo added.

The third sector involves human resource development, encouraging people-to-people cooperation and knowledge sharing.

"I am confident that through strong collaboration, we can maintain stability and achieve prosperity in the Pacific region," Widodo said.

The three-day IPPP event kicked off on Wednesday aims to strengthen partnerships and connectivity among countries in the region. 
Judge hears arguments over whether Missouri AG Andrew Bailey should be questioned under oath

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey speaks to the Missouri chapter of the Federalist Society in the Missouri House of Representatives last year. Bailey's office on Thursday asked a Clay County Circuit Judge to reverse her decision to let Jackson County attorneys take Bailey's deposition. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Baileys office urged a judge on Thursday not to require him to sit for a deposition in his lawsuit against Jackson County, arguing county attorneys want information that has nothing to do with the case.

Jason Lewis, general counsel for the Attorney Generals Office, urged Clay County Circuit Judge Karen Krauser to reconsider her decision to allow Bailey to be questioned under oath about his conversation with a Jackson County official.

Bailey is suing the county over its property assessment process.

Given the Attorney Generals Offices caseload, Lewis said, requiring Bailey to sit for a deposition could set a troubling precedent.

The Attorney Generals Office has profound institutional interest that a sitting statewide official cannot be deposed in every case, Lewis said.

Krausers order, issued two weeks ago, came in response to a motion for sanctions Jackson County attorneys filed because of Bailey and a deputys conversations with Jackson County Legislator Sean Smith, which appear to have violated the rules of professional conduct set out by the Missouri Supreme Court.

Under those rules, lawyers are not allowed to communicate with an opposing party in a lawsuit without the consent of that persons lawyer. While Bailey doesnt dispute the meetings occurred, he argues they were inconsequential and that the county has to exhaust other options for seeking information about the meetings before questioning a sitting attorney general.

An outside attorney hired by Smith, also asking Krauser to overturn the order, likened Jackson County attorneys efforts to question Bailey over the meeting to an atomic bomb compared with less drastic ways to handle the issue.

This whole thing really appears to be a distraction from the merits of the case, said the attorney, Brandon Boulware.

But Ryan Taylor, an attorney for Jackson County, argued the state had not been forthcoming on the issue. He quoted President Harry Truman, who once said, The buck stops here.

What he meant by that was that anything that happens with his administration, hes responsible for it, Taylor said.

He asked Krauser to stand by her order and allow the deposition to take place.

If it was an innocent statement, then why cant (he) just sit down and tell us about it? Taylor said.

The dispute stems from Baileys lawsuit against Jackson County over its property assessment process. Bailey claims the countys process was flawed, resulting in an average 30% increase in value across hundreds of thousands of properties.

Attorneys have argued Bailey waited too long to file the case since tax bills have already been paid and money distributed.

Baileys office has maintained the attorney general did nothing wrong in meeting with Smith and described it as a brief, casual meeting between two elected officials and their campaign staffs unrelated to the lawsuit. A filing from Baileys office says at most, a passing remark was made about the lawsuit.

Lewis, echoing arguments in the states court filings, said the county should question other individuals present for the meeting before being granted access to Bailey because of a rule against depositions of top-level agency staff.

But time is short with the trial expected to wrap up in early August.

This is about the actions of the attorney general himself, people he was in a room with, people he talked to and what he heard, Krauser said during Thursdays hearing.

Attorneys also argued over whether Jackson Countys counsel represents Smith as an individual or only the Jackson County Legislature as a body. Krauser said she believed Smith to be represented by the countys attorneys.

Forcing a sitting attorney general to answer questions under oath is highly unusual, but Krauser said in her order that the Missouri Attorney Generals Office is not exempt from the requirements of the state ethical rules.

Krauser did not say during the hearing how she would rule on the request to overturn the order granting the deposition. She said she would issue a written decision Friday.
Judge rebukes Hunter Bidens lawyers for false statements in their bid to toss tax indictment

A judge on Wednesday chided Hunter Bidens lawyers and threatened to sanction them for making false statements in their recent motion to throw out his federal tax indictment.

District Judge Mark Scarsi issued the warning in a 3-page order where he called out Hunter Bidens lawyers for misrepresenting the history of the case. He gave them one week to explain themselves, or potentially face sanctions, like professional disciplinary proceedings or monetary fines.

The dispute revolves around previous assertions from Hunter Bidens team where they claimed special counsel David Weiss brought no charges in the probe when he was serving as US attorney, before he was elevated to special counsel last year.

These statements, however, are not true, and Mr. Bidens counsel knows they are not true, Scarsi wrote.

In fact, as Scarsi pointed out in his order, Weiss did charge Hunter Biden with tax offenses before becoming special counsel. Weiss charged Hunter Biden with two misdemeanors in June 2023 as part of a plea deal that eventually fell apart.

After that proposed plea agreement imploded last summer, Weiss became a special counsel. He then filed the nine-count tax indictment in California, which includes two of the same misdemeanors that were supposed to be part of the plea deal.

The misstatements in the current motion are not trivial, Scarsi wrote, adding that he has little tolerance for lack of candor.

CNN has reached out to Hunter Bidens team for comment.

Lawyers for President Joe Bidens son made those claims in a motion to toss the indictment on the grounds that special counsels like Weiss are unconstitutionally appointed and unlawfully funded. They cited a recent ruling from District Judge Aileen Cannon, who endorsed that long shot theory and dismissed former President Donald Trumps classified documents case.

Unlike Hunter Biden, who was first charged by a US attorney before being charged by a special counsel, Trump was only charged by a special counsel. Scarsi wrote Wednesday that this creates a meaningful distinction between the two cases.

He also described Cannons ruling as a nonbinding district court decision, further signaling that he may disagree with her controversial ruling, which the prosecutors are appealing.

Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to tax evasion and other related offenses, and is scheduled to stand trial in September. He was convicted of three felonies last month at a separate trial, for buying and possessing a gun while addicted to illegal drugs.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Pahrump Justice Court judge will be suspended with pay as she faces five federal wire fraud charges, according to documents obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators. Michele Fiore is accused of misusing donations collected to create a memorial for fallen police.



Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on July 26, 2024, respondent is suspended from the exercise of judicial office with salary, an order stated.



Fiore entered a not-guilty plea during her initial arraignment in a Las Vegas federal court Friday. A grand jury previously indicted Fiore for four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.



Fiore said she received a notice from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline as she walked into the courthouse.



The commission shall suspend a judge with salary while there is a pending felony indictment, per Nevada state law.



The commission issued a notice of intent to suspend Fiore with salary on July 18, according to the order. Fiores attorney, Michael Sanft notified the commission in writing on July 23 that Fiore waived her right to a public hearing regarding the matter, the commission stated.



The allegations against Fiore date back to when Fiore was a Las Vegas City councilwoman in 2019, according to a criminal indictment. Prosecutors alleged that Fiore raised money for a police memorial for Metro police officers Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo who were killed in the line of duty in 2014, but then spent $70,000 in donations on her rent, bills, and daughters wedding.



Fiore remains out of custody on her own recognizance, meaning she did not have to post bail money. Her next court date is scheduled for September 9. A trial is scheduled for September 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.
FILE - Hunter Biden arrives at federal court, June 3, 2024, in Wilmington, Del. Hunter Biden has dropped a lawsuit accusing Fox News of unlawfully publishing explicit images of him as part of a streaming series. An attorney for the presidents son filed a voluntary dismissal on Sunday, July 21 in federal court in New York City. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, file)

WASHINGTON (AP)  A federal judge in California is threatening to sanction Hunter Biden's lawyers, saying they made false statements in a court filing asking the judge to throw out the tax case against President Joe Biden's son.

U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi accused lawyers for the Democratic president's son of misrepresenting the history of the case when they said in court papers filed last week that no charges were brought in the investigation until after Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss was named special counsel in August 2023.

These statements, however, are not true, and Mr. Bidens counsel knows they are not true, wrote Scarsi, who was appointed to the bench by President Donald Trump, a Republican.

The judge noted that Weiss had not yet been named special counsel when he charged Hunter Biden with misdemeanor tax offenses as part of a plea deal that fell apart last year. Scarsi ordered Hunter Biden's lawyers to explain why they should not be sanctioned.

Attorney Mark Geragos told The Associated Press on Thursday that Hunter Biden's legal team would respond to the judge, but he insisted it made no false statements. Geragos noted that Weiss, as Delaware U.S. attorney, had no authority to file the tax charges in California until after he was named special counsel.

Hunter Biden's lawyers made the statement in a court filing seeking to dismiss the case, which accuses the president's son of a scheme to avoid paying $1.4 million in taxes and is scheduled for trial in September. Hunter Biden's lawyers cited a ruling from U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissing a separate prosecution of Trump in Florida because she said special counsel Jack Smith, who filed Trump's charges, was illegally appointed by the Justice Department.

Hunter Biden's lawyers said the same logic should apply in his cases and should result in the dismissal of his tax case in Los Angeles and a separate firearm case in Delaware, in which he was convicted of three felony charges.

Smiths team has appealed Cannons dismissal to a federal appeals court in Atlanta, saying the Justice Department followed long-established precedent  for instance, the Trump-era appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russian election interference was upheld by courts.

Jurors in Delaware in June found Hunter Biden guilty of lying about his drug use in 2018 on a federal form to buy a firearm that he had for about 11 days. The tax case in California, where he lives, centers on at least $1.4 million in taxes prosecutors say he failed to pay over four years. The back taxes have since been paid.

___

Follow the AP's coverage of Hunter Biden at https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden.
CHARLOTTE  The recent departure of Eaton County District Judge Julie O'Neill will manifest in a near-total makeover of the Eaton County judicial ranks once Gov. Gretchen Whitmer makes her fourth judicial appointment there in a matter of months.

O'Neill, who was first elected to the district bench in late 2016, resigned for unexplained reasons on July 9, about a year-and-a-half into her second six-year term. Her resignation was effective Monday, leaving Whitmer to appoint someone to serve the remainder of O'Neill's term.

Monday also was the official first day for Eaton County District Judge Adrianne Van Langevelde, who was appointed to the seat held by District Judge Kelly Morton before Morton was bumped up to circuit court just days before.

For now, the courts are deploying all of their resources to make sure cases are covered, said Amy Etzel, the county's district court administrator.

A magistrate is covering some docket matters, and visiting judges are "coming in as we need it," Etzel said, noting that all of the county's judges are cross-assigned to cover matters where needed.

"It's certainly a fine coordination of effort involving all our judges," Etzel said. "We're moving ahead. We're looking to make sure things get heard in the necessary time frame."

Eaton County Probate Judge Amanda Pollard

The musical chairs in Eaton County's trial courts over the past few months began with the resignation of Probate Judge Thomas Byerley in December and Whitmer's appointment of Amanda Pollard to serve the remainder of his term. Byerley was appointed by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2010. Pollard took over on March 4 and will have to run for election if she wants to stay in the job after that term expires on Jan. 1, 2025.

The retirement of Eaton County Circuit Judge John Maurer early this year gave Whitmer two more judicial appointments. She appointed Morton, then a district court judge, to the remainder of Maurer's unexpired term and then appointed Van Langevelde to serve Morton's unexpired district court term. The partial terms for both judges expire at noon Jan. 1, 2027, meaning they would have to run for election in 2026 if they want to stay in their posts.

O'Neill was off work for a medical reason when she resigned her post in a July 9 letter to Whitmer, saying, "I have made the difficult decision to resign," according to the letter.

She is no longer working at the court, and several attempts to reach O'Neill for comment this week were unsuccessful. A phone number associated with her in public records was not accepting messages. Messages to a Lansing-area attorney who spoke on her behalf in 2022 were not returned.

In October 2022, just before she was re-elected to a second term, she told the State Journal in a written statement that "false statements" were being spread about her in an attempt to swing the election. At that time, the State Journal reported that a convicted felon was arrested at O'Neill's home that summer.

Public records from incidents in March and June 2022 indicate O'Neill had a personal relationship with Timothy Pitcher III, whose criminal history includes three intoxicated driving convictions. Pitcher was arrested at O'Neill's Charlotte home in June 2022 for alleged parole violations that included consuming alcohol.

In March 2022, Pitcher was driving a vehicle registered to O'Neill when it was stolen from a Lansing gas station and later was involved in a crash. As a private-practice attorney before becoming a judge, O'Neill had represented Pitcher in court cases.

An attorney speaking on her behalf at that time told the newspaper O'Neill was not at her home when Pitcher was arrested there and said Pitcher was not her boyfriend. In a separate statement to the newspaper, O'Neill said she was out of state when Pitcher was arrested at her home and indicated he had access to her home to feed and care for her dog while she was away.

"People are imperfect and I do not disqualify association with anyone because of mistakes they may have made in the past," the statement said. "Personally and professionally, I embrace all types of people and try to use my skill set to help people and be there for them when I can."

In early 2017, O'Neill disqualified herself from hearing cases against Larry Nassar, who was later sentenced to decades in prison for sexually assaulting female athletes, after his defense attorneys raised concerns regarding a Facebook "like" O'Neill posted on a private account. The attorneys suggested the "like" might have raised questions about the judge's impartiality.

There is one Eaton County judicial seat that hasn't changed hands in recent months. That one belongs to Circuit Judge Janice Cunningham, who has been on the bench since 2013. Cunningham is the chief judge of the county's trial courts.

Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on X @KBPalm_lsj.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Judge Julie O'Neill resigns from Eaton County district court; Whitmer to make appointment
Julie Chrisleys resentencing date has been set after appeals court vacated her sentence

A federal judge has set a date for Julie Chrisleys resentencing after an appeals court vacated her fraud sentence last month.

Chrisleys new hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 25 at the federal court building in downtown Atlanta.

As the appeals court vacated Julies sentence, they also upheld her husband Todds sentence, who is currently serving 12 years in a federal prison in Florida.

Todd and Julie Chrisley, mostly known for their reality TV series Chrisley Knows Best, and Peter Tarantino, their accountant, were found guilty in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks and the IRS out of millions of dollars and are serving a combined 15 years in prison. The Chrisleys were originally sentenced to a combined 19 years in prison, but the sentences were reduced in September 2023.

Daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has previously said that she hoped to have her mother home by Thanksgiving.

Julie was sent to a separate prison from Todd, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Savannah has been outspoken about the conditions she says her parents are living in while in prison.

RELATED STORIES:

In a recent episode of her podcast, Savannah said her mother got sick from the extreme heat inside the prison because there was no air conditioning in the areas where the prisoners are housed.

A federal judge also reduced the sentence for Tarantino by three years, citing zero-point offender guidelines. Tarantinos sentence was reduced to 33 years in prison.

Channel 2 Action News first started investigating the Chrisleys in 2017, when we learned that Todd Chrisley had likely evaded paying Georgia state income taxes for several years.

Court documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News showed that by 2018, the Chrisleys owed the state nearly $800,000 in liens.

The couple eventually went to trial and a federal jury found them guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion.

RELATED NEWS:
Anna Holland and Phoebe Plummer, both 22, were found guilty of criminal damage at Southwark Crown Court - Just Stop Oil

Two Just Stop Oil activists have been found guilty of criminal damage after throwing soup over a Vincent Van Gogh painting.

Anna Holland and Phoebe Plummer, both 22, were found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of criminal damage after throwing tinned soup over van Goghs Sunflowers in 2022.

The protesters, wearing Just Stop Oil T-shirts, threw two tins of Heinz tomato soup over the 1888 work hanging in the National Gallery in October 2022, before kneeling down in front of the painting and glueing their hands to the wall beneath it.

While the painting was not harmed in the attack, there was damage to its 17th-century gold-coloured frame, which prosecutors said was a piece of art in itself.

The court had heard that the soup, which the pair bought at a nearby Tesco, acted like paint stripper on the wood frame.

In a video from the attack, Plummer can be heard saying: 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? The cost of living crisis is part of the cost of oil crisis.

Phoebe Plummer at Southwark Crown Court - Central News

Anna Holland was also found guilty of criminal damage - Central News

The pair had denied the charge of criminal damage over the action.

The two women were released on bail by Judge Christopher Hehir, who recently jailed five Just Stop Oil activists for between four and five years for disruption on the M25.

They are expected to be sentenced on Sept 27.

Their bail conditions stipulate that they must not carry glue, paint or any adhesive substance in a public place, and must not visit any galleries or museums.

The painting was the second from the National Gallery targeted by Just Stop Oil in 2022, with two supporters glueing themselves to John Constables The Hay Wain in July.

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Justice Kagan says there needs to be a way to enforce the US Supreme Court's new ethics code

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan sits on a panel at the 2024 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, July 25, 2024. Kagan became the first member of the Supreme Court to call publicly for beefing up the courts new ethics code by adding a way to enforce it. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  Justice Elena Kagan on Thursday became the first member of the U.S. Supreme Court to call publicly for beefing up its new ethics code by adding a way to enforce it.

In her first public remarks since the nation's highest court wrapped up its term earlier this month, Kagan said she wouldn't have signed onto the new rules if she didn't believe they were good. But having good rules is not enough, she said.

The thing that can be criticized is, you know, rules usually have enforcement mechanisms attached to them, and this one  this set of rules  does not, Kagan said at an annual judicial conference held by the 9th Circuit. More than 150 judges, attorneys, court personnel and others attended.

It would be difficult to figure out who should enforce the ethics code, though it should probably be other judges, the liberal justice said, adding that another difficult question is what should happen if the rules are broken. Kagan proposed that Chief Justice John Roberts could appoint a committee of respected judges to enforce the rules.

Democrats, including President Joe Biden, have renewed talk of Supreme Court reforms, including possible term limits and an ethics code enforceable by law.

The court had been considering adopting an ethics code for several years, but the effort took on added urgency after ProPublica reported last year that Justice Clarence Thomas did not disclose luxury trips he accepted from a major Republican donor. ProPublica also reported on an undisclosed trip to Alaska taken by Justice Samuel Alito, and The Associated Press published stories on both liberal and conservative justices engaging in partisan activity.

Earlier this year, Alito was again criticized after The New York Times reported that an upside-down American flag, a symbol associated with former President Donald Trumps false claims of election fraud, was displayed outside his home. Alito said he had no involvement in the flag being flown upside down.

Public confidence in the court has slipped sharply in recent years. In June, a survey for The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 4 in 10 U.S. adults have hardly any confidence in the justices and 70% believe they are more likely to be guided by their own ideology rather than serving as neutral arbiters.

Kagan, who was nominated to the Supreme Court in 2010 by then-President Barack Obama, said Thursday that having a way to enforce the ethics code would also protect justices if they are wrongly accused of misconduct.

Both in terms of enforcing the rules against people who have violated them but also in protecting people who haven't violated them  I think a system like that would make sense, she said.

Kagan also weighed in on other issues. She said justices should generally avoid issuing separate opinions on cases when they agree on the overall outcome, which could confuse lower courts. She highlighted the importance as justices of respecting precedent. And she said justices should not use individual cases as vehicles to advance some broader agenda.

The Supreme Court ruled on a range of contentious issues this term, from homelessness to abortion access to presidential immunity. Kagan was in the minority as she opposed decisions to clear the way for states to enforce homeless encampment bans and make former presidents broadly immune from criminal prosecution of official acts. Kagan joined with the court's eight other justices in preserving access to mifepristone, an abortion medication.

Kagan has spoken in the past about how the court is losing trust in the eyes of the public. She said after the court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 that judges could lose legitimacy if they're seen as an extension of the political process or when theyre imposing their own personal preferences.

Toward the beginning of her remarks Thursday, Kagan reflected on a time decades ago when the public held the Supreme Court in higher regard. The late Justice Sandra Day OConnor was serving on the high court  the first woman in history to do so.

Because of her decision-making in that time, I mean, I think people generally had a deep reservoir of respect for the court, Kagan said. What better thing can you say about a judge whos put in this incredibly important decision-making position than that? That she left the court a better, more respected institution than she found it.

___

Associated Press writer Mark Sherman in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Austin is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on X: @sophieadanna
Kamala Harris seems to have more appeal among voters of color and younger voters than Joe Biden did before he got out of the presidential race. Still, the 2020 results show that Harris can make up even more ground with these groups in her expected matchup against Donald Trump.

Take a look at our newly published CNN/SSRS poll. Harris leads Trump among Black voters 78% to 15%. Among these same voters (the poll recontacted the same respondents), Biden was ahead by a smaller 70% to 23% in CNN polling data from April and June.

The same holds to a somewhat lesser degree among Hispanic voters. Harris comes in at 47% to Trumps 45%, while it was 50% for Trump to 41% for Biden among these same respondents in the April and June data.

Voters under the age of 35 demonstrate a similar shift. Its Harris 47% to Trumps 43% now. In April and June, these same voters put Trump up 49% to 42% over Biden.

In some ways, none of these shifts are very surprising. Biden was doing the worst for a Democrat this century among all these traditionally Democratic-leaning groups. In fact, his performance among Hispanic and Black voters was the worst for a Democrat in over 50 years.

Harris probably had nowhere to go but up with these segments of the electorate.

Despite the improvement, the results should leave much to be desired for Harris. She is doing at least 5 points worse than Biden did among these same groups in the final 2020 polls.

Among Black voters, Biden led Trump 84% to 9% at the end of the 2020 campaign. Even more notable is that Biden led among Hispanic voters by a 58% to 32% spread.

Finally, even as Harris has become a meme favorite among young voters, Bidens 60% to 31% advantage over Trump at the end of the 2020 campaign is massively larger than where Harris is right now.

(I should note the polling at this point in the 2020 campaign was similar to what the polls at the end of the campaign showed.)

This may seem like bad news for the Harris campaign, and, in one clear way, it is. Without improving among these groups, Harris likely cannot win against the former president.

The good news for Harris, though, is that shes showing that she can make up some ground with this group relative to how Biden was doing earlier this year.

As Harris continues to define herself separately from being Bidens vice president, theres a real chance she could carve out her own political identity that may appeal more to voters of color and young voters.

The fact that Harris overperforms Biden among voters of color also provides her an opportunity to open up more paths in the Electoral College.

Bidens pathway to 270 electoral votes seemed rather limited. He was likely going to need to run the table in the northern battleground states by carrying Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as well as Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District. His polling in the Sun Belt states of Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina had been poor.

If he won the northern battleground states and the other Democratic-leaning states (minus those aforementioned Sun Belt states), Biden would have gotten exactly the 270 electoral votes he needed to win.

A big reason Biden struggled in those Sun Belt states is that each has a significant share of either Black or Hispanic voters. By doing better with those groups, Harris may reopen the possibility of more electoral paths.

If, for instance, Harris won all four Sun Belt battlegrounds mentioned above, she wouldnt need to carry Michigan, Pennsylvania or Wisconsin.

Perhaps more likely, Harris could get to 270 electoral votes by winning some mixture of northern battlegrounds and Sun Belt swing states.

The bottom line is that the latest CNN polling provides the Harris campaign with some hope. Its not that Trump isnt favored or that Harris doesnt face an tough climb.

Rather, Harris now has a bunch of paths toward victory, while Bidens options seemed to be closing rather quickly.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Kamala Harris campaign set to launch door knocking effort in Wisconsin with 100 days to election

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Harris for President Campaign Rally on Tuesday July 23, 2024 at West Allis Central High School in West Allis, Wis.

With just 100 days until the November election, volunteers from the newly minted presidential campaign of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris will be fanning out across Wisconsin this weekend.

More than 1,000 volunteers will be knocking on doors across the critical swing state, her campaign said Thursday.

The "weekend of action" comes on the heels of Harris' West Allis rally on Tuesday, the first such event of her campaign that kicked off a sprint to November for Democrats' presumptive nominee to take on Republican former President Donald Trump.

"The path to the White House goes through Wisconsin," Harris told the crowd Tuesday. "And we are counting on you right here in Milwaukee."

The last week has been anything but ordinary, upending a presidential race that long looked like it would pit incumbent President Joe Biden against Trump, whom he unseated in 2020.

On Sunday, Biden, 81, dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris following weeks of questions from within his own party about his age and ability to win the election following a disastrous debate performance in June.

On Monday, Harris secured the support of enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee for president.

The Democratic National Convention is scheduled for Aug. 19-22, though Democrats have laid out plans to hold a virtual vote to pick a nominee before Aug. 7.

Volunteers were recruited from across the state following the Tuesday rally, joining more than 100,000 across the U.S. who have signed up, according to Harris' campaign.

Harris' husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, is also set to visit Wausau to attend and speak at the seventh annual Hmong Wausau Festival on Saturday, marking his first visit to Wisconsin this year.

Democrats also have 160 full-time staffers in 48 offices in Wisconsin, the campaign said.

Biden won Wisconsin in 2020 by about 20,000 votes, similar to the narrow margin Trump won the state in 2016 when he defeated Hillary Clinton.

Marquette University political science professor Julia Azari called the move to open the campaign in Wisconsin a direct response to any of the inevitable comparisons with the Hillary Clinton campaign and the big critiques, noting that Clinton did not campaign in Wisconsin after the 2016 primary election.

I think it illustrates a likelihood that this will be the tipping-point state, Azari said.

Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com. Mary Spicuzza can be reached at mary.spicuzza@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Harris campaign holds 'weekend of action' 100 days from Election Day
PHNOM PENH, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian court on Thursday ordered opposition Candlelight Party president Teav Vannol to pay about 1.5 million U.S. dollars for public defamation.

Vannol was sued by the Attorney Group of the Royal Government of Cambodia after he gave an interview to a foreign media outlet in February this year, accusing that Cambodia's democracy had been regressing since Prime Minister Hun Manet took office in August 2023.

The government said his allegations were untrue.

"The Phnom Penh Municipal Court ordered Teav Vannol to pay 6 billion riels (about 1.5 million U.S. dollars) to the Royal Government of Cambodia, the plaintiff in this case," Presiding Judge Hok Pov pronounced the verdict.

The court also fined Vannol 10 million riels (about 2,500 dollars) to put in the state budget.

According to the verdict, the 69-year-old opposition leader was charged with "public defamation" under the Criminal Code's Article 305.

Under the kingdom's law, the convict has the right to appeal to an upper court against the guilty verdict within a month if he does not agree with it. 
If the prospect of Donald Trump winning re-election as US president has sent a bad case of the jitters through the Western alliance, just imagine the chaos that will ensue if Novembers contest results in Vice President Kamala Harris becoming Americas next commander-in-chief.

At least with Trump we have a sense of what to expect if he succeeds in his bid to secure a second term in the White House. On key security issues, such as the future of Nato and the war in Ukraine, Trump has made his views abundantly clear, even if they do not exactly conform with the objectives of other Western leaders.

Trumps constant threat to withdraw Washington from Nato if other member states do not pay their fair share towards its running costs  together with his claim that he could end American support for Ukraine  have resulted in many regarding a second Trump presidency as posing an existential threat to the future of the western alliance.

Trumps declarations on these and other key security issues are certainly eye-catching, but many of these claims are designed to generate headlines to boost his campaign rather than being an exact representation of his views.

On Nato, for example, as Trump told Nigel Farage in a recent interview for GB News, the former president insists that he remains committed to the alliance  so long as other member states fulfil their spending commitments on defence. As for Ukraine, there is merit to Trumps claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin would never have risked invading Ukraine in 2022 had he still been in office.

Putins calculation that he would meet no serious resistance from the West was made on the basis of the chaotic US-led military withdrawal from Afghanistan in the summer of 2021. This convinced the Russian leader that the West was not serious about defending its interests.

US President Joe Bidens role in orchestrating this disaster has been conveniently overlooked in the glowing tributes he has received, especially from his liberal cheer-leaders, since announcing his decision to quit the presidential contest. Harris, by contrast, is an unknown quantity, certainly so far as the foreign policy outlook of the woman seeking to become Americas 47th president is concerned.

Harris, it should be remembered, did not have any serious foreign policy experience before she was chosen to be Bidens running mate. Nor had her time in domestic politics gained her many plaudits. Instead, the main reason she was chosen seemed to be because having a Left-wing female activist on the ticket was seen by Democratic campaigners as a sure-fire way of widening their appeal during the 2020 campaign.

Whether Harris would continue with her Left-wing activism from the White House is a moot point.

Certainly, judging from her less-than-impressive treatment this week of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington, she has a great deal to learn about the art of statesmanship if she is to be a credible contender for the White House.

With Biden still recovering from Covid at his Delaware beach house, neither the President nor his deputy were available to observe the established official protocol of welcoming the Israeli leader when he arrived in Washington on Monday. Harris opted instead to travel to Indiana for an event at a university, which also meant that she was not present when Netanyahu made his address before a joint session of the US Congress.

Harriss absence from Netanyahus address, which has been denounced as a boycott by her critics, is politically expedient at a time when the Democrats are experiencing deep divisions over the Gaza conflict, with more than 30 Democrats boycotting the event in protest at Israels continued military offensive in the enclave.

Nor does Harris have an impressive track record on the one foreign policy-related issue  curbing the flow of illegal migrants from Latin America  for which she was given responsibility after the Biden administration appointed her its border czar.

Far from making any meaningful impact on an issue that has taken centre stage in this years presidential contest, Harriss only notable contribution was to travel to Guatemala City in June 2021, where she declared, I want to be clear to folks in the region who are thinking about making that dangerous trek to the United States-Mexico border: Do not come.

Her desperate appeal fell on deaf ears, to the extent that illegal border crossings have reached historic highs under the Biden administration.

With such an indifferent track record, all the evidence suggests that Harris would become an even greater challenge for the Western alliance than Trump if she succeeds in winning the presidential contest.

The arrival of such an inexperienced figure, assuming the mantle of leader of the free world, would certainly be welcomed by the stony-faced despots in places like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, whose principal objective is the destruction of Western influence in world affairs.

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Vice President Kamala Harris has kicked off her bid for the presidency with a campaign ad powered by Beyonces 2016 single, Freedom. Harris released her riveting ad on Thursday (July 25), with footage drawing a contrast between her and her opposition, former president Donald J. Trump.

The one-minute video evokes a feeling of triumph and community as shots of Black people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and other minorities support Harris. VP Harris then lays out her promise to tackle gun violence, health issues, topics on abortion, poverty, and more. The Oakland, Calif., native even jabbed at Trumps laundry list of legal troubles, including becoming the first former president to get his mugshot taken after he was arrested in the Georgia election subversion case.

Additional footage is taken from Kamala Harris first rally as a presidential candidate in Milwaukee on Tuesday (July 23). In this election, we each face a question: What kind of country do we want to live in? There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate. But us? We choose something different. We choose freedom, Harris is heard declaring in the TV spot.

Im Kamala Harris, and Im running for President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/6qAM32btjj  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 25, 2024

The freedom not just to get by, but get ahead. The freedom to be safe from gun violence. The freedom to make decisions about your own body. We choose a future where no child lives in poverty, where we can all afford health care, and where no one is above the law. We believe in the promise of America, and we are ready to fight for it. Because when we fight, we win, she declares.

A snippet from Freedom rounds out the campaign video with Beyonce passionately calling for action in the song, declaring that she wont quit on the path to freedom, singing, Ima keep running cause a winner dont quit on themselves.

Watch the video above.

We are not going back. pic.twitter.com/1IFfq8fxOd  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 24, 2024

More from VIBE.com
Kamala Harris released her first official presidential campaign ad on Thursday featuring the mugshot of her Republican rival, Donald Trump.

In this election, we each face a question, the vice president says in a voiceover as Beyonces song Freedom plays. What kind of country do we want to live in? There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate, she says over images of Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance.

Beyonce Gives Her Approval for Kamala to Use Freedom as Campaign Anthem

But us? We choose something differentwe choose freedom, Harris says in the ad, her first since announcing her bid for the Democratic nomination over the weekend. The freedom not just to get by, but get ahead. The freedom to be safe from gun violence. The freedom to make decisions about your own body.

We choose a future where no child lives in poverty, Harris continues. Where we all can afford health care. Where no one is above the law. That last sentence is accompanied by Trumps mugshot taken at the Fulton County Jail last August in connection with his Georgia election interference case along with headlines about his more recent conviction on 34 felony counts in relation to a hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels.

We believe in the promise of America and we are ready to fight for it, Harris says in her ad. Because when we fight, we win. So join us.

Trump is separately exploiting the mugshot in support of his own campaign, using it on merchandise including mugs, bumper stickers, and koozies bearing the slogan NEVER SURRENDER! Hes also monetized the photo by giving pieces of the suit he wore when it was taken to people who bought 47 of his Trump Mugshot Edition non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which cost $99 each.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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On Jan. 6, 2025, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to preside over Congress and count the electoral votes that will make either her  or Donald Trump  the 47th president of the United States.

And like her predecessor Mike Pence, who resisted enormous pressure from Trump to upend the 2020 election results, Harris says she wont interfere.

Harris believes that her role in the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress is purely ceremonial  to simply tally up the electoral votes certified by the states  according to spokesperson Kirsten Allen. Though she has long praised Pences actions, and Democrats have widely repudiated Trumps pressure campaign on his vice president, its the first time Harris team has made that explicit commitment in the run-up to the 2024 election.

Harris advisers pointed this week to 2022 legislation signed by President Joe Biden affirming the vice presidents ministerial role in the process.



And her view accords with the deeply rooted understanding that the vice president has no constitutional authority to decide which electoral votes to count. Under the 12th Amendment, the vice presidents power is limited to simply opening envelopes delivered by the states and tallying the results.

Yet after the 2020 election, Trump and his allies, in a last-ditch effort to remain in power, devised a fringe legal theory claiming the vice president could unilaterally reject or refuse to count electoral votes, or delay the count altogether.

Pence refused to take those steps, drawing Trumps fury and inflaming a mob that stormed the Capitol to interfere with the transfer of power. Some members of that mob chanted Hang Mike Pence as they ransacked the building on Jan. 6, 2021, forcing Pence and Congress to flee for safety. Harris herself  at the time a sitting senator and the vice president-elect  had left the Capitol earlier in the day and was inside the Democratic National Committee building when a pipe bomb was discovered outside, a fact first reported by POLITICO a year after the attack.

Next Jan. 6, Harris will sit in the same chair Pence occupied  an irony that isnt lost on the aides and advisers who helped Pence reject Trumps pressure campaign. They spent the days before Jan. 6, 2021, invoking Harris name and urging Trump and his allies to consider what would happen if Pence embraced their fringe proposal  and set a precedent for the future.

There was never an acknowledgement of the symmetrical situation you could find yourself in if the Democrats were in power, Marc Short, a longtime Pence adviser who served as his chief of staff, said in a phone interview this week.

Harris acknowledgment, through her aides, that she intends to reaffirm the vice presidents traditional role in the electoral vote count carries even greater significance now that she is all but certain to be the Democratic presidential nominee. She is set  like a handful of her forebears  to preside over a process that will confirm her win or loss. In addition to Pence in 2021, several recent vice presidents have overseen their own tickets defeat during the Electoral College vote count, including Al Gore in 2001 and Richard Nixon in 1961. George H.W. Bush, on the other hand, presided in 1989 over an Electoral College victory that made him the 41st president.

Trump has never renounced the failed theory about the vice presidents role, even as he and many of his allies face criminal charges over their attempts to deploy that theory and use other tactics to subvert Bidens victory. In fact, he has pointed to Bidens decision to sign the 2022 law updating the electoral count procedures as evidence his initial plan was correct. And Trumps 2024 vice presidential pick, JD Vance, has said he would have obeyed Trumps commands  and perhaps even gone further  to disrupt the transfer of power in 2021.



The stark contrast by Harris may not be surprising, but its significant, said Matthew Seligman, a fellow at Stanford Universitys Constitutional Law Center.

The Democrats have said and seem to genuinely believe that the stakes of this election are extraordinarily high both on policy and the rule of law. Even then, Vice President Harris is saying she wont seize unconstitutional powers, Seligman said. Shes not going to burn the system down in order to save it.

The details of Trumps 2020 gambit were defined by attorneys like John Eastman and Ken Chesebro  both of whom have faced criminal prosecution alongside Trump. They argued after the election that Pence had the authority to simply refuse to count dozens of Bidens electors. Pence, they said, could order that the contest be returned to states with Republican-controlled legislatures to consider whether they should be replaced with pro-Trump alternatives.

Pence and his allies vehemently resisted the effort, in part by noting that it would set a precedent that could be used by none other than Harris should she be in the chair in 2025. For many reasons, including Harris recent ascent to become the likely Democratic nominee, they see their decision as vindicated.

The logical absurdity of the argument that the vice president can choose which slates of electors to accept or reject is that the same proponents  wouldnt want to consider the consequences of a Democrat vice president, Short said. Thats exactly the situation we face now.

Harris, as vice president, holds the title of president of the Senate, a largely ceremonial role that is best known for breaking ties on legislation and executive branch or judicial nominees. But the position also empowers her to lead the counting of Electoral College votes during a constitutionally mandated joint session of Congress that is required to occur on Jan. 6 following the presidential election. Barring any unexpected developments  such as a decision to recuse from the process, kicking it to the Senate president pro tem  Harris is slated to fulfill that duty.

Days before Jan. 6, 2021, Short and Greg Jacob, Pences former legal counsel, warned of the risk of empowering Democrats to similarly overturn future elections. It wasnt their primary point; rather, they contended that Pence simply lacked the authority to take such radical steps to upend the election and that the framers of the Constitution never envisioned vesting such extraordinary power in a single person.

But in testimony to the Houses Jan. 6 select committee, both men said that Trump and his allies declined to grapple with the possibility of a future scenario in which Democrats could turn the tables.

Are you really saying, John, that Al Gore could have just declared himself the winner of Florida and moved along?" Jacob recalled of a Jan. 4, 2021, conversation with Eastman.

"Well, no, no, there wasn't enough evidence for that, Jacob recalled Eastman replying. It wasn't clear how he drew the line that that worked  if indeed it did mean that the vice president had such authority, you could never have a party switch thereafter. You would just have the same party win continuously if indeed a vice president had the authority to just declare the winner of every state  He acknowledged that he didn't think Kamala Harris should have that authority in 2024.

Eastman told POLITICO this week that his arguments about Harris potential power was narrower than Jacob described, saying it was only about whether she could unilaterally reject electors in a context where there was only one slate of certified electors, and I took the same position against that as I had taken with Pence.

He noted that some experts had called the vice presidents involvement in the electoral count a constitutional flaw and suggested the role should have been granted to the chief justice of the Supreme Court instead. He also noted that a vice president could recuse from the process when there is a direct conflict, as some Trump allies proposed Pence should do in 2021.

Of course, anyone asserting that the VP has such a role would have to concede that my interpretation in 2020 was valid or at least debatable, Eastman added.

The 2022 law that Biden signed, called the Electoral Count Reform Act, was intended to underscore the ministerial role of the vice president in counting electors. The law also makes it harder for members of Congress to lodge challenges to states certified electors, and it details procedures for resolving conflicts. The law was the most significant update to the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which laid out the procedures that have governed every presidential election since. The Trump-Harris contest will be the first election certified under the updated law.

Under Eastmans theory, any laws limiting the vice presidents discretion are unconstitutional, and he urged Pence to refuse to abide by the Electoral Count Act. Investigators and courts have cited that request to violate the law as proof of potential criminality. Eastman argues that there is precedent for vice presidents exercising judgment to count disputed electors, such as Thomas Jeffersons decision to resolve an issue with Georgias ballots in 1801. Other constitutional scholars dispute that premise.

Eastman is currently fighting a California judges disbarment recommendation following a months-long series of hearings analyzing his 2020 legal theory.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered the key note address and received a roaring ovation at The American Federation of Teachers National Convention in Houston, Thursday.

AFT represents approximately 1.8 million people working in education across the country. It was first union to officially endorse Harris for president the day after Joe Biden announced he would no longer seek reelection and she launched her bid for the White House.

In her address Thursday, she praised the president and AFT members for their service to the nation.

"You all do God's work educating our children," Harris said. "It is you who have taken on the most noble of work which is to concern yourself with the well being of the children of America and I thank you for that."

Outreach: Divine Nine flexes political muscle as VP Kamala Harris runs for president

Harris wasted little time collecting key endorsements, delegate support, and more than $126 million in donations this week. Her Houston appearance followed stops in Milwaukee Tuesday and Indianapolis Wednesday. At each, she made the case that a Harris administration would move the country forward and a second Donald Trump administration would take it backward.

While addressing AFT members, she criticized Republican calls to end the Department of Education, ban books, and forbid some educators from discussing gender and sexual orientation in classrooms. She said Trump and his "extreme allies" support union busting but she credits unions for helping build America's middle class.

"What kind of country do we want to live in? A country of freedom, compassion and rule of law or a country of chaos, fear and hate?" Harris asked the crowd. "The beauty of our democracy is that we each have the power to answer that question when we vote."

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at The American Federation of Teachers National Convention Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Houston. Harris is visiting Houston as she charges on with her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination after President Joe Biden announced he won't seek reelection.

Harris also launched her first campaign ad Thursday. Featuring Beyonces song Freedom, it sharply contrasts the vice president with the Republican nominee and highlights her progressive stance on key issues like abortion.

Speaking ahead of Harris, AFT President Randi Weingarten called the Biden-Harris administration the most "pro-public education" in the country's history.

"There's a lot of teachers in this hall. So we all know a lot about assignments. My friends, my siblings, do you understand our assignment?  Are we going to elect Kamala Harris the next president of the United States?" Weingarten asked as the crowd, which responded with resounding cheers.

While introducing Harris, AFT member Brittany Shoup said she had her student loans forgiven thanks to Biden-Harris administration policy.

Harris repeated her support for student loan forgiveness and her claim that public school teachers are not paid enough in her address.

"In this moment, we are in a fight for our most fundamental freedoms and to this room of leaders, I say bring it on," Harris said as the room echoed her with chants of "bring it on."

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: Kamala Harris addresses national teacher's union
Kamala Harris Narrows Gap With Trump In New Poll After Biden Drops Out

Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be reinvigorating voters.

A new poll conducted in the wake of President Joe Bidens decision to end his reelection campaign found Harris, the new presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, in a near-dead heat with former President Donald Trump.

The New York Times and Siena College poll released Thursday determined that if the election were held immediately, 47% of likely voters would pick Harris and 48% would go for Trump.

Among registered voters, 46% would vote for Harris and 48% would vote for Trump, the poll indicated. It surveyed 1,142 people from July 22 to July 24.

The narrow gap between Harris and Trump supports Democrats hope that Harris entry into the presidential race might shake up the field after Trump had been polling steadily ahead of Biden for weeks. In early July, a Times-Siena poll had Biden trailing Trump by 6 percentage points.

The president announced Sunday that he would not seek another term in office after enduring weeks of fallout from a poor debate performance on June 27.

The new poll also found that a whopping 70% of Democrats wanted the party to quickly coalesce behind Harris rather than spend time considering different candidates. That appears to be happening  Biden wasted no time throwing his support behind Harris on Sunday and was followed by a wave of other prominent Democrats, including several governors who had been considered strong contenders for the nomination themselves.

The New York Times reported that Harris popularity among Democrats is even with Trumps popularity among Republicans  around 93%.

Democratic National Convention delegates are expected to formally vote to make Harris their nominee by Aug. 7. The DNC is scheduled for Aug. 19 to 22 in Chicago.

She has yet to announce a running mate.

The Trump campaign issued a memo earlier this week in which its pollster Tony Fabrizio downplayed an expected bump in the polls for Harris, dubbing it the Harris honeymoon. Fabrizio said in the memo that he expects Trump to sail ahead once the race settles back down.

Related...
Here's what Kamala Harris needs to do to win over Michigan's uncommitted Democrats

You dont get to be complicit in starving people to death and then demand the votes of their family and friends because the other guys worse.

That's why, back in February, 100,000 Michigan voters pushed their pens past President Joe Biden's name on their Democratic presidential primary ballots and filled in the circle beside Uncommitted," in a state Donald Trump won in 2016 by 11,000 votes, and lost in 2020 by 154,000.

Leaders of the "uncommitted" movement hoped for a shift in U.S. foreign policy, one that might stop the killing. And they wanted Biden to listen.

So now that Biden is off the November ballot  albeit for different reasons, somehow  where does his likely successor, Vice President Kamala Harris, stand? And where does that leave Democrats who couldnt stomach a vote for the incumbent president?

It depends on what Harris does next.

Listen to Michigan uncommitted campaign manager Layla Elabed, left, and political strategist Abbas Alawieh speak about the uncommitted campaign goals, on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 at Jabal Coffee House in Dearborn. The goal of the campaign is to encourage "uncommitted" votes in the Democratic presidential primary to send a message to President Joe Biden's campaign and push Biden to call for a cease-fire in Gaza.

'Uncommitted' voters want Harris to listen

Activists say they don't expect a full-throated embrace of their platform  for the U.S. to stop selling arms to Israel  but say she must give them some indication that in a Harris presidency, U.S. foreign policy would shift.

And they're feverishly anticipating her next words, examining her past statements for some glimpse of whether Harris will keep in line with Biden's policy of unconditional military support for Israel, amid a war that has killed tens of thousands of civilians and a blockade that has led to devastating famine.

Harris said in December 2023, We support Israels legitimate military objectives to eliminate the threat of Hamas  the official line of the Biden White House  later adding, As Israel pursues its military objectives in Gaza, we believe Israel must do more to protect innocent civilians."

After a few more months of war raised questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of that military objective, amid little evidence of efforts to protect civilians, Harris adopted a different tone in March, calling for a cease-fire and delivering some the strongest remarks made by an administration official on the protection of civilians in Gaza.

Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire, she said during a speech commemorating the 1965 police attack on civil rights protesters in Selma, Alabama.  People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act.

The change activists hope for would be a departure from the from the longstanding status quo of U.S. foreign policy toward Israel, which tends to involve a lot of indifference to a lot of Arab suffering, facilitated by a lot of American taxpayer money.

A reasonable ask

Harris is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, a day after he was given the floor before the U.S. Congress and called the American college campus protesters weve been seeing all year Iran's useful idiots."

Update: After Netanyahu meeting, Harris defends Israel but laments suffering in Gaza

The leaders of the movement, which began in Michigan and led to 700,000 "uncommitted" votes nationwide, aren't asking for much:

"Were just asking that the nominee of the Democratic Party espouse a foreign policy agenda that isnt hellbent on killing people we love," said Abbas Alawieh, a Democratic strategist from Dearborn who led the campaign. "Its actually a pretty reasonable ask, to stop killing my family."

Among thousands of Democratic delegates, 36 were assigned uncommitted after the presidential primary. Alawieh is one of two from Michigan who are representing the 6th and 12th congressional districts.

Tuesday night, during a remote meeting of delegates from Michigan looking to throw their support behind Harris, Alawieh says he attempted to express apprehension over endorsing the vice president without first hearing whether she would adopt a more humane Gaza policy.

Alawieh says he was cut off by an unidentified delegate who said "shut up, a--hole."

Rima Mohammad, the second uncommitted delegate from Michigan, views the outburst as an example of the kind of under-the-surface bigotry that has become overt over the last nine months, a phenomenon she says feels a lot like the Donald Trump presidency.

"You can't convince a Muslim to be scared of a Muslim ban when we're killing people who look like them and have names like them," she said. "I'm more scared of that, and the racism that's happening right now."

These hundreds of thousands of people who chose the word uncommitted over the president in February  theyre not a--holes. And their concerns  tens of thousands of people killed by expositions, gunfire and deliberate starvation in Gaza since October 2023, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry and validated by the U.N.  shouldnt be callously dismissed.

The movement isn't going away

Last month, the British medical journal Lancet estimated the actual death toll of the war at 186,000 people.

Last week, the U.N.'s International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories as rapidly as possible and to make reparations in a ruling that found multiple breaches of international law by the Israeli government amounted to apartheid.

In less than a month, student protesters will return to campus.

Whether Harris embraces this moment or not, this issue isnt going anywhere.

It will grow as the war continues, as more images of starving children scroll along the cellphone screens of engaged Americans.

Harris can choose the status quo, or she can choose the more difficult route, one that could actually lead to peace.

These uncommitted voters are eager, under the right circumstances, to commit, to put down their protest signs and put on an I voted sticker.

And Harris needs every vote she can get.

Khalil AlHajal is deputy editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at kalhajal@freepress.com. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters and we may run it in print or online.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kamala Harris can change Gaza stance, win uncommitted Michigan voters
Democrats are real power-monger

Donald Trump has been called "a threat to democracy."

The real threat? The power-mongers of the Democratic Party who for three years have worked very hard to conceal the fact that President Joe Biden is physically and mentally incapable of executing the office of president of the United States.

Once our current president walked out on that debate stage one month ago, not even MSNBC, CNN or The View could cover for him anymore.

Cartoons react to debate: Should Joe get out? 9 cartoons on aftermath of Biden's debate with Donald Trump

If that had not been seen by the entire world, there would not be 30 some Congressional members, including Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, asking for him to step down.

A threat to democracy? Fourteen million Americans voted for Joe Biden to be their party's nominee and the power people in the Democratic party want him to bail?

Get the popcorn out. Just like the Democratic Convention in 1968, this one will be must-see TV.

Be sure and watch this fight as well as the Democratic platform: Abortion and Trump derangement syndrome.

Stan Fulk, Dublin

Trump behaves like my 6-year-old grandchild

Listening to former President Donald Trumps convention speech reminded me of my 6-year-old grandchild, who can start off being sweet and engaging in normal behavior, and as time goes on, he becomes self-indulgent and undisciplined.

My grandson, when he is president, will have learned appropriate behavior; Trump will never have it learnt.

Michael Oser, Columbus

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Kamala Harris, Democrats lied to us. Biden always incapable.
Gary native Tearanie Chinn joined more than 40,000 women on a Zoom call Sunday organized by a group called Win With Black Women to support the cause of electing the first woman to the White House.

The energy was electrifying, Chinn told Capital B Gary about the call, which raised more than $1.5 million while galvanizing thousands of black women across the country. Seeing people on the call who experienced life pre-civil rights and never would have imagined a Black president, and now have the chance to elect a Black woman to our highest elected office, was really something to see and experience.

For the 37-year-old voting rights advocate, this was just another example of Black women, yet again, ready to be first on the front lines setting trends.

As signs continue to point toward Vice President Kamala Harris securing the Democratic presidential nomination at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Black women in Gary have shown renewed interest in the 2024 general election and rallied behind Harris historic bid.

Their efforts reflect the energy that has quickly coalesced around the vice president in the days following President Joe Bidens withdrawal announcement on Sunday. Black women across the country have answered the call with efforts to drive more support and financial contributions to Harris campaign, while Black sororities have pledged to launch grassroots initiatives to boost turnout in November. Harris is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

National leaders of Divine Nine sororities and fraternities, a collective composed of nine historically Black Greek letter sororities and fraternities, issued a joint statement earlier this week pledging to start a massive coordinated, nonpartisan voter mobilization effort. They vowed to activate thousands of chapters and members in their respective organizations to ensure strong voter turnout in the communities they serve.

Karyn Price, president of the Gamma Psi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha in Gary, said her chapter is stepping up.

Our role, and one of our pillars, is to support voting and voting rights. We encourage this community to get out and vote, Price told Capital B Gary. With that said, this is very exciting news to have a Black female in this position. And shes also part of our sorority, so this is a momentous occasion that were very proud of.

Valeria Johnson-Fletcher, 73, of Gary, a state delegate and committee precinct person, said she hopes that with Harris atop the Democratic ticket, voters in the city and across the country will show up to the polls at a much higher clip. As reported by Capital B Gary in May, Gary and Lake County produced extremely low turnout numbers, which were not lost on Johnson-Fletcher.

I am so grateful that Kamala is now our presidential candidate, she said. I plan to support her and do everything I can to get everybody else out to vote for her in the November election.

Prior to Harris ascent to the top of the ticket, Damita Sanlin, 63 of Gary, was less than enthused with Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who she deemed too old to vie for her vote.

I was really disenchanted with the two candidates that we previously had for president, she told Capital B Gary. I was really feeling like they were living in the past and not speaking to the plight of people today.

Now, Sanlin said, shes more optimistic.

It really inspired me, she said. It gives me hope that things can be a lot different. I think if people dont know about her, they need to read about her. They need to read about what she represents, and they need to support her.

The post Kamala Harris Presidential Ambitions Spark Gary Women Into Action appeared first on Capital B Gary.
VIENNA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The authority has seized drugs worth 600,000 euros (651,000 U.S. dollars) and arrested two suspects in a recent operation, police in the Austrian capital Vienna said Thursday.

In a street patrol in early June, Vienna police found a large amount of cash and 4.7 grams of marijuana from two men behaving suspiciously.

During the ensuing searches of the two men's apartments and business premises in Vienna, the police seized about 4.8 kg of cocaine and 24 kg of marijuana with a total value of around 600,000 euros. The police also found over 32,000 euros of cash, Austrian news agency APA reported.

The suspects, both Serbian nationals, have been taken into custody, according to the police. (1 euro = 1.09 U.S. dollar) 
Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers convention in Houston, Texas, on 25 July.

Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers convention in Houston, Texas, on 25 July. Photograph: Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Reuters

Kamala Harris sought to bolster her pro-labor credentials on Thursday days into her run for the presidency, telling a convention of one of the USs biggest unions: When unions are strong, America is strong.

Addressing the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) convention today in Houston, Texas  her fourth event in four days across four states  the vice-president said: Donald Trump and his extreme allies want to take our nation back to failed trickle-down economic policies, back to union-busting, back to tax breaks for billionaires.

The presidential hopeful continued her attack on Project 2025, a rightwing thinkthanks blueprint for a future Trump administration, calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Related: Vast majority of Black voters trust Harris and distrust Trump, survey finds

They even want to eliminate the Department of Education, she told the enthusiastic crowd.

Harris prompted cheers when she told the convention it was good to be in the house of labor, before thanking educators for their public service, including her first-grade teacher, Mrs Frances Wilson.

It is because of Mrs Wilson, and so many teachers like her, that I stand before you as vice-president of the United States of America and now am running to become president of the United States, she said. In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity and where every worker has the freedom to join a union.

The speech was her first address to a major labor union since announcing her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, and the latest in a blitz of appearances since Joe Biden endorsed Harris as his successor on Sunday.

One of the best ways to keep our nation moving forward is to give workers a voice to protect the freedom to organize, to defend the freedom to collectively bargain, to end union busting, added Harris.

President Joe Biden and I promised to sign the Pro Act into law, Harris said, referring to legislation aimed at modernizing US labor law that has been blocked by Republicans, and I promise you I will keep that promise.

Harris also cited her support for the LGBTQ+ community, noting she was one of the first elected officials to perform same-sex marriages in 2004, while today teachers face risks of retaliation in the face of dont say gay legislation that has been passed or is being pushed by conservatives at state levels.

Ultimately, in this moment, I know we all know, we each in our country face a question. That question being what kind of country do we want to live in? Harris concluded. A country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear, and hate?

Ahead of the speech, the AFT president, Randi Weingarten, called on the unions 1.7 million members to rally behind Harris. Kamala Harris has led the fight for out freedom too make decisions about our own bodies, to live safe from gun violence and the freedom to join a union, she said.

Biden has touted his administration as the most pro-labor in American history, and Harris is expected to continue that support for unions. Major labor unions have been quick to shift their endorsements to her presidential bid.

With Kamala Harris in the White House, together well continue to build on the powerful legacy of the Biden-Harris administration to create good union jobs, grow the labor movement and make our economy work for all of us, said the AFL-CIO president, Liz Shuler, said this week, announcing the largest federation of labor unions in the US has endorsed Harris.
Kamala Harris Is Vetting Two Women on Her VP Shortlist

Vice President Kamala Harris is vetting a list of roughly a dozen potential running mates to join her on the ticket in the 2024 presidential electionincluding two women who, if chosen, would make up the first all-female ticket in U.S. history.

A team led by former Attorney General Eric Holder is reportedly vetting the candidates, which include a litany of familiar names. Those include a number of Democratic governors of swing states, sources told the Associated Press.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is reportedly on the listas is Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, both of whom would make history if selected by Harris.

Whitmer, who is co-chairing Harris campaign, has previously said she is not interested in joining her on the ticket.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are also on the reported shortlist, as is Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who won two terms in a state that Trump carried by 26 points in the 2020 presidential election.

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, who represents a crucial swing state that Biden won by only about 10,000 votes, is also reportedly being vetted.

The list also included California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who also took himself out of the running, sources told NBC News.

Several Biden Administration officials are also under consideration, including Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and Raimondo.

Another name who has previously been floated is retired four-star Admiral William McRaven, who oversaw the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.

Sources confirmed to CBS News that at least one candidate on the list, whose name was not shared publicly, was not currently serving in government.

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.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called out Senator J.D. Vance for calling Democrats childless cat ladies on MSNBC Wednesday night, saying he doesnt think it will work for one big reason.



My God, they went after cat people, good luck with that! Turn on the internet and see what cat people do when you go after em, Walz said, drawing laughter from The 11th Hours Stephanie Ruhle. It would be funny if it wasnt so sad.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) slams JD Vance for denigrating voters:



My God, they went after cat people, good luck with that! Turn on the internet and see what cat people do when you go after em.



It would be funny if it wasnt so sad. pic.twitter.com/g9Rrh0xvWs  Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) July 25, 2024

Walz has been discussed as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, and endearing himself to cat people is a surefire way to help his chances. Hes not wrong when he talks about the power of cat people on the internet, and he would know: He and his family own an orange and white cat named Honey.



Vance has also been criticized by Democratic lawmakers and even celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, putting him in the internets doghouse as Harriss popularity continues to spawn memes about coconut trees and Charli XCXs album Brat.



Walz, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Senator Mark Kelly are among the many names being discussed as vice presidential candidates. Walz already made a successful appearance on Fox News Tuesday morning, angering Donald Trump. If he keeps landing blows like this against Vance and Trump, he might quickly become the internets favorite for V.P., if not Harriss.
Kansas man barricaded in garage shot and killed by police; several others arrested

A 25-year-old Salina man wanted by law enforcement was shot and killed by police Wednesday at a home in Salina, officials say.

Jesse D. Wray died at the scene, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said Thursday.

Officers from the Salina Police Department were sent about 7:30 p.m. to a home in the 500 block of N. 12th Street in Salina looking for a person who had a felony warrant for their arrest, the department said in a news release.

Officers found several people at the residence who were taken into custody. The person police were initially looking for, 44-year-old Larry J. Wray Jr. of Salina, was found inside a detached garage and was arrested, authorities said.

An officer heard another person in the garage, Jesse, who also had a warrant. Officers yelled at him to come out of the garage. He refused.

He was holding a gun and made threats to shoot if law enforcement entered the garage, according to a KBI news release.

Officers surrounded the garage. The Salina SWAT team and Kansas Highway Patrol arrived to assist, the KBI said.

Police noticed fire and smoke coming from the garage and the garage door opened. A woman and Jesse walked out and gunfire was exchanged.

Officers from the Salina Police Department and troopers from the KHP fired rounds that struck Jesse, the KBI said.

Jesse was pronounced dead at 8:45 p.m. The woman who walked out with him was taken to a hospital and was later released. Authorities did not say if she was struck by gunfire.

Officials did not say what Jesse Wrays felony warrant was based on.

Kansas Department of Corrections records show that he was convicted of drug possession, theft and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon in 2018 in Saline County. He was released from prison in September 2023.

The investigation is ongoing and findings will turned over to the Saline County Attorney.

Sedgwick County Jail deputy arrested two days after starting officer academy

Judge dismisses sexual exploitation charges against former Wichita State director
A former Kansas City police officer resigned from his position after pleading guilty to harassment of two citizens and a misdemeanor assault in an incident from 2023, according to a Jackson County news release.

Jason Q. Moran was sentenced to one year of probation, resigned from his post and surrendered his police certification, according to prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

An officer was flagged down on Dec. 5, 2023, by three people who said a black truck had been following them. According to the release, they drove around the truck when it didnt move after a stop light turned green.

They said the truck then followed them, that Moran pointed a gun at them and struck one of them with his pickup.

Moran was not on duty or in uniform at the time of the incident. He told police, according to the release, that he was driving on State Line Road and followed a vehicle that passed him into an apartment complex. He said the people in the vehicle approached his truck so he drove away but then returned.

According to the release, Moran said he drew his firearm and pointed it at the citizens after one of them struck his window.

Responding officers observed Moran to be intoxicated. Two of the victims said Moran pointed the gun at them and used the n word during a verbal confrontation and hit one of them with his truck. Video cameras in the area captured the defendants vehicle striking the victim, the release said.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  An officer with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is resigning after he pleaded guilty to harassment of two people and a misdemeanor assault following an incident in December 2023.

Jason Q. Moran, 48, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in Jackson County court to second-degree harassment and fourth-degree assault, both misdemeanors.

He was placed on a one year probation and agreed to special conditions, including his resignation from KCPD, surrender of his police officer certification and no contact with the victims in the case, according to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office.

According to court records, on Dec. 5, 2023, three people flagged down a police officer and reported that the driver of a black truck had followed them.

Victim in deadly hit-and-run on The Paseo identified, KCPD continue search for suspect

The victims reported that the black truck was driving only 10 mph in a 40 mph zone at one point.

They drove around the truck after it didnt move when a stop light turned green. Then the truck began to follow them.

Eventually, the victims told police, the driver of the truck pointed a gun at them and struck one of them with the truck.

Moran, who was not on duty or in uniform, told police he was driving on State Line Road when he started to follow a vehicle that passed him. He followed them into an apartment complex and waited.

He told police the three people approached his truck. He drove away, then returned. One of them struck his vehicle window. He drew his firearm and pointed it at the group, got back in the truck and left again.

Moran, who has now resigned from the police department, called police. Officers observed Moran to be intoxicated, according to court documents.

Two victims stated Moran pointed a gun at them, used the n word during his verbal confrontation with them and hit one of them with his truck. They added that he smelled like alcohol and his eyes were red.

Video cameras in the area captured Morans vehicle striking the victim.

The prosecutors office said a delay in the investigation left prosecutors without sufficient evidence to charge the suspected drunk driving.

KCPD tells FOX4 Moran began his employment with the police department on May 28, 2002.

FOX4 asked KCPD for comment on the case in which they said: As far as comment we respect the criminal process underway and will defer any comment to the prosecutors office whose media release and charging documents do a good job outlining the events and accusations. Our department was in touch with the prosecutors office since the beginning in this investigation.

The organization MORE2 released a statement Tuesday saying We continue to be deeply troubled by the lack of policing within KCPD. It seems that officers accused of crimes are consistently placed on paid leave all the way up to indictment, pleading guilty of crimes they commit, while on the public payroll. What does internal affairs even do, if no officer is ever dismissed until after there is an indictment/ guilty plea or conviction? The general public faces job loss when they commit a crime while KCPD officers get a long term paid vacation. The public would trust the department more if they acted with more scrutiny in the hiring process and more swiftly when officers violate the law.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
WARREN COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN)  A 21-year-old from Warren County was taken into custody earlier this week as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation, officials said.

According to Kentucky State Police (KSP), its Electronic Crime Branch arrested Daelin Wayne Rigsby on Tuesday July 23 for charges related to child sexual abuse material.

Man charged with multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in Cookeville

Authorities said the KSP Electronic Crime Branch started investigating after discovering the suspect sharing images of child sexual exploitation online. Law enforcement seized equipment that was reportedly used to facilitate the crime and took it to a forensic lab for examination.

KSP said Rigsby is charged with 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12 years old, as well as one count of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12 years old. These charges are Class C felonies punishable by five to 10 years in prison.

According to the Warren County Regional Jail, Rigsby is being held on a $50,000 bond.

White House man facing charges following deadly crash in Bowling Green

The Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is comprised of more than twenty-six local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, KSP said in a statement posted on Thursday, July 25. The mission of the ICAC Task Force, created by the United States Department of Justice and administrated by the Kentucky State Police, is to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in developing a response to cyber enticement and child sexual abuse material investigations.

No additional details have been released about this ongoing investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on July 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. Credit - Justin SullivanGetty Images

Benjamin Netanyahu wanted Israelis to come away with a distinct impression: In his nations hour of peril, he is the only Prime Minister who can lead it on the world stage. In a joint address to Congress on Wednesday, the Israeli premier fought for his political life and proclaimed Israels war in Gaza as a struggle for its own survival.

In a stirring speech, Netanyahu defended Israels offensive against Hamas, the terrorist group that stormed southern Israel and massacred roughly 1,200 people; he excoriated the millions of protestors who have accused Israel of war crimes and called for an end to its military campaign; he asked lawmakers to supply more military aid to the Jewish state; and he laid out a vision, however vaguely, for a post-war Gaza.

It was a highly choreographed political performance. For Netanyahu, a shrewd salesman of himself, it was a chance to convince his countrymen that he can best manage the U.S.-Israel relationship. To that end, he argued that the United States has a stake in Israels war. This is not a clash of civilizations, he said. Its a clash between barbarism and civilization. By fighting Hamas, he added, Israel was weakening Iran, an avowed U.S. enemy. America and Israel must stand together, Netanyahu said. When we stand together something very simply happens. We win, they lose.

For many Americans, its not so simple. Roughly 70 congressional Democrats boycotted the speech, an uptick from the 58 who skipped Netanyahus 2015 address lambasting the Iran nuclear deal, the last time Netanyahu accepted a backdoor invitation from a Republican speaker against the wishes of a Democratic president. Given that Vice Presidents often preside over joint sessions of Congress, the most conspicuous absence was Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee; shes expected to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday. Some found other ways to express dissent. Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the only Palestinian-American member of Congress, held a sign that said War Criminal as Netanyahu was speaking.

But while Netanyahu was making a plea to Washington lawmakers, his most important audience was back home. His cratering poll numbershe holds a 32% approval ratingand shrinking war-time cabinet have elevated the possibility of new elections. Roughly 72% think Netanyahu should resign over the Oct. 7 massacre, according to one poll, but are split on the timing: 44% say he should step down immediately, 28% say when the war ends. Given that vulnerability, Netanyahu is hoping that a rousing speech in D.C. could shore up his support in Israel. At the same time, it adds to his historical stature: Wednesday was his fourth address to Congress, surpassing Winston Churchill's record for the most of any foreign leader.

Netanyahu had other reasons too. With Donald Trump leading in most national polls, he has embarked on a mission to repair his damaged relationship with the former President. The two have not spoken since Trump left office. In an April interview, Trump told TIME he had a bad experience with Netanyahu, pointing to a U.S. operation to assassinate a top Iranian general that was supposed to be a joint attack until Netanyahu backed out. He also blamed Netanyahu for failing to prevent Hamass infiltration of Israel. Bibi Netanyahu rightfully has been criticized for what took place on October 7, he said. It happened on his watch.

In his speech, Netanyahu thanked Trump for all the things he did for Israel as President, such as recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and moving the U.S. embassy there. He condemned his assassination attempt, saying he was relieved Trump emerged safe and sound from that dastardly attack on him, that dastardly attack on American democracy. On Friday, Netanyahu will meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

Outside of the House chamber, Washington was beset by mass protests. Law enforcement closed the streets surrounding the Capitol as thousands demonstrated against Netanyahu, demanding an end to the war that has killed roughly 39,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Police deployed pepper spray on some in the crowd.

The scene was reminiscent of last spring, when pro-Palestinian protestors occupied American college campuses. Netanyahu castigated the protestors as siding with the Hamas terrorists who murdered innocent Israelis and committed acts of barbarism such as rape. These protesters stand with them, he said. They should be ashamed of themselves, calling them Irans useful idiots. The moment revealed fault lines on Capitol Hill: Republicans rose to their feet and cheered while most Democrats stayed in their seats.

Netanyahus biggest request was for the U.S. to fast-track a new batch of military aid, saying it would hasten Israels ability to finish the war and prevent a broader Middle East conflict. Many in Israel worry the Jewish state needs more assistance before the U.S. election but wont get it. While most members of Congress are pro-Israel, Republicans have become increasingly isolationistwith a large faction wanting to eschew foreign entanglementsand many Democrats remain critical of Israels war effort. I know that America has our back, Netanyahu said. I thank you for itall sides of the aisle.

Addressing one of the most salient concerns for diplomats, Netanyahu outlined the contours of Israels end-game, what he called a demilitarized and de-radicalized Gaza that would allow Israel to maintain security control of the coastal enclave without resettling any of its own civilians there. Netanyahu provided few details about how he would manufacture that outcome, or whether Palestinians and the Arab world would accept it. Gaza should have a civilian administration that does not seek to destroy Israel, he said. Thats not too much to ask.

Such a declaration is unlikely to appease the Biden Administration, who have said the war should result in the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. Nor will it quell the ongoing progressive revolt against the Israeli government. But for Netanyahu, it was the message he believes will resonate in Israel, where voters may soon decide his fate.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal carried out an inspection of the construction of fortifications in Kherson Oblast, he said on July 25.

"In Kherson Oblast, the construction works are complete at 97%," Shmyhal said on his Telegram channel.

The authorities have long been criticized for slow progress in building up fortifications along the front lines. The criticism only grew stronger after Russian forces broke into the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast in May.

"Building fortifications is a priority for the leader of every front-line oblast. This year, the government allocated Hr 2 billion (around $50 million) to Kherson Oblast for this task," Shmyhal said.

Ukraine pushed Russian forces from the west-bank side of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast in late 2022, but Moscow continues to occupy the east bank.

Reports emerged last week that Ukraine was forced to withdraw from Krynky, a key beachhead on the east bank it had held for months.

Read also: With Krynky lost, what did the perilous operation accomplish?

The government came under renewed pressure over the supposedly poor progress on fortifications after Russia crossed the border into Kharkiv Oblast in May.

Though the advance was eventually halted, many have asked how Russian forces managed to cross into Ukraine so easily.

One of the commanders in the sector, General Artur Hrobenko, complained in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda that the fortifications on the second defensive line, constructed by the regional authorities, were in poor condition and not properly maintained.

The general also said that building proper defenses on the first line was almost impossible due to constant Russian aerial strikes and shelling.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
LONDON, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese modernization rejects short-termism and stresses sustainability, a British expert has said recently.

In an interview with Xinhua, Keith Bennett, an international relations consultant based in London, said that comprehensive and holistic are among the distinctive features of Chinese modernization. "It does not just concern itself with one or other aspect, nor does it see them in isolation from one another but rather as part of an integrated and interconnected whole."

"This reflects the fact that Chinese modernization rejects short-termism, stresses sustainability," he said.

On top of that, Chinese modernization is "scientific" and above all "people centered," Bennett said.

"The aim of Chinese-style modernization is that all people can lead a dignified and meaningful life based on common prosperity," he added.

The British expert also drew a comparison between Chinese and Western-style modernization approaches.

In his view, Western countries have seen great economic development over a long period but the gap between the rich and the poor not only persists but even gets worse. Moreover, all sorts of social problems proliferate and eventually become a drag on economic development as well.

On the other hand, Chinese modernization has taken a different path, which replaces this vicious circle with a virtuous circle and is therefore of great significance to the world.

He also noted that in China's case, development and peace are not mutually exclusive; but rather, they are complementary and interdependent.

"China long ago identified development and peace as two key issues of our times. And they are intimately connected. Without peace there can be no development," he stressed, adding that the tragic conflicts in various parts of the world illustrate this too clearly. "Likewise, successful development helps to eliminate at least one of the main root causes of conflict," he noted.

Bennett views China's foreign policy of peace as an integral aspect of China's commitment to global stability and development.

"China's foreign policy of peace is completely connected to and in harmony with its modernization drive at home as well as with its contributions to the modernization of other countries," he said.

So that is why the China-proposed initiatives including the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, form an integrated whole, which together lay the foundations to help realize a community with a shared future for mankind, said the expert.

On China's significant role in the global economy, Bennett said, "China has been the main engine of global economic growth for decades."

China's significant contributions as "a major external investor, a major recipient of foreign direct investment, a huge market with the world's largest middle-income group, and the major trading partner of the majority of the world's nations" make it a key player in the global economy, he said.

Given the above-mentioned factors, he stressed that China's efforts in building a high-standard socialist market economy, supporting all-round innovation, and persisting in opening up can have far-reaching effects, which will "help bring stability to the global economy and generate opportunities for businesses and economies worldwide, while providing a valuable point of reference for other countries that wish to develop their economies and realize modernization." 
'Killed because he was just too kind': What led to murder of Volusia Gold & Diamond's owner

DAYTONA BEACH  Ghazi Michel "Gus" Osta, 68, the owner of Volusia Gold & Diamond who was gunned down in his shop by an angry customer on July 19, was no stranger to violence.

When civil war broke out in his native homeland Lebanon in 1975, Osta became a sniper in the Christian militia. The fighting resulted in the destruction of his father's seaside hotel in Beirut.

"He just wanted to get out of the hell that was the civil war," said wife Leigh of her late husband's decision to move to Daytona Beach in the late 1970s.

Ghazi Michel "Gus" Osta, the late owner of Volusia Gold & Diamond in Daytona Beach. Osta opened the store in May 1986. It is located at 536 W. International Speedway Blvd. He was gunned down in his shop by an angry customer on Friday, July 19, 2024, but his son David plans to keep the business going.

Despite moving halfway around the world, the threat of violence continued to loom over Osta.

After opening his jewelry store/pawn shop on West International Speedway Boulevard in 1986, Osta became a target of robbery and burglary attempts on multiple occasions.

But the man who pulled the trigger that ended Osta's life was no thief.

John Willard Craiger, 83, was a regular customer who once considered the gregarious shopkeeper a close friend.

When Craiger was hospitalized a few years ago after contracting COVID-19, he designated Osta with the power of attorney.

Leigh, who on Monday would only refer to Craiger as "that monster," said her husband "was killed because he was just too kind."

'Side hustle' led to decision to open the shop

A pair of purple ribbons adorn the front entrance to Volusia Gold and Diamond in honor of the late owner Ghazi Michel "Gus" Osta who was murdered inside the business by an angry customer on Friday, July 19, 2024. This is a view of the store on Monday, July 22.

Gus Osta moved to Daytona Beach because he had a brother, Sam, who owned a restaurant at the time in Ponce Inlet.

After initially working for his brother, Osta got a job as a clerk at an ABC Liquor store and briefly attended what is now Daytona State College.

Osta met his future wife at a local restaurant. They got married three years later in 1984.

"We got our rings at Service Merchandise, which I told our daughters was like the poor person's Marshall's," recalled Leigh. "That was all we could afford. We didn't have money for a honeymoon."

Looking to earn extra money, Osta acquired a gold necklace that he managed to sell for a small profit. He kept selling more, carrying them around in a small bag to show customers.

"It was all about the side hustle," recalled Leigh. "I realized that he was very good with people, very good with bartering, so I said 'You need to open up a store.'"

The couple named their business Volusia Gold & Diamond Pawn Shop because ISB at the time was called Volusia Avenue. Osta later dropped "pawn shop" from the name because "it just gave a bad connotation of being lowly," said Leigh.

In 1990, Osta made news when he was arrested as part of a sting operation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Daytona Beach Police Department. His store was accused of being a base for selling stolen goods.

The charges against Osta were eventually dropped and the inventory seized in the raid returned. The store salvaged its reputation because, "People knew it couldn't be him," said Leigh.

Positive publicity, thanks to performer daughter

The store received positive publicity in the early 2000s when the Ostas paid for a television commercial starring one of their three daughters, Pavlina, who was an aspiring musician and dancer as a child.

The commercial won a gold "Addy" award from the Advertising Federation. The store also featured Pavlina in bus ads.

Pavlina generated more attention for the store when she began hosting a local radio show as a teen. She set a world record in 2014 for most unique live radio interviews in a 24-hour period (347). The feat was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Today, Pavlina Osta, now 26, is a television news anchor for CBS-58 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Osta helped 'solve a lot of cases'

Leigh Osta, left, and her daughter Pavlina Osta comfort each other while talking about husband and father Ghazi Michel "Gus" Osta on Monday. Gus was murdered by an angry customer on July 19 inside his Daytona Beach jewelry store/pawn shop, Volusia Gold and Diamond. Leigh is his wife. Pavlina is one of the couple's four children, which include daughters Sienna and Fiona and son David.

Over the years, Leigh said her husband helped law enforcement officials "solve a lot of cases" by passing along tips. "He was like the eyes and ears on the street," she said. "He knew everyone. People would come in and give him information."

Leigh, a former probation officer, said it made her uncomfortable.

"All I knew was that I didn't want him to associate with certain people that would hang around the store," she said.

"You have to understand Gizzy's personality," Leigh said, referring to her husband by the nickname only she called him. "His personality was, 'Everyone's a friend.' He had people there spending time that gave them a sense of entitlement."

Widow: Assailant wanted 'more bro time' with husband

One of the regulars that hung around the store was Craiger, whom Leigh described as "a lonely man that wanted to be spending more 'bro' time with Gizzy."

"(Craiger) didn't have anyone. He just liked Gizzy, but Gizzy has a wife and family," she said. She told her husband, "You need to cut back (spending time with Craiger)."

When Craiger was hospitalized with COVID, Leigh said the doctor told her husband, "I don't think he's going to make it. Do you want to pull the plug?" She said her husband responded, "No, give it one more day."

Craiger recovered and moved to California to be with a relative.

Leigh said her husband ended his power of attorney over Craiger a couple of years ago.

She said she was dismayed to learn Craiger had returned a couple weeks ago.

"So he comes back and started to contact Gizzy again," she said. "I said out of the blue, 'Are you dealing with Johnny (Craiger) again?' He said, 'Yeah. I didn't want to tell you.' I said, 'Just don't. Don't deal with him.' He said, 'That's fine. Don't worry about it.'"

Leigh said she was at the store when Craiger walked in with rings he wanted to sell to her husband.

"I looked at them. He wanted $30,000, a ridiculous price. They were big, gaudy, unsellable rings," she said.

Rather than just say no, her husband tried to let Craiger down gently, she said. "I guess then he (Craiger) came back."

What the surveillance video showed

A Daytona Beach Police Department report on the shooting stated that the store's surveillance video showed the defendant was observed "entering the store and walking right up to the front counter. The defendant appears to engage the victim in conversation for several minutes. The defendant appears to walk away from the counter and pull a small revolver from the right front pocket of his pants. The defendant walks back up to the counter and approaches the victim. The victim appears to be looking down at the counter as the defendant approaches. The victim looks up and the defendant fires his gun directly at the victim's head. The victim falls motionless to the ground."

Leigh said her son David was in the store's back office. He came out and exchanged gunfire with Craiger.

The police report stated that another employee physically subdued Craiger, who was still holding his gun.

Osta was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. Craiger was also taken to the hospital to be treated for gunshot wounds to his legs and abrasions to his head.

Tributes to Osta pour in

Facebook posts by Leigh and her daughters have generated hundreds of comments expressing condolences.

Leigh said one man came up to her when she and her children attended church the Sunday after the shooting to tell her how, when Osta learned he didn't have any money, Osta immediately handed him a hundred dollar bill to buy food.

"He (Osta) wanted to be the man that could really be there for everyone," said Leigh.

David Osta on Monday was at the shop, along with his sister Sienna, the oldest of the family's four children. Both could be seen hugging employees and customers.

David Osta said he intends to keep the store going. He is a licensed jeweler who graduated from the Gemological Institute of America in New York.

Sienna Osta is a trial attorney who was helping get the store back in order. "My dad was always so kind and generous," she said. "It's moving to see how everyone remembers his kindness."

Charles Moorman began working at Volusia Gold & Diamond after retiring as a corrections officer a few years ago. "To know the man was to love that man," he said of Gus Osta. "I've known him since 1989. The only reason I do this is because of him."

The Osta family has created a GoFundMe page seeking donations to help cover funeral and burial expenses.

As of midday Wednesday, the GoFundMe page has received 83 donations totaling more than $10,000. The family's goal is to raise $40,000.

"We're not going to put him in a pot for 200 bucks," said Leigh. "It's not going to happen. He's going to have the best that we can do."

In addition to his wife, Osta is survived by his four children, Sienna, David, Pavlina, and Fiona.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Murder of Volusia Gold & Diamond's owner came at hands of a 'friend'
Kim Davis wants to overturn gay marriage ruling. Legal scholars weigh in on her chances

In our Reality Check stories, Herald-Leader journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.

Lawyers for former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis this week appealed a ruling in her case that they hope will lead to an overturning of federal protections for same-sex couples to marry.

But legal scholars interviewed by the Herald-Leader say thats unlikely.

Its reasonable to see the precedent set in Obergefell v. Hodges  the landmark Supreme Court decision in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage  as vulnerable given the current conservative makeup of high court, whose members overturned longstanding precedent in Roe v. Wade two years ago, they said.

However, Davis particular case, stemming from events that took place nearly a decade ago, and the method by which her attorneys at Liberty Counsel are going about it, is procedurally flawed, these experts said.

This case is a loser case, and not because of the substance, but because procedurally, it is nonsense, said JoAnne Sweeny, professor of law at the University of Louisville. And its because theyre appealing a jury verdict for damages.

Davis, an evangelical Christian, rose to international prominence nine years ago for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in her Eastern Kentucky county after gay marriage became legal under the courts ruling.

Davis was staunch in her refusal to carry out the sworn duties of her public position  her office temporarily stopped issuing any marriage licenses so Davis name did not have to appear on licenses for gay couples  and she was briefly jailed for contempt. She was lauded by conservative Christian groups and leaders as a symbol of resistance against a federal law that they said infringed on religious freedom, a position her lawyers continue to take in the latest appeal.

Davis was entitled to a reasonable accommodation for her sincere religious convictions under the First Amendment and Kentuckys Religious Freedom Restoration Act, her lawyers wrote in the 73-page brief filed Monday. The governments refusal to timely grant such an accommodation impermissibly infringed her religious exercise.

In 2016, after a judge dismissed an initial spate of lawsuits against Davis, David Ermold and David Moore, a couple who were denied a marriage license by Davis office three times, sued the former clerk, who lost re-election in 2018.

Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis in 2015.

A federal judge in 2022 found that Davis had indeed violated the couples constitutional right to marry.

Ultimately, this Courts determination is simple  Davis cannot use her own constitutional rights as a shield to violate the constitutional rights of others while performing her duties as an elected official, U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning wrote at the time.

Ermold and Moore then asked for $300,000 in damages. In September 2023, after a three-day jury trial in federal court, Davis was ordered to pay $100,000 in damages, plus $260,104 in attorneys fees and expenses.

Davis attorneys asked Bunning to set aside this jury verdict, but in April he refused. That is the case against which her attorneys with Liberty Counsel filed their appeal to the Sixth Circuit this week.

In other words, the latest case theyre appealing wasnt about whether or not Davis was liable to pay damages, or even re-treading the substance of the initial case against her; it was to figure out how much she should pay.

For this reason, the appeal is too procedurally wrong to be a real danger to Obergefell, Sweeny said.

Patti Minter, a former Democratic state lawmaker and professor of legal history at Western Kentucky University, agrees.

This particular dog isnt going to hunt for Liberty Counsel, because theres really no way they can try and seek to overturn a jurys judgment at the Sixth Circuit or Supreme Court, she said.

But ultimately, thats not what this is about, Minter said.

This is an entering wedge strategy, she said, and Liberty Counsel has long been trying to reverse Obergefell since it was decided.

A need for course correction

The Orlando-based Liberty Counsel bills itself as a litigation, education and public policy ministry, a corporate expression of Christian believers who profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that embraces a worldview that is historically Christian and biblical.

After the brief was filed to the appellate court, the firm said in a statement that its goal is to overturn Obergefell, and this case has the potential to do it.

Kim Davis deserves justice in this case since she was entitled to a religious accommodation from issuing marriage licenses under her name and authority, Liberty Counsel founder and chairman Mat Staver said.

Liberty Counsel has long said its goal with Davis case is to overturn Obergefell. But the latest appeal was filed with a new weapon in its arsenal: the high courts overruling of Roe, or the right to abortion up to the point of viability  a previously-held constitutional right preserved under the same provisions in the Fourteenth Amendment that protect gay marriage.

The brief cites the logic applied in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the case upheld by the Supreme Court in 2022 that overturned half a century of precedent in Roe, as a reason why the case against Davis should be tossed.

Since the case against Davis began, the high court has chipped away at the existence of substantive due process rights under the Fourteenth Amendments equal protection clause by overturning Dobbs  the same provision of the U.S. Constitution that the high court found protections for same-sex marriage.

Though the right to abortion or marriage are not explicitly outlined in the Constitution  as is the case for many other rights  justices read the right to same-sex marriage and abortion falling under the constitutional right to privacy, free from governmental interference.

When the high court overturned Dobbs, it eroded that previously bestowed right, opening the door for similar constitutional rights to be challenged, like same-sex marriage and access to contraception, scholars interviewed for this story said.

Because of this, Davis attorneys are asking the appellate court  and eventually the Supreme Court  to overturn Obergefell.

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Not only should the court reconsider this right in Davis case, but her attorneys argue the courts should re-consider Griswold v. Connecticut, the landmark 1965 case that protects access to birth control.

The time has come for a course correction, they argue.

Sam Marcosson, a law professor at the University of Louisville, said the merits of the argument Davis attorneys are presenting are not outlandish. But he doesnt think her particular plea as a plaintiff is one that will sway the court to move the needle on gay marriage.

Davis was a public employee at the time, who was by statute obligated to uphold the state and federal constitutions. Because of Obergefell, and and former Gov. Steve Beshears insistence at the time that Davis follow the rule of law, the case was always fairly clear-cut.

Once the court decided Obergefell, it was her offices and the state of Kentuckys obligation to comply with that, Marcosson said.

Even if she had been granted a legal accommodation for her religious beliefs  an out to accommodate her views while also fulfilling the constitutional rights of gay couples  she didnt ask for one at the time, he added. And even if she had, it does not allow for violation of the constitutional right was established in Obergefell.

She really doesnt have a leg to stand on, in my view, Marcosson said. Kim Davis and her appeal are almost certain not to be the occasion for the court to take up a real challenge to gay marriage.

Were the high court ever to overrule Obergefell, they would likely only do so prospectively, as in, they would look for a case that involved future applications of the right to same-sex marriage, rather than anything that happened in the past.

Same-sex marriage is not a bulletproof constitutional right, Marcosson agreed. Though Davis case likely wont lead to a toppling of that precedent, its part of a longer-term legal strategy.

Though Kim Davis and her appeal are almost certain to go nowhere, Marcosson said, they recognize that sometimes you have to plant the seeds two, three, four cases in advance to find the right vehicle.

The strategy is about exhausting every appeal, Minter agreed.

Laying the groundwork to get a preliminary opinion on an appeal, even if you lose, can be just as important to the end goal, Marcosson.

Sometimes its about the litigation strategy  not necessarily about winning this particular one on this particular occasion, but by laying the groundwork, he said. Even if they can lose in the Sixth Circuit, if they can get an opinion that indicates theres some merit, that Dobbs does undermine Obergefell, then youve started to chip away and plant seeds for the future.
What to know about assisted living in Wisconsin: admissions, cost, services, and more

In Wisconsin, there are more than 4,000 assisted living facilities and 60,000 beds  and they range in size, price, specialities and level of medical care.

Assisted living facilities oversee key questions about your or your loved one's care: admissions, staffing levels and the availability of a nurse, among other things.

Here are the basics about assisted living in Wisconsin, and what those facilities are designed to do.

What's the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living facility?

Nursing homes are designed for people who, because of their health conditions, need 24/7 access to nursing care.

Assisted living facilities were initially designed as a more independent alternative to a nursing home. Mostly, they are intended for people who need assistance with "activities of daily living," which are defined as bathing, eating, getting dressed, using the bathroom, walking and getting in and out of bed.

However, assisted living is admitting people with more complex needs over time.

Across Wisconsin, there is a wide range in the level of medical care offered at assisted living facilities. Some employ a nurse full-time, and advertise the ability to manage wound care, feeding tubes, sliding-scale insulin, complex medication lists or dementia-related behaviors, among other examples.

What are the different types of assisted living facilities?

The state splits assisted living facilities into three categories.

Community-based residential facilities:

Common traits : Community-based residential facilities are the most common type of assisted living facility in Wisconsin. The majority admit older adults and people with dementia, and over one in three admit people on hospice care. Some facilities cater to more specific populations, such as adults with disabilities or mental illnesses.

Nursing and other services : These facilities can admit people who need up to three hours per week of nursing care, with exceptions. Often, thats for people on hospice care or who have temporary injuries and illnesses, like wounds.

Commonly marketed as : Memory care, advanced care, enhanced assisted living, or just "assisted living"

Number of facilities in Wisconsin : 1,549

Average number of residents per facility: 22 residents, but facilities range from five to 151

Residential care apartment complexes:

Common traits: Residential care apartment complexes are designed for people who can live safely in an apartment unit with a kitchen, but want or need access to 24/7 emergency services.

Nursing and other services : These facilities provide up to 28 hours per week of "supportive, personal and nursing" services, or more in some cases. That covers services like meals, housekeeping and laundry or help bathing, getting dressed and with basic nursing care. These facilities do not include memory care.

Commonly marketed as: Retirement community, or just "assisted living"

Number of facilities in Wisconsin: 366

Average number of residents per facility: 48

Licensed adult family homes:

Common traits: Adult family homes are small, more residential settings that commonly admit residents who have developmental disabilities, mental illnesses and traumatic brain injuries. Less often, they admit people with dementia, terminal illnesses and or physical disabilities, among other conditions.

Nursing and other services: These facilities offer up to seven hours weekly of nursing care. These facilities only admit up to four residents at a time, and those residents might rely on the facility to assist them in getting to work or to a medical appointment.

Commonly marketed as: Group homes or community homes

Number of facilities in Wisconsin : 2,143

Average number of residents: These facilities only admit three to four people at a time.

How much does assisted living cost in Wisconsin, on average?

Generally speaking, the higher someone's need for care, the higher the monthly bill.

That's true both for people who pay out of pocket, and people who are enrolled in Medicaid. During admission, facilities are required to provide a detailed list of services, and what they cost.

Prices vary greatly from one facility to the next.

Facilities often charge for different levels of care that increase as someone needs more services. Or example, a facility could move someone to a higher level of care, and charge more, when they begin needing help to manage medications or use a mechanical lift to get out of bed.

The state provides data on average low and high monthly rates:

Community-based residential facilities: $4,604 to $6,951 per month

Residential care apartment complexes: $2,775 to $4,611 per month

Licensed adult family homes: $4,074 to $11,028 per month

Do Medicare or Medicaid cover the cost of assisted living in Wisconsin?

Medicare, the government health insurance for adults older than 65, does not cover the cost of assisted living.

Medicaid, the federal program for people with low incomes, does cover assisted living costs for people with high enough health needs. Wisconsin's most common Medicaid long-term care program is called FamilyCare.

To qualify, the person needs to have spent most of their financial assets. The process of enrollment  and finding a facility that accepts Medicaid  begins with contacting your local Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Assisted living facilities are not required to accept Medicaid, and many don't.

It is not always easy to find out whether certain assisted living facilities accept Medicaid. Managed care organizations oversee contracts with facilities, as well as day-to-day case management for people enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs in Wisconsin.

What is the admission process for assisted living in Wisconsin?

It's up to facilities to gather information about the potential resident, then make a determination about whether they can care for them. That includes their medical diagnoses, need for nursing care and ability to use the bathroom, walk and eat independently, among other things.

It's important for a facility to have a full picture of the resident's needs before admission, to make sure they are prepared to care for them.

Keep in mind that the person who makes admissions decisions won't necessarily have a health care background.

For people enrolled in Medicaid-funded programs, such as FamilyCare, there is a separate "assessment" process that takes place before finding a facility. It's called the Long-Term Care Functional Screener, and it's used to gauge someone's health needs to determine if they qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage.

Even if you qualify for Medicaid coverage through that screener, you still need to undergo an admissions process at the facility where you end up living.

What are 'individual service plans,' 'service agreements,' or 'care plans'?

These are documents that say what someone's needs are, and how staff will meet them. All Wisconsin assisted living facilities are required to create one once a new resident is admitted.

For example, the plan might specify that, to manage someone's dementia and diabetes, staff will help them use the bathroom every two hours, bathe twice per week and eat a low-sugar diet.

That care plan essentially acts as a contract between the resident, the facility, and their legal guardian if they have one. Per state regulations, facilities are required to keep care plans on file, accurate and updated as someones needs change  then, follow them. If not, the state can issue a fine.

Are Wisconsin assisted living facilities required to have a nurse or medical professional on staff?

No. Assisted living facilities are not required to employ a nurse or any medical staff, as is required for nursing homes.

However, some assisted living facilities advertise 24/7 access to a nurse and the ability to care for residents who have health issues that only a nurse can address.

Even for those facilities, though, that doesn't always mean there will be a nurse in the building at all times. In some cases, the nurse only works part-time.

It's also common for assisted living facilities to admit residents who need a nurse's care, but rely on a traveling nurse to care for them. That's common for people who need help with catheters, wound care, or hospice (the end-of-life service covered by Medicare).

How much training or education are caregivers in Wisconsin assisted living facilities required to have?

Very little.

Most staff members who work one-on-one with residents in Wisconsin assisted living facilities are called "resident aides," "resident assistants" or simply "caregivers." They are not required to be certified nursing aides (CNAs), which is standard for caregivers in nursing homes.

Each of Wisconsin's three types of regulated assisted living facilities has its own training standards.

At the most stringent level, for community-based residential facilities, staff must take nine hours of state-standardized training in fire safety, first aid and choking, medical emergencies, and hygiene for health care settings before starting the job.

State regulations say those facilities must train staff in a list of other tasks, like understanding residents' "physical, social and mental health needs." However, there are no required training hours, nor is there any required curriculum. The state does not proactively monitor how facilities meet the requirement.

Assisted living facilities commonly oversee people's medications, which can include narcotics, antipsychotics and blood thinners, among other complex drugs. To become qualified to give people their medications, staff need to take additional state training.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services works with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to administer training for community-based residential facilities, including training in first aid and choking.

How much are staff paid to work in Wisconsin assisted living facilities?

The average caregiver in a Wisconsin assisted living facility is paid $15.40 per hour, according to federal data as of May 2023. The job is entry-level, meaning staff receive most training on the job and don't need health care experience.

Wages range from $13 to $21 an hour.

Do assisted living facilities in Wisconsin have to meet staff-to-resident ratios?

No. State regulations give assisted living facilities the power to decide how many staff members are needed to meet residents' needs.

However, facilities are still expected to have enough staff to care for residents. If the Wisconsin Department of Health Services determines a facility is unable to care for residents given its staffing levels, it can issue a fine.

In contrast, this spring, the federal government issued a requirement that nursing homes employ enough staff to provide 3.48 daily hours of care per resident.

How do I know if an assisted living facility is good? Where can I find out if a Wisconsin assisted living facility has complaints or fines?

Anyone can read recent results of state inspections of assisted living facilities. Those public documents are available online through the Wisconsin Division of Quality Assurance.

The Department of Health Services' policy is to tour facilities every two years. However, it prioritizes inspecting facilities that have received complaints. In 2023, 90% of the surveys the department conducted were triggered by complaints.

The state employs 49 surveyors for its approximately 4,000 assisted living facilities and their 60,000 residents.

How can I look up more information about assisted living facilities in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services keeps a list of all assisted living facilities in the state. The list shows how much a facility costs, whether it accepts public funding (Medicaid), how many beds are in the facility, and other information:

Residential care apartment complexes: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/guide/rcac.htm

Community-based residential facility: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/guide/cbrf.htm

Licensed adult family homes: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/guide/afh.htm

Do you have questions or a story to share? Fill out our form

Cleo Krejci covers higher education, vocational training and retraining as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa.

This article was written with the support of a journalism fellowship from The Gerontological Society of America, The Journalists Network on Generations and The Commonwealth Fund. The organizations played no role in the reporting, editing or presentation of this project.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin assisted living guide: Admissions, cost, services, and more
What to know about dementia and memory care facilities in Wisconsin: cost, services and more

As dementia-related diseases progress, they can change people's habits and behaviors. People with dementia and Alzheimer's might get lost, struggle to manage their medications or have trouble cooking safely at home.

In some cases, the best option is finding a long-term care facility  what the public often calls "memory care."

That term has different meanings, however. Here's the basics about how it works in Wisconsin.

What is "memory care"?

Generally, memory care is used to describe a locked facility where people with dementia live long-term.

However, "memory care" is not a standardized term in Wisconsin. That means there is no definition that would ensure what memory care will, or will not include.

Both nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be marketed as "memory care" facilities, for example.

Some facilities don't advertise as memory care, but they still accept people who have dementia-related diseases. A facility might only be licensed to accept someone with dementia and Alzheimer's, or it might care for people with a wider range of chronic illnesses.

What is the difference between memory care in a nursing home versus an assisted living facility?

Nursing homes are intended for people whose medical conditions necessitate 24/7 access to a nurse. If someone with dementia needs that level of care, they would be admitted to a nursing home via a doctor's order.

However, many people with dementia don't need 24/7 nursing, but still need frequent supervision. If that's the case, they would more likely go into assisted living.

What kinds of assisted living facilities admit people with dementia?

Wisconsin has two types of assisted living facilities that accept people with dementia:

Community-based residential facilities : This is the most common type of assisted living facility in Wisconsin. About 70% of these facilities accept people who live with dementia and Alzheimer's. They have an average of 22 beds and often advertise specific "memory care" services.

Licensed adult family homes: These facilities cap at four residents. Although they cater more toward adults with disabilities and mental illnesses, about half of adult family homes also admit residents with dementia.

Read more about these categories of assisted living here.

What kinds of services am I guaranteed in a memory care facility?

It depends.

There is no standard definition of the term "memory care," meaning the state does not require much of facilities before they can advertise themselves as such.

Different facilities may offer a range of different services.

What are the different levels of care that memory care facilities offer?

Dementia, Alzheimer's and related diseases are different for every person. Some people who are looking to move into memory care might only need light supervision, but others could need help to get out of bed, eat and drink.

That's one reason it's common for memory care units to have different "levels of care" depending on how much time caregivers need to spend with someone each day. The higher your needs, the more it costs.

Those levels of care are not standardized, either  meaning one facility's lowest level of care will differ from another's.

Even among assisted living facilities, some buildings choose to care for people with much higher needs than others.

Are staff in memory care units required to have training in dementia?

Training requirements differ based on the type of facility:

All caregivers in nursing homes who work directly with residents are required to be certified nurse aides (CNAs). Under state regulations, CNAs are required to receive training related to dementia, among other topics.

Assisted living facilities are not required to employ any medical professionals, although many do. They are required to provide training that prepares staff to work with people who have "challenging behaviors" related to their health. All staff who work in a facility that accepts people with dementia and Alzheimer's should receive training related to the disease, too. However, the state does not proactively monitor how facilities meet those requirements.

Despite those requirements, there is still a wide variety in the types of training that caregivers receive.

For example, to meet requirements for assisted living facilities, some employers might have new caregivers watch a video online about dementia. Others might provide a hands-on workshop.

How much does memory care cost in Wisconsin?

Most memory care units are regulated as community-based residential facilities.

Statewide, they cost between $4,600 to $7,000 per person, per month, though there is a wide range in prices.

Medicare, the government health insurance for adults older than 65, does not cover those costs. Medicaid, the federal program for people with low incomes, does cover the cost of a long-term care facility for people who qualify based on their health needs.

Do memory care units have to meet staff-to-resident ratios in Wisconsin?

It depends.

As of this spring, the federal government created requirements that nursing homes must have enough staff to provide 3.48 daily hours of care per resident.

Assisted living facilities are not required to meet specific staff-to-resident ratios. Instead, they are required to have enough staff to meet residents' needs, and interpret what that means. If a state surveyor determines a facility is understaffed, they can issue a fine.

Are memory care units required to provide recreational activities for residents?

Yes. Wisconsin regulations require both nursing homes and assisted living facilities to provide activities for residents. That means the Wisconsin Department of Health Services can issue fines if it determines a state surveyor isn't providing enough for residents to do.

However, there is little oversight of how facilities meet those requirements.

Not all facilities have designated staff who oversee activities, nor are they required to. Facilities might expect staff who also oversee residents' personal care and meals to also lead activities. Many facilities rely on the help of volunteers.

Do you have questions or a story to share about assisted living? Fill out our form

Cleo Krejci covers higher education, vocational training and retraining as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa.

This article was written with the support of a journalism fellowship from The Gerontological Society of America, The Journalists Network on Generations and The Commonwealth Fund. The organizations played no role in the reporting, editing or presentation of this project.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A guide to Wisconsin memory care facilities: cost, services, and more
What We Know About Noah Presgroves Last Day Alive (Exclusive)

What We Know About Noah Presgroves Last Day Alive (Exclusive)

"Everybody I asked," says Noah's best friend, "will tell you a different story"

Shanna Reece Photography Noah Presgrove (left) and the home where he attended a party the night before he was found dead outside Terral, Okla.

The mystery of what led to the death of 19-year-old Noah Presgrove seems to include more questions than answers despite the passage of nearly a year since the discovery of his battered, bloodied body beside a highway in rural Oklahoma.

But what has emerged from ongoing investigation, as well as public records and interviews with PEOPLE, is a timeline of Noah's final hours leading up his death in the early morning of Sept. 4, 2023, on a lonely stretch of Highway 81 outside of Terral, Okla.

The teen was found naked, the base of his skull had been split in two, his spine was fractured and an 8-inch head wound peeled back part of his scalp to the bone.

He was about a mile from a packed house party that he attended with friends the night before. An autopsy later confirmed that he died of severe blunt force trauma, but his manner of death  homicide, accident or otherwise  is still unknown.

While Oklahoma state police, who are continuing to investigate the death, have told PEOPLE that they dont believe the Comanche, Okla., native was murdered, suspicions and speculation have continued to swirl in his community.

That's left his loved ones to try to dig for the truth while trying to clear up how he spent his final hours until eventually, hopefully, the moment of his death is revealed.

Somebody knows something, Noahs older brother Dailen Presgrove, 24, tells PEOPLE in this week's cover story.

The family has launched its own investigation  and is working with a private investigator  to solve the heartbreaking case. We wont stop until Noah has justice, Dailen says.



Brett Deering Noah's aunt, Robyn Smith, cousin Ashley Chadwick and brother Dailen Presgrove stand at the roadside marker where is body was found.

For more on Noah Presgrove's life and death and his family's search for answers, pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE or subscribe.

While some details remain in dispute, so far what the family knows for certain is that Noah, a gifted high school athlete, attended a rollicking Labor Day weekend party at the home of Avery Howard in Terral celebrating her 22nd birthday.

What had started as a loose gathering of longtime friends who'd grown up together turned into a much rowdier affair by the night before Noah was found dead.

Parts of the weekend were spent drinking and hog hunting on his best friend Jack Newtons ATV. By Sept. 3, the number of people at the party had swelled, thanks to a social media blast.

Jack tells PEOPLE there were at most around three dozen attendees and many of the partygoers, including a group of teens and young adults from Texas, were strangers to Noah and his pals.

Noahs sister Madison Rawlings, 23, who lives in Texas, didnt attend the bash but remembers following the goings-on via social media and was struck that Noah was with some older partiers.

I was like, What the heck is he doing?  Rawlings says.

Newton says that he went to sleep at 2 a.m. but later learned Noah had grabbed the keys to his ATV and gone for a ride with a group before the vehicle somehow tipped over. No one was visibly injured.

A timeline of Noah Presgrove's disappearance and death

Noah then returned to Averys house, cleaned himself up and changed into a pair of his best friend's white wrestling shorts, according to Jack, who admits that there are conflicting recollections of the night.

For example, even a simple detail about how Noah got into the shower after the ATV incident isn't totally clear. "Everybody I asked," Jack says, "will tell you a different story."



Jack says he was later told that after showering, Noah became disgruntled by a disagreement with two female friends who felt he had gotten too close to them.

I'm going to go cool off, Noah apparently told another one of his friends, according to a version of events later relayed to Jack.

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.

One fact that seems to be undisputed is that Noah walked out the door around 3:30 a.m., after slipping into two mismatched shoes. He was never seen alive again.

"Their house is damn near half a mile from the road, says Jack. Nobody expected him to walk to the highway.

By 3:41 a.m. a partygoer posted on Snapchat: well noah is missing. Two hours later  at 5:43 a.m.  two motorists on Highway 81 called 911 to report seeing a body along the road.

The sun hadn't yet crested the horizon when authorities arrived at the roadside around 6:15 a.m. and discovered Noahs body, which they covered with a sheet.

Remnants of one his shattered teeth, along with a silver-plated chain necklace from his grandmother, lay scattered on the highway.

Law enforcement initially believed Noah was killed in some sort of a road accident, possibly a hit-and-run. But after examining the site more closely, their questions and suspicions only grew.

Charlene Belew Prostesters in Dunca, Okla., wave signs drawing on May 15 attention to the death of Noah Presgrove, who was found on the side of Highway 81 near Terral on Sept. 4. His cause of death has been ruled undetermined.

Some 10 months later, answers are elusive  spurring Noah's family to urge others to come forward, a plea repeated during recent demonstrations in southern Oklahoma.

Weve had other people hit before, and we can re-create it and make it make sense, says Jefferson County sheriff Jeremie Wilson, who was one of the first responders on Sept. 4.

This whole situation didnt sit well with me.

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Read the original article on People.
What to know about Sonya Massey, the woman shot by police in her Illinois home

A 36 year-old Black woman called 911 to report a potential intruder in her home on July 6. She was fatally shot in her home in Springfield, Illinois, by one of the responding officers.

Who is Sonya Massey? Here's what we know.

Who is Sonya Massey?

Sonya Massey was a 36-year-old Black woman who was shot by a police officer in her own home on July 6, 2024.

Sonya Massey

What happened to Sonya Massey?

Massey had called 911 earlier that night to report a potential intruder in her home.

Massey appeared calm when the deputies arrived and entered her home to "ensure that the residence was safe," according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.

Deputy Sean Grayson noticed a pot of hot water on the stove while inside Massey's home and asked her to remove it to prevent any accidental fires.

Body-cam footage of the encounter shows that Grayson made a comment about the pot while in the living room, and Massey is seen responding to Grayson, setting the pot on the kitchen counter as Grayson stands in the living room, according to court documents.

Grayson drew his gun, threatening to shoot Massey in the face, the documents say.

"Seeing the drawn weapon, Ms. Massey put her hands in the air and stated, 'I'm sorry' while ducking for cover behind the counter that separated them," according to court documents.

Grayson proceeded to close the distance between him and Massey. He fired the gun three times, shooting Massey in the face once, according to court documents.

Grayson's body-cam was not turned on until after he shot Massey, but the other deputy had theirs on for the entire interaction.

The other deputy rendered aid until medical help arrived.

"(Grayson) at no time made an attempt to render aid to Ms. Massey," court documents state.

The body camera footage was released on July 22 and revealed how the incident was escalated by Grayson.

To view the video, click here. (Please note that this video contains graphic content.)

A full timeline of events was reported by The State Journal-Register in Illinois.

What happened to Sean Grayson?

The deputy responsible for the shooting, Sean Grayson, 30, was terminated from his job and arrested on July 17. He faces five counts: aggravated battery, official misconduct and three counts of first degree murder.

Due to Grayson's "disregard for human life" and access to firearms, States Attorney John Milhiser moved to deny him pre-trial release, which was granted on Thursday. Grayson was placed in the custody of the Sangamon County Sheriff while awaiting trial.

He appeared before Sangamon County court the following day on July 18 where he pleaded not guilty on all counts.

The State Journal-Register reported Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell issued the following statement following the release of the video:

"Sonya Massey lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by former Deputy Sean Grayson. 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.

"Ms. Massey needlessly lost her life, and her family deserves answers. I trust the legal process will provide them. This incident does not reflect the values or actions of our law enforcement community. It was a tragic decision made by an individual who had the training, tools, and experience to know better. We are committed to upholding a standard that prevents such tragedies from occurring in the future."

Protests broke out after Sonya Massey's death

Protestors have been rallying for the names of officers involved and the body camera footage to be made public since July 12.

The protests began once it was announced that Massey's family had retained the services of civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump.

Crump, based out of Tallahassee, Florida, has been involved in major civil rights cases and previously represented the families of Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and countless others over the years.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Bodycam video shows fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey
Kremlin says Russia is open to talks with Ukraine while Zelenskiy is in power but needs more details

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin signalled on Thursday it was open to negotiations with Ukraine on ending the conflict while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy remains in power despite publicly doubting his legitimacy to rule.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday during a visit to China that Kyiv was prepared for talks with Russia provided Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity were fully respected, though he said that Ukraine has seen no sign of that.

The Kremlin, while signalling its readiness for talks on its own terms, has publicly called into question Zelenskiy's mandate to rule, pointing out that his five-year term in office expired in May and that he should have called an election.

Zelenskiy and the West say it is necessary to suspend normal political rules at a time of war and that the Kremlin, given Russia's own tightly-controlled political system, is in no position to criticise.

When asked on Thursday whether Russia would be ready to hold talks with Ukraine while Zelenskiy was in power, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters:

"Russia is generally open to a negotiation process. But first we have to understand how ready the Ukrainian side is for this and how much the Ukrainian side has permission for this from its handlers."

Moscow depicts Zelenskiy as a U.S. puppet, a characterisation he rejects.

"Because so far you see very different statements being made, and it is not quite clear yet. Besides, in addition to the problem with Zelenskiy's legitimacy, there is also a problem with a (Ukrainian) legal ban on having any contacts and negotiations with the Russian side. Therefore, there is still a lot to be clarified and clarifications to be heard," said Peskov.

Pressed during a conference call if the Kremlin could envisage negotiating with Zelenskiy or categorically ruled out such a possibility, Peskov said:

"The question is not an easy one. From a legal point of view this problem (of his legitimacy) is on the agenda, but from a practical point of view we are open to achieving our goals through negotiations. Therefore, different options are possible here."

Reuters reported in May that Putin was ready to halt the war in Ukraine with a negotiated ceasefire but the Kremlin chief was prepared to fight on if Kyiv and the West did not respond.

Putin in June said Russia would end the war in Ukraine, something he calls a special military operation, only if Kyiv agreed to drop its NATO ambitions and hand over the entirety of four provinces claimed by Moscow, demands Kyiv swiftly rejected as tantamount to surrender.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
STURGIS - Confidence in Sturgis City Manager Andrew Kuk was reflected Wednesday in the results of his annual performance evaluation.

Sturgis city manager Andrew Kuk goes over city business Wednesday. Kuk received high ratings by the city commission for his job performance, the results of which were discussed during the city commission meeting.

Mayor Frank Perez said Kuk received a positive review of his work as city manager during a recent closed session. The city manager's performance evaluation is a constructive review of the city managers performance during a given time, using 33 questions to determine the strength of Kuk's work. Each question has five possible measurements, from rarely meeting expectations to performing above and beyond.

City officials who spoke agreed Kuk goes above and beyond in his duties.

"Andrew has done a phenomenal job," Perez said.

Vice Mayor Aaron Miller said that managers like Kuk "are extremely rare."

More: City addresses street condition concerns

"His commitment to the city of Sturgis is unwavering," Miller said, adding that Kuk's approach to his job is "unrivaled."

"We're very lucky to have you," Miller said to Kuk.

Perez said Kuk's commitment to public service was reflected in his desire for a smaller salary than what was proposed.

"Andrew's salary was not one he agreed to," Perez said. "He accepted a whole lot less. He told us, 'I am not going to ask more than normal.' That says a lot about our city manager and his character."

Kuk thanked the commission and staff for their kind words.

Before his current role, Kuk served as assistant city manager. He was promoted to interim city manager in December 2022 when then-manager Michael Hughes accepted a new opportunity in the private sector. He was hired as the permanent city manager in April 2023.

In other business, the city commission approved the use of Oaklawn Park for the annual Homegrown Music and Arts Festival, set for for Saturday, Aug. 10.

The commission also voted to opt in to a settlement agreement against Kroger over its role in the opioid epidemic.

The estimate from the Michigan Attorney General shows that based on the agreement with Kroger, the city would receive about $12,160.23 over 11 years.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Kuk receives high marks as city manager in Sturgis
AUSTIN (KXAN)  KXAN announced Wednesday that midday and 4 p.m. anchor Jennifer Sanders will take over as full-time evening anchor alongside Daniel Marin.

Raised in San Antonio, Sanders joined KXAN in June 2020 as a weekend anchor. Prior to arriving at KXAN, she worked for more than eight years at NewsChannel 9 WSYR-TV in Syracuse, New York.

She started her news career as a writer, web producer and multi-media journalist in North Texas.

During her time in Syracuse, her documentary, Hidden History: The End of Syracuses 15th Ward, received an Edward R. Murrow Award and a Syracuse Press Club Award and was nominated for an Emmy. She also earned an Emmy nomination for her documentary, Hidden History: Syracuse 8, and received a Regional Murrow Award for a separate documentary, Hidden History: Syracuse Congress of Racial Equality.

Sanders is passionate about the future generation of journalists. While working in Syracuse, she spent two years as a professor teaching undergraduate and graduate students at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Since arriving at KXAN, Sanders earned a 2022 Lone Star EMMY Award for her reporting on Housing History: Racial Displacement in Austin. The special report explored a City of Austin change designed to address decades-long policies that led to gentrification and the displacement of Black and Brown communities.

After starting as a weekend anchor, KXAN named Sanders its inaugural anchor for the 4 p.m. newscast, which debuted in July 2022. She also anchored its 12 p.m. newscast and stayed on the news desk when KXAN expanded its midday show to 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. earlier this year.

Along with her storytelling and anchoring, Sanders has interviewed influential thought leaders and public officials, from speaking one-on-one with Oprah Winfrey and comedian Trevor Noah to covering former President Barack Obamas visit to Cooperstown, New York.

When I was the co-editor of my high schools yearbook, I attended my first journalism conference as a 16-year-old at the University of Texas at Austin, Sanders told KXAN. Ever since that moment, I dreamed of reporting in Austin. Almost 20 years later, that dream is a reality. This is an honor of a lifetime.

While in college, Jennifer Sanders had the opportunity to interview then-Gov. Rick Perry at the Texas Capitol. (Courtesy Jennifer Sanders)

Sanders has a passion for giving back to her community through solutions-based reporting. She has traveled the globe to understand issues plaguing various communities, which has deepened her compassion and love for people, and it has become an important part of her storytelling.

In her spare time, she is often found volunteering at local schools and universities, emceeing community events, moderating panels, hosting workshops and traveling for lectures on the vitality of journalism. She serves on Texas Lutheran Universitys Board of Regents and is a member of various community service organizations.

Sanders is from San Antonio but grew up living throughout Europe and the United States while her parents served in the U.S. Army. Sanders received her bachelors degree in mass communications and Spanish from Texas Lutheran University, along with a masters degree in journalism from the University of North Texas.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BERLIN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Climate activists temporarily brought air traffic at Germany's largest airport in Frankfurt to a complete standstill on Thursday morning as part of international protests against fossil fuels.

As a result, around 140 flights were canceled, with more disruptions expected throughout the day, according to airport operator Fraport. "We condemn the actions in the strongest possible terms and reserve the right to take legal action against the perpetrators," a spokesperson said.

Similar actions occurred on Wednesday at Cologne/Bonn Airport in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and at London Heathrow Airport in England, as well as in Norway, Spain, and Finland.

Those climate activists, including the "Last Generation" group in Germany, are urging the governments to commit to completely phasing out fossil fuels by 2030.

"The continued extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal is a threat to our existence," said "Last Generation" on social media platform X. It criticizes the government for "throwing oil on the fire of the climate crisis and telling us that everything can stay as it is."

The Group of Seven 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.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the activist's actions. They were "dangerous, stupid and criminal," she said on X, adding, "Those who block runways not only risk their own lives but also endanger others and harm all travelers."

Last week, the German government decided to tighten the penalties for obstructing air traffic, which still has to be approved by the parliament. Instead of a fine, climate activists will face up to two years in prison for such actions. 
'Lab rats?' GOP's Project 2025 looks to have been test-marketed in Florida

Almost 900 pages, the conservative Heritage Foundations Project 2025 isnt an easy read.

But the document, which has been cast as a conservative roadmap for a second Donald Trump presidency, is driving fiery exchanges in the rebooted race for the White House.

Project 2025 proposes a dramatic overhaul of the federal government, replacing thousands of civil employees with political hires, expanding the power of the president, abolishing the Department of Education, enacting a flurry of tax cuts, banning pornography and halting sales of the abortion pill.

For Floridians, the document's themes and policies may sound familiar. After all, Gov. Ron DeSantis advanced many of the same ideas, pushed along by hard-right think tanks in his first six years as governor.

You guys in Florida are living in the future, said Nick Beauchamp, a political scientist at Northeastern University. He has written on Project 2025 and its proposals, powered by Heritage and a host of other conservative, billionaire-funded think tanks.

The states are always the test cases for all these things. Maybe the billionaires behind these think tanks all talk to one another, Beauchamp said.

More from USA TODAY: What is Project 2025? Inside the conservative plan Trump claims to have 'no idea' about.

Florida: 'Lab rats' for conservative experiments?

Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried is among those warning of Project 2025, saying her home state has been divided by much of DeSantis' policy-making.

We have been the lab rats for the Heritage Foundation here in the state of Florida, so we understand the threat that is coming with Project 2025, Fried said.

Trump has disavowed any knowledge of Project 2025. But Democrats led by newly-minted presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris portray it as the dystopian America just down the road if Trump wins in November.

Among other things, the document also calls for ending diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the workplace and across education, limiting worker rights to organize through unions, and promotes book restrictions, all reflective of laws enacted in Florida by DeSantis.

Floridas expansive private school voucher program, which may lead to the closure of dozens of public schools across the state, is cited by Project 2025 as one that should be mirrored nationally.

Florida under DeSantis also is praised by the authors for the states parents bill of rights. The measure first enacted in 2021 during the COVID-19 era has been enhanced to restrict classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender.

As the governor said in his second inaugural address, Florida is where woke goes to die.

Related coverage: From student debt to Title IX reform, how Project 2025 could alter these people's lives

'Anti-woke' themes abound in Project 2025

Project 2025 proposes that the next conservative President must make the institutions of American civil society hard targets for woke cultural warriors. Trump in a second term also would be urged through the document to eliminate from laws and regulations such terms as sexual orientation, gender equality, abortion, and reproductive rights.

DeSantis earlier this year struck the term climate change from Florida law.

Republicans dismiss any Trump attachment to Project 2025. They argue the conservative wish list document is now just being used by Democrats to fire up support for Harris as she steps in to replace President Joe Biden as their partys nominee.

Im not an extremist at all, Trump said, labeling Project 2025s authors as part of the far right, although he remains deeply connected to several of them.

GOP leaders say Democrats are just amping up fear

Republican Party of Florida chair Evan Power also said the documents primary role now is as a weapon used by Democrats.

Project 2025 is an idea of a think tank that is being pushed in an organized manner by the left to distract from the disastrous administration of Biden and Harris, Power said.

Instead, he added, lets focus on the issues that matter to Florida voters.

While Heritage and a host of conservative think tanks were central to the development of Project 2025, similar organizations helped craft many notable laws enacted during the DeSantis years.

The Foundation for Government Accountability in Naples, the James Madison Institute in Tallahassee and the American Legislative Exchange Council, headquartered in Virginia, are just some of the groups behind ideas and legislation that have flourished in Florida under DeSantis.

They also are proof of the close bond between wealthy donors, the think tanks they finance and policies ultimately enacted by GOP leaders.

How laws are made  helped by conservative think tanks like Heritage Foundation

For example, the Foundation for Government Accountability, founded in 2011, was behind a new law signed by DeSantis that lets kids who are at least 16 work more than 30 hours a week if their employer gets permission from their parents.

The legislation began as a far more serious weakening of child labor laws but eventually was scaled back.

FGA is active nationwide on the issue, and also has been influential with Florida Republicans, making it more difficult to get ballot measures before voters. It continues to bolster Republican leaders opposition to expanding Medicaid, with Florida among only 10 states not to do so.

The organization draws significant funding from the Ed Uihlein Family Foundation, whose Richard Uihlein  an heir to the Schlitz Brewing Co.  was a contributor to DeSantis presidential campaign, which ended in January.

Another big FGA funder is conservative legal activist Leonard Leos 85 Fund. Leo is a driving force behind the Federalist Society, the conservative legal group, which DeSantis relied on in appointing a majority of new justices to the Florida Supreme Court.

The Texas-based Cicero Institute, another conservative policy research group, spearheaded a new Florida law banning cities and counties from allowing homeless people to camp or sleep on public property. Joe Lonsdale, a tech investor, chairs the Cicero Institute and hosted a Texas fundraiser for DeSantis during his presidential campaign.

Republican megadonor and billionaire tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel, a mentor of Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance, also promotes wide-scale crackdowns on homeless.

Anders Croy, spokesman for DeSantis Watch, a website backed by progressive nonprofit groups critical of the governor, said Project 2025 needs careful monitoring. Florida, he said, is an example of how conservative ideas become law.

Under Gov. DeSantis we have seen what happens when extreme policies are put in place that only benefit the wealthy and connected corporate elites, while workers and seniors are left to pick up the bill, Croy said.

John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @JKennedyReport.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: What is Project 2025? Florida seems like test site for Republican plan
Latina civil rights leader Dolores Huerta endorsed Vice President Harriss presidential run on Thursday, adding a powerful progressive voice to her growing base of support.

Ive known Kamala Harris for a long time  and Ive seen firsthand how she fights relentlessly for Latino communities, working families, and for every American, said Huerta in a statement.

Today, Im thrilled to endorse Vice President Harris to be our next president of the United States, because I know shell be our fierce champion in the White House.

Huerta is headlining Harris campaign events in Phoenix on Thursday, alongside presidential campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez, the granddaughter of labor organizer Cesar Chavez.

Together, Chavez and Huerta founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later merged into the United Farm Workers, a labor group that spawned the modern Latino civil rights movement.

Huertas collaboration with Chavez lasted until his death in 1993.

President Biden, who named Chavez Rodriguez as his campaign manager before later dropping out of the race, displays a bust of Chavez in the Oval Office.

Huerta has been a vocal supporter of the Biden administration, and equally vocal opponent of former President Trump.

Over the last three and a half years, Kamala Harris has worked alongside Joe Biden to restore sanity and stability to our lives. DACA is stronger than ever, and health care is more affordable than ever. Kamala and Joe have worked to keep families together, bring down everyday costs, and have stood with organized labor. Under a Harris presidency, well continue to build on this progress, said Huerta in her statement.

Donald Trump, however, promises a return to chaos and cruelty. After separating children from their parents and trying to end DACA during his presidency, hes now running on a pledge to separate families and deport tens of millions of hard-working people.

Huerta has also been a longtime supporter of Harris.

In 2019, she endorsed Harriss presidential bid and signed on the campaigns California co-chair.

In April, Harris posted a selfie with Huerta at a White House reception wishing the labor leader a happy 94th birthday.

Huerta has remained politically active, with a focus on improving democratic institutions.

Some things have to change to save our democracy and to keep our democracy. And its not only about the United States of America, its about the entire world. We are the beacons, so to speak, of democracy, and if we cant make it work here, then its not going to work anywhere else, she told The Hill in a September interview at an event organized by Democracy Forward, an anti-corruption non-profit group.

At the event, Huerta noted that both major candidates then running in the Mexican presidential election were women, meaning the next president of that country  where some of Huertas ancestors came from  would be a woman.

President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum is due to be sworn-in in October to become the first North American woman head of state.

Ive been telling everybody were going to have the first female president in Mexico. Mexico is going to beat the United States to have the first female president, Huerta said at the time, when Biden was running practically unopposed for the Democratic presidential nomination.

So the women, the women can make it happen.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A suspect accused of taking part in stealing luxury vehicles from across the Queen City including several vehicles from the Charlotte airport has been indicted, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of NC announced this week.

Terrick Lumpkin, 38, of Charlotte, was arrested and faces multiple charges including stolen vehicle possession and conspiracy to transport and sell a stolen vehicle while altering the VIN.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

Court records stated that in 2023 and 2024, Lumpkin obtained stolen high-end luxury vehicles including Lamborghinis, Mercedes vehicles, and Cadillacs from various locations around Charlotte including the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Records stated that he and co-conspirators then tampered with the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN). Vehicles were also stolen out of New York and Illinois.

Lumpkin was indicted last Tuesday and was released on bond. He and others face decades in prison if convicted.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM)  Lancaster City Mayor Danene Sorace says she will not run for a third term.

Sorace released a video on Facebook announcing her decision on Thursday.

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Looking back on the last seven plus years as your mayor I am proud of our accomplishments and how we have faced our challenges together as a community, said Sorace, adding she believes communities benefit from new leadership.

Sorace touted accomplishments including launching the citys first Department of Neighborhood Engagement, making the citys largest investment in affordable housing, removing lead from more than 300 homes, investing in the fire bureau, and making streets safer.

For the next 18 months Ill bring the same energy and enthusiasm to the job recognizing that some of the biggest challenges lie yet ahead, said Sorace. It has been the honor of my life to serve as your mayor and I am forever grateful for the trust you placed in me. Thank you and onward.

Sorace was first elected as Lancasters 43rd Mayor in 2018 and is the second woman to serve as the citys mayor. She was first elected with 72% support in the 2017 election and won re-election in 2021 with 73% support.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Since February, Russian forces have steadily advanced across multiple sectors of the front in Donetsk Oblast. They have occupied villages previously liberated by Ukraine, wiped out entire towns, and introduced new threats to the region's overall defense.

Alongside Chasiv Yar, Niu York, and other towns, Russia aims to capture Toretsk, a city that lies in the path of its plan to reach the T0504 highway  a key logistics route for Ukrainian forces. As Russian troops have been getting closer from the east and south over the past weeks, Toretsk has come under increasingly heavy fire from glide bombs, artillery, and drones."

Smoke rises over the center of the front-line city of Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, on July 3, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Almost all front-line towns are destroyed. Toretsk, for example, is 70%-destroyed, said Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin.

Toretsk had a pre-war population of about 30,000 people. Like with many other cities in the east, most of its residents have fled to the safer areas. About 3,500, however, remain in the city, even as the prospect of Russian occupation is getting dangerously close.

Outside the city, amid fields pocked by craters and shrouded in smoke, Ukrainian soldiers are preparing new defense lines in case the city falls to Kremlin forces, while local farmers attempt to save their grain crops from fires.

Life in the basement

Artur lives in a small basement room in Toretsk. A portrait of Marilyn Monroe hangs on the wall  the space seems well organized and tidy: Ive been used to cleanliness since kindergarten, says the 42-year-old. I lived with my mom and started cooking when I was 12, and I keep everything in order. He pulls some dumbbells out from under his bed. I need to do exercises for my body every morning, he says.

Artur was born in Toretsk and worked as a miner for 13 years. Since Russian glide bombs started falling on the city, he has been living in a basement, which he rarely leaves. He expects that the city will be destroyed, and the surrounding mines too, but says he wont leave: Why should I leave my home? Ive spent my life in the mines, he says.

Artur, 42, a neighbor of Oksana and Tetiana, in his room in the basement in the front-line city of Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, on July 3, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

A portrait of Marilyn Monroe in Artur's basement in the front-line city of Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, on July 3, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

His friends and colleagues have evacuated, and his family has gone: My mom was sick, there was no heating in winter, so I sent her to Dnipro for free treatment. Then she died. Now Im alone, I have no one left.

I don't believe the radio  I believe only my eyes. This has been going on for 10 years now, and I don't know where it will end.

In the next basement room, where 73-year-old Tetiana lives with her daughter Oksana and an elderly neighbor, a woman's voice, speaking Russian, is just audible on the radio. We listen to anything, just to hear something. I'm grateful to my neighbor because he made a battery-powered radio, otherwise we'd be like moles here. You could go crazy just listening to explosions, says Tetiana.

Tetiana now takes care of dogs and cats that people left in their apartments when they fled the city.

I have eight dogs here, and I don't know how many cats, she says. I feed as many of them as I can find  I can't even count them. Theyre all hungry and dehydrated. I go out to feed them and run into the bushes if there's a drone flying. It's very scary. But what can I do? I feel sorry for the animals too.

Tetiana previously worked at a sanitary inspectors office, and her daughter worked in a mine, maintaining flashlights and lanterns for the miners.

I don't think about anything, I don't want to think about things  I don't want to be sad. We think about staying alive. Were on the brink.

Tetiana, 73, in her basement in the front-line city of Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, on July 3, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

A basement in the front-line city of Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, on July 3, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

She starts to cry.

Were on the brink. But I can't leave the animals behind.

The women have some food and water, but not enough candles and batteries for their flashlights. Their phones are all dead, and anyway theres no cellphone signal here.

They try not to leave the basement because of the constant attacks.

Shells and drones are falling all the time, and the worst things are the warplanes. Warplanes and artillery, says Tetiana.

Hopeless situation

The village of Nova Poltavka, on the T0504 road, is only about six kilometers from the advancing Russian troops. Attacks there have set fire to hundreds of hectares of wheat crops belonging to local farmers.

In total, about 300 hectares burned yesterday, 17 of which were mine, says one farmer, Yurii, whose name was changed upon his request. First the weather was bad  everything froze  but now its burning, he says.

In addition to the logistical problems caused by the Russian invasion, farmers are now fighting to save their crops and equipment from the flames caused by attacks.

Enver, 46, a local resident, helps to put out the fire in the wheat fields, burning after the shelling in the front-line village of Nova Poltavka, Donetsk Oblast, on July 2, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

A defense line near the front-line village of Ivanivka, Donetsk Oblast, on July 2, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Yurii thinks that if the Russians get closer, if they take the road, he will have to move further away. (The Russians) will destroy everything here, burn it down, and there will be nothing left, he says.

If I could leave, I would have done it a long time ago. I have a lot of equipment here  combine harvesters. If the front line doesnt move, Ill continue to work.

Most people here grow crops  its their living. There are only about 30 people in the village now, while before there were 300. Most of them fled because they want to live.

In the village of Ivanivka, just several kilometers from the current front line and directly in the advancing Russians' path, Vitalii and his wife Vitalina are trying to decide what to do. Russian troops creep closer to the village every day.

Half an hour earlier, a drone hit the couples yard. The situation is changing rapidly, and it worsened significantly when the front-line town of Avdiivka was finally occupied by the Russians in February.

While for the last two years Ive been able to work in the fields, now I can't, Vitalii says. We've been hearing explosions since 2014, but they were far away. Now we hear cluster bombs and mortars (close by).

Its time to harvest the crops, but because of the constant threat of shelling, it is very risky to go to the fields with machinery, Vitalii says. Yesterday, while I was working on a combine harvester, a shell hit a hundred meters away from me.

Even if local farmers manage to harvest the grain, there is nowhere to store it, as all the grain warehouses are damaged or have burned to the ground. The grain has to be taken to Odesa, but farmers have to take it there themselves  nobody will risk coming this close to the front to pick it up.

Vitalii, 45, a farmer from the front-line village of Ivanivka, Donetsk Oblast, on June 30, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Im heartbroken, says Vitalii. I worked and worked. And now everything is ruined  I keep going only for the sake of my children. Vitalii has two teenage children who study in Kyiv. Their parents try not to tell them about the situation in Ivanivka so that they don't worry and can focus on their studies.

The couple is hesitating to evacuate: The people who are leaving, the IDPs (internally displaced persons): If youre with your husband, the locals immediately say, Why isnt he at war? And then they go to the police, says Vitalina.

It's a hopeless situation. Its dangerous to stay here, and if we leave, my husband will be taken to the front.

If necessary, well leave, but before that, we will burn down our house, says Vitalii.

The T0504 highway

Russian forces have got within five kilometers of the T0504 road  a key logistics route for Ukrainian forces. If it is taken, it will open up more opportunities for the Russians to move equipment, bypass minefields, and advance both eastward to Kostiantynivka and westward to Pokrovsk.

For three weeks, soldiers from the 31st Separate Mechanized Brigade have been repulsing Russian attacks in the area of the village of Novooleksandrivka. The unit is armed with a Soviet D30 122-mm howitzer made in the 1960s, and its main task is to deter enemy attacks and provide fire cover for infantry.

When fighting is the fiercest, they fire up to 60 shells, but usually, they ration them because of shell supply problems. In the meantime, the enemy over the past week has increased the number of its drone, artillery, and infantry attacks in this area. The unit is preparing backup positions in case they have to withdraw quickly.

The soldiers of the 31st Separate Mechanized Brigade fire the D-30 122mm trailed howitzer, near the village of Novooleksandrivka, several kilometers from Russian positions, in Donetsk Oblast, on July 6, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

A press officer of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade rests in a shelter several kilometers from the Russian positions near Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, on July 8, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Their strategy is simple: to throw dozens, hundreds, thousands of vehicles, tanks, soldiers  manpower, says Nazar, the units battery commander.

They want to cross the main highway that goes to Pokrovsk, I think this is their main goal because all our movements go through this highway. They also want to reach Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk in order to take over the whole of Donetsk Oblast in the future.

It's a matter of time before they take the road, and when they take the region, it will be a matter of our supplies, and the number of soldiers they send to assault us. They will lose a lot of men, but they have a lot of resources.

Twenty-two-year-old Nazar started studying at the Lviv National Military Academy in 2017 to become an operational and tactical level officer. He first went on combat duty with his unit in June last year.

Because we use old Soviet shells, we dont have enough of them, he says. (The shells) might be produced somewhere: in Poland, Bulgaria, and there are batches of Ukrainian-made ones, but theyre in really short supply  theres not enough.

The soldiers of the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade rest near the village of Pobeda, Donetsk Oblast, on July 4, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Nazar thinks that signing a peace treaty with Russia will not end the war and that Russian President Vladimir Putin's troops will attack again.

Because of the difficulties with mobilization, we don't have enough people to carry out (troop) rotations, he says. Perhaps people are used to normal life in Kyiv, in (other parts of) Ukraine, where there is no war.

Some people think about how to live a day in peace, hiding their husband from mobilization, while others think about how their husband is doing at the front.

Stabilization point

At dusk, movement begins on the front. There are fewer drones equipped with night vision able to target troops as they move into position for assaults, and this slight respite from daylight drone attacks also allows the evacuation of the wounded.

An evacuation vehicle arrives at the stabilization point of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade, and a man in his 30s, screaming with pain, is carried out on a stretcher.

Youll be OK, my friend, this helmet saved your life! a medic tells the man.

Taras was wounded in his very first battle. He suffered multiple small shrapnel wounds to his neck and back caused by a drone dropping a bomb.

Medics put him on a bed and start examining him, cutting off his clothes and removing pieces of shrapnel with a magnet.

It used to be possible to detect fragments from mortar and artillery shells with a magnet and remove them from the body, says 62-year-old Oleksandr, who in civilian life was a thoracic surgeon.

Now it's aluminum, polymer fragments. Since Oct. 10, 2023, when unexploded ordnance and drone strikes began en masse, the types of wounds have changed dramatically. Now there are burns, and they drop chloropicrin (a lung-damaging agent) from drones. Its prohibited by the Geneva Conventions.

Previously, a soldier could be treated and returned (to the front). Now, these injuries are more difficult to treat, theres a higher probability of infection, more fatalities, and disability, he goes on.

Over the past two weeks, the intensity of fighting has increased and its growing  more and more wounded are coming in.

Oleksandr is assisted by Olena, a 38-year-old senior nurse at the evacuation unit. They receive the wounded from the section of the front along the T0504 road.

Olena, 38, a senior nurse at the stabilization point of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade near the road T0504, in Donetsk Oblast, on July 10, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Before the full-scale invasion, Olena worked in Italy, but she returned to Ukraine on Feb. 26, 2022. A month later she was already working in Donetsk Oblast.

We've been working 24/7 for (two) years now without a rotation  I've had two months of leave during this time, she says.

I think only God gives me such strength because I couldnt have done it on my own. He helps me get through it all. He gives me energy.

When the seriously wounded arrive, and when its difficult to cope, Olena prays. She has also been losing her colleagues, as Russian strikes have targeted the medics previous bases.

The conversation is interrupted by a soldier who enters the room saying: Good evening  or is it morning? Is this the 110th? Can you take a casualty?

Of course, go ahead and bring him in, Olena says.

The land is burning after the shelling in the front-line village of Nova Poltavka, Donetsk Oblast, on July 2, 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas police arrested a man they say shot and killed another man near the Arts District in May.

On May 8, at around 4:30 a.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were called to the area of 6th Street and Hoover Avenue, approximately a mile and a half north of the Las Vegas Strip, after reports that a man was lying on the sidewalk bleeding.

Arriving officers found a man, estimated to be in his 60s, suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.

Law enforcement officials said this man was known to frequent the area and was apparently unhoused.

Through the investigation, detectives identified Karsten Merrick, 24, as the suspect in the case.

Karsten Merrick, 24, faces a charge of open murder. (LVMPD)

On July 23, police took Merrick into custody and booked him into the Clark County Detention Center for open murder with a deadly weapon, where he is held without bail.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Although hot weather during July in Las Vegas is expected, the city's recent streak of torrid temperatures is unprecedented. In nearby Henderson, Nevada, it prompted officials to open up "polar pods," according to the Guardian.

What's happening?

Even longtime residents of Las Vegas may have been shocked by the heat wave that hit in early July. The city saw five straight days with a high temperature of 115 degrees Fahrenheit or more, breaking the old record of four consecutive days set in July 2005, per the Guardian. It also hit a record high of 120 degrees on July 7.

"This is the most extreme heat wave in the history of record-keeping in Las Vegas since 1937," said John Adair, a meteorologist who has worked with the National Weather Service for 30 years.

Las Vegas resident Alyse Sobosan won't walk her dogs until 9 p.m. or later.

"It's oppressively hot," Sobosan told The Guardian. "It's like you can't really live your life."

Henderson reportedly became the first town in southern Nevada to employ "polar pods" during the extreme heat. The pods can collapse into compact bags, making them easily portable, per News 3. Cold water can flow in the watertight pods around someone suffering heat distress, rapidly cooling them and potentially saving their life.

Why is Nevada's record heat important?

Heat can be hazardous to our health, causing heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Human activities, such as the burning of dirty fuels, have exacerbated the issue.

Journalist and climate tech investor Molly Wood explained that rising global temperatures are "like steroids" for our weather, making events such as dangerous heat waves more likely to occur.

The National Weather Service reports that heat has been the leading cause of weather-related deaths in our country for at least 30 years. On average, heat has killed more people during the past three decades than floods, lightning, and hurricanes combined.

This summer, heat is suspected to be the cause of death of at least 16 people in Oregon, per KGW8.

Investigations into heat-related deaths can take several days or even months, so it is difficult to determine how many have perished from it this year. As of July 12, health officials in Maricopa County, Arizona, had reported 14 confirmed heat-related deaths in 2024, with another 234 deaths still under investigation, per the Arizona Republic.

On some days, ABC News reported, more than 150 million people in the United States were under heat alerts.

What's being done about extreme heat?

Our planet just recorded its 13th consecutive warmest month on record in June, with our world warming from an increase in heat-trapping gases in our atmosphere. Anything we can do to reduce the amount of those gases released into our atmosphere and cool our planet can help.

We can all make better, cleaner choices in our daily lives. This can include using our purchasing power for good and supporting brands that advocate for a better future. Vacationing responsibly by using low-impact travel options and supporting eco-friendly travel sites can also have an impact.

Many small actions also come with big monetary perks, too. For example, LED light bulbs are around five times less polluting than traditional bulbs and could put hundreds of dollars back into your pocket every year.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
A blurred perspective from a student's desk in the rear of the elementary school classroom showing a teacher point to a whiteboard

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Results from the most recent round of standardized testing at Louisiana public schools reveal progress for third- through eighth-grade students is mired in math and science while improving only slightly in English. Officials and researchers believe learning loss over the COVID-19 pandemic  when schools had to turn to remote instruction  is now showing up in disappointing test scores.

Its all the more reason education policymakers in Louisiana should double down on their efforts to end declines in these basic subjects  and shun any distractions that dont emphasize these core areas.

A new law making news isnt helping. It will require Louisianas K-12 public schools and any college or university that receives state money to place Ten Commandments displays in every classroom by Jan. 1, 2025. Parents have challenged its constitutionality in court, leaving enforcement on hold for the time being.

Throughout debate over this legislation, none of its supporters offered proof that the presence of the Ten Commandments in classrooms would lead to better academic performance. And last time we checked, the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) exams dont include questions on religion.

If legislators and state leaders who back the Ten Commandments law  including a litigiously fervent Gov. Jeff Landry  would apply the same passion and proportionate resources to improving school performance, Louisianas days of sweating out LEAP test results each year would be history.

Instead, our Republican governor and GOP-dominated Legislatures educational priorities are defined by whats politically popular with no promise they will reap educational benefits. Whats more, many are geared toward infusing fundamentalist Christianity into what should be religion-neutral spaces.

Take, for example, the Dont Say Gay bill that the governor signed this year. It bans discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation at school in the classroom as well as during extra-curricular activities.

A similar though less stringent law in Florida was challenged in court, ending with a settlement that allowed teachers and students to discuss gender identity and sexuality as long its not part of classroom instruction. Its an indication Louisiana might face a legal battle as well, with no real academic arguments for putting the law in place.

The same goes for a bathroom bill that applies to public school facilities. It prohibits transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender. Keep in mind there have been no instances of transgender boys attacking girls in school bathrooms here. Theres also no indication that, without this law, a barrier exists to students receiving their intended education.

While basically refusing to acknowledge the existence of transgender students, lawmakers have gone out of their way to institute religious-based lessons in public school classrooms. A law approved last year allows (but doesnt require) Louisiana high schools to offer a course on the history and literature in the Bible.

Its author, then-Rep. Valarie Hodges, R-Denham Springs, also gained unanimous approval for a concurrent resolution to designate 2024 as the Year of the Bible in recognition of the formative influence the Bible has been for our state and the nation and of the collective need to study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.

I cant imagine comparable legislation for Islams Quran, Buddhisms Tripitaka or Hinduisms Vedas going over as well in the Legislature.

Its not as if lawmakers cant recognize where help is needed in Louisiana schools. After years of seeing students struggle with reading comprehension, legislation was approved in 2023 to hold back third-graders whose reading proficiency is below grade-level standards. It will be implemented in the upcoming school year.

Other recent efforts to address reading shortfalls have already produced results. According to the Louisiana Department of Education, our fourth-graders rank first in the nation for reading growth  a laudable accomplishment even if they had nowhere to go but up. Also, economically disadvantaged fourth-graders improved from 42nd to 11th nationally for reading proficiency.

So theres clearly an awareness and appetite among Louisiana leaders to bring about meaningful change in the education arena. Why they would choose instead to use precious time, energy and public dollars to submerge students in Christian dogma  especially when it will lead to costly court battles, also at the publics expense  is beyond my grasp.

Perhaps its time we tie LEAP scores to legislative effectiveness.

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Law enforcers take out Russian agents preparing arson attacks on shopping centres in Ukraine and EU  photos

The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine have taken out a group of agents of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) that was preparing arson attacks in crowded places, shopping centres, petrol stations, pharmacies and markets in Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic States.

Source: SSU press service, Office of the Prosecutor General

Quote: "The SSU detained the organiser of a hostile cell and his accomplice in the course of complex measures in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast. The perpetrators acted as part of a criminal group, whose activities were remotely coordinated by Russian secret service personnel."

Details: The criminal group is reported to consist of 19 people who were dispersed in the Ivano-Frankivsk, Dnipro, Poltava oblasts, and the city of Zaporizhzhia..

Detention of perpetrators

Photo: Office of the President

The investigation claims that the defendants recruited candidates for arson attacks on civilian objects for money. To find potential perpetrators, they used personal connections in criminal circles.

To send the recruited arsonists abroad, the perpetrators prepared forged documents for them, including passports, driving licences, educational diplomas, and medical records issued to third parties.

Detention of perpetrators

Photo: Office of the President

In this way, the Russian agents planned to illegally transport their accomplices outside Ukraine and "legalise" them in the EU.

After committing the arson attacks, the perpetrators were supposed to film the fire on their phones for further "reporting" to the FSB.

Detention of perpetrators

Photo: Office of the President

Russia planned to use the media files to prepare special information operations aimed at undermining the socio-political situation in the European Union.

Law enforcement officers simultaneously conducted about 40 searches in Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava oblasts and the city of Kyiv at the places of actual residence and in the vehicles of the involved persons.

Detention of perpetrators

Photo: Office of the President

Weapons and ammunition, nine cars, cash of US$77,200, UAH 500,000 (approx. US$12,000), bank cards, mobile phones, and draft records were seized as a result of the searches.

Law enforcement officers also seized forged vehicle registration certificates, medical certificates, school graduation certificates, and thousands of blank forms.

Three people have been served a notice of suspicion, and a pre-trial restriction measure has been chosen. They are charged with high treason, preparation for the intentional destruction of someone elses property by arson, manufacturing, sending and selling illegally manufactured holographic security elements, as well as forgery and selling forged documents.

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Lawmakers promise more funding for 9/11 first responders

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  9/11 survivor advocate and FealGood Foundation Founder John Feal made the trek back to Capitol Hill, to urge Congress to fix the World Trade Center Health Program on Thursday.

People will suffer. Americans will suffer, John Feal said. Therell be a tidal wave and, it will be a phenomenon. And a lot of people will get sick. Yeah, and a lot of people would die.

Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) says many people who rushed to help back then are living with this burden today.

Theyre suffering from more than 60 different types of cancers and a series of other chronic conditions, Garbarino said.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other New York lawmakers introduced a bill to provide permanent and mandatory funding for the program.

Were solving this problem once and for all, permanently. So, no one has to worry. Even if they get sick ten or 15 years from now, Schumer said.

The bill also corrects how funding for the program goes out. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) says this ensures the program lasts until 2090.

Without this fix, the World Trade Center Health Program will have to start making cuts to services and turn away new responders and survivors by 2028, Gillibrand said.

The program aids more than 130,000 people and Rep. Andrew DEsposito (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) call this a commonsense issue.

Because its not a Democrat issue. Its not a Republican issue. Its not a New York or New Jersey issue. Its a United States of America issue, DEsposito said.

This is an obligation that America has. Goldman said.

The goal is to pass the bill during this session of Congress and Schumer promises to make it happen.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
by Martina Fuchs

MONTREUX, Switzerland, July 25 (Xinhua) -- As the curtains fell on the 58th Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, famous for its iconic live music performances since 1967, its CEO told Xinhua that the upcoming China edition is an opportunity to connect East and West.

This year's edition took place from July 5 to 20 in the Swiss resort town on the shores of Lake Geneva, nestled between steep hills and the Lavaux vineyard terraces, a UNESCO-listed world heritage site.

It attracted 250,000 festival-goers and recorded an average of 90 percent of tickets sold, its CEO Mathieu Jaton told Xinhua in an interview.

"I'm happy to say that even though we had a lot of extra costs, we covered the budget. This is the best news because it was quite a risky edition," he said.

"We are happy to say that we are safe. The beauty of the experience is that we started on a blank canvas without knowing exactly how it's going to work. And it worked tremendously," he said.

Organized outside the Convention Center which usually hosts the festival's main stages but is undergoing renovation, the main stages of the event were the Lake Stage constructed on the surface of Lake Geneva, and the Casino Stage.

Highlights this year included sold-out headliners such as Sting and Lenny Kravitz, as well as Deep Purple, Raye, Dionne Warwick, and The Smashing Pumpkins.

With 12 concerts sold out and an average occupancy rate of 92 percent, the Lake Stage met and even exceeded its objectives, Jaton said, adding that the Casino Stage also recorded very good figures, with 10 sell-outs and an 88 percent occupancy rate.

Jaton highlighted that the international expansion of the festival was now gathering pace. "We're very happy that the expansion of the brand is getting stronger and stronger with another addition of Montreux Jazz Festival China. We're very happy about it."

Swiss music promoter Claude Nobs, who died in 2013, founded the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967 and built it into an international festival and event platform for music lovers.

Since its creation, the festival under its slogan "Where Legends Are Born" has seen many iconic live music performances. Superstars including Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Elton John and Stevie Wonder have all performed here over the years.

The festival will also travel to China for the third time in the fall and take place in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, from Oct. 25 to 27 under the Montreux Jazz Festival China's theme "When West Meets East."

"It's a beautiful experience we have with the Chinese people and the Montreux Jazz Festival China team," Jaton said.

"For us, it's very important to have the Montreux brand present in China because it's an amazing and a great market. Our goal is to always break the barriers of music and different cultures. Making the link with China, between the East and the West, is something very important," he said. 
ROCK HILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Two York County families are seeking change after their under-aged daughters were kidnapped and sexually assaulted.

Theyre blaming Uber  the highly used rideshare app.

One afternoon last year, an Uber driver picked up our clients  a 12-year-old and a 13-year-old girl from their neighborhood in South Carolina, said Tracey Cowan with the Clarkson Law Firm and head of the sexual assault practice area.

Suspect wanted for stealing car from Fort Mill, being involved in hit-and-run in Charlotte: Sheriff

The plaintiffs attorneys say the parents were not aware of the trip. They claim the 12- and 13-year-olds told the driver they were underaged, but the driver continued with the trip from Rock Hill to a North Carolina town.

The girls were given drugs, and the 12-year-old was raped, struck, repeatedly, spit on, Cowan said. And the whole thing was filmed on the rapists phone, which he later sent around when he was done. He simply ordered another Uber. That second Uber driver drove the girls back home again without raising any concerns.

The lawsuit names Fayvion Jarrod Williams as the alleged trafficker. Facebook messages between one of the girls and Williams show the reason for the meet-up was for sex. Williams instructed the minor girl to tell the Uber driver he was the girls father.

The horrific and tragic situation that occurred was made possible by Uber, Cowan said.

The company says children younger than 18 are not permitted to ride in an Uber unless they are accompanied by someone 18 or older. Drivers are supposed to decline the trip if theyre unsure of the riders age.

What the families would like is for Uber to step up, take responsibility, and enact a few safety measures such as mandatory anti-trafficking training for all drivers, Cowan said, adding that Uber should have a zero-tolerance policy for transporting unaccompanied minors.

The families believe Uber and its drivers violate the South Carolina human trafficking code.

The statute at issue here really does make anyone culpable who participates in a trafficking venture and receives something of value in exchange for participating in that venture, she said. And thats exactly what happened here.

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Crime & Public Safety

Williams was charged in North Carolina and South Carolina. He entered a guilty plea and was convicted of statutory rape of a minor under 15, as well as sexual exploitation of a minor in the second degree. He was sentenced to serve six to eight years in prison with a minimum of five years; his charges in South Carolina are pending.

Ubers response to the lawsuit: The details of this incident are horrific. We take our role helping to combat human trafficking seriously and have spent years investing in prevention efforts, including providing every driver with educational resources on how to identify the signs of human trafficking and report suspected cases. We are committed to partnering with experts to help combat this issue, and our Global Investigations team works hand in hand with law enforcement to help bring suspected traffickers to justice. In addition, weve partnered with state Attorneys General to develop digital content to help drive awareness even further. Our work to help shine a light on human trafficking is never done, and we remain committed to being part of the solution.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A former Des Moines Christian School family is suing to force the religious institution to address what they say is unchecked bullying.

Mark and Jana Scharnberg of West Des Moines filed suit last week against the Urbandale-based private school and several of its administrators and employees. They allege that the school failed to take action in response to serious bullying against their children and other students.

Many of the specifics of the alleged bullying were filed in separate affidavits under seal, but the complaint does note one instance, caught on video, where a Des Moines Christian student threatened to rape another student.

The Scharnberg's children no longer attend Des Moines Christian, attorney Jennifer De Kock confirmed. Nonetheless, they are asking the court for an injunction against the school, claiming that they and other families at Des Moines Christian will suffer "immediate and irreparable harm" if the school is not ordered to comply with Iowa anti-bullying laws. They also seek undisclosed damages.

More: After student shoved by bully suffers collapsed lung, DMPS settles lawsuit for $30,000

In a statement, De Kock said the family brought the case in the hope it will benefit current and future Des Moines Christian students and staff,

"The Scharnbergs ask that Des Moines Christian properly train their administrators, teachers, and students to understand and follow state law when responding to bullying, harassment, and threats of violence, so that every DMC student and family can feel confident they are safe," she said. "The Scharnbergs goal is to hold Des Moines Christian to its responsibilities under Iowa law, to create and enforce policies that all students and staff can understand to ensure consistency and accountability."

Des Moines Christian does not yet have counsel listed representing it. Head of School Cade Lambert did not return a message seeking comment.

From February: Southeast Polk schools accused in lawsuit of ignoring homophobic bullying, biting

Reporter Samantha Hernandez contributed to this report.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Christian School accused of ignoring bullying, rape threats
In Preston, the Larsen-Sant Public Librarys colorful books line the shelves of its childrens book section, accompanied by stuffed animals, like a large purple octopus above the shelves.

Private schools and privately-funded libraries are seeking to halt enforcement of House Bill 710 through a lawsuit filed Thursday. According to House Bill 710, a school" means any public or private school providing instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 12. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)

Editors note: This story was updated Thursday afternoon to include a quote from a representative of the Idaho Family Policy Center, a conservative Christian advocacy group who helped draft House Bill 710.

A group of lawyers on behalf of private Idaho schools, privately-funded public libraries, parents and their children have sued Idaho officials in federal court to stop the enforcement of House Bill 710, a law that codified the process libraries must follow if a patron were to deem a material harmful to children.

House Bill 710 was signed into law after years of attempts from the Idaho Legislature to restrict library material access. It took effect on July 1.

Under the new legislation, students, parents and legal guardians can fill out a written notice asking libraries to relocate a library item that they deem harmful to an area with adult access only. If a library fails to relocate the item within 60 days of receiving the relocation request, then one could sue the library for $250, as well as actual damages and any other relief.

According to House Bill 710, a school means any public or private school providing instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

The plaintiffs include the Northwest Association of Independent Schools, Sun Valley Community School, Foothills School of Arts and Sciences, the Community Library Association and Collister United Methodist Church, and four parent plaintiffs and two of their children.

Our coalition of independent schools, libraries, parents, students, and patrons is challenging this unprecedented government interference because it threatens the independence and core missions of our beloved community institutions across the state, the plaintiffs wrote in a statement to the Sun.

The suit alleges the law violates the First Amendment rights of private schools and libraries and 14th Amendment protections for the fundamental liberty interest of parents.

The defendants named in the suit include Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts and Blaine County Prosecutor Matt Fredback.

McKay Cunningham, an Idaho lawyer representing the plaintiffs, told the Sun that parents have a fundamental right to direct the education of their children under the U.S. Constitution.

This fundamental right is no less true in Idaho despite the Idaho Legislatures attempt to substitute its judgment for that of Idaho parents, he said. Our coalition of plaintiffs seeks to restore this right to its constitutional origins  Idaho parents.

About the plaintiffs: A coalition of private schools, libraries, and parents

There are 11 plaintiff parties in this case, with three of them representing private school entities.

The Northwest Association of Independent Schools is a nonprofit organization of private schools based in the Northwest and Canada. Its members in Idaho include the other plaintiffs, Sun Valley Community School and Foothills School of Arts and Sciences.

Sun Valley Community School serves pre-kindergarten to 12th grade to youth in Sun Valley. The Foothills School of Arts and Sciences is based in Boise, and it offers education to pre-kindergarten through ninth grade.

According to the lawsuit, the private school entities named in the lawsuit make available to its students certain constitutionally protected, non-obscene materials that contain content described in (House Bill 710) that the Defendants and/or some Idahoans may find subjectively offensive, and that may therefore fall within the scope of H.B. 710s prohibition.

The fourth plaintiff includes The Community Library in Ketchum. The library is privately-funded, and any member of the public with a picture identification can sign up for a library card. According to the lawsuit, nearly 5,000 people from Idaho, nearly every state, and abroad hold library cards from the library. Because it is open to any member of the public, the library considers itself subject to House Bill 710.

The fifth plaintiff includes Collister United Methodist Church based in Boise. According to the lawsuit, the church is a Reconciling Ministry, meaning it is committed to achieving LGBTQ+ justice and inclusion in their churches. To further that goal, the church opened a lending library focused on books about LGBTQ+ people and topics for children and adults. Because any member of the public can borrow books from the churchs library, the church also believes it is subject to House Bill 710.

The next four plaintiffs are parents of minors. Two of them, Matthew Podolsky and Jeremy Wallace, are based in Boise. The two others, Mary Hollis Zimmer and Christina Leidecker, are based in Hailey.

Wallace and Leideckers two children are also plaintiffs named in the lawsuit using abbreviations to protect their identity.

Carey Dunne, a lawyer with Free + Fair Litigation Group representing the plaintiffs, said in a statement to the Sun that Idaho lawmakers are engaged in an unprecedented and wildly unconstitutional attempt to control speech in private institutions.

Our coalition of schools, libraries, parents and students is asking the court to stop this government overreach before the first bell rings on the new school year  and before other states even think about following suit, Dunne said. A healthy democracy depends on vibrant, independent, private institutions. This new, dark turn for state censorship in America cannot stand.

The Idaho Family Policy Center, a conservative Christian advocacy group who helped draft the bill, condemned Thursdays lawsuit.

(House Bill 710) is common sensesimply requiring that schools and libraries take reasonable steps to restrict childrens access to materials that are obscene for minors, Morgan MaGill, spokesperson for the center said in a press release.

MaGill said the coalition that filed the legal challenge should be embarrassed.

Most of their claims are baseless and easily refuted, she said in the release. As the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized, states have a compelling interest in protecting children from school and library materials that are obscene. Children should never have unfettered access to pornographic materials in taxpayer funded schools and libraries. Schools and libraries who allow such access must be held accountable.

Bill sponsor Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa, previously said that library legislation would not cause a book ban or financially strain Idaho libraries.

Bill cosponsor, Sen. Cindy Carlson, R-Riggins, previously told the Sun that the intention of the bill was to protect the innocent minds of underage children.

1  Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief_NWAIS
Less than a month before Oklahoma school districts begin classes, state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters on Wednesday issued guidance for how they might incorporate his directive, issued in late June, that the Bible be taught in every classroom.

Immediate and complete implementation of these guidelines for the 2024-2025 school year is required, Walters said in a memo sent to district superintendents. This memorandum and the included standards must be provided to every teacher as well as providing a physical copy of the Bible, the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Ten Commandments as resources in every classroom in the school district. These documents are mandatory for the holistic education of students in Oklahoma.

But despite Walters demand, the list of large districts that have publicly said they wont be altering their curriculum despite the directive has grown to at least eight. Piedmont Public Schools, in a letter to parents, said it adheres to the current set of Oklahoma State Academic Standards, which acknowledge the significant influence of various religions in world history and culture.

Less than a month before most Oklahoma school districts begin classes for the 2024-25 school year, state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has issued guidance for how he wants teaching of the Bible to be incorporated into academic curriculum.

Studies include discussions on the impact of religion in shaping societies, traditions, and historical events, the Piedmont letter read. However, it is important to clarify that while students learn about religion's role in historical and cultural contexts, teaching any specific religious doctrine or practice is not a part of the current standards.

Jenks Public Schools in suburban Tulsa also said in a letter to parents it has no plans to change course from our current materials.

Jenks Public Schools will continue to use our current curriculum and approved resources aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards approved by the Oklahoma State Legislature, the letter said.

Piedmont Public Schools, led by Superintendent Drew Eichelberger (above), has told parents it won't make changes to its academic curriculum to incorporate Bible teaching that state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has ordered.

Other large districts that have indicated they wont follow the directive, but stick with their locally approved curriculum, are Norman Public Schools, Moore Public Schools, Stillwater Public Schools, Bixby Public Schools, Yukon Public Schools and the Deer Creek School District.

More: 3 large Oklahoma districts among those that won't follow Ryan Walters' order to teach Bible

The Oklahoma attorney generals office has said state law already allows for the Bible to be taught in classrooms, but doing so is a district-by-district decision. Based on comments to media and letters sent to patrons, most of the districts who dont plan to implement the directive have leaned on that principle of local control in making their respective decisions concerning curriculum.

The Center for Education Law also has issued a memorandum to Oklahoma school districts calling Walters mandate invalid under state law. That legal firm earlier this year successfully represented Edmond Public Schools in that districts lawsuit against Walters and the Oklahoma State Board of Education. Responding to that lawsuit, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled the content of school libraries was a decision to be made by a local school board, not the state board.

Oklahoma House Democrats urged more school districts to join the eight that have said they plan to not follow Walters' directive.

The state superintendent continues to feel emboldened enough to make mandates he has no authority to implement, said Rep. Cyndi Munson, of Oklahoma City, the House minority leader. This is because the Republican supermajority refuses to hold him accountable. The state superintendent says it is Democrats that do not want these changes, but we know from actively engaging with our constituents that this Bible mandate in public schools is something both Democrats and Republicans are adamantly against. This is nothing more than an attempt to strip Oklahomans of their religious freedom. The state superintendent can say this Bible mandate is not for religious purposes all he wants, but his unlawful, unfunded mandate and clear disregard for the legislative process says otherwise.

What does Ryan Walters' guidance concerning Bible teaching contain?

The five-page document that lists the guidance says it provides guidelines for teachers on how to approach incorporation in a manner that emphasizes only its historical, literary and secular benefits, ensuring compliance with legal standards and precedents. It includes guidance on using the Bible to teach historical context, including its impact on Western civilization and U.S. history; as well as to teach its literary significance and the influence its had on art and music.

Under a section labeled Implementation Strategies, the document has subsections labeled Textual Analysis, Comparative Studies, Historical Documents and Speeches and Critical Thinking and Discussion, with ways Walters wants the Bible taught in classrooms.

The document also includes grade-specific guidelines, for students in grades five through 12. It also includes a Legal Considerations section. Among those instructions:

Ensure that all instruction is conducted in a neutral and objective manner. Teachers must not promote or favor any religious beliefs, focusing solely on the historical and literary aspects of the Bible.

Acknowledge the Bibles influence while recognizing and respecting the diversity of religious beliefs among students. Incorporate perspectives from other religious and secular traditions to provide a balanced view while remaining mindful of all rules for grade level and age level appropriate material.

Maintain open communication with parents about the purpose and content of incorporating the Bible as an instructional support into the curriculum. Provide information on how the curriculum addresses historical and literary aspects, emphasizing that it is not an endorsement of any religious belief.

The Bible must be used in student instruction for its historical, literary and secular value and is not to be used for religious purposes such as preaching, proselytizing or indoctrination.

Neither the original directive, nor the guidance provided Wednesday, indicated who would pay for the Bibles necessary to include one in every classroom, as Walters wants. There also hasn't been any indication from Walters which version, or versions, of the Bible would be acceptable to teach from.

In ordering instruction on the Bible, Walters has cited broad authority under Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which governs state education. The law reads, in part, School districts shall exclusively determine the instruction, curriculum, reading lists and instructional materials and textbooks, subject to any applicable provisions or requirements as set forth in law, to be used in meeting the subject matter standards. School districts may, at their discretion, adopt supplementary student assessments which are in addition to the statewide student assessments.

The Center for Education Law noted in its letter to school districts that it believes Walters did not follow the states Administrative Procedures Act in issuing his directive. The APA governs actions of state agencies and requires administrative rules to be authorized by a law and passed by the agencys governing board. The law group maintains the state Supreme Court, in its decision in Edmonds lawsuit, held unanimously that (the state Board of Education) may not exercise power unless the legislature has specifically delegated it that authority.

Walters believes he has the authority to issue such a directive and issued a veiled threat to districts that wont obey it: 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.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters' order to teach Bible meets more resistance from schools
At Least We Wont Have Sleepwalked Our Way Into Authoritarianism

A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

History Will Know

Last night President Joe Biden gave what by any measure was an unprecedented Oval Office address warning of the dangers to democracy posed by Donald Trump, without ever mentioning his name. Sitting behind the Resolute desk and invoking the founders, Biden called this moment an inflection point in history with the soul of America at stake.

Its not a speech that will be remembered for its eloquence or its delivery. But no one will be able to say that we werent warned. For those who remember the ritual of an earlier time of clustering around communal TV sets to watch these set piece presidential pronouncements, it was jarring to see it used to warn of the perils of authoritarian rule coming from within.

In some quarters, Bidens address might be dismissed as the self-justifications of a man who was on track to lose re-election, gussied up as self-sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation. But that would be a grave mistake because it was the very threat of Trump that made forcing Biden out of the race even thinkable. Dont confuse cause and effect.

As the standard-bearer for the broad anti-Trump coalition, Bidens faltering on the June debate stage put everything at risk. His failure to rebound quickly or sufficiently enough from that setback prompted the coalition, including his own party and many longtime allies, to abandon him precisely because the stakes were so high.

Biden eventually came around, perhaps more under duress than by free will, but he was ultimately able see that his re-election bid was more than about just him: Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.

For reasons that are probably peculiar to me, I have been focused to the point of borderline obsessiveness on helping to create a historical record that we didnt just sleepwalk our way into authoritarianism. If we end up sliding over the cliff into a uniquely American form of fascism, I want it to be unmistakably clear to historians and everyone who comes after us that we knew what was happening. We saw it. We endeavored to prevent it, to arrest the slide, to warn of the perils. We had eyes wide open. We were not blindsided. If it happens, it happened despite our best efforts.

The warnings have come from sitting federal judges, from highly respected longtime Republicans cast out by their party, from conservatives who were previously villains in the progressive firmament, and now from President Biden sitting in the Oval Office having made a substantial personal sacrifice of his own as a way of further sounding the alarm.

History will show that we knew. Maybe that will erase the smugness of future generations that somehow they are immune. We are not, and neither are they.

The Torch Is Passed

NYT: How Kamala Harris Took Command of the Democratic Party in 48 Hours

WSJ: Family, Friends and Longtime Aides Dominate Harriss Inner Circle

Shes already in his head:

Trump: And then the campaign says I'm the prosecutor and he is the convicted felon. I don't think people are going to buy it pic.twitter.com/oLzPJhDi0o  Acyn (@Acyn) July 24, 2024

Trump Shooting Update

FBI Director Chris Wray provided new details about the Trump rally shooting while testifying before a hostile House committee, revealing that the gunman did a Google search in the days before the attack for How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?

Wray offered one of the first law enforcement assessments of Trumps injury: With respect to former President Trump, theres some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear.

In a rare unanimous vote, the House voted 416-0 to establish a task force to investigate the assassination attempt. The 13-member task force will be comprised of seven Republican and six Democratic members and have subpoena power.

Trump Era Accountability Fail, Part 986

Because he is no longer with the Justice Department, former Attorney General Bill Barr was able to avoid answering questions from the DOJ inspector general about the 2020 episode in which Barr ordered the retraction of the sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone provided to the court by line prosecutors.

I Got Out

Spoken like an innocent man:

Drenched In Racism

Note the Speedy Gonzalez line at the end:

Missouri GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Eigel just aired an ad where he talks about deporting illegal immigrants, accompanied by a Mexican translator who gets flustered and panics at the end of the ad.



Unreal.

pic.twitter.com/OOFYT0zgua  Justin Horwitz (@JustinAHorwitz) July 23, 2024

A Ripple In the Space-Time Continuum

Southwest Airlines is ditching open seating.

I Hold With Those Who Favor Fire

Monday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, breaking the old record from  Sunday:

 New daily global average temperature record.



As anticipated, the #CopernicusClimate ERA5 preliminary data show that Monday 22 July was the warmest day in recent history, at 17.15C, breaking the records from 21 July 24 and 6 July 23.



Read more: https://t.co/FCDXtIadxn pic.twitter.com/WxfcjXF8hl  Copernicus ECMWF (@CopernicusECMWF) July 24, 2024

My Earworm Is Now Your Earworm

After reading Kamala Harris We are not going back line, a Morning Memo reader sent along this 1970s gospel recording by Sara Jordan Powell. I Wont Turn Back has been running on a loop in my brain since midday yesterday:

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 42-year-old Leavenworth, Kansas man was sentenced for the June 2022 killing of a 41-year-old woman.

Terrance O. George, who was convicted last month of voluntary manslaughter and theft of property, was sentenced on Wednesday, July 24, to a total of 20 years in the Kansas Department of Corrections.

One man dead after early morning shooting in Kansas City

George pleaded no contest to the charges on June 18.

According to court records, on June 5, 2022, George used a knife and stabbed a man before taking the mans truck near 5th Avenue and Ohio Street.

Later, Leavenworth police officers found George and took him into custody.

While following up on the vehicle theft and stabbing investigation, officers found a womans body inside Georges apartment at the same location.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

During the investigation, it was determined that the woman died of blunt force trauma.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A Correctional Officer in Lebanon County was sent to the hospital last month after they were assaulted by an inmate, Troopers said in court documents.

According to the charges filed by State Police at Jonestown, Jamie Logan, 47, of Lebanon, allegedly attacked the officer after being seen by a nurse in the medical unit of the Lebanon County Correctional Facility on June 9.

Logan yelled vulgar statements towards the nurse when she was walking out of a room that caught the attention of the CO, according to Troopers.

Logan then lunged at the nurse while the CO grabbed her arm to pull her back. Then, State Police say Logan allegedly turned around and punched the CO in the head multiple times.

Local American Legions checks stolen & washed, York County man charged

According to court docs, two other COs rushed into the unit to help the one being attacked and were able to take Logan into custody.

The injured CO was taken to a local hospital and was diagnosed with a concussion, Troopers said.

Logan faces a felony charge of aggravated assault. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 29.

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Online court records show that Logan was charged in 2023 with retail theft and jailed in December.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LeMaire to leave St. Johns United Way, return to Community Foundation in Jacksonville

LeMaire

Nonprofit leader Mark LeMaire will return to The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida after leading the United Way of St. Johns County since 2022.

Beginning Aug. 26, LeMaire will be the foundation's vice president for strategic donor initiatives, a newly created position. He will oversee grantmaking by the philanthropists who have funds based at the foundation.

Foundation President Isaiah Oliver said LeMaire has a "wealth of experience working with donors and nonprofits to maximize the impact of philanthropy in our region."

Weavers' latest philanthropy: $1 million for Jacksonville's Emerald Trail Riverside Link

Beginning in 2013, he held multiple leadership positions at the foundation. He departed in 2022 to lead the St. Johns United Way, which has now launched a search for a new CEO and named board member Kelly Green as interim leader.

"We thank Mark for his visionary leadership," board chairman Bobby Crum said.

bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville's Community Foundation rehires St. Johns United Way CEO
The Tallahassee branch of the NAACP hosted its candidate forum for the Leon County School board and superintendent of schools seats.

Candidates for Leon County Schools superintendent and board seats answered some critical questions about how the district can support Black students and families during a forum hosted by the Tallahassee branch of the NAACP.

Mutaqee Akbar, president of the NAACP Tallahassee branch, said constituents should make an informed vote from candidates they actually hear from, not just because they tout diversity in campaign ads.

He said the Black vote requires more than just a photo op; it needs a firm backing of action: "We're not just listening for tonight; we're listening for accountability."

The three superintendent candidates; incumbent Rocky Hanna and challengers Star Swain and Joe Burgess, were present at the forum, as well as current board member Rosanne Wood and candidate Jeremy Rogers.

Wood's challenger for the District 2 seat, Daniel Zeruto, and Rogers' opponent in District 4, incumbent Laurie Lawson Cox, were absent. The forum was attended by at least 50 community members at the Watson Temple Church of God in Christ on West Brevard Street.

Leon County Schools is a minority-majority district, meaning the majority of its students identify as minority races. At the latter end of each question was a request to relate the issue or concerns of voters back to Black students.

On equity for Title I schools

A majority of students at Title I schools are eligible for free or reduced lunch, signaling that most of them come from low-income backgrounds. These schools also receive federal money to help give a quality education to students teetering on the poverty line.

"A lot of our Title I schools have a high percentage of African American students and families, and so what tends to happen is we see that decrease of academic achievement in our African American communities because we're not giving them the same quality of education and instruction," Swain said. "I want to make sure we eliminate the disparities."

LCS schools showed modest gains in state assessment results this year, however some of the lowest scores were recorded at Title 1 schools like Sabal Palm Elementary, and Godby and Rickards high schools.

In an effort to provide equity to southside schools, the district will be spending over $180 million on capital improvements at Title I schools.

Over the next three years, those schools will have state of the art renovations, like a renovated gym at Nims Middle, a new classroom wing at Griffin Middle and a new performing arts center at Sabal Palm Elementary, to name a few.

More: 'Equity for our Southside schools': Leon County public schools start on improvements

"That was a promise I made in this community, I'm proud along with the school board to have delivered on that promise," Hanna said.

Another hot button issue on equity in public schools has been the state's universal voucher program which was recently expanded to include all income classes.

"They can cherry pick, they don't have to take kids with disabilities, they don't necessarily have to take kids of color, they get to make up their own rules and still receive public tax dollars," Hanna said of the private schools that accept state vouchers.

But closing the equity gap is more than just protesting vouchers and renovating old schools, Burgess said: It's about supporting students with a quality education.

"People leave if they don't think they're getting what they need with you," Burgess said. "We need to make sure we are giving our best effort, and educational quality when it comes to our families, especially those in African American communities so they know they can depend on their local public schools."

Jeremy Rogers and Laurie Lawson Cox

Rogers took the chance to make a jab at Cox in her absence while discussing the voucher program, which has received the backing of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is endorsing Cox.

"You can't hate the families for wanting the choice, but I can tell you what, my opponent and her buddy Ron DeSantis, they've got it out for public schools," Rogers said. "You know who's going to end up in the public schools? The marginalized and the poor. You know who's not here? My opponent to talk about these issues."

Rogers insinuated that Cox was in North Carolina on "vacation." She confirmed to the Tallahassee Democrat that she is in North Carolina working as a counselor for an all-girls summer camp. She did attend the Democrat's forum in collaboration with the League of Women Voters and WFSU last month.

How to foster economic development and career readiness in Black students

Wood said the most important thing to her is for students to graduate knowing what they want to do after high school: "I want to make sure every hand that I shake on that graduation stage, that they know what they're going to do."

Every high school, including Chiles High School where Burgess is principal, has at least three career and technical education programs.

"We are trying as hard as we can to get rid of this stigma that is associated with career technical jobs," Hanna said.

Leon County Schools Superintendent candidate, incumbent Rocky Hanna answers questions during a forum hosted by WFSU, the Tallahassee Democrat and the League of Women Voters on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Hanna said offering CTE programs ensures that students who may not be able to afford college, or don't want to attend, can still have their foot in the door for a career somewhere.

"All kids don't have that destiny and they're not failures if they don't do that," Hanna said. "It's incumbent upon us to show kids all these other job opportunities that are out there."

Swain said the district can improve career readiness by partnering with local businesses and teaching financial literacy.

"We need to be sure that we're giving them the power to be entrepreneurs," said Swain, also a small business owner. "We're not just teaching them how to be an employee but how do I become the employer and change my community."

Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached atABrown1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter/X:@AlaijahBrown3.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: NAACP forum: Candidates talk about support for Black students
Environmental advocates say CEQA is partly responsible for pollution mitigation in warehouse projects. Above, truck traffic close to warehouses in Jurupa Valley, Calif. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

To the editor: Contrary to Jennifer Hernandez's and Soledad Ursua's specious claims, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provides environmental justice protections for Latinos. CEQA gives Californians tools to find out and speak up about polluting projects proposed in their neighborhoods. ("Despite noble intentions, California's environmental law is hurting Latinos," Opinion, June 19)

Polluting projects are disproportionately built in low-income communities of color, and these communities face higher rates of asthma, cancer and pollution-related health complications. CEQA is a powerful tool to compel builders to reduce air and water pollution, traffic and other public health threats.

For example, Fontana residents (69% Latino) used CEQA to reduce diesel pollution and heavy-truck traffic in their neighborhoods from a new warehouse project. Residents in Arvin (95% Latino) used CEQA to require analysis of the impacts of four oil wells proposed near homes.

It's unsurprising that the claims by Hernandez and Ursua are backward. Hernandez's corporate law firm has represented developers and industries that have been trying to eliminate environmental regulations for years.

Grecia Orozco, Delano, Calif.

The writer is a staff attorney at the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment.

..

To the editor: CEQA is hurting Latinos not only by hindering affordable housing, particularly infill redevelopment, but by preventing open space access for underserved communities.

A case in point is the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (DFW) 600-acre restoration plan for the Ballona Wetlands near Marina del Rey. "Anti-bulldozer" extremists, notably the Ballona Wetlands Land Trust and three other plaintiffs, sued the DFW, claiming all kinds of imaginary catastrophe if the severely degraded and buried wetlands were exhumed and restored according to the DFW's expert plan.

The court found in plaintiffs' favor on only two of 26 points raised  analytical points which the agency easily corrected and which have no material effect on the project. Nevertheless, the court ruling has already delayed restoration nearly three years and added taxpayer costs of probably $3 million.

Meanwhile, the largely Latino community in Del Rey to the east is denied sorely needed open space within walking distance. This directly translates to a public health impact, as numerous studies have shown health benefits from such access, particularly for children.

CEQA reform should therefore also address the adverse societal impacts of such frivolous self-enrichment lawsuits disguised as environmental protection.

David W. Kay, Playa Vista

The writer managed the San Dieguito Wetlands restoration for Southern California Edison from 2007 to 2012.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
India and the United Kingdom have announced a groundbreaking technology security partnership designed to boost economic growth and strengthen bilateral ties. This development came as the UKs newly appointed Foreign Secretary made his first official visit to India.

The new accord will see both countries work together on key technological fields, including critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and telecommunications. The agreement also aims to enhance collaboration in climate action, trade, technology, and education, according to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Lammy stated, "This agreement marks a significant step in addressing future challenges, from AI to essential minerals. Our joint efforts will drive innovation, create jobs, and attract investment."

During his visit, Lammy and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also committed to strengthening defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. They discussed global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as reported by Indias Ministry of External Affairs.

Lammy noted that his visit underscores the new UK government's focus on rebuilding relations with Europe and engaging with the Global South. Following a decisive victory in the July 4 elections, the UKs Labour Party aims to "reset and relaunch" UK-India relations, including resuming negotiations on a free trade agreement. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had set a goal to finalize this deal by Diwali in October 2022, but talks were halted due to elections in both countries.

During his trip, Lammy also met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi showed support for the new technology security initiative and expressed optimism about finalizing the free trade agreement. The goal is to double bilateral trade, which was $50 billion in 2022, by 2030. Although 13 rounds of negotiations were held before talks were paused, a conclusive agreement has yet to be reached.

Latest Updates:

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy Begins Two-Day Visit to India, What's on Agenda?

India and UK Focus New Tech Security Initiative During British Foreign Minister's Visit

EU Removes Hungary as Host for Foreign Ministers' Meeting Over Ukraine Stance
Letters to the Editor: These governors would easily beat Trump. Why Kamala Harris and not them?

Josh Shapiro, seen campaigning for Pennsylvania governor in 2022, is a front-runner for Kamala Harris' running mate. (Lindsey Shuey / Republican-Herald via Associated Press)

To the editor: If Vice President Kamala Harris was running for president of California, she'd win in a landslide. Unfortunately, she is running for president of the United States. ("California's Kamala Harris was the necessary choice but not the best candidate," column, July 22)

Maybe I'm cynical, but I do not believe the majority of voters in critical swing states will embrace a liberal woman of color from the San Francisco Bay Area. Do I wish I was wrong? Of course. I despise prejudice, but that does not stop it from existing.

If 2024 was a normal election in a healthy environment, I'd think OK, give Harris a shot, she deserves it. But if Trump wins, it will be catastrophic for our country.

Beating Trump is so easy, and I do not understand why Democratic leadership does not embrace a simple solution. The solution, though, will require progressives to make a sacrifice and settle for getting three-quarters of the pie.

There are several prominent, popular figures who embrace the Democratic Party platform 80% of the time but are right of center on some issues; Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear are among them. These guys have won in red states and appeal to independent voters.

Harris has the chance to be a hero for the free world by maintaining her vice president position now and running for president in the near future.

Lanny Levine, Marina del Rey

..

To the editor: I'd suggest that George Skelton's column was sour grapes, but he doesn't have a dog in the hunt.

If Harris is not the best choice, Skelton should name another. I'm curious why he didn't. After reading Skelton's column, I feel that Harris indeed seems like the best choice given her qualifications.

Patricia Levinson, Culver City

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Hot air wafted through the heavy, gold-lined doors of a Las Vegas casino as they opened, offering a reminder of a disaster quietly unfolding outside. Even though the sun had just set on an evening in mid-July, temperatures were yet to dip below 100F (37C).

Spawned from a paved-over oasis in the Mojave, this desert metropolis has always been hot. But a string of brutal heatwaves this summer has pushed Sin City to a deadly simmer.

Its hard to tell from inside the cool, cavernous buildings that line the Las Vegas Strip, which have become unwitting refuges from the summer elements. Tourists willing to enter labyrinths of slot machines and blaring pop music, shops and shows can spend hours lost in an alternate world, away from the sun.

For the 2.3 million people who call this valley home, the dangerous elements are harder to ignore. When temperatures climb, shadeless streets are hot enough to cause second-degree burns in seconds.

This June was the citys hottest on record. In July, things got even worse: the city experienced a record seven days at 115F or higher and set a new all-time high of 120F.

The heat is just a signal of whats to come. Temperatures in Las Vegas are rising faster than almost anywhere else in the US.

Meanwhile, Clark county, where Las Vegas is located, is bursting at the seams. The region is among the fastest-growing metro areas in the US. Roughly 2 million people have moved here over the last 50 years, with nearly a million more expected by 2060.

I have been living here since 1972 and it would get hot  but not this kind of hot Louis Lacey, Help of Southern Nevada

To accommodate them, the county has thrown its support behind a federal bill that would open up 25,000 acres of the surrounding desert for housing and commercial development. The county also has plans for a new airport, slated for completion in 2037, that would pave over thousands more acres of arid landscape near the California border.

New shopping centers and cul de sacs all mean more concrete  and more heat  in an area where the ability to afford or access air conditioning can already mean the difference between life and death.

Even after she spent most of the day inside, the heat still shocked Inata, a woman who traveled with her friends Chastity and Belinda from Massachusetts to vacation in the city last week. It was horrendous, she said. In Massachusetts, if there was weather like this, there would be ambulances around.

The three women said they struggled to cool down at the pool because the warm water offered little relief and the surrounding pavement burned their feet. I dont know how Las Vegas people do it but kudos to them, she added. I couldnt do this every day.

A daily battle for survival

The record heat is pushing residents to their limits  and has perhaps been most sinister for the more than 5,000 people in the county estimated to be experiencing homelessness.

Some have opted to seek refuge in underground tunnels during the summer, risking the waters that surge through them during summer monsoons over exposure to the brutal heat.

We are trying to live  and its difficult, said Tyson Williams, who has spent the last year living in his tent on the east side of town.

Williams paused to wipe the sweat rolling down his face as he filled a rolling cooler with water bottles provided to him by an outreach team, before downing an entire bottle in a single chug. A dilapidated umbrella he positioned over his tent did little to provide relief.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, he is a brick mason by trade, but now he panhandles for money to buy ice. He has just landed a job waving a sign outside a smoke shop, which will keep him outside and exposed to the elements. We are all just one check away from being homeless, he said.

Louis Lacey spends most of his summer days trying to save the lives of people like Williams, as the director of Help of Southern Nevada, a non-profit organization that hands out water, hygiene kits, and hope as part of a larger mission to get more people into permanent housing.

I have been living here since 1972 and it would get hot  but not this kind of hot, Lacey said last week as he drove through the city scanning sidewalks and drainages for anyone in need of aid.

As someone who has experienced homelessness himself, he said, the work is a calling. Its also laced with heartbreak.

There was the woman whose leg was amputated after she got third-degree burns from passing out on the scalding hot sidewalk. She now uses a wheelchair. Just last week, he and other aid workers rushed to revive another woman, age 81, who passed out in an encampment. They found her surrounded by her pet dogs, who had all died in the heat. He was relieved they were able to save her. Thats not always how the story ends.

July is typically when local health officials report the highest number of heat-related deaths. Between 2022 and 2023 there was an 80% increase in fatalities, with the official number around 300, nearly double those counted in 2020.

The actual toll is believed to be far higher. Dozens of unhoused people died in the heat last year, and many of them, Lacey said, werent included in official fatality counts. He knows of at least 62 people and that doesnt include others who got swept away by water in the tunnels.

This year the heat was worse  and while the numbers havent been released yet, many fear this July, too, will be brutal.

Emergencies on the rise as development rolls ahead

With impacts only expected to intensify in the coming years, the city and county are working to implement strategies to keep people safe.

Related: We live in a desert. We have to act like it: Las Vegas faces reality of drought

There are 39 cooling stations across Clark county, but almost all are operated by unpaid volunteering organizations and typically close in the late afternoons. Only one city-run shelter is open during nights, weekends and holidays.

Jace Radke, a spokesperson for the city of Las Vegas, acknowledged by email that there were challenges with heat safety but cited wide-scale reliance on air conditioning as a protective measure.

He also said the city planned to plant 60,000 trees by 2050, part of a program that has already planted 3,000 since 2020. The county has also laid out ambitious sustainability plans focused on expanding affordable housing, reducing emissions, and addressing the worsening effects of the climate crisis such as drought, heat and water shortages.

But theres still a long way to go and lawmakers have lagged on implementing important mitigations, including heat protections for workers. Emergencies, meanwhile, have continued to surge in frequency.

Jordan Moore, a spokesperson for Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, said there has been a significant increase in heat-related emergencies in the past month. Meanwhile in Henderson, a Clark county city south-east of Las Vegas, heat-related emergencies are up 53%, according to the deputy fire chief Scott Vivier.

Delivery drivers, warehouse operators, our construction trades  basically anyone who has to work outside  we have seen emergencies from them Scott Vivier, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue

Populations including elderly people, unhoused people, those with underlying health conditions, and children are among the most at-risk. But this year the department is also getting numerous calls from people on the job.

Delivery drivers, warehouse operators, our construction trades  basically anyone who has to work outside  we have seen emergencies from them and people with regular medical emergencies and during a normal day the heat causes them to succumb, Vivier said. Heat-related complaints filed with the Nevada occupational safety and health administration (Osha) jumped 172% last July compared with a year earlier.

Viviers department is among the first in the region to use a new tool called the polar pod, which enables emergency responders to pack someone in ice and water while they transport them to the hospital. They have even trained to use the pods to revive overheated pets, Vivier added.

But Vivier is still worried about what the future will bring. Heat is the No 1 weather-related cause of death for people around the world, he said. Its a major, major issue we should all be concerned about.

Even with the rising toll, the countys hopes to grow deeper into the desert havent slowed.

Far from the din of the city and the suburbs, the hum of churning traffic fades into the background, replaced by soft breeze and silence. If the plan is enacted, these desert hillsides dotted in yucca trees and creosote could soon be covered in homes and strip malls.

Questions remain about whether building out the desert floor, proposed as a fix for the housing crisis in Clark county, will only perpetuate the dangers already alive in the city and suburbs.

The desert is not a place for people who are living on the margins to begin with, said Kyle Roerink, the executive director of the Great Basin Water Nework, an environmental advocacy organization. Roerink and others are also concerned about Joshua trees and wild desert tortoises, along with a host of other plants and animals, who would be sacrificed to satisfy continued sprawl.

We are raised to believe that what is behind us right now is just normal and is doable, and fine, and that everything will be OK, he said, waving toward the scorching cityscape where the history of rapid expansion in Las Vegas is already on full display. When many of those homes were built, water was much more freely available and the summers were far less lethal. But these are radically transformed landscapes  and that comes with consequences.

Back in east Las Vegas, Louis Lacey is wrapping up an afternoon of administering aid. The housing crisis and those impacted by it are all that is keeping him here. He dreams of the small town he will move to when he is finally ready to hang up his hat.

I have been living in this hell for so long and I feel like this is my mission  But when I am done I want to move to a town where it rains and has four seasons. I dont want to be in this, he said, gesturing to the gridlocked traffic.

That doesnt mean hell stop worrying about the citys future and where the 800 people his organization helped get shelter will wind up. When I moved here, there were 200,000 people  now there are almost 3 million, he said.

The only question I have is: is the growth sustainable? Lacey sighed deeply, his expression pained. We have the land, he said, but do we have the resources?
(WHTM) Wiers Farm Inc. is expanding its recall from earlier this month to include additional produce out of fear it might be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) said Wiers Farm began an investigation with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) in response to findings from the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDARD). They added that products in this expanded recall were packed between July 5 and 12, 2024.

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the illness, and symptoms may last from days to several weeks,' said the FDA.

Additionally, consumers who have eaten affected products and are experiencing feverish symptoms should seek medical attention.

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No illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported so far, but the threat of Listeria Monocytogenes remains, according to the FDA.

Below is a list of all contaminated products to watch out for in PA stores:

Retail packaged items sold at Walmart and Aldi stores in PA:

Wiers Farm Bagged Poblano  UPC 073064202581  16 oz bag

Wiers Farm Bagged Cubanelle  UPC 073064201836  16 oz bag

Wiers Farm Bagged Green Beans  UPC 073064200846  variable weight bag

Wiers Farm Bagged Salad Cucumber  UPC 073064459619  2 lb. bag

Wiers Farm Bagged Serrano  UPC 073064201829  4 oz bag

Wiers Farm Organic Bell Pepper  UPC 073064201416  2 count tray

Wiers Farm Organic Cucumber  UPC 073064201423  2 count tray

Wiers Farm Organic Yellow Squash  UPC 073064201447  2 count tray

Wiers Farm Organic Zucchini Squash  UPC 073064201430  2 count tray

Freshire Farms Bagged Green Beans  16 oz bag

Freshire Farms Bagged Jalapenos  8 oz bag

Bulk retail items sold individually or by the pound:

Anaheim peppers

Cilantro  sold in bunches

Cubanelle peppers

Cucumber  whole

Green beans

Green Bell peppers

Habanero peppers

Hungarian Wax peppers

Jalapeno peppers

Mixed Vegetable Box (shipped to Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio Foodbanks only)

Mustard Greens  sold in bunches

Pickling Cucumber

Plain Parsley  sold in bunches

Poblano peppers

Serrano peppers

Tomatillos

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Lithuania to get EU funding to secure its border with Russia

Lithuania will receive European Commission funding to secure its border with Russia.

Source: LRT, citing Lithuanias Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite

Details: Bilotaite sent a letter asking for financial support to the European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson in early July. In the letter, she stressed the urgent need to upgrade border surveillance systems.

"We will receive funding from Europe. Theres now 150 million earmarked specifically for strengthening the infrastructure of the eastern borders. Of course, we will have to share these funds, but I think that this is probably not the end of the story," Bilotaite told the Ziniu Radijas radio.

Lithuania is estimated to need an additional 65 million for the upgrade of its border surveillance systems by 2030, LRT reported.

"We dont see any migrant flows there, but we clearly understand that we need to strengthen the border. I have tasked our border service to draw up a plan of measures and priorities to strengthen our border with the Russian Federation, meaning that we need to upgrade certain infrastructure," Bilotaite said.

Lithuanias only 275-kilometre border with Russia runs along the Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic coast.

To date, the European Commission has provided Lithuania with around 100 million to strengthen its border with Belarus.

Background:

Following a meeting in Riga, Latvia, on 18-19 January, the Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian defence ministers have agreed to create a joint defence zone on the eastern border where their countries border Russia and Belarus.

In late June, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia called on the EU to build a defence line along the border with Russia and Belarus.

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Little strokes fell great oaks  Polish foreign minister on authorisation for Ukraine to strike deep in Russia

Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski has said that sooner or later Ukraine will receive permission from its allies to strike with Western weapons at targets deep into the territory of the Russian Federation.

Source: Sikorski in an interview with RMF24

Details: Commenting on the still controversial issue of the use of Western weapons by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to strike Russian territory, Sikorski said: "Little strokes fell great oaks."

"We have already had many such discussions. About Leopard (tanks), about Western equipment in general, about F-16s... In my opinion, Ukraine has the right and should be able to shoot down aircraft and attack the airfields from which they take off," he said.

When asked whether Western politicians fear what Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin will do if NATO allows Ukraine to do more, Sikorsky replied, "No."

"I don't see Putin holding back. Except for the fact that he hasn't used nuclear weapons yet, I think he is using everything he has. Including the giant bombs he uses to destroy civilian settlements. All the atrocities he is capable of are already being used on the battlefield," the Polish foreign minister said.

Background:

During a meeting with his counterparts from the European Union, Sikorski asked to lift the restrictions imposed by their countries on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons.

During the NATO summit, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the United States would lift all restrictions on strikes on Russian territory, which would protect Ukrainian cities from attacks by guided bombs.

He later said that Ukraine was gradually changing the West's position on strikes on military targets in Russia's rear and was already receiving "positive signals" to expand the permission to use weapons from Western allies.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  An Orem woman who donated her kidney will be competing in a 200-mile relay race with a team consisting of other kidney donors and kidney recipients.

Sophia Jackson, 44, donated her kidney to a stranger in 2022, on behalf of a New York City police officer  she now serves as a board member of the National Kidney Donation Organization.

READ NEXT: Post Malone given Book of Mormon in Utah airport by returned LDS missionary

When someone offers to donate a kidney on behalf of another person, the donor can give their kidney to that person. Sometimes a donor and recipient may be incompatible, in which case recipients can find a better match and donors can donate their kidneys when it would be most beneficial.

Jackson is one of several living kidney donors on the relay race team  which is sponsored by the National Kidney Registry  in addition to numerous kidney recipients.

Our goal with this event is to highlight the life-changing effect of living donation on recipients, offering potential donors clear and compelling reasons to consider donating, living donor team member and National Kidney Donor Organization employee Hilary Baude said.

Jackson and the other members of the Renal Warriors will be competing in the Wild West Relay, which is scheduled to take place on Aug. 2 and Aug. 3. The 200-mile race will take Jackson and the rest of the team through the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

Traditionally, raising awareness about living donation focuses on donors, demonstrating that donation does not negatively impact health and that donors can live a full and active life after donating a kidney, Baude said.

The other team members of the Renal Warriors range in age from 26 to 60 years old and are coming from seven different states to compete in the relay race.

According to a press release from the NKDO, one of the team members competing in the relay race also competed in an IRONMAN race after receiving a transplant.

Another team member lost weight in order to be eligible for a transplant, and opened a gym to help train other patients in renal failure. A father/son pair is also part of the Renal Warriors team, with the father having donated his kidney to his son, according to the NKDO.

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Local community helps researchers create 'crab bank' sanctuaries: 'I worry about what the next generation will have left'

Blue swimming crabs, once plentiful in the Ban Don Bay off the east coast of Thailand, are a crucial part of the local community's livelihoods. These crabs account for 80% of the locals' income, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports, but because of the high catch rates, the blue swimming crab population has been dwindling.

Local fisher Sutham Hemmanee noticed the problem, and female blue swimming crabs with the potential to produce millions of offspring were still being hunted, so he decided to do something about it.

With the help of UNEP, local fishers like Hemmanee began creating safe havens called "crab banks" where crabs and other crucial marine life could breed and produce offspring.

Seeing the urgency of this project, the Thai Ministry of Environment and Fisheries collaborated with UNEP, private organizations, local governments, and the affected communities to create a 900-acre marine sanctuary in Ban Don Bay.

"The blue swimming crab is key to our livelihoods," Hemmanee said. "Since my grandfather's generation, we have been crab fishers. I worry about what the next generation will have left if we don't change our ways."

In addition to creating these sanctuaries, harmful fishing practices have been phased out, and local fishers have agreed to slow down activity during crucial crab spawning periods.

Crab banks have already shown success. Somsak Makhathan, the manager of one of the crab banks, said the local crab population has increased by 60% with his bank releasing around 100,000 crabs back into the sea every month.

And they are not stopping there, this UNEP-led project is part of the larger regional Fisheries Refugia Initiative to preserve marine habitats in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. The success of their approach comes down to their focus on sustainability, rather than strict no-fishing laws.

The project has already expanded to other countries in the area, establishing over 1.3 million hectares (around 3.2 million acres) of marine life sanctuaries for several different species across Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

"The lessons learned from the South China Sea region will serve as a model for other areas facing similar challenges, paving the way for more holistic approaches to fisheries and habitat conservation worldwide," Leticia Carvalho, Head of the Marine and Freshwater branch at UNEP, said.

"If we don't work together," Hemmanee said, "the crabs will become nothing more than a legend."

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The man accused of attacking author Salman Rushdie at the Chautauqua Institution in August 2022 is now facing federal charges. The federal charges brought against him say Hadi Matar was carrying out his attack in the name of Hezbollah.

Matar is already facing attempted murder and assault charges at the state level for stabbing Rushdie more than a dozen times. Matar rejected a plea deal earlier this month where state prosecutors recommended a shorter prison sentence if he agreed to plead guilty.

Barry Covert, a local criminal defense lawyer, said choosing to reject the plea deal mightve gained Matar a lot more time behind bars.

Hed be looking at, possibly if hes found guilty or takes a plea, he could be looking at life incarceration, Covert said. Thats on top of whatever happens on the state court charges in Chautauqua County.

The new three-count federal indictment officially offers, for the first time, a motive for the 2022 attack. Each of the indictments is a form of supporting a terrorist organization or committing an act of terrorism. Covert said these are some of the most serious charges that can be brought in federal court.

Because Hezbollah is a designated terrorist organization by the United States, any support that you provide to them is illegal, Covert said. Any act on their behalf is illegal and supporting them any way is illegal.

One of the new three charges could put Matar behind bars for the rest of his life. As a criminal defense lawyer, Covert said they often advise their clients to accept a plea deal, especially in cases like this.

Given that he was caught at the scene, with a weapon, and theres a lot of witnesses, its hard to imagine that there are really any outstanding defenses here, Covert said. We will certainly see. Hes entitled to the presumption of innocence and the case must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Covert explained that while the charges on the state and federal level were both brought forth because of the events that occurred in August, both trials will look extremely different. Covert does not expect Matar to receive any sympathy.

Watching these cases play out is going to be fascinating because they are such different charges in state and federal court, Covert said. Its so important. Its a worldwide story. The world is watching to see what happens here. Itll be very interesting to follow this.

Jury selection in the state case is set for Oct. 15 and is expected to proceed as normal.

For the federal case, Covert said he expects Matars defense team to file motions for the judge to rule on and eventually, a federal trial date will be set.

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.

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SALAMANCA, N.Y. (WIVB)  A light blue home two houses down on West Avenue in Salamanca is where Cattaraugus County sheriffs detained Edward Kindt around 1:40 a.m. on Wednesday. Officials told WIVB News 4 that Kindt willingly surrendered.

Kindt, now 41 years old, pleaded guilty 25 years ago to raping and killing wife and mother Penny Brown in Salamanca in 1999 at the age of 15. He was released from prison last year and sent to supervised housing in Dutchess County.

Our entire criminal bureau was called out, said Eric Butler, the Cattaraugus County undersheriff. Our special response team was put on standby because we didnt know what we were gonna run into with this guy.

He was found Wednesday morning in what was his childhood home on West Avenue in Salamanca. According to officials, its just around the corner from where the Brown family lived.

About 10:40 p.m. I got a call from the sheriff who was notified just prior to that and he was in custody at 1:40 a.m., so it was literally three hours or less, Butler said.

Sheriffs deputies, Salamanca Police and agents from the Department Of Corrections were on hand. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said Kindt didnt report to his parole officer on Tuesday. Local authorities believe he may have been in town for almost a week before anyone knew.

We dont know if he was here last Thursday or he showed up here Saturday, but hes been here for a significant amount of time, Butler said.

Both New York State Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Joseph Giglio said the state failed to notify the sheriffs office that he was missing for six days.

They did not contact local law enforcement, Borrello said. They did not contact Seneca Nations of Indians to let them know, who banned him from ever coming back.

This is a breakdown in the system and it is a breakdown in parole, and the fact that again they did not make an immediate call to where he came from to let them know that he was dangerous and out there, theres no excuse, Giglio said.

Butler said Kindt was wearing a GPS monitoring device when they found him. He also said they had suspicion he was in the area as of this weekend, but were never notified by DOCCS until Tuesday night.

We were surprised to find it, Butler said. That the find that device was still intact in fact, but it went dead, and that didnt happen overnight, certainly not three hours.

On Wednesday, the Cattaraugus County Legislature adopted a resolution to revoke Kindts release and called on Governor Kathy Hochul to investigate this failure and remove parole board leaders.

It is both appalling and outrageous that this murder was not appropriately supervised for six days outside of his geographical jurisdiction, subjecting Cattaraugus County families and the broader community to extreme risk, said Andrew Burr, chairman of the Cattaraugus County Legislature.

Butler told News 4 the state has taken over the investigation into the incident, telling him its ongoing when he pushed for answers of when exactly Kindt left Dutchess County.

The genie was already out of the bottle and I think state was trying to put it back in before anyone found out, Butler said.

And let the investigation start tomorrow for the New York State Community Supervision and the other failed bureaucracies that let this animal loose in our community, Burr said.

Butler said Kindt was transferred Wednesday from the Cattaraugus County Jail to the Dutchess County Jail, and will be there until the parole violation process concludes.

Latest Local News

Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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Join the Long Island Corvette Owners Association on July 27th, 2024 (July 28th rain date) for the VETTES, JETS, & ROCKETS Corvette Show outside in the Cradle's parking lot!



Corvettes and Other Performance/Custom/Classic Cars Welcome



FREE for spectators (Separate museum admission required)



Car Registration Begins at 8:30 am - $30 per car (includes one museum admission ticket)




A 15-year-old boy is sent off to collect his little sister from school. I know Benthal Primary well, its just round the corner from me in north London. Lots of the local children go there. As Pharrell Garcia neared his old school earlier this week, it seems he was mugged, but refused to hand over his phone. As he turned away he was stabbed. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he bled to death on the street. It was four in the afternoon.

In May, a nine-year-old girl from Birmingham was no doubt excited to be taken out for dinner while on a visit to London. Its a popular Turkish restaurant, Evin, where customers can eat outside on warm summer evenings. Ive been there many times. But Im not sure I will go again.

A helmeted figure on a stolen motorcycle drove past at around 9pm and opened gunfire. Three adults were shot, as was the little girl. She is so badly injured she may never walk or talk again.

Welcome to Hackney, my gentrified corner of multicultural London, where sought-after Victorian terraced homes cost upwards of 1.5 million but being in the wrong place at the wrong time can have fatal consequences.

Did I mention the local mother Lianne Gordon, 42, who died just before Christmas in a bungled attack in her own home? She wasnt the intended target but she was mown down in a triple shooting that also saw a 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy taken to hospital suffering from gunshot wounds.

It seems fatuous to point out that she lived just by the park where we used to walk the dogs on weekends. Fatuous, but true. Also true is that after a brief few weeks of shock where we went elsewhere, weve gone back to taking our terriers there again.

Does that make us heartless? Foolish? Foolhardy? Or just another generation of Londoners inured to violence that doesnt affect us personally?

Except it does. How can the knowledge that children are being stabbed to death and calamitously injured in drive-by shootings not affect us personally? Calling it black-on-black violence frames it as a niche concern; it is an abhorrent threat to our whole community and the fabric of our entire society.

Amid the Westminster arguments over the defence budget, might I respectfully point out that safety, like charity, really ought to begin at home? To householders like me, obediently paying eye-watering income and council taxes, crime appears to be out of control. What sort of a country do we live in when my children feel lucky not to be caught in the crossfire on a night out?

The question is this: what are Keirs Starm Troopers going to do about it? Labours manifesto stated it would halve knife crime in a decade and end the practice of empty warnings by ensuring knife-carrying triggers rapid intervention and tough consequences.

Stirring stuff on the stump. But what, exactly, is the plan? Simply telling teenagers not to carry knives hasnt worked out so well. The shift towards guns is point-blank terrifying. Groups of teenagers rule entire postcodes.

Our borough of Hackney is typically viewed in binary terms. To Gen Z, it is the aspirational epicentre of edgy, arty creativity. To worried grandparents in the Shires and beyond, it is a violent crime hotspot and underscores all the reasons why they would really very much prefer it if their grandchildren were being reared in Chichester.

But to families like mine, London is home. We have a right to be  to feel  protected. As it stands, we dont.

Incidentally, the cheek-by-jowl phenomenon of affluence rubbing up against violence is far from unique. Even the elite purlieus of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea are not immune; just days before Pharrell lost his life, 15-year-old Rene Graham was gunned down at a family fun day. Four adult men were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Hand-wringing and condolences dont cut the mustard. Ask members of the black community and they will say police stop and search initiatives harm trust. Ask a bereaved mother of any race whose child has been slain and she will tell you that stop and search is crucial. Interrogate the figures from Statista and you will find that 14 per cent of stop and search interventions result in arrest.

It might have prevented my daughter and her boyfriend being mugged aged 15 on a Sunday afternoon a stones throw from our house. She was walking him back to the train station after lunch when two men reeking of skunk approached and separated them.

Stupidly, my daughter claimed she didnt have a phone, whereupon her mugger started patting her down. Thank god it was in the pocket of her hoodie. As her boyfriend craned round to see if she was alright, the other man pressed the cold steel of a curved, serrated zombie knife against the bare skin of his stomach. His phone was taken too. They returned home, shaken but uninjured.

The police came swiftly and combed the nearby streets, but what could they do? My daughter chalked it up to experience.

Boys are far more likely to be mugged than girls because they are less screamy. Children in identifiably posh uniforms are treated like cash cows and mugged with wearisome regularity, so much so that parent groups in Enfield to the north, and Dulwich to the south, started patrolling the streets themselves at home time.

Its a highly practical response. But citizen armies arent the answer. Labour have pledged to ban zombie blades, ninja swords and machetes, which is a start, but a long-term policing solution focusing on the young would be a better strategy (the attacker arrested after the killing of Pharrell Garcia was another 15-year-old boy).

Here on the streets of London, halving knife crime in a decade translates as a kicking-into-the-long-grass eternity; what we need is urgent action now to stop the senseless slaying.

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July 25 (UPI) -- A young Matschie's tree kangaroo, an endangered species native to Papua New Guinea's Huon Peninsula, has started peering out of its mother's pouch at Zoo Miami.

This is an important milestone in the joey's early development, although it will remain within the pouch for several weeks before fully exploring its surroundings.

The joey, a female, was born on Jan. 8 and represents a hopeful addition to the conservation efforts for this species. Matschie's tree kangaroos are known being solitary creatures and living among the trees, but they face significant threats in the wild, such as hunting and habitat destruction.

At Zoo Miami, the first-time mother, Poppy, who is three years old, has been caring for her offspring with the support of the 16-year-old dad, Banyon, who has fathered four previous offspring. This birth marks the 10th joey born at Zoo Miami.

Tree kangaroo joeys, which resemble jellybeans at birth, undergo an essential development period within their mother's pouch. There, they latch onto a nipple for nourishment and growth. It typically takes months before they emerge and become visible to the public.

Zoo Miami has been actively involved in conservation efforts for Matschie's tree kangaroos in Papua New Guinea, contributing to international breeding programs aimed at strengthening their dwindling populations. There are fewer than 2,500 of these animals living in the wild.

An endangered Matschie's tree kangaroo joey from Papua New Guinea has begun to peek out of its mother's pouch at Zoo Miami. Learn more here: https://t.co/lIJhJBL4nG pic.twitter.com/C2ewkpAYBf Zoo Miami (@zoomiami) July 25, 2024
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  As Fairfax County works to cut down the rising number of young people who overdose on opioids, it has a new resource to help those struggling with substances.

The potentially life-saving Youth Medication-Assisted Treatment (YMAT) program is expanding from one facility, to as many as five by the end of the summer.

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The program helps connect youth struggling with substance-use disorder with a medication called Suboxone that helps combat fentanyl cravings as part of their recovery treatment.

According to the county, the pilot YMAT program launched in 2022, and about 35 youth were given medication. Theyre hoping at least 150 could be served as a result of the expansion.

That pilot took place at the Sharon Bulova Center, which is in a central location of the county.

Now, a new YMAT center is operational at the Gerry Hyland Goverment Center in Hybla Valley.

Fairfax County Community Services Board staff indicate three other locations could open as soon before this summer ends: the Herndon Resource Center, the High Valley Community Center and the James Lee Center.

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The programs expansion comes due to local resources contributed by the countys government, and opioid settlement funds the county received.

We need to protect our community against opioid use disorder, said LaVurne Williams, division director for Youth and Family Outpatient and Intensive Services.

One proponent of the expansion is Denise Chiarotti, an Arlington resident and recovery advocate.

Excited, she told DC News Now when she learned of Fairfax Countys YMAT expansion. Very excited. Hopeful. Hopeful.

Chiarotti said she has been on the medication Suboxone on-and-off for about 15 years, and it has been helpful  as has Naloxone and talk therapy.

It does combat the cravings, she said. It makes you sleepy, but like all medication you get used to it. It definitely helps.

Loudoun County school board approves cell phone policy, joining nearby districts

Dana Johnson, youth and family manager of YMAT, said the county has seen a huge increase in opiate overdoses in our youth.

According to data from the Fairfax Health District, non-fatal overdoses of those 17-and-younger increased from 12 in 2021, to 27 in 2022 to 58 in 2023. The number through the first six months of 2024 is down to nine.

Everyone is committed as a systemwide team to decreasing the barriers to service and increasing access to care, Williams said.

Registered nurse Emily Galey described the intake process.

Theyre going to get a nursing evaluation, theyre going to also meet with the psychiatrist and depending on the evaluation, well go from there in terms of some medication treatment, she said.

Alexandria apartment complex without AC amid record-setting heat wave

The CSB staff said their patients, who only have to live in Fairfax County, are often referred by a family service worker, probation officer, or family member. They encourage everyone to seek help.

People stigmatize mental health, Galey said. Its just health.

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I will not be silent, Kamala Harris tells Netanyahu as she presses for peace deal

Kamala Harris meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House grounds - Nathan Nathan HowardHoward/Reuters

Kamala Harris signalled a major shift in Gaza policy on Thursday as she urged Benjamin Netanyahu to finalise a peace deal, telling him she had serious concern over casualties.

Ms Harris hosted the Israeli prime minister at the White House for a meeting that was closely watched for signs of how she might change American policy on Israel if she becomes president.

Welcoming Mr Netanyahu to her ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the vice president said they had a frank and constructive meeting.

Ms Harris said she reiterated her unwavering commitment to the US allys security, but she also made her concerns about Gazas dire humanitarian situation clear.

We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent, Ms Harris said.

She called for a deal to release the hostages kidnapped during Hamas October 7 attack on Israel that launched the war.

Ms Harriss remarks were sharp and serious in tone, and reflected what could be a shift from President Joe Biden in how she deals with Mr Netanyahu.

She is currently under scrutiny from the political Left, who argue that Mr Biden has not done enough to pressure Mr Netanyahu to end the conflict, and from Republicans, who criticise her for being insufficiently supportive of Israel.

A senior administration official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity, stated there is no daylight between the president and vice president on Israel.

Ms Harriss last one-on-one engagement with the Israeli leader was in March 2021, but she has participated in more than 20 calls between Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu spoke with Mr Biden in the Oval Office, with the president calling for Israel to wind down its nine-month-long campaign against Hamas.

Mr Netanyahu also met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday, following his address to the US Congress.

We discussed the opportunities and challenges in AI, its impact on the economy and society, and explored ways for technological cooperation with Israel, Mr Netanyahu said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

11:11 PM BST

Thats all for today.

Thanks for following the Telegraphs live blog. Well be back tomorrow with the latest US election news.

11:01 PM BST

Pictured: Harris meets Netanyahu

Kamala Harris meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Vice President's ceremonial office - Roberto Schmidt/AFP

09:51 PM BST

Pictured: Gaza protestors near White House

Gaza protestors with an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu protest near the White House - Matthew Hatcher/AFP

Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in front of the White House - Anadolu

09:28 PM BST

Democrats condemn Harris over border failures

Six Democrats have voted with Republicans to condemn Kamala Harriss alleged failure to address the soaring number of undocumented migrants at the USs southern border, writes Andrew Buncombe.

Republicans claimed the 59-year-old presumptive Democratic nominee had failed to get a grip on what has become a hugely contentious issue in the country, with the vote passing 220 to 196.

Though the resolution is non-binding and largely symbolic, it identifies a weakness that Republicans will likely keep targeting up until the presidential election in November.

Read the full report here.

09:06 PM BST

Pictured: Harris arrives in Maryland ahead of Netanyahu meeting

Kamala Harris speaks to reporters upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base - Brendan Smialowski/AFP

08:52 PM BST

Harris: Trump backpedaling on debate

Kamala Harris has accused Donald Trump of backpedaling away from a previous agreement for a debate hosted by ABC News in September.

I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on the debate stage, the vice-president aid after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a trip to Indiana and Texas.

The debate, scheduled for September 10, was one of two debates that President Joe Biden and Trump had agreed on. The first one was hosted by CNN on June 27, but Mr Biden has since dropped out of the race and endorsed Ms Harris as his successor.

Trump has said he would prefer to shift the debate to Fox News, but he would be willing to face off with Ms Harris more than once.

08:36 PM BST

Harris ready to debate Trump

Kamala Harris said on Thursday she is ready to debate former President Donald Trump, her Republican rival in a November general election.

Im ready, lets go, Ms Harris told reporters.

Kamala Harris addresses the American Federation of Teachers' 88th national convention - Leslie Plaza Johnson/Shutterstock

08:31 PM BST

Gaza demonstration outside White House

Protesters against the Gaza war held a die-in across from Lafayette Park and the White House Thursday as President Joe Biden met with Israeli Benjamin Netanyahu.

The protesters poured red liquid onto the street, saying it symbolized the blood of those killed in Gaza. They chanted, Arrest Netanyahu, and brought in an effigy of the Israeli prime minister with blood on its hands and wearing an orange jumpsuit. The jumpsuit reads, Wanted for crimes against humanity.

08:09 PM BST

Republicans condemn Harris border record

House Republicans are moving quickly to emphasize Kamala Harriss role in the Biden administrations handling of the US border with Mexico, passing a resolution Thursday that condemns her performance in the job.

The resolution, which is purely symbolic, echoes an attack line that Donald Trump has taken against Ms Harris since she rose to become the likely Democratic presidential nominee. All House Republicans and six Democrats in tough reelection races voted for the resolution.

07:53 PM BST

Ceasefire negotiations being finalised

Negotiations on a long-sought ceasefire-for-hostages deal in the Gaza conflict appear to be in their closing stages, a senior US official said on Wednesday.

The official, briefing reporters ahead of the talks, said the remaining obstacles are bridgeable and there will be more meetings aimed at reaching a deal between Israel and Hamas over the next week.

US officials have made similar pledges before about a ceasefire which evaporated under last-minute differences.

On Wednesday, Benjamin Netanyahu gave a defiant speech to the US Congress in which he defended Israels attacks on Gaza, saying anti-Israel protesters should be ashamed of themselves.

07:37 PM BST

Biden: ceasefire needed soon

Joe Biden will tell Benjamin Netanyahu a ceasefire in Gaza is needed soon, the White House said Thursday, as the leaders met to discuss the countrys nine-month war with Hamas militants.

We believe that... we can achieve a deal, but its going to require, as it always does, some leadership, some compromise and an effort to get there. The president will be reaffirming for Prime Minister Netanyahu that he believes we need to get there, and we need to get there soon, a White House spokesman told reporters.

07:26 PM BST

Jennifer Aniston criticises Vances childless cat ladies comment

Jennifer Aniston has criticised JD Vance after he called Democrats including Kamala Harris childless cat ladies, writes Susie Coen, US Correspondent.

Writing on Instagram, the Friends star said: I truly cant believe that this is coming from a potential VP of the United States. All I can say is Mr Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day.

The actress, 55, shared a clip of Donald Trumps running mate making the controversial remarks to Tucker Carlson on Fox News in 2021.

Read the full report here.

07:15 PM BST

Netanyahu: Bidens a proud Irish Zionist

Reporters entered the Oval Office shortly after pm. Both President Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, were chatting while standing. They waited for journalists to settle in the crowded room, then shook hands and sat down.

Mr Biden welcomed Mr Netanyahu, who expressed his pleasure at meeting the US president, noting it as a proud Jewish Zionist meeting a proud Irish Zionist.

Mr Biden reminded him of how long his relationship with Israeli leaders goes back, recalling his meeting with Golda Meir, a former Israeli prime minister, and a young man who was sitting next to her. That man, Yitzhak Rabin, later became prime minister of Israel.

Journalists shouted many questions, he didnt take any, and seems to shake his head when asked if he dropped out of the race due to health issues.

Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office - Susan Walsh/AP

07:03 PM BST

Biden and Netanyahu to meet hostage families

Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu will later meet the families of US hostages held in Gaza.

Relations between Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu are tense over Israels conduct in the war sparked by Hamass October 7 attacks, but the US president has continued strong military and political support.

They have met just three times during his presidency, once in September last year in New York, and then when Mr Biden traveled to Israel after the attacks and hugged Netanyahu on the airport tarmac at Tel Aviv.

The meetings come after Netanyahu vowed total victory against Hamas in a fiery speech Wednesday to the US Congress.

06:47 PM BST

Watch: Maggots dumped at Netanyahus Washington hotel

06:36 PM BST

Netanyahu thanks Biden for life of service

Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he would work with Joe Biden for his remaining time in office, after the US presidents stunning decision to drop his reelection bid.

I want to thank you for the 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel, and I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead, Netanyahu said as he met Mr Biden for the first time at the White House to discuss a Gaza ceasefire deal.

06:25 PM BST

Netanyahu meets Biden in Oval Office

Benjamin Netanyahu made his long-awaited White House visit Thursday to meet with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at an important moment for all three politicians.

Mr Netanyahus White House visit, his first since before President Donald Trump left office in 2020, comes at a time of growing pressure on all three to find an endgame to the nine-month war, and to free the dozens of Israeli hostages still in Hamas captivity.

Mr Biden greeted Netanyahu in the Oval Office, where the Israeli leader thanked the president for his service.

Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office - Susan Walsh/AP

06:18 PM BST

Harris overtakes Trump in national poll

Kamala Harris has overtaken Donald Trump in a national poll, leading her Republican rival by 46 points to 45.

The survey, by Morning Consult, found that Ms Harris is winning among independent voters, by 40 per cent to Trumps 38 per cent, and is ahead by three points among voters aged 18-34.

NEW: Harris leads Trump, 46% to 45%.



Her level of support at the start of her campaign exceeds the highest level of backing we gauged for Biden since tracking began in late 2022, as fewer voters now say they'll vote third party.



Much more > https://t.co/RGqoOfhl3s pic.twitter.com/ij4M2NMXDL  Eli Yokley (@eyokley) July 25, 2024

06:12 PM BST

Harris vows to empower unions

Kamala Harris vowed to empower labor unions and prevent school book bans while addressing a powerful teachers union on Thursday, seeking to draw a sharp contrast with her Republican rival for the presidency Donald Trump.

In a 20-minute address in Houston to the American Federation of Teachers, Ms Harris, 59, focused on economic policy and workers rights, touting plans for affordable healthcare and child care and criticizing Republicans for blocking gun limits in the wake of school shootings.

Today we face a choice between two very different visions of our nation, one focused on the future and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, she said. Donald Trump and his extreme allies want to take our nation back to failed trickle-down economic policies, back to union-busting, back to tax breaks for billionaires.

06:03 PM BST

Pictured: Harris boards Air Force Two in Houston

Kamala Harris boards Air Force Two as she departs from Ellington Airport in Houston, Texas - Brendan Smialowski/AFP

05:55 PM BST

Obama to endorse Harris

Barack Obama plans to endorse Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate soon, according to reports.

Despite withholding his official endorsement since Ms Harris announced her candidacy on Sunday, Mr Obama has privately lent the vice-president his full support and has been in regular contact with her, NBC News reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the discussions.

It is understood that Mr Obama also plans to appear alongside Ms Harris on the campaign trail. Aides to Obama and Harris have discussed arranging for the two of them to appear together on the campaign trail, though no date has been set, NBC reported.

05:19 PM BST

Kamala Harris is a danger to the security of the West

If the prospect of Donald Trump winning re-election as US president has sent a bad case of the jitters through the Western alliance, just imagine the chaos that will ensue if Novembers contest results in Vice President Kamala Harris becoming Americas next commander-in-chief.

At least with Trump we have a sense of what to expect if he succeeds in his bid to secure a second term in the White House. On key security issues, such as the future of Nato and the war in Ukraine, Trump has made his views abundantly clear, even if they do not exactly conform with the objectives of other Western leaders.

Trumps constant threat to withdraw Washington from Nato if other member states do not pay their fair share towards its running costs  together with his claim that he could end American support for Ukraine  have resulted in many regarding a second Trump presidency as posing an existential threat to the future of the western alliance.

Read the full comment piece, by Con Coughlin, here.

05:10 PM BST

Pictured: Harris addresses teaching union

Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th national convention - Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Reuters

05:00 PM BST

Harris: Trump extremists want to ban books

Ms Harris described her Republican opponents as extremists who want to ban books, an apparent reference to Republican attempts to ban the teaching of controversial gender ideology in US schools.

We want to ban assaults weapons and they want to ban books, Ms Harris said. Can you imagine? All the while these extremists also attack the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.

04:56 PM BST

Unions built US middle class, says Harris

Ms Harris said unions had helped build Americas middle class, which was met with applause from the crowd.

Thank unions for the five day work week, for the eight hour work day, she said. Thank unions for sick leave and paid family leave and vacation time. Because the fact is unions helped build Americas middle class, and when unions are strong America is strong.

04:53 PM BST

Harris: Trump wants to cut Medicare

Ms Harris added: Donald and his allies want to cut Medicare and social security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants, and they even want to eliminate the department of education, and end Head Start.

04:51 PM BST

Harris: Trump wants to drag country backwards

Ms Harris said: We are clear-eyed. As we work to build a brighter future and to move our nation forward, there are those who are really trying to take us backward. Im sure youve seen their agenda, Project 2025. Can you believe they put that thing in writing.

She added that Donald Trump wanted to take us back to failed trickle-down economic policies, including union busting, and giving tax breaks to billionaires.

04:46 PM BST

Harris: Cancel student debt for teachers

Ms Harris said: We see a future with affordable healthcare, affordable childcare, and paid leave. Not for some, but for all. We see a future where every student has the support and the resources they need to thrive.

And a future where no teacher has to struggle with the burden of student loan debt. So our administration has forgiven student loan debt for nearly five million Americans.

Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th national convention - Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Reuters

04:43 PM BST

Teachers shape Americas future

Kamala Harris praised the work of teachers in shaping the future of America.

She said: Our teachers and all the members of AFT, you are visionaries, your work is about the future: you see the potential in every child. You foster it, you encourage it, and in so doing you shape the future of our nation. Which is why we need you so badly right now.

04:39 PM BST

Harris condemns despicable flag burning

Kamala Harris on Thursday condemned the despicable and unpatriotic burning of an American flag by protesters who rallied in Washington during Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime ministers address to Congress.

I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way, the Democratic presidential candidate said in an unusually strong statement.

She said Wednesdays demonstration featured despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric.

04:22 PM BST

Jill Biden addresses US Olympic athletes

Jill Biden, first lady of the United States, speaks to Team United States Families ahead Of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Maja Hitij/Getty Images Europe

04:08 PM BST

US flag still missing from Washingtons Union Station

A US flag was still missing from the flagpoles outside Washingtons Union Station on Thursday morning, after pro-Palestine demonstrators pulled it down and burned it.

There were no sign of the protesters themselves, who were doused with pepper spray by police yesterday afternoon. They burned an effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu and waved Palestinian and Hamas flags. A nearby pavement was spray painted with the word Gaza.

03:51 PM BST

Harris to address teachers union

Kamala Harris is propelling her presidential push by speaking Thursday to the American Federation of Teachers, the first labor union to formally endorse her candidacy.

Having emerged as the likely Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden exited the race, Harris intends to travel aggressively to spread her message and rally voters.

The campaign push occurs as the former and retooled Biden campaign, now under Ms Harris control, figures out its strategy for generating turnout and maximizing her time in a 100-plus day sprint to the November election against Republican Donald Trump.

03:38 PM BST

Netanyahu to meet Biden and Harris

Benjamin Netanyahu is set to make a long-awaited White House visit to meet with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

It comes as thousands of protesters descended on Capitol Hill Wednesday to denounce Israels war in Gaza, while Mr Netanyahu delivered a scathing speech to Congress to defend Israels conduct in the war and vowed total victory against Hamas. More protests against Mr Netanyahu are expected outside the White House.

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Louisiana lawmakers will not return in August for a constitutional convention or special session. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator).

Louisiana lawmakers wont return to Baton Rouge in August to address tax and budget policy in a special session despite a last-minute push from Gov. Jeff Landrys revenue secretary to do so, according to a handful of legislators interviewed this week.



Legislative leadership is expected to make a formal statement saying as much Thursday, but House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, told House members Wednesday about the decision not to hold a session.



Based on my conversations with legislative leaders, theres not going to be a special session in August, said Sen. Franklin Foil, R-Baton Rouge, chair of the Senate committee that oversees tax policy.



While the August dates are out, lawmakers may still meet for a special session on insurance and tax policy later this year or in early 2025 before their regular session in April starts.



I wouldnt rule out something happening later this year, said James Lee, spokesman for Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson, who is leading efforts to overhaul the states tax system.

Legislative leaders also plan to have a series of hearings on budget, taxes and insurance policy over the next few months to educate the public and newer lawmakers on the challenges the state faces, according to lawmakers familiar with the plan.



That approach appears similar to one DeVillier outlined two weeks ago in an interview with the Illuminator. The House speaker did not return phone calls made to his cellphone this week.

Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, also declined to comment for this report.



I dont think having a good tax reform plan is going to happen overnight, DeVillier said earlier this month.

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If we would come up with a package of bills that the members would like, we would go around the state visiting with different delegations and proposing what those bills are, DeVillier said in the interview.

Theres pressure to make sweeping changes to Louisianas tax system ahead of an automatic 0.45% state sales tax reduction next July. The tax cut is expected to throw Louisianas budget out of balance by hundreds of millions of dollars, and the governor wanted to make state constitutional changes in order to have more options to make up the revenue.



Nelson is also interested in simplifying the tax structure so Louisiana can raise its standing with national groups that rank states based on their tax policies.

As revenue secretary, Nelson has proposed taxing more items and services that currently receive blanket exemptions in order to lower Louisianas tax rate, but not reduce government revenue drastically.



For example, Nelson has suggested that some services  such as landscaping, pet grooming and auto detailing  be subjected to the sales tax, in exchange for a lower rate overall. He has also said online streaming television services, such as Netflix accounts, should also be taxed.

To what extent Landry backs Nelsons plan remains unclear. Nelson works for Landry, but a few legislators involved in tax policy said the governor hasnt personally pushed for Nelsons proposals and didnt lobby lawmakers to hold the special session Nelson suggested.



Landry issued a statement saying he supports tax reform in general, but didnt tell legislators he backed Nelsons specific tax policies.



If the governor was enthusiastic about a special session, Landry could call one himself without buy-in from the Legislature, but theres also been no indication he intends to do so.



The governors office did not respond to questions Wednesday about whether he intended to call the Legislature back to Baton Rouge.

Last spring, Landry had pushed legislators for a much broader and more ambitious state constitutional convention that was, at one point, expected to happen in August and address a broader set of issues. But the governor wasnt able to get support in the Senate to go along with his proposal.

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Louisiana lawmakers won't call themselves into a special session until at least 2025. (Photo credit: Wesley Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

Voters wont be deciding on constitutional changes to the state budget or tax structure anytime soon now that Louisiana lawmakers have decided not to meet again for the rest of 2024.



Despite the efforts of Gov. Jeff Landry, conservative activists and one particularly influential GOP donor, legislators could not be convinced to return to Baton Rouge to make even small changes to budget and tax laws contained in Louisianas 50 year-old constitution this year.



For months, Landry has said the state needs to look at constitutional changes to make it easier for the state to cope with a state sales tax cut taking place next July. The transition team Landry set up after winning the gubernatorial election last fall included a committee focused on constitutional change.



Yet Landry has never been particularly specific about what changes he wanted to support and the lawmakers decision not to meet before the end of the year represents a nail in the coffin for any constitutional reform efforts in the near future.

The Governor is leaving this up to the legislature. If they do not want a special session, we will not do it, Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly said in an email.

Voters statewide need to approve constitutional changes. After the statewide elections taking place this November and December, there wont be another one until 2026. That means any constitutional amendments going before the ballot would require an expensive, statewide special election, which Landry and legislators seem reluctant to hold.

Also, as lawmakers have been saying for weeks, they need more time to build consensus over what approach to the states tax and budget structure to take.

Weve made a lot of progress, but its a very complicated issue that requires continued discussion, Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, said in a written statement. The public deserves time to see our plans and understand the implications for their families and their businesses. We want to get this right.



In addition to statewide voter approval, constitutional amendments require a two-thirds vote from each chamber of the Legislature. Lawmakers havent seen a tax law package yet that could meet that threshold for approval.

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House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, has emphasized legislators will be holding extra meetings over the next several months to study budget and tax policy in order to prepare for future legislative action. Lawmakers are interested in tackling Louisianas high insurance rates more comprehensively on top of budget and tax challenges, he said.



Landrys office also said Wednesday the governor has been meeting with legislators to discuss a tax structure overhaul in more detail.

Next years sales tax cut, which lawmakers agreed on in 2018, will cause a chronic budget shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars annually unless lawmakers vote to keep taxes level or make changes to government spending.



Over the past decade, the Republican-controlled Legislature has voted twice to adopt a higher sales tax rate rather than impose state budget cuts, but newer lawmakers are more conservative than those who voted for those tax hikes.

In an interview earlier this month, DeVillier said he didnt think there would be enough votes in the Louisiana House to reverse the sales tax cut scheduled for next year.



There are still a number of law changes Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson, a Landry appointee, has suggested lawmakers could put into place without constitutional amendments, Nelson said in an interview Thursday.

Almost all of the states 224 state sales tax exemptions, some of which Nelson would like to eliminate, dont require a constitutional change. Many corporate tax incentives are mostly contained in regular state law and wouldnt require voter approval, he said.

In addition to dealing with Louisianas budget shortfall, Nelson hopes to simplify Louisianas tax code, in part to improve the states rating with national groups who rank states based on their tax policies. Business leaders have said Louisianas low ratings with such groups deters companies from investing in the state.

To what extent Landry backs Nelsons proposals remains unclear however. When asked if the governor supported Nelsons suggested tax changes, Landrys office responded with a general statement.

Gov. Landry supports bold tax reform that will make our state more competitive, said Kelly in an email replying to the question.

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Local politicians and labor leaders came out Thursday in Macon to support Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign, highlighting how she would support reproductive rights, labor unions and racial equality in Middle Georgia.

Speakers at the event, held at the Harriet Tubman African American Museum, included Georgia District 26 Sen. David Lucas; his wife, Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Elaine Lucas; Macon native and State Rep. Miriam Paris, and Carlos Brooks, local chapter president of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers union.

David Lucas compared former President Donald Trumps track record as a convicted felon to Harris as a former attorney general for California.

Are we for real? The Supreme Court makes it where the president can do anything he wants, and then you tell Black folks that we ought to be proud of him  David Lucas said.

Lucas criticized racist and misogynistic attacks made by Republicans against Harris, the de facto Democratic presidential nominee. U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tennessee, called Harris a DEI vice president, in a post on the social media platform X. DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lets represent the people of this country, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Shes not a DEI, she is a person who understands the law, David Lucas said.

David Lucas emphasized voters, regardless of race or age, should vote for Harris to avoid seeing roots of segregation.

What Im hoping is young folks as well as older folks who knew what segregation was all about  we get a sense of pride that we got to get up, get out of bed, and go do what we got to do. And thats what this election is about, David Lucas said.

Paris said there are multiple issues at stake in the coming election.

(Harris) is the best-qualified to prosecute the case, or should there be cases, against Donald Trump, she said, subliminally referring to the 34 felony convictions against Trump in New York for fraud, election subversion and obstruction.

Elaine Lucas referred to Trump running mate J.D. Vances stance on making abortion illegal nationally.

Vance opposes exceptions for rape and incest, and said he would like abortion to be illegal nationwide, she said. He even suggested women should stay in violent marriages, can you imagine that?

Brooks, who leads the boilermakers manufacturing and industrial trade union, said the countrys workforce would dramatically decline if Trump and Vance were to take office.

You saw what happened last time Trump was in office. You had a lot of union jobs that were lost, United Steel Workers for one, Brooks said, noting North Americas largest industrial union. Its been an ongoing thing trying to undo things that Trump and his administration did the last time they were in office.

Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel in March 2018, which dented the demand for steel from foreign consumers, and caused thousands in the industry to lose their jobs.

The U.S. lost 2.7 million jobs during Trumps presidency, according to Politifact. Defenders of Trump note the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

We have the opportunity now to elect somebody that feels like we do, that can associate with us and talk to us out on the street, not in a closed room, David Lucas said. Thats the opportunity we have as a nation  to talk about democracy.
Frustrated Macon parents and community members are calling the abrupt layoff of Cirrus Academy Charter Schools former superintendent, Gail Fowler, a bad move.

The state charter schools governing board voted 5-1 last week via Zoom to release Fowler. With only two weeks left until classes resume, stakeholders said they will fight to reinstate Fowlers leadership, which they say valued student success and personal relationships with their children.

Alesia Waller-Evans, said she was shocked when she heard Fowler announce her termination in a YouTube video on Friday morning.

Its just not what I thought Dr. Fowler was going to say, Waller-Evans said. If you look at how the school started versus now, theres so much that shes done.

Waller-Evans credited Fowlers leadership for the improvement of her childrens reading levels. She said she doesnt understand why the board would disrupt the charter schools overall progression by removing Fowler.

Cirrus Academy Charter School sits off of Pio Nono Avenue on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Macon, Georgia.

In a recent email response, Cirrus Academy said the decision to part ways with Fowler was a mutual agreement reached after careful consideration.

Dr. Fowler has been an integral part of Cirrus Academy since its inception, and her contributions have been invaluable. The transition marks a new chapter for the school as we aim to build upon the strong foundation she established, the school said.

The school at 1870 Pio Nono Ave. faced academic shortfalls, financial troubles and operational and governance issues since its opening eight years ago  all of which Fowler said were resolved under her leadership in her video.

To the parents of the scholars at Cirrus Academy, thank you first of all for having faith in a struggling school that was not supposed to make it, she said.

Fowler had served as the schools superintendent and CEO since 2019.

Stacy Jones Jr., a rising sixth grader at the school, was upset after discovering that Fowler would not be returning with him next year.

I just feel sad because she was a great person, said Jones, who has been under her direction since first grade. She made sure that we were good. She made sure that we had fun after school and (got) a good education.

We got to link together

Stacy Jones Sr. said he was initially reluctant to publicly address the situation due to his sons enrollment, but the dire circumstances dictated a change.

All of the parents, we got to link together, he said. Somebody got to speak up because this lady dont deserve this. We saw this school become nothing to something through Dr. Fowler.

Shelia Hogan is a volunteer as Cirrus Academys primary parent representative. She said that she intends to speak with the charter schools new temporary head, Barry Williams, and hold a parent meeting to address their collective concerns.

It is our intention as parents to get Dr. Fowler back in place, Hogan said. Thats our ultimate goal, but it also depends on her decision.

Waller-Evans said some parents have considered leaving the school because the governing board has not given their voices a chance to be heard in the decision-making process.

This wouldnt be the first time that stakeholders complained about the governing boards lack of transparency, according to past reporting by WGXA and the Macon Newsroom.

Cirrus Academy said it values parent engagement and has offered opportunities for stakeholders to reach out to the board at this time of leadership transition. The school said it has publicized scheduled board meetings and their agendas.

The school also said some parents attended the virtual meeting. But there was no motion for an oral public comment after board members returned from their three-hour executive session.

If Fowlers superintendent role isnt restored, and the core of the school changes, then Jones said he will withdraw his son.

Waller-Evans said parents remain uncertain about what to expect from the charter school.

Here we are, two weeks before school, and we dont know whether were coming or going, she said. I just hope and pray that the community and parents of the school come together and that the board takes time to listen to us

Whats next?

Six days after the announcement, Hogan said the parent body still doesnt know why Fowler was released. Some Cirrus Academy stakeholders speculate that the reason pertains to money and ulterior motives.

Its hectic not knowing what this fight is about, Hogan said. Its hard not to wonder if its about the money. I dont know how everything works financially, but ... why else would they be after her? She has done such great work for Cirrus Academy.

The school said any allegations suggesting that Dr. Fowlers termination was due to financial reasons are unfounded, as its financial stability and commitment to academic excellence remain strong.

As the Cirrus Academy is in search of a permanent superintendent, it said it is committed to providing regular updates on the progress of the search to ensure transparency throughout the process.

Hogan said she prays that the school will be able to move forward.

Because at the end of the day, its not about Dr. Fowler or the board, Hogan said. Its about the scholars getting an outstanding education.
(Bloomberg) -- President Emmanuel Macron will try to convince company chiefs including Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk and LVMH founder Bernard Arnault that Frances political disarray wont lead to a more hostile corporate environment  even as business confidence slumped.

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During the Thursday lunch meeting with corporate sponsors of the Olympics, Macron will say that the election earlier this month that left the country without a government wont jeopardize efforts hes made since entering office to make the French economy more business friendly, according to Elysee officials.

Since he was first elected in 2017, Macrons policies  such as loosening labor laws and boosting the retirement age  have largely reassured investors and businesses. In that time, France has risen to the top of European rankings for attracting foreign investment and its unemployment rate remains well below the average over the past few decades.

Macron dissolved the legislature and called a snap national election last month after his party performed poorly in a European Parliament vote. The result left Frances most important legislative body fragmented and with no group holding enough seats to govern on its own.

Macron was planning to tell the business leaders on Thursday that the ball is now in the court of political parties to form a government and that the president will work toward a coalition that is business friendly, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The lunch was scheduled before the elections were called and is mostly aimed at thanking the CEOs for sponsoring the Olympics, they said. Attendees also include Coca-Colas James Quincey, Carrefour CEO Alexandre Bompard, Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai, and Aditya and Lakshmi Mittal from ArcelorMittal.

A survey Friday showed French business confidence slumped to levels not seen since the Covid pandemic as companies reckoned with the turbulence of the snap election. An earlier survey by the Bank of France that was completed before the final round of voting had already showed a marked increase in uncertainty as firms reported concerns about investment and a possible increase in labor costs.

Macron refused to consider a candidate for prime minister proposed this week by an alliance of the left, which won the most seats in the election, saying that the political parties needed to work together in some way to broaden their numbers in parliament. He said he will keep the current caretaker government in place at least through the Olympics.

--With assistance from William Horobin.

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The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), signed by then-President Trump, was the most recent major overhaul to the IRS tax code. However, the legislation was criticized  by his opponents  for favoring corporations and wealthy taxpayers at the expense of middle class and low-income households. Proponents of the TCJA argued that income tax was reduced among five of seven tax brackets, and that the standard deduction was greatly increased.

Check Out: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes  Heres What That Would Mean for the Economy and Your Wallet

Read Next: 9 Things You Must Do To Grow Your Wealth in 2024

These Trump-era tax cuts are set to expire in 2025, but the former president has repeatedly stated that he would make the TCJA permanent. While Trump was the president who changed the tax code most recently, he was hardly the first.

In Americas early history, there was no official federal income tax at all, and it stayed that way throughout much of the 19th century. In fact, it took a constitutional amendment to authorize Congress to collect revenue through taxation, starting in 1913.

Since then, taxes have gone up, down, up and then down again, and the only thing most American citizens could agree on along the way was that they were paying too much. Trump didnt make the lists, but these are the five presidents who raised taxes the most  and five who lowered them.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

The Most Tax-Raising US Presidents

Abraham Lincoln, 1861-65

The original taxer-in-chief was none other than Abraham Lincoln, who levied the very first national income tax in American history through the Revenue Act of 1861. The government collected a 3% tax on incomes between $600 and $10,000  and a 5% tax on incomes of more than $10,000  to pay for the Civil War. On July 1, 1862, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was created and authorized to enforce collection. Congress repealed the tax in 1871.

Woodrow Wilson, 1913-21

In 1895, the Supreme Court struck down the federal income tax as unconstitutional, but in 1913, the 16th Amendment authorized Congress to collect revenue from taxpayers nationwide. It was the birth of the modern income tax.

Later that same year, President Wilson signed legislation that authorized the first income tax of the 20th century, which affected about 3% of taxpayers. Individuals would pay a tax of 1% on any income they earned over $3,000.

Herbert Hoover, 1929-1933

Herbert Hoover, the president whos best known for fumbling Americas economic policy during the start of the Great Depression, was also one of the countrys most prolific tax raisers. The Revenue Act of 1932 raised the top rate from 25% to 63%, but no income bracket was spared. The corporate income tax also doubled from 12% to 24%.

Story continues

Learn More: Im an Economist  Heres What a Trump Win in November Would Mean for the Tax Burden on the Poor

Harry Truman, 1945-1953

A little less than 100 years after Lincoln gave the federal income tax its big debut, President Truman would bring revenue-raising to a whole new level. His reason for doing so was the same as Lincolns  to fund a war.

The Revenue Act of 1950 raised the minimum income tax to 20% and raised the top rate to an incredible 91% in order to pay for the Korean War. That means that even the lowest earners had to cough up one dollar in five, and the people at the top submitted to a brutal 91-9 split in favor of Uncle Sam.

George H.W. Bush, 1989-93

At the Republican National Convention in 1988, George H.W. Bush emphatically stated Read my lips: no new taxes. The words would come back to haunt him. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 raised the top tax rate from Ronald Reagans 28% up to 31%.

While it wasnt the biggest tax increase in history, it was one of the most consequential. After eating his words, Bush was held to a single term after losing to Bill Clinton.

The Most Tax-Cutting US Presidents

Warren G. Harding, 1921-1923

President Harding died during his lone, scandal-plagued term in office, but not before he launched one of historys greatest tax-cutting sprees. The World War I years had sent taxes soaring to 77% at the top income levels, according to the Cato Institute. A series of tax cuts throughout the 1920s, however, would take those rates down to some of the lowest percentages in history.

It all started with the Revenue Act of 1921, which sent the top tax rate down from 73% to 58% in 1922. In 1923, it dropped to 50%. The cuts continued under Hardings successor, Calvin Coolidge, and by 1929 the top income tax rate was just 24%.

John F. Kennedy, 1961-63

If todays rich people complain that the wealthy shoulder too great a share of the tax burden, they should be happy that the highest rate in the top tax bracket is capped at 37%. According to The Atlantic, the top tax rate was often double that or more for over a decade after World War II  and all that revenue from the rich is what fueled the post-war boom.

President Eisenhower fought his own party to keep the highest tax rate at an astounding 90%, but President Kennedy finally lowered it to 70% upon taking office.

Ronald Reagan, 1981-89

No modern president was more committed to cutting taxes than Ronald Reagan. The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 lowered the top tax rate from 70% to 50%. Five years later in 1986, Reagan signed the Tax Reform Act, which lowered it again to 28%.

The two acts together are known as the Reagan tax cuts. When Reagan took office, the top rate was 33% higher than it is today (37%), and when he left office, it was 9% lower.

Bill Clinton, 1993-2001

President Clinton signed the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, an enormous tax-reduction bill that radically overhauled the IRS code, making more than 800 changes to U.S. tax law. Many of its most important provisions benefited middle-class and low-income households, according to the Congressional Research Service, while also slashing the capital gains tax.

The law created what would become some of the most important modern provisions in the tax code, including the child tax credit, the Roth IRA, and the education savings account.

George W. Bush, 2001-2009

Learning from the mistakes of his father, George W. Bush followed through on his commitment to lower taxes with a pair of new laws known as the Bush tax cuts. Although they contained a few middle-class provisions, the lions share of the breaks went to corporations and the highest earners.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities on the Bush tax cuts, The top 1% of households received average tax cuts of more than $50,000 each year. On average, these households received a total tax cut of over $570,000 over this period.

Rob Poindexter contributed to a previous version of this article.

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.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Presidents Who Raised Taxes the Most, and 5 Who Lowered Them: Is Trump One of Them?
The Madison County Sheriffs Office gave an update on the fatal house investigation in the town of Lincoln, attributing it to a propane explosion.

At approximately 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, members of the Madison County Sheriffs Office, the New York State Police and the Lincoln Fire Department were dispatched to 4621 Burleson Road regarding a reported explosion. Upon arriving on scene, responders located heavy debris at the location.

First responders were on the scene in minutes and when they arrived, they saw the debris and there was a strong smell of propane in the air, Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood said. Crews then began searching the debris for people who may have been in the home and they found two  a couple.

One person is dead after a house explosion in Lincoln

The adult male resident of the home, 78-year-old Carl Pynn, was airlifted to Upstate University Hospital via Mercy Flight. Pynn is listed in critical condition.

The second person in the home, 74-year-old Susan Pynn, was pronounced dead at the scene. Hood said he knew the couple and that he lived down the road from them.

I wasnt over to the house, but its a sparsely populated area and not like a city. Houses can be a mile apart, he said. The sheriff added that he heard the explosion, as did many other residents of Madison County.

Fire Investigators from the Office of Emergency Management are continuing to attempt to pinpoint the source of ignition.

According to Madison County real estate records, the two-story house was about 2,500 square feet and was built in 1973. The Pynns were listed as owners of the house.

First report: One dead after a house explosion in Madison County. What we know

Creek and Burleson Roads were closed overnight to preserve the scene. Both roadways have since been re-opened.

The Sheriffs Office has been assisted in this investigation by the New York State Police, The Town of Lincoln Fire Department, Greater Lenox Ambulance Service, Madison County EMS, Madison County Office of Emergency Management, the Canastota Fire Department, the Wampsville Fire Department, the City of Oneida Fire Department, National Grid, Sylvan Beach Fire Department, New York State Fire, New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Mercy Flight Central and the Madison County Highway Department.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Madison County explosion caused by propane, kills 74-year-old woman
It seems a new kind of bugging situation has hit the Watergate Hotel. Video posted on Wednesday showed a large number of maggots, crickets and other bugs crawling around the hotel, which is where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is staying during his contentious visit to Washington, D.C.

The Palestinian Youth Movement, a grassroots advocacy group, posted an Instagram video of the critters, claiming they were let loose in protest of Israel's deadly war against Hamas, which has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza officials.

The video shows maggots inching across what appears to be a large conference table covered in a white tablecloth with water glasses, set against the backdrop of American and Israeli flags. It also shows the insects scurrying across marble floors elsewhere in the hotel as well as fire alarms going off in the hotel's hallways.

A group of pro-Palestinian activists hold a demonstration outside the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. / Credit: Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images

The post claimed that the critters were released on multiple floors and that fire alarms were set off for over 30 minutes.

"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 post says.

The apparent act of creepy crawly resistance came as thousands of protesters gathered near the Capitol during Netanyahu's address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday chanting "Free, Free Palestine." Police wearing gas marks blocked the crowd from getting closer to the Capitol, and officers deployed pepper spray after some members of the crowd allegedly became violent.

"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," the hotel said in a statement. "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."

A Public Safety Joint Information Center spokesperson for the Secret Service said, "The Watergate facility has an expansive footprint and remains open for businesses, residences and guests. At no time was there any threat to our protectees."

Protestors on Capitol Hill demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit on July 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. / Credit: Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images

The Palestinian Youth Movement's website describes the group as a "grassroots movement of young Palestinians dedicated to the liberation of our homeland and people."

The people behind the incident remain unknown, though the Washington Post reported that an anonymous source sent the video to the DMV chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement, which posted it on their behalf.

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This photo provided by Sipp Culture shows farm apprentice Kira Cummings working on the Sipp Culture Community Farm in Utica, Miss., on April 21, 2022. Grocery stores in the area closed, so residents came together with the nonprofit Sipp Culture to create a community farm and commercial greenhouse. (Sipp Culture via AP

Someone may need to tell Carlton Turner that hes working to save democracy.

Turner is co-director of the Mississippi Center for Cultural Production in the town of Utica, population 600, where his family has lived for eight generations. The organization, better known as Sipp Culture, is helping breathe life into a region thats seen schools, grocery stores, and factories shutter or leave. A project in the works: transformation of one of Uticas oldest buildings into a cultural center and commercial kitchen.

While that may seem like traditional community development, a new philanthropic venture sees Turner as key to grand ambitions to shore up democracy. In June, the Trust for Civic Life named Sipp Culture one of 20 inaugural grantees in its bid to reinvigorate rural, often high-poverty towns, regions, and tribal areas. A collaborative of 15 grantmakers  most of them high-profile national funders  the trust sees small, local groups as instruments of change  modern versions of the organizations that scholars from Alexis de Tocqueville to Robert Putnam have singled out as a distinguishing feature of American democracy.

The trust announced $8 million in funding, the first installment of what it says will be investments of $50 million over five years. Grantees exemplify what the trust calls everyday democracy as they bring people together to address often-fundamental concerns, whether thats a fading industry, a dilapidated park, or access to quality health care.

Pragmatic problem-solving is the most effective way to build trust and counter polarization, said Charlie Brown, executive director of the trust. Efforts dont have to be labeled democracy or civic to contribute toward a stronger democracy. And sometimes the more we try to convince people to participate in our democracy and be democratic, the more we alienate them from the process.

Grantees dont ever have to see themselves as democracy advocates, said Sarah Cross, a vice president with Stand Together, a trust partner. They care about the issues that are keeping them from being able to feed their families and educate their kids and have safe and strong communities.

Bipartisan collaboration

The trust bills itself as cross-ideological collaboration. It includes many progressive-minded grantmakers and such liberal lions as the Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Brothers Fund. But the Walmart Foundation and Stand Together, the philanthropy of conservative billionaire Charles Koch, are also among the partners.

There are many, many things we disagree on, Cross said. But the group, she added, is committed to a liberal democracy and wants to address the crisis of despair and isolation. People are turning to extremist movements and drugs and addiction. These things that are tearing families apart and killing people.

Its a rare investment by national philanthropy in small groups in rural America. The organizations will receive between $300,000 and $425,000 in general-operating support over three years  grants that represent a hefty cash infusion. One grantee, Chinle Planting Hope, a four-year-old, volunteer-led organization in the Navajo Nation in Arizona, had revenues of less than $400,000 last year.

Over the past couple decades, major grantmakers have scaled back investments in rural areas. They have been swayed in part by the popular theories of economists like Richard Florida whose research pointed to metropolitan regions as economic and creative engines. In the mid-2000s, the Brookings Institution declared America a metropolitan nation.

That did a lot of damage because it fed into the stereotypes that people at foundations had about rural communities, said Dee Davis, president of the Center for Rural Strategies.

Today, those communities are home to 20% of Americans yet receive just 7% of foundation funding, according to a federal analysis cited by the trust.

Davis, who advised the Trust for Civic Life funders, was initially skeptical about the effort. National grantmakers, he noted, tend to come and go. But this is a pretty righteous start.

The grantees look nothing like the groups that many other democracy-minded funders are backing. For the better part of a decade, a lot of philanthropic money has gone to address polarization, hyperpartisanship, and unresponsive governance institutions in Washington, statehouses, and the elections system.

Reforms of democracys institutions, while needed, arent enough, said Stephen Heintz, president of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, which spearheaded creation of the trust. Political dysfunction and legislative neglect of everyday concerns have dulled Americas civic spirit and even the hope that things can get better.

Americans feel like they have no influence, that democracy is overlooking them, not delivering for them, Heintz said. The first grantees, he added, share the mission to renew the sense of agency among people in their communities. These are remarkable examples of citizens just coming together and saying, Weve got to fix something.

Sipp Culture began working with Utica residents in 2017, putting them with architects and designers to devise solutions to the regions challenges. Since then, Utica has created a community farm, a commercial greenhouse, and an artists residency.

No one is coming to do this work for us, Turner said. No ones coming to save us.

Another grantee, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque in Iowa, works in small towns in a seven-county region, helping each identify and then address community needs. We really believe that the best people to build our community are the people that live there, said CEO Nancy Van Milligen.

Democracy laboratories

The trust sees poor parts of the country and areas in transition as democracy laboratories. It has targeted many of its grants for the Appalachians, the Black Belt of the South, the Southern border, and the Navajo Nation  places that simply need more philanthropic investment, executive director Brown said. Also, the opportunity for civic engagement in such areas is much lower than elsewhere, according to research by the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University.

But these communities are also innovation hotbeds, Brown says. Stripped of the old ways of coming together, they are creating new models.

Youve got a group of people who are very entrepreneurial, Brown added. Theyve been underfunded, yet they are still finding creative solutions. What does that tell us for the rest of the country?

In the western North Carolina town of Morganton, one of the grantees is looking to bring civic practices to private industry. Molly Hemstreet and Sara Chester, both natives of the region, co-founded the Industrial Commons in 2015 to support workers as free trade and then the Great Recession ravaged the textile and furniture industry at the heart of the regions economy. The organization is helping create community-owned businesses to increase local wealth and give workers influence in their companies.

Many businesses that closed or moved abroad for cheaper labor were owned by just a few people, Chester said. Our hope is that as ownership is shared more broadly, those decisions will look different, whether thats 10 years from now or 50 years.

The work may stir opposition. Some community residents will push back against the change that grantees bring about, Brown said. Local governments or traditional civic groups may feel threatened. Some of the pushback well get is from people feeling like their power structures are changing. Which is exactly what should happen.

One longtime local rural grant maker warned Brown that things will get messy. And I think thats absolutely right.

______

Drew Lindsay is a senior editor editor-at-large at the Chronicle of Philanthropy, where you can read the full article. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as part of a partnership to cover philanthropy and nonprofits supported by the Lilly Endowment. The Chronicle is solely responsible for the content. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
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LAGOS  Africas richest man Aliko Dangote is battling to get his $20 billion refinery in Nigeria fully functional and begin recouping returns on his investment as clashes with local regulators and oil majors spill over into a public war of words.

The Dangote Refinery was commissioned early last year to loud promises that it would end costly fuel imports by the continents top crude oil producer and offer affordable pump prices, without the need for a $10 billion government subsidy. The facility, which took seven years to build, is designed to refine 650,000 barrels of oil per day and meet all of Nigerias fuel needs when at full capacity.

But the tycoon is now embroiled in a row with Nigerian authorities that has created uncertainty around the project. Dangote and his team have accused international oil producers of unfairly selling locally produced crude to it above market prices. He is being accused by Nigerian regulators of demanding a monopoly over refined oil products.

This is really very disheartening, the 67-year-old billionaire told journalists this week, in an extended defense of his investments in Nigeria, which include large cement, food and fertilizer production companies. He said the refinery did not get one single incentive from the Nigerian government and paid $100 million to buy the over 2,600 hectares of land that it sits on in the outskirts of Lagos.

Attempts to broker a truce are underway. Nigerias deputy oil minister Heineken Lokpobiri said other government officials and Dangote who attended a meeting on Monday demonstrated a strong commitment to solve the refinerys challenges. Separately, a group of lawmakers asked Tinubu  who, like his predecessor, is Nigerias oil minister  to suspend the regulator who accused Dangote of monopolistic intent.

Know More

Earlier this month, Dangote went public with a disclosure that Nigerias state oil company NNPC no longer owned a fifth of the refinery having failed to pay up for the full price of the stake, settling for a 7% ownership instead.

In turn, a major regulator in President Bola Tinubus government said the billionaires desire for the end of refined products imports into Nigeria is not good for the nation in terms of energy security. Dangote called off plans to build a new steel manufacturing plant in Nigeria in response to the claim.

Tinubus immediate predecessor President Muhammadu Buhari led the refinerys ribbon cutting event when it was commissioned in May 2023. But a year later, the back and forth of contentious allegations between Dangote and Tinubus administrators have exposed tensions that seem to go beyond the project.

Story continues

This is a multifaceted row, said Clementine Wallop, an analyst at Horizon Engage. The current clash features doubts raised about product quality from the refinery but also Dangotes standing with the federal government following tensions at the start of the year, she said.

Officials from Nigerias anti-graft body EFCC raided the Dangote Groups Lagos headquarters in January as part of an investigation into the central banks allocation of dollars to companies. The visit was designed to cause us unwarranted embarrassment, the company said at the time.

Room for Disagreement

Nigerian regulators have made sound arguments against Dangotes supposed desire that fuel imports be prohibited, said Adedayo Ademuwagun, who leads risk analysis in the country for Songhai Advisory.

The job of a government is not to satisfy an investor but to ensure consumers are getting the best deal, he said, which in this case is quality fuel at prices users are willing to pay. And Nigerian officials are highly unlikely to cede control of the oil industry to a private individual since the commodity shapes political power, Ademuwagun said.

The View From Abuja

Kelvin Emmanuel, an economist in Abuja, believes interest groups who have long earned wide margins from importing dirty fuels into Nigeria are the cartel behind the regulatory pushback against the refinery.

However, he is optimistic of a resolution that may include a non-compete clause barring the refinery from operating its own pump stations. Also, the lesson of these weeks is that the refinerys survival requires it to diversify the risk of supply by sourcing different grades of crude from varied providers, Emmanuel said.

Notable

Anxieties over Dangotes ongoing ordeal must not obscure the billionaires origin as one whose  fortune has been built on a beneficial partnership with the Nigerian government that has allowed him to charge astonishing prices for his product, writes Feyi Fawehinmi, a Nigerian author.
Southwest Airlines announced it will begin offering assigned seats, ditching the free-for-all policy that has been a defining feature of the carrier for more than half a century. (Kiichiro Sato / Associated Press)

For the first time since it was founded more than half a century ago, Southwest Airlines will assign seats  a shift that will allow the low-fare, no-frills company to meet evolving customer preferences and charge more money for premium seats.

The Dallas-based airline also will start to offer overnight, red-eye flights, starting on Valentines Day 2025, in five markets, including Los Angeles, Baltimore and Nashville.

Southwest had for years touted its model of open seating as the ultimate expression of its founding ethos: to make air travel affordable and accessible for everyone.

You can sit anywhere you want  just like at church, flight attendants told passengers.

But Southwest said it had listened to customers who sought more options, often desiring more comfortable, premium seats when they took longer flights. When customers decided to switch to a competitor from Southwest, the airline said, their No. 1 complaint was dissatisfaction with open seating.

The research is clear and indicates that 80% of Southwest customers, and 86% of potential customers, prefer an assigned seat, the airline said in a statement. By moving to an assigned seating model, Southwest expects to broaden its appeal and attract more flying from its current and future customers.

Read more: Swanky airport lounges are arriving at LAX, like this Chase one. But who can get in?

Currently, Southwest passengers are grouped into boarding positions based on the order of check-in, with some exceptions. This means those who check in for their flight early are rewarded by being able to get on the plane  and snag a preferred seat  before other passengers.

It's a practice that many budget-conscious, but still comfort-inclined Southwest fliers appreciated.

In 2006, the airline abandoned a plan to assign seats after a trial run and customer surveys revealed that travelers preferred open seating. Keeping open seating was also more efficient. Assigned seating increased boarding time by one to four minutes, the airline said at the time.

The change will enable the company to make more for premium seats. Southwest said it was working on an updated cabin design, with roughly one-third of seats offering extended legroom.

Although our unique open seating model has been a part of Southwest Airlines since our inception, our thoughtful and extensive research makes it clear this is the right choice  at the right time  for our Customers, our People, and our Shareholders," Bob Jordan, Southwest's president, chief executive and vice chairman of the board, said in a statement.

Southwest did not specify when the seat changes will go into effect. Some Southwest fans took to social media to decry the move to assigned seats, saying that it was enough to make them abandon the budget-friendly brand. Others said they always hated having to hunt for an open seat.

But at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday, many passengers seemed unfazed by the policy change.

Jim Kingsley navigated a luggage cart stacked high with bags for him and his family, having just arrived in Los Angeles after a long flight from Minneapolis.

It's Southwest's inexpensive checked bag policy, not seating, that has earned his business. "Otherwise we'd be carrying all these," he joked.

Southwest, he said, seems safer and friendlier than other airlines. It doesn't surprise customers with unexpected fees and offers flights at what Kingsley said is a good value for his family.

"As far as airlines go, Southwest has got it going on," he said.

The company, long one of the nations most profitable airlines, has struggled financially in recent years. Costs  including wages, goods and maintenance  have risen across the airline industry in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The problem for Southwest is that its revenue has been much slower to rise than for its competitors, said Edward Russell, a freelance transport and aviation writer.

Read more: Blazing temperatures make soda cans explode on Southwest Airlines, injuring flight attendants

"Airlines that offer premium products and large loyalty programs including American, United and Delta have done much better," he said. "The changes we're seeing from Southwest are basically an attempt to boost revenue to keep up with the rise in costs."

Estimates from Wall Street analysts indicate that assigned seating could result in as much as $2 billion per year in additional revenue for the airline. This comes at a time when Southwest has been grappling with pressure from investors to boost revenue, Russell said.

On Thursday, Southwest reported that its profit in the second quarter of 2024 dropped more than 46% from a year earlier to $367 million.

"Our second-quarter performance was impacted by both external and internal factors and fell short of what we believe we are capable of delivering, Jordan said.

"We are taking urgent and deliberate steps to mitigate near-term revenue challenges and implement longer-term transformational initiatives that are designed to drive meaningful top and bottom-line growth.

It's unlikely that the seating switch-up will dramatically raise prices for travelers, but those who want to sit at the front of the plane or enjoy the view at a window seat should expect to pay more as they do on other airlines, Russell said.

Read more: Airlines will now be required to give automatic refunds for canceled and delayed flights

Tomi Munoz and Steven Romero, who flew Southwest from Denver to Los Angeles for a vacation Thursday morning, said they'd like to see the airline maintain low ticket prices. The frequent travelers said they've never had an issue with the open seating policy.

"It depends on who you are as a traveler," said Munoz, 22, adding that anxious fliers might get some relief by knowing exactly where they're going to be sitting on the plane.

But Munoz and Romero don't worry about that.

"We end up sitting with each other anyway," Romero, 23, said.

Destinee Gary, 25, said Southwest's current seating arrangement enables her to avoid loud groups or potentially disruptive children during the flight. Gary, who has flown only once before, prefers to scope out the situation on a plane before committing to a spot.

But she said an increase in ticket prices would be the real deal-breaker.

"If it costs more," she asked, "then why not fly American?"

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Man, 25, dies after being shot multiple times on South Side

Man, 25, dies after being shot multiple times on South Side

CHICAGO  A 25-year-old man has died after being shot multiple times on the citys South Side.

The shooting happened around 1:43 a.m. Thursday in the 6100 block of South King Drive in the Washington Park neighborhood.

Police said a 25-year-old man was in the alley when he got into an argument with someone he knew.

According to police, the offender took out a handgun and shot the man multiple times.

Police said the victims family began to drive him to the hospital, when they flagged down police.

The man was treated on scene by the Chicago Fire Department and transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

15-year-old Round Lake Beach girl shot, killed

No one is in custody. Area One Detectives are investigating.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  The FOX 8 I-Team has found a man suspected of killing a Cleveland police officer now accused of causing a disturbance in jail and fighting with corrections officers.

A spokesperson tells us, last weekend, guards had to use pepper spray to control Delawnte Hardy inside the Cuyahoga County Jail.

Meanwhile, Hardy, at this point, has no chance at all to get out of jail before trial.

Wednesday, a Cuyahoga County judge held a short hearing on a push by prosecutors to keep Hardy locked up even in the unlikely chance he could post his bond which has been set at $10 million.

Video: Teens yell, swear and spit on officers outside Euclid church festival

Lawyers appeared, but Hardy did not. A defense attorney explained Hardy was not there pending an evaluation.

Investigators say Hardy shot and killed Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter, as well as shot and killed his own grandmother.

At the hearing on Wednesday, police filled the room and the crowd included the Cleveland police chief.

Cuyahoga County prosecutors had filed a request to take away any chance Hardy could get out before trial, and they did not get an argument.

My understanding is the defense will not be objecting to this, subject to reconsideration at a later time, Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Kevin Filiatraut said.



At this point in time, I do not oppose the states motion of no bond. At this point in time, defense attorney Russell Tye said.

Arrest made in Alexa Stakely death

While lawyers spoke of an evaluation, they didnt say specifically a mental health check. But, Hardys family has said hes had mental health issues.

Defense lawyers did not return phone calls.

As for the incident in the jail, a spokesperson said in an email that a jail corporal opened the cell to allow Hardy to take a shower. Then, he stepped out and ran.

He was stopped quickly by corrections officers. A brief struggle ensued and OC spray was deployed. Inmate was secured and taken to receive medical care, he was cleared medically and returned to his cell.

One corrections officer suffered a minor injury.

Prosecutors could still decide to seek the death penalty for the two murders.

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A man accused of stealing a medical stretcher from a funeral home in Paulding County has been tied to the theft of another stretcher from a funeral home in Acworth.

Acworth police have issued an arrest warrant for Michael Christopher Johnson, 56, of Valrico, Florida for theft.

He currently has outstanding warrants from the City of Acworth for felony entering automobile, misdemeanor theft by taking, and misdemeanor criminal trespass and damage to property.

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Police said Johnson was identified as the suspect after they reviewed surveillance footage and Flock cameras following a mortuary stretcher being stolen from a vehicle at Georgia Funeral Care on May 8.

Detectives identified Johnson as being involved in multiple similar crimes in other cities.

Johnson is accused of stealing a stretcher from Bensons Funeral Home in Dallas, Georgia on May 6. Multiple cameras captured the van on the property.

He was later seen back in Dallas trying to sell the equipment.

TRENDING STORIES:

Channel 2s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell spoke to Lindsey Eberhart Fuller, the director of Benson Funeral Home, who said that the situation is sad and frustrating.

It looks like on the video that he knew what he was looking for, Fuller said. He knew what he was coming for.

Fuller said Benson Funeral Home has more than one stretcher, but they are family-owned and pride themselves on their valuable service.

It could have and it does impact our efficiency with being able to respond to deaths. These families call on us and need us.

Fuller thinks Johnson should own up to what he did and return the items he stole.

Johnson is also wanted in at least one more Georgia county for a similar crime. He may be driving a silver Chrysler van with Florida tag PM759X.

Anyone with information on Johnson is urged to contact the Acworth Police Department at 770-974-1232.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
A Las Vegas man was charged with 22 criminal counts related to threatening to kill federal judges and other officials in New York and Washington, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

Spencer Gear allegedly sent multiple threatening phone calls and emails threatening to kill judges and other federal employees between last November and this month, according to federal prosecutors. He was charged with 10 counts of threatening a federal official and 12 counts of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure.

While court documents do not disclose the names of the judges threatened, the initials given appear to identify two judges associated with former President Trumps legal cases; Judge Lewis Kaplan, who oversaw two civil trials against Trump in New York, and Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw his New York criminal trial.

Politico reported that Gear also sent threats to five district court judges in Washington: Beryl Howell, Reggie Walton, Christopher Cooper, Jia Cobb and Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.

The citizens we rely on to serve the public must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts and threats of violence targeting public servants, and we will stop at nothing to find and bring to justice those responsible.

Gear trial is scheduled for Sept. 24. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 10 years for each count of threatening a federal official and five years for each count of transmitting a threat.

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Authorities are searching for a suspect accused of a brutal assault at an MBTA station.

According to Transit Police, Shaquille O. Manago viciously beat an elderly homeless man around 3 a.m. at Ashmont Station on July 10.

The condition of the victim is unclear at this time.

Anyone with information about Managos whereabouts is asked to call police at 617-222-1050.

No further information was immediately available.

Wanted by TPD: Do you know the whereabouts of this individual? We allege he viciously beat an elderly homeless male on 7/10 3AM #MBTA Ashmont Station. Contact our CIU at 617-222-1050 w/any info. If seen call 911 or 617-222-1212. TY pic.twitter.com/FxoFnJhg7Z  MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) July 24, 2024

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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BEDFORD PARK, The Bronx (PIX11)  A man is accused of stealing laptops and electronics from a Bronx school before the end of the school year, according to the NYPD.

It happened on June 13 at a school on Grand Concourse in Bedford Park. The suspect allegedly broke into the school around 9 a.m. and stole the electronics, according to authorities.

More Local News

The man fled the scene in an unknown direction. He was last seen wearing a tan t-shirt, black sweatpants, white sneakers and a lime green construction vest, per police.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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Man arrested after allegedly threatening to kill Muscogee Co. sheriff and employees

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  A man was arrested after he allegedly threatened to kill the sheriff and Muscogee County Sheriffs Office employees, according to MCSO.

The sheriffs office says it received the threatening phone calls at about 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Investigators identified the suspect as wanted man, James Burditt.

Burditt was arrested at 8 p.m. According to MCSO, Burditt had a knife and did not comply with the verbal commands of deputies during the arrest.

The sheriffs office says a Conducted Electrical Weapon was used to incapacitate Burditt. One common example of a CEW is a taser.

Burditt was taken into custody without further incident on these outstanding charges:

Felony Terroristic Threats (Muscogee County Sheriffs Office)

Bench Warrant for Battery Family Violence (Harris County Sheriffs Office)

Burditt was also charged with obstruction. MCSO says additional charges may be pending.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The Kansas Bureau of Investigation secured an arrest warrant for a 46-year-old man from Minneapolis who had allegedly fired multiple rounds in a public park in Minneapolis and was shot by KHP troopers in June.

According to the KBI, the man was arrested by Wichita Police Department officers as he was released from a local hospital late Wednesday morning.

Great Bend man charged with felony sex crimes that allegedly happened at city pool

He was arrested on an Ottawa County warrant on suspicion of attempted capital murder and attempted second-degree murder and taken to the Mitchell County Jail. His first appearance will be on July 26.

KSN News does not identify suspects unless charges are filed in their case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The man arrested in connection with a lockdown at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith on July 22 has pleaded not guilty, according to court documents.

John West, 34 (Courtesy: Sebastian County Detention Center)

John West, 34, was booked in the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 22 on commercial burglary, felony theft, and impairing the operation of a vital public facility charges.

Wests public defender filed a motion for fitness to proceed after he was arraigned by video on Wednesday. He reportedly muttered and grumbled throughout the proceeding, according to the filing.

The filing also said West interrupted the judge and attorneys by repeating the same words and speaking nonsensically.

Wests mother said he was involuntarily committed twice in Louisiana and is on multiple medications that are commonly used to treat psychiatric conditions. When he does not take them he frequently experiences paranoid fits where he believes people are out to kill him, his mother said in the filing.

Fort Smith police identify man arrested in connection with Mercy Hospital lockdown

His public defender ordered an evaluation of his mental capacity to proceed with the case.

West has also been ordered to have no contact with the physician and has been banned from all Mercy properties in Sebastian County.

A news release from the Fort Smith Police Department said West was found in a box in the corner of an education classroom at Mercy Hospital by multiple search teams from local, state and federal agencies after a more than three-hour-long search.

West reportedly pointed a water pistol that was painted black to look like a firearm at a security guard after he was confronted at the hospital.

Police said that West was in possession of a physicians laptop and tablet.

During his arraignment, Wests bond was set for $50,000. His trial date has been set for December 9.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
BRISBANE, Australia, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/  Allianz Partners Australia proudly expands its collaboration with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to offer travel insurance to Australian customers integrated in the Singapore Airlines online purchase path. This advancement builds on the existing retail product allowing for a more seamless purchase process and enhanced overall experience for Singapore Airlines passengers in Australia, and will be live from July 2024.

With the new integrated purchase model, eligible travellers can request an immediate insurance quote for their travelling party based on the flight details entered on the SIA website. Passengers can then choose to purchase insurance either during the booking process or via the Manage Booking feature after the flight booking is made.

Damien Arthur, Executive Head of Travel at Allianz Partners Australia, hailed the partnership as a significant milestone. "This collaboration represents a strategic leap forward in our longstanding relationship with Singapore Airlines. Integrating the travel insurance option during flight bookings simplifies the process for Singapore Airlines' customers. We are excited to leverage our global expertise and innovative solutions to deliver top-tier travel insurance that complements Singapore Airlines' commitment to excellence."

The partnership extension to the Australian market enhances the visibility of the Allianz Partners brand and increases accessibility to travel insurance quotes. Eligible passengers can now conveniently include travel insurance while purchasing flights, allowing assistance throughout their journey should something go wrong.

Allianz Partners and Singapore Airlines announced a global partnership in January 2022. The rollout launched in Singapore, Switzerland, and Germany, and has now expanded further into key APAC countries. Under the partnership, SIA customers in 28 high-growth markets can choose from a range of insurance products covering travel, security, and health.

To book flights with Singapore Airlines, visit www.singaporeair.com/ and for full details on what's covered in the Integrated Travel Insurance, read the Product Disclosure Statement https://www.magroup-online.com/SAS/AU/EN/SIAIntegratedPDS.pdf

Singapore Airlines Limited ABN 52 001 056 195 AR 1296533 arranges this insurance as authorised representative for AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631 trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA). AGA issues and manages travel insurance as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz). Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply.

Story continues

About Allianz Partners

Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, automotive and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Our products are embedded seamlessly into our partners' businesses or sold directly to customers and are available through two commercial brands in Australia: Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Care. Present in over 75 countries, our 19,400 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 58 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer assistance to our customers around the world.

For more information, please visit www.allianzpartners.com.au.

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SOURCE Allianz Partners Australia
Man arrested in Orange Cove with gun stolen from San Francisco, police say

ORANGE COVE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A man has been arrested after police found a stolen firearm in his vehicle in Orange Cove, the citys police department said.

Officers say they issued a traffic stop on Tuesday around 8 p.m. due to the vehicle having an expired registration.

Police say they also found out the driver, 26-year-old Yair Garza, was unlicensed. During a search of the vehicle, they located a loaded 9mm Glock firearm, which was later determined to have been stolen out of San Francisco.

According to the police department, Garza was taken into custody and booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of possession of stolen property and other charges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Officials said a man was arrested and charged with arson in connection with the Watch Fire, which burned over 2,000 acres of land across the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

Tuesday afternoon, the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Keanu Dude, was arrested by the San Carlos Apache Police Department and the Tribe's Game and Fish Rangers. Officials said Dude was a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

"It saddens me deeply that a member of our Tribe has been charged with starting this fire that devastated our community," San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler said in a statement. "Arson is a senseless act that will never be tolerated under any circumstance. I am thankful for the swift and thorough investigation by tribal and federal law enforcement that has resulted in an arrest."

According to officials, Dude lived in the Gilson Wash District and had a history of assault and domestic violence charges. He was being held at the San Carlos Adult Detention & Rehabilitation Center.

Officials said the case was still under investigation.

The Watch Fire started on July 10 as a small brush fire. High winds from a thunderstorm caused the fire to rapidly spread in all directions. San Carlos Apache Tribe officials said the fire destroyed 21 homes, forced more than 400 members of the Tribe to evacuate the area and left 73 unsheltered. The fire was 100% contained as of July 18.

"While thankfully no one was injured, many face extreme hardship, losing their homes and all their possessions and were left with only the clothes on their back," Rambler said. "It is imperative that everyone in our Tribe work together to overcome this criminal act and rebuild our community stronger and better than ever."

The Tribe is accepting monetary donations towards rebuilding homes and infrastructure. More details on how to donate can be found here.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man charged with arson in connection to Watch Fire
A man who broke into Los Angeles Mayor Karen Basss home earlier this year will avoid jail time in favor of a suspended sentence and mandatory drug abuse and mental health treatment.

Ephraim Matthew Hunter, 29, was arrested in April after breaking into the Getty House, the official residence of L.A.s mayor located in Hancock Park. Bass and her family were in the home during the break-in, but no one was injured.

Hunter was arrested and charged with felony vandalism and first-degree residential burglary, though the latter charge was later dropped. On Wednesday, Hunter pleaded no contest to the vandalism charge and also admitted to having a prior conviction and prison sentence for armed robbery.

As part of his plea agreement, the L.A. man will be placed on two years of probation and will need to undergo at least three months of drug abuse and mental health treatment before spending several more months in a halfway home. Hell also have to pay restitution of more than $15,000.

Additionally, hes also been ordered to stay away from Bass, her home and Los Angeles City Hall for three years, according to the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office.

Hunter denied knowing that the home he had entered was the mayors, telling Jon Baird of KNX News that he was on a five-day methamphetamine binge, thought he was being pursued and entered the Getty House to hide.

Hunter told Baird that he was not targeting the mayor, adding that he is ineligible to vote and has no interest in politics.

The Getty House was originally built in 1921. It is the official residence of the Mayor of Los Angeles. Tom Bradley moved into the home at the beginning of his second term in 1977 and stayed there until he left office in 1993.

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A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder for allegedly carrying out a deadly drive-by shooting from the back of a city bus in San Francisco.

According to the San Francisco district attorney's office, the man, Jose Adrian Flores Garcia of San Francisco, was riding a Muni bus on June 18 around 11 p.m. when his victim and two of their friends got on the bus. The trio later got off at Mission Street and Silver Avenue and Flores Garcia remained aboard the bus, the district attorney's office said in a news release Tuesday.

After the trio got off the bus, prosecutors allege, Flores Garcia opened a bus window, stuck his arm out and shot at the victim. He then allegedly yelled at the bus driver to drive away from the scene.

When San Francisco police arrived, they found the unarmed victim, who later died from his injuries, according to the D.A.'s office. The San Francisco Medical Examiner's office identified the victim as 23-year-old San Francisco resident Alex Fernando Torres.

Authorities have not revealed a motive behind the shooting.

Read more: He came to L.A. 3 months ago with his young family. A ride on a Metro bus led to his death

Flores Garcia was arrested on July 18 after an investigation by San Francisco Police, according to the D.A.'s office. He was charged with murder and discharging a firearm from a moving vehicle, with the allegations that he committed a drive-by murder and personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, according to prosecutors.

I would like to offer my condolences to the victims family and friends, San Francisco Dist. Atty. Brooke Jenkins said in a statement. The cold-blooded killing and use of public transportation to flee the scene in this case is chilling. Although nothing we do can bring the victim back, my office will do everything in our power to fight for justice in this case.

Flores Garcia is scheduled to appear in court on July 30. Although charges have been filed against a suspect, prosecutors want the public to come forward with any tips about the shooting or the case. Contact the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 70-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man is facing charges following an eight hour standoff with police after a woman was found shot and killed inside a house off Blue Ridge Boulevard.

Jackson County prosecutors this week charged Juan Maiden with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action.

According to court documents, just after 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, Kansas City police officers responded to a shooting near Thompson and Booth Avenue. There was also a call to police that a woman had been shot inside the house at the same location.

When officers arrived on scene they were informed by two witnesses that the victim, identified as 54-year-old D L OHara, was inside the residence and was shot by Maiden, who was still inside.

Man arrested after three-and-a-half-hour standoff in Kansas City

KCPD officers were able to break out a window and enter the residence where they located the victim in the hallway. The victim had an apparent gunshot wound to her head, according to court documents.

The victim was taken to North Kansas City Hospital by ambulance where she was later pronounced dead.

A witness who was with the victim inside the home stated she was with the victim and Maiden. The witness said Maiden entered the room and shot the victim unprovoked with a handgun.

Court documents say the witness then attacked Maiden to defend the victim which led to a physical altercation and was able to knock the gun out of Maidens hand. The witness then grabbed a nearby computer printer and began beating the suspect over the head with it before realizing the gun was un the ground. The witness grabbed the weapon and attempted to shoot Maiden but the gun was empty.

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During a standoff with the suspect, officers located Maiden in the basement suffering from injuries to his had and face. He also appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, according to court documents.

Maiden made his first court appearance Thursday in Jackson County court.

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Man Charged With Murder After 18-Year-Old He'd Dated Is Found Dead In Bed Of His Truck

A Tennessee man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly killing an 18-year-old and going on the run, the Knoxville Police Department announced.

Juan Carlos Diaz Perez, 20, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Suceli Perez, whose body was found in the bed of his truck, according to a press release.

Investigation began Monday when police said they received a report that a man had gravely injured his girlfriend at a home. Officers who arrived at the residence found evidence of a potentially deadly assault, but neither the victim nor the suspect was there, the press release said.

Suceli Perez is shown in a photo, via GoFundMe. GoFundMe

According to police, Diaz Perez fled the scene in his white pickup truck, which was later found with Perezs body but without Diaz Perez. Preliminary investigation indicated that she died of blunt force trauma.

U.S. Marshals then located Diaz Perez at a local quarry, and he was taken into custody.

Jorge Portillo, Perezs uncle, told NBC affiliate WBIR that she and Diaz Perez were no longer romantically involved, but that Diaz Perez had called her Monday to tell her that he was sick. Portillo believed it was a trap to get his niece to Diaz Perezs home.

Its unclear whether Diaz Perez has legal representation at this time. The Knox County District Attorneys Office did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Perez leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter, according to a GoFundMe page started by Portillo. Her family is raising money to transport Perezs remains to her home country of Honduras.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-866-331-9474 or text loveis to 22522 for the National Dating Abuse Helpline.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Jackson County Prosecutors Office filed charges earlier this week in connection with a deadly shooting that happened in Independence in June.

Antonio Catalan-Sharr, 23, of Kansas City, has been charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action in the shooting death of Donnie M. Kirkland Jr., 20, of Independence, on June 5.

One man dead after early morning shooting in Kansas City

Independence police said that at 12:50 p.m. on June 5, officers were sent to the area of Sundown Drive and Claremont Avenue  located less than a block south of Highway 24  on a report of a shooting.

Officers found Kirkland, who had been shot outside of an apartment, and a few hours later, IPD reported he had died at a hospital.

Catalan-Sharr is in the Jackson County jail with a cash bond set at $250,000. He has a bond review hearing set for July 31.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Shawnee County District Attorneys Office has filed charges against a man who is accused of killing a woman in a domestic violence incident.

Wednesday, Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay has officially charged 32-year-old Demetris Gadson with the following charges:

Count 1: Murder in the Second Degree- Intentional

Count 2: Cruelty to Animals- Maliciously Kill or Injure

Gadsons bond is currently set for $750,000. He is expected to appear in court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2024.

Kansas Democratic Party endorses Kamala Harris for Presidential nominee

The Topeka Police Department (TPD) investigated an aggravated battery incident that resulted in Topekas 10th homicide of this year. Around 6 a.m. Friday, July 19, police responded to a domestic disturbance call at the 1300 block of Southwest Western Avenue, according to a news release from TPD.

Officers found one individual suffering from life-threatening injuries at the scene, who was later transported to a local hospital. After investigating, the deceased was identified as a 38-year-old Dedra L. Simmons, of Topeka. 32-year-old Demetris Gadson who police believed to be involved was taken into custody at the Law Enforcement Center to speak with TPD detectives.

For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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TRIGG COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN)  One suspect is facing charges after a high-speed chase that entered part of Trigg County, Kentucky, according to the sheriffs office.

A social media post from the Trigg County Sheriffs Office said that on July 22, deputies pursued a vehicle going at a high rate of speed near Hopson Store Road. The suspect was identified as Joseph Pierce of Princeton, Kentucky.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Deputies assisted the Caldwell County Sheriffs Office as the chase continued onto Blackhawk, with the driver disregarding construction equipment. Pierce allegedly disregarded multiple stop signs and drove through intersections at speeds over 80 miles per hour.

Once the chase entered Cerulean, the suspect left the roadway and traveled off-road before hitting a tree and coming to a stop. Deputies with the Trigg County Sheriffs Office were then able to place Pierce in custody.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Pierces charges include:

Wanton endangerment in the first degree

Reckless driving

DUI in the first degree

Resisting arrest

Disregarding stop sign, for which he faces multiple counts

Failure to wear a seat belt

No registration of plates

Failure of owner to maintain insurance

The Trigg County Sheriffs Office will continue to work with its neighboring counties to help maintain public safety for our communities, the post read, in part.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Google HQ in Mountain View, California. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Alphabet stock dropped Wednesday after earnings as Wall Street parsed mixed results.

Goldman Sachs said it was still bullish on the Google parent, and raised its 12-month price target.

The bank said it considers the search giant a prime AI trade.

Alphabet stock slid Wednesday as investors digested second-quarter results that beat earnings estimates but fell short in other key areas.

The mixed results sent the stock down 5% in Wednesday afternoon trading, but Goldman Sachs analysts say they remain optimistic about the company's artificial intelligence opportunities.

Last quarter, the company saw earnings per share of $1.89 versus estimates of $1.85. Yet, ad revenue from YouTube was weaker than Wall Street expected, at $8.66 billion versus estimates of $8.95 billion. Capital expenditures in the quarter were also higher than expected, at $13.2 billion.

Goldman Sachs was upbeat in its analysis, raising Alphabet's price target from $211 to $217 in a note after the company released earnings. That represents a 25% increase from Wednesday afternoon's price of $172.80.

Goldman says its optimism comes largely from Alphabet's AI opportunity.

"While we cannot refute the continued investor debate around the future of search, we continue to believe that Alphabet is positioned as an AI first company," the analysts noted, adding that the company has existing applications into which it can further integrate its AI tools.

Investors on Tuesday's earnings call seemed worried, though, about the return on such heavy investment in AI. Alphabet's executives fielded numerous questions on the monetization of AI initiatives, including its AI-generated search result summaries and AI integration into it cloud business.

The executives provided no hard numbers and emphasized that the tech giant's AI ambitions will produce long-term returns.

It's "something which I think will end up being a big driver over time," Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said regarding AI's integration into its cloud unit.

Pichai also said the company has "over 2 million developers playing around with these things."

Goldman's analysts aren't phased by the potentially long timeline for gains from AI to materialize, but say they expect investors to continue focusing on the future of search, operating margin outcomes, and long-term investments in data centers and technical infrastructure to fuel AI.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Man guilty of murder for shooting mother in front of her children before crash, Sacramento DA says

A jury on Wednesday found a man guilty of first-degree murder for shooting a woman in the head as she drove a vehicle with her children in the back seat before it crashed into the Sacramento River, prosecutors said.

Mandiko Rahsaan Kwadzo, 30, was convicted in the 2020 fatal shooting of Carliena Clayton, 23, the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office announced Thursday.

The murder charge also had an enhancement for using a gun in Claytons death. The jury also found Kwadzo guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a gun.

Sacramento County sheriffs officials have said homicide detectives determined Kwadzo and Clayton were in a domestic relationship and had children in common.

The deadly shooting occurred on the evening of July 27, 2020. Earlier that night, West Sacramento police officers responded to a report of shots fired inside a home. Moments later, a witness reported seeing Clayton and Kwadzo arguing in the driveway of that home, prosecutors said.

Then, Clayton was seen getting into a vehicle with her four small children, along with Kwadzo in the front passenger seat as she drove away. The West Sacramento officers arrived at the home and discovered evidence indicating a shooting had occurred there.

The vehicle crash involving Clayton, Kwadzo and the four children was reported later that night about 9:30 p.m. in the Sacramento River near Elk Grove. Sheriffs officials said the vehicle was spotted leaving the road along the 8700 block of River Road.

Prosecutors said a witness at nearby Cliffs Marina told authorities he heard a gunshot followed by a vehicle crashing into the river. He called a friend, and they both headed to crash site. When they arrived, they found Claytons vehicle partially submerged in the river.

Kwadzo was standing on the rivers edge not doing anything to help, according to the District Attorneys Office.

The two men who went to help looked in the vehicle and found Clayton unresponsive in the drivers seat with her four children in the back seat. Prosecutors said Claytons oldest child, a 6-year-old boy, had already unbuckled all their seat belts except for his youngest sibling, a 2-year-old still in her child safety seat. The two men got the children out of the vehicle.

California Highway Patrol officers found Clayton did not have a pulse and was bleeding from her head. Prosecutors said that authorities at the time believed the crash was an accident until Claytons oldest child told officers Kwadzo shot his mother.

Officers took Kwadzo into custody. Investigators later determined Clayton suffered two gunshot wounds to her head. Authorities never found the gun used to kill her.

Prosecutors said Kwadzo faces a maximum sentence of 53 years to life in prison. A sentencing hearing for Kwadzo is scheduled for Sept. 6 in Sacramento Superior Court. He remained in custody Thursday at the Sacramento County Main Jail.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was at the scene of a shooting that happened Wednesday night in Southeast D.C.

MPD said the incident took place in the 1800 block of Marion Barry Avenue SE. There, a man had been shot.

Car hits, kills construction worker in Alexandria

He was unconscious, but breathing. Police said he was taken to the hospital for treatment.

As of 8:30 p.m., there was no suspect information available.

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Man pleads guilty in connection with 2 overdose deaths in Centre County, facing years in prison

A man pleaded guilty Wednesday to supplying the drugs that led to the deaths of two women in Spring Township, Centre Countys top prosecutor said.

Timothy J. King, 38, of Westmoreland County, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of drug delivery resulting in death, Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna said Thursday. His trial was scheduled to begin Wednesday.

King is expected to be sentenced to five to 10 years in state prison, Cantorna said. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 3. A message left Thursday with his defense lawyer was not immediately returned.

King was one of two men charged with causing the womens deaths. The charges filed against Jonathan M. Baird, 40, of State College, are pending.

Linda Trefelner, 59, and Renee Hillen, 33, were found in cardiac arrest in March 2022, Spring Township police wrote in an affidavit of probable cause. Trefelner died of fentanyl toxicity, while Hillen died of a multi-drug overdose.

Trefelner was Bairds mother and Hillen was his fiance.

Trefelner, according to her obituary, was employed as a registered nurse. She was remembered as a truly devoted, loving, and caring wife, mother and grandmother.

Hillen was employed at Gabriel Brothers at the Nittany Mall, according to her obituary. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially while fishing, and dancing.

A search of Bairds phone revealed conversations about purchasing drugs, police wrote. When pressed by an officer, Baird said he last bought drugs from King the day before the women overdosed, police wrote.

King posted bail and is free pending his sentencing. Baird is incarcerated in a state prison, Cantorna said.
An 18-year-old man on Thursday pleaded not guilty to an attempted carjacking after targeting an unmarked government vehicle containing two members of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayors security detail.

Kentrell Flowers was arrested earlier this month after approaching the driver-side door of the unmarked car, which was parked on Sotomayors block in Washington, D.C., and pointing a firearm at the window.

One of two deputy U.S. Marshals in the car shot Flowers about four times, hitting him in the mouth, before then giving him first aid, according to court documents. He was transported to the hospital for treatment and placed under arrest.

Flowers pleaded not guilty to all six counts he faces, including assaulting law enforcement with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license. He appeared in court Thursday, wearing an orange jumpsuit and blue surgical mask over his mouth, though his lawyer spoke on his behalf.

Sotomayor is not mentioned in Flowerss court filings and theres no indication the attack targeted her. Two other unknown suspects were involved in the carjacking attempt, one of whom fled the scene in a stolen minivan and a second who fled on foot, prosecutors said.

In court filings, Flowerss lawyer stressed that the teen did not know the vehicle he targeted was government property and has no prior criminal history. He has said Flowers is only a few credits away from graduating high school and has been unable to see his first child, who was born shortly after the incident.

Flowerss family has also attended his court proceedings to show support.

As a result of the alleged conduct, Mr. Flowers was shot in the mouth and almost died. There could not be a more shocking experience for an 18 year old, Maria Jacob, the public defender representing Flowers, contended in court filings. This experience will undoubtedly deter him from violating any conditions of release or repeating any alleged conduct.

Prosecutors, however, said that the sheer nature of Flowerss conduct, aided by two other unknown suspects, and his possession of a loaded firearm required his detention pending trial.

Simply stated, there are no conditions or combination of conditions which would ensure the safety of our community, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory Cole wrote in court papers.

Previously, U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya granted prosecutors request to detain Flowers ahead of trial, finding that he posed a danger to the community.

At a hearing last week, Upadhyaya noted she had reviewed countless cases of armed carjackings in the nations capital, calling it a growing, serious problem.

There have been several high-profile carjackings in the nations capital in the last year, with victims including U.S. Rep Henry Cuellar of Texas (D) and a United Arab Emirates diplomat. The attempted break-in of an unmarked Secret Service vehicle last year also caused agents protecting President Bidens granddaughter to open fire, though no one was struck.

This one, I suspect, will stand out to me for a long time, Upadhyaya said at the hearing.

Zach Schonfeld contributed.

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A man was attacked by a female grizzly in northern B.C., but he remembered a story he'd heard about another person in a similar situation and fought back. (Alan Rogers/Casper Star-Tribune/The Associated Press - image credit)

A B.C. cyclist is recovering after a run-in with a grizzly and two cubs that ended with the bear getting punched in the face.

According to conservation officer Matthew Corbett, a man was riding his bike along a forested trail next to Anderson Flats Provincial Park in northwest B.C. when he surprised a female grizzly and her two cubs in a clearing.

"The bear just immediately charged him, knocked him down," Corbett said.

But the man put his bike between himself and the bear, which prevented him from being hurt as the bear continued to make contact with the bike.

And then, he did something unexpected: he punched the bear in the face.

"He told me that he remembered hearing a story on CBC at some point where a man punched a bear in the nose to get it off of him," Corbett said.

That story, which was published online in 2017, centred around a Vancouver Island man who, similarly, punched a grizzly in the face while he was being attacked.

Corbett said the man in this most recent situation "swung as hard as he could," which prompted the bear to run off into the bush. The man was able to ride his bike out of the park and catch a ride home from other park users, Corbett said.

Corbett, who has been a conservation officer for 13 years, said this is the first time he's heard of someone punching a grizzly in the face.

"This situation is really unique, I'd say," he said.

A Grizzly bear at the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove, British Columbia on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

A grizzly bear is pictured at the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove, B.C., on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

And while punching a bear worked for this particularly lucky cyclist, the advice for grizzly encounters does not include winding up and slugging the animals, which can grow to as large as 500 kilograms, according to the province.

Parks Canada said the best way to handle a bear attack is to avoid an encounter altogether by making noise near streams, berry patches and other areas bears may frequent. It also says people should travel in groups and use officially marked paths.

The federal agency also suggests carrying bear spray.

If a grizzly bear does attack, Parks Canada said your reaction should depend on whether the animal is defensive or not.

If it's defensive, for example, it's protecting its young, Parks Canada says you should:

Appear non-threatening and speak in a calm voice.

If the bear stops advancing, start slowly moving away.

If it keeps coming closer, stand your ground, keep talking, and use bear spray.

If the bear makes contact, fall on the ground, play dead and wait for the bear to leave.

If it's not defensive, potentially looking at you as prey, looking at you intently with ears up, Parks Canada suggests:

Speak in a firm voice and move out of the bear's path.

If it follows you, stop and stand your ground.

Make lots of loud noise.

Act aggressively; try to intimidate the bear.

If it gets close, use bear spray.

Corbett said the man is recovering from minor injuries he got when he crashed his bike but was not hurt by the bear.
Man who says he invented Flamin Hot Cheetos sues Frito-Lay for denying he created snack

Man who says he invented Flamin Hot Cheetos sues Frito-Lay for denying he created snack

A former Frito-Lay janitor has filed a lawsuit against PepsiCo, the snack firms parent company, for denying he is the creator of its popular Flamin Hot Cheetos.

Richard Montanez has long claimed he invented the spicy snack while working at Frito-Lay in Southern California.

His rags to riches story garnered him a book deal, titled Flamin Hot: The Incredible True Story of One Mans Rise from Janitor to Top Executive, and the biopic Flamin Hot directed by Eva Longoria.

However, Frito-Lay has repeatedly denied that Montanez was involved in the creation of Flamin Hot Cheetos, going so far as to call his story an urban legend.

Now, Montanez has accused the company of engaging in a smear campaign against him. In a lawsuit filed on July 18 in California Superior Court, the motivational speaker said he is the victim of fraud, racial discrimination, defamation, and violations of Californias unfair competition law.

The filing made reference to a 2021 Los Angeles Times article, in which former Frito-Lay product development employees said no one could recall Montanez pitching a spicy snack that could cater to the Hispanic community.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Montanez referred to the article as defamatory and claimed that the companys comments have since taken a devastating toll on his motivational speaking career.

Montanez was reportedly earning up to $50,000 per speaking engagement, but lost numerous partnerships and saw a significant decrease in bookings since the articles publication  having booked just four speaking engagements this year.

Defendants false statements concerning Mr. Montanez have made the public, and potential business partners, distrustful of him and his narrative. His livelihood, and mental health, have directly suffered as result, the lawsuit read.

Richard Montanez attends Hulu screening of Eva Longorias Flamin Hot in Los Angeles, California, on June 2, 2023 (Getty Images for Hulu)

The lawsuit also detailed Montanezs version of the creation of Flamin Hot Cheetos, in which he was working as a janitor at Frito-Lays warehouse in Rancho Cucamonga when he envisioned a chile-covered Cheeto.

In his memoir, released in 2021, Montanez claimed he later pitched the idea to leading executives at Frito-Lay, but was met with resistance from the research and development team while attempting to mass produce the snack.

Dissatisfied that Mr. Montanez  a poor, uneducated Mexican plant worker and janitor  had successfully developed a new product, Frito-Lays R&D personnel completely shut out Mr. Montanez from the development process, the lawsuit read. Only recently has it become clear that the discriminatory and hostile treatment that Mr. Montanez endured from Frito-Lays R&D group was intended to discourage or disadvantage the development of Mr. Montanezs spicy Cheetos in order to heavily favor the Midwest divisions formulation, spearheaded by more traditional R&D employees.

However, Frito-Lay has claimed to the Los Angeles Times that none of the companys records show Montanez was involved in any capacity in the Flamin Hot test market.

We have interviewed multiple personnel who were involved in the test market, and all of them indicate that Richard was not involved in any capacity in the test market, Frito-Lay told the outlet. Instead, the company credited a junior employee in Texas, Lynne Greenfeld, for coming up with the idea and name in 1989. She reportedly contacted Frito-Lay in 2018 after hearing Montanezs version, prompting an internal investigation.

I created Flamin Hot Cheetos not only as a product but as a movement and as a loyal executive for PepsiCo, Montanez said in a press release on July 22. PepsiCo believed in me as a leader because they knew people would follow me, and they did because they knew my soul is my community. We built this into a $2 billion industry, and I cannot let them take away my legacy or destroy my reputation. I will not let them silence me.

According to the lawsuit, Montanez is seeking a jury trial, damages, restitution, and an order preventing PepsiCo and Frito-Lay from claiming that he is not the creator of Flamin Hot Cheetos. A Frito-Lay spokesperson would not comment on pending litigation to the Los Angeles Times.

The Independent has contacted Frito-Lay for comment.
Man sentenced to 15 years in fatal DWI crash that killed 2 in Las Cruces

Man sentenced to 15 years in fatal DWI crash that killed 2 in Las Cruces

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 33-year-old Las Cruces man pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle and has been sentenced to serve 15 years in prison in the death of two people back in 2022, according to the Third Judicial District Attorneys Office in Las Cruces.

Nicholas Esteban Gurrola pleaded guilty of two counts of homicide by vehicle, one count of great bodily harm, leaving the scene of an accident and other charges related to a head-on collision that killed Enedina Jo Lara and Remy Sigala and left another person seriously injured.

According to the District Attorneys Office, Gurrola was sentenced to 19 years in prison, with four years suspended, for a total of a 15-year sentence.

2 women killed in head-on crash in Las Cruces

Las Cruces Police officers were called to a crash at 8:36 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2022, on the corner of Spruce Avenue and Virginia Street, according to the District Attorneys Office.

According to the District Attorneys Office, Gurrola was driving at a speed of over 75 mph when he veered into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into another vehicle traveling westbound on Spruce Avenue.

Gurrola was seen stumbling out of his vehicle and running away from the crash. Witnesses ran and detained Gurrola until police arrived, according to the District Attorneys Office.

The driver of the other vehicle, Enedina Jo Lara, and passenger Remy Sigala died at the scene, and a third passenger was flown to El Paso Medical Center with severe injuries, according to the District Attorneys Office.

According to the District Attorneys Office, a 2-year-old child in their car seat did not suffer injuries from the crash.

Gurrola failed a field sobriety test, and his vehicle had no proof of insurance, according to the District Attorneys Office.

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TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  A man was sentenced to 25 years in prison in connection with a deadly shooting that happened in March 2022 in southeast Austin.

Man arrested in connection to homicide near southeast Austin creek

Court documents said Zachariah Lopez pleaded guilty and was indicted on a murder charge in a shooting that left Jesse Robert Hernandez dead. The shooting happened on East Riverside Drive, near South Pleasant Valley Road.

The sentence for Lopez began on May 31, according to court documents. He has a jail credit of 816 days.

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(KRON)  A judge this week sentenced a retired engineer to serve 15 years in prison for shooting an unarmed college student who was crossing a San Jose street from an Airbnb.

The victim, a 21-year-old Black man, was visiting his friends Airbnb in the Berryessa neighborhood on Oct. 2, 2022. When he left the Airbnb to go buy a snack, the victim saw a stranger pointing a gun at him.

Mark Henry Waters, 68, shot the fleeing man, shattering his femur in several places, prosecutors said. As the victim fled, Waters yelled, So you think you can run? according to the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office.

A security video showed Waters pursuing the victim, pointing the gun, and shooting him in the street as he fled, back turned, SCCDAO said.

Waters, who is white, claimed in court that the gun went off accidentally. On March 7, a jury convicted Waters of assault with a semi-automatic firearm and other allegations.

At his sentencing hearing this week, Waters demanded that the judge sentence him to probation without prison time. The judge disagreed, and handed down a 15-year prison sentence.

This is a sensible verdict for a senseless crime, District Attorney Jeff Rosen said.

Gun violence in our community will be met with the severest criminal consequences. While this victim will not be healed by his attacker getting more than a decade in prison, we hope this serious sentence gives him and this county a sense of justice and relief that a dangerous person is off our streets.

San Jose couple IDd as Santa Cruz ocean drowning victims

The victim spent a week in the hospital and a month in a physical rehabilitation center recovering from his injuries. To this day, the victim has difficulty walking.

Both of the victims parents are athletes and running was a big part of his life. The victim told the judge that, because of the shooting, he can no longer run.

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(Bloomberg) -- A case alleging that Amazon.com Inc. exposed warehouse workers to injuries has been dismissed for lack of evidence, the company said in a statement Thursday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Washington state Department of Labor and Industries cited the e-commerce giant for setting rapid productivity targets that risked hurting employees working at multiple company facilities.

Amazon appealed the citations, which put the matter before the state Bureau of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Judge Stephen Pfeifer, who adjudicated a yearlong hearing, issued a ruling this week. The ruling wont be released to the public until next week because the state agency is reviewing it and redacting non-public information.

Amazon, which received an unredacted version of the ruling since its one of the parties involved, said the judge determined the state lacked sufficient evidence to support its allegations that the pace of work in Amazon warehouses is hazardous.

We appreciate that the court took a close look at the facts about how we prioritize employees health and safety, recognized the progress weve made, and vacated all the citations at the heart of this case, Amazon said in an emailed statement. The judges decision reinforces what weve said all along: Theres nothing more important than our employees health and safety.

Department of Labor and Industries spokesperson Matt Ross said the agency plans to appeal the decision. Our investigation showed that Amazon did not protect their workers, Ross said. We disagree both with the judges characterization of the facts and interpretation of the law.

The states case was based on investigations that began in 2021. Investigators spent three days observing more than 50 Amazon workers performing 12 tasks and found hazards in nearly every one. Employees surveyed by the inspectors said pushing through pain was the norm, with some 40% saying theyd experienced it in the previous seven days. Of those, two-thirds said they took medication to ease symptoms.

Based on the investigation, the labor department alleged 10-hour shifts with mandatory overtime and a rapid work pace put workers at risk of hurting their backs, shoulders, wrists and knees.

The ruling is a major victory for Amazon, which for years has been defending the safety of its warehouses in the face of growing government scrutiny. Federal regulators in 2022 cited Amazon for exposing workers to a range of musculoskeletal maladies and for failing to provide adequate medical treatment, which Amazon appealed.

Story continues

California, New York, Minnesota and several other states have passed or are considering new laws crafted to help prevent industry productivity quotas from interfering with legally required meal and rest breaks. The California Department of Industrial Relations issued two citations against Amazon in May, alleging the company violated the new law that took effect in 2022.

(Updates with comments from labor department spokesperson in the sixth paragraph.)

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Officials said the temperature at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes was approximately 123F around the time the man was rescued

National Park Service An image from a rescue after a man suffered full-thickness burns on his feet at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park on Saturday, July 20, 2024

A man who went for a walk in the sand dunes in Californias Death Valley is recovering after suffering third-degree burns to his feet, park officials said.

The National Park Service (NPS) said in a press release that the 42-year-old man from Belgium  who was not identified  had been taking a short walk in flip-flops in Death Valleys Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes on Saturday, July 20.

However, some time during this walk, park rangers said they believed he lost his shoes, though they were unsure whether his flip flops broke or were lost in sand due to communication challenges.

Park officials noted that the ground temperature in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes would have been hotter than the air temperature at the time, which had been approximately 123F. Due to this heat, the man eventually had to be rescued after suffering full-thickness burns on his feet.

Mario Tama/Getty Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California

Related: 2 People Missing, 2 Others Injured After Canoeing Over Minnesota Waterfall

The NPS said that once park rangers reached the 42-year-old man, they determined that he needed to be transported to a hospital quickly due to his burns and pain level. However, they had some difficulty as Mercy Airs helicopter wasnt able to land safely in the area due to the extreme heat conditions, which reduce rotor lift.

The man had to be transported by park rangers in an ambulance to a landing zone in a higher location, where the temperature was much lower at 109F, according to the NPS. Mercy Air eventually transported the man to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, where he was able to receive treatment.

Related: 35-Year-Old Man Seriously Injured After Surprise Grizzly Bear Attack in Grand Teton National Park

Park officials noted in their press release that they recommend Death Valley National Park visitors take several precautions when visiting the area during this time of the year. These include staying within a 10 minute walk of an air conditioned vehicle, not hiking after 10 a.m., drinking plenty of water and wearing a hat and sunscreen.

Mario Tama/Getty A 'Stop Extreme Heat Danger' sign at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California

The rescue comes after the NPS issued an extreme summer heat danger alert in effect for Death Valley, noting that travelers should expect high temperatures of 100F to 130F.

The NPS warned that people hiking or traveling in this area should minimize their time outside in heat and travel prepared to survive as cell phones do not work in most of the park.

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.

Along with the warning, the NPS also shared that people should plan ahead to prevent heat-related illnesses like heat rash and heat stroke, which can be dangerous as it could lead to brain damage or injure vital organs.

The NPS noted that peoples risk of getting heat-related illnesses rises with high humidity, high elevation and if a person does strenuous activities. They recommend that individuals experiencing heat-stroke call 9-1-1 or flag a ranger for help and cool down by splashing water on themselves or moving to a shaded area.

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Kyle Lara, who died by suicide in a Garfield County jail, and his daughter, now 13. (Courtesy of Lara family attorney, Ryan Dreveskracht)

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Family members of a man whose suicide went undiscovered in Garfield Countys jail for over 18 hours are calling for more oversight into local jails across Washington.

Kyle Laras parents settled a claim with the county, in an agreement approved by a state superior court judge on Monday. Garfield County has agreed to pay the Lara family $2.5 million, but Kyle Laras parents say the most important part of the agreement is the countys pledge to keep its jail closed until it meets state and federal regulations.

I believe if there was some kind of check and balance system  if the state even came in 10 years ago, and looked at this jail, [Kyles death] would have never happened, said David Lara, Kyle Laras father.

Garfield County closed its jail in March 2023, shortly after the Laras first filed a claim, because its insurance company said this is way too risky, people are going to die if they run the facility, according to the Laras attorney, Ryan Dreveskracht.

It wasnt out of the love of the sheriffs heart, he said, although he added that whatever their motives were, the county did the right thing.

Garfield County now contracts with Walla Walla and Whitman county jails. The Garfield County Sheriffs Office did not respond to a request for comment. A call to the Garfield County Board of Commissioners went unanswered.

Washington lawmakers recently considered a bill to establish a new jail oversight agency, but it didnt make it far during this years short legislative session. The legislation also came up against the fear of what it will take to renovate Washingtons aging and sometimes unsafe jails, said Sen. Rebecca Saldana, D-Seattle, who introduced the bill.

David Lara said that when he heard there wasnt local or state oversight of the Garfield County jail, it was unbelievable.

I was shocked, I was appalled, I was mad, he said, adding: Our state representatives in the area here too, where were all of them? No one came up to bat for us. Not one person.

Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy  the Lara familys local representative, who David Lara said has a good heart despite his frustration  told the Standard that she wasnt able to speak with David Lara, who goes to her church, while the lawsuit was ongoing, but hopes to reconnect soon.

We cant be closely involved because of ethics rules when a person has a pending court case, Dye said. I think that [David] was hoping for some legislation. Now that the suit has been settled and everything, maybe we can review that and look at what would make the system in our state safer for people.

Im sorry that we hadnt had a chance to talk in a long time, she said about David Lara.

Dye, at times getting emotional, agreed with the Lara family that Kyle Laras death impacted not just the family and their friends, but the whole community, as Pomeroy is a small town.

Saldana said she was heartbroken to hear about Kyle Laras death, and the situation shows why its critical that we dont back down and build the oversight agency, as well as a better system of mental health care in the states jails.

I will definitely be reintroducing this [legislation], she said. We have many jails that should be closed. They were built without knowledge about behavioral health, mental illnessthey were not built for addressing people in crisis.

Saldana said she was open to working with the Lara familys local representatives on her legislation. Dye said shes not committed to any one bill but always open to working with her colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Dye also pointed to bipartisan legislation she introduced to create a Washington State Commission of Men and Boys to address higher rates of incarceration and mental health issues among the states male residents.

An unfinished basement with no trained officers

The familys claim alleged Garfield County jail staff twice served food to Kyles corpse. The countys jail was not staffed by trained corrections officers, but by civilian dispatch officers, said Dreveskracht, who is also a board member of the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission.

This is an example of what happens when you have folks who masquerade as corrections officers, Dreveskracht said, adding that the commission trains corrections officers on suicide prevention, basic health care and other issues that could have prevented Kyle Laras death.

Saldana, one of four legislators on the 18-person Joint Legislative Task Force on Jail Standards that recommended the oversight agency, called the Garfield County Jail an unfinished basement.

We didnt visit but we did get a picture, Saldana said. It was alarming that we had a jail like that in existence in Washington state. It looks like a hundred years ago.

Left: Picture of Garfield County jail cell. Right: Food delivered to Kyle Lara after his death. (Ryan Dreveskracht/Galanda Broadman, PLLC)

Chanel Rhymes, director of advocacy at Northwest Community Bail Fund, said people would be offended if an animal was housed in many local jails in Washington, including in larger counties like King County.

Rhymes, whos been incarcerated herself, said incarcerated people often say theyd rather be in a state prison as opposed to a county jail. She pointed out that Washington jails have some of the highest death rates in the country. Most recently, a 43-year-old woman died on Wednesday in Snohomish Countys jail, the sixth death recorded there since last September.

Garfield County is an extreme, but theres an element of that in every single jail across the state, said Rhymes, who supports Saldanas legislation. Rhymes also wants to see the state allow people to leave jail without paying bail if theyre deemed safe to be in the community.

The cell where Kyle Lara died is housed in the basement of a courthouse built in 1901, according to the familys claim, which described the jail as having dungeon-like conditions of confinement that are intolerable in any civilized society.

David Lara said that aside from the jails conditions, the county failed to adequately screen his son for his mental health and substance-use disorder treatment needs, which Washingtons jails have long come under scrutiny for. The Lara family believes that Kyle Lara would have been diverted to a behavioral health facility if he received proper care.

All this stuff was documented while he was incarcerated before, but no one followed through on any of that mental health [care] he received while he was incarcerated, David Lara said. The medications they had him on, they just stop itYou just cant do that to people.

The Lara family said the funds from the settlement will help provide for the future of their 13-year-old granddaughter  Kyle Laras daughter. Shes currently seeing a grief counselor: A rare person in the system who truly helped us, David Lara said. He wishes his child could have received the same kind of thoughtful care his granddaughter is getting now.

Kyle just had a drug problem. But anybody who really knew my son when he wasnt on one of his binges [knew] he had a great heart, David Lara said. He had empathy. He never ever went out of his way to hurt anybody. He loved his daughter so, so much.
Actor Gina Carano and her discrimination lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm are one step closer to trial.

A Los Angeles federal judge ruled Wednesday that the company failed to establish that employment of Carano, known for her role in The Mandalorian, constituted expressive association, which is protected by the First Amendment.

Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett rejected the companys motion to dismiss Caranos lawsuit, which is backed by tech billionaire Elon Musk.

Garnett wrote that the company has failed to set forth an impenetrable defense under the First Amendment.

Carano is suing for discrimination and wrongful termination after she was fired in February 2021 by the company responsible for the Star Wars spinoff over what it called abhorrent social media posts from the actress.

In the posts in question, she compared Nazi Germany to politics today and mocked face masks worn during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the lawsuit, the actress claims she was terminated because she dared to voice her own opinions, on social media platform and elsewhere, and stood up to the online bully mob who demanded her compliance with their extreme progressive ideology.

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the suit is expected to test the boundaries of Californias protection for employees to be politically active outside of work without retaliation from employers, Bloomberg Law noted.

Lucasfilm said at the time of her firing that it did not intend to employ Carano again and said her posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent and unacceptable.

Carano argues that the company targeted her because shes a woman but looked the other way when it came to men because no action was taken when male actors took controversial stances online.

Musk, who owns the social platform X, posted earlier this year that the company was proud to provide financial support for Caranos lawsuit so she can seek vindication of her free speech rights on X.

In a post late Wednesday night, Carano said she was moved to tears over the judges ruling Wednesday.

After a brutal 3 1/2 years, I am being given the opportunity to move forward in the court of law before the judge and my peers to clear my name. I am so grateful for this opportunity, she wrote, thanking Musk for his support.

What happened to me was unacceptable, absurd and abusive, among other things. It should not have happened to me, and it should not happen to anyone else moving forward. Let it stop here.

No trial date has been set.

The Hill has reached out to Disney for comment.

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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is fighting back against Donald Trumps move to throw out his hush-money convictions.



After the Supreme Court ruled that presidents have immunity for official acts last month, Trump asked the state of New York to throw out his 34 felony convictions. Braggs office replied with a legal filing of its own asking the state to reject Trumps bid, arguing that even if official acts were excluded, they were only a sliver of the mountains of testimony and documentary proof the jury saw before voting to convict Trump.



Twitter screenshot Adam Klasfeld @KlasfeldReports DA Bragg swings back at Trump's bid to overturn his 34 felony convictions after the SCOTUS immunity ruling. Even if Trump suppressed all alleged official-acts evidence, that's "only a sliver of the mountains of testimony and documentary proof" the jury saw, prosecutors say.

The filing, made public Thursday, stated that the evidence Trumps lawyers are challenging isnt protected, citing a footnote in the Supreme Courts ruling that includes a public records exception for introducing evidence from protected official acts. Even if protected evidence was introduced, any error was harmless in light of other overwhelming evidence of defendants guilt.

Twitter screenshot Anna Bower @AnnaBower The DA's office also cites footnote 3 in the Supreme Court's opinion, which--as Ben Wittes and I argued earlier this week--seems to carve out a "public records exception" for the introduction of protected official-acts evidence. https://lawfaremedia.org/article/what-s-going-on-in-footnote-3

The Supreme Court has long recognized that a President can act in an unofficial, personal capacity, the filing, written by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo, states. Nothing in the Courts recent immunity decision changes that basic fact. This case involved evidence of defendants personal conduct, not his official acts.

In May, Trump was convicted of falsifying business records with the intent to further an underlying crime in the first degree by using his former fixer Michael Cohen to sweep an affair with porn star Stormy Daniels under the rug before the 2016 presidential election. He has long alleged that the case, along with his other criminal and civil cases, is part of a plot against him by those opposed to his presidency.



Judge Juan Merchan is expected to rule on Trumps immunity in early September. If he rules in favor of the district attorneys office, sentencing for Trumps conviction will take place on September 18, possibly leading to the first prison sentence ever for a former president.


Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Thursday asked a New York judge to reject former President Donald Trump's attempt to throw out his criminal hush money conviction, arguing that the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling on presidential immunity "has nothing to say about defendant's conviction."

Trump earlier this month asked Judge Juan Merchan to vacate his conviction on the grounds that the trial was "tainted" by evidence and testimony that was made off-limits after the Supreme Court ruled Trump has presumptive immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts taken while in office.

Prosecutors said in Thursday's court filing that paying hush money to an adult film actress is "entirely personal" with "no relationship whatsoever to any official duty of the presidency."

MORE: Trump asks judge to toss hush money conviction and dismiss case following Supreme Court immunity ruling

The former president was found guilty in May of falsifying business records related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.

The jury convicted Trump of 34 felony counts after seeing "overwhelming evidence of the defendant's guilt," prosecutors argued in the filing.

Trump argued that certain evidence presented at trial -- including testimony from former White House aide Hope Hicks and Trump's tweets about his former attorney Michael Cohen -- related to his official acts as president and should now be considered inadmissible in light of the Supreme Court opinion.

Prosecutors pushed back in their filing.

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump at New York State Supreme Court in New York, on Oct. 2, 2023. (Stephanie Keith/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"The challenged Tweets bear no resemblance to the kinds of public comments that the Supreme Court indicated would qualify as official presidential conduct," the district attorney's office said. "Defendant's Tweets conveying his personal opinion about his private attorney do not bear any conceivable relationship to any official duty of the Presidency."

Prosecutors also argued that testimony from Hicks, who was once Trump's communications director, "related solely to unofficial conduct."

"[T]he evidence that he claims is affected by the Supreme Court's ruling constitutes only a sliver of the mountains of testimony and documentary proof that the jury considered in finding him guilty of all 34 felony charges beyond a reasonable doubt," the filing said.

Earlier this month, Judge Merchan postponed Trump's sentencing in the case from July 11 to Sept. 18 so he could consider Trump's request to vacate his conviction.

Manhattan DA asks judge not to throw out Trump's criminal hush money conviction originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs (D) office told a state judge to reject former President Trumps claims that his recent guilty verdict must be set aside following the Supreme Courts landmark presidential immunity ruling.

New York Judge Juan Merchan delayed Trumps criminal sentencing until September to first consider his claims that prosecutors improperly introduced protected, official acts as evidence at his recent hush money trial.

In a 69-page response made public on Thursday, Braggs office said none of the challenged evidence is protected, and even if it was, any error was harmless in light of other overwhelming evidence of defendants guilt.

For all the pages that defendant devotes to his current motion, the evidence that he claims is affected by the Supreme Courts ruling constitutes only a sliver of the mountains of testimony and documentary proof that the jury considered in finding him guilty of all 34 felony charges beyond a reasonable doubt, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo wrote in the offices response.

Under these circumstances, there is no basis for disturbing the jurys verdict, and defendants motion should be denied.

In May, Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime when a New York jury found him guilty of lying in New York business records with an intent to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.

Prosecutors say Trump unlawfully disguised payments to his then-fixer, Michael Cohen, as a legal retainer, when they were in fact reimbursement for him paying porn actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 to stay quiet about an alleged affair with Trump. The former president denies any affair.

Trump has never argued that he has presidential immunity from the 34 counts themselves.

But after the Supreme Court carved out immunity for former presidents earlier this month, he latched onto a portion of the decision prohibiting prosecutors from bringing in official acts as evidence, even if they are charging unprotected conduct.

Trump contends his jury improperly saw protected acts such as his government ethics form, some of his tweets while in office and testimony from two of his White House aides.

In their response, prosecutors argued at length that the conduct in question was unofficial.

The Supreme Court has long recognized that a President can act in an unofficial, personal capacity. Nothing in the Courts recent immunity decision changes that basic fact  This case involved evidence of defendants personal conduct, not his official acts, Colangelo wrote.

Prosecutors also said Trump hadnt made timely objections to much of the challenged evidence. Even if the judge does believe there was impropriety, prosecutors said the error was harmless so the verdict should stand.

There is no reasonable possibility that the limited evidence discussed above (even assuming that it should have been excluded) meaningfully contributed to his conviction, prosecutors wrote.

Merchan, the judge, is expected to make a ruling on Trumps immunity claims just after Labor Day. If he denies the former presidents motion, the case will proceed to sentencing on Sept. 18.

Updated at 4:10 p.m.

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MANHATTAN (KSNT)  A woman was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant in connection to an April shooting.

On Thursday, July 25 an 18-year-old Manhattan woman was arrested in connection to an aggravated robbery and aggravated assault that happened in April.

The Riley County Police (RCPD) received a 911 call at 12:20 a.m. on April 23 for a shooting in the 1400 block of Watson Plaza. Police arriving at the scene found a 20-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to her abdomen.

What are anti-photo license plate covers? Are they legal in Kansas?

The suspect was confined as of 9:40 a.m. on Thursday, according to the RCPD.

For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Many Americans in a new poll said the failed assassination attempt on former President Trump at a campaign stop earlier this month has not changed him, according to Yahoo News.

The Yahoo News/YouGov poll released Wednesday found that 44 percent of respondents said the shooting has not changed Trump at all. Just 28 percent of Americans believe the attempt on Trumps life has changed him for the better, while 7 percent said the shooting changed the former president for the worse, Yahoo reported.

The numbers come just more than two weeks after a gunman opened fire during a Trumps rally outside Pittsburgh, grazing the former presidents ear with a bullet. Two rally attendees were also injured in the incident and the shooter  identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks  and another rallygoer were killed.

Trump appeared to push back Wednesday on some suggestions that he was going to be nice after the attempted assassination. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Republicans and Democrats urged both sides to tone down the political rhetoric.

Trump signaled during his rally in North Carolina on Wednesday that he would not hold back the attacks on Vice President Harris, who President Biden endorsed earlier this week after his recent withdrawal from the race.

I was supposed to be nice. They say something happened to me when I got shot; I became nice, Trump told the crowd. And when youre dealing with these people, theyre very dangerous people. You cant be too nice.

He added, So if you dont mind, Im not going to be nice. Is that OK?

Yahoo News noted that the poll was conducted mostly before Biden announced Sunday that he would not seek reelection. The survey also found that Harris, who is emerging as the likely Democratic nominee is polling polling neck and neck with Trump among the respondents.

Each pulled in 46 percent of support from respondents, according to the poll. Roughly 4 percent said they were not sure, and 3 percent said they would not vote when given Harris and Trump as the only two options.

The poll was conducted online among 1,723 U.S. adults from July 19-22. It has a margin of error of 2.8 percentage points.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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How many cold cases are in the Des Moines metro? New database tracks unsolved cases

In the last 107 years, at least 136 cases in the Des Moines metro have remained unsolved, leaving families, friends, concerned citizens and investigators seeking answers and justice in these mysteries.

The Des Moines Register has created a database of cold cases in the Des Moines metro that date back to 1917, curated from newspaper archives and Iowa Cold Cases, a nonprofit that tracks the crimes statewide.

Of the 136 cold cases the Register tracked, 56 victims died in a shooting, 37 were assaulted, 13 were stabbed, three were hit by a car and three were immolated. Another 20 are people missing under mysterious circumstances and in four cases there were no answers to how the victim died.

More: New cold case unit aims to help solve more than 400 unsolved cases in Iowa

What were some of the first cold cases in the Des Moines metro?

The earliest unsolved crime in the database dates to Aug. 7, 1917, when a 27-year-old police officer was shot outside a bar.

The shooter was last seen leaving the Temp Bar, 316 Walnut St., after attempting to rob it, the Register reported in 1917. The person shot George William Mattern, who was in uniform.

Mattern, who was married at the time of his shooting, died from an infection months later from the wound. Chester Scott, 20, was later charged with the robbery, however, nobody was charged with Mattern's homicide.

George William Mattern, 27, was shot outside a bar on Aug. 7, 1917 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Four years later, two nuns were hit by a car on Nov. 2, 1921, at 31st Street and Grand Avenue.

Sister Mary Virgins, 37, and Sister Mary Rosalita, 41, were last seen leaving St. Josephs Academy, an all-girls Catholic school that closed in 1972, the Des Moines Tribune reported.

Both nuns were hit by motorist near a crosswalk and Rosalita died at the scene, reports said. Virgins was transported to Mercy Hospital and died only hours later.

Police investigated their deaths, but nobody was charged.

What are some of the most recent cold cases in the Des Moines metro?

Police identified Josue D. Alonzo Jr., of Des Moines, as the victim in a shooting on Des Moines' east side on April 27, 2018. Alonzo, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene

The most recent cold cases in the metro were the 2018 shootings of 26-year-old Josue Alonzo Jr. and 17-year-old Tyrese Robert Parson of Des Moines, who were shot just a few months apart.

Alonzo, a newlywed from Des Moines, was found on April 27, 2018, after having been shot more than once when police responded at about 10:20 p.m. to a call at East 30th Street and Garfield Avenue on the city's east side.

Alonzo was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time, police told the public to be on the lookout for a red, modern, four-door compact car.

Just a few months later on June 8, 2018, police found Parson when they responded to a call of a person down about 6:30 a.m. in the 800 block of East 27th Court in the city's Fairground neighborhood.

Parson, who had been shot, had been dead "for a considerable amount of time," possibly a few hours, police said.

Nobody has been arrested or charged for the two deaths.

Are there other cold cases in Iowa?

Yes, the Iowa Attorney General's Office recently announced a cold case unit that will attempt to solve more than 400 unsolved cases in the state.

The cold case unit will consist of three investigators and one prosecutor who will bring fresh eyes to the hundreds of unsolved cases in Iowa with the hope of bringing closure to the families affected by unsolved crimes.

Sgt. Paul Parizek, spokesperson with the Des Moines Police Department, told the Register in 2022 that cold cases are generally handled on the local level and each cold case is assigned to an investigator at all times.

"There are cases that weigh really heavily on investigators also," Parizek said. "... We've got investigators who, throughout their career, have got cases that just haunt them because they can't get that last piece of the puzzle to solve it and bring some closure to the families."

The cold case database is not exhaustive. If you have a cold case to include, email jmendiola@dmreg.com with information.

Jose Mendiola is a breaking news reporter for the Register. Reach him at jmendiola@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Database tracks nearly 140 Des Moines metro cold cases
By Vivian Sequera

CARACAS (Reuters) - Laughter, tears, and requests for help often greet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as she tours the country urging voters to back change in the upcoming July 28 presidential election.

But Machado - despite her popularity and her resounding two million vote victory in the opposition's primary - is not the opposition candidate challenging President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela's top court in January upheld a ban on Machado, a 56-year-old industrial engineer, that prevents her from holding public office.

She has instead thrown herself into campaigning for her replacement, former ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez, drawing crowds that sometimes number in the thousands, according to attendees and images captured by media.

Machado's followers gather around the pick-up truck that serves as her rally stage to hear her inveigh against Maduro's government and urge people to vote for Gonzalez, 74.

For a population tired of economic struggle, stricken public services, and the mass exodus of desperate migrants - Machado and Gonzalez have spoken at length of the need to reunite families - the opposition's emotional rhetoric could drum up support even without touching on specific policy ideas.

"When there is a rally what I see is joy, excitement, because the crowd hopes the country will change," said Darwin Mendoza, 27, a delivery driver in Aragua state.

Some of her rivals have accused Machado of egotism and her mother has called her "stubborn." But she rarely talks about herself during speeches, instead painting the election as "a spiritual struggle of good versus evil."

"Our strength is in redemption and unity. This is what makes it so powerful," Machado said in a post on X earlier this month.

She has called Gonzalez a "decent and honest man."

Machado has expressed support for privatizing state-owned energy behemoth PDVSA and other public companies, in addition to building a welfare program to help the country's poorest.

Several members of Machado's inner circle have been arrested or are facing warrants.

Her head of security was arrested last week and subsequently freed, while six members of her team took refuge in Argentina's embassy after prosecutors issued warrants for their arrest in March.

Machado's upper-class roots - her father was a renowned businessman at a steel manufacturer - have prompted ridicule and insults from socialist ruling party officials, who accuse her of being a "fascist oligarch" who despises the poor.

Machado, who describes herself as a liberal opposed to discrimination, has in turn accused Maduro's government of being a "criminal mafia."

(Reporting by Vivian Sequera in Caracas, additional reporting by Tibisay Romero in Valencia, Venezuela; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
By Andres Gonzalez and Yousef Saba

LONDON/DUBAI (Reuters) - As Abu Dhabi's ADNOC sets its sights on an 11.7 billion euro ($12.74 billion) takeover of German chemical maker Covestro in what would be the largest European acquisition by a Middle Eastern buyer in at least 16 years, it marks a recent upswing in dealmaking between the regions.

More than $24 billion in acquisitions of European assets by Middle Eastern buyers have been announced or completed so far this year, the most for the period since at least 2008 and 74% above the average in the last 10 years, according to Dealogic.

It is up from just $4.9 billion in the same period last year.

Gulf investors are being drawn to Europe by company valuations that lag those in the U.S., an easier regulatory backdrop for buyers from the region, and where investment needs make them more welcome, advisers and analysts told Reuters.

"Middle East strategic investors are now much more confident investing in Europe," said David Martin, corporate partner at Linklaters, who helped establish the law firm's Abu Dhabi office.

"There is a need in Europe, especially on some of the very large infrastructure projects, for deep pocketed investors".

Miguel Azevedo, Middle East and Africa vice-chairman of investment banking at Citi, said investors from the region also bring their expertise to such projects.

"The UAE have a very clear strategy of creating global champions in the industries they know well and they perform well in," he said. "They have experience, vision and the capital to do so. They are very business-driven and politically they are seen positively."

European stock market valuations as measured by their price-to-earnings ratios have been falling in recent years relative to their history and in comparison with the U.S. market, according to LSEG data.

"Attractive valuations and lower investment scrutiny and geopolitical risk are valid reasons for (Gulf Cooperation Council) investors," said Diego Lopez of sovereign wealth fund tracker Global SWF, noting their focus on infrastructure and energy assets.

Across the Atlantic, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which reviews the national security implications of foreign investments, has already blocked Middle Eastern parties from owning certain assets, according to reports.

Last November, President Joe Biden's administration forced a Saudi Aramco-backed venture capital firm to sell its shares in a Silicon Valley AI chip startup backed by OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman, Bloomberg News reported.

Story continues

In Europe, cross-border deals are scrutinized by each country separately, although the European Commission is seeking more coordinated control.

Lopez said that scrutiny was generally less intense than in the U.S.

"Certain EU countries have been setting up national bodies akin to CFIUS, but they are generally more lenient."

DEALS TAKING TIME

Still, it is not all smooth sailing.

Last month, talks between Abu Dhabi's TAQA and Naturgy's largest shareholder over a proposed takeover of the $22 billion Spanish energy firm collapsed in part because disagreements over future governance, according to people with direct knowledge of the discussions.

The shareholder, Criteria, the state-backed Abu Dhabi power and utility company and Naturgy all declined to comment.

While regulatory concerns may be less of an issue in Europe than in the United States, firms seeking tie-ups in the European Union have also faced political hurdles.

The Spanish government publicly opposed Saudi group STC's acquisition of a stake in Telefonica, and STC is yet to convert part of its holding - consisting of 4.9% in shares and financial instruments that give it another 5% - into voting shares, which requires government approval.

Although Madrid has not made any public pronouncement on the conversion, it has invested around 2.3 billion euros to acquire a 10% stake in the group to counterbalance STC's acquisition.

In Britain, officials cleared Abu Dhabi-based telecoms company e&'s acquisition of a 14.6% stake in Vodafone only after ordering the British telecoms group to take steps to manage national security risks they said the deal posed.

Britain also ultimately blocked an Abu Dhabi-backed group's takeover plan for Britain's Telegraph newspaper.

Tie-ups are also taking time.

ADNOC's talks with Covestro started more than a year ago, and in Austria, discussions between ADNOC and oil and gas group OMV to create a chemicals giant with combined annual sales of more than $20 billion have also been ongoing for a year. ADNOC declined to comment.

Linklaters' Martin said some deals were taking longer to close because of antitrust and increased foreign investor screening.

"In certain strategic sectors, any investor from outside of Europe who is making a material investment in a European asset is likely to be subject to scrutiny. This adds layers of scrutiny and complexity."

($1 = 0.9187 euros)

(Reporting by Yousef Saba, Andres Gonzalez, Hadeel Al Sayegh, Federico Maccioni, Alexander Cornwell, Jesus Aguado and Pietro Lombardi; Writing by Aousha Sakoui; Editing by Jan Harvey and Tomasz Janowski)
A Marine was beaten, then run over in Bellflower. A $20,000 reward is offered for information

Peter Chounthala, 42, was found lying in a street in Bellflower on May 28 with injuries to his upper chest and was pronounced dead at the scene. (L.A. County Sheriff's Department)

Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies announced a $20,000 reward Wednesday for information on the killing of an active-duty Marine on the streets of Bellflower in May.

Deputies responded to a hit-and-run on a pedestrian at 2 a.m. May 28 at Virginia Avenue and Artesia Boulevard. Peter Chounthala, 42, was found lying in the street with injuries to his upper chest and was pronounced dead at the scene, the Sheriff's Department said.

During an investigation, deputies said they learned that at least two men assaulted Chounthala in "senseless acts of violence" before heading toward a nearby parking lot.

The men left Chounthala injured in the street before he was hit by a dark-colored four-door Kia K5 made between 2021 and 2023, Lt. Patricia Thomas of the sheriff's Homicide Bureau said at a news conference. The car was last seen heading east on Artesia Boulevard, Thomas said.

Read more: 18-year-old charged in shooting death of Marine in Twentynine Palms

Investigators did not say whether they believed Chounthala's assailants were driving the car or whether he was hit by another motorist.

"He was everything to me, to my family," the victim's wife, Jurina Chounthala, said at the news conference. "He's like the glue that held us together."

Peter Chounthala, the father of a 3-year-old son, joined the Marines in 2008 and served multiple tours in Afghanistan. He was due to retire at the end of the year, said Witpha Chounthala, the victim's sister.

"It may take them one day or 100 years, but believe me, they will find you, no matter where you are, how far you go or how long you run. You will not escape," his sister said, asking the suspects to turn themselves in.

Deputies ask anyone with information about the incident to call the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Sen. Mark Kelly isnt hiding his ambition to be wingman to Democratic presidential nominee-apparent Kamala Harris.

Not only did the Arizona senator pull a classic campaign season flip-flop on an issue dear to organized labor on Wednesday, he also posted a new video on X showcasing his Top Gun-style Navy pilot machismo.

My first flight went about as well as loose change in a cockpit  literally.



My last flight brought my crew home from the @Space_Station and was Space Shuttle Endeavours final flight.



Its not about how good you are when you start, its about how good you push yourself to be. pic.twitter.com/XV6FDUVmpI  Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) July 23, 2024

Kelly, 60, starts out with a self-deprecating description of making a mess of his first flight in the U.S. Navy. Im all ready. Ive studied. Ive prepared. Im in my Navy green flight suit, he says. But then, he says, he pulled a rookie move and spilled a bunch of loose change from his pocket into the cockpit, an aviation hazard.

The phallic symbols are all there. He spilled his wad into the cockpit, the literal receptacle for a pilot. He was seated for the videotaped interview in an airplane hangar, near the wing of a small military aircraft, the tail fin rising in plain view.

So the flight was over before it started, he grins sheepishly, thinking back to his younger self unable to contain his excitement.

Captain Kelly comes off as sexy, and macho. He appeals as much to women as to men, who may need more seducing this election year to vote for the Democratic ticket.

For his last flight in the Navy, an experienced Kelly knew how to handle his craft, in this case, the space shuttle Endeavor. He recalls undocking from the International Space Station, flying the shuttle at Mach 25, hitting the atmosphere over the Pacific Oceana giant fireball all the way across the Pacific over California, over Texas, with a landing on runway 15 at the Kennedy Space Center.

It was my last flight in the Navy, Kelly says to an unknown and unseen interviewer (presumably hired by his political consultant). And it was Space Shuttle Endeavors 25th and last flight.

Polling will tellif Vice President Harris chooses Kellyhow popular he is among likely male voters. He managed to win twice as a Democrat in his red border state of Arizona. But it will be a critical test for a battered national Democratic Party whose elderly and cognitively frail nominee, President Joe Biden, was forced to abandon his reelection bid after one revealing debate performance.

Even longtime progressive womens rights champion Ilyse Hogue concedes that Harris should choose a strong man at a time when Democrats are viewed as hostile to male voters and their masculinity.

Mark Kelly (front left) is using his career as a Navy pilot where he flew the Space Shuttle Endeavor on its final mission to audition for the lower half of the Harris ticket. Karl Ronstrom/Reuters

Kelly, meanwhile, switched his position on a major labor reform measure known as the PRO ACT after labor unions suggested he wasnt fit to be a vice presidential contender, according to ABC News.

After initially expressing reservations about the measure, Kelly said on Wednesday that he will vote for it if it comes to the Senate floor, changing his tune after John Samuelsen, the president of the Transport Workers Union, asked ABC on Tuesday: Why would the Democrats even consider a senator for the vice presidency if the senator doesnt support the PRO Act?

Kelly is proving that he is tough enough (read: politically agile) to win over a skeptical labor boss. But will he be tough enough for Democratic voters who feel emasculated by the impotency of their party?

Its not about how good you are when you start, its about how good you push yourself to be, Kelly wrote on X above his video.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Spencer Platt

There are days when I am shocked that I am still alive. Like millions of disabled, chronically ill, and older people, I spend an extraordinary amount of effort just existing. Beyond the efforts to keep our bodies from falling apart, we face existential threats from a society that actively silences, diminishes, excludes, and eliminates us. The past few weeks have been full of particularly disturbing news with serious consequences for disabled people, including:

As a high-risk disabled person who depends on others to keep me safe, I have written about the importance of masking, and I advocate for mask mandates in health care settings. But those individual efforts seem futile against the onslaught of proposed mask bans that would contribute to the spread of COVID and other illnesses, while also pushing high-risk people out of public spaces and protests, violating their right to assemble under the First Amendment.

There are days when I am overwhelmed with grief and rage at the regressive attitudes toward public health and disabled people. In my opinion, the ableist, fascistic, and eugenic nature of proposed mask bans under consideration in New York City and Los Angeles is bleak. But what is happening now is not new or surprising; the hate is more explicit, thats all.

We can look back to historical examples such as the ugly laws, various ordinances across the United States that targeted poor and disabled people. San Francisco was the first city to pass an ordinance, in 1867, centered on begging, effectively preventing disabled people from being in public, especially those who appeared to be unsightly, physically disabled, or diseased.

According to Dr. Susan Schweiks The Ugly Laws: Disability in Public, public health orders from the Board of Supervisors that pathologized Chinese people as inherently diseased, maimed, deformed, defective, and infective, profoundly shaped the cityspace of San Francisco. As a Chinese, disabled San Franciscan, I had to laugh, imagining how these ordinances would have applied to me.

These ugly laws disproportionately impacted people by race, gender, immigration status, and sexuality, Dr. Schweik explained, and influenced and were influenced by policies related to segregation, eugenics, and institutionalization. I offer that proposed mask bans are the new ugly laws.

Today, the mask is the unsightly marker of deviant individuals: the sick, the immunocompromised, the disabled, and the protester who wishes to keep their identity anonymous. (Many demonstrators at pro-Palestine marches have worn medical masks or other face coverings, both to protect their identity from authorities and to protect their health in large crowds.) Were told such masked individuals threaten the moral order of society, and these bans are meant to keep the public safe.

In June, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was considering a ban on wearing masks on the New York City subway system in response to what she called antisemitic attacks and "intimidating" behavior by masked individuals. She cited an incident wherein a group of protesters, some of whom wore face coverings, engaged in an anti-Zionist chant on the subway after a demonstration against the Israel-Hamas war. New York City Mayor Eric Adams suggested a mask ban on the subway and at protests, suggesting some wearers intend to break the law.

As Alessandra Aoife Muller-Thym, a queer, Jewish, disabled New Yorker, tells me, As a grandchild of Shoah survivors, I find it abhorrent that the governor is using the safety of Jewish people as an excuse to support a mask ban. This act is anti-Jewish. We don't want to be used as scapegoats for a mask ban that will not keep anyone safe, especially not Jewish people.

Across the country, protests on college campuses have shaken leaders who are unsure how to handle such a groundswell of activism. Leaders in some states took the opportunity to go after student mask use, as in Ohio, where the Republican attorney general threatened on-campus protesters with an obscure anti-mask law. Now, with Democratic officials in California and New York also exploring mask bans, we're reminded that ableism is a bipartisan project.

Any mask ban is a dangerous prospect, as many regions are currently dealing with an increase in COVID cases, and these patterns are expected to continue multiple times a year. (Days after Los Angeless Democratic mayor Karen Bass said the city would look into a potential mask ban at protests, she contracted COVID.) A mask ban on the subway would endanger a public good that many people depend on  and have a right to  and the ability of high-risk people to participate in society, to be seen, and matter to the broader community.

Mask bans are a labor issue, as well. A resident of New York City, who asked to remain anonymous to protect their privacy, says, I wear a mask and encourage others to do so because, prior to COVID, masks were a common form of PPE for indoor and outdoor airborne hazards at work. The criminalization of masks is a criminalization of workers protecting ourselves." The resident continues, "Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams supporting attempts to ban masks are the latest examples of New York State Democrats trying to destroy the lives of poor and working-class New Yorkers.

Other New York lawmakers are also eyeing a potential mask ban. For example, proposed legislation in the New York State Senate includes an exemption for health reasons during a public health emergency, but President Bidens administration ended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency last year. Similar health exemptions in any of the proposed mask bans would likely be determined by law enforcement, meaning their enforcement could be subjective and biased against people of color. These bans could also force a person to disclose their disability in an attempt to convince a police officer theyre not breaking the law.

It seems that no amount of training will reduce law enforcements bias against people of color, especially disabled people of color. In response to these proposed policies, Eman Rimawi-Doster, an immunocompromised New Yorker and disability justice advocate, says she would tell Hochul and Adams: "Your words and actions never line up. All you want is power and votes.... I have no faith in either of you to make suredisabled New Yorkers will actually have safety and security."

Proposed mask bans may vary, but Id argue they are all steeped in discrimination based on race, disability, class, and religion. Many people wear masks to protect a loved one, protect themself from airborne pathogens, smoke, and air pollutants, and evade surveillance when practicing civil disobedience.

Safety is a key word used by people who mask and those who consider masking a criminal act. But its worth asking, who is kept safe by the state or by individual acts, and who is left out? We keep us safe is a phrase used by community organizers that view public safety as a collective endeavor. As Charis Hill, a disability activist, tells me, I take medications that weaken my immune system, so I primarily wear a mask to protect myself, but I also wear it to protect others and to show that we are still in a pandemic. If mask bans become the reality, I have little hope that I'll ever be safe in public again.

A disabled and chronically ill writer, who goes by @broadwaybabyto on social media, views masking as community care, saying she wears a mask to protect others and show solidarity with all disabled and vulnerable people. Many of us have sacrificed four and a half years of our lives, going to great lengths to preserve whatever health we have left. As more and more COVID restrictions were dropped, masks remained as the single best accessibility tool disabled people had. Taking that awaytells us you want us dead. You dont want us in your world. And it hurts.

What is clear to me is that disabled people have never felt safe. Many of us view masking as a form of solidarity with workers, activists, and people of color all over the world fighting fascism and genocide. But mask bans send the message that it is a crime to be disabled. I think of people who have fought hard to stay relatively safe since early 2020, those who hang on a precipice that feels like it could fall at any moment. Some days I wonder what my breaking point will be.

Since July is Disability Pride month  or Disability Wrath month, more appropriately, as my friends and I call it  non-disabled people can do the following to ally with the disability community: Stop minimizing and denying the pandemic; talk about the pandemic in the present tense, because its not over; wear a mask (if you can), and contact your elected representatives if there is a proposed mask ban in your state or city. Most important, listen to and believe disabled people, for we are oracles who have much wisdom to share with the world while we are still here.

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Mason voters will decide whether to allow pot shops in city in November election

Voters in the city of Mason will decide whether to continue the city's ban on recreational marijuana shops or allow at least two to operate.

MASON  The city could become the next Lansing-area municipality to allow recreational marijuana sales if voters approve a city ordinance proposal in November.

The City Council voted earlier this month to place the proposal on the general election ballot. The vote came after Ypsilanti attorney Anderson Grandstaff sent a letter to officials in December saying he would launch a petition drive on behalf of an unidentified group of clients to overturn the city's ban put in place following statewide approval of the 2018 Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act.

The ballot proposal could lead to the further expansion of recreational pot shops in the region, which until recently have been confined largely to Lansing, East Lansing and Meridian Township. Eaton County's first dispensary opened earlier this summer in Charlotte and a second in the city is planned. Clinton County doesn't have any recreational pot stores, but does have one grower located near Lansing.

Mason Mayor Russ Whipple said Grandstaff's petition was never circulated and was the only petition brought to the city council's attention.

Grandstaff, who has led efforts to allow sales in numerous Michigan communities, declined comment on his efforts involving Mason or the identity of his client.

In 2018, Michigan voters approved a ballot proposal that legalized recreational marijuana use, 56% to 44%, but also allowed cities to opt out of allowing sales and other marijuana businesses. Mason, at the time, banned retail marijuana sales in the community, as did many communities across the region and state.

"This has been a strategy for the marijuana industry, is to put things on the ballot that then would dictate how those were run, and it's not necessarily being locally driven," Mason City Manager Deborah Stuart said. "There is a difference between legalizing marijuana for recreational use and having an establishment selling it in your community."

During their July 15 meeting, council members acknowledged the 2018 general election results in Mason, in which 2,245 voters favored legalization while 1,612 were opposed. With those numbers in mind, they voted to add their own ballot question to the November election instead of a proposal offered by Grandstaff.

The city's proposed ordinance up for a vote in November would allow two retail marijuana establishments. The city would charge $5,000 per application, as well as renewal fees.

Stuart said the draft ordinance and a page on the city's website with additional information will be created for residents to read at least 60 days before the election.

Stuart said a previous petition to overturn the ban failed to attract enough signatures to place the issue before city voters. However, in response to Grandstaff's letter threatening a new petition drive that would include a proposed ordinance, the City Council reconsidered.

"My client has connected with many of your constituents and believes that there would be strong grassroots support for the passage of the attached ballot initiative," Grandstaff wrote to the City Council, adding, "it would prefer to avoid any appearance of an adversarial relationship with the City Council of Mason."

Allowing retail licenses would capture state tax money for the city as well. Michigan's recreational pot market has grown to a $3 billion market. In February, the state distributed $87 million in marijuana tax proceeds to 269 municipalities. Each city, township, village or county gets about $59,000 for each dispensary, so Mason could potentially capture $118,000 if two dispensaries open.

Ingham County governments received $1.8 million for their 30 stores, behind only Bay and Kalamazoo counties (32 stores), Washtenaw County (45 stores) and Wayne County (59 stores). Lansing at the time had two dozen businesses. Only Ann Arbor and Detroit, with 26 and 59 shops, had more retail outlets than the capital city.

How the proposal came about

In his 2023 letter, Grandstaff offered a draft ordinance that set a maximum of two retail establishments within the city, and excluded marijuana growers, processors, facilities or transporters.

The proposal, city staff said in a memo earlier this month to City Council, would end Masons prohibition on recreational/adult-use marijuana retail businesses, establish a regulatory framework for the licensure, establish procedures and guidelines for employees of Mason to follow.

"It would require us to follow an adoption process that was simply not possible, and then the other side of it was creating a municipal process for managing marijuana businesses that we weren't comfortable with," Whipple said.

Grandstaff also told city officials he would be willing to discuss changes to the proposed ordinance that would make retail sales more palatable to officials. City officials collaborated with Grandstaff to draft an ordinance better suited for the city, Stuart said.

In addition to working with Grandstaff, Mason officials looked at the City of Birmingham's marijuana ordinance. Birmingham also was approached by an outside entity proposing an ordinance to allow marijuana establishments. The city's response was to take control and alter the proposed ordinance and include a draft ordinance with a ballot proposal. The proposal, however, was defeated in November 2023 by a more than 2-1 ratio.

Grandstaff, marijuana interests push issue

Grandstaff has been part of efforts in multiple communities to get retail marijuana sales legalized.

Among communities Grandstaff previously threatened with petition drives are Harbor Springs, Howell, Kinderhook Township near Coldwater, and several cities in Oakland County: Auburn Hills, Clarkston, Keego Harbor, Lathrup Village, and Leonard Village.

Kinderhook Township placed a proposal on the 2024 General Election ballot, and a petition in Howell collected enough signatures to add a proposal as well.

Harbor Springs, Clarkston, Lathrup Village and Leonard Village did not pass ordinances. Keego Harbor and Auburn Hills approved ordinances.

Contact Sarah Moore at smoore@lsj.com

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Mason voters will decide whether to allow pot shops in city in November election
Massive Covid Spikes in These 21 States May Explain Why Everyone You Know Seems to Have It Right Now

The CDCs wastewater monitoring program has detected a very high presence of the virus in nearly half the country

Getty Stock image of face masks.

The United States is in the midst of a summer COVID wave, according to the Center for Disease Controls wastewater monitoring system, which has found very high levels of virus in 21 states.

The states categorized as having a very high presence of the virus in its water are Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming, plus the District of Columbia.

A high presence of the virus was found in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusets, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, Tennesee, and Virginia.

CDC The CDC's map of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater activity.

The rate of positive COVID tests is also on the rise, the CDC reports  up to 12.6% from 11.4% the previous week.

Meanwhile, the state that was at the forefront of the 2020 COVID pandemic, New York, was the only state to report low levels of the virus in its wastewater.

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All other states reported moderate levels of the virus  except for North Dakota, which did not report any data for the program.

The CDC monitors wastewater to show changes in disease trends before trends are seen in clinical cases. The system provides an efficient overview of the presence of infectious diseases such as COVID, as toilet flush to results only takes about five to seven days, the agency says.



Getty New York is the only state with "low" levels of the virus in its wastewater.

COVID has historically spiked in the summer. When were outdoors, its difficult for COVID to transmit, but its been so oppressively hot, particularly in the Southwest United States, and people are just spending a lot more time indoors, Andrew Pekosz, a professor of microbiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told The Washington Post.

Related: COVID Linked to Lower IQ, Poor Memory and Other Negative Impacts on Brain Health

The wave is also fueled by new COVID KP.2 strains  subvariants of the highly infectious Omicron strain, as Yale Medicine explains  and its related variant, LB. 1. These account for more than 90% of the new cases of COVID, the CDCs variant tracker reports.

Vaccine rates are down as well, as the most recent data from the CDCs vaccine tracking system says only 22.5% of adults have received an updated COVID vaccine since last September.

Getty Stock image of a person getting a vaccine.

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration issued an advisory to COVID vaccine manufacturers to target the KP.2 variant, with updated vaccines expected in the fall.

Related: Boy, 12, Struggles with Long Covid for 4 Years, Says Its Worse Than Actual Covid

"Every day of 2024 remaining is likely to have more transmission than today," Dr. Michael Hoerger, Assistant Professor at Tulane University School of Medicine, who leads the COVID forecasting model, the Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative, told TODAY.

"People should really be taking the rest of the year very seriously."



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Read the original article on People.
No man is happy but by comparison.

If you want to better understand the true nature of a proposal, consider a counter-proposal.

Looking at competing proposals forces you to reckon with the details of each idea.

Which is why every proposition on the California ballot should have a counter-proposal.

I suggest this now because of a nasty fight in the State Capitol earlier this summer. The fight was over a November ballot initiative to increase penalties for some drug and retail theft crimes, and a possible counter measure offered by the governor and legislature. legislature.

The details of the dispute are too complicated to be here. But Democratic leaders were seeking to use the counter-measure (and some related bills) to confuse voters and sabotage the initiative.

In the end, with Democrats facing accusations of election interference from the media and Republicans, Gov. Gavin Newsom dropped the counter-measure.

Which was too bad. Voters would have benefited from a clear choice.

The controversy exposed a problem with Californias direct democracy. There is no fair, and voter-centered process for putting counter-measures on the ballot.

But it would be easy to put one in place.

Some countries with direct democracy have just such an established process for encouraging counter-proposals. Switzerland, with a ballot initiative system that inspired Californias own, has the best.

Both Switzerland and California have similar processes allowing for negotiations between legislative bodies and initiative proponents. If those negotiations produce a compromise, the initiative can be removed from the ballot.

If those negotiations fail, as they often do, initiative supporters go forward with their measure. The legislative body is free to put its own counter measure on the ballot.

The difference between Switzerland and California is that California has no clear rules that govern these counter-measures. As a result, California counter measures can be presented on ballots in ways that are haphazard or unfair. The measures arent linked together on the ballot, which confuses voters.

The Swiss have a fair standard process for counter measures. Each counter measure is clearly labeled as such, and placed on the ballot right next to the initiative to which it responds. If California adopted this process, counter-measures would be labeled with the same proposition number as the initiative (the initiative might be 24A and the counter-measure 24B), and with language that made clear that the measures were competing proposals on the same subject.

In a Swiss-style process, California voters would have three questions to answer on each initiative. Yes or no on the initiative. Yes or no on the counter-measure. And then a third choice: if both of these measures pass, which one do you want to go into effect?

The benefits of such a three-part question would be obvious. Voters would have more clarity about their choices  and more power, regardless of whether their preferred outcome wins or loses. Even voters who oppose both the initiative and the counter-measure would be able to register a preference for the one they object to least. Ultimately, voting results would more closely match voter preferences.

This also will produce better campaigns.

Right now, we California voters consider each initiative separately. We learn few details of the measures. Instead, we vote based on our feelings about an issue, or by following the endorsements in a partisan voter guide.

A Swiss-style comparative campaign  where voters must choose between an initiative and counter-proposal  forces voters, and the media, to delve into the details of the two measures. Because the natural question to ask of competing measures is: What is the difference between them? Answering that question requires looking at the actual language and policy detail.

Californians wont have that option this November. Instead, their choices will be one measure, Prop. 36, that proposes harder-line solutions to drug and theft problems  or maintaining the status quo.

A clear and fair process would have produced more choices for voters.

So, lets give the people a counter-proposal now.

Joe Mathews writes the Connecting California column for Zocalo Public Square.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Mathews: Why the California ballot should have counter-proposals
He meant the world to me: Tacoma family seeks justice after man was shot, killed near I-5

A Tacoma family is seeking justice after their loved one was shot and killed near I-5 last week.

Tacoma detectives said they found a man with gunshot wounds near East 28th Street, located by a ramp to State Route 167, last week Monday at about 8 p.m.

Sean Miller, 33, of Tacoma, died from multiple gunshot wounds. His death is currently being investigated as a homicide, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiners Office.

Investigators told KIRO 7 News that the victim and the alleged shooter interacted earlier that same day at a different location in Tacoma, which escalated into a disagreement.

The alleged shooter followed the victim in his car to East 28th Street, said William Muse, Tacoma Police Departments public information officer.

The alleged shooter fired multiple gunshots at the man, Muse said.

Police said the suspect has provided a statement after hiring an attorney and is cooperating with the investigation.

The Pierce County Prosecutors Office is expected to review the case.

No arrests have been made as of Thursday afternoon.

KIRO 7 News spoke with Wayne McKinley to learn more about his younger brother.

Its complete total devastation, heartbreak, he said. He was a great person, brother, son, uncle.

He was very unique. He was one of a kind, he added. Theres so many stories and so many lives that were touched because of him and through him. Its a tragedy.

McKinley said his brother was a plumber by trade and was passionate about helping people with their homes.

He just got employee of the month. The top sales guy of his company. He was doing great, and his life got stripped from him, he told KIRO 7 News.

The family created a makeshift memorial at the crime scene, hoping to raise awareness about their loved ones death as they search for more clarity.

Partly so he could live on forever and bring awareness. Somebodys going to drive by and see it, McKinley said. Its tough when you feel like youre on the losing side, like my brother is the one who lost his life. He cant tell his side of the story.

Sean meant a lot to so many people. If you can do anything, get the message out of what happened that night, and share the story, because it doesnt sound like his voice is being heard right now, said Nick Miller, Seans older brother.
Melinda French Gates, the ex-wife of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, threw her support behind Vice President Harriss presidential run, pointing to the need to protect reproductive rights.

I feel like Kamala, I was happy to endorse. Ive worked with her before, she knows what we need in society and shes using her voice against those issues already on the campaign trail, and I knew she would, French Gates said Wednesday on CBSs The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Ive always been an independent voter and I will continue to be, she continued. I voted Republican, I voted Democrat. But in this election, womens rights, our reproductive rights are so fundamental.

And there is, there was a candidate who believe in them from the beginning and there was a candidate who didnt and rolled them back, the philanthropist added, referring to former President Trump.

The endorsement comes after she revealed last month she would vote for President Biden, who has since withdrawn from the 2024 race and endorsed Harris as his successor. In backing Biden, Gates discussed Trumps past remarks on women and reproductive rights.

French Gates is a staunch reproductive rights advocate and committed $1 billion to womens causes earlier this year. She spoke with Colbert about the importance of fundraising to ensure more women are running for office.

We have to look at what actually happened in the last couple of years. Womens rights globally and in the United States have been rolled back, she said. Like, the fact that my granddaughter will have fewer rights right now because of the Supreme Court than I had makes zero sense to me.

So one of the things Im doing is making sure that we have far more women running for office, being able to raise funds for their positions, and that they are really well-trained on the legislative agenda they want to help get passed, French Gates continued. Theres 7,000 seats at the statehouse level, and getting women into those positions, they create great policy, and its a great training ground then to go onto the Hill in D.C.

Reproductive rights have remained a top political topic in the two years since the conservative Supreme Court majority overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022  ending a federal right to abortion access. Trump has often taken credit for the high courts decision through the appointment of three conservative justices to the bench.

As vice president, Harris has been the White Houses de facto voice for reproductive rights and has already brought new energy on the campaign trail to rally voters around the issue of abortion.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 delivered an address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, a speech that shook Washington, divided Democrats and inflamed the political divide over the Israel-Hamas war.

The address  Netanyahus fourth since 1996  came more than nine months into the conflict in Gaza, which began after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

Netanyahu discussed the October offensive in detail, warned about the threat posed by Iran and urged Americans to come together in support of Israel, the U.S.s closest ally in the Middle East.

Here are six memorable moments from Netanyahus address to Congress.

Tlaib holds up war criminal sign

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) holds a sign as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a joint address to Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), who has been highly critical of Netanyahu and Israels handling of the war in Gaza, was in the chamber during the prime ministers speech on Wednesday and made her presence known  albeit silently.

Tlaib  the only Palestinian American serving in Congress  held up a sign that said war criminal and guilty of genocide several times throughout Netanyahus speech, a quiet protest that was noticed throughout the chamber.

I will never back down in speaking truth to power, she wrote on the social platform X after the speech. 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.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) approached Tlaib on the floor, as the speech was ongoing, and asked her to put the sign down, according to a source familiar with the matter.

At one point, Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) walked over to the pair to de-escalate if need be, he told The Hill.

They were talking through their issues calmly, so I went and sat back down, he added.

Tlaibs presence in the chamber raised eyebrows, with many expecting her to skip the event overall. In a post on X before the speech, the congresswoman said she was attending with her guest, Hani Almadhoun, who she said lost more than 150 family members in the war in Gaza.

Tlaib was censured in November for her criticisms of Israel following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.

Democrats boycott speech as protests ring in chamber, D.C.

Activists cheer as they burn flags and a puppet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a pro-Palestinian protest near the Capitol on July 24, 2024, in Washington. Activists staged multiple protests near the Capitol to protest Netanyahus visit to Washington and to protest Israels war in Gaza.

While Tlaib protested Netanyahus speech with her sign, other Democrats showed their opposition to the Israeli prime minister by skipping the address altogether.

At least 30 House Democrats and a handful of Senate Democrats announced before the speech that they would not attend the address. Some opted to meet with families of hostages held by Hamas and attend a panel discussion focused on a path to peace.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was one of the most notable names to skip the event, and she ripped Netanyahus speech in a statement after.

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, she wrote on X.

Protests, meanwhile, took place inside and outside the Capitol.

U.S. Capitol Police said it arrested six people in the chamber. Or Gat  whose mother was killed on Oct. 7, whose sister is still held in Gaza and whose brother was arrested Wednesday  told The Hill that all six of those detained were family members of hostages. They were released later in the day.

At Union Station  just blocks from the Capitol  protesters removed American flags from the poles and replaced them with Palestinian flags and graffitied Hamas is comin, free Gaza and all zionists are bastards on a statue outside the station.

Netanyahu responds to anti-Israel protests: Irans useful idiots

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves after giving a joint address to Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Pro-Palestinian protesters  both on and off college campuses  have made their discontent with the Israel-Hamas war known for months.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu took them on directly, arguing that they are on the side of evil, attacking their intelligence and, at one point, referring to them as Irans useful idiots.

Incredibly many anti-Israel protesters, many choose to stand with evil. They stand with Hamas. They stand with rapists and murderers, Netanyahu said. They should be ashamed of themselves.

He then spoke directly to protesters in Washington.

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.

At one point, the prime minister called out signs that read gays for Gaza.

Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming gays for Gaza. They might as well hold up signs saying chickens for KFC, he said. Same-sex conduct is banned in Gaza, according to Amnesty International.

Netanyahu gave a shoutout to the fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, who drew headlines when they held up an American flag during a pro-Palestinian protest on campus.

And I wish to salute the fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina who protected the American flag, protected the American flag against these anti-Israel protesters, he said.

Schumer, Netanyahu exchange head nods in sign of tension

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to give a joint address to Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Netanyahu exchanged head nods  not a handshake  ahead of Wednesdays speech, an icy moment that reflects the tense relationship between the two.

The tensions between Netanyahu and Schumer were heightened after the Democratic leader, in a high-profile floor speech, called for new elections in Israel and declared that the prime minister had lost his way.

Netanyahu responded, calling the remarks totally inappropriate.

Despite that, Schumer ended up signing the invitation for Netanyahu to address Congress  though after a delay. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) previously told The Hill that he sent Schumer a draft invitation in April, but the majority leader waited weeks before signing it.

Netanyahu spotlights rescued hostages, families of those held in captivity

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a joint address to Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

At least one rescued hostage was present at Netanyahus speech Wednesday, in addition to some families of those still being held in captivity in Gaza.

Netanyahu introduced Noa Argamani  who was rescued from Neseirat in Gaza during in a special operation last month  prompting a standing ovation in the chamber. She was sitting with the prime ministers wife.

Netanyahu told the story of meeting Argamanis mother  who had cancer  after the Oct. 7 attack, when she said her final wish was to hug her daughter one last time.

Two months ago, I authorized a breathtaking commander rescue operation. Our special forces, including a heroic officer named Arnon Zamora, who fell in this battle, rescued Noa and three other hostages, Netanyahu said, eliciting applause. Noa, I think one of the most moving things, when Noa was reunited with her mother Leora, and her mothers last wish came true. Noa were so thrilled to have you with us today. Thank you.

Netanyahu also pointed out the attendance of family members of Kfir Bibas, the youngest Israeli hostage being held in Gaza. He was taken into captivity at nine-months-old along with his brother Ariel, who was four.

Netanyahu also said families of American hostages were present.

The pain these families have endured is beyond words, Netanyahu 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.

That display, however, contrasted with some other hostage family members, including some who spoke to Democratic lawmakers ahead of the speech. Those individuals have been critical of Netanyahus conduct amid the war, accusing him of frustrating efforts to secure a cease-fire deal to bring home those still being held in captivity.

Harris, Vance absent from the chamber

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a joint address to Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Vice President Harris and Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) did not attend Netanyahus speech on Wednesday, absences that were noticed in the chamber.

Harris, who is running for president after President Biden dropped out of the race this weekend, did not preside over the chamber during Netanyahus address because she was traveling to Indianapolis for a previously scheduled address, an aide for the vice president said. She will, however, meet with Netanyahu on Thursday, separate from Bidens sit-down with him.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, filled in her spot.

Vance  who former President Trump has selected as his running mate  was also not in attendance because he had duties to fulfill as the Republican nominee for vice president, Jason Miller, senior adviser to the Trump campaign, said earlier this week.

Senator Vance stands steadfastly with the people of Israel in their fight to defend their homeland, eradicate terrorist threats, and bring back their countrymen held hostage, he added.

Democrats criticized Vances absence while Republicans slammed Harris for missing the event.

Laura Kelly 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.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  Mesa and Montrose counties wont go for a national monument designation for Dolores Canyon, which has brought some pushback from the community.

Mesa and Montrose counties announced Wednesday they are creating a draft for a Dolores Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA) map and seeking public input on the project.

Protect the Dolores coalition, one of the most vocal supporters of a national monument designation, was disappointed in the decision. The group said even though it is glad to see the counties showed the importance of maintaining the Dolores, the proposal falls woefully short of expectations.

I had high hopes that Mesa and Montrose counties would unite and collaborate with local communities and stakeholders to safeguard the Dolores Canyon Country. Unfortunately, this proposal falls short on multiple fronts, Craig Grother, Central West Slope regional director of Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and a member organization of the Sportsmen for the Dolores Coalition, said in a press release.

It fails to conserve wildlands that are essential fish and wildlife habitat, overlooking crucial cold-water fisheries and neglecting critical big game habitats throughout the Dolores Canyons. Colorados hunters and anglers are dedicated to seeing this remarkable area protected for future generations, and the most effective proposal to achieve this is the designation of the Dolores Canyons National Monument.

Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis said although he hasnt met with the Protect the Dolores coalition yet, hes open to talk to anyone about the NCA.

The counties created the map as an alternative to the proposed Dolores Canyons National Monument as the NCA would better balance resource conservation, multiple-use principles, economic prosperity and local values, according to Mesa County.

The counties also said they believe a national monument designation would be too restrictive as it is usually proclaimed for historical or scientific purposes. However, an NCA would allow a broader range of activities like hunting, wildlife viewing, fishing, scientific research and traditional uses.

NCAs continue to be managed for multiple-use by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or U.S. Forest Service rather than the National Park Service, and the legislation would be tailored to the areas specific needs, according to Mesa and Montrose counties.

According to the coalition, the NCA proposal excludes:

Big game wildlife habitat in Unaweep Canyon, the Uncompahgre Plateau and Roc Creek for winter range, calving areas and migration corridors for elk and deer.

Cold water fisheries like Roc Creek that support well-known species like the Colorado River cutthroat trout.

Several Indigenous cultural sites that document the lives of the Ute and ancestral Puebloan peoples.

Historical locations that show the areas mining history such as Calamity Camp and stretches of the Hanging Flume.

Most of the Dolores River Canyon, Sewemup Mesa and the Palisade Wilderness Study areas.

Chances for recreation, including areas used by hikers, hunters, climbers, nature photographers and water enthusiasts.

According to the counties, We believe an NCA is the best path forward. This approach aligns with our communitys desire to protect the Dolores Canyons natural resources while ensuring that recreational, economic and socioeconomic resources are accessible for current and future generations. An NCA would also align with the southern Dolores River Area, where (Sens. Michael) Bennet and (John) Hickenlooper introduced the Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area legislation.

Earlier this month, Bennet and Hickenlooper laid out principles to protect the Dolores which included management, fees, grazing, motorized travel and ATVs, mountain biking, hunting and fishing, mining and water.

The senators also said landscape management should fall on the BLM and U.S. Forest Service to continue managing the federal lands. There should not be a fee to enter the Dolores.

Hickenlooper and Bennet also noted animal grazing should continue and be managed based on existing laws and regulations. Such activities such as ATVs, mountain biking, hunting and fishing should continue. Designations should protect any current reasonable mining rights, they added.

Bennet and Hickenlooper didnt say anything about a national monument designation in their original statement.

The proposed NCA is a starting point for the community to discuss and refine, the two counties noted. The map boundaries utilized the topography of the Dolores River Corridor. The current NCA covers 29,806 acres which includes 7,043 acres in the southern portion and 22,763 acres north of the Paradox Valley.

Local community leaders also voiced their disappointment in the two counties decision.

For almost 50 years, communities have worked to protect the outstanding wildlife, incredible canyons and world-class scenery found just outside Grand Junction, said Anna Stout, current Grand Junction city council member and former mayor. We shouldnt wait another year to see it protected, much less risk decades of inaction. It is time for Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper to fill the leadership vacuum, work with President Biden and finally conserve the Dolores Canyons National Monument.

Montrose and Mesa counties stressed the NCA is something that will be developed over time.

We urge community engagement and input, the counties said. As the development process advances, we expect the map boundaries to change. To ensure the most appropriate boundaries, we welcome suggestions on areas needing more protection than those in the approved Resource Management Plans. We invite all residents to join us in determining the best path forward for Western Colorado.

Davis said he knows this project is a work in progress as no one has the perfect answer.

For more information or to provide feedback, visit this website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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GUATEMALA CITY/MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - More than 500 people in southern Mexico have fled to neighboring Guatemala this week amid armed clashes between criminal groups fighting over drug trafficking routes and other crimes, authorities from both nations said on Thursday.

The displacements began this week, according to reports from the Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM), as men, women, children and the elderly sought refugee in the town of Cuilco, bordering the Mexican state of Chiapas.

"These are families who have been forcibly displaced into Guatemala by the violence that plagues the south of the neighboring country," the IGM said in a statement.

Criminal groups have been responsible for at least 19 violent deaths in recent days, it added.

Over the weekend, videos and images began to spread on social media showing residents running to avoid being hit by bullets in regions such as Chicomuselo, in Chiapas.

A source with knowledge of the case, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, said that criminal groups in Mexico linked to criminal organizations in Guatemala are forcibly recruiting youngsters as young as 15 years old into their ranks.

"Many fled to Guatemala, because it is closer, but hundreds more sought refuge in other communities in Chiapas," he added.

Local authorities are coordinating efforts to support affected Mexican families, Guatemala President Bernardo Arevalo said on Wednesday.

A source from Chiapas' security ministry told Reuters that the military was working to stabilize the area. Mexico's defense ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The Chiapas government said later on Thursday that another 107 vulnerable people from the Tzanembolom community were under state protection, without giving further details.

Pedro Faro, coordinator of the advocacy area of the Fray Bartolome de Las Casas Human Rights Center in Chiapas, said that from 2023 to last June some 15,780 people have been documented as having been forcibly displaced in the state, mainly by armed violence.

(Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz in Mexico City and Sofia Menchu in Guatemala City; Editing by Sandra Maler)
MEXICO BEACH  City Manager Chris Hubbard was fired for making a personal Facebook post that used a disparaging term for people with intellectual disabilities.

The City Council approved his termination during a special meeting on Tuesday. Hubbard was hired in August 2023 out of a pool of more than a dozen applicants. He also previously held the same role for the city from October 2006 to April 2014.

Chris Hubbard, the city manager of Mexico Beach, was fired on Tuesday for a personal social media post that used a disparaging term for people with developmental disabilities.

"I have thought a lot about this, and I appreciate all the input I got," Councilman Tim Linderman said. "I got a couple dozen emails, phone calls (and) texts with opinions and advice. ... I find this very difficult. However, I think whatever we do, it has to be in the best interest of the city. ... I found (the post) very insulting."

"When it first came out, the post honestly was very appalling, I will say, and it still is," Councilman Jason Adams said. "It's just put us in a real bad situation."

During the meeting, Hubbard told residents he was sorry for "any pain or personal insult" caused by his post. He also noted his Facebook page is private, so content he shares is only meant for those with whom he is friends.

According to Hubbard, he has a younger brother with autism, and it was not his intent for the post to be offensive or insensitive to those with intellectual disabilities.

Looking back: 'Very thankful': Mexico Beach City Council selects Chris Hubbard as new city administrator

"Obviously, I have to address the elephant in the room, which is a meme that I posted on my private, personal Facebook page," Hubbard said.

"I take full responsibility for my actions, but when I posted that meme on my private Facebook page, it was after reading multiple comments from people who didn't just criticize the (city's) budget, but made recommendations that would violate Florida law, break the bond covenants on our debt and potentially require the city to immediately pay the remaining balance. (They also) accused me of secretly attempting to benefit myself financially through some of the items in the budget.

"To me, as someone who loves Mexico Beach and put my life on hold in Kentucky so I could come back here and try to help out, those things indeed seem silly and foolish to me."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Mexico Beach City Council fires City Manager Chris Hubbard
University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland campus. USM photo.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission unanimously approved bylaws Wednesday for the advisory council that will review the process for academic program approvals, in hopes of heading off inter-campus fights like one that erupted last year.

The new Program Review Process Advisory Council will be made up of 21 officials drawn from the states public and private colleges and universities and community colleges.

Legislation creating the advisory council was passed this spring, after a controversial decision by MHEC in June 2023 to let Towson University create a new business analytics degree. Morgan State University, one of the states four historically Black colleges and universities, objected because it would duplicate a similar program there.

Other HBCU alumni and supporters criticized the decision that they said conflicted with a $577 million settlement approved in 2021 that settled a 2006 lawsuit against the state. That suit claimed the state provided more resources to predominantly white institutions and allowed them to duplicate programs offered at Morgan and the three other HBCUs  Bowie State University, Coppin State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

According to the advisory council bylaws approved Wednesday, it will be made up of 21 people, five of whom will be permanent members: the chancellor of the University System of Maryland, the president of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, the president of the Maryland Independent College and University Association and the presidents of Morgan State University and St. Marys College of Maryland. If those individuals cannot serve, they can assign a designee in their place.

The remaining 16 people will serve four-year terms as rotating members. Heres the breakdown:

Two presidents and two provosts from a senior public higher education institution from four different schools;

Two presidents and two provosts from a community college from four different schools;

Two presidents and two provosts from private, nonprofit institutions from four difference schools;

Four individuals, such as department heads, deans, academic program directors, or institutional attorneys from four schools not represented by a president or provost appointed to the council.

MHEC Secretary Sanjay Rai, or his designee, will serve as council chair and will also appoint the rotating members, upon receipt of a nomination.

The Secretary shall make every effort to appoint a diverse membership from schools of differing geographic location, size, student population, degree levels offered, and individual demographics, according to the bylaws. If not enough people are nominated to achieve a diverse membership from different schools, the Secretary may reach out to individuals for recommendations or to ask them to nominate themselves.

Emily Dow, assistant secretary for academic affairs at MHEC, said the composition of council is to ensure a diverse group of higher education individuals have a seat at the table who can opine, weigh in and provide advice on these new, forthcoming changes in the program review process.

Before the commission approved the bylaws, board member Ray Serrano and student member Praise Alayode asked if any student input would be allowed.

Board Vice Chair Chike Aguh proposed an amendment that any council recommendations also be shared with the MHEC Student Advisory Council. That motion was also unanimously approved.

This is just about making sure that the recommendations on the process regs have that student input that you heard Dr. Serrano and our new student commissioner [talked about], Aguh said.

Among its objectives, the process advisory council is to make sure the program review processes are equitable and in the best interest of the state and students, consider the resources, needs and missions of the states institutions and to ensure that processes are practical, efficient, and transparent.

The bylaws say meetings will be held virtually and on an as-needed basis.

Dow said earlier this month the goal is to have the councils first meeting at the end of September.
The landlords for Grupo Sur, a commercial bakery in Miami, saw the unglamorous restaurant supplier as a bit of a bad egg in the $80 million Little River portfolio they acquired in 2021. They had other ideas for the property in a fast-changing neighborhood.

Grupo Sur had operated out of a 17,000-square-foot warehouse in the area for 13 years. The propertys new owners, Nashville-based AJ Capital Partners, envisioned something far different: a music and entertainment venue.

In emails later made public in a lawsuit, the landlords spoke candidly about their desire to get out of a lease agreement that gave Grupo Sur the option to stay until 2028. In one email, an AJ Capital executive wrote of the bakery: Sounded like there might be a strategy to get them out. Anything I can do to help?

In another, a consultant suggested the landlords could control an engineering firm to produce the exact report we need for a government-mandated 40-year recertification for the bakery site.

AJ Capital hired the consultants recommended engineering firm, which found safety problems with the building and said it needed to be vacated. Acting on that report, the city of Miami ordered Grupo Sur and its employees to get out in August 2022.

The bakery owners now allege in a lawsuit that their landlords and the engineering firm conspired to take away their livelihood, weaponizing the citys inspection process amid safety fears after the 2021 Surfside condo collapse in furtherance of their redevelopment plans for the neighborhood.

In a May 2022 email released during the Grupo Sur litigation, a representative of AJ Capital Partners asked: How are we looking at Grupo Sur? Sounded like there might be a strategy to get them out.

An April 2024 court filing by Grupo Sur quotes a portion of an April 2022 email in which a consultant for the landlords suggested they could control an engineering firm.

The case underscores the vulnerabilities of a building recertification process that relies heavily on third-party inspections commissioned by property owners. And it offers an unusual peek into some of the alleged tactics being used to transform the sleepy but evolving Little River neighborhood, which consists largely of warehouses and modest one-story homes but has been targeted by developers seeking to hand-pick tenants and rebrand the area as a burgeoning food, music and culture scene.

The citys decision to have Grupo Sur evacuate was based on a report by the landlords third-party engineering firm, Plaza & Associates, which inspected the building and said that it could not be safely occupied while repairs were being made to address significant cracking and possible weight overload on the roof.

Representatives for AJ Capital and Plaza & Associates declined to comment for this story. But in court filings, they maintain they did nothing wrong.

The landlords have said they never instructed Plaza & Associates to produce an inspection report that deemed the building unsafe. In March 2023, they filed a counterclaim against the bakery, asking a judge to declare that the lease was properly terminated because the bakery owners had failed to maintain the building and the citys evacuation notice had rendered the lease unenforceable. If a judge decides the bakery has a right to return to the building, the landlords added, the bakery should pay rent dating back to the evacuation.

AJ Capital bought the Grupo Sur building  and dozens of others in an area bounded by Northwest 71st and 76th streets, Third Avenue and North Miami Avenue  from the previous owner, MVW Partners, in 2021. An affiliate of MVW continued to manage the properties.

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Among the properties in AJ Capitals portfolio is Understory, a home-turned-music venue that the restaurant recommendation site The Infatuation dubbed one of the coolest hospitality spaces in town, and La Natural, a pizza restaurant that Michelin Guide reviewers say feels like an underground party by way of concrete floors and dim lighting.

The areas gentrification has been controversial among longtime residents. In 2019, the opening of The Citadel, an upscale food hall in the northern end of Little Haiti, drew protesters angry that developers had sought to rebrand the neighborhood as Little River, a historic name that had faded into disuse after Haitian refugees began settling in the area in the early 1980s.

Now, AJ Capital, a major landowner in the neighborhood, will play a crucial role in shaping the areas next chapter.

But Grupo Surs owners, Raul Ortiz de la Renta and Jose Molina  immigrants from Argentina and Venezuela who met in business school in Arizona in the early 1990s  said in an interview that the bakery they ran successfully for nearly 20 years was destroyed by their landlords predetermined vision for the neighborhood.

An overhead view of the former Grupo Sur building on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

The business was a livelihood not only for them, they said, but also for approximately 35 employees, many of whom were immigrants from Haiti, Cuba and Central America.

They say they are now trying to keep their business afloat while operating remotely, using third-party manufacturers to sell bread products to wholesale customers they established at Grupo Sur.

I felt doing it in the U.S. would provide me with the right environment to grow a small business in a fair fashion, Ortiz de la Renta said. Obviously my assessment was incorrect, because nothing that happened here is right.

Raul Ortiz de la Renta, left, and Jose Molina, right, owners of Grupo Sur, a commercial bakery in Miamis Little River neighborhood, were evacuated from their building in 2022 due to a report deeming it unsafe. In a lawsuit, they obtained evidence they allege shows their landlords conspired with an engineering firm to illegally evict them as part of a gentrification effort.Ortiz de la Renta and Molina visited the site on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

A pretext for what is to come

Several of the emails at the heart of the litigation were sent in early 2022 as the landlords discussed their options regarding the bakery.

In January 2022, an AJ Capital executive floated a plan to press the bakery owners to improve their building and operations. He wrote that, if the bakery couldnt afford to make the changes, the landlord could offer the bakery money to end its lease early.

We can probably re-lease their space at a higher rent, and so perhaps can afford a mutually [agreeable] buyout number that would please all parties, he said.

An AJ Capital executive discussed the Grupo Sur lease in a January 2022 email released during litigation.

Writing to an MVW Partners email address the next day, a property manager for MVW said that the bakery making fixes would merely delay its departure. He instead suggested moving straight into financial negotiations to end the lease.

Jose is smart enough to know that is all just a pretext for what is to come, he wrote, seemingly referring to bakery co-owner Jose Molina. If they comply, then weve just wasted time and they wont [be] leaving anyway, so we will look like chumps.

The property manager added that he wanted AJ Capital to let him present the bakery with a dollar amount [AJ Capital] would be willing to pay to get them to leave.

Court records do not indicate that the landlords ever made such a buyout offer.

A property manager said in a January 2022 email that the bakery making fixes would delay its departure and leave the landlords looking like chumps. He suggested making the bakery a buyout offer to end the lease.

In April 2022, Rick Hernandez-Espino, the landlords consultant, suggested hiring Plaza & Associates to evaluate several of their properties for recertifications that the city was ordering them to complete. Hernandez-Espino recommended the engineering firm and its CEO, William Plaza. In an email, he told the landlords he felt confident that we can control William and his team to provide us with the exact report we need for Grupo, according to court filings. The email was marked as confidential by the landlords in court proceedings but was referenced in filings by the bakery.

In May 2022, after Plazas firm had completed its inspection of the Grupo Sur warehouse, an AJ Capital executive asked colleagues where things stood with the bakery. How are we looking at Grupo Sur? Sounded like there might be a strategy to get them out, he wrote. Anything I can do to help?

The property manager said he planned to meet with the bakery owners to discuss the report by Plazas firm and inform them that they will not be able to legally operate in the space due to the significant work that needs to be done to bring the property into compliance.

The AJ Capital executive responded: So your [sic] saying theres [sic] a chance!

So your saying theres a chance! an AJ Capital executive wrote in response to a property manager saying he planned to inform the bakery owners that they could no longer operate out of the warehouse due to the significant work that needs to be done to bring the property into compliance.

A conflicting engineering report

An engineer at Plazas firm visually inspected the building in April 2022, then produced a report saying it could not safely be occupied while repairs were being made. The report, which was submitted to the city of Miami building official, cited significant cracking, water pooling on the roof and indicators of possible weight overload caused by heavy equipment on the roof.

City officials met with representatives of the Grupo Sur landlord and Plazas firm to discuss the firms report on Aug. 4, 2022, before visiting the site later that day.

The landlords have since accused the bakery owners of blocking city inspectors from accessing the warehouse that day to conduct their own inspection. In an unsafe structure notice issued by the city, a city inspector wrote: Access to interior denied by tenant.

The bakery owners deny that they blocked a city inspection, saying they would have welcomed an attempt by the city to vet the report by Plazas firm. Molina said a city official told him during the site visit that the city isnt required to inspect the building and ordered him to leave or else be removed by police.

In response to questions from the Herald, a city spokesperson said the city was seeking to conduct an unsafe structures inspection when it visited the building and that the tenant prevented the  inspectors from entering the property.

The spokesperson did not address a question about whether the city typically conducts its own inspections before ordering a building to be evacuated.

The city is not a defendant in the lawsuit.

After getting the unsafe structure notice and then filing suit, the Grupo Sur owners commissioned an inspection of their own.

They hired Pistorino & Alam, whose principal, John Pistorino, helped Miami-Dade County write the rules requiring that buildings be recertified as safe after 40 years and every 10 years after that, following the deadly 1974 collapse of a downtown Miami office building.

In September 2022, Pistorino and three other inspectors concluded that the Grupo Sur building could have and should have been able to [remain] occupied while repairs were being made. The report said that some repairs should be made before the building was reoccupied but that those items would take about two weeks to complete and didnt require displacing the bakery indefinitely.

Pistorinos report questioned several of Plaza & Associates key findings, including those about water pooling on the roof and possible weight overloads. The city of Miami, the report said, has been given a recommendation to vacate the building based upon minor deterioration commonly observed in these types of buildings that is normally repaired without vacating the building.

Construction takes place at the former Grupo Sur warehouse on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Across Miami-Dade County, local governments are allowed to rely on the assessments of third-party inspectors to determine whether buildings are safe. That means city building officials dont always conduct inspections of their own.

The Grupo Sur owners say their landlords exploited that process, knowing that city officials had heightened sensitivity to building safety issues after the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside left 98 people dead.

In a deposition conducted amid the lawsuit, the property manager said his team had felt confident that the city would follow Plaza & Associates recommendation to declare the building unsafe.

We knew that the city  would not actually do anything other than go ahead and take whatever recommendation was given by the engineer, he said, according to a transcript reviewed by the Herald.

Greg Batista, a South Florida structural engineer who is not connected to the Grupo Sur case, said local building officials have to strike a delicate balance between enforcing building codes themselves and trusting the reports of third-party inspectors. But generally, he said, they err on the side of caution.

Im going to go with the most conservative view. I dont lose anything by that, Batista said, speaking from the perspective of a local building official. In engineering, a lot of times its not a black-and-white thing.

The Little River neighborhood is pictured on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Consultant proposed changes to report

As part of their argument that the first engineering report was tainted, the Grupo Sur owners have pointed to emails that show the landlords consultant, Hernandez-Espino, suggested changes to the report before it was submitted to the city.

In one instance, after an engineer at Plazas firm had already signed and sealed the report, Hernandez-Espino flagged a portion of the electrical inspection in which an engineer had answered yes to a question about whether the building was safe to occupy while repairs were being made. The answer was changed to no.

Hernandez-Espino later said in a deposition that he was simply trying to clarify contradictory statements in the report and ensure it would move through the citys review process in a smooth fashion.

The consultant marked other proposed changes to the report, according to court filings. A document detailing his suggestions was marked as confidential by the landlords attorneys.

Batista, the structural engineer with no affiliation to the case, said its generally a big no-no for non-engineers to review an engineers work, especially once it has been signed and sealed.

You just cant have a non-engineer peer review an engineers document, Batista said. Thats highly suspicious. Its a red flag.

The bakery owners cite other reasons for skepticism, too. According to court filings and marriage records, Hernandez-Espino is married to an employee of Miamis unsafe structures division who supervises the offices clerical staff, a relationship Grupo Sur claims he exploited to obtain access and benefits from the city.

According to a deposition transcript, Hernandez-Espino copied his wife on an April 2022 email to the city seeking an extension on a 40-year recertification deadline for Grupo Sur. The email was sent on a Saturday, but a city official responded that day as the landlords sought to avoid a violation that they said would have kicked in at midnight.

In an email to Matthew Vander Werff of MVW Partners later that day, according to the transcript, Hernandez-Espino wrote: Fortunately, in this case, I live with a bureaucrat, and I was immediately recommended to file for formal extensions.

Hernandez-Espinos wife said in a deposition that she didnt recall discussing the deadline extension with her husband. She said its common for clerical staff in the unsafe structures office to work overtime on Saturdays and for her to be copied on emails.

Hernandez-Espino also serves on the board of directors of the Latin Builders Association alongside Plaza, who isnt an engineer himself but runs a firm that employs a licensed special inspector.

In depositions, Hernandez-Espino and Plaza said they know each other through the Latin Builders Association but denied ever discussing the landlords desired outcome for the Grupo Sur recertification report.

Hernandez-Espino defended his email about being able to control Plaza to get the exact report we need, saying he was referring only to the landlords desire to follow local recertification guidelines that changed in the wake of the Champlain Towers collapse.

William [Plaza] was one of the only ones that was up to date on the current laws and the recertification requirements, Hernandez-Espino said, according to a deposition transcript.

The property manager similarly said in his deposition that he was unaware of any improper coordination between the landlords and the engineering firm. But he was candid about what the landlords wanted  and acknowledged that his team could have played some role in the inspection process.

Theres a difference between doing things by the book and also making sure that you make the inspector aware of every potential issue or problem, he said. The landlords, he said, were hoping that the building report would allow for the removal of the tenant.

Raul Ortiz de la Renta, left, and Jose Molina, right, owners of Grupo Sur, a commercial bakery in Miamis Little River neighborhood, were evacuated from their building in 2022 due to a report deeming it unsafe. In a lawsuit, they obtained evidence they allege shows their landlords conspired with an engineering firm to illegally evict them as part of a gentrification effort.Ortiz de la Renta and Molina visited the site on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

During a recent interview at the former bakery site, the Grupo Sur owners watched as a construction crew worked on the now-vacant building where they spent more than a decade of their working lives. Molina and Ortiz de la Renta dont know whats next for the property, but they say they imagine it could morph into a music venue, as their landlords envisioned.

Ortiz de la Renta said he understands that neighborhoods change and that gentrification is happening across Miami. He said he would have been open to a conversation with the landlords about relocating.

Instead, he said, his business was forced to leave through an opaque and ruthless process.

It doesnt have to be this way, he said. It doesnt have to be running over the existing community.

Miami Herald staff writer Tess Riski contributed to this report.
(Bloomberg) -- More than a dozen well-heeled prospective investors gathered at the Presidente InterContinental hotel in Mexico Citys ritzy Polanco neighborhood on a recent morning. They were there to hear a pitch on Miami real estate, many of them lured by a two-page newspaper ad touting luxury amenities in condos starting at $500,000.

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Interest in stashing cash in overseas properties has soared among wealthy Mexicans since the landslide win for President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum and her Morena party in last months elections. Theyre seeking an escape as speculation swirls that the next government will undermine the rule of law and boost taxes on the rich, never mind the official denials.

At the Polanco hotel, a handful of agents from Brickell Realty Group were chatting up clients, while others were ferrying potential buyers into glass conference rooms to discuss financing and how to get US visas. One attendee said concern about Sheinbaums populist ties had prompted her to consider spending up to $1 million for a property, but she had to offload some real estate in Mexico first. That, she said, had proved to be a challenge in recent months.

Mexicos rich are rushing to find safe havens for their assets, and South Florida is a prime target. Google searches in Mexico for Miami real estate and Florida real estate spiked in mid-June, coinciding with a sharp selloff for the peso in the aftermath of the vote.

At Cipriani Residences Miami, a 397-unit luxury tower being built with financing from Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim in the Brickell neighborhood, the director of sales says there has been a surge of requests from Mexican buyers since the June 2 election. At the Corcoran Group, an ad in a Mexican newspaper generated about 40 potential clients in the weeks after the election, up from just one or two a month before the vote.

Theres been a major uptick in activity, said Mick Duchon, a Corcoran agent. The political environment has changed.

Miami has long been a refuge for Latin Americas wealthy in times of turmoil, dating back to the influx of Cubans fleeing Fidel Castros 1959 revolution, followed by waves of Colombians, Venezuelans and Argentines as crises flared in those countries. Its transformed the city into a Latin cultural and financial capital, where Spanish is spoken almost as commonly as English. More recently, South Florida has seen an influx of finance professionals since the start of the pandemic as firms sought out lower taxes and sunshine.

Now, Mexicans, who traditionally flocked to places in the US other than Miami, may be following suit. Hard data is lacking due to delays in reporting real estate transactions, but interviews with agents and wealth experts illuminate the trend.

Sheinbaum is expected to be a very progressive president and a lot of wealthy Mexicans are scared of that, said Mauricio Umansky, who was born in Mexico City and now runs real estate firm The Agency, with offices in Miami and Mexico. Thats why theyre buying real estate in the US  its the best way to protect their wealth.

Sheinbaums win was well telegraphed before the vote, and there had been some signs that wealthy Mexicans were sending capital out of the country earlier in the year. But the interest in Miami real estate took off after the ruling Morena party won a larger-than-expected share of Congressional seats, fueling concerns the party would be able to easily push through changes. Of particular concern are plans to allow the direct election of judges, which critics say threatens checks and balances.

That said, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what Mexicos elite might be worried about. There are few specific proposals to raise taxes, confiscate wealth or otherwise radically remake the economy, and Sheinbaum has sought to assure skeptics that investors have no reason to worry. In recent weeks the peso has erased some of its post-election losses.

Theres also the fact that under the current Morena government, led by Sheinbaum mentor President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the wealthiest people in Mexico got richer than ever. Thats in part due to the pesos rally during AMLOs term and policies that favored the oligopolies that underlie many Mexican families wealth. Its not the first flight to Florida, either: earlier in AMLOs presidency, fears around crackdowns on tax evasion and corruption sent a crop of wealthy Mexicans to Miami, too.

Now, it seems like a fresh wave of beneficiaries of those gains are looking to move the proceeds abroad. In the first quarter of the year, Mexican companies and individuals pulled capital at the fastest rate in two years, according to the Institute of International Finance.

That reflects increased uncertainty ahead of the election, said Martin Castellano, who oversees Latin America research at IIF.

Wealthy families will be watching to see how Sheinbaum governs after she takes office Oct. 1, with a particular focus on how she plans to cope with a widening deficit amid speculation shell be under pressure from allies to boost social spending.

Theres a lot of talk about big changes in estate taxes, said Jorge Suarez-Velez, who leads the Latin American division at investment adviser Americana Partners with a focus on wealthy families in Mexico. Theres talk about a possibility of increasing marginal rates for corporates and individuals in terms of income taxes.

Sheinbaum has said repeatedly that she isnt looking to pass major tax changes at the start of her term. Her press office didnt return calls seeking additional comment.

Mexicans have been underrepresented in South Florida, making up only 5% of the Hispanic community in the Miami metropolitan area in 2022, virtually unchanged from two decades earlier, according to US Census Bureau data analyzed by the Pew Research Center.

But thats begun to change in recent years, adding to a pandemic-era real estate frenzy in Miami that has somewhat abated but still left the local real estate market in a much better position than most of the rest of the US.

Mexicans in Miami are a new aspect, a slower but steady trend, said Danny Hertzberg, a founding partner of the Jills Zeder Group, one of Miamis biggest high-end real estate brokers. Mexicans would usually go to California, Texas or Colorado, but have started coming more and more to Miami.

In the last two years, more than 80 units at Cipriani Residences Miami have gone to Mexican buyers, according to Ana Gomez, the propertys director of sales. She said the latest uptick has taken the group somewhat by surprise. Today, buyers from Mexico rank sixth in the top foreign purchasers of the Miami Association of Realtors.

Miltiadis Kastanis, a Douglas Elliman Real Estate agent who mainly works in new development in Miami, said theres been a wave of recent sales to Mexicans. He says deals hes worked on are in the $10 million to $20 million range, though since the projects are still under construction the transactions wont show up in local databases for another two to four years.

Its not just politics contributing to the decision to buy property abroad  sometimes it just purely for investment purposes. Homeowners in Miami-Dade County have earned $533,955 in home equity gains in the past 15 years on average, just under double the national average, according to an analysis released last month by the Miami Association of Realtors. The number of home sales for $1 million and up surged 9.5% in May from a year earlier, buoyed in part by an influx of cash buyers and migration of higher earners from the northeastern US.

Real estate agents elsewhere say the Miami area isnt the only region seeing an influx of Mexican buyers. Austin seems to be particularly popular for buyers who prefer Texas, and mountain properties in Colorado have lured outdoor enthusiasts.

These families are starting to feel more comfortable with meaningful investment in jurisdictions that are far away from the place where they made their fortune, Suarez-Velez said.

--With assistance from Paulina Cachero and Felipe Marques.

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NASHUA  Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Vice President Kamala Harris should be bold when choosing her running mate.

While the two-term governor is one of at least seven Democrats being vetted by the Harris campaign, she has repeatedly said that she not interested in the position. She reiterated that to reporters on Thursday in New Hampshire, saying shes not going anywhere and remains committed to her role as Michigans governor.

Whitmer said the current field of vice presidential candidates, which includes Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and fellow Michigander Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, are all wonderful.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer campaigns for Kamala Harris in Nashua on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

I am a little biased toward governors because, you know, I think executive experience would be a helpful thing in the White House. But Mark Kelly is fantastic, Josh Shapiro, theres just a great list of people that I know that theyre talking to, Whitmer said. As a governor who handpicks my running mate in Michigan, I just know that having someone that you can trust who shares your values, and that you get along with, I think, is paramount and only she can make that decision.

While the current field is largely white men, Whitmer said she believes Harris feels the same way that they should be bold with their choice, adding two women or two people of color on the presidential ticket would be exciting.

Whitmer says Harris brings renewed sense of energy in 2024 election

Whitmer was in New Hampshire on behalf of Harris and in her capacity as a co-chair of Harris campaign, a similar role she had with President Joe Biden's campaign prior to him dropping out of the race and endorsing Harris.

In front of a small crowd at Liquid Therapy in Nashua, she touched on topics ranging from reproductive freedom to Project 2025 in a discussion moderated by former House Speaker Terie Norelli, a Democrat from Portsmouth.

It was Whitmers first visit to the Granite State. She said she chose to visit now because people in New Hampshire matter and the Harris campaign is taking no vote, no community for granted. She emphasized the importance of connecting with those across the country who may find the political news cycle overwhelming.

Like New Hampshire, Michigan is a swing state that will be critical for either party to secure victory in the presidential election. New Hampshire has four electoral votes while Michigan has 15 and is considered a key battleground state.

Both states have tended to vote Democratic, but former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, won Michigan in 2016, before losing the state to Biden in 2020. Trump led Biden in recent polling in New Hampshire, where Biden won in 2020 and Hillary Clinton won in 2016.

Bidens exit was a surprise to her, Whitmer said, and she emphasized her gratitude for the sacrifices he made on behalf of others. But since he exited the race, Whitmer said shes seen a renewed sense of energy and excitement, something that she doesnt normally see this early in an election.

It is going to be joyous, inclusive, future-forward-looking convention, Whitmer said of the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. November 5, then, after polls close, we can have a cocktail and cheers to Madam President.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer campaigns for Kamala Harris in NH
Big Lots will be closing dozens of stores in California, including three Merced County locations.

Big Lots stores will be closing in Merced, Atwater and Los Banos. The company has not issued an exact closing date, but employees at the Merced and Los Banos stores said those locations expect to close in mid-September.

That was a well-loved store, said Los Banos mayor Paul Llanez. I know a lot of people, including my wife, shop there. They love that store. So, yes, were very disappointed.

There is a large sign that reads Closing hung outside the Merced Big Lots store, which is located 665 Fairfield Drive near the mall. The store is offering 20% off everything in the store to customers.

Big Lots is the second large department store to close its doors in Merced, joining Barnes & Noble, which closed its Merced location in May.

Thats certainly two big losses, said Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto. The question is how do we make up for it? Theres a natural kind of churn with businesses where some come in and some are replaced, and thats capitalism.

Less efficient businesses are replaced by more efficient ones, but at the same time, thats a big loss, losing two businesses. You never want to have vacant store fronts, too. You just want to make sure those get filled as soon as possible.

When Barnes & Noble closed its Merced location, the company said its possible it could find another Merced location.

The City provided (Barnes & Noble) and their commercial agent with sites and buildings to consider for relocation, said Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero. Now its up to (Barnes & Noble) to perform their market analysis and due diligence and determine the best location for another bookstore.

Big Lots stores located in Turlock and Modesto are also closing, according to the company website.

Messages to the Big Lots media relations were not immediately returned.

In its quarterly report to the Securities and Exchanges Commission, the company stated, In 2024, we currently expect to open three stores and close 35 to 40 stores.

According to The Modesto Bee, the number of Big Lots stores closing nationwide is 109.

Big Lots reported a net loss of $205 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, which ended May 4. The company also reported a 10.2% decrease in net sales from 2023.

While we made substantial progress on improving our business operations in Q1, we missed our sales goals due largely to a continued pullback in consumer spending by our core customers, particularly in high ticket discretionary items, stated Bruce Thorn, president and CEO of Big Lots in a June press release. We remain focused on managing through the current economic cycle by controlling the controllables.

Story continues

Thorn added while most of the Big Lots stores are doing well... there are still a significant number of under-performing stores that we are working hard to address.

Llanez feels for the people losing their jobs.

Anytime people lose their jobs and it was out of their control, thats really disappointing, Llanez said. Again, Big Lots was just another option for our community to shop at so losing that is a big deal.
The 22-year-old Upper Peninsula man who apparently committed suicide Monday after confessing to running over an 80-year-old man putting a Trump sign up in his yard has been identified by Hancock police as Joshua Kemppainen, of Quincy Township.

Police say Kemppainen, who previously had no run-ins with law enforcement, died Monday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Members of Kemppainen's family and neighbors could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

The suspect in the politically-charged attacks is pictured on an ATV in a parking lot on Sunday.

More: Michigan man, 22, found dead after confessing to ATV attack on elderly Trump supporter

More: Man who tried to kill Trump was researching the Crumbleys

Hancock police were assisted by the FBI-Marquette field office, Michigan State Police and the Houghton Police Department in the case, which drew national headlines.

The victim of the attack was hospitalized and in critical condition. On Thursday, Hancock police said he was released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

A politically charged spree

According to a news release from Hancock Chief of Police Tami Sleeman, Kemppainen was caught on camera during the spree intentionally vandalizing cars displaying a right-wing political orientation.

The Hancock Police Department said Kemppainen called Monday and said he would like to "confess a crime involving an ATV driver within the last 24 hours." He instructed police to his residence in Quincy Township to pick him up. By the time they arrived, he was dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A day before, on Sunday, police suspect Kemppainen was involved in a number of politically charged crimes, targeted against houses with signs and displays supporting law enforcement and Donald Trump. In one, the suspect allegedly ran over an 80-year-old man who was putting up a Trump sign in his yard.

Hancock police department overloaded

The crime stretched the small-town police department thin, Sleeman said. There are only 10 officers, including herself, on staff. In the wake of the attack, they are running low on manpower, Sleeman said.

Because of the small staff, Sleeman said, it took her department approximately two hours to arrive at Kemppainen's house on Monday.

Sleeman told the Free Press she is "disappointed" with the crime and political violence in Hancock.

"As a community, we need to be able to accept views," she said. "Our country shouldn't be like this."

If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

Breaking news reporter Liam Rappleye can be reached at lrappleye@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Man who confessed to ATV attack identified as Joshua Kemppainen
The Border Patrol has made fewer than 1,800 apprehensions per day over the past week, a major decline following the implementation of new asylum restrictions that significantly cut humanitarian protections for those who cross the border illegally.

Migrant encounters along the southern border are down 55% since the restrictions took effect seven weeks ago, according to new data from the Department of Homeland Security.

The Border Patrol made 83,536 apprehensions in June, the lowest number since Biden took office in Jan. 2021.

DHS officials credit a dual-track approach that balances increased enforcement measures along with the expansion of new options for legal migration. The measures, announced at the beginning of last month, all but banned asylum for those who crossed into the U.S. illegally. Meanwhile, at U.S. ports of entry, the administration continues to admit a limited number of pre-screened migrants for asylum processing.

So it's the kind of culmination of a yearslong effort to build up both of those things, and I think that we are really seeing that pay dividends, one senior Customs and Border Protection Official said.

We've been kind of building up both enforcement at the border and access to lawful pathways since, since we started here, the official added.

PHOTO: MEXICO-US-MIGRATION-CARAVAN (Isaac Guzman/AFP via Getty Images)

The official said the White House has been directly involved in this effort, including Vice President Kamala Harris herself, to craft the strategy that has brought illegal border crossings down dramatically.

I think we've, we've got some real positive impacts here, and we're also continuing to work to maximize them, and to double down on these efforts, both ourselves and in coordination with our foreign partners, to not only maximize enforcement at our border, but to disrupt the way that people are moving up and getting to our border.

DHS continues to engage in an aggressive deportation effort, removing or voluntarily returning 65,000 individuals to more than 125 countries, with more than 200 international repatriation flights in recent weeks, according to DHS. The number of people released into the U.S. pending deportation proceedings has declined by 70% , officials say.

The San Diego region continues to see the highest level of migrant encounters compared to other border regions, but those numbers have reduced by 60% in recent weeks, according to a senior CBP official.

So we're really now, just now, starting to see the full impact out there, the official told ABC News. And I think that's definitely an indication of success, and also something that we continue to work to even see if we can achieve further results.

Migrant apprehensions continue to decline in US originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Jurgen Maier has been chosen by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to chair GB Energy

Ed Miliband has appointed a former Siemens executive and leading critic of Brexit to run the new state-owned power business Great British Energy.

Jurgen Maier, a British-Austrian businessman who previously headed up wind turbine producer Siemens UK, has been chosen by the Energy Secretary to chair the company and accelerate Britains renewable electricity programme.

Mr Maier warned before Britains departure from the European Union that quitting would hit the countrys economy like a slow puncture, making it far harder for British companies to export their products.

He used the phrase in a Guardian interview in 2020, following it up with a post on his personal website which argued that closer ties with the EU would be vital in the coming years  and suggesting the country could even go back into the single market.

At the time, Mr Maier wrote that repairing the alleged economic damage will only be possible by creating more alignment and not less, as some key Brexit promoters are arguing for post Brexit.

He added: In fact, I hold the view that if the UK choses a path of divergence from EU standards, it will make the economic impact so bad, that it increases the chance of us returning to join the single market in full within a decade, as the only way for our economy to recover.

GB Energy is yet to be formally set up, a process that will require legislation. Once running, it will receive 8bn over the following five years to promote offshore wind and other low carbon technologies.

The announcement coincided with Sir Keirs announcement of a new partnership between GB Energy and the Crown Estate, which he claims will unleash billions of pounds of investments in clean power.

The Crown Estate controls Britains surrounding seabed and so oversees the licensing of offshore wind farms  where the Energy Secretary wants to triple offshore wind generation.

The deal is expected to mean the construction of up to 4,000 wind turbines by 2030.

The Crown Estate also owns 200,000 acres of land around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which is being targeted for onshore wind and solar farms.

The move follows Mr Milibands decision to relax the rules governing onshore wind farms  potentially allowing thousands of turbines and solar panels to be erected on greenfield sites.

Last week he also approved plans for three large solar farms despite opposition from people living in surrounding areas.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Mr Miliband said the extensive construction programme was justified by the benefits to UK energy security.

He said: The problem about fossil fuels is that they are priced and sold on the global market. If fossil fuels had given us energy security, we wouldnt have seen the terrible cost of living crisis that weve seen over the past two years.

The Climate Change Committee has said that British-based renewable energy is the cheapest and fastest way to reduce vulnerability to volatile global fossil fuel markets. That is the position of this Government ... GB Energy is a crucial tool to make that happen.

Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has approved plans for three large solar farms despite opposition from locals - Anthony Devlin/Shutterstock

Mr Maier said: Great British Energy will be a publicly-owned national clean energy champion, ensuring British people reap the benefits of clean, secure, home-grown energy.

Im excited to lead this company and work with the private sector and communities to rapidly expand skilled jobs and investment across the country.

On the deal with the Crown Estate, Sir Keir Starmer said: My Government is laser focused on delivering change, to make people better off. This innovative partnership between Great British Energy and the Crown Estate is an important step toward our mission for clean energy by 2030, and bringing down energy bills for good.

However energy industry insiders warn that renewable energy remains too expensive, with heat pumps costing three times the price of boilers, and electricity  even from green sources  costing more than the equivalent energy from gas.

From July 1, gas prices have been capped at 5.48p per kilowatt hour with a daily standing charge of 31.41p.

By contrast the cost of electricity is substantially greater at 22.36p/kWh with a daily standing charge of 60.12p. This price difference means gas remains far more attractive as a heating fuel.

Russell Dean, residential product group director at Mitsubishi Electric, said the new Government had to make switching to renewables more affordable.

With the price of electricity in the UK still higher than that of gas, rebalancing the cost of electricity and gas would make switching to a heat pump more achievable.

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.
Striking Minneapolis parks workers begin a march at Boom Island Park headed to the park headquarters on July 24, 2024. Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer.

The strike by Minneapolis park workers entered its fourth week on Thursday after a divided Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board decided not to take up a proposal aimed at quickly reaching a deal with the union representing more than 300 workers.

The board adjourned on Wednesday evening, having only approved the agenda, after striking park workers shut down the meeting with three hours of shouting and chanting from a picket line circling the boardroom.

Minneapolis park keepers and arborists, who have been on strike for three weeks, filled the boardroom hopeful that the park board would pass a resolution directing the park staff to offer leaders of LIUNA Local 363 a deal they said they would accept.

The resolution, brought by Commissioners Becky Alper and Tom Olsen, would direct park staff to make the union an offer based on everything they had already tentatively agreed to with the union including the park boards last proposal on wage increases.

Park commissioners, who are elected by the public to oversee the citys massive park system, usually dont get involved in labor negotiations beyond rubber-stamping whatever deal park Superintendent Al Bangoura and his staff reaches. But the unprecedented strike, the first in the park boards 141 year history, has roiled the nationally acclaimed park system and embittered its staff, who have missed 21 days of pay.

After seven months of negotiations and three weeks of a strike, its time for us, the leaders of the Minneapolis parks system who the voters entrusted, to lean in and resolve this dispute, Alper said. Its high time for this strike to end.

Alper and Olsens resolution failed by a 3-5 vote to even be put on the agenda for the day, prompting shouts of shame and do your jobs from workers in the audience.

Commissioner Becka Thompson, voting against adding the resolution to the agenda, told workers from the dais that it didnt have a chance of passing  and she wasnt familiar with the details of the contract.

I dont know this contract well enough to make a statement on it, Thompson said, which drew outrage from workers, who said the strike has upended their finances and could lead them to lose homes, cars or health insurance.

Thompson was joined in voting down the resolution by Park Board President Meg Forney, Vice President Cathy Abene and Commissioners Steffanie Musich and Elizabeth Shaffer. Commissioner Billy Menz voted in favor and Commissioner Charles Rucker was absent.

The two sides have been dug in despite prominent democrats voicing their support for the striking workers including Attorney General Keith Ellison and state Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy. The Minneapolis City Council also passed a resolution in support of the workers, while Mayor Jacob Frey offered to help mediate a resolution, which the park board declined.

Despite the strike, the park system has continued operations across its 185 properties largely without disruption although four bands cancelled concerts in solidarity with striking workers. Picketing workers also blocked delivery trucks at two park restaurants, leading park leaders to file an unfair labor practices charge against the union.

Many union workers have crossed the picket line and continued showing up for shifts. Park officials say 59% of LIUNA Local 363 members are working while the union says its closer to 50%.

Its tough, said AJ Lange, LIUNA Local 363 business agent. Thats what happens when youre working paycheck to paycheck.

Pay raises already settled

A deal to end the strike seemed within grasp just days ago after the workers union accepted the park systems last proposal on pay raises, clearing the table of budget concerns that had hung over negotiations.

Under the boards latest offer, workers would receive raises of roughly 10.25% over three years plus market adjustments for many workers of $1.75 more per hour split over the final two years of the contract. The union wanted to receive more of the 10.25% raise in the first year, but settled for the park systems offer of 2.75% in the first year, 4.5% in the second and 3% in the third.

Starting wages for parkkeepers and arborists currently are about $20 an hour and rise to about $31 an hour with seniority.

Park leaders said the offer would cost $5.1 million, paid for through an increase in the tax levy that would raise property taxes by about 1.75%.

Union leaders, noting the superintendent received a 10% raise this year, says the park system can afford the raises and suggested park leaders could tap into their $25 million in reserves.

New contract language proposal scuttle resolution

There are only a handful of new contract language proposals left to be resolved. Union leaders accepted a park proposal to extend the probationary period for new hires from six months to 12, but the rest they say are poison pills.

[Theyre] just keeping everyone on strike for insane language that no one was going to agree to, said Kevin Pranis, marketing manager for LIUNA Minnesota & North Dakota. Theyre not trying to settle. Theyre trying to win.

Park officials proposed basing step increases, which come with pay raises, on performance reviews rather than automatic with seniority. The proposal would give managers the discretion to only award pay increases to workers they deem satisfactory.

Union leaders reject the idea, arguing it introduces bias and favoritism into performance reviews and say managers have more than enough tools to address unsatisfactory performance.

Lange, the union business agent, said park officials only proposed making step increases discretionary and extending the probationary period for new hires after workers had voted to strike.

It was clearly a response to us voting to authorize a strike and trying to undermine any possibility that we would come to an agreement, Lange said.

Park officials say theyre simply trying to make labor contracts consistent across the city of Minneapolis other labor agreements. Union leaders say theyre just cherry picking provisions they like from other contracts.

Park officials also want to contractually limit the number of union stewards who can use their work time to help colleagues understand their rights, navigate grievances and respond to disciplinary actions. The union says it currently has five stewards, which would be reduced to two under the park proposal.

And park officials want to limit detailing opportunities, in which workers receive premium pay if theyre largely performing tasks above their pay grade, to only those times when there is a scheduled absence. Park officials say the proposal would reduce last-minute schedule changes and provide more predictability. Union leaders say it would simply rob workers of the higher pay theyre entitled when taking on more work or filling a higher-paid vacant role.

The two sides agreed on Thursday to return to negotiations in the afternoon.
The Miracle of Birth Center  offering Minnesota State Fair visitors an annual fix of cute baby farm animals and their proud mothers  will go ahead without birthing cows this year as fears of bird flu abound in the dairy cattle industry.

tate agricultural industry officials said fair organizers are excluding birthing cows and newborn calves from the popular exhibit as a precaution as the virus continues to spread to mammals, including dairy cattle. The exhibit will still showcase dairy cow-calf pairs, but the calves will be weaned and the cows will be dry.

"There will still be cute little calves and cows," said Kelly Andrews, executive director of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, one of the the exhibit's organizers. "They just won't be lactating [cows]."

The State Fair said staff members could not confirm any changes to the Miracle of Birth lineup but said they anticipated releasing a statement regarding H5N1 precautions on Friday.

"As I'm sure you can imagine, there are many different pieces to the fair's puzzle and specifically right now with regard to H5N1 and how things will play out with exhibitors and also the Miracle of Birth Center," said Lara Hughes, a fair spokeswoman, in an email.

The revelation about the change-up to the popular event, where droves of fairgoers can tour a barn and watch a mama cow or pig nestle up to her young, came the same day as Extension and College of Veterinary Medicine educators released a report discouraging fair organizers  from county gatherings to the statewide behemoth in Falcon Heights  from holding in-person lactating dairy cow exhibitions out of fear of further spread of H5N1.

Lactating dairy cattle constitute only a small portion of the dairy cows shown at fairs. Most are heifers - female cows not yet mature enough to produce milk.

While acknowledging scientists have yet to pin down an "exact route of transmission" for the virus, the officials wrote, "the most notable potential links between infected premises [dairy to dairy and dairy to poultry] are shared equipment, shared personnel, visitors, animal movements and having other wild or domestic animals on site."

Joe Armstrong, a livestock educator and veterinarian with Extension who helped write the report, said Thursday hard stops on movement of animals would vastly decrease the likelihood that bird flu  which delivers cold-like symptoms in dairy cattle but can be fatal in poultry  spreads to other animals on the fair campus.

"Raw milk has the most virus in it," Armstrong said. "And that's being carried and mechanically moved by people and equipment."

Armstrong also acknowledged the news might be heartbreaking for a 4-H kid who cannot bring the milk cow they've cared for to the competition arena. But he estimated of the 10,000 4-H kids showing dairy cattle at county fairs this summer, only roughly 25 are showing lactating dairy cattle.

"It's a very small population," Armstrong said.

Lucas Sjostrom, the executive director of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association, said the guidance is very similar to what the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued earlier this year. He said farmers should be able to make the decision on whether to show the animals and added some might rely on the sheen of exhibiting a lactating dairy cow before judges at a county or state fair to market their cow's heredity to would-be buyers.

"We have a tradition of some of the best genetic stock in the world," Sjostrom said. "So neighboring farms, neighboring states and neighboring countries do seek out Minnesota genetics regularly."

The Board of Animal Health implemented rules earlier this summer requiring testing of dairy cattle prior to arriving at county fairs. Some fairs, such as those in Houston and Winona counties, have already gone a step farther, canceling exhibitions for lactating cattle or switching to virtual shows.

In Minnesota, the total number of dairy herds infected since June with H5N1 stands at nine. A Stearns County dairy was the latest to test positive July 17. Herds ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 cows across central and western Minnesota's dairy belt, including Morrison and Benton counties, have tested positive.

Industry observers said the statewide tally is likely an undercount because testing is not mandatory.

Colorado has announced nearly 50 infected herds. On Monday, the state mandated the weekly testing of commercial dairy herds.

A new report from scientists at the University of Wisconsin suggested raw milk is likely the chief conduit for the spreading of H5N1 between dairy cattle herds and other mammals, including humans.

"This relatively low risk is good news," said Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of pathobiological sciences, in a statement from the college, "since it means the virus is unlikely to easily infect others who aren't exposed to raw infected milk."

While federal officials maintain movement by truck between states has led to the spread of the disease to more than a dozen states since springtime, raw milk has been a vector in local transmission.

Minnesota banned poultry from events in 2015, during the height of a separate bird flu pandemic.
Miss Kansas called out her abuser in public. Her campaign against domestic violence is going viral

WICHITA, Kan. (AP)  A newly posted video of Miss Kansas calling out her domestic violence abuser from the stage the night she was crowned is whipping up a maelstrom of support on social media.

Alexis Smith, who works overnight shifts as a cardiothoracic intensive care nurse in Wichita, was crowned Miss Kansas on June 8, but posted the video of her on-stage comments just this past week on the platform now known as X. Her comments are resonating with thousands in part because she called out her own abuser from the stage while she said the perpetrator was sitting in the audience.

Former Cleveland State violinist charged with child rape

The video Smith posted July 16 has been viewed more than 60,000 times and generated a rash of news stories.

My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships, Smith said during the interview portion of the pageant last month. Matter of fact, some of you in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today. But thats not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas.

Smith just recently started her reign and began raising concerns about the issue in interviews and social media posts. Her bold pageant statement against domestic abuse and her courage to speak out is being praised online by dozens of people as her video gets shared again and again.

Places with the most born-and-bred residents in Ohio

The beauty queen cares deeply about domestic violence issues because not only was she a victim, but so were many of the other women in her family, she has said.

My family, every single woman in my family, was impacted by domestic violence, she said in an interview with Wichita television station KSN. At the age of 14, I got in my first relationship, but it was also an abusive relationship that I was in until about 2018, 2019. Its something that Im still experiencing and dealing with today.

Smith said she even moved to Texas for a couple years after she escaped the relationship. She returned to Wichita to study nursing at Newman 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Good afternoon. (Applause.) Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon. Please have a seat. Good afternoon.

I was just saying to your most glorious president, Stacie NC Grant, she and I talked about this visit months ago, sitting together, having a meeting in the Oval Office. And we were tal-  and she invited me then to attend today. And  and I just want to  I  if I can, I just want to thank you in front of all of the sisters who are here. (Applause.)

She has provided years of support and friendship. And she always  like everyone here knows, she always shows up. And Im so, so deeply grateful. Thank you.

And to everyone here, it is so good to be with you.

To the former presidents who are in attendance; to the International Board of Directors; and to all of the fine members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated  (laughs)  (applause)  it is my great, great honor to be with you today.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:
CORTEZ, Colo. (KREX)  The 5-year-old boy who was put on the endangered missing alert last week has been found safe, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced Thursday.

Helliono Martinez was brought to the Montezuma County Sheriffs Office by his family and is now in the temporary custody of the Montezuma County Department of Social Services, according to CBI.

As previously reported, Helliono was last seen with his father Charles Martinez, 43, on July 16 before an endangered missing alert was issued two days later.

On the day when they were last seen, social services obtained a court order granting the State of Colorado emergency custody of Helliono.

Law enforcement is currently investigating whether Charles Martinez was aware of his sons custody status when the endangered missing alert was issued.

The Montezuma County Sheriffs Office said in a press release it appreciates all of the assistance given by the public along with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in helping locate this child safely. No one has been arrested or currently faces charges for the boys disappearance.

Earlier this month, Hellionos mom, Chrystal Snow, was shot to death in her Pagosa Springs home on the morning of July 2. Investigators located Helliono alive with his aunt in Cortez that same day.

CBI hasnt named a person of interest in Snows homicide.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
Tiffany McClure, 49, of Tulare, California, is missing, and her car was found in Morro Bay on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

The car of a missing San Joaquin Valley woman was found in Morro Bay on Wednesday.

Tiffany McClure, 49, was last seen in Tulare on Monday, according to the Missing People in America database.

Her car was found around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the the north end of Morro Bay, according to Morro Bay Police Officer Tony Mosqueda.

The Tulare Police Department tracked McClures car to Morro Bay using GPS and contacted local authorities at 1:28 p.m., Mosqueda said.

A white BMW matching the description of the car was discovered in the vicinity of the Morro Strand State Beach Campground shortly after. Mosqueda said that there was nothing suspicious about the vehicle and that it was found properly parked, locked and secured.

There was no sign of McClure when her vehicle was located.

Morro Bay police searched the area for multiple hours on foot and using a drone but did not find anyone matching McClures description, Mosqueda said.

Tulare police are investigating the case as a voluntary missing persons report.

McClure is described at 5 feet, 8 inches tall with blond hair and blue eyes. She was reported missing by her family, Mosqueda relayed on behalf of the Tulare Police Department.

Investigators have not found any indication of foul play thus far, but the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Tulare Detective Leonel Alvarez at 559-685-2300 ext. 2149 or the Morro Bay Police Department at 805-781-4550.
While the Binghamton area was left out of the most recent round of Tech Hub funding, another financial boost was earmarked for its lithium ion battery manufacturing this week.

A $500,000 funding award has been given to the Binghamton University-led New Energy New York (NENY) program.

During a visit to Washington D.C., Binghamton leaders met with federal agencies, philanthropic organizations and investors. As part of the visit, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the funding, a Consortium Accelerator Award, designed to "further bolster the regions efforts to addition capital investment and attract new companies."

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"Together, we are strengthening the battery supply chain while creating jobs and attracting new companies to the region," Schumer said. "Im looking forward to making more progress as we continue to establish Binghamton as a hub for battery research and manufacturing.

Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger said the funding will help the tech hub's mission and the visit was instrumental in highlighting the region as a valuable player in the battery manufacturing field.

I am so proud of Binghamton and all of our consortium partners for these successful efforts in the battery and energy storage field," said Stenger. We are excited to be on the receiving end of additional federal funds to support our progress."

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton University-led Tech Hub initiative earns $500K award
ST. LOUIS  Authorities found one missing teenager Thursday in St. Louis while responding to a call to search for a different missing girl.

A spokesperson with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department tells FOX 2 that officers found a 16-year-old child who was previously reported missing from Hazelwood, Missouri. Police did not immediately disclose the identity or gender of the child who was found.

Cold case investigators take prisoner to missing person search site

SLMPD says the child was found while police responded to a call to search for a missing girl in the 5800 block of Selber Court in the citys Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood.

Officers were initially called to scene in an effort to locate Mia Steed, a 15-year-old girl missing from SLMPDs jurisdiction. Sneed was reported missing on July 19. Police have not located Sneed, nor anyone else reported missing, since the responding to the call.

Lenora Vanhook, Steeds Grandmother said Its been awhile you miss somebody and they not at home, you dont know what is going on , too much stuff going on out here everyday so everyone is concerned for her safety.

Steed is described as a medium complexion black female, 54, 130 pounds with a medium build. she had long twisty type braids and was last seen wearing tan sweatpants and a tan shirt.

Thursday afternoon, a large-scale search for Sneed led her family and search team to an apartment building in north St. Louis near Goodfellow. This is where the 16-year-old was found.

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Upon arrival, searchers didnt locate Mia; however, they found a 16-year-old who was reported missing from Hazelwood .



Mack Williams, a volunteer, said, As they approached the building , one of the young ladies that has been missing tried to escape out the back and she escaped out the back and took off running. I was searching for Mia and actually we converged and when I encountered her, she pretended to be a person looking for Mia as well.



Rosalind Snider, apartment security guard, said, Thats the one they were actually called for up here and they just happen run across this one. She knew she been missing so when I knocked on the door, she jumped out the window



According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website, Hazelwood police reported two teens missing last week.

Officials say the missing Hazelwood teen was found outside the apartment and the St. Louis juvenile division will assist with the investigation as the search for Steed continues.

Police are encouraging anyone who may know the whereabouts of Steed to contact 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 FOX 2.
Missouri judges have overturned 2 murder convictions in recent weeks. Why did the AG fight freedom?

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 (AP)  A man who was on the verge of walking out of prison this week after a judge found evidence of actual innocence" and overturned his murder conviction now faces a fresh legal hurdle.

The person blocking Christopher Dunn's freedom is Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who is fresh off an unsuccessful battle to keep another woman whose murder conviction was reversed imprisoned.

Political scientists say Bailey's efforts are a way to appear tough on crime and shore up votes in advance of a tough primary race. Judges and defense attorneys are voicing frustration.

"His actions are causing undue harm to this innocent individual and is a stain on our legal system, Michael Heiskell, president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said when asked about Bailey's opposition to Dunn's release.

Here are some things to know:

Who is Christopher Dunn?

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.

Judge Jason Sengheiser on Monday overturned the murder conviction of the now 52-year-old and ordered his immediate release. Baileys office appealed, and prison officials declined to release Dunn.

Sengheiser then held an emergency hearing Wednesday and threatened to hold the warden in contempt if he didn't free Dunn within hours. Dunn was signing papers, preparing to walk out the door, when the Missouri Supreme Court agreed to consider Bailey's objections and halted his release, a corrections department spokesperson said.

That is not justice," the Midwest Innocence Project, which is representing Dunn, said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Bailey defended the attorney general in an email Thursday night.

Throughout the appeals process, multiple courts have affirmed Christopher Dunns murder conviction, the statement said. We will always fight for the rule of law and to obtain justice for victims.

Dunn's case marks the second actual innocence ruling in the state in recent weeks. Sandra Hemme, now 64, spent 43 years in prison for the fatal 1980 stabbing of a library worker before a judge overturned her conviction.

Appeals by Bailey  all the way up to the Missouri Supreme Court  kept Hemme imprisoned at the Chillicothe Correctional Center for more than a month after that initial ruling. During a court hearing last Friday, Judge Ryan Horsman scolded an attorney in Bailey's office for telling the warden not to release Hemme on her own recognizance pending an appellate court review.

To call someone and tell them to disregard a court order is wrong," Horsman said. He said that if Hemme wasnt released within hours, Bailey himself would have to appear in court with contempt of court on the table.

Hemme, whose attorneys with the Innocence Project described her as the longest held wrongly incarcerated woman known in the U.S., was released later that day.

The court has to be obeyed, said Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court judge and chief justice.

Bailey's opposition to innocence claims

A Missouri law adopted in 2021 lets prosecutors request hearings when they see evidence of a wrongful conviction.

The law was passed after another judge, William Hickle, found in 2020 that a jury would likely find Dunn not guilty based on new evidence. But Hickle declined to order Dunn's release, citing a 2016 Missouri Supreme Court ruling that only people on death row could make a freestanding claim of actual innocence.

In 2023, Bailey opposed the release of Lamar Johnson, who spent 28 years in prison for murder. Another St. Louis judge overturned Johnsons conviction, and he was freed.

Stakes are even higher for a hearing next month. St. Louis Countys prosecutor believes DNA evidence shows that Marcellus Williams didnt commit the crime that landed him on death row. DNA of someone else  but not Williams  was found on the knife used in the 1998 killing, experts said.

A hearing on Williams innocence claim begins Aug. 21. His execution is scheduled for Sept. 24.

Baileys office is opposing the challenge to Williams conviction, too.

Bailey's appointment as attorney general

When Eric Schmitt was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2022, Republican Gov. Mike Parson appointed Bailey, who at the time was serving as the governor's lawyer, as Schmitt's replacement.

Baileys first election test comes in next month's primary. Ken Warren, a professor emeritus of political science at Saint Louis University, said fighting the release of people in custody advances Bailey's agenda.

This will only help him with his base, he said.

Bailey's opponent, Will Scharf, a former federal prosecutor who recently served as an attorney for former President Donald Trump, has been attacking Bailey as liberal, said Steven Puro, professor emeritus of political science of St. Louis University.

Puro said Bailey is balancing the need to look tough while avoiding being perceived as uncaring and not obeying the law.

Most other prosecutors have thought the risk was not worth the reward, Puro said.

Bailey's use of the courts

Since taking office, Bailey has sued Planned Parenthood and President Joe Biden, tried to force clinics that provide gender-affirming care to hand over their records, and pushed a liberal prosecutor to resign.

When debate over transgender minors access to gender-affirming health care reached a fever pitch in Missouri in 2023, Bailey tried to restrict access to both minors and adults by regulation  a move typically reserved for the states health department.

He later pulled the rule amid legal battles and action from the Legislature. Most recently, Bailey sued the state of New York over its prosecution of Trump, arguing that Trumps conviction constitutes election interference.

Richard Serafini, a former federal prosecutor now in private practice, called the lawsuit against New York one of the silliest things that I think Ive ever heard of in the practice of law.

And Lindsay Runnels, an attorney who serves on the board of the Midwest Innocence Project, questioned the fight to free people once judges have ruled.

The system doesnt work if our highest law enforcement officer in the state flouts the court system and believes that they are not accountable to them for their orders and following orders," she said. It's insane.

___

Summer Ballentine contributed to this report from Columbia, Missouri. Hollingsworth reported form Mission, Kansas.
Missouri Supreme Court blocks release of man with overturned conviction as he was about to go free

The Missouri Supreme Court has blocked the immediate release 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 to be released by 6 p.m. CDT Wednesday and threatened the prison warden with contempt if Dunn remained imprisoned. But the attorney general has been fighting his release.

Corrections Department spokesperson Karen Pojmann said Dunn was signing paperwork to be released when the Missouri Supreme Court issued a stay, blocking his freedom. His wife was en route to pick him up.

St. Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheisers decision to release Dunn came after he overturned Dunns murder conviction Monday, citing evidence of actual innocence in the 1990 killing. He ordered Dunns immediate release then, but Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey appealed, and the state Department of Corrections declined to release him.

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore 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.

A court filing said an attorney for the Department of Corrections told a lawyer in Gores office that Bailey advised the agency not to release Dunn until the appeal plays out. When told it was improper to ignore a court order, the Department of Corrections attorney responded that the Attorney Generals Office is legal counsel to the DOC and the DOC would be following the advice of counsel.

On Wednesday, Sengheiser said the prison in Licking had until 6 p.m. CST to release Dunn, or he would hold an order for the warden to be held in contempt of court.

Barring a new court order that supersedes the current court order, Mr. Dunn will be released before 6 p.m., Pojmann said in an email to The Associated Press, later texting that she expected him to be released in about an hour.

It shouldnt be this hard, said Dunns attorney, Tricia Rojo Bushnell, the executive director of the Midwest Innocence Projec

Dunns wife told the AP she couldnt believe the news.

Im over the moon, Kira Dunn said as she headed to the prison.

Were so grateful to the judge. Were so grateful that he didnt allow his ruling to be disrespected that way and he put his foot down and said, You will respect the rule of law and you will respect a court order.

She said her husband looks forward to being freed after decades of longing to embrace his family for as long as he wants and having a say in his own life.

He wants to just feel free ground against his feet. He wants to walk barefoot. He wants to open and close doors as he chooses. He wants to select the temperature of his shower. He wants to go out in the middle of the night and look at the stars and just sit there. And, he wants to sleep in a real bed, she said.

Dunns 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 United States, according to the National Innocence Project, which worked to free Hemme. Dunn was represented by the Midwest Innocence Project.

But 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. She was released later that day.

The judge also scolded Baileys office for calling the Chillicothe warden and telling prison officials not to release Hemme after he ordered her to be freed on her own recognizance.

Dunn was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1990 shooting of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers. Gores office examined the case and filed a motion in February seeking to vacate the guilty verdict.

After weighing the case for nearly two months, Sengheiser issued a ruling that cited a clear and convincing showing of actual innocence that undermines the basis for Dunns convictions because in light of new evidence, no juror, acting reasonably, would have voted to find Dunn guilty of these crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.

Lawyers for Baileys 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.

A Missouri law adopted in 2021 lets prosecutors request hearings when they see evidence of a wrongful conviction. Although Baileys office is not required to oppose such efforts, he also did so 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 August 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 September 24.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell filed a motion in January to vacate the conviction of Williams for the fatal stabbing of Lisha Gayle in 1998. Bells motion said three experts determined that Williams DNA was not on the handle of the butcher knife used in the killing.

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 August 6.

Bailey is trying to show that he is quote, tough on crime, which is a very important Republican conservative position. 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, concurred with Puros observation, saying the handling of the case appears to be influenced by politics, also noting that the primary is quickly approaching.

Does Aug. 6 have anything to do with it? he asked.

If theres a finding of actual innocence and theres no case left, then thats all. Then it seems to me that its just whatever he believes and whatever his political instincts tell him to do. 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. The court has to be obeyed.

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Christopher Dunn was convicted for a 1990 deadly shooting of a teen in St. Louis. Others involved in the case later admitted they lied about Dunns involvement. No DNA ever tied Dunn to the murder. A judge also admitted that the lack of evidence is enough to prove Dunn is innocent (photo submitted).

The Missouri Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked the release of Christopher Dunn, days after a St. Louis judge ruled he has been wrongfully incarcerated for 33 years.

The one-page order came at the request of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

On Monday, St. Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser ruled Dunn was wrongfully convicted of murder and assault in 1991 and should be immediately released, finding that in light of the new evidence, no juror, acting reasonably, would have voted to find Dunn guilty of these crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.

Dunn was convicted largely on the testimony of two boys, aged 12 and 14, who later recanted, saying they were coerced by police and prosecutors.

But instead of being released, prison officials agreed to keep Dunn in prison at the request of Bailey.

Sengheiser said Bailey overstepped his authority and was ready to hold him in contempt if Dunn was not released.

Bailey continued to try to block Dunns release, falling short with the Missouri Court of Appeals before getting an order keeping Dunn behind bars Wednesday evening.

Two courts have now found that no juror would convict Mr. Dunn after reviewing the credible evidence of his innocence, Midwest Innocence Project, which is representing Dunn, said in a statement to the media. And yet, with no remaining conviction, an innocent person remains behind bars. That is not justice. We will continue to pursue every avenue to secure Mr. Dunns freedom.
Darrell Missey, left, director of Childrens Division, speaks at an Aug. 13 hearing, alongside Todd Richardson, director of MO HealthNet (Clara Bates/Missouri Independent).

Two recent news stories aptly illustrate what Missouri children at risk of maltreatment need  and what they dont.

What they need is concrete help for their families, so their family poverty is not confused with neglect and they are not torn from everyone they know and love and consigned to the chaos of foster care.

To his great credit, Missouri Republican U.S. Rep. Jason Smith has partnered with Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore to introduce legislation to clarify that a small source of federal aid can be used to provide this kind of help.

And to his great credit, in supporting the bill, Childrens Division Director Darrell Missey said:

We know that addiction and mental illness occur in affluent communities just like they do in poorer neighborhoods, but rates of removal among the poor are astronomically higher. If the deprivations of poverty are addressed, people can often address these other problems and keep their families intact. We must do everything we can to make sure that poorer families have that same opportunity.

But the key word here is clarify. The source of funds addressed by this legislation already can be used for the kind of help Missey describes.

Of course, theres nothing to stop Missouri from also using state funds for this kind of help  except a great big industry built around the worst and most expensive form of care for children  institutionalizing them in various forms of residential treatment.

Though they already can get more than $150 per day per child  and sometimes much more, the industry says its not enough, and they bemoan a shortage of placements for youth who supposedly are too difficult to be cared for anywhere else.

Dont believe it.

Just ask the survivors.

Of course, one can find the occasional success story. But listen to what one survivor after another has to say about rampant cruelty and abuse, and read the report that the foster youth-led group Think of Us produced. In another report, called Warehouses of Neglect a U.S. Senate subcommittee concluded that Children suffer routine harm inside [residential treatment facilities]. The risk of harm to children in RTFs is endemic to the operating model.

And its not just institutions run for profit that are horrendous. Scandals have engulfed for-profit and non-profit institutions alike in Arizona, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Utah, Oklahoma, Washington state, Arkansas, Connecticut, Rhode Island and, of course, Missouris own reform school from hell.

But even were there no scandals, even were there no physical or sexual abuse in these places, there would be no reason for them to exist  because residential treatment doesnt work.

Study after study reaches the same conclusion: There is nothing residential treatment can do that cant be done better and at less cost with community-based alternatives.

That should come as no surprise.

Imagine if we were starting from scratch and someone said: I have a great idea! Lets take young people we think have the most serious problems, all of them strangers to each other, at the age when they are most susceptible to peer pressure and throw them together 24/7. Wont that work well?

But Missouris children will never get better alternatives as long as taxpayers keep subsidizing institutions to the tune of hundreds of dollars per day per child.

Oh, we know the party line: Theres a shortage of family foster homes. And anyway, some children simply cant be cared for in a family or, to use the industrys own offensive term, they blow out of foster homes. And how can you say were an institution? they cry. We have such beautiful grounds! We let the kids decorate their own rooms! Were home-like!

But the shortage is artificial. Missouri tears apart families at a rate 60% percent above the national average. Get the children who dont need to be in foster care back into their own homes and there will be plenty of room in good, safe family foster homes for the children who really need them.

And if you provide birth parents and foster parents alike with the intensive wraparound help they need to care for children with serious behavior problems, they wont blow out of homes and they wont need to be institutionalized. If you doubt it, watch this short video in which Wraparound pioneer Karl Dennis describes returning safely to his own home a youth so difficult the county jail couldnt handle him.

As for all those pretty grounds and cottages: Buildings dont make a family, people make a family. And children know the difference between home-like and home.
Mizzous chief diversity officer will leave the school next month, UM president says

The University of Missouri-Columbias vice chancellor of its Division of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity will leave the school next month for a position at a historically Black college in Arkansas.

Maurice Gipsons departure will be effective Aug. 15, according to an email sent to individuals on campus this week. Gipson will leave the school to serve as interim president of Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Gipsons departure comes as the university has seen significant turnover in similar positions. He was the fourth person tasked with overseeing diversity efforts at the university since 2015.

Gipson was hired in June 2020 to improve the campus culture of inclusion, according to the university. The university has struggled in recent years to attract and retain Black faculty members.

In that role, Gipson was tasked with recruiting and retaining students, faculty and staff as well as expanding programs that would encourage underrepresented groups to study and work.

In the email addressed to the campus community, UM System President Mun Choi said he was thankful for Gipsons leadership and accomplishments.

He has provided valuable counsel and led a team that has made many important contributions to student, faculty and staff success, said Choi, who is also the chancellor of the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Dr. Gipson and I have had frequent discussions about the need for a sustainable path forward given the growing developments affecting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs across the nation, Choi said.

In the email, Choi said he and Gipson planned to meet with faculty, staff, students and alumni to discuss these developments and the organizational changes that are needed to ensure continued success of our students, faculty and staff.

The Columbia Missourian first reported Chois letter.

Gipsons departure comes as the university has had a fraught relationship with race, including protests in 2015 that criticized inaction by university leaders after a string of incidents on campus.

Black students now make up only 5.45% of the student population while white students make up 76.4%, according to the most recent data online.

Last year, the University of Missouri System announced that it would be stopping all race-based admissions and race-based scholarships moving forward. The system covers four campuses in Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis and Rolla.

However, Choi told reporters at the time that the system would continue to honor current scholarships that had a racial component.

The decision happened after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the race-based admission policies of the University of North Carolina and Harvard College. It also followed a letter from Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who demanded that colleges in the state immediately end all affirmative action policies.

Missouris Democratic members of Congress  Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, and Rep. Cori Bush, a St. Louis Democrat  condemned the move at the time, arguing the Supreme Court did not expressly prevent colleges from having race-based scholarships.

The UM System last year also scrapped its use of diversity statements in its hiring practices and announced standardized language that leaders can send to prospective employees.

That announcement came as lawmakers in the GOP-controlled General Assembly weighed legislation aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring standards. State lawmakers have in recent years taken aim at diversity practices across the state.

Before coming to the university, Gipson was the vice chancellor of Diversity and Community Engagement at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Mississippi, a law degree from Southern University Law Center in Louisiana and degrees from Missouri State University and Louisiana State University.
At Tauntus Beauty Bar, the only store in Detroit that is licensed to sell Divine Nine clothing and other items associated with the historically Black Greek-letter organizations that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, there are more 6,000 pieces of merchandise ranging in price from $5 to $500 for shoppers to choose from online or at the stores physical location at 18979 Livernois.

However, for a period of time during a phone conversation on Monday afternoon, Tauntus co-owner Dennae Hawkins was locked in on one number  1908.

Our sorority was founded in 1908, explained Hawkins, who pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha as an undergraduate student at Florida A&M University during the spring of 1989. And during the 2020 presidential race, many members of our sorority began making contributions of $19.08 to support our (sorority) sister, Kamala Harris, on the Biden-Harris ticket, while honoring the founding of our sorority; you can read about it.

Dennae Hawkins, left, and Nadonya Muslim, co-owners of Tauntus Beauty Bar, the only store in Detroit that is licensed to sell "Divine Nine" clothing and other items, as they appeared on Oct. 3, 2023. Hawkins and Muslim have been making preparations to stock their store with enough items to meet the demands of customers seeking merchandise connected to the presidential election and Kamala Harris campaign.

Hawkins had campaign contributions on her mind because the native Detroiter said she was envisioning the number of contributions that rolled in from members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and women affiliated with other Black organizations during a Zoom call Sunday evening. The call was organized by Win With Black Women in support of the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, who pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha as an undergraduate student at Howard University in 1986. According to the organizing group of the Zoom call, more than $1.5 million was raised from the more than 44,000 participating women.

Vice President Kamala Harris waves goodbye as she boards Air Force Two at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Romulus after speaking at the TCF Center in downtown Detroit on Monday, July 12, 2021.

More from Scott Talley: 'She's going to win,' says Detroit judge who has a HBCU connection with Kamala Harris

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As much as we talk smack about each other across our different Black organizations, we always respect each other. And right now, Kamala Harris belongs to all of us, said an exurborant Hawkins, who operates Tauntus with co-owner Nadonya Muslim, a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, another of the Divine Nine Black Greek organizations. Im sure that many of the women that made contributions did so in ways that honored the founding of their organizations, like the Deltas, who were founded in 1913.

"And with every contribution of any amount that came in from Black women as a result of that call, Black organizations and HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) were letting their presence be known.

And the swiftness of how the presence of Black women was felt  through the impact of a Zoom call that commenced less than seven hours after President Joe Bidens historic withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and his simultaneous endorsement of Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate on Sunday  seemed to have left Hawkins still awestruck on Monday afternoon.

The organizers of that call were able to mobilize more than 44,000 Black women in less than six hours! Hawkins emphatically said. And that call was by invitation only. I received invitations from three of my (sorority) line sisters, but think of the women that didnt check their email on Sunday. ... And they still had that kind of participation!

It makes me proud to be a Black woman; proud to be a member of my sorority; and proud of all of the Black organizations that are coming together. There were women representing Divine Nine sororities, The Links, Jack & Jill, Top Ladies of Distinction and so many other service organizations. We have proven that an often overlooked group has tremendous influence in this country. And that we can mobilize in minutes.

Native Detroiter Dennae Hawkins, co-owner at Tauntus Beauty Bar on the Livernois Avenue of Fashion, as she appeared on Oct. 3, 2023. Hawkins, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, has been inspired by how the Kamala Harris presidential campaign has mobilized Black women across the country, including Detroit. "It makes me proud to be a Black woman, proud to be a member of my sorority, and proud of all of the organizations that are coming together," said Hawkins on July 22, 2024.

When the Zoom call began at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Hawkins was not on the call. But, she had an excellent excuse: She still was working through the night to ensure that her business will be able to fulfill the expected demands of enthusiastic customers that will be seeking merchandise connected to the election and the Harris campaign.

We want our sister to be selected to lead the ticket, and we want her to win. But as a business, we also have to stay on top of what is going on with the election and make sure we have everything that our customers are going to want, explained Hawkins, who connects with her customers not only as a member of a Divine Nine sorority and graduate of an HBCU, but also as someone who grew up and currently lives in the neighborhood surrounding her business. I was up designing shirts and Nadonya has been in contact with our T-shirt maker. We will have shirts relating to the election in the colors of all of the sororities and fraternities we serve. Were also going to have items with My Black Job Is... (a sarcastic retort to former President Donald Trump's assertion during the June debate with President Joe Biden that undocumented immigrants are taking "Black jobs.")

"There are still many decisions to make once we determine what people want, so were literally going along moment by moment as things occur during this campaign.

Hawkins says her business also is prepared to be engaged during the campaign season in ways that go beyond store merchandise.

First and foremost, supporting the presidential campaign of Kamala Harris is a noble cause and we want to participate as much as we can, said Hawkins, who said she spent part of Monday getting caught up on assignment items identified during the Zoom call and other information related to the Harris campaign, which included reading an email from her sorority about an upcoming massive, national voter mobilization campaign that will involve all of the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities. Our store is too small to hold a rally. But in terms of being a pickup spot for banners and campaign materials, or being a location where voter registration can take place in front of our business  outside  were open to all of that.

Alison Vaughn is the founder of the Detroit nonprofit Jackets For Jobs and a member of The Links Incorporated, an international nonprofit service organization whose membership of more than 17,000 professional women also includes Vice President Harris. Vaughn says she, too, looks forward to participating in an action-packed campaign season. Vaughn was able to get into Sundays Zoom call a little after 8:20 p.m. with help from her Links sister, Kim Trent, who is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

The message during Sunday nights call is that this train is moving and its not going to stop until we succeed in what we set out to accomplish, said Vaughn, who, earlier in the day on Sunday, attended an Oakland County Democratic Party Membership Picnic at Drake Park. When I finally got into the call, my reaction was: Oh my God, this is wonderful! To hear all the speakers and to see all of the organizations that have been mobilized, it just shows how the participation of Black women makes a huge difference in our elections.

Alison Vaughn, left, a member of The Links Incorporated, with Kimberly Keaton, the Detroit chapter president of The Links Incorporated, an international, nonprofit service organization whose membership of more than 17,000 professional women includes Vice President Kamala Harris. On July 27, "Our History, Our Story: The Detroit Chapter of The Links" exhibit will open to the public at the Detroit Historical Museum

Vaughn spoke on Monday afternoon, five days before the exhibit Our History, Our Story: The Detroit Chapter of The Links was scheduled to open to the public on July 27 at the Detroit Historical Museum. Vaughn says the exhibit will highlight local, regional and national accomplishments of The Links Incorporated, founded in 1946. The exhibit, which will be displayed on the museum's second floor, within the Robert and Mary Ann Bury Community Gallery, also will include a photo of Vice President Harris with information about her Links membership. And while the information about Harris will take up a relatively small part of the display, Vaughn made it clear that the likelihood of Harris heading the Democratic presidential ticket certainly adds to the significance of the exhibit in her eyes.

Michele Peterson, our chapters operations manager and past archives chair, has been excited for a long time to have the community learn more about our organization. And now we have one of our own Links sisters going for the highest position in the land, Vaughn said. And many of our Links members are a part of the Divine Nine, including our Detroit chapter president, Kimberly Keaton, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha as well. So, we feel a sense of double duty to support Vice President Harris. I couldnt think of a better time to show our community who we are than at this moment, when we have a Links member running for president.

The Links Incorporated, founded in 1946, is an international nonprofit service organization, whose membership of more than 17,000 professional women includes Vice President Kamala Harris. The Detroit chapter of The Links Incorporated, founded in 1951, is the presenter of "Our History, Our Story: The Detroit Chapter of The Links," an exhibit which opens to the public on July 27 at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and a lifelong lover of Detroit culture in its diverse forms. In his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited and humbled to cover the citys neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define its various communities. Contact him at stalley@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @STalleyfreep. Read more of Scott's stories at www.freep.com/mosaic/detroit-is/. Please help us grow great community-focused journalism by becoming a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: These women display sisterhood and a 'Link' to Kamala Harris by action
Modesto hospital rolls out robotic-assisted surgery for heart patients. What makes it better?

Doctors Medical Center of Modesto is offering a minimally invasive option for coronary bypass surgery.

With the assistance of a surgical robot, Dr. John deGraft-Johnson operated on a patient in late June by making small incisions between the ribs and using the robotic arms to bypass multiple blocked arteries, most likely extending the mans life for years.

The robotic-assisted operation is an alternative to cutting open a patients chest for open-heart surgery.

DeGraft-Johnson, a veteran surgeon, said for many patients, the prospect of cracking open the chest for the conventional surgery is terrifying, or at least sobering. The patient may spend five to six days in the hospital after surgery, followed by a recovery period of six to eight weeks while the breastbone heals.

Less pain and less blood loss are other advantages of the robotic-assisted operation.

I am a pretty big guy and need to make a big incision to get my hands inside the chest, said deGraft-Johnson, adding that hes always open with patients about medical procedures.

With the robotic-assisted operation, the surgeon makes small incisions between the ribs to extend the robotic arms and a camera into the patient.

DeGraft-Johnson said he bypassed three coronary arteries for the first patient last month. The man went home in two days.

Surgeons at Doctors Medical Center have used the Da Vinci robotic surgery system for a range of general and specialized surgeries since 2007. One advantage is the greater range of motion of the small robotic instruments. On top of that, the magnification of the robotic system is greater than the naked eye.

Some hospitals are slower in adopting cardiac robotic surgery because of the costs of equipment and maintaining staff for the program. The rollout last month apparently is a reboot of services previously offered at Doctors of Modesto, which were more focused on mitral valve procedures.

Who are and arent good candidates for the technique?

The five-hour robotic-assisted surgery takes about the same time as the conventional open-heart operation. DeGraft-Johnson said he sees the minimally invasive technique as a good option for stronger patients with heart disease.

It may not be recommended for people with multiple health problems or complex heart disease. If the patient needs a valve repair in addition to bypass surgery, in that case we are not there yet, deGraft-Johnson said.

At University of Chicago Medicine, which does hundreds of robotic-assisted surgeries a year, a surgeon wrote in a 2020 blog that not all patients are candidates for robotic heart surgery. Some patients who are seen as high risk, such as those who are obese, diabetic or who have had open-heart surgery in the past, may not be considered eligible for robotic heart surgery at most institutions.

A 2015 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that robotic-assisted cardiac surgery was as safe as traditional surgery.

Dr. Dan Bettencourt, assistant clinical professor of surgery at Stanford University Medical School, said in a news release that the June surgery performed in Modesto was rare for the Central Valley region. He helped to launch robotic cardiac programs at Stanford and the University of California San Francisco.

In bringing the technology to Modesto, Doctors Medical Center said patients dont have to travel outside the region to receive the state-of-the-art care.

Need for heart treatment in Central Valley

There were 1,945 coronary artery bypass surgeries in the Central Valley in 2021, according to the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. That was about 17% of all coronary bypass surgeries in the state. About 18% of Californians live in the Central Valley.

The Modesto hospital is a teaching facility with a residency agreement with UC Davis that includes a thoracic surgery rotation. Chief resident Sarah Chen extended her surgery rotation to take part in the multi-vessel robotic heart surgery last month.

When it came time for the surgery, as a team, we were confident, Chen said. We sat down in advance and went over every detail of what to expect.

DeGraft-Johnson said the hospital has a team of highly skilled professionals needed to operate a cardiac robotic surgery program.

(The surgery last month) went exactly as planned, but I want to emphasize that its not just me, deGraft-Johnson said. Its a team of highly trained and highly skilled professionals that genuinely care. The patient is doing remarkably well and, really, thats why we do what we do.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A woman accused of using a stun gun on her disabled son notified a judge on Thursday she has hired a private attorney.

Tisa Armijo said she retained the Law Office of Mark Anthony Raimondo. Judge Colette M. Humphrey confirmed her new representation, relieved court-appointed counsel and set a preliminary hearing in August.

Bakersfields heat wave continues to strain PG&E power grid

On July 3, two security guards and a registered nurse at Kern Medical reported seeing Armijo use the stun gun on her adult son  who has the mindset of a 2-year-old  after he was strapped into a bed in a pre-operating room, according to a court filing. He was placed in restraints after becoming combative with staff, the filing says.

Police detained her in the hospitals parking lot and found a stun gun in her purse, according to the filing.

Armijo faces felony counts of injuring a dependent adult and false imprisonment with violence. She also faces a misdemeanor count of being a felon in possession of a stun gun.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
The Latitude Five25 apartment towers are in contract to a company that plans to replace the troubled complex with an affordable housing complex with nearly 400 apartments with the potential to more than double that number.

Long known as Sawyer Towers, the Near East Side housing towers were evacuated over Christmas 2022 after being deemed uninhabitable. The property, owned by the New Jersey firm Paxe Latitude, was put into receivership and listed for sale.

The Latitude Five25 housing towers, which closed at the end of 2022, may be sold to a company that plans to replace the towers with new affordable housing.

Last week, the investment management firm Nuveen signed a contract to buy the 7-acre complex for $7 million, said Dana Milligan, one of the founders of New Perspective Asset Management, the Dublin company appointed receiver for the property.

"They're planning to tear them down, and they've got a plan that is going to bring in a lot of housing," Milligan said. "It's a big plan for that plot of land. ... They described it as generational housing, for families living together with aging parents, and it will be affordable."

More: Latitude Five25 tenants to receive $1.5 million after judge signs settlement

What would replace the towers?

A spokesperson for Nuveen, which is a Chicago-based division of the financial planning company TIAA, declined to comment. But Nuveen's affordable housing arm Paths Development laid out its plan in a bid package for the property.

The plan calls for replacing the towers with one five-story central apartment building surrounded by six three-story "garden" apartment buildings. In total, the complex would include 393 apartments. The central building's 177 apartments would be targeted to seniors and to multi-generational families.

The Chicago-based investment firm Nuveen is proposing to replace the Latitude Five25 towers with an affordable housing complex featuring nearly 400 apartments.

Rents would be targeted at those making no more than 60% of the area median income. Projected rents would be $1,041 for a studio unit, $1,109 for a one-bedroom, $1,327 for a two-bedroom and $1,528 for a three-bedroom.

In addition to the apartments themselves, the plan includes 7,000 square feet of shared community amenity spaces, 110,000 square feet of open space including a playground, basketball court and seating areas, and 295 parking spaces.

"We propose to fully recreate and reimagine this site, replacing the existing outmoded towers with a new community of 100% affordable housing," Paths wrote in its proposal. "Maintaining the number of apartments, we propose to redevelop the site at a density that is appropriate and contextual for the neighborhood, leaving behind outdated architecture in favor of an embrace of the modern urban design and community development best practices."

The total project cost is estimated at $147 million, including the $7 million acquisition costs.

Story continues

Once completed, Paths said it plans to pursue a second phase that would include the site of the former Monroe Middle School on Sawyer Boulevard to the south, which closed in 2014, that would "more than double the number of residential units included in the first phase."

The plan to replace Latitude Five25 towers includes a playground and basketball court.

Paths said it hopes to start demolishing the towers the first of the next year and start construction of the new buildings in the summer of 2026, with the goal of opening the new complex in 2028.

The development firm said it decided against renovating the current towers for four reasons: their deteriorated condition; the extensive renovation cost, which was nearly as high as new construction ($222 a square foot vs. $225 a square foot for new); the quality of the new construction compared to old; and the broader market appeal of new construction compared to the existing units, which have irregular floorplans, small windows and low ceilings.

"Paths believes strongly that the units will need to be very high quality to compete on the market, even at discounted rents. Given those challenging conditions, this will be much more effectively achieved as new construction versus renovation," the company wrote.

Six three-story apartment buildings would be built around a central apartment building under plans for the Latitude Five25 site.

Why was Nuveen's bid chosen?

Milligan said the Columbus real-estate firm The Robert Weiler Co., which listed the Latitude property, received "a lot of tire-kickers and four offers," one of which was not credible.

"Two others were very good offers, but Nuveen came with plans all ready, drawings, everything ready to do. They were so much more prepared than the other two, who could have done it too; they were qualified."

Nuveen was also the highest bidder and the only one that planned to tear down the towers, "which in my opinion, is the only way to take care of the problem," Milligan said.

Skip Weiler, president of The Robert Weiler Co., agreed that demolition is best for the site.

"Its always easier to start from scratch," he said.

Kate Curry-Da-Souza, chair of the Near East Area Commission, also said it might be time to move on from the towers.

"People were concerned about losing historic aspects of the community," she said. But, she added, "we need buildings that will be suitable to serve the next 60 years and the current buildings may not provide that. ... We could end up in the same spot in 10 years."

The Chicago-based investment firm Nuveen is proposing to replace the Latitude Five25 towers with an affordable housing complex featuring nearly 400 apartments.

Weiler and Milligan noted that the deal isn't final. The sale must be approved by the court and the city.

"Its not a typical sale, not even with a receiver, because the city is involved," Weiler said. "We have to make sure this one performs different things; it's not just economics."

But, Weiler added, "were going down the right path."

Curry-Da-Souza agreed.

"Im hopeful and think this is a good start to a new process," she said. "This seems to be the right kind of partner."

More: Problem properties: Columbus' top code-violating landlords

A troubled history

Demolition would bring a close to the long and often troubled history of the towers, which have loomed over Interstate 670 for nearly six decades.

The 15-story towers, with their distinctive pyramid caps, opened in 1965 under the name Bolivar Arms. Complaints quickly started about crime, loitering, lack of recreation areas, elevator issues, vandalism and maintenance problems.

Due to the challenges, the property was converted by the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority to senior housing and, in 1969, renamed W. Wesley Sawyer Manor, or Sawyer Towers for short.

The complex, which was also known as Skyview Towers, declined for years before being acquired in 2021 by Paxe Latitude and taking on the new name Latitude Five25.

Under the firm's ownership, the property continued to deteriorate, with tenants complaining of a lack of heat, air conditioning and hot water, power outages, elevator regulars, and rats, roaches and other issues. Maintenance problems were compounded by crime, which led Columbus Police to respond to about 1,000 calls to the property in recent years.

jweiker@dispatch.com

@JimWeiker

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Latitude Five25 towers to be razed by Chicago investment firm Nuveen
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An Oregon mother is fighting for her life after being brutally attacked by a pack of dogs last week.

Mytoka Petry was attacked by at least eight dogs in North Portland on July 15. Petry is now in an intensive care unit and may remain there for months after suffering serious, life-altering injuries.

Petry has lost an arm and nearly lost her eye in the attack and remains hospitalized. Those close to her say they want justice for the horrific incident that unfolded near a homeless camp in broad daylight.

Police found 2 badly decomposed bodies in Brooklyn apartment: sources

Nobody should have to be subjected to that or be at the point of almost losing their life because they are out for a walk, said Julana Torres, a close friend of Petry.

Torres said she was in utter shock when she heard the news of the attack.

I couldnt, like, even say anything I justspeechless because it just didnt even seem real, she said.

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Julana Torres).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Julana Torres).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Julana Torres).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Julana Torres).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Julana Torres).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Julana Torres).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Julana Torres).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Julana Torres).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Kristine Rebber).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Kristine Rebber).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Kristine Rebber).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Kristine Rebber).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Kristine Rebber).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Kristine Rebber).

Undated picture of Mytoka Petry. July 24, 2024 (courtesy Kristine Rebber).

The Portland Police Bureau said that on the morning of the attack, two other people tried to stop it from happening and were also bitten. One of the bystanders was taken to the hospital with serious injuries while the other suffered only minor injuries. Petry was rushed to the hospital as well.

This is a member of our community, Portland native, a mother of two girls, who has served her community, Torres said. She was a nurse. Shes a caretaker. Shes a loving person. And what has happened to her is just absolutely horrendous.

At the ICU, Petrys two daughters have remained by her side as doctors treated her. After the loss of her arm, physicians were working to save her eye and treat other wounds all over her body, Torres said.

Somebody has to be accountable, said Kristine Rebber, another close friend of Petry. This is tragic. Theres no reason that she should not have been able to be out there.

Police said no arrests have been made in the case. After the attack, Multnomah County Animal Services took custody of the eight dogs during the investigation.

Rebber said that while Petry is stable and that those in her circle are feeling hopeful, theyve also been told its a really long road.

She may be in the ICU for months. And right now, theres so much room for infection or other complications that shes not out of the woods, Rebber said.

Torres said Petry is finding her inner strength from being a mom.

Shes fighting for her kids. Thats what her daughter said. She said as soon as she came up was, my babies. Thats, you know, thats whats in her head and whats keeping her going.

Petrys family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with hospital expenses.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
WASHINGTON  As he flew into the United States to watch the speech Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intended to give to U.S. lawmakers, Zahiro Shahar Mor was determined not to disrespect America.

Mors 79-year-old uncle, Abraham Munder, was among the hundreds of people captured by Palestinian militants during the attack launched by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Mor is an active member of the movement of relatives of the hostages taken that day, pushing to keep the focus on bringing them home amid broader debates over Israels response.

Mor, an Israeli citizen, said he sees the U.S. as the greatest hope for the release of his uncle. But as he watched Netanyahu on Wednesday deliver remarks to a joint session of Congress  from his place in one of the galleries for guests, a seat he got via an invitation from Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.)  Mor couldnt help himself. During one of the multiple standing ovations Netanyahu received, Mor stood up and yelled into the House of Representatives chamber three times: 1,400 deaths!

It was a reference to the initial Israeli estimate of deaths on Oct. 7., which has since been revised to around 1,200.

It was on [Netanyahus] watch, Mor told HuffPost, that people like his cousin, Munders son, were slaughtered.

Its mind-boggling to see U.S. legislators applaud Netanyahu, he added, in his first interview since his arrest. I know half of the people dont believe a word he says, but still theres this equation  that we must fight  that if you criticize Netanyahu, then youre helping the antisemites.

I think its bullshit: You have to oppose Netanyahu, Mor continued. Its not that youre an antisemite  youre truthful.

Mor said he was approached by an usher after his third outburst, then arrested by U.S. Capitol Police and brought to a holding area, before being driven to a police station. He and five other relatives of Israeli hostages  who also attended the speech, and during it, unveiled protest T-shirts  have been charged under a statute in District of Columbia law that makes it illegal knowingly, with force and violence, to enter or to remain upon the floor of either House of the Congress, a spokesperson for the U.S. Capitol Police, Brianna Burch, told HuffPost.

The five others issued a joint statement earlier Wednesday evening, stating: Some of us wore a T-shirt calling on our Prime Minister to finally seal that deal, because this is his responsibility. And for that perceived offense, we were removed from the visitors gallery. No matter what, we will continue to fight for those who cannot: our family members being held captive in Gaza.

On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had threatened people who disrupted the Netanyahu speech with prosecution.

Relatives of those taken hostage have for months criticized Netanyahu for continuing fighting in the Gaza Strip  Hamas base  rather than cutting a cease-fire deal to let the captives come home.

In November, the U.S. helped orchestrate a brief truce and prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel, freeing dozens of hostages, including Mors aunt, cousin and nephew. Mor believes President Joe Bidens help was instrumental in their release. Netanyahus government argues it is still prioritizing the freedom of the hostages, including through military raids to free specific groups of them.

Mor isnt sure what to do now, he said: Hes been given a court date for Aug. 14 but he is scheduled to head back to Israel on Aug. 2.

He said it was ludicrous that he was arrested during the speech and wants to shift the focus back to Netanyahu. The prime minister brought the families of several hostages to Washington with him, a choice Mor described as monstrous.

Only an extremely cynical person could even think about doing such a thing, Mor told HuffPost.

Omar issued a statement on Mors arrest Wednesday night, saying: He could not stand to listen to his harmful rhetoric. As a family member of an Israeli hostage, he has experienced the agonizing pain of Netanyahus failure to bring the hostages home and inability to make a deal. His bravery to call out Netanyahus genocide mirrors the sentiment shared by millions of Americans who want to see a permanent ceasefire and an end to this genocide funded by our tax dollars.

For now, Mor is determined to keep the focus on Netanyahu and to undercut the prime ministers attempt to project the impression that hes respected abroad, especially by the U.S., Israels closest ally.

Hes not answering the people hes responsible for. He sees himself as an American statesman and we can see the result: Its a complete betrayal of his own citizens, Mor argued.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Biden on Thursday to discuss ongoing U.S.-directed attempts to reach a new deal for a cease-fire and hostages release.

Related...
More Delaware opioid grant recipients to be audited as commission members cry foul

Eleven nonprofits that have received grants through Delawares Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission are slated for state audits, according to a letter from state Auditor of Accounts Lydia York.

The Department of Justice in January enlisted York to review opioid grant recipients, and with the assistance of commission and Behavioral Health Consortium staff, the auditors office identified 11 nonprofits to audit based on a risk assessment, York said in a letter to commission members July 22.

Assuming full cooperation of the recipients, (my office) expects to have audit reports completed this fall, she wrote. We will continue to release further performance audits on a rolling basis.

The audits will examine grant recipients internal controls for effectiveness, efficiency and ethics of their use of grant dollars based on the agreements struck for the funding, York explained in the letter shared with Delaware Online/The News Journal on Wednesday

The revelation that state auditors are reviewing more than just Code Purple Kent County  where auditors preliminary analysis suggests potential waste, fraud and abuse of state resources  comes as commission and consortium members claim that Attorney General Kathy Jennings grant oversight concerns are political.

OPIOID GRANTS: Why this Delaware nonprofit is under investigation for fraud, misuse of government funds

Delaware lawmakers and opioid grant recipients blasted Jennings for a June 28 letter that warned commission members that the grant program was rife with potential fraud, waste and abuse and called for a freeze to new grant funding.

The letter to commission members came after York flagged Code Purple for Jennings on June 12, concerned about potential fraud and misuse of government funds at the Dover organization.

Sussex County Health Commission Executive Director Peggy Giesler claimed Jennings' letter amounted to a politically motivated witch hunt," according to reporting by Spotlight Delaware.

Theres an election coming up and I really feel like theres a misuse of, or an opportunity for, others to want to utilize this, she said during a recent consortium meeting. Im in a place in my career where I just feel like this is not about public good, but about political will.

While Jennings  who is commission co-chair  is not up for election, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long  who also co-chairs the commission  is a frontrunner for Delawares next governor.

Jennings denied those allegations on Wednesday during an interview with Delaware Online/The News Journal.

I'm not running for anything, I'm just doing my job, the attorney general said, adding that her job, among other duties, is to speak up, be vigilant and prevent fraud. And if my being vigilant is political then so be it, because I'm not going to stop.

Opioid grant commission staff and Executive Director Susan Holloway declined to respond to questions for this story, directing all questions to the state auditor.

Auditor oversight of grants

In the July 22 letter, York sought to establish a memorandum of understanding with the commission to formalize her offices ongoing efforts to provide oversight of grant recipients.

This agreement would also provide the (Auditor of Accounts) with the assurance that we are approaching our work in the manner most helpful to the (Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission) and the (Behavioral Health Consortium) leadership and staff, York wrote. We deeply appreciate their help thus far.

Naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan) can reverse an opiate overdose.

The formalized agreement aims to clear up any questions commission and consortium members may have about the auditors oversight pursuits, the auditor said.

In the interview with Delaware Online/The News Journal on Wednesday, Jennings said the nonprofits targeted for audits are a mixture of random selections and referrals.

Its not a comment on the grantees at all that they are being audited, she said. So many people have died of substance use disorder, and its critically important that money goes out the doors, but that it goes out the doors with guardrails.

Lawmakers, nonprofit leaders defend current system

In recent weeks, state lawmakers and nonprofit leaders have defended the current system for screening applicants and overseeing grant spending.

State Rep. Kendra Johnson called on the consortium to release the funding and challenged members to consider whether they wanted to hold up money because of one potential bad player.

PURDUE PHARMA: From patent to Percocet: How this powerful opioid got its start in Delaware

The letter was wrong. The context was wrong, Johnson said. Our systems work. How do we know? Because we have one alleged bad actor.

The disagreements also come during a time when Delaware has finally begun to see overdose deaths decline  the first time in a decade, fueling support for keeping money flowing and preventing internal squabbles from negatively impacting those who need services.

Applicants say the process for receiving an opioid settlement grant is very extensive.

Jill Fredel, a spokesperson for atTAcK Addiction, said the application process was detailed and the programs oversight is the most stringent reporting system shed ever seen for a grant.

Weve had to account for every penny weve spent, Fredel told Delaware Online/The News Journal in early July after news broke about Code Purple. The application process may have dissuaded people from applying.

Other nonprofit leaders also pointed out that the opioid grant commissions oversight system worked since it caught the potential fraud at Code Purple. State authorities are trying to recuperate $290,000 given to Code Purple last year.

Jennings pushed back on characterizations that the system worked.

OVERDOSE DEATHS DECLINE: For the first time in 10 years, Delaware sees a drop in fatal overdoses. Six reasons why

When people say the system worked  we're out $290,000 folks. Thats not good, she said. And I think we all bear responsibility to fix something that obviously went wrong, to make sure it doesnt happen again.

Future oversight, establishing guardrails

Commission members await a report and recommendations from Wilmington business management firm, Social Contract, which the public body began working with in October. The firm aims to create a strategic plan for grant disbursement, review and allocation of funds. The completed report is expected this fall.

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long looks on during the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League's debate on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Canaan Baptist Church in New Castle.

While $1.9 million in bridge grants have been approved by the commission and consortium, Hall-Long reiterated the commission will not move forward with new funding until recommendations from Social Contract are received.

Jennings said the settlement funds were hard-fought, precious dollars. The attorney general added she wants to make sure those who receive the grants are good stewards.

Nonprofits perform an invaluable service in our state; they save lives all the time, she said. I want to make sure they are receiving the funds because theyve shown us that they know what they are doing, theyre really good, theyre dedicated, theyre passionate, and we are partners in this mission. I believe that we can get there, but it needs work.

Thats why she called for a freeze on grants, Jennings said, so that the contractor can suggest guardrails and measures of effectiveness, along with a landscape analysis.

Spotlight Delaware contributed to this report.

Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware to audit 10 more nonprofits that received opioid grant funds
More flight, baggage issues for Delta passengers at Reagan National Airport

REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT, Va. (DC News Now)  Art and Katisha Simril arrived at Reagan National Airport (DCA) to pick up their bags from Jacksonville, Fla. Her bags are there  his are still up in the air.

Every flight we was on, both American and Delta, they both were canceled, Simril said.

They are among the victims of last weeks massive IT outage that grounded more than 6,500 Delta flights, causing headaches for airline employees and passengers.

Bags piling up at DCA Delta baggage claim following global Microsoft outage disruptions

A massive pile of bags now sits in DCAs Delta baggage claim office, waiting for owners to pick them up.

I havent showered in a day, said Casey Merritt of Tysons Corner, Va. So Im in the same clothes as [Tuesday] night.

She and her family got stuck in Detroit for a day.

I was hoping we were going to miss it and we werent going to be part of [the cancellations and delays]. But we were, Merritt said.

The CEO of Delta released a statement Wednesday, saying the last few days have been difficult.

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 stated.

The airline expects to be fully operational by Thursday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Theres more to Fridays Cesar Chavez Boulevard celebration. We answer some questions

A year after the Fresno City Council voted to place the name of iconic farmworker leader Cesar E. Chavez on a 10-mile stretch of Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Avenue and California Avenue, Fresno City councilmembers will celebrate the renaming with lowriders, banda music and mobile food vendors on Friday.

The celebration will start at 3 p.m. at the Fresno Center/Adult Day Health Care Center, 4855 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. (formerly E. Kings Canyon Road).

The process culminates an effort by Councilmembers Luis Chavez and Miguel Arias to rename the roads 32 years after a similar effort was approved and then rejected by the council and mayor following public outcry.

Fresno became the first and only city in the San Joaquin Valley  the heart of the United Farmworkers movement  to name a street after Chavez, who died in 1993.

The council voted, 6-1, in March 2023 to rename the streets.

Here are answers to questions regarding the name change.

Q. Have lawsuits been resolved?

Not entirely.

In March, a Fresno County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the city in a lawsuit by 1 Community Compact, an informal coalition of business owners and residents who opposed the change. They challenged the council process, saying residents and business owners were not consulted in time about the name change.

A hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Aug. 1. A trial on the lawsuit is scheduled for March 2025.

Q. What happens to the old signs that were removed?

City of Fresno spokesperson Sontaya Rose said 219 street signs were replaced by a contractor hired by the city.

Rose said the city is going to keep the old signs for now.

We are not doing anything with them, Rose said. You know, theres some legal action going on right now. So, I think were just going to store them.

Rose said businesses were notified when the city started putting them up in mid-June. The process took about a month to complete.

A work crew installs a new Cesar Chavez Boulevard sign in place of a Ventura Avenue sign at C Street in Fresno on Friday, June 14, 2024. Cesar Chavez Boulevard will now be the name of the road starting from California and Marks in west Fresno, continuing east along Ventura through downtown and then down Kings Canyon Road ending at Peach Avenue for a total of 10 miles.

Ariass office said the old signs are in storage, and each was marked with cross-street names to identify the location they were at before they were taken down.

Q. Can I use the new name for GPS purposes?

You might want to use the former address if you use Google maps to get directions.

As of this week, searching for 4855 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd, Google maps will give you addresses in San Antonio, Texas, Portland Oregon and Los Angeles, but nothing in Fresno.

But how long would it take for the new name to be reflected on search on google maps?

We use a number of data sources to keep the information on Google Maps as fresh and up-to-date as possible. Whenever were aware of new updates in the real world, we update the map based on authoritative local data sources, said Google spokesperson.

According to a Google spokesperson, the google maps team has begun to make changes which should become visible over the next few days. (If you want to learn more about how Google Maps updates the map click here.)

Q. Why are there no accents on the new street name?

At a Chavez Boulevard celebration last September, Councilmember Chavez said he consulted with Paul Chavez, the son of the labor leader, about the accents. The councilmember said the family preferred no accent marks be used to keep the name simple.

Will all of the streets have the new name?Portions of the streets that are in Fresno County islands will not be affected. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously last year to oppose the name change.

Arte Americas executive director Arianna Paz Chavez and her mother, Lilia Gonzales-Chavez, take a selfie during the celebration of the renaming of Kings Canyon and two other streets in honor of farmworker icon Cesar E. Chavez. The celebration took place at the Fresno fairgrounds on June 10, 2023.

Q. What will the name change cost residents and businesses?

The council has budgeted $1 million for the new street signs and installation, and to help businesses for changing cards, addresses and other expenses.

Q. Will we see Chavez Boulevard directions on local freeways?

A cooperative agreement with Caltrans to replace the freeway signs with Cesar Chavez Boulevard will be up for council approval in late August or early September, according to Arias office.

Q. Will the post office still deliver mail with the old address?

Back in 1993, the Fresno postmaster said he expected no problem with the street change. The U.S. Postal Service will treat it like any of the other address changes they handle.

Postal workers will continue to deliver mail to an old street address for about 18 months after a name change. After the 13th month, the mail is returned to the sender with the new address attached. After 18 months, the mail is returned to the sender with no new address.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Last week John Deere announced it would be cutting some salaried positions due to a decline in agricultural equipment sales, and Wednesday, those employees learned their fate.

According to a WARN notice on the Iowa Workforce Development website, John Deere let go of 69 employees in Waterloo and 34 employees in Davenport.

Des Moines hopes road construction helps long-term infrastructure goals

In a statement, the company said the layoffs were due to three factors: significant economic challenges, rising operational costs, and reduced customer demand. John Deere Sales are down 20% this year and net income is down 17%.

Deere says its laid-off workers could receive up to 12 months of severance pay and compensation for unused vacation or paid time off, and job placement help.

WARN notice records show that in 2024, John Deere eliminated 1,473 manufacturing positions in mass layoffs at its facilities in the state.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
More than a million dollars available to help families with home improvements

More than a million dollars available to help families with home improvements

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  More than a million dollars in federal grant money is currently making its way to community action groups across North Alabama to help fund energy-saving projects in peoples homes.

Community Action Partnership of North Alabama is one of several groups that provides a Weatherization Assistance Program, which works to make homes more energy efficient.

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Some of the measures including adding weather stripping to windows and insulation to attics. Other projects focus on health and safety by installing carbon monoxide detectors and replacing water heaters.

The program prioritizes helping elderly adults, those with disabilities and families with children.

Many people think they will have to pay, and this is no cost to the homeowner or renter, said Angela Ingram, the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Energy Director. We would love the opportunity to be able to serve you.

For more than 60 years, the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama has assisted people experiencing poverty. Part of that job is helping those in need maintain safe and comfortable conditions in their homes.

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Our mission is to provide opportunities for those in need, especially those who are in poverty, said Tim Thrasher, the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama CEO. What we try to do is provide a continuum of care for individuals.

Over time, the Weatherization Assistance Program helps its beneficiaries save money on their utility bills.

In some situations, Ingram said the home repair needs are greater. The house may require a new roof or significant basement repairs. Community Action Partnership of North Alabama works with leveraged funds to take on those bigger projects and expand the scope of the assistance provided.

Ingram said the goal is to keep people in their homes.

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We did assist an elderly gentleman not too long ago that it was a difference between whether or not he would have to be displaced and go to a nursing home, Ingram said.

To qualify for assistance, your household income must be at or below 200% of the current poverty guideline.

2024 Poverty Income Guideline for Energy Programs

Family of 1: $30,120

Family of 2: $40,880

Family of 3: $51,640

Family of 4: $62,400

Family of 5: $73,160

Family of 6: $83,920

Family of 7: $94,680

Family of 8: $105,440

For each additional family member, add $10,760.

Community action groups across North Alabama have Weatherization Assistance Programs.

Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc.

Coverage Area: Cullman, Lawrence, Morgan, Marion, Walker and Winston County

Phone Number: 256-260-3116

Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc.

Coverage Area: Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, St. Clair and Etowah Counties

Phone Number: (256) 638-4430

Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties Inc.

Coverage Area: Madison and Limestone Counties

Phone Number: (256) 851-9800

Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc.

Coverage Area: Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale Counties

Phone Number: (256) 383-3832

You can fill out an application online or over the phone.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 latest statements by Russian and Ukrainian leaders show that significant hurdles remain in place before peace talks can be held to end Moscow's full-scale invasion of its neighbour.

Both sides say they are open to negotiations though each has set prerequisites for an end to the war launched by Moscow on its neighbour in February 2022.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said it is willing to enter a negotiation process with Russia at some point if Moscow is prepared to engage in sincere negotiations. However, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that there was currently no such willingness on the Russian side and called for a just and lasting peace.

For his part, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Kiev has made various statements that are not entirely understandable. "Russia is generally open to a negotiation process, but first we need to understand to what extent the Ukrainian side is ready for this and to what extent it has the permission of its trustees," said Peskov.

Russia calls the Ukrainian leadership a "puppet" claiming Kiev is managed by Western forces.

Officially, the conditions expressed by both sides have so far been far apart. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is demanding that Russian troops withdraw fully from the country before negotiations can take place with Moscow.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin is calling on Ukraine to relinquish Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Luhansk and Donetsk that Russia illegally annexed, even though some are still controlled by Kiev.

Meanwhile both sides continue to amass weapons and thousands of soldiers are deployed in the ongoing fighting.

Peskov reiterated that the basic obstacle to negotiations remains the fact that Zelensky has ruled out such talks by decree. He also said Ukraine would have to explain its proposals.

He also again questioned Zelensky's legitimacy, claiming his term of office expired in the spring. However, the Ukraine authorities say no elections are being held due to martial law, meaning the president's powers remain in force.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attends a meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace. Vladimir Smirnov/KREMLIN/dpa
The News

Vice President Kamala Harris has to pick a potential vice president of her own  and fast. Democrats plan to confirm her nomination and her running mate at a virtual roll call on August 7, ahead of their convention.

So far, the shortlist of most-discussed names has hinged on a specific type of politician, with figures like Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz all drawing significant attention.

This is the most exciting group of white men I have ever seen, Caitlin Legacki, a Democratic strategist and former Biden administration official, said.

There are other reported names floating around as well, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Plus the more out-of-the-box options: Retired Admiral William McRaven, who oversaw the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, took himself out of the running on Wednesday. And Democrats keep whispering to us about businessman Mark Cuban, even as hes shown no public interest in the job.

But both Republicans and Democrats still think Harris is most likely to go with one of the initial names, almost all of whom have a reputation for staying in the partys center on policy and speaking to swing voters outside their base. One Republican strategist said the specific choice might matter less than that a relative moderate would require a small strategy shift on their end to tie Harris to her past left-leaning positions.

Heres a quick rundown of the major players, their perceived strengths and weaknesses, and why they might end up on the ticket.

The Contenders

Josh Shapiro

Why he might get it. Shapiro seems to be the one the opposition is most worried about, which seems like a point in his favor. If Republicans dont win Pennsylvania, its a way tougher slog, one well-connected Republican said. Gotta basically sweep everywhere else. Hes a popular and charismatic 51-year-old governor in arguably the most important swing state who has accused Trump of shit talking America. His most famous accomplishment is nonpartisan: Rapidly fixing a section of the I-95 highway after it collapsed. Shapiro also was widely praised in both parties for his unifying words after a shooter targeted a Trump rally in his state. He has touted an all of the above energy approach in a state where natural gas is a major industry, which could help rebut early attacks on Harris for once opposing fracking (she walked it back upon joining the Biden ticket). And, like Harris, hes a former state attorney general.

Why he might not. Shapiro is strong in part because hes seen as a pragmatist who isnt afraid to anger the left-leaning interest groups when it suits him. But that means picking him could also anger left-leaning interest groups. Hes broken with the party to support school vouchers, angering teachers unions, although it didnt make it into the most recent budget. Then theres Israel: Like many Democrats, Shapiro has struck a balance between asserting Israels right to defend itself, condemning the Netanyahu government, and arguing for a two-state solution. But Shapiro, who is Jewish, has also strongly condemned antisemitism on the left and upset activists opposed to the Gaza operation by comparing some campus protests to the KKK. His administration also settled a sexual harassment claim against a then-senior adviser, a piece of baggage that Harris might not want to carry as she takes aim at Trumps alleged sexual indiscretion.

Mark Kelly

Why he might get it. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly has a background that many Democrats are excited about: Hes a former NASA astronaut who served as a US Navy combat pilot, and hes been vocal about securing the border, which could help combat one of Republicans big attack lines against Harris. Hes perhaps best known as a forceful advocate for gun safety laws ever since his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, was badly wounded in a shooting at a district event. Arizona leaned red before Kelly won a seat in 2020, and hes widely seen as more moderate than others in his party. David Axelrod, during a discussion with The Cook Political Report publisher Amy Walter this week, described Kelly as an alpha guy  and both noted that this could be a plus against a Republican Party that stocked its recent convention with macho speakers like Hulk Hogan and Dana White to appeal to men.

Why he might not. Kelly may be more valuable to Democrats in the Senate. If Harris wins with him on the ticket, the Democratic governor would appoint a replacement and trigger a special election in 2026, which could make it harder for the party to secure a majority. Kelly also hasnt signed onto the PRO Act, which would make it easier to organize unions, and thats raised red flags for labor groups otherwise eager to back Harris. (Kelly said Wednesday that he would vote for the legislation if it hit the Senate floor, potentially removing this obstacle).

Tim Walz

Why he might get it. Walz is a known figure with major credibility in the party, particularly among House Democrats, given his long tenure in the lower chamber from 2007 to 2019. He can take the fight, and we all know him, Rep. Ann Kuster, chair of the New Democrat Coalition, told Semafor, adding thats who popped out for her in a talented field of possible VP picks. Democrats also argue Walzs past military service, teaching career, and Midwestern background would appeal to swing voters in must-win states. He would be a great choice, Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Thursday. With slim legislative majorities in Minnesota, Walz signed into law an expansion of labor rights, and a measure providing universal free lunches, among other sweeping progressive reforms. Walz has also been a blunt attack-dog in interviews and called Republicans weird for seeking to curb reproductive rights and implement book bans.

Why he might not. While Walz is well-liked in Congress, he hasnt attracted as much national media attention in the Biden era as the other governors on this list. He also doesnt hail from a must-win state for Democrats, as Minnesota last swung Republican for President Richard Nixon in 1972. Things look more competitive this cycle, but if the party is losing in Minnesota, they likely are losing the election already by a wide margin. In addition, Republicans are attacking Harris as an out-of-touch progressive, and its possible Harris shies away from someone who has accumulated a liberal governing record in favor of a more overtly moderate figure that balances out the Democratic ticket.

Roy Cooper

Why he might get it. Gov. Cooper of North Carolina and Harris have known each other for years from their time as attorneys general and at least one operative suggested familiarity could be a factor in Harris choice. Hes term-limited this year after spending the last seven years as a buffer between the states deep red legislature and its relatively purple electorate. One of his big achievements was getting bipartisan support to expand Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act, an issue Democrats would be happy to press Trump on. Strategists also think Cooper could be an asset on the reproductive rights front by telling his story of combatting Republican efforts to restrict abortion  the legislature enacted a 12-week ban he had previously vetoed only after a safe-seat Democrat switched parties.

Why he might not. Democrats dont want Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is known for his wildly inflammatory politics even by recent standards, to take over as the acting governor whenever Cooper leaves the state to campaign. Hes also the oldest name on this list at age 67, and Democrats might be reluctant after their recent experience with Biden to elevate someone who could potentially be a presidential candidate in their 70s later on.

Andy Beshear

Why he might get it. Hes the fresh-faced 46-year-old governor of one of the reddest states in the country and won an impressive re-election against a longtime Mitch McConnell protege, Daniel Cameron, in 2023. Democrats were especially impressed with how he did it, too: He ran hard on protecting abortion rights (this ad was one of the most memorable of the cycle) and vetoed a bill that would have restricted access to care for transgender youth. Within the state, he also boosted his popularity in rural counties by managing the response to a major flood. Hes currently trying to position himself as a counter to JD Vance, who he says has portrayed Appalachians in Kentucky as stereotypically lazy.

Why he might not. There is no universe in which Harris is competing in Kentucky, so Beshear doesnt bring much state-specific utility. Some Democrats also question how well his profile translates outside of Kentucky, where he benefits from a unique political brand as the son of a popular former governor, Steve Beshear.

Pete Buttigieg

Why he might get it. Hes an Afghanistan veteran and small-town mayor who already ran a strong presidential campaign and is widely seen as one of the partys greatest communicators. Democrats have long been impressed with his ability to carry the White Houses message on conservative outlets like Fox News. Recently, he criticized Vance for deriding childless cat ladies in 2021, a list on which he included Buttigieg, who has since adopted two children with his husband, Chasten. His portfolio as Transportation Secretary has included infrastructure projects and new rules requiring airlines to reimburse customers for canceled flights, two topics that allies think would play well on the campaign trail. In general, Harris could trust him to defend their administrations record with no additional training necessary. Democrats also see him as a potential fundraising juggernaut  some operatives predict hed raise another $100 million for the campaign easily.

Why he might not. Indiana, where Buttiegieg served as mayor of South Bend, is a Republican stronghold and not a battleground state. Hes most popular nationally with the kind of college-educated voters who Democrats have performed especially well with in the Trump era, but some Democrats are skeptical as to whether he helps the party enough elsewhere. His own presidential campaign was hindered by a lack of Black and Latino support, two groups that Democrats are especially worried about retaining support and turnout from this cycle.

The field

Race and gender is obviously front and center in this discussion and theres a (sometimes explicit, sometimes whispered) notion in political conversations that Harris needs a white man to balance the ticket. But not everyone agrees with that assumption: Whitmer has many fans in the party and governs a critical swing state in Michigan, though shes said shes not interested in the job. Columnist James E. Causey argues Moore  widely seen as a potential 2028 contender if Trump wins  should get the nod, pointing to his management of a bridge collapse in Maryland and pardons for marijuana offenders.

There are also some other names on the outer edges of the white male governor category. Pritzker has a following, but is in a deep blue state that might make him less helpful in balancing the ticket. And Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, another dark horse name, poked fun at the demographic conversations around the ticket in a recent CNN interview: Look, if they do the polling and it turns out they need a 49-year-old balding gay Jew from Boulder, Colorado, theyve got my number.

Notable

NOTABLE

Harris has narrowed the gap against Trump, a new New York Time/Siena poll found. Theyre effectively tied 48-47 among likely voters, with both getting a big bump in their personal popularity from the last few weeks of news.




How the most right-wing appeals court was reined in by the Supreme Court this term

WASHINGTON  The conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court would only be pushed so far.

In this year's blockbuster Supreme Court term, there was a notable loser: a Louisiana court that has become the national testing ground for conservative causes.

The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which hears cases from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, is arguably the most conservative appeals court in the nation.

But the high court threw out one conservative challenge to social media content moderation, sent another back to the 5th Circuit for more analysis, and said the appeals court should not have allowed a challenge by anti-abortion doctors to a commonly used abortion drug.

The justices also rejected a conservative-led attack on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and said the appeals court was misapplying a previous decision expanding gun rights when it ruled that a domestic abuser cant be denied a gun.

It shows that the 5th Circuit was, at the very least, moving too fast for the Supreme Court, said Adam Feldman, a lawyer and political scientist who runs a blog called Empirical SCOTUS.

This is despite the fact that the court, which now has a 6-3 conservative majority, made a number of controversial right-leaning decisions this term including imposing new hurdles on federal regulatory agencies and granting broad legal protections for the presidency.

To be sure, the Supreme Court did side with the 5th Circuit on two big cases  one that killed off a major gun control effort and another that contributed to curtailing the regulatory power of the federal government.

What's coming up?

The next term will bring more tests from the 5th Circuit.

The high court has already agreed to decide if the appeals court correctly:

Rejected the Biden administrations regulation of untraceable weapons kits known as ghost guns.

Upheld Texas age verification requirement for porn sites.

Directed a do-over of the Food and Drug Administrations rejection of a marketing request for flavored e-cigarettes.

Rejected a defendants appeal based on a 2018 law that changed sentencing rules.

And theres likely to be more.

The number of cases the Supreme Court has been taking from the 5th Circuit has gone up in recent years.

Previously, most cases appealed to the high court have come from the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers the largest population. But this term, there were 421 appeals from the 5th Circuit compared with 382 from the 9th Circuit, according to Feldmans review.

While the Supreme Court hears only a small share of appeals, the nine it took from the 5th Circuit was high relative to the population size of the circuit.

"It just kind of shows the growing focus of the 5th before the Supreme Court," Feldman said. "People are looking to the 5th to file certain cases."

The circuit hears appeals from deeply red states where Republicans control legislatures and where attorneys general can draw national headlines with culture war suits against a Democratic president. Federal district courts, particularly in Texas, have become a forum of choice for conservative groups who bet not only on winning but also getting their arguments heard at the Supreme Court when their opponents appeal.

It was a Trump-appointee in Texas, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who suspended the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the drug mifepristone. That went too far for the 5th Circuit, which said that only later decisions by the FDA to loosen restrictions on the drug were invalid. But the Supreme Court said the challenge shouldnt have been allowed at all.

FILE PHOTO: A view of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, U.S., June 17, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo

Donald Trump's impact

The 5th Circuit ranks behind the St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the highest share of judges who were appointed by Republican presidents  71% compared with 91%.

But former President Donald Trump appointed six of the 5th Circuits 17 judges, one of the circuits where his flood of nominations over his four years had a significant impact.

Even though Trump also nominated three of the Supreme Courts six conservative justices, most have not been willing to go as far as the 5th Circuit on causes championed by conservatives.

The Supreme Court is saying to the legal right broadly, `We are not Santa Clause, conservative columnist David French said on the podcast Advisory Opinions.

What was rejected

French made that comment after the Supreme Court sided with the Biden administration in a challenge from the 5th Circuit to the administrations efforts to remove misinformation about vaccines and other issues from social media platforms.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, one of Trumps appointees, wrote for the 6-3 majority that the 5th Circuit had wrongly backed a sweeping preliminary injunction against the administration, relied on clearly erroneous factual findings by the district court and incorrectly concluded that the challengers had shown theyd been harmed by the administration.

I do think that the Supreme Court is getting a little bit sick of these cases coming up that have no standing, said Jeevna Sheth, senior policy analyst for courts and legal policy at the liberal Center for American Progress, referring to the requirement that a petitioner has an addressable harm. I think (Barrett), especially, was really irritated by the lack of factual basis in that case.

More: How Amy Coney Barrett emerged as the Supreme Court justice to watch

On anti-abortion advocates attempt to curtail access to mifepristone, Justice Brett Kavanaugh  another Trump appointee  wrote the unanimous opinion that the challenge did not belong in the federal courts. Instead, Kavanaugh wrote, the advocates should try to address their concerns through the regulatory, legislative or political processes.

Justice Clarence Thomas, one of the courts most conservative justices, wrote the 7-2 opinion reversing the 5th Circuits ruling that the funding mechanism for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is unconstitutional.

High court reversing its own error?

But experts say another of the reversals may not have been the 5th Circuits fault.

When the circuit said a ban on domestic abusers having guns was unconstitutional, it was plausibly applying the Supreme Courts 2022 decision that gun regulations must be "consistent with this nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation" to survive court challenges, said University of Texas law professor Tara Leigh Grove.

I think what you saw is some justices having second thoughts about what they had said (in the 2022 decision), and kind of pulling back from that case, Grove said. So to my mind, thats more the 5th Circuit held up a mirror to the Supreme Court, and the court didnt like what it saw.

Major wins for the 5th Circuit

While the high court affirmed only three of the nine decisions from the 5th Circuit, that win/loss record is consistent with the fact that the court overturns more decisions than it affirms, because it typically declines to hear challenges to rulings it agrees with.

And the ones they affirm can have major consequences.

There were a lot of cases where (the 5th Circuit) lost, Roman Martinez, who has argued dozens of cases in the appeals courts and at the Supreme court, said during a recent public discussion at the conservative Heritage Foundation. I do think its important to note that there were also some important ones they won.

The courts six conservatives backed the 5th Circuits rejection of a major tool used by the Securities and Exchange Commission to fight securities fraud.

And the conservatives agreed that the Trump administration had wrongly banned bump stocks by classifying them as machine guns, a decision not about the 2nd Amendment but about whether a regulatory agency had overstepped its authority.

Those were huge for administrative law, Grove said of the bump stock and SEC decisions.

Sheth, of the Center for American Progress, said the fact that the Supreme Court didnt accept the 5th Circuits most extreme positions, shouldnt detract from the fact that the high court is the most conservative its been in decades.

The court is going to look more legitimate, its going to look more moderate, if theyre kind of tamping down on the 5th Circuit, she said. When, really, none of these cases in the 5th Circuit should be making it up (to the high court) anyway.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How the Supreme Court reined in the most right-wing appeals court
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  China issued a rare compliment to the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Thursday for his order banning widespread and Chinese-run online gaming operations. Marcos accused some of venturing into crimes including financial scams, human trafficking, kidnappings, torture and murder.

Relations between China and the Philippines under Marcos have been strained since he allowed an expanded U.S. military presence in the country under a 2014 defense pact and hostilities between their forces started to flare in the disputed South China Sea last year. A Philippine campaign to expose Chinas aggressive actions in the disputed waters through the press to gain international support has sparked a scathing war of words.

Marcoss order in his state-of-the-nation address Monday immediately banning all 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 an ongoing government crackdown backed by Beijing.

China, through its embassy in Manila, belatedly welcomed Marcoss move.

We believe this decision echoes the call of the Philippine people and serves the common interests of people of both countries, a Chinese Embassy statement issued Thursday night in Manila said. China is ready to continue its strong law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines and better protect the safety and well-being of the two peoples.

The Chinese Embassy statement it attributed to an unnamed spokesperson stated that China prohibits all forms of gambling and added that the Chinese government has cracked down on Chinese citizens engaging in overseas gambling businesses including the so-called Philippine offshore gaming operators, or POGO.

"POGO breeds serious crimes and gravely undermines the interests of both Philippine and Chinese peoples, the Chinese Embassy said.

The Philippine government crackdown 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 with promises of high salaries but later forced to work in dismal conditions and threatened with severe harm if they disobeyed orders or tried to escape.

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.

Story continues

Marcos closure order covered online gaming outfits, which have acquired permits from Philippine authorities, and those, which have been operating underground. The order would be strictly enforced despite the massive scale of the task, Philippine officials said.

"The absolute policy of the president is no more POGO, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told The Associated Press last month.

Marcos ordered his governments gaming agency to wind down the operations of the gambling outfits by years end. He asked labor officials to look for alternative jobs for Filipino workers who would be displaced because of the shutdowns.

The Philippines, Washington's oldest treaty ally in Asia, has a complicated relationship with China, including significant trade engagements and cooperation against crime. But they have also had longstanding disputes, particularly in two fiercely contested shoals in the busy South China Sea.

Marcos's predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, nurtured cozy ties with Chinese President Xi Jingping while often denouncing U.S. security policies. Marcos has, in stark contrast, worked to deepen defense ties with the U.S. and its Western and Asian allies since taking office in mid-2022 despite China's warnings and alarm.
The King County Prosecutors Office is reviewing a case against a woman who allegedly abandoned her newborn in Ballard after giving birth in 2023. The child was later found dead.

The babys body was first found by a man on Feb. 19, 2023. after he left the Ballard Sunday Market. The body was in some bushes near a parking lot in the 5300 block of Shilshole Avenue West.

According to court documents the man did not immediately call 911 because he said he didnt want to wait around and there was nothing he could do. He instead decided to report it online.

When the man found he couldnt report a dead human body online, he instead reported it on the dead animal tab. Three days later Seattle Animal Control responded.

The King County Medical Examiners Office said that maternal drug abuse and preterm birth were contributing factors to the babys death. However, they couldnt determine if the child was stillborn or had taken a breath of life.

Detectives later tracked down the mother who said she had given birth where the baby was found.

According to court documents the mother said her baby made noises for 2-4 minutes. She said, The baby made little noises that I had never heard before. She said they were like a small animal or a dog or cat.

The woman went on to say she was in distress the entire time and did attempt to flag down several vehicles for help, one was a police car.

The woman says she stayed with the baby 4-5 hours before leaving the baby in the bushes and taking the bus to a friends home.

The 41-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday and made her first appearance in King County Superior Court on Wednesday.

The court found probable cause for Second Degree Manslaughter, Reckless Endangerment and Unlawful Disposal of Human Remains. Bail was set at $150,000. A charging decision could come on Friday.
Tamika Johnson, one of the organizers of a recall effort against Milwaukee School Board members, speaks at a press conference at Gordon Park in Milwaukee on July 24.

Members of a group seeking to remove half the Milwaukee School Board said Wednesday they have collected 37,000 signatures on their petitions with the help of paid canvassers, but they're not saying where the money is coming from.

The group, MPS School Board Recall Collaborative, aims to collect over 60,000 signatures to trigger special elections for four school board seats, forcing those board members to face possible competitors for their positions before they would normally be up for re-election.

The group launched its recall campaign after state officials raised alarms about severe problems with the district's financial reports, which will cause MPS to receive less state funding this year than expected. Since then, top MPS officials have left the district: Superintendent Keith Posley, Chief Financial Officer Martha Kreitzman, and Comptroller Alfredo Balmaseda.

The recall group, which held a press conference Wednesday, is targeting four board members: Marva Herndon, who serves as the board's president; Jilly Gokalgandhi, the vice president; Erika Siemsen; and Missy Zombor.

"This recall is recalling incompetent board members who allowed corruption to happen on the back of our Black and brown and white children," said Tamika Johnson, a private school teacher and one of the four recall petitioners. "This recall is happening because, apparently, our system is not doing what they supposed to do."

Another speaker at the press conference, Beverly Williams, suggested the Milwaukee Common Council could remove board members under a statute that allows common councils to vote to remove "school officers." According to the state Legislative Reference Bureau, "school officers" were board members who, under now-defunct charters, were considered part of city government. Milwaukee's city attorney said the statute would not apply to the Milwaukee School Board.

Board members, who have said administrators kept them in the dark about the severity of the accounting issues, said they're implementing more accountability measures and don't plan to step down.

"I believe that over the last couple months, this board has shown a level of accountability to the district by parting ways with our superintendent, parting ways with our CFO, and inviting a new board clerk in," Gokalgandhi said Wednesday at a Milwaukee Press Club event.

Recall organizers say they have 37,000 signatures

The recall organizers said Wednesday that they've collected 37,000 signatures. They need to submit over 63,000 signatures by Aug. 12 to successfully trigger elections for all four board members they are seeking to recall.

Under state law, the group needs to collect a quarter of the votes cast in that board member's district in the 2022 gubernatorial election. That's 5,137 signatures against Herndon, 7,759 against Gokalgandhi, 6,809 against Siemsen, and 44,177 against Zombor, who holds the only citywide seat.

Organizers on Wednesday said they didn't know how many signatures they had for each board district.

Johnson said some MPS staff were interested in signing but feared retaliation. She said the group was assuring them they "would not be made public."

Recall petitions are public records, including signers' names and addresses. When there was an effort to recall school board members in Mequon, the district posted the petitions on its website. Paulina Gutierrez, executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, said she plans to upload the petitions to the city website upon receipt.

Recall group says 'anonymous donors' will pay for canvassers

At the press conference Wednesday, organizers said the signatures have been collected by volunteers and paid canvassers. They said the canvassers have not been paid yet but would be paid by anonymous donors after officials verify the signatures they've collected.

"We have individuals who are willing to pay individuals, but nobody has been paid," said Nicole Johnson, a former charter school administrator and one of the four recall petitioners.

Asked why they wouldn't identify the donors, speakers at the press conference said no one there knew who they were. The treasurer of the recall committees, Janice Patterson, has said she can't answer questions about funders.

On July 3, the Recall Collaborative advertised job openings, offering a rate of $25 per hour for petition signature collectors. In a news release Tuesday, the group said paid canvassing work began July 20 at Brady Street Fest and Garfield Days.

Petitioners haven't answered questions about how many paid canvassers they have or how much money is available to pay them.

Recall group's finance reports don't show donors

Groups seeking to recall elected officials are required to file public campaign finance reports that log their donors and expenses.

The recall organizers filed reports in mid-July for their four committees, one for each board seat. Those reports only covered activity through June 30, while later activity will be reported on the next round of reports. They didn't show any fundraising or spending to pay for canvassers.

The group's finance reports show they spent about $278 on each of three campaigns against three of the board members, with the report for the campaign against Herndon empty. As the largest expenses, the reports show two petitioners, Tamika Johnson and Chantia Davis, paid about $200 for each of the three campaigns on June 18 for the group's website and printed materials.

Gutierrez said the recall committees will have to submit finance reports again ahead of any recall elections, though the exact timing will depend on when the signatures are submitted. After election officials receive the signatures, they have up to 31 days to review challenges, examine the petitions and certify them. If the petitions pass, officials will call an election to happen six weeks later, on a Tuesday.

Recall group accused of secrecy, campaign finance violations

Zombor filed a complaint against recall organizers last week with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, accusing Patterson and Nicole Johnson, the petitioner against Zombor's seat, of violating state laws governing the reporting of political spending. The commission told Zombor on Monday that her complaint had enough substance for it to review.

Zombor's complaint accuses the recall organizers of failing to report all the funds they raised and spent. She noted the group has been soliciting donations since mid-June but its finance reports don't show any monetary donations.

Zombor also noted that Davis, Patterson and Tamika Johnson, who each reported paying expenses for the committee, did not share their residential addresses, while state law requires committee contributors to share their "street addresses." Instead, they listed the same address used generally for the committee, a business called Pack N' Ship that offers mailbox rentals.

Zombor, who has started fundraising for her own defense against the recall, said in the last week she has raised about $1,760 from 26 contributors. She named contributors, including many current and retired teachers, who must be listed on her next campaign finance report. She called for more transparency from the recall group.

"The public has a right to know where they're getting the money from," she said. "The public has a right to know where the people who are contributing live. That's why these laws exist, for transparency, so that people know who is funding political campaigns and candidates."

The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, the union for MPS staff, which backed Zombor, Herndon and Siemsen in their elections, also called on the recall group to share its donors.

"It is ironic that a group of individuals who claim to be upset about transparency and financial reporting at MPS themselves failed to file the most basic finance reports required of them, and now refuse to tell voters the truth about it," MTEA President Ingrid Walker-Henry said in a statement.

A lawyer for MTEA filed a separate complaint with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, accusing the recall organizers of publishing materials in support of the recall petition that didn't note the funding source of the materials. State law requires that materials that advocate for or against candidates must identify their funding sources.

The commission will ultimately decide whether to dismiss the complaints or launch investigations, which can result in a settlement agreement; litigation; a referral for criminal charges, depending on the violations; or dismissal. The process remains confidential until it is complete.

On Monday, recall organizers threatened to file a slew of complaints against the four board members if they did not resign. They said they would launch a class-action lawsuit and file complaints about ethics violations with the District Attorney's Office, U.S. Department of Education, state health department and state "board of ethics," possibly referring to the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. The group hasn't provided any complaints.

Contact Rory Linnane at rory.linnane@jrn.com. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @RoryLinnane.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MPS recall group says they have 37,000 signatures. anonymous donors
YouTube star MrBeast has addressed the grooming allegations made against his longtime collaborator, Ava Kris Tyson, saying that he was disgusted by the claims and taken immediate action to remove Ava from the company, my channel and any association with MrBeast.

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, was responding to the weeks of pressure created by the allegations and Tysons future with his channel that built up on social media and from other content creators on YouTube. In a message posted to X (formerly Twitter), on Wednesday, Donaldson said, Over the last few days, Ive become aware of the serious allegations of Ava Tysons behavior online and I am disgusted and opposed to such unacceptable acts.

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During that time, I have been focused on hiring an independent third party to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure I have all the facts, the post continued. That said, Ive seen enough online and taken immediate action to remove Ava from the company, my channel and any association with MrBeast. I do not condone or support any of the inappropriate actions.

Donaldson added, I will allow the independent investigators the necessary time to conduct a comprehensive investigation and will take any further actions based on their findings.

The grooming allegations against Tyson surfaced last month. A group of YouTubers accused Tyson of messaging a 13-year-old when she was 20. Users on X, Discord and YouTube began analyzing public messages between Tyson and the minor, who went by the username LavaGS, focusing on those messages that included references to nude photos, sex and anime pornography.

Tyson denied claims of grooming and posted an apology on X on Wednesday. I humbly apologise to anyone I have hurt with my unacceptable social media posts, past actions and to those who may feel betrayed by how I used to act online, Tyson wrote.

LavaGS also took to social media to defend Tyson, suggesting the past conversation between them was not grooming but rather edgy jokes.

Tyson, who is a transgender woman, has come under sustained harassment from some other Youtubers since she announced she was transitioning. Donaldson has previously defended Tyson against transphobic attacks.

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MSP identifies two women in their 80s killed in Charles County crash

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Maryland State Police (MSP) have released the names of the two people who were killed in a crash in Charles County Wednesday.

The victims were identified as 81-year-old Norma Matthews, of Lowell, Massachusetts, and 86-year-old Virginia Licata, of Blackwood, New Jersey.

The crash happened at around 1:45 p.m. on Route 301 and Popes Creek Road, in Faulkner.

MSP said their preliminary investigation revealed that Matthews was driving a Toyota Camry on Popes Creek Road and was trying to cross Route 301.

Thats when Matthews car was hit by a Chevy.

Police identify man killed in triple shooting in Northwest DC

She died at the scene.

Licata, who was a passenger in the Toyota, was flown to the hospital where she died.

MSP said the driver of the Chevy was also flown to the hospital for treatment. Her condition is unknown, as of Thursday morning.

As crews worked on the scene, the roads were closed for several hours, but have since reopened.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Zimmerman at 301-392-1231.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A Facebook post used in a 2018 murder trial helped convict a murder suspect. Five years later, he is requesting a new trial, arguing the social media post should not have been used at trial, court documents show.

Addonis Rhodes, now 25, was found guilty along with another gangster, Curtis Jackson Jr., in the shooting death of Vernard Mays, a former warrant clerk for the Bibb County Sheriffs Office, in 2015. Both have ties to the Crips street gang.

During the trial, a Facebook page from Rhodes profile was used as evidence, which prosecutors argued was an admission of guilt. Rhodes argues the post was not an admission of guilt but instead vague rambling regarding devil worship.

On Tuesday, prosecutors argued against a new trial, saying the judge allowed it into evidence since it was posted shortly after the shooting occurred and, since it had come from his Facebook page, the posts origin wasnt challenged. And, based on testimony heard in court, since Rhodes also had a gun and was the first to shoot, the post was considered relevant.

The only reason Im up at 5:28 in the morning now is because Im talking to Lucifer, the Facebook post referenced said. Now its like he the only person that understands my pain, he understands the black hole in my soul, he understands my  my secrets, he understands why I kill.

The only reason I speak to Jesus from time to time is because he told me that all the people I love and all the people that love me worship him, so he asks me why would I consider hurting the innocent, the post said. With the devil, I reply, because he understands me a little bit more than you do, so I know that I dont have a soul, or if I do, I know who it belongs to ...

Rhodes also has argued that his lawyer at the time, C. Alan Wheeler, was ineffective since he did not object to testimony from another gang member saying that he was planning to kill Jackson after the incident with Mays. If Wheeler had objected to it, he argued it wouldve changed the outcome of the case, because the jury would further understand the lack of connection this shooting had to gang activity, and removed some highly prejudicial testimony about a planned shooting against co-defendant Jackson.

Rhodes maintained his lawyer did not properly present the plea offer and, in turn, his lawyers efforts fall below the level of a reasonable trial attorney and resulted in ineffective assistance to Rhodes during trial.

Testimony heard in court said Rhodes had a .40-caliber gun when he shot Mays and the bullet fragment taken from the body was a .40-caliber projectile, according to prosecutors. They also said that Rhodes told other gang members that he had unloaded his clip and knew he had hit Mays, which could be considered by the jury as an admission of Rhodes secrets and why he kills and hurts the innocent.

Prosecutors said because of the substantial amount of other evidence against Rhodes, it was highly unlikely that this single Facebook post contributed to the verdict.

As for defense attorney Wheeler, prosecutors said the evidence was intrinsic to Rhodes charged offenses, as he and another gang member were mad at Jackson for telling police that they were at the crime scene.

In essence, they planned to kill him in an effort to conceal their own wrongdoings, the prosecutors said.

The day Mays was murdered

On Oct. 27, 2015, three cars crashed in front of Mays mothers house, in which some members of the Crips gang were involved, injured and in need of medical attention. One of them had a gun and drugs in a bookbag and did not want police to catch him with it, so he instructed another member to hide it in some nearby bushes, according to court testimony. The gun was hidden in one of the bushes at Mays house.

Mays and his mother were unaware that the gang members gun was hidden in their bushes. In the gang world, retrieving the gun that was left behind was a big deal because of the possibility the gun was used in other crimes, according to prosecutors and testimony heard in court.

A relative of an injured passenger retrieved the gun sometime later in the day, unbeknownst to Jackson, Rhodes and other members wanting to find it. Jackson had confronted Mays mother on whether she had the gun, and she said no. Not satisfied with her answer, Jackson, Rhodes and others returned to the residence later in the day armed, according to testimony.

Mays opened the door Mays mother heard bits and pieces of their conversation, according to her testimony in court, but it consisted of Jackson inquiring about the gun, to which Mays had replied that he did not have it. Rhodes shot Mays in his thigh, and by the time police arrived, the victim had bled out and died, according to prosecutors.

While Rhodes and the others ran to the car after the shooting, Jackson stayed in the area when law enforcement arrived.

On the day of the sentencing, after he was found guilty of Mays murder by a jury, Rhodes said he would always believe he was innocent, that he did not shoot and that he was expecting God to have his back at the trial.

True enough, I was in a gang, said Rhodes. I had a gun before, guess what, and that aint a crime, me or Curtis Jackson committed no crime.

This community is bleeding to death, said Circuit Judge Howard Z. Simms, who oversaw the trial and sentenced both Rhodes and Jackson. And its bleeding to death because of people like the two of you.

Rhodes and Jackson were sentenced to life for their roles in Mays murder. Jacksons sentence does not include parole.

Jackson also had requested a new trial and appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of Georgia, which both affirmed the courts decision on his life sentence for his role in the murder.
Law enforcement officers are completing procedural actions against the 18-year-old detainee suspected of the murderer of Iryna Farion, a linguist, professor at Lviv Polytechnic National University and former Ukrainian MP, after which he will be taken to the city of Lviv.

Source: Nadiia Maksymets, the spokesperson for the Prosecutor General's Office, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "Procedural actions related to the detention of the suspect are currently being completed in the city of Dnipro. Searches are underway at his place of residence. After that, the detainee will be taken to Lviv for further investigative actions."

Details: Maksymets added that the prosecutor's office will inform the public about the procedural decisions.

Read also: Iryna Farion murder: details of the assassination, lines of enquiry, and why the Lviv professor was so controversial

Background:

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that an 18-year-old individual suspected of murdering linguist and former MP Iryna Farion was detained in the city of Dnipro.

According to Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the 18-year-old suspect is a resident of Dnipro. He rented at least three apartments in Lviv while preparing for Farions assassination. Investigators currently believe that the shooter was only a hitman.

Ukrainska Pravda obtained a photo of the 18-year-old detainee suspected of murdering Iryna Farion.

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Myanmar Foreign Secretary Aung Kyaw Moe, Philippine Foreign Secretar Enrique Manalo, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Thailand Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Vietnam Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet, Laos Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Malaysia Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Brunei Darussalam Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, Cambodia Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, East Timor Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas and ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn pose for a group photo during the 57th Association of southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Plenary Meeting session in Vientiane, Laos, Thursday, July 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

VIENTIANE, Laos (AP)  Southeast Asian foreign ministers and top diplomats from key partners including the United States and China are gathering in the Laotian capital on Thursday for the start of three days of talks expected to focus on the increasingly violent civil war in Myanmar, tensions in the South China Sea and other regional issues.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will participate in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Vientiane, which come as both Beijing and Washington are looking to expand their influence in the region.

China is also Russia's most important ally in its war against Ukraine, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived on Thursday to take part in the meetings.

Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith thanked ASEAN members and partners for their unwavering collective effort that led to its past achievements and emphasized the importance of the blocs continuous work to promote peace and stability.

In light of the rapid and complex geopolitical and geoeconomic changes, we need to further enhance ASEAN centrality and unity so as to promote the relevance and resilience of ASEAN, aiming at addressing emerging challenges and seizing opportunity in the future, he said in an opening statement.

For the ASEAN nations  Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei and Laos  the violence in Myanmar is at the top of the agenda as the bloc struggles to implement its five-point consensus for peace.

The plan calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties. The military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan and has raised questions about the blocs efficiency and credibility to mediate for peace.

Broader talks, including diplomats from elsewhere in the region including Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, are expected to focus on issues including the economy, security, climate and energy.

Regional issues, including Cambodia's decision to build a canal off the Mekong River that Vietnam, which is downstream, worries could have ecological and security implications, as well as massive dam building projects in Laos further upstream could also feature in the meetings.

In Myanmar, the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed widespread nonviolent protests that sought a return to democratic rule, leading to increasing violence and a humanitarian crisis.

In an effort to put pressure on Myanmar, ASEAN has prohibited it from sending any political representatives to top-level meetings, and it has sent bureaucrats instead. Aung Kyaw Moe, the permanent secretary of Myanmar's Foreign Ministry, is representing the country in this week's meetings, which run through Saturday.

More than 5,400 people have been killed in the fighting in Myanmar and the military government has arrested more than 27,000 since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. In addition, there are now more than 3 million displaced people in the country, with the numbers growing daily as fighting intensifies between the military and Myanmar's multiple ethnic militias as well as the so-called people's defense forces of military opponents.

As the needs of civilians grow, discussions on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar will also be a focus of the ASEAN talks, Bolbongse Vangphaen, head of the Thai Foreign Ministry's department for ASEAN, told reporters ahead of the meetings.

Thailand, which shares a long border with Myanmar, has already been heavily involved in providing humanitarian assistance, and Bolbongse said the country is ready to support the next phase of delivery being planned by the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.

He did not say when or where the aid delivery would be.

Thailand initiated its first delivery of aid to Myanmar in March from the northern province of Tak. It was said to be distributed in Kayin state to approximately 20,000 out of millions of people displaced by fighting.

Landlocked Laos is the blocs poorest nation and one of its smallest, and many have expressed skepticism about how much it can accomplish while the crises mount. But it is also the first ASEAN chair that shares a border with Myanmar. Laos has already sent a special envoy to Myanmar for meetings with the head of the ruling military council and other top officials in an attempt to make progress on the peace plan.

ASEAN also has introduced a mechanism of trilateral informal consultation among its current, past, and future chairs, specifically for ensuring continuity in its response to the situation in Myanmar. The troika met for the first time on Wednesday, attended by Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said after Wednesday's meeting that she raised concerns about increasing numbers of cross-border crimes and refugees resulting from the crisis in Myanmar. She said she urged ASEAN to promote trust and confidence-building through a balanced and low-key approach to foster a dialogue among all stakeholders in Myanmar.

The worsening conditions in Myanmar have a direct impact on efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, she said.

Dulyapak Preecharush, a professor of Southeast Asia Studies at Bangkoks Thammasat University, said ASEAN is not the only stakeholder when it comes to Myanmar, with China and India also major players  and both attending the ASEAN meetings.

Progress on Myanmar needs to start with countries that share borders with Myanmar, such as China, India and Thailand, to find a joint consensus to address the problems before expanding to other countries, he said.

In other issues, ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are locked in maritime disputes with China over its claims of sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea, one of the worlds most crucial waterways for shipping. Indonesia has also expressed concern about what it sees as Beijings encroachment on its exclusive economic zone.

An estimated $5 trillion in international trade passes through the South China Sea each year. China has been increasingly involved in direct confrontations, most notably with the Philippines and Vietnam.

This year, tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated, with Chinese coast guard and other forces using powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.

The Philippines, a treaty partner with the U.S., has been critical of other ASEAN countries for not doing more to get China to back away from its increasingly assertive approach.

China and the Philippines said Sunday they have reached a deal that they hope will end the confrontations, aiming to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the disputed area without conceding either sides territorial claims.

The rare deal could spark hope that similar arrangements could be forged by Beijing with other countries to avoid clashes while thorny territorial issues remain unresolved.

ASEAN has been working with China to produce a South China Sea code of conduct, which is expected to be part of the talks in Vientiane.

___

Associated Press writers David Rising in Bangkok and Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
Calls for the Modesto Police Department to provide more data related to officers use of force were heard during last weeks Community Police Review Board meeting.

A letter from the Modesto NAACP was read aloud during the meeting, requesting an independent assessment following the disproportionate use of force against Black people brought to light by The Modesto Bees previous reporting.

The letter, written by NAACP president and CPRB member Wendy Byrd, asks police auditors to look into MPDs past policies, practices, procedures and data collection regarding use of force, given the auditors unique access to the departments records.

Stephen Connolly, police auditor for the city of Modesto, said there may be limitations on what OIR Group  the organization contracted by the city to assist with police oversight  can do to help with the NAACPs request.

This was met with a stern response by review board member Austin Grant. Is that something that can be a topic before the year is over? he asked. Because Im hearing out of scope of work and Im  not really buying that.

Grant requested that the department provide additional data by November on use-of-force incidents involving Black residents. He asked that the data be reported this year so it doesnt get thrown on the back burner or forgotten.

In June, The Bee published an article reporting that although Black residents make up 4% of the citys population, they accounted for nearly 17% of use-of-force incidents involving MPD since 2013.

When Police Chief Brandon Gillespie was interviewed in June, he argued the data was out of context and did not provide enough specifics from which to draw conclusions. He said publication of the data would leave our community with unjustified feelings of bias.

At the review board meeting Gillespie expressed a similar sentiment in response to the request for more specific data. I always caution, we should always be interested in data  but simple comparisons to complex issues is a whole separate thing, he said.

However, Gillespie said that by November, the department likely will have a resolution as to whether it will conduct an academic study because its a very complex issue. He added that it will at least start digging by then and have some data to present at the November meeting.

When asked by review board member Kenneth Bryant, Gillespie confirmed that he was interviewed by The Bee in June and supplied data from the department that was the basis of the story.

I dont have any reason to believe that data is inaccurate, Gillespie said.

Limited scope

Auditor Connolly said because of the hybrid partnership between the city and OIR, the latter has a limited scope of what it can and cant do.

He explained that a contract between the two entities ensures that OIR will focus on things such as critical incidents, allegations of misconduct and creating annual reports on MPDs internal review processes.

OIR does look into use of force, but Connolly said it doesnt have the capability to look into the specifics of the NAACPs request.

The NAACP requested an analysis of police encounters and other data  how its used in determining racial biases, racial profiling, context surrounding traffic stops, age groups, race, times and locations of occurrences. This would hopefully provide more context to the disproportionate use of force against Black people by MPD, according to the NAACPs letter.

The letter also requested presentations be done by MPD to the Community Police Review Board and to the NAACP.

We were familiar with (The Bees) article and certainly familiar with the importance of the issues that the article raised and its something that a lot of different law enforcement agencies and communities are struggling with, Connolly said.

He said having MPD present its Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory data would overlap with some of the requests Byrd made in her letter. Connolly also acknowledged that the issue of disproportionate use of force is complex.

However, the fact the board is interested in not letting it get swept under the rug is a sign its performing its essential function, said Connolly.

The CPRB held its first meeting in 2023 and was created out of the citys Forward Together Initiative, which was launched in 2021. Its initial aim was on how to prevent shootings by officers and how to get help for mentally unstable people encountered by police, but has overseen other issues.

OIR is a Los Angeles-based firm established in 2003 that first provided oversight for the Los Angeles Police Department, before taking other cities and counties on as clients. It acts as a consulting firm to the CPRB and has a five-year, $451,000 contract with Modesto.

The next Community Police Review Board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at 1010 10th St. in the basement-level chambers.
By Gabriel Araujo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian planemaker Embraer on Thursday opened a maintenance hub for Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines in Portugal, which it expects to bring in an additional 600 million euros ($653 million) in revenues per year once fully operational.

The move comes amid surging demand for aircraft maintenance as airlines and manufacturers struggle with supply chain snags in the wake of the pandemic and more frequent engine repairs.

The P&W-authorized maintenance facility at Embraer's OGMA subsidiary near Lisbon will be able to overhaul P&W engines that power jets made both by the Brazilian firm and larger peer Airbus.

P&W, part of RTX Corp, has struggled since last year with a rare powder metal defect affecting mainly the Airbus A320neo jet, which led it to call for accelerated inspections that airlines say can take up to almost a year to complete.

"Demand is high. All shops in the world have been full," the head of Embraer's Services & Support unit, Carlos Naufel, told Reuters. "The first engines we are receiving are from European airlines, but going forward they could come from anywhere."

Consultancy Bain said in a report last week that airlines are facing their longest ever waits for engine maintenance, with demand likely to peak in 2026, constraining carriers' growth and adding costs.

OGMA, which already provides maintenance for Rolls-Royce engines, will initially offer services for P&W's PW1100G-JM geared turbofan engine, which powers the A320neo family.

Starting in 2026, it also plans to overhaul the PW1900G engine equipping Embraer's next-generation E2 jets.

At its peak, the facility is expected to have an annual capacity for 240 engines and generate 600 million euros in revenues - more than the $500 million the firm had forecast when it said last year it planned to open the hub.

Naufel did not detail the initial capacity nor when the peak should be reached, but said there would be a ramp-up year after year.

Embraer's Services & Support unit in 2023 accounted for 27% of group revenues, or $1.4 billion. Its backlog at the end of last year stood at a record $3.1 billion.

Naufel said the unit expects to double yearly revenues by 2030.

"If you ask me what the term is for services and support, I'll say 'accelerated growth'," the executive added. "The sector is heated and we have been keeping up with it."

($1 = 0.9194 euros)

(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Mark Potter)
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) criticized Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to both chambers of Congress on Wednesday for being fundamentally dishonest.

I thought it was fundamentally dishonest, Nadler said on MSNBC. He says he wants peace, but his political interest is to keep the war going as long as possible, because he knows that as soon as the war over hell have to face a commission of inquiry [over] why he was telling Qatar to arm Hamas before the election, and why he ignored warnings from the military about the attack on Oct. 7, which they had warnings about a few hours earlier.

He also said Netanyahu still needs to answer questions, including about his immediate response to the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that killed about 1,200 people in Israel.

When asked if there could be a negotiated peace deal to end the months-long hostilities in the Gaza Strip  where Israel has killed tens of thousands of people  while Netanyahu is still prime minister, Nadler responded, probably not.

He added that Netanyahu keeps putting new conditions on negotiations to release the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.

When he talks about the hostages, I dont believe he has any interest in releasing the hostages, because that would hasten the end of the war. And thats why you see hostage negotiations, and he keeps putting new conditions  he keeps putting new objections to the hostage deal, and thats why you see hundreds of thousands of people in Israel protesting against him, Nadler said.

Netanyahu urges unity, but stirs a firestorm inside and outside Capitol

The New York Democrat said he would not have gone to the address if it wasnt in honor of the state of Israel, but added he certainly did not go in support of its prime minister or his policies.

Nadler, in a statement before the speech, had called Netanyahu the worst leader in Jewish history.

He added that Prime Minister Netanyahu also ignored the warning signs that pointed to Hamas October 7th horrific attack, and championed the policies that led to Hamas increase in funds, power, and military capability.

The lawmaker added that he is a lifelong Zionist but has 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, and with additional Arab and Muslim-majority countries normalizing relations with Israel.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Boeing Starliner Spacecraft docked to the International Space Station on June 5 for what was supposed to be a weeklong mission. Photo courtesy NASA/UPI

July 25 (UPI) -- There still is no return date set for the Starliner astronauts aboard the International Space Station, officials with NASA and Boeing said Thursday.

NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich in a conference call Thursday morning said the agency has made significant progress in assessing the Starliner's return capability but there is no official plan to bring the astronauts home.

"We don't have a major announcement today relative to a return date. We're making great progress, but we're just not quite ready to do that," he said.

Stich said NASA needs to first conduct a review that won't happen until the first week of August before the agency can consider a return date.

It has now been almost two months since astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams docked to the ISS on June 5 for what was supposed to be a weeklong mission to test Boeing's long-delayed Starliner spacecraft.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, left, and Suni Williams have said they are absolutely confident" Starliner will carry them safely back to Earth despite numerous delays. Photo courtesy of NASA/UPI

The troubled mission has gone through numerous technical and software-related issues, which delayed it by about four years.

In the weeks leading up to its fateful launch, Starliner experienced issues with a vibrating oxygen valve and a small but persistent helium leak. After liftoff, the crew identified several other helium leaks, as well as failures of the reaction control system thrusters.

Boeing and NASA, meanwhile, have been troubleshooting copies of the malfunctioning RCS thrusters at a facility in White Sands, N.M. Stich on Thursday's call said the tests revealed a "bit of a bulge" in the Teflon seal, which was consistent with in-flight observations.

Boeing Vice President and Commercial Crew Program Manager Mark Nappi said in the call that the Starliner service module in White Sands had been exposed to propellant for about three years, "so it was a really good test case to go and do some leak checks on and then take that hardware apart.

"We did those leak checks. We found leaks," he said.

Nappi added the team will continue to test-fire the thrusters this weekend.

"The last several weeks have been really useful in understanding thruster and helium anomalies and how to address these problems for future flights," he said. "That's been the real goal here."

When asked about whether NASA had a contingency plan to bring the Starliner astronauts home, Stich said the agency has considered SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, but the focus has been on returning Boeing's craft to Earth.

"Obviously the backup option is to use a different system. I would rather not go into all those details until we get to that time -- if we ever get to that time," Stitch said. "We really have our team focused on, as we close in on this final flight rationale, returning Butch and Suni on Starliner."

SpaceX, which along with Boeing is contracted under NASA's Commercial Crew Program, ran into its own issue earlier this month when its highly successful Falcon 9 rocket suffered an anomaly that resulted in the loss of a payload of 20 Starlink satellites.

The rocket had over 300 successful launches and only three failures since its debut in 2015.

The most recent failure, besides being a stain on Falcon's otherwise illustrious track record, highlighted NASA's vulnerability in having just two vendors.

"It reminds other potential customers that it's in their interest for there to be multiple providers," astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell said in an interview with Space.com.

"Maybe they should give some launches to some of SpaceX's rivals, even if they're not the cheapest, just to maintain the alternative, if SpaceX has another downtime."

Boeing and NASA have repeatedly insisted that Wilmore and Williams are not "stranded" in space and that their extended stay aboard the ISS was to gather more data about the Starliner.

The astronauts, for their part, have remained optimistic. Wilmore earlier this month said in a press conference broadcasted from the ISS that they are "absolutely confident" in Starliner's capability.

"I feel confident that, if we had to, if there was a problem with the International Space Station, we would get in [the Starliner spacecraft] and we could undock, talk to our team, and figure out the best way to come home," he said.

NASA and Boeing, however, haven't been able to ward off the bad publicity. The Atlantic writer Marina Koren in an article titled "NASA Should Ditch the Spin" said NASA bears responsibility "for its uneven supervision of Starliner's development leading up to launch and its overly guarded communications to the public since, which have done more to fan rumors about the state of the mission than dispel them."

Boeing already is under intense scrutiny for abandoning safety and quality control protocols after a fuselage blowout on an Alaskan Airlines jet in January.
Nashville police found a New Jersey woman alive after she got separated from her friend on Lower Broadway, kicking off an early morning search for her.

Officers focused their search for 33-year-old Alexandria Chmiel around the Cumberland riverbank at First Avenue North and Woodland Street, the department said on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.

Chmiel, around 9 a.m., walked up to the area where police were staged for the search.

Chmiel became separated from her friend at Third Avenue and Broadway before 2 a.m. Thursday, police said. She was reported missing shortly before 3:45 a.m.

Still photographs of video surveillance show Chmiel walking through a crosswalk alone. She's wearing jeans and a black top, and she appears to be carrying a purse in one hand and shoes in the other. In another photo, she's passing a lone pickup truck parked along First Avenue.

Officers are searching around the riverbank at 1st & Woodland for Alexandria Chmiel, 33, who is visiting from NJ. She became separated from her friend at 3rd & Broadway before 2 a.m. & was reported missing at 3:42 a.m. She is last seen on downtown cameras at 1st & Woodland. pic.twitter.com/F8xXTSdw7v  Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) July 25, 2024

Riley Strain, 22, went missing in March after he was kicked out of a Broadway bar. Two weeks later his body was found in the Cumberland River. The Davidson County Medical Examiner's officer ruled his death accidental and noted in his autospy that he had nearly three times the legal limit of alcohol in his system as well as a form of THC that is legal in Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville police find New Jersey tourist
TechCrunch

SpaceX sent a letter to top congressional leaders on Wednesday denying allegations that it violated its launch licenses on two separate occasions last year, which has resulted in regulators seeking $633,009 in penalties from the company. Instead, the company asserts that the inability of the Federal Aviation Administrations Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) to process relatively minor license updates is further proof that the agency is unable to keep pace with the space industrys  but chiefly SpaceXs  rapid growth. The FAA announced that it was proposing the fines against SpaceX after the company allegedly failed to follow requirements set out in its launch license on two separate occasions in 2023.
National Urban League talks importance of voting ahead of election at New Orleans conference

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  On day one of the 2024 National Urban League Conference, League President Marc Morial discussed how officials plan to overcome several issues in the lead-up to the presidential election.

These issues include voter suppression, womens rights and the state of diversity, equity and inclusion. All of which Morial says will be impacted under right-wing policy proposals from the Heritage Foundation known as Project 2025.

The National Urban League acknowledges that but comes to bring hope and force against that, and a vision for tomorrow, said Morial.

Arrest made in Seventh Ward fatal shooting

New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno expressed her gratitude for how the event helped people understand their rights. She also referenced new legislation from Louisianas legislative session that she claims will cause some to experience voter suppression.

Restrictions when it comes to absentee ballots, that for those with disabilities, its going to make it hard to vote. Tens of thousands of people, its going to make it harder to vote, said Moreno.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing that voters must come together.

We know there is a historic moment on the horizon, and we also understand we are a part of that. It is our time. Without a doubt we are stronger together, said Cantrell.

New Orleans City Council grills Entergy on recent power outages

Those in attendance say they agree that the time is now.

If we want the future for our generation that we really want, to shape with a good environment, good jobs, good schools, we have to vote this November,  said Yumeno Young.

To register for the event, visit the Urban League of Louisiana website.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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NC Democrat Don Davis endorses VP Harris 1 day after voting against her with GOP

A North Carolina Democrat joined House Republicans in a symbolic vote Thursday morning that targets Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris as she launches her presidential campaign.

The House voted 220 to 196 in favor of a resolution condemning Harris as a failed border czar for her work on immigration policy.

Immigration is becoming a key issue in the 2024 presidential campaign after President Joe Biden announced he would end his reelection bid and instead endorsed Harris to succeed him. Republicans immediately began attacking Harris on her work at the countrys southern border.

Rep. Don Davis of Snow Hill was among six Democrats who sided with Republicans Thursday.

After making three trips to the southern border, Ive seen firsthand the importance of comprehensive immigration reform, including securing the border, Davis said in a written statement to McClatchy. As the Administration transitions, its essential to continue listening and stepping up efforts to address these significant concerns. Likewise, Congress must put politics aside and work together in a bipartisan manner to accomplish this.

Just one day later, though, Davis issued a statement endorsing Harris for president.

The stakes of this presidential election are incredibly high, with far-reaching implications, he said in a statement announcing the endorsement.

At the same time, the administration and Congress must address the concerns of the southern border, said Davis, repeating his call for immigration reform. These issues cannot be overlooked.

The resolution on Harris and the border

In early 2021, Biden chose Harris to lead an effort collaborating with Central American countries to address an increase in migration and find its root cause. In Republicans resolution Thursday, they faulted Harris for waiting 93 days to visit the border, for her failure to meet with some immigration officials and for the number of people whove entered the country without permission.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, chair of the House Republican Conference, wasted no time Monday filing the resolution, following Bidens withdrawal from the race.

Despite the bill passing in the House, it is highly unlikely that it would be taken up in the Senate, which is narrowly led by Democrats.

Why Davis supported the resolution

Davis was joined by Democratic Reps. Yardira Caraveo of Colorado; Henry Cuellar of Texas; Jared Golden of Maine; Mary Peltola of Alaska; and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington in supporting the resolutions passage. All six have competitive campaigns this election cycle.

Davis is running for reelection in North Carolinas only true competitive district. After North Carolinas legislators redrew the congressional districts, Davis became the only congressman in a district whose voters are a toss-up on whether theyd select a Republican or a Democrat.

Davis is known to be a moderate Democrat who doesnt always vote with his party. The Lugar Center and Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy ranked Davis as the fifth most bipartisan representative in Congress and the most bipartisan freshman Democrat.

Hes running against Republican Army veteran Laurie Buckhout.

Davis backs Cooper for VP

But the vote, critical of Harris, also comes at a time when the states governor, Democrat Roy Cooper, is a contender to be Harris running mate.

He is one of several people, including Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona; Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania; Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky; and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, being considered as a potential vice presidential candidate.

Davis said Friday that Cooper would be an excellent choice for vice president, noting that the governor is a native of Eastern North Carolina.

Under the Dome

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An estimated 200 demonstrators blocked traffic for nearly two hours during the evening rush hour Wednesday in downtown Minneapolis to protest this week's visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States, coinciding with similar protests across the country.

Organizers said that police arrested 23 protesters for blocking access to Interstate 35W, a figure that the State Patrol had yet to confirm.

The demonstrators chanted "Free Palestine!" and waved Palestinian flags, denouncing what they consider to be genocide committed by the Israeli military for their armed attack on the Gaza strip and the killing of thousands of civilians, in response to the attack on Israel by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.

They protested on Washington Avenue, with some parking cars in the middle of the avenue to block traffic. Organizers also set up a solid line of demonstrators stretching across the street at the point where southbound vehicles exit and enter 35W.

About 20 State Patrol cars showed up, ran tape across the two ramps and stood shoulder-to-shoulder to keep protesters from getting onto the freeway. They were joined by more than a dozen Minneapolis police officers, who did not attempt to clear Washington Avenue.

As some demonstrators crossed under the tape that troopers put up, they were arrested and their hands bound with plastic handcuffs. Most of the demonstrators were made to sit on a grassy area next to the ramps.

By 7:30 p.m. the demonstrators had moved to the sidewalk, opening up Washington Avenue. But troopers kept the freeway exit and entrance ramps blocked off with police tape.

Said Sara Wazwaz, 22, of Minneapolis, a spokesperson for the Free Palestinian Coalition that organized the rally: "We are calling on Senator [Amy] Klobuchar, who attended Netanyahu's speech, as well as President Biden, to hold Netanyahu accountable by calling for an end to all U.S. aid to Israel."

Ben Hill, a spokesperson for Klobuchar, said Tuesday night that the senator "feels that the long-term relationship between the U.S. and Israel is something to respect, but she strongly believes we must have a ceasefire, a return of the hostages, and ultimately a two-state solution."
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Five African-American kids, between the ages of nine and 14, were verbally harassed by a neo-Nazi group.

The incident happened on Saturday, July 13 in downtown Nashville. For three years, the children have shared their love of music by playing drums on Broadway. Since the incident, they told News 2 that they are fearful to play drums downtown.

RELATED: Downtown Nashville businesses reportedly threatened after neo-Nazi protests

They was just saying bad words to usWe went around them, they were calling us bad words and we didnt say nothing to them, one of the children told News 2.

The Metro Nashville Police Department released body camera footage of the interaction and a statement about the incident:

The hatred shouted by the Neo-Nazi group toward the five African-American children who came upon them by coincidence on July 14 is shocking and reprehensible. Officer body camera video shows that members of a police team moved in to de-escalate and walk with the children away from the Neo-Nazi group. One officer told the Neo-Nazis, theyre kids, in an effort to stop the insulting language. When the children started to yell back at the Neo-Nazis, the officer is heard saying several times to the kids, Be better than them.'

It wasnt right, you dont antagonize a little kid, Ashton Lee, mother to one of the children, said. Ive seen plenty of grown men that were of color walk past them and nothing was said, but when these little kids walk by, it was all type of bashful wordsIt wasnt right.

State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) invited the kids to the State Capitol building to recognize their bravery and let them know that they are not alone. He gave them a tour of the Capitol.

Jones, alongside State Rep. G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis), asked fellow legislators to speak out against hate.

Neo-Nazi protester charged with assaulting Nashville bartender with flag

They were simply trying to play drums, simply trying to enjoy their summer break like any other child, and were instead met with white nationalist, terror, and active intimidation, Jones said.

The caucus strongly rebukes the actions of these grown men who attempted to spread hatred and dehumanize children, Metro Councils minority caucus said in a statement denouncing the incident.

A Peace Walk & Press Conference regarding the incident has been announced for Saturday, July 27. The walk is set to commence at 2 p.m. at the Walk of Fame Park. The event is meant to serve as a call to action. Attendees are encouraged to wear black.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Indian stock market has experienced a notable fluctuation recently, declining by 2.0% over the last week but rising by 43% over the past year with earnings expected to grow by 16% annually. In this context, identifying undervalued stocks that offer significant discounts can be particularly compelling for investors looking for potential opportunities in a growing market.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In India

Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) Shyam Metalics and Energy (NSEI:SHYAMMETL) 691.85 1039.28 33.4% HEG (NSEI:HEG) 2133.70 3288.51 35.1% IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals (BSE:524164) 415.10 636.71 34.8% Updater Services (NSEI:UDS) 313.90 537.49 41.6% Vedanta (NSEI:VEDL) 432.70 717.56 39.7% Rajesh Exports (NSEI:RAJESHEXPO) 318.15 507.63 37.3% Mahindra Logistics (NSEI:MAHLOG) 516.70 878.38 41.2% Strides Pharma Science (NSEI:STAR) 1003.00 1664.05 39.7% Delhivery (NSEI:DELHIVERY) 382.70 750.47 49% Godrej Properties (NSEI:GODREJPROP) 3124.65 5554.45 43.7%

Click here to see the full list of 17 stocks from our Undervalued Indian Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

Let's dive into some prime choices out of from the screener.

Overview: Piramal Pharma Limited is a global pharmaceutical company with operations across North America, Europe, Japan, and India, boasting a market capitalization of approximately 220.80 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its pharmaceutical segment, which reported earnings of 81.71 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 30.8%

Piramal Pharma, trading at 166.55, is considered undervalued based on discounted cash flow with a fair value estimate of 240.54. Despite recent regulatory challenges, including fines totaling INR 68 million for excise and GST violations from historical operations, the company's financial health appears robust. It reported a significant turnaround with net income reaching INR 178.2 million in FY2024 from a loss the previous year, alongside revenue growth outpacing the Indian market average. Earnings are expected to grow by 67.1% annually, suggesting potential underappreciation by the market.

NSEI:PPLPHARMA Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Rajesh Exports Limited operates in India as a gold refiner and engages in the manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing of gold and diamond jewelry, along with various other gold products, with a market capitalization of approximately 93.94 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from gold products, totaling approximately 28.09 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 37.3%

Rajesh Exports, priced at 318.15, is deemed undervalued with a fair value of 507.63, reflecting a 37.3% discount. The company's earnings are expected to grow by 31.7% annually, outpacing the Indian market forecast of 16%. Despite this growth potential and favorable valuation compared to its peers, its profit margins have declined from last year's 0.4% to a current 0.1%, indicating some operational challenges ahead.

NSEI:RAJESHEXPO Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Strides Pharma Science Limited is a pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and sells products across continents including Africa, Australia, North America, Europe, Asia, and India with a market capitalization of approximately 92.19 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its pharmaceutical business, excluding the bio-pharmaceutical segment, amounting to 40.51 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 39.7%

Strides Pharma Science, with a current trading price of 1003, is significantly undervalued based on DCF analysis, showing a potential discrepancy as it trades 39.7% below the estimated fair value of 1664.05. Recent executive shifts aim to enhance leadership in key financial and operational roles, potentially stabilizing future cash flows and governance. Despite low forecasted Return on Equity at 16.2%, revenue growth projections are robust at 11.2% annually, outperforming the Indian market prediction of 9.5%. However, profitability is only expected to turn positive in the next three years, indicating some underlying risks amidst its growth trajectory.

NSEI:STAR Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Turning Ideas Into Actions

Reveal the 17 hidden gems among our Undervalued Indian Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener with a single click here.

Have you diversified into these companies? Leverage the power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to keep a close eye on market movements affecting your investments.

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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 NSEI:PPLPHARMA NSEI:RAJESHEXPO and NSEI:STAR.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
White House officials said Israel and Hamas were closer now than weve been before to reaching a ceasefire deal as Benjamin Netanyahu met Joe Biden on Thursday to discuss an end to the nine-month conflict in Gaza.

The talks at the White House came amid unprecedented political turmoil in the US and domestic pressure on the Israeli prime minster to rescue the dozens of hostages still being held captive after Hamass 7 October attack. Netanyahu also met the US vice-president, Kamala Harris, who is likely to replace Biden as the Democratic candidate for Novembers election.

Weve got a lot to talk about, Biden said when he welcomed Netanyahu to the Oval Office. From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish-American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel, Netanyahu told Biden at the start of their meeting.

The president thanked Netanyahu and noted that his first meeting with an Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, was in 1973, soon after he was elected to the Senate.

Biden was expected to put pressure on Netanyahu to commit to at least the first stage of a three-part deal that would see some hostages released in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. A senior administration official said that a framework for the deal had been agreed upon but that serious implementation issues  still had to be resolved.

I dont expect the meeting to be a yes or no, the official said. Its a kind of like: How do we close these final gaps?

At a press conference while the two leaders were meeting, John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, said gaps in the ceasefire deal could be overcome. We need to get there soon, he said. We are closer now than weve been before. Both sides have to make compromises.

The state department spokesperson, Matt Miller, said: I think the message from the American side in that meeting will be that we need to get this deal over the line.

More than 39,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed in the conflict, and the international criminal court has applied for an arrest warrant to be issued for Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The US does not recognise the courts jurisdiction.

Harris met with Netanyahu separately as she began her late campaign to challenge Donald Trump in Novembers presidential election. The vice-president must prove her mettle as a negotiator in one of the worlds most intractable conflicts.

During a frank and constructive meeting, Harris said she pressed Netanyahu about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Israel has a right to defend itself. And how it does so matters, Harris told reporters after the meeting. She said she raised her serious concerns about the scale of human suffering. I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there, she said. I will not be silent.

She has spoken forcefully about the need for a ceasefire and about the plight of Palestinian civilians in the conflict, and there is a possibility that she could win back some Democratic voters who believe that the Biden administration has done too little to end the conflict or limit sales of arms to Israel.

Harris  the presiding officer of the Senate  did not attend Netanyahus address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday but released a careful statement saying that her absence should not be interpreted as a boycott of the event.

A senior administration official told the Associated Press there was no daylight between the president and vice-president on Israel.

Related: A genocidal war criminal will address Congress. As a congressman, Im outraged | Jamaal Bowman

On Thursday, Harris issued a statement forcefully condemning pro-Palestine protesters who had demonstrated against Netanyahus speech in Washington.

She said: Yesterday, at Union Station in Washington DC we saw despicable acts by unpatriotic protesters and dangerous hate-fuelled rhetoric.

I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organisation Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the state of Israel and kill Jews. Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation.

The vice-president added: I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way.

I support the right to peacefully protest, but lets be clear: antisemitism, hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation.

Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet Trump on Friday at his residence in Mar-a-Lago. The two men have had a strained relationship since Netanyahu congratulated Biden on his victory in the 2020 election, which Trump has claimed without evidence was manipulated.

Netanyahu promised total victory in the Gaza war in a raucous speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, saying that there were intensive efforts to bring the hostages home but giving little detail about how that would be achieved.

About 40 Democratic lawmakers  including the former House speaker Nancy Pelosi  boycotted the speech, and only half of congressional Democrats attended.

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.

Thousands protested on the streets of the capital, with both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups saying Netanyahu was using the conflict as cover for his own political problems at home.

He did not mention the word ceasefire or the negotiations with Hamas once during the speech. Instead, he called for expedited deliveries of US arms to help us finish the job faster.

I will not rest until all their loved ones are home, said Netanyahu during the speech, referring to the families of the hostages, and the hostages. All of them. As we speak, were actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release, and Im confident that these efforts can succeed. Some of them are taking place right now. I want to thank President Biden for his tireless efforts on behalf of the hostages and for his efforts to the hostage families as well.

It is unclear whether Bidens recent decision to end his presidential campaign will allow him to use greater leverage to convince Netanyahu to sign on to a deal.

The framework of the deal is basically there, said a senior administration official. There are some very serious implementation issues that still have to be resolved, and I dont want to discount the difficulty of those  There are some things we need from Hamas, and there are some things we need from the Israeli side, and I think youll see that play out here over the course of the coming week.

Reuters contributed reporting



 This article was amended on 26 July 2024, An earlier version said the international criminal court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. The ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has applied for a warrant, but a decision on whether to grant one has yet to be made.
What do we talk about when we talk about Benjamin Netanyahu? In a normal world, discussion of this admittedly divisive figure should resemble that of any other leader. More often, however, his name is taken as a cipher for something else.

When the Israeli prime minister addressed Congress yesterday, amid a carnival of backslapping, standing ovations, grandiosity and protests, some of the response was predictably shameful. Rashida Tlaib, the hard-Left representative for the swing state of Michigan  who was unable to vote even for Israels right to exist back in November  held up a sign accusing him of being a war criminal. Well, she would say that, wouldnt she?

This despite the fact that Israels operations in Gaza have killed fewer civilians per combatant than any other conflict in history, a point confirmed by the worlds foremost expert in urban warfare, John Spencer of West Point, whom Netanyahu referenced in his speech.

At least Tlaib turned up. About 70 Democrats snubbed the speech, a noticeable increase on the 58 who boycotted his address to Congress in 2015, a measure of the decline of the times. (Strangely, JD Vance didnt attend either, but few can doubt his support for Israel.) Youd have thought that the attack by Hamas would have resulted in a rise in support for the Middle Easts sole democracy as it fights for its life against an enemy that is coming for us next. Youd have thought wrong.

But for these people, this wasnt really about Bibi. In the minds of those taking the Hamas side of the argument, this was criticism of the Israeli leader in the same way as their hatred of Zionism is simply a philosophical opposition to the principle of Jewish self-determination. Antisemitism is nothing if not inventive; when its cover is rumbled, it fabricates another. The Jews drink the blood of Gentile children. The Zionists relish killing babies. Netanyahu is a genocidal war criminal. The progression is simply one of refinement.

Clearing that from the lens, therefore, Netanyahus speech was a resounding triumph. He is beleaguered, controversial, unpopular at home  60 per cent of Israelis want him gone  and hamstrung by his reliance on contemptible far-Right coalition partners. While he continues to face corruption charges, his wife posts pictures on Instagram while posing on their newly refurbished private jet. Yet when it comes to making the case for Israel, the man is a genius. He is by far the best orator the Jewish state has ever produced.

Here, at long last, was a demonstration to the west of what moral clarity looks like, delivered at the very heart of the free world. In the Middle East, Irans axis of terror confronts America, Israel and our Arab friends, Netanyahu said, eclipsing Churchills record for addressing Congress and echoing him in rhetoric. This is not a clash of civilisations. Its a clash between barbarism and civilisation. Its a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life. To prevail, he added, America and Israel must stand together. We will win. This received perhaps the most rapturous applause.

The last time Netanyahu addressed Congress, in 2015, when he railed against Obamas coming nuclear deal with Iran, it laid the groundwork for the Abraham Accords. The Gulf states, who were equally concerned about the appeasement of Tehran, saw the Israeli leader commanding an audience that they simply could not. Under pressure from Iran, their interests were aligning. Allyship presented itself as the obvious conclusion. Last night, the demonstration of Israeli influence was once again not lost on the moderate Arab world.

The speech was rich in moments that went far to win hearts and minds, making the case viscerally for why every person of conscience should support Israel in this struggle. Netanyahu pointed out individuals who symbolised in different ways his countrys resilience and courage. Noa Argamani, the rescued hostage who has become the icon of the anguish, accepted Congresss appreciation despite having been sharply critical of Netanyahu elsewhere.

The assembly also lauded Avichail Reuven, a brave Ethiopian Israeli paratrooper who on October 7 grabbed his rifle and ran eight miles to the battle zone  he did not have a car to defend his people. Master Sergeant Ashraf al Bahiri, a Muslim Bedouin serviceman who fought with great valour in Kibbutz Beeri, stood for a moment in the eyes of the world as a symbol of Israels pluralism, tolerance and unity. Tell me again about an apartheid state?

This was badly needed catnip to downtrodden and discouraged Jewish communities across the world. It roused the spirits of millions of ordinary people, both in the United States and further afield, who have looked on in dismay as the oxygen has been sucked out of the room by fanatical Gaza radicals dominating the airwaves.

But the greatest significance of Bibis tour de force was geopolitical. And not just in terms of its effect in the Gulf. Despite Joe Bidens crucial support for the Jewish state  Netanyahu praised him fulsomely for his swift provision of two aircraft carrier strike groups immediately after the October pogroms  his leadership over the past nine months has been characterised by inconstancy. On the one hand, he has pledged support. On the other, he has berated, hectored and undermined one of Americas closest allies, even moving to slow shipments of arms as it stared into the abyss of extinction. None of this was lost on Hamas.

It is well-known that despite never having left Gaza aside from a sojourn in an Israeli prison, Yahya Sinwar fancies himself as a distinguished geopolitical strategist. Israeli sources have suggested that he over-interpreted the campus protests in America, wrongly divining that public opinion was swinging behind Hamas when 80 per cent of the population continued to support Israel. His interpretation of the Biden vacillation was obvious. There were divisions between the allies. American support was weakening. This, after all, was the assumption upon which his war strategy was constructed. If Hamas could not win on the battlefield, it could sap its enemys international support by way of propaganda, forcing Israel to back down before the war was won.

Bibis speech was a correction to this dangerous emboldening. There can be no mistake this morning. The scenes of ranks of congressmen united in a standing ovation were more powerful than any images of idiots in keffiyehs being pepper-sprayed outside. The United States and Israel stand shoulder-to-shoulder. And in November, Sinwar will likely have to contend with Donald Trump.

If none of this would have been lost on Sinwar as he squatted in his stinking hole underground, even less would have been lost on the sophisticated leadership of Iran. Part of the achievement of Netanyahus speech was that it provided a vision of the threats facing the west that was clear enough for a child to understand. Iran is, to borrow a metaphor from Netanyahus rival, Naftali Bennett, the head of the octopus. It is the malign force behind the vast majority of instability and bloodshed in the region, and has its hooks into our societies, too.

Iran is virtually behind all the terrorism, all the turmoil, all the chaos, all the killing, Netanyahu said. The United States, the guardian of Western civilisation, was the only power standing in the way of Tehrans plans for global subjugation, he pointed out. Israel, meanwhile, was merely a tool for Iran, he added, quoting a Hezbollah official. The main war, the real war, is with America. Theres a reason why Israel is dubbed the small Satan while the United States is the great Satan, after all. Be in no doubt: Britain is a Satan, too.

At home in Israel, Netanyahus address was seen less glowingly. Grand and impressive as it was, his speech was targeted by protesters wearing yellow seal the deal T-shirts, demanding that he do more to win a deal that will release more hostages from the dungeons of Gaza. Hamas has reportedly caved on its key demand for an end to the war as part of any arrangement. Netanyahu has reportedly been slow-walking efforts to negotiate in Qatar. His opponents mutter darkly that he is prolonging the war for his own political gain.

Israel remains a nation in deep anguish. Coverage of the prime ministers speech in Hebrew was quickly eclipsed by reports that the remains of five hostages had been recovered from Gaza. Tens of thousands of Israeli citizens forced out of their homes in the north, refugees in their own homeland, have just been told that their children will miss another year of school due to continued rocket barrages by Hezbollah. A few weeks ago, the defence minister, Yoav Gallant, had promised that the problem would be solved by the next school year. Seen in this frame, the razzmatazz of Capitol Hill looks like ticker tape above a cemetery.

But this was about the eyes of the world, and if Israel is to prevail in this struggle and emerge stronger, that is vital. Last night, in an era in which true statesmanship is thin on the ground, a true and compelling moral vision came from a sullied source. It is worth taking the time to be inspired.

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The News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

He is also due to meet former US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Friday, an announcement that sparked anger in the Biden administration, Politico reported.

The meetings follow Netanyahus defiant and divisive speech to US lawmakers on Wednesday, where he asserted that Israel will not relent in its military campaign in Gaza, and described protesters calling for a ceasefire as Irans useful idiots.

Officials close to Biden suggested he would take a tougher tone with Netanyahu on the progress of the ceasefire deal, as he was no longer constrained by re-election considerations.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House Thursday.

These separate meetings followed Netanyahus fiery address to Congress Wednesday that brought thousands of protesters to the U.S. Capitol over the Israel-Hamas war.

Well, welcome back, Mr. Prime Minister, said President Biden in the Oval Office. Weve got a lot to talk about.

I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead on the great issues before us, Netanyahu said.

President Biden is ramping up the pressure on Netanyahu to accept his administrations framework for a ceasefire deal. It calls for an initial six-week ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

We are closer now, we believe, than weve been before, said National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby.

Families of Americans held hostage by Hamas met with President Biden and Netanyahu at the White House to help secure a deal.

The moment they come home, these 115, the killing ends, the madness ends, one of the family members said after the meeting.

Netanyahu notably did not lay out ceasefire plans during his address to Congress.

Crews spent Thursday cleaning up near the U.S. Capitol after thousands of protesters filled the streets to condemn Netanyahu and advocate for Palestinians. Police arrested about two dozen of them.

You have officially become Irans useful idiots, Netanyahu said during his speech.

On Thursday, the Houses top Democrat, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, (D-N.Y.), denounced the unlawful activity, including vandalizing public property and burning American flags.

Anyone who engages in that activity should be held accountable to the full extent of the law, Jeffries said. Not that complicated.

Netanyahu will end his trip with a visit to Mar-A-Lago Friday to meet with former president Donald Trump.

Trumps vice president on his ticket, Sen. J.D. Vance, (R-Ohio.), missed Netanyahus speech and will not meet with him.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an address to Congress on Wednesday that said almost nothing about a diplomatic settlement of the war, instead doubling down on his dream of total victory over Hamas and nothing lessa goal that many of his own generals see as infeasible.

In other words, he was saying: Forget about any cease-fire that doesnt entail the destruction of Hamas as a military and political power.

To that end, while thanking the United States for sending Israel weapons over the years, he urged the administration and Congresswhich have been in the throes of debate over whether to cut off military aidto send us the tools faster so we can finish the job faster.

He also turned the speech into the partisan spectacle that many had feared. Toward the beginning of the hourlong address, he thanked President Joe Biden for standing with Israel in its darkest hour during a visit that will never be forgotten. However, toward the end, he also thanked former President Donald Trump, in a much louder voice, for all the things he did for Israelincluding recognizing Israel for its annexation of Syrian territory, moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and brokering the Abraham Accords with Arab neighbors.

Many Democratic lawmakers, including Vice President Kamala Harris, stayed away from the speech, not wanting to play props in Netanyahus political theater. They were right to do so.

Israeli officials had said ahead of time that the prime ministers speech would be measured and bipartisan, and that he would focus on the negotiationswhich the U.S., Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas have been conductingfor a cease-fire and hostage trade. But except for one sentence, in which he acknowledged the existence of such talks, he said nothing about this. Some Israeli hostage families, who came to Washington for the speech, urged him to make a deal quickly. Some in his entourage suggested that he might propose, or have news of, a breakthrough. He did not.

Netanyahu also spent much time denouncing pro-Palestinian protesters, including those demonstrating outside the Capitol, as Irans useful idiots, who know nothing about history or geography. True, Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, has testified that Iran has recently sought to opportunistically take advantage of ongoing protests regarding the war in Gaza, including providing financial support to protesters.

It is also true that many protesters interviewed by newscasters dont know what bodies of water theyre talking about when they advocate to free Palestine from the river to the sea. But not all the protesters are foreign agents, and in any case, its offensive for the leader of a country that depends so deeply on our aid to come here and scold our citizens, no matter how misguided he might find them.

Finally, although Netanyahu could have mustered a good argument against charges that Israel has committed genocide, he instead cited a study showing that the ratio of civilian deaths to combatant deaths in Gaza has been lower than any other campaign of urban warfare in history. The claim is hard to verify, since neither Israel nor Hamas makes a distinction between civilian and combatant deathsmainly because, given that Hamas fighters dont wear uniforms, its almost impossible to do so.

Throughout, the prime minister argued that U.S. and Israeli interests are one. He linked Oct. 7, 2024, the date of Hamas murderous assault on Israel, with Sept. 11, 2001, and Dec. 7, 1941the dates of the attacks on the Twin Towers and on Pearl Harbor, respectivelyas days of infamy perpetrated by near-identical barbarians.

In that spirit, he said, our enemies are your enemies (referring mainly to Iran). He asserted that shackling Israelby which he meant refusing to deliver all the arms Israel wantswould be tantamount to shackling America and all democracies, adding, in a rising voice, The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled.

This was an address intended for audiences in his homeland. It started at 2 p.m. Washington time, or 9 p.m. in IsraelTV prime time. Netanyahu was playing on his long-standing appealthat he is the Israeli leader who can get the goods from the U.S. and stand up to American pressure. His friends in Congress gleefully played their vocal bit parts.

The Middle East does stand on the precipice of great hope and great danger, as he said at the start of his speech. Depending on how the war in Gaza goes over the next days, weeks, or months, it could spread to involve Hezbollah (which has been stepping up its attacks on northern Israel) and Iran (the main sponsor of both Hezbollah and Hamas). Or it could settle down, into not only an armistice with all enemies but a normalization of relations with Saudi Arabiaa stance that could broaden good relations with Arab and Muslim nations worldwide.

Netanyahu did not address the challenges of achieving that sort of peace without endangering security. He merely flung the red meat. Nothing will come of this speech; nothing was meant to come of it.

On Thursday, he will meet with Biden and Harris. On Friday, he will travel to Mar-a-Lago for a meeting with Trump. Little can be hoped to come out of those sessions either. He is engaged in mere theater and so has done nothing to improve Israels relations with its No. 1 ally or its prospects for peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized American protesters and promoted conspiracy theories that Iran paid demonstrators to criticize his regime in a controversial address to Congress on Wednesday.

Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets surrounding the Capitol to peacefully protest Netanyahus invitation and speech before members of Congress, while dozens of members refused to attend the event in protest of his war effort, with the Prime Minister baselessly promoting a theory that the protests werent organic responses.

For all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests going on right now outside this building, Netanyahu baselessly claimed. 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.

The divisive speech was blasted by representatives  even staunch supporters of Israel  including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who called his address by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary before Congress in a post to X.

Demonstrators outside the building pushed for an end to the humanitarian crisis created by Netanyahus military actions, while demonstrators inside, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib and family members of hostages taken by Hamas ripped Netanyahu as a war criminal and for scrambling multiple deals to free hostages.

There is no evidence to suggest they, or any other American demonstrators since Israel began its assault on the Gaza strip in October of last year, were tied to Iran.

Additionally, despite the illegality of same-sex marriage within Israel, Netanyahu attempted to use queer identities to justify his regimes brutal response to Hamass attack on Israel, killing nearly 40,000 Gazans and displacing two million more, a move that critics called pinkwashing.

Absolutely amazing. Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming gays for Gaza, Netanyahu said. They might as well hold up signs saying Chickens for KFC."

Netanyahu: Some of these protesters hold up signs that say 'Gays for Gaza,' they may as well hold up signs that say 'Chickens for KFC' pic.twitter.com/E67gIFiTAK  jordan (@JordanUhl) July 24, 2024

The remarks immediately garnered scrutiny from social media users, who pointed out that the deaths of innocent civilians in Gaza were not justified by the beliefs held by members of Hamas.

It is Hamas specifically that homophobically persecutes gay Palestinians. In other words, to be accurate, the 'KFC' in the joke should be HAMAS, not Palestine or Gaza, Palestinian peace activist John Aziz wrote in a post to X.

Others pointed to the seemingly indiscriminate bombing campaign thats killed countless LGBTQ+ Palestinians, deriding Netanyahu for weaponizing queerness against them.

Netanyahu [is] up there making fun of gays supporting Palestine calling them 'chickens for kfc' like hes not killing innocent gay civilians in Gaza, one X user wrote.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery speech to Congress on Wednesday that elicited a boycott by Democrats inside the Capitol, sparked massive protests outside, and elevated the partisan fight over Israeli-Palestinian relations that promises to continue straight into Novembers elections.

Appearing before a rare joint meeting of Congress, Netanyahu recounted in violent detail the atrocities committed by Hamas on Oct. 7; warned of the ongoing menace posed by Iran and other regional adversaries; and urged American policymakers to unite behind Israel for the sake of eradicating those threats once and for all.

For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together, he said, thanking President Biden for half a century of friendship to Israel.

Netanyahu, positioning Israel as Americas strongest ally and defense in the Middle East, called for U.S. military support to continue and speed up  in opposition to Biden withholding some heavy weapons and the call of opponents and protesters to halt U.S. military assistance.

I deeply appreciate Americas support, including in this current war, but this is an exceptional moment. Fast-tracking U.S. military aid can dramatically expedite an end to the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader war in the Middle East, he said.

The atmosphere surrounding Netanyahus visit to Washington, and his message, marked a departure from his last major address to Congress in 2015, when he lambasted the Obama administration over its efforts to forge a nuclear deal with Tehran.

While thanking Biden for his support throughout the war, Netanyahu also paid tribute to former President Trump ahead of his meeting with the Republican presidential nominee in Florida on Friday  underscoring the prime ministers careful positioning between Republicans and Democrats ahead of the November election.

Like Americans, Israelis were relieved that President Trump emerged safe and sound from that dastardly attack on him, dastardly attack on American democracy, the Israeli leader said of the July 13 assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally.

But Netanyahus mere presence deepened already sharp divisions between Republicans and Democrats  and between Democrats themselves  over his far-right policy agenda and, more specifically, his handling of the war with Hamas in Gaza.

Those tensions were impossible to miss around Capitol Hill, as thousands of activists gathered on the National Mall to protest a figure they deem a war criminal; Vice President Harris, the Democrats likely presidential nominee, was noticeably absent on the dais behind Netanyahu, where she would typically stand to welcome foreign leaders.

And scores of Democrats  including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)  boycotted the speech to denounce what they view as Netanyahus emboldening of an extremist far-right faction, fueling of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and thwarting a potential two-state solution.

Those critics view Netanyahu as responsible for a humanitarian catastrophe in pursuit of his goal to eliminate Hamas, with widespread destruction across the Gaza Strip and tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in the fighting.

Netanyahu dismissed those critics Wednesday, saying Israel had ensured the lowest number of civilians killed, relative to combatants, in the history of urban warfare  a line that prompted Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), who earlier criticized Netanyahu as the worst leader in Jewish history, to give a modest applause.

After the speech, Nadler went on MSNBC to accuse Netanyahu of dishonesty in his speech. He says he wants peace, but his political interest is to keep the war going as long as possible, he said.

Dozens of Democrats who attended the speech remained mostly seated throughout Netanyahus remarks.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the only Palestinian American member of Congress, went a step further, holding up signs that read War Criminal on one side and Guilty of Genocide on the other, prompting boos from some Republicans in the chamber. She had invited as her guest a Palestinian American, Hani Almadhoun, who has lost 150 members of his extended family in the war in Gaza.

And families of hostages in attendance showed virtually no enthusiasm for the message from the prime minister, who they accuse of frustrating all efforts to secure a cease-fire deal to bring home the 120 people still held captive by Hamas, including eight Americans.

It is known in Israel, some people do believe that a dead hostage is better than a live one. One such person for whom a dead hostage poses far less embarrassment than a live one has the audacity to try to coerce the American Congress into his twisted ploy, Zahiro Shahar Mor, whose uncle is still held hostage by Hamas, told a group of Democrats ahead of Netanyahus speech on Wednesday.

Or Gat, whose mother was murdered on Oct. 7 and whose sister is still held in Gaza, at times put his head in his hands as Netanyahu defended his record.

To listen to him, nine months of war that is tearing Israel apart  to hear him speaking about it, and people applauding here in the Congress, which they have done more work for the hostages than him, for me its a shame, its an anger, Gat said.

But with Netanyahus sharpest critics not in attendance, the crowd in the chamber was overwhelmingly receptive to his message, with multiple standing ovations and chants of USA, USA when the prime minister condemned burning of American flags as part of anti-Israel protests on college campuses, and turned his ire on the protests taking place outside the Capitol.

You have officially become Irans useful idiots, Netanyahu told the protesters, underscoring a unifying theme of his remarks: that Iran is cheering Israels destruction as a step toward threatening the U.S.

In the heart of the Middle East, standing in Irans way, is one proud pro-American democracy, my country, the state of Israel.

Just blocks from the Capitol, protesters were rallying around calls for Netanyahu to be arrested over alleged war crimes. After his speech, a group of protesters clashed with police as they lowered U.S. flags outside Union Station and raised a Palestinian flag.

Wednesdays speech marked the culmination of a months-long debate on Capitol Hill over Netanyahus leadership, particularly in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks.

While members of both parties are virtually united in supporting Israels right to self-defense, many Democrats have been outspoken in condemning Netanyahus aggressive military response in Gaza, which has created a humanitarian crisis, and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank in violation of international law.

In March, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the highest-ranking Jewish policymaker in U.S. history, gave an explosive speech on the chamber floor bashing Netanyahus leadership as an obstacle to peace and calling for new elections in Israel to replace him.

Schumers extraordinary move prompted Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), within days, to draft an invitation for Netanyahu to address Congress. The letter was ultimately endorsed by Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), but those signatures came weeks after they received the draft.

The delay reflected the sharp divisions within the Democratic Party, pitting pro-Israel Democrats, who are backing Netanyahus aggressive military strategy, against lawmakers more sympathetic to the Palestinians plight, who accuse Netanyahu of doing far too little to protect civilian lives.

Biden is pushing for a phased cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas as the best way to secure the hostages and negotiate toward a Palestinian state. Netanyahus critics view him as an obstacle to signing the deal, although one sticking point is Hamass insistence on its own inclusion in governing the strip after the war, which the U.S. also opposes.

Netanyahu gave a short nod to the talks, saying, As we speak, were engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release. Im confident some of these efforts can succeed, some of them are taking place right now.

But he followed that with a call for a demilitarized and deradicalized Gaza Strip, ruled by a Palestinian civilian administration.

The war could end tomorrow if Hamas disarms, 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, Netanyahu said.

Thats what total victory means, and we will settle for nothing less.

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A Nevada man was indicted on 22 federal charges for making threats against state and federal officials, including Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the judge overseeing the hush money case against Donald Trump, according to an indictment and a person familiar with the matter.

Spencer Gear was charged with multiple counts of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure and threatening a federal official. He was arraigned earlier this week in Nevada federal court and pleaded not guilty. Gear remains in custody.

Gear was charged with leaving threatening phone calls to federal and state officials in Washington, DC, and New York. The indictment identifies the targets of the threats by initials and a source confirmed that Bragg and New York Judge Juan Merchan were among them.

Prosecutors allege Gear left a telephone message and threatened to kill A.B. and J.M., according to the indictment. A person familiar with the investigation confirmed the initials refer to Bragg and Merchan.

The Manhattan district attorneys office has said threats to their office increased during Trumps criminal trial earlier this year.

Trump was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records to coverup a payment made to silence a porn star before the 2016 election. He is scheduled to be sentenced in September. Trump has asked the judge to throw out the conviction based on the Supreme Courts recent ruling on presidential immunity.

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Finance ministers of the Group of 20 in Brazil discuss global tax on the super-rich

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva waves during the opening event of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty meeting, on the sidelines of the G20 Ministerial Meetings in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Finance ministers from leading rich and developing nations gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday for a two-day meeting to discuss a global tax on the super-rich, a top priority for Brazil, which holds the presidency.

According to the proposal before the Group of 20, individuals with over $1 billion in total assets would be required to pay the equivalent of 2% of their wealth in income tax.

Brazil's Finance Minister Fernando Haddad told reporters that the final declaration will mention a proposal to tax the super-rich, but he didn't detail wording or whether it will specifically cite the 2% proposition.

Against the skepticism expressed by everyone since the beginning of the year, we have taken a first step, Haddad said, adding that ministers agreed it was necessary to include mention of the proposal so that it maintains its centrality after Brazil leaves the presidency.

What has been initiated today is a broader process that will require the participation of academia, scholars and international organizations with experience in the subject, such as the OECD and the U.N., Haddad added.

France, Spain and South Africa  which will chair the G20 in 2025  had expressed support, an official from the Brazilian Ministry of Finance told journalists last week. But U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reiterated at a news conference Thursday that the U.S. does not support the initiative.

Tax policy is very difficult to coordinate globally, and we dont see a need or really think its desirable to try to negotiate a global agreement on that, Yellen said, although she emphasized the U.S. is strongly supportive of progressive taxation.

An agreement on a global tax on billionaires is necessary to diminish the attractiveness of tax havens, said economist Bruno Carazza, a professor at the Dom Cabral Foundation, a business school.

Billionaires currently pay the equivalent of 0.3% of their wealth in taxes, according to a report from French economist Gabriel Zucman commissioned by Brazil. The report said a 2% tax would raise $200 billion to $250 billion per year globally from about 3,000 individuals, money that could fund public services such as education and health care as well as the fight against climate change.

The richest 1% have amassed $42 trillion in new wealth over the past decade, nearly 36 times more than the entire bottom 50% of the worlds population, according to an Oxfam analysis released Thursday ahead of the finance ministers meeting.

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defended the need for increased taxation of the worlds richest in Rio on Wednesday when he unveiled plans for a global alliance against hunger and poverty.

At the top of the pyramid, tax systems stop being progressive and become regressive. The super-rich pay proportionally much less tax than the working class, Lula said.

Some individuals control more resources than entire countries. Others have their own space programs, he added, in an apparent jab at Elon Musk, who owns SpaceX, and Jeff Bezos, who founded the space company Blue Origin.

The global alliance against hunger and poverty aims to implement a mechanism to mobilize funds and knowledge to support the expansion of policies and programs to combat inequality and poverty, according to a statement from Brazils G20 press office on Tuesday. It would be managed by a secretariat located at the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome and Brasilia until 2030, with half of its costs covered by Brazil, Lula said in his speech.
Video footage showed the newborn being pulled from a dumpster surrounded by trash

ABC13 Houston/YouTube A baby was found abandoned by a dumpster in Houston.

A newborn baby is in good health after being pulled from a dumpster in southwest Houston over the weekend, police say.

On Sunday, July 21, just before 2 p.m., Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to an area behind an apartment complex on Dashwood Drive, per KTRK.

In video footage shared by the outlet, the baby boy, who was reportedly in a bag, could be seen being pulled from the dumpster surrounded by trash, before EMS wrapped him in a blanket.

Houston police said a passerby had heard the baby crying before calling for help, ABC reported. The newborn is now with Child Protective Services and is said to be in good health after being taken to hospital, Fox26 Houston reported, citing police.

ABC, citing police, reported a suspect had been identified, but no further details have been released as of yet, and a name will not be released until charges have been filed.

Houston police and the Houston Fire Department didn't immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Related: Baby Found in Shopping Bag Is Third Newborn Abandoned by Same Parents, Court Hears

Multiple outlets, citing police, report the baby on Dashwood Drive was the third baby to be abandoned in Houston in the past month.

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"It's heartbreaking every time we see it," Houston Fire Department's Martee Boose said, per another article from the KTRK.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services says on the agency's website: "If you have a newborn that you're unable to care for, you can bring your baby to a designated safe place with no questions asked."

Related: Newborn Baby Found Still Attached to Unconscious Mom on Grass Outside Hotel, Both Parents Charged

"The Safe Haven law, also known as the Baby Moses law, gives parents who are unable to care for their child a safe and legal choice to leave their infant with an employee at a designated safe placea hospital, fire station, free-standing emergency centers or emergency medical services (EMS) station. Then, your baby will receive medical care and be placed with an emergency provider," a message added.

"Your baby must be 60 days old or younger and unharmed and safe," the site stated.



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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) ordered the removal of homeless encampments in the state following the recent Supreme Court ruling that empowers cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public.

Newsoms executive order directs state agencies and departments to develop clear policies to urgently address the thousands of homeless encampments located across California, his office said Thursday.

The order requires agencies to prioritize clearing encampments with safety risks and to provide advance notice of the clearance. Officials were also told to work with local service providers who can support the people at the encampments and help store their belongings for at least 60 days.

I dont think theres anything more urgent and more frustrating than addressing the issue of encampments in the state of California, Newsom said Thursday in a video.

The governor noted that the courts previously prevented the local government and state from cleaning up the encampments, but the Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson changes things.

In the decision, the high court ruled cities can ticket homeless people for camping in public even when there is no alternative shelter available.

The justices sided 6-3 with the Oregon city of Grants Pass, which asked the high court to review a lower courts decision blocking the enforcement of a public camping ordinance.

The lower court initially determined banning camping where shelter beds were limited amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, but Grants Pass officials argued the restrictions imposed by the decision prevented them from implementing common sense laws against camping in some public places.

Today I announced an executive order to move the process forward. Were done, its time to move with urgency at the local level to clean up these sites, to focus on public health and focus on public safety. There are no longer any excuses, Newsom said. We now have no excuse with the Supreme Court decision.

California has so far invested more than $1 billion in encampment resolution grants to clean up homeless encampments and address the underlying issues, per the governor.

California has about one-third of the nations population of homeless people, and Newsom has been a vocal advocate for addressing the issue. His office touted his administration has spent about $24 billion total to clean up the streets and house people.

Earlier this year, he supported a ballot measure to allow the state to borrow about $6.4 billion to build 4,350 housing units, which passed with a thin margin, The Associated Press reported.

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Sir Pascal Soriot, the AstraZeneca chief executive, says access to medicine in England would 'totally shrink' without a review of methodology - Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

NHS spending rules risk depriving Britain of new medicines, the boss of AstraZeneca has warned, amid a row over a decision to block its life-extending breast cancer drug.

Sir Pascal Soriot warned that access to medicine in England would totally shrink without a review of how the NHS spending watchdog assesses new drugs and decides if they are value for money.

He said: The methodology needs to be adjusted and patients need to get access to the medicines that can really change their life.

It comes amid a backlash over a decision by the NHS spending watchdog, the National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (Nice), to reject AstraZenecas Enhertu drug for breast cancer.

The treatment has been found to double the life expectancy for terminal breast cancer patients, with trials also suggesting that the drug can cut the risk of terminal breast cancer spreading or growing by 38pc when compared with standard chemotherapy.

However, the drug is not available for NHS patients in England and Wales because of the Nice decision. Campaigners have claimed that for thousands of women this has cut their lives short. The treatment is available in countries including Scotland, the United States and Romania.

Nice opted to block the new treatment for English patients in March after ruling that metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV breast cancer, was a moderately severe disease. Because of this, it decided that AstraZenecas breast cancer drug did not offer value for money.

At the time, the spending watchdog said the cost-effectiveness was above the upper end of the range Nice considers an acceptable use of NHS resources.

Sir Pascal called on Sir Keir Starmer to investigate how these decisions are made, arguing that Nice had made an error in classifying stage IV breast cancer as moderately severe. He added: Everybody would tell you it is a severe disease.

The AstraZeneca boss said the current methodology was proving a roadblock which would affect many other drugs for cancer and other severe diseases. He said it risked pushing drug makers to invest less in Britain, adding: Developing medicine in our country doesnt really make a lot of sense  its not very attractive if patients wont benefit.

Sir Pascal said: We hope the new Government will consider this and that will be reviewed.

The pressure on the Prime Minister comes after previous warnings from AstraZeneca that the UK is becoming less competitive as a place for life sciences companies to invest.

Last year he criticised the UKs discouraging taxes. In early 2023, AstraZeneca snubbed Britain for a new $400m (314m) new drug factory, citing the less attractive investment environment.

However, Sir Pascal had suggested that relations were thawing in recent months and progress had been made on making Britain a better place to invest. In March, AstraZeneca agreed to spend 650m on building a new vaccine factory in Liverpool and upgrading research labs in Cambridge.

It is currently in talks with the Government over a funding package for the scheme.

However, Sir Pascal said there was still more to be done to make Britain a better place to invest.

He added: Companies like AstraZeneca and [rival] GSK are probably a bit different because were rooted in the UK so our willingness to continue to invest is slightly higher than other companies.

But the life sciences ecosystem needs many companies from around the world to invest in the country.

He said access to medicines needs to change in the UK for more of those businesses to keep spending in the country.

Sir Pascal added: Nice has to change the scoring of diseases and thats where it has to start.

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By Deisy Buitrago

CARACAS - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in power since 2013 and running for a third term on July 28, is confident he is still the right man to lead the OPEC country that has been governed by the socialists for a quarter of a century.

"Come rain, shine or lightning ... we're going to win by a landslide," he said in a recent broadcast on state television, shortly after reading out mock election results in which he notched "an irreversible victory".

The mustachioed Maduro, 61, a former foreign minister and bus driver, has bristled with energy and electoral confidence despite evidence of strong support for his opponent Edmundo Gonzalez among Venezuelans weary of years of economic deprivation.

Former diplomat Gonzalez, 74, replaced opposition darling Maria Corina Machado on the ballot - which also includes nine other candidates - after a ban on her holding public office was upheld in January.

Maduro, who likes to chug green juices at campaign events, citing their health properties, is heir to his late mentor, Hugo Chavez, and is running for his second reelection. Venezuela's opposition, the United States and many other Western countries consider Maduro's win in 2018 to be a sham.

The election is being held on what would have been the birthday of Chavez, and Maduro has cast a win for him as a gift for the late leader.

Maduro has presided over an extended economic collapse in the once relatively affluent South American nation, prompting an exodus of some 7.7 million migrants.

Almost 82% of Venezuelans live in poverty, with 53% in extreme poverty, unable to buy even basic foodstuffs, a U.N. special rapporteur said in February after visiting the country.

THEATRICAL FLAIR

Maduro, a salsa aficionado with a flair for theatrics, often calls opposition politicians "fascist demons" and "the surnames," the latter a jibe at their supposedly wealthy backgrounds.

He has blamed them for increasing power outages, accusing them of sabotage to the electrical grid, and has said they are preparing to cry wolf over election fraud.

Critics both at home and abroad say he is a dictator who has jailed or persecuted political opponents, repeatedly and unfairly blocking opposition candidates from participating in elections.

Maduro denies those charges. He has said he will usher in peace and a new period of growth that will mean the economy will no longer depend on oil income.

Years of mismanagement, falling oil prices and U.S. sanctions have all hurt crude output in Venezuela, but almost 60% of the country's income is still set to come from oil in 2024, according to official figures.

Maduro's face looms large from posters plastered on street lamps, murals and advertisements along Caracas' major thoroughfares, with slogans urging people to vote for the president this coming weekend.

Frequently accompanied on the campaign trail by his only son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, he has held rallies to drum up support, where his favorite beverage sometimes takes center stage.

The green juice is made with cucumber, celery, ginger, green apple, lime and spinach, and needs to be prepared with an extractor, Maduro told the crowd at a rally last week.

"Cilita, bring me a green juice, I need it," Maduro said to his wife, Cilia Flores. "This is a source of energy," he added.

(Reporting by Deisy Buitrago; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Night vision, new helicopters are pushing the frontiers of fighting wildfires in California

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection boasts the largest civil firefighting aviation unit in the world and, as fires become more destructive and frequent, its only getting bigger.

With more than 60 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft used in tandem to monitor and attack fires, Cal Fire has been able to extinguish thousands of wildfires every year. But recent fire seasons have shattered records for the largest, deadliest and most destructive fires in California, and 2024s fire season is already more active than the year-to-date average of the last five years.

To meet the states need for firefighting operations, the agency has been bringing in new members to its aviation units who are keeping Cal Fire on the edge of faster responses.

Cal Fires newest addition to its helicopter fleet is the Fire Hawk  a Sikorsky S70i Black Hawk retrofitted to drop water or fire retardant, as well as conduct hoist rescue and night operations.

Cal Fire received funding in 2018 to purchase 12 Fire Hawks to build the new fleet, later securing funds for an additional four copters from the Department of Defense in 2022. Cal Fire currently has 14 Fire Hawks in its fleet, with the other two arriving in 2025.

The newest helicopters are a heavy-duty complement to Cal Fires fleet of 34-year-old UH-1H Super Huey helicopters, also military surplus. The Fire Hawks are able to dump more than two-and-a-half times the amount of foam or water that the Super Hueys can, making them a good choice for responding to fires quickly.

Both models of helicopters are an initial attack resource, meaning they head to fires as soon as one is reported to deliver ground crews quicker than a truck could then load up with water or fire retardant to drop on the blaze.

Initial attack operations like this can help stop fires early on or avoid significant destruction to densely populated areas from larger fires, like the Park Fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon.

The blaze, which reached 71,000 acres by noon Thursday, had at least one Fire Hawk aiding in the fire suppression or rescue operations in the area around 1 p.m. Thursday.

Mike Schanley, a contract forestry fire pilot at Cal Fires Boggs Mountain helitack base, said the introduction of the Fire Hawks and their huge water tanks have been a game changer for aerial firefighting operations.

(With the Huey), you hit the button once and ... that water is coming out all at once and theres no way around it, Schanley said. (With the Fire Hawk), I control the drop, I can do multiple drops ... its like adding multiple tools in the same aircraft.

He said he can adjust the water drop to what works best for a specific fire situation. For example, in a wide grass fire, he uses the most conservative drop level to shower water across a quarter-mile or more in a straight line, but for tall trees, he can open the tank wide to create a dense waterfall.

The introduction of Fire Hawks brought another major innovation to Cal Fires operations: The ability to fight fires at night.

Cal Fire Hawk firefighting helicopters are parked at Cal Fire McClellan Reload Base in McClellan on June 25.

Firefighting after dark

With climate change making firefighting conditions more intense during the day, hand crews often work into the night to stop fire progression and get it under control as conditions moderate. With the help of aviation units, transporting crews and dropping water or foam overnight is made even simpler.

As its predecessor, the Black Hawk, is designed for day and night military use, the Fire Hawk comes standard with low cockpit lighting, rendering it capable of flying and attacking fires after the sun has gone down.

The dimmed cockpit lights allow pilots to see at night with specialized night-vision goggles, similar to those used by the military in low-light operations. The goggles aid in pitch-black situations by amplifying infrared and visible spectrum light waves to see active flames and hot spots around wildfire areas, according to Daniel Anderson, a Cal Fire pilot and flight instructor.

Although Cal Fires Super Hueys could be retrofitted with dimmer lights or a nighttime mode, Schanley said he likes that the Fire Hawks technology already accommodates the goggles.

We purchased the aircraft configured, ready to go for night vision even though at the time ... we were still just flying (during the) day, he said. We thought ahead, which Im very grateful for.

Mechanic tests Cal Fire Hawk firefighting helicopter flight controls at Cal Fire McClellan Reload Base in McClellan on June 25.

Training for night drops

According to Anderson, eight out of the 10 Cal Fire bases that operate Fire Hawks have received training to fly operations at night.

While the newer helicopters have opened up the possibility for 24/7 fire fighting, it is not typically practiced, Anderson said. To avoid crew exhaustion, firefighting efforts often end about 2 a.m.

Only certain aerial bases are allowed to fly 24 hours, according to Schanley, as they would require more pilots than normal. Boggs Mountain is still too small, but Schanley said hes confident it will be able to expand and reach 24-hour capability.

Training to fly a helicopter for Cal Fire is a multi-step process that took Schanley more than a year, and it starts at the Aviation Management Unit, based out of McClellan Airport near North Highlands.

Mechanic assesses Cal Fire Hawk firefighting helicopter for routine maintenance check at Cal Fire McClellan Reload Base in McClellan on June 25.

McClellans operations have programs to train new pilots and introduce new training for existing pilots, including nighttime flying. The programs include lecture-style classroom sessions with chief pilots teaching about the various aspects of the piloting job, as well as interactive lessons to get practical training before going up in aircraft.

One of the interactive methods pilots are trained in is through aircraft-specific simulators that place the pilots in a replicated mission scenario with a large curved screen. The AMU operates a Fire Hawk simulator which pilots say is highly realistic and replicates the helicopter exactly.

Shane Roberson, a recently hired Fire Hawk pilot, said having a simulated version of the Fire Hawk to safely practice flying is highly beneficial.

As far as the cockpit layout, its identical, which is a huge tool, Roberson said. The best part about the sim is that you can pause it. So when we flip a switch wrong, we can ... walk through all the different emergency procedures and get to know the aircraft.

Once they clear practical training and get up in a real Fire Hawk, Cal Fire pilots typically must fly the helicopter during the daytime for about a year before being eligible to receive nighttime training. This helps ensure they are already comfortable in the helicopter before adding on the additional challenges of low light and night vision goggles, Anderson said.

We dont want to rush them in, Anderson said. Just one accident could slow or shut the whole program down.

Schanley has been flying the Fire Hawk since 2020 and has accumulated thousands of daytime flight hours, including countless hours of daytime and nighttime flight over decades of flying other helicopters.

Before coming to work at Cal Fire, first as a contract worker and later full-time, he flew as a certified flight instructor, a military contract pilot, a news helicopter pilot and more. He flew checks from Los Angeles bank branches to a central processing location on weeknights, operated aircraft for helicopter companies in Idaho, off the Gulf of Mexico and in the Arctic, and aerially fought fires for the U.S. Forest Service.

This (job) takes me all the way back to when I was 12 years old and Id see the LA County Fire Department (aerial units), Schanley said. Im doing the job that Ive always wanted to do since I was a kid.

Still, Schanley only recently finished his 25 hours of flight training that certifies him for nighttime aerial fire fighting, which included practicing water drops  though not over fires  and how to scan an area with the night vision goggles.

Im still dipping my toe into this ... but Im pretty excited about the night thing, Schanley said. Im definitely all in on this project.

Phos-Chek employee discards empty bag of pink ammonium phosphate at Cal Fire McClellan Reload Base in McClellan on June 25. Fire retardant is made of 12% ammonium phosphate and 88% water.
DENVER (KDVR)  A brother of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was charged with assault after a viral video showed him punching a fan during a playoff game at Ball Arena.

It happened during the April 22 first-round game versus the Los Angeles Lakers, when the Nuggets claimed a buzzer-beater victory at home. A TikTok video shows Jokics older brother, 41-year-old Strahinja, pushing his way down the stands and throwing a punch toward a male spectators head.

Coach Payton at Broncos training camp: We expect to win

Strahinja Jokic  who is described in court records at 6 feet, 9 inches tall and 287 pounds  faces a misdemeanor count of third-degree assault. The charge entered the court record on Friday.

Strahinja Jokic makes a statement to police

An investigator interviewed the victim two days after the incident and found the person with obvious cuts and bruising, both around the outer perimeter of his left eye as well as underneath his left eye, according to an affidavit from the Denver Police Department. The victim told police the punch dazed him, and a doctor later diagnosed him with a concussion.

The victim said his assailant was one of the Jokic brothers and described him as a big guy with a mohawk, saying the punch was unprovoked, the affidavit reads. A witness told police it was Strahinja, and the police investigator also found that the person in the video had a distinct neck tattoo like Strahinjas.

All Conns stores in Colorado to close

While the victim initially said he did not want to press charges because he feared retaliation, he had changed his mind about two weeks after the incident, according to the document.

Strahinja Jokic was ticketed and admitted to the incident in an unprompted, voluntary statement, police said. He told police he was defending an older man and felt he did nothing wrong.

Court records show his arraignment is set for Aug. 21 in Denver County court. An attorney was not listed in his case as of Wednesday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Nine missing after deadly Typhoon Gaemi sinks cargo ship off Taiwan

A weather forecaster points out the current position of Typhoon Gaemi moving northward toward the Korean Peninsula on a display at a local meteorological agency in Suwon. -/YNA/dpa

A cargo ship has sunk in Taiwan after deadly Typhoon Gaemi passed over the self-governing island overnight, authorities said on Thursday.

Nine crew members from Myanmar are missing after Tanzanian-flagged freighter Fu-Shun sank off the coast of Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan's Central Emergency Operation Center said.

Authorities are waiting for better weather conditions to continue their search operation, the center added.

Two people have been killed and at least 279 injured in accidents caused by Gaemi in Taiwan.

Television footage showed destroyed roads, vehicles damaged by fallen trees and large-scale flooding.

On Thursday morning, about 87,000 households remained without electricity while offices and schools remained closed island-wide. Taiwan's stock market also remained closed, marking a rare second day without trading.

More than 400 international and domestic flights were cancelled and some train services suspended.

Officials of Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) said on Thursday morning that the typhoon has weakened but said that residents in southern and central Taiwan should remain alert to floods caused by heavy rains in the following days.

The centre of the storm made landfall in Yilan, eastern Taiwan, around midnight Wednesday and moved out to the Taiwan Strait early on Thursday.

Gaemi is expected to move west and approach the coast of Fujian, China in the evening.

Cars stand in a flooded parking lot in the capital Manila after typhoon "Gaemi", known as "Carina" in the Philippines, caused severe flooding. Girlie Linao/dpa
Nine missing after deadly Typhoon Gaemi sinks cargo ship off Taiwan

People wade through floodwaters after strong monsoon rains. The Philippine government has declared a state of emergency in Manila after severe rains caused by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Gaemi, resulting in significant flooding throughout the city and surrounding regions. Basilio Sepe/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

A cargo ship has sunk in Taiwan after Typhoon Gaemi passed over the island overnight, authorities said on Thursday.

Nine crew members from Myanmar are missing after Tanzanian-flagged freighter Fu-Shun sank off the coast of Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan's Central Emergency Operation Center said.

Authorities are waiting for better weather conditions to continue their search operation, the centre added.

Elsewhere, two people have been killed and at least 279 injured in accidents caused by Gaemi in Taiwan.

Television footage showed destroyed roads, vehicles damaged by fallen trees and large-scale flooding.

On Thursday morning, about 87,000 households remained without electricity while offices and schools remained closed island-wide. Taiwan's stock market also remained closed, marking a rare second day without trading.

More than 400 international and domestic flights were cancelled and some train services suspended.

Officials of Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) said on Thursday morning that the typhoon has weakened but warned residents of possible floods caused by heavy rains.

The centre of the storm moved out to the Taiwan Strait early on Thursday.

The typhoon had already wreaked havoc in the Philippines. Twenty-one people were killed in floods, landslides and other accidents caused by Typhoon Gaemi in the Philippines, police said on Thursday.

Gaemi also triggered one of the worst floodings in the capital, Manila, before crossing to Taiwan.

Gaemi is expected to move west and approach the coast of Fujian, China in the evening.

Disaster response workers use a small boat to rescue residents trapped from their inundated homes following heavy monsoon rains in Manila. The Philippine government has declared a state of emergency in Manila after severe rains caused by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Gaemi, resulting in significant flooding throughout the city and surrounding regions. Basilio Sepe/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

People wade through floodwaters after strong monsoon rains. The Philippine government has declared a state of emergency in Manila after severe rains caused by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Gaemi, resulting in significant flooding throughout the city and surrounding regions. Basilio Sepe/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
The state of New Jersey is facing a lawsuit for allegedly failing to protect the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, according to the Hudson Riverkeeper and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

New Jersey, along with New York and Delaware, is being accused of failing to obtain incidental take permits when operating within the habitat of the Atlantic sturgeon species, says the lawsuit, which has yet to be officially filed. The permits would ensure that commercial fisheries operate within the Endangered Species Act and federal law, said Maya van Rossum, the leader of the Delaware River Network.

The suit says the three states have allowed fisheries to kill the Atlantic sturgeon through bycatch, the act of catching and discarding species that fishers may catch, but do not want, cannot sell or are not allowed to keep.

The lawsuit says the states are violating the Endangered Species Act by not requiring and approving the permits.

The Riverkeeper networks say a permit would prevent the illegal taking of the fish and would establish the tracking of the number of the fish killed in an area.

Atlantic sturgeon can be victims of bycatch through being caught in a trawl or gill net, which fishers use to catch a massive number of fish, said the Delaware and Hudson riverkeepers.

Atlantic sturgeon

The organizations plan to file the lawsuit against the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection as soon as the 60-day notice obligation has elapsed, said Rossum. The notice period started on July 18, 2024, the date when the Delaware and Hudson riverkeepers put out their press release on their intent to sue the three states.

Caryn Shinske, senior press officer at the state DEP, declined to comment.

The Atlantic sturgeon in the Delaware River is the most "imperiled population of Atlantic sturgeon in the world," with fewer than 250 spawning adults left, Rossum said.

She said the entirety of her career has been "one issue, one harm, one threat after another impacting the Atlantic sturgeon, and the National Marine Fishery Service at every single turn turns a blind eye and does nothing."

The Delaware riverkeeper explained to NorthJersey.com that Atlantic sturgeon in the Northeast are also victims of significant pollution that depletes their needed oxygen levels. She said the fish's critical habitat has been destroyed by dredging and development operations. The lawsuit, however, will focus only on the incidental take permits.

The Atlantic sturgeon is an endangered species, as confirmed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"It is well within the power and oversight of the states and NOAA Fisheries to protect the Atlantic sturgeon from bycatch through changed and/or restricted practices," Rossum said.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ facing lawsuit over failure to protect Atlantic sturgeon
The New Jersey Lottery offers multiple draw games for people looking to strike it rich.

Heres a look at Thursday, July 25, 2024 winning numbers for each game:

Pick-3

Midday: 2 - 4 - 3; Fireball: 7

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Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Jersey Cash 5

04 - 11 - 23 - 27 (Bullseye) - 40; Xtra: 2

More: Jersey Cash 5 now $2; what is the NJ Lottery Bullseye

Check Jersey Cash 5 payouts and drawings here.

Cash4Life

11 - 12 - 29 - 52 - 60; Cash Ball: 03

Check previous Cash4Life drawings here.

Pick-6

15 - 16 - 28 - 29 - 38 - 44

Double Play: 01 - 06 - 24 - 31 - 33 - 38

Check previous Pick-6 drawings here.

Winner: New Jersey grandmother of 10 planning Disney trip after winning $1 million in Powerball

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Drawing are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.

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Beware: No, a lottery jackpot winner isn't giving you money. How to spot a scammer

Gambling too much? You can get help by calling 1800-GAMBLER or clicking on www.800gambler.org

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Lottery winning numbers for Thursday, July 25
Top New Mexico education leaders are expected to speak to a collection of lawmakers this week at the Los Alamos High School Speech Theater. (Photo by Anna Padilla for Source New Mexico)

Lawmakers will continue to learn what is and isnt working in the long uphill climb to reform New Mexicos public education.

On the agenda today for the Legislative Education Study Committee meetings in Los Alamos will be whats billed as a Roadmap update on the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit that mandates reform for the states public schools.

Starting at 9 a.m., top education leaders are expected to speak to the collection of lawmakers at the Los Alamos High School Speech Theater.

The meeting is open to the public and will include testimony on the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit from education study committee leaders, Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero and the top analyst on the issue from the Legislative Finance Committee, Sunny Liu.

Last week, Liu reported to state lawmakers on the finance committee that exponential investments in public education statewide is still not creating better outcomes for New Mexico students that are the heart of the Yazzie-Martinez reform.

Liu noted that overall funding has increased by 58% to $4.4 billion in Fiscal Year 2025. However, his report highlighted implementation of funds for at-risk student programs. The overall funding doubled, but spending on those services decreased to 23% in FY23 from 75.4% in FY20.

At-risk New Mexico public education students are identified as English Language Learners, Native American students, those who are economically disadvantaged and students with disabilities.

How to watch the New Mexico Legislative Education Study Committee

When: 9 a.m.

In person: Los Alamos High School Speech Theater

1300 Diamond Dr. Los Alamos, NM 87544

Online: nmlegis.gov

Services for at-risk students that Lius report emphasized on July 16 include areas that need more spending on programs to hire, high quality teachers, appropriate curricula, and extended learning time programs, the report reads.

Not connecting students to these programs can cause issues with test scores, graduation rates and college preparedness.

One requirement from the Yazzie-Martinez ruling that was noticeably absent from the conversation after Lius presentation last week to the Legislative Finance Committee, was the creation of a statewide plan by the New Mexico Public Education Department.

PED is tasked with developing an outline for how and when it will comply with the courts order. The department released a discussion draft action plan in May 2022, asking for comment. But a final document has yet to be released to the public.

PED said the report would be finalized and released later that year, but that never happened, said Melissa Candelaria, education director for the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, which represents Yazzie-Martinez plaintiffs.

When asked about the plan, a PED spokesperson declined to comment directly.

The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED), in collaboration with other Cabinet-level agencies, is effectively implementing targeted strategies and supports that address the findings of the consolidated Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit, the department said in a statement.

Romero is slated to speak today in Los Alamos at the end of a presentation beginning at 10:15 a.m. It is not clear from the agenda that he will bring forth a statewide action plan to the committee.

A report on the status of New Mexicos Career Technical Education initiatives, which proved to lead to better graduation rates for at-risk students, will start off the Los Alamos meeting.

On Wednesday, members of the Legislative Education Study Committee heard from local district leaders from across the state, including Alamogordo and Los Alamos.

A representative from the New Mexico Developmental Disability Council and the top counsel for the PEDs Office of Special Education, also presented on what they are doing in regards to creating safer spaces for students.

Other state policy analysts provided updates on Wednesday. The Legislative Education Study Committee meeting ends Thursday with presentations on Family Income Index programs and new rules at the public education department around school calendars.

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Stand.earth wont stand down when it comes to Lululemon.

The environmental non-profit has filed a complaint with Frances Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), accusing the athleisure company of greenwashing through its Be Planet campaign.

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Rachel Kitchin, Stands senior corporate climate campaigner, said the fact that Lululemon is the official outfitter for Team Canada for the Paris Olympics, which kick off with an opening ceremony on July 26, makes now the right time to bring the complaint to Frances regulators.

Lululemon is out there representing Canadian athletes at the highest level, in Paris at the Olympic Games. Team Canada has strong climate goals, [and] Paris 2024 aims to be the greenest ever Olympics. Meanwhile, Lululemons emissions are still skyrocketing, and it has still not explained how it plans to live up to the Be Planet marketing. We want Lululemon to act with the integrity and climate focus our athletes deserve, she said.

A spokesperson for Lululemon said that Be Planet is not a marketing campaign, but rather a pillar of the companys strategy.

The complaint requests that the DGCCRF open an investigation into Lululemons environmental claims, noting that there is a glaring contradiction between its climate-focused messaging and its actions. This, the organization says, harms both consumers and the environment.

Greenwashing delays environmental awareness and sows confusion in the public mind, preventing consumers from making informed choices and genuinely committed companies from differentiating themselves, the complaint reads.

Earlier this month, a consumer filed a proposed class action accusing the company of greenwashing.

The complaint comes just days after a letter Olympians penned to Lululemons CEO last week, calling on him to make a solid commitment to clean energy, support suppliers transitioning to clean energy and disclose more information about the companys supply chains. Stand backed that letter.

It also follows a similar complaint Stand filed with the Canadian Competition Bureau a few months ago. Canadas government is now investigating the company because of the complaint, but Kitchin said Stand has not received any update on that investigation since it began in May.

Kitchin said, should the French government choose to open an investigation into Lululemon, Stand would likely have greater visibility into the process than it has in Canada. Ultimately, an investigation like that could lead to fines or other major punishments for the company, but Kitchin said thats Stands desired outcome.

Were not looking for looking for fines or for punishment of the company. Thats been not what this is about. At the end of the day, what we want is Lululemon to make it green claims true. It would be wonderful if this was a company that actually contributed to restoring the health of our planet. Its just not true at the momentbut we would love to see them make the kind of commitment that could make a claim like that more realistic, Kitchin said.

While the apparel industry has a long way to go in terms of climate goals, Kitchin noted, some of Lululemons competitorsincluding some brands also outfitting Olympianshave made much steadier progress.

We did an analysis and compared [Lululemon to] Puma, Adidas, Nike and a few other brands that are sponsoring other Olympic teams, and their emissions are dropping. Many have invested significantly in renewable energy in their supply chains and have strong absolute emissions targets, Kitchin told Sourcing Journal. So it is possible, and there are very clear paths out there for Lululemon to follow. Its continued choice not to do so is such a strong indicator of its ongoing greenwashing.

She noted that Stands primary ask of Lululemon is to decrease its emissions and its reliance on fossil fuels. According to Stands complaint, which pulled data from the companys impact reports, Lululemons Scope 3 emissions doubled between 2020, the year it launched Be Planet, and 2022.

The Lululemon spokesperson said the company understands it has room for improvement on Scope 3 emissions.

We have achieved a 60 percent absolute reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in our owned and operated facilities but recognize most of our climate impact comes from emissions of our broader supply chain, the spokesperson told Sourcing Journal via email. We are taking direct action and are committed to collaborating with industry partners to help address supply chain impacts on climate change.

But Stand said that, though Lululemon has made some progress, its main gripe is that the companys public claims about being environmentally positive dont align with what it has yet to progress on.

In January, the European Union approved a greenwashing directive, which is meant to help decrease the frequency of unsubstantiated claims made by companies and other entities. According to the EU, the directive will specifically target generic environmental claims on products without proof; claims that a product has a neutral, reduced or positive impact on the environment because the producer is offsetting emissions and sustainability labels that are not based on approved certification schemes or established by public authorities.

EU countries have until 2026 to update their respective national laws to reflect the rules outlined by the directive, but Stand said this could be a good way for the DGCCRF to show its chops.

Todd Paglia, Stands executive director, said, A crackdown is beginning to happen from Europe to North America.

Stands complaint contends that Lululemon makes marketing and advertising claims that relate to minor benefits and, thus, are misleading; that it makes vague or ambiguous assertions and that it intentionally omits essential information and makes false claims.

But, Kitchin said, by committing to more robust sustainability goalsand working diligently to carry them outLululemon still has a chance to contribute

There is still a chance for them to turn this around. Seeing Lululemons emissions doubling since 2020 is completely at odds with the message that its putting outso we would love to see them make a strong commitment to real climate action in the supply chain in a way that speaks to and protects the climate vulnerable communities [throughout] the supply chain, she said. At the end of the day, were not just talking about customers and people in the Global North; the people working in the factories and living around the factories are in some of the most climate-vulnerable places on Earth and are already dealing with the consequences Its time for Lululemon to step up.
Noncitizens are less likely to participate in a census with citizenship question, study says

FILE - A woman fills out a pledge card for the U.S. Census in exchange for a reusable boba tea carton at a boba drink competition in Phoenix on Jan. 3, 2020. According to a new study released in June 2024, adding a citizenship question to the census reduces the participation of people who arent U.S. citizens. (AP Photo/Terry Tang, File)

Adding a citizenship question to the census reduces the participation of people who aren't U.S. citizens, particularly those from Latin American countries, according to a new research paper that comes as Republicans in Congress are pushing to add such a question to the census form.

Noncitizens who pay taxes but are ineligible to have a Social Security number are less likely to fill out the census questionnaire or more likely to give incomplete answers on the form if there is a citizenship question, potentially exacerbating undercounts of some groups, according to the paper released this summer by researchers at the U.S. Census Bureau and the University of Kansas.

Other groups were less sensitive to the addition of a citizenship question, such as U.S.-born Hispanic residents and noncitizens who weren't from Latin America, the study said.

The paper comes as Republican lawmakers in Congress push to require a citizenship question on the questionnaire for the once-a-decade census. Their aim is to exclude people who arent citizens from the count that helps determine political power and the distribution of federal funds in the United States. The 14th Amendment requires that all people are counted in the census, not just citizens.

In May, the GOP-led House passed a bill that would eliminate noncitizens from the tally gathered during a census and used to decide how many House seats and Electoral College votes each state gets. The bill is unlikely to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate. Separately, the House in coming weeks is to consider an appropriations bill containing similar language seeking to omit people in the country illegally from the count used to redraw political districts.

During debate earlier this month at a House appropriations committee meeting, Democratic U.S. Rep. Grace Meng of New York described the efforts to exclude people in the country illegally as an extreme proposal that would detract from the accuracy of the census.

Pretending that noncitizens don't live in our communities would only limit the crucial work of the Census Bureau and take resources away from areas that need them the most, Meng said.

But Republican U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia argued that including people in the country illegally gives state and local governments an incentive to attract noncitizens so that they can have bigger populations and more political power.

Every noncitizen that is included actually takes away from citizens' ability to determine who their representatives are, Clyde said.

The next national head count is in 2030.

In their paper, the Census Bureau and Kansas researchers revisited a study assessing the impact of a citizenship question on a 2019 trial survey that was conducted by the Census Bureau ahead of the 2020 census.

The trial survey was conducted by the Census Bureau as the Trump administration unsuccessfully attempted to add a citizenship question to the 2020 head count's questionnaire. Experts feared a citizenship question would scare off Hispanics and immigrants from participating in the 2020 census, whether they were in the country legally or not. Years earlier, a Republican redistricting expert had written that using citizen voting-age population instead of the total population for the purpose of redrawing of congressional and legislative districts could be advantageous to Republicans and non-Hispanic whites.

The citizenship question was blocked by the Supreme Court in 2019.

As part of the trial survey, test questionnaires were sent by the Census Bureau to 480,000 households across the U.S. Half of the questionnaires had a citizenship question and the other half didnt. Preliminary results showed that adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census wouldnt have had an impact on overall response rates, even though earlier studies had suggested its inclusion would reduce participation among Hispanics, immigrants and noncitizens. Later analysis showed it would have made a difference in bilingual neighborhoods that had substantial numbers of non-citizens, Hispanics and Asians.

Instead of focusing on census tracts, which encompass neighborhoods as in the 2019 study, the new study narrowed the focus to individual households, using administrative records.

The inclusion of a citizenship question increases the undercount of households with noncitizens, the researchers concluded.

During the 2020 census, the Black population 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 research paper was produced by the bureau's Center for Economic Studies, whose papers typically haven't undergone the review given to other Census Bureau publications. The opinions are those of the researchers and not the statistical agency, according to the bureau.

___

Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform X: @MikeSchneiderAP.
Fighter jets intercepted Chinese and Russian bombers off the coast of Alaska from China and Russia, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced Wednesday.

NORAD said it detected and tracked two Russian TU-95 and two Chinese H-6 military aircraft that were operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday. NORAD said its fighter jets from Canada and the United States intercepted the four aircrafts.

The command said that the bombers did not enter the sovereign airspace of the U.S. or Canada and that they remained in international airspace. It also said that the activity in the zone was not seen as a threat.

The command added that it will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence.

NORAD explained that an Air Defense Identification Zone begins where sovereign airspace ends. The zone is an area of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security, according to the command.

NORAD said in May it was tracking four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska ADIZ, saying at the time that the activity occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.

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Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben, pictured July 23, 2024, is opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana in North Dakota. The North Dakota Sheriffs and Deputies Association has not taken a position on the proposed ballot measure. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

The leader of an effort to legalize marijuana in North Dakota says the proposal would free up law enforcement resources to focus on more serious drugs. But law enforcement officials interviewed by the North Dakota Monitor have mixed reactions.

Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben said hes heard from officers in states that have legalized recreational marijuana that it leads to more work for law enforcement.

I think what we have to remember is people arent going to jail for minor marijuana convictions, Leben said. Those days are over, and by the time somebody ends up in jail on a minor drug charge like that, theres extensive other criminal activity in the background there.

Stark County Sheriff Corey Lee, meanwhile, is in favor of the proposed ballot measure, which is still under review by the Secretary of States Office.

It is such a prevalent item in todays society and, obviously, were right next door to Montana, Lee said.

Recreational marijuana has been legal in Montana since 2022. Its also legal in Minnesota and will be on the ballot in South Dakota in November.

The North Dakota Sheriffs and Deputies Association, which opposed the previous recreational marijuana measure in 2022, has not yet taken a position on the new proposal, said Donnell Preskey, executive director.

The Chiefs of Police Association of North Dakota also opposed the recreational cannabis ballot measure in 2022 but has yet to take a position on the new measure, said Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler, association president.

Steve Bakken, chair of the sponsoring committee, has said he got to see up close how police departments and the judicial system deal with marijuana crimes during his time as Bismarck mayor.

A minor marijuana offense is not where we should be putting resources, Bakken told the North Dakota Monitor. Go after opioids. Go after fentanyl, the things that kill people.

More than 2,300 criminal cases filed in 2023 involved only marijuana charges, according to data from the North Dakota Judicial Branch IT Department. So far in 2024, about 1,350 criminal cases involve solely marijuana, the department said.

The ballot petition, which is undergoing signature verification by the Secretary of States Office, seeks to make recreational marijuana legal for adults 21 and older. The office has until Aug. 12 to verify signatures. If approved for the ballot, people will be able to vote for a third time since 2018 on the future of recreational cannabis.

Lee said many of the states attorneys in southwest North Dakota have not been prosecuting marijuana offenses. He said he thinks the measure should pass this time because people can already take a quick trip across the border to purchase it.

I know a lot of people disagree with that, primarily because of what happened in Colorado, he said. I dont think thats fair. When it first made marijuana recreational, of course people flocked there in huge numbers, but you are not going to see that here.

Lee also said the measure would take power away from black market drug dealers by giving consumers an official option that would benefit the state through tax revenue.

Also, it can be written and regulated how, where and when its used, so I think weve learned a lot from the states that have had it for years now and I think we can make this transition fairly smoothly, Lee said.

Ziegler, speaking for himself and not the city of Mandan or the Chiefs of Police Association, is opposed to the measure. He believes marijuana to be an addictive drug and a gateway to other substances.

When asked if he was worried the state might become an island surrounded by Canada and other states that allow recreational marijuana, Ziegler said, Sometimes being on an island is not a bad thing.

Leben said criminals would not be put out of business because of marijuana legalization.

No matter what you have, you can have a criminal nexus to it and thats never going to go away, Leben said. The cartels arent going out of business. They are going to change like a regular business does.

Leben also said he worries about the creep of cannabis-use normalization, in which, even though the measure restricts marijuana use to private property, it becomes more prevalent in public.

Every state you go to that has legalized it, it happens in public because eventually it just becomes commonplace, he said.

The North Dakota Sheriffs and Deputies Association has sent the ballot measure to sheriffs departments across the state for their review, Preskey said. The Chiefs of Police Association will meet with its attorney and discuss it among executive committee members before bringing it to the entire group, Ziegler said.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley declined to comment for this story, but said in an email he may make comments on recreational cannabis at a later date.

Other groups that have opposed recreational marijuana in the past are the Greater North Dakota Chamber and the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association.

The Greater North Dakota Chamber is expected to discuss the issue with its membership during its August meeting, said Amanda Remynse, vice president of operations and outreach.

Were member-driven, so our members decide if we take a stance, Remynse said. Weve come out against the past two, but that doesnt mean that they look the same.

The North Dakota Motor Carriers Association, which represents more than 250 members of the commercial trucking industry, said in an emailed statement the association does not support the use of marijuana due to safety concerns on the states roadways.

Impairment of any kind, whether due to alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances, poses a significant risk, the association said in a statement. Ensuring that our drivers are not under the influence of impairing substances is paramount to maintaining road safety.

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U.S. attorney Kate Brubacher announces the indictment and reward for Rim Jong Hyok during a July 25, 2024, news conference at the federal courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas.

U.S. attorney Kate Brubacher announces the indictment and reward for Rim Jong Hyok during a July 25, 2024, news conference at the federal courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas. On the right is George Brown, a Department of Justice attorney. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

KANSAS CITY, Kan.  Federal authorities on Thursday announced the indictment of a North Korea man accused of launching ransomware attacks on hospitals in Kansas and other states, then using the bounty to finance cyber attacks on military bases and defense contractors.

Rim Jong Hyok, a member of North Koreas military intelligence agency, faces federal charges of conspiracy to hack computers and conspiracy to launder money. Federal authorities are offering up to a $10 million reward for information about Hyok and the cybersecurity attacks.

The FBIs Kansas City field office led the investigation, which began with a May 2021 ransomware attack against an unnamed Kansas hospital. Hyoks group, known in the private sector as Andariel, also attacked health care providers in Arkansas, Florida and Colorado, and a health care advocacy group in Connecticut.

The group used the ransom payments to lease virtual private servers that were used to launch attacks on NASA, Randolph Air Force Base in Texas, Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia, and defense companies in California, Michigan, Oregon, Massachusetts, China, Taiwan and South Korea.

In total, the FBI identified 17 victims between May 2021 and March 2023.

Cybersecurity is critical to the systems and structures that uphold our way of life, said U.S. attorney Kate Brubacher. This indictment demonstrates our resolve to use every tool to protect the integrity of American organizations from foreign intrusion.

Brubacher announced the indictment of Hyok during a news conference at the federal courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas, alongside Stephen Cyrus, special agent in charge of the FBIs Kansas City field office, and attorneys involved in the case.

Hyok was a member of North Koreas Reconnaissance General Bureau, a military intelligence agency, and was last known to be living in North Korea.

The group used a previously unseen malware tool called Maui to seize control of the Kansas hospitals servers and left behind a ransom note that threatened to post all your files on the Internet unless a cryptocurrency payment was made.

Please do not waste your time! You have 48 hours only! the note said. After that the Main server will double your price. Let us know if you have any questions.

The hospital quickly agreed to make the payment, and also contacted the FBI, which began its investigation.

Stephen Cyrus, special agent in charge for the FBI's Kansas City field office, and U.S. attorney Kate Brubacher announce the indictment and reward for Rim Jong Hyok during a July 25, 2024, news conference at the federal courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas

Cyrus said the North Korea group laundered the ransom money it received from hospitals and used the funds to launch attacks on some of our most sophisticated military weapons systems.

Our cyber adversaries use ransomware operations for financial gain, to steal proprietary information from our most advanced tech companies, and disrupt our critical infrastructure, Cyrus said.

The FBI was able to identify a cryptocurrency account linked to the scheme and recover funds that are in the process of being returned to the victims.

A federal grand jury this week indicted Hyok on the conspiracy charges. The hacking charge would carry a sentence of up to five years, and the money laundering charge would carry a sentence of up to 20 years, according to court records.

The U.S. State Departments Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of any person, including Hyok, who is acting under the control of a foreign government and engages in malicious cyber activities. Officials said the money is not meant to be a bounty.

We use every tool in our efforts to fight malware and ransomware attackers, and this is one tool, said Brubacher, the federal prosecutor. We are working closely with international partners. And certainly there could be regime change in North Korea. This is one step in pursuing justice against Rim, and borders will not stop us.
It's not just one of the world's most iconic brand names: The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) has also been one of the world's most rewarding stocks. Oh, it's a slow mover to be sure. It's been a consistent winner for decades, though, with those gains augmented by lots of reliable dividend growth along the way. Plenty of investors have become millionaires by patiently holding onto their stakes in this company.

Coca-Cola isn't the beverage sector's most rewarding long-term investment, however. That honor actually -- and quietly -- belongs to rival PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP).

That information can certainly catch investors off-guard. After all, Coca-Cola is the bigger player. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that PepsiCo could continue to be the better performer of the two.

The same, but different

Yes, they're both in the beverage business. And Coca-Cola is more than its namesake soda. It also owns brands such as Gold Peak tea, Minute Maid, Powerade, and Dasani water, just to name a few. PepsiCo, of course, owns the Pepsi brand, as well as Gatorade, Bubly Sparkling Water, and Mountain Dew, and is licensed to sell branded beverages from the likes of Starbucks and Lipton. PepsiCo is also parent to Quaker Oats and snack chip brand Frito-Lay, which owns Lay's, Doritos, Rold Gold, and others.

These aren't the two outfits' defining differences though. In fact, in terms of product lines and their target customers, the two companies are more alike than different -- even when including PepsiCo's Frito-Lay arm.

And yet, the two stock's performances are strangely different.

The chart below tells the tale. Over the course of the past 50 years, PepsiCo shares have gained nearly three times as much as Coca-Cola shares.

PEP Chart

And that comparison is just of each stock's price change. Adding reinvested dividends to the mix, since 1994, PepsiCo shares boast an annualized return rate of 11% versus Coke's 8.7%.

Credit their differing dividend growth rates for most of this sizable performance disparity. Although Coca-Cola has raised its payouts every year for the past 62 years, it has not raised them by as much as PepsiCo has for the past 20.

PEP Dividend Chart

Little things like that -- and like a stronger stock-buyback program, as well -- add up to big things over time.

Look for more of the same going forward, too, due to the differences in how each of these organizations is structured.

Why PepsiCo is outperforming Coca-Cola

As a consumer, you neither know nor likely care who's responsible for the physical process of bottling your beverages. As an investor though, you should understand that Coca-Cola probably didn't bottle the Coke-branded beverage you regularly enjoy. It outsources most of that work to licensed third-party bottlers that purchase concentrated flavored syrups from the company. This approach means that Coca-Cola brings in less overall revenue, but has higher profit margins on that revenue.

Story continues

In contrast, PepsiCo handles the production of most of its products in-house. In fact, it's even a licensed manufacturer for rivals like Keurig Dr Pepper, monetizing equipment that would sometimes sit idle otherwise.

The difference has a clear impact on each outfit's profit margins. By offloading the risks and headaches of owning cost-intensive facilities and capital-intensive assets, Coca-Cola regularly turns nearly 30% of its revenue into net income versus PepsiCo's more modest net margin of only about 15%.

Yet there's more to the story, because Coca-Cola's business model leaves it reliant on partners that are trying to turn profits of their own. As such, they may not be focused on the same priorities that Coke targets.

PepsiCo doesn't face this same sort of potential problem, though. While operating its own production facilities eats into margins, it also provides the company with complete control of the integrated operation, giving it more flexibility than Coca-Cola.

There's also the not-so-small matter of Coca-Cola's cost bloat. For a company that doesn't actually produce much, it's still huge, with lots of overhead, and steep personnel expenses in particular. Consider that nearly 40% of PepsiCo's revenue goes toward the selling, general, and administrative expenses of its integrated operation; Coca-Cola dishes out a little more than 30% of its revenue on that expense category even though its bottling partners handle the bulk of the production.

Long live the difference

Nothing is etched in stone, of course. The Coca-Cola Company could evolve again, or PepsiCo could follow in its rival's footsteps, offloading production to third parties in an effort to widen its profit margins. It's also possible either or both companies could simply drop the ball and lose customers.

Also, keep in mind that even though PepsiCo stock has been the better overall performer, it's not like Coke has been a disaster. It's still been a great-performing ticker.

The details that make these two companies distinctly different, however, aren't the kind of nuances that quickly or readily change. That's why PepsiCo is apt to continue minting more millionaires than Coca-Cola.

Should you invest $1,000 in PepsiCo right now?

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Forget Coca-Cola: This Stock Has Made Far More Millionaires was originally published by The Motley Fool
By James Pearson and Sarah N. Lynch

LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -North Korean hackers have conducted a global cyber espionage campaign in efforts to steal classified military secrets to support Pyongyang's banned nuclear weapons programme, the United States, Britain and South Korea said in a joint advisory on Thursday.

The hackers, dubbed Anadriel or APT45 by cybersecurity researchers, are believed to be part of North Korea's intelligence agency known as the Reconnaissance General Bureau, an entity sanctioned by the U.S. in 2015.

The cyber unit has targeted or breached computer systems at a broad variety of defence or engineering firms, including manufacturers of tanks, submarines, naval vessels, fighter aircraft, and missile and radar systems, the advisory said.

Victims in the U.S. have also included the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Randolph Air Force Base in Texas and Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, FBI and U.S. Justice Department officials said on Thursday.

In the February 2022 targeting of NASA, the hackers used a malware script to gain unauthorized access to its computer system for three months, U.S. prosecutors allege. Over 17 gigabytes of unclassified data were extracted.

"The authoring agencies believe the group and the cyber techniques remain an ongoing threat to various industry sectors worldwide, including but not limited to entities in their respective countries, as well as in Japan and India," the advisory said.

Internationally isolated North Korea, known formally as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has a long history of using covert hacking teams to steal sensitive military information.

To fund their operations, the hackers used ransomware to target U.S. hospitals and healthcare companies, U.S. officials allege.

On Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said it had charged one suspect, Rim Jong Hyok, for conspiring to access computer networks in the United States and money laundering.

One of the ransomware incidents that Rim is charged with involved a May 2021 hack against a Kansas-based hospital that paid ransom after the hackers encrypted four of its computer servers.

The hospital paid in bitcoin, which was transferred to a Chinese bank and then withdrawn from an ATM in Dandong, China, next to the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge which connects the city to Sinuiju, North Korea, the indictment said.

The FBI said it is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information that would lead to Rim's arrest. He is believed to be in North Korea.

FBI and Justice Department officials told reporters on Thursday they have seized some of the online accounts belonging to the hackers, including $600,000 in virtual currency that will be returned to victims of the ransomware attacks.

"The global cyber espionage operation that we have exposed today shows the lengths that DPRK state-sponsored actors are willing to go to pursue their military and nuclear programmes," said Paul Chichester at Britain's National Cyber Security Centre, part of the country's GCHQ spy agency.

In August last year, Reuters exclusively reported that an elite group of North Korean hackers had successfully breached systems at NPO Mashinostroyeniya, a rocket design bureau based in Reutov, a small town on the outskirts of Moscow.

As was the case with that hack, APT45 - part of North Korea's Reconnaissance General Bureau intelligence agency - used common phishing techniques and computer exploits to trick officials at the firms they were targeting into giving away access to their internal computer systems, Thursday's advisory said.

(Reporting by James Pearson in London and Sarah N. Lynch in Washington; Editing by Timothy Heritage and Leslie Adler)
North Korean operative indicted in cyberattack against Robins Air Force Base. What we know

A federal grand jury has indicted a North Korean military intelligence operative Wednesday for his alleged involvement in cyberattacks against American military bases and health care providers, including Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins.

Rim Jong Hyok, the North Korean operative indicted, is allegd to be part of a group of North Korean intelligence operatives known as Andariel, Onyx Sleet and Silent Chollima. The U.S. Department of State said Thursday they are offering a reward of up to $10 million for anyone who provides information to help locate Hyok.

Hackers, including Hyok, accessed computers at Robins Air Force Base for about 10 days in April 2022 through a system vulnerability, officials said. They lost access once the vulnerability was fixed. However, in that time they managed to extract more than a gigabyte of unclassified data, including employee information and passwords, according to court documents.

The attack against the base was part of a larger mission to hack health care providers, extort money, and then launder and use the money to fund intrusions into American military bases, defense companies and government agencies. Once operatives accessed those computers, they saved sensitive data in private servers to be given to North Koreas intelligence agency, the Reconnaissance General Bureau.

Hyok is accused of targeting 17 entities in 11 states. In addition to accessing computers at Robins Air Force Base, the group accessed data at Randolph Air Force Base near San Antonio. Defense companies in Michigan, California, Oregon and Massachusetts were also targeted.

The last attack mentioned in the indictment occurred in March 2023 against an unnamed South Korean manufacturing company.

Online court records do not list an attorney for Hyok. Court documents are requesting that his trial be held in Kansas City, where the indictment was issued.
Youre not going to be bullied: Florida sheriff declares zero tolerance for election intimidation

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  Despite the ultra-heated political atmosphere surrounding the 2024 elections, Sheriff Gregory Tony has declared that voter intimidation wont be tolerated at polling sites in Broward County.

The message you need to hear is this: If you vote by mail, if you go into the traditional settings, it will be safe and secure. And youre not going to be bullied by anyone, Tony said.

The sheriffs comments came in response to several questions Tuesday evening he received at the Pembroke Pines Democratic Club. Some club members, many of whom volunteer for candidates at polling places, told him they were concerned about what might await at polling places during early voting this fall and on Election Day, Nov. 5.

They cited experiences that made them feel uneasy, or unsafe, when they worked at the polls in recent elections.

Tony said he was familiar with their concerns.

Thats something I witnessed (in) the last election. There was a lot of gamesmanship. People feeling threatened. And the whole focal point behind that was to avoid us coming out, two party strong, and getting high numbers, he said. Im invested in making sure I secure your democracy so that you dont feel intimidated to go out and vote.

At one point, Tony was asked if his office was ready for civil unrest, a question he said has come up repeatedly.

Tony said hes worked with Broward Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott to make sure we have adequate security provided.  In terms of civil unrest, weve built up something on a multi-agency task force with all our riot control officers to make sure that were ready.

Another Democratic activist said she encountered people she felt were threatening and aggressive in a previous recent election.

Tonys response: Ill reiterate that every single one of you (should) feel free to go out and exercise the rights that are afforded in the United States Constitution.

Tony is a candidate in the Aug. 20 Democratic primary, the winner of which will face only nominal opposition from an independent candidate in November. When he was a candidate in 2020, he said he saw too much over-the-line behavior at the polls.

I witnessed it way too much in 2020. And I said, well, wait a minute, I got people calling me  friends, family just like you do  who are saying, Hey, I had your shirt on Sheriff and theyre screaming and threatening. Thats uncalled for. Part of the whole process of democracy is for us to disagree.

It doesnt matter if youre gonna vote for me or youre gonna vote for somebody else. The actual thing thats important is that you have access to vote. So please do not feel intimidated.

If they cross the line, theyre producing threatening behavior, well take them to jail, take them off the streets, Tony said.

In response to one Democrats question about a boisterous presence by people supporting other candidates, Tony said law enforcement has to strike a very delicate balance.

Remember, theres two sides to the coin, right. They have the right to scream all their nonsense.  Freedom of speech, whether its loud or muted, they get to say what they want. But when they impose threatening behavior like this young lady was explaining (pointing to a previous questioner) thats when we step in. Thats where we start to have authority, the sheriff said. You have to have free access without intimidation, without being threatened with violence.

------
Protesters gather outside a Rochdale police station after footage of the incident was shared online - Story Picture Agency

The row over arrests at Manchester Airport threatens mob rule, the Governments adviser on political violence has warned as pro-Gaza activists called for protests over the incident.

Demonstrations were held on Wednesday and Thursday after videos emerged which appeared to show an armed police officer kick and stamp on the head of a tasered man who was lying face down on the floor.

Politicians and community leaders have described the incident as racist and an abuse of police power. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has suspended an officer and the watchdog is investigating.

Lord Walney, the Governments independent adviser on political violence and disruption, said activists seeking to exploit the incident must not resort to mob rule but should accept the due process of an investigation.

The force deployed by the now-suspended officer looked egregious and must be urgently investigated, he told The Telegraph. But it was also alarming to see a gang gathering outside Rochdale police station in response and senior figures warning of unrest unless their demands are met.

Justice must be served in this case but people cannot demand due process in one breath then subvert it by threatening mob rule if they dont get their way.

Paul Waugh, the Labour MP for Rochdale, said last night that he had spoken with the family and they were deeply traumatised but did not want the incident to be hijacked by extremists.

He said: The family, who are my constituents in Rochdale, have two priorities. The first and most immediate priority is the health and wellbeing of their family members, including their mother. Their second priority is the need for justice to be done and seen to be done.

Protestors block tram tracks in Manchester following a video showing a man being kicked by a police officer - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

But the family also want me to make it crystal clear that they have no political agenda, do not condone political violence, and do not want to take part in any protests. They wanted me to appeal for calm and I hope that appeal is heeded.

And while there is clearly deep concern about this incident, there is also a vital need not to let extremists of any kind hijack these events for their own ends.

His comments came after Jack Khan, a former Labour councillor who quit the party over its stance on Gaza and stood in Bolton at the general election for George Galloways Workers Party, warned that unless all the officers involved were arrested immediately, there would be big protests like you have never seen before.

The man in the footage was later named as 19-year-old Mohammed Fahir Amaz. He is being treated in hospital after a scan revealed a cyst on his brain, his lawyer has said.

He was arrested at the airport on Tuesday night along with his brother Mohammed Amahd, who was seen in the footage being kicked and struck as officers wrestled him to the floor.

They were detained after an altercation with police which left one officer with a broken nose and two others requiring hospital treatment.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, whose office was the focus of the protests on Thursday night, called for calm as he said that the incident was not clear-cut and should not be used for political purposes.

After their release, Mr Amaz and Mr Amahd went to Rochdale Police station to report police brutality, and a video released by their lawyer, Akhmed Yakoob, shows the two men still there at 2am on Thursday morning as a peaceful protest took place.

Mr Yakoob, who recently ran to be West Midlands Mayor with a pro-Gaza campaign, said that the incident was police brutality of a kind he hasnt been seen before.

Asked if the brothers were violent towards the police officers, Mr Yakoob said: I didnt deny anything. I said nothing justifies it. Nothing justifies the barbaric acts of the police.

He said that their elder brother was a serving GMP police officer who was now afraid to go to work.

Mr Yakoob added that people should attend the protests as long as they are peaceful.

Bushra Shaikh, founder of Run Racism Out, who has been working with the family, said that she believed that the incident was linked to religion and race.

Ms Shaikh said: Whatever the context to this incident we hold police officers to a higher standard.

We have got to say that it looks like this is because they are a Pakistani, south Asian Muslim family.

The brothers were now looking to sue the force and they wanted to ensure that the officer cannot rejoin the police.

Adnan Hussain, the newly elected independent MP for Blackburn, who ran on a pro-Gaza platform, said that he was deeply concerned about what he described as a complete abuse of power.

But Mr Burnham told The Telegraph that he had viewed the footage of the incident and what leads up to it.

Andy Burnham said the investigation must now be allowed to proceed in a 'measured way' to be fair to 'everyone in the situation' - Danny Lawson

He added: It escalates very rapidly and is quite a violent exchange, presenting issues for both sides to answer. All this said, it does not make the image of the police officers actions any less disturbing. GMP were right to refer this to the IOPC and suspend the officer and there now needs to be a truly independent investigation which is concluded as swiftly as possible.

But he said that people do use situations like this for political purposes and he would ask them not to do it.

There is understandable feeling and anger in the communities when people see the incident, of course, I guess everyone understands that and theres a reaction but when people seek to exploit that then I dont think that is at all in the public interest, its not right.

Mr Amaz and his brother had travelled to Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening to collect their mother, who was returning from Pakistan.

When she arrived, she told them that she had been racially abused and pushed by another passenger, leading to a confrontation between the passenger and one of the brothers, sources close to the family told The Telegraph.

When the police arrived, it is alleged that one of the officers hit the mother in the face, before an altercation broke out between the brothers and the officers.

Footage of the incident which has been made public begins with Mr Amaz lying on the floor, apparently tasered, before an officer appears to kick and stamp on his head.

The brothers and two onlookers who had been filming the incident were all arrested and all four men have been released on bail.

In a statement on Thursday morning, a force spokesman said: Following a thorough review of further information that has become available in relation to an incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police has suspended a police officer from all duties.

A referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a full independent investigation.

We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place.

Catherine Bates, the regional director of police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), promised a thorough and robust independent investigation into the incident and said body-worn video and CCTV footage had been secured.

She later said that the IOPC had received a second referral from GMP.

Ms Bates said: The first, received earlier today, concerned the use of force by an officer on a man who was detained on the ground. The second relates to the same officers use of Pava spray on another man at the airport.

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Australian scientists have pinpointed the final resting place of a notorious shipwreck, which has gone down in history as one of the nation's worst maritime disasters outside of war, officials announced Thursday. The MV Noongah has finally been found more than a half century after it was lost at sea.

A collaborative effort aimed to locate the sunken freighter by analyzing underwater video footage and mapping out the sea floor off of New South Wales, through a process called bathymetry, said Australia's national science agency, CSIRO. One of the agency's research vessels investigated the wreck in June and determined that, after almost 55 years, the ship was largely intact and situated in an upright position at the bottom of the ocean, roughly 550 feet below the surface. A dive team then explored the wreck up-close to confirm its identity.

The Noongah, a huge freighter transporting steel between Newcastle and Townsville along Australia's eastern coast, sank in rough seas on Aug. 25, 1969, killing 21 of the 26 crew members on board. The remains of 20 of the dead were never recovered, and questions persist to this day as to why the ship went down all those years ago.

A three-dimensional bathymetry image shows the MV Noongah shipwreck along the sea floor off the coast of eastern Australia. / Credit: CSIRO

Samir Alhafith, who was part of the mission to find the wreck, said in a statement that knowing the ship's location may provide opportunities to answer some of those questions. He noted that the advanced technology necessary to find the Noongah did not exist until recently.

"Not only is the discovery of these significant wrecks important for the surviving sailors and families of those that perished during the tragedy but also it allows us to investigate the mystery behind the sinking," Alhafith said.

Others involved in the project to locate the Noongah said they hope knowing where it is will provide a level of closure to those who knew the crew members lost at sea.

View of the stern and upper decks of MV Noongah wreck. / Credit: CSIRO

"This tragedy is still very much in the memory of many in the community and we offer our condolences to families and descendants of the crew who were lost," said Matt Kimber, of CSIRO, in a statement. "Our thoughts are also with the surviving crew members from MV Noongah, and we hope that knowing the resting place of the vessel brings some closure for all."

On the day the Noongah went down, its crew tried for hours to keep the vessel afloat before eventually abandoning it about 30 minutes before the ship sank completely, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. The radio operator sent out a distress signal around then, which prompted what's remembered as one of the largest search and rescue operations ever carried out in Australia.

More than six hours after their ship sank, a Japanese tanker called Koyo Maru rescued two surviving crew members  John Wirth, an engineer, and Anwyl Durose, the assistant steward  from two individual life rafts. About six hours after that, a merchant vessel rescued three other men who had survived the seas by holding onto a plank of wood. Another crew member was later found dead.

The MV Noongah is pictured in Australia's Derwent River at some point after 1956. / Credit: Australian National Maritime Museum via CSIRO

Wirth told the Australian broadcaster in an interview that he didn't know what had caused the Noongah to sink.

"All I know is the ship was listing and I was called down below and we were trying to correct the list, but we weren't having much success and it was getting worse all the time," Wirth told the outlet.

Earlier this year, officials announced the discovery of the wreck of the coal steamship SS Nemesis off Australia's coast, more than a century after it sank. All 32 people on board were killed.

Hydrothermal explosion sends water, rocks flying at Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin

What polls say about a Trump-Harris matchup

Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle resigns
Nurse charged in Waupun prison death pleads not guilty after failing to get case dismissed

Jessica Ann Hosfelt, a former registered nurse at Waupun Correctional Institution, attends her preliminary hearing Thursday at the Dodge County Courthouse in Juneau. She is one of seven prison staff members charged in relation to the death a prisoner.

JUNEAU  A former registered nurse at Waupun Correctional Institution pleaded not guilty Thursday to a charge of abuse of residents of a penal facilities following the death of Donald Maier, a 62-year-old prisoner.

Jessica Ann Hosfelt, 47, is one of seven prison staff  including the former warden  facing criminal charges for Maier's death. Hosfelt is charged with a Class I felony.

Investigators say Hosfelt did not properly follow protocol after she was notified that Maier had not been eating for days and was drinking out of the toilet in his cell.

Maier was found dead in his cell two days later. The Dodge County medical examiner ruled he died of malnutrition and probable dehydration and determined his death was a homicide.

At Hosfelt's preliminary hearing Thursday, Dodge County Circuit Judge Martin De Vries bound her over for trial and then proceeded to arraignment, where she entered a plea of not guilty.

Prison staff did not document Maier's missed meals and intermittent water access

Dodge County Sheriff's Office Detective Kasey Young testified on Thursday about what he and other detectives learned in the investigation into Maier's death.

Young said Maier was moved from a cell in the behavioral health unit to a cell in the restrictive housing unit overnight between Feb. 13 and 14. Maier was placed in an observation cell, which has 24/7 surveillance cameras, because he "made some comments of self harm," Young said.

While under observation, prisoners are not only on camera at all hours, but are also only given limited items in their cell, as well as special clothing and a special blanket, in order to reduce the risk of suicide.

In the approximately nine days from the time Maier was moved to the restrictive housing unit cell to his death, he never left the cell, and no one ever entered the cell, Young testified.

Maier had known mental health issues, for which he had an assigned psychologist, Young testified. The criminal complaint states Maier was known among staff as "not being able to ... effectively communicate his needs" and rarely spoke to other prisoners.

The last time surveillance video showed that Maier had an empty meal tray outside his cell, indicating he had eaten the meal on it, was Feb. 17, Young said, five days before his death. There was evidence Maier did not eat anything after that point, Young said.

Between Feb. 18 and 21, no staff member served Maier breakfast or lunch, and on at least one of those days, Maier never received dinner  so at one point, no one served Maier anything for five meals in a row, Young said.

The criminal complaint states that if a prisoner misses three meals in a day or if they tell staff they are on a hunger strike, a nurse is supposed to conduct a "baseline assessment" on that prisoner, measuring their vitals and taking their height and weight. No such assessment was conducted on Maier.

Young said Waupun Correctional Institution's protocol for hunger strikes is to make a written documentation of when the prisoner has eaten. No such documentation was ever created for Maier.

Additionally, prison staff turned Maier's water off and on about a week before his death to prevent Maier from leaving it running and flooding his cell.

Young testified investigators were unable to create a definite timeline of when Maier had access to running water. Staff did not keep documentation of Maier's water access, and the water company did not keep track of historical data, he said. Young said body cameras were not required to be worn in the "bubble," a central area of the prison's restrictive housing unit where officers could turn cell water on and off.

Staff found Maier dead around 3:30 p.m. Feb. 22. The doctor who conducted the autopsy estimated Maier had died in the early morning hours of that day.

Dodge County Sheriffs Detective Kasey Young testifies Thursday in Juneau at a preliminary hearing for Jessica Ann Hosfelt, a former registered nurse at Waupun Correctional Institution. Hosfelt is among seven former staff members of the Waupun prison charged in relation to the death of a prisoner.

Investigators say nurse failed to follow prison procedure after learning Maier missed meals

Correctional Officer Jamall Russell was the primary officer in charge of delivering meals to Maier, Young testified. He reviewed footage from Russell's body camera through Feb. 19 to 22.

On Feb. 20, in front of a cell near Maier's, Russell spoke to Hosfelt. Young said body camera captured Russell asking Hosfelt what she knew about Maier, and telling the nurse Maier had not eaten in days and was drinking from the toilet. Hosfelt responded she was not familiar with Maier. She then walked away without looking into Maier's cell, Young testified.

Hosfelt returned to Maier's cell about 5 hours later, around 4:30 p.m., after a correctional lieutenant asked her to do a welfare check on Maier because an officer believed they saw Maier having a seizure.

According to the criminal complaint, Hosfelt told investigators she saw Maier sitting on the floor without clothes on and rocking back and forth while mumbling to himself. She said Maier did not respond to her when she tried to speak with him, but he did look toward another prisoner who called his name from a neighboring cell and responded, saying something she was unable to make out, the complaint says.

Although she did not enter the cell, Hosfelt determined Maier was "alert and responsive" and not having a seizure or medical emergency, the complaint says.

Young testified that for the entire welfare check, Hosfelt stood outside Maier's cell for no more than two minutes.

She wrote a report, but it said nothing about Maier's eating or drinking, Young said.

After Maier's death, Hosfelt told a detective that security staff ultimately determine when to physically go into a cell to check on a prisoner's well-being. However, multiple security staff told investigators they rely on health staff to tell them when a situation arises to the need of entering a cell for a medical reason, Young testified.

Hosfelt's attorney argues she was not aware of the extent of the situation

When it was his turn to cross-examine Young, defense attorney Daniel Kaminsky raised several points.

For one, he said, the responsibility of delivering meals falls to security staff, not health staff. Additionally, no one informed Hosfelt of any particular time when Maier's water had been shut off, or of the exact length of time he had gone without eating.

Waupun Correctional Institution's policy for meals indicates that if a prisoner does not eat for 72 hours, it should be considered an "emergency hunger strike," but if they don't eat for less than 72 hours, it's a non-urgent issue, Kaminsky said.

Kaminsky asked Young if the detective knew what was required by protocol for a nurse's welfare check in a prison  to which Young answered he did not.

Additionally, other security staff and medical staff visited Maier's cell between the time Hosfelt checked on him Feb. 20 and when he was found dead Feb. 22. Other medical staff similarly only did a visual medical check on Maier without entering his cell.

Kaminsky argued none of the evidence against Hosfelt suggests she neglected Maier in a way that rose to the level of a felony charge.

Still, Judge De Vries ruled that the evidence met the requirement of a preliminary hearing and ordered that the case against Hosfelt will move forward.

Dodge County Circuit Judge Martin De Vries speaks Thursday during Jessica Ann Hosfelts preliminary hearing Thursday. Hosfelt, a former registered nurse at Waupun Correctional Institution, is among seven former prison staff members charged in relation to the death of a prisoner.

RELATED: Nurse, other staff charged in Waupun prison deaths try to get cases dismissed

RELATED: What happened at Waupun: A timeline of prisoner deaths, investigations, lawsuits and resignations

Court proceedings continue for other former prison staff

In addition to the seven former Waupun Correctional Institution staff charged in connection with Maier's death, three staff members face charges for the Oct. 30 death of another prisoner, Cameron Williams, who died of a rare stroke after other prisoners say his calls for help were ignored.

Maier and Williams are two of four deaths at the prison in eight months. Dean Hoffman, 60, died by suicide in June 2023. Records show staff missed providing him his bipolar and antidepressant medications in the months before his death. Then on Oct. 2, 30-year-old Tyshun Lemons died of a fentanyl overdose.

All four deaths happened amid a lockdown at Waupun Correctional Institution  or what the Wisconsin Department of Corrections calls "modified movement"  as a result of understaffing, as well as a federal investigation into a suspected drug and cellphone smuggling ring by prison staff.

Besides Hosfelt and Russell, other former staff facing charges for Maier's death include warden Randall Hepp, Correctional Lt. Brandon Fisher, Correctional Sgts. Jeramie Chalker and Alexander Hollfelder, and Correctional Officer Sarah Anne Margaret Ransbottom.

Charged in Williams' death are Fisher, as well as Sgt. Tanner Leopold and registered nurse Gwendolyn Peachey Vick.

Hosfelt and Vick are the only staff members to have had preliminary hearings so far. Chalker's preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 5. All other staff have waived their preliminary hearings, according to court records.

Contact Kelli Arseneau at 920-213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @ArseneauKelli.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Nurse charged in Waupun prison death pleads not guilty
Former President Barack Obama plans to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris presidential bid, according to two people familiar with his plans.

That endorsement could come as soon as Thursday, according to one of the people granted anonymity to speak about an endorsement that is not yet public.

Obama, the first Black president, remains one of the most popular figures in the Democratic party even though more than a decade has passed since he was last elected. He lent his support to Biden during fundraisers, which were among some of the biggest blockbuster events of his campaign. He's also a draw during campaign events.

His backing could help activate and sustain energy  and fundraising  for Harris' campaign. And hes likely to get on the campaign trail for Harris once she is officially the presumptive nominee.



Harris and Obama have been in regular touch over the years, with the former president serving as a sounding board dating back to her time as attorney general in California. The two have spoken multiple times in recent days as she worked to consolidate party support for the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection bid.

Obama had reportedly been among the Democratic leaders who privately urged Biden to reconsider his candidacy. But Obama withheld his endorsement even as Biden, his former vice president, anointed her as his heir apparent.

Instead, Obama said in a statement on Sunday, We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

That move was criticized by many Democrats, who saw it as an insult. On a Black Men for Harris call this week, multiple men on the call knocked Obama for holding his powder dry, especially for a Black woman.



One attendee told POLITICO that the frustration on the call was obvious: The message was, We need to come together as Black men to support her and protect her and encourage those who have not done it, to do so.

But the wait before endorsing was intentional. A person familiar with Obamas thinking said he didnt want to put his thumb on the scale as the party worked through the process of determining its nominee.

He believed it was important for the party to have a legitimate process where delegates select our new nominee, and he thinks VP Harris has been off to an impressive start, the person said.

Now that Harris is clearly on the glide path to the nomination, Obama plans to offer his backing to the freshly minted Democratic candidate.

Obama withheld his endorsement during the 2020 primary, even though his own vice president was in the running, because he saw himself as an elder statesman who should let the party organically choose its future.

Its unclear what the actual endorsement will look like, but its likely to be more than just a paper statement, according to those people familiar.
Ocasio-Cortez to Musk: Sometimes being quiet is good for you

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and tech billionaire Elon Musk clashed on social media Wednesday over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress after Musk called the Democratic Party openly and boldly antisemitic.

The back-and-forth began after Musk responded to a post from Ocasio-Cortez on his social platform X about the decision by her and several other Democrats to boycott Netanyahus speech to a joint session of Congress.

Just so were clear, Netanyahu has lost so many people that he is addressing just a fraction of Congress, Ocasio-Cortez wrote. 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.

Musk, who attended the Israeli leaders address at the Capitol, replied, The Democratic Party has become openly & boldly antisemitic.

Hmm, Ocasio-Cortez responded, sometimes being quiet is free and good for you, adding a screenshot of a Wall Street Journal article about when Musk appeared to agree with an antisemitic post last year.

Musk came under fire last November after engaging with a post about an antisemitic conspiracy theory that suggested antisemitism was carried out by minorities and that Jewish people were to blame. This claim echoes false conspiracy theories claiming Jewish people want to flood Western countries with minorities.

The Hill has reached out to Musks team for comment.

Netanyahus joint address to Congress this week highlighted the bitter divide among lawmakers over the U.S.s policy toward Israel in its war with Palestinian militant group Hamas. The war, sparked by Hamass deadly Oct. 7 attacks against southern Israel, has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health officials.

The address was boycotted by a number of Democrats in protest of Netanyahus refusal to end the war and his inability to secure the release of all hostages being held by Hamas since its Oct. 7 attack.

A coalition of advocacy groups gathered around Capitol Hill to protest the speech and demand the arrest of Netanyahu, who has been charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

Musk and Ocasio-Cortez have butted heads various times on social media, including last summer, when the New York progressive criticized Xs safety measures.

Ocasio-Cortez has publicly criticized the platform on multiple occasions since Musks takeover, from blasting the billionaire for suspending several journalists from the social media platform to accusing Musk of boosting a fake Twitter account impersonating her.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Atlanta police are looking for a man accused of stealing checks from the American Cancer Society.

On May 7 at 1:24 p.m., officers responded to the American Cancer Society on Peachtree Street NW in reference to a larceny.

After arriving, officers spoke to someone who said they saw a man take a number of checks from the mailbox at the location.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The man was described as wearing a gray hoodie with dark pants and black and white sunglasses.

Anyone with information on this case can submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2,000.

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Milford-based Jeff Wyler Automotive Family will open a new location in Colerain Township, specializing in Kia sales. Pictured is the Jeff Wyler Buick GMC in Florence.

Real estate in Greater Cincinnati is booming. Here at The Enquirer, we aim to bring you in-depth real estate coverage about the developments and neighborhood issues you care about the most. Going Up is a series that introduces you to the need-to-know projects around the region.

Submit suggestions to sfranklin@enquirer.com or tag @Enquirer on social media.Please include the address or cross streets of the project you want us to look into.

Jeff Wyler Kia to open at former Colerain Bowl location

Address: 9189 Colerain Ave., Colerain Township (former home of Colerain Bowl).

Building type: Two-story, multi-use structure for Kia Automotive sales, service and administration.

Developer/contractor/architect/engineer: McGill Smith Punshon, Inc.

Size: The site is 4.2 acres with a 35,000-square-foot building.

What you need to know about Jeff Wyler Kia opening at the former Colerain Bowl site

The new Jeff Wyler Kia location will be a two-story stone and aluminum building at 9189 Colerain Ave., the former site of Colerain Bowl.

Milford-based Jeff Wyler Automotive Family will open a new location in Colerain Township, specializing in Kia sales.

The new Jeff Wyler Kia will be a two-story stone and aluminum building at 9189 Colerain Ave., near Roundtop Road, the former site of Colerain Bowl. The 50-year-old automotive company currently operates 40 dealerships across Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. According to its website, Jeff Wyler offers sales, service, and parts for 15 car brands, including new, used and commercial vehicles.

Heres where the project stands and whats ahead

Developers got permission from the township to demolish the former Colerain Bowl site, among other zoning allowances, in February 2024. The permit expires in March 2025. The project is expected to be completed by July or August 2025.

Developers got permission from the township to demolish the former Colerain Bowl site, among other zoning allowances, in February 2024.

The Enquirer contacted Jeff Wyler Kia and McGill Smith Punshon, Inc., for more information about the project but did not receive a response.

What do locals think?

David Miller, director of development for Colerain Township, told The Enquirer that the only feedback he's received from the community about this project is "sadness about losing their beloved Colerain Bowl." Several residents left comments under the township's Jan. 18 Facebook post, expressing their feelings about the bowling alley's closure and the upcoming dealership.

"Historical society should have saved it, Ill leave it at that," one comment reads.

"Never should have allowed another dealership to take over that property. The bowling alley was such a huge part of Colerain for families and for local school field trips," another Facebook user wrote.

"Passed the vacant lot for the first time just this week. It was jarring, and my heart sank," another person added.

Per Google Maps, the new Jeff Wyler Kia will be next to a Joseph Toyota car dealership and a Speedway gas station. Across from the new Jeff Wyler Kia are Geraci Fine Jewelry, Subway, Pretty Nails, a child care agency, Waffle House and a U-Haul truck rental facility.

History of Colerain Bowl

A a shot of the Colerain Bowl sign from 1996, as documented by the Colerain Township Zoning Department.

Frank Ruggerie opened Colerain Bowl in November 1960. The iconic bowling alley continued to be owned and operated by the Ruggerie family until it closed in June 2022. Colerain Bowl originally opened with just 36 lanes and added 12 lanes a decade later, in 1970.

Over the years, Colerain Bowl grew into one of "Cincinnati's premier bowling conglomerates": Gold Triangle Fun Centers, which included See-More Lanes, Colerain Bowl, and Northwest Lanes.

The bowling alley was listed for sale approximately three years before it closed.

The Enquirer reported in 2022 that Ruggerie's daughter Gina in a Facebook post cited the "economic landscape" as the main reason for the closure.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Colerain Bowl: What's going in on site on Colerain Avenue?
The Gordie Howe International Bridge in the background of Mariners' Memorial Lighthouse taken at Belanger Park in River Rouge on July 24,2024. | Kyle Davidson

With the bridge deck on the Gordie Howe International Bridge connected, officials from the U.S. and Canada marked another milestone Wednesday, as the bridge linking Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, is now an official border crossing.

While the final two edge girders connecting the bridge deck were put in place on June 14, the connection process is now complete with workers installing the remaining steel beams and precast concrete panels.

Canadas Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser, U.S. Federal Highway Administrator (FHWA) Shailen Bhatt, Michigan State Transportation Director Bradley Wieferich, U.S. and Canadian border officials and other individuals marked the accomplishment during a news conference on Wednesday.

I am thrilled to celebrate the connection of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which represents the strong ties between Detroit and Windsor, and the US and Canada. Over twenty years of collaboration and dedication have led us to this important milestone, and FHWA is proud to stand together with the many partners who made this bridge a reality, Bhatt said in a statement released after the event.

Focus now shifts to the bridges surface, with about a year of construction left on the project, according to the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.

Connecting the American and Canadian sides of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is an incredible example of ingenuity and engineering. It also is a perfect metaphor for what can be accomplished when we all work together toward a common goal, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement. When this magnificent structure opens next year, we will have built a bridge in more ways than one that will benefit our communities for generations to come.

With the first vehicles set to cross the bridge in Fall 2025, workers are still installing electrical systems, including lighting, alongside drainage systems, fire suppression, continued road surface work, adjusting the bridges stay cables and installing safety and emergency features.

The completed bridge will also house a peregrine falcon nesting box located below the deck and featuring a remote operated camera.

In a statement, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer applauded the workers who helped complete the bridge deck.

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, Whitmer said.

Because of our effective collaboration on this bridge, commerce will flow, commuters will get to work and back home, and both of our economies will continue to grow. Lets take a moment to celebrate and then stay focused on getting the job done, Whitmer said.

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RAHWAY, N.J. (PIX11)  Officials on Thursday identified a 20-year-old Rahway resident in connection with the shooting of a Perth Amboy detective.

The shooting happened just before 9 p.m. Wednesday as Perth Amboy detectives were executing an arrest warrant for 20-year-old Angel Santiago, a suspect in an aggravated assault from the day before, officials said.

Goodbye student MetroCard, hello student OMNY Card

There was an exchange of gunfire between Santiago and the officers, leaving one detective shot, officials said.

Santiago was also shot in the lower leg, although it was not immediately clear who shot him, according to the Union County Prosecutor and Rahway police.

The police officer was shot three times and taken to an area hospital in stable condition, according to the New Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Association. The injuries were not life-threatening.

All of New Jersey is praying for his recovery as he undergoes treatment at an area hospital, and we are grateful to the many law enforcement officers who responded and rendered aid immediately after the shooting, said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

Initial reports from Rahway Mayor Raymond Giacobbe indicated that there may have been more than one suspect involved in the incident. However, police have only identified Santiago as being involved.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured officer. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery and offer support to his family during this challenging time, Giacobbe said.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Union County Prosecutors Office Sergeant Dennis Donovan at 732-232-2049 or Detective Christine Spady at 908-403-1623.

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.
Oh No, He Didn't! Tennessee Politician Makes Move To Impeach Kamala Harris And You Won't Believe His Reasonings

Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to supporters during a campaign rally at West Allis Central High School on July 23, 2024 in West Allis, Wisconsin - Image: Jim Vondruska (Getty Images)

Republicans are feeling the heat after President Joe Biden stepped aside and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. Scratching at anything they can find to make Harris look bad, here comes Tenn. Rep. William Andy Ogles trying to impeach her.



On Tuesday, Ogles filed two impeachment articles regarding Harris handling of the US border crisis and allegedly covering up Bidens health. According to Ogles, the vice president willfully and systematically refused to uphold the immigration laws, failed to control the border to the detriment of national security, compromised public safety, and violated the rule of law, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.

The filing references multiple crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants against American citizens. Ogles cited the killing of Laken Riley, the 22-year-old University of Georgia student who was killed while going for a run, as a direct result to Harris lack of control at the southern boarder.

According to the Nashville Banner, Olges, who is up for reelection, has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Not only that, the Republican is an avid Trump supporter and has even introduced the Let Trump Speak Act in support of the former president.

In the filing against Harris, Ogles referred to her as a border czar, saying she violated her constitutional oath and is a threat to national security and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office.

Its important to note that just last week, the U.S. Customs and Boarder Patrol announced arrests at the U.S.-Mexico boarder reached a historic low for the Biden administration in June.

This isnt the first time the GOP has attempted to take down a Democrat using the same game plan. Earlier this year, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas became the first cabinet member to be impeached in the House since the 1870s, according to the Hill. Those articles were dismissed, so now it seems the Republicans are coming to bat once again, hoping to knock out Harris.



But wait... theres more. If that wasnt enough, Ogles is also claiming Harris mislead Americans about the true state of Bidens health. This comes after many Republicans have questioned what exactly the vice president knew about Bidens mental and physical health heading into the 2024 election.

Since the start of the election cycle, many lawmakers noticed the 81-year-old presidents health has worsened. Even though Biden claimed that with age comes wisdom, his presidential bid ended on Sunday, leaving an open spot for Harris to slip right in.

Since announcing her bid for presidency, Harris has garnered massive support from her party. Even though she has to wait for next months Democratic Convention to officially become the nominee, Harris has already secured enough support from hundreds of delegates and all 23 Democratic governors to get the Democratic vote, according to the New York Times. Additionally, The Harris campaign received $81 million in donations within the first 24 hours of her campaign announcement, breaking a record.

Harris has not commented on the recent impeachment.

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ZANESVILLE  The Supreme Court of Ohio has set a new precedent in custody law due to a Muskingum County case in which a mother said she was denied due process in fighting for custody of her children. She lost that argument when the highest court of the state rendered its decision on Tuesday.

Were very pleased with the decision of the Supreme Court, said Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch, whose office was accused of denying a Muskingum County woman identified as K.G. the right to cross-examine a psychologist during a May 2022 legal custody hearing.

The psychologists report was issued after four separate meetings with K.G. and questioned her parenting. It was one of the factors used for justifying the removal of her children from her care.

From the time that the case was heard up until the decision was rendered by the Supreme Court ... we feel like we acted properly and legally, said Welch, who represented Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services in the case. To have that verified by the Supreme Court is satisfying.

What happened

K.G. gave birth to two children in 2020 who were both significantly underweight. After the mother suffered mental health issues following the birth of her children, the hospital contacted Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services, who then asked the Muskingum Juvenile Court for temporary custody. The children were placed in the care of a family member.

Protective services filed a motion in 2021 to give the family member legal custody. The report filed by the psychologist questioning K.G.s ability to parent her children was used during a May 2022 hearing, but the psychologist was not present. The mother's attorney objected, stating the mother should have been able to question the psychologist at the hearing.

The juvenile court disagreed and gave temporary custody to the family member. The mother then appealed the decision in the Fifth District Court of Appeals, where the decision of the issuing court was reversed. Protective services appealed the case, which was then taken up by the Ohio Supreme Court.

What does the case law decision say?

The ruling, re R.G.M., Slip Opinion No. 2024-Ohio-2737, distinguished between permanency in custody rights, among other things.

It said that a parent in a legal custody proceeding in juvenile court (who still has legal rights but not physical control of the child, as in K.G.s case), does not have the same legal safeguards as a parent facing the loss of parental rights in a permanent custody proceeding, according to a unanimous opinion authored by Justice Jennifer Brunner.

The Supreme Court ruling also stated that K.G. was not denied an opportunity to question the psychologist, as was stated in her appeal.

In fact, according to the Supreme Court ruling, K.G. and her attorney had the report from the psychologist for almost a year, didn't question him or subpoenaed him to the May 22 hearing for cross-examination.

The defense had access to the report and an opportunity to request the chance to question the author about the findings, said Welch, noting that they just didnt do it. The state didnt violate the parents rights during the course of the hearing.

The court also ruled that K.G. could not show she was harmed by the decision of the juvenile court.

From this day forward

Duking it out at the state Supreme Court level is like breathing rarefied air, said Welch.

Its significant. Because not a lot of cases make it to the Supreme Court. It's considered a court of last resort in Ohio. Its the final say of case law in the state.

From this day forward, this Muskingum County case will be cited as case law in other court trials with similar facts.

It has set a precedent, said Welch. If this were to come up in (any court in Ohio) that has similar facts, this is going to be what the case law is.

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: County prosecutors office sets precedent in Supreme Court win
July 24 (UPI) -- A resident of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison for threatening to blow up a Columbus Planned Parenthood clinic in 2022 and conspiring to launder money.

Mohamed Waes, 33, was sentenced to 66 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday. Waes also must pay $273,982.08 in restitution.

Waes on July 5, 2022, "threatened to burn down a reproductive health clinic in order to intimidate employees from providing care to patients," Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clark said in a statement Wednesday.

"Using threats of violence to obstruct access to reproductive healthcare is simply unlawful," Clark said. "The Justice Department will continue to protect patients seeking reproductive health services and providers offering those services."

Waes in February pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge under the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

The FACE Act makes it illegal to intentionally interfere with or intimidate anyone for providing reproductive health services.

Waes pleaded guilty to calling Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio and threatening to burn down its buildings.

Waes also had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering when he tried to launder more than $1.92 million obtained through business email fraud schemes.

He successfully laundered $273,982.08, which he must repay.

The business email fraud scheme involved creating seemingly original emails from vendors seeking payments for actual invoices but to bank accounts controlled by Waes and his accomplices.
Ohio Mom Was Killed Trying to Rescue Young Son While Car Was Being Stolen. Now Trio Is Charged with Murder

Two juveniles and a 19-year-old man were charged with murder in the July 11 death of Alexa Stakely

GoFundMe Alexa Stakely

A 19-year-old man and two teens were arrested in connection with the death of an Ohio mother who was killed while trying to rescue her 6-year-old son from suspected carjackers.

Alexa Stakely suffered fatal injuries when she was struck by her car early on the morning of July 11, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

Stakelys SUV was then driven through an apartment complex and abandoned, with her son sleeping inside, police say, though the child was later found unharmed, police say.

In the aftermath of the incident, police say they have been searching for suspects who allegedly fled the scene on foot.

On Wednesday, July 25 the Columbus Division of Police said it arrested two suspects, both juveniles, in connection with Stakelys death. Neither suspect was named by police.

The first teen, police say, turned himself in to police headquarters accompanied by his parents and agreed to be interviewed by detectives. The teen allegedly told police that he stole Stakelys vehicle and struck her, according to the department.

Later that day, police say they identified a second teen they claim was involved in the killing. During an interview with detectives, the teen allegedly admitted to being present when Stakely was killed. He also told police a third person was involved in the incident, the department claims.

Related: Ohio Mom Killed While Trying to Stop Car from Being Stolen with Her 6-Year-Old Son Inside

Both teens were charged with murder, though its not immediately clear if either has entered a plea.

According to reports from WBNS, WSYX and The Columbus Dispatch citing a police spokesperson, hours after the second teen was arrested, police apprehended Gerald Dowling, 19, after he allegedly came to police headquarters and admitted his involvement.

Jail records indicate that Dowling is charged with murder. It is not immediately if he has retained an attorney or entered a plea.

Police had previously said Stakely, a single mother, had finished a shift at her second job as a waitress when she was picking up her son from a babysitters house on July 11.

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Stakely had put her son in her SUV and started the vehicle, when she realized she had forgotten something and ran back toward the babysitters home. As she returned to the vehicle, the SUV started backing out. Stakely started running after it.

The 29-year-old mother was then struck by the vehicle and thrown onto the pavement, according to police.

Stakely also worked as a speech pathologist for the Canal Winchester, Ohio, school district at the time of her death.

Alexa was passionate about children and speech-language therapy, the Canal Winchester School District said in a Facebook post. She was smart and compassionate, and she cared so much about helping children develop their ability to communicate. She was a great mom who was incredibly dedicated to her son. Ms. Stakely made a difference in the lives of the students and families she worked with and will be missed by so many in our community and beyond."

A GoFundMe started to raise money for Stakely's son has raised over $90,000.



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Just because you order boneless chicken wings at a restaurant does not mean you shouldn't expect to find bones, the Ohio Supreme Court said in a 4-3 ruling issued Thursday.

In a divided decision, Republicans on the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that bones are a natural part of chicken so a consumer should be on guard for them  even in boneless wings.

There is no breach of a duty when the consumer could have reasonably expected and guarded against the presence of the injurious substance in the food, Republican Justice Joe Deters wrote for the majority.

But Democrats on the court called that reasoning absurd. They contended that a jury, not appeals court judges, should decide whether customers should expect to find bones in boneless wings.

More on bone in boneless wings: An Ohio man sued over a bone in his boneless wing. Ohio's top court heard the case

"The result in this case is another nail in the coffin of the American jury system, wrote Justice Michael Donnelly, a Democrat. "In my view, the majority opinion makes a factual determination to ensure that a jury does not have a chance to apply something the majority opinion lacks  common sense."

In April 2016, Michael Berkheimer ordered boneless wings with parmesan garlic sauce at Wings on Brookwood in Hamilton. On the third piece, he felt "something go down the wrong pipe." He unsuccessfully tried clearing his throat and later that night, started to run a fever. The next day, a doctor removed the chicken bone but Berkheimer ended up with an infection and endured two surgeries.

Michael Burkheimer, a regular at Wings on Brookwood, claims in 2016 he ordered boneless chicken wings from the restaurant, but ended up with a bone lodged in his esophagus. It caused an infection that has left him with a debilitating heart condition. Wings on Brookwoods storefront in Hamilton, Ohio on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.

In 2017, Berkheimer sued the restaurant owners as well as the chicken suppliers and processors. The Butler County Common Pleas Court trial judge decided that consumers should be on guard against the possibility of bones in boneless chicken. The 12th District Court of Appeals agreed. The Ohio Supreme Court heard the case in December 2023.

Berkheimer argued that boneless means boneless. The defendants argued that bones are natural to meat, so consumers should expect them.

Deters wrote that boneless wings are a cooking method, not a promise of no bones.

"A diner reading 'boneless wings' on a menu would no more believe that the restaurant was warranting the absence of bones in the items than believe that the items were made from chicken wings, just as a person eating 'chicken fingers' would know that he had not been served fingers," Deters wrote. "The food items label on the menu described a cooking style; it was not a guarantee."

But Donnelly called that "utter jabberwocky." "Still, you have to give the majority its due; it realizes that boneless wings are not actually wings and that chicken fingers are not actually fingers," he wrote.

The ruling provides legal protection to food businesses. But Donnelly wrote that it could have more serious consequences: Could someone allergic to nuts or gluten sue if they were served something dangerous to them?

"People can die under some of those circumstances, and this court would point to the decision in this case and say that lactose and gluten and nuts are natural to foods," he wrote.

Deters pushed back against that slippery slope.

"Unlike the presence of the bone in this case, the presence of lactose or gluten in a food that was advertised as lactose-free or gluten-free is not something a consumer would customarily expect and be able to guard against," Deters wrote.

Laura A. Bischoff and Jessie Balmert are reporters for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

Boneless wings case by Jessie Balmert on Scribd

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Supreme Court says boneless chicken wings can have bones
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Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRoses voter purge disproportionately goes after voters of color, Ohio civil rights organizations argue.

More than half of Ohio voters who might be purged from the states voter rolls are registered in counties where a majority of the population is people of color, said Ohio Unity Coalition Executive Director Pierrette Talley.

It appears to me that this purge disproportionately targets voters of color, many of whom have long been disenfranchised from the political process, either because of discriminatory barriers that prevent them from exercising their power to vote or peoples life circumstances that have prevented them from being able to fully participate in our democracy, she said during a Tuesday press conference.

Last month, LaRose published a list of 158,857 inactive voter registration who were eligible to be removed from the Statewide Voter Registration Database  meaning they would be purged from voter rolls and not able to vote in the upcoming Presidential election. County board of elections had until Monday to finish their voter purge.

LaRoses office did not respond to questions about when they would have a final list of purge voters or about the accusation the purge disproportionately affects voters of color.

What our politicians should be focusing on is expanding voting rights rather than trying to restrict them, said Bria Bennett, the communications director for Ohio Organizing Collaborative.

A registered voter could be on the list if they filled out a change-of-address form with the U.S. Postal Service signaling they have moved or they have not voted at their registered address in the past four years after being marked for removal by a countys voter registration system. The voter purge is part of Ohios process of updating its rolls and removing voters who have moved out-of-state or died.

There has to be a better way to clean Ohios voter roll, said Deidra Reese, voter engagement director at the Ohio Organizing Collaborative.

This ability to take people off the rolls is saying people who have affirmatively registered to vote will not be able to vote simply because of a procedural issue, thats just not fair, she said. It is not proper to say people who meet those regulations should be taken off the roll.  We just want people who are eligible to actually be able to vote and not have barriers and particularly not to disproportionately impact voters of color.

Talley is disappointed the voter purge is happening.

People should be allowed to opt out of any election and they should certainly not live in an environment where if you dont exercise your right to vote that you lose your right to vote, she said.

Voting is an essential part of democracy, said President of the Ohio Conference NAACP Tom Roberts.

By definition, democracy means people rule and our democracy works best when every voter can participate in this democracy and voting is one of the most public ways of sharing the work of a democracy, he said.

A voter whose registration has been purged can regain their ability to vote by reregistering on the Secretarys registration website or by visiting their county board of elections.

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 7.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Twitter.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio is working to remedy a shortage of skilled trade employees by providing resources for incarcerated juveniles to start careers in fields such as construction or welding once they are released.

The Ohio Department of Youth Services and Department of Commerce have partnered to educate incarcerated youth about skilled trade career opportunities. So far, the departments held an event at the Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility in May and at the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility in July. At the events, workers from local skilled trades taught incarcerated youth who are close to graduating about available careers and apprenticeship programs.

Three arrests made in Alexa Stakely death

Ohio is growing leaps and bounds, said Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield. Theres lots of construction going on. We have a shortage of people in the trades for a lot of different reasons and this is a good golden ticket forward for these formerly incarcerated youth to have a career path.

Maxfield said the two events are just the first steps in a long-term plan for the state to gain much-needed workers.

Were going to have to start thinking about those that are in community-based programs as well, Maxfield said. Its going to take a lot of years for the effect to show up because there will be people that certainly sign up for this program. We hope they make it through their apprenticeship and go on to become a certified electrician or plumber or HVAC installer, but realistically, some will drop out, but we are thinking about the long game.

In Ohio and across the country, skilled trades are facing an aging workforce resulting in a high demand for workers. Construction, plumbing, HVAC, electric, welding and pipefitting positions are highly sought after and offer competitive salaries even at the apprenticeship level, according to the Department of Commerce.

After as little as five years as an apprentice, individuals in a trade can expect to earn more than twice the median income in Ohio while avoiding student debt, the Department of Commerce states. In numerous cases, if a higher education is desired, skilled trade employers will offer to pay for an individual to earn college credit toward an associate or bachelors degree.

How Ohioans can get a free tree to fight an invasive species

I think a second chance is extremely important because were still young and still have our whole life ahead of us, an incarcerated juvenile told the Department of Commerce. Its a great program, its definitely something to look into.

Research shows that having a job reduces the chances of a formerly incarcerated person reoffending, and similarly finds individuals are less likely to commit crimes when they have stable, full-time employment, according to The Brookings Institution. Additionally, providing education in prison is proven to reduce recidivism rates and is associated with higher employment rates, the U.S. Department of Education claims.

Ohio is seeing an increase in the number of incarcerated youth who are completing their high school education, according to the Department of Youth Services. During the 2023 to 2024 academic school year, 34 incarcerated juveniles in the departments facilities earned GEDs and 53 earned a high school diploma. These figures mark the highest number of high school diplomas earned in at least a decade and the highest combined number in five years, according to a spokesperson.

Additionally, youth completed 1,307 skill certificates and 187 industry credentials. Several juveniles also earned college credit hours through Stark State College and Sinclair Community College. The Department of Youth Services funds three correctional facilities that housed a total of 411 juveniles as of June 2023.

Olentangy coach, secretary connected for life through kidney donation

Maxfield said while this particular project is aimed at young people who are incarcerated, the state needs more skilled trade workers and people of all ages are encouraged to consider a career in these fields.

The state agencies will visit the Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility in August to continue their initiative and educate more incarcerated juveniles about career opportunities.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CLINTON, Okla. (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is set to open its new photo exhibit called Discovering 66, on Saturday, July 27.

The new exhibit will feature photos taken by Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association.

Martin, who grew up in the Tulsa area, says that he had never given historic Route 66 a thought until he took a life-changing trip around the world. Following his trip, he returned and realized that Route 66 was a mirror of his own experience for tens of thousands of travelers from around the world.

LOCAL NEWS: Toast to Toby Keith tribute concert to be held July 26

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum will be hosting the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The opening of the new photo exhibit will follow immediately after the ceremony.

The museum will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The event is open to the public and free to attend.

Regular museum admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors ages 62 and up, $4 for children ages six to 18 and free for children under the age of six.

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is located at 2229 West Gary Boulevard in Clinton.

For more information about the event, visit okhistory.org.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Fox News has proposed a presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on September 17.

The debate invitation from the right-wing cable network would take place in the swing state of Pennsylvania, with anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum serving as moderators, it said Wednesday.

In letters to the Trump and Harris campaigns, Fox News President Jay Wallace and Vice President of Politics Jessica Loker said it is open to discussion on the exact date, format and location  with or without an audience.

The letter also noted that despite not having a Democratic debate in 2016 or 2020, the network was able to secure town halls with Democratic candidates including with Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Julian Castro, Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand.

The network also attached statistics and ratings which it said pointed to its strength with key demographics such as independents in swing states.

The Trump and Harris campaigns did not immediately respond to CNN requests for comment on the proposal.

Trump and President Joe Bidens campaign had previously agreed to two debates this year, one hosted by CNN in June and another to be hosted by ABC on September 10. Its not clear if that debate will still take place now that Biden has dropped out of the race.

Trump has also expressed displeasure at ABC and has previously posted that he wants Fox News to host the debate instead of the Disney-owned network. An ABC News spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

In a conference call with reporters on Tuesday, Trump said he absolutely wants to debate Harris, and would be willing to do more than one debate, actually.

I havent agreed to anything. I agreed to a debate with Joe Biden, Trump said. But I want to debate her, and shell be no different, because they have the same policies. I think debatings important for a presidential race, I really do, you sort of have an obligation to debate.

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An Oklahoma woman was sentenced to up to 12 years in prison for killing a Kingston woman in a drunk driving crash last year in Newburgh.

Nicholle Hoke, 45, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, was sentenced in Orange County Court to four to 12 years in prison following her guilty plea to aggravated vehicular homicide.

Hoke crashed her vehicle into another on state Route 9W in the town of Newburgh while driving to her hotel from a bar in New Paltz on the night of June 23, 2023.

Her blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.16%, twice the legal limit in New York state.

Background on this case: Oklahoma woman pleads guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide in town of Newburgh crash

According to police records, Hoke was driving south when her vehicle crossed into the northbound lane. The driver of an oncoming vehicle swerved in an attempt to dodge Hokes vehicle but was unsuccessful, suffering serious injuries.

A passenger in the second vehicle, Laura Chavez-Aralos, 61, of Kingston, was taken to Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in the city of Newburgh, where she died from her injuries.

In a moment, the defendants callous actions stole the life of one innocent person, and forever changed the life of another, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler said in a statement. The significant sentence imposed in this case should stand as a warning to those who might consider making the same criminal choices this defendant made.

Incidents such as this one are not accidents, they are serious crimes and perpetrators must be held accountable, he continued, emphasizing his offices commitment to combatting drunken driving.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Newburgh 2023 fatal crash: Oklahoma woman sentenced
Emergency vehicles from the police, fire department and airport security are parked on the apron of Frankfurt Airport, where two activists have taped themselves up. Several demonstrators had forced their way onto the airport grounds early in the morning and stuck themselves there. As a result, air traffic was temporarily suspended. It has since been partially resumed. Arne Dedert/dpa

Around one in 10 flights were cancelled at Germany's Frankfurt airport on Thursday - a major European transport hub - after activists from the Last Generation climate group glued themselves to the tarmac.

About 140 of the airport's 1,400 scheduled flights were annulled due to the disruption at Germany's largest airport, operators Fraport said. Passengers were told to expect delays for the rest of the day.

The runways were clear for flight operations to resume at 7:50 am (0550 GMT), just under three hours after eight people entered the airport premises and stuck themselves to the tarmac and a fence.

A Fraport spokesman condemned the protest, saying that "the perpetrators face severe penalties and high civil claims for damages."

The eight activists had gained access to the fenced-off airport grounds at around 5 am, the police said. One of them got caught on the fence, while the seven others managed to breach the security area and glue themselves to the two central take-off and landing runways.

The activists were handed to the Hesse state police after being removed from the tarmac.

Last Generation behind stunt

Following a similar incident at Germany's Cologne/Bonn airport on Wednesday that led to a three-hour flight suspension, Last Generation again claimed responsibility for the breach.

"The continued extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal is a threat to our existence," the group posted on X, calling for an end to fossil fuel use by 2030.

The group said that six people had cut their way through the wire mesh fence and walked, cycled or skated to various spots on the runways, where they displayed signs saying "Oil kills."

Inside the airport terminals, long queues formed at the Lufthansa airline counters, while the airport offered free water to travellers.

With delays expected throughout the day, passengers were asked to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Stern condemnation

Hesse state premier Boris Rhein sharply criticized the disruptive action.

"These irresponsible and criminal climate radicals are only interested in causing as much damage as possible," Rhein posted on X. "And this at the expense of thousands of holidaymakers looking forward to a few days of vacation. Anyone who jeopardizes safety in this way must be severely punished."

Transport Minister Volker Wissing told Bild newspaper: "Legislators must respond with maximum severity to this. We have already initiated tougher penalties for such criminal behaviour."

The Cabinet decided last week to tighten penalties for air traffic interference. However, parliament still needs to vote on the proposal.

The Fraport spokesman said there are more than 30 kilometres of fence at Frankfurt airport, which are technically secured and monitored by patrols.

Emergency vehicles from the police, fire department and airport security are parked on the apron of Frankfurt Airport, where two activists have taped themselves up. Several demonstrators had forced their way onto the airport grounds early in the morning and stuck themselves there. As a result, air traffic was temporarily suspended. It has since been partially resumed. Arne Dedert/dpa

Travelers stand in front of a display board in the terminal at Frankfurt Airport, where numerous departures have been cancelled. Climate activists had forced their way onto the airport premises early in the morning and stuck to the board. Helmut Fricke/dpa
On June 18, Select Health and Intermountain Health celebrated the grand opening of Select Healths new headquarters in Las Vegas with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. This 20,000-square-foot facility features a member service call center, training rooms, an event space for hosting insurance information sessions, and access to the new Intermountain Health Maule Clinic, which is exclusively available to Select Health members.

Nevada Select Health members and patients now have access to a unique hub for adult primary care and insurance services in the southwest Las Vegas Valley.

Our new building and clinic offer a one-stop shop for care, support, and services, making the experience easier for patients and members, said Jason Worthen, Select Health market president for Nevada. This collaboration with Intermountain Health will empower members to advocate for their health, find preventive services, manage chronic conditions, and improve their well-being, Worthen added.

The new Select Health headquarters is available to all members to access care, explore health insurance products and services, ask questions face-to-face, and receive immediate assistance.

The Intermountain Health Maule Clinic provides specialized primary care services exclusively for Select Health Medicare members, ensuring Medicare beneficiaries receive high-quality, preventive care. Additionally, the clinic offers traditional primary care services for commercial Select Health members, expanding healthcare options for the community.

Our team is dedicated to delivering the highest standards of patient-centered care, said Intermountain Health family medicine physician Catherine Bautista, MD, one of two providers caring for patients at the clinic. I educate my patients to ensure they have the information they need to help manage their chronic conditions and to prioritize nutrition and lifestyle changes, so they feel empowered to take care of themselves and live the healthiest lives possible.

Intermountain Health offers patient care at over 65 clinics across Southern Nevada, with more than 30 recognized as award-winning primary care clinics for adults 65 and older.

With this new headquarters and clinic, Select Health and Intermountain Health demonstrate their ongoing commitment to improving the healthcare landscape in Nevada. As an integrated nonprofit health system, this collaborative effort focuses on meeting the needs of members, patients, and the community, aiming to reinvest in the community, improve access to care, and provide a better healthcare experience.

This combined effort also addresses healthcare disparities by prioritizing social determinants of health (SDOH) among members, patients, employees, and the community. Key initiatives include local hiring, data enhancement, and making disparity reduction a clinical best practice.

The Select Health Nevada headquarters and Intermountain Health Maule Clinic are located at 6795 Agilysys Way in Las Vegas. The clinic, which opened on May 13, 2024, operates on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on weekends. Select Health members can schedule a visit to the new clinic by calling 702-948-1155 or for general questions call 702-790-5860.

With the opening of this new facility, Select Health and Intermountain Health are expanding their mission of helping Nevadans live their healthiest lives possible. Together, both organizations are committed to helping Nevadans stay healthy.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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PLYMOUTH  Opening statements were made Thursday in the murder trial of Christine Ricci, the Marshfield woman accused of stabbing her husband, Michael Ricci, to death at their home in early 2021.

After the jury was given instructions by Plymouth Superior Court Judge Diane Freniere, Assistant District Attorney Shanan Buckingham addressed the jury of nine men and seven women, four of whom will be designated as alternate jurors. She told them that Christine Ricci had been unable to get over an affair her husband had in 2018.

She said Christine Ricci continued to needle her husband over his actions even after the couple decided to work on themselves and the marriage, going so far as to reconfirm their vows in a 2019 ceremony.

"It was like a pot of water on a stove," Buckingham said. "She turned up the heat by bringing up the affair over and over."

She told jurors they would hear from relatives, friends and Michael Ricci's co-workers from the Boston Fire Department, all of whom would testify to hearing about fights and seeing him with black eyes, a fat lip, scratches and even a broken nose in the years since the affair.

Prosecutors hope to use that testimony to prove a pattern of abuse on Christine Ricci's part that culminated with Michael Ricci receiving a fatal stab wound to the chest, along with a less severe stab wound near one shoulder and a long scratch along his back.

Christine Ricci is charged with first-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

"Listen carefully and keep an open mind," Buckingham said to the jury.

Christine Ricci sits with defense lawyer Moira Barry during the jury empanelment phase of her trial Monday, July 22, 2024.

Ricci's lawyer: Raising past incidents a distraction

One of Ricci's lawyers, Joshua Wood, told jurors that they need to focus on the day of the slaying and the facts surrounding it rather than on piecemeal testimony and second-hand accounts of actions taken over a few years.

He said many of the events he expects state witnesses to describe happened in the six to nine months following the affair and are not relevant.

"Everything that happened that day was in a 15-minute period from 4:30 to 4:45 that afternoon," he said. "The state only has that small amount of time to work with, so they want to distract you (with the other testimony). Christine's words are the only evidence we have."

Boston Fire Rescue Co. 2 shared this photo of Michael Ricci on Twitter.

He said her distraught demeanor and behavior after the slaying indicates that she did not plan to kill him or try to make his death as painful and prolonged as the state might argue as part of its "extreme atrocity and cruelty" approach to the case.

"She never intended to kill him," Wood said. "Focus on what we actually know, and I will come to you at the end of the trial and ask that you find her not guilty."

The case continued Thursday with one of the couple's three children testifying what she heard and saw in the house the day of the slaying. The other two children were not home at the time.

What Christine Ricci says happened

Marshfield police wentto the Ricci home on Jan. 28, 2021, after the couples 16-year-old child called 911. Firefighters treating Michael Ricci, 51, found that he had been stabbed in the heart and on the back of his left shoulder. He had also been slashed on his back, according to the Plymouth County district attorneys office.

Michael Ricci, a 23-year Boston firefighter, was taken to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, where he was pronounced dead.

Christine Ricci, of Marshfield, is arraigned on murder charges in the stabbing death of her husband, Michael, at Plymouth District Court on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021.

Christine Ricci, who was 46 at the time of her arrest, has said her husband had been suffering a manic episode for three days when he came in from shoveling snow. She said an argument ensued and that he became aggressive, grabbed her throat and threw her to the floor.

According to the prosecutor at the time of her arraignment, Christine Ricci said she grabbed a knife to scare him away. He then lunged at her, and thats when she plunged the knife into his chest, she said.

Both Michael and Christine Ricci had mental health issues, but no records exist to support the claims of manic behavior on Michael Riccis part, prosecutors said.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Christine Ricci on trial in Marshfield death of her husband
There are more than 700 Asian American elected officials across the country, including the presumed Democratic Party presidential nominee Kamala Harris and 20 members of Congress. Since the data show a leftward bent among Asian Americans Gen X and younger, one might expect that representation to be entirely Democratic. But Asian Americans have long had an energetic presence in the Republican Party. Its worth asking how attractive the GOP might look to them come November.

George H.W. Bush won this voting bloc 32 years ago. So did Bob Dole in 1996. In recent years, Elaine Chao, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy and now Usha Vance have become household names. Although Haley and Ramaswamy failed to win the GOP presidential nomination against Donald Trump, they snagged speaking slots at the 2024 Republican National Convention to show their commitment to conservatism (however defined these days). They, along with California U.S. Reps. Vince Fong, Young Kim and Michelle Steel and Asian American politicians elsewhere, underscore the growing visibility of this demographic within elite GOP circles.

The long history of Asian American activism from the right started with Hiram Fong , who was born to Chinese immigrants in Hawaii. He became a U.S. senator from the newly admitted state in 1959 and during his 18-year tenure built a reputation as a moderate. Fong secured funds to improve the islands infrastructure, helped remove immigration barriers and backed sweeping civil rights legislation. He was also an ardent supporter of the Vietnam War and President Nixon, even after the fallout from Watergate.

Read more: Essential Politics: How Trump motivated Asian Americans to vote for Biden and Harris

The year Fong left office, S.I. Hayakawa , a Canadian-born Japanese American, began his term as U.S. senator from California as a somewhat inscrutable Republican. A self-proclaimed supporter of racial minorities, he nonetheless opposed the establishment of ethnic studies in 1969 as president of San Francisco State College (now University), a position he was appointed to by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan. Hayakawa did not hide his Japanese heritage, yet he also promoted assimilation and wanted to make English the official language of America. In the late 1960s and 1970s, Hayakawas brand of identity politics was palatable for a Republican Party becoming increasingly conservative thanks to the "Southern strategy (a GOP tactic that used race to attract aggrieved Sunbelt white voters) and a burgeoning evangelical movement.

There were also Asian American bureaucrats, diplomats and lobbyists influencing the right from behind the curtain. These efforts included Anna Chan Chennault , a journalist-turned-socialite whose political and military ties through her husband, U.S. Maj. Gen. Claire Chennault, provided access to Republicans such as Richard Nixon. In 1968, amid the race for the White House, Anna Chennault served as an intermediary between Nixon and South Vietnam. Though the lore remains disputed , experts have claimed she helped stall peace negotiations between embattled Democratic incumbent President Lyndon B. Johnson and South Vietnamese leaders, as she and fellow Nixon supporters feared a deal would help Democrat Hubert Humphrey clinch the election. Nixon won. Well after the Chennault affair, she remained a reliable GOP ally, fundraising for the party and mentoring Asian American Republicans.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Republican Party made significant inroads with Asian American voters thanks to the efforts of former Nixon, Reagan and Bush administration officials invested in improving U.S.-Asia relations, particularly with China. Moreover, outreach to specific demographic groups as promoted by Republican National Committee Chairman Lee Atwater  who, paradoxically, also encouraged the use of dog whistles on the campaign trail  brought Asian Americans into the tent.

Read more: Op-Ed: What Asian immigrants, seeking the American dream, found in Southern California suburbs

But by the mid-2000s, despite the prominence of figures including Matt Fong, Bobby Jindal, Jay Kim and Pat Saiki, Asian Americans' support of the GOP and their overall presence within the larger party apparatus declined. Targeted appeals from Democratic Party operatives put Asian Americans solidly in the blue column. Democrats positions on education and healthcare, and the party's overall image as more racially and religiously inclusive, attracted recent immigrants and younger voters. By the time George W. Bush finished his first term, it appeared the GOP had all but abandoned the Asian American electorate.

Then there was another turn. In 2013, following Mitt Romneys failed presidential bid and tepid election results for the party, the Republican National Committee came out with the Growth and Opportunity Project (a.k.a. the RNC autopsy) that suggested a renewed focus on people of color. The RNC hired dedicated staff to assist with Asian American outreach for the next election cycles  albeit inconsistently  to boost turnout in swing districts and states where these votes were crucial. This includes Georgia, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia, among others. State and local parties have also tried direct outreach and placing Asian American Republicans in leadership roles.

Some of these efforts seem to have worked. Since 2020, despite the Trump administrations rhetoric labeling COVID-19 the China virus and a subsequent uptick of anti-Asian violence , theres an emerging conservative element within Asian America.

Not all are registered Republicans, and these conservative activists are more common in areas with larger Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Many have gotten involved in local politics, such as ousting progressive district attorneys and recalling liberal school board members. The Democratic Partys increasingly progressive priorities have scanned to some Asian Americans, particularly immigrants and refugees , as reminiscent of socialism or communism , ideologies often associated with violent regimes and restricted freedoms in the homeland. Furthermore, some Asian Americans argue that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives overlook Asian Americans or teach anti-American-ness; some oppose affirmative action and similar programs or think authorities have not strongly enough countered anti-Asian violence, pushing them rightward.

Indeed, in the 2020 and 2022 elections, Democrats won Asian Americans votes in national elections by noticeably smaller margins than in years past. November will give us some sense of whether this trend will keep moving in the GOPs favor  or swing back toward stalwart Democratic support.

James Zarsadiaz is an associate professor of history at the University of San Francisco and the author of Resisting Change in Suburbia. He is working on a book about Asian American conservatism since the Cold War.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In January the World Economic Forum declared AI-driven misinformation one of the biggest short-term threats to the global economy. However, six months later, in the wake of Taiwanese, Indian, British, and French elections, the death of democracy and truth is starting to seem greatly exaggerated.

While there were some incidents involving AI, they didnt overwhelm societies ability to debunk them and none of them constituted significant political disruptioneven as they have become easier to make by orders of magnitude.

Experts and media outlets, once warning of electoral chaos, are now coming to terms with this awkward anti-climax.

In early Julyafter the U.K. Labour Party won in a landslide electionthe BBC conceded in the end it wasnt a deepfake election, calling concerns a distraction from more traditional problems with disinformation.

This wasn't the social media election everyone expected, disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring writeshttps://t.co/mFPahrGKsD  BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) July 8, 2024

Worries about the impact of deepfakes on the upcoming U.S. election have been cast into doubt after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump resulted in no AI-generated media of any significanceas recently noted by Axios. Mislabelled or photoshopped images did circulate in the aftermath but were quickly debunked, in part thanks to reverse image search tools powered by AI. The same kind of manipulated media has emerged in the wake of Kamala Harris replacing Joe Biden as the Dems presidential candidate. An image of her standing with Jeffrey Epstein was also quickly debunked. Others, of a fake Biden resignation speech, were too absurd to be considered real.

Amid the craziest news cycle in recent memory, AI-generated deepfakes have yet to become the huge truth catastrophe that experts warned is coming

 Are doctored photos going viral? Yes. But they're debunked faster. Most misinfo still manipulated contexthttps://t.co/jN29c6fcdO  Sara Fischer (@sarafischer) July 23, 2024

Even the most notable example of AI related interference in the 2024 election cyclean AI-generated robocall from Joe Biden urging people not to go to the polls in New Hampshireturned out to be the work of a rogue democratic operative, rather than a Russian or Republican one. (supposedly in the name of raising awareness for this grave threat to democracy). According to testimony from New Hampshires election commission, it had no discernible impact on turnout. In fact, they said it was the highest turnout in years. A number of other incidents tracked in a report by the Abundance Institute havent had a meaningful impact on the 2024 election cycle so far.

Democratic Operative Admits to Masterminding Infamous Biden Robocall: Report

The theoretical prospect of the free world descending into a real life Black Mirror episode was irresistible and convincing, but as reality sets in and people sober up, the emerging questions were: If fake media had the power to swing elections, why has Photoshop not been weaponized by the FSB, CIA and CCP to sow discord in prior decades? If fake audio recordings are such a powerful influence tool, why havent foreign intelligence agencies hired and trained impersonators since the dawn of recorded sound?

The truth is, the ability of hostile governments or rogue political actors to create synthetic media has existed for decades. It was certainly more costly and slowerbut nation states arent generally constrained by time, money, and resources.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during Prime Minister's Questions at the House of Commons in London, Britain, July 24, 2024. UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/Handout via Reuters

The lack of impact backs up what a minority of voices have been saying in prior years, like researcher Tim Hwang who has long doubted the threat, going so far as arranging a wager in 2018 around whether a significant deepfake would emerge by years end. Other dissenting voices in academia such as U.K. professor Dan Williams and Oxford Universitys Keegan McBride, who both critique alarmism around disinformation and AI, now appear prescient.

Even those warning of existential risk of AI have had a change of heartlike Oxford Universitys Michael A Osborne who went from warning of AI minimizers denying the risk of deepfakes in late 2023, to saying AI will be to misinformation what a snowball is to to the ocean, and admitting a change of heart.

You don't need AI for important-looking people to spout nonsense like "masks don't work" and have everyone lap it up. AI will be to misinformation what a snowball is to to the ocean  Michael A Osborne (@maosbot) April 3, 2024

However, it is troubling that alarmism around deepfakes has actually done the very thing people feared AI would do: undermine trust in truth, the media, and democracy. Research is emerging suggesting such alarmism undermines faith in democratic principles and election outcomes, and increases divisions in society. A recent Moodys report suggested deepfakes could undermine credibility in US institutions, while a global survey from May showed 72 percent of people worry about being fooled by deepfakes on a daily basis.

One example is a 2023 report in The New York Times on the Gaza conflict, that noted that while deepfake images had not been common in early period of the conflict, the notion of deepfake prevalence actually undermined peoples trust in media reporting of the conflict.

In July, the former head of the U.K.s National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, wrote in The Guardian that it has become too easyeven fashionableto cast the integrity of elections into doubt in regards to deepfake panic, going on to say, So far, it has proved remarkably hard to fool huge swathes of voters with deepfakes.

Ironically, in the wake of President Biden giving up on his re-election campaign, Republicans claimed a phone call he made to Kamala Harris was AI-generated, using a notoriously unreliable deepfake detector. Ultimately, it was just the latest example of the deepfake panic being a bigger threat to truth than deepfakes themselves.

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It's been quite the week for Elon Musk.

It started with conflicting reports that he was - or was not - donating $47m a month to Donald Trumps campaign. It continued with Tesla's disappointing second quarter earnings which revealed a 45 percent drop in profits compared to 2023sending his net worth plummeting by $16bn. He then announced he was stalling investment in a Mexican plant until he sees if Trump, if elected, levies tariffs on Mexico.

On Tuesday he accused a woke mind virus of killing his (estranged) transgender daughter. That same day Democrats accused him of restricting access to KamalaHQ on X, while a former Trump aide claimed his endorsement for Trump was a kiss of death.

By midweek the Wall Street Journal reported that Teslas profits crash would restrict Musks plans to pursue his AI dreams, and a former Clinton labor secretary called for consumers to boycott Musk companies in light of his (maybe) $47m campaign donation to Trump. And then he was spotted at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress, the two having previously shared conversations about antisemitism (a topic that has proved enormously contentious for Musk since his X takeover) in a face-to-face meeting last year. While at the Capitol for the serious occasion he took time out to say, Ill fight [Mark] Zuckerberg any place, anytime, anywhere. Then he posted a crying-with-laughter emoji on X below the video.

ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS/USA-NETANYAHU Musk combined an appearance on Capitol Hill where he applauded Israeli prime minister Benyamin Netanyahus address to a joint session of Congress with a challenge to Metas Mark Zuckerberg to fight. Craig Hudson/Reuters

It was only Wednesday.

Any discussion of difficult weeks for Musk, or challenging times for his companies, should bear in mind that Tesla awarded him a 10-year pay package, worth $44.9 billion, in April. With Musk, nothing is straightforward.

But, increasingly, he is getting in his own way.

Over the last two years, especially since his takeover of X and his growing radicalization during the COVID pandemic, he has emerged as one of the countrys most divisive public figures. His transformation from erratic entrepreneurial nerd to far-right activist was characterized in a single tweet on X (then Twitter) in December 2022, My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci.

As writer Charlie Warzel pointed out in The Atlantic, In five words, Musk manages to mock transgender and nonbinary people, signal his disdain for public-health officials, and send up a flare to far-right shitposters and trolls.

Musk now divides opinion much as Trump does. (Even as their relationship strengthens one wonders if this affair between two of the countrys most combustible public personalitiesand largest egoswill endure. It likely wont.)

Musk supporters, of whom there are many, point out that SpaceX has helped revolutionize, and revive, America's space industry. Starlink, his satellite internet service, now reaches 2 million customers in 60 countries, often in the most remote parts. And Tesla has helped pioneer investment in electric vehicles and forced legacy auto companies to follow suit.

But he hasnt achieved this on his own. The Los Angeles Times calculated that his companiesTesla Motors, SpaceX, and SolarCityhad received billions of dollars from government loans, contracts, tax credits, and subsidies: $4.9 billion in government support by 2015 alone.

SPACE-EXPLORATION/SPACEPLANE Musks network of companies have received billions in government subsidies, including his SpaceX, complicating his avoiwed libertarianism. JOE SKIPPER/Reuters

With Musk, nothing is straightforward.

When he purchased Twitter he cast himself as a champion of free speech but earlier this year a PBS Frontline documentary revealed how he was happy to curtail speech in order to placate and woo advertisers back on to the platformonly to then abandon that position when they stayed away.

After being accused of promoting antisemitism on X, and of being an antisemite himself, Musk went to Poland earlier this year to visit the former Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. A laudable attempt to school himselfor an empty apology tour designed to woo back advertisers who had exited in droves after he endorsed an antisemitic post on X?

In the immediate aftermath of the exodus Musk addressed a New York Times business summit, and declared, I don't want them to advertise. If someone is going to blackmail me with advertising money, go fuck yourself. Go. Fuck. Yourself. Then he added, in a reference to Disney CEO Bob Iger, Hey Bob.

2154487521 Among the examples of Musk getting in his own way are suggestions that sales of his Teslas, including Cybertrucks, are being hit by people reluctant to be associated with his views, especially the ones he promotes on his X platform. Chesnot/Getty Images

But, money talks. And he did want them to advertise. Cue penitence tour, during which, Musk said, it hits you much more in the heart when you see it in person.

But only after it hits you in the pocket.

Musk has always got in his own way. Its just happening with greater frequency. The problems this creates for someone worth billions are relative, but problems nonetheless. The New York Times reported this month that his politics may be pushing some buyers away from Tesla, quoting Ben Rose, president of Battle Road Research: Musk is a true lightning rod. There are people who swear by him and people who swear at him. Some of his comments are a real turnoff for some people.

At a time when Americas public discourse has rarely been this toxic, Musks forays into the public squareand how he manages Xwill likely do nothing to defuse tensions. Zachary Elwood, author of Defusing American Anger, writing in The Hill, said, Musks contemptuous behavior amplifies the toxicity of our divides. Its not about the polarization of his beliefs, but about his affective polarizationhis disdain for the other side.

AWARDS-BREAKTHROUGH PRIZE/ Musks willingess to cause outrage may be getting in the way of his transformative vision more than ever before. Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

America's caustic, violentand often childishpublic rhetoric is not on Musk alone, but his outsized voice, influence, and power means he could do more than most to help dial it down. Especially if it hits his vast pocket book.

But dont hold your breath.

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At Mondays congressional hearing on the Secret Service and the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi asked: What can Congress actually do to stop this from happening again?

The congressman, a Democrat from Illinois, then showed the chamber a graphic on political violence that was published a month ago by the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, which I lead. The graphic shows that 74% of Americans want members of Congress to come together to denounce all political violence. This stance crosses party lines, with 86% of Democrats, 51% of independents and 70% of Republicans saying so.

While individual members of Congress have made statements denouncing the Trump assassination attempt, Krishnamoorthi challenged the entire House of Representatives to go much further, proposing a resolution in the near future condemning any political violence in America and calling for support from every member of the chamber. Such resolutions go to the House for a vote and are not signed into law, but they convey a message  especially when they pass unanimously.

Read more: Opinion: Too many Americans support political violence. It's up to the rest of us to dissuade them

After Mondays grueling hearing, the head of the Secret Service resigned on Tuesday , writing to her staff: I take full responsibility for the security lapse. That departure will not prevent future bloodshed. However, Congress has a chance to do so.

At this critical time, members of Congress  both Republicans and Democrats  must stand together to oppose political violence. The Trump shooting is only the latest of a growing string of incidents. Indeed, we are seeing the most violent era in American politics in decades, and now is certainly the time for all political leaders at all levels of government  national, state and local  to adopt similar resolutions and make similar unified statements.

Read more: Abcarian: Don't let political rhetoric distract you from this truth about the Trump shooting

Political violence in the United States is entering a new stage as America faces mounting domestic terrorism: violent anti-government and other political actions by militias, small groups and volatile individuals within the United States.

To be sure, famous acts of domestic terrorism occurred from the 1990s through 2010, including the violent standoff at Ruby Ridge in 1992, the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, the violent protests against the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle in 1999, and the multiple arsons and bombings conducted by individuals affiliated with the Earth Liberation Front and Animal Liberation Front from 1995 to 2010.

Whats happening now is different. Political violence in America is escalating, both in number and in kinds of violent incidents. Since even before the pandemic, America has witnessed an era of political violence unparalleled at least since the 1960s. Incidents of domestic terrorism increased by 357% between 2013 and 2021, according to statistics collected by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security .

Collective political violence is rising too. Since summer 2020, the United States has seen major political riots against police and downtown businesses during some of the George Floyd protests; a brazen assault on the U.S. Capitol to stop the peaceful transfer of power on Jan. 6, 2021; spikes of campus unrest to protest the conflict in Gaza in fall 2023 and spring 2024; and numerous lone wolf attacks and plots  including against the husband of then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi , against Justice Brett Kavanaugh and against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer .

To better understand this new era, the Project on Security and Threats has set up more than a dozen national surveys in the three years since Jan. 6, 2021. These rely on high-quality nationally representative samples that match the American adult population on a vast number of demographic, political, economic, social and other factors, meaning it is reasonable to extrapolate the findings to the U.S. population as a whole.

The striking finding from our June 24 survey is that 10% of American adults  the equivalent of 26 million people  agreed that the use of force is justified to prevent Donald Trump from being president. The poll also found that 7% of American adults  the equivalent of 18 million people  support the use of force to restore Trump to the presidency.

The assassination attempt against Trump less than three weeks later did not come out of nowhere. The shooters motive is not yet clear  he seems to have researched President Biden as a target as well  but in any case, we need to be concerned about copycat and retaliatory violence by volatile individuals steeped in incendiary political rhetoric, beset by mental illness or simply looking to gain notoriety. Such spirals of violence could occur against many political leaders and at numerous flashpoints in the months ahead during and after the presidential election.

No one can entirely prevent that, but for lawmakers, the next step is clear: Accept Krishnamoorthis challenge and pass a resolution, unanimously, condemning political violence. This could make a major difference.

Just as studies show that incendiary political rhetoric encourages support for political violence, so too would public condemnation reduce it. Those taking violent political action are often volatile individuals, with their own reasons to act out, but also encouraged by the perceptions that they are serving some greater good. Some hope to be glorified as warriors for a cause. Leaders of those causes should make clear that no one who engages in political violence will be glorified.

The most effective message to reduce support for violence is a simple one: Political violence, wherever it comes from, is illegal, immoral and anti-American. Leaders should also contribute to a culture of prevention by encouraging political anger to be redirected away from negative expression as violence and toward positive expression as voting.

Since the assassination attempt, Biden has already given multiple speeches along just these lines. I hope that his courage will be contagious and that Congress will do its part. It is possible to reverse the rising violence and return to the peaceful traditions that made American democracy the envy of the world.

Robert A. Pape , a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, is the director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats .

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
After seeing many troubling opinion pieces attacking Utahs caucus system, I must correct the record. The recent criticism of Utahs Republican caucus/convention system overlooks its foundational strengths and democratic values. The caucus system fosters grassroots participation, allowing individuals in their local communities to engage meaningfully in the political process. The alternative is primary elections dominated by media, money and outside influence. The caucus system, however, enables thorough vetting of candidates by delegates who represent their neighbors values and concerns.

The process ensures rigorous candidate vetting and accountability, preventing financially backed candidates from advancing without scrutiny. Delegates, like myself, critically examine candidates backgrounds, their loyalty to party principles and their commitment to Utah values. Additionally, the caucus system is more cost-effective than direct primary elections, reducing the financial burden on the state by being primarily funded by parties. This demonstrates fiscal responsibility and highlights the systems efficiency.

Community building is another significant benefit of the caucus system. It promotes civic engagement, encouraging neighbors to deliberate on issues and candidates, strengthening societal bonds. This active participation in democracy is more meaningful than simply casting a vote in a primary. The caucus system also cultivates more committed and informed voters. Delegates are elected by their peers to be deeply invested in politics and spend time understanding candidates and issues, ensuring informed decisions. They are likely to communicate their findings through door hangers, emails, texts, social media posts and more in order to keep their neighbors well informed.

Despite criticisms, Utahs caucus system has a proven track record of producing effective leaders. Sen. Mike Lee defeating entrenched incumbent Bob Bennett highlights how the caucus system can empower the people to challenge and change leadership. Lees victory against Bennett, who had a massive war chest and seemed impossible to defeat through a regular primary system, underscores the systems unique ability to reflect public sentiment against entrenched interests.

Abandoning the caucus/convention system would make political shifts such as this nearly impossible. Some argue that the victories of Rep. John Curtis and Gov. Spencer Cox in the primaries highlight a disconnect between delegates and primary voters. However, had Curtis and Cox engaged more with delegates and represented their concerns better, they could have performed better at convention.

The recent primary saw unprecedented spending compared to prior elections, a trend that does not bode well for the future of politics in Utah. Outside super PACs poured millions into negative attack ads and mailers. This is not the Utah way. The Utah way values funding from within the state, ensuring that those who contribute are familiar with and supportive of our community values. The caucus/convention system candidates performed exceptionally well, especially in down-ballot races. Twelve out of 18 races were won by convention winners, and only six of 24 candidates who got on the primary ballot via signature gathering won their primary. This means convention nominees had a success rate of 25 of 31 or 80.6%. These outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness and relevance of the caucus/convention system in reflecting the will of engaged and informed voters.

Our unique caucus convention system has helped us elect policymakers who make Utah the best-managed state in the nation. Talk of discarding the caucus system is foolish. We should focus on educating our citizens on the strengths of our system and how it embodies democratic values of community involvement, thorough candidate evaluation and cost-effective governance. The more people understand the value of the system that has made our state so great, the more they will want to get involved, making it more competitive and representative. Utahs GOP caucus/convention system is a testament to the power of grassroots democracy, and it is crucial to preserve and improve it for the future.

Gunnar Thorderson is a member of the State Central Committee of the Utah Republican Party and a state delegate.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  In a unanimous vote, Oregon Democratic delegates backed Vice President Kamala Harris as the partys presidential nominee, the Democratic Party of Oregon announced Wednesday.

In a statement, DPO Chait Dr. Rosa Colquitt said, We are thrilled and energized to announce that our delegation has voted to support Kamala Harris for President. We saw an immediate influx of volunteer sign-ups after the news broke that President Biden was endorsing Vice President Harris, and they havent slowed down.

Protecting reproductive freedom, voting rights, marriage equality, and our very democracy will require all of us to come together. Democrats stand firmly united in our resolve to ensure that in Inauguration Day 2025, we hear the name President Kamala Harris announced as the 47th President of the United States, Colquitt continued.

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The vote comes ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois Aug. 19-22.

DPO previously released a statement on President Joe Bidens decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race  pledging support for the next Democratic nominee.

Oregon Democrats stand firmly with our President, who has ushered in a historic economic recovery at a time when most countries have struggled to bounce back from the global recession. What President Biden has achieved during his presidency is unparalleled and should make all Americans proud. We look forward to supporting him as he completes his term of office, and to working to support our new Democratic nominee to soundly defeat the existential threat of a Donald Trump election in November, Colquitt 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 KOIN.com.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a COVID vaccination mobilization event in South Carolina on June 14, 2021. She won President Joe Biden's endorsement to replace him as the Democratic presidential nominee. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a COVID vaccination mobilization event in South Carolina on June 14, 2021. She won President Joe Biden's endorsement to replace him as the Democratic presidential nominee. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Oregons Democratic delegates will back Vice President Kamala Harris for president, the states Democratic Party announced late Wednesday.

The delegations unanimous vote to support Harris came more than a day after Harris secured enough support in other states to secure the nomination on the first ballot. No real challengers to Harris have emerged since President Joe Biden withdrew and endorsed Harris on Sunday.

Rosa Colquitt, chair of the Oregon Democratic Party, said achieving the partys goals requires uniting.

Protecting reproductive freedom, voting rights, marriage equality, and our very democracy will require all of us to come together, she said. Democrats stand firmly united in our resolve to ensure that on Inauguration Day 2025, we hear the name President Kamala Harris announced as the 47th President of the United States!

Oregon has 78 delegates, including 66 who are a mix of elected officials, political operatives and longtime party volunteers who were elected by party members to represent the state at the national convention. The other 12 include Democratic members of the states congressional delegation, Gov. Tina Kotek and other party leaders and are superdelegates, who only vote at the convention if a candidate doesnt earn a majority of delegates on the first round of balloting.

The Democratic Party of Oregon as an entity wont endorse Harris before the convention, but it will try to harness enthusiasm around her campaign to help Democratic candidates up and down the ballot.

We saw an immediate influx of volunteer sign ups after the news broke that President Biden was endorsing Vice President Harris, and they havent slowed down, Colquitt said.

While Oregon, which hasnt voted for a Republican for president since 1984, isnt a top priority for the presidential race, it is home to three of the countrys most competitive congressional districts. Democrats also want to maintain their majorities in the state Legislature and elect Democrats in open statewide races for treasurer, secretary of state and attorney general. In legislative races and the attorney generals race, Republicans hope to capitalize on voter unease around crime, drugs and homelessness.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Hours after an endangered shark off the coast of Ireland was tagged with a FitBit-like device and a camera, researchers captured, what they believe, is the first-ever images of a shark being struck by a ship.

In April, researchers from Oregon State University, Stanford University and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group in County Kerry, Ireland, were studying the foraging habits of basking sharks and tagged a 22-foot-long female shark to monitor her behavior.

Several hours after the shark was tagged, video showed she made a quick, evasive movement before she was struck by a ship.

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This is the first ever direct observation of a ship strike on any marine megafauna that were aware of, said Taylor Chapple, a shark researcher at Oregon State Universitys Hatfield Marine Science Center, and lead author of the study.

According to the researchers, the boat cut across the sharks back near the dorsal fin  leading the shark to tumble in the water and head towards the seafloor.

The shark was struck while feeding on the surface of the water and it immediately swam to the seafloor into deeper, offshore waters, a stark contrast to its behavior prior to the strike, Chapple explained.

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The video showed the boat injured the sharks skin, which had paint marks and a red abrasion, however, the shark did not appear to have an open wound.

Oregon researchers capture first-ever images of shark being struck by a vessel

Oregon researchers capture first-ever images of shark being struck by a vessel

Oregon researchers capture first-ever images of shark being struck by a vessel

About seven hours after the strike, the shark never resumed feeding or other normal behavior while researchers were monitoring her.

The research team is not aware if the shark eventually recovered from the strike, noting the tag was designed to be released from the shark at a pre-determined time. They also note that vessel strikes are not always immediately lethal, but non-lethal injuries can have short- and long-term impacts.

According to OSU, basking sharks are the second-largest known fish and grow to more than 26 feet in length.

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Basking sharks are listed as globally endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Ireland is among the only locations known around the world where they gather in large numbers.

The sharks feed at the waters surface, similar to some whales, which increases their risk of boat strikes, however Chapple explained that unlike whales, basking sharks typically sink when they are killed, which makes it difficult for researchers to track mortality rates.

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Basking sharks in Ireland were protected under the countrys Wildlife Act in 2022. Earlier in 2024, the Irish government established the nations first National Marine Park to protect 70,000 acres of land and sea on the County Kerry coast, OSU said.

After the park was established, researchers started conducting the previously planned study on basking shark foraging when they discovered the video of the strike.

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The researches said these findings, which were published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, show the need for measures to reduce the risk of vessel strikes.

The fact that a shark we fitted our Fitbit to was struck in this area within a few hours underlines just how vulnerable these animals are to boats and highlights the need for greater education in how to mitigate against such strikes, said co-author Nicholas Payne, an assistant professor at Trinity College Dublins School of Natural Sciences. Basking sharks filter feed at the surface, like some whales, and this behavior makes them similarly susceptible to strikes.

This research raises additional questions about whether and how often the sharks are actually occupying such habitats when they are not clearly visible at the surface, said Alexandra McInturf of OSU. 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 not only our ecological understanding of the basking shark, but also the conservation of this globally endangered species.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
OSHA violations after worker plunges to the bottom of 8-story water tower in Berkeley

BERKELEY - A private contractor faces $485,580 in fines after a worker fell 80 feet to the bottom of the Bayville water tower in January, according to the federal government.

U.S. Tank Painting, an industrial painting and sandblasting contractor, was in the process of sandblasting and repainting the tower, the U.S. Department of Labor said in a statement on Wednesday.

An employee suffered numerous severe injuries because their employer did not make sure legally required fall protection was provided for workers climbing up and down the inside of an 8-story water tower, said Paula Dixon-Roderick, area director of the Labor Departments Occupational Safety and Health Administration, who is based in Marlton. We intend to hold employers responsible when they fail to follow rules put in place to protect the safety and wellbeing of workers.

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OSHA inspectors cited the company  which serves public and private sector clients in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions  for three willful and 19 serious violations. The victim, who was not identified, fell while climbing a maintenance tube ladder into the water tank, according to the statement.

During the investigation, the federal inspectors also determined that the company exposed employees to respiratory injuries and hearing loss while working in a permit-required confined space, subjected them to fire and explosion hazards, as well as long-term lung damage related to unsafe levels of silica dust, the statement said.

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According to the Labor Department, the company has been cited for the following violations:

Ensure workers use fall protection while ascending or descending the maintenance tube ladder;

Reduce noise levels below the permissible exposure level using hearing protection, administrative or engineering controls;

Evaluate the hazards within the water tower which was considered to be a permit-required for confined space hazards, and ensure the hazards were eliminated;

Complete required confined space permits;

Develop a rescue plan for those working inside the water tower, for which the company was cited in 2017;

Provide continuous air monitoring equipment for use inside the water tower;

Take proper safety precautions when flammable paint is being used;

Evaluate employee exposure to crystalline silica contained within paint, which was found to be outside acceptable safety limits;

Train workers on crystalline silica hazards and have a specific silica program for the Bayville site;

Develop a site-specific respiratory protection program;

Ensure the use of a carbon monoxide detector when workers use supplied air respirators; and

Provide the required respirator cartridge needed to filter crystalline silica.

Aqua New Jersey, which itself is a subsidiary of Aqua (a water supply company operating in eight states), had contracted U.S. Tank Painting Inc., based in Millstone, for the maintenance and repair project.

Operating for more than 30 years, U.S. Tank Painting has clients in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, all according to the statement from the federal government.

In addition to repainting the tower, the company had also been contracted to replace a ladder attached to the structure to access the top of the tower.

OSHA said the company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: OSHA: Worker who fell off Bayville NJ water tower lacked safety gear
GROVEPORT, Ohio (WCMH)  An osprey caught in a tree at Walnut Woods Metro Park was freed safely after a quick-thinking rescue mission.

A park visitor alerted staff Tuesday morning after witnessing an osprey tangled in a dead tree right off the Kestrel Trail at Walnut Woods. About 30 feet off the ground, the birds talon was wrapped in material caught on a branch, according to a Facebook post from the parks team.

Osprey is stuck in a dead tree (Courtesy photo / Walnut Woods Metro Park)

Park staff partnered with Admar Construction Equipment and Supplies, who brought a lift to reach the tree top. It lifting park tech James Boston into the air to free the osprey.

Boston, who park staff said has no fear of heights, was lifted into the air to help detangle the osprey. On the ground, park staff prepared to transport the osprey. Staff said it was unclear if the bird was injured while it was trapped. Once free, Boston wrapped the bird in a towel for both the staff and the ospreys safety.

Safely returned to the ground, staff worked to cut the material from the ospreys talon. With no visible injuries, the bird was released back to the skies.

See ya later! the team wrote. Park staff was so happy to see this guy fly away.

Ospreys talons are no joke, and the bottom of their feet are covered in short, sharp spines  specific adaptations for gripping and carrying fish, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. According to ODNR, ospreys have a typical wingspan of 4-5 feet.

We could not have hoped for a better outcome, Walnut Woods staff 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
IT outage caused drop in blood donations in the Northwest

Blood donations are collected in Seattle in 2020. (Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)

An unexpected effect of last weeks global IT outage: fewer blood donations.

Blood banks in the Northwest are in critically low supply, in part because of the recent CrowdStrike outage that led to scheduling issues and delayed shipments, the Washington State Department of Health said Thursday.

The department put out a call for donations in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, especially for type O blood, which makes up 38% of the population but is currently dangerously low.

Your community needs you, Dr. Kirsten Alcorn, co-chief medical officer at Bloodworks Northwest, said in a statement. As a blood donor, youve already made a huge, lifesaving impact.

Last Friday, a faulty update from CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity software firm, affected Windows devices across the world, halting flights, disrupting hospital operations and 911 call centers, and pausing other critical business operations.

Bloodworks Northwest alone was forced to cancel 248 donation appointments  one-quarter of that days scheduling.

The outage came as blood banks were already experiencing low levels because of a seasonal drop in donations. Summer often means fewer donations as students and workers who regularly donate are on break or traveling.

Summer also means a spike in trauma cases when more people might need access to blood, Alcorn said.

Running out of gas on your summer road trip is inconvenient, but ensuring our hospitals have enough blood is crucial, said Michael Martinez of Vitalants Spokane region Regional Blood Services.

Bloodworks Northwest and Vitalant are a part of the Northwest Blood Coalition, which is working with the Department of Health on outreach efforts to increase donations.

You can make a significant impact by donating blood at a center or drive, Martinez said. In just one hour, you can help ensure trauma centers have the blood they need to care for patients this summer.

For those looking to donate, appointments can be made with Vitalant, Cascade Regional Blood Services, Bloodworks Northwest or American Red Cross.
Ashley Warren, 40, has been charged. One of his dogs is pictured left

The owner of two XL bully dogs has been charged after an elderly woman was mauled to death.

Ashley Warren, 40, had been charged over the death of Esther Martin, who was killed by two XL bullies in Essex in February, Essex Police said.

Esther Martin was killed by two XL bully dogs

An Essex Police spokesman said: A man has been charged as part of our investigation into the death of Esther Martin in Jaywick.

Esther, 68, was fatally injured after being attacked by two dogs in Hillman Avenue on the afternoon of Feb 3.

Both dogs were later confirmed to be XL bullies.

A man was arrested in connection with our investigation later that day.

Ms Martin, who was staying at the address in Hillman Avenue but lived in Woodford Green in east London, was found along with two large dogs, an inquest was told as proceedings were opened then suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Her cause of death was recorded as dog bite wounds to the upper right limb.

Two dogs were destroyed at the scene.

Ch Supt Stuart Weaver said: I know there has been a huge amount of speculation about the breed and type of dog involved here, but it was really important we got that information right and established the facts.

We owe it to Esther and her family to ensure we are thorough, professional and, above all, fair.

XL bully is not a breed of dog in itself, but a sub-category of the American bully and identifying categories of a breed can be a complex process.

It requires a police-trained dog expert to examine the physical features of the dog against specific measurements, in line with the guidelines published by the Government.

A forensic post-mortem was also carried out by a veterinary scientist and through this combination it was confirmed that the dogs were XL bullies.

A team of experienced detectives are continuing their investigation into Esthers death and continue to make good progress. They are committed to getting the answers her family need about what happened and why.

Specially trained family liaison officers are also continuing to support them.

Ch Supt Weaver added: I again want to express our thanks to the members of the public who bravely tried to save Esther before our officers arrived on scene.

What you did was hugely courageous and a reflection of the values of the community of Jaywick.

I also want to again praise the unflinching bravery and professionalism of the officers who attended and whose actions ensured the community was safe.

Mr Warren is due to appear before Colchester magistratescourt on Aug 22.

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.
Key Insights

Centaur Media's estimated fair value is UK0.62 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Centaur Media's UK0.32 share price signals that it might be 49% undervalued

Industry average discount to fair value of 43% suggests Centaur Media's peers are currently trading at a lower discount

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Centaur Media Plc (LON:CAU) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present 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.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Centaur Media

Step By Step Through The Calculation

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To begin with, we have to get estimates of 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.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (, Millions) UK4.30m UK4.40m UK4.49m UK4.58m UK4.66m UK4.75m UK4.84m UK4.92m UK5.01m UK5.10m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 2.01% Est @ 1.94% Est @ 1.89% Est @ 1.85% Est @ 1.83% Est @ 1.81% Est @ 1.80% Est @ 1.79% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.6% UK4.0 UK3.9 UK3.7 UK3.5 UK3.4 UK3.2 UK3.1 UK3.0 UK2.8 UK2.7

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = UK33m

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. 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 (1.8%) 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 6.6%.

Story continues

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034  (1 + g)  (r  g) = UK5.1m (1 + 1.8%)  (6.6% 1.8%) = UK108m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= UK108m ( 1 + 6.6%)10= UK57m

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 UK90m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of UK0.3, the company appears quite undervalued at a 49% 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

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Centaur Media as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.878. 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 Centaur Media

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Currently debt free.

Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for CAU.

Opportunity

Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the British market.

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by cash flow.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching 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 instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Centaur Media, there are three further elements you should look at:

Risks: For instance, we've identified 4 warning signs for Centaur Media (1 is a bit unpleasant) you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does CAU'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 British 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
From left, Harris campaign spokesperson Kellan White, State Sen. Sharif Street and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta appear at a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia July 24, 2024 (Capital-Star photo by John Cole)

PHILADELPHIA  During a press event highlighting Vice President Kamala Harris as the new likely Democratic nominee for president, Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Sharif Street said he was offended by comments made by the Democratic candidate for state treasurer that appeared to be critical of Gov. Josh Shapiro.

On Tuesday evening, Erin McClelland, Democratic candidate for Treasurer, posted an endorsement on social media of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, while taking a not-so-veiled jab at Shapiro in the process.

I want a VP pick thats secure enough to be second under a woman, is content to be VP & wont undermine the President to maneuver his own election & doesnt sweep sexual harassment under the rug. I want someone that can speak to rural voters. That is @RoyCooperNC, McClelland wrote, the first in a series of posts critical of the state party and Shapiro.

Street defended Shapiro on Wednesday.

Look, everybodys entitled to their opinion, Street said. Certainly, I think, Vice President Harris, whoever she picks, were going to stand behind her, shes going to do a great job.

But, Ill tell you, Im offended by that by the post, Street added. Im personally offended and Ill have conversations with our nominee for Treasurer, separately.

Shapiros office did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Street continued to promote Shapiros record leading a divided legislature, noting that both chambers of the Legislature are led by women: Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), and House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia).

Shapiro, Street added, has demonstrated an effective ability to work with women. So, any suggestion to the contrary is deeply offensive.

Street added that he thinks Shapiro would be a great vice president.

McClelland did not respond to a request for comment from the Capital-Star.

Shapiros former Legislative Secretary Mike Vereb resigned from his position last year amid sexual harassment allegations. The governors office paid $295,000 in public money to settle the complaint filed against Vereb.

A group of women Republican lawmakers announced plans last year to introduce legislation designed to make changes to sexual harassment rules in state government.

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), who is running for Auditor General, also said that he thinks Shapiro would be an incredible choice for vice president, but said he thinks Harris knows what shes doing and will make the right decision to select her running mate.

Despite the disagreement by McClelland, Democrats present at the Harris campaign office on Wednesday were solidly in support of the candidate at the top of the ticket.

Theres no question about who our nominee is going to be, Street said.

Wednesdays press conference was the PA Dems first since President Joe Biden announced he was not seeking a second term in office and endorsed Harris. Pennsylvanias Democratic delegation voted unanimously on Monday to endorse Harris and she has received commitments from enough delegates to secure the partys nomination for president.

Kenyatta praised Harriss background and said her experience as Californias Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and vice president has prepared her to lead the party in November.

Vice President Harris wants to build on the work that the Biden-Harris administration has done to not just ensure that medical debt doesnt count on your credit report, but to actually cancel medical debt, Kenyatta said.

Street blasted Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, the Republican Partys nominee for vice president, for comments he made during the RNC last week about guns lying around his mamaws house growing up.

Well, in this community, children have found loaded guns and they die, Street said, arguing it was no laughing matter.

Street also made the case against AR-15s in his speech and criticized the Trump administration for the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Kellan White, senior adviser to the Harris campaign in Pennsylvania, said that although the signs in the office had changed, the campaign is ready to make the case for Harris in the election.

Despite polling that showed Biden trailing Trump in Pennsylvania prior to his exit from the race, White said that he believes Biden will be an asset for the Harris campaign on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania, pointing to the reception he received at campaign events in recent weeks in the Keystone State and beyond.

Speakers also said there has been an increase in enthusiasm since Harris was named the nominee, while they blasted Project 2025 and mentioned it as a warning for what could happen in a second Trump administration. Trump recently distanced himself from the plan at a rally, although it was authored by former officials of his administration.

Republicans have largely been unified in opposition to Harris becoming the Democratic Partys nominee for president. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick, who is attempting to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, has already released an ad linking Casey to Harris.

Larrys Sabatos Crystal Ball, a national ratings outlet, rates the race for president in Pennsylvania as a toss-up.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court July, 2024 (Jen Barker Worley/ Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts)

The state Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal to determine whether provisional ballots should be counted in a narrow Republican primary race for a Luzerne County state House seat.

The case is one of three before the court involving the race in the 117th Legislative District as incumbent state Rep. Mike Cabell (R-Luzerne) and challenger Jaime Walsh, who has already declared victory, fight to mop up any uncounted votes.

At issue in the appeal granted Wednesday is whether two provisional ballots  one submitted lacking a signature and the other cast by a voter who recently moved to another county  should be counted.

The Supreme Court has not announced whether it will hear appeals by Walsh in a dispute over six mail-in ballots, and by Cabell, who wants the county board of elections to tally 22 write-in votes for state representative in the district.

Walsh, who claimed victory earlier this month, holds a five-vote lead over incumbent Cabell, according to unofficial Luzerne County election results. Only the write-in votes could change the outcome of the race, though a lawyer for Walsh said the likelihood of that is slim.

There is no Democratic candidate for the seat, so the winner of the primary is expected to be the winner of the November election.

Walsh contends Commonwealth Court incorrectly reversed decisions by the Luzerne County elections board and a panel of Luzerne County judges that found one of the provisional ballots should be counted and one should not.

The elections board and county judges found, in accordance with guidance from state election officials, that a provisional ballot submitted without one of two required signatures should be counted because the voters intent was clear.

A Commonwealth Court panel ruled 2-1 that the ballot should not be counted, citing a statutory requirement that both an affidavit and the ballots outer envelope be signed by the voter.

In his filing with the Supreme Court, Walsh argues that the issue is one not previously decided by the court and is likely to arise in future elections. He also contends Commonwealth Courts ruling goes against a Supreme Court ruling from 2020.

Citing the dissenting opinion of Commonwealth Court Judge Matthew Wolf, Walsh argues the 2020 decision regarding absentee and mail-in ballots with missing or incorrect information requires courts to interpret the Election Code in favor of allowing votes to be counted.

Because the ballot was cast in the presence of election workers and the voter testified as to his intent, the missing signature should be excused as a technical error, Walsh argues

He also argues that the Commonwealth Court panel incorrectly ruled the other provisional ballot should be counted because the voter claimed he was still living in Luzerne County, albeit temporarily with his mother. Walsh argued the voter had already transferred his voter registration to Schuylkill County and was able to vote there.
San Diego Padres catcher Kyle Higashioka received a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to his grandfathers World War II unit Monday during a ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Army.

The late G. Shigeru Higashioka was part of the 100th Infantry Battalion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit made up Nisei soldiers  second-generation Japanese Americans who demanded the opportunity to join the armed forces even after President Franklin Roosevelt ordered Japanese Americans on the West Coast to be incarcerated in camps.

US Army honors Japanese American unit that liberated Tuscany in WWII

After retired Gen. Eric Shinseki presented the younger Higashioka the medal, he received a tour of the museum.

It was a really cool experience, just learning more about my grandfathers time in the war, because before this year I really didnt know much about it at all, Higashioka said. So it was really cool to hear from the general and the National Veterans Network, who did a lot of research.

The unit was first presented the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011.

Higashioka said he looked at a digital soldier registry that included an entry on his familys behalf for his grandfather detailing what he did during the war. He also saw an exhibit for Nisei soldiers as well as artifacts and medals during his visit.

I never got a chance to talk to him about any of that stuff, Higashioka said. It was cool to hear the stories of all the battles he fought in. It was actually a long time he was fighting because he was fighting in Europe. They were pretty heavily utilized. Its pretty amazing he even survived.
By Asif Shahzad

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb arrived in Beijing on Thursday for talks on power sector debt relief alongside structural reforms suggested by the International Monetary Fund, two government sources said.

He held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing, they said, and is leading a delegation, along with Power Minister Awais Leghari, that will discuss several proposals, including reprofiling nearly $15 billion in energy sector debt.

As the meeting progressed, Pakistan's bonds slid lower, with the 2036 maturity down 1.73 cents to bid at 73.05 cents on the dollar by 1415 GMT, according to Tradeweb data, its lowest since April.

The countries, which share a border, have been longtime allies, and rollovers or disbursements on loans from China have helped Pakistan meet its external financing needs in the past.

The IMF this month agreed on a $7 billion bailout for the heavily indebted South Asian economy, while raising concerns over high rates of power theft and distribution losses that result in debt accumulating across the production chain.

The government is implementing structural reforms to reduce "circular debt" - public liabilities that build up in the power sector due to subsidies and unpaid bills - by 100 billion Pakistani rupees ($360 million) a year, Leghari has said.

On Thursday he said on X that he and the finance minister had briefed Chinese Minister of Finance Lan Fo'an on Pakistan's "efforts to introduce tax and energy reforms in the system".

A statement from Pakistan's finance ministry said that Aurangzeb informed the Chinese side about the economic reform agenda, efforts to strengthen tax revenue generation, and energy and state-owned enterprise reform. He described the deal between the IMF and Pakistan as an important enabler to execute the reform agenda, it added.

The Chinese finance ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Both the finance and power ministers told Reuters in interviews last week that they would be discussing the power sector reforms in their Beijing visit, though they did not specify the timing.

Poor and middle-class households have been affected by a previous IMF bailout reached last year, which included raising power tariffs as part of the funding programme that ended in April.

China has set up over $20 billion worth of planned energy projects in Pakistan.

(Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Additional reporting by Joe Cash in Beijing and Libby George in LondonEditing by Alexandra Hudson and Philippa Fletcher)
Parents mourn Northern California officer killed in the line of duty by suspected DUI driver

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 after being hit by a suspected DUI driver in Vacaville on July 11, 2024. He was just really sweet as a kid and just a very kind man, his mother Becky Bowen said.

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.
(FOX40.COM)  In only a matter of hours, the Park Fire exploded into Californias largest fire of 2024 and a column of drift smoke visible from space is now entering neighboring states.

The National Weather Service shared timelapse images from the GOES-West satellite that clearly show the plume of drift smoke being blown into southern Oregon, southern Idaho and northwest Nevada.

Live Blog: Park Fire jumps to over 71,000 acres in less than 24 hours

For the remainder of Thursday and into Friday, morning those living in Redding, Red Bluff, Mineral, Susanville and other areas of northeastern California can expect a dense layer of drift smoke in the sky.

The Reno National Weather Service station provided a detailed drift smoke animation showing smoke from the Park Fire reaching as far east as Winnemucca, Nevada, a distance of around 330 miles.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
A Northern California blaze exploded Thursday to more than 120,000 acres across two counties  quickly becoming the largest wildfire in the state this year  forcing thousands to evacuate. Investigators arrested a suspected arsonist who allegedly pushed a burning car down a gully in a park outside of Chico, Butte County authorities said.

Firefighters have contained just 3% of the 120,312-acre (188 square miles) blaze, dubbed the Park Fire, burning across Butte and Tehama counties after sparks ignited Wednesday in the open spaces of Upper Bidwell Park on the outskirts of Chico.

The wildfire, recorded by Cal Fire at just 6,465 acres around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, jumped overnight to 45,000 acres Thursday morning and to 71,000 acres by midday.

The suspect in the arson, who was arrested on a warrant issued Thursday, pushed a car down a gully near Alligator Hole, a swimming hole at the park, shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said. The vehicle fell about 60 feet and burned completely, prosecutors said. Authorities said on Thursday afternoon identified the suspect as 42-year-old Ronnie Stout, of Chico.

Ramsey in a Thursday afternoon news conference, streamed live on social media, said the vehicle Stout allegedly pushed down the gully was his mothers.

It is maddening that were here again, and it is particularly maddening that this particular fire was caused by an individual, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said in the news conference.

The Butte County Sheriffs Office ordered the evacuation of areas around Musty Buck Ridge as wind spurred flames toward Cohasset, a community of 900 residents. By Thursday afternoon, the wildfire spread north to Campbellville, prompting the Tehama County Sheriffs Office to call for mandatory evacuations in the area.

Honea on Thursday urged Butte County residents to know their evacuation zones by heart, and to be ready to evacuate on a moments notice.

Last night, while I was up in Cohasset with my staff, I ran across numerous people who were not prepared to go, he said. In three cases, we ran across vehicles completely out of gas.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a Thursday morning news release more than 3,500 people were uprooted from their homes; evacuation orders expanded substantially throughout the day.

Firefighters, loggers and residents acted quickly to dodge the flames as the fire made Cohasset Road impassable. Authorities led a group of 20 vehicles uphill toward Campbellville to a helipad. Another 80 vehicles were guided by trucks on small logging roads in Sierra Pacific Industries forest lands, according to radio dispatches reviewed Wednesday night by The Sacramento Bee.

Paradise gets evacuation warning

At 4:40 p.m. Thursday, officials in the town of Paradise announced that sheriffs officials issued an evacuation warning for Paradise fire zones 1, 4 and 9; most of those zones are west of Skyway, on the northwestern end of town.

Officials said there were no current mandatory evacuation orders for the town.

Paradise was site of the 2018 Camp Fire, Californias deadliest and most destructive wildfire, which burned 90,000 acres in its first 24 hours. The Camp Fire killed 85 people and destroyed more than 18,000 homes and other buildings.

Ultimately firefighters stopped the decimation at more than 150,000 acres.

Everyone was just really helpful, looking out for each other

Nikko Shelton and his family live on Cohasset Road and were told to go by 6 p.m. He and his wife escaped in two cars, his with the dog, Luther, the other driven by Melissa with two cats in tow. They were among the 40 evacuees in a caravan of 20 vehicles trying to dodge the flames while navigating treacherously narrow unpaved roads.

Shelton said dust clouded his view and others struggled to stay on the road. One vehicle was pulled out after slipping into a ditch, another car was abandoned outright, he said.

Despite the tribulations, Shelton said he believed everyone made it out OK.

He said the family got their first evacuation notice about 5:30 p.m. and were told to leave a half-hour later. By 7:30 p.m., the family and 10 other cars reached the welcome sign at the entrance to Cohasset only to be told to turn around and get out through the logging roads.

A very helpful gentleman from the logging company drove past the caravan, alerting them that the road had been cleared and gates that were closed had been opened. A second Sierra Pacific worker led them to the helipad above the town and took a leadership role to get everyone together, instructed people how to organize vehicles. They formed a convoy to get out. If any vehicle had trouble, they were told to honk so they could move to the front of the pack.

Six miles up the narrow road, the convoy stopped at a logging encampment to regroup. At that point, they the evacuees heard more homes were being told to get out, Shelton said.

The convoy reached Highway 32 around 9 p.m. and headed north toward Chester. He said the loggers made the difference in saving lives.

Honestly, for the most part, everyone was just really helpful, looking out for each other, he said. You know, a couple vehicles didnt have very much gasoline and they were all willing to offer up what they had.

Now the Sheltons await the fate of their home, which they believed was still standing.

It looks like the fire line that was established at Sigler Road is about two miles below my house, so hopefully were all good, he said Thursday.

A spokesperson for SPI Industries confirmed in a statement that employees and contractors helped Cohasset-area residents evacuate.

The remains of a structure burned the Park Fire smolder along Cohasset Road east of Chico on Thursday.

A wilted cactus stands on the side of Cohasset Road near a home burned in the Park Fire east of Chico on Thursday.

Flames are seen at the base of a communications tower along Richardson Springs Road and Mud Creek before images from the PG&E wildfire camera stopped transmitting Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The Park Fire has burned more than 45,000 acres since sparking Wednesday afternoon.

DA speaks on suspects arrest

Ramsey, the Butte County district attorney, said in Thursdays news conference that Cal Fire arson investigators and District Attorneys Office investigators arrested Stout at his residence at a Chico mobile home park around 2 a.m. that morning. The investigators demanded by loudspeakers that Stout exit the home with his hands up, he said.

He was booked into the Butte County Jail, where he will stay until he is arraigned in court on Monday on a count of arson, Ramsey said.

A witness in the area saw Stout acting somewhat strange, according to Ramsey. The witness reportedly saw a fire start underneath Stouts car, in response to which he (did) nothing other than watching the fire.

Ramsey said the witness saw Stout enter the car, do something inside, exit the car and finally push it into the gully. The district attorney identified the vehicle involved as Stouts mothers vehicle.

According to Ramsey, Stout has multiple prior convictions on his record.

Stay or go?

Late Thursday afternoon, the Ayon family had stopped on Highway 32 midway between their home in Forest Ranch and Chico.

The family watched the fire consume Upper Bidwell Park and argued on which direction to head.

Once we pass that barrier theres no going back home for a while, said Kyle Ayon, referencing the barricade on Highway 32.

They had spent the last 24 hours watching the smoke, packing their car with personal belongings and keeping up to date with the evacuation warnings. All the while, they went back and forth on whether to evacuate.

As the smoke inched closer to Highway 32, Alan Ayon, 79, tried to again convince his son Kyle and granddaughter Morgan May that they should head back to Forest Ranch.

It wouldnt hurt us if we went back, did one final review, before heading out, Alan told them.

Sorry gramps, we have to err on the side of caution, May replied.

Kyle felt conflicted on the decision, saying he leaned toward prioritizing the safety of his daughter.

After nearly a half hour of disagreeing, the family was swayed by a Cal Fire official who told them the fire was headed in their direction and would reach them in 30 minutes.

Thats the final verdict, Kyle said.

Park Fire burning in steep, inaccessible terrain

The rapid spread of the blaze was due in part to the fire burrowing into heavily inaccessible parts, said Capt. Dan Collins, a spokesman for Cal Fire and Butte County Fire Department. Winds billowed up to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 23 mph, in Upper Bidwell Park about 8 p.m. Wednesday amid an imminent red flag warning, according to the National Weather Service.

Deploying ground resources to those heavily wooded parts proved challenging especially as flames charred regions with little to no fire history, Collins said. The vegetation provided lots of fuel for embers to ignite, especially as high temperatures raged, he said. Collins didnt have a total number of structures that have burned.

A red flag warning  issued when a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds combine for dangerous conditions  was expected to last from 1 p.m. Thursday until 11 p.m. Friday in Butte and Tehama counties.

Park Fire map

Sources: U.S. Department of the Interior, IRWIN, FIRIS, NIFC, NASA, NOAA and Esri

Smoke drifted through trees and burned structures around Wells Island and Cohasset roads. Small flames still sputtered Thursday morning, destroying some structures.

Firefighters saved Odyssey Winery & Vineyards, 6237 Cohasset Road, but charred cars and homes were more common while traversing up Cohasset Road.

All that remained of a family-owned reptile store, Killer Clutches, 44 Rock Creed Road, were darkened pillars and a small frog leaping through blackened containers and cages.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state secured a federal grant to provide financial aid by allowing local, state and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75-percent reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs, according to a news release.

Gusts could reach 21 mph Thursday in Chico, with an estimated high of 102 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Cameras operated by PG&E in the AlertCalifornia wildfire surveillance network showed flames devouring a communications tower along Richardson Springs Road on Wednesday as flames raced through river canyons and over ridges. The transmission cut out a few moments later.

The Butte County Sheriffs Office placed the following zones were under evacuation orders: 120, 149, 150-A, 250-253, 260, 261, 262, 265-271, 273 311, 312, 317 and 318. It includes areas of Forest Ranch, Cohasset and Carpenter ridges. The area also includes the Chico Municipal Airport.

The following zones were under evacuation warnings in Butte County: 244, 252, 253, 263, 264, 282, 286, 314, 315, 316, 361 and 363.

The Tehama County Sheriffs Office ordered residents in zones 694-B, 726, 732, 734, 736, 852, 854, 856, 858, 882, 882-A and 882-B to leave the area. Residents in zones 694-A, 720, 726, 728, 732, 734, 840, 850-A and 852 were under an evacuation warning.

An evacuation center was set up at Neighborhood Church, 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. in Chico. Small animals may be taken to a shelter at 2279 Del Oro Ave., in Oroville and large animals can be brought to safety at Camelot Equestrian Park, 1985 Clark Road in Oroville.

The California Highway Patrols office in Susanville closed Highway 32 at Highway 36 due to the fire with no estimated time of reopening. More resources from around Northern California expected to descend on the region to douse flames, according to Cal Fire.

The cause is under investigation, Cal Fire said.

Outbuildings are seen charred from the Park Fire in Butte County, northeast of Chico, on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The fire jumped to more than 45,000 acres less than a day after sparking in Upper Bidwell Park, prompting evacuations.
LATEST UPDATES: The blaze has topped 160,000 acres and burned over 130 homes.

The following story was published on Thursday, July 25.

A Northern California blaze exploded Thursday to more than 120,000 acres across two counties  quickly becoming the largest wildfire in the state this year  forcing thousands to evacuate. Investigators arrested a suspected arsonist who allegedly pushed a burning car down a gully in a park outside of Chico, Butte County authorities said.

Firefighters have contained just 3% of the 120,312-acre (188 square miles) blaze, dubbed the Park Fire, burning across Butte and Tehama counties after sparks ignited Wednesday in the open spaces of Upper Bidwell Park on the outskirts of Chico.

The wildfire, recorded by Cal Fire at just 6,465 acres around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, jumped overnight to 45,000 acres Thursday morning and to 71,000 acres by midday.

The suspect in the arson, who was arrested on a warrant issued Thursday, pushed a car down a gully near Alligator Hole, a swimming hole at the park, shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said. The vehicle fell about 60 feet and burned completely, prosecutors said. Authorities said on Thursday afternoon identified the suspect as 42-year-old Ronnie Stout, of Chico.

Ramsey in a Thursday afternoon news conference, streamed live on social media, said the vehicle Stout allegedly pushed down the gully was his mothers.

It is maddening that were here again, and it is particularly maddening that this particular fire was caused by an individual, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said in the news conference.

The Butte County Sheriffs Office ordered the evacuation of areas around Musty Buck Ridge as wind spurred flames toward Cohasset, a community of 900 residents. By Thursday afternoon, the wildfire spread north to Campbellville, prompting the Tehama County Sheriffs Office to call for mandatory evacuations in the area.

Honea on Thursday urged Butte County residents to know their evacuation zones by heart, and to be ready to evacuate on a moments notice.

Last night, while I was up in Cohasset with my staff, I ran across numerous people who were not prepared to go, he said. In three cases, we ran across vehicles completely out of gas.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a Thursday morning news release more than 3,500 people were uprooted from their homes; evacuation orders expanded substantially throughout the day.

Firefighters, loggers and residents acted quickly to dodge the flames as the fire made Cohasset Road impassable. Authorities led a group of 20 vehicles uphill toward Campbellville to a helipad. Another 80 vehicles were guided by trucks on small logging roads in Sierra Pacific Industries forest lands, according to radio dispatches reviewed Wednesday night by The Sacramento Bee.

Paradise gets evacuation warning

At 4:40 p.m. Thursday, officials in the town of Paradise announced that sheriffs officials issued an evacuation warning for Paradise fire zones 1, 4 and 9; most of those zones are west of Skyway, on the northwestern end of town.

Officials said there were no current mandatory evacuation orders for the town.

Paradise was site of the 2018 Camp Fire, Californias deadliest and most destructive wildfire, which burned 90,000 acres in its first 24 hours. The Camp Fire killed 85 people and destroyed more than 18,000 homes and other buildings.

Ultimately firefighters stopped the decimation at more than 150,000 acres.

Everyone was just really helpful, looking out for each other

Nikko Shelton and his family live on Cohasset Road and were told to go by 6 p.m. He and his wife escaped in two cars, his with the dog, Luther, the other driven by Melissa with two cats in tow. They were among the 40 evacuees in a caravan of 20 vehicles trying to dodge the flames while navigating treacherously narrow unpaved roads.

Shelton said dust clouded his view and others struggled to stay on the road. One vehicle was pulled out after slipping into a ditch, another car was abandoned outright, he said.

Despite the tribulations, Shelton said he believed everyone made it out OK.

He said the family got their first evacuation notice about 5:30 p.m. and were told to leave a half-hour later. By 7:30 p.m., the family and 10 other cars reached the welcome sign at the entrance to Cohasset only to be told to turn around and get out through the logging roads.

A very helpful gentleman from the logging company drove past the caravan, alerting them that the road had been cleared and gates that were closed had been opened. A second Sierra Pacific worker led them to the helipad above the town and took a leadership role to get everyone together, instructed people how to organize vehicles. They formed a convoy to get out. If any vehicle had trouble, they were told to honk so they could move to the front of the pack.

Six miles up the narrow road, the convoy stopped at a logging encampment to regroup. At that point, they the evacuees heard more homes were being told to get out, Shelton said.

The convoy reached Highway 32 around 9 p.m. and headed north toward Chester. He said the loggers made the difference in saving lives.

Honestly, for the most part, everyone was just really helpful, looking out for each other, he said. You know, a couple vehicles didnt have very much gasoline and they were all willing to offer up what they had.

Now the Sheltons await the fate of their home, which they believed was still standing.

It looks like the fire line that was established at Sigler Road is about two miles below my house, so hopefully were all good, he said Thursday.

A spokesperson for SPI Industries confirmed in a statement that employees and contractors helped Cohasset-area residents evacuate.

The remains of a structure burned the Park Fire smolder along Cohasset Road east of Chico on Thursday.

A wilted cactus stands on the side of Cohasset Road near a home burned in the Park Fire east of Chico on Thursday.

Flames are seen at the base of a communications tower along Richardson Springs Road and Mud Creek before images from the PG&E wildfire camera stopped transmitting Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The Park Fire has burned more than 45,000 acres since sparking Wednesday afternoon.

DA speaks on suspects arrest

Ramsey, the Butte County district attorney, said in Thursdays news conference that Cal Fire arson investigators and District Attorneys Office investigators arrested Stout at his residence at a Chico mobile home park around 2 a.m. that morning. The investigators demanded by loudspeakers that Stout exit the home with his hands up, he said.

He was booked into the Butte County Jail, where he will stay until he is arraigned in court on Monday on a count of arson, Ramsey said.

A witness in the area saw Stout acting somewhat strange, according to Ramsey. The witness reportedly saw a fire start underneath Stouts car, in response to which he (did) nothing other than watching the fire.

Ramsey said the witness saw Stout enter the car, do something inside, exit the car and finally push it into the gully. The district attorney identified the vehicle involved as Stouts mothers vehicle.

According to Ramsey, Stout has multiple prior convictions on his record.

Stay or go?

Late Thursday afternoon, the Ayon family had stopped on Highway 32 midway between their home in Forest Ranch and Chico.

The family watched the fire consume Upper Bidwell Park and argued on which direction to head.

Once we pass that barrier theres no going back home for a while, said Kyle Ayon, referencing the barricade on Highway 32.

They had spent the last 24 hours watching the smoke, packing their car with personal belongings and keeping up to date with the evacuation warnings. All the while, they went back and forth on whether to evacuate.

As the smoke inched closer to Highway 32, Alan Ayon, 79, tried to again convince his son Kyle and granddaughter Morgan May that they should head back to Forest Ranch.

It wouldnt hurt us if we went back, did one final review, before heading out, Alan told them.

Sorry gramps, we have to err on the side of caution, May replied.

Kyle felt conflicted on the decision, saying he leaned toward prioritizing the safety of his daughter.

After nearly a half hour of disagreeing, the family was swayed by a Cal Fire official who told them the fire was headed in their direction and would reach them in 30 minutes.

Thats the final verdict, Kyle said.

Park Fire burning in steep, inaccessible terrain

The rapid spread of the blaze was due in part to the fire burrowing into heavily inaccessible parts, said Capt. Dan Collins, a spokesman for Cal Fire and Butte County Fire Department. Winds billowed up to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 23 mph, in Upper Bidwell Park about 8 p.m. Wednesday amid an imminent red flag warning, according to the National Weather Service.

Deploying ground resources to those heavily wooded parts proved challenging especially as flames charred regions with little to no fire history, Collins said. The vegetation provided lots of fuel for embers to ignite, especially as high temperatures raged, he said. Collins didnt have a total number of structures that have burned.

A red flag warning  issued when a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds combine for dangerous conditions  was expected to last from 1 p.m. Thursday until 11 p.m. Friday in Butte and Tehama counties.

Park Fire map

Sources: U.S. Department of the Interior, IRWIN, FIRIS, NIFC, NASA, NOAA and Esri

Smoke drifted through trees and burned structures around Wells Island and Cohasset roads. Small flames still sputtered Thursday morning, destroying some structures.

Firefighters saved Odyssey Winery & Vineyards, 6237 Cohasset Road, but charred cars and homes were more common while traversing up Cohasset Road.

All that remained of a family-owned reptile store, Killer Clutches, 44 Rock Creed Road, were darkened pillars and a small frog leaping through blackened containers and cages.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state secured a federal grant to provide financial aid by allowing local, state and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75-percent reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs, according to a news release.

Gusts could reach 21 mph Thursday in Chico, with an estimated high of 102 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Cameras operated by PG&E in the AlertCalifornia wildfire surveillance network showed flames devouring a communications tower along Richardson Springs Road on Wednesday as flames raced through river canyons and over ridges. The transmission cut out a few moments later.

The Butte County Sheriffs Office placed the following zones were under evacuation orders: 120, 149, 150-A, 250-253, 260, 261, 262, 265-271, 273 311, 312, 317 and 318. It includes areas of Forest Ranch, Cohasset and Carpenter ridges. The area also includes the Chico Municipal Airport.

The following zones were under evacuation warnings in Butte County: 244, 252, 253, 263, 264, 282, 286, 314, 315, 316, 361 and 363.

The Tehama County Sheriffs Office ordered residents in zones 694-B, 726, 732, 734, 736, 852, 854, 856, 858, 882, 882-A and 882-B to leave the area. Residents in zones 694-A, 720, 726, 728, 732, 734, 840, 850-A and 852 were under an evacuation warning.

An evacuation center was set up at Neighborhood Church, 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. in Chico. Small animals may be taken to a shelter at 2279 Del Oro Ave., in Oroville and large animals can be brought to safety at Camelot Equestrian Park, 1985 Clark Road in Oroville.

The California Highway Patrols office in Susanville closed Highway 32 at Highway 36 due to the fire with no estimated time of reopening. More resources from around Northern California expected to descend on the region to douse flames, according to Cal Fire.

The cause is under investigation, Cal Fire said.

Outbuildings are seen charred from the Park Fire in Butte County, northeast of Chico, on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The fire jumped to more than 45,000 acres less than a day after sparking in Upper Bidwell Park, prompting evacuations.
The Park Fire, one of many wildfires raging in Northern California, grew from a small brush fire in Chico to the largest blaze in the state in less than two days. A man suspected of starting the fire has been arrested.

The Park Fire started Wednesday afternoon in a park and grew from about 6,400 acres late Wednesday night to 45,550 acres Thursday morning. As of Friday evening, it had grown five-fold to a staggering 239,100 acres  some 373 square miles. Containment had been at 3%, but it fell to zero percent.

"This fire has fingers that are growing in different directions depending on which way the wind is blowing," Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said.

Cal Fire incident commander Billy See said in a news conference Friday afternoon that the blaze was spreading at a rate of 4,000 to 5,000 acres per hour, according to CBS Sacramento.

Honea said Friday afternoon that about 4,000 Butte County residents were under evacuation orders, per CBS Sacramento, and evacuation orders had also been issued in three California counties, Tehama, Shasta and Plumas.

Vintage vehicles that were burned in the Park Fire are seen near Chico, California, July 26, 2024. / Credit: Reuters/Fred Greaves

Jerry Himango, who lost his home in 2018's Camp Fire that devastated the town of Paradise, stayed in his Chico home as the Park Fire roared through his neighborhood. He said his home has a 200-foot clearance of heavy vegetation to keep fires at bay.

"It was just  like a freight train coming through," Himango told CBS News Sacramento. "Within an hour, hour and a half, it came from the bottom of the canyon right through this area here and just kept on chugging up the hill."

Cal Fire arson investigators have arrested a 42-year-old Chico man on suspicion of starting the blaze, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey announced. Officials later identified the suspect as Ronnie Dean Stout II.

His arrest followed reports of a man seen pushing a burning car into a gully at around 3 p.m. Wednesday in the upper part of Bidwell Park, where the blaze broke out, the district attorney said. The car slid 60 feet down an embankment and went up in flames completely, sparking the Park Fire.

Smoke and flames rise as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, July 25, 2024. / Credit: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Ramsey said the man was then seen calmly leaving the area among other residents who fled as the fire rapidly grew. A local judge issued an arrest warrant Thursday morning, and Stout was booked into the Butte County Jail, where the warrant stipulated he would be held without bond until his arraignment on Monday.

Authorities in Butte County and neighboring Tehama County issued numerous evacuation orders and warnings as the Park Fire developed, CBS News Sacramento reported. Shelters were set up for people and for animals impacted by the fire, and California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Friday evening for Butte and Tehama counties, as well as for Northern California's Plumas County due to the Gold Complex fires, which have burned just over 3,000 acres.

The Gold Complex fires were four lightning-sparked fires which broke out near the community of Portola in the Plumas National Forest and forced evacuations. Some of those fires merged into the Mill and Smith fires. Together, they were 11% contained at last report Friday.

Officials said Friday morning that 134 structures have been destroyed in the Park Fire. CBS Sacramento has captured footage of several homes that were lost.

Lily Moore and Megan Panighetti watch the Park Fire burning as they sit on top of a car in Chico, California, on July 25, 2024. / Credit: Reuters/Fred Greaves

Julia Yarbough watched her house burn on her home security camera.

"We're shellshocked right now," she told CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti, who was with her as she returned for the first time. "It really is surreal." Yarbough is a former news anchor for Action News Now, a CBS affiliate in Chico. She was also an anchor and reporter for KCBS in Los Angeles.

Newsom Thursday announced that the state received a grant from Federal Emergency Management Agency to bolster California's response to the fast-moving blaze. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the grant had been issued.

Charred walls stand at a residence destroyed by the Park Fire on Sycamore Valley Road near Chico, Calif., on July 25, 2024. / Credit: AP Photo/Noah Berger

Cal Fire said more than 1,600 personnel were fighting the blaze with the assistance of six water-dropping helicopters.

Wildfire Watch: Maps and data on fires raging in western U.S.

Even after the arson suspect's arrest on Thursday, an investigation into the Park Fire and its cause remained ongoing, said Ramsey.

The Park Fire is currently the largest, but far from the only, wildfire burning in California. And farther north, in Oregon, the Durkee Fire grew so large and powerful it created its own weather.

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Butte County's recent wildfires



Butte County has had a very busy fire season this summer, CBS News Sacramento points out.

The Thompson Fire in the Oroville area recently scorched more than 3,700 acres, forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, and destroyed dozens of structures, including houses.

The day after the Thompson Fire started, the Grubbs Fire just south of that in Palermo was much smaller but also forced evacuations.

In mid-July, the Railbridge Fire, just south of Palermo, burned 130 acres, forced evacuations, destroyed or damaged several structures and injured at least one person.

Back in June, the Apache Fire, which burned in the same general area near Oroville and Palermo, scorched nearly 700 acres and forced its own round of evacuations.

Nearly two weeks before the Apache Fire, the Junes Fire burned nearly 1,100 acres in Palermo and also forced people from their homes.

In 2018, the Camp Fire charred more than 150,000 acres in Butte County, nearly destroying the town of Paradise. Eighty-five people died in the Camp Fire, making it the deadliest in state history.

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Jordan Peterson revealed he once earned $400,000 a month  ways to pump up wealth even if you're not famous

Have you ever wondered how much prominent online personalities earn?

While most celebrities keep their earnings under wraps, Canadian psychologist, author and social media influencer Jordan Peterson, who first made his name as a public commentator in 2016 by harshly criticizing progressive gender policy in his native Ontario, Canada, once provided a rare glimpse into the details of his financial success.

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Im not ashamed of making money, its very hard to make money, he said during a 2018 interview with French journalist Martin Weill.

Peterson, at this point, had gained prominence as a cultural lightning rod popular among right-wing men, extending his commentary to vitriolic criticisms of feminism and identity politics. Weill asked, bluntly, how much money he makes, and Peterson was happy to oblige.

The income streams of a big-name influencer

Peterson didnt shy away from the details, and broke down his multiple income streams.

I make $80,000 a month on Patreon. My book is selling about 20,000 copies a week, I have royalties that probably amount to something approximating $1.50 on each of those. The tours garner about $35,000 to $50,000 an evening. I have a business thats generating, I dont know, something in the neighborhood of $200,000 a month for me personally. Theres some other smaller sources of income than that.

Assuming Peterson gave an accurate accounting, his monthly income at the time was in the neighborhood of $400,000 a month, not counting his earnings from tours. If he conducted a few appearances from tours each month, his monthly income could have easily surpassed half a million dollars.

Peterson later deleted his lucrative Patreon account as a protest against the platforms removal of right-wing personality Carl Benjamin, colloquially known online as Sargon of Akkad, over hate-speech allegations. But because Petersons other cash flows were so diverse, he was, presumably, able to take the hit and remain a high earner.

Read more: Car insurance rates have spiked in the US to a stunning $2,150/year  but you can be smarter than that. Here's how you can save yourself as much as $820 annually in minutes (it's 100% free)

Story continues

The numbers left Weill astonished, prompting him to remark, You are making a lot of money out of this.

Yes, Peterson responded. I certainly am, and so are a lot of other people.

Of course, for most people, a monthly income of $400,000 or more like Peterson claimed to earn is simply out of reach. Very few individuals get famous enough to command a paying audience as large as his. And, to be sure, some who disagree strenuously with Petersons divisive views argue his income is entirely ill-gotten.

Nevertheless, his career offers an example of an individual achieving economic security.

Invest for passive income

Note how a significant portion of Petersons earnings is passive, requiring no additional work from him. For instance, his best-selling books continue to generate royalties, even when hes on vacation.

In order to significantly raise your income and create durable wealth, you should aim to establish multiple streams of passive income. For those who dont have book deals or massive social media followings, its still possible to generate wealth while going about your everyday life.

Some publicly traded companies, for example, pay dividends to investors on a regular basis. Investing in these companies shares can allow you to earn a passive income stream through dividends  just make sure to find companies that have the ability to make money through thick and thin.

Real estate is another popular option since well-chosen properties can provide investors with a steady stream of rental income. Moreover, real estate can appreciate over time.

Of course, while we all like the idea of collecting passive income, being a landlord does come with its hassles, such as fixing leaky faucets and dealing with difficult tenants.

But these days, you dont need to be a landlord to start investing in real estate. There are plenty of real estate investment trusts (REITs), as well as crowdfunding platforms that allow you to earn rental income without becoming a landlord.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Over the next month, students will trickle back into school, and the City of Austin hopes to fill open positions for school crossing guards.

KXAN Traffic Anchor met up with one of the crossing guard supervisors to learn more about this special role that helps kids stay safe on their way to and from school.

You can imagine how chaotic it can get when we have motorists that do not pay attention to my guard, or even pay attention to the school zone flashers and signs that we have posted, says Beatrice Bailey. She helps little legs walking, biking and scooting to and from school every morning and every afternoon.

When youre a guard, youre here to make sure that each and every day, they have someone thats there to make sure that they get across safe, they make it home safe, says Bailey.

As a crossing guard, Bailey protects kids from drivers who, despite the flashing lights, school zone warnings, and handheld stop signs, still speed by.

Unfortunately that is one of our biggest problems along with cell phone use. We understand that there are some people that dont have children. So their mind might not be on Im crossing a school, says Bailey.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2022 there were 746 traffic crashes in school zones in Texas, resulting in 23 serious injuries. TxDOT says the most common cause is drivers not paying attention, speeding or not yielding the right of way.

The role of a crossing guard is typically part-time, and just a few hours a day. The City of Austin pays $20.80 an hour for the position.

In addition to a criminal background check, Bailey says crossing guards need a lot of patience.

Because guess what, youre going to have some people that are going to speed through your crosswalk, youre going to have some people that are going to be mad because you stopped them so that you could cross those children. But you need to have patience and understanding and you need to have the will to let the children know, the main thing is that they make it across that street safe, says Bailey.

Bailey says its an important job she takes pride in, Sometimes they have a bad day at school, and they want somebody to vent to and you get to say,  You know what, itll be better. Try it again tomorrow, and theyll be excited to hear you say that.

There are currently 30 open crossing guard positions the City of Austin is hoping to fill. At full staff, there are 200 total crossing guards.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 24: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

My fellow Americans, its been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years, Biden said. Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter, from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States. But here I am.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Evan Vucci | Pool-Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership, and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights, and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images).

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

Responding to the speech, Maine Gov. Janet Mills thanked the president for his lifetime of service above self, she wrote on social media.

.@POTUS is right: America is a nation of promise and possibilities. Nothing is beyond our capacity  when we do it together. On behalf of Maine people, thank you, President Biden, for your lifetime of service above self. I look forward to our continued work together.  Governor Janet Mills (@GovJanetMills) July 25, 2024

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Significant concerns

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Grateful for time in offic

e

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.

 President Joe Biden

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.

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Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office.

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Evan Vucci/Getty Images-Pool)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images.

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
J.R. Reeds three kids were scattered in different states across the country this week. They all had tickets to get home  on Delta.

But they couldnt even get onto planes. Delta paused its unaccompanied minors program during the airlines meltdown in the wake of the global tech outage that started late last week.

Delta flew my kids out and wont fly them home, said Reed, a resident of Atlanta. He told CNN he wasnt notified of the minors program embargo.

His eldest, 15, was stuck in the Charlotte airport for 12 hours. His middle child, 12, stayed stranded in New Yorks LaGuardia Airport. His youngest, 10, was in Orlando after flying solo for the first time.

Reed eventually resorted to buying a ticket to New York himself to pick up his middle child, while his sister bought a ticket to Atlanta to bring home his youngest. He then arranged for a car to pick up his eldest son and bring him back to Atlanta. Later, he told CNN in an update, Delta refunded his New York ticket, and his sister found an Orlando agent who allowed his youngest child to fly home on Wednesday when the embargo was lifted.

As soon as Delta made the decision to not honor any child tickets flying by themselves, their first priority should have been rebooking those passengers, and they didnt care, he added.

A Delta representative said in an email to CNN that the airline embargoed unaccompanied minor travel beginning July 19 to keep them from being separated from their caregivers should their flights be canceled or delayed due to the outage.

We take seriously the trust caregivers place in us with their childrens travel, and sincerely apologize that that trust was compromised through confusion around the embargo, the company said.

Reed is a longtime Delta loyalist who achieved Million Miler status. Hes seen his share of technology-related disruptions with the airline, but he described its handling of the fallout from the CrowdStrike outage as the worst ever.

Similar tales of frustration and fury are mounting as Delta Air Lines lags behind other airlines in recovering from the global tech meltdown that swept across the world last week, prompting Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to launch an investigation into Delta. With the number of delayed and canceled flights hitting the thousands, he told reporters he estimated more than 500,000 passengers were affected.

Ruined plans

For newlyweds Jeremy and Kaylee Jones, the disruption upended their plans to celebrate their honeymoon on the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia.

The couple flew to Atlanta, Georgia, from Spokane, Washington, on a Delta flight and encountered no issues, they told CNN. But upon arrival Tuesday, they discovered their flight to St. Lucia was canceled due to a lack of crew.

Story continues

The couple, who were married Saturday, said the flight issues caused five guests to miss the wedding, as well.

I get that things happen, Jones said. This is just shocking to me that a multi-billion-dollar corporation would struggle this much to get the ball rolling again.

In a note to customers Sunday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian apologized for the disruptions and attributed the problem to the computer program affecting its crew tracking software. The company followed up Monday, saying the CrowdStrike error required its technology team to manually reboot and repair impacted systems  and that additional time was still needed for the applications to sync up.

Baggage woes

The Joneses are also among thousands of passengers missing their baggage.

At Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Deltas headquarters and largest hub, thousands of pieces of luggage were lined up on the floors of baggage claim on Tuesday. The bags made it to the worlds busiest airport  but, due to delays and cancellations, their owners didnt.

Travelers wait for their luggage at the Delta baggage claim at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia, US, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. - Christian Monterrosa/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Dylan Steele, a federal worker from South Georgia, was stuck at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta since Saturday when he was supposed to travel to Washington, DC, for a conference. He told CNN on Tuesday his job requires him to fly Delta Airlines and that he was unable to pick up a flight from a different airline, forcing him to abandon his travel plans entirely.

So instead, Steele planned to head back home  without his luggage, he told CNN.

My belongings are on the tarmac or being loaded onto a plane somewhere, he said.

A Delta Air Lines representatives told Steele his baggage will go to D.C. without him and will be sent to his home in about a week.

Delta, typically on a normal day, is pretty good, he said. The CrowdStrike glitch has caused a significant speed bump, and theyre just finding it hard to get their footing back.

Frustration ramps up

At Hartsfield-Jackson, Delta is trying to boost staffing by mobilizing its volunteer team alongside employees from different departments to iron out the chaos.

But exasperated flyers, like Arthur Ginolfi, say Delta needs to do better to take care of their customers.

It is frustrating to travel, but this is the worst experience Ive ever had in my 35 years of business travel, said Ginolfi, whose Delta flight from Philadelphia to Atlanta was originally booked for Sunday afternoon.

Ginolfi said he was forced to drive two hours back to his home in New Jersey, arriving around 2 am on Monday.

There are lines that were unacceptable, there were people that were frustrated. I saw and I heard a lot of sad stories, he said. There should be some kind of compensation for this.

He told CNN the issues have cost him a significant amount of money.

I had to pay for parking for 12 hours, I had to pay for food, I had to pay for tolls, he said.

Bastian also told Delta passengers in a note on Sunday that the airline would continue to offer meal vouchers, hotel accommodations and transportation where available. And as a gesture of apology, were also providing impacted customers with Delta SkyMiles and travel vouchers.

Included in the compensation being offered to Delta customers is a waiver that allows travelers who booked a flight from July 19 to 23 to make a one-time change to their itinerary as well as the option to request a refund for significantly delayed flights.

This story has been updated with additional developments and context.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool / Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.
Pass the torch: Biden addresses nation on why he wont seek a second term

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying now is the time to turn over power to the next generation.

Ive made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point  one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, Biden said. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

The 11-minute speech was the first time Biden spoke at length on camera since releasing a letter Sunday withdrawing as the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee. He will continue to serve out his term.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has received support from enough delegates to clinch the partys official nomination during a virtual roll call vote slated for early August.

Biden called into a campaign rally earlier this week, but had only given off-camera or brief remarks since announcing his decision to step aside while sidelined with COVID-19.

Calls for Biden to bow out began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised significant concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.

Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy

Speaking directly to Americans in his address, Biden said he believed his record, leadership and vision for the countrys future all merited a second term.

But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy and that includes personal ambition, Biden said. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Thats the best way to unite our nation.

Biden said that while there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, there is also a time for younger voices.

And that time and place is now, Biden said.

During his remaining six months in office, Biden said he planned to continue pressing for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political.

Biden said he wanted to secure an end to the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages that Hamas took when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

He said he planned to press for changes to the Supreme Court, calling it essential for democracy.

Biden also recounted the numerous laws enacted since he became president as well as his efforts to hold the NATO alliance together following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He said he hoped Americans understood how grateful he was for his decades as an elected official.

I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake, Biden said.

Harris, he said, has the experience, strength and capability to lead the country following the November elections.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule  the people do, Biden said. History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.

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PATERSON  Overdue municipal audits have prompted the New Jersey health department to put a hold on five Paterson grant applications for $1.9 million worth of services, including funding for childhood lead programs, according to state and city officials.

The stalled applications reflect the latest developments in a year-long problem, a situation that prompted state health officials last October to impose a moratorium on city grant requests and subsequently in March to designate Paterson as a "high risk" for funding.

Despite multiple inquiries, Mayor Andre Sayeghs administration has not responded to questions about the reason for the tardy audits. The mayor has not made any public statements about the grant moratorium  which lasted for about four months  or the high risk designation by the state health department.

Story continues below photo gallery

Paterson Press recently obtained through a public records request correspondence between state and city health officials over the past year that shine a light on a problem that previously had been kept quiet.

The mayors chief of staff, Habib Kader, issued a statement about the stalled grants this week, but he did not provide an explanation for the late audits.

Due to the delayed completion of the 2021 audit report, the Paterson Division of Health was classified as high risk for various grant funding opportunities which resulted in a hold on accessing grant funds, Kader said. Monthly meetings were held to address the issue.

"Currently, the absence of the 2022 audit report has placed the Division of Health in the same predicament, preventing access to grant funding, Kader said.

More: No one hurt as Paterson health office facade crumbles to the sidewalk

More: Paterson closes city health offices once again due to heat, broken AC

Furthermore, without an engagement letter from the auditing company for the 2023 audit, the DOHs grant applications will not be processed, Kader said. The DOH has been instructed not to resubmit applications until a 2023 audit engagement letter is available. The city has maintained ongoing communication to rectify this issue.

Delayed grants would cover these services

State health department officials this week provided a list of the Paterson grant applications that are being delayed because of the overdue audit documents. They are all applications for funding from the states 2024 fiscal year, which ended June 30:

Office of Local Public Health / Strengthening Local Health: $406,046

Office of Local Public Health / Childhood Lead: $645,000

Division of HIV, STD (sexually transmitted disease) , and TB (tuberculosis) Services / STD Services: $80,224

Division of HIV, STD, and TB Services / HIV Services: $400,000

Division of HIV, STD, and TB Services / TB: Ambulatory Care $127,026, and TB Services $224,036. (This is a two-year grant that began in in the 2023 fiscal year.)

City Council President Alex Mendez said he contacted the Sayegh administration after Paterson Press asked him about the health grant situation. Mendez said officials attributed the audit delays to the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that there are two vacant positions in the city finance office, including assistant chief finance officer.

I was never concerned when you called me, but now I feel better after talking with the administration, the council president said. The city isnt going to lose any grants. The state is working together with the city on this.

The New Jersey health department imposed its moratorium on Paterson grant applications on Oct. 12, 2023, according to an email from a state official to the city.

It has come to our attention that the 2021 audit report for Paterson City is currently unavailable, and regrettably, no definitive time frame for its submission has been provided, said the email from state grant management officer Jorge Lozano.

We must emphasize that, in light of this circumstance, the Department and Grant Administrators are compelled to impose a strict moratorium on the processing of any new awards for those entities not in immediate compliance with our audit requirements, the email said.

That moratorium impacted two grant applications  one for $406,046 for a Strengthening Local Health grant and another for $645,000 for a Childhood Lead Program  according to a state spokesperson.

The state lifted its moratorium in February after getting the 2021 audit from the city, the spokesperson said. The two grants then were processed, and the funding was provided to the city, the state said. No disruptions in grant activities were reported, the spokesperson said.

Paterson classified 'high risk' for state grants

But after reviewed the citys 2021 audit, the state heath department sent Paterson another email on March 19, 2024 saying the city would be classified as high risk under its grant policies.

That designation stemmed from the fact that the 2021 audit was significantly late but also because of some of the audit's findings, the email said. In particular, the state cited the audits mention of Patersons failure to furnish detailed reports or journal entries with accompanying explanations to substantiate grant-related expenses recorded throughout the year.

Additionally, said the state in its email, the auditors identified Patersons deficiency in furnishing documentation concerning payroll expenses. This shortfall raises concerns about the availability of documents that would demonstrate that grant funds were used to fund eligible employees and activities in alignment with the funding opportunity.

In that March email, the state told Paterson it would hold monthly technical assistance meetings with city officials to fix the problems that resulted in the high risk designation.

Paterson Press attempted to contact City Council President Alex Mendez about the health grant situation, but Mendez did not respond.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Late Paterson audits put $1.9M in health grants in jeopardy
Peace negotiations on the war in Ukraine will be impossible without the participation of Russia and China, Czech President Petr Pavel told CTK in an interview published on July 25.

While around 100 countries and organizations attended Ukraine's global peace summit in Switzerland in June, Moscow was not invited to take part, and Beijing did not accept the invitation.

Kyiv has said it plans to convene a second peace summit before the end of 2024.

"Without Russia and China at the table, there really won't be any peace negotiations," Pavel told CTV.

Pavel described the peace summit in Switzerland as a "kick-off" to start the process of political negotiations toward peace. "The important thing is that the process has started."

The Czech president also singled out China as an "important global player" economically, but currently not a leading power "in the politics of promoting peace."

Beijing 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.

China has also emerged as one of Russia's leading sources of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense industry.

Read also: Ukraines peace summit falls short of engaging Global South  can Ukraine expand its coalition?

Russia and China should be reminded "that there is a need to respect the rules we agreed upon after the Second World War, according to which the world has been operating for 80 years and should continue to operate," Pavel said.

"We should try to improve those rules, not eliminate them," Pavel added.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba arrived in China on July 23, and went on to hold talks lasting more than three hours with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou on July 24.

Kuleba said after the meeting that China remains "unshakably" committed to Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address the same evening that China confirmed that it will not provide Russia with weapons.

"China has always been firmly committed to promoting a political solution to the crisis," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its website on July 24.

Read also: Czech FM: Ammunition initiative is a vital part of Ukraines defense but needs more donors, money

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has thrown her weight behind the reelection bid of San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston. On Wednesday, Prestons campaign announced that Pelosi had endorsed the supervisor, who represents San Franciscos District 5 and has been a frequent adversary of Elon Musk.

This is a powerful endorsement from one of San Franciscos most important leaders, and I look forward to working with Speaker Emerita Pelosi in our united effort to defeat Donald Trump and address the challenges facing our city, said Preston. In our district, Speaker Emerita Pelosi has championed crucial federal investments in our neighborhoods. Im very grateful for her support in this race.

Pelosis endorsement of Preston follows closely on the heels of the former house speakers endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president earlier in the week. Pelosi, known as a close ally of President Joe Biden, was nonetheless seen as instrumental in behind-the-scenes maneuvering that led to Biden dropping out.

Pelosi, like VP Harris, has strong political ties to San Francisco, that Prestons campaign highlighted.

Pelosi has dedicated millions in funding towards projects in District 5 and across San Francisco, said Prestons campaign. She has advocated for infrastructure projects, transportation funding, and of particular importance in District 5, a federal investment in the renovation of the Japantown Peace Plaza. Pelosi also intervened in 2008 to help preserve King Garvey, an affordable HUD subsidized co-op in the Fillmore.

First elected in 2019, Preston is regarded as one of San Francisco politics leading progressives, a position that has often seen him clash with billionaire Tesla CEO and X owner, Musk. In 2023, Musk vowed to spend as much as $100,000 to oust Preston. Musk also once tweeted that Preston should go to prison.

Preston represents one of SFs most deep blue liberal districts, with District 5 encompassing the Haight Ashbury, Fillmore, Japantown, Hayes Valley and Tenderloin neighborhoods. His liberal stances on issues like tenants rights, homelessness and housing, and opposition of tough-on-crime policies, have made him a target for the citys more moderate elements.

Preston is a self-avowed democratic socialist, while Pelosi is considered relatively moderate by San Francisco standards, making her endorsement slightly more noteworthy.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Wednesday threw her support behind San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston as he faces criticism from moderate Democrats in the city.

Pelosis campaign confirmed the endorsement to The Hill and that she will vote for him Wednesday night during the San Francisco Democratic County central committee meeting, which will vote on local endorsements.

She has stood strong against [former President] Trump and MAGA Republicans at every turn, and has been a tireless fighter for our LGBTQ community, reproductive freedom, voting rights, and more. Here in District 5, Speaker Emerita Pelosi has championed crucial federal investments in our neighborhoods, Preston said in a post on Facebook. Im so grateful for her support in this race.

Politico was the first to report the endorsement.

Preston is the only Democratic Socialist on San Franciscos Board of Supervisors, which establishes city policies and adopts ordinances and resolutions. The board has often included politicians who went on to gain national fame, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).

He has faced backlash from moderate Democrats and is known for his advocacy for police reform and harm-reduction drug policies, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. He has voted against the city budget for the past three years, arguing Mayor London Breed (D) was spending too much on police instead of funding alternatives, the Chronicle added.

He is running against two moderates, including tech entrepreneur and former Obama administration staffer Bilal Mahmood, to represent District 5 in the city.

The House campaign arm is expected to endorse Mahmood or Prestons other moderate opponent, Autumn Looijen, a political activist and former tech worker.

Preston made national headlines last year when he squared off against tech billionaire Elon Musk after he left the social media platform X, citing the uptick in hate speech and disinformation since Musk acquired the company in 2022.

The San Francisco Standard reported Prestons final straw was when Musk called for his imprisonment for supporting legislation that would limit when store security guards can draw their firearms.

Musk later pledged to donate $100,00 to kick Preston from office, though it is not clear if he ever gave the money 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 The Hill.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) blasted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to Congress on Wednesday as the worst in the bodys history, harshly criticizing the leaders lack of progress toward a hostage deal with Hamas.

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 the social platform X after the speech.

The former Speaker skipped the event in order to attend a listening session with Israeli families of hostages held by Hamas and those killed in the war.

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, Pelosi continued. 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.

The striking statement from a top Democrat underlines the growing divide between Netanyahu and the party. Democrats have been increasingly critical of Netanyahu, despite overwhelming support for Israel, as he has appeared hesitant to back a hostage deal with Hamas supported by President Biden.

About half of both House and Senate Democrats sat out the lengthy speech, which included the prime minister downplaying civilian casualties in the conflict, claiming that American protesters were backed by Iran and bashing his critics.

Netanyahu urges unity, but stirs a firestorm inside and outside Capitol

Netanyahu also praised Biden for his support of Israel and encouraged Congress to double down on its military and financial support.

For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together, he said, thanking President Biden for half a century of friendship to Israel.

I deeply appreciate Americas support, including in this current war, but this is an exceptional moment. Fast-tracking U.S. military aid can dramatically expedite an end to the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader war in the Middle East, he said.

Nadler accuses Netanyahu of hypocrisy and dishonesty in address

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) held up a sign during the speech reading war criminal and guilty of genocide. A prosecutor for the International Criminal Court has recommended Netanyahu be charged with war crimes for the Israeli militarys actions in Gaza.

Outside the Capitol building, the speech was met with mass protests and at least 11 arrests, according to U.S. Park Police and the D.C. Metropolitan 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 The Hill.
State Rep. John Schlegel announced Tuesday that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved more than $2 million for the City of Lebanon, on behalf of Second Sail Development, LLC, for the redevelopment of the Lebanon Steel Works, a former Bethlehem Steel site along Lincoln Avenue.

The CFA, an independent agency within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, holds fiduciary responsibility over funding programs and investments in Pennsylvania's economic growth. It approved a Business in Our Sites grant of about $632,000 and a low-interest loan of $1.7 million for the Lebanon Steel Works Creative Community Development Project.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved over $2 million for the redevelopment of Lebanon Steel Works site along Lincoln Avenue.

The reclamation and restoration of this historic industrial site will help to promote business development and economic growth in our area, Schlegel said in a news release. The brick and timber structure has been largely unused for many years. The CFA funding will enable the developer to clean up asbestos and lead paint and help restore the building to productive use. In addition to the many new businesses and jobs this project will generate, it will also produce much-needed tax revenue.

Lebanon City Council in March unanimously agreed to file the application with the CFA for the project at 121 Schneider Drive, which would have the 30,000 square foot property subdivided for a multi-tenant space. The space will be used in part by larger, maker-type business and will feature event space, small format artist studio space and executive office space.

Developer Evan Reinhardt said during a pre-council meeting in March that the goal of the project is to make the site an "economic powerhouse" for the Lebanon area. At the time, three small businesses had already submitted letters of intent to Reinhardt to lease space at the site: Philadelphia-based studio Weaver House; Denver, Colorado based Mudslingers; and Martin Made, a local woodworking shop.

The $632,000 in grant funding is to be used to help the property owner with hazardous material abatement, such as asbestos and lead, said Lebanon City Mayor Sherry Capello. She added that the developer is currently looking for additional funding that will bridge the gap on the project related to increased wage costs.

"The building has mainly sat vacant since Bethlehem Steel closed in the late 1980s, and it is a very historic building with a mixture of uses," Capello said. "Because of how it was built, how long ago, and its size and how everything is laid out, it really doesn't lend itself to modern industrial uses."

Story continues

The city is excited to see the site converted into a community oriented space that will be used to support small creative businesses, Capello said, adding that she believed Reinhardt has a good grasp on what the needs are and what can be successful. She is hopeful that the project will kick start more redevelopment projects within Lebanon City.

"It's just a great way to bring that history and modern uses together," Capello said, "and give us something that we really don't have."

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: Funding approved for former Bethlehem Steel site redevelopment
Pennsylvania child died after years long extensive torture,; death penalty to be pursued against father, de facto stepmom

CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A Pennsylvania girl died from starvation after the Chester County District Attorney says she endured a years-long pattern of extensive torture and abuse.

The Chester County District Attorneys office says on May 4, 12-year-old Malinda Hoagland was taken to Paoli Hospitals Trauma Center after her father said she struck a tree while riding a bike.

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Medical staff noted the child was severely emaciated and had numerous injuries all over her body before her death during surgery. The District Attorneys office says an autopsy found Malinda died from starvation and multiple blunt force injuries while weighing 50 pounds and having 75 individually identified bruises, contusions, ulcers, and pressure sores throughout her body.

District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe says search warrants on the phones of Malindas father, Rendell Hoagland, and her de facto stepmother. Cindy Warren, revealed hundreds of videos and images, some of which showed Malinda shackled to furniture, enduring physical abuse, and being subjected to forced stress positions and physical punishment.

The District Attorneys office says Malinda was often ankle-cuffed to furniture, berated through a camera speaker, and punished for instances such as stealing food, not smiling during Zoom classes, forgetting chores or schoolwork, or urinating while cuffed to furniture.

Investigators also found Malinda was removed from in-person schooling in November 2023 and had 35 total absences, including 25 unexcused absences, that year.

Rendell Hoagland, 52, and her de facto stepmother, Cindy Warren, 45, of West Caln Township, Pennsylvania, have now been charged with Murder of the First Degree, Murder of the Second Degree, Murder of the Third Degree, Involuntary Servitude, and other additional charges (these Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty). The Defendants have been held at the Chester County Prison since their arrests on May 6.

Given the nature of the upgraded charges, they are being held without bail. The District Attorneys Office says they intend to pursue the death penalty.

Chester County District Attorney de Barrena-Sarobe said, Information from the Coroners Office and medical experts demonstrates a years-long pattern of extensive torture and abuse. Moreover, text messages and hundreds of videos show that the Defendants engaged in a calculated and systematic method of terrorizing, manipulating, and dehumanizing Malinda. We will get justice for Malinda.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(WHTM)  The race in Pennsylvania between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is separated by just a few points, according to a new Emerson College Polling/The Hill poll.

Trump leads Harris in Pennsylvania 48% to 46% head to head, according to the poll, with 7% undecided. With third-party candidates Robert F. Kennedy, Cornel West, Jil Stein, and Chase Oliver considered, Trump led Harris 46% to 44% with Kennedy receiving 3%.

When undecided voters were asked how they were leaning, Trump led with 52% to 48% support toward Harris. When combining the undecideds support, Trump led Harris 51% to 49%.

The survey, which was conducted in the days after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, shows Harris outperforming Biden by 3% in Pennsylvania.

Harris has recovered a portion of the vote for the Democrats on the presidential ticket since the

fallout after the June 27 debate, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College

Polling, said. Harris numbers now reflect similar support levels to those of Biden back in

March.

Favorability in Pennsylvania is virtually tied between Harris and Trump; 47% of Pennsylvanians had a favorable opinion of the Vice President and 46% had a favorable opinion of the former President.

Harris is also within the margin of error of Trump in the battleground states of Georgia, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Young voters have shifted toward Harris: her support increased by 16 points in Arizona, eight in

Georgia, five in Michigan, 11 in Pennsylvania, and one in Wisconsin since earlier polling this

month, said Kimball.

When it comes to picking a running mate, Pennsylvania voters are in favor of Harris selecting Governor Josh Shapiro for the ticket. Forty percent of all Pennsylvania voters support Shapiro being on the ticket and 57% of Pennsylvania Democrats want Shapiro to be the Vice Presidential nominee.

Forty-nine percent of Pennsylvanians have a favorable opinion of Shapiros performance as Governor, according to the poll. Only 37% of Pennsylvanians have a favorable opinion of President Bidens job performance.

In Pennsylvanias U.S. Senate race, Bob Casey (D) led Dave McCormick (R) 48% to 44% with 8% undecided, according to the survey.

Unchanged from recent polling, the economy is the top issue for Pennsylvanians. According to the latest survey, 50% of Pennsylvanians cite the economy as their top issue. Nine percent said threats to democracy were their top issue followed by 7% who said immigration.

ECP_5State_7.23.2024Download

Methodology

The sample size for Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan is n=800 per state. The credibility interval

for each state is +/-3.4%. The sample size in Pennsylvania is n=850, with a credibility interval of

+/-3.3%. The sample size for Wisconsin is n=845, with a credibility interval of +/-3.3%. Data

was weighted by statewide voter parameters, including gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, and voter registration and turnout data.

The survey was administered by contacting respondents cell phones via MMS-to-web and

landlines via Interactive Voice Response with respondents provided by Aristotle, along with an

online panel provided by CINT. Data was collected between July 22-23, 2024. The survey was

conducted by Emerson College Polling and sponsored by Emerson College & Nexstar Media.

It is important to remember that subsets based on demographics, such as gender, age, education, and race/ethnicity, carry with them higher credibility intervals, as the sample size is reduced. Survey results should be understood within the polls range of scores, and know with a confidence interval of 95% a poll will fall outside the range of scores 1 in 20 times.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed the Pentagon to review the 20 Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. troops for their actions at Wounded Knee in 1890, when soldiers killed and injured between 350 and 375 Lakota men, women and children.

Austin ordered the creation of a special panel to determine whether to retain or rescind the medals, the Department of Defense announced Wednesday. In a July 19 memorandum ordering the review, Austin said the panel would investigate each awardees individual actions and also consider the context of the overall engagement.

Its never too late to do whats right, an unnamed senior defense official said in a statement Wednesday. And thats what is intended by the review that the secretary directed, which is to ensure that we go back and review each of these medals in a rigorous and individualized manner.

The killings, referred to as the Wounded Knee Massacre, occurred Dec. 29, 1890, near Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. It was part of a larger effort by the U.S. government to repress Native American tribes of the Great Plains and eradicate a religious movement known as Ghost Dance.

Reports about the Ghost Dance movement prompted the U.S. Army to guard reservations. On Dec. 29, 1890, troops from the 7th Cavalry were confiscating weapons from Lakota people when a struggle with a reportedly deaf man sparked a chaotic one-sided firefight. When the smoke cleared, dozens of cavalry troopers were wounded or killed by friendly fire  likely from their artillery  and hundreds of Lakota were dead.

For their actions that day, 20 cavalrymen were awarded the Medal of Honor, the nations highest military honor. Austins memorandum lists the recipients, along with short descriptions of why each man received a medal.

One citation says a recipient showed distinguished conduct in a battle with hostile Indians. Another says one man voluntarily led a party into a ravine to dislodge Sioux Indians concealed therein.

A few citations said troops had rescued their fellow soldiers, and some said only that the men exhibited extraordinary gallantry.

Congress officially apologized for the massacre around its 100th anniversary in 1990, but it did not rescind the medals then. In 2022, Congress approved a measure encouraging the Pentagon to review the awards.

Medals of Honor for soldiers who perpetrated Wounded Knee massacre may be rescinded

The panel reviewing the Medals of Honor will comprise five experts, including two from the Department of the Interior, Austins memo states. The panel is expected to submit a report to Austin by Oct. 15 with recommendations for each recipient, and then Austin will take those recommendations to President Joe Biden.

When reviewing the awards, panelists will consider the context at the time and use the militarys 1890 standards for awarding the Medal of Honor, rather than todays standards.

Panelists will determine whether any of the soldiers did anything disqualifying them from the award, which includes intentionally directing an attack against someone who surrendered in good faith, murdering or raping a prisoner or engaging in any other act demonstrating immorality, Austins memo reads.

The U.S. Army was ordered to hand over all historical documentation about the massacre, including personnel files for the awardees, by Friday.

The Pentagon noted that this isnt the first time Medals of Honor have come under scrutiny. In 1916, Congress ordered the Army to review all Medals of Honor awarded since the Civil War. At that time, a panel of five retired generals decided to rescind 911 of the awards. Six of those medals were later reinstated.

This story was produced in partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism. Please send tips to MVJ-Tips@militarytimes.com.
People without homes are vulnerable. Heres a look at the numbers in Charlotte and where to find help.

An Observer story reported on a plan for a transitional housing facility in northwest Charlotte called Vermelles Place that left residents in bad conditions and without services they thought theyd receive. They are among hundreds of people who need help.

Some of those residents have connected with Apryl Lewis, an advocate and founder of Kinetic Works LLC, which advocates for equitable housing in Charlotte and helps people facing eviction. She took an interest in May in the hotel that was the subject of the Observer story after hearing about the concerns.

Lewis previously worked at the organizing group ActionNC.

What happened at Vermelles Place in the Lamplighter Inn off I-85 in northwest Charlotte is not the exception but the rule in Charlotte, Lewis said in an interview.

The hotel owners know that they got people that are in dire situations, that have nowhere else to go, and they treat them as such, she said.

Since the pandemic, she said, shes been to five or six extended stay hotels where shes worked with people experiencing similar situations to those at the Lamplighter Inn. She helps them submit complaints to Code Enforcement or write letters to city and county officials.

The problem is not putting people into hotels, she said, but the lack of oversight and accountability.

Im finding that more people are starting or wanting to start supportive or transitional housing because they know they have access to funding, she said. But nobody is following up.

An outside view of the Lamplighter Inn on June 18, 2024. A company called 4C moved tenants into the hotel this year. But conditions are bad for the $975 monthly rent.

Where to find help in Charlotte

Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have seen a rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness in the last couple of years, a county report said.

The 2023 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness Report, released by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, said the number increased by 11%, from about 2,400 people in June 2022 to 2,700 people in June 2023.

And as of June 30 of this year, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing and Homelessness Dashboard, there are approximately 2,784 experiencing homelessness in the region.

Karen Pelletier, a division director with the countys Community Support Services, said that 269 of those people were living in transitional housing. As of January 2024, Pelletier said, there were 593 transitional housing beds in the county.

Here are some resources for those looking for assistance:

Mecklenburg County provides assistance to those experiencing homelessness, or those who are on the cusp through something called Coordinated Entry for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care.

It can refer people to resources and programs, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing and Homelessness Dashboard says. Coordinated Entry does not, the dashboard says, provide financial assistance, motel vouchers, or immediate shelter.

However, the Mecklenburg County website also contains other resources:

Crisis Assistance Ministry provides emergency funds in the county.

The HOMES Grant application is also available until Nov. 22, 2024. The grant helps people who qualify reduce the total amount of taxes due for their property.

The county also offers resources on eviction prevention assistance and rental subsidy programs, including:

Keeping Families Together in Mecklenburg County, which helps families with frequent interactions with the child welfare and homeless systems

Housing for Good, which provides housing services for victims of domestic violence

Criminal Justice Services Re-entry Program, which provides transitional housing for homeless adults after being incarcerated

The city of Charlottes website also contains information about emergency assistance, affordable housing, and homebuyer assistance.

There are also nonprofit organizations in the city and county that offer support and services to people experiencing homelessness.

Roof Above provides short-term and long-term housing. Some were linked on the Mecklenburg County website, including MeckHome and Link Housing.

Carolinas Care Partnership, a health and housing nonprofit that focuses on supporting the LGBTQ community, distributes housing vouchers for people living with HIV. This is done, its website said, through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program.

Veterans experiencing homelessness can seek assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by contacting the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.
Permanent license suspension: NC is one of the harshest states for unlicensed drivers

Been putting off renewing your license? Need a replacement mailed? North Carolina drivers should be careful: A study shows that the state is one of the harshest in the country for unlicensed drivers.

Atlanta law firm John Foy & Associates used data from the National Conference of State Legislatures to rank the 10 states in the country with the harshest punishments for unlicensed drivers. Factors considered included:

Min Fine Amount

Max Fine Amount

Min Jail Time (Days)

Max Jail Time (Days)

Number of Other Consequences

Min License Suspension (Days)

Max License Suspension (Days)

Permanent License Revocation

Vehicle Impoundment (Days)

Associates from the law firm commented on the study in a news release.

This study shows a wide spectrum of approaches that states take towards unlicensed driving," the release said. "At one end, some prioritize swift and significant penalties to discourage the practice, while others emphasize education and providing pathways to licensure. The relative effectiveness of these approaches is a topic of ongoing debate - while there is a clear desire to deter unlicensed driving, it is still unclear whether harsher punishments or education and rehabilitation is more effective."

Here's where N.C. ranked - and why - plus the rest of the states on the list.

More: Will Mark Robinson be governor? Here's what happens if Roy Cooper is Kamala Harris' VP pick

What is the punishment for driving without a license in NC?

N.C. ranked sixth out of the top 10 harshest states for unlicensed drivers. According to the NCSL website, N.C. punishments for driving unlicensed can include:

First offense - Class 3 Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for one to 10 days; fine of no more than $200; license suspension increased by one year.

Second offense - License suspension increased by two years.

Third offense - Permanent license suspension.

The study noted that N.C. was the only state in the country other than Hawaii where repeat offenders could receive permanent license revocations.

More: 7 NC towns great for vacation, bad for retirement: See where 3 Western NC towns rank

Harshest states for unlicensed drivers

The top 10, with the harshest at the top:

Hawaii Kentucky Delaware Georgia Florida North Carolina Idaho Mississippi Pennsylvania Indiana

What is the most lenient state for unlicensed drivers?

The study also noted that Minnesota was the most lenient state for unlicensed drivers based on their metrics, ranking bottom out of all 50 states. The only potential legal penalties for unlicensed drivers in Minnesota listed on the NCSL website was misdemeanor charges with potential imprisonment for no more than 90 days, a fine of no more than $1,000 or both. No extra charges were added for subsequent offenses.

More: At $512,000, Asheville home prices broke quarterly records; US prices reach all-time highs

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Harshest states for driving without a license: North Carolina worst 10
RAHWAY - A Perth Amboy detective was injured after being struck by gunfire Wednesday night during a shooting in the area of Broad Street, according to the Perth Amboy police chief.

"The City of Perth Amboy acknowledges the recent incident involving our detectives in Rahway. One of our detectives was injured while on duty, investigating with the Rahway Police. He suffered gunshot wounds and was transported to an area trauma center, where he is in stable condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with him for a swift recovery" Perth Amboy Police Chief Lawrence Cattano said in an email statement

"We commend the bravery and professionalism of all officers in handling this situation. As this is an active investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this time," he said. .

The New Jersey State PBA said the detective was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

"Please keep him in your prayers. NJ State PBA President Peter Andreyev is at the hospital with the detectives fellow officers and family," the New Jersey State PBA Facebook post said.

A Perth Amboy police detective was struck by gunfire during a shooting in Rahway Wednesday night

Rahway Mayor Raymond Giacobbe said Perth Amboy police officers, assisted by Rahway police, were executing a search warrant when three suspects attempted to flee the scene.

"During this incident, one suspect discharged a firearm, striking a Perth Amboy police officer in the leg; fortunately the injury is non-life threatening," the mayor said in a Facebook post.

Giacobbe said at this time no other officers have reported injuries, one suspect suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and all the suspects are in custody.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the injured officer. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery and offer support to his family during this challenging time," Giacobbe said in the Facebook post.

The shooting occurred around 9 p.m.

Rahway police said there is an ongoing investigation.

The incident is under investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, a police official said.

Check back at MyCentralJersey.com for updates.

Email: srussell@gannettnj.com

Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Perth Amboy detective injured in Rahway shooting
Pesticides may cause cancer on a level equivalent to smoking cigarettes, a new study has found.

The widespread use of pesticides may lead to hundreds of thousands of additional cancer cases in major corn-producing states like Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Ohio  even for Americans who dont work on farms, according to findings published Thursday in Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society.

Scientists and public health professionals have long been concerned about links between pesticides and cancer.

In February, scientists from the Endocrine Society and the International Pollutants Elimination Network raised concerns that there was no safe level of exposure to many common pesticides.

The insect-killing chemicals have been linked to lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer and leukemia (blood cancers) in both children and adults. One particularly common pesticide, glyphosate  better known by its trade name, Roundup  is viewed by the World Health Organization as potentially cancer-causing, which has caused a movement among farmworkers and public health campaigners for federal public health officials to ban it.

Even with glyphosate left out, many other pesticides also have links to cancer.

But all this research, the Frontiers authors argued Thursday, has tended to focus on specific pesticides, regions or cohorts of the population (like farm workers)  which obscures the fact that pesticides are used across the country, and that those exposed to any of them tend to be exposed to many of them, creating a greater compound risk.

In the real world, it is not likely that people are exposed to a single pesticide, but more to a cocktail of pesticides within their region, coauthor Isain Zapata of Rocky Vista University said in a statement.

The researchers cautioned about a publication bias as researchers focused on more well-known or controversial pesticides  like glyphosate  to the expense of less well-known ones that could be equally damaging.

We cannot assume that less published associations for a particular pesticide and cancer imply these do not exist, they wrote.

Thursdays study, by contrast, bills itself as the first-ever population-level study of cancer impacts from all pesticides.

The researchers found a difference of 154,000 cancer cases per year, adjusted for population, between the area with the lowest pesticide use  the Great Plains  and that with the highest, the corn belt of the inner Midwest, where hundreds of millions of pounds of glyphosate are applied each year across millions of acres of Roundup Ready corn.

Beyond that area, Florida, with its large agricultural industry, has elevated cases of bladder cancer and blood cancers that appear to correlate with its use of pesticides, the researchers found.

When it came to individual cancers, pesticide use seemed to have the strongest association with blood cancers like leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Half again as many cases of the latter appeared to be caused by pesticides compared to smoking, the researchers wrote.

They suggested that in the future, pesticide exposure risk might be a factor homebuyers evaluate alongside more prosaic concerns like school quality and the job market.

If new homebuyers had to be notified that their potential purchase lay in an area of heightened pesticide use, then public awareness of this issue would rise, garnering the attention that this issue calls for, they wrote.

Finally, they called for public health officials to approach the question of whether pesticides are safe with more skepticism.

In a statement, Zapata said that this study had made him think of the heavy burden of farmers who expose themselves to dangerous chemicals to feed the country.

Every time I go to the supermarket to buy food, I think of a farmer who was part of making that product, he said. These people often put themselves at risk for my convenience.

That realization, he added, definitely has had an impact on how I feel when that forgotten tomato in the fridge goes bad and I have to put it in the trash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Ukrainska Pravda has taken hold of a photo of the 18-year-old detainee who is suspected of murdering Iryna Farion, a linguist, professor at Lviv Polytechnic National University and former Ukrainian MP.

Source: sources of Ukrainska Pravda in law enforcement

Details: Reportedly, the 18-year-old resident of the city of Dnipro came to Lviv by train and then left the city the same way after committing the murder.

He had been preparing for the murder since May.

Previously:

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that an 18-year-old individual suspected of murdering linguist and former MP Iryna Farion was detained in the city of Dnipro.

According to Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the 18-year-old suspect is a resident of Dnipro. He rented at least three apartments in Lviv while preparing for Farions assassination. Investigators currently believe that the shooter was only a hitman.

Read also: Iryna Farion murder: details of the assassination, lines of enquiry, and why the Lviv professor was so controversial



Background:

An assassination attempt was made on former Ukrainian MP Iryna Farion on Masaryk Street in Lviv on the evening of 19 July. Later that night, Farion died in hospital.

On 20 July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he received the latest reports on Farions murder and all lines of enquiry are being investigated, including the theory that Russia and its secret services were involved.

Ukraines National Police put a man who may be involved in Farions murder on the wanted list.

A funeral service for Farion was held in Lviv on 21 July.

Investigators believe that Farions murder was being planned for at least a month, and that the perpetrator may have had accomplices.

A video was shared on Russian Telegram channels, which claims to show Farions murder, and the "manifesto of an autonomous Ukrainian revolutionary racist" who assumes responsibility for her murder. Ukrainian law enforcement said it was analysing the video.

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We recently compiled a list of Ken Fishers Top 10 Growth Stock Picks with 30+% Revenue Growth. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) stands against the other growth stocks.

Growth is the holy grail of investing. After all, equities attract investors because they are return driven securities, and securities that deliver growth often produce the strongest returns. Growth, in stock valuation, comes in several flavors. The most commonly analyzed metric is share price growth, which evaluates the percentage change in the share price over a time period.

Other growth valuations come through earnings growth or revenue growth. Among these, earnings is the more commonly evaluated metric as it determines the profitability of a company. These profits are key for growth stocks since the post net income 'money' on a firm's income statement is either paid out in the form of dividends or reinvested in growth if it isn't accounted for as retained earnings. The market generally prices stocks that are expected to aggressively grow in the future high compared to their earnings in the form of the P/E ratio.

The other ratio for evaluating growth stocks is the price to sales or P/S ratio. And this is where Ken Fisher enters the conversation. Fisher is one of the richest people in the world, with estimates from Forbes Magazine showing that his net worth stood at $11.2 billion as of July 2024. At the heart of Fisher's riches is his investment fund Fisher Investments. The total value of the fund's 13F holdings as reflected by its SEC filings for the first quarter of 2024 is $214 billion according to Insider Monkey's research. This makes Fisher Investments one of the biggest financial firms in the world, and its investment approach as evidenced by some of the biggest stakes in the filings is characterized by investing in high growth technology companies.

Fisher started his firm in 1979 and focused on gaining an early foothold on market participants by sifting out information that was not widely available to investors. On the quantitative front, the P/S ratio was also quite critical to his approach and we'll get to that in a bit. Over the next two decades, his firm would focus on investing in pure play US equities, global equities, and exUS or foreign equities. The firm would focus its investment products towards high net worth individuals in the 1990s, and from 2000 onwards, it would expand its presence in the UK, Canada, and Germany. Fisher Investments now has 15 offices in 16 countries and more than a hundred thousand clients worldwide as of July 2024.

Story continues

Shifting gears to focus on the firm's performance, data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) shows that data for 76 funds managed by Fisher Investments is available. Within these, the fund that invests for retirement plans has gained 19.18% year to date and 18.77% over the past year. Compared to the benchmark S&P index, the year to date performance is two percentage points higher while the 12 month performance lags the index by three percentage points. Another fund that targets US equities irrespective of capitalization is up by 24% over the past twelve months to lead the benchmark by three percentage points. In daily trailing total returns, this fund has delivered 14.39% over the past six months to lead benchmark US large cap equity returns of 11.36% by three percentage points.

Safe to say, Fisher's strategies and secret sauce seem to be working. This then leads us to ask, what might they be? Well, in the 70s when Fisher was starting Fisher Investments, he started to focus on evaluating a firm's market valuation relative to its revenue through the P/S ratio. This culminated in his seminal article in the American Association of Individual Investors. (AAII) in 1984. This paper highlighted Fisher's conviction of a solid approach to sift out growth stocks, and his research showed that stocks with low price to sales ratios tended to do rather well as they were unpopular and any good news "translates directly into higher stock prices." He compared the stocks with the lowest 25% price to sales and price to earnings ratio to demonstrate that the seven and nine stocks with the lowest price to sales ratios delivered 64.57% and 56.11% in respective returns while the nine lowest P/E stocks delivered 28.67% in returns. During the same time, the Dow posted a gain of 20.3%.

Since multiples that use growth rates are typically used to value growth stocks, particularly those that are unprofitable, they are quite sensitive to macroeconomic conditions and particularly inflation and high interest rates. Another popular revenue based growth stock valuation metric is the Enterprise Value/Revenue ratio and it is popular for valuing software as a service (SaaS) stocks. After the coronavirus pandemic hit, the Fed rapidly cut interest rates to stimulate the economy and this translated well for EV/Revenue. Before the rate cuts, the median EV/Revenue for publicly traded SaaS stocks was 11 and after the cuts, it soared and nearly doubled to sit at 20 in 2021.

Similarly, the interest rate hikes of 2022 and high inflation that led to tight business budgets didn't fare well for EV/Revenue. Since high interest rates also make it difficult for firms to finance their business operations, and high inflation leads to rising costs, SaaS firms face twice the impact in the form of lower revenue. This is also translated into their EV/Revenue multiples, as for the last 18 months, the median multiple was 7 which is at a multi year low. The lower multiples are accompanied by dropping growth rates, as while the pre pandemic median revenue growth rate of SaaS companies was 30% and accelerated to 33% during the pandemic, it has since dropped and is hovering around 17%.

So, as growth slows down and multiples struggle, it might be wise to see what the guru of growth Ken Fisher is doing. We've done so today so read more below.

Our Methodology

To make our list of Ken Fisher's top revenue growth stocks, we scanned Fisher Investments' Q1 2024 SEC filings and ranked the top 160 holdings by their three year annualized revenue growth. Out of these, the top ten Ken Fisher stocks with the highest revenue growth were chosen.

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).

The dazzling Las Vegas Strip lined with luxury Integrated Resorts, seen from a high elevation.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors in Q1 2024: 52

3 Yr Revenue Growth: 42.14%

Fisher Investments' Q1 2024 Stake: $611 million

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) is an American casino company that operates properties primarily in the Chinese territory of Macao and the country of Singapore. Given the weak Chinese economy and the restrictions following the pandemic, it struggled to perform which led to a modest revenue of $2.9 billion in 2020. However, this has changed now, and in 2023, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) earned a whopping $10.3 billion in revenue after Macao re opened in early 2023. This kicked off a sharp trend of operating income growth for the firm, as its EBITDA during Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 2023 sat at $400 million, $540 million, $630 million, and $654 million, respectively. Like Trip.com, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) can also benefit from lower travel restrictions within Asia that allow consumers to flock to its facilities in Singapore and Macao. In particular, the Chinese government's new strategy to allow on arrival visas can enable it to capture a growing number of travelers, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) is also expanding its Macao portfolio through the Londoner, and while it expects the renovations to be complete next year, any slowdown on the regulatory or capital front could spell trouble for the shares. This is especially true since the renovation affects its cost structure.

On this front, here's what Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS)'s management had to say during the Q1 2024 earnings call:

"The ongoing capital investment programs at The Londoner and at the Cotai Arena had an impact on our results this quarter. The Cotai Arena was closed for renovation in January this year. After the significant reinvestment and renovation, the arena is expected to reopen in November. In terms of the second phase of the Londoner, we have now commenced the room renovation on the first Sheraton. We plan the completion of the first tower by year-end and of the second tower by Golden Week in May of 2025. The renovation of the casino on the Sheraton side of London will commence in May of this year with the reopening scheduled for December of 2024. While there will be ongoing disruption from these capital projects, as these products come online between the end of 24 and the first half of 25, our competitive position will be stronger than ever. The scale, quality and diversity of product will be better than we have ever offered before. They will be unmatched in the market."

Overall LVS ranks 8th on our list of Ken Fisher's top 10 growth stocks picks. You can visit Ken Fishers Top 10 Growth Stock Picks with 30+% Revenue Growth to see the other growth stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of LVS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LVS but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
How a Photograph Helped Free a Detroit Barber After 37 Years Behind Bars: 'I Want to Get Back to Work'

In an interview with PEOPLE, Paul Clark Jr.s lawyer talks about what is next for the man who has spent more than half his life behind bars

Shereef Akeel Paul Clark, Jr. (center) with his sister (far left), daughter, DeAngelic (in yellow) and grandchildren.

Paul Clark, Jr. spent nearly four decades in prison for a first-degree murder conviction thrown out by a Michigan circuit court judge this spring.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said this week they will not retry the case.

Paul is a walking reminder of what it means to be free. Throughout his wrongful incarceration, he was fighting for his innocence, and finally he was heard, one of his lawyers, Shereef Hadi Akeel, tells PEOPLE, adding: Pauls freedom is a testament to his innocence and a relief for his family.

While behind bars, the 57-year-old worked as a barber, according to Akeel. He will try to pursue this.

Clark says hes ready to get back to work.

Ive been cutting hair all my life, he told the Associated Press in an interview. I want to get back in the barber shop.

He added: I want to get my life started back up.

Shereef Akeel After learning his case will not be retried, Paul Clark, Jr. celebrated with a family group hug outside Michigan's 3rd Circuit Court, Tuesday, July 23.

In 1987, Clark was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Trifu Vasilije, which took place during an attempted robbery in Highland Park, an enclave of Detroit, according to his online court docket and a summary of the case confirmed by his lawyer. Vasilije was found dead, a knife in his hand in apparent self-defense.

Clark began filing a series of appeals  which all failed  starting the next year, according to a partial procedural history of the case, provided to PEOPLE by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

Then, in 2020, the prosecutors office found a mug shot of a man who had been arrested in a similar neighborhood homicide the same year as Vasilijes murder, Akeel confirms to PEOPLE. In the mugshot  which Clarks lawyer had not been provided during the trial  the man had a large scar crossing his face.

Michigan 3rd Circuit Court Judge Mark Slavens  who granted relief of a new trial in the case in April, per the online court docket  said at the time that the mugshot was evidence compelling enough to have potentially raised doubt among jurors had they seen the photograph, according to Akeel.

On May 23, Clark was released from prison based on his conviction being reversed by the court, Kyle Kaminski of Michigan Department of Corrections confirms to PEOPLE.

Shereef Akeel Paul Clark, Jr., with his grandchildren and daughter, DeAngelic, who was not yet born when he was incarcerated.

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.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that while her office will not retry the case  due to the age of the case, the difficulties of trying to put the case together again, and the new evidence that raised a potential reasonable doubt as to Mr. Clarks guilt  her office would not categorize this case as an exoneration.

Worthy's office has moved to dismiss the charges against Clark, she said, and Slavens dismissed the case in its entirety on Tuesday, July 23, per the online court docket. (The jury trial  set for Sept. 11  has been canceled.)

When Clark was first incarcerated, his son was a toddler and his daughter was a month away from being born.

So much was taken away from him, Akeel says, noting that Clarks mother was his strongest supporter who kept vouching for his innocence and had died before he was released.

Clark was barred from attending her funeral, according to Akeel.

Outside the courtroom Tuesday, Clark celebrated with close family members, who embraced in a group circle.

Paul is taking one step at a time, says Akeel. Being locked up for 37 years, he needs to take baby steps to transition into society.

Akeel says they are now pursuing a civil rights action to vindicate his rights.



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Read the original article on People.
Residents are evacuated during floods after Typhoon Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan on Thursday. (Pingtung Fire Department via AP)

Dozens of people have died after Typhoon Gaemi made landfall on Thursday in Taiwan and China, according to the Associated Press. Gaemi packed wind gusts of up to 141 mph as it lashed Taiwan, and the storm unleashed as much as 5 feet of heavy rainfall that resulted in landslides and widespread flooding, Reuters reported.

Although Gaemi did not make a direct hit on the Philippines, the offshore storm intensified seasonal monsoon rains there, leaving about 25 people dead by early Thursday as quickly rising waters from extreme rainfall resulted in landslides and drownings. Thousands of people were reportedly trapped as waters rose, CNN reported. Over 600,000 people have been displaced by the storm across the Philippines.

Having inundated the Philippines, the typhoon then headed to northeastern Taiwan, making landfall on Wednesday, with the equivalent of Category 3 hurricane winds of up to 125 mph. From early Tuesday to Thursday afternoon, the city of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan recorded about 63 inches of rain, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. The storm is the strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years, leaving at least three people dead and injuring approximately 380. Photographers captured pictures of local residents wading through waters as rescuers assisted in evacuations.

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The typhoon headed to the southeastern coast of China later in the day and made landfall in the Fujian province, leaving two people dead and about 200 people injured, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. More than 240,000 people in China were evacuated ahead of Gaemis arrival. Ferry services were also canceled along the provinces coast and flights were suspended. Southern, central and eastern China has already been trying to recover from weeks of extreme rain, according to CNN. The hardest-hit city, Nanyang, in the countrys central province of Henan saw more than 24 inches of rain in 24 hours earlier this month.

As it moves inland, Typhoon Gaemi is predicted to weaken, but the systems rains will continue over the next three days.

Heres a look at the rescue efforts and damage Typhoon Gaemi left in its wake:

Huge waves lash the shore ahead of landfall by Typhoon in southeast China's Fujian province on Thursday. (Jiang Kehong/Xinhua News Agency via AP)

Damage after Typhoon Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday. (Hualien Fire Department via AP)

Rescuers help a child get off a boat along a flooded road following heavy rains brought by Typhoon Gaemi in the Philippines on July 24. (Lisa Marie David/Reuters)

People walk through a street in Manila flooded from monsoon rains worsened by offshore Typhoon Gaemi on Wednesday. (Joeal Calupitan/AP)

Motorists drive past a tree trunk washed along a street in Manila on July 25. (Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images)

Rescuers assist with evacuations during floods after Typhoon Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan on Thursday. (Pingtung Fire Department via AP)

Residents walk past debris brought about by floods caused by Typhoon Gaemi in Manila on Thursday. (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)

A car was hit by falling walls after Typhoon Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday. (Hualien Fire Department via AP)
Photos of the 'Violent' Anti-Netanyahu Protests in D.C.

Pro-Palestinian protesters and police clash at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. Credit - Matthew HatcherAFP/Getty Images

Thousands of protesters against the war in Gaza swarmed outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress.

Pro-Palestinian activists, who promised a day of rage ahead of Netanyahus visit, marched through the streets to call for an end to U.S. aid to Israel and a free Palestine. Clashes broke out at times between demonstrators and law enforcement, which deployed pepper spray as parts of the crowd became violent and pushed up against police lines. At least 23 people were arrested across the capital, including six inside the House Gallery.

Netanyahu directly addressed the demonstrators outside the Capitol during his speech, which some members of Congress did not attend out of protest. Many choose to stand with evil. They stand with Hamas. They stand with rapists and murderers, he said. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Netanyahu has become one of the worlds most controversial political figures in his relentless pursuit of Israels deadly military campaign in the Gaza Strip following attacks in October by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

We need to be out here. We need to say, Not in our name, Irene Ippolito, a protester, told Al Jazeera. As American citizens, we have to realize that this could not be taking place without our taxpayer dollars sending tons of weapons to Israel as it slaughters men, women and children in Gaza.

Below, photos of the demonstrations and clashes in Washington on Wednesday.

Protest signage calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal is seen near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., ahead of a scheduled visit by Netanyahu on July 24, 2024. Mike StewartAP

Pro-Palestinian activists wave the Palestinian flag as they march through Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. Alex WongGetty Images

Police and protesters face off during a pro-Palestinian protest in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. Mike StewartAP

Demonstrators gather on Capitol Hill on July 24, 2024, to protest Netanyahus visit and Israels war in Gaza. Michael A. McCoyGetty Images

Activists burn an effigy of Netanyahu near the U.S. Capitol on July 24, 2024. Alex WongGetty Images

Pro-Palestinian protesters and police clash at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. Matthew HatcherAFP/Getty Images

Protesters write Free Gaza on the Freedom Bell at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. Michael A. McCoyGetty Images

Pro-Palestinian protesters use colored smoke flares outside Union Station on July 24, 2024. Graeme SloanBloomberg/Getty Images

Law enforcement officials detain a Pro-Palestinian protester at Union Station on July 24, 2024. Matthew HatcherAFP/Getty Images

An effigy of Netanyahu stands out in a crowd of protesters demonstrating on Capitol Hill on July 24, 2024. Michael A. McCoyGetty Images

Orthodox Jews stand among protesters near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. Mike StewartAP

Demonstrators react after being exposed to a chemical irritant on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. Jose Luis MaganaAP

Police detain a protester as Netanyahu speaks to Congress in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. Graeme SloanBloomberg/Getty Images

Activists celebrate as they burn flags and an effigy of Netanyahu during a pro-Palestinian protest on July 24, 2024. Alex WongGetty Images

A U.S. flag and Israeli flag are burnt on the ground near the U.S. Capitol on July 24, 2024. Alex WongGetty Images

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The headquarters of History Nebraska (formerly called the Nebraska State Historical Society) is just north of downtown Lincoln. The agency changed its name to History Nebraska in 2018. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

GRAND ISLAND  Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen looked backward to hire an interim director for History Nebraska, the state agency in charge of protecting and promoting the states past.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen

Pillen picked former History Nebraska librarian Cindy Drake to serve as interim director until he selects a permanent replacement for former director Trevor Jones, from among nine candidates.

Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple has said there is no specific timeline for the permanent hire. Applications for the post were due in early July. No set salary was announced.

New law put governor in charge

The appointment marks Pillens first major step since the Legislature rewrote state law to put the agency under the governors control, instead of running under an independent board.

Legislative Bill 1169, introduced by State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, made the Nebraska State Historical Society a code agency. He has said he wanted to restore public trust.

I think the governor made an excellent pick, Erdman said. There is nobody in the state of Nebraska who knows more about that agency or how it should be run than Cindy.

Drake was let go from the agency in 2020 after complaining about Jones and subsequent management to the History Nebraska Board of Trustees. She had worked there for more than four decades.

Audit dogged Jones

Jones resigned from his leadership post in 2022, just before a critical state audit accused him of improperly handling a private donation to the state agency.

He has since been charged with theft by deception in Lancaster County District Court. Jill Dolberg led in his absence. She oversaw the agencys historic preservation.

Trevor Jones

Pillen, in a statement, called Drake the right person to fill this role, citing her expertise and objectivity in preserving Nebraskas history. He said she would lead well.

Drake starts her new role Thursday. An agency spokesman did not immediately return calls seeking comment Wednesday. In a statement, she thanked the governor for his confidence in her.

I am excited to take on this new role for an agency where I have devoted my entire career, she said.

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How pilot survived Nepal plane crash that killed everyone else onboard

The pilot of a Saurya Airlines plane that crashed at Kathmandu airport in Nepal on Wednesday survived likely because the cockpit got stuck on a container, civil aviation minister Badri Pandey said.

The small aircraft struck a container at the edge of the Tribhuvan International Airport and the cockpit was found lodged inside it.

Captain Manish Ratna Shakya was rescued from the cockpit within five minutes of the crash. He suffered head and facial injuries and is expected to undergo surgery for broken bones in his back.

The pilot survived. He is in a stable condition, Nepal police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki said. It was a miracle.

Senior police superintendent Dambar Bishwakarma told the BBC the pilot was facing difficulty breathing when he was found.

We broke the window and immediately pulled him out, he said. He had blood all over his face when he was rescued, but we took him to the hospital in a condition where he could speak.

The CRJ 200 plane bound for Pokhara was carrying 19 people, mostly crew and technical staff, but no paying passengers, when the crash occurred just after 11am local time. The pilot was the sole survivor of the crash.

According to Reuters the aircraft was transporting the technicians to Pokhara, where another plane was awaiting repairs. It flipped during takeoff, struck the ground with its wing tip and caught fire before crashing into a gorge.

That was an unusual sound. It was a big bang like a bomb, an eyewitness told The Kathmandu Post.

Shortly after takeoff from runway 2, the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said.

Relatives of the people who died in the Saurya Airlines plane crash mourn at a hospital in Kathmandu on 24 July 2024 (AFP via Getty)

Mr Pandey said the fuselage split apart, struck the slope of the tabletop airport and bounced 50 metres away before finally coming to rest on the muddy ground. The other part of the plane crashed into a nearby mound and it tore into pieces, he said.

The cause of the crash isnt clear yet. But experts who reviewed footage of the incident suggested it may have been caused by climb failure, meaning the plane could not gain altitude as it tried to take off, according to The Indian Express.

Possible reasons for climb failure include engine failure, improper weight assessment during pre-flight planning, technical issues, or pilot error.

Weather conditions on Wednesday morning were typical for the monsoon season, with low visibility but no rain.

Security personnel inspect the remains of the crashed Saurya Airlines plane (AFP via Getty)

Dirga Bahadur Khadka, granduncle of co-pilot Sushant Katwal, who was killed in the crash, blamed the airline. We suspect that the company put pressure on the pilots into flying the plane, he was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post.

Otherwise, no one would like to fly a plane with technical problems. A question also arises about the civil aviation authority, the aviation sector regulator. How could it allow planes with technical problems to fly?

Saurya Airlines has reportedly been financially troubled for years, worsened by the Covid pandemic. Last year, it proposed switching to ATR-72 aircraft and promised to uphold safety standards until the new planes arrived. However, the airline couldnt secure the necessary investment for fleet replacement.

An investigation will determine the exact cause of the crash.

The Independent has reached out to the airline for comment.

Security personnel carry the wreckage of the Saurya Airlines plane (AFP via Getty)

Nepal has a troubled aviation history due to its mountainous terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions.

The latest crash was the 105th since the country started operating flights in the 1950s, The Kathmandu Post quoted the civil aviation agency as saying.

The Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives has recorded 69 aviation accidents in the Himalayan country since 1946, causing around 900 fatalities.

Rescue workers at the site of the plane crash at Kathmandu airport on 24 July 2024 (EPA)

It has been a concern in Nepal that many of its aircraft are ageing and lack standard equipment and modern maintenance. Flightradar24, a flight tracking website, said it did not track the crashed Saurya Airlines flight because the aircraft was not equipped with a modern ADS-B transponder.

In 2013, the European Union banned all Nepalese aircraft from entering its airspace due to the South Asian countrys inadequate aviation safety regulations and enforcement. It cited safety information from various sources and a hearing both with Nepalese aviation authorities as well as with a number of Nepalese carriers to justify the blanket prohibition.

In December last year, the European Commission decided to keep the ban due to ongoing safety concerns.

It recognised the Nepalese Civil Aviation Authoritys work to improve safety oversight but said the agencys capacity to meet international standards remained questionable.

Rescue workers at the site of the Saurya Airlines plane crash at Kathmandu airport (AFP via Getty Images)

In August 2022, the UN aviation watchdog, International Civil Aviation Organisation, asked Nepal to split its Civil Aviation Authority into separate regulatory and operational entities.

The separation is a crucial reform agenda that has reportedly been pending for the past decade and a half.

In July 2023, before a planned EU safety audit, Nepals tourism ministry submitted draft bills to create an independent aviation regulator in a bid to have the aviation ban lifted. They were reportedly halted by the government.

Security and rescue personnel clear the debris of the Saurya Airlines plane after it crashed at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on 24 July 2024 (AFP via Getty)

Marco Chan, a senior lecturer in aviation operations at Buckinghamshire New Universitys School of Aviation and Security, said the Tribhuvan International Airport faces challenges due to its high elevation of 4,390 feet and mountainous terrain.

It is important to note that the minimum safe altitude within 25 nautical miles of the airports navigation aid is 21,100 feet which affects the carefully designed departure and arrival routes that navigate around the terrain. These factors lead to the airport being classified as a category C airport, which means pilots require additional qualifications and training to operate flights safely in and out of the airport, he said in a statement shared with The Independent.

In this scenario, high elevation means that the airport is in an area with lower air density. As a result, aircraft will generally require a higher speed for takeoff, which may necessitate a longer takeoff distance. Additionally, the engine power will be more limited than at sea level.

Mr Chan, however, noted the recent crash could have resulted from engine failure or stall, possibly caused by incorrect flap settings.
Pinellas law enforcement leaders say that after a yearlong investigation, they have broken up criminal operations that orchestrated large-scale drug trafficking and dogfighting in the county.

The investigations uncovered hundreds of pounds of drugs that were delivered in the county and more than 100 dogs used for fighting that were found in crowded cages. The results of the investigation, which included the arrests of 23 people, were announced at a news conference at the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday afternoon.

The St. Petersburg Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement also were involved in the investigations.

Over the course of a few hours on July 19, law enforcement agencies discovered a stash of 54 pounds of methamphetamine, 21 pounds of cocaine, 2 pounds of black tar heroin, 2 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of marijuana, three guns and more than $57,000 in cash at an apartment complex near U.S. 19 and Roosevelt Boulevard in Largo.

Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said Operation Snowcap began last summer when investigators received a tip that Deangelo Woods, 40, was trafficking 44 pounds of cocaine every two weeks through Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

The operation sent an undercover detective to buy directly from Woods, and they purchased more than 4 pounds of cocaine and a pound of methamphetamine on nine occasions, the sheriff said.

Through their investigation, detectives found that Woods supplier was Matthew Turner, 39, who got the drugs from a source in Los Angeles who sent them in boxes through the United States Postal Service and FedEx, Gualtieri said.

According to Gualtieri, the source in Los Angeles sent Jasmin Silva, 36, to Tampa where she would rent Airbnbs throughout Pinellas County to collect the packages. The drug ring also included Tania Rodriguez, 49, who stashed drugs at her Brandon home and the Largo apartment, the sheriff said.

As the group began to think law enforcement was on to them, Rodriguez wrapped the brown boxes that held the drugs in wrapping paper decorated as if they were meant for a childs birthday party, Gualtieri said.

Throughout the operations, detectives in Pinellas County seized more than 27 pounds of cocaine, 55 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 pounds of fentanyl, 2 pounds of heroin, 81 doses of Xanax, 1 pound of prescription pills, 11 pounds of marijuana and other drugs.

That amount of fentanyl getting out in Pinellas County is staggering, Gualtieri said. People should be concerned about the amount of drugs out there.

Detectives also discovered that Ibon Small, 49, a known fentanyl trafficker, and his associates were involved in a dogfighting ring in several Florida counties and Georgia, officials said.

Video of the Operation Pedigree police raid on July 18 showed 111 dogs living in small kennels.

In addition, six people were rescued from human trafficking at one of the homes searched, St. Petersburg police Chief Anthony Holloway said. Five others at the home were charged with trafficking fentanyl.

Another six were charged with animal baiting and fighting, as well as a conspiracy charge related to a gambling operation connected to the dog ring, according to Holloway.

The investigation into both the drug operation and dogfighting ring is ongoing and may lead to additional arrests, Gualtieri said.

Any crime in Pinellas County leads back to these drugs. Drugs are too cheap, and people will do anything to sell them in our county, Holloway said. If you want to bring drugs to Pinellas County, its only a matter of time before we come knocking on your door.
Pinellas, Pasco teacher vacancies are down. Hillsboroughs are up. Why?

Pinellas, Pasco teacher vacancies are down. Hillsboroughs are up. Why?

With students return to classes just weeks away, officials at two Tampa Bay area school districts say theyre having a much easier time hiring teachers than in the past few years.

The Pinellas County district reported having 74 vacancies at the end of the week, compared to 174 at the same time a year ago. The Pasco County district reported its openings had dipped below 100 by its July 9 school board meeting, about half of the number from the start of the summer break and well below the level of a year ago.

In 2022, local district leaders were talking about facing a crisis of hundreds of unfilled teaching jobs.

It takes stress off the school, Pasco schools assistant superintendent Kevin Shibley said of the lower number of open positions. Teachers arent having to cover vacancies  and it puts a high-quality teacher in front of kids, which is the most important factor.

Hillsborough County schools, by contrast, said they had more than 500 teacher vacancies, slightly higher than at the same time a year ago. District officials fretted that the countys lack of a local-option property tax to bolster salaries  something that neighboring Manatee, Pinellas and Pasco all have  hinders their ability to attract and retain educators.

The Hillsborough County Commission last week denied the school boards plan to place a referendum before voters in November. The board is expected to challenge that decision in court.

Weve been doing a big recruiting campaign, Hillsborough school district spokesperson Tanya Arja said. But we dont have the millage. That makes us less competitive with the districts surrounding us. Were trying to show were competitive in other ways.

That includes a focus on positive school culture, strong educational leaders and an already settled 2024-25 contract, she said.

Pasco and Pinellas officials count the added wages they can offer from their referendums among the selling points as they recruit.

We cant just talk about this without mentioning the referendum and thanking the voters, Pasco board member Colleen Beaudoin said. It does correlate with that.

Since winning passage of its local-option tax in 2022, Pasco has boosted its minimum pay for teachers above Hillsboroughs base. Pasco also has changed its hiring model to make it easier to offer jobs to qualified candidates on the spot, rather than having a more extended process.

Pinellas, which has had its tax in place since 2004, is asking voters to increase the rate this fall so it can give teachers annual bonuses surpassing $10,000, while also adding money for noninstructional employees.

Lee Bryant, president of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, said he can see improvement in the number of teachers joining the district. He held out hope that upcoming contract negotiations will bring even bigger pay raises.

Its looking much better than it has been, Bryant said. Now we need to compensate those teachers so we can retain them once some of those people who are new to the classroom feel the pressure of being in the classroom.

Florida Education Association president Andrew Spar suggested that some school districts might have fewer vacancies because they have eliminated positions. He referred to the end of federal pandemic recovery grants, which have prompted many districts to cut jobs.

The Pasco district reported having three more teaching positions allocated this year than last year. It did cut several teacher aide positions. A Pinellas spokesperson said the district had about 160 fewer positions, though the numbers are fluctuating, while Hillsborough had about 300 more teaching jobs.

We are still growing as a school district. We built Adum PreK-8, which is opening this year, Hillsborough spokesperson Arja said. And even though we are repurposing five schools this year, the students are just moving to new schools. So, the teaching positions move with them.

Changes to class size requirements also might play a factor, Spar said. With the state removing most financial penalties for missing the mark, many districts have increased the number of students per teacher, leading to the need for fewer teachers.

All three Tampa Bay area districts have used class size averages as allowed under law as a way to meet the voter-approved mandate.
Plan or penalty: The next step in Arkansas citys path to better water infrastructure

The Arkansas State Board of Health at its quarterly meeting in Little Rock on July 25, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

Members of the Arkansas State Board of Health on Thursday approved formal orders requiring improvements for three municipal water systems, two of them in Helena-West Helena where failing infrastructure has left residents with poor drinking water and occasionally dry pipes.

The Mississippi River towns of Helena and West Helena, with about 8,000 people combined, consolidated in 2006, but their water systems have remained separate. On Thursday, the board of health approved separate consent decrees for both systems, laying out the requirements necessary for improvement.

The consent decrees followed a June hearing in which city officials testified and admitted violating a number of state rules for public water systems. Among the violations were failure to hire a qualified system operator for several months, respond to notifications of significant deficiency and provide public notice when required.

Thursdays action allows city officials 90 days to hire a necessary operator and produce a long-range plan to address issues. The plan should include a prioritized list of infrastructure improvements, a timeline for engineering plans and project construction, and documentation of the systems technical, financial and managerial capacity to implement improvements.

If the 90 days pass and the plans are not completed, Helena West-Helena officials will face a combined penalty of $685,000 between the two water systems, according to documents provided Thursday.

We believe in fairness, we work with everyone the best we can, but were trying to give a little push, said Reginald Rogers, deputy general counsel for the Arkansas Department of Health.

If the deadline isnt met, Rogers said, city officials would have to provide reasons for the delays. Depending on the information provided at that time, an extension may be granted or the fine may be upheld.

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John Edwards, general counsel and economic development director for Helena Harbor, submitted a letter of support for the consent decrees. During a presentation to the health board, Edwards said he wouldnt shrug very hard if the total amount to fix the citys water system reached $80 million.

Dispatch from Phillips County

Mayor Christopher Franklin did not attend Thursdays meeting, and he was not available for an interview afterward. During a phone call Wednesday, Franklin told the Advocate that the city is moving forward in the right direction to save our water system.

The citys water system is aged well past its prime, and it was highlighted during outages in June 2023 and January 2024. Of the six groundwater wells that supply the water to residents and businesses, three need replacement. Franklin said the city is preparing next month to drill one well that should take some pressure off the system. Officials have also been regularly patching leaks and about 20 remain, he said.

In reference to an article from The Helena World that noted city officials lost federal funding because they were unprepared, Franklin said a former mayor had requested to be on a waitlist for American Rescue Plan Act dollars and he never received a notification to prepare for the funds.

Franklin said the money was not lost, and Helena-West Helena can still be considered for funding.

Were delayed, but we werent denied, he said. We want to make sure that we, from this point on, keep the train moving.

Faye Duncan-Daniel, a resident from Helena-West Helena, drove approximately 120 miles Thursday morning to be present for the health board meeting in Little Rock. She submitted a letter of support for the consent decrees, and afterward told the Advocate it was impossible to communicate how bad the water situation has been.

I wish I had the language to communicate the vacuum it creates, and the sense of helplessness because you cant do anything, Duncan-Daniel said. Your children need it, your family needs it, and there you are. You can do nothing.  The impact of not having clean water, its just devastating.

Duncan-Daniel has lived in Helena-West Helena since 2006, and she said the current state of the water system is worse than its been in the past because instead of officials being able to patch up the issues, residents have been left to boil water.

She also noted that the community does not respond well when the National Guard is dispatched with potable water.

The National Guard, to us, is not always a welcome because of the history the National Guard has with the Black community, Duncan-Daniel said. Whenever they show, theyre rarely on our side.  We want the water problem solved, not fear, theatrics and show  and thats how thats interpreted.

Franklin noted Wednesday that the city council recently approved increased water rates, which he said was required to open funding opportunities.

When asked how she felt about paying more for city water, Duncan-Daniel expressed dissatisfaction.

Can you imagine you turn your sink on and theres brown water, and now you got to pay more for it? she asked. I mean, its just like blow after blow after blow, and were still not getting clean water.

Duncan-Daniel is an artist with Arts for Everybody, and she recently produced a poetry project with community members in Phillips County.

Excerpts from the work include personal reflections on how residents boil water for baby bottles and collect rainwater in barrels for washing clothes; many of them have religious notes.

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink/Man is destroying this precious gift  what do you think? one poem by Linda Duncan reads.

The Arkansas Division of Natural Resources has offered Helena-West Helena an $11 million loan to address a portion of the citys infrastructure needs. When previous water outages occurred, the state also twice provided the city with $100,000 in emergency funding.

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(BCN)  The San Francisco Board of Supervisors gave final approval Tuesday for a new project that will convert swaths of surface parking at the Stonestown Galleria mall into approximately 3,500 new homes, acres of open space and other community services. The project could add up to five towers standing between three and 18 floors to the Stonestown Galleria area, which sits just north of San Francisco State University and amid lower-density and single-family housing units.

In addition to housing, the project includes a new 6-acre open space, retail space, a retail main street at 20th Avenue and senior and childcare facilities.

SF woman first to receive $100K exoskeleton through health insurance in Bay Area

Having grown up in the Sunset, Stonestown was a big part of my life as a kid, said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman in a mayors office statement last week with co-sponsors Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Myrna Melgar. Its exciting to see it evolve in this way and it will be exciting to watch that neighborhood develop as a dense, urban center on the west side with amenities that will serve thousands of residents.

There are currently 3,300 parking spaces at Stonestown Galleria according to Parkopedia, a web service which keeps a record of parking spots. Though the project would build atop acres of surface parking, it aims to maintain parking availability and will construct a new parking garage for mall visitors, according to the boards agenda packet.

In all, the project allows for up to 4,861 car parking spots and 1,277 bicycle parking spots, the agenda packet also noted. The project will also replace an existing YMCA annex to build a 7,000-square-foot senior center, which a nonprofit operator would rent at $1 per year, and a child care center to serve 100 children at subsidized rent to a nonprofit, the mayors statement said.

The mayors statement also said that the project, proposed by real estate management firm Brookfield Properties, will help execute a city plan to develop 82,000 new homes between 2023 and 2031 to comply with a state mandate.

As of last Friday, 3,924 units have been authorized and put toward the goal of 82,000 new units, the citys planning department said. The department also could not say when the project would break ground.

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A plan to replenish the Colorado River could mean dry alfalfa fields. And many farmers are for it

FILE - A worker diverts water as a sprinkler system is installed for alfalfa at the Cox family farm Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, near Brawley, Calif. Under a new program, farmers of certain forage crops, including alfalfa, will be paid to shut off water to their fields for a short period of time during the hot summer months, which are not peak times for the crop and which won't affect its long-term viability. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

A plan to help shore up the depleted Colorado River by cutting off water to alfalfa fields in California's crop-rich Imperial Valley is finding support from the farmers who grow it.

The Imperial Irrigation District  the biggest user of water from the 1,450-mile (2,334-kilometer) river  has offered to pay farmers to shut off irrigation to forage crops including alfalfa for up to 60 days during the peak of the sweltering summer. While farmers often balk at the idea of letting fields lie fallow, at least 80% of properties eligible for the new program have been signed up to participate, said Tina Shields, the district's water department manager.

We don't like to do fallowing down here, Shields said. They're making business decisions.

The move comes as farmers of alfalfa and other crops that feed cattle have seen the price of hay plummet amid rising supply. For many, that means a summer crop of alfalfa could bring in less in revenue than the $300 in federal funding per acre-foot of water that the water district is willing to fork over if they simply stop watering it, experts said.

From California to Arkansas, farmers have reported a stellar year for hay and many are scrambling to find buyers or deciding whether it's worth paying to store it, said Sue Arnold, executive director of the Ohio-based National Hay Association.

They have a lot more hay than they typically have this time of year so their barns are full, she said of the organizations members. Theyre scared, I am going to have all this inventory.

Hay exporters are struggling with the strong U.S. dollar and some overseas markets are willing to take a lower quality product than the top notch hay grown in the United States, especially in the Imperial Valley, Arnold said.

The idea to pay the farmers to halt irrigation arose last year as part of an agreement among Arizona, Nevada and California to aid the dwindling Colorado River, which provides water to 40 million people in seven U.S. states, parts of Mexico and more than two dozen Native American tribes  and saw water levels decline during a punishing drought.

Under the plan, the federal government agreed to spend $1.2 billion for users to temporarily scale back their water use. The goal was to conserve an additional 3 million acre-feet of water through 2026  with more than half of those cuts coming from California  when current guidelines for how the river is shared expire.

The Imperial Irrigation District, which is California's biggest user of Colorado River water, drafted the voluntary program for farmers to temporarily stop watering Alfalfa, Bermuda grass, or Klein grass in the summer  crops that can withstand going dry for a short while. The idea is to do so when yields are already down in summer, more water is required and dairies tend to keep their number of head low.

The district had proposed to roll out the program in the spring but faced delays over environmental concerns including the fate of the tiny, endangered desert pupfish, which thrives on irrigation runoff. Environmental approvals are still pending but the district opted to sign up takers for the program now to save time, Shields said.

So far, the program has applications from about 170 different businesses covering nearly 160,000 acres (64,750 hectares) of fields, which could conserve about 215,000 acre feet of water, she said.

Trevor Tagg, a hay farmer in the Imperial Valley, is among many opting for the program. He said alfalfa prices have plummeted in the past two years as supply has risen and farmers are left with little choice but to keep growing on fields hoping that prices rise in the future. He said he and many others sat down and did the math  what the water district is offering is a better shot than what he can get cutting the crop right now.

A couple of years ago, he said a ton of hay could command $400 but might now only fetch $100.

The pendulum is swinging really hard, he said. Things have been really tough. You are seeing farms on the brink of bankruptcy  many, many of them.

Tough times force farmers to make difficult choices and turning off the water for a month or two is seen as a better option than fallowing fields for longer and walloping the local economy, where equipment suppliers and local restaurants also depend on farming for their livelihoods. About a quarter of Imperial County's farm production comes from field crops, according to a county agricultural report.

It keeps us farming for another day," Tagg said. "It supports the river, it supports Lake Mead. It supports everything we're trying to do.

It's not perfect for anybody," he said.
Davel5957 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Finding a place to live thats both safe and doesnt break the bank can be tricky at best. But dont worry! GOBankingRates spoke to real estate experts who have the inside scoop on the Arizona towns that provide peace of mind when it comes to both safety and affordability.

Here are four Arizona cities that are both safe and affordable.

Check Out: Im a Real Estate Agent: These 5 Arizona Cities Are About To Become Unaffordable

See Now: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

Gilbert

Gilbert is a city thats growing fast, and its got a lot going for it. Rebecca Hidalgo Rains, whos been helping people buy and sell homes in Phoenix for over 30 years, thinks Gilbert is a great choice. Gilbert and Chandler are great spots right now that are both affordable and safe, she shared.

What makes Gilbert special? Well, its pretty new as far as cities go. These areas are relatively new community-wise and are growing quickly, Rains said. This means there are lots of new homes and neighborhoods popping up. New areas often mean safer places to live, and the prices arent as high as in older, more established (read: fancier!) parts of town.

Read Next: Heres the Living Wage a Single Person Needs To Live Comfortably in Arizona

Chandler

Right next to Gilbert is another city that Rains recommends: Chandler. Just like Gilbert, Chandler is newer and growing fast. This is good news if youre looking for a safe place to live that wont cost a fortune.

Rains pointed out, These are also great areas with new homes being built and new communities being built which provides added safety and more affordable homes. New homes often have better security features, and new neighborhoods are usually planned with safety in mind. Plus, because there are lots of new houses, the prices tend to be more reasonable.

Queen Creek

If youre OK with living a bit further from the big city, Queen Creek might be just the place for you. Queen Creek and San Tan are another area on the outskirts of Phoenix that are fairly new areas that are starting to see a boom in home building, shared Rains.

What does this mean for you? Well, because Queen Creek is newer and a bit farther out, the houses there are still relatively cheaper than other more defined and prominent areas. This makes them more affordable and safer since they are so new, according to Rains.

San Tan Valley

San Tan Valley is right next to Queen Creek and has a lot of the same good things going for it. Its not actually a city, but its a place where lots of people are moving.

Story continues

Just like Queen Creek, San Tan Valley is seeing lots of new homes being built. Rains explained that these areas are growing quickly as more people are moving to the Phoenix area. This growth means more choices for people looking to buy a home, and often at prices that wont make your wallet cry.

Whats Happening in the Phoenix Area?

Now, lets zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Christy Walker, real estate broker and owner of Re/Max Signature, has some interesting things to say about whats happening in and around Phoenix.

Since May, median prices have dropped 1% from $455,000 to $450,000, said Walker. This means houses are a tiny bit cheaper now than they were a few months ago. But dont get too excited  prices are still higher than last year. Walker added, Compared to last June, prices have raised 3.3%.

The good news is that there are more houses to choose from. Active inventory for this area has also increased 81.2% since last June, shared Walker. Listings in the Phoenix market are finally rising to almost a three-month supply, allowing buyers a long-awaited choice.

This is great news if youre looking to buy a house because the options are plentiful.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Real Estate Agent: These 4 Arizona Cities Are Safe and Affordable
Planet Normal: Starmers first PMQs was less Clash of the Titans and more like The Clangers

Allison and Liam analyse the first PMQ's of a new Labour Government and speak to Sharron Davies about the 2024 Olympic Games

Sunak is fundamentally not serious.

On the latest Planet Normal podcast, which you can listen to using the audio player above, columnists Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson discuss Sir Keir Starmers first PMQs as Prime Minister.

Allison had been hoping for a stronger showing from Rishi Sunak, taking his place on the other side of the dispatch box in his new role of leader of the opposition: He [Sunak] should be in the metaphorical sackcloth and ashes now. Youre the leader of the opposition, temporarily, and the idea is to oppose. Dont just stand there and burnish your own character.

With the nomination for next Tory leader officially open, the Shadow Home Secretary, James Cleverly is the first to throw his hat in the ring, with Liam focusing on the split in the Party, Watching this kind of psychodrama with the Tories literally fighting for control of the tiller, do they steer to a point on the horizon thats to the Left of where they are, trying to take on Keir Starmer? Or do they steer to a point on the horizon which is to the Right of where they are, towards Reform?

And making his first official appearance, Liam and Allison remark that Nigel Farage was remarkably respectful and low key and even deferential in his House of Commons speeches, which is a far cry from the bombastic clips of his time in the European Parliament.

Also on the podcast, Allison and Liam are joined by Olympic legend Sharron Davies ahead of the Paris 2024 Games, to speak to about the continuing disparity between womens and mens sports.

Listen to Planet Normal, a weekly Telegraph podcast featuring news and views from beyond the bubble, using the audio player above or subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred podcast app

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.
Federal and local authorities on Thursday released long-awaited details of the planned security perimeter around the upcoming Democratic National Convention, a marquee event for the city that promises to bring not only the spotlight of the presidential race to Chicago but protests and safety concerns as well.

Let me state this unequivocally: Chicago is ready. We were born ready, Mayor Brandon Johnson told reporters.

This will be a peaceful and unified expression of our sacred democratic process, Johnson said.  You will be protected and served throughout this convention.

Officials unveiled a pedestrian-only restricted zone around the United Center that stretches approximately from Washington Boulevard on the north and Seeley Avenue on the west to Adams Street on the south, with the easternmost part of the border ending between Wood and Paulina streets.

Only people with credentials who have a need to be there  such as convention attendees, volunteers and other workers  will be allowed within that inner perimeter, said 2024 DNC coordinator Jeff Burnside.

This is how the DNC security perimeter will affect residents and commuters near the United Center, McCormick Place

An outer perimeter will allow vehicles subject to a screening checkpoint at the corner of Paulina and Monroe streets. The outer border extends east and south of the pedestrian-only zone by roughly a block.

The northern edge of the perimeter is less than 350 feet from Maypole Avenue, where city officials have offered to allow a huge contingent of protesters to march.

Similar restrictions will take effect around the McCormick Place convention center, with a small pedestrian-only border around the centers West Building and a vehicle screening zone bordered roughly by Michigan Avenue, 21st Street and the Stevenson Expressway.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Johnson and Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling were among those joining federal representatives at the announcement.

The eyes of the world will be on our great city and security and safety will be our top priorities, Pritzker said.  What will take place next month is a beautiful display of democracy in action.

Snelling stressed the Police Departments day-to-day responsibilities will not take a back seat to DNC security.

This is not just about the Democratic National Convention, Snelling said. The Chicago Police Department has an obligation to the entire city of Chicago. Every single neighborhood we will be protecting. And were looking at our manpower, were looking at our allocations, and we want to make sure and we will make sure that the neighborhoods who need us the most, we will be there for those neighbors. We will be there for the entire city of Chicago.

Meanwhile, about 500 additional police officers, mostly from municipalities across Illinois, will be sent to Chicago to assist CPD during the convention. Those officers will receive additional training as well, Snelling added.

Based on our assessment, we have a very good complement of officers who will be out there, Snelling told reporters. Theyre highly trained, they will be responding professionally. And were going to make sure that as we work with our partners  we will make whatever adjustments we need to make as things change.

The DNC is slated to be held at the United Center from Aug. 19-22. Thousands of delegates, politicians and hangers-on will descend on the Near West Side arena, where the party will formally select its candidate for president.

The perimeter restrictions around McCormick Place are scheduled to take effect at 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16. The United Center closures will begin at 7 p.m. the next day. Before the restrictions formally take effect, residents might notice fencing or security barriers being installed, Burnside said. Parking restrictions are expected to take effect and will be posted in advance, he said.

Pedestrians can move freely within the outer perimeters, but vehicles will be screened at security checkpoints before they can enter. Bicycles will not be subject to the security checks, Burnside said.

Businesses in the outer perimeter will be accessible to anyone during the DNC, but businesses in the pedestrian-only zone can only be used by convention attendees and volunteers.

After President Joe Bidens exit from the race over the weekend briefly threw the process into chaos, the party is coalescing around Vice President Kamala Harris as nominee. Johnson called the expected nomination of Harris a new breath of life into our nation.

That means the events inside the United Center may be largely predetermined. Outside the building, however, is a different story.

The convention is expected to draw tens of thousands of protesters, whom city officials initially wanted to confine to Grant Park  some 3 miles away from the United Center.

A coalition of protesters filed a lawsuit arguing for closer access, and earlier this month revealed that the city had offered an alternate route. The revised plan calls for protesters to assemble in Union Park on the Near West Side before marching west along Washington Boulevard to Hermitage Avenue, then on Maypole past a small park north of the United Center. The route then turns east on Lake Street back to Union Park.

That route still presents challenges, the coalition stated in a court filing, including the potential for massive log jams on smaller side streets given the enormous number of expected participants. The lawsuit is still ongoing, with arguments before U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood slated for Aug. 5.

In a news release Thursday after the perimeter was announced, protest organizers reiterated that in their view the offered route is inadequate.

The ball is in the Citys court, Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC, stated in the release. It just needs to give us a longer route with wider streets, that is, all the way up Washington Boulevard, and well immediately sign on the dotted line.

Meanwhile, Johnsons office has said it is preparing for as many as 25,000 migrants to be transported to Chicago from the southern border in the coming weeks. That number is speculative, Deputy Mayor of Immigration Beatriz Ponce de Leon said, but the possibility remains that Republican lawmakers in border states would strategically flood Chicago with migrants in an attempt to throw the city into chaos at a crucial time for Democrats.

Asked Thursday about the possible arrival of more buses, Johnson said our collective resources are prepared for as many as 15,000 new arrivals.

We certainly hope that (Texas) Governor (Greg) Abbott finds Jesus Christ as his lord and savior and doesnt do that, Johnson said.

Chicago has homegrown problems too. The widespread civil unrest of 2020 is a fresh memory, and the summer so far has seen the usual spike in gun violence, with more than 100 people shot over the long Independence Day weekend. The police superintendent has repeatedly stressed the departments training rigors  especially related to First Amendment and crowd control measures  for officers who will be assigned to the DNC.

And Cook County officials announced Wednesday that they will open a temporary court facility on the Northwest Side to handle court appearances if needed for an influx of arrestees.

The stakes for convention security, already high, were raised significantly after an assassination attempt on ex-President Donald Trump earlier this month. The shooting in Pennsylvania left Trump without serious injuries but solidified fears of escalating political violence and prompted criticism of the Secret Services capabilities. That agencys director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned Tuesday amid questions of how the gunman was allowed to get so close.

Cheatle visited Chicago less than two months ago, addressing reporters with Snelling to tout the interagency coordination ahead of the convention.

Weve got a tremendous working relationship with Chicago police, as well as a multitude of other agencies, both local and federal, that will be contributing to this whole-of-government approach that were taking with the DNC, Cheatle said at the time.

Ive said this over and over again: We have been preparing for this DNC since we found out that were going to be a host city, Snelling said two days after the assassination attempt on Trump. And all of the incidents that could occur, were accounting for those things and were making sure that were training around those things.

As aldermen learned of the DNC security plans during a Public Safety Committee hearing later Thursday, protests were once again top of mind. The City Councils lone Jewish member, Ald. Debra Silverstein, 50th, asked if Jewish organizations and businesses should shut down ahead of expected large pro-Palestinian protests.

Snelling said they should stay put and will be protected. The department will make sure free speech rights are protected, but will not tolerate violence and vandalism, he added.

I would never tell someone to run away, Snelling said.

Most aldermen shared general approval for the plans as the leaders of several city departments promised everything from CTA services to city ambulances would serve the neighborhoods normally during the convention.

Committee Chair Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, said he believes the city is a little behind schedule in preparing, but felt reassured by the convention logistics presentation. But one last lingering question will play a key role in determining how the convention goes, and it cannot yet be answered, he said: How many protesters will come to Chicago?

Attempts to shut down expressways, block intersections, engage in vandalism, all of that. We know that there are people who have those intentions. We dont know how many, Hopkins said. If its 100, we are going to be fine. If its 50,000, you know, that is a real problem.

While much of the pressure to keep protests peaceful has been on Johnson, Pritzker will also be a partial owner of the conventions execution as he was a key player in attracting national Democrats to Illinois. Additionally, the governor has been in the spotlight this week as a potential running mate for Harris, among a deep bench of other popular Democratic leaders.

Asked about the possibility for unrest Tuesday on MSNBCs Morning Joe, Pritzker said all levels of law enforcement are engaged and pivoted to optimism about the partys energy inside the walls of the United Center, predicting that its probably going to be the best convention ever.

In an interview earlier this month, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said that the agencys deployment will be the largest since the Chicago NATO summit in 2012. He declined to say exactly how many people would be involved in the convention specifically, but added ISP includes about 3,000 people and has the staff to work both the convention and its regular duties.

The possibility of mass arrests has already rippled through the local criminal justice system.

Cook County judges are scheduling around the convention, avoiding the dates on their calendars.

The 19th is out. No cases are being set in this building, Judge Kenneth Wadas said during a hearing Thursday morning as he scheduled a bench trial for early August. Weve been told to not do anything.

Wadas said judges were additionally told to keep it light during the week of the 12th. He noted in court that another judge based in the Leighton Criminal Court Building had a jury trial moved to the branch court in Rolling Meadows.

Chicago Tribunes Madeline Buckley contributed to this report.

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com

scharles@chicagotribune.com

oolander@chicagotribune.com

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
The Hip-Hop community is still reeling from PnB Rocks tragic murder in September 2022 and things will get more difficult as litigation is now fully underway. The Philadelphia artists murder trial officially began in Los Angeles this week.

Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Timothy Richardson delivered his opening statement to a jury of four women and eight men. He revealed that, days before the trial, the prosecution obtained footage that showed one of the suspects, Freddie Trone, instructing his 17-year-old son to enter the Roscoes Chicken N Waffles that Rock was dining at and rob and shoot him.

Trones lawyer, Winston McKesson, attempted to refute the claim and what took place in the footage, citing it as guesswork done by the State. My client, Freddie Trone, did not pull the trigger, McKesson said. 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.

Freddie Trone pled not guilty to one count of murder, two counts of robbery, and a count of conspiracy to commit a felony. Winston McKesson doubled down on his defense for his client, saying, You will hear no evidence that he planned this with his son. That he instructed his son to do this, or he egged him on. They will have evidence that my client did help his son cover this up. Were not disputing that. What were saying is the gunman acted alone.

Tremont Jones is another man implicated in the case. He pled not guilty to two charges of robbery, conspiracy to rob, and illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. The prosecution always claims that Jones made Trone and his son aware of PnB Rocks location the night before he was killed.

Rock was dining with his girlfriend Stephanie Sibounheuang when the tragedy occurred. A month after he passed, she shared a statement expressing her gratitude to the slain rapper for saving her life. I am 100% not ok. If I wasnt spiritual I could kill my self (but then Ill go to hell and my man not there), the social media influencer wrote. My man saved my life, Throwing me under that table. Im not supposed to be here but bc of him. I am. No one would be able to handle this. TBH, I cant even handle this.

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(COLORADO)  A new and concerning trend is going around on TikTok where a person is swallowing a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder, with some social media users claiming it is a natural supplement for Adderall.

FOX21 News reached out to Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety (RMPDS) regarding the topic and spoke with Dr. Shireen Banerji, Poison Center Director, who expressed her concerns about the trend and explained what parents need to know and what to look out for.

Even though it is a natural spice that doesnt mean its harmless and in excess, it can cause problems, she explained.

While Dr. Banerji said they have not received any calls regarding this trend to their poison center, she expected they would get calls on this in the future, and reactions would largely depend on peoples tolerance to spice, among other factors.

If somebody who doesnt eat much spicy food suddenly takes a quarter teaspoon of this cayenne powder, it could be very unpleasant and uncomfortable, she said. They could have reactions of feeling like their mouth is on fire and feel like they are literally burning their mucous membranes, their throat, [and] their mouth.

Reactions could be worse depending on underlying conditions, according to Dr. Banerji.

Somebody who has asthma or some breathing sensitivities might have a coughing reaction and that could exacerbate any underlying lung condition, she elaborated.

The reactions, according to Dr. Banerji, can last up to an hour. Its that burning sensation; its not truly burning, its not an acid but they feel like its burning a hole in their throat.

This most recent trend on TikTok follows another that also made its rounds on social media, and according to Dr. Banerji, both caused similar concerns.

It is along the same lines of the Cinnamon Challenge, where you inhale or ingest a cloud of powder that can cause respiratory symptoms, and in this case, more mucous membrane irritation because of that burning sensation, she said.

While there are other claims on the internet about cayenne pepper and the potential health benefits from it, Dr. Banerji said that what social media users are claiming it can help with is not supported.

There are a lot of claims with cayenne pepper, and a lot of them are probably well-founded, meaning some people do benefit; maybe their arthritis is better, their heartburn is better, joint pains, its been thought to be a metabolism booster, and so there are some legitimate claims that could be substantiated, she said. But, the part about using it as a natural supplement for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, that is one that doesnt have any backing as of yet.

Either way, Dr. Banerji said, its not something people should be taking teaspoons full of and had this message: Its not just a game, its something thats affecting your health and your body, she said. If it doesnt sound good and it doesnt sound normal, then its probably not a good idea.

As for parents who are concerned or think their child may have ingested this, Dr. Banerji said to ask a few questions first. The first thing is assessing, Is their airway open?, Are they breathing, okay?, Are they having severe distress?, and if they are having severe distress I would say call 911.

She added that if it was a minor reaction, Where the person is saying, My throat is burning, My mouth is hurting, My throat is on fire, absolutely call the poison control center; we are here 24/7. Dr. Banerji also advised that concerned parents keep an eye on what their kids have in their possession, like full bottles of spice in their rooms or backpacks.

With these challenges, there is always another one around the corner, so its hard to predict what is going to come out next but I think finding things that dont really belong, would be the biggest indicator that you should have a discussion, she said.

For more information or questions regarding this trend, people should reach out to Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety, which is linked above. For a poison emergency call the Poison Control hotline at 1-(800) 222-1222.

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The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo said that a necropsy report found that the bear drowned after sustaining a crushing injury to his trachea

Calgary Zoo A polar bear at the Calgary Zoo

A polar bear has died after engaging in "rough play with another polar bear at a Canadian zoo.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced in a news release on Tuesday, July 23, that one if its 7-year-old male polar bears named Baffin died by drowning after sustaining a crushing injury to his trachea  or windpipe  by 8-year-old male polar bear Siku as they were playing.

The zoo noted that it was presumed that Baffin lost consciousness underwater due to the tracheal injury and subsequently drowned.

Although the necropsy results are conclusive about the cause of Baffins death, they offer little solace to our team that loved Baffin so deeply, Colleen Baird, Director of Animal Care, Health & Welfare at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, said in a statement.

Related: Officials Urge Pet Owners to Avoid Texas Lake After Dog Dies Following Swim

The necropsy had also found that prior to Baffins death, the polar bear was in excellent physical condition and did not show signs of heat-related stress or hypothermia.

The zoo noted that Baffin and Siku had a long history together as habitat mates and enjoyed a companionate relationship before being brought to the Calgary Zoo from the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg. Baird said that it was customary for the two polar bears to play together leading up to the incident.

They displayed many natural polar bear behaviors, including playing daily in and out of the water, Baird said. The type and intensity of play on the day of the incident appeared to be no different than the type of play their caregivers witnessed from them on a daily basis.

Related: Paddington the Rescue Bear Dies at Vietnam Sanctuary Weeks After Leaving Neglectful Bile Farm

Calgary Zoo said that Siku is continuing to be monitored by the zoos Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in the aftermath of Baffins death.

The zoo initially announced the polar bears death on Friday, July 19 on social media, writing, We are truly heartbroken to share the devastating news of the sudden passing of Baffin. They shared at the time that Baffin and Siku had been sparring in the pool when Baffin went underwater and did not resurface.

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Although Baffin was with us for a short time, his passing will leave a hole in hearts across the zoo and our community," the zoo shared in a message alongside a photo of the bear, adding that he will be "remembered" for his "endearing teddy-bear face, his playful and curious nature, and his fondness for interacting with visitors during pool time.

His presence brought immense joy to our lives and he will be deeply missed by all," the zoo shared before concluding its message asking for zoo visitors to please keep our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in your thoughts as they navigate this challenging time" and "grieve the loss of such an incredibly special bear.



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ELGIN, Texas (KXAN)  The City of Elgin is seeking the publics help to find individuals connected with three separate shootings that happened on the same block in July. Elgin Police referred to them as deadly conduct incidents.

The drive-by shootings happened on Elgins East Alamo Street in July, causing damage to homes and vehicles, EPD said in a release. No one has been injured in the shootings, police said.

Police said two incidents happened on July 8 and another happened Wednesday, July 24, around 3:27 a.m.

Officers responded to the first one on July 8 around 8:40 a.m. in reference to a disturbance call where unknown individuals allegedly did a drive-by shooting, EPD Sgt. Nichole Brimhall with the Criminal Investigations Division said during a media briefing. She said multiple homes and vehicles were damaged.

Then, the same day, around 3 p.m., another drive-by shooting happened in the same area. Brimhall said a home was struck with multiple bullets.

Then, on July 24, around 3:27 a.m., another drive-by shooting occurred same block range of East Alamo Street. Numerous bullets struck a home, Brimhall said.

All three shootings appeared to be isolated incidents, according to police.

EPD said it is actively investigating the incidents. Police have reason to believe the shootings are related, Brimhall said. Police are still attempting to identify individuals responsible.

Police are attempting to find any individuals connected with the shootings and also are encouraging the public to come forward with any information, Brimhall said.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it has identified the man killed in the Northwest D.C. shooting.

Police said that at about 9:30 p.m., they responded to the 600 block of O Street for the report of a shooting.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found two men who had been shot.

The men were transported to the hospital where one later died.

The second man is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. A third man self-transported to the hospital where he is also being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

2 injured after car crashes through guardrail, hangs off wall in Germantown

MPD identified the man who died as 34-year-old Deangelo Jones of Northwest.

Anyone with information should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Departments TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

MPD currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

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Police are investigating a shooting that left a man in Brockton dead late Wednesday night.

Brockton police responded to a home at 27 Vesey Street around 11:51 p.m. to find a man suffering from a gunshot wound in the back of the building, a spokesperson with the Plymouth County District Attorneys office said.

Medical personnel pronounced the man, 22-year-old Romualdy Pierre-Charles deceased at the scene. Police say he lived in the home.

It went pap, pap pap, pap and we knew it was a gun, said Wila Lyman, a neighbor.

Wila Lyman lives across the street and said she heard the gunshots.

I feel bad because I heard it was a young man I thought no one was hurt because we never heard the ambulance, said Lyman.

You could just hear the shots. There was three of them that were faint then there were 6 that were really loud, said Tara Winborne, another neighbor.

Windborne also lives across the street and tells Boston 25 that she took cover when she heard those shots.

When I first heard it - it was startling and I was just like wait a minute and I moved away from the windows moved towards the back, she said.

Winborne says her heart goes out to the family who lost a precious child.

Very sad, very sad. I feel sad for those parents. Anybody who had to bury their child I cant even imagine. No matter what the circumstance is having to bury your child is tough.

While an investigation by local and state police is active and ongoing, investigators do not believe the shooting was random.

Boston 25 reporter John Monohan was there when a Toyota outside the Vesey Street home was taken away by a flatbed tow truck.

A Toyota located behind the Brockton home were a 22-year-old man was shot and killed last night was just driven out and driven onto a flatbed tow truck. Its unclear how it may have been involved in the murder of this young man.#Boston25 pic.twitter.com/8eJYUQCS0y  John Monahan (@JohnMonahanTV) July 25, 2024

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The race to bring more AI features to search is escalating, with Microsoft moving forward with additional tools for Bing. Today, the company began previews for Bing generative search, where the top result for a user's query will be an original response compiled by AI.

The blog post about Bing generative search showed a few sample results. In addition to the overview statement, Microsoft will provide links to the main sources that the large-language models and small-language models used to create their answer. It will also have a section of related information. For instance, with the sample query "how long do elephants live," the main summary is followed by videos with information about factors that impact elephant longevity. After the generative results, the usual list of search hits will be displayed.

Preview of Bing generative search results (Microsoft)

If you're curious and want to try out generative search right away, you may be out of luck. This isn't an opt-in choice yet for Bing users and it is only being applied to "a small percentage of user queries" at this stage. "We are slowly rolling this out and will take our time, garner feedback, test and learn, and work to create a great experience before making this more broadly available," Microsoft said.

Google rolled out a similar tool earlier this year called AI Overview in an effort to retain users who might go directly to an AI chatbot for answers to their questions. AI Overview had a rough, gluey pizza start , so it will be interesting to see how well Microsoft's counterpart performs in comparison. And while Microsoft did emphasize in the blog post that it developed generative search without the intent of ruining web publishers' business, it's worth repeating that this kind of AI tool is not a replacement for actual news .
RAHWAY, N.J. (PIX11)  A police officer was shot multiple times in Rahway, N.J. Wednesday night, according to officials.

The shooting happened on Broad Street near Maple Avenue. Perth Amboy police officers were serving a search warrant with the help of Rahway police, according to Rahway Mayor Raymond Giacobbe.

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The suspects ran from the officers, which is when one fired a gun, Giacobbe said. The bullet hit a Perth Amboy police officer in the leg.

The police officer was shot three times, according to the New Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Association.

He was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. The injuries were non-life-threatening, according to Giacobbe.

No other officers were injured in the shooting, Giacobbe said. One suspect was shot in the leg, but its not known who fired.

All of the suspects were apprehended, according to Giacobbe. Its not known how many suspects were involved.

His fellow detectives took quick actions to save his life. We are thankful for the outpouring of support. The detective is in stable condition, the New Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Association wrote on X.

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.
(CANON CITY, Colo.)  The Canon City Police Department (CCPD) commended officers for ending a police pursuit that resulted in the arrest of a suspect in a drive-by shooting.

According to CCPD, on Wednesday, July 24 around 3 p.m. officers were called to the 2100 block of Central Avenue near North Orchard Avenue about reports of shots fired. When officers arrived they found evidence that shots were fired at a home and vehicle in the area. Police gathered evidence and statements and with the help of a CCPD Crime Analyst, and the Colorado Department of Corrections identified the suspect as 34-year-old Andrew Seymour.

CCPD officers found Seymour driving a vehicle that matched the one seen leaving the area of the shooting. Officers tried to initiate a traffic stop but Seymour allegedly tried to get away from officers in the vehicle. After a short vehicle chase, CCPD said officers saw an opportunity to execute a pursuit intervention technique and pinned the vehicle between a telephone pole and two CCPD vehicles.

Courtesy: Canon City Police Department

Seymour was taken into custody with no injuries and a search of the vehicle found a semi-automatic handgun that CCPD believes was used in the shooting along with a small amount of suspected Fentanyl and MDMA.

Mugshot of Andrew Seymour

Seymour was booked into the Fremont County Jail on the following charges:

Criminal Attempt to Commit Assault in the First Degree

Illegal Discharge of a Firearm

Menacing

Possession of Weapons by Previous Offenders

Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument

Criminal Mischief

Reckless Endangerment

Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance

Police Chief John W. Schick Jr. said the efforts by officers to use the maneuver to end the chase before the vehicle could be driven into more populated areas of the city along with the fact that the driver was a suspect of a drive-by and not knowing if the driver was still armed, was nothing short of heroic and both officers were commended for their action.

Further, the ability of our officers to funnel real-time information to a Crime Analyst, who was able to filter information through intelligence communities and outside law enforcement partners, was a direct reason why this incident was handled in such a timely manner, said Police Chief Schick.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Police search for 2 men they say conspired to burglarize Mount Washington home, steal familys car

Police are searching for two men who they say conspired to burglarize a Mount Washington home and came back the following night to steal the familys car.

Pittsburgh police have warrants out for Matthew Houghton and his nephew Emmanuel Houghton.

They say Matthew Houghton broke into the home through a window and came face-to-face with the couples son. The son chased him through the window, down Grandview Avenue around 12:30 a.m.

The following night the couple said their doorbell rang and a young man asked to use the restroom.

Hes like, Can I use the bathroom? Its 11:30 at night I was like, NO! call 911, said Mike Travers.

Mikes wife Kendyll called police again, and while police were outside their house, someone drove past and began locking and unlocking their car with their stolen key fob.

While this is going on someone drives down our street and unlocks and locks our car!! In front of 6 cops, 15-20 people out here. We are screaming, they have our key!

The Travers say minutes after police cleared the scene, their car was stolen.

Sure enough 10-15 minutes later we hear beep beep and theyre taking our car!!

Pittsburgh police say Matthew Houghtons fingerprints were found throughout the first floor of the home. They say witnesses on Grandview told investigators his nephew Emmanuel came back the next night to steal the car.

The car was found in Munhall.

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Police cadets who have completed their training take part in their 'Passing Out Parade' in the grounds of West Ham United Football Club on July 14, 2014 in London

The shaky smartphone footage of a police officer using force at Manchester Airport makes for uncomfortable viewing. The footage spread like wildfire, igniting community tensions and drawing condemnation against the local police.

Rightly, the matter is now being investigated. But we should worry about how the reaction to events like this can affect the morale of officers more broadly. The smartphone and social media have changed policing forever. While investigations by watchdogs may drag on for years, the millions who sit in judgment on social media return their verdict almost instantly.

And it is not always a fair one. Over the past decade, seeing colleagues dissected on social media and subject to what can seem like persecution and perverse outcomes for doing their best can have a paralysing effect. These dynamics certainly make policing harder than it once was. They even cause some to resign themselves to it having become impossible.

But its not just social media that is leading officers to come to this conclusion. From governments that blow hot and cold when it comes to crime policy, to the lack of prison places and a court backlog that undermines and demoralises the individual officers fight against crime, the police can feel that they are fighting a losing battle and that the only people they can really trust are a few of their immediate colleagues.

Britain cant go on like this. Politicians, whether elected Police and Crime Commissioners or the government in Westminster, all have a vital role to play in fixing the issues, but policing must also own up to the challenges.

Weve seen, perhaps ironically, some of the greatest progress being made in Greater Manchester. Proactive policing and quality of service is being restored. But, as the latest report from the National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing on violence against and women and girls this week showed, too many senior officers seem to shy away from difficult or inconvenient topics  including why particular crimes might be becoming more common.

Theres also the fact that a large section of the public  40 per cent  worry that the police are more interested in being politically correct than fighting crime. Its an issue that should have generated a serious response from policing by now. Instead, weve merely seen retired chiefs describe being woke as something for the police to be proud of  claiming it as a bumper sticker.

None of these weaknesses, atop the many others that exist, help or support the crime-fighting police officer. They cement the decline, in which proactive crime-fighting and proportionate risk-taking give way to reactive fire-fighting, form-filling and risk aversion. None of that makes any of us or our neighbourhoods safer from crime.

The Met, more than most, seems well on the way down this road, with stop and search hitting record lows. Meanwhile, robbery and knife crime are up, and thieves clear entire shelves of goods with little prospect of being caught.

Police chiefs have a huge opportunity to improve their forces, but they must be prepared to stand up to social justice activists and a dominant orthodoxy that tells them that crime is like the weather  something to be reported, rather than changed.

They need to improve the quality of recruitment, training, uniform, vehicles, kit, buildings and technology. They must demand better across the board and do better for a beleaguered front line. They must declare war on the mediocrity that holds policing back, makes the job much harder than it should be, and causes some of the best to flee policing in growing numbers.

Despite everything that seems to be going awry in Britain, there remains a special relationship between the British public and the idea, if not always the reality, of a police constable. The relationship is severely strained, there can be no denying that. But there is still time for it to be rebuilt.

It will require hard work that focuses on driving out the incompetent and the corrupt  and rallying the professional, hard-working and the dedicated. Whatever else we may think about policing, we should not lose sympathy for the good cops. They are among the best of us.

Rory Geoghegan is a former police officer and the founder of the Public Safety Foundation

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Polk County rapper found with bible, drugs after driving nearly 100 mph on highway

Polk County rapper found with bible, drugs after driving nearly 100 mph on highway

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  A Polk County rapper was arrested Wednesday night following a traffic stop, which involved speeding, drug possession, and the holy bible, an arrest report revealed.

Around 10:42 p.m., a Florida Highway Patrol witnessed two racing vehicles on eastbound Highway 60 in Lake Wales. One vehicle was driving at 86 mph, while the other was traveling at 96 mph.

Theyre monsters: 8 arrested in Hernando County human trafficking operation

The trooper initiated a traffic stop on both vehicles. The first driver was identified as 34-year-old Brice Larome Chaney, who was speeding at 86 mph, while the driver traveling at 96 mph was released with a traffic citation.

Chaney was initially placed under arrest for driving without a valid drivers license and issued a citation for speeding.

When the trooper searched Chaneys vehicle, he discovered 20 grams of cannabis containing 1% delta-9 THC, along with plastic bags in a backpack and a bible.

Florida Highway Patrol

According to the report, when asked where he got the drugs from, Chaney told the trooper that hes a rapper and that a lot of people give him stuff.

Tesla driver crashes near Sunshine Skyway Bridge, ends up launched into Gulf of Mexico

FHP said Chaney has a lengthy criminal history in Florida and Georgia, with arrests involving trespassing, three separate instances of driving with a suspended license, driving without a valid license, possession of ecstasy, and criminal damage to property.

Chaney was taken to the Polk County Jail.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Portland Police Chief Bob Day is urging the entire community to come together to stop gun violence.

While gun violence was down 20% in 2023 compared to 2022, there are still issues that need to be addressed. For instance, the Portland Police Bureau said 43 homicides have happened in 2024, 34 of which happened by gunfire.

We all want Portland to be better, Day said while holding a meeting discussing PPBs latest crime statistics. The police bureau is the community, were in this together.

Durkee Fire could see extreme behavior, growth in next 24 hours, officials say

Despite the 20% drop off in gun violence compared to the year before, Portland still saw an overall increasing trend of gun violence  on average  over the past 10 years. The longer-term issue is what PPB is trying to address, with the communitys help.

Not by any means a victory lap for us, Day said.

One recent example of the kind of shootings community members are crying out against is the one that happened at Dawson Park in broad daylight near a preschool on Friday, leaving two injured and dozens of spent shell casings in its wake.

When asked what police are doing as an immediate response to this, Day said PPB is constantly working with community partners such as Ceasefire Portland. However, he admitted theres still a lot of progress that needs to be made.

Weve certainly seen a high level of death and tragedy in the last 45-60 days, Day said.

When asked why the violence continues to be a presence in our community, Day said:

Violence, particularly gun violence, is really difficult to predict. There are so many factors that go into these events. So I cant comment to a particular reason.

Darcelle XV Showplace at risk of going out of business, asks community for support

Day said while police do serve a role, it will take a community-led conversation to truly turn the tide.

Its not going to be solved by the Portland Police Bureau, Day said.

On the upside, Day said there were no homicides in Portland over this past weekend. However, one point he stressed is that PPB would have an easier time increasing patrols in high-crime areas if they had a greater number of officers in their ranks.

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The Digi24 media outlet, citing army sources, reported that the Romanian military, who were instructed to inspect the Romanian Danube bank after a Russian drone attack on Ukrainian ports, found metal fragments that could be the wreckage of downed Shaheds.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Digi24, a 24-hour Romanian TV news channel

Details: The wreckage was allegedly found near the village of Plauru, on the Romanian coast opposite Izmail.

The border between Ukraine and Romania near the city of Izmail

Screenshot: Google maps

Background:

On the night of 24-25 July, an air-raid warning was issued for Romanian settlements on the Danube for the second night in a row. Romania deployed F-16 fighter jets during the attack on Wednesday night, and the Ministry of Defence said it would search for the wreckage of the Shahed jet that could potentially fall on the Romanian shore.

On the morning of 25 July, the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force said that three Shaheds that attacked southern Ukraine at night had flown into Romanian territory and then disappeared from Ukrainian air defence.

Bucharest has not yet commented on the report.

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Stacks of boxes holding cards and letters are seen at the U.S. Post Office sort center December 15, 2008 in San Francisco, California. On its busiest day of the year, the U.S. Postal Service is expecting to process and mail over one billion cards, letters and packages. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The U.S. Postal Service abruptly stopped air service in Montana this week even after Alpine Air, its air cargo contractor in the state, offered a roughly $3 million reduction in its contract, according to the company CEO.

In a phone call Wednesday, Alpine Air CEO Michael Dancy said negotiations were underway as early as last week for the company that has worked with the Postal Service in Montana for some 35 years.

But the Postal Service didnt respond to the discounted offer, he said. As a result, Alpine Air is looking at layoffs in Montana, according to Dancy. It employs 60 people in the state including 20 who have worked on the Postal Service contract.

Additionally, Dancy said people who want two-day delivery will have to look to companies such as the United Parcel Service  where two-day means two-day  and not the Postal Service. Alpine also delivers for UPS.

We care about the state of Montana and its inhabitants, Dancy said. Thats important to us. Were a Montana company.

The Alpine Air Express website said its a Montana corporation doing business through its subsidiary Alpine Aviation of Utah.

Last Wednesday, Alpine Air sent the Postal Service a proposal for a deeply reduced contract for service in Montana and South Dakota, Dancy said. He declined to provide the contract amount.

The Postal Service indicated it would respond Thursday, he said, but it never did: Ive been involved for 25 years, and Ive never seen anything like this. Ever.

Alpine Air cites a 99+% on-time performance rate for its delivery service, and Dancy said the Postal Service never told the company it had any complaints, nor did it offer a target dollar amount for a renegotiated contract.

We felt like we were doing everything we can to preserve the delivery of expedited mail in particular throughout Montana, Dancy said.

In an email, the Postal Service said it is not suspending mail or delivery or products such as Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.

It is simply switching to more reliable surface transportation, the Postal Service said in a statement from a spokesperson.

Dancy, however, said surface transportation can be challenging in Montana in the winter especially.

Montanas congressional delegation pushed back on the decision by the Postal Service  and one also mentioned winter weather.

Last week and this week, U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines both noted effects on Montanans and on Alpine Air in letters to Postmaster Louis DeJoy.

Tester, who has pressed the Postal Service to continue other services in Montana, said Montanans already have unacceptably inconsistent delivery, and the decision to cut air transportation will only degrade mail service.

Once again, it appears that the USPS is turning its back on rural America and attempting to solve its budget woes on the backs of our nations rural citizens, said Tester, a Democrat, in a July 18 letter to DeJoy.

He said air service is important for getting goods to Montanans especially in winter, where extreme weather can often make long stretches of road unsafe or even impassable.

Daines, a Republican, said the Postal Service has a record of distributing important parcels to rural customers, but that could change.

Montanans who may live hundreds of miles from the nearest urban center rely on these services to receive their prescription medicines, pension payments, disability benefits, important bills and logistical support to help run their small businesses, Daines said in his July 22 letter to DeJoy.

Tester, a Democrat, has been critical of DeJoy and called for new leadership of the federal agency. He and Daines also noted the effect on Alpine Air.

I understand that Montanas Alpine Air has been a long-standing contracted partner of the USPS to facilitate air distribution service and has provided excellent and consistent service for the last 30 years, and this decision will result in immediate job losses and the further erosion of service standards, Daines said; Wednesday, he described Alpine Air as the sole bid applicant, operator and provider in Montana for the past 30 years. .

Tester said the decision is poorly timed and raises questions about the transition in service.

Alpine Air has partnered with USPS for over 30 years and employs 20 Montanans who work as pilots, mechanics, and support staff who have been critical in getting folks their mail quickly, Tester said.

The sudden decision to end their contract jeopardizes the future of the company and their employees and does not give them sufficient time to plan any major transition.

In addition, the apparent hastiness of this decision raises obvious questions about how USPS could possibly have the staff and equipment necessary to transition to a ground-based approach on such a short timeline.

In an email, the U.S. Postal Service said it needed to reverse years of mounting losses to the tune of $160 billion during the course of 10 years.

However, a USPS spokesperson did not address a question about how delivery time would be affected by the changes, the amount of money it might save, or the reason for the abrupt end to contract negotiations with Alpine Air.

The USPS said it has realized cost savings in a variety of ways, including by reducing our dependence on air transportation. It also pointed to its strategic plan, Delivering For America.

DFA has also refocused our use of contracted air transportation since we do not own a private fleet of airplanes, the plan said. Before our modernization plan began, we were beholden to the complexities and inefficiencies of the airline industry for transporting mail long distances to meet our service standards. This dependency was especially evident during our peak season when weather disruptions used to make the air transportation system very unreliable.

Jeff Roach, director of aviation and transit for Billings Logan International Airport, said it handled roughly 300,000 pounds of freight in the first six months of the fiscal year from Alpine Air compared to 70 million pounds annually in all.

We expect it to be a minimal impact overall, although we hate to lose any business that we have here at the airport, Roach said.

Billings had the 63rd busiest air cargo operation in the United States out of more than 400 sites, Roach said. Its building a fifth cargo pad this summer for $7.5 million.

He said the airport is proud it is heavily used for air freight in the region. The airport has the longest surface runway in the state of commercial airports, a very robust instrumentation system for aircraft to land, and it doesnt have mountainous terrain, he said, which all make it easier to land.

Roach also said freight generates revenue for the operation, which is important because it doesnt receive local or state taxes.

Dancy said Alpine Air typically has operated on multiyear contracts, plus extensions, for the Postal Service.

Its most recent contract ended last November, but the federal agency said it planned to extend, Dancy said; it didnt know for how long, but it acknowledged Alpine Airs competitive pricing.

Dancy said the challenge is that the Postal Service has volumes that fluctuate, and flying to rural locations can be more expensive.

But he said people shouldnt be punished by getting late mail because they live in a rural state, and Alpine Air did everything it could to try to preserve service.

The requirement has been to provide the same level of service, irrespective of where you are in the country, Dancy said. You shouldnt be penalized for living in a beautiful state like Montana even though it has fewer inhabitants as opposed to New York.

Because of the distance between communities, air travel is needed to get packages delivered, especially in the winter months, he said.

It is more expensive to fly things than it is to ground truck it, he said. But the reason is the sorting centers are far apart. The sorting centers are far apart because the locations are far apart. So youve got to fly it.

But he said the Postal Service only gave the company a weeks notice about not continuing negotiations, and then it never responded to the proposal that offered a steep discount.

The Postal Service said it would respond Thursday but did not, Dancy said; Alpine Air reached out Friday and Monday, he said, and it heard nothing.

Thats incredibly unprofessional, he said.

He said Alpine Air subsequently reached out to Montana politicians, but the Postal Service has remained aloof: It just seems like theyre thumbing their nose at the state of Montana.

As a result, he said, Alpine Air will have to make staffing adjustments in order to be good stewards of its resources. Most employees work in Billings, he said, although the company also has staff in Kalispell, Great Falls, Butte, Havre and other places.

Its just really unfortunate, Dancy said of the now-needed reductions.
MAYETTA (KSNT)  The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has filed a lawsuit against the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, claiming the law enforcement agency prevented it from exercising its civil-regulatory authority over a business operating on its reservation land.

According to a release from SG Strategies, a communication firm representing Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, this comes after Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse threatened to arrest tribal officials for criminal trespass.

A spokeswoman for Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation said the lawsuit stems from an incident on May 28, 2024, involving Snak Atak Travel Plaza, a business located on land within the reservation. According to court documents, in early 2024 Snak Atak consented to the Nations civil-regulatory jurisdiction, agreeing to pay tobacco and sales tax and provide certain sales and inventory reports to the Nations tax commission.

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Tax commission officials with Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation visited Snak Atak on May 28 to inspect the business records and inventory. According to the lawsuit, Snak Atak employees refused to allow the officials access to records or inventory.

The officials returned later in the day with tribal police to serve a cease and desist order, eject employees and chain the doors closed to prevent the business from operating. While officials were serving the order, court documents state multiple Jackson County Sheriffs Office deputies arrived on scene.

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Police Chief Terry Clark called Sheriff Morse and explained the store was not in compliance with the Nations civil laws, to which it had previously consented. Court documents report Sheriff Morse told Chief Clark that Snak Atak employees had reported officials were harassing them. The sheriff said if employees had asked the Nations officials to leave, and they did not leave, deputies would arrest them for criminal trespass.

Biden addresses U.S. for the first time since dropping out of the race

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation stated it has inherent civil-regulatory jurisdiction over sales of tobacco, alcohol, motor fuel and other goods within the reservation because such sales threaten or have some direct effect on the political integrity, the economic security, or the health or welfare of the tribe.

In a written statement, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Chairman Joseph Zeke Rupnick accused the Jackson County Sheriff of violating the Nations sovereignty and the rule of law that protects it.

Under no circumstances does the Jackson County Sheriff have the authority to interfere with Prairie Band Potawatomi Nations regulatory authority on its own sovereign land, Rupnick said. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation will not cede its sovereignty  nor the jurisdiction of our Tribal law enforcement  to the Jackson County Sheriffs Department. The law is clear that the Prairie Band has civil-regulatory jurisdiction within its reservation and the Sheriff has none.

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KSNT 27 News reached out to the Jackson County Sheriff for a comment and is awaiting a response.

In late June, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nations tax commission filed suit against Snak Atak seeking an order excluding the business from the reservation and an injunction prohibiting it from conducting business on the reservation.

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.
Renault Group's financial results for the first half of 2024 underscore a record-breaking performance, driven notably by the robust contribution from Mobilize Financial Services.

The sales financing arm of the Group contributed 593 million to the Group's operating margin, marking an increase of 75 million from H1 2023. This boost was mainly due to strong customer financing growth and the absence of negative impacts from swaps valuation that affected the previous year's results.

Mobilize Financial Services is the finance company for four major UK brands: Renault, Dacia, Nissan, and Alpine. It operates as the commercial brand of RCI Banque SA, a French bank specialising in automotive financing and services for Alliance customers and dealers. RCI Banque is a subsidiary of Renault Group.

Key Financial Highlights:

Group Revenue : Totaled 27.0 billion, a 0.4% increase compared to H1 2023, and a 3.7% rise at constant exchange rates.

Automotive Revenue : Reached 24.4 billion, down 1.9% from the previous year but up 1.2% at constant exchange rates.

Group Operating Margin : Improved to 8.1% of revenue, up by 0.5 points, resulting in an additional 0.1 billion.

Automotive Operating Margin : Increased to 6.6% of revenue, a rise of 0.4 points.

Net Income : Stood at 1.4 billion, despite a 440 million capital loss from the sale of Nissan shares.

Free Cash Flow : Recorded at 1.3 billion, driven by strong operational performance and a 600 million dividend from Mobilize Financial Services.

Automotive Net Cash Position: Achieved a record 4.9 billion as of June 30, 2024, up 1.1 billion from December 31, 2023.

Group Highlights:

Renault Brand : Ranked third in Europe and first in France, leading the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) segment.

Dacia : Maintained its position among the top 10 best-selling brands in Europe, with the Sandero being the best-selling car across all channels.

Alpine : Showed strong double-digit growth ahead of upcoming new launches.

Order Book and Inventory: Maintained a strong order book in Europe with 2.6 months of forward sales and healthy total inventories at 500,000 vehicles, a decrease of 69,000 units year-over-year.

CEO Statement:

Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, credited the record results to strategic cost reductions and a focus on value-driven commercial policies. He highlighted the Group's transformation towards becoming a progressive European automotive company, driven by flexibility, agility, and innovation. Initiatives such as the "speed of lightness" program, AI deployment across value chains, and the strengthening of the supply chain are pivotal to this transformation.

Story continues

Financial Outlook for 2024:

Renault Group reaffirmed its financial outlook for the full-year of 2024, targeting a Group operating margin of at least 7.5% and free cash flow of at least 2.5 billion.

Mobilize acquires stake in Select Car Leasing

"Mobilize drives record gains in Renault Groups 2024 H1 results" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand.







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President Biden: The time to pass the torch is now

President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. | Evan Vucci

President Joe Biden will pass the torch and not run for reelection in order to unite the country, he said in a primetime address from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening.

Biden, who has been quarantining for the past week after contracting COVID-19, announced his decision to terminate his reelection bid and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday.

The presidents decision came after three weeks of mounting pressure from his own party to exit the race, following a disastrous debate performance on June 27.

On Wednesday, Biden spoke to the public for the first time since his Sunday announcement.

In an 11-minute speech, he discussed his reasoning for ending his reelection bid and declared his intentions to finish his term as president.

In recent weeks, its become clear to me I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor, Biden said.

The president said he believed his record deserves a second term in office. But, nothing  nothing  can come in the way of saving our democracy, he said. That includes personal ambition. So Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.

Biden did not mention his health or cognitive stamina  both major concerns behind calls for him to end his reelection bid  nor did he mention by name former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.

Before suspending his campaign on Sunday, Biden trailed Trump in the polls in key battleground states.

While Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the partys nominee in Novembers election, he insists he will finish his term as president, which ends in January.

Over the next six months I will be focused on doing my job as President, Biden said.

Bidens decision to drop out of the race was met with a mixture of optimism and sadness among Democrats.

But by Monday evening, the party had unified behind Harris. She inherited Bidens campaign apparatus and war chest, and within 24 hours of Bidens announcement, she broke an all-time presidential fundraising record, pulling in over $81 million.

By Tuesday morning, Harris had secured commitments from enough delegates to be voted the partys nominee. Party leaders plan to hold a vote in early August, before the Democratic National Convention.

Biden mentioned Harris by name on Wednesday night, calling her an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.

Shes experienced. Shes tough, shes capable, he said.

The president highlighted a major argument of his campaign: that democracy is in jeopardy this election, and a Democratic victory is necessary to salvage it. I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and still do that, the soul of America was a stake, he said. The very nature of who we are was at stake. Thats still the case.

Americans need to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope or hate, between unity or division, he said. We have to decide: Do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice, and democracy?

One of Bidens key justifications behind his reelection bid was his decades of experience in the Senate, as vice president and as president. There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, he acknowledged. Theres also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time is now.

Major television networks  including ABC, CBS and Fox  aired Bidens speech live, as is customary for primetime speeches from the Oval Office. Moments after the president concluded his remarks, Chris LaCivita, a Trump campaign co-manager, announced the networks would be getting follow up letters from our attorneys regarding equal time.
In this Aug. 18, 2011 photo, prison guards ride horses that were broken by inmates as they return from farm work detail at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, La. In September, several incarcerated workers along with the New Orleans-based advocacy group Voice of the Experienced filed a class-action lawsuit calling for an end to the farm line, and accusing the state of cruel and unusual punishment. But as temperatures soared in May, the men asked the court in an emergency filing to stop work during extreme heat. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Beneath the blazing summer sun on a former slave plantation, Lamont Gross and fellow prisoners stooped in long rows, picking vegetables by hand under the watchful eyes of armed guards on horseback. He said breaks were short and infrequent, with nothing to protect workers from the heat.

I saw guys collapse, Gross said of his days on the so-called farm line at Louisianas state penitentiary, where men work for pennies an hour or nothing at all and face punishment if they refuse. There were dudes that got heat stroke. There were dudes with underlying conditions, older or had some sort of disability, but they had to go out there, too.

As daily temperatures hit record highs across much of the South, a federal judge took an unusual step, challenging the treatment of mostly Black incarcerated workers in the fields.

Americas largest maximum-security prison, known as Angola, sits on 18,000 acres. It was once a patchwork of cotton fields where, historians note, even enslaved pregnant women and young children worked from dawn to dusk during the busiest and hottest harvesting months. Prisoners have toiled on the same farm lines since after emancipation often without shade, adequate work breaks or even sunscreen.

In September, several incarcerated workers along with the New Orleans-based advocacy group Voice of the Experienced filed a class-action lawsuit calling for an end to the farm line, and accusing the state of cruel and unusual punishment. But as temperatures soared in May, the men asked the court in an emergency filing to stop work during extreme heat.

U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson issued a temporary restraining order earlier this month. It said correctional officials have shown deliberate indifference to the risks of injuries or death of incarcerated workers in sending them to the fields even when they had serious health issues, including some with heart disease, high blood pressure and histories of pre-diabetes or AIDS.

He ordered the state to quickly fix what he called glaring deficiencies in its heat-related policies.

Louisianas corrections department challenged the order, but the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the judge. Prison officials have already taken some steps to improve conditions, providing inmates with sunscreen and pop-up tents for shade, lawyers for the state said. And when heat alerts are issued, which is common in summer months, they have agreed to provide the men with five-minute breaks every half hour.

Earlier, the state warned that shutting down the farm line once the heat index hits 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31.1 degrees Celsius), as requested by plaintiffs in their emergency filing, would open the floodgates to cease work in any institution across the South.

Several other Southern states also operate sprawling penal farms on former slave plantations. Modern equipment is typically used to tend and harvest row crops that are sometimes sold on the open market and exported, even though the U.S. bans the import of goods made with prison labor overseas. But in some places, like Louisianas penitentiary, rudimentary tools and prisoners bare hands are used to harvest fruits and vegetables that feed inmates.

If we can get similar rulings here in Arkansas, thatll be a blessing, said Kaleem Nazeem, an organizer at that states grassroots coalition decARcerate. He spent 28 years behind bars and said he was routinely sent to solitary confinement for refusing to join the rows of men forced to pick cotton, scenes he compared to ones from Roots, Alex Haleys harrowing book, and later miniseries, about slavery.

The general public doesnt know the history of the land, he said, because we, as a society, have chosen to become practiced at turning our heads.

As part of a two-year investigation, The Associated Press found some prison farms nationwide have in recent years supplied millions of dollars worth of crops  including soy, corn and wheat  to massive global companies like Tyson Foods, Louis Dreyfus, Consolidated Grain and Barge and Riceland Foods. Agricultural goods produced through prison labor end up in the supply chains of popular brands like Kelloggs Frosted Flakes, Ballpark hot dogs and Pepsi, reporters found.

Though many companies did not respond to questions about their links to prison farms, others, including Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland, have said they were investigating APs findings and had either cut ties or were considering next steps.

Prison labor is legal in the United States due to a loophole in the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which banned slavery, except for people convicted of crimes.

But its viewed differently elsewhere. A U.N. investigator is expected to submit a report to the bodys human rights council in September calling it a form of modern-day slavery.

U.S. correctional officials, meanwhile, tout the benefits of their work programs, saying they reduce recidivism, provide skills that can be used on the outside and keep prisoners from being idle.

The issue of extreme heat has become more concerning in recent years amid the effects of global warming. The Biden administration is proposing heat index restrictions for millions of agricultural workers and others who work outside. Most prisoners, however, would be excluded from that because they are not typically covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which sets the guidelines.

Some incarcerated workers say heat is used as a form of punishment, not just in the fields but also inside facilities. Many units across the country lack air conditioning, and some prisoners resort to flooding their cells and lying on the wet floor nearly naked to try to stay cool.

If its 103 outside, it may be 107 to -8 inside of your cell, said Christopher Scott, who worked in the fields while imprisoned in Texas. So, you work me hard for free in this heat, then you bring me back into my cell where Im subjected for it to be even hotter?

A lot of times I saw men have heat strokes, heart attacks, because they just couldnt stand the heat, he said.

The Texas corrections department maintains that no prisoner has died from heat-related illnesses since 2012.

The class-action suit in Louisiana is scheduled to go to court in September.

One plaintiff called the farm line work backbreaking, saying we had to squat and pluck grass with our fingers. Others said they had trouble walking or standing in the heat and that drinking water was often dirty. Some said they fainted while working and were then punished for it.

Louisianas corrections department told the court it follows its constitutionally appropriate policy protecting workers from heat-related illnesses while working outside, including monitoring temperatures every two hours and providing regular rest and water breaks when a heat alert is issued.

But the judge wrote that many of the prisoners grievances had merit, noting that an independent expert found some were taking medications affecting their bodies ability to regulate temperature. And a review of sick calls by the court confirmed that some men sent to the fields without restrictions had serious health conditions.

The judge also questioned the validity of some claims made by Angola staff, including that workers could rest whenever they like and that shutting down the farm line would result in losses of more than $8 million annually  a figure Jackson challenged. He said that number likely referred to the overall agricultural operations, not just food picked by a small group of prisoners on the farm line.

The Court does not doubt that inmates sent to the Farm Line work diligently, he wrote, but this would be a feat of Herculean proportions.

___

Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/
Beneath the blazing summer sun on a former slave plantation, Lamont Gross and fellow prisoners stooped in long rows, picking vegetables by hand under the watchful eyes of armed guards on horseback. He said breaks were short and infrequent, with nothing to protect workers from the heat.

I saw guys collapse, Gross said of his days on the so-called farm line at Louisianas state penitentiary, where men work for pennies an hour or nothing at all and face punishment if they refuse. There were dudes that got heat stroke. There were dudes with underlying conditions, older or had some sort of disability, but they had to go out there, too.

As daily temperatures hit record highs across much of the South, a federal judge took an unusual step, challenging the treatment of mostly Black incarcerated workers in the fields.

Americas largest maximum-security prison, known as Angola, sits on 18,000 acres. It was once a patchwork of cotton fields where, historians note, even enslaved pregnant women and young children worked from dawn to dusk during the busiest and hottest harvesting months. Prisoners have toiled on the same farm lines since after emancipation often without shade, adequate work breaks or even sunscreen.

This 1975 photo shows prisoners at the Arkansas Department of Corrections Cummins Unit taking a water break while on work detail picking cotton in Grady, Ark. As daily temperatures hit record highs across much of the South, a federal judge has taken an unusual step, challenging the treatment of mostly Black incarcerated workers in the fields. (Bruce Jackson via AP)

This 1972 photo shows prisoners at the Arkansas Department of Corrections Cummins Unit on work detail in the fields in Grady, Ark. As daily temperatures hit record highs across much of the South, a federal judge has taken an unusual step, challenging the treatment of mostly Black incarcerated workers in the fields. (Bruce Jackson via AP)

This 1974 photo shows prisoners at the Arkansas Department of Corrections Cummins Unit taking a water break while on work detail in the fields in Grady, Ark. As daily temperatures hit record highs across much of the South, a federal judge has taken an unusual step, challenging the treatment of mostly Black incarcerated workers in the fields. (Bruce Jackson via AP)

In this aerial photo, a cell block and agricultural fields on the grounds of the Louisiana State Penitentiary sit surrounded by agricultural land in Angola, La., Friday, July 21, 2023. Americas largest maximum-security prison, known as Angola, sits on 18,000 acres where prisoners have toiled on the same farm lines as enslaved men and women since after emancipation often without shade, adequate work breaks or even sunscreen. In September, several incarcerated workers along with the New Orleans-based advocacy group Voice of the Experienced filed a class-action lawsuit calling for an end to the farm line, and accusing the state of cruel and unusual punishment. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

FILE  This 1980 photo shows prison laborers working in a field at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, La. In September, several incarcerated workers along with the New Orleans-based advocacy group Voice of the Experienced filed a class-action lawsuit calling for an end to the farm line, and accusing the state of cruel and unusual punishment. But as temperatures soared in May, the men asked the court in an emergency filing to stop work during extreme heat. (Keith Calhoun via AP, File)

In this Aug. 18, 2011 photo, prison guards ride horses that were broken by inmates as they return from farm work detail at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, La. In September, several incarcerated workers along with the New Orleans-based advocacy group Voice of the Experienced filed a class-action lawsuit calling for an end to the farm line, and accusing the state of cruel and unusual punishment. But as temperatures soared in May, the men asked the court in an emergency filing to stop work during extreme heat. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

In September, several incarcerated workers along with the New Orleans-based advocacy group Voice of the Experienced filed a class-action lawsuit calling for an end to the farm line, and accusing the state of cruel and unusual punishment. But as temperatures soared in May, the men asked the court in an emergency filing to stop work during extreme heat.

U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson issued a temporary restraining order earlier this month. It said correctional officials have shown deliberate indifference to the risks of injuries or death of incarcerated workers in sending them to the fields even when they had serious health issues, including some with heart disease, high blood pressure and histories of pre-diabetes or AIDS.

He ordered the state to quickly fix what he called glaring deficiencies in its heat-related policies.

Slidell physician found guilty of illegally distributing over 1.8M doses of opioids

Louisianas corrections department challenged the order, but the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the judge. Prison officials have already taken some steps to improve conditions, providing inmates with sunscreen and pop-up tents for shade, lawyers for the state said. And when heat alerts are issued, which is common in summer months, they have agreed to provide the men with five-minute breaks every half hour.

Earlier, the state warned that shutting down the farm line once the heat index hits 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31.1 degrees Celsius), as requested by plaintiffs in their emergency filing, would open the floodgates to cease work in any institution across the South.

Several other Southern states also operate sprawling penal farms on former slave plantations. Modern equipment is typically used to tend and harvest row crops that are sometimes sold on the open market and exported, even though the U.S. bans the import of goods made with prison labor overseas. But in some places, like Louisianas penitentiary, rudimentary tools and prisoners bare hands are used to harvest fruits and vegetables that feed inmates.

If we can get similar rulings here in Arkansas, thatll be a blessing, said Kaleem Nazeem, an organizer at that states grassroots coalition decARcerate. He spent 28 years behind bars and said he was routinely sent to solitary confinement for refusing to join the rows of men forced to pick cotton, scenes he compared to ones from Roots, Alex Haleys harrowing book, and later miniseries, about slavery.

The general public doesnt know the history of the land, he said, because we, as a society, have chosen to become practiced at turning our heads.

As part of a two-year investigation, The Associated Press found some prison farms nationwide have in recent years supplied millions of dollars worth of crops  including soy, corn and wheat  to massive global companies like Tyson Foods, Louis Dreyfus, Consolidated Grain and Barge and Riceland Foods. Agricultural goods produced through prison labor end up in the supply chains of popular brands like Kelloggs Frosted Flakes, Ballpark hot dogs and Pepsi, reporters found.

Though many companies did not respond to questions about their links to prison farms, others, including Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland, have said they were investigating APs findings and had either cut ties or were considering next steps.

Prison labor is legal in the United States due to a loophole in the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which banned slavery, except for people convicted of crimes.

But its viewed differently elsewhere. A U.N. investigator is expected to submit a report to the bodys human rights council in September calling it a form of modern-day slavery.

U.S. correctional officials, meanwhile, tout the benefits of their work programs, saying they reduce recidivism, provide skills that can be used on the outside and keep prisoners from being idle.

The issue of extreme heat has become more concerning in recent years amid the effects of global warming. The Biden administration is proposing heat index restrictions for millions of agricultural workers and others who work outside. Most prisoners, however, would be excluded from that because they are not typically covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which sets the guidelines.

Some incarcerated workers say heat is used as a form of punishment, not just in the fields but also inside facilities. Many units across the country lack air conditioning, and some prisoners resort to flooding their cells and lying on the wet floor nearly naked to try to stay cool.

If its 103 outside, it may be 107 to -8 inside of your cell, said Christopher Scott, who worked in the fields while imprisoned in Texas. So, you work me hard for free in this heat, then you bring me back into my cell where Im subjected for it to be even hotter?

A lot of times I saw men have heat strokes, heart attacks, because they just couldnt stand the heat, he said.

Chalmette High School appoints acting leadership in light of principals attack

The Texas corrections department maintains that no prisoner has died from heat-related illnesses since 2012.

The class-action suit in Louisiana is scheduled to go to court in September.

One plaintiff called the farm line work backbreaking, saying we had to squat and pluck grass with our fingers. Others said they had trouble walking or standing in the heat and that drinking water was often dirty. Some said they fainted while working and were then punished for it.

Louisianas corrections department told the court it follows its constitutionally appropriate policy protecting workers from heat-related illnesses while working outside, including monitoring temperatures every two hours and providing regular rest and water breaks when a heat alert is issued.

But the judge wrote that many of the prisoners grievances had merit, noting that an independent expert found some were taking medications affecting their bodies ability to regulate temperature. And a review of sick calls by the court confirmed that some men sent to the fields without restrictions had serious health conditions.

The judge also questioned the validity of some claims made by Angola staff, including that workers could rest whenever they like and that shutting down the farm line would result in losses of more than $8 million annually  a figure Jackson challenged. He said that number likely referred to the overall agricultural operations, not just food picked by a small group of prisoners on the farm line.

The Court does not doubt that inmates sent to the Farm Line work diligently, he wrote, but this would be a feat of Herculean proportions.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
Private schools and privately funded libraries in Idaho sued state officials Thursday, challenging a controversial new law that allows community members to challenge library books they believe are harmful to children.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Boise, argued that the law reaches new heights of invasiveness by limiting the rights of parents and institutions to furnish youths with books.

In addition to censoring materials in public schools and public libraries, Idahos book banning law is the first in the nation to reach into nongovernmental institutions  like private schools, and even church libraries, the plaintiffs, which include private schools and libraries in Ketchum and in Boise, said in an emailed statement.

Our coalition of independent schools, libraries, parents, students, and patrons is challenging this unprecedented government interference because it threatens the independence and core missions of our beloved community institutions across the state.

The challengers are represented by prominent attorneys, including Wendy Olson, a former U.S. attorney, Latonia Haney Keith, an administrator at The College of Idaho and a former Boise City Council member, and McKay Cunningham, another C of I administrator and a constitutional law professor.

House Bill 710 allows library patrons to sue if staff members dont relocate or remove a cited book or other media 60 days after a patron has submitted a written removal request. The standards for removal are based on Idahos obscenity law, which identifies sexual material that appeals to the prurient interest of minors as judged by the average person, and that depict sexual activity patently offensive to the prevailing standards in the adult community.

Sexual conduct includes homosexuality, nudity and masturbation, according to the obscenity law that dates from the 1970s.

A hot topic at the Legislature in recent years, the concept of restricting access to books at libraries gained traction with far-right Republicans who said they were seeking to prevent a woke agenda from reaching the states children. At public hearings at the Idaho Capitol this year, supporters of the bill made inflammatory and largely unfounded claims that pornography was available to children at libraries, or that librarians were encouraging pedophelia.

Large numbers of library supporters also testified at the hearings, opposing the law and arguing that it would largely serve to suppress books about LGBTQ+ topics.

Several versions of a restrictive bill were debated this year, in a fight that divided the GOPs most staunchly conservative lawmakers with those who are more moderate. All Democrats opposed the bills.

Before one compromise version of a library bill failed to pass the Senate by a single vote, Senate Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, cautioned his colleagues that those who voted against it may end up with something a lot worse than whats before you today.

Though Gov. Brad Little vetoed a bill last year over concerns that it could debilitate libraries with damage claims, he relented on House Bill 710, telling an Idaho Public Television reporter he had signed that stinking library bill. It went into effect July 1.

The public library in Donnelly, a town south of McCall, has transitioned to an adults-only library because of concerns about the law, according to previous Statesman reporting.

Lawsuit focuses on laws broadness and spotlight on gay life

In their lawsuit, plaintiffs argued the law encompasses works of significant cultural, historical, literary and scientific import that are central to an informed education.

That could include health education textbooks, images of canonical works of art like Michealangelos David, significant works of literature like Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye, and even the Bible, if a Defendant or citizen complainant subjectively believes members of their community would find them offensive, they said.

The Constitution does not permit the State to engage in content-based censorship to mollify a communitys most sensitive and censorious members, they added.

The lawsuit names Attorney General Raul Labrador, Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts and Blaine County Prosecutor Matt Fredback as defendants.

The House bills sponsor, Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa, has argued that the law is not aimed at banning books, but rather at relocating them to an adult section. He has said the states obscenity law meets the Miller test, a constitutional test from the U.S. Supreme Court which distinguishes between obscene materials and works of literary, artistic or educational value.

The plaintiffs disagree, arguing that the law is ambiguous and too broadly crafted, and that it specifically targets homosexuality by specifying any act of ... homosexuality, which could encompass same-sex couples holding hands, kissing, cohabitating, or engaged in parenting, according to the lawsuit.

In interviews with a Statesman reporter, Crane and his brother, the influential Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, declined to say whether they thought depictions of gay life were obscene.

A person wanting a film cover with two men kissing removed from view, Jaron Crane said, has every right to ask that it be moved, he said. Theres nothing wrong with ... requesting that.
A top super PAC supporting former President Trumps reelection bid is planning to spend millions of dollars on attack ads against Vice President Harris as she emerges as Trumps likely opponent in November.

MAGA Inc. is launching new ads targeting Harris on immigration and her record as a prosecutor in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada and Arizona.

Democrats got their shotgun wedding, but well be cutting the honeymoon short, MAGA Inc. CEO Taylor Budowich said in a statement. Kamala Harris is currently only known as a failed and unpopular Vice President who knifed her boss in the back to secure a nomination she couldnt earn, but voters are about to learn: it gets worse.

Politico first reported on the new ad spending, which is expected to total roughly $12 million per week through Labor Day.

The ads have not yet aired, but one reportedly will focus on the issue of immigration and the southern border.

Republicans are ramping up their attacks on Harris, who has quickly consolidated support among Democrats after President Biden announced Sunday he would not seek reelection.

Trump and his allies have relentlessly branded Harris as the border czar of the Biden administration, a reference to the assignment Biden gave her in 2021 to address the root causes of migration in Central America that was causing a surge in crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Politico reported that a second ad will focus on Harriss time as a prosecutor in California. Trump has attacked her record while working in the San Francisco district attorneys office and as California attorney general to paint her as a radical liberal.

Harris has used her record as a prosecutor to draw a contrast with Trump and his lengthy list of legal problems.

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 has said in multiple campaign speeches this week.

MAGA Inc. previously pledged to commit $100 million through Labor Day in Arizona, Nevada, Georgia and Pennsylvania, viewing those states as the clearest path to victory for the former president.

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The presidential election features a tough prosecutor versus an unrepentant felon.

Vice President Kamala Harris, a former district attorney and attorney general, will know how to dig in and raise serious, pointed, tough questions about former President Donald Trumps 34 felony convictions.

She reminds voters of her background on the campaign trail. In her first big rally this week, she told supporters I know Donald Trumps type, a reference to the people she dealt with as a prosecutor.

But while her style has been hailed in recent years by Democrats, its also provided strong material for conservatives to paint her as combative and antagonistic.

How Harris prosecutor style plays during this election campaign could go a long way to determining who wins. But can anyone make the case against Trump, whose support has been steady in the 40s in national polls, even after his conviction on charges of falsifying business records?

Here is what some experts say:

One of Bidens problems was an inability to consistently make the case against Trump, said Kyle Kondik, managing editor of the nonpartisan Sabatos Crystal Ball, which studies elections.

So far attacking Trump on all his foibles doesnt hurt, said Tobe Berkovitz, associate professor emeritus of advertising at Boston University.

Harris background gives her an advantage at the start: The common line from Republicans is that Democrats are weak on crime and being a prosecutor is a defense against that, said Gibbs Knotts, professor of political science at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C.

Democrats are also already making the election about a prosecutor versus someone convicted of felonies, so that contrast appears to be poll-tested and working for Harris and against Trump, said Christian Grose, academic director of the USC Schwarzenegger Institute.

That could have some appeal to what Knotts called the suburban voter who are a little bit on the fence, fiscally conservative but bothered by some of the things Trump has done or said.

The politics of prosecution

Harris is a veteran prosecutor, starting after she graduated law school in 1989. She was elected San Franciscos district attorney in 2004, serving for six years before being elected the state attorney general in 2010. Shes shown repeatedly in public that she has a piercing, even powerful, way of questioning a witness.

Dating back to her first years as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, fresh out of law school, she was a fighter, she was tenacious, she was always prepared, said Margo George, who worked as a public defender in the county at the time.

While relationships between prosecutors and public defenders are naturally contentious, George remembers Harris as just a really hard worker and a hard fighter.

Harris biggest challenge is that Republicans are going to use her record and style as a prosecutor selectively, particularly three moments in her career when her tough talk wasnt always popular, and arguably hurt her politically.

San Francisco: No to the death penalty

Early in her career as a prosecutor  during her run for San Francisco District Attorney  Harris pledged never to seek the death penalty. It was the same position her predecessor had taken and, while novel, wasnt groundbreaking.

But the stance became a crisis for Harris when then-Sen. Dianne Feinstein, at the funeral for a police officer murdered by an AK-47, called on her to seek the death penalty for the cops alleged killer.

Other state and local leaders piled on, from Sen. Barbara Boxer to the citys police chief. But Harris did not change her position.

Later, it proved to be a politically popular move among constituents, with one poll after the incident showing 70% of San Francisco voters supported Harris decision.

But it was less popular across the rest of California and became a defining factor in her 2010 race for state attorney general. She won by less than one percentage point against Republican Steve Cooley, then the DA of Los Angeles. It became the closest race of her career.

Democrat Kamala Harris, right, debates Republican Steve Cooley at the UC Davis Law School in Davis in 2010 during the state attorney general. Harris opposition to the death penalty was a key issue in the race.

Her decision not to seek the death penalty against the accused police killer  who was eventually sentenced to life in prison without parole  lost her support among influential law enforcement groups and made her a target for attacks during the campaign.

In the two decades since, Harris has remained a staunch opponent of the death penalty.

I appreciate where her stance was on that, said Tinisch Hollins with the criminal justice reform group Californians for Safety and Justice. Theres some consistency in the recognition of overrepresentation of Black and brown folks in the system, and specifically those who are on death row.

Still, Hollins  who is from San Francisco and worked as a young organizer while Harris was DA  said the vice president has a mixed record on criminal justice broadly.

As DA, Harris created a successful program that reduced recidivism. Her office also prosecuted a case that led to a man, Jamal Trulove, being wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for six years. Truloves conviction was later overturned and he received a $13 million settlement.

She billed herself as a progressive prosecutor and I think she tried to be in some areas, but I do think that she definitely leaned on the pro-incarceration agenda, Hollins said.

In an election where public safety is a big issue nationally, Harris has a record to run on.

She does have a record of fighting crime and making communities more safe. Thats the sort of thing thats going to be welcome to voters overall going into the fall, said Democratic strategist Bill Burton.

Hollins said some voters of color, including herself, are skeptical of that record, though, and that Harris must still earn support from communities who have been hurt by the criminal justice system.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., on March 3 for the 59th anniversary celebration of the Bloody Sunday March. Some voters of color are skeptical of her record as a prosecutor.

While having a Black woman as a candidate for the nations highest office is important, she said it doesnt automatically win Harris enthusiasm from all Black voters.

I hope to hear specifically if her policy platform includes things that are going to improve outcomes for Black Americans and the criminal justice system, Hollins said.

U.S. Senate: Taking on Brett Kavanaugh

Harris in 2018 had been in the Senate for about a year and a half and was largely unknown outside of California. First impressions on a national stage often become lasting impressions, and Harris left an indelible one.

Trump had nominated Brett Kavanaugh to become a Supreme Court justice. It was a highly controversial pick, not just because his conservatism rankled Democrats, but because of accusations of sexual assault in his past.

Harris was relentless during her time to question him at the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings. She brought up abortion rights.

Then-Sen. Kamala Harris and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., speak to protesters gathered at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018, ahead of a Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Brett Kavanaughs nomination to the court. Harris questioned Kavanaugh relentlessly during the hearings.

Can you think of any laws that give government the power to make decisions about the male body? she asked. Kavanaugh looked puzzled.

Im happy to answer a more specific question, he said.

Male versus female, Harris said.

Kavanaugh finally said he was not thinking of any right now.

Social media exploded, pro and con on Harris.

The two also clashed over special counsel Robert Muellers look at the 2016 presidential election.

Harris asked if Kavanaugh had had discussions about the investigation with anyone at the New York law firm started by Trumps personal attorney.

Are you certain youve not had a conversation with anyone at that law firm? she asked.

Harris repeated the firms name.

Yes or no? she asked. Im asking you a very direct question, yes or no?

Kavanaugh would not say. Harris kept asking.

How can you not remember whether or not you had a conversation about Robert Mueller or his investigation with anyone at that law firm? she asked.

She figured, I think youre thinking of someone and you dont want to tell us.

Conservatives erupted with anger and are still furious about the exchange. Shortly after the two sparred, Trump told Fox Business She was so angry and (demonstrated) so much hatred with Justice Kavanaugh.

The exchange is seen by some analysts today as Harris playing too rough with people she disagrees with.

That played beautifully to the Democratic base. But who needs to play for the Democratic base if youre the Democratic nominee? asked Berkovitz.

Presidential candidate: Tough debate

Harris had entered the 2020 presidential race looking formidable. Her announcement speech in her native Oakland drew an estimated 20,000 people.

Democrats around the country were eager to know more about a woman who had won three times in the nations biggest, most diverse state, and was a self-described top cop.

Sen. Kamala Harris waves to supportersa after announcing her 2020 presidential campaign in Oakland in 2019.

Sen. Kamala Harris launches her 2020 presidential campaign at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza on Jan. 27, 2019 in Oakland.

When the presidential candidates debated in June 2019 Harris stood out, but not in any way that helped her.

Joe Biden had said earlier that year that he had a knack for getting things done in the Senate, even if it meant working with supporters of segregation. Harris was critical of the comments, and said at the debate that Biden had opposed busing students to achieve integration.

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.

I will tell you that on this subject, it cannot be an intellectual debate among Democrats. We have to take it seriously. We have to act swiftly.

Her campaign that night put a photo of Harris as a child on Twitter.

There was a little girl in California who was bussed to school. That little girl was me read a 2019 Twitter post by the Kamala Harris presidential campaign after an exchange about school busing with Joe Biden during a Democratic presidential primary debate.

Biden countered he did not oppose busing. What I oppose is busing ordered by the Department of Education, he said, and then recited his record on civil rights. Biden is highly respected among black lawmakers in Congress.

If we want to have this litigated on who supports civil rights, Im happy to do that, Biden said.

The exchange was one of many reasons her presidential campaign went nowhere. She was out of the race by December 2019.

The exchange at the time was a reminder that her prosecutor record was not seen as a strength, said Jacob Rubashkin, deputy editor of nonpartisan Inside Elections, which analyzes political races.

But, he said, Were in a different moment now. Were not in a Democratic primary.
(Bloomberg) -- Singapore data center upstart Sustainable Metal Cloud is raising about $950 million in fresh funds, seeking to tap the global artificial intelligence boom to spur its growth.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The company, an affiliate of Australias Firmus Technologies, is finalizing an initial equity round of about $400 million, people familiar with the matter said. The six-year-old firm is also in the process of raising $550 million in debt, the people said, asking not to be identified as the plans are private.

SMC is among data center companies targeting Asia as global tech conglomerates and AI startups seek computing capacity for their services. It offers companies use of advanced Nvidia Corp. chips, crucial for developing and running AI applications.

Deliberations are ongoing and details such as the size of the fundraising could change, the people said. The money received will go toward funding the companys data center expansion beyond Singapore, they said. An SMC representative declined to comment.

The company says it has more than 1,200 of Nvidias high-end H100 AI chips operational in Singapore currently, and aims to increase that to 5,000 by the end of the year. Demand for that model is so great that some customers are having to wait as long as six months to receive it.

For companies racing to train large language models to perform new tasks, the performance edge of the H100  which Nvidia says are four times faster than its predecessor  can be critical. Many of Nvidias chips are seen as so key to developing AI that the US government has restricted their sale to China.

SMC, also backed by Singapores ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, is developing cooling technology it says can cut data centers energy consumption by nearly 50%. Its method involves submerging the data centers computers in liquid to draw heat away faster.

The Asia-Pacific region will be the fastest-growing market for data centers over the next five years, Moodys Ratings said in a report this week. Companies are set to invest about $564 billion in the regions data centers through 2028, as their capacity is projected to grow at a compound annual average rate of almost 20% over that span, it said.

--With assistance from Jane Lanhee Lee.

Story continues

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  Prosecutors wrapped up their two-count escape case against Sean Williams in federal court late Wednesday after an eventful second day that included eyewitness descriptions of Williams Oct. 18, 2023 escape from a van and his Nov. 21 capture hundreds of miles away in Florida.

Williams, 52, is charged with one count of attempted escape for a July 23, 2023 incident in Washington County Detention Center and one count of escape for the Oct. 18 escape from a transport van that was bringing him to a court hearing in Greeneville. Each count carries a sentence of up to five years in prison if convicted. The day ended with prosecutors resting their case (aside from closing arguments) after calling nine witnesses.

Williams, a former Johnson City business owner who faces numerous other sex crime and drug charges, is representing himself in the long-delayed trial after going through four separate appointed attorneys.

Trial witnesses describe Sean Williams escape, capture

That pro se status has created some tension as U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greers patience occasionally has worn thin when Williams statements have violated court procedure.

Ill have the marshals gag you and Ill force Mr. Berenshteyn to represent you as best he can. Judge Ronnie Greer warning Sean Williams about potential consequences of his courtroom behavior in federal court July 24

Before the jury even entered the courtroom, things got heated as Williams, aided by elbow counsel Ilya Berenshteyn (who was his fourth attorney), sparred with Greer. He argued over time stamps on some evidence photos and claimed that a private investigator who the government is paying to work for Williams wasnt doing his job adequately, especially in finding witnesses for Williams.

Greer also warned Williams against bringing up potential corruption by the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD), a topic the judge has ruled irrelevant to the escape case and therefore inadmissible. Greer said Williams attempts Tuesday to get a witness to discuss Williams claims was a game youre playing.

Williams interjected numerous times during Greers various warnings, eventually frustrating the judge to the point of telling Williams if he didnt stop interrupting, Ill have the marshals gag you and Ill force Mr. Berenshteyn to represent you as best he can.

About Sean Williams alleged crimes and related civil cases

That didnt happen Wednesday, but shortly after the warning, when Williams said he wanted an itemized list of witnesses he sought as he continued complaining about the investigator, Greer delivered another scorcher:

Mr. Williams, this is classic narcissistic behavior. Blame everybody else. Were done. Were done on this issue.

Parade of witnesses, dual notebooks

On a day that included examination and cross examination of seven prosecution witnesses, Williams further made it clear that he admits to escaping from the van Oct. 18. His only defense on that count, according to Williams own words, will be that he escaped what he has termed unlawful custody. Williams was captured in Florida Nov. 21, 2023 after more than a month at large.

Williams spent significantly more time cross-examining witnesses who described the Washington County jail incident. He focused on the alleged removal of material in a cell and what that cell was connected to (another cell), but didnt draw out a strong conclusion as he questioned witnesses.

As Williams often struggled to frame his questions according to court procedure, Greer actually intervened to help him on numerous occasions. When prosecutors Greg Bowman or Meghan Gomez would object, Greer sometimes gently suggested what Williams was trying to ask and had the witness answer that question.

Williams raised several interesting questions, including when he got Washington County Sheriffs Officer Toby Briggs to say that despite Williams getting a disciplinary writeup for the alleged escape attempt, no one that Briggs knew of had a copy of the writeup.

Because I didnt (get written up), Williams said. The writeup doesnt exist.

Greer, however, asked why that was even relevant  after which Williams seemed to insinuate Briggs might be perjuring himself, asking Greer once and Briggs once whether Briggs was under oath.

Another Washington County witness, jailer Kristina Bryant, testified that on a search of one of the cells Williams was in July 23, she found what appeared to be a copy of the New Testament and Psalms but actually contained a journal inside.

The pages of that journal, which included a booking photo of Williams from a jail face sheet and the words Escaped Convict after occupation, contained a great deal of writing seemed related to planning an escape or successfully eluding capture afterward.

Bowman went page by page as jurors looked at photos of those pages on computer screens. They saw notes about flooding a cell, ordering a taser and untraceable burner phones and interpretations of what appeared to be an alphabetic code the writer had included.

Bryant read through several of those, including one that said I need to see an aerial view of the jail, another that read would you pick me up in the cemetery instead, and another that said I can be out for an hour and not be noticed.

There were also references to trading for items including a sewing needle and a sharpening stone, items Bryant testified would be considered contraband inside the jail.

All of this that weve gone over was contained within that Bible cover? Bowman asked Bryant, who responded, Yes sir.

Williams asked few questions about the journal on cross examination. He did ask whether anything written in it that she saw would indicate a substantial step (toward planning an escape). Prosecutors objected to the question and Greer sustained their objection.

The other reference to a journal came as prosecutors questioned Pinellas County, Fla. sheriffs deputy Ashley Hughes. Under questioning by Gomez, she testified to finding a journal Nov. 20, 2023 inside a truck that Williams had allegedly stolen several days earlier in Greeneville.

In a lengthy description of her work helping to locate and apprehend Williams, Hughes recounted details in the journal that also referenced escape, and had significant details about changing appearance, altering the trucks appearance and concerns about getting money and shelter, among other things.

Williams had few questions for Hughes or for Dominic Brissett, the Pinellas County K-9 officer who described tracking and apprehending Williams Nov. 21 with the help of his dog, Voodoo.

Nor did he have many for Cody Reed, who was a Laurel County, Ky. officer who described driving the van that Williams escaped from Oct. 18, or for Tennessee Bureau of Investigation officer Thomas Garrison, who described the long but ultimately successful search for Williams.

You can read about their accounts of Williams escape and capture in our related story.

The states final witness was Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent Paul Durant. Durant told jurors he specialized in investigating crimes against children and had been investigating Williams, who also faces federal child pornography production charges, about two years ago.

Durants testimony centered around a series of recorded outgoing jail calls Williams made from the Blount County jail March 27. Excerpts were played for jurors, in which Williams can be heard describing his escape from the transport van, with details of how he did it and how he then survived without detection for days in Greeneville inside an abandoned house.

Williams can be heard describing finding metal clips behind a door panel, removing one, and using it to successfully unlock his handcuffs.

This thing was like already a *#@&ing key, Williams says. He also describes how he almost jumped out at one point while the van was moving fairly fast, but then waited until Greeneville, and says of the two officers in front of the van, I dont see how they didnt know it when he broke out a window with his shackles.

God was helping me, thats the best explanation, Williams says before describing the scene after he finally jumped out and landed on his knees: The van just kept on going. Never knew that I got out.

Williams asked if the entire calls could be played, but Gomez reminded Greer that other sound contained material that had been ruled inadmissible for the jury to consider.

Williams had just one question for Durant on cross examination, asking whether the call included mention of an HBO documentary. Prosecutors objected and Greer sustained the objection.

After the jury exited just after 5 p.m., Williams said he would file a motion related to witnesses Thursday morning. He listed more than half a dozen hed like to call.

Greer will hear the motion at 9 a.m. Thursday and the jury will return to hear the defense witness interviews and cross examination starting at 9:30.

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.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Driving drugged can also mean driving with synthetics in your system, such as the popular Delta products. Prosecutors face challenges in the courtroom getting convictions in Delta-8 cases.

Delta-8 exploded onto the drug scene. You can buy it at the gas station, you can even get it as a gummy. For users, it feels good but for prosecutors, its giving them a headache.

People think, Hey, if its sold at the gas station, it must be OK. And its not always OK, explained Terry Wood, a Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor in Nashville.

RELATED | What is the TSRP?

Wood has seen drivers impaired from Delta-8.

Its just like alcohol. You can buy it legally, but its going to be impaired, so you need to be careful if you are going to drive, said Wood.

Unlike alcohol, Wood said the signs of impairment are different with Delta-8 and sometimes harder to spot. While alcohol causes stumbling and slurred speech, Delta-8 is more subtle with possible body tremors and eyelid flutters.

Wood said that difference makes it challenging for prosecutors to convince a jury that a driver is impaired due to Delta-8.

Youre dealing with the jurors. Twelve jurors, 12 different experiences, life experiences, 12 different perceptions of what impairment is and what can cause impairment. So, its tougher for a Delta-8 case or a cannabis case than an alcohol case. Because in an alcohol case, you will see falling down, or you will see common signs of alcohol impairment, explained Wood.

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So, whats in Delta-8 that impairs drivers?

Marijuana is not legal in Tennessee but hemp is. Adding a certain acid to hem gives you Delta-8 and the THC in Delta-8 is what can impair you behind the wheel.

So, you have a legal product that can make a substance that is impairing.

And the synthetic drug industry is not slowing down. Now there is Delta-9 and Delta-10.

For prosecutors, the focus is educating the public that a synthetic drug can be just as dangerous behind the wheel and that will help them prosecute these cases in court.

Some people, it may not affect them. Some people it does. It affects everyone differently, explained Wood.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

A new Tennessee law cracks dawn on synthetics like Delta-8 with more licensing and regulation.

To buy, you now have to show an ID.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Prosecutors said they plan to try two teenagers as adults after they were charged with the murder of a Canal Winchester woman during an attempted carjacking.

During separate hearings in juvenile court Thursday, prosecuting attorneys said they will move forward in trying two 16-year-olds as adults for the murder of Alexa Stakely, who was struck by her own car after the boys, along with 19-year-old Gerald Dowling Jr., reportedly attempted to steal the vehicle on July 11.

Ohio officer charged in deadly shooting at corrections training range

Stakely died after being struck around 1:30 a.m. that morning. She was picking up her 6-year-old child from his babysitters apartment. Police said that while the child was asleep in the car and Stakely ran back to the apartment to pick up the boys belongings, someone started to drive away in her vehicle.

Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police

Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police

Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police

Alexa Stakely

Stakely, a single mother who was attempting to stop the carjacking, was hit and killed by the car, which was found abandoned nearby with her son safe and still asleep inside.

Gerald Dowling Jr. (Courtesy/Franklin County Sheriffs Office)

On Wednesday all three suspects were arrested, According to the Columbus Division of Police, the first teen, from Canal Winchester, was brought to police headquarters by his parents, where he agreed to an interview with detectives. The boy allegedly confessed to stealing Stakelys car and hitting her with the vehicle.

Police later announced a second 16-year-old, also from Canal Winchester, was interviewed about the case when he also allegedly admitted to being at the scene of the carjacking. Approximately an hour later, Dowling Jr., of Dublin, also agreed to be interviewed by police, where he allegedly admitted to being present during the carjacking.

All three have been charged with murder. Dowling Jr. was being held on a $10 million bond after an arraignment hearing Thursday morning. Dowling Jr. was not present at the hearing

Both teenagers, who also waived their court appearance, will be held in juvenile detention center until their next hearing on July 29.

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Prosecutor: Man who crashed into SUV carrying six kids was going 85+ mph. Now faces 13 charges.

Update: Charges were officially filed in this case Friday, July 26, 2024. This article was updated to include those charges and the suspect's name.

INDIANAPOLIS  Before a horrific crash that injured six children and their mother, the 27-year-old man accused of causing it recently walked out of federal prison.

The Indianapolis man was sentenced to five years and one day at a federal correctional facility in Milan, Michigan, after pleading guilty in 2021 to distributing marijuana and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, according to online records.

Tramayne Harris now stands charged with 13 counts tied to the crash, including four counts of causing catastrophic injury when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, four counts of causing serious bodily injury when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, four counts of criminal recklessness while driving aggressively and one count of a learner's permit violation.

On Tuesday, just after 3:30 p.m. surveillance video from used tire shop, Tons of Tires, captured a speeding Dodge Charger SRT at the intersection of East New York Street and North State Avenue.

It ran through a red light and the neighborhood intersection before slamming into a Ford Explorer carrying a mother and her six children. Investigators estimate the vehicle was going about 90 mph. The posted speed limit at the neighborhood intersection is 30 mph.

The Bureau of Prisons would not provide the date Harris was released, but online courts listed he was no longer in the system's custody on July 23, 2024, the day of the crash. The Marion County Prosecutors Office noted in charging documents the man was on federal probation. He's alleged to have walked away from a Federal Bureau of Prison halfway house facility before finishing the remainder of his sentence, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

He will be placed back in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons when his case in Marion County concludes.

A witness at the crash site told IndyStar that during civilian rescue efforts to save the children before first responders arrived, the driver of the Dodge, who was bleeding and half-fainting, came up to the mother and a boy investigators believe was ejected from the vehicle to say he was sorry.

'It was like 'The Fast and the Furious,' Six children and two adults involved in crash

An 8-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene but according to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, "incredible life-saving efforts," brought him back to life. The boy suffered a traumatic brain injury remains unconscious and on life support.

A 10-year-old suffered "devastating" internal injuries and also remains unconscious in the hospital. A 12-year-old suffered severe fractures and is recovering.

The other children and their mother were in stable condition with the children having contusions and lacerations.

The Marion County Prosecutor's Office also accused the man with driving aggressively and passing vehicles on the double yellow line, nearly striking another car before the crash. Additionally, he drove his vehicle on a valid learner's permit, but did not have a licensed driver with him.

Driver had a long criminal history

The man's criminal history dates back to 2015, and is marked with multiple driving-related offenses, drug and gun crimes.

He picked up his first traffic infraction at age 18 in February 2015 for driving with a suspended license, a case which ended with him failing to appear in court. Four months later, he was ordered to spend four days in jail on a marijuana possession charge.

Court records show he had two additional speeding infractions and pleaded guilty to driving while suspended in Rush County. He took a plea deal, which required him to spend a day in jail.

He was first charged with a felony in November 2015. Marion County prosecutors charged him with intimidation, a low-level felony, and resisting law enforcement. He pleaded guilty to the resisting charge and spent a little more than two and half months in jail.

The cost of justice: In Indiana, legal fines and fees are determined by where you live

For the next three years, he was charged in four separate traffic and misdemeanor cases in Marion County. All were dismissed or concluded another failure to appear.

In 2019, Marion County prosecutors filed the most severe charges against him to that point, bringing unlawful firearm and narcotic possession against him. The cases were dismissed when the U.S. Attorneys Office filed charges in federal court.

A grand jury indicted him on four federal drug and gun trafficking charges. He pleaded guilty to two as part of an agreement with prosecutors and was ordered to supervised release for 36 months.

Law enforcement officials work the scene of an accident that officials say left left six kids and two adults injured on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, near the intersection of North State Avenue and East New York Street in Indianapolis.

'This case is every prosecutors worst nightmare'

One major aspect of this case that Hal Johnston, former Marion County prosecutor, believed was frustrating was how soon after being released from custody this man committed another crime.

This case is every prosecutors worst nightmare, its what keeps us awake at night, Johnston said. Somebody gets out of prison and the first thing they do is they go out and they hurt somebody.

Johnston, who is now an adjunct professor at Indiana University McKinney School of Law said it's normal to see former inmates get arrested within three years of being released.

According to his research, recidivism rates are higher for people younger than 40.

But to commit a crime right after being released was something Johnston noted was uncommon.

Indianapolis police and firefighters respond to a crash at the intersection of East New York Street and North State Avenue shortly before 3:35 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Johnston emphasized the average workload of probation officers in Marion County who are handling anywhere between 300 to 400 cases a month.

So, it would have been difficult to prevent this crash if the driver was actively going against his probation order.

The officer cant watch you 24 hours a day. You may come in for a monthly meeting and you may have requirements that you go through weekly drug test or whatever it may be, he said. Its lucky if they meet with him once a month.

Since the driver had prior federal convictions, Johnston believes that the Marion County prosecutor will likely "throw the book" at the driver to ensure they either receive a very high bond or no bond at all.

I think the prosecutors here has a real good argument to come in and say, this guy has demonstrated that he is a danger to the community.

What else could have been done?

Sgt. Anthony Patterson with IMPD said this crash could have been avoided if individuals simply obeyed the laws of the road.

Sometimes the onus has to be placed solely on the occupant or the driver of vehicles that caused these things, Patterson said.

Patterson said the department continues to combat vehicular-related crimes like reckless driving and speeding by investing in additional tools and technologies like handheld speed detectors, license plate readers and public safety cameras.

A lot of folks these days are driving on suspended licenses because of citations theyve received, and I dont know what more enforcement you can do when someones already been indicted for similar violations, but they're still behind the wheel, he said.

More: 7-second viral video of an Indy mans killing raises questions about self-defense, road rage

Patterson knows that legal deterrence can only go so far in preventing crimes, and called on the community to help address these issues by encouraging their friends and families to prioritize safe driving.

We as a community need to come together and encourage one another to obey the rules, obey the laws. They are there for a reason, he said. And you see it every day and not just in this case. This is what happens when individuals, make a decision to break a law and now it affects multiple lives and multiple families.

The family is still recovering

According to a probable cause affidavit, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police found an almost empty bottle of Jose Cuervo tequila under the driver's seat. Officers also observed the driver with red, bloodshot eyes while being treated at Eskenazi Health. He displayed a "long, blank stare and did not appear to know where he was or what was going on."

He was arrested on multiple charges including multiple DUI's and criminal recklessness while driving.

Family members told the IndyStar that two of the children were able to come home Wednesday night, while two remain in critical condition. The mother is still recovering as well with the remaining children who are also stable.

A GoFundMe was created by the children's uncle who said the family was close to their home when the crash happened Tuesday.

"My nephews and the mother was coming back from the store purchasing school supplies when a guy in a hellcat that passed a red light and crashed into them making all of the family go to the hospital," the GoFundMe reads.

The uncle said one child just came out of surgery and was recovering while another one was in critical condition on life support.

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

Sarah Nelson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Sarah.Nelson@IndyStar.com.

Noe Padilla is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. Email him at Npadilla@indystar.com and follow him on X at 1NoePadilla.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana driver in horrific crash into SUV with six kids charged in case
Protection of kids on social media platforms advances in U.S. Senate

The U.S. Senate voted 86-1 Thursday to move ahead with the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act. Both were rolled into one legislative vehicle. (Photo by Mayur Kakade/Getty Images)

This story mentions suicide. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, please dial 988 or chat with a live counselor at 988lifeline.org.

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate advanced online safety legislation Thursday aimed at protecting children from targeted advertising, data harvesting, bullying and sexual exploitation on popular social media platforms.

But the rare bipartisan effort by Senate lawmakers did not escape criticism from advocates who warn the legislative package would curtail free speech online.

The body voted 86-1 on a procedural vote to move ahead with the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act. Both were rolled into one legislative vehicle.

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the sole no vote.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the ground-breaking step just before the vote began.

The bill arrived on the chamber floor with the support of nearly 70 co-sponsors, well beyond the 60 votes needed for the procedural vote.

The New York Democrat thanked parents sitting in the Senate gallery to watch the vote  including those who lost children to suicide after cyberbullying  calling them the true heroes of this effort.

We met together, weve felt pain together, weve cried together. What they have endured is incomprehensible, Schumer said. Today the Senate tells these parents: We hear you, were taking action.

Schumer said the proposal will now be on a glide path for final passage next week before the chamber heads into August recess.

Updates from 1990s

The proposal, in part, updates a 1998 law meant to protect children under 13 on the internet.

The Kids Online Safety Act, co-sponsored by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, would require social media platforms to take reasonable measures to mitigate harm when designing products and would also tighten age verification tools.

The bill mandates companies take into consideration evidence-informed medical information on mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and suicidal behaviors.

The bill would also prohibit hidden black box algorithms, as Blumenthal put it, that are used to target content to minors.

If enacted, the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act, co-sponsored by Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, would prohibit social media companies from collecting minors personal data for the purpose of targeted marketing.

The legislation would require companies to provide a mechanism for removal of children and teens personal information from the platforms.

Lawmakers on the Senate Committee on Commerce favorably passed both bills, separately, out of committee in December.

After likely passage next week in the Senate, the legislation will then head to the House, which just began its six-week summer recess.

I am looking forward to reviewing the details of the legislation that comes out of the Senate, House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said in a statement provided by his office. Parents should have greater control and the necessary tools to protect their kids online. I am committed to working to find consensus in the House.

The internet not designed with kids in mind

Sustained support from health advocacy groups and concerned parents bolstered the long process for the bills to finally reach the Senate floor.

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a series of videos featuring pediatricians explaining why they want to see lawmakers approve the online protections.

The internet was not designed with kids in mind  and every day, pediatricians see the impacts of social media in their offices. Thats why they are making their voices heard, according to the academys advocacy materials.

The organization has long advocated for safeguarding children and adolescents from addictive social media platforms and targeted digital advertising.

Opposition from ACLU

The legislation faces continued opposition from various advocacy groups across the political spectrum, including the American Civil Liberties Union, which planned to lobby on Capitol Hill with hundreds of teens Thursday against the Kids Online Safety Act.

At its core, KOSA is an internet censorship bill that would harm the very communities it claims to protect, Jenna Leventoff, the ACLUs senior policy counsel, said in a statement Wednesday.

The First Amendment guarantees everyone, including children, the right to access information free from censorship. We urge lawmakers to protect young people by listening to their concerns and voting no on the bill that could be used to silence them, Levenoff said.

Paul, the no vote, described the legislation Thursday as vague, bizarre and a Pandoras box of unintended consequences.

While proponents of the bill claim that the bill is not designed to regulate content, imposing a duty of care on the internet platforms associated with mental health can only lead to one outcome, the stifling of First Amendment protected speech, Paul said on the Senate floor Thursday specifically about the Kids Online Safety Act.

Paul criticized the legislations mandate for a Kid Online Safety Council housed within the Federal Trade Commission, dubbing the potential body as the speech police.

Blumenthal, Blackburn, Markey and Cassidy rebuked Paul on the Senate floor after he delivered his comments and offered an amendment to weaken the legislation.

Cassidy called the bills bipartisan no-brainers.

Blackburn rebutted Paul, saying the legislation was years in the making.

We have worked tirelessly over three years to get this bill in shape, she said.

Without real and enforceable reforms, Blackburn said, social media companies will only continue to pay lip service to the issue of protecting children while putting profits over their safety.
Protection of kids on social media platforms advances in U.S. Senate

The U.S. Senate voted 86-1 Thursday to move ahead with the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act. Both were rolled into one legislative vehicle. (File/Mayur Kakade/Getty Images)

This story mentions suicide. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, please dial 988 or chat with a live counselor at 988lifeline.org.

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate advanced online safety legislation Thursday aimed at protecting children from targeted advertising, data harvesting, bullying and sexual exploitation on popular social media platforms.

But the rare bipartisan effort by Senate lawmakers did not escape criticism from advocates who warn the legislative package would curtail free speech online.

The body voted 86-1 on a procedural vote to move ahead with the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act. Both were rolled into one legislative vehicle.

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the sole no vote.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the ground-breaking step just before the vote began.

The bill arrived on the chamber floor with the support of nearly 70 co-sponsors, well beyond the 60 votes needed for the procedural vote.

The New York Democrat thanked parents sitting in the Senate gallery to watch the vote  including those who lost children to suicide after cyberbullying  calling them the true heroes of this effort.

We met together, weve felt pain together, weve cried together. What they have endured is incomprehensible, Schumer said. Today the Senate tells these parents: We hear you, were taking action.

Schumer said the proposal will now be on a glide path for final passage next week before the chamber heads into August recess.

Updates from 1990s

The proposal, in part, updates a 1998 law meant to protect children under 13 on the internet.

The Kids Online Safety Act, co-sponsored by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, would require social media platforms to take reasonable measures to mitigate harm when designing products and would also tighten age verification tools.

The bill mandates companies take into consideration evidence-informed medical information on mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and suicidal behaviors.

The bill would also prohibit hidden black box algorithms, as Blumenthal put it, that are used to target content to minors.

If enacted, the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act, co-sponsored by Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, would prohibit social media companies from collecting minors personal data for the purpose of targeted marketing.

The legislation would require companies to provide a mechanism for removal of children and teens personal information from the platforms.

Lawmakers on the Senate Committee on Commerce favorably passed both bills, separately, out of committee in December.

After likely passage next week in the Senate, the legislation will then head to the House, which just began its six-week summer recess.

I am looking forward to reviewing the details of the legislation that comes out of the Senate, House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said in a statement provided by his office. Parents should have greater control and the necessary tools to protect their kids online. I am committed to working to find consensus in the House.

The internet not designed with kids in mind

Sustained support from health advocacy groups and concerned parents bolstered the long process for the bills to finally reach the Senate floor.

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a series of videos featuring pediatricians explaining why they want to see lawmakers approve the online protections.

The internet was not designed with kids in mind  and every day, pediatricians see the impacts of social media in their offices. Thats why they are making their voices heard, according to the academys advocacy materials.

The organization has long advocated for safeguarding children and adolescents from addictive social media platforms and targeted digital advertising.

Opposition from ACLU

The legislation faces continued opposition from various advocacy groups across the political spectrum, including the American Civil Liberties Union, which planned to lobby on Capitol Hill with hundreds of teens Thursday against the Kids Online Safety Act.

At its core, KOSA is an internet censorship bill that would harm the very communities it claims to protect, Jenna Leventoff, the ACLUs senior policy counsel, said in a statement Wednesday.

The First Amendment guarantees everyone, including children, the right to access information free from censorship. We urge lawmakers to protect young people by listening to their concerns and voting no on the bill that could be used to silence them, Levenoff said.

Paul, the no vote, described the legislation Thursday as vague, bizarre and a Pandoras box of unintended consequences.

While proponents of the bill claim that the bill is not designed to regulate content, imposing a duty of care on the internet platforms associated with mental health can only lead to one outcome, the stifling of First Amendment protected speech, Paul said on the Senate floor Thursday specifically about the Kids Online Safety Act.

Paul criticized the legislations mandate for a Kid Online Safety Council housed within the Federal Trade Commission, dubbing the potential body as the speech police.

Blumenthal, Blackburn, Markey and Cassidy rebuked Paul on the Senate floor after he delivered his comments and offered an amendment to weaken the legislation.

Cassidy called the bills bipartisan no-brainers.

Blackburn rebutted Paul, saying the legislation was years in the making.

We have worked tirelessly over three years to get this bill in shape, she said.

Without real and enforceable reforms, Blackburn said, social media companies will only continue to pay lip service to the issue of protecting children while putting profits over their safety.

In South Carolina, legislation attempting to limit childrens access to social media passed the state House 113-1 earlier this year.

The bill would have required parental permission for anyone under 18 to have a social media account. But it never got a vote in the Senate and officially died with sessions end last month. However, a separate bill requiring South Carolinians to verify theyre at least 18 to access pornographic websites was signed into law last month.

At a hearing in January, a representative of the largest social media companies, told South Carolina legislators its an issue that should be handled by the federal government, not the state.

SC Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report.
Protesters calling for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus arrest lowered and then burned U.S. flags blocks from the U.S. Capitol, raising smaller Palestinian flags in their place, after the divisive leaders fiery address to Congress on Wednesday.

Protesters said they briefly scuffled with police on one side of Columbus Circle, apparently prompting U.S. Park Police to revoke the permit for the protest and order protesters to leave the area shortly after 4 p.m.

The crowd mostly dispersed at that point, but not before they had taken down the U.S. flags, burned two of them, and covered a bell and statues outside Union Station with anti-Israel graffiti. Hamas is coming read the graffiti on one statue.

A U.S. Park Police captain confirmed to The Hill that two of the three flags taken down from the poles outside Union Station were burned by protesters.

Netanyahu urges unity, but stirs a firestorm inside and outside Capitol

Videos posted online showed the crowd chanting as the flags burned, with one man running in to retrieve a flag before being chased away. Other videos showed the effigy of Netanyahu ablaze as protesters chanted Free Palestine.

D.C. Metropolitan Police said six protesters were arrested at the scene. At least five protesters were also arrested in the House gallery during Netanyahus speech, and another five were arrested while marching on Constitution Ave.

Inside the Capitol, Netanyahu used part of his nearly hour-long speech to denounce the protesters outside and on college campuses earlier this year, accusing his critics of standing with evil and saying they should be ashamed of themselves.

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 declared.

Earlier in the day, thousands demonstrated less than half a mile from the House chamber, calling Netanyahu a butcher and genocidal maniac who was making a fool of the United States.

Leaders of some of Americas largest labor unions, religious leaders and Green Party candidate Jill Stein all denounced Netanyahus visit, asking how dare Congress invite Netanyahu to speak.

A sizable number of Democratic lawmakers also boycotted the speech.

Instead of speaking today, he should be delivered to the Hague to give his testimony about his war crimes, Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations, said.

For the past 30 years, he has been actively manipulating our government  today, in a few hours, he will deliver a blistering, manipulative, deceptive speech to crack down more on the Palestinian people and destroy their life, their properties and their own future state.

Protesters initially rallied near the National Gallery of Art and then marched around the Capitol to Union Station, where the scene got more chaotic.

The Park Police were joined by police forces from across the region. More than 200 officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) traveled to the nations capital and were sworn to serve in the United States Capitol Police Special Officers force.

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, wrote Kaz Daughtry, NYPD deputy commissioner for operations, on the social platform X.

The Israeli leader alleged during his address that Iran is funding and promoting these demonstrations in the U.S. as part of its efforts to influence the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Earlier this month, Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, warned that actors tied to Irans government have opportunistically co-opted some anti-Israel protests in the U.S., supporting and financing their work.

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, speaking directly to protesters, including those demonstrating in Washington, D.C.

Netanyahu also took the opportunity to commend Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members at the University of North Carolina who gained viral attention after they were pictured holding up an American flag during a skirmish with pro-Palestinian supporters who sought to replace it with a Palestinian flag.

I wish to salute the fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina who protected the American flag against these anti-Israel protesters, Netanyahu said, prompting a series of USA chants to erupt on the floor.

Taking an explicit hit at members of the LGBTQ community who have stood against his military offense in Gaza and sported clothing at protests embellished with the slogan, Gays for Gaza, Netanyahu suggested many do not understand what they are fighting for.

They might as well hold up signs saying Chickens for KFC, Netanyahu quipped.

These protesters chant from the river to the sea, but many dont have a clue what river and what sea they are talking about, he added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Publisher Jimmy Lai will testify in his defense at Hong Kong national security trial, lawyer says

HONG KONG (AP)  A defense lawyer said Thursday that prominent publisher Jimmy Lai will testify in his defense in the landmark national security trial brought under a Beijing-imposed law that has all but wiped out public dissent.

Lai, the 76-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was arrested in 2020 during a crackdown on the mass pro-democracy protests that rocked Hong Kong in 2019. He was charged with colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring with others to put out seditious publications. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

On Wednesday, Lais lawyer Robert Pang argued his client had no case to answer because the prosecutors evidence was insufficient. Pang said the prosecution had failed to prove Lais intent after the introduction of the 2020 law and stressed the importance of freedom of speech.

But judges Esther Toh, Susana DAlmada Remedios and Alex Lee, who were approved by the government to oversee the case, ruled against him on Thursday.

Having considered all the submission, we ruled that the first defendant has a case to answer on all charges, Toh said, without elaborating.

Lai appeared to be at ease after the ruling.

Pang said in court that Lai would testify in his defense. The case has been adjourned to Nov. 20.

Observers said Lai's high-profile case, which has already stretched over 90 days, is a trial of press freedom and a test for judicial independence in the Asian financial hub.

When Britain handed back Hong Kong to China in 1997, the city was promised to have its Western-style civil liberties kept intact for 50 years. However, the freedoms that once set Hong Kong apart from mainland China, including freedoms of press and assembly, have drastically shrunk since the enactment of the 2020 security law.

Beijing and Hong Kong governments insist that the law brought back stability to the city following the social unrest.

The prosecutors have alleged that Lai had engaged in requesting foreign countries, especially the United States, to take actions against Beijing under the guise of fighting for freedom and democracy.

They pointed to Lai's meetings with former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other senior senators in the United States in July 2019 to discuss a now-withdrawn extradition bill that sparked the massive anti-government protests that year. They alleged Lai had sought support from the U.S. on sanctioning Beijing and Hong Kongs leaders who allegedly cracked down the movement.

In 2022, six former Apple Daily executives entered guilty pleas and admitted to the court they conspired with Lai to call for sanctions or other hostile activities against Hong Kong or China. They were convicted and await sentencing behind bars.

During the trial, some of the former executives, alongside two others who also pleaded guilty to collusion charges, have testified as the prosecutions witnesses.

Hong Kong, once seen as a bastion of media freedom in Asia, ranked 135th out of 180 countries and territories in Reporters Without Borders latest World Press Freedom Index.
The publisher for Sen. JD Vances (R-Ohio) memoir Hillbilly Elegy is printing hundreds of thousands more copies of the book to meet the surge in demand since former President Trump announced Vance as his running mate.

A spokesperson for HarperCollins told The Associated Press that more than 650,000 copies of the memoir, including physical, audio and e-books, have been sold since Trump announced his vice presidential pick on July 15.

We are printing hundreds of thousands of copies to fill the demand at our retail partners, the publisher said, per the AP.

In the hours that followed Trumps announcement, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis surged to the top of Amazons best-seller list.

The memoir, published in 2016, details Vances experience growing up in Middletown, Ohio, surrounded by poverty and addiction. The book was popular during and after the 2016 election as political observers sought to understand Trumps sudden rise in the political world.

Vance, a 39-year-old Marine veteran and Yale Law School graduate, opens up about how the Appalachia region transformed from Democratic to Republican and his chaotic family life. He discusses how he pursued his dreams, despite growing up around violence and alcohol and having few opportunities in working-class white America.

The Hill reached out to HarperCollins for further comment.

The book was adapted into a movie by Ron Howard in 2020, starring Gabriel Basso, Glenn Close and Amy Adams.

Two years later, Vance was elected to his first term in the Senate after winning a crowded primary with the help of Trumps endorsement.

Despite past criticisms of the former president, Vance emerged as one of Trumps most visible defenders and has been praised as an articulate voice of the populist conservative movement.

Trumps choice of Vance as his running mate was quickly criticized by Democrats, who pointed to his transformation from a onetime never-Trumper as well as his conservative views on abortion.

 Updated at 3:08 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A new poll commissioned by international advocacy organisation Oceana Canada has revealed that the ban on single-use plastics in Canada continues to receive robust support from the public.

The poll, conducted by Abacus Data, showed that 82% of Canadians endorse the 18-month-old legislation on single-use plastics such as checkout bags, straws, and takeout containers.

This support transcends political affiliations, age demographics, and provincial boundaries, showcasing a united front in addressing environmental concerns.

As per the poll, gender differences in support for the ban were marginal, with 84% of women and 80% of men in favour of the ban.

Regionally, 72% of residents in Alberta backed the ban and Quebec at a high of 92%.

The poll also revealed that 82% of Canadians harbour concerns about the human health impacts of plastics.

The Oceana Canada poll also indicates that 82% of residents over the age of 60 and 85% under 30 years of age are concerned with the potential impact.

The health implications of plastics are increasingly alarming, with links to serious conditions such as cancers, infertility, and heart disease.

Oceana Canada senior plastics campaigner Anthony Merante said: "Canadians from coast to coast to coast have adapted to the ban on single-use plastics and seen the benefits. Canadians expect serious and practical action from the government to reduce waste and ensure products and systems are truly circular, safe, and of good quality.

The organisation is urging the country's national government and political parties to make plastic pollution a priority, calling for an end to the sale of non-recyclable plastic packaging.

Retailers have been promising this for years without action, and we cannot continue to burden a failing system. Moving to materials that do get recycled and systems that reuse materials is both cost-effective and better for the planet," Merante added.

"New Oceana Canada poll shows support for ban on single-use plastics " was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.







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ORLANDO, Florida  In the newest effort to reconcile one of Orlandos most tragic chapters, survivors, family members of victims and others discussed sometimes conflicting visions for a memorial to the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre during Wednesdays inaugural meeting of the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee.

The 18-member panel was established by the City of Orlando earlier this month  just weeks after the tragedys eighth anniversary. The collapse of the onePulse Foundation, previously tasked to create the memorial, has left a tough task: To create consensus around an effort that so far has sown dissension.

Among the committee members are Mayra Alvear Benabe, whose daughter was killed in the attack; Norman Casiano-Mojica, a survivor; and Nancy Rosado, a survivor of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Committee members were selected from more than 150 applicants to provide a diverse range of perspectives from different people affected by the attack. All but one have ties to the tragedy as survivors, family members or friends of survivors and victims, or provided services after the shooting. Some have professional art, architecture and landscape expertise.

These varying perspectives led to some debate among panelists about whom the memorial should prioritize  an early sign, perhaps, of the challenge before them.

If you were not there that night, it did not affect you the same way at all, said Tommy Connelly, a survivor. To try and equate yourself to that is a little bit insulting to survivors.

When one member said the memorial should be focused on family, Connelly voiced concern about what defines family because some affected by the attack might consider nonblood relatives as family in cases were biological ones did not accept them as members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Tommy Connelly, a survivor of the 2016 Pulse massacre, addresses the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee during the first meeting on a permanent memorial for the nightclub mass shooting, at the Kia Center in Orlando, Wednesday, July 24, 2025. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A lot of LGBTQ is about chosen family, he said. Its the same way as like adoption. Theres no paperwork.

Many on the panel say a memorial is long overdue, with Connelly and others voicing mistrust after onePulses long-running and ambitious plans to create a memorial and a museum collapsed into controversy and despair.

The initial memorial effort by onePulse started in 2016 and ultimately failed last year with the group shuttering. The city purchased the Pulse land last year from its owners, the Poma family, and took control of the memorial effort.

The committee continues its meeting Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Hourglass Room at Kia Center followed by an open house where members of the community can make their voices heard.

The group will meet monthly for the rest of the year to try and reach consensus on what a memorial on the nightclub property should look like. Mayor Buddy Dyer has said he hoped the group would settle on a design and it would be built by 2028.

_____
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad at the Kremlin, the president's press service said on July 25.

The meeting was held the previous day.

Russia has long been one of the consistent supporters of the Assad regime, intervening on its behalf in 2015 against multiple anti-government forces. Russia still has troops in Syria. Damascus has been supportive of the Kremlin during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

In a readout of the meeting, Putin said that he wanted to hear Assad's "opinion on the situation in the region as a whole."

"Regrettably, we see that it tends to deteriorate," Putin added.

According to the readout, Assad said he was "happy to see" Putin again and emphasized that "relations between our nations have been based on trust, which is evidence of our nations' maturity."

"Considering the current developments in the world, and in particular in the Eurasian region, our meeting today is extremely important for discussing the details of all these developments, as well as potential outlooks and scenarios," Assad is quoted as saying through a translator.

Putin and Assad last met in Moscow in March 2023.

Read also: NGO alleges Russia bombed Syrian hospital in new UN complaint

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Insights from The Associated Press, Al Jazeera, Al-Monitor, and Bloomberg

The News

Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met Wednesday in Moscow, according to the Kremlin.

The core of the conversation focused on tensions in the Middle East and trade relations between the two countries.

Assad is a pariah on the world stage, but Russia has been his stalwart ally since a civil war erupted in Syria in 2011. Now, Russia may be trying to bring Assad back into the fold  one that Russia controls  as Putin positions himself as the de facto leader of an anti-Western world order.

In that vein, Russia wants Syria to normalize relations with Turkey, which faltered after the civil war. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has also floated the idea of a trilateral meeting between the three men, which would be pivotal to achieving that goal.



SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Intolerance toward Syrians in Turkey is pushing Erdogan closer to Assad

Sources: Al Jazeera, The Associated Press, CNN

There is a growing intolerance toward Syrians in Turkey, partly fueled by the countrys disastrous economic situation  for Syrians, its become dangerous to cross the border with Turkey, and repeated attacks are pushing those who are already there to consider returning to their home country, Al Jazeera reported. That may also be one of the key reasons pushing Erdogan to reestablish ties with Assad  about 3.6 million Syrian refugees currently live in Turkey, and a deal to repatriate them could be an asset for Erdogan, The Associated Press noted. Integration for Syrians has been tough, CNN added, with refugees enjoying no right to travel within the country, difficulty getting jobs and social security, and general intolerance from the Turkish population.

Gaza war has a role to play

Sources: The Associated Press, Al-Monitor

The conflict in Gaza is another factor pushing Turkey and Syria closer. Iran-affiliated groups in the region, Lebanons Hezbollah and Yemens Houthi rebels, have repeatedly launched attacks on Israel to support Hamas from Syria, Al-Monitor noted. Israel has responded by striking Syria, a move that Moscow has reproached, in its signaling of support for Damascus. But there is a fear these attacks may escalate into a wider regional conflict, and that could be making both Turkey and Syria feel insecure. Perhaps better to new alliances in the face of the wars potential regional ripple effects, an analyst told The Associated Press.

Normalization of Turkey-Syria relations would mark a setback for US

Sources: Bloomberg, Middle East Eye

The normalization of ties between Turkey and Syria would present a new problem for the US and mark a setback for it in the already troubled region, Bloomberg argued. The push for rapprochement is part of both Russia and Chinas strategy to challenge the US as the main diplomatic power in the region. US troops stationed in northeast Syria in support of its Kurdish allies are also an unwelcome presence that Putin and Assad are trying to get rid of, the outlet added. The long-term implications are clear, an analyst told Middle East Eye. Assad is too weak to do much against the Americans, but Syria and Turkey, working together, would also be stronger in countering American influence.
Putnam County jury finds former school resource officer guilty on 16 counts of child sex crimes

On Wed., July 24, a Putnam County jury found a former school resource officer guilty on 16 felony counts of child sexual abuse.

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Joshua Herren was arrested in 2022 by deputies after a multitude of physical evidence was discovered during an investigation.

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After a two-day trial on Wednesday, the jury found Herren guilty on 16 felony counts including:

Two counts of sexual battery of a minor 12 to 18 years of age by a custodial authority.

Two counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Offense against students by authority figure.

Eight counts of promoting sexual performance by a child.

Transmission of Material Harmful to minors by electronic device.

Unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Tampering in first-degree proceeding.

Action News Jax broke the news when Herren was arrested in November 2022 after the victim, who was now an adult, came forward and confirmed the sexual relationship took place over three years.

Sheriff Gator DeLoach said the allegations began back in 2018 when the victim was a juvenile.

Our hearts are broken for the victim in this case, and we pray this arrest may be the next step in the healing process for them, DeLoach said after the arrest. Were also disgusted and angry when a law enforcement officer betrays the trust of the community and their fellow law enforcement officers.

Before resigning a day after the victim came forward, Herren was employed as a Putnam County resource officer for several years.

The defendant used his position of authority to sexually abuse a victim he was sworn to protect, State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. No punishment is too severe for his crimes.

This case was investigated by the Putnam County Sheriffs Office.

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MIAMI, Okla.  A new first-of-its-kind Ottawa County emergency operations center hopes to set a standard of public service for the rest of the state with the new Quapaw Nation Emergency Operation Center.

The new emergency operations center is located on the Quapaw Nation reservation at 58200 E. 64 Rd in Miami. It consolidates all 911 operations into one centralized location, bringing together multiple organizations to decrease first responders response times and improve area residents public safety.

The project was a collaboration between the Quapaw Nation, City of Miami, and Ottawa County 911 Authority.

Quapaw tribe joins national crime information program

Rep. Steve Bashore

All three of these entities worked together to benefit the citizens of Ottawa County, said Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miam, at Tuesdays ribbon-cutting ceremony.

With the multitude of American Indian tribes concentrated in Northeast Oklahoma, this is the premier example of how they all work together to partner with local and county government to better our communities, he said.

The Quapaw Nation Emergency Operation Center is the result of the McGirt Supreme Court decision, said Charlie Addington, Quapaw Nation Marshal Service Chief Marshal.

Charlie Addington

Quapaw Nation claims criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians

The U.S. Supreme decision allowed tribes to reassert jurisdiction and operate their own judicial and law enforcement agencies.

The McGirt decision showed how the state and tribes can work together for the good of the people, Addington said. This is how partnerships are supposed to work.

Addington praised the centers advanced technology, which he said may be the countrys first.

The centers updated technology allows for pinpoint accuracy for 911 caller locations and better call delivery to first responders. Video and text message responses allow law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians to access the situation while en route to calls.

The purpose of text messages for a person in a domestic violence who might be hiding in a closet or something is to text the 911 operator without making a sound, Addington said.

He said video from the scene can also alert 911 operators to send more fire or police units without delay.

He said another benefit is the capability for the 911 operator to translate a text message sent in a foreign language instantly.

Addington said the center will house six dispatchers and a supervisor.

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QUESTA, N.M. (KRQE)  The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services honored a Korean War veteran for his service to the country and his role in paying tribute to the fallen. Former U.S. Army Corporal Claudio Rael donated the use of land for several days each year in Questa where thousands of American flags are planted every Memorial Day weekend.

Controversial development in Los Ranchos gets approval from judge

Him still wanting to continue to serve his fellow veterans speaks volumes about veterans helping veterans and ensuring there is a voice for those who are no longer here, said Cabinet Secretary Jamison Harrison, New Mexico Department of Veterans Services.

The annual Healing Field of Honor Display has been taking place at his property for the past twenty years. At the ceremony on Wednesday, they also celebrated Raels 96th birthday.

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Posters urging Rhode Island voters to reject the first question on the Nov. 5 ballot asking if the state should hold a constitutional convention hang on the wall at Planned Parenthood in Providence. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Hours before a commission started work Wednesday to lay the groundwork for a once-in-a-decade ballot question in November asking voters if Rhode Island should hold a constitutional convention, nearly 40 labor and civil liberties groups launched a preemptive attack to persuade voters to say no.

Members of Rhode Island Citizens for Responsible Government gathered at the Planned Parenthood offices in Providence Wednesday morning to launch the Reject Question 1 campaign. Speakers declared that well-funded special interest groups could use the convention as a means to constitutionally restrict womens reproductive rights.

Our state has made incredible progress over the past five years to make abortion care more accessible, said the coalitions chairperson, Vimala Phongsavanh, senior external affairs director for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. Rhode Islanders cannot go backwards  yet that is what could happen if there is a constitutional convention.

Rhode Island is one of five states, along with Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa and New Hampshire, where people automatically have the chance to vote to hold a constitutional convention every 10 years. The General Assembly may also propose amendments during any election year.

Overall, 14 states mandated periodic constitutional convention referenda.

Rhode Islands convention question typically goes on the ballot in years ending in the number four, but voters rejected ballot questions seeking to convene one in 1994, 2004 and 2014. The most recent convention was held in 1986  the last such of any state in the nation. The 1986 convention featured an anti-abortion ballot question that voters overwhelmingly rejected.

Few seem to fully comprehend what the constitutional convention questions entails, according to a poll released by the University of New Hampshire Thursday. The survey found 53% of respondents said they had heard nothing about the topic. Only 36% said they understood the topic.

That lack of information is placed squarely on the lackluster job done by past commissions, Rhode Island State Constitutional Convention Clearinghouse Editor J.H. Snider said in an email Monday.

The problem, he said, is that past commissions have framed the debate on the potential cost and risks without much discussion on the benefits. Proponents for holding a convention to change Rhode Islands governing documents say it gives the public a chance to update how the state government operates.

Any serious discussion about the upcoming referendum should start with why this provision exists in Rhode Islands Constitution; that is, what democratic function it was designed to serve, Snider said.

The latest commission, made up of eight legislators and four members of the public, is tasked with holding public hearings to learn about potential issues that might be addressed if voters support holding a convention for inclusion in the voter handbook mailed to all registered voters before the Nov. 5 election.

The commission must complete a report by Sept. 1.

With this tight deadline, the commission used its first meeting Wednesday at the State House to establish its purpose and elected its two co-chairs: Rep. Robert Craven, a North Kingstown Democrat, and Sen. Dawn Euer, a Newport Democrat.

Rhode Islands Constitution is a living and breathing document that charts the course of our daily lives, Craven said. We are fortunate that it requires public input every 10 years because that is what true democracy looks like.

Craven said the panels work will include reviewing the work by prior commissions, but we will also not be bound by what has come before us.

Times change and so do the issues the public deeply cares about, he said.

The commissions next meeting, tentatively scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 30 at the State House, will mostly consist of figuring out the logistics for the next five weeks  along with the potential for public comment on the convention question.

Were not trying to answer the question as to whether or not people want a constitutional question, Euer said in an interview after the commissions first meeting. Were trying to create a framework of understanding of what issues are on peoples minds.

Coalition calls for convention rejection

At the 1986 convention, delegates approved a Paramount Right to Life Amendment declaring that life begins at conception. It was defeated by 66% of voters in the November election that year.

Theres absolutely no reason to believe the constitutional convention in 2026 would be any more sympathetic to civil rights and civil liberties than the one in 1986, ACLU of Rhode Island Executive Director Steven Brown said at Wednesdays press conference.

But Snider said the defeat of the 1986 right to life amendment, along with other recent rejections of anti-abortion referenda in heavily red states, suggest the measure would fail if it were to come up again.

So what Steve Brown and the others who have been promoting his well-publicized arguments have been essentially saying is that Rhode Islanders will vote against their own interests on one of the most high salience issues in American politics if a convention (or legislature or citizen petition) puts this issue on the ballot, Snider wrote in his email.

That, in my opinion, amounts to a direct attack on constitutional democracy, which is the foundation of our system of democracy.

Brown acknowledged at least one positive change came out of the 1986 convention: the creation of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.

But again, it was the General Assembly, not the convention, that voters approved a constitutional amendment making sure that the legislators themselves were subject to the Ethics Commission, he said.

Should a majority of Rhode Islanders want to move ahead with a convention, the state would have to set up a special election to select 75 convention delegates to represent each district in the House of Representatives. AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Patrick Crowley said the AFL-CIO is prepared to run a union-backed convention delegate in each district if that is the case.

We are preparing for the bad news, he told reporters. We are not going to let the corporate powers take away our rights.

Crowley said his organization has already contributed $5,000 toward the campaign to oppose the convention question.

But make no mistake, we are going to be outspent if corporate money is allowed to pour into Rhode Island, Crowley told reporters. Theres just no way that $10 contributions from working people or $20 contributions and low-dollar contributions from Planned Parenthood or the Latino Policy Institute is ever going to compete against someone like the Koch brothers.

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Outreach efforts for Medicaid renewals during the unwinding process attempted to reach multilingual audiences. Seen here is a Spanish language billboard at the intersection of Page and Pine streets in downtown Providence in May 2024. It reads 'Do you have Medicaid coverage?' (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Nearly 75,000 people were removed from Rhode Island Medicaid after the state completed its annual redetermination process for the low-cost public health insurance program in May. That number represented about 20% of the people who were up for renewal for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

But a quarter of people terminated from Medicaid during what is known as the unwinding process were able to continue their coverage with a qualified health plan from HealthSource RI, the states health insurance marketplace. Half of the people eligible for advance premium tax credits, which lower plan prices, enrolled during the transition.

This is a testament to the collaborative approach we took in Rhode Island and our shared goal of keeping Rhode Islanders connected to health coverage, said HealthSource RI Director Lindsay Lang in a statement Thursday when the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) announced the results of the year-long unwinding process.

We are now at a record-high of 43,000 enrollments, a milestone that speaks to the vital resource we provide to those who need coverage and dont have it through their employer.

People who are on Medicaid typically need to renew their coverage annually. The federal government paused the need for renewals in March 2020 at the start of the COVID pandemic, requiring states to provide continuous coverage even if enrollees could no longer meet the personal income eligibility requirements. The continuous enrollment clause ended in April 2023, and states were given a year to resume normal Medicaid enrollments via the unwinding process. That meant people could lose their Medicaid coverage for the first time since 2020.

Medicaid enrollees account for about a third of the states population. Of the 80% of enrollees who kept their coverage, most didnt have to submit anything at all. An average of 59% of renewals from May 2023 through April 2024 were completed automatically, with existing state information used to maintain coverage if the person was still eligible. Rhode Island ranked second in automatic renewals, in one nationwide data analysis from KFF, after North Carolina.

All Rhode Islanders deserve access to health insurance and necessary covered services that help keep them and their families healthy and economically secure, said Kristin Sousa, Rhode Islands Medicaid director, in a statement. Im particularly proud that Rhode Island consistently led the nation in our passive renewal rate, which means that more than half of our members had their coverage renewed automatically based on information we had on file for them.

The Medicaid Renewals Data Dashboard was updated at the beginning of July and supplies recent numbers on the state of Rhode Island Medicaid. In April 2023, 370,606 Rhode Islanders had Medicaid coverage. By June 2024, the number of people enrolled was 314,815.

People were slated for renewals at different times, but the last month of unwinding, April 2024, saw 55,903 renewals, the most of any month since May 2023, as well as the month with the most active renewals overall (which require that people send in updated information.)

Critical to this effort was a piece of mail that Medicaid enrollees were asked to return if they had outdated eligibility information on file. When enrollees need additional information to verify eligibility, the states Medicaid agency will mail out a packet requesting information. Failure to return the packet can result in loss of coverage, called a procedural termination.

According to the KFF data breakdown, procedural terminations accounted for 75% of Rhode Islands disenrollments over the course of unwinding, a little higher than a national average of 69%. Eleven states and the District of Columbia had rates above 80%. Nevada and Utah had the highest rates of procedural termination among disenrollments, comprising 93% and 92%, respectively.

Initially, I had concerns that when the State resumed processing renewals, systemic issues might arise. However, this was not the case, said Rep. Tina Spears, a Charlestown Democrat who is the executive director of the Community Provider Network of Rhode Island, which advocates for providers who support people with disabilities, in a statement.

The state did an excellent job preparing for theunwinding and handling renewals promptly. I am proud to live in a state that makes every effort to ensure residents remain covered by health insurance.

Unlike states where Medicaid largely serves children and the elderly, Rhode Islands expanded Medicaid provides coverage to people without children who make below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. People ages 18 to 64 accounted for the largest demographic of Rhode Island Medicaid recipients in June 2024, according to the states renewal dashboard.

In May 2024, Providence alone accounted for nearly 31% of enrollees, with 98,580 Medicaid recipients in the capital city. Pawtucket had 32,706 enrollees and over 20,000 Medicaid enrollees in Cranston and Woonsocket. Twenty-one of the states 39 municipalities were home to 1,000 to 5,000 Medicaid recipients.

All-hands-on-deck helped state Medicaid unwind

The public health emergency unwinding represented a massive undertaking for States and their Medicaid Programs, including here in Rhode Island, said EOHHS Secretary Richard Charest in a statement. This was an all-hands-on-deck effort.

To promote public awareness of the unwinding process, the state invested in billboards in downtown Providence among other outreach efforts urging Medicaid recipients to check the status of their coverage. The Stay Covered website, which contains more information on Medicaid renewals as well as the renewal data dashboard, saw 88,668 unique visitors as of May, said EOHHS spokesperson Kerri White. Rounds of mini grants earlier this year  $320,000 across 28 community organizations  helped with outreach efforts about renewals to diverse communities.

The states managed care organizations  Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Tufts Health RITogether Plan and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan  help to deliver Medicaid services and coverage and conducted outreach with 71,000 direct mailings, 322,000 outbound phone calls, 35,000 emails, 170,000 text messages and 767 events in outreach efforts during unwinding.

Rhode Island Medicaids mobile platform, the HealthyRhode app, was first uploaded in 2020 but played an increased role in the promotion efforts with a two-month-long campaign that encouraged self-service renewal options through the app. The app has 12,800 monthly users and, during unwinding, saw 18,000 documents uploaded. The app is highly rated on both Apples App Store and Google Play, with a 4.8 and 4.3 on each store, respectively.

Thats compared to 3.7 stars for Massachusetts human services app, which might serve as a source of pride given how often Rhode Island compares itself to its neighbor.

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Richland School District 1 broke the law and cost taxpayers more than $350,000 when it began construction on an early learning center without proper permits, according to a new report by the South Carolina Inspector Generals Office released Thursday.

The idea of and the funding behind the Vince Ford Early Learning Center on Caughman Road were permissable, Inspector General Brian Lamkin wrote. But the school district violated state law and local ordinances by beginning construction without a building permit from the state Department of Education. The district also started the second phase of the project without approval of the school board.

In doing so, the District exposed itself to wasteful expenditures, contractual liabilities, costs associated with project delays, reputation damage, and insurance issues, Lamkin wrote.

Richland 1 also wasted $352,078 on associated costs with building without a permit, according to the report. The District told The State in May that the project the project had already cost Richland 1 $813,000 for site inspections, stabilization and security since putting construction on hold.

There were also issues with unauthorized or illegal procurement.

After reviewing the Inspector Generals report on Richland Ones Vince Ford Early Learning Center construction project, I want to thank the IG and his team for a thorough analysis of this key project, said Aaron Bishop, chair of the Richland 1 scool board. As the report importantly points out, the IG found no evidence of criminal or fraudulent activity in the districts management of the (project).

Richland 1 Superintendent Craig Witherspoon said the district is working to make sure the early learning center construction will get back on track.

In a statement from the state Department of Education, spokesman Jason Raven said the Inspector Generals report validated the departments concerns over state law violations and wasteful spending.

The Department knew the construction of the Vince Ford Early Learning Center should never have begun without the appropriate permit. The SIG report clearly identifies further illegal activity related to procurement, Raven said in the statement. ... staff will review all the findings to determine appropriate action to pursue. The Department is deeply concerned...

The investigation began after state education Superintendent Ellen Weaver sent a letter to Lamkin on Jan. 22 outlining issues and questions about the $31-million construction project in Richland 1. She also noted her department had placed the district on fiscal watch status in late 2022 because of issues discovered in Richland 1s procurement card  p-card  purchasing system.

The referral of a matter to your office for investigation is a high bar to cross and one that requires credible evidence of potential malfeasance, Weaver wrote to Lamkin. I believe this situation rises to that threshold.

Weaver had been contacted by state Rep. Heather Bauer, D-Richland, who raised alarms about the construction project on Jan. 19, citing doubts about the trust and transparency surrounding the resources allocated to the project and the lack of required permits from Richland County, according to a letter obtained by The State.

It ... appears that Richland One has and continues to expend significant taxpayer resources engaging in construction absent legal authorization to do so, Bauer wrote in the letter. She asked Weaver to alert the Inspector General.

Plans for Vince Ford Early Learning Center, a 71,000-square-foot facility on Rawlinson and Caughman roads in Lower Richland, envisioned a sprawling campus to serve more than 300 children with classrooms, play spaces, a media center and family services like a food pantry, a clinic and more.

Funded out of the districts general fund, the center was originally meant to serve children from as young as 6 months to five years via a full-day, full-year program.

The district drew inspiration from similar projects in Spartanburg, board member Cheryl Harris previously told The State, amid a growing community and desperate need for child care services.

Under state law, school districts must first seek approval from the state superintendent before constructing a public school building. But John Tyler, deputy superintendent and general counsel for the state Department of Education, wrote to the district in December that because the center would be serving infants, it could not be considered a public school building.

By that time, construction had been underway for four months. Despite the education departments concerns, construction continued.

Richland County posted a stop work order the morning of Jan. 19, which said that construction had violated state and local code because no permits or plans had been approved and no records of required inspections existed.

The fact that any kind of work happened with no approval or permits is a massive failure on their part, Will Bonnarigo, an education department engineer, wrote in a scathing email exchange with a Richland County official. They had been told numerous times by myself, and my management, what it would take to get everything approved and they did not do their due diligence.

In the exchange, obtained by The State Media Co. through a public records request, Bonnarigo said that Richland 1 was told to pause the project after it failed to submit materials needed to approve the project. Instead, the district kept a lot of people in the dark.

They have shown a gross lack of patience, respect for our processes, and have been downright dishonest, he wrote.

The Richland 1 school board attempted to pivot, voting to modify the centers scope on Jan. 23. The new plan calls for the building to serve students in kindergarten through second grade.

Based on those changes, Witherspoon requested another permit for the project from the education department. But Tyler told the district it would have to wait until the Inspector Generals investigation was over.

This is a breaking news story. Check back here for updates.
By Nicole Jao

(Reuters) -Oil prices settled higher on Thursday after strong U.S. economic data stoked expectations for higher crude demand, but the gains were limited by concerns about lower oil imports from China.

Brent crude futures for September settled up 66 cents, or 0.81%, to $82.37 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for September gained 69 cents, or 0.89%, to $78.28.

U.S. Commerce Department data on Thursday showed the U.S. economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter while inflation eased, boosting expectations the Federal Reserve would lower interest rates in September. Lower interest rates are expected to stir economic activity, which could increase oil consumption.

"The U.S. GDP data implied the economy is humming along in a pretty nice rate," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York. "It's an indication that we're going to have a 'soft landing,'" he said, referring to a scenario in which inflation is tamed without triggering a painful recession or large rise in unemployment.

In China, oil imports and refinery runs this year have trended lower than in 2023 on weaker fuel demand amid sluggish economic growth, government data showed.

"While Chinese economic data remains disappointing, we are starting to see larger oil inventory draws, which suggests supply growth lags demand growth," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

Earlier on Thursday, China's central bank unexpectedly cut interest rates in a move to shore up its weakening economy.

Both crude oil benchmarks fell by more than $1 per barrel earlier in the session.

In Canada, hundreds of wildfires are burning in the western provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, including in the area of oil sands hub Fort McMurray. The area is forecast to receive some rain later this week, allaying supply worries. The hub produces 3.3 million barrels per day of crude.

Elsewhere, efforts to reach a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza between Israel and militant group Hamas have gained momentum over the past month. A breakthrough could erode lingering threats to supply, sending prices lower.

"With continued, and according to some sources, conciliatory developments in Gaza peace talks, oil prices are finding it increasingly hard to hang on to intermittent rallies," John Evans, an analyst at oil broker PVM, said in a note.

Israeli forces, however, advanced deeper into some towns on the eastern side of Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Thursday, hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told U.S. lawmakers he was actively engaged in bringing hostages home.

(Reporting by Nicole Jao in New York and Noah Browning and Georgina McCartney in London; Additional reporting by Yuka Obayashi in Tokyo and Emily Chow in Singapore; Editing by David Goodman, Christina Fincher, Chris Reese, Paul Simao and Diane Craft)
(Bloomberg) -- Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will tell international counterparts that Britain is open for business on her first overseas trip since taking office, as she continues the new Labour governments push for growth.

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Reeves will attend the G-20 finance ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro this week and will urge business leaders to take another look at Britain, the UK Treasury said in a statement. She will also stress her governments commitment to fighting climate change and maintaining support for Ukraine.

My message to international leaders is simple: after years of uncertainty and instability, Britain is open for business once again, Reeves said.

Since Labour swept to power in a landslide election victory this month, Reeves has announced a series of growth measures including planning reforms to boost house-building, a National Wealth Fund to crowd in private investment and initiatives to encourage more investment by pension funds.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said growing the economy is his top priority in office, and would allow his administration to avoid having to make painful decisions on tax and spending at a time when the public finances are very tight. Reeves is due to give an update on the state of Britains public spending before the end of the month, and then deliver a Budget in the autumn.

Starmer hosted a reception Tuesday for FTSE 100 CEOs and other business leaders in Downing Street, the first of his premiership. He told attendees he was committed to removing the brakes on the economy and that hed create the conditions for success and the stability that you need, his office said.

Reeves also spoke at the reception attended by Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc, Nationwide Building Society boss Debbie Crosbie, Barclays Plc CEO CS Venkatakrishnan and GSKs CEO Emma Walmsley among others.

We are determined to get our economy growing again, because that is the only sustainable way to lift living standards and have the money for our public services, she said, according to the premiers office. But I know that we can only deliver on any of these things if we work in partnership with business.

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SAN DIEGO (KSWB/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.

Rapper and LSU fan Torrence Ivy Hatch Jr., better known by his stage name Boosie, claps during an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi in Baton Rouge, La., Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

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.

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Thousands of nurses voted Wednesday night to go on strike at Brigham and Womens Hospital.

But before they do so, theyre giving the hospital one more chance to negotiate their contracts.

People are really, really fired up, said Michael Shuley, a registered nurse at Brigham and Womens.

Nurses at Brigham and Womens Hospital are fed up with their working conditions and contracts.

Theyve been negotiating with the hospital for months but still havent reached a deal.

In order to recruit the best staff to take care of the sickest patients that we have, we really need to close the gap between benefits and salary, said Shuley.

Salary is just one issue.

The nurses union says some of their biggest concerns are staffing and safety.

Nurses are getting assaulted almost daily, the emergency room is on fire on a daily basis, and nurses and other ancillary staff are really getting harassed, bullied, physically assaulted, said Shuley.

Were chronically short staffed, we dont have the proper equipment needed to take care of our sick patients, and I think nurses are at a point where a strike is the last thing we would do, but its our weapon that we need to choose at this point, said Robin Lucia, whos been a nurse for 40 years at the Brigham.

Mass General Brigham released this statement Wednesday:

We have been negotiating in good faith with the Massachusetts Nursing Associations two bargaining committees at both Brigham and Womens Hospital and Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital, with a genuine desire to come to agreement with both committees. We have made progress, reached tentative agreements on many issues, and feel confident that we proposed fair contracts that will allow us to continue our trend of meeting or exceeding national staffing rates. We are prepared to continue discussions and deeply value the contributions of our nurses in meeting the needs of our patients and their loved ones.

Still, thousands of nurses are now planning to strike for one full day soon if the hospital cant agree to their demands.

We go into it with a heavy heart, but we also know in the long run this would be safer for our patients if we get better staff, if we get better equipment, said Lucia.

Now that the nurses union voted to strike, theyll notify the hospital and the hospital will have ten days to respond before the nurses actually go on strike.

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Are we really going to vote for a convicted felon who tried to overturn an election? | Opinion

Power trip

Hmmmmm. Lets see. Convicted felon. Tried to overthrow our democracy. Hid top secret government documents. Tried to get a valid election overturned Oh, yeah, lets vote for that guy! He will keep us in POWER!

Bob Sutton, Lexington

Qualifications

In the past Ive voted for politicians in both parties depending upon who was the better candidate. I will not vote for:

 Someone who has criticized Gold Star families.

 Someone who makes fun of people with physical disabilities.

 Someone who called Senator John McCain a loser because he was captured during the Vietnam War.

 Someone who cant understand why soldiers in military cemeteries died to defend their country.

 Someone who fomented a coup against the United States because they lost an election.

 Someone who on Jan. 6, 2021 sat watching on his TV the assault on police officers for 186 minutes and did nothing.

 Someone who endangered his own Vice-President during the coup.

 Someone whose been found guilty of business fraud.

 Someone whose been found liable for sexual abuse.

 Someone indicted 91 times and convicted on 34 of the indictments.

 Someone who says only he can fix it.

U.S. Congressman James Comer has been saying where theres smoke theres fire in his unsuccessful attempt to find evidence of impeachable offenses against President Biden. If the above doesnt constitute a fire ignited by Trump, I dont know what would!

Joe Crouch, Lexington

More on Trump

I keep thinking about former President Donald Trump saying he will be dictator on day one

Given what has only recently transpired  the partisan Supreme Court supermajority giving him absolute immunity for official acts; Trump appointee Judge Aileen Cannon dismissing charges (upon the suggestion of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas) against him for stealing, and keeping, secret classified documents; and the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 blueprint for government takeover  it chillingly makes sense that Day One could happen if Trump is elected

If reported vetting of Trump loyalists by the Heritage Foundation (and reportedly 100 more organizations) to replace the current 50,000 federal public/civil servants is ready on the first day Trump takes office, then all federal agencies overnight could be changed, or taken over. The Day One Dictator and MAGA would be set not only for four years but for decades. All federal and state cases against him would be  poof!  gone.

Now that the dirty little secret of Project 2025, and its campaign platform equivalent Agenda 47, is known, and negatively so, Trump is saying that he knows nothing or little about it. Sure, yep, uh huh, just like he doesnt know the woman hes charged with sexually assaulting.

Ramona Rush, Lexington

Free speech

Kentuckys new law providing for the regulation of Internet pornography makes many of us wonder what free speech means nowadays.

The politicians, activists, and judges have conditioned us for decades to think that free speech is merely our right to say whatever we want without being arrested. That rationale has led us to accept pornography, profanity, and panhandling as forms of free speech even though none of them relate to current events and public issues.

Moreover, weve been led to accept political lies and money as kinds of free speech.

In tandem, the courts have ruled in various cases that our exercise of free speech pertains only to public property and not privately owned property, and also, that local authorities may regulate our use of public property for reasons of public safety.

Then, Congress repealed the Broadcasters Fairness Doctrine and Internet Neutrality.

Now, we have a right to self-expression with few places for speaking and without any right to be heard. Weve lost the free speech that James Madison and the other framers of our Constitution had in mind for us. They saw free speech as a constitutional process for making public policy.

Tom Louderback, Louisville

Church abuse

Faithful Christians share Linda Blackfords moral outrage at the revelations of abuse at LexCity Church. The only right response is grief and repentance. As embassies of Gods kingdom, churches are commissioned by Jesus to be beacons of true morality and human flourishing. Sexual abuse by spiritual leaders is a heinous sin, and scandals like this one have led numerous churches across Kentucky to take new steps to protect the vulnerable (like Tates Creek Presbyterian Church, as this newspaper has reported). But does the hypocrisy of some churches nullify the moral witness of all?

What is the moral witness of drag shows? They elevate moral license over moral boundaries and self-expression over the protection of children. Thats the opposite of the mission of a biblically-faithful church. The Kentucky General Assembly made efforts during the last two sessions to protect children from being exposed to drag shows, but unfortunately those have fallen short.

All institutions must protect minors from sexual abuse. For churches, this means being consistent with Jesus commands. Drag shows, on the other hand, violate the moral order and failure to restrict minors access to them compromises their spiritual and moral formation.

Christopher Parr, Director of Research, Commonwealth Policy Center, Frankfort

Barr question

On Tuesday June 25th I received a phone call from U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) asking me if I would like to participate in a Phone call town hall. I said yes, and was immediately connected to an on-going Town Hall. Shortly after, I was asked if I would like to ask a question. I said yes, and someone asked for my question.

I said, In 2001, there were 200 million guns in the country. Now there are 400 million guns in America. During that period guns have become the number one cause of death for children in America. Is that acceptable?

The town hall ended without my question being asked! I was given the opportunity to leave my question after the call ended and I did.

After a week without a response I stopped by his office, asked the question in person and was promised an answer. Two weeks later, still no answer, so I stopped by again. The reply I was provided basically stated that Barr spent $529,000 to harden Menifee County High School. He described the issue as nuanced and difficult and he didnt have answers.

Is this acceptable? I say NO!

Brian Haggerty, Lexington

Biden withdraws

God reassured President Joe Biden by subliminally communicating to him, Its okay, you can let go.

Have you ever witnessed the situation were an aged grandparent wants custody of a grandchild or grandchildren everybody knows they arent able to care for, to keep them away from unfit parents or out of foster care? Many grandparents can barely care for themselves, including their aging spouses! They convince themselves they have no other choice. Somebody has to take those children in! Nobody else wants to do it! I have to save them from their parents and foster care! If I dont do it those children will be abused and neglected by one or the other! I have to do something! Thats why we love grandparents!

I think President Biden feels that way about his country. He feels like the grandfather of the United States, and hes trying to save us! He knows he may not be able to hang in there for four more years, so he decided to let go and ask God what he should do. God said, Its okay, you can let go now. We got you! Now God will see who will choose good over the mean, evil, and hateful.

Yolanda Averette, Lexington

Run, Andy, Run

If Ky. Gov. Andy Beshear has any sense (and I think he does ), he will run, not walk, away from any linkage to Vice President Kamala Harris shadow. Beshear has done a moderates job as governor and has a good chance to lead the once great Democratic party back to Truman, Kennedy common sense that has been tossed aside by the radicals who are now in charge.

Stay far away from her Andy and move yourself several rungs up the ladder.

Wayne Burns, Lexington

Republican encyclopedia

A recent article in The Economist highlighted Russias creation of RuWiki. It is similar to Wikipedia except it edits and even erases sensitive moments in Russian and western history. With the Republican party now devoid of any critical or independent thinking, how long before we see a GOPWiki?

Howard Stovall, Lexington

Compiled by Liz Carey
Recent shark sightings: Map shows great whites off coast of northern New England

Recent shark sightings: Map shows great whites off coast of northern New England

Some great white sharks have journeyed past Cape Cod and are now lurking in the water off the coast of northern New England.

There have been two confirmed great white shark sightings off Maine this week, according to the Chatham-based Atlantic White Shark Conservancys Sharktivity app. These come a week after sightings were reported in the water off the South Shore and North Shore of Massachusetts.

Shoals Marine Lab staff spotted an eight-foot white shark swimming at the surface of the water near the Maine side of the Isle of Shoals, not far from New Hampshires seacoast, the Conservancys real-time shark activity map showed.

The second sighting came more than 40 miles north near Richmond Island off Cape Elizabeth, where a seven-foot white shark was spotted in the water, the map indicated.

In a Massachusetts sighting, a fisherman photographed a white shark stealing bass in the Inner Cape Cod Bay Area of Critical Environmental Concern near Rock Harbor Beach.

The maps menu tools allow users to filter shark sightings as recent as 48 hours, over the last 30 days, or between a custom date range.

The icons on the map indicate the following:

Red alert icon : A white shark sighting is confirmed close to a public beach

Blue shark fin icon : A confirmed white shark sighting

Orange shark fin icon : An unconfirmed white shark sighting

Yellow icon : A receiver that detects white sharks tagged with acoustic tags and transmits the data in real-time

Purple icon : A real-time detection of a shark tagged with an acoustic tag that is less than an hour old

Orange icon : Detections of sharks tagged with acoustic transmitters

Green icon: The sharks dorsal fin breaks the surface and the tag transmits to overhead satellites

The Sharktivity app, which is available to download on iPhone and Android, tracks sightings fed by researchers, safety officials, and users who upload photos for confirmation.

John Chisholm, adjunct scientist at New England Aquarium, recently told Boston 25 they are expecting more sharks this year as the seal population continues to grow.

No matter where youre going into the water, whether thats Cape Cod or Gloucester or Plymouth, you need to be shark smart, Chisholm cautioned beachgoers.

While the last shark attack in Massachusetts was in 2020, the growing numbers of seals and sharks should make beachgoers more alert, Chisholm advised.

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California's annual journalism contest recognized the Record Searchlight for public service journalism in its pursuit of records related to the sheriffs office management in Shasta County.

The newspaper in 2021 began to seek an investigative report and other documents that would shed light on how former Sheriff Eric Magrini ran his department after he left his job to accept a promotion as the countys No. 2 official, despite having received no confidence votes from his staff.

The R-S successfully sued for access and was able to provide in-depth coverage related to the findings in the report and other communications it obtained.

The Shasta County Sheriff's Office building in Redding.

Judges from the California News Publishers Associations annual journalism contest noted the newspapers two-year effort in a second place award and cited reporter Damon Arthur for his reporting.

The Record Searchlights persistence in getting the findings from a county investigation took years and a legal fight, but ultimately the publics right to know prevailed. That doesnt happen without the dedication of reporters like Damon Arthur. Never. Stop. Fighting, a judge commented.

In addition to the public service journalism award, the R-S earned second place in local government reporting, second place in its coverage of youth and education and third place in the feature story category.

Were thankful to our peers for recognizing the good journalism produced at the Record Searchlight, whether it's in the form of an inspiring story or a watchdog report our North State communities need, said Jenny Espino, the newspapers executive editor. "This little team works their heart out to serve our mission of keeping readers informed."

CNPA's competition celebrates the best journalism by print and online news organizations. Announcement of the awards for the best of 2023 came during a July ceremony in Los Angeles.

Reporter Jessica Skropanic was honored for a story on Native American students who were learning filmmaking to document the stories of their Wintu and Pit River elders.

Arthur and his colleague, reporter David Benda, shared the local government coverage award for their articles examining the chaos thats marred Shasta County Board of Supervisors meetings.

Arthur received the award in features for a narrative on residents from a neighborhood that took the brunt of the Carr Fire in 2018 and how their lives have changed since then.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Record Searchlight wins public service journalism award
Records: Sheriff's office knew about Sean Grayson's DUIs. Were there any other red flags?

A former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy being held for murder was the subject of two driving under the influence charges, one while he was enlisted in the U.S. Army.

A sheet in Sean P. Grayson's personnel file, obtained by The State Journal-Register through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, listed "misconduct (serious offense)" as his reason for separation from the Army on Feb. 27, 2016.

An online record of the Aug. 10, 2015, DUI in Girard, Ill., about 40 minutes southwest of Springfield, listed Grayson's address as Fort Junction, Kansas.

Grayson was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, among other places.

Grayson's former first sergeant, in writing a recommendation letter for him for the Auburn Police Department, noted that "aside from Mr. Grayson's DUI, there were no other issues that he had during his tenure in the U.S. Army."

Grayson faces five counts in connection with the July 6 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman. Massey was shot in the face in her home in an unincorporated area of Woodside Township after making a 911 call.

The chaotic and sometimes gruesome video, released to the public on Monday, has caused international outrage.

Sonya Massey, 36, called 911 to report a potential intruder in her home on July 6, 2024. She was fatally shot in her home in Springfield, Ill., by one of the responding officers.

Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, both released statements and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, in Springfield, said in a press conference that the U.S. Department of Justice has opened a case on it.

The 30-year-old Grayson, who lived in Riverton, pleaded not guilty on Thursday and remains in custody. He was fired from the department by Sheriff Jack Campbell last Wednesday after being indicted by a Sangamon County grand jury.

Jeff Wilhite, a spokesman for Sangamon County, said the sheriff's office knew about both DUIs.

Khaia Korde Gardner of Springfield, Illinois, is pictured holding a rally sign for Sonya Massey. Massey, 36, was fatally shot inside her home by a Sangamon County sheriff's deputy earlier this month.

The second DUI, also in Girard, came on July 26, 2016. Grayson pleaded guilty in both cases.

Campbell, in a statement emailed Wednesday afternoon, said the sheriff's office "understood that the serious misconduct referenced (in Grayson's Army personnel file) was a DUI."

Asked on the employment application for the Auburn Police Department if he had ever been "convicted of, charged with or (was) currently waiting trial for any crime greater than that of a minor traffic offense to include driving while intoxicated," he answered, "No, I have only been arrested and charged for DUI."

According to his personnel file and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Grayson's first employment as a police officer, working part-time, was in Pawnee in August 2020.

Grayson was simultaneously working on the Kincaid Police Department, also part-time, but in his file, he said he left after three-and-a-half months because his hours were cut and he didn't want to move closer to the Christian County community, a demand of his employment.

Grayson caught on with the Virden Police Department in May 2021 and lasted through the end of the year. He left Pawnee in July 2021 to go to Auburn full-time.

The personnel file didn't include any reprimands.

James Wilburn, the father of Sonya Massey, listens at a press conference at the Springfield NAACP Building on June 22, 2024. Massey was fatally shot by a former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy on July 6. Wilburn has been critical of the county's hiring practices.

Grayson went to the Logan County Sheriff's Office in May 2022 before being hired by Sangamon County a year later.

According to Wilhite, Grayson had "no use of force complaints or citizen complaints" while employed by Sangamon County, nor at previous law enforcement stops.

The State Journal-Register is seeking additional employment records.

James Wilburn, Massey's father, has been critical of the sheriff's department hiring of Grayson, saying they should have known about his past "if they did any kind of investigation."

Wilburn also has called on Campbell, who has been sheriff since 2018, to resign.

To view the full video, click here.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Sonya Massey case: Everything we know about former deputy Sean Grayson
The OPEC Secretariat announced on Wednesday that it had received compensation proposals from Iraq, Kazakhstan and Russia for their excessive oil production in H1 2024.

The oil organisation stated that the combined overproduction from the three countries amounted to 2.28 million barrels per day (mbbl/d) during this period, set against an average combined output for all the member nations of both organisations of 46mbbl/d.

During the 37th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM) on 2 June 2024, the importance of full compliance and adhering to the compensation mechanism was reaffirmed.

The secretariat received compensation proposals from Iraq, Kazakhstan and Russia for their overproduction volumes from January to June 2024, totalling around 1.18mbbl/d for Iraq, 620,000 barrels per day (bpd) for Kazakhstan and 480,000bpd for the Russian Federation.

The figures were assessed by approved independent sources, said the secretariat.

Russia exceeded its production volumes in June, but its levels have decreased every month since April.

Russia announced on its Telegram channel on 24 July that it intends to address the issue of overproduction and fully comply with the requirements in July.

The nation, currently sitting under a raft of international sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine, plans to compensate for the surplus production from April 2024 during a compensation period between October and November 2024, and then from March until the end of September 2025.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that Russia is producing oil very close to its crude production cut target under the OPEC+ agreement, according to Asharq Al-Awsat News.

Acknowledging the oil overproduction last month, Russia mentioned that it exceeded its OPEC+ production quota in April for "technical reasons", the news agency reported.

The Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan also announced plans on 9 July to adjust its OPEC+ oil production limit in the first half of this year by the end of September 2025.

It has presented a comprehensive plan for gradual compensation to satisfy other group members. In June, Kazakhstan increased its daily oil and gas condensate production by 4% from the previous month, reaching 7.24 million tonnes, surpassing the OPEC+ production limit.

The Kurdistan region in Iraq has been credited with high production estimates, over which the government in Baghdad has limited influence.

Even though Iraq reduced output by 30,000bpd in June to 4.25 million, it remains 250,000bpd above the new quota, Offshore Technology previously reported.

Story continues

"OPEC receives overproduction compensation plans from Russia, Kazakhstan and Iraq" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







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RED BANK - A four-story condominium across from Red Banks train station was approved unanimously Wednesday night by the borough planning board.

It would raze two houses on Oakland Street, the Mexican restaurant Mi Lupitas Kitchen, a detached garage and a neighboring two-story building that currently houses 90 Degree Gallery on Bridge Avenue. The two buildings at the corner of Bridge Avenue and Oakland Street would not be part of the project.

The proposed building by American Opportunity Zone Fund LLC had previously faced criticism for being too dense during a November zoning board meeting.

Although the building is still four floors, the developer reduced the number of units from 32 to 20 units. Instead of apartments, the units would be condominiums, with all 20 being two-bedroom units. Two of the condominiums would be sold as affordable units.

A rendering of a 20-unit condominium by American Opportunity Zone Fund LLC presented on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Borough Hall in Red Bank, New Jersey.

What would be lost: Guatemalan immigrant learned English, rose from school janitor to Mi Lupita's restaurant owner

The proposed rooftop pickleball court was also removed after residents complained about the potential noise it could generate. In its place would be a green lawn with lounge areas.

The balconies for the units were also removed after concerns that the apartment building would tower over the two-story homes in the area.

The new proposal also includes a gym, a coffee shop and a commercial/retail space.

A rendering of a 20-unit condominium by American Opportunity Zone Fund LLC presented on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Borough Hall in Red Bank, New Jersey.

I think in this instance, you see a real sense of compromise, said the developers attorney, former Red Bank Mayor Ed McKenna.

The plan is located in the boroughs train station overlay zone, which is separate from the train station redevelopment plan and transit village designation. The boroughs train station overlay zone was created to encourage transit-oriented development.

Reb Bank train station: Apartments on the NJ Transit train station parking lots? Borough clears a path

Mi Lupitas Kitchen (red wall) and the 90 Gallery (at right) are among the buildings that will be knocked down to make way for a four story condo complex on Bridge Avenue across the strreet from the Red Bank train station.

The condominium proposal includes 47 ground-floor parking spaces. Seven of those spaces would be located in front of the garage gate and be dedicated for guest or retail parking.

The board unanimously agreed to ask for the seven public parking spots to be removed for more green space.

Resident Wendy Giguere questioned the developers and the boards claim that there is surplus parking in the area.

Red Bank news: Shooter remains on the loose as police reveal victim's name

A rendering of a proposed condominium building in the center, across from the Red Bank train station and in comparison with the Rail at Red Bank and the Anderson Building, presented on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Borough Hall in Red Bank, New Jersey.

I think we need to change the narrative that parking is not a given right, Megan Massey said. This is supposed to be promoting walking and biking and access to transit.

In voting for removing the extra parking spaces, board member Greg Fitzgerald called the move karmic due to the removal of the oldest tree on Oakland Street, which is located where the proposed garage would be.

The developer also agreed to provide spaces for bike parking and revise its ADA parking configuration.

Olivia Liu is a reporter covering transportation, Red Bank and western Monmouth County. She can be reached at oliu@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Red Bank OKs condos that knock down Mi Lupita's Mexican restaurant
Are you registered to vote in Illinois' 2024 general election? Here's what to know

Illinois voters will weigh in on key contests in the 2024 general election  including races for the White House, Congress, and the state legislature.

Hoping to cast a ballot this November? Heres your guide to voter registration in Illinois.

When is Election Day?

Election Day is Nov. 5. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Who is eligible to vote?

To register to vote in Illinois, you must be a U.S. citizen.

General election voters must be at least 18 years old, though 17-year-olds may vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the next general election.

You may not vote in Illinois if you also claim the right to vote somewhere else.

Residents who are currently incarcerated may not vote, but voting rights are restored upon completing their sentences.

In general, you must have lived in your current precinct for at least 30 days before the election. If you moved shortly before the election, you may be able to vote in your old polling place by completing an affidavit, or you may be able to transfer your registration using grace period registration and voting.

If you changed your name since you last updated your registration, you must re-register to vote.

When is the voter registration deadline?

You may register to vote online through Oct 20. In-person voter registration is open through Oct. 8.

What is grace period registration?

Grace period registration allows Illinois residents to cast a ballot after missing the voter registration deadline or to vote while changing their address. The grace period runs from the end of regular registration through Election Day. Grace period registration takes place in person at local election offices, as well as at some early voting sites and at certain polling places on Election Day.

You can search for grace period registration locations on the Illinois State Board of Elections website. A complete list will be available closer to the election.

How can I check to see if I'm registered to vote?

You can check whether you are registered to vote through a portal on the Illinois State Board of Elections Website.

How can I register to vote?

You can visit https://ova.elections.il.gov/ to submit an online voter registration application. To register online, you must provide your Illinois drivers license or state identification number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and the date your drivers license or state I.D. was issued.

If you would prefer to register in person, you can submit your application at your county clerks office or Board of Election Commissioners office. City and village offices, township offices, schools, public libraries, and military recruitment offices offer voter registration. To register in person, you must show two forms of identification, one of which includes your current address.

Can I register by mail?

Yes. You can also print out an application from the Illinois State Board of Elections website and submit it by mail to your local election office. The application must be postmarked by the voter registration deadline.

To register by mail, you can provide proof of identity by submitting your drivers license or state identification number. Otherwise, you can provide the last four digits of your Social Security number, a photo I.D., or a government document that shows your name and address  such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck.

If you are a student, you can present your college- or university-issued I.D. alongside a contract or lease for your residence or a piece of postmarked mail.

What is automatic voter registration?

Automatic voter registration allows eligible Illinois citizens to register to vote when they interact with state agencies, such as when they apply for a drivers license.

Can I vote by mail?

Applications to vote by mail open Aug. 7. Mailed requests must be received by Oct. 31, and in-person requests must be made by Nov. 4.

Illinois has no-excuse mail-in voting, so every registered voter is eligible to vote by mail. If you mail your ballot, it must be postmarked by Election Day and received within two weeks after the election.

Many jurisdictions offer secure vote-by-mail drop boxes where voters can deposit mail-in ballots before the polls close. The Illinois State Board of Elections maintains a searchable list of drop boxes on its website. A complete list will be available closer to the election.

When does early voting begin?

Early voting in Illinois starts up to 40 days prior to Election Day. You can find early voting locations and hours in your jurisdiction on the Illinois State Board of Elections website. A complete list will be available closer to the election.

Any registered voter may vote early without providing an excuse.

What races are on the ballot this fall?

The United States presidency and 15 of Illinoiss 17 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are all up for grabs. Two Congressional candidates  Republicans Mary E. Miller and Darin LaHood  are currently running unopposed.

At the state level, the Illinois House and Senate are on the ballot. So are seats on Illinois appellate and circuit courts, as well as two seats on the state Supreme Court. Neither Supreme Court seat is contested.

Voters will also be able to offer recommendations to elected officials via three statewide ballot measures  to require health insurance plans that offer pregnancy benefits to cover fertility treatments including IVF, to raise taxes on incomes above $1 million, and to establish civil penalties for candidates who interfere or attempt to interfere with election workers official duties. All three advisory questions are nonbinding.

Tilly Robinson is a summer reporting intern with the Gannett/USA Today Network at the Rockford Register Star. She can be reached via email at mrrobinson@gannett.com and on X @tillyrobin.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Registered to vote in the 2024 general election? Here's what to know
KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Relatives of the 18 dead in an airplane crash in Nepal have yet to hear from the government or the airline on the possible cause of the disaster, they said a day after the small jet went down during take-off at the airport in Kathmandu, the capital.

The incident has cast a spotlight on the mountainous, landlocked nation's poor record on air safety, with almost 360 people killed since 2000 in plane and helicopter crashes.

The 50-seater CRJ-200 aircraft that crashed this week was operated by Saurya Airlines, and was ferrying 15 technicians, two crew and two of a technician's family to the central city of Pokhara, where it was scheduled for regular maintenance.

Only the captain survived after it crashed in a field beside the runway and caught fire.

"Nobody has contacted us," said Krishna Bahadur Magar, a relative of Nava Raj Ale who was a ground handler at Saurya and died in the crash.

"Our relative was a member of the Saurya Airlines family," Magar said. "Why is the airline now behaving as if they dont care about him?"

Magar was among the dozens who crowded into a narrow alley outside the forensic unit of Kathmandu's Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital on Thursday, waiting for authorities to release the bodies of the dead.

Some said doctors had told them they would not receive the remains of loved ones before Saturday, while those bodies charred beyond recognition would require DNA tests to be identified, a process that could take two weeks.

The victims' families felt as if Saurya officials were "deliberately hiding" from them, said Jageswar Giri, whose brother-in-law, Uddhab Puri, died in the crash.

"We want to know what technical problems the aircraft was facing, why so many people were on it yesterday, and why it was decided that maintenance work would be done in Pokhara instead of Kathmandu where the plane was grounded," he said.

Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) have said the plane was being sent to Pokhara because its new airport was equipped with aircraft maintenance hangars.

Responding to the families' questions, the regulator said it was the airline's responsibility to co-ordinate with them.

"It was not a passenger flight," said CAAN spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul. "Saurya Airlines has officially said all people on board the plane were their staff, so they should co-ordinate with the family members."

The airline did not respond to telephone calls and messages from Reuters seeking comment.

A government panel set up on Wednesday to investigate the crash will submit a report within 45 days.

Nepal's worst crash in 1992 killed 167. Last January, 72 people died when a Yeti Airlines plane crashed just before landing in Pokhara.

(Reporting by Kathmandu newsroom; Writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh and Clarence Fernandez)
A tech firm that hired a remote-working engineer for an IT team was shocked to discover that the American worker was a North Korean hacker using a VPN.

A tech firm that hired a remote-working engineer for an IT team was shocked to discover that the American worker was in fact a North Korean hacker.

Cybersecurity firm KnowBe4 posted a job advert and received a CV from, and later conducted video interviews with, the 'employee' - who also passed background checks and provided references before being hired as a principal software engineer.

The employee was sent a machine to start his remote job in the US - but the machine went to an address shared by other IT mules while the employee used a VPN to access it from North Korea, Knowbe4 said.

Its not the first such case of its kind, with the FBI issuing a warning late last year that fake IT workers from North Korea were contracting in well-paid roles.

How did the rogue employee get a job?

The employee had passed through four video screenings, with his profile picture matching the person who appeared in the interviews (the image was a stolen image from Amazon and doctored using AI software).

KnowBe4's chief information security officer Brian Jack says that the hacker had applied "through the standard application process on a common job posting website".

"It looks like the face and likeness were modified from a photo of another individual to better resemble the identity of the person being interviewed," he told Yahoo News.

Incredibly, the worker also passed background checks. His identity was based on a real person with valid ID, which had been stolen, although checkers failed to spot certain discrepancies during the background checks.

What happened?

The company sent the employee a Mac workstation, but as soon as it arrived, it began to perform suspicious actions including loading malicious software (malware).

Jack said: "We detected malware attempting to be loaded and run on his laptop. This kicked off our security incident response process that resulted in a conversation with the individual."

When challenged, the employee claimed he was troubleshooting problems with his router  and then said he was unavailable for a call.

Jack said: "When the story the person was giving did not match the commands we saw being run we became highly suspicious and quickly contained the device and terminated their access."

Knowbe4 immediately informed the FBI and shared data with Mandiant, a global cybersecurity firm.

How does the scam work?

Knowbe4 explained that these fake workers ask to get their workstation sent to an address in the US that is basically an "IT mule laptop farm".

The workers then VPN in from where they really physically are (North Korea or over the border in China) and work a night shift so that they seem to be working in US daytime.

It's thought the hacker's earnings went to fund North Korea's ballistic missile programme. (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

IT workers have used VPNs and other secretive tactics to work at US hi-tech firms for years, according to the FBI.

In a warning issued late last year, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said that IT workers have been secretly sending millions of dollars back to North Korea.

Its believed that the funds are being used for the countrys ballistic missile programme.

What are the warning signs of 'rogue' employees?

Knowbe4 urges companies to ensure background checks are rigorous, acknowledging that when they investigated, they found that the names and other details the worker used were not consistent

The company also urges employers not to rely on email references only.

Warning signs of rogue employees include people who use VOIP numbers rather than real phone numbers; a lack of a digital footprint; and discrepancies in details such as date of birth.

Jack advises that companies should: "Review their pre-hire screening practices to ensure that they are thoroughly validating the identity of the person. This can mean requiring more strict identity validation for certain roles".

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Renters would get some relief, too, under a pair of legislative proposals

Nebraskans who lease their homes would get some financial relief under a couple of legislative proposals introduced Thursday during the special session. Shown here is Westline at Flanagan Lake Apartments , which was one of the larger housing complexes issued building permits in the City of Omaha in 2021. (Courtesy of Simonson & Associates Inc.)

LINCOLN  Nebraska renters would get some financial relief in the form of an income tax credit under a pair of proposals to be considered by the Legislature.

State Sens. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha and Eliot Bostar of Lincoln each introduced a bill Thursday seeking to compensate renters who otherwise would not automatically reap any direct benefit from property tax reforms being pushed by Gov. Jim Pillen.

McKinney said that while landlords would achieve property tax relief, it is not a given they would pass that relief on to their renters.

Its not fair, he said.

With about 60% of his constituents in rental homes, McKinney said, we have to think about renters and how property tax and property tax relief affects them.

McKinneys Legislative Bill 20 calls for a refundable credit against income tax to renters of 4% of total annual rent, or $200, whichever is greater, not to exceed $1,000.

Under Bostars Legislative Bill 14, renters would get a credit of 5% of their lease expenses during the taxable year.

Bostar said relief to renters, especially in the short term, has been an ongoing conversation during the discussions about property tax reform.

Of his proposal, he said: Its a means of ensuring that renters as well as property owners could see relief this session, if the Legislature indeed passes property tax reform.

Housing in Bostars legislative district is about 37% renter occupied, according to the Legislative Research Office.

Consideration of renters also came up in in listening sessions hosted last weekend by several lawmakers in the urban centers of Omaha and Lincoln.

State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston told the Omaha audience that his district includes a lot of apartments (about 49% of homes are renter-occupied) and that the belief is that the owners would pass down property tax relief savings to tenants.

And I say baha, Riepe told the group. I dont believe that for a day.

Of all Nebraska legislative districts, the highest percentage of renter-occupied homes is in the southeast and downtown Omaha District 7, represented by Sen. Tony Vargas, and the lowest percentage of rental units in Sarpy Countys District 36, represented by Sen. Rick Holdcroft.

U.S. Census data shows Nebraska has about 66% homeowners and about 34% renters.

The median rent in the state is about $1,360, according to Zillow rental market research, which looked at median rent for all property types and number of bedrooms.

Whether workers earning a median wage in Nebraska are seeking a house or an apartment, recent research by the Nebraska Legislative Research Office said they often are unable to find a home, especially in light of rising property values.

The researchers said that the median annual income of an owner-occupied household in Nebraska was more than $91,000, while renter households earned about $44,200.

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U.S. Rep. Jared Golden. (via Congressman Jared Golden/Facebook)

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden will not commit to voting for Vice President Kamala Harris  if she ends up being the Democratic nominee for president  but said he looks forward to learning more about what kind of leader she would be.

Golden, who is running for reelection in a tight race for Maines 2nd Congressional District, said he expects to have to work to earn Mainers votes, and presidential candidates should expect the same.

Our choice in leaders should never be a knee-jerk decision driven solely by party loyalty, he said in a statement Thursday.

Golden said he hopes Harris will affirm her commitment to public safety and the rule of law, especially with her background as a former prosecutor and Attorney General of California. He specifically mentioned securing the border, stopping fentanyl from entering communities and going after white-collar criminals who rip off the working class.

On Thursday, Golden was among just six Democratic members of the U.S. House to join Republicans in passing a resolution condemning President Joe Biden and Harris for the administrations immigration policies.

Golden also said hes curious about the vice presidents plans to reduce costs for people in Maine, protect Social Security and Medicare, safeguard our childrens future and prosperity and maintain Americas leadership on the world stage.

Maines delegates to the Democratic National Convention have already voted unanimously to back Harris as a state delegation, helping her become the likely party nominee. Other Democratic leaders in Maine including Gov. Janet Mills, Maine Sec. of State Shenna Bellows and fellow U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree have publicly backed Harris.

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A demonstration saw participants waving flags with antisemitic and white supremacist messaging, alongside a Trump flag, in Howell on Friday, July 20.

HOWELL  The campaign for the presumptive Democratic nominee for president and the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel have released statements condemning white supremacist demonstrations in Howell on Saturday, July 20.

According to reporting from Michigan Advance, the Michigan sector of VP Kamala Harris' presidential campaign called the showings a shocking display of antisemitism and hatred and yet another example of how (former president) Donald Trumps divisive agenda has empowered white nationalists and others on the extreme far-right.

More: 'We love Hitler. We love Trump.' As Trump rallied in GR, white supremacists chanted in Howell

Michigan Advance also quoted a statement from Nessel released by the campaign.

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, Nessel said. 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.

Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage

Local officials, including Howell Mayor Bob Ellis, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin and State Rep. Bob Bezotte, also condemned the display over the weekend.

 Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Harris campaign, Nessel condemn white supremacist showings in Howell
A new study ranks Louisiana as the worst state for the highest percentage of at-risk youth, another survey in which the state ranks last in key quality of life metrics.

The WalletHub report released this week showed Louisiana with the highest percentage of at risk youth based on 15 indicators.

Among the WalletHub findings:

Louisiana ranked first in highest percentage of disconnected youth, described as people 18 to 24 who aren't working or attending school, second in percentage of youth without a high school diploma, 12th in percentage of overweight and obese youth and the third worst youth poverty rate.

Overall, about one in five Louisianians live in poverty and one in five also receive federal food assistance.

Louisiana is the state with the most at-risk youth, largely because it has the highest share of people ages 18 to 24 who are not attending school, not working and have no degree beyond high school," WallletHub analyst Cassandra Happe said in a statement. "This represents 17.7% of young adults in the state. In addition, Louisiana has the second-highest share of people ages 18 to 24 without a high school diploma, the third-highest youth poverty rate and the third-highest teen birth rate in the country.

The WalletHub study follows Louisiana's ranking last for the second straight year in the U.S. News and World Report's 2024 Best States report, which cited an atmosphere of violent crime, poisonous industrial pollution, poverty and a dwindling population among the state's hardships.

It also tracks with last year's Kids Count report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranking Louisiana 49th for child well-being.

More: Most Louisiana residents have negative outlook on direction of state: Here's why

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: New report ranks Louisiana last for at risk youth: Here's why
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has vetoed $3 million in state funding for the redevelopment of the former Shaw-Walker Furniture Company building in Muskegon, according to a report from Crains Grand Rapids Business.

In 2022, Parkland Properties of Michigan purchased the 730,000-square-foot site, with plans to turn it into 432 apartments for the workforce housing market, 69 luxury condos, 37 townhomes, and eight retail spaces across from Muskegon Lake.

Over 500 housing units planned for Shaw-Walker factory in Muskegon

Shaw-Walker Furniture Company in Muskegon. (July 23, 2024)

Citing Crains Detroit Business, the report says Whitmer, who signed the budget for fiscal year 2025 into law on Wednesday, made just five line-item vetoes for a total of $9.2 million. The governor said lawmakers added these items without her sign-off, Crains reports.

When we dont negotiate things, I dont think anyone should be surprised that theyre taken out of the budget, she said, according to the report. Im comfortable with that. If the colleagues who put those items in want to have a conversation, Im open to it. But that was the rationale.

In the states budget for fiscal year 2024, $18 million was allocated for the redevelopment of the former factory.

Developers say preliminary studies show the project would have a $15.3 million economic impact in its first year, a number thats expected to grow over time. Parkland Properties previously told News 8 it hopes to begin construction by the end of the 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 WOODTV.com.
After reports of shots fired in air, Miami police shoot, kill suspect in Little Havana

July 25 (UPI) -- A man is dead after being shot by police in the Little Havana section of Miami, authorities said Thursday. The suspect may have been shooting at buildings, according to police, who reported that no officers were injured.

Miami police responded to calls of a man firing his weapon into the air about 12:45 p.m. ET, and said officers were forced to shoot and kill the man when officers arrived on the scene.

"What we know at this time is a very preliminary stages of our investigation is that there was some sort of encounter where shots were fired by both several officers," Miami Police Chief Manny Morales told local media. "The offender was struck, and ... is been pronounced deceased on the scene."

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the circumstances of the shooting.

"We're still looking for any motive that might have caused this behavior today," Morales added. He said the man is thought to have lived in the area.

Residents said before police engaged the man, he was shooting his weapon randomly.

Even though police have said there is no imminent threat, residents have been advised to stay clear of the area, which is home to many Cuban exiles and is popular with tourists for its variety of Cuban restaurants and cultural history.
The four names at the top of this essay are an unusual combination. You may or may not know who we are, but the four of us have spent decades arguing with each other in public and private particularly before, during, and after the great financial crisis.

But theres one thing we do agree on right now, and that is that the government must stop bailing out private investors. This is why we are taking the unusual step of joining forces to oppose a Treasury Department proposal on mortgage servicers that would further entrench the cycle of private gains and public bailouts that pretty much all Americans hate.

The truth is that todays mortgage market isnt your grandparents mortgage market. Mortgage origination and servicing are now increasingly dominated by nonbanks such as Lakeview, PennyMac, Rocket, United Wholesale and Mr. Cooper. A powerful group of regulators known as the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) recently released a report focusing on the risks arising from the current regulatory structure for mortgage servicing. We applaud attention to these risks. Unfortunately, the plan from FSOC, which is chaired by Treasury, included a suggestion that Congress create a permanent bailout fund to underwrite these risks. As a bipartisan group of longtime financial regulation experts, we think this is a terrible idea.

Massive growth in nonbank mortgage companies is one of the major structural changes thats occurred in the mortgage market since it played a star role in the global financial crisis of 2008. Back then nonbank companies owned servicing rights for 4 percent of mortgages; today it is 54 percent. For Ginnie Mae, which includes VA, USDA and FHA mortgages, its well over 80 percent. Whether these companies originate your mortgage directly, or you get your mortgage from a bank or credit union, its likely that your mortgage would be serviced by a nonbank.



Mortgage servicing includes core functions of administering the mortgage. The mortgage servicer collects the borrowers payment and distributes it to investors, and pays escrow payments to insurance companies and property taxes to local governments. Missing these payments could result in foreclosure or being denied coverage after a natural disaster. Servicers are also responsible for working out alternative payments with the homeowner when they face difficulties maintaining their mortgage. When all else fails, servicers manage foreclosures and evictions. When mortgage servicers cant do their job right, the impacts on families, communities and the financial system can be significant.

Story continues

Congress created FSOC after the financial crisis to identify risks to  financial stability along with the obligation to respond to emerging threats to the stability of the  financial system. Nonbank mortgage servicers may well pose such risks. Thats why FSOC is right to focus on mortgage servicers and ring the alarm bell before a massive wave of problems occur.

But Congress also tasked FSOC with the responsibility to promote market discipline, by eliminating expectations  that the Government will shield  losses in the event of a failure. By suggesting Congress create a backstop for mortgage servicers, FSOC undermined market discipline. If Congress were to go forward and create such a backstop, expectations in the market would be that mortgage servicers were guaranteed by taxpayers  undermining market discipline and reviving the cycle of privatizing gains and socializing losses. The last thing the country needs is to put taxpayers on the hook for mortgage servicers in addition to such expectations for other large financial institutions.

An alternative approach FSOC should consider is to focus on the banks, credit unions and government-sponsored enterprises who make or own most of these mortgages and ensure they are able to support themselves in times of stress. In its report, FSOC rightly highlighted that state regulators are the primary regulators overseeing nonbank mortgage servicers and many may need to step up their game, including by enhancing coordination between states and ensuring that a servicer has a resolution plan so that borrowers are not holding the bag should their servicer go under.

FSOC should also direct its member agencies to set standards for mortgage servicer companies that do business with banks, credit unions and Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. FSOC suggests that federal regulators lack current legal authority to do so in all cases. Lawyers may disagree how much is authority versus regulatory will, but if more authority is needed, Congress should consider that without establishing any bailout programs. If that means some mortgage servicers cannot remain profitable with enough private capital, then the market will decide and adapt.

The catastrophic financial crisis of 2008 was the result of multiple layers of failure, many of which involved the mis-regulated and flawed operation of Americas mortgage market. Congress passed multiple laws, which we helped create, with a simple goal in mind: creating a safer financial system that would never require taxpayer funded bailouts. This system already failed its first tests, as regulators and Congress bailed out investors and creditors when Covid-19 struck and again when Silicon Valley Bank failed.

Instead of accepting that bailouts are inevitable  or actively promoting them  FSOC needs to use its power and authority to improve the oversight of our mortgage markets, and make clear that if a mortgage servicer or any other financial institution fails, it will be private investors and creditors who lose money, not taxpayers. That is the way to ensure market discipline and end the bailout cycle.
Some Republicans are reportedly starting to regret Donald Trumps pick for a running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, after Vice President Kamala Harriss sudden ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket.

Trump chose Vance thinking he was running against President Joe Biden, who announced on Sunday that he was stepping aside as the Democratic nominee and endorsing Harris.

The former president believed he was on a glide path to victory in November before Bidens dropping out shook up the race. Trump chose a running mate that would gin up his base, not appeal to possible swing voters or Republicans hesitant about supporting him.

One House Republican told Axios, The road got a lot harder. He was the only pick that wasnt the safe pick. And I think everyone has now realized that.

Two of the final possible challengers to Vance to be the running mate included Florida Senator Marco Rubio and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, both considered to have more crossover appeal.

Some more old-school establishment Republicans argued for former UN Ambassador and Trump primary challenger Nikki Haley or Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to strike more of a balance and create more of a moderate image.

Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) arrives for a campaign rally at Radford University on July 22, 2024 in Radford, Virginia. Some Republicans are reportedly regretting that former president Donald Trump chose him as his running mate (Getty Images)

Another House Republican told Axios that on the whole, Vance doesnt add much.

And now with Kamala at the top, the capacity to have expanded the map a little bit ... would have been much more beneficial, they added.

CNN analyst Harry Enten found that Vance is making history as the least liked VP nominee (non-incumbent) since 1980 following his/her partys convention.

Hes 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, he added on X.

Vance won in Ohio in 2022 by six points while Trump won the state by eight in 2020. He fared worse than every statewide Republican running in the state in 2022. For instance, he was 20 points behind Governor Mike DeWine.

The chair of the Ohio Republican Party, Alex Triantafilou, noted that Vance had a well-funded challenger in Democratic Representative Tim Ryan and that other Republicans had the advantage of being incumbents, according to Axios.

Harriss polling previously led to Biden questioning before he dropped out if she could beat Trump. Last summer, NBC News found in a poll that she had the lowest approval rating of any vice president since the survey began.

Republicans hope that Vances background in rural Ohio will help Trump in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, where Harris may fare worse than Biden possibly would have. Vance could also help the Republican Senate candidate in Ohio, Bernie Moreno, whos running against Sherrod Brown in a race that may decide who controls the Senate.

While Vance has been commended as an adept speaker and media performer for the Maga movement, Democrats think his conservative views on abortion and cutting rhetoric about women will push away swing voters, particularly with someone like Harris leading the charge against the Republicans.

When he ran for senate in 2022, Vance criticized those he called childless cat ladies on the left with no stake in the future of the country. He pointed to Harris as being one of them despite her having two stepchildren.

Ive always said President Trump has the best political instincts of anyone Ive ever met. His instincts were right in picking JD Vance, Wyoming Republican Senator John Barrasso told Axios.

The Atlantic staff writer Tim Alberta wrote on X on July 22 that the Most striking thing I heard from Trump allies yesterday was the second-guessing of J.D. Vancea selection, they acknowledged, that was borne of cockiness, meant to run up margins with the base in a blowout rather than persuade swing voters in a nail-biter.

Appearing on Fox & Friends on Thursday morning, Trump was asked if he was still 100 percent behind J.D. Vance after Harriss rise to the top of the Democratic ticket.

Hes fantastic, it wouldnt have mattered, and I thought she was probably going to happen anyway because I knew there was a palace coup going on, Trump said.

He added that Vance, a former venture capitalist, is essentially for the worker.

Hes doing a great job and hes been very well received, Trump said.

Trump spokesman Steven Cheung told The Independent: President Trump is thrilled with the choice he made with Senator Vance, and they are the perfect team to take back the White House. Meanwhile, Democrats are in complete disarray after their coup that forcibly removed Biden from the campaign, proving they are the real threats to democracy.
Researchers make concerning discovery in vultures found living near waste sites: 'The conservation of vultures is of great importance'

A study of black vulture feathers in Mexico showed that the scavengers are exposed to an array of heavy metals.

What's happening?

Researchers gathered 125 molting feathers from open dumpsites and sanitary landfills in rural, semiurban, and urban areas of Campeche, a state on the Yucatan Peninsula. They used the samples as bioindicators and an analog for humans' exposure to heavy metals. The paper was published in Environmental Research in April.

"Aluminum and arsenic presented the highest concentrations in feathers," according to a summary of the results shared by ScienceDirect.

Mercury was spread evenly in the three environments, while aluminum, tin, and lead were prominent in rural areas. Chromium, copper, and arsenic had the highest concentrations in urban areas. Cadmium was most prevalent in semiurban areas.

The study noted vultures eat up to 95% of carcasses in their areas and that metals and metalloids can harm or kill birds, cause reproductive and immune system problems, and reduce their growth rates and body weights, among other hazards.

The study area was 60,000 square kilometers and covered approximately 928,000 birds.

"Black vultures from dumpsites are good bioindicators of what humans consume in urban, semiurban, and rural environments," the authors wrote. "However, the conservation of vultures is of great importance since these scavenger birds perform ecosystem services by feeding on decomposing organic material."

Why is studying exposure to heavy metals important?

Heavy metals include known carcinogens that have caused damage to multiple organs in the human body. They can cause problems even at low exposure levels and have been increasingly polluting the environment. They can have long-lasting effects on the brain and cause cognitive dysfunction.

This disproportionately affects people of color and those with lower incomes.

Drinking water, food (especially fish), and medication can contain these metals, and people who handle or work with them have an elevated risk of exposure, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

You can take steps to reduce your risk of poisoning, but it's not as easy as buying organic or washing your produce  even 94% of homemade baby food includes heavy metals.

What's being done about heavy metals in the environment?

Governments must protect us from corporations and industries that release these toxic pollutants into our soil, air, and water. California, for example, is banning fracking, which has been linked to radium contamination in mussels. In Australia, conservationists are working to reduce the effects of rising global temperatures on seagrass, which can store heavy metals much like trees store carbon.

You can support such efforts by voting for politicians who will take action to protect us and the environment, choosing where to spend your money, and even just talking to friends and family about them.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet.
Researchers use eye-tracking glasses to unearth simple way city planners can ease anxiety in residents: 'An increase in perceived restorativeness'

A new study shows that nature in urban areas can help the well-being of residents.

Phys.org reported that Bangor University in Wales and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology conducted a study, published in People and Nature, measuring how looking at greenery affected people's mental health.

The study involved 117 urban residents wearing eye-tracking glasses while on a 45-minute walk through an urban setting.

The participants were instructed to focus on flowers, trees, lawns, plants, manufactured structures, or a mix of both. The study revealed that the participants concentrating on nature showed improvements in their mental health, including "anxiety levels and feelings of restorativeness."

Dr. Whitney Fleming, lecturer in Human Geography at Bangor University, said trees showed "the most substantial positive effect" among the different nature elements.

She added, "The study highlights a strong link between observing green elements, especially trees, and an increase in perceived restorativeness, suggesting that even brief interactions with nature can provide mental health benefits."

The Nature Gaze study isn't the only research examining nature's effect on mental health. For example, a Texas A&M University's School of Public Health study discovered that urban residents had fewer mental health treatments when exposed to green spaces.

The researchers collected data from psychiatric care visits organized by zip codes.

In addition, a study from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China found that exposure to green space reduced anxiety and depression. This research looked at the distance the residents lived from green spaces.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, green spaces, such as trees and parks, can have other health benefits. They can reduce polluting gases and improve air quality. Philadelphia discovered that increased trees reduced the pollution level enough to "significantly reduce mortality, hospital admissions, and work loss days."

You can also reap these benefits by using your voice to get your representatives to create more green spaces in your city.

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A fight over the water in the Catawba River is nearing a boiling point. Charlotte wants to pull more than 30 million more gallons a day from the river.

Channel 9s Tina Terry learned how the proposal could impact communities downstream.

Those communities include Lauren Worsman, who remembers what it was like when water levels in the Catawba River dropped due to severe drought years ago.

They wouldnt let us water our grass, she said. I remember when its between this and this hours, dont water your grass  that type of thing.

RELATED: Charlotte Water hosting public meetings for feedback on Catawba River transfer

Thats one reason shes concerned about Charlotte Waters request to double the amount of water it pulls from the Catawba River to 63 million gallons a day.

It is water that would never return to the Catawba. Officials said the wastewater would naturally flow into another river basin.

Jimmy Bagley is the deputy city manager for the City of Rock Hill. Hes also the chair of the Catawba Wateree Water Management Group.

I think what people are fearing is if that drought happens again, if weve allowed some of this water to go other places that doesnt return, weve excluded folks downstream from being able to use that water, he said.

Bagley also said the way Charlotte Water brought up the need for more water was jarring.

ALSO READ: New report shows plans to clean up Catawba River

Instead of saying, Hey, what do you all downstream think about this? it came out and said, Were just notifying you we need to do this, he said.

He said hes not opposed to Charlottes request if its the best and only option.

Bagley hopes regulators pay attention to all concerns, thoroughly investigate, and consider solutions that benefit everyone.

Maybe there needs to be a surcharge where they need to pay extra for that. That says well give it to you now because youre in dire straights, but maybe in two to three years you have to find a way to get it back, he said.

Charlotte Waters deputy director has said that additional water could be pumped back into the Catawba River, but that would be very costly.

You can learn more at a public meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Monday at Dutchman Creek Middle School in Rock Hill.

(WATCH BELOW: New markers installed to help rescuers along the Catawba River)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  About 120,000 undocumented students graduated high school in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. However, many of those students are not sure what to do next to achieve higher education.

Its a constant fear for undocumented students of being different, taken away, and criticized.

What would they say to me, what would they call me? 15-year-old Jose Delgado Padilla said. When asked if there was ever a point where he was scared to talk about it he told 8 News Now, Yeah, it was, Delgado Padilla responded. What would they think if I told them oh, Im not from here.'

Its constant anxiety for him.

When Delgado Padilla was 4 years old, he and his parents, moved to the U.S. from Mexico.

Its difficult when you arrive, his mother, Maria Loredo said.

Like the majority of families, they just wanted a better future. In Delgado Padillas case, it was also about having a chance to live. His mother said if it werent for the proper medical attention, her son would not be alive.

My son has congenital hydrocephalus, Loredo said.

Health experts said this condition is caused by a brain malformation or birth defect. Now, Loredo said her son has dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon one day.

But since he is undocumented difficult for him to qualify for a scholarship, she said.

Undocumented students are not eligible for federal student aid. The Urban Institute said only a small percentage of undocumented students pursue higher education in the U.S.

The national organization, TheDream.US said it offers scholarships to students with or without DACA or temporary protected status attending eligible institutions across the country. Nevada State University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas partner with the organization.

8 News Now asked Loredo what educators can do to help undocumented students

We need help as parents, they [school district] need to put more people that speak Spanish, Loredo said when asked what educators can do to help undocumented students.

There are schools with great resources, but some will not accept him because you have to be from here, his father Moises Delgado Acosta said.

Delgado Acosta said its these situations that frustrate him. A frustration Dreamer Astrid Silva understands.

For me, I started kindergarten in the Clark County School District, [and] I didnt speak English, Silva said. It was a very difficult battle.

Silva showed 8 News Now the wall of butterflies filled with dreams of undocumented students inside the CCSD Family Support Center.

When the moms, they come with their little buns because they work at whichever fast-food place with the apron still on  those are my motivation, Silva said.

Silva is the director of CCSD Unify, a fairly new program that supports immigrant and undocumented students and families navigating the Clark County School District.

We try and explain to them, we have a lot of undocumented students, she said.

The center is the place to find a translator to help learn about school resources. Especially for families and students like Delgado Padilla.

Keep going until you accomplish your dreams, he said.

Silva said the CCSD Family Support Center also provides various services like an on-site pediatrician. The center is not only for undocumented families and students but for all in Clark County.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD)  A group of students from Muskegon Heights had the opportunity to spend part of the day at the Lakeshore Fab Lab Thursday afternoon as part of the Pathfinders program.

Approximately a dozen students took part in a week-long STEM class led by U.S. Veteran and retired robotics engineer Rod Coley, who is working to teach the young students about the brain.

All human minds want to know more of how to be better and I think thats one of the things that were showing them today, Coley said.

Through neuroeducation, Coleys hope is that the students will realize they can shape whatever future they desire.

Students from Muskegon Heights at the Pathfinders program. (July 25, 2024)

Students from Muskegon Heights at the Pathfinders program. (July 25, 2024)

Retired robotics engineer Rod Coley teaches students from Muskegon Heights at the Pathfinders program. (July 25, 2024)

Were talking about a community that dont have a lot, but what they do have is their brains, their creativity, and thats what we want to build upon. And again as we build upon that, positive things are going to happen. And thats what we believe, Coley said.

Students murals bring new life to downtown Muskegon

The retired robotics engineer is passionate about giving back to youth in marginalized communities because he sees so much of himself in them.

Im trying to educate these young kids. Again, you dont have to come up the rough side of the mountain, he explained. So as I get these lessons of how I got over and what society has shown and taught me, Im instilling in these kids because they are me, and I am them, and we are one.

For students like Justin Robinson, its a chance to see how much career potential is out there.

Its been a great experience helping me think about what jobs I want to do later on in life, Robinson said. The wiring in the room that we just came from, like with the houses and things, very interested in that.

Students go inside medical company to learn about STEM

Coley said many African Americans are conditioned to believe there are certain things theyll never be able to do. He wants to change that narrative.

(Its) an opportunity thats more than what you see out your window. We got a whole world, Coley said. We talk about, Oh you need to change mindset, but nobody has ever came in with instructions on how to shut down old neuro pathways and create some new ones.

Coley plans to launch a STEMbotics program at Muskegon Heights High School which will start in the fall.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Medication abortion has been the most common way to terminate a pregnancy since 2020, when pills accounted for 53% of all pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute. (Getty Images)

Reproductive rights has taken center stage in the first post-Roe presidential election that presently features a longtime advocate for reproductive rights in possible Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, opposite former Republican President Donald Trump, whose three appointed U.S. Supreme Court justices helped overturn federal abortion rights. Although Trumps former health staffers have co-authored the Heritage Foundations conservative anti-abortion policy blueprint for a future Republican administration, called Project 2025, Trump, his outspoken anti-abortion running mate Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, and many GOP candidates have attempted to soften their abortion stances while also adopting the longtime movement narrative that abortion is dangerous to women and equivalent to infanticide.

As the first presidential election season since the Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision heats up, here are the facts behind the most commonly touted myths about abortion.

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1. Abortion is safe.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) concluded in a comprehensive review of the safety and quality of abortion care in the U.S. in 2018 that complications from abortion are rare, especially when compared to the complications of pregnancy and childbirth. The anti-abortion movement falsely claims abortions are more dangerous than childbirth, and tried unsuccessfully to legally force the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to revoke its approval of the abortion medication mifepristone. Meanwhile, a new Louisiana law will, starting this fall, classify mifepristone as dangerous, despite opposition from state doctors.

Medication abortion has been the most common way to terminate a pregnancy since 2020, when pills accounted for 53% of all pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute. When administered at 9 weeks gestation or less, the FDA-approved regimen has a more than 99% completion rate, a 0.4% risk of major complications, and a reported 32 associated deaths over 22 years. Common symptoms include heavy bleeding and cramping, diarrhea, and nausea.

2. Abortion can reduce health risks and infertility and save lives.

There are many conditions that can develop during pregnancy  such as ectopic and molar pregnancies, severe preeclampsia, and preterm premature rupture of membranes  that can put the pregnant person at risk of death, serious health complications, and future infertility, as well as make it unlikely the fetus would survive even if the pregnancy continued. Though anti-abortion activists do recognize this reality, they use the political term separation of a mother and her unborn child to obfuscate that abortion is sometimes necessary. And even in emergency cases, they advocate for riskier procedures like C-sections to avoid performing less invasive abortion procedures. Meanwhile, the future legality of emergency abortions in states like Idaho remains uncertain.

3. Abortion is not infanticide.

Candidates have been campaigning on rhetoric that abortion is infanticide and happens post birth, up until the moment of birth, or after birth, as Trump alleged in the June debate with President Joe Biden. However, abortion does not happen after birth. That would be categorized as murder, as it was in the case of former Philadelphia abortion doctor and convicted murderer Kermit Gosnell.

4. Late-term and partial-birth abortions are political terms not grounded in science.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 93% of abortions occur within the first trimester, and less than 1% after 21 weeks gestation. Still, anti-abortion groups and candidates emphasize the idea of late-term abortions, which is not a medical term. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which helps elect anti-abortion candidates, has begun calling the vice president an abortion czar, with president Marjorie Dannenfelser claiming Harris wants to impose on all 50 states all-trimester abortion without any limits, even painful late-term abortions in the 7th, 8th, and 9th month of pregnancy. Though abortions do occur later in pregnancy, they are rare and typically involve nuanced and heartbreaking circumstances. The GOPs national platform opposes late term abortion.

Sometimes anti-abortion activists also refer to partial-birth abortions, a non-medical term for a procedure known as dilation and extraction (D&X), which is already banned under federal law.

5. Abortion exceptions for rape, incest, fetal anomalies, and health risks do not exist in most states where abortion is totally banned.

Despite Republicans oft-touted support for rape and incest exceptions in abortion bans, many currently on the books dont include them. Of the 14 states with near-total abortion bans, only Idaho, Indiana, and North Dakotas maintain some exceptions for survivors of rape and incest. Indiana also allows for abortion if there is a fatal fetal anomaly. Reproductive health experts say abortion exceptions are rarely granted even when they exist.

6. The terms heartbeat bill and six-week abortion bans are misleading.

Currently Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and soon Iowa will ban abortion at the moment embryonic cardiac activity can be detected on an ultrasound, which typically occurs around six weeks gestation. This type of law is often referred to as a heartbeat bill, but reproductive health experts say the term is misleading because the heart is not fully developed at that stage. These laws are also referred to as six-week bans, which is also misleading, given how gestational age is calculated: by counting from the first day of ones last menstrual cycle. This is an approximate estimate and varies depending on when conception officially occurs. For many, a six-week ban is closer to four weeks or less of pregnancy, before many people realize theyre pregnant.

7. The GOP platform contradicts promises to leave abortion to the states and to protect IVF.

The Republican Partys recently unveiled Make America Great Again! policy platform does not explicitly call for a federal ban on abortion and expresses support for birth control and in vitro fertilization. But it simultaneously supports states establishing fetal personhood under the U.S. Constitutions 14th Amendment, which legal experts warn could lead to the criminalization of pregnancy and implicate abortion, contraception, and IVF.

A nationwide concern about Americans access to IVF kicked off this winter after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos are children, leading IVF clinics in Alabama to shutter temporarily. In the aftermath, some states, including Alabama, have taken steps to ensure access to the fertility treatment, but future access remains largely uncertain, especially as congressional bills to protect IVF nationally have failed to advance.

8. Emergency contraceptives are not abortifacients but could be impacted by personhood laws.

Emergency contraceptives like Plan B and ella are designed to be taken shortly after sex, to delay or prevent ovulation. They are not abortifacients, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and they dont work on someone who is already pregnant. Anti-abortion activists largely oppose emergency birth control (and many other contraceptives), based on outdated drug labeling that Plan B might work by preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg, which many in the movement say should be treated in law as a person. The FDA revised the label in December 2022, following additional scientific evidence concluding Plan B works before fertilization.

Research on ella also indicates it likely does not prevent implantation, but Project 2025 includes a proposal to exclude ella from contraceptives currently covered under the Affordable Care Act, referring to it as a potential abortifacient.

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TechCrunch

Rivian has revealed the first $10 million worth of grants from the Rivian Foundation, three years after the EV maker vowed the philanthropy would receive 1% of its equity to make the "natural world" a "stakeholder in our success." Rivian Foundation launched Monday a website that details 41 grantees who will collectively receive just north of $10 million in funding. The website lifts the hood on one of the more closely guarded promises made by Rivian around the time of its blockbuster IPO.
Holding your breath and plugging your ears as you board the school bus, yelling over the Diesel engine noise just to talk to your friends right next to you, getting away with shenanigans at the back of the bus because youre out of earshot from your teacher  these are experiences future generations of children may never know with the adoption of electric school buses.

Hopefully, future generations experience of climate change will also be mitigated by the proliferation of this technology.

Riding on one of San Juan Unified School Districts six new school buses is certainly a departure from most peoples childhood experience of riding the bus, but in subtle ways. The vehicles are nearly indistinguishable from buses of the past on both the outside and the inside, featuring the same yellow exterior, blue leather seats and aluminum walls most are familiar with. The key differences are not visual, but involve other senses. The lack of a diesel engine means that riders can hear conversations across the vehicle instead of combustion noise. Upon boarding the bus, riders can smell the new leather seats instead of gasoline exhaust.

Two school children hop off one of San Juan Unified School Districts new electric buses on July 25, 2024.

Not all San Juan Unified school children will experience the smoother, quieter rides yet. The district, which serves more than 38,000 students, has a fleet of 137 non-electric buses. District spokesperson Raj Rai said that the plan is to replace a portion of the fleet with electric buses, with the other portion being alternative clean air vehicles that can travel farther for long range trips. The electric buses can travel around 130 miles on a three-hour charge. Most of the districts buses travel around 100 miles in a day.

San Juan Unified debuted the new vehicles, which were funded through a Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation grant, Thursday morning. District officials say that the purchase of the buses is a small but significant step toward a sustainable future.

This means cleaner air for everyone in our community to breathe, San Juan Unified Board President Pam Costa said. These steps we take towards reducing emissions, cutting costs and improving efficiency may seem small, but together they represent a significant leap towards a more sustainable future for our entire fleet.

Heidi Sanborn, a board member for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, spoke to the importance of community partnership to address climate change.

Teamwork makes the dream work, she said. We cant dont this alone. We all work together  we got the grants, we got the buses, we got the infrastructure, we got the transformer, and this is how its all going to work.  And our partnership with the school district, let it just continue to be stronger than ever.
A former Jeopardy! champion who up until a month ago taught math at an elite private school in New York City was on Thursday charged with soliciting sexually explicit images of minors, The New York Times reported.

Winston Nguyen, 37, was dramatically arrested in front of his students outside $60,000-a-year Saint Anns School in Brooklyn last month, the Daily Beast first reported, but was released days later as authorities launched an investigation into the matter.

Using two different Snapchat accounts, he is alleged to have attempted to catfish at least six children into sending him images of nudity and sexual performances between Oct. 2022 and May 2024, prosecutors said.

His lawyer, Frank Rothman, told the Times that Nguyen had surrendered to Brooklyn authorities on Thursday morning.

We arranged for his surrender with the prosecutors and detectives, Rothman said. He showed up and will be processed like any other defendant.

To the New York Post, the lawyer added, We always expected this day to come.

Math Teacher at Elite Brooklyn School Arrested in Sexualized Image Probe

Nguyen previously tangled with the law in 2017, charged with stealing more than $300,000 from an elderly couple hed been caring for as a home health aide on Manhattans Upper East Side. Prosecutors accused him of spending his ill-gotten gains on luxe Florida vacations, as well as tickets to the ballet and Broadway shows.

He pleaded guilty to the charges the following year, and was sentenced to six months behind bars and five years of probation. Nguyen served about five months on Rikers Island before being freed.

Its a terrible thing I did that will live within me, he told a writer for the National Food Museum after his release.

Nguyen explained in the interview that his students at Saint Anns knew about his checkered past. I think because of this being so public, students know what I did and feel comfortable coming to me with their own poor choices, he said.

I keep thinking what can I make of this for the greater good? Helping my students helps me.

His legal troubles began well after his time on Jeopardy!, on which he won more than $11,000 across two appearances in 2014.

Saint Anns, a $60,000-a-year institution that boasts alumni like Lena Dunham, Maya Hawke, and Jennifer Connelly, was similarly rocked by scandal last year when the family of a 13-year-old former student sued the school, alleging his rejection from re-enrollment led to the teens death by suicide in 2021.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Adventus Provides Update on Arrangement with Silvercorp

TORONTO, July 25, 2024 /CNW/ - Adventus Mining Corporation ("Adventus" or the "Company") (TSXV: ADZN) (OTCQX: ADVZF) provides the following update on the constitutional protective action filed against Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition of Ecuador ("MAATE"), and the office of the Attorney General of Ecuador, on June 5, 2024, and accepted by the Court on June 12, 2024 (the "Protective Action").

Adventus Mining Corporation - www.adventusmining.com (ADZN-tsxv) (ADVZF-otcqx) (CNW Group/Adventus Mining Corporation)

The Company also provides an update on the status of plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") under the Canada Business Corporations Act pursuant to the arrangement agreement dated April 26, 2024 (the "Arrangement Agreement") between Adventus and Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp").

The Protective Action challenged an environmental license issued to the Company's Ecuadorian subsidiary, Curimining S.A. ("Curimining"), on January 19, 2024, in relation to the El Domo - Curipamba Project (the "Project"). Curimining was named as an interested third party in the Protective Action.

The Protective Action did not raise allegations about the substance of the environmental permits issued in connection with the Project. Instead, the Protective Action raised procedural allegations about the sufficiency of the consultative process followed by MAATE in issuing the permits. The Protective Action was not accompanied by a precautionary measure that would seek to enjoin Adventus from continuing construction on the Project while the Protective Action was outstanding.

After the Protective Action was accepted by the Ecuadorian Court, a group of community members supporting the Project was added as an interested third party after the group submitted a petition with close to 800 signatures.

The Court proceeding was carried out in the Judicial Unit of the Canton of Las Naves, in Bolivar province of Ecuador, on July 23, 2024, and July 24, 2024. Following the conclusion of the hearing on July 24, 2024, the Court issued a binding oral ruling, rejecting the Protective Action. The Court concluded that the consultative process followed by MAATE in issuing the permits complied with applicable legal requirements. The Court will in due course issue a written ruling reflecting the oral ruling issued on July 24, 2024.

After the Court pronounced its ruling, the parties that filed the Protective Action advised the Court of their intention to appeal the Court's decision. The appeal will be heard by the Provincial Court of Justice of Bolivar in due course. No date for the appeal has been set.

Story continues

As no precautionary measures were sought or granted, and as the Protective Action was rejected by the Court, Adventus remains free to continue construction on the Project.

As disclosed in the Company's July 5, 2024 press release, Silvercorp has advised Adventus that the Protective Action was a Material Adverse Effect ("MAE") as defined in the Arrangement Agreement, representing an unmet condition to closing.

Adventus has rejected Silvercorp's contention that the Protective Action constituted a MAE. Adventus has advised Silvercorp that it must close the Arrangement by the "Outside Date" under the Arrangement Agreement of July 31, 2024, failing which Adventus will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Adventus and its securityholders in connection with the Arrangement.

On July 22, 2024, and on July 24, 2024, Adventus advised Silvercorp that it expected Silvercorp to close the Arrangement on July 31, 2024. On July 24, 2024, Adventus advised Silvercorp that Adventus intended to commence necessary pre-closing steps. In its response to this advice on July 24, 2024, which was received before the Ecuadorian court pronounced its ruling, Silvercorp advised that its position continued to be that there was presently an MAE, and that Silvercorp was not willing to close until there was no longer an MAE.

While Adventus disagrees that the Protective Action constituted a MAE, Adventus believes that Silvercorp's contention is untenable following the Court's ruling rejecting the Protective Action.

Adventus will take all steps within its power to close the Arrangement on July 31, 2024.

If Silvercorp fails to close the Arrangement on July 31, 2024, Adventus will seek appropriate remedies in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on account of Silvercorp's breach of the Arrangement Agreement, including a claim for specific performance of the Arrangement Agreement.

About Adventus

Adventus is an Ecuador-focused copper-gold exploration and development company. Adventus is advancing the majority-owned Curipamba copper-gold project, which has a completed feasibility study on the shallow and high-grade El Domo deposit. With the recent merger with Luminex Resources Corp., Adventus owns the Condor gold project and a large exploration project portfolio that spans over 135,000 hectares  one of the largest holdings in Ecuador. The company's strategic shareholders include Silvercorp, Ross Beaty's Lumina Group, Altius Minerals Corporation, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., and significant Ecuadorian investors.

This release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as "defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Adventus' expectations or beliefs regarding future events. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the discussions regarding strategies for the development of El Domo; the adoption of a strategy and the timing thereof; the obtaining of key approvals, permits and environmental licensing approval for the El Domo and the timing thereof; the start of construction at El Domo and the timing thereof; and the timing and resolution of the Court. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, amongst others, risks related to the exploration, development, production, recoveries and other anticipated or possible future developments at El Domo, including, without limitation, that exploration, development and production activities will not occur or be as anticipated and that environmental licensing will not be approved; failure to obtain the environmental licensing approval for the El Domo along with other key permits and approvals and to start construction; the Court will not have a favourable ruling or in the expected time period; and general economic, business and political conditions.

Forward-looking information are based on Adventus management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on such management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Such factors, among other things, include: business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of copper or certain other commodities; change in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); discrepancies between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties.

The Company 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 the information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Adventus Mining Corporation

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2024/25/c9194.html
A federal judge is mulling over arguments made during a July 9 hearing where the national and state GOP argued for the elimination of mail-in absentee ballot counting after Election Day.

However, a similar case recently ruled on in the U.S. District Court for Nevada against the Republican National Committee may provide a concrete defense of current Mississippi law, which allows mail-in absentee ballots to be counted up to five days after an election.

On July 9 in Gulfport, U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola heard arguments from attorneys for the national and state branches of the Republican Party, the Mississippi Libertarian Party and others, against those made by attorneys representing the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office, who is the defendant in the case.

GOP attorneys argued to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi that counting mail-in ballots after Election Day is unlawful because it extends the election. Other arguments, included that mail-in absentee ballot counting harms GOP candidates.

Those arguments align with arguments made in the Nevada court, which ultimately ruled against the RNC.

"According to the MIT Election Lab, 46% of Democratic voters in the 2022 General Election mailed in their ballots, compared to only 27% of Republicans," the plaintiffs' attorneys wrote. "That means the late-arriving mail-in ballots that are counted for five additional days disproportionately break for Democrats."

Absentee voting signage is in place outside of the Hinds County Courthouse in Jackson on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. A recent decision in a federal lawsuit in Nevada aligns with arguments made by the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office in defense of mail-absentee ballot counting laws.

In briefs, Watson's office, as well as two other groups that intervened in the case argued the GOP has no legal standing to bring the case against the state and the court without proper jurisdiction. Therefore, the lawsuit should be dismissed. MSOS attorneys argued election day ends when the last mail-in ballot is cast, Mississippi Today reported July 10.

In 2020, the Mississippi Legislature passed a law to allow election workers to count mail-in ballots up to five days following an election, as long as those ballots were postmarked by election day. At the time, the law was put in place out of concerns brought about from the COVID-19 pandemic. The RNC and state GOP filed the lawsuit earlier this year in Mississippi and other states.

RNC lawsuit in Nevada falls through the floor; can it impact the same case in Mississippi?

The Mississippi case's most recent filing on Monday recognized that the Nevada court threw out a lawsuit in which the RNC argued against its mail-in absentee ballot law. In theory, that could provide a precedent for the Mississippi case to swing in the MSOS's favor.

In 2021, the state of Nevada passed legislation to allow mail-in absentee ballots to be counted up to four days after election night as long as they were post marked by the day of the election. Like in Mississippi, the RNC has challenged that law with the same arguments.

In that case, the court ruled that the RNC's argument that counting mail-in absentee ballots violates federal law is speculative at best.

"The causal link between counting mail ballots received after Election Day in Nevada and Organizational Plaintiffs alleged electoral injuries is too speculative to support standing," the court ruled. "Even if the first two points have been adequately pled  which is not altogether clear  it does not necessarily follow that mail ballots arriving after Election Day will skew Democratic."

Similarly to one of Watson's claims in Mississippi, the Nevada court found it has no legal jurisdiction in the case.

"Plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate that the Court has standing to exercise jurisdiction over this case," the ruling reads.

Read about other US Court cases in MS Mississippi's felon disenfranchisement laws can remain in place, U.S. Appeals Court rules

What happens now with the Mississippi case?

Even with a court case in Nevada with identical arguments made by the RNC thrown to the wind, a ruling in the Mississippi case as of Wednesday in either party's favor had not been handed down.

Even if the case is signed, sealed and delivered by Guirola, it could still be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit for further argument by an aggrieved party. If that were to happen, it could kick the case down the road, delaying a final ruling.

As it stands today, Mississippians can request an absentee ballot application starting Sept. 6, and the earliest day they can vote by absentee is Sept. 23, according to the Mississippi Secretary of States website.

Read latest on MS Supreme Court decision Should a man on death row be allowed to keep fighting? Mississippi Supreme Court says no

Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS mail-in absentee voting case pending decision from US Court
UPDATE: Moab City posted that the shelter-in-place order had been lifted.

Kane Creek Boulevard was reopened about 40 minutes after the warning was first issued.

ORIGINAL STORY

MOAB, Utah (ABC4)  A gas leak on Kane Creek Boulevard in Moab on Wednesday prompted a shelter-in-place warning for the immediate area from officials.

Moab City posted on social media Wednesday afternoon to advise residents of the leak, and said the shelter-in-place warning would be in effect until further notice.

READ NEXT: Human remains recovered in Millcreek Canyon

We have been informed about a possible gas leak on Kane Creek Boulevard, the post originally said. Please shelter in place. We will update with details as soon as possible.

Officials shut off the gas just before 3:10 p.m., and the city said that, before the shelter-in-place was lifted, officials were waiting for the gas to disperse and for tests to be conducted.

The city later updated the post to say the leak was located near apartment buildings on Kane Creek Boulevard.

Grand County Dispatch sent out a new alert annnouncing that the shelter in place only applies to the Kane Creek area, an update around 3 p.m. said. Everyone else can disregard.

Officials did not initially provide information about what may have caused the gas leak or how long residents were expected to shelter in place.

There is no further information at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Five men wanted in connection with an alleged robbery in Bakersfield were arrested after a high-speed pursuit and a foot chase that ended inside a Walmart in San Bernardino County, authorities announced.

The incident unfolded just before noon Wednesday when police in Bakersfield requested the assistance of deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department in apprehending the suspects as they were driving southbound on Highway 395 toward Adelanto in a black Mercedes-Benz.

SBSD deputies and officers with the California Highway Patrol, along with a CHP helicopter, spotted the suspect vehicle traveling at speeds of more than 100 miles an hour while passing other cars on the shoulder of the highway.

Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to yield and continued to drive with complete disregard for public safety, an SBSD news release stated.

San Bernardino robbery suspects

When the driver pulled into a Walmart parking lot in Victorville, four suspects jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the store, while the driver of the Mercedes sped off.

Authorities said that Walmart employees quickly worked to evacuate their customers to a safe location as deputies, including a K-9 unit, searched the store for the four suspects and ultimately took them into custody.

The driver of the Mercedes was also arrested after a short pursuit, officials added.

Narco in Southern California gets life for 4 brutal cartel-related executions

The names of the five suspects, as well as the charges they face, are expected to be released by the Bakersfield Police Department.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing and authorities are asking anyone with information relating to the case to contact Deputies J. Steuerwald or J. Lee at the Victor Valley Sheriffs Station at 760-552-6800.

Anonymous tips can be made on the WeTip Hotline at 800-78CRIME or online at www.wetip.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Romania's Defense Ministry confirmed on July 25 that it had found Russian drone fragments near the town of Plauru, across the Danube River from the Ukrainian city of Izmail.

The day before, the Romanian Air Force announced that it had scrambled its F-16 fighter jets in response to a Russian drone attack on Izmail district in Odesa Oblast.

It was not the first time that wreckage of drones, likely from Russia, has been found on Romanian territory, which is a NATO country. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube River that separates Ukraine and Romania.

"More heinous attacks have been perpetrated by Russia against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Debris has been found on Romanian territory," Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu wrote on X.

The Defense Ministry confirmed that fragments of a Russian Geran 1/2-type drone had been found and said that an investigation into the possible locations of other debris would continue.

"While NATO has no information indicating any intentional attack by Russia against allied territory, these acts are irresponsible and potentially dangerous," a NATO spokesperson said about the news, as cited by Reuters.

In a statement posted on its official website, the Defense Ministry said that it "sends a firm message of condemnation of these attacks carried out by Russia against some objectives and elements of Ukrainian civil infrastructure, which are unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law."

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said in September 2023 that while Russian drones are not intentionally targeting Romania, the situation is still "unacceptable."

Romania has taken measures to protect its citizens who live close to the Ukrainian border, including the construction of air raid shelters and the deployment of drone defense systems.

Read also: Ukraine signs security agreement with Romania

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Luminita Odobescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, has commented on the incidents with Shahed drones, which Russia uses to attack Ukraine and which have violated Romanian air space.

Source: Odobescu on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Odobescu confirmed that wreckage of Russian drones were found on Romanian territory.

Quote: "More heinous attacks have been perpetrated by Russia against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Debris has been found on Romanian territory."

She added that Romania informed its allies about the incident and coordinated its actions with them.

"Romania strongly condemns these irresponsible actions," she stressed.

Background:

On the night of 24-25 July, an air-raid warning was issued for Romanian settlements on the Danube for the second night in a row. Romania deployed F-16 fighter jets during the attack, and the Ministry of Defence said it would search for the wreckage of the Shahed drone that could potentially fall on the Romanian bank.

On the morning of 25 July, the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force said that three Shaheds that attacked southern Ukraine at night had flown into Romanian territory and then disappeared from the radars of the Ukrainian air defence.

The media reported that possible Shahed wreckage was found near the village of Plauru, on the Romanian bank opposite the Ukrainian city of Izmail.

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ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN)  The Round Rock Police Department is seeking the publics help to find a 40-year-old woman who has not been seen since June 9, the agency said on social media.

Brandi Nicole Iglesias was last seen at her home in Round Rock, according to police. Iglesias is self-employed, and police said she does not own a vehicle.

The Round Rock Police Department is searching for 44-year-old Brandi Nicole Iglesias who was last seen June 9. (Courtesy RRPD)

Iglesias is described as a white woman, 5 feet 5 inches, 150 pounds, with blonde hair and green eyes, according to police.

Anyone with any information regarding the disappearance of Iglesias was asked to contact Detective Bernie Villegas at 512-671-2709 or via email bvillegas@roundrocktexas.gov.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The white supremacist rally that interrupted the mayor's lunch in Howell on Saturday wasn't overly impressive, really  just a dozen or so nitwits, and one ghost.

The nitwits were chased off by a woman from the local library board. The ghost has had more staying power, but the city is trying to get rid of him, too.

Robert Miles, at one point the grand dragon of the Michigan Ku Klux Klan, felt at home in and around Howell for decades before he died in 1992. Even after he claimed to have resigned from the organization, he'd sometimes burn a cross on his farm, just for the practice and the glow.

Former Michigan grand dragon of the KKK Robert Miles clenches his fist as he addresses a meeting of the Michigan Civil rights commission. He called the people there a bunch of hypocrites.

He and his brethren helped make Howell synonymous with racism and militia-level lunacy, and it's not a great leap to think that's why a dozen anonymous bigots chose the largest city in Livingston County as the place to pass out their little pamphlets and get heckled on a sunny afternoon.

"I know those old ideas take a long time to die," said Mayor Bob Ellis, who was finishing his gyro at Howell Coney Island when the city manager texted him about the men shouting "Heil Hitler" in front of the county courthouse on Grand River Avenue.

Howell mayor Bob Ellis sits outside of the Livingston County Courthouse on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, where members of a white supremacist group gathered in downtown Howell on Saturday before marching down Grand River Avenue. Ellis prefers to think that the dozen or so masked bigots were protesting all of the things Howell has done to separate itself from its long association with the KKK, based on the proximity of the late Michigan Grand Dragon Robert Miles, who died in 1992.

The Pride Alliance of Livingston has held a parade in Howell each June since 2021. The inaugural Cultura festival from the Livingston Diversity Council and Livingston Arts Council last fall highlighted music, art and food, and Ellis said the curried goat from a Jamaican vendor stole the show.

Ideally, Miles was rotating rapidly in his grave. And perhaps, Ellis said optimistically, the masked demonstrators chose Howell last week because they recognize how far the city has come since Miles' era.

But probably not.

Khalil el-Hakim, a Ph.D. and part-time college professor from Kalamazoo, operates a touring exhibit of ghastly racist memorabilia called the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. Thirteen years after Miles' death, he attended the former Klan leader's estate auction in Howell, hoping to come away with a couple of his black robes  but a self-identified supremacy supporter bid $6,000 for them, more than eight times el-Hakim's entire budget for the sale.

"Absolutely," said el-Hakim: the lingering rot from Miles is why the latest squadron of scoundrels picked Howell as its destination.

Beyond the limits

Robert Miles, a former grand dragon of the Michigan Klu Klux Klan, lived in Livingston County near Howell. He died in 1992. His reputation continues to haunt the region.

Miles did not operate in a vacuum. Technically, he also did not operate in Howell, at least most of the time.

A Free Press report from Howell in March 1971 described the scene in Moe's Barber Shop downtown, where the reading material for waiting customers was military action comic books and grainy pamphlets from the John Birch Society.

Potential clients included not just Miles, but the grand kludd  aka chaplain  of the Michigan KKK, along with a Klan admirer who chaired something called the Michigan Patriotic Party and told the Free Press, "Some of my best friends are racists."

Miles had just relocated from Howell to a 70-acre farm about 12 miles north in Cohoctah Township, where he hosted rallies and operated his Mountain Church of Jesus Christ. He'd become an ordained minister because it gave him access to prison inmates he considered potential recruits.

A national-level Klan kludd, Miles was a polished, smooth-spoken Navy veteran and former insurance executive who served six years in federal prison in the late 1970s. His crimes were helping to plan the bombing of 10 parked Pontiac school buses as a protest against integration, and conspiracy in the tar-and-feathers attack on a Willow Run high school principal.

Family friends said he had a history of heart problems and had suffered a stroke not long before he died at 67 in a Howell hospital.

The only person quoted in his Free Press obituary was well known Detroit attorney N.C. Deday LaRene, who had successfully defended him in Arkansas in 1987 on charges of attempting to overthrow the U.S. government.

Miles was "fascinating, charming, genuinely likeable  wrongheaded absolutely in his beliefs, but an honest and honorable man," LaRene said.

LaRene later pleaded guilty to tax evasion and conspiring with a mobster to hide income, a hiccup in a career that finds him still working in criminal defense at 79.

As for Moe's, it's now Moe's BarBar Shop  a good place to get a burger and a beer.

Changing attitudes, if not numbers

The demonstrators might have driven past Moe's on their way to the Livingston County Historic Courthouse, where they tried to hand out flyers urging passers-by to "Stop White Replacement."

"Bystanders didn't generally give them a kind reception," said Ellis, diplomatically attempting to downplay his pride. So they wandered slightly east to the grounds of the Howell Carnegie District Library, where the board member determined that they hadn't pulled a permit and shooed them away.

On an 80-degree day, Ellis said, they were trudging to their cars in their black clothing by the time he arrived.

A demonstration that saw participants waving flags with antisemitic messaging took place on the I-96 and Latson Road overpass on Saturday, July 20, according to photos and video posted in a community Facebook group.

At least some of them wound up on an I-96 overpass in nearby Genoa Township, waving flags adorned with swastikas or "KKK."

Judging by license plates and brief conversations with police officers, Ellis said, they were from places in Saginaw and Macomb counties, rather than Howell. Since their faces were covered, it's difficult to track them down to ask exactly why they came to Howell, or whose hearts and minds they expected to win by chanting, "We love Hitler. We love Trump."

Ellis, 63, is a retired Air Force colonel who used to be a pediatric oncologist and is now a part-time psychologist.

He moved to Howell in 2011 to be closer to family, and quickly realized he was also close to the specter of Robert Miles.

Its one of those stains on your reputation, he said, that you try to erase, or dull, or something.

One roadblock, he said, is also a lure for the newcomers who have pushed the population of the city past 10,000  its remote enough that everyone in a wide area has a Howell mailing address, whether they're within the city limits or beyond the bounds of reason.

Another is that the Black population of the city remains minimal, only 0.4% in the 2010 census.

By about the time the demonstrators hit the freeway, though, the city had put out a statement saying hey, this isnt who we are.

El-Hakim did not need convincing.

He'd been concerned for his safety when he attended the estate auction in 2005 and came away with some of Miles' papers and scrapbooks. Fifteen years later, he mounted a Black History 101 exhibit at Cleary University in Howell, and found the attendance and the conversations to be encouraging.

I see the effort, he said, and as the years roll by, he expects to see less and less of the grand dragon.

Reach Neal Rubin at NARubin@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Robert Miles of Michigan KKK made Howell synonymous with racism
Rupert Murdoch is secretly involved in a Succession-style court battle with three of his children for control of his empire after he dies.

Murdoch, 93, has urged a court to block three of his childrenJames, Elisabeth, and Prudencefrom gaining control of his familys business after he dies, according to a sealed court document obtained by The New York Times. Instead, Murdoch wants to give it to his eldest son, the politically like-minded Lachlan, allowing him to maintain the organizations conservative bent andaccording to Murdochs lawyersnot ruin its market capitalization.

The court case was started before his fifth marriage, to Elena Zhukova, 67, at his Bel Air vineyard, which Lachlan attended but the other three did not. The court documents say that Murdochs representatives have referred to James, who has been publicly critical of his fathers Fox News and his Australian newspapers, as the troublesome beneficiary.

To achieve the family lockout, Murdoch sought to amend an irrevocable family trust that would have split control of the trust between the four heirsunless Murdoch could show how his plan to change it would benefit each child. The document obtained by the Times outlined a review of the cases facts by a probate commissioner, Edmund Gorman Jr. (Gorman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.)

Why I Can Never Forgive Rupert Murdoch

Murdoch argued to a Reno, Nevada, court that only Lachlan could maintain its current commercial value, thereby providing financial windfalls to each of his children, according to the Times. He was primarily concerned with the lack of consensus among the siblings, fearing it would impact the strategic direction at both companies including a potential reorientation of editorial policy and content.

William Barr, who was an attorney general to both George H.W. Bush and Donald Trump, is one of the people helping Murdoch alter the trust. Barr did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lawyers representing Murdoch and three of his children did not immediately return The Daily Beasts request for comment. A representative for Murdoch did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Elisabeth Murdoch attends the "Ron's Gone Wrong" world premiere during the 65th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall on October 09, 2021 in London, England. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI

Murdoch has previously stated his desire for Lachlanwho oversees the parent companies of Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Postto succeed him. Lachlans appointment to the top of Fox Corp. in 2019 following Disneys acquisition of 21st Century Fox was widely seen as an opportunity for the eldest sons ascension to the top of the empire.

It came a year before James Murdoch, often seen as the more liberal-leaning Murdoch child, criticized his familys editorial decisions before he resigned from the board of News Corp. over its right-wing tilt. My resignation is due to disagreements over certain editorial content published by the Company's news outlets and certain other strategic decisions, he wrote in his July 2020 resignation letter.

Murdochs argument is that the three children would disrupt the leadership of his TV stations and publications, preventing them from making money, which would not be in the best interests of those children themselves. That, his attorneys argue, allow him to change the terms of the trust.

While two of Murdochs six children, Elisabeth and Prudence, have often stayed out of the family squabbles, the document obtained by the Times indicates they are aligned with James in protesting their fathers decision. In the document, the three argue the move violates the trust and was not done in good faith. (Murdochs two other children, from his third marriage to Wendi Deng, have equity in the trust but no voting rights.)

The case is set to go to trial in September, according to the Times.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The man accused of stabbing author Salman Rushdie, center, in 2022 was indicted in New Jersey on Wednesday on terrorism charges. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI

July 24 (UPI) -- Hadi Matar, the 26-year-old man accused of blinding Salman Rushdie in a monomaniac knife attack in 2022, was indicted Thursday on terrorism charges, with prosecutors alleging he was trying to kill the author to support Iran-backed Hezbollah.

"We allege that in attempting to murder Salman Rushdie in New York in 2022, Hadi Matar committed an act of terrorism in the name of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organization aligned with the Iranian regime," Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday in a statement.

"The Justice Department will prosecute those who perpetrate violence in the name of terrorist groups and undermine the basic freedoms enshrined in our Constitution."

Rushdie, 77, has been an enemy of Iran since the publication of The Satanic Verses in September of 1988, with Tehran's then spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, issuing a fatwa -- meaning a religious ruling or order -- for the execution of the famed author and anyone else involved in the novel's publication.

The three-count indictment charging Matar with engaging in an act of terrorism was returned Wednesday by a New Jersey grand jury, accusing the New Jersey man of providing Hezbollah with "material assistance" between September 2020 and August 2022 by attempting to carry out the fatwa as he understood it to have been issued by the Lebanese-based Iran proxy militia, which has been designated by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organization since October 1997.

According to the court document, the connection to Hezbollah is a 2006 speech by its secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah, who said he supported the fatwa placed on Rushdie's life.

The Indian-born British-American author was stabbed the morning of Aug. 12, 2022, as he was being introduced onstage at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua County, N.Y., right before he was to give a speech.

Authorities have said that Matar had traveled to the theatre with the purpose of killing Rushdie, who lost sight in his right eye and the use of one hand in the attack.

He underwent surgery and was placed on a ventilator. He would turn the experience into the memoir Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder, which was published in April.

Matar is also facing an indictment in New York where the trial, originally scheduled for January, was delayed as his lawyers successfully argued that they are entitled to preview Rushdie's book, which at the time had yet to be published, as well as his notes before litigation could begin.

If found guilty under the New Jersey indictment, Matar could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison. He was arraigned Wednesday afternoon and is being held pending a detention hearing on Aug. 7.

Rushdie famously spent years in hiding after the fatwa was issued, with several others involved in the creation of his book becoming victims.

According to the Wilson Center, Ettore Capriolo, the book's Italian translator was stabbed in 1991 and survived. Its Japanese translator, Hitoshi Igarashi, was not as fortunate and was stabbed to death just days later. The novel's Norwegian publisher, William Nygaard, was shot in 1993 and also survived.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian lawmakers gave preliminary approval to proposed legislation on Thursday that would allow foreign banks to open branches in Russia, a step the finance ministry said it hoped would alleviate issues with cross-border settlements.

International settlements have been a problem for Moscow after Western sanctions, imposed over the conflict in Ukraine, blocked major Russian banks' access to the SWIFT global payments system.

"Settlements are the economy's connecting thread," Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Sazanov told lawmakers when presenting the bill, which was passed during its first reading in the State Duma, the lower house of parliament.

To become law, the bill must pass through two further readings in the Duma, win approval in the upper house of parliament, and be signed by President Vladimir Putin.

"Without settlements, the functioning of the economy is not possible," Sazanov said. "Another mechanism is now being proposed that will allow cross-border settlements to happen."

Foreign banks can currently only open subsidiaries or representative offices in Russia, not branches.

The bill would allow foreign banks to open branches, with a security deposit of 1 billion roubles and foreign staff capped at 50%. They would be banned from opening accounts for individuals.

"The main goal we are pursuing with this bill is to simplify settlements, the possibility of making settlements through branches," Sazanov said.

(Reporting by Elena Fabrichnaya; Writing by Alexander; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Russia will be forced to scale down its attacks in a month and a half, Ukrainian commander says

Russia will be unable to maintain the scale of its attacks in multiple sectors for a long time because its "capabilities are not unlimited," General Oleksandr Pivnenko, the commander of Ukraine's National Guard, said in an interview with Ukrinform published on July 25.

Moscow's troops have been putting ever-growing pressure on Ukraine along the front, attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses near Pokrovsk while capturing the eastern part of Chasiv Yar.

Ukraine was also forced to withdraw from Krynky on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.

Kyiv's forces managed to halt the Russian advance near Kharkiv but Russia continues to hold a handful of settlements in the area.

"The enemy's offensive capabilities are not unlimited, considering the losses they suffer," Pivnenko told Ukrinform.

"In another month and a half, they will not be able to conduct active assaults in many directions at once and will switch to defense."

Pivnenko stressed that at a time when Russia will be replenishing its troops, Ukraine must pay attention to preparing its own reserves and armament. If Ukraine plans "one step ahead of Russia, then everything will be fine," he added.

"The most important thing that can be done now is training, development of training centers, procurement of weapons and military equipment, production of military equipment, drones, armored vehicles, air defense systems, man-portable air defense systems, and ammunition," Pivnenko said.

Moscow currently fields some 520,000 troops in Ukraine and plans to raise this number to 690,000 by the end of the year, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi.

"When it comes to equipment, there is a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 in their favor," Syrskyi told the Guardian.

The Ukrainian military said that Russia has lost over 570,000 troops killed or wounded as of late July.

Read also: Ukraines mobilization effort gets boost as millions update draft data

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Russia forms 12 organizations to militarize children in occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Russia has launched 12 youth propagandistic movements to militarize Ukrainian children in partially occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukrinform reported on July 24, citing the head of the local police, Artem Kysko.

Over 19,500 children have been confirmed as abducted by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and nearly 800 of them have been brought back home, according to Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk.

In June, investigators of the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch revealed numerous violations by Russia of the global right of children to education in the occupied territories.

The violations included introducing its own education system, spreading anti-Ukrainian propaganda, and military training.

The Russian proxies conduct propaganda activities among children and youth in the cities of Melitopol and Berdiansk, according to Kysko.

Kysko added that Russian President Vladimir Putin has a person in charge who goes to the occupied territories once a week and controls how these movements develop.

"They (Russian proxies) are militarizing their youth organizations, training children to kill," said Kysko.

Ukrainian law enforcement officers are working to identify the people involved in establishing such movements, charge them in absentia with committing criminal offenses, and then bring them to justice, according to Kysko.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 17, 2023, over the deportation of Ukrainian children.

Putin previously praised Lvova-Belova for her work overseeing the deportation of Ukrainian children, portraying it as a so-called "humanitarian effort" to "protect Russian citizens."

Some children who were abducted and deported to Russia were possibly put up for adoption on a government-linked adoption site, according to an investigation released by the Financial Times (FT) on June 12.

Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported to Russia are subject to systemic re-education efforts by Russian authorities, according to a report published by the Guardian on Feb. 4.

Read also: Russia abducted 46 children from foster home in then-occupied Kherson in 2022, NYT reports

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Russia loses another 1,230 soldiers in one day

A Ukrainian soldier. Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Russia has lost 1,230 soldiers killed and wounded over the past day, bringing the total number of its combat losses to 571,350.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 25 July 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 571,350 (+1,230) military personnel;

8,313 (+11) tanks;

16,039 (+26) armoured combat vehicles;

15,804 (+45) artillery systems;

1,125 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems;

904 (+2) air defence systems;

363 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

326 (+0) helicopters;

12,610 (+66) strategic and tactical UAVs;

2,402 (+0) cruise missiles;

28 (+0) ships and boats;

1 (+0) submarines;

21,358 (+79) vehicles and tankers;

2,661 (+11) special vehicles and other equipment.

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Russia to punish military for using personal phones at front  ISW

The Russian State Duma (the lower chamber of the Russian parliament) adopted an amendment on 24 July that would allow Russian commanders to punish subordinates for using personal communication and navigation devices at the front.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: The proposal sparked strong opposition from Russian ultranationalists and some Duma members.

Several lawmakers argued against the bill, advocating for frontline commanders to have a more significant influence on military policy decisions.

Ultranationalist bloggers and commentators voiced widespread criticism, fearing that Russian military leaders might exploit the new rules on personal device usage to resolve personal disputes and silence legitimate grievances from soldiers. These soldiers frequently use personal devices to document and disseminate their complaints.

Critics also raised concerns about the amendment's potential negative effects on the front lines, where Russian forces often rely on unsecured devices for essential functions such as command and control, logistics, and combat operations.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 24 July:

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that the Russian military has significantly increased its manpower and materiel commitments to the war in Ukraine over the last two and a half years, but Syrskyi's statement is not indicative of a sudden increase in the Russian military's presence in Ukraine and is instead representative of the manpower and material disadvantage that Ukrainian forces have faced for over two years.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with People's Republic of China (PRC) Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Guangzhou on 24 July and discussed the war in Ukraine and the PRC's potential role in a future negotiated settlement of the war.

The Russian State Duma adopted an amendment on July 24 that will allow Russian commanders to punish subordinates for using personal communication and navigation devices at the frontline, drawing continued backlash from Russian ultranationalists as well as other MPs.

The Georgian State Security Service (SUS or SSSG) reiterated standard Kremlin information operations targeting former Georgian opposition figures and former Ukrainian law enforcement officials.

An assassination attempt injured a reported senior Russian military intelligence officer in Moscow City on 24 July.

Russian forces recently marginally advanced north of Kharkiv City and near Avdiivka and Donetsk City.

Russian officials continue efforts to entice Russians into military service with monetary incentives.

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Russia to slow YouTube speeds after Google refuses to comply with censorship

Russia will deliberately slow YouTube loading speeds by up to 70% by the end of next week, in response to Google's refusal to comply with the demands of the Russian authorities, Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein said on July 25.

Khinshtein, the head of the State Duma's Information Policy Committee, claimed that the move is "not aimed against Russian users, but against the administration of a foreign resource that still believes that it can violate and ignore our legislation with impunity."

Russia's crackdown on freedom of speech, particularly regarding information that contradicts its narratives about the full-scale war, has intensified since 2022.

In April, a Moscow court rejected an appeal from Google's parent company, Alphabet, to remove an almost $50 million fine imposed on the company for its failure to delete information that Russia deems to be discrediting its armed forces and promoting extremist content.

YouTube users in Russia could see loading speeds on desktop computers dropping to 40% already by the end of this week, Khinshtein warned.

"This measure will only affect desktop versions. It will not affect mobile communications for now," Khinshtein said.

Khinshtein said that the summer period was chosen as the time to "bring YouTube to its senses," as most users are on vacation and will be using mobile devices to access videos rather than their desktops.

Khinshtein claimed that the measure is designed to show YouTube that Russia "has moved from persuasion to concrete steps," and the move is the consequence of YouTube's "anti-Russian policy."

Russian independent news outlet Meduza said that Russian officials had warned on July 12 of possible slowdowns in YouTube loading due to Google's "technical problems." A source reportedly told Meduza that Russia's federal censorship agency was already deliberately slowing the website's speed.

The same day, Russian pro-state outlet Gazeta.ru reported that the Russian government plans to block YouTube entirely in September.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the supposed plans to restrict the website, saying that according to "official statements from relevant companies," the equipment in question has "not been updated for over two years."

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia will be soon forced to scale down attacks, Ukrainian commander says

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A Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter crashed in Kaluga Oblast in western Russia, Governor Vladislav Shapsha reported on July 25.

Preliminary evidence indicates that the cause of the crash was a technical malfunction. The helicopter's crew was killed, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The helicopter reportedly fell into a deserted area near the village of Klenki, lying over 100 kilometers (over 60 miles) east of the Ukrainian border. No damage on the ground was reported.

"A task force and rescuers are working on the crash site," Shapsha said on his Telegram channel.

The Mi-28, also known under the NATO reporting name "Havoc," is a two-seat anti-armor gunship helicopter developed in the Soviet Union during the 1980s.

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Russia has deployed the aircraft in Ukraine during its full-scale invasion. According to the Ukrainian military, Moscow has lost 326 helicopters in combat throughout the all-out war.

The incident follows another helicopter crash last week.

A Robinson helicopter disappeared in the Yakutia region in eastern Siberia on July 19. Its wreckage was found soon after, with the pilot and three passengers killed.

According to unconfirmed reports by Russian media, the three killed passengers were officers of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

There have been several cases of Russian helicopters and planes crashing during the full-scale war, sometimes resulting in fatalities. Russia's aviation industry took a heavy hit as a result of Western sanctions, often lacking the necessary components to maintain the aircraft.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day killed at least four civilians and injured at least 30, regional authorities reported early on July 25.

Ukrainian air defenses downed 25 of the 38 Russian Shahed-type drones over Odesa, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Cherkasy oblasts, while three other drones were lost after crossing the border into Romania, Ukraine's Air Force reported.

Some of the drones targeted the Izmail district in Odesa Oblast, which lies near the Romanian border and hosts Danube River ports.

Two people were injured when drone debris fell on a house; one of them was hospitalized, Governor Oleh Kiper reported. A fire broke out in an administrative building but was promptly extinguished.

This is the second drone attack against the area in two days. The Romanian Air Force scrambled its F-16 fighter jets on July 24 while the country's military announced a search for possible crashed drones on its territory.

Bucharest is yet to react to the reports of Russian drones entering their airspace on July 25.

In Kharkiv Oblast, three people were killed, and 19 were injured over the past day, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

Russia struck the town of Lozova with an Iskander missile around midday on July 24, killing three people and injuring six, the governor said.

Twelve civilians were reported injured during multiple missile and bombing strikes against Kharkiv's Kholodnohirskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts on July 24.

Early in the morning on July 25, a man was injured when Russia bombed the village of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, Syniehubov said.

Three civilians were injured during attacks against Donetsk Oblast over the past day, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. The casualties were reported in Chasiv Yar, Mykolaivka, and Hrodivka.

Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast killed one person and injured six, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. Three high-rise buildings, 17 houses, gas pipelines, and other property were reported as damaged.

Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Mykolaiv oblasts also came under attack but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Battle for Pokrovsk tense and difficult; Russian losses 3 times higher

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Russian President Vladimir Putin his met Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in the Kremlin to discuss the situation in the Middle East, state media said on Thursday.

The situation in the region is worsening, Putin said in a video fragment released by the Kremlin.

According to the state-run Syrian News Agency (SANA), Putin said the situation was becoming more tense, adding that "the discussions with President Assad are an opportunity to discuss all possible developments and scenarios."

SANA quoted al-Assad as saying that both Syria and Russia had gone "through difficult challenges and were always able to overcome them."

For years, Russia has been al-Assad's most important ally alongside Iran. The Syrian president last met Putin in Russia in March 2023.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said afterwards that the two politicians had discussed a variety of issues.

He left open whether the talks had touched upon a possible meeting between al-Assad and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

After years of poor diplomatic ties between Turkey and Syria, there have been signs of rapprochement between the neighbouring states for more than a year now.

Turkey has been a key backer of the Syrian opposition and anti-government rebels in the uprising that started in Syria in 2011. Turkey has also established military bases in north-west and northern Syria.

Erdogan severed diplomatic relations with Damascus in 2012 and has described al-Assad as a "murderer." Al-Assad has so far rejected any rapprochement on his part as long as Turkish troops occupy northern Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) meets with and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. -/Kremlin/dpa
Russia's Putin hosts Syria's Assad in the Kremlin as tensions rise in the Middle East

Syrian President Bashar Assad, left, speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Valery Sharifulin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin met President Bashar Assad of Syria in the Kremlin, video distributed by the Kremlin press service on Thursday showed.

Putin told Assad he was concerned that tensions are rising in the Middle East, but neither leader provided further details on their talks. Russia has waged a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assads government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. While Russia now concentrates the bulk of its military resources in Ukraine, it has maintained a military foothold in Syria and keeps troops at its bases there.

I am very interested in your opinion on how the situation in the region as a whole is developing, Putin said to Assad. Unfortunately, there is a tendency towards escalation, we can see that. This also applies directly to Syria.

The Kremlin said Putin and Assad's meeting took place Wednesday.

Putin and Assad last met in March 2023 in the Kremlin on the anniversary of Syrias 12-year uprising-turned-civil war. At that meeting, Putin emphasized the Russian militarys role in stabilizing the country.

Considering all the events that are taking place in the world as a whole and in the Eurasian region today, our meeting today seems very important," Assad told Putin via a Russian translator.

The Kremlin did not provide details on Putin and Assad's talks but one potential discussion point was around Syria and Turkey restoring diplomatic relations.

Russia is one of the strongest backers of Assads government but also has close ties with Turkey and has been pushing for a return to restart relations.

Turkey and Syria cut their ties in 2011 as mass anti-government protests and a brutal crackdown by security forces in Syria spiraled into the still-ongoing civil war. Turkey backed Syrian insurgent groups seeking to overthrow Assad and still maintains forces in the opposition-held northwest, angering Damascus.

In December 2022, the Turkish, Syrian and Russian defense ministers held talks in Moscow, the first ministerial-level meeting between Turkey and Syria since 2011. Russia also brokered meetings between Syrian and Turkish officials last year.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Assad recently signaled they are interested in restoring diplomatic ties.

Last week, a Turkish newspaper reported that Erdogan would meet with Assad in Moscow in August, but Turkish officials denied the report, saying it did not reflect the truth.

Earlier this month, Erdogan said he had called on Assad to visit Turkey or to meet in a third country.

Speaking to reporters on July 15, Assad said that in order for relations to return to normal Turkey would have to withdraw its troops from northern Syria and stop backing insurgent groups that Damascus describes as terrorists.

___

Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey contributed to this report.

___

This story has been corrected to note Putin and Assad's potential discussion of Syria and Turkey (not Russia and Turkey) restoring diplomatic relations.
Russians attack Izmail district for the second night in a row: damage and injuries reported

The Russians hit the town of Vylkove in Odesa Oblast with Shahed loitering munitions in the small hours of 25 July. The attack resulted in damage to port infrastructure and a house, and two people were injured.

Source: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Izmail District State Administration

Quote from Kiper: "The enemy has resorted to attacking the south of Odesa Oblast for the second night in a row. The Izmail district is under attack again. The Russians targeted the border area with strike drones."

Details: The Russians reportedly launched 11 Shahed drones at the city, damaging port infrastructure. Drone wreckage also fell on a house, injuring two people. One of the injured was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries. Doctors are currently providing the person with all the necessary assistance.

Background:

The Russians attacked the south of Odesa Oblast and central oblasts with Shahed strike drones on the night of 24-25 July, and Ukrainian air defence downed 25 out of 38 UAVs.

The Russians attacked the city of Izmail in Odesa Oblast on the night of 23-24 July with Shahed drones, damaging port infrastructure, a residential building and injuring three people.

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Russians drop explosives on Kindiika in Kherson Oblast, killing one local

On the morning of 25 July, the Russian military attacked Kindiika in Kherson Oblast with a drone, killing a 51-year-old resident.

Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, the Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "A local citizen has been killed as a result of a Russian drone strike in Kindiika. In the morning, occupying forces dropped explosives from a drone on a 51-year-old man who was outside."

Details: According to Prokudin, the man sustained a fatal injury. He expressed sympathy to the mans family and friends.

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Russians drop guided aerial bomb on Illinka in Donetsk Oblast, killing one woman

On 25 July, Russian soldiers dropped a guided aerial bomb on Illinka in Donetsk Oblast, killing a woman.

Source: Anastasiia Miedviedieva, spokeswoman for Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office, in a comment to Suspilne.Donbas

Quote: "At 11:30, there was an attack. As a result of the strike, a 66-year-old woman sustained fatal wounds at her place of residence."

Details: Law enforcers launched a pre-trial investigation under Art. 438.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, a violation of the laws and customs of war.

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The Russians attacked the villages of Podoly, Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, and Prykolotne in the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv Oblast. As a result of the strike, a 48-year-old man was killed, and another man was injured.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office

Quote: "Investigation materials indicate that the occupiers shelled the village of Podoly in the Kupiansk district with artillery at around 05:15 on 25 July. A 48-year-old man was killed."

Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office

Details: The Russians also struck the settlement of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi with a FAB-1500 aerial bomb. A 52-year-old man was injured. Early reports suggest that the strike on the settlement was carried out using a UMPB, a unified multi-purpose glide bomb.

Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office

In addition, the Russian army attacked the settlement of Prykolotne in the Kupiansk district.

Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office

The Russians damaged civilian infrastructure exclusively  residential buildings, outbuildings, shops, and vehicles.

Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office

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Hadi Matar, 26, has already been charged with second-degree attempted murder and assault - ANGELA WEISS

The man accused of trying to kill the author Salman Rushdie has been charged with supporting Hezbollah and acting on their behalf in the suspected assassination.

Hadi Matar, a 26-year-old American of Lebanese descent, has already been charged with second-degree attempted murder and assault for the multiple stabbing of Rushdie in 2022.

Now, a fresh indictment unsealed on Wednesday said Matar provided material support and resources to the Iran-backed militia in Lebanon, between September 2020 and the day of the stabbing.

We allege that in attempting to murder Salman Rushdie in New York in 2022, Hadi Matar committed an act of terrorism in the name of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organization aligned with the Iranian regime, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a separate statement.

Mr Rushdie was set to give a lecture on stage at an educational retreat near Lake Erie in western New York when he was stabbed 12 times in 27 seconds, the author recalled. He has since lost sight in one eye.

It followed more than three decades of threats on his life ever since Irans Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa calling on Muslims to kill Rushdie for his controversial novel The Satanic Verses.

The then-Iranian supreme leader declared the book blasphemous for its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad, whose life is part-fictionalised in the book.

Mr Rushdie recalled being stabbed 12 times in 27 seconds which resulted in him losing sight in one eye - BBC

Matar was arrested at the scene of the stabbing after members of the audience wrestled him to the ground.

The Justice Department said on Wednesday that between September 2020 and the summer of the attack, Matar sought to provide material support to Hezbollah by trying to carry out the fatwa against Rushdie.

The other two counts in the indictment charge Matar with engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries and providing material support to terrorists.

The defendant attempted to carry out a fatwa endorsed by Hezbollah that called for the death of Salman Rushdie, said FBI director Christopher Wray.

Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organisation by countries including the United States, Britain and most members of the Arab League.

Since Israel declared war on Hamas in Gaza, the group has fired missiles into Israel almost daily in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Matar could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the charges he already faces of attempted murder and assault. He has pleaded not guilty.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Salvation Army is teaming up with OG&E and Oklahoma Natural Gas to host the Home Energy Aid Pancake Palooza on Thursday, July 25.

The Pancake Palooza is breakfast fundraiser to support and raise funds for OG&Es Lend-A-Hand and Oklahoma Natural Gas Share The Warmth programs, which aim to help Oklahomans in need.

LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma Route 66 Museum set to open new photo exhibit

Both programs help seniors, persons with disabilities, families with low or fixed incomes, and others who are facing financial trouble by helping them manage utility bills during difficult times.

Those in attendance can enjoy pancakes, sausages, orange juice, and coffee for a donation of $10 at the door.

The breakfast fundraiser will be held from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. located at the Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma. It is advised to enter through the doors on the east side of the building.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria released a statement Thursday after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order impacting Californias homeless population.

The governor officially directed state agencies to remove homeless encampments on state land across California. The order urges local governments to adopt similar protocols in their jurisdictions.

The executive order comes about a month after a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces. Here at home in San Diego, the courts ruling influenced the legality of the citys sidewalk camping ban, which police started to enforce in July of last year.

Regarding the Supreme Courts decision, Mayor Gloria previously stated, This ruling brings much-needed clarity to how the city can enforce our laws against unsafe encampments; however, it will not change our strategy on homelessness.

While responding to the governors executive order regarding the issue Thursday, San Diegos mayor expressed similar sentiments. He released the following statement:

Californias Big City Mayors welcome the Governors renewed direction and sense of urgency to address homelessness with tangible and meaningful action. The states large cities have been leading on resolving unsafe and unsanitary encampments while simultaneously ensuring that vulnerable unsheltered residents have options available to them to move off the streets, into care and on a path to housing and better quality of life.

All of us  mayors, other local elected officials, state leaders and housed community members  must be united in acting with purpose to create more shelter options and housing for those in need.

Meanwhile, plans for a proposed mega shelter and another site for the unhoused appear to be moving forward in San Diego, despite growing criticism from some in the surrounding communities.

Whats next for the homeless encampments scattered along the sides of freeways, shopping centers, public parks and parking lots remains to be seen. Under Newsoms order, however, state agencies would be required to prioritize clearing encampments that pose safety risks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KRON)  A couple drowned after they were swept into the ocean by a big wave below West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz on July 16.

This week, a Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office spokesperson identified the victims as Pedro David Guadarrama Ceron, 30, of San Jose, and Emma Nelly Diazleal Lopez, 33, of San Jose.

Lopez was reportedly pregnant when she died. The couple had been standing on rocks near Mitchells Cove when they were dragged into the water by a wave at 6:18 p.m., 911 callers told dispatchers.

According to the Santa Cruz Fire Department, Lopez and Ceron were floating face-down when lifeguards and SCFD rescue swimmers swam out to them. The victims were pulled onto a harbor patrol boat.

Two rescue swimmers from Santa Cruz Fire and two Santa Cruz City Lifeguards quickly entered the water and made access to both victims, swimming them out to the awaiting Harbor Patrol Rescue Boat. Advanced life support measures were immediately initiated as the victims were assisted on board the vessel and directed towards the Harbor. Despite uninterrupted resuscitative efforts, both victims succumbed to the elements and could not be resuscitated, fire officials wrote.

The fire department said beach-goers should be aware of ocean conditions, which are constantly changing with tides and swells. Never turn your back on the ocean and be aware of tidal conditions. Certain southerly swells and rising tides can produce sneaker waves that can catch unaware citizens off-guard, SCFD wrote.

In June, another beach-goer in Santa Cruz drowned after he jumped from a cliff into the ocean and was unable to swim back to shore. Hans Materne, 45, of Atlanta, Georgia, died in the waters near Moran Beach. Hans decided to jump into the ocean from the top of the cliff. This jump would cost him his life when the high current levels in the ocean kept him from emerging safely, Maternes wife wrote.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Saved my life: Blind man says Boston officer was seriously hurt while helping him cross the street

A North End resident who has total blindness said a Boston Police officer was seriously injured while helping him cross a busy street.

It happened around 12:40 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of North Washington and Thacher Streets.

Boston Police said the uniformed officer was working a paid detail and helping a construction vehicle turn around.

Police said the officer was injured by the rear of the vehicle but stopped short of saying exactly how the accident happened.

Neighbor Scott Hartmann told Boston 25 News it was a heroic act and that the officer prevented him from getting hit.

We heard backup alarms going off, and I was visibly in distress, said Hartmann. He clearly saw I was blind and using a guide dog. He came to my rescue to help me.

Hartmann, who relies on his guide dog to get around the city, was on his way back from the grocery store.

He told Boston 25 News that the officer was helping him cross North Washington.

He actually stopped the truck that was coming. When the truck stopped, the back door wasnt latched, and it came around and knocked him unconscious right to the ground, Hartmann explained.

According to Hartmann, the back gate of the truck swung open and struck the officer.

Detectives could be seen photographing and closely examining the back of the commercial vehicle with a Metro Equipment Corporation logo.

Boston 25 News reached out to the Braintree-based company.

An employee who answered said that the construction vehicle was working a job for the Boston Water and Sewer Department but declined to comment any further.

Boston Police said its still too early to tell if charges or citations will be issued.

The officer, who has not been formally identified by the department, is at Mass General Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

He saved my life, added Hartmann. I wouldnt be here if it wasnt for him. I wouldve been hit by that truck.

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Saving new moms from the surprising leading cause of maternal death

Saving new moms from the surprising leading cause of maternal death

Preserving a moms health means protecting an entire family. While many people are aware of medical risks post pregnancy, which adversely affect Black women, there is another big worry, and its a leading cause of maternal death nationwide in all demographics.

Dr Robin Drake is an OBGYN at Rush and says substance use disorder and suicide drive the majority of pregnancy-related deaths during the first year after giving birth.

About one in five women will suffer from a postpartum mental health disorder, Drake said. And for Black women, its especially pronounced. About 40 percent of Black women or birthing persons will experience a mood disorder.

The statistics encompass the first year after giving birth. Drake says scarce mental health resources, particularly in black communities, play a role, as does stigma around seeking mental health treatment.

We know postpartum is a stressful time for all new parents and so especially when someone is feeling overwhelmed, stressed, depressed they can relapse into substance use disorder again, Drake said.

Endeavor Healths Dr Ann Borders wants to spread the word  and numbers  critical for saving those in crisis. Shes worked tirelessly across the state to build networks for maternal care.

The opioid crisis is going on in our country and pregnant women have not been spared, she said. These deaths are 100 percent preventable.

More Coverage: WGNs Medical Watch

There are multiple resources in Illinois.

The Illinois Moms line is run out of Evanston hospital but covers the entire state 24 hours a day:

866-364-MOMS (866.364.6667)

MarNow (Medication Assisted Recovery) is a 24-hour hotline that links pregnant and post-partum patients living with opioid use disorder to treatment programs.

833-234-6343 or text HELP to 833234

The Family Connects program pairs Chicago patients with a registered nurse for a virtual or in-home visit three-to-five weeks post delivery

familyconnects@rush.edu 312-942-3423.

The Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois provides support and information to women and their families.

PPDIL warmline 1-847-205-4455

And, of course, the 9-8-8 Suicide and crisis lifeline is always available to anyone in distress.

One maternal death is too many and our job is to make sure every pregnant patient and family has a healthy mom and healthy baby at end of that pregnancy, Borders said.

Doctors say linking birthing hospitals and community partners, like home visit services, is a critical step in helping new moms receive the follow up and focused care they need to thrive.

Sign up for our Medical Watch newsletter. This daily update includes important information from WGNs Dina Bair and the Med Watch team, including, the latest updates from health organizations, in-depth reporting on advancements in medical technology and treatments, as well as personal features related to people in the medical field. Sign up here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia has unveiled the largest mineralised belts in history and is inviting major mining and exploration companies to participate in current exploration licensing rounds.

The mineralised belts span 4,788km and include five new exploration licences. As the largest mineralised belts launched in Saudi Arabia, the initiative highlights the countrys commitment to strengthening its mining and materials sector and creative investment opportunities.

The five available exploration licences are a part of Saudi Arabias plan to boost exploration and investment in the region and develop the countries Vision 2030 objectives, all the while unlocking the extensive mineral wealth of the belt.

The new licences are larger than previous exploration rounds, targeting high-net-worth companies capable of exploring Tier 1 deposits with around 1,000km of licensing. Saudi Arabias infrastructure and highly competitive financing options make the development of Tier 1 sites possible.

Local and international companies have been invited to participate in the exploration licensing for the two mineralised belts.

The first is the Jabal Sayad site in north-east Jeddah. The site has three exploration licences available covering 2,892km with the area containing high levels of copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver. In 2021, according to Mining Technologys parent company GlobalData, the Jabal Sayad mine registered a run-of-mine production of 2.75 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).

The second site available in the exploration licensing round is the Al Hajar mine. Before its closure in 2013, it produced 2,500lb of gold annually. Two licences are available at this site covering 1,896km containing gold, silver, copper and zinc deposits.

The bidding process for licences begins with pre-qualification between July and October 2024. Qualified bidders will submit technical proposals as well as social and environmental impact management plans by December 2024. The winners are expected to be announced and granted licences in January 2025.

The incentives for potential bidders are highlighted in the Exploration Enablement Programme, where varying percentages of practical, maintenance and employee salary costs are covered by the ministry for the first two years.

Successful bidders will contribute to Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 objective of increasing investment in the region as well as help extract the wealth of minerals from the largest mineralised belt in the history of Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi Arabia invites global mining companies to explore new mineralised belts " was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.

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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.
SC hemp store ordered by FDA and FTC to change edible products that look like candy

The FTC and FDA sent a warning letter to a Murrells Inlet store selling products containing Delta-8 and Delta-9, a legal kind of THC, saying it has to change the marketing for its edibles.

Life Leaf Medical, 11871 Plaza Drive, sells Delta-9 edibles with packages resembling candy that may be tempting to children, according to the FTC. These products include infused peanut-butter cups, nerd rope bite and gummy candy.

Delta-8 and 9 sold in South Carolina are derived from hemp and contain less than .3% THC, making them legal. They provide a similar psychoactive high as marijuana products illegal in South Carolina.

The FTC and FDA said in a July 12 letter that the Life Leaf Medical THC nerd rope bite package too closely resembles a Nerds Rope by using a similar font and mascot. It states the company has to immediately stop marketing, edible Delta-8 THC products that imitate conventional foods using advertising or packaging that is likely to be appealing to young children.

It has 15 days to change the package or face legal actions such as seizure or injunctions. The FTC also encouraged Life Leaf Medical to examine its other products for similar issues.

Life Leaf Medical did not return a request to comment by time of publication. As of July 25, the package shown online did not have a character on it and the font does not closely resemble Nerds font.

The letter says the FDA has serious concerns about Delta-8 and similar kinds of merchandise, including that it is not FDA-approved, which can cause psychoactive effects, may have adverse effects and children may unknowingly ingest them.

Life Leaf Medical was the only South Carolina business and one of five companies to receive a letter from the FTC and FDA. The others were located in Pennsylvania and Florida.

Inadequate or confusing labeling can result in children or unsuspecting adults consuming products with strong resemblance to popular snacks and candies that contain delta-8 THC without realizing it, said FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Namandje Bumpus.
Scholz: Russia must end war with Ukraine to prevent US missiles deployment in Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that to prevent the deployment of American long-range missiles in Germany, Russia must first cease its war against Ukraine. He also expressed regret that Russia disregards arms control agreements.

Source: European Pravda, citing DW

Quote: "The first thing Russia should do (to prevent Germany from hosting American weapons  ed.) is to end its horrific aggressive war against Ukraine and abandon its attempt to conquer an entire country."

Details: Scholz said the deployment of American missiles on German territory would serve as a deterrent, ensuring that Germany does not face an attack.

He also dismissed concerns that the planned deployment of American missile systems could lead to escalation in relations with Russia.

Scholz believes that Germany "needs deterrent forces and capabilities in addition to what we already have, such as cruise missiles and long-range conventional weapons."

Furthermore, the chancellor noted that he can only express regret "on behalf of NATO" regarding Russia's "massive disregard for all arms control agreements over the past few decades."

"We would all like to live in a world where arms control is significant again. But right now, it's about ensuring our security through necessary deterrence to prevent war," he emphasised.

Background:

During the NATO summit in Washington, it was announced that the United States and Germany have agreed to deploy, among other things, Tomahawk missiles in Germany to enhance deterrence and protect their NATO partners.

Scholz welcomed the plan to deploy American long-range missiles in his country, noting that this decision "perfectly aligns with the German government's security strategy."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on 13 July that European capitals could become "potential" targets if European countries agreed to the deployment of American long-range missiles.

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School grades are out for 2024. Here's how Leon County Schools fared

Students at Sabal Palm Elementary School make their way through the halls to get to their classrooms on the first day of school Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.

The Leon County School District is just three points shy of an A grade, according to the Florida Department of Education's assessment of the state's public-school districts for the 2023-24 school year.

While there is still a lot of hard work ahead of us, we know we are on the right track, Leon Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna said Wednesday. There were tremendous learning gains made at our schools, and we remain focused on the mission at hand. We will continue to uplift and support our wonderful school leaders and our amazing classroom teachers.

Of the 49 schools in the district, 91% earned a score of a C or higher. And Nims Middle School scored a B for the first time in its 66-year history.

Last year, the school district had difficulty analyzing learning gains from test scores. In school grades for previous years, learning gains were calculated into school grades to account for higher averages on state assessments each year. Last year, they could not be calculated due to new benchmark standards and the new assessments.

The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) was implemented last year as a "progress monitoring" style of testing for voluntary prekindergarten students through 10th grade in English language arts and for VPK through 8th grade for math.

Here's how the schools fared

The Public-School Report Card is an interactive database that lets parents and others see how their communities schools are performing (school grades and standardized test scores) and explore the gender and racial demographics of staff and students.

Here are the highlights for Leon County:

No Fs: For the sixth year in a row, there were no failing schools in the district.

These schools received an A:

Buck Lake, Chiles High, Deerlake Middle, DeSoto Trail, Gilchrist, Hawks Rise, Killearn Lakes Elementary, Roberts, SAIL High, Swift Creek and Montford Middle all maintained A grades for the 2023-24 school year from 2022-23.

Pineview Elementary made a momentous jump to an A from a C last year.

These schools showed improvement:

Augusta Raa Middle School and Fairview Middle School leveled up from a C to a B grade. Oak Ridge Elementary School moved up from a D last year, to a C this year.

Nims Middle School scored a B, an improvement from an "incomplete" last year.

These schools will be removed from the district's accountability, or probationary list:

Astoria Park, Hartsfield and Springwood elementary schools moved up from a D to a C this year.

Five schools received an 'I' or incomplete:

Bond Elementary School

Griffin Middle School

Amos P. Godby High School

James S. Rickards High School

Leon High School

District spokesperson Chris Petley said this may be because those schools fell short of the threshold of 95% of students testing for state assessments. District staff will work with the state to get the score resolved. He said the May 10 tornadoes disrupted the district's testing schedule, which could possibly account for the inconclusive result.

Two schools received a D:

Sabal Palm Elementary and the Ft. Braden K-8 school slipped from C to D.

Charter schools:

The School of Arts and Sciences on Thomasville Road continues to be the district's only A charter school, while its counterpart, School of Arts and Sciences at Centre slipped from a B to a C.

Tallahassee School of Math and Sciences dropped from a B to a C.

Renaissance Academy earned a C after getting a D last year.

Tallahassee Classical School received a C.

Research Schools:

Florida A&M University's Developmental Research School maintained a C.

Florida State University School maintained an A.

Compare to last year: School grades for 2023 are out: Here's how Leon County Schools fared

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon County school district gets B from state, no failing schools
School grades are out. How did Lake County and Sumter County schools score?

Lost Lake Elementary in Clermont improved from a C last year to an A this year.

Offering a handful of surprises but mostly holding steady, the state Department of Education released its district and school grades Wednesday.

The Lake County school district received an overall B grade, which has been its score for the past eight years. The Sumter, Orange, Seminole and Brevard districts scored A grades. Marion had a C, just one point shy of a B.

Flagler, Osceola and Volusia join Lake with a B.

Sumter is this year's success story, with the lion's share of schools that have gone up a grade. Two schools in both counties improved two letter grades.

Marlene Straughan, finalist for principal of the year last year as the leader of Mount Dora High for the 2022-23 school year, was recently promoted to regional executive director for Region 1 in Lake County Schools. Before leaving her position, she marshaled Mount Dora High from a B to an A this year.

More changes in school leadership: The annual shuffle: Lake County schools announce new principals, administrative appointments

Which other schools improved? Which ones maintained, and which ones dropped a grade? See our list below.

Also, if you don't see a Lake County school below, visit fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades for updates.

ESE center schools maintain and one slips

Alternative schools and exceptional student education (ESE) center schools may choose to receive a school improvement rating in lieu of a school grade. Detailed information about school improvement ratings can be found in the Guide to Calculating School Improvement Ratings (PDF).

Unfortunately, no Lake County ESE center schools have shown improvement.

Lake County ESE center schools showing they're maintaining progress include Alee Academy Charter School, Lake Success Academy and Lake Hills School. A school with an "unsatisfactory" score includes The Academy at Lake Hills School-South.

Schools scoring an A this year with last year's score

* Asterisk for schools with improvement or drop in score from last year to this year.

Altoona School, 2023-24: A, 2022-23: A

* Bushnell Elementary, 2023-24: A, 2022-23: B

Cypress Ridge Elementary, 2023-24: A, 2022-23: A

East Ridge Middle: 2023-24: A, 2022-23: A

Imagine Schools at South Lake: 2023-24: A, 2022-23: A

*Lake Panasoffkee Elementary: 2023-24: A, 2022-23: B

*Lost Lake Elementary: 023-24: A, 2022-23: C

Minneola Conversion Charter School: 2023-24: A, 2022-23: A

* Mount Dora High: 2023-24: A, 2022-23: B

Pinecrest Academy Tavares: 2023-24: A, 2022-23: A

* Pinecrest Lakes Academy Four Corners: 2023-24: A, 2022-23: B

* South Sumter Middle School: 2023-24: A, 2022-23: C

Villages Charter School: 2023-24: A, 2022-23: A

* Wildwood Elementary School: 2023-24: A, 2022-23: C

Schools scoring a B

Grassy Lake Elementary: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: B

Lake Minneola High: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: B

* Mascotte Elementary: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: C

* Mount Dora Middle School: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: C

Pine Ridge Elementary: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: B

Seminole Springs Elementary: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: B

* South Lake High School: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: C

South Sumter High: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: B

* Spring Creek Charter School: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: C

* Tavares High: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: C

The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: B

* Umatilla Middle School: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: C

Webster Elementary: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: B

Windy Hill Middle: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: B

* Wildwood Middle/High School: 2023-24: B, 2022-23: C

Schools scoring a C

Beverly Shores Elementary: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

Carver Middle School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

Eustis Elementary School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

Eustis Heights Elementary School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

Eustis High School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

Fruitland Park Elementary School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

Gray Middle School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

Lake Virtual Franchise: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

* Sorrento Elementary: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: B

Tavares Elementary School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

Tavares Middle School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

* Treadway Elementary School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: B

Triangle Elementary School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: C

Umatilla High School: 2023-24: C, 2022-23: B

This year's school grades are based on a new scale approved just before their release by the state education board. It is the first year grades take into account the new Florida Assessments of Student Thinking (FAST), a mandatory test that students take statewide.

The grading scale increased for all schools except elementary schools. No Lake County schools, among those reported and released to the public, received a D or F.

"The State Board of Education voted on amendments to rule that adjust the school grading scale so that elementary schools are graded using the scale that was previously used from 2014-15 to 2021-22, and all other school types are graded using a new scale," a DOE press release explained, adding that the new measurements consider the different components included in the school grade formula for different school types and ensures an accurate reflection of progress made.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Florida school grades for 2024: How did Lake and Sumter schools fare?
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  For most central Ohio children, the first day of school is still a few weeks out, but students at Woodcrest Elementary started Wednesday and were welcomed back with a clap-in.

Teachers, staff and the superintendent of Columbus City Schools all gathered outside the front doors, singing and cheering for their students as they begin the 2024-2025 school year.

Members of a Columbus middle school marching band were also there to give the kids a beat as they walk into the school.

Woodcrest Elementary is the only district school to operate almost year round

Students start early, end late and get a few more breaks during the normal school year, which is why they are starting the year in July rather than late August.

Woodcrest staff and Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman said they hope the students feel welcome and are ready to learn.

Marginalized children typically experience between two to three months of summer learning loss, so we get to start early and we take advantage of that opportunity, Juante Randleman, a Woodcrest intervention specialist, said.

I certainly hope that the students felt what I felt, felt what the staff felt: the energy, the excitement, the warmth and the love, Chapman said.

All other Columbus City Schools students will have their first day of school Aug. 21.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Tree bark absorbs significant methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Methane has 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over two decades.

Trees' methane absorption could be twice that of Arctic permafrost emissions.

Trees are a more powerful climate solution than previously known.

Microbes living in tree bark are absorbing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere on a massive scale, a study published in the journal Nature found. Trees are sucking up just as much, if not more, methane than soil does  the only other known natural sink on Earth.

"We've been undervaluing trees for their climate benefits," Vincent Gauci, a professor at the University of Birmingham and the lead author of the study, told Business Insider. "This is a new nature-based climate solution."

Both natural and human-made methane emissions from wetlands, cows, landfills, and burning fossil fuels are on the rise. The gas has 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over two decades, which is why climate scientists say one of the fastest ways to slow global warming is cutting methane emissions and harnessing natural ways to remove it from the atmosphere.

While trees' ability to breathe in carbon dioxide and pump oxygen back out is well understood, their relationship to methane is more complex. Gauci said he was surprised by the findings, which were pieced together over a decade by a team of international researchers measuring methane from trees in countries including Brazil, Peru, Panama, the UK, and Sweden.

In a 2017 study, they found that trees in Amazon floodplains emitted more methane than they absorbed. However, as researchers expanded their data collection to tropical, temperate, and boreal forests that are above floodplains  also known as upland  an opposite trend emerged.

Researchers used gas exchange chambers to measure methane in trees. Vincent Gauci

"We thought that if all this methane was being emitted from wetlands, maybe upland forests were contributing small amounts of emissions, too," Gauci said. "What we found is that at the bottom-most meter of the tree, they do give off a little bit of methane. But the situation switches when you go up the trunk. We measured 2, 5, and 11 meters above the forest floor."

Tropical trees absorbed the most methane, probably because their methane-eating microbes thrive in warm conditions. But on average, trees' woody surface makes them about 10% more climate-beneficial than previously thought, the researchers found.

Gauci noted that there are far more upland forests than wetland forests. To estimate the full scope of climate benefits, his team had to quantify the surface area of all the tree bark in the world for the first time. They used "terrestrial laser scanners" that detect 3D tree structures.

If all the tree bark in the world were laid flat, it would cover Earth's land surface, the study found. And it may be removing between 25 million tons and 50 million tons of methane from the atmosphere, the researchers calculated. At that higher level, trees could be removing a couple times as much methane than what's released by Arctic permafrost that's melting, Gauci said.

He added that the findings helped close a discrepancy in the global methane budget. Satellites detect lower methane emissions than what scientists have found on the ground, implying that such "bottom-up" studies either overestimated methane emissions or missed a sink.

"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," Yadvinder Malhi, a University of Oxford professor and coauthor of the study, said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Scientists hopeful after sighting of rare whale not seen in over a century: 'Such an unbelievable occurrence'

One of the world's rarest large whale species appeared off the northwest coast of Ireland for the first time in over a century.

Adrian Maguire was on vacation and fishing for mackerel in County Donegal's McSwynes Bay when he captured footage of a North Atlantic right whale  one of just an estimated 400 left in the wild, according to the Guardian.

Conor Ryan, an honorary research fellow at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, noted it was the first one spotted in the region in 114 years.

Using the videos Maguire took, Ryan and his colleagues identified the species from the whale's large, crusty white callosities on its skin caused by whale lice  a feature unique only to right whales in the region.

"I was very skeptical at first because it's such an unbelievable occurrence," he told the publication.

North Atlantic right whales are typically found closer to the eastern coast of North America. Though they used to populate the waters closer to Europe, overhunting nearly made the mammal extinct, and now their sightings on that side of the hemisphere are few and far between.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List changed the status of the North Atlantic right whale to critically endangered in 2020. It believes just 200-250 mature individuals remain and that their overall numbers are dwindling.

Ryan added that fishing line entanglements and vessel strikes  issues all whales and marine life face  will likely prevent its population from fully recovering. Nonetheless, the surfacing near Ireland serves as a "glimmer of hope."

Similar promising events include a North Pacific right whale making a cameo near California's Marin County and sei whales popping up more frequently near Argentina's Patagonian coast.

Padraig Whooley of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group called the North Atlantic right whale's appearance "wonderful" but that anyone who sees one should "please give it space."

"I just looked in amazement at the size of it," Maguire said. "I've never experienced that in my life. The sound of the blowing  it's great to hear that in real life."

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Promised the Moon

Last week, NASA made a shocking announcement: it would not be sending its $450 million rover, called the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER), to the Moon, where its state-of-the-art capabilities were anticipated to uncover secrets about water ice beneath the lunar surface.

The reason, according to NASA officials, is that VIPER's costs had ballooned. The rover was already fully built, but it was deemed too expensive to conduct further crucial tests that would prove it was spaceworthy.

The news stunned many in the community  and it seems the fallout may not be over yet. Scientists are now expressing their outrage at the cancellation of the VIPER mission, with some are even putting pressure on the US government to reverse the decision.

Penning an open letter to Congress, space scientists have requested that lawmakers refuse NASA's "unprecedented and indefensible" cancellation of the mission. It was last reported as having over 1,000 signatures, per Scientific American.

"We are deeply concerned by NASA's shocking announcement on July 17 that it intends to discontinue the VIPER lunar rover mission," the letter reads. "VIPER was to be a groundbreaking American project and the first NASA mission to characterize the origin and distribution of water ice on and below the surface of the Moon."

VIPER-Shaped Hole

NASA has argued that VIPER's soaring costs threatened other commercial payload missions to the Moon, which are meant to demonstrate the capabilities offered by private partners ahead of a crewed lunar mission.

Many in the field, though, aren't buying NASA's explanation, arguing that the mission's objectives are far too significant to pass over.

"I was shocked and dismayed... This is maybe the most important mission for developing cislunar space that NASA has ever designed," planetary scientist Phil Metzger of the University of Central Florida told Scientific American.

Norbert Schorghofer, a senior scientist for the Planetary Science Institute, called the cancellation of VIPER "a major loss for science."

"No other robotic U.S. mission to the moon in the next three years has the [needed capabilities, required mobility] and a way to explore the subsurface, not just the surface," he told Space.com.

Cost Calculus

VIPER had been beset with setbacks for years leading up to the decision. It was originally slated to launch in 2023, but the COVID pandemic hamstrung that timeline.

There were also major delays with the lunar lander that was meant to carry the rover to the Moon, Griffin, built by the commercial firm Astrobiotic. Neither the rover nor the lander were expected to be ready until 2025.

As things are, VIPER will be scrapped for parts, while Griffin will still fly using a mass simulator in place of the real rover. Adding insult to injury, NASA will still be paying the firm $323 million, on top of the $450 million spent building the rover.

Who's to blame? It was NASA's decision, but it'd be remiss not to highlight the tough budget situation over there, which you might pin on the federal government. Regardless, unless something changes, this loss will sting.

More on NASA: Crew Who Spent a Year in Simulated NASA Mars Base Say They Spent a Lot of Time Watching TV
Scientists sound alarm over news about absorption of 'forever chemicals': 'We are coating ourselves in this stuff'

You may have heard about harmful chemicals lurking in your food or water. But a new study has revealed another way these "forever chemicals" can sneak into your body: through your skin.

What's happening?

Groundbreaking research published in the journal Environment International has revealed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)  known as "forever chemicals" because they never fully break down  can seep through human skin and enter the bloodstream, according to the Washington Post.

PFAS are human-made compounds used in countless consumer products, such as cosmetics, water-repellent clothing, and even hand sanitizers, due to their ability to repel grease, water, oil, and heat.

Why are PFAS concerning?

PFAS have been linked to several kinds of cancer, infertility, high cholesterol, low birthweights, and negative effects on the liver, thyroid, and immune system.

Until now, it was thought that these toxic chemicals primarily entered the body through contaminated food, water, and air.

This discovery raises additional concerns about routine exposure to PFAS through products that come into contact with the skin. As Graham Peaslee, a physics professor at the University of Notre Dame, explains to the Post: "We are coating ourselves in this stuff every day, so the long-term prognosis is that a lot of this stuff can go through the skin and at surprising rates."

The study found that shorter-chain PFAS are absorbed more easily through the skin and into the bloodstream compared to longer-chain compounds. However, even the longer-chain chemicals are likely to eventually enter the bloodstream after being absorbed by the skin.

What can I do to stop PFAS exposure?

As an aware consumer, you can take steps to reduce your exposure to forever chemicals.

Start by seeking out PFAS-free personal care and beauty products. Many brands now offer PFAS-free alternatives to items including cosmetics, sunscreens, and even clothing.

Supporting policies that restrict PFAS in consumer goods is another powerful way to drive change. Only eight states have acted to limit PFAS in personal care products. Let your representatives know that you want to see broader action taken to protect public health and the environment from these persistent toxins.

Remember, each conscious choice you make as a consumer sends a signal to companies that you prioritize products that are safer for you, your loved ones, and our planet. Together, our collective action can spur a shift toward healthier, PFAS-free products on store shelves.

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A day after President Biden used an Oval Office address to promise Supreme Court reform, liberal Justice Elena Kagan urged ethics reforms, with a concrete enforcement mechanism.

At the Ninth Circuit Courts annual judicial conference in Sacramento, California, the Justice answered a question on the difficulties of enforcing an ethics code, especially in deciding who to task with such a responsibility.

I feel as though we, however hard it is, that we could and should try to figure out some mechanism for doing this, Kagan said, per Bloomberg Law.

Kagan, who once mused whether accepting a care package of bagels would violate ethics laws, said Chief Justice John Roberts ought to consider creating some sort of committee of highly respected judges with a great deal of experience and a reputation for fairness to combat the courts growing image of corruption.

The Supreme Court has faced eroding public confidence following not only a slate of deeply divisive and unprecedented decisions, but also allegations of political extremism and bias, personal conflict, and financial misconduct against Justices.

Justice Clarence Thomas lavish yacht trips, generously over-market home sale, and other connections to billionaire benefactors drew attention towards court reforms, a mission that even picked up the support of President Biden.

Kagan, who joined the court in 2010, is one of three liberal justices who spent the year penning blistering dissents as her colleagues torched regulatory power, stripped away rights for unhoused people, and granted presidents near-absolute immunity.

In a separate panel, Kagan also criticized the practice of writing multiple concurring opinions in a case, including Justice Thomass concurrence in a Presidential Immunity case creating a novel legal theory against the use of special prosecutors, a rationale used by Judge Aileen Cannon to dismiss a case against Donald Trump.

It prevents us, I think, from giving the kind of guidance that lower courts have a right to expect, that the public has a right to expect, Kagan reportedly said.

Kagan also drew attention to the seven separate decisions in United States v. Rahimi, a case from this term which held 8-1 that bans on firearm ownership for domestic abusers were legal.
Buying a home got more expensive overall in South Carolina during the last three months.

The median price of homes in South Carolina was $340,000 in the second quarter of 2024  a 3% jump compared to the same quarter last year, according to the latest data from South Carolina Realtors. June alone had a median home price increase of 2% year-over-year.

Of all the state housing markets listed by South Carolina Realtors, the Pee Dee region had the biggest median price increase at 10.3% during the second quarter. The Hilton Head area was the most expensive though, with a median price of $555,000 for homes in the second quarter.

Below are the South Carolina housing markets listed from biggest to smallest median price increases during the second quarter of 2024.

Housing market Q2 2023 Q2 2024 % change Pee Dee $203,900 $224,995 10.3% Sumter/Clarendon County $240,000 $258,400 7.7% Hilton Head area $519,995 $555,000 6.7% Beaufort $415,000 $440,495 6.1% Aiken $281,800 $297,500 5.6% Greenwood $250,000 $259,461 3.8% Central Carolina $205,500 $210,750 2.6% Charleston Trident $414,313 $425,000 2.6% Piedmont Regional $370,325 $380,000 2.6% Spartanburg $285,000 $290,043 1.8% Western Upstate $298,000 $302,637 1.6% Cherokee County $226,495 $229,99 1.5% Coastal Carolinas $325,000 $330,000 1.5% Greater Augusta $284,900 $288,000 1.1% Greater Columbia $273,244 $275,861 1% Greater Greenville $315,000 $315,000 0% State totals $330,000 $340,000 3%

Home sales

While prices rose across the board, home sales in South Carolina were more of a mixed bag over the last three months. There were 24,980 homes sold in the second quarter, a 1.8% drop from the same period last year, according to South Carolina Realtors data. Still, multiple markets saw gains in sales during the second quarter.

The Cherokee County market had the biggest loss in sales at 44%, quarter-over-quarter. Meanwhile, the Aiken market had the largest sales gains at 9.8% with 917 homes sold. The Charleston Trident market had the most sales for the quarter with 4,962 homes sold.

Whats happening in the housing market?

South Carolinas continued drop in home sales overall is in keeping with much of the U.S. A recent South Carolina Realtors report states U.S. sales of new residential homes unexpectedly declined, falling 11.3% in June from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 619,000 units.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast new-home sales to come in at a rate of 640,000 units for the month, with elevated mortgage rates blamed for the recent drop in sales activity, the report states.

A recent Zillow report states that home buyers are still contending with costs that have risen far faster than wages, despite mortgage rates having eased since May.

With many buyers pushed to the sidelines by costs, Zillows count of home sales for May was 27% below pre-pandemic, the report states. Zillows Sales Nowcast peaked in May this year before taking a 9% step down in June, defying a trend of ticking up in June over the past four years. Sales are now 35% lower than pre-pandemic norms.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Their motto is Be prepared. Some New York and New Jersey Scouts showed they were truly ready for anything when a man needed CPR on their recent flight to LaGuardia Airport.

The group, affiliated with the National Jewish Committee on Scouting, was returning from a scouting trip to New Mexico on July 11. Midair, a fellow passenger on the Southwest Flight, collapsed. The flight attendants called for medical personnel.

More Local News

Troop Committee Chair Evan Gilder, who is CPR certified, said the man was in cardiac arrest and quickly realized he would need to create a CPR line to administer continuous CPR. He called on several of his Scouts to help.

Were focused on what needs to be done here. You can really only do CPR for 3 to 4 minutes. Its not feasible to do it anymore because you tire, and everything degrades, Gilder told PIX11 News on Wednesday.

Eagle Scout Ariel Yaron, 16, of Troop 611 in Brooklyn, was among those in line to perform the lifesaving technique. Its a lesson he first learned as a Boy Scout in fourth or fifth grade.

I knew what I was doing because I was trained. Its simply what I had to do. Its what was demanded of me in the moment, he said. Its very scary, adrenaline is high, Yaron told PIX11 News.

The Southwest flight was diverted to Pittsburgh and landed 40 minutes later. Yaron and Gilder said the man had a pulse when they landed.

Southwest Airlines sent the Scouts a thank you letter and a $100 voucher each. The Scouts do not know the identity of the man they helped. Yaron said they are hoping he and his family are doing OK.

Whatever it is, be prepared for it. If it wasnt for the Boy Scouts on that flight, coming back from a Boy Scout designated trip, who knows what would have happened to him, Yaron added.

Were all connected to God. I mean, He put us there for a reason; we were at the right place at the right time, where we were called upon to do something, and we did it, Gilder said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A Good Samaritan Society staff person talks with a nursing home patient. (Courtesy of Sanford Health)

The South Dakota Department of Human Services recently awarded $2 million in grants for technology and equipment in the long-term care industry, which has been afflicted with closures and staffing shortages.

Funding for the grants was approved by the Legislature and Gov. Kristi Noem during the 2024 legislative session, after being recommended by an interim legislative committee studying the sustainability of long-term care. Lawmakers were motivated in part by the closure of more than 15 nursing homes in South Dakota since 2017.

Governmental investment will help stabilize the industry, said Good Samaritan Society Chief Operating Officer Aimee Middleton, especially on top of other recent efforts by the Legislature to provide relief. The Good Samaritan Society, owned by Sanford, plans to downsize its footprint to focus on a seven-state area in the Midwest.

Were a large organization that operates in different states and we dont see this type of investment everywhere, Middleton said. This is historic and appreciated.

Aimee Middleton is the COO for the Good Samaritan Society. (Courtesy of Sanford Health)

Funded projects include food preparation and storage equipment; video monitoring and sensory technology systems, which can monitor patients remotely; telecommunications equipment; and diagnostic and interactive technology. All of which can help reduce the need for workers, industry officials say.

Long-term care facilities have struggled with staffing more than other health care fields since the coronavirus pandemic, and the industry expects facilities will have to take on more patients as baby boomers age. Technological advancements that replace human workers can help bridge that gap, administrators say.

Seventy-three facilities received awards, with the Good Samaritan Society receiving $347,465 between seven facilities  most of which are in Sioux Falls. The majority of that money is for technology-advanced food preparation, Middleton said. Good Samaritan was the only long-term care facility to invest in food preparation, according to the department.

The new technology will establish Sioux Falls as a hub to prepare patient meals days in advance and then transport the food to more rural facilities, Middleton said. The technology vacuum-seals or freezes the meal in a way that preserves the quality and nutrition before being reheated and served.

With record unemployment rates, this is a creative solution so we can be creative in ways for residents to receive really good and high quality meals, but with less people available to us, Middleton said.

Middleton plans to get the equipment and program up and running within nine months.

Edgewood Healthcare, based in North Dakota, has 14 long-term care facilities in South Dakota. Six locations received a total of $189,389 to invest in sensory and diagnostic technology. Specifically, the money funds interactive technology to improve physical activity and mental stimulation for cognitively impaired residents as well as an advanced call system called CarePredict.

The CarePredict pendant system tracks residents location and activity, allows for communication between residents and staff, and provides fall detection. The grant will completely cover upgrades at the Spearfish, Rapid City and Pierre locations, said Rich Ostert, a regional vice president for Edgewood.

Ultimately, the health care system hopes to use the CarePredict technology to measure blood pressure, oxygen and pulse rates and more efficiently upload it into a database.

Ostert said Edgewood plans to implement CarePredict at all 65 communities within its seven-state footprint.

This funding allows us to get this technology a lot quicker than we might have, Ostert said.

Of the $2 million pot, $1.2 million was distributed among rural long-term care facilities in the state. Over $788,000 was awarded to long-term care facilities in Sioux Falls or Rapid City.

The Department of Human Services estimates more than 4,000 South Dakotans will be impacted by the grants. The department received 104 applications totaling $7.47 million, so nearly $5.5 million in requests werent funded.

Lake Andes Senior Living, in south-central South Dakota, was awarded $13,502 to fund a radio system integrated with an updated call light system. The new call light system, which will cost nearly $90,000, wasnt awarded.

Something is better than nothing, thats for sure, said Clay Brouwer, Lake Andes Senior Living administrator.

Brouwer said the facility will have to find a way to budget for the $90,000 call light system to take advantage of the state granted funds.

The facilitys current call light system, which alerts nursing staff when a patient needs attention, is several decades old, Brouwer said, and only lights up outside of the patients room with a beeping noise. Alerting staff through a radio system will improve response times for patients.

Its doing a lot for facilities. Any time you can get a technology grant of any sort, you just have quicker access. Anything helps, he said.

Awarded projects must be completed within one year from the date of the award. Grants were capped at $100,000.

Awarded 2024 long-term care technology grants

Avera Mother Joseph Manor Retirement, Aberdeen, $40,430

Prairie Height Healthcare, Aberdeen, $20,621.77

Diamond Care Center, Bridgewater, $10,000

Sun Dial Manor, Bristol, $9,571.97

Wheatcrest Hills Healthcare, Britton, $13,261

United Living Community Brookings, Brookings, $66,094.94

Centerville Care and Rehab Center, Centerville, $5,000

Sanford Health Chamberlain, Chamberlain, $12,099

Avantara Clark, Clark, $24,672

Fay Wookey Memorial Assisted Living, Clark, $2,447

Roetell Senior Housing Clark, Clark, $5,281

Good Samaritan Society in Corsica, DeSmet, Howard, Scotland, Tyndall, $17,509

Avera Eureka, Eureka, $18,591.63

Faulkton Senior Living, Faulkton, $2,175

The Meadows Assisted Living, Faulkton, $3,535

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Care Center, Flandreau, $36,909

Riverview Healthcare Center , Flandreau, $13,261

Palisade Healthcare Center, Garretson, $52,523

Avantara Groton, Groton, $24,672

Seven Sisters Living center, Hot Springs, $60,699.60

Hudson Care and Rehab, Hudson, $3,776.17

Sunset Manor, Irene, $30,828.62

Lakes Andes Senior Living, Lake Andes, $13,502.20

Avantara Lake Norden, Lake Norden, $24,672

Bethel Lutheran Home, Madison, $15,809.83

Tieszen Memorial Home, Inc., Marion, $63,808.96

Avantara Milbank, Milbank, $10,000

Wellshire Park Place, Millbank, $20,000

Good Samaritan Society  Miller, Miller, $11,355

Avera Brady Health and Rehab, Mitchell, $8,320

Firesteel Healthcare, Mitchell, $15,939

Edgewood , Mitchell, Sioux Falls, Watertown, $21,030

Mobridge Regional Hospital  Assisted Living, Mobridge, $15,440

Avera Bormann Manor, Parkston, $13,085

Scotchman Living Center, Philip, $17,948.44

Silverlead Assisted Living Center, Philip, $3,887.99

Avera Maryhouse, Pierre, $71,200

Edgewood Pierre, Pierre, $63,106

Clarkson Health Care, Rapid City, $44,047

Edgewood Rapid City, Rapid City, $77,729

Fairmont Grand Senior Living, Rapid City, $9,485

Fountain Springs Healthcare, Rapid City, $72,704

The Courtyard  Westhills Village, Rapid City, $25,075.26

Avantara Redfield, Redfield, $23,500

Lakeside Assisted Living, Redfield, $1,000

Strand Kjorsvig Community Rest Home, Roslyn, $9,992.85

Leisure Living Salem Independent and Assisted Living, Salem, $69.99

Bethany Home Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, $10,106.79

Dow Rummel, Sioux Falls, $10,000

Good Samaritan Society  Hearthstone Assisted Living, Sioux Falls, $79,516

Good Samaritan Society  Luther Manor, Sioux Falls, $97,916

Good Samaritan Society  Prairie Creek Assisted Living, Sioux Falls, $93,916

Good Samaritan Society  Sioux Falls Center, Sioux Falls, $97,916

Good Samaritan Society  Sioux Falls Village, Sioux Falls, $100,000

Meadows on Sycamore Assisted Living, Sioux Falls, $58,389

Trail Ridge Retirement Community, Sioux Falls, $11,370.69

Tekakwitha Living Center, Sisseton, $12,240.93

Edgewood Spearfish Senior Living, Spearfish, $100,000

Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home, Viborg, $49,500

Wakonda Hertiage Manor, Wakonda, $19,085.59

Avantara Watertown, Watertown, $23,500

Jenkins Living Center, Watertown, $27,000

Meadow Lake Assisted Living, Watertown, $1,237.97

Bethesda Home, Webster, $18,405

Aurora-Brule Care and Rehab, White Lake, $14,615.00

White River Health Care Center, White River, $16,900

Wilmot Care Center, Wilmot, $23,814.81

Prairie View Healthcare Center, Woonsocket, $7,904

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Search in New Hampshire linked to Massachusetts woman who vanished in 2013, DA says

An ongoing search in New Hampshire is linked to an investigation into the disappearance of a Massachusetts woman who vanished more than a decade ago, authorities confirmed Thursday.

Massachusetts State Police Detectives are assisting Lynn police and New Hampshire State Police in a search in the Strafford County town of Barrington thats connected to Leeanne Redden, a 37-year-old Lynn woman who disappeared in 2013, one a day after visiting her family, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office.

New Englands Unsolved: The disappearance of Leeanne Redden

On April 15, 2013, the day of the Boston Marathon bombings, Redden showed up at her mothers door with a new boyfriend, an older man from Saugus. She hasnt been seen since.

He made a statement that he was going to marry her and help her, Donna Redden told Boston 25s Bob Ward in November 2023. And she didnt say anything. She just looked at me like, you know, gave me a little weird look. And I said, Is that what you want to do? You sure? She said, Yeah.

Donna recalled that she got a call the next morning from Leeannes boyfriend who said she had left him in the middle of the night. A week later, he returned Leeannes belongings to her family.

Donna reported Leeanne missing to the Lynn Police Department and authorities told Boston 25 that Leeannes boyfriend is potentially a person of interest. Months after Leeanne disappeared, the boyfriend suddenly died from a suspected drug overdose but investigators continued to investigate, recently searching a Saugus home where he lived.

On Wednesday, dozens of law enforcement officials swarmed a wooded area on a piece of private property on Small Street in Barrington, which is located about 30 miles northeast of Manchester.

Cruisers, crime scene vans, and police dogs were spotted at the scene of the search. An excavator was also being used.

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.

Lynn police have been working to determine if Leeanne was a victim of foul play.

Anyone with information on her disappearance is urged to contact Lynn police at 781-477-4398 or the Essex County Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit at 978-745-8909.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Search underway for juvenile last seen near east Columbus area

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Columbus Police Department is asking for the publics help with finding a juvenile who went missing towards east Columbus a few days ago.

Adrian Black, 17, was last seen on Sunday, July 21 at about 11 p.m. in the 4000 block of Harbin Street  slightly over a mile from where Buena Vista Road meets Interstate 185.

Police say Black has brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911, the CPD Special Victims Unit at (706) 225-3449, or lead investigator Cpl. Kasandra Maymi at (706) 225-4173.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
UPDATE  According to the Luce County Sheriffs Department, Michigan State Police Dive Team was able to recover the body Thursday afternoon.



MCMILLAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJMN)  The Luce County Sheriffs Department and other agencies are looking for an out-of-state teenager in the water after searchers believe they drowned on Wednesday.

According to the Luce County Sheriffs Department, an emergency call for a missing person in the water was reported after 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

They were told a 14 and 15-year-old from Ohio were swimming in Lake Superior near Lake Superior State Campground, east of Grand Marais.

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The Sheriffs Department reported that the waves were coming in at 4-5 and an undertow had drug the two into deeper water. The 15-year-old was able to get back to shore, but the 14-year-old was unable to fight the current.

The Coast Guard searched by boat and helicopter with help from the sheriffs department and DNR officers.

On Thursday, the Michigan State Police Dive and Drone Team joined the search.

You can find Great Lakes water safety advice from the DNR here.

Michigan Sea Grant Michigan has more resources about Great Lakes currents and what to do if youre caught in one here.

This is a developing story. Get the latest updates with Local 3 on-air and online.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.
Should second-look efforts lead to early ends to some long prison sentences in US?

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.

As Americas prison population both ages and increases, Stateline reports, a second-look movement has gained interest as a way to reduce overcrowding and potentially save money.

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 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 social justice nonprofit. 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.

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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. Goellner was an assistant federal defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania and a defense lawyer in Erie until joining F.A.M.M. in 2021.

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.

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.

Amanda Hernandez covers criminal justice for Stateline. She has reported for both national and local outlets, including ABC News, USA Today and NBC4 Washington. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Second-look movement picks up in long prison sentences reevaluations
Rupert Murdoch wants to change a 25-year-old trust for his kids

Succession, HBOs all-conquering drama about a family of billionaires at war with each other, concluded last May. Over four series, the programme chronicled the poisonous squabbling over a media dynasty, as the ageing patriarch Logan Roy, played by Brian Cox, decided which of his children would inherit the company. By the final episode, loose ends were tied up, tensions resolved, the future given some kind of shape. Successions creator Jesse Armstrong, no doubt for sound legal reasons, has always maintained his fictional family was inspired by several different families, including the Maxwells, the Redstones and the Sulzbergers. But the programme was obviously based on one family above all: the Murdochs.

Although Succession has ended, the real-life battle for the Murdoch empire rages on: a decades-long tale of power, money, and internecine family rivalry that would make the Ancient Greeks blush. This week it has been revealed that Rupert Murdoch is embroiled in a secret legal battle with three of his children over the future of the business. At 93, it seems the old tycoon has lost none of his appetite for a fight, nor his willingness to line up with one of his children against the others.

Murdoch, 93, is said to be concerned about the politics of some of the siblings - Stefan Wermuth

According to a report in The New York Times, which has seen private legal documents, the nonagenarian billionaire is going through the courts to alter a supposedly unalterable trust. In the event of Murdochs death this trust, made nearly 25 years ago, gave equal control of his business empire to his four eldest children: Prudence, 65, by his first wife, Patricia Booker, and Elisabeth, 55, Lachlan, 52, and James, 51, by his second wife Anna Torv.

The trust was part of his divorce from Anna after 31 years, where she agreed to take a lower settlement than the 50 per cent she could well have asked him for. The trust was designed to be a final safeguard on the future of the empire, structured in a way that no subsequent meddling could change it. (The two children Murdoch had with his third wife, Wendi Deng, were later added as financial beneficiaries but without votes.)

Now it seems Murdoch has decided that he wants to change it, specifically to put his eldest son Lachlan in charge. The tycoon reportedly began the process late last year, surprising the other three children. Murdochs case is that in order to preserve the commercial success of the businesses, especially Fox News, it is vital to have a boss who is politically aligned with them. That means Lachlan, the most conservative of the four siblings, is the best fit. The implication of Murdochs secret coup is that the other children, who are more liberal, could not be trusted to keep Fox News and News Corp going at full throttle.

Story continues

Rupert is now believed to favour Lachlan (left) over James (right) to preserve his Right-wing ideology - Getty

I think this is a mistake by Rupert Murdoch, to seek to change the terms in a way that would obviously potentially endanger the economic interests of the three other siblings, says Alice Enders, head of research at Enders Analysis, a media research company.

This document was leaked to The New York Times, obviously. I dont believe in the succession battle story, that what James wants to do is actually take over Fox and change it to a CNN. But they are quite right to defend their economic interests.

This is a very sad day for the Murdochs, she adds. Because if this had not happened, they would have remained a united family.

Still, Murdoch may get his way. The New York Times report states that the Nevada probate commissioner found that Murdoch would be able to edit the trust if he could prove that he was acting in good faith and for the sole benefit of his heirs. The case is expected to come to trial in September. The outcome will be closely watched: the future of a decent-sized chunk of Western media may depend on it.

The story is the latest chapter in a family saga so gripping that fiction, even as rarefied as HBOs, can scarcely do it justice. For as long as Rupert Murdoch has had children  Prudence was born in 1958  there has been speculation over the future of his business.

Walter Marsh, the author of Young Rupert: The Making of the Murdoch Empire, says Murdochs recent actions are hardly a surprise, given his lifetime of control over his firm.

Just after my book came out [in October 2023] Rupert announced he was resigning, which seemed like a strange moment, Marsh says. On the one hand, he was handing over the baton to Lachlan, but on the other hand the idea that he after 70 years of being the north star of this company thats beholden to his whims and his lizard-brain instinct for chasing opportunity and making his calls, that he would fade into the background it seemed too good to be true. Sure enough, this latest revelation makes it clear hes still making moves to dictate the direction of the company after retirement, but also beyond the grave.

As in Succession, at various stages different children have appeared to be preeminent in their old mans affections. When the trust was established in the 1990s, relations between the four children seemed harmonious, their politics more closely aligned. All were involved in the businesses in some way. A quarter of a century later, the world  America especially  is a more fractious place politically, and the Murdoch children have variously drifted out of the business and fallen out personally, despite Elisabeths attempts to be the Switzerland of the family, and stay on good terms with everyone. For a while James looked like a likely heir: in 2003 he was made chief executive of BSkyB. By 2011, he was running News International, the parent company of The Times, but was forced to resign in 2012 over the phone-hacking scandal.

Elisabeth's attempts to be the "Switzerland" of the family, and stay on good terms with everyone, haven't always gone to plan - Getty

As Fox News has become a more powerful and polarising force in America, both James and Elisabeth have broken from the party line in public. Elisabeth held a fundraiser for Obama in 2008, while in 2020, when he resigned from the board of News Corp, James criticised the way his fathers media properties had reported on climate change.

Lachlan, on the other hand, was welcomed back into the fold in 2014, when he became non-executive chairman at 21st Century Fox and News Corp. Since then he has become more and more the heir apparent, culminating in Ruperts decision last year to hand over sole charge to Lachlan. Reports have suggested that the machinations of the past ten years, and especially Lachlans return as the apparent prodigal son, have led to a breakdown in relations between the siblings, especially between Lachlan and James.

The political waters are just as choppy as the familial ones. Despite Murdochs reputation as a kingmaker, he has had an up and down relationship with Donald Trump, particularly after Fox News called the 2020 election for Joe Biden. In the UK, newspapers  including Murdochs Times and Sun  no longer have the influence or profitability they once did. Earlier this year, Murdochs TalkTV channel, a rival to the insurgent GB News, was taken off the air, although it remains online.

This is a fight for hegemony on the right, says Des Freedman, a professor of media and communications at Goldsmiths University. Theres fierce competition in the UK and US at the moment with quite different electoral fortunes. This is the Murdochs trying to find their place in it. Im sure Murdoch is trying to shore up his worldview. Its just unusual that his family happen to be the collateral damage. But its a race against time. Murdoch is seeing diminishing returns on a once very grand empire. I think he sees Lachlan as the best way of protecting that reputation against kids who arent reliable enough as voices of Ruperts politics.

Whoever ends up running the business will end up with an empire smaller than it was at its peak. In 2019, Murdoch completed his sale of 21st Century Fox to Disney for a reported $71bn, a deal which left each of his children with $2bn.

While the appointment of Lachlan safeguarded the political leanings of the company during Rupert Murdochs lifetime, the trust means that Murdoch cannot be sure what will happen after he dies. For Marsh, Murdochs control issues might be related to the circumstances around his own fathers death. Keith Murdoch, an Australian media proprietor whose titles were the starting point of Ruperts vast empire, died of cancer in 1952.

Murdoch recently got married for a fifth time to Elena Zhukova, once mother-in-law to Roman Abramovich

His father had spent the last few years of his life trying to set up his son to inherit a few newspapers, but he died quite suddenly in this process of trying to reassert control, he says. Rupert was thrown into this power struggle where all his fathers former allies and rivals were trying to take back what Rupert saw as his inheritance. That put him on this treadmill with a big chip on his shoulder for 70 years. It makes sense that he wants to set up the family trust in a way that Lachlan isnt facing the same power struggles. When they established it in the 90s, with the four votes equally between the four older children, who could have predicted that there would be such a spectacular division between the siblings that he would decide to take the steps he is taking?

It is not only in his business dealings that Murdoch has maintained an impressive work rate. In California last month he got married for a fifth time, to Elena Zhukova, 67, a retired Russian biologist, and the former mother-in-law of oligarch Roman Abramovich. Reportedly only Lachlan turned up. If you tried to put it in a TV script, nobody would believe it.

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See how much these key Iowa House, Senate candidates have raised for their November races

With the top of the ticket dominating all the attention, candidates for the Iowa House and Senate continue to quietly fundraise ahead of November's election.

The latest fundraising reports for statehouse candidates, which were due Friday, span May 15 through July 14.

Four Senate Democratic candidates in targeted districts have amassed war chests topping $100,000 as they head into the final months before the election.

Senate Democrats' funds received a boost from former Iowa gubernatorial candidate and longtime Democratic donor Fred Hubbell, who has given $10,000 to four Iowa Senate candidates this year: Sens. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines; Eric Giddens, D-Cedar Falls; and Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines; as well as challenger Matt Blake of Urbandale.

More: Christina Bohannan, Lanon Baccam outraise Republican opponents in bids for Congress

As the race enters its final stage, the state parties and legislative leaders will also step in with funds to boost their candidates.

The Republican Party of Iowa took in $121,924 during the reporting period and spent $81,390. The party has $867,494 in the bank.

The Iowa Democratic Party brought in $414,330 during the same period and spent $301,005. The party has $361,528 in cash on hand, and $100,000 in outstanding loans from a previous reporting period.

House and Senate leaders typically raise and spend large amounts of money boosting their candidates on the ballot.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, R-Grimes, does not have to report his fundraising totals this year since he is not on the ballot until 2026. But Senate President Amy Sinclair, R-Allerton, who is up for reelection, took in $12,070 and spent $6,177. Sinclair has $276,260 cash on hand.

Senate Minority Leader Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, who is not running for reelection, raised $8,110 during the latest reporting period. Jochum transferred $50,000 to the Iowa Democratic Party and has $91,389 left in the bank.

"So far, our candidates have once again outraised the Republicans running for the Senate this year," Jochum said in a statement.

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, raised $63,303 and spent $3,029. She has $250,932 in cash on hand.

Konfrst said in a statement that "Iowans are frustrated with politics" and they believe "the governor and GOP lawmakers have just gone too far."

"Iowa House Democrats strong fundraising numbers from small donors all across Iowa show Iowans are engaged and ready to fight for their public schools and reproductive freedom," she said. "Iowa Democrats will put people over politics and work nonstop until election day to show up in communities large and small, listen to Iowans, and earn their trust."

House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, raised $162,200, spent $1,625 and has $736,364 in the bank. He said in a statement that Republicans have used their majorities at the Capitol to pursue sound budgeting practices, reduce red tape and grow a strong workforce.

House Speaker Pat Grassley addresses the Iowa House on the first day of the Legislative session, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.

"We understand the importance of raising the funds necessary to defend our talented members, bring new voices into our caucus, and deliver our winning message to Iowans," Grassley said in the statement.

Here's a look at fundraising in 10 key legislative districts where candidates are on the ballot this year.

House District 28: West Des Moines, Van Meter and Adel

Rep. David Young, R-Van Meter, is seeking a second term representing this Dallas County district after winning election in 2022.

He holds a large lead over his Democratic challenger, attorney Laura Snider, in both fundraising and cash on hand.

David Young (R, incumbent)

Contributions: $28,888

Expenditures: $4,469

In-kind contributions: $3,028

Cash on hand: $150,081

Laura Snider (D)

Contributions: $5,215

Expenditures: $3,053

In-kind contributions: $640

Cash on hand: $10,892

House District 40: Altoona, Des Moines and eastern Polk County

Rep. Bill Gustoff, R-Des Moines, faces a challenge from Democrat Heather Sievers in this district, which includes Altoona, parts of northeast Des Moines and parts of unincorporated Polk County.

Gustoff holds a slight edge over Sievers in both fundraising and cash on hand.

Bill Gustoff (R, incumbent)

Contributions: $37,499

Expenditures: $9,631

In-kind contributions: $11,407

Cash on hand: $53,772

Heather Sievers (D)

Contributions: $30,614

Expenditures: $2,726

Unpaid bills: $226.14

In-kind contributions: $1,953

Cash on hand: $42,920

House District 41: Northern Ankeny

Rep. Molly Buck, D-Ankeny, is seeking to win a second term in office in this northern Ankeny district. She has an edge over former Ankeny School Board President Ryan Weldon in both fundraising and cash on hand.

Buck received $7,140 from the Ankeny Area Democrats, $5,000 from prominent Democratic donor Harry Bookey and $3,000 from the Iowa State Education Association PAC.

Molly Buck (D, incumbent)

Contributions: $25,452

Expenditures: $5,367

In-kind contributions: $2,295

Cash on hand: $37,976

Ryan Weldon (R)

Contributions: $4,537

Expenditures: $3,529

In-kind contributions: $0

Cash on hand: $5,093

House District 42: Southern Ankeny

Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny, will be a top target for Republicans after defeating former Rep. Garrett Gobble by just 23 votes in 2022.

She faces a challenge from Republican Heather Stephenson in this southern Ankeny district.

Matson has an advantage in fundraising and cash on hand. Her contributions include $7,140 from the Ankeny Area Democrats and $2,500 from the ISEA PAC.

Heather Matson (D, incumbent)

Contributions: $29,493

Expenditures: $3,051

In-kind contributions: $741

Cash on hand: $58,343

Heather Stephenson (R)

Contributions: $273

Expenditures: $859

In-kind contributions: $0

Cash on hand: $7,449

House District 43: Johnston, Urbandale and Saylorville

Rep. Eddie Andrews, R-Johnston, faces a general election challenge from Democrat Tiara Mays-Sims in this Johnston-based district.

Andrews won a close reelection race in 2022, prevailing over his Democratic opponent 51% to 49%, a difference of about 350 votes.

Mays-Sims outraised Andrews in the latest fundraising period and has slightly more in the bank.

Eddie Andrews (R, incumbent)

Contributions: $4,920

Expenditures: $0

In-kind contributions: $0

Cash on hand: $19,599

Tiara Mays-Sims (D)

Contributions: $9,459

Expenditures: $2,915

Unpaid bills: $317

In-kind contributions: $0

Cash on hand: $25,869

Senate District 14: Dallas County

Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, has a massive financial advantage over Republican Dallas County Supervisor Mark Hanson.

Trone Garriott has more than half a million dollars in the bank, much of it thanks to a $250,000 donation in March from Warren Stine, the son of Iowa billionaire Harry Stine and assistant director of corn research at Stine Seed Co. Warren Stine has given Trone Garriott $280,000 this year, although he did not donate in the most recent reporting period.

Hanson received donations from two other Stine siblings: $1,000 from Myron Stine, president of Stine Seed Co, and $100 from Lucinda Stine.

Sarah Trone Garriott (D, incumbent)

Contributions: $42,701

Expenditures: $12,074

In-kind contributions: $1,175

Cash on hand: $515,718

Mark Hanson (R)

Contributions: $7,725

Expenditures: $6,290

In-kind contributions: $0

Cash on hand: $11,146

Senate District 20: Eastern Des Moines, Altoona

Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, has more than $276,000 in the bank as he faces a challenge from Republican mechanical contractor Mike Pike.

Boulton took in $67,501, including the $10,000 from Hubbell. Pike raised $7,600 and has $5,900 in the bank.

Nate Boulton (D, incumbent)

Contributions: $67,501

Expenditures: $5,988

In-kind contributions: $951

Cash on hand: $276,273

Mike Pike (R)

Contributions: $7,614

Expenditures: $3,102

In-kind contributions: $1,500

Cash on hand: $5,862

Senate District 22: Urbandale, Johnston

Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, is a top target for Democrats this year. The Senate president pro tempore and Judiciary Committee chair faces a challenge from Urbandale City Council member Matt Blake, who has outraised him.

Blake's donations include $10,000 from Hubbell and $5,000 from Fred Weitz, a former CEO of The Weitz Company, a Des Moines-based construction company.

Zaun's top donation is $5,000 from the Associated General Contractors of Iowa PAC. Former Gov. Terry Branstad and his wife, Christine Branstad, also donated $2,500.

Brad Zaun (R, incumbent)

Contributions: $19,406

Expenditures: $6,039

In-kind contributions: $3,833

Cash on hand: $73,113

Matt Blake (D)

Contributions: $46,144

Expenditures: $19,645

In-kind contributions: $438

Outstanding loans: $2,000

Cash on hand: $107,891

Senate District 38: Cedar Falls, rural Black Hawk, Tama, Benton counties

Sen. Eric Giddens, D-Cedar Falls, faces a stiff battle for reelection against former Cedar Falls City Council member Dave Sires this fall.

The district includes Cedar Falls and rural Black Hawk, Tama and Benton counties.

Giddens' $68,000 in donations include $10,000 from Hubbell.

Sires has spent more than $28,000, nearly twice as much as Giddens, although more than $19,000 of that spending came before the June 4 Republican primary.

Sires has just $2,800 in the bank compared to more than $180,000 for Giddens.

Eric Giddens (D, incumbent)

Contributions: $68,279

Expenditures: $15,544

In-kind contributions: $1,698

Cash on hand: $180,571

Dave Sires (R)

Contributions: $13,064

Expenditures: $28,093

In-kind contributions: $3,835

Cash on hand: $2,808

Senate District 50: Burlington, Fort Madison and Keokuk

Sen. Jeff Reichman, R-Montrose, is seeking reelection in this southeast Iowa Senate seat, where he faces a challenge from Democrat Nannette Griffin.

All but $2,100 of Reichman's fundraising comes from a $20,000 donation from the Great American Comeback PAC, a group formed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during his presidential campaign. The PAC has donated thousands to legislators like Reichman who endorsed DeSantis for president ahead of the Iowa Caucuses.

Reichman had previously endorsed Trump for president, but flipped his support to DeSantis last July, citing Trump's attacks on Gov. Kim Reynolds.

In all, the PAC has given $110,000 to Iowa Republicans, beginning with a previous $5,000 donation to Reichman in October.

After Reichman, Sinclair and House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley, received the largest donations from the PAC, at $15,000 each.

Jeff Reichman (R, incumbent)

Contributions: $22,102

Expenditures: $3,508

In-kind contributions: $0

Cash on hand: $50,385

Nannette Griffin (D)

Contributions: $12,980

Expenditures: $8,863

In-kind contributions: $10

Cash on hand: $19,583

Editor's note: A previously published version of this story incorrectly listed the amount of money raised by Mike Pike. It has been updated.

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa House and Senate candidates report fundraising in key races
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), alongside Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced a new bill in Washington, D.C., aimed at removing smartphones from classrooms in public schools.

While the bill falls short of outright banning smartphones from public school classrooms, it would encourage schools to enforce policies restricting their use.

The bill, titled the Smart Kids Not Smartphones Act, would establish an award program that recognizes and highlights schools that enforce policies prohibiting smartphone use by students during class time.

There is no question that smartphones are a major distraction to students in the classroom, said Romney. They also contribute to deteriorating mental health, social isolation, and cyberbullying among our youth. Our bill would encourage schools to institute policies which would prohibit the use of smartphones during class time, while still allowing for reasonable exceptions for emergencies, educational activities, and students with exceptional needs.

Awards would be given to schools by the Department of Education. As a non-competitive award, any school would be able to be recognized regardless of any other schools recognition. The bill also has no monetary value attached to it with recognition coming in the form of a banner or website badge on a schools webpage.

Additionally, relevant federal agencies would be required to publish guidance on effective smartphone use policies and enforcement for schools to use.

Smartphones in the classroom are a massive distraction from learning and socializing with other students and feed into our kids addiction to technology, said Murphy. There are plenty of schools, including in Connecticut, that have seen improved student mental health and academic outcomes after implementing policies that limit phones in the classroom.

In studies cited by the two senators, 97% of students aged 11 to 17 use their phones during the day with a median time of 43 minutes. The lawmakers said smartphone use has been found to harm students mental health and ability to focus and learn.

The full text for the Smart Kids Not Smartphones Act can be found online, 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 ABC4 Utah.
As global financial markets navigate through varying trends, the Singapore Exchange (SGX) continues to present unique opportunities for investors seeking value. Amidst a broader context of technological adoption and shifting consumer behaviors influencing market dynamics, particularly evident in sectors like banking, identifying stocks with appealing valuation estimates becomes crucial. In this environment, understanding the fundamental aspects that contribute to a stock being considered undervaluedsuch as solid fundamentals relative to market pricecan guide investors towards making informed decisions in a fluctuating market landscape.

Top 5 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In Singapore

Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) Singapore Technologies Engineering (SGX:S63) SGD4.43 SGD7.38 40% 17LIVE Group (SGX:LVR) SGD0.89 SGD1.53 41.8% Hongkong Land Holdings (SGX:H78) US$3.36 US$5.74 41.5% Winking Studios (Catalist:WKS) SGD0.305 SGD0.51 40.1% Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust (SGX:BUOU) SGD1.00 SGD1.66 39.9% Digital Core REIT (SGX:DCRU) US$0.62 US$1.11 43.9% Seatrium (SGX:5E2) SGD1.52 SGD2.64 42.4% Nanofilm Technologies International (SGX:MZH) SGD0.88 SGD1.47 40%

Click here to see the full list of 8 stocks from our Undervalued SGX Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Overview: Seatrium Limited specializes in engineering solutions for the offshore, marine, and energy sectors with a market capitalization of SGD 5.18 billion.

Operations: Seatrium Limited generates significant revenue from its core operations, with SGD 7257.68 million earned through activities including rigs and floaters, repairs and upgrades, offshore platforms, and specialised shipbuilding, alongside SGD 31.63 million from ship chartering.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 42.4%

Seatrium, trading at S$1.52, is significantly undervalued based on a discounted cash flow valuation of S$2.64, reflecting a potential upside despite its current challenges. Analysts expect Seatrium's earnings to grow by 72.23% annually, outpacing the Singapore market growth forecast of 3.6%. However, its return on equity is projected to remain low at 8.2% in three years. Recent regulatory scrutiny and executive changes pose risks but are balanced by new contracts and a strong project pipeline including a significant contract with TenneT for an offshore transmission system valued at approximately 2 billion.

Story continues

SGX:5E2 Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust (SGX:BUOU) is a Singapore-listed real estate investment trust specializing in industrial and commercial properties, with a portfolio of 107 assets valued at approximately S$6.4 billion, spread across five developed markets including Australia, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands; it has a market capitalization of about S$3.76 billion.

Operations: The trust generates revenue from a portfolio of 107 industrial and commercial properties across Australia, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 39.9%

Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust, priced at SGD1, appears undervalued with a fair value estimate of SGD1.66 based on discounted cash flow analysis. Despite a recent decline in net income from SGD 118.07 million to SGD 93.59 million and lower earnings per share, the trust forecasts revenue growth of 6.2% annually, surpassing Singapore's market average of 3.6%. However, its dividends have shown inconsistency and debt coverage by operating cash flow is weak, posing potential risks for investors seeking stable returns.

SGX:BUOU Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd is a global technology, defense, and engineering company with a market capitalization of SGD 13.82 billion.

Operations: The company's revenue is divided among three main segments: Commercial Aerospace generating SGD 3.97 billion, Urban Solutions & Satcom contributing SGD 1.98 billion, and Defence & Public Security accounting for SGD 4.29 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 40%

Singapore Technologies Engineering is trading at S$4.43, significantly below its estimated fair value of S$7.38, suggesting it's undervalued based on cash flows. The company's revenue growth forecast at 6.5% annually outpaces the Singapore market average of 3.6%. Although earnings are expected to increase by 11.69% per year, this is modest compared to some peers. Recent initiatives include a share buyback and consistent dividends, reflecting positive shareholder returns despite a high level of debt which raises some concerns about financial health.

SGX:S63 Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include SGX:5E2 SGX:BUOU and SGX:S63.

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Sen. Ossoff helping to resolve Social Security and Medicare issues at community event

LaGRANGE, Ga. (WRBL)  Members of Sen. Jon Ossoffs staff are holding an event in LaGrange tomorrow, with the goal of helping community members access federal services.

The event is scheduled to take place Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at LaGrange City Hall.

According to the Senators office, the team will help community members navigate Federal agencies, from resolving issues with Social Security and Medicare to helping families obtain passports and visas.

The team will also assist servicemembers, veterans, and their families with their VA and TRICARE benefits.

The Senators office says these events are held on a monthly basis and the next event is set to be announced soon.

For more information about an event or for assistance visit ossoff.senate.gov/MobileCasework or by call 470-786-7800.

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The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday passed its second batch of government funding legislation, clearing seven of the 12 full-year spending bills for fiscal 2025 overall.

The four funding bills advanced with bipartisan support, although both sides went back and forth throughout a Thursday session over a series of issues ranging from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to relief for Palestinian refugees.

The bills call for more than $200 billion in funding for the departments of Justice (DOJ), Commerce, Transportation (DOT), Interior, State, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The powerful funding committee cleared its first batch of funding bills earlier this month, spanning hundreds of billions of dollars for the departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the legislative branch, which also covers operations in the House and Senate.

The annual DOJ funding bill, one of the largest of the bunch considered on Thursday, calls for more than $70 billion in discretionary funding, up $5.2 billion from current levels, according to a bill summary. The bill also covers funding for the Commerce Department and science agencies, boosts for the National Science Foundation, climate research and construction of weather satellites at NOAA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Office on Violence Against Women.

The bill advanced out of committee in a 26-3 vote, with Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) joining two Republicans in voting no, while expressing concerns with NOAAs proposed vessel speed rules.

In 2022, NOAA proposed a rule that would require small recreational boats between 35 and 65 feet in length to travel at speeds below 10 knots for up to seven months of [the] year, he said of the measure. NOAA claims that this is the only thing that will protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale.

Let me be clear, this rule would absolutely devastate the entire recreational boating and fishing industry, he said. It will force vessel operators to navigate choppy waters at dangerously low speeds and it would economically be disastrous for the communities that depend on ocean tourism. It is ill conceived and overreaching.

Senators also debated an amendment proposed by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), which the senator argued sought to prohibit the law enforcement funding provided by this committee from being defunded without our committees approval.

In fiscal year 2023, more than $11 million in funds provided by this committee for law enforcement were diverted to special counsel Jack Smiths investigation of the Republican presidential candidates, he said. Republicans have vigorously criticized Smiths prosecution of former President Trump.

Senators also had a lengthy debate around the United Nations agency that provides relief for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, as the committee considered the annual State Department funding bill. The issue was also a sticking point earlier this year when both sides negotiated fiscal 2024 funding.

The fiscal 2025 version of the bill, which additionally covers dollars for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), calls for more than $60 billion in funding, with increases for the State Department and USAID Operations.

The committee approved more than $98 billion in fiscal 2025 discretionary funding for the annual HUD and DOT funding bill, while increasing funding for the Maritime Administration, homeless assistance grants and tenant-based Section 8 vouchers.

Tribal programs and schools and the Indian Health Service see funding boosts in the fiscal 2025 Interior funding bill, which calls for more than $44 billion in funding, with Democrats also highlighting increases for EPA programs and other offices.

The bills are a stark contrast from the funding plans being crafted in the GOP-led House, where Republicans on Wednesday passed a spending bill proposing a 20 percent cut to EPA funding, along with other policy riders that Democrats have called poison pills.

Theres also a funding gap between the bills being moved in both chambers, as House Democrats accuse Republicans of shortchanging nondefense programs in their bills, while Senate negotiators say theyve struck a bipartisan deal to increase funding in their measures beyond budget caps agreed to last year.

Congress currently has until late September, when fiscal 2025 is set to start, to fund the government, and members on both sides acknowledge a stopgap measure will be needed to prevent a shutdown as lawmakers fall behind in their annual funding work.

The House has only passed five of its annual funding bills across the floor, and the full Senate has yet to pass any.

Sen. Jerry Moran (Kan.), an appropriator and top Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, also shared concerns of funding shortfalls lawmakers could have to address sooner rather than later.

We recently learned from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and from [the Office of Management and Budget], a mandatory funding shortfall of approximately $3 billion in the compensation and pension and readjustment benefits accounts for fiscal year 24 and a discretionary funding shortfall of approximately $12 billion in its medical care accounts for fiscal year 25, he said, while knocking both offices for coming forward with the information only after senators advanced legislation this month to fund the VA for fiscal 2025.

The VA claims now that 7 million veterans and survivors are at risk of not receiving their benefit payments on [Oct. 1], a date in which theres very few days in which we will be here between now and then, if Congress does not act before [Sept. 20], he said.

In a statement responding to Morans comments on Thursday, VA press secretary Terrence Hayes said the agency is delivering more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in a large part to the historic PACT Act.

These results are life-changing for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors, and VA will continue to push to make sure that they get the care and benefits they deserve, Hayes told The Hill, while pointing to increases in enrollment to VA health care, jumps in claims applications, and other factors.

These important results for Veterans and survivors exceeded even the most aggressive projections and expectations. Because of that, VA needs Congress to provide $2.883 billion in mandatory benefits funds for fiscal year 2024 and $11.971 in fiscal year 2025 for medical care.

The Hill has reached out to the Office of Management and Budget for comment.

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The Senate Health Committee voted almost unanimously Thursday to launch an investigation into the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care and subpoena its top executive for testimony.

The vote marked the first time the committee has ever issued a subpoena to compel testimony.

Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre will be required to face questions from the committee at a hearing on Sept. 12.

De la Torre for years has faced accusations that he has personally profited while Stewards hospitals across the country have been failing financially, but he has so far avoided any public response. He declined an earlier opportunity to testify, lawmakers said, and offered no counter date or alternate company official.

Members voted 20-1 to authorize the investigation, and 16-4 to authorize the subpoena.

Subpoenas should only be used when absolutely necessary, when all other efforts have failed, and the subpoena were voting on today meets that criteria, said the panels top Republican, Sen. Bill Cassidy (La.). The decision to subpoena Steward does not come lightly but the situation is actively impacting patients and the communities we represent.

Committee Chair Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) characterized Stewards failure as an example of what happens when private equity firms get involved in health care.

Executives on Wall Street make huge amounts of money by taking over hospitals throughout our country, loading them up with debt and stripping their assets, Sanders said.

Perhaps more than anyone else in America, a dubious distinction, no doubt, Ralph de la Torre, the CEO of Steward Health Care, epitomizes the type of outrageous corporate greed that is permeating throughout our for-profit health care system, Sanders said. The greed we are seeing here is quite extraordinary.

Ahead of the vote, Sanders showed pictures of de la Torres $40 million yacht, $15 million luxury fishing boat, and the companys two corporate jets.

It is time for Dr. de la Torre to get off of his yacht and to explain to Congress the financial chicanery which made him extremely wealthy, while the hospitals he managed went bankrupt. It is time for Congress to hold Dr. de la Torre accountable for his extreme greed, Sanders said.

Steward took over a failing hospital system run by the Archdiocese of Boston in 2010, and backed by private equity company Cerberus Capital Management, converted it into for-profit institutions before buying up hospitals across the country.

Cerberus siphoned money from the hospitals and then sold all the land to a real estate investment company for more than $1 billion. The company agreed to lease them back for millions of dollars in rent each year. Steward used the money from the deal to finance more expansion, allegedly without investing in its existing hospitals.

While the hospitals were struggling, to the point where bills werent being paid and medical instruments were being repossessed, the owners paid themselves millions in dividends.

But Cassidy countered that private equity was not to blame for Stewards failure. The company went bankrupt because of corruption and mismanagement from top executives, he said.

Steward is not a private equity firm. Private equity did not cause the situation were seeing today, Cassidy said. Blaming private equity for Stewards mismanagement is not productive. It ignores that private equity invested hundreds of millions of dollars into failing hospitals, made them successful and then sold them to a private management team, which was not private equity.

In a statement, Steward spokesperson Josephine Martin said the company will address the subpoena with the appropriate HELP Committee staff. We understand the desire for increased transparency around our journey and path forward, referring to the Senate Heath, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

The company previously blamed low government reimbursement rates for its financial troubles.

Steward Health Care has done everything in its power to operate successfully in a highly challenging health care environment, de la Torre said in a statement when Steward filed for bankruptcy reorganization in May.

The company is working to sell off all its hospitals during the bankruptcy proceedings.

Updated at 12:42 p.m. EDT

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RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WVNS)  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) released a statement about the death of a coal miner in Raleigh County.

33-year-old Ashley Cogar, of Erbacon, died on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 due to injuries she received after an accident at the Wyco Surface Mine last week in Raleigh County.

Governor Justice releases statement on the death of a coal miner in Raleigh County

Gayle and I are devastated to hear of the passing of Ashley Cogar. We ask all West Virginians to join us in keeping her family, friends and loved ones in your prayers during this enormously difficult time. West Virginians and Americans are beyond grateful for the brave miners, like Ashley, who put their lives at risk each day to power our nation. Ashleys valor and sacrifices will never be forgotten. Gayle and I send our deepest condolences to Ashleys mother, Patricia, her three children, and all of her loved ones as they mourn this incredible loss. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV)

The accident that led to Cogars death is being investigated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the West Virginia Office of Miners Health, Safety, and Training.

Stick with 59News for updates as they become available.

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Senator on migrants: Most of them are garbage

(The Hill)  Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said on Tuesday that most recent immigrants who have come across the U.S.-Mexico border are garbage.

Speaking to Larry Kudlow on Fox Businesss Kudlow, Tuberville segued from criticism of Vice President Harris as a presidential candidate to his views on immigration.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) speaks to reporters outside the Senate Chamber during a procedural vote regarding a nomination on Monday, January 8, 2024. (Greg Nash/The Hill)

I mean, how can you put somebody in charge of a situation where you let 15, possibly even 20 million people come into our country? Now some of these people are good, but most of them are garbage. They come from jails and prisons in other countries, he said.

Tuberville repeated a series of false or misleading claims that have become Republican talking points, including the number of migrants whove come to the United States, Harriss role in border management and the idea that Latin American countries are purposefully sending criminals to the border.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported about 8.4 million encounters with foreign nationals at the Southwest border from fiscal 2021 to fiscal 2024.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates those arrivals, plus immigrants who crossed the border without registry  sometimes referred to as gotaways  and visa overstayers will result in a net population increase of 7.3 million people between 2021 and 2024.

Though Republicans have called Harris Bidens border czar since 2021, the vice presidents immigration portfolio centers around addressing root causes of emigration in Central America.

Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on Tuesday told Steve Doocy on Fox News Channels Fox & Friends that the border management buck stops at the Department of Homeland Security.

She is not the border czar. To the extent there is anybody who is a border czar, its the secretary of Homeland Security, said Johnson.

And Tubervilles claim that most migrants come from jails and prisons is a variation of a claim that former President Trump has made for over a year that also alleges countries like Venezuela are emptying their insane asylums.

The Hill has reached out to Tubervilles office for comment.

Multiple fact-checkers have discredited Trumps claims that millions of immigrants are criminals or deinstitutionalized mental patients.

And Tubervilles claim that most of them are garbage is certain to infuriate immigrant advocates, who link dehumanizing and violent language to discrimination and violence against immigrants and U.S. nationals who are confused for immigrants.

Senator Tubervilles dehumanizing language referring to migrants as garbage encourages abuse rather than empathy and compassion, said Heidi Altman, director of federal advocacy at the National Immigration Law Center.

This kind of dehumanizing rhetoric has historically led to dangerous, violent, and hateful policies being unleashed against marginalized groups. All leaders of any political persuasion should denounced this as unacceptable in a democratic society.

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Sen. Joe Cryan said he has questions about whether prosecutors with the Attorney General's Office are rushing to judgment. (Edwin J. Torres/NJ Governors Office)

A state lawmaker is again calling for an outside review of a department in the state Attorney Generals Office after prosecutors this week asked a judge to dismiss their indictment of a Paterson police officer who had been accused of shooting an unarmed man.

Sen. Joe Cryan said he has questions about whether prosecutors with the office are rushing to judgment.

We have an attorney general searching for headlines instead of facts, said Cryan (D-Union). Its about the work. I think that New Jersey deserves better than this embarrassment.

The news of the Paterson case  prosecutors said they found new evidence that was not presented to the grand jury that indicted the officer  follows several high-profile fumbles from the office of public integrity and accountability, which was created in 2018 and investigates public corruption. In 2022 judges dismissed the offices indictments of a Lakewood rabbi and the Saddle Brook police chief, saying prosecutors in both cases withheld evidence.

Cryan suggested other lawmakers have not joined his call for a probe because they dont want to take on an office where they have the badge and they have the subpoena power.

I think our citizens deserve better than the actions of this office, Cryan said. When you allow the rights to be destroyed for some, you allow it to be destroyed for all.

In a statement, Attorney General Matt Platkin said his office did the right thing when they discovered new evidence in the Paterson case, adding that the public integrity and accountability office is not deterred from doing justice when powerful people attack it.

Its career prosecutors are not deterred from doing justice even when they know politicians will critique them. As I have said before: we will never back down from doing whats right, even when doing whats right is hard, Platkin said.

The offices case against the Paterson police officer, Jerry Moravek, Platkin announced at a press conference in February 2023. He said Moravek violated the states use of force policies by twice shooting at an unarmed man, hitting him once in the back and leaving him paralyzed. Moravek was charged with aggravated assault and official misconduct.

On Monday, prosecutors said in a letter to the judge overseeing the case that they found evidence that had been in the possession of the Passaic County Prosecutors Office showing the shooting victim, Khalif Cooper, had a gun on him on either the morning of the shooting or the night before. The Attorney Generals Office learned about this evidence for the first time in June 2024, the letter says.

The letter asks the judge to dismiss the indictment in fairness to the defendant. Mike Symons, a spokesman for the attorney general, said the office wants to ensure a new grand jury that hears the case has all available evidence.

It is the states intention to complete a reinvestigation based on the new evidence and re-present our case to a grand jury. Our aim is not to win, but to do justice. Our motion seeking to dismiss the indictment without prejudice allows the state to do just that, he said.

Morvaeks lawyer, Charles Sciarra, defended his client.

Police Officer Jerry Moravek was on the scene arresting one guy with a gun when shots were fired a block away. His oath is to protect and serve. He ran to the shots. He ran to the danger. He encountered a suspect running away with a gun and the newly found evidence proves it, he said.

Moravek has said he found a gun near the scene where he shot Cooper, but the Attorney Generals Office claimed when it charged Moravek that no DNA or fingerprint evidence linked that firearm to Cooper.

The Attorney Generals Offices Monday letter says the new evidence does not directly negate the defendants guilt. Coopers mere possession of a gun does not make it lawful for cops to shoot him in the back while he was running away and not pointing a weapon at anyone.

Cooper is suing Paterson for $50 million in federal court.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  The San Francisco Democratic Party endorsed acting Mayor London Breed to be reelected, it announced Wednesday.

Since San Francisco uses ranked-choice voting, the party could have chosen to endorse other candidates for second place, but it decided to give Breed its sole endorsement. She received 21 of a possible 32 votes.

One dead in Mission District shooting

Im honored and proud to receive the sole endorsement of the San Francisco Democratic Party, Breed said. As someone who has registered voters, traveled to battleground states, and done the hard work to build our party up locally over the years, I know the value of this endorsement and what it means. With our democratic values under attack all over the country and with so much at stake in this election, Im proud to stand with and be supported by our local Democratic Party.

With the endorsement, Breed will be featured as the partys choice in ads, fliers and the Department of Elections ballot book.

Breed is going up against candidates including philanthropist Daniel Lurie, former mayor Mark Farrell, supervisor Ahsha Safai and supervisor Aaron Peskin. The candidates have already taken the stage for a handful of debates.

Breed has been the citys mayor since July 2018 and is aiming for reelection. She was previously president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

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Since 2003, the number of assisted living beds in Wisconsin has doubled to 60,000. But despite the growth of the industry, many families do not fully understand what assisted living is or what it offers.

In her investigative series "The Gray Zone," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Cleo Krejci uncovers how Wisconsinites in assisted living are increasingly more medically complex, but facilities aren't prepared. Despite dedicated providers and staff, solutions aren't easy to come by.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wants to continue reporting on assisted living and answering readers' questions about the industry. Get in touch with us by filling out the form below:

Cleo Krejci covers higher education, vocational training and retraining as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa.

This article was written with the support of a journalism fellowship from The Gerontological Society of America, The Journalists Network on Generations and The Commonwealth Fund. The organizations played no role in the reporting, editing or presentation of this project.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tell us your experience with assisted living in Wisconsin
Early in the morning on July 6, Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old resident of Springfield, Illinois, called 911 to report a prowler at her home. Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy responded around 1:50 a.m. Half an hour later, Grayson fatally shot Massey in the face. His justification for that use of deadly force was so implausible that last week he was fired and charged with first-degree murder.

Body camera video released on Monday illuminates the circumstances of the shooting, which President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris publicly condemned this week. After searching the property and finding no intruders, Grayson and his colleague repeatedly knock on Massey's door. It takes a while for her to respond, and she explains that she was getting dressed. Her demeanor is calm, but she is behaving oddly. "Please don't hurt me," she says after opening the door. She says she heard "somebody outside my house," adding, "Please God, please God" as she looks at her cellphone.

Grayson explains that he and the other deputy did not see any sign of a prowler. "Please God, please God," Massey says. "I'm trying to get help.Please God, please God. I don't know what to do.I heard somebody outside." Grayson reiterates that no one is there, and he seems on the verge of leaving, asking, "Is there anything else I can do for you?" Then he asks, "You doing all right mentally?" Massey, who according to The Independent "reportedly suffered from mental illness," says "yes" and mentions "my medicine."

Grayson asks Massey for her ID and follows her into her house as she goes to get it. The other deputy also enters the house and looks around, perhaps continuing to search for an intruder. Sitting on the couch in her living room, Massey grabs her purse, then gets distracted, saying, "I've got some paperwork." Grayson tries to get her to focus on retrieving her ID. "I just need your name," he says, "so we can get out of here.Just a driver's license will do, and I can get out of your hair."

Then things take a weird turn. Grayson points to a pot of boiling water on the stove in the kitchen adjoining the living room, saying, "We don't need a fire while we're here." Massey responds by walking into the kitchen and removing the pot from the stove. Massey, who is in the living room, on the other side of a kitchen counter, evidently backs up, because Massey says, "Where are you going?" Laughing, Grayson refers to "the hot, steaming water," and Massey jocularly observes that he wants to get "away from the hot, steaming water." After putting the pot down on a counter, Massey calmly but bizarrely says, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," which she repeats after Grayson says, "What?"

At that point, Grayson's amusement instantly turns to alarm. "You better fucking not," he says, putting his hand on his gun. "I swear to God, I'll shoot you in the fucking face." Then he draws his gun and points it at Massey, who flinches and picks up the pot again. "OK, I'm sorry," she says before ducking behind the counter, still holding the pot. "Drop the fucking pot!" Grayson shouts. A few seconds later, Grayson fires three rounds, one of which strikes Massey in the head.

After the shooting, the other deputy says, "I'm going to go get my kit," meaning he intends to render medical aid. "Nah, it's a head shot, dude," Grayson replies. "She's done. You can go get it, but that's a head shot. Goddamn it. Fuck. I'm not taking fucking boiling water to the fucking head. It fucking came right to our feet too. Goddamn it.What else do we do? I'm not taking hot boiling water to the fucking face, and it already reached us."

As other officers arrive, Grayson tells one: "She had boiling water and came at me with boiling water.She said she was going to rebuke me in the name of Jesus and came at [me] with boiling water."

Grayson later reiterated to investigators that he was defending himself against the threat posed by the pot of hot water. But as First Assistant State's Attorney Mary Rodgers notes in a July 18 petition to deny Grayson pretrial release, "the pot was located in another room of the home, separated by a large counter," and Grayson was "still in the living room area." Yet "despite his distance and relative cover," Grayson "drew his 9mm firearm, not the less lethal TASER located on his duty vest, and threatened to shoot Ms. Massey in the face."

Massey "put her hands in the air and stated, 'I'm sorry,' while ducking for cover behind the counter that separated her" from the deputy, Rodgers says. Grayson, "with his firearm still drawn, proceeded to close the gap between him and Ms. Massey" and "aggressively yelled at Ms. Massey to put the pot down." He "then fired his duty weapon in the direction of Ms. Massey, striking her in the face one time."

A use-of-force expert that the Illinois State Police consulted during its investigation of the shooting, Rodgers notes, concluded that Grayson "was NOT justified in his use of deadly force." 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."

Because Massey was black and Grayson is white, the incident has provoked commentary about racial bias in policing. "Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today," Biden said on Monday. "Sonya called the police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. 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. Sonya's death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not."

The next day, Harris, the presumptive 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, likewise implied that Grayson would have handled the situation differently if Massey had been white. "Sonya Massey deserved to be safe," Harris said in a written statement. "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.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."

Even without speculating about exactly why Grayson perceived Massey as posing a threat that justified a lethal response, anyone who watches the body camera video can see that his perception did not correspond with reality. To the extent that he faced any danger from the pot of water, it was not a deadly threat, and he could have neutralized it without firing his gun. Instead, as Rodgers observes, he magnified the threat by approaching Massey with his gun drawn when he could have remained at a safe distance.

Under Illinois law, "a person who kills an individual without lawful justification commits first degree murder" when "he or she either intends to kill or do great bodily harm to that individual," "knows that such acts will cause death to that individual," or "knows that such acts create a strong probability of death or great bodily harm to that individual." If convicted, Grayson, who was also charged with aggravated battery and official misconduct, faces a sentence of 45 years to life.

Grayson's senseless escalation of his encounter with Massey raises the question of how someone with such poor judgment came to be employed by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, where he had worked for a bit more than a year. Grayson "worked at six different law enforcement agencies in the last four years," WGN9 reports. His employment record includes less than a year at the Auburn, Illinois, police department, a year at the Logan County Sheriff's Office, and brief stints at police departments in Virden, Kincaid, and Pawnee.

That employment history was not the only warning sign. "Grayson was arrested twice for Class A misdemeanor DUIs, once in 2015 and once in 2016," WGN reports. "There was all these red flags," said James Wilburn, Massey's father, "and yet they still made him a deputy in [Sangamon] County."

The case also underlines the value of body camera video. If Grayson's account of what happened had been accurate, the video would have confirmed it. But because the video contradicted his claim that Massey "came at me with boiling water," he can be held accountable for a gratuitous use of deadly force that might otherwise have been deemed justified.

Addendum: Self-defense lawyer Andrew Branca cites a few seconds of silent video from Grayson's body camera, which he activated immediately before shooting Massey. It shows her rising up, lifting the pot, and spilling the water, which lands on the floor between her and Grayson. But that happened after Grayson cornered her at gunpoint, threatening to shoot her in the face. His decision to approach her instead of keeping his distance and his decision to use his gun rather than his Taser still seem unjustifiable.

"Sonya Massey lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by former Deputy Sean Grayson," Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell said 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."

The post She 'Came at Me With Boiling Water,' a Cop Charged With Murder Claims, Contradicting What Video Shows appeared first on Reason.com.
She saw the Titanic sink and the end of World War I. Now, the oldest American just turned 115

She saw the Titanic sink and the end of World War I. Now, the oldest American just turned 115

Imagine living long enough to hear radio reports that the Titanic sunk, to see the end of both World War I and World War II and to later watch in living color as reality TV star Donald Trump became president.

That is the reality for Elizabeth Francis, who turned 115 on Thursday and who holds the distinction of being the oldest living American.

Francis became the oldest woman  and oldest person overall  in America in February, when the previous title holder, Edie Ceccarelli, died a few weeks after her 116th birthday.

In April, Francis received a plaque recognizing her as the oldest person in the US from LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks the oldest folks in the world.

She was just shocked to hear she was now the oldest  she couldnt believe it, Francis's eldest granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, 69, told the Washington Post.

Elizabeth Francis, pictured here lying in her bed, became the oldest living American in July when she turned 115-years-old (LongeviQuest)

Francis and her only daughter, Dorothy Williams, 95, live together and are looked after by caregivers and Harrison.

The nation's eldest elder's advice for living a long life is to "speak your mind and don't hold your tongue."

While Francis has set a record in the US, she's only the fourth oldest person on the planet. That distinction goes to Maria Branyas Morena, who  while born in the US  lives in Spain. She is 117 years old, according to LongeviQuest.

Francis was born in 1909 in Louisiana. At age 11, she and her five siblings were split up and sent to live with relatives following the death of her mother.

In her teen years, she ran a coffee shop at ABC 13 News in Houston and worked in the shop for two decades.

Harrison said her grandmother never learned to drive  preferring to bus or walk wherever she needed to go  and has lived a simple life focused on her family.

Nowadays she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Dorothy, watching old sitcoms and game shows, according to Harrison.

I asked her the other night how she feels about turning 115 and she smiled and said, I just thank the good Lord that Im here, Harrison told the paper. She says she has nothing to complain about, and the rest of our family feels the same way.

Francis has lived long enough to see telephones evolve from a rare oddity to ubiquitous and powerful pieces of technology. She was 21 years old during the 1929 stock market crash that preceded the Great Depression and was around 36 when World War II ended.

She saw both the rise and the fall of the Soviet Union and missed being alive for the first recorded flight by only six years.

Francis was 19 years old when Wyatt Earp, the gunslinger known for the shootout at the OK Corral, died. She has lived through 20 different presidents, from William Howard Taft to Joe Biden. She missed Teddy Roosevelt's final months as president by four months.

Ben Meyers, the CEO of LongeviQuest, who provided Francis with a plaque acknowledging her as the oldest person in the US, called her "America's grandmother."

Elizabeth Francis is Americas grandmother, beloved by her family and community and admired worldwide, he told the Washington Post. Her story is about faith, fortitude and family more than it is about longevity.

Harrison told the paper that she hopes her grandmother can match Branyas' record age of 117, but more than that is just happy for every year she gets to buy her grandmother another birthday cake.
Simply Asset Finance has obtained accreditation from the British Business Bank to provide loans under the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) to both new and existing customers in the UK.

This scheme is designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in securing the necessary financing to expand and prosper.

Managed by the British Business Bank, the GGS is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS).

Simply's latest accreditation expands its partnership with the British Business Bank, which has played a key role in delivering funding to SMEs since the launch of the RLS in April 2021.

Simply acknowledged significant prospects for SMEs in the latter half of the year and beyond, amid the International Monetary Fund's updated economic growth forecast for the UK, which projects a 0.7% increase in 2024 and a further 1.5% in 2025.

The company emphasised that access to funding is crucial for SMEs to swiftly leverage these growth opportunities, with the GGS playing an essential role.

The GGS will maintain the same terms as the RLS, offering a 70% guarantee to lenders for loans up to 2m to support smaller businesses.

Simply said it is prepared to immediately accept and process applications for the new scheme, with a dedicated portal available on its website for potential applicants to understand the full criteria and apply.

Businesses that have previously received loans through earlier schemes such as the CBILS, CLBILS, BBLS, or RLS are eligible for the GGS. However, the amount they have borrowed previously may affect the sum they can borrow under the GGS, said the lender.

The availability of the scheme spans from 1 July 2024 to 31 March 2026.

Simply Asset Finance CEO Mike Randall said: Being accredited to continue to lend under the scheme, now under the Growth Guarantee Scheme banner, is a vote of confidence from the BBB. Our purpose is clear  empowering SMEs to realise their potential, grow and thrive. And our team of experts has worked tirelessly to deliver agile and speedy finance for the UKs SMEs.

Theres a huge opportunity out there for UK businesses who are the backbone of our economy, and its vital we act now to give them the finance they need to achieve their ambitions. By truly understanding them, their vision for growth, and the assets they need to succeed, were able to deliver an unparalleled and truly valued asset finance service.

PR: https://simply.finance/news/simply-goes-live-with-growth-guarantee-scheme-access-for-uk-smes/

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Durkee Fire continues to rage in Eastern Oregon as its size grew overnight to 268,492 acres, or 419 square miles, despite rainfall Wednesday evening.

Officials say the rain that fell over parts of Baker County was a godsend, but the largest active wildfire in the U.S. remains 0% contained as of Thursday morning.

Boil water notice issued in Mosier due to potentially harmful bacteria

Level 3 Go Now evacuations: East of Highway 245, south of US Forest Service Road 11 and west of Deer Creek drainage; northwest of Iron Mountain, southeast of the Pleasant Valley area and south of Pritchard Creek; Ebell Creek from Old Highway 30 to Beaver Mountain.

Level 2 Be Set evacuations: South of Highway 86, east from Fivemile Creek, west of lower Timber Canyon and to the ridgetop; south of Love Reservoir Lane, east of Sardine Creek Road, and north of Lawrence Creek.

Level 1 Be Ready: evacuations: Fivemile Creek, east of Ruckles Creek and Oregon Trail Road to Quartz Creek, and north of (I-84, the headwaters of Pritchard Creek and Love Reservoir Lane); west of Ebell Creek, north of US Forest Service Road 11, east of Highway 245 and Highway 7 and south of I-84.

Durkee Fire evacuations as of Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Baker County Sheriffs Office)

(Baker County Sheriffs Office)

Baker County officials said it is anticipated that there will be a reduction in the evacuation levels on Thursday due to the previous nights rainfall. Updates can be found on the social media pages for the Baker County Sheriffs Office and the Malheur County Sheriffs Office.

Fire crews expected extreme fire behavior and growth Wednesday as the area was threatened by severe thunderstorms and wind gusts of 70-75 mph. A Red Flag Warning and Flash Flood Watch was issued as a precaution.

Portland mom has long road in ICU after horrendous attack from pack of dogs

A lightning strike sparked the fire off I-84 near Durkee on Thursday, July 18. Since then, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to combat the blaze, which allows additional resources from around the state to be redirected to fight the fire.

The Durkee Fire is among three other wildfires to reach megafire status, meaning the fires have reached a size of at least 100,000 acres, in 2024.

According to numbers reported by the State of Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard, at least 127 active fires are burning throughout the state with more than 948,166 total acres burned. This converts to 1,481 square miles of impacted land.

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.
The NHS shingles vaccine delays the onset of dementia by up to nine months, research by Oxford University suggests.

The Shingrix jab is currently offered to everyone aged 70 to 79 as well as those with a weakened immune system, and is being gradually rolled out to the over-65s.

As well as fighting shingles, a study has now shown that it also seems to delay a dementia diagnosis by an average of five to nine months, which could have a major impact on rates of the disease in Britain.

Oxford University is not sure what is driving the effect, but says it is possible that the herpes zoster virus that causes shingles may also trigger dementia.

John Todd, professor of precision medicine at the University of Oxfords Nuffield Department of Medicine, said: By inhibiting the virus, the vaccine could reduce this risk.

Alternatively, the vaccine also contains chemicals, which might have separate beneficial effects on brain health.

Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox (herpes zoster) virus, which lies dormant after an infection and causes weeks of painful blisters, headaches, fever and, in severe cases, death.

It is particularly dangerous for the elderly, which is why they are offered a vaccine by the NHS.

Researchers were able to conduct a natural experiment into the unexpected benefits of the GSK Shingrix vaccine after the US switched from using Mercks shingles jab Zostavax, in 2017.

Several small studies had already suggested that Zostavax might reduce the risk of dementia so researchers seized the opportunity to find out what would happen once the jab was altered.

The team followed 200,000 people aged 65 and over for six years, and discovered that Shingrix was even more effective at staving off dementia than the previous vaccine.

Although the number of people eventually diagnosed with dementia remained the same, they had enjoyed an extra 164 dementia-free days on average  equating to 17 per cent more time without the condition compared with people on Zostavax.

When compared with people taking other jabs, such as the flu or tetanus vaccine, the effect was even greater, with 27 per cent more time spent without dementia  equating to around nine months.

The current uptake of the Shingrix vaccine is around 60 per cent, and Oxford researchers said it was high enough that a fall in dementia rates in Britain may start to be noticeable in the coming years, linked to the roll-out.

This will be a good test

Dr Maxime Taquet, National Institutes of Health Research clinical lecturer at the University of Oxford, said: The mean age was just over 70 in both groups and so I think if the expectation is that if this is a causal effect, then we would see a reduction in dementia in the UK once people started taking up the shingles vaccines for the team. This will be a good test of this hypothesis.

There are estimated to be 944,000 people with dementia in Britain, with the majority suffering from Alzheimers.

The number is expected to increase to more than one million by 2030, with one in three people born in the UK this year expected to develop dementia in their lifetime.

The condition costs the country 34.7 billion annually and is now the leading cause of death, but current drugs can only help symptoms, not put the brakes on progression.

Researchers at Oxford believe that the vaccine may work even better if given earlier and say data should be available within the next few years to find the sweet spot for delivery.

Paul Harrison, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Oxford, said: Dementia is a major and increasing problem, and its perhaps the disease people fear most in old age, but the reality is we still cant do very much to prevent the inexorable progression or even delay its onset.

It will be interesting to see if when people hear of these findings, whether the public choose to increase the uptake of the shingles vaccine when theyre offered by the NHS

There should be enough people within not too long that well be able to get a handle on whether any beneficial effect is indeed age-related. And in which case, is there a sweet spot or when the vaccine might have its greatest benefits against dementia risk.

The findings were welcomed by experts from other universities and charities, who called for further studies to validate the research.

Andrew Doig, professor of biochemistry at the University of Manchester, said: A link between infection with the herpes zoster virus and the onset of dementia has been suspected for some time.

Now, we need to run a clinical trial of the recombinant vaccine, comparing patients who receive the vaccine with those who get a placebo. We also need to see how many years the effect might last and whether we should vaccinate people at a younger age.

We know that the path to Alzheimers disease can start decades before any symptoms are apparent, so the vaccine might be even more effective if given to people in their 40s or 50s.

Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimers Research UK, said: Dementia isnt an inevitable part of ageing; its caused by diseases like Alzheimers. So finding new ways to reduce peoples risk of developing these diseases is vital.

It isnt clear how the vaccine might be reducing risk, nor whether the vaccine causes a reduction in dementia risk directly, or whether theres another factor at play. So it will be critical to study this apparent effect further.

The study was published in the journal Nature Medicine.

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A shingles vaccine could delay the onset of dementia, according to a new study. Robert Michael/dpa

The shingles vaccine given to people in Britain could delay the onset of dementia, according to a new study.

The finding  which experts say is convincing  shows the Shingrix vaccine is linked to at least a 17% drop in dementia diagnoses in the six years after vaccination than the previously-used Zostavax jab.

University of Oxford researchers said people could expect five to nine more months of life without dementia for those given the Shingrix jab compared with other vaccines.

Both men and women benefited from the newer jab, but the effects were greater in women, the study found.

Shingles is a common condition that causes a painful rash.

It can sometimes lead to serious problems such as deafness, long-lasting pain, and blindness.

Shingles occurs most often as people get older and is more likely to cause serious problems in older age groups.

Dr Maxime Taquet, academic clinical lecturer in the department of psychiatry at Oxford, who led the study on more than 200,000 people, said: The size and nature of this study makes these findings convincing and should motivate further research.

They support the hypothesis that vaccination against shingles might prevent dementia.

If validated in clinical trials, these findings could have significant implications for older adults, health services and public health.

John Todd, professor of precision medicine at the University of Oxfords Nuffield Department of Medicine, said: A key question is, how does the vaccine produce its apparent benefit in protecting against dementia?

One possibility is that infection with the Herpes zoster virus (shingles) might increase the risk of dementia and, therefore, by inhibiting the virus the vaccine could reduce this risk.

Alternatively, the vaccine also contains chemicals which might have separate beneficial effects on brain health.

Dr Taquet said the teams interpretation of the data is that the jab works to delay dementia rather than prevent it altogether, although more work is needed.

On the National Health Service in Britain, people are offered two doses of Shingrix when they turn 65, as long as their birthday was on or after September 1 2023.

Those who turned 65 before this date are eligible for the shingles vaccine when they become 70, while all people aged 70 to 79 are also eligible.

People aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system are offered a vaccine.

Evidence shows Shingrix, made by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), can provide at least a decade of protection against shingles after the first jab.

For the new study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers wanted to use emerging but limited evidence that the previous vaccine, Zostavax, might also protect against dementia.

In the US, Zostavax was replaced by Shingrix in October 2017, giving a good opportunity to compare the two vaccines.

Researchers looked at peoples risk of dementia in the six years following the introduction of Shingrix and compared them with otherwise similar people who had received Zostavax.

Some 103,837 people were in each group.

Shingrix was also compared with people who had received vaccines against other infections (flu and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).

The results showed Shingrix was associated with a 17% lower risk of dementia than Zostavax, and 23%-27% less than with the other vaccines.

There was more benefit in women than men, with women enjoying 22% versus 13% more time lived without a diagnosis of dementia.

Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimers Research UK, welcomed the study but said further research was needed.

She said it isnt clear how the vaccine might be reducing risk, nor whether the vaccine causes a reduction in dementia risk directly, or whether theres another factor at play.

She added: While research into whether vaccines affect dementia risk continues, people should be aware that there are other factors that have definitively been linked to an increased dementia risk.

These include things like smoking, high blood pressure and excessive alcohol consumption.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) no longer supplies Zostavax but there may still be a small number of doses in GP surgeries for use.
ALGOMA - Less than a year after finding a long-lost shipwreck considered one of the most significant in Lake Michigan, a team from the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association has located another historic lost wreck not far away.

And its finders say this newly discovered, 131-year-old wreck could be more culturally significant to Wisconsin than the previous one because of its closer ties to the state, especially communities on the Lake Michigan shore and including Door County.

The unusual stepped sternpost construction of the Margaret A. Muir is seen in this photo of its wreck. The cargo schooner sank in relatively shallow water a few miles off the Algoma shore in Lake Michigan 131 years ago but its remains were just recently found.

The ship was the Margaret A. Muir, a 130-foot-long, three-masted schooner built in Manitowoc that carried mainly grain and other cargoes throughout the Great Lakes until it sank in Lake Michigan a few miles off the Algoma shore in 1893.

Maritime historians Brendon Baillod, Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association president, vice president Kevin Cullen and director Robert Jaeck deliberately searched for the Muir for a couple years before locating it with high-resolution side-scanning sonar May 12. The association now will work with the Wisconsin Historical Societys Maritime Archeology Program to nominate the site for the National Register of Historic Places.

The finding of the Muir comes on the heels of Baillod and Jaeck leading the discovery of the Trinidad, a 140-foot cargo schooner that sank with a load of coal in 270 feet of Lake Michigan water about 9 miles off Algoma in May of 1881. The team found the Trinidad's remains in July 2023, also the result of a deliberate search for it, and it recently was named to the Wisconsin and National Registers of Historic Places.

Although the methods used to locate the Trinidad and the Muir are similar, there were some differences. And while the Trinidad's hull and most of its gear are intact, even the rigging and personal items and artifacts inside the deck house, which Baillod said makes the wreck so important, the Muir's hull is broken up.

But Baillod said the Muir is important in different ways in its own right, especially locally because of its Wisconsin ties.

"Architecturally, it's as important as the Trinidad. Culturally, I'd say it's a little more important, because of its importance to Wisconsin," he said in an interview with the Advocate. "I think there's a lot more of a Wisconsin story to tell with the Muir. I think a lot of local people will find it more interesting."

More: Lake Michigan shipwreck hunters discover historic schooner unseen for 131 years

Muir linked to Wisconsin from start to finish

The ties between Wisconsin and the Margaret A. Muir began at the vessel's birth and were cemented by her sinking.

According to an article by Baillod on the the Shipwreck World website as well as a ship history on the Wisconsin Shipwrecks site, the Muir was built in 1872 by the Hanson & Scove shipyard in Manitowoc for Capt. David Muir. It subsequently was home ported in Chicago, carrying primarily grain but also other goods in its 21-year career spanning all five of the Great Lakes.

The Muir sustained occasional damages over its 21 years of duty, with incidents listed on Wisconsin Shipwrecks caused by weather and towing issues that appear typical for wooden Great Lakes cargo ships of the day.

One exception happened Sept. 21, 1883, when the Muir encountered ship traffic while being towed in the Chicago River with a load of grain and collided with the steam barge Emma E. Thompson, resulting in the Muir losing its jibboom and headgear and having to remain in port for repairs. Also while in Chicago on this voyage, a number of nonunion crew members were forced off the ship by local union partisans.

The only known photo of the schooner Margaret A. Muir, right, was taken May 7, 1892, at Oswego, New York. One can see the Muir's tiny yawl boat that its crew rowed to shore through 15-foot waves after the Muir sank a few miles off the Algoma shore in Lake Michigan. This image is a restoration from an original glass plate negative by Bruce Andrews of Yesterday's Trails Photo Restorations.

In another unusual incident, on Oct. 10, 1890, the steamer Northern Light departed the port of Buffalo at full speed and broke every line on the Muir and the W.H. Rounds while they were docked in port, causing the latter two vessels to drift away from the pier. The Wisconsin Shipwrecks site says this was used "an example in the unsafe practice of steamers entering and exiting the port of Buffalo at full speed which would endanger other vessels."

Door County's connection to the wreck of the Muir

In 1893, the last year of the Muir's service, former Door County resident Capt. David Clow, who Baillod described as "quite a character," bought co-ownership of the vessel with Capt. Muir, according to Wisconsin Shipwrecks.

Clow and his wife, Sarah, moved to Chambers Island in 1853. He was a veteran of the shipping industry on the lakes, surviving a number of wrecks, and he and his wife started a small shipyard on the island, cutting trees for wood and building ships by hand. These included the Sarah Clow, which launched in 1862 after a seven-year build and wrecked several times before its final wreck under a different owner in 1869; and the Lewis Day, which worked from 1869 to 1881 when it ran ashore at Plum Island and, without insurance for ship or cargo, was declared a total loss, stripped and burned to salvage iron from the wreck.

Clow and his family moved from Chambers Island to Crystal Lake, Illinois, in 1872, according to his obituary, but bought into co-ownership of the Muir at age 71.

According to Shipwreck World, Clow was taking the Muir from Bay City, Michigan, to South Chicago with a cargo of bulk salt on Sept. 30, 1893, when at 5 a.m. the ship was hit by a 50 mph gale in Lake Michigan. It reportedly was weathering the storm well until about 7:30 a.m., when the waves grew dramatically larger and it fell into the trough between the waves, leading to massive amounts of water washing over its decks.

Clow made for the nearest port, which was Ahnapee, now Algoma. The Muir was within a few miles of the port when at about 8 a.m. Clow went below deck and found several feet of water in the hold. He immediately ordered the crew to abandon ship, but almost at once the ship lurched and plunged into the water.

The small yawl used as a lifeboat immediately filled with water after it was launched, but Clow and his crew of six managed to pilot the open boat through 15-foot waves, with almost constant biling of water from the yawl to keep it afloat, to land on the beach. All of the crew survived, but Clow lost his dog, the ship's mascot, and most of the crew lost all their possessions.

In the aftermath of this and the other wrecks he survived, Clow said he was quitting the maritime shipping business.

I have quit sailing, for water no longer seems to have any liking for me, Clow is quoted as saying by Shipwreck World. He apparently also was especially broken up by the loss of his dog, which he described as an intelligent and faithful animal, and a great favorite with the captain and crew, also saying, I would rather lose any sum of money than to have the brute perish as he did.

Finding the Muir, and virtually exploring the wreck

As with the Trinidad, the search for the Muir started with a database Baillod began compiling about 20 years ago of missing shipwrecks in Wisconsin waters. He told the Advocate the Muir was on the list because there were consistent reports of its approximate location when it sank, and those reports indicated it was close to land and therefore likely in shallower water than if it was in the middle of the lake.

"With the Muir, we had first-person accounts of the sinking and it was within sight of a port," Baillod said. "So, we had vectors for where it might be. If a ship sinks 15 miles off shore, they really can't know where they are (because they couldn't see land). The Muir was only about 2 miles off the pierhead. Debris was floating up against the lighthouse."

With the available information, Baillod was able to create a grid of about 2 by 2 miles where the remains of the Muir most likely would be. As he and Jaeck did in searching for the Trinidad, the team used sonar within the grid to try and detect the remains.

But the search for the Muir was slightly different. Baillod drew up a larger grid in which to search for the Trinidad, about 5 by 5 miles, but that vessel was intact and thus would likely make a bigger blip on the sonar.

"We knew it was gonna be in about 50-ish feet of water," Baillod said. "We also knew it'd be broken up, possibly badly, so you're looking for a debris field. We had to go a lot slower with a much narrower beam (than was used to find the Trinidad), even though it was a much smaller search field (for the Muir)."

In fact, Baillod, Jaeck and Cullen were on their final pass of the day and in the process of retrieving the sonar when the sonar detected the wreck on the far northern edge of Baillod's grid. It's in relatively shallow water and hundreds of fishing boats pass over it, yet it remained undetected for 131 years.

The team then notified Wisconsin State Maritime Archeologist Tamara Thomsen of the find. Within weeks a team of divers collected thousands of high-resolution images of the wreck, and Zach Whitrock used those images to create a 3D photogrammetry model of the wreck site that people can explore virtually on the Sketchfab website, including with a virtual reality headset.

Why is the Muir interesting?

As Baillod said above, the Muir might be more interesting to Wisconsin history and maritime buffs than the Trinidad because the Muir has a closer connection to the state. The Trinidad is more intact and therefore of great interest to maritime archeologists across the country, but its main connection to Wisconsin is that it sank in Wisconsin waters.

Baillod said although the Muir is broken up and not intact like the Trinidad, the sides of its hull fell outward when it wrecked, so it's opened up in way that makes it easier to study its inner architecture, which in itself is unique with its unusual stepped sternpost construction.

Also, all of its deck gear is still on hand and intact, including two giant anchors, hand pumps, bow windlass and capstan, and Baillod noted the remains have very few mussels blanketing them, so the remains can be seen more clearly than most other long-ago wrecks in Lake Michigan.

"She's unusually clean, so we can see her architectural features quite clearly," he said. "It's a shallower wreck, so it's accessible to a lot of underwater archeological activities."

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@gannett.com.

MORE: Craft beers, hiking the trails come together in a new Door County fundraiser

MORE: A very heavy piece of Great Lakes shipping history relocates back to Sturgeon Bay

FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Lake Michigan shipwreck missing for 131 years found off Algoma shore
JONES COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Shots were fired during a law enforcement pursuit in Jones County.

The pursuit began during a traffic stop near the intersection to CR 303 and FM 600 around 9:00 p.m. Wednesday.

A press release from the Jones County Sheriffs Office states a suspect, later identified as Clemente Luna, attempted to evade law enforcement during the stop, so they set up spikes at the intersection.

When Luna noticed the officer setting up the spikes, the press release states he drove toward the officer, prompting another officer to open fire.

Luna continued to flee and was later apprehended when he was forced to stop.

He was hospitalized with a minor injury then booked into the Jones County Jail for Manufacturing Delivery Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Felon, and Evading Arrest Detention.

The Jones County Sheriffs Office, Anson Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety all assisted in the pursuit and subsequent arrest of Luna.

Texas Rangers are now investigating this incident. No further information is available at this time.

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Shrinking Middle: Do you earn enough to be Miamis middle-class? Why it may not matter | Opinion

Are you middle class? Most importantly, what does it mean to be middle class in Miami-Dade County?

Theres an easy way to answer  and a more difficult one.

Middle class usually means those who fall in the middle of the income spectrum. Researchers will measure it in different ways. The Brookings Institution defines the middle class as the 30% of households earning above and below the area median income.

In Miami-Dade, middle-class households make $52,700 to $142,000 and, in Broward, $55,000 to $144,000, according to 2022 data compiled by Maria Ilcheva, a researcher and assistant director of planning and operations at Florida International Universitys Metropolitan Center.

You might fall within that wide income range but feel that a middle-class lifestyle is beyond reach. Thats because being middle class means more than numbers.

I think middle class is more about choice, Ilcheva told the Herald Editorial Board. Having a certain status affords you the ability to choose between different options.

Choice means how you allocate your money: Do you prefer to rent or own; are you sending your kids to college; investing, traveling, donating to charity?

If your income allows you to make such choices, congratulations. Youre probably middle class. But, many South Florida residents feel the choices available to them dont allow for a middle-class lifestyle.

The area is increasingly becoming a place only the wealthy who have moved from places like New York can afford. The Shrinking Middle  the title of a series of editorials that will explore the impact of the housing crisis on the middle class  is about more than the decreasing number of Americans who fall within the middle class over the decades.

When we talk about the shrinking of the middle class, it is the shrinking of the choices that people can make within these categories, Ilcheva said.

The regions housing affordability crisis  and the costs of homeowners and auto insurance, plus rising condo and HOA fees  has eaten into the options middle-class Miamians have. Between 2019 and 2023, the cost of homeownership in Miami-Dade went up by 62% and the cost of renting by 55%, according to information from Zillow provided by Robin Bachin, associate professor at the University of Miami, told the Editorial Board.

Wages also have gone up, but they have not kept up.

The consequences of this crisis affect us all, including workers, often skilled ones South Floridas economy needs. What happens if too many choose to leave?

Conversely, the rising cost of living is forcing middle-class residents to make tough choices: to move, to live with their parents further into adulthood or to forego the dream of home ownership. Among those who shared their stories with the Editorial Board: A North Miami woman in her 30s, making close to $80,000 a year, who downsized from a two to a one-bedroom apartment to live with her teenage daughter after her rent went up by $750. A Little Havana artist in her 40s who finally saved enough for a down payment on a home but cannot find anything affordable.

This puts things into perspective: The annual survival budget, the estimated minimum a Miami-Dade family of four needs to afford basic necessities, is nearly $76,300, according to the 2023 ALICE Report by United Way. Thats beyond the reach of part of the middle class, not to mention the low-wage workers who work in South Floridas restaurants, hotels and other jobs.

Still, according to Ilcheva, that $76,300 is a conservative estimate.

Heres another reality check: Individual situations vary but even Miamis upper middle-class households  those making around $142,000  will struggle to buy a single-family home at the median price of $657,000. Not if they follow the recommendation to not spend more than three times and a half of their annual salary on the total value of a home.

Thats one of the reasons people who are technically well off feel they are falling behind. The other is the rising cost of homeowners insurance; Floridians paid the highest premiums in the nation in May.

Having a career and a six-figure income might not be enough to cover those costs.

Jorge Garcia, a 59-year-old financial analyst, and his wife make almost $140,000 annually. They are considering leaving West Kendall, where they bought a home in 2005, for Nashville or North Carolina because of rising insurance premiums and taxes.

I have raised my family here and I feel like I cant live here anymore, and I dont think that my kids can do it under the circumstances, Garcia said.

Garcia is originally from Puerto Rico. South Florida was built by people like him, who moved here from other places and countries seeking the dream of a better, easier life.

Life might be sunny for the high earners who recently moved here, but it is anything but easy for a middle class thats being left without choices.

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A Southern California mans livelihood was compromised when thieves stole his work van containing thousands of dollars worth of tools hes bought over the years, stripped the vehicle for parts and set it on fire late last week.

A single father of four, Travell Harding, a contract painter, said he was hoping hed be able to recover the vehicle, which was stolen while parked across the street from his home in Artesia, and some of the tools.

Its my livelihood, he explained. Its like someone burning your shop down.

When he found out it had been torched, he said he couldnt believe it.

I call the tow truck, I say, Hey, I want to get my truck, whats left of it. I want to get some tools out of it, he explained. They were like, No, you dont understand. Your van is completely in rubble, theres nothing for you to get out of it. They cut my hood in half and took out the engine. They cut out the catalytic converter, gutted it and set it on fire.

Officers with California Highway Patrol recovered the charred van, which was burned beyond recognition, in a riverbed several miles from his home.

The suspects made off with all his equipment, paints, brushes, sprayers and tools hed inherited from his late father, who was also a contract painter.

To make the situation even worse, Hardings insurance doesnt cover anything beyond a car collision, not even a brazen theft like this.

I work out of my van. I dont have an office, he told KTLAs Rachel Menitoff. Im a small business owner and that was everything in that van.

Travell Hardings work van seen after it was stolen, stripped and torched by thieves in July 2024. (Travell Harding)

Travell Hardings work van seen in this undated photo before it was stolen, stripped and torched in July 2024. (Travell Harding)

Travell Hardings work van seen after it was stolen, stripped and torched by thieves in July 2024. (Travell Harding)

Travell Hardings work van seen after it was stolen, stripped and torched by thieves in July 2024. (Travell Harding)

Travell Hardings work van seen after it was stolen, stripped and torched by thieves in July 2024. (Travell Harding)

Travell Harding seen at an event put by the nonprofit Fighters for the World in this undated photo. (Travell Harding)

In his spare time, Harding runs a nonprofit organization  Fighters for the World  thats dedicated to helping at-risk teens and his work in the community has not gone unnoticed.

People are calling me, saying, Im going to look in my garage, maybe I have a paintbrush, maybe I have this, and Im like, Let me know, Ill come by and pick it up, he said.

A GoFundMe campaign was also organized to help Harding replace some of his equipment and, eventually, buy a new van with added security.

Narco in Southern California gets life for 4 gruesome cartel-related executions

Even before I pick up some new tools, Im scared theyre going to be taken again, so Im putting a kill switch in my truck and an alarm, whatever I can do off the bat to help protect it because theyre targets, Harding explained.

Investigators with the L.A. County Sheriffs Departments Lakewood Station are handling the case, but so far, no suspects have been identified.

Harding believes the work is likely a group of professional thieves because of the way they were able to strip the vehicle so quickly.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Six Democrats have voted with Republicans to condemn Kamala Harriss alleged failure to address the soaring number of undocumented migrants at the USs southern border.

Republicans claimed the 59-year-old presumptive Democratic nominee had failed to get a grip on what has become a hugely contentious issue in the country, with the vote passing 220 to 196.

Though the resolution is non-binding and largely symbolic, it identifies a weakness that Republicans will likely keep targeting up until the presidential election in November.

The result of her inaction has been record-high illegal crossings, overwhelmed communities, and an evisceration of the rule of law, said House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The effort was spearheaded by Republican conference chairman Elise Stefanik, the third most senior party member in the House of Representatives.

No matter what congressional district you go to, the number one issue facing Americans is Kamala Harriss open border crisis, she said, speaking from the House floor. The American people deserve elected officials who understand the gravity of the crisis at the border.

Ms Harris, pictured arriving on stage for a speech in Texas on Thursday, was accused by Republicans of 'inaction' - Tony Gutierrez/AP

The issue of immigration is among the leading concerns of many Americans, especially Republicans. Donald Trump has vowed to close the border and round up and deport illegal migrants if elected for a second term.

At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week, delegates held up banners reading: Mass Deportation Now.

Joe Biden put Ms Harris in charge of border issues - a job long seen as a poisoned chalice - soon after he was elected.

Experts point out that while there have been record numbers of migrants at the border, there has been no comprehensive immigration reform in the US since 1986.

Republican Jim Jordan (right) leaves the House of Representatives following the vote condemning Kamala Harris - SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Democrats blame the deteriorating situation on Trump, arguing he forced Republicans to drop a bipartisan measure to tackle immigration because he wanted to use the issue to attack Mr Biden.

In the summer, the president passed several executive actions to reduce the number of entries.

The six Democrats who supported the measure - Jared Golden of Maine, Yadira Caraveo of Colorado, Don Davis of North Carolina, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington state, Henry Cuellar of Texas and Mary Peltola of Alaska - are likely to face tough re-election battles in November.

Congressman Jim McGovern, the most senior Democrat on the Houses Rules Committee, told reporters: This is a non-binding resolution. This will never become law.

The idea that Kamala Harris was the border czar was invented by Right-wing media.

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(Bloomberg)  Shares of SK Hynix Inc. (000660.KS) slid by the most in 20 months after a rout in tech stocks, overshadowing strong financial results for the supplier to Nvidia Corp. in the June quarter.

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The company, which produces chips that help train artificial intelligence models, reported sales that more than doubled to 16.4 trillion won ($11.9 billion), ahead of analyst estimates. Operating profit in the three months to June also beat expectations, coming to 5.47 trillion won with an operating margin of 33%.

But SK Hynixs stock fell as much as 8.9% Thursday in Seoul, the biggest intraday decline since Nov. 2022. That followed a broad sell off in tech stocks in the US  including a 6.8% drop for Nvidia  as investors grow skittish about the inflated valuations for AI-related companies. Samsung Electronics Co. (005930.KS), which is struggling to break into the lucrative high-end memory market, fell 2.3%.

Concerns are growing that AI and datacenter spending will decelerate from its frenetic pace unless companies like Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc. can generate significant revenue from their enormous investments. This week, Morgan Stanley cut AI chip-sector stocks including SK Hynix and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. from its focus lists, warning that it may be time to take a breather.

SK Hynix has been one of the main beneficiaries of a race to supply components essential to creating ChatGPT-like generative AI services. The company will closely analyze customer demand and profitability to make sure its capital spending is within operating cash flow, the company said in a statement. It had said in May that its capacity to make high-bandwidth memory chips was almost fully booked through 2025.

HBM chips, which are paired with Nvidias accelerators, were a key growth driver for SK Hynix in the quarter. Revenue for its high-bandwidth memory surged more than 250%.

Its all about HBMs and enterprise solid-state drives, said Greg Roh, an analyst with Hyundai Motor Securities Co. Both SK Hynix and Samsung are getting boosts from strong demand for high-end solid-state drives, used in large companies datacenters, he said.

That helped power a 47% gain in SK Hynixs stock from the start of the year to Wednesdays close, a rally mirrored by many of the AI sectors emerging new leaders. But that global stock boom remains in peril as investors reassess the potential for further gains amid looming central bank policy shifts and the US presidential election. Some analysts warned that the hype over untested AI applications was driving outsized market gains with AI technology yet to reach its full potential.

Story continues

There are concerns that cloud hyperscalers capex growth this year may not see further upside while the revenue growth from generative AI applications is trending below expectations, Sanjeev Rana, an analyst at CLSA Securities Korea Co. said.

SK Hynix said its own capital expenditures this year would likely top earlier plans to keep up with a boom in spending on AI hardware. The company plans to mass produce its next-generation 12-layer HBM3E chips this quarter and start supplying an unidentified customer in the fourth quarter.

Such a move is likely to widen its lead over Samsung and Micron Technology Inc. in designing and supplying the high-end memory that powers Nvidias (NVDA) AI accelerators. Samsung is still trying to get its HBM3E products certified by Nvidia.

Memory chips by South Korean semiconductor supplier SK Hynix. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration (REUTERS / Reuters)

SK Hynix is accelerating production of top-of-the-line HBM3E products to secure HBM sales growth of more than 300%, said Kim Kyu Hyun, the companys DRAM marketing head. Such products are expected to make up about half the volume of the companys HBM chips this year.

Next year, the HBM3E 12-high product will be our flagship product and we will also prepare HBM4 to respond to customer demand, Kim said during a conference call, adding that SK Hynixs supply of 12-layer HBM3E is expected to exceed that of 8-layer HBM3E in the first half of next year.

What Bloomberg Intelligence Says

SK Hynixs 2% revenue beat on DRAM (likely HBM) strength and improving pricing trends bode well for Micron and suggests the companys in-line fiscal 4Q revenue guidance may be conservative. Growing high-bandwidth memory (HBM) demand was complimented by strengthening solid state drive sales as AI workloads proliferate. Traditional markets experienced seasonal trends, which was likely what drove a sequential NAND bit decline.

- Jake Silverman, analyst

SK Hynix has earmarked some $15 billion in South Korea to meet surging demand for high-end chips, on top of a plan to spend $3.9 billion on an advanced packaging plant and research center for artificial intelligence products in Indiana.

With assistance from Youkyung Lee.

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Six U.S. House Dems join GOP in condemning Harris, Biden administration over border policy

U.S. Capitol on March 14, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. House Thursday passed a Republican-led resolution condemning the president and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, for the administrations immigration policies.

Republicans announced they would move forward with the resolution hours after President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and threw his support to Harris to become the new Democratic nominee to face off with former President Donald Trump this November.

The resolution, H.R. 1371, was introduced Wednesday. It passed 220-196 shortly before the House was due to leave for a six-week recess.

Six Democrats voted with Republicans: Reps. Yadira D. Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

Immigration policy at the U.S.-Mexico border has remained a core campaign issue in the presidential elections and a top concern for voters.

Ahead of the vote, the White House Thursday put out a fact sheet pointing out that for the past seven weeks, encounters at the southern border have decreased by more than half, or 55%.

While the Presidents action has led to significant results, our nations immigration system requires Congressional action to provide needed resources and additional authorities, the White House said.

Border czar label

Since Harris gained the necessary Democratic delegates to become the partys likely nominee on Monday night, Republicans have criticized her for the Biden administrations immigration policies and labeled her the Border Czar, inaccurately claiming its an official title given to her from the White House. It was also a title used in some media reports.

In March 2021, Biden tasked Harris with addressing the root causes of migration, in an effort to stem the flow of undocumented people at the southern border.

Harris was never given the title of Border Czar, but that title was officially given to Roberta Jacobson, the former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Jacobsons role was created for a short stint  Bidens first 100 days in office  before ending in April 2021.

Additionally, U.S.-Mexico border security is tasked to the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans in February impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over policy disagreements. The Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment in April.

Republicans said Harris and the administration are one and the same. She owns all of his failed border policies, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green of Tennessee said during debate Thursday.

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the resolution was unserious, and nothing more than a campaign press release.

This resolution is only before this body because Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president, Thompson said. This resolution is incredibly petty.

Republicans like Indiana Rep. Rudy Yakym and Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez again referred to Harris as a Border Czar and blamed her for the high number of encounters at the southern border.

Gimenez also criticized Harris for not visiting the southern border frequently. She made one trip to El Paso, Texas, which is a border town, in June 2021, but that was due to her work addressing the root causes of migration leading to the border problems.

Task was narrower, Dems say

Democrats argued that Harris was given a diplomatic role rather than a border security role.

Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, said that Harris was never a Border Czar.

She was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States, so that those countries could help strengthen the conditions in those countries, she said.

The White House in March said that Harris had secured about $5 billion in commitments from the private sector to promote economic opportunities in the region and reduce violence in Northern Central America.

The chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragan of California, said that border security is the responsibility of Mayorkas and that Harris was never placed in charge of domestic immigration policy.

Now they have a desperate resolution to blame Vice President Harris for the border, she said of House Republicans.
Six U.S. House Dems join GOP in condemning Harris, Biden administration over border policy

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is pictured on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is pictured on Thursday, March 14, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. House Thursday passed a Republican-led resolution condemning the president and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, for the administrations immigration policies.

Republicans announced they would move forward with the resolution hours after President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and threw his support to Harris to become the new Democratic nominee to face off with former President Donald Trump this November.

The resolution, H.R. 1371, was introduced Wednesday. It passed 220-196 shortly before the House was due to leave for a six-week recess.

Six Democrats voted with Republicans: Reps. Yadira Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

Immigration policy at the U.S.-Mexico border has remained a core campaign issue in the presidential elections and a top concern for voters.

Ahead of the vote, the White House Thursday put out a fact sheet pointing out that for the past seven weeks, encounters at the southern border have decreased by more than half, or 55%.

While the Presidents action has led to significant results, our nations immigration system requires Congressional action to provide needed resources and additional authorities, the White House said.

Border czar label

Since Harris gained the necessary Democratic delegates to become the partys likely nominee on Monday night, Republicans have criticized her for the Biden administrations immigration policies and labeled her the Border Czar, inaccurately claiming its an official title given to her from the White House. It was also a title used in some media reports.

In March 2021, Biden tasked Harris with addressing the root causes of migration, in an effort to stem the flow of undocumented people at the southern border.

Harris was never given the title of Border Czar, but that title was officially given to Roberta Jacobson, the former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Jacobsons role was created for a short stint  Bidens first 100 days in office  before ending in April 2021.

Additionally, U.S.-Mexico border security is tasked to the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans in February impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over policy disagreements. The Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment in April.

Republicans said Harris and the administration are one and the same. She owns all of his failed border policies, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green of Tennessee said during debate Thursday.

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the resolution was unserious, and nothing more than a campaign press release.

This resolution is only before this body because Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president, Thompson said. This resolution is incredibly petty.

Republicans like Indiana Rep. Rudy Yakym and Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez again referred to Harris as a Border Czar and blamed her for the high number of encounters at the southern border.

Gimenez also criticized Harris for not visiting the southern border frequently. She made one trip to El Paso, Texas, which is a border town, in June 2021, but that was due to her work addressing the root causes of migration leading to the border problems.

Task was narrower, Dems say

Democrats argued that Harris was given a diplomatic role rather than a border security role.

Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, said that Harris was never a Border Czar.

She was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States, so that those countries could help strengthen the conditions in those countries, she said.

The White House in March said that Harris had secured about $5 billion in commitments from the private sector to promote economic opportunities in the region and reduce violence in Northern Central America.

The chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragan of California, said that border security is the responsibility of Mayorkas and that Harris was never placed in charge of domestic immigration policy.

Now they have a desperate resolution to blame Vice President Harris for the border, she said of House Republicans.

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Six U.S. House Dems join GOP in condemning Harris, Biden administration over border policy

The U.S. Capitol is shown on March 14, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. House Thursday passed a Republican-led resolution condemning the president and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, for the administrations immigration policies.

Republicans announced they would move forward with the resolution hours after President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and threw his support to Harris to become the new Democratic nominee to face off with former President Donald Trump this November.

The resolution, H.R. 1371, was introduced Wednesday. It passed 220-196, shortly before the House was due to leave for a six-week recess. All four of Iowas GOP representatives voted for the measure.

Six Democrats voted with Republicans: Reps. Yadira D. Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

Immigration policy at the U.S.-Mexico border has remained a core campaign issue in the presidential elections and a top concern for voters.

Ahead of the vote, the White House Thursday put out a fact sheet pointing out that for the past seven weeks, encounters at the southern border have decreased by more than half, or 55%.

While the Presidents action has led to significant results, our nations immigration system requires Congressional action to provide needed resources and additional authorities, the White House said.

Border czar label

Since Harris gained the necessary Democratic delegates to become the partys likely nominee on Monday night, Republicans have criticized her for the Biden administrations immigration policies and labeled her the Border Czar, inaccurately claiming its an official title given to her from the White House. It was also a title used in some media reports.

In March 2021, Biden tasked Harris with addressing the root causes of migration, in an effort to stem the flow of undocumented people at the southern border.

Harris was never given the title of Border Czar, but that title was officially given to Roberta Jacobson, the former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Jacobsons role was created for a short stint  Bidens first 100 days in office  before ending in April 2021.

Additionally, U.S.-Mexico border security is tasked to the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans in February impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over policy disagreements. The Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment in April.

Republicans said Harris and the administration are one and the same. She owns all of his failed border policies, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green of Tennessee said during debate Thursday.

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the resolution was unserious, and nothing more than a campaign press release.

This resolution is only before this body because Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president, Thompson said. This resolution is incredibly petty.

Republicans like Indiana Rep. Rudy Yakym and Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez again referred to Harris as a Border Czar and blamed her for the high number of encounters at the southern border.

Gimenez also criticized Harris for not visiting the southern border frequently. She made one trip to El Paso, Texas, which is a border town, in June 2021, but that was due to her work addressing the root causes of migration leading to the border problems.

Task was narrower, Dems say

Democrats argued that Harris was given a diplomatic role rather than a border security role.

Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, said that Harris was never a Border Czar.

She was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States, so that those countries could help strengthen the conditions in those countries, she said.

The White House in March said that Harris had secured about $5 billion in commitments from the private sector to promote economic opportunities in the region and reduce violence in Northern Central America.

The chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragan of California, said border security is the responsibility of Mayorkas and Harris was never placed in charge of domestic immigration policy.

Now they have a desperate resolution to blame Vice President Harris for the border, she said of House Republicans.
Six U.S. House Dems join GOP in condemning Harris, Biden administration over border policy

U.S. Capitol on March 14, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. House Thursday passed a Republican-led resolution condemning the president and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, for the administrations immigration policies.

Republicans announced they would move forward with the resolution hours after President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and threw his support to Harris to become the new Democratic nominee to face off with former President Donald Trump this November.

The resolution, H.R. 1371, was introduced Wednesday. It passed 220-196 shortly before the House was due to leave for a six-week recess.

Six Democrats voted with Republicans: Reps. Yadira D. Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

Immigration policy at the U.S.-Mexico border has remained a core campaign issue in the presidential elections and a top concern for voters.

Ahead of the vote, the White House Thursday put out a fact sheet pointing out that for the past seven weeks, encounters at the southern border have decreased by more than half, or 55%.

While the Presidents action has led to significant results, our nations immigration system requires Congressional action to provide needed resources and additional authorities, the White House said.

Border czar label

Since Harris gained the necessary Democratic delegates to become the partys likely nominee on Monday night, Republicans have criticized her for the Biden administrations immigration policies and labeled her the Border Czar, inaccurately claiming its an official title given to her from the White House. It was also a title used in some media reports.

In March 2021, Biden tasked Harris with addressing the root causes of migration, in an effort to stem the flow of undocumented people at the southern border.

Harris was never given the title of Border Czar, but that title was officially given to Roberta Jacobson, the former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Jacobsons role was created for a short stint  Bidens first 100 days in office  before ending in April 2021.

Additionally, U.S.-Mexico border security is tasked to the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans in February impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over policy disagreements. The Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment in April.

Republicans said Harris and the administration are one and the same. She owns all of his failed border policies, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green of Tennessee said during debate Thursday.

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the resolution was unserious, and nothing more than a campaign press release.

This resolution is only before this body because Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president, Thompson said. This resolution is incredibly petty.

Republicans like Indiana Rep. Rudy Yakym and Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez again referred to Harris as a Border Czar and blamed her for the high number of encounters at the southern border.

Gimenez also criticized Harris for not visiting the southern border frequently. She made one trip to El Paso, Texas, which is a border town, in June 2021, but that was due to her work addressing the root causes of migration leading to the border problems.

Task was narrower, Dems say

Democrats argued that Harris was given a diplomatic role rather than a border security role.

Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, said that Harris was never a Border Czar.

She was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States, so that those countries could help strengthen the conditions in those countries, she said.

The White House in March said that Harris had secured about $5 billion in commitments from the private sector to promote economic opportunities in the region and reduce violence in Northern Central America.

The chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragan of California, said that border security is the responsibility of Mayorkas and that Harris was never placed in charge of domestic immigration policy.

Now they have a desperate resolution to blame Vice President Harris for the border, she said of House Republicans.

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U.S. Capitol on March 14, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

The U.S. House Thursday passed a Republican-led resolution condemning the president and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, for the administrations immigration policies.

Republicans announced they would move forward with the resolution hours after President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and threw his support to Harris to become the new Democratic nominee to face off with former President Donald Trump this November.

The resolution, H.R. 1371, was introduced Wednesday. It passed 220-196 shortly before the House was due to leave for a six-week recess.

Six Democrats voted with Republicans: Reps. Yadira D. Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

In June, Golden, Pelota, Gluesenkamp Perez, and Davis put out a joint statement in response to Bidens executive order that allowed him to partially suspend asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border, saying the job is far from over and calling on the president to reinstate policies implemented under Trump.

Immigration policy at the U.S.-Mexico border has remained a core campaign issue in the presidential elections and a top concern for voters.

Ahead of the vote, the White House Thursday put out a fact sheet pointing out that for the past seven weeks, encounters at the southern border have decreased by more than half, or 55%.

While the Presidents action has led to significant results, our nations immigration system requires Congressional action to provide needed resources and additional authorities, the White House said.

Border czar label

Since Harris gained the necessary Democratic delegates to become the partys likely nominee on Monday night, Republicans have criticized her for the Biden administrations immigration policies and labeled her the Border Czar, inaccurately claiming its an official title given to her from the White House. It was also a title used in some media reports.

In March 2021, Biden tasked Harris with addressing the root causes of migration, in an effort to stem the flow of undocumented people at the southern border.

Harris was never given the title of Border Czar, but that title was officially given to Roberta Jacobson, the former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Jacobsons role was created for a short stint  Bidens first 100 days in office  before ending in April 2021.

Additionally, U.S.-Mexico border security is tasked to the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans in February impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over policy disagreements. The Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment in April.

Republicans said Harris and the administration are one and the same. She owns all of his failed border policies, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green of Tennessee said during debate Thursday.

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the resolution was unserious, and nothing more than a campaign press release.

This resolution is only before this body because Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president, Thompson said. This resolution is incredibly petty.

Republicans like Indiana Rep. Rudy Yakym and Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez again referred to Harris as a Border Czar and blamed her for the high number of encounters at the southern border.

Gimenez also criticized Harris for not visiting the southern border frequently. She made one trip to El Paso, Texas, which is a border town, in June 2021, but that was due to her work addressing the root causes of migration leading to the border problems.

Task was narrower, Dems say

Democrats argued that Harris was given a diplomatic role rather than a border security role.

Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, said that Harris was never a Border Czar.

She was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States, so that those countries could help strengthen the conditions in those countries, she said.

The White House in March said that Harris had secured about $5 billion in commitments from the private sector to promote economic opportunities in the region and reduce violence in Northern Central America.

The chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragan of California, said that border security is the responsibility of Mayorkas and that Harris was never placed in charge of domestic immigration policy.

Now they have a desperate resolution to blame Vice President Harris for the border, she said of House Republicans.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
Six U.S. House Dems join GOP in condemning Harris, Biden administration over border policy

A U.S. Senate vote in the wee hours on Saturday, March 23, 2024, wrapped up the government funding process for fiscal year 2024, six months late. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

A U.S. Senate vote in the wee hours on Saturday, March 23, 2024, wrapped up the government funding process for fiscal year 2024, six months late. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. House Thursday passed a Republican-led resolution condemning the president and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, for the administrations immigration policies.

Republicans announced they would move forward with the resolution hours after President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and threw his support to Harris to become the new Democratic nominee to face off with former President Donald Trump this November.

The resolution, H.R. 1371, was introduced Wednesday. It passed 220-196 shortly before the House was due to leave for a six-week recess. South Dakota Republican Dusty Johnson voted in favor of the resolution.

Six Democrats voted with Republicans: Reps. Yadira D. Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

Immigration policy at the U.S.-Mexico border has remained a core campaign issue in the presidential elections and a top concern for voters.

Ahead of the vote, the White House Thursday put out a fact sheet pointing out that for the past seven weeks, encounters at the southern border have decreased by more than half, or 55%.

While the Presidents action has led to significant results, our nations immigration system requires Congressional action to provide needed resources and additional authorities, the White House said.

Border czar label

Since Harris gained the necessary Democratic delegates to become the partys likely nominee on Monday night, Republicans have criticized her for the Biden administrations immigration policies and labeled her the Border Czar, inaccurately claiming its an official title given to her from the White House. It was also a title used in some media reports.

In March 2021, Biden tasked Harris with addressing the root causes of migration, in an effort to stem the flow of undocumented people at the southern border.

Harris was never given the title of Border Czar, but that title was officially given to Roberta Jacobson, the former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Jacobsons role was created for a short stint  Bidens first 100 days in office  before ending in April 2021.

Additionally, U.S.-Mexico border security is tasked to the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans in February impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over policy disagreements. The Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment in April.

Republicans said Harris and the administration are one and the same. She owns all of his failed border policies, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green of Tennessee said during debate Thursday.

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the resolution was unserious, and nothing more than a campaign press release.

This resolution is only before this body because Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president, Thompson said. This resolution is incredibly petty.

Republicans like Indiana Rep. Rudy Yakym and Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez again referred to Harris as a Border Czar and blamed her for the high number of encounters at the southern border.

Gimenez also criticized Harris for not visiting the southern border frequently. She made one trip to El Paso, Texas, which is a border town, in June 2021, but that was due to her work addressing the root causes of migration leading to the border problems.

Task was narrower, Dems say

Democrats argued that Harris was given a diplomatic role rather than a border security role.

Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, said that Harris was never a Border Czar.

She was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States, so that those countries could help strengthen the conditions in those countries, she said.

The White House in March said that Harris had secured about $5 billion in commitments from the private sector to promote economic opportunities in the region and reduce violence in Northern Central America.

The chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragan of California, said that border security is the responsibility of Mayorkas and that Harris was never placed in charge of domestic immigration policy.

Now they have a desperate resolution to blame Vice President Harris for the border, she said of House Republicans.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
Six U.S. House Dems join GOP in condemning Harris, Biden administration over border policy

U.S. Capitol on March 14, 2024. Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom.

WASHINGTON  The U.S. House Thursday passed a Republican-led resolution condemning the president and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, for the administrations immigration policies.

Republicans announced they would move forward with the resolution hours after President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and threw his support to Harris to become the new Democratic nominee to face off with former President Donald Trump this November.

The resolution, H.R. 1371, was introduced Wednesday. It passed 220-196 shortly before the House was due to leave for a six-week recess.

Six Democrats voted with Republicans: Reps. Yadira D. Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

Immigration policy at the U.S.-Mexico border has remained a core campaign issue in the presidential elections and a top concern for voters.

Ahead of the vote, the White House Thursday put out a fact sheet pointing out that for the past seven weeks, encounters at the southern border have decreased by more than half, or 55%.

While the Presidents action has led to significant results, our nations immigration system requires Congressional action to provide needed resources and additional authorities, the White House said.

Border czar label

Since Harris gained the necessary Democratic delegates to become the partys likely nominee on Monday night, Republicans have criticized her for the Biden administrations immigration policies and labeled her the Border Czar, inaccurately claiming its an official title given to her from the White House. It was also a title used in some media reports.

In March 2021, Biden tasked Harris with addressing the root causes of migration, in an effort to stem the flow of undocumented people at the southern border.

Harris was never given the title of Border Czar, but that title was officially given to Roberta Jacobson, the former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Jacobsons role was created for a short stint  Bidens first 100 days in office  before ending in April 2021.

Additionally, U.S.-Mexico border security is tasked to the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans in February impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over policy disagreements. The Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment in April.

Republicans said Harris and the administration are one and the same. She owns all of his failed border policies, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green of Tennessee said during debate Thursday.

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the resolution was unserious, and nothing more than a campaign press release.

This resolution is only before this body because Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president, Thompson said. This resolution is incredibly petty.

Republicans like Indiana Rep. Rudy Yakym and Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez again referred to Harris as a Border Czar and blamed her for the high number of encounters at the southern border.

Gimenez also criticized Harris for not visiting the southern border frequently. She made one trip to El Paso, Texas, which is a border town, in June 2021, but that was due to her work addressing the root causes of migration leading to the border problems.

Task was narrower, Dems say

Democrats argued that Harris was given a diplomatic role rather than a border security role.

Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, said that Harris was never a Border Czar.

She was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States, so that those countries could help strengthen the conditions in those countries, she said.

The White House in March said that Harris had secured about $5 billion in commitments from the private sector to promote economic opportunities in the region and reduce violence in Northern Central America.

The chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragan of California, said that border security is the responsibility of Mayorkas and that Harris was never placed in charge of domestic immigration policy.

Now they have a desperate resolution to blame Vice President Harris for the border, she said of House Republicans.
Six U.S. House Dems join GOP in condemning Harris, Biden administration over border policy

U.S. Capitol on March 14, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt | States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. House Thursday passed a Republican-led resolution condemning the president and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, for the administrations immigration policies.

Republicans announced they would move forward with the resolution hours after President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and threw his support to Harris to become the new Democratic nominee to face off with former President Donald Trump this November.

The resolution, H.R. 1371, was introduced Wednesday. It passed 220-196 shortly before the House was due to leave for a six-week recess.

Six Democrats voted with Republicans: Reps. Yadira D. Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

Immigration policy at the U.S.-Mexico border has remained a core campaign issue in the presidential elections and a top concern for voters.

Ahead of the vote, the White House Thursday put out a fact sheet pointing out that for the past seven weeks, encounters at the southern border have decreased by more than half, or 55 percent.

While the Presidents action has led to significant results, our nations immigration system requires Congressional action to provide needed resources and additional authorities, the White House said.

Border czar label

Since Harris gained the necessary Democratic delegates to become the partys likely nominee on Monday night, Republicans have criticized her for the Biden administrations immigration policies and labeled her the Border Czar, inaccurately claiming its an official title given to her from the White House. It was also a title used in some media reports.

In March 2021, Biden tasked Harris with addressing the root causes of migration, in an effort to stem the flow of undocumented people at the southern border.

Harris was never given the title of Border Czar, but that title was officially given to Roberta Jacobson, the former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Jacobsons role was created for a short stint  Bidens first 100 days in office  before ending in April 2021.

Additionally, U.S.-Mexico border security is tasked to the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans in February impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over policy disagreements. The Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment in April.

Republicans said Harris and the administration are one and the same. She owns all of his failed border policies, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green of Tennessee said during debate Thursday.

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the resolution was unserious, and nothing more than a campaign press release.

This resolution is only before this body because Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president, Thompson said. This resolution is incredibly petty.

Republicans like Indiana Rep. Rudy Yakym and Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez again referred to Harris as a Border Czar and blamed her for the high number of encounters at the southern border.

Gimenez also criticized Harris for not visiting the southern border frequently. She made one trip to El Paso, Texas, which is a border town, in June 2021, but that was due to her work addressing the root causes of migration leading to the border problems.

Task was narrower, Dems say

Democrats argued that Harris was given a diplomatic role rather than a border security role.

Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, said that Harris was never a Border Czar.

She was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States, so that those countries could help strengthen the conditions in those countries, she said.

The White House in March said that Harris had secured about $5 billion in commitments from the private sector to promote economic opportunities in the region and reduce violence in Northern Central America.

The chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragan of California, said that border security is the responsibility of Mayorkas and that Harris was never placed in charge of domestic immigration policy.

Now they have a desperate resolution to blame Vice President Harris for the border, she said of House Republicans.
It's the end of an era at Southwest Airlines.

After more than 50 years, the airline is getting rid of its open seating policy.

In a press release Thursday, the Dallas-based airline acknowledged "preferences have evolved with more customers taking longer flights where a seat assignment is preferred." The airline hopes moving to assigned seats and revamping its boarding process will broaden Southwest's appeal to both new and existing customers, four out of five whom prefer assigned seats, according to the airline, which did not give an exact date for the switch.

Assigned seating is just one of several major operational changes in store. Southwest also plans to introduce premium seating options on all flights and red-eye flights.

"While specific cabin layout details are still in design, Southwest expects roughly one-third of seats across the fleet to offer extended legroom, in line with that offered by industry peers on narrowbody aircraft," the airline said.

Southwest already unveiled a cabin refresh earlier this year and is in the middle of upgrading its fleet with changes announced in 2022, including in-seat USB charging and stronger Wi-Fi.

Southwest's new red-eye flights include California options

Booking for the airline's new red-eye flights opened Thursday. The first overnight flights will land next Valentine's Day, in five initial nonstop markets:

Las Vegas to Baltimore

Las Vegas to Orlando

Los Angeles to Baltimore

Los Angeles to Nashville

Phoenix to Baltimore

The airline plans to eventually roll out red-eye flights to other markets and offer 24-hour operational capabilities.

Southwest said the changes are "designed to elevate the customer experience, improve financial performance, and drive shareholder value" without sacrificing operational efficiency.

Where does Southwest fly out of in California?

Southwest Airlines flies out of several airports in California, including: Los Angeles International Airport, Palm Springs International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, Fresno Yosemite International Airport, San Jose International Airport, Ontario International Airport, and John Wayne Airport Orange County.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest Airlines to assign seats, among other changes
The European Union has coordinated the medical evacuation of severely ill and injured patients from Gaza for the first time, transferring sixteen children through the Egyptian capital of Cairo to Spain on Wednesday.

The evacuated children - thirteen of whom have sustained severe injuries as a result of the Israeli offensive in Gaza - will be transferred to hospitals across Spain on Thursday, according to the Spanish Health Ministry, and are accompanied by 27 family members.

It's the first time the EU has financed and coordinated such evacuations since the war broke out following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, which engulfed the Gaza Strip in a humanitarian crisis that has claimed the lives of over 40,000 Palestinians, including an estimated 14,000 children.

While humanitarian experts have welcomed the move, they have also described it as a "drop in the ocean" as the war continues to take a catastrophic toll on children in Gaza.

"Your role (as a child in Gaza) is to keep escaping death every other day, when the Israeli army is sending evacuation orders and you just flee to another zone, not knowing if your family will come with you," Aseel Baidoun of Medical Aid for Palestinians, told Euronews.

"Evacuations are needed, they're vital. There's no access to healthcare in Gaza, so at least we're glad that 16 children can get the medical medical care they need," she added. "But I know that there are 20,000 children missing in Gaza. We have tens of thousands injured. So this number is only a drop in the ocean. We need to evacuate hundreds on a daily basis to be able to actually save some of the children in Gaza."

The European Commission says that the operation was supported by the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) following a request for assistance from the World Health Organisation (WHO). A spokesperson added that more similar operations were being planned in the upcoming weeks.

It comes over two months after the executive asked member states to indicate their "readiness" to treat either severely ill or injured patients from Gaza. At the time, the WHO had provided the bloc with a list of 109 children ready to be transferred to European hospitals.

Only seven of 27 member states - Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Spain - have offered to treat or assist the transport of patients so far.

Evacuation plans were recently scuppered after the Rafah crossing was seized and closed in an Israeli offensive in early May, trapping sick and injured Palestinians requiring treatment abroad. It has also further limited the amount of critical aid arriving to the besieged enclave by land.

"The needs on the ground in Gaza after more than nine months are so massive that what needs to happen is for more consistent and sustained aid and entry of aid into Gaza, but for it to be effectively distributed to all areas of Gaza where civilians are living," Sarah Davies, Public Relations Officer for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told Euronews.

According to the Axios news agency, ceasefire talks between US, Israeli and Palestinian officials last week included plans to re-open the Rafah crossing that connects Egypt with the Gaza Strip.

On Wednesday, the WHO revised the number of patients requiring urgent evacuation from Gaza to 14,000.

Famine and disease compound crisis

The EU's humanitarian aid commissioner Janez Lenarcic said that "medical evacuations are more crucial than ever" at a time when Gaza hospitals are "overwhelmed" and access to healthcare "severely affected by the ongoing war."

"Israel and all the actors involved in these operations must continue honouring their commitment and facilitate the needed access for evacuations to continue."

But experts warn that evacuations alone can do little to address the multiple crises facing children in Gaza.

Over 14,000 children are estimated to have been killed in the war in Gaza since last October according to the Hamas-run health ministry, a number higher than in four years of world conflict. Hundreds of thousands more have been displaced from their homes, some multiple times. Others are severely malnourished in pockets of the enclave where famine has spread.

"The situation in Gaza, particularly for children, is really an unending nightmare. Babies are being born during this conflict. Other children who are older have already lived through countless rounds of escalations in the years prior," Davies said. "And now most, if not all, children have been displaced at least once or twice from their homes. They've really had to leave everything they know behind."

"We know that children are usually the most vulnerable when it comes to malnutrition, when it comes to communicable diseases such as hepatitis A. We know that almost every child got really sick during the war," Baidoun added.

Concern is growing over the potential spread of the highly infectious poliovirus in the war-torn Gaza Strip after the disease was identified in samples of sewage, with experts warning non-vaccinated children are most at risk.

The Israeli Defence Forces have launched a campaign to vaccinate its soldiers against the vaccine-derived disease, while children in Gaza remain exposed.

"The number of children needing evacuation in the coming weeks and months will only increase if the situation remains the same," Francesco Di Donna, Emergency Coordinator for Doctors without Borders (MSF), told Euronews.

Di Donna added that his organisation was planning to open a field hospital within the Gaza strip in collaboration with the enclave's Health Ministry, in order to meet the urgent medical demands.

"This field hospital could be used as a referral system for patients who need to be evacuated outside the country," Di Donna explained.
(Bloomberg) -- SK Hynix Inc. shed $9.7 billion in market value after a rout in tech stocks overshadowed strong financial results for the Nvidia Corp. supplier in the June quarter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The company, which produces chips that help train artificial intelligence models, reported sales that more than doubled to 16.4 trillion won ($11.9 billion), ahead of analyst estimates. Operating profit in the three months to June also beat expectations, coming to 5.47 trillion won with an operating margin of 33%.

But SK Hynixs stock fell nearly 9% in Seoul in the worst daily decline since March 2020, losing 13.5 trillion won in value. That followed a broad selloff in tech stocks in the US  including a 6.8% drop for Nvidia  as investors grow skittish about the inflated valuations for AI-related companies. Samsung Electronics Co., which is struggling to break into the lucrative high-end memory market, fell 2%.

Concerns are growing that AI and datacenter spending will decelerate from its frenetic pace unless companies like Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc. can generate significant revenue from their enormous investments. This week, Morgan Stanley cut AI chip-sector stocks including SK Hynix and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. from its focus lists, warning that it may be time to take a breather.

SK Hynix has been one of the main beneficiaries of a race to supply components essential to creating ChatGPT-like generative AI services. The company will closely analyze customer demand and profitability to make sure its capital spending is within operating cash flow, the company said in a statement. It had said in May that its capacity to make high-bandwidth memory chips was almost fully booked through 2025.

HBM chips, which are paired with Nvidias accelerators, were a key growth driver for SK Hynix in the quarter. Revenue for its high-bandwidth memory surged more than 250%.

Its all about HBMs and enterprise solid-state drives, said Greg Roh, an analyst with Hyundai Motor Securities Co. Both SK Hynix and Samsung are getting boosts from strong demand for high-end solid-state drives, used in large companies datacenters, he said.

That, along with rising prices in the memory sector, helped power a 47% gain in SK Hynixs stock from the start of the year to Wednesdays close, a rally mirrored by many of the AI sectors emerging new leaders. But that global stock boom remains in peril as investors reassess the potential for further gains amid looming central bank policy shifts and the US presidential election. Some analysts warned that the hype over untested AI applications was driving outsized market gains with AI technology yet to reach its full potential.

There are concerns that cloud hyperscalers capex growth this year may not see further upside while the revenue growth from generative AI applications is trending below expectations, Sanjeev Rana, an analyst at CLSA Securities Korea Co. said.

SK Hynix said its own capital expenditures this year would likely top earlier plans to keep up with a boom in spending on AI hardware. The company plans to mass produce its next-generation 12-layer HBM3E chips this quarter and start supplying an unidentified customer in the fourth quarter.

Such a move is likely to widen its lead over Samsung and Micron Technology Inc. in designing and supplying the high-end memory that powers Nvidias AI accelerators. Samsung is still trying to get its HBM3E products certified by Nvidia.

SK Hynix is accelerating production of top-of-the-line HBM3E products to secure HBM sales growth of more than 300%, said Kim Kyu Hyun, the companys DRAM marketing head. Such products are expected to make up about half the volume of the companys HBM chips this year.

Next year, the HBM3E 12-high product will be our flagship product and we will also prepare HBM4 to respond to customer demand, Kim said during a conference call, adding that SK Hynixs supply of 12-layer HBM3E is expected to exceed that of 8-layer HBM3E in the first half of next year.

Mirae Asset Securities Co. raised its target price for the company, with analyst Kim Young-gun saying he expected DRAM prices to rise more than 40% next year.

What Bloomberg Intelligence Says

SK Hynixs 2% revenue beat on DRAM (likely HBM) strength and improving pricing trends bode well for Micron and suggests the companys in-line fiscal 4Q revenue guidance may be conservative. Growing high-bandwidth memory (HBM) demand was complimented by strengthening solid state drive sales as AI workloads proliferate. Traditional markets experienced seasonal trends, which was likely what drove a sequential NAND bit decline.

- Jake Silverman, analyst

Click here for the research.

SK Hynix has earmarked some $15 billion in South Korea to meet surging demand for high-end chips, on top of a plan to spend $3.9 billion on an advanced packaging plant and research center for artificial intelligence products in Indiana.

--With assistance from Youkyung Lee and Catherine Ngai.

(Updates with closing share price.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Within the first few months of his first year as superintendent, Ian Roberts managed to visit every school in the Des Moines school district.

It was a feat some longtime school board members have not accomplished.

The visits were part of a vow Roberts made to work with students and staff as he stepped into the role as the district's 15th superintendent.

"There's so much that has caused me and inspired me to just think about this question around Why am I here?" he told the Des Moines Register. "And I'm talking about the experiences that include just inheriting an amazing group of adults who are either in leadership or teaching and serving students in schools that demonstrate every single day their commitment to provide our students with a quality public education."

Roberts replaced embattled Superintendent Tom Ahart, who resigned at the end of the 2021-22 school year after almost a decade in the role. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ahart found himself in the state's crosshairs for carrying out the Des Moines School Board's directive to have students start the 2020-21 school year online in violation of state law.

He later received a written reprimand from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners for the move.

At the time, Iowa law required schools to offer families at least 50% in-person instruction. School officials could apply for a waiver to take school online for two weeks.

Ahart left at a time when Iowa's largest and most diverse school district was struggling to help students recover academically from the pandemic, student achievement lagged behind the school board's then-recently set goals of improving Black male student achievement in the areas of mathematics and reading, and housing and food insecurity among students were on the rise. Associate Superintendent Matt Smith served as interim superintendent while the school board launched a closed, nationwide search to fill the position during the 2022-23 school year.

Roberts' 2023 appointment was called "historic" by many because he is the first person of color to lead Des Moines Public Schools in its 117-year history. More than half of the district's 30,000-plus students identify as people of color.

Related: Des Moines Public Schools changes hiring practice to reconsider people with criminal records

"I certainly recognize the historical moment when I was selected as being the first person of color to lead Des Moines Public Schools," Roberts said. "All my interactions with students, with their families  certainly the time that I spent in classrooms  looking at how students respond to me, the conversations, the questions that they asked really reinforces to me now that representation really does matter."

While student academics have yet to hit benchmarks set by the school board  particularly for Black male students  Des Moines officials say Roberts has done what he promised: leading the district with compassion and becoming a bridge between school officials and community members.

Roberts and his team mingled with students and staff at each school, read to classes and listened to people's thoughts and concerns.

"Dr. Roberts has done exactly what he said he was going to do from the onset, which is he's going to lead with a radical empathy and is going to be present both in the schools and in the community," Smith said. "And he's going to lead systemic change. And, I think, he's delivered on all three of those aspects."

Some of Roberts' successes have been attributed to his visibility in the schools and community during the school year.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Ian Roberts, speaks with students during lunch at North High School, Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

That has been important as the district begins to look at its finances and the state of education in Iowa and nationally, said School Board Chair Jackie Norris.

Related: Des Moines Public Schools changes hiring practice to reconsider people with criminal records

"I think just in general, the traditional model of education is being reviewed," Norris said. "And it's really imperative that DMPS does that. In addition, we've seen repeated budget cuts by the state and also some enrollment impacts because of open enrollment. And all of these you can look at them as challenges or opportunities.

Roberts and his staff have been looking at these issues and others in a thoughtful and strategic manner, she said.

In June, the board signaled its continued support of the direction Roberts is taking the district by approving a new three-year contract.

Here are Roberts' big takeaways from his first year at Des Moines Public Schools.

'Anything is achievable,' DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts says

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Ian Roberts, speaks with students during lunch at North High School, Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Visiting students in schools has helped Roberts understand the magnitude of his position as the first Black Des Moines Public Schools superintendent.

"One of the most memorable moments for me this year comes from that visit because of a fourth grade Black boy," Roberts said.

Roberts overheard a conversation between a "very charismatic" student and his friends.

"He said out loud, 'Yo, did y'all know he was gonna be Black?'" Roberts recounted. "And so, my interest was piqued and I started to listen to the conversation."

Related: Des Moines, DMPS partner to offer free all-day preschool to 4-year-olds

The student's friends reminded him they had been told the day before that a "very important person was going to visit," he said.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Ian Roberts, speaks with students during lunch at North High School, Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

The child's question got him thinking.

"In my mind, the thought that I had was 'Wow, I wonder why he never associated someone being important with being Black as well?'" Roberts said.

On a visit to North High School to moderate a panel, students stopped him to chat or simply introduce themselves. Roberts took the time to connect with each student.

Those conversations sometimes get personal, he said.

"Many students have asked me if I have had to face any challenges based on my racial or ethnic makeup, based on my skin color," he said.

He tells them the truth during those conversations: Yes.

"I've had to face challenges based on people's perception of who I am or what I'm capable of," Roberts said. "But I always end those conversations by reminding them that anything is achievable or possible, the sky's the limit. Whatever they set their minds to do regardless of their cultural background, their phenotype or historical makeup, they can achieve anything."

Striving to boost achievement among Black, Latino males

For years, Des Moines Public School officials have worked to improve student achievement and offer a more equitable education. The focus in recent years has been on Black male student achievement in math and reading.

Ahead of the next school year, the school board has added Hispanic male student achievement as part of this initiative.

The change in focus is because of the district's growing Hispanic and Black populations, Roberts said. About 21% of the district's students are Black and almost 33% are Hispanic.

"We certainly grounded our establishment of interim goals and interim guardrails based on the data that is before us and so when we've looked at the data, for example, our students in grades six through eight, we have seen some sort of disparities around achievement between our all-student groups versus our Black and Latinx males," Roberts said.

"We decided to focus on ways to provide appropriate intervention to those students so that they can also get caught up."

One tactic includes professional development for teachers.

"I think in the schools we've seen growth," he said, "What we tend to monitor in the public space is proficiency, and we've not seen our proficiency numbers increasing."

The board regularly hears from school officials and staff about how students are faring in the classroom. In recent months, educators have begun to give short presentations before the monitoring reports to highlight the positives they are seeing in the classroom.

"While we are not necessarily at proficiency for those board monitoring (reports), there's really significant and celebratory growth happening in many of our classrooms in our schools," Roberts said.

'When elephants fight': Working to build bridges with state government

In March, Roberts spoke during Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow's confirmation hearing, praising Snow's visits to district schools and saying she "anchored her discussions and conversations in data that is credible and reliable."

During an April 2 board meeting, several people raised concerns about Roberts' support for Snow.

At the time, Roberts said "when elephants fight, the grass gets trampled upon" when talking about building inroads with lawmakers and Gov. Kim Reynolds' administration. The saying is a paraphrase of an African proverb.

Related: Kim Reynolds' Iowa education director faces heated criticism as confirmation moves forward

When people in positions of influence are not trying to find middle ground and see spaces where we can get along and collaborate only one group of individuals or two tends to get hurt," he told the Register. "Those are children and the teachers who serve them."

Mentor urges Roberts: 'Let this be more than just a prayer answer'

DMPS Board Chair Teree Caldwell-Johnson introduces new superintendent Ian Roberts during a Des Moines Public Schools board meeting at Central Campus on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Des Moines.

Roberts' worst day on the job was when he received the news early March 31 that longtime school board member Teree Caldwell-Johnson had lost her battle with cancer.

Caldwell-Johnson announced she had cancer last year and resigned from the school board in early March due to her declining health.

Related: 'Such a force for good': Mourners remember Des Moines advocate Teree Caldwell-Johnson

Roberts has publicly credited Caldwell-Johnson, who served on the board for 18 years, with persuading him to accept the job at DMPS. At her funeral, Roberts told a packed church that Caldwell-Johnson was the first person he had considered a mentor in almost 25 years.

In nine months, Teree Caldwell-Johnson has impacted my professional pursuits, how I view my role as a pre-K-12 educator and even how I think about myself as a person, Roberts said.

He was, and still is, inspired by Caldwell-Johnson's "unquestionable" love for Des Moines Public Schools. During one conversation, she told the superintendent that he was a long-awaited addition to the school district.

"She said, 'Dr. Roberts, I prayed for you for many years, and the people of this community prayed for you, and here you are. Let this be more than just a prayer answer,'" he recounted.

Roberts hopes to carry on the vision Caldwell-Johnson had for the district.

(I want) to carry on her dream and build upon her legacy, but never to try to fill her shoes." Roberts said. "But I definitely want to do my small part in making her dream a reality, and that dream is Des Moines Public Schools being an exemplary pre-K-12 institution where every single student receives a quality education."

'Best day of my life': Two stand out from a memorable first year

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Ian Roberts, moderates a discussion with students from "Team Frostbyte" at North High School, Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

One of two events that stood out for Roberts from his first year was Team Frostbyte  students Sujal Pokhrel, Champ-Pacifique Mukiza, Jefrey Alen, Moss Louvan and Romas Pokhrel  being chosen to present an app they designed as part of the NASA App Development Challenge last December. The app shows what a landing on the moon might look like based upon the data NASA had given them.

His pride was apparent in May when he moderated a panel at North High School meant to give team members a chance to talk about their project and their visit to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Related: North High School students shoot for the moon in NASA's App Development Challenge

Roberts  a former Olympian who is known for being high energy  worked hard to get the crowd of students and staff excited to greet the team as they walked on stage. He played the clean version of the song "We Ready" by Archie Eversole twice to hype them up.

"Definitely one of the best days because it sends the message not only to the state of Iowa, but to the entire country that there is quality education being delivered to students in Des Moines Public Schools," Roberts said of the team going to Houston, "and Des Moines Public Schools have some of the smartest and most amazing scholars in grades pre-K through 12 right here in the middle of the country."

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts talks with students before the first day of school at Samuelson Elementary in Des Moines, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

The second day that stands out to Roberts was the first day of the 2023-24 school year. He watched a preschool student get out of her parents' car and take in the scene of staff greeting children and their parents. She eventually joined the other students.

"There she is, holding the hands of her peers, all of whom are having their very first day of school and she threw her hands up in the air and said, This is the best day of my life," he recalled.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts gets a hug from first grader Kareem Thompson on the first day of school at Samuelson Elementary in Des Moines, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Her comment spurred Roberts to send an email to several district leaders.

"I posed the question to them, What do we have to do as a school system to make sure that every single student  not only in pre-K, but pre-K through 12  have many opportunities where they are visiting our schools and they are in our classrooms saying, This is the best day of my life?" he said.

Roberts is still working to find an answer to that question.

Samantha Hernandez covers education for the Register. Reach her at (515) 851-0982 or svhernandez@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @svhernandez or Facebook at facebook.com/svhernandezreporter.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts looks back at first school year
Pueblo County Commissioners grilled Black Hills Energy officials Thursday about a proposed 18% rate increase which they said would bankrupt small businesses, stymie economic development and stress already struggling lower-income residents.

Black Hills Vice President of Colorado Utilities Campbell Hawkins and Regulatory Director Michael Harrington addressed the board during a work session in an effort to explain why the utility is seeking an 18% rate increase that would equal 2.25% a year for the past eight years since the utility was last granted an increase.

If approved by the Public Utilities Commission, starting in late March, Pueblo residents with an average $129 monthly bill would see an average $20 a month increase and small businesses with an average of $276 monthly bills would see an average increase of about $25 a month, Harrington told the Pueblo County Commissioners.

Pueblo County Commissioners (from left) Daneya Esgar, Chairman Eppie Griego and Zach Swearingen listen to a presentation by Black Hills Energy representatives Thursday, July 25.

"An 18% increase in our rates is unexplainable," said Eppie Griego, commission chairman. "You say $20, that's not much but let me tell you to a hard-working family in Pueblo, that is food on the table."

"We recognize the effect of high energy bills on our customers," Hawkins told the board. "We will focus on disadvantaged customers with a local energy assessment team that will work to help disproportionately impacted community members."

Hawkins said budget billing, deferred payments and payment plans as well as every form of federal and state assistance available will be offered to customers. A customer education campaign also will help customers use less, become more efficient and reduce waste.

Commissioner Daneya Esgar said the proposed rate increase is, "kind of a slap in the face."

She talked about Pueblo nonprofits whose "sole mission is to help people keep the lights on so they can stay in housing. I am just tired of it."

"I am sorry we are frustrated. I have been dealing with this for over a decade," Esgar said, pointing out she fought for Pueblo before she became a state legislator, while she was at the capitol, and continues today as a commissioner.

She recalled in 2016 when Pueblo residents received a 24% rate increase "basically overnight" and "fought to get people in the Legislature to listen.

"In 2016, due to that pressure, you were directed by the PUC to make it more affordable  that was not goodwill and not good service on your part, it was something you were mandated to do," Esgar said.

Commissioner Zach Swearingen echoed Esgar's concerns, saying Pueblo's rates are "40% higher than anywhere on Colorado's Front Range" and a "big barrier to economic development."

"Large-scale manufacturers can't come here," he said, because of the high energy costs.

Hawkins said Black Hills is committed to working with regulators and the legislature to bring new economic development tools to Pueblo.

"We are committed to finding a solution and trying to help offer incentives and sometimes that is a long, arduous process, but we can find options," to take to the PUC, Harrington said.

Black Hills Energy is located at 105 S. Victoria Ave.

Why Black Hills is asking for the increase

Hawkins said the reason for the rate increase is complex. Basically, he said, the two main factors include the significant investment the company had to make in the distribution and transmission system when it purchased the utility, as well as the fact that the "power supply was out  your coal provider was not going to provide power," so Black Hills had to look elsewhere to obtain that power.

"We are faced with rising costs and the customer base is not rising at the same level as our costs," Harrington said.

The company also has investor's needs to balance.

"We are an investor-run utility and we have to offer our investors a fair return," Hawkins said.

What happens next?

Hawkins pledged to keep in contact with the commissioners as the process moves forward.

The increase will have to be approved by the Public Utilities Commission and, "we seldom get what we request," he said.

"It is the role of the (Public Utilities) commission to be the hand that balances the community's interest and the utility's interest," Hawkins said.

More Black Hills news: Pueblo City Council 'steadfast' in opposing Black Hills Energy rate increases

Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/tracywumps. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo commissioners grill Black Hills on 'unexplainable' rate increase
Slidell physician found guilty of illegally distributing over 1.8M doses of opioids

SLIDELL, La. (WGNO)  A Louisiana physician is facing a possible 30 years in prison after being convicted of health care fraud.

On Tuesday, July 23, 58-year-old Adrian Dexter Talbot was convicted for conspiring to illegally distribute several doses of controlled substances and defrauding health care benefits.

According to the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Talbot owned and operated Medex Clinical Consultants in Slidell, where people would seek prescriptions for controlled substances in exchange for cash payments.

Man found with machinegun on Bourbon Street pleads guilty

Talbot reportedly ignored signs that the people paying for the substances were abusing the drugs. After taking a job in Pineville in 2015, it was noted that Talbot had pre-signed prescriptions for patients that he had not seen.

In 2016, court documents revealed Talbot had hired another practitioner who was directed to also pre-sign prescriptions for the Slidell clinic.

New Orleans City Council grills Entergy on recent power outages

An investigation revealed that in an effort to cover up his actions, he falsified patient records. Getting the prescriptions filled also led to insurance companies such as Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross and Blue Sheild of Louisiana to be fraudulently billed.

Talbot was convicted on charges 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

One count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud

Talbot faces a possible 10-year sentence for conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and 20 years each for the other charges.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 23.

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SLO police searching for suspect in string of hate crimes downtown. Do you know him?

San Luis Obispo police are looking for a man suspected of placing burned political signs and Pride flags at local businesses downtown in what theyre calling a series of hate crimes.

In several incidents reported Wednesday, the burned political signs and flags were found affixed to doors or draped across doorways in multiple locations, police said in a news release.

GALA Pride and Diversity Center on Palm Street said it was one of the businesses targeted, and surveillance photos show the suspect outside Humankind on Monterey Street.

The burned items included Biden/Harris yard signs and flags that represented the LGBTQ+ community and Ukraine, police said.

The signs and flags had religious statements written on them.

The man did not light the items on fire at the locations where they were placed, police said, so arson is not suspected. The incidents are currently being investigated as hate crimes and determining whether other charges are applicable.

The Police Department received similar reports in June on the 900 block of Monterey. Surveillance footage shows the suspect appears to be the same man in both incidents.

The man had a noticeable white beard and was wearing cargo shorts and a dark T-shirt, photos show.

Police ask anyone who has information on the identity of the man to call 805-781-7312 and reference 240724011.

GALA Pride and Diversity Center targeted by string of hate crimes

The GALA Pride and Diversity Center said in an Instagram post that it was one of three businesses targeted by the string of hate crimes.

On Wednesday morning, the organization said, burned rainbow flag garlands and a burned Ukrainian flag were draped over their sign and front yard and burned Biden/Harris signs were strewn on their porch.

A burned rainbow flag garland was also draped over the handle of the front door.

When GALA reported the crime to police, the post said, police told them two other local businesses were targeted in a similar fashion. Those businesses had rainbows up during Pride month, GALA said.

The organization spoke to the other businesses and found out they had been targeted in a similar way during Pride month, with rainbow flags and decorations.

We stand in solidarity with out neighbors and condemn this hateful act of violence, GALA said.

GALA said the incident is a reminder that hatred remains in San Luis Obispo.

Since it reopened in 2021, the center has been repeatedly targeted with hateful letters taped to the door or mailed to them. Their sign was also stolen on one occasion.

These acts are a reflection of what is acceptable in a country that, according to the ACLU, proposed 510 anti-LGBTQ bills in 2023 and has proposed 527 anti-LGBTQ laws in 2024 SO FAR, GALA wrote in the post. Our work to further inclusion and understanding for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions is more vital than ever.
Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this article gave incorrect information about when the agreement with Michael Halow was made. Also, the article incorrectly described the lawyers handling subpoenas for Moe Asnani and Rene Mendoza.

Winners of one of the state's social equity marijuana licenses hope to wrest back control of their company in a new court action targeting Arizona's health agency.

The social equity applicant and her partner have already lost two key legal battles to a multi-state marijuana company they claim defrauded them of the lucrative license. The high-profile case inspired a legislative proposal this year that lawmakers ultimately chose not to approve.

The pair are now trying to force the state Department of Health Services to hold a hearing that could reverse their losses.

The complaint for special action filed July 18 in Maricopa County Superior Court with the help of local lawyer Isaac Gabriel accuses the state of breaking its own rules when it transferred control of the license without holding a hearing following a 2023 arbitrator's ruling.

The complaint also tries to capitalize on a June court ruling that Gov. Katie Hobbs violated the law when she removed 13 directors of state agencies from the state Senate's confirmation process and appointed them as "executive deputy directors," who are not subject to confirmation.

Among those was health agency chief Jennie Cunico, who the complaint argues had "no authority to act on behalf" of the agency. That's another reason the court should order the health agency to hold a hearing over the license transfer, the complaint says.

Since losing their license, Anavel Vasquez and Rene Mendoza have become prime examples of the failed social equity program. Vasquez is a former wildland firefighter with limited English skills who obtained the license in a state lottery. Mendoza, her longtime partner who's also a former firefighter, has acted as her business associate throughout their experience with the program.

They accuse Michael Halow of Story Cannabis of a scheme to take the license from them with a "fraudulent" business contract. Halow, who denies the allegation, ended up with control of the license after an arbitrator found in 2022 that Vasquez had breached their contract by selling Halow's 49% interest in it.

Moe Asnani, who paid Vasquez $2.7 million for that 49% stake, told The Arizona Republic the state's social equity experience reminded him of "American Greed," a long-running TV show about white-collar crimes and scams. But Halow's spokesman, longtime political crisis-management consultant Jason Rose, labeled Asnani a "pretty sophisticated actor."

"He knows exactly what he's doing," Rose said.

Program enriches marijuana corporations, leads to court fight

Arizonans approved the social equity license program as part of the 2020 recreational marijuana law. But like similar programs in other states, it hasn't solved equity issues.

The new law attempted to correct the disproportionate arrests of people of color for marijuana offenses over the years, offering a lottery for 26 licenses to low-income residents of high-enforcement areas. But as some predicted, large cannabis corporations swooped in to obtain the licenses, offering to pay the $4,000 lottery fee for the low-income applicants and to help set up and run dispensaries with them.

As The Arizona Republic reported in January, only one of the 26 licenses is now controlled and owned by a social equity applicant. The rest are controlled by pre-existing corporations.

Before their lottery win, Vasquez and Mendoza entered a business agreement with Halow's team, signing paperwork that would give up a 49% stake in the license and form a company called Juicy Joint.

The pair claims Halow's representatives met them in a hotel room and offered $35,000 in cash for the remaining 51%. When they declined, they became subject to arbitration required by the term sheet they signed.

They claimed Halow had felonies on his record that excluded him from any ownership in an Arizona dispensary. But arbitrator Shawn Aiken later ruled the accusation was false and that Vasquez had "secretly" sold Juicy Joint's ownership of the license to a company formed by Asnani and Mendoza.

The health department transferred the license from Menvas 22, the company formed by Asnani and Vasquez, back to Juicy Joint, which Halow and his team then fully controlled.

Vasquez retained her 51% interest in Juicy Joint. But without control of the operation, she cannot sell her interest or direct any distribution of profits.

'Litigation within litigation'

Following the transfer of the license in 2023, Menvas 22 sued the state, Halow, and Halow's two limited liability corporations.

Halow's interest, represented by Cohen Dowd Quigley PC, counter-sued in December, claiming Juicy Joint lost "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in legal fees to fight Vasquez's transfer of the license to Menvas 22. The counterclaim seeks compensatory and punitive damages from Menvas 22.

Superior Court Judge Christopher Coury consolidated the two cases into one, which remains unsettled. The latest filings from this month show Mendoza and Asnani are attempting to subpoena other social equity winners who had "dealings" with Halow's companies.

Menvas 22's side argued the term sheet Vasquez signed is "void and fraudulent," and the subpoenas of third parties would produce evidence showing Halow "did the exact same thing to the subpoenaed third parties that he did to Ms. Vasquez."

Halow's legal team argued that Menvas 22 wants to "re-litigate" the arbitrator's decision against Vasquez, against the judge's wishes.

"Worse," a July filing by Halow's team states, Menvas 22 "apparently seeks this discovery to engage in a host of 'litigation within litigation.' The court should not permit it."

Coury on July 22 turned down an objection by Halow's team to forbid the subpoenas.

Governor's office, health agency weigh in on social equity bills

As the litigation between the would-be social equity dispensaries blazed, two Republican state lawmakers sponsored mirror bills this year to encourage the state attorney general to investigate cases of "predatory" investors in social equity licenses and to streamline a path for social equity license winners to take back licenses obtained by unscrupulous investors.

The bills from Sen. Sonny Borrelli of Lake Havasu City and Rep. Kevin Payne of Peoria required a three-quarters majority vote to pass because they would have amended a voter-approved law. Payne's bill never got a vote in the House. Borelli's bill failed to reach that threshold in the Senate on March 6 with an 18-12 vote. Two Democrats, Sens. Flavio Bravo and Catherine Miranda of Phoenix, were among the 12 "no" votes.

Just before the vote, Carly Fleege, the health agency's legislative liaison, criticized Borrelli's bill in an email to the Legislature's Democratic policy advisor, Patsy Osmon. The email noted, among other things, "entities that acquire a license from a social equity owner must certify that they will support communities disproportionately impacted by previous marijuana laws... They might do this by giving money to support nonprofits that do this work or by employing people who are disproportionately impacted."

"Borrelli's bill," Fleege wrote in the email obtained by The Republic through state public records law, "is premised on partial information, may create unintended consequences, and is likely intended to circumvent unfavorable court decisions to benefit a single interested party in a contested social equity license sale."

Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli on the Senate floor at the state Capitol in Phoenix on June 15, 2024.

Lourdes Pena, Hobbs' deputy chief of staff of Legislative, Policy and External Affairs, wrote to Hobbs' general counsel, Bo Duls, in a March 7 email that she had sent Fleege's email to "every Paulino," in an apparent reference to the Democratic caucuses' chief of staff, Paulino Valerio.

The Arizona Dispensaries Association, which contributes to numerous political campaigns, gave $25,000 to Hobbs' inaugural fund in 2023. Story Cannabis is among the association's members, but that doesn't necessarily suggest a motive for Hobbs position on Borrelli's bill. Asnani's Downtown Dispensary and D2 dispensary in Tucson are also members, and Asnani also gave the inaugural fund $25,000, records show.

Did state need to hold a hearing to transfer license?

The new complaint argues the health agency had no right to unilaterally remove or transfer Menvas' license to Juicy Joint last year "without notice, opportunity to be heard, or due process of the law."

Menvas 22 obtained a clarification of Aiken's arbitration decision in February that stated the decision didn't actually direct the health agency to take any action.

But a lawyer for the state, according to the complaint, claimed that was irrelevant. Though state rules indicate the agency should hold a hearing when it suspends or revokes a license, the agency claims it didn't suspend, revoke or transfer the license.

"As we've explained," the health agency counsel notified Menvas 22, "when a licensee transfers the license to another party, the Department merely reflects this in its records by reissuing the license in the name of the newlicensee.

In other words, Gabriel wrote in the complaint, the agency seems to claim it "merely updates its records to reflecttransfers between unrelated entities." But that's not supported in the law or regulations, he continued.

Ultimately, the transfer denied the social equity applicant, Vasquez, from benefitting from her lottery win. Mendoza, who didn't return a text message for this article, previously said he doubts Halow would ever allow Vasquez to receive any profits from the Kingman dispensary now operating under her license.

A spokesperson for the health agency said it couldn't comment on pending litigation.

Menvas followed all of the agency's rules in creating the partnership between Asnani, Vasquez and Mendoza, Gabriel told The Republic in a written statement. It created a "true partnership with the license holder to operate a dispensary utilizing the license. This is exactly what AZ DHS contemplated given the social equity license holders would need a well-capitalized partner with significant retail experience to get a dispensary up and running.

Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on X @raystern.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Social equity license winners say cannabis company defrauded them
Who is Sonya Massey? What to know about the woman shot by police in her Springfield home

A 36 year-old Black woman called 911 to report a potential intruder in her home on July 6. She was fatally shot in her home in Springfield, Illinois, by one of the responding officers.

Who is Sonya Massey? Here's what we know.

Who is Sonya Massey?

Sonya Massey was a 36-year-old Black woman who was shot by a police officer in her own home on July 6, 2024.

Sonya Massey, 36, called 911 to report a potential intruder in her home on July 6, 2024. She was fatally shot in her home by a Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy.

What happened to Sonya Massey?

Massey had called 911 earlier that night to report a potential intruder in her home.

Massey appeared calm when the deputies arrived and entered her home to "ensure that the residence was safe," according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.

Deputy Sean Grayson noticed a pot of hot water on the stove while inside Massey's home and asked her to remove it to prevent any accidental fires.

Body-cam footage of the encounter shows that Grayson made a comment about the pot while in the living room, and Massey is seen responding to Grayson, setting the pot on the kitchen counter as Grayson stands in the living room, according to court documents.

Grayson drew his gun, threatening to shoot Massey in the face, the documents say.

"Seeing the drawn weapon, Ms. Massey put her hands in the air and stated, 'I'm sorry' while ducking for cover behind the counter that separated them," according to court documents.

Grayson proceeded to close the distance between him and Massey. He fired the gun three times, shooting Massey in the face once, according to court documents.

Grayson's body-cam was not turned on until after he shot Massey, but the other deputy had theirs on for the entire interaction.

The other deputy rendered aid until medical help arrived.

"(Grayson) at no time made an attempt to render aid to Ms. Massey," court documents state.

The body camera footage was released on July 22 and revealed how the incident was escalated by Grayson.

To view the video, click here. (Please note that this video contains graphic content.)

A full timeline of events was reported by The State Journal-Register in Illinois.

What happened to Sean Grayson?

The deputy responsible for the shooting, Sean Grayson, 30, was terminated from his job and arrested on July 17. He faces five counts: aggravated battery, official misconduct and three counts of first degree murder.

Due to Grayson's "disregard for human life" and access to firearms, States Attorney John Milhiser moved to deny him pre-trial release, which was granted on Thursday. Grayson was placed in the custody of the Sangamon County Sheriff while awaiting trial.

He appeared before Sangamon County court the following day on July 18 where he pleaded not guilty on all counts.

The State Journal-Register reported Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell issued the following statement following the release of the video:

"Sonya Massey lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by former Deputy Sean Grayson. 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.

"Ms. Massey needlessly lost her life, and her family deserves answers. I trust the legal process will provide them. This incident does not reflect the values or actions of our law enforcement community. It was a tragic decision made by an individual who had the training, tools, and experience to know better. We are committed to upholding a standard that prevents such tragedies from occurring in the future."

More: The sheriff who hired Sean Grayson, the deputy who shot Sonya Massey, will not step down.

Protests broke out after Sonya Massey's death

Protestors have been rallying for the names of officers involved and the body camera footage to be made public since July 12.

The protests began once it was announced that Massey's family had retained the services of civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump.

Crump, based out of Tallahassee, Florida, has been involved in major civil rights cases and previously represented the families of Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and countless others over the years.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What happened to Sonya Massey? Bodycam video shows police shooting
Donald Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social immediately after President Joe Bidens address from the Oval Office Wednesday night, during which he explained why he was withdrawing from the presidential race and touted his list of accomplishments while in the White House.

Crooked Joe Bidens Oval Office speech was barely understandable, and sooo bad! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Biden had spent the past few days recovering after testing positive for COVID last week. Wednesdays speech was the first since Bidens abrupt decision to step down from the ticket, which he announced Sunday afternoon.

Trump followed the post up with an all-caps message: CROOKED JOE BIDEN AND LYIN KAMALA HARRIS ARE A GREAT EMBARRASSMENT TO AMERICA  THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME LIKE THIS!

Trump watched the speech live on his private jet after a rally in Charlotte, North Carolinathe first major speech he gave after Bidens withdrawal, and the first since Vice President Kamala Harris had become the presumptive nominee for the Democrats.

.@realDonaldTrump watches President Bidens address to the Nation, from his plane following a rally in Charlotte, NC. pic.twitter.com/ohDhsqtVqC  Doug Mills (@dougmillsnyt) July 25, 2024

After party leadership and delegates quickly pledged their support to Harris over the course of the last four days, Trump complained during his speech that her rapid ascent was un-democratic, claiming that the [Democratic Party] bosses, they said either you get out or were going to throw you out using the 25th Amendment. Thats what happened.

In the highly anticipated Oval Office address on Wednesday evening, Biden said he decided to drop out of the race to pass the torch to a new generation after questions about his age and mental fitness for office dogged his campaign.

Instead of focusing on those lingering questions, Biden used the bully pulpit to endorse Harris. She is experienced. She is tough. She is capable. She has been an incredible partner for me and a leader for our country, the president said from behind the Resolute Desk.

The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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By Giulio Piovaccari and Giuseppe Fonte

MILAN (Reuters) -Carmaker Stellantis has agreed to sell a majority stake in its robotic unit Comau to One Equity Partners, in a deal that has drawn scrutiny from Italy's government.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, but U.S.-based private equity firm One Equity will make a "majority investment" in Italian-headquartered Comau, and Stellantis will remain an active minority shareholder.

The deal will give One Equity a 50.1% stake in the company and Stellantis 49.9%, a source close to the matter told Reuters.

Following the announcement, which coincided with disappointing first half financial results from Stellantis, Italy's industry ministry said it was assessing whether golden power legislation aimed at shielding strategic assets could be applied to the sale.

Such powers give the government the right to block or set conditions on foreign forays targeting national companies that operate in strategic sectors.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's nationalist government has for months been at loggerheads with Stellantis, the world's fourth largest automaker whose brands include Fiat, accusing the automaker of neglecting its historic production bases in Italy.

Ante Kusurin, a partner at One Equity, said the firm had deep expertise in executing complex corporate carve-out transactions, adding it would help position Comau "as a successful stand-alone business."

Under the deal, Comau Executive Chairman Alessandro Nasi and CEO Pietro Gorlier will retain their jobs.

"This operation is consistent with Comau's strategic plan, which aims to expand its business beyond the automotive sector, targeting the global demand growth for industrial automation," Gorlier said.

The transaction, which is expected to close by the end of this year, was also criticised by Italian trade unions, which called on the Rome government to intervene.

"We express our opposition to the sale of Comau to private equity," the UILM union said in a statement, while FIM-Cisl explicitly asked the Italian government to use the golden power legislation.

One Equity Partners invests in businesses in the industrial, healthcare and technology industries in the U.S. and Europe. Comau, a former unit of Fiat, specialises in industrial automation and advanced robotics.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said the deal would help Comau achieve autonomy and strengthen its position.

"It also gives Stellantis the ability to focus on core business activities in Europe," Tavares added.

Story continues

A Comau spin-off from Stellantis was part of agreements between Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, which led to the creation of Stellantis at the beginning of 2021, but the transaction had never materialised.

(Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari in Milan and Giuseppe Fonte in Rome; editing by Bernadette Baum and Keith Weir)
What nonsense

Donald Trumps convention speech was actually funny. He is the best in history on anything and everything. No one can compete with him. Everybody tells him how great he is. All the world leaders love and respect him. All he has to do is make a phone call to solve all of the worlds problems and wars. He promised wonderful things that only he can accomplish. Biden is the worst president in history. Trump was the best president in history. Everything is either good or bad with no in-between.

Morally bankrupt

The former president could not even get his wife to introduce him at the GOP convention. He is a serial wife-cheater. How can anyone vote for an insurrectionist and convicted felon?

Not a winner

Like Joe Bidens, Kamala Harris poll numbers will tank. The middle class is tired of the failed policies of Democrats. Were sick of it.

Secret service

Cancel culture has run amok. There is zero justification for throwing out Director Cheatle in the wake of the attempted assassination. Members of Congress, both male and female, are again being bullies in their venue. Cheatle knows the Secret Service and no replacement is going to have her intimacy with the organization. Congresspeople, conduct yourselves like human beings.

Wonder why?

Women in Mississippi have the worst health care, I hear. Not surprised, since men are dictating what happens to their bodies. MAGA  like back when women were second-class citizens.

VP hate

Vice President Kamala Harris, whose only real, constitutional job is to preside over meetings of the House of Representatives, has let her personal anti-Semitic hatred get in the way of her democratically prescribed duties. Shes doing this because the Prime Minister of Israel is going to address the House.

Immigrants

A Sound Off writer sarcastically posts that Republicans are OK with immigrants, if you marry them. Most Americans feel immigrants are welcome when they come here legally. And J.D. Vances wife is not an immigrant, having been born in the United States, which made her a U.S. citizen at birth. Liberals and progressives just continue to not stick to the facts.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.
(Bloomberg) -- South Africas new multi-party administration must prioritize reviving state-run port, water and power networks and work to automate processes to attract investment and boost lagging growth, Business Leadership South Africa Chief Executive Officer Busisiwe Mavuso said.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa of the African National Congress put together a government of national unity after a May 29 election failed to produce an outright winner. Some voters opted for other parties after 30 years of ANC-majority rule ended in rolling power cuts and logistics snarl-ups, an economy that has barely grown over the past decade, a jobless rate of 33%, endemic crime, and corruption.

The beauty of what we have right now in the GNU is that policymaking has been liberated from Luthuli House, Mavuso, 45, said in an interview Thursday, referring to the ANCs headquarters. There are going to be a whole lot more robust conversations about the policies that are put in place.

This includes talks about the National Health Insurance Act, which Ramaphosa signed into law less than two weeks before the national elections after years of wrangling. The legislation bans the private sector from offering cover for treatment available under the NHI, and opponents say it will neither remedy the health-care systems shortfalls or be affordable for the state.

The NHI as it stands is a farce  its unimplementable, its unfundable, said Mavuso. What it does seek to do is to decimate the private health-care system, she said.

While South Africa is failing at the basics and has missed opportunities to position itself as a viable destination for companies in free-market democracies to move their supply chains away from authoritarian regimes such as China, foundations laid in the prior administration are a positive signal that the trajectory is set to improve, she said.

To ensure South Africas growth trajectory is bolstered, the nation needs to address the backlog in visas by introducing more automated processes, have more of its biggest ports  ranked among the worlds worst performers  run privately, move more goods by rail rather than trucks, and scrap the NHI, Mavuso said.

It also needs to streamline regulations for public-private partnerships to make them less complex, which the National Treasury has proposed.

Weve already done a lot to propel ourselves and position ourselves to reclaiming our spot of being the gateway to investment to the African continent, Mavuso said, pointing to efforts by the Department of Home Affairs under its new minister, Leon Schreiber, to address a backlog of 300,000 professional-skills visas for foreigners thats employers say has hindered investment.

When we look at what the biggest problem is which has made South Africa uninvestable, CEOs talk about how difficult our trading environment is, Mavuso said. The structural-reform agenda needs to be implemented.

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--With assistance from Prinesha Naidoo, Ntando Thukwana, Antony Sguazzin, Arijit Ghosh, Jennifer Zabasajja, Adelaide Changole, Andre-Pierre Du Plessis and Federica Romaniello.

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The South Dakota Department of Human Services recently awarded $2 million in grants for technology and equipment in the long-term care industry, which has been afflicted with closures and staffing shortages.

Funding for the grants was approved by the Legislature and Gov. Kristi Noem during the 2024 legislative session, after being recommended by an interim legislative committee studying the sustainability of long-term care. Lawmakers were motivated in part by the closure of more than 15 nursing homes in South Dakota since 2017.

Governmental investment will help stabilize the industry, said Good Samaritan Society Chief Operating Officer Aimee Middleton, especially on top of other recent efforts by the Legislature to provide relief. The Good Samaritan Society, owned by Sanford, plans to downsize its footprint to focus on a seven-state area in the Midwest.

Were a large organization that operates in different states and we dont see this type of investment everywhere, Middleton said. This is historic and appreciated.

Funded projects include food preparation and storage equipment; video monitoring and sensory technology systems, which can monitor patients remotely; telecommunications equipment; and diagnostic and interactive technology. All of which can help reduce the need for workers, industry officials say.

Long-term care facilities have struggled with staffing more than other health care fields since the coronavirus pandemic, and the industry expects facilities will have to take on more patients as baby boomers age. Technological advancements that replace human workers can help bridge that gap, administrators say.

Seventy-three facilities received awards, with the Good Samaritan Society receiving $347,465 between seven facilities  most of which are in Sioux Falls. The majority of that money is for technology-advanced food preparation, Middleton said. Good Samaritan was the only long-term care facility to invest in food preparation, according to the department.

The new technology will establish Sioux Falls as a hub to prepare patient meals days in advance and then transport the food to more rural facilities, Middleton said. The technology vacuum-seals or freezes the meal in a way that preserves the quality and nutrition before being reheated and served.

With record unemployment rates, this is a creative solution so we can be creative in ways for residents to receive really good and high quality meals, but with less people available to us, Middleton said.

Middleton plans to get the equipment and program up and running within nine months.

Edgewood Healthcare, based in North Dakota, has 14 long-term care facilities in South Dakota. Six locations received a total of $189,389 to invest in sensory and diagnostic technology. Specifically, the money funds interactive technology to improve physical activity and mental stimulation for cognitively impaired residents as well as an advanced call system called CarePredict.

The CarePredict pendant system tracks residents location and activity, allows for communication between residents and staff, and provides fall detection. The grant will completely cover upgrades at the Spearfish, Rapid City and Pierre locations, said Rich Ostert, a regional vice president for Edgewood.

Ultimately, the health care system hopes to use the CarePredict technology to measure blood pressure, oxygen and pulse rates and more efficiently upload it into a database.

Ostert said Edgewood plans to implement CarePredict at all 65 communities within its seven-state footprint.

This funding allows us to get this technology a lot quicker than we might have, Ostert said.

Of the $2 million pot, $1.2 million was distributed among rural long-term care facilities in the state. Over $788,000 was awarded to long-term care facilities in Sioux Falls or Rapid City.

The Department of Human Services estimates more than 4,000 South Dakotans will be impacted by the grants. The department received 104 applications totaling $7.47 million, so nearly $5.5 million in requests werent funded.

Lake Andes Senior Living, in south-central South Dakota, was awarded $13,502 to fund a radio system integrated with an updated call light system. The new call light system, which will cost nearly $90,000, wasnt awarded.

Something is better than nothing, thats for sure, said Clay Brouwer, Lake Andes Senior Living administrator.

Brouwer said the facility will have to find a way to budget for the $90,000 call light system to take advantage of the state granted funds.

The facilitys current call light system, which alerts nursing staff when a patient needs attention, is several decades old, Brouwer said, and only lights up outside of the patients room with a beeping noise. Alerting staff through a radio system will improve response times for patients.

Its doing a lot for facilities. Any time you can get a technology grant of any sort, you just have quicker access. Anything helps, he said.

Awarded projects must be completed within one year from the date of the award. Grants were capped at $100,000.

Awarded 2024 long-term care technology grants

Avera Mother Joseph Manor Retirement, Aberdeen, $40,430

Prairie Height Healthcare, Aberdeen, $20,621.77

Diamond Care Center, Bridgewater, $10,000

Sun Dial Manor, Bristol, $9,571.97

Wheatcrest Hills Healthcare, Britton, $13,261

United Living Community Brookings, Brookings, $66,094.94

Centerville Care and Rehab Center, Centerville, $5,000

Sanford Health Chamberlain, Chamberlain, $12,099

Avantara Clark, Clark, $24,672

Fay Wookey Memorial Assisted Living, Clark, $2,447

Roetell Senior Housing Clark, Clark, $5,281

Good Samaritan Society in Corsica, DeSmet, Howard, Scotland, Tyndall, $17,509

Avera Eureka, Eureka, $18,591.63

Faulkton Senior Living, Faulkton, $2,175

The Meadows Assisted Living, Faulkton, $3,535

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Care Center, Flandreau, $36,909

Riverview Healthcare Center , Flandreau, $13,261

Palisade Healthcare Center, Garretson, $52,523

Avantara Groton, Groton, $24,672

Seven Sisters Living center, Hot Springs, $60,699.60

Hudson Care and Rehab, Hudson, $3,776.17

Sunset Manor, Irene, $30,828.62

Lakes Andes Senior Living, Lake Andes, $13,502.20

Avantara Lake Norden, Lake Norden, $24,672

Bethel Lutheran Home, Madison, $15,809.83

Tieszen Memorial Home, Inc., Marion, $63,808.96

Avantara Milbank, Milbank, $10,000

Wellshire Park Place, Millbank, $20,000

Good Samaritan Society  Miller, Miller, $11,355

Avera Brady Health and Rehab, Mitchell, $8,320

Firesteel Healthcare, Mitchell, $15,939

Edgewood , Mitchell, Sioux Falls, Watertown, $21,030

Mobridge Regional Hospital  Assisted Living, Mobridge, $15,440

Avera Bormann Manor, Parkston, $13,085

Scotchman Living Center, Philip, $17,948.44

Silverlead Assisted Living Center, Philip, $3,887.99

Avera Maryhouse, Pierre, $71,200

Edgewood Pierre, Pierre, $63,106

Clarkson Health Care, Rapid City, $44,047

Edgewood Rapid City, Rapid City, $77,729

Fairmont Grand Senior Living, Rapid City, $9,485

Fountain Springs Healthcare, Rapid City, $72,704

The Courtyard  Westhills Village, Rapid City, $25,075.26

Avantara Redfield, Redfield, $23,500

Lakeside Assisted Living, Redfield, $1,000

Strand Kjorsvig Community Rest Home, Roslyn, $9,992.85

Leisure Living Salem Independent and Assisted Living, Salem, $69.99

Bethany Home Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, $10,106.79

Dow Rummel, Sioux Falls, $10,000

Good Samaritan Society  Hearthstone Assisted Living, Sioux Falls, $79,516

Good Samaritan Society  Luther Manor, Sioux Falls, $97,916

Good Samaritan Society  Prairie Creek Assisted Living, Sioux Falls, $93,916

Good Samaritan Society  Sioux Falls Center, Sioux Falls, $97,916

Good Samaritan Society  Sioux Falls Village, Sioux Falls, $100,000

Meadows on Sycamore Assisted Living, Sioux Falls, $58,389

Trail Ridge Retirement Community, Sioux Falls, $11,370.69

Tekakwitha Living Center, Sisseton, $12,240.93

Edgewood Spearfish Senior Living, Spearfish, $100,000

Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home, Viborg, $49,500

Wakonda Hertiage Manor, Wakonda, $19,085.59

Avantara Watertown, Watertown, $23,500

Jenkins Living Center, Watertown, $27,000

Meadow Lake Assisted Living, Watertown, $1,237.97

Bethesda Home, Webster, $18,405

Aurora-Brule Care and Rehab, White Lake, $14,615.00

White River Health Care Center, White River, $16,900

Wilmot Care Center, Wilmot, $23,814.81

Prairie View Healthcare Center, Woonsocket, $7,904

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: SD awards $2M in grants for long-term care, but facilities sought $5M more
South Florida is again under a heat advisory. This time, temperatures will feel up to 105

The oppressive heat will continue to bear down on South Florida as the National Weather Service rolled out another heat advisory, this one lasting until 7 p.m. Thursday.

The NWS warned that feels-like temperatures could reach up to 102-105 degrees across Broward and Miami-Dade counties, with a 20% chance of rain. The high temperature is expected to reach 91 degrees.

This advisory includes Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, Kendall and Coral Springs.

These types of temperatures can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.

Outdoor activities should be minimized during the hottest parts of the day  from noon to 3 p.m.  and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is recommended. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration advises frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

If heat-related symptoms like heavy sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion or fainting occur, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911, as heat stroke can be life-threatening.

 The Heat Advisory continues TODAY, July 25th for Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Heat indices of 102 to 105 are forecast today for the two counties. #flwx https://t.co/Y1Pg885qDm  NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) July 25, 2024

Weekend weather

Friday: High 90, Low 80, 40% chance of rain. Mostly sunny with scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially in the evening.

Saturday: High 90, Low 80, 50% chance of rain during the day, 30% at night. Sunny with possible showers and thunderstorms, mostly clear at night.

Sunday: High 91, Low 79, 50% chance of rain. Mostly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.
Seoul National Cemetery will be transformed into the "world's best memorial space," Veterans Minister Kang Jung-ai said Thursday. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI

SEOUL, July 25 (UPI) -- South Korea is aiming to transform the country's largest veterans cemetery into an international memorial site and tourism destination, officials said Thursday.

Seoul National Cemetery, which houses the remains of nearly 200,000 soldiers and members of the country's independence and democracy movements, was handed over to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs this week after being managed by the military since its establishment in 1955.

The ministry aims to "recreate it as a symbolic space for the heroes who dedicated themselves to protecting our liberal democracy, ensuring it firmly establishes itself among the people," Veterans Minister Kang Jung-ai said in a ceremony marking the transfer Thursday.

"It will be reborn as the world's best memorial space and a cultural space that people will enjoy visiting all year round," she said. "If the United States has Arlington National Cemetery, we can proudly say that the Republic of Korea has the Seoul National Cemetery."

In March, the ministry began a research and planning phase for transforming the cemetery, which covers 35,000 acres in a prime area of the city near the Han River.

Veterans Minister Kang Jung-ai lights incense at a ceremony Thursday marking the transfer of the cemetery from the military to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Photo courtesy of Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs

"Although it occupies a significant green space in downtown Seoul, its utilization is low," Jin Ji-hye, the ministry's director of national cemetery policy, said Wednesday during a site visit by reporters.

The cemetery "lacks distinctive symbols for year-round commemorations and must-visit attractions for both domestic and international visitors like the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, and so we are trying to install such facilities," she said.

Nearly 200,000 soldiers, martyrs from Korea's independence movement and other notable figures are interred at the Seoul National Cemetery. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI

Other planned upgrades include an eternal flame and amphitheater along with a comprehensive trail network.

In addition to attracting local visitors, the ministry is looking to boost what it calls "veteran diplomacy" by expanding sponsored visits and exchanges with foreign veterans. Twenty-two countries participated in the 1950-1953 Korean War under the U.S.-led United Nations Command.

Images and flowers are laid out in a memorial hall holding tablets for soldiers whose remains were never found. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI

The ministry will start soliciting bids for the construction phase of the project next year and the overall timeline will be at least five years, with a first phase to be completed by 2027, spokesman Kim Ju-yong told UPI.

Kim said that the cemetery currently attracts one million visitors a year, but the ministry is hoping to raise that figure to five million visitors after the reconstruction project is finished.

Soldiers present flags at the Memorial Tower in Seoul National Cemetery. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI

In addition to soldiers and martyrs, four presidents are also buried at the cemetery: Syngman Rhee, Park Chung-hee, Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000.

The Korean War left millions dead, including some 160,000 South Korean soldiers. The more than 36,000 U.S. soldiers who died in the conflict are memorialized at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. In 2022, the memorial added a new Wall of Remembrance engraved with the soldiers' names.

The gravesite of President Kim Dae-jung is located in Seoul National Cemetery. Kim, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000, is one of four South Korean presidents buried here. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI
(Bloomberg) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol named an economist as a new senior secretary to boost the countrys birthrate, which ranks as the lowest in the world and threatens long-term economic prospects.

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You Hye Mi, a professor at the College of Economics and Finance at Hanyang University, was named as the new senior secretary for low birthrate, the presidential office announced Thursday.

You, who holds a doctorate from the University of Rochester, has written extensively about economic issues facing families and becomes the only woman among Yoons senior presidential aides. You is the mother of twins, the presidential office said.

A working-mom of elementary school twins herself, the new secretary understands better than anyone the real-life hardship of juggling childcare and career, Yoons chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, told reporters.

The appointment comes as South Korea prepares to launch a new ministry dedicated to boosting the fertility rate. The lack of babies is speeding up the aging of society, as well as generating concerns about the growing fiscal burden of public pensions and health care.

The number of babies expected per woman in a lifetime fell to 0.72 last year from 0.78 in 2022, according to data released in February by South Koreas national statistics office.

You said at a news briefing she will look to draw up policies for the near term as well as make fundamental structural changes to boost the birthrate.

A variety of factors are blamed for the reluctance among South Koreans to have babies, from high costs of living to a lack of affordable housing. Parents also fear unfavorable consequences after coming back from childcare.

A disproportionate distribution of domestic duties is another cause cited for womens lack of willingness to give birth. In a 2019 study jointly conducted with her husband, another economist, You showed how women tend to spend more time handling household chores as the number of children increases while men are hardly influenced by it.

South Korea has the smallest share of parents going on leave for children in the developed world, according to a Korea National Assembly Research Service study.

It also has the highest share of late-middle-aged women with temporary jobs among countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a factor that feeds into the worst gender wage gap in the developed world.

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A Southern California doctor was convicted of defrauding Medicare out of millions of dollars through a multi-year scheme.

Victor Contreras, 68, of Santa Paula, worked for two Pasadena hospices, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

From July 2016 to February 2019, Contreras and an accomplice, Juanita Antenor, 61, worked to defraud Medicare by submitting nearly $4 million in fraudulent claims for hospice services, officials said.

The hospice companies  Arcadia Hospice Provider Inc. and Saint Mariam Hospice Inc.  were controlled by Antenor.

Medicare typically only covers hospice care for patients who are terminally ill, officials explained.

Contreras falsely stated that his patients had terminal illnesses so they would be eligible for Medicare-covered hospice services, according to court documents.

For some patients, Contreras submitted false claims even when he was not their primary care physician and had not spoken to the patients doctors about their conditions.

Through this method, Contreas collected payments and defrauded Medicare out of $3,289,889, officials said.

According to Medical Board of California records, Contreras is a licensed physician in California but has been on probation with the board since 2015 and is subject to limitations on his practice.

Contreras pleaded guilty to one count of healthcare fraud. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 25 where he faces up to 10 years in prison.

Loved ones search for missing Southern California teen

His co-conspirator, Antenor, remains at large.

A third co-conspirator, Callie Black, 65, of Lancaster, who allegedly recruited patients for the hospice companies in exchange for illegal kickbacks, has pleaded not guilty. A trial hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the California Department of Justice.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.  A southern Illinois man was sentenced to federal prison for printing tens of thousands of dollars in counterfeit money.

Michael A. Eskew, 38, was sentenced to two years behind bars on Wednesday. He previously pleaded guilty to three charges related to counterfeit money production.

According to court documents, Eskew used printers and electronic images of dollar bills to produce fake U.S. Currency at his home. Authorities served a warrant at Eskews home in 2019, which led them to recover counterfeit bills with a fake worth of $33,826.

Cold case investigators take prisoner to missing person search site

Investigators say Eskew distributed counterfeit bills to at least five people within his community.

Making, using and possessing fake U.S. currency with fraudulent intent is punishable under federal law, and Michael Eskew was maintaining a full-scale, counterfeiting enterprise, said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. He schemed to defraud local businesses and enrich himself with the fake currency, thus warranting this sentence to federal prison.

In addition to imprisonment, Eskew was ordered to pay a $600 fine and serve three years of supervised release.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Southwest Airlines became the US's largest domestic carrier by offering free bags and open seats  now it's upending one of its most well-known perks

Southwest Airlines became the US's largest domestic carrier by offering free bags and open seats  now it's upending one of its most well-known perks

Southwest Airlines is ditching its signature unassigned seating policy.

Southwest, the US's largest domestic carrier, celebrates its customer- and employee-focused mission.

The airline found success using unconventional marketing and operational strategies.

Southwest Airlines is the US's largest domestic carrier, serving over 100 destinations across the country.

Stephen M. Keller/Southwest Airlines

The carrier has been in operation since 1971 and just celebrated its 53rd anniversary in June 2024.

Source: Southwest

One of the hallmarks of the Southwest experience is that the airline does not assign seats, instead, each passenger is provided a boarding group number. Once on board the aircraft, they are allowed to sit in any open seat.

Southwest Airlines passengers pictured in boarding groups at Oakland International Airport in 2020. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

In September, that's all going to change as the airline rolls out new seating policies that may largely match competitors' paid seat assignments and premium options.

On Thursday, Southwest announced plans to scrap the unassigned seat policy and also sell premium seating options.

Southwest Airlines

"The research is clear and indicates that 80% of Southwest Customers, and 86% of potential Customers, prefer an assigned seat," the airline said in a press announcement.

Source: Southwest is ditching its unassigned seat policy for the first time

The airline is under pressure to generate additional revenue after activist investor Elliott Investment Management revealed a $1.9 billion stake in June. The group is pushing for changes at the airline to increase profitability and share price.

DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images

Source: An activist investor with a new $1.9 billion stake in Southwest is calling for big changes at the airline

Southwest started as a small carrier based in Texas and only operated intra-state routes between three cities: San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.

Herb Kelleher (left) and Rollin King (right) Southwest Airlines

The airline, which was originally called Air Southwest, was dreamt up by Rollin King and Herb Kelleher on a cocktail napkin in 1966.

King mapped the network he envisioned, making a triangle between the three key cities. He explained to Kelleher that operating solely in Texas would make the company exempt from the Civil Aeronautics Board's federal regulations, which controlled fares, routes, and schedules.

Rollin King's "Texas Triangle" Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

From 1938 to 1978, the airline industry was federally regulated under the CAB as means to ensure major carriers like United and Pan Am were profitable. Fares were sky-high and only business travelers and deep-pocket leisure customers could afford the luxury of flight. The downside was that a lot of the time, planes flew half-empty.

Convair 880 club cabin Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Because Air Southwest was certified under the state's aviation regulator, the Texas Aeronautics Commission, it was not bound to federal rules  a clever loophole King unapologetically copied from California carrier Pacific Southwest Airlines.

Rollin King Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

The loophole allowed Air Southwest to fly freely in Texas and undercut competitors' fares, offering more customers the option to fly instead of drive in the large state. The business model was game-changing and a threat to legacy airlines.

Herb Kelleher with model of Southwest aircraft Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

In 1967, three airlines operating under federal rules, Braniff, Trans-Texas Airways, and Continental Airlines, took legal action against Air Southwest, saying it does not have the right to fly in Texas.

Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Johnson, steps off Braniff Airways jet Harvey Georges/Associated Press

Source: Companies History

The lawsuit took three years to resolve, and in 1970, the Texas Supreme Court ruled Air Southwest could fly in the state. The three airlines then took the case to the US Supreme Court, which declined to review it.

Herb Kelleher (left) Lamar Muse (second from left) and Rollin King (center) Southwest Airlines

Source: Companies History

Air Southwest's right to fly in Texas was finalized in December of 1970. The carrier officially changed its name to Southwest Airlines in 1971 and commenced operations on June 18 of the same year.

Southwest flight attendant points to schedule Southwest Airlines

Source: Companies History

The carrier launched with two routes from Dallas Love Field to Houston and San Antonio using three new Boeing 737-200 aircraft. Flights between Houston and San Antonio commenced in November 1971.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-2T4 at Los Angeles International Airport in 1991. Torsten Maiwald/Airliners.net

Part of Southwest's immense success was due to Kelleher's focus on unconventional marketing and unique corporate culture.

Herb Kelleher on Southwest tail Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

Kelleher used Pacific Southwest Airways' idea of "Long Legs And Short Nights" for hostesses, as they were called at the time, keeping with the theme of hiring attractive women to work Southwest flights.

Southwest Airlines flight attendants in an undated historic picture. Southwest Airlines

Source: Companies History

The airline's first flight attendants were described as long-legged dancers and were handpicked by a committee that included the same individual who picked the hostess on Hugh Hefner's Playboy jet.

Southwest Airlines first flight attendant uniforms Southwest Airlines

Source: Companies History

Kelleher dressed the flight attendants in a bright orange top, orange hot pants, a white belt around the hips, and white side-laced go-go boots. He also pushed for a laid-back, casual inflight experience and only hired female hostesses who were fun, engaging, and had a sense of humor.

First Southwest Airlines hostess class Southwest Airlines

Source: Texas Monthly

Southwest also provided a winter version of the uniform, which included orange and white striped hot pants, a blazer, a white top, and an ascot.

Southwest winter version of hot pants uniform Southwest Airlines

Source: Texas Monthly

Kelleher continued the playboy theme by creating a "love" culture at Southwest. The carrier was called the "love airline, automatic ticket dispensers were "love machines," inflight snacks were "love bites," and drinks were "love potions."

Southwest "love" ad Southwest Airlines

Source: Texas Monthly

The airline also crafted its own special inflight cocktails, which were free for passengers. A few were appropriately named Kentucky Matchmaker, the Pucker Potion, and the Lucky Lindsay.

Southwest Airlines flight attendant preparing beverage orders in the galley Southwest Airlines

Source: Texas Monthly

He even went on to create ads centered around humor and attractive women. In the context of the 1970s, using attractive female flight attendants to gain customers was an industry norm.

A 1968 photo of three flight attendants for Southwest Airlines Alan Band/Keystone/Getty Images

Source: Texas Monthly

In 1972, Southwest made a game-changing, innovative marketing move. The company introduced the "two-tier" fare system, which established two separate price points aimed at different types of travelers.

A Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent checks in a Customer at the gate David Woo/Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

The fares were the regularly priced "Executive Class Service" at $26 one-way and the "Pleasure Class" at $13 one-way or $25 roundtrip. "Pleasure Class" fares were available after 6:59 p.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Southwest airlines customer service agents with customers at the ticket counter Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

The two-tier structure was a wild success, with Southwest increasing its average passenger load from 17 before the move to 75 after.

Southwest pilots Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

In 1973, the company launched a $13 one-way "half-fare" sale on all flights to San Antonio. Southwest's rival, Braniff, responded with its own "get acquainted sale" with $13 fares between Dallas and Houston. This was the start of the $13 Fare War.

Southwests ad declaring war against Braniffs fare cut Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

Southwest knew $13 fares on its only profitable route would run it straight into bankruptcy, so King quickly came up with a marketing campaign that would put Southwest on top. "Nobody's going to shoot Southwest out of the sky for a lousy $13," read the bold ad.

Southwest ad against Braniff's $13 fare war Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

Southwest matched Braniff's fare between Dallas and Houston, which was met with praise and respect from customers. As part of the campaign, the airline also offered a free fifth of liquor for passengers who paid the full $26 fare.

Ticket agent poses with a bottle of Chivas Regal in front of ad Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

Business travelers loved the promotion, and lucky for Southwest, three-fourths of its customers opted to pay full price and pocket the free booze. The airline soon became a fan favorite among many Texas business communities, and Braniff was fuming.

Southwest customer holding advertisement and receiving free liquor Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

By the end of 1973, Southwest finally turned its first profit and would continue to profit for 47 years until the coronavirus pandemic ended the streak. Meanwhile, Braniff lost the battle and the war, ceasing operations in 1982.

Braniff Airways aircraft in Peru Carl & Ann Purcell/Getty Images

Source: Southwest, Braniff International Airways Boutique

Southwest's early challenges did not end with Braniff. In 1964, the Civil Aeronautics Board demanded the city of Dallas build an airport to serve the entire Dallas/Fort Worth area. In 1968, every air carrier operating out of Love Field agreed to move to DFW when it opened in 1974.

British Airways Concord at DFW in 1973 after the airport was finished -/AFP via Getty Images

Source: Encyclopedia.com

However, Southwest was not a part of that agreement and filed suit that it would not move from Love Field when the new airport opened. The airline claimed there was no legal reason to end commercial traffic at Love Field and that the company made no written agreement to move its operations.

Concord and Boeing 747 at DFW after the airport's completion in 1973 -/AFP via Getty Images

Source: Encyclopedia.com

The city and the DFW Airport Board sued Southwest, saying the CAB rule applied to the airline even if it was made before Southwest was officially founded. However, Southwest argued that its intra-state flights fell outside the jurisdiction of the CAB, so it did not have to leave Love Field.

Opening day of new Love Field terminal in 2013 Southwest Airlines

Source: Encyclopedia.com

A federal district court agreed with Southwest and ruled that it could operate out of the airport as long as it remained open. When DFW opened in 1974, every airline except Southwest left Love Field.

Southwest aircraft takes off from Love Field stock_photo_world/Shutterstock

Source: Encyclopedia.com

Southwest continued to grow through the 70s, acquiring 10 aircraft and carrying its five-millionth customer by the end of 1977.

Southwest's 3 millionth passenger Bob Pianta in 1976 (middle) Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

By 1976, Southwest Airlines had been profitable for three years and proven that government regulation was not necessary for airlines to be successful. Deregulation was a top priority for Jimmy Carter's administration, and it passed the Airline Deregulation Act in 1978, effectively abolishing the Civil Aeronautics Board.

President Carter signs the airline deregulation bill at the White House Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: National Review

Finally, Southwest Airlines was free to operate interstate flights and the airline began to thrive. Meanwhile, major carriers like Eastern Airlines, Trans World Airlines, and Pan Am spread themselves too thin as they tried to rapidly expand.

Southwest Boeing 737-300 Southwest Airlines

Source: US Centennial of Flight Commission

Unlike major carriers, Southwest maintained a simple strategy for success after deregulation, like only operating one aircraft type, cleaning the aircraft before landing to allow for a quicker turn, and focusing on humor in marketing.

Southwest flight attendant cleans the aircraft Southwest Airlines

Source: USA Today

And its strategy worked. Southwest was prospering while other airlines like Pan Am and TWA collapsed. However, it was not long before the Wright Amendment put another wrench in the company's plans.

Colleen Barrett with Wright is Wrong petitions Southwest Airlines

After deregulation, Southwest wanted to commence interstate flights from Love Field to New Orleans in 1979, but officials at DFW airport feared the increased traffic would hurt the airport financially. So, US Congressman Jim Wright drafted, sponsored, and helped pass a bill restricting passenger traffic at Love Field.

Wright is Wrong sign Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

The law, known as the Wright Amendment, was signed in early 1980 and amended the International Air Transportation Act of 1979. It restricted flying out of Love Field to cities in Texas and the surrounding states of Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico. The law was meant to keep Southwest from expanding operations out of Dallas.

Wright Amendment protesters Southwest Airlines

Source: The Dallas Morning News

It only applied to carriers that operated aircraft with more than 56 seats, which Southwest did. So, the airline had to rely on short-haul flights in the five-state area to bolster Love Field operations.

Southwest employees protest the Wright Amendment Southwest Airlines

Source: The Dallas Morning News

In 1997, Kansas, Alabama, and Mississippi were added to the list of reachable states. In 2005, Missouri was also added.

Southwest employees celebrate end of Wright Amendment Southwest Airlines

Source: The Dallas Morning News

However, in 2004, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly launched efforts to repeal the Wright Amendment, using the slogans "Set Love Free" and "Wright is Wrong" in the campaign.

Herb Kelleher with "Wright is Wrong" slogan Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

In 2006, an agreement was made between Southwest, American Airlines, Dallas, and Forth Worth to phase out the law. They agreed that in eight years, the amendment would be gone, but until then, carriers could fly to any US destination out of Love Field as long as at least one stop was made in any of the nine states under the Wright Amendment.

Passengers sit in new Love Field terminal Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest, The Dallas Morning News

On October 13, 2014, at exactly 12:01 a.m., a countdown clock at Southwest's Headquarters in Dallas hit zero, officially ending the Wright Amendment. A few minutes after, the airline's first scheduled flight outside of the nine Wright states took off from Love Field to Denver.

Wright Amendment ends Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

The deal also capped the number of gates at Love Field to 20, and the airport still only has 20 to this day.

Southwest aircraft at gate 2 at Love Field stock_photo_world/Shutterstock

Source: The Dallas Morning News

While the Wright Amendment restricted expansion out of Love Field, Southwest was still able to bolster its network out of other Texas cities in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Customer service employee at Houston Hobby Southwest Airlines

Throughout the 1980s, the airline expanded north into cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Kansas City, and west to Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and California. The airline moved east in the late 1980s with flights to Nashville and into the Midwest with flights to Chicago Midway and Detroit.

Southwest flight takes off from Vegas Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

The airline also updated its livery in the 1980s. Southwest wanted to stand out in the skies and make its brand easily recognizable, so it wrapped its fuselage in desert gold and other warm colors. It received its first 737-300 jet in 1984, dubbed Spirit of Kitty Hawk.

Herb Kelleher with Spirit of Kitty Hawk aircraft Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

Southwest's flight attendant uniform was also updated by the 80s. Instead of hot pants and go-go boots, the airline allowed employees to wear real pants and skirts.

Southwest Airlines 90s flight attendant uniforms Southwest Airlines

Source: Racked

In the 1990s, the network expanded further east to cities like Baltimore, Cleveland, Columbus, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Providence, Islip, and Raleigh-Durham. The airline also began its Pacific Northwest expansion with the acquisition of Morris Air in 1994.

Southwest aircraft dedicated to Rollin King Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

In 1991, the "Friends Fly Free" campaign was launched to battle the recession. The promotion allowed anyone 18 or older to bring a friend of any age free on their flight. It was so popular that Southwest offered the promotion for the next five years.

Southwest's Friend Fly Free ad Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

In 1992, Southwest's most infamous marketing stunt occurred between Herb Kelleher and Kurt Herwald, chairman of Stevens Aviation.

Kelleher and Herwald at the Malice in Dallas Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

Southwest had been using the slogan "Just Plane Smart" in its ads, but Stevens Aviation sent a letter to Kelleher noting its similarity to its "Plane Smart" slogan.

Kelleher wearing "Just Plane Smart" slogan Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

Instead of entering a legal battle over the phrase, a Steven Aviation executive suggested an arm-wrestling competition between Herwald and Kelleher. The victor would have full rights to the slogan.

Herb and Herwald arm wrestle at the Malice in Dallas Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

Kelleher marketed the event, dubbed the "Malice in Dallas," which received worldwide press coverage. "Smokin" Herb Kelleher and "Curtsy" Kurt Herwald put on a full show at the arena, which even earned a congratulatory note from President George Bush.

Malice in Dallas artwork in Southwest HQ Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

At the turn of the century, Southwest revealed the livery that most people know today. The Canyon Blue color scheme debuted in January 2001.

Debut of Southwest's Canyon Blue livery in 2001 Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

While many airlines opted to introduce fees for things like checked bags and flight changes to recuperate funds, Southwest refused. Instead, the airline launched its "bags fly free" campaign which allows customers two complimentary checked bags. Southwest has not gone back on the offer to this day.

Southwest ramp crew promotes free bags Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

Throughout the 2000s, Southwest continued to focus on humor in its marketing. Its Wanna Get Away commercials proved successful, which promoted $49 one-way fares.

Southwest Boeing 737-800 Steven M. Keller

Source: Southwest

By 2010, Southwest added "Transfarency" to its brand. The airline would not have any hidden fees and would remain customer-focused with an emphasis on Hospitality and Heart. The recognizable tri-color heart was added to its airplanes and workplace.

Heart One Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

In 2011, Southwest acquired AirTran Airways, which opened slots up out of Atlanta and gave it more network expansion opportunities in Mexico and the Caribbean. The two were fully integrated by 2014.

Southwest acquires AirTran Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

Also in 2014, the company's livery got another new look, with a harder focus on the heart, a new logo, and a sleek new color scheme.

Southwest Airlines' updated 2014 livery Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

In July 2014, the airline officially became international with its first flight to Oranjestad, Aruba. In the same month, Southwest also started service to Nassau, Bahamas, and Jamaica.

First international Southwest flight lands in Montego Bay, Jamaica Stephen M. Keller

Source: Southwest

The company's flight attendant uniform got an update in 2017, marking the first time in 20 years the airline changed the look. Womenswear included two dresses, one black with blue and red stripes and the other gray with red and black stripes. Menswear included a black blazer, a gray shirt and pants, and a red tie.

2017 Southwest flight attendant uniforms Southwest Airlines

Source: Travel + Leisure

In October 2017, Southwest became the launch customer for the Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet, with its first revenue flight occurring on October 1. However, the aircraft was grounded in 2019 after two fatal accidents involved the MAX. The airline did not fly the plane again until March 2021.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

In 2019, Southwest reached its goal of operating flights to Hawaii with its inaugural service from Oakland to Honolulu.

Passenger boards first Southwest flight to Hawaii Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

In 2020, Southwest ended its 47-year profit streak when the coronavirus pandemic hit. Since last March, the airline has remained focused on the health and safety of its customers and employees.

Southwest flight attendant greets passengers during the pandemic Stephen M. Keller/Southwest Airlines

Source: CNN

While the pandemic was a major blow to Southwest's operation, the carrier has continued to grow with 18 new cities announced in 2020.

Passengers board Southwest flight during covid-19 Stephen M. Keller/Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

And, it is continuing to expand with new routes and destinations, thanks to CEO Bob Jordan, who took over in February 2022.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan. Southwest Airlines

Bob Jordan is Southwest Airlines' new CEO. Experts outline a 100-day plan for keeping customers, employees, and investors happy

Southwest returned to profitability taking advantage of the post-pandemic travel surge.

Southwest Heart One Southwest Airlines

Source: Southwest

With Southwest's immense size, it has a lot of systems at play to keep it running efficiently and on time. But, sometimes a nasty winter storm can derail even the best carrier's operations.

A Southwest Airlines pilot had to explain to a "comedian" why its not okay to joke about pilots flying under the influence. Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock

But, Southwest suffered from more than just the weather in the holiday season of 2022.

Canceled flight travelers line up in front of Southwest Airlines sign at Denver International Airport. Hyoung Chang/Getty Images

Captain Mike Santoro, vice president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, told Insider the storm was the catalyst of the meltdown, but "outdated" scheduling software created the snowball.

Southwest Airlines cabin. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Frustrated Southwest pilot and union rep says the airline's flight meltdown was caused by outdated scheduling software

Southwest confirmed to Insider that its systems were unable to handle the "magnitude" of disruptions, which amounted to over 7,000 from Christmas to December 28 alone.

Travelers wait at a Southwest Airlines baggage counter to retrieve their bags after canceled flights at Los Angeles International Airport on December 26, 2022. Eugene Garcia/AP Photo

Source: FlightAware

The company acknowledged its software needs an update, with a spokesperson saying, "we are focused on making investments in technology upgrades to work toward that solution."

Passengers line up at the Southwest ticket desk at San Francisco International Airport on December 26, amid widespread delays and cancellations for the airline. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Despite its operations issues in the holiday season of 2022, Southwest prides itself on being a customer- and employee-focused airline, bringing "LUV" to its operation, and keeping safety, hospitality, and customer service at the forefront of its mission. (LUV is its stock symbol.)

Southwest Airlines

According to financial information company BrightScope, Southwest has one of the highest-rated employee 401k plans. Meanwhile, J.D. Power reported in May that customers ranked Southwest as having the best economy product in North America.

The grieving owner is planning to sue the airline. MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

Source: BrightScope, Delta has the best first class, and Southwest has the best economy seats  see how airlines rank for customer satisfaction

Haley Woods, founder of Girls LOVE Travel  a Facebook group with over one million members  told Insider that when her flight was canceled over the holiday week, she encountered the most "professional" and "upbeat" Southwest employees.

V_E/Shutterstock

"While this disruption might derail others from using SWA in the future  their customer kindness has reminded me that I will absolutely be looking past this and onward for future adventures," she said.

Passengers wait in line to check in for their flights at Southwest Airlines service desk at LaGuardia Airport, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, in New York. Yuki Iwamura/AP

Despite all of the challenges the carrier has faced recently, from operational meltdowns to activist investors, Southwest has vowed to push forward, offering its passengers flights with friendly service at affordable prices.

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 at a gate in Austin, Texas George Rose/Getty Images

Read the original article on Business Insider
After 53 years offering passengers the ability to choose their own seats, Southwest Airlines is ushering in a new era for its boarding process and will be assigning seats, as well as offering premium seating on all flights.

PHOTO: A Southwest Airlines jet comes in for a landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, January 11, 2023. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Southwest moves to assigned seats after 53 years of open seating

The Dallas-based carrier announced several new initiatives on Thursday, billing the redesigned boarding model as "enhancements to transform customer experience and improve financial performance," and stating in a press release that adding assigned seats and premium seating meets "evolving customer preferences."

Southwest president and CEO Bob Jordan previously hinted at the possible change back in April, saying at the time that the move to "assigned seating and offering premium legroom options will be a transformational change that cuts across almost all aspects of the company."

"Although our unique open seating model has been a part of Southwest Airlines since our inception, our thoughtful and extensive research makes it clear this is the right choice -- at the right time -- for our customers, our people, and our shareholders," said Jordan, who also serves as vice chairman of the board. "We have been building purposefully to this change as part of a comprehensive upgrade to the Southwest experience as we focus on Customer expectations -- and it will unlock new sources of revenue consistent with our laser focus on delivering improved financial performance."

PHOTO: People line up based on boarding group numbers to board a Southwest Airlines flight at Oakland International Airport (OAK), Jan. 5, 2020, in Oakland, Calif. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images, FILE)

The company has not yet said when the seating changes will go into effect, but plans to provide more details on the product designs, cabin layout and timing at its Investor Day in late September.

Any new cabin layout in this seating transformation will need to undergo approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Southwest conducted "robust operational testing" of both live and more than 8 million simulation-based boarding trials, citing research that showed 80% of its customers and 86% of potential customers prefer an assigned seat.

"When a customer elects to stop flying with Southwest and chooses a competitor, open seating is cited as the number one reason for the change," the company noted. "The airline is confident that these customer enhancements will meet expectations and not compromise the airline's operational efficiency."

Southwest Airlines adds premium, extended legroom cabin

The specific cabin layout details are still in design, but Southwest said it "expects roughly one-third of seats across the fleet to offer extended legroom, in line with that offered by industry peers on narrowbody aircraft."

In the last two years, Southwest's modernization efforts have included enhancements to other onboard offerings such as faster WiFi, in-seat power, larger overhead bins and more comfortable RECARO seats.

PHOTO: Travelers check in at the Southwest counter at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia, July 23, 2024. (Christian Monterrosa/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Southwest Airlines adds redeye flights

In addition to the seating changes, Southwest also announced it is officially adding 24-hour operation capabilities with overnight redeye flights "to further optimize the network and increase aircraft utilization."

Booking on initial routes is available starting Thursday, with the first overnight flights landing on Valentine's Day 2025 in five initial nonstop markets: Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando, Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville, and Phoenix to Baltimore.

Southwest Airlines second quarter financial results

Thursday's announcements came in tandem with the airline's second quarter financial results, which fell short of expectations, according to Jordan.

Southwest's RASM (Revenue per Available Seat Mile), which is a measure of total revenue from each seat flown per mile, regardless of whether it's empty or full, has decreased by 3.8% year-over-year.

The CEO said the airline is "taking urgent and deliberate steps to mitigate near-term revenue challenges and implement longer-term transformational initiatives" to help with financial top and bottom line growth.

"As we announced this morning, our implementation of assigned and premium seating is part of an ongoing and comprehensive upgrade to the Customer Experience, one that research shows Customers overwhelmingly prefer," he said.

Southwest Airlines moves to assigned seats, adds premium cabin with more legroom, redeye flights originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
By Nathan Vifflin

(Reuters) -Chipmaker STMicroelectronics (STM) cut its full-year revenue and margins guidance for a second time on weak industrial orders and lower demand for automotive chips, sending its shares sharply lower.

The shares dropped 13.5% to the bottom of France's blue-chip CAC 40 index at 1050 GMT, on track for their worst day in over four years.

The Franco-Italian company, whose clients include Tesla and Apple, said it expects revenue of $13.2 billion to $13.7 billion for 2024, down from a previous forecast of $14 billion to $15 billion.

It forecast margins at about 40%, down from the "low 40s".

"We are facing a longer and more pronounced correction in industrial than what we anticipated due to a progressive weakening of demand amplified by a severe inventory correction," CEO Jean-Marc Chery told analysts in a call.

Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has also slowed sharply in Europe, with data from the region's trade body last week showing sales rose by just 1.3% in the first half.

Despite that, STM still hopes EVs will drive growth for the remainder of the year, even if less than forecast.

"I confirm that H2 will be a growth driver for ST for all the components related to electrical vehicles, particularly for silicon carbide, and particularly everywhere, in China and also with our main customer," Chery said, without naming the customer.

STM had already cut its outlook in April.

"The cut is massive, they cut the top-line expectation by seven points," said Sebastien Sztabowicz of Kepler Cheuvreux, adding some investors are wondering whether there will be a recovery in time soon or a deep correction will continue.

Revenue for the second quarter came in at $3.23 billion versus $3.2 billion expected by analysts according to LSEG data. Margins stood at 40.1%.

(Reporting by Nathan Vifflin; editing by Janane Venkatraman, Jason Neely and Sharon Singleton)
Southwest is being investigated after a slew of incidents, including a rare 'Dutch Roll' and planes flying too close to the ground

Southwest is being investigated after a slew of incidents, including a rare 'Dutch Roll' and planes flying too close to the ground

The FAA is investigating Southwest Airlines after several in-flight incidents in recent months.

Southwest planes have descended to dangerously low altitudes, and one suffered a so-called "Dutch roll."

The airline said it was working with the FAA and that its safety procedures were "exceptional."

Southwest Airlines has recently had a few too many close calls when it comes to safety.

After recent incidents including a "Dutch Roll" and a plane flying dangerously close to the ocean, the Dallas-based airline is now facing an audit of its safety procedures by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"The FAA has increased oversight of Southwest Airlines to ensure it is complying with federal safety regulations," the agency confirmed to Business Insider in a statement.

"Safety will drive the timeline," the agency said, implying that the review would take as long as necessary.

On May 25, a Southwest flight from Phoenix to Oakland, California, experienced a rare stability problem known as a Dutch roll. The plane rocked from side to side and moved in a figure-eight rolling motion.

An FAA report into that incident found damage to the standby power-control unit, which controls the rudder. Pilots regained control of the aircraft, and no injuries were reported.

Several Southwest flights have also descended to dangerously low levels this year.

On July 14, a Boeing 737 Max operated by Southwest from Columbus, Ohio, to Tampa, Florida, prompted alerts when it flew just 150 feet above the ocean.

The cause of the plane flying at such a low altitude has not been confirmed. Pilots who spoke to the local news station, Fox 13, said the plane should have been at least 1,000 feet higher.

An FAA investigation has been opened into the incident.

In April, a less experienced pilot accidentally sent a plane into a nosedive off the coast of Hawaii. And in June, a third Southwest flight to Oklahoma City was recorded at just 525 feet above ground level.

A Southwest Airlines flight almost crashed into the ocean near Hawaii in April. Kevin Carter/Getty Images

The airline is working closely with the FAA to review the recent events, a Southwest spokesperson told BI.

"Southwest has an exceptional Safety Program that includes an FAA-Accepted Safety Management System (SMS)," the spokesperson said.

"We recently formed a dedicated team of subject-matter experts and leaders from Southwest, our union partners, and the FAA to bolster our existing (safety management system)."

The group will perform an in-depth, data-driven analysis to identify opportunities for improvement.

"Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees," said the spokesperson.

Flight safety concerns have been growing this year among a growing number of high-profile incidents such as the Alaska Airlines Boeing door blowout and numerous cases of harmful in-flight turbulence.

United Airlines is also facing increased regulatory scrutiny after it experienced a number of incidents earlier in 2024, including a plane's tire falling off in midair and a plane's engine failing over the Pacific.

The transport secretary, Pete Buttigieg, appeared on NBC and assured viewers that the FAA would not allow a plane in the air if it was considered unsafe.

"Flying on a commercial airliner in the United States is the safest way to travel," he said. "We've gotta keep it that way and hold the airlines to keeping it that way."

News of the investigation into Southwest came soon before the airline reported a significant drop in profits for the second quarter of the year. Southwest reported net income of $367 million for the quarter, down from $683 million in the same period in 2023.

On the same day, Southwest announced it would ditch its long-standing unassigned seating policy, moving instead to allow passengers to purchase a seat of their choice.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Southwest is ditching its unassigned seat policy for the first time

Southwest is ditching its unassigned seat policy for the first time

Southwest Airlines has had an unassigned seating policy for over 50 years.

The carrier now plans to assign seats on all flights and offer premium seating options.

The changes come as the airline faces pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management.

Southwest Airlines is eliminating its open seating model for the first time. Instead, it will start assigning seats before all flights and offering premium seating options.

The announcement on Thursday is part of the airline's mission to improve financial performance, increase its stock price, and enhance customer experience. It comes as an activist investor with a large stake pushes for big changes, including a new CEO

"Southwest represents the most compelling airline turnaround opportunity in the last two decades," the hedge fund Elliott Investment Management said in June when it began its crusade.

Paul Singer, Elliott Management's founder. Elliott is pushing for major changes at Southwest. CNBC / Getty Contributor

Since launching 57 years ago, the airline has had an open seating policy, meaning passengers choose their seats once they board their flight.

That will now change.

Southwest said research carried out showed that 80% of customers and 86% of potential customers favored an assigned seat system. The number one reason a passenger chooses a competitor is the open seating model, the company added.

Southwest did not give an exact date for the changes but said more details will be revealed in September.

More add-on revenue could be a lifesaver for Southwest

Southwest also announced that it will be introducing premium seating with extended legroom, with possibly up to one-third of a cabin being allocated to this kind of seat.

"Moving to assigned seating and offering premium legroom options will be a transformational change that cuts across almost all aspects of the Company," said Southwest's CEO, president and vice chairman of the board, Bob Jordan.

Paid seat upgrades are lucrative revenue sources for airlines and have largely allowed mainline carriers like American or Delta to avoid some of the financial stress that's hit low-cost carriers this year.

The airline will also add 24-hour operations from February of next year, with new overnight redeye flights available.

Changes to Southwest's seating policy were announced on the same day the company reported a significant drop in profits for the second quarter of the year. Southwest reported net income of $367 million for the quarter, down from $683 million in the same period in 2023.

While profits fell, revenues climbed, hitting a record $7.4 billion for the quarter.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A Southwest flight came 150 feet from crashing in the sea. Experts suspect 'pure human error.'

A Southwest flight came 150 feet from crashing in the sea. Experts suspect 'pure human error.'

A Southwest Airlines flight to Tampa, Florida, came within 150 feet of the ocean, prompting alarm.

Aviation experts said pilot error was the likeliest cause.

The FAA is investigating the flight, and two more Southwest flights that made low descents.

A Southwest Airlines flight that was diverted after a dangerously low descent was likely down to "pure human error," aviation experts said.

The Boeing 737 Max departed from Columbus, Ohio, on July 14 and was headed to Tampa, Florida.

But the plane began its descent too early, dropping to 150 feet above the sea while it was still 5 miles from the airport.

The flight was diverted to Fort Lauderdale after Air Traffic Control (ATC) told the crew to "check your altitude," the local TV station Fox 13 reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the incident.

'Pure human error'

Richard Curran, a professor of Aviation Management at City University of London, and Mark Stephens, a retired Delta Air Lines pilot, told Business Insider that the incident could have been disastrous.

Curran said the aircraft should have been at least 1,000 clear of the water and that its "dangerously low" position risked a crash.

A Southwest flight came dangerously close to the Courtney Campbell Causeway in Tampa. Sridip Kumar Mishra / 500px/Getty Images

"To be that low, the first question is, would they have gone lower? Did they think they were at a different height?" Curran said.

"If they thought they were at 1,000 feet, they would have had to come down 1,000 feet," he added.

Curran said the incident was likely due to "pure human error."

It's not known if there was a technical issue with the aircraft that may have produced a faulty altitude reading.

But even if this were true, Curran said, the crew should have noticed before being warned by air-traffic control.

Mark Stephens worked as a pilot for 30 years and was aj Airbus A350 captain before retiring in 2021. Speaking to BI, he said that several times in his career he alerted other pilots that they were flying too low.

He said it's important to remember that there would have been two pilots involved: one flying the plane and another monitoring its progress.

"Two people aren't doing their job," he said.

Stephens said the second pilot could have noticed there was an issue, but they may have refrained from saying anything.

"The other guy is probably thinking, 'He'll get on it,' and doesn't say anything  especially if the captain is flying," he said. "I would tell my pilots, 'Please speak up.' But some captains aren't approachable."

Bad weather could have played a part

In an interview with Fox 13, Nancy Allen, a passenger on the flight, said she thought she could have died when she noticed how close the aircraft was to the water.

She said the pilot didn't explain what had happened but told passengers "gusty winds" had prevented the plane from landing.

The Tampa Bay Times, citing a weather station at Tampa International Airport, reported that the plane was traveling through stormy weather.

Stephens said it's difficult to say whether gusts of wind would have played a big role.

He said it's more likely that wind shear  which the FAA describes as a swift change in wind speed and direction  could have pushed the plane down.

Robert Katz, a veteran commercial pilot, told The Tampa Bay Times that wind shear could have "swatted the airplane like a fly into Tampa Bay."

But even so, Katz said it doesn't explain why the pilots didn't seem to be aware that they were flying at a dangerous height.

"These pilots are going to have a lot of explaining to do," Katz said.

A dangerous pattern

It's not the first time a Southwest flight has descended to a dangerously low altitude.

In June the FAA said it was investigating a Southwest flight that dropped to 525 feet when it was 9 miles from landing in Oklahoma City.

The FAA is also looking into another Southwest flight that descended to 400 feet above the ocean off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, in April.

In a statement to BI, a Southwest spokesperson said it was "following its robust safety management system" and was in contact with the FAA to "understand and address any irregularities."

"Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees," they said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Spain will provide Ukraine with another Hawk air defense battery in September, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said during a video call with her Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, on July 24.

Ukraine has been increasingly calling on its allies to bolster its sky shield amid unceasing Russian aerial strikes against population centers and infrastructure sites.

During the call, Robles also said that her country had already trained 5,000 Ukrainian military service members and hosted Ukrainian orphans and relatives of soldiers.

Developed in the U.S. in the late 1950s, the Hawk is a medium-range, surface-to-air guided missile that provides air defense coverage against low-to-medium-altitude aircraft.

Madrid provided Ukraine with the first battery of six Hawk launchers in the fall of 2022 and has since sent additional firing units. The U.S. provided the necessary equipment and recently pledged to supply new Hawk missiles.

According to a bilateral agreement between Kyiv and Madrid signed in May, Spain will provide Ukraine with the support of 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in 2024 and 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) by 2027.

Read also: US, NATO allies to deliver dozens of air defense systems in coming months, including 4 Patriots

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles has had a telephone conversation with her Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umierov, during which she announced the provision of a Hawk air defence system to Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the press service of the Spanish Ministry of Defence

Details: During the conversation, Umierov informed Robles about the situation on the battlefield, as well as the most urgent needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In turn, Robles spoke in detail about the upcoming deliveries of military equipment. She also highlighted the significant progress in the training of 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

Robles also informed Umierov about the upcoming delivery of materials necessary for Ukraine to have a fully operational Hawk anti-aircraft battery in September, which will strengthen the air defence capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

She also stressed the humanitarian aspect of Spanish support, including assistance to orphans and families of Ukrainian soldiers.

Background:

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his expectation that the said air defence systems would arrive in Ukraine as soon as possible.

As reported, during the opening of the NATO summit, US President Joe Biden announced the supply of five air defence systems to Ukraine, including a Patriot.

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SPARTANBURG CO., S.C. (WSPA)  Spartanburg County School District 2 is facing two federal lawsuits.

The lawsuits were filed by the same plaintiffs who are suing the school district in state court.

The federal lawsuits were filed on July 1 and named four additional defendants who were with District 2 during the 2021-2022 school year including former Shoally Creek Elementary School Principal Laura Meyer, former assistant principal Laura Szynalski, former school counselor Rebekah Robinson and the schools former director of elementary and middle education, Deana Watson.

The lawsuit claims students were bullied and harassed at Shoally Creek Elementary School, and the districts policies and practices allowed the bullying to be tolerated.

In one example given in the lawsuits, in February of 2019, a second-grade boy put his hand down one of the plaintiffs pants and then grabbed his genitals. The lawsuit states that the same second grader also slapped one of the plaintiffs on the rear-end in a separate incident.

That same lawsuit states, in total, that second-grade boy sexually assaulted [the plaintiff] approximately 6 times at Shoally Creek during the 2021-2022 school year by grabbing his penis.

Tyler Rody, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, said the school district failed to act effectively to stop the behavior of the child and failed to allow one of the plaintiffs parents to transfer their child out of Shoally Creek.

The principal of Boiling Springs Elementary School, the new elementary that was requested, told the mother she would accept [the] transfer request.

No police reports were filed because the school didnt report it to DSS or law enforcement. That was their choice that they made, and theyre mandatory reporters, said Rody.

According to Rody, the school district is claiming they did everything right.

Their defense is that they did everything right. They dont think they did anything wrong. They think that sexual assault can be defined in a way to sort of let them off the hook. Theyre trying to qualify what happened [and] trying to change definitions and use certain definitions that favor them, instead of just taking responsibility for what happened, said Rody.

Parents file lawsuits against Upstate school district for sexual assaults in classroom

In May, a school board member asked Superintendent, Lance Radford, to step down, claiming the board was unaware of the allegations regarding the school.

Rody went on to claim the actions of District 2 violated his clients 14th Amendment constitutional rights among others.

The school districts and administrators actions violated my clients constitutional rights, Rody said. They increased the risk of my clients being assaulted and had deliberately indifferent responses to known sexual assaults that happened under their watch. The Constitution protects us from the government and Section 1983 allows us to enforce our constitutional rights, and we have chosen to do so with the federal lawsuits.

Lane-vs.-Spartanburg-District-2-LawsuitDownload

Gillespie-v-Spartanburg-District-2Download

According to the pair of lawsuits, the plaintiffs are requesting monetary damages and a jury trial.

Rody said hes hoping the jury trial for the state case will start this fall and the jury trial for the federal suit will begin next year.

7News reached out to Spartanburg County School District 2 and have not heard back. We will update with a statement if received later on.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exchanged gifts during the longtime Israeli leaders visit to Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

Netanyahu came to Washington to deliver an address to a joint meeting of Congress  his fourth since 1996  a controversial speech that divided Democrats and inflamed political tensions, despite the prime ministers call for unity behind Israel amid its war against Hamas.

But before his roughly 50 minutes of remarks, the two traded gifts, a customary tradition when foreign leaders visit D.C.

Johnson gave Netanyahu a collection of documents and letters from the National Archives that the prime minister has never seen, the Speakers office told The Hill. That bundle included a letter from Netanyahus father  Benzion Netanyahu, a historian who worked to drum up support for the creation of the Jewish state in the U.S.  to former President Dwight Eisenhower.

Johnson also presented the prime minister with a condolence letter the White House prepared but never sent after one of Netanyahus brothers passed away, and the notecards former President Gerald Ford used and wrote on when he received an award honoring Netanyahus brother, Yonatan Netanyahu, who was a commander of the Sayeret Matkal, one of Israels commando units.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, gifted Johnson a sculpture of a dove flying over Israel made of shrapnel gathered from the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, the Speakers office said.

Netanyahus speech before Congress  which ran for roughly 50 minutes  sparked controversy in the Capitol, with Republicans and staunchly pro-Israel Democrats lauding the remarks, and pro-Palestinian liberals decrying the controversial leaders remarks.

The fractures are emblematic of the tensions in Washington over the war in Gaza, which began after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

Netanyahus address discussed the details of the deadly offensive, while also criticizing the anti-Israel protests that have broken out throughout the country, issuing warnings about the threat posed by Iran, and urging unity in the U.S. behind Israel.

Netanyahu on Wednesday thanked Johnson and other congressional leaders for inviting him to speak before Congress, underscoring the importance of the U.S.-Israel friendship.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem, on this day, almost 2,000 years ago. Well, our enemies will not breach our walls today, Netanyahu, alongside Johnson, told reporters ahead of his speech. And our wall is not made up only of our own soldiers, our brave heroes, but also the friendship and alliance with the great United States of America.

That is very much expressed here today, and I thank you for giving me this opportunity, and the people of Israel thank you for giving us this opportunity to express our common alliance, he added.

Johnson echoed that sentiment, saying that Americans must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel in its great struggle.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Johnson ramps up attacks on VP Harris during visit to southern border in California

During a visit to the southern border shared with California and Mexico on Thursday, Speaker Mike Johnson ramped up attacks on the Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her a "San Francisco radical" who "bears responsibility for this disaster" as "border czar."

The visit included a press conference along a border fence called "Whiskey 8" in San Ysidro, California -- south of San Diego -- with California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa as well as a tour of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and Imperial Beach locations, Johnson's office told ABC News.

"We've had a very interesting tour here at the San Diego sector. This has become in many ways the epicenter of the Biden-Harris border catastrophe. And now we're very concerned in Congress that this illegal immigrant invasion is threatening even the integrity of our elections," Johnson said at a press conference held along a border fence.

MORE: What to know about Biden's executive action on immigration

Johnson claimed the situation in San Diego has worsened.

In recent weeks, San Diego has had the highest number of encounters of any border region in the U.S., according to a senior CBP official. But those numbers have declined by 60 percent since the new asylum restrictions from the Biden administration were put in place earlier this summer.

PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson makes a statement to the media alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on July 24, 2024. (Chris Kleponis/AFP via Getty Images)

"[Biden's] executive order was too weak, too little too late, and it's not solving the problem," Johnson said Thursday.

Johnson said human trafficking and illegal narcotics are concerns at the border, specifically in San Diego.

Johnson's visit came hours after the House approved a resolution to condemn Harris' border policies. Six Democrats in vulnerable House races -- Reps. Mary Peltola, Don Davis, Henry Cuellar, Yadira Caraveo, Gluesenkamp Perez and Jared Golden -- voted with Republicans to pass the measure.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the American Federation of Teachers' 88th national convention, July 25, 2024, in Houston. (Tony Gutierrez/AP)

Ahead of the vote, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the resolution "fake and fraudulent" during his weekly press conference.

"[Kamala Harris] was never assigned border czar. [Republicans] are making that up," Jeffries said.

MORE: Migrant apprehensions continue to decline in US

PHOTO: House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks while standing with Republican members of Congress, Jan. 3, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (Eric Gay/AP)

Johnson last visited the border in January 2024 when the speaker led a delegation of 64 Republicans to tour the Eagle Pass, Texas, port of entry.

The House has passed its own border bill called the Secure the Border Act, but rejected the bipartisan Senate border bill after Trump pressured Republicans to kill the deal.

ABC News' Quinn Owen contributed to this report.

Johnson ramps up attacks on VP Harris during visit to southern border in California originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Soldiers of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine showed the know-how of shooting down Russian UAVs using improvised tools.

Source: press service of SOF, source of Ukrainska Pravda

Details: The published video shows that, in a stroke of creative genius, the SOF attached a stick to their drone to try and hit the propeller of a Russian spy drone.

The details of the SOFs "special operation" are not provided, but Ukrainska Pravdas source indicates that it was successful.

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Renewable packaging products company Stora Enso has reported a decrease in net sales to 4.46bn ($4.84bn) in the first half (H1) of financial year 2024 (FY24), a 12.4% decline from 5.09bn in H1 FY23.

Despite the fall in sales, the company's earnings per share (EPS) improved to 0.16, recovering from a loss per share of 0.05 in the first half of FY23.

The company's adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) for the first half also rose to 317m from 271m in the corresponding period of the previous year.

The operating result for the period was reported at 247m.

In the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, Stora Enso's sales decreased by 3% to 2.30bn compared to 2.37bn in the same quarter of the previous year.

However, the company's continuing operations grew by 1%.

Its EPS for the quarter was 0.06, a significant improvement from a loss per share of 0.29 in Q2 FY23.

The adjusted EBIT for the second quarter increased substantially to 161m from 37m in Q2 FY23, and the adjusted EBIT margin rose to 7.0% from 1.6%.

Net debt increased by 466m to 3.497bn, primarily due to the board investment at its Oulu, Finland, site.

Stora Enso secured a 435m long-term loan on 11 July from the European Investment Bank to fund its 1bn investment in the Oulu mill.

The loan repayment extends until 2036, enhancing the groups debt maturity profile. The loan is currently undrawn.

Stora Enso president and CEO Hans Sohlstrom said: I am encouraged by the fact that our Q2 performance met our expectations, reinforcing our recently upgraded 2024 guidance. Advances in our profitability and cash flow improvement initiatives, coupled with more favourable market conditions in some segments, have supported an improved earnings trend for the third consecutive quarter.

Additionally, this has strengthened our leverage ratio in the quarter despite record-high growth investments. This positive development is a testament to our team's dedication and sets a strong foundation for future success.

On 15 May, Stora Enso raised its full-year 2024 adjusted EBIT guidance, attributing this to the successful implementation of profit improvement actions and more favourable market conditions.

The company now expects the full-year 2024 adjusted EBIT to be significantly higher than the 342m reported for the full year of 2023.

"Stora Ensos sales drop 12.4% in first half of FY24" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, 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.
Spice has been found in 16 per cent of vapes confiscated at English schools, research has found.

Prof Chris Pudney, from the University of Bath, tested 596 vapes confiscated from schools in England and found 16.6 per cent contained spice, which has a range of dangerous side effects including cardiac arrest.

It is believed the substance is being substituted into vapes, which are sold as containing cannabis oil, as it is cheaper.

In total, 38 schools from across London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire took part in the research.

Results from a device that instantly detects synthetic drugs found spice was present in vapes from 28, or 74 per cent, of these schools.

The device also revealed 1.17 per cent of the vapes tested contained Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis.

Risk of cardiac arrests

Prof Pudney said: Teenagers think they are purchasing vapes or vape fluid containing THC or nicotine when, in fact, they are laced with spice.

We know children can have cardiac arrests when they smoke spice, and I believe some have come quite close to death.

Head teachers are telling me pupils are collapsing in the halls and ending up with long stays in intensive care.

He warned parents that his findings were not a niche, one-off occurrence that happens in a school far away from you but something common.

Prof Pudney is urging people to talk with children about the risks faced from spice and vaping. He called on the Government to prioritise the problem on a national level.

Schools that believe they have problems with spice-spiked vapes should come forward for testing, he said.

Currently, this issue is being addressed regionally, but I urge the Government to elevate it to a national harm reduction priority, Prof Pudney added.

I call on the Home Office and the Department for Education to highlight this problem and to provide police forces and schools with comprehensive harm reduction guidance and support.

Crucial for their safety

Ben Davis, the head teacher at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Salford, invited Prof Pudney to test a batch of confiscated vapes at the school in July.

He said his school had incidents of young people under the influence of spice, with two children collapsing.

Weve been fortunate so far, but I believe its only a matter of time before serious injuries or fatalities occur, Mr Davis said.

My message to families is, dont assume your child is not involved. Theres a high chance they are, or they know someone who is.

Please talk to them about it. Be open, non-judgmental, and accepting. As soon as you judge or blame, barriers will go up, and you wont reach your child. This conversation is crucial for their safety.

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A California staffing service company has agreed to pay $500,000 for its role in placing and overseeing females workers at a National Raisin production facility in Fowler, where they were subjected to a sexually hostile work environment that included explicit comments, unwanted groping and requests for sexual favors.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a settlement on Thursday with Real Time Staffing Services, LLC, which was doing business as Select Staffing when it placed the workers at the facility.

In its lawsuit, the EEOC claimed there was widespread harassment of female workers going back to 2011 and that the harassment went unaddressed by the staffing agency, despite having onsite supervision.

Select Staffing also failed to take appropriate corrective measures after receiving complaints about the harassment, instead assuming the client National Raisin would respond, the EEOC said.

At least one of the employees was told to talk to Select Staffing when she wanted to complain about being harassed, according to the lawsuit. The company ended her assignment at a request from National Raisin, before she could complain, according to the lawsuit.

In a statement on Thursday, Anna Park, an attorney with EEOCs Los Angeles District Office, said staffing agencies cant ignore the harassment of temporary workers on assignment.

Staffing agencies are the direct employers of temporary workers; like all employers, Title VII requires that staffing agencies take action to protect their employees if they learn of third-party harassment at client worksites, she said.

We commend the women who came forward despite their fears and encourage others not to stay silent.

In addition to the $500,000, Select Staffing is required to track harassment complaints and communicate with its clients as those complaints arise. It will also train its temporary workers on their Title VII rights. Management and human resources representatives will be trained on how to prevent and correct harassment.

The EEOC will directly monitor the company.

National Raisin Company settled for $2 million

In March, National Raisin settled its lawsuit with the EEOC to the tune of $2 million.

That suit claimed the company was aware that a male employee was sexually harassing female workers, many of whom spoke Spanish only, with documented complaints going back to 2006.

At the time, National Raisin president J. Kenneth Bedrosion said the company agreed to settle the matter because it was in the best interest of the company to avoid excessive litigation costs and allow the company to focus on its core business of servicing its clients.

As part of the settlement, National Raisin does not admit any wrongdoing and continues to take great pride in providing a safe and positive environment for all our employees.

A claims process is being set up for those involved, the EEOC said. Claims can be made by contacting the commission by email (National-SelectPCM@eeoc.gov) or phone (213-785-3093).
Our growth as a civilization is tightly coupled to our ability to sufficiently generate ever-increasing amounts of electricity. Could the same be true in space?

Star Catcher Industries, a startup just emerging from stealth today, is betting that might be the case. The company is developing a space-based energy grid that could enable more power-intensive activities, like edge computing and direct-to-cell telecommunications, in space.

Star Catcher's satellites will collect solar energy and re-transmit a portion of it to customers solar arrays  in a radiation range more efficiently converted to electricity. This beam could be dialed up or down, enabling power transmission to a variety of spacecraft; a low-cost, low-power satellite could perform more work if it knew its batteries could be recharged on demand.

The 11-person company was founded earlier this year by longtime space entrepreneurs Andrew Rush and Michael Snyder, who held leadership roles at in-space manufacturing company Made in Space, along with investor Bryan Lyandvert. Rush said the genesis of the company came from looking at the common constraints on spacecraft, a set of variables called SWaP, or size, weight and power, in addition to the sheer increase in the number of satellites in low Earth orbit.

Over the last 10 years, through the advent of lower cost launch vehicles from Rocket Lab and SpaceX, we've really seen the aperture open up on the size and weight portion of it, Rush explained in a recent interview. But power is still constrained.

The average satellite in low Earth orbit generates on average 1,000-1,500 watts from the sun. Thats around the amount of power that a refrigerator runs on. Star Catcher envisions a future where spacecraft use similar power to a house, or more. Customers could purchase power on an annual subscription or on an as-needed basis. A space-based power grid could also help spacecraft experiencing issues with their power subsystems or solar arrays.

It could also potentially transform lunar missions: Some of the most scientifically and commercially interesting parts of the moon are also the darkest, posing a challenge for solar-powered spacecraft. But a power grid could make the problem of the long lunar night virtually disappear.

Orbital habitation and manufacturing and other new applications with high power requirements may also be eager to tap into the grid.

I'm so passionate about the Artemis program, and us going and staying on the moon, Rush said. But to stay, you need infrastructure. What's the most fundamental piece of infrastructure that we have on the planet? It's power generation.

In space right now, were still going on camping trips," he added. "We're still like Lewis and Clark charging out in the woods.

The three founders are aiming to double Star Catchers 11-person headcount by the end of this year. The company is also planning to carry out a series of ground demonstrations to show they can collect power from the sun and transmit that to example satellites. If those go to plan, Star Catcher will send up a sub-scale demonstrator satellite in December 2025, in order to show that their plans will work on orbit with a client satellite.

These plans are fully funded thanks to a $12.25 million seed round co-led by Initialized Capital and B Capital, with participation from Rogue VC.

The power nodes, or each satellite in the Star Catcher network, are designed to field solar energy to many satellites at once. So once even one or two Star Catcher satellites are in orbit, the company plans on selling power to customers. But the end goal is building out the constellation to 200 satellites, which would provide full coverage to low Earth orbit, Rush said.
The case centers around a law, known to opponents as the divisive concepts or banned concepts law, that restricts teachers and other public employees from certain teaching topics and lays out professional consequences. (Getty Images)

Months after a federal court held that a 2021 state law regulating how teachers address race, gender, and other topics was unconstitutional, New Hampshires Attorney Generals Office has filed an appeal.

In a filing to the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston announced Wednesday, the office argued that the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire was wrong to rule that the state law is unconstitutionally vague.

The court applied the vagueness doctrine in a way that improperly second guesses the legitimate policy choices made by the State Legislature in setting curriculum within New Hampshires public schools, read a press release by the Department of Justice Wednesday.

The case centers around a law, known to opponents as the divisive concepts or banned concepts law, that restricts teachers and other public employees from certain teaching topics and lays out professional consequences  including lawsuits and the potential loss of their teaching credentials  if they are found to have violated the law.

Under the law, teachers and government employees are not allowed to advocate that people of one race, gender, or other characteristic are inherently superior to or advantaged over others; that people of one characteristic are inherently oppressive toward others; that an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment for any characteristic; and that people cannot and should not attempt to treat others without regard to their characteristics. The law, labeled the Right to Freedom from Discrimination in Public Workplaces and Education, allows parents to file lawsuits against school districts if they believe teachers are violating the law, and allows them to file complaints with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights.

If a teacher is found by a court or the commission to have violated the law, the State Board of Education can take disciplinary action and potentially rescind their teachers license.

So far since the laws passage as part of the 2021 budget, only one complaint has been brought forward, according to the Attorney Generals Office. But teachers unions and the American Civil Liberties Union say that because the prohibitions in the law are not clear, and because the professional consequences are so severe, the law has had a chilling effect on teachers who feel they cannot have nuanced discussions on race or gender.

After two teachers unions, the American Federation of Teachers of New Hampshire and National Education Association of New Hampshire, sued the state in conjunction with the ACLU of New Hampshire and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, Judge Paul Barbadoro ruled in May that the law violated teachers 14th Amendment rights because it was unconstitutionally vague. That vagueness applied to both the way in which teachers might interpret the law and the way in which state officials might choose to punish teachers under the law, he ruled.

 Because the Amendments fail to establish minimal guidelines to govern [their] enforcement, officials are free to pursue their personal predilections when applying the law, Barbadoro wrote.

Barbadoros ruling struck down the law; the state is now seeking to restore it through the appeal.

Todays decision to appeal this misguided ruling underscores our commitment to upholding the right of duly elected legislators to enact carefully considered policy and clarity in our state laws, Attorney General John Formella said in a statement Wednesday.  This case is not just about legal technicalities; its about safeguarding the integrity of our legislative process and ensuring clarity and stability for our educators, students, and communities across New Hampshire.

Oral arguments in the appeal in Boston are expected to occur in the coming months, the press release continued.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said on Wednesday it discovered several serious deficiencies with a non-profit organization run by Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsons wife Yolanda Hill.

Documents released to CBS 17 as part of a records request show state health officials completed their compliance review of Balanced Nutrition without Hill being willing to participate in an exit conference.

NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks at night one of RNC

Balanced Nutrition has served as a sponsoring organization under the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program, which the state Dept. of Health and Human Services administers in North Carolina. According to Balanced Nutritions website, the nonprofit helps adult and childcare providers navigate that program to get access to federal subsidies to provide food.

As CBS 17 reported earlier this year, Hill announced she was ending the nonprofit due to the demands of her husbands campaign for governor. Documents show the state also was conducting its compliance review with the organization.

In emails between Hill and NCDHHS earlier this year, Hill said she felt Balanced Nutrition was the target of some type of vendetta, be it personal or political.

NCDHHS sent letters Wednesday regarding the notice of serious deficiency to Hill, operations manager Kimberly Cephas and board chair Renee Matthews-Jones.

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsons wife speaks at pregnancy center that offers abortion pill reversal

Due to the number and type of findings noted in the federal fiscal year 2023-2034 compliance review and the presences of repeal findings from the federal fiscal year 2022-2023 compliance review, the State agency has determined that Balanced Nutrition, Inc. is seriously deficient in its operation of the [Child and Adult Care Food Program], one of the letters reads. In addition, the State agency has identified Yolanda Hill, Kimberly Cephas, and Renee Matthews-Jones as responsible for the serious deficiencies as a result of their responsibility for the overall management of Balanced Nutrition, Inc. operations.

State officials propose disqualifying Balanced Nutrition from participating in the program again, as well as Yolanda Hill, Kimberly Cephas and Renee Matthews-Jones. They noted issues in various areas including recordkeeping, fiscal integrity, civil rights, and monitoring among others.

The letter cites this example: Balanced Nutrition, Inc. filed claims for Gingerbread Learning Center for February 2023, March 2023, June 2023, July 2023, August 2023, September 2023, October 2023, and February 2024, months that the facility reports not filing a claim with Balanced Nutrition, Inc. Documentation was not provided to illustrate the distribution of reimbursement from Balanced Nutrition, Inc. to Gingerbread Learning Center. During the on-site compliance review, Ms. Hill confirmed with the compliance team that Gingerbread Learning Center had not filed a claim since November 2022.

CBS 17 has reached out to an attorney for Balanced Nutrition for comment.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson calls CBS 17s question regarding killing comment shameful

As CBS 17 reported, Balanced Nutrition was placed on the states Suspension of Funding list on July 12, 2021. The reason cited was failing to submit reports to NCDHHS.

A spokesperson for NCDHHS confirmed that Balanced Nutrition was added to that list because it did not submit audit reports to the agency in 2019 and 2020. However, the nonprofit continued to receive funding.

Although they are on the OSBM suspension of funding list, some federal food grant programs, such as CACFP, that serve children and adults cannot have funding suspended, wrote NCDHHS spokesperson Hannah Jones in an email in May. And while OSBM states suspended recipients should not have their contracts renewed if they remain suspended at the time of renewal, CACFP institutions have Permanent Agreements that do not operate on contract timelines with renewal options.

GOP candidate for NC governor blasts public spending as his family nonprofit rakes in taxpayer funds

The Assembly previously reported on the criticisms of Balanced Nutrition, including Hill raising her pay by $28,000 in 2020 after receiving a PPP loan for almost the same amount early in the pandemic. Across 2020 and 2021, Hill received a total of two PPP loans that added up to $57,000 and were forgiven, even as Balanced Nutrition reported its revenue increasing, the Assembly reported.

The only employees listed on Balanced Nutritions tax documents in recent years include Hill and her family members. Hill is listed as the chief financial officer.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(WHTM)  Adding a puppy to your family should be a happy time, but scammers know how to take advantage of excited buyers.

A special training session was held in Philadelphia this week, where officials worked to better protect consumers from these puppy scams.

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The biggest thing is having knowledge and doing your due diligence, said Amanda LoCoco, Senior Research Analyst, Humane Society of the United States.

These are many things you need to know before you go buy a pet to make sure your dog is healthy before you bring it home.

Lots of Pennsylvanians, especially care about animals and they want to be protected against scams, LoCoco added.

LoCoco tells abc27 News, puppy scams are an issue across the Commonwealth, A lot of people will harp on the Lancaster County area for being Amish. But, you know, animal cruelty knows no boundaries. We dont discriminate against any certain religious or sect of people or community of people, because, again, animal cruelty can be anywhere.

Thats why officials with the Humane Society of the United States and the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office are working together to prevent these crimes.

LoCoco says most people dont even know theyve fallen for one of these scams until its too late.

Puppy mills will mass produce puppies just to keep up with, you know, the trend and the demand, LoCoco said. And so, theyre often sold online or through pet stores. You know, sometimes theyre sold through flea markets or, you know, people that just want to meet you on the side of the road to sell a puppy. So, one of the things that we always encourage consumers to do is to visit the breeder in person. If you choose to purchase rather than adopt and ensure that they are reputable by meeting their breeding dogs, you know, being able to provide medical records for the breeding dogs, the puppies get references from veterinarians or past customers. Again, just doing your due diligence so that you dont get duped.

If you come across a scam, report it to the Humane Society.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Travelers on State Route 108 must take a detour near Kamilche in Mason County until Aug. 9 while a section of the highway closes for two weeks.

In the second of three summer closures for fish barrier removal work, the Washington State Department of Transportation closed SR 108 west of Eich Road on Friday and it will remain closed until 9 a.m. Aug. 9.

WSDOT is not allowing travel through the work zone. Travelers must detour using U.S. Highway 101 and State Route 8 in Thurston and Grays Harbor counties. Shaker Church Road Northwest in Thurston County will be limited to local traffic.

The final summer closure will be on SR 108 between West Hurley Waldrip Road and Eich Road from 8 a.m. on Aug. 14 to 8 a.m. on Aug. 28.
Staff of what was once known as the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority pose in front of their new logo and name, Housing New Mexico, after a news conference on Wednesday in Albuquerque. The authority's CEO released the a new report showing widespread challenges across the state with housing quality and affordability. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)

Housing continues to be unaffordable for many renters and homeowners across the state, according to a report released this week by the New Mexico authority tackling the housing crisis.

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, which also announced its rebranding Wednesday to become Housing New Mexico, detailed the findings of its latest Housing Needs Assessment at a news conference in Albuquerque. All of its findings point to ongoing need for people across the housing spectrum, from those living on the streets to those struggling to pay their mortgage, leaders said.

The authority published the first assessment in 2018, intended as a roadmap for where it should dedicate programs and funding.

Among the findings in this years report:

Homelessness increased 50% between 2022 and 2023, based on the federal point-in-time count

The median monthly rent in New Mexico is $966, a 16.7% increase since 2018

44% of renters and 28% of homeowners spend more than 30% of their income on rents or mortgages

43% of homes statewide were built before 1980

34% of statewide households have someone aged 65 or over. The national rate is 12%

Median household incomes have grown 22% since 2018, while the median home price increased 53%, from $200,000 to $306,000

The need is definitely out there

Isidoro Izzy Hernandez, CEO of the newly rebranded Housing New Mexico, said that the assessments findings werent all that surprising, but the trends are still troubling.

The housing needs assessment findings provide us with a reality of what the affordable housing necessities are in our state, Hernandez said.

This year, the New Mexico Legislature gave the authoritys Housing Trust Fund $50 million to spend on an array of housing programs. That is in addition to about $38 million in recurring funding the authority receives.

The funding was available beginning July 1 but the authority hasnt yet received it. Still, citing the high need, Hernandez said it has already allocated about $10 million of it. The authority has more than 300 partners, including local and tribal housing authorities, nonprofits and private lenders.

The need is definitely out there, he said. The money will go pretty quick.

He gave a breakdown Wednesday of how the legislative funding would be spent over the next two years, including $20 million to increase home ownership, $26.6 million to build more housing, $10 million to preserve existing housing, with $27 million left over to spend on those programs as needed.

The money will help fund 13,000 families afford down payments, move into a new home or get repairs in their apartment, Hernandez said.

He said the authority will again ask for money on top of what it gets in recurring money at the 2025 legislative session, though he didnt know yet how much.
Steve Watson has failed county schools. It's time for new leadership

A sure sign of failed leadership is to ignore the fundamentals until they mushroom into a crisis.

Or when the crisis occurs, to deny responsibility and deflect blame.

Or to pick fights with the very people who are in a position to help.

In the case of Maricopa County Superintendent Steve Watson, its been all of the above.

The head of county schools, who faces two challengers in the July 30 Republican primary, is seeking a third term. He doesnt deserve the opportunity.

Watson improperly handled state funds

Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson introduced his family before he was sworn in Jan 4, 2017.

Watson has been on the defensive since accounting irregularities in his office were uncovered two summers ago  problems that pose financial liability to this day.

Maricopa County supervisors discovered in 2022 that he had taken out an unauthorized $2 million loan from the bank using an existing line of credit for which there was no collateral.

An examination of the Accommodation School District that Watson directly oversees revealed commingling involving some $200,000 of funds and improper or missing financial documentation  including how nearly $1.7 million in federal grant money was spent.

Even though they werent legally obligated, supervisors approved county funds to cover the $2 million debt. Or else, they said, creditors and employees in the school superintendents office would have not gotten paid.

Watson responded to the help  and the scolding that supervisors gave  with a brush-off and excuses.

The crossing of swords wasnt just with supervisors.

His response? To blame others for the mess

Watson dismissed a state auditor generals report, claiming it was politically motivated. By what, he never said.

Then a third-party audit this summer confirmed what everyone else had been saying.

It found more than a dozen financial practice deficiencies at the Accommodation School District, as well as an unlawful sale of land that it bought with state money.

As The Arizona Republic reported, state statute requires school districts to return proceeds from land sales to the state fund from which it was appropriated.

Which means the Accommodation School District could be on the hook to repay the $6.4 million that it earned from the sale.

Its a serious potential consequence for a mistake under Watsons watch, one of many.

Vulnerable students need an effective advocate

More broadly, the auditing firms report in late May knocked the Maricopa County Regional School District for failure to keep financial records and meet filing deadlines. The districts ineffective budgeting practices, it concluded, led to overspending and cash deficits.

Yet Watson did not display contrition or humility. Instead, he repeatedly swiped at the board of supervisors for not investing in the Accommodation School District and at the county for ignoring his request to create a separate fund that would help avoid mixing the districts finances.

Use your vote: To choose competence over conspiracy

While the district didnt contest the findings, Watson said many of the recommended changes were in place or in the works.

It is no wonder he hasnt found a sympathetic ear at the county for boosting funding for his office.

For all his bluster, Steve Watson has not effectively advocated for vulnerable and nontraditional students, which the county district mostly serves.

It's time for a new county superintendent

We have argued multiple times that the July 30 primary election is a chance for voters to demand competence and seriousness from their elected leaders.

Watson has proved to be lacking.

And, unfortunately, his two challengers in the Republican primary arent without questions.

Nickie Kelley is endorsed by Arizona Corporation Commissioner Jim OConnor, an election conspiracy believer, and former state Superintendent Diane Douglas, whose tenure was marked by fights with everyone from the state Board of Education to Gov. Doug Ducey.

Kelley said she would appoint conservative members to school governing boards, in particular rejecting candidates who believe in DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), emotional learning and critical race theory.

Shelli Boggs has support from many lawmakers who make up the far-right Freedom Caucus, which has denigrated public schools as bastions of woke thought.

The Maricopa County Superintendents Office must do better.

The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Laura Metcalfe in the November general election, a former county schools administrator who has strongly criticized Watsons handling of the office. She has offered detailed plans for how she would reform the office and improve relationships with county supervisors.

Primary voters must set their eyes on the November ballot.

It's time for fresh leadership at the top.

This is an opinion of The Arizona Republic's editorial board.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maricopa County schools need a better advocate than Steve Watson
As global markets navigate through a mix of challenges and opportunities, Sweden's market remains a focal point for investors looking for growth. Amidst this backdrop, companies with high insider ownership in Sweden could offer unique advantages, as such ownership often aligns with long-term commitment to company success in unpredictable times.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In Sweden

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth CTT Systems (OM:CTT) 16.9% 24.8% Biovica International (OM:BIOVIC B) 18.7% 73.8% Magle Chemoswed Holding (OM:MAGLE) 14.9% 72.2% Sileon (OM:SILEON) 20.3% 109.3% KebNi (OM:KEBNI B) 37.8% 90.4% Yubico (OM:YUBICO) 37.5% 43.8% BioArctic (OM:BIOA B) 34% 50.9% Calliditas Therapeutics (OM:CALTX) 11.6% 52.9% edyoutec (NGM:EDYOU) 14.6% 63.1% SaveLend Group (OM:YIELD) 23.3% 103.4%

Click here to see the full list of 93 stocks from our Fast Growing Swedish Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: BioArctic AB (ticker: OM:BIOA B) is a Swedish company focused on developing biological drugs for central nervous system disorders, with a market capitalization of SEK 20.67 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its biotechnology segment, totaling SEK 252.21 million.

Insider Ownership: 34%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 50.9% p.a.

BioArctic, a Swedish biopharmaceutical company, is poised for significant growth with its Alzheimer's treatment, Leqembi, recently approved in Hong Kong and other major markets. Despite a recent quarterly loss (SEK 57.56 million), the firm's revenue is expected to grow by 41% annually. Analysts predict a substantial rise in stock price (57.4%) and BioArctic trades at 67.2% below estimated fair value, indicating potential upside. However, insider transactions have not shown substantial buying activity recently.

OM:BIOA B Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Sectra AB (publ) specializes in medical IT and cybersecurity solutions across Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and other European countries, with a market capitalization of SEK 47.13 billion.

Operations: Sectra's revenue is primarily generated from its Imaging IT Solutions segment, which earned SEK 2.55 billion, followed by Secure Communications at SEK 367.35 million and Business Innovation contributing SEK 89.87 million.

Story continues

Insider Ownership: 30.3%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 19.3% p.a.

Sectra, a Swedish medical technology firm, demonstrates robust growth with its recent advancements and high insider ownership. The company's earnings have grown consistently, with a recent report showing an increase in sales to SEK 914.45 million from SEK 745.26 million year-over-year. Noteworthy is Sectra's expansion into cloud services and genomic diagnostics, enhancing operational efficiencies at client hospitals in Belgium and supporting precision medicine in the U.S., respectively. These strategic moves are expected to sustain revenue growth above the Swedish market average, although profit growth forecasts are not exceptionally high.

OM:SECT B Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Yubico AB specializes in providing authentication solutions for computers, networks, and online services, with a market capitalization of SEK 23.08 billion.

Operations: The company's revenue from security software and services amounts to SEK 1.93 billion.

Insider Ownership: 37.5%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 43.8% p.a.

Yubico, a Swedish company with significant insider ownership, shows promising growth potential. Recent product launches like MilSecure Mobile and firmware updates for YubiKey 5.7 highlight its focus on secure, scalable authentication solutions. Despite no substantial insider buying recently and some concerns over profit margins decreasing to 8.6% from last year's 16.9%, Yubico's revenue grew by 19.9% over the past year with expectations of continued high growth rates in earnings (43.79% per year) and revenue (22.9% per year).

OM:YUBICO Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Make It Happen

Investigate our full lineup of 93 Fast Growing Swedish Companies With High Insider Ownership right here.

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Interested In Other Possibilities?

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.The analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years.

Companies discussed in this article include OM:BIOA B OM:SECT B and OM:YUBICO.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
The cases reported by the health ministry bear a striking resemblance to the infant microcephaly seen in Zika victims - Simon Townsley/The Telegraph

A poorly-understood virus spreading in South America has been linked to stillbirths and birth defects, raising fears of a re-run of the Zika outbreaks that swept the continent in 2015.

Brazils health ministry sounded the alarm over the spread of Oropouche, reporting four cases of microcephaly  where a babys head is much smaller than expected  in newborns of mothers infected with the virus, as well as the death of a foetus.

The ministry has advised health professionals to closely monitor infected pregnant women amid warnings of a looming crisis.

Yet again pregnant women and their foetuses are at higher risk, said Dr Andre Siqueira, a researcher and infectious diseases consultant at the Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas in Rio de Janeiro.

It makes it even more worrying to think that these most vulnerable individuals were not only a target for Zika, but that this could be the same for Oropouche We could be looking at a looming crisis, he told the Telegraph.

Surging cases of Oropouche, which is part of the arbovirus family that includes the Zika virus and Dengue, were first noted in June.

Brazil has confirmed 6,976 cases this year, several times the number of infections recorded in all of 2023.

Cases have also been reported in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and even across the ocean in Cuba.

The virus is spread primarily through culicoides paraensis, a tiny midge found across the Americas, and the Aedes aegypti mosquito that feeds on infected three-toed sloths in the Amazon basin.

Scientists fear Oropouche has the potential to develop into a major outbreak.

The cases reported by the health ministry bear a striking resemblance to Zika infections.

Outbreaks of Zika resulted in more than 3,500 cases of infant microcephaly in Brazil in 2015 and 2016, with an estimated 1.5 million people infected.

Scientists have warned that, as in the early days of the Zika outbreak, cases could be much higher than reported so far due to a lack of testing.

Since early 2024, Brazil has tested just 10 per cent of samples from patients showing symptoms of Oropouche fever who have tested negative for Zika, chikungunya, and dengue.

Zika has been the key example weve had up to now. As for Oropouche its sort of the great unknown at the moment, said Dr Danny Altmann, a Professor of Immunology at Imperial College London.

Mother-to-foetal transmission

In June, researchers at the Evandro Chagas Institute in Para conducted a retrospective analysis of stored patient samples from cases of suspected viral infections causing neurological damage. These patients had previously tested negative for other arboviral diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile viruses.

The analysis revealed that four babies born with microcephaly tested positive for antibodies against the Oropouche virus, detected in both their blood and cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, indicating direct mother-to-foetus transmission.

Then, earlier this month, the same institute identified and tested a foetus stillborn at 30 weeks of gestation and found Oropouche virus genetic material in the umbilical cord and multiple organs, including the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, and spleen. Researchers are conducting further investigation and the link has yet to be confirmed.

The more detailed clinical description, especially of the consequences, has yet to be made so far, said Dr Siqueira. We still cant establish certain causation with these observations, but its something that raises a red flag, and worries, because of all the experience with Zika, which could have a similar story.

Dr Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, said the association between the infection and foetal death does appear strong though not definitive, but that there was definitely mother-to-foetal transmission.

The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is one of the vectors for oropouche - MARVIN RECINOS/AFP/Getty Images

Previous studies have indicated that the Oropouche virus can invade the human brain and cause neurological issues. In severe cases, adults may experience brain inflammation, vertigo, and profound fatigue.

The strain behind the recent outbreak was first identified in the village of Oropouche, Trinidad and Tobago, in 1955. Five years later, a sloth was found carrying the virus during the construction of the Belem-Brasilia highway. Within a year, Oropouche fever began spreading to people in the area, with around 30 outbreaks reported since, all centred in the Amazon basin.

The current outbreak began in Roraima, northern Brazil, and has spread to the heavily populated East Coast, including Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Bahia, and Minas Gerais. Only a few patients had travelled to the Amazon basin, indicating local transmission of Oropouche. The remoteness of the suspected point of origin complicates the work of those investigating the outbreak.

One of the problems in countries like Brazil, especially the areas where these viruses are, historically we know it can be quite difficult to access areas with affected populations as they are rural or remote, said Professor Alain Kohl, Professor of Virology and Infectious Diseases at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Professor Altman explained that Oropouche is becoming more of a threat due to climate change, which has encouraged the mosquitos to fly further afield, while increased rainfall and flooding have provided the perfect breeding ground for the insects.

Deforestation and urbanisation also have the potential to displace host animals and cause midges and mosquitoes to feed on humans, rather than wildlife.

Dr Siqueira warned that researchers must apply the lessons learned from the Zika outbreak in the mid-2010s, where testing was also limited and its severity was underestimated.

The virus was first detected in Uganda in 1947, and sporadic outbreaks were recorded in the coming decades, but by 2015 emerged as a major epidemic in Brazil.

Zika, when it first appeared in Brazil, was not seen as a severe disease that would cause any worry  it had very mild symptoms. But now we know the consequences and the possibilities, he said. Now, we need to push to find out earlier what the consequences could be trying to use the learnings from the Zika emergency.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security

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Over the last few weeks, and especially in the last few days since announcing her candidacy for president, there has been a total rebranding of Kamala Harris amongst Gen Z and Millennial voters from the funny, but generally disliked, in-the-background vice president, to a charismatic, progressive girl-boss.

When President Joe Biden announced Harris as his running mate in 2020 after the initial excitement of the decision to put a Black woman and Asian American into the vice presidency died down, people began to examine who she was. Harris is the former district attorney of San Francisco, the attorney general of California, and before assuming the vice-presidency, was a U.S. senator from California. Those from the state know her well, and in turn, so did we.

Kamala labeled herself as a progressive prosecutor. In many ways she was. She has openly opposed the death penalty, led California to become the first justice system to require body cameras, and created a re-entry program for first-time offenders in San Francisco called Back on Track.

However, she has faced rightful criticism for her anti-truancy efforts, which charged parents whose children missed significant amounts of school. Many say the legislation disproportionately targeted low-income families and families of color. Additionally, in 2015 she withheld support for a bill that would have required independent investigation for police shootings. Harris also has a history of wrongful convictions in her time as a prosecutor.

The decision to choose a former attorney general to compliment the ticket also came at a pivotal time, as the country was still reeling from the aftermath of George Floyds murder by Minneapolis Police in May 2020. Many Gen Z voters picked up on this note and brought Harris under fire for her career in prosecution, even nicknaming her Copmala. It was a title she was unable to shake. Until recently.

Unwavering support for Kamala Harris comes at a fault

Harris joyful personality, philosophical way with words and infamous silk press quickly led her to become a meme amongst Gen Z and Millennials. In the lead-up to Biden's dropping out of the presidential race and the desperation for a moment of laughter amid the current political chaos, her comedic influence over social media has only grown stronger.

Since announcing her candidacy, what used to be sardonic quips about the vice president have turned to fierce support, even to a fault. Those who attempt to bring up Harris past as a prosecutor or are even concerned about her odds of winning are quickly shot down and accused of trying to derail the campaign effort.

Amongst the overflow of endorsements from her Democratic peers, one voice was missing  Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the only Palestinian American in Congress. Given Bidens unwavering support for Israel despite nationwide protests boycotts, and significant pushback against his now-ceded presidential campaign, Tlaibs voice has become increasingly important in Congress, even despite her censure in the House.

On Tuesday, Tlaib finally broke her silence, and rather than endorse Harris, advocated for an open convention, and for the DNC to call for an arms embargo to stop the Israeli governments war crimes. Her act was one of bravery and dedication to both the Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and the community of Arab Americans that she represents at home (Michigan has the largest Arab American population by density), but she has been met with backlash. Some of the same people who have been advocating for Gaza have turned around and attacked Tlaib for derailing the campaign effort. This is absurd.

Protesters in support of Palestine, march from Centennial Park through Vanderbilt University in Nashville , Tenn., Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

The hard line for many voters against Biden for the last eight months has been his complicity and in many cases active participation in the massive loss of life and destruction occurring in Gaza. Some absolve Kamala of this as she sidestepped Biden to call for a six-week ceasefire in March, and refused to preside over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus controversial visit to Congress.

But let us not forget that she is in fact part of the Biden administration. The same administration that has sent several multi-billion-dollar aid packages to Israel, despite our own budget deficit and while Americans suffer from an affordable housing crisis among other issues. Although she called for the temporary ceasefire, Harris has not taken an aggressive stance on Israels actions in Gaza, or any potential embargoes or sanctions, as Tlaib has called for.

Who are we to tell the only Palestinian American in Congress, someone who is in a position of power to raise concerns about the last eight months to the right ears, what is best for her people? Why are we idolizing Kamala Harris?

Harris may be best bet to defeat Trump, but criticism is valid

I understand the desperation, and that Harris is likely Democrats' best shot at beating Trump. The prospect of a younger leader, more skilled than Trump in debate, and the potential for the first African American woman, and South Asian in the presidency is exciting. She also begins her campaign with historical support. In just three days she has secured all 1,976 of the delegates needed for the Democratic nomination.

A Zoom call with over 44,000 Black women in attendance, including members of Congress and Rev. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, raised $1.5 million for Harris campaign, and in just 24 hours, Harris accrued a total of $81 million dollars, the fastest in history. She has also gained the support of top Democratic leaders such as Nancy Pelosi, and several congressional caucuses. Harris candidacy has tipped the scales and made a nearly hopeless election seem more feasible for Democrats.

But, at the end of the day, she is a politician, and there is no such thing as a good politician. Some are better than others, but all have flaws, and when you are in a position of power such as Harris, mistakes can be the difference between life and death for your constituents.

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

When we idolize Harris, or any politician for that matter, it leads to a very dangerous ideology where we turn a blind eye to their wrongdoings. When we dont hold people in positions of power accountable, both they and the public become complacent. This is how we go from election cycle to election cycle without anything changing or even becoming worse.

I do not have internalized racism or misogyny. I am not trying to bring a Black woman down. I am not trying to pave the way for a Trump win. I am just saying let us not lose sight of the fact that Harris is not faultless. We can vote for her, and still actively question and criticize who we are putting in the highest office in the land. And those who have made up their minds on whether they will vote for her because they have lost dozens of their family members in Gaza, or because they experienced her policies as Californias attorney general firsthand should be allowed to do so without being attacked.

Elena Wilson

If anything, Harris should be open to criticism if she wants to work to differentiate herself from the Biden administration in the last four months until the election. If you want her to have a better chance at capturing voters, and in turn enacting real, lasting change during her presidency, stop attacking any commentary that is not immediately supportive.

Elena Wilson is a summer intern on The Tennessean's opinion and engagement journalism team. She is a rising senior and journalism major at University of Missouri.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Kamala Harris' campaign has unwavering support  almost to a fault
I served in many countries in the world, many friendly countries, said Naor Gilon, Israels ambassador to India, in the aftermath of Hamass October 7 terror attacks on his home country. This wide support, strong support is unprecedented. I am really moved and touched.

Yet Gilon is not Israels envoy to America  traditionally the Jewish states staunchest ally in times of trouble. Now, in fact, Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is on a fraught trip to Washington to repair a critical relationship severely tested by the war in Gaza.

Gilon, by contrast, is Israels chief diplomat in another, emerging, superpower: India. The closeness between Israel and India is very emotional, very deep it is something very unique, he continued last October, overwhelmed by support from prime minister Narendra Modi down to ordinary Indians, so many of whom proposed taking up arms in Israels defence that, Gilon added: I could have another Israeli Army with Indian volunteers.

Gilon said that Indias outpouring of support for Israel was so visceral that it is something I cannot even explain. Yet the reality is that some reasons for this increasingly important strategic relationship are obvious.

Amid a fraught relationship with the US, Netanyahu still has a friend in Modi

Indeed, in a speech a couple of days after Gilons own, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indias external affairs minister, noted that India takes a strong position on terrorism because we are big victims of terrorism. On October 27 last year, for example, India abstained on the UN General Assembly resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, expressing disappointment the text did not condemn the Hamas assault. And a month later, on the 15th anniversary of the 2008 Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed while hundreds were injured, Israel listed the militant Islamist organisation behind them, Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a terror organisation.

It was a largely symbolic gesture, but significant nonetheless  part of a process that has, as Manjari Chatterjee Miller, a professor of international relations at Boston University, says, transformed the traditionally awkward relationship between India and Israel into what he calls one of the worlds most unusual major-country partnerships.

Strikingly similar attacks

Although larger, the Hamas attacks had striking parallels with those in Mumbai, stirring memories among Indians and prompting a groundswell of support for Israel, according to one senior diplomat speaking today.

Images from October 7 contained many chilling echoes of the Mumbai terrorist strike. Both involved sustained paramilitary-style attacks on civilians, generating shaky footage that circulated widely on social media and prompted anger that the authorities had been caught badly unprepared.

The 10 Mumbai attackers came ashore in the citys south on inflatable speed boats and then split up heading towards four main targets: two hotels, including the five-star Taj Mahal Palace, a train station and a building housing a Jewish community centre.

India is still haunted by the memory of the 26/11 terrorist attacks - Reuters

In Israel, roughly 3,000 Hamas-led militants invaded at different points along the border with Gaza in pick-up trucks, motorcycles, speed boats and powered paragliders, targeting dozens of locations, including both civilian and military sites.

In both cases, there was a particular location that bore the brunt of the carnage. In Mumbai it was the station, where attackers opened fire on commuters, killing 58 and injuring 108; in Israel, it was the Nova music festival, at which 364 were murdered.

Witnesses in Mumbai said that the attackers were in their early 20s, wore black T-shirts and jeans and were smiling as they shot their victims. Reports following the attack suggested the terrorists were on steroids.

CCTV showed a gunman, dressed in black, shooting at the front desk of Mumbai's Trident hotel - Reuters/ ANI TV

Videos of the Hamas attacks show that many of the militants who invaded Israel were similarly attired and also took apparent pleasure in their work. Some of the militants are said to have taken Captagon, a stimulant primarily manufactured in Syria and sometimes called the Jihad drug.

The Mumbai attackers were in communication with their handlers via satellite and mobile phones throughout their rampage. Reports suggest they were encouraged to kill all their hostages but also issue demands for their release through the media in order to sow confusion among the Indian authorities.

With communication monitoring having grown far more sophisticated in recent years, the Hamas-led fighters are said to have primarily communicated through fixed telephone lines running through extensive tunnel networks. The terrorists took 251 civilian and military personnel as hostages in an attempt to force Israel to exchange them for Palestinian prisoners.

The Mumbai terror attackers killed a rabbi and his pregnant wife along with four other hostages at the Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish centre in Colaba. Injuries on some of the bodies of Jewish victims in Mumbai indicated they may have been tortured before being killed. Israeli women were reportedly raped and assaulted by Hamas militants during the incursion, an allegation Hamas denies. There were also multiple claims that victims suffered mutilation and torture.

Naturally, there were differences between the two attacks, notably that 26/11 was not followed by a large-scale military conflict. Nevertheless, according to one senior Indian diplomat, while many countries sympathised with Israel following the attacks, few were able to fully understand its pain like India.

More than 166 people were killed in the Mumbai attacks - Reuters

Such fellow feeling is new. It took more than four decades following Indias independence in 1947 and the establishment of the state of Israel the following year for the two countries to establish formal diplomatic relations. In 2003, Ariel Sharon became the first Israeli prime minister to visit India, while Modi became the first Indian leader to visit Israel as recently as 2017.

Indias early leaders were understandably anti-imperial and, as they sought to forge a nation that could be home to multitudes of people of varying faiths, established a constitution that was avowedly secular. India also relied on Arab nations for oil while the Gulf was home to a big chunk of the Indian diaspora. Today, for example, Indian expats comprise a full third of the UAEs population.

Many Indian politicians took the view that Israel represented the polar opposite of their approach to nationhood and Zionism was both a colonial and religiously nationalistic project. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India, declined an invitation from Albert Einstein to support the creation of Israel, even describing Zionism as the child of British imperialism.

364 people were killed at the Nova music festival on October 7 - AFP

Israel, for its part, certainly didnt see itself in those terms, and was far more pragmatic in its foreign relations and always keen to establish more cordial relations with India. At the end of the Cold War, India started buying arms from Israel and in 1999 Israel provided India with military help during the Kargil War with Pakistan.

Nevertheless, relations remained frosty. Of 266 relevant resolutions in the UN General Assembly between 1992 and 2012, India voted in favour of Israel just once. Indian politicians were wary of being seen to support Israel for fear of angering Muslims at home.

Manoj Joshi of the Observer Research Foundation, a think tank based in New Delhi, argues an important factor in the subsequent change in India-Israeli relations is the seismic shift in Indias domestic politics in recent years. There are some suggestions that Modis brand of Hindu nationalism has resulted in a rise in anti-Muslim chauvinism.

Its a far cry from when I was a student, says Joshi (who is now aged 75). For decades India has been very pro-Palestine. There would undoubtedly have been rallies out on the streets protesting against the plight of those in Gaza. The Left had more sway in those days and the ruling Congress party was courting the Muslim vote.

By contrast, the supporters of Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) believe India and Israel are similarly threatened by Muslim-majority neighbours. Joshi says there is a distinctly anti-Muslim edge to some of the support for Israel and the lack of sympathy for Gazans on Indian social media. Some political observers have suggested there are similarities in the political and nationalist ideologies of Indias ruling BJP with Netanyahus Right-wing Likud and its alliance.

3D geo-political chess

Indeed, after October 7, Indias support for Israel was initially so pronounced that it resulted in intense criticism from other countries in the so-called global South, including China. New Delhi has since felt compelled to reaffirm its support for a two-state solution. In a mirror image of New Delhis response, Beijing failed to condemn the Hamas attack but has vehemently criticised Israels military response, which Chinas foreign minister claimed went beyond the scope of self-defence.

China is key. The pieces on the 3D chessboard of Middle Eastern politics have shifted significantly in recent years. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have both softened their animosity to Israel. Meanwhile, all of Indias geopolitical manoeuvres must be viewed through the prism of its superpower rivalry with China.

Until recently, India enjoyed warm relations with Iran, Israels greatest rival, while Israel enjoyed strong ties to China. However, India stopped importing oil from Iran in mid-2019 following sanctions on the Persian Gulf nation by the Donald Trump administration. Equally, China has been developing closer ties with Iran and is now the main buyer of its oil. Israelis understandably view Beijing with greater suspicion and have started debating whether Chinese investment into their own country represents a security risk.

In 2021, India, Israel, the UAE, and the US established the I2U2 group, which is seen as a West Asian version of the Quad (which comprises Australia, India, Japan and the US). Both countries are also involved in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which was established last year to bolster transportation and communication links between Europe and Asia and is seen as a counter to Chinas Belt and Road initiative.

Both alliances are part of US-backed efforts to create a second economic centre of gravity to rival China in the Indo-Pacific region, efforts that may now gain added weight thanks to Indias strengthening support for Israel, a key US ally.

Israel, for its part, is enticed by Indias vast and growing market. India-Israel trade has doubled in the last five years. Most importantly, India is now the Israeli defence industrys number one international customer.

Where could it all lead?

Indias support for Israel is not without question, particularly as hostilities in Gaza drag on. Yet some diplomatic experts believe that Indias historic pro-Palestine credentials (New Delhi is one of the few world capitals that houses a Palestinian embassy)  together with its more recent support for Israel  mean that it is one of the few world powers that could plausibly act as an honest broker in any future peace negotiations.

Some believe that India could host negotiations between Israel and Palestine - AFP

India certainly could play that role, says Joshi. The government has made it very clear that it is in favour of a two-state solution.

In the meantime, however, some fruits of the worlds most unusual major-country partnerships are already clear. In January, India unveiled its first intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drone. It was built in partnership between the Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit and a company owned by billionaire businessman Gautam Adani.

Adani, by coincidence, was having dinner in the Taj hotel in Mumbai on the night it was attacked in 2008. He survived by hiding in the basement.

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Sudan's agriculture minister says there is no famine in the country

CAIRO/DUBAI (Reuters) - Sudan's agriculture minister said there is no famine in the country and cast doubt on U.N.-backed data that 755,000 are experiencing catastrophic hunger, rejecting the idea of aid agencies overriding cross-border delivery restrictions.

Sudan has become the world's worst hunger crisis since the outbreak of a war between the Sudanese army, whose head is also Sudan's head of state, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who have taken over wide swathes of the country.

"755,000 citizens are not a significant percentage compared to the total population ... they cannot call that famine," said Abubakr al-Bushra, in a news conference in Port Sudan, the country's de facto capital.

Sudan has a population of 50 million.

The army has blocked aid and commerce from entering RSF-controlled areas, while supplies that reach those areas are expensive and frequently stolen, often by RSF soldiers, residents and aid agencies say.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an initiative of U.N. agencies, regional bodies and aid groups, had in late June said that while half the population were experiencing acute hunger, there were 14 spots across the country at risk of famine.

Famine can be declared if at least 20% of the population in an area experience catastrophic hunger, and thresholds on child malnutrition and death from starvation are met

Al-Bushra cast doubt on experts' ability to measure data in RSF-controlled areas, and said the malnutrition indicators had not yet been determined.

Following the IPC data, an independent committee could declare a famine, potentially triggering Security Council orders overriding army restrictions on which crossings could be used for aid deliveries.

Al-Bushra said the government rejected such orders.

"We reject the opening of our borders by force because that could open the borders with opposing states, borders that the militia controls," he said, while another official cast such a move as part of a conspiracy against the country.

Aid agencies say al-Tina, the only crossing authorised by the government into the Darfur region, where most of the famine-risk hotspots are, is inaccessible due to rains. The army says that Adre, the crossing into West Darfur that aid agencies are asking to access, has been used to supply the RSF with weapons.

(Reporting by Nafisa Eltahir in Cairo and Khalid Abdelaziz in Dubai; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
NEW YORK  Manhattan prosecutors on Thursday asked a judge to uphold Donald Trumps conviction for falsifying records in a hush money scheme to hide claims that he cheated on his wife with Stormy Daniels from voters  arguing the Supreme Courts presidential immunity ruling has nothing to say to say about the case despite what Trump claims.

Trumps lawyers earlier this month asked Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan to vacate his conviction and dismiss the underlying indictment in light of the July 1 ruling by the Supreme Courts conservative majority finding that most actions undertaken by presidents in the course of official acts are immune from criminal prosecution.

Opposing the request in new filings, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo argued that Trumps conviction for reimbursing his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, for hush money under the table and the underlying scheme were utterly unrelated to his official duties.

(All) of the evidence that he complains of either concerned wholly unofficial conduct or, at most, official conduct for which any presumption of immunity has been rebutted. The Supreme Courts recent ruling thus has nothing to say about defendants conviction, Colangelo wrote.

(The) scheme was entirely personal and largely committed before the election, and it had no relationship whatsoever to any official duty of the presidency, the prosecutor later wrote.

The jurys May 30 verdict finding Trump guilty of 34 felonies determined he falsified records to cover up payback to Cohen for silencing Daniels, illegally documenting checks to him as compensation for legitimate legal services.

The verdict made him the first U.S. president to be criminally convicted and could be his only conviction if he wins the election. He still faces two other criminal cases in Fulton County, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., alleging he plotted to overturn President Joe Bidens win in 2020, in which hes pleaded not guilty. Neither case is expected to make it to trial before the election, and its unclear whether they ever will if he wins.

The federal case in Florida alleging Trump hoarded classified documents after his presidency and hid them from authorities was dismissed by a Trump-appointed judge in a decision that sent shockwaves through the legal community last week. Federal prosecutors are appealing the ruling, which could take years.

Although Trumps Manhattan case mostly centered on the year leading up to his presidency  when prosecutors alleged the hush money scheme was carried out to win the election  his defense team has argued that any evidence presented to jurors relating to his time in office in 2017 and 2018, including the reimbursement to Cohen, was out-of-bounds, thus nullifying the verdict. The Supreme Courts immunity decision, which is expected to pare down Trumps federal election subversion case significantly, also blocked prosecutors from presenting evidence of presidential acts while trying to prove a presidents unofficial acts were against the law.

Among other examples, Trumps defense team has argued that testimony by his campaign manager and then White House communications director, Hope Hicks, was impermissible. She told jurors that in early 2018, Trump acknowledged he reimbursed Cohen for paying off Daniels and said it would have been worse had the payoff been reported by the media before the 2016 election. In their motion, they also cited tweets Trump fired off from his official presidential account on Twitter, now known as X, which prosecutors presented as evidence that Trump tried to intimidate Cohen from cooperating with authorities probing the hush money scheme.

In the filing made public Thursday, prosecutors said that even if some evidence was improperly admitted at trial, Merchan should let Trumps conviction stand as the trial record contained overwhelming evidence of his guilt.

For all the pages that defendant devotes to his current motion, the evidence that he claims is affected by the Supreme Courts ruling constitutes only a sliver of the mountains of testimony and documentary proof that the jury considered in finding him guilty of all 34 felony charges beyond a reasonable doubt, Colangelo wrote.

Under these circumstances, there is no basis for disturbing the jurys verdict, and defendants motion should be denied.

Merchan granted a defense request to delay Trumps sentencing, initially slated for July 11 until Sept. 18, if such is still necessary following the Supreme Court ruling. Hes expected to rule on Trumps request to throw out the verdict by Sept. 6.

Attorneys for Trump did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment.
Gov. Gavin Newsoms order to state agencies to adopt policies to evict homeless encampments came a month after the Supreme Court gave California and other states the green light to ban people lacking shelter options from camping on public property.

The Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, ruled on ideological lines last month that civil and criminal penalties for camping in public areas are not cruel and unusual punishments on homeless people under the Eighth Amendment.

The 6-3 decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson removed blockages from lower court rulings on anti-camping laws in Western states, including California. By siding with the Oregon mountain town of Grants Pass, the Supreme Court allowed state and local officials to enforce laws clearing homeless encampments.

Grants Pass v. Johnson asked whether fining and arresting unhoused people for camping in public areas  from a parked car to a tent at the park or a blanket on the sidewalk  when they have nowhere else to go violated the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishments.

What was Grants Pass v. Johnson?

The case originated from Grants Pass, a southwest Oregon town of about 40,000 people. About a decade ago, its city council instituted fines that could lead to criminal charges for unhoused people sleeping outside, even those using as little as a blanket or cardboard box when they lacked other shelter, in an effort to ban encampments.

Grants Pass has one overnight shelter for adults with 138 beds. But the shelter has a Christian focus and strict restrictions that made it unpalatable or inaccessible to many of the approximately 600 people who were experiencing homelessness in the city.

In 2018, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Western states, decided in Martin v. City of Boise that the Eighth Amendment prohibited local governments from criminalizing sitting, sleeping, or lying outside on public property for homeless individuals who cannot obtain shelter.

The appellate court relied on a 1962 Supreme Court decision that said the Eighth Amendment prevented criminalizing someones status  in Martin v. Boise, the status of homelessness. The 1962 case, Robinson v. California, involved the status of being addicted to drugs.

Following the decision in Martin v. Boise, lawyers representing homeless residents sued Grants Pass over the anti-camping ordinances. In 2020, a federal judge in Oregon ruled that due to the lack of shelter, fining and arresting homeless people for sleeping outside with makeshift bedding violated the Eighth Amendment.

In 2022, the Ninth Circuit agreed. Civil fines that were intertwined with criminal punishments, like the ones in Grants Pass, were blocked there and in Western states, including California.

The Supreme Court overturned both Ninth Circuit rulings in its decision last month.

How did the Ninth Circuit rulings affect California?

Before the Supreme Court decision, some lower court judges citing the Ninth Circuit rulings blocked municipalities from evicting encampments unless there were enough shelter beds for its entire homeless population.

California officials said the Ninth Circuit decisions were confusing and did not properly distinguish what is voluntary versus involuntary homelessness.

Lawmakers from across the state and political spectrum had a strong interest in Grants Pass v. Johnson as California grapples with some of the highest rates of homelessness and housing costs in the United States.

Newsom and others had urged the Supreme Court to hear the case, arguing in legal briefs that lower court rulings had stymied their ability to regulate encampments even when shelter beds were available.

On Thursday, Newsom directed agencies to remove homeless encampments that pose a risk to life, health and safety.

This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them  and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same, Newsom said in a statement. The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses. Its time for everyone to do their part.

Housing advocates warned that penalizing people for sleeping outside when they have nowhere else to go would perpetuate poverty and worsen homelessness.

This is going to be a harmful policy for everyone, Eric Tars, policy director at the National Homelessness Law Center, which opposed the courts ruling, said of Newsoms order. But there are some people who are going to hurt more, and those are people already marginalized on racial, gender lines and disabled communities.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man who was stabbed with a broken bottle is expected to survive after workers from a Tigard pet hospital helped control the bleeding before emergency services arrived.

According to the Tigard Police Department, the suspect was apprehended on a TriMet bus after a stabbing that happened in a business parking lot on Tuesday afternoon. Now 30-year-old Timel Degraffe is accused of multiple charges, including assault.

Marion County confirms eighth case of measles since June

Police responded at 4:56 p.m. to reports of an assault with a weapon that happened near the 10100 block of Southwest Washington Square Road. Police said the altercation began after the suspect allegedly made an offensive comment to the victims partner, then stabbed the person with a broken bottle and took off. The suspect and the victim didnt know each other beforehand, officials said.

After hed been stabbed, workers at the Hannah Pet Hospital helped to control his bleeding before first responders arrived.

Using witness interviews and coordination with TriMet, officers got a description of the suspect. TriMet then confirmed a person matching the suspects description was on a bus headed out of Tigard. Police were able to catch up with the bus and arrest the man without incident.

I-84 closes again, road remains in limbo due to Durkee Fire

The stabbing victims injuries were non-life-threatening and hes currently recovering in a hospital, officials said. KOIN 6 News asked Tigard police what the mans condition was as of Wednesday.

Hes doing OK. I have spoken with him and yes, hes expected to make a full recovery, said Tigard Detective Kaci Mace.

Degraffe has been booked into Washington County jail and faces charges that include second-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. He was also cited for a Multnomah County misdemeanor warrant, officials said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
A suspect who remained on the run was arrested after a man was found murdered inside a vehicle in San Bernardino County.

The suspect was identified as Yusuf Wilson Jr., 31, by the Colton Police Department.

On June 3, police responded to a shooting near Fairway and Sperry Drives in Colton at around 10:45 p.m.

Arriving officers located the victim, Brandon Moore, 25, inside a vehicle parked at an apartment complex at 936 E. Fairway Drive.

Moore was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect had fled the area before police could arrive. Investigators later identified Wilson Jr. as the suspect and discovered he had been hiding in Sacramento.

Yusuf Wilson Jr., 31, was arrested in Sacramento on July 23, 2024. (Colton Police Department)

Yusuf Wilson Jr., 31, was arrested in Sacramento on July 23, 2024. (Colton Police Department)

Yusuf Wilson Jr., 31, is seen in a booking photo from the Colton Police Department.

On July 23, Wilson Jr. was tracked down and located at a home in the 1800 block of Ethan Way where he was taken into custody. He will be transported to San Bernardino County, where he will be held pending trial.

The motive behind Moores murder is unclear as the case remains under investigation. The details of Moores fatal injuries were not released.

Other law enforcement agencies involved in the case included the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department and the United States Marshal Service.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information on the case is asked to contact Corporal Roberta Valencia at 909-370-5184 or email at rvalencia@coltonca.gov or Sergeant Shawn McFarland at 909-370-5140 or via email at smcfarland@coltonca.gov.

Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
JCB International, the overseas arm of the Japanese payment brand Japan Credit Bureau (JCB), announced Ta Chong Bank has signed a license agreement for JCB card issuance in Taiwan.

In Taiwan, approximately 300,000 merchants accept JCB card and the number of card members exceeds 1.6m in partnerships with various financial institutions.

Kimihisa Imada, deputy president of JCB International, said, "JCB and Taiwan have had a long-term relationship since 1981, and we are committed to providing unique and diverse services to consumers in that market."

Earlier in the year (JCB) Swedish mPOS provider iZettle announced it was to offer JCB cards acceptance throughout Europe.

In March JCB partnered with China CITIC Bank to launch a new credit card specifically designed to appeal to women.

Related articles:

iZettle accepts JCB cards

JCB and China CITIC Bank unveil card specifically for women

BBVA and JCB sign Spanish agreement

"Ta Chong Bank in Taiwan to issue JCB cards" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.







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EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  The NYPD identified a suspect after a suspicious device was found outside of a Manhattan police precinct Wednesday.

Chontrell Wrenick, 50, was charged with criminal possession of a possible explosive device, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon and possession of a bomb.

More Local News

A car with two men, who were cousins, pulled up to the 25th Precinct on East 119th Street in East Harlem around 11:50 a.m., according to authorities. The driver got out and accused the passenger, Wrenick, of assaulting him with a machete, police said.

The victim told police officers where to find the machete, which they found. Wrenick was then taken into police custody, according to authorities.

The victim then told police officers about a potentially explosive device inside the car, authorities said. The NYPD Bomb Squad responded to the scene and removed the suspicious device around 3 p.m., per police.

The device is a potentially viable improvised explosive device based on its outside appearance, NYPD Lt. Mark Torre said during a news conference. A pipe-bomb-type device that is relatively large.

Wrenick is also facing charges for allegedly assaulting his cousin, according to authorities. He was charged with assault with a weapon causing physical injury and criminal possession of a weapon.

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.
Suspect in May shooting in Fresno arrested, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A 23-year-old man was arrested and booked into Fresno County Jail on suspicion of shooting another man in the leg, police say.

According to the Fresno Police Department, 23-year-old Joseph Delarosa was involved in an argument with 28-year-old Jamel Bevins on May 24 at 1023 North Sherman Court.

23-year-old Joseph Delarosa (image courtesy of the Fresno Police Department)

Officers say Delarosa shot Bevins in the thigh in the parking lot of an apartment complex after the two got into an argument and Bevins attempted to leave. Bevins was taken to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment.

According to police, Delarosa was arrested following a traffic stop on Tuesday and booked into Fresno County Jail. The gun allegedly used in the incident has not been recovered.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Suspect in murder of ex-MP Farion detained in Dnipro, Zelensky says

A suspect in the murder of former Ukrainian lawmaker and linguist Iryna Farion was detained in Dnipro, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 25, citing Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.

The detained suspect is an 18-year-old man, Zelensky said. The investigation is ongoing.

An unidentified man opened fire on Farion, 60, on the street outside her home in Lviv on the evening of July 19. She underwent an operation but was pronounced dead later that night.

"The task to detain (the suspect) was challenging. Over the past few days, hundreds of specialists from the National Police of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and other services worked to solve the murder," Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel.

Klymenko said that the search operation lasted 139 hours. Law enforcement agencies inspected about 100 hectares of forest and eventually managed to track down the suspected shooter in Dnipro.

"With his photo, it was a matter of time: smart surveillance cameras 'caught' him everywhere," Klymenko said.

According to the minister, the 18-year-old suspect is a resident of Dnipro. While preparing for the crime, he rented at least three apartments in Lviv.

A day earlier, a video allegedly capturing Farion's murder started spreading on Russian social media.

The pro-Kremlin telegram channel Readovka claimed that the NS/WP (National-Socialism/White Power) group had taken responsibility for Farion's murder. Readovka also described the NS/WP as "neo-Nazi."

The Ukrainian police are examining the claims published on Russian social media, a police spokesperson told the media.

Law enforcement agencies previously said they do not rule out the involvement of Russian actors in the murder of the former lawmaker and linguist.

Farion was a linguistics professor who previously served in the parliament for the nationalist Svoboda party. She was considered a controversial figure in Ukraine, among other reasons, due to her incendiary statements on the use of the Russian language.

Read also: Who was Iryna Farion, the nationalist professor-politician assassinated in Lviv?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has reported that an 18-year-old individual suspected of murdering Iryna Farion, a linguist, professor at Lviv Polytechnic National University and former Ukrainian MP, was detained in the city of Dnipro.

Source: Zelenskyy on social media

Quote: "Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, has just informed me that the suspected murderer of Iryna Farion was detained in Dnipro.

The arrest operation was very complex. These days hundreds of members of the National Police of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine and other services have been investigating this murder."

Details: Reportedly, an 18-year-old man was detained. Necessary investigative measures and examinations are being conducted. Zelenskyy ordered Klymenko to reveal all the details to the public.

Read also: Iryna Farion murder: details of the assassination, lines of enquiry, and why the Lviv professor was so controversial

Background:

An assassination attempt was made on former Ukrainian MP Iryna Farion on Masaryk Street in Lviv on the evening of 19 July. Later that night, Farion died in hospital.

On 20 July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he received the latest reports on Farions murder and all lines of enquiry are being investigated, including the theory that Russia and its secret services were involved.

Ukraines National Police put a man who may be involved in Farions murder on the wanted list.

A funeral service for Farion was held in Lviv on 21 July.

Investigators believe that Farions murder was being planned for at least a month, and that the perpetrator may have had accomplices.

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Suspicious device found at NYPD precinct in Manhattan was capable of exploding: police

Suspicious device found at NYPD precinct in Manhattan was capable of exploding: police

EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  A suspicious device discovered inside a vehicle outside a Manhattan police precinct on Wednesday was capable of causing harm, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard told PIX11 News Thursday morning.

Its being described as a low-incendiary device, he said. Were not classifying as a bomb, but the powder they were using is capable of causing harm. Its more like powder you would find in fireworks.

More Local News

Sheppard said the device was capable of causing harm but not mass casualties.

The investigation began just before noon Wednesday, when a car with two men, who were cousins, pulled up to the 25th Precinct on East 119th Street in East Harlem. The driver got out and accused the passenger, Chontrell Wrenick, of assaulting him with a machete, police said.

The victim told police officers where to find the machete, which they found. Wrenick was then taken into police custody, according to authorities.

The victim then told police officers about a potentially explosive device inside the car, authorities said. The NYPD Bomb Squad responded to the scene and removed the suspicious device around 3 p.m., per police.

The NYPD Bomb Squad removed a suspicious device from outside a police precinct in Manhattan on July 24, 2024, police said. (credit: Citizen App)

Wrenick, 50, was charged with criminal possession of a possible explosive device, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon, and possession of a bomb.

He is also facing charges for allegedly assaulting his cousin, according to authorities. He was charged with assault with a weapon causing physical injury and criminal possession of a weapon.

Lauren Cook is a digital journalist who has covered local news in the New York City area for over a decade. She has been with PIX11 since 2020. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Passion is what draws students to the Joyce School of Irish Dance in Pittston.

Its the dance forms, friends, and fun that build a family and keep dancers around for decades, even if its on the sidelines, like graduate dancer Nyah Kubilus.

Smiles and stories are shared all around. Catching up since Nyah hasnt seen the dancers in months due to a life-changing diagnosis.

PA parents can use new app to find accessible playgrounds

A few weeks before Christmas I found out I have stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma and I spent the last seven months doing chemotherapy.

Nyah is the reason the dance studio is going Italian just for a day during the Pittston Tomato Festival Parade, wearing shirts that say Cerulli School of Irish Dance.

Nyah was one of the older dancers back when I first started when I was really little and she was someone we always looked up to, says junior assistant Cassidi Quinn.

She was one of the ones who always helped bring out the best in us and made sure we were always performing our best, says junior assistant Kaegan Calpin.

Owner Shannon Cerulli came up with the idea to raise money for Nyah by selling the shirts.

Were going to have some fun, spread awareness, and hopefully lighten her spirits, and all the proceeds that are coming hopefully can lighten her financial burden thats coming along with the medical treatments.

Watching the dancers do her favorite, the ribbon dance, Nyah says shes grateful for the support.

I cant thank her enough for trying to help because I mean theyre family to me and it just means a lot that they wanted to go out of their way to help me.

The Joyce School of Dance T-shirt fundraiser for Nyah runs until July 31st.

For more information, you can message them on Facebook.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Over 500 million years ago, a taco-shaped marine organism named Odaraia swam up from the bottom of the ocean and up into the water itself. Despite being only about 7.8 inches long, the journey that Odaraia undertook was a pretty big deal for the evolution of some of our planets most prevalent animals.

A new analysis of some Odaraia fossils found over 100 years ago reveal that it had mandiblespaired lower jaws. This Cambrian period critter is now considered a part of a specific group of arthropods called the mandibulates, who went on to become some of the most successful animals on our planet in and out of the water. This new look at the old fossils reveals new details about early arthropod evolution and species diversification during an explosion of life millions of years ago. The findings are described in a study published July 23 in the journal Proceedings B.

[Related: A three-eyed organism roamed the seas half a billion years ago.]

Finding mandibles

The specimen that the team from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto examined was first discovered in the fossil-rich Burgess Shale formation in British Columbia over 100 years ago. Fossils from this area usually boast well-preserved structures, animals, and ecosystems that would have decayed or completely disappeared from the fossil record. However, mandibulates like Odaraia are generally more rare in the fossil record, even in places like the Burgess Shale.

Odaraia was almost 7.8 inches long. Its taco-shaped carapace, large head and eyes, and a tail that looks like a submarines keel are among its most distinctive features. But there was more on this oblong body waiting to be found.

Fossil of Odaraia. CREDIT: Jean-Bernard Caron, Royal Ontario Museum.

In the new study, the team identified a pair of large appendages with grasping jagged edges near the creatures mouth. These indicate that Odaraia had mandibles, a key feature of the mandibulate group of animals. Odaraia is possibly one of the earliest known members of this group, which includes modern insects and crustaceans. When the team conducted a detailed analysis of its more than 30 pairs of legs, they found an intricate system of small and large spines. These spines could intertwine and capture smaller prey similar to a fishing net. The team believes that these spines helped some of these first mandibulates leave the ocean floor and into the water column. This upward movement also planted 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, study co-author and paleontologist Alejandro Izquierdo-Lopez said in a statement. 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?

Up, up, and away

Early mandibulates like Odaraia were part of a community of large fauna that were able to travel up from the marine bottom-dwelling ecosystems that dominated the Cambrian period, to the water columns upper layers. It is likely that types of communities may have enriched the water column and facilitated a transition towards more complex ecosystems.

The Cabmrian period is when most vertebrates and fish began to appear in the fossil record. The evolution of eyes, legs or shells also began during this major divergence of animal groups beginning over 500 million years ago. This diversification includes the mandibulates, which are one of the major groups of arthropodsanimals with jointed limbs.

Mandibulates are also considered an evolutionary success story, since they diversified enough to represent over half of all current species on Earth. They are living in habitats all over the worldcentipedes underground, bees flying over meadows, and crabs digging in the sand and crossing the road.

[Related: Ancient weird shrimp from Canada used bizarre appendages to scarf up soft prey.]

Still, they had a more humble beginning. During the Cambrian, the first mandibulates were marine animals, and most had distinct head shields or carapaces that paleontologists will continue to search for in the fossil record.

The Burgess Shale has been a treasure trove of paleontological information, study co-author and Royal Ontario Museum curator Jean-Bernard Caron said in a statement. 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.
Typhoon Gaemi hits China's coast after leaving 25 dead in Taiwan and the Philippines

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, huge waves lash the shore ahead of landfall by Typhoon Gaemi in Sansha Township of Xiapu County, southeast China's Fujian Province, Thursday July 25, 2024. After hitting Philippines and Taiwan, the storm's effects 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. (Jiang Kehong/Xinhua via AP)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  A strong typhoon made landfall on China's southeastern coast on Thursday evening after sweeping across the nearby island of Taiwan, where it caused landslides and flooding in low-lying areas and left three dead.

Typhoon Gaemi had swept up the western Pacific, intensifying seasonal rains earlier in the week in the Philippines, where the death toll climbed to 22.

Offices and schools in Taiwan were closed for a second day on Thursday and people were urged to stay home and away from the coastline.

Two people were killed on Wednesday before the storm made landfall around midnight, and a 78-year-old man died after his home was hit by a mudslide on Thursday afternoon, Taiwan's Central News Agency said. Another 380 people were reported injured.

A third death on Wednesday  a driver pinned under an overturned excavator  was initially attributed to the typhoon but later was determined not to be linked, the news agency said.

The island is regularly hit by typhoons and has boosted its warning systems, but its topography, high population density and high-tech economy make it difficult to avoid losses when such storms hit. The capital, Taipei, was unusually quiet, with light rain and occasionally gusting winds.

The storm prompted the cancellation of air force drills this week off Taiwans east coast.

In China's coastal Fujian province, flights, trains and ferry services were canceled, and more than 240,000 residents were evacuated as the typhoon approached, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

The storm is expected to weaken but still bring heavy rains to inland areas over the next three days, including the capital, Beijing.

In the Philippines, the death toll rose due to drownings and landslides. At least three people were missing, according to police.

Gaemi, called Carina in the Philippines, did not make landfall in that archipelago but enhanced its seasonal monsoon rains.

The Philippine coast guard reported that an oil tanker, MT Terra Nova, loaded with about 1.4 million liters (370,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil sank off Limay town in Bataan province early Thursday and rescuers saved 15 of 16 crew members.

It was not immediately clear if the sinking was related to the bad weather and rough seas but Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said coast guard personnel could not immediately reach the area to contain a possible oil spill because of the rough sea conditions.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has 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.

In the densely populated region around the Philippine capital, government work and school classes were suspended after rains flooded many areas.

___

Associated Press journalists Jim Gomez and Joeal Calupitan in Manila, Philippines, and Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A messy protest left local artists in disbelief.

There are 10 art galleries inside Kress Cotemporary in Ybor City including the Department of Contemporary Art, or DOCA.

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I found that the art community has really been very collaborative very supportive, said Marc Brechwald.

He calls himself the pencil guy. Brechwald emerged into the professional art community during the height of the pandemic.

Taxpayers are sick of it: Gov. DeSantis rails Hillsborough school board over proposed tax measure

DOCA put out a call so other artists could be featured in their gallery last Thursday. Brechwalds art was selected.

I looked over and saw my drawing covered in tomato soup, it was shocking to say the least, he said.



His pencil drawing of Alicia Keys, which took him more than a week to complete, was covered in tomato soup.

I dont think that this was necessarily targeting me as a person or an artist, but the piece of art that I had there was pretty big and pretty flashy, and it was black-and-white and the tomato soup looked very, very apparent when it was put on there, said Brechwald.

Emiliano Settecasi is the founder and director of DOCA. Hes known for his performative and political art. He posted on social media: Please try to forgive Emiliano Settecasi.

He hasnt responded to News Channel 8 despite multiple attempts to reach him.



Thats the funny thing about it, Brechwald said, when asked about the motive behind the vandalism. Protests usually have a specific reason for the protest, and its usually very apparent, so Ive heard Gaza was one of the reasons.



Plastic sheeting had been placed on the walls and floors in the gallery and the artwork was then hung.

Its obvious that the full intent was to deface the art, he said.



Brechwald said even the protective glass on his piece was intentionally removed before the tomato soup was thrown. His drawing was up for sale. After Brechwald realized what happened, a man walked up to him, handing him an envelope filled with money.



Then I realize what this whole orchestration was, they were going to pay us for the art, but it was defaced prior to our consent or our knowledge, Brechwald said.



Brechwald and the other six artists are now feeling humiliated, anger and sadness.



I feel that art as it means of protest is not only valid, but I think it is important, he said. I think its necessary, but theres a right way to do it the wrong way to do it. Misleading and deceiving and blindsiding your fellow artist thats definitely the wrong way to do it. Defacing our art without knowledge or consent is the wrong way to do it.

Another gallery at Kress, Tempus Projects, shared this message in response:

We firmly believe that the destruction of artwork is never acceptable without the explicit consent of the artist. We are saddened to see the polarization in our community caused by the destruction of works at Department of Contemporary Art Tampa, FL, on Thursday night, and we sympathize with the artists whose work was vandalized.

Tempus said it will be providing resources for artists to protect themselves further, including sample contracts, checklists, and frequently asked questions. Those resources will be posted on its website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Amidst a backdrop of global economic shifts and market adjustments, the Swedish stock market presents unique opportunities for investors looking to explore potentially undervalued assets. As international trade tensions persist and markets worldwide exhibit mixed signals, understanding the intrinsic value of stocks becomes crucial in identifying robust investment opportunities.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In Sweden

Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) Granges (OM:GRNG) SEK135.40 SEK261.07 48.1% Husqvarna (OM:HUSQ B) SEK73.30 SEK142.42 48.5% Nordic Waterproofing Holding (OM:NWG) SEK160.60 SEK312.98 48.7% Scandi Standard (OM:SCST) SEK78.20 SEK145.57 46.3% Lindab International (OM:LIAB) SEK258.60 SEK467.12 44.6% Volati (OM:VOLO) SEK120.00 SEK235.68 49.1% RaySearch Laboratories (OM:RAY B) SEK141.40 SEK278.01 49.1% TF Bank (OM:TFBANK) SEK267.00 SEK519.03 48.6% Nordisk Bergteknik (OM:NORB B) SEK16.70 SEK30.62 45.5% Bactiguard Holding (OM:BACTI B) SEK70.20 SEK132.19 46.9%

Click here to see the full list of 47 stocks from our Undervalued Swedish Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Overview: Billerud AB (publ) is a global provider of paper and packaging materials, with a market capitalization of approximately SEK 26.91 billion.

Operations: Billerud's revenue is primarily generated from sales in Europe and North America, totaling SEK 27.08 billion and SEK 11.35 billion respectively, with an additional SEK 2.77 billion from other solutions excluding currency hedging activities.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 22.4%

Billerud, priced at SEK 108.2, is currently undervalued by more than 20% compared to its estimated fair value of SEK 139.41, reflecting significant potential based on discounted cash flow analysis. Despite a challenging dividend history and modest revenue growth projections (3.1% annually), Billerud's earnings are expected to surge by 32.31% annually over the next three years, outpacing the broader Swedish market significantly. Recent financial improvements include a substantial recovery in net income from a loss last year to SEK 376 million in the first half of 2024, underscoring operational progress despite ongoing executive transitions and strategic shifts towards North American operations.

OM:BILL Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: RVRC Holding AB operates internationally, offering active lifestyle clothing primarily in Sweden, Germany, and Finland, with a market capitalization of approximately SEK 5.06 billion.

Story continues

Operations: The company generates its revenue primarily through online retailers, amounting to SEK 1.80 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 43%

RVRC Holding, valued at SEK 44.92, trades 43% below its estimated fair value of SEK 78.83, indicating a significant undervaluation based on discounted cash flow analysis. While the company's dividend track record is unstable, its earnings have grown by 22.3% over the past year and are projected to increase by 16.2% annually, outperforming the Swedish market's growth rate of 15.2%. Recent executive changes and a major shareholder's planned sale suggest potential strategic shifts ahead for RVRC.

OM:RVRC Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Sweco AB (publ) operates globally, offering architecture and engineering consultancy services, with a market capitalization of approximately SEK 61.14 billion.

Operations: Sweco's revenue is generated across various regional segments, with Sweden being the largest at SEK 8.74 billion, followed by Norway at SEK 3.50 billion, Belgium at SEK 3.97 billion, Denmark at SEk 3.24 billion, Finland at SEK 3.67 billion, the Netherlands at SEK 3.00 billion, and Germany & Central Europe contributing SEK 2.71 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 17.1%

Sweco, priced at SEK 169.9, is currently trading 17.1% below its fair value of SEK 204.92, reflecting a modest undervaluation based on cash flow analysis. The company's earnings have expanded by 1.2% over the past year with forecasts indicating a growth of 17.31% annually, surpassing the Swedish market's average of 15.2%. Recent financial results show strong performance with second-quarter net income rising to SEK 540 million from SEK 357 million year-over-year, alongside securing significant contracts like the SEK 400 million deal for railway expansion between Uppsala and Stockholm.

OM:SWEC B Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Key Takeaways

Navigate through the entire inventory of 47 Undervalued Swedish Stocks Based On Cash Flows here.

Shareholder in one or more of these companies? Ensure you're never caught off-guard by adding your portfolio in Simply Wall St for timely alerts on significant stock developments.

Take control of your financial future using Simply Wall St, offering free, in-depth knowledge of international markets to every investor.

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 OM:BILL OM:RVRC and OM:SWEC B.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Amid the swarms of travelers at Miami International Airport, teams of advocates scan the crowds, hoping to identify people seeking refuge from South Floridas blistering sun.

They have, for years, made regular visits to help homeless people living at the airport. And theyre out there again this week  after a 17-year-old girl was brutally ambushed at MIA.

For Ron Book, the chair of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, people experiencing homelessness gravitate to airports because theyre large and have air conditioning as well as accessible bathrooms. Its also an easy place to blend in with travelers.

Book said he met with county officials on Sunday to discuss the situation after the girl was attacked without provocation the night before on the fourth floor of MIAs Concourse J in the pre-security area, according to police. She was able to escape to the third floor, where officers found her.

Alexander Paul Love, 29, was arrested in connection to the stabbing. Police say he attacked the teen with a butcher knife and sliced her 18 times, including her neck, face and legs. Investigators have yet to confirm if Love and the girl knew each other, though both Love and the teen were living at the airport.

READ MORE: A teenage trans girl was ambushed, stabbed at Miami International Airport, police say

The Trust, Book said, works with police and airport staff to provide services, like behavioral healthcare, housing and job training, to homeless individuals living in the airport. And while the girls ambush shed light on the situation, the agency has been aiding the unhoused at the airport for years.

Were going to continue to do all the things weve been doing, Book said. When we know theres people out there, our outreach team will be there.

Ralph Cutie, director and chief executive officer of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, which oversees MIA, said anywhere from nine to 25 homeless people stay at the airport at night. Police do nightly sweeps and try to offer homeless individuals at the airport shelter assistance. But if they return, they could be issued a written citation for trespassing.

We dont want our airport to be a shelter, and we are going to continue to work diligently to find alternatives, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told the Miami Herald Monday.

Part of the issue, however, is that shelters in Miami-Dade are at capacity, Book said. Thats why the Trust has been attempting to purchase buildings, including a hotel in Cutler Bay, to transform it into more than 100 apartment units.

When we place people in housing, they remained housed, he said. Our system just works. And it works [because] of the totality of the wrap-around services

But for Book, the ambush  and the media coverage of the violence  propagates stereotypes and further stigmatizes homeless individuals.

It sets my heart on fire, he said. It makes me double down on my commitment of what we do.

Fort Lauderdale airport faces similar dilemma

A homelessness response team has been stationed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport since 2022, Broward County Mayor Nan Rich said. The team is tasked with getting the airports homeless population into local shelters.

Its a place where people can go, its public, Rich said. They can walk around, and its not like sitting on a park bench or something. We have to move people along and get them in some kind of [shelter].

Rich described members of the team as experienced and said theyre not just looking to just move people out.

Its trying to get help for people and to get them into services so that we can solve the problem, she said.

The Broward County Aviation Department said it has had weekly meetings with the Broward County Sheriffs Office and the countys human services department to address homelessness at the airport since March 2022. The different agencies have collaborated to place unhoused individuals at the airport in shelter beds at the Salvation Army.

The initiative even began providing mental health services through nonprofit Community Health Centers in 2023, added Celina Saucedo, assistant director of aviation and administration.

The airport is not a shelter. That has been our mantra throughout these conversations, she said. We know that its not unique to FLL or MIA, the fact that unhoused individuals are choosing to come to airports. This is happening all over the United States of America, and its something that airports are very much aware of right now.

Saucedo noted theres a simple answer as to why.

In our experience, and what we have heard from airports all over the United States is, its a place where they can charge their phones, they can get a hot meal, they can find a place to sleep when its hot outside, as it is right now, she said.
An 18-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of killing a former Ukrainian lawmaker, local authorities say, after her fatal shooting in the city of Lviv.

Iryna Farion, 60, died in hospital last Friday after she was shot in western Ukraine, the mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadoviy, posted on Facebook.

A specialist team of Ukrainian security forces and criminal analysts tracked down the suspect on Thursday after 139 hours of investigative work, according to the countrys Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Authorities scoured about 100 hectares of forest and identified him using surveillance cameras, the minister said.

We checked every corner of the shooters escape route, Klymenko posted on Telegram. Identifying and detaining the offender was a laborious process that required the highest professionalism, endurance and discipline to avoid making any mistakes. I thank the entire team.

Hundreds of people attend the funeral of Iryna Farion at the Garrison Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Lviv, Ukraine, on July 22. - Olena Znak/Anadolu/Getty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised his countrys security forces.

I am grateful to each and every one of them who added more facts to the picture of the crime every day and brought the full truth closer, he said in a post on Telegram on Thursday.

A former nationalist parliamentarian and professor, Farion was known for her unfavorable attitude towards the Russian language, which is spoken in eastern Ukraine.

The Security Service of Ukraine launched a criminal investigation against the academic last year, after she published a social media post with a screenshot of a message from a pro-Ukrainian student in occupied Crimea, containing the name, surname and other personal data of the sender. That information became the basis for his persecution by the Russian special services.

During the investigation in November, Farion told authorities that she categorically rejected Russian-speaking members of the Armed Forces fighting against Russias full-scale invasion, according to Reuters, saying she could not call them Ukrainians.

Her statement triggered a wave of outrage among sections of Ukrainian society.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Tennessee spent only 10% of American Rescue Plan allotment. Use it or lose it by Dec. 31

Editors note: Tennessees Economic and Community Development department responded to this guest opinion on Tuesday, July 30: Tennessee has allocated all $500 million of its ARPA SLFRF funding for broadband infrastructure expansion and digital opportunity programs. Of that, $149 million has been paid out to grantees as of June 30, 2024. We are on track to spend all the funding by December 2026, which is the expenditure deadline from US Treasury. The December 2024 date is for these funds to be obligated, which they all have been in accordance with the guidance from U.S. Treasury.

President Ronald Reagan loved to say that the nine most terrible words in the English language were, Im from the government, and Im here to help.

The American Rescue Plan Act, enacted three years ago in March, proves Reagan wrong: Government action  when timely, targeted, and sufficient in size  can make all the difference for people across the country. Its a model wed do well to follow in future crises. Its also a model that Tennessee seems to have ignored, to the disadvantage of the states working families.

One of ARPAs key elements was sending $350 billion directly to state and local governments with few strings attached. These State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) were designed to tackle the myriad ills plaguing communities in the wake of COVID, and it did its job.

Here's how other states are using their ARPA funds

Typically when the federal government gives cash to state and local governments, its for specific uses at specific times  so many dollars for fixing roads, or buying new fire trucks, or securing our elections, that sort of thing.

Gov. Bill Lee talks to attendees at an event highlighting the state's broadband expansion grants from the American Rescue Plan at Allenbrooke Farms in Spring Hill in January 2023.

But when President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, his team knew that if ARPA tried to micromanage how state governments spent the money, it would have missed the mark. Instead, SLFRF could be used for effectively anything responding to the pandemic or the economic impact of the pandemic such as making up lost government revenue, hero pay for frontline workers, or infrastructure spending, whatever the state thinks is best.

Some states have used their funds in inventive and helpful ways. Minnesota allocated $500 million in hero pay for frontline workers. Connecticut announced a plan to pay off the medical debts of thousands of families with fiscal recovery funds. Other states used the money to rebuild public services, which had never fully recovered from budget-cutting that many states adopted in the decade following the Great Recession.

States closer to Tennessee have also used these funds to strengthen their economies and rebuild public services. Kentucky spent $168 million to repair and renovate school buildings. North Carolina spent almost $500 million in grants to businesses to help recover from COVID. Georgia spent $1 billion of ARPA money in 2022 to give cash assistance to poor families.

Nearly 90% of Tennessee funds have not been spent yet

And Tennessee? Tennessee has barely touched the money. According to the latest data available from the U.S. Department of the Treasury,

Tennessee has spent just 10.5% of the $3.7 billion it received in fiscal recovery funds in 2021. While other states have rebuilt infrastructure and supported working families, Tennessee has done almost nothing.

More: Nashville OKs use of COVID-19 relief funds to stabilize rocky Fisk University finances

While the state rolled out an ambitious plan for using the money, very few of those paper plans have been approved by the legislature, and even less money has gone out the door. $500 million was allocated for broadband, but only $44.6 million has been spent. $1.3 billion was budgeted for wastewater infrastructure  just $36 million has been spent. $15 million was earmarked for Habitat for Humanity to support low-income housing, but none of those funds have yet been appropriated by the legislature.

Its an open question whether they ever will. Tennessee only has until Dec. 31 to formally obligate the funds, or it loses them forever. Now is the time for the governor and the state legislature to use the money they have to make things better for working families. If they dont, they will have wasted a once-in-a-generation chance to do good.

Dave Kamper is senior state policy strategist for the Economic Policy Institute.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee received $3.7 billion in ARPA funds but has spent just 10%
Tennessee Titans cornerback Chidobe Awuzie will miss time during training camp with a calf injury, Brian Callahan said Thursday.

Awuzie missed Thursday's practice with the injury, and Callahan confirmed the issue afterward.

"It'll be a couple weeks, probably," Callahan said. "He's out here, but he's not practicing."

The former Bengals defensive back was signed as a major addition to the secondary during the offseason along with L'Jarius Sneed, on a three-year deal worth a reported maximum of $36 million. With Awuzie, Sneed and nickel corner Roger McCreary, the Titans will hope the secondary turns into a strength in 2024 under first-year defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

The Titans open the regular season at the Chicago Bears on Sept. 8, more than six weeks away.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Titans CB Chidobe Awuzie will miss a couple weeks with calf injury
Tesla driver crashes near Sunshine Skyway Bridge, ends up launched into Gulf of Mexico

Tesla driver crashes near Sunshine Skyway Bridge, ends up launched into Gulf of Mexico

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A St. Petersburg man was seriously injured after crashing his car on I-275 Wednesday afternoon.

The Florida Highway Patrol said at about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, a Tesla sedan was driving at a high speed toward the Sunshine Skyway Bridge when the driver lost control.

The Tesla left the roadway, hit a drainage pond, and flipped into the mangroves.

According to troopers, the 25-year-old driver, who wasnt wearing a seatbelt, ended up getting thrown from the Tesla and into the Gulf of Mexico.

However, a passing boater pulled him out of the water and took him to the Maximo boat ramp.

He was taken to a hospital for serious injuries.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Texas and California state agencies have not been adequately inspecting some potential polluters, possibly raising the risk of community exposure to toxic chemicals, according to an internal watchdog for the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The office of the EPAs Inspector General found that Texass Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) did not keep track of facilities that have the potential to hit a certain pollution threshold.

Of the states 18 facilities that apparently meet this threshold, the TCEQ did not visit 11 of them between 2017 and 2022, despite agency policy saying such facilities should be evaluated every five years.

The office found that Californias South Coast Air Quality Management District failed to inspect 27 out of 109 of similar sites between 2016 and 2021.

The report said that this undercuts the deterrent effect that these assessments provide, adding that the fact that they were not done potentially increased the publics risk of exposure to air pollution in Texas and along Californias southern coast.

The EPA divides polluting facilities into categories known as major and minor pollution sources. The facilities looked at in Tuesdays report are not quite major sources, but have the potential to emit nearly as much as those considered major  at least 80 percent of the major source threshold.

Thirteen of Texass 18 facilities that meet this criteria emit chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, which the EPA says can damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, the report said. The state allegedly failed to visit seven such sites between 2017 and 2022, while five were found to not have received a visit since before 2012.

The report also knocked the federal EPA for not ensuring that the inspections were carried out.

Texass commission governs the entire state, while South Coast Air Quality Management District deals with parts of southern California.

In response, a statement from South Coast said that the 27 facilities actual emissions are very low. The California agency also noted that the period audited by the agency watchdog includes years that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a formal response, EPA officials said that the agency believes that it conducts adequate oversight and will request that TCEQ and Californias South Coast update their plans. It also noted that 115 of 117 delegated agencies with the exception of the two noted in the report have identified the relevant pollution sources.

The Hill has reached out to the Texas agency for comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sedraya Kemp, 21, becomes emotional speaking about her current hardships with nurse Brianna Tilson during a visit at Kemp's apartment in Amarillo on June 18. Tilson is part of the Nurse-Family Partnership, a program that sends nurses to meet with pregnant women and new moms at their homes in rural areas. Credit: Desiree Rios for The Texas Tribune

AMARILLO  Brianna Tilson shuffled through the duffel bag in her trunk, taking a mental inventory of what she needed for her next appointment. She paused, then the nurse tossed in a big pack of diapers before slinging the heavy bag over her shoulder and going up the stairs to Sedraya Kemps apartment.

Kemp, 21, was frustrated. Her 21-month-old old son was finally napping after a rough night with an ear infection. Without a car, Kemp had to wait all morning for her sons father to drop off the medicine.

I could have walked and got it, but it was already too hot, said Kemp, who is 15 weeks pregnant with her second child. I need to hurry up and get a car, because I cant do that.

Do you think youll have enough money soon? Tilson asked.

The young mom shrugged and knotted her fingers together. Kemp just started a new job at a plasma center. She must walk nearly an hour one way for her shift. Leftover money from bills is going to savings, she said, but it isnt adding up fast enough.

The two talked like old friends. Tilson held Kemps son when he woke up while Kemp talked about wanting to be a phlebotomist.

[As a Texas city debates an abortion travel ban, maternal care is scarce in nearby rural counties]

Tilson is part of the Nurse-Family Partnership, a national program that sends nurses to meet first-time moms at their homes and is managed in part by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Early Intervention division. The Amarillo office is one of 23 local partners in Texas, with most other offices in major metro areas including Houston, Dallas and Austin. The nurses make home visits during their pregnancy and after to see how the mom and baby are doing, and to guide them to healthy lifestyles. Along the course of the program, which can be nearly three years depending on when the mom starts, the nurse and mom often form strong bonds.

Fertility rates are on the rise in Texas, but health care access is not. Amarillo is the most populous city in the Panhandle, and even its residents struggle with the access issues common in Texas, all of which can leave women vulnerable during their pregnancy or after. This includes a dearth of hospitals, tight budgets, and workforce shortages.

Downtown Amarillo on June 18. There's only 15 hospitals to serve hundreds of thousands of people living in the 26-county Panhandle region, not including ones in Amarillo. Only six of them offer labor and delivery services. Credit: Desiree Rios for The Texas Tribune

In 2023, there were just 55 physicians in the Panhandle with a current license in obstetrics or gynecology and primary practice, according to state data. With maternal health care limited, more and more women in Amarillo are signing up for the Nurse-Family Partnership.

But, like everything else in health care, it has its limits. The Amarillo chapter, which serves the citys two counties, Potter and Randall, has six nurses for 150 clients  with 50 spots currently open. They cant serve outside those boundaries, unless they find the money to expand to the regions rural areas, where access to health care drops significantly.

Kacie Bell, director of the Texas Home Visiting Program overseeing the partnership, hopes to expand it beyond the two counties. Program leaders are in early conversations with local foundations and other outside sources of funding to close the gaps in access.

We dont have the funding, said Bell with the Coalition of Health Services in Amarillo. Were having those conversations at the state level.

When Tilson visits her clients, its as if shes seeing a past version of herself. Tilson grew up in a single-family home. Her mother was the lone provider, and supplemented the family budget with housing and financial assistance. At 20, Tilson was pregnant, not married, and struggling financially. She dreamed of going to college and a better life.

I think it helps having somebody who grew up this way, Tilson said, referring to the mothers she helps. It lets them know there are options and ways to get out of the cycle of poverty, education being one of them.

Inspired by her mom, Tilson eventually got her nursing degree, then worked in the neonatal intensive care unit at Northwest Texas Healthcare hospital in Amarillo for five years. There, she saw lost, overwhelmed moms. She wanted to do more to help before and after the delivery. Thats when a friend told her about an opening with the partnership, and she jumped at the chance to apply.

In her six years with the program, Tilson has served 87 families. She has 26 moms now, who are either pregnant or graduating from the program in the next few months. Her appointments typically last between an hour and 90 minutes so she tries to keep it to three visits a day. She has to chart notes and drive, and takes that into consideration when planning her schedule.

Our days can get pretty long, Tilson said. Its a 20-minute drive wherever you go.

The appointments can take an emotional toll on Tilson. The program has strict rules on what the nurses are allowed to do. And there are some problems the nurses cant help with, such as fixing a dangerous living situation or giving the women rides. Its hard for Tilson and other nurses  their natural instinct is to fix things  especially if their clients dont have family support.

Its heartbreaking, but just being there for them and plugging them into resources can lead to good outcomes, Tilson said.

Tilson has seen women start the program without a home or a car, and theyre driving by the end. Tracking some of those improvements is difficult. However, the partnership has tracked benefits. There has been an 18% decrease in preterm births and 35% less cases of hypertension from pregnancy.

That data is driving the push toward a rural expansion in the Panhandle. Amarillo is surrounded by small towns through the 26-county region. Theres only 15 hospitals to serve the hundreds of thousands of people living between them, not including ones in Amarillo. Only six of those offer labor and delivery services. According to March of Dimes, about 28% of women in rural Texas live more than 30 minutes from a birthing hospital compared to 4% of women in urban areas.

Susan Bailey is the executive director of the Coalition of Health Services, a nonprofit that includes representatives from 14 of the rural hospitals in the Panhandle. She put it this way: An Austin woman could get to a level one trauma center in San Antonio quicker than a woman in the far reaches of the Panhandle can get to Amarillos trauma center.

The distance between those trauma centers is less than the distance between our rural counties and area level one trauma centers, Bailey said.

This puts expectant and new mothers at a greater risk if something goes wrong. According to a March of Dimes report card for Texas, an average of 28 women die from causes related to pregnancy or postpartum per 100,000 births, compared to 23.5 deaths on average in the U.S. From 2016 to 2019, the maternal death rate in Texas is highest among women in rural areas, according to a state report.

The rates and disparities are something all the health care leaders in the coalition are paying attention to, Bailey said. This is why the partnership has support in the region, and has advocates seeking the money to expand to rural areas.

Its hard for Tilson to think about all the women in the far-flung parts of the state who could benefit from the program. Shes watched moms change their lives in the time she shares with them, and she wants that for all women in the Panhandle.

Brianna Tilson has served 87 families in her six years with the Nurse-Family Partnership program. Tilson currently makes home visits to 26 moms, who are either pregnant or graduating from the program in the next few months. Credit: Desiree Rios for The Texas Tribune

You realize how much of a difference you can make, Tilson said. So having more nurses in the homes would be amazing.

This pregnancy has been rough on Kemp. She feels dehydrated no matter how much water she drinks and has suffered fainting spells. This baby is picky, Kemp says. Drinks like Gatorade or Liquid IV taste bad to her. So do her prenatal vitamins.

Im sick of it, Kemp said. Ill just drink my water and eat my fruits and vegetables.

This is Kemps third pregnancy. She miscarried once before giving birth to her son, Quaveeon Shaw. While she was pregnant with Quaveeon, and newly enrolled in the program, she had a lot of fears about her pregnancy and didnt know how to manage them.

I was always scared he was going to be stillborn or have developmental issues, Kemp said. Having the one-on-one lessons told me how to be prepared for if something does happen.

Tilson brought her blood pressure cuff, and asked if it was OK to check Kemps vitals. Kemp agreed, and looked around her living room with her arm across her chest, waiting for the numbers to flash on the screen. It was 109 over 63, which Tilson said was pretty good.

You want the top number to be under 130 and however low you can tolerate it, thats what matters, Tilson said. Some people would feel faint at 109.

Tilson has been Kemps nurse for most of her time in the program, except for when Tilson went on maternity leave  Tilson gave birth to a girl two years ago, 16 years after having her first son. Since then, Tilson has become a reassuring presence in Kemps home. They gab about Kemps life while Tilson takes her vitals, weighs her son, and scribbles notes to chart later.

Left: Kemp's one-year-old son, Quaveeon Shaw, plays with a stethoscope during a home nurse visit with Brianna Tilson in Amarillo. Right: Kemp has her blood pressure measured during the visit.

The program is for new moms specifically, regardless of age. One patient was in her late thirties when she joined. The nurses can visit during the pregnancy and until their baby is two years old.

Kemp credits the program for the changes in her life so far. She doesnt have a car yet, but she said she didnt have her own place or anything before she had her son. Her son, Quaveeon, turns two in September, which means shell technically graduate from the program. But she hopes she can continue to see Tilson since she is pregnant again.

There are two other home-visiting programs other than the partnership that work with families of different age groups. One is Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, or HIPPY. The other is Parents as Teachers, which serves pregnant moms with children up to five years old.

I can hold on to her a little longer because she is having a hard time in her second pregnancy, Tilson said after the visit. Maybe until November.

The nurses help where they can with supplies, such as the diapers Tilson brought or grocery gift cards that were purchased with money from the American Rescue Plan Act. Those funds end in September though, so wont be able to provide those cards much longer. This is bad news for their clients, who commonly face financial instability.

Income, or lack thereof, is the most common hardship for moms in the program, according to Liz Favela, nurse supervisor for the program. This pushes women toward worse circumstances, such as unstable housing or no transportation.

Because of these circumstances, many women will skip doctors appointments, Favela said.

A lot of women have to get off work and drive two hours for a 15-minute prenatal appointment, Favela said. In their minds, thats not worth it.

Favela says those appointments are vital for the moms, as it allows them to track issues with their pregnancy. Conditions like hypertension or preeclampsia may go under the radar.

Favela said the hospitals in Amarillo see high rates of moms who did not have prenatal care. Its a statewide problem. In 2022, one in 9 babies were born to a woman who received late or no prenatal care. Favela said theres also not enough providers in Amarillo for how many patients there are seeking prenatal care.

Thats where our program comes in, Favela said. The importance of getting them prenatal care and finding the resources they need.

Back at Kemps apartment, shes recalling how after she graduated high school, she didnt have plans for the future. Then she was pregnant with Quaveeon.

He saved me in a way that nobody would, Kemp said.

The love for her son is what motivated her to join the partnership. She wanted her own place, a job, to go to school, and she didnt know how to do that alone.

Im looking at how I can make things better for them, Kemp said. They didnt ask to be here, they deserve so much more and I dont want them to ever feel like a burden.

Sedraya Kemp, right, chats with nurse Brianna Tilson, after the home visit to her apartment in Amarillo. Credit: Desiree Rios for The Texas Tribune

Stories like Kemps, who is about to successfully finish the program, show health care leaders in the Panhandle that the system works. They had 22 referrals in June, up from 15 the month before, so the program is sought after.

The nurses can have influence on the mother, said Bailey, who leads hospital directors in the Panhandle coalition. Then on an entire family and, subsequently, an entire system.

While funding is not secure, Bailey said shes optimistic the programs leaders will get to expand to the rural areas of the Panhandle one day.

This story was reported with the assistance of the Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) Health Journalism Fellowship, supported by The Commonwealth Fund.

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!
Texas Police Officer Rescues Man from Burning Car: 'Im Not Going to Let This Guy Die on Me'

"I was able to help this person, save his life and be able to see another day," officer Edwardo Hernandez said after he rescued a man from his burning Tesla

The Colony Police Department/Facebook Man saved from burning car

Police officer Edwardo Hernandez saved a man from a burning Tesla in North Texas on July 19

Minutes after Hernandez pulled the driver out of the car it was engulfed in flames

Witness Jersey Goldman reported the fiery accident to the Colony Police Department and said if authorities hadn't arrived when they did, the outcome would have been insanely different.

A Colony, Texas, police officer is being praised as a hero for saving a man from a burning car on Friday, July 19, according to new video footage and a press release from The Colony Police Department.



An unnamed man was rescued from his burning Tesla around 1:23 a.m. in the 5700 block of South Colony Boulevard at Highway 121. Officers received a call from witness Jersey Goldman, who told NBC 5 he saw a vehicle dropped in between the concrete barriers on each side."

I immediately call 911. And as Im on the phone with the Colony Police Department, a flame sparks under the front side of the vehicle, Goldman told the outlet.

The authorities then headed to the overpass, where they saw the electric vehicle pinned between the overpass two dividing barriers.

Related: 2 Men Hospitalized with Serious Injuries After Tesla Falls from L.A. Overpass, Bursts Into Flames

The Colony Police Department/Facebook Man saved from burning car

Officer Edwardo Hernandez and first responders used their extinguishers to try to rid the flames, but the discovered the car wouldnt stop burning, Hernandez told NBC 5. I can see the cars starting to fire up so I grab my fire extinguisher.

I noticed it was a Tesla, but I did not take into account right then and there that this was a battery, an electric vehicle, Hernandez told WFAA.

The officer, who has been with TCPD for 19 months, said he made the decision that, at this point, this cars on fire. He chose to go back there and try to get this driver out."

In my mind, Im just thinking to myself, Im not going to let this guy die on me," Hernandez said.

Hernandezs body camera footage shows him pulling the man out of the vehicle. In the clip, Hernandez ran toward the burning vehicle with a Halligan tool  which is similar to a heavy pickaxe. He hit the window three times until it smashed, then cut the airbag. Next, he pulled out the driver, who told the officer that he was okay.

Related: N.Y. Woman Rescued from Burning Car by Group of Bystanders, Including Her Former Orchestra Teacher

And at that point, Im like, Hey, come on, you got to get out, your cars on fire,  Hernandez told NBC 5. He starts to put his hands out the window. I grab onto him, and I start to guide him out of the vehicle.

Once the man was safely out, officers moved him away from the fiery crash. Minutes later, the car was engulfed in flames.

The driver was transported to a local hospital with injuries, but he was later alert and recovering. A different officer at the scene was taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and is expected to fully recover. Other officers were evaluated by paramedics at the site and deemed okay to report back for duty.

The Colony Police Department/Facebook Man saved from burning car

Goldman explained that without the help of the officers, particularly Officer Hernandez, the outcome could have been insanely different.

Hernandez told WFAA that he believes if the officers arrived a little bit later, or had that person not been there to report the crash, it would have probably been a different outcome.

His training and religious faith guided him through the emergency response, he told NBC 5. Through that, I was able to help this person, save his life and be able to see another day, Hernandez said. So for me, that makes me feel that Ive made a difference, definitely in someones life.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Colony Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Wednesday.



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Read the original article on People.
Self-dubbed "Knoxville's rocket ship," Axle Logistics is growing at an arguably absurd rate, largely due to its ability to attract and retain talent. Pair this with a pride for company culture, and you have your Top Workplaces 2024 winner in the large company category.

It's hard to not feel the energy and culture at the Central Street headquarters. Music is bumping, employees are laughing and phones are ringing off the hook. If you're lucky, you may just hear the gong employees bang when they get a new client.

Axle is a third-party logistics company that provides trucking, intermodal, less-than-truckload shipping and warehousing logistics for customers across North America.

It's an industry that's incredibly fast-paced. To company president Shawn McLeod, that's what makes it exciting.

"Our assets are our people. We have to create that environment that they'd love to come here and work hard every day because some days are long hours and you need the energy," he said. "You've got to value your employees. You've got to get them the empowerment to make decisions on their own."

Axle has skyrocketed, doubling its workforce over the past four years to more than 600 employees. The company plans to double again by 2027 to more than 1,200 employees.

That would be more employees than the Tennessee Valley Authority's Knoxville payroll.

When a company grows this fast, culture can be hard to maintain. Axle recruits people from all walks of life, but keeping a diverse group of employees happy can feel like a balancing act.

Axle stays on top of it, though, with weekly meetings to discuss how to support new hires, McLeod said.

Shawn McLeod, president of Axle Logistics, said employees need to have fun while working in a fast paced environment.

Axle also sends out surveys once per quarter to gauge how employees are feeling  what's working and what's not. And when searching for potential hires, Axle looks for people who are motivated and energetic  people who will mesh with the established culture, McLeod said.

This thoughtful approach to Axle's employee base has resulted in a 98% month-over-month retention rate. The company sets up new hires for success with a six-week course held at the headquarters for new hires to practice cold calls and receive tutoring from management.

Upon completing the course, new hires hit the ground running when they move upstairs to "build your empire," just as the company's tagline encourages.

"How many companies do you go and work for that say, 'Hey, here are the guardrails that we want you to stay within but, otherwise, take off and do whatever you can to build your business,'" McLeod said.

What Axle Employees had to say

Employees work at Axle Logistics headquarters, located at 835 N. Central St. The company has a new building under construction next door.

The Top Workplaces designation is given based on anonymous employee feedback in a survey conducted by Knox News' partner Energage. Below are some Axle Logistics employee responses to the prompt, "I love my job because."

Story continues

"Axle is the only company I have worked (at) that I truly feel appreciated and cared about. They go above and beyond for their employees. The work environment is very high-energy and motivating. The pay is amazing."

"I feel appreciated. Axle goes above and beyond to give you adequate training, which helps boost my confidence when performing my job. Leadership at Axle also has great attitudes, very positive and motivating."

"We all come from various backgrounds and are able to come together as one. Doing so allows us to truly understand and connect with our customers and community. Additionally, our skills are not wasted but rather fitted to where it is used in an effective and efficient manner."

About Axle Logistics

New Axle Logistics employees are trained by Ali Fraley at the Central Street headquarters. Axle's Launch Pad is a six-week training program to help new hires find success while hitting the ground running.

Years as a top workplace: Six

Year founded : 2012

Number of offices : Four

Local address : 835 N Central St.

Number of local employees: 607

Silas Sloan is the growth and development reporter. Email silas.sloan@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @silasloan. Instagram @knox.growth.

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Axle Logistics company culture earns Top Workplaces award in Knoxville
Patients wait to be seen at the People's Community Clinic in Austin, a federally qualified health center, which provides health services to low-income families and individuals. Credit: Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday announced he is suing the Biden administration over a federal contraception program that provides teens birth control without requiring parental consent. The Title X program has long been the only way minors in Texas can access confidential contraception, but since a court ruling in 2022, Texas providers have been required to get parental sign-off.

Heres what you need to know

The background: Title X is a Nixon-era program that provides confidential contraception to anyone, regardless of income, immigration status or age. Federal regulations, and several court rulings, have long held that Title X providers cannot require teens to get parental permission to be prescribed birth control.

In 2020, an Amarillo father sued over that provision, saying it violated his parental rights as guaranteed by the Texas Constitution. Alexander Deanda was represented by Jonathan Mitchell, the former Texas Solicitor General and conservative legal firebrand. Mitchell filed the lawsuit in federal court in Amarillo, where only one conservative judge, Matthew Kacsmaryk, hears almost all cases.

Kacsmaryk sided with Deanda, and his ruling effectively required Title X providers in Texas to begin asking for parental consent to prescribe birth control. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision in March.

In 2021, while this case was unfolding, the Biden administration issued a new rule emphasizing that Title X providers may not require consent of parents or guardians for the provision of services to minors, nor can any Title X project staff notify a parent or guardian before or after a minor has requested and/or received Title X family planning services.

Why Texas sued: Paxton is arguing that this rule defies the 5th Circuits judgment, and is asking the courts to issue a permanent injunction against it.

By attempting to force Texas healthcare providers to offer contraceptives to children without parental consent, the Biden Administration continues to prove they will do anything to implement their extremist agenda  even undermine the Constitution and violate the law, Paxton said in a statement.

Paxton has filed the lawsuit in federal court in Amarillo, where it will inevitably be heard by Kacsmaryk, who previously ruled against the programs confidentiality clause.

What Title X providers say: Every Body Texas, the statewide administrator of the Title X program, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Title X providers have been outspoken about the importance of confidentiality for their work with minors, some of whom are unable to safely ask their parents for permission to get on birth control.

Project Vida, a Title X provider in El Paso, saw a 50% drop in teens making appointments for contraception after they began requiring parental consent, chief medical officer Dr. Luis Garza told The Texas Tribune in April.

Theyre scared to even come in because they think their parents are going to find out, and theyre missing out on a lot because of that, Garza said.

Broader impact: Since Title X providers in Texas are already requiring parental consent, this lawsuit wont change access to contraception for teens here. But its part of a broader pattern of limiting access to reproductive health care in the state.

Texas teen pregnancy rate ticked up for the first time in decades after the state banned nearly all abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, according to 2022 fertility data. Now, with abortions virtually banned and contraception further limited, many health care providers and advocates are worried about a further spike in those numbers.

Teens who cant get parental permission to get on birth control are the ones that tend to be invisible to the health care system, until they show up pregnant or with an STD, Dr. Josephine Porter, chief medical officer at Tyler Family Circle of Care, told the Texas Tribune in April.

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!
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Texas lawmakers on Wednesday convened to consider legislation to limit hostile foreign organizations from owning Texas land and assets, pointing to security threats that national security experts testified could stem from Chinese-affiliated companies operating in Texas.

The United States is under a pervasive threat from the Chinese Communist Party, from Russia, from Iran, and from North Korea, Brian Cavanaugh with American Global Strategies said. Its not a conflict where were targeting military versus military. Theyve actually taken an asymmetric approach where theyre targeting civilian critical infrastructure. Its economic warfare, lawfare, and a fundamental threat to the general population.

Nationwide, foreign entities own about three percent of U.S. farmland  nearly all of them friendly nations. China owns just one percent of that three percent. However, Chinese entities own more land in Texas than any other state, at about 162,000 acres.

Critics pose that land could present risks of espionage and economic influence. Those concerns have led 24 states to prohibit or limit foreign land ownership.

Last year, Texas Republicans tried to pass a sweeping bill to ban property ownership for all citizens from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The bill failed after a groundswell of criticism from Asian Americans.

That is plainly racist, and our community will not stand for it, State Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, said. If they want to talk about critical infrastructure, its already been addressed. What theyre talking about is homeownership, is business ownership. Its basically saying, no Asians, no Chinese are welcome here.'

Lawmakers alluded to avoiding past missteps in next years legislative session, narrowing the next bill to target entities rather than individuals.

Any affiliation with any business thats owned or operated by the Chinese Communist Party, thats a state-owned enterprise and its going to be doing the business of the Chinese government, Cavanaugh said. I think theyre going to tighten up the parameters on this one, probably have some of this more specific and more zeroed-in, and that will hopefully address a lot of concerns that came up last session.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
[Source]

Thailand plans to regulate its growing cannabis industry through new legislation, potentially shelving controversial plans to reverse decriminalization.

Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, which spearheaded Thailands 2022 historic cannabis decriminalization, has proposed a draft bill to regulate rather than criminalize cannabis, calming tensions within the ruling coalition. The draft law will be debated in parliament, but it remains unclear if there will be a crackdown on recreational use. This move contrasts with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisins earlier push to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. Despite ongoing opposition and public protests, the regulatory approach is seen as a compromise to address concerns about cannabis use while maintaining legal access.

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POCOLA, Okla. (KNWA/KFTA)  The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said a third suspect has been arrested in connection to a February 2023 Pocola murder that left one dead, according to a social media post.

Tyriq Eastling, 23 (Courtesy: La Porte County Indiana Sheriffs Office)

Tyriq Eastling, 23, was arrested in Michigan City, Indiana on July 24 by the US Marshals Service. He is charged with first-degree murder and was booked into La Porte County, Indiana.

Two others were arrested in February 2023 in connection to the murder.

Tavin Chambers and Rashawd Chambers were apprehended and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit assault.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation was assisting the Pocola Police Department with a February 21, 2023, murder that left Barry Lemont Richardson, 26, dead by an apparent gunshot wound.

Officers responded around 1:30 p.m. to a shooting near Butler Avenue and Clark Avenue in Pocola and found Richardson and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

He is being held in the La Porte County Detention Center without bond. Eastling is set to appear in court on August 8 at noon.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
I thought I was going to die: Neighbor recounts moments during deadly officer-involved shooting in Florence

I thought I was going to die: Neighbor recounts moments during deadly officer-involved shooting in Florence

FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  The neighbor of the man killed in a standoff Monday with Florence authorities said everyone was evacuated from her building at Sage Point Apartments  except her and her 6-month-old daughter.

She doesnt understand why.

Once they realized that me and my baby [were] still in the apartment, I feel like they should have done something, because they saw me in my room window, Janecka King said.

Matthew Paul Barry, 41, died in the officer-involved shooting. Authorities said they were serving a warrant for Barry when he opened fire. He was wanted in connection with a homicide that happened Sunday.

King said she woke up to loud voices asking the suspect to surrender. She said authorities told her they knocked on her door. She said before she could do something to help herself, she heard gunshots.

I thought I was going to die, so I hurried to the window because I didnt know where the gunshots were coming from, King said. She said she told authorities to stop shooting because they were shooting at her.

King says a police chaplain offered emotional support to her and her family. She has not heard from any other official since that day.

News13 began reaching out to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division on Monday. As of this writing, we have not heard back.

* * *

Tomika Jackson joined News13 in April 2024 as a multimedia journalist. She started her journalism career in 2000 with previous stops at WALB TV10, CBS47 & WTOC11 in Savannah, Georgia. Tomika is a Georgia native and Valdosta State University graduate. Follow Tomika on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram. You can read 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 WBTW.
Three charged in high-speed chase that left deputy hurt in Stafford County

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Stafford County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) said three people are facing several charges after allegedly leading deputies on a high-speed chase Tuesday evening.

Shortly after 5:30 p.m., deputies observed a black Honda Civic that was allegedly wanted. The Sheriffs Office said deputies attempted to stop the car but the driver, 28-year-old Nicholas Morales, of Woodbridge, refused and a pursuit began.

16-year-old arrested in connection to triple Southeast shooting that left 3 injured

The Sheriffs Office said Morales started going at a high rate of speed and drove onto I-95 and eventually got off at Courthouse Road before getting back on the Interstate, toward Centreport Parkway. As the chase continued, deputies alerted the Virginia State Police and SWAT Team to help with the pursuit.

Deputies said as Morales exited I-95, they made intentional contact and the car swerved off the road and into an embankment.

Thats when Morales and two passengers, Raymond Whalen, 24, of Chantilly, and Ajee Whitter, 30, of Arlington exited the car and started running, according to officials.

After a brief foot chase and with the help of a K-9, all three suspects were taken into custody.

Officials said a deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the crash and was flown to the hospital out of precaution.

MSP identifies two women in their 80s killed in Charles County crash

Morales was charged with felony eluding, driving while revoked, felony hit and run, eluding police on foot, obstruction of justice, littering, possession of controlled substances, reckless driving, and failure to maintain his lane. Deputies learned he was wanted out of Prince William County on several charges including reckless driving.

Whalen was charged with felony failure to report a hit and run with injury, and eluding police on foot.

Whitter was charged with felony failure to report a hit and run with injury, and eluding police on foot. According to the Sheriffs Office, Whitter was wanted by U.S. Marshals for an escape.

All three suspects are being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Three Russian drones targeting Ukraine stray into Nato-member Romania, says air force chief

A view of an area where fragments (inset) from a Russian Geran 1/2 drone found, in Romania (ES Composite)

Three Russian drones sent to target Ukraine strayed into Romania, a Nato member, according to Kyivs air force chief.

Ukrainian forces destroyed 25 Russian attack drones out of 38 launched overnight, Mykola Oleshchiuk said on Thursday.

Last night, the enemy used 38 Shahed-131/136 attack drones, attacking Ukrainian infrastructure in several areas, including the south of Odesa region and central Ukraine, explained Ukraines air force chief.

He added that three other drones were lost after crossing the state border with Romania. He gave no more details and the timing of these alleged incidents was not clear.

Drone fragments were found around a Romanian village near the Danube and Ukraine border after overnight Russian attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure, Romanian television station Digi24 reported on Thursday.

A view of an area where fragments from a Russian Geran 1/2 drone found, at a location given as near the village of Plauru, Romania (via REUTERS)

Fragments from a Russian Geran 1/2 drone were found around a village near the Danube and the border with Ukraine, the Romanian defence ministry said later on Thursday, confirming the media reports.

NATO said on Thursday there was no indication that Russian drone debris found in Romania was evidence of an intentional attack on a member state but that it pointed to "irresponsible and potentially dangerous" actions.

"While NATO has no information indicating any intentional attack by Russia against Allied territory, these acts are irresponsible and potentially dangerous", said a spokesperson for the military alliance.

It added that Nato had increased its presence in the Black Sea region in recent days.

There were also reports that Romanian F-16 fighter jets were scrambled in response to drones heading into the country on Tuesday night and that three of the unmanned aircraft plummeted to the ground causing fires.

Romanian territory is just a few hundred metres from the Ukrainian Danube port of Izmail, in the southern Odesa region, which was attacked by drones for the second night in a row.

Odesa governor Oleh Kiper said two people were wounded when drone debris hit a private house in Izmail district.

Authorities in the capital Kyiv and in the Zhytomyr region said those regions had also been targeted.

Fragments of a Russian Geran 1/2 drone lie on the ground in a location given as near the village of Plauru (via REUTERS)

Zhytomyrs governor said that air defence systems hit most of the 10 aerial targets overnight, but drone debris damaged 10 private houses and one infrastructure facility.

The head of Kyivs military administration, Serhiy Popko, said that drones attacked the capital from different directions, but all of them were destroyed by air defence forces on the approaches.

Mr Popko said there were no reports of damage or casualties in Kyiv.

At a Nato meeting in Washington earlier this month, new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer appealed to allies to maintain support for Kyiv in its war against Vladimir Putins invasion.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky also attended a meeting of European leaders at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire last week and held talks with Sir Keir in No10.

An Iranian made and Russia operated Shahed-136 (Geran in Russian) drone (REUTERS)

He is appealing to allies to allow West-supplied missiles to be used to target air bases deep in Russia from where aircraft are flying to launch gliding bombs on Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Putin met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Kremlin on Wednesday.
SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  The state of Baja California will get 200 liters of water per second from the San Diego County Water Authority to help Tijuana residents during the hot summer months.

The water will be delivered through an international line that crosses the border from San Diego to Tijuana.

There is a greater demand when it gets hot, said Carlos Alberto Machado Parra, director in Tijuana for Bajas Public Service and Planning Commission (CESPT). We always maintain this binational connection so we can supply neighborhoods that may be short on supply, well store it in the Carrizo Dam.

Tijuana running out of water, turns to California for help

Machado Parra stated his department is prepared to pay 85 million pesos, or about $5 million, for the water this summer.

The water comes from the Colorado River north of the border, but is brought to the area by the San Diego County Water Authority according to CESPT.

ENVIRONMENT IBWC head tells South Texas leaders Mexico will send some water

Machado Parra told reporters last week that water deliveries from California may increase beyond the summer months should the need arise or there are breakdowns in Tijuanas water infrastructure.

In 2023, CESPT paid almost $1.7 million for similar water deliveries, according to public records.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

The Carrizo Dam needs to have at least 16 million cubic meters of water stored so we can supply customers, especially on the east side of the city, this helps maintain that level, said Machado Parra.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In the last leg of the 2024 Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Top 10 Takeover, the dinner series is heading to Ann Arbor.

On Aug. 13, guests are invited to join Freep dining and restaurant critic Lyndsay C. Green and food writer Susan Selasky for a four-course dinner at Peridot, a Vietnamese cocktail bar and restaurant helmed by longtime Ann Arbor restaurateurs Watershed Hospitality Group and Duc Tang of Pacific Rim by Kana.

For $145, priced for two, diners will have an opportunity to get a taste of the Vietnamese flavors and dishes that earned Peridot a spot at No. 6 on Greens list of Top 10 New Restaurants and Dining Experiences. Each dish is intended to be shared among two guests. Pricing includes tax, gratuity and a donation to Forgotten Harvest, a local nonprofit working to fight food insecurity in the Detroit area.

Menu highlights, such as Peridots spicy, citrusy green papaya salad and grilled sea bream will be available, along with courses designed specifically for Takeover diners. Vegetarian options will also be offered.

Menu

First Course

Choice of:

Kampachi and Prosciutto - kampachi sashimi, prosciutto de parma, tomatillo ponzu, honey dew, pickled Fresno, pistachio, smoked soy gel.

or

Ribeye Carpaccio - thin-sliced, seared ribeye, charred scallion puree, fried shallots, fish sauce vinaigrette

Second Course

Choice of:

Seared Cabbage - chili hoisin marinade, fried shallots, pomegranate seed, coconut puree, pepita, Thai basil.

or

Green Papaya Salad - English cucumber, pickled daikon, roasted peanuts, fried shallots, spicy lime dressing, house-made beef jerky.

Third Course

Choice of:

Grilled Sea Bream - Marinated grilled sea bream, lettuce wraps, pickled shallots, ginger citrus nouc cham, rice noodles.

or

Rohan Duck - Dgy-aged, seared duck breast, duck leg spring rolls, pan-roasted rapini, kohlrabi puree, star anise duck jus.

or

Spring Vegetable Curry - green curry broth, green spring vegetables, romaine lettuce, jasmine rice, herbs, lime vinaigrette.

Along with Third Course:

Ketchup Fried Rice- Jasmine rice, sriracha, scallions, egg, puffed rice, fried garlic.

Fourth Course

Choice of:

Pavlova- Honey-lime mousse, mixed berries, lime gel.

or

Yuzu Citrus Tart - Yuzu citrus curd, black cardamom, diplomat cream, orange supreme, cashew crust.

or

Mocha Cake - coffee syrup, sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate ganache.

Tickets to the Top 10 Takeover at Peridot go on sale Thursday, July 25, at noon for Free Press subscribers. Tickets for the general public will be available Friday, July 26 at noon. Visit chevydetroit.com/top10 to enter for a chance to win two free tickets.

If you go

Aug. 13, 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Coeur, 118 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-773-3097; peridota2.com

$145 for two

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Top 10 Takeover dining series: Tickets available for Peridot in Ann Arbor
Dive Brief:

Seattle-area grocery chain Town & Country Markets is taking on restaurants with the debut of a market-to-table restaurant called Field House.

The grocer collaborated with chef and restaurateur Ethan Stowell on the concepts menu, which serves up classic favorites drawing inspiration from the markets pantries, seasonal ingredients and regional purveyors, the announcement said.

Field House held its grand opening on July 19 inside the Town & Country Market store in Mill Creek, Washington. The grocer said it plans to also bring the concept to its Lakemont location in Bellevue, Washington, and its store in Poulsbo, Washington.

Dive Insight:

Town & Country Markets positioned its new restaurant concept as a way to transform the grocery experience by showcasing the quality of the ingredients it sells.

Were passionate about food at T&C, and Field House allows us to create a real sense of place by bringing our best foods and the community together, Town & Country Markets CEO Ryan Ritter said in a statement.

Field Houses menu includes options like pizza, burgers, sandwiches and specialty entrees with a creative twist like smoked brisket tots, a sockeye BLT and Dungeness crab cakes, the press release said. The restaurant also has a kids menu that includes chicken strips, fries and cheese quesadillas. Field House will offer a weekend brunch featuring a Macrina cinnamon roll, Nutella pancakes and a smoked salmon and spinach scramble.

Stowell, a James Beard Award-nominated chef whose restaurant business runs more than two dozen restaurants in the Puget Sound region, designed the menu and helped Town & Country Markets create a top-notch hospitality experience, Ritter said. Stowell will also give hands-on training, the announcement noted.

Town & Country Markets, which was founded in 1957 by brothers John and Mo Nakata and their friend Ed Loverich, has six stores in the Puget Sound region. The name Field House gives a nod to its founders  naka means middle and ta means field  and its inspiration stems from the familys Middlefield Farm on Bainbridge Island.

Field House comes at a time when grocers are increasingly ramping up foodservice options and adding in-store restaurants.

Macey's Market Little Cottonwood in Sandy, Utah, for example, recently debuted a new in-store restaurant called White Pine Sushi to tap into the foods growing popularity. The full-menu establishment offers a variety of Japanese cuisine, including traditional, specialty and deep-fried tempura rolls made to order.

Story continues

Meanwhile, Walmart has added to its list of partners for in-store, made-to-order restaurants with newly announced plans to bring Texas-based Mr. Gattis Pizza to 92 locations across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Kentucky. Walmart has also been growing the number of its locations with in-store poke restaurants through its partnership with Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar.

This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter.
Top Florida Republicans, including a leading lawmaker and governor's office staff, are applauding Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom for his executive order to remove homeless encampments across the Golden State.

"Im glad to see Governor Newsom finally accept reality and acknowledge the damage chronic homelessness does to communities and businesses," said state Rep. Sam Garrison, R-Fleming Island, in a statement.

Garrison, who is in line to be Florida House speaker in 2026-28, thanked Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing "Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping" (HB 1365), which prohibits local municipalities from allowing people to camp or sleep on public property.

"The Free State of Florida rejects the siren song of comfortable inaction and instead chooses to lead the way," Garrison added.

The order requires state departments and agencies in California to address encampments on state property. Notices to vacate must be posted at least 48 hours in advance, and personal property will be bagged, tagged and stored for at least 60 days, according to the executive order.

"No more excuses. Weve provided the time. Weve provided the funds. Now its time for locals to do their job," Newsom wrote in a post on X.

No more excuses.



Weve provided the time.



Weve provided the funds.



Now its time for locals to do their job. https://t.co/oMQiWggJBa  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 25, 2024

California's move to ban homeless encampments comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in late June it's not "cruel and unusual" to fine and jail people for being camping and living in public spaces.

DeSantis spokesman Bryan Griffin urged California to make the executive order a state law. "Keep following the Florida model," he posted on X.

Great! Now make it law, like Florida.

Under HB 1365, championed by @GovRonDeSantis in March, Homeless individuals are prohibited from camping on city streets, sidewalks, and parksand homeless shelters require occupants to not use drugs.

Keep following the Florida model.  https://t.co/Q8TUq54c9r pic.twitter.com/tyMuSiAFUe  Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) July 25, 2024

Christina Pushaw, the special projects director for DeSantis' communications team, wrote in a social post that she was doubtful Newsom could enforce his executive order.

"I do hope California is able to clean up the homeless encampments because theyre squalid, dangerous, and should not exist in a civilized society. However, as with anything Newsom says, Ill believe it when I see it," she wrote.

As previously reported, the deadline to comply with Florida's new anti-camping law is drawing near, and local municipalities are scrambling to comply.

In March, the City of Orlando was looking at facilities for an emergency overnight shelter, said spokesperson Ashley Papagni.

And the Tampa Bay Times recently reported Pinellas County law enforcement agencies have started to track the location and number of homeless people who sleep outside.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 16, 2024.

DeSantis has touted the state's anti-camping law as the "Florida Model," a way to keep the state from looking like San Francisco, a city that he had previously said "collapsed because of leftist policies."

DeSantis and Newsom have a fierce rivalry, even debating each other last year on Fox News. Newsom has criticized DeSantis over abortion and immigration, and DeSantis has consistently used California as an example of what Florida isn't.

"We're basically saying in the state of Florida, a municipality or county is just simply not allowed to embrace San Francisco-style policies," DeSantis said in March. "You can make other choices, but you can't make that choice. Why? Because every time that choice has been made, the result has been destructive."

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) counted 18,815 year-round shelter beds in emergency, safe haven and transitional housing in Florida. That same year, the state had 30,756 people experiencing homelessness, with 15,482 people unsheltered.

In 2023, the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found Hardee, Hendry and Highlands counties had the second-highest rate of homelessness in the nation.

Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Republicans applaud California's banning of homeless camps
Top Florida Republicans, including a leading lawmaker and governor's office staff, are applauding Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom for his executive order to remove homeless encampments across the Golden State.

"Im glad to see Governor Newsom finally accept reality and acknowledge the damage chronic homelessness does to communities and businesses," said state Rep. Sam Garrison, R-Fleming Island, in a statement.

Garrison, who is in line to be Florida House speaker in 2026-28, thanked Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing "Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping" (HB 1365), which prohibits local municipalities from allowing people to camp or sleep on public property.

"The Free State of Florida rejects the siren song of comfortable inaction and instead chooses to lead the way," Garrison added.

The order requires state departments and agencies in California to address encampments on state property. Notices to vacate must be posted at least 48 hours in advance, and personal property will be bagged, tagged and stored for at least 60 days, according to the executive order.

"No more excuses. Weve provided the time. Weve provided the funds. Now its time for locals to do their job," Newsom wrote in a post on X.

No more excuses.



Weve provided the time.



Weve provided the funds.



Now its time for locals to do their job. https://t.co/oMQiWggJBa  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 25, 2024

California's move to ban homeless encampments comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in late June it's not "cruel and unusual" to fine and jail people for being camping and living in public spaces.

DeSantis spokesman Bryan Griffin urged California to make the executive order a state law. "Keep following the Florida model," he posted on X.

Great! Now make it law, like Florida.

Under HB 1365, championed by @GovRonDeSantis in March, Homeless individuals are prohibited from camping on city streets, sidewalks, and parksand homeless shelters require occupants to not use drugs.

Keep following the Florida model.  https://t.co/Q8TUq54c9r pic.twitter.com/tyMuSiAFUe  Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) July 25, 2024

Christina Pushaw, the special projects director for DeSantis' communications team, wrote in a social post that she was doubtful Newsom could enforce his executive order.

"I do hope California is able to clean up the homeless encampments because theyre squalid, dangerous, and should not exist in a civilized society. However, as with anything Newsom says, Ill believe it when I see it," she wrote.

As previously reported, the deadline to comply with Florida's new anti-camping law is drawing near, and local municipalities are scrambling to comply.

In March, the City of Orlando was looking at facilities for an emergency overnight shelter, said spokesperson Ashley Papagni.

And the Tampa Bay Times recently reported Pinellas County law enforcement agencies have started to track the location and number of homeless people who sleep outside.

DeSantis has touted the state's anti-camping law as the "Florida Model," a way to keep the state from looking like San Francisco, a city that he had previously said "collapsed because of leftist policies."

DeSantis and Newsom have a fierce rivalry, even debating each other last year on Fox News. Newsom has criticized DeSantis over abortion and immigration, and DeSantis has consistently used California as an example of what Florida isn't.

"We're basically saying in the state of Florida, a municipality or county is just simply not allowed to embrace San Francisco-style policies," DeSantis said in March. "You can make other choices, but you can't make that choice. Why? Because every time that choice has been made, the result has been destructive."

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) counted 18,815 year-round shelter beds in emergency, safe haven and transitional housing in Florida. That same year, the state had 30,756 people experiencing homelessness, with 15,482 people unsheltered.

In 2023, the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found Hardee, Hendry and Highlands counties had the second-highest rate of homelessness in the nation.

Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Republicans applaud California's banning of homeless camps
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A Topeka man was arrested for aggravated arson in connection to a Wednesday morning house fire in central Topeka.

Just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, the Topeka Fire Department (TFD) responded to reports of a house fire in the 1300 block of Southwest Western Avenue. Crews found smoke something from the residence and fire in the basement, according to a news release from the City of Topeka.

TFD crews were able to extinguish the fire with no occupants being found in the house. There have been no reported injuries.

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation sues Jackson Co. Sheriff

After an investigation, the fire was determined to be an incendiary fire, according to the release. A 27-year-old Topeka man was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on an aggravated arson charge Thursday, July 25.

The following is a brief summary of the fire:

The cause of the fire is undetermined.

TFD response included four engine companies, two truck companies, one aerial company and two battalion chiefs.

Assisting agencies included AMR, Evergy and the Kansas Gas Service.

Working smoke detectors were not located in the house where the fire originated.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topeka Public Schools is still hiring for dozens support staff jobs, with less than a month before the students first day.

The district told 27 News that there are specific jobs they are having a hard time filling and these jobs come from outside the classroom

One of the big needs that we still see is that we are in need of paraprofessionals, bus drivers, food service workers and custodians. General Director of Human Resources Jessica Williams said.

Longtime Topeka hobby store to move locations

The school district is expected to have all of their classroom certified positions filled going in to the school year. They do still have a high number of other positions that are open.

You know, were roughly looking probably around 50 or 60 positions that are really crucial to fill before the school year. We hope to fill almost all of them before the school year. Williams said.

The district says it is important that these positions get filled to provide the best learning experience for the students.

We really count on our staff members to be there for students, for example, for food service and custodian, Williams said. It puts a lot of burden on the ones who are already here. We want to make sure that were providing our students with clean schools, safe schools, healthy lunches and foods.

Geary Co. Sheriffs Office flooded due to sewage back up

This is also the first school year where students can attend schools outside of the district that they live in. The district says they are seeing a slight increase in enrollment and if that continues they will need more staff members.

If the class sizes increase, well have to increase staffing and adjust to match that enrollment because we do have class size ratios. General Director of Assessment and Demographics Aaron Kipp said.

The school district has done many recruiting fairs throughout the month of July to try and fill these jobs. There will be another one on Thursday, July 25 at Topeka High School. For more information on the available jobs in the district and the upcoming recruiting fair 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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UPDATE 6:45 P.M. HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The National Weather Service reports the Tornado warning has been canceled in Halifax and Pittsylvania Counties.

RELATED STORY: Tornado confirmed in Halifax County, National Weather Service says

According to NWS, although the tornado threat has diminished, large hail and damaging winds remain likely and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect in the area.



HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for residents of Halifax and Pittsylvania County.

According to the NWS, the tornado warning is for residents of East Central Pittsylvania County and Central Halifax County. It also lists these impacted locations:

South Boston

Halifax

Nathalie

Scottsburg

Leda

Crystal Hill

Mt. Laurel

Pinpoint Weather: More storms, relief on the way

The NWS advises residents in these areas to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and to avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

The NWS says the Tornado Warning is in effect until 6:45 p.m.

WFXR News will update this story as further information is 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 WFXRtv.
The Conservatives have become the natural party of feuding rather than government, which is perhaps why they decided to indulge themselves with a leadership battle that lasts all the way until November. With just 10 MPs needed to nominate, we can expect to be treated to several rival candidates finding touchpoints that expose the party is its most divided and discombobulated. Tom Tugendhat has kindly started the proceedings, by raising the subject of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Writing in these pages yesterday, Tugendhat, now shadow security minister, listed the ECHR as a topic where he said there is such a strong consensus that it is not even up for debate. But when asked to explain the consensus on the radio, Tugendhat struggled. Even he wasnt quite able to say that he would be prepared to pull Britain from the ECHR: he would hint at it, but not spell it out. This reminds us that there is no Tory consensus  and, in fact, still potential for a new Tory split.

One of the reasons that Sunak called an early election was that he thought his party might founder on this rock. His flagship Rwanda deportation scheme looked likely to fall foul of the ECHR, which would lead to a crunch point. Most of his Cabinet would advocate sending the flights regardless, acting in defiance. James Cleverly, then home secretary, wanted to find a middle way. But he agreed with Alex Chalk, then justice secretary, that pulling out of the convention lands Britain in an ugly club of ECHR refuseniks, alongside Russia and Belarus.

All this resulted in an election triggered by government collapse  and an even worse defeat. But there is still plenty of time for the Tories to split on the issue  and they may even do so this summer.

The case for leaving the ECHR is quite easy to make: like the European Union, its a good idea that became a bad one through mission creep and politicisation. It was intended as a legal backstop, a guarantor of basic rights. It has ended up challenging policies not only on border control but energy policy. In April, judges in Strasbourg ruled that Switzerland had violated the human rights of its citizens by failing to do enough on climate change. All this has led Jonathan Sumption, a former Supreme Court judge, to talk about pulling out.

Britain has a long tradition of defending fundamental rights and holding governments to account, he says. Theres no reason why our courts cannot be trusted to defend rights without usurping government functions as Strasbourg is now doing. We see, here, the foundations of a second Brexit: to complete the job, to take back control. Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick, a former home secretary and a former immigration minister, both advocate pulling out  in a way that Tugendhat does not. So language on ECHR will be a touchstone issue.

But on this, Im with Cleverly. Its a bit easy, almost facile, to say that pulling out of the ECHR would be a remedy. The real problem is the network of laws that the Tories allowed to surround government, where their every move could be challenged by activists. It is perhaps the biggest single reason why they failed.

An example struck me when I last saw Sunak in No 10. On my way in, I noticed two huge security notices: one announcing that the building is protected (the armed police made that point) and another saying identification is needed (ditto). I wondered, as I waited, why it was necessary to deface a national landmark in this way. Once through the gates, I was asked to wait outside the security cabin until moisture from the newly-mopped floor had evaporated. Health and safety. Pleading that I had an appointment with the prime minister cut no ice.

I was told by officials not to worry about keeping him waiting: Team Sunak may work in the place, but dont actually run it. That struck me as a metaphor for the whole government. There is an illusion of power, the careful pretence of being in control. Ive lost count of meetings with ministers where they said their hands had been tied by the threat of lawsuits and judicial reviews  on welfare, planning, even new NHS drugs. This apparatus is the new enemy of progress.

Look at Katharine Birbalsingh, whose Michaela Free School will next month doubtless show stunning GCSE results for pupils from often-challenging backgrounds. She was forced into the High Court for much of this year, sued by a Muslim pupil who wanted to pray at lunchtime. This would have meant destroying the mixed-faith group lunches crucial to her schools culture. She was sued under Article 9 of the ECHR (freedom of religion) but also the homegrown Equality Act (religious discrimination). She won, but the process was the punishment.

Her plight seems an eloquent bookend to the years of Tory rule. In 2010, laws were made allowing teachers like her to set up these miracle schools. But the Tories were, in the end, unable to protect them from the lawfare that led to so much harassment that few teachers would follow in Birbalsinghs footsteps. The Tories won the big-picture arguments but ended up choked in legal weeds which grew around their feet as they did nothing. This, not just the ECHR, is the problem. Talking about pulling out of the ECHR misses the point.

To stand any chance of recovery, the Tories need not only to admit that they failed, but work out why they failed. Its pointless to promise bold action on the ECHR without being able to explain what that bold action would be or why this would be done. Starting a conversation without being able to finish it suggests the Tories still suffer from the old malady: making the right noises to attract certain sorts of voters, but not being able to follow through. The issue of competence, or lack thereof, loses voters in the end.

The harder conversation to have is about the legal overgrowth, why it matters, how to change it  and how to do so without abolishing genuinely-needed safeguards (as happened in lockdown). This is a more nuanced, thoughtful and less punchy way of plotting a political comeback. Its far from clear if the Tories are in a fit state to do this  but losing their addiction to the tough-sounding and ultimately empty gestures would be a start.

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ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A train derailed Thursday morning in Anderson County.

According to the Anderson County Sheriffs Office, the derailment happened just after 11:30 a.m. on Beeks Road at Belton Honea Path Highway.

Anderson County Fire Chief Jimmy Sutherland said two train cars overturned and another partially overturned.

Sutherland said there were no active leaks from the train cars. Hazmat teams monitored the area throughout the day.

The railroad company brought in heavy machinery Thursday evening to remove the train cars from the tracks. The clean up is expected to take several hours to complete.

Belton-Honea Path Highway was closed for several hours after the derailment but has since reopened.

Train derailment along Belton-Honea Path Highway in Anderson County, S.C., July 25, 2024 (WSPA)

Train derailment along Belton-Honea Path Highway in Anderson County, S.C., July 25, 2024 (WSPA)

Train derailment along Belton-Honea Path Highway in Anderson County, S.C., July 25, 2024 (WSPA)

Train derailment along Belton-Honea Path Highway in Anderson County, S.C., July 25, 2024 (WSPA)

Train derailment along Belton-Honea Path Highway in Anderson County, S.C., July 25, 2024 (WSPA)

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
"They travel to front line and give paw": how combat cats Mavik and Leo amuse border guards  photos, video

Mavik the Cat from Kharkiv Oblast with Rai (Paradise). Photo: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Border guards of the Carpathian Detachment have come back from their rotations at the front with new four-legged pets: black cat Mavik (as the Mavic drone  ed.) and spotted cat Leo.

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine called the animals "sPETScial border guards."

"Mavik, a black cat, came to Lviv Oblast from Kharkiv Oblast. In 2023, border guards found a frightened kitten, nursed it back to health and took it with them," the border guards say.

Black cat Mavik and spotted cat Leo help border guard to catch mice and warn them of attacks

This is the second year Mavik has been travelling with the military to the front line, and he lives at the permanent deployment point of the unit during rotations. The cat is responsible for the absence of mice in the dugout. And during his stay with the military, he even learned to give a paw on command.

"He is calm. Born in the east during the attack, he is a combat cat," says a soldier who goes by the alias Rai (Paradise).

Leo, a spotted cat from Lviv Oblast, was given to the border guard who goes by the alias Kaban (Boar) by his mother-in-law. This cat also travels to the front line and warns the military about attacks with his behaviour: he hides or climbs a tree.

"My wife's mother gave me a cat. They had two cats: a white one and this one. He was more dexterous and energetic, so I took him.

Whenever there was an attack, he would immediately climb a tree or hide behind me. He slept with me on the bed in the basement," recalls Kaban.

Once Kaban thought that his Leo had run away to the forest. But the story ended with a happy ending: three hours later, the cat came back.

"Pets become a good thing for soldiers at the front, helping them to hold on and give them comfort," the State Border Guard Service said.

Background: Earlier, servicemen from Ukraine's National Guard spoke about their morale-boosting cat Kotusko, who used to carry out "strategic tasks" near their positions.

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The chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) market has laid relatively dormant for the past few years until recently.

Several biologics which have been given the greenlight in asthma have not met the mark in COPD, with both GSK and AstraZeneca facing hurdles.

We have seen this before, especially in the field of airway disease, asthma and COPD, the first round sometimes failed and then they tweaked the protocol, a slightly different patient population, or a different dose and it worked, says Dr. Michael Segel, attending physician in pulmonology at the Sheba Hospital, Israel.

UK-based company Verona Pharma has just received approval for its COPD drug Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine). The candidate is the first novel treatment in a decade to get the greenlight from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This comes after the FDA asked for more time to review Regeneron and Sanofis Dupixent (dupilumab) in COPD, which if approved would be the first biologic approved in the indication.

GSKs Nucala hopes for second time lucky

GSK is hoping for a win in the Phase III MATINEE trial of its biologic Nucala (mepolizumab). The company filed to the FDA for approval of Nucala in 2018 but it was denied, with the agency saying it needed more evidence of efficacy.

Following the earlier trials, METREX (NCT02105948) and METREO (NCT02105961), GSK said that Nucala was efficacious and that the number of eosinophils in a patients blood may help doctors decide if mepolizumab will work for them. The METREX trial reported an 18% reduction in moderate to severe exacerbations, compared to placebo, but did not meet statistical significance in METREO.

Nucala was the first interleukin-5 (IL-5) inhibitor to be approved for marketing, getting a nod from the FDA as a treatment for severe asthma associated with elevated eosinophil levels back in 2015.

The MATINEE trial (NCT04133909) has enrolled 806 COPD patients aged over 40 without asthma who need inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) and long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) treatments.

The biggest change in the MATINEE trial is that GSK has a more defined patient population which should yield better results, explains Asiyah Nawab, pharma analyst at GlobalData.

The MATINEE trial has been able to redefine the use of the agent, with more refined criteria on the population and entry criteria of COPD patients, says Nawab. It is unfair to say that the failure of the METREX and METREO trial will predict the fate of Nucalas performance in the MATINEE trial, rather it is a learning-curve for GSKs R&D team to refine the parameters tested.

Story continues

The subgroups selected in the MATINEE trial also line up with those of previously successful candidates adds Dr. Armeen Poor, physician for division of pulmonary and critical care medicine at NYC Health and Hospitals, New York.

Dr. Armeen Poor, physician for division of pulmonary and critical care medicine at NYC Health and Hospitals, New York.

Looking at the subgroups, and looking at the subgroups where Dupixent excelled, these line up. As a result, I think that this will show a statistically and clinically significant benefit.

AstraZeneca also hoping for success in second Phase III try

The story is similar for AstraZeneca, which is also hoping for a win in its third Phase III study of Fasenra (benralizumab). Two previous trials, GALATHEA (NCT02138916) and TERRANOVA (NCT02155660), both failed to meet the primary endpoints.

The RESOLUTE trial (NCT04053634) is investigating Fasenra in 645 patients with COPD who have had at least two moderate to severe exacerbations in the past year despite being on a controller (ICS, LABA, LAMA).

The primary endpoint of the trial is the annualised rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations.

Fasenra is also an IL-5 inhibitor which is approved for use in asthma.

Poor says that AstraZeneca is now targeting a patient population who are more likely to respond, so there are high hopes for the recent Phase III trial.

The previous Phase III trials for COPD did not meet statistical significance for the 220 blood eosinophils cut off but there was an impressive benefit in those with 300 blood eosinophils and above. That is what AstraZeneca is evaluating now so I expect that to be successful. Depending on the degree of success, it could be looked on very favourably due to its eight-week dosing schedule, Poor explains.

The beauty of this particular biologic is the fact that is has been extremely well studied in asthma, which means that it is effective, says Nawab. The challenge of this biologic is being able to identify the right subset of COPD patients. Perhaps some of the earlier studies were too narrow of a phenotype, however, the REOSLUTE study has been able to redefine these parameters.

If Fasenra makes it to market for COPD, Prof. Gerard Criner, chair of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, says that the dosing schedule of one every two months will be a big win over the twice month Dupixent and once monthly Nucala.

Roche holds hopes on pipeline candidate

Roche is also pushing ahead with COPD before asthma for its investigative biologic astegolimab. The company is going against the grain compared to its competitors and hoping for an approval in COPD before gaining approval in the asthma setting, for which the candidate is in Phase II trials.

The Phase III ARNASA trial (NCT05595642) is investigating astegolimab with two different dosing regimens, once every four weeks and once every fortnight, versus placebo.

The trial, which estimates a final enrolment of 1,290 patients globally, has a primary endpoint of annualised rate of moderate and severe COPD exacerbations over the 52-week trial period.

In a Phase IIa study (NCT03615040), the candidate did not show statistical improvement between the treatment arm and placebo arm in the primary endpoint of exacerbation rate. Astegolimab is an IL-33 inhibitor.

Dr. Michael Segel, attending physician in pulmonology at the Sheba Hospital, Israel.

Although different to the more common pathway of gaining asthma approval first, there may be some sense in targeting COPD first says Segel.

The competition of biologics in asthma is fierce, says Segel. Of course, it all depends on what the data looks like in COPD  we are hearing that it is looking good but until you see the formal publication, you dont know.

Roches trial is not including a blood eosinophil count as part of the inclusion criteria, with Poor adding that the IL-33s could meet an unmet need of patients with lower eosinophil levels.

If they can really address that lower eosinophil group because that's where a big unmet need is right now. In patients with less than 300 cells per microliter,, IL-33 appear to be the leading targets to go after it. Dupixent is probably not going to be given on label for patients with eosinophils less than 300 cells per microliter, Segel says.

It certainly does appeal to a wider range of COPD patients due to its mechanism of action. IL-33 agents can be promising as it blocks the action of IL-33 in the upper respiratory route, which is far different from blood eosinophils, hence its use in a wider range of patients, Nawab explains.

Sanofi and Regeneron put in second bid

Sanofi and Regeneron, who continue to wait for FDA approval for Dupixent in COPD, are putting in a bid for a second biologic in the COPD market.

The AERIFY-1 (NCT04701983) and AERIFY-2 (NCT04751487) Phase III trials are investigating the candidate in former and current smokers, aged 40 and over.

Dupixent is an IL-4 and IL-13 inhibitor, with the candidate targeting a specific population of people with evidence of type 2 inflammation. Meanwhile, itepekimab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits IL-33, an initiator and amplifier of broad inflammation in COPD.

The alarmin pathway which IL-33 targets has high potential explains Criner, who believes the long term benefits could also be a decrease in the risk of lung cancer which is highly prevalent amongst COPD patients.

The potential for the alarmin pathway is much more robust than the peripheral blood eosinophil for several reasons. If you can abrogate the cycle of inflammation and repair to the epithelium, you can over time perhaps not only decrease exacerbation rate but transform the biology of the disease progression, Criner explains. Another thing is COPD and lung cancer are connected and a potential benefit of these drugs long term is that they could decrease the risk of cancer.

"Trials to watch: Four biologics concluding pivotal COPD trials" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand.







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EL PASO, Texas (Border Report)  The Treasury Department says it will freeze assets in the U.S. of two alleged fentanyl traffickers and block Americans from doing business with Mexican companies linked to them.

The sanctions outlined this week by the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control target Juan Carlos Banuelos Ramirez, Gerardo Rivera Ibarra, Fornely Lab S.A. de C.V. and Inmobiliaria Universal Deja Vu S.A. de C.V.

Feds target Sinaloa cartel boss sending tons of fentanyl to US

Banuelos, 46, is an alleged cell leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) illegally exporting fentanyl and methamphetamine to the United States. The Treasury Department alleges Banuelos launders money, procures precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of fentanyl and uses a lab in Mexico to produce counterfeit Oxycodone pills that he smuggles into the U.S. hidden in machinery.

The man nicknamed Pistones (Piston) allegedly also has purchased automatic weapons and drones for the Jalisco cartel and owns or controls Inmobiliaria Universal Deja Vu  a real estate company.

Chinese man accused of importing chemicals for fentanyl

The Treasury Department also describes Rivera, a.k.a. El Guerito (Blondie), as a CJNG cell leader sending fentanyl, meth and cocaine to the U.S. out of Jalisco, Mexico. Rivera, 54, allegedly controls Fornely Lab, a wholesale trading company.

The Office of Foreign Assets control is partnering to impose the sanctions with Mexicos Financial Intelligence Unit, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California.

In Atlanta to promote fentanyl actions, Yellen announces sanctions against Mexican cartel

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, said Brian E. Nelson, under secretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

He said this is the fifth time in one month that the federal government has imposed sanctions on Mexican fentanyl traffickers.

DEA says the Sinaloa cartel and the Jalisco cartel are the principal exporters of fentanyl to the U.S.

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GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  Theres much less need for speculation about Sean Williams Oct. 18, 2023 escape from a prison transport van and month-plus on the run after witnesses in his federal trial described those things in detail Wednesday.

ALSO TODAY: Prosecution finishes witnesses at Sean Williams trial

The driver of the van, which Williams has now admitted he escaped from, testified about that day as a prosecution witness in the 52-year-old former Johnson City business owners trial. Also testifying were two Pinellas County, Fla. deputies who were closely involved in his Nov. 20 sighting and Nov. 21 capture, along with a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agent who helped oversee the search for him.

The testimony came on the second day of Williams federal trial on two escape-related counts, one for the Oct. 18 incident and another for an alleged escape attempt related to a July 23, 2023 incident at the Washington County jail.

I got stuck with that transport

Cody Reed was one of two Laurel County, Ky. sheriffs officers who was in the van scheduled to take Williams and another federal detainee to federal court hearings in Greeneville Oct. 18. In fact, he was the driver for the two-and-a-half hour journey.

Now a federal Bureau of Prisons employee, Reed described how he got to the jail, which houses federal detainees on a contract basis, about an hour-and-a-half before the scheduled 5 a.m. departure. He said he wasnt even assigned to drive that day, but a colleague had a new baby and he took his shift.

I got stuck with that transport, Reed said.

Reed, who said he had transported Williams once before but knew nothing about his charges  which by then included three counts of production of child pornography  fed the detainees breakfast and prepped them for travel.

A map showing places along the route that took Sean Williams from London, Ky. to Greeneville Oct. 18, where he escaped from a van. (Photo: WJHL)

I placed him in shackles, Reed said of Williams, adding that he also placed him on the van.

He and a partner then got into the front, which is separated from the rest of the van by a half-inch plexiglass divider and a metal cage, and headed down U.S. Highway 25 and through the tunnel at Cumberland Gap.

Asked if he heard anything from the back during the trip, Reed said only that after passing through the tunnel, Mr. Williams had hollered and said he was not feeling well. He added that he told Williams hed have to deal with it but sped up slightly to try and get to Greeneville sooner.

From there they drove to Morristown on U.S. 25 before cutting over to Interstate 81, eventually taking the Bulls Gap exit and heading into Greeneville from the west.

Williams apparently had removed a metal clip from behind a door panel and managed to open his handcuffs many miles earlier, but was still in the van as it slowed on entering Greeneville and heading for the courthouse.

Escapee Sean Williams removed restraints, reward offered

After waiting for a Washington County vehicle to leave the sally port area where inmates are transferred, Reed was readying to pull in when he heard the other inmate yell.

I stopped, jumped out and checked, Reed said. Thats when he discovered Williams wasnt in the van and the back drivers side window was broken out. He said he immediately yelled to U.S. marshals who were there.

Reed said he then searched the back of the van. We found a pair of handcuffs, I think they (other searchers) found a pair of chains.

Also found was a metal clip and a headrest that had been removed from a seat. The handcuffs were damaged to the point of not being usable, Reed said. Photos of the van showed to the jury included the broken back window, a hinge from the metal cage that had been broken, and the front barrier.

Asked about whether he or his partner ever heard anything, Reed said no and described how the barrier made it very difficult to hear anything in the back.

We had actually told our command staff multiple times prior to this incident that needed to be fixed, Reed said.

Search proved fruitless for weeks until Williams moved

Thomas Garrison is the TBI agent who helped oversee the search for Williams starting the morning of Oct. 18. He described a massive effort that included dogs, helicopters, aircraft and dozens if not hundreds of law enforcement agents searching in and around Greeneville.

About Sean Williams alleged crimes and related civil cases

None of it was successful. Another witness, a U.S. marshal who Williams later allegedly told about that day, said Williams described quickly getting onto the roof of a building, then climbing down later on Oct. 18 after the search took to the air. He told the marshal he then found an abandoned house that even included some food he was able to eat.

Garrison said the search transitioned to a more long-term phase that included physical surveillance, checking phone and social media activity of family and friends and trying to develop informants. None of that yielded any success, nor did the hundreds of tips they got  until a tip Nov. 17 that Williams had been spotted in Sylva, N.C.

Agents didnt find him right then but did obtain security footage of Williams getting into a truck. They were able to determine it was a Toyota Tacoma made between 1998 and 2000, and on Nov. 18 learned a similar model had been reported stolen out of Greeneville Nov. 16.

Williams slips up

Despite meticulous planning by Williams detailed in journals that came into evidence Wednesday, one thing he did not do was obtain a different license plate and put it on the stolen truck.

As jurors listened intently, Garrison described how that oversight allowed TBI to coordinate with agencies that use Flock cameras  a technology that can read license plates from cameras placed along roadways. TBI learned that a camera somewhere in Clearwater, Fla. had photographed the truck with its original license plate shortly after noon on Nov. 18.

TBI immediately shared information about Williams and the vehicle with agencies throughout Florida.

Young deputy uses tech to track down Williams

Pinellas County Sheriffs Deputy Ashley Hughes followed Garrison on the stand. She told jurors shed been an officer for less than three years when she saw the BOLO (be on the lookout) for Williams and decided to research possible ties he might have to the area and where he would possibly go.

Somehow, Hughes learned that Williams father had once owned a house in Seminole, Fla. She reached out to a fellow deputy about both of them driving by the location, and said that deputy arrived at the house and didnt see the truck.

She described driving on past that neighborhood on a thoroughfare, and then seeing a truck that looked like the one described in the BOLO. It was several lanes over from her with its tailgate down, so she couldnt see a license, but she slowed and saw a tag that wasnt from Florida.

She said Williams took a couple of turns that may have been evasive if he had seen her car, but she eventually saw him pull into a driveway. It was around 11 p.m. Nov. 20. Hughes said she was able to confirm the license plate using binoculars, and that she saw a man get out but wasnt sure it was Williams, or whether it was a resident of the home.

It wasnt, and the homeowners actually called and said a man had walked up to the door and dropped a duffel bag. They let Hughes, who never saw Williams return to the truck, watch their doorbell camera video, which she later saved.

Jurors were able to see a video showing a man walk up to the front door and drop a bag. Hughes said she processed the truck before her shift ended at 6 a.m. Nov. 21, but that she came back on at 6 p.m. that night and kept researching based on information from a journal she found in the truck. It included a reference to safe places that included 7-11.

I started going to every 7-11 in the area spreading the word, showing pictures of him, Hughes said.

A clerk at one 7-11 store later called to say he thought Williams was there. Hughes immediately went there, but Williams had just left. She watched some store video and saw what looked like the same person shed seen the previous night, so she made a radio call for officers to set up a full search perimeter.

Enter officer Brissett and K-9 Voodoo

Dominic Brissett was among the officers to immediately respond. He told jurors that he and his K-9, Voodoo, had also helped search for Williams, unsuccessfully, the previous night.

Brissett said he was in the general area and heard that Williams may have been heading north on foot on a greenway called the Pinellas County Trail. Another officer reported seeing Williams leave the trail headed west and Brissett headed to that spot.

He got his dog, Voodoo, on a scent and with another deputy began tracking. Brissett said the dog took him south between two houses before briefly losing the trail. Brissett took the dog back in widening circles until it regained the scent.

Soon he gave a proximity alert between two houses, Brissett said, describing that as Voodoo getting frantic and wagging his tail as he does when he is very close to a subject.

Brissett noticed a covered porch with a lot of items on it and thought Williams might be there, but the dog alerted to a fence jump, then leapt over a fence. Brissett said he followed, heading north between the fence and a house, and turned off his flashlight.

We came up on a tarp, the dog nudged it to the side and I saw the suspect, Brissett said.

FBI: Sean Williams taken into custody in Florida

After a brief struggle, officers arrested Williams, who was wearing the same clothes from the home doorbell video of the previous night. Brissett said he then saw Williams face and was able to make a positive identification.

Sean Williams had eluded authorities for 35 days, far longer than the norm for an escaped inmate.

Offered a chance to cross-examine Brissett, Williams declined, but when Brissett identified him from across the courtroom for jurors, Williams offered a wave back to him that looked like a sign of respect as much as anything.

Williams trial resumes at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, when he is expected to call his first of multiple witnesses.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Troopers charge Pine City man with 20 counts for alleged criminal sex acts with child

A Chemung County man is being held in a county jail without bail, accused of having sexual contact with a minor in 2022.

Painted Post-based New York State Police Wednesday arrested Travis C. Peckham, 53, of Pine City, charging him with ten counts of felony first-degree criminal sex act, victim less than 11-years old, and ten counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.

The arrest, troopers said, followed an investigation over several months into allegations Peckham subjected a child under 11 to oral sexual conduct in 2022.

According to Steuben County jail records, Peckham was booked into the jail on Wednesday. His next court appearance was not immediately available.

New York State Police were assisted by the Tioga County Sheriffs Office and the Steuben County Child Advocacy Center.

This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Pine City man charged with criminal sex act with child in Steuben
In his appearance on Fox and Friends Thursday morning, Donald Trump proposed that protesters who vandalize the American flag should face jail time.

In light of flag burning that occurred at protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to Congress Wednesday, Trump said, I think you should get a one-year jail sentence if you do anything to desecrate the American flag. His remarks echo those he made as president-elect in 2016 and again amid protests against police brutality in 2020.

Trump went on, Now people will say, Oh, its unconstitutional. Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that. We have to work in Congress to get a one-year jail sentence.



Many online were quick to point out that the sainted conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia would be among such stupid people. Scalia detested flag burning but opposed state coercion against it, joining the majority opinion when the court struck down antiflag burning laws in 1989 and 1990.

Justifying his idea on Fox, Trump lamented that protesters who burn the flag project a weak image of America to the world, saying, Putin and President Xi of China, all over the world theyre watching thisKim Jong Un, he looks at us like were a bunch of babies. That wouldnt happen in their countries. Its impossible for that to happen in their country.

Indeed, such protest would be unthinkable in authoritarian countries like Russia and China, where flag desecration is punishable by imprisonment. But Trump would do well to consider that emulating these countries restrictions on symbolic speech, to quote an opinion Scalia joined, would undermine the very freedom that makes this emblem so revered, and worth revering.
A little more than a week after Donald Trump was nearly assassinated at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Ohio state Sen. George Lang was warming up the crowd ahead of a speech from Trumps running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), when he started idly vamping about how the country might need a civil war.

Im afraid if we lose this one, its going to take a civil war to save the country  and it will be saved, Lang said Monday. Its the greatest experiment in the history of mankind, and if we come down to a civil war, Im glad we got people like Bikers for Trump on our side.

Lang later wrote that he regretted the remark, which was made in the excitement of the moment on stage.

His own pangs of conscience aside, Langs comments arent an isolated occurrence  Trump and his allies have been musing about political violence and the possibility of civil war for years, even as experts warn that Americas increasing political polarization puts the country at risk of such scenarios.

Only a few weeks before Langs on-stage comments, footage emerged of Shelby Busch, chair of Arizonas delegation to the Republican National Convention, threatening to lynch an official in charge of elections in Maricopa County, Arizonas most-populous county, where Joe Biden defeated Trump in 2020.

If Stephen Richer walked in this room, I would lynch him, Busch said, in a video that Richer, who is himself a Republican, posted online. I dont unify with people who dont believe the principles we believe in and the American cause that founded this country. And so, I want to make that clear when we talk about what it means to unify. (Busch later told the Washington Post she was making a joke.)

Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump adviser, repeatedly invoked the prospect of war in June, while addressing a Turning Point Action convention for young conservative activists. Are we at war? he asked. Is this a political war to the knife? (According to CNN, this strange, oddly-specific phrase is associated with the Bleeding Kansas skirmishes in the years before the Civil War.)

Are you prepared to leave it all on the battlefield in 2024? Bannon went on to ask the conferences attendees. Its very simple: victory or death!

The same month, Mark Robinson, the GOPs candidate for governor in North Carolina, was speaking about the need to extinguish political enemies  wicked people, and people who have evil intent  when he told supporters gathered in a church that some folks need killing! Its time for somebody to say it. Its not a matter of vengeance. Its not a matter of being mean or spiteful. Its a matter of necessity! Robinson, who was later given a primetime speaking slot at the RNC.

The list goes on. Last year, Georgia state Sen. Colton Moore floated the possibility of civil war in an interview with Bannons podcast, the War Room. We need to be taking action right now. Because if we dont, our constituencies are going to be fighting it in the streets, Moore said. I dont want a civil war. I dont want to have to draw my rifle. I want to make this problem go away with my legislative means of doing so.

Kandiss Taylor, a Republican who ran for governor in Georgia, invoked civil war when reacting to Donald Trumps indictment over his efforts to overturn the election there. This is treason, Taylor said. This is war, and I hope and pray it gets resolved before we use guns. I really do. I do not want to see bloodshed in America, but were at war right now: a war for our freedom.

Asked by Tucker Carlson about the possibility civil war might break out here in the U.S. a little less than a year ago, Trump himself spoke warmly of Jan. 6  the day his supporters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the 2020 election results  calling it the most beautiful day some of his supporters had ever experienced.

You know, Jan. 6 was a very interesting day because they dont report it properly. I believe it was the largest crowd Ive ever spoken [to] before, Trump told Tucker Carlson. A very small group of people went down there. And then there are a lot of scenarios that we can talk about. But people in that crowd said it was the most beautiful day theyve ever experienced. There was love and that there was love and unity. I have never seen such spirit and such passion and such love And Ive also never seen simultaneously, and from the same people, such hatred of what theyve done to our country.

Pressed directly about the potential for open conflict, Trump demurred. I dont know, because I dont know what, you know  I can say this: Theres a level of passion that Ive never seen. Theres a level of hatred that Ive never seen, Trump said. Thats probably a bad combination.

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(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump attacked Democrats on abortion, seeking to position himself as a moderate voice on the issue as he pivoted to a new general election challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Most Read from Bloomberg

She is a radical, crazy person, Trump said at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday evening, his first since President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed Harris as his successor  the latest twist in an already volatile presidential election.

When you compare my position on abortion to that of Kamala Harris, my position is eight points higher in the polls, Trump said, without specifying the basis for that assertion. Surveys generally show that people say they trust Democrats more than Republicans on the issue.

The former president focused on abortion in a winding speech in which he spent much of his energy attacking Harris and seeking to neutralize her strengths as a candidate. Trump assailed her record as a prosecutor, arguing that she was soft on crime, as well as her stances on immigration and gun rights, providing a glimpse at how he is shifting his messaging to adapt to a new opponent.

Listen to the Bloomberg Daybreak podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen.

He has generally shied away from talking about abortion on the campaign trail, an issue where he is out of step with many of of his evangelical supporters who are pushing for a federal ban on the procedure. He didnt mention the issue in his acceptance speech at the Republican convention last week.

Harris has been an unapologetic voice for Democrats on abortion access, an issue she is more comfortable discussing than than the 81-year-old Irish Catholic president. Reproductive rights are likely to play a central role in her campaign.

Trump wants to restrict access to abortion, but said he prefers that states get to vote and decide. On Wednesday, he pointed out that Ohio and Kansas  both Republican leaning states  voted for liberal policies on reproductive rights.

Abortion Focus

Democrats are seeking to make abortion access a top issue in the election, highlighting Republican efforts to pursue federal bans and restrictive state-level policies in the wake of the 2022 Supreme Court ruling to strike down the Roe v. Wade decision, which guaranteed abortion rights nationwide for roughly half a century.

The ensuing debate has been a political quagmire for Republicans, many of whom find their support for restrictions increasingly out-of-step with the public. Trump and his campaign for months have tried to neutralize the issue. On Wednesday, he reiterated his stance to allow exceptions for women seeking in cases involving rape, incest and when the mothers life is at risk.

Trump nominated three conservative justices to the bench, who sided with the majority repealing the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

His advisers have publicly downplayed the effect of Democrats replacing Biden, who was beset by worries about his age and fitness, with a candidate who at 59 is more than two decades younger. But the shakeup has put Republicans seemingly on the backfoot, testing new attack lines as they rush to recast a new opponent to voters with less than four months until the election.

One attack line Trump and allies appear to have settled on is linking Harris to the crisis on the US-Mexico border, where an influx of migrants has strained communities across the country. Voters have cast the border as a signature issue and Trump has vowed to carry out mass deportations if elected  and floated using the military to do so.

Kamalas handling of the border should be disqualifying. She should never be trusted, Trump said. If border czar Harris stays in charge, every week will bring in blood thirsty rapists to go after our sons and daughters.

Dealing with the root causes of migration was one of the topics in Harris portfolio at the start of the administration, and she faced mounting criticism as the border situation worsened and lawmakers and the White House failed to agree on a legislative solution. Biden eventually took executive action to curb asylum claims after Trump pressured Republicans to kill a bipartisan deal that would have provided more border resources.

Trump has labeled Harris the border czar even though other officials had greater  and direct responsibility  for the situation such as Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Recent days have seen some Trump allies cast the ticket switch as a coup, while others have questioned Bidens ability to continue serving out his term.

Republican leaders in the House urged lawmakers to avoid any racist or sexist attacks against Harris, already an historic figure as the first woman, Black and Asian-American vice president, after one of their members, Representative Tim Burchett, derided her as a DEI vice president, using the acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Trump in Truth Social posts has mocked Harris, calling her Dumb as a Rock, dubbing her Lyin Kamala Harris, and complaining that his campaign must now start all over again after months spent fighting against Biden.

New Opponent

The rally in swing-state North Carolina  a battleground Trump won narrowly but where Democrats have been committing more resources  comes amid a burst of campaign activity for the former president.

In the last month, Trump, 78, has survived an assassination attempt at a political rally, received a rapturous welcome at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee  an event highlighting his hold on the party  and unveiled his vice presidential pick, Senator JD Vance of Ohio. He also plans to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

Harris has quickly sown up the support of enough pledged delegates to clinch the Democratic nomination and hit the campaign trail  touting her background as a prosecutor to lambaste the first former president in US history convicted of a felony.

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Former President Trump is sticking by his choice to elevate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) to be his running mate in November, amid a shake-up atop the Democratic ticket.

Trump told Fox & Friends Thursday he would not have changed his vice presidential pick, even if he had known ahead of time that President Biden would step aside from the race and Vice President Harris, whom the president endorsed, would become his likely replacement.

Hes fantastic, Trump said of Vance. No it wouldnt have mattered. And I thought she was probably going to happen anyway.

[Vance] is doing a fantastic job, the former president continued. Hes essentially for the worker. Hes seen the worker be horribly abused and taken advantage of.  Hes doing a great job, and hes been very well received.

Trumps choice of Vance spurred talk that the former president was focused on energizing his base and solidifying the future of the Republican Party more than persuading independent voters. Vance, a first-term senator from Ohio, has been praised as one of the most articulate voices in the America First movement.

The Ohio senator has held rallies in his home state and Virginia, and he is set to hold rallies in Arizona and Nevada  two key battleground states  next week.

Harris, meanwhile, has generated significant enthusiasm since earning Bidens backing and locking down the support of enough delegates to become the likely Democratic nominee.

Her team has raised more than $100 million in roughly 48 hours, thousands of volunteers have signed up to support the effort and the campaign drew more than 3,000 attendees at a Milwaukee rally earlier this week, which it touted as its largest crowd of the cycle.

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Trump blasts idea he is in cognitive decline (then says Hannibal Lecter was a real person)

Donald Trump dismissed the idea he has cognitively declined seconds before claiming Hannibal Lecter and the film Silence of the Lambs are real stories.

You know, they go crazy when I say, the late great Hannibal Lecter, OK, they say, Why would he mention Hannibal Lecter? He must be cognitively in trouble, Trump said at a Charlotte, North Carolina rally this week.

These are real stories. Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lamb is a lovely man, he continued. He wants to have you for dinner. Hed like to have you for dinner.

Hannibal Lecter is a fictional cannibalistic serial killer created by novelist Thomas Harris. The character was featured in Harris 1988 novel The Silence of the Lambs. Then, Hannibal Lecter was played by actor Anthony Hopkins in the 1991 film adaptation of the same name.

Donald Trump, pictured speaking at a North Carolina rally this week, claimed the fictional character Hannibal Lecter and the film Silence of the Lambs are real stories (AFP via Getty Images)

This isnt the first time Trump has brought up the fictional character. Trump used Hannibal Lecter as an analogy to vilify migrants during his Republican National Convention keynote address earlier this month.

You know, the press is always on me because I say this [...] Has anyone seen Silence of the Lambs? The late great Hannibal Lecter. Hed love to have you for dinner. Thats insane asylums, theyre emptying out their insane asylums.

Hopkins was reportedly appalled by the connection.

Then, at a New Jersey rally in May, the former president asked if anyone in the audience had even seen Silence of the Lambs.

The late, great Hannibal Lecter, Trump said. Hes a wonderful man. He oftentimes would have a friend for dinner. Remember the last scene? Excuse me, Im about to have a friend for dinner, as this poor doctor walks by.

Trump has also previously slammed the idea he is in cognitive decline, repeatedly bragging that he has aced cognitive tests. Earlier this year, the former president forgot the name of his White House doctor as he bragged about his mental acuity.

I took a cognitive test, and I aced it. Doc Ronny  Doc Ronny Johnson, Trump said, attempting to refer to Ronny Jackson, former White House physician turned congressman

Does everyone know Ronny Johnson, Congressman from Texas? He was the White House Doctor, Trump continued.

The former president made a similar claim in January.

I dont know if you saw, but a few months ago, I took a cognitive test my doctor gave me, he said. I said, give me a cognitive test, just so we can you know, because you know what the standards were, and I aced it.
As Trump unloads on Harris, even his supporters see her gaining ground

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  Even Donald Trump's supporters sense he suddenly has a tougher race on his hands.

As the former president unloaded on Kamala Harris in the swing state of North Carolina on Wednesday  calling her a radical, left lunatic at one point  faithful fans conceded that what had been a sleepy contest had abruptly become something quite different.

To some, it seemed like the vice president had momentum.

Policy aside and everything, she definitely has the energy, said Jessica Castillo, a self-described centrist from Charlotte who voted for Trump in both 2016 and 2020 and was at the Charlotte event. She is going to be a contender for Trump. Honestly, I think shell be more of a challenge.

Taking the stage at the Bojangles Coliseum, his first rally since President Joe Biden dropped out of the campaign, Trump ripped into the vice president, casting her as Lying Kamala Harris, mispronouncing her name as he dubbed her the most incompetent and far-left vice president in American history, and repeatedly declaring that she would destroy the United States, if elected.

Trump has some reason for concern. Harris, after being endorsed by Biden to run at the top of the Democratic ticket, in recent days has seen a bump in polling compared to Bidens lagging performance, including among independents, people of color and women, among other critical voting blocs.

Now, said Bryson Davis, an 18-year-old from Statesville, hes running against somebody thats competent. Kamala is probably going to come off a little more fiery than Joe would.

Or as Castillo put it, The fact she isnt suffering from old age  its definitely going to give her a huge bump right away. She can talk. She can laugh, obviously.



For the former president, Harris ascension was but a new invitation to fight  and the crowd ate it up. They cheered when he conceded he was not going to be nice about Harris, despite saying he became nice after the attempted assassination on July 13.

Trump on Wednesday fumed over the news coverage Harris has received as Democrats have coalesced around her since Sunday, insisting that his crowd sizes were still larger.

Three weeks, four weeks ago, she was the worst politician in America, Trump said. Now they say, Isnt it amazing? Look at her. Shes beautiful. Shes so magnificent.

Trump this week agreed to debate Harris, and said he would be willing to do more than one debate against her. Its a forum his supporters appeared eager for.

While predicting an eventual Trump-Harris debate would sway voters toward Trump, Jo Wally of Mooresville acknowledged the race seems closer now, because shes got the momentum.

Sitting next to her, Kelly Henderson said she feared some women who are soft Trump backers will shift away from him.

Trump focused his attacks at the rally against Harris on her history as a prosecutor and senator, describing her as more liberal than Bernie Sanders, who destroyed San Francisco with her policies and will destroy our country if shes elected. His new Harris talking points were apparently distributed to speakers who took the stage before him, with Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, offering nearly identical criticism.

What kind of attacks Republicans will consider in bounds is still a matter of uncertainty. After Speaker Mike Johnson this week chided GOP members about attacking Harris based on her race or gender  a warning that came as at least one Republican congressman called her a DEI vice president  Trump supporters at the rally Wednesday largely shrugged off concerns about whether her status as a woman of color would be used against her by Trump or Republican operatives.

Before the rally Wednesday, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, said the campaign hasnt gone after Harris race or gender, and so they didnt take issue with Johnsons guidance. But asked if taking that approach was off limits for Trump, Cheung said that it wasnt necessarily.

I dont know its off limits, he said. But its not something that weve done. So its not even on our radar.

Similarly, Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee and former chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, in an interview declined to say whether he agreed with Johnsons remarks about staying away from Harris race or gender  instead, he said what he thought the party should focus on.

Look, I think we need to talk about her being an extreme California liberal, Whatley said, criticizing policies she supported in her home state, in the Senate and as Bidens vice president.





Pressed again, Whatley said the Republican Party is going to focus all day, every day on the American voters, and telling them about Trumps policies.

Even before Trump took the stage, the GOPs focus  evident in speakers remarks before him  had dramatically moved away from Biden and onto Harris. While the vice president came up at times throughout Trumps Saturday night rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, now all but certain to become the nominee, she was the center of attack Wednesday.

Twice in his on-stage remarks, Whatley referred to her as Border Czar Kamala Harris, and slammed her record in the Senate. Hudson one-upped Trump on describing Harris as a progressive senator, not only saying that she was more liberal than Sanders, but also Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Criticizing Harris for failing to attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus joint address to Congress earlier Wednesday, Trump falsely claimed that Harris, whose husband is Jewish, is totally against the Jewish people.

It amazes me how Jewish people will vote for the Democrats when theyre being treated so disrespectfully, Trump said.

Throughout the rest of his speech, Trump railed against transgender athletes, briefly discussed his attempted assassination, reiterated his position in favor of exceptions for abortion restrictions, bashed Democrats southern border policies, falsely claimed Harris wants to outlaw red meat and gave what has now become his standard shoutout to Hannibal Lecter, a fictional character from the movie Silence of the Lambs.

Asked whether Republicans would need to reevaluate their plans to spend time and money flipping blue states like Minnesota, where Trump is scheduled to hold a rally Saturday, Whatley said they were still focused on their 10-battleground state plan.

Right now, were playing offense, Whatley said. Right now, the Democrats arent even playing defense yet. Theyre circling the wagons and trying to figure out how they can put a new candidate whos never won a single primary state in as their nominee, and how they can pick somebody to be the vice presidential nominee.

Its important to note they not only had a bad messenger, but they had a bad message.

Kierra Frazier contributed to this report.
Former President Trump said there should be a one-year jail sentence for anyone who desecrates the American flag in the wake of anti-Israel protests over the war in Gaza outside Union Station in Washington, D.C., that included a group burning an American flag.

Trump, who has previously called for criminalizing burning the flag, scoffed at those who point out its not illegal to do so.

You should get a one-year jail sentence if you do anything to desecrate the American flag, Trump said Wednesday on Fox & Friends when asked about the protests.

Now, people will say, Oh, its unconstitutional. Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that, the former president continued. We have to work in Congress to get a one-year jail sentence. When theyre allowed to stomp on the flag and put lighter fluid on the flag and set it afire, when youre allowed to do that  you get a one-year jail sentence, and youll never see it again.

In the 1989 case Texas v. Johnson, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that the act of burning an American flag is constitutionally protected free speech under the First Amendment.

Republicans and Democrats have both condemned the demonstrations outside Union Station on Wednesday while Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke down the road in the U.S. Capitol to members of Congress about his countrys ongoing war with Hamas.

Protesters took down an American flag and replaced it with a Palestinian flag and at one point burned the U.S. flag before someone ran into the crowd and snatched it away.

D.C. Metropolitan Police said six protesters were arrested at the scene. At least five protesters were also arrested in the House gallery during Netanyahus speech, and another five were arrested while marching on Constitution Avenue.

Inside the Capitol, Netanyahu used part of his nearly hourlong speech to denounce the protesters outside and on college campuses earlier this year, accusing his critics of standing with evil and saying they should be ashamed of themselves.

Palestinian health authorities have said more than 38,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza during Israels military campaign there in response to Hamass Oct. 7 attacks, which killed more than 1,100 people.

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Donald Trump baselessly claimed Kamala Harris is totally against the Jewish peopleapparently either forgetting or ignoring the fact her husband is Jewish.

Speaking at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday night, the Republican nominee slammed his likely presidential election rival for skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to a joint session of Congress earlier in the day. But Trump seemed completely oblivious to the existence of second gentleman Doug Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of a vice president in American history, when making his unfounded claim about Harris being against the Jewish people.

Second Gentlemans Ex-Wife Defends Co-Parent Kamala

Now what shes doing is shes running away from Israel, Trump said at his rally. She refuses to go toBibi Netanyahu is in Washington. She refuses to be there. Harris office said she was unable to attend the joint session on Capitol Hill because of a previously scheduled trip to Indianapolis but planned to meet with Netanayhu on Thursday, according to The Hill.

Even if youre against Israel or youre against the Jewish people, show up and listen to the concept, Trump continued. But shes totally against the Jewish people.

The former president then reiterated his criticism of Jews who vote for Harris party. It amazes me how Jewish people will vote for the Democrats when theyre being treated so disrespectfully and badly, he said. It amazes me. Its shocking. I dont, I dont get it. I dont get it.

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Trump edges out Harris in key swing states, ties with her in Wisconsin: Poll

Former President Trump is narrowly leading Vice President Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, in several battleground states, and the two are tied in Wisconsin, according to a new set of polls.

The survey released by Emerson College Polling and The Hill on Thursday found Trump leading Harris by 5 points in Arizona, 49 percent to 44 percent; by 2 points in Georgia, 48 percent to 46 percent; by 1 point in Michigan, 46 percent to 45 percent; by 2 points in Pennsylvania, 48 percent to 46 percent; and tied with her at 47 percent in Wisconsin.

In every state except Arizona, the polling falls within the surveys margin of error, meaning Trump and Harris could actually be tied in most of the battleground state match-ups.

Harris notably outpaces President Biden in polling of each of the battleground states since a similar survey was released earlier this month, outperforming the president by 5 points in Georgia, 4 points in Arizona and Wisconsin, and 3 points in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

An aggregate of national polls compiled by The Hill and Decision Desk HQ had Trump leading Harris as of Wednesday afternoon, roughly 48 percent to 46 percent  a slightly narrower margin than an aggregate of national polls showing Trump leading Biden 47 percent to 43 percent.

The vice president has already hit the ground running since receiving Bidens endorsement Sunday, visiting Milwaukee on Tuesday for her first rally since Biden dropped out.

Harris has recovered a portion of the vote for the Democrats on the presidential ticket since the fallout after the June 27 debate, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, explained in a press release. Harriss numbers now reflect similar support levels to those of Biden back in March.

Young voters have shifted toward Harris: Her support increased by 16 points in Arizona, eight in Georgia, five in Michigan, 11 in Pennsylvania, and one in Wisconsin since earlier polling this month.

Harris vs. Trump: What the polls tell us

Of the floated vice presidential contenders hailing from key swing states  Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D)  Shapiro saw the highest number of Democratic voters from within their respective state support him to be Harriss running mate, at 57 percent. Meanwhile, 42 percent of Arizona Democratic voters supported Kelly, and 36 percent of Michigan Democratic voters backed Whitmer.

The polling also offered good news for Senate Democrats: Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), in addition to Reps. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), lead their respective Senate Republican competitors by either 4 or 5 points.

Democrats have rallied around Harris after Biden announced over the weekend he would be withdrawing from the presidential race, instead backing his vice president. A number of high-profile Democrats quickly threw their support behind Harris, with just weeks to go before the Democratic National Convention.

The polling also illustrates how Senate Democratic candidates are continuing to outperform the Democratic presidential nominee.

The Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey surveyed respondents from July 22-23. It polled 800 respondents apiece in Arizona, Georgia and Michigan, with a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points in each. In Pennsylvania, 850 respondents were surveyed with a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points, and in Wisconsin, 845 respondents were surveyed with a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points.

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Former President Trump and Vice President Harris are separated by 1 percentage point among likely voters in a new survey, signaling the likely Democratic nominee is narrowing the gap against her Republican rival compared to President Biden.

A New York Times/Siena College poll puts the pair nearly tied, with Trump leading Harris 48 percent to 47 percent among likely voters in a one-on-one match-up.

In early July, the poll found Biden behind Trump by 6 points in the wake of a disappointing performance at the first presidential debate.

Among registered voters, Trump leads Harris 48 percent to 46 percent, a 2-point edge smaller than the 9-point lead he held over Biden in the previous poll.

The new numbers are a promising sign for Democrats just days after Biden made the historic move to withdraw from the White House race and endorse Harris for 2024. The vice president has already secured the delegate support she needs for the Democratic presidential nomination ahead of her partys convention next month.

The Times/Siena poll also found an overwhelming 7 in 10 Democratic voters said they want their party to consolidate behind Harris rather than court other options in a more competitive process, and 14 percent said theyd prefer another option at the top of the ticket.

Harris has seen a swell of Democratic support and pulled in massive fundraising numbers, but polling has also flashed signs of an uphill fight in key battleground states.

At the same time, Harris has seen signals of an enthusiasm boost among critical voting blocs, including young voters and voters of color.

The Times/Siena poll was conducted Monday through Wednesday, beginning one day after Biden announced he was dropping out of the race. It polled 1,142 registered voters across the country. The polls margin of sampling error among registered voters is 3.3 percentage points.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  While Republicans flocked to east Charlotte to hear former President Donald Trump speak, Democrats were issuing a fresh round of attacks. Theyre raising concerns with Project 2025.

The stakes of this election could not be higher, said Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell.

Leading up to former President Donald Trumps rally at Bojangles Coliseum, Democrats gathered to relay their message that Vice President Kamala Harris is the right choice.

Several hospitalized after heat-related calls made at Bojangles Coliseum ahead of Donald Trump rally in Charlotte

Donald Trump is coming to our city to lay out his dark vision for our country; his Project 2025 agenda, which is a dangerous and extreme plan, he said.

The more than 900-page project was drafted by conservatives; some of them were former Trump administration officials. Its designed as a wish list crafted by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C.

While democrats call it Trumps plan, Trump has publicly distanced himself from the document.

Republican leaders urge party to steer clear of racist, sexist attacks on Harris

Some on the right, severe right, came up with this project 25, and I dont even know, I mean, some of them, I know who they are, but theyre very, very conservative, Trump said at a rally last weekend in Michigan. Theyre sort of the opposite of the radical left. You have the radical left, and you have the radical right, and they come up with this I dont know what the hell it is. Its Project 25.

New DNC billboards have popped up around Charlotte encouraging voters to look up what theyre calling Trumps Project 2025 on a website they created for it. The argument is that the plan will ban abortion, cut billionaire taxes and raise costs for families, terminate the Affordable Care Act, gut Social Security and undermine American Democracy.

The conservative website for the project counters those claims saying the plan would comply with law that prevents federal funding for abortion and instead provide support for adoption. It states tax reform and deregulation for companies would foster economic growth, vows to curb Affordable Care Act abuses, claims the plan will not cut Social Security, and that this project would restore constitutional governance by bringing the administrative state more firmly under the control of the president.

Major traffic delays, increased security expected for Trumps Charlotte visit

We deserve to be able to reach the American Dream no matter where you start at, said Democrat Hadley Duvall, and thats what were trying to do, and thats why we have to elect Vice President Kamala Harris because Project 2025 will literally go backwards in all of the history books that I just recently learned, and itll change so much and why are we taking away things that weve already fought so hard for.

To view the entire Project 2025 document, click here.

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FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President walks outside Trump Tower, in New York

FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President walks outside Trump Tower, in New York

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Manhattan prosecutors who secured Donald Trump's historic criminal conviction said the verdict should stand despite the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that presidents cannot face criminal charges over official acts.

In a court filing dated July 24 and made public on Thursday, the prosecutors urged a judge to reject the former U.S. president's bid to set aside the verdict due to the ruling. They said the decision had no bearing on their case, which stemmed from hush money paid to a porn star.

"The charges in this case all involve purely personal conduct, rather than official presidential acts," prosecutors with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office wrote.

Trump, the Republican nominee in the Nov. 5 election, was convicted on May 30 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up his former lawyer Michael Cohen's $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels for her silence before the 2016 election about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump.

Trump denies any encounter with Daniels and has vowed to appeal the guilty verdict. He is the first U.S. president past or present to be convicted of a crime.

Legal experts say Justice Juan Merchan is unlikely to grant Trump's request to toss the verdict, since much of the conduct at issue predated Trump's 2017-2021 presidency and relates to personal matters.

But Merchan delayed Trump's sentencing from July 11 to Sept. 18, less than two months before the election, to allow his lawyers the chance to make their case.

Two weeks ago, Trump's defense lawyers urged the judge to toss the verdict because prosecutors relied on evidence of his official acts during the trial, which they said was improper in light of the justices' ruling.

The justices' 6-3 ruling on July 1 also said that evidence of official acts cannot be used in a prosecution on private matters.

'HARMLESS ERROR'

Trump's lawyers took issue with introduction of evidence of Twitter posts Trump made in 2018 about Cohen, which prosecutors said showed Trump was aware that his former lawyer had paid off Daniels. Defense lawyers said those posts were official communications.

In their Thursday filing, prosecutors said Trump made the posts in his "unofficial capacity."

Trump had also objected to the testimony of two White House aides and the prosecutors' use of a financial disclosure form that referenced Trump's reimbursement to Cohen. Prosecutors on Thursday said the aides testified about private matters, and that the disclosure form dealt with Trump's private finances.

Prosecutors said even if Merchan decides that some of the evidence introduced at trial had to do with official acts, the verdict should stand because there was plenty of other evidence of Trump's guilt.

"Harmless error cannot be a basis for setting aside a verdict," prosecutors wrote.

Merchan has said he will decide on Trump's arguments by Sept. 6. If the conviction is upheld, the case will proceed to sentencing. Once he is sentenced, Trump could formally appeal the verdict and the sentencing to a higher-level state court.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Daniel Wallis)
At his first rally since President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid, former President Donald Trump rallied his supporters against Vice President Kamala Harris, going after her record on immigration, health care, and the environment, painting her as an "ultra liberal" candidate.

"Just like crooked Joe Biden, Kamala Harris is unfit to lead. She's unfit to lead, she'll destroy our country in a year, this country will be destroyed," Trump said at his rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday.

As Trump referenced Harris' name dozens of times throughout his nearly 1.5-hour-long speech, he mispronounced her first name every single time.

Though Trump had previously called for unity in the wake of the attempt on his life by a gunman at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, two weeks ago, Trump put a nail in the coffin on his short-lived "nice" campaign.

PHOTO: Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks to attendees during his campaign rally at the Bojangles Coliseum, on July 24, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

"They're very dangerous people  when you're dealing with them, you can't be so nice ... If you don't mind, I'm not going to be nice. Is that OK?" Trump said about Biden and Harris, which was followed by the crowd cheering, "Fight, fight, fight."

MORE: Biden isn't the first president to drop a reelection bid

The former president took a victory lap about Biden's dropout, accusing Democrats of pushing him out of office due to his low poll numbers.

"As you know, three days ago, we officially defeated the worst president in the history of our country, Crooked Joe Biden," Trump said. "So now we have a new victim to defeat. Lyin' Kamala Harris  Lyin', apostrophe  the most incompetent and far left vice president in American history," Trump said.

Trump's rally comes as Harris attacked him and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, on Tuesday, at her first presidential campaign event in battleground Wisconsin, on the issue of abortion and Project 2025, the conservative presidential transition blueprint fronted by the Heritage Foundation.

"We'll stop Donald Trump's extreme abortion bans because we trust women to make decisions about their own body and not have the government tell them what to do," Harris said to raucous applause. "And when Congress passes the law to restore reproductive freedoms, as president of the United States, I will sign it into law.

In Biden's address to the nation on Wednesday about his decision to exit the race, the president said, "There's a time and a place for long years of experience in public life," he said. "There's also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices and yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now."

The president did not address ongoing Republican criticisms about his fitness to serve.

Throughout Trump's speech, he attempted to flesh out numerous attacks on Harris, specifically focusing on her handling of immigration issues, which he argued should disqualify her from running for the nation's highest office.

"Kamala's deadly destruction of America's borders is completely and totally disqualifying. She shouldn't even be allowed to run for president what she's done," accused Trump.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center, on July 24, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

In March of 2021, Biden appointed Harris to oversee, lead, and coordinate diplomatic talks with Northern Triangle countries to address the root causes of migration. Republicans quickly labeled that assignment as the "border czar," though Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is in charge of border oversight.

MORE: What do the polls say about a Harris vs. Trump matchup?

So far on the campaign trail, Harris has focused on going after Trump's record concerning reproductive rights, directly blaming him for the rollback of abortion access for women. Trump attempted to respond to that argument by labeling Harris as a radical on abortion, pushing unfounded claims that she supports late-term abortions.

And as the Harris campaign paints the election as one between a prosecutor and felon, Trump on Wednesday called her "one of the worst prosecutors" who "destroyed San Francisco."

"Their campaign says, 'I'm the prosecutor and he is the convicted felon.' That's their campaign. I don't think people are gonna buy it," Trump said, touting he won the Florida classified documents case.

Going through her record as California attorney general, Trump criticized her past support for bail reform which he argued made her soft on crime. Hailing from California, Trump typecasted Harris as an extreme liberal, highlighting her support for the Green New Deal and a ban on fracking.

The Harris campaign declared that Trump's attacks on Harris signaled his message of unity following his assassination attempt.

"Unity is over for Donald Trump  he is back with an unhinged, weird, and rambling speech," Harris for President spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in a statement. "But the American people won't be fooled or distracted."

Trump paints Harris as 'ultra liberal' at 1st rally since Biden dropout originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Andrew Torba, the founder of the far-right favorite social media site Gab, wrote in a blog post Wednesday that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man who attempted to take former President Donald Trumps life at a campaign rally earlier this month, may have been a user of the site.

Today Gab learned that Thomas Crooks, the deranged Joe Biden supporter who attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump, may have had an account on our platform, Torba wrote in the post. We are unable to confirm that the account in question actually belonged to him, but have reason to believe it does after receiving an emergency disclosure request from a law enforcement agency.

The account called epicMicrowave was created in September 2019 and made nine posts on the site, most of which defended various policies championed by President Joe Biden.

The account was last active on the site in 2021. As far as we are aware, the account did not use the site to send any direct messages, Torba added.

One post from Feb. 4, 2021 tags right-wing internet personality @Catturd and reads: Didnt you also think Biden would lose in a landslide yeah I would not be very confident in your election predictions.

A Feb. 3, 2021 post directly replied to Torba, reading @a Im sorry explain to me how trump was ever concerned with what the left wanted, or anybody in the GOP for that matter?

All nine of Crooks alleged posts were made between Jan. 20, 2021the same day Crooks donated to a Democrat-affiliated PACand Feb. 4, 2021.

FBI officials previously said that Thomas Matthew Crooks did not have any known social media accounts.

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Former President Trump is releasing signed photo books that feature the image of him pumping his fist after being shot at during a rally earlier this month.

Im pleased to announce my new Book, SAVE AMERICA. As everyone knows, the first two, Our Journey Together and, Letters to Trump, have been spectacular successes, and this is the BEST OF ALL, especially in light of the fact that we are now living in a Failing Nation, but it will not be failing for long. We will soon, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Thursday.

The cover of the book shows Trump raising his fist moments after he was shot at during a rally earlier last month, as Secret Service agents surrounded him and the American flag waved in the background.

The gunman grazed Trumps ear with a bullet, injured two rally attendees and killed another before being shot and killed. Since then, questions have swirled over how the gunman got close enough to take a shot at the former president.

Winning Team Publishing, which was founded by Donald Trump Jr. and Sergio Gor, said the book is filled with iconic moments from the first Trump Administration. The description of the book said the images and commentary paints a clear picture of President Trumps future vision for our Country.

Signed copies of the book are available for presale for $499. Those that are not signed are selling for $99, according to the website. The book will be released Sept. 3.

His first book after leaving office, Our Journey Together, featured photos from his time in office, while his second book, Letters to Trump, featured communications he had with celebrities, world leaders and other notable figures.

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(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps campaign is frantically revamping its strategy, scrapping moot plans to characterize ex-opponent Joe Biden as feeble and testing new attack lines on Kamala Harris, who is two decades younger than the Republican nominee.

Most Read from Bloomberg

With roughly 100 days until Election Day  and less than two months before voting begins in some states  Trump, 78, has little time to define a Democratic opponent who emerged just days ago. He auditioned new messages, with mixed results, this week on a call with reporters about the US-Mexico border, in TV appearances and his social media platform.

Trump has berated Harris, 59, for being the worst border person in history, dumb as a rock, and a weak prosecutor who destroyed the city of San Francisco. Hes mocked her laugh and floated two nicknames: Laffin Kamala and Lyin Kamala. His allies have called Harris a DEI hire, short for diversity, equity and inclusion, and implied she became vice president because she is a woman of color.

Harris, for her part, has leaned into her prior role as a prosecutor, saying she knows Trumps type, referring to his felony conviction and other legal troubles.

Trumps litany of complaints about Harris run the risk of alienating the voters he needs to attract  suburban women, young adults, Black and Hispanic people. Attacks that veer into racism and sexism could also undermine the unity message Republicans sought to project at their nominating convention.

Earlier: Harris Rallies Black Support as Race Takes Campaign Foreground

The risk of the Republican messaging is that it could backfire and be perceived as unfair and sexist, said Alan Abramowitz, a political scientist professor emeritus at Emory University.

The vitriol directed toward Harris shows the extent to which her emergence as the likely Democratic nominee has upset the 2024 presidential race. For months, the Trump campaign prepped to run against Biden by questioning his age and record on immigration and the economy. Now, in late July, the switch-up has caught the Trump campaign off-guard, forcing it to re-write their messaging.

Rhetoric Warnings

Top House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, have warned fellow party members to steer away from attacks on race or gender, an acknowledgment of the political risks they carry.

This election will be about policies and not personalities, Johnson said Tuesday.

Trump has a history of attacking politicians of color over their backgrounds. He falsely claimed President Barack Obama was a Muslim who was not born in the US. Trump similarly questioned whether Republican primary rival Nikki Haley, whom he called birdbrain, was eligible to serve as president because shes the daughter of immigrants.

While Trumps scattershot attacks underscore the changed nature of the race, Trump campaign senior adviser Brian Hughes said the contests fundamentals remain the same.

Joe Biden acted like a California liberal, he said. Kamala Harris is a California liberal.

In addition to settling on an anti-Harris message, the Trump campaign must contend with whoever she picks as her running mate. The electoral map is also poised to change with Harris at the top of the ticket.

Georgia is now in play for the Democrats, as Black voters there express enthusiasm for the vice president, Abramowitz said. Biden won the state in 2020 but it had been reliable Republican territory for decades and was seen as a reach for the president in November.

Swing State Plays

Potential running mates for Harris include North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, who could help pull in more support from their home states  all battlegrounds this November.

With Vice President Harris as the top of the ticket now, we have an easier time making the argument that this election is about the future, Nick Ahamed, deputy executive director at Priorities USA, a group that supports Democrats, said on a call with reporters on Tuesday.

A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows Harris and Trump statistically tied, but found signs Harris could pick up new support. One in five independent voters said they were undecided, compared to 4% before Biden dropped out. Black voters said they were more likely to vote with the president no longer running.

This could change the calculus for both campaigns as they try to win over crucial swing-state voters. The Trump campaign had planned to build a winning coalition by appealing to its Republican base and expanding support among Black men and in Hispanic communities, all while hoping Democrats suffered from low turnout given the lack of enthusiasm about Biden.

Those objectives may now be harder to accomplish. In a new campaign memo, Harris campaign chair Jennifer OMalley Dillon wrote that 7% of all voters remain undecided and could be persuaded to support Harris.

These voters are disproportionately Black, Latino, and under 30. They are more likely to have supported the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020, and are two times more likely to be Democrats than Republicans, she wrote. We have a clear issue and character advantage.

--With assistance from Billy House.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. can keep classifying California drivers as independent contractors, after the states top court said a company-backed law passed by voters doesnt wrongly curtail the legislatures power over worker protections.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The unanimous ruling upholding Californias Proposition 22, which received majority voter support in 2020, was released Thursday.

The favorable ruling for the gig economy companies removes what investors regarded as a major regulatory overhang. Had the judge ruled to invalidate Prop 22, the companies would have faced the threat of millions of dollars in additional cost to pay drivers if they were to be reclassified as employees, upending their business models and potentially raising user costs in one of their biggest US markets.

Shares of Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart all spiked on the news, with Lyft jumping most by 7.4%. The shares have mostly erased gains at 2:18 p.m. New York time.

Justice Goodwin H. Liu wrote Thursday that Californias constitution doesnt bar voters from passing legislative initiatives on matters impacting workers compensation, the issue that this case specifically centered on.

It would unduly restrict the initiative power to give the Legislature what would essentially be a first-mover advantage, precluding the electorate from undoing any action the Legislature takes pursuant to the workers compensation system, Liu wrote.

Liu in May oral arguments said the law doesnt necessarily preclude workers from ever receiving workers compensation, a system to help workers injured on the job that the state legislature has constitutional power to oversee. The law doesnt block legislators from deciding that independent contractors are eligible for workers compensation, Liu said.

The ruling is a win for the industry as gig companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash Inc. poured more than $200 million into their 2020 campaign to preserve the core of their business models and keep drivers classified as independent contractors. They celebrated the decision Thursday.

Lyft said in a blog post on its website that its thrilled that the California Supreme Court unanimously upheld the democratic will of the voters.

Prop 22 is here to stay, said Liz Jarvis-Shean, DoorDashs vice president of communications and policy in a statement.

Story continues

The court ruling affirms the will of the nearly 10 million Californians who voted to deliver historic benefits and protections to drivers, while protecting their independence, Uber said in a statement.

But further legal and legislative fights loom ahead. Drivers and labor advocates that argued the law improperly shifts the cost of doing business onto gig workers and denies them other protections, such as minimum wage, sick leave, and overtime pay, renewed their calls to unionize in response to the ruling in emailed statements.

Hector Castellanos, the plaintiff in the case, called Prop 22 a bait-and-switch meant to enrich global corporations at the expense of the Black, brown and immigrant workers who power their earnings, adding that the ruling only strengthens our demand for the right to join together in a union.

SEIU International President April Verrett also said the ruling is disappointing. However, she said, Uber and Lyft drivers in the state refuse to back down from their fight to win union rights and bring these companies to the bargaining table.

Californias Senate Labor Committee Chair Lola Smallwood-Cuevas said the decision is frustrating but also motivating.

Im more determined than ever to ensure that all workers  including our diverse and Black, Indigenous, and people of color-led gig workforce  have the basic protections of workers compensation, paid sick leave, family leave, and disability insurance and the right to form a union.

Passenger app drivers make a median wage of about $5.97 per hour without tips in California when factoring all work time, gas, and vehicle weathering, according to a May University of California at Berkeley study.

Securing better treatment will require drivers to work together to develop more clout, said UC Irvine workplace law professor Veena Dubal, an opponent of Prop 22. The only way for workers really to have power to rebuild labor rights is to organize, she said. Its going to be a long fight.

However, the companies victory could deter other states from passing legislation they oppose, she said. It sends the message to legislators who want to address these issues to not even try, because they will use their deep pockets and legal sophistication to undermine any effort.

The California high courts ruling comes as legal battles play out over a Biden administration final rule that makes it harder for workers to be deemed contractors under federal wage-and-hour law. App-based gig companies have defended against Fair Labor Standards Act lawsuits nationwide, arguing that their drivers arent employees entitled to minimum wage and overtime protections.

Other states and cities have also attempted to tackle the app-based gig worker classification issue, in many cases by letting Uber and Lyft continue using an independent contractor status in exchange for setting floors on driver pay and benefits.

The companies struck such deals over the last year in Massachusetts and New York to settle legal actions by those states, while Washington state and Minnesota have passed driver protections through their legislatures. New York City regulates app-based driver pay through its taxi and limo driver commission.

Its not the first time this term the California Supreme Court has weighed in on the extent of Californias uniquely expansive right for voters to pass new laws and amend existing ones.

The state top court in June blocked a ballot measure that would have asked voters to make new state and local taxes harder to enact. The measure would have revised the state constitution, which is beyond the power of voters, the opinion said.

Olson Remcho LLP and Altshuler Berzon LLP represent Castellanos. OMelveny & Myers LLP and Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni LLP represent Protect App-Based Drivers and Services.

The case is Castellanos v. California, Cal., No. S279622, 7/25/24.

--With assistance from Chris Marr and Rebecca Rainey.

(Adds details throughout.)

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At his first campaign rally since Vice President Kamala Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee, former President Donald Trump spoke at length about his new opponent, Hannibal Lecter, and even took a moment to mock political commentators who said the Republican nominee would become nice after his attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania.

You know, I was supposed to be nice. They say, something happened to me when I got shotI became nice. And when youre dealing with these peopletheyre very dangerous peoplewhen youre dealing with them, you cant be too nice. You really cant be. So if you dont mind, Im not going to be nice. Is that ok?

The crowd let out a cheer in response.

At the speech in Charlotte, North Carolina, Trump also unveiled a new nickname for his opponentLyin Kamala Harrisalready seeming to back away from the Laffin Kamala moniker he debuted earlier this week.

While continuing to mispronounce Harriss first name, he blamed the leaders of the Democratic Party for forcing President Joe Biden out of the race.

Donald Trump Told Nephew to Let His Disabled Son Just Die

The leaders of the Democrat Partyin a very un-democratic movethe bosses, they said either you get out or were going to throw you out using the 25th Amendment. Thats what happened. You know that.

Trump also mocked Harris for failing the California Bar Exam. The former California Attorney General did fail the bar on her first trybut Californias bar is notoriously difficult. The current pass rate in 2024 is only 34%, according to data from the California State Bar. The pass rate for the two exams administered in 1990, when Harris was admitted, were 45% and 58%.

Trump repeated his bombastic claim that countries are sending patients from mental institutions and insane asylums to cross the southern bordera claim he has never provided evidence for. He then repeated another strange tangent about Hannibal Lecter, the iconic fictional character that Trump has brought up in a number of past rallies.

They say, why would he mention Hannibal Lecter? He must be cognitively in trouble. No, no, these are real stories. Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambsa lovely man, he wants to have you for dinner.

He also spoke about his vice presidential nominee, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, but seemed confused about the contents of his best-selling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy.

He wrote the great book on workersabout how workers were being horribly taken advantage of. Became a movie, big best-selling book, became a great movie, actually, Trump said.

Vances book is primarily a first-person narrative about his own life in rural Kentucky and Ohio, as well as his time at Yale Law School.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Trump slams Biden for terrible speech explaining decision to bow out of campaign, endorse Kamala Harris

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday slammed President Joe Bidens speech explaining his decision to bow out of the presidential election and hand the baton to Kamala Harris, branding the Democratic candidate switch as a coup.

Hours after Biden delivered his 11-minute speech from the Oval Office Wednesday night, Trump derided the address as terrible and again suggested the president is too old to lead the nation.

It was like a terrible speech and terrible delivery, Trump told Fox News. He looked like he was having problems.

It was not a good speech, he added.

Biden, 81, told Americans that he decided to drop out of the campaign to pass the torch to a new generation, adding that he wanted to make room for fresh voices, yes, younger voices.

He vowed to continue as president until his four-year term expires on Jan. 20 when the next president will be sworn in.

Biden caved to widespread concerns across the political spectrum about his ability to beat Trump in November and serve four more years after his shaky performance in last months presidential debate.

After months of attacking Biden as too old, the 78-year-old Trump and Republicans are scrambling to come up with fresh attack lines against the younger and more dynamic Harris, 59.

Trump trashed Bidens move as a coup, echoing GOP claims that Democrats somehow acted improperly by picking a fresh face to lead the ticket.

I think it was a coup. They didnt want him running, Trump said. The debate started everything.
As Republicans rev up their anti-Kamala Harris campaign, theyre having a hard time finding a consistent line of attack.

In recent days, Republicans have slammed the vice president for everything from her handling of immigration and her past as a prosecutor to her terrible, horrible and mean demeanor. On Wednesday, Donald Trump called Harris a radical, left lunatic, then branded her nasty in a Fox News interview the following day  an echo of insults Trump leveled against Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Trumps allies, meanwhile, have argued she is actively engaged in a conspiracy to hide Bidens apparent decline or that shes just another Biden altogether. Some have engaged in explicitly racist and sexist attacks, calling her a DEI hire or bashing her for not having biological children. Others say she laughs too much. More criticized her for endorsing consumer policies such as bans on plastic straws and eating red meat. And none of her rivals seem willing to correctly pronounce her name.

They are literally grasping at straws, said Michael Brodkorb, a former deputy chair of the Minnesota Republican Party. Republicans desperately wanted to run against Joe Biden.  The introduction of Harris into the race, I think, has upended their attacks and their strategies.



The breadth and lack of cohesion in the Republican assault on Harris reflects the newness of her candidacy  but also the difficulty GOPers are having adjusting to a contender who cuts a different profile than the 81-year-old, white, male incumbent theyd been planning a run against for years.

On the day Biden bowed out and Harris announced her campaign, Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley suggested on Fox News that the change would not alter Republicans broader messaging.

We are not going to be changing our plans because President Trump is going to run his race, and whether it is Kamala Harris or anyone else, they are going to run on the exact same failed agenda that Joe Biden has been running over the last four years, he said.

But once Harris got in, Republicans were all over the map. Just hours after she announced her candidacy, Trumps super PAC released an ad attacking Harris, claiming she covered up Joes obvious mental decline and that she knew Joe couldnt do the job, so she did it herself. (The White House has disputed reports that aides insulated Biden to hide signs of decline.)

Then, the attacks pivoted to Harris identity.

A 2021 clip of Trumps now-running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) calling Harris and other Democrats 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 began recirculating on social media. (One of Harris two step-children, Ella Emhoff, responded Thursday on Instagram, writing: How can you be childless when you have cutie pie kids like cole and I  I love my three parents.)

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) both called Harris a DEI hire in interviews. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) said, a lot of Democrats feel they have to stick with her because of her ethnic background.

By Tuesday, House Republican leaders issued members of the caucus a warning in a closed-door meeting to focus on Harris record, not her race. The call came after Trump prompted a false birther conspiracy about Harris eligibility in 2020.

Other Republicans, avoiding issues of race and gender, have focused on defining Harris as an ultra-progressive politician from San Francisco who is SOFT AS CHARMIN on crime and other issues. In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas repeatedly called Harris a San Francisco liberal, Cotton continued, hitting Harris for her approach on crime, accusing her of opposing the death penalty, supporting rioters and freeing felons from prison when she was Californias attorney general.

Thats a shift in approach from Trumps 2020 campaign, which pushed competing messages on Harris record on crime, simultaneously accusing her of being too tough and too lenient on prosecuting criminals.

Theyre road testing a lot of different messages, have not really narrowed down what resonates, what people care about, said Jason Roe, a Republican strategist in the battleground state of Michigan. Shes still pretty undefined, and I think theres a whole lot of definition yet to be provided.

He added: Republicans are throwing everything to see what works, and he suggested there will be more to come.

We havent really gotten to her time as senator or attorney general or San Francisco D.A., Roe said, predicting theres going to be some good red meat in her record there.

One thing Republicans have seized on nearly universally is Harris handling of immigration, after the first year of her vice presidency was dominated by an assignment she received from Biden to handle the root causes of migration to the United States from countries in Central America. The White House described Harris charge as a diplomatic one in a press conference Thursday  and not one for her to become the administrations border czar, as many Republicans have labeled her.

But keeping a disciplined message against Harris on immigration has proven difficult for both Trump and his allies, too. The former president did not mention her handling of the border once during an interview with Fox & Friends on Monday, though he was quick to accuse her of wanting to defund the police; describe her as terrible, horrible and mean; and call her a San Francisco radical. Neither Biden's nor Harris campaign platform described support for defunding the police, though Harris has been in favor of broader criminal justice reform.



Trump then tried to flip the emerging prosecutor-criminal contrast sought by Harris, arguing that she is too lenient on some but harsh on punishing her political enemies.

They say, I'm a prosecutor. He is a criminal. They are the ones. Every case is started by them, and I'm winning the cases, Trump said on Fox & Friends.

Despite claiming an intent to focus on policy rather than personality, a memo released by the National Republican Senatorial Committee on Monday includes a category about Harris simply labeled weird. The NRSC memo criticizes Harris for laughing at inappropriate moments, loving Venn diagrams and electric school buses, and endorsing consumer policies such as bans on plastic straws and eating red meat.

The roots of some of these attacks  including the use of Harris laugh in campaign ads  have been repurposed by Democrats designed to make her seem relatable to a mass audience. The Trump campaign has even tried to capitalize off some of the Charli XCX and coconut-themed videos that have made Harris into a viral meme.

At the same time that the Republican Senate candidate in Pennsylvania was praised for an ad tying his opponent to Harris liberal ideology, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung was telling reporters that Trump was not brat  referring to the artists neon-green, hyper-pop album that has become associated with the vice president.

President Trump is a truth-teller, and there is nothing more unifying than telling the truth about a weak, failed, incompetent, and dangerously liberal Kamala Harris and her destructive policies, Cheung wrote in response to a request for comment.

Rob Stutzman, a California-based Republican political consultant, described the lack of a settled attack line on Harris as a reflection of insufficient data so early in her campaign about what hits will resonate.

But thats a problem Democrats have, too, he said, especially around how aggressively to define Harris as a prosecutor.

This is probably not a complete control-alt-delete, but it does reset the data that everyone has been focused on for this election, and I think its true of both sides, Stutzman said.

What the data ultimately says about how best to define Harris, he said, is as much a D issue as an R issue.
Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at his campaign rally at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C. on July 24, 2024. Credit - Brandon BellGetty Images

From running a business into the ground to doing the same with our country, Donald Trump does a lot of things wrong. But, if were being honest, his instincts in marketing are usually pretty darn good. In recent weeks, though, hes made a colossal marketing mistake.

On July 5, Donald Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to declare that he knows nothing about Project 2025, a 920-page guidebook for a second Trump presidency, put together by right-wing think tank Heritage Foundation. And he tried it again this week. He thought he could distance himself from the backlash to his blueprint. But, Donald Trump claiming to not know Project 2025 would be like Jeffrey Dahmer claiming to be an introvert who has never met people before.

More than simply not being believed, though, Trump did something that he never expected: He supercharged interest in Project 2025. On Jun 24, the pollsters at Navigator Research found Project 2025's favorability underwater by 9-points (10-19%) with most people unaware of the plan altogether. Less than one month later, the favorability had plummeted to negative 32-points (11-43%) after Trump made it a bigger subject of conversation. When people learn about it, they react like they would watching a horror movie: They hate each minute of it but they cant stop themselves from watching what comes next.

In fact, by July 11, more people were searching for information about Project 2025 than were searching for Taylor Swift or the NFL. People ranging from John Oliver to Taraji P. Henson have brought attention to it. Vice President Harris even referenced it in the announcement that she was running for President last weekend.

Project 2025 outlines how a second Trump administration would take over the government and give the MAGA movement more power than any president has had in the history of the United States The detailed plan meticulously lays out all the freedoms the Trump administration plans to take away from the American people and the threat they pose to working families and seniors, including letting government monitor womens pregnancies while they pass a national ban on abortion; overturning health care protections for people with pre-existing conditions while removing the $35 cap on the price of insulin; and eliminating the Department of Education, Head Start, clean energy and the National Weather Service.

Read More: Project 2025s Plan to Eliminate Public Schools Has Already Started

There is real power in having a national conversation about Project 2025. As people hear more about the plan, they shift from opposing it by 13-points to opposing it by 48-points. The biggest growth comes from non-MAGA affiliated Republicans and independents, especially non-college educated women under 55. All of these are key to building an electoral coalition in 2024 and beyond.

There are three main things people need to know when it comes to communicating about Project 2025.

Its not your typical political BS

Most voters think a plan or an agenda from a politician is meaningless and largely disconnected from what will really happen. While that is sometimes true, Project 2025 isnt like that. Twelve years ago, Republicans were caught on defense because they actually passed a budget (the Ryan budget) that would privatize Medicare. For the last two years, theyve had to defend the actual overturning of Roe v. Wade. It wasnt theoretical. It was real. People will know that this 920-page meticulous blueprint to takeover government is just as real and as present a danger.

It confirms people's worst fears about Republicans, especially Trump

People are fearful of what another Trump presidency would meanthe chaos, the criminality, and shredding the Constitution. Americans start with a pre-existing belief that Trump and the MAGA allies are power-hungry, but Project 2025 proves they intended to do it and shows how. For example, they will take away the Department of Justice and replace it with hand-picked loyalists who report to them. Its clear this is exactly what people featuredthem pursuing absolute power.

Its mysterious and sinister

If you look at the massive uptick in the online conversation about Project 2025, one theme emerges consistently: curiosity. People see a 920-document written in secret by a bunch of Trumps agents as mysterious and probably sinister. So they want to read it. They want to understand it. They want to reveal it. It plays into the conspiratorial notion of how people think and the conspiracy-theory attributes that drive many of the algorithms that dominate social media. In fact, as Trump found out starting with his July 5th tweet, the more that his team denies ownership of the plan, the more convinced people are that they own it.

But Democrats cant just name drop the plan and expect that to evoke its intended impact. We have to frame the plan as the extreme blueprint it is and explain its consequences. We need to tell a common story, not just use a common set of magic words.

Project 2025 is more than a white paper, a policy proposal, or an agenda. Its an instruction manual for a takeovereliminating the protections for people and strengthening their ways to control people. We have to treat it as such.

The Trump team made the mistake of writing down their manual, giving everyone a chance to see what the future would look like under their administration. Then, they told everyone not to look at it. Predictably, now everyone wants a peek.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Trump wants to lock up flag burners as he insists worlds autocrats think Americans are bunch of babies

Donald Trump has suggested that those who desecrate the US flag should spend a year behind bars.

The former president made the comments during a free-wheeling call to Fox & Friends on Fox News on Thursday morning, where he also attacked his new rival for the White House, Kamala Harris. His rant about the flag comes after protesters outraged at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to the U.S. burned the American flag as well as an effigy of Netanyahu on the streets of Washington, D.C., in protest of the Biden administration sending military aid to Israel amid its war in Gaza.

I think you should get a one-year jail sentence if you do anything to desecrate the American flag, Trump said on Fox. Now, people will say, Oh, its unconstitutional. Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that.

Trump claimed that if Congress passed a law instituting such a rule, the flag burning would cease. In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson that flag burning is protected under the First Amendment.

The former president added that Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un [look] at us like were a bunch of babies.

U.S. Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at his campaign rally at the Bojangles Coliseum on July 24, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has suggested that burning the U.S. flag should result in one year in prison (Getty Images)

Its impossible for that to happen in their countries, Trump said of the autocracies. We look so bad for the world, that was a disgraceful display yesterday.

When asked about his plan to end the war in Gaza, Trump said he wants Netanyahu to finish up, and get it done quickly. Youve got to get it done quickly because theyre getting decimating with this publicity.

Israels not very good with public relations, Ill tell you that, he added before going on to claim that the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, nor the war in Ukraine, would have happened had he been president.

Trump was also asked about Project 2025, a proposed 900-page Republican Party platform put together by the right-wing think tank the Heritage Foundation. While Trump has attempted to distance himself from the document and the ideas it espouses, critics have noted that it was authored by former Trump administration officials, some of whom are likely to return in prominent roles if Trump is elected to a second term.

Trump said the document was authored by very, very conservative people, adding that some of the points are fine while others are absolutely ridiculous.

After sharing his opinion on the document, Trump claimed to have nothing to do with it and that hes never seen it.

They wrote something that I disagree [with] in many cases, and in some cases you agree, he said.

The former president went on to say that he assumed that he would be running against Vice President Kamala Harris, whos now the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

I knew there was a palace coup going on, Trump said.

Responding to attacks from Harris comparing him to fraudsters and abusers of women, Trump said: I would love to be nice but Im dealing against real garbage.

He went on to use the same attack strategy he used on Biden with Harris, claiming that the Department of Justice has been weaponized against him.

They weaponized it to go after a political opponent. She was very much in charge, Trump said, without providing any evidence for his claims. She was a prosecutor, but she was a failed prosecutor. She put a lot of people in jail that should have never been there. She put people in jail that were political enemies. She is bad news.
Trump's NY fraud trial judge on Thursday declined to recuse himself over a hallway conversation.

Trump's lawyers had said Judge Arthur Engoron improperly spoke about the case outside the courtroom.

Engoron says he remains impartial since being ranted at briefly by "a landlord-tenant lawyer."

The Manhattan judge who ordered Donald Trump to pay a nearly $500 million fraud judgment has declined  in no uncertain terms  the former president's demand that he recuse himself from the case over a brief hallway conversation.

A "nothingburger" over an unsolicited "90-second diatribe," the judge, New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron said in declining Thursday to step down or hold a hearing on the matter.

Engoron is the judge who in February ordered Trump to pay back hundreds of millions of dollars in bank loans and profits gained by a decade of fraudulent net-worth statements.

The sum owed by Trump accrues another $1 million in interest every nine days, and had reached $471 million by Thursday. The judgment continues to accrue interest but is on hold while Trump appeals. Engoron, meanwhile, continues to supervise ongoing anti-fraud monitoring at the Trump Organization.

Trump's lawyers recently demanded Engoron recuse himself after a lawyer not connected to the case, Adam Leitman Bailey, revealed he had spoken with Engoron about the case outside the courtroom weeks before the judgement.

Engoron did not mince words in saying on Thursday that he would not step down over "this 90-second, unsolicited diatribe."

"Sometime in or about February of this year, several weeks before I issued the Post-Trial Decision and Order, at the end of the business day, I left my robing room in the courthouse at 60 Centre Street and rode an elevator down to the main floor," Engoron wrote.

"There, on the outskirts of the famous rotunda, Bailey accosted and started haranguing me about Executive Law 63(12). He did not relay any alleged facts," Engoron wrote.

"Prior to that that time, I considered Bailey a professional acquaintance and a distant friend. His sudden appearance and vehement speech took me aback, and I simply told him that he was wrong. He trailed after me, still droning on, as I descended the Judge's stairs to the street level. I entered my vehicle without saying another word (except, perhaps, 'goodbye') and departed."

Engoron also said he has spent more than three years presiding over Trump's case, and "did not need a landlord-tenant ranting" to teach him anything new or of note.

"I did not initiate, welcome, encourage, engage in, or learn from, much less enjoy, Bailey's tirade," Engoron added.

"I did not base any part of any of my rulings on it, as Bailey has outlandishly, mistakenly, and defamatorily claimed," the judge wrote.

As a parting shot at Bailey, Engoron said that he had easily forgotten the unpleasant encounter, because, due to the fraud case's notoriety, he is often confronted by members of the public, "at parties, in parks, in restaurants, and on public transportation."

Lawyers for Trump and Bailey did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Read Engoron's decision here.

Read the original article on Business Insider
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A new service is available at Will Rogers World Airport that could speed up your time going through security.

Travelers can now enroll in the Transportation Security Administrations PreCheck Process, it is called CLEAR.

We are grateful for TSAs and CLEARs partnership to create a new benefit for Oklahoma City residents and visitors, Director of Airports Jeff Mulder said. With international flights on the horizon, adding access to TSA Precheck enrollment continues to elevate OKCs travel offerings.

The kiosks are in the main terminal and available 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Pointing his boat to L.A. in 28: Kayak Sprinter Augustus Cook has his team assembled

You dont need an appointment to enroll.

Here is a link for documents you will need.

Here is a link for the pricing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) on Wednesday lambasted pro-Palestinian protestors who took down at least one American flag at Union Station in Washington and replaced it with a Palestinian flag, calling it absolutely shameful.

Tuberville posted a photo to X of poles outside Union Station with Palestinian flags, instead of the usual U.S. flags, flying on Wednesday afternoon. Union station is just a couple of blocks from the Capitol.

Less than a mile from the U.S. Capitol, pro-Hamas protestors have taken down and burned AMERICAN FLAGS at Union Station to fly Palestinian flags, Tuberville wrote on X. Absolutely SHAMEFUL.

The group of demonstrators outside of Union Station were among thousands to gather near the Capitol on Wednesday in protest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to a joint session of Congress.

It was not immediately clear whether protestors had burned a flag near Union Station.

Union Station on July 24, 2024. (Yash Roy)

The protestors have called for an end to Israels war with Hamas, which has left more than 39,000 Palestinians dead in Gaza, per local health officials, and are demanding the arrest of Netanyahu, who has been charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

Images that appeared to show a U.S. flag burning on the site could be widely seen in videos and photos on social media, while some protestors marched with posters reading Netanyahu is a criminal.

Netanyahu urges unity, but stirs a firestorm inside and outside Capitol

The U.S. Park Police responded to Columbus Circle where they said the demonstrators were engaged in criminal activity and confronting law enforcement on scene.

Police were seen taking down the Palestinian flags and the protestors permit for Columbus Circle was later revoked, according to park police. Law enforcement was observed pepper spraying some demonstrators.

At least six arrests were made, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which made three of the arrests for protestors pushing officers. Three other arrests were made by park police, MPD said. Park police did not confirm the number of arrests.

The protests began Wednesday morning and continued after Netanyahus address to Congress. It was boycotted by several Democrats over Netanyahus refusal to end the war and inability to secure the release of hostages taken during Hamass Oct. 7 attack.

Eden Teshome and Yash Roy 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.
When the last concrete was poured on the DuPont Boulevard in 1923, southern Delaware drivers were freed of the tyranny of railroad schedules as they drove from Selbyville to Wilmington. At Delawares biggest city, motorists were stymied by the Delaware River. They had to turn north to the narrow streets of Philadelphia and take one of the bridges there to cross the river.

Delaware's roads were atrocious until transformative DuPont Boulevard

Bays and rivers were once considered highways. Boat travel was considered the most comfortable and quickest way to travel until the railroads arrived in the early decades of the 19th century. Trains offered quick and comfortable travel, but passengers were bound by ironclad railroad schedules that dictated when travelers left and arrived.

At the dawn of the 20th century, horseless carriages began to appear on Delaware roads. The newfangled machines allowed motorists to drive where and whenever they wanted.

A visitor walks his dog on the Battery Park Trail, along the Delaware River, in Historic (Old) New Castle, Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

At that time, Delaware roads were atrocious, and it took decades for them to improve. T. Coleman du Ponts gift to the state of the DuPont Boulevard, a hard surfaced highway from one end of the state to the other, allowed motorists to drive the length of the state in a few hours. That ended at Wilmington, where they encountered the Delaware River.

On Feb. 22, 1937, tunnel expert John Meigs, chief engineer for the Wilmington-Deepwater Tunnel Company, addressed the Milford Rotary Club touting the virtues of a tunnel under the Delaware River in the Wilmington area. As reported by the Milford Chronicle, he explained, "The river portion of the tunnel will be a round cylinder, 31 feet in outside diameter, constructed piecemeal in place out of circular iron segments and line[d] with concrete. It will accommodate a two-lane, two direction roadway with a service walkway on one side," he said.

There would be one and a half miles long, traffic lanes would be separated by a wide raised guardrail, reducing the chance of accidents. Meigs pointed out that most tunnels were constructed in urban areas that required the purchase of expensive land, but his proposed tunnel would begin in a cornfield and end in a marsh. There were no buildings within a hundred yards of either entrance to the tunnel.

All to know about White Marlin Open: White Marlin Open 2024: Everything you need to know about Ocean City's big tournament

An economic boon for Sussex County? Not to be

Michael Morgan

In 1937, Sussex County and the rest of Delaware were mired in the Great Depression, and Meigs told the Rotary club, One-third of the $10,000,000 cost of the project will be paid out in wages, much of which will be placed in circulation in Delaware immediately. He also indicated that much of the material used to construct the tunnel would be bought from Delaware firms.

Meigs claimed that the tunnel would increase traffic flow well into Sussex County, resulting in an economic boom for that part of the state. He said, This Increase of prosperous car movement through the lower counties of Delaware will leave a large amount of money in Its wake!

When the Wilmington-Deepwater Tunnel Company asked the Delaware legislature for authorization to build the tunnel the company ran into considerable opposition. The Smyrna Times reported on April 1, 1937, Sentiment in the legislature is divided on the tunnel bill and its fate is doubtful  opponents claim Delaware is not yet ready for a project of this size, which they believe will become a liability.

Without legislative support, the tunnel project died a quick death. Any proposed crossings of the Delaware River were put on hold during World War II. Delaware drivers were left without a convenient way to cross the river until the Delaware Memorial Bridge near New Castle opened in 1951.

Runaway Bride turns 25: Berlin celebrates 25th anniversary of Runaway Bride, the movie that made the town famous

Principal sources

Milford Chronicle, February 26, 1937.

Smyrna Times, April 1, 1937.

Delaware Memorial Bridge, https://www.delawarememorialbridge.com/

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Yes, a tunnel was proposed for Delaware River. Why it never happened.
A former STV and BBC presenter has been jailed for more than two years after her sister discovered she had embezzled more than 120,000 from her dementia-stricken mother.

Hayley Matthews, who was also known for fronting an SNP national conference, abused her position of trust to brazenly fund an extravagant lifestyle, prosecutors have said.

Suspicions were raised when, following the death of Ms Matthewss mother, Janice, in September 2021, she told other family members her estate was worth only 36,000.

Danielle Thomson, Ms Matthewss sister, obtained copies of financial statements from her mothers bank and found that thousands had been withdrawn while she was in hospital.

She called the police, and detectives discovered 371 PayPal transactions totalling 46,763, ATM withdrawals amounting to 38,000, and Amazon purchases worth 13,650.

Ms Matthews also bought a Mulberry handbag costing 1,371 with her mothers money, while items purchased from the White Company, an upmarket clothing and homeware store, had a value of 5,545.

Ms Matthews, who had power of attorney over her mothers financial affairs, was jailed for two years and three months at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Thefts funded extravagant lifestyle

Lynne Barrie, the procurator fiscal for Lothian and Borders, said: Hayley Matthews was placed in a position of family trust to oversee her mothers financial affairs. But she abused that responsibility by stealing thousands of pounds and used that money to brazenly fund an extravagant lifestyle.

This case demonstrates that those who seek to exploit vulnerable victims for their own personal gain will be held to account for their crimes.

The court heard that Ms Matthewss father, Alistair, had confronted her in January 2022 about the spending.

During text exchanges, Ms Matthews wrote: Youre right, Ive been shocking at handling mums money and paperwork.

Ive spent what I shouldnt and used money I shouldnt. I wasnt in a very good place when looking after her, but I tried my best.

Bank statements showed she had also spent her mothers cash at Harvey Nichols, Kurt Geiger, Molton Brown and Marks & Spencer.

Matthews has also previously worked for BBC Radio Scotland and was a newspaper columnist for the Edinburgh Evening News.

She previously worked alongside Lorraine Kelly and interviewed celebrities such as Amy Winehouse and Jason Donovan.

Last month, she pleaded guilty to embezzlement, between September 2019 and November 2022. She returned to the dock on Thursday for sentencing.

Sheriff Alison Stirling told Ms Matthews she had been in a position of trust and said her behaviour has had a serious impact on her family.

She added: Custody is the only appropriate disposal. Your actions were deliberate and repeated over a period of more than three years.

Kieran Clegg, defending Ms Matthews, said his client admitted her spending had been selfish and extravagant and had offered very little in the way of explanation.

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KENNER, La. (WGNO)  Two people were arrested in Kenner following a detection in the Flock Safety system that led to the recovery of two stolen vehicles, drugs and a gun on Friday, July 19.

According to the Kenner Police Department, officers responded to the detection of a stolen Nissan Kicks around 2:10 a.m. near the Interstate 10 and Williams Boulevard interchange.

Arrest made in Seventh Ward fatal shooting

KPD officials said police units flooded the area and found the vehicle in a parking lot in the 3200 block of Williams Boulevard.

To avoid a chase, Kenner police said the initial responding unit stayed and watched until more police arrived. While watching, the driver of the Nissan reportedly exited his vehicle and spoke with the driver of another car, an Alfa Romeo, which police say was later found to have also been stolen.

The two suspects were reportedly arrested without incident after back-up units arrived. According to the KPD, the driver of the Nissan was a 17-year-old, and the driver of the Alfa Romeo was a 16-year-old.

New Orleans police searching for car in fatal I-610 crash

Along with the vehicles, which were both reported as stolen out of New Orleans, Kenner police said they also recovered illegal drugs and a handgun from the Nissan and discovered that may have been involved in an armed robbery in New Orleans.

KPD officials said the 17-year-old faces charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, firearm and narcotics. The 16-year-old faces a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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KEARNS, Utah (ABC4)  Two of the six co-defendants in the grisly murder of Nichole Solorio-Romero were sentenced to lengthy prison terms earlier this week, the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office said.

Both Jorge Rafael Medina-Reyes, 25, and Orlando Tobar, 32, were sentenced on Tuesday, July 23 for charges of first-degree felony murder and first-degree felony aggravated kidnapping.

Medina-Reyes was sentenced to 15 years to life on both counts, to run concurrently. Meanwhile, Tobar was sentenced to 15 years to life on both counts, to run consecutively, for a minimum of 30 years.

The pernicious crimes committed by the co-defendants in this case are some of the worst I have seen in my 30 years as a prosecutor. These sentences send a strong message that violence will not be tolerated in our community, said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.

Utah men sentenced for organizing illegal canned mountain lion hunts

Both Medina-Reyes and Tobar pleaded guilty to the charges as part of a plea deal earlier this year. According to court documents, the two were part of a group that forced Solorio-Romero from her home by gunpoint and took her to a West Valley residence in February 2021.

The kidnappers held her against her will by knife-point before Medina-Reyes shot her in the head. Solorio-Romero was then shot a second time by Tobar.

Her body was later wrapped in plastic bags and taken away from the West Valley home by Tobar and fellow co-defendant, Cristian Morales. Her body was then left on the side of the road in Tooele County.

Tobar later testified to police that Solorio-Romero knew too much which led to her being shot and killed.

This grass can go weeks without water  and Utah just approved it

Morales, who was originally charged with felony obstructing justice and desecration of a dead human body, also pleaded guilty in June of this year. Morales charge for obstructing justice was amended to a misdemeanor while the desecration charge was dismissed with prejudice. His one-year jail sentence was suspended and he was released on a two-year probation period.

Ivan Acosta, Fernando Marquez, and Carolina Marquez, all of whom were allegedly involved in the incident are still awaiting trial. Acosta faces charges of obstructing justice and desecration of a dead human body while Fernando and Carolina Marquez face murder and kidnapping charges.

All three are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Posters for Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights, the group behind CI-128 in 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Posters for Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights, the group behind CI-128 in 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

After county election officials processed another 16,000 signatures from inactive Montana voters this week as ordered by a district court in Helena, proponents of three ballot initiatives said Wednesday they had easily surpassed the signature thresholds necessary to make the ballot in November.

Counties had until noon Wednesday to finish counting the thousands of additional signatures, which a judge said last week should not have been tossed out when an attorney for Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen told counties in the middle of the signature verification process they should not count.

Lewis and Clark District Court Judge Mike Menahan issued a temporary restraining order barring Jacobsen and her office from acting on that legal interpretation and ordered the signatures from inactive voters to be restored.

Montanans for Election Reform and Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights, the two groups behind the three initiatives, had said last Friday they had already met the necessary number of signatures in total and the requirement to get signatures from 10% of voters in at least 40 state House districts.

The two initiative campaigns said Wednesday afternoon they had bolstered their numbers.

Montanans for Election Reform, the group behind Constitutional Initiatives 126 and 127, said 70,956 signatures had been verified for CI-126 and 69,172 were verified for CI-127.

CI-126 gathered at least 604 signatures in 54 House districts, while CI-127 did so in 52 districts. Those two initiatives propose a top-four political candidate model and would require a candidate win with a majority vote and not simply a plurality.

Frank Garner, one of the board members for Montanans for Election Reform, said the group was thankful the courts sided with the groups so far and for the county election workers.

Thank you again to every county elections worker who went above and beyond the process these signatures representing the will of Montana voters, he said in a written statement.

Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights said it had 81,163 signatures validated as of Wednesday afternoon and had met the signature requirements in 59 different House districts  surpassing their required signature total by more than 20,000.

Were excited to have met the valid signature threshold and the House District threshold required to qualify this critical initiative for the ballot, said MSRR spokesperson Kiersten Iwai, also the executive director of Forward Montana. Still, we will not stop fighting to ensure that every Montana voter who signed the petition has their signature counted.

CI-128 would enshrine abortion access in the state constitution and prohibit the government from interfering with the right to travel for medical assistance and protect abortion practitioners.

The two groups and Jacobsens office will be back in district court on Friday for a preliminary injunction hearing on the matter after the Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously declined to take control of the case from Menahan.
Two Sacramento State officials with ties to Capital Public Radio are no longer working at the school.

Jonathan Bowman, Sac States chief financial officer, resigned, the university announced Tuesday. Bena Arao, a director of academic affairs resources at Sac State, is retiring, according to an internal notice sent Wednesday that was obtained by The Sacramento Bee.

Bowman joined the school in 2019 after working as a business administration manager at NASAs Jet Propulsion Lab in Southern California, according to a hiring announcement. Two years later, he was credited with identifying inconsistencies in CapRadios finances that led to an audit by the California State University system. That review, published last year, identified widespread financial problems and concerns at the station, including poor record-keeping, large debts and lease agreements that were signed without proper board approval.

Bowman was later appointed to the CapRadio board by then-President Robert Nelsen and Bowmans team took over the stations financial operations in August, according to the university. He is no longer on the board, according to CapRadios website.

The station is still under the financial control of the university. Sac State holds the broadcast licenses for CapRadios main stations KXJZ-FM (90.9) and KXPR-FM (88.9).

Efforts to reach Bowman by phone and email were not successful. The announcement did not give a reason for his resignation.

The timeline of Araos retirement was not disclosed in the email sent to faculty and staff, and a university spokesman did not immediately comment on the move. Arao worked at the university for 18 years in resource and facilities management.

He was the treasurer of CapRadios board when he resigned from the role in October. That came shortly after the audit and at the same time as the resignation of 13 other board members who quit in a letter to current Sac State president Luke Wood.

Arao, in an email, directed questions to a Sac State spokeswoman. The schools announcement did not give a reason for his retirement.

More news about CapRadios finances is expected soon. A deeper financial review ordered last year by Wood has not yet been released.
Typhoon Gaemi mapped: Storm heads for China after pounding Taiwan and Philippines

Typhoon Gaemi mapped: Storm heads for China after pounding Taiwan and Philippines

A powerful typhoon is churning towards the southeastern coast of China after pounding Taiwan and flooding the Philippines.

Typhoon Gaemi, also known as Typhoon Carina in the Philippines, made landfall in Taiwan in the early hours of Thursday as the worst storm in eight years.

It hit Yilan County with sustained winds up to 205 kph (125 mph), equal to a Category 3 major hurricane in the Atlantic.

Follow live updates on Typhoon Gaemi as it heads towards China

The storm brought powerful gusts and heavy rainfall and killed at least three people, as well as injuring hundreds of others, as authorities closed financial markets, schools and offices.

Map shows path of Typhoon Gaemi and forecast time for next landfall (PAGASA)

The typhoon was moving over the Taiwan Strait on Thursday towards mainland Chinas Fujian province, where it is expected to make landfall later, bringing more strong winds and downpours to a country already hit hard by weeks of extreme rain and deadly flooding.

Chinese weather forecasters said Gaemi will pass through Fujian province on Thursday evening and head inland, gradually moving northward with less intensity.

However, forecasters are expecting heavy rain in many areas as it tracks north, even those not directly on the storms path.

Government officials have already prepared for heavy rain and flooding, issuing warnings to the coastal provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang.

Satellite imagery shows Typhoon Gaemi churning towards southeastern China with remnants of the storm covering Taiwan on Thursday afternoon (Himawari-9/PAGASA)

In Fujian, officials have relocated about 150,000 people, mainly from coastal fishing communities, state media reported.

Most flights were cancelled at airports in Fuzhou and Quanzhou in Fujian, and Wenzhou in Zhejiang, according to the VariFlight app.

Guangzhou rail officials suspended some trains that pass through typhoon-affected areas, according to CCTV.

A woman walks past a screen displaying the cancelled flight information at the domestic departures hall of the Taipei Songshan Airport (REUTERS)

As gale force winds picked up, officials in Zhoushan in Zhejiang province suspended passenger waterway routes for up to three days.

Meanwhile, northern China is experiencing heavy rain from summer storms around a separate weather system.

Officials in capital Beijing upgraded and issued a red warning late on Wednesday night for torrential rain expected through most of Thursday, according to Chinese state media.

Map shows wind signals issued by Philippines storm monitoring agency (PAGASA)

Some areas have already experienced heavy rain and emergency plans were activated, with more than 25,000 people evacuated, according to Beijing Daily.

Some train services were also suspended at the Beijing West Railway Station, state media said.

Gaemi had already killed 22 people in the Philippines on its way past that country, adding to flooding and landslides from already high monsoon rainfall, and taking the total death toll from the storm up to 25.

A resident wades floodwaters brought about by Typhoon Gaemi and monsoon rains (Getty Images)

The typhoon is also believed to have been linked with several vessels in the sea capsizing. A cargo ship off Taiwan and an oil tanker off the Philippines sank on Thursday morning, both in rough seas.

In the Philippines authorities are searching for a missing crew member from the tanker, and warn they face a race against time to contain a huge oil spill that is heading for Manila.

Typhoon Gaemis unexpected behaviour before slamming into Taiwan surprised many experts.

Screengrab from a satellite video of Typhoon Gaemis path shows the storms moving southwards from its path before making landfall in its expected territory in northern Taiwan (Screengrab)

The typhoon was originally moving directly toward the northeastern coast of Taiwan. But radar data showed that instead of hitting the coast immediately, Gaemi performed a full loop just offshore.

This means that instead of hitting the coast immediately, it circled around the area before eventually making landfall.

The reason behind this unexpected loop is Taiwans rugged and mountainous terrain. The islands mountainous landscape can significantly influence the path of typhoons, causing them to alter their course or slow down.

In Gaemis case, the interaction with the mountainous geography led to its looping pattern, deviating from its initial trajectory, a phenomenon that isnt unprecedented.

Experts say excess ocean heat due to climate crisis may be helping fuel hurricanes and typhoons like Gaemi.

Tropical cyclones gain energy by feeding on ocean heat, so storms are becoming more intense, capable of reaching greater wind speeds and dumping more rain.
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.

2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL

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.
Editor's note: This interview has been minimally edited for length and clarity.

WASHINGTON  Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin sent a shockwave through Capitol Hill when he became the first Democrat in Congress to call on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race after his poor debate performance against Donald Trump.

As it turned out, Doggett opened the floodgates. Over the course of three weeks, three dozen other Democrats  including Rep. Marc Veasey of Fort Worth  issued similar calls asking Biden to step aside, fearing he could not defeat Trump in November. It was a risk, but one that Doggett says ultimately paid off. On Sunday, Biden took the historic step of announcing he would not run and instead was endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Immediately, Doggett made himself an outlier in his party again. As Democrats quickly rallied behind Harris, Doggett called for an open convention to entertain other candidates at the upcoming Democratic National Convention.

This time, he didnt get his way, as no other candidates emerged. Harris now has the backing of enough delegates to give her the nomination. Doggett says the vice president has his full support  though he still thinks a contested convention would have been the better option.

Doggett, 77, who has spent three decades in Congress, spoke with The Texas Tribune about his role in the recent chain of historic events and his feelings about where the party goes from here.

You were the first member of Congress to publicly call on President Joe Biden to withdraw after the debate. Tell us about what led to that decision to jump out there first.

I've been concerned for some time that despite the fact that President [Donald] Trump has a criminal record and has engaged in so much other wrongdoing, that President Biden lagged behind him and did not appear to be closing the gap. I had great hope for the debate, that it would provide the surge that we have lacked. Instead, it was a major setback.

The next morning, I contacted multiple members of our leadership, past and present, and other colleagues, urging them to join in seeking a replacement. And when I saw no one taking action, I called the White House and advised that I'd like to speak directly with the president to encourage him respectfully to step aside. I got no call back and decided on Tuesday [July 2] that I should move forward. I notified our leadership that I was doing so.

I am pleased that, though it took almost three weeks to occur, the president made the difficult decision to step aside. I think we were on a path to defeat. Now there is a new spirit and hope that we've got a fighting chance to defeat Trump.

At that point, did you have any sense that over 30 other members would eventually follow your lead?

I had a sense that the recognition of the failure of the debate and the need for a replacement was widespread, but it was far from certain whether many people would come forward and say it. It does involve some risk  for someone who's in a closely contested race, for someone who's expecting additional federal assistance, or perhaps someone who's concerned principally about their future political career  to take this action. So I knew that it would be difficult for people to act.

I'm pleased that as many did eventually join. I wish that we had had more people who were willing to speak out on the need for replacement, as quickly as they joined the vice president when she announced she was that replacement.

What were the private reactions from fellow members of Congress?

I think it was almost all positive, mostly from people saying that they'd like to express the same view but for one reason or another felt they could not.

I did not go out and try to twist arms or encourage people to take a position at the beginning. I think there were a couple of questionable social media posts, but no one from the leadership nor my colleagues discouraged me from what I was doing.

What had your relationship been with the president before the debate? How often had you sort of seen him, either in private or in public?

The vast majority of contact with the White House is through the president's aides. I don't believe he has been here in the Capitol to make a personal contact with our caucus or with us as individuals in some time.

I've seen him at social gatherings, but I've never detected the kind of performance or limitations that he had the night of the debate.

My wife did indicate she was concerned about the way he handled the White House picnic this year. And I've heard similar comments from some other colleagues, but they were not an indication of a deep problem.

Have you heard at all from the White House since your call for him to step aside?

I have not.

Do you worry that this whole ordeal has hurt your relationship with the White House or with President Biden?

I understand that my call was not something that they wished to hear, but I have tried to be respectful and appreciative of the president in my initial statement, in my subsequent statement that I issued last week, and in every comment that I've made regarding his work and his need to make this difficult decision.

But I knew at the time that the call, as indicated by the fact that it wasn't returned, was not one that was welcome news at the White House.

Are you planning on appearing with the president on Monday when he visits the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, in your home district?

I have no objection to being with him and applauding his work, but I have not been invited to that event as of now.

(Update, July 26: Doggett said he and his wife have been invited to Biden's event and will attend.)

You called for an open convention but also said that you would wholeheartedly support Harris, who is now a shoe-in for the nomination. What did you see as the advantages of having a more open process?

I urged a fair, open and democratic process to select a replacement as our nominee. That would have been the preferable course. I think that if we had a timely announcement that the president was stepping aside, we could have begun the process, whether through town halls or regional primaries, of permitting several candidates to offer their views as to why they had the program that would be most likely to overcome Trump's lead.

To her credit, Vice President Harris managed to win over, within less than 24 hours, every person who was mentioned as a prospective candidate. I have nothing but praise for the vice president. And so I formally announced that I would be supporting her. While I think she would have benefited from the process I originally described, it no longer could be accomplished.

Now, how do you feel about her chances in November? Do you worry that Harris and Democrats have too short a runway to make their case to the nation?

I'm very encouraged by the initial response of over $100 million raised, and endorsements from across the country to some extent satisfied my concern about her acceptance around the country. And again, I think the preferable approach was the one I advanced initially. But seeing delegations, including the Texas delegation, embrace her quickly does provide some indication of the level of her support among Democrats around the country.

I believe that it's an uphill struggle. I think we've got a fighting chance, but it will take all of us pulling together in a maximum effort to explain to Americans what is at stake in this election, the difference between an abortion ban, a repeal of the Affordable Care Act, termination of our efforts to address the climate crisis, and most importantly, just the suppression of our freedoms by Trump, who admires authoritarians and has made clear through Project 2025 that his extremists want to control almost every aspect of our life and abandon the democracy that has served our country so well.

Who would you like to see as the nominee for vice president?

The person who could give us the most advantage in winning those battleground states and defeating Trump.

I have no particular individual that I like more than another. I think it's a matter of evaluating it on that overriding concern. Certainly, I would want to be sure that anyone on the ticket was as committed as I am to [reproductive] choice, to our public schools, to combating the climate crisis and abroad, supporting Ukraine. But the main consideration is, do they help us win?

How much did Bidens age play a role in your decision to ask him to step aside? What would you say to people who are pointing out your own age? (Biden is 81. Doggett is 77)

It was the lagging in the polls for over a year, and falling further behind, that was the overriding consideration. I was never concerned about [Bidens] age. I was concerned about the condition that he is in, as reflected in the debate, and thereafter.

We have Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders and any number of very vigorous people, some of whom are older than the president, but he did not display similar vigor.

As to those people who pointed to my age, I would say that it was a strength in this particular decision to make my announcement, because I'm clearly not starting my career. It was a comment made by people who were either not my allies on other issues, or who felt a very deep personal commitment to the president and weren't looking at the numbers that were out there.

Fortunately, the president took a look at the same numbers I was looking at and other commentators were and realized that he did not have a path forward, and I admired him greatly for making the kind of decision that President [Lyndon Baines] Johnson did under other circumstances. Certainly, if at any point I felt that I had the type of limitations that he displayed, I would not want to serve in this office. I've said for years that I don't plan to pass away in this office or to stay as long as some colleagues who I've seen who stayed too long, but I'm looking forward to being on the ballot in November. I get a contract for this job two years at a time, and I am enthusiastic about the next Congress and a Democratic majority under President Kamala Harris.

Disclosure: LBJ Presidential Library has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Big news: director and screenwriter Richard Linklater; NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher; U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-California; and Luci Baines Johnson will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today!
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Officials with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences say theyre in the early stages of working on a new program they hope will help soon-to-be mothers and lower maternal mortality rates in the state.

Dr. Patricia Cowan, dean of the College of Nursing at UAMS, said theyre developing a masters level nurse-midwifery program to help meet maternal-infant needs in the state.

Nurse midwives function along with other health care providers to provide primary care for women, Cowan said.

University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College receives two grants for nearly $6 million to expand, grow nursing program across campuses

She said the program is vital.

Unfortunately, according to the CDC Arkansas has the worst maternal outcomes in the nation and we also have the lowest number of midwives in the nation as well, Cowan said.

Cowan said the nurse midwives would provide a number of things like prenatal and postpartum care.

We know that there are an inadequate number of maternal providers in the state, but nurse midwives are one level of provider that can provide that care to pregnant women or women during childbearing years, Cowan said.

Cowan noted that theyre working on a curriculum proposal for the two-year certified nurse-midwifery program before it goes through a state process of approval then an accrediting board for review.

My hope with the program is that we can help build a network of health care professionals who meet the needs of Arkansas women not just in central Arkansas but throughout the state, Cowan said.

Biden administration invests $100 million to train more nurses and grow the workforce

She said although it may not be until 2026 until they can admit nursing students, theyre looking forward to bridging the gap.

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After a nearly three-day strike, the union that represents some 500 workers at a Lear factory in Missouri has reached a tentative agreement with the company, ending the strike and allowing General Motors to resume production of its midsize pickups and cargo vans.

GM was forced to idle its nearby Wentzville Assembly plant in Missouri on Monday because the workers at the Lear Wentzville facility, which supplies the seats for GM's midsize pickups and vans, went on strike at midnight Sunday. That was when their contract expired and they had not reached a new tentative agreement with the company.

The Lear facility produces the seats as part of a just-in-time production system at GM's Wentzville plant. That means Lear makes the exact number of seats GM needs at the exact time GM needs it, with very little kept in inventory. So without the seats being produced, GM had to stop the assembly line and send some 4,600 workers home until Thursday.

General Motors added a third shift at its Wentzville (Mo.) Assembly plant last September to build trucks and vans.

GM spokesman Kevin Kelly confirmed that Wentzville restarted operations Thursday morning.

"Our supplier has reached a tentative agreement, and our focus is to resume regular production as quickly as possible for the good of our customers," Kelly said in a statement.

Lear spokesman Brian Corbett told the Free Press, We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with the UAW at our Wentzville facility. We are focused on resuming normal operations.

During Lear Corp.'s second-quarter earnings call with Wall Street analysts Thursday, CEO Ray Scott said the tentative agreement was reached "and were hoping to get it ratified sometime in the near future here. We'll work closely with the UAW. As far as any information, well continue to work with the team on the ground. Theyre back to building vehicles this morning and we couldnt be more happy for GM and our employees down in Wentzville.

CFO Jason Cardew said the financial impact of the strike is included in Lear's adjusted guidance for 2024. That guidance is based partly on global customer production estimates, but factors in the estimated strike impact. For the full year, Lear's restructuring costs are expected to be $25 million more than its previous forecast, coming in at $150 million. But its capital expenditure will be $650 million, down from the previous forecast of $675 million. Lear estimates its full-year adjusted pretax income to be $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion, down from an earlier forecast of $1.8 billion to $1.9 billion.

Details of the deal inclue a raise

UAW Local 282, which represents the Lear Wentzville workforce, reached the tentative agreement late Wednesday and finalized it in the early morning hours, during which time Lear strikers returned to work, UAW Local 282 President Bill Hugeback told the Free Press on Thursday.

Story continues

Hugeback said the first shift was operating at the Lear facility Thursday but, its probably going to take a little while to catch back up on production.

As part of the agreement, Hugeback said the workforce will receive a raise in wages, but he declined to offer any more details until the union could print it up and hand it out to the workers later.

"We'll let them read for it for a couple days and meet on it and then vote," Hugeback said. "Theyre happy that theyre going back to work and the strike is over. As far as the contract is concerned, they dont know all thats agreed to yet, we have to print out the pamphlets and hand them out.

Strike, breach of contract and NLRB

Earlier in the week, Hugeback said the union had made about 60 proposals to Lear that remained unresolved. The two biggest issues centered on health and safety and production standards. Those have led to the worst injuries in the plant, he said.

On Tuesday, the situation was headed toward serious complications after GM notified Lear that the supplier was in breach of its contract with GM by not supplying the seats needed to keep GM's assembly line going at the Wentzville Assembly.

As the Free Press first reported, GM's notification and Lear's subsequent use of it during bargaining prompted the UAW to file an unfair labor practice charge against Lear with the National Labor Relations Board on Tuesday.

In a notice to UAW Local 282 members obtained by the Free Press late Tuesday, Ken Barrett, the UAW Local 282's lead bargainer, wrote that when the union bargainers went to negotiate with Lear representatives, "They used their time to reject our membership's demand and to present a letter from General Motors that seats be supplied. The letter and the intent of its presentation was designed as a scare tactic to claim that if we didn't accept the terms of the company's proposal, Lear would lose the business."

Barrett said the action was unethical and illegal, so the union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB.

In a statement sent to the Free Press on Thursday morning, UAW Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell said, "I'm proud of our UAW membership and their bargaining team for standing up against the billionaire class and, as Walter Reuther said, forcing this company to say yes when they wanted to say no."

Campbell said the agreement proves that when workers fight in solidarity for "fair pay, benefits and working conditions, corporate greed can be beat."

Wentzville Assembly is one of GM's key plants and it was one of the first plants the UAW struck last fall during the union's so-called Stand Up strike which targeted specific Detroit Three automakers' plants.

More: GM delays restart of Orion Assembly plant, will reopen it as battery-electric truck plant

More: GM reports $4.4 billion in Q2 pretax profits, increases expected earnings for full year

This story has been updated to accurately reflect that Lear estimates its full-year adjusted pretax income to be $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion, down from an earlier forecast of $1.8 billion to $1.9 billion.

Contact Jamie L. LaReau: jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. Read more on General Motors and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: As UAW, Lear reach tentative deal, GM restarts pickup production
By Elias Biryabarema and Aaron Ross

KAMPALA (Reuters) -Ugandan police detained several people in the capital Kampala on Thursday during a second day of anti-corruption protests that are demanding the resignation of the parliament speaker, footage broadcast by local media showed.

Drawing inspiration from weeks of youth-led protests in neighbouring Kenya that forced the president there to withdraw proposed tax hikes, young Ugandans began demonstrating this week against alleged graft by elected leaders.

The police quickly shut down a planned march to parliament on Tuesday. They arrested at least 73 young protesters, according to Chapter Four Uganda, an organisation providing legal services to those detained.

On Thursday, more demonstrators took to the streets, according to video posted on X by the Daily Monitor newspaper. The footage showed police in riot gear forcing several young adults into the back of a truck as they shouted protest slogans.

Footage broadcast by NTV Uganda showed about a dozen people marching with signs that said, "The Corrupt are Messing with a Wrong Generation" and "This is our 1986", a reference to when President Yoweri Museveni overthrew a repressive government.

Reached for comment, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke referred Reuters to comments on Monday in which he said protests had been banned because they would be hijacked by people looking to loot and vandalise.

Museveni, who over the weekend warned protesters against "playing with fire", accused them on Thursday of receiving foreign funding.

"Those involved should know that Uganda is not a neo-colony," he said. "The fight against corruption is in my hands. I just need evidence and action will be taken."

Ugandan and Kenyan activists have used audio forums on X as the main platform for organising their protests.

In one such forum on Thursday, activists encouraged Ugandans to take to the streets but acknowledged the challenge of mobilising in a country where anti-government demonstrations routinely draw forceful police crackdowns.

"You want it done today? Get out of your house ... Be the soldier for this anti-corruption fight," said one speaker identified only by their X handle.

The protesters' demands include the resignation of parliament speaker Anita Among, who was sanctioned this year by the United States and Britain for alleged involvement in corruption.

Among has denied all allegations of graft and says she is being targeted by Western governments for her role pushing through harsh anti-LGBTQ legislation last year.

The Ugandan protesters have borrowed slogans from their counterparts in Kenya, where more than 50 people have been killed in six weeks of protests, characterising themselves as "fearless" and "leaderless".

Nigerian activists are also looking to emulate the protests in Kenya and have called for demonstrations next month in response to a cost of living crisis.

(Reporting by Elias Biryabarema in Kampala and Aaron Ross in Nairobi; Editing by Toby Chopra)
The two largest European donors of military aid to Ukraine, Germany and the U.K., signed a defense pact on July 24 as London aims to "reset" security and defense ties with Europe.

The agreement comes as the continent braces for Donald Trump's potential victory in the U.S. election and its repercussions for European security and support for Ukraine.

On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly touted a plan to bring the war to an immediate end if he wins in November. The plan reportedly involves ceding territory to Russia, though Trump has provided minimal details on the specifics of his proposal.

Trump will run alongside his vice presidential running mate, Senator JD Vance, who is thought to be an even more outspoken opponent of U.S. support for Ukraine and has openly endorsed territorial concessions as part of a potential peace deal.

As part of a 48-hour visit to Europe, including France, Poland, and Estonia, British Defense Secretary John Healey signed the pact with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius at the Bendlerbloc ministerial complex in Berlin, Politico reported.

Objectives set out in the joint declaration include strengthening the U.K. and German defense industries, reinforcing Euro-Atlantic security, improving the efficiency of joint operations, confronting evolving security challenges such as the cyber domain, and supporting Ukraine, according to the U.K. Defense Ministry.

"These visits send a clear message that European security will be this government's first foreign and defense priority," Healey said during a press conference.

Pistorius echoed Healey's statement, adding that Berlin and London aim to strengthen the domestic arms industry by working more closely together in the development, production, and procurement of weapons and ammunition.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the U.K. and Germany are the two European countries providing Ukraine with the most military aid and the largest direct defense spending, with 74.9 billion euros ($81.1 billion) and 66.8 billion euros ($72.4 billion), respectively, in 2023.

Healey has been defense minister for about three weeks following the Labour Party's victory in the July 5 elections, which ousted the Conservatives.

Less than 48 hours after Healey took his post, he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Odesa and announced a new package of defense aid on July 7.

"There may have been a change in government, but the U.K. is united for Ukraine. As the new defense secretary, I will ensure that we reinvigorate Britain's support by stepping up supplies of vital military aid," Healey said in remarks posted on the U.K. government's website.

In late July, the U.K. and Ukraine also signed an agreement providing credit support for developing Ukraine's defense industry.

The text stipulates that British suppliers can conclude credit agreements and contracts with Ukraine for up to 2 billion pounds ($2.6 billion).

Read also: With a Trump victory more likely, Ukraine launches charm offensive

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In our Reality Check stories, Herald-Leader journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.

UK HealthCare is in the midst of an expansion project that will cost over $4.3 billion, add nine new buildings to its arsenal and bring more healthcare access to Kentuckians.

Announced as part of a strategic refresh in April 2023, Co-Executive Vice President of Health Affairs Eric Monday said the new projects will help UK HealthCare achieve its goal of meeting every Kentuckians healthcare needs so they dont have to travel out of state for top-notch medical care.

The No. 1 purpose of the institution is take care of the commonwealth, Monday said. In the worst of times, we want to be the place that can provide that care.

Co-Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Robert DiPaola, left, and Eric Monday pose for a portrait.

In total, the expansion projects will add almost 500 in-patient beds to the UK HealthCare system in less than 10 years, with most of that care focused in Central Kentucky.

Andrew Ibrahim, a health policy researcher at the University of Michigan with a focus on hospital expansion and consolidation, said thats a large undertaking on a quick-turn timeline. He called it fast in an impressive way, not in a bad way.

If theyre building that much all at one time, it means they have the money to do it. They must have pretty good understanding that theres that much demand and those buildings will fill up, he said.

Expanding Chandler, UKs largest hospital

A rendering of the current design of UK HealthCares Albert B. Chandler Hospital expansion project. The project is still in the design phase, and may change before construction begins.

The biggest and most expensive change coming to UK HealthCares campus is a 900-bed expansion of the main hospital, Albert B. Chandler Hospital.

UK HealthCare will spend a projected $3.3 billion to build the 2.1 million-square-foot facility on the health systems main campus in Lexington.

We have to build capacity. Were at 1,100 beds today; how do we move to 1,400? Thats the plan thats in front of us, Monday said.

The logistics of the expansion are being evaluated to make the most cost-effective move because construction prices could jump by 10% every year the project is prolonged, Monday said.

One of the key areas of opportunity is just basically time, value and money., he said.

Construction is to begin in 2027. The first round of patients will be in the expansion in 2029, with the hospital fully operational by 2033. Currently, UK is in the design phase of the Chandler expansion.

The buildings are an incredibly important strategy that help you optimize your performance as a growing health system, Ibrahim said.

One thing thats particularly important about these large healthcare projects now is they have gotten so complex. Building a hospital in the modern era is very complicated. Theres a lot of rules and regulations.

Close to 50% of UK HealthCares discharges are transfers from other hospitals across the state. Last year, UK had to deny 4,000 transfer requests. Though thats 2,000 less denials than the year before, its still too many, officials said.

The Chandler expansion will help UK HealthCare accept more transfer requests.

UK partners to try to ensure that that care can be provided locally if at all possible. But if it cant, then the expectation is that UK should provide that care and no one should leave the commonwealth, said Mark Birdwhistell, UKs senior vice-president for health and public policy.

It is our obligation to be sure that we can provide care as close to home as possible. Community first, but if not in the community then at UK HealthCare.

A rendering of the current design of UK HealthCares Albert B. Chandler Hospital expansion project. The project is still in the design phase, and may change before construction begins.

UK HealthCare will move out of the original Chandler footprint, which has 405 beds. The timeline for that move hasnt been nailed down.

We would look at a domino understanding of whats necessary in that space. Ideally, we cannot provide patient care in original Chandler because its not supportive for that environment, Birdwhistell said.

Down the road there may be additional building site opportunities, but initially we would use that to support other elements.

UKs other Lexington hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, will cease operations in 2029. Monday said employees of the 221-bed hospital will not be fired, just moved to other UK HealthCare locations. He said there are no concrete plans for how Good Samaritan will be used once the Chandler expansion is open.

Birdwhistell said people who live close to Good Samaritan hospital often use its emergency room for primary care needs. Thats why its important UK opens an outpatient clinic before Good Sam quits operating.

UKs four new outpatient centers

The inside of the new UK HealthCare clinic in the Hamburg area of Lexington.

In May, UK opened the first of four new outpatient service buildings in Central Kentucky. Chief strategy and growth officer Rob Edwards said these additions will be traditional physician offices focused on primary care.

Fayette County and Franklin County are two of only 13 counties in Kentucky, which has 120 counties, not considered a health professional shortage area, according to the Rural Health Information Hub. Three of the four new clinics will be in those counties.

To justify opening a new clinic or constructing a new building, Ibrahim said there has to be a critical mass of patients available in the proposed area.

Some of the tension in where the facilities get put is also understanding how complex the service is and how much volume there is, he said.

For more complex services, you probably do need to keep the buildings more central to keep the volume up.

Monday said the decision of where to lease space was informed by the need to increase access for UK employees. Over 30,000 people are covered by UKs health plan, he said. The new outpatient buildings are in ZIP codes where many UK HealthCare professionals live.

The building which houses the new UK HealthCare primary care facility in the Hamburg area of Lexington.

The first site opened May 20 in the Hamburg area of Lexington, with 12 exam rooms. Another site will open in Franklin County at Frankfort Regional Medical Center later this year, and will have 12 or 13 exam rooms.

The final two outpatient buildings will open in 2025, but design and planning are still underway. One building will be in Richmond, and one will go in an underserved area of Fayette County, which has yet to be decided.

The leased space in Richmond needs significant construction before it can be utilized as an outpatient clinic space. UK will spend $3.5 million in construction cost.

In total, for the three finalized ambulatory sites, UK will spend up to $520,000 per year to lease the spaces.

Though the locations were chosen to make access easier for UK employees, the four outpatient buildings are open to the general population.

Birdwhistell said the buildings will also help serve the medicaid population of central Kentucky.

In the medicaid population, transportation is one of the key deterrents of getting early access to care. Having that clinic located so that its close to bus routes or in walking distance is one of the objectives, he said.

Having access where people can get primary care close to home is the objective.

UKs largest academic building

Kentucky is one of the most physician-poor states in the country, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. In terms of total doctors, Kentucky will be 2,926 physicians short by 2030, according to a report by the Cicero Institute, a policy research organization.

Specifically looking at primary care physicians, Kentucky ranks 44th for the number of active primary care physicians in the US. To maintain the current access rate, Kentucky will need an additional 624 primary care physicians by 2030.

Thats a 24% increase in the primary physician population.

We have some counties without a single physician. As the flagship medical school for the commonwealth, we would like to be able to help with that, College of Medicine Dean Chipper Griffith said.

UK will spend $380 million to construct a new health education building to increase the medical schools capacity and train the future doctors of Kentucky. That money is coming from UKs academic budget, not the UK HealthCare budget. At 550,000 square feet, it will be the largest academic building in UKs history.

A rendering of the new Health Education Building at the University of Kentucky, scheduled to open in 2026. The building will house four health care colleges at UK, and will be the largest academic building on campus.

Every year at the end of the admission cycle we have hundreds of qualified applications that we dont have room for. Some go to Louisville, some go the high velocity path, but some give up. Thats a shame in a physician-poor state, Griffith said.

The new building, currently in the final stages of design and set to open on UKs Lexington Campus in 2026, will increase the medical schools class size from 201 per year to 270 per year across all four campuses. That means an additional 276 students will be in training by 2030.

Along with the college of medicine, the health education building will be home to the college of public health and some health science and nursing programs.

The new space will double enrollment in the College of Nursing, bringing in an additional 350 students per year. The College of Health Science will see a 30% increase with the addition of 460 students, and the College of Public Health will see a 30% increase with an additional 350 students.

Griffith said having multiple health disciplines under one roof will increase collaborative learning and prepare students to work together in a professional setting.

We have all these experts in such a comprehensive academic health system. How do you bring them all together at the table? We call it a transdisciplinary approach, Co-Executive Vice-President for Health Affairs Robert DiPaola said.

Bringing care to Eastern Kentucky

St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead, Kentucky.

St. Claire HealthCare, a hospital based in Morehead, officially became a part of UK HealthCare July 1. That acquisition is the second hospital system UK HealthCare has ever acquired, following the addition of Kings Daughters in Ashland in December 2022.

The hospital was acquired through a member substitution agreement, foregoing a monetary purchase. Member substitutions are often used to transfer ownership of non-profit organizations, like hospitals. Instead of an outright purchase, leaders from the acquiring organization take over positions on the governing board.

With the addition of St. Claire HealthCare, UK brings in 139 more beds focused on serving the Eastern Kentucky population.

Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the rate of hospital mergers or acquisitions has doubled. There are about two transactions every week where a health system is acquiring another hospital, Ibrahim said.

Now more than 70 or 80% of hospitals belong to some kind of larger health system and thats becoming more the norm.

He said the payment penalties and incentives introduced with the passage of the Affordable Care Act made it hard for independent community hospitals, like St. Claire, to stay afloat on their own. One penalty could be detrimental, but smaller hospitals dont always have the resources to achieve the incentives.

St. Claire President and CEO Don Lloyd said even though the medicine is the same, the circumstances of healthcare are very different between rural and metropolitan areas. He said his hospitals new partnership with UK will help train more physicians to practice in under-served parts of Kentucky.

For us as a health system, it brings an opportunity for us to ensure that we can carry on our mission of not only providing clinical care but also educating the next generations of healthcare providers and really addressing some of those social determinants through the various programming that we envision, Lloyd said.

UK, St. Claire and Morehead State University already partner for the Rural Physician Leadership Program, which offer incentives to medical school graduates to be doctors in physician-poor areas of the state. Lloyd said UK has shown commitment to address the workforce shortage, and he looks forward to furthering that progress through the partnership.

If a patient can stay closer to home and get their care, their outcomes are better, Monday said.

Building Markey Cancer Center a new home

A line drawing of the new cancer and ambulatory complex for UK HealthCare, located on South Limestone. The board of trustees approved these updated plans on Dec. 13, 2022, which will provide expanded cancer treatment for Kentuckians.

Besides increasing the number of health professionals in the state, another way to improve access to healthcare is to improve operational efficiencies. Thats the main goals of the new Markey Cancer Center building, which broke ground April 25.

The new UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, located in Lexington next to Shriners Childrens Hospital, will consolidate all of Markeys offerings to help lower the average patient length of stay.

Were gonna take all of that cancer care thats in like six buildings, bring it into one and provide more capacity, Monday said. Thats not just for Lexington, that is for the entire commonwealth.

A rendering of the new UK HealthCare cancer and advanced ambulatory building.

As the only National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Kentucky, Markey had 93,349 patient visits in 2023. Markey Cancer Center Director Mark Evers said about 50% of patients come from Central Appalachia, where high rates of poverty, obesity and smoking contribute to elevated cancer rates.

We have some of the highest rates of lung and colorectal cancer in the country in that specific area, he said. Were the only academic cancer center thats caring for those patients. Many of our programs are really geared towards the cancers with the highest incidents in that region.

The new building, which will give Markey an additional 70,000-square-feet of space, will increase capacity because of the larger footprint and quicker patient turn-around.

The building and adjacent parking garage is projected to cost $885 million and will open for patients in 2027.

Opening a behavioral health emergency room

Along with the physical health needs of patients, UK is addressing access to mental health care.

UK HealthCare will open an outpatient mental health treatment unit at Eastern State Hospital in Lexington later this month.

Eastern State Chief Administrative Officer Lindsey Jasinski said the new Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing (EmPATH) unit functions much like a behavioral health emergency room, and will help decompress already overrun traditional emergency departments.

Many people are showing up in the emergency room with psychiatric needs that need to be addressed, Birdwhistell said. That need can be addressed in a less acute setting by mental health professionals  to get them back on track with medications and referred to mental health counselors in the most appropriate time, in the most appropriate setting.

Eastern State Hospital is owned by the state but managed by UK HealthCare. The EmPATH unit will be fully owned and operated by UK HealthCare through leased space on Eastern States campus.

Lexingtons Eastern State Hospital opened in 1824 and has been under the management of University of Kentucky HealthCare since 2013. The hospital is a state-owned psychiatric facility.

The project costs approximately $1.26 million to get off the ground, according to Eastern State Community Engagement Director Vikki Franklin. UK HealthCare will also pay Eastern State up to $310,000 per year for the leased space.

We have seen significant growth in need for crisis services post-pandemic over the past several years. This is a great model for being able to provide really collaborative trauma informed care thats better for our patients, Jasinski said.

The unit is expected to open July 30 and will have a 12 patient capacity.

Much like a traditional emergency room, patients can bring themselves to the new mental health crisis unit or be brought in by first responders. Anyone can take advantage of the new service, unless the patient is under 18 or medically unstable.
(Bloomberg) -- The UK will increase its collaboration with India in critical and emerging technologies as the two nations seek to strengthen bilateral ties.

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The UK and India will launch a Technology Security Initiative, led by their respective National Security Advisers, to cooperate more in the areas of high tech, Indias Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement late Wednesday.

The announcement came during a two-day visit by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to India, where he met his counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The tech security initiative identifies several areas of collaboration: telecommunications, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology and healthtech, and advanced minerals.

The two countries are planning to launch a joint research program on future telecoms later this year, according to the statement. In the critical minerals sector, the two countries pledged to boost research and exploration in rare earth elements and improve the resilience of supply chains in the sector.

India has been aggressively pursuing a plan to build manufacturing plants for semiconductors in the country. Under the joint India-UK initiative, there will be academic and industrial R&D collaboration, including in chip design and IP, compound semiconductors, advanced packaging and innovative system, the statement said.

During his meeting with Modi, Lammy also discussed progress on a UK-India free trade agreement currently under negotiation. Earlier this month, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters India is deeply committed to a trade agreement with the UK and would like to grow trade between the two countries to $100 billion by 2030.

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The U.S. should integrate a low-cost acoustic network to detect aerial threats developed by Ukraine into its own air defense systems, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command said Wednesday morning. Consisting of thousands of acoustic sensors across Ukraine, this system helps detect and track incoming Russian kamikaze drones, alert traditional air defenses in advance, and also dispatch ad hoc drone hunting teams to shoot them down.

Their use of acoustic sensors has proliferated across the country to the point now where theyre almost positively identifying drones in the distance because of this acoustic and the fireteams attached to that acoustic, low-cost capability that theyve developed and proliferated, Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Gainey said during a discussion at the Hudson Institute. As a result, Ukraine has a low-cost defeat system. The U.S., he added, should find a way of integrating that type of low-cost capability into our system. We should be able to find ways to work together and augment some of our capability with some of that lower-cost capability.

A Shahed-136 launched by Russia against Ukraine. SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images An early Shahed-136 launched by Russia against Ukraine. Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images

One of the key lessons from Ukraine that could be applied to the U.S. is the ability to be able to disperse our capability [across a full 360 degrees] and be able to respond to several different threats simultaneously, Gainey said.

Gainey didnt offer details of how such an integration might work. However, his comments about U.S. interest in Ukraines acoustic detection network echoed sentiments expressed last week by the general who leads U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA), and NATOs Allied Air Command.

The network was developed by two Ukrainian engineers in a garage who attached cell phones and microphones to six-foot poles, Gen. James Hecker told reporters at the Royal International Air Tattoo on Saturday. It is a modern version of the various types of systems used by the U.S. and other nations in WWII designed to detect incoming aircraft based on their acoustic signatures.

A U.S. Coast Artillery Corps aircraft sound locator system, at left, as well as a searchlight and transport truck, somewhere in the United States in 1932. U.S. Coast Artillery Corps

Hecker was expanding on the comments he first made about the system in February at the Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium which you can read more about here.

The key to Ukraines network is that it picks up the loud sound given off by the drones. Though relatively small, the piston engines of kamikaze drones like the Shahed-136 produce a significant and often terrifying amount of noise, as you hear in the video below.

Russian invaders launched Iranian-made Shahed-131/136 drones to attack Ukraine pic.twitter.com/uxnlisRySx  Giorgi Revishvili (@revishvilig) May 3, 2023

Widespread deployment of these sensors has helped Ukraine defend against the drones, Hecker said on Saturday.

They put about 9,500 of these within their nation and now they get very accurate information that is synthesized in a central computer and sent out to mobile fire teams, Hecker said. And on an iPad, they get a route of flight of these one-way UAVs coming in, and they have a triple-A [anti-aircraft artillery] gun and a person with six hours of training can shoot these down.

Most of Ukraines counter-drone teams rely heavily on improvised weapon systems typically consisting of various types of machine guns and automatic cannons mounted on different types of light vehicles. Their means of spotting and tracking drones themselves, especially at night, are typically limited to very localized capabilities like night vision and thermal optics, laser pointers, and searchlights.

A Ukrainian counter-drone fire team uses a searchlight to hunt for Russian drones. Ukrainian government

Patching these units together with early warning of drone locations is a force multiplier that has proven so successful the U.S. and allies have independently tested it as they look to develop ways of providing greater situational awareness over large swathes of airspace without breaking the bank. Countering the waves of drone threats they could face from adversaries like Russia and China, and also Iran and North Korea, requires non-traditional thinking, and this system certainly fits the bill.

About three months ago, Ukraines network detected about 84 incoming drones and enabled its forces to down all but four, Hecker said. After that success, Ukraines acoustic sensing equipment was taken to Ramstein Air Base in Germany for evaluation.

I got briefed on this from the physicists who actually developed it, Hecker explained. A couple months later, we set up sensors around Ramstein and we proved that it works. Romania just had another demo, where they put the sensors around one of their in one of their ranges and they proved that it worked as well.

Costing roughly $400 to $500 per sensor, the network is a cheap solution, Hecker said, to the problem of detecting and defeating incoming drones across a nation the size of Texas. Its much cheaper than a Patriot.

U.S Patriot system. DoD

As a result, other countries are looking at acoustic sensors and I think that technology will get better and better.

The network that Ukraine has developed costs less than $5 million based on the per-sensor estimate provided by Hecker. He wants NATO nations to produce similar kinds of innovation to put them on the right side of the cost curve and create dilemmas that put Russia on the wrong side of the cost curve.

He used the example of the massive Iranian barrage on Israel in April when ballistic missiles, one-way UAVs, and cruise missiles headed toward the country.

The U.S., some other countries as well as Israel were able to knock down almost all of them, Hecker noted. However, destroying a $30,000 drone with a million dollar missile was not the right side of the cost curve.

Explosions are seen in the skies of Jerusalem, following the attack from Iran on April 14, 2024. Mohammad Hamad/Anadolu via Getty Images Anadolu

Hecker challenged industry and NATO air chiefs to come up with cheaper, more creative solutions.

Likewise, he continued, We need to develop equipment in NATO that is there to put pressure on the wrong side of the cost curve should there be an Article 5 situation.

Article 5 stipulates that if a NATO ally is attacked, all members of the alliance will consider the act as a collective attack on the alliance. So far, it has only been invoked once, shortly after the U.S. was attacked on 9/11.

So were working both of those very hard, Hecker said. Every meeting, when I talk to industry, I bring up both of these. How do we get on the right side of the cost curve on [integrated air defense] IAD and then how can we make Russia be on the wrong side.

There are no specific plans as of yet by the U.S. or its allies to develop or deploy acoustic detection networks. However, the growing interest in their success in Ukraine indicates that they may do so in the not-too-distant future. And there is really no reason why they wouldnt. Such an acoustic network could be deployed relatively cheaply and linked together across Europe, providing a whole new layer of aerial surveillance.

The info such a system provides could be integrated and fuzed with traditional air defense sensor data, improving an integrated air defense systems (IADS) overall quality significantly. Currently, radar, electro-optical/infrared, and passive radio frequency detection systems provide tracking data for an IADS, with radar being the primary means of doing so. A cheap, highly distributed network of acoustic sensors would add an entirely new spectrum layer to this integrated air defense equation, increasing the quality of the systems data output overall.

A battery assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, displays their patriot radar and antenna mast group during table gunnery training exercise on Kadena Air Base in Japan, Oct. 19, 2017. (U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Adan Cazarez) A battery assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, display their patriot radar and antenna mast group during table gunnery training exercise on Kadena Air Base in Japan, Oct. 19, 2017. (U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Adan Cazarez)

Acoustic sensors are also impervious to electronic attack and only physical decoys could influence such a system, aside from the cyber realm, providing a layer that can cross-check what radio frequency-dependent sensors are seeing or not. Such a network would also be highly resilient as it would be widely distributed and very hard to pinpoint its nodes as it is passive in nature. This also means that if some of its sensors are destroyed, it would just degrade its capabilities in certain areas, not totally neuter them. Any nodes that are lost for whatever reason could also be cheaply and quickly replaced.

All of this is also highly relevant to the defense of the U.S. homeland. Low-flying drones and cruise missiles are a major concern and there is already a push both on the campaign trail and in the top echelons of the U.S. government to drastically upgrade Americas domestic air defense capabilities. Drones and cruise missiles are hard to spot and reliably track, especially without airborne sensor systems. An acoustic network, especially one clustered towards the countrys perimeter, could be a huge help in identifying and mitigating these threats without spending massive sums of money.

With all this in mind, Ukraines well-known success with its acoustic aerial threat tracking system will have allies and adversaries alike perusing very similar capabilities, especially as the threat of long-range suicide drones continues to explode in scope and magnitude.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Mourners attend a funeral ceremony for former Ukrainian nationalist lawmaker Iryna Farion, who died after being shot by a gunman. -/ukrin/dpa

The Ukrainian police has made a first arrest in the murder case of the controversial politician Iryna Farion, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday.

Farion, a former Ukrainian nationalist lawmaker and university professor known for her anti-Russian rhetoric, was shot in the head outside her home in Lviv on Friday and died in hospital later that day.

"Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko just reported to me about the arrest of a suspect in the murder of Iryna Farion," Zelensky wrote on Telegram, adding that he was an 18-year-old man from the country's south-eastern city of Dnipro.

Klymenko was instructed to share all details with the public.

"There is sufficient evidence to state that the arrested individual shot the philologist," said a police statement on Facebook, referring to Farion's academic discipline.

It said the suspect had rented at least three apartments in Lviv. His route is said to have been traced using surveillance cameras. Around 100 hectares of forest were also combed as part of the investigation.

However, it remained unclear who had commissioned the murder.

Farion, who became known for her criticism of Russian-speaking Ukrainians, sat in parliament for the far-right Svoboda (Freedom) party from 2012 to 2014.

A confessional letter had circulated on Telegram with a video purportedly filmed during the shooting, along with a call in Russian for a "race war." According to media reports, the police are examining this video.
With U.S. President Joe Biden officially out of the running for re-election, Ukrainian soldiers, experts, and advocates have fresh hope that the 81-year-old with decades of transatlantic diplomacy experience will increase support for the country during his final months in office.

We will keep rallying a coalition of proud nations to stop Putin from taking over Ukraine and doing more damage, Biden said from the White House in a July 24 address.

Well keep NATO stronger, and I will make it more powerful and more united than any time in all of our history.

Doug Klain, a U.S.-based policy analyst at the nonprofit advocacy group Razom for Ukraine, spoke with the Kyiv Independent just hours before Bidens speech, only his fourth from the Oval Office.

This is his closing act, the significance (of this moment) is not lost on him, Klain said.

Just this week, Klain noted, Biden delegated responsibilities to the Treasury Secretary and Secretary of State to oversee the possibility of seizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine using a law he signed in April.

Taras Berezovets, a Ukrainian army officer and political analyst, said he expects Biden to take more decisive, harsh action against Russia and President Vladimir Putin over the next few months, particularly with sanctions.

He doesn't need to think about a second presidential term, Berezovets said, and he can make some unpopular decisions in the international arena.

"This war cannot be lost by Ukraine and by the West because the stakes are too high, Berezovets said, adding: It's not about the survival of Ukraine, it's about the survival of democratic values  Western values.

Berezovets spoke with the Kyiv Independent after a July 25 funeral in Kyiv of an intelligence officer with whom he had served, who died a few days earlier after being severely injured on the battlefield.

(L-R) President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky walks with U.S. President Joe Biden down the colonnade to the Oval Office during a visit to the White House in Washington, DC, USA on Sep. 21, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

How U.S. policy evolves over the next six months and during the next administration of Ukraines top ally and supplier of weaponry will shape Kyivs prospects on the battlefield. The outgunned and outmanned country, despite its strong defiance, continues to lose lives defending its territory and the right to exist as an independent nation in the face of what local leadership describes as a genocidal war.

Though Ukraines Western allies have provided Ukraine with massive amounts of weaponry since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, supplies have at times arrived with delays, triggering local officials to complain they were not being given enough swiftly to defeat Moscow on the battlefield decisively.

Berezovets said troops he had contact with since Biden announced he would drop his candidacy last weekend were too busy to react to the news, adding: Frankly speaking, everyone was actually too bothered with the situation on the frontline.

Read also: Ukraine and its soldiers weigh in on whether Biden should step aside

What Biden could do for Ukraine during his lame-duck period

Another potential change could be lifting restrictions on Ukrainian strikes inside Russia with American weapons, which Klain is optimistic could happen in the coming months.

Currently, U.S. policy does not allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons to strike military targets deep inside Russia out of fear of escalation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly asked the U.S. to lift these restrictions. In June, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted that Washington was open to changing these restrictions in the future.

Such a change would be one of the most practical and most important things Biden could do over the next few months, said Danylo Lubkivsky, director of the Kyiv Security Forum, along with continuing to provide Ukraine with additional weaponry and equipment that the country needs to secure victories on the battlefield.

Ukraines Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi recently noted that "when it comes to equipment, there is a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 in (Russias) favor. Despite taking on heavy losses, Russia continues to advance in its offensive in Donetsk oblast.

A M142 HIMARS launching a rocket at a Russian position in an unspecified location, Ukraine, on Dec.29, 2023. (Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

A Ukrainian soldier prepares 155mm artillery shells in his fighting position as the Ukrainian Army conducts an operation to target trenches of Russian forces through the Donetsk Oblast amid the Russia and Ukraine war in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on Aug. 6, 2023. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Another key issue for Ukraine in Bidens final months in office is ensuring that all the promises that were made to Ukraine are delivered in every sense. Political, financial, economic and so on, Lubkivsky added.

With former President Donald Trump this month securing the Republican nomination and surviving an assassination attempt that boosted his chances to win the presidency, fears loom amid Ukraines leadership that his return to the White House could spell abandoned support for Ukraine.

Addressing such concerns, Zelensky said this month that his administration will work with whichever candidate is elected and that working with Trump would be hard work, but we (Ukrainians) are hard workers.

Biden has an opportunity not only to secure support from Washington after his term ends, but also from allied Western partners, Lubkivsky noted, and should use security agreements to ensure that the G7 nations and NATO allies continue to support and protect Ukraine after he leaves the office.

After receiving assurances of an irreversible path toward NATO membership, $43 billion in funding for next year, and 32 countries signing a Ukraine Compact, Zelensky deemed the historic NATO Summit which took place earlier this month a success.

If you think that the next person is Trump who is going to be unwilling to support Ukraine, then what you're really trying to do is to get the resources out and strengthen the unity amongst NATO allies and partners (like) the EU, said Jonathan Katz, a senior director and national security expert at the Brookings Institute.

The good news is (Biden) is unburdened by not having to run a campaign at the same time, so hell have time over the next six months to really work with partners and allies to strengthen the agreements that were reached at the NATO Summit, Katz said.

Potential upsides of a Kamala Harris Presidency

With Democratic support quickly consolidating around Vice President Kamala Harris as the likely presidential candidate for the party, she is expected to continue or even increase U.S. backing to Ukraine if elected.

In the days following Bidens endorsement of Harris, Ukraines Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak met with Harriss national security advisor. The two discussed the frontline situation and Russian attacks on Ukraine, particularly infrastructure, according to a statement from the Presidential Office.

(Harris) is a prosecutor at heart, so holding accountable those that commit crimes is something that I think is going to play a particularly important role, and this means holding Putin accountable for war crimes, Katz said.

According to Razom for Ukraines Klain, a Kamala Harris administration would be all about building on Bidens foreign policy legacy, with room to go above and beyond Bidens support of Ukraine, and not be as held back by fears of escalation.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (L) shakes hands with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting on the sideline of the Summit on peace in Ukraine, at the luxury Burgenstock resort, near Lucerne, Switzerland on June 15, 2024. (Alessandro Della Valle/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

One reason for optimism, Klain said, is that top Biden foreign policy appointees like National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, could be replaced by Phil Gordon, Harriss current national security advisor. Ukraine advocates would be pleased to see this change, Klain said.

A recent Wall Street Journal report said Sullivan, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin could be replaced if Harris took office. It is standard practice for new administrations to appoint their own cabinet members.

Sullivan has been seen by advocates for U.S. support of Ukraine in Washington as a cautious supporter of Kyiv and at times a roadblock to the U.S. further lifting restrictions on Ukraines use of American weapons to strike inside Russia.

However, Katz said the argument that Bidens foreign policy team is only hesitant to lift restrictions out of fear of escalation with Russia is a vast understatement of the larger geopolitics the administration is balancing.

The Democratic National Convention set Aug. 1 as the day the partys delegates will begin voting to confirm Harris as the partys nominee, meaning her pick of a running mate is nearing.

Read also: Russia accuses Kamala Harris of unfriendly rhetoric  heres what she actually said

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(Reuters) -Unilever beat first-half profit expectations on Thursday boosted by resilient pricing even as sales growth disappointed.

Shares in the maker of Dove soap and Hellmann's condiments rose 6.8% in early trade to the top of London's FTSE 100 index.

Unilever posted a 3.9% rise in second-quarter underlying sales, below the 4.2% increase expected by analysts in a company-compiled consensus.

It maintained its full-year underlying sales growth forecast of 3% to 5%, mostly driven by volume, while its forecast for an underlying operating margin of at least 18% was stronger than the market view.

Switzerland's Nestle also reported lower than expected half-year sales growth on Thursday and lowered its full year outlook.

"There is much to do, but we remain focused on transforming Unilever into a consistently higher performing business," CEO Hein Schumacher said in a statement.

After a protracted global cost of living crisis, some consumer goods makers have been easing their price increases, hoping to attract back shoppers who traded down to cheaper, often private label products.

Unilever's underlying price growth for the quarter was less than expected at 1%, but underlying volume sales growth ran ahead of estimates at 2.9%.

The industry has struggled with soaring costs for several years, with everything from sunflower oil and shipping to packaging, grain and energy becoming more expensive during and in the wake of the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Unilever's underlying operating profit rose 17% to 6.1 billion euros ($6.61 billion) for the six months to June, beating market expectations of 5.44 billion euros.

Its underlying operating margin widened 250 basis points to 19.6%, although the company expects that to slow in the second half.

($1 = 0.9226 euros)

(Reporting by Richa Naidu and Yadarisa Shabong; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee, Kirsten Donovan)
Fourteen Leopard 2A4 tanks previously purchased and pledged to Ukraine by the Netherlands and Denmark will be delivered this summer, the Dutch Defense Ministry announced on July 25.

The first reports of the planned purchase surfaced in the spring of 2023, while the original estimate for their delivery was previously set at "early 2024."

"During the recent months, the battle tanks have been refitted and tested," Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a press release.

The German arms company Rheinmetall carried out the overhaul. Twelve of them are already prepared for delivery, while the last two are undergoing final tests on July 24 and 25.

All 14 vehicles will be delivered simultaneously "before the end of the summer," the defense ministry said.

"Ukraine urgently needs more military support, given the heavy fighting on the battlefield. These tanks can play an important role for the Ukrainian army to defend itself against Russian troops," Brekelmans commented.

"The Netherlands, together with allies and partners, will continue to support Ukraine unabated, for as long as necessary."

Ukraine began receiving dozens of German-made Leopard 2 tanks of different variants in 2023, with many already seeing combat. Most recently, Spain dispatched 10 refurbished Leopard 2A4 to bolster Kyiv's military earlier this month.

Read also: Russias T-90M tank losses in Ukraine hit 100  and it only had 67 to begin with

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Ukraine to receive Leopard tanks from Denmark and Netherlands by summer's end

The Netherlands and Denmark purchased 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks for Ukraine's Armed Forces, and they will arrive in Ukraine by the end of the summer.

Source: press service of the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Netherlands and Denmark jointly purchased these tanks last year. Those are used vehicles that have been upgraded by the German company Rheinmetall.

The remaining two Leopard 2 tanks are currently undergoing control testing as part of their delivery.

The first twelve tanks are now ready for shipment. By the end of summer, all 14 units will have been delivered concurrently.

Quote: "Given the intense combat on the ground, Ukraine urgently requires additional military support. These tanks can help the Ukrainian army defend against Russian forces. The Netherlands, along with its allies and partners, will continue to help Ukraine for as long as necessary."

Background:

Last week, Spain delivered a new shipment of military aid to Ukraine, including ten repaired Leopard 2A4 tanks.

Before that, Germany announced that it would provide Ukraine with ammunition for the Patriot systems and Leopard 1 tanks.

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Ukraine's intelligence agencies launched on July 25 a project aimed at bringing back Ukrainian civilian hostages held by Russia in exchange for convicted pro-Russian collaborators.

The project, called "Khochu k svoim," (loosely translated from Russian as "I want to go to my people") is a humanitarian initiative developed by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs), military intelligence (HUR), the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and the Ombudsman's office.

The information about convicted Russian agents, traitors, and collaborators who helped Moscow in the war against Ukraine will be published on the website only with their consent.

"We are talking about people who do not consider Ukraine, European democratic values, or our state constitution theirs, but consider the aggressor state, Russia, their country. And they want to get there," HUR spokesperson Andrii Yusov told at a press conference in Kyiv attended by a Kyiv Independent reporter.

Since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion, the SBU has opened over 7,400 criminal proceedings related to collaboration and aiding Russia, said Artem Dekhtiarenko, the SBU spokesperson. More than 1,000 people have already been sentenced under such cases, he added.

About 500 of all convicts have agreed to be exchanged under the program, according to Dekhtiarenko.

"What do we want more: a fair punishment for the traitor or the rescue of our citizens? Within this project, we choose to save our citizens," Yusov said.

Ukrainians can anonymously fill in a form to report people who collaborate with Russia, which will be verified by the SBU. Those who are currently aiding Russia will have the opportunity to stop doing so "under certain conditions," the agencies said without elaborating.

A total of 3,405 Ukrainians, including 161 civilians, have been freed from Russian captivity as of July 25.

Kyiv aims to conduct an all-for-all prisoner exchange, which was one of the subjects at Ukraine's peace summit in Switzerland in mid-June.

The exact numbers of Ukrainian troops and civilians in Russian captivity have not been made public. In late June, Ukraine's Chief Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported there were more than 14,000 civilians.

Among the three categories of Ukrainians held by Russians  children, prisoners of war, and civilians  the return of civilians is "the most complicated," he said, because Ukraine does not have the option to carry out exchanges, and there is no legal process for their return.

Read also: Stuck in legal limbo, Ukrainian civilians endure torture in Russian prisons

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Ukraine war latest: Russia will be soon forced to scale down attacks, Ukrainian commander says

Key updates on July 25:

Russia will be forced to scale down its attacks in a month and a half, Ukrainian commander says

Kherson Oblast fortifications are 97% complete, Shmyhal says

Peace talks impossible without Russia, China at table, Czech president says

Romania confirms Russian drone debris landed on its territory

Kyiv uncovers suspected Russian agent network planning sabotage in Ukraine, Europe



Russia will be unable to maintain the scale of its attacks in multiple sectors for a long time because its "capabilities are not unlimited," General Oleksandr Pivnenko, the commander of Ukraine's National Guard, said in an interview with Ukrinform published on July 25.

Moscow's troops have been putting ever-growing pressure on Ukraine along the front, attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses near Pokrovsk while capturing the eastern part of Chasiv Yar.

Ukraine was also forced to withdraw from Krynky on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.

Kyiv's forces managed to halt the Russian advance near Kharkiv but Russia continues to hold a handful of settlements in the area.

"The enemy's offensive capabilities are not unlimited, considering the losses they suffer," Pivnenko told Ukrinform.

"In another month and a half, they will not be able to conduct active assaults in many directions at once and will switch to defense."

Pivnenko stressed that at a time when Russia will be replenishing its troops, Ukraine must pay attention to preparing its own reserves and armament. If Ukraine plans "one step ahead of Russia, then everything will be fine," he added.

"The most important thing that can be done now is training, development of training centers, procurement of weapons and military equipment, production of military equipment, drones, armored vehicles, air defense systems, man-portable air defense systems, and ammunition," Pivnenko said.

Read also: Ukraines mobilization effort gets boost as millions update draft data

Kherson Oblast fortifications are 97% complete, Shmyhal says



Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on July 25 that he had inspected the construction of fortifications in Kherson Oblast.

"In Kherson Oblast, the construction works are complete at 97%," Shmyhal said on his Telegram channel.

The authorities have long been criticized for slow progress in building up fortifications along the front lines. The criticism only grew stronger after Russian forces broke into the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast in May.

"Building fortifications is a priority for the leader of every front-line oblast. This year, the government allocated Hr 2 billion (around $50 million) to Kherson Oblast for this task," Shmyhal said.

Ukraine pushed Russian forces from the west-bank side of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast in late 2022, but Moscow continues to occupy the east bank.

Reports emerged last week that Ukraine was forced to withdraw from Krynky, a key beachhead on the east bank it had held for months.

Read also: With Krynky lost, what did the perilous operation accomplish?

Peace talks impossible without Russia, China at table, Czech president says

Peace negotiations on the war in Ukraine will be impossible without the participation of Russia and China, Czech President Petr Pavel told CTK in an interview published on July 25.

While around 100 countries and organizations attended Ukraine's global peace summit in Switzerland in June, Moscow was not invited to take part, and Beijing did not accept the invitation.

Kyiv has said it plans to convene a second peace summit before the end of 2024.

"Without Russia and China at the table, there really won't be any peace negotiations," Pavel told CTV.

Pavel described the peace summit in Switzerland as a "kick-off" to start the process of political negotiations toward peace. "The important thing is that the process has started."

The Czech president also singled out China as an "important global player" economically but currently not a leading power "in the politics of promoting peace."

Beijing 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.

China has also emerged as one of Russia's leading sources of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense industry.

Russia and China should be reminded "that there is a need to respect the rules we agreed upon after the Second World War, according to which the world has been operating for 80 years and should continue to operate," Pavel said.

"We should try to improve those rules, not eliminate them," Pavel added.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba arrived in China on July 23 and went on to hold talks lasting more than three hours with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou on July 24.

Kuleba said after the meeting that China remains "unshakably" committed to Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address the same evening that China confirmed that it will not provide Russia with weapons.

"China has always been firmly committed to promoting a political solution to the crisis," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its website on July 24.

Read also: Ukraines peace summit falls short of engaging Global South  can Ukraine expand its coalition?

Romania confirms Russian drone debris landed on its territory

Romania's Defense Ministry confirmed on July 25 that it had found Russian drone fragments near the town of Plauru, across the Danube River from the Ukrainian city of Izmail.

The day before, the Romanian Air Force announced that it had scrambled its F-16 fighter jets in response to a Russian drone attack on Izmail district in Odesa Oblast.

It was not the first time that wreckage of drones, likely from Russia, has been found on Romanian territory, which is a NATO country. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube River that separates Ukraine and Romania.

"More heinous attacks have been perpetrated by Russia against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Debris has been found on Romanian territory," Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu wrote on X.

The Defense Ministry confirmed that fragments of a Russian Geran 1/2-type drone had been found and said that an investigation into the possible locations of other debris would continue.

"While NATO has no information indicating any intentional attack by Russia against allied territory, these acts are irresponsible and potentially dangerous," a NATO spokesperson said about the news, as cited by Reuters.

In a statement posted on its official website, the Defense Ministry said that it "sends a firm message of condemnation of these attacks carried out by Russia against some objectives and elements of Ukrainian civil infrastructure, which are unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law."

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said in September 2023 that while Russian drones are not intentionally targeting Romania, the situation is still "unacceptable."

Romania has taken measures to protect its citizens who live close to the Ukrainian border, including the construction of air raid shelters and the deployment of drone defense

Read also: Ukraine signs security agreement with Romania

Kyiv uncovers suspected Russian agent network planning sabotage in Ukraine, Europe

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies cracked down on a Russian-run network planning arson attacks in populated areas of Ukraine and the EU, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on July 25.

The perpetrators intended to target shopping centers, gas stations, pharmacies, and markets in Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic countries on the instruction of Russian intelligence services, according to the statement.

Western intelligence services have warned about increasing Russian sabotage operations across Europe to sow social instability and undermine support for Ukraine.

The SBU said that the group consisted of 19 people based in Ivano-Frankivsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. They were to be dispatched abroad under falsified documents, the agency added.

The perpetrators were then supposed to record the acts of sabotage and send the footage to Russian intelligence services, which would use it for information operations and destabilization purposes.

The searches uncovered falsified documents, assault rifles, pistols, and large sums of cash, the SBU said. The suspected organizer of the group and one of the accomplices were charged with treason and forgery, facing life in prison.

Efforts to bring the other suspects to justice are ongoing, according to the SBU.

Read also: Media: Special unit of GRU recruiting saboteurs through social media

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Foreign funding in Ukraine's defense industry is showing a noticeable impact on the domestic production of weaponry and equipment, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on July 25.

Zelensky said he spoke with Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin about plans for "armored vehicles, drones, and artillery."

"It is evident that the (defense) sector is becoming entirely differentstronger and more efficient," not just due to funding from the state budget, but also "partner investments in defense production in Ukraine," Zelensky said.

In April, Denmark became the first country to buy weapons and equipment for Ukraine's Armed Forces from a domestic manufacturer as part of a military aid package.

The Danish Defense Ministry announced a 2.2 billion kroner ($313 million) military aid package for Ukraine that included 200 million Danish kroner ($28.5 million) earmarked for purchases from Ukraine's defense industry.

The same month, the U.K. and Ukraine signed an agreement to encourage defense industry cooperation and support joint projects between British and Ukrainian companies, while BAE Systems also signed an agreement with the U.K. government for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in Ukraine of the L119 light gun, a 105 mm howitzer.

The U.K. and Ukraine signed another agreement on July 25, which provides credit support for the development of Ukraine's defense industry, specifically supporting the partial production of air defense systems, armored vehicles, and ammunition in Ukraine.

According to Zelensky, Kyiv is also "preparing steps to increase the quantity and quality of our long-range drones," and has decided on upcoming tasks for missile specialists and Ukroboronprom, Ukraine's state defense conglomerate.

Read also: These mobile repair shops save Ukrainian soldiers precious time

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The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine has once again refuted the information about an accident at the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant (South Ukraine NPP), calling it Russian propaganda.

Source: Ukraines Energy Ministry

Details: The ministry believes this fake news was spread in response to Russia's attempts to "conceal an accident at its own Rostov NPP".

The Energy Ministry reiterates that there was no power transformer shutdown at the South Ukraine NPP as claimed in the reports.

The ministry has appealed to the National Security and Defence Council and the Security Service of Ukraine to take measures to hold accountable those who "disseminate Russian propaganda and destabilise the situation in Ukraine".

Earlier, Oleksandr Kharchenko, Director of the Energy Research Centre, reported three transformers had caught fire at the South Ukraine NPP, which led to a temporary deterioration of the power outage situation.

Subsequently, during a question hour in the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament), Ukraines Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko stated that the information about transformers at the South Ukraine NPP catching fire was false and a Russian narrative.

Quote: "The Center for Countering Disinformation has already stated that this is all fake, and interestingly, this information initially appeared on Russian channels," he said.

"Then it made its way into the Ukrainian media space. But it's not true; the power grid is functioning. The question is why this [spreading of misinformation -ed.] is being done," Halushchenko continued.

Following this, MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak submitted an inquiry about the situation at the NPP to Ukrenergo, Ukraine's national energy company, and received a completely opposite response.

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Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, has said that investigators have sufficient evidence to assert that the man who was detained in the city of Dnipro earlier today was the person who shot and killed Iryna Farion, a linguist, professor at Lviv Polytechnic National University and former Ukrainian MP.

Source: Ihor Klymenko on Telegram

Quote: "There is sufficient evidence to say that the detained man shot [Iryna Farion]. [This conclusion follows] 139 hours of nonstop work by a huge team of rapid response teams, investigators, forensic and other experts, police services, and Security Service of Ukraine personnel.

They have followed every step of the shooters retreat [from the crime scene] and inspected nearly 100 hectares of forest.

The suspect was eventually found and identified. Having his photo meant that it was only a matter of time: he was caught on smart CCTV cameras.

Identifying and detaining the perpetrator was a painstaking process that required the utmost professionalism, patience and discipline to avoid mistakes. I am grateful to the entire team!"

Details: Klymenko also said that the 18-year-old man is a resident of Dnipro. He rented at least three apartments in Lviv while preparing for Farions assassination.

Investigators currently believe that the shooter was only a hitman, and say they will share more information as it becomes available.

Read also: Iryna Farion murder: details of the assassination, lines of enquiry, and why the Lviv professor was so controversial

Background:

An assassination attempt was made on former Ukrainian MP Iryna Farion on Masaryk Street in Lviv on the evening of 19 July. Later that night, Farion died in hospital.

On 20 July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he received the latest reports on Farions murder and all lines of enquiry are being investigated, including the theory that Russia and its secret services were involved.

Ukraines National Police put a man who may be involved in Farions murder on the wanted list.

A funeral service for Farion was held in Lviv on 21 July.

Investigators believe that Farions murder was being planned for at least a month, and that the perpetrator may have had accomplices.

On 25 July, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that an 18-year-old individual suspected of murdering Iryna Farion was detained in the city of Dnipro.

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Brigadier General Oleksandr Pivnenko, Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, believes that Russian troops will lose their ability to conduct active offensives on multiple fronts simultaneously within a month to a month and a half, and they will shift to a defensive position.

Source: Pivnenko in an interview with Ukrinform news agency, asked how he assessed the situation on the front line

Quote: "It's difficult. But the enemy's offensive capabilities are not limitless, and they will continue to suffer losses... I believe that within a month to a month and a half, they will not be able to carry out active offensives on multiple fronts simultaneously and will have to shift to a defensive stance. Meanwhile, we need to form and prepare our units."

Details: The general said it is necessary to find the Russians' weak points and avoid their strong ones.

"We need to adapt, change our management model, set tasks: if something doesn't work, try an asymmetric approach. But you can't change everything drastically; it takes time, especially when it comes to systemic changes," he stated.

Asked about Western analysts' reports that the situation with fortifications in Ukraine is finally improving, Pivnenko noted that when adopting a defensive stance, it is essential to dig in deeply and do so thoroughly.

Overall, Pivnenko expressed the view that Ukraine will still be able to withstand the situation.

Quote: "We need to evolve. If we stay constantly one step ahead and think about the future, everything will be alright. The most important things right now are preparation, development of training centres, procurement of weapons, military equipment, production of military hardware, drones, armoured vehicles, air defence systems, MANPADS and ammunition."

Background: In late April 2024, in an interview with Liga.net, commenting on a potential new Russian summer offensive, Pivnenko assured that "the enemy will not achieve their goal."

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Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (third from the front) inspecting defence fortifications in Kherson Oblast. Photo: Denys Shmyhal

Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said that the construction of defence fortifications in Ukraines Kherson Oblast has been 97% completed.

Source: Denys Shmyhal on Telegram

Quote: "We have inspected the construction of defence fortifications. At the request of the Armed Forces leadership, we are constantly building and upgrading defence fortifications. The head of the [Kherson] Oblast Military Administration reported on progress in this area. Construction in Kherson Oblast is 97% complete."

Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (right) inspecting defence fortifications in Kherson.

Photo: Denys Shmyhal

Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal inspecting defence fortifications in Kherson Oblast.

Photo: Denys Shmyhal

Details: Shmyhal said that constructing defence fortifications is a priority for the heads of all frontline regions. The Ukrainian government gave Kherson Oblast over two billion hryvnias (approximately US$49 million) to build defence structures.

Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal inspecting defence fortifications in Kherson Oblast.

Photo: Denys Shmyhal

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The proceeds from the sale of two vehicles seized from pro-Russian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk will be used to support the Ukrainian military, Ukraine's Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) reported on July 25.

ARMA is responsible for finding, tracing, and managing assets derived from corruption. The agency auctioned a buggy and quadbike belonging to Medvedchuk for Hr 921,777 ($22,362) on Prozorro, Ukraine's electronic public procurement platform.

The proceeds from the auction "will go to ARMA's deposit portfolio for further purchase of military bonds," the agency said.

The funds from the auction will therefore directly support the Ukrainian Armed Forces, AMRA added.

The vehicles are among the seized assets belonging to Medvedchuk and his wife Oksana Marchenko.

Once considered Russian President Vladimir Putin's right-hand man in Ukraine, Medvedchuk had been under house arrest at the start of the full-scale invasion.

After fleeing house arrest in February 2022, he was arrested again in April and handed over to Russia in a prisoner exchange in September 2022.

Marchenko, an ex-TV host who married Medvedchuk in 2003, is thought to have fled Ukraine in March 2023.

Ukrainian courts have already seized various assets belonging to Marchenko, including land and real estate in Lviv Oblast and her shares in the Zaporizhzhia Ferroalloy Plant.

Read also: Ukraine charges Kremlin ally Medvedchuk over privatization of oil pipeline

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Bloomberg) -- A North Korean military operative has been indicted for his alleged role in hacking American medical providers, NASA and for using ransomware to extort organizations around the world, US prosecutors said Thursday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Rim Jong Hyok is accused of laundering funds through a Chinese bank, then using that money to pay for cyberattacks against a range of international targets. As a member of North Koreas Reconnaissance General Bureau intelligence agency, Hyok worked with other state-sponsored hackers to compromise NASAs office of the inspector general, two US Air Force bases as well as organizations in Taiwan, South Korea and China, according to an indictment filed in a Kansas City, Kansas district court.

The North Korean government sponsored the hacks as part of a wider effort to target foreign agencies and companies to gain intelligence for its military and nuclear programs, according to US officials. The hackers also used a strain of ransomware called Maui to disable computers in the health sector, then demanded that victims pay an extortion fee in order to end the attack. That malware prevented victims from accessing X-ray systems and electronic document management systems, according to the indictment.

Attackers used the proceeds from their ransomware attacks to purchase internet infrastructure that they then used to conduct cyber-espionage, according to the charges.

The State Department has offered a reward of as much as $10 million for information leading to the arrest of Hyok and other members of an arm of the Reconnaissance General Bureau. Hyok was last known to be located in North Korea, according to an FBI bulletin. An attorney for the defendant couldnt immediately be located for comment.

The hackers used another previously unidentified malware script to infiltrate NASAs computer networks for over three months, stealing over 17 gigabytes of data, according to the indictment. The group used the same virus to attack defense companies in Oregon and Michigan to steal information that included details on uranium and shipbuilding projects.

In a separate joint advisory Thursday, the US, UK and South Korea said the RGB-affiliated hacking group Andariel, also called Oynx Sleet, Silent Chollima and APT45, is a threat to industries worldwide. Researchers at Microsoft Corp. and Mandiant Intelligence, a unit of Google Cloud, also published reports detailing the groups campaigns.

Story continues

The US has recently ramped up its efforts to crack down on North Korean espionage, including by sanctioning individuals and companies for illicitly raising money for the government in Pyongyang. In 2020, the Justice Department unsealed a 50-page indictment that accused more than two dozen North Korean and Chinese individuals with allegedly violating sanctions with an illegal global financial network to aid North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile program.

North Korean workers have also been found to have secured remote work contracts with hundreds of US companies as part of a scheme to help fund North Koreas illicit nuclear weapons and missile programs. The security firm KnowBe4 said in a blog post Tuesday that it unknowingly hired a North Korean man who downloaded malware onto the companys platforms in mid-July. The hacker applied for the role with a stolen US identity, which was complete with an artificial intelligence-enhanced photo, the blog post said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Air defence mobile fire group. Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Ukrainian air defence systems responded to a Russian Shahed drone attack in Kyiv Oblast on the night of 24-25 July.

Source: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration on Telegram

Quote: "UAVs were detected in the airspace. Air defence forces are shooting them down."

Details: Local authorities also asked everyone to stay in shelters until the all-clear was given and ensure their own safety.

In addition, Kyiv Oblast Military Administration asked people to observe information silence, which means not to film or post the defenders combat efforts online.

Update: At 03:43, Kyiv City State Administration reported that air defence was responding to Russian drones in the outskirts of Kyiv.

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The Ukrainian police are examining unverified claims spread on Russian social media linking the murder of former Ukrainian lawmaker and linguist Iryna Farion to a Russian neo-Nazi group, a police spokesperson told Suspilne on July 25.

An unidentified man opened fire on Farion, 60, on the street outside her home in Lviv on the evening of July 19. She underwent an operation and was pronounced dead later that night.

Russian Telegram channels published on July 24 a video of what they purported to be the footage of the murder.

The pro-Kremlin telegram channel Readovka was one of the first to post the alleged video of the crime, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported.

Readovka claimed that the NS/WP (National-Socialism/White Power) group had taken responsibility for Farion's murder. Readovka also described the NS/WP as "neo-Nazi."

"We discovered this information yesterday (July 24) while monitoring social media. We are currently examining whether it will be useful for the investigation," police spokesperson Svitlana Dobrovolska told Suspilne.

Read also: Who was Iryna Farion, the nationalist professor-politician assassinated in Lviv?

Many among the Russian far-right believe that NS/WP is a project of the Russian secret services, whose goal is to attract sympathetic young people to illegal actions to arrest them and neutralize or control them, RFE/RL reported.

The authenticity of the footage cannot be immediately verified, as it reveals very little. It includes audio of a woman screaming and a gunshot. For a brief moment, a shot of the surroundings is visible, which RFE/RL said resembles the location of Farion's murder, the yard next to her house.

The NS/WP Telegram channel did not publish the video, but posted a link to another channel, Oderint Dum Metuant ("Let them hate, as long as they are afraid" in Latin), which included an almost 4-minute video with the text called the "manifesto of the Ukrainian autonomous revolutionary racist" and the alleged footage of Farion's murder.

The manifesto's author calls Farion a "pest and racial traitor" and claims responsibility for her murder.

Farion was a linguistics professor who previously served in the parliament for the nationalist Svoboda party. She was considered a controversial figure in Ukraine, among other reasons, due to her incendiary statements on the use of the Russian language.

Ukraine's police put out a search warrant for an unidentified young man on July 21 who may have been involved in the murder.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The News

The head of the United Nations Human Rights Office called for an investigation into the governments response to the deadly protests that erupted in Bangladesh this month.

In a statement on Thursday, Volker Turk called for the government to ensure that all operations of law enforcement agencies are conducted strictly in line with international human rights norms and standards, particularly regarding the policing of protests, including use of force.

Human rights groups had raised concerns about the response by Sheikh Hasinas government to the protests, particularly after the government cut off internet access, severely limiting the flow of information inside and out the country. More than 170 people have died and at least 1,000 have been injured in the protests.

Students had been protesting the nations job quota system  which sees certain government jobs handed to select people  that has since been scrapped.
By Gloria Dickie

LONDON (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on Thursday for countries to address the urgency of the extreme heat epidemic, fueled by climate change - days after the world registered its hottest day on record.

"Extreme heat is the new abnormal," Guterres said. "The world must rise to the challenge of rising temperatures," he said.

Climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, more intense and longer lasting across the world.

Already this year, scorching conditions have killed 1,300 hajj pilgrims, closed schools for some 80 million children in Africa and Asia, and led to a spike in hospitalizations and deaths in the Sahel.

Every month since June 2023 has now ranked as the planet's warmest since records began in 1940, compared with the corresponding month in previous years, according the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The U.N. called on governments to not only tamp down fossil fuel emissions - the driver of climate change - but to bolster protections for the most vulnerable, including the elderly, pregnant women and children, and step up safeguards for workers.

Over 70 percent of the global workforce - 2.4 billion people - are now at high risk of extreme heat, according to a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) published Thursday.

In Africa, nearly 93 percent of the workforce is exposed to excessive heat, and 84 percent of the Arab States' workforce, the ILO report found.

Excessive heat has been blamed for causing almost 23 million workplace injuries worldwide, and some 19,000 deaths annually.

"We need measures to protect workers, grounded in human rights," Guterres said.

He also called for governments to "heatproof" their economies, critical sectors such as healthcare, and the built environment.

Cities are warming at twice the worldwide average rate due to rapid urbanization and the urban heat island effect.

By 2050, some researchers estimate a 700 percent global increase in the number of urban poor living in extreme heat conditions.

This is the first time the U.N. has put out a global call for action on extreme heat.

"We need a policy signal and this is it," said Kathy Baughman Mcleod, CEO of Climate Resilience for All, a nonprofit focused on extreme heat.

"It's recognition of how big it is and how urgent it is. It's also recognition that everybody doesn't feel [heat] in the same way and pay the same price for it."

(Reporting by Gloria Dickie; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
ASHEVILLE - In a unanimous vote July 24, UNC Board of Governors approved cuts to four of UNC Ashevilles 27 academic departments and to curtail a fifth.

UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimberly Van Noort presented her proposal to a smaller subcommittee of the board July 24, asking for approval to eliminate Ancient Mediterranean Studies, Drama, Philosophy and Religious Studies. She also proposed a reduction to Languages and Literatures by eliminating concentrations in French and German.

After some discussion, the group unanimously voted to approve the changes and submitted the proposal to the full UNC Board of Governors that afternoon. Around 1:30 p.m., the full board officially approved the cuts and curtailment in its consent agenda.

More: UNCA chancellor proposes to eliminate 4 of the school's 27 departments, cut back 1

Concern has been raised that abandoning these majors goes against UNCAs identity as a liberal arts institution. Board Chair Terry Hutchens asked Van Noort how she responds to concerns that what is being proposed has somehow threatened or altered the identity of UNCA.

I firmly believe that liberal arts is evolving, and it will evolve, it must evolve, Van Noort said. She noted that traditional disciplines are working alongside other disciplines, such as one of UNCAs fastest growing programs  an integration of art and computer science.

I think the important thing to remember is that were not losing the content, but were going to use it to make sure the liberal arts foundation and the liberal arts college of the future looks the way that it should, and that our financial model is actually able to sustain that.

A majority of UNCA's department chairs signed a 25-page letter to the chancellor on June 28, detailing other "creative and compassionate solutions" to the financial crisis, according to a copy obtained by the Citizen Times. These include faculty retirements, the contraction and combination of departments and other steps.

Chancellor Van Noort's 2030 plan describes a vision for UNCA as an "innovative public liberal arts and sciences university of the future known for its student-centered focus, hands-on learning, technology-driven solutions and career-ready focus," according to the letter.

"We believe that widespread cuts to programs, departments and faculty will have negative repercussions for this 2030 vision," the letter said.

"The stated goal of such program eliminations and curtailments is to create a sustainable business model that reflects current market demand in the face of decreasing student enrollment," the letter later said. "However, such cuts limit student choice, make our university less competitive, negatively affect our public image, put our credit rating at risk, and narrow our academic offerings."

In a campus update sent out July 11, Van Noort said "the department chairs response sets the stage for productive conversation as we move forward."

Kimberly van Noort

More: UNC Asheville in $6M deficit, plans to cut spending, hiring, possible staff cuts

What does this mean for budget and current, future students?

The board approval means the school will "phase out" both the degree program and academic department for the four areas of study. The faculty and chair in each of the impacted programs will provide courses for current students to finish their chosen degrees, Van Noort said.

UNCA has prepared detailed teach-out plans for the 61 impacted students, which represent 2% of the overall student body, university spokesperson Michael Strysick told the Citizen Times.

The curtailments will go into effect immediately, and we will not allow additional students to declare majors in the affected programs, Strysick said. Religious studies, French, and German will still be available as minors.

Board Governor Gene Davis told Van Noort he believes these courses are very core to the mission of the university. He said he feels its important to keep these classes available, even if its not a major.

Were not abandoning the teaching of these important subjects, Davis said.

Van Noort agreed, saying thats what were working through right now. She mentioned UNCAs very robust liberal arts curriculum and core general education program that starts out with an entire semester dedicated to the study of the ancient world.

Strysick said a task force will decide which courses will be kept in UNCA's curriculum. The task force and three-phase plan will be headed by Provost Yvonne Villanueva-Russel, who was hired in March.

"Following those steps, the University will make faculty personnel decisions, Strysick said.

These changes will not have an impact on the budget until the 2026 fiscal year, according to Strysick.

"There is much work to be done preparing teach-out plans and determining which courses are retained in the curriculum that must be completed first," Strysick said. "As such, it's much too early to say how many positions will be impacted."

More: UNC Asheville makes staff cuts as $6 million deficit is expected to grow to $8 million

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: UNC Asheville 4 department cuts approved by UNC Board of Governors
Vice President Harriss sudden emergence as the likely Democratic presidential nominee raises a new question: Will those who voted uncommitted in protest of President Bidens Israel-Gaza policy during the primaries rally around her?

Thirty-six delegates representing uncommitted voters in swing states were slated to cast ballots at next months Democratic National Convention after a movement to punish Biden during the primary season over his administrations handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

Now observers are watching to see how the voters most critical of Biden respond to Harris, who could defuse some of the tension within the party, but will also face scrutiny about how she will address the conflict.

Kamala Harris needs to somehow separate herself from Biden on Israel/Palestine, pledging to be more evenhanded, less Israel-right-or-wrong, said Jeff Cohen, co-founder of RootsAction.org, who coordinated an effort urging Biden to resign called Step Aside Joe.

If she does that, she could win not only votes but the activism of key groups that helped Biden-Harris win in 2020: young activists, racial justice organizers, Arab and Muslim activists and leaders.

The ball is in her court, Cohen said.

Bidens handling of Israels war in Gaza has badly divided the Democratic Party, and weakened him politically.

It contributed to the presidents stumbles with both Black voters and young voters, and it was the most contentious point in his relationship with his partys progressive wing.

Some progressives only reluctantly backed Biden given what they see as an existential threat in the prospect of a second term for former President Trump. Others simply withheld support from the 81-year-old incumbent after he failed to call for a total cease-fire in the region.

We are on the verge of getting that, Biden said this week.

Bidens exit from the race has left these progressives watching Harris closely to see how she distinguishes herself from Biden on the issue.

Vice President Harris can start the process to earn back trust by turning the page from Bidens horrific policies in Gaza, said Layla Elabed, who is working as an uncommitted national movement leader, in a statement following Bidens decision to stop running and back Harris.

For months, weve warned that Bidens support for Israels assault on Gaza would hurt his electability. Now, its crucial for Vice President Harris to take a clear stance against weapons for Israels war and occupation against Palestinians, Elabed said.

Elabed, like other anti-war voices, has been particularly critical of Biden for continuing to send weapons to the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday.

By funding a government committing human rights abuses, we undermine our partys stance against far-right extremism and contradict our commitment to democracy and justice, she said.

As Democrats coalesce around Harris as the likely nominee, some progressives and anti-war activists say they are much more optimistic about the vice presidents willingness to take a different stance.

I have been encouraged to see the reports in the media suggesting that Vice President Harris does not agree 100 percent with the current approach, Abbas Alawieh, an uncommitted Democratic National Committee delegate from Michigan, told The Hill. Im eager to hear her articulate a policy that is more humane, that recognizes the humanity of Palestinians.

At this point, I am an uncommitted delegate, I remain an uncommitted delegate, but I think Vice President Harris has an opportunity to unite the party around a foreign policy as it relates to Palestine and Israel that is more in line with where the Democratic base is, Alawieh said.

Alawieh, who serves as director of the uncommitted national movement, said that he wants to see more separation between Harris and Netanyahu. Progressives, Arab Americans and other key Democratic constituencies overwhelmingly see Netanyahu as a war criminal who has perpetuated crimes against Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

Wed like for her to distance herself publicly from Benjamin Netanyahu specifically, he said. The vice president has a great team around her, folks who we know offer a variety of perspectives on the issue. We just hope that shell engage us directly. That direct engagement we thought was lacking under President Bidens candidacy.

Michigan is a major pickup opportunity for Democrats as they look to recalibrate their electoral map with Harris at the top of the ticket. Biden has struggled for months in polls in the state, losing support with the vast Arab American and Muslim population. During the primary, 101,000 Michigan voters cast ballots for uncommitted in the Democratic primary.

There are voters for whom Gaza will remain their top issue. We cannot afford for the Democratic candidate to miss the opportunity to reengage those voters, Alawieh said. We just need Vice President Harris to embrace a foreign approach that isnt hell-bent on killing our families.

Progressives inside Congress are urging Harris to take their concerns more seriously than her boss. Theyve warned that young voters and a variety of voters of color could still stay home if she does not get the policy and messaging right when it comes to Palestinians and Israel.

While most involved with the effort are outwardly optimistic, some are still uncertain that the movement is robust enough to put pressure on Harris in a way that leads to an actual change of strategy just a few months before Election Day. They argue the fact that those protesting Bidens policies voted uncommitted rather than backing a specific candidate is a weakness.

This is why voting uncommitted as opposed to a candidate already in the race was not the wisest strategy, said one public-facing progressive who has been critical of Bidens Israel policy. Party leaders will probably direct them to whoever they want because there is no one in charge of uncommitted, the source said.

Others are taking a wait-and-see approach.

Were concerned but were back to square one if she says to us that she cannot do anything but continue with that policy, as shes been indicating in the past few years in some of the language that shes said, said Hassan Abdel Salam, who co-founded the Abandon Biden counter campaign.

We have deliberately stated that we are in a holding position. We want her to have an opportunity to clarify her policy, he said.

Alex Gangitano contributed reporting.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Uncontested city races leave voters without any options at the ballot box

A third of this years open council and mayoral seats across the Valley will go to candidates who waltzed through the election season without facing any challengers.

That includes the mayors of Glendale, Buckeye, Tolleson and Guadalupe, as well as a slate of council candidates in five other cities and towns, largely in the west Valley.

It follows a growing trend thats leaving more than a quarter of a million voters in Maricopa County without options in local races at the ballot box.

A fundamental idea of democracy is that when voters go to the polls they will have a choice, said Steven Rogers, an associate professor of Political Science at Saint Louis University in Missouri.

But if no one else runs, whether it be against a state legislator or mayor or city council person, then the voter doesn't really have a choice at all, in that they kind of show up and it's chosen for them, he continued.

Nationwide, nearly 60% of council members ran in uncontested races in 2023, according to an analysis of 4,483 local elections that the nonprofit Ballotpedia completed.

In the Valley, there are nearly two dozen communities holding elections Tuesday, with about 80 seats available. Of those seats, 34% have essentially been filled before the polls have even closed.

Thats not surprising to James Strickland, an associate professor for Arizona State Universitys School of Politics & Global Studies.

I would expect your smaller cities to be more likely to have an uncontested election, said Strickland, who teaches a course titled State and Local Government.

Of the nine communities where there are no competitive races, five have a population of fewer than 16,000 people.

Buckeye, Glendale and Surprise each have a least 108,000 residents, while Queen Creeks population is just shy of 70,000.

Strickland said there could be a variety of reasons why there arent more politicians seeking local office. One could be that local elections are nonpartisan.

Partisanship actually can encourage people to participate in politics, he said.

At the city level, where we have nonpartisan elections and possibly personality-based candidates, I'm not surprised that there would be lower rates of turnout, which is a given usually, and also more elections that are empty, Strickland added.

How does the Valleys rate uncontested races break down?

Voters will cast ballots Tuesday deciding their representatives at city and town halls across 21 communities.

Collectively, theyll choose from 135 candidates who are looking to fill 79 available seats.

While nearly half of those candidates wont get elected, 27 are already slated to win their seats through uncontested races.

In general, in these more local races, it's not a rare thing for there not to be a whole lot of competition, Rogers said, whose expertise on uncontested races largely lies in state legislative elections.

He recently authored the book Accountability in State Legislatures, finding that between 2001 and 2020, 38% of incumbent lawmakers nationwide went unopposed while seeking reelection.

What this is kind of suggesting is that state legislators are just kind of winning reelection by signing up, Rogers said.

Comparing his findings to the local level here in metro Phoenix, Rogers said we appear to be doing better than state legislatures.

The Arizona Republics review of the 2016 and 2020 primary elections shows that the rate of uncontested city and town races has grown.

In 2016, 13 seats were filled through uncontested races, 17% of the 75 total available seats.

By 2020, when 78 total seats were open, 23 seats, or 29%, went to candidates who werent faced with a challenger.

The number of available seats varied each election as some communities held their races during the November elections rather than in the summertime primary.

Echoing Strickland, Rogers pointed to the uphill battle newcomers endure against incumbents. Incumbents, he explained, have the advantage as theyve had the time to make connections, build support among constituents and garner name recognition.

Do you really want to run against someone and just go up against someone to lose? Rogers said.

Incumbents make up the lions share of this years uncontested candidates, with 15 being sent back to office without facing a challenger.

Such names include Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn, Surprise Councilmember Patrick Duffy and Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, who oversees the largest city in the west Valley.

Weiers was set to face Jamie Aldama, his former council colleague, for the seat on July 30.

That was until Aldama dropped out of the race after the Maricopa County Recorders Office disqualified hundreds of the signatures he collected to get on the ballot. It left him just 19 shy of the 1,888-signature threshold.

How many voters will cast meaningless ballots?

In the nine communities with no competitive races, more than a quarter of a million people are registered to vote.

Four of those communities  Buckeye, Glendale, Guadalupe and Tolleson  are holding town- or citywide mayoral elections.

Small communities like Tolleson and Youngtown hold at-large elections for their councils, where the entire voting population chooses who should fill the open seats. Larger cities, like Surprise and Mesa, are districted, allowing only voters in a respective area to select their representative.

Guadalupe, Litchfield Paradise Valley, Queen Creek, Tolleson and Youngtown each have three candidates running for three seats.

Buckeyes first district and Glendales Sahuaro District races arent competitive this year. Neither are Surprises second, third and fourth districts.

In total, thats 280,138 people registered as active voters in this years elections who will see some form of a noncompetitive race on their ballots.

Excluding Surprise, the average turnout rate for the town- and citywide races during the August 2020 primaries in the other eight communities was 35%. It ranged from 19% in Guadalupe to 48% in Litchfield Park.

Among Surprises three council districts, the average turnout in the 2020 primaries was 41%.

Across Maricopa County, 35% of all registered voters cast some kind of ballot in the primary.

It has been shown that when there are more competitive races, voters are more informed about politics, Rogers said. "And they will probably turn out more.

Expounding, Rogers said candidates, namely incumbents, dont have to campaign in non-competitive races.

If no one is running against me. I don't need to defend my record, or I don't need to tell you what I did, Rogers said of an unopposed candidate.

And then, similarly, he continued, if I'm the one running against the incumbent, the challenger can uncover things about what the city is doing, about what the city council person is doing.

How are salary and time commitments a factor?

During his research on state legislative elections, Rogers found that the time commitment as a lawmaker contributes to whether someone runs for office.

Being a public official does take a lot of work, he said. And so then, if the office itself is not necessarily a job that they can do while they're doing their full-time job, that can make it more difficult or less attractive to certain individuals to serve in that office.

Likewise, compensation was also an issue.

If the pay is lower, Rogers said, less people run.

The same could be said for those weighing whether to run at the local level.

Council members in the Valley typically meet twice a month, comprising workshops, closed sessions and voting meetings. That doesn't include attending various city functions and sitting in on council subcommittee and intergovernmental board meetings.

Statewide, the average salary for a mayor is $59,200, while the average council member salary is $27,877.

An elected official could make $40,582 annually in a large city like Mesa. If youre elected mayor, the pay jumps to $74,545.

What do voters think?

Rebekah Massie moved to Surprise in 2022. Shes been an active resident ever since, vocalizing concerns about the citys traffic congestion  a result of the communitys exponential growth.

When the final list of qualified candidates was posted to the citys website in April, showing only one candidate for each of the three district races, Massie was surprised that others hadnt joined the races.

I was tracking everything with the city clerk, like who had pulled nomination petitions  there were potentially multiple people who were going to run, Massie recalled, acknowledging that shes a resident of District 1, which doesnt have an open council seat this year.

Including the three qualified council candidates, eight had filed paperwork expressing an interest in running for office.

So that kind of surprised me that there were more people interested yet only one person (in each race) filed, she said.

For voters, an uncontested race is really a farce, Massie lamented.

What are you choosing, none of the above or just the person on the ballot? she continued, adding, Unless a majority writes none of the above, then that person is still going to get elected.

Whether the lack of options will dissuade voters in Surprise, Massie said Surpise could see the same low turnout from previous elections. On the other hand, she said, the city's competitive mayoral race between sitting Councilmember Aly Cline and former Planning & Zoning Commissioner Kevin Sartor has been heating up.

Cline was recently found to have engaged in questionable campaigning activities, for which shes been formally reprimanded. Sartor has hammered her on the censure, painting her as unfit for office.

"I could also see that with all the headlines on everything, on Clines own actions  I can also see us having a higher than anticipated turnout, she said. "I really dont know whats going to happen truthfully. Part of me is worried, part of me is excited.

For a healthy democracy, Rogers said, voters should have a choice between candidates.

A lack of challengers, he added, does not provide that choice.

Shawn Raymundo covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Peoria and Surprise. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Valley cities faced with a lack of contestants in local elections
A Union County high school student tested positive for tuberculosis, and at least 270 people may have had contact with the person, according to the county public health department.

Union County is not releasing the name of the Porter Ridge High School student in order to maintain the persons privacy. Its not clear where or how the person was exposed or how they exposed others. The health department sent letters to all of the parents of students who may have been exposed, advising them to have their children tested in order to detect the disease early if they have been infected.

Physicians are required by law to report active TB cases to the local health department, which is how Union County Public Health was alerted to the case. The person tested positive earlier this month.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial disease primarily affecting the lungs that can spread through the air when a person with an active infection coughs, sneezes, sings, or talks. While it is still rare in the U.S., the countrys cases have been increasing each year since 2020, reaching a ten-year high in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Nationally, 9,615 TB cases were reported in 2023.

Tuberculosis is viewed by many as sort of an old disease that we dont see much anymore, and while its not as prevalent as it was years and years ago, it is definitely still out there, Union County Public Health Director Dennis Joyner told The Charlotte Observer.

According to the latest available state data, there were 163 cases of TB in North Carolina in 2022. In Union County, there are about four cases of tuberculosis confirmed each year, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Is tuberculosis contagious?

Those who inhale the bacteria may develop latent TB, which can become active TB disease if untreated. Approximately 10% of those with latent TB will develop the disease in their lifetime, while the remaining 90% carry the bacteria without symptoms.

In this case, it is pretty much under control, Joyner said. There is no immediate risk of health problems related to this case, and there is no further risk of exposure at this time.

Union County Public Health is providing TB testing at no cost for these contacts at Union County Human Services (2330 Concord Ave., Monroe). Anyone who tests positive may receive further support and medication at no cost.
Unsolved TN: What happened to toddler who vanished from RiverGate Mall in 1996?

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Over the years, age progression photos have shown what Lucy Rebecca Meadows would have looked like as she grew from a toddler to a young woman, but the mystery of her disappearance remains unchanged.

Lucy was just 3 years old when she seemingly vanished on July 25, 1996. Her mother, Young Meadows, told authorities she had taken Lucy with her to the RiverGate Mall in Goodlettsville that day.

At the time, the mall, which now sits mostly empty, was bustling with life.

(Photo: WKRN)

Lucy Meadows, toddler who vanished in Rivergate Mall parking lot, still missing after 22 years

While in the parking lot, Young said she let Lucy out of the back seat of the car on the drivers side and went to the passengers side to grab some items. When she looked back for Lucy, she was gone.

Mall security was contacted, and the area was immediately searched. However, Lucy was nowhere to be found.

In the days after, Goodlettsville detectives launched an extensive investigation. One of the initial detectives on the case told News 2 he interviewed witnesses who said they heard Lucys mother scream.

A security camera focusing on the parking lot panned slowly side to side over the area, but by the time it got to the car, investigators said it didnt show a child there. Since then, authorities have exhausted thousands of possible leads and scenarios.

Every second counts: This TBI resource could help if your child ever goes missing

Detectives searched the property where Lucy and her family lived in Clarksville, and some leads took them as far as Chicago, but all were dead ends.

According to police, Lucy disappeared at a time when her mother, whos from Korea, and father, Tom Meadows, were in a custody dispute. The couple eventually divorced, and Tom passed away.

Before his death, he told News 2 in a 2001 interview, No closure, no end to this, just wish we could find her.

Officials later confirmed that Tom had passed a lie detector test during questioning about his daughters disappearance. However, news reports listed Youngs polygraph test results as deceptive.

UNSOLVED TENNESSEE: Find more of the states cold cases, missing persons, and other mysteries 

In a 2018 interview, retired Goodlettsville Detective Harry Bell told News 2 they were not getting a lot of cooperation from some family members, making the case even more difficult to solve.

Investigators have had to consider whether Lucy was ever at the mall in the first place, but her reported abduction is the only information theyve had to go on for decades.

Lucy Meadows age progressed to 20 years old. (Courtesy: NCMEC)

Today, Lucy would be 31 years old. When she was last seen, she weighed just 30 pounds. She was reportedly wearing a long button-down blue denim dress with buttons on the front, white socks and white canvas shoes.

The latest age progression photo shows what she would look like at 20 years old.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Anyone who has seen Lucy or has information related to the case is asked to contact the Goodlettsville Police Department at 615-851-2236 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A mother is facing charges after deputies said her son drowned when he was left unattended in a bathtub in Greenville County.

The Greenville County Sheriffs Office said 28-year-old Lynda Leigh Nicole Lawson was arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with homicide by child abuse.

Deputies said Lawson left her seven-month-old son in a bathtub unattended for an extended period of time, causing him to drown at their home on Old Hunts Bridge Road on June 20.

The child was taken to the hospital where he was on life support until he died Wednesday.

The Greenville County Coroners Office identified the child as Zander Lawson.

Greenville County investigators also described the conditions inside the home as unsafe and deplorable.

Lawson was taken to the Greenville County Detention Center where she is awaiting a bond hearing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COVID lock-downs are long over, but remote work looks like its here to stay in South Florida.

In 2023, 35% of Americans with jobs that can be done remotely worked entirely from home full time, according to Pew Research. And 41% of workers with jobs that can be done remotely worked a hybrid schedule, going into the office only sometimes. That means that 76% of all workers who can work remotely do so, at least some of the time.

Though Florida was quick to abandon COVID restrictions, remote work has planted roots in the state. Over 10% of all workers in Miami-Dade and 11% in Broward work from home, according to 2022 data from the Census Bureau.

Jobs offering work from home in Miami-Dade and Broward. Some are entry level and require only a high school diploma.

Are you looking for remote work in South Florida? Here are some opportunities:

Soup account manager

Job: The Campbell Soup Co. is looking for a key account manager in Miami.

Salary: Up to $117,300 a year.

Details: The soup company is looking for someone who can manage customer relationships, sales activities and in-store execution and visibility according to the job post in Indeed. The job requires a B.A. and a minimum of five years relevant experience.

Credit card analyst

Job: Visa is looking for a senior analyst in Miami.

Salary: Up to $137,600 a year.

Details: The financial titan needs someone to manage a portfolio of high-profile initiatives for moving money, according to the listing on Indeed. The jobs qualifications range depending on your education level, requiring five years of relevant experience if you have a B.A., two years if you have an advanced degree, and if you have a PHD you can get the job with no experience at all.

Gaming content manager

Job: Delaware North is searching for an iGaming digital content manager in Miami.

Salary: Up to $107,800 a year.

Details: The casino gaming operator is looking for someone to  lead content strategy and management across all Betly Casino & Sportsbook brand platforms and social channels, according to the Indeed posting. The job requires three years of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS experience as well as three years of experience in digital content strategy and development. The posting also notes that any applicants would need to maintain a state gaming license in any state they were working in.

Legal account executive

Job: A deposition and legal support services company is in the market for an account executive in Fort Lauderdale.

Salary: Up to $100,000 a year.

Details: The role, consisting of sales and account management, requires experience selling to legal markets, as well as proficiency with CRM, Reporter Base 8 or other legal database software, according to the Indeed post. A high school diploma (or equivalent certificate) is required and a B.A. is preferred. If you are interested in working in the public sector, fear not, its not only private companies who are in the market for remote workers.

Story continues

Appeals attorney

Job: The Third District Court of Appeal in Miami-Dade County is looking to hire an appellate staff attorney to assist judges with the disposition of legal issues. The posting notes that this job would be performed at the courthouse or remote.

Salary: Range depends on the applicants experience, with a salary of $86,592.18 for those with at least five years practicing law.

Details: The posting notes that the role is an excellent entry level position. A law degree and good standing with the Florida Bar Association is required for this position.

Guardian attorney

Job: The 17th Circuit Court in Broward County is looking for a senior attorney for its Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office, a state funded child advocacy organization that provides independent legal representation to abused, abandoned and neglected children in Floridas dependency court proceedings.

Salary: $66,979.84 a year.

Details: Requires a law degree, Florida Bar membership and two years of experience, as well as a valid Florida drivers license.

Judicial support

Job: The 11th District Court in Miami is looking for a partially remote judicial support specialist (administrative assistant).

Salary: $34,721.71

Details: Duties include secretarial and related clerical work according to the job description on the courts website. A bachelors degree is required, as is two years of administrative office experience.
In pressing U.S. District Judge Brian Davis for leniency, attorneys for ex-JEA CEO Aaron Zahn spun a remarkable and tragic story about the utility executive's life, casting him as the victim of a relentless local media who has suffered "extrajudicial" punishment since his fall from grace five years ago as the youthful leader of one of Jacksonville's most important government agencies. Directly challenging the portrait federal prosecutors presented to jurors in the spring of a greedy C-suite fraudster, defense lawyers described Zahn instead as a thoughtful, generous man with an interest in ethics who has endured bad luck and setbacks since childhood.

It's not unusual for defense attorneys to present their client in the most favorable light while lobbying for judicial mercy, but the written narrative Zahn's attorneys provided Davis ahead of his sentencing hearing  scheduled Tuesday  goes further: Beneath his tragic, sometimes saccharine narrative lies an enduring defiance about his criminal case. Echoing the closing arguments of his trial in March, when one of Zahn's lawyers told jurors he had been victimized by a "deep state, unelected bureaucracy," the sentencing memorandum Zahn's attorneys prepared still quibbles with key facts of the case and, at turns, minimizes the jury's decision as having criminalized a "flawed business idea"  hardly the cathartic verdict in a historic corruption trial many local officials and political observers considered it to be.

Even in this late hour, Zahn still seems to be reaching for vindication.

Zahn will have a final chance to speak for himself during Tuesday's hearing. If he plans to show contrition before Davis, his sentencing memorandum previewed none of it.

"The prosecution and conviction in this case have wreaked substantial havoc on Aarons personal life and family, as well as his ability to maintain any professional engagement," his attorneys wrote. "The relentless media criticism from 2018 to present ensures that Aaron will continue to be punished for the rest of his life as his public reputation has been forever destroyed."

After a month-long trial, a jury in March convicted Zahn of a conspiracy to steal municipal funds and of wire fraud. In essence, prosecutors argued that Zahn and former JEA CFO Ryan Wannemacher schemed to skim millions of dollars off the top of a potential sale of JEA  Jacksonville's city-owned electric, water and sewer utility, a transaction that was expected to generate a windfall for City Hall worth billions. To get that money, prosecutors argued, Zahn first had to concoct a fraudulent business case to justify privatizing JEA, an idea long considered a third rail in Jacksonville politics, and he then had to hide his get-rich scheme beneath layers of consultant and attorney work product and lie to the board of directors.

That privatization effort collapsed as public controversy around it and Zahn mounted in late 2019, but prosecutors came to believe Zahn's deceptions went far enough to merit opening an investigation.

Wannemacher, whose fate was decided by a separate jury, was acquitted of both charges.

Despite his conviction, Zahn's sentencing memo in some respects frames him as a victim  of the media, of the prosecution, of vigilantes. After relocating from Jacksonville, Zahn's attorneys wrote, "Their new home address was publicized online, and online hackers targeted their home, which further eroded their sense of security and privacy." The memo does not provide any further details about that alleged incident. The document also repeats a belief of Zahn's, which he's vocalized since his time as JEA's CEO, that media scrutiny of his official role "enraged" members of the public so much that they've harassed him and his family (Zahn and his attorneys have also long baselessly claimed the Times-Union has "targeted" his family).

The most immediate goal of Zahn's defense lawyers was to urge Davis to sentence Zahn to probation instead of the "multi-year" prison sentence prosecutors recommended this week. Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Tysen Duva told Davis he'd make a more specific recommendation during Tuesday's hearing but said at minimum that Zahn's crimes justified some time in prison.

For Zahn, that would be another injustice in a life that has seen its share of them, according to his attorneys. Drawing on his life story and comments from his family members and friends, Zahn's attorneys recounted how his childhood experience being teased  "because as a child his head always appeared a bit too large in contrast to his body"  helped Zahn become "kind and generous to people despite physical differences or social status." An accident that left him with severe burns and a long recovery also dashed his dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer, "a pivotal moment in Aaron's life" when he then devoted himself to his studies.

In adulthood, Zahn's attorneys presented him as indifferent to material wealth and worldly. He studied psychology and philosophy at Yale because of "his desire to understand human behavior and ethics," and after college and in between jobs  after deciding life in finance wasn't for him  Zahn lived for a year at a family lake house in Minnesota, where he became a yoga instructor, took piloting lessons and "dove into his books on theology, philosophy, and life."

It's often difficult to square this picture of Zahn with the evidence prosecutors amassed and the years of interviews I've conducted with people inside and outside JEA who worked with or for him, many who remembered him to be mercurial and dangerously arrogant. During the trial, Davis saw glimpses of this alternative view: Jason Gabriel, City Hall's former top lawyer, recalled for jurors that his refusal to back the legality of Zahn's get-rich scheme prompted an expletive-laden tirade from Zahn. One JEA union leader said she felt Zahn was duplicitous and despised being questioned. His former executive assistant once told me Zahn oversaw a "flat-out toxic" work environment.

Yet that is an undeniably incomplete picture of his life. "Aaron is a 44-year-old husband, father of three, and devoted son and friend who has contributed to the welfare of others in numerous ways," his attorneys wrote. I have no reason to doubt those attestations by his friends and family members. Although Zahn has long confused scrutiny of him as a public official as deeply personal attacks, the fact is the federal case and the newspaper's investigations were about his role as JEA's chief executive  not who he is at home.

It's impossible not to sympathize with his tragic present circumstances  and particularly with his family, who had no role in his government misdeeds. But Zahn's self-narrative has always omitted a key player: Zahn himself. This case was not an avalanche or a tornado, some natural disaster that befell an innocent bystander. Zahn had agency, and with his agency he chose to attempt to enrich himself, plunging JEA and its 2,000-strong workforce into uncertainty. During the trial, prosecutors repeatedly, and appropriately, emphasized that Zahn used the threat of mass layoffs as a tool to convince his board of directors and the public that privatizing this vital public agency was a financial necessity. That scared people  his own employees.

Zahn had enablers, yes, including within former Mayor Lenny Curry's administration, who helped thrust him into a role he was simply not suited for  a plain reality that was obvious in real time. And there are others around this sprawling Jacksonville controversy who escaped meaningful repercussions. But that does not absolve Zahn.

"This is a historic criminal case in the Jacksonville Division of the Middle District of Florida," Duva, the lead prosecutor, wrote Davis this week. "The jurys verdict and the sentencing of this former CEO of Jacksonvilles most coveted independent agency is momentous."

Prosecutors have already told Davis they do not support jailing Zahn at the upper end of the probation officer's recommended sentencing guidelines  about nine years. That's fair: Zahn will never work in high finance again, nor at the upper echelons of business or government. For someone who viewed himself as a corporate visionary, as Zahn did, that is a personally devastating punishment all its own.

For the rest, Davis has a fateful decision to make.

Nate Monroe is a Florida columnist for the USA Today Network. Follow him on Twitter @NateMonroeTU. Email him at nmonroe@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: In urging leniency, ex-JEA CEO Aaron Zahn tells his own story | Commentary
US, Canada intercept Chinese, Russian aircraft near Alaska in first such case

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted two Russian Tu-95 and two Chinese H-6 military bomber aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on July 24, according to the command's statement.

Russian and Chinese bombers were intercepted in international space by U.S. F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, as well as Canadian CF-18 fighter jets. Support aircraft were also involved in the operation, according to CNN.

The detected bomber planes did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign air space and were "not seen as a threat." NORAD will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America, the command added.

This is not the first time Russia has made flights in Alaska's vicinity. In May, four Russian planes flew through the ADIZ zone. According to NORAD, this "happens regularly."

Chinese H-6 military bombers, derivatives of older Soviet aircraft, have entered the Alaska ADIZ zone for the first time, CNN reported, citing a defense official.

In March, General Gregory Guillot, head of U.S. Northern Command, said China was moving further north into the Arctic. Guillot expected to see aircraft there "potentially this year."

The general also expressed concern about the presence of Chinese aircraft in the area.

China calls itself a "near-Arctic" state and is trying to expand its presence in the north, particularly with the help of Russia.

Beijing has maintained close ties with Moscow during the war, increasing economic cooperation and disrupting Western attempts to isolate Russia.

Expanded trade with China has played a key role in allowing Moscow to keep its economy running and ramp up its military industry despite Western economic pressure.

In May, the U.S. added 37 Chinese entities to the trade blacklist due to security reasons, including 11 of them accused of being connected to last year's espionage incident.

The Biden administration imposed additional sanctions on Beijing after a spy balloon drifted from Alaska to South Carolina in February 2023, causing outrage in Washington and prompting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to cancel his trip to China.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed it was a weather balloon blown off the course.

Read also: US preparing new sanctions against China for supporting Russias war efforts

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US issues sanctions on rebel group alliance over conflict in DRC

A statue of former Sen. Albert Gallatin stands at the Treasury Department in Washington

By Daphne Psaledakis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday will impose sanctions on a coalition of rebel groups it accused of seeking to overthrow the Democratic Republic of Congo's government and fuelling conflict, according to a statement seen by Reuters.

The sanctions, first reported by Reuters, target the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement was a political-military coalition launched in December. It said the principal member of the alliance was the M23 movement, which is already under U.S. sanctions.

Congo's army has been fighting the M23 insurgency for more than two years, as well as battling other militias in its eastern borderlands.

Congo, the United Nations and Western countries have repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23 with its own troops and weapons, which it denies.

Rwanda accuses Congo of financing and fighting alongside a Hutu rebel group, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which has attacked Tutsis in both countries.

The fighting in North Kivu province has driven more than 1.7 million people from their homes, taking the total number of Congolese displaced by multiple conflicts to a record 7.2 million, according to U.N. estimates.

"Todays action reinforces our commitment to hold accountable those who seek to perpetuate instability, violence, and harm to civilians to achieve their political goals," Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, said in the statement.

"We condemn AFC and its affiliates, including M23, for fueling this deadly conflict and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC."

Washington also imposed sanctions on Corneille Nangaa, a former Congo election commission chief accused of undermining of elections in the country, whom Washington originally targeted with sanctions in 2019.

The Treasury on Thursday said Nangaa was being hit with sanctions again for acting as a leader of the Congo River Alliance, which it said he launched alongside the leaders of M23.

M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa was also hit with sanctions in the action that freezes any U.S. assets of those targeted and generally bars Americans from dealing with them.

Twirwaneho, an armed group in South Kivu province that is a member of the alliance and collaborates with M23 was also targeted, as was a commander and deputy military leader of the group.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Additional reporting by Aaron Ross in Nairobi)
US not seen a detailed post-war plan from Israel, Gen. Brown says

Displaced Palestinians watch a soccer match at an UNRWA shelter school, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip

Displaced Palestinians watch a soccer match at an UNRWA shelter school, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip

By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The top U.S. general said on Thursday Israel still has not shared much of its "day after" planning for Gaza once the war with Hamas ends.

The remarks by Air Force General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, followed a speech to Congress on Wednesday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that sketched only a vague outline for a "deradicalized" post-war Gaza.

"There's not a lot of detail that I've been able to see from a plan from them," Brown told a Pentagon press conference. "This is something that we'll continue to work with them on."

For months, Washington has repeatedly urged Israel to craft a realistic post-war plan for Gaza and warned that the absence of it could trigger lawlessness and chaos as well as a comeback by Hamas in the Palestinian territory.

"As far as the day after, we have talked to the Israelis about this, how to make a transition. We've talked to them a number of times," Brown said.

Later on Thursday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Israel had not put forward a great amount of detail about a plan for the day after, but conversations continued.

"We have been having conversations with them about this and they are in a different place than they were several months ago when they hadn't really thought about a day after at all," Miller added.

"We are at the point where we're talking with them and they're putting forward some ideas," he added.

Palestinians have previously said only an end to Israeli occupation and the creation of a Palestinian state will bring peace.

But in his speech to Congress, Netanyahu made no mention of creating a pathway to Palestinian statehood following the war in Gaza. 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.

Netanyahu stopped short of ruling out a role for the West Bank-led Palestinian Authority, whose place in a future two-state solution is favored by the Biden administration but opposed by Netanyahu's coalition partners.

Hamas came to power in Gaza in 2006 after Israeli soldiers and settlers withdrew in 2005. Israel controls access to Gaza.

Israel's war has devastated the Palestinian enclave and killed more than 39,000 of its residents, according to Gaza health officials. Hamas fighters triggered the war on Oct. 7 by storming into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 captives, according to Israeli tallies.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Additional reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Alistair Bell and Chizu Nomiyama)
US President Joe Biden is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday.

The meeting between the two leaders comes after Netanyahu delivered a combative speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday in which he appealed for the US and Israel to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to confront the "murderous enemy" Iran.

Tensions between the two leaders have been high, particularly due to the actions of the Israeli government in the Gaza war.

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 Palestinian territory, where the health system has been decimated, a risk of famine persists and basic services have been crippled.

A meeting between Netanyahu and newly-minted Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is also planned on Thursday.

On Friday, former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

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 visit to the United States comes amid political turmoil in the US following Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race.
F-15EX and J16, both two seaters, but one uses the second crewman in a different capacity than the traditional weapon system officer role.

Amidst strategic shifts in its force posture, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) faces pivotal decisions on the deployment of its next-generation fighter fleet. With plans to retire aging F-15C/D Eagles and scale back F-15E Strike Eagle operations, the USAF is poised to integrate a limited number of F-15EX Eagle IIs into the fleet. Yet, while the F-15EX boasts advancements as an evolution of the F-15E Strike Eagle family of fighters, current strategies overlook the aircrafts rear cockpit potential.

The first F-15EX Eagle II delivered to the Oregon Air National Guards 142nd Wing, the first operational unit to receive the type, touches down in Portland in June 2024. 142nd Wing/Oregon Air National Guard

Meanwhile, the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) advocates for multi-seat configurations to manage data-rich combat environments effectively. USAF plans, on the other hand, currently exclude utilizing the F-15EXs rear cockpit, limiting its role to air-to-air missions and possibly limited air-to-ground missions sometime in the future.

In this era of transformative air combat, as the PLAAF pioneers new operational concepts with multi-seat fighters, the USAF stands at a crossroads, balancing legacy strategies with the imperative for adaptive, integrated command and control of unmanned systems and network-centric operations. With the F-15EX, however, the USAF has an opportunity to lead the way regarding future air combat by fully embracing the Eagle IIs two-crew capability.

The Eagle II Opportunity

With the pending divestment of the F-15C/D and reduction of the F-15E inventory, the USAF has committed to purchasing a relatively small number of F-15EXs to replace the F-15C/D in Japan, as well as at three National Guard bases with units tasked with U.S. homeland defense. The Eagle II, however, evolved from the Strike Eagle and subsequent F-15 derivatives, is capable of far more than what the legacy Eagle fleet previously provided to combatant commanders.

Given its modernized sensors, self-protection suite, fiber optics, future integration of an open mission system and digital open architecture backbone, more powerful engines, increased computing capabilities, and the inclusion of a rear fully-missionized cockpit, the F-15EX represents a significant advancement over both the F-15C/D and F-15E. Yet, current operational plans do not involve taking advantage of the rear cockpit, leaving it empty and unused, assigning the F-15EX to perform long-range and medium-range air-to-air only missions with minimal expansions into other missions sets the F-15EX is purpose-built to fulfill.

From left to right, an F-15C, an F-15E, and an F-15EX. USAF

The evolving character of air combat, however, demands that platforms do more amongst the growing complexity of high-end warfare. When considering the future of air combat, which places information at center stage in a high-end conflict, failing to utilize the rear cockpit would be a missed opportunity to expand future roles and responsibilities of the F-15EX, disregarding the investment that already exists in the aircrafts capabilities.

By contrast, Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) assessments of the anticipated complexities of forthcoming high-end combat environments have led them to identify multi-seat, multi-role configurations as critical to operations.

Available information suggests that the PLAAF believes an additional operator offers the potential for more effective interpretation and utilization of the vast sensory data that could overwhelm the cognitive and processing capacities of a single individual, particularly in the future of contested air combat environments. Having made this assessment, the PLAAF is now moving forward in developing operational concepts for how best to employ multiple operators in a single tactical aircraft, like the J-16 and the two-seat J-20S variant (also referred to variously as the J-20B and J-20AS), beyond their traditional roles. The USAF could benefit from adopting a multi-operator approach like the PLAAFs with the F-15EX.

A picture of a two-seat J-20 during testing. Chinese internet

Information Saturation

Any future high-end conflict will produce vast amounts of data that need processing. Both the U.S. military and PLA continue to develop robust integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) networks to facilitate combat operations and support long-range kill chains. As such, sensors within the land, sea, air, and space domains will provide more data than can be consumed by human operators to process  and make accurate  real-time tactical and operational decisions. Due to the rapidly changing environments in a future contest, these decisions will need to be made quickly and potentially at the forward edge of the battlespace.

In an anticipated information-saturated environment, the USAF advocates for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-to-human collaboration to alleviate the workload and cognitive demands on operators. While the incorporation of AI may process and distill information to provide operators with pertinent data, a saturated, complex combat environment full of adversary ships, aircraft, and coastal defenses employing deception and denial tactics will still likely result in an overwhelming influx of information for operators to process, leading to task saturation. Performing a multitude of missions and tasks  including controlling collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) and managing other aircraft in formation  all the while making air-to-air and air-to-ground engagement decisions within a contested, degraded, and operationally limited (CDO-L) environment will challenge and could exacerbate cognitive processes for both humans and their AI agents. The PLAAF, on the other hand, seems to be intent on leveraging AI integration with more human operators, not less.

Public Domain

Moving Beyond Traditional Roles

A recent article published in January 2024 by Chinese state-owned outlet Ta Kung Pao Online in Hong Kong, titled J-16 Leads the Air Force Aircraft Fleet in Preparations for Future Air Battles, sheds light on the evolving role of the J-16 back-seater and its implications for the future role of the J-20S back-seater. The article outlines the traditional division of responsibilities between front-seat and back-seat operators in the J-16. It also underscores how, due to evolving characteristics of air warfare, the role of the backseat operator has evolved as combat has evolved, informing future J-20S operations.

A Chinese J-16. Japan Ministry of Defense A stock picture of a Chinese J-16. Japan Ministry of Defense

According to the article, the J-16 stands out as the primary two-seat fighter in the PLAAFs combat air force. While the two-seat Su-30 Flanker exists in the PLAAFs inventory, its fleet is smaller in size, whereas the J-16 contains more advanced avionics and is in continued domestic production exceeding 245 aircraft, leaving the PLAAF to rely heavily on the J-16 and its more advanced capabilities.

A Chinese Su-30MKK Flanker. Dmitriy Pichugin A stock picture of a Chinese Su-30MKK Flanker. Dmitriy Pichugin

Equipped with asymmetric, outsized weapons that dont fit in the J-20s weapons bay, the J-16 provides a broad array of operational capabilities, making it a versatile asset in various scenarios. Similar to the F-15E, the J-16 conducts long-range air-to-air engagements and attacks on ground and maritime targets where the back-seater serves as a weapons controller responsible for employing different types of weapons. The PLAAF, however, is beginning to adapt the J-16 to the expected information-dominated combat environment and evolving manned-unmanned teaming by developing new roles and responsibilities for the aircraft and its operators.

Information-Dominated Combat Environment

In the context of the evolving landscape of networked and unmanned warfare, contemporary air combat will incorporate a multitude of systems where all combat elements are interconnected with vast amounts of information. Through data transmission and intelligence-sharing platforms, collaborative operations based on interconnected systems have become the predominant operational model, with the J-16 capable of assuming the central command role for entire formations. According to the Ta Kung Pao article, the J-16 back-seater, in this new environment, evolves from simply a weapon controller into an air mission commanding officer.

A close-up look at the pilot and the back-seater in a Chinese J-16. China Military Online/Liu Chang and Liu Yinghu

With this new evolution, the air mission commanding officer (AMCO) encompasses multiple roles and responsibilities in a high-tech conflict that includes overseeing air-to-surface weaponry, managing and disseminating multi-platform intelligence, and issuing operational directives. While this may seem similar to the USAFs airborne Forward Air Controller-Airborne (FAC[A]), there appear to be differences in employment concepts between the PLAAFs AMCO and the USAFs FAC(A), particularly regarding the operational environments with which they are utilized.

Primarily employed in close air support (CAS) or strike coordination and reconnaissance (SCAR) missions, the FAC(A) is the airborne version of a joint terminal air controller (JTAC) in which both can nominate and mark targets, deconflict airspace, relay critical ground schemes of maneuver, and authorize airstrikes. The PLAAFs AMCO, however, seems to focus on roles and responsibilities that leverage the PLAs sensing network in a contested air interdiction environment.

Utilizing the PLAs expanding sensing network to build situational awareness in the battlespace, the J-16 back-seater, assuming the AMCO role and plugged into the sensing network, is intended to direct coordinated efforts among various aircraft, in conjunction with ground and naval units, to execute comprehensive aerial attacks. Additionally, the back-seaters role is to command and coordinate multiple drones acting as loyal wingmen with the intent to amplify combat effectiveness through combined manned and unmanned operations.

Whether or not the PLAAF is actually proficient with this type of force package integration in a high-end combat environment remains to be seen. There is a distinct possibility that the PLAAF is overstating its capabilities in such an environment and much of this training is nascent or scripted, or this is the aspirational plan for future operations. However, the article points to recent footage from state-run CCTV that claims to showcase joint exercises involving GJ-2 drones under the command of J-16s enabling swarm attacks. Analysts, however, suggest that the articles and CCTV coverage of these events do not match reality given current PLAAF capabilities and likely reflect a desire for future capability. But while the PLAAF may be unable to conduct the defined roles and responsibilities of the AMCO in the current state, the PLAAF continues to move forward in preparing its endeavors. More importantly, however, the J-16s implementation of an AMCO also serves as a testbed for future two-seat J-20S operations.

China's network-centric warfare demonstration:

Infantry

GJ-2 UAV

J-16 fighter



GJ-2 finds the target.

Orders the infantry to confirm.

Infantry squad uses a laser designator to guide a bomb dropped by J-16 onto target.



GJ-2 UAV then uses missiles to finish surviving targets pic.twitter.com/hLSFCDRna8  Zhao DaShuai  (@zhao_dashuai) August 12, 2023

While the J-20S may lack the payload capacity of the J-16, the PLAAF anticipates that stealth, high-speed, and advanced situational awareness allow the J-20S to penetrate enemy territory, gain air superiority, and subsequently assume command over trailing aircraft like J-16s and J-10Cs. Moreover, the J-20S, like the J-16, will be able to coordinate and control CCAs to compensate for its magazine depth and weapons limitations, a task overseen by the AMCO in the rear cockpit.

Drawing parallels from the expanding roles of J-16 and J-20S back-seaters, incorporating a Weapon System Officer (WSO) into the F-15EXs rear cockpit would expand its capabilities and enhance the lethality of USAF strike packages. With the advent of large, integrated sensing networks providing a vast amount of data, an F-15EX WSO, assuming a role similar to an AMCO, can coordinate and direct fires, provide mission-critical intelligence in the midst of mission execution to other platforms in a strike package, pass information of evolving situations between pulsed operations, and even coordinate with various naval or ground forces.

As highlighted in this picture, a two-person crew did fly the first F-15EX jet to Portland in June 2024. Oregon National Guard

Additionally, the F-15EXs weapons array integration, including outsized weapons, allows it to perform an array of missions already being fulfilled by the F-15E, which includes long-range air interdiction. Moreover, it can be deployed to other environments in the event of horizontal escalation or low- to medium-tier conflicts, providing global firepower reach against smaller, maligned nation-states while still providing key capabilities in the high-end fight. Furthermore, the lack of stealth allows the F-15EX the ability to carry highly specialized pods that stealth assets simply cant, or wont, carry. Advanced pods can provide many warfighting-enhancing capabilities, from communications to sensing, electronic warfare, network redundancy, and edge computing.

A US Air Force F-15C Eagle carrying an infrared search and track (IRST) pod. This is one of many specialized podded capabilities members of the F-15 family, including the F-15EX, can carry. USAF

Finally, an F-15EX WSO can oversee the employment of groups of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) or swarms of other drones.

CCAs, AI, and Command and Control

Both the USAF and PLAAF view CCAs as a way of generating cost-effective mass. The intent is to augment attack formations with low-cost, AI-infused robotic wingmen to increase capabilities in the realm of firepower, sensing, electronic warfare, communications, and other capabilities that manned aircraft bring to the fight. Though both air forces promote heavy reliance on AI in CCAs, AI currently lacks intuition and the ability to infer information in a complex CDO-L combat environment that it is not accustomed to and lacks the ability to break from its given prescribed parameters to adapt. It is therefore expected that some level of human-to-machine interaction between manned aircraft and CCAs will be required to make decisions in a combat environment for some time. Due to the anticipated human interaction with CCAs, the PLAAF foresees multi-seat fighter platforms as an operational requirement.

In a document titled Study on the Combined Manned Aircraft/UAV in Air Operations, published around 2021 by Wang Danjing and Liu Ying of the Department of Combined Tactics Air Force Command College in Beijing, the discussion of command and control of CCAs described the task intensive nature of managing combat operations and CCAs simultaneously. When deciding the optimal manned-to-unmanned mixed formation characteristics, task management and cognitive performance were at the forefront of the authors conclusion that the ideal formation to employ CCAs consists of pairing a two-seat aircraft with a single-seat aircraft.

PLAAF GJ-2 WingLoong 2 UCAVs in cooperation with J-16 multirole fighters.



(Image via @ from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/PnRoe3Nc2k  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) August 8, 2023

Wang and Liu note that U.S. scientists show that there is a nonlinear relationship between a persons workload and work performance, suggesting that adding management of CCAs to a pilots tasks could impact performance. The authors conclude that the manned aircraft formation scope is better as a two-aircraft formation, with one being a two-seat aircraft tasked with tactical control of the UAVs, while the other is a single-seat aircraft tasked with executing the task of standing guard and attacking.

While USAF tactics will almost definitely differ from the PLAAFs regarding CCAs, utilizing an extra body in the backseat of the F-15EX can enhance the employment of CCAs, allowing the front-seat pilot to focus on other tasks or coordinate various functions in a combat setting.

Moreover, it is expected that CCAs will not always launch with their manned platforms to conduct missions in an Agile Combat Employment (ACE) scheme of maneuver or disparate basing environment like in the Pacific. Positioned between forward assets and bases, an F-15EX could take command of CCAs and transfer to forward fighter platforms or launch or recovery locations.

Take Aways

Although the U.S. military typically does not examine adversary strategy, operations, and tactics with the intention of replicating them, it is crucial to recognize the strengths of developing adversary capabilities and evaluate how they align with U.S. military operational principles.

Given the information provided above, it is imperative for the USAF to recognize and address the limitations of human cognition in future information-intensive environments and consider deploying additional operators to process the vast data available and manage new cognitive demands and new responsibilities like CCAs in a high-tech warzone. The PLAAFs ambitious approach to utilizing its two-seat J-16 and J-20S platforms in complex, high-end combat environments may provide insights into how to maximize the F-15EXs enhanced capabilities by incorporating a back-seater.

Similar to how the PLAAF intends to use the J-16 to cooperate with other fighter platforms, C2ISR platforms, and its kill-web to employ its outsized weapons, the F-15EX provides the range, payload, and sensors to do the same for the USAF. Additionally, with its fully missionized rear cockpit and large-area display, the F-15EX is capable of doing everything the multi-seat F-15E can do, and more.

The F-15EXs fully missionized rear cockpit allows a WSO to conduct a multitude of mission-related functions, freeing the pilot to focus on other tasks at hand. Incorporating a WSO in the F-15EX would thus harness the intended capabilities the F-15EX is designed for. With no one in the rear cockpit, however, the F-15EXs potential expansion of roles and responsibilities and overall effectiveness cannot be realized, leaving the Air Force unable to capitalize on the investment that is already paid for with each aircraft rolling off the line.

With every new set of roles, responsibilities, and mission expansion, however, comes new training requirements. For the F-15EX to adopt similar roles and responsibilities of the AMCO, the F-15E training pipeline can leverage existing training plans either by restructuring F-15E training flights that develop these specific tasks or by creating a new AMCO training pipeline in concert with the F-15EX syllabus being constructed to prepare future Eagle II pilots. Taking qualified F-15E WSO instructors into an AMCO pipeline that runs in concert with the F-15EX syllabus, the Air Force can fully realize a cohesive multi-seat aircraft ready for the high-end environment.

Unfortunately, however, the USAF has chosen to focus the utilization of the F-15EX on a single mission: long-range air-to-air. While capable of conducting close air support (CAS), combat search and rescue (CSAR), long- and medium-range air interdiction, maritime air interdiction, defensive counter-air, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and more, leaving the rear cockpit empty in this high-tech piece of machinery and conducting only long-range air-to-air engagements leaves all this potential capability on the table.

USAF

Equipped with outsized, long-range weapons and specialized pods, and the ability to command CCAs and swarms of other drones while directing combat fires and disseminating multi-platform intelligence from a multi-crew platform, the F-15EX offers a broader spectrum of capabilities beyond solely engaging in long-range air-to-air combat. Additionally, much of the necessary technology for these functions is already integrated into the aircraft.

For these reasons, it is imperative that the Air Force not let preconceived notions of traditional roles and responsibilities obstruct decision-making concerning the future of air warfare and the potential evolution of roles and responsibilities.

The character of warfare is evolving, necessitating the utilization of both machinery and personnel in innovative ways that align with the changing environment. The multi-operator platform direction currently pursued by the PLAAF yields operational insights worthy of consideration by USAF planners for the near- and mid-term, even as the USAF continues to develop advanced AI solutions for the long term.

Major Joshua Soup Campbell is an F-15E Weapon System Officer (WSO) and graduate of the distinguished USAF Weapon School with 1,500 hours in the F-15E which includes 630 combat hours. He spent the last year as a Fellow at the USAFs China Aerospace Studies Institute with a strategic and operational focus. He is currently attending Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies through the Department of Defenses Strategic Thinkers Program. He has worked in a variety of capacities at both the squadron level and MAJCOM staff positions.

Contact the editor: tyler@twz.com
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  USNS Supply, a Combat Logistics Force vessel, is returning to Naval Station Norfolk on Saturday after an 8-month deployment.

Its scheduled to return around 1:30 p.m. and be tied down at 2 p.m., the Navy says.

The Supply (T-AOE 6), formerly USS Arctic (AOE  6), had a critical role as the support vessel for the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group. The strike groups main vessel, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, returned home on July 15 after a historic 9-month deployment.

As part of the U.S.-led multinational coalition, Supplys role was pivotal to keep the Fleet in the fight and ensure freedom of navigation for all countries to bolster regional security and prosperity, the Navy said. Steaming 50,100 nautical miles over the course of 247 days, Supply served as the sole fast combat support vessel responsible for performing 143 underway replenishments with U.S. Navy and coalition ships from Great Britain, France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Canada and transferring more than 87 million gallons of fuel and 14,928 pallets of critical cargo and supplies.

The Navy says the USNS Supply was underway for 183 days in total, and its 131-member crews help support 16 U.S. Navy and 15 coalition ships, helping them continue to operate for extended periods.

The Supply is civilian-crewed and doesnt carry the weapons systems it once did as the USS Supply and USS Arctic. Its one of two fast combat support ships currently operated by Combat Logistics Force, which is comprised of 33 ships in total. That includes 17 fleet replenishment oilers and 14 ordnance and dry cargo ships.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HOPEWELL  Saying the project has now reached warp speed stage, the Robert Bobb Group told City Council that between now and the end of its contract, it will push Hopewell hard to make sure the citys $2 million investment in rebuilding its fiscal infrastructure will not be in vain.

Robert Bobb, owner of the Robert Bobb Group, speaks to Hopewell City Council in this 2023 file photo.

At this point, my team knows Im always not the nice guy when we get into this level of work, so were going to be pushing hard, group founder Robert Bobb said in a special meeting Wednesday night. Both on our team level and on the city manager and her team. The city has made a tremendous investment in what were doing, and were very proud of the work that weve done.

Since the end of last summer, RBG has been guiding Hopewell on a complete reboot of its fiscal management system  or lack of it. Critics claimed that processes were scattershot rather than uniform across all city departments because employees were untrained and therefore creating their own methods of entering and tracking public transactions.

As a result, Hopewells credit ranking tanked, and the city lost its ability to issue bonds for much-needed capital improvement projects such as a new fire station.

Everything came to a head last year when the commonwealth called Hopewell out for not submitting required annual fiscal audits since 2019 and not having a clean opinion on its books since 2015. After rejecting Virginias offer for assistance, council voted to make a deal with the Robert Bobb Group, a Washington, D.C.-based government advisory firm that helps bail out financially strapped municipalities.

RBG, which rescued Petersburg from financial ruin in 2016, said from the beginning that Hopewells picture was not as dank as its neighbor to the west. But it had the capacity to do so if controls were not put in place.

Since then, RBG has made numerous upgrades and recommendations on future best practices. The group has developed a series of standard operating procedures and trained employees on the MUNIS transaction-tracking system, has gotten Hopewell caught up on late audits from 2019, and has created a network of employee accountability to ensure the SOPs and other processes are followed.

From this point forward, if youve watched the movie Star Wars, were now into warp speed, Bobb said. Were escalating our work.

What was the pact?

RBGs agreement with Hopewell contains three separate contracts with three different sunset dates, each appearing on the horizon sooner rather than later:

The Project Management Office contract develops the SOPs, employee training and MUNIS system clean-up. That contract ends Oct. 31.

Story continues

The Accounting Remediation Services contract takes care of getting Hopewells annual audits caught up. That contract ends Dec. 15.

After City Manager Dr. Concetta Manker let Finance Director Michael Terry go, a contract with RBG brought in Russ Branson as interim finance director at a cost of $37,000 per month. Now that Hopewell has hired former Petersburg finance director Stacey Jordan, Bransons contract will end Aug. 31, but he will be on retainer through December to assist Jordan with the transition.

Prior to Wednesdays presentation by RBG, council voted to cancel Bransons contract and reallocate up to $330,000 in funding to cover new finance-director training and SOP implementation.

A deep-dive and training concerns

RBG principal Heather Ness spent the next 90 minutes on a deep-dive of what RBG has done since last summer. She walked council through SOP development, the retraining on the MUNIS system, security processes that limit access to system changes to a chosen few, and the audit catch-up work.

Weve made a ton of changes, Ness told council.

She outlined work that still needs to be done before the contract ends. Part of that covered training employees on the new expense-reimbursement procedure.

According to RBG, a significant portion of employee expense reimbursement is done on paper instead of electronically, leading to inefficiencies, errors and processing delays.

The group had hoped to have the new process implemented on Aug. 1, but issues with training delayed that to Sept. 1. Then, when RBG suggested training days in early August to meet the Sept. 1 deadline, most opted for days later in the month due to vacation schedules. As that stands, the implementation for the new reimbursement system will be pushed back to Oct. 1, well after the RBG contract runs out, and that creates a risk of increased employee unfamiliarity that would not be supported by onsite training.

We can take no more delays, Ness said.

The employee actions did not set well with Mayor Johnny Partin Jr. Partin said the importance of the training needs to be reinforced among staff members, and if vacations are an issue, then perhaps someone could be designated to attend and then debrief those who could not make it.

No ones pushing them to stay home for vacation, Partin said.

Ness added that the training sessions will be recorded and available for playback.

We want to finish strong

Bobb reiterated to council the need to ensure all city staff is onboard with the changes made and will continue to be onboard once RBG closes up shop in Hopewell.

The expectations of not only from our team but the expectations to implement what we are putting forward is going to be critical, he said. The other component of that is once we leave, then the city manager and her team, they cant tap the brakes. It has to continue to push forward if the citys going to become a high-performing city long term.

"Were rounding the bend in terms of the work [we] are doing, he added. Were at a critical point in this engagement, so from this point forward, were going to push the administration hard, and were going to push ourselves hard because we want to finish strong.

Partin later told Bobb that if the group encounters any issues it feels could be detrimental between now and the end of the contract, I have no problem bringing it up to City Council or asking questions and providing directives.

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Bobb Group updates Hopewell on progress of rebooting fiscal structure
A printed copy of election results for Utah's 2024 primary sit on a desk as Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson canvasses election results at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on July 22, 2024. (Katie McKellar / Utah News Dispatch)

Now that Utahs 2024 primary has been certified, we have a complete picture of how many Utahns participated in the June 25 election.

Even though Utahs Republican primary this year was packed full of high-profile and heated races  including the gubernatorial race between Gov. Spencer Cox and Rep. Phil Lyman, a crowded GOP contest to replace outgoing Sen. Mitt Romney, and a neck-and-neck battle for the 2nd Congressional District  primary voter turnout was low compared to the last presidential election year, in 2020, when voter turnout reached record highs across the country and in Utah.

Out of 902,611 active registered Republican voters, only 430,137 cast votes in this years GOP primary, or 47.65%, according to election results certified by Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson on Monday.

Compare that to the 527,178 active registered Republican voters who voted in the statewide GOP gubernatorial primary in 2020, when then-lieutenant governor Cox competed against Jon Huntsman Jr., Thomas Wright and former House Speaker Greg Hughes. That year in June, historical state election records show Utah had 778,623 active registered Republican voters. Of those, about 67.7% participated in that primary.

This years Republican primary turnout falls closer to the 2022 primary, when 416,703 Republicans voted in the U.S. Senate contest between incumbent Sen. Mike Lee, and his challengers Ally Isom and Becky Edwards.

Though this year marks a presidential election year, when voter participation usually peaks, last months primary saw only 13,434 more Republican voters participate compared to the 2022 primary. That year, the states tally of active registered Republican voters in June was 874,114, so statewide turnout for the Republican primary for U.S. Senate was about 47.67%  a sliver more than this years.

Primaries typically dont see as much voter participation as general elections  but this year saw comparatively lower numbers for a presidential year, especially compared to record turnout levels in 2020. Even though the state had nearly 124,000 more active registered GOP voters on its rolls compared to 2020, nearly 100,000 fewer participated in this years primary election.

Certified election results show turnout varied widely county to county, with the highest Republican turnout percentage-wise in rural Rich County, with nearly 70.8% (846 ballots cast). In sheer numbers, urban Salt Lake County saw the most votes cast, with 114,296, but that made up about 47% turnout.

Though Lyman lost to Cox by 37,525 votes (45.6% to Coxs 54.5%), one of Lymans strongholds, his home county of San Juan, saw one of the highest turnouts with about 64% (2,114 votes), while another southern Utah community where he won big, Washington County, had a 53% turnout (36,648 votes).

However, the conservative Wasatch Front area of Utah County saw the lowest GOP voter turnout, with 43.56% (92,045 votes). Tooele County ranked second lowest, with 43.62% (8,575 votes).

Factors that could have affected voter turnout

The year 2020 was an anomaly, with extraordinary high levels of voter engagement during a presidential year. But this years primary, even though it also came during a presidential election year, was no better than 2022, when there were far fewer high-profile races on the ballot.

Aside from voter disinterest or disengagement  with about 65% of Americans feeling exhausted with todays polarized political climate, according to recent research by Pew Research Center  some other factors could have influenced this years turnout.

Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson faced some controversy after county officials decided to stop paying for return postage on mail-in ballots, leading some to worry it would suppress voter turnout. Most voters who did participate in Utah Countys primary dropped off their ballots in voting drop boxes rather than mail them, KSL-TV reported. Compared to about 37% in the 2022 primary, Utah Countys turnout this year was higher  but it was lower compared to 53.26% in the 2020 primary, according to county records.

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This years primary also stirred frustrations, especially among rural counties like Iron County, over voting by mail and ballots being disqualified for missing the deadline for postmarking, which is required no later than the day before Election Day under Utah law. In Iron County, where mail is processed in Las Vegas, leading one commissioner to vote against certifying the election, nearly 500 ballots were disqualified because they werent postmarked on time to be legally counted.

The postmarking issue was especially highlighted in the GOP 2nd Congressional District Race. Rep. Celeste Maloy won by only 214 votes  within the margin that allows losing candidates to call a recount. Her challenger Colby Jenkins and his campaign have said they plan to call a recount, hoping it will allow more late-postmarked ballots to be counted.

However, given Iron County officials ultimately voted to certify because state law is clear they cant be legally counted without a postmark before Election Day, its unlikely that a recount will result in a flood of previously uncounted ballots. Though lawmakers arent planning to act to affect this years race, at least one legislator plans to file a bill to allow more flexibility for election officials when it comes to counting by-mail ballots in rural counties.

Heres a county-by-county breakdown of voter turnout in Utahs Republican primary, according to certified election results:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a joint meeting of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Foreign Relations Chair Ben Cardin, D-Md., listen. | Julia Nikhinson

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a passionate address to Congress on Wednesday afternoon aimed at inspiring continued U.S. support for Israel.

But his visit to Washington, D.C., was controversial, as protesters took to the streets in an at-times violent demonstration, while calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Meanwhile, some congressional Democrats boycotted Netanyahus fourth address to Congress.

Utah Representatives said they viewed his message as a unifying one as members of Congress stood up to applaud Netanyahu about every two minutes during the nearly 52-minute-long speech.

We meet today at a crossroads of history, Netanyahu said. Our world is in upheaval.

The families of American and Israeli hostages held by Hamas were in attendance, he noted.

As we speak, were actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release, and Im confident that these efforts can succeed, Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden for his support for Israel after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, which Biden at the time categorized as sheer evil. Netanyahu also acknowledged the 40-year-old friendship he shares with Biden.

I want to thank him for half a century of friendship to Israel and for being as he says, a proud Zionist. Actually, he says, a proud Irish American Zionist, he added. Netanyahu is expected to meet with Biden on Thursday.

Israels prime minister made the case for U.S.-Israel partnership amid the war while condemning anti-Israel protests and the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. He also proposed forming an alliance with the U.S. in the Middle East.

Utah representatives applaud Netanyahus message to Congress

Rep. John Curtis, who represents Utahs 3rd District, said in a statement to the Deseret News that the address reminds us that the U.S. and Israel have a shared interest in defeating Iran and its proxies who wish harm upon free nations.

In his speech, Netanyahu said Iran understands that it needs to first conquer the Middle East before it can freely challenge the U.S.

For this, it uses its many proxies, including the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas in the heart of the Middle East, Netanyahu said. Standing in Irans way is one proud pro-American democracy, my country, the State of Israel.

If you remember one thing from the speech, remember this: Our enemies are your enemies, our fight is your fight and our victory will be your victory, he added, before calling for more military aid to expedite an end to the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader war in the Middle East.

In his statement, Curtis noted that, In my Washington office, I keep a newspaper clipping that I picked up as a student living in Jerusalem in 1979 that announced the agreement between Israel & Egypt. ... It reminds me that cooperation once considered unimaginable can happen if we put aside our differences & work together.

Netanyahu highlights Israeli soldiers and hostages taken by Hamas

Netanyahu introduced Israeli soldiers in the audience whove shown boundless courage in the war in Gaza and painted a disurbing image of Hamas actions.

Rep. Burgess Owens, who represents Utahs 4th District, told the Deseret News shortly after the address that when he saw the soldiers, he noticed the diversity of the group representing all types of backgrounds  and they all love their country. This proved to be a poignant moment for the GOP congressman.

Similarly, Rep. Celeste Maloy, who represents Utahs 2nd District, said that she was inspired by Wednesdays event.

Prime Minister Netanyahus message of unity and strengthening our alliance was inspiring, she said.

She added, Earlier this year I visited several communities devastated by the events of October 7th. The terror they are fighting wont be isolated to the Middle East if we dont stand with our ally.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, is greeted by Senate Foreign Relations Chair Ben Cardin, D-Md., who is sitting in place of Vice President Kamala Harris, as he arrives to address a joint meeting of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | J. Scott Applewhite

Netanyahu condemns anti-Israel protests

Netanyahu criticized anti-Israel protesters who refused to make the simple distinction between those who target terrorists, and those who target civilians, between the democratic state of Israel, and the terrorists of Hamas.

He alleged that U.S. intelligence told him that Iran is funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America, including the ones in Washington, D.C. in response to Netanyahus address.

They want to disrupt America, so these protesters burn American flags even on the Fourth of July, Netanyahu added, saluting fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina, who protected the American flag during an anti-Israel protest. The audience erupted in chants of USA!

Billionaire Elon Musk was in attendance on Wednesday, but about half the Democratic senators and representatives, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris skipped out, according to Axios reporter Andrew Solender.

Shortly after the address, Gaza protesters removed the American flags from the Union Station in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday and lit them on fire along with an effigy of Netanyahu.

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.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, called the Israeli prime ministers remarks strong in one post.

In another, he questioned who was paying to bus violent protesters into DC.

Owens, who is on the House Education and Workforce Committee, said he observes foreign influence on college campuses. He said he wasnt surprised to hear Iran may be influencing students.

The education system, Owens added, is a true national security issue.

Israel PM says International Criminal Court wants to shackle Israels hands

Netanyahu condemned American institutions, like Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, that refused to stand with Israel. He argued that their actions fueled antisemitism on college campuses.

The prime minister also criticized the International Criminal Court for accusing Israel of starving the people of Gaza.

Israel has enabled more than 40,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza. Thats half a million tons of food, he said. If there are Palestinians in Gaza who arent getting enough food, its not because Israel is blocking it, its because Hamas is stealing it.

According to the United Nations, around 2.15 million people, or 96% of Gazas population, faces high levels of acute food insecurity. The UN has disputed Netanyahus claim about 40,000 aid trucks.

Netanyahu said Hamas uses human beings as human shields, and, quoting John Spencer from Modern War Institute at West Point, said Israel has implemented more precautions to prevent civilian harm than any military and history and Beyond what international law requires.

The ICC is trying to shackle Israels hands and prevent us from defending ourselves. And if Israels hands are tied, America is next. And Ill tell you what else is next, the ability of all democracies to fight terrorism will be imperiled, he said.

Let me assure you, the hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled. Israel will always defend itself, he added as the crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

What Netanyahu said about Trump

In his address, Netanyahu said he wants to create a broader alliance in the Middle East.

He said his vision is shaped by the aftermath of World War II when the U.S. forged an alliance with Europe and against the U.S.S.R. All countries that are at peace with Israel and all those countries who will make peace with Israel should be invited to join this alliance, he said.

He thanked Biden for bringing the coalition together. The alliance Netanyahu is envisioning would be an extension of the Abraham Accords, bilateral agreements between Israel, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, signed during the Trump administration in 2020, which recognized Israels sovereignty. Netanyahu suggested calling it the Abraham Alliance.

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago on Friday. Trump posted a letter he received from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Truth Social Tuesday night.

The letter condemned the assassination attempt against the former president. Trump responded to the letter, saying, Everything will be good.

Netanyahu said Wednesday that he was also relieved to see Trump was safe. There is no room for political violence in democracies, he added.

Owens said he believes Netanyahu and Trump have a lot in common.

Theyre both very strong ... very passionate about their country. They command respect, he said.

At one point in his address, Netanyahu recalled, In World War II, as Britain fought on the front lines of civilization, (the late U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill) appealed to Americans with these famous words, Give us the tools, and well finish the job today.

Netanyahu echoes that appeal on Wednesday. The war on Gaza could end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders, disarms and returns all the hostages, he said.
A ninth grader places her cellphone in to a phone holder as she enters class at Delta High School, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Delta, Utah. | Rick Bowmer

Sen. Mitt Romney wants to reduce the number of smartphones in classrooms.

Romney, R-Utah, and Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., introduced the Smart Kids Not Smartphones Act on Thursday, that says any school that prohibits the use of smartphones during learning hours would receive some kind of recognition like a banner or website badge.

There is no question that smartphones are a major distraction to students in the classroom, said Romney in a press release. They also contribute to deteriorating mental health, social isolation, and cyberbullying among our youth.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill, April 20, 2023, in Washington. | Alex Brandon

The policy allows for exceptions for children with disabilities and times of emergencies or for the use of educational enrichment activities.

The act would also tell federal agencies to publish information schools can use for developing smartphone use policies as well as enforcement mechanisms.

School districts and state education would also be able to receive the non-monetary recognition award if 100% of the schools in their area develop a policy to prohibit smartphones.

This simple bipartisan bill would recognize schools that implement smartphone bans during instructional time as well as provide transparency and give students and parents the opportunity to share input on those policies, said Murphy.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., speaks during a morning television interview, Wednesday, May 25, 2022 on Capitol Hill in Washington. | J. Scott Applewhite

There has been movement across different states to increasingly get smartphones out of schools.

What states have banned smartphones in schools?

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has encouraged schools in the state to develop policies to help children focus on learning while in school.

While saying he does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, Cox said, Placing cellphones in backpacks or lockers during class time allows students to give their undivided attention to lessons, to fully participate in discussions and to build relationships with their peers. Phone-free classrooms empower teachers to engage fully with their students.

Cox pointed to Delta High School  students put their phones in a clear pocket when they enter the classroom. Assistant Principal Jared Christensen said, It was a battle to begin with, but it has been so worth it. Students and parents have all adapted, our teachers are happier and learning has increased.

Romney has praised Coxs efforts on this issue, too.

Nearly 97% of 11- to 17-year-olds with cellphones are using them during the school day for non-educational purposes, which can negatively affect students focus and academic performance. I commend @GovCoxs efforts to improve learning environments for Utahs students, said Romney on social media.

Earlier in July, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order to restrict cellphone usage during school days.

This essential action will promote a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child is free to learn, said Youngkin in the release announcing the order.

The order says cellphone-free education is important for childrens mental health. Citing research from the American Psychological Association, the order said, Children spend an average of 4.8 hours a day on social media, and recent studies indicate that spending more than three hours a day on social media doubles the risk of poor mental health for adolescents.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has also called for banning smartphones in schools. The bill she launched would allow for students to carry phones without access to the internet, but that can send texts.

I have seen these addictive algorithms pull in young people, literally capture them and make them prisoners in a space where they are cut off from human connection, social interaction and normal classroom activity, Hochul told The Guardian.

Supporters of cellphone bans point toward research about how it positively impacts learning.

A 2022 study from psychology researchers Melissa Huey and David Giguere found when smartphones are removed from college students during class, they have higher levels of course comprehension and lower levels of anxiety.

What do teachers say about phones in school?

A survey conducted by Pew Research of K-12 teachers found 72% of high school teachers said cellphone distraction is a major problem. A majority of all K-12 teachers said it was difficult to enforce cellphone policies in their school or district.

Around 4 in 10 U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 told Pew Research they spend too much time on their smartphones. And a recent from Common Sense Media found that young people received an average of 237 notifications during the day. Around 60 notifications were received during the school day.

A Deseret News/Hinckley Institute Poll of 801 Utahns found 69% of respondents support banning smartphones during school hours. Respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 were the least supportive of the policy with half of them saying they do not support the policy.

Jonathan Haidt, a researcher at the forefront of this issue, has, like Jean Twenge, observed smartphones and social media have a damaging impact on youth mental health.

Once young people began carrying the entire internet in their pockets, available to them day and night, it altered their daily experiences and developmental pathways across the board, wrote Haidt in The Atlantic. Friendship, dating, sexuality, exercise, sleep, academics, politics, family dynamics, identity  all were affected.

Haidt said American schools should make themselves into phone-free zones. He also advocated for parents delaying giving phones to their children.

If most parents would delay giving their child a smartphone until high school, providing only dumb phones until then, it would amplify the benefits of locking up phones in K-8 schools, said Haidt. It would mean that when a middle school lets out and kids are reunited with their phones, most of them would use those phones to call or text their friends and family, rather than devoting the next hour to scrolling through Instagram posts.
Utah State Senator celebrates Pioneer Day in the most Utah way possible

Utah State Senator celebrates Pioneer Day in the most Utah way possible

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  There is a good chance no one celebrated the great State of Utah quite like State Sen. Daniel McCay.

To celebrate Pioneer Day  a state holiday commemorating when Brigham Young and Utah pioneers arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley  McCay channeled his inner Mark Zuckerberg with a video posted to social media.

In the video, which can be seen in the video player above, McCay surfs the water of Warm Creek Bay. In one hand, McCay proudly holds up the new Utah State Flag, which he helped create as the bills chief sponsor. In the other, he carries a 44 oz. fountain soda from Maverik, which he nonchalantly takes sips from.

Want the drought-resistant grass now legal across Utah? Heres what you should know

The whole video is set to Utahs state song, Utah, This is the Place.

The video mirrors the same stunt Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg posted on Independence Day earlier this year. Zuckerberg surfs the waters in a tuxedo with the American Flag and a beer in hand to the tune of Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen.

In a reply to one constituent, McCay said he was just having fun.

As for the change from beer to a Maverik soda, McCay said, We all know that the 44 oz. from Maverik is Utahs beer. His tux? McCay said he had forgotten it at home.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
A former Uvalde, Texas, school police officer who responded to the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary pleaded not guilty in court Thursday to charges related to the law enforcements response.

Adrian Gonzales entered a not guilty plea on charges of abandoning and failing to protect children during an appearance Thursday at the Uvalde County Courthouse, The Associated Press reported.

It comes more than two years since a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School and killed 19 fourth-graders and two teachers in one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.

Gonzales was among the nearly 400 law enforcement officers who responded to Robb Elementary but waited more than 70 minutes before confronting the shooter.

He is one of two former Uvalde school officers to face criminal charges over the response and was indicted last month, the AP reported. Pete Arrendono, the former police chief for schools in Uvalde, was also indicted and faces similar charges.

Gonzales, who was one of the first officers to arrive, was indicted on 29 charges alleging he abandoned his training and failed to confront the shooter even as gunshots were heard while he was in the hall.

Gonzales and Arrendono were both released on bond following their indictments.

Arredondo was charged with 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child, per the AP.

Some families of the victims have spent the past two years urging for officers to face charges, and some argue more officers need to be charged.

For only two to be indicted, there should have been more because there was a lot of ranking officers during that day that knew what to do but decided not to. But they only got these two, said Jerry Mata, whose 10-year-old daughter Tess was killed, after the hearing, per the AP.

Well take what we get, and were just gonna continue fighting for the kids and the two teachers and see it all the way through, Mata added.

In May, the families of the 19 victims filed a lawsuit against more than 90 officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, along with the Uvalde School District, former Robb Elementary Principal Mandy Gutierrez and Arredondo.

The families and their attorneys have pointed to the Department of Justices report  released in January  about law enforcements response.

The report painted a scathing picture of the response and found Uvalde district police officers failed to have a coherent, well-prepared plan for an active shooter attack, despite receiving active shooter response training prior to the incident.

The DOJ found that the police had no such unified policy and that even months after the shooting, there were still no policies and procedures.

The families reached a separate $2 million settlement with the city of Uvalde that involved a pledge from the city to enforce improved training for officers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Early indicators have led local scientists to conclude that recent flooding is not impacting Lake Champlain's health as much as last year's storms, although there are still concerns for the watershed's well-being. The July 10 and 11 storm added large amounts of phosphorus to the lake, which can drive cyanobacteria blooms later in the summer, said researchers aboard the Marcelle Melosira July 18.

Lake Champlain Sea Grant, University of Vermont and the Lake Champlain Basin Program presented information about the lake's health, discussing stormwater runoff, microplastics and bacteria and how they affect the basin. The presentations were aboard the Marcelle Melosira, the University of Vermont's research and teaching vessel.

A new way to study

The Marcelle Melosira, named after donor and former Sen. Patrick Leahy's wife and the previous research vessel, began sailing Lake Champlain July 23, 2023. It's docked outside the Rubenstein Ecosystems Science Laboratory on the Burlington waterfront.

The "one-of-a-kind" boat hosts cutting-edge technology and research equipment, according to Kris Stepenuck, Lake Champlain Sea Grant associate director.

The Marcelle Melosira runs tests to monitor water clarity, track invasive species and erosion. UVM professors and students, Lake Champlain Basin Program researchers and others use the vessel depending on what they're monitoring at that time. College interns also help the researchers on the boat.

The hybrid boat can run for up to three hours on electric energy, according to interim Capt. Taylor Resnick. He is aboard the Marcelle Melosira on Monday to Friday, collecting data on the lake and how the basin  with waterways from Cabot to Rutland, and from Saranac Lake to Quebec  all play a role in lake health.

The boat is 20 meters long and 6 meters wide, with a capacity of 32 people. It was projected to be a 60% reduction in fossil fuel use from the previous vessel. The boat is equipped with:

First-of-its-kind winch technology.

Echo-sounding technology to ID and map underwater species distribution.

Multi-net plankton and fish larvae sampler.

Profiler to study large particles and zooplankton.

Echoview software to process hydroacoustic data.

Gas analyzer to measure gaseous compounds.

Corer for sampling lake bottom sediment.

Watershed Alliance offers K-12 programs on the R/V Marcelle Melosira, which give elementary, middle and high school students and teachers the opportunity to learn firsthand about the study of limnology  the study of inland aquatic ecosystems  and to collect their own data on Lake Champlain with the aid of professional educators and lab research staff.

Looking at lake health post-flooding

Matthew Vaughan, chief scientist for the Lake Champlain Basin Program, spoke on the State of the Lake briefly, but refocused to talk about how flooding in the lake's basin affects the water quality.

With high water flow comes different debris floating down rivers and into the lake. Sea Grant Director Anne Jefferson pointed out that water pollution comes in many forms. Bacteria, microplastics and trash from landfills are all serious concerns when looking at water health. She also said that there are unintentional effects of flooding; for example, someone's Tupperware  something not intended to be trashed  floating out of their house during flooding.

Bacteria is a large concern when evaluating the lake's health. Too much of a harmful bacteria can make the water unsafe, leading to closed beaches. While bacterial blooms happen naturally with warm weather and stagnant water, flooding exacerbates it.

"It's about six times more phosphorus that we can capture on our floodplains than during those smaller, regularly occurring events," Rebecca Diehl, research assistant professor in the UVM Department of Geography and Geosciences, said about this most recent flood.

Bacteria blooms could be seen from the Marcelle Melosira where the Winooski River meets the lake. It was impossible to miss the murky haze tinting the water, revealing where sediments and bacteria are flowing. Two UVM fellows performed a Secchi disk test, dropping a black-and-white disk attached to a measuring tape into the water to check the clarity. Once the disk becomes invisible to the naked eye, the measurement is recorded. They dropped the disk in the murky runoff water and in the clearer, more standard water. The difference in clarity was about a meter.

The researchers emphasized that it's still early to have all the data about the effects of the recent flooding. They will continue to monitor the watershed and keep the public up to date with their findings.

Protecting our waters

On July 23, Sen. Peter Welch, D, Vt., Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., introduced the bicameral Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act  legislation that would reauthorize the Lake Champlain Basin Program for 10 years at $55 million to support interstate conservation and the health of the Lake Champlain Basin.

The bill would establish the Lake Champlain Basin Program to "formally administer the program to promote climate resilience and mitigation through ecosystem restoration," according to a press release.

Jefferson said that prevention is the best course of action. Removing bacteria or microplastics is extremely challenging, especially at such a large scale. Learning about the watershed and finding the best solutions to preserve it is the work they're going to focus on.

Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: UVM boat studies health of Lake Champlain in Vermont after flooding
Democratic strategist Van Jones applauded President Bidens Oval Office address and his decision to step aside from the 2024 race, saying it showed a leader can still put the people first and pass the baton.

Thats a good man, he fell on the sword. He fell on his sword, most heroes, they fight to the bitter end. He fell on his sword. Hes an old guy, but the hearts still there. You know the words arent as clear, but the love is as clear, the heart is still there, Jones said Wednesday, moments after Biden concluded his Oval Address to discuss his decision to withdraw and lay out the next six months of his presidency.

Jones indirectly contrasted Biden to former President Trump, You had somebody sitting in that chair and you wouldnt give up power no matter what, wouldnt give up power, let there be an insurrection, wouldnt get out of that chair.

Even when the people voted for you to get out of the chair, he wouldnt get out the chair. And you got somebody who sits in that same chair, showing that character does matter. Showing that you can have grace, you can put the people first. You can pass the baton and youre a bigger person for it. Youre going to be more loved for it, Jones continued.

Biden, in his address, said he decided to end his reelection bid when it became clear it was the way to unite Democrats following weeks of chaos and mounting pressure to withdraw.

In recent weeks it has become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor, he said, adding, Nothing, 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. Its the best way to unite our nation.

The cause of the nation is larger than any one of us, he added.

The Oval Office address was Bidens first public appearance since he announced his withdrawal on Sunday. He subsequently endorsed Vice President Harris, who quickly shored up support from scores of Democrats.

The calls for him to step aside began after his poor debate performance in late June, during which Biden, 81, had difficulty finishing his thoughts while speaking in a low, raspy voice. He insisted on staying in the race, but eventually caved, particularly after hearing from congressional leadership, who urged him to drop out or risk Democrats losing both chambers of Congress in November.

Jones last week warned that the rising pressure on Biden would soon come to a head, calling the last few weeks endgame for the president.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Vehicle crash into pole causes power outage for hundreds of West Sacramento residents

(FOX40.COM)  Around 425 customers in West Sacramento have been without power since early morning on Wednesday after a vehicle crashed into a pole, according to PG&E.

The outage was reported at 4:26 a.m. and affects the area south of Highway 50 and along Park Blvd. and Deerwood St.

Power Outage Information

What to do during an outage

Tips from the American Red Cross

SMUD Outage Map

PG&E Outage Map

This afternoons high temperature in West Sacramento is expected to be 101F.

PG&E is expecting power to be restored by 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

West Sacramento Police said people affected by the outage could go to the following air-conditioned locations for water, restrooms and electricity, however, only service animals will be allowed:

 West Sacramento Recreation Center, 2801 Jefferson Blvd.

Mon-Fri: 5:30 a.m.  9:30 p.m.

Sat & Sun: 8:00 a.m.  8:00 p.m.

 Arthur F. Turner Community Library, 1212 Merkley Ave.

Mon-Sat: 11:00 a.m.  5:30 p.m.

 West Sacramento Community Center, 1075 West Capitol Ave.

Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m.  5:00 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 FOX40.
Where The Shorts Are. Are These REITs An Opportunity Or A Danger For Investors?

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

High short interest in a stock can be interpreted in various ways, and whether it is a bad sign depends on the context and the investors perspective. High short interest typically indicates that a significant number of investors believe the stocks price will decline. This bearish sentiment can be a warning sign of potential underlying issues with the company or just a gloomy view of the sector it operates in. A look at the short interest in real estate investment trusts (REITs) can often yield clues about what the market is thinking about these companies.

Overall, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, short interest in REITs was up to 3.6% of shares outstanding. Office and hotel REITs were the most highly-shorted categories, but short interest in hotels declined during the month. Short interest in industrial properties rose.

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The Most Heavily Shorted Stocks

Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW) saw its short interest decline in June, but it is still the most heavily shorted REIT, with a short interest of 32.6% at the end of June. It has a high forward dividend yield of 12.3% and a small annual payout of $0.60. Last year, it cut its dividend from $0.29 to $0.15.

Medical Properties Trusts largest tenant, Steward Health Care, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, and concerns over the fate of that company may be driving much of that short interest. Steward Health Care is currently in the midst of restructuring and attempting to sell off some of its hospital properties. It recently canceled an auction for a first round of hospital sales. Discussing the situation on the first quarter earnings call, Medical Properties Trust CEO Edward Aldag said, "We firmly believe that an orderly transition of Steward Hospitals to new operators is in the best interest of everyone, and were committed to providing $75 million in debt financing to help achieve that."

Earlier this year, Medical Properties Trust sold off interest in five Utah hospitals to pay off some of its debt. In May, it closed an $800 million loan with a 10-year term secured by its U.K. portfolio. The company aims to generate $2 billion in liquidity by selling off assets. Those shorting the stock may not be sure the company will hit its goals.

Story continues

Investor alert: Triple-net properties can put a check in your pocket every quartera cant-miss opportunity for accredited investors.

In June 2024, the second most heavily shorted REIT was SL Green (NYSE:SLG). SL Green focuses on Class A buildings in Manhattan and is the city's biggest office landlord. The stock has been shorted heavily in recent months because of its exposure to the office category and its geographic emphasis are two reasons. At the end of June, its short interest stood at 19.7%. However, a solid second quarter that included increased revenue from its Summit observation deck at the One Vanderbilt Tower and the signing of 38 leases may give some investors hope that this company is rebounding along with New York City.

Net Lease Office Properties (NYSE:NLOP) is not as heavily shorted as Medical Properties Trust or SL Green, but it saw the biggest increase in short interest in June, up to 9.7% of shares outstanding. In November 2023, the company was spun off from diversified REIT W.P. Carey (NYSE:WPC) and is managed and advised by affiliates of W.P. Carey. At the time of the spin-off, its portfolio had 59 office properties.

The companys strategy is to manage the assets and dispose of them over time. So far, it has been doing just that. Year to date, it has sold nine properties for a total of $236 million. Because Net Lease Office Properties is acting as a liquidation vehicle, it doesn't have a strong pathway for growth. It does have a forward dividend yield of 5.36% with an annual payout of $1.36. Those shorting the stock believe that the price will continue to drop even as it sells more properties and throws off more cash.

Some investors view high short interest as a contrarian indicator. If they believe the market is overly pessimistic, they might see it as a buying opportunity, expecting the stock to rebound. However, high short interest should prompt investors to conduct thorough research to understand the reasons behind it before investing.

Looking For Higher-Yield Opportunities?

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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.

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This article Where The Shorts Are. Are These REITs An Opportunity Or A Danger For Investors? originally appeared on Benzinga.com
Supporters of Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Gonzalez and Venezuelan opposition leader Machado attend a campaign closing rally in Caracas

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Gonzalez and Venezuelan opposition leader Machado attend a campaign closing rally in Caracas

CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuela opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez said on Thursday he trusts the country's military will ensure respect for the result of the presidential election this Sunday, as he and his rival, incumbent President Nicolas Maduro, held final rallies.

Gonzalez has attracted significant support, even from former supporters of the ruling socialist party.

But the opposition and some independent observers have questioned whether the vote will be fair, saying decisions by electoral authorities and the arrests of some opposition campaign staff are meant to create obstacles.

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013 and is seeking his third six-year term, has said the country has the world's most transparent electoral system.

"We are going to win ... and we trust that our armed forces will respect the will of our people," Gonzalez told journalists in Caracas on Thursday. "Millions of Venezuelans want change."

Later at his closing rally, Gonzalez, who with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has urged voters to go to polling stations early and stay all day after casting their vote, said Venezuelans would be witness to change on Sunday.

Gonzalez, 74, a former diplomat, is known for his calm demeanor and his promises that change could bring home many migrants.

"I want liberty," 23-year-old pharmacy student Yuliany Suarez, who also works in a supermarket, said before Gonzalez's remarks.

"The result is kind of uncertain," said Suarez, who came with friends and was wearing a Gonzalez bandana. "I have faith in Edmundo but with this government, who knows."

Venezuela's military has long supported Maduro and his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez. Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino has said the armed forces will respect the outcome of the election.

Gonzalez inherited the opposition mantle from Machado, who won the opposition primary but was barred from holding public office.

Some in the opposition have expressed fears that Gonzalez could also face a ban or other restrictions, but he said he was confident of peaceful voting and a decisive victory on Sunday.

Attorney General Tarek Saab denied participating in political persecution or holding political prisoners and said in an interview with Reuters this week the election should be peaceful.

Maduro's government has presided over an economic collapse, the migration of about a third of the population, and a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations, crowned by sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union and others which have crippled an already-struggling oil industry.

Domestic and international business "know that only with us are their investments guaranteed," Maduro said during a state television broadcast on Thursday.

"I don't owe anyone anything, I am a totally independent president of the people, free and sovereign," Maduro, 61, told his final rally in central Caracas, adding he will call a national dialogue on Monday.

"I don't have favors, nor businesses, so I am a free man."

The U.S. reimposed oil sanctions in April, accusing Maduro of reneging on deals reached with the opposition to ensure democratic elections. On Thursday the White House expressed concern about the threat of violence, warning Maduro the vote must be fair and free of repression.

"It's good for us if he (Maduro) wins," said public servant Luisa Medina, 51, who was wearing a Maduro T-shirt.

Hundreds of buses lined Caracas' central Libertador Avenue after transporting Maduro supporters, sometimes from other states.

"It's the only government which has thought about us, the poor," Medina said before Maduro's closing rally, adding the president had continued Chavez's project.

Maduro warned last week of a "bloodbath" if he were to lose, comments that drew criticism from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Brazil's electoral court and former Argentine President Alberto Fernandez both said on Wednesday they had withdrawn from acting as election observers.

Results of the vote could be published on Sunday evening or in the following days. Polls will be open between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time on Sunday.

(Reporting by Deisy Buitrago, Mayela Armas, Vivian Sequera and Julia Symmes Cobb; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb and Oliver Griffin; Editing by Christian Plumb and Rosalba O'Brien, Daniel Wallis and Michael Perry)
Unable to vote in Sundays pivotal presidential election in Venezuela, Venezuelan exiles in the United States are nevertheless organizing to play a role by recruiting friends and family members to be part of an army of observers to help safeguard the vote in their home country.

Helping to build this network of unofficial election observers, organized around what are being called comanditos  little command centers  from Miami and other U.S. cities has had by necessity a clandestine feel, because participants in Venezuela will risk harassment and even arrest by security forces of the Nicolas Maduro regime.

This is risky work, said a top organizer in Miami, who asked to remain anonymous because of his sensitive work in Venezuela. We are trying to organize an election inside of a failed state, with areas controlled by leftist guerrillas as well as crime bosses allied to those heading the government, to compete against a regime whose security forces treat those challenging them in the election as if they were committing a crime against the state.

As Maduro heads towards a crucial election that could put an end to his rule  hes behind as much as 40 points in most respected polls  his security forces have redoubled efforts to clamp down on supporters of opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez and of his mentor, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

In the past few weeks security forces have arrested more than 100 volunteers from the Gonzalez campaign, freeing some of them soon after but keeping a number of them in prison.

Maria Corina Machado se dirige a una multitud durante una gira politica por el estado Tachira en San Cristobal, Venezuela, el 27 de junio de 2024.

For those inside Venezuela who are being asked by friends and family members in the U.S. to get involved in the election, becoming part of the election-monitoring network being organized by the opposition carries an unquestionable degree of risk.

It might not automatically land them in jail, but some of them might be risking their access to medical care or to subsidized food or gasoline, said the Miami organizer.

In some cases, campaign volunteers may even have their property confiscated, as was the case of a car mechanic who recently lost his truck and had his shop raided because he dared to lend a vehicle to the oppositions campaign so Machado could travel inside the country, he added.

If the regime does decide to make an example of them, volunteers could be arrested by Maduros feared intelligence services, which have frequently been accused of torturing political prisoners.

Knowing that the overwhelming majority of Venezuelans in the United States would vote for the opposition, the Caracas regime has made no effort to allow them to vote. In the past, Venezuelan exiles have been able to vote at locations rented by their countrys consulates in the U.S., but there are currently no diplomatic relations between the two countries.

More than 800,000 Venezuelans are currently believed to be living in the U.S., forming part of the 7.7 million-strong wave of people who have fled the socialist government.

The comanditos are expected to play a key role in the oppositions efforts to win the election by serving as support groups to voters having difficulties in getting to polling stations, and by having members staying at polls after they close to keep regime members from trying to manipulate the count.

Foto de archivo. El gobernante de Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, anuncio este lunes que el proximo miercoles reiniciara el proceso de dialogo con el Gobierno de Estados Unidos, luego de -dijo- haber recibido propuestas de retomar conversaciones durante dos meses.

Given the pronounced scarcity of everyday goods in Venezuela, the organizers have emphasized providing the army of volunteers with food and fuel to give to potential voters on election day.

Most of the U.S. efforts to help form the comanditos have been undertaken quietly, in many cases informally, by Venezuelans who are well aware of the risks.

The organizing effort is worldwide, with Venezuelan exiles in many other countries taking part. But there is a particular stigma attached to any help coming from Venezuelans in the U.S., which raises the stakes of the organizational work. Miami, for example, has often been described by the Caracas regime as a nest of terrorists plotting to topple the Maduro government.

Sensing that Sundays election might be the last chance the country has to restore democracy, many Venezuelans in the U.S. say they refuse to be uninvolved.

After they denied us the right to vote, I proceeded to start organizing the comanditos, said Miami resident Petra Figueroa, who sought refuge in the U.S. after becoming escaping an assassination attempt in Venezuela for her political views.

Venezuela debe celebrar elecciones libres y el perdedor aceptar los resultados para que el pais retome una normalidad politica y pueda librarse de las sanciones internacionales, dijo este miercoles una alta funcionaria de la cancilleria brasilena.

A retired college professor, Figeroa, 61, said she began contacting her former students through social media, encouraging them to get involved in the election. I started building these groups of conscience among these young people, who have only lived under this dictatorship. So I started convincing them not only of the need to vote but to get involved and create their own comanditos.

Reaching out to former students, sometimes at odd hours to get around the frequent electricity blackouts and interruptions in internet service, she has been able to get around 125 of them to get involved, along with an additional 50 friends and family members.

Euridice Rodriguez, 61, who lives in Branson, Missouri, has helped organize voters in the central Venezuelan town of San Juan de Los Morros.

She got involved, she said, because the Caracas regime has stripped Venezuelans of their freedom to choose. Liberty is the most beautiful right given to us by God and this regime has wanted to take it away from us.

Deciding that they could help, even from Missouri, Rodriguez and her group have been sending money for food and fuel to 60 different comanditos in Venezuela and reaching out to those unsure about the election about the need to vote.

Carolina Mercedes Barreto, 58, has been providing assistance from Houston to the army of volunteers, but said that she has also been working to encourage other exiles to get involved and build other comanditos from the U.S.

A group of Venezuelan residents in Argentina demonstrated their desire to vote at the door of their Embassy. In spite of obstacles and the imposition of requirements that exceed what is established by law, the Venezuelan diaspora in Argentina came to demand their right to register in the Electoral Registry to be able to vote against the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro.

Barreto said volunteers need the help in the face of the regimes persecution and efforts to disrupt the oppositions campaign, and to deal with the countrys dire economic situation.

Our people face all sorts of difficulties, from the inability to fill their cars gas tanks to being able to get to places because the regime decides to erect roadblocks, said Barreto, a college math professor before she fled the country. Venezuelans who oppose the government, she said, are constantly watched. Their phones are tapped.

Barreto said that she is aware of the risks that the election volunteers face, but added that Venezuelans have no option but to press ahead with trying to win the election.

You always fear for your friends, you are always concerned about the risk that our former neighbors face.... But we must act, because this regime has already taken everything from us, she said. They have taken everything except our ability to hope.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  In honor of the schools return to session, Verizon stores across the country are offering free backpacks to students, including here in New Mexico. Round Room LLC, a Verizon-authorized retailer, is giving away $3 million worth of backpacks at the 12th Annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway this Sunday.

Albuquerque Public Schools graduation rate increases slightly

The company says they hope to alleviate some of the costs of going back to school, noting that on average, a family spends just shy of $900 on school-related items every year. The event will be held at three different locations in Gallup and Farmington, with both Gallup locations offering clear backpacks as a response to the increase in gun violence in schools.

The events start at 1:00 p.m. until supplies last.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Vice President Harris at her first rally since becoming the presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee in Millwaukee, Wisc. (Photo/Marlon WhiteEagle)

Native Vote 2024. MILWAUKEE, Wisc.  Its been a busy 48 hours for Vice President Kamala Harris as she begins her bid for the White House with her first campaign rally in Milwaukee. She announced her presidential campaign Sunday night, after President Biden ended his campaign for reelection.

In a Biden letter posted on his X account, he wrote, 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.

President Biden endorsed the vice president almost immediately after leaving the race. He asked Democrats to come together and beat Trump.

On her X account, Harris thanked Biden for his leadership and service to the country. She wrote that she is honored to have the Presidents endorsement and that she intends to earn and win the Democratic nomination.

Harris wasted no time and began reaching out to delegates for their support. By Monday night, she gained the support of more than 1,976 delegates needed to become the nominee.

On Wednesday morning, the Harris campaign reported they raised more than $126 million, raising a record-setting $81 million in the first 24 hours of the campaign.

Harris kicked off her campaign with a rally in Milwaukee, at the West Allis Central High School, a few days after Republicans held their national convention 10 minutes down the road.

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Campaign officials said they were inundated with RSVPs that late Monday night they decided to move to a larger venue. More than 3,000 supporters showed up, making it the largest event for either the Biden or Harris campaign.

The Milwaukee rally was Harris ninth visit to Wisconsin as Vice President and her fifth visit this year. Prior to Harris taking the stage, the crowd heard from Democratic party leaders and elected officials.

Many speakers focused on Trumps felony conviction, the abortion ban, and Project 2025. Secretary Underly, of the Department of Public Instruction, said Project 2025 includes plans to eliminate the Department of Education and has severe cuts to public schools.

Leia Esser, an educator who received student loan debt forgiveness under the Biden administration, introduced Vice President Harris.

Harris delivered a 17-minute speech that drew on her experience and contrasting approaches and views between the two tickets that Americans will choose from on Election Day.

The path to the White House goes through Wisconsin, and to win in Wisconsin, we are counting on you, right here in Milwaukee, Harris said. You all helped us win in 2020, and in 2024, we will win again.

The Trump-Pence ticket won Milwaukee in 2016, but Biden-Harris won the citys vote in 2020.

Drawing on her experience as a prosecutor and attorney general, Harris said she knows Donald Trumps type.

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, Harris said. And in this campaign, I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week.

As attorney general in California, Harris took on one of the largest for-profit colleges that scammed students. She said Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students.

As a prosecutor, Harris specialized in cases involving sexual abuse. She said that Donald Trump was found liable for committing sexual abuse.

As attorney general for California, I took on the big Wall Street banks and held them accountable for fraud, Harris said. Donald Trump was just found guilty of fraud, on 34 counts.

Pointing to the contrasting approaches between the two campaigns, Harris said Trump is relying on support from billionaires and big corporations, while her team is running a people-powered campaign.

Hes trading access for campaign contributions. A couple of months ago, at Mar Lago, he literally promised big oil companies, big oil lobbyists, he would do their bidding for $1 billion in campaign contributions, Harris said. Because we are a people-powered campaign, that is how you know we will be a people-first presidency.

Further, Harris said her campaign has a vision for the future, while the Trump campaign is focused on the past.

The Harris campaign supports unions, affordable healthcare and childcare, paid family leave, and social security, while the Trump campaign wants to eliminate Medicare and social security.

Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency, Harris said. Here's the thing. We here in Wisconsin know when the middle class is strong, America is strong.

Harris points back to Project 2025 and how its measures will weaken the middle class.

He intends to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations, and make working families foot the bill, she said. They intend to end the Affordable Care Act and take us back to a time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions.

The crowd chanted, Not going back.

Harris mentioned election rights, gun violence, and reproductive freedom.

We will make sure every American has the ability to cast their ballot and have it counted. We believe every person in our nation should have the freedom to live safe from the terror of gun violence, Harris said. We, who believe in reproductive freedom, will stop Donald Trumps extreme abortion ban, because we trust women to make decisions about their own bodies, without the government telling them what to do.

Harris asked the crowd if they want to live in a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear, and hate?

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
Virginia boy, 11, accused of making swatting calls to Flagler Schools at the end of the year

An 11-year-old boy in Virginia made the swatting calls that disrupted Flagler County Schools toward the end of the last school year, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

The boy, from Henrico, Virginia, admitted to making the threatening calls in Flagler County as well as making a threatening a call to the Maryland State House.

He made 21 calls about a shooting or bomb threat to Buddy Taylor Middle School and four other schools in Flagler County  First Baptist Christian Academy, Flagler Palm Coast High School, Old Kings Elementary School and Suncoast Community School  between May 14 and 22.

In each call, the child claimed a bomb or bombs had been placed in the school or he threatened to commit a mass shooting or said he had just shot a teacher, a student or multiple people, the release stated.

The child also had videos of animals being killed and said he was being paid in cryptocurrency to make swatting calls, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said during a press conference Thursday afternoon at the Sheriff's Office Operations Center in Bunnell.

Staly said that the child did not express remorse but was more proud of what he had done.

What is 'swatting'? Calls threatening shootings, bombs disrupted Flagler schools this week

He was arrested on 14 felony counts each of false report concerning the planting of a bomb, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and disrupting a school function. He was also charged with one felony count of tampering with physical evidence.

He was being held in a juvenile detention facility in Virginia while local authorities work to transfer him to Florida under the Interstate Juvenile Compact.

State Attorney R.J. Larizza said his office was evaluating the case and had not yet decided whether he would be charged as a juvenile or as an adult.

The News-Journal is not naming the boy since he hasn't yet been charged as an adult.

What is swatting?

Staly said in a previous press conference that the schools were targets of swatting in which someone makes a false report of violence in progress or an incident about to occur intended to initiate a large and immediate deployment of law enforcement, including SWAT teams, to a specific location.

Swatting calls have been happening across the country targeting schools, college campus and politicians.

Flagler County Sheriff's Office plays swatting call

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly announces the arrest of an 11-year-old Virginia boy accused of making swatting calls in May of this year, during a press conference Thursday, July 25, 2024.

The sheriffs office played an audio recording of one of the swatting calls in which the male caller said I just shot my teacher In the head.

The dispatcher asked what school he was at and he responds slowly Flagler Palm Coast High School.

Yeah, I think my teacher is dead, he said.

He claims to have a flare stick and an assault rifle 15.

Its in my hand, he said. And If you dont come quickly we will all die.

Staly said all the calls were similar with some variations and were made to communications center in Flagler and Volusia counties and in Lincoln, Nebraska. The swatting calls resulted in a massive response each time by the sheriffs office, fire departments and Bunnell Police for the schools in that city, Staly said.

Every case instilled fear in our students, teachers, parents with many keeping their children at home until the end of the school year, Staly said.

Staly said social media posts by students and parents and media reports of the swatting calls gave him the fame he was seeking.

Staly said the 11-year-old told detectives that he chose Flagler as a target because he claimed he had a friend in a chatroom who attended Buddy Taylor Middle School. Staly said investigators believe they have evidence that will lead them to the friend and are looking at what was said in the chatroom; however, it does not currently appear as thought the friend will be charged.

The 11-year-old said that once he started getting the media attention, or trophies as he called it, he Googled and started calling other schools, but focused mostly on Buddy Taylor.

10- week investigation into swatting calls leads to arrest

The FCSO's 10-week investigation led them to the 11-year-old who made the calls from his home.

"What we learned was frankly shocking and alarming," Staly said.

His mother said the boy was constantly online during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dark behavior grew more concerning to the family but they apparently didnt do anything about it, according to Staly.

His brother said the 11-year-old was weird, had a dark side and looked at disturbing material online including videos of animal cruelty.

Staly: 'An example of domestic terrorism'

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly holds a press conference announcing the arrest of an 11-year-old Virginia boy accused making swatting calls to local schools in May of this year, Thursday, July 25, 2024.

He also admitted to sextortion, forcing kids to pay him not to release nude pictures that he had manipulated them into sending him, according to Staly.

He also told us that every news report was like adding a trophy to his online persona, Staly said.

This is an example of domestic terrorism and the fact that this suspect responsible is only 11 years old is truly sad, Staly said. "It is also evident that this was not a kid's prank but were deliberate acts. Its also evident that without intervention by our agency he was escalating and intrigued by more dangerous, violent and escalating behavior.

Staly said he believed that without the courts and juvenile system intervening, and without serious sanctions and psychological help, the boy will commit more serious and violent crimes in the future, possibly hurting or killing someone.

Dont let his age fool you; he is a smart and dangerous kid, Staly said.

He said it was extremely important for parents to know what their children are doing online.

7th Judicial Circuit State Attorney RJ Larizza addresses the media during a press conference announcing the arrest of an 11-year-old Virginia boy accused of making swatting calls to local schools in May of this year, Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Larizza said he believed a hearing would take place Friday regarding the minors extradition. He said once the 11-year-old is in Florida, prosecutors will seek to have the juvenile held in secure detention.

Its time that people understand just how dangerous the internet can be, Larizza said.

Larizza said he hopes and prays there are ways to reach him with help.

But he added that accountability is going to rule the day.

Flagler County Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore thanked the sheriffs office for keeping students and staff safe.

Thank you for not just brushing this under the rug but taking it serious every single time those calls came in, she said.

School Board Chairman Will Furry also thanked the sheriffs office.

"Please monitor what your children are doing online," Furry said. "When you see signs of this type of behavior say something; get them the mental health that they need or bring it to the attention of authorities. Because it can save their life and it could save other lives.

Example of the need for new social media law

Staly said the 11-year-old was a prime example of why a law requiring parental approval for social media use for children under 16 passed in Florida.

The new law has a social-media portion that bars children 13 and younger from social media accounts, while allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to access social media sites like Instagram and Snapchat with parental consent. Those 16 and older have full access, according to a previous News-Journal story.

The same law requires age verification to limit internet access to pornography to adults 18 and older. Users will have to sign into an age-verification system that protects privacy and anonymity.

House Speaker Rep. Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, thanked Staly for his agency's work and agreed the case showed the need for the new law.

This crime, if it were committed by a middle age man, would be chilling, Renner said. The fact that it happened, it was committed by an 11-year-old boy, is really hard to comprehend and understand and believe, but it's true.  This individual should never ever have been online to begin with.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Flagler Schools swatting calls: Virginia boy, 11, arrested
An 11-year-old boy from Virginia is facing serious charges in Central Florida.

The child is accused of making more than 20 fake 911 calls about shootings and bombs in Flagler County.

This forced the school district to go on lock down for several days in a row back in May as the sheriffs office investigated the threats.

When investigators searched the childs devices at his home in Virginia, they found disturbing videos that displayed animal cruelty and child pornography.

They said he also admitted to other crimes like cyber sexual harassment and extortion. Sheriff Rick Staly said the child has shown no remorse and admitted to enjoying the attention.

Read: Hear from patient whose medical records got leaked in Florida health department data breach

The sheriff played 911 calls where the child said he shot his teacher in the head.

Staly said the child knew how to disguise his voice and hide his location.

This is an example of domestic terrorism, said Staly.

The child is accused of making similar calls in at least 7 other states. In Flagler County, the sheriff said each response to local schools cost the county tens of thousands of dollars.

Read: Judge sentences Orlando pastor to life for killing his estranged wife outside credit union

Each case instilled fear and chaos in our teachers, students and parents with many keeping their children at home until the end of the school year, said Staly.

The child is in custody in Virginia but the process to bring him to the Juvenile Justice Center in Volusia County has already begun.

State Attorney RJ Larizza said the child is facing multiple felony counts including tampering with evidence, making false reports of weapons of mass destruction or firearms and unlawful use of a communication device.

I certainly hope and pray that there are ways to reach this kid. But I can guarantee you in the 7th circuit here in the great state of Florida, accountability will rule the day, said Larizza.

Read: Strong tropical wave near Africa could develop next week

With the new school year just weeks away, law enforcement stood with school leaders and state lawmakers to send a message that this behavior wont be tolerated.

Speaker Paul Renner was in attendance and pleaded with parents to pay attention to what kids are doing on their devices.

A whole generation has been raised digitally and it has destroyed their lives and this is yet another tragic story of why we have to act, said Renner.

Sheriff Staly said the child could be facing other charges in other states.

The state attorney is still going through evidence and said its not clear at this point if he will be charged as an adult.

He is scheduled to have a hearing in Virginia Friday and after that we will have a better idea of what comes next.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Moscow, according to a Thursday morning Kremlin announcement. Photo by Valery Sharifulin/Sputnik/EPA-EFE

July 25 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Moscow, according to a Thursday morning Kremlin announcement.

Putin told Assad he wanted the Syrian leader's opinion on the situation in the Middle East.

"Unfortunately, there is a tendency towards escalation, we can see that," Putin said. "This also applied directly to Syria."

Assad told Putin, "Considering all the events that are taking place in the world as a whole and in the Eurasian region today, our meeting seems very important to discuss all the details of the development of these events, to discuss possible prospects and scenarios."

Russia came to Assad's aid militarily when Syrian rebels revolted in a civil war against Assad's authoritarian regime. With the Russian military force, Assad was able to regain control of Syria.

Assad said the Moscow visit marks the anniversary of diplomatic relations established between the countries.

Russia's state-run TASS news agency said Putin told Assad they had "the opportunity to talk about the entire set of our relations. We have not seen each other for a while."

The meeting came as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the possibility of meeting with Putin and Assad in an effort to normalize relations between Turkey and Syria.

Putin met earlier this month with Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi and Hungary's Viktor Orban.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign. (Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  outlined on Thursday some of her vision of the future while touting the administrations education record in her keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston.

Harris has quickly drawn the support of major unions like the AFT in the fast-moving four days since President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and passed the torch to her. The unprecedented move could make the 59-year-old the first woman to serve as president if formally nominated and elected in the race against GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.

Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, Harris said to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers at the convention.

In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union, she said.

Harris also took jabs at the Heritage Foundations Project 2025  a nearly 900-page proposal that sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected  calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Despite Trump distancing himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris said Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants  They even want to eliminate the Department of Education and end Head Start.

She also boasted about the administrations student loan forgiveness, which has now provided almost $169 billion in debt relief to nearly 4.8 million borrowers, according to the Department of Education.

Harris also blasted extremists, saying to the teachers that while they try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she added.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement on Thursday reiterating his education platform, including civil rights investigations into any race-based discrimination, firing radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education and instituting funding boosts for schools that do things like implement the direct election of school principals by parents.

Union support

Harris promised that she and Biden would sign the PRO Act into law, which would offer protections for workers when unionizing or collectively bargaining.

The AFT, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, threw its support behind Harris shortly after she declared her intent to earn the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who said she is a proud product of public education, thanked AFTs 1.8 million members for their service to the country.

From the public service workers and higher education faculty, to the school bus drivers and the custodians, to the school nurses and our teachers  you all do Gods work educating our children, Harris said.

Shes also received the support of some of the countrys biggest labor unions, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union, endorsed Harris this week.

Some of those recent endorsements include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, known as AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

Meanwhile, the prominent union UAW has not endorsed Harris as of Thursday.
Earnings are arguably the most important single number on a company's quarterly financial report. Wall Street clearly dives into all of the other metrics and management's input, but the EPS figure helps cut through all the noise.

We know earnings results are vital, but how a company performs compared to bottom line expectations can be even more important when it comes to stock prices, especially in the near-term. This means that investors might want to take advantage of these earnings surprises.

2 Stocks to Add to Your Watchlist

The Zacks Earnings ESP is more formally known as the Expected Surprise Prediction, and it aims to grab the inside track on the latest analyst estimate revisions ahead of a company's report. The idea is relatively intuitive as a newer projection might be based on more complete information. The ESP is calculated by comparing the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the percentage difference between the two giving us the Zacks ESP figure.

Now that we understand what the ESP is and how beneficial it can be, let's dive into a stock that currently fits the bill. Western Midstream (WES) earns a Zacks Rank #2 right now and its Most Accurate Estimate sits at $1.07 a share, just 15 days from its upcoming earnings release on August 7, 2024.

By taking the percentage difference between the $1.07 Most Accurate Estimate and the $0.89 Zacks Consensus Estimate, Western Midstream has an Earnings ESP of 19.66%.

WES is just one of a large group of Oils-Energy stocks with a positive ESP figure. Suncor Energy (SU) is another qualifying stock you may want to consider.

Suncor Energy, which is readying to report earnings on August 12, 2024, sits at a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) right now. It's Most Accurate Estimate is currently $0.80 a share, and SU is 20 days out from its next earnings report.

For Suncor Energy, the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.76 is 5.73%.

WES and SU's positive ESP figures tell us that both stocks have a good chance at beating analyst expectations in their next earnings report.

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Use the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>

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Story continues

Western Midstream Partners, LP (WES) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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Zacks Investment Research
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign (Montinique Monroe/Getty Images).

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  outlined on Thursday some of her vision of the future while touting the administrations education record in her keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston.

Harris has quickly drawn the support of major unions like the AFT in the fast-moving four days since President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and passed the torch to her. The unprecedented move could make the 59-year-old the first woman to serve as president if formally nominated and elected in the race against GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.

Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, Harris said to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers at the convention.

In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union, she said.

Harris also took jabs at the Heritage Foundations Project 2025  a nearly 900-page proposal that sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected  calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Despite Trump distancing himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris said Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants  They even want to eliminate the Department of Education and end Head Start.

She also boasted about the administrations student loan forgiveness, which has now provided almost $169 billion in debt relief to nearly 4.8 million borrowers, according to the Department of Education.

Harris also blasted extremists, saying to the teachers that while they try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she added.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement on Thursday reiterating his education platform, including civil rights investigations into any race-based discrimination, firing radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education and instituting funding boosts for schools that do things like implement the direct election of school principals by parents.

Union support

Harris promised that she and Biden would sign the PRO Act into law, which would offer protections for workers when unionizing or collectively bargaining.

The AFT, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, threw its support behind Harris shortly after she declared her intent to earn the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who said she is a proud product of public education, thanked AFTs 1.8 million members for their service to the country.

From the public service workers and higher education faculty, to the school bus drivers and the custodians, to the school nurses and our teachers  you all do Gods work educating our children, Harris said.

Shes also received the support of some of the countrys biggest labor unions, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union, endorsed Harris this week.

Some of those recent endorsements include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, known as AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

Meanwhile, the prominent union UAW has not endorsed Harris as of Thursday.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign. (Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  outlined on Thursday some of her vision of the future while touting the administrations education record in her keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston.

Harris has quickly drawn the support of major unions like the AFT in the fast-moving four days since President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and passed the torch to her. The unprecedented move could make the 59-year-old the first woman to serve as president if formally nominated and elected in the race against GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.

Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, Harris said to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers at the convention.

In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union, she said.

Harris also took jabs at the Heritage Foundations Project 2025  a nearly 900-page proposal that sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected  calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Despite Trump distancing himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris said Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants  They even want to eliminate the Department of Education and end Head Start.

She also boasted about the administrations student loan forgiveness, which has now provided almost $169 billion in debt relief to nearly 4.8 million borrowers, according to the Department of Education.

Harris also blasted extremists, saying to the teachers that while they try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she added.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement on Thursday reiterating his education platform, including civil rights investigations into any race-based discrimination, firing radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education and instituting funding boosts for schools that do things like implement the direct election of school principals by parents.

Union support

Harris promised that she and Biden would sign the PRO Act into law, which would offer protections for workers when unionizing or collectively bargaining.

The AFT, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, threw its support behind Harris shortly after she declared her intent to earn the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who said she is a proud product of public education, thanked AFTs 1.8 million members for their service to the country.

From the public service workers and higher education faculty, to the school bus drivers and the custodians, to the school nurses and our teachers  you all do Gods work educating our children, Harris said.

Shes also received the support of some of the countrys biggest labor unions, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union, endorsed Harris this week.

Some of those recent endorsements include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, known as AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

Meanwhile, the prominent union UAW has not endorsed Harris as of Thursday.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign. Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images.

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  outlined on Thursday some of her vision of the future while touting the administrations education record in her keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston.

Harris has quickly drawn the support of major unions like the AFT in the fast-moving four days since President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and passed the torch to her. The unprecedented move could make the 59-year-old the first woman to serve as president if formally nominated and elected in the race against GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.

Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, Harris said to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers at the convention.

In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union, she said.

Harris also took jabs at the Heritage Foundations Project 2025  a nearly 900-page proposal that sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected  calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Despite Trump distancing himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris said Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants  They even want to eliminate the Department of Education and end Head Start.

She also boasted about the administrations student loan forgiveness, which has now provided almost $169 billion in debt relief to nearly 4.8 million borrowers, according to the Department of Education.

Harris also blasted extremists, saying to the teachers that while they try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she added.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement on Thursday reiterating his education platform, including civil rights investigations into any race-based discrimination, firing radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education and instituting funding boosts for schools that do things like implement the direct election of school principals by parents.

Union support

Harris promised that she and Biden would sign the PRO Act into law, which would offer protections for workers when unionizing or collectively bargaining.

The AFT, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, threw its support behind Harris shortly after she declared her intent to earn the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who said she is a proud product of public education, thanked AFTs 1.8 million members for their service to the country.

From the public service workers and higher education faculty, to the school bus drivers and the custodians, to the school nurses and our teachers  you all do Gods work educating our children, Harris said.

Shes also received the support of some of the countrys biggest labor unions, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union, endorsed Harris this week.

Some of those recent endorsements include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, known as AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

Meanwhile, the prominent union UAW has not endorsed Harris as of Thursday.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024, in Houston. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign. (Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  outlined on Thursday some of her vision of the future while touting the administrations education record in her keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston.

Harris has quickly drawn the support of major unions like the AFT in the fast-moving four days since President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and passed the torch to her. The unprecedented move could make the 59-year-old the first woman to serve as president if formally nominated and elected in the race against GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.

Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, Harris said to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers at the convention.

In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union, she said.

Harris also took jabs at the Heritage Foundations Project 2025  a nearly 900-page proposal that sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected  calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Despite Trump distancing himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris said Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants.  They even want to eliminate the Department of Education and end Head Start.

She also boasted about the administrations student loan forgiveness, which has now provided almost $169 billion in debt relief to nearly 4.8 million borrowers, according to the Department of Education.

Harris also blasted extremists, saying to the teachers that while they try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she added.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement on Thursday reiterating his education platform, including civil rights investigations into any race-based discrimination, firing radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education and instituting funding boosts for schools that do things like implement the direct election of school principals by parents.

Union support

Harris promised that she and Biden would sign the PRO Act into law, which would offer protections for workers when unionizing or collectively bargaining.

The AFT, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, threw its support behind Harris shortly after she declared her intent to earn the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who said she is a proud product of public education, thanked AFTs 1.8 million members for their service to the country.

From the public service workers and higher education faculty, to the school bus drivers and the custodians, to the school nurses and our teachers  you all do Gods work educating our children, Harris said.

She has also received the support of some of the countrys biggest labor unions, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union, endorsed Harris this week.

Some of those recent endorsements include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, known as AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

Meanwhile, the prominent union UAW has not endorsed Harris as of Thursday.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on Thursday in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign. (Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.)

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  outlined on Thursday some of her vision of the future while touting the administrations education record in her keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston.

Harris has quickly drawn the support of major unions like the AFT in the fast-moving four days since President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and passed the torch to her. The unprecedented move could make the 59-year-old the first woman to serve as president if formally nominated and elected in the race against GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.

Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, Harris said to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers at the convention.

In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union, she said.

Harris also took jabs at the Heritage Foundations Project 2025  a nearly 900-page proposal that sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected  calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Despite Trump distancing himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris said Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants  They even want to eliminate the Department of Education and end Head Start.

She also boasted about the administrations student loan forgiveness, which has now provided almost $169 billion in debt relief to nearly 4.8 million borrowers, according to the Department of Education.

Harris also blasted extremists, saying to the teachers that while they try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she added.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement on Thursday reiterating his education platform, including civil rights investigations into any race-based discrimination, firing radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education and instituting funding boosts for schools that do things like implement the direct election of school principals by parents.

Union support

Harris promised that she and Biden would sign the PRO Act into law, which would offer protections for workers when unionizing or collectively bargaining.

The AFT, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, threw its support behind Harris shortly after she declared her intent to earn the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who said she is a proud product of public education, thanked AFTs 1.8 million members for their service to the country.

From the public service workers and higher education faculty, to the school bus drivers and the custodians, to the school nurses and our teachers  you all do Gods work educating our children, Harris said.

Shes also received the support of some of the countrys biggest labor unions, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union, endorsed Harris this week.

Some of those recent endorsements include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, known as AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

Meanwhile, the prominent union UAW has not endorsed Harris as of Thursday.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024, in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since she announced her campaign. (Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  outlined on Thursday some of her vision of the future while touting the administrations education record in her keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston.

Harris has quickly drawn the support of major unions like the AFT in the fast-moving four days since President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and passed the torch to her. The unprecedented move could make the 59-year-old the first woman to serve as president if formally nominated and elected in the race against GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.

Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, Harris said to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers at the convention.

In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union, she said.

Harris took jabs at the Heritage Foundations Project 2025  a nearly 900-page proposal that sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected  calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Despite Trump distancing himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris said Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants.  They even want to eliminate the Department of Education and end Head Start.

She boasted about the administrations student loan forgiveness, which has now provided almost $169 billion in debt relief to nearly 4.8 million borrowers, according to the Department of Education.

Harris blasted extremists, saying to the teachers that while they try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she added.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement on Thursday reiterating his education platform, including civil rights investigations into any race-based discrimination, firing radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education, and instituting funding boosts for schools that do things like implement the direct election of school principals by parents.

Union support

Harris promised that she and Biden would sign the PRO Act into law, which would offer protections for workers when unionizing or collectively bargaining.

The AFT, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, threw its support behind Harris shortly after she declared her intent to earn the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who said she is a proud product of public education, thanked AFTs 1.8 million members for their service to the country.

From the public service workers and higher education faculty, to the school bus drivers and the custodians, to the school nurses and our teachers  you all do Gods work educating our children, Harris said.

Shes also received the support of some of the countrys biggest labor unions, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union, endorsed Harris this week.

Some of those recent endorsements include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, known as AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME, and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

Meanwhile, the prominent union UAW has not endorsed Harris as of Thursday.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign. (Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign. (Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  outlined on Thursday some of her vision of the future while touting the administrations education record in her keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston.

Harris has quickly drawn the support of major unions like the AFT in the fast-moving four days since President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and passed the torch to her. The unprecedented move could make the 59-year-old the first woman to serve as president if formally nominated and elected in the race against GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.

Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, Harris said to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers at the convention.

In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union, she said.

Harris also took jabs at the Heritage Foundations Project 2025  a nearly 900-page proposal that sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected  calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Despite Trump distancing himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris said Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants  They even want to eliminate the Department of Education and end Head Start.

She also boasted about the administrations student loan forgiveness, which has now provided almost $169 billion in debt relief to nearly 4.8 million borrowers, according to the Department of Education.

Harris also blasted extremists, saying to the teachers that while they try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she added.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement on Thursday reiterating his education platform, including civil rights investigations into any race-based discrimination, firing radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education and instituting funding boosts for schools that do things like implement the direct election of school principals by parents.

Union support

Harris promised that she and Biden would sign the PRO Act into law, which would offer protections for workers when unionizing or collectively bargaining.

The AFT, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, threw its support behind Harris shortly after she declared her intent to earn the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who said she is a proud product of public education, thanked AFTs 1.8 million members for their service to the country.

From the public service workers and higher education faculty, to the school bus drivers and the custodians, to the school nurses and our teachers  you all do Gods work educating our children, Harris said.

Shes also received the support of some of the countrys biggest labor unions, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union, endorsed Harris this week.

Some of those recent endorsements include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, known as AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

Meanwhile, the prominent union UAW has not endorsed Harris as of Thursday.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign. (Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  outlined on Thursday some of her vision of the future while touting the administrations education record in her keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston.

Harris has quickly drawn the support of major unions like the AFT in the fast-moving four days since President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and passed the torch to her. The unprecedented move could make the 59-year-old the first woman to serve as president if formally nominated and elected in the race against GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.

Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, Harris said to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers at the convention.

In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union, she said.

Harris also took jabs at the Heritage Foundations Project 2025  a nearly 900-page proposal that sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected  calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Despite Trump distancing himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

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Harris said Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants  They even want to eliminate the Department of Education and end Head Start.

She also boasted about the administrations student loan forgiveness, which has now provided almost $169 billion in debt relief to nearly 4.8 million borrowers, according to the Department of Education.

Harris also blasted extremists, saying to the teachers that while they try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she added.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement on Thursday reiterating his education platform, including civil rights investigations into any race-based discrimination, firing radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education and instituting funding boosts for schools that do things like implement the direct election of school principals by parents.

Union support

Harris promised that she and Biden would sign the PRO Act into law, which would offer protections for workers when unionizing or collectively bargaining.

The AFT, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, threw its support behind Harris shortly after she declared her intent to earn the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who said she is a proud product of public education, thanked AFTs 1.8 million members for their service to the country.

From the public service workers and higher education faculty, to the school bus drivers and the custodians, to the school nurses and our teachers  you all do Gods work educating our children, Harris said.

Shes also received the support of some of the countrys biggest labor unions, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union, endorsed Harris this week.

Some of those recent endorsements include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, known as AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

Meanwhile, the prominent union UAW has not endorsed Harris as of Thursday.

DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign. (Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely 2024 Democratic presidential nominee  outlined on Thursday some of her vision of the future while touting the administrations education record in her keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston.

Harris has quickly drawn the support of major unions like the AFT in the fast-moving four days since President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and passed the torch to her. The unprecedented move could make the 59-year-old the first woman to serve as president if formally nominated and elected in the race against GOP nominee former President Donald Trump.

Today, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, and the other focused on the past, and we are fighting for the future, Harris said to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers at the convention.

In our vision of the future, we see a place 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 senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union, she said.

Harris also took jabs at the Heritage Foundations Project 2025  a nearly 900-page proposal that sets forth a sweeping conservative agenda if Trump is elected  calling it a plan to return America to a dark past.

Despite Trump distancing himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris said Trump and his allies want to cut Medicare and Social Security, to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants  They even want to eliminate the Department of Education and end Head Start.

She also boasted about the administrations student loan forgiveness, which has now provided almost $169 billion in debt relief to nearly 4.8 million borrowers, according to the Department of Education.

Harris also blasted extremists, saying to the teachers that while they try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence.

We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books, she added.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement on Thursday reiterating his education platform, including civil rights investigations into any race-based discrimination, firing radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education and instituting funding boosts for schools that do things like implement the direct election of school principals by parents.

Union support

Harris promised that she and Biden would sign the PRO Act into law, which would offer protections for workers when unionizing or collectively bargaining.

The AFT, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, threw its support behind Harris shortly after she declared her intent to earn the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who said she is a proud product of public education, thanked AFTs 1.8 million members for their service to the country.

From the public service workers and higher education faculty, to the school bus drivers and the custodians, to the school nurses and our teachers  you all do Gods work educating our children, Harris said.

Shes also received the support of some of the countrys biggest labor unions, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union, endorsed Harris this week.

Some of those recent endorsements include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, known as AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

Meanwhile, the prominent union UAW has not endorsed Harris as of Thursday.

DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST
VP Kamala Harris stopping in Atlanta next week for presidential campaign event

Vice President Kamala Harris is returning to Atlanta next week for her first campaign stop in Georgia since entering the presidential race.

Democratic Party sources confirmed to Channel 2s Richard Elliot that Harris will host a campaign event on Tuesday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

No other details have been released about her visit. Harris has been to Georgia several times this year, but this will be her first visit as a presidential candidate.

On Sunday, President Joe Biden stepped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Harris.

On Monday, the Democratic Party of Georgia announced that its delegation to the 2024 Democratic National Convention has endorsed Harris.

The Democratic National Convention is set to take place in Chicago in August. Former President Donald Trump accepted the Republican nomination at the RNC in Milwaukee earlier this month.

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'Wade Wilson' Is Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool Alter Ego. But Real-Life Man Killed 2 Women 'for the Sake of Killing'

Wilson was convicted of the 2019 murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz

Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK Wade Wilson

The Marvel character "Deadpool," played by Ryan Reynolds in the eponymous series of movies, hits screens again with the July 26 release of Deadpool & Wolverine.

Deadpool is an antihero mercenary with a sharp wit and the superpower of quick healing. But away from the Marvel universe, another man named Wade Wilson faces sentencing for murdering two women.

In June, Wilson was convicted of the October 2019 murders of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, who were killed within hours of each other in separate incidents in Cape Coral, Fla., according to reports from WFLA, Fox 4 and WBBH.



Wilson was arrested in connection with the murders that month. Authorities said Wilson met Melton at a bar and went home with her, Fox 4 reported. He strangled her to death the next day. Hours later, the outlet reported, Wilson saw Ruiz, a mother of two, walking home from work and asked her for directions.

Ruiz got in the car and was strangled to death, according to the report. Her body was found in a parking lot.

"This case was about killing for the sake of the killing," Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner said during closing arguments of Wilsons trial, according to Fox 4. "Strangulation is the epitome of life slipping through someones hands."

Related: Why Did a Florida Man Randomly Strangle 2 Women Within Span of Hours 'for the Sake of Killing?'

Prosecutors had previously argued during trial that Wilson had confessed to the murders, telling detectives, I would do it again, the outlet reported.

The News-Press reported that after the murders, Wilson called his father multiple times and confessed to the murders.

Kristine Melton/Facebook Kristine Melton

Diane Ruiz/Facebook Diane Ruiz

Wilsons attorneys never disputed that their client was innocent, rather that he had been under the influence of drugs.

"Im not arguing insanity, Im arguing the state is claiming premeditation, Im arguing hes whacked out of his mind for any of this," attorney Lee Hollander told the court, according to a report from WBBH.

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.

After Wilson was convicted on June 12, Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore said in a statement, "This afternoon in the Lee County Courthouse, I sat with the families of Diane Ruiz and Kristine Melton as the verdict was read: Wade Wilson was found guilty on all counts. The families expressed to me their gratitude for the hard work of our team.

On June 25, a jury recommended that Wilson be given a death sentence, the News-Press reported. A judge will now decide on the killers ultimate fate.

Fox 4 reported that Wilsons sentencing was delayed to Aug. 27, having initially been scheduled for July 23.



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Read the original article on People.
WAMEGO (KSNT)  The Wamego Police Department (WPD) took to social media to warn of a scam circulating the area claiming to be an arrest warrant for potential victims.

Photo courtesy of the Wamego Police Department.

On Thursday, July 25 the WPD shared that a victim received a call telling him there was a warrant for his arrest. The victim was sent a letter via text that appeared to be a warrant for his arrest. The letter told the victim to pay $5,500 in bitcoin to the scammer.

Today, another intended victim received a similar telephone call, the WPD wrote on social media. She was instructed not to notify local law enforcement, but to buy gift cards to pay her bond.

The WPD said the intended victims hadnt fallen for the scam but warned the crooks are very convincing. The WPD reminds residents that law enforcement will never call individuals to settle a warrant.

What are anti-photo license plate covers? Are they legal in Kansas?

To report scams, Kansans have three options:

For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topekas window into outer space is almost ready to open again to the public after closing for renovation work last year.

Washburn Universitys Crane Observatory is preparing to accept visitors again. The large telescope housed in the observatory has been around for more than a century helping people watch the night sky.

The observatory is a historic piece, said Brenda Culbertson, NASA solar system ambassador. Its a great community service. People can come and observe with us and see what we can see and go in the planetarium when we have it.

Visitors can still visit the planetarium downstairs if clouds obscure someones view of the sky. Operators can display everything in Topekas current sky that day.

Heartland Motorsports Park auction closes as mystery buyer purchases all parcels

Washburns Physics & Astronomy Department manages the Crane Observatory. People can visit the observatory during scheduled observing sessions which are free and open to all ages. You can learn more about how to visit the observatory by calling the department at 785-670-2141, sending an email to physics@washburn.edu or by clicking 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

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An initiative challenging Washington leaders plans to phase out natural gas will be put to a vote.

On Wednesday, the Washington Secretary of States office informed voters that Initiative No. 2066 has gained enough signatures to be added to the November 2024 election ballot.

Oregon Democratic delegates rally behind Harris for president

The measure would ensure that residents and businesses can continue using fossil fuels.

The people find that having access to natural gas enhances the safety, welfare, and standard of living of all people in Washington, Initiative 2066 reads. The people further find that preserving Washingtons gas infrastructure and systems will promote energy choice, security, independence, and resilience throughout the state.

The measure was filed in early April in response to legislation that was approved by Gov. Jay Inslee in late March. House Bill 1589 calls on the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to support the states transition into clean energy, by requiring utility companies to integrate their gas and electric services by 2027.

VIDEO: Coast Guard rescues man in emergency raft off SW Washington coast

HB 1589 further enforces the states Climate Commitment and Clean Energy Transformation acts, both of which aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the next few decades.

The bill does not ban natural gas, and Washington utility company Puget Sound Energy vehemently informed customers that it would not impose a rate increase. The company also reported that natural gas energy use has slightly declined and is expected to keep dropping for the next five years, while electricity use is projected to steadily rise.

PSE is currently required to file a multitude of different plans for the gas and electric business on different timelines with the UTC, Puget Sound Energy explained after HB 1589s passage. These plans are duplicative and time-consuming. This process brings more alignment to our planning for customers and stakeholders while maintaining important standards and benchmarks.

Sheriff calls rainfall over Durkee Fire a godsend as wildfire keeps growing

Still, more than 530,000 Washingtonians signed the initiative that hopes to maintain energy choice.

An initiative needs just 324,516 valid signatures from registered voters before it can head to an election ballot. The Secretary of States Office reviewed a random sample of 15,991 signatures, and determined that 12,960 were valid.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
It wasnt just the weather that caused hundreds of birds to wash up on local beaches

Hundreds of dead birds washed up on our beaches and we finally know why.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Great Shearwater Birds were found debilitated and emaciated, but experts say it wasnt just because of bad weather.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The Florida Wildlife Hospital found plastic and parasites inside their stomachs.

Its very sad to see so many deceased, its tough, Florida Wildlife Hospital Executive Director Tracy Frampton said.

Hundreds of migratory birds found beached along the Florida coast.

It was a large stranding event, Florida Wildlife Hospital veterinarian Dr. April Geer said.

The hospital in Brevard County took in dozens of Shearwaters in during a three-day period. Most of them died.

Last month, Action News Jax Annette Gutierrez spoke with Ark Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, who said they received over 200 calls sick or dead shearwaters.

ORIGINAL STORY: Wildlife experts investigating birds washing up on shore

Weve had to stop taking them in because we got so overwhelmed, Ark Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Mary Foulks had told Gutierrez in June.

They typically fly up here this time of year, but experts say theyve never seen so many die on the way.

For them to wash to shore, they most of them were pretty debilitated and unable to feed, which is why they just couldnt fight it, Frampton said. So that would have been preventing them from being able to feed.

Dr. Geer said they found parasites and a significant amount of plastic debris inside them.

To the point in some that it would have been enough to basically be like an impaction, Dr. Geer said.

Dr. Geer said there was a major storm that weakened them, but the plastic was one of the contributing factors.

RELATED STORY: Local bird rescue provides update to tragic bird die-off at Jacksonville beaches

One of things about Jacksonville beach, thats nice is just being able to experience nature on a daily basis, Jax Beach resident Ann Haynes said. And its really tragic that birds would die from plastic inside them and not be able to live a free life.

Her husband added on to say, I dont think its surprising because I think all the marine life is affected -- people are just not very careful about discarding their garbage and this is the inevitable consequence.

The pollution poses a threat to the birds existence, so experts say this was a major wake-up call.

If we cant change the trajectory of our plastic, were probably going to see more events such as this, Frampton said.

Now, theyre calling on everyone to pick up their trash and recycle.

Because of the overwhelming response, The Arc Wildlife Rescue and Rehab and the Florida Wildlife Hospital are taking donations.

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25.07.24 11:39

A report about how Ilya Krasilschiks Support Service in Latvia has pump 9 million rubles to Ukraine and, in between, has impertinently embezzle a percentage for collecting to the amount of 14 945.94 euros including official income taxes in Latvia. Part 2





In the first part of our investigation (see the article Ilya Krasilschik  a sponsor of Stepan Banderas lobby in the United States) we told about how the Latvian foundation Helpdesk Media/Support Service, connected with Ilya Krasilschik, the former publisher of the media outlet Meduza,** had been collecting donations for the American-Ukrainian foundation Razom which had been actively lobbying in the US Senate the idea of providing Ukraine with ATACAMS rockets and F-16 jet-planes. And now, with specific reference, we will show that self-forgetfulness has nothing to do with Ilya Krasilschik and his foundation. Did you know that, using compassion and words about poor Ukraine and constantly collecting money for various charitable Ukrainian purposes, Krasilschik and the like, actually, think only about dough and each time that they take their own percentage for collecting money?!

We would like to remind our readers that, on 26 March, 2024, the foundation Support Service/Helpdesk Media Foundation put out its report for sponsors saying that last year it had collected for Ukraines humanitarian needs 296 383 euros. These monetary means, pointed out the compilers of this document, had been received within the framework of separate campaigns and directed to Ukraine.

Analysists of the project Prigovor.ru have studied in detail one of these charitable campaigns, in particular, the collection of money in June 2023 for Ukrainians suffered after the collapse of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station. The Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power plant, in case someone has forgotten, was collapsed after systematic rocket attacks from the part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. But it is apparent, that, according to the version of Ukrainian media and those krasilschik-like persons picking up the tune, the dam of this power station collapsed through the fault of Russia.





Using the media wave, the Support Service announce the collection of money, including in rubles, as civilians in the disaster area are in need of help, evacuation is taking place, which means that Russians can rise to the bait, all the more so as many of them have relatives in Ukraine.

Sofiya A. Zhukova, executive director of the Support Service, acted accordingly  she put out charitable feelers flaunting requisite details of the plastic card issued by the bank Tinkoff and saying that its possible also in rubles.

Perhaps, many donors in rubles had no idea that the organizer of this process, the fashionable media manager Ilya Krasilschik had been on the wanted list since 2022 and that he had been defendant of a criminal case under Article 207.3, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, and just in June 2023 the court had sentenced him in absentia to 8 years imprisonment in colony. And not to mention the fact that the collection of money was announced, if using requisites details of a Russia bank, but it had been carrying out by employees of the foreign organization located in hostile Latvia.

We would like to remark that the flow of money was a considerable one. It reached the point where quirky collectors started to split donations so that your donations dont come to a single account. And the rest was simple  rubles were converted to euros and crypto-currency and then passed over to Ukrainian organizations. The whole sum amounted to 187 153, 85 euros, including converted into foreign currency 9 327 611,78 rubles (as at 17.06.2023). Collectors from the Support Service were sending money to Ukrainians in three tranches during the period from of 8 to 9 June, 2023.

Its unknown where, in fact, these euros went to, how they were used by the Ukrainian side, in particular, the foundation Vostok  SOS.





From the financial report of collectors. The operations with regard to collecting money were managed by Sonya Zh, Artyom N, Lera G





By the way, the mentioned organization Vostok - SOS that Ilya Krasilschiks foundation cooperated with, apart from humanitarian questions, is dealing with buying and distributing of tactical outfitting, instruments and equipment of double purpose. And in that sense, it differs from Stepan Banderas foundation Razom; that we told about in the first part of the investigation, evidently, only by its location.

And something more about the cynicism of these persons. These tricksters even pay their taxes from the sum of donations! 14 945, 94 euros  Compensation of the teams fees working on distribution and payments, including official income taxes in Latvia.

According to the report of collecting money on Kakhovskaya hydro-electric power plant, Ilya Krasilschiks team of collectors openly displayed its fee  14 945,94 euros, including taxes. And this sum was brought to the Support Service by only one collection for Kakhovskaya power station.





INFORMERS OF THE UKRAINIAN SECURITY SERVICE SBU

There is also a curious aspect. Its after such collections of money in rubles  for Ukraine organized by the Support Service that telephone swindlers are becoming more active, and they, on behalf of law enforcement agencies, are trying to intimidate the Russians saying they have supported Ukraines Armed Forces thus trying to coax them out of their savings and sometimes even trying to force these sponsors of Ukrainian Armed Forces to commit openly illegal actions, including sabotage and arsons.

Such coincidences are possible only in one case  the data base with information about donors are being leaked to the Security Service of Ukraine.

Thus, charitable foundation of fugitive haters of Russia, similar to Ilya Krasilschiks foundation, are shearing twice naive and tender-hearted Russians. In case of Ilya Krasilschik, it looks as follows: first, he takes for himself a considerable percentage of donations, and, second, he leaks personal data of Russians to provocateurs from the Security Service of Ukraine who then, under the threat of exposure, force people to commit illegal actions.

Author: Buba Filin

See the Russian version at:    

See also the first part of the investigation: Ilya Krasilschik  a sponsor of Stepan Banderas lobby in the United States

The Latvian media outlet Helpdesk Media Foundation ** connected with Ilya Krasilschik, the former founder of Meduza**, collected donations for the Ukrainian foundation Razom which lobbied at the US Senate for providing Ukraine with ATACAMS rockets and F-16 jet-planes

** Nodibinajums Helpdesk Media Foundation (Media foundation Support Service), Latvia  on 27.12.2023 the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation included the foundation in the Registry of organizations whose activities and acknowledged as undesirable in Russia;

* Krasilschik Ilya Iosifovich, born 10.04.1987, in June 2023, by the decision of the Basmanny District Court of Moscow, was sentenced in absentia to 8 years of imprisonment in a standard regime penal colony under Article 207.3, Paragraph 2, Subparagraph d of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation of disseminating knowingly false information about Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A bear-y hungry animal was caught on camera stealing bird food and snatching the birdfeeder from a home in Maine.

New Gloucester resident, Jeff Meissner, noticed that his bird feeders were torn down and missing earlier this week, so he decided to set up a camera to catch the culprit.

Astronauts remain in space as Boeings Starliner mission exceeds 45-day window at ISS

The four-legged thief was busted after he was seen approaching the feeder to snack on some sunflower seeds, clawing and tilting the feeder to eat.

The animal then knocks the feeder down before taking off with the camera in his mouth.

Credit: Jeff Meissner /TMX

Credit: Jeff Meissner /TMX

Credit: Jeff Meissner /TMX

Credit: Jeff Meissner /TMX

Towards the end of the footage, the bear has the camera upside down in his mouth, walking off with the homeowners camera, and with his dinner for the night.

Meissner said the birdfeeder is now back in place.

Black bears breed from May through August, peaking in June and July, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Bears are known to travel over large areas to increase their chances of finding a mate.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  The newly selected East Baton Rouge Parish Schools superintendent talked about the next steps as the school system prepares for the first day of class in August.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board selected Mayor Pro Tem LaMont Cole as the new superintendent after a Wednesday meeting. Cole was introduced to the community in a Thursday morning press conference where he outlined his future plan and answered questions.

School officials said Coles role is effective immediately after the appointment. An EBR Schools news release said Cole has worked in the education sector for over 20 years, including positions as principal, assistant principal and chief academic officer at area schools.

Adam Smith will also start his role as deputy superintendent immediately. He has served as the interim during the school boards search for a candidate to fill the role permanently. He had originally applied for the superintendent role but was not chosen as a finalist.

See data showing how Louisiana students scored on LEAP tests in 2024

Cole said the superintendent position is a job hes always wanted and wants to serve for as long as the school board will have him. He describes himself as having a lot of gas in the tank, as he prepares to start the work of looking at what are the school systems needs.

I simply want to thank Baton Rouge for allowing me an opportunity to serve in this capacity. I want to thank the president and vice president of the school board for having faith in me to do what I consider to be the most important work of my lifetime, Cole said.

As the first day of class approaches, his top priority is to make sure students, teachers and staff are ready for the new school year. He mentioned the sickout teacher unions had planned, saying he and Smith plan to have candid and transparent conversations with unions to address their concerns.

Cole wants to create a long-term plan for outreach and retention to show employees are appreciated. He welcomes community members to apply for jobs in the school system.

Members of the Metro Council and the mayor-president released statements before the school board meeting to endorse Cole.

I didnt expect that. Unlike anything Ive ever seen, and they didnt tell me they were going to do that. It meant a lot. Just to have members on both sides, one might expect the Democrats to have shown up but to have members from both sides not only write letters but to rush over here to share a word, said Cole.

He said he hopes to use some strategies from his time serving on the Metro Council to bring the school system together.

The first day of school in East Baton Rouge Parish is Thursday, Aug. 8.

Latest News

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Watch: Biden gives remarks on decision to step aside, endorse Harris for 2024

Watch: Biden gives remarks on decision to step aside, endorse Harris for 2024

President Biden delivered an address from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening. The speech was his first public statement since his announcement Sunday that he will not seek reelection, and is endorsing Vice President Harris as the nominee at the top of the 2024 Democratic Party ticket.

The president returned to Washington Tuesday after spending several days recuperating from a COVID-19 infection at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Democratic leaders have quickly consolidated their support for Harris. The vice president now has the backing of enough delegates to secure the vote at the partys convention in August.

Republicans have adjusted their strategy and messaging this week, with calls for Biden to resign from office immediately. The White House has emphatically stated that Biden plans to serve until the end of his term.

Watch the video above.

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The core stage for Artemis 2's Space Launch System arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, nearby the launch pad, on July 24, 2024. | Credit: NASA/Isaac Watson

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.

Related: NASA rolls giant Artemis 2 moon rocket core off the factory floor for astronaut mission (video)

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

"Our team has been chomping at the bit trying to get flight hardware back to KSC," Sean Arrieta, KSC's operations manager for integrated operations in exploration ground systems, said in an X livestream Wednesday (July 24).

a big rocket on its side emerges from a storage facility. four engines are visible with plastic covers on the bells. a lot of people in green and orange construction photos stand nearby

"We really appreciate everything that the Space Launch System team has been doing to get the vehicle ready and manufactured for us, as well as Boeing, who manufactures the stage. Our team is ready to go," he continued.

a square-shaped building with an american flag and nasa logo seen from far away. also visible is water with a long, low barge on it

"When we get in the VAB, we'll go ahead and set that [core stage] down on some skid beams, where it'll remain for four to five weeks for some pre-processing, and then we'll get ready for its next steps in operations," Arietta said.

a big rocket is visible from the back, with engines wrapped in plastic. it lies inside a horizontal storage facility. in front, people walk towards the rocket

RELATED STORIES:

 NASA rolls giant Artemis 2 moon rocket core off the factory floor for astronaut mission (video)

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 'That's part of space exploration': Artemis 2 astronauts unfazed by moon mission delays (exclusive)

Artemis 2 aims to send four astronauts around the moon in the first human lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. The crew includes NASA commander Reid Wiseman, NASA pilot Victor Glover, NASA mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. Glover will be the first Black person to leave low Earth orbit, while Koch and Hansen will be the first woman and non-American, respectively.

The mission was delayed nine months in January 2024 in part due to issues with the heat shield identified on the last mission, the uncrewed Artemis 1 that flew in late 2022. Troubleshooting is ongoing on that item, but assembly and training continue with the Orion spacecraft, SLS and other things.
Water in Tampa Bay is getting hotter and fresher. That could spell trouble for seagrass.

Marcus Beck plunged into Tampa Bay with a pizza box in his arms.

Snorkel in mouth, he slowly opened the box to reveal its contents. Instead of a cheesy pie, there was a copy of his teams latest research paper. Stamped on top of the study, in bold red letters, were three words: Hot and Fresh!

Beck and a group of researchers at the Tampa Bay Estuary Program used the creative slogan in the title of their recent, urgent findings: Floridas largest open-water estuary, Tampa Bay, is getting warmer and less salty over time, according to their analysis of decades of temperature and salinity data.

We really liked Hot and Fresh as an expression. It gets right to the point and its more intuitive to people: Tampa Bay is getting hotter and fresher, said Beck, a program scientist at the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Beck volunteered to dive into the bay, with the pizza box, for a video to announce the study. It makes the science a lot more accessible.

Tongue-in-cheek expressions aside, the findings underscore a difficult truth: Future efforts to restore the thousands of acres of lost Tampa Bay seagrass will be complicated by harsher conditions. In the face of hotter and rainier days, spurred by global climate change, ecosystem restorers will have to work harder to maintain a healthy bay, researchers say.

Over the past half-century, Tampa Bays average water temperature has increased by up to 3 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the study, published earlier this month in the peer-reviewed coastal research journal Estuaries and Coasts. That equates to an increase of roughly 0.07 degrees per year.

Scientists have found seagrass growth is slowed when water temperature eclipses 86 degrees. Compared to 1975, there are now 48 more days per year when temperatures exceed that threshold, researchers found.

Its likely the bay will continue to heat up as humans burn fossil fuels and the planet warms: Trends are very likely to continue to push seagrasses further outside of their tolerance ranges, the group of nine scientists wrote in their report.

As waters have heated, theyve also become less salty. Why does that matter? Tampa Bays salinity levels determine whether marine life can thrive.

Take oysters as an example: The shelled animals can handle short bursts of fresh water, but theyll die if exposed for too long. The same is true if water becomes too salty. Long periods in overly salted water can lead to weakened oysters that die quicker. Seagrasses respond similarly to changes in salinity.

Scientists track salinity in parts per thousand, or the ratio of dissolved salts compared to liters of water. Lower Tampa Bay, closest to the Gulf of Mexico, is unsurprisingly the saltiest part of the bay. Salinity there usually ranges between 25 and 38 parts per thousand. But farther north, the bay freshens up. Where the Hillsborough River empties into the bay, salinity ranges between 15 and 30 parts per thousand, according to the estuary program.

Over the past five decades, Tampa Bays salinity has decreased by up to 2.6 parts per thousand, according to the studys findings. For the analysis, which took roughly a year, scientists gathered three historical datasets from Hillsborough and Pinellas county environmental experts and Floridas wildlife commission.

There are five species of seagrass in Tampa Bay, from the tubelike manatee grass to the flat shoal grass, and each has a different tolerance to changes in salt levels. Overall, water in the bay is becoming more fresh by about 0.06 parts per thousand every year.

Its your typical climate change story: We know that its getting hotter, Beck said. But on the bay getting less salty, That was an interesting finding that we didnt expect.

As the ocean continues to warm and expand its way into new, fresher waterways, sea-level rise and other human influences  like redirecting water from where it naturally flowed  are expected to bring saltier water along with it. At the southern end of Floridas Everglades lies Florida Bay, where a lack of rainfall and diverted freshwater flows in 2015 made parts of Florida Bay twice as salty as ocean water. It ultimately killed swaths of seagrass.

But unlike systems like Florida Bay that lack direct freshwater inputs, Tampa Bay is connected to the Hillsborough River, where decades of increased rainfall have meant more fresh water empties into the bay. These northern stretches of the bay, typically more shallow than other areas, have seen the largest changes in temperature and salinity levels over the past half-century, researchers found.

Since 1975, Tampa Bay has seen an annual increase of 37 days per year when salinity drops below 25 parts per thousand.

They bay getting fresher, not saltier, was opposite of what weve studied, Beck said. Our explanation for that was, yes, we are seeing sea-level rise  but the increase in precipitation over the years has counteracted that effect.

Reducing pollution may be harder with climate change

Seagrasses are the canaries in an aquatic coal mine.

Scientists consider the marine plants an indicator species: If once-lush beds of seagrass are now weak and withered, its usually a sign there are larger environmental issues at play. Since 2016, the bay has lost nearly a third of its seagrass, or more than 11,500 acres, according to a recent analysis by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Theres some evidence that hotter and fresher conditions have contributed to widespread seagrass die-offs in the bay. But just how much remains unclear, according to researchers.

Reining in pollution dumping into Tampa Bay from rainfall runoff remains a major priority to protect seagrasses and the marine life that depend on them. Historically, it was human wastewater that caused most of the bays pollution problems. But upgrades to sewage plants curbed a major portion of the bay areas wastewater issues and, today, its the water running off of land, collecting fertilizer and pesticides along the way, that cause most of the issues in the bay.

At least 50% of the modern nitrogen pollution comes from stormwater runoff, according to the estuary program. Solving the pollution problem is made more difficult when you throw hotter and fresher water into the mix, according to the researchers.

The things that we have done in the past are not going to be as effective to protecting water quality as they have been, Beck said. The bad news is that these changes are happening. The good news is that scientists are learning about it now, not years from now. Doing something about it now, rather than later, is going to be easier than 10 or 20 years from now.

Usual methods for restoring Tampa Bay, including limiting the amount of nutrients flowing into the water, should continue, the papers authors note. But climate change may make those efforts less successful in the future. The scientific results should inform ecosystem restorers in the region that the estuary is likely becoming less resilient with climate change.

Last year, the Tampa Bay Times joined researchers at the estuary program as they checked water temperatures in Old Tampa Bay, the estuarys northwestern section. Each year over the next five years, researchers will monitor water temperatures from July through October as the heat is peaking.

Data collected from that multiyear effort will offer scientists a clue about how temperature might hinder seagrass restoration, and it aims to answer the questions teed up by the teams most recent analysis on temperature and salinity, according to Maya Burke, an assistant director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.

The biggest takeaway from the study, according to Beck?

Its the urgency of how climate change is influencing our environment  and the importance of acting while we can, before its too late.
Biden stands with first lady Jill Biden as he thanks the camera crew after addressing the nation. Pool Photo by Evan Vucci/UPI

Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden addresses the nation after dropping out of the election and Netanyahu also addresses a joint meeting of Congress, among the highlights of this week in Washington.
Welcome move to boost child protection in Kentucky trips over conflicting views of the law

Michelle Tynes, of Hickory, in Graves County with her grandson, Ashton. (Photo provided).

Increasingly worried about suspected abuse of her young grandson, Michelle Tynes said she battled for years with Kentucky social service workers to act on what she said was the deplorable situation in the Western Kentucky home where he and four other children lived.

I made multiple reports, said Tynes, who eventually won full custody of her grandson in 2019 after a lengthy court battle. I reported and reported. They would do nothing.

So Tynes, who lives in Graves County, turned to the ombudsman within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services  an office supposed to investigate and resolve complaints about cabinet agencies including child welfare services.

I made multiple reports to the ombudsmans office about them not doing anything, Tynes said.

The result?

Nothing. I never did get a call back, she said. Nothing.

Tynes, based on her experience, said shes glad that the Kentucky General Assembly enacted a law to move the ombudsmans office from inside the cabinet to the office of the state Auditor of Public Accounts, effective July 1.

The move was meant to provide outside oversight and end the practice of the cabinet investigating itself, said Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, the sponsor of the 2023 bill to make the change.

But nearly a month after state Auditor Allison Balls office was supposed to launch the new ombudsmans office, the Republican auditor is at an impasse with the administration of Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, over access to a central computer system known as TWIST the cabinet uses to house confidential records of child abuse and neglect cases.

TWIST (short for The Workers Information System) contains reports of suspected child abuse or neglect, records of investigations and findings, and extensive and often sensitive information about families histories, medical records, mental health, substance use and criminal histories. It also contains similar details of cases involving suspected abuse or exploitation of vulnerable or elderly adults.

Access to TWIST is strictly limited by state law to cabinet social service officials under Kentucky Revised Statute 620.050, with some exceptions for certain parties within the cabinet, law enforcement and prosecutors, outside medical or social service officials and the parent or guardian of the child in question.

The state auditors office is not among those parties allowed access to TWIST under current statute, Beshears administration said.

The cabinet supports the auditors office desire to have full access to the system, but current statutes passed by the General Assembly prohibit it, a cabinet spokeswoman told the Lantern in a statement.

Auditors demand letter

On July 9, Ball fired off a demand letter to Eric Friedlander, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, insisting that the law does allow her newly-established ombudsmans office access to TWIST.

Balls letter cites a section of Senate Bill 48, the 2023 law moving the ombudsman to her office that requires that all staff, personnel, files, equipment, resources, funding and administrative resources be transferred to the auditor.

Lawmakers who approved the legislation unequivocally expressed that their intention was to provide the ombudsman with full, direct and real-time access to iTwist, Balls letter said.

But what SB 48 does not do is amend the separate law that governs the confidentiality of TWIST, KRS 620.050.

One example of how that was done was in 2013, when the legislature approved a law to create an independent panel to review all cases of deaths or serious injuries from child abuse and neglect.

The enabling legislation, House Bill 290, amended the law governing access to the TWIST system specifically to include members of the External Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel.

First Amendment lawyer Michael Abate, who is familiar with the TWIST statute, said that while it allows access to confidential records by some agencies, the language does not appear to include the state auditor.

It might make sense to allow the auditor to have access to those records if they want to fill the ombudsmans role, he said.

But the bill moving the ombudsman to the auditor doesnt change the language of the statute restricting access to TWIST.

That seems like a real oversight in drafting the bill, he said.

In comments to reporters on July 11, Beshear said the law needs to be changed if the auditor wants access to TWIST, suggesting such changes could be made when the General Assembly next meets in January.

Im sure the General Assembly intended for the ombudsman to be able to do what they need to do and I support them having the access, but we have a written statute that is on the books that says we cant provide certain access, Beshear said.

Ball has not received a reply to the demand letter, a spokeswoman for Ball, Joy Pidgorodetska Markland, said Tuesday. Markland said Ball is scheduled to update lawmakers on the situation July 30 at the interim joint Committee on Families and Children.

TWIST records mind-blowing

Meanwhile, Tynes, the Graves County grandmother, said she doesnt see how the new ombudsmans office can investigate any complaints about child abuse or neglect without access to TWIST.

She was able to obtain the TWIST file for her grandson and other children in the home as part of her court fight to get custody of her grandson, which she won in 2019.

Tynes said the file was voluminous.

I have nine years worth of TWIST reports, she said. I still have it in a storage box and its not a little box.

When she was able to obtain the file, through the legal case she pursued in family court, she was shocked at the multiple reports of child abuse or neglect not only from herself but from school and day care workers, medical providers and others.

It was mind-blowing, she said. It was just astounding, the amount of evidence.

Tynes said she believes that, had an outside ombudsman been able to get a look at the case, it would have taken far less time than the nine years and prolonged legal battle it took for her to get custody of her grandson and have the other children removed from the home.

They (the cabinet ombudsman) never did do anything about it, she said.

Among supporters of moving the ombudsman outside the cabinet was Kentucky Youth Advocates, which said it would create an independent place for people to contact with concerns and reduce potential conflicts of interest.

A deep, dark hole

Norma Hatfield, a longtime advocate for kinship care relatives  grandparents or other family members who take in children in cases of abuse or neglect  said she too believes the state needs an outside ombudsman to investigate complaints.

Hatfield said she has worked with multiple relatives, including Tynes, to file complaints with the cabinets ombudsman.

Often, she or the families never get a response  let alone results.

I would send something in and it would be like some deep, dark hole, she said. You never even get any confirmation.

As for access to TWIST, Hatfield said that is vital to any meaningful investigation about complaints of how the cabinet handles abuse or neglect cases of children or vulnerable adults.

They have to have access to that information, Hatfield said. If they cant get access to the files they need, theyre not going to be able do an investigation.

Hatfield said she cant speak to the dispute between the cabinet and the auditor over the law governing access to TWIST but said the parties need to get it resolved.

It has to change, it really does, she said. Hopefully, its about doing the right thing regardless of political issues and organizational charts.

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Rolando Maxwell talking with Amtrak representatives at Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School. Photo by Elijah Pittman

Amtrak and MARC officials told a community forum Wednesday that a proposed new tunnel planned to run under at least 10 majority-Black neighborhoods in West Baltimore will be deep enough to minimize harm to area homes.

Sandtown-Winchester resident Gary English has his doubts.

They said because its going to be approximately 96 feet under my house  it will not disturb my house, he said during the presentation. My thing is, suppose it does disturb my house?

His reaction was typical of local residents who turned out for the informational event on the proposed 1.4-mile Frederick Douglass tunnel, part of a larger renovation of a 10-mile stretch of Amtraks Northeast Corridor.

The $6 billion project would replace the current unsafe and outdated 150-year-old tunnel with two side-by-side tunnels to carry Amtrak and MARC trains under the city. Wednesday nights public information session at the Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School also unveiled designs for a new West Baltimore MARC Station, the last on the commuter rails Penn Line before the current tunnel.

Luigi Rosa, an Amtrak assistant vice president who is leading the project, said the types of tunnels planned will be so deep that they will not disturb homes or residents.

The tunnel is underneath the homes  lets say Reservoir Hill  the tunnel is pretty deep, more than 100 feet below, Rosa said. Nothing is going to happen to the homes, and even though those are old homes theyre not going to feel anything because its very deep.

He said that technology planned for the project is very advanced and is being used all over the world, including New York City, Los Angeles, Rome and a new European project connecting Italy and Austria.

The tunneling boring machine is a very advanced technology that you can dig a tunnel in every rock, every soil very safely. We are digging tunnels all around the world, Rosa said. Im from Rome and theyre digging a tunnel under the Coliseum.

West Baltimore residents look at plans for a new MARC station and railroad tunnel. Photo by Elijah Pittman.

One resident, Wendy Kelly, who lives next to the current MARC rail line, was not directly opposed to the project. But she does want security for her home, which would be the last home on the row and exposed to the new MARC station if the two homes next to hers are demolished as planned.

Im going to have empty property around it, it is a thoroughfare for people to come through  and I want it secure. Floodlights, security camera, voice control so I can talk to them  and I want a chain-link fence, Kelly said.

She said Amtrak officials gave her all the information she wanted and told her that she would not have to move while the project was underway.

It is something that you have to come to grips with, they have the power, and its going to happen. And all I want, or anybody in that area should, want is to make sure their property is protected, she said.

Ijeoma Nwatu is the communications director for the Community Law Center, an organization that is working with affected neighborhoods to ensure that residents are protected during the tunnel construction. She said at Wednesdays event that some progress has been made.

From everything I heard tonight it does sound like some community input was taken into consideration, which we consider progress. But we do want to acknowledge though that it has been slow progress, Nwatu said.

That progress includes public bathrooms in the MARC station, Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility compliance, and protective security measures, which both Amtrak and Nwatu said were requested by community members.

But Reservoir Hill resident Rolando Maxwell said the process has not been completely clear.

They are trying to make it more transparent. One of the biggest problems that we have been having with Amtrak and everyone that works for them is that they havent been transparent, Maxwell said. No one can ever answer a question you ask them.

Maxwell found it problematic that the proposed tunnel ran through Black neighborhoods when the current 150-year old tunnel doesnt.

Whats the shortest distance between two points? A straight line. So why are you doing this big curve? You made sure to do the big curve to avoid all the white communities, Maxwell said.

Dean Del Peschio, the Maryland Transit Admnistrations director of MARC service, said he thinks the community is excited by the improvements that will be made to the new MARC station. But he added that when you do a project of this magnitude theres always going to be people who have concerns or they may not like certain elements or things like that. In general the feedback has been very positive.

 This story was updated at noon on Thursday, July 25, to clarify Dean Del Peschios comments and correct his last name.
What's that? How Mt. Juliets Lebanon Road is booming with businesses, places to eat

Editor's note: "What's that?" is a periodic feature in The Tennessean that focuses on new construction around Wilson County and beyond. Email ahumbles@tennessean.com if you see a building underway and wonder: "What's that?"

Lebanon Road in Mt. Juliet is transforming.

All types of ongoing construction projects  much of the work bringing new and remodeled restaurants  are remaking the citys mostly older north side.

Were trying to keep the hometown feel without all the craziness of the south end of town, Mt. Juliet City Commissioner Ray Justice said, referring to Mt. Juliet's Providence Marketplace area.

All the new restaurant construction on Lebanon Road comes on the heels of several openings in existing buildings on North Mt. Juliet Road just off Lebanon Road like Barrel House Restaurant & Bar and The Paper Mill in recent years. Hibachi Jr. also opened in the former Krystal building on Lebanon Road several years ago.

A new Whataburger opened in July on the corner of Lebanon and North Mt. Juliet roads where a former gas station operated.

I think that the new restaurants will push the old ones to improve their images and continue the trend of offering better options for this side of town, area developer Mark Lineberry said. There are some exciting concepts exploring this market and with the success of Barrel House and Paper Mill more restaurateurs will want to come to this market. I think that will shift our options from being mostly fast food."

What's coming next to Mt. Juliet's Lebanon Road

Heres a look at restaurant construction ongoing on Lebanon Road in Mt. Juliet:

The former gas station and convenience store is being renovated for a new Shell station and Tim Hortons on the property.

Tim Hortons: Local business owner Naren Patel plans to open two Tim Hortons coffee and bake shops in Mt. Juliet at 10576 Lebanon Road, east of North Mt. Juliet Road and near Park Glen Drive.

The site at 10576 Lebanon Road is a former fuel and convenience center that is being renovated. The Tim Hortons is being constructed along with a new Shell station, Patel said. He hopes to open by the second quarter of 2025. Patel also is moving forward on plans to build a new Tim Hortons at 5120 Beckwith Road on the city's south side along with a future BP station in the third quarter of 2025, he said.

Chipotle Mexican Grill and Keke's Breakfast Cafe are under construction on Mt. Juliet's changing Lebanon Road.

Chipotle Mexican Grill and Kekes Breakfast Cafe: A package deal of sorts with the restaurants on the north side of Lebanon Road replacing the landmark Stylemasters hair salon. Chipotle has targeted opening by the end of 2024 while Kekes has estimated a 2025 opening date.

And Stylemasters is still very much in business with an actual physical move of their building just a mile or two west to Nonaville Road, just off Lebanon Road.

Burger King: Temporarily closed in early July for an extensive remodel that will include interior and exterior upgrades to modernize the restaurant that has been estimated to date back to the 1980s. A double drive-thru is also planned as part of the renovation. The reopening estimate is in September, General Manager Resenda Ballentine said.

This Burger King on Lebanon Road in Mt. Juliet is being remodeled.

Salvos Family Pizza (Green Hill Landing): The brand that includes locations in Smryna, Franklin and Hermitage plans to open in a space at the new Green Hill Landing commercial building on Lebanon Road across from Green Hill High School and just west of Nonaville Road. An estimated opening wasnt immediately known. Sanikas Indian Cuisine recently opened at the multi-space Green Hill Landing.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: New restaurants on Lebanon Road in Mt. Juliet transform dining scene
Wheat grows in a field in Burleigh County, North Dakota, on July 11, 2024. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

FARGO  Some wheat fields in North Dakota are showing the potential for 100 bushel per acre yields with the overall crop a potential record-setter.

The annual Wheat Quality Council tour wrapped up Thursday in Fargo after participants spent three days criss-crossing the state to inspect fields and estimate yields.

The yields could definitely be a record-breaker, National Wheat Foundation director Brian Walker said after estimates were tabulated.

The average yield came in at 54.5 bushels per acre for spring wheat.

In a July 12 report, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated North Dakota spring wheat yields at 56 bushels per acre, up 7.5 bushels from 2023 and a record high if realized.

North Dakota is the nations largest producer of spring wheat.

North Dakota spring wheat production was projected to be up 14% from last year, according to the USDAs National Agricultural Statistics Service, with 1% fewer acres planted to wheat.

Last year, the tour predicted an average yield of 47.4 bushels per acre.

Charlie Rohde of Langdon noted that the tour only estimates the wheat left standing, and that there are a lot of low areas where crops were drowned out during a wet spring.

But he was still impressed by the crop in his area that will be harvested in the coming weeks.

Theres a lot of 100 bushel wheat around, Rohde said.

Anne Osborne of the National Wheat Foundation, who lives at Sibley, near Valley City, said the northeast corner of North Dakota that was toured Thursday had the best-looking fields in the state.

She said there was some evidence of the wet spring with the presence of scab, a fungus that can affect quality.

The highest estimated yield from the tour actually came from northwest Minnesotas Polk County. Ralph Loos of U.S. Wheat Associates said the 109 bushels per acre estimate on that field was conservative.

We saw a lot of good wheat today, Loos said.

Loos was visiting North Dakota from Washington, D.C., to take part in the tour. The tour brings in a mix of professionals from the agriculture, the milling and baking industry, journalists and others. Participants get a lesson on how to estimate yields based on a small sample of the field.

Starting Tuesday, tour participants fanned out across North Dakota and western Minnesota to estimate yields and gathered at the end of the day to compare notes.

Samples are averaged for each field and compiled for an overall average.

There are other educational stops, such as a tour of the North Dakota Mill and Elevator in Grand Forks.

Dave Green of the Wheat Quality Council organizes the annual spring wheat tour and a similar winter tour in Southern Plains.

Youre not going to remember any of these wheat fields in 10 years, Green said at the end of the tour. I guarantee that you will remember that you went through the North Dakota Mill and what it looks like and how exciting it was.

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Where Harris stands against Trump in the battleground states that will decide the election

Democrats have new hope now that President Biden has stepped aside from his reelection campaign and Vice President Harris has the nomination within her grasp.

But the road to victory in November is still tough.

In the nationwide polling average maintained by The Hill and Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ), former President Trump leads Harris by 2 points.

The situation, however, is very fluid. These numbers include polls from both before and after Biden exited the race and endorsed Harris.

It is mostly unclear whether that seismic shift has changed the race.

Democratic strategist David Axelrod warned Tuesday that Trump is a pretty substantial favorite over Harris.

Another high-profile Democratic strategist, James Carville, said Wednesday that Harris is off to a strong start and people are feeling better, but that excitements gotta be tempered with realism, and the realism is, she has a tough campaign to run.

The outcome of the election will come down to six battleground states.

Heres where things stand in them.

Arizona

Trump leads Harris by a sizable 7.2 points in The Hill/DDHQ average in Arizona. Thats a slightly wider lead than the former president enjoyed over Biden, though all the polls predated his exit.

Arizona has the lowest concentration of Black voters of any of the battleground states, which could contribute to Harriss uphill climb there. Just 5.7 percent of the Arizona population is Black, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures.

Harris is of Jamaican and Indian parentage and would be the first Black female president if elected.

Arizona saw one of Bidens narrowest victories in 2020, when he prevailed by less than half a percentage point.

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) is reported to be on Harriss vice presidential shortlist, which could perhaps transform the race in the state. But Arizona looks a stretch for the vice president right now.

Georgia

The Hill/DDHQ average, which includes polls from before Biden decided to step aside, shows Trump leading Harris by 4.6 points in Georgia. He had led Biden by 3.7 points.

The only poll to appear since Bidens shock announcement showed a closer race  Trump was up by just 1 point in the survey, from Landmark Communications.

Georgia has the largest Black population, proportionately, of any battleground; roughly 1-in-3 Georgians is Black.

Its important to underline, though, that while Harris does somewhat better with Black voters than Biden in some surveys, the margins are pretty modest.

In a Quinnipiac University poll released Monday, for example, Harris commanded the support of 81 percent of Black voters. Biden was on 76 percent Black support.

Michigan

Trump leads Harris by 2.2 points in the Wolverine State, exactly the same margin as Biden.

There have, however, been no major Michigan polls since Harris effectively claimed the nomination.

Israels assault on Gaza is an especially salient issue in Michigan, which has the highest concentration of Arab Americans of any state. In the Democratic primary back in February, an uncommitted option  widely seen as a protest vote against Bidens strongly pro-Israel stance  drew 13 percent support.

There is a general consensus that Harris has been a bit more sympathetic than Biden to the broad Palestinian cause. She caused a stir within Democratic circles when she called for a temporary truce in March, before Biden had done so.

That being said, its far from clear that Harriss policy on Israel and Gaza would be fundamentally different from Bidens.

The vice president notably did not attend Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Wednesday speech to a joint session of Congress. Her aides noted she had a preexisting commitment in Indiana.

Nevada

In the DDHQ polling average, Trump leads Harris by more than 8 points here. But, again, no significant polling has emerged from the Silver State since she became the de facto nominee.

Almost 30 percent of Nevadas population is Latino, which could  maybe  provide some hope for Harris.

In a Wednesday memo, Harris campaign Chair Jen OMalley Dillon  who had served in the same role in the Biden campaign  argued:

Harris is more popular than Trump among undecided, independent, and third-party Latinos. Early polling from Nevada shows that the Vice President makes up ground with Latino voters and does exceedingly well with Latino voters who are skeptical of both Biden and Trump.

The latter assertion was based on one pollsters finding that Harris wins back some Latinos who had slipped away from Biden.

That idea is about to be put to the test.

Pennsylvania

The biggest of all the swing states, with 19 electoral votes up for grabs. Trump holds an edge of about 4 points on Harris, just as he had on Biden.

Harris isnt doing much better than Biden anywhere, but her team will hope that changes after the intense, and mostly favorable, attention she has recently received.

Team Harris will also hope the vice presidents strong support for reproductive rights could help with female voters in the suburbs around Philadelphia that have long been a key battleground within the state.

Harris could boost Black turnout in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh too.

Importantly, Pennsylvania also has a higher proportion of college graduates than any of the other five battlegrounds. There is some evidence that Harris does slightly better than Biden with those voters.

Wisconsin

Harriss first full-blown campaign event after Biden pulled out was in the Milwaukee area. The city will be crucial to her hopes of holding onto a state that Biden won by just six-tenths of a percentage point in 2020.

Opinion polls have shown Wisconsin to be one of the tightest battlegrounds.

The Hill/DDHQ average has Trump leading Harris by less than 2 points in the state, essentially the same as his margin over Biden.

The optimistic view for Harris is one in which the age issue works in her favor with young voters in Wisconsins college towns, while her barrier-breaking potential excites liberal-leaning and Black voters.

The danger for her, as in Pennsylvania and Michigan, is that conservative-inclined independents balk at backing her.

This story was first posted at 6 a.m. ET

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Where do the moon's weird swirls come from? Scientists are trying to find out

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The Reiner Gamma lunar swirl in Oceanus Procellarum, imaged by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. | Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center/Arizona State University

The mystery of the weird, bright patterns on the moon called lunar swirls has moved a step closer to being solved. It's thanks to the discovery that the composition of lunar dirt, or regolith, plays a major role in creating the swirls' alternating light and dark patterns.

The most famous of the lunar swirls is Reiner Gamma, which is visible in Oceanus Procellarum even to amateur astronomers through a backyard telescope. These features are linked to magnetic anomalies under the surface of the moon, but exactly what process is creating them has been a mystery for decades.

"The scientific community has long been examining the differences between the bright and dark regions in these distinctive albedo markings," Debrah Domingue, a scientist at the Planetary Science Institute in Arizona and author of a study about the new findings, said in a statement .

A breakthrough came in 2023 when researchers at the Planetary Science Institute (PSI) used observations from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to determine that the bright parts of the swirls are, on average, a few meters lower than dark, or "off-swirl," areas. Now, new research from PSI scientists led by Domingue suggests that the composition of the lunar regolith also plays a large role in the creation of the swirls.

Related: India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander barely kicked up any moon dust. Here's why that matters

Domingue's team looked at three possible causes for the light markings: differences in what the regolith is made from, the size of the grains in the regolith, and how compact the regolith is. The researchers concluded that composition, particularly the presence of plagioclase (an aluminum-bearing mineral) and ferrous oxide (an iron compound), was the key factor  but not necessarily the only factor.

"Grain size differences might also contribute to the brightness variations, but we do not see differences in compaction within our study area," said Domingue. "We also note differences in grain types and structures between bright and dark area soils. This indicates that there is more than one process at work to form these features."

Currently, there are three leading explanations for the swirls that might also explain their links to surface elevation and composition. One is that a magnetic field, perhaps the result of a dense iron asteroid impacting a particular region on the moon long ago, is shielding the surface from space weathering imparted via cosmic rays and the solar wind . The pattern of the swirls may reflect the lines of that magnetic field.

Another related explanation is that the magnetic field is levitating electrically charged dust and sorting it by composition and grain size. The third option, however, is a little different. It suggests the swirls are the result of an ancient comet impact. In this case, turbulence in the comet's coma (the cloud of ice and dust that surrounds the head of the comet) would scour the lunar surface just before the impact and expose fresh lunar material while magnetizing the surface due to the violence of the impact itself.

A fourth possibility was also put forward earlier in July; researchers suggested the swirls are produced by magnetized lava beneath the surface of the moon.

But rather than ruling any of these explanations out, the new results actually seem to support multiple models.

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"There are a couple of processes that have been put forth for explaining the presence of these features on the moon, yet the evidence is contradictory, said Domingue. "Interpretation of this new evidence, in the context of past work, all indicates that these features are the result of a complex interaction of multiple processes and that laboratory studies will be needed to deconvolve the relative roles of these processes in the formation of lunar swirls."

The findings of Domingue's team were published on July 18 in The Planetary Science Journal .
The White House condemned what it called disgraceful protests outside Union Station Wednesday in Washington, D.C., while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave an address to lawmakers at the U.S. Capitol.

Identifying with evil terrorist organizations like Hamas, burning the American flag, or forcibly removing the American flag and replacing it with another, is disgraceful, deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a statement.

Antisemitism and violence are never acceptable. Period, Bates added. Every American has the right to peaceful protest. But shamefully, not everyone demonstrated peacefulness today.

Protesters took down an American flag and replaced it with a Palestinian flag Wednesday, and at one point burned the U.S. flag before someone ran into the crowd and snatched it off the crowd.

Inside the Capitol, Netanyahu used part of his nearly hour-long speech to denounce the protesters outside and on college campuses earlier this year, accusing his critics of standing with evil and saying they should be ashamed of themselves.

Republicans and Democrats have both condemned the anti-Israel demonstrations in Washington, as Netanyahu spoke on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. A group of House Republicans restored the U.S. flags around Union Station, and former President Trump used the incident to renew his push for jail sentences for those that desecrate American flags.

President Biden has sought to balance what hes described as ironclad support for Israel with a call for the Israeli government to do more to protect civilians in Gaza. He has also condemned vandalism and anti-Jewish rhetoric in protests across the country over Israels handling of the war.

D.C. Metropolitan Police said six protesters were arrested at the scene. At least five protesters were also arrested in the House gallery during the prime ministers speech, and another five were arrested while marching on Constitution Ave.

Palestinian health authorities have said that more than 38,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza during Israels military campaign there in response to Hamas Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, which killed more than 1,000 people.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden will discuss how to close the final gaps of a cease-fire and hostage-release deal with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a high-stakes meeting on Thursday, according to a U.S. official.

Biden will meet with Netanyahu and the families of hostages held in Gaza on Thursday. Vice President Harris, who Biden endorsed for the 2024 Democratic presidential race after bowing out of reelection, will also meet with Netanyahu on Thursday in a separate meeting.

The meetings will involve a very substantive, very detailed discussion on a cease-fire and hostage release deal currently under negotiation between Hamas and Israel, the U.S. official said.

What I expect the conversation to be tomorrow is about these remaining gaps and kind of how we close them, and what the parameters are, the official said.

The official added that the framework of the deal is there and that they only need to work out the details, although the agreements so far are only for the first phase of the deal, which involves releasing the most vulnerable hostages for Palestinian prisoners, along with a temporary cease-fire.

Youre now in the implementation arrangements about how itll actually work day to day, the official said. So that is a pretty intense negotiation. Its actually ongoing, but again, we think the pieces are coming together, and its time to move to close this out.

Netanyahu urges unity, but stirs a firestorm inside and outside Capitol

A second phase will be negotiated during the first, but it would include negotiations on how to end the war and release the remaining hostages.

The official said any lingering issues for the first phase are resolvable and are not unbridgeable problems.

What is left is bridgeable, and is not something thats going to take an indefinite period to actually bridge, the official said, saying there would be a lot of activity in the coming week.

Netanyahu addressed Congress on Wednesday in a nearly hourlong speech that called for the U.S. and Israel to stand by each other against Iran. The Israeli leader said he was confident in reaching a deal to free hostages but otherwise did not address the topic in the speech.

Hamas kidnapped some 250 hostages on Oct. 7, when Palestinian fighters invaded southern Israel and killed some 1,200 people. Around 116 hostages remain in Gaza, about 44 of whom the Israeli military believes are dead. Ongoing negotiations involve discussions on the return of remains.

More than 39,000 people have died in Gaza as Israel fights against Hamas in the tiny coastal strip.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This essay was originally published in September, 2023 as part of the Center on Reinventing Public Educations State of the American Student report. As part of the effort, CRPE asked 14 experts from various sectors to offer up examples of innovations, solutions or possible paths forward as education leaders navigate the current crisis. (See all the perspectives)

The United States has a math crisisand its not just the students. It extends to those choosing how to spend federal pandemic relief dollars. Even when they choose the best prescriptions to make up for the pandemics learning losses, they are using the wrong dosage. Its a multiplication problem.

The average student in the U.S. lost the equivalent of half a year of math instruction and a quarter of a year in reading. Many urban school districts that were closed for much of 2020-21, such as St. Louis and New Haven, lost one and a half years, but for simplicitys sake, lets start with the national average of half a year.

Lets complete a math exercise together, focusing on four interventions proven to help students catch up: high-dosage tutoring, an extra period of math instruction, six weeks of summer school, and an extended school year. Pre-pandemic research suggests that the first three types of interventions generate the equivalent of one year, half a year, and a quarter of the typical years growth in math, respectively. Lets assume that students receive the same amount of instruction in each additional week of school as they do during the school year. As illustrated by the chart, if 10% of students in any given district received high-impact tutoring, 30% received double periods of math, 75% attended summer school, and 100% went to school for two and a half weeks longer, they would recover half a year of learning.

Challenging? Yes. But doable.

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Inadequate responses

Unfortunately, I know of no district coming close to this level of intervention. Nationally, only 2% of students are receiving high-impact tutoring, where they are receiving about three hours a week of tutoring for 36 weeks, or about 108 hours total. Most districts are providing only 15-20 hours and only for a small percentage of students, nowhere near the 10% in my catch-up assumption.

Summer school attendance has been 15% or 20% in many urban districts, light years behind my assumed 75%.

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I dont have national data on the percentage of students receiving double doses of math, but Im confident it is nowhere near 30%.

Further, very few school districts have extended their school year. The struggle in Richmond, Virginia illustrates the challenge. According to the Education Recovery Scorecard, students in third through eighth grade lost the equivalent of one and a half years of math and reading achievement between 2019 and 2022, more than any other district in Virginia. Starting in the spring of 2021, while schools were still closed, Superintendent Jason Kamras proposed a year-round calendar to help students catch up. Students would have one month off in the summer and four two-week breaks during the school year. Most students would still have 180 school days a year, but the district would select 5,000 students to receive up to 40 days of extra instruction during the breaks. His school board turned him down. Instead, they allowed him to pilot a longer school year in just two of the citys 54 schools. The two schools started this summer, and student attendance has been strong.

Leadership counts

As illustrated in Richmond, part of the challenge has been the absence of political leadership. To undertake the major reforms that would be required to help students catch up, school district leaders need political air cover.

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As a U.S. senator, Lamar Alexander helped push through the latest version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 2015, which defined the federal role in K-12 education, returning significant power to the states. But states have largely declined the opportunity to lead, and the education reform effort in the U.S. has been rudderless. Were a long way from the era when governors such as Bill Clinton (Arkansas), Jim Hunt (North Carolina), brothers George W. Bush (Texas) and Jeb Bush (Florida), as well as Alexander himself (who then led Tennessee) used a combination of the bully pulpit, funding, and policies to push an unprecedented wave of state-led reforms in the 1980s and 1990s.

Only recently have leaders such as Governor Jared Polis in Colorado and Governor Glenn Youngkin in Virginia begun to make improving students outcomes a centerpiece of their agendas, and not just a stage for culture wars.

There are some modest bright spots. Under Commissioner of Education Mike Moraths leadership, Texas required districts to provide an additional 30 hours a week of small-group instruction to students in the lowest achievement category. Its unlikely to be enough for many students, but its a lot more than what other states are providing.

Many states, such as Tennessee and Colorado, have launched tutoring initiativesagain, a laudable movebut none of these programs have the dosage levels that will produce a meaningful impact.

The federal government provided billions of additional dollars of pandemic-related support. When the American Rescue Plan passed in March of 2021, no one knew how large the achievement losses would be. And, wanting to preserve district flexibility, Congress only required districts to spend 20% of the money on academic catch-up (with a loose definition of what could count). The result was predictable. Much of the funding has gone to salary increases, HVAC systems, or additional school counselors. In the worst cases, states have allowed communities to use the federal funds to replace local tax revenuesa shell game that will help exactly zero children. In the end, only a small share of federal aid has been used to replace what students lost during the pandemic: instructional time.

Looking ahead

With a legal deadline to commit the funds by September 2024, school districts have one more year to spend their federal relief dollars. Given that budgets have been set and the 2023-24 school year is about to begin, it will be difficult for districts to scale up their plans for the coming school year. However, there is still time for districts to plan a major scale-up of summer learning for the summer of 2024. Theres even some hope of continuing the effort beyond next summer. Although the American Rescue Plan law requires districts to commit the funds by next September, the federal Department of Education has the authority to allow districts to spend down those funds over the following year (the legal term is liquidate), as long as the contracts are signed and the funds are obligated by the deadline. The Biden administration should prioritize extending the spending deadline for programs that increase students instructional timetutoring programs, summer learning, after-school programs, school vacation academies, and salary increases associated with an extended school year.

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Although theres still hope that districts will help younger students catch up, we cannot forget that four high school graduating classesroughly 12 million studentshave already started their postsecondary careers. The data suggest its been a rough start. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college enrollment declined by a staggering 20% between spring 2019 and spring 2023. The number of students seeking bachelors degrees at public and private colleges declined by 6%.

We know remarkably little about what has driven the declines in postsecondary enrollment. Many have speculated that the hot labor market was to blame. However, theres little concrete evidence to confirm this. It is also possible that the decline was connected to the learning losses in K-12. For instance, especially in areas that spent much of the 2020-21 school year in remote instruction, the high school graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 would have had a hard time meeting with their college counselors to explore their postsecondary options and get help with financial aid.

Moreover, students who fell behind in math or reading in eighth through 10th grades may not have had time to complete the advanced high school coursework expected of many science and engineering majors. According to the College Board, the number of students taking Advanced Placement exams in biology and calculus (both AB and BC) fell by 9% and 12%, respectively, while the number of students taking the chemistry exam declined by 21%. Even if college enrollment rates recover, such trends do not bode well for what may happen to the number of college students pursuing STEM degrees in the coming years.

State leadership need

To resolve this question, we need more research on the relationship between achievement losses, school closures, and changes in postsecondary enrollment by high school. The answer is of more than academic interest as the pace of recovery in the postsecondary sector may well depend on recovery in elementary and secondary schools.

Because many students will not have caught up by the time the federal relief dollars are spent, we must begin discussing additional policies to continue the recovery following September 2024. Anything requiring a school board vote or state legislative action will take time to enact.

For one, states and cities should set aside resources for reaching out to recent high school graduates who never enrolled in college and offer assistance in exploring postsecondary options and applying for federal financial aid. It would be foolish to allow them to fall through the cracks, as the nations future workforce needs will depend on their continued training and development.

In addition, states should ensure that future graduating classes have what they need before leaving high school. For instance, students who do not achieve proficiency on state tests at the end of eighth grade should receive additional help during ninth grade to ensure that they are on track for college and a career. States might consider offering students the option of a fifth year in high school or free tuition for their first year in community college, giving them a chance to fill in gaps in coursework they missed in high school as a result of pandemic achievement losses.

The academic recovery effort following the pandemic has been undersized from the beginning. Although the research community and federal and state regulators encouraged districts to focus on evidence-based solutions such as high-dosage tutoring and summer learning, districts were never given clear guidance on the dosages required or the share of students they should be serving. Moreover, the guidance that was providedspecifically, the 20% minimum spending on academic recoverywas downright misleading.

The future consequence for studentsand for the nations economyif students fail to catch up will be dire. A conservative estimate of the loss in future earnings for those enrolled in public K-12 education during the 2020-21 school year is $900 billion. As the federal relief dollars are spent down, state and local leaders must step up. Today, there are two or three candidates seeking the mantle of education governor. We need 50 of them.

July, 2024 Update: I wrote this essay late last summer, while the evidence was at its bleakest: districts were struggling to implement recovery efforts and researchers were reporting disappointing results for specific recovery efforts. Subsequently, the prospects of recovery brightened somewhat. In January 2024, our Harvard/Stanford team of researchers released a report suggesting that many states had shown improvement between 2022 and 2023. In June 2024, we released a second report on the effect of ESSER spending on academic recovery during 2022-23. We found that the federal relief did have an impact on the recovery. Even though the impact per dollar spent was much smaller than if the funding had been spent solely on tutoring or learning, the estimated impact was nevertheless in line with pre-pandemic research on the effect of general revenue increases. The projected earnings impact from the improvement was sufficient to justify the expenditure.

ESSER relief was like the first stage of a rocket: powerful, but unfocused and likely insufficient to get us all the way back to 2019 levels of achievement. After the 2024 NAEP is released in January 2025, we expect to update the Education Recovery Scorecard with district recovery through 2024. Soon after, we expect to write a second report on the impact of ESSER spending during 2023-24. We hope we are wrong, but our results thus far imply that many districts will remain behind 2019 levels when the federal money runs out.

It is alarming, then, that so many states have not even begun to discuss what they will do to continue the recovery after September 2024. Rather than provide additional general revenue as with ESSER, we hope states consider targeting aid at specific evidence-based solutions, such as tutoring or summer learning, especially in the districts which will remain behind. Otherwise, we will be forcing children to pay the price for the pandemic.

See more from the Center on Reinventing Public Education and its 2023 State of the American Student report.
Why are gas prices going up? It may not feel like it but Tennessee's gas prices are among the cheapest

Gas prices in Tennessee are a bit all over the map, with prices ranging from as low as $2.89 to almost $3.50 across the state.

Gas prices across the country have been fairly stable since the beginning of June, but AAA did state that some drivers may have seen a jump in prices due to a recent outage in Joliet, Illinois. But unless you were traveling to the Midwest, Tennessee really didn't feel the impact.

Some of the uptick in gasoline prices may be due to a reported storm-related outage at the ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Illinois. Thats contributing to higher pump prices in the upper Midwest, said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. Meanwhile, oil prices have fallen quite a bit lately. In April, a barrel of oil was in the upper $80s, but today, it is $10 a barrel cheaper. That might mitigate any upward pressure on pump prices.

And if you think you are paying more at the pump, you aren't. Tennessee had one of the largest shifts in prices in July, but it was a reduction in price, according to AAA.

On average, Tennesseans are paying around $3.09 at the pump compared to $3.14 a week ago and had one of the cheapest gas prices in the nation right now.

Here's what's happening.

AAA: Top 10 states with the largest weekly gas price changes

Michigan: +28 cents

Illinois: +23 cents

Wisconsin: +17 cents

Indiana: +16 cents

Ohio: +10 cents

Nevada: -7 cents

California: -7 cents

Delaware: -6 cents

Kentucky: +5 cents

Tennessee: -5 cents

Top 10 states with the least expensive gas

Mississippi: $2.98 Louisiana: $3.07 Tennessee: $3.09 Arkansas: $3.12 Oklahoma: $3.13 Texas: $3.13 Alabama: $3.15 Kansas: $3.16 Missouri: $3.20 South Carolina: $3.21

Gas prices near me: Average prices in counties across Tennessee

Gas prices on average in Tennessee as of mid-July hit around $3.09. Some communities are seeing much higher prices than this state average though. Here's a look at some of the average prices in counties across the state according to AAA.

Davidson County: $3.14

Knox County: $3.01

Shelby County: $3.07

Williamson County: $3.46

Highest gas price on average in the state: Williamson County, $3.46

Lowest gas price on average in the state: Henry County, $2.89

Keep up with the latest average gas prices at gasprice.aaa.com.

For your local gas prices in real time, check out gasbuddy.com.

Gas prices in Tennessee: 2023 vs. 2024

Gas prices may seem higher, but they are still cheaper than last year and it is a big difference.

In July 2023, drivers spent on average $3.27 per gallon of regular gas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Gas prices near me: Tennessee has some of cheapest in the U.S.
Vice President Kamala Harris isnt afraid to talk about and say the word abortion.

Unlike President Joe Biden, whose lack of use of the word has spurred news articles about the topic and websites tracking it, Harris has been notably more frank in her discourse about abortion (a detail that anti-abortion advocates have recently called out). The Vice Presidents candid use of the word abortion and how she articulates whats at stake is a welcome change, pro-abortion advocates say. It could energize voters who have felt hopeless in a post-Roe world.

Kamala Harris is leading the most unapologetic campaign on abortion rights in history, and she's consistently been a leader in ensuring that abortion remains a central issue in this campaign, Emily Martin, the chief program officer of National Women's Law Center Action Fund, told Salon. And that's not only a winning strategy we've seen since the Dobbs decision, but it's also essential to destigmatizing this essential care.

There have been several public efforts over the years to destigmatize abortion, including the Shout Your Abortion and the Abortion Out Loud campaigns. Yet there are many ways in which abortion stigma continues to persist in our culture. As outlined by the Guttmacher Institute, many women follow the implicit rule of secrecy and are expected to stay quiet about their abortions. A study in 2010 found that 58 percent of women who had abortions felt they needed to keep it a secret from friends and family. There also seems to be a perception in society that there are good abortions that are more widely accepted in our culture, like terminating for medical reasons, or bad abortions. Shame and stigma trickle down and infiltrate politics though.

Shame is the enemy of power building and so speaking clearly about what's at stake makes it much more possible to organize and win around this issue, Martin said. And it's also important for the real world impact of ensuring that more people have access to abortion care  talking about abortion care, making clear how this is essential health care, that's part of ensuring that people have access to care.

Harris has been the leading voice of the Biden Administration on abortion access, especially since the Supreme Court Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Last spring, the vice president became the first to visit an abortion provider at a Planned Parenthood clinic. While in the clinic, she met with about two dozen healthcare workers and applauded them for their work.

Im here at this health care clinic to uplift the work that is happening in Minnesota as an example of what true leadership looks like, Harris said at the time. In this environment, these attacks against an individuals right to make decisions about their own body are outrageous, and in many instances just plain old immoral.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

In the clinic lobby, Harris emphasized that the U.S. needs to be a nation that trusts women. When Floridas six-week abortion ban went into effect, Harris quickly condemned it, saying, Starting this morning, women in Florida became subject to an abortion ban so extreme it applies before many women even know they're pregnant, which by the way, tells us the extremists who wrote this ban either don't know how a woman's body works or they simply don't care."

Josie Urbina, an OBGYN and complex family planning specialist at the University of California-San Francisco, told Salon its refreshing to not only have a presidential candidate who isnt afraid to say the word abortion, but one who can speak so accurately about in a time when so much misinformation surrounds it.

Having VP Harris say abortion so nonchalantly is exactly what people in this country needed, specifically, half the population that is capable of pregnancy, Urbina said. This helps normalize abortion within communities, and although abortion is a very safe and normal thing to do, minoritized communities still deal with abortion being taboo in our culture.

Urbina added that Harris being a Black and Southeast Asian woman, being able to speak and discuss abortion speaks volumes.

It lets those communities know that abortion is common and it's acceptable, Urbina said. That what they're doing is OK, especially for young people.

According to a Pew Research Center poll published in May 2024, 63 percent of Americans believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Using euphemisms like reproductive rights to avoid saying abortion, advocates say, can do more harm than good.

One reason folks say reproductive rights is because there are a range of rights that are very much under attack right now, but it also can be a euphemism to avoid talking about abortion, Martin said. And that suggests that there's something to be ashamed of when people seek abortions.

As WeTestify found in their campaign, Did Biden Say Abortion Yet? the Biden Administration first used the word abortion in a press statement 224 days into Bidens presidency in response to Texas six-week ban going into effect. While Biden vowed to restore Roe v. Wade if re-elected, its been difficult for him to be removed from past actions and statements on abortion as a practicing Catholic. He has written that despite his religious beliefs, he wouldnt impose them on other people, and he did take some executive action to protect access to reproductive health care.

I think Joe Biden has generally been right on policy, but I think he has personal discomfort around the issue, which made it hard for him to make the case in ways that were clear to people and inspired people, Martin said. I think on the flip side, Kamala Harris is good at naming the centrality of abortion rights to gender equality, she's really good at identifying the connections between the attacks on abortion access to the range of attacks on women, on freedom and autonomy.

When Harris debates Trump, Martin said, she believes Harris will be able to make the stakes clear and mobilize voters.

Elizabeth Schoetz, chief campaigns and advocacy officer of Reproductive Freedom for All agreed.

Vice President Harris has been there from the beginning on abortion, destigmatizing talking about it and making it a front-and-center issue in this campaign, Schoetz said in a statement to Salon. Theres no doubt her candidacy has supercharged the reproductive freedom movement to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance with abortion as a top motivating issue for voters.
Growth has been a front-page story in Nashville for a decade now. Residents see it in real-time as new towers spring up. They can feel it as they languish in cars crawling through bumper-to-bumper traffic.

What can we learn when we look closely at who lives in Nashville, where they live and where they came from?

Even through the upheaval of the pandemic, the Nashville Metro area gained population, adding more than 88,000 people between the last full census in 2020 and July 2023, the most recent estimate.

"The region as a whole is exploding," said Max Baker, the director of research and analytics for the Greater Nashville Regional Council.

Davidson County, however, has shrunk according to the Census Bureau.

In March, the U.S. Census Bureau released population estimates for 2023, giving a clearer picture of what happened during the pandemic and where things are heading in the years to come.

"Several years ago, I looked at Nashville as a runaway train situation. Things were growing too fast," said Don Bruce, director of the University of Tennessee's Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. "I'm happy to see a more moderated pace with an effort to take advantage of the situation to make some improvements."

Why did Nashville shrink?

In the 2020 census, Nashville had a population of 689,454. That number, according to Census Bureau estimates, fell to 675,578 in 2021. The most recent estimates for 2023 have the population of Nashville edging back up to 687,788, still several thousand fewer people than at the start of the decade.

Nashville's Covid-era population trajectory was not unique. Across the country, many large cities lost population during the pandemic, according to the Census Bureau.

"It's difficult to understand all the dynamics that happened, but there's probably more than one thing going on at the same time," said Tim Kuhn, director of the Tennessee State Data Center at the University of Tennessee.

The population loss can be partially explained by pandemic stay-at-home policies that overturned office culture. Many people, forced to conduct their jobs by video calls, needed extra space and fewer roommates. Between pandemic assistance, rising incomes due to a tight labor market, and low interest rates on mortgages, more people were able to get larger homes, but often had to find them outside Davidson County.

"They wanted privacy and a yard with a fence, and that's more available and affordable in the suburban counties than in Davidson County itself," said Ken Chilton, a professor of public administration at Tennessee State University.

The rising housing costs that have come with inflation and economic growth in Nashville have also caused more people to settle in the surrounding counties, said Bruce of the Boyd Center.

"There's also, to be fair, a pretty significant growth in what economists refer to as negative externalities. Things that are a turnoff," he said.

Bruce listed congestion, pollution, crime and even bachelorette parties and party trailers as negative externalities that could push people out of Nashville itself and into surrounding counties.

Some analysts, however, question the accuracy of the drop the Census Bureau found in Nashville's population over the last three years.

"My personal take is something went wonky, and I don't know what it was," said Baker of the GNRC.

Baker does not doubt that the region is exploding while population growth has slowed in Nashville itself. But he does not believe it makes sense that Nashville has added roughly 50,000 housing units during the last few years while also losing population.

One million new jobs coming in 25 years

New employment is one of the main reasons that people move to another state. And in the Nashville Metro area, the number of jobs has been growing as major companies relocate here and start-ups launch.

"One thing the state and region have done a very good job of is recruiting high-paying jobs," Baker said.

A growing economy always needs workers. And over the next 25 years, the Nashville region is on track to add one million jobs, according to projections from GNRC.

And the need for workers is even greater in Tennessee, where more people have retired early or decided that one wage-earner is enough to support their family.

Crews work on constructing a luxury apartments and condos in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

"We have a declining labor force participation rate  even as the U.S. has leveled off in the last few years," said Bruce of the Boyd Center.

"More people are dying each year in Nashville than are being born."

Families are having fewer children and are waiting longer to start having kids. And the large Baby Boomer generation is aging.

"The only reason we're growing in recent years is that we've imported people. That's the only reason we are able to keep up with this economic growth," he said.

Workers needed 'to keep the wheels moving'

As the Nashville region continues to boom economically, some experts worry how many workers with jobs in the city will continue to keep up with the increasingly expensive housing costs.

"It's not what most people think about, but you need the service-industry jobs to keep the wheels moving," said Baker of GNRC.

During the pandemic, many workers across America took advantage of labor shortages to land better and higher-paying jobs.

"You had this really nice move-up opportunity across the board, and what's left are unfilled jobs," Bruce said.

The need for service-industry workers will only increase in the years to come, as Baby Boomers leave the workforce and also require more healthcare assistance as they age, he said.

The view of the skyline from the riverfront in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Nashville suburbs absorb more of the growth

No one doubts that Nashville's trajectory will stay the course in the years to come. The number of jobs in the region will continue to increase. And people will keep coming to the area to work and live.

One thing that has changed is the story of growth in Tennessee. For years, the Nashville region and Middle Tennessee have driven population growth in the state. In the previous decade, nearly half the people who moved to Tennessee from out of state settled in the Nashville area.

So far this decade, only 30% of the new arrivals to Tennessee have landed in the Nashville area, according to Kuhn of the Tennessee State Data Center. Last year, the latest Census data shows that 90 of the 95 counties in Tennessee increased in population, and the state was the 7th fastest growing in the country.

"Nashville will continue to be the engine of economic growth for the state of Tennessee, but it won't have to carry quite as much of the load," Bruce said. "That's going to be good for Tennessee in the long term."

Todd A. Price is a regional enterprise reporter in the South for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at taprice@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Experts weigh in on Middle Tennessee growth, Nashville shrinkage
Why is the De Pere School Board considering another referendum? Here's what to know

Editor's note: The School Board voted, 5-2, on Aug. 5 to put the referendum on the November ballot. Board members Melissa Niffenegger and Brittony Cartwright voted against the measure.

After the approval of a $23.75 million operational referendum in April, the De Pere School District is moving to put another referendum on the November ballot.

This time, the $22 million capital referendum will go toward "critical maintenance" of school facilities. On Monday, the School Board voted 5-2 to direct district administration to begin crafting the referendum resolution language with the district's bond attorney.

Board members Melissa Niffenegger and Brittony Cartwright voted against the measure. Niffenegger said she voted against the measure because of concerns over the districts financial management. Cartwright declined to discuss her reasoning on the record.

The board plans to vote at an Aug. 5 special meeting to approve that referendum resolution.

Assuming the referendum goes forward, voters will decide Nov. 5 whether to approve the second referendum for the De Pere School District this year.

Here's a breakdown of the referendum, what it would fund and what voters need to know ahead of the November election.

How is this referendum different from the operational referendum last April?

In Wisconsin, there are two types of referendums for school district funding: capital and operational. In April, voters approved a $23.75 million operational referendum to maintain the district's current operations.

More: If it seems Wisconsin school districts are asking voters for money more often, it's because they are

Now, the board is proposing a capital referendum, also known as a building referendum. Capital referendums are used by school districts to complete projects that are too costly to do under annual budget limitations.

April's referendum largely covered employee salaries and benefits and student technology, as well as other operational costs. In contrast, this referendum will be used to update and repair building infrastructure at all six district school buildings.

What would the De Pere referendum money go toward?

If voters approve the referendum, the $22 million would be designated for three categories: safety and security, site repair and building infrastructure, according to a presentation from Monday's meeting.

Safety and security make up the smallest portion of the budget. The allotted $3.87 million would establish intra-district communication for emergencies at all district sites; upgrade the secure entrance at Dickinson Elementary School; add generators at Heritage Elementary School and De Pere Middle School; and replace the fire alarms at Dickinson Elementary School, Foxview Intermediate School and De Pere Middle School.

These renovations would also improve building access for ADA requirements at Altmayer Elementary School, Foxview Intermediate School, De Pere Middle School and De Pere High School.

In terms of site repair, all six schools in the district would replace asphalt in some parking lots and drives. The playground asphalt would also be replaced at Altmayer and Dickinson elementary schools, as well as the surface of De Pere High School's track. Approximately $7.9 million is budgeted for site repair.

The largest portion of the capital referendum will cover building infrastructure improvements. These upgrades would include:

Dickinson Elementary would get a replaced bell and clock system, new boilers, replaced rooftop mechanical units, energy-efficient LED lighting and eventually new roofing and insulation.

Heritage Elementary would get a replaced bell and clock system, new wash basins in the main restrooms, energy-efficient LED lighting and new flooring in the health room.

Altmayer Elementary would get new boilers and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Foxview Intermediate would get a replaced bell and clock system, new boilers, new chillers and pumps, energy-efficient LED lighting, new flooring in the commons, replacements for deteriorating exterior windows and eventually new roofing and insulation.

De Pere Middle School would get a replaced bell and clock system, new boilers and energy-efficient LED lighting.

De Pere High School would get new boilers.

About $10.24 million of the referendum would address these infrastructure upgrades.

Why does the De Pere School District need this money?

Superintendent Christopher Thompson said the referendum is the product of a facilities assessment conducted between December 2022 and early 2023.

That assessment identified deficiencies in facilities that should be addressed in the next three to five years. The cost to update those facilities amounted to $22 million.

"We have to cover those before we do any future work within the district to address the enrollment growth," Thompson said.

Because the referendum would only address "critical maintenance," he said, most of the projects would be launched in the next few years.

Many of the buildings in the district are aging and require this kind of maintenance, he added. Foxview Intermediate School has portions that are nearly 100 years old. The newest building in the district  Altmayer Elementary School  is 17 years old, according to a presentation prepared by the district.

What's the estimated tax impact?

After the April referendum, the district's estimated tax rate increased to $7.01 per $1,000 of property value. A resident with a $250,000 home would pay about $1,752.50 in property taxes.

If the new referendum passes, it would add 40 cents per $1,000 to the tax rate. The new rate would be $7.41 per $1,000 of property value, meaning on that same $250,000 house, a resident would pay about $1,852.50 in property taxes.

What will happen if the De Pere referendum doesn't pass?

If the referendum fails, Thompson said, the district will reassess the next time it could bring this measure to a ballot. Because the district is allowed to bring only two questions to the ballot in any given calendar year, that will likely happen next April or the following November, he added.

If the referendum passes, the district will look to additional referendum measures to address capacity for enrollment growth at the district. However, Thompson said, that question is at least 1 years down the line.

"People know this is coming. This is Part 2. You remember Part 1, and now later, there will be a conversation another time about Part 3. But we're not there yet," he said. "You will have many opportunities to continue providing us with your feedback because the district must be a reflection of the community's commitment and values."

Editor's note: The story has been edited to include board member Melissa Niffenegger's reason for voting against the referendum.

Contact Kathryn Muchnick at KMuchnick@gannett.com or 812-568-4468.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: De Pere School District moves to place $22M referendum on Nov. ballot
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for much of Northern California, including Butte and Tehama counties, areas where the Park Fire has burnt more than 45,000 acres in less than 24 hours.

The warning goes into effect at 1 p.m. Thursday and lasts through 11 p.m. Friday, the weather service said. According to Sara Purdue, a meteorologist with the weather services Sacramento office, breezy and gusty winds are expected throughout the day along the Sierra foothills and high basin in Californias extreme northeast, with low relative humidity during the day and into the night.

Temperatures in Chico on Thursday are expected to reach the low 100s, with winds from the south gusting as high as 22 mph. Purdue said the winds appear to have a diurnal pattern, meaning they are strongest in the afternoon and evening, but reduce overnight and pick back up the following day.

The red flag also covers most of the upper Sacramento Valley and includes Redding, Marysville, Yuba City, as well as high desert spots such as Susanville and Alturas.

In a spot forecast for the Park Fire, the weather service reported critical fire weather conditions are expected to continue through Friday, with wind gusts from the south at up to 30 mph continuing to fan the flames.

The Park Fire, which is already the states largest wildfire this year after it sparked Wednesday afternoon in Upper Bidwell Park, ballooned in size overnight and was 45,550 acres and 3% contained Thursday morning, Cal Fires Butte County unit said. Multiple evacuations are in place for homes northeast of Chico.

Saturday is expected to bring cooler temperatures, diminished winds and higher humidity. The high is forecast to be in the 80s, with humidity reaching 30%. Winds on the ridgetops are forecast to gust to about 15 mph.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The air quality in central and eastern Oregon has been declining as fires continue to rage across the state.

As of Thursday morning, the worst air quality in Oregon is near Lakeview, located along the California border, where multiple smaller wildfires are raging. The air quality there is currently considered very unhealthy.

To the northwest of Lakeview, La Pine has the second worst air quality with several wildfires burning in the surrounding forests.

VIDEO: Coast Guard rescues man in emergency raft off SW Washington coast

Across the rest of the state, air quality is still good to moderate, but that could change in the coming days.

According to KOIN 6 News Meteorologist Josh Cozart, as we head into the weekend, smoke could start moving its way toward the Portland metro area.

Portlands air quality remains good despite an abundance of wildfires burning in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, Cozart said. That could potentially change come Friday as upper air smoke starts to slowly move west.

Cozart added that even if the smoke does begin moving west, the particles will be high enough that the impact wont be massive.

The smoke particulates that could impact the Portland, Vancouver area will be high enough in the atmosphere that the smell of smoke wont be present. The greatest impacts felt will be red sunrises, sunsets along with moonrises and moonsets, Cozart said.

Currently, there are 129 fires burning in Oregon and just under 950,000 acres have burned due to wildfires this year according to the State of Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard.

The largest, the Durkee Fire, crossed over 250,000 acres 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 KOIN.com.
Black women and men are standing on the front line to back Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign. Earlier this week, Black men in particular raised $1.3 million in donations for the Vice President.

As Blavity reported, the organization Win With Black Women spearheaded a call on July 21, the same day President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the upcoming presidential election. The WWBW collective not only discussed issues affecting Black women, but it raised funds for Harris campaign. The Zoom call had 44,000 participants  and they made history by accumulating $1.5 million in just three hours.

Inspired by the assembly of the group, journalist Roland Martin and his Black Star Network joined the cause with a Win With Black Men call the next day, according to Essence. Over 20,000 Black men participated in the call with 17,000 of them donating to Harris campaign.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Roland S. Martin (@rolandsmartin)

Soon after the rally began, it was already at capacity, which led Martin to livestream it on YouTube so that others could participate. Elated about how the call with the men nationwide went, he tweeted the following: I have no words. And not just because Im tired. My @BlkStarNetwork just told me that 53,862 people registered for our #WinWithBlackMen video call. We raised $1.3M and counting from 17,000 donors.

Per Essence, Martin said all the money collected will go to the Harris campaign, as well as to grassroots organizations run by Black men in battleground states.

Special guests included celebrities, community leaders and government officials, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock.

This moment will go down in history when the brothers got together to say we are all in for the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris, Warnock said, according to Essence.

He added, Dont let anybody slow us down asking the question Can a Black woman be elected president of the United States. Kamala Harris can win. We just have to show up. History is watching us, and the future is waiting on us.

Sharing Warnocks sentiments, Moore spoke on the power of collaboration.

When we mobilize, we win. We move mountains, he said. For Kamala Harris, who has stood by us, lifted us up, and supported us, it is important that she knows that she has an army behind her.

Bakari Sellers, a CNN political analyst and former South Carolina politician, also spoke to the importance of Black men uplifting Harris at this time despite any differences in perspectives given the current political climate.

Lets protect Kamala. Lets be with her like she was there for us, Sellers said on the call. We are going to disagree a lot. But lets put the petty bickering aside. Lets stand up and be the Black men who change this country. We built this country. Im rocking with Kamala.
MADISON - The Apostle Islands could soon become Wisconsin's first national park, thanks to an effort by several federal lawmakers.

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany introduced a bill Tuesday that would designate the area as a national park, upgrading it from its current designation as a national lakeshore. The first hearing on the matter was held Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

Becoming a national park would attract more people to the Apostle Islands, sharing the natural beauty of the islands and shores of Lake Superior.

"I just think the Apostle Islands fit the bill of a national park. I mean, these are places that are truly special in America," Tiffany said. "It deserves a designation as a national park, because it really is one of the great places, not just in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest, but in all of the United States."

U.S Representative Tom Tiffany for the Seventh Congressional District speaks on a Federal Legislator panel during the 2024 Republican Party Of Wisconsin State Convention on Saturday May 18, 2024 at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center in Appleton, Wis.

Tiffany, a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, said bringing more visitors could mean more revenue for local businesses. Going to certain parks is often a part of bucket lists for travelers from America and beyond.

"I think there's just a certain prestige with being a national park that is going to create more visitors and more activity," he said.

Other supporters include U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald and U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman, all Republicans. The legislation has local support and Indigenous tribes, including the Bad River and Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, have been consulted, Tiffany said.

Tiffany sees this designation as an opportunity for bipartisanship among lawmakers.

"I don't see any reason why we can't do this by unanimous consent, where everyone agrees," he said.

A number of new national parks have been added to the roster in the last several years. In 2020, the New River Gorge in West Virginia earned the designation and in 2019 two parks were designated: White Sands in New Mexico and the Indiana Dunes, in northwest Indiana along Lake Michigan.

The Indiana Dunes is likely the most comparable national park, Tiffany said, due to its location along the Great Lakes. The designation for the Dunes took decades, with the effort starting in 1916, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Tiffany said that while it wouldn't be possible to conserve all of the shorelines along the Great Lakes, the area containing the Apostle Islands has something "special" about it, from the shipwrecks to the lighthouses to the natural beauty.

"I think the Apostle Islands is just truly one of those unique places that deserves that designation," he said.

The Apostle Island National Lakeshore was designated in 1970, and consists of a collection of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland, according to the National Park Service. A popular destination for camping, the area is also known for activities such as sailing and scuba diving, in addition to miles of hiking trails and fishing spots.

The Madeline Island Ferry carries visitors from La Pointe and Bayfield to Madeline Island, a 25-minute ride that boasts views of Lake Superior and several of the islands.

Other Wisconsin areas with national designations include the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, designated in 2023 after years of work from state volunteers and enthusiasts, the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on Twitter at @SchulteLaura.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, Lake Superior could become national park
Oklahoma on Wednesday released guidance to school districts on how to add the Bible into lessons plans, a move that the state mandated last month.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters wrote in the guidance that teachers should focus on the Bibles historical, literary, artistic and musical influences.

The radical leftist mob has tried to rewrite history in Oklahoma, Walters told The Washington Examiner, which first obtained the new guidelines. It stops today, and Oklahoma schools will refocus our kids education so they know the value of the bible in its historical context. The woke radicals will not like it. They will not believe it. However, they will teach it in Oklahoma.

The guidance focused on how the Bible impacted Western civilization and how it should be introduced for different age groups.

For high school, ethical and philosophical discussions are allowed, while fifth graders are looking at narrative elements and literary devices in regards to biblical text and context.

The Bible is indispensable in understanding the development of Western civilization and American history, said Walters. 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 said the guidance is mandatory despite some teachers vowing not to include the Bible in their lesson plans.

The letter does include a section on legality and how to teach the Bible in what it calls a religion-neutral way, adding that teachers need to be inclusive of students with other beliefs.

By not promoting any religious beliefs, these guidelines ensure that the curriculum remains inclusive and respectful of all backgrounds and beliefs. The focus remains firmly on the educational and secular benefits of literacy and background knowledge rather than religious indoctrination, the guidance said.

The mandate is still likely to be challenged in court as opponents argue it is a flagrant violation of the separation of church and state.

The goal of all of these strategies is to assert Christian favor and privilege in America and to fight democracys steady march towards equality for all. Its very much a backlash to all the progress that our society has made in recent times towards LGBTQ equality, towards womens equality, towards racial equality and Black and brown equality, Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, previously told The Hill.

The guidance comes after Oklahoma tried to implement the nations first religious charter school, which was struck down, and as Louisiana has mandated posters of the Ten Commandments in all classrooms, a move that is on pause while it is being challenged in court.

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A woman accused of receiving nearly $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds after fraudulently claiming an affiliation with Flying Pizza has pleaded guilty.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Woman claims connection to local pizza chain to allegedly steal nearly $2M in COVID relief funds

Lorie Schaefer, 63, pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office Southern District of Ohio.

As part of the plea, she agreed to forfeit over $2 million in cash and property, including real estate she purchased in Westerville with the loan.

As News Center 7 reported back in March, Schaefer was one of two women federally charged after being accused of stealing nearly $3 million in Covid relief funds.

Schaefer fraudulently claimed an affiliation with Flying Pizza, which has locations in Dayton, Centerville, and Fairborn.

She reportedly opened a new bank account in December 2020 before registering a fake business name with the state the following March. She claimed the business was established in March 2021 despite the original Flying Pizza being established in 1984.

When they were notified that a PPP loan for nearly $1.9 million was filed in their business name, those at the family-owned business said that their restaurants couldnt justify such a large loan.

Bank records indicate Schaefer improperly used PPP funds for personal expenses, including liposuction and a newborn baby gift. She also allegedly used over $900,000 to buy and renovate a condominium.

Schaefer could face a maximum of 20 years for wire fraud and up to 10 years for money laundering, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  Multiple law enforcement agencies were part of a chase that began in West Des Moines and ended in Altoona Thursday morning after police say a woman stole a police car.

Sgt. Dan Wade, the Public Information Officer for the West Des Moines Police Department, said the incident began around 2:00 a.m. when an officer responded to the area of S. 60th and Village View Drive on a mental health call. While trying to assist an adult woman at the location, Sgt. Wade said she slipped into the police car and drove away.

Iowa State Patrol names pedestrian who died after being hit by teen driver

Police were able to track the car using GPS as the woman went east on Mills Civic Parkway, then north on I-35/80. The top speed of the chase was clocked at 125 miles per hour said Sgt. Wade. Near 86th Street on I-80 stop sticks were used to try to disable the vehicle.

The vehicle exited I-80 in Altoona and came to rest at the intersection of Highway 65 and 8th Street, where law enforcement was able to take the driver into custody. The chase lasted about 20 minutes.

Sgt. Wade said the driver has been hospitalized to receive the mental health treatment she needs but will face charges upon her release.

One other responding law enforcement vehicle had minor damage from the incident, but no bystanders were injured or involved.

The Iowa State Patrol, Urbandale Police Department, Polk County Sheriffs Office, and Altoona Police Department assisted the West Des Moines Police Department in the pursuit and arrest.

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Woman missing in Tulare, vehicle located in Morro Bay, police say

TULARE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A woman was reported missing in Tulare while her vehicle was found in another city, the Tulare Police Department said.

Officers said on Wednesday they are looking into 49-year-old Tiffany McClures disappearance. She was described as a 5-foot-8-inch woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Police say her vehicle was found in Morro Bay, California. Her vehicle was parked legally in a residential area and no foul play is suspected at this time.

The Morro Bay Police Department has been contacted and made aware of the missing person report and is assisting in locating her.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Leonel Alvarez at 559-685-2300 ext. 2149 or Morro Bay Police Department at 805-781-4550.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Women and Group of Teens Help Men Whose Boat Exploded on Lake Michigan: 'So Impressed with These Kids'

Both men have been released from the hospital, authorities tell PEOPLE

Tow Boat US Scene from a boat explosion in Lake Michigan on July 23, 2024

Two women and a group of 13-year-olds helped rescue two men after their boat exploded and caught fire on Lake Michigan this week.

According to a news release, The Lake County Sheriffs Marine Unit responded to a report on Tuesday, July 23, that two people were hurt following a boat explosion in the lake.

The deputies arrived at the scene and found a 25-foot fiberglass hull powerboat on fire, authorities added.

Sheriffs Marine Unit Deputies responded to North Point Marina and launched their Lake Michigan Patrol Boat, officials said. Prior to their arrival, a good Samaritan transported the two occupants of the boat, a 46-year-old man of Washington and a 55-year-old man of Franklin Park, to shore.

Tow Boat US Scene from a boat explosion on Lake Michigan July 23, 2024

Tonia Logan told CBS affiliate WBBM that she took seven 13-year-old kids on her pontoon boat when they saw the explosion and the two men in the water.

Logan told her fellow passengers to put on their life jackets as she directed the pontoon to the scene of the explosion to offer help.

"We see [the two men] in the water, and we can see they are severely injured  definite burns  but we did not know anything else, Logan, who called 911, recalled to WBBM. They were floating on a piece of board, and we didn't know how else their injuries, or the extent of their injuries. They were in shock, and in a lot of pain, a ton of pain."

Related: U.S. Coast Guard Rescues 2 Children and 3 Adults 'Clinging Onto' Capsized Boat in Florida

Logan and her crew tended to the injured men after they were able to climb into the pontoon.

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.

Speaking with WGN-TV, Cindy Owen, another pontoon passenger, said that one of the injured men told her that they had just filled their fiberglass boat with 40 gallons of gas before the explosion.

Related: Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Rescued by U.S. Coast Guard: 'No Power, No Radio, No Anchor, No Nothin'

They were actually wearing life jackets, and they were holding on to a piece of their boat, said Cindy Owen, per the outlet. Tonia got the boat really close to them, and then they just swam up to our ladder and climbed aboard.

The unoccupied boat sank in the waters after it burned for 90 minutes, authorities said, noting that the two men were later taken to the hospital in serious condition. The Lake County Sheriffs Office tells PEOPLE that both have since been released.

The Illinois Conservation Police are investigating the incident, authorities said.

Tonia shared with WBBM that she was "so impressed with these kids" and is "thankful to God that we were there and able to help."



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Womens health care in Oklahoma ranked one of the worst in the nation

An obstetrician performs an ultrasound on a pregnant woman at the hospital. (Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished without a Getty subscription.)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Oklahoma ranked among the worst states in the United States for womens health and reproductive care, according to a new national health scorecard.

Ranked at 48, only Texas and Mississippi performed worse.

The states most recent maternal mortality rate is 31.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, above the national average of 26.3 deaths, according to the Commonwealth Fund analysis. When it comes to coverage, access and affordability of health care for women in Oklahoma, the state ranked 45th using 2022 data.

David Radley, a senior scientist with the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation supporting independent health care research, said the data reflects a time beyond the larger effects of COVID-19 and includes the beginning of strict abortion bans in states like Oklahoma.

When I looked through the data for Oklahoma, the takeaway is that it really comes down to (health care) access issues, Radley said.

He said that because Oklahoma passed Medicaid expansion in 2021, access and affordability to health care for women could improve over time as more Oklahomans are insured.

A study from the March of Dimes revealed that over half of Oklahomas counties are considered health care deserts. Only 21 have full access to health care, meaning the county has at least two obstetric providers or more than 60 hospitals or birth centers offering obstetric care for every 10,000 births.

The same study found that while the average distance to a birthing hospital is about 11 miles, travel can reach up to 60 miles. For Oklahomans in urban or metropolitan areas, the average distance is about 10 miles, while in rural areas the average grows to 16 miles.

But the average distance to reach maternity care is 30 miles for Oklahomans living in a health care desert.

Radley said providers and medical students need to be incentivized to live and work in rural communities. Incentives could include student loan forgiveness programs or training medical professionals in the area to expand their skills to be able to serve entire communities.

Geography is only one barrier to accessing health care, cost is another.

The Commonwealth Fund reported that 23% of women of child-bearing age did not go to a doctor when they needed care due to cost.

Women in Oklahoma reported not being able to go to the doctor because they couldnt afford it. Skipping care when they needed it because they couldnt afford it, Radley said.

A catastrophic lack of providers

The barriers of cost and distance are only exacerbated by the lack of providers in Oklahoma.

A study from the Association of American Medical Colleges revealed that for the second year in a row, students graduating from U.S. medical schools were less likely to apply for residency positions in states with abortion bans.

Mary Gowin, director of primary care health policy at the University of Oklahomas Health Sciences Center, said that while shes not aware of studies using Oklahoma data, shes heard anecdotal reports of students being more selective in their residency programs.

Ive been working in this role in mentoring medical students, Gowin said. So I do think that policy plays a role in every medical students decision for residency, and especially if policies within that state dont align with their personal beliefs.

Gowin called the current ratio of providers to patients catastrophic. She said there are about 11,000 patients for every OB-GYN in the state.

She said there are many ways to improve the current situation, but it all comes down to money.

The next step is to start to intervene, Gowin said. One of the best ways our Legislature could do that is to dedicate funds to addressing this. You know, it all boils down to money, usually.

She suggested that some money be aimed toward funding more residencies for medical students in Oklahoma, helping to address the lack of providers in the state.

Sixty percent of the counties here in Oklahoma do not have a practicing OB-GYN, Gowin said. So we really aim to not only train a workforce, but to train a workforce that wants to go into practice in tribal, rural or medically underserved areas because we know that geographically we need that.

With a lack of OB-GYN providers, the responsibility of womens health care often falls to primary care providers and family doctors. Gowin said that the University of Oklahoma trains residents to provide these kinds of services so their health care practices are able to care for whole communities.

Legislators attempt to tackle problem

This past session, legislators passed two laws that attempt to address the issue. Both were approved by the governor.

Senate Bill 1739 removes requirements for birthing centers to be licensed. Instead they would need to be accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers. House Bill 2152 requires maternal deaths to be reported within 72 hours of birth and investigated.

Chad Smith, chair of the Oklahoma Maternal Mortality Review Committee, said that reviewing maternal deaths will be beneficial in understanding what went wrong. Reviewing the deaths is one of the responsibilities of the review committee he chairs.

I definitely think the quicker we can review maternal death and learn from it, the better. We are a few years behind in the Oklahoma maternal mortality review committee, but were catching up really fast, Smith said.

But he said that funding is what would make a difference.

Theres been some funding, but really I would say we would benefit from more specific funding aimed and targeted around maternal health in the state of Oklahoma, Smith said.

He said that there are still positive things going on in the state when it comes to womens health care.

Its not for lack of good care in the state of Oklahoma, Smith said. Its more of a lack of enough good care, and I would say all that contributes to some of the challenges that we see.

Gowin emphasized the importance of focusing research and funding on womens health. She said high infant and maternal mortality rates say something larger about the health of the nation.

If you look at the history of medicine in general, the female body has always almost been seen as the inverse of the male body, Gowin said. So, I think we owe it to our population that were responsible for caring for to ensure that research and data is telling the full story of health.

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Why is womens healthcare in a perilous place? Take a look at the Florida rankings

Florida, with high numbers of uninsured and the lofty cost of care, ranks among the worst states in the country for womens health, according to a new national report.

The Commonwealth Fund, a healthcare research nonprofit, ranked Florida 39th overall for womens health and reproductive care in its 2024 scorecard, making it one of the bottom-performing states in the country.

Womens health in the U.S. is in a fragile spot, said David Radley, a senior scientist and public health expert at the Commonwealth Fund who helped write the report. Its true nationally and its true in Florida.

The Commonwealth Fund used public data from 2021 and 2022 to compile the report, including government-surveys, vital statistics and mortality data.

Floridas low rank was driven primarily by issues of healthcare cost and accessibility, according to the report.

Women are not getting the healthcare that they need due to affordability issues, due to access issues, due to transportation issues, said Viviana Alvarado Pacheco, senior research and policy manager at The Womens Fund Miami-Dade, a nonprofit advocacy group. Florida as a state has to really step up its game.

The report noted Floridas decision not to expand Medicaid, the state and federal health coverage program for people with low incomes, as a possible reason why the state is struggling with healthcare access and affordability issues for women. It also explicitly mentions the states six-week abortion ban as a possible constraint on womens healthcare.

MORE: Is your mammogram wrong? Miami hospital ordered by FDA to halt service over concerns

But there are some bright spots among Floridas struggles, including the states work screening for HIV and certain cancers.

So what exactly is driving Floridas low ranking? Heres what the report tells us:

Why is Florida ranked so low for womens healthcare?

The scorecard breaks womens healthcare into three categories: health outcomes, coverage access and affordability, and healthcare quality. Floridas healthcare system struggles across all of them.

The state ranked 25th in healthcare outcomes, such as breast and cervical cancer death rates, about the national average. But Florida ranked 37th in healthcare quality and 48th in access and affordability.

Several factors are bringing down Floridas access and affordability ranking:

 14% of women 19 to 64 dont have health insurance in Florida, compared to the national average of 10%. That puts Florida in the bottom five states.

 22% of women in Florida reported a time in the previous year that they needed to see a doctor but didnt because it was too expensive. The national average is 17%.

 29% of women in the state said they did not have a person who they considered to be their personal healthcare provider, compared to the national average of 23%.

This means that women in Florida dont necessarily have a doctor that they can call when they get sick. Thats going to make it harder to access healthcare when they need it, Radley said. Its a big problem.

In addition, Florida ranked last in terms of early prenatal care for pregnant women, reporting the highest percentage in the country of women who received no prenatal care in the first three months of their pregnancy.

Healthcare is not affordable in Miami-Dade, said Alvarado Pacheco, and it causes extreme harm to women.

Florida ranks at number 39 out of all the states and DC, according to The Commonwealth Funds 2024 State Scorecard on Womens Health and Reproductive Care.

Any positives for womens healthcare in Florida?

Its not all bad news for womens healthcare in the Sunshine State.

Only 19% of Florida women reported having more than 14 poor mental health days in the past month, compared to the national average of 21%.

Cancer screening was another bright spot, with 78% of women ages 50 to 74 reporting having had a mammogram in the last two years, and 83% of women 21 to 65 reporting having had a pap smear within the past three years. Both of these percentages were slightly higher than the national average.

In addition, Florida had one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS testing in the country, with 54% of women saying they had been tested in their lifetime, compared to the national average of 44%.

These numbers show that we are able to do well, Alvarado Pacheco said.

We are doing things right in some areas, she said, yet in others, we could do better.

MORE: Midwives on wheels? Pregnancy clinic goes mobile to bring services to Miami neighborhood

Who created this scorecard and how did they do it?

The Commonwealth Fund, founded in 1918, supports independent research on health care issues and gives grants to improve health care practice and policy, according to its website.

To create the scorecard, the Fund identified 32 separate indicators that span health care system performance, and evaluated each state according to these metrics.

These metrics included infant and maternal mortality, rates of insurance, and receipt of preventive care.

What does the report say about the rest of the country?

Massachusetts ranked No. 1 for womens healthcare by the scorecard. Mississippi ranked last.

The report says that womens healthcare is in a perilous place across the country, citing a nationwide rise in preventable deaths and large care inequities, especially for Black and Indigenous women.

These healthcare issues are partially the result of government policy, according to the report. The report mentions the decision, made by Florida and other states, not to expand Medicaid benefits as a policy thats harming womens access to healthcare.

Abortion restrictions, like the six-week ban in Florida, can also weaken womens healthcare, according to David Radley, who co-wrote the report.

One of the best ways to think about this is in terms of the potential impact on the healthcare workforce, Radley said. There was a big drop in 2023 and in 2024 in the share of medical students who were applying to residencies, specifically in states that banned abortion.

Radley said if that trend continues, it could lead to a smaller maternal care workforce in states with abortion restrictions such as Florida. Thats going to potentially be a problem, he said.

Alvarado Pachecho says that she is already seeing harm from abortion restrictions play out in Florida.

Youre seeing less OB-GYNs in the state, she said. Youre seeing more healthcare deserts, so women dont even have places where they can go.

For some female patients, an OB-GYN can be a portal to overall healthcare, identifying issues that need medical attention from other doctors.

Floridas six-week abortion ban, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, went into effect in April. Florida voters will have a chance to keep it or scale back the ban by voting on a ballot initiative in November.
Pharmacist Cindy Dinger checks out tourist Will Lovitt after giving him advice on treating a mysterious rash he developed while visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota. (Arielle Zionts/KFF Health News)

Pharmacist Cindy Dinger checks out tourist Will Lovitt after giving him advice on treating a mysterious rash he developed while visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota. (Arielle Zionts/KFF Health News)

WALL  Stacey Schulz parks in a rear lot to avoid the crowded Main Street entrances to her local pharmacy.

During the summer, its kind of hectic, she said after greeting the pharmacist and technician by name.

Thats because Schulzs pharmacy is tucked inside Wall Drug, a tourist attraction that takes up almost an entire block and draws more than 2 million visitors a year to a community of fewer than 700 residents.

The business is named after the town of Wall, which is just off Interstate 90 near Badlands National Park. Colorful, hand-painted billboards dot the roadside for hundreds of miles, telling motorists how far they are from Wall Drugs free ice water, 5-cent coffee, and homemade doughnuts. Visitors can pan for gold, listen to singing animatronic cowboys, try on Western wear, and shop for souvenirs, including plush jackalopes  mythical jackrabbits with antelope horns.

Despite being part of a booming tourist attraction, Wall Drugs pharmacy faces challenges common to independent rural pharmacies.

Its the lone pharmacy in Wall, serving locals year-round. Some, like Schulz, live in town, while others live on ranches as far as 60 miles away. The next-nearest pharmacy is a 30-minute drive northeast.

Wall Drug also serves tourists who forget their prescriptions at home, get sick while roaming the country in their RVs, or hurt themselves while hiking through the otherworldly rock formations of the scorching Badlands, said Cindy Dinger, its sole pharmacist.

Pharmacist Cindy Dinger says her corner of the store would struggle without the rest of Wall Drug. All this stuff around us  the poster and print shop, the boot shop, the fudge shop, the cafe  they pay our bills," she says. (Arielle Zionts/KFF Health News)

Wall has no hospital, but a clinic is open four days a week. Schulz, a medical assistant there, said she and her co-workers see a lot of summer tourists. They send them to Wall Drug to pick up prescriptions.

And then we tell them to get fudge before they leave, Schulz said.

Rural pharmacies, especially independent ones, closed at a higher rate from 2003 to 2021 than pharmacies in other areas, according to a study by the Rural Policy Research Institute. By 2021, the institute found, nearly 8% of rural counties were left with no pharmacy. The Wall Drug pharmacy has fewer customers than a typical city pharmacy, which can mean less profit, Dinger said.

She said some of its prices are higher because the store cant negotiate discounts as steep as the deals suppliers grant chain pharmacies. Rural drugstores also lack leverage with insurers, and they face increasing competition from mail-order pharmacies.

Another challenge is staffing. When Dinger needs time off, she finds a fill-in from Rapid City, nearly an hours drive away.

Its a challenge getting relief if I want to go on vacation or if I need a cover so that I can go to a doctors appointment, she said. You take what you can get and try to schedule around it.

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Dinger said her pharmacy would struggle without the rest of Wall Drug.

All this stuff around us  the poster and print shop, the boot shop, the fudge shop, the cafe  they pay our bills, she said.

The pharmacys white facade, with stained-glass signs and windows, is modeled after that of the original drugstore, which was across the street. The window displays and top shelves inside the store are filled with vintage pharmacy supplies, including manuals, glass medicine bottles, and a suppository-making machine.

Tourists carrying shopping bags and sporting new cowboy hats stop to look at the displays. Its a real pharmacy, a woman said, sounding surprised.

Dinger and Sylvia Smith, the stores only pharmacy tech, ring customers up below a Tiffany-style light fixture and retrieve prescriptions stored behind a wooden desk and wall.

Wall Drugs pharmacy, across from its chapel and sandwiched between the fudge and rockhound shops along Cowboy Alley," takes up less than 1% of the space within the 76,000-square-foot tourist attraction in South Dakota. (Arielle Zionts/KFF Health News)

Customer Will Lovitt said a friend advised him and his wife to stop at Wall Drug during their drive from Indiana to the Black Hills in western South Dakota. Lovitt developed a rash on the trip and ended up using the visit to get Dingers advice on treating it.

He said it can be difficult for tourists to know where to find medical help, especially when driving through rural states like South Dakota.

I think its time that America gets back to the grass roots of the small-town doctor and the small-town pharmacist, Lovitt said.

Alex Davis and a friend decided to visit Wall Drug on their road trip from Kansas to Yellowstone National Park.

Then, when I saw there was a little pharmacy, I thought Id grab something that I needed, she said.

Davis bought Dramamine to treat car sickness on the long drive.

Dinger said she occasionally sees unusual situations, like the time several years ago when a park ranger needed antibiotics after getting bitten by a prairie dog.

You never know what kind of diseases they might be carrying, she said of the animals, which recently were hit with an outbreak of plague.

Rick Hustead is the chairman of Wall Drug. The store was opened in 1931 by his grandfather, pharmacist Ted Hustead. Teds wife, Dorothy, had the idea to advertise its soda fountain and free ice water to tourists traveling along unpaved roads during the hot years of the Dust Bowl era. Ricks father, pharmacist Bill Hustead, began expanding the store in the 50s, turning it into the tourist magnet it is today.

Rick Hustead, chairman of Wall Drug, works the restaurant counter when things get busy. Hustead, whose grandfather opened the store in 1931, says he'd never close the pharmacy, even though its not the main attraction. We can't be Wall Drug without being a drugstore, he says. (Arielle Zionts/KFF Health News)

Rick Hustead didnt follow his father and grandfathers path to pharmacy school, so he had to recruit pharmacists from elsewhere.

Hustead found Dinger in 2010 after writing a letter to each pharmacist in the state.

Dinger said she was living at the time in Sioux Falls, South Dakotas most populous city. But she and her husband were interested in raising their kids in a small town, the way she grew up. Dinger was also attracted by the stores limited hours: Shed be done working by 5 p.m. on weekdays and have the weekends off.

Hustead said his family has never considered closing the pharmacy, even though its not the main attraction for most visitors.

We cant be Wall Drug without being a drugstore, he said.

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. Learn more about KFF.

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As Joe Bidens presidency enters its lame-duck phase, Americas adversaries are on an escalation course. On Wednesday, the US and Canada intercepted Russian Tu-95 and Chinese H-6 bombers in international airspace near Alaska. Concerningly, it was the first time Russian and Chinese jets were intercepted during a joint Arctic exercise.

The possibility of Russia and China carrying out a provocation of this kind was always there. In May 2019, then US secretary of state Mike Pompeo blasted Russias illegitimate claims in the Arctic and warned China against using its self-professed status as a near-Arctic power to muscle into the region. The Pentagons 2024 Arctic security report, which was published just two days before this escalation, warned of enhanced Sino-Russian cooperation in the Arctic and Russias potential to jam GPS satellites in the region.

But doubts about Bidens fitness to serve and perceptions of a leadership vacuum in the White House may be encouraging Russia and China to push the boundaries of US deterrence. And not just near Alaska, but in multiple theatres. Unchecked, it is in these kinds of circumstances that global conflicts can begin, by accident or design.

For Russias conventional and hybrid threats to US allies in Europe are intensifying by the day. Hours before the Alaska stand-off, the Romanian Defence Ministry announced the discovery of Russian kamikaze drone fragments near the town of Plauru. This drone attack was a spill-over from Russias assault on Ukraines Izmail port on Odesas Danube coast. In tandem with that announcement, French police arrested a 40-year-old Russian chef for conspiring with the FSB to destabilise the Paris Olympics.

Elsewhere, despite a shaky truce between China and the Philippines, Beijings maritime boundary revisionism in the South China Sea remains a potent threat. China recently suspended arms control talks with the US over Washingtons military support for Taiwan and continues to rapidly modernise its nuclear arsenal. Taiwans record-setting Han Kuang war games this year, which test its preparations for a Chinese invasion, could reignite cross-strait brinkmanship.

All this shows the US has fundamentally failed to deter these parallel track forms of aggression and been equally ineffective in restricting Sino-Russian cooperation. During his April 2024 trip to Beijing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of US punishments for Chinas continued support for Russian aggression in Ukraine. He highlighted Chinas supply of micro-electronics and machine tools that strengthen Russias defence-industrial base and warned that sanctions on over 100 Chinese entities were just the tip of the iceberg.

But the US threats produced only superficial successes. While from January to June 2024, Russia-China bilateral trade increased by 1.8 per cent instead of the 26.3 per cent growth that occurred during the first half of 2023, and Chinas selective stalling of Russian transactions led to a reduction in Chinese exports to Russia, since then, Xi Jinpings economic advisors trip to Moscow underlined that Russia-China economic cooperation has not been contained, with their strategic cooperation and manufacturing collaboration plans continuing at pace.

More worryingly, the Bering Sea drills, which forced this Alaska interception, are just the latest in a long string of provocative military exercises involving Russia and China. In mid-March, Russia, China, and Iran conducted maritime drills in the Gulf of Oman. During these exercises, Irans Shahid Soleimani corvette brandished anti-ship cruise missiles that the US has historically found hard to intercept. Chinas recent Eagle Assault anti-terrorism training exercise, which was conducted with Russias closest ally Belarus, simulated the capture of a Polish airport. A new military axis is coming together before our eyes and the US looks like a helpless bystander.

This passivity is more dangerous as Russia and China are on a war footing. Moscows victory in the Donetsk battleground of Urozhaine and near-triumph in the Chasiv Yar logistical hub reveal that its offensive plans in Ukraine are not slowing down. Britains new Chief of the General Staff Sir Roly Walker warned that, even if it loses in Ukraine, Russia will come back to get their revenge. Meanwhile, China is stockpiling vast quantities of agricultural resources, such as corn, wheat, and soy, as well as oil, copper, and steel. This points to preparations for a trade war with the US or, perhaps, a hot war in the Pacific.

History provides clues as to where Russian and Chinese disrespect for US redlines might lead us. Germanys 1914 invasion of Belgium stemmed from its false confidence that Britain would not risk a world war over Belgian neutrality. Japans 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour was premised on the assumption that the US would not commit its forces to a multi-year war in the Pacific theatre.

Bidens perceived weakness and Trumps unpredictability, if he wins, could encourage Americas adversaries to make similarly grave miscalculations. The risk of an accidental conflict in the lead-up to Novembers elections or in their aftermath requires careful mitigation. For otherwise the world could spiral into far more desperate scenarios, including the very worst imaginable: a new world war.

Dr Samuel Ramani is an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)

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People walk past a Heritage Foundation welcome sign for the Republican National Convention at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on July 12, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Project 2025 is one of the most pernicious plans for an American presidential administration ever conceived, not just for what it is but also for how it might be implemented.

Its far-right policy prescriptions could transform the federal government into a MAGA instrument of authoritarianism. Many of them are in fact familiar planks that have been recycled through decades of hardline conservative platforms. But in Project 2025 theyve taken on an America-First snarl and sweep, and they would be most destructive in the hands of an unscrupulous second Trump administration.

Equally alarming is that Project 2025s authors appear prepared to use violence to realize its vision.

We are in the process of the Second American revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be, warned Kevin Roberts, president of Project 2025 creator The Heritage Foundation, during an appearance this month on Real Americas Voices War Room.

Project 2025 includes a volume of policy goals more than 900 pages long known as the Mandate for Leadership. The document is the latest edition of the Mandate, which the organization first published in 1981 as a roadmap for the new Reagan administration. Heritage has updated it roughly every four years ever since. It was estimated that two-thirds of its recommendations were adopted in Reagans first year in office, and there is every reason to expect the latest version to guide former President Donald Trump, if he wins the November election, to a comparable extent.

This formidable legacy of influence can be traced back to a person whose name is well known to Coloradans: Coors.

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Joe Coors was the grandson of brewer Adolph Coors. Though his family is famous for building one of Colorados most successful business empires, Joe Coors most consequential efforts came in conservative politics. He hitched himself early to Reagan, having cast a vote for the future president as a Republican delegate from Colorado at the 1968 Republican National Convention.

Over the next several years, he was among a group of conservatives who saw the need for a right-wing think tank in Washington, D.C., and, with $250,000 in seed money from Coors, the Heritage Foundation was born in 1973. Coors, commonly called Heritages founder, provided the think tank an annual grant of $300,000 for years.

There wouldnt be a Heritage Foundation without Joe Coors, former Heritage president Edwin J. Feulner said.

Heritage was just one of many conservative Coors creations. He was instrumental in starting the Free Congress Foundation think tank, the Mountain States Legal Foundation law firm, and the Denver-based Independence Institute think tank.

He wasnt just a money man. The same policies pushed by Heritage in the original Mandate he would advocate through what The Guardian termed backstairs influence. Coors was a member of Reagans kitchen cabinet of advisors, and he engineered the appointment of a fellow Coloradan, Anne Gorsuch, mother of a future Supreme Court justice, as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, which she set out to dismantle from the inside.

The conservative movement simply would not exist in the form it does today without the profound influence of Joe Coors, the Wall Street Journal said in an obituary when Coors died at 85 in 2003.

One theme that threads through Heritage projects, and which could be the most malign quality of a second Trump administration, is a push to deconstruct the administrative state. This was a goal in the 1981 Mandate, and its a defining feature of the current plan. Project 2025 would impose a new Schedule F employment category to install Trump loyalists in tens of thousands of positions that otherwise are filled based on merit. Government agencies would be reprogrammed to serve the interests of the president, not the people, and where once professionals and experts worked for the public good now legions of toadies would carry out whatever authoritarian order came down from the Oval Office, however unconstitutional or corrupt. This is the main Heritage method for institutionalizing Trumpism.

There wouldn't be a Heritage Foundation without Joe Coors.

 Edwin J. Feulner, former Heritage Foundation president

Heritage agitates for the wholesale reduction of the federal government. The Department of Education should be completely restructured, Heritage said in 1981.

Today it says the department should be eliminated.

Several passages from the modern Mandate are of particular concern to Coloradans, especially in a section on the Department of the Interior. The section was written by Reagan administration veteran William Perry Pendley, an Evergreen resident who was Trumps acting director of the Bureau of Land Management and is a former president of the Mountain States Legal Foundation.

In general Pendley wants to see the government wring economic benefit out of public lands, primarily through fossil fuel extraction, and he would roll back the withdrawal of federal lands from mineral extraction in the Thompson Divide.

Under Trump, the BLM relocated its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Grand Junction, a move the Biden administration reversed. Pendley calls for the headquarters to be moved back West, and he lauds supposed advantages of the Grand Junction site.

Pendley suggests that the first national monument designated by Biden, the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument in Colorado, could be reduced  adjusted downward, in his parlance  under a new Trump administration, and he writes that the Antiquities Act of 1906, under which Biden made the designation, should be repealed.

Elsewhere, in a section on the Department of Transportation, the document implies that the Federal Railroad Administration is misspending money at the Transportation Technology Center, a federal testing and training facility in Pueblo, and suggests research funds should be pulled from the facility.

A section on the Department of Commerce calls for the federal government to break up and downsize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has a substantial presence and provides many jobs in Boulder. Project 2025 disdains NOAA as one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry and says its functions could be provided commercially, likely at lower cost and higher quality.

The larger goals of the Mandate are at least as much of a threat to Coloradans as to every other American. It would give more control to Trump over the Department of Justice, crack down on immigration, revoke federal approval of the abortion pill, and police women who seek out-of-state abortions. The authors envision a country where pornography is outlawed, Christian faith is elevated, and the traditional family unit is at the center of American life.

Marriage. Family. Work. Church. School. Volunteering. Those are the building blocks of any healthy society, Roberts tells us in the foreword.

In The Coors Connection, a 1988 book about how the Coors familys philanthropic products, such as The Heritage Foundation, undermines democratic pluralism, Russ Bellant wrote, The Coors family funds pro-family organizations which advocate maintaining a rigid social order in the midst of a society experiencing rapid change. They support groups which lament the breakdown of what is called the traditional American family, where the mother raises the children and the father earns their living  The Coors family funds organizations which believe in Christian, segregated schools, and it has supported groups that have called for the abolition of American democracy and the establishment of a theocratic state.

The goals of the American far-right havent changed much, but in Trump it might have found its most effective vehicle yet. Joe Coors no doubt would have been very pleased.

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WYTHE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  A drought warning advisory has been declared for Wythe County by Wythe County and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

On Tuesday, July 23, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors said it authorized County Administrator Stephen Bear to place the County under a Drought Warning advisory in response to the DEQ.

The DEQ said the decision was based on new record low precipitation levels across the Commonwealth in June and July and hoped to increase awareness with the advisory.

A water ordinance adopted by Wythe County in 2010 requests residents to voluntarily conserve water when there is imminent onset of a significant drought.

Tornado confirmed in Halifax County, National Weather Service says

Residents may consider the following steps to conserve resources during this time:

Refrain from outdoor water usage between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Reduce turf watering.

Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.

Reduce vehicle washing.  Use bucket watering instead of hose watering when possible.

Turn off ornamental fountains.

Identify and repair leaks.

Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth, etc.

Reduce shower time or take baths with less water.

Only use the clothes washer and dishwasher when there are full loads.

Install water-saving devices in the home, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads.

County officials say staff will routinely review water level stages with the New River Regional Water Authority, and the Water Departments of the Town of Rural Retreat and the Town of Wytheville and seek further guidance from the DEQ.

WFXR News will continue to update you with more information as it is 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 WFXRtv.
The quarrel between Colorado Republican Party Chairman Dave Williams and a group of Republicans attempting to oust him from his position spilled over into local party politics this week when the El Paso County GOP's governing board voted to reprimand the party's second-in-command for spearheading the move to fire Williams, among other alleged "malicious acts."
This week a 10 year old girl was savagely attacked by an unregistered American Bully XL. Earlier this year, a grandmother was killed within her grandsons home  mauled to death by two unregistered American Bullies kept by her grandsons father. He later said he had once thought the ban was stupid, but now realised the dogs were dangerous  reflecting on what danger his son was in, he said Bullies should be wiped out.

Since the beginning of this year it has been illegal to breed, sell, trade or otherwise transfer ownership of Bully XLs. All Bullies are to be registered, neutered, as well as leashed and muzzled in public. The ban ensures that the breed does not continue in Britain  that we do not have to endure many more generations of a breed constructed from fighting stock and inbred repeatedly for greater sizes and strength.

A uniquely dangerous breed, responsible for the majority of deaths from dog attacks in the last few years, despite comprising well under 1 per cent of the total UK dog population. Around 60,000 XL Bullies were registered and thus permitted to be kept by owners, under these strict conditions. However, there are an unknown number of XL Bullies unregistered, in defiance of the ban.

The ban protects the public at large from the risk from American Bullies, requiring these disproportionately dangerous dogs to be kept on a leash and muzzled in public. We should not have to face a world in which a dog rampages through a city street, attacking a child and several adults  as we saw last year in Birmingham.

Owners of other dogs no longer have to face the threat of a Bully XL ripping apart their dog, nor do parents have to fear an attack in play-parks as we saw last summer. Indeed the majority of serious attacks since the ban have been within the home  a marked change from the pattern of attacks before the ban  showing that the public at large are now being protected from these inherently aggressive dogs.

As these more recent attacks show, however, the ban could never have protected those owners that have decided to keep their Bully XLs. This is not a risk I would advise, but it is a risk they have chosen to take. However, protecting the public requires that these owners follow the rules, and where they do not, that the ban is enforced.

Labour was the first political party in the UK to back the calls for a ban (before the last government announced they would enact it). The new Labour government, to give them credit, have been strong and consistent in their support. But more than simple support is needed.

If a member of the public sees an unmuzzled, unleashed Bully XL running through a playground (as I have in recent months)  they need to know who to contact, and how fast to expect a response. Police must be empowered to act, the Crown Prosecution Service must ensure convictions are brought, and successful prosecutions must be communicated clearly to the public  so those that do not abide by the ban are aware of the severity.

The ban must also be protected against the lobbying of major, misguided, charities and the legal actions of activists.

Currently, the RSPCA and Dogs Trust continue to oppose the ban. The RSPCA campaign continued even whilst their own RSPCA dog insurance refused to insure American Bullies. Though the Dogs Trust campaigned against a ban, after several attacks from rehomed Bullies, as well as attacks on staff within Dogs Trust rehoming centres, the Dogs Trust stopped rehoming Bully XLs months before the ban came in.

Simultaneously, grandstanding activists have launched a lengthy and costly judicial review, attempting to stop the ban. They continue to advocate for these dogs to be back on Britains streets. A Labour MP recently offered their support. Activists have taken steps such as smuggling XL Bullies into Scotland (before a ban was announced there)  several of these smuggled Bullies went on to commit serious attacks on Scottish residents. Similar exercises were carried out with Northern Ireland and Ireland. There has been a concerted effort from activists to confound, avoid or get around the ban, often with serious consequences for unsuspecting members of the public.

The government must resist the calls of activists, and misguided, hypocritical charities  they must instead enforce the ban and protect the public. Polls showed that the XL Bully ban was one of the most popular pieces of legislation brought in by the last Government  just 19 per cent of the UK said they opposed the XL Bully Ban  and is overwhelmingly supported by the public, who have had enough of an exceptionally dangerous breed attacking unprovoked and at random on our streets.

Finally, it must be said. The registration of Bully XLs does not protect owners from their own dogs; nor was the ban designed to do so. Sadly, horrifying attacks, such as that this year of one woman who was torn apart in her home by the two Bullies she had raised from puppies, will continue in the homes of those that choose to keep and register their dogs. In choosing to own a breed bred for violence, owners must face the consequences of the risk they take, but the public should not have to bear the brunt of this risk ever again.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Yale New Haven Hospital could face a $9,000 fine after it was accused of not properly handling and transferring nuclear materials used for cancer treatment.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed the fine after radiation alarms went off in December at a lead-disposal facility, according to the NRC. An unused vial of lutetium-177, used for targeted nuclear medicine therapy for tumors and cancer, was in an undamaged, lead transfer container. Several empty lead containers that had been contaminated with the substance were also found.

A Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection investigation tracked the containers back to the hospital.

In this case, there was a breakdown when it came to thoroughly checking the transfer containers for radiation prior to their removal from the hospital, Raymond Lorson, the region I administrator for the NRC, said in a written announcement. Ensuring NRC-licensed materials are properly handled is essential when it comes to protecting workers, the public and the environment.

Bristol plant wants OK to burn biomedical waste

A nuclear medicine technology didnt properly perform radiation checks before sending the containers to a disposal facility, according to the NRC. In response, the hospital has added new procedures and training.

Yale New Haven Hospital appreciates our partnership with the NRC and the opportunity to promptly rectify the matter noted by the NRC in its review, a hospital spokesperson said in a written statement to News 8. We are proud of our safe radiation program history and have taken steps to ensure that clear processes are in place for our employees. We remain committed to adhering to all NRC quality and safety programs.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A N.C. State Highway Patrol cruiser parked with lights on at the scene of a shooting in Yancey County where a suspect opened fire on tree workers and responding law enforcement.

A Yancey County man who opened fire on a group of tree service workers and the responding sheriff's deputies in the Murphytown area was arrested and charged overnight July 24.

A database for the Yancey County Detention Center shows Lucas Wilson Murphy, 36, was booked into the jail around 11 p.m. July 24 and charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury; two counts of assault with a deadly weapon intent to kill; and four counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm.

Murphy was previously brought to an area hospital for treatment of an injury he sustained in a shootout with Yancey County Sheriff deputies, who were responding to reports of an active shooter near Green Mountain.

A crew of contract workers were clearing the right of way off Murphytown Road when a suspect  later identified as Murphy  shot three of the tree service personnel, the Citizen Times previously reported. The Citizen Times received a statement from Asplundh, the subcontractor the crew works for, in response to questions.

"On Wednesday, July 24, our employees in western North Carolina were targeted by an active shooter during the course of their work. The safety and well-being of our employees is paramount to us, and we are doing everything we can to support them and their families at this time."

Previous reporting: Update: 3 tree service workers shot in Yancey County; officer-involved shooting of suspect

Law enforcement seen at the scene of a shooting in Yancey County July 24, where three tree service workers were shot.

The three crew members who were shot suffered serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment, a previous news release from the sheriff's office said.

Sheriff Shane Hilliard sent out a message of "heartfelt gratitude" late July 24 to Heritage EMS, out-of-county EMS departments, fire departments and other law enforcement agencies that responded.

"I want to start out by saying that my thoughts and prayers are with the Asplundh victims of todays shooting for a speedy recovery," Hilliard said on Facebook. "I am so proud of my incredible deputies and dispatchers! They did an awesome job responding and getting the situation under control quickly."

The Yancey County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the "serious incident" and additional information will be released as it becomes available. The Citizen Times has reached out to both agencies for more information.

Yancey County Emergency Management and N.C. State Highway Patrol also responded to the scene.

This story will be updated.

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Yancey County suspected shooter arrested, 9 charges of firearm assault
Lawmakers established the settlement fund to give victims seeking compensation for their abuse an alternative to a long and costly civil case. (Annmarie Timmins | New Hampshire Bulletin)

The state has paid or committed most of the $100 million lawmakers allotted in 2022 to settle abuse claims with former Youth Development Center residents. The administrator of that fund said he expects to see even more claims now that lawmakers have expanded the types of abuse eligible for settlement and extended the deadline to apply.

As of the end of June, the state had received 552 claims, 437 of them for cases involving physical and sexual abuse, according to a report issued Wednesday by John Broderick, administrator of the settlement fund.

Those 552 individuals requested a total of $551.6 million in settlements. The state, which must follow payment caps set by the Legislature, has settled 186 claims for $95.6 million, according to Brodericks report.

Lawmakers established the settlement fund to give victims seeking compensation for their abuse an alternative to a long and costly civil case. Brodericks report indicates that strategy has appealed to many. Of the 552 claims filed since January 2023, only about half began as lawsuits. That number is expected to grow with this years increase of the settlement caps and expansion of the types of abuse eligible for a settlement.

The two law firms representing the majority of victims, Nixon Peabody and Rilee & Associates, have said that with those changes, they will encourage clients to pursue settlement instead of a lawsuit. Lawmakers added $60 million to the settlement fund this year in anticipation of an increase in claims.
(Bloomberg) -- Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen issued a warning over the risk of the US withdrawing from international engagement after the November election, and praised Vice President Kamala Harris as someone who appreciates American global leadership.

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Harris deeply understands whats necessary, and why its important, to restore US leadership on the global stage, Yellen said at a press conference Thursday in Rio de Janeiro, where finance ministers from Group of 20 nations have gathered to discuss a range of global issues.

While the Treasury secretary cannot by law engage in direct election campaigning, Yellen offered her praise of Harris days after she became the presumptive Democratic nominee in the wake of President Joe Biden announcing his withdrawal from the race. Former President Donald Trump has staked out a starkly different international agenda than the current administration, raising questions about the level of engagement should the Republican win.

Vice President Harris clearly, deeply understands whats needed to make sure that families in America can thrive and can get ahead, Yellen said in what bordered on an endorsement  even as she cited the Hatch Act that applies to executive branch officials and electioneering.

Asked how concerned she was over the possibility the next US administration may take an isolationist turn and abandon the policies she has pursued as Treasury chief, Yellen said global cooperation was deeply in the interest of Americans.

The policies shes championed  including a global corporate tax deal and high-level engagement with China  are important to the success of the global economy and to Americas strength and position within it, she said.

Yellen emphasized the US condemnation of and sanctions against Russia, a posture that could change drastically should Trump win the White House.

Most Americans of both parties recognize that allowing Russia to trample the independence and sovereignty of a country that has done nothing to provoke an attack is something that threatens not only Ukraine, but threatens Europe and our own security, she said.

--With assistance from Viktoria Dendrinou.

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Yes-man JD Vance dangerous

Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance offers a host of additional reasons not to vote for Donald Trump Nov. 5.

Vance has used celebrity and a total about-face with regard to former president Donald Trumps fitness to lead this country for political gain. He once referred to himself as a never Trump guy and stated he did not like Trump. He called him an idiot and Americas Hitler.

A good president takes lessons from history and surrounds himself with advisers who have the wisdom and the backbone to tell him the truth for the good of the country.

Vance is no "hillbilly" Papaw played banjo in the holler. I know hillbillies. Vance didn't tell Appalachia's story.

In his last term, Trump had a series of such men and women that he ultimately got rid of. This time he is surrounding himself with only yes-men like Vance.

If for any reason Trump cannot fulfill his duties as president, we have the specter of a man with little governmental experience, little leadership experience and no experience in foreign policy taking over.

Is a potential Pres. Vance OK? JD Vance may be president. Is he even qualified?

Can our democracy risk another Trump presidency, this time supported by a political neophyte yes-man, whose only guiding principal is to flip-flop with the way the wind is blowing?

Joe Barmess, Pataskala

Former President Donald Trump appears with U.S. Senator JD Vance outside Wright Bros. Aero Inc at the Dayton International Airport on March 16, 2024 in Dayton, Ohio.

There were attempts on Hitler's life too

This letter is addressed to all of the evangelical Donald Trump cultists that say this attempted assassination attempt proves that Trump has a mandate from God.

Think again, if that be possible.

For example, here is a fact: Adolph Hitler was the target of no less then 42 assassination plots, six of which came pretty close to the mark.

Now, by your logic, that means Adolf Hitler must have been blessed and had a mandate from God to rule.

If you believe this, you are no better than the delusional Nazis who supported Hitler. If anything, Trump is more a leading candidate for antichrist than one of God's chosen.

Lee Gerhardstein, Westerville

Where were the tears for Jan. 6 dead?

During the RNC nomination acceptance speech by former President Donald Trump, the recognition of firefighter Corey Comperatore was appropriate. His death was a terrible thing.

However, where was an effigy of Jeffrey L. Smith, a Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police officer who died in the line of duty defending the U.S. Capitol, Mike Pence and other lawmakers against the Jan. 6 rioters incited by Trumps encouraging rhetoric?

Trumps use of the tragic death of Comperatore, through sanctimonious, self-serving and one-sided political theater for self-promotion, was unseemly.

How many teary-eyed MAGA supporters sent financial support checks to Smiths family and to the 174 other officers injured, some seriously, caused during the insurrection?

David Guza, Powell

Hulk Hogan, professional entertainer and wrestler, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024. The final day of the RNC featured a keynote address by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

I believe the idolators

Trump Republicans, conservatives and idolators are willing to say publicly that Donald Trump is the best presidential candidate the GOP can find.

I do not call them stupid. I do not call them immoral. I do not call them gullible.

I simply say I believe them. Do not call me rude.

With apologies to Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight David Eisenhower, I believe them.

Robert K. Downey, Columbus

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Neither Trump nor JD Vance are fit to be president. Be warned.
YFN Lucci has been pushing for a commuted sentence, and District Attorney Fani Willis has no objection to the idea.

On Tuesday (July 23), WSB-TV obtained a copy of Fulton County DA Fani Willis letter to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles supporting a potential early release for the rapper. The Atlanta artists criminal defense attorney, Drew Findling, spoke to the news outlet about the groundbreaking move from Willis. The District Attorney of Fulton County did the unorthodox, Findling expressed. That letter from the district attorney is a powerful punch and is really at the heart of the letter and supporting documents and the memorandum that we have shared with the parole board.

Findling stated that he and his team are attempting to get the rapper, ne Rayshawn Bennett, home early. However, the artists criminal defense attorney explained that Bennett may not be officially released until January 2025.

DA Willis letter was originally penned in June. The DAs missive states that the State doesnt object to Bennett being released from corrections when he is eligible for parole or after serving one-third of his prison sentence, whichever comes first. But, there are conditions the artist must follow.

EXCLUSIVE: Surveillance video captured the 2020 deadly shootout involving YFN Lucci. Lucci, whose real name is Rayshawn Bennett, was initially facing a murder charge as part of a RICO gang indictment. @wsbtv https://t.co/AyvHywOrRC  Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) July 23, 2024

This recommendation by the State is conditioned upon the Defendants compliance with the lawful authority of all Department of Corrections personnel and having had no incidents of any kind in any facility in which he has been housed while in the custody of the Department of Corrections, the letter reads. Attached to this letter is a file-stamped copy of the Defendants Final Disposition. Should any of the Board Members have questions regarding the States recommendation, please feel free to contact my office anytime.

YFN Lucci was arrested in January 2021 for his role as the driver in a deadly Atlanta shooting. This January, Rayshawn Bennett pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Street Gang and Terrorism Prevention Act. He was given a 20-year sentence and was expected to serve half of that sentence in custody. That same month it was reported that the rapper had managed to strike a plea deal allowing him to serve 3.5 months in jail and be released to serve the rest on probation. As per the Associated Press, the plea deal will allow him to get back to his children, family and career.

Additionally, a clip of the shooting emerged online on Tuesday (July 23). WSB-TV shared the surveillance footage showing what went down during that deadly 2020 shooting.

Footage shows a white vehicle driving slowly past a couple of men, with one of them cleaning their car. An unknown person then fires a gun from the white vehicle, aiming it at the men down the street. YFN Lucci, who was deemed the alleged driver in the shooting, wasnt seen in the newly released video.

Heres a link to the video : pic.twitter.com/kfsSf8diEI  Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) July 23, 2024

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In response to the recent devastating fire at Tollbooth Antiques in Columbia, which left more than 50 vendors with damaged and lost products and displaced inventory, several local businesses are offering a helping hand to the vendors.

Storage Sense in Columbia is offering three months of free storage to vendors with damaged or displaced inventory.

Managed by Storage Asset Management (SAM), a full-service self-storage property management company based in York, Storage Sense is located at 320 N 2nd Street in Columbia, Pennsylvania.

Storage Sense in Columbia is offering three months of free storage to vendors with damaged or displaced inventory.

More: Cause of massive York warehouse fire could take time because of destruction: fire chief

"Our compassion is with vendors dealing with the aftermath. Allow our neighboring self-storage facility to safeguard your inventory during repairs," said Alyssa Quill, CEO of SAM.

To inquire about free storage space, vendors can call Storage Sense at (717) 684-0373. The offer applies to vendors renting new units and is subject to availability.

More: Firefighters from York County help to battle inferno at Tollbooth Antiques in Columbia

New York Wire Works also lends a hand

The New York Wire Works building offering artist studios, office suites, retail spaces and more in York, also expressed its condolences to those displaced following the recent warehouse fires.

In a Facebook post, the company offered to support those affected in an attempt to help small business owners get back on their feet.

New York Wire Works at 441 East market Street in York.

"We offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone who was displaced in the recent series of warehouse fires in York County and would like to offer our support to help those affected get back on their feet again. We have numerous large-scale spaces, from 5,000 square feet to 36,000 square feet, and for any business that has lost their space in the recent fires, we would like to offer three free months rent to qualified applicants, here at New York Wire Works," the Facebook post read.

To reach out and find out more information, interested business owners can email leasing@newyorkwireworks.com.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: York County businesses help vendors after Tollbooth Antiques fire
LANCASTER  Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is suing a local contractor accused of pocketing almost $11,000 in payments from three consumers but not completing the work.

The lawsuit  filed in Fairfield County Common Pleas Court against Jeff Grimes, of Bremen, and his company, In and Out Creations  cites violations of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Home Solicitation Sales Act.

Its simple, do the work you say youre going to do, Yost said in a news release. Ohio consumers deserve to receive the services they pay for.

Three consumers have filed complaints, reporting combined losses of $10,996, according to the news release.

The lawsuit seeks restitution for the victims, civil penalties and an injunction to prevent Grimes and his business from continuing to violate the law or do business until restitution is paid.

Ohio residents who believe they have been victimized by Grimes or otherwise suspect unfair and deceptive business dealings are encouraged to contact the Attorney General's Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Yost sues Bremen contractor accused of taking $11K from consumers
Three years after La Plata Communities proposed the sprawling Amara development to be built on thousands of acres of land on its way to being annexed into Colorado Springs, developers on Wednesday celebrated the City Councils decision to welcome the master planned community into city boundaries.

Its got us all charged up and excited about getting the project started. ... Were glad we have the opportunity to build another great community in Colorado Springs. We know Amara is going to be a great addition, said La Platas president and CEO Doug Quimby.

Developers and the city still have a long way to go before dirt is moved and up to 9,500 new homes and 2 million square feet of retail, schools, public safety facilities and parks and open space can be built in Amara.

The council initially split 5-4 Tuesday night to approve the annexation request as well as a master plan and rezoning request. The council must vote a second time to annex about 3,200 acres of land east and south of city boundaries and surrounded on three sides by the neighboring city of Fountain. The second vote to confirm the annexation is expected to happen Aug. 13.

Developers then must build the water-line extensions needed to serve Amara and finalize agreements with Colorado Springs Utilities and other utility providers in the area to provide permanent and temporary services, respectively.

Quimby said Wednesday that in the best-case scenario, La Plata could break ground on the project in about a year. Finished lots could be on the ground in two years, then builders will focus on building housing, then retail space. Developers have said the project will be built in four phases over about 24 years.

During more than seven hours of presentation and public discussion Tuesday, project proponents and opponents presented contrasting opinions on Amara.

Developers and supporters touted it as an opportunity to provide high-quality and needed housing in upscale planned communities to support the Pikes Peak regions continued growth.

A variety of housing types including single- and multifamily homes will provide more choice for residents and will attract middle-income earners who struggle to find housing they can afford, like teachers, police, firefighters, nurses and the military service members working at the five military installations across El Paso County.

The median housing price in El Paso County is over $450,000, which is 17% more expensive than the nationwide median of about $392,000, according to a Tuesday presentation on behalf of developers by economist Tatiana Bailey, executive director of Data-Driven Economic Strategies.

At the same time, she said, the average annual salary in El Paso County is around $63,300. Thats 8.7% lower than average annual wage nationwide, which is about $69,300, and almost 15% lower than the annual wage in Colorado, approximately $74,300.

Starting prices for market-rate homes in Amara will range from about the upper $300,000s to the $600,000s, La Plata Chief Operating Officer Mike Ruebenson said.

La Plata will make at least 665 homes in Amara, or about 7% of its residential space, affordable units, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Director of Planning Cody Humphrey said.

Several members of the local military community, including spouses and former service members, said Amara is a matter of mission readiness for installations such as Fort Carson and Schriever and Peterson Space Force bases.

Retired Col. Nate Springer, Fort Carsons former garrison commander, said the No. 1 issue when he was garrison commander was affordable, quality, attainable housing for soldiers and their family members.

Donna Nelson, an Army veteran and chief development officer at Pikes Peak State College, said service members and their families living and working around the southern and eastern areas of Colorado Springs deserve the same kind of high-quality housing the city has built in the past 30 years in its northern areas, and Amara will provide it.

I dont know how much longer our soldiers should have to wait to get some nice, new, affordable housing in a beautiful community like the ones that are developed up north. ... Personally, I dont think they should have to wait another second, she said.

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Opponents and council members who did not support the project worried Amara could strain Colorado Springs resources, particularly water and other utilities.

Lisa Barbato, Colorado Springs Utilities chief systems planning and projects officer, on Tuesday repeated statements that if the City Council does not approve an additional utility charge that is not included in standard rates, called a rider, to fund Amara-related costs, the development could put the utility at financial risk.

Officials might have to delay or reprioritize planned capital projects to pay for infrastructure that will serve Amara. That could negatively impact service reliability and community growth in areas inside city boundaries, she said.

If the council approved using a rider, a Utilities presentation shows the average Colorado Springs residential customer could pay $8.29 a month in Amara-related costs during the first year of the developments buildout. It is 3.37% more than the current average residential bill of just under $246 a month.

The anticipated rates drop dramatically in the second year and fluctuate over the following 10 years, varying between 85 cents a month to $9.64 a month for residential customers, the presentation shows.

La Plata representatives have said Utilities capital costs to serve Amara are not materially different from what is required to serve other new, similar developments in the city.

Historically, the city has funded utilities infrastructure for new annexations through base rates. La Platas Reubenson said Amara is not the reason Utilities is hoping for a rider to cover costs.

Its easy to point to Amara and say that because of growth, we have to have this rider. In reality, we have to have the rider, because of the regulatory infrastructure requirements that are being done, he said.

Amara is estimated to require about 3,400 acre-feet of water a year when it is fully built out, developers said. The development meets Colorado Springs requirement that Utilities has a current surplus of water to supply existing customers in the city, as well as the new annexation, Barbato said.

Jack Goble, the general manager of the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District that conserves and enhances water resources in the Lower Arkansas Valley south of Colorado Springs, said the council should consider the impacts this development and others like it have on neighbors living in the valley, including in Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, Bent and Prowers counties.

The valley relies on irrigated agriculture to fuel its economy; though Utilities can serve Amara with its existing water supply, Colorado Springs and other communities in the future will need more water from the valley, Goble said.

He estimated about 5,000 to 6,000 acres of farmland would need to be dried up to support a development like Amara.

With the drying trend weve seen on the Colorado River, its important to understand the consequences of these development decisions on your neighbors, he told the council.

He said in an interview with The Gazette he is concerned Lower Arkansas Valley residents will lose (their) way of life to provide more homes (in Colorado Springs).

Councilman Dave Donelson later addressed Goble, saying Amara is proposed to be a water-efficient development. He noted that local conservation efforts have reduced Colorado Springs per capita water-use rates by 41% since 2001, or by more than 9 billion gallons each year, despite the communitys rapid growth in the last two decades.

In no way do I see (the Amara development) as, Hey, we get to use water wastefully or not wisely, Donelson said.

Fountain Mayor Sharon Thompson said her city supports the Amara project but wants more collaboration from Colorado Springs to mitigate the developments impacts to Fountain roads, public safety and stormwater runoff.

This is our opportunity to set a precedent for a truly regional, collaborative approach to community building, Thompson said.

She requested Colorado Springs staff begin regularly meeting with Fountain staff to address their concerns.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  National Hire a Veteran Day is celebrated annually on July 25. Gov. Glenn Youngkin commemorated the day as a reminder to recruit military veterans to fill positions.

Virginia has almost 700,000 military veterans, representing one of the highest veteran populations per capita in the nation, and more than 20,000 active-duty service members stationed in Virginia transition to civilian life, Youngkin said.

We want each of them to build their future in the Commonwealth, as they form a vital part of our workforce and boost the performance of Virginia companies, Youngkin said. Their skills and dedication enhance Virginias appeal to new industries, support advanced technology projects, and play a crucial role in our national security-related businesses. Simply put, companies that actively recruit and retain veterans consistently outperform their competitors.

In 2017, National Hire a Veteran Day was created by Marine Corps veteran and Hire Our Heroes founder Dan Caporale. The purpose was to encourage employers across America to hire the men and women who have served in the military and encourage veterans to apply for civilian positions upon transition to civilian life.

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.
China's tiny 'Golden Toad' rover used AI to take an epic photo on the moon's far side (video)

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An image of China's Chang'e 6 lander on the moon's far side, snapped by the mission's minirover, Jinchan. | Credit: CNSA

A new video shows how a tiny rover on China's ambitious Chang'e 6 mission used AI to snap an epic shot on the far side of the moon.

The Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample-return mission launched on May 3 atop a Long March 5 rocket. It was disclosed after launch that the spacecraft also packed a surprise rover.

The roughly 11-pound (5 kilograms) rover was deployed on the surface of the far side of the moon and imaged the Chang'e 6 spacecraft after it had completed collecting samples but before the precious cargo was blasted into lunar orbit for a journey to Earth .

Researchers now reveal how highly functional the rover was despite its small size, and how a modeled lunar arena  complete with variable lighting conditions and terrain  was used as a testing ground to train the AI-driven robot to take photos on the moon .

Named Jinchan, which translates to "golden toad," the rover was equipped with significantly enhanced autonomous intelligence and highly integrated, lightweight hardware.

"Though the droid is very tiny, it is very functional. It is capable of autonomous separation, autonomous movement and lunar imagining," Xing Yan, staff member of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), told China Central Television (CCTV).

"After reaching the surface, it can detach from the lander by itself and move to a relatively suitable location for taking pictures. And it was able to intelligently choose the best angle and composition, leaving some precious memories for the Chang'e 6 mission."

The rover utilized neural networks to learn from experiences and make adjustments like changing photographic angles, Xing said.

This allowed Jinchan to get into position for a perfect shot of its mother spacecraft. Such operations with earlier missions required pre-calculation of the relative distance between a lander and a camera on a rover, the orientation and the best time to snap a photo.

RELATED STORIES:

 China launches Chang'e 6 sample-return mission to moon's far side (video)

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"We are more concerned about the position of the main body's position and the angle of some sunlight. The reflection may be too strong in some angles, which is not our ideal situation," said Huang Huang, another staff member of CASC.

China sent the Yutu rover to the near side of the moon with the Chang'e 3 mission in 2013 and Yutu 2 to the far side on Chang'e 4 in 2019. Each Yutu weighed around 310 pounds (140 kg). But the tiny Chang'e 6 rover was much more self-sufficient in terms of executing its goal.

"We tried our best to make it as knowledgeable as possible, to construct these physical samples, to do some feature modeling of the environment, and in such an environment, we let the rover learn and finally realize the intelligent decision support when taking pictures," Huang said.

After Jinchan took its image, an ascent vehicle blasted off from atop the Chang'e 6 lander on June 24, carrying 68.27 ounces (1,935.3 grams) of precious samples into lunar orbit. From there, the ascender docked with an orbiting service module for a return to Earth.

A reentry capsule landed in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia on June 25, successfully delivering the first-ever lunar far side samples to Earth for analysis.
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Credit: VoltaGrid / YouTube

Elon Musks Memphis Supercluster recently went online, and with a hundred thousand liquid-cooled H100 GPUs onboard, this data center will undoubtedly eat up a lot of power. With each H100 GPU consuming at least 700 watts, Musks AI data center will need upwards of 70 megawatts of power to run all 100,000 GPUs concurrently  and that's before we add in all of the supporting servers, networking, and cooling equipment. Surprisingly, Musk uses 14 massive mobile generators to power the facility as he works out power supply agreements with local utilities.



Dylan Patel, an AI and semiconductor analyst who heads SemiAnalysis, originally ruminated on X that it wouldve been impossible for Musk to run the Memphis Supercluster because of power constraints. He said only 7 MW is currently being drawn from the grid, which would only power around 4,000 GPUs. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will deliver 50 MW to the facility if xAI signs a pending deal, but it can only do so by August 1 at the earliest. Patel also observed that the 150 MW substation on the xAI site is still under construction and wont finish until 24Q4.



However, after examining satellite imagery, Patel soon posted a new Tweet when he realized how Musk did it  by using 14 VoltaGrid mobile generators connected to what looks like four mobile substations.

asf

Each of these semi-trailer-sized generators can provide 2.5 MW of power, meaning Musk already has an incredible 35 MW of power available on site. When you combine this with the 8 MW of power the Memphis Supercluster is getting from the grid, you get a total of 43 MW  which should be enough to run the 32,000 H100 GPUs with some power limits in place, as other power requirements are also necessary (i.e. for cooling, CPUs, motherboards, infrastructure, etc.)



If the Tennessee Valley Authority delivers the 50 MW that Musk needs at the start of August, hed have enough power to potentially run 64,000 GPUs concurrently  again, that's only looking at the GPU power requirements. Patel says that you need around 155 MW to run 100,000 GPUs, and xAI will need to have the substation running to get it. So, either the substation is ahead of schedule, or Musk will deploy more mobile generators to get the power he needs.

AI data centers need a ton of electricity

Massive power consumption and its impact on global warming are the main issues that AI data centers face now. All the data center GPUs sold in 2023 alone consume more power than 1.3 million average American households combined, thus pushing the electricity grid to its limits. And we cant just build more power plants to deliver a data centers needs  we also must consider additional infrastructure like high-tension power lines, substations, and more to get electricity from the plant to the servers.



Aside from the time and cost needed to build power plants for AI computing, we also have to consider greenhouse gas emissions. Although the mobile generators that Musk deployed at his Memphis Supercluster use natural gas for fuel (cleaner than coal or oil), they still spew carbon into the atmosphere while operating. Google recently revealed that its carbon footprint jumped 48% from 2019 because of data center energy demands. So, we can expect xAI to follow suit unless Musk switches to a cleaner form of energy production.



Musk is pushing xAI to be at the forefront of AI development, using every means available to achieve this. However, we hope that using mobile generators is a temporary solution. The Memphis Supercluster needs to transition to a cleaner energy source, which the TVA can deliver. Since the latter uses a mix of nuclear, hydroelectric, and fossil fuel plants, xAIs carbon footprint should be smaller if it sourced its power from TVA rather than rely on mobile generators that use natural gas alone.
Startup makes technology breakthrough that could expedite development and deployment of solar power plants  here's how it could change energy

Planted Solar, a California-based solar power plant development startup, is shaking up the solar industry by using robots and specialized modeling software to speed up deployment.

In response to the urgent need for quickly scalable carbon-free energy, the team is focused on installing as many high-density arrays as possible while reducing development costs.

According to Bloomberg, Planted Solar accomplishes both goals by installing the panels "like a blanket" on land that is typically unviable for any other use. Packing the arrays close together minimizes the space required while allowing for higher energy outputs per acre.

Per CB Insights, the company was founded in 2020 and has raised over $21 million in Series A funding to support its mission to streamline solar farm execution and "rapidly power the world with clean and abundant energy," as its LinkedIn page states.

Most of the company's funding came from a $20 million investment from Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Khosla Ventures, as Bloomberg reported.

The team aims to scale up its deployment to bring terawatts of energy online while reducing the environmental impacts of solar farms. This will result in cheaper solar power for communities and a healthier planet.

Their unique installation system uses cutting-edge design software to push development plans to construction robots, which assemble the farm. Relying on robots allows the team to reduce project time and labor costs, as the company explained to Bloomberg.

Planted Solar says its rapid solar deployment system can double energy output per acre, producing 1 megawatt of power per 2 acres instead of the 5 acres needed for most solar farms. Planted told Bloomberg that this makes project costs 50% cheaper by reducing the land, resources, and installation time required, giving customers faster access to affordable, pollution-free power.

Expanding solar energy output is critical to reduce planet-warming gases, which are increasing Earth's temperature and contributing to more natural disasters. By curbing this pollution, communities will have more security and also better health.

The fact that Planted's solar platform needs less space and can conform to sloped landscapes is an advantage since land constraints will be a challenge for future large-scale solar projects, per Bloomberg.

As the Guardian reported, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management estimates the country will need 22 million acres for solar projects in the coming decades, so minimizing land usage is crucial to achieving a clean energy grid.

Bloomberg reports that Planted's next move is to keep expanding its presence in the U.S. and, eventually, other markets. Last month, it announced an 11 MW community solar project in Chicago with the solar and storage development company Cultivate Power.

"We believe that Planted Solar's innovative solar technology will play a critical role in accelerating the global adoption of clean energy," Carmichael Roberts at Breakthrough Energy Ventures said in the Planted press release. "The company's unique combination of software, robotics, and simplified hardware design has the potential to transform the solar power plant development and construction industry and make solar energy more accessible, affordable, and sustainable than ever before."

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How to Unlock Your iPhone: A Step-by-step Guide to Freedom

Did you get a SIM card lock warning on your Apple iPhone? No worries  you can unlock it with just a few simple steps. Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto/Getty Images

One of the many reasons for the continuously growing divide between Apple and Android is the level of control each platform allows its users. Apple makes it notoriously difficult to unlock iPhones, putting the responsibility solely in the hands of carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T to do the dirty work for you.

We're not talking about getting past your lock screen here. To do that, you just need to set up your Touch ID or Face ID on your new iPhone.

Unlocking your iPhone model in this sense means getting to switch from one carrier to another without having to jump through a bunch of red tape. Once you unlock your phone, you can choose your carrier without having to buy a new device. Here's how it's done, according to Apple.

Is My iPhone Locked?

Check your iPhones lock status using an IMEI check to see if its locked to a specific carrier. Contact your current carrier to confirm if your iPhone is locked or unlocked. Use Apple Support to check your iPhones carrier lock status.

Benefits of Unlocking Your iPhone

Switch carriers without restrictions, choosing the best service provider for your needs.

Travel internationally without worrying about roaming charges or incompatible SIM cards.

Increase your cell phone resale value with the activation lock off.

Unlocking Different iPhone Models

Unlocking methods and procedures vary depending on the iPhone model.

iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 : These models may have different procedures based on features like Face ID and Touch ID.

Older iPhone models: Specific steps might be needed for models with or without a Home button.

Step 1: Find Your Carrier

Start by going to Apple carrier support and selecting your carrier. Contact your carrier and fill out a request form to unlock. Requesting an unlock may take a couple of days.

Some carriers, such as Verizon, will automatically do it for free for most phones after 60 days. For AT&T and other carriers, it's a little different, so check with your carrier to determine whether there will be a charge.

Step 2: Remove the SIM Card

If you're using a SIM card from another carrier, remove it from your phone after your carrier confirms that your iPhone is unlocked. Insert your new SIM card from your new carrier and wait for the iPhone to activate.

Step 3: If You Don't Have a SIM Card...

If you don't have another SIM card, you can use these steps to finish unlocking your smartphone:

Utilize your Apple ID to back up your iPhone. After you make a backup, erase your iPhone. Restore your iPhone from the backup you just made.

At this point, you may see the following message

"The SIM card inserted in this iPhone does not appear to be supported. Only compatible SIM cards from a supported carrier may be used to activate iPhone. Please insert the SIM card that came with your iPhone or visit a supported carrier store."

Don't panic. Instead follow these steps for a phone with iOS 14:

Go to Settings, then General and hit "About." Under Carrier Lock, look for the message that says "No SIM restrictions." If you still don't see it, you're going to want to contact your carrier.

For a phone with iOS 13 or earlier:

Contact your carrier to make sure that they applied the unlock in their system. Restore your iPhone to factory settings. Restore your iPhone from a backup.

What Is a Carrier Lock and How Does it Affect Your iPhone?

A carrier lock restricts your iPhone to a specific carrier, limiting your freedom to switch carriers or use your device internationally. Understanding SIM restrictions and their impact on your device is crucial to unlocking your iPhone.

Carrier locks can be removed, but only by your current carrier, giving you the freedom to use your iPhone with any carrier.

Setting Your iPhone Free

Unlocking your iPhone isn't just about breaking free from your current carrier; it's about embracing freedom and flexibility. Imagine being able to switch carriers whenever you find a better deal or plan, without the hassle of getting a new device.

Picture yourself traveling internationally and simply popping in a local SIM card to avoid those pesky roaming charges. Plus, an unlocked iPhone can fetch a higher price if you decide to sell it, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Don't let a carrier lock hold you back. Follow the steps we've outlined, and you'll soon have an iPhone that's truly yours to control.

Obviously, you don't have to unlock your iPhone. But it will give you more wiggle room.

It might seem a bit daunting at first, but with this guide in hand, you're well-equipped to tackle the task.

Original article: How to Unlock Your iPhone: A Step-by-step Guide to Freedom

Copyright  2024 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company
From the Techne on The Dispatch

Welcome back to Techne! Apparently, there is a shop in Memphis, Tennessee, that uses 100-plus-year-old grease to fry hamburgers. I might have to make a trip down because I am old enough to remember and yearn for the old-style McDonalds fries. Formula 47, as it was called, created a much better fry and was mostly made up of beef tallow, but it was replaced as an oil in the 1990s due to one man, Phil Sokolof. For the full story, you cant do better than Malcolm Gladwell.

Notes and Quotes

From hospital networks to the airline industry, a major digital disruption occurred Friday when the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike updated its software. Their servicedesigned to protect against cyberattacks predominantly from Russia and Chinaironically became the source of one of the most significant tech outages in recent memory. The incident underscores vulnerabilities in our infrastructure, where a single point of failure can have massive consequences.

The slow crawl of New Yorks Metropolitan Transportation Authority into the digital age turned out to be a blessing in disguise on Friday when the global tech outage hit. Unlike other transportation bodies, where all operations halted, the only portions of the MTAs infrastructure that were hit were its newer real-time data feeds. The older location system from the 1990s continued working as usual.

Netflix strengthened its position in the streaming market last quarter, gaining 8 million new subscribers and increasing its sales and profit margin forecasts. Meanwhile, Apple is adjusting its approach to content production, with lower upfront payments for shows and more readily canceling underperforming productions.

NASA announced Wednesday that it will discontinue the VIPER lunar rover project. The decision comes due to rising costs, launch delays, and potential future budget overruns. Originally slated for a 2023 launch, VIPERs readiness date had already been pushed to late 2025 because of schedule and supply chain issues. NASA plans to repurpose VIPERs instruments and components for future moon missions.

Last year, Meta introduced a pay or consent model in the EU, offering ad-free Facebook and Instagram for up to 12.99 euros monthly or the users consent to personal data collection for targeted ads. EU regulators are now challenging Meta, citing confusing language, pressured rollout, and insufficient time for users to consider the implications. Regulators are giving the company about six weeks to propose changes to this model or face potential fines.

Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and John Barrasso of Wyoming introduced the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024. The bipartisan bill aims to enhance U.S. energy security by streamlining the approval process for crucial energy and mineral projects, as well as by accelerating domestic energy development.

A group of researchers used the launch of Apples App Tracking Transparency feature as a natural experiment to better understand the effect of users limiting access to their data: Leveraging data from all U.S. advertisers on Meta combined with offline administrative data, we find that reductions in digital ad effectiveness led to decreases in investments in advertising, increases in market concentration, and increases in product prices.

The CEO of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is predicting that supply wont balance out demand for advanced chips until 2025 or 2026.

The ever-insightful Brian Potter at Construction Physics thinks through what it would take to recreate Bell Labs, the lab of AT&T that began in the 1920s and is credited with the development of radio astronomy, the transistor, the laser, and the photovoltaic cell.

James C. Scott, Legibility, and the Omnipresence of Tech

Picture via Getty Images.

Last week, political scientist James C. Scott passed away. Scotts 1998 book, Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed, easily ranks near the top of my most influential books, right alongside Michael Billigs Thinking and Arguing, Deirdre McCloskeys If Youre So Smart, and Virginia Postrels The Future and Its Enemies.

Scotts primary research centered on the people of Southeast Asia and how they resisted authority. This interest led him to write a series of books on government resistance throughout the 1970s and into the 1990s. Seeing Like a State reflects the whole of that scholarship as read through the concept of what Scott calls legibility: government efforts to arrange the population in ways that simplified the classic state functions of taxation, conscription, and prevention of rebellion. As he explains in the book:

Having begun to think in these terms, I began to see legibility as a central problem in statecraft. The premodern state was, in many crucial respects, partially blind; it knew precious little about its subjects, their wealth, their landholdings and yields, their location, their very identity. It lacked anything like a detailed map of its terrain and its people. It lacked, for the most part, a measure, a metric, that would allow it to translate what it knew into a common standard necessary for a synoptic view.

Seeing Like a State was about rationalist government schemes that failed, including scientific management of forestry in Germany in the late 1800s, collective farms in the Soviet Union, the building of Brasilia, forced villagization in Tanzania, and the urban plans of Le Corbusier. But more fundamentally, the book focused on how systems need to narrow their own vision to have an impact. As he continued,

Certain forms of knowledge and control require a narrowing of vision. The great advantage of such tunnel vision is that it brings into sharp focus certain limited aspects of an otherwise far more complex and unwieldy reality. This very simplification, in turn, makes the phenomenon at the center of the field of vision more legible and hence more susceptible to careful measurement and calculation.

Scotts notion of legibility and its obverse, illegibility, offers a framework to understand the relationship between a system and the people it is intended to act upon.

So naturally, I have found it helpful in understanding how social media companies and other big tech platforms interact with users.

Legibility and illegibility.

Platforms and other data-centric businesses seem to possess a kind of insight into peoples lives. TikTok is astonishingly good at revealing peoples desires even to themselves, reported Ben Smith in the New York Times. The TikTok Algorithm Knew My Sexuality Better Than I Did, read one headline. Facebook users describe the platform as powerful, perceptive, and ultimately unknowable. In collecting, storing, and processing massive troves of data, these systems seem to be able to peer into our lives to deliver us the things we want.

But there are serious limits to these systems. Even with all of the data being produced and collected, peoples lives are still illegible to a degree.

To be clear, I am not denying that user data can be used to accurately predict highly sensitive personal attributes like sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious view, personality traits, intelligence, happiness, use of addictive substances, parental separation, age, gender, and, most important for this discussion, political opinions.

But in practice, these digital systems sometimes succumb to the same big fault as governments: They impose an order on a reality more complex than they can imagine.

For example, Facebook categorizes users into groups for advertising based on what they term affinities. In a 2019 Pew survey of how those categories matched peoples preferences, only 13 percent of users felt these categories described their preferences very accurately, while 46 percent found them somewhat accurate. Conversely, 27 percent of users felt misrepresented by these categories, and 11 percent werent assigned to any category. In other words, over a third of all users are effectively illegible to Facebook, while another quarter of users have shades of illegibility.

In fact, this would lead to a lawsuit.

A complaint by the National Fair Housing Alliance alleged that Facebooks user classification and ad targeting tools permitted landlords, developers, and housing service providers to limit the audience for their ads based on sex, religion, familial status, and national origin in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The Department of Justice eventually joined the suit, National Fair Housing Alliance v. Facebook, Inc., which in 2022 got Facebook parent Meta to agree to change its ad services.

As a result of the settlement, Meta dropped the Special Ad Audience tool for its housing ads. It also got rid of thousands of ad categories, including the much-maligned African-American multicultural affinity. I remember looking at those ad categories in 2016 when they became public to find that I was tagged with an African-American multicultural affinity. I told a co-worker (another white guy) about it and he looked at his ad categories. He too was tagged with that affinity. But the court cases never discussed this aspect of the tool: that the category included people who most would assume shouldnt belong.

Legibility is the view from the systematizer to the person. Legibility highlights the boundaries of knowledge in action, which is one of the fundamental questions in tech policy.

Back in 2021, I listed a bunch of examples of illegibility, like the Phoenix man who is suing the city for a wrongful arrest because the data obtained from Google was faulty. But Ive since come across lots of other examples of illegibility:

Employees at Meta had discovered by March 2021 that our ability to detect vaccine-hesitant comments is bad in English, and basically non-existent elsewhere, The Verge reported. Another employee chimed in, noting that comments are almost a complete blind spot for us in terms of enforcement and transparency right now even though they make up a significant portion of misinfo on FB.

Reporting from CNN on leaked internal documents on January 6, again from Meta, found that, At the time it was very difficult to know whether what we were seeing was a coordinated effort to delegitimize the election, or whether it was protected free expression by users who were afraid and confused and deserved our empathy. But hindsight being 20:20 makes it all the more important to look back to learn what we can about the growth of the election delegitimatizing movements that grew, spread conspiracy, and helped incite the Capitol insurrection.

Twitter miscounted the number of users for years. It seems that Twitter overstated the number of daily users on its service for three years straight, overcounting by up to 1.9 million users each quarter.

Mark Serrels wrote about his experience being served ads for pants he already bought in a piece titled, I bought ninja pants, and Instagrams algorithms will punish me forever.

And there are other examples too: in machine learning, in the controlled experiments that advertisers and web designers use, and in so much else.

The lesson.

Seeing Like a State is about much more than legibility. But then, James C. Scotts work is about so much more than Seeing Like a State. Still, I think the concept of legibility is an incredibly powerful way to frame our understanding of the digital world and its limits.

Im not alone. Venkatesh Rao has found insights in the book, Eugene Wei used the concept to understand TikTok, and Neil Chilson, the Federal Trade Commissions former chief technologist, relied on Scotts historical lessons to offer guidance in tech policy.

Awash in data, there is a common assumption that legibility has been solved. But Im not sure it is ever safe to assume. Instead, I think we should be comfortable, as Scott was, with fuzzy boundaries, limited knowledge, and foiled plans.

Until next week,

 Will

AI Roundup

MIT-led researchers have developed a machine-learning framework to predict heat movement in semiconductors and insulators. This approach can forecast phonon dispersion relations up to 1,000 times faster than other AI methods, with similar or improved accuracy. Compared to traditional non-AI techniques, it could be a million times faster.

The supply of training data for AI models is shrinking as individuals and companies implement measures to protect their information from being harvested.

This article outlines strategies for leveraging LLMs in various coding tasks. Techne readers, youll find this useful!

Researchers Anders Humlum and Emilie Vestergaard conducted a large-scale survey that reveals widespread adoption of ChatGPT among workers, but with significant disparities: Women use it less frequently and higher earners are more likely to adopt it. While workers recognize ChatGPTs productivity potential, employer restrictions and training needs often limit its use, and efforts to inform workers about its benefits have minimal impact on adoption rates.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
The Air Force Academy has revamped its honor code implementation for freshmen and sophomores to focus on education when they do not report others for violations.

The honor code states cadets will not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do.

The school changed its practices in early 2024 after the number of cadet-initiated character investigations reached historic lows, said Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks, commandant of cadets.

During the 2022-2023 school year, cadets initiated three cases or 0.4%, according to a presentation Marks gave last week to the Board of Visitors. The board includes members of Congress, who ask questions about curriculum and other aspects of the academy.

Often when the numbers of cadet-initiated investigations into honor violations, such as cheating, fall it can be an indication that cadets are disengaging from practicing and abiding by the code, Marks said. Cadets are expected to confront and report those they suspect of violations.

Former Superintendent Gen. Richard Clark asked the school to solicit ideas from cadets about how to encourage participation in the code and found that it can be tough for the youngest cadets to turn in others.

We came to the realization we needed to revamp our code, or the practice of it, so that it resembled the developmental journey, Marks said.

While freshman and sophomores are still strongly encouraged to confront and report those they suspect of violating the code, the academy is adjusting its expectations to meet younger cadets where they are, he said.

If a freshman confronts another cadet but does not report them, the academy now expects they will continue to participate in the robust honor training in place for freshmen, he said, which includes courses and journaling required for all.

If a sophomore is in the same situation, where they confronted someone but did not report the person, Marks said, the school expects they will seek a mentor to help them determine why they could not report the violation.

A statement from the academy said the honor code standard remains the same, but the school has realized additional development is necessary to achieve the standard.

Juniors will be held to sanctions if they do not report a violation, Marks said.

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Once someone is reported for violating the honor code, the school provides an informal and a formal process for the accused cadet to explain their actions. Honor violations can lead to probation and disenrollment.

In addition, the school now introduces the honor code expectations on the cadets first day at the academy.

We found there is benefit to laying out what the expectations are as early as possible, he said.

Since the changes, the school saw cadets report 18 cases or about 19% of the honor investigations in the 2023-2024 school year, his presentation said. Senior cadets made about 75% of those reports. The rest came from underclassmen, a statement from the academy said.

Academic faculty at the school report the majority of honor code violations, a statement from the school said.

Retired Brig. Gen. Marty France, a graduate and former Air Force Academy academic department head for over 13 years, said he believes the academys changes to honor code enforcement might work against the academys goal of encouraging cadets to come forward.

It would seem very difficult and problematic to me that, after two years of allowing something that equates to lower standards, you flip a switch and expect different behavior, he said.

He also noted that if a certain standard is enforced, cadets will learn from their mistakes and their successes.

It is insulting to the incoming generation to assume they cant uphold the same standards that earlier classes were held to, France said. The current generation is every bit as good as those hallowed graduates of the 60s, 70s and 80s. We should and can expect just as much from them.

Cadets also need to be prepared as officers to hold others accountable, France said.

The honor code is to me the heart of the idea of service to the nation, he said. Diluting it is not the answer.

The last major cheating scandal at the school was during the pandemic.

In 2020, about 250 cadets were involved in honor violations after 3,000 cadets were sent home during the pandemic. Some of the infractions included failing to properly cite sources and using unauthorized tutoring websites, to receiving solutions to exam questions in real time and completing final exams in small groups, The Gazette reported previously.

Contact the writer at mary.shinn@gazette.com or 719-429-9264.
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.
His research project, Harnessing Interference with Deep Learning: Algorithms and Large-Scale Experiments, will develop theoretical frameworks, while also conducting hands-on experiments at Villanova and around the country to effectively manage interference in 5G networks.

Dr. Vaezi has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of cellular interference, bringing innovative perspectives and resolutions to the forefront, says doctoral candidate Madan Dahal 25 PhD, a research assistant in the professors lab.



Not all researchers investigating network interference are integrating deep learning, a branch of AI that sets out to mimic human decision-making. Dr. Vaezis focus on deep learning has the potential to transform frequency reuse and possibly eliminate the need for communication between cell towers to establish caller connections. With novel AI algorithms, frequencies can be reused anywhere, and it may significantly decrease or even eliminate the requirement for communication among neighboring cell towers to manage interference.

We have over 325 million people who want to use cellphones in the United States, he says. If we didnt reuse frequencies, then wed only be able to provide cellular service to a fraction of those people. That being the case, Dr. Vaezi explains that its unlikely that cellphone interference will be completely eliminated, but it can be managed to achieve noticeable performance improvements.

The Villanova research has other benefits. AI will also make wireless communication more energy efficient, opening the door to new green technologies.



Its really an exciting time, says Dr. Vaezi, who has been researching network interference since 2015, during his postdoctoral studies at Princeton University. A lot of problems that were deemed challenging are going to be solved in the near future. Im optimistic that my efforts will contribute fresh insights to this field.
The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.

You can see the new edition of the Xpat E-Magazine here:

https://xpatloop.com/newsletters/2024/25-july.html



1. First up here's a quick look at a hot topic that the expat community has been discussing:

* Locals Furious About Noisy Helicopters Over Budapest Ferrying Rich Visitors to F1 Race

E.g. "All residents should be happy such a prestigious event takes place here", wrote Phil C,

+ "It's the Hungarian pastime to complain", wrote Declan, owner of Becketts Irish Bar,

+ "I didn't hear the copters cos of noise coming from Gozsdu Udvar", wrote Ed W.

See related post & more comments here - feel free to add your views.



2. Below you can see a great variety of hand-picked Events for Xpats from our Handy Calendar:

E.g. Art Community Picnic, Campus Festival, Baxter Dury Gig, WIne Garden Event, Ozora Festival.
The prominent Lookout tower on the higher level here provides extraordinary panorama views of the key buildings of Budapest, and this alone is a very good reason to know about this local landmark.

With its rich history and striking Gothic architecture, its a must-see for anyone interested in the cultural and historical depths of the city.



Historical Significance of The Church of Mary Magdalene

Maria Magdolna-templom, as its known in Hungarian, is both a historical and architectural gem located in the heart of Budapest's Castle District.



It dates back to the 13th century, originally constructed during the reign of King Bela IV. It was one of the two main churches in Buda, serving as a parish church for the Hungarian community, while the nearby Matthias Church served the German community.



Throughout the centuries, the church has witnessed significant historical events and transformations, including its conversion to a mosque during the Ottoman occupation and its destruction in World War II.



Renowned Architecture and Authentic Restoration

The church is renowned for its Gothic architectural style, characterized by its tall, slender windows, pointed arches, and ribbed vaults.



Although much of the original structure was destroyed during the war, the tower and some ruins have been preserved and restored, offering a glimpse into its medieval past.



The restoration efforts have focused on maintaining the authenticity of the Gothic elements while incorporating modern conservation techniques.



Three Reasons to Visit



The Church of Mary Magdalene is more than just a historical monument; it is a testament to Budapest's rich and diverse cultural heritage. Whether you are an expat living in Budapest or a visitor seeking to delve into the city's past, this church offers a unique and enriching experience.



1. Church Tower: You can climb the 172 steps of restored tower for stunning views of the city and the Danube River,

2. Artifacts: Explore the remnants of the original church, including ancient stone carvings and Gothic arches to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Budapest.

3. Exhibitions: The church often hosts exhibitions related to its history and the broader history of Budapest, providing insightful context for your visit.



Location:

The Church of Mary Magdalene is situated in the Castle District, specifically at Kapisztran ter, a short walk from the Buda Castle.



Getting there:

The church is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the bus (16, 16A, or 116) or the funicular railway up to the Castle District.



Nearby Attractions:

The Church of Mary Magdalene is close to other major attractions like Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fishermans Bastion. Plan your visit to include these sites for a comprehensive experience of the Castle District.



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New Delhi: Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi sparked a political hubbub on Thursday, accusing the BJP-led Central government of restricting the freedom of speech of the contentious Khadoor Sahib MP, Amritpal Singh. Channi labelled this a state of undeclared emergency by the Centre.

During a Lok Sabha debate, Channi referenced the recently concluded elections, stating, "This is also an emergency that a Member of Parliament elected by 20 lakh people in Punjab has been detained under the NSA (National Security Act) ... He is unable to speak about his constituency here (in Parliament). This is also an emergency."

Although the former Punjab CM did not specifically mention anyone, BJP leaders asserted he was referring to Amritpal Singh. Singh secured victory in the Khadoor Sahib constituency by approximately 200,000 votes in this year's Lok Sabha elections.

This action has led the BJP to lambast the Congress party's stance on supporting the Khalistan ideology. In a post on X, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla demanded the Congress clarification whether it endorses the idea of Khalistan, which was linked to the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.

"Batting for separatist who wants tukde tukde of India? Rahul ji must answer - the idea of Khalistan that caused the assassination of PM Indira ji is being hailed !! Why does Congress always bat for separatists and terrorists? Yakub, Afzal, 26/11 jihadis, now K terrorists?" he said.

Congress MP and Former Punjab CM Channi bats for radical pro-Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh.



Is this Jai Sanvidhan? Batting for separatist who wants tukde tukde of India ?



Rahul ji must answer - the idea of Khalistan that caused the assassination of PM Indira ji is being pic.twitter.com/j1MDq8s8QY  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) July 25, 2024

Union Minister Giriraj Singh described Congress MP Channi's comments made in Parliament as unfortunate.

"The Khalistani who assassinated Indira Gandhi has received open support from Channi today, which means the Congress is siding with the Khalistanis. This is an attack on the integrity of India...what can I say, I will say action should be taken," Singh told PTI.

Channi accused the central government of imposing an "undeclared emergency" in the country. This accusation came during a heated exchange with BJP's Ravneet Singh Bittu in the Lok Sabha, which resulted in a brief adjournment of the proceedings.

During the debate on the Union Budget, Channi also blamed the BJP government for branding farmers as Khalistanis and claimed that his home state, Punjab, was neglected in this year's budget.
DNA Exclusive: Rumors of a potential division of West Bengal have ignited a fierce political debate in the state, following comments by Central Education Minister Sukanta Majumdar. Majumdar has proposed splitting West Bengal into two, with North Bengal being integrated into the North-East region. He argues that this move could accelerate development in North Bengal and has claimed to have discussed the idea with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In todays episode of DNA Anant Tyagi analysed why the BJP has suddenly raised this issue. What is the BJP's political strategy and planning motivating this move?

Watch Full Episode Of Todays DNA Here:

Majumdar's proposal is seen as a strategic maneuver by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has made substantial gains in North Bengal. This region, encompassing eight districts from Malda to Cooch Behar, holds eight Lok Sabha seats. The BJP's performance in these districts has been notable: securing one seat in 2014, seven in 2019, and six in 2024. In the 2021 assembly elections, the party won 30 out of 56 seats in North Bengal, highlighting its stronghold in the region.

The idea of creating a separate Gorkhaland within North Bengal has been a long-standing demand. This historical context adds complexity to the current proposal, as any decision regarding regional integration or division would inevitably involve addressing long-standing local aspirations and grievances.
A man wanted by law enforcement for multiple outstanding felony arrest warrants has been apprehended near Penrose Colorado.

The arrest of Richard Capek, 35 announced Wednesday by the United States Marshals Service, occurred after a short standoff at a rural residence near Highway 50 and R Street east of Penrose, in Teller County.

The arrest was conducted by the U.S. Marshals tactical team.

The U.S. Marshal's news release states that Capek had been sought by the Fremont County Sheriff's Office on suspicion of several crimes, including a residential burglary on July 11 in Rockvale, Colo. (four miles west of Florence) where multiple firearms were believed to have been stolen.

The stolen weapons included one AK-47 style rifle, three AR-15 style rifles, three shotguns and two handguns.

Featured Local Savings

The sheriff's office sought assistance from the U.S. Marshals' Colorado Violent Offender Task Force to apprehend Capek beginning on July 5. According to the news release, detectives conducted several days of surveillance to find Capek, and tail him back to the residence where he was hiding

Officials say Capek initially refused to leave the residence, but eventually did exit the home and surrender to law enforcement.

Capek was initially sought on felony warrants for 2nd degree assault via strangulation, violation of a protection order, 3rd degree assault and domestic violence. Officials say he now faces additional charges of suspected felony burglary, felony theft, felony motor vehicle theft, attempted vehicular assault and more, stemming from the June 11 incident. He was booked into the Fremont County Jail.

This case presented some unique challenges," said Kirk Taylor with the U.S. Marshal for the District of Colorado, "but combining the vast array of both local and federal resources, we were able to safely apprehend Mr. Capek and bring him in for his day in court.

This is not Capek's first brush with the law. He was arrested in Canon City in July of 2023 for outstanding warrants from El Paso County on suspicion of assault, domestic violence and child abuse charges. It was not immediately clear what the outcome of those charges were.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, during the ASEAN meetings on Thursday and emphasized the importance of maintaining "full respect" for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and adhering to previous agreements.

Jaishankar reiterated that stabilizing relations is beneficial for both countries. The two leaders also concurred on the importance of providing clear direction to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs press release cited by ANI, during the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of the three mutuals: mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity.

Taking to social media platform X, Jaishankar said, "Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Vientiane today. Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties."

"Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process. Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. It is in our mutual interest to stabilize our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency," the EAM added.

Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Vientiane today.



Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties.



Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the pic.twitter.com/pZDRio1e94  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 25, 2024

In 2020, Indian and Chinese troops clashed at Galwan, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic. Since May of that year, when Chinese forces attempted to alter the status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, both nations have maintained forward deployments near Patrolling Point 15. This area has become a significant friction point following the Galwan Valley clash.
Haryana Earthquake: Earthquake tremors were felt in Faridabad and surrounding areas of Haryana on Thursday, July 25. The National Center for Seismology reported, "An earthquake of magnitude 2.4 struck Faridabad, Haryana at 10:54 am." No casualties have been reported.

The National Center for Seismology, the central agency under the Union government responsible for monitoring seismic activity in the country, confirmed the event. Earlier this year, in April, a 3.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Sirsa region of Haryana.
India on Thursday reacted to top US diplomat Donald Lu's remark on Prime Minister's Narendra Modi visit to Russia and meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi has longstanding relationship with Moscow and every country has freedom of choice in a multipolar world.

"We must understand that India has a longstanding relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multipolar world, every country has freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while addressing the weekly press conference.

#WATCH | On US diplomat Donald Lu's remark on India, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We must understand that India has a longstanding relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multipolar world, all country has freedom of choice. It is pic.twitter.com/6jnijiQWYo  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024

Following recent remarks by top American diplomat Donald Lu expressing disappointment over Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia, Washington has been having "tough conversations" with New Delhi regarding the matter. During his official visit to Moscow, PM Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and they set a goal to surpass non-tariff trade barriers and reach a trade volume of over USD 100 billion by 2030.

The leaders agreed to continue discussions on liberalizing bilateral trade, including the potential establishment of the EAEU-India Free Trade Area as mentioned in their joint statement.

They also agreed to develop a bilateral settlement system using national currencies and to consistently introduce digital financial tools for mutual settlements.

Before Lu's comments, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, implied that "strategic autonomy" does not exist in times of conflict. This statement followed PM Modi's visit to Russia.

Garcetti stated, "While I respect India's preference for strategic autonomy, in times of conflict, such autonomy is not feasible. In moments of crisis, it's essential to know who our trusted friends and allies are."

In response, India's Ministry of External Affairs emphasized India's commitment to its strategic autonomy, highlighting that the comprehensive global strategic partnership with the US allows for mutual respect of differing viewpoints and the ability to "agree to disagree" on certain matters. India maintains its stance and distinct perspective, valuing its strategic autonomy despite differing opinions.
Mumbai  Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at the latter's official residence, Devgiri, on Wednesday evening. This key meeting followed Pawars earlier encounter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.

BJP Central Leaderships Discontent

Sources indicate that the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of coordination between Ajit Pawar and other party leaders during the legislative session. Concerns were raised about fund allocation, with discontent voiced by ministers in the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, particularly regarding discussions between Rural Development Minister Girish Mahajan and Ajit Pawar.

Ajit Pawars Frustration

Ajit Pawar expressed his frustration over the fund allocation issue, asking rhetorically, "Should I now sell my land to provide funds?" Additionally, NCP legislator and spokesperson Amol Mitkari criticized BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, calling him the "online guardian minister" of Ahmednagar. Mitkari accused certain BJP ministers and their PAs of not answering calls, which he claimed hampers coordination.

Sanjay Rauts Allegations

Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that there was a heated argument between Ajit Pawar and Girish Mahajan over fund allocation during a state cabinet meeting. Raut claimed that Mahajan had demanded funds for his department, leading to a sharp response from Pawar.

Samant and Desais Rebuttal

Shiv Sena leaders Uday Samant and Shambhuraj Desai, who were present at the meeting, dismissed Rauts claims. Samant stated, No such disputes occurred between us. There was no controversy. Desai echoed this sentiment, noting that the cabinet meeting was conducted in a light-hearted manner and decisions were made collectively. He dismissed the notion of any conflict.

Emerging Dynamics in Maharashtra Politics

Amidst these crucial meetings and rising tensions, new possibilities and challenges are surfacing in Maharashtras political landscape.
President of the BJP in West Bengal and a Member of Parliament, Sukanta Majumdar, kicked up a political storm after he proposed the division of West Bengal and incorporating the region of North Bengal with the Northeast. Majumdar's statements have sparked outrage in several quarters with leaders from Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress slamming Majumdar and the BJP who they claimed are "anti-Bengal".z

'North Bengal Will Benefit If It Becomes Part Of Northeast'

Sukant Majumdar, who is also Union Minister of State for Education, said in a video statement that in Delhi, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submitted a proposal to include North Bengal in North East India. He shared, I met the PM today and submitted the proposal to include North Bengal in North East India. Now the PM has to take the decision on this. But if North Bengal is included in North East India, the region will benefit from the central government schemes."

The BJP leader further said that such a move will ensure better development for the region and he was sure that the state government won't have an objection.

BJP Is Anti-Bengal: TMC Leaders

The TMC has reacted sharply to the statement. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "Sukanta Majumdar had a meeting with PM Modi. However, he is talking about North Bengal's development, the North East Council, etc., trying to confuse people and divert the issue. Essentially, Sukant Majumdar and his associates are completely anti-Bengal. Bengal has been deprived by the BJP, provoked by Sukanta Majumdar and his group. They have nothing to do with development."

VIDEO | "Sukanta Majumdar had a meeting with PM Modi. However, he is talking about North Bengal's development, the North East Council, etc., trying to confuse people and divert the issue. Essentially, Sukant Majumdar and his associates are completely anti-Bengal. Bengal has been pic.twitter.com/N82gkeRxdL  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 24, 2024

Meanwhile, TMC spokesperson Riju Dutta posted on X: Anti-Bengal, Anti-Bengali. BJP is up to there old tricks again Let me be very clear to the descendants of Radcliffe. Bengal has been partitioned before causing tremendous agony to millions, who lost everythingWe will not let that happen again. We will fight to the last drop of our blood to protect the sovereignty, integrity and boundary of Bengal! Bengal will never be divided again.

Anti-Bengal, Anti-Bengali @BJP4Bengal is up to their old tricks again..



BJP State President & Union Min. @DrSukantaBJP submitted a proposal to PM @narendramodi to incorporate North Bengal with North East India!



Let me be very clear to The descendants of Radcliffe - Bengal has pic.twitter.com/tYABIF4RPP  (@DrRijuDutta_TMC) July 24, 2024

Which Parts Constitute North Bengal?

The districts north of the Ganges  Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Malda, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Alipurduar and Kalimpong  are often collectively referred to as North Bengal.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday launched a scathing attack at YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy from the states assembly. Naidu released a white paper on law-and-order situation in the state at the time of Reddys rule and compared him to the Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.

Slamming the YSRCP chief on the drug menace in the past five years, CM Naidu said, Only one person can be compared to what happened in Andhra, and it is Pablo Escobar.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday compared YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar as he slammed the state of law and order and alleged drug menace in the past five years.

Referring to Escobar as a "narco-terrorist," Naidu claimed that Andhra Pradesh faced a comparable crisis under the YSRCP regime (2019-24), with widespread availability of ganja. He asserted that the state had become a hub for ganja during this period and pledged to take strong action against it.

In a white paper addressing law and order and the prevalence of marijuana, Naidu stated that the current situation under Reddy's rule was unprecedented. He further compared the situation to that of Escobar, who illegally dealt billions of dollars' worth of drugs and murdered leaders and politicians who challenged him.

YSR Congress Party spokesperson Konda Rajin Gandhi stated that the TDP seems to believe the elections are not over. He also accused the TDP of attempting to distract from the current violence in the state.

Earlier, Reddy claimed that within 45-days of the Naidu government assuming power, there had been over 30 murders, numerous assaults, attempted murders, and vandalisation in the state. He also demonstrated against the state government at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, with Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav present at the event.
The Indian Army has launched Operation Sarp Vinaash 2.0 in response to heightened terror attacks in Jammu division, targeting 55 active terrorists in the region. This is the biggest anti-terror operation in the last 21 years, and it's being closely monitored by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The report is being sent directly to the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Army Staff. The operation is a response to the sharp spike in terrorist attacks in Jammu over the last two years, which have claimed the lives of 48 army personnel in the last two years.

Troop Reinforcement And Strategic Deployment

The army has deployed an additional 3,000 troops, including 200 snipers and 500 para commandos, to neutralize the terrorist threat. The operation is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, and its progress is being directly reported to the National Security Advisor and the Chief of Army Staff.

The army has also sought the help of Village Defense Guards (VDGs), who played a crucial role in eliminating terrorism in Jammu between 1995 and 2003. These VDGs have an understanding of the local area and the challenges here, so the army and security forces take their help to reach difficult terrains where the terrorists hide.

"Over the past two years, 48 soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, underscoring the urgency to intensify our counter-terrorism efforts," stated a military spokesperson.

Focus On Dismantling Terrorist Networks

The operation aims to dismantle the Over Ground Worker (OGW) network, which provides logistical support to terrorists, including food, shelter, and weapons. That is why the operation focuses on eliminating this existing network of terror. The army is also working to prevent infiltration along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC), where BSF and army personnel are on high alert.

The operation is currently underway in Doda, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi districts of Jammu, where the 55 terrorists are believed to be hiding. The army is determined to eliminate the terrorist threat and foil Pakistan's plans to make Jammu a hub of terrorism.
Twenty-six years ago, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was embroiled in a controversial blackbuck hunting case. Little did he know that this incident would continue to cast a long shadow over his life, culminating in serious death threats from notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

Salman Khan's Statement

In a recent development, Salman Khan revealed in his statement to the Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch that Lawrence Bishnoi orchestrated a shooting outside his residence with the intent to kill him and his family. The statement, part of a 1,735-page charge sheet accessed by India Today, details the harrowing experience Khan and his family have faced for years due to ongoing threats from Bishnoi and his gang.

"I heard a sound like firecrackers around 4:55 AM. My police bodyguard informed me that two people on a bike fired shots at the first-floor balcony of Galaxy Apartments. There have been previous attempts on my and my family's lives. I saw on social media that Lawrence Bishnoi claimed responsibility for this attack," Khan stated.

The Attack on Galaxy Apartments

The Mumbai Crime Branch confirmed that the shooting outside Salman Khan's Bandra residence was meant to intimidate rather than harm him. Initial investigations revealed that Lawrence Bishnoi's gang had hired Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal for the task. The primary goal was to send a threatening message to the superstar.

Previous Threats and Incidents

This isn't the first time Salman Khan and his family have been targeted. In 2022, his father, Salim Khan, received a threatening letter, and in March 2023, another threat was sent via email. Earlier this year, two individuals using fake identities attempted to enter their Panvel farmhouse.

Lawrence Bishnoi's Motive

The root of Bishnoi's animosity towards Salman Khan dates back to the 1998 blackbuck hunting case. The Bishnoi community, which regards the blackbuck as sacred, was deeply offended by the incident. During a 2018 court hearing, Lawrence Bishnoi explicitly stated his desire to kill Khan as retribution for the hurt caused to his community.

In a 2023 jail interview, Bishnoi reiterated that his goal was to kill Salman Khan, emphasizing that he didn't want money but an apology from the actor. The Bishnoi community views the blackbuck as an incarnation of their spiritual guru, Guru Bhagwan Jambheshwar, and the 1998 hunting incident remains a significant point of contention.

Increased Security Measures

In response to these threats, Salman Khan has been granted 'Y' plus security and has purchased a bulletproof car to ensure his safety. The Mumbai Police have filed cases against 17 individuals in connection with this matter, including Lawrence Bishnoi and his younger brother Anmol Bishnoi. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently imprisoned in Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Jail.

As the threats continue, Salman Khan's life remains under heightened security, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to protect one of Bollywood's biggest stars. The blackbuck case, which once seemed like a closed chapter, has now become a significant element of the actor's ongoing struggle for safety and peace.
Ranchi: Jharkhand Assembly Speaker's Tribunal on Thursday disqualified two legislators under the anti-defection law with effect from July 26.

The order disqualifying JMM's Lobin Hembrom and Congress's Jai Prakash Bhai Patel from the House came on the eve of the assemblys six-day monsoon session beginning on Friday.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the BJP had initiated proceedings under the anti-defection law against Hembrom and Patel respectively in the Speaker's Tribunal.

Hembrom contested independently from the Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat, challenging JMMs official candidate, Vijay Hansdak. Patel, on the other hand, joined the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and contested from Hazaribag seat. Both, however, were defeated in the elections.

"Jai Prakash Bhai Patel has voluntarily given up the membership of his original political party BJP as is clear from the aforesaid facts and the circumstances and conduct of the honourable member," Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto said.

The Speaker also made a similar observation on JMM's Hembrom.

Hence, Patel and Hembrom were disqualified from the fifth Jharkhand Legislative Assembly with effect from July 26, Mahto said.

The JMM had earlier expelled Hembrom from the party for "working against the interest of the coalition" by filing nomination from the Rajmahal seat.

According to the seat-sharing agreement in the ruling alliance in Jharkhand, the Rajmahal seat went to JMM, which had fielded its sitting MP Vijay Hansdak.

Hembram, the Borio legislator, had contested from Rajmahal to protest against Hansdak's selection by the party.

Responding to the development, Hembrom claimed that though the Speaker is "impartial", he did this under pressure.

"Many have changed parties in the past but their cases pending for two years. What crime Lobin Hembrom had done? You give me notice at 3 pm and pronounce judgment at 4 pm," he said.

Alleging that he was not given a chance to present his case, Hembrom said he would move court to seek justice.

The disqualified claimed that the JMM-led alliance was afraid since he was emerging as a powerful leader and would raise issues of tribals in the assembly.

"The people will question the chief minister about what happened to his promises of job and allowances to unemployed...land etc," he said.

Leader of Opposition in Assembly Amar Kumar Bauri said it would have been better had Patl resigned himself.

"We had initiated an anti-defection case. The Speaker's court has debarred his membership. It was bound to happen. We had lodged a complaint in March against him," Bauri said.
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the 2024-25 budget in Parliament on Tuesday, announcing several plans to boost employment and skills development under the Prime Ministers package. A key initiative is the Internship Scheme, aimed at providing internships to at least 10 million youths.

During her address in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman proposed a comprehensive plan to offer internship opportunities to 10 million youths across 500 major companies over the next five years. This initiative is a crucial part of the government's efforts to reduce youth unemployment and marks the first central budget presented after the Modi governments victory in the Lok Sabha elections for a third term.

Key Features of the 2024 Internship Scheme

The newly announced Internship Scheme aims to provide practical work experience and skill development opportunities to 10 million youths at top-tier companies. Interns will receive a monthly stipend and a one-time assistance amount.

Under the proposal, interns will be granted a 5,000 monthly stipend and a 6,000 one-time assistance payment. The scheme will be implemented in two phases: the first phase lasting two years and the second phase extending three years.

Companies participating in this initiative will be required to cover the training costs for interns, which includes 10% of the internship expenses from their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. The application process will be conducted through an online portal, details of which have not yet been announced.

Participating companies must ensure that internships provide substantial work experience and skill development sessions. Importantly, at least 50% of the internship duration must be spent in a practical work environment, not in a classroom setting.

Eligibility Criteria

The 2024 Internship Scheme is limited to individuals aged 21 to 24 who are currently unemployed or not engaged in full-time education. Notably, graduates from Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) are not eligible for this scheme.

Broad Employment Goals

In her budget speech, Sitharaman projected the creation of approximately 41 million jobs over the next five years. To support this ambitious target, the government has allocated 2 trillion, reflecting its commitment to reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth through targeted employment initiatives.

This extensive internship scheme will play a crucial role in equipping youths with essential skills and practical experience, thereby enhancing their employability and contributing to the nations economic development.
A Colorado judge has ruled in favor of a family that sued Academy District 20, alleging that the district denied their child their right to a Free Appropriate Public Education required by federal law.

Ronnie and Leah Broyles filed a complaint against the district in February, alleging that they specifically violated the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by denying their childs Individualized Education Plan that had been used in previous states and school districts.

The student has multiple disabilities including spina bifida resulting in life-limiting conditions, multiple hospitalizations and surgeries and a heightened susceptibility to infections. These conditions include paralysis, the need for a tracheostomy tube and feeding tube and 24/7 assistance with daily functions.

The student, referred to as V.B. in the court documents, had previously received homebound education and one-on-one tutoring approved by their local school district when they lived in California and, more recently, Colorado Springs School District 11 based on recommendations by doctors detailed in their Individualized Education Plan.

When the family relocated to a home within D-20 in fall 2023, they went through a similar process of presenting and approving V.B.s plan for the school she would be attending. D-20 refused to provide similar services until a reevaluation was taken.

Specifically, the condition of homebound placement for V.B. was unique to the district and the main point of contention. According to district representatives, no other student in the district with an Individualized Education Plan required homebound placement at the time and they believed that the needs outlined could be met within their schools.

They also referred to the districts goal of inclusion and to increase time in the general education classroom for children with special needs along with general the goal of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to have these students interact with their nondisabled peers.

The Broyles argued that the district never seriously considered homebound placement as an option and never attempted to collaborate with them because a lack of understanding of home placement for students.

Ronnie Broyles said that they had provided letters from doctors to the district detailing V.B.s greater risk for respiratory compromise and infection in a traditional classroom setting. He added that the districts IEP team informed them that that they wouldnt provide them with homebound education regardless of the evaluation.

They told me, She is either in school all day long or she will receive no education from us, take it or leave it. And I left it. Broyles said.

They werent listening then. Ill bet theyre listening now.

Cole ruled that D-20 failed to provide V.B with FAPE by:

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 Failing to justify its dramatic departure from prior placements.

 The creation of goals wholly inconsiderate of her individual circumstances.

 Denied a homebound placement on the basis of district policy that too narrowly interprets regulations and is inconsistent with case law.

 Obdurately predetermined her placement in general education 40%-79% of the time.

The district is not bound to accept parents opinion about placement, the ruling stated. They are also not bound to adopt or continue prior placement decisions. They are, however, required to actually consider them.

The judge ruled that the Broyles are entitled to equitable relief in the form of compensatory special-education services, prospective education services in a homebound placement, and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred because of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act violations.

In a statement, a D-20 spokesperson confirmed that the district had received the ruling Monday evening and that they are reviewing the decision and considering our options.

This year, the district was found by the state Department of Education to have failed to meet multiple students Free Appropriate Public Education at one of their elementary schools due to challenges stemming from inconsistent or inadequate staffing and was ordered to addresses each violation identified.

Royles attorney Igor Raykin said that he has multiple lawsuits pending against D-20 and that he was shocked by the ruling, considering how uncommon it is for judges to rule in favor of families over districts in similar cases.

This is only the second case since 2018 where the judge ruled in favor of the parents over the district in Colorado, he said.

Broyles said he is extremely happy with the recent ruling and is confident that an appropriate plan will be approved by the start of the new school year.

Im just upset that weve had to get to this point, Broyles said. Fighting for an education shouldnt be that hard.
The cosmos is said to be a world full of mysteries. Space agencies of many countries are constantly working on space. But do you know what astronauts take with them to eat in space? Do astronauts in space feel less hungry? Today we will tell you the answers to all these questions with facts.





The space agencies of many countries, including America, India, Russia, China and Japan, are constantly working on space. But ever since Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her companions have been stuck in space due to plane malfunctions, the whole world has been waiting for their successful return. However, according to reports, Sunita and her partner will return to earth soon.As Sunita Williams is stuck in space, users are asking various questions on social media. Many users asked how he gets food from there and how much food is left to survive. According to the media, Sunita Williams and her companions still have food to eat. Sunita brought samosas to the space mission. But you might be surprised to know that astronauts don't eat much in space. Food that is eaten with great interest on Earth tastes bad in space.Australia's RMIT University studied why astronauts don't feel hungry in space. Here researchers used VR and the simulated environment of the spacecraft. It helps to understand how space travel affects the human sense of smell and living with food. The results of the study were published in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology.Now the question is what astronauts take into space. We tell you that weight and volume have always been the most important design factors of any spacecraft going into space. But do you know how much food astronauts take with them? The estimated weight of food in the room is limited to 1.72 kg per person per day, which also includes the weight of the luggage of 0.45 kg. Now you must be wondering why there are such restrictions on food and drink. This is said to be because it requires special handling and packaging technology for the zero gravity of space.According to the report, we need all our senses to enjoy the full taste of food. Astronauts don't taste as much food, perhaps because of the lack of gravity in space. Without gravity, body fluids do not gravitate to the feet, but instead descend to the head. This causes problems like nasal congestion. You've probably also experienced that when your nose is blocked in winter, you can't smell food. That's why even your favorite food doesn't taste good.
Delegation is an important skill which should be available in ever leader who wants to empower their team for success. If we talk about its meaning then it is simply assigning the task or responsibilities to others, trusting them to get the work done and giving them opportunity so that they can shine. It is not just about the work, its about using your teams strength to achieve collective or common goals.

When you were able to delegate properly then you can easily free up your own time to focus on more strategic things. This helps in avoiding burnout and ensures you that you can invest your energy on planning or leading. But effective delegation is not just giving task away; it is about selecting the perfect person for each role, by considering each team members skills, experiences and interests. Through this way you get ensure about their capabilities and the other person will also feel satisfied.

For a successful delegation, it is must to have a clear communication. Dont forget to explain the task completely, explain them why it is important and what the expected outcomes are. Through the goals and deadlines, employees will feel their responsibilities. Providing a necessary supports also plays a huge role in it. If they were properly informed then they can perform in a more effective way.

Last but not the least, Trust your team, and allow them space so that they use their creativity in their task. After the completion of the task, give them valuable feedback so that they can improve and grow. Recognize their achievement and encourage them to develop. Your few words of encouragement can really help them to stay motivated. By adopting the skill of delegation, you not just improving the performance of your team but also contribute to a more collaborative and successful environment.
Mumbai: Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic announced their divorce just a few days ago and ever since then the Bollywood actress has left for her hometown in Serbia and is spending much-needed time with her son Agastya Pandya. As Natasa has been sharing countless pictures and videos with her son she even faced trolling for the same as the trollers mocked her and called it a show-off. Amid all the trolling Natasa is unfazed and has continued to share pictures and videos with her son. Natasa's latest pictures even got her ex-husband Hardik Pandya's attention when he showered all the love and heart emojis on the post.

Checkout the latest post of Natasa Stankovic with son that has caught everyone's attention including ex-husband Hardik Pandya

Natasa and Hardik issued a joint divorce statement where they mentioned co-parenting their son Agastya and they are living up to their promise."

After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for both of us. This was a tough decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect, and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family".

Natasa and Hardik got married in 2020 and within 4 years they announced their divorce.
New Delhi: Javed Akhtar was the first person in Bollywood who openly criticised Sandeep Reddy Vanga for Animal starring Ranbir Kapoor. The writer called the success of Animal dangerous for society and later indulged in a war of words with the filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga. And now once again, Javed Akhtar took a jibe at Ranbir Kapoor's Animal dialogue, 'Lick My Shoe'.

Sharing his point of view again in the scene played by Ranbir the protagonist of the film, Javed at an event We Are Yuvaa was asked about the idea of a hero with an angry man is still associated in the south compared to the north in the film industry, to which Javed said," (in the south) bhi dekhiye woh ultimately apna caricature ban raha hai (There also you can see that ultimately he is becoming a caricature of himself)."

He further explained giving an example of Lick My Shoe scene with Triptii Dimri in Animal, "Ab woh man agar hai toh woh hai jiska joota ek aurat chaate. Toh woh angry young man ka ya strong man ka caricature banna shuru ho chuka hai (Now he is the kind of man whose shoe gets licked by a woman. So that caricature of an angry young man or strong man has started)."

Sandeep Reddy had earlier lashed out at Javed Akhtar for criticising his film with an example of Mirzapur produced by his son and Bollywood star Farhan Akhtar. Javed Akhtar slammed the filmmaker back and said, In 53 years of my career, he could not find one film, one script, one scene, one dialogue, one song. So he had to go to my son's office and find a TV serial, which is neither acted, directed, or written by Farhan. 53 years ke career mein tum kuch bhi nahi nikaal paye. What a shame.

We wonder if this latest comment made by Javed Akhtar once again starts the war of words between him and Vanga all over again.
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Salman Khan has told police that he believed the Lawrence Bishnoi gang carried out the firing at his residence here in April this year with the intention to kill him and his family members.

The actor's statement is part of the charge sheet filed by Mumbai Police in a court here in connection with the incident. He heard a firecracker-like sound while being asleep at his residence in Galaxy Apartments in the early hours of April 14, Khan told police.

His police bodyguard told him around 4.55 am that two people on motorbike had fired at the first-floor balcony, he said.

There had been attempts to hurt him and his family earlier, Khan said, adding that his bodyguard lodged a complaint regarding the firing at Bandra police station.

The actor learnt later that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi had confessed and taken responsibility of the attack in a Facebook post, the statement said.

Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members had talked about killing Khan and his relatives earlier too, the statement said, adding, "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 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.

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. Salman Khan's brother and actor-producer Arbaaz Khan too told police about the prior threats received by the family, and the trespassing at their Panvel farmhouse.

"Hence, Salman Khan would always tell our family members to be alert about their safety," Arbaaz said in his statement, also part of the charge sheet.

He was out of town when the April 14 firing incident took place, Arbaaz said, adding that he too believed that Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members carried out the attack to kill his family members.
Mumbai: Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan, who was recently seen in the streaming movie Ae Watan Mere Watan, is making the most of her time in Kashmir. On Wednesday, the actress took to the Stories section of her Instagram and dropped pictures from her trip to Kashmir.

In one of the pictures, the actress can be seen sitting with her group of friends and enjoying Kashmiri roti, Kahwa and chai. Kashmiri Kahwa is a unique blend of spices, with a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and a hint of saffron and is generally served with sugar or honey along with almonds.

Take A Look At Her Post:

The other pictures show her standing next to a lake as she is soaked in the colours of nature. The actress can be seen dressed in a green coloured top and pants which she paired with matching shoes. She rounded up her look with a shawl.

On the work front, Sara will be next seen in Metro... In Dino alongside Aditya Roy Kapur, Konkona Sensharma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Pankaj Tripathi and Neena Gupta.

The film is directed by Anurag Basu, who is known for Gangster, Murder, Barfi and Ludo. She also has Sky Force in the pipeline in which she will share the screen with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Veer Pahariya, Nimrat Kaur and Sharad Kelkar.

The film is reportedly based on India's retaliatory attack on the Sargodha air base of Pakistan in the Indo-Pakistani air war of 1965, which is considered Indias first and deadliest airstrike.
New Delhi: A woman doctor from Noida recently lost Rs 59 lakh after falling victim to a scam involving a fake 'digital arrest' that lasted 48 hours. This alarming scam tactic which is becoming more common in the Delhi NCR region tricks individuals into believing theyre under digital arrest, leading them to make large payments to escape the supposed legal trouble.

Dr. Pooja Goyal, a gynaecologist, reported that the scam occurred between July 15 and 16. She has since filed a complaint with the Noida Cyber Crime Police Station.

Fraudster Poses as TRAI Official

Dr. Goyal in her complaint explained that she received a call on July 13 from someone pretending to be an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller claimed that her phone was being used to distribute pornographic videos.

Victim Transfers Rs 59.54 Lakh

Dr. Goyal denied the allegations but the caller convinced her to join a video call where he informed her she was under 'digital arrest.' After 48 hours of being questioned she finally transferred Rs 59.54 lakh to an account as instructed by the caller. However, she later realised that she had been scammed and filed a complaint with Noida Police on July 22.

Police Confirm Action Will Be Taken

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cybercrime) Vivek Ranjan Rai confirmed they have the account details where the money was sent. He mentioned, We are verifying the details, and action will be taken, as reported by NDTV.

Noida Police Issues Scam Warning

Noida Police issued a warning about these types of scams. According to the advisory, In recent months, around ten such incidents have been reported, leading to registered FIRs and ongoing investigations,"

Advisory Urges Reporting Suspicious Calls

The advisory further stated "If a suspicious call claims that legal action is being taken or asks for personal or financial information, citizens should immediately report it to the nearest police station or cyber cell,".

What is Digital house arrest?

Digital house arrest is a tactic where cybercriminals confine victims to their homes to scam them. Offenders generate fear by making audio or video calls, frequently posing as law enforcement officers using AI-generated voices or video technology.
Digital art has revolutionized the artistic landscape, ushering in a new era of creativity and innovation that transcends traditional boundaries and redefines the way we perceive and interact with art. In this article, we explore the profound impact of digital art in the modern world, examining how technology has transformed artistic practices, expanded artistic possibilities, and reshaped the art industry.

One of the key impacts of digital art lies in its democratization of the creative process. Digital tools and software have made art more accessible to a wider audience, enabling aspiring artists to experiment, create, and share their work with ease. The internet and social media platforms have provided a global stage for artists to showcase their creations, connect with fellow creators, and engage with art enthusiasts from around the world. This democratization of art has empowered individuals to express themselves creatively, fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity in the art world.

Moreover, digital art has opened up a realm of endless possibilities for artistic expression. Artists are no longer confined to traditional mediums and techniques but can explore a vast array of digital tools, such as graphic design software, 3D modelling programs, and digital painting applications, to bring their visions to life. The versatility and flexibility of digital art allow artists to experiment with form, colour, texture, and movement in ways that were previously unimaginable, pushing the boundaries of creativity and challenging conventional notions of artistry.

In addition to transforming the creative process, digital art has also revolutionized the way art is consumed and experienced. Virtual galleries, online exhibitions, and digital installations have emerged as new platforms for showcasing and engaging with art, offering immersive and interactive experiences that transcend physical limitations. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies have further enhanced the viewers engagement with art, allowing food dynamic and personalized interactions that blur the line between the real and virtual worlds.

Furthermore, the impact of digital art extends beyond the realm of artistic creation to encompass the art market and industry as a whole. Online marketplaces, digital platforms, and blockchain technology have revolutionized the way art is bought, sold, and authenticated, providing artists with new opportunities for exposure, monetization, and ownership rights. The rise of digital art has also challenged traditional notions of art ownership and authenticity, prompting a reevaluation of the value and significance of art in the digital age.

In conclusion. The impact of digital art in the modern world is profound and far-reaching, transforming the way we create, consume, and engage with art. As technology continues to evolve and shape the artistic landscape, digital art will undoubtedly play a central role in driving innovation, fostering creativity, and redefining the boundaries of artistic expression. By embracing the possibilities of digital art and exploring its transformative potential, we embark on a journey of discovery and imagination that expands our understanding of art and its enduring impact on society.

(The article is for information purposes only. Zee News does not vouch for its reliability or accuracy)
Addressing his fellow Americans, President Joe Biden declared on Wednesday that America has reached a pivotal moment, and he has chosen to "pass the torch to a new generation" as the best path forward.

"I've decided that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. It's the best way to unite our nation. While there is a time and place for extensive experience in public life, there is also a time and place for new, fresh, and yes, younger voices. That time and place is now," Biden stated during his Oval Office address to the nation.

This significant address occurred three days after he announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, endorsing his Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee.

Harris, of Indian and African descent, has become the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

"In my Oval Office address, I emphasized that America is at an inflection point, a rare moment in history where our current decisions will shape the destiny of our nation and the world for decades to come," he said.

Flanked by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, his son Hunter Biden, and other family members, Biden concluded his remarks. At the end, Ashley Biden reached out to her mother, Jill Biden, who was sitting beside her.

Following his speech, Jill Biden approached the Resolute Desk and stood by her husband. "This has been the honor of a lifetime," Biden expressed, along with other words of gratitude.

Vice President Kamala Harris observed Biden's address from Houston, where she stayed overnight after visiting the city's Emergency Operations Center for a briefing on the recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl.

Biden in his remarks said that America is going to have to choose between 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. In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies, but as fellow Americans, he said.

Over the next six months, Biden said, he will be focused on doing his job as the president.

That means I'll continue to lower costs for hard working families, grow our economy, and I'll keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights from the right to vote to the right to choose. I'll keep calling out hate and extremism, make it clear there is no place, no place in America for political violence or any violence ever, period. I'm going to keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence, our planet from climate crisis, is the existential threat, he said.

Biden said he is the first president in this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world.

We'll keep rallying a coalition of proud nations to stop Putin from taking over Ukraine and doing more damage. We'll keep NATO stronger, and I'll make it more powerful and more united than at any time in all of our history, he said.

I'll keep doing the same for allies in the Pacific. You know, when I came to office, the conventional wisdom was that China would inevitably surpass the United States. That's not the case anymore. I'm going to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages and bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war, said the president.

Biden said in just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America's future.

I made my choice. I made my views known. I would like to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris. She's experienced, she's tough, she's capable. She's been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people, he said.
A Colorado judge issued an order temporarily blocking the proposed $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons following a lawsuit from the state, according to court documents.

Kroger is the parent company of King Soopers in Colorado, while Albertsons runs the Safeway chain in the state.

At a hearing in Denver on Thursday, Judge Andrew J. Luxen granted a preliminary injunction halting the deal and canceled a hearing set for Aug. 12.

"Defendants shall take any and all necessary steps to prevent any of their officers, directors, domestic or foreign agents, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates, partnerships, or joint ventures from consummating, directly or indirectly, any such transaction," the court ruling said.

Luxen will now oversee a two-week trial on the merits of the proposed merger beginning on Sept. 30, and the two companies agreed to delay closing their proposed deal until after the court rules, the court documents showed.

A Kroger spokesperson said in an email that the decision is "welcome news" because the court will skip the hearing and go straight to trial.

We look forward to defending in court how the combination of Kroger and Albertsons will provide meaningful, measurable benefits, including lower prices and more choices for families across the country and more opportunities for stable, well-paying union jobs," the spokesperson said.

Kroger faces one of its most difficult legal hurdles in getting the $24.6 billion deal closed in Colorado.

Colorado was the second state, after Washington, to sue against the merger. Shortly after, the FTC filed its own suit with eight other states: Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming.

While most states are part of the federal lawsuit, Kroger and Albertsons will also have to get through Colorado's local court system.

The grocers announced in April it would sell nearly 100 Albertsons stores, which is most of its stores in Colorado, to C&S Wholesale Grocers to help the merger go through. Nationally, the grocers plan to divest nearly 600 stores.

Why Colorado Safeway stores wouldn't be run by Kroger if merger goes through

The rights to the Safeway brand name would also go to C&S Wholesale Grocers in Arizona and Colorado alone.

Colorado's attorney general's office said it is concerned the merger would eliminate grocery competition and the planned divestitures to a grocer with no stores in the West would lead to closures. The grocers maintained the merger would not shut down stores, it would reduce food prices and C&S Wholesale Grocers is experienced enough to operate grocery stores.

Kroger and Albertsons said the merger would help them compete against the rise of supermarkets and online shopping giants, such as Walmart and Amazon.

The grocers originally tried to dismiss Colorado's lawsuit, arguing it was redundant since the Federal Trade Commission is also suing against their merger. A Denver District Court disagreed, ruling that the state has as much right to enforce monopoly laws as federal officials do.

After Kroger and Albertsons failed to get local courts to drop the case, the ruling said the grocers agreed with the state to place a preliminary injunction to save on resources.

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In a statement, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who pursued the state's lawsuit against the merger, lauded the court's ruling.

I am pleased that Kroger and Albertsons agreed to halt their plans to merge until the court rules on the states lawsuit to permanently block the grocery merger," Weiser said.

"This is great news for shoppers, workers, farmers, and other suppliers, who can rest assured that this mega-merger will not go into effect during harvest season and while kids are headed back to school," he said.

The potential new owner, if the deal goes through, would be New Hampshire-based C&S Wholesale Grocers, parent company of Piggly Wiggly and Grand Union Supermarkets. Kroger and Albertsons plan to divest 91 stores across the state, nearly all of Albertsons 105 stores, to the company.

The plan would introduce a new grocer into the Colorado market that has no experience operating a retail footprint in the state. Weiser had expressed worries about that when he announced his office would sue to block the merger, while the Kroger and Albertsons have expressed confidence in C&S Wholesale Grocers.

In a video conference last month, an Albertsons consultant spoke to discuss the effects of the plan.

To correct mistakes by some prior divestiture buyers, said Scott Moses, theyre either buying or licensing local banners to make sure they maintain customer continuity, loyalty and performance.

Moses, the head of grocery, pharmacy and restaurants investment banking at Solomon Partners, was hired by the grocer as a third-party expert on the effects of the deal.

The attorney generals concerns begin with the 2015 deal that put the Safeway brand into Albertsons possession in the first place.

Albertsons had to divest 168 stores to get the Federal Trade Commissions approval. Haggen bought the stores and went bankrupt months after the sale, only for Albertsons to buy many locations back. The divestitures didnt happen in Colorado, though Weisers office said the state saw the effects of store closures from that merger, which the attorney general said left some local communities with fewer grocery options.

One key difference from Haggens takeover of divested stores and the proposed Kroger-Albertsons plan is that the former was a much smaller chain putting its name on stores in states where customers had little knowledge of the brand, Moses said.

And the grocer didnt have enough money to market itself.

As a consequence, customers were confused, Moses said.

And sales fell quickly.

C&S Wholesalers is keeping the Safeway name in Colorado and Arizona because the brand has strong loyalty in the state, Moses said.

And while C&S Wholesalers doesnt operate stores in Colorado and most of the Western states where divestitures are happening, Moses said, it has a national supply chain, giving it more structure to be sustainable in new markets.

Reuters contributed to this report.
The Colorado Democratic Party and the state's delegation to next month's Democratic National Convention on Tuesday formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party's presidential nominee, adding to support she's received from state delegations since President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he was withdrawing from the race and endorsing Harris.
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.
The University of Northern Iowa has created an expedited path to licensure for paraeducators who want to work as teachers in an attempt to alleviate teacher staffing issues across the state.

UNI's Purple Pathway program, an intensive, two-year course, is offered to paraeducators who already have an associate's degree. Mason City schools has both paraeducators participating and teachers hired from the program.

Kris Donnelly, Purple Pathway program coordinator, says students who complete the program walk away with a traditional bachelor's degree and endorsements to teach special education students. Donnelly is also an assistant professor at UNI's College of Education and focuses on special education.

She called the program an "innovative" way to help alleviate the teacher shortage in Iowa.

Donnelly said Purple Pathway was partially inspired by a previous collaborative program between UNI and Waterloo schools, called Teach Waterloo. The Waterloo program was very successful in helping paraeducators get their teaching licenses, making it seem feasible to expand the program.

Any paraeducator working for an Iowa school district can participate in the program, since classes are held online. Paraeducators work full time in their school districts concurrently with taking the course. Donnelly said UNI and school administrators also try to have student teaching happen in the paraeducator's home district, if possible.

Purple Pathway runs year-round and includes all the credits a traditional bachelor's degree in teaching does, and involves evening classes, practicums, and student teaching.

Rachel Hansen of Mason City worked as a paraeducator for Mason City schools for almost 10 years before she took the plunge and decided to seek out her teaching license. She will be teaching third grade at Newman Catholic this fall.

Hansen heard about Purple Pathway through information from the district about a grant potentially covering the costs of program. While Mason City was not approved for the grant, Hansen decided she wanted to pursue the idea and covered the costs herself. She graduated in Purple Pathway's first cohort in the spring of 2024.

Hansen emphasized that the program was hard work and required a lot of organization, but she knew she wanted to get her teaching license for years.

"There were times where it was like, 'I don't know if I can do this. Why am I doing this?' ... But when this opportunity came up two years ago, I was like 'This is the time to do it'", Hansen said.

Garen Calo of Cedar Falls will start her new position teaching K-2 special education at Hoover Elementary in Mason City this fall. She graduated from the Purple Pathway program summa cum laude while working full time as a paraeducator and being a single mom to two grade-school aged children.

Calo also said the program was "intense" but worth it.

"There was a lot of planning... It's a lot of late nights, a lot of early mornings," she said.

Bridget Exman Dunn, Mason City's assistant superintendent, said another paraeducator in the district is enrolled in Purple Pathway this year.

"Like many districts in Iowa, we are feeling the very real impact of the teacher shortage," Exman Dunn said. "We have to take advantage of any available means to bridge the gap for those who are currently serving our students and want to pursue a teaching license while still making a living."

Calo said the ability to continue working as a paraeducator was what made it possible for her to achieve her teaching license. As a nontraditional student, she still had to cover her expenses and care for her family. She thought the program's design and coursework helped hone her skills for the classroom in real time.

"One of the really great benefits of working full time and going to school full time  the way it married up  was I would learn something, and then take it into the classroom and apply it immediately," she said.

Hansen also said a main benefit was the ability to maintain her pay. "When I did go student teach, I student taught, but also I was getting paid my para pay during my student teaching," Hansen said.

Calo and Hansen each expressed enthusiasm about setting up their classrooms.

"I've been in my classroom, just going through organizing and sorting. ... I'm very excited," Calo said.

They both recommend the program to other paraeducators.

"It's just a wonderful program. I really encourage anybody who can do it to do it," Hansen said.
An exchange summer camp of students from Beijing, Hong Kong and Macao kicked off in Beijing on Wednesday, marking the 30th anniversary of the camp since it was launched in 1994.

About 150 students and teachers from the three regions will embark on a six-day cultural and historical tour of Beijing and North China's Shanxi province, visiting scenic spots and museums to gain a deeper understanding of the country's development and cultural heritage.

Organized by the Ministry of Education, the summer camp aims to provide opportunities for secondary school and university students from the three places to enhance exchanges and build friendships.

Ni Haidong, Party secretary of the Beijing Language and Culture University, highlighted the significance of the 30th anniversary of the event this year.

"Over the past 30 years, the camp has brought together young people from the three regions to foster friendly exchanges, providing an important platform for them to understand Beijing and the Chinese mainland," he said during the opening ceremony at the university.

Lin Zhixin, a student from Hong Kong Leung Shek Chee College and a member of the summer camp, said she hopes to meet new people and expand her social circle through the program.

"As Beijing is far from Hong Kong and Macao, students from the three regions face difficulties in direct communication. Participating in the exchange camp can increase face-to-face interactions and enhance mutual familiarity," Lin said.

Pu Yiran, a student from a branch institute of Beijing 101 Middle School, found students from Hong Kong and Macao were more proactive in communication.

"Although it felt strange at first, the exchanges helped us explore common background, and we were even able to discuss classic literature and classical Chinese language," Pu said.

During the summer camp, students will visit iconic scenic spots such as the National Stadium in Beijing and Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Shanxi to learn about the history and culture of the country and strengthen exchanges.
You are here: Business

China's top state assets regulator released the inaugural list of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) leading in science and technology innovation on Wednesday.

The State Council's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) honored 26 SOEs on the 2023 list, including China Mobile, China National Nuclear Corporation, and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd.

These 26 companies mainly come from the energy, communications and aerospace industries.

China Mobile, one of the country's top three telecom operators, has kept boosting investment in frontier sectors. Last year, the telecom giant spent about 28.7 billion yuan (about 4 billion U.S. dollars) in research and development (R&D), surging almost 60 percent year on year, according to its financial report.

At a recent seminar for central SOE executives, the state assets regulator urged efforts to accelerate establishing a comprehensive sci-tech innovation assessment system and nurture new growth drivers.

Last month, central SOEs established 17 new innovation consortiums, covering areas such as industrial software, computing power networks, new energy and advanced materials.

Data from the SASAC showed that the move has brought the total number of central SOE innovation consortiums to 24.

China's central SOEs possess robust innovation capabilities and organizational advantages, positioning them as the core drivers of technological ingenuity. Among the 2023 Fortune 500 companies, 46 were central SOEs from China.

In 2022 and 2023, these SOEs invested over 1 trillion yuan in R&D, achieving breakthroughs in key technologies across various industries and sectors.

China has been ramping up efforts to boost the innovation prowess of SOEs. According to a key policy document unveiled last week, China will allow more eligible SOEs to provide diverse medium and long-term incentives to encourage innovation and creativity among their research personnel.

The institutional framework under which SOEs pursue original innovation will be improved, and the reform of state capital investment and operation companies will be continued.

Zhang Yuzhuo, chairman of the SASAC, said this week that the regulator will provide more institutional support for new areas and new arenas of innovation.

Efforts should be made to promote the integration of central SOEs into the national innovation system and establish a reserve system for enterprise R&D to encourage full-chain innovation from fundamental research to industrial applications, according to Zhang.
Natascha McElhones characters in Hotel Portofino and Halo have one thing in common  a blonde wig.

Thats where it begins and ends, the British actress says. Both were shot in the same year  the period piece Portofino in the summer and the sci-fi drama Halo in the other nine months  but the commitments were quite different.

For Portofino, in which she plays a hotel owner in the 1920s, McElhone was in Italy for six weeks, working six days a week. For the futuristic Halo, shed be called in once or so a month for nine months.

It sounds like a long year but, actually, it wasnt very arduous, she says. McElhones youngest son came with to Italy, and they had a great time enjoying the sights and staying in a place that was pretty special.

The only problem: Bellas wig. Because it was fitted in London, designers didnt consider how it might adapt to humidity.

There was an awful lot of moisture in the air, McElhone says. That meant the wig had a life of her own. While the actress suggested cutting her own hair and dispensing with the wig, you couldnt swim, and you had to pin curls to remain in the period. Flyaway wig hair was a small price to pay to play a character rich in change.

Before the third season, creator Matt Baker asked the actors to share their impressions and suggest what might happen to the characters.

Whats the point in doing a period drama if you dont drill into the history of the time? McElhone says. So, we looked at the social history and the fashion of the times. In the new season, Bella shows up in trousers, much to her husbands dismay. It was interesting getting into marital law, divorce law, property ownership and how it differed between countries. I thought it was quite good to look at my grandmothers generation and see what might have happened.

Bella, who buys a hotel is a bit of a maverick, a sort of an iconoclast during that time.

In addition to the hotel, she dabbles in perfumes and aromatherapy.

It smelled amazing, she of the result. We had someone who specialized in all this, so all the crushed rose petals and lavender and the orange essence were all real. And I got to play with the Bunsen burners.

While McElhone isnt quick to say shes a lot like Bella (my life is nothing like that because I dont have the constraints) she does admit shes less the social butterfly, more the homebody.

Im very happy sitting with a book, she says. I am not so into the domestic arts.

She writes daily (her family is filled with storied journalists) and often reads others work to offer suggestions. I did the judging for the Booker Prize one year and we had to read 159 books. My middle son actually has had a couple of plays at the Edinburgh festival, so he writes as well. Everyone writes, so when you go down in the morning to breakfast, everyones got their journals and theyre writing.

Even though her mother was an acclaimed rock journalist, McElhone was coerced to go into the family business.

Since age 3, she has wanted to be an actress.

I can never ever remember wanting to do something else, she says. And it thrills me every bit as much now as it did them. Im just so lucky that I get to do what I dreamed of.

"Hotel Portofino" begins its third season in July on PBS.

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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.
Three new principals have been named to lead schools in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, the district announced Wednesday.

Ayonna Sutton-Chaplin is the new principal at the district's largest high school, West Forsyth. Sutton-Chaplin has been an assistant principal at the school since 2021. She replaces Kevin Spainhour, who is the new area superintendent for schools in east Forsyth County.

Sutton-Chaplin began her career as a teacher at Atkins High School, later going to Mount Tabor. She moved into administration, working as an assistant principal at Kimmel Farm Elementary School and Walkertown High School before going to West Forsyth. She begins her new role immediately.

Rachel Sanchez is the new principal at Kernersville Middle School, replacing Lisa Duggins, who left the district for another job. Sanchez has been an assistant principal at the school since 2015. Prior to that, she taught in Guilford County Schools for for 10 years. She has also been an instructional facilitator at Mineral Springs Middle School.

Sanchez begins at Kernersville Middle on Aug. 1.

Christie Brown is the new principal at Rural Hall Elementary School. A former teacher at Forest Park Elementary, Brown has been an assistant principal at Mineral Springs Middle and Paisley Middle schools. Most recently, she was an assistant principal at Flat Rock Middle School. She replaces Shannon Boles, who retired.

She begins at Rural Hall on Sept. 1.

The school board approved the new hires at its meeting on Tuesday.
CASE

A 15-year-old girl was referred to a pediatric endocrinologist after her workup for recurring urticaria revealed a suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and positive microsomal thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies.

History

The patient initially sought treatment at an urgent care clinic for evaluation of a 4-day history of acute-onset urticaria. Two weeks before the onset of the hives, the patient had a viral upper respiratory illness; however, she was in otherwise good health and denied other symptoms. She denied any known exposures to potential allergens or the use of any new medications. Medical history was significant for mild persistent asthma and peanut/tree nut allergies. Medications included montelukast 5 mg daily and as-needed use of an albuterol metered-dose inhaler. An IM injection of methylprednisolone was administered for symptomatic treatment of the urticaria, and the patient was advised to take over-the-counter diphenhydramine every 4 to 6 hours, as needed, for pruritus.

Three days after the initial evaluation, the patient was reevaluated at the urgent care clinic for worsening urticaria. She was prescribed a 5-day course of oral prednisone 40 mg daily and once-daily famotidine 20 mg. Patient education included the recommendation to continue diphenhydramine, as needed, and to schedule an appointment with an allergist if the urticaria continued.

In the late evening hours of day 8 following the initial onset of hives, the patient began experiencing progressive upper and lower eyelid swelling. Physical examination at a pediatric ED revealed no signs of lip or tongue edema or wheezing, and the patient had no difficulty breathing or swallowing. A urinalysis, performed to evaluate for proteinuria, was normal. The ED clinician recommended continued use of diphenhydramine every 4 to 6 hours as needed and provided reassurance that the cause of acute urticaria is often unknown but usually resolves within several days. No new treatments were prescribed.

The patient had another 2 weeks of rash and pruritus, so her mother scheduled an appointment with an allergist. At the time of consultation, the recurrent episodes of urticaria had persisted for nearly 5 weeks. The patient reported temporary relief of symptoms with diphenhydramine every 6 hours. However, the rash would reemerge near the end of the dosing interval, and she experienced severe somnolence from the antihistamine. The patient's mother expressed quality-of-life concerns because the patient's urticaria symptoms and the somnolence caused by diphenhydramine had contributed to multiple absences from school and sports.

Physical examination

Skin examination showed no acute urticarial lesions at the time of evaluation by the allergist. The patient described her rash as reddish-pink raised bumps varying in size (Figures 1 to 3) and typically returning about 1 hour before each scheduled dose of antihistamine. Several red-rimmed patches with central brownish-purple discoloration were visible on her distal lower legs. The lesions were nontender and appeared in areas of previously excoriated wheals. Although these findings were concerning for urticarial vasculitis, the patient had no other systemic signs or symptoms of vasculitis. The remainder of the physical examination was unremarkable.

Diagnostic testing

Allergy skin prick testing was completed at the time of consultation with the allergist to evaluate for common allergens such as grass, weeds, trees, animals (dogs, cats, horses, mites, cockroaches, feathers), and molds; results were negative for any specific allergic response. The following additional laboratory studies were ordered at that time, which marked 4 weeks from symptom onset: complete blood cell (CBC) count with differential, complete metabolic panel (CMP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), TSH, thyroxine (T4), tryptase, microsomal TPO antibody, thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor antibody (CD203c) (Table 1).

TABLE 1. - The patient's initial and repeat blood laboratory results by allergy and pediatric endocrinology specialists The patient's initial and repeat blood laboratory results by allergy and pediatric endocrinology specialists Initial bloodwork (4 weeks since onset) Thyroid function testing and thyroid antibodies (8 weeks since onset) Repeat bloodwork (14 weeks since onset) Repeat bloodwork (20 weeks since onset) Normal range T4 13.8 mcg/dL 5-10.8 mcg/dL Free T4 Canceled 4.9 ng/dL 2 ng/dL 1.4 ng/dL 1-2.4 ng/dL T3 total 285 ng/dL 208 ng/dL 96 ng/dL 102-200 ng/dL TSH <0.01 mU/L <0.01 mU/L <0.01 mU/L 3.18 mU/L 0.3-4 mU/L Microsomal TPO antibody 1,300 IU/mL 60 IU/mL TG antibody <0.9 IU/mL 3.9 IU/mL Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin 238% of baseline <140% of baseline Thyrotropin-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin 8.48 IU/L 2 IU/L ANA Negative Negative CRP <3 mg/L 4.9 mg/L ESR 18 mm/h <20 mm/h Tryptase 6 mcg/L <11 mcg/L CD203c 17.5% 0-12% CBC count and CMP were within normal ranges. Results outside the normal ranges are boldfaced.

The patient was advised to discontinue diphenhydramine, famotidine, and montelukast and to take over-the-counter fexofenadine 180 mg twice daily to relieve symptoms. Given the concomitant laboratory findings of hyperthyroidism and elevated CD203c, the patient was referred to pediatric endocrinology.

Management

At the initial endocrinology consultation, a medical history was completed. The patient's family history included autoimmune thyroid disease in both parents and several other close relatives. The patient had no history of hypertension; however, physical examination showed elevations in BP (160/94 mm Hg) and heart rate (116 beats/minute). Laboratory test results were unclear as to whether the underlying cause of the hyperthyroidism was Hashitoxicosis, the hyperthyroid phase of Hashimoto thyroiditis, or Graves hyperthyroidism. To further evaluate, the following studies were ordered: TSH, free T4, triiodothyronine (T3) total, thyroid receptor antibodies (TRAb), and a thyroid ultrasound. A thyroid uptake scan was considered; however, because the clinical course already included an elevated T4, hypertension, and tachycardia, delaying the start of thyroid medication to await the results of an uptake scan was of concern, given the risk of further symptom exacerbation.

The patient was started on methimazole 5 mg twice daily and atenolol 25 mg once daily. She was advised to refrain from exertional activities or sports until thyroid levels normalized. Home monitoring of BP and pulse was recommended. She also was instructed to continue fexofenadine 180 mg twice daily for urticaria.

Thyroid ultrasound revealed an autoimmune pattern of thyroiditis, and the additional laboratory tests showed elevated TRAb antibodies (thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin and thyrotropin-binding inhibiting immunoglobulin). These results confirmed the clinical picture of Graves disease. The repeat free T4 and T3 total continued to be elevated 8 weeks after symptom onset (Table 1). Given these findings, the methimazole dose was increased to 10 mg twice daily. Unfortunately, an attempt to reduce the fexofenadine dose from 180 mg twice daily to once daily resulted in a recurrence of urticaria.

Within 6 weeks of this dose change and a total of 14 weeks since the onset of symptoms, the laboratory studies indicated a gradual improvement in the patient's hyperthyroidism. BP normalized to 138/78 mm Hg and heart rate to 86 beats/minute. The methimazole dose was decreased to 5 mg daily, and atenolol was discontinued. Because the patient had not experienced any further urticaria, fexofenadine was reduced to 180 mg once daily.

DISCUSSION

Urticaria is characterized as transient, itchy, red wheals caused by sudden swelling of the superficial dermis. Involvement of the lower dermis and subcutaneous tissues may occur and is known as angioedema. Urticaria is defined as either acute (less than 6 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 6 weeks).1-3 Chronic urticaria affects 0.5% to 1% of the general population and 0.1% to 0.3% of children.2,4-6 Chronic urticaria can be divided into two subgroups: idiopathic and autoimmune.5 The autoimmune subgroup is associated with the autoantibodies IgG and IgE, which are capable of inducing mast cell and basophil degranulation.5 In literature reports, the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) in patients with chronic urticaria varies from 4.3% to 57%.2,3 Both clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism are reported more frequently than hyperthyroidism, and the presence of thyroid autoantibodies, specifically microsomal TPO or anti-TPO antibodies, is more common in patients with chronic urticaria than in control groups.3

Studies have shown an improved response or remission in urticarial symptoms following the treatment of underlying thyroid disorders in patients with chronic urticaria.3 In a study by Kolkhir and colleagues, patients' symptoms improved within 2 months of starting treatment for hyperthyroidism with thiourea drugs.3

The pathology of chronic urticaria involves the activation of mast cells; however, the exact mechanism is poorly understood. A correlation between chronic urticaria and autoimmune thyroid disease is found in about 10% of patients.3,7 Possible pathogenetic relationships between autoimmune thyroid disease and chronic urticaria include the formation of immune complexes with subsequent activation of complement (through the generation of C3a and C5a, which cause degranulation of mast cells), and the development of IgE antibodies directed against autoallergens (for example, IgE-anti-TPO).2,3,6,8

IgG antithyroid antibody (IgG-anti-TPO), one example of a thyroid protein immune complex, does not cause direct degranulation of mast cells. However, circulating immune complexes are thought to cause chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, the release of sequestered autoantigens, and a generalized low-level inflammatory state that reduces the stimulation threshold of mast cells.3 Because the activation of mast cells can be mediated by nonimmunologic means, such as complement cascades or infections, or by immunologic means, such as autoallergy or autoimmunity, additional autoantibodies may play a synergistic role in triggering mast cells and basophils in patients with chronic urticaria.3

Chronic autoimmune urticaria can be associated with type I hypersensitivity (autoallergy) or type II hypersensitivity (autoimmunity).4 Autoallergy occurs when IgE directs against autoallergens such as TPO or interleukin-24 (IL-24) (Figure 4).1,8 Autoimmunity occurs when mast cells are activated by IgG autoantibodies directed to IgE or its receptor.1,8

FIGURE 4.: IgE-anti-TPO/TG autoantibodies bound to the surface of mast cells and basophilsReproduced with permission from Kolkhir P, Metz M, Altrichter S, Maurer M. Comorbidity of chronic spontaneous urticaria and autoimmune thyroid diseases: a systematic review. Allergy. 2017;72(10):1440-1460.

All mast cells and basophils have high-affinity IgE receptors, known as Fc-epsilon receptors, that are involved in allergic reactions. The molecule CD203c (ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase) also is present on the surface of basophils and mast cells. When CD203c is crosslinked to the high-affinity IgE receptor on the cell's surface by an allergen or anti-IgE receptor antibody, it upregulates and causes cell activation or the release of cell mediators such as histamine and cytokines.9,10 The IgE receptor antibody serum test (also referred to as basophil CD203c expression) can help detect functional autoantibodies to the high-affinity IgE receptor or to IgE.

CD203c was measured in the case patient to help determine whether the cause of her urticaria was autoallergic or autoimmune. Given the elevated IgE receptor antibody laboratory findings, female sex, and elevated TPO antibodies, the case patient's urticaria was thought to be autoimmune and caused by her autoimmune thyroid disorder.

Guidelines from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology/Global Allergy and Asthma European Network/European Dermatology Forum/World Allergy Organization call for second-generation antihistamines as first-line therapy for chronic urticaria because they are nonsedating, free from anticholinergic effects, and possess good safety profiles.8 Up-dosing of second-generation antihistamines (up to four times the standard dose) in patients whose chronic urticaria does not respond satisfactorily to the standard dose is recommended before the addition of other treatments.8

Chronic urticaria often remits within a matter of years and patients may have spontaneous remission at any time. Reevaluate dosing and patients' need for continued drug therapy every 3 to 6 months.11

OUTCOME

The case patient's hyperthyroidism continues to be controlled with methimazole 5 mg daily. She remains symptom-free and within normal therapeutic thyroid ranges. She will continue her treatment regimen for hyperthyroidism for 18 to 24 months. Although her urticaria has been controlled with once-daily dosing of fexofenadine 180 mg, she continues to have recurrence with missed or skipped doses. She has not experienced any adverse reactions to fexofenadine and reports improved quality of life compared with taking diphenhydramine.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between autoimmune thyroid disease and chronic urticaria is well known: IgE antibodies directed at TPO can bind to the high-affinity IgE receptor on mast cells and cause an autoallergic mast cell activation.2,5,6 However, recently it has become clear that patients with autoimmune urticaria more often have a coexistence of autoallergic and autoimmune mast cell-activating autoantibodies, IgE and/or IgG.12 When evaluating patients with chronic urticaria, consider family history of autoimmune disorders, and evaluate patients for thyroid function and thyroid autoantibodies.2,11

Management of autoimmune thyroid disorders can improve chronic urticaria over time, but some patients may need long-term antihistamine therapy. For quality-of-life issues, choose the least sedating antihistamine that controls the patient's symptoms.
CASE

Accompanied by his mother, a 12-year-old boy arrived at the pediatric office for a follow-up visit for pneumonia and concern over frequent illness.

History

The patient began to experience fever, lethargy, and a productive cough about 1 week before this visit. The mother stated that she immediately became concerned that he had pneumonia because he had a tendency to get it several times a year, with the last episode occurring about 8 months ago. She had taken him to an urgent care clinic, where a chest radiograph was obtained and he was diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. He had been treated with cefdinir and experienced improvement with no recent fever or lethargy and a productive cough that was becoming less frequent. She expressed frustration that he seemed to get sick so easily. She stated that when her other children got colds, they recovered quickly, but with the case patient, a cold seemed to always turn into pneumonia.

Review of the patient's medical records revealed frequent diagnoses of pneumonia over the past 3 years after a relatively uneventful early childhood. Each episode had resolved with antibiotic therapy, and the patient never required hospitalization. The frequency of other types of infections did not appear to be increased. The patient had a pectus excavatum deformity noted since infancy, but no significant past medical or family history (Figure 1). He was fully immunized, including vaccination against influenza each fall. In addition, standard newborn screening tests done shortly after birth found no abnormalities.

FIGURE 1.: Pectus excavatum in a different patient

The patient's mother stated that although the patient had been very active as a younger child, in recent years he had preferred to play video games, draw, and read. He no longer played soccer or basketball but still would occasionally ride his bike or swim with friends at a neighbor's pool. He was not exposed to any airborne hazards that she was aware of, and no one in the family used tobacco products. The patient denied smoking, vaping, or using e-cigarettes.

Physical examination

The patient's vital signs were temperature 97.9 F (36.6 C) temporally; heart rate, 74 beats/minute and regular; respirations, 19 and unlabored; BP, 102/62 mm Hg; and SpO 2 , 97% on room air. His body mass index was 22 (normal range). He appeared well nourished and was in no acute distress. Visual inspection of the chest revealed a significant depression of the sternum. Auscultation of the lungs revealed rhonchi, audible in all lung fields, which cleared with coughing. Otherwise, he had no adventitious breath sounds and good air exchange. Cardiac rate and rhythm were regular, without murmurs, gallops, or rubs, and the abdominal examination was benign.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Cystic fibrosis (CF)

Cardiopulmonary compromise secondary to pectus excavatum

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OUTCOME

Review of the chest radiograph from the urgent care visit revealed consolidation in the right middle lobe. Depression of the sternum was visible but no other abnormalities were noted. Although most cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia are identified in utero or in the immediate newborn period, 5% to 25% of cases are not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood, typically after the patient presents with recurrent respiratory infections or acute gastrointestinal symptoms.1 In most patients, air- or fluid-filled loops of bowel are visible in the thoracic cavity, along with a shift of the mediastinum.1 The absence of these findings on chest radiograph made this diagnosis unlikely in the case patient.

Most cases of CF are identified prenatally or during infancy; however, about 7% of cases are not diagnosed until adulthood.2 Although newborn screening for CF is done in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the test has been found to be only 90% sensitive and is more likely to provide a false-negative finding in patients of Hispanic, Black, and mixed descent (the test was developed using primarily non-Hispanic White subjects).3 Therefore, in children with a history of recurrent respiratory infections, further testing for CF is warranted. The case patient had a sweat chloride test, which was negative. Based on his presentation, history of self-limiting his physical activity, and the finding of pectus excavatum on physical examination, cardiopulmonary compromise secondary to pectus excavatum was the most likely diagnosis.

The patient was referred to a pediatric cardiothoracic surgery clinic for further workup and treatment. Over the following 6 weeks, testing was done to determine the extent of the deformity. A noncontrast CT scan of the chest was performed to determine if the heart and lungs were being compressed between the anterior thoracic spine and the posterior aspect of the sternum, and if so, to what degree. The resultant calculation, or Haller index, produced a score of 3.32, which is classified as severe.4 A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed an ejection fraction of 65% and fractional shortening of 34%, which, along with the left and right ventricular diastolic diameters (4.6 cm and 2 cm, respectively), were within normal limits. Pulmonary function testing revealed a decreased FEV 1 . All results except for the FEV 1 were within normal limits for this patient, but the presence of a Haller index in the severe range and a decreased FEV 1 further supported the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary compromise caused by pectus excavatum.

The patient and his parents opted to delay surgery for several months, until the end of the school year. He then underwent minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum to correct his chest deformity and tolerated the procedure well. He remained in the hospital for 4 days. Over the next few weeks, he was able to increase his activity level gradually and reported no complications.

DISCUSSION

Pectus excavatum is a fairly common diagnosis, affecting one in every 400 newborns and accounting for 90% of all congenital chest wall deformities.5,6 It is diagnosed in males at a 4:1 ratio over females; however, it may be underdiagnosed in females when the presence of breast tissue makes it less apparent.4 Pectus excavatum is characterized by a depression of the sternum, ribs, and costal cartilage into the thoracic cavity.5 The pathogenesis is not clearly understood, but the two leading hypotheses involve overgrowth of costal cartilage or weak cartilage leading to chest wall collapse. A genetic component is likely, because up to 45% of cases appear to be inherited, with an autosomal recessive pattern being most likely.7 Pectus excavatum is more common in patients with syndromes affecting connective tissue; for example, it affects 66% of patients with Marfan syndrome.8 The patient in this case had neither an underlying connective tissue disorder nor a family history of the deformity.

Once thought to be more of a cosmetic concern, pectus excavatum has since been recognized as having a potential effect on cardiopulmonary health. The presence of pectus excavatum often does not affect patients in early and middle childhood, but symptoms may appear as the child experiences rapid growth during adolescence.6 Chest wall flexibility and adherence gradually decrease as a child passes from childhood to adolescence. In patients with pectus excavatum, this decrease in flexibility and compliance further compresses the thorax, which may impair cardiac function and lead to exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, and chest pain.5 Other less-common symptoms include frequent respiratory tract infections, fatigue, tachypnea, and palpitations.4 Although the case patient reduced his physical activity over the years before his diagnosis, it was unclear if he was able to identify progressive shortness of breath and exercise intolerance as contributing factors. Frequent respiratory tract infections are a less-common presenting symptom of cardiopulmonary compromise caused by pectus excavatum, which likely contributed to a delayed diagnosis in the case patient.

The severity of pectus excavatum often is not appreciable with chest inspection. Thoracic imaging using noncontrast CT or MRI show the extent of the malformation as well as any cardiac compression, cardiac displacement, atelectasis, or tracheobronchial compression.5

The most common finding on a 12-lead ECG in patients with a significant pectus excavatum is a right bundle-branch block. Echocardiography may reveal changes in heart morphology caused by compression, most commonly mitral valve prolapse, compression of the right ventricle, abnormalities of the septum, and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.5 An absence of ECG changes and findings on echocardiography, as with the case patient, does not negate the need for corrective surgery when the deformity is severe and the patient is symptomatic.

Primary care providers may be unsure about when to refer a patient with pectus excavatum to a cardiothoracic surgeon for evaluation and possible correction of the deformity. Although the appearance of pectus excavatum on inspection may not reflect its actual severity, a thorough history may provide a more accurate picture. Ask patients about dyspnea on exertion or at rest, chest or back pain, and decreased exercise tolerance. Ask parents about changes in their child's activities over time. As with the case patient, children often adopt more sedentary activities if they are having difficulty keeping up with their peers. Investigate any psychologic effect that the deformity has had, because increases in social anxiety, fear of stigma, and deterioration in body image have been noted in patients with pectus excavatum.9

Surgical correction of pectus excavatum has evolved over the years, with minimally invasive repair now being the most common operative approach. The Nuss technique involves the placement of a convex metal intrathoracic bar, with one end introduced through an incision in the lateral chest wall and passed through a retrosternal tunnel to the contralateral side (Figure 2).6 The bar, which lies anterior to the heart and elevates the sternum, is secured in place to prevent rotation and migration.6 Typically, it is removed 2 to 3 years later in an outpatient procedure.4 The resulting increase in anterior-posterior thoracic dimension has been shown to lead to an improved cardiac stroke volume and oxygen consumption, with maximum cardiac index and FEV 1 improving at 1 year postoperatively and normalizing to age-predicted values 3 years after surgical correction.6,10 In addition, an increase in radiologic lung weight has been identified in patients postoperatively, pointing to a probable increase in lung parenchyma.11 Though corrective surgery has risks, such as metal allergy, bar displacement, and infection, researchers found that over more than 2 decades, 96% of patients experienced good or excellent outcomes with surgical repair.6

CONCLUSION

Pectus excavatum is a fairly common disorder that can affect patients physically and psychologically. Include this condition on the differential diagnosis for patients with decreased exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections. Determining the severity of the defect also is critical for patients who experience cardiopulmonary symptoms. Minimally invasive procedures are available to correct the abnormality and improve cardiopulmonary function in symptomatic patients.
Clinical trials play an important role in public health to establish effectiveness and safety of new drugs and devices. They provide the scientific basis for advising and treating patients using evidence-based medicine.1 Clinicians are key stakeholders in guiding patients and family members through the decision process and participation in a clinical trial. In an Institute of Medicine report, Bonham and colleagues state that knowledge generation is a fundamental professional responsibility of healthcare delivery, and as such, all healthcare providers should be trained in the fundamentals of conducting clinical research.2 The number of registered clinical trials rose from 205,331 in 2016 to 362,481 in 2021; demand for clinical research professionals also has increased, with an average annual compound growth of 9.3% between 2016 and 2019.3,4 The current growth rate of the clinical research workforce may not be able to keep up with the clinical trial workload. Determining how physician associates/assistants (PAs) fit into that workforce requires further exploration.

With clinical research training, PAs can provide study participants with a diverse, skilled, and trustworthy source of information in the research environment. PAs are ideally suited to continue research-specific training and become clinical research professionals. However, although PAs practice in almost all areas of medicine, little literature is available on PA involvement in clinical trials. PAs offer comprehensive medical and safety oversight of areas of clinical investigation with their robust clinical and medical training, yet the delineation of the PA role and characteristics in clinical trials appears to be underdeveloped.5 The published data surrounding their role and characteristics consist primarily of anecdotal evidence and small studies focusing on specialty PAs.6 Evidence to date has demonstrated that PAs in research have diverse roles.7,8 Of 301 PAs in oncology surveyed in 2010, 84% identified and monitored participants in clinical trials, and 29.8% served as principal investigators or coinvestigators.9 An additional 22.5% participated in other research activities, such as retrospective medical record reviews, protocol writing, data collection, and original research. The background characteristics of PAs in research are less clear. A 2015 National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants practice analysis indicated that PAs are more likely to be involved in clinical research after 6 years of clinical practice; a 2018 commentary by Shade and colleagues described Shade's role as a clinical trial assistant before becoming a clinical research PA.6,10

Clinical research workforce development efforts have focused on increasing the size of the research professional workforce and the training and education of individuals involved in study performance.11 With the demand for clinical trial personnel and the lack of data on the training and experience of research PAs, this study aimed to broaden our understanding of the role and characteristics of PAs practicing in clinical research, as well as to review the benefits and barriers PAs face in the clinical trials setting. By characterizing the training, roles, and experience of PAs in clinical research, we hoped to identify opportunities for PA practice expansion and contribution to medical knowledge.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey study pertaining to PA involvement in clinical trials was distributed as a pass-through module in the 2022 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Salary Report. Data for the report were collected between January 27 and March 7, 2022. The survey was open to all nonretired PAs in the United States via Internet and social media. PAs were sent a link via email if AAPA had their information on file, if they had not opted out of communication from AAPA Research, if they were based in the United States, and if they were not retired. A total of 11,739 PAs responded to at least some of the questions for the 2022 AAPA Salary Report.

PAs who indicated that they had experience in traditional and/or decentralized clinical trial research (N = 1,063) qualified for the clinical trials survey component. The survey contained multiple-choice questions related to the respondent's roles, responsibilities, opportunities, training, and experience in clinical trials. Several open-ended questions were included to collect additional qualitative data. The survey was developed by subject-matter experts; roles, tasks, and skills outlined in survey questions were based on common clinical trial conduct.12 For six different skills and abilities, current versus desired skill and ability levels were measured with a scale of 1 (no skill) to 5 (strong skill) for PAs with clinical trial experience.

The University of Dubuque's institutional review board determined that this study was exempt. The research survey was confidential and posed minimal risks to participants. All PAs for whom AAPA had a valid email address and had permission to email were invited to participate. Results were retained on a secure server and no identifying information was shared outside the research team.

In July 2022, an invitation was emailed to 89 participants who expressed interest in the clinical trials survey, inviting them to participate in a follow-up survey. Thirty of those 89 respondents (33.7%) completed the anonymous survey with five open-ended questions. These questions aimed to elucidate why PAs entered clinical trial research, its benefits and disadvantages, barriers faced in the field, and recommendations for other PAs interested in becoming involved in clinical trials. The participants in the surveys were not compensated.

Descriptive statistical analyses (frequencies, percentages, and means) of quantitative data were performed using SPSS Statistics 26.0. Responses to the qualitative questions were manually coded by their overall theme by a single coder, and the frequency of each theme was documented. Themes in nine or more responses were included in the analysis. These themes were then summarized with illustrative quotes.

RESULTS

Of the 1,063 PAs eligible for the clinical trials survey, 35% (n = 372) reported working in clinical trial research, 37.2% (n = 395) had been involved in the past and were interested in working in research again in the future, 26.2% (n = 279) were involved in the past and did not wish to work in the field in the future, and 1.2% (n = 17) did not describe their work history.

Of those eligible, the response rate for the clinical trials survey module was 24.5% (n = 260). The demographics of these PAs were 75% female, 82.3% White, and 90.8% non-Hispanic/Latinx; 64.5% had 3 or more years of experience in clinical trial research with a mean of 5.9 years (SD = 5.94), and 70.1% had graduated PA school within the past 5 years (Table 1). They started working in clinical trial research on average 4.64 years (SD = 5.53) after graduating from PA school. Many identified their primary role in 2021 as a clinician (86.5%, n = 225), 7.3% identified as researchers (n = 19), 4.6% as educators (n = 12), and 1.5% as administrators/managers (n = 4). Most of these PAs were clinically practicing at least some of their time in the 2021 calendar year (95.4%, n = 248). Most respondents (60.8%) did not have clinical trial research experience before becoming a PA, although 30.8% had worked in clinical trial research before becoming a PA (80 of 260), and 22 (8.5%) did not respond.

TABLE 1. - Clinical trials survey respondent demographics Clinical trials survey respondent demographics n (%) Sex Male 65 (25) Female 195 (75) Race Asian 20 (7.7) Black 6 (2.3) White 214 (82.3) Two or more races 5 (1.9) Prefer not to answer 13 (5) Other 2 (0.8) Ethnicity Hispanic/Latinx 15 (5.8) Non-Hispanic/Latinx 236 (90.8) Prefer not to answer 9 (3.5) Years since graduation <1 55 (25.7) 1-2 53 (24.8) 3-5 42 (19.6) 6-10 36 (16.8) 11-15 13 (6.2) 16-20 11 (5.2) >21 4 (1.9) Years of experience in clinical trials research <1 4 (1.9) 1-2 72 (33.7) 3-5 59 (27.5) 6-10 45 (21) 11-15 19 (8.8) 16-20 8 (3.8) >21 7 (3.4)

Table 2 lists clinical trial tasks PAs performed, comparing whether they had experience in clinical trials before becoming a PA. PAs with and without previous research experience reported screening and recruiting trial participants, obtaining informed consent, and reviewing medical records. Across all specific tasks performed in association with clinical trial experience, PAs without previous experience more frequently participated in all the clinical trial duties compared with those who had previous research experience.

TABLE 2. - Tasks in clinical trial research vs. previous research experience of clinical trial PAs Tasks in clinical trial research vs. previous research experience of clinical trial PAs Previous research experience Yes, n No, n Total, n Screening potential trial participants 67 118 185 Implementing trial protocols (managing participants and/or treating patients in the study) 62 109 171 Reviewing medical records 64 98 162 Recruiting and retaining trial participants 62 90 152 Obtaining informed consent 59 80 139 Safety reporting including adverse events and serious adverse events 51 75 126 Grading study participants' adverse events 46 74 120 Entering data 55 60 115 Managing clinical data including compiling and reporting 46 47 93 Managing clinical research staff 31 36 67 Presenting and/or publishing results 30 30 60 Writing and/or developing protocols 34 22 56 Other 20 14 34

The survey found that before becoming a PA or while employed as a PA, many PAs reported working as subinvestigators in clinical trial research, followed by study coordinator, research administration principal investigator or coinvestigator, and other roles including research assistant, data collection, or in a pharmaceutical industry or contract research organization (Table 3). Some investigators may use subinvestigator or coinvestigator interchangeably. Role titles were not defined in the survey, and PAs self-selected roles based on how they identified themselves in those roles.

TABLE 3. - Roles in clinical trial research vs. previous research experience of clinical trial PAs Roles in clinical trial research vs. previous research experience of clinical trial PAs Respondents were allowed to select more than one role (if applicable) during their research career. Previous research experience Yes No Total Study coordinator 49 26 75 Subinvestigator 34 121 155 Principal investigator or coinvestigator 19 26 45 Other 17 17 34

The respondents spent about 19% of their employment time in clinical research-related tasks. PAs with research experience before working in research as a PA reported a mean 7.03 years (SD = 6.62) in clinical trial research; those without previous research experience reported a mean 5.28 years (SD = 5.46). The frequencies of current and desired skill and ability levels for six research tasks are described in Table 4. Table 5 describes the leading areas of specialties where clinical trial PAs work.

TABLE 4. - Frequencies of skills and abilities for PAs in clinical trials Frequencies of skills and abilities for PAs in clinical trials Self-reported skill and ability levels (% of N) Skills and ability Factor n 1: None 2 3 4 5: High Screening potential trial participants Current 204 3.4% 5.9% 15.2% 24% 51.5% Desired 163 4.3% 3.1% 9.2% 23.9% 59.5% Recruiting and retaining trial participants Current 199 8.5% 9% 24.6% 21.1% 36.7% Desired 165 9.1% 4.2% 12.7% 15.8% 58.2% Implementing trial protocols (managing participants and/or treating patients in the study) Current 191 5.2% 6.3% 16.8% 29.8% 41.9% Desired 160 3.8% 3.1% 8.1% 19.4% 65.6% Safety reporting including adverse events and serious adverse events Current 193 8.3% 6.7% 20.7% 25.4% 38.9% Desired 163 6.1% 2.5% 9.8% 21.5% 60.1% Managing clinical data including compiling and reporting Current 189 15.9% 10.1% 18% 27% 29.1% Desired 164 12.2% 6.1% 9.1% 16.5% 56.1% Managing clinical research staff Current 184 23.4% 16.3% 17.4% 19.6% 23.4% Desired 161 16.1% 6.8% 11.2% 18% 47.8%

TABLE 5. - Top areas of specialty for PAs in clinical trials Top areas of specialty for PAs in clinical trials Hematology and oncology24

Neurology15

Cardiology14

General internal medicine12

Infectious diseases12

Gastroenterology11

Dermatology9

Orthopedic surgery9

Allergy and immunology7

Family medicine7

Of the 260 respondents, 49.6% received training on the International Conference on HarmonizationGood Clinical Practice Principles, an internationally agreed-upon standard that ensures ethical and scientific quality in designing, recording, and reporting trials that involve the participation of human subjects. Most of these PAs reported receiving training through their current employer (33.8%), 14.6% through a previous employer, and 1.2% independently (not through an employer). Additionally, of the clinical trials survey respondents, 20.4% had obtained additional certification through a research professional organization such as the Association of Clinical Research Professionals or Society of Clinical Research Associates, Inc., 10.4% through their current employer, 8.8% through a previous employer, and 1.2% independently.

Most of these PAs had experience in Phase III or IV clinical trials (n = 205, 94%), 25.7% in preclinical trials (n = 56), 38.5% in Phase I trials (n = 84), and 52.3% in Phase II trials (n = 114). The types of funders of clinical trials were federal government (n = 94, 45.6%), nonprofit foundations (n = 36, 17.5%), academic institutions (n = 99, 48.1%), pharmaceutical industries (n = 142, 68.9%), and medical device industries (n = 48, 23.3%).

Table 6 summarizes qualitative data from 30 respondents, indicating reasons PAs enter work in clinical research, benefits, disadvantages, and barriers in the field. No themes were identified in nine or more responses related to recommendations for future PAs interested in becoming involved in clinical trials.

TABLE 6. - Summary of open-ended responses Summary of open-ended responses Themes n (%) Sample quotes from respondents Reasons for entering clinical research field Included in job expectations 13 (43.3) Initially it was required for my job. As I showed interest and got more experience, my involvement increased. Keen interest in research field 18 (60%) Benefits to working in clinical trials Scientifically stimulating 15 (50%) Research is a whole other aspect to the science of medicine. If you understand the research behind guidelines, it makes for a more skilled clinician. Opportunity to practice as a more holistic clinician 9 (30%) Gaining new knowledge or skills 13 (43.3) Disadvantages to working in clinical trials Limited by protocols 9 (30%) Clinical trials can be very redundant. Also, the paperwork and strict protocols can be time-consuming and restrictive. Barriers to working in clinical trials Institutional or systemic 20 (66.7%) There are no general guidelines to how a PA should be trained, or even resources, that can aid in educating yourself.

DISCUSSION

This study aimed to enlighten the role and characteristics of PAs working in clinical research, an area for which there is a paucity of data. PAs work in clinical trial settings regardless of having previous research experience; about 2 in 3 PAs had no previous clinical trial experience before becoming a research PA. For practicing PAs interested in working in clinical research, this is an encouraging finding, as lack of previous experience in the field did not preclude many PAs in this study from becoming research PAs. Overall, research PAs perform a wide variety of tasks in clinical trials across multiple specialties and devote variable amounts of time to research, indicating that PAs may have opportunities to conduct clinical research that fit in their practice.

This study found that most PAs had a subinvestigator role in clinical trials. Whether they obtained this role because of personal preference or because of institutional barriers and/or misconceptions limiting PAs becoming principal investigators should be explored. Nalepinski describes an implementation plan to correct these misconceptions of PAs seeking the role of principal investigator.12

The tasks that clinical trial PAs perform typically are not introduced in PA education, but PAs continue to explore areas beyond their typical scope as clinicians. More than 73% of PAs with clinical trial experience are either working in clinical trials or wish to in the future, indicating an opportunity in the PA workforce to contribute to research areas. These clinical trial PAs described personal interests and employer demands to participate in clinical trial activities, yet sometimes with poor support or without formal training.

PAs offer valuable scientific reasoning, clinical perspective, and attention to human participant safety, yet the path to becoming a clinical research PA is not always clear, and training to support PAs' work in clinical trials is limited. This research demonstrated that PAs have the capacity to expand their roles in public health and optimize their effect on the medical community. Growing the clinical trial workforce and enhancing professional competency also may improve clinical trial efficiency. Today's research workforce lacks systemic industry-aligned training, standards, and vetting to ensure consistent quality.13

Further research needs to explore the job market for PAs seeking clinical research positions and the value added for PAs as research investigators. Additional research on institutional barriers PAs face should be conducted as well to determine how the lack of a doctoral-level degree limits the scope of the research PA. Lastly, PAs' reasons for entering roles in clinical trials should be explored, as well as how these roles affect job satisfaction, rates of burnout, or compensation.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations of this study are consistent with those of cross-sectional survey studies. PAs surveyed responded at a single timepoint, reducing the reliability of conclusions with no ability to determine if responses were consistent across time. Additionally, this survey reached only PAs with valid email addresses in the AAPA database and those who viewed AAPA salary survey advertisements in social media campaigns, representing only a small portion of practicing PAs and potentially introducing selection bias. Survey fatigue may have affected results, because the survey was accessed as pass-through from the salary survey rather than an independent survey. This cohort consisted of many White females, which, though reflective of the current demographics of the PA profession overall, limited the ability to draw conclusions from other subgroups. The results showed a low response rate (24.5% quantitative, 33.7% qualitative) and responses may not have reflected experiences of nonresponders. Lastly, PAs who participated in open-ended survey questions may have had stronger impressions about their experience in clinical trials research, potentially altering the weight of data and conclusions drawn.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey of 260 clinical trial PAs found that most were female, without previous research experience, working in a variety of capacities and disciplines in clinical trials. These findings also demonstrate a need for additional resources for PAs working or interested in working in clinical trials. The PA workforce may benefit from practical and accessible training in research concepts or awareness of nonclinical roles in PA education.
China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday expressed major concern over planned protectionist measures by the European Union (EU) in the biodiesel industry, and warned that such measures will backfire.

The EU, the largest biodiesel market globally, imports biodiesel from China to meet its substantial consumption needs, which helps in achieving its green transformation and energy-saving goals, said ministry spokesperson He Yongqian at a regular press conference.

The remarks came after the European Biodiesel Board announced on July 19 local time that the European Commission, in a pre-disclosure document released the same day, revealed plans to impose provisional anti-dumping duties within the next four weeks ranging from 12.8 to 36.4 percent on biodiesel imports from China.

The EU's imposition of taxes on Chinese biodiesel will only increase product costs, undermine the interests of EU industries and consumers, and hinder the EU's green transition efforts as well as China-EU economic and trade cooperation, she said.

China advocates for the prudent use of trade remedy measures and urges the EU to avoid wantonly adopting protectionist policies. The country calls for resolving these issues through dialogue and consultation to address legitimate concerns, the spokesperson said.
Without the 13,000 promised jobs from Foxconn Technology Group, the utility deals that support Microsoft Corp. in Mount Pleasant are bad for Racine taxpayers and would make the regions segregation worse. This problem can be fixed without hurting the company or Racine County residents.

We can all benefit from a significant investment by Microsoft, one of the largest companies in the world. That is an exciting opportunity. If the number of jobs projected are not coming, in return for expanding water and wastewater to Mount Pleasant, the City of Racine deserves its fair share of the economic growth that would be created thanks to the public and private investment into Microsofts project.

This is a matter of fairness. It is not a hand-out. Those same Racine residents and businesses will help pay for the new water and sewer infrastructure to serve Microsofts data centers. Their sacrifice should not be rewarded with another generation living through the same segregation that made Racine one of the worst counties for Black Americans, according to research by 24/7 Wall St.

Unfortunately, that will happen if we do not amend the utility agreements under which Racine would expand water and sewer service to Mount Pleasant for Microsoft and other future developments.

It doesnt need to be that way. Mount Pleasant can continue to grow. Microsoft can secure the certainty it needs for future expansions. Racines low-income and minority residents can receive more resources to improve their health, financial stability, and their childrens future.

But if the utility agreements are not amended, those residents will get nothing in exchange for helping Mount Pleasant and Microsoft. City utility rates will go up to pay for that expanded service in Mount Pleasant. More companies could move out of the city to business parks that our water lines helped create.

Racine has provided water and sewer service to the Village of Mount Pleasant since 2004. We amended the utility agreements in 2018 to expand service to the land Microsoft has since bought for its data center.

At that time, we were prepared to shoulder more costs because we were promised Foxconn would create 13,000 jobs. Our willingness to give Mount Pleasant more utility service was based entirely on those jobs. They represented work opportunities for our residents, and the potential for transformative change in neighborhoods that suffered from redlining and other forms of segregation. Thats why I personally supported that project at that time when I represented Racine in the state Assembly. But this project is no longer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to begin to rebuild the middle class in this community.

Instead, the deal we have now virtually ensures Racine will continue to fall further and further behind.

We support Mount Pleasants future growth and are excited about the opportunity that Microsoft brings to their community. But there must be a fair way for Racine residents and businesses to be compensated for their role in supporting this growth. We hope that Mount Pleasant will continue to negotiate with us in good faith, because we remain committed to working to resolve this matter, even in the face of administrative complaints and lawsuits that seek to keep our utility contracts the way they are.

Were asking Mount Pleasant leaders to look at the bigger picture, and acknowledge what was promised to Racine in return for building out this utility system. We need a fair deal.

There is enough land, resources and water here that all parties can come out ahead. We dont need to be among the most segregated counties in America for another generation. Lets approve a water agreement that will create a future where everybody wins.
Rescuers transfer stranded residents in Pingjiang county, central China's Hunan province, July 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China is mobilizing nationwide efforts to combat torrential rains, heavy flooding and other natural disasters as the country has entered the critical flood season, which normally runs from late July to early August.

Over the past few weeks, heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across wide swaths of China, causing severe casualties, disrupting traffic and forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Emergency responses to flooding have been activated in many regions across the country.

More than 20 vehicles plunged into the Jinqian River late Friday after the collapse of a 40-meter section of a highway bridge in Zhashui county of Shangluo city, northwest China's Shaanxi province, following a flash flood triggered by a heavy rainstorm.

So far, rescuers have found the bodies of 15 victims. Thousands of rescue workers and volunteers are still searching for the missing.

Shortly after the disaster, President Xi Jinping urged all-out rescue and relief efforts to safeguard people's lives and property.

The immediate priority is to carry out rescue operations, make every effort to search for the missing and minimize casualties, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in an instruction.



He stressed that as the critical period of flood control approaches, it is imperative for regions and relevant departments to be extra vigilant, fulfill their duties diligently, improve monitoring systems and early warning mechanisms, strengthen inspections, and implement various measures meticulously to guarantee the safety of people's lives and property.

Another deadly disaster occurred early Saturday morning, when heavy downpours caused flash flooding at a local river in Ya'an city, southwest China's Sichuan province, that seriously damaged over 40 houses in a village.

By Monday evening, rescue workers had found the bodies of 14 people, with 25 others still missing. Rescuers are using drones, sniffer dogs and life detectors to continue the search and rescue.

In response to the natural disasters that have affected various parts of China, central and local authorities are moving swiftly to allocate all resources at their disposal to the ongoing relief and restoration efforts, while taking measures to identify potential risks and prepare for secondary disasters.



The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management have held joint meetings to discuss flood prevention situations with the China Meteorological Administration and ministries of water resources, natural resources, and housing and urban and rural development.

They have also coordinated flood prevention and relief work in disaster-hit provinces via video conferences, while working groups have been dispatched to the provinces to assist and guide disaster prevention and response.

On Sunday, the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner, said it has allocated 350 million yuan (about $49 million) from the central budget to aid disaster relief and restoration efforts in flood-stricken Henan, Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces.

The money will be used to fund the emergency recovery of flood-damaged schools, hospitals and flood control facilities in those provinces.

After the collapse of the highway bridge in Shangluo, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing led a working team to the site to guide rescue efforts. He urged more efforts to search for the missing.

As the current flood season features high risks of geological disasters, all regions should screen for and rectify potential risks along highways and railways, Zhang said, calling for strengthened monitoring, early warning, and timely traffic control to minimize casualties.

On Sunday, the vice premier also visited the flood-hit Xinhua village, which is located in Hanyuan county under Ya'an city, Sichuan, and inspected a local hospital and the temporary relocation site for those affected by the disaster.

In Sichuan's flood-hit areas, post-disaster recovery efforts are in full swing. Power supply to 5,399 households has been fully restored as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, and seven 10kV lines in Hanyuan have been repaired.

A total of 248 emergency repair personnel, 75 repair vehicles and six emergency power supply vehicles have been deployed to support the disaster relief and power restoration efforts in Hanyuan.

In China's coastal regions, local authorities are bracing for the impact of Typhoon Gaemi, the third typhoon of this year. It was located 260 km southeast of Taiwan's Yilan county at 5 a.m. Wednesday and is expected to make landfall along the coast of central and northern Taiwan on Wednesday night.

Lin Xiaohong, chief forecaster at the Fujian provincial meteorological observatory, said that heavy rainfall is anticipated across most of the province, with the most intense precipitation likely to occur in the central and northern regions.

Cumulative rainfall is projected to range from 150 to 350 millimeters, with some areas experiencing over 600 millimeters, Lin added.
South China's Hainan province is experiencing a surge in inbound tourism, with many visitors coming from visa-free countries such as Russia.

A Hong Kong tourist surnamed Cheung, visiting Hainan for the first time, expressed her admiration for the natural landscapes and cultural attractions on the tropical island, saying, "Hainan on Earth matches paradise in heaven".

Cheung was part of a group of more than 1,000 visitors from eight countries and 11 regions, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong, making it the province's largest inbound tour group.

The group spent more than 10 million yuan ($1.37 million), including purchases of duty-free goods, meals and transportation services, according to the Hainan provincial headquarters of China Tourism Group, which provided reception services for the group.

Steve Fuller, a senior executive at Generali Group, which spearheaded the group, noted the significance of Hainan's 59-country visa-free entry policy in facilitating and boosting visits by foreigners.

According to data released by the Haikou General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, by July 14 more than 154,000 foreign tourists had entered without a visa this year, over 12 times more than in the same period last year.

Gianna Hsu, director and general manager of Towa Tours, the travel agency that organized the tour group, expressed interest in expanding travel activities in Hainan.

During their three-day stay in Sanya, group members immersed themselves in the city's blend of natural wonders and cultural splendors.

In the first half of the year, Sanya welcomed 319,800 overnight visitors from abroad, around 81 percent of the visitor volume seen during the same period in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. In June alone, the city welcomed 50,700 inbound overnight tourists, up 11 percent month-on-month, according to the Sanya municipal bureau of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports.

Russian tourists have emerged as the largest group visiting Hainan. Since January, over 35,000 Russian tourists have explored Sanya, representing 33.6 percent of foreign visitors. More than 94 percent of them entered Hainan visa-free, according to the Sanya Fenghuang Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.

The increasing number of Russian visitors is causing businesses in Sanya to improve their products and services to enhance their satisfaction.

"Our restaurant has a significant number of patrons from Russian-speaking regions," said Huang Yongchun, manager of a Hainan cuisine restaurant. "In response, we are planning to employ several full-time Russian translators to provide better services tailored to tourists' needs."

Traditional Chinese medicine has become an attraction for Russian visitors, providing them with an opportunity to relax, improve their well-being and gain insight into Chinese culture.

Russian tourist Ivan Pavlov said his entire family participated in a TCM health regimen in Sanya. He chose TCM treatments such as massage therapy to "recharge" his vitality.

Liu Jianhao, director of Sanya Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, said the combination of a tropical climate and TCM has attracted a significant number of tourists from Russian-speaking regions to Sanya to experience TCM health preservation programs or treatments.
A major computer system outage affected a wide range of businesses around the world beginning late last week. But the cause of the outage was quickly identified and fixes were deployed to bring most businesses back online.

The problems were linked to a software update provided by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. The outage affected computers using Microsofts Windows operating system. The incident caused major flight delays and cancellations. It also affected banking, health care, media and other businesses.

Computers affected by the outage showed what is known in the technology industry as the blue screen of death. This warning tool is designed to inform Windows users that there is a problem and to block further activity to prevent wider system damage.

Officials at Texas-based CrowdStrike were quick to admit a software update containing a programming mistake was sent to customers and caused the outage. Once the problem was identified and a fix deployed, CrowdStrike said it centered on assisting customers to get systems back up as soon as possible.

Technology experts noted one issue with the latest outage was that the problematic software update could not be corrected remotely. Instead, individual machines had to be fixed, with bad files removed by technology workers.

CrowdStrikes main business is to provide solutions to help companies prevent internet attacks. However, company leaders made clear that the latest outage was only related to the software update and not part of any cybersecurity attack.

CrowdStrike continued to inform the public about its latest correction efforts and provided guidance for some businesses to attempt to deal with the issue themselves.

Disruptions around the world

The outage disrupted operations at airlines, banks, hospitals and organizations around the world.

Among U.S. airlines, Delta officials said Monday it was forced to cancel more than 4,000 flights since the outage began last Friday. But other major carriers, including American Airlines and United, reported they had largely ended any flight disruptions.

Delta chief Ed Bastian apologized to the airlines customers for the continuing delays and cancellations. He said the company was working around the clock to fix all affected systems. Delta said about 60 percent of its main systems run on Microsoft Windows and therefore were left inoperable by the outage.

Some technology experts expressed concern that such outages can be extremely disruptive because the systems built to run most of the worlds computers are provided by only a small number of companies.

Gregory Falco is an assistant professor of engineering at Cornell University in New York. He studies internet security issues. Falco told The Associated Press it is a problem that so many computers worldwide depend on the same technologies and providers. We rely on very few companies, and everybody uses the same folks, so everyone goes down at the same time, Falco said.

CrowdStrike is one of the largest cybersecurity service providers, especially in transportation, health care, banking and media. This is the reason it affected so many businesses in those industries. An irony of the outage was that companies normally look to CrowdStrikes tools to help prevent internet attacks that could bring their systems down and cause costly disruptions.

Falco noted that while fears of such a widespread outage have long existed, he thinks too few providers are becoming even more entrenched with certain technologies. "We like to think that we have a lot of players available. But at the end of the day, the biggest companies use all the same stuff.

Richard Stiennon is a cybersecurity expert who has followed industry developments for 24 years. He told the AP he sees the software issue as a historic mistake by CrowdStrike. This is easily the worst faux pas, technical faux pas or glitch of any security software provider ever, Stiennon said.

He added that while the problem had an easy technical fix, it could still have lasting effects for some companies. This is because the outage required hands-on efforts to fix each affected computer and this can severely disrupt business operations.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters and CrowdStrike.

Quiz - Businesses Recover from Major Worldwide Tech Outage Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

update - n. to add new information to an existing thing

customer  n. a person who buys goods or services

remote  adv. happening from far away

disruption  n. to interrupt something and stop it from continuing as it should

irony  adj. a situation in which the opposite happens than what was expected

entrenched  adj. ideas or things that have existed for a long time

faux pas  n. words or behavior that represent a social mistake or something not polite

glitch  n. a small problem or issue that prevents something from being successful or working as well as it should
Cubas capital, Havana, is famous for its colorful vintage cars. They fill the streets and are often popular subjects for visitors' photographs.

But these days, Cubans are just as likely to be found traveling around town quickly and quietly on electric scooters made with Chinese parts.

"Electric motorcycles are solving a lot of problems in Cuba, they are already used for almost everything," said Omar Cortina. He is a Cuban hotel worker who recently purchased his first electric vehicle -- a lime-green scooter powered by a lithium battery.

Until recently, Cuba's roads had changed little in the years since former leader Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution. Old cars with old exhaust systems drove along uneven roads.

Today, electric vehicles are an increasingly common transportation choice. Between 2020 and 2022, Cuba-based companies produced more than 23,000 electric vehicles. That number comes from official government sources.

Fuel is hard to find and expensive

Fuel for combustion-powered engines has been hard to find for years in Cuba. People would wait in fuel lines for hours and sometimes even days.

Earlier this year, the price for gasoline increased to five times the usual price. That means a usual 40-liter tank of gas costs more than a state-worker's average monthly earnings. For most Cubans, that made purchasing gasoline nearly impossible.

Public transportation is hardly any better

But costly fuel is not the only problem.

There are fewer buses in Havana than there were in the past. This year, half the bus routes to points outside the capital were cut, state-run news agencies in Cuba report. Fuel and parts to repair old buses are also harder to find.

All these factors have helped to increase the demand for electric vehicles. Products from newly formed companies like Caribbean Electric Vehicles (Vedca) are helping to fill that demand.

Vedca is a joint venture between Chinese investor Tianjin Dongxing Industrial and Cuban state bicycle manufacturer Minerva. It has produced more than 2,000 scooters, bikes, and mini-tricycle trucks in Cuba with Chinese parts.

Juilo Oscar Perez is the companys director. Perez told reporters that electric vehicles are not just giving people another way of getting around. They are also solving fuel-related problems.

The company, Perez said, has also begun testing a new electric tractor and experimenting with other electric-powered heavy machinery.

Other small Cuban companies also sell electric bikes. Some bikes are basic while others are more costly. The government also recently began permitting imports of much costlier electric vehicles.

Imports of automobiles from the neighboring United States have risen to $24.6 million so far in 2024, the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council said. There is a growing number of Cubans who want more luxurious electric and hybrid automobiles, including Teslas.

But the number of Cubans who can pay for such vehicles is still small. For Omar Cortina, the hotel worker, just being able to get back and forth from work is enough of a selling-point.

Im Anna Matteo.

Alien Fernandez reported this story for Reuters. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English.

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Words in This Story

vintage  adj. dating from the past : old

exhaust  n. a system of pipes through which exhaust escapes

internal combustion engines  n. a heat engine in which the combustion that generates the heat takes place inside the engine proper instead of in a furnace

factor  n. something that contributes to the production of a result

joint venture  n. a commercial enterprise undertaken jointly by two or more parties which otherwise retain their distinct identities

upscale  adj. relating to, being, or appealing to affluent consumers also : of a superior quality

luxurious  adj. characterized by opulence, sumptuousness, or rich abundance

hybrid  adj. a vehicle that uses both an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors to power it.

We want to hear from you. What your thoughts on this topic? In the Comments section, you can also practice using any of the expressions from the story. Our comment policy is here.
Indonesia aims to be the worlds top nickel supplier. But its efforts to produce nickel have seriously harmed the countrys forests, nonprofit groups say.

Natural resources

Indonesia is the worlds third most rainforest-covered country, home to giant forest flowers and rare wild animals such as orangutans and elephants.

Indonesia also has the largest reserves of nickel in the world. The metal lies in shallow deposits in the rain forest. Mining it is easy when the rainforest is cut down.

Until recently, Indonesia mostly sold its nickel deposits in untreated form. It did not have factories to process the metal. Unprocessed nickel sells for less than the processed product.

Ten years ago, Indonesian officials decided the country should stop selling its resources at such a low cost. Instead, officials said Indonesia would process the metal so it would sell at a higher price. This would result in more job openings, also, officials said.

A large nickel-processing project began. Indonesian President Joko Widodo pushed the project further by building nickel factories, or smelters, near electric vehicle battery factories. In addition to the new nickel plants, coal power plants were built also to serve the new industrial sites.

Forest loss

More than 740,000 square kilometers of Indonesian rainforest have been logged, burned or degraded, since 1950, reports the non-profit research group Global Forest Watch.

But at the sites where developers are building these smelters, the surrounding forest disappears twice as fast, a new study by the Indonesian nonprofit Auriga says.

The new study of rainforest loss, based on government data, shows deforestation rose from an average of 33 square kilometers around each nickel processing plant, or smelter, to 63 square kilometers.

Indonesia plans to build as many as 22 new plants. If plans go through deforestation will likely greatly increase.

The damage to the environment is devastating, said Timer Manurung of Auriga. Rivers are polluted, mangroves are cut to develop smelter areas, coastal areas and coral are being damaged by the smelters.

The waste from coal power plants is another problem, he said. The Associated Press verified the methodology used in the Auriga report.

Effects

The area of Weda Bay is now one of the worlds largest nickel production centers. Smelters and coal-fired power plants burn to process nickel ore into material for batteries and steel.

The village of Lelilef Sawai is now surrounded by the Weda Bay Industrial Park. There, the deforestation and its effects are clear. Local farmer Librek Loha remains in Lelilef Sawai, refusing to sell the land he has taken care of for forty years. Now orange dust often covers his plants and clean water is often lacking. The plants also grow more slowly, he said.

From his land, he can hear building sounds and see bright orange material flow into the sea. Research shows landslides are far more likely in deforested areas.

Max Sigoro, 54, is a traditional hunter and farmer. Bright lights and noise from construction scare the deer he used to hunt at night. He says he has lost nearly all the means he had to earn a living since the industrial parks growth.

PT Indonesia Weda Bay officials declined to speak to the Associated Press.

The company says it has planted more than 10 square kilometers of new trees. It says it plays an active part in supporting the living standards of local people, offering economic development. And, the industrial zone meets all environmental standards, PT Indonesia Weda Bay says.

The company also says it works to protect water and has launched coral and mangrove planting programs.

The Weda Bay project is just one of the industrial parks criticized by locals nearby. An industrial park on the island of Borneo and other projects in North Maluku are also under community protests.

Perhaps related to these public objections, European companies may be losing interest in nickel from Indonesia.

In recent weeks, the French mining company Eramet and German chemical giant BASF announced they were canceling plans to build a $2.6 billion nickel plant in Indonesia.

Indonesia has been seeking to work more with Tesla, which uses twice as much metal in its total production of batteries than the next highest auto competitor. The amount of nickel Tesla used in 2023 was up a third over the year before. Only 13 percent came from Indonesia last year. But Teslas 2023 impact report noted Indonesia 18 times and warned the countrys nickel will be very important.

Tesla did not answer an AP email requesting information about its use of nickel from Indonesia and deforestation.

Questions to Indonesias Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs and Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources also went unanswered.

Im John Russell.

And Im Ashley Thompson.

Victoria Milko, Ed Davey, and Camille Fassett reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

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Words in This Story

shallow  adj. having little depth

deposit  n. a natural accumulation of something (ore, oil, etc.)

battery  n. a cell that gives electricity

devastating  adj. causing great damage or harm

mangrove  n. tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many roots and form dense masses
Every four years, the United States holds an election for the president in November. This lesson aims to help teachers and learners understand the political processes and expressions used during the election campaign.

The political parties

Let us begin with the expression, political party. In elections, parties organize candidates who share party members ideas about how government should operate. They try to win elections to gain and keep political power.

There are two major political parties in the U.S. They are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. There are other small political parties at the national level. These include the Libertarian and Green parties.

Primaries and caucuses

Each of the U.S. states and territories holds votes early in the election year. In many states and territories, these votes are called primaries. You may know the word primary as an adjective meaning happening or coming first as in primary school. When speaking of elections, it is a noun, but it has a similar meaning  it is the first election in a voting process that takes place over one year.

You might also hear the term caucus. A caucus is also a kind of election, but it is held privately by the party and usually does not involve state election officials or equipment. The Iowa caucus was for a long time the first presidential contest during an election year.

In a primary or a caucus, voters choose the partys candidates for local and state offices as well as for national offices. The candidates who get the most votes become the candidates for the election in the fall.

Primaries can be open or closed. Anyone can take part in an open primary election  even members of another party. Only registered party members can vote in a closed primary.

Delegates

In some states, voters choose delegates in the primaries. State party organizations have different rules for choosing them. Delegates are people who will attend their partys convention, or general meeting.

When a delegate is elected to choose a particular candidate, we say the delegate is pledged to the candidate. To pledge is to promise something.

Conventions

Each party holds a national convention  a large meeting where the delegates officially nominate the candidate that the party supports for the presidential election. The verb nominate means to officially choose someone as a candidate for a position. You will hear some other forms of the word in election news.

Nomination

To describe the process of having the delegates choose a candidate, we use the noun form, nomination. At the convention, the candidate who gains the majority of delegates is called the nominee. The nominee gives a speech to accept the nomination.

The party platform

The party platform is a statement of the ideology of the party and its candidate. At the party convention, the organizing committee shares its platform. The platform is a statement of the policies that the party hopes to put in place during its candidates term in office.

The campaign trail

Presidential candidates travel the country speaking to voters at a series of events called rallies. Reporters use the expression campaign trail to describe these events. This is a metaphor for progressing along a path toward a goal. The election campaign is sometimes called a race, another metaphor comparing the election campaign to a sporting competition.

Debates

Part of the campaign process is for the candidates to debate each other. These are televised events where a reporter asks questions that interest the public and gives each candidate a limited time to answer them. The form of the political debates is not the same as traditional academic debates, where teams compete under clear rules and time limits.

Donors

Presidential candidates and others who run for public office must find money to pay for those rallies, television advertising, and campaign workers. A common way to pay for a campaign is to ask for money. People who give to a candidate are donors. The Federal Election Commission makes rules about how much, when, and how donations can be made.

Polls and the Polls

Researchers get the opinions of voters in an effort to guess, or predict, the results of an upcoming election. They do this with polls, or public opinion studies. This word has two meanings in the elections. One is where a researcher might ask you about your party affiliation and which candidate you plan to support in a telephone call. Your party affiliation is the party you are registered with or that you support.

The other meaning of poll is the place where you go to vote on election day. We can also use polling place. Schools, religious centers and public buildings can be polling places. In them, voters cast their ballot secretly. That means they fill out their ballot without pressure from others in the room and turn in their ballot to be counted by poll workers.

In the last two election years of 2020 and 2022, people could send in their ballots by mail. But polling places remain important for processing and counting ballots.

Privacy and politics

Now that you have some of the expressions used to talk about the presidential campaign, you should use them with some care. It is not normal to ask someone what party he or she is a member of although many people will offer that information freely.

In some situations, such as among close friends, you will hear Americans talk about the candidates and voice their opinions openly. But when talking with a new acquaintance or a stranger, it is best to avoid asking about political affiliation.

Also, know that some workplaces have rules against political activity, and, in government, most political activity is not legal although people often share their opinions.

Im Jill Robbins. And Im Andrew Smith.

Jill Robbins wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English.

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Words in This Story

primary  n. an election in which members of the same political party run against each other for the chance to be in the general election

caucus n. a political party meeting used to decide candidates and often delegates that is private and only open to party members

pledge  v. to formally promise to give or do (something)

platform  n. the official beliefs and goals of a political party

sustainable  adj. involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources

rally  n. a public meeting to support or oppose someone or something

metaphor n. a word or term that means one thing that is used to represent a different thing usually because of a similarity

academic adj. related to school or schooling

poll  n. an activity in which several or many people are asked a question or a series of questions to provide information about what people think about something; a place for voting

affiliation  n. the state of belonging to a particular religious or political group

cast  v. to formally make (a vote)

acquaintance  n. someone who is known but who is not a close friend

What do the political parties do where you live? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
New Zealands wide-ranging independent inquiry into the abuse of children and vulnerable adults in care over the span of five decades released a blistering final report yesterday that found the countrys state agencies and churches failed to prevent, stop or admit to the abuse of those they were supposed to look after  even when they knew about it.

The scale of the abuse was unimaginable with an estimated 200,000 people abused in seven decades, the report said. Scrutiny of state and faith-run institutions was lax and predators rarely faced repercussions.

In response to the findings, New Zealands government agreed for the first time that historical treatment of some children in a notorious state-run hospital amounted to torture, and pledged an apology to all those abused in state, foster and religious care since 1950. But Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was too soon to divulge how much the government expected to pay in compensation  a bill the inquiry said would run to the billions of dollars  or to promise that officials involved in denying and covering up the abuse would lose their jobs.

The publication of findings by the Royal Commission  the highest level of inquiry that can be undertaken in New Zealand  capped a six-year investigation that followed two decades of similar probes around the world, echoing other nations struggles to reckon with authorities transgressions against children removed from their families and placed in state and religious care.

The results were a national disgrace, the inquirys report said. Of 650,000 children and vulnerable adults in state, foster, and church care between 1950 and 2019  in a country that today has a population of just 5 million  nearly a third endured physical, sexual, verbal or psychological abuse. Many more were exploited or neglected, the report said. The figures were likely higher, though precise numbers would never be known because complaints were disregarded and records were lost or destroyed.

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, the inquiry heads wrote, using both the Maori and English names for the country.

If this injustice is not addressed, it will remain as a stain on our national character forever, read the 3,000-page report.

Hundreds of survivors and their supporters filled the public gallery yesterday in New Zealands Parliament, where lawmakers responded to the findings.

The report lambasted some senior figures in government and faith institutions, who it said continued to cover up and excuse abuse throughout public hearings into the matter. Many of the worst episodes had long been common knowledge, it said, and officials at the time of the abuse were either oblivious or indifferent about protecting children, instead shoring up the reputations of their institutions and of abusers.

The inquiry made 138 recommendations across all areas of New Zealand law, society and government. It adds to dozens of interim recommendations in 2021 that urged swift redress for those abused, some of whom were sick or dying  of which little has been enacted.

The government pledged yesterday to supply answers by the end of the year about plans for redress, although the inquiry decried the scant progress made by successive governments to date.

The fresh recommendations include seeking apologies from state and church leaders, including Pope Francis, for the abuse of children and vulnerable adults and for disbelieving decades of accounts. The inquiry also endorsed creating dedicated offices to prosecute abusers and enact redress, renaming the streets and monuments that are currently dedicated to abusers, reforming civil and criminal law, rewriting the child welfare system, and searching for unmarked graves at psychiatric facilities.

Among investigations worldwide, New Zealands inquiry was notable for its scale  the widest-ranging such probe ever undertaken, according to those leading it. It examined abuse in state institutions, foster care, faith-based care, and medical and educational settings, interviewing nearly 2,500 survivors of abuse.

Children were removed arbitrarily and unfairly from their families, the report said, and the majority of New Zealands criminal gang members and prisoners are believed to have spent time in care.

As in Australia and Canada, Indigenous children were targeted for placement in harsher facilities and subject to worse abuse. The majority of children in care were Maori, despite the group comprising less than 20% of New Zealands population during the period examined.

The average cost of abuse in a survivors lifetime is 857,000 New Zealand dollars ($508,000), the inquiry found. Health care and other government-funded measures account for less than a quarter of that cost, while the remainder quantifies the toll on the survivor of their pain, suffering, lost opportunities and early death.

Tu Chapman, a survivor and advocate, attended Parliament yesterday, where she told The Associated Press that immediate action was needed on redress to prove that 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. CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY, WELLINGTON, MDT/AP
The third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee was hailed as a pivotal meeting poised to significantly enhance innovation by economists attending a seminar at the China Macroeconomic Forum in Beijing on July 23.



Liu Yuanchun, president of the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, emphasized the significance of the session. He said that facing unprecedented changes, including global economic shifts, supply chain disruptions, increased geopolitical risks and the fourth industrial and technological revolutions, it is essential for China to balance development and security while achieving breakthroughs in innovation.

In the resolution adopted at the plenary session, China vowed to "promote innovations in theory and practice, in our institutions and culture, and in all other aspects," proposing policy support for innovation in emerging, future and traditional industries.

Liu noted that innovation was one of the keywords of this year's plenum. He said that the plenum's focus on innovation, education, technology and talent underscored an elevated commitment to the nation's innovation strategy.

Zhang Yansheng, chief researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, echoed the importance of a robust innovation system. Despite China achieving 12th place in the Global Innovation Index, it ranks only 43rd in "Institutions," according to the researcher. He stressed the need to make substantial breakthroughs in innovation system reforms, focusing on education, technology, talent, industrial innovation and the development of new quality productive forces.

"Innovation capabilities and new quality productive forces are crucial for national security. Without them, our economic development would lack a solid foundation," said Li Daokui, director of the Institute for Chinese Economic Practice and Thinking at Tsinghua University, who also noted the resolution's repeated emphasis on innovation.

China's research and development (R&D) spending in 2023 exceeded 3.3 trillion yuan (about $458.5 billion), the second highest in the world. Meanwhile, its R&D expenditure intensity, the ratio of gross domestic expenditures on R&D to gross domestic product, was measured at 2.64%, which is 0.64 percentage point higher than 10 years ago.

Li believes that in the future, there will be increased efforts to ensure more resources are channeled into R&D to address key innovation bottlenecks, fostering sustained progress.
Chinese officials warned a delegation of top U.S. executives visiting Beijing this week that higher tariffs on imports from China will harm their businesses inside the country.

The delegation of influential business people belonging to the U.S. China Business Council, including the CEOs of FedEx and Micron, followed a top-level meeting last week where ruling Communist Party leaders endorsed a blueprint for policies that included numerous pledges to improve the business environment for foreign investors. But they also vowed greater vigilance in protecting state secrets, a potential minefield for foreign businesses that face intense scrutiny of their China operations by authorities.

Both the U.S. and China have cited national security concerns in imposing restrictions on trade and investment, and American businesses have at times been caught in the middle. Beijing has objected strenuously to Washingtons moves to hike tariffs on Chinese-made products and limit Chinese access to advanced technologies, including leading-edge computer chips used for artificial intelligence.

The administration of President Joe Biden has sought to improve ties with China, including several meetings between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, but has largely left in place sanctions ordered by former President Donald Trump, who imposed punitive tariffs on Beijing.

The Treasury Department also has proposed a rule that would restrict and monitor U.S. investments in China for artificial intelligence, computer chips and quantum computing.

In his meeting with the group, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao emphasized that U.S. investment restrictions on China will seriously affect the investments and operations of American companies in China, the ministry said in a statement. It provided no details.

The U.S. China Business Council is a private, nonpartisan group of more than 270 American companies that do business in China. It said the visit to Beijing, just days after the Communist Partys four-day planning meeting, was intended to advance economic and policy priorities and support dialogue between U.S. and Chinese government and business leaders.

We appreciate the opportunity to engage with Chinese leaders to promote commercial relations and advocate our priorities for the benefit of our companies and employees, the councils chairman and FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam said in a statement.

Among others attending the meeting were Craig Allen, president of the council; Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global, Amit Sevak, president and CEO of Educational Testing Service, and Roberta Lipson, CEO of healthcare company Chindex International, which operates private hospitals in China and Mongolia.

Allen said the group hoped to build on past opportunities to realize a more stable, fair and predictable business environment in China, address longstanding and new barriers to Chinas market and to improve the relationship between the two largest economies.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the group he hoped they would use their influence and connections to provide an accurate picture of China and provide objective and positive voices to advocate for a correct understanding of China, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

As the first U.S. business group to visit after the partys planning meetings, you can feel the new atmosphere of Chinas further deepening reform in an all-round way, the agency cited Wang as saying.

At the Communist Party meetings last week, officials endorsed more than 300 reform measures in line with leader Xi Jinpings vision for strengthening Chinas role as an economic power and leader in advanced technologies.

That included broad pledges to foster a first-rate business environment, remove market restrictions and promote trade. But the leaders also vowed to expand the partys role in business and to strengthen safeguards for national security.

A decree was approved Monday that provides regulations to implement a revised state secrets law that takes effect on Sept. 1. Among other things, it toughens screening of people working with state secrets and bans them from traveling outside the country without approval in advance, even after they leave their jobs, state media reported.

The Chinese government has said such laws only target a small number of people who endanger national security. But foreign business groups have expressed unease over raids by authorities on foreign businesses in China and tightening restrictions on the handling of data.

Various new regulations have generated uncertainty and concern among businesses that need to know where the red lines are, Sean Stein of the American Chamber of Commerce in China told reporters in a recent briefing.

Companies dont want to endanger Chinas national security, but they need to know if theyre making an investment, who theyre investing with, Stein said. So without the ability to collect that information, not knowing if its not going to run afoul of Chinas state secrets laws is a real problem. ELAINE KURTENBACH, BANGKOK, MDT/AP
Despite being on extended leave, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng made a virtual appearance to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of a youth tour to Zhejiang province.

This marks Hos first official statement since the announcement of a second extension to his annual leave, which now runs until July 29. Hos leave period initially began June 21 and was previously extended by 16 days until July 19.

In his speech, Ho expressed his delight at participating in the launch of the Welcome to the National Day and Unite to Strive to Create a Future Hong Kong and Macau Youth Tour.

This Hong Kong and Macau youth trip to Zhejiang is of special significance, Ho said.

This event is not only a valuable opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and deepen friendship, but also a vivid practice to instill the patriotic spirit and promote national rejuvenation. VC
The local court has officially declared Macau Asia Satellite Television (MAST) bankrupt, providing creditors a 60-day window to submit their claims for repayment following the announcement.

The Court of First Instances decision was disclosed in the Official Gazette yesterday, with the ruling made July 16.

Established June 2001, the television station also broadcasts in Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan. Labor disputes arose in Taipei in 2018, where about 30 employees were not paid as promised, leading to similar conflicts in Macau the following year.

Despite facing financial challenges, the station received a 15-year license extension from then-Chief Executive Chui Sai On. At its peak, MAST had up to 150 employees.

The broadcaster heavily relied on government funding to sustain its programs, primarily focused on promoting Macau, receiving an annual grant of MOP8 million in 2019 and 2020.

From 2015 to 2020, MAST reportedly received over MOP38 million in public funds.

The labor disputes have prompted the Labour Affairs Bureau to revoke all non-resident labor quotas for the broadcaster. LV
The Judiciary Police (PJ) recently announced the arrest of five suspects involved in a fraud scheme that targeted an elderly resident of Macau. The victim, an elderly woman, lost approximately 130,000 patacas worth of jewelry and cash.

According to the police report, the incident occurred last week when the victim was approached by a suspect identified as Chan, a 60-year-old female mainland resident, who claimed to know a miracle doctor. Chan was then joined by another suspect, Lau, a 58-year-old female mainland resident, who also claimed to know the miracle doctor.

The two suspects then led the victim to the R. Um do Bairro Iao Hon area, where they were joined by three additional suspects: Lam, a 50-year-old female mainland resident; Lam, a 48-year-old male mainland resident who claimed to be the grandson of the miracle doctor; and Lei, a 42-year-old male mainland resident who acted as the driver.

The suspects engaged the victim in a complex scheme, claiming that the victims son was suffering from blood and liver disease and that the familys gold, silver, and cash were needed to perform a blessing ritual to cure the illness and prevent further negative events. The female suspect Lam also claimed that there was a ghost in Chans home, and that more blessings were needed.

The suspects then accompanied the victim back to her residence in Areia Preta to collect her valuables.

Around noon, the group returned to the patio of the building in the R. Um do Bairro Iao Hon area, where the male suspects instructed the victim to place her property, including cash and jewelry, into a plastic bag. The bag was then placed inside another black plastic bag with mineral water, and the victim was told to turn around and bow to the east three times before being allowed to take the bag home.

When the victim returned home and opened the black plastic bag, she found only two bottles of mineral water and two boxes of drinks, with her cash and jewelry missing. She immediately reported the incident to the police.

After investigation, the PJ was able to locate and arrest the five suspects, who had entered Macau the night before the incident and checked into two rooms at a hotel on the mainland. The police were able to recover the victims stolen property.

The police investigation revealed that the suspects had a clear division of labor in the fraud scheme.

Chan pretended to inquire about the miracle doctor, while Lau led the victim to retrieve her property. The female suspect Lam engaged in conversation and guarded the scene, while the male suspect Lam distracted the victim by pretending to perform the blessing ritual. Lei acted as the getaway driver.

The PJ has charged the five suspects with criminal group activity and fraud. Victoria Chan
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 countrys 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 Vietnams 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 draftomg 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.

Vietnams move addresses investors concerns about access to stable and clean energy. Thats 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.

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. ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL, HANOI, MDT/AP
Lawmaker Zheng Anting wants the government to pay more attention to the pedestrian facilities in Macau, particularly pedestrian flyovers and lifts.

In a report published by the Chinese language media outlet Exmoo, the lawmaker said he has received a high number of complaints from citizens regarding the conditions of some pedestrian facilities.

According to Zheng, some of the escalators in pedestrian flyovers are old and worn out, requiring frequent maintenance that puts them temporarily out of service. This creates significant inconvenience for local residents and tourists, particularly those with mobility limitations.

He also urged the government to stop turning off escalators overnight. Currently some escalators are turned off after midnight and turned on again at 7 a.m., causing issues for those who need to use them during hours.

He said many people in Macau work in shifts and despite being used less during these hours, the equipment is still necessary. Instead of turning off the equipment, he suggested installing automatic sensors to save energy and reduce unnecessary wear and tear on the equipment.

As the Times reported in May, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) is reportedly evaluating the feasibility of removing some bollards from the street sidewalks, primarily in the central district and other busy areas of the city where narrow sidewalks make pedestrian traffic difficult.

The response from IAM came after an inquiry from the Times citing citizens difficulties walking in these areas, particularly during times of heavy tourist traffic.

Earlier this year, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works mentioned during a Legislative Assembly plenary session that the government was considering removing several street parking spaces, particularly in narrower streets, to enlarge the sidewalks and facilitate bus traffic.

However, no progress has been observed on these works so far.
In the 2022-2023 academic year, nearly 50,000 people were enrolled in higher education programs at Macaus tertiary education institutions, according to a report from the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ).

The An Overview of Educational Statistics 2023 report reveals that out of 49,594 students, 68.88% (34,160) were non-local students, while locals accounted only for 15,434.

This proportion of non-local students was largely attributed to those attending Macaus private higher education institutions, where 84.68% (25,871) were non-locals.

The number of local students only marginally surpassed non-locals at public higher education institutions, with locals accounting for 56.47% (10,755), outnumbering non-local students by around 2,500.

The report also highlighted a consistent increase in the number of students attending local universities over the past five academic years (2018-2019 to 2022-2023).

The largest increase year-on-year occurred between 2021-2022, with a 12.7% increase compared to 2020-2021, followed closely by a 12.6% increase in 2022-2023.

Bachelors degrees account for two-thirds of students

About 62.8% of all students enrolled in programs in Macau are registered in bachelors degree programs, while masters degrees comprise 25.6%.

Doctorate degrees account for 11.1% of enrolled students, while the remaining 1% comprises diploma and postgraduate courses.

Private institutions led enrollment numbers across all programs, particularly in masters programs, where they represented 68.8% of total students enrolled in masters programs.

The majority of students in postgraduate and diploma studies were enrolled in private institutions, accounting for between 82% to 92% of this type of program.

In contrast, the public sector saw its highest proportion of students in bachelors degree programs, accounting for almost 42% of enrollments.

Regarding the number of students enrolled in various programs over the last five academic years, the overall trends demonstrate an increase in the number of students in each program every year since 2018-2019.

BA and Law and Humanities and Arts top study area preferences

Business Administration (BA) and Law, along with Humanities and Arts, were the most popular fields of study for students enrolled at local universities over the past five years.

Since 2018-2019, business administration and law saw 68,102 students, 34% of all students and the largest share in terms of preferred fields of study.

Humanities and Arts followed with 16% (32,419), with the Service Industry coming third with 15% (31,257).

These three overarching areas accounted for almost two-thirds of all students in Macau.

Areas prioritized by the government, such as health and welfare, information and communications technology, and science, saw fewer enrollments, accounting for 8%, 5%, and 2% respectively.

In contrast to existing trends, science saw significant growth between 2018-2019 and 2020-2021 but enrollments dropped more than 50% in 2021-2022, below levels seen in 2018-2019.

Notably, the ICT field surpassed education for the first time last year, with a 19% year-on-year increase compared to 2021-2022.

In addition to the top three fields of study previously mentioned, other popular fields include social sciences, journalism and health and welfare.

PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS EMPLOY MORE NON-LOCAL TEACHERS

The DSEDJ annual report noted private institutions mostly employ non-local teaching staff, echoing trends seen among student enrollments. Similarly, public institutions employ more local teaching staff.

The percentage of non-local teaching staff rose to 60.72% (470) in private universities.

Overall, 1,722 full-time teachers were employed across all institutions, with 57.84% (996) being locals and the other 726 being non-locals.
* Open University

 Non-locals dominate Macaus higher education enrollments in 2022-2023

* Weather | Typhoon halts flights between Macau and Taiwan

* Property | sluggish despite lifting of cooling measures

* The Judiciary Police announced the arrest of five suspects involved in a fraud scheme that targeted an elderly Macau resident

* China court: Suncity typical cross-border gambling case

* Vietnam allows big companies to buy clean energy to meet climate targets

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Thursday, July 25, 2024  edition no. 4531
Japans government said yesterday it has protested against Russias announcement that it is permanently banning 13 Japanese citizens, mostly business leaders of prominent companies including Toyota Motor Corp., in retaliation for Tokyos 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 Russias 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. MARI YAMAGUCHI, MDT/AP
Ukraines foreign minister says he is seeking common ground in talks with his Chinese counterpart on ending his countrys 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 yesterday 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 Tuesday night 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 that China would support the international community in gathering more consensus and jointly finding practical ways to resolve the crisis politically. MDT/AP
Iowa authorities have closed their investigation into a fatal shooting south of Dubuque and the subsequent death of a 37-year-old man who fled from police in Dane County before breaking into a home east of Stoughton.

The Dubuque County Sheriffs Office said the gun used to kill Tana Poppe, 32, on April 10 was the same gun Alexander Grunke, 37, used to kill himself in the home on Ramsey Road in the town of Albion later that night or early the next day.

Grunke had killed Poppe in her home in La Motte, south of the city of Dubuque, and then fled with her 13-year-old daughter and he and Poppes 5-month-old infant, sheriffs officials have said.

Following the months-long investigation, the Dubuque County Sheriffs Office received information from the State Medical Examiners Office that the firearm used in Grunkes suicide was the same firearm used in Poppes homicide, the Sheriffs Office said in a news release Wednesday. With these findings, and with the death of the only known offender in the case, the case will no longer be actively investigated and is being closed.

Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said in April that his department became involved in Grunkes case when deputies were called to a residence on Charles Lane in the town of Dunn by a family who reported that a man dropped off the 5-month-old at their home.

Deputies later located Grunkes Ford Escape and tried to pull him and the girl over, but Grunke fled and while being pursued both he and the girl fired shots at deputies. No one was hit.

The Sheriffs Office used tire-deflation devices to stop the vehicle in the town of Albion, Barrett said, at which point the 13-year-old fled into the wooded area where she would later be found unresponsive. He said no firearms were found around her and there were no obvious signs or wounds on her.

Grunke fled the scene as well and fired several rounds at a home on Ramsey Road before going inside and barricading himself in the basement, Barrett said. Deputies were able to get the family who live in the home out safely, he said.

After the Sheriffs Office tried unsuccessfully for several hours to contact Grunke, a robot was sent into the home and found him dead from an apparent suicide.

The Dane County Medical Examiners Office has not released the 13-year-olds cause of death.
Namibia is set to shake up international travel norms come April next year. The African nation will require visas from citizens of 33 countries, including Canada, Germany, the US, and the UK  all of which currently demand visas from Namibians.

This decision stems from a lack of reciprocity in visa policies. While Namibia has long offered visa-free entry to many Western nations, its own citizens face arduous and expensive visa processes when traveling abroad. The new policy aims to level the playing field, though Namibias approach remains more lenient  visitors can obtain a 90-day visa for $90 upon arrival.

The move has sparked mixed reactions. Many Namibians, like Michelle Nehoya, whos struggled with a lengthy Canadian visa application, view it as a long-overdue stand for fairness. Social media echoes this sentiment, with users applauding Namibias assertiveness.

However, the tourism industry expresses concern about potential impacts on visitor numbers. Tourism significantly contributes to Namibias economy, with many visitors hailing from countries affected by the new policy.

This visa shake-up highlights broader issues of global mobility inequality. African travelers often face high rejection rates and steep fees when applying for visas to Western countries. Namibias action may prompt a wider conversation about reciprocity in international travel policies.
A devastating maritime disaster has unfolded off the coast of Mauritania, leaving at least 15 dead and over 150 people missing. The incident involved a wooden fishing vessel that had embarked from The Gambia a week earlier, carrying approximately 300 individuals hoping to reach Europe.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that after enduring seven days at sea, the overcrowded boat capsized on Monday. Mauritanian coastguards have managed to rescue 120 people, but the search for survivors continues amidst challenging conditions.

This tragedy is part of a worrying trend. As Mediterranean routes face increased scrutiny, more migrants are attempting the perilous Atlantic journey to Spains Canary Islands. The IOM notes a staggering 160% increase in arrivals to the Canaries this year compared to last.

The capsizing coincides with the 25th anniversary of the first known migrant shipwreck en route to the Canary Islands, underlining the long-standing nature of this crisis. Experts attribute the surge in Atlantic crossings to various factors, including political unrest, rising food prices, and depleting fish stocks in West African countries.

As rescue efforts persist, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the desperate measures people will take in search of a better life, and the urgent need for safe, legal migration pathways.
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Burundi has detected its first three cases of mpox, the health ministry announced Thursday, raising fears that a new, deadlier strain of the virus had crossed the border.

Formerly known as monkeypox, mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals that can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact.

A global outbreak two years ago led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern, the highest alarm it can sound.

Burundian authorities were alerted on July 22 to three "suspected cases" in two hospitals, one in a working-class district of the economic capital Bujumbura and another on the city's outskirts, a health ministry statement said.

"The three samples tested positive for Monkeypox," the ministry said, adding that the three cases were "progressing well, and a list of contacts has already been drawn up and is being followed-up on".

On July 11, the WHO warned of a swelling outbreak of a new deadlier strain of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which borders Burundi.

That outbreak "shows no sign of slowing" WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned.

At the time, the WHO reported a total of 11,000 cases, including 445 deaths, with children being the worst-affected.

Rosamund Lewis, the WHO's technical lead for mpox, said the UN health agency was "very concerned", and warned that the virus could move "cross border... because borders are very porous with neighboring countries" in the region.

Mpox was first discovered in humans in 1970 in the DRC.

It has since been mainly limited to certain West and Central African nations, with people mainly catching it from infected animals, such as when eating bushmeat.

Then in May 2022, mpox infections surged worldwide, mostly affecting gay and bisexual men.

That surge was driven by a new subtype, dubbed Clade II, taking over from the Clade I subtype.

It was that spike in cases that prompted the WHO to sound its public health emergency of international concern alert in July 2022, which it then ended in May 2023.

But since last September, a new, deadlier Clade I strain has been spreading in the DRC, with the outbreak beginning among sex workers and affecting non-LGBTQ people too.

Testing revealed it was a mutated variant of Clade I, called Clade Ib.

The WHO recommends populations continue to remain vigilant over the virus.

 2024 AFP
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For generations, researchers have been pondering the question of how and where consciousness is formed in the brain. Professor Ekrem Dere from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, proposes a new approach to researching conscious cognitive information processing. He advocates defining phases of conscious cognitive processes on the basis of behavioral observations and learning curves.

"Learning is often not a gradual process, but takes place in leaps and bounds; you could say that humans and animals experience sudden epiphanies every now and then," he says. "It's likely that these experiences are preceded by conscious processes."

Dere outlines his new approach, which might apply to both humans and animals, in an article published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.

Different levels of consciousness

Consciousness is not an all-or-nothing process. "There are different levels of consciousness, depending for example on whether we're sleeping or writing an email," says Ekrem Dere from the Mental Health Research and Treatment Center in Bochum, who is also a member of the Sorbonne Universite in Paris. "At the upper end of this gradation, so to speak, we find conscious cognitive information processing that is required to deal with a complicated problem."

In order to study the neurobiological correlates of these processes using scientific methods, a human or animal must be presented with an experimental task that can only be solved with conscious cognitive information processingit's crucial that there isn't a preconceived solution.

"In the long history of cognitive behavioral psychology, a great many such tasks have been developed," says Dere. "However, the main difficulty is that a human or animal may not use conscious cognitive information processing throughout the entire processing time."

Eureka moment is the time stamp

The researcher therefore suggests using learning curves to narrow down the phases of conscious information processing with regard to their timing. In these curves, performance in a specific task is plotted over time. "Learning performance often doesn't improve continuously, but rather by leaps or in stages," explains Dere. This so-called discontinuous learning after insight can serve as a time stamp.

"Conscious cognitive information processing must have taken place at this point and presumably also in the seconds leading up to it," says the psychologist. "Armed with this knowledge, we can use imaging or electrophysiological methods to observe the brain during conscious cognitive information processing by comparing the time periods immediately before the sudden increase in learning with earlier or later points in time during the processing of the task."

This would enable researchers to find out which mechanisms the brain uses in which region for conscious information processing.

More information: Ekrem Dere, Insights into conscious cognitive information processing, Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1443161 Journal information: Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
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There has been no spike in COVID cases in France as tourists surge in for the Paris Olympic Games, a minister said Thursday, adding that the government would remain "vigilant".

"COVID is still with us at a low level" but "we're not in a period with an explosion or strong return" of the virus, junior health minister Frederic Valletoux told broadcaster Franceinfo.

He added that authorities were not "for now" expecting to introduce mask requirements in venues.

"There's no kind of very strong alert signal at this stage," Valletoux said.

A few of the 10,500 athletes set to patricipate have tested positive for COVID since arriving.

"We knew there is no such thing as zero risk," Valletoux said.

Among the worst hit are Australia's female water polo team, with the delegation's head Anna Meares confirming five cases, while several Belgian competitors have also tested positive according to Olympic Committee doctors.

Some delegations have toughened up precautions in response.

For instance, France's rowing team insisted on masks at media events ahead of the competition.

 2024 AFP
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Obesity levels worldwide are rising and therefore, personalized care is becoming paramount. At the same time, scientists believe that not all fat is the same. Previous studies have shown that measuring levels of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation gives a good approximation of cardiometabolic risk. However, currently VAT inflammation cannot be measured without invasive surgery.

Now, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev scientists have proposed a "liquid-biopsy-like" alternative to surgery by measuring circulating miRNAs. They found that the combined levels of two or three circulating miRNAs was a good indication of high VAT inflammation.

Their findings were published in the March issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. They were also presented at the annual conference of the Israeli Association for the Study of Obesity post publication.

The scientists, led by Dr. Isana Veksler-Lublinsky and Prof. Assaf Rudich, used samples donated to an adipose tissue biobank from 35 people who underwent bariatric surgery at Soroka University Medical Center. An additional 51 people were used as a validation cohort. Participants were aged 18 to 70 with a BMI of 30 or greater and no known malignancies.

They identified three circulating miRNAs that, taken together, served as a good indicator of VAT inflammation level. miRNAs are short, noncoding RNA molecules that function as negative regulators of gene expression by two main processes that rely on sequence recognition of target messenger RNAs (mRNA): mRNA destabilization and translational inhibition. Adipose tissue, particularly in those who are obese, is thought to produce up to 50% of circulating miRNA.

While one of the circulating miRNAs they focused on by itself did not differentiate well, the molecule in combination with one or two others, did.

"Circulating miRNAs 181b-5p, with either 1306-3p, or 3138 indicated with a high level of accuracy levels of VAT inflammation. It is a first step in personalized medical care for those living with obesity by giving them a better indication of whether their condition imposes a particularly high health risk or not," explains Dr. Veksler-Lublinsky of the Department of Software & Information Systems Engineering. Prof. Rudich is a member of the Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology.

Contributing researchers included Nataly Makarenkov (part of her Ph.D. Thesis), Yulia Haim, Uri Yoel, Yair Pincu, Tanya Tarnovscki, Idit F. Liberty, Ivan Kukeev, Lior Baraf, Oleg Dukhno, Oleg Zilber, and Matthias Bluher.

More information: Nataly Makarenkov et al, Circulating miRNAs Detect High vs Low Visceral Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Patients Living With Obesity, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2023). DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad550 Journal information: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
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Elder abuse is an emerging public health and safety issue for communities of high-income countries.

The most recent data from Australia's National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, which surveyed 7,000 older people living in the community, found 1 in 6 self-reported being a victim of some form of abuse. But this did not include older people living in residential aged care or those with cognitive impairment, such as dementiaso it is likely an underestimate.

This week the Australian government announced a multi-million dollar advertising campaign it hopes will address this serious and abhorrent abuse.

But is investing in community awareness of elder abuse the best use of scarce resources?

What is elder abuse?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines elder abuse as "a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person."

Australia usually defines older people as those over 65. The exact age varies between countries depending on the overall health status of a nation and its vulnerable population groups. The WHO definition of an older adult for sub-Saharan Africa, for example, is over 50. And there are communities with poorer health status and shorter lifespans within country borders, including our First Nations people.

Elder abuse can take on many different forms including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, or financial abuse and neglect.

Living longer and wealthier

The number of older people in our society is greater than it has ever been. Around 17% of Australians are aged 65 and over. By 2071, older Australians will make up between 25% and 27% of the total population.

People are living longer, accumulating substantial wealth and are vulnerable to abuse due to cognitive, physical or functional limitations.

Longer lifespans increase the time of possible exposure to abuse. Australian men aged 65 can expect to live another 20.2 years, while women aged 65 are likely to live another 22.8 years. (Life expectancy for First Nations men and women remains significantly shorter.)

Australian men are now 143 times more likely to reach the age of 100 than they were in 1901. Women are 82 times more likely.

Older people hold a large proportion of our nation's wealth, making them vulnerable to financial abuse. Recent research by the Australian Council of Social Service and UNSW Sydney reveals older households (with people over 65) are 25% wealthier than the average middle-aged household and almost four times as wealthy as the average under-35 household.

Finally, older people have higher levels of impairment in their thinking, reasoning and physical function. Cognitive impairment, especially dementia, increases from one in 67 Australians under 60 to almost one in two people aged over 90.

Over half of Australians aged 65 years and over have disabilities. A particularly vulnerable group are the 258,374 older Australians who receive government-funded home care.

Who perpetrates elder abuse?

Sadly, most of the perpetrators of elder abuse are known to their victims. They are usually a member of the family, such as a life partner, child or grandchild.

Elder abuse causes significant illness and even early death. Financial abuse (across all ages) costs the community billions of dollars. Specific data for financial elder abuse is limited but indicates massive costs to individual survivors and the community.

Despite this, the level of awareness of elder abuse is likely to be much lower than for family violence or child abuse. This is partly due to the comparatively recent concept of elder abuse, with global awareness campaigns only developed over the past two decades.

Is an advertising campaign the answer?

The federal government has allocated A$4.8 million to an advertising campaign on television, online and in health-care clinics to reach the broader community. For context, last year the government spent $131.4 million on all media campaigns, including $32.6 million on the COVID vaccination program, $2 million on Japanese encephalitis and $3.2 million on hearing health awareness.

The campaign will likely benefit a small number of people who may be victims and have the capacity to report their perpetrators to authorities. It will generate some heartbreaking anecdotes. But it is unlikely to achieve broad community or systemic change.

There is little research evidence to show media campaigns alter the behavior of perpetrators of elder abuse. And suggesting the campaign raises awareness of the issue for older people who are survivors of abuse sounds more like blaming victims than empowering them.

We don't know how the government will judge the success of the campaign, so taxpayers won't know whether a reasonable return on this investment was achieved. There may also be opportunity costs associated with the initiativethat is, lost opportunities for other actions and strategies. It could be more effective and efficient to target high-risk subgroups or to allocate funding to policy, practice reform or research that has direct tangible benefits for survivors.

But the campaign can't hurt, right?

Actually, the dangers that could come with an advertising campaign are two-fold.

First, it may well oversimplify a highly complex issue. Identifying and managing elder abuse requires an understanding of the person's vulnerabilities, their decision-making capacity and ability to consent, the will and preferences of the victim and the role of the perpetrator in the older person's life. Abuse happens in the context of family and social networks. And reporting abuse can have consequences for the victim's quality of life and care.

Consider the complexities of a case where an older person declines to have her grandson reported to police for stealing her money and medication because of her fear of becoming socially isolated. She might even feel responsible for the behavior, having raised the grandson and not want him to have a criminal record.

Second, a public campaign can create the illusion that government and our institutions have the matter "in hand." This might slow the opportunity for real change.

Ideally, the campaign will strengthen the argument for better policies, reporting procedures, policing, prosecution and judgments that are aligned. But these ends will also need investment in more research to build better communities that take good care of older people.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
China mobilizes swift efforts to combat floods

Xinhua) 08:16, July 25, 2024

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China is mobilizing nationwide efforts to combat torrential rains, heavy flooding and other natural disasters as the country has entered the critical flood season, which normally runs from late July to early August.

Over the past few weeks, heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across wide swaths of China, causing severe casualties, disrupting traffic and forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Emergency responses to flooding have been activated in many regions across the country.

More than 20 vehicles plunged into the Jinqian River late Friday after the collapse of a 40-meter section of a highway bridge in Zhashui County of Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, following a flash flood triggered by a heavy rainstorm.

So far, rescuers have found the bodies of 15 victims. Thousands of rescue workers and volunteers are still searching for the missing.

Shortly after the disaster, President Xi Jinping urged all-out rescue and relief efforts to safeguard people's lives and property.

Rescuers work at the site of a bridge collapse in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

The immediate priority is to carry out rescue operations, make every effort to search for the missing and minimize casualties, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in an instruction.

He stressed that as the critical period of flood control approaches, it is imperative for regions and relevant departments to be extra vigilant, fulfill their duties diligently, improve monitoring systems and early warning mechanisms, strengthen inspections, and implement various measures meticulously to guarantee the safety of people's lives and property.

Another deadly disaster occurred early Saturday morning, when heavy downpours caused flash flooding at a local river in Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, that seriously damaged over 40 houses in a village.

By Monday evening, rescue workers had found the bodies of 14 people, with 25 others still missing. Rescuers are using drones, sniffer dogs and life detectors to continue the search and rescue.

Rescuers evacuate a disaster-affected resident in Xinhua Village, Malie Township, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

In response to the natural disasters that have affected various parts of China, central and local authorities are moving swiftly to allocate all resources at their disposal to the ongoing relief and restoration efforts, while taking measures to identify potential risks and prepare for secondary disasters.

The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management have held joint meetings to discuss flood prevention situations with the China Meteorological Administration and ministries of water resources, natural resources, and housing and urban and rural development.

They have also coordinated flood prevention and relief work in disaster-hit provinces via video conferences, while working groups have been dispatched to the provinces to assist and guide disaster prevention and response.

On Sunday, the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner, said it has allocated 350 million yuan (about 49 million U.S. dollars) from the central budget to aid disaster relief and restoration efforts in flood-stricken Henan, Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces.

The money will be used to fund the emergency recovery of flood-damaged schools, hospitals and flood control facilities in those provinces.

Rescuers transfer stranded residents in Pingjiang County, central China's Hunan Province, July 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan)

After the collapse of the highway bridge in Shangluo, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing led a working team to the site to guide rescue efforts. He urged more efforts to search for the missing.

As the current flood season features high risks of geological disasters, all regions should screen for and rectify potential risks along highways and railways, Zhang said, calling for strengthened monitoring, early warning, and timely traffic control to minimize casualties.

On Sunday, the vice premier also visited the flood-hit Xinhua village, which is located in Hanyuan County under Ya'an City, Sichuan, and inspected a local hospital and the temporary relocation site for those affected by the disaster.

In Sichuan's flood-hit areas, post-disaster recovery efforts are in full swing. Power supply to 5,399 households has been fully restored as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, and seven 10kV lines in Hanyuan have been repaired.

A total of 248 emergency repair personnel, 75 repair vehicles and six emergency power supply vehicles have been deployed to support the disaster relief and power restoration efforts in Hanyuan.

In China's coastal regions, local authorities are bracing for the impact of Typhoon Gaemi, the third typhoon of this year. It was located 260 km southeast of Taiwan's Yilan County at 5 a.m. Wednesday and is expected to make landfall along the coast of central and northern Taiwan on Wednesday night.

Lin Xiaohong, chief forecaster at the Fujian provincial meteorological observatory, said that heavy rainfall is anticipated across most of the province, with the most intense precipitation likely to occur in the central and northern regions.

Cumulative rainfall is projected to range from 150 to 350 millimeters, with some areas experiencing over 600 millimeters, Lin added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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)
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Health insurance agents who fraudulently enroll consumers in Affordable Care Act health plans could be subject to criminal chargesand civil penalties of $10,000 to $200,000under legislation introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.

Wyden first promised the bill in May, when he called on federal regulators to do more to combat sketchy Obamacare enrollment schemes. Often, consumers who are targeted don't know they've been enrolled or that their coverage has been switched to a new plan until they lose access to preferred doctors, learn they have different deductibles, or find they owe taxes for ACA insurance premium subsidies.

The schemes exploit the federal health insurance enrollment system, which requires only minimal proof of identitya name, birth date, and statefor a broker to create or access an account. The lure is monthly commissions paid by insurance companiesamounts that are only about $25 per person but can add up when multiplied across transactions.

"It is critical for these bad actors to be held criminally responsible and implement common sense consumer protections so working families can confidently purchase quality, affordable health insurance that works for them through honest brokers," Wyden said in a statement.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said July 19 that more than 200,000 people have complained about unauthorized Obamacare enrollment or plan switches this year.

KFF Health News began reporting on Affordable Care Act enrollment schemes this spring.

CMS' directive last week also detailed new rules aimed at thwarting the problem by blocking agents from making changes to consumers' coverage unless they are already "associated" with that policyholder's account, or take other steps to verify that they have consumers' permission.

Wyden's proposal, co-sponsored by Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, Patty Murray of Washington, Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, would call on federal regulators to begin verifying that consumers have granted consent to brokers for ACA enrollment or plan switches, and to notify consumers whenever a change is made to their accounts or coverage.

The civil penalties would range from at least $10,000, in cases of straightforward negligence, to as much as $200,000 for agents who "knowingly and willfully" submit fraudulent information.

Wyden's bill faces a seemingly impossible climb, landing in a very polarized Senate during an election year.

But next year, the ACA will be in the spotlight as Congress must decide whether to extend beyond 2025 enhanced subsidies that help people purchase coverage. Increased subsidies were instituted under the Biden administration at the height of the pandemic and are considered a key factor behind recent record ACA enrollment.

Some Republican lawmakers have demanded investigations of ACA enrollment-switching schemes, which they allege may be part of a larger problem of brokers or consumers misstating their incomes to garner insurance subsidies. Obamacare supporters say the complaint is a partisan effort to stop the enhanced subsidies from becoming permanent.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, sent a letter July 8 to CMS questioning how federal regulators verify incomes for those who get subsidies and what enforcement efforts are underway related to potential ACA subsidy fraud.

Wyden's office said his proposal is supported by some insurers and agent groups, including AHIP, the trade association for insurance companies; individual insurers like Centene Corp.; and several disease-specific patient advocacy groups, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Health Agents for America, a group that has sought solutions to the issue, supports criminal charges for agents found to be falsely enrolling or switching consumers but stopped short of endorsing Wyden's bill. Ronnell Nolan, its president and CEO, said her organization would like to see more effort "to hold CMS responsible" for allowing what she views as security loopholes in private sector enrollment websites, and in enforcement actions against bad actors.

"The bottom line is to stop fraud and help the consumer," she said.

In a July 19 letter to Wyden's office, CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure outlined steps the agency has taken to increase "oversight of agents and brokers to protect consumers"including suspending 200 agents in recent weeks from enrolling clients in Obamacare plans.

"The numbers being addressed are very low," said Nolan, who suspects it isn't just individual rogue agents seeking commissions by changing ACA enrollments, but a larger effort using automation to rapidly enroll or switch consumer policies.

Nolan and other agents say federal regulators should simply require private Obamacare enrollment sites to add layers of security before agents can access consumer accounts.

Eighteen states and the District of Columbia run their own ACA marketplaces and require additional security measures, including two-factor authentication, before consumer accounts can be accessed. Two-factor authentication, a common internet security feature, requires people to enter a codeusually sent to their phonesbefore accessing accounts at banks, social media platforms, and many other services.

The state-run enrollment sites report far fewer problems than the federal marketplace, Nolan and others say. If CMS simply added two-factor authentication to healthcare.gov, Nolan said, "all these other shenanigans would not happen."

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Artificial intelligence is quickly transforming the health care landscape from helping to diagnose diseases to assisting in surgery. Its rapid progression has the potential to transform how health care teams work by streamlining processes and improving patient outcomes.

As AI is used more in health care, researchers stress that the technology should be a tool guided by bioethical principles and safeguarded by human decision-making.

Focusing on ethics from the start, not as an afterthought, is crucial for the responsible development of AI-driven tools and also for ensuring that health care teams feel at ease using AI for patient well-being.

"Often ethics are seen as a 'nice to have' or [brought in] as triage when an AI system has an unintended negative consequence," says Barbara Barry, Ph.D., a health care delivery researcher at the Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery. Dr. Barry is also a member of Mayo's Artificial Intelligence Bioethics Advisory Council.

Dr. Barry emphasizes that using AI in clinical practice will augment physicians' work in several ways, including determining prognoses, diagnosing conditions, reducing diagnostic errors and treatment, improving workflow efficiency through chart summarization and order automation, and expanding access for patients by delivering care without a physician's visit.

But that does not mean a physician does not need to be in the picture.

"One of the ethical issues that physicians and other clinicians may encounter as AI is integrated into health care is the role of professional authority," says Michelle McGowan, Ph.D., an empirical bioethicist whose research explores the ethical and social implications of the rapid increase in emerging health technologies and policies. She is a senior associate consultant in the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences at Mayo Clinic.

"As machines increase capacity to analyze data, propose diagnoses or predict treatment responses, it will be incumbent upon physicians to ensure that their judgment is not substituted in ways that could jeopardize patient care and introduce potential liabilities," she says.

Another concern is the recent advancement of large language models (LLMs). These powerful AI tools are trained on massive amounts of data, giving the models the ability to analyze and generate human-like language.

In health care research, LLMs are used to sift through vast amounts of medical records and scientific literature. While there are many positives that can come from applying AI in this manner, it is critical to use it responsibly and always review and evaluate its predictions.

"A big concern is the burden of human oversight and automation bias when we follow a recommendation from an AI system because it has been accurate in the past," says Dr. Barry.

"It's like when we follow our GPS navigation system in a car even when we know a better route or when common sense tells us otherwise."

Evaluating the effectiveness of a large language model

With the promise of what AI can help achieve, the Kern Center is working with Cardiovascular Medicine on a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of a Mayo-created LLM that generates a discharge summary from electronic health record (EHR) data for clinicians to review.

Usually, staff must put in considerable time and effort to produce an informative and accurate document summarizing each patient's hospital stay and discharge recommendations.

"If this LLM works as intended, it could save providers a lot of time," says Shannon Dunlay, M.D., a heart failure cardiologist and the Kern Center's associate medical director. However, Dr. Dunlay says the team needs to review how accurate and complete the reports are before recommending it for widespread use.

Researchers emphasize that it is important for providers and patients to have support as AI tools are introduced into health care.

Fundamental to the ethical use of AI is rigorous evaluation.

"Traditional evaluation focuses on technical performance metrics, such as prediction accuracy, which is an essential initial step," says Xiaoxi Yao, Ph.D., the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Scientific Director for Pragmatic Trials and Evaluation.

"However, subsequent evaluations should delve deeper, considering usability, acceptability among end users in everyday practice, and the effect on care delivery and patient outcomes."

In addition to rigorous evaluation, researchers underscore that patients want transparency when AI is used in their care.

"They want to know the performance of the AI tool, if it has been created with data from patients like them, if it has been proven to be safe in clinical trials, and if the tools are equitable and used justly, not only in their care but also in the care of others," says Dr. Barry.

2024 Mayo Clinic News Network. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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There's more than a 10-fold difference in the rates of unintentional gun deaths across US states, with such incidents claiming more than 12,000 lives between 2001 and 2021, finds research published online in the journal Injury Prevention.

Poverty, rural residency, non-white ethnicity and firearms ownership are all associated with higher rates, the findings show.

Firearms kill over 130 Americans every day. Most of these deaths are intentional, but of the 48,830 firearm related deaths in 2021, 549 were unintentional, note the researchers. But it's not clear whether rates differ within and between states.

To explore this further, the researchers looked at data on unintentional firearms deaths recorded in the Centers for Disease Control WISQARS database for the period between 2001 and 2021a time period chosen to gather meaningful estimates from less populated states.

And they drew on national data sources for rurality, non-white ethnicity, poverty, gun ownership, and population by state to assess which of these factors might be associated with a heightened risk of an unintentional gun death.

Analysis of all the data showed that there's more than a 10-fold difference in the rates of unintentional gun deaths across US states, with such incidents claiming more than 12,000 lives between 2001 and 2021.

The highest rates clustered in the southeastern states, followed by states in the Northern Plains and Mountain West. The highest unadjusted rates were in Mississippi (0.68/100,000 of the population), Louisiana (0.64), and Alabama (0.60).

The lowest rates were in the Northeast, followed by scattered states in the West and Midwest, such as Washington, Utah, and Michigan. The lowest unadjusted rates were in Massachusetts (0.03/100,000 of the population), New York (0.06), Maryland (0.06) and Connecticut (0.06).

Rhode Island (0.05) also had a low rate, although the estimate was unstable due to the low number of deaths in the state.

Factors significantly associated with a heightened risk of an unintentional firearms death were the percentage of families living below the poverty line in each state, the percentage of the population living in rural areas, and the percentage of gun owners.

Further in-depth analysis revealed strong predictors of an unintentional firearm death: the percentage of people identifying as non-white; the percentage of families living below the poverty line; and the estimated firearms ownership in each state.

The researchers note various limitations to their findings, including that no precise measurement of firearm ownership exists, and that other factors omitted from their analysis might be strongly associated with a heightened risk of unintentional firearms deaths.

"Attempts to alleviate the complex nature of poverty in America are challenging, complex and unlikely to happen quickly. Attempts to reduce firearms ownership are equally unlikely, and arguably inappropriate as firearms represent an integral part of culture and life for many Americans, including especially Americans living in rural areas," write the researchers.

"Prevention of unintentional firearms mortality is essential nationwide, but should be targeted especially to vulnerable populations, including those living in states identified by this research to have crude rates that far exceed national averages and are 10 times higher than crude rates in the least vulnerable states," they state.

"Prevention must be multifaceted," they add, "and should include efforts along at least three pathways: education and training; policy; and engineering of safer firearms and firearms storage."

More information: Short report: Unintentional firearms mortality disparities across statesUSA, 20012021, Injury Prevention (2024). DOI: 10.1136/ip-2024-045268 Journal information: Injury Prevention
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Two Penn Medicine physicians had an unorthodox idea for reducing the number of patients who develop dangerously high blood pressure in the weeks after giving birth: Stop asking them to come into the doctor's office for blood pressure screenings.

Dangerously high blood pressure is a leading cause of maternal death and hospital-readmission after birth, and is often preventable with routine screening. But many new parents are too overwhelmed in the first days of their baby's life to get themselves to extra medical appointments.

Physicians Sindhu Srinivas and Adi Hirshberg decided to instead send patients home with blood pressure cuffs and instructions on how to report their readings by text message twice daily for 10 days.

Ten years later, the results are so impressive, Penn has made it standard practice across its eight hospitals. The program, called Heart Safe Motherhood, has been nationally recognized with awards from the American Heart Association and American Hospital Association, among others. And now, it's being used at other Philadelphia hospitals, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital.

More than 18,000 Penn patients have participated since the program launched in 2014. It's credited with nearly eliminating the rate at which postpartum patients are readmitted for blood pressure complications within a week of giving birth, and closed a racial disparity gap that left many more Black patients at risk of severe complications.

The reason: More patients are following through on blood pressure screening after childbirth. Fewer wind up back in the hospital because doctors are able to spot danger signs and intervene sooner.

"We're empowering the patient," said Hirshberg, the director of obstetrical services at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. "We couldn't do it without the monitors, but an important part of the program is the education of why we're doing it."

Shortly after Victoria Batista's son was born, she developed a splitting headache, her vision was blurry, and she tripped walking through her home in Philadelphia. She attributed it all to being exhausted after a 67-hour labor that ended in a C-section, and the stress of caring for a newborn, her first.

"All these signs were pointing to having an issue, but I kept glossing over them," said Batista, 32. "And then I got a notification: Check your blood pressure."

She had so much going on she didn't want to bother, but knew that her phone would just keep buzzing until she responded.

Batista punched in the numbers: 220/110, blood pressure so critically high she was at risk of a stroke. Within 10 minutes, someone at Penn called, telling her she needed to get to the hospital immediately.

"Had it not been for that program, for them harassing me about italmostI could have died," she said.

Addressing maternal death disparities

The program is an emerging solution to sobering statistics that show Black Americans remain more than twice as likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth, or in the following months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disparity persisted despite a national decline in maternal mortality rates in 2022.

Handing out blood pressure cuffs alone won't solve a national maternal mortality crisis. But the Heart Safe Motherhood program has reduced readmissions for blood pressure complications among Penn's postpartum patients from 5% to 1%.

Philadelphia institutions say the Heart Safe Motherhood program has also helped them understand how to better connect with patients and potentially make inroads in addressing other deadly postpartum complications.

Jefferson launched the program in late 2021, and Einstein's Philadelphia campus followed in spring 2022.

Response from patients and providers has been overwhelmingly positive, said Anneliese Gualtieri, the patient safety and performance improvement coordinator for obstetrics and gynecology at Einstein.

"You're actually partnering with the patient in their care, which is something that patients liketo be part of their own solution," she said.

Catching symptoms early

Jasmine Hudson, a nurse practitioner at Penn's diabetes center, gave birth to her second child at Penn in May 2023. She credits the Heart Safe Motherhood program for saving her life days later.

Hudson took home the blood pressure cuff nurses offered and diligently responded to the text prompts with her blood pressure reading.

An automated algorithm analyzes the blood pressure readings patients send in and flags abnormal results to doctors.

The program texts back to let patients know their reading is good, or to ask them to test again in a few hours if it's elevated. When a patient doesn't respond to the prompt, the program texts a reminder.

And when someone's reading is too high, patients receive a text with the hospital phone number and instructions about who to ask for.

Hudson didn't think much about it when a reading came back slightly elevated one morning. She felt tired, and her husband said she seemed a little irritablebut she reasoned: What new mom isn't?

"As moms, we're so used to caring for our families and caring for others. We come second or third or fourth," she said.

But after a second elevated reading, the automated program urged her to go to the hospital, where she stayed for three days.

Hudson went home with blood pressure medication and, more than a year later, is doing well.

Postpartum care at home

Hudson is among some 18,000 Penn patients who have participated in Heart Safe Motherhood. The program has about 50 patients on any given day.

Staff focus on patients at risk for hypertension or preeclampsia, for instance, people with elevated test results during pregnancy or immediately after birth, or a history of high blood pressure during a past pregnancy.

Between 30% and 40% of Penn's maternity patients qualify and are sent home with blood pressure cuffs and instructions for reporting their readings, said Srinivas, the vice chair for quality and safety for obstetrics and gynecology at Penn. The health system covers the cost of the device, about $30, for patients who can't get reimbursement from their insurer.

Prior to launching the Heart Safe Motherhood program, Penn would ask at-risk patients to come back in the days after giving birth to have their blood pressure checked. Many never showed. Others had a normal reading at their appointment, only to have their blood pressure begin rising after returning home again.

Black women were at greater risk than white womenthey were less likely to go for a follow-up blood pressure check and more likely to be readmitted to the hospital.

Too often, Srinivas would see a new mother go home in good health, only to return days later with life-threateningly high blood pressure.

"How did we not know this was going to happen?" Srinivas would ask herself.

Now, she doesn't have to worry as often. About 90% of patients in the Heart Safe Motherhood program follow up on requested screenings, a compliance rate that's the same for Black and white patients.

Providers say the program addresses a few key hurdles to managing blood pressure postpartum: Parents don't have to self-identify subtle, common symptoms, and they don't have to leave their home.

"Access to care is one of the biggest issues," said Ryan Brannon, an OBGYN and director for quality and safety in obstetrics at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. "Heart Safe Motherhood was something that enabled us to get access to a larger population."

Next steps for reducing maternal deaths

Despite the program's success, there's more work to be done.

"While home blood pressure monitoring is great, we have to have a system in place that then will be able to make a difference for those elevated blood pressures," said Laura Hart, a co-director of Temple's cardio-obstetrics program. "It's a multilayer process."

For instance, people who develop hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy are at greater risk for heart problems later in life.

Temple Health has not adopted Heart Safe Motherhood, but providers have spent hours talking to doulas, patients, and other community health leaders about the symptoms of high blood pressure and where to turn for help, said Estefania Oliveros, who is also co-director of the cardio-obstetrics program.

At Jefferson's hospitals, Brannon and Gualtieri want to expand the Heart Safe Motherhood program to include more languages, such as Russian and Mandarin.

The program currently communicates with patients in either English or Spanish.

Penn doctors are testing what other maternal health complications, such as postpartum depression, they can improve with the program's monitoring approach.

And because of Heart Safe Motherhood's success, the system now hands out blood pressure cuffs to at-risk patients during pregnancy, to begin tracking potential blood pressure complications even earlier.

2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
HIGH POINT  Defendant Michael Cadogan leaned forward and moved his head in relief when jurors, after eight hours of deliberations, found him guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday afternoon in the 2021 strangulation death of High Point University student Gianna Delgado. Prosecutors and Delgados family had hoped the jury would find Cadogan guilty of first-degree murder, which carried a much stiffer punishment of life in prison without parole.

Instead, the 27-year-old Cadogan will serve between 240 to 300 months in prison  a sentence handed down by Guilford County Superior Court Judge Tonia Cutchen.

As the verdicts were read, Delgados father, Ricardo Delgado of Wilmington, and other members of the victims family wept. Cadogans family on the opposite side of the courtroom shared tissues, several holding their heads in their hands and crying.

Before sentencing, defense attorney Aaron Wellman described Cadogan as a contrite man who has struggled with his crime.

He has consistently expressed remorse, Wellman said. And Cadogan had an extreme degree of shame  more than any other client Ive ever dealt with.

Delgados father, barely able to speak, told the judge of his valedictorian daughter, 19, who studied criminal justice and pre-law at High Point University: I dont have her anymore.

Jurors heard five days of graphic testimony by witnesses for the prosecution last week  including a videotaped recording of Cadogan admitting to a Tennessee woman that he killed Delgado and needed help disposing the body.

Jurors had asked Cutchen to allow them to review audio of Cadogans phone call to Adrianna Thompson of Kingsport, Tenn.  a woman he took into his confidence about how he loaded Delgados body into a 40-gallon plastic container, disposed of her phone and planned to submerge her sedan and corpse in a Tennessee lake.

I brought a change of clothes, so Im dumping all these clothes, he said on the taped call.

The prosecution, led by Guilford County Assistant District Attorney Cyrus Brown, contended that Cadogan killed Delgado at her north High Point apartment after she enraged him by announcing she wanted to end their relationship.

After Cadogan told Thompson about the slaying, she contacted police. One of the conversations jurors reviewed was a videotape of Thompson with police as they listened and recorded Cadogan without his knowledge on June 21, 2021. He was ultimately apprehended that day in Tennessee by Carter County deputies while driving Delgados car with the slain womans body inside.

Last week, the trials first week, prosecutors showed jurors a black and red 40-gallon plastic container they say Cadogan used to transport Delgado. They also called a police detective who testified that he saw overwhelming amounts of blood residue at the north High Point apartment believed to be where Cadogan killed Delgado.

On Tuesday, the prosecution and defense presented closing arguments to the jury.

Cadogan, looking weary in a black shirt and gray slacks, held his head down and wiped his eyes steadily as prosecutors insisted to jurors that Delgados killing was premeditated  the burden of proof for first-degree murder.

He kept strangling her because he knew she was going to call the cops, Brown told jurors, detailing the argument Cadogan and Delgado had at the apartment they sometimes shared.

Cadogan could have released his grip on Delgado and faced only an assault charge, Brown suggested.

But rather than let go, he decided to punch her twice in the head and continue with the strangulation, said Brown, citing the autopsy report. He decided to kill her.

Premeditation happens in a moment. Premeditation can be formed in an instant, continued Brown, explaining Cadogan used gross excessive force when he struck Delgado, rupturing the globe of her right eye.

Wellman, the defense attorney, told jurors his client did not plan to kill Delgado.

Mr. Cadogan committed a crime of passion, said Wellman, arguing Cadogan should be found guilty instead of second-degree murder, a lesser charge.

He exploded into a jealous rage and tried to cover his tracks, Wellman said. He did not commit first-degree murder. It is a crime of passion and it does not have premeditation and deliberation.

Cadogan was wholly unprepared to do anything after the murder, Wellman said. He had no plan.
 Flash

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. [Photo/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.
NJ Symphony New Jersey Symphony performs "Hooray for Bollywood" to family audience in May 2023. (Grace Liu Anderson /Grace Liu Anderson)

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham will host a free Indian classical music concert in collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony, on Friday, Aug. 2.

Akshardham brings people together and collaborating with the New Jersey Symphony for an Indian classical music concert is a unique way of doing that and at the same time, celebrating an Indian American identity, Darshan Patel told Mosaic, the temples media representative.

The event, held at the largest Hindu temple in the U.S., will feature Western classical trained musicians from the New Jersey Symphony performing adaptations of traditional Indian music,m from 6:30-7:30 p.m., on Aug. 2, at the temple, located at 112 N Main St., in Robbinsville.

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BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham celebrates inclusivity and is open to all. The concert is free of charge for all to enjoy and in hopes that people from all over the Tri-state area would join us in celebrating our Indian American identity, Patel said.

Erin Lunsford Norton, the symphonys vice president of Artistic Planning, said that since 2021 the symphony has been actively cultivating relationships with South Asian communities throughout the state.

Indian classical dance Students perform Indian classical dances in Nilkanth Plaza at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ on Friday, May 31, 2024. (Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance /Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance )

This effort started with a collaboration with Kulture Kool Cultural Center, and theyve been a wonderful partner to us ever since  and are featured in this program at BAPS temple, Norton said.

In the last few years, the symphony has performed Bollywood-focused programming on the main stage and in chamber music settings, Norton said.

Earlier this year, Norton explained that the symphony connected with the staff at the BAPS temple and were blown away by their beautiful space. The BAPS staff were eager to host us, and we were excited about the opportunity to perform a more Indian classical music-focused program in this stunning facility, she said.

The music that will be played for the concert, Norton said, comes from a wide variety of sources, and much of it has been adapted into Western notation to fit better with the musicians Western classical training.

The most challenging piece on the program is probably Reena Esmails Ragamala, which translates Hindustani musical traditions into a string quartet setting, with a Hindustani vocalist, he said.

Indian classical dance Students perform Indian classical dances in Nilkanth Plaza at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ on Friday, May 31, 2024. (Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance /Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance )

The piece features a lot of traditional ornamentation and also omits some of the notation our musicians are used to, like bar lines delineating each measure. Our musicians have worked hard to adapt to these stylistic differences, Norton said.

However, this concert wont be the first time the symphony has played Indian traditional music. Norton said theyve performed several of the concerts musical pieces before.

This is not their first encounter with Indian music, but there was a lot for them to rehearse for this program. They had three rehearsals together, plus solo practice time to prepare for those rehearsals, Norton said.

None of the music pieces comes from a specific Indian period or region.

Many of [the songs] are works by Indian composers who were raised in both the Indian and Western classical traditions and have brought the two sides of their training together to create music for string quartet that embodies the traditions of Indian classical music. While still being playable for a Western-trained ensemble, Norton said.

Patel emphasizes that the Arkhardham is not only a Hindu landmark structure but also a bridge that connects Indian heritage with American society. Music is a key aspect of Indian culture and many of the thousands of carved statues and statuettes at Akshardham are depicted playing traditional musical instruments, Patel said.

To reserve a spot for the concert, visit the New Jersey Symphonys website.

Here are more Mosaic stories:

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Kamala Harris campaign has already raised over $80M

Journalist tells story of being smuggled to U.S. border

Mosaic staff writer Vashti Harris can be reached at vharris@njadvancemedia.com.

Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom.
State prosecutor Renson Ingonga provided an update on the progress of investigations into police brutality, revealing that he cannot proceed with prosecuting police officers accused of killing four anti-government protesters due to significant gaps in the investigation.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) explained that the files and reports provided by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) are insufficient to support charges against those responsible for the deaths of Rex Masai, Dominic Mutua, Evans Karobia, and Gianna Obonyo.

Rex Masai

In the case of Rex Masai, who was killed during anti-government protests in Nairobi, the DPP revealed on Tuesday that a crucial witness who was present with Masai at the time of the shooting has not yet come forward to provide a statement.

Additionally, those who transported Masai to the hospital have also not given their statements. Ingonga also mentioned that the CCTV footage available from the incident fails to clearly identify the shooter.

I urge anyone with information about this case, especially the witnesses who transported the deceased to the hospital and those who witnessed the shooting, to come forward and record their statements with Ipoa, Mr. Ingonga said.

Evans Karobia

In the case of Evans Karobia, who died while being treated at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), no one has come forward with information about the assault.

As a result of these investigative shortcomings, Mr. Ingonga has directed IPOA to submit the case to a competent court for a public inquest.

I call upon the public or anyone with information about this case to come forward and record a statement with IPOA. This will help establish the cause of the injuries noted in the post-mortem report, he added.

Dominic Mutua

In the case of Dominic Mutua, Mr. Ingonga reported that the main suspect had denied firing a teargas canister at the victim. He has instructed IPOA to conduct further investigations to verify the video and report submitted by the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA).

I have also requested a report from the ballistic examiner, he stated.

Gianna Obonyo

Regarding the shooting of Gianna Obonyo on June 25, while she was riding a bicycle in her parents compound, the DPP noted that investigations have yet to identify any suspects.

I will review the case and provide further instructions once the investigation file, including the ballistics report, is resubmitted, he stated.

He also urged the public or anyone with information about this case to provide statements to IPOA.

My office will work with other government agencies to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses, he added.

The public prosecutor explained that the delays in investigations are largely due to witnesses being either afraid or unwilling to come forward.

This reluctance makes it difficult for investigators to compile a complete and usable file, as seen in the case of Evans Kiratu, where no one has recorded a statement, not even the person who took him to the hospital. Consequently, prosecuting such cases becomes very challenging, even when a life has been lost, he said.

The DPP also highlighted that his office is managing several active cases involving 19 police officers in Nairobi, including one officer charged with murder.

There are pending cases before various courts involving police officers, including three in Laikipia County, three in Meru County, one in Taita Taveta County, and cases related to the death of baby Samantha Pendo during protests in 2017, as well as the Kianjakoma brothers, who were last traced to police custody in 2021, he noted.

Shooting of journalist Catherine Njeri Wariuki

Additionally, Ingonga called on IPOA to investigate the shooting of journalist Catherine Njeri Wariuki, a Kameme FM and TV reporter, which allegedly occurred in Nakuru County on July 16, 2024.

He urged the public to avoid spreading disinformation and misinformation through re-tweets and re-posts of unverified information. Such actions only create unnecessary tension and fear among victims and witnesses, he said.

This also risks prejudicing the right to a fair trial, which is an absolute right that should never be compromised. Let us verify information before sharing it, he added.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed that Adani Airport Holdings Limited has submitted an investment proposal to modernize the dilapidated infrastructure of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

KAA Acting CEO Henry Ogoye explained to the media that JKIAs aging infrastructure threatens its regional competitiveness, making an overhaul necessary.

Ogoye stated that the Cabinet has approved a comprehensive upgrade initiative called the JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan, which requires significant capital investment that the government cannot afford due to current fiscal constraints.

KAA explained that Adanis proposal includes significant improvements to the passenger terminal building, runway, taxiway, and apron.

In a statement Wednesday, KAA said, The Cabinet approved the JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan covering the upgrade of the passenger terminal building, runway, taxiway, and apron.

The statement added, The attendant investment requirement is significant and cannot be funded with the prevailing fiscal constraints without recourse to private funding.

KAA stated that the partnership with Adani, formed under the Public Private Partnerships Act 2021, will undergo rigorous technical, financial, and legal reviews to ensure compliance with the act.

Ogoye added, The Project Agreement will also involve thorough stakeholder engagement, approval from the National Treasury, clearance from the Attorney General, and final Cabinet approval.

Addressing concerns raised by staff and the airport business community, KAA assured them that no jobs would be lost due to the planned upgrades.

The Authority emphasized that the expanded facilities will create new business opportunities and benefits for airport operators and the broader community.
Fourteen petitioners, represented by the Migeria Lempaa & Kariuki Advocates firm, have filed a case seeking the removal of President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office.

The petition outlines six key reasons for their removal, as detailed in a court document.

The petitioners argue that both Ruto and Gachagua have problematic backgrounds and have undertaken harmful socio-economic actions that have triggered widespread civic unrest. This unrest first became apparent with the rejection of the Finance Bill and led to the dissolution of the Cabinet.

They assert that Ruto and Gachagua have shown a lack of good faith in addressing the grievances of the current generation.

The petition highlights this lack of good faith through several examples, including the reappointment of members from the dismissed Cabinet and the continued implementation of an increased fuel levy by the Kenya Roads Board, despite its public withdrawal by former Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

Ruto Must Go

The petition states, Little wonder that the protesters claim they have lost faith in the Presidency of William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua, hence their mantra and cry Ruto Must Go! This clamor is widespread among a broad cross-section of Kenyans.

The petitioners note that the terms of office for the President and his Deputy can be terminated either through impeachment proceedings in Parliament or directly by the people via a referendum. They contend that Kenya faces an existential threat due to the incapacity, unwillingness to act effectively, and incompetence of the Kenya Kwanza government.

The petitioners believe that the legitimacy of Ruto and Gachagua to remain in power is in question, which necessitates a referendum to allow Kenyan citizens to decide their fitness for office.

Parliament Capture

According to the advocate, the petitioners chose the direct route to remove Ruto and Gachagua because of the governments significant influence in Parliament.

Given the capture of Parliament by President Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza Coalition, the petitioners have invoked the direct avenue to remove President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua through the exercise of the sovereign power of Kenyans in a referendum that should be held by the end of October 2024. This is the principal issue in this petition, whose hearing should be expedited as a matter of the highest national priority, the petition adds.

Linda Mama

The activists also accuse the government of discontinuing the Linda Mama Program and reducing capitation funding for free primary education. They argue that the governments ability to address the countrys challenges is rapidly declining, leading to the diminishing legitimacy of the Kenyan Presidency to effectively manage the state and the nation.

The document states, As a result of the multiple deficiencies of the 1st and 2nd Respondents as President and Deputy President of Kenya, the country has experienced widespread, incessant, and passionate public protests against bad governance. These protests, led by the Generation Z youthful protesters, demand a reorientation of governance in Kenya and the re-establishment of government in accordance with the principles, values, and ideals of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

The petitioners claim that the current governments legitimacy is eroding as it struggles to uphold constitutional order without resorting to military deployment or state-sponsored low-level terrorism. They seek judicial intervention to prevent the escalating socio-economic and political crisis from worsening and to safeguard the constitutional order.

It is evident that an unaddressed economic crisis, dramatically highlighted by the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024, could swiftly lead Kenya toward a state collapse similar to Sri Lanka, Lebanon, or Sudan, the petitioners concluded.
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At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will pay an official visit to China from July 27 to 31, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Thursday.

President Xi Jinping will meet with Meloni, and Premier Li and top legislator Zhao Leji will hold talks and meet with her, respectively, to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of common interest, Mao told a regular press briefing.

China and Italy, as comprehensive strategic partners, have maintained close high-level interactions and achieved substantive results in mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, the spokesperson said.

Mao added that the sound and steady development of China-Italy relations serves the common interests of the two countries and peoples and helps promote exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations.

Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, Mao said China hopes that the visit will be an opportunity for both countries to consolidate traditional friendship, enhance understanding and trust, and deepen practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

This will help facilitate the steady and lasting development of China-Italy and China-Europe relations, and make greater contributions to world peace, stability and prosperity, she said.
President William Ruto announced the governments commitment to implementing a salary increase for prison and police officers starting this month.

During the swearing-in ceremony for the new Prisons Service Commissioner General, Patrick Mwiti Arandu, at State House on Wednesday morning, President Ruto announced that officers will receive the first installment of their salary increment this month.

This pay rise follows the recommendations of the Taskforce led by former Chief Justice David Maraga last year.

As part of our commitment made last year, we will enhance salaries starting this month. Prison officers and all security agencies will receive the first installment of their salary increase, Ruto said.

President Ruto also extended his support to Commissioner Arandu, urging him to utilize the prison land to boost national food security and improve housing conditions for officers.

You enter office with great potential. I look forward to working with you to advance the Kenya Prisons Service to the next level, Ruto stated.

He congratulated Arandu for his years of dedicated service and assured him of both his personal support and the governments backing in transforming the service into a model of correctional excellence.

We are shifting our correctional practices from punishment to rehabilitation to empower prisoners and prepare them for productive roles in our society, Ruto added.

The President also set clear expectations for Arandu, including contributing to the national tree-planting initiative to combat climate change, improving food security by using arable land for food production, and providing exceptional leadership to the Kenya Prisons Service.

Arandu will replace Brigadier John Wariobah, who is taking terminal leave until the end of his tenure. In his first 100 days, Arandu has pledged to prioritize modernizing the prisons department.
President William Ruto announced that the government will drop charges against innocent individuals arrested during recent anti-government demonstrations. The Head of State also promised to swiftly address police abuses that occurred during the protests.

Addressing the media at State House on Wednesday, President Ruto expressed deep regret over the loss of lives and injuries sustained during the demonstrations.

It is with deep regret that I have to say that many Kenyans lost their lives and others were injured. This is not how our democracy should be run, he stated.

President Ruto emphasized that while charges against innocent protesters will be dropped, those responsible for the violence and deadly outcomes will face justice.

Many people have been arrested and charged with various offenses. Charges will be dropped for innocent people arrested during the protests. But suspects will be brought to book and punished, he added.

Additionally, President Ruto announced that the government would provide necessary support to families who lost loved ones during the demonstrations.

The government will provide necessary assistance to the families who lost their loved ones. The livelihoods of innocent people have been destroyed in the last month. The government will support these people on the road to recovery, he said.

Ruto also reminded the National Police Service to exercise its mandate in full accordance with the Constitution.

All violations by the police must be dealt with swiftly. As citizens, we must strike a balance and exercise our rights so that it doesnt undermine the desire for a peaceful nation for all of us, he remarked.
President William Ruto has announced a series of legislative amendments aimed at tackling corruption and enhancing transparency in Kenya.

In a Wednesday press briefing, he outlined his plans to propose changes to the Evidence Act and the Criminal Procedure Code. These amendments aim to expedite the investigation and prosecution of corruption and economic crimes, ensuring their conclusion within six months.

I will be proposing amendments to the Evidence Act, the Criminal Procedure Code, among other necessary legislative amendments to all statutes relating to corruption, to expedite the investigation and prosecution of corruption and economic crimes cases and provide for their conclusion within six months, stated Ruto.

Additionally, Ruto revealed plans to propose amendments to the Witness Protection Act. These changes will overhaul the statutory and institutional framework to better protect and incentivize whistle-blowers. He believes that these measures will make it easier and safer for citizens to report corruption and other criminal activities.

Within the next 90 days, Ruto has also committed to proposing amendments to the Public Finance Management Act and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act. These changes aim to overhaul the institutional and operational framework of public procurement, identified as the epicenter of corruption, conflict of interest, and abuse of office in the public sector.

The goal is to deploy a digital infrastructure within six months, creating an open and transparent public procurement platform. This platform will offer open, real-time, end-to-end public visibility of the procurement process, from advertisement to contract award.

Ruto also noted that he has engaged with parliamentary leadership and urged Parliament to swiftly pass the Conflict of Interests Bill. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the bill meets high standards for accountability, integrity, and anti-corruption.

I will make full use of the power given to me under Article 115 of the Constitution to ensure that the Bill meets the appropriate standards set out in the original bill, Ruto asserted.
In the Kes.1.1 billion Finland education scholarship case against Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, witnesses testified how unexpected additional fees jeopardized the program.

Senator Mandago, along with county officials Joshua Lelei and Meshack Rono, faces charges of conspiring to steal Kes.1.1 billion intended for the Uasin Gishu County Overseas Education Programme. Mr. Mandago also faces a separate charge of abuse of office.

The witnesses told a Nakuru court that the hidden fees overburdened parents, making it impossible for students to continue their studies.

Ms. Salina Cherono, a county official whose son had secured a scholarship to study nursing at Laurea University in Finland, testified that she paid Kes.918,000 to the Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund using a bank loan.

Her son was then required to complete a three-month pathway course at the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute in Eldoret, which included Finnish language classes and other preparatory skills.

My son, along with others, learned Finnish language and other skills to ensure smooth studies in Finland, said Ms. Cherono.

The course was not initially included in the fee structure. Ms. Cherono was later asked to pay an additional Kes.160,000 for visa and insurance costs, which she did on May 17, 2023.

After waiting a year for her son to travel, she attempted to withdraw from the program and sought a refund of about Kes.997,000.

However, the fund informed her that she needed to pay an additional Kes.541,000 to facilitate her sons travel.

Another parent, Chebochok Kosgei, testified that he paid Kes.1.177 million for his daughters education but was later asked to pay an additional Kes.541,000 for the Pathway course fees. Losing faith in the program, he decided to withdraw.

I lost faith in the program after being asked to pay the extra fees, so I decided to withdraw, but I have never received my refund, said Mr. Kosgei.

The hearing continues with at least 180 witnesses expected to testify.
Imphal: A top commander of the Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM was killed and two others injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast along the Manipur-Myanmar border on Wednesday.

According to reports, Hosiya Asumi, a self-styled Major in the NSCN-IM, was killed on the spot when the IED, reportedly planted by the Kuki National Army (Burma), detonated near the Wanglee and Namlee villages in Manipurs Ukhrul district around 7:30 am. The identities of the injured cadres are yet to be confirmed.

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The incident occurred in a area marked by escalating tensions between the NSCN-IM and the KNA (Burma). The IED was planted approximately one kilometer from Wanglee village in Manipur and Phayang village in Myanmar.

This is the latest in a series of clashes between the two groups. On June 15, a self-styled NSCN-IM captain was killed in an ambush by the KNA (Burma) near Homlin, also along the Manipur-Myanmar border.

Despite ongoing peace talks with the Indian government, the NSCN-IM remains embroiled in armed conflict with other militant groups in the region.
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The first Navy Cup International Sailing Regatta, hosted by the Chinese navy, wrapped up Thursday in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Two teams from the Dalian Naval Academy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, along with a team from the Russian navy, emerged as the top three performers based on their overall scores.

A total of 16 sailing teams from naval academies representing China and eight other countries including Brazil, Chile, Italy and Russia competed at the event.

A range of other events, including visits to military facilities, were organized alongside the competition to promote exchanges among naval academies.
SIU Carbondales summer 2024 enrollment rises

by Kim Rendfeld

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Following a strong fall and spring, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is enjoying increasing enrollment this summer, up about 3.4% from last year.

This great news is the result of the tireless efforts of many Salukis and the strategic planning outlined in Imagine 2030, said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. In recent years, we have improved access, removed barriers and promoted what SIU Carbondale has to offer. I am grateful for the diligence and dedication of our faculty and staff, our alumni and friends, members of our community and our students.

Overall enrollment for summer 2024 is 5,025, 163 students more than last year. (Summer enrollment is typically lower than fall and spring.)

We have put special emphasis on making summer enrollment a top priority, said Wendell Williams, vice chancellor for enrollment management. The percentage of new, continuing and transfer students who see summer as a unique opportunity to take advantage of the course offerings is growing rapidly. In addition, this summer we also saw an almost 7% increase in students taking online courses. As we continue to expand offerings and summer opportunities, our students will stay on the path to graduation.

Enrollment has grown in several key areas, including online (7%), continuing undergraduate (4.8%), transfer (2.8%) and graduate (2.3%) students.

And the student body is diverse, with more students who identify as Asian (up 6.5%), Black (up 5.7%), Hispanic (up 9.1%) and international (up 6.9%).

Since 2020, SIU Carbondale has launched the Saluki Commitment and Saluki Transfer Commitment to close financial gaps for students who qualify and raised the family income limit to $103,040; joined the Common App; signed agreements with several schools and youth organizations in the Southern Illinois region and the Metro East; initiated Saluki Step Ahead agreements with about 50 community colleges in Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Texas; and more strategically recruited students.

We have momentum, Lane said, and we are working hard to maintain it. As we head for fall classes, we will continue to let students and their families know SIU Carbondale is the place where they can imagine the possibilities and discover their unexpected.
BusinessWire India Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 25: Karan Johar's jewellery brand Tyaani, proudly announces the successful opening of its new and first store in Pune. The grand opening event was a resounding success, attracting a diverse crowd of jewellery enthusiasts, fashion connoisseurs, and notable personalities. Punekars no longer need to travel to Mumbai for their next jewellery purchase, as Tyaani by Karan Johar is now in Pune. Located at Pillar - 391 East Ave, Kalyani Nagar, the store offers a wide range of Tyaani's signature collections. The Pune store, now open to the public, invites everyone to experience the magic of Tyaani Jewellery. Karan Johar's jewellery brand, Tyaani, seamlessly blends creativity and decades of jewellery expertise. Just like his movies, Tyaani's jewellery is larger than life, capturing the essence of grandeur and elegance. Their jewellery has a contemporary flair that has inspired jewellers worldwide. His brand is dedicated to crafting exquisite jewellery that embodies the essence of Indian heritage and artistry. Tyaani, is also known for its handcrafted pieces that merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities. Each piece in the collection is designed to celebrate life's special moments, making them cherished heirlooms. Maheep Kapoor, from the Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives fame & the renowned celebrity jewellery designer, elevated the inauguration celebration with her presence, infusing the event with glamour and sophistication. She is the esteemed jewellery designer at Tyaani & brings her unique vision and creativity to each piece. Her designs reflect a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making Tyaani's jewellery truly exceptional. The event featured personalized styling sessions, allowing guests to explore pieces that complemented their unique styles. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet Maheep Kapoor and gain insights into the inspiration behind Tyaani's designs. The interactive sessions and the chance to engage with her made the event a memorable experience for all. To Watch the Video, Click on the Link Below: Tyaani by Karan Johar now available in Pune - Kalyani Nagar (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The government of Punjab and Haryana must re-purpose their subsidy policy towards rice and wheat farmers to diversify the crop pattern in these green revolution states, which are under deep stress, recommended Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) in a report published recently. As part of its recommendation in the report titled 'Saving Punjab and Haryana from Ecological Disaster: Re-aligning Agri-Food Policies', it noted that the current subsidies should not be eliminated but re-purpose for better. Broadly, ICRIER suggested six action points that would fit Punjab and Haryana's purposes. Among them, it suggested giving an upfront incentive of Rs 30,000-40,000 per hectare for non-paddy farmers by re-purposing power subsidy by the state and fertilizer subsidy by the Centre) to alternate kharif crops. The incentive structure is extremely skewed in favour of paddy, and hence farmers do not want to switch away from paddy. Hence, there is a strong need for innovative policy formulation so that crops other than paddy, such as pulses, oilseeds, millets, and even kharif maize, also receive similar support. ICRIER suggested that the governments must ensure that minimum support prices for non-paddy crops especially pulses, cotton, millets, maize (kharif), and oilseeds are effective, especially for the first five years. The absence of MSPs for other crops makes farmers vulnerable, often leaving them to the whims of the market. The report also called for promoting Public-Private Partnerships for carbon/green credits, besides promoting high-value One District - One Product through clusters targeting exports. These policy suggestions are alternative strategies to re-align agricultural policies towards fostering positive outcomes for both people and the planet, it noted. These recommendations are "very much doable if there is a political will" on the part of both the governments (state and centre) to join hands to save Punjab-Haryana from ecological disaster, the report noted. "...if input subsidies on rice were eliminated altogether in Punjab and Haryana to encourage diversification, there would be a major political fallout, and significant reduction in rice production and incomes of rice farmers," it explained. Paddy, and to some extent wheat, offer greater financial returns and hence farmers in these two states in particular are stuck in the water guzzling paddy-wheat cycle for decades. The policy suggestion report also sought diversification of 12-15 lakh hectares of non-basmati paddy cultivation area of Punjab and Haryana. To promote a shift in cultivation practices, Haryana has already introduced incentives of Rs 7,000 per acre (Rs 17,500/ha) to encourage farmers in regions where water is scarce to transition from paddy to other crops. However, ICRIER notes this incentive falls short of covering the financial gap that farmers face when switching to crops like maize, oilseeds, and millets. "A more robust incentive, ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per hectare, is proposed for farmers in Punjab and Haryana who opt for non-paddy crops (on 50:50 basis by the central and state government). In Haryana, since there is already a scheme that gives Rs 17,500/ha from the state budget, it can be doubled with an equal share coming from the Centre," ICRIER suggested. Both the states have paid a steep environmental cost for the country's food security. "The pervasive use of agrochemicals in these states has been linked to a spectrum of health issues among the local population, including cancer, kidney failure, and congenital anomalies." Intensive agriculture has brought significant land, water and air problems that became evident in these states during 1980s and are becoming increasingly prominent over time, ICRIER said. The groundwater for irrigation is also continuously depleting in these states. It also mentioned about the negative effects of stubble burning, a common phenomenon in these two states. Farm stubble is burnt to make way for fresh crop sowing in the shortest possible time. "Fire counts from its stubble are also a significant producer of pollution locally, which has direct, negative impacts on people's health," the ICRIER report noted. (ANI)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 25: India, a rapidly developing nation, is on a path to energy independence. The pursuit of clean, reliable, and sustainable energy sources is very important. Among the various renewable energy options, geothermal energy stands out due to its immense potential and numerous benefits. For India, a country with vast untapped geothermal potential, this energy source could be the key to achieving energy independence and a greener future. The Basics of Geothermal Energy Production Geothermal energy production taps into the Earth's natural heat reservoirs through a process that involves drilling wells into underground pools of steam and hot water. This thermal energy is then harnessed to drive turbines connected to generators, producing electricity. There are three primary methods of geothermal energy production, each suited to different geological conditions and resource characteristics. Dry Steam Power Plants: The simplest of the three methods, dry steam power plants pipe steam directly from underground reservoirs to the power plant. This high-pressure steam is used to fuel turbines, generating electricity with remarkable efficiency. These plants are ideal for areas with naturally occurring steam reservoirs. Flash Steam Power Plants: This method utilizes geothermal reservoirs containing water at temperatures greater than 182C. As this superheated water flows upward through wells under its own pressure, the decrease in pressure causes some of the water to flash into steam. This steam is then separated and used to power turbines and generators, while the remaining water can be flashed again to extract more energy or reinjected into the reservoir. Binary Cycle Power Plants: For regions with lower temperature geothermal resources (between 107-182C), binary cycle power plants offer an effective solution. These plants use the heat from hot water to boil a secondary working fluid, typically an organic compound with a low boiling point. The vaporized working fluid drives the turbines, while the geothermal water is reinjected into the ground to be reheated, creating a sustainable cycle. Beyond Electricity: Direct Applications of Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy's applications extend beyond electricity generation. One of its most practical uses is in heating and cooling buildings through geothermal heat pumps. These systems utilize a network of underground pipes to absorb the Earth's stable temperature. In winter, the relatively warmer ground heats a fluid circulating through the pipes, which is then used to warm buildings. In summer, the process is reversed, with the Earth acting as a heat sink to cool the buildings. Advantages of Geothermal Energy Environmental Benefits: Geothermal energy stands out as an exceptionally clean energy source. It releases minimal greenhouse gases or air pollutants compared to fossil fuels, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Moreover, its sustainability is unparalleled, as the Earth's heat is constantly replenished, ensuring a long-term renewable energy source. Reliability and Consistency: Unlike solar or wind power, which depends on weather conditions, geothermal plants can generate electricity 24/7, 365 days a year. This consistent output makes geothermal energy an excellent source of baseload power, crucial for maintaining a stable electricity grid. Additionally, geothermal power plants boast high energy conversion efficiency, producing more electricity with less energy input compared to many other power generation methods. Land Use and Aesthetics: Geothermal power plants require a much smaller land area compared to wind farms or solar panel arrays, minimizing their impact on the surrounding environment. Their low visual impact and often remote locations make them less disruptive to landscapes, an important consideration in densely populated countries like India. Energy Independence: For countries like India, developing domestic geothermal resources could significantly reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and independence. Case Study: Kenya's Geothermal Success Story To understand the transformative potential of geothermal energy, we can look to Kenya as a compelling example. This East African nation, once grappling with a significant energy deficit, has embraced geothermal power to remarkable effect. The Great Rift Valley that runs through Kenya holds vast geothermal resources, which the country has strategically harnessed to address its energy challenges. Kenya's geothermal journey has yielded impressive results. As of 2023, the country boasts an installed geothermal capacity of approximately 891.8 MW, accounting for roughly 29% of its total power generation capacity. The Olkaria complex stands as the crown jewel of Kenya's geothermal efforts, with several operational power plants utilizing steam from the Earth's interior to generate clean electricity. The benefits of Kenya's geothermal push have been multifaceted. Increased power generation has translated to more reliable and affordable electricity for households and businesses, empowering communities and enabling activities like education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship to flourish. This access to electricity has had a cascading positive effect on the economy, with farmers utilizing electric irrigation pumps for better harvests and businesses operating longer hours, boosting productivity and job creation. The shift towards geothermal energy has also yielded significant environmental benefits. As Kenya transitions away from fossil fuels, air pollution levels have declined, leading to improved public health outcomes, particularly for respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, geothermal energy's minimal carbon footprint positions it as a powerful tool in Kenya's fight against climate change. Looking ahead, Kenya's ambitions in the geothermal sector are even more impressive. The country's Vision 2030 development plan aims to achieve a remarkable 5,530 MW of geothermal power by 2030, which would make it the largest source of clean energy in Kenya, surpassing even hydropower. With estimates suggesting a geothermal potential of 7,000 MW to 10,000 MW spread across 14 prospective sites within the Great Rift Valley, Kenya is well-positioned to continue its geothermal success story. India's Geothermal Potential and Challenges India, with its estimated 10 GW of geothermal power capacity identified by the Geological Survey of India, stands at a pivotal moment. The country has significant geothermal potential, with 350 identified locations across various regions. However, the development of this resource remains in its early stages, with little progress made thus far. The challenges facing India's geothermal development are not insignificant. High upfront costs, lack of technical expertise, and regulatory hurdles have all contributed to the slow pace of progress. However, the potential benefits - including reduced reliance on fossil fuels, improved energy security, and environmental advantages - make overcoming these challenges a worthwhile endeavor. Strategies for Unlocking India's Geothermal Potential Drawing inspiration from Kenya's success and adapting strategies to India's unique context, several key actions can help unlock the country's geothermal potential: Prioritize Exploration and Investment: Focus on detailed exploration of geothermal provinces like the Himalayas and Cambay Basin. Attract investments through favorable policies, such as allowing 100% FDI for geothermal projects. Develop a Skilled Workforce: Establish geothermal engineering programs and collaborate with experienced international players to build expertise in geothermal technologies and operations. Streamline Regulations: Create a clear and efficient regulatory framework for geothermal development to expedite project approvals while maintaining necessary environmental safeguards. Launch Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate citizens about the benefits of geothermal energy to create a positive perception and encourage private sector participation. Focus on Cost-Effective Technologies: Collaborate with international partners and research institutions to develop and adapt cost-effective geothermal technologies suitable for India's geological conditions. Implement Pilot Projects: Demonstrate the viability of geothermal energy through successful pilot projects to attract larger-scale investments. Explore Decentralized Applications: While pursuing large-scale power generation, also investigate smaller-scale applications of geothermal energy, such as heating buildings and greenhouses. Conclusion: A Geothermal Future for India The journey to harness India's geothermal resources may be challenging, but the rewards are immense. As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources, India has a golden opportunity to emerge as a leader in geothermal power. By tapping into the Earth's heat, India can power its growth, reduce its carbon footprint, and pave the way for a cleaner, more prosperous future for generations to come. As India stands on the brink of a potential geothermal revolution, the path forward is clear. By learning from developing countries like Kenya, taking strategic actions, and fostering innovation, India can transform its geothermal potential into reality. This shift towards geothermal energy not only promises a more sustainable and secure energy future but also aligns with India's broader goals of energy independence and environmental stewardship. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 25: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, one of the leading private general insurers in India, today announced the successful processing of its first claim through the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) platform. This marks a significant step towards streamlining and accelerating the claims settlement process for their customers, enhancing transparency, and ensuring utmost convenience. The National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) platform, introduced by the National Health Authority (NHA), is designed to streamline healthcare claims by standardizing data, facilitating seamless information exchange, and bringing together all key stakeholders on a single, unified platform. The use of the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID is central to this initiative, ensuring that claims are settled rapidly and with transparency. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance processed its first claim through the NHCX platform, which involved a streamlined digital workflow. First, the hospital initiated the claim, which was registered on the NHCX platform using the patient's ABHA ID. The patient's details were verified through the ABHA ID, ensuring accuracy and reducing the time taken for validation. Subsequently, the hospital submitted the claim electronically, providing all necessary documents and information via the NHCX platform. Bajaj Allianz's claims team accessed the claim details instantly through the NHCX platform, enabling a swift assessment. Upon verification, the claim was approved, and the settlement was processed digitally, resulting in a significantly faster turnaround time compared to traditional methods. Speaking on the announcement Aashish Sethi, Head - Health SBU and Travel, said, "The NHCX platform aims to address the challenges of the current claims process, which involves multiple platforms for insurers and TPAs. By centralizing the exchange of information, NHCX streamlines operations and improves overall turnaround time. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance's successful processing of our first claim through the NHCX platform is a testament to our commitment to leveraging technology to enhance customer experience. This initiative represents a game-changer in the insurance industry, ensuring complete transparency throughout the claim lifecycle, promising faster and more efficient claim settlements." Bajaj Allianz General Insurance is committed to driving innovation in the insurance industry and is proud to be amongst one of the first insurance companies to adopt digital solutions to enhance customer experience. The company is confident that the NHCX platform will significantly improve the overall claims experience for policyholders and set a new benchmark for the industry. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance stands as India's premier private general insurance company. It is a collaborative effort between Bajaj Finserv Limited, India's most diversified non-bank financial institution, and Allianz SE, the world's leading insurer and largest asset manager. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance provides a wide range of general insurance products, including motor insurance, home insurance, and health insurance, along with distinctive insurance offerings like coverage for pet insurance, weddings, events, cybersecurity, and the film industry. The company commenced its operations in 2001 and has consistently expanded its reach to be in close proximity to its customers. Presently, it maintains a presence in nearly 1,500 towns and cities across India. Notably, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance holds the issuer rating of [ICRA]AAA from ICRA Limited, signifying the highest level of assurance regarding the punctual fulfilment of financial commitments. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
BusinessWire India Nizhny Novgorod [Russia], July 25: Russia is vigorously integrating into the global economy by building new supply chains, developing infrastructure, and establishing logistics links. The digital agenda plays a crucial role in this integration, bolstered by Russia's memberships in international organizations such as the SCO, BRICS, and EAEU. The Indian government's approach to technology closely mirrors that of Russia. Both nations are committed to safeguarding their technological sovereignty from external influences. The primary objective for the BRICS countries is to collaborate in developing platforms and solutions, which they can subsequently export to other nations. International events like CIPR are increasingly vital as investment platforms, facilitating interaction between businesses and government agencies from various countries. Strengthening Russian-Indian relations holds particular significance for Russia. This year's CIPR saw a delegation from India sharing their experiences with Russian counterparts and discussing future cooperation in the high-tech sector. The cooperation between the two nations has already yielded tangible projects. Plans are underway to establish a Russian-Indian research center for hardware and software in one of India's states. Additionally, several Indian-Russian joint ventures have been launched, and more Russian companies intend to open local offices in the future. Notably, Kanpur, one of India's largest universities, is engaged in extensive research partnerships with Russia. "We are entering a new technological era where BRICS countries will achieve great success. The challenge is to unite these nations to create sovereign technology. India and Russia have forged new IT partnerships in critical areas such as trusted infrastructure, artificial intelligence, drone technology, education, and cybersecurity. They aim to leverage each other's strengths and replicate this model across other BRICS nations. The coming decades will be a technological era for India, Russia, and BRICS+," said Debjit Chakraborty, Director of RISING, a joint Russian-Indian integrator. Russia and India are collaborating across various fields, including energy, technology and science, space, and IT. Russian IT companies are making substantial inroads into the Indian market, offering solutions in industries like telecom and medicine. The CIPR conference facilitates dialogue between the two countries, enabling representatives to interact, share insights, and sign agreements. For instance, Madin Group supplies exoskeletons to India, LAD IT company promotes the Project LAD product in the Indian market, and SWoyo collaborates with Tata Communications and other Indian firms. These successful case studies highlight the potential for growth in the Indian IT market and open up new prospects for Russian companies. This year's CIPR conference emphasized international cooperation, attracting representatives and delegations from 25 countries, including India. The CIPR-2024 exhibition spanned three halls, with plans to dedicate a special hall for international companies next year. "The CIPR conference aims to enhance integration agendas and foster mutually beneficial collaborations with BRICS nations in high-tech areas. We appreciate our Indian colleagues' participation and look forward to welcoming them at the milestone CIPR 2025. We aim to continue promoting global market cooperation and expanding interaction opportunities with partner countries, notably India," shared Olga Piven, Director of CIPR. A significant contribution to establishing long-term international ties in the IT industry is made by "digital attaches," a special Russian project aimed at strengthening cooperation between foreign and Russian companies. CIPR-2024 was the first platform to bring together a record number of trade representatives. "Digital attaches" from countries including India, China, Thailand, Cuba, Vietnam, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, UAE, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and Indonesia, were among the attendees. CIPR-2025 plans to feature a comprehensive exhibit from the Republic of India, which will offer Indian companies new opportunities in the Russian market. This initiative will allow Indian business representatives to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and exchange knowledge with their Russian counterparts. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 25: The adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is no longer a question of if, but when. The future of mobility is undeniably electric, with the global EV market projected to grow by 24.3 per cent in less than a decade. This shift is critical for reducing global carbon emissions. In India, millions of new electric vehicles hit the roads each year, primarily two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Government initiatives are driving this growth by promoting EV manufacturing and adoption. However, challenges such as EV fires and the need for skilled maintenance persist. EVs differ from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, requiring less maintenance and having fewer moving parts. Services like oil changes are unnecessary for EVs, shifting the focus to battery health, software updates, and electrical repairs. Independent service providers must adapt by expanding their offerings and investing in specialized tools for battery diagnostics and repair. Electric vehicle batteries, particularly those based on lithium-ion technology, are complex systems that degrade over time and under various conditions. This degradation affects the vehicle's range, performance, and overall lifespan, making accurate diagnostics and troubleshooting essential for maintaining and extending the life of these batteries. Current Challenges of EV Battery Diagnostic Traditional methods of assessing battery health, such as electric signal analysis and temperature monitoring, offer limited insights into the actual condition of the battery. These methods can indicate issues like swelling or overheating but fall short in providing a comprehensive view of the battery's overall health and remaining useful life. Moreover, the complexity of EV batteries, combined with the need for standardized testing procedures across different manufacturers, complicates the process of accurately diagnosing and troubleshooting battery issues. EV Battery Diagnostics: Moving Beyond the Basics The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) has highlighted the need for more sophisticated methods to diagnose and assess battery health. Traditional approaches often relied on limited tools and techniques, hindering our understanding of battery performance and lifespan. One such example was the charging-discharging cycler (CDC) machine. While widely used, the CDC offered a basic functionality - repeatedly charging and discharging the battery to measure voltage and capacity. This limited data provided minimal insights into the battery's overall health and potential issues. Furthermore, the CDC process was labor-intensive, requiring skilled personnel to monitor readings for extended periods. This dependence on human observation introduced the possibility of human error, impacting the overall reliability of the test results. These limitations of traditional methods underscored the need for advancements in EV battery diagnostics. Let's explore how the industry is addressing these challenges and paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of EV batteries. Introducing EV DOCTOR, An AI-based battery diagnostics technology is revolutionizing the EV industry by ensuring efficient battery quality control and after-sales service. It enables EV dealers and service centers to diagnose battery health within 15 minutes - ten times faster than alternative testers--providing insights via a mobile app. The device delivers crucial information about battery health, safety, faults, water damage, charger issues, capacity, and more. This device supports both hard BMS and Smart BMS batteries, enabling EV stakeholders to take better decisions with the batteries. EV DOCTOR operates on the principle of DCIR computation combined with VI profiling. Armed with AI-based algorithms, it provides unique and crucial insights about the battery, earning the title of "World's Fastest Battery Testing Technology." For EV brands, it offers advanced analytics, warranty tracking, resale support, and risk mitigation. By investing in EV DOCTOR, service centers can provide superior support during servicing and repair. Additionally it generates extra income for EV Service centres from EV Battery Checkup charges. Battery-Ok Technologies, founded by EV enthusiasts Shubham Mishra, Ajay Vashisht, and Darshan Prajapati, is based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. After four years of continuous research and testing, the solution was launched last year and now has an active presence in India, Mexico, South Korea, Mauritius and Vietnam. With the high import of low-quality EV batteries in India, this indigenous technology is assisting over 1,500+ EV dealers across the country. The company will soon launch an API version to directly help EV OEMs and fleet owners manage their batteries effectively. Celebrated by thousands of EV businesses across India, EV DOCTOR is a key driver in the rise of electric vehicles in India. It has received endorsements from prominent figures such as Nitin Gadkari and S. Jaishankar and Dr. Hanif Qureshi. As the EV market continues to grow, tools like EV DOCTOR are essential for the smooth service and maintenance of electric vehicles, helping India move towards a greener and more sustainable future. This shift presents a significant opportunity for all the independent garages to specialize in EV maintenance and repair. By positioning themselves as experts in this niche market, garages can attract EV owners seeking knowledgeable and skilled service. This specialization offers a substantial competitive advantage, and as the EV market expands, these early adopters will be well-prepared to meet the increasing demand. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], July 25: MistriBabu has built a formidable reputation as a company that provides complete property care services for a comprehensive range of Construction, Maintenance and Renovation with Property inspection under one roof for easy alignment of work across multiple services in Residential and Commercial sectors. All services can be tailored to suit the customer's preferences. MistriBabu began its operations by setting up an office in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi and eventually expanded to other cities across the country like Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Odisha, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune. The company boasts the highest level of customer satisfaction reviews in Delhi NCR, Kolkata Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and in various cities in the country. Bhubaneswar, Odisha has often been described as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. As one of the first planned cities in the country, Bhubaneswar has attracted some of the leading global organizations which have set up their offices here. With the city moving forward constantly, the residents were looking for property or home-based services that would be reliable and contribute towards them leading a healthy lifestyle. With the arrival of MistriBabu in the city, the residents of Bhubaneswar can be sure about having access to high-quality technical services 24x7. Elaborating on the reason behind expanding the company in Bhubaneswar, Somnath states, "I hail from the land of Odisha. My state has played a very important role in shaping me as a human being and an entrepreneur. I always had the wish to set up an office of MistriBabu in Bhubaneswar, Odisha and offer our services to the residents of the city. My dream has finally come true. In a very short span of time, we have received a large number of inquiries and service requests for construction, maintenance and renovation. It is the first-ever property inspection service company in Odisha and people have responded very positively to it." When founder Mr. Somnath Barik launched MistriBabu. He knew that accessibility was one of the biggest issues people faced while looking for services related to plumbing, painting, electrical and home repair. The founder, with his team, has consistently worked towards ensuring that the high-quality services provided by MistriBabu reach out to as many people as possible. While MistriBabu has already set up a solid base in Bhubaneswar, its services will be accessible to all cities and villages in Odisha. When you visit the official website of MistriBabu, you can choose from a variety of services made available under different sections or categories. While the head office of MistriBabu is in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, the company has successfully managed to set up a base in several major cities in the country. In the near future, Mr. Somnath and his team at MistriBabu will continue to move ahead with its expansion plans and people based in all states and regions of the country will get complete access to its services. As a property care and construction company, MistriBabu has set the bar high for other companies operating in this space by offering premium-quality services at affordable pricing and that has played a key role in it emerging as a market leader. By offering high-quality services and being transparent in its policies, MistriBabu has earned the trust and confidence of its customers based in different parts of the country. In addition, by venturing into these domains, MistriBabu aims to become a one-stop destination for all customer needs for home construction, repairing and maintenance solutions. To learn more about MistriBabu and their services, visit their website: https://www.mistribabu.com/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 25: Guarented, a leading name in the rental furniture and home appliances market with over 4.2+ rating on Google, and a 20,000+ active customer base, has furnished more than 80,000 homes in the past 8 years. It has carved a niche for itself through innovation, customer-centric services, and a resilient business model. Guarented, a company founded by Harshwardhan Raikwar and Abhimanyu Dikshit, IIT Kharagpur graduates, has a mission to redefine the definition of the way people redecorate their homes and provide attainable and premium quality furniture and home appliances rental solutions to its customers. With an incredible journey of many ups and downs, Guarented has overcome many challenges. However, throughout this journey, Guarented has always stayed true to its core values, which include trust, reliability, maintaining credibility, 100% customer satisfaction, and taking good care of its employees. A Transformational & Visionary Leadership Guarented, a company created on the foundation of its ethically strong core values and a mission statement to offer its loyal customers a wide range of solutions, including home appliances and furniture on rent in Bangalore, has seen many successes and failures. However, overcoming each and every obstacle effectively, the company has flourished under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Harshwardhan Raikwar. With an advanced skill set of entrepreneurial instincts and technical knowledge, graduated from IIT Kharagpur, Harshwardhan has been the perfect founder, leader, and a role model for the 110+ employees at Guarented. From Investment to Exit: Guarented's Success with Angel Investors One of the pivotal moments in Guarented's history was when the company secured the investment of its angel investors. From the initial stage when Guarented was founded, there was a clear vision, with a robust business plan and a strong set of strategies that were to be implemented. These were some key factors that attracted significant attention from the angel investors from the beginning. Factors that made Guarented appealing included its strong market potential, a scalable business model, and a dedicated customer base. By implementing strong strategic milestones, and focusing on sustainable growth, Guarented not only met but exceeded investors expectations leading to a profitable exit that underscores the startup's viability and long-term potential. Overcoming Economic Downturns Like all startups, initially, when Guarented started, it faced several obstacles with rent furniture in Bangalore, in its due course of time. Economic uncertainties played a key role in it. However, with strategic thinking and innovative ideas, Guarented successfully overcame these obstacles and showed a 3% month-over-month increase and a 40% year-over-year expansion. Moreover, the leadership team and a resilient and young workforce of 110+ brilliant individuals with an average age of 26, have proved to be an efficacious combination. By elevating and improving the business model, and advancing the business, and operational strategies, Guarented has navigated its way through difficult times. The defining moment for Guarented came with a series of strategic adjustments that stabilized the company's financial health and set the stage for future growth, showcasing Guarented's ability to thrive, even in adverse conditions. Guarented's Path to a Profitable Business Central to Guarented's success is its 20000+ square feet manufacturing unit in Bangalore, which plays a crucially important role in the operations of the company. With 3 back-to-back profitable financial years in renting furniture in Bangalore, Guarented, not only ensures the supply of high-quality rental products but also champions environmental sustainability. Refurbishment of furniture and home appliances rental pieces has not only reduced 10000+ tonnes of e-waste but also promotes eco-friendly practices, and helps Guarented align its methods with the global trends towards sustainability. This approach has immensely helped Guarented succeed and become one of its kind in the market. Conclusion From securing investments to achieving sustainable profits, Guarented's road to success elaborates on its strategic vision and resilient customer-centric approach. By overcoming so many challenges and obstacles, Guarented has illustrated nothing but unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. As part of this commitment, Guarented offers not only furniture on rent but also a wide range of appliances like fridge on rent and washing machine on rent, with amazing offers and combos, exclusively in Bangalore, catering to the diverse needs of its growing customer base. This expansion signifies the dedication to providing comprehensive rental solutions, ensuring comfort and convenience for every household. Moreover, in the upcoming future, Guarented is looking forward to expanding its services, exploring, and venturing out to new markets, such as Airbnbs, and Co-Living spaces, as well as maintaining the quality of the products, and its relationships with the customers. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], July 25: NIIT Limited, a leading global skill and talent development corporation, has been honored with prestigious awards at The Economic Times' 3rd ETHRWorld Future Skills event held in Gurugram recently. The awards bagged recognize excellence and innovation in Learning & Development (L&D) and are a testament to NIIT's dedication, hard work, and its commitment to fostering a positive, engaged, and motivated workforce. NIIT's StackRoute Business, received the Gold Award for "Best in Learning Data Analytics". The award was accepted by Itish Arora (Vice President & Strategic Sales Head) and Hrithik Manchanda (Technical Lead) at, StackRoute, NIIT Limited. Speaking on this recognition, Dr Yogesh Kumar Bhatt, EVP and Business Head, StackRoute, NIIT Limited, said "This prestigious award acknowledges our dedication in developing innovative learning solutions that empower professionals with future-ready skills. StackRoute has made significant investments in Generative AI and is integrating the same into its programs and learning platforms, to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness, giving our learners a competitive edge. Learning Data Analytics empowers our mentors and service delivery teams to gain insights into the progress and performance of each learner in real-time, thereby enabling mid-course correction to achieve learning outcomes. In addition, it provides the customers/stakeholders with clear insights into the strengths and improvement areas of their learners." In addition, NIIT's HR business was recognized with the Silver Award for "Best Learning Culture in an Organisation - Small & Medium Sized Enterprises". The award was received by Vandana Negi, Learning & Development Head at NIIT Ltd. Dr Mita Brahma, National HR Head, NIIT Limited, said "At NIIT, we believe in creating a culture of development and growth, by creating opportunities that demand learning, thinking and innovation from each one of us. This award is a testament to our continuous efforts in this direction, as we equip NIITians with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in this dynamic digital age." This award is also a recognition of the commitment and dedication of the learning & development team, which has worked tirelessly to ensure individual as well organisational growth. The team has consistently focused on enabling business strategy and delivering measurable outcomes. The third edition of the ETHRWorld Future Skills Awards was aimed at recognizing the excellence and innovation in L&D, celebrating exceptional individuals whose imagination and creativity have broken new ground in L&D globally, and the brands and businesses that have transformed the possibilities of learning today. *Please note: The third edition of the ETHRWorld Future Skills Awards is an event by Economic Times and is in no manner related to NIIT Ltd. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, participating during the Question Hour in Lok Sabha on Thursday, attended to many questions related to the exorbitant rise in airfares, delays in flights, and aviation-related infrastructure in the country. He took note of the questions raised by several parliamentarians on the high airfare, reiterating that his commitment as a minister is to make airfares affordable. The minister said that setting airfare is a market-driven process. "This is a market-driven approach that the airlines use for deciding the airfares," he noted. He also apprised the parliament about the aircraft that are currently grounded due to engine issues, which he said caused an additional burden to the overall fleet. "There are 800 odd planes in the country. and because of the (some) engine issue, almost 120 planes are grounded, and they are not able to fly. Because of the lack of the aircraft that we have in our fleet, there is a lot of additional burden on the existing aircraft - which is also driving up the prices," he asserted. "One happy thing all must know, we have 1200 aircraft on order, the highest in the world. We are ensuring that they are coming on time, they are delivered on time. We are ensuring from the ministry whatever best we can do." Shafi Parambil, Congress MP from Kerala, asked the minister what the civil aviation ministry is doing to keep exorbitant airfares in check, particularly for the Kerala NRIs. Parambil complained that NRIs are forced to buy flight tickets at exorbitantly high rates when they fly back to their homeland. He also alleged that due to the high ticket prices, people sometimes even cannot visit home during family emergencies. The minister replied by saying that he sympathized with the Kerala MP for the issues that he had flagged, and explained the airfare dynamics. Dayanidhi Maran from DMK also raised questions about the sudden sharp rise in air fares, particularly when the customers approach payment gateway for payments for the tickets they purchase. He shared his personal experience, saying that his ticket price for a Chennai-Delhi flight rose two-to-threefold during the payment gateway process. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla intervened and asked the Minister to look into the matter, as the parliamentarians' flight ticket bills are taken care of by the government. The Minister responded, "DGCA has a Tariff Monitoring Unit, which looks after this specific issue you have raised. We are going to investigate that. We are going to ensure that this kind of incident doesn't happen in the future." During the Question Hour, TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay asked the Minister about the status of the second airport in Kolkata. The Minister said, "The need is there. And definitely, if the land is available and the state supports the construction and others. Definitely, we are going to take it up positively." He assured the TMC parliamentarian that both of them would discuss this matter in detail at a special meeting. (ANI)
Keanu Reeves, who played the role of Neo in the 1999 sci-fi action movie 'The Matrix', recently shared his experience of shooting for the film and how it 'changed' his life, reported Variety. 'The Matrix' is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. "'The Matrix' changed my life, and then over these years, it's changed so many other people's lives in really positive and great ways," Reeves said. "As an artist, you hope for that when you get to do a film or tell a story," he added. He added that over the years he has met several people who spoke to him about the project. "So when you say these years, the amount of people that I have met who have said to me and been touched by 'The Matrix' in such a positive way... It's the best." While Reeves had already established himself as an actor by the time 'The Matrix' came out, owing to performances in films such as 'Speed', 'Point Break', and 'My Own Private Idaho', it was the Wachowski sisters' 1999 picture that catapulted him to worldwide superstardom and immediate icon status in the action movie genre. Reeves played Neo in "The Matrix," and he returned to the character in three sequels, "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003), "The Matrix Revolutions" (2003), and "The Matrix Resurrections" (2021). Reeves getting the offer to return as Neo after an 18-year hiatus: "When the director asked me what I thought about doing another 'Matrix' film I said 'What? That sounds amazing but I'm dead.' She was like, 'Are you?' and I said, 'Do tell!' She wrote a beautiful story, and I love playing the character. How I am alive will all be explained," reported Variety. 'The Matrix' is a 1999 science fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowskis.It is the first instalment in the Matrix film series, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving and Joe Pantoliano. (ANI)
The State Economic Survey report of Odisha mentioned that the state's economy is estimated to grow at a rate of 8.5 percent in the financial year 2023-24, as per the advance estimate, in comparison to 7.9 per cent growth in 2022-23. The growth, however, was concentrated in the industry sector and services sector, the report added. The Economic Survey report, which was laid before the Assembly on Wednesday, also mentioned that the state's per-capita income is estimated to be Rs 1,61,437, which is 12.4 percent less than India's per capita income of Rs 1,84,205. While the state's per-capita income since 2015-16 has grown at a CAGR of 12.1 per cent, Odisha still ranks 11th among 17 major states. The agriculture and allied sectors are estimated to grow by 3.5 percent in 2023-24, which contributed 20.4 percent to the Gross State Value Added (GSVA). The state needs to take measures towards crop diversification to enhance productivity and farmers' income. Similarly, the industry sector is expected to grow at 8.7 per cent as per the advance estimate, contributing 43.2 per cent to the GSVA. However, industrial activities in Odisha are concentrated mainly in basic metal and mineral-based industries. It needs to put more concerted effort into diversifying from mineral-based industries to other value-added industries. The services sector is estimated to grow at 9.2 per cent in 2023-24, contributing around 36 per cent to the state economy with an employment share of 26 per cent of the total workforce. (ANI)
The discussion on the Union Budget 2024-25, presented on July 23, will continue in both Houses of Parliament on Thursday. The discussion on Budget of Jammu and Kashmir, 2024-25, which was also presented on Tuesday, will also continue today. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Kirtivardhan Singh will lay papers on the table today. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar is likely to make a statement regarding status of implementation of recommendations and observations contained in the 250th report of the department-related parliamentary standing committee on Home Affairs on action taken by the government on the recommendations and observations contained in the 243rd report of the committee on demands for grants (2023-24) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Both Houses of Parliament took up discussion on the Union Budget 2024 on July 24, with opposition parties accusing it of being "discriminatory" to most states and lacking vision. The discussion was initiated by former Finance Minister and Congress MP P Chidambaram in Rajya Sabha and Congress MP Kumari Selja initiated the discussion in Lok Sabha. Raising four major challenges, Chidambaram said the most significant challenge is unemployment and data released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) indicates that the unemployment rate for June 2024 is 9.2 per cent . Chidambaram emphasised that the primary challenge for the economy is creating sufficient employment opportunities. He pointed out that the budget's announcement of the employment-linked incentives (ELI) scheme suggests that the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme is not generating the expected employment. He urged the finance minister to disclose the number of jobs created by the PLI scheme. Radha Mohan Das Aggarwal of the BJP highlighted the achievements made by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last ten years. He said the Jan Dhan Yojana has provided banking services to crores of people in the country. Biplab Kumar Deb of the BJP said the Economic Survey has estimated real GDP growth of 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent in 2024-25. He highlighted the provisions in the budget for various sections, including farmers and the education sector. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee launched a strong attack on the Modi government, alleging that the Union Budget lacks clarity or vision, that it has been rolled out to satisfy the coalition partners of the BJP and that it "was planned by two individuals to keep another two in good faith." The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12. (ANI)
Congress MP Manish Tewari gave an adjournment notice on Thursday in the Lok Sabha, urging discussion on the border situation and huge trade deficit with China. In his letter to the Secretary-General of Lok Sabha, Tewari highlighted ongoing border clashes between India and China and pointed out that China recently rejected the inauguration of the Seva tunnel and claimed parts of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory. "...For the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance that this House do supend zero hour and relevant rules relating to question hour and other businesses of the day to have a discussion on the border situation and the huge trade deficit with China," the letter mentioned. "Since 2019, there have been ongoing border clashes between India and China, with reports of Chinese troops blocking access to patrolling points in Eastern Ladakh. Recently, China rejected the inauguration of the Seva tunnel and claimed parts of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory," the letter added. Tewari also urged the government to provide details on efforts to resolve the border dispute and "protect India's integrity against Chinese aggressions." "Additionally, in 2023-24, India's trade deficit with China exceeded USD 85 billion, with exports at USD 16.65 billion and imports at USD 101.75 billion. I urge the government to inform the House about the border situation and the trade deficit. I request permission to raise this matter," he added. As per schedule, the discussion on the Union Budget 2024-25, presented on July 23, will continue in both Houses of Parliament on Thursday. The discussion on the budget of Jammu and Kashmir, 2024-25, which was also presented on Tuesday, will also continue today. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Kirtivardhan Singh will lay papers on the table today. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar is expected to make a statement regarding the status of the implementation of recommendations and observations contained in the 250th report of the department-related parliamentary standing committee on Home Affairs on action taken by the government on the recommendations and observations contained in the 243rd report of the committee on demands for grants (2023-24) of the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region. The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12. (ANI)
The downpours have brought back woes for Mumbai and the suburbs, with waterlogging reported from several low-lying areas in the city.

The heavy rainfall overnight has disrupted some public transport services causing inconvenience to countless commuters.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, "Today's weather forecast at 8 am suggests moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs."

The forecast indicates the possibility of very heavy rainfall in isolated places. Occasional gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are also very likely.

As per the BMC, Vihar Lake, one of the 7 lakes supplying water to the entire Mumbai metropolitan area, started overflowing at around 3.50 AM today. The full storage capacity of Vihar Lake is 2,769.8 crore litres (27,698 million litres).

Taking to its official social media handle on X, BMC posted a video of the overflowing lake.

Heavy rains have been lashing parts of Mumbai. Visuals from Vile Parle and the Western Express Highway show commuters making their way through the downpours.

Additionally, the Indian Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Maharashtra on Thursday and has predicted extremely heavy rainfall.

On Wednesday, an orange alert has also been issued in the state warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.6 to 204.4 mm) from July 26 to July 27 in Maharashtra. An orange alert was also issued for Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts in Maharashtra's Konkan region.

On Thursday the Brihan Mumbai Metropolitan Council (BMC) said that on Thursday and Friday, there would be moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs with the possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated places. Occasional gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are very likely.

On Thursday High Tide is expected at 2:51 PM. Mumbai city and suburbs are also likely to experience moderate to heavy rains at some places.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mumbai local train services were affected for nearly 30-45 minutes when a bamboo structure fell on the overhead cable system between Matunga and Sion stations. The accident impacted several train operations, causing inconvenience to daily commuters. (ANI)
The Mumbai Police on Wednesday late night arrested a man in connection with the brutal murder of a history sheeter inside a spa located in the Worli area. The arrest was made by the Mumbai Crime Branch, who apprehended the 26-year-old suspect from the Palghar district on Wednesday. According to the details provided by the Mumbai Crime Branch, the victim was found with his throat slit inside the spa.Earlier, on Wednesday, six people were arrested for killing a man following a fight between two groups in the Chembur area Mumbai.The fight was over an old rivalry, said the Mumbai RCF Police Station, adding that the accused were drunk and two of them had a criminal record.The deceased has been identified as Siddharth Kamble (32). Kamble was attacked with a sharp weapon and was taken to the nearby Rajawadi Hospital, where doctors declared him dead, police said. (ANI)
BJP's Shaina NC expressed her gratitude to the Central Government on Thursday for allocating a total of Rs. 1087 crore to the Mumbai Metro and Rs. 683 crore to the Nagpur Metro to enhance the infrastructure facilities in the state. Speaking to ANI, Shaina said, "Maharashtra has received a lot in the Union budget. The state has received Rs. 908 crores MUTP-3, which will help the local railway network in Mumbai expand. Additionally, the Mumbai metro will get Rs. 1087 crores and the Mumbai-Delhi corridor will get Rs. 500 crores. MMR green urban transport will get Rs. 150 crores, Nagpur Metro will get Rs 683 crores, and Pune Metro will get Rs 814 crores. " Further, she said, "There are a lot of infrastructure schemes that will benefit Maharashtra. Those who are spreading falsehood should read the budget properly first. Once they read it, they will know what allocations have been made." Talking about the protests by the opposition against the Budget, she said, "The work of the opposition is to create disruptions everywhere. This is a very holistic budget and something has been allocated for every state's infrastructure." Expressing her gratitude towards Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, she said, "We are very glad that the Finance Minister allocated good funds to Maharashtra." Earlier, on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his gratitude to the Central Government for allocating Rs 14,738 crores to enhance rail facilities in the state, according to an official release. CM Yadav also acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their dedication to the state's interests. "In Madhya Pradesh, the development of 80 railway stations is currently underway, funded by a sanctioned amount of Rs 81,000 crores. Additionally, the recent budget includes a provision of 14,738 crores specifically for the enhancement of rail facilities in the state. This substantial investment will benefit the citizens by providing new rail amenities and improved railway stations," stated the official release." (ANI)
The pilgrims set out for the holy shrine, heading towards the base camps of the Baltal and Pahalgam Yatras to connect with their faith and seek blessings.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board organises the Amarnath Yatra, which is divided into two routes: one through Pahalgam and the other through Baltal.

Baltal serves as the camping ground for pilgrims in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Vikas Kumar, a pilgrim, spoke to ANI ahead of the yatra and said, "There are very good arrangements for the yatra. The security has been deployed well and there are good arrangements for food and lodging."

This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in the number of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

On July 15, a brief exchange of fire occurred between security forces and terrorists late at night in the Bhatta area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. Four soldiers lost their lives in the encounter that broke out in the Desa Forest area.

Another encounter between security forces and terrorists took place in the Kastigarh area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, police said on Thursday.

The Jammu and Kashmir police and the army have been working together to search for terrorists in those areas.

This year, the yatra started on June 29 and will end on August 19, lasting 52 days.

Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave located in the Kashmir Himalayas. (ANI)
The Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, gave adjournment notice on Thursday to discuss the "recent spate of train accidents". Gogoi, in a letter to the Secretary General of Lok Sabha, said that the recent spate of tragic incidents has caused "immense loss of life, suffering and economic disruption." "Just last week, on July 18, four people died and several others were injured after the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Uttar Pradesh's Gonda. On June 7, the Kanchanjunga Express met with a collision, leaving nine dead and more than 25 injured," Gogoi mentioned in his letter. "According to sources in the railways, 48 consequential train accidents were reported in 2022-23 compared to 35 in the previous year. The number of non-consequential train accidents was 162 in 2022-23, which included 35 cases of Signal Passed at Danger (SPD)," he added. In his letter, Gogoi claimed that the manpower shortage had resulted in many zonal railways asking loco polots to be on duty beyond the stipulated duty hours. He said that the recurring train accidents reflect negligence and apathy towards the rail infrastructure. The Congress MP added that it was evident that the existing safety measures are not adequate and require a comprehensive overhaul. As per schedule today, the discussion on the Union Budget 2024-25, presented on July 23, will continue in both Houses of Parliament. The discussion on the budget of Jammu and Kashmir, 2024-25, which was also presented on Tuesday, will also continue today. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Kirtivardhan Singh will lay papers on the table today. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar is expected to make a statement regarding the status of implementation of recommendations and observations contained in the 250th report of the department-related parliamentary standing committee on Home Affairs on action taken by the government on the recommendations and observations contained in the 243rd report of the committee on demands for grants (2023-24) of the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region. The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12. (ANI)
The accused have been identified as Jaspreet Singh alias Jassi, a resident of village Jhandi Wala, Gurpreet Singh, a resident of village Saraiali, and Balkaran Singh, a resident of village Tarsingh Wala, district Ferozepur.

Dr Sandeep Singh Garg, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Mohali, said, "The police have arrested 3 members of a gang involved in the robbery. This gang was involved in incidents of robbery and theft at various places in the district."

"2 motorcycles, 1 pistol, 2 cartridges, 5 mobile phones and other stolen items have been recovered from them," said the official.

A case has been registered against the arrested accused under various sections 167 BHI 21-07-2024, 307, 308, 125, 61(2) BNS and 25/27-54-59 Arms Act, Police Station Balongi.

The official said that the police have taken strict action against all the accused and sent them to judicial custody. The case is being investigated in depth and the search for other related criminals is on.

The investigation into the case is underway and further details on the matter are awaited.

Earlier last week, striking a major blow to trans-border narcotic smuggling amidst the ongoing war against drugs, Amritsar Commissionerate Police apprehended three drug smugglers.

The police seized 1 kg of ice (methamphetamine), 2.45 kg of heroin, and 520 grams of pseudoephedrine, a precursor chemical, from their possession.

Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab Gaurav Yadav, said that they nabbed a big fish identified as Gurbax alias Lala of Chheharta.

Meanwhile, in the ongoing fight against drugs, Sangrur Police on Wednesday conducted visits to various villages in the district, engaging in meetings with the Village Defense Committees (VDCs). The police requested their cooperation and support in combating drug-related issues. (ANI)
The Palghar Collector has announced a holiday for all the schools and colleges on Thursday after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Palghar district, predicting a possibility of heavy rain. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has taken stock of the situation at Pune district headquarters after heavy rains lashed the district. Pawar has also discussed relief measures with the District Collector and the District Disaster Management Chief. Authorities have been instructed to provide all necessary assistance to the affected people, especially in the Khadakwasla and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas, which are the worst affected due to heavy rain. Additionally, due to continuous rainfall in Pune on Thursday, the catchment area of Khadakwasla Dam had reached its full capacity. The Pune administration increased the speed and released the water into the Mutha River today at 6 a.m. at the rate of 40,000 cusecs, as per information from the District Information Office. Earlier on Thursday, at 4 a.m., water was released at a speed of 27203 cusecs. An alert has been issued to the residents living along the riverbanks to be careful. Additionally, due to heavy rains in Pune on Wednesday night, water entered the houses and buildings located in Ekta Nagri and Vitthal Nagar areas. The Pune Fire Department has brought boats to evacuate the people from the residences. Additionally, in Mumbai, the Vihar Lake, which is one of the seven lakes supplying water to the entire city, started overflowing at 3:50 a.m. on Thursday. The full storage capacity of the Vihar Lake is 2,769.8 crore litres. The District Information Office has also predicted gusty winds at a rate of 50 to 60 km per hour likely to occur in isolated places over Palghar, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and moderate ran in Kolhapur and the Ghat areas of Pune in the next three hours. Orders have been given by Pune District Magistrate Suhas Diwas to keep the schools in Pune closed as the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert in Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Bhor, Velha, Maval, Mulshi, Haveli and the Khadakwasla areas. Advisories have also been issued to the public to stay indoors and venture out only if necessary. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Maharashtra on Thursday and has predicted extremely heavy rainfall. IMD Director Sunil Kambe said, "Monsoon is very active in Maharashtra. We issued a red alert for Pune yesterday and the city recorded 114 mm of rain and in the Ghat areas, more than 200 mm of rain has been recorded. Mumbai has also received more than 65 mm of rain during the last 24 hours. Today, a yellow alert has been issued in Mumbai and an orange alert for Pune. (ANI)
The Telangana government is all set to present the annual state budget on Thursday, day three of the third session of the Third Telangana Legislative Assembly. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who is also the Finance Minister, will present the full-fledged budget for the current financial year. The budget session of the Telangana Legislature commenced on Tuesday, July 23, with Governor CP Radhakrishnan summoning the third session. Earlier today, Deputy CM and FM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka offered prayers at a temple in Jyotirao Phule Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad ahead of the budget session. Speaking on the Union Budget, which was presented on Tuesday by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy hit out at the Centre, saying that Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is a "bogus" slogan. Addressing reporters at his residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, on Tuesday, CM Reddy said, "The Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas slogan is bogus. This budget looks like the 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 8 Parliament seats." Recalling his recent meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking aid for the various developmental projects, CM Reddy said, "Today's Union Budget shows the attitude of the Centre towards Telangana. Even though we visited Delhi many times and met the Prime Minister, Home Minister and other top leaders, justice was not done." Addressing the Telangana Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Reddy said that his government would boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27 in protest against the central government's alleged injustice to the state in the allocation of funds in the Union Budget. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court has refused to stay the release of webseries, Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper, released on OTT platform Netflix. The bench of Justice Navin Chawla, in an order passed recently, said, "In my prima facie view, I do not find the trailer to be referring to the profession of chartered accounting in any manner." "It is a series that appears to be more in the genre of comedy and merely describes the main character as a topper in the Chartered Accountancy Examination. It is neither intended nor can be perceived to be derogatory to the profession of Chartered Accountancy or the toppers or rank holders in the examination conducted by the ICAI. Artistic expression, even in the form of commercial speech, cannot be curtailed on the basis of an oversensitive approach," said the court. However, the court issued notice to all defendants and directed to file their reply within a period of four weeks. The plaintiffs, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and others, in their suit, stated that the trailer for the series Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper' was released on July 10, 2024, announcing streaming of the said series on the Netflix web platform from July 18, 2024. The plaintiffs claim that the said trailer shows the profession of chartered accounting in an extremely vulgar and derogatory sense. The plaintiffs complain that portraying the profession of chartered accountants in such a scandalous manner is totally illegal and violates their constitutional rights. The suit stated that the ICAI has also received emails objecting to the scandalous content of the trailer, which contains unwarranted innuendos about the profession. The plaintiffs complain that the reference to the services rendered by Chartered Accountants as 'debit and credit with reference to sexual services offered' in the trailer to the web series is derogatory for the profession. The lawyers who represented plaintiffs submitted that the depiction of the profession in such a scandalous manner is bound to defame the profession and the toppers in the examination that is conducted by the ICAI. However, counsel appearing for Netflix and other defendants stated that the web series is completely fictional in nature, and there is also a disclaimer at the start of the series, which itself proclaims that the series has no reference to any individual or any real person,, dead or alive. A Netflix lawyer further submitted that, without prejudice to the rights and contentions, Netflix will, within five days, add a disclaimer to the effect that in the series, reference is not made to any profession as well. (ANI)
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Thursday backed Anil Deshmukh's allegations that Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has asked him to implicate Uddhav and Aditya Thackeray. Former Home Minister of Maharashtra Anil Deshmukh had been arrested by the ED in 2021 in an alleged money laundering case and had spent several months in jail. "What Anil Deshmukh is saying must be true," said Nana Patole, adding that the ED and CBI have never been used this way ever since Narendra Modi formed the government of Maharashtra. "Those who favour them have been spared, and ED cases against them have been taken back," added Patole. Earlier on Thursday, UBT Sena leader Sanjay Raut also backed Anil Deshmukh and said that the former Maharashtra home minister was sent to jail as a part of a conspiracy, and pressure was put on him to implicate Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Aditya Thackeray. "Anil Deshmukh was sent to jail as part of a conspiracy. Before he was sent to jail, there was pressure put on him to implicate Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Aditya. He was also told that if he did not do this, he would be sent to jail. Two years ago, when both of us were in jail, Deshmukh told me this. The BJP can do such a thing. There is truth in what Anil Deshmukh ji has said," said Sanjay Raut. On Wednesday, July 24, NCP-SP leader Anil Deshmukh accused Devendra Fadnavis of asking him to write four affidavits against Uddhav Thackeray, Ajit Pawar, and Anil Parab. He said, "Three years ago, Devendra Fadnavis sent a man to me and asked me to write four affidavits against Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray, Ajit Pawar, and Anil Parab. Devendra Fadnavis sent the affidavits and asked me to sign them. I was told that if I did this, then neither ED nor CBI would come after me." Further, Deshmukh added that the Ed and CBI were sent after him because he decided not to make any false allegations. "I was pressured, but I clearly said that even if I have to go to jail for life, I will not make false allegations. I did not bow down, and that is why the ED and CBI were sent after me. I was asked to give a false affidavit, and Aditya Thackeray raped Disha Salian and threw her from the balcony." Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, denied the allegations on Wednesday, saying that he wouldn't spare anyone making personal allegations against him. Speaking to ANI, Devendra Fadnavis said that the FIR against Deshmukh was registered by the CBI after clear orders from the chief justice of the Bombay High Court. He further said that Deshmukh made personal allegations against him. "The FIR against Anil Deshmukh was registered by the CBI after clear orders by the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, and at that time it was not even our government in the state. Anil Deshmukh has been making personal allegations against me for a long time now. Usually, I don't go behind anyone, but if someone comes for me, in response, I don't spare that individual', he said. Further, he added, "I have several audios and videos provided by Anil Deshmukh's party men in which he is heard saying a lot about Udhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar Saheb. When the time comes, I will release those." The allegations by Anil Deshmukh have caused a political storm in Maharashtra politics. (ANI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar took stock of the rain situation in Pune district headquarters after heavy downpours in various parts of the district. The Deputy Chief Minister talked about relief measures with the district collector and the district disaster management chief, said sources from the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). He instructed the authorities to provide all the necessary assistance to the affected people, especially in Khadagwasla and Pimpri Chinchwad, etc., which are worst affected after heavy rains. Pawar issued instructions to the administration as well as the disaster relief system to be vigilant and provide immediate relief to the citizens as heavy rains are occurring in Khadakwasla and most parts of the district. The citizens of Pune city, Pimpri Chinchwad and rural areas of the district have been requested to take necessary care, contact the nearest administrative system immediately in case of emergency, avoid going out of the house without an important reason. Incessant rain has led to severe waterlogging in Pune and Kolhapur, crippling normal life and prompting schools to shut down. The Palghar Collector earlier in the day announced a holiday for all the schools and colleges after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Palghar district, predicting a possibility of heavy rain. Meanwhile, due to a landslide at Tamhini Ghat on the Raigad-Pune route, traffic has been halted on this Ghat route until the debris is cleared, said the police. Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase spoke to ANI on the heavy rains and said, "It is raining heavily in the hilly areas of Pune in the Western Ghats. We have declared a holiday for all schools, colleges and we are monitoring the situation. We have appealed to industrial establishments also to give their employees a day off today, as in the next three hours, we are expecting heavy to moderately heavy rains in the Pune region." "A person died and one was injured due to a rockslide in Adharwadi village in Pune rural. Three people are trapped in a landslide in Dasve village in Lavasa city. NDRF has been sent for search and rescue. Three people died due to electrocution in Pune city. The CM and DCM, Ajit Pawar, are monitoring the situation. I would like to appeal to citizens not to step out unnecessarily," he said. Additionally, due to continuous rainfall in Pune on Thursday, the catchment area of Khadakwasla Dam had reached its full capacity. The Pune administration increased the speed and released the water into the Mutha River today at 6 a.m. at the rate of 40,000 cusecs, as per information from the District Information Office. Earlier on Thursday, at 4 a.m., water was released at a speed of 27203 cusecs. An alert has been issued to the residents living along the riverbanks to be careful. Additionally, due to heavy rains in Pune on Wednesday night, water entered the houses and buildings located in the Ekta Nagri and Vitthal Nagar areas. The Pune Fire Department has brought boats to evacuate the people from the residences. Additionally, in Mumbai, the Vihar Lake, which is one of the seven lakes supplying water to the entire city, started overflowing at 3:50 a.m. on Thursday. The full storage capacity of the Vihar Lake is 2,769.8 crore litres. Advisories have also been issued to the public to stay indoors and venture out only if necessary. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Maharashtra on Thursday and has predicted extremely heavy rainfall. IMD Director Sunil Kambe said, "Monsoon is very active in Maharashtra. We issued a red alert for Pune yesterday and the city recorded 114 mm of rain and in the Ghat areas, more than 200 mm of rain has been recorded. Mumbai has also received more than 65 mm of rain during the last 24 hours. Today, a yellow alert has been issued in Mumbai and an orange alert for Pune. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to hold nationwide programmes to inform the public across the country about the features and benefits of the Union Budget 2024-25 in wake of the ongoing protest by the opposition parties accusing the budget of being 'discriminatory.' In this regard, the BJP will organise programmes across the country on Saturday and Sunday. Union Ministers and national office bearers will visit prominent places in the country to have detailed discussions with people about the budget. Members of Parliament will visit every district, and programmes will be held in every district regarding Budget 2024-25. An intellectual conference will be organised, wherein people from the PHD Chamber of Commerce will be invited. As per the directions of BJP national president JP Nadda, a programme will be held BJP's National General Secretary, Arun Singh, told ANI. The programmes must highlight the benefits of the Budget for the poor, farmers, SC-STs, and those employed in MSMEs, the directive said. Another source told ANI that the Party has asked state units to designate an office-bearer and to submit a report after the campaign is completed. Leaders have also been asked to highlight various points of the budget on their personal and official social media accounts. On Friday, in a strong rebuttal to the opposition's criticism of Union Budget 2024-25, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday accused the opposition of engaging in mere politics rather than providing constructive feedback on the budget. Speaking on the significance of the budget, Rijiju highlighted its ambitious goals and termed it as a "historical budget" "I want to condemn the remarks made by some opposition leaders on the Budget. The opposition did not say anything about the budget, rather they have just done politics. They have insulted the mandate of the people, which is not right for democracy. After the presentation of the first budget of the historic third term under the leadership of PM Modi, the country wants to see that the discussion on the budget takes place in a good and meaningful manner. The way the leaders of some parties commented during the budget session and the way they gave speeches, I would like to say that they have insulted the House by lowering the dignity of the budget session," Rijiju said. Rijiju urged for a focus on the budget during the parliamentary session. He said that the opposition has insulted the mandate of the people by criticizing the budget. Meanwhile, a two-day meeting of the BJP's organisation ministers is starting on Thursday. The meeting will review the results of the Lok Sabha elections and prepare a new strategy for direct outreach to voters, along with the necessary membership campaign for the election of the president. After the meeting of the organisation ministers, a meeting of the chief ministers of the party-ruled states and state presidents will be held on Saturday and Sunday. (ANI)
Amid the opposition protest, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised his party MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay on Thursday for his remarks during the budget discussion on July 24 in Lok Sabha and said that the Speaker of the House has power to take action. Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that such remarks should not be made by any member and the Speaker has the power to take action. Former judge of the Calcutta High Court and BJP MP from West Bengal, Abhijit Gangopadhyay, got into a fiery exchange with Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi during his maiden speech in Parliament. During his maiden speech, Gangopadhyay's remarks to the opposition members who interrupted him invited criticism and were, however, later expunged from the record. The members of the opposition parties protested on Thursday also against the remarks made in the Lower House on Wednesday and demanded an apology from Gangopadhyay and the government over the MP's remarks. Speaking on the matter, Speaker Om Birla said that all members should make remarks in keeping with the dignity of the House. "While such remarks are expunged, in future, no member should make such remarks in their speeches or make remarks while sitting on their seats," Birla added. He further said that no member should seek to challenge the remarks of the Chair and take care of the dignity of the House. With opposition members still protesting, he said that he has already issued a warning. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday gave a timeline to the Directorate of Enforcement to provide hard copies of up to 8th supplementary charge sheets to accused persons by July 31. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and K Kavitha were produced through video conferencing from Tihar Jail. The court has directed the jail authorities to produce the accused persons in custody through video conferencing on July 31. AAP MP Sanjay Singh was exempted from the hearing as he is attending the Parliament Session. Meanwhile, the court extended the judicial custody of CM Arvind Kejriwal in the CBI case till August 8. In this case, also he was produced virtually from the Tihar Jail. Special judge Kaveri Baweja directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to supply the hard copies of supplementary charge sheets to the accused persons and listed the matter on July 31. Special public prosecutor (SPP) N K Matta appeared for ED and sought time for providing the hard copies of supplementary charge sheets. He said that the soft copies will be provided today. Arvind Kejriwal was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on July 12. Earlier he was granted regular bail by the trial court on June 20. However, he is still in judicial custody in a CBI case linked to the Delhi Excise policy. On July 12, the court directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to supply a copy of the supplementary charge sheet to the counsel of Kejriwal and the other accused also. National Secretary Pankaj Gupta had appeared for Aam Aadmi party before the court. On the last day, another accused, Ashish Mathur, was granted bail on a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh. He was charge-sheeted without arrest by the ED. On July 9, the court took Cognizance on supplementary charge sheet filed against Arvind Kejriwal and AAP. The court had also taken cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet filed against Vinod Chauhan and Ashish Mathur. The court had taken Cognizance of the charge sheets and had issued production warrants for Arvind Kejriwal, Vinod Chauhan and AAP. Summons through IO were issued to Ashish Mathur. Enforcement Directorate had filed a supplementary prosecution complaint (Charge sheet) against Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party on May 17. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21. Another supplementary prosecution complaint was filed by the ED against Vinod Chauhan and Ashish Mathur on July 1. In this money laundering case, ED arrested Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K Kavitha, Sanjay Singh, Arvind Kejriwal and others including businessmen. Opposing the bail plea of Arvind Kejriwal, ASG S V Raju submitted that there is evidence that Kejriwal demanded a bribe of Rs 100 crores, which went to the AAP for the Goa election campaign. It was also argued that Rs. 45 crores was sent by Vinod Chauhan to Chanpreet Singh through hawala dealers. Chanpreet Singh was looking after the AAP Goa election campaign. The ED, while seeking remand, had submitted that the arrestee (Kejriwal ) was shown evidence of Hawala transfers to the tune of approximately Rs 45 crore, which is corroborated with CDR locations, call records, IT-seized data of Hawala firm in Goa, proof of payments being done in part cash and part bill and WhatsApp showing this arrangement. He was also shown multiple statements from witnesses who worked on the AAP campaign in Goa and received cash from one Chanpreet Singh who was working for the AAP campaign in Goa. While opposing the bail application Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju submitted that bribe money was sent for the Goa election by Hawala transaction and Arvind Kejriwal was in touch with Angadiya (Hawala dealers). The bribe money was sent by Vinod Chauhan and it was recieved by Chanpreet Singh Rayat who was handling the election of AAP in Goa. ASG had also referred to the statement of Sagar Patel. As per the statement, three people received cash amount including Chanpreet Singh. ASG submitted that the Instructions were given by Vinod Chauhan to make payments to Chanpreet at Goa and others. The photo of the matching note (used for the Hawala transaction) has been found on the phone of Vinod Chauhan. ASG S V Raju also submitted that Arvind Kejriwal was in touch with Vinod Chauhan through chats. Acknowledgement by Arvind Kejriwal to chats shows proximity with Vinod Chauhan. It was also submitted that Rs 1 crore had been recovered from Vinod Chauhan. It was also submitted that Section 70 of PMLA directly applies to Kejriwal as he is the incharge of AAP which is a company in terms of Section 70 of PMLA, ASG contended. Kejriwal is the national convenor of AAP and in charge of the affairs of the party, ASG said. (ANI)
Around 200 flyers are facing a harrowing experience at Istanbul airport after their IndiGo flight to Delhi got delayed by 12 hours on Thursday. The Indigo Spokesperson informed that IndiGo flight 6E 12, operating from Istanbul to Delhi, was delayed due to a technical issue with the aircraft. The customers were kept informed of the delay, refreshments were served and necessary arrangements were promptly made to ease the wait time at the airport. The same aircraft operated to the destination after necessary checks. IndiGo regrets the inconvenience caused to the passengers due to the delay. The flight has taken off from Istanbul. A passenger informed that after they argued with the airline staff, more security personnel were called to the airport but they still have no clarity on when they will fly back. One of the passengers, Ashok Bagriya, posted on X that over 200 IndiGo passengers, including children and the elderly, travelling from Istanbul to New Delhi have been stranded at Istanbul airport for over 10 hours now. "Indigo Flight to New Delhi was supposed to take off on Wednesday at 20:00 hrs. And there is no explanation for the delay by the airline." Another passenger, Govind Kanakan, posted on X "Pathetic situation at Istanbul Airport for the passengers travelling from Istanbul to Delhi. The Turkish Indigo 6E-12 flight is delayed by over 6 hrs now and the operators are ignorant. The food provided to passengers at the airport is stale. A passenger Hriday Madan posted on X that absolutely pathetic service by Indigo Airlines. "My wife and I are returning from Milan through an Indigo codeshare booking with Turkish Airlines (6E 4156) till Istanbul and 6E 12 further towards Delhi. We landed at 3 pm in Istanbul and now our connecting flight has been delayed to 2am. So there is an 11-hour wait at the airport and there is no representative of Indigo to assist the passengers. It is unfortunate that an Indian airline is treating Indians like this," he posted on X. "From 2 am to 2:30 am and then from 4 am to 5am. Multiple new timelines have been given by Indigo. Hundreds of Indians, including senior citizens and kids, have been stranded for 12 hours straight. Indigo is making a mockery of Indian people and their airline in foreign land," he posted on X. (ANI)
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee, current Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, along with other leaders, paid floral tribute at the Constitution House of the Parliament on Thursday. Birla was accompanied by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh and other leaders at the Constitution House. Birla also took to X, showing respect to the former Speaker and said, "Respectful remembrance of former Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Somnath Chatterjee ji on his birth anniversary. He enhanced the prestige of the Speaker's chair by his efficient and clean conduct of the House. He played an important role in further brightening the aura of our parliamentary democracy by nurturing legislative traditions." Union Minister Jual Oram said, "Remembering Former MP and Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Somnath Chatterjee on his birth anniversary. An outstanding parliamentarian and a man of principle, he was also a voice for the downtrodden. Somnath Chatterjee passed away in 2018 at the age of 89. He was associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and served as the Lok Sabha Speaker from 2004 to 2009 during the UPA-I rule. He was an advocate by profession and became a member of the Lok Sabha in 1971 as an independent candidate supported by the CPI(M). He is one of the longest-serving parliamentarians, having been elected as the MP in Lok Sabha for a total of ten times--from 1971 to 2009--except in the 1984 election where he was defeated by Mamata Banerjee. Chatterjee was elected Speaker of the 14th Lok Sabha after being named pro tem speaker after the 2004 General Election. After Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar, he was the second pro-tem Speaker to be elected to the House by a unanimous vote. He was expelled from the CPI (M) in 2008 for refusing to step down as Speaker following the party's withdrawal of support from the UPA coalition. In 2008, Chatterjee declined to vote against the government in the No-Confidence Motion because doing so would have required her to support the opposition BJP. 2009 saw his retirement from active politics. (ANI)
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched attack on the Karnataka government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleged misuse of funds and involvement in various scams. Joshi also reiterated the BJP's demand for the CM's resignation and investigation by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "The Karnataka government has misused the SC/ST funds. Rs 189 crores were supposed to be transferred but out of that, Rs 89 crores were initially transferred. This was a very big scam. SIT was constituted, and the accused ministers who had resigned after much pressure were not investigated. When the ED entered, they filed an FIR against the ED," Pralhad Joshi said while speaking to ANI on Thursday. He also alleged the involvement of the CM in the Valmiki Board scam in Karnataka. "At the same time, in the MUDA scam, the 14 most valuable sites have been allotted in his wife's name, worth crores. In 2013, he did not declare anything about this land in his affidavit. In 2018, he said its worth was Rs 25 lakh. In 2023, he filed his affidavit stating its value to be Rs 25 crore," he said. "We have demanded the CM to step down and the entire episode should be handed over to the CBI," he added. The BJP MLAs staged a night-long sit-in protest in the Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru on Wednesday against the state government, demanding the resignation of CM Siddaramaiah. Responding to the protests, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the government "does not want to intervene" in the ongoing investigation. "A lot of scams have been done in the BJP regime and their investigation is on. We wanted to reply in the assembly and they wanted to stop us. But in his written speech, CM gave a detailed reply on the number of scams that have happened and how they have happened. SIT was already investigating and now ED and CBI have entered. We don't want to interfere with the investigation," DK Shivakumar said while speaking to reporters on Thursday. Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar said on Thursday that the BJP is unnecessarily creating issues that had happened during their tenure, and it is purely a political drama played by them to get people's attention. Sudhakar dismissed the BJP demanding the CM's resingation over Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam calling it "ridiculous". (ANI)
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards on Thursday. On this occasion, the Minister also inaugurated India's 500th Community Radio Station in the presence of Union Minister of State for I&B Dr L. Murugan and Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lalduhoma. The station 'Apna Radio 90.0 FM' is a station run by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aizawl. Announcing this milestone in India's community radio journey, Vaishnaw said that this initiative will bring a substantive change in the lives of people in the coverage area of Apna Radio station. He further stated that this launch is also a significant milestone in the Government's policy of Act East. The Minister informed the Chief Minister of Mizoram that the Union Budget has made a record allocation under the railway budget for the North East region. This will bolster the long-cherished dream for Mizoram to get good railway connectivity. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said "Apna Radio Station at IIMC Aizawl will write a new chapter in communication for the state. Mizoram is primarily an agrarian state due to its significant agricultural potential. Establishing a community radio station for the farmer community would be highly beneficial, providing them with daily weather updates, government schemes and agriculture-related information." He commended the Ministry of I&B and all other stakeholders for their unwavering support and dedication in turning this project into a reality. Union Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan delved into the socially beneficial nature of such stations and stated that, as against the commercial nature of private radio channels, community radio stations are set up out of a commitment to last-mile information communication. He further added that the role of these stations rises significantly during times of natural disaster. Secretary, Ministry of I&B Sanjay Jaju, also present at the occasion, said that community radio stations play a pivotal role in disseminating information related to agriculture, government schemes for farmer welfare, weather information, etc. They offer a unique platform where alternative voices can be heard and content is delivered in local dialects and regional languages. These community radios are particularly important for the poor and marginalized section of society who lack access to mainstream media. He further stated that the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to foster the development of community radio stations across the country. The Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar said that the inauguration of 'Apna Radio 90.0 FM' is a new chapter in the history of Mizoram, which will bring communities together through dialogue, showcasing local culture, promoting and empowering citizens. In Thematic, Radio Mayur from Saran district, Bihar, got the first prize for the Tech Sakhi programme. Similarly, the second prize was bagged by Radio Kochi, Kerala for 'Nirangal' programme. Hello Doon, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, received the third prize for the Meri Baat programme. In the Most Innovative Community Engagement Award, Yerlawani Sangli from Maharashtra got the first prize for Kahani Sunandachi programme. Similarly, the second and third prizes were received by Vaylaga Vanoli, Madurai of Tamil Nadu, Salaam Namaste of Noida, Uttar Pradesh for Let's Build a New Norm and Maid Didi respectively. In the Promoting Local Culture Award category, Radio Brahmaputra, Dibrugarh, Assam for Igarekun, Radio Kotagiri, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu for En Makkaludan Oru Payanam, Radio Active, Bhagalpur, Bihar for Ang Pradesh ki Adbut Dharohar won first, second and third prize respectively. In the Sustainability Model Award category, Radio Benziger, run by the Bishop Benziger Hospital Society, Kollam, Kerala, won the first prize. The second prize was won by Radio Namaskar, Konark, Odisha run by Young India. Radio Antarwani, Gulbarga, Karnataka, run by Sharanbasbeswara Vidya Vardhak Sangh, won the third award in the Sustainability Model Award Category. The National Community Radio Awards are generally conferred every year. In this series, the Ministry has today announced the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards in four categories. The categories are Thematic Award, Most Innovative Community Engagement Award, Promoting Local Culture Award, and Sustainability Model Award. Each category has First, Second and third prizes of rupees 1.0 lakh, rupees 75 Thousand and rupees 50 thousand respectively. (ANI)
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday announced his intention to contest 200 to 250 seats independently in the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra. In a sharp criticism of the state's administration, Thackeray challenged the financial feasibility of the Mahayuti alliance's plans. He remarked, "The Maharashtra government lacks the funds to repair potholes. How will they find the money for 'Laadli Behen' and 'Laadla Bhai'?" He further commented on the internal conflicts within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), saying, "If both Laadla Bhai and Behen were happy together, then the party wouldn't have split."Highlighting the confusion within the current political landscape, Thackeray stated, "One could not make out which MLA is in which party. In upcoming polls, there will be a rumble fight amongst these parties."Thackeray also addressed speculations of defections within his party. "I heard some of them from my party also want to join someone. I lay a red carpet for them. They can go immediately," he declared."Some candidates will be ready to extort money from other parties. This will not be tolerated. Tickets will be given only based on credibility and winnability," he asserted.In preparation for the upcoming elections, Thackeray revealed that the MNS has been conducting surveys across districts. "There is a trend of surveys these days. So even I had appointed 4 to 5 members for each district to conduct surveys. They spoke to the prominent people and journalists in these areas. Now this team will come again for a second round to talk to you. Give them genuine feedback," he urged.Thackeray announced that he will begin a Maharashtra tour starting August 1 to engage in detailed discussions with party workers and supporters. "We will fight 200 to 250 seats in upcoming assembly polls. At any cost, I want to make my party worker sit in power. I want you to work hard for the upcoming polls," he said. In the 2019 Assembly election, the MNS only won 1 seat. During the recent Lok Sabha polls the MNS supported the BJP. Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held later this year with the tenure of the current state assembly ending in 2024. However, the Election Commission of India has yet to announce the dates.In the recent parliamentary elections, Congress emerged as the largest party in the state, with 13 Lok Sabha MPs, and along with Shiv Sena UBT's 9 and the NCP (Pawar)'s 8 MPs, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) won 30 seats out of the total number of 48 constituencies in Maharashtra. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said that the government would soon release a list of Muda sites illegally allotted by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, he said, "The media had reported that Muda sites in question were allotted by the BJP two years ago. The BJP could have admitted it during the discussion in the session. They are scared that their misdeeds will come out." "We allowed detailed discussions on the Valmiki Development Corporation scam and the BJP leaders raised many issues. But the same BJP did not allow Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to respond fearing being exposed. But the CM exposed BJP's scams in writing. The government has ordered an inquiry into all those scams," he explained. "The guilty will be punished in the Valmiki Development Corporation case. BJP is now raising a hue and cry about Muda. The Chief Minister has already ordered an investigation, let the Opposition parties provide any documentation they have. There is nothing wrong with the allocation of sites to CM as per the rules. If any irregularity happened, it happened during the BJP's rule," he said. "Investigations are on and we will expose BJP's scams during the tenure of BS Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai. They are trying to obstruct the functioning of the Assembly, we will expose all their scams," he added. Asked about the BJP's plan to carry out a padayatra from Bengaluru to Mysuru to protest Muda irregularities, he said, "Let them walk to Delhi, we will release the list and expose their scams." Asked if the siphoned-off funds in the Bhovi Development Corporation have been recovered, he said, "I am not aware of details of the investigation, I only learnt about it from the media. The BJP has cheated the scheduled castes, tribes and other backward classes. The people have elected us because they could not stand BJP's corruption." (ANI)
Launching a scathing attack against the Centre over the Union Budget 2024-25, Delhi Finance Minister Atishi said that injustice is being done to the people of Delhi. "Two days ago Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led central govt presented the union budget. Delhi government has raised this issue regarding how injustice is being done to Delhi govt and the people of Delhi," said Atishi. The Delhi Finance Minister highlighted that the people of the national capital paid Rs 2.60 lakh crore of tax but the centre has not allocated enough funds for the welfare of Delhi. "The people of Delhi paid tax of Rs 2.60 lakh crore and the people of Delhi demanded that Delhi should get at least five per cent of this from the budget. But, what the people of Delhi got was a disappointment," said Atishi. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj expressed dissatisfaction saying that tax is collected from the entire country but the fund has been allocated to only two states Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. "The people of Delhi, who gave all seven seats to the BJP, have been snubbed by the BJP. The states that gave the maximum number of seats to the BJP were not given anything but the two crutches on which the central government has to run, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, were given a special package... You are just trying to save the government... Tax is being collected from the whole country but the expenditure is being made in only two states... This is wrong." Notably, the BJP is set to hold nationwide programmes to inform the public across the country about the features and benefits of the Union Budget 2024-25 in the wake of the ongoing protest by the opposition parties accusing the budget of being 'discriminatory.' In this regard, the BJP will organise programmes across the country on Saturday and Sunday. Union Ministers and national office bearers will visit prominent places in the country to have detailed discussions with people about the budget. Members of Parliament will visit every district, and programmes will be held in every district regarding Budget 2024-25. (ANI)
This year's Combined Civil Service Examination (Main) will start on Friday. The examination is conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission.

The Chief Minister said that the decision to make all questions available in Assamese was made by the Assam Public Service Commission as per the instructions of the Assam government.

"The Combined Civil Service Examination starts tomorrow. For the first time in history, all questions will be in Assamese in addition to English, as per Govt of Assam's instructions," Sarma said in a post on X

"Kudos to the Assam Public Service Commission for this historic move," he added.

According to the Assam Public Service Commission, the decision was aimed at improving accessibility for Assamese-speaking candidates.

There are six papers in the Combined Civil Service Examination (Main). And the exams for them will be conducted on July 26, 27 and 28. (ANI)
CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar expressed his disappointment with the Union Budget 2024 and said that this is an anti-federal budget and Kerala did not get anything. He alleged that the budget was prepared arbitrarily to save the alliance and should be scrapped and reforms should be introduced based on federal structure. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar said, "This Budget is just to save their government, and nothing more than that. A few states received more but we have no issues with that, it is alright. Bihar and Andhra Pradesh should indeed get funds but there is federalism in the country. But this is an anti-federal Budget. The system of preparing the Budget arbitrarily should be scrapped and a new system should be brought in, in the days to come - this is what we demand. Every state should be considered. Kerala didn't get anything. This is the worst budget of independent India." He further said that the Kerala government had given a proposal for a project but it did not get even 10 percent to start working on it. Earlier Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan 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. 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)
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu released a white paper in the assembly and claimed that Andhra Pradesh had become the "Ganja capital" of the country under Reddy's rule.

He stated, "Pablo Escobar is a Colombian drug lord, he is a Narco terrorist. He turned politician and then started his cartel to sell drugs. He earned 30 Billion Dollars at that time, now it's 90 Billion Dollars' worth. He was arrested in 1976 and in 1980 he became the number one richest drug lord in the world."

"One can become richer by selling drugs as well. What was the aim of former Chief Minister (YS Jagan)?"

He further said, "Tata, Reliance, and Ambani have money and he aspired to become richer than them. Few have needs, few have greed and few have mania and these maniacs do these kinds of things."

The TDP fought the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections as well as the Lok Sabha polls in partnership with the BJP and the Jana Sena Party.

Chief Minister Naidu had led the TDP-BJP-Jana Sena National Democratic Alliance to a landslide victory in the Assembly as well as parliamentary elections. The TDP holds the majority in Andhra Pradesh's 175-member assembly with 135 MLAs, while its allies, the Janasena Party, have 21 and BJP has eight. The opposition YSR Congress Party was confined to 11. (ANI)
Central Government has allotted a bungalow in Lutyens to Aam Admi Party (AAP) for office space on a temporary basis for three years. This came after Delhi High Court had set a timeline for Centre to decide the request of AAP. Advocate Rishikesh Kumar told ANI that a bungalow at Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane has been allotted to AAP on a temporary basis. Our team will see the suitability and other factors. We have time till August 10 to vacate the present office premises at Rouse Avenue. On July 16, the Delhi HC granted 10 days to Centre to decide the request of AAP for temporary allotment of land for office space. Center had sought four weeks to decide the request of AAP. Justice Sanjeev Narula refused to grant four weeks. He granted ten days to decide the representation. Advocate Kirtimaan Singh had appeared for the central government and sought time to decide the representation. The six weeks is coming to an end tomorrow. Senior advocate Rahul Mehra had appeared for AAP and opposed the request for granting 4 weeks to Centre. On June 5, the High Court granted six weeks to decide the request for temporary allotment of land for office space. The High Court had decided a petition of Aam Aadmi Party seeking allotment of a space to use as its party office till the permanent allotment of land for construction its office. The High Court had said that Aam Aadmi Party is entitled to use a housing unit as its party office till the permanent allotment of land for construction of its office. Justice Subramonium Prasad had said, " The dispute regarding allotment of land to the Petitioner cannot be a reason to deprive the Petitioner from its entitlement to be given a housing unit to be used as a temporary office in accordance with the Consolidated Instructions for allotment of Government Accommodation from General Pool to National and State level Political Parties." "The fact as to whether the Petitioner would be entitled to a plot of land in Central Delhi or not is subject matter of another Writ Petition," Justice Prasad said in the judgement passed on June 5. The bench had said, "This Court can take judicial notice of the fact that there has always been pressure on the Pool of house available for allotment to the officers but that pressure has not deterred allotment of houses to other political parties for office purposes in accordance with the Consolidated Instructions for allotment of Government Accommodation from General Pool to National and State level Political Parties." "The fact that there is a huge pressure cannot be the only reason for the Respondents to deny the Petitioner its right to be allotted an accommodation from the GPRA for setting up its party office," the bench had observed. The High Court had noted that there is no material on record to show that the said request of the petitioner has been rejected. The High Court had directed the Central Government to consider the request of the Petitioner within six weeks from today and take a decision by passing a detailed order as to why even one housing unit from the GPRA cannot be allotted to the Petitioner when all other political parties have been allotted similar accommodation from the GPRA. "Let a detailed order deciding the request of the Petitioner be provided to the Petitioner so that the Petitioner can take other remedial steps available to it under law if the request of the Petitioner is not being considered adequately," the High court had ordered. While deciding the petition, the High court also took note of the Consolidated guidelines for allotment of GPRA to Political parties which says that; The National Political Parties, recognised by the Election Commission of India, shall be allowed to retain/secure allotment of one housing unit from General Pool in Delhi for their office use on payment of the normal licence fee. Secondly, The said accommodation will be provided for a period of three years during which the party would acquire a plot of land in an institutional area and will construct its own accommodation for the party office. The High Court said that a perusal of the said clause indicates that National Political Parties have a right to retain/secure allotment of one housing unit from General Pool in Delhi for their office use on payment of licence fee and the said accommodation will be provided for a period of three years during which the party would acquire a plot of land in an institutional area and will construct its own accommodation for party office. The High Court also took note of the submissions that The Petitioner was offered Plots No 3, 7 and 8, Sector VI, Saket, for construction of their office in their capacity as a State Party in 2014, however, the offer was rejected by the Petitioner. It is the case of the Central Government that had the Petitioner taken the land offered to them in 2014, their office would have been constructed by 2017 and the Petitioner would have had a permanent office. It is the case of the Center that the Petitioner was allotted Bungalow No 206, Rouse Avenue on December 31, 2015, to be used as its temporary party office and the Petitioner should have constructed its office in the meantime. The said argument cannot be accepted. The fact that the Petitioner has not accepted the allotment of Plots in Saket, for construction of their permanent office as a State Party in 2014 or the fact that the Petitioner has not responded to the offer of the L&DO regarding allotment of Plots No. P2 & P3 Sector VI, Saket, to the Petitioner for construction of its Party Office as a National Party in 2024, is of no consequence and cannot be taken an argument to deny the Petitioner a temporary accommodation to be used as a party office for a period of three years, as the claim of the Petitioner is on the basis of the fact that it is a National Party. However, the High Court had said that the Petitioner is not the GNCTD and Plots No.23 and 24, DDU Marg, were given to the GNCTD and not to the Petitioner and, therefore, the Petitioner does not have right to claim the said Plots. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute to the brave heroes who laid down their lives for the country on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas here on Thursday. In his message issued on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Chief Minister said, "Uttarakhand also has a tradition of sacrificing for the country. In the Kargil war, a large number of brave sons of Uttarakhand sacrificed their lives to protect the country." The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to the welfare of soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families. The Chief Minister said that "the Indian Army has always raised the honour of the country with its valour. We are proud of the bravery of our soldiers. The whole world recognises the indomitable courage and valour of the Indian Army. The nation will always remember the sacrifice of brave soldiers to protect the country's borders in the Kargil war." Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26 in India, commemorates the victory of Operation Vijay in 1999. This event marks the conclusion of the Kargil War between India and Pakistan, which began in May 1999. During this conflict, Indian forces successfully reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists. The day honours the courage of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation and celebrates the determination and strength of the Indian armed forces. Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a tribute to their sacrifices and reaffirms the nation's commitment to protecting its sovereignty and integrity. The 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas will be celebrated with great enthusiasm this year on July 26 across the country. (ANI)
Additional Director of the Gujarat Health Department Nilam Patel said that a total of 23 positive cases of Chandipura virus have been detected across the state till July 24 and 10 deaths have been confirmed due to the virus. Nilam Patel, Additional Director (Public Health) of the State Health Department said, "23 positive cases of Chandipura virus have been confirmed with a total of 121 cases based on symptoms have been reported across the state, till July 24, 6 of these cases are from out of Gujarat - 3 from Rajasthan, 2 from MP and 1 from Maharashtra. We have prepared all doctors and field staff due to which surveillance is going well. Overall, 40 deaths have occurred so far - of these 10 are confirmed cases of Chandipura." He further said that patients are being admitted to hospitals for early diagnosis so that mortality rate could be reduced. "Chief Minister held a meeting and it was decided that in villages wherever there are weak houses, the disease spreads through sandflies and dusting with Malathion powder can kill sandflies. In more than 4,300 villages Malathion powder dusting has been done in mud houses. In 2 lakh houses, Malathion powder has been sprayed. In more than 1000 villages intra-residual spraying has been done. Surveillance has been strengthened," he further said. He further said that in Gujarat there is Biotechnology research centre where testing facilities have been provided. "23 cases of Chandipura virus have been confirmed in the state till now, 41 patients have been admitted," he added. Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of Rhabdoviridae family known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks in western, central, and southern parts of the Country, especially during the monsoon season. It is transmitted by vectors such as sand flies and ticks. It is to be noted that vector control, hygiene, and awareness are the only measures available against the disease. The disease affects mostly children under 15 years of age and can be present with a febrile illness that may in some cases result in death. Although there is no specific treatment available for CHPV and management is symptomatic, timely referral of suspected AES cases to designated facilities can improve outcomes. Since early June 2024, cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) have been reported in children under 15 years of age in Gujarat. As of July 20, 2024, a total of 78 AES cases have been reported, with 75 from 21 districts/corporations in Gujarat, 2 from Rajasthan, and 1 from Madhya Pradesh. Of these, 28 cases have resulted in death. Among the 76 samples tested at NIV Pune, 9 have been confirmed positive for Chandipura Virus (CHPV). All 9 CHPV-positive cases and 5 associated deaths are from Gujarat. (ANI)
"This came as some colleges were scheduling two consecutive Value Addition Course classes. The move would be detrimental to students' learning experiences," the university said.

"In light of this, it is advised that the value addition course schedule should not include two consecutive theory/practical classes. Colleges should not allocate more than two hours per day for Value Addition Courses," the notification stated.

"These instructions must be adhered to meticulously," the university added.

However, the new guidelines have faced significant criticism from within the academic community.

Mithuraj Dhusiya, a member of the Delhi University Academic Council, termed it just cosmetic changes, saying these are not enough.

"Students and teachers have been consistently questioning the relevance of these VAC courses at a time when more time needs to be devoted to discipline-specific specialisation," said Dhusiya.

Adding to the criticism, Abha Dev, Associate Professor at Miranda House, pointed out the procedural and practical issues.

"The Competent Authority blames colleges for scheduling four continuous hours for VAC courses. The notice remains silent on the fact that these decisions are not taken by colleges but by the Cluster Coordinators who are appointed by the same Competent Authority. Today, colleges have to wait for VAC and SEC slots to be decided by the Cluster Coordinators before any timetable exercise can even begin," Dev added. (ANI)
Ahead of the 25th Anniversary of the Kargil War, Retired Brigadier Kushal Thakur, then commanding officer of the 18 Grenadiers said that 34 jawans of his unit sacrificed their lives to recapture two crucial peaks of Tololing and Tiger Hill in the Drass sector but it feels good to see their families smiling again. Retired Brig Kushal Thakur said, " As a commanding officer, I have a lot of bittersweet memories but it is important to sacrifice certain things for the country. 34 jawans sacrificed their lives. I still have the memories of those jawans and they will be with me till I die. Their families' also made a lot of sacrifices. Today when I see those families they have suffered huge losses. Youths belonging to the age group 22 or 23 lost their lives and their children who were a few months old could not see the faces of their fathers. After 25 years they could overcome that sadness and it feels good to see them smiling again." He further said that 25 jawans sacrificed their lives at Tololing while 9 jawans sacrificed their lives at Tiger Hill. "Talking about the gallantries, 18 Grenadiers today has Theatre Honour Kargil, Battle Honour Tiger Hill, Battle Honour Tololing, and 52 bravery awards which is a record in the Indian Army," he added. CDS General Anil Chauhan graced the Shaurya Sandhya event, organised at Kargil War Memorial in Drass with 545 lamps - each symbolising a braveheart - lit here. Thagi Ram Gogoi, father of Kargil hero Capt Juntu Gogoi said, "We feel proud of him. We don't feel like 25 years have passed. These 25 years have passed without war. Those who lost their lives fighting for the country, they sacrificed their lives for our tomorrow. I have come from Golaghat in Assam. I still feel proud of my son" Dulu Gogoi, mother of Kargil hero Capt Juntu Gogoi said that she had only one son. "I lost him but I don't feel sad because he sacrificed his life for the country," she added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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. (ANI)
Tirath Singh, who is believed to own several gun houses in the area had kept forged gun licenses in his newly under-construction building, said the police officials.

Acting on a tip-off, the raid was conducted in the presence of a magistrate at the building and a bag containing 435 gun licences was recovered along with some other documents.

An FIR has been registered and further investigations are being conducted to determine the scope of the racket and identify other persons involved, further said the police officials. (ANI)
A BJP-JDS delegation met Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in Bengaluru and requested a CBI inquiry into the alleged scam at the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The delegation included Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra, R Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, and JD(S) MLA CB Suresh Babu. The delegation told the governor that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation was necessary since his family was involved in the scam. On Thursday, MLAs of the BJP and JD(S) held a night-long protest inside the Karnataka Vidhan Soudha and slept inside the assembly after their demand for a discussion in the House was not allowed by the Speaker. The BJP MLAs had entered the well of the House, insisting on a thorough investigation into the scam. Earlier, a complaint was filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. The complaint alleges wrongdoing by Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathy, his brother-in-law Malikarjuna Swamy Devaraj, who claimed to be a landowner, and his family. It was further alleged that MUDA created fake documents and obtained plots worth crores of rupees. Snehamayi Krishna has raised several questions in his complaint. The BJP demands that the land given to the CM's family should be returned. The opposition accused Siddaramaiah of usurping the lands that belonged to the Dalit community. "We will not allow injustice towards Dalits. The land given to the CM's family should be returned. Approximately five thousand plots were allotted randomly, and these too should be returned to the government," BY Vijayendra said on Thursday. Meanwhile, in a counter-allegation, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said that the government would soon release a list of MUDA sites illegally allotted by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, he said, "The media had reported that Muda sites in question were allotted by the BJP two years ago. The BJP could have admitted it during the discussion in the session. They are scared that their misdeeds will come out." "We allowed detailed discussions on the Valmiki Development Corporation scam and the BJP leaders raised many issues. But the same BJP did not allow Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to respond fearing being exposed. But the CM exposed the BJP's scams in writing. The government has ordered an inquiry into all those scams," he explained. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with former Prime Minister HD Devegowda at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi on Thursday and said that Devegowda's wisdom and perspective on various subjects are deeply valued. In a post on X, PM said, "It was an honour to meet former Prime Minister, Shri HD Devegowda Ji at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. His wisdom and perspective on various subjects are deeply valued. I am also thankful for the artwork that he gave me, taking my mind back to my recent visit to Kanyakumari. @H_D_Devegowda @hd_kumaraswamy" During the meeting Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy also accompanied Devegowda. Earlier, when PM Modi called JD(S) Chief HD Deve Gowda and shared his thoughts and ideas on the new government, Deve Gowda in a post on X, said that Prime Minister Modi's warmth made him emotional. "PM Narendra Modi ever called me to share his thoughts and ideas on the new government. He enquired about my health too. I am grateful for his care and concern. His warmth made me emotional. May the almighty's blessings always be on him. May he lead India to greater glory," HD Devegowda posted on X. Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy, who took oath as Union Minister, has been appointed as Minister of Heavy Industries; and Minister of Steel on Monday. Janata Dal (Secular) JD(S) won only two seats in the Lok Sabha polls. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has won its third successive term in Lok Sabha polls. The NDA won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha polls with the BJP getting 240 seats. (ANI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday visited flood-affected areas in Ekta Nagar and Vitthal Nagar of Pune city to take stock of the situation. He was seen addressing the issues of the public in the region and constantly monitoring the situation. After his visit, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, "There was never such an issue of waterlogging or flooding here in these areas but we don't know why it happened this time. We will talk to the locals and ask what they have to say about it. I spoke to them. We will speak to the technical team on this issue on what can be done next and take a further decision. For records and observations, the collector of the city, the commissioner of police and one official from the revenue department and the municipal corporation will come and do the needful." Meanwhile, amid the heavy rain in Pune, the District Fire Brigade on Thursday rescued 70 people who had been stranded in the flood waters in the Nimbjanagar area of the city following heavy downpours. The officials of the Pune Fire Brigade were conducting rescue and relief work in the city that had been submerged in above-knee-level rainwater after being pounded by heavy showers. Meanwhile, as the state of Maharashtra faces the effects of continuous rainfall, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took stock of the situation in the state on Thursday. CM called the Raigad collector, told him to help all flood-affected people and assured him of all the help. Traffic has been halted at Tamhini Ghat on the Raigad-Pune route following debris from a landslide as a result of the heavy rains. According to Raigad Police, "Traffic is stopped at Tamhini Ghat in the Raigad-Pune route due to a landslide. Traffic will be stopped for the next few hours until the debris is cleared." The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a press release and said, "Isolated extremely heavy rainfall very likely over ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra during July 25-27 and in Konkan & Goa on 25 and 26 July and Gujarat region on 25th July." IMD observed that exceptionally heavy rainfall occurred over ghat areas of Pune. In Tamini, the recorded rainfall was around 56 centimetres. (ANI)
Telangana Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister Captain N Uttam Kumar Reddy welcomed the Telangana Budget 2024-25, presented by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. He stated that the budget demonstrates a clear vision for Hyderabad's transformation into a world-class city.Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasised that the significant budgetary allocations and well-defined projects addressing key challenges reflect the Congress government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Hyderabad's residents and solidifying its position as a leading economic and cultural hub, said an official statement. "The Telangana budget has placed Hyderabad at the forefront of its development agenda, allocating a substantial Rs 10,000 crores to transform the state capital into a modern, sustainable, and citizen-centric metropolis. The budget outlines a multi-pronged approach, addressing key areas such as infrastructure, transportation, disaster management, and environmental rejuvenation," he said. Mentioning the Metro service, Reddy said that the Congress Government proposes to expand the Metro Rail by developing 78.4 km of five extended corridors with an outlay of Rs 24,042 crores. This expansion will connect key areas, including the Old City and Shamshabad Airport, providing citizens with a convenient and efficient mode of transportation. The budget also proposes developing Nagole, LB Nagar, and Chandrayanagutta stations as interchanges, further enhancing connectivity.The minister also welcomed the allocation of significant funds to strengthen civic bodies responsible for Hyderabad's development. These include Rs 3,065 crore for GHMC, Rs 500 crore for HMDA, and Rs 3,385 crore for the Metro Water Works. He said these funds would enable the civic bodies to enhance services and infrastructure. Similarly, the allocations of Rs 200 crore for HYDRAA, Rs 100 crore for extending the Metro to the airport, Rs 200 crore for ORR development, Rs 500 crore for the extension of the Metro to the Old City, Rs 50 crore for MMTS, and Rs 1,500 crores for the Musi Riverfront project would boost development in all areas, including the Old City. The Musi River, once the city's lifeline, has suffered from neglect and pollution. He said that the Musi Riverfront Development project, modelled after the Thames Riverfront Project in London, would rejuvenate the river and its surrounding areas.Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that establishing HYDRAA (Hyderabad Disaster Relief and Asset Protection Agency) would serve as a model for the entire country to ensure a coordinated and effective disaster response mechanism.He also welcomed the allocation of Rs 22,301 crores for the irrigation department. According to him, these funds would ensure the completion of six pending irrigation projects, which are in the final stages of completion. As announced in the budget speech, 12 projects would be completed in the next financial year. Furthermore, he said the budget would be utilised to properly maintain existing large, medium, and small projects in the state.He also clarified that there was no reduction in the overall budget for the irrigation department. "The reduction in the overall budget appears to be due to the expected decrease in the loan interest repayment burden, as the State Government is negotiating with financial institutions. In fact, the scheme budget has increased from Rs 9,381 crores in 2023-24 to Rs 10,829 crores in 2024-25," the Irrigation Minister explained. He also welcomed the allocation of Rs 3,836 crores for the Civil Supplies Department. He noted that the budget speech covered how the Congress Government, during the last six months, recovered Rs 450 crores from defaulting millers and initiated action under the Revenue Recovery Act against 60 millers for collecting Rs 509 crores in arrears. Additionally, the Civil Supplies Department was able to secure Rs 3,561.64 crores in dues from the Central Government and FCI, while the department's loans were reduced by Rs 1,323.86 crores, further added the official statement.He also praised the Deputy CM for allocating Rs 72,659 crores for agriculture and allied sectors, including Rs 31,000 crores for the crop loan waiver alone and said that the full budget presented in the Assembly promises a bright future for present and future generations of Telangana. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kargil on July 26 on the occasion of 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas and pay homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. PM Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial at around 9:20 am and pay tributes to the bravehearts. "Tomorrow, 26th July, is a very special day for every Indian. We will mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tributes to our brave heroes. Work will also commence for the Shinkun La Tunnel Project. This project is important to improve connectivity to Leh, especially during bad weather," PM Modi said in a post on X. The Prime Minister will carry out the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project, virtually. An official release said that Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel which will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu - Padum - Darcha Road to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh. Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world. Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of the country's armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates success of Operation Vijay in 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)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday allowed Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to have two additional legal meetings with his counsels through video conferencing from Tihar Jail where he is lodged. He sought two additional legal meetings through video conferencing from Tihar Jail. He is in judicial custody in the Delhi Excise policy case. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna allowed the petition moved on behalf of Arvind Kejriwal. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna held that in recognition of the fundamental right of fair trial and effective legal representation, the petitioner be granted two additional legal meetings with the Counsel through video conferencing in a week, till he is confined to Jail. " It can also not be ignored that similar relief of additional legal meetings has been allowed to co-accused Sanjay Singh. While the Learned special counsel for the ED has explained that the said Order was essentially ex parte, is not tenable since the respondents had appeared in the end while the Order was being passed and even thereafter, it has not been challenged by the State," Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said in the order. The High court also observed that the Jail policy has been enacted by the concerned Jail Authority after having due regard to all the modalities and the infrastructural capacity and number of the inmates of the jail. Therefore, generally, the courts are slow to interfere in the matters of policy. "However, when balancing the policy with the fundamental rights of the jail inmate, the request of the petitioner for two additional legal meetings with his lawyers through video conferencing, in the given circumstance of huge number of cases pending against him, cannot be termed unreasonable," the bench held. The bench said, " the opposition that no special status can be given to the petitioner as available to other jail inmates, again has no merit because it is not a situation of seeking any special favour as it has sought to argued on behalf of the State, but it is a fundamental right which is sought to be enforce." On July 18, the High Court had reserved order on Arvind Kejriwal's plea seeking two additional legal meetings with his lawyers through video conferencing from Jail. His plea was opposed by the counsel for Jail authorities and Enforcement Directorate (ED). Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta appeared for Arvind Kejriwal. Jail Authorities had opposed the plea and submitted that jail rule does not permits additional meetings. Changing the format from meeting from physical to video conferencing does not make any difference. Advocate Zoheb Hossain appeared for Enforcement Directorate (ED) had submitted that the application is not maintainable as it has become infructuous because accused is no more in ED's custody after getting interim bail from the Supreme court. ED's Counsel also submitted that all accused are given equal treatment in jail. Everyone has been granted only two legal meetings. On the other hand, Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta had opposed the submissions and contended that there is no harm in giving him two additional legal meetings. He also submitted that ED did not opposed the facility granted to other accused. Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta appeared for Arvind Kejriwal and submitted that applicant is seeking additional legal meetings with his counsel. There is nothing wrong in it. The Rouse Avenue court July 1, denied Kejriwal two additional meetings with his lawyers through video conferencing (VC) from Tihar Jail. Special judge Kaveri Baweja dismissed the application moved on behalf of Arvind Kejriwal. He had moved an application seeking directions to the Jail Authorities for granting two additional meetings with his lawyers through VC. Special judge said, " Learned counsel for Applicant has failed to convince the court as to how the applicant is entitled to two additional legal meetings through VC on the same grounds which have been discussed and dealt with in the earlier order. There appears to be no reason whatsoever to take a different view on the basis of the contents of the application under consideration." It also said that It is not in dispute that a similar application filed by the applicant seeking the same relief of additional legal meetings with his lawyers was dismissed by this court vide a detailed order of 10.04.2024. The Court observed, " The application under consideration discloses no new/fresh ground to take a view different from the earlier order dated 10.04.2024. The order dated 22.02.2024 and relief granted to co-accused Sanjay Singh has already been discussed and differentiated in order dated 10.04.2024." Thus, having considered the submissions made and the observations already made in the order of 10.04.2024, I see no reason whatsoever to allow the application under consideration. The application is accordingly dismissed," the court ordered on July 1. It was submitted that Kejriwal is facing about 30 litigations throughout the country and requires two additional meeting with his lawyers through VC for discussing about the cases, claiming his right to fair trial. The counsel for Kejriwal also submitted that after filing of this application, the Applicant has been arrested in one more case by the CBI. Further, co-accused Sanjay Singh was allowed additional legal meetings by an order of 22.02.2024. (ANI)
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began speaking to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, more than 5,000 protesters massed on the streets near Capitol Hill, waving Palestinian flags and chanting for United States to stop arming Israel. During his address, the Israeli Prime Minister also urged the American leaders to provide bipartisan support to the war-ridden country, amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Some groups of demonstrators attempted to barricade Netanyahu's potential routes to the Capitol, with one group handing out an effigy of the prime minister in handcuffs and the other group even burning the American flag. During his address to Congress, Netanyahu called out Iran for funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America. Netanyahu went on to call protesters "Iran useful idiots." "Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory," Netanyahu strongly emphasised the strategic role of Israel in countering Iran. Netanyahu did not mention a ceasefire by name or discuss the status of the deal that Israel and Hamas have been negotiating for weeks, something the Biden administration desperately wants to get done. However, he did say that the war could end if Hamas surrendered its arms and returned hostages. During his remarks, the Israeli prime minister called the Hamas terror attack on October "a day that will forever live in infamy, comparing it to the attacks on Pearl Harbour and 911." The Israeli PM praised US President Joe Biden for his efforts to free hostages held by Hamas. "I think Biden and I have known each other for 40 years," Netanyahu said, adding, "I want to thank him for half a century of friendship with Israel." Moreover, Biden and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet at the White House on Thursday. Netanyahu did not shy away from praising former US president and Republican candidate Donald Trump for his support of Israel. Netanyahu also said he was happy that the former president emerged safe and sound from the shooting in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, more than 30 members of Congress did not attend Netanyahu's address, in protest of the Israeli Prime Minister's approach to the Israel-Hamas war. Elon Musk attended the Netanyahu address in Washington as one of the Israeli Prime Minister's special guests. (ANI)
The UK-India Technology Security Initiative will set out a bold new approach for how the two nations will work together on the defining technologies of this decade, including telecom, critical minerals, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, the British High Commission stated. The new UK-India Technology Security Initiative agreed on delivering crucial collaboration on telecoms security and unlocking investment across emerging technologies. The new initiative will refresh and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on boosting economic growth in both countries. "The UK and India, both agreed to closer collaboration on tackling climate change, accelerating green energy partnerships on off-shore wind and green hydrogen, and unlocking green growth opportunities," the British High Commission said in a release. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the UK-India Technology Security Initiative during his first visit to India in his role, where he met senior Indian Government officials including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of the government's reset with the global south. The Initiative has been spearheaded and 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 the defining technologies of this decade - telecoms, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health/biotech, advanced materials and semiconductors," the High Commission stated. This first-of-its-kind agreement, delivered by the UK Foreign Secretary on behalf of the British PM, further builds on a series of partnerships between the British and Indian governments, industry, and academia. Further, the respective National Security Advisers will take this agreement forward to ensure the collective potential of UK-Indian critical technologies is harnessed. The announcement is part of a wider package of announcements the Foreign Secretary agreed to following bilateral meetings in New Delhi with PM Modi and Minister for External Affairs Jaishankar to refresh the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Moreover, the initiative will drive forward a bilateral partnership that is framed on boosting economic growth and deepening cooperation across key issues, including trade, technology, education, culture and climate. Meanwhile, a new Pound 7-million funding call for Future Telecoms research was also announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India's Department of Science and Technology, under the India-UK science, technology, and innovation partnership, the British High Commission said. The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, assured that the British government will put growth at the heart of their foreign policy. "That's 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," he said. 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," the UK Foreign Secretary emphasised. He further said that the UK and India are also accelerating 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 added. Secretary of State for Science, Peter Kyle, said that 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," the British High Commission said. The Foreign Secretary agreed with the Minister for External Affairs to deepen the partnership on climate, including to mobilise finance and unlocking new clean growth opportunities. This includes strengthening the India-UK 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 statement read. As well as work on off-shore-wind and green hydrogen, the UK and India agreed to deepen our partnership on forests and on building resilient cities of the future. (ANI)
In a bold and defiant move against what they term as ongoing Baloch genocide and exploitation, Baloch rights activists have announced plans for a monumental gathering and resistance initiative in Gwadar, Balochistan. Maharang Baloch, a prominent advocate for Baloch rights, declared the upcoming event as the Baloch National Assembly, slated to commence on July 28. "The Baloch National Assembly will be a historic public referendum against Baloch genocide, exploitation of Baloch coast and resources in the form of so-called mega projects and turning Balochistan into a prison in the name of security and will also be the beginning of a powerful public resistance," Maharang Baloch asserted in a statement on X. The announcement comes amidst escalating tensions over what activists describe as decades-long oppression akin to colonial rule imposed on Balochistan. The region, known for its rich natural resources, has been a focal point of development initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, local inhabitants decry these projects, alleging minimal benefits and widespread deprivation. "Balochistan has endured seven decades of atrocities and oppression reminiscent of a colonial regime. Despite being indigenous to this land for millennia, the Baloch people live under constant threat, facing disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and economic marginalisation," Baloch Yakjehti Committee, said, in a post on X. Criticism also targets the development claims made by the Pakistani state, particularly focusing on Gwadar, which has been heralded as the linchpin of CPEC. Residents of Gwadar, however, contend with severe infrastructure deficiencies, including scarce access to clean drinking water and erratic electricity supply amidst scorching temperatures. "Development touted by the state has only exacerbated our plight, converting our homes into prisons while our ancestral lands are exploited for economic gains," the post added, underscoring the paradox between state-promoted development narratives and ground realities. The upcoming Baloch National Assembly aims to galvanise widespread public support against what activists perceive as state-sponsored repression and economic exploitation. The event seeks to unify Baloch voices in a collective demand for justice, autonomy, and recognition of Baloch national rights. "We refuse to remain silent amidst our people's suffering and the systematic erosion of our cultural and economic heritage. The Baloch Solidarity Committee invites all Baloch nationals to join us in Gwadar to launch a unified movement against oppression," the post read. (ANI)
Russia and India will hold an international educational tele-bridge on July 29 to commemorate the 225th anniversary of Aleksander Pushkin's birth. Students from ten Indian states studying Russian as a foreign language will increase their knowledge through direct communication with experts in the fields of philology and linguo-cultural studies, TV BRICS reported. The teleconference will be organised by the international outreach project "Modern Russian" of the TV BRICS international media network in cooperation with the Indian Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature and with the support of the Russian House in New Delhi. "The Russian language is worth studying just for the sake of its richest fiction. In India, there is great interest in the language in which Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Pushkin, Turgenev, and other great authors wrote. New departments of the Russian language are appearing in universities. There is still a high demand for specialists with knowledge of Russian in the state and academic spheres. Russian remains the language of international communication; it is not only one of the UN languages but also the language of communication with the CIS countries and several Slavic nations," said Charanjit Singh, President of the Indian Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature, as reported by TV BRICS. The forthcoming teleconference will be the fourth, but this time the largest in terms of participation. More than 20 higher education institutions from the states of Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal, Punjab, and Haryana have announced their intention to join the video meeting. These include the country's largest institutions of higher learning: Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, Delhi University, English and Foreign Languages University in Hyderabad, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara, and the University of Punjab in Chandigarh. The topic of the upcoming Russia-India teleconference is "Reading is the best teaching. Reflections on Happiness". It will be hosted by Tamara Skok, Director of the Department of Innovative Linguistic Projects at TV BRICS, and Aleksandra Burman, Head of International Projects at TV BRICS. The moderators will work from a studio set up at the All-Russian State Library for Foreign Literature named after M.I. Rudomino, which co-organised the teleconference. "Linguo-country studies teleconferences organised by the TV BRICS and the Modern Russian international project are the best means of popularising the Russian language and culture abroad. The great advantage of this format is that it involves close interaction not only during the teleconference but also at the stage of its preparation: we select materials for preliminary vocabulary work, create exclusive visual content, and at the same time we are in constant communication with our foreign colleagues, teachers of Russian as a foreign language, and together we form such an educational space in which postgraduates and students find it interesting and comfortable to master new knowledge," Tamara Skok said. "To make the audience more receptive and emotionally involved during the teleconference dedicated to Pushkin, we will use modern communication technologies and new formats of interaction. I would like to point out that the teleconferences are part of TV BRICS' comprehensive and systematic work to promote the Russian language and culture and to create a positive image of Russia abroad: news, programmes, and documentaries are regularly posted on the resources of the network's foreign media partners," she added. During the teleconference, foreign participants will analyse such a universal human concept as happiness based on Pushkin's works, see video sketches of Pushkin's places in Moscow, Moscow, and Pskov regions, and read poems by the world-famous poet in Russian."More than 70 students took part in the qualifying round of reading Aleksander Pushkin's poems. For us, teachers, such preparation helped to recover some of the most beautiful lines of the great poet. The forthcoming live communication during the teleconference will be a great stimulus for students and will increase their interest not only in the Russian language but also in Russian literature and culture. I am sure that the teleconference will be a great success and other similar events will follow," Charanjit Singh assured. Previous Russia-India teleconferences were dedicated to international friendship, Russian hospitality, and Maslenitsa celebrations. In 2022, the TV BRICS lecture "Peculiarities and Identity of Russian Regions" for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students of the Department of Russian Studies was held at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi in a face-to-face format. In 2023, TV BRICS was an information partner of the international volunteer programme of the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, "Russian language ambassadors in the world," which included an expedition to India. The international information and awareness-raising project "Modern Russian" was created in 2007 to popularise the Russian language, improve the literacy level of the population, and provide linguistic assistance. It is implemented by TVBRICS. It has no analogues in Russia or abroad in terms of a set of practical philological activities. Information resources and consulting services for the project are used in more than 150 countries around the world. "Modern Russian" is the winner of the All-Russian contests of intellectual projects "Derzhava" and PR projects preserving and strengthening the position of the Russian language in the Russian Federation. It cooperates with the Pushkin Institute of the Russian Language and the Russkiy Mir Foundation, TV BRICS reported. (ANI)
This development was highlighted during the Senior Officials' Meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw to prepare for the upcoming 4th Meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs.

The meeting in Myanmar's capital city convened to strategize and coordinate initiatives crucial for addressing common security challenges faced by member states.

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"Indian delegation participated in Senior Officials' Meeting to prepare for the 4th Meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs in Nay Pyi Taw. India is the Lead Country for security sector cooperation in BIMSTEC," said Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, on Thursday.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted the foreign ministers from member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for BIMSTEC grouping gathered in the national capital to bolster cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries.

BIMSTEC is a regional organisation that connects countries around the Bay of Bengal to promote economic growth, trade, and cooperation in areas like transportation, energy, and counter-terrorism.

It aims to strengthen relationships and foster economic development among its member states, which include- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

BIMSTEC stands as a beacon of regional collaboration, striving to achieve rapid economic development and social progress through joint initiatives among its member states. Founded on principles of equality and partnership, BIMSTEC aims to address common challenges and capitalise on shared opportunities across seven strategic sectors.

Each member nation leads specific sectors, reflecting their expertise and commitment to collective advancement:

Bangladesh spearheads trade, investment and development, including the blue economy, leveraging its strategic location and maritime resources.

Sri Lanka focuses on science, technology and innovation, including health and human resource development, fostering advancements in research and human capital.

Bhutan leads efforts in environmental and climate change, including the mountain economy, emphasising sustainable practices in the face of ecological challenges.

India takes charge of security, including energy and disaster management, contributing expertise in disaster preparedness and strategic energy management.

Myanmar oversees agriculture and food security, including fisheries and livestock, supporting food sustainability and rural development.

Nepal drives people-to-people contact, including poverty alleviation, promoting cultural exchange and poverty reduction initiatives.

Thailand leads connectivity efforts, enhancing regional infrastructure and transport networks to facilitate seamless connectivity among member states.

BIMSTEC also emphasises cooperation with international and regional organisations, aligning its goals with global development agendas to maximise impact. With a commitment to mutual assistance, joint projects, and capacity building, BIMSTEC seeks to translate its collaborative efforts into tangible benefits that improve living standards and promote inclusive growth across the Bay of Bengal region. (ANI)
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy unveiled the UK-India Technology Security Initiative during his inaugural visit to India, marking a significant stride towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in semiconductor technology. This initiative underscores both nations' commitment to bolstering their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on critical areas such as supply chain resilience, skills development, and hardware security. "We will work towards a broad UK-India semiconductor partnership. Our activities will leverage the countries' individual strengths and incentives; and explore mutually beneficial R&D focused on strategic issues such as supply chain resilience collaboration, skills exchanges and hardware security," read a joint statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs. Lammy's visit included high-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar, where discussions centred on expanding collaborative efforts in defence, security, trade, and investment. The Technology Security Initiative emerges as a cornerstone of this renewed partnership, aiming to leverage India's manufacturing capabilities alongside the UK's expertise in chip design and intellectual property. "The UK and India recognise that quantum is an important area for discussion. We will respond to the rapidly changing technological landscape by establishing a high-level dialogue to gain an in-depth understanding of our national quantum strategies, to shape the contours of possible future research and industry and collaboration opportunities between our two countries," the joint statement added. Key components of the initiative include: R&D Collaboration: Joint efforts in chip design, compound semiconductors, and advanced packaging, with a focus on applications vital to both nations' interests, such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies. Workforce Development: Exchange programs to equip the semiconductor workforce with advanced technical skills, ensuring readiness for future industry demands. Trade and Investment: Facilitation of trade missions between UK and Indian semiconductor companies to stimulate bilateral trade flows and strengthen economic ties. Supply Chain Integration: Encouragement of deeper integration in semiconductor chip and wafer manufacturing, fostering joint ventures and business partnerships between Indian and UK companies. Security and Resilience: Collaborative efforts to enhance the resilience of semiconductor supply chains, addressing challenges related to raw materials, components, and device security through expert consultations and international cooperation. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to advance cooperation in emerging technologies, including quantum computing and biotechnology. Both countries are set to deepen dialogues and collaborations in these fields, aiming to foster innovation and address global challenges. The announcement is part of a wider package of announcements the Foreign Secretary agreed to following bilateral meetings in New Delhi with PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar to refresh the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit comes within the first month of the formation of a new government in the UK and is reflective of the commitment of both sides to further deepen and diversify the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The UK 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)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Vientiane, Laos, to participate in the crucial ASEAN-mechanism meetings aimed at strengthening India's relations with Southeast Asian nations. Jaishankar expressed optimism about advancing India's engagement with ASEAN countries, marking a significant milestone in the Act East Policy's decade-long journey. "Arrived in Vientiane, Laos to take part in the ASEAN-mechanism meetings. Look forward to further deepening India's ties with ASEAN as we mark a decade of Act East Policy," said EAM Jaishankar in a post on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1816371415832269106 Jaishankar will be in Vientiane, Lao PDR, from July 25 to 27 to take part in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed in a press release earlier. EAM Jaishankar is visiting Lao PDR at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR, Saleumxay Kommasith. The visit underlines India's deep engagement with and the importance India attaches to the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, our strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and taking forward the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It is of particular significance that this year marks a decade of India's Act East Policy, which was announced by the Prime Minister at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, the Ministry of External Affairs also said. The External Affairs Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other countries in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on the margins of the ASEAN-related meetings. ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. As the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) continues to grow in strength, India, too remains a valued partner for the economic union. Speaking to ANI in the Laos capital Vientiane earlier this month, the Director General of the ASEAN department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR), Chatoulong Bouasisavath, said that India is a valued partner of ASEAN. After the announcement of the real-time payments linkage system between India and Singapore, India announced that it is working with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to operationalize it for more countries in the region. This year, India celebrates a decade of its 'Act East' policy, keeping ASEAN as its central pillar of the policy. India has reiterated its full support for ASEAN Centrality, ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and Lao PDR's ASEAN Chairmanship's priorities and deliverables under their theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience." In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Indonesia to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS). It was the first summit since the elevation of ties between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations bloc of countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. (ANI)
In an advisory issued recently, the Embassy highlighted that individuals requiring medical care for critical conditions such as life-threatening diseases, congenital illnesses, organ transplants, oncology, and paediatric ailments should contact the Consular Wing of the Embassy.

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"All Filipino Nationals (including Children) and Foreign Nationals who wish to go to India for availing Urgent Medical Treatment/Care including for life threatening diseases/congenital illnesses/transplantation/oncology/pediatrics complaints among others are kindly requested to approach the Consular Wing of the Embassy," a statement from Indian Embassy in Philippines read.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Consular Wing in person at their office located in Bonifacio Global City or reach out via email or telephone for assistance in obtaining the necessary visas and facilitation for medical visits to India. The Embassy has ensured language support with IVRS available in English, Hindi, and Tagalog to assist in the process.

Additionally, the advisory extends the invitation to those interested in alternative medicine services such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) available in India.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and philanthropic groups from the Philippines focused on improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for Filipino nationals are also encouraged to collaborate with the Embassy to facilitate medical treatments.

"Non-Government/Philanthropic Organizations who are based in the Philippines and working towards making healthcare affordable and accessible to Filipinos seeking Urgent/Tertiary/Advanced Medical Treatment/Care are also invited to approach the Consular Wing of the Embassy," statement added.

In cases of emergencies requiring immediate medical attention during closed holidays or weekends, a dedicated emergency mobile number has been provided for direct assistance.

The Embassy further emphasized the convenience of obtaining E-Medical Visas through their online portal, ensuring a hassle-free application process.

This initiative underscores India's commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions and facilitating medical tourism for international patients, especially from the Philippines, seeking advanced medical treatments in various specialties. (ANI)
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid their respects to the late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, in separate solemn ceremonies marking his state funeral. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval represented India at the state funeral held in Hanoi on Thursday. He personally conveyed India's condolences to Vietnamese President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and the bereaved family. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam issued a statement highlighting Doval's presence and India's solidarity with Vietnam during this period of mourning. "National Security Adviser H.E. Ajit Doval attended today the state funeral of Vietnam General Secretary H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi & conveyed India's condolences personally to the President H.E. To Lam, Prime Minister H.E. Pham Minh Chinh and bereaved family," said Indian Embassy in Vietnam in a post on X. Simultaneously, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Vietnam Embassy in India to express his condolences on behalf of the Indian government and people. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, a prominent figure in Vietnamese politics, passed away recently, prompting an outpouring of condolences from leaders across the globe. Vietnam's Nguyen Phu Trong was widely regarded as the country's most influential figure, as reported by state media. His death concludes over 13 years of leadership after he recently stepped down due to health reasons. According to state media reports on Friday, Trong died at a military hospital due to advanced age and a severe illness. His passing comes amidst a period of political transition in Vietnam, where a new president was appointed in May following the resignation of his predecessor. To Lam, a former public security minister known for his significant influence, has assumed Trong's responsibilities. Lam took over from Vo Van Thuong, who resigned in March amid party-acknowledged "violations and shortcomings" after just a year in office. Earlier, Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also offered condolences on the demise of Nguyen Phu Trong. "On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, HE Nguyen Phu Trong. Our profound respects to the departed leader," Kharge said in a post on X. Highlighting the country's relationship with Vietnam, Kharge said, "India has a long-standing cultural and developmental partnership with Vietnam. In this hour of grief, every Indian stands strongly with the Vietnamese people." "The Indian National Congress and the Communist Party of Vietnam share historical roots in their respective struggles for independence. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and supporters," he added. (ANI)
Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Sri Lanka's former Army chief renowned for his role in defeating the LTTE, officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming Presidential election, pledging to tackle corruption and revitalise the economy. The exact date for the presidential election in Sri Lanka, scheduled between September 17 and October 16, will be announced on Friday. "I wish to announce my candidacy for the Presidency to the people of Sri Lanka," Fonseka said in a post X. "For 76 years, we have been led by an inept political group that has driven us to bankruptcy. For Sri Lanka to grow, we need to crush corruption. We need to leverage our natural resources to boost income generation. This is my formal and official announcement as the Presidential candidate of Sri Lanka for the 2024 Presidential election," he said. "My team and I will publish our policy statement. We are open to ideas and will uphold the principles of inclusive governance and inclusive leadership. Suggestions are always welcome," Fonseka further said. Fonseka, who led the military campaign against the LTTE's separatist ambitions, faced defeat in the 2010 presidential election against Mahinda Rajapaksa. Undeterred by past challenges, the 73-year-old Fonseka called upon all Sri Lankans to join him in creating a corruption-free nation. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe also threw his hat into the ring, emphasising the critical nature of the upcoming election for the nation's future. "This election would be crucial for the nation's future", Rajapakshe said making a statement. The political landscape is further crowded with opposition leaders like Sajith Premadasa and the Marxist JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, both confirming their candidacy. Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe will seek re-election. The Elections Commission announced it would unveil the election date imminently, while asserting it bore no responsibility for statements made by various parties on polling day, as reported by the Daily Mirror newspaper. (ANI)
Pre-expo supply and demand matchmaking meeting for 7th CIIE held in Shanghai

Xinhua) 08:20, July 25, 2024

This photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows a matchmaking meeting for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China. A pre-expo supply and demand matchmaking meeting on food, agricultural products, medical devices, and healthcare products for the 7th CIIE was held here on Wednesday. The 7th CIIE is scheduled to be held from Nov. 5 to 10, and preparations are progressing steadily. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

An exhibitor talks with visitors during a matchmaking meeting for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, July 24, 2024. A pre-expo supply and demand matchmaking meeting on food, agricultural products, medical devices, and healthcare products for the 7th CIIE was held here on Wednesday. The 7th CIIE is scheduled to be held from Nov. 5 to 10, and preparations are progressing steadily. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

An exhibitor (3rd L) introduces his products during a matchmaking meeting for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, July 24, 2024. A pre-expo supply and demand matchmaking meeting on food, agricultural products, medical devices, and healthcare products for the 7th CIIE was held here on Wednesday. The 7th CIIE is scheduled to be held from Nov. 5 to 10, and preparations are progressing steadily. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

An exhibitor (L) talks with visitors during a matchmaking meeting for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, July 24, 2024. A pre-expo supply and demand matchmaking meeting on food, agricultural products, medical devices, and healthcare products for the 7th CIIE was held here on Wednesday. The 7th CIIE is scheduled to be held from Nov. 5 to 10, and preparations are progressing steadily. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

This photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows a matchmaking meeting for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China. A pre-expo supply and demand matchmaking meeting on food, agricultural products, medical devices, and healthcare products for the 7th CIIE was held here on Wednesday. The 7th CIIE is scheduled to be held from Nov. 5 to 10, and preparations are progressing steadily. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
SARAJEVO, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) recorded total exports worth 8.19 billion KM (4.52 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of this year, marking a decrease of 8.18 percent, or 729 million KM, compared to the same period last year.

In the meantime, the country reported 14.29 billion KM worth of imports, an increase of 426 million KM.

Exports to the European Union (EU) market fell by 465 million KM, and an export decline was evident across all major markets, including Croatia, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, and Hungary.

The EU is BiH's leading trading partner and destination for more than 70 percent of BiH's exports, according to Slavisa Ceranic, macroeconomic system chief at the Foreign Trade Chamber (FTC).

Ceranic said the primary reason for the export decline is weaker demand for BiH products, particularly in energy-intensive sectors and the processing industry, including electricity, iron and steel and textiles.

On a more positive note, he mentioned growth in the military, pharmaceutical, beverages and alcohol industries, as well as exports of grains and bakery products.

Amila Mocevic, another FTC specialist, observed a decrease in exports and an increase in imports in most economic sectors, leading to changes in trade balance compared to the previous year. She said these results reflect the overall economic situation in Europe, affecting not only BiH, but also other countries in the region. 
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo on Thursday and discussed strengthening the collaboration between the two nations and partnership in Indo-Pacific. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Delighted to meet my friend @SecManalo of Philippines today in Vientiane. Discussed the strengthening collaboration between our two democracies and partnership in the Indo-Pacific, especially in upholding the rule of law and ASEAN centrality." Jaishankar also held a meeting with Timor Leste counterpart, Bendito Freitas, on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings. The two leaders exchanged views on shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific. Sharing details regarding about his meeting with Freitas, Jaishankar in a post on X stated, "Pleasure to meet FM Bendito Freitas of Timor Leste on the sidelines of #ASEAN meetings. Our Delhi to Dili friendship continues to diversify and deepen. Also exchanged views on our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." Earlier in the day, Jaishankar arrived in Vientiane, Laos, to participate in the crucial ASEAN-mechanism meetings aimed at strengthening India's relations with Southeast Asian nations. He expressed optimism about advancing India's engagement with ASEAN countries, marking a significant milestone in the Act East Policy's decade-long journey. "Arrived in Vientiane, Laos to take part in the ASEAN-mechanism meetings. Look forward to further deepening India's ties with ASEAN as we mark a decade of Act East Policy," said EAM Jaishankar in a post on X. Jaishankar is on a visit to Vientiana from July 25 to 27 to take part in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed in a press release earlier. EAM Jaishankar is visiting Laos at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith. The visit underlines India's deep engagement with and the importance India attaches to the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, our strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and taking forward the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It is of particular significance that this year marks a decade of India's Act East Policy, which was announced by the Prime Minister at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, the MEA said. The External Affairs Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other countries in Vientiane on the margins of the ASEAN-related meetings. ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. As the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) continues to grow in strength, India, too remains a valued partner for the economic union. (ANI)
The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from July 27 to August 9 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The exercise will bring together military forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities.

The last edition of Exercise KHAAN QUEST was conducted in Mongolia from June 19 to July 2.

The exercise first started as a bilateral event between the US and Mongolian Armed Forces in 2003. Subsequently, from the year 2006 onwards, the exercise graduated to a multinational peacekeeping exercise, with the current year being the 21st iteration, the release stated.

The Indian Army contingent, comprising 40 personnel, is being represented mainly by troops from a battalion of the MADRAS REGIMENT along with personnel from other arms and services. One woman officer and two women soldiers will also form part of the contingent, the ministry stated.

The aim of Exercise KHAAN QUEST is to prepare the Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multinational environment, thereby increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.

Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise will include the establishment of static and mobile check points, cordon and search operations, patrolling, evacuation of civilians from hostile areas, counter-improvised explosive device drills, combat first aid and casualty evacuation, among others.

"Exercise KHAAN QUEST will enable the participating countries to share their best practices in tactics, Techniques and procedures for conduct of joint operations. The exercise will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of the participating countries," the Ministry added. (ANI)
The US-based Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (SCCCP), during its third meeting, explored policies to reduce dependence on entities involved in forced labour violations around the world and highlighted opportunities for the US and its allies to collaborate on the issue. The participants of the meeting held on Tuesday, included Peter Mattis, President, of The Jamestown Foundation, Emily De La Bruyere, Senior Fellow, at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies and co-founder of Horizon Advisory, and Jennifer Hinton, Group Manager, ESG, at Jervois. During the event, Robert Joseph Wittman, a US lawmaker, elaborated on the dubious tactics used by China, which include human rights abuses and market manipulation. "We know that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been manipulating the world marketplace. And their human resources, we know their human rights abuses. The efforts that they have unfortunately made against Uyghurs and also the other places around the world, where for the most part they used enslaved labour. They exploit populations and nations for their benefit," he said. "We don't see any kind of economic relationship to the benefit of the host nation. Instead, they are always for the benefit of China, and they are always unfortunately exploiting, the human beings in the country and their natural resources close to the determent of those countries," Wittman added. Stating that people are "intimidated" by China because of which they don't speak out, the US lawmaker termed the situation "problematic." "The challenge is that people are so intimidated or co-opted by China, rarely do they speak out, or rarely do they take actions that have a meaningful impact on China, which is problematic from our standpoint. China is what I call a transactional coercionist. If you look at what they do and how they structure agreements with other countries, it's always to their benefit and it's always to the detriment of the countries, and the people of those countries," he added. The SCCCP, during the third meeting, also highlighted the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act (UFLPA) and the Forced Labour Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), an entity led by the US Department of Homeland Security dedicated to monitoring the enforcement of the prohibition on importing goods made wholly or in part with forced labour into the US. While highlighting loopholes and the limitations of the same, Peter Mattis, President of The Jamestown Foundation, said the human-forced labour challenge is a problem, the US is not prepared for. "The state of human-forced labour is a challenge that we are not prepared for. Initially, we thought that maybe it is an individual factory, or maybe it's a few bad apples but it is not necessarily the whole system. But now law enforcement is on the side of the abusers, not on the side of people who are interested in rooting out these kinds of problems. So I think this requires a legal response that goes much further than what we had previously done. And this is made worse because of the asymmetries that exist," Mattis said. He added, "During the hours and hours we work with companies for UFLPA, it became clear that companies don't know their supply chains beyond who they have to write contracts with. Even the best ones may know one or two tiers ahead but nothing more than that. It was informal in the early days but it became formalised in the PRC this year. There has been a deliberate effort to prevent people from knowing what is going on in the factories and companies that use forced labour. As they have been classified as state secrets. So even if a company starts digging things you are violating the classification rules." While referring to China's furious response over intrusions into 'state secrets', Mattis stressed the need to have a level playing field, but also warned that Beijing doesn't play by the same rules. "Companies reported that as early as 2018, their investigators who do billables for them are being detained or arrested and sometimes simply disappearing for doing what could be called routine business for their clients. There were lots of companies that had made the report to the US government and the Department of Labour to say 'something is going on'," he said. "We want a fair playing field, but we also need to recognise that what we're dealing with in the PRC is someone who's not playing by those same rules. And we're pretending, like, if we just spend a little time in the practice field, if we just study a little bit more film, we can wander out and prepare ourselves beyond that field. But none of that matters if you're walking down the tunnel and someone breaks your knee with a crowbar. And in many cases, that's what the PRC is doing" Mattis added. (ANI)
The BJP national president paid tributes to Nguyen Phu Trong, the late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who passed away in Hanoi earlier this month.

He also recalled Phu Trong's contributions towards strengthening the India-Vietnam ties.

Taking to social media platform X, Nadda stated, "Visited the Vietnam Embassy in New Delhi to pay tributes to the late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong. His significant contributions to strengthening India-Vietnam relations will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Vietnam."

https://x.com/JPNadda/status/1816411896851165673

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Vietnam Embassy in India to express his condolences on behalf of the Indian government and people.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval represented India at the state funeral held in Hanoi on Thursday. He personally conveyed India's condolences to Vietnamese President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and the bereaved family.

Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also offered condolences on the demise of Nguyen Phu Trong.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, a prominent figure in Vietnamese politics, passed away recently, prompting an outpouring of condolences from leaders across the globe.

Vietnam's Nguyen Phu Trong was widely regarded as the country's most influential figure, as reported by state media. His death concludes over 13 years of leadership after he recently stepped down due to health reasons.

According to state media reports on Friday, Trong died at a military hospital due to advanced age and a severe illness. His passing comes amidst a period of political transition in Vietnam, where a new president was appointed in May following the resignation of his predecessor.

To Lam, a former public security minister known for his significant influence, has assumed Trong's responsibilities. Lam took over from Vo Van Thuong, who resigned in March amid party-acknowledged "violations and shortcomings" after just a year in office. (ANI)
More than 6700 Indian students have returned to India from Bangladesh and India received excellent cooperation from PM Sheikh Hasina led-government, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday. While addressing a weekly media briefing, Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian High Commission has arranged for the safe and secure travel of Indians to the border crossing points or to the airport, as the case may be. He expressed hope that the situation in Bangladesh will return to normal soon. Asked about the number of Indians who have travelled back to India, Jaiswal stated, "So far, we have had over 6700 Indian students who have come back from Bangladesh. We've received excellent cooperation from the Bangladeshi government. Our High Commission has arranged for their safe and secure travel to the border crossing points or to the airport, as the case may be. They also have several helplines." "Both our High Commission and Assistant High Commissions, they are operating 24/7 helplines and all the people who are there, our students and nationals, can reach out to them and they have been rendering whatever assistance that has been requested for. So, that is the update on student movement. We also feel that, being a close neighbour with whom we share very warm and friendly ties, we are hopeful that the situation in the country will return to normal soon," he added. In response to another media query regarding developments in Bangladesh, Jaiswal said that India has been closely following developments in the country and considers the ongoing situation as the international matter for Bangladesh. Speaking on the developments in Bangladesh, he said, "We are aware of the situation in the country. We have been closely following the developments there. India considers the ongoing situation in the country to be the internal matter of Bangladesh. With the support and cooperation of the Bangladesh government, we were able to arrange for safe returns of our students, which we deeply appreciate. Being a close neighbour with whom, as I said earlier, we share warm and friendly ties, we are hopeful that the situation in the country will return to normal soon. So, that is how we see the developments in Bangladesh." The protests in Bangladesh have erupted due to demands for reforming the quota system that reserves civil service jobs for specific groups, including descendants of 1971 war veterans. The unrest intensified after students opposed a new policy allocating government jobs to descendants of freedom fighters, leading to violence, including attacks on state television headquarters and police booths in Dhaka. The situation prompted a government curfew, school closures, and nationwide suspensions of mobile and internet services. Following the protests that resulted in over 100 fatalities, Bangladesh's Supreme Court intervened, slashing the quota reserved for relatives of war veterans from 30 per cent to 5 per cent while allowing 93 per cent to be allocated based on merit and the remaining 2 per cent will be earmarked for members of ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and the disabled, Al Jazeera reported, citing, local reports. (ANI)
India has received a "diplomatic note" from Dhaka "protesting" the recent "shelter" comments made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the Bangladeshi students' quota protests in which over 100 people have died, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal further reiterated that foreign affairs are the "sole prerogative" of the Centre. "I can confirm that we have received a diplomatic note, a communication from the Bangladesh side protesting the comments made by the West Bengal CM. It is essentially on the lines described in the reports," Jaiswal said at the weekly press briefing on Thursday. "I would underline that under the 7th Schedule, List 1 - Union List, Item 10, of our Constitution, the conduct of foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country are the sole prerogative of the Union government," he added. Earlier this week, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that her government would provide "shelter" to "helpless individuals" from Bangladesh who seek refuge, amidst ongoing protests in the neighbouring country. Addressing the TMC's Martyrs Day rally in Kolkata on Sunday, CM Mamata 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 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 that are handled by the Indian government. 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," she added. The TMC supremo further urged people not to make any negative comments on the Bangladesh issue. "I urge everyone not to comment on Bangladesh (issue), to avoid falling into provocations. We feel compassion and sympathy for those whose blood is shed," she said. The protests in Bangladesh have erupted due to demands for reforming the quota system that reserves civil service jobs for specific groups, including descendants of 1971 war veterans. The unrest intensified, leading to violence, including attacks on state television headquarters and police booths in Dhaka. The protests in Bangladesh have erupted due to demands for reforming the quota system that reserves civil service jobs for specific groups, including descendants of 1971 war veterans. The unrest intensified, leading to violence, including attacks on state television headquarters and police booths in Dhaka. The situation prompted a curfew, school closures, and nationwide suspensions of mobile and internet services. Following the protests that resulted in over 100 fatalities, Bangladesh's Supreme Court intervened, slashing the quota reserved for relatives of war veterans from 30 per cent to 5 per cent while allowing 93 per cent to be allocated based on merit and the remaining 2 per cent will be earmarked for members of ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and the disabled, Al Jazeera reported, citing, local reports. (ANI)
India expects Canada to take action against anti-India elements who have repeatedly threatened Indian leaders, institutions, airlines, and diplomats by violence, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday. On the reports that Canada has charged two persons for threatening Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau and other leaders, Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We have seen these reports. When a democracy adopts different yardsticks to measure or implement the rule of law and freedom of expression, it only exposes its own double standards. We expect Canada to take action against anti-India elements who have repeatedly threatened Indian leaders, institutions, airlines and diplomats by violence. We would like to see strong action, same level of action on the threats posed to us." Recently, two Alberta men have been charged after death threats were allegedly directed at top federal leaders, including Trudeau, The Globe and Mail reported. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said that a user allegedly posted threats in May to kill Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 23-year-old Mason John Baker of Calgary has been charged with uttering threats, The Globe and Mail reported. In a separate case, police said someone on YouTube allegedly posted threats in June to kill Trudeau, along with Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, the report said. 67-year-old Garry Belzevick of Edmonton is charged with three counts of uttering threats. Ties between the two countries had become strained after Trudeau had in the House of Commons last year talked about "credible allegations" about a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of the Khalistani terrorist Nijjar that took place in Surrey in British Columbia, Columbia in June 2023. India has, however, dismissed the accusations as "absurd" and "motivated." Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India's National Investigation Agency in 2020, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year. Recently, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was vandalised. 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 June 23. The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance. 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. "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," Arya reiterated. "Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice last year publicly called for Hindus to go back to India. Khalistan supporters publicly celebrated in Brampton and Vancouver the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and brandishing images of deadly weapons," Arya further said. The incident was also raised on social media by another Canadian political leader, who termed the incident a display of "hateful rhetoric". "Earlier today, the Edmonton BAPS Mandir was vandalised with paint, displaying hateful rhetoric on the walls of what should be a place of refuge. Hate has no part in Canada - much less in places of worship & prayer. This incident is wrong & goes against the values of our city," Randy Boissonnault, Member of the House of Commons of Canada, said in a post on Tuesday on X. 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 International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), in its recent report, has highlighted the "severe challenges" faced by Tibetan users on platforms like Douyin and other prominent Chinese social media channels due to a "systematic censorship" of Tibetan content. The report stated that these platforms are part of Beijing's broader strategy to diminish Tibetan language and culture in favour of promoting Mandarin. Despite assertions by Chinese authorities that they support minority languages, including Tibetan, there has been no official acknowledgment or response to protests from Tibetans regarding these discriminatory practices, claims ICT. According to the International Campaign for Tibet, Tibetans engaging in online commerce and communication encounter significant barriers such as blocked livestreams and restricted comments in Tibetan. This censorship severely limits their ability to freely engage online. Even Tibetan medical professionals are impacted, as they are unable to effectively communicate with patients in Tibetan due to language restrictions imposed by platforms like Douyin. The report underscores that these actions are part of a deliberate effort to enhance the dominance of Mandarin while suppressing Tibetan cultural expression. This contradicts official claims of respecting ethnic minority languages and suggests governmental complicity in enforcing policies that undermine Tibetan language rights, despite constitutional protections. This situation raises broader concerns about freedom of expression and cultural preservation in Tibet, echoing ongoing struggles faced by Tibetan advocates like Tashi Wangchuk, who continue to advocate for language rights amid repression. ICT further stated that the stringent censorship and monitoring of Tibetan-related content on social media platforms like Douyin reflect a systematic approach to control narratives and silence dissenting voices, aligning with the broader objectives of the Chinese Communist Party. This suppression extends globally, as seen in instances where platforms such as TikTok are used to harass Tibetan communities abroad, highlighting the international impact of these restrictive policies. The ongoing restrictions on Tibetan language use online and the lack of official response to grievances highlight a troubling pattern of neglect and suppression. This situation raises serious concerns about the future of Tibetan cultural identity and linguistic heritage under Chinese governance, the report added. In the Tibetan region, the Chinese government has promoted a bilingual education policy where Mandarin Chinese is increasingly emphasised over Tibetan. This policy has led to Mandarin becoming the primary language of instruction in many schools, reducing the prominence of Tibetan language education. There have been reports of restrictions on teaching Tibetan language in schools beyond a certain level, particularly in higher education institutions. This limits opportunities for Tibetan language development and higher education in Tibetan. As per reports, the Chinese government exercises strict control over textbooks and publications in Tibetan areas, ensuring that materials align with state-approved narratives and ideologies. This control extends to content related to Tibetan language and culture. (ANI)
In a significant event organised by the Association of Pakistani Christians in Italy in collaboration with the Jubilee Campaign, Netherlands, panellists called upon the international community, European Parliamentarians, particularly Italian legislators, to employ diplomatic channels and advocate for legislative reforms to address the persecution of the Christian community in Pakistan. The event spotlighted the misuse of blasphemy laws and forced faith conversions as critical issues. During the press conference, the launch of a new book, Under Threat of Death: A Mother's Faith in the Face of Injustice, Imprisonment, and Persecution by Shagufta Kausar and Eugene Bach, published by Whitaker House, took place. The book recounts Kausar's harrowing experiences facing blasphemy accusations in Pakistan. Speaking at the event, Kausar shared her ordeal, revealing that she was offered multiple chances to convert to Islam to avoid punishment. She steadfastly refused to abandon her Christian faith, despite threats of death. "Christians in Pakistan are like sheep among wolves without a protector," she stated, expressing gratitude to Lorenzo Malagola and Professor Shahid Mobeen for organising the event and allowing her to share her eight-year imprisonment testimony. Lorenzo Malagola emphasised the importance of freedom of religion as a core human rights value. He urged the Pakistani government to ensure that all religious minorities can practice their beliefs without fear or restriction. Malagola criticised the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)'s discriminatory policy on religious conversion on national identity cards, which undermines freedom of religion, expression, and identity. Fr Gilbert Shahzad urged Italian parliamentarians and EU Member States to politically engage with Pakistan to abolish the death penalty and fulfill human rights obligations. He emphasised the need for progressive laws to protect religious minorities and create an environment where all citizens can exercise their rights without fear. Shahzad highlighted that Pakistan received 12 recommendations to amend blasphemy laws during its 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in January 2023 but has yet to implement them effectively. Joseph Jansen, a human rights activist with Jubilee Campaign, Netherlands, addressed the various forms of persecution Christians face in Pakistan, including blasphemy law misuse, mob lynching, attacks on churches, honor killings, abduction and rape of minor girls, forced conversions to Islam, and bonded labor at brick kilns. Jansen appealed to Pakistani authorities to strengthen their efforts in upholding minority protection laws, emphasizing the importance of the judiciary, state government, and police commitment in ensuring justice. Advocate Tabassum Yousaf urged the Pakistani government to combat violence against women, including domestic violence, forced marriage, and child marriage. She highlighted the gross abuse of blasphemy laws, where false complaints often target innocent individuals to settle personal scores, fostering religiously motivated violence and persecution. Pastor Justin Bhatti noted that UN treaty bodies monitoring the implementation of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR), Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), and Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) have urged Pakistan to repeal or amend blasphemy laws to comply with international human rights standards. Bhatti stressed that the misuse of these laws instills terror and fear among vulnerable groups and must be effectively addressed. Massimiliano Tubani, Director of ACN-Italy, underscored the need to safeguard religious minorities and enhance socioeconomic development efforts, emphasizing that protecting minority rights is essential for ensuring safety and dignity. The speakers called on Pakistani authorities to address grave human rights violations, prioritise socio-economic upliftment, and ensure the protection of all citizens, regardless of their faith. They urged Pakistan to meet its international commitments by upholding human rights and adhering to international treaties to ensure justice for everyone. The press conference highlighted the broad, vague, and coercive nature of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, which carry a mandatory death penalty. The speakers called for the abolition of the death penalty and the release of individuals imprisoned for peacefully exercising their faith. They also urged the Pakistani government to respect, fulfil, and promote women's rights and enact laws to criminalize forced faith conversions of minority girls and women. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Japan for the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting, which is set to take place on July 29, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday. While addressing a weekly media briefing, Jaiswal said that foreign ministers of four nations will take forward the Quad agenda and take stock of all that has been achieved so far. Speaking about Jaishankar's upcoming visit to Japan, Jaiswal stated, "The External Affairs Minister will be visiting Japan for the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting. The Quad foreign ministers meeting is on 29th July. At the meeting, the leaders will take forward what was, what has been agreed to by the leaders, the Prime Minister, Presidents of the country, when they met last in Hiroshima, and thereafter, there was a meeting, follow up meeting also in New York. So it's a good occasion. It is a valuable occasion for them to take forward the Quad agenda and take stock of all that has been achieved so far. Asked whether a discussion on the date of the next Quad summit is expected between the ministers as India is the host, he responded, "It will be a matter which will be discussed as well. At the same time, all the Quad partners together, we are the presidency this time, We will discuss and find a suitable date to take to host this summit as and when we have a confirmation on that account, we will keep you updated." Asked on who from Indian side will attend Iranian President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian swearing-in ceremony scheduled later this month, Jaiswal said, "I will let you know as and when we finalise our participation. So, hopefully, in a day or two, or as and when it happens, I will keep you informed." Quad is a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States committed to supporting an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient, according to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Earlier in June, US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell said that India and the US expressed a strong determination to hold the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) Summit this year.The senior US official was addressing an online briefing on the recently concluded India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). Campbell highlighted that the issue of the Quad was discussed between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and NSA Ajit Doval during Sullivan's recent visit to India. "The issue of the Quad was discussed between the two national security advisors. Both sides expressed a strong determination that, in fact, the quad will be held this year, before the end of the year. There is a strong determination on both sides to hold the quad," Kurt Cambell said in the briefing. (ANI)
RIGA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Baltic countries generated a total of 1,178 GWh of electricity in June, down 21 percent month-on-month, Latvian energy group Latvenergo reported on Thursday.

In June, Latvia alone experienced the biggest monthly decline in electricity generation, dropping 60 percent to 168 GWh. Estonia saw a 4 percent decrease, producing 413 GWh. Lithuania generated 597 GWh, marking a 7 percent reduction from May.

In June, the states also experienced a significant month-on-month decline in power generation from renewable resources. Wind power generation decreased by 20 percent, solar by 7 percent, and hydroelectric by 66 percent.

Electricity production at Latvenergo hydroelectric power stations decreased by 68 percent in June compared to May, totaling 121 GWh. At the same time, energy production at Latvenergo thermal power stations did not occur due to a lack of market demand.

Some hydroelectric generation areas in the region are receiving diminished water replenishment. In June, water inflow in the Daugava River continued its downward trend, falling by 66 percent from the previous month. According to the Latvian Environment, Geology, and Meteorology Center, the total precipitation in Latvia last month was 22 percent below the norm, resulting in water inflow being 26 percent below the multi-year average level for this period.

The drop in power generation drove up average electricity prices in the Baltics, which increased by 21 percent in June compared to May, amounting to 91.64 euros (99 U.S. dollars) per MWh, Latvenergo said in its latest Electricity Market Review. 
UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, during his visit to Tamil Nadu, said that the state is one of the main focus areas for UAE, and they look forward to build a strong business relationship in the region. The UAE Minister came to India along with a 30-member delegation to attend the 'Investopia Global Talks' in Chennai, which took place on Wednesday. Speaking to ANI, Al Marri said, "It has been a great few days to be here. Tamil Nadu is one of the biggest states that we are focusing on, in the UAE. We are coming with a delegation of more than 30 members from the business community of the UAE, building a relationship specifically here in Tamil Nadu, Chennai and the region beyond the region as well." "We promised Tamil Nadu that we would bring a delegation...We have a delegation of large corporations and small and medium enterprises," he added. He further lauded the India-UAE ties and the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the government-to-government level. "I think the relationship between UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing a great job in government to government. Now, it's time for business-to-business to create more deals and partnerships," the minister said. Earlier on Wednesday, UAE Minister Al Marri joined Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian for a jogging session. The DMK leader said the UAE Minister met Chief Minister MK Stalin and will also visit Kerala. "Today we had a walk with the UAE Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri. He met our CM and tomorrow he is going to Kerala. Many investors have come with him. We heard that the UAE Minister has a walking habit in the morning, so we joined him in Chennai today," Subramanian said. Speaking on India-UAE ties, UAE Minister Al Marri termed it one of largest economic ties, and emphasised that there has been a substantial rise in trade and investment between the two economies. "The economic ties between UAE and India are one of the largest economic ties. Our leader, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and PM Narendra Modi have a very good relationship...There is a 15 per cent increase in trade. There are a lot of investments that are coming in. We have a conference happening today, so we invite everyone in the industry to come and join us... We want to bring the world together to talk about new economies," he said. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held meetings with counterparts from Norway and Cambodia on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Laos. During the meeting, Jaishankar and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide spoke about the geopolitical situation. The two leaders expressed commitment to implementing European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to the betterment of India and Norway. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Good to meet Foreign Minister @EspenBarthEide of Norway today. The India - Nordic partnership in clean energy and trade continues to deliver. Committed to implementing EFTA to the better advantage of both countries. Also spoke about the geopolitical situation." Jaishankar also met Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea and noted the progress in bilateral ties. Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, "Glad to meet DPM & FM Sok Chenda Sophea of Cambodia. Noted the progress in our bilateral ties, including air connectivity, defence and heritage conservation. Looking forward to further building on it." Jaishankar, who arrived in Vientiane, Laos earlier in the day, held a meeting with Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo on Thursday and discussed strengthening the collaboration between the two nations and partnership in the Indo-Pacific. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Delighted to meet my friend @SecManalo of Philippines today in Vientiane. Discussed the strengthening collaboration between our two democracies and partnership in the Indo-Pacific, especially in upholding the rule of law and ASEAN centrality." Jaishankar also held a meeting with Timor Leste counterpart, Bendito Freitas, on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings. The two leaders exchanged views on shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific. Sharing details regarding about his meeting with Freitas, Jaishankar in a post on X stated, "Pleasure to meet FM Bendito Freitas of Timor Leste on the sidelines of #ASEAN meetings. Our Delhi to Dili friendship continues to diversify and deepen. Also exchanged views on our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." Jaishankar arrived in Vientiane to participate in the crucial ASEAN-mechanism meetings aimed at strengthening India's relations with Southeast Asian nations. He expressed optimism about advancing India's engagement with ASEAN countries, marking a significant milestone in the Act East Policy's decade-long journey. "Arrived in Vientiane, Laos to take part in the ASEAN-mechanism meetings. Look forward to further deepening India's ties with ASEAN as we mark a decade of Act East Policy," said EAM Jaishankar in a post on X. Jaishankar is on a visit to Vientiana from July 25 to 27 to take part in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed in a press release earlier. EAM Jaishankar visited Laos at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith. The visit underlines India's deep engagement with and the importance India attaches to the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, our strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and taking forward the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to MEA press release. It is of particular significance that this year marks a decade of India's Act East Policy, which was announced by the Prime Minister at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, the MEA said. ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. As the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) continues to grow in strength, India, too remains a valued partner for the economic union. (ANI)
The human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement, Paank, expressed its support for the Baloch Solidarity Committee as they prepared for a public gathering on July 28. The protest aims to highlight ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan's Gwadar. The local administration's attempts to thwart this peaceful assembly have raised serious concerns. Paank criticized these actions as part of a disturbing pattern of repression intended to silence dissent and obscure systemic abuses within the region. Recent remarks from members of the Balochistan Assembly condemning the planned march underscore the state's efforts to suppress legitimate expressions of grievance and protest. According to the Baloch Solidarity Committee, hundreds of individuals have been forcibly disappeared by security forces in Quetta and Karachi. Authorities have allegedly used baseless accusations of connections to armed groups as a pretext for these abductions. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1816146843933270214 Paank expressed alarm over credible reports indicating that Pakistani authorities might resort to violence and unlawful detentions of innocent civilians, including children and women, to disrupt the upcoming protest. Such actions would constitute a grave violation of international human rights standards and exhibit a blatant disregard for the rule of law. The organization called on the international community to closely monitor the situation in Balochistan and stand in solidarity with the Baloch people in their pursuit of justice and human rights. Paank emphasized the necessity of holding Pakistani authorities accountable for their actions and ensuring that those responsible for human rights abuses are brought to justice. Paank urged all stakeholders to guarantee that the planned gathering proceeds peacefully and without interference. The group stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of those silenced and ensuring global awareness of the ongoing human rights crisis in Balochistan. The Baloch Solidarity Committee's dedication to exposing injustice and advocating for human rights is both courageous and essential. Paank reaffirmed its support for these efforts and called for an immediate end to repression and human rights violations in Balochistan, stating that the time for action and accountability is now. (ANI)
India has sent an officer to Libya to set up the Indian Embassy in Tripoli, and it will soon become fully functional, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal further said that following the setting up of the embassy, all New Delhi and Tripoli will work to enhance and expand cooperation. "First officer has been sent to Tripoli, Libya...he has to set up the embassy. In some sense, it is functional now, but not fully functional. Soon you'll have all the activities beginning in Libya. Thereafter, we will try to enhance and expand our cooperation," Jaiswal said at the weekly press briefing on Thursday. MEA also gave an update on the eighth Indian naval officer, who is still in Qatar, and said he has certain requirements to complete, following which he will come back. "He has certain requirements. Therefore, for that reason, he is in that country. He is staying there, and as and when, he is able to meet those requirements, he will travel back home," Jaiswal said. Notably, all eight Indian naval veterans imprisoned in Qatar were released by the Qatari authorities in February, this year. Seven out of them also returned to India. The eight Indian nationals were accused of spying on a submarine programme. The retired naval personnel were sentenced to death by a Qatari court. Later, the death sentences were commuted. Being asked about Nikhil Gupta -- an Indian national accused in a foiled assassination plot in US -- MEA confirmed that India has not received any request for granting consular access to him. "On Nikhil Gupta case, we don't have an update...he hasn't sought consular access as of now," the MEA spokesperson said. Nikhil Gupta was extradited to face legal proceedings in the US. He is suspected by the US of involvement in an unsuccessful plot to kill the India-designated pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. Gupta pleaded not guilty at a federal court in the US. New Delhi has firmly dissociated itself from the plot against Pannun, saying it is against the Indian government's policy. It has said it would formally investigate security concerns raised by Washington. (ANI)
Several representatives of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) in the Taus region of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) on Wednesday staged a protest against rapidly rising electricity bills in the area, PoGB's local media outlet Pamir Times reported. The general public expressed their angst by raising slogans against the local administration for neglecting the issues faced by the people of PoGB. A local leader belonging to the AAC during the protest said, "We don't need enemies from around the world anymore, our Chief Minister is enough for that. Secondly, we have our political representatives who, despite taking votes from us, remain puppets in the government's hands, these both are enough to loot our resources in PoGB. No one else has been able to ruin our lives more than these people. As they are the ones imposing heavy taxes and living luxurious lives on our hard-earned money." He added, "They are the ones who have built huge resources from our money while calling it money spent on protocol, they earn approximately 300 per cent more than what any of us could earn and we still live in poverty". According to the Pamir Times report, another leader of PoGB's AAC stressed that there must be no electricity bills for people of PoGB as the residents have been giving land and water resources for electricity. AAC leader said, "First of all there must be no electricity bills in PoGB. We have been giving our land and water resources for electricity long enough to deserve it for free. And if it is to be imposed on us, it must be around PKR 2-3 per unit and not more than that.And even if we start to pay your high taxes who is there to ensure that the taxes paid by us will be used for our betterment, and not for filling your pockets with money after corruption". (ANI)
The recent incident, where a girl accused a faculty member of a top Chinese university of sexual assault, triggered massive outrage and further underscored the rising trend of such incidents in China and how Beijing is downplaying such cases, a report by the New York Times stated on Thursday. The victim student, in a viral video, alleged that a prominent professor at Renmin University's School of Liberal Arts in Beijing had been sexually harassing her for two years. Shortly after being posted, the video drew millions of views and attracted an online outrage against the faculty member named, Wang Guiyuan, vice-dean and Communist Party head of Renmin University's School of Liberal Arts in Beijing. The episode again reflected the growing pressure that Chinese academic institutions have come under to curb sexual harassment on campus, according to the NYT. In recent years, several schools have been accused of not doing enough to protect their students from tutors and professors who preyed on them. A day after the outrage, Wang was fired by Renmin University, saying that officials had investigated the student's allegations and found that they were true. However, the report claimed that, in recent years, several schools have been accused of "not putting enough" effort into protecting students from tutors and professors who committed sexual assaults. At the same time, in denouncing the professor, the university and commentaries in state media that followed studiously avoided describing his conduct as sexual harassment. Instead, they depicted it as a moral failing, using language that feminist activists and scholars say points to a strategy of deflection that turns attention away from victims, the New York Times said. While denouncing the professor, the university commentaries in state media avoided describing his conduct as a 'sexual harasser' and instead, called it a "moral failing." According to several scholars and feminist activists, this language points to a strategy of deflection that turns the attention away from victims, it said. "If they have to avoid saying 'sexual harassment' it's very hard to imagine that they take sexual violence seriously," Feng Yuan, an academic and the founder of an anti-domestic violence helpline in Beijing, said in the same news report. In the questioned video, the victim student, identified as Wang Di, stated that Wang, her doctoral supervisor, had demanded to have sex with her in 2022, and then had abused her physically and verbally as she had refused. "Because I rejected him, he retaliated over the past two years, threatening that I would not graduate," she added. Along with the video, the victim student also uploaded audio clips of recordings of the professor's attempt to force her, along with these accusations, she had text messages that backed her claims, according to the report. In a statement, the school said the professor had "seriously breached party discipline, school rules and the professional ethics of teachers." Several activists, while commenting on the event, mentioned that the school's administrators were more concerned about protecting the reputation of the school than the rights of the sexually abused. According to the New York Times, schools in China have long encouraged students to keep quiet about such allegations. Lu Pin, a prominent Chinese feminist, said, "It is not a question of rights, it is not a question of safety, but a problem of violating morality and the politics of the party-state." She also added that this was to avoid being seen as encouraging students to seek legal redress. Similarly, in 2023, Southwest University in Chongqing fired a professor after a doctoral student said he had pressured her into having sex with him. In the university's announcement, it described the teacher as having an "improper sexual relationship" with a student, a term that scholars like Feng say is problematic because it implicates the victim as well, the NYT report said. Even though sexual harassment by university teachers of students is officially described as a breach of professional ethics, the tendency within academia was to downplay the issue, said Lao Dongyan, a law professor from Tsinghua University, in a post on Weibo. (ANI)
Giving an update on the crew member, the Chinese envoy said he is undergoing follow-up treatment.

"We highly appreciate the emergency medical rescue provided by the Indian Navy @indiannavy to a Chinese crew member. Now the Chinese citizen is undergoing follow-up treatment. People-First and Life-First are the common philosophy in China and India," envoy Xu posted on X.

https://x.com/China_Amb_India/status/1816457255136477565

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.

Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings on Thursday, and reiterated the need to ensure "full respect" for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and past agreements.

Jaishankar asserted that the stabilisation of ties is in the mutual interest of both the countries. The two leaders also agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process. (ANI)
The student wing of ruling Nepali Congress, the Nepal Student Union, on Thursday evening held a candlelight vigil in memory of the victims of Wednesday's fatal air crash involving Saurya Airlines. The graduate students enrolled in the Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, one of the oldest government-run educational institution, held the candle light vigil within the college premises on Thursday evening. The students also paid tribute to the passengers of the twin buses that were swept by a landslide in Chitwan District. Out of 63 people swept into the Trishuli River on July 12, about 25 bodies have been retrieved so far and no progress has been made in locating the missing buses. Speaking to ANI, Andru Singh, a student, said, "We organized a commemoration ceremony today for the fatal air crash yesterday and the buses along with the passengers which have gone missing for about two weeks." The students lit candle as they wrote "Heartfelt Condolence" in Nepali scripture at the college premises, holding a minute of silence. On Thursday, the flag in Nepal flew half-mast observing a national day of mourning. A total of 18 people died when a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday. As many as 19 people, including two crew members, were on board the Pokhara-bound flight, with registration number 9NAME, which took off from Kathmandu at 11:11 am. The TIA said CRJ7 (Reg-9NAME) of Sourya Airlines took off from Kathmandu at 11:11 am local time during the flight to Pokhara, turned right and crashed at a place on the east side of the runway. It is reported that the fire was brought under control and the rescue work was started immediately. The dead bodies of 18 people were recovered and 1 injured person was rescued and taken to the hospital." The Pilot of the Saurya Airline plane that crashed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the lone survivor of the crash. The plane 9N-AME (CRJ 200) was only carrying technical staff of the airline, with no passengers on board. Gyanendra Bhul, information officer at TIA, confirmed that the plane was carrying a few technical staff members. On 12 July, two passenger buses were swept by a landslide in the Simaltal area of Chitwan, where only 3 had survived while 63 were unaccounted for. In two weeks, only the dead bodies of 25 passengers have been found with search operations continuing to locate the buses in the high-current Trishuli River. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], July 25 (ANI/TPS): Israeli officials are quietly throwing their support behind a United Arab Emirates proposal to install a former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad as the head of a PA administration in post-war Gaza. "Minister [of Strategic Affairs] Ron Dermer expressed full support for the Emirati proposal," Israeli and Arab political sources confirmed to The Press Service of Israel. "This idea is acceptable to Israel, aligning with Defence Minister Galant's 'defence islands' plan," which would develop local administration in various areas of Gaza. Representatives of the US, Israel and UAE met last Thursday to discuss Gaza's post-war governance. Key to the discussions was an Emirati proposal to establish a new, revised Palestinian Authority in Gaza, potentially headed by Salam Fayyad, the former Palestinian Prime Minister. Fayyad, an economist by profession, is not affiliated with the Fatah movement and has a reputation as a critic of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Fayyad's candidacy is reportedly supported by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the Emirates. The Emirati plan involves multiple components, including establishing a reformed Palestinian Authority that operates independently of Abbas's control. An Arab source familiar with the discussions told TPS-IL, "This reflects the sentiment in some Arab countries that advocate for the slogan 'No Abbas, no Hamas.'" The plan also proposes the presence of Arab and foreign forces in Gaza to maintain public order. The Emiratis envision Egyptian, Moroccan and Qatari participation to create a security corridor spanning from north to south in the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials welcomed this approach, emphasising the importance of a moderate Arab coalition. "We do not intend to reinstate Abu Mazen's rule in Gaza, as he is considered irrelevant," high-ranking sources in the Israeli security establishment told TPS-IL. "The involvement of Saudi and Emirati forces is crucial, especially with the shifting strategic focus towards the Iranian issue." The sources explained, "Both the Emirates and the Saudis are not fans of Abu Mazen and they want to turn their strategic attention to the Iranian issue from now on." In a gesture possibly related to these diplomatic efforts, Israel on Wednesday approved the transfer of 250 wounded and sick Gaza residents to the UAE for medical treatment. The patients will be transferred from Gaza to the Ramon Airport in the Negev and then flown to the UAE. The Emirates has taken a leading role in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, including building hospitals and supplying food and medical supplies. The aid deliveries have been partly coordinated through Muhammad Dahlan, a former senior Fatah official and rival of Abbas now living in exile in the Emirates. At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 115 remaining hostages, 39 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014. (ANI/TPS)
The rockets hit the Al Qarara school on Wednesday, the army said. Palestinians have been sheltering since the army re-entered the southern Gaza city to counter Hamas efforts to re-establish itself.

None of the projectiles fired reached Israeli territory. Numerous hits were identified in the area of the school.

In coordination between Israel and the World Health Organization, several injured Palestinians were evacuated for treatment to the International Medical Corps field hospital in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

Since returning to Khan Yunis, soldiers have eliminated dozens of terrorists and dismantled approximately 50 Hamas facilities.

Also in Khan Yunis, soldiers recovered the bodies of five Israelis killed on October 7 from a tunnel.

They were identified as Ravid Katz, 51; Maya Goren, 56, Oren Goldin, 33; Sgt. Kiril Brodski, 19; and Staff Sgt. Tomer Yaakov Ahimas, 20. All had previously been declared by the military based on intelligence information.

The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said the bodies were found based on interrogations of Palestinian terrorists in custody and other intelligence information.

At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 115 remaining hostages, 39 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014. (ANI/TPS)
Irfan Ilyas Gill is neither a Shia nor a Sunni Muslim but a member of the Pakistan Christian Scouts who along with 30-40 other Christians has been voluntarily facilitating Shia mourners participating in the Ashura processions in Pakistans biggest metropolitan city Karachi for over 12 years.

Pakistan Christian Scouts have always been available wherever needed for some 28 years now. Earlier, we used to set up a medical camp for the participants of the main Ashura procession on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi but over the years we have been given the additional responsibility of searching cars and frisking the participants before allowing them entry into the main procession, Gill said.

The Christian, who is a worker in a private office and was elected as the general secretary of the Pakistan Christian Scouts in 2017, said that his family was initially hesitant to let him volunteer for Ashura security.

In 2009, a suicide bomber struck an Ashura procession in Karachi in which four Christian scouts were among the victims of the deadly attack. Two more Christian scouts were killed in a gun attack on our camp during the Ashura procession in 2011. My family was naturally fearful for my security due to these incidents but they eventually let me volunteer when they saw how passionate I was to continue serving the people regardless of the security threats, he said.

Ashura occurs annually on the tenth of Muharram and is marked worldwide by Shia Muslims as a day of mourning over the seventh-century battlefield death of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Islams prophet, Muhammad.

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While the Pakistani Taliban and other terrorist groups have been the major source of instability in Pakistan, sectarian militants who regard Shias as non-Muslims also pose a significant security threat. Large-scale sectarian attacks, which killed thousands in the 1980s and 1990s, are now less frequent in Pakistan but the rise of a local Daesh franchise has presented new challenges for the government.

When we wear our khaki uniforms, we bid farewell to our families in our hearts because we dont know whether we will return home safely or not. No doubt life and death are in Gods hands but one never knows when would be the last day of their life, he said.

The members of the Pakistan Christian Scouts belong to low income working groups, Gill said, but Christs teachings motivated them to serve people selflessly without any hope for reward.

There is no fee or honorarium for our services, only the thrill of volunteering help during times of need. We are Christian scouts and this is what we do, he said. He added that all Christian scouts have to volunteer at least 15-16 hours every month.

According to Gill, all scouts consider each other as brothers regardless of their faith backgrounds.

We are bonded by our passion to serve humanity by rising beyond religion, caste or creed. Our cooperation also fosters interfaith harmony and sets an example of nationalism and brotherhood for the general public, he said.

Pervaiz Aftab, who retired from government service some years ago and is the head of the Pakistan Christian Scouts, said the non-profit group was founded on December 12, 1984.

Scouts are a bridge between the community and law enforcement agencies, said Aftab, adding that Pakistan Christian Scouts was one of the 200 scout groups that volunteer for Ashura security in Karachi during Muharram.

Aftab believes that the role of scouts has become more significant in the recent years.

With increasing security concerns in Pakistan, the scouts have started playing a more practical role in serving society, he said.

Scouting was formally established during pre-independence years, and today the scout groups all across the country get registered with the national or provincial scouting associations. Scout members are then trained according to the syllabus prepared by the respective scouting organisations. The training involves first aid, disaster management, basic bomb disposal techniques, and self defence.
This marks the first visit by a Chilean president to the UAE since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1978.

During the visit, Boric Font will discuss various areas of cooperation with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their discussions will focus on economic, commercial, and developmental sectors with the aim of supporting the shared objectives of sustainable development and prosperity in both nations. (ANI/WAM)
Tel Aviv [Israel], July 25 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Ministry of Health said it welcomes the approval of the food and spices reforms passed by the Knesset. They will will come into force on January 1, 2025. "The reforms constitute a fundamental change as part of the policy to improve regulation, remove barriers and increase the range of products offered to the consumer while maintaining public health," said the Ministry. As part of the food reform, the Ministry of Health initiated a conceptual change with the opening of a food import route that complies with European regulations and based on a declaration of legal marketing in Europe (proper importer in the European route). The leading principles are the adoption of European regulation (dozens of different regulations concerning food safety, food labeling, contaminants, etc.) that will create harmonization with European law, the transfer of responsibility for the integrity and safety of the products to the importer in accordance with what is customary in Europe, and giving the importer tools to carry out quality risk management and quality control processes on the products imported to Israel. The Ministry said that this move is expected to create "optimal conditions for importing food to Israel while maintaining public health, and will allow regulatory certainty for Israeli industry as well." The obligation of the importer's direct contact with the manufacturer to a proper importer will be abolished, and on the other hand, the obligation to carry out risk management and quality control processes by the importer and the marketer will be imposed. (ANI/TPS)
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday declared that the verdict granting physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in May 9 cases was "null and void," Pakistan-based Geo News reported. A two-member bench, which includes Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh and Justice Anwar-ul-Haq Pannu, reserved the verdict on the petitions challenging Imran Khan's physical remand. The court also declared the notification of the former Pakistan PM's appearance through the video link null and void. During the hearing, Justice Saleem said that the suspect cannot be forced to undergo a photogrammetry test. Meanwhile, Pannu asked the prosecutor, about when he got the idea about using modern devices now, according to Geo News report. During the hearing, Punjab's Prosecutor General, Farhad Ali Shah, said that the facility to carry out the photogrammetry test is inside the prison, and it would be an injustice to not give the prosecution a "full chance." Shah further said, "At the end, the prosecution is blamed that it failed." The prosecutor told the court that the probe would be impossible without the recovery of the mobile phone through which the posts were made on X and messages on WhatsApp were sent. At this, Justice Pannu questioned how the mobile phone will be recovered when the suspect is in prison. Imran Khan has filed petitions against the anti-terrorism court's (ATC) verdict, stressing that it did not assess the records properly when granting the physical remand of the PTI founder, Geo News reported. Last week, an anti-terrorism court granted 10-day physical remand of Imran Khan in 12 cases related to the May 9 riots. The PTI founder was remanded in three cases of Gulberg police station, five cases of Sarwar Road police station, and one case each of Race Course, Shadman, Mughalpura, and Model Town police stations. Meanwhile, PTI founder Imran Khan has approached Punjab's top court to avoid his potential detention by the military in connection with the May 9 cases. However, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh rejectedhis plea, upholding the objection raised by the registrar's office. The registrar of the court said that the power of attorney submitted to the Lahore High Court was not signed, Geo News reported. Imran Khan requested the LHC to ask authorities to keep him under the jurisdiction of "civilian courts". Imran Khan filed his petition through his counsel, Aziz Karamat, and mentioned the federal government and the inspectors general of police of all provinces as respondents. On May 9 last year, violent clashes broke out across Pakistan after former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested. The protests were held in remote and major cities as the party workers were agitated due to their chairman's arrest, with Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad summoning the armed forces to ensure law and order, ARY News reported. Moreover, army installations, including the Corps Commander's house in Lahore, had come under attack during the protests by PTI workers. Notably, the PTI founder was named as the main accused in all the May 9 riots cases. Imran Khan (71), who served as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has been incarcerated in Adiala Jail since August 2023 on multiple charges, including the Toshakhana case, the cypher case and the unlawful marriage case. (ANI)
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Chairman, Asad Iqbal Butt, was released a few hours after being arrested by the Pakistani Police, in an episode again underscoring Islamabad's attempt at silencing human rights defenders. After release, Butt told reporters that he was detained for 3-4 hours "without any solid reason" and was released after pressure mounted on them, as reported by Pakistan-based Express Tribune. "The police entered our house and asked me to come to the police station. They released me after the pressure mounted from the media. It's illegal and against human rights," the HRCP Chairman said. He further said that he was questioned about his visit to Quetta. "I haven't visited Quetta in last seven years," he said, adding that the police wanted to know about HRCP's support to Baloch activists. Earlier, the HRCP demanded his immediate release and called it a "tactic to intimidate" the voice of human rights. "HRCP demands the immediate and unconditional release of its chairperson, Asad Iqbal Butt, who is arbitrarily detained by police in Karachi. HRCP believes that this measure is an intimidation tactic designed to stifle the voice of human rights defenders like Mr Butt," the HRCP stated on X. https://x.com/hrcp87/status/1816422423094342078?s=46&t=nbusnwoIYo9hUrDuoWfhwQ The human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement, PAANK, also condemned the arrest and termed it an attempt to "suppress legitimate human rights advocacy." "PAANK condemns any actions that intimidate or harass human rights defenders. The interrogation of Asad Butt appears to be an attempt to suppress legitimate human rights advocacy and stifle efforts to seek justice for the families of the Baloch missing persons," PAANK said in a statement. "We call on the Pakistani authorities to respect the fundamental rights of human rights defenders, including the right to freedom of expression and association. Efforts to advocate for the rights of the Baloch community should be supported, not hindered. Paank urges the government to ensure that human rights activists can operate without fear of reprisals or unwarranted interference," it added. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1816469940473303422 HRCP has been a long-standing voice against the atrocities inflicted by the administration and the Pakistani Defence Forces upon Pakistan's own people. The human rights organisation has repeatedly supported and stood in solidarity with the voice of the weak whenever the public faced human rights abuses in Pakistan. The intimidation of human rights defenders like Butt has been a longstanding reality in Pakistan to suppress the voice of dissent and truth in the country. Notably, there have been several infamous instances of killing, arrest, intimidation, torture, and abduction of anyone who dares to raise the issue of human rights abuse. Previously, several human rights advocates like Gilaman Wazir, Manzoor Pashteen, Asad Ali Toor, Shahdad Baloch, Saddam Baloch, Hidayat Lohar, Mahrang Baloch, Basit Baloch and hundreds of others have also faced intimidation for raising their voices against the regime. (ANI)
The delegation was led by Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary, West Asia & North Africa (WANA) Division, and the Japanese delegation was led by Ando Toshihide, Director General, Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau.

"The consultations covered a wide range of topics, including political developments, economic opportunities and challenges in the Middle East/West Asia region," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Moreover, participants engaged in constructive discussions, sharing their perspectives and insights on the situation in the Middle East, including Gaza.

Both sides agreed to remain in touch and continue their consultation on issues concerning the Middle East region.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, stating that the discussions were held in New Delhi today.

"2nd India-Japan Consultations on Middle East/West Asia held in New Delhi today. Discussions covered the situations in the Middle East including Gaza," the MEA spokesperson said in the post.

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1816456161257746580

Last month, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra held a meeting with Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi and exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional and global issues of mutual concern.

India and Japan share a 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership'.

The most recent round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held on February 8, 2024 between Foreign Secretary and Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Takehiro Funakoshi, the Indian embassy in Tokyo stated.

The friendship between the two countries has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties. (ANI)
"India has operationalized the new resident Mission in Riga, Latvia with effect from July 25, 2024," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

"The coordinates of the new Embassy are: Address: Embassy of India, Riga, Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Elizabetes Iela 55, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1010. Tel: +371 2248 5174. Email: amboffice.riga@mea.gov.in, cons.riga@mea.gov.in," it added.

The operationalization will further help in deepening political relations and strengthening sustained political outreach in multilateral fora.

"Operationalization of the Indian Mission in Latvia will help expand India's diplomatic footprint, deepen political relations, enable the growth of bilateral trade, encourage investments and economic engagements, facilitate stronger people-to-people contacts and strengthen sustained political outreach in multilateral fora," the MEA stated.

Moreover, the Indian Mission in Latvia will also better assist the Indian community and protect their interests.

Latvia's Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins arrived in India in February to attend the Raisina Dialogue which was held in New Delhi from February 21-23.

At the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue, Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins said that relations between India and Latvia as well as the European Union were progressing in a positive direction.

While speaking to ANI, says, "The diplomatic relations with India and Latvia are actually very good. And the relationship between the European Union and India is also growing and developing in a very positive direction."

The Latvian foreign minister also said that he saw a role for India in addressing conflicts like the one in Ukraine. (ANI)
US Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the act of pro-Palestinian protestors, who burned the American flag on Wednesday during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the US Congress. Kamala Harris condemned the individuals associated with the Hamas terror organisation. "Yesterday, at Union Station in Washington, DC we saw despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric," Harris said in a statement on X. More than 5,000 protesters massed on the streets near Capitol Hill, waving Palestinian flags and chanting for the United States to stop arming Israel, as Netanyahu began speaking to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday. "I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews. Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation," the US Vice President said. Emphasising that the flag is a symbol of the US's highest ideals as a nation, Harris said that it represents the promise of America. "I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way," she said. The Vice President further expressed support for the right to peacefully protest. "I support the right to peacefully protest, but let's be clear: Antisemitism, hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation," she said. During Netanyahu's address on Wednesday, the Israeli Prime Minister also urged the American leaders to provide bipartisan support to the war-ridden country, amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Some groups of demonstrators attempted to barricade Netanyahu's potential routes to the Capitol, with one group handing out an effigy of the prime minister in handcuffs and the other group even burning the American flag. During his address to Congress, Netanyahu called out Iran for funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America. Netanyahu went on to call protesters "Iran useful idiots." "Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory," Netanyahu strongly emphasised the strategic role of Israel in countering Iran. Netanyahu did not mention a ceasefire by name or discuss the status of the deal that Israel and Hamas have been negotiating for weeks, something the Biden administration desperately wants to get done. However, he did say that the war could end if Hamas surrendered its arms and returned hostages. During his remarks, the Israeli prime minister called the Hamas terror attack on October "a day that will forever live in infamy, comparing it to the attacks on Pearl Harbour and 911." (ANI)
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Vientiane, noted the current complex international landscape and suggested that, as two major neighbouring developing countries, India and China should step up dialogue and communication. Underscoring the daunting global challenges, the Chinese foreign minister stressed that the two countries should increase understanding and mutual trust for mutually beneficial cooperation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, and Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings on Thursday. "Wang Yi said that in the face of the current complex international landscape and daunting global challenges, China and India, as two major neighbouring developing countries and emerging economies, should step up dialogue and communication, increase understanding and mutual trust, properly handle differences, and develop mutually beneficial cooperation," the Chinese Embassy in India said in a release. He added that the two sides should take a rational approach to rise above differences and frictions for the betterment of India-China relations. "With a sense of responsibility for history, for the people and for the world, the two sides should take a rational approach to rise above differences and frictions to promote the improvement as well as stable and sustainable development of China-India relations," it added. Wang Yi said that the important impact of China-India relations goes beyond bilateral scope, according to the embassy's statement. Improving bilateral relations should reflect the strategic vision of China and India as two major emerging and developing countries, Wang Yi said. "Handling the differences between the two countries should demonstrate the political wisdom of China and India as two ancient civilisations. Tackling global challenges should embody the solidarity and cooperation of countries in the Global South," he said. The Chinese foreign minister hoped that the two sides would work together to actively explore the right way for the two big neighbours to get along with each other and guide all communities to develop positive perceptions of each other. "Wang Yi emphasised that a China-India relationship back on the right track serves the interests of both sides and meets the shared aspirations of countries in the Global South," the statement read. Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar said that India and China are two countries with the largest populations and two major emerging economies and ancient civilisations with long histories. He added that maintaining stable and predictable development of bilateral relations is entirely in the interests of the two sides, and holds special significance to upholding regional peace and promoting multi-polarity. "India and China have broad converging interests and face the shadow brought by the situation in the border areas. But the Indian side is ready to take a historical, strategic and open perspective to find solutions to the differences and get bilateral relations back on a positive and constructive track," the statement added. Moreover, the two sides agreed to make concerted efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and work for new progress in consultations on border affairs. Both sides indicated their readiness to strengthen communication within the framework of the East Asia cooperation platform, SCO, G20 and BRICS, jointly practice multilateralism and uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. (ANI)
A tomb discovered in Taiyuan from the 8 th century features murals in the figures under the tree style.

The multiple scenes depicted throughout the tomb show daily life during the Tang dynasty.

One image includes a man with blond hair and western dress, likely an influence from the Silk Road trading route.

A Tang dynasty tomb decorated with colorful murals is providing a new glimpse into daily life in China during the 8th century. Most interestingly, the murals show signs of Western influence, particularly the inclusion of a blond, bearded figure.

A 2018 reconstruction project of a hillside road in the capital of the Shanxi Province led to unearthing the tomb, but archaeologists hadnt really reported on the discovery until now.

Long Zhen, director of the Jinyang Ancient City Research Institute of the Taiyuan Cultural Relics Protection Research Institute, says, according to a translation from the state-run news outlet Xinhua, that the tomb has pairs of figures painted on both sides of the tomb door and that paintings of people continue throughout the tomb, including everything from women pushing stones to grind flour to men making pasta, women using oranges to fetch water, and men stepping on hammers to help pound rice.

Xinhua News Agency - Getty Images

Experts believe the tomb was owned by a man who died in 736 AD at age 63, during the middle of the Tang dynasty, which ran from 618 to 907 AD. He was buried in the tomb along with his wife.

The eight scenes painted on the tomb are in the figures under the tree style, trendy at the time, whichnot unlike the name suggestsshows daily activities occurring under artistically rendered trees. The scenes offer a fresh view on what daily life and responsibilities were during the Tang dynasty. The figures painted on the tomb all appeared to be of the Han ethnicityexcept for one: a figure painted with blond hair and a beard.

Victor Xiong, professor of history at Western Michigan University, who wasnt involved in the discovery, told Live Science the Westerner, painted in the tomb leading camels, likely represented someone from Central Asia. Based on his facial features and outfit style, Xiong said, we can identify him as a Westerner, likely a Sogdian from Central Asia.

The Sogdian people lived in what is now modern-day Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and were active along Silk Road trading routes.

Xinhua News Agency - Getty Images

The murals coat the entire tomb, save for the floor. The South China Morning Post wrote that the artwork is styled similarly to other Tang-era murals with strong outlines, simple shading, and two-dimensional artwork.

Zhen believes the style coincides with the paintings found in the tomb of Wang Shenzi, a key figure in the late 800s during the fall of the Tang dynasty and rise of the Song dynasty. The styles so closely match, it may have been the same painter.

Not only was the small, brick tomb covered in paintings, but the gates, corridor, and tomb pedestal holding the coffins were all adorned as well. The domed ceiling strays from the rest of the motif and features a dragon-like image. Figures painted at the gate may represent guardians, with yellow robes and swords tied around their waist.

Other scenes include a woman in a brightly colored dress leading four horses while a man stands nearby with a whip, women and men holding boxes or ceremonial bowls tucked to their chests, and an old man shown in various scenes reaching toward a snake, carrying an axe and firewood, and holding a cup. The paintings also feature plenty of trees, flowers, mountains, and livestock. Most of the figures throughout the tomb appear to be the same two people, leading the archaeologists to surmise they were the owners of the tomb.

The scenes painted on the mural offered some never-before-seen examples of Tang-era chores, Xiong told Live Science, and because the figures were most likely the owners of the tomb, probably depicted the minutiae of their daily lives. But the Westerner's presence adds a bit of mystery to the otherwise staid way of living for the long-deceased man and woman.

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COSHOCTON  Coshocton County is quickly becoming a model for how municipalities who have lost a coal-fired power plant cannot only survive, but thrive, afterward.

Representatives from Tocopilla, Chile, recently visited Coshocton to meet with local officials and take a tour of the area, including the burgeoning Conesville Industrial Park. Tiffany Swigert, executive director of the Coshocton Port Authority, said Coshocton had become an un-official sister city to Tocopilla as a coal-fired power plant there is currently being decommissioned. Representatives also visited Lawrence, Kansas, while in the U.S., which has been declared an official sister city to Tocopilla.

Representatives from Tocopilla, Chile, recently visited Coshocton as an unofficial sister city based on the loss of coal fired power plants on how that has affected the community. This included a visit to the former AEP plant site that is now being turned into the Conesville Industrial Park.

The American Electric Power Plant in Conesville closed in May 2020 after 62 years of service, outlasting the usual life expectancy for such a facility by more than 20 years. The closure of the plant had a big economic impact on Conesville, Franklin Township and River View Local Schools. A drop of $2.2 million in tax revenue from the plant closing led to staff reductions and eventual reconfiguration of the school district.

While in Coshocton, the group met with Bob Buxton about the history of Coshocton, Lynn Jacobs from Ohio Mean Jobs of Coshocton County, Donna Hrezo of Ohio SE, Mindy Brems of the Coshocton Visitors Bureau, Pat Ford and Anthony Basil of the Frontier Group of Companies, which are developing the former AEP plant land into an industrial park, along with other locals.

Representatives from Tocopilla, Chile, recently visited Coshocton as an unofficial sister city based on the loss of coal fired power plants on how that has affected the community. They met with various local officials and had presentations at different places, including Rust Decor.

Swigert said Coshocton officials will stay in contact with the Tocopilla representatives and provide what advice and consultation.

"It's amazing to me. From Tocopilla, Chile, to Coshocton is over 4,300 miles away, but we share a lot of commonalities in how our communities were impacted with closures of plants and how we're feeling right now in regards to the planning and what's next in our communities," Swigert said. "This was just a great first step in opening those walls of communication."

Developing the site of the former plant site

Additionally, the port authority is working with the Frontier Group of Companies on applying for a competitive loan program from the Ohio Department of Development to assist with extending waterlines and wastewater lines from the City of Coshocton to the Conesville Industrial Park and the creation of access roads to the site from Ohio 16.

Swigert said they are finalizing the request now and a dollar amount hasn't been attached to it yet. The loan request is through the All Ohio Future Fund, announced last December, with $750 million available for infrastructure projects related to economic development projects. Loans would be zero interest with no payments due for five years and certain percentages of forgiveness are available based on end use.

Ford said the Frontier Group is confident the site could bring more than $30 billion in local investment from businesses locating there. Frontier Group owns about 2,500 acres with 163 acres being where the power plant once stood and is currently being developed. About another 1,000 acres is worthy of future development, Ford said. Standard Power owns approximately 45 acres now.

Swigert said at least one prospect, which she can't name at this time, could be secured once the infrastructure projects are completed.

"It's a really big ask, but if we're able to get this, it will be absolutely transformational for the site," Swigert said.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Coshocton to Chile: Connected by coal plant closures
A nine-member delegation from the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), visited the Beijing Christian Council on July 21.



Chairman Rev. Wu Weiqing of Beijing CC&TSPM affirmed the friendly relations between the two parties, emphasizing the importance of enhancing friendly exchanges with WEA while maintaining independence and self-management in church affairs, said Beijing CC&TSPM.



Rev. Li Hua, vice president and general secretary of the Beijing Christian Council (CC), provided a brief overview of the sinicization of Christianity in Beijing, highlighting key efforts in talent development, social services, and theological education in recent years. He stated that Beijing CC is dedicated to assisting churches to be rooted in Chinese culture, adaptable to contemporary Chinese society, and stick to the truth. He continued that they are involved in public welfare and charitable activities and bear witness to the faith.



Rev. Ezekiel Tan, the delegation's chief coordinator, who is also the special envoy of the World Evangelical Alliance to China and Chinese territories, briefly introduced the current WEA initiatives. The two parties exchanged views on the sinicization of theological thought and the translation issue of a new Chinese Bible commentary. Both sides agreed to strengthen contact and explore opportunities for cooperation and exchange in more areas.



On the morning of the visit, the delegation attended the Sunday service at Chongwenmen Church. After the service, Rev. Liu Cuimin, president of Beijing CC and senior pastor of the church, led the guests on a tour of the main building and auxiliary rooms, providing a brief introduction to the church's rough situation.



It is said that the delegation will travel to Jiangsu Province and other places during their stay in China.



The WEA's last visit to China can be traced back to 2017 when the then-secretary general, Bishop Efraim Tendero, met with the late Elder Fu Xianwei, the then-chairman of TSPM.



The WEA is a network of churches in 129 nations, each of which has formed an evangelical alliance, and over 100 international organizations that have joined together to give a worldwide identity, voice, and platform to more than 600 million evangelical Christians.





Originally published by China Christian Daily.
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.

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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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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.
A ruling by a federal judge in Kansas blocking protections for LGBTQ+ students is being used by Moms for Liberty to recruit new members and make the judge's order apply to more schools nationwide.

Moms for Liberty is among the plaintiffs led by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach suing President Joe Biden's administration to stop changes to Title IX.

The rule change, which was set to go into effect Aug. 1, includes anti-discrimination protections for transgender students at school. It is being challenged through multiple lawsuits nationwide.

Moms for Liberty is using a Kansas judge's ruling to recruit new members who can make help make a Title IX injunction apply to more schools nationwide.

Moms for Liberty using injunction to opt in new members

In Kansas, U.S. District Judge John Broomes issued a preliminary injunction on July 2, blocking the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice from implementing or enforcing the rule change. The order applies in Kansas, Alaska, Utah and Wyoming, which are part of Kobach's lawsuit.

It can also apply to schools in other states if they are attended by members or children of members of Moms for Liberty and other organizations that are parties to the lawsuit.

Moms for Liberty is now using that as a recruiting tool for new members. The Florida-based conservative parents' rights organization sent a news release encouraging people to join, and then opt in to listing their school as part of the federal court injunction.

"Today, Moms for Liberty launched a landmark function through their website to opt in members, or those who become members, to protect their children's schools from the implementation of the Biden Administration's Title IX redo for gender ideology in K-12 education," the Tuesday news release said.

In a statement, Moms for Liberty cofounders Tina Descovich and Tiffany Justice called it a "legal battle to protect K-12 public school children from the dangers of gender ideology in public schools, which gut parental rights."

"This is a huge win for parents across the country and for America because this ruling protects and affirms our First Amendment Rights," Descovich and Justice said. "Thanks to this preliminary injunction, the federal DOE is prohibited from enforcing Title IX at the schools attended by members of Moms for Liberty's children."

More: Federal judge sides with Kris Kobach, blocking Title IX protections for trans students

Biden administration is appealing Title IX case

The Biden administration has appealed to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which as of Wednesday morning had not acted on the emergency motion for a partial stay. The federal government argues the order, which blocks enforcement of the entire rule and not just the challenged provisions, is overbroad.

Federal attorneys said the rule "revises many aspects of Title IX's current regulations, most of which have nothing to do with gender identity," such as provisions on Title IX coordinators, recordkeeping and lactation rooms for breastfeeding students.

The Biden administration had also asked the Kansas judge for a partial stay. Part of their argument was that the order should only apply to members of the organizations at the time the lawsuit was filed on May 14.

Justice Department attorneys wrote that the organizations "are now treating the injunction as if it can extend to individuals who were not even members of their organizations when this action was filed  indeed, they are actively using the injunction to recruit new members by representing that anyone who joins automatically becomes a beneficiary of the injunction."

Broomes declined, saying his court lacked jurisdiction and it was now a matter for the appellate court. He confirmed that his injunction applies to current and prospective members of the three organizations.

Kansas judge's order applies to hundreds of schools

Kobach's office already filed lists of schools for the other two organizations, Young America's Foundation and Female Athletes United. They name hundreds of K-12 schools and colleges and universities nationwide.

While Kansas K-12 schools and institutions of higher education are already covered by the injunction, the lists identify several Kansas entities, including Washburn Rural High School, Rossville Junior-Senior High School, the University of Kansas and Kansas State University.

When Attorney General Kris Kobach on May 14 announced his lawsuit against the Biden administration challenging Title IX changes protecting transgender students, he was flanked by attorneys and two female student-athletes at Auburn-Washburn USD 437.

Broomes had previously ordered Moms for Liberty and the other schools to file a list of schools by July 15, but Moms for Liberty didn't meet that deadline. Instead, the organization asked the judge to change his order to apply to entire counties where children of members live  which would have made the order much more sweeping.

Kobach's office argued that Moms for Liberty didn't have a list of schools attended by children of its members and only had a record of where they reside. They said the reason for only recording their county of residence was "member privacy and security concerns," as some members "have been the target of doxing campaigns." To get a list of schools "is likely an impossible task" and an administrative burden.

The judge denied the request, again for lack of jurisdiction, and gave Moms for Liberty until Friday to submit a list of schools.

In its news release, Moms for Liberty indicated that its opt-in process is a way for current members who may be concerned about being connected to the injunction to choose whether to participate.

"In order to give the judge a list of these schools while protecting the names of our members, which could be connected to their minor children, we will submit a list of schools where members opted in to be protected from Title IX through our website," Descovich and Justice said in a statement.

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Why a Kansas lawsuit on LGBTQ+ rights matters to schools nationwide
The Lynchburg City School Boards surprise decision on Tuesday night to rebuild Sandusky Elementary School was part of a larger conversation among members in discussing the future of school facilities.

The conversation comes nearly 10 months after the board decided to close Sandusky Elementary and T.C. Miller Elementary School for Innovation, and expand William Marvin Bass Elementary School at an estimated cost of $15 million.

The board bounced around ideas, some being only closing T.C. Miller, rebuilding Sandusky Elementary and pursuing expanding Bass further.

After more than two hours of discussion, the board decided to rebuild Sandusky and rescind its decision last fall.

City Council reaction

Lynchburg Vice Mayor and Ward IV representative Chris Faraldi, who has been a proponent of keeping Sandusky Elementary open, said the school boards vote Tuesday night ensures Ward IV is not unduly impacted by a closure of Sandusky.

Faraldi also said he is committed to working to find the money necessary for rebuilding Sandusky Elementary.

Rebuilding Sandusky Elementary School is a vision everyone can get behind, and it is one I certainly will, Faraldi said in a statement.

In the coming months, the vice mayor said he plans to work with his colleagues on city council, school board members and stakeholders to find creative ways for funding this plan and rebuilding Sandusky without increasing taxes on our neighbors.

Faraldi said he hopes a concrete plan for the future of the city schools will be prepared in time for the fiscal year 2026 budget process to ensure we explore all options for funding this plan without increasing taxes on our neighbors, he said in an email to The News & Advance.

The school boards vote on Tuesday caught some city officials off-guard, while others were less supportive of funding a new Sandusky Elementary School.

Ward III Councilmember Jeff Helgeson said everyone knows about the major decline in enrollment in Lynchburgs public schools. Average daily attendance in the citys schools has declined by 545 students in just the last four years, he said.

According to Lynchburg City Schools data, student enrollment has dropped from about 8,600 students for the 2013-2014 school year to about 7,900 for the 2022-2023 school year.

Projections show student enrollment continuing to drop through the end of the decade, with enrollment expected to be just under 7,500 students by the 2031-2032 school year, according to the school district.

Spending another $56 million of taxpayer funds would mean tax increases, thus a non-starter, Helgeson told The News & Advance. Critical needs sometimes arise, that is why I voted against spending $8 million on a non-critical amphitheater.

Instead of rebuilding the elementary school, Helgeson said his solution would be to consider using Sandusky Middle School as the new Sandusky Elementary School.

Helgeson said the citys three middle schools have extra capacity and that by adjusting elementary schools to include kindergarten through sixth grades, instead of the current kindergarten through fifth grades, the city could get by with only two middle schools.

At-large Councilmember Martin Misjuns agreed with Helgeson, telling The News & Advance that the millions of dollars appropriated by the city for a downtown amphitheater would have been much better suited to address the needs of the city elementary schools.

In an interview on WLNI last September after the school board voted to close Sandusky Elementary School as part of its new facilities master plan, Misjuns said city schools are forced to spend money on empty classrooms in elementary schools due to declining enrollment numbers.

The answer is really in our middle schools. Sandusky Elementary can get a new building next year if we allow them to move into Sandusky Middle School, he said. You could operate with only two middle schools.

Kimberly Sinha, who served as a District 2 school board member for two terms through 2023, said the odds are against Faraldi getting his fellow members on city council to approve the funding to rebuild Sandusky Elementary School.

Given the reluctance of the city council to increase funding for schools, it doesnt seem realistic that the city would approve building a new elementary school, she said.

Rather than funding the building of a new elementary school, Sinha said she would like to see the city boost funding for Career and Technical Education courses at middle schools in the city.

Presentation on facilities

Board Chair Atul Gupta mentioned a 2023 presentation Tuesday night that MGT of America did for the division where the group gave facility scores to school buildings around the city: a score of 90 or higher is excellent, 80-89 is considered good, 70-79 is considered fair, 60-69 is considered poor and below 60 is considered unsatisfactory.

In terms of elementary schools, the only facility with a facility score of 80 was Sheffield; however, Sandusky, Perrymont, R.S. Payne, T.C. Miller, Linkhorne and Dearington Elementary School for Innovation were considered poor with scores between 60 and 69.

Paul Munro, Heritage, Bedford Hills, W.M. Bass and the Carl B. Hutcherson Early Learning Center were considered fair, with facility scores between 70 and 79.

It is our moral, ethical and legal responsibility to make sure that kids we serve are taught in a safe and healthy environment, Gupta said, adding these scores will only decrease over time.

What we are doing is putting our little ones at risk.

Timeline

Amy Pugh, deputy superintendent of instruction at Lynchburg City Schools, explained over the last several years, LCS has engaged in a series of long-range planning processes to help plan for the future of its facilities.

In fiscal year 2021, LCS commissioned a facilities assessment report by Dominion 7 Architects to evaluate school buildings; and in fiscal year 2023, the division contracted with MTG of America to conduct an educational program evaluation and to provide associated recommendations.

In spring 2022, LCS conducted five community conversations to receive feedback from the public and in spring 2023, MGT of America conducted a comprehensive community engagement process to receive input possible directions of the divisions facilities, Pugh explained.

After integrating the findings of Dominion 7s report, MGT created four scenarios for the future of LCS buildings.

This really is what has driven the work of the board for the past several years, Pugh said.

Superintendent Crystal Edwards said the boards adopted scenario included the following: enact close to home zoning, close Sandusky and T.C. Miller elementary schools in 2025-26, and expand Bass Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year, all a part of phase I which was scheduled to take one to two years.

Future plans in the adopted scenario include: fully renovating Linkhorne, Paul Munro, Perrymont and R.S Payne elementary schools; expanding Bedford Hills, Linkhorne and Perrymont elementary schools as enrollment demands; and investing in safety and maintenance improvements in all other schools.

Reid Wodicka, deputy superintendent of operations and strategic planning, explained the board decided to only expand Bass but reserve the land for future expansions of Linkhorne, Perrymont and Bedford Hills elementary schools.

Additionally, pre-K expansion was included for future plans, if space is allotted, but not immediately along with expanded CTE options, with the intent to focus on partnerships first.

In terms of close to home zoning, Wodicka said the board directed this to be implemented in the 2025-26 school year.

School board discussion

Following the presentation, Edwards presented the board with a fork in the road: approve Bass expansion or reconsider the entire plan with the provided information which sparked a slew of perspectives.

Gupta mentioned the city has made it clear funding is not there right now for capital improvement projects, unless theres an increase in revenue.

District 1 board Member Daryl Conner asked if closing just one school was considered, such as T.C. Miller.

Im asking if we arent able to expand Bass, nobody is going to give us the money, whats the closest school to that area where we could transition [students to], he said.

Conner added later, close to home zoning needs to be a priority moving forward.

Regardless of the other things weve done or not done, that needs to be an important thing, get these kids closer to home, Conner said.

District 3 board member Farid Jalil disagreed with the process of getting to the four scenarios, stating the board could have simply given the options outlined by MGT of America to administration and have them carve out a path to present for approval.

Going directly from the entities to us, to vote on, was the mistake, Jalil said.

Gupta pushed back, stating Jalil was on the board at the time of the vote to close Sandusky and T.C. Miller.

You were on the board at that time and with all due respect, that should have been told, Gupta said.

Vice Chair Martin Day suggested the board decide if they are going to pursue Bass expansion further, making a motion to expand the school which was not seconded by anyone on the board.

One reason for the motion, Day explained, was to put the onus on city council to make a decision on distributing funding for the expansion.

District 1 board member Christian DePaul argued against expanding Bass, stating the division can use its existing infrastructure.

We have what we need at this point. Will it be crowded  it might be a little uncomfortable for a short period of time, because we have decreasing enrollment, he said.

We have the capacity, we dont need to add anymore space. It would be nice, but we dont need it.

District 3 board member Gloria Preston asked about the feasibility to expand Bass when its a year-round school.

We dont have any way of predicting how many students are going to choose to go to a year-round school, she said.

Gupta then transitioned into the possibility of building a new elementary school, followed by a later motion from District 1 board member Anthony Andrews to rebuild Sandusky.

Day pointed out that building a new school is going to cost a lot more than $15 million, causing the board to be faced with the same issue as last fall.

Where is the money going to come from? Are we going to be able to convince City Council to provide us with over $50 million when we dont think we can get $15 million? Day said.

Gupta said at the end of the day, the school board doesnt control the purse.

District 2 board member Letitia Lowery said its important to remember that the buildings are old.

So, were putting our kids in more danger, the longer city council waits. So, we need to make some kind of suggestion of how were going to get our schools updated, Lowry said.

District 2 board member Mark Tinsley said the thing that stands out to him are the low facility assessment scores.

In my mind, we as a school board need to make a decision that forces a fiscal hand of some sort, he said. Ask for money to expand a school, renovate some schools or build a school; because we are putting our students in more dangerous situations every single year, Tinsley said.
NARA, Jul 25 (News On Japan) - Nara Prefecture Police are urging tourists to refrain from mistreating deer at Nara Park, following an increase in troubling incidents. The deer at Nara Park are designated as national natural treasures, and recent months have seen a surge in abusive behavior towards them, coinciding with a rise in visitor numbers.

A police officer was seen warning visitors, saying, "Never kick the deer. Never touch the deer. Take care of deers, please." This appeal comes after a video showing a deer being abused went viral on social media earlier this month.

Nara Prefecture Police have vowed to continue their vigilance and awareness efforts to protect the deer and ensure the safety of the park.

Source: TBS
CHIBA, Jul 26 (News On Japan) - In Japan, foreign tourists are flocking to unexpected locations, with some spots reporting that 90% of their visitors are from overseas. A closer look reveals why these places, often unnoticed by locals, are drawing such attention.

Today's investigation delves into hidden gems in Japan that are gaining popularity among foreign tourists. The charm of these locations often escapes the notice of Japanese citizens.

One such example is Katori in Chiba, where foreign tourists have become a common sight. This trend began about 10 years ago, and now locals feel the increase in foreign presence. The reason behind this surge lies in the recommendations provided at roadside stations, which are popular for their local advice.

Another notable hotspot is a tire shop in Kanagawa Prefecture, where over 80% of the visitors are foreign tourists. This unlikely attraction is famous for its retro vending machines, which the shop owner has collected and repaired. This unique feature has made the shop a viral sensation on social media platforms.

Japan now sees over 3 million foreign tourists per month. Among them are visitors like Ahmad from the UAE, who has visited Japan 30 times, and Swiss tourists who enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.

A prime example is the historic town of Sawara in Chiba Prefecture. Known for its picturesque Edo-period buildings along the river, Sawara offers experiences such as kimono rentals, which are especially popular among tourists. This towns accessibility from Narita Airport makes it a convenient stop for visitors arriving in or departing from Japan.

Similarly, a small shop in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, has become a hit among foreign tourists due to its collection of vintage vending machines. The shop offers a variety of retro snacks and drinks, including nostalgic curry and hot tea prepared in just 27 seconds.

One particularly charming location is the "Samurai Road," a historic route connecting Magome-juku in Gifu Prefecture with Tsumago-juku in Nagano Prefecture. This 9km route, known for its connection to the Edo periods sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) system, has captivated foreign tourists, with many feeling like samurai as they walk the path. The road has been featured in international media, such as National Geographic, further boosting its popularity.

Foreign tourists, like a French trio traveling from Tokyo to Okinawa, relish the experience of walking the same paths once tread by samurai. Meanwhile, an American family uses the Samurai Road as a preparatory hike before climbing Mount Fuji, stopping frequently to admire the beautiful landscapes and a majestic waterfall along the way.

These findings highlight the diverse interests of foreign tourists in Japan, who often seek out unique and culturally rich experiences beyond the typical tourist spots. The welcoming and warm hospitality they encounter, such as free tea and snacks at roadside teahouses, adds to the charm of their journey.

Source: FNN
Russian occupation forces began dismantling a worship building of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) in the Crimean city of Yevpatoria on Sunday (July 21), according to published reports.

The forces removed the dome and dismantled the upper part of the of the Holy Cross Church building, according to The Voice of Crimea.

The OCU is separate from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church that is supported by the Moscow Patriarchate and loyal to the Kremlin. The OCU Holy Cross Church had faced a legal challenge dating back to 2019 for allegedly failing to adhere to the Russian occupiers brand of Orthodox Christianity.

The Crimean OCU Diocese reportedly endured constant pressure to obey a decision by the occupier-controlled Yevpatoria City Court to flatten the church building. As the OCU did not agree with the demolition order, the occupation authorities successfully appealed to the court again for the works to be carried out.

In response to the dismantling work, on Monday (July 22) the Ukrainian Prosecutors Office of the Autonomous region, forced by war to relocate to Kyiv since June 12, 2014, announced that it had initiated criminal proceedings.

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The Prosecutors Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol initiated criminal proceedings over the illegal destruction of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Yevpatoria under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war), the Ukrainian Prosecutors Office announced.

Yesterday, on July 21, 2024, representatives of the occupation authorities began dismantling the Holy Cross Church of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Yevpatoria. This was preceded by an illegal decision of the occupation Yevpatoria City Court in 2019 to demolish the church, the prosecutors office stated. Such actions grossly violate the requirements of Article 147 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, which prohibits the destruction of property not justified by military necessity, as well as Article 56 of the Hague Regulations relative to the Laws and Customs of War of 1907, which explicitly provides for the protection of religious institutions from seizure, destruction or willful damage.

The prosecutors office, working with the non-governmental organization Global Rights Compliance, first sent a legal submission to the International Criminal Court in February about the actions of Russian occupiers against religious groups in Crimea.

This submission contains evidence of systematic persecution and pressure on the religious communities of the peninsula, in particular the destruction of the churches of the Crimean Diocese of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the prosecutors office stated.

Gyunduz Mamedov, former deputy prosecutor general for Ukraine, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the church building had been the last OCU denomination church standing in occupied Crimea.

Another manifestation of the #Russian Federations systematic policy of discrimination against Ukrainians on the basis of nationality under occupation, he wrote (translated). Metropolitan Klyment said that the last Ukrainian church is being dismantled in the occupied Crimea. The occupying city authorities of Yevpatoria have begun dismantling the Holy Cross Church of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

Mamedov also challenged the international legal basis for the demolition, quoting the Geneva Convention.

#Geneva Convention IV stipulates that citizens in the occupied territories have the right to respect for religious beliefs, and the occupying power must allow religious ministers to provide spiritual support to their fellow believers, he wrote. Discrimination on the basis of nationality and religion is unacceptable. The actions of the occupation administrations and the inspirers of such state policy should be given a legal assessment.
BANGKOK, Jul 26 (News On Japan) - A Japanese man has been detained at a Thai airport for attempting to smuggle over 200 more scorpions, spiders, and other insects than he declared.

According to Thai customs authorities, the man in his 60s was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on July 16th while in possession of boxes filled with a large number of scorpions, spiders, frogs, and other creatures.

The man had five boxes in total, which also contained beetles and ants.

Although the man had permission to bring up to 250 insects from Thailand to Japan, the boxes held approximately 500 creatures worth about 400,000 yen.

It is reported that the man intended to purchase scorpions and other insects in Thailand for resale in Japan.

Source: ANN
By Richard Ogunsile

A lawmaker representing Boki 1 State Constituency of Cross River State, Bette Obi, has alleged that Fulanis are engaging in illegal gold mining in the state.

Naija News reports that Obi made this submission before the Cross River State House of Assembly.

Having received the urgent public importance notice regarding the encroachment of Fulanis in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango communities in the Boki Local Government Area of the state, the lawmakers have urged the state government, along with its relevant agencies, to halt the operations of migrants involved in illegal mining in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango areas.

During the discussion, Obi, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, highlighted that a significant number of unidentified Fulanis believed to exceed 1000, have infiltrated the Boki communities in search of valuable minerals.

The lawmaker said, These Fulanis have been carrying out illicit gold mining within the Government Reserved Area hence robbing Boki LGA as well as the State of its natural resources and revenue.

Obi expressed concern about the well-being of his constituents, saying, The communities are now facing crisis as the influx of the Fulanis has exceeded the number of indigenes. These communities now live in fear for their lives and property.

In separate statements, members expressed their concerns about the widespread prevalence of illegal mining in the State, labelling the situation as regrettable.

The legislators also pointed out that illegal mining often leads to criminal activities, urging security forces to address the issue promptly.

The assembly additionally decided that security forces should be dispatched to the impacted communities to apprehend and prosecute the miners, while advocacy organizations should be involved in educating community leaders on the negative impacts of allowing illegal mining in their areas.

During his address, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, praised the members for their strong support of the motion and dedication to enhancing the lives of the citizens through effective laws.

Ayambem emphasized that illegal mining significantly contributes to environmental harm and assured that the Assembly will prevent any adverse effects on the people of Boki.

The Speaker advised the traditional leaders and youth in the affected region to maintain peace to prevent the situation from escalating into violence and loss of lives.

Furthermore, the lawmakers acknowledged that Governor Bassey Otus current administration is responsive, with a focus on the people, and expressed confidence that issues impacting the citizens well-being will be promptly addressed.
By Adeola Badru

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has indicated his intention to go on vacation from Monday August 5, 2024 to Friday, September 6, 2024.

The governors message was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin during Thursdays valedictory plenary sitting in honour of Mrs Yetunde Awe, the Clerk of the House, who is retiring from the state civil service.

However, the governor also transmitted power to his deputy, Bayo Lawal to serve as the acting governor.

The letter read: Annual vacation form 5th September 2024 to Friday September 6th 2024 Pursuant to section 190 subsection 1 of the federal republic of Nigeria, I hereby transmit out that during these period indicated above deputy governor Barr Bayo Lawal shall be active governor and shall be acting Governor and shall be back form the vacation September 7th 2024.

He promised to resume from vacation on Saturday, September7, 2024.
At least 14 countries will trade freely within East, Central, and Southern Africa from this Thursday, July 25, with the coming into force of a Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement, which flattens the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) into a single commerce bloc.

During the 37th Tripartite Task Force meeting last week, Elias Mpedi Magosi, the executive secretary of SADC and current chairman of the Tripartite Task Force, announced that 14 out of the 29 member or partner states that together accounted for 75% of the Tripartite GDP in 2022 have deposited their instruments of ratification. The countries participating in the TFTA include Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Egypt, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This means that member states can start trading. But there are technical things which have to be put in place before they can begin trading freely, said Christopher Onyango, director of Trade and Customs at the COMESA Secretariat. Although the ratification for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania is still pending, in a significant way, it addresses the problem associated with membership in multiple regional economic communities, said Onyango.

The TFTA offers full liberalization of tariff lines and elimination of non-tariff barriers to trade. When the idea was first floated in 2008, the objective of establishing the COMESA-EAC-SADC FTA was to enhance market access, address the issue of multiple memberships and further the objectives of cooperation, harmonization, and coordination of policies among the three Regional Economic Communities (RECs), SADC executive secretary Magosi reminded. The TFTA Agreement also facilitates best practices to foster transport and trade facilitation instruments and value chain development at regional levels which are key to boosting intra-African trade.
South Koreas LG Energy Solution (LGES) considers setting up a factory to make key electric battery component cathodes together with Chinese firms in Morocco, where numerous EV battery factories are under development.

Wonjoon Suh, head of LGES advanced automotive battery division, told Reuters the company is negotiating partnerships with Chinese LFP cathodes makers, who produce cheaper batteries where lithium iron phosphates are a key component.

Suh told Reuters the company was considering Morocco together with Finland and Indonesia as potential locations.

Cathodes make up about a third of the value of an EV battery. Car manufacturers have been pushing for cheaper batteries based on LFP cathodes instead of the nickel-based cathodes used by manufacturers like Tesla, whose batteries are reputed to have higher storage capacity but are more expensive.

The Chinese have been world leaders in LFP cathodes. Chinese manufacturers faced tariff barriers in Europe, pushing them to seek investments in the continent or to countries that have free trade agreements with the EU.

Last month, Chinas Gotion High Tech signed a deal with Moroccan authorities to build a $1.3 billion gigafactory, which is planned for production in 2026 and will export 85% of its output.

The investment is the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East and is conducive to Moroccos push to be a leader in EV battery manufacturing.

In May, Chinese auto battery manufacturers Hailiang and Shinzoom announced two separate plans to produce copper and anodes respectively for a combined total nearing 1 billion dollars in Tanger Tech.

In April, BTR New Material Group signed a deal with the Moroccan government to set up a cathodes plant, critical to EV battery manufacturing.

In September last year, CNGR Advanced Materials partnered with Moroccan private investment fund Al Mada to build an electric vehicle battery plant in Jorf Lasfar worth 2 billion dollars.

Besides phosphates, Morocco is rich with cobalt, a critical requirement in EV battery manufacturing.
The Church still finds menopause experiences a taboo subject, according to Karen Markiewicz, England-based chaplain, missionary and author of a soon-to-be-published book on the relationship between the menopause and spiritual formation. Markiewicz spoke to Christian Daily International about the struggles endured by women during menopause and how to find a Christian perspective when the wider Church seems to offer little support.

Creator of an online initiative called Menopause Pilgrims to help Christian women experiencing a menopause, Markiewicz completed a Masters Degree in Spiritual Formation from Waverley Abbey College but said that no woman she approached for her MA research would dream of going to their pastor for prayer regarding their struggles with menopause.

What is sad is that menopause can also affect mental health, reflected Markiewicz, and whilst the church is getting better at supporting peoples mental health there is a way to go regarding menopause.

That fact alone is surprising upon consideration of the fact that about half of the eight billion people living in the world today are women (4.04 billion in 2024, according to Statistics Times) who, as long as they have ovaries, experience the menopause with varying symptoms.

That means more than four billion people on the planet for whom the Church has little to say about a biological bodily condition, which can have dramatic effects not just on women but also their families.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines menopause as a point in a continuum of life stages for women, normally between the ages of 45 and 55, which marks the end of their reproductive years as part of aging. A loss of ovarian follicular function and a decline in circulating blood oestrogen levels, causes the condition.

The hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being, WHO says on its website. The symptoms experienced during and following the menopausal transition vary substantially from person to person. Some have few if any symptoms. For others, symptoms can be severe and affect daily activities and quality of life. Some can experience symptoms for several years.

These symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, painful sex, insomnia, and effects on mood with depression and anxiety, according to WHO.

Markiewicz said the juggling act of family life becomes much harder during menopause and brings extra pressure into the already demanding act of balancing work, family and social life. These difficulties dont take into account extra issues, such as caring for older parents.



These additional pressures, combined with menopausal mood swings, can leave women feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and isolated, said Markiewicz. Emotions, hormones, and physical changes can bring havoc for many women.

20 percent of women in Western cultures report no menopausal symptoms but that still leaves a vast majority of 80 percent facing change and transition, said Markiewicz, adding that women did not have to endure the experience alone and there is power in open and honest communication with those closest about what is happening.

Menopause is a natural part of life, so we must not be shy about talking about it with our loved ones, especially our family. The more they understand what women are experiencing, the more supportive they can be.

The menopause process can strain relationships and Markiewicz advised women to talk to partners about their feelings and work together to navigate the transition.

It has been quoted knowledge is power and in the case of menopausal transition this could not be truer. For husbands to have an empathetic view towards their wifes symptoms will go a long way.

Often women have been poorly informed about what to expect, and struggle to make sense of their symptoms and struggles.

Husbands can educate themselves about menopause, the potential symptoms, and how it can affect their loved one, and find better ways to maintain connection and navigate the transition together.

There are numerous online resources and I would recommend husbands look at these and be mindful of potential symptoms.



Markiewicz recommended websites by Menopause Matters, the British Menopause Society and Rock My Menopause. These are informative and I have often reverted back to them, however there are several more around than there used to be too.

Concerned husbands noticing any changes should help their wives in seeking medical support and investigate treatments together if needed, according to Markiewicz.

Listening and supporting are key, try to understand their feelings and do not try and fix it.

Markiewicz also advised husbands to be patient with their wives when it came to physical intimacy during the menopause.

Take their symptoms seriously, do not just assume all partners feelings and thoughts are all rooted in hormonal changes and never dismiss them because it is just menopause.

It can also help to have age-appropriate conversations with children, added Markiewicz.

Some women choose not to mention it to their children. It is important to communicate menopause is a natural change that all women go through, but it can be a confusing topic for children.

When they are young, you do not need to go into detail about menopause. Keep it simple and explain that womens bodies go through changes as they grow older, like how they changed during puberty.



When discussing puberty, you can briefly mention that there is a flip side to this stage for women. Explain that their bodies will eventually slow down hormone production. Normalizing menopause is a key to helping future generations understand.



These conversations with youngsters about bodies can better equip them for their own future bodily changes.



Have open and honest conversations about menopause with your children, helping them understand this natural part of a womans life journey.



Markiewicz said most women she knew would like to be part of a group with other women going through a similar experience. She heard of a church offering a monthly menopause awareness coffee morning, open to the local community, which is well attended.



Churches could start menopause support groups for women but also invite husbands along for an informative and educational meeting, Markiewicz suggested.



The distraction of the menopause on Christian life also needs to be taken into account by churches, according to Markiewicz.



My MA research discovered that for several women going through menopause their faith journey was affected, feeling like they were in a spiritual fog.



However the positive news is that all women I interviewed said that although they may have had struggles, emotionally, physically, and psychologically, but their faith after menopause was deeper and stronger than before.

Read this insightful blog by Markiewicz for Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries in Canada, in which she discloses her own personal journey with the menopause.
In 2024, Morocco is set to unseat South Africa as the largest car producer base in Africa, thanks to its investment climate which attracted investments from major European and Chinese producers.

Morocco will remain the favored investment destination for autos due to its proximity to the EU, existing trade agreements, and efficient logistics infrastructure, Fitch Solutions said in a report.

South Africa will struggle to attract increased investment over the medium term due to the countrys unfavorable operating environment, which involves emissions, labor, trade, and transport risks, it said.

Morocco is home to production plants by French brands Renault and Peugeot, which together are poised to reach a production capacity of 1 million cars by 2026.

The country has also increased its local sourcing rate to 65% for Renault cars.

Last month, Gotion High Tech announced its plan to build a gigafactory, Africas first. Other investments by Chinese manufacturers in the EV battery supply chain are underdevelopment, building on the countrys FTAs and availability of raw-material.
Sixteen years after Morocco announced its plan to rely on renewable energies for electricity production, the country has offered a model of hope for countries who are burdened by fossil fuel, thanks to large scale solar, wind and green hydrogen projects launched under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

Morocco has increased its renewable energy target from 42% to 52% of installed capacity by 2030, as it continues to stand as an attractive destination for investors in clean energy, building on its propitious investment climate and legislative framework.

So far, Morocco has already reached the 40% milestone and many observers expect the country to be ahead of schedule in surpassing the 52% with the current pace of investment flows.

Morocco was ranked the eighth largest recipient of financial flows in renewable energy at 6.2 billion dollars between 2010 and 2021, according to a recent renewable energy agency report.

Morocco is home to the largest CSP solar farm in Ouarzazate, with a total capacity of 580MW.

The country has a total capacity of 11GW and plans to almost double that to 20GW as it also invests in gas and green hydrogen.

Wind farms are being set up across the country, including in the Saharan territory, where Morocco has identified vast territories as part of its green hydrogen offer.

The offer will allocate 300,000 hectares at a first stage- out of 1 million hectares identified- to investors in integrated projects involving green hydrogen. The offtake would go both to the domestic and international market.

Morocco is also developing a gas plan including the setting up of a floating gas terminal in Nador West Med, besides promoting drills offshore and onshore, to meet the growing needs of its industrial sector.
At least 25 have reportedly died and more than 150 are missing when a boat full of people hoping to get to Spains Canary Islands capsized off the coast of Mauritania on Monday July 22, the latest in a string of migrant tragedies off the coast of West Africa, Mauritanian news agency AMI said on Wednesday.

The Mauritanian coastguard saved the lives of 103 illegal immigrants and recovered 25 bodies, following the sinking of their boat off the coast of the capital Nouakchott, AMI reported, citing a coastguard commander.

About 300 people, mostly from Senegal and Gambia, spent seven days at sea, on board of the long, wooden, fishing vessel departing from The Gambia, roughly 1,350km to the south, near Mauritanias capital Nouakchott, before the vessel overturned, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Among the survivors, 10 people were urgently referred to hospitals for medical care, and four unaccompanied and separated children were identified, the agency added in a statement. It is the latest in a series of accidents off the coast of west Africa as people from across the continent increasingly resort to the deadly route to the Canaries, seeking asylum or better work opportunities in Europe.

For the past two months, more than 76 boats with more than 6,000 surviving migrants have disembarked in Mauritania, but at least 190 people have died or are missing, the IOM statement added. Close to 5,000 people are estimated to have died at sea between January and May of 2024 trying to reach the Spanish archipelago, migration rights group Walking Borders said last month. 160% more migrants arrived in the Canaries, using the Atlantic route, between January and July 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to the IOM data.
Liberal! Liberal! Liberal! Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Tell me if youve heard this before: a Democratic politician from a famously liberal state who once was ranked as the most liberal senator runs for president. Theyre pounded relentlessly by Republicans and conservative media as an elitist radical who cant be trusted with national security or other responsibilities requiring toughness and common sense.

You dont have to think back all that far: Its Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts in 2004. Kerry dealt with the too liberal label by stressing, then overstressing, his own heroic war record in Vietnam, setting himself up for an intensive smear campaign by a shadowy group calling itself Swift Boat Veterans for Truth who disputed the details of his military service. The Democrat narrowly lost to George W. Bush.

During the past week, Vice-President Kamala Harris has been thrust into the harshest spotlight imaginable as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Like most vice-presidents, she has not gotten a great deal of public attention in that job; all glory and honor in the White House is reserved for the president. Her brief and unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2019 had given her a national profile but not a terribly distinct identity other than as a critic of Joe Bidens civil-rights record, then as a running mate who was acceptable to all elements of the party and fit Bidens promise to select a woman.

What Americans do generally know about her is that shes half-Black, halfSouth Asian, and from California. And its very clear Republicans plan to give her the John Kerry treatment, calling her too liberal, extreme, and radical in an effort to thwart Harriss plan to refocus the campaign on Trumps bad character, shaky record, and hair-raising agenda of vengeance. As Axios reports, theres already a clear consensus in the GOP about how to go after the veep:

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is urging its candidates to hit Vice-President Kamala Harris for being too liberal, at fault for the border crisis, and weird, according to a memo obtained by Axios 

The theme throughout: Republicans will paint Harris as a radical progressive, pointing to an old ranking of her as the most liberal senator and reminding voters of past pledges to ban fracking, decriminalize illegal border crossings, and eliminate cash bail among other things.

The old ranking in question was a one-year profile of senators from GovTrack in 2019. It was a very dubious enterprise that rated senators as liberal or conservative strictly on the basis of how many bipartisan bills they sponsored or co-sponsored; it did not factor in actual voting in the Senate or differentiate between significant or insignificant legislation. The rating was discontinued after 2019. Its deployment as a campaign weapon is highly reminiscent of the use of a National Journal rating in 2004, which labeled Kerry as the most liberal senator. At least in Kerrys case, the rating was based on his voting record rather than the meaningless metric of bill co-sponsorships. But it also failed to distinguish major from minor legislation.

Harris critics will be on firmer ground in attacking specific policy positions she has taken, particularly during her presidential campaign; like nearly every other Democratic candidate in the 2020 cycle, she backed decriminalizing (but not indiscriminately allowing) border crossings. And she co-sponsored Bernie Sanderss Medicare for All bill while later supporting Medicare expansions that did not preclude private health insurance. During her candidacy, Harris briefly supported a ban on fracking but walked that position back after joining Bidens ticket.

To a large extent, Harriss issues profile is right in the center of her party, and Republicans waving the too liberal banner may just simply excoriate positions very common among Democrats, such as support for what the Trump campaign calls the Green New Scam and federal abortion-rights legislation.

But Team Trump will also try to associate Harris with radicalism based explicitly on her geographical background and, more quietly, on her racial and gender identity. Republicans outside California have invested billions of dollars in typecasting the Golden State as a hellscape of crime, high taxes, overzealous regulation, rampant illegal immigration, voter fraud, and hedonistic culture. In part, thats because San Francisco  the home of longtime GOP devil figure Nancy Pelosi and where Harris served as district attorney  has been a particular object of conservative-media wrath. Much of the plan to depict Harris as not only radical but weird will rely on negative stereotypes of California and the City by the Bay.

How will Harris counter these insinuations that shes out of the mainstream politically and culturally? Its very likely that much as Kerry responded to the too liberal accusation by emphasizing his record as a Navy officer, Kamala Harris will emphasize her record as a career prosecutor. As my colleague Jonathan Chait explained when Biden withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Harris, the framing of the general election as the cop against the criminal could not only help refocus the contest on the scofflaw former president but might convince a few hundred thousand voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and Omaha, Nebraska, that she is not too liberal.

But just as Republicans went directly after Kerrys military record to undermine a source of strength and perceived moderation, they will now go after Harriss record as a prosecutor in Oakland, in San Francisco, and as attorney general of California with demagogic zeal. They will use every bit of real and manufactured evidence to suggest that like famed rogue California prosecutors Chesa Boudin and George Gascon, Harris is a crime abettor, rather than a crime fighter, and a radical advocate for defunding the police and emptying the prisons. It is worth noting that one of the main impresarios of the swiftboating of Kerry in 2004 is now Trumps cocampaign manager Chris LaCivita.

Harris will almost certainly respond to attacks on her record with abundant evidence of her tough-but-fair approach as a prosecutor, as Reuters sums it up:

Over more than a dozen years as San Franciscos district attorney and then as Californias attorney general, Harris took some stances welcomed by the partys left flank, including opposition to the death penalty and staking out a hard line during negotiations with big banks over home foreclosure abuses.

But she rankled progressive critics with other moves, including a policy of criminally prosecuting parents of children who skipped school and rejecting a request for DNA testing from a Black man on death row who says he was wrongfully convicted of murder 

Harris has characterized her approach as being smart on crime and has spoken of the importance of preventing and punishing crime while also protecting the rights of defendants and curbing excesses.

But its supremely important that she learn Kerrys lesson and not overemphasize this one aspect of her background, record, and character. If the election becomes to a significant degree a debate over the complex undercurrents of criminal-justice reform in California and her role in it, Harris will sacrifice opportunities to build on her strength as an advocate for abortion rights, universal health care, accountability for financial predators, and other themes she has mastered. Shes not simply a cop any more than Trump is simply a criminal.

The battle to clearly define Kamala Harris will occur with incredible speed and intensity over the next 100 days. She needs to stay on the offensive and make sure Trumps well-known flaws in character and outlook are front and center.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: Getty Images

The killing of Eric Garner happened ten years ago this month. The sad, infuriating truth is that it could happen all over again. It took a decade of extraordinary, patient pressure by activists to secure even a small measure of justice. Since then, City Hall and One Police Plaza have gone back to the usual business of dismissing, crippling, or slow-walking investigations of NYPD misconduct.

Garners death was the product of a botched NYPD operation, intended to restore order in Tompkinsville Park at the corner of Victory Boulevard and Bay Street in Staten Island. There were people in the park who were abusing drugs, and it was a spot where we had asked for additional police coverage to try to make sure that the people in the park were safe, Debi Rose, who represented the area in the City Council back then, told me recently. It was supposed to be a crackdown on quality-of-life infractions.

Such matters are the basic business of urban policing and almost never require the use of deadly force. But in July 2014, a crew of officers arrived and focused on Garner, who was known in the area as a peacemaker and had just finished breaking up a fight in the park. When Garner complained that cops had been hassling him, five officers swarmed the unarmed man, slamming him to the pavement to make an arrest. One of the officers, Daniel Pantaleo, leaped on Garners back and placed him in an illegal choke hold, never letting up, as a bystanders video shows Garner gasping, 11 times in a row, I cant breathe. The officers give no first aid to the dying, handcuffed man.

The citys medical examiner ruled the killing a homicide, and protestors took to the streets demanding that Pantaleo be fired. Choke holds had been banned by the NYPD decades before Garner was killed, and the departments Patrol Guide contained the unambiguous command: Members of the Force SHALL NOT use a chokehold. But the New York Times found that the rule was rarely enforced. The NYPDs Civilian Complaint Review Board received more than 1,000 complaints about the use of choke holds between 2009 and 2013  but called for the punishment of only nine officers.

The Garner case would be different.

This was exceptionally heinous, exceptionally egregious, Reverend Kirsten John Foy, an aide to Reverend Al Sharpton at the time, recalls. There were so many police officers who were involved, so many witnesses who were involved. Eric had begged for his life so many times. Foy and other activists began holding rallies, marches, and vigils demanding justice as the NYPD and then-mayor Bill de Blasio sat on their hands, claiming they didnt want to interfere with any state or federal criminal investigations of Pantaleo or other officers.

While City Hall dithered, a state grand jury declined to indict anyone for Garners death, and the federal Justice Department said it could find no constitutional violation that might be grounds to intervene. Months of delay turned into years. Garners 27-year-old daughter, Erica, died while waiting for justice. So did his stepfather. Pantaleo remained on the job. I and other journalists pressed de Blasio about what seemed like a politically convenient effort to avoid the ire of the police unions.

Things finally changed in July 2019, when Foy and several well-known city activists, including Tamika Mallory (another former Sharpton staffer) and Linda Sarsour, crashed a nationally televised presidential debate and shouted, Fire Pantaleo! while de Blasio, a candidate for president, was onstage. We shouted out Eric Garner in the middle of the debate. We were escorted out, Foy recalls. But that precipitated a debate among some of the candidates, where Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey chimed in with a follow-up to the mayor: Why hasnt the officer that killed Eric Garner been fired yet? Why hasnt this family seen justice? Why hasnt the city seen justice?

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, one of the other candidates, joined in. He should be fired. He should be fired now, she said of Pantaleo.

The following month, de Blasios police commissioner, Jimmy ONeil, finally fired Pantaleo. Five years is too long. Its not fair to the family, its not fair to anybody involved, ONeil said. It definitely makes me rethink, going forward, how would we proceed with administrative trials. The Garner family got a $5.9 million settlement from the city.

And in 2020, when nationwide protests followed the horrific videotaped killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis as he begged for his life with the same haunting phrase  I cant breathe  New Yorks State Legislature and City Council outright criminalized the use of choke holds. The citys largest union challenged the law, which was recently upheld by the states highest court. Aggravated strangulation is now a crime.

But New Yorkers should stay vigilant. The NYPD under Mayor Eric Adams has proved to be allergic to accountability, encrypting its radio communications, slow-walking controversial cases like the killing of Kawaski Trawick by stonewalling, and defunding the Civilian Complaint Review Board. The acting chair of the CCRB, Arva Rice, was pressured to resign after complaining about the departments delays in the Trawick cases and finally quit last week; Chris Dunn, the legal director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, called Rices departure yet another troubling step in this administrations campaign to undermine police accountability.

And ProPublica, in a high-profile investigation featured in the New York Times, found that Adamss handpicked NYPD commissioner, Edward Caban, routinely intervenes in disciplinary cases in a way that freezes them in a kind of bureaucratic limbo. Since becoming commissioner last July, [Caban] has short-circuited cases involving officers accused of wantonly using chokeholds, deploying Tasers and beating protesters with batons, the Times found. A number of episodes were so serious that the police oversight agency, known as the Civilian Complaint Review Board, concluded the officers likely committed crimes.

Foy says that he and other activists are ready to wage the Garner fight again if need be. It seems as though this mayor has decided to take the leash of some of the old guard and allow them to espouse some of the same attitude and rhetoric that weve been fighting so hard for many years to eliminate from the mind-set and the culture of the NYPD, Foy told me. Weve seen an uptick in the random stops where young Black and Latino men are once again being subjected to violations of their constitutional rights in the name of keeping the city safe. And so we do not have the luxury of falling back on our accomplishments of the last several years or the progress weve made.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty

Vice-President Kamala Harris wasnt even the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee when the bigotry began. Far-right pundit Matt Walsh tweeted that she got her start in politics by sleeping with Willie Brown, then the states assembly Speaker. Megyn Kelly agreed. Others recycle the racist claim that Harris is not a U.S. citizen, based on a 2020 piece by John Eastman, a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute who helped orchestrate Donald Trumps attempt to overturn the election. Elsewhere, conservative operative Will Chamberlain  who worked for Governor Ron DeSantiss presidential campaign  tweeted that Harris should not be president because she has no children. (Harris has stepchildren, which he said doesnt count.) Kamala Harris is the same woman who had to drop out pre-Iowa four years ago  Shes a mediocre, awkward, intensely dislikable politician , Chamberlain added. Hillary 2.0.

That comparison to Clinton might spook some liberals, though it shouldnt. Harris struggled badly four years ago, but circumstances have changed since 2016 when Clinton lost to Trump. Like her, Harris will have to contend with misogyny. Otherwise, the two candidates have little in common, so their shared gender is not a reason to think that Harris is doomed. A woman can defeat Trump with the right vision and the right campaign. Theres hope for Harris, as long as she avoids certain pitfalls.

Clinton has aired her own theories for her loss in a book and countless interviews, and theyre key to understanding why Harris is a different candidate. In her telling, Clinton lost principally because of misogyny and Bernie Sanders and James Comey and even women voters, who abandoned her because she was not perfect. That has implications for Harris, who will face some of the same issues and worse, as a woman of color.

Clinton did face sexist headwinds and had for decades by the time she launched her campaign in 2015. The right had spent years poisoning her image as a far-left witch, with great success. The Comey letter did not help her, either. But her awkward relationship with the press may have prevented her from making a better case for herself to the public and she ran a deeply flawed campaign. She didnt visit the key state of Wisconsin after losing it to Sanders in the primary, eventually losing it again to Trump. After the election, Politico reported that campaign staff had largely failed to heed warning signs in Michigan, a state Trump also won. When you dont reach out to community folk and reach out to precinct campaigns and district organizations that know where the votes are, then youre going to have problems, Virgie Rollins, the chair emeritus of the Michigan Democratic Womens Caucus, told Politico. Clinton also leaned on a superficial identity politics that arguably emphasized the historic nature of her candidacy above other material concerns. The problem wasnt that she mentioned womens issues or appealed to other underrepresented groups on the campaign trail, but her celebrity-driven, pop-culture version of feminism lacked substance and generally took women voters for granted.

In a cruel twist, Trumps white identity politics overwhelmed Clintons strategies. Now the rights hysterical reaction to Harris offers a preview of attacks to come, both from Trump allies and from his campaign. J.D. Vance has repeatedly accused Harris of collecting a government check for years, which invokes the racist stereotype of the welfare queen, and has attacked her for being childless. For that and for many other reasons, Harris will have to work harder than even Clinton did if shes going to defeat Trump this year.

She will also have to overcome her own flaws in order to win. She can be an enigma, at least to voters outside California. During her 2020 primary campaign, she never found a viable ideological lane and quit before Iowa. She didnt carve out much of a public identity during her years as Bidens vice-president, though the blame for that likely falls in part on the president himself. Because people dont really know who she is, shell need to engage the press in order to introduce herself to the public. She also needs to distance herself from Bidens Israel policy, which supports an ongoing genocide in Gaza and has cost the president critical support in Michigan with a large Arab and Muslim population. Much will depend on her choice of vice-president, and on the way she addresses the racism and misogyny thats already come her way. She cant ignore it, but theres a way to wrap identity politics into a substantive and affirmative vision for the country.

Theres reason to think Americans will be receptive to such a vision, and to Harris. Clinton herself agreed in a column for the New York Times, writing, It is a trap to believe that progress is impossible. Weve had four years of Donald Trump as president; we know who he is, and how he will govern. Hes much older than Harris, and he is even less coherent than he was in 2016 and 2020. He is unpopular with most Americans, thanks partly to his role in overturning Roe v. Wade, and his choice of Vance as running mate looks more and more like a strategic error. Beyond Trump, women like Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan have been successful even in battleground states, and they help chart a path forward for the party. Women can win, and so can Harris.

SIGN UP TO GET THIS COLUMN IN YOUR INBOX Sarah Jones covers politics and labor. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
Wikoff Color Corp. Fined for Safety Violations Leading to Employee Burn Injuries

The company initially faced $183,207 in proposed penalties for its 12 serious violations.

An OSHA investigation into Wikoff Color Corp., an international ink and coatings manufacturer, resulted in the identification of safety violations. Following a serious safety incident at its Lisbon, Wisconsin facility, the company faced penalties amounting to $183,207, ultimately agreeing to pay $110,000 following an informal conference with the agency.

According to a recent release, the worker sustained first- and second-degree burns from a flash fire while manually adding combustible powder ingredients to an industrial mixing vessel containing flammable liquids and vapors in January 2024. OSHA determined the fire ignited inside the mixing vessel and the flames escaped through the charging port, resulting in injury.

A worker suffered severe and painful injuries needlessly because Wikoff Color Corp. did not follow federal safety and health regulations designed to protect workers when handling highly hazardous chemicals, OSHA Area Director Dustin Schnipke in Milwaukee said in a statement. This company has been in business far too long to expose employees to hazards that can be reduced by using proper procedures and training employees to ensure safe working conditions for all.

Investigators identified that Wikoff Color Corp. failed to adhere to the Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements for the safe handling of highly hazardous chemicals. The company was cited for 12 serious violations, also including failure to provide effective training on the hazards of flammable liquids and combustible dust and exposing workers to fall hazards.
Back in February, three U.S. service members were killed in Jordan, while more than 40 other soldiers were injured following a drone attack on a U.S. military base near the Syrian border. Oil markets only issued a muted response to the attack, with many analysts predicting that the administration was unlikely to cut off Irans key lifeline: oil exports.

Experts pointed out that Washington would allow Iranian oil to continue flowing due to the risk of squeezing supply and triggering a politically damaging spike in world oil prices.

Two months later, Washington imposed a raft of new sanctions and export controls on Iran after it launched one of the largest missile and drone attacks against Israel. According to the White House, the sanctions targeted leaders and entities connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Iranian governments missile and drone program and Irans Defense Ministry. Again, the U.S. did not try to limit Irans oil exports. And now commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have reported that Iranian oil exports have spiked, with Malaysian waters becoming a conduit for ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil.

According to StanChart, the latest China customs import data shows crude oil imports from Malaysia clocked in at 1.456 million barrels per day (mb/d) in June, the second-highest monthly average on record. The commodity experts have pointed out that Malaysias crude oil output is about 0.35 mb/d while exports usually average 0.2 mb/d, implying that the vast majority of the oil that China imports from Malaysia was not produced in the country.

Related: Oil Sinks as Signs of Tepid Crude Demand in Asia Multiply

According to multiple media sources, the transfers involve a dark fleet consisting of a group of aging tankers that rarely have an identifiable insurer. These transfers can be hazardous, including the danger of spills and collisions, with so many low-quality tankers massed in a narrow trade route with their transponders off. For instance, two such vessels caught fire off Singapore after a collision on 19 July.

Previously, we reported that Irans oil exports have seen a strong rebound under the Biden administration with the U.S. and its allies hoping to strike a new nuclear deal with Tehran after the Trump administration scuttled the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal of 2015. Under former President Donald Trump, Iranian oil production tumbled from 3.8 million barrels per day in early 2018 to less than 2 mb/d in late 2020; in contrast, production has surged under Biden to 3.2 mb/d.

Whether or not the U.S. will allow Iran to continue pumping freely will depend on who sits in the Oval Office come 2025. A week ago, Trump promised in his 18 July Republican National Convention speech to reduce Iranian oil exports. He said he had previously achieved this objective by linking it to trade; I told China and other countries, if you buy from Iran, we will not let you do any business in this country and we will put tariffs on every product you do send in of 100% or more. According to StanChart, Iranian oil is likely to play a key role in Trumps wider China trade policy agenda. However, Tehran is likely to hope for a Kamala Harris victory since another Democrat in the highest office is likely to continue advancing Bidens agenda.

Demand Concerns Return to Oil Markets

Oil prices have weakened significantly over the past week, with front-month Brent

falling below $80.60 per barrel (bbl) intra-day on 23 July, more than $7/bbl lower than the July 5 peak. Whereas part of the decline has been driven by weak technicals, StanChart says that a large part comes from growing trader concerns about weak demand prospects, particularly in light of softness in recent China macro data.

However, the commodity analysts have pointed out that global demand remains strong, with May demand clocking in at 102.5 mb/d--the second-highest monthly average ever. However, the May figure failed to meet the analysts forecast of 103 mb/d. There are notable weak spots in the latest data, the main surprise being Canadas 360 thousand barrels per day (kb/d) (14.4%) y/y fall. Meanwhile, OECD Europe oil demand was 324 kb/d (2.4%) lower y/y, with particularly sharp falls by France and the UK while Saudi Arabia saw demand decline by 121 kb/d (3.7%) y/y.

On the gas side of things, EU inventories stood at 96.39 billion cubic meters (bcm) on 21 July, a y/y increase of 0.46 bcm and 12.18 bcm above the five-year average. The w/w build came in at 2.08 bcm, above the five-year average of 1.91 bcm but below last years 2.29 bcm. According to StanChart, the current injection clip is tracking to the injection season ending in late October with inventories testing maximum capacity above 116 bcm.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Sitting on the world's largest oil reserves, Venezuela is mostly known as a crude producerand a very troubled one. However, it also has significant gas reserves that it has been unable to develop fully. Venezuela needs gas investments and it needs them now.

Venezuelans are voting for president this Sunday. According to Reuters, the gas supply issue will feature among the key priorities for voters as production declines and people resort to wood-burning stoves.

Venezuela used to pump some 8 billion cu ft of natural gas back in 2016, Reuters reported this week, citing data from consultancy Gas Energy Latin America. This has now fallen to about 4 billion cu ft, and without a fresh investment injection, the situation is unlikely to change.

The Maduro government is aware of the problem and has been busy trying to find a way to boost natural gas production. This week, the government inked a deal with BP and the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago to develop the Venezuelan portion of an offshore field that it shares with Trinidad and Tobago.

With an estimated 1 trillion cu ft in reserves, the Cocuina-Manakin field could certainly help Venezuela boost its production, and it just might, after the U.S. Treasury Department granted the project an exemption from the energy sanction regime Washington imposed on Caracas years ago. The talks on the project are in their final stages, and the companies involved are hoping they will get the green light before the Sunday elections after BP secured a 20-year license from the authorities.

Related: Oil Sinks as Signs of Tepid Crude Demand in Asia Multiply

Another project that has the potential to boost Venezuela's natural gas output is the Dragon field, which is another reservoir that Venezuela shares with Trinidad and Tobago. At the end of last year, the government in Caracas and its peers in Trinidad and Tobago signed a 30-year license for Shell and the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago to develop the field. Dragon contains an estimated 4 trillion cu ft in natural gas reserves.

First production from the Dragon field is expected next year, at a rate of 185 million cu ft daily, to be pumped to Trinidad and Tobago and liquefied. However, this is going to do little for gas supply security for Venezuelans, so the government is looking for more deals with international oil companies. Yet there are problems with that, according to Reuters.

Sanctions are an obvious one, although the possibility of exemptions seems to be there, and it worked for the Dragon and the Cocuina-Manakin fields. Another problem is the outstanding debt that PDVSA owes to some of those companies, which, Reuters suggested, is making them reluctant to return to the country.

However, it does not need to have large international companies developing the country's largely untapped natural gas reserves, at least according to the Venezuelan opposition. The coalition, to be represented by Edmundo Gonzalez in the upcoming elections, has proposed opening up the energy sector to private companies, including local ones.

"Nobody is going to massively produce gas in Venezuela in these conditions, but where there is immediate interest is in small-scale midstream projects," Gas Energy Latin America analyst Antero Alvarado told Reuters.

Developing the midstream segment of the industry would go a long way towards boosting production because of the current underdevelopment of a distribution network in Venezuela, as noted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration in a recent report.

Venezuela sits on some 200 trillion cu ft of natural gas. Most of what it produces comes out with the crude that PDVSA and its partners pump out of the ground. And Venezuelans are not the only ones who want some of that gas. Venezuela's neighbors and even Europe are hoping the country boosts production, adding a potentially major source of gas for global markets.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Wildfires raging in Alberta are still spreading, jeopardizing more crude oil production and prompting evacuation alerts.

For now, the amount of oil production curtailed because of the wildfires is modest but there are fears that if the fires continue to spread, the degree of curtailment would increase.

Earlier in July, Suncor said it was curbing production at its Firebag site as it evacuated non-essential personnel. This week, Imperial Oil said it would evacuate some non-essential workers from its Kearl site. Firebag and Kearl together produce more than 500,000 barrels of oil daily.

Reuters noted in a report that as much as two-thirds of Albertas oil production comes from the oil sands region and the situation with the wildfires is worrying some analysts that more output could be affected.

As of late Wednesday, there were 175 active wildfires across the oil province, with a dozen in the area of Fort McMurrythe biggest oil sands production center in Alberta.

The wildfires this week prompted a town in Alberta to declare a state of emergency and another to issue an evacuation order for the town of Jasper in western Alberta due to approaching wildfires.

Albertasand Canadasoil industry has had a good year so far, with the Trans Mountain pipeline finally beginning operation and production growth on the cards. However, plans by the federal government to impose an emissions cap on the industry could see the situation change very quickly.

The plan proposes to cap 2030 emissions at 35% to 38% below 2019 levels while providing compliance flexibilities to emit up to a level roughly 20 to 23% below 2019 levels.

The industry and the oil-producing province of Alberta slammed the emissions cap proposal, saying it would effectively cap oil and gas production. According to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, the industry could lose $55 billion in investments if that cap is effected.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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China urgently needs consolidation in the solar manufacturing industry as overcapacity and price wars are leading local companies to a race to the bottom, a major industry group said on Thursday.

Chinese solar companies, local and central governments, and financial institutions need to work together toward faster consolidation in the sector, in which many smaller firms are currently struggling, Wang Bohua, head of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, said at a solar conference on Thursday, as carried by Bloomberg.

The large companies havent been spared from the glut and price wars, either.

Earlier this month, Longi Green Energy Technology, one of the worlds top solar panel manufacturers, warned it would book a loss for the first half of 2024, amid a fierce price war and overcapacity in the sector. Longi Green expects at least $660 million in losses for the first half, following that a mismatch of supply and demand that has crushed prices for its leading products.

Other major solar manufacturers, including Tongwei and Aiko Solar, also expect to report losses for the first half of the year.

Earlier this year, Fitch Ratings warned that Low pricing along the solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing supply chain and continued aggressive industry capacity expansion may result in lower profitability into at least 2025, when it revised down Tongweis outlook to Negative from Stable.

The situation among smaller solar equipment manufacturers is even more alarming.

The booming solar panel manufacturing in China has led to losses for the major producers who have been forced to sell their products at below-market prices. The Chinese boom, supported by cheap materials and policy support from the central and local governments, has started to bite into the profitability of manufacturers.

The Chinese solar panel market remains oversupplied and this glut could last up to two more years, according to Longi Green Energy Technology.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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France, the biggest net electricity exporter in Europe, plans to limit power exports to neighboring countries, which could lead to higher prices in other European power markets such as Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany.

France, which derives about 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy, returned last year to the top spot of Europes net power exporters, as its nuclear fleet returned from maintenance and domestic demand was lower, analysts at Montel EnAppSys said early this year.

The Montel EnAppSys analysis published in February showed that France exported nearly 50 TWh more than it imported in 2023, after turning into a net importer in 2022 for the first time in more than 40 years.

However, French grid operator RTE has faced unprecedented operational constraints on its network this year, due to historically high exports towards Frances eastern neighboring bidding zones, accentuated by planned and unplanned outages.

As a result, RTE limited electricity exports in the spring of 2024, which led to widening and record-high spreads between French day-ahead power prices and those in its neighboring countries.

Now RTE said this week it expects a new tense situation, from 29th of July 2024 until mid-October 2024, in which it would limit exports to 8 gigawatts (GW). The reasons behind are comparable to the spring curbs in exports, namely the combination of low consumption, abundant and competitive generation coupled to the grid, and high transit flows over the French network. These have led to significantly high export situations towards Frances eastern bordering bidding zones, in a situation where some planned outages are still required to ensure a well-functioning grid.

As a result of the new planned export curbs, in August and September Price spreads between France and its eastern neighbors will likely widen again over the curtailment periods, Florence Schmit, an energy strategist at Rabobank, told Bloomberg.

The nearby markets most affected by Frances power export curtailments will be  in descending order  Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium, according to RTEs estimates.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Crude oil producer and exporter Mexico could see itself in need of crude imports in 2030 as its field production is set to rapidly decline at the end of this decade while it expands its refining capacity, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing projections from the Mexican Energy Ministry.

Currently, Mexico pumps around 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude and condensates and is betting on a major new refinery to process some of the crude into fuels and end its dependence on fuel imports.

However, the new fields that have started up recently will not be enough to offset what is expected to be a rapid decline in output from mature fields from 2030 onwards.

Per the energy ministry assumptions of three scenarios, Mexico could be able to raise its crude oil production to between 2.164 million bpd and 2.39 million bpd in 2028. However, all three scenarios, which also assume some new discoveries, project a rapid decline in output from 2030, per the estimates reported by Reuters.

The recently launched Trion field production  expected to reach a peak of 100,000 bpd in 2028  and the Zama field could temporarily raise Mexicos crude oil output this decade. But major declines at other fields would likely force the country to turn to crude imports to keep its refineries operating at relatively high utilization rates.

Earlier this week, industry regulator CNH said that Mexicos crude oil production fell by 6.2% year-over-year to just 1.57 million bpd in June. Crude plus condensate output came in at 1.84 million bpd, also down by 6.2% on the year, per the data reported by Bnamericas.

Meanwhile, Mexicos newest refinery, the long-delayed Olmeca processing facility with a planned capacity of 340,000 bpd, is unlikely to be ready to produce commercial quantities of fuels by the end of this year, five sources familiar with the operations told Reuters last month.

The Olmeca refinery, also known as Dos Bocas, is a flagship project of outgoing Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who sought to reduce Mexicos dependence on fuel imports from the United States.

The refinery, however, has seen multiple delays and budget overruns and is now estimated to have needed double the initial budgeted investment. Initially budgeted at $8 billion, the refinery went into significant cost overruns, with the price tag to date standing at some $18 billion and the start date still unclear.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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A tanker carrying industrial fuel capsized off the coast of the Philippines, spilling some of its cargo.

The MT Terra Nova carried 1.4 million liters of fuel when it capsized in Manila Bay, media report, in the early hours of Thursday. All but one of the 17-strong crew were rescued.

The Philippine Coast Guard said it was investigating if there was an existing weather disturbance in the vicinity waters when the maritime incident occurred.

Meanwhile, as it sank, the tanker spilled fuel in the sea and now authorities are monitoring its movement. The spill covers around two nautical miles, per Coast Guard information reported by Bloomberg, and is being carried east to northeast by strong currents.

The authorities have banned swimming in the area and have told several thousand fishermen to stay onshore until it is safe to fish.

The news comes just days after two tankers collided off the coast of Singapore last Friday, both catching fire after the collision. Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile and Sao Tome and Principe-flagged, Chinese-owned Ceres I collided about 34 miles off the coast, after which Ceres I fled the scene, turning off its location system.

The tanker was tracked down to Malaysian waters early this week, amid reports that it has been known to transport Iranian oil in the past. Tanker-tracking data from Kpler and LSEG also showed the Ceres I had taken part in a ship-to-ship oil transfer in April, in Malaysia.

Iran, however, denied that there had been any Iranian oil on either of the tankers that collided in Singapore. The crude oil of neither of these damaged oil tankers was related to Iran and did not belong to Iran, the countrys oil ministry said in an official statement.

The circumstances that led to the collision remain unclear for the time being.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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French supermajor TotalEnergies (NYSE: TTE) reported lower-than-expected net income for the second quarter of the year amid lower LNG sales and prices and weaker refining margins.

TotalEnergies reported on Thursday an adjusted net income of $4.7 billion for the second quarter, down by 9% from the first quarter and also down from the $4.96 billion earnings for the second quarter of 2023.

The Q2 2024 adjusted net income missed the analyst consensus estimate of a net profit of $4.96 billion.

TotalEnergies upstream production averaged 2.44 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), down by 1% quarter-on-quarter, due to higher planned maintenance, notably in the North Sea.

But oil and gas output in the second quarter rose by 3% annually, thanks to start-ups and ramp-ups of projects in Brazil, Oman, Norway, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan.

The adjusted net operating income of the Exploration & Production division rose by 5% quarter-to-quarter to $2.667 billion, as higher oil prices offset lower gas realizations and production, TotalEnergies said.

In the LNG division, the company  which is the worlds second-largest LNG trader after Shell  saw LNG sales falling by 18% sequentially in the second quarter, notably due to lower spot purchases, in a context of lower LNG demand in Europe.

Adjusted net operating income at the Integrated LNG division slipped by 6% from the first quarter, due to lower LNG prices and sales.

Moreover, gas trading did not fully benefit in markets characterized by lower volatility than during first half of 2023, TotalEnergies noted.

In the downstream, the Refining & Chemicals business saw operating income plunge by 34% quarter-to-quarter, due to lower refining margins mainly in Europe and the Middle East that were partially offset by higher refinery utilization rates.

Looking ahead, TotalEnergies expects its oil and gas production to remain between 2.4 million boepd and 2.45 million boepd in the third quarter.

In the downstream, Global refining margins, which have sharply decreased since the end of the first quarter 2024, remain impacted by low diesel demand in Europe, as well as by the market normalization following the disruption in Russian supply, TotalEnergies said.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The new regulations will strictly govern the mining, smelting, and trade of rare earth elements.

China has discovered two new rare earth minerals, oboniobite and scandio-fluoro-eckermannite, at its Bayan Obo mine.

Via Metal Miner

Chinese geologists recently discovered two new minerals  oboniobite and scandio-fluoro-eckermannite  at Inner Mongolias Bayan Obo, the worlds largest rare earths mine. According to media reports, the discovery was a joint effort by the CAS Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Co., Ltd., Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths, and Central South University.

As announced by Li Xianhua from the CAS Institute of Geology and Geophysics, the International Mineralogical Association officially recognized the finds and duly approved the new names of the minerals.

What makes these minerals truly exceptional is not only their scarcity but also the presence of valuable elements that hold immense potential across multiple domains. Of particular significance are the scarce and strategically critical metals, niobium and scandium, embedded within these minerals. Eperts say the applications are far reaching, from new materials and energy technologies to information technology, aerospace, and defense.

Chinas New Rare Earths Policy

Coincidentally, just a few days ago, news agency Xinhua reported that the Chinese government planned to implement a comprehensive strategy to foster the development of the rare earths industry. The objective is to encourage and support research and development initiatives pertaining to new technologies, processes, products, materials, and equipment.

Since 1959, researchers from Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Co. have unearthed 18 new minerals. Oboniobite and scandio-fluoro-eckermannite now join this list as the 19th and 20th discoveries, respectively.

Beijing recently issued new regulations asserting that rare earth metals were the property of the Chinese state. Many experts see these regulations, which are purportedly aimed at safeguarding supplies for national security purposes, as another move in the ongoing technology rivalry with the U.S. Others consider it necessary for internal reasons, as lately there have been reports of private parties involved in the illegal mining of Chinese rare earths.

Tightening the Grip on Mining, Exports, and Production

Rare earths remain crucial for manufacturing a wide range of high-tech products. Under these new regulations, the Chinese government will strictly govern the mining, smelting, and trade of rare earth elements, which encompass critical minerals used extensively in advanced semiconductors, electric vehicles, and wind turbines.

Reports also indicate that the regulations specifically define rare earths, a group of 17 minerals, as the exclusive property of the Chinese state, with no individual or organization permitted to claim ownership.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the official state news outlet, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council signed the order on June 29, and it will take effect on October 1. Additionally, Beijing plans to introduce a product traceability system to ensure strict management of rare earths circulation

What Chinas Rare Earth Restrictions Mean for the Future of Tech

Many analysts believe these regulations will outline new legal penalties for unlawful practices related to rare earth mining and smelting.

Toward the end of 2023, China expanded its restricted export list to include numerous technologies related to rare earth production. The updated list by Chinas Ministry of Commerce references rare earths a total of 17 times.

According to Chinese state media, the update targets items Beijing wants to prohibit from free export in order to protect the nations economic and technological rights and interests. Meanwhile, external analyses indicate that the expanded list bans technologies for producing rare-earth magnets, mining rare earths, and refining these substances.

Europe Fighting Back

Two recent developments in Europe, including a potentially transformative acquisition in Greenland, suggest that the West has a solid opportunity to secure critical metals for the future.

In a recent development, Norwegian mining company Rare Earths Norway uncovered one of Europes largest deposits of rare earth elements. The discovery was made within the Fen Carbonatite Complex in southern Norway, marking a significant finding for the region and presenting a valuable opportunity for the West to foster rare earth independence.

By Sohrab Darabshaw

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White S. Goings Jr. endured a lot in the last seven months of his short life.

The Army Air Corps sergeant from rural Peru, Nebraska, survived the Dec. 8, 1941, Japanese attack on Clark Field and other air bases in the Philippines, where he was stationed at the start of World War II.

He spent months as part of an outmanned force fighting a rearguard action against Japanese invasion forces, and survived the infamous Bataan Death March after U.S. and Filipino troops surrendered.

Then Goings, badly weakened, died July 19, 1942, of malaria and dysentery in a prisoner-of-war camp. He was buried in a common grave at the camp and moved  still unidentified  to the Manila American Cemetery after the war.

He was 22.

Now, 82 years later, Goings remains have been identified through the efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency at its lab in Hawaii. (A second DPAA lab is at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue.) On Friday, he will be buried at the Glenrock Cemetery near Brock, Nebraska, where other members of his family are buried.

Now he has a resting place next to his folks, said Mary Biere of Auburn, Nebraska, Goings grandniece.

Biere said her father, Glade Goings, was one of five relatives who sent in DNA samples after military officials contacted them in 2015 about the accounting agencys ongoing effort to identify up to 1,000 Cabanatuan POWs whose remains couldnt be identified after the war. According to the agencys historians, 2,764 POWs died at Cabanatuan from 1942 to 1945.

Goings was buried in Common Grave 312 at Cabanatuans field cemetery, according to records kept by the POWs. Twenty-two identifications were made from that grave after the war, with the rest of the remains reburied in Manila. They were disinterred for identification in 2018. DNA testing linked several bones to Goings.

Its been quite a surprise, Biere said. That was something my dad always wanted.

Glade Goings wont be around to see his uncles identification or burial, though. He died in July 2021 at his home in Auburn, at age 92.

From farm to the Philippines

White Spotswood Goings Jr. was born Aug. 29, 1919, the youngest of nine children of White and Ella Goings, who farmed south of Peru. His next youngest sibling was eight years older; his oldest brother was 35 when White Jr. was born.

He attended country school during his early years, graduated from Peru Training High School in 1937, and attended Peru State Training College for two years.

After college, Goings moved to Los Angeles. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in March 1940 and was assigned to the 93rd Bombardment Squadron at March Field, California.

The unit was deployed to the Philippines in October 1941, and was still waiting for delivery of many of its new B-17 bombers to Clark Field, north of Manila, when the Japanese attacked by air. A ground invasion quickly followed.

Most of the 93rds bombers were destroyed on the ground. The squadron fought back against the Japanese onslaught for a few weeks. Most of its members were evacuated to Australia in late December 1941.

But Goings was part of the ground echelon left behind, repurposed as infantry soldiers, to continue to fight the invading forces on the Bataan peninsula. As ammunition and supplies dwindled, their rations were cut in half, cut in half again, and again.

By the time Bataans 68,000 Filipino and American defenders surrendered on April 8, 1942, they were starving and weak. Then their Japanese captors sent them on a forced march of up to nine days, 65 miles to Camp ODonnell, that came to be called the Bataan Death March. Hundreds of Americans and thousands of Filipinos died along the way. Stragglers were executed.

Goings was part of a group that was transferred again to Cabanatuan Camp No. 1. He didnt last long. A total of 797 POWs died in July 1942, the deadliest month in Cabanatuans 2 years of existence. Goings was one of 43 to die on July 19, his death recorded by other prisoners on the back of a label of condensed milk.

Their names will be enshrined in glory forever

In 1942, Goings family learned he was missing somewhere in the Philippines. Not until May 1945  after the liberation of the Philippines, and less than three months before Japans surrender  did they learn of his death in a letter from the War Department.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the commander of Allied forces in the southwest Pacific, wrote a follow-up letter to Goings father, White Goings Sr. (his mother, Ella, had died in 1935) praising the efforts of Sgt. Goings and the other soldiers for their magnificent courage and sacrifices in defending the Philippines, according to an article in the Peru Pointer, a local newspaper at the time.

Their names will be enshrined in our countrys glory forever, MacArthurs letter said. In your sons death I have lost a gallant comrade, and I mourn with you.

The Army disinterred the remains after the war and identified more than 1,000 people. But those early identifications were made with only limited scientific tools, by people whose qualifications are unknown, using questionable methodologies, according to Mary Megyesi, the DPAA forensic anthropologist in charge of the Cabanatuan project, in a 2018 article in the journal Forensic Anthropology.

For example, some were made based solely on the presence of dog tags found with the remains  most of which were buried in common graves with other soldiers.

The bones now being examined and tested by DPAA anthropologists are highly commingled. Todays IDs are complicated by what Megyesi called the cascading effects of those early misidentifications.

Part of the current identification process requires delving into past identifications made nearly 70 years ago under different standards and by non-experts, she said in the article. Eventual identification of all the Cabanatuan unknowns will need to consider the large number of misidentified individuals buried across the United States.

So far, the accounting agencys efforts have led to the identifications of 74 Cabanatuan POWs, said Jeffrey Johnson, the director of IndoPacific Research for DPAA.

The whole community has gotten behind it

Given the challenges involved, Mary Biere considers it something of a miracle that the accounting agency was able to link a few bone fragments and some bone dust to her great-uncle, more than 80 years after his death.

Finding DNA from scattered bones in a mass grave is a huge deal, Biere said. More people need to know about what theyre doing.

Everyone who knew White Goings Jr. is gone now, Biere said. His father died in 1952, and the last of his siblings died in 1991.

But she said the people of Nemaha County plan to turn out to salute him. The mayor of Auburn declared Friday to be White S. Goings Jr. Day, and flags will be put up in the towns Legion Memorial Park, as they are on Memorial Day.

At the cemetery, Goings will receive the military honors denied him during the war. Military officials will present his relatives with the medals he earned: a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the POW Medal.

All these different military departments, they have just been wonderful, she said. The whole community has gotten behind it.

Photos: Honorable Carry ceremony sends USS Oklahoma remains back to Hawaii
Niger State Police Command has arrested nine suspected kidnappers and rescued sixteen victims from across the state.

The commands Public Relations Officer, DSP Muhammadu Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Minna.

He explained that three of the suspected kidnappers were killed by the police during a gun duel with the security agents.

He said that the suspects were arrested in Mashegu, Bangi, Lapai, Paikoro, Shiroro and Rafi Local Government Areas of the state in the last two months.

Abubakar said that on April 29 at about 10p.m the command was informed that armed bandits blocked Sahorami-Makera road under Mashegu LGA.

ALSO READ: Immigration arrests three suspects over human trafficking

He said the hoodlums stopped a trailer with reg. No BLR 377 XA Gombe and kidnaped the driver, along Tungar Mahaukaciya and took him into a nearby bush.

According to him, operatives of operation Puff-Adder ambushed the kidnappers, and succeeded in gunning down one of the kidnappers and rescued the victim unhurt.

 One AK47 riffle loaded with 28 live ammunitions was recovered and the corpse of the suspect was deposited at Kontagora General Hospital.

In same vain, on April 26 at about 2:45p.m, acting on a tip-off, on the same date at about 2: 45p.m, some unknown armed men invaded the house of one Alhaji Umaru Maipeshi of Gidan-Kwano village in Mashegu LGA, kidnapped and took him on Bajaj motorcycle heading towards Kampani Bobi village via Bangi.

The spokesman said that Bangi Police Division was alerted and immediately the policemen blocked Sabon-GidaKampani-Bobi road and engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle.

The Police overpowered the hoodlums and gunned down two suspects, while the victim was rescued unhurt.

Exhibits recovered include one AK47 rifle with empty magazine, one Bajaj motorcycle and one Tecno phone.

Also, on March 1 at about 6p.m one Abubakar Ardo of Rafin Gora village, Mashegu LGA reported a case of kidnap at Mashegu Division at about 10a.m. he said.

Abubakar said that one Alhaji Auta of Dutsen-Magaji Village in Mashegu LGA and ten others were kidnapped by unknown hoodlums from their houses to unknown destination.

Immediately, a team of Policemen from Mashegu Division gave the suspects a hot chase and the kidnappers had no option than to release the victims and fled.

All the hostages were rescued unhurt.

Similarly, on 12th March at about 7p.m, one Bature Abubakar of Fulani camp Tanagi village of Mashegu LGA, reported a case of kidnapping at Mashegu Division.

On the same date at about 11p.m, a gang of kidnappers entered their camp and attacked him with machetes, sticks and kidnapped his wife Jummai Bature and one other to unknown destination.

During Police investigation, one Babuga Umaru of the same address was arrested and confessed to have conspired with three others at large and conjointly kidnapped the victim, he said.
IN 2017, Mrs. Agatha Goma spoke briefly and aptly about her personality in an interview. She said: My personality is one that doesnt take no for an answer and Im always out to get the job done. I believe in excellence and always strive to get it at all times.

But when death struck on July 14, 2019, it broke the resolve and will of the young woman to say yes to life. Nobody saw it coming. It was indeed a dark Sunday. The way and manner Goma, a go-getter, succumbed to death by breathing her last shows the inevitability of death and its superiority over mortar humans.

The news of her death came like a bolt from the blue. Like a gas emission that begins slowly and eventually saturates the air, the news of Gomas surprising departure started like a rumour and became a reality as it travelled with the speed of light. It was a mixed feeling. Most people doubted the veracity of the report, some took it with unusual tranquility while others screamed indisbelief.

But the energetic Goma is no more. The politician and pastor died in her sleep shortly after returning from a church service. She laid in a couch and eventually stopped breathing. All the medical interventions failed to resuscitate her.

Her church members gathered and on top of their voices interceded God, but Goma could not wake up. She is still in that posture sleeping without pulse. The death of Goma is a big blow to Bayelsa State, especially to women. She was a model of womanhood and an epitome of excellence. Goma showed resilience, doggedness and determination.

Read also: Hard times await roadside traders in Bayelsa

She rose to reckoning in a society that lays emphasis on masculinity. Prior to her death, she was a Commissioner for Local Government Administration, one of the best brains in Governor Seriake Dicksons executive cabinet. Goma was born on June 14, 1964.

Her father was a policeman and she had to live in different parts of the country following the various transfers of her father. She attended her schools in Lagos, Benin, Jos, Port Harcourt and even in Sokoto. She attended the University of Calabar where she studied English and Literary Studies. She got married to a pastor and had five children. Her political career started at the age of 27 when she was voted into the Rivers State House of Assembly. She was the Deputy Minority Whip at the time.

Thereafter, she became a political appointee in Bayelsa State during the first civilian administration in 1999. Goma was one of the pioneers who established the Niger Delta University (NDU) and served as commissioner in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. She was elected into the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2015 and served as a special adviser before Dickson appointed her as the commissioner for local government administration.

In fact, death left a huge vacuum in the state. She was one of the trusted aides of Governor Dickson. It was also a double jeopardy for the family of Goma. Her children are now orphans, because she buried her husband late last year.

The tears, outcries and lamentation that accompanied her death showed that Goma touched lives when she was alive. One of the persons who sobbed over her death is a broadcaster, Gabrielle Amunike. Amunike, who works for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), recalls with fond memory her encounter with the late young woman. She said: She was more than a friend to me. I met her years back when she was the only woman in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. I was looking for someone who would sponsor my TV programme, Amazons of the Niger Delta.

I was given her phone number and I called her. She said, Come to my House and she directed me. As I spoke, she listened quietly. I explained the programme to her and what I needed to bring it on air. She looked at me and said, My girl, I dont know you, but I believe in what you want to do, and I will assist you with the little I have.

She called for her cheque book and signed almost half a million to me. Her little meant so much to me, because it was all I needed to start that programme. My story in the journalism profession cannot be complete without her name. I am grateful for all you did for me and all around you. You are indeed a rare gem. I am missing you already. Your memory will forever remain green in my heart.

I dont know what else to say. Here is indeed a woman without tribe. Even though she passed away, she will forever be my inspiration and my hero. May God protect and guide the children you left behind. May they find favour and grace anywhere they go.

Since her death, Gomas home has been a beehive. High profile personalities and politicians have been trooping into her Yenagoa home. Recently, Governor Dickson, Senator Douye Diri and the state Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, visited the home to commiserate with her family. Dickson expressed deep shock over her death. He said: I have repeatedly stated that we need more leaders in the state.

Agatha Goma was clearly one of our best. She was one of our most experienced politicians who have served in various arms of government.

Her future was indeed very bright and she was doing very well until her sad and sudden departure. We all are in shock at what is clearly a major tragedy and we cannot pretend about it. Both the family members, members of the Restoration Administration as well as the state are mourning. We pray God to grant the departed eternal repose and give the family of the departed the fortitude to bear what is clearly an irreparable loss. Also, Diri, during his condolence visit in company with the states Commissioner for Labour, Chief Collins Cocordia, said her death was shocking.

For all of us who knew her, her character as a mother and a hard working woman while going about my governorship ambition, she was one person I had pencilled down. Unfortunately, she is no longer with us. We pray that God console the Governor, the people of the state and her family, he said The Caretaker Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Chief Kia Nigeria, also mourned the departure of Goma.

He described her as one of the few persons who lived a purposeful life, irrespective of her station in life.

Agatha will not only be missed by her family, rather the entire Bayelsa State, he said. Also, a governorship aspirant and retired federal permanent secretary, Amb. Godknows Igali, expressed heartfelt condolences on the sudden departure of Goma. Describing her demise as shocking and a colossal loss to Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation, Igali extolled the virtues, intimidating track record and impeccable personality of Mrs Goma, describing her as a rare gem, an Amazon and a woman of substance much loved by all.

Also, a former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe, sympathised with Dickson, the state executive council and the Alaebiri community in Ekeremor Local Government Area following the death of Goma.

He said: I specially commiserate with the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, over the loss of Mrs Goma who was her beloved sister. The death of Mrs Goma comes as a double tragedy to the family and the entire Bayelsa people because she had earlier lost her beloved husband last year and was yet to fully recover from the loss. Though not obviously sick, she was said to have died in her sleep at her residence in the Commissioners Quarters in Yenogoa.

I recall that Mrs Goma has served Bayelsa State in many capacities. She was a member of the State House of Assembly before her appointment by the previous administration as Commissioner for Education. Based on her sterling public service qualities, she was re-appointed as Commissioner for Local Government by the present administration.

Mrs. Gomas impeccable record in public service of Bayelsa State made her an invaluable asset to the past and present administrations in Bayelsa State. Her devotion to her family, particularly to her late husband cannot be quantified in any scale of evaluation.

She lived peacefully and died peacefully. In her lifetime, with less noise and fanfare, she silently contributed to the growth of Bayelsa State. Only a few individuals have had the honour of serving in three successive administrations back-toback. Only a few public servants have had the opportunity of being appointed Commissioners more than once. Mrs Agatha Goma was a rare gem who could not be ignored by any serious-minded political leader.

She came well ahead of her time, played her unique role and has returned to her maker before her time.

To Governor Dickson and Members of the State Executive Council, let the memory of her unquestionable commitment and comradeship fire your passion and dry your tears.

I suggest that in memory of her selfless service to Bayelsa people, a certain memorial be instituted by the state government to serve as an inspiration to other public servants.

To her precious family, I understand your pains because I have lost loved ones. So, I know how this moment feels. However, I want you to be consoled by the fact that she lived a life worthy of emulation and has left behind indelible marks. While we cry, we must thank God for who she was.
Housemates in the ongoing BBNaija season four staged an epic fashion show as part of their runway task on Thursday night.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Runway Task Presentation required that Housemates create a coordinated Neon Gradient-themed fashion line that reflected the 3D colour gradient of Oppo phones.

In line with the theme, the Pepper Dem gang stepped on the runway showcasing a colourful display of stylish neon couture designs, with fancy accessories as they owned the stage.

Opening the fashion show, Gedonis team delivered a spectacular show with Esther making the first walk in style and grace.

She led the rest of the team which consisted of Omashola, Diane, Omashola and Joe behind the camera.

Gedoni described their style as bold, daring and dangerous with an infusion of beautiful and colourful designs.

Although the preparation for Frodds team was almost marred by arguments, the team rose from petty squabbles to putting up a mind-blowing fashion exhibition.

Venita described their outfits as colourful as they wanted to make a statement on the runway.

The team went for sexy, playful and not the everyday outfit. According to fans, the groups strongest point was the bare-chested Mike draped with a chain like jewellery over his shoulder.

NAN reports that Tacha led her team with Seyi, Khafi and Sir Dee as group members to present attires described as a fusion of the old and the new.

The team sought to bring the best of both worlds in order to unleash a dazzling level of creativity.

Their attires also had an obvious influence of an indigenous concept and they brought the heat to the stage.

NAN reports that Biggie acknowledged the creativity of the housemates and congratulated them at the end of the show.

Housemates hosted to an after-party after the show wrapped with DJ Bee Jordan spinning the wheels. Results for the challenge will be announced on Sunday.
The Nigerian Senate has approved Higher National Diploma (HND) as the minimum qualification for citizens seeking to be president or governors.

The bill which proposed the certificate as the minimum qualification for president and state governors, and Ordinary National Diploma (OND) as the minimum qualification for those contesting for state and federal legislative seats, passed its second reading on Thursday March 12.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan sent the bill which is sponsored by Istifanus Gyang (PDP, Plateau) to the Committee on Constitution Review after lawmakers passed the proposed amendment for second reading.

It is expected the bill will alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the amendment of Sections 65 (2) (a), 131 (d), Section 106 (c) and Section 177 (d) on minimum educational qualification for those seeking election as state or federal lawmakers, as well as governors, president and their deputies.

For Presidency and Governorship election, the existing law which the bill seeks to amend states that the person must have been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.

The amendment is now rephrased to read: He has been educated up to at least HND level or its equivalent.

For members of the National Assembly, the existing law the bill seeks to amend reads A person shall be qualified for election under subsection (1) of this section if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.

It will now be rephrased to read if he has been educated to at least National Diploma level or its equivalent.
Marvin Adom Armah, Senior Account Manager at Farmerline Group, has highlighted Africas significant potential to harness agriculture for sustainable economic growth.



Speaking at the Africa Unlocked, the inaugural Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking Conference in South Africa, Mr. Armah emphasized the need to view challenges as opportunities and adopt a unique perspective to embrace these possibilities.



In his remarks, Mr. Armah detailed how Farmerline identified growth opportunities in agriculture and is assisting farmers in leveraging technology to enhance productivity. Africa is on the brink of unlocking its potential, particularly in agriculture. COVID-19 taught us the crucial lesson that technology in agriculture needs to be protected and made accessible to farmers. It is not enough to have technology; it must be accessible. At Farmerline, our core functionality is backed by technology, he said.



Mr. Armah also discussed Farmerlines interventions across Africa to help farmers transform and scale their operations. He singled out Mergdata, Farmerlines cutting edge solution for farmers and other critical stakeholders. He stated that Farmerline has always aimed to create lasting profits for farmers globally and on the continent. This mission requires understanding the challenges farmers face, such as access to quality inputs, assets, and readily available information. And based on this insight, Farmerline has developed Mergdata, a proprietary web and mobile based application that enables traceability of farm produce throughout the entire value chain, from farm to consumer.



Over the past 11 years, working with smallholder farmers, we have learned the importance of clear communication. We began by providing information on smart agronomic practices, climate change, and resilience, he added.



The Africa Unlocked Business and Commercial Banking Conference, hosted by Standard Bank, took place from July 10-12, 2024, under the theme Africas Competitive Advantage: Finding Growth Opportunities. The conference addressed critical topics essential for the continents advancement and featured insights from esteemed experts and dignitaries from across Africa. Farmerline Group was among the clients sponsored by Stanbic Bank Ghana to participate in the event.







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 eagerly anticipated Phase 2 of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Project in Ho, Volta Region, has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of educational infrastructure in Ghana.



Originally initiated with a sod-cutting ceremony by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on September 10, 2021, the project has now been finalized to enhance the university's capacity and facilities.



Phase 2, funded with $60 million from the Chinese Government through its development agency, China AID, has expanded the campus significantly.



It includes the construction of the Central Administration building and the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM), poised to become the largest of its kind in Africa upon completion.



The completion of Phase 2 adds crucial infrastructure to UHAS, complementing the facilities established during Phase 1 with huge edifices for the administration block, classrooms, library, laboratories, an auditorium, student activity center, and cafeteria.



These developments underscore governments commitment to advancing education and healthcare training, providing a state-of-the-art environment for students and faculty alike.



President Akufo-Addo earlier in 2021, during the sod cutting, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, and University Management in securing funding and overseeing the project's successful execution.



He expressed confidence that the enhanced facilities will enable UHAS to fulfill its mandate of delivering quality education and healthcare training to its students.



The completion of this ambitious project not only signifies a substantial investment in Ghana's education sector but also underscores the country's dedication to fostering academic excellence and healthcare advancement.



Subsequent phases will even further advance the use of the new facilities to their fullest potential, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to Ghana's healthcare and educational landscape for years to come.

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.

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A rodent disease that can be spread to humans and has no cure has killed several people in the US and prompted a health warning.



Cases of hantavirus, which is spread from rodents to people through viral droplets from handling materials with the animals urine, saliva or faeces, are on the rise, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.



Seven cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome have been confirmed in Arizona. Three of them resulted in death.



The syndrome "is a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory illness caused by the infection with hantavirus," the Arizona Department of Health Services stated in an advisory.



In addition, there have been two hantavirus cases in California and one death.



Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches quickly making it hard to breathe.



Hantavirus has been found mostly in deer mouse in the Grand Canyon state and is not spread on human-to-human contact. But it is not confined to a specific region.



"It can be present in many areas in the southwestern region of the United States where there is rodent activity, even if mice are never seen," the advisory states.



Before the recent hantavirus cases, the last one in Coconino County was reported in 2016.



The syndrome was detected in 1993 after infecting a Navajo tribe residing at the border of Arizona and New Mexico. About 80% of the population died at the time.



Public health officials recommend residents who have experienced rodent activity to follow certain clean-up procedures.









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 Second Lady of Ghana, who is also passionate about maternal health in Ghana, Hajia Mrs. Samira Bawumia, has donated medical supplies to health facilities in the Nkwanta North district and the Biakoye District and Constituency, in the Oti Region.



The donation was made to Worawora Government Hospital and health centers in the Biakoye District/Constituency as well as the Damanko Health Center and CHPS Compound in the Nkwanta North District/Constituency.



The donation forms part of efforts by the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) to improve general health outcomes and promote universal health care among women and children in Ghana.



At the Worawora Government Hospital and health centers in the Biakoye District/Constituency The second Lady provided medical supplies and equipment which included Medical Beds with mattresses, medical apparel, Digital Infrared Thermometers, Earloop Face Masks, Medical Gloves, Syringes, Sutures, Orthopedic Sets, Needles, Drainage Accessories, Medical, Drapes/Liners, Catheters, Face Shields, Suction- Non-Conductive Turbin, Plastic medical basins, plastic forceps and Dressing.



At the Damanko Health Center and CHPS Compound in the Nkwanta North District/Constituency, Mrs. Samira Bawumia also supplied Medical Apparel, Nose Mask, Table Top microscope, Cotton Wool, Vital Signs Monitor, Surgical emergency set (trays and wound closure tools), Syringes, Cleaning Supplies, Needles, Drainage / Irrigation Masks, Intravenous Sets, Drapes / Linens, Catheters, Medical Positioners, Tubing corrugated supplies, Sterilization Tools and Crutches.



This benevolent act by the second lady is not the first of its kind in the Oti Region. In 2019, the First Lady donated medical supplies and equipment valued at approximately 500,000 Cedis to nine health facilities in the Nkwanta North District and Nkwanta South Municipality



The Samira Empowerment & Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) is a not-for-profit organization set up by the second lady of Ghana, Samira Bawumia, that is committed to improving the lives of women, children and youth in under-served communities across Ghana.

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On Saturday, 20 July 2024, the CEO of End Point Homeopathic Clinic- Dr Adu Boateng handed over a 5-bedroom staff bungalow which the clinic has reconstructed to the Ghana National College in Cape Coastas part of the clinics corporate social responsibility.



Dr Adu Boateng who completed Ghana National College in 2002 presented the bungalow to the College on behalf of End Point Homeopathic Clinic. The handover coincided with activities marking the 76th anniversary of the establishment of the school.



The 5-bedroom staff bungalow is intended to house two teaching staff.



End Point Homeopathic Clinic Reconstructs A 5-Bedroom Staff Bungalow for Ghana National College

During the handover, Dr Adu Boateng said: As an old student of Ghana National College, my team and I considered it prudent to heed to calls by the school for decent accommodation units for its hardworking staffwith a reconstruction of this bungalow for the school.



I am here today in life largely because of the robust foundation Ghana National College offered me. Therefore, giving back to the same institution which has propelled me to this height is a pleasure, Dr Adu Boateng added.



Ghana National College was established on 20th July 1948 in Cape Coast by Ghanas first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah with his personal funds, as a consequence of agitations for Ghanas independence from colonial rule.

The school started with 17 students  16 males and a female  with the famous Mathematician and Physicist-Professor Francis Kofi Ampenyi Allotey as the first student.



Dr Adu Boateng (center) at the handover at Ghana National College

About Endpoint Homeopathic Clinic



Endpoint Homeopathic Clinic is an award-winning provider of quality healthcare and unparalleled services in Ghana; promoting and advancing the science of homeopathy for the past 14 years.



The clinic has branches at Spintex-Accra, Community 22 Tema, Takoradi, Kumasi, Asiama (Nzema) and Techiman.



As a forward-looking health delivery outlet, Endpoint Homeopathic Clinic provides the latest research-based homeopathic treatments with a service that is second to none. The clinic is committed to patient satisfaction as the primary driver of its healthcare delivery.







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Chiefs in the various Traditional Councils in the Mfantesman Municipality have called on parliament to speed up the process of the lithium deal.



This came to light in the delay in the approval of the lithium mining agreements in parliament in which the chiefs have asked the members of parliament to look beyond politics and speed up the process of approving the mining license.



Speaking in an interview with Peace FM News's Sally Ngissah, Omanhene of Nkusukum traditional area of Yamoransa, Nana Okese Essandoh IX lauded Atlantic Lithium company for their countless engagements with the Chiefs and people within the beneficiary communities to sensitize and educate them on the settlement and economic impact without hiding anything from them.



This is why parliament needs to ratify the bill fast, he said, and even the Minerals Commission needs to give license to Atlantic Lithium limited to commence the mining of lithium in Ewoyaa.



Omanhene Essandoh IX urged parliament to think about the nation first and focus on the development of Ghana especially the youth, and that there is no doubt that lithium mining is going to bring fortune to the nation and help create jobs which will be beneficial to the nation.



He, therefore, called on the people within the beneficiary communities to exercise patience as they (the chiefs) will fight for their compensation that they deserve.



Omanhene of Abura traditional area of Abakrampa, Emintsinminim Otu XI on his part revealed that the traditional rulers have agreed with the 1% of its revenue to the region which will be used for developmental projects in the region and also to improve the living standards of the local population by investing in basic services, utilities and social amenities.



They further pleaded with the parliament to do away with the partisan politics but rather think of the regions development and as well as the youth in the country.

Source: Sally Ngissah/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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A Philadelphia woman is under arrest after allegedly sh00ting a 7-month-old while firing at the baby's parents.



Police released terrifying footage of the incident while asking the public for help identifying the suspect before her arrest.



In the footage, taken on July 18, a man and woman are seen pushing their child's stroller, before the man takes off running when he appears to see the suspect approach them from behind with a gun raised.



The woman fires three times, as the female victim shouts, "My baby."



The shooter responds, "F**k your baby, bitch!" and runs off.



While the parents weren't hit, the child sustained a gunshot to the leg.



"You see in that video, she really points the gun at the mother of the baby, who's also a juvenile, and fires. Luckily, she missed," Philadelphia Police Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum said during a press conference over the weekend, via FOX 29.



"Obviously, that's when the baby got hit. A 7-month-old baby isn't going to remember that, but it's always going to be out there. That story's always going to be out there."



28-year-old Dominique Billips was arrested on Friday, following numerous tips to police.



"This looks like this all stems from a $100 narcotics debt, is what we are being told," Rosenbaum added, via NBC Philadelphia. "So it's sad."



The father was apparently the intended target. A neighbor reportedly took the infant to the hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound, while the parents fled the scene. The pair allegedly had outstanding warrants and feared being arrested. Per Rosenbaum, the parents did call the police when they got home.



According to NBC, Billips has been charged by the DA's office with aggravated assault and other related offences and is waiting for formal arraignment. VIDEO-

















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Kwamena Duncan has vehemently descended on the Speaker of Parliament for marshalling the Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, out of the House during proceedings on Monday, July 22, 2024.



The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin described some statements by Dr. Kwaku Afriyie very disrespectful and angrily instructed the Marshall to walk him out.



This happened after Dr. Kwaku Afriyie challenged the Speaker saying the latter's comments on an LGBTQ+ issue which is before the Supreme Court were prejudicial.



Dr. Afriyie had said; With all due respect to your chair, this preliminary remarks you are making are presidential and I believe that as representing the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, it doesnt lie in your mouth to remind us of the things that you have said.



In response to the comment, Speaker Bagbin said; This is a completely rude remark and I can send you out of the House. It lies in my authority to do so. I represent the whole country, you represent the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso. Please Marshal take him out of the House, I will not entertain such disrespect.



Reacting to the Speaker's action during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, the former Minister for Central Region, Kwamena Duncan found nothing disrespectful about the MP's remarks.



"That definition of gross disorder...is it the Speaker who makes that definition? And that the point made by Kwaku Afriyie that this doesn't lie in your mouth, does it constitute gross disorder?", he questioned.



He concluded that this behavior by the Speaker is "a major threat to democracy".







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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James Kwabena Bomfeh alias Kabila has fired shots back at the Speaker of Parliament for sacking the Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, from Parliament on Monday, July 22, 2024.



The former General Secretary of the Convention People's Party (CPP), James Kwabena Bomfeh found the Speaker's behavior in the Legislative House very distasteful.



The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin asked the Marshall to walk Dr. Kwaku Afriyie out of Parliament following a repartee between them which didn't sit well with the Speaker.



Hon. Alban Bagbin described Dr. Kwaku Afriyie's comments as disrespectful after the latter found his (Speaker) remarks on the LGBTQ+ case to be prejudicial.



Dr. Afriyie said; With all due respect to your chair, this preliminary remarks you are making are presidential and I believe that as representing the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, it doesnt lie in your mouth to remind us of the things that you have said.



Speaker Bagbin replied; This is a completely rude remark and I can send you out of the House. It lies in my authority to do so. I represent the whole country, you represent the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso. Please Marshal take him out of the House, I will not entertain such disrespect.



Kabila, discussing this matter during Wednesday's "Kokrokoo" show on Peace FM, saw Alban Bagbin's posture in Parliament as bossy and somehow authoritative.



To him, the assertion by the Speaker that he represents Ghana is entirely false, stressing "you don't represent Ghana...You became Speaker by accident!"



He further opined that the Speaker has a "misunderstanding of his position and his role".



On Hon. Bagbin's instruction to drive out Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Kabila stated categorically that "it's embarrassing . . . that move he made was wrong. The Speaker can send a Member of Parliament out of Parliament but it must be on stated grounds in breach of their standing orders or the constitution".



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Okuapehene, Oseadeayo Kwasi Akuffo III has expressed confidence in Vice Presidential Candidate of the NPP, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, saying he knows him to be honest and believes he can do the work assigned to him by the party's flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia.



I have known you to be a very honest man and so for me, I have no doubt that you will execute the task Bawumia has given you seamlessly, he said.



Oseadeayo continued; The NPP has been exceptional in government and I believe that your performance at the Education and Energy Ministries have contributed significantly to this cause. I know you can do more in a higher capacity and so we continue to pray for you.



Oseadeayo made these remarks when Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh called on him in Akropong on Thursday, 25th July, 2024.



Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, on his part, reiterated the need for enhanced cordial relations among Ghanaian ethnic groups.



According to him, this forms the foundation for progress and development in the country.



The UP tradition, front-runner for the present day New Patriotic Party, was not the endeavor of a single ethnic group but a collective effort of Ghanaians from various backgrounds and so we are always reminded of the foundational principles of inclusivity and unity, he said.



Dr. Opoku Prempeh also underscored the flagbearers track record in spearheading initiatives such as digitization, economic reforms and infrastructure development which he believes are crucial for the country's growth.



Dr. Prempeh later appealed to Okuapeman to vote massively for the NPP and also canvassed for the parliamentary candidates of Akuapem North, Akuapem South and Okere.



This move by the NPP Running Mate signals the partys approach in mobilizing support from traditional authorities ahead of the 2024 elections.



Throughout Ghanas political history, the role of traditional leaders in influencing voter sentiments has remained pivotal in shaping the nation's electoral landscape.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The pending closure of the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley will cost at least 600 workers their jobs. They have been employed by STG International Inc. of Virginia, CoreCivic Inc. of Tennessee and The Woodlands' Target Hospitality Corp. Eric Gay/Associated Press In this Aug. 23, 2019 file photo, immigrants seeking asylum walk at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley. The facility will soon be closing. Eric Gay/Associated Press

The closure of the nations largest immigrant detention center, which is in South Texas, will cost at least 600 workers their jobs.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last month said it would close the costly South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley so it could reallocate funds to increase overall detention capacity across its system. ICE had called it the most expensive facility in the national detention network.

The agency said it would save $129 million by closing the 2,400-bed center, Reuters reported last year, citing an internal agency memo.

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The move comes at a price, though, as its displacing center supervisors, medical staff, those involved with handling accommodations and others.

The facility in Dilley, a town of about 3,300 people 70 miles southwest of San Antonio, was opened during the Obama administration in 2014 to hold a surge of Central American families who surrendered at the border and requested asylum. Tennessee-based CoreCivic Inc., which has operated the center, said its mission shifted to detention of single adults in 2021.

As of June 9, the center held 1,561 detainees, CoreCivic reported. The bulk of the population was women with no criminal record, ICE records reviewed by Reuters showed

The closing will free up resources for an additional 1,600 beds, ICE said.

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The shutdown is part of what ICE said are new measures to increase the overall capacity of enforcement resources. The efforts are intended to speed removals for people who are not lawfully in the U.S.

The number of jobs being cut is only now coming into focus. Three companies that have had a presence at the center submitted letters to the Texas Workforce Commission notifying the state agency about employees receiving pink slips.

Virginia-based STG International Inc., a federal government contractor that provides medical staffing services, this month disclosed that most of its 100 full-time employees at the facility would see their employment end July 31. Eight others have worked there either part-time or on a daily basis.

From 16 to 20 employees have accepted offers to continue employment with STG at other locations, the company said in a July 16 letter to the workforce commission.

Theyre not the first cuts. CoreCivic last month said it was laying off 433 employees as a result of the shutdown. And The Woodlands Target Hospitality Corp., which has provided housing at the center, said 95 of its employees would be let go.

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STG said it initially informed most of its workers on June 10 that their last day would be Aug. 9. That date has since been moved up to July 31 due to unforeseen business circumstances and the direction of our government customer, the company said in its letter to the state.

With some exceptions, a federal law known as the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requires employers to give 60 days of notice to workers when there are layoffs involving more than 50 people.

STG has employed 51 nurses, 10 social workers, six medical records technicians, four psychologists, and three pharmacy technicians, among others, at the center.

Almost three-quarters of CoreCivics employees at the center, or 308, have worked as resident supervisors. Another 21 served as senior resident supervisors while 20 have worked as case managers. The companys layoffs will be effective Aug. 13, it said.

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The centers closing will also put a dent in CoreCivics financial performance. It generated $156.6 million in revenue from the center last year. It suspended financial guidance for this year as a result of the centers shutdown but estimated it would lose from 38 cents to 41 cents of earnings per share on an annual basis.
As part of this years World PR Day Festival, Global Media Alliance, in collaboration with Africas biggest music streaming platform,Boomplay, has outdoored two uniquely curated music playlists to recognize artistes who have creatively leveraged the power of public relations in their craft.



The playlists  World PR Day Festival Jams Playlist and World PR Day Festival New Gen, seek to acknowledge the contributions of both established and emerging musicians while highlighting the role of public relations in promoting Ghanaian music.



The Jams Playlist features a repertoire of hits songs from renowned artists creating a vibrant mix of rhythms and melodies that highlight the diversity and creativity of Ghana's music industry. Artistes in this category include King Promise, Stonebwoy, Amaarae, Black Sherrif, Gyakie, Joe Mettle, Kidi, Smallgod, and Wendy Shay.



The New Gen playlist which shines a spotlight on the freshest talents redefining the music landscape features an exciting line-up of music talents whose unique perspectives are setting trends in the industry. Artistes in this category include Arathejay, Baaba J, Beeztrap KOTM, Darkua and Ess Thee Legend. The rest are Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, Olivetheboy, SuperJazzClub, Team Eternity and 99Phaces.



Commenting on this partnership, Ekow Quandzie, Head of Public Relations at Global Media Alliance highlighted the relevance of music in shaping narratives and inspiring a new generation of communicators.



Music has always been a powerful tool in shaping narratives and connecting people. In accordance with this year's theme for the World PR Day celebration, 'The Future of PR in a Changing World,' our curated playlists reflect the evolving landscape of both music and public relations, said Ekow Quandzie.



On his part, Public Relations Manager at Boomplay, Paul Azumah Ayitey, said:



Boomplay is committed to amplifying the diverse voices and innovative sounds that resonate with audiences across the globe. Once again, we are proud to collaborate with GMA to launch playlists that affirm the transformative power of music. Through these playlists, we hope to provide a platform for new artists to reach wider audiences while inspiring PR professionals to embrace creativity and innovation.



The World PR Day Festival 24 and New Gen playlists are available exclusively on the Boomplay App to music lovers around the globe with easy access to the latest tunes that define the synergy between public relations and music.



The World PR Day Festival is an annual event that seeks to bring together Practitioners, Industry Players, Media, and Students to dialog and share insights and innovative strategies to improve the industry both in Ghana and globally.



The 2024 festival which began in May took participants through several virtual sessions on Greenwashing x PR and PR Measurements x ROI. Masterlabs were also organized to equip PR professionals in Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence. It was climaxed with a summit which inspired insightful conversations on shaping the African narrative with public relations and storytelling.

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

Scanning electron microscope image of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium, destroyed by nanopillars, on a cicada wing. Scale bar is 1 micrometer. Credit: Yutao Chen. Credit: Yutao Chen.

Trillions of periodical cicadasseveral species of the genus Magicicada that emerge every 13 or 17 yearsbroke soil across the Eastern U.S. this summer. News outlets likened the event to Armageddon, an apocalypse or an invasion. But what about using words like mesmerizing? Mysterious? Magical?

The genus name Magicicada refers to the sheer magnitude of cicadas synchronously crawling up through the earth to reach sunlight. This year is a special one for the state of Illinois: both the 13-year cicadas of the Great Southern Brood XIX and the 17-year cicadas of the Great Northern Brood XIII emerged in massive numbers. This simultaneous emergence has not occurred since 1803 and will not occur again for another 221 years.

It was prime time for entomologists and researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

"We use cicadas and other insects as inspiration for engineering new materials. As biologists, we also want to be able to use these materials to then go in the opposite design direction. So, the prototypes that we created, and which may result in marketable new surfaces for various industries, can also be used to help us explain fundamental biological questions about natural selection," said Marianne Alleyne, a professor of entomology and mechanical science and engineering at Illinois.

Her lab's work revolves around bioinspired design: the process of learning from nature to develop new materials and technologies.

Yutao Chen, a biologist and graduate student in Alleyne's ABC Lab, is studying the antibacterial properties of cicada wings to fabricate functional cicada-inspired surfaces.

"Cicada wings are superhydrophobic, meaning they're really waterproof, and they also have excellent antibacterial properties," Chen said.

What is the secret behind these cicada wing superpowers?

To the naked eye, the translucent wings appear smooth and featureless. Operating the environmental scanning electron microscope in Beckman's Microscopy Suite, Chen magnifies a cicada wing 10,000 times. Zooming in, swirling patterns emerge, and microscopic features called nanopillars come into focus.

Each nanopillar is approximately 150 nanometers wide and 200 to 400 nanometers tall. In comparison, a human hair is about 1000 times thicker than a single nanopillar. The nanopillars are distributed uniformly across each wing but can vary in size depending on the species. They create a rough surface, giving the wings their hydrophobic, or water-repellant, and antibacterial functionalities.

When microbes land or move on the nanopillars, their outer membrane becomes damaged. Microbial contamination threatens cicadas and is a prevalent issue in human society: in shipping industries, underwater pipelines, medical implants and other devices and appliances, Chen said.

Bacteria comes into contact with nanopillars (A), which causes the nanopillars to bend and store elastic energy (B). Bacteria that attempt to move become damaged, stored elastic energy is released and the pillars return to their original position (C). Credit: Yutao Chen.

Efforts to deter microbes from materials are usually in the form of surface coatings which become damaged and lose efficacy over time. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacteria during an infection, but overuse eventually leads to microbial resistance.

"It's imperative to develop durable surfaces that are mechanically antibacterial," Chen said.

The nanoscale protrusions on cicada wings are the perfect inspiration to develop these new materials.

Chen uses a flexible and versatile nanoscale replication method called nanoimprinting lithography to mimic the nanoscopic features of cicada wings. The replicates are made of polystyrene, a type of polymer material that is not inherently antibacterial. Once textured with the right sized nanopillars, the polystyrene becomes bactericidal, or able to destroy bacteria.

This replication method can be paired with pulse electroplating, a metal deposition technique, to create copper nanopillar replicates. Chen studies them for applications like air and water filtration or to develop more conductive electrodes.

Chen uses Beckman's environmental scanning electron microscope to observe Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria on natural and replicated nanopillars, and a confocal laser scanning microscope to evaluate how well biological and engineered nanopillar surfaces can destroy bacteria. In most cases, the nanopillars simply puncture or tear the outer membrane of the bacteria to repel or destroy it.

Chen's images show that the nanopillars bend when engaging with bacteria.

It's possible that the pillars are storing and releasing elastic energy when in contact with the bacteria, which would ultimately stretch and tear the membrane, Chen said.

Using the scanning electron microscope, it can be hard to visualize the membrane at the exact moment when it becomes punctured because fluids begin to leak from the bacteria cell and obstruct the view.

To determine which bacteria have been punctured, Chen uses the confocal laser microscope and a special dye that stains the bacterialiving bacteria cells with intact membranes will stain green while nonviable cells will stain red.

The size and structure of Chen's replicated nanopillars closely match those of the natural nanopillars on cicada wings. By preserving the original dimensions and scale, Chen also preserves the functionality. The engineered nanopillars can destroy more than 95% of the bacteria within three hours.

There's still a lot of work to do, Chen said.

Future plans include experimenting with different fabrication techniques and observing more dynamic interactions between bacteria and the replicated surfaces using microfluidics techniques. The microfluidics project involves using tiny channels that will allow Chen to flow liquid mixtures of bacteria across different nanopillar surfaces.
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:

Typhoon Gaemi swept towards southern China on Thursday after killing at least two people in Taiwan.

The strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years killed five people and flooded parts of the island's second-biggest city on Thursday, with rescuers searching for six sailors missing after their cargo ship sank in the storm.

Typhoon Gaemi transformed streets in southern Kaohsiung city into rivers, with some households flooded by rainwater. Schools and offices were closed in several cities for a second day, with the stock market suspended and thousands of people evacuated.

Gaemi also exacerbated seasonal rains in the Philippines on its path to Taiwan, triggering flooding and landslides that killed 20 people. A tanker carrying 1.4 million liters of oil sank off Manila on Thursday, with authorities racing to contain a spill.

The storm had weakened by Thursday morning and "the center has moved out to sea" at around 4:20 am local time (2020 GMT), Taiwan's weather authorities said.

Taiwan's fire agency said it received a report early Thursday that a cargo ship had sunk off the island's southwestern coast, forcing its nine Myanmar crew members to abandon ship in life jackets.

"They fell into the sea and were floating there," said Hsiao Huan-chang, head of the fire agency.

Hsiao did not specify when the Tanzania-flagged ship sank but adverse weather conditions hindered the search, which involved rescue aircraft and had been ongoing since 3:30 pm (0730 GMT).

A motorcyclist rides past fallen trees due to strong winds caused by Typhoon Gaemi in Keelung.

Taiwan's Coast Guard later issued a statement saying that two crew members were brought to a police station in the late afternoon.

"They were confirmed to be the first mate and chef of the ship," the coast guard said, adding that authorities expanded a shore patrol and found another sailor.

"The Coast Guard will continue to expand the search for the remaining crew members who fell into the sea," it said.

Gaemi made landfall in China's Fujian province shortly before 8:00 pm local time (1200 GMT) on Thursday, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said.

Mudslides, falling trees

In southern Taiwan's Pingtung county, an Indonesian freighter had to be anchored at a beach during the storm, with local TV footage showing massive waves crashing into it.

Taiwan's Coast Guard said the crew was safe, "with no loss of power and oil leakage".

In Pingtung county, an Indonesian freighter had to be anchored at a beach during the storm.

Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday night with sustained wind speeds of 190 kilometers (118 miles) per hour at its peak.

At least five people were confirmed killed and as many as 500 were reported injured.

A motorist in Kaohsiung was crushed by a tree and a woman in eastern Hualien died after part of a building fell on her.

A third person was killed when mudslides hit two houses in Kaohsiung, trapping two people. A woman was rescued from one but the second person was found dead.

Another man was killed in southern Tainan, authorities said, while a fifth person was killed by a falling tree.

Taiwan's defense ministry also announced Thursday that its annual Han Kuang war games, in which some drills had already been cancelled due to the weather, had ended a day early and troops were sent to help local governments with disaster rescue work instead.

Hundreds of domestic and international flights were cancelled again because of the storm.

Typhoon Gaemi left two dead in Taiwan, where heavy rains and strong gusts continued to lash the island.

In the Philippines -- which was not in Gaemi's path -- seasonal monsoon rains were exacerbated by the typhoon's impacts.

Flood warnings

Fujian province in China had already suspended all train services and put in place the second-highest flood warning alert level before the storm arrived.

The national water resources ministry warned on Wednesday that extremely heavy rains were expected to swell rivers and lakes in Fujian and the neighboring province of Zhejiang.

In the Philippines, clean-up efforts were under way Thursday in the capital Manila as residents and business owners dumped soaked mattresses, bags of rubbish and other debris on muddy streets.

Street vendor Zenaida Cuerda, 55, said the food she had been selling had washed away and her house in Manila was flooded.

"All my capital is gone," Cuerda told AFP. "I have nothing now, that's my only livelihood."

The region experiences 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.

 2024 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

In un-doped ZrO 2 -SiO 2 system, the GBs between ZrO 2 nanocrystallites were clean without dopant segregation. When heating the material, Zr and O atoms could easily cross the GBs, resulting in grain coarsening. In comparison, when multiple dopants were added to the material system, GB complexions with multiple dopants co-segregated were formed. The GB complexions acted as a barrier for atom diffusion, which effectively hindered grain coarsening. The microstructure and chemical composition of the GB complexions were carefully characterized by advanced electron microscopy techniques. These findings are important for understanding the GB complexions and are expected to provide new insights to design nanomaterials with excellent thermodynamic stability. Credit: Journal of Advanced Ceramics, Tsinghua University Press

To date, ceramic scientists have devised various strategies to impede grain coarsening. The utilization of nano-sized precursor powder can not only facilitate the densification process, but also yields bulk ceramics with reduced grain sizes compared with micron-sized precursor powder.

Rapid sintering bypasses the low-temperature surface diffusion stage and directly enters the high-temperature sintering stage through rapid heating, rendering it an effective way to inhibit grain coarsening. However, these aforementioned strategies fail to prevent coarsening during the application of nano-ceramics in medium- or high-temperature environments.

The introduction of the secondary phase can also enhance thermal stability of nanograins. By pinning grain boundaries (GBs) and reducing their mobility, the secondary phase effectively inhibits coarsening. However, it is challenging to achieve a uniform distribution of the secondary phase, which may cause detrimental effects on other properties.

Solute segregation in GBs has been shown to reduce GB energy and weaken the driving force of grain growth. Nevertheless, most reported studies have only investigated the addition of one or two types of solute atoms, limiting the extent of GB energy reduction. Therefore, further exploration is needed to fully understand and harness the potential of solute segregation as a strategy.

Recently, a team of material scientists led by Le Fu from Central South University, China proposed an effective strategy to inhibit grain coarsening by constructing GB complexions with multiple dopants co-segregated. The team published their work in Journal of Advanced Ceramics on March 28, 2024.

As a demonstration of the feasibility of the strategy, multiple selected dopants were doped to a ZrO 2 -SiO 2 nanocrystalline glass-ceramic (NCGC) to form GB complexions. The microstructure of the GB complexions with multiple dopants co-segregated was characterized. Meanwhile, the underlying mechanisms of the effects of GB complexions on inhibiting coarsening were discussed.

In this report, the researchers aimed to construct a multi-element co-segregated GB complexion. The first as well as the most important question is to select the dopants. It has been proved that GB segregation is largely affected by the ionic radius and valence state of both dopant cations and the host one. For dopant ions that have large ionic radius mismatch () with the host Zr+4 ion (84.0 pm), they would be pushed to the GBs, instead of dissolving in ZrO 2 lattices.

In addition, ZrO 2 GBs are positively charged, and dopant ions with valence states lower than +4 can form a negative space charge cloud at the GBs, which could also enhance the GB segregation tendency of the dopant ions. Taking the above two criteria into consideration, the researchers selected five dopant ions, i.e., Cs+, Ba+2, La+3, Ca+2, Al+3 ions. They all had large  with the host Zr+4 ion and their valence states were lower than +4.

Hence, theoretically, they should co-segregate at the ZrO 2 GBs." said Fu, associate professor at School of Materials Science and Engineering at Central South University (China), an expert whose research interests focus on the field of ceramics.

"We characterized the GB complexions with TEM techniques and found that Y, Ca, Ba, and La elements showed significant segregation at the GB complexion with a thickness of 2.5 nm. Meanwhile, lattice fringes were formed at the GB complexion, indicating that the GB complexions were crystalline superstructures. In addition, we also obtained a full 3D reconstruction of GB complexions on the atomic scale using atom probe tomography (APT), which significantly enhanced our understanding of the 3D microstructure of GB complexion," said Fu.

"To investigate the effects of the GB complexion on the grain coarsening behaviors of ZrO 2 NCs, the multi-element co-doped and un-doped 65%ZrO 2 -35%SiO 2 samples were annealed at different temperatures, with the un-doped samples as control group. The ZrO 2 NCs in the as-sintered sample had an average value of 40.8 nm.

"Compared with sizes of ZrO 2 NCs in the as-sintered sample, those in the 1200 C-annealed sample increased by 117.6%, indicating that the ZrO 2 NCs showed very strong coarsening kinetics. In comparison, compared with sizes of as-sintered ZrO 2 NCs in the multi-element co-doped sample, those in the 1200 C-annealed sample increased by only 19.8%, indicating that the GB complexions contributed to the strong coarsening resistance of ZrO 2 NCs," said Fu.

However, liquid phase sintering occurred in the multi-elements co-doped sample, so that the sizes of as-sintered ZrO 2 NCs in the co-doped sample were much larger than those in the un-doped sample. Future work could focus on optimizing the dopants to avoid the occurrence of liquid phase sintering.

Other contributors include Gabriel Arcuri and Kathryn Grandfield from McMaster University, Canada; Wenjun Yu, Zihua Lei, and Ying Deng from School of Material Science and Engineering, Central South University, China; Bohan Wang from State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Tsinghua University, China.

More information: Le Fu et al, An effective strategy to inhibit grain coarsening: Construction of multi-element co-segregated grain boundary complexion, Journal of Advanced Ceramics (2024). DOI: 10.26599/JAC.2024.9220919

Provided by Tsinghua University Press
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Clive Neal, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences (CEEES) in his office. (Photo by Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame). Credit: Barbara Johnston / University of Notre Dame

In July 2024, NASA announced it canceled its plans to send the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) to the moon's southern polar region. The rover was meant to search for water and other resources called volatiles, such as hydrogen, ammonia and carbon dioxide, which easily evaporate in warm temperatures.

Nicola Fox, associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, reiterated the agency's commitment "to exploring the moon for the benefit of humanity" through other missions.

Fifty-five years have passed since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made a giant leap for mankind. Clive Neal, professor of civil and environmental engineering and Earth sciences at the University of Notre Dame and an expert in lunar exploration, said losing the VIPER program is another frustrating setback for U.S.-led efforts to explore the moon.

Neal answers five questions about the program and lunar exploration below.

What was the goal of the VIPER program and why was it important?

Well, it's the only volatile prospecting mission that NASA has. NASA wants to send humans back to the moonU.S. policy states NASA shall "extend human economic activity into deep space by establishing a permanent human presence on the moon."

We're going to need life-support consumables in situ to do thatwater, hydrogen, oxygenso we need to know where those life-supporting consumables are. You don't want to put a base for humans in the wrong placeyou need water and other consumables to be accessible.

Therefore, we need to know how much is there? Can we extract it? Can we access it? Is there reserve potential in this resource? That is critically important data. Now we're going to have to rely on non-U.S. missions to do the prospecting for us.

The mission was also significant in terms of industry and job growth around space technology and exploration. From a higher education standpoint, that is a new sector of the economy that students can train in and be a part of and help grow.

What impact would a mission like VIPER have on other types of missions?

If you can make water in situ resource utilization work on the moon, it will most definitely work on Mars, because the lunar environment is much more extreme. Mars has a tenuous atmosphere. But the one thing the moon and Mars have in common is that they are both toxic to humans. We need water, we need oxygen, we need life-support consumables to protect humans.

VIPER was designed for robotic prospecting for these life-support consumables, which in turn reduces the risk of human exploration on the moon and other destinations.

Would you call the moon a testbed for exploring other aspects of our universe?

It's definitely a testbed. In a paper published after he died, Krafft Ehricke, a German space engineer, said, "If God wanted man to become a spacefaring species, He would have given man a moon." It's in our own backyard.

Right now, we don't know how to protect humans and keep them alive in deep space, so we do it in our own backyard first. That then enables humans to explore more distant destinations.

What other impacts could come from a lunar prospecting mission like VIPER?

There is great commercial and economic potential in space exploration. The whole point of going up there is to make life better down here. We're creating job opportunities for our graduates.

We're starting to stimulate a whole new sector of our economy. And then there is the technology development needed to explore other worlds that have untapped benefits for life on Earth.

The moon's lack of atmosphere allows for an abundance of helium-3, a vital component for developing helium fusion energy. It has been calculated that one space shuttle cargo bay full of helium-3 would fuel the energy needs of the United States for one year.

China is very interested in developing fusion technology. They're looking at the moon as a way to get clean energy and we should also be looking at the moon as a clean energy source.

It's all interconnected. Right now, we're looking at water and ice because we need it for human explorationfor life support and for rocket fuel. But there are other volatiles that are going to be there and they will be useful. There are lots of good science, exploration and commercial interactions that can go on here.

What's needed in terms of supporting lunar exploration?

We need to re-educate the public to look at our space agency budget as an investment in the future of the nation. The sector is getting big enough that commercial services are growing, and that's what we want to see in cislunar space. We could actually end up with a huge space economy. If we go forward to the moon together, we could learn so much and improve life on Earth.
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A jet of particles moving at nearly light speed emerges from a massive star in this artists concept. The stars core ran out of fuel and collapsed into a black hole. Some of the matter swirling toward the black hole was redirected into dual jets firing in opposite directions. We see a gamma-ray burst when one of these jets happens to point directly at Earth. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

In October 2022, astronomers were stunned by what was quickly dubbed the BOATthe brightest-of-all-time gamma-ray burst (GRB). Now an international science team reports that data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope reveals a feature never seen before.

"A few minutes after the BOAT erupted, Fermi's Gamma-ray Burst Monitor recorded an unusual energy peak that caught our attention," said lead researcher Maria Edvige Ravasio at Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and affiliated with Brera Observatory, part of INAF (the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics) in Merate, Italy. "When I first saw that signal, it gave me goosebumps. Our analysis since then shows it to be the first high-confidence emission line ever seen in 50 years of studying GRBs."

A paper about the discovery appears in the journal Science.

When matter interacts with light, the energy can be absorbed and reemitted in characteristic ways. These interactions can brighten or dim particular colors (or energies), producing key features visible when the light is spread out, rainbow-like, in a spectrum. These features can reveal a wealth of information, such as the chemical elements involved in the interaction. At higher energies, spectral features can uncover specific particle processes, such as matter and antimatter annihilating to produce gamma rays.

"While some previous studies have reported possible evidence for absorption and emission features in other GRBs, subsequent scrutiny revealed that all of these could just be statistical fluctuations. What we see in the BOAT is different," said co-author Om Sharan Salafia at INAF-Brera Observatory in Milan, Italy. "We've determined that the odds this feature is just a noise fluctuation are less than one chance in half a billion."

The brightest gamma-ray burst yet recorded gave scientists a new high-energy feature to study. Learn what NASAs Fermi mission saw, and what this feature may be telling us about the bursts light-speed jets. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

GRBs are the most powerful explosions in the cosmos and emit copious amounts of gamma rays, the highest-energy form of light. The most common type occurs when the core of a massive star exhausts its fuel, collapses, and forms a rapidly spinning black hole. Matter falling into the black hole powers oppositely directed particle jets that blast through the star's outer layers at nearly the speed of light. We detect GRBs when one of these jets points almost directly toward Earth.

The BOAT, formally known as GRB 221009A, erupted Oct. 9, 2022, and promptly saturated most of the gamma-ray detectors in orbit, including those on Fermi. This prevented them from measuring the most intense part of the blast. Reconstructed observations, coupled with statistical arguments, suggest the BOAT, if part of the same population as previously detected GRBs, was likely the brightest burst to appear in Earth's skies in 10,000 years.

The putative emission line appeared almost 5 minutes after the burst was detected and well after it had dimmed enough to end saturation effects for Fermi. The line persisted for at least 40 seconds, and the emission reached a peak energy of about 12 MeV (million electron volts). For comparison, the energy of visible light ranges from 2 to 3 electron volts.

So what produced this spectral feature? The team thinks the most likely source is the annihilation of electrons and their antimatter counterparts, positrons.

"When an electron and a positron collide, they annihilate, producing a pair of gamma rays with an energy of 0.511 MeV," said co-author Gor Oganesyan at Gran Sasso Science Institute and Gran Sasso National Laboratory in L'Aquila, Italy. "Because we're looking into the jet, where matter is moving at near light speed, this emission becomes greatly blueshifted and pushed toward much higher energies."

If this interpretation is correct, to produce an emission line peaking at 12 MeV, the annihilating particles had to have been moving toward us at about 99.9% the speed of light.

"After decades of studying these incredible cosmic explosions, we still don't understand the details of how these jets work," noted Elizabeth Hays, the Fermi project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "Finding clues like this remarkable emission line will help scientists investigate this extreme environment more deeply."

More information: Maria Edvige Ravasio et al, A megaelectron volt emission line in the spectrum of a gamma-ray burst, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adj3638 Journal information: Science

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A forest fire at a major national park in western Canada reached an evacuated town on Wednesday evening, with the army preparing to send in reinforcements.

The fire was spreading through Jasper National Park and destroyed several buildings in the town of Jasper, which had been evacuated on Monday night, according to park officials.

"Significant loss has occurred within the townsite," a post on the park's page said on social media platform X.

"Firefighters remain in town and are working to save as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure," including the Trans Mountain Pipeline, it said.

Authorities have not specified what infrastructure was destroyed.

Around 25,000 people have been evacuated due to recent forest fires in the region, which is also fighting a heat wave.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday his government had approved a request by Alberta province for federal assistance.

"We're deploying @CanadianForces resources, evacuations support, and more emergency wildfire resources to the province immediatelyand we're coordinating firefighting and airlift assistance," Trudeau wrote on X.

Jasper mayor Richard Ireland told broadcaster CBC that his town was experiencing "our community's worst nightmare."

More than 400 fires have been recorded in British Columbia province on the Pacific coast and 176 in Alberta, including more than a dozen in the Fort McMurray region, the hub of oil sands development.

By Wednesday evening, "air quality had deteriorated to the point that wildland firefighters and others without self contained breathing apparatuses needed to evacuate," Jasper National Park said on X.

Around 1,900 Alberta firefighters have been deployed, assisted by personnel from Alaska and Australia.

Canada experienced its most destructive fire season in history last summer, with more than 15 million hectares burned and around 200,000 people evacuated.

 2024 AFP
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The Fort Worth Zoo made wildlife conservation history, marking the "first-ever repeated" breeding of endangered gharial crocodiles.

"With two new hatchlings of gharial crocodiles this summer, the Zoo remains the only institution in North America to have produced multiple offspring of this species and is now the only North American institution to have repeated this process," reads a July 24 news release from Fort Worth Zoo.

According to the International Union for the Conservative Nature, gharials are classified as critically endangered.

The babies came from eggs laid by two different females within the zoo's gharial group, according to the news release.

"Everyone here at the Fort Worth Zoo is ecstatic to have repeated success with our gharial hatching for the second year in a row," said Vicky Poole, associate curator of ectotherms. "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."

Gharials are notable for their long, slender snouts adapted for fishing, and are among the largest crocodilian species, according to Fort Worth Zoo. They are great swimmers that prefer to live in aquatic environments.

Although the hatchlings currently measure about 12 inches, they will grow quickly. Male gharials can reach lengths of up to 16 feet and weigh nearly 1,500 pounds, while females tend to be smaller.

Gharial crocodiles face critical endangerment due to habitat destruction, pollution and river fragmentation, according to the zoo.

The zoo built a specialized habitat in 2010 within its Museum of Living Art to combat these challenges. The environment features regulated water temperatures and direct access to wet and dry areas to maintain ideal conditions for the gharials.

The offspring were conceived on June 16 and 22, dates that coincided with the zoo receiving an important award. On June 22, Poole accepted the 2024 Joseph Laszlo Memorial Award from the International Herpetological Symposium, recognizing the Zoo's outstanding work in gharial husbandry and breeding.

The achievement comes after a decade of work by Poole and Fort Worth Zoo's team, according to the zoo, to enhance the species' genetic diversity.

Currently, the hatchlings remain out of public view, where their growth and development are closely monitored. However, the Fort Worth Zoo is offering a chance to see the 2023 hatchlings up close on July 27 and 28 in the Museum of Living Art at the Discovery Hub from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2024 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Previous lunar zircon chronology.(A and B) Images of the near (A) and far (B) side of the Moon indicating the landing locations of Apollo missions and the major lunar basins. SPA, South PoleAitken. Images from NASA. (C) Distributions of previously reported SIMS 207Pb/206Pb dates obtained on zircons from Apollo samples and from lunar meteorites. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn9871

A team of geoscientists affiliated with several institutions in the U.S. and Switzerland has more precisely dated an enormous "magmatic event" that occurred on the moon several billion years ago.

In their study, published in the journal Science Advances, the group dissolved and analyzed zircon samples found in rocks brought back to Earth by astronauts during the Apollo space program and what they learned by doing so.

Prior research has shown that a large and dramatic magmatic event occurred on the moon more than 4 billion years ago. It is not known what caused the event, but many in the field have speculated that it was likely due to a very large impact, possibly the one that resulted in the creation of the South Pole-Aitken basin.

Prior efforts to date the magmatic event have led to an estimation of 4.33 billion years ago. In this new study, the research team made an even more precise estimate.

Minerals have been used by scientists for geochronological dating for many years because they are impacted by magmatic events and retain the changes for long periods of time. For dating events on the moon, scientists have looked to zircon, a mineral found in many of the rocks on the moon's surface. Several such rocks were returned to Earth by astronauts who collected them from the moon's surface in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Analysis of such rocks is typically done using mass spectrometry.

For this new study, the research team took a new look at some of the returned lunar rocks with an approach that had not been used before because it is destructivethey dissolved some of the zircon in several samples, allowing testing of the degree of magmatism in their interiors and surfaces.

They were able to more precisely date the magmatic event to 4.334 to 4.338 billion years ago. They also found that the event was singular, showing that it was not due to a cascade of small objects striking the moon.

The findings by the team add credence to the theory that the magmatic event was caused by a large body colliding with the moon, most likely the one that created the South-Pole-Aitken basin.

More information: Melanie Barboni et al, High-precision U-Pb zircon dating identifies a major magmatic event on the Moon at 4.338 Ga, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn9871 Journal information: Science Advances

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Credit: Engin Akyurt from Pexels

A new study reveals that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's communal personality traits significantly increase empathy and pro-social behaviors towards Ukrainian citizens amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The study was conducted by Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen from the Department of Communication and Journalism, alongside Nitzan Attias and Prof. Eran Halperin from the Department of Psychology at the Hebrew University,

The work is published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution.

The research, which aimed to explore how national leaders can leverage their personality traits to influence public opinion and garner support beyond their borders, found that emphasizing Zelensky's communal traits such as warmth and morality led to increased empathy, willingness to help, and actual monetary donations for Ukrainians. The study was conducted through two experimental studies in Israel and the United States, providing robust evidence of the impact of personality traits on global perceptions and actions.

Since the onset of the Russian invasion in early 2022, President Zelensky has become a prominent figure on the world stage. His appeals to both world leaders and ordinary citizens have been pivotal in maintaining international support for Ukraine. Zelensky's frequent updates on social media and direct communications have aimed to elicit empathy and support from the global community.

"This study delves into the psychological mechanisms behind these efforts, revealing the power of communal traits in fostering empathy and pro-social behavior," said Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen. "Our findings have profound implications for understanding how national leaders can shape global public opinion and mobilize support. By highlighting communal traits, leaders can potentially overcome psychological barriers and foster a sense of connection and responsibility among international audiences."

This study underscores the critical role of personality in international relations, offering valuable insights for leaders seeking to galvanize global support for their nations. It also highlights the importance of media representation in shaping perceptions of foreign leaders.

By focusing on communal traits, media outlets can enhance empathy and support for populations in conflict zones. These findings have significant implications for international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, suggesting that strategic communication can be a powerful tool in mobilizing global assistance.

These findings offer a hopeful perspective on the power of empathy and the role of leadership in fostering global solidarity. The research underscores the potential for leaders to influence public opinion and drive positive action through the strategic emphasis of their personality traits.

More information: Meital Balmas et al, The Warm War: The Effect of Ukrainian President's Communal Personality Traits on Empathy and Pro-Social Behavior towards the Ukrainians, Journal of Conflict Resolution (2024). DOI: 10.1177/00220027241258379